CROWN - Croatian World Network - Articles - Culture And Arts http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A letters@croatia.org Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:05:09 +0000 20 Ivana Marija Vidoviæ declared Honorary Academician in Bari, Italy 2025 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11451/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidoviae-declared-Honorary-Academician-in-Bari-Italy-2025.html Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences in Bari, Italy: We are appointing Ivana Marija Vidoviæ as an Honorary Academician because of her extraordinary talent, primarily as a pianist, because of her dedication to music and culture in general, because of the international reputation she has achieved during her career so far. An artist of rare dedication to music and sensibility, Ivana Marija Vidoviæ enchants audiences around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 Dragutin Cifrek painting small birds - Tièeki http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11438/1/Dragutin-Cifrek-painting-small-birds---Tieeki.html Dragutin Cifrek was born in 1951 in the village of Gornje Makoji¹æe near the town of Novi Marof on the north of the city of Zagreb, Croatia. He is a top Croatian painter and graphic artist, educated at the at the Academy of Arts of the University of Zagreb. He lives in Slovenia. In 2025, he exhibited his fascinating portraits of small birds (tièeki) in the Cultural Center of "Ivan Rabuzin" in Novi Marof. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000 Dragutin Cifrek distinguished Croatian miniature painter and calligrapher http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11436/1/Dragutin-Cifrek-distinguished-Croatian-miniature-painter-and-calligrapher.html Dragutin Cifrek is distinguished Croatian painter, calligrapher and miniaturist, living in Slovenia. He completed his studies at the Academy of Arts of the University of Zagreb. In 2005, his self-portrait was awarded the first prize on an international competition organized in Finland. It was even chosen to appear on a postage stamp in Finland (on the photo)! Here we provide his very beautiful miniatures inspired by the rich tradition of Croatian Easter eggs painting. Mr. Cifrek was born in a village of Makoi¹æe gornje on the north of the city of Zagreb. mario.cifrek@fer.hr (Mario Cifrek and Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Esperanto connecting Croatia globally http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11433/1/Esperanto-connecting-Croatia-globally.html Croatian Esperanto literature has its beginnings since 1908. Croatian Esperanto-League (KEL, Kroata Esperanto-Ligo, Hrvatski espernatski savez) was founded in Zagreb in 1909. Many Croatian literary books have been translated into various languages worldwide due to their translations into Esperanto. Especially interesting are translations into Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Bengali, and Parsi languages. So, for example, children of Bengal can read Strange Adventures of Apprentice Hlapiæ by Ivana Brliæ Ma¾uraniæ due to its translation from Croatian into Esperanto. On the photo - Mrs. Spomenka ©timec, former president of KEL. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 12 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Mario Viscovich: Punat ugostio pjesnike Hrvatske izvandomovinske lirike (HIL) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11421/1/Mario-Viscovich-Punat-ugostio-pjesnike-Hrvatske-izvandomovinske-lirike-HIL.html Ljeto, more, poezija i gitara sljubili su se na dvadesetèetvrtom susretu pjesnika "Hrvatske izvandomovinske lirike" (HIL), koji je odr¾an u Puntu, otok Krk od 14. do 17. lipnja o.g. Pokrovitelji susreta su bili Opæina i TZ Punat, Grad Krk i TZ Krk, Hrvatska matica iseljenika Podru¾nica Rijeka, Triglav studio apartmani i hostel Kantun. Organizator programa i utemeljitelj pjesnièkih susreta HIL-a gospodin Mario Viscovich osmislio je bogat sadr¾aj pjesnicima HIL-a koji su stigli iz brojnih dr¾ava od Australije do Amerike. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Library for the Blind in Zagreb visited by Joginder Singh Nijjar and Jane Sha http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11422/1/Croatian-Library-for-the-Blind-in-Zagreb-visited-by-Joginder-Singh-Nijjar-and-Jane-Sha.html Mr. Jogdiner Singh Nijjar, president of the Croatian-Indian Society in Zagreb, accompanied with Jane Sha and Darko ®ubriniæ, have visited the Croatian Library for the Blind in Zagreb. Except of the library, this institution contains a printing house for the needs of blind persons. The building where the library is placed contains also The Blind Theatre Company "New Life" (the oldest blind theatre company in Europe! Founded in 1948), the Typhlological Museum, Radio Club, Chess Club, as well as Sports Club for the blind persons. On the photo: tamburitza orchestra consisting of blind children. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Armenia and Croatia marking the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1995 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11418/1/Armenia-and-Croatia-marking-the-establishment-of-their-diplomatic-ties-in-1995.html Lipnja 2024. su koncerte pod nazivom 'Glazbeni pozdravi Armeniji iz Hrvatske' i 'Hrvatska sakralna ba¹tina - pjevajuæa molitva na izvoru kr¹æanstva', te humanitarni koncert za Armenski Caritas pod nazivom 'Glazbeni zagrljaj Armeniji iz Hrvatske' odr¾ali u Yerevanu hrvatski glazbeni umjetnici, sopranistica Nikolina Pinko, tenor Stjepan Franetoviæ i pijanistica i orgulja¹ica Evu Kirchmayer Biliæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Symphony of Care dedicated to Nenad Bach created by BAI http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11417/1/Symphony-of-Care-dedicated-to-Nenad-Bach-created-by-BAI.html Nenad Bach - a great person who has brought joy to so many people around the world with his music and whose fight for world peace and against Parkinson's is a role model not just for me, but for thousands. He certainly deserved a song that honored his incredible commitment! But that it would be me, of all people, who would create this song is as hard to imagine as the fact that it is apparently even "pretty good". Have a listen! ... Text by Thorsten Boomhuis, a member of PPP in Germany. On the photo - a part of a drawing of Nenad Bach by Cynthia Nelms Byrne. thorsten@boomhuis.com (Thorsten Boomhuis) Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic-Salopek: U ogledalu znanstvenih prosudbi II. sv. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11424/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-U-ogledalu-znanstvenih-prosudbi-II-sv.html Monografija je objavljena 2024. u izdanju poduzeæa Biakova, Zagreb 2024. Bavi se knji¾evnim i likovnim analizama vi¹e autora: Frana Vinka Maroeviæa, Nikole Andriæa, Miroslava S. Maðera, Marijana Matkoviæa, Jak¹e Fiamenga, Borisa Biletiæa, Gorana Gatalice, Josipa Botterija Dinija, Zvonimira Mihanoviæa, Slavka Je¾iæa i Ive Frange¹a. Autorica je ugledna hrvatska znanstvenica, suradnica HAZU i predsjednik Dru¹tva hrvatskih knji¾evnika. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic a member of the pianist jury for PREMIO TUSCANY in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11413/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-a-member-of-the-pianist-jury-for-PREMIO-TUSCANY-in-Italy-.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ was on the jury in Tuscany for the first time, and at the personal invitation of the world-famous pianist Daniel Rivera, as the very first Croatian from Dubrovnik to join such jury and to decide the winners in all categories for solo piano. In addition to the Argentinian pianist Daniel Rivera, the jury included the president of the jury, the German pianist, organist, conductor and president of the Schubert competition in Germany, Roland Proell, and two Italian colleagues, Federica Monti and Vincenzo Marrone d'Alberti. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Zlatko Josip Grgiæ Croatian guitarist playing Chaconne by J. S. Bach on the famous Torres guitar La Invencible http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11412/1/Zlatko-Josip-Grgiae-Croatian-guitarist-playing-Chaconne-by-J-S-Bach-on-the-famous-Torres-guitar-La-Invencible.html Zlatko Josip Grgiæ was born in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 2001. From his earliest childhood, he has been surrounded by some of the best guitar players in the world. In the spring of 2018, he recorded Ennio Morricone's Cinema Paradiso as a music video in Venice. In December 2018, he gave a successful concert in Barcelona on the famous Torres guitar, La Invencible (The Invincible), as Torres himself had named it, which is the only guitar among the National Treasures of Spain. On that occasion, the Spanish gave Zlatko Josip Grgiæ has the nickname Torres' Whisperer. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) since 2024 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11410/1/Lady-Jadranka-Beresford-Peirse-a-Member-of-the-Order-of-the-British-Empire-MBE-since-2024.html Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) as part of the King's birthday honours list. This is an important moment for UK-Croatia relations, as Lady Jadranka has worked tirelessly for Croatia, and demonstrates how far we have come since the early 90s. An MBE is given for: 'Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.' brigall@yahoo.co.uk (Brian Gallagher) Sat, 15 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii bridges Okinawa, Japan and Croatia performing Dora Pejacevic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11405/1/Yoko-Nishii-bridges-Okinawa-Japan-and-Croatia-performing-Dora-Pejacevic.html The concert is organized by the Honorary Consulate of Croatia in Naha as a cultural exchange program between Croatia and Naha City. Also, as a charity concert, the proceeds will be donated through the Croatian Embassy to support the recovery from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. The program includes compositions by Dora Pejaèeviæ (1885-1923), the first Croatian women-composer. The concert will take place on 19th May 2024 in the Naha Cultural Arts Theater "NAHArt", which was opened in 2021. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 16 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Croats in South America http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11403/1/Croats-in-South-America.html In this article, we have only touched upon a vast subject of Croats in South America, covering their contributions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Venezula,... in numerous field of culture, art and science. among the best known such persons is Juan (Ivan) Vuèetiæ, the father of scientific dactyloscopy (identification by fingerprints; on the photo). We mention also painters Kristian Krekoviæ, Zdravko Duèmeliæ, Gustav Likan. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 03 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidoviæ from Dubrovnik in the prestigious jury in France, Provence 2024 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11406/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidoviae-from-Dubrovnik-in-the-prestigious-jury-in-France-Provence-2024.html Last week, the Dubrovnik pianist Ivana Marija Vidoviæ was a member of the prestigious expert jury of the International Piano Competition Saint Paul Trois-Chateaux. Vidoviæ was in the jury alongside maestro Marc Moncusi from Barcelona, pianist Sabrina Dente from Italy, pianist and organist Christoph Ewers from Germany, and pianist and director Pierre-Laurent Boucharlat from France. The jury chose the interpretation of Edward Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor and with that also chose the winner, twenty-four-year-old Shion Ota from Japan. The second and third prizes went also to Japan. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 01 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000 Humanitarni koncert za Opæu bolnicu DUBROVNIK http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11394/1/Humanitarni-koncert-za-Opaeu-bolnicu-DUBROVNIK.html Najavljujemo poèetak humanitarne akcije uglednih umjetnika razlièitih profila ali s istom srdaènom ¾eljom u ova sveto doba: "Kupnja suvremenog aparata za kardiolo¹ki odjel Opæe bolnice Dubrovnik". Pozivamo svih da nam se pridru¾e u hvalevrijednoj akciji: samostalne graðane, poduzeæa i sve pojedince da doprinesu koliko bili u moguænosti. Upravo Bo¾iæ nas uèi biti boljima, biti dijelom velike ljudske obitelji. Podupiru: Klapa Ragusa, Radojka ©verko, Vladimir Babin, Suzi Sokol, Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Dijana Hilje. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 24 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Viktor Cizic Croatian pianist performing at Millenium Stage of the Kennedy Center 2023 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11388/1/Viktor-Cizic-Croatian-pianist-performing-at-Millenium-Stage-of-the-Kennedy-Center-2023.html On the 10th Anniversary of Croatia's accession to the European Union, the Embassy of Croatia in Washington, in collaboration with the Kennedy Center, presented a concert by Viktor Cizic, a renowned pianist from Zagreb, Croatia. With critical acclaim and a lasting impression on audiences and reviewers, Viktor brought forth a diverse blend of compositions by George Gershwin, Margareta Ferek-Petriæ, Davorin Kempf, and Franz Liszt, at times seamlessly transitioning into contemporary music. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Festival Epidaurus 2023 in Cavtat, beautiful late summer in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11386/1/Festival-Epidaurus-2023-in-Cavtat-beautiful-late-summer-in-Croatia.html Under the motto 'Living with Arts,' the international music and art festival Epidaurus Cavtat took place for the seventeenth year in a row from August 27th to September 17th. The festival, recognized and renowned internationally, has made Cavtat the center of the art world at the end of each summer for 17 years, bringing over fifty performers and hosting more than 200 concerts and events. The founder and director of the Festival is Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Croatian pianist and poetesse. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii recipient of the Commendation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11385/1/Yoko-Nishii-recipient-of-the-Commendation-from-the-Minister-of-Foreign-Affairs-of-Japan.html The Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. Japanese pianist Yoko Nishii (on the photo) is a recipient of the commendation for 2023. She was awarded for her continuous promotion of Croatian and Japanese music during the past 25 years, and in particular of the pianist works of Dora Pejaèeviæ, the first Croatian woman-composer of international reputation. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat 2023, Croatia, will take place on Sunday, August 27th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11384/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-2023-Croatia-will-take-place-on-Sunday-August-27th.html Right from the first day of the 17th Epidaurus Cavtat Festival, visitors of this renowned event will be welcomed with a true delight - an evening that equally celebrates art and the importance of peace in the world. Cavtat is a lovely small town near the city of Dubrovnik. The 2023 Epidaurus Cavtat Festival officially opens on August 27th at 8 PM with the prelude programme Together for world peace along with the opening of the exhibition The Power of Music by the Dubrovnik Association of Visual Artists DuLu. The founder and director of the Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat is Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian pianist and poetesse (on the photo). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) the father of Radio Technology and Wireless Communication since 1893 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11382/1/Nikola-Tesla-1856-1943-the-father-of-Radio-Technology-and-Wireless-Communication-since-1893.html The principles of Radio Communication and Wireless Communication were layed down by Nikola Tesla, distinguished Croatian - American inventor, in 1893, during his spectacular public lecture in the St Louis concert hall, in front of 5000 people. The event was described in detail by Margaret Chaney in her monograph Tesla / Man Out of Time, in Chapter 6 entitled Radio. We provide an important testimony by William Gundry Broughton, son of Henry Primm Broughton (1865-1959) who served as Tesla's assistant during his lecture in St. Louis. Nikola Tesla is the precurusor of mobile-phone technology for more than hundred years. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii and Marija Vidovic held concerts in Tokyo, Tokamachi, and Osaka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11381/1/Yoko-Nishii-and-Marija-Vidovic-held-concerts-in-Tokyo-Tokamachi-and-Osaka.html In July 2023, three concerts with Marija Vidoviæ (soprano) and Yoko Nishii (piano) were organised in Tokyo, Tokamachi and Osaka by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Japan and EU delegation to Japan, on the occasion of celebrating the Croatian Statehood Day, the 10th anniversary of the EU membership, the 30th anniversary of Establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Japan. The concert included works by Croatian composers: Dora Pejaèeviæ (the first Croatian woman-composer), Ivan pl. Zajc, and Josip Hatze. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 16 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Emmanuel Vukovich Canadian violinist of Croatian roots popularizing Ukrainian folk music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11380/1/Emmanuel-Vukovich-Canadian-violinist-of-Croatian-roots-popularizing-Ukrainian-folk-music.html Emmanuel Vukovich prepared several very nice video recordings of beautiful Ukrainean folk songs, accompanied with his violin play. He appears as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Natural History, London, and the Hrvatski glazbeni zavod in Zagreb, Croatia, performing with such artists as Ida Haendel, Matt Haimowitz, and Alex Klein. Emmanuel is founder and artistic director of the international collaborative The Parcival Project and artistic director of MontrealÀ™s Bach Odyssey. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 02 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Filipovic Zoro distinguished Croatian photographer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11378/1/Zoran-Filipovic-Zoro-distinguished-Croatian-photographer.html Professional photographer and writer, born in 1959 in Brèko (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Zoran Filipoviæ has lived in Croatia's capital Zagreb since 1978 where, in the last few years, he's been turning more and more towards graphic and product design. As photographer, he has worked and seen his work published in a number of distinguished world magazines, such as Paris Match, Life, Photo, Le Figaro Magazine, Die Zeit, Frankfurter Allgemeine Magazin, Vogue/GQ and others. He is the author of 22 photo-monographs. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic the first Croatian to join the Jury of the "Giulio Rospigliosi" competition in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11375/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-the-first-Croatian-to-join-the-Jury-of-the-quotGiulio-Rospigliosiquot-competition-in-Italy.html Among the distinguished members of the jury from the world of classical music, for the first time in the history of the competition, this year was someone from Croatia. Dubrovnik pianist and poetess Ivana Marija Vidoviæ was alongside her distinguished colleagues Pietro de Maria and Stefano Fiuzzi, both of them presidents of the jury. The jury was also joined by the Mexican conductor Gabriela Diaz Alatriste, Hungarian pianist Istvan Szekely, the Italian pianist Adriana Silva, and the Austrian pianist, organist and conductor prof. Robert Lehrbaumer from Vienna. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's plays in India and Indian actress Nimrat Kaur http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11373/1/Miro-Gavrans-plays-in-India-and-Indian-actress-Nimrat-Kaur.html Miro Gavran's plays had several hundred of premiers throughout the world, so that he is not able to follow them all. Only his play "All About Women" had as many as 53 premieres (in Zagreb, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Prague, Buenos Aires, Sarajevo, etc). she had a role in Gavran's play "All About Women". With this play, distinguished Indian actress Nimrat Kaur had the largest number of repeats, due to which she earned a nomitation for the leading theatric recognition in India. This article is a short summary of a public lecture delivered by Mr. Miro Gavran in Zagreb, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of India and by the Croatian-Indian Society. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Miho Demovic 1934-2023 distinguished Croatian music historian and St Paul's shipwreck on the island of Mljet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11372/1/Miho-Demovic-1934-2023-distinguished-Croatian-music-historian-and-St-Pauls-shipwreck-on-the-island-of-Mljet.html Miho Demoviæ, Croatian priest, defended his PhD in Germany (Koeln), dealing with the history of Croatian music in the city of Dubrovnik. He is best known for his numerous musicological studies and monographs dealing with Croatia, especially with Dubrovnik. He initiated scholarly studies of the problem of ubication of the well known shipwreck of St Paul in the 1st century AC (described in the Acts of Apostles of the New Testament), that showed that it occured near the island of Mljet near the city of Dubrovnik, and not on Malta. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Elizabeth Kera recipient of Croatian Women's Network Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11371/1/Elizabeth-Kera-recipient-of-Croatian-Womens-Network-Award.html Members of the Croatian Women's Network are successful women from around the world, who share Croatian heritage and ancestry and come together to celebrate achievements, to inspire, champion and mentor younger generations. The aim is to connect like-minded members around the world. The Croatian Women's Network was founded by Caroline Spivak in Canada in 2015. One of the recipients of the Croatian Women's Network Award for 2020 is dr. Elizabeth Kera (on the photo) from New Jersey, USA, who is a specialist in the field of neuropsychology. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii distinguished interpreter of pianistic works by Croatian composer Dora Pejacevic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11370/1/Yoko-Nishii-distinguished-interpreter-of-pianistic-works-by-Croatian-composer-Dora-Pejacevic.html On 5th March 2023, the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Tokyo celebrated 30 years of unwavering diplomatic ties between Croatia and Japan. The esteemed presence of H.I.H. Princess Tsuguko of Takamado and other distinguished guests who have contributed significantly to our relations made the event even more special. The celebration was further enhanced by a wonderful performance of Japanese pianist Yoko Nishii (on the photo), paying tribute to the legendary Croatian composer Dora Pejaèeviæ on the 100th anniversary of her passing on the same day in 1923. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Miletic Dail 1934-2022 filmmaker from "Zagreb Film" Croatia to her "Animation Cottage" USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11369/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-1934-2022-filmmaker-from-quotZagreb-Filmquot-Croatia-to-her-quotAnimation-Cottagequot-USA.html Maria Miletiæ Dail started at "Zagreb Film" in Croatia, continued as animator in Canada and Hollywood, worked upward into the position of director and producer. She was interested in meaningful filmmaking using original ideas. Worked in own "Animation Cottage" studio with twenty artists on ABC network series of specials. Tried to keep all work inside USA. She lectured at UCLA, CalArts and CCLA on animation. For her film "Think Earth" she won Presidential award in 1992. Her husband Sukhdev S. Dail (from India, Sikh) she prepared a few films dealing with Indian themes. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Dubrovnik gets a new sister city – Sorrento in Italy due to an initiative of Ivana Marija Vidoviæ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11376/1/Dubrovnik-gets-a-new-sister-city-8211-Sorrento-in-Italy-due-to-an-initiative-of-Ivana-Marija-Vidoviae.html The Charter on twinning and cooperation between the City of Dubrovnik and the City of Sorrento was signed on Feb 5, 2023, by two mayors, Mato Frankoviæ on behalf of the City of Dubrovnik and Massimo Coppola on behalf of the City of Sorrento. The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and the Sorrento Dubrovnik Festival, as well as the Dubrovnik pianist Ivana Marija Vidoviæ and conductor maestro Paolo Scibilia, are the most responsible for the intensification of cooperation between the two cities. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Paul Bradbury: Life as a Croatian Postman on the island of Hvar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11367/1/Paul-Bradbury-Life-as-a-Croatian-Postman-on-the-island-of-Hvar.html Of all the interviews and feature stories that Paul Bradbury has done on his Total Croatia News internet project over the years, few were as much fun as an impromptu interview with his local postman over a beer in the town of Jelsa one day in 2016, as he explained to him the incredible Dalmatian GPS system they used to deliver mail on island of Hvar, Croatia. Mr. Bradbury lives in Croatia since 2003. He has published more than two thousand articles about various aspects of culture, life and bussiness in Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Joginder Singh Nijjar recipient of an Indian state recognition for streghtening links with Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11366/1/Joginder-Singh-Nijjar-recipient-of-an-Indian-state-recognition-for-streghtening-links-with-Croatia.html Mr Joginder Singh Nijjar, Croatian citizen of Indian origin, received the presitigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 in recognition of his contribution in the field of Art & Culture/Education. Mr. Singh was awarded during the Valedictory Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 on 10 January 2023 by the President of India Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, also in the presence of Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, serving as the Minister of External Affairs of the Governement of India. The ceremony took place in the city of Indore, capital of the state of Mhadya Pradesh in central India. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana M. Vidovic in Granada with Frano Kakarigi - encounter of pianist and double bassist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11377/1/Ivana-M-Vidovic-in-Granada-with-Frano-Kakarigi---encounter-of-pianist-and-double-bassist.html For any musician who has been involved in music, in this context classical, since early childhood, performing in the imposing and magnificent Granada with a Spanish-Hispanic repertoire perfectly arranged with great colleagues in the ensemble, but also with another Croat, Frano Kakarigi, our respected double bass player from Dubrovnik with an address in Granada, it is probably like one of the dreams come true that all those who are truly involved in music could long for! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 23 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian - Indian Links, monograph marking 30 years of diplomatic relations 1992-2022 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11353/1/Croatian---Indian-Links-monograph-marking-30-years-of-diplomatic-relations-1992-2022.html The publication Croatian-Indian Links: Thirty Chapters for Thirty Years of Diplomatic Relations (1992-€"2022) marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between and India and Croatia and highlights a legacy in which the contributions of our writers, scholars, artists, travellers, politicians are unified in one volume. Some chapters in the volume present certain important individuals and others present some themes or groups of individuals. Preparing this publication was suggested by H. E. Mr. Raj Kumar Srivastava, ambassador of India to Croatia (on the photo). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 29 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Michael Buble Canadian global singing star of Croatian / Italian origin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11350/1/Michael-Buble-Canadian-global-singing-star-of-Croatian--Italian-origin.html Michael Buble has Croatian roots on his father's side, and Italian on his mother's side. More precisely, Michael Steven Buble was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada in 1975, the son of Lewis Buble, a fisherman with Croatian ancestry from the island of Lo¹inj, and Amber (nee Santaga), of Italian origin. He and his wife Luisana Lopilato have four children. The second name Buble is Croatian, and should be pronounced as boobl:e. Michael Buble visited Croatia in 2019, and had an emotional 2-hour concert in the city of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 05 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach & PingPongParkinson appearing at ESPN / Princess Zeina Rashid of Jordan, visited the WTTC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11347/1/Nenad-Bach--PingPongParkinson-appearing-at-ESPN--Princess-Zeina-Rashid-of-Jordan-visited-the-WTTC.html ESPN produced segment about Nenad Bach and his journey through diagnosis of Parkinson. ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American-based global cable and satellite television channel. Her Royal Highness, Princess Zeina Rashid of Jordan, visited the WTTC (World Table Tennis Center) on Sunday, February 6th 2022, as the first stop on her visit to New York metro area to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the global non-profit PingPongParkinson. The purpose of Princess Zeina's visit to the New York Metro area was to participate in celebrating and promoting the growth of PingPongParkinson. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Gustav Likan 1912-1998 distinguished Croatian-American painter and the Father of Acrylics http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11344/1/Gustav-Likan-1912-1998-distinguished-Croatian-American-painter-and-the-Father-of-Acrylics.html Known as the Father of Acrylics, Gustav Likan was originally from Croatia, he lived and painted in Argentina, Chicago and finally in 1969 he moved to Austin. In 1950 he began a two year commission for Eva Peron, painting murals in all the Argentina schools. He emigrated to South America in 1950 where he began a two-year commission for Eva Peron painting murals in the schools of Argentina. He later moved to the United States arriving in Chicago in 1957. He was appointed to the staff of The Chicago Academy of Fine Arts as an instructor where he taught until 1967. The remainder of his life he resided in Texas. He taught at the Laguna Gloria Museum in Austin. cuvalo@gmail.com (Ante Cuvalo) Sat, 30 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic Salopek: Digital Recording of the Croatian Mariological Heritage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11342/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-Digital-Recording-of-the-Croatian-Mariological-Heritage.html This cultural project is carried out under the auspices of the Committee for Education, Science and Culture of the Croatian Parliament and the Council for Culture of the Croatian Conference of Bishops. Videos are published in English and Croatian (Digital Recording of the Croatian Mariological Heritage, i.e., Digitalno snimanje hrvatske marijanske ba¹tine). The Project leader, scenarist and director: Hrvojka Mihanoviæ-Salopek, Ph.D., employed at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra performing at Codagan Hall in London on 14 April 2022 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11336/1/Zagreb-Philharmonic-Orchestra-performing-at-Codagan-Hall-in-London-on-14-April-2022.html The Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra boasts 150 years of tradition of first-class musicianship in Zagreb and across Croatia. Under the baton of conductor Jan Latham-Koenig, the Orchestra performs Sibelius' Violin Concerto, with one of Britain's most active concerto soloists and recitalists, violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen. Over the decades, the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra has stimulated Croatian musical creativity by performing, premiering and recording numerous pieces of music by Croatian composers and this concert will open with four short songs for voice and orchestra by Dora Pejaèeviæ sung by Croatian soprano Marija Vidoviæ, on the photo. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Benefit concert of "I Medici di McGill Orchestra" in Montreal, Canada, to help Ukraine http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11334/1/Benefit-concert-of-quotI-Medici-di-McGill-Orchestraquot-in-Montreal-Canada-to-help-Ukraine.html You are cordially invited to the next concert of "I Medici di McGill Orchestra", in collaboration with the McGill Ukrainian Students Association. Guest conductor, maestra Veronique Lussier leads the ensemble that will present the pianist and medical student Emily Oulousian in Grieg's Piano Concerto, an MSF staff member on the ground in Ukraine will provide a 15 min presentation. The event starts with singing of the Ukrainian National anthem and three Ukrainian folks songs performed by Trio Rossa. The orchestra was founded in 1989 by Croatian-Canadian scientist and musician Dr. Ante L. Padjen (on the photo) with an aim to reinforce the study of the humanities at the faculty. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Ukraine - Croatia cultural and historical relations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11331/1/Ukraine---Croatia-cultural-and-historical-relations.html This article illustrates some of deep connections between Ukraine and Croatia: White Croatians in Ukraine, Kiev Glagolitic folia (10th century), Kiev Rus, The Reims Evangel (11th century and 1395), Ivan U¾eviè, Ester eggs traditions in Ukraine and Croatia, Greek-Catholics in Ukraine and in Croatia, Ukrainian monuments in Croatia, Eduard Miloslaviæ, toponyms and hydronyms in Croatia and Ukraine of the same name, etc. On the photo: Taras Belej, a fine Ukrainean artist, living in Ivano-Frankivsk. This article was prepared in support of achieving peace in Ukraine. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 01 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000 GAVRANFEST in Augsburg in Germany 17-19 March 2022 in Sensible Theater http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11333/1/GAVRANFEST-in-Augsburg-in-Germany-17-19-March-2022-in-Sensible-Theater.html The thirteenth GavranFest will be held 17-19 March 2022 in Senseble Theater in Augsburg, Germany. It's an international theatre festival with plays by Miro Gavran, Croatian writer. The festival selectors and organizers Anne Schuster i Sebastian Seidel invited five theatres from three countries, Romania, Germany, Croatia with theatres from Bucharest, Augsburg Munich and Zagreb. Along with theatre performances, there will also be a presentation of Gavran's collection of plays in German called ONE DRAMA AND FOUR COMEDIES in translations by Tihomir Glowatsky, Ljerka Ore¹koviæ Herrmann and Ludwig Steindorff. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 15 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000 1143 years since the first international recognition of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11327/1/1143-years-since-the-first-international-recognition-of-Croatia.html The first international recognition of Croatia came in 879 from Pope John VIII, i.e., 1143 years ago! The Croatian Prince Branimir, 9th century, made important steps in strengthening the relations with Rome. During the solemn divine service in St. Peter's church in Rome in 879, Pope John VIII gave his blessing to the prince and the whole Croatian people, about which he informed Branimir in his letters, the first one dated on May 21, 879. This was the first time that the Croatian state was officially recognized. A special cultural program was organized on 15th January 2022 at Croatian Embassy in Tokyo on the occasion of the first diplomatic recognition of Croatia in 1992, on which occasion Yoko Nishii played her solemn pianistic concert. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 30 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000 Marinko Marco Radakovic to appear in the film "Don't Look Up" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11320/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-to-appear-in-the-film-quotDont-Look-Upquot.html Marinko Marco Radakovic (left) will appear in the new film "Don't Look Up" an upcoming American satirical science fiction black comedy film written, produced, and directed by Adam McKay. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as two low-level astronomers attempting to warn mankind, via a media tour, about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth. The film is set to receive a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021, prior to streaming on Netflix on December 24, 2021. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 04 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000 PingPongParkinson photo-monograph by Warren Rosenberg with Nenad Bach, illustrated by Ignasi Blanch http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11318/1/PingPongParkinson-photo-monograph-by-Warren-Rosenberg-with-Nenad-Bach-illustrated-by-Ignasi-Blanch.html This wonderful photo-monograph prepared is dedicated to every person who has Parkinson desease. It describes how playing table tennis can help each such person. Due to Nenad Bach, the PingPongParkinson has become a world-wide movement, as shown on the pages of the book. There are currently more than hundred chapters in numerous countries throughout the world.oran Primorac, Olympian and Ping Pong Parkinson advisor, said: "I'm honoured and intrigued to be part of this progressive idea that has the potential of helping millions of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease." darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 28 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Mirjana Bohanec Croatian opera singer, diplomat, and a film star http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11319/1/Mirjana-Bohanec-Croatian-opera-singer-diplomat-and-a-film-star.html Her concert reportoire is very extensive: from Baroque oratorial works of Bach, Haendel, Monteverdi, Pergolesi, Cherubini, Vivaldi, to such classics like Mozart and Haydn. She sang numerous pieces of Lied, composed by Schumann, Schubert, Brahms, Grieg, Debussy, etc. She also interpreted works of Croatian authors: Antun Sorkoèeviæ, Vinko Jeliæ, Ivan Lukaèiæ, Ferdo Livadiæ, Vatroslave Lisinski, etc. Except in Croatia, she had concerts in Austria, Germany, Italy, Swityerland, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, France, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Australia, Canada and in the USA. However, she is best known for her role in the an anthological Croatian film Tko pjeva zlo ne misli (Who Sings - Does not Think of Evil). She was also a Croatian diplomat in Germany and Austria in 1990s. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival organized by Ivana Marija Vidovic for the 15th time in the town of Cavtat http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11311/1/Epidaurus-Festival-organized-by-Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-for-the-15th-time-in-the-town-of-Cavtat.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Croatian concert pianist and poet (on the photo), is the founder and director of the Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat, a beautiful town south-east of the city of Dubrovnik, where she was born. In 2021, the festival is marking its fifteenth anniversary. We owe her our deep gratitude for great efforts and love, which has connected so many Croatian and foreign artists, especially musicians. The burden of its organization is shared by her mother Franica, as well as by her father, and a small number of faithful colleagues and friends. In 2021, a special guest of the festival will be Radojka ©verko, distinguished Croatian diva. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 24 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Exhibition of Croatian culture in Korean National Library in Seoul 2021 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11315/1/Exhibition-of-Croatian-culture-in-Korean-National-Library-in-Seoul-2021.html A very special exhibition called Croatian Traces of Thousand Years, Literature and Cultural Heritage from the Middle Ages to Modern Time was held at The National Library of Korea in its capital Seoul from June 28th until July 25th , 2021. This exhibition presented the Republic of Croatia and its diverse cultural wealth. Ms. Suh Hye-ran, the Director of the National Library of Korea, pointed out in her speech that it was the very first time that the Croatian Glagolitic alphabet came to Korea.The article was prepared by Mrs. Mirna Lipovac, on the photo. mirna.lipovac@zg.t-com.hr (Mirna Lipovac) Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii's concert in Tokamachi on the occasion of Croatia's participation at 2021 Olympic Games in Japan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11303/1/Yoko-Nishiis-concert-in-Tokamachi-on-the-occasion-of-Croatias-participation-at-2021-Olympic-Games-in-Japan.html On the occasion of the participation of the Republic of Croatia at the 2021 Olympic Games in Japan, Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist, gave a concert in the city of Tokamachi. The city is marked with Japan Croatia Friendship House, as a special sign of friendship between the two countries. Yoko Nishii is fluent in Croatian language, and she had as many as 50 soloist concerts in 24 Croatian cities. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 25 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Vidovic distinguished Croatian soprano singer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11296/1/Marija-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-soprano-singer.html An international career of Marija Vidoviæ began with her music education in the city of Vara¾din, Croatia. She studied and obtained her master's degree in Vienna and Stuttgart at the University of Music and Arts. One of the world's most famous and respected tenors and pedagogues Prof. Dr.h.c KS. Francisco Araiza was her professor and mentor. She has sung in the world's most important concert halls, the famous Musikverein in Vienna, Gasteig in Munich, the Bellas Artes Opera in Mexico City and the largest international festivals of classical music in North and South America. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Happy Easter 2021 to all and to your dearest! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11292/1/Happy-Easter-2021-to-all-and-to-your-dearest.html We present Easter customs by Croatian greeting cards from the mid-20th century (Zdenka Sertiæ - on the photo, Andrija Mauroviæ, Zlatko ©ulentiæ, etc.) to contemporary photos from 2021 (Snje¾ana Bo¾iæ). A variety of customs refer to Easter eggs, blessing of food, kissing of cross, etc. Most of the cards were provided by HKD Napredak (Croatian Cultural Society Advancement) of Bosnian Croats in Zagreb, as well as by Mrs. Snje¾ana Bo¾iæ and her father, who are using an interesting technique brought to Croatia by their grand-parents from Slovakia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 03 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii and Snjezana Bozic connection via Easter Eggs tradition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11297/1/Yoko-Nishii-and-Snjezana-Bozic-connection-via-Easter-Eggs-tradition.html Yoko Nishii has published two nice videos describing in detail a technique for creating beautiful Easter Eggs, with elements of Croatian and Japanese culture. Her informer was Snje¾ana Bo¾iæ from Croatia, who learned this decorative art from her father, of Slovak roots (his mother is Marija Galko). Decorations include interlace patterns and Croatian Glagolitic Script, as well as elements of traditional Japanese art. Yoko Nishii had as many as 50 soloist concerts in 24 Croatian cities. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic a member of the pianist jury at the International competition in Lviv, Ukraine 2021 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11286/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-a-member-of-the-pianist-jury-at-the-International-competition-in-Lviv-Ukraine-2021.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, concert pianist and poet from the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, participated as a member of the pianist jury at the International Music Competition organized during the Christmas time in Lviv, Ukraine, by the end of 2020. The festival lasted until mid-February 2021. The event was organized at a distance, showing enormous potential of young musicians. For Ivana, it was her second participation in Lviv as a member of the international jury. As many as 2000 young musicians have participated at this international music competition. The city of Lviv has a Middle European touch, as well as Croatia's capital Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 27 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Miracle from Dubrovnik on the 1049th St Vlaho Festivity 2021 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11284/1/Miracle-from-Dubrovnik-on-the-1049th-St-Vlaho-Festivity-2021.html The aim of the article is to show just several details from the city of Dubrovnik during the festivity of Sveti Vlaho (St. Blaise), with a special emphasis on children. The festival is organized each February for more than thosand years - precisely 1049. This event connects all the citizens of Dubrovnik with numerous families from the environing towns and villages in picturesque local very solemn dresses, as well as tourists. Dubrovnik is considered as one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 03 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Our Lady of the Stone Gate in Croatia's capital Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11280/1/Our-Lady-of-the-Stone-Gate-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html The scholarly educational film Our Lady of the Stone Gate in Zagreb, prepared by Dr. Hrvojka Mihanoviæ Salopek, shows the historical veneration of the Mother of God in Zagreb and presents a cultural travelogue through the oldest and most beautiful shrines in Zagreb. The film presents valuable images of Our Lady, as well as statues stored in Zagreb museums. Special attention is paid to rare books and manuscripts preserved in the Metropolitan Library of the Archdiocese of Zagreb, National and University Library and the Museum of the City of Zagreb and to the recitation of old verses. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Josip Sersic 1948-2020 expert in Croatian-Austrian connections http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11278/1/Josip-Sersic-1948-2020-expert-in-Croatian-Austrian-connections.html Hrvatski centar gradi¹æanskih Hrvata u Beèu poslao je tu¾nu obavijest o smrti dr. Josipa Ser¹iæa u kojoj stoji: ÀžNa ©tefanje, 26. prosinca 2020. g. je preminuo dr. Josip Ser¹iæ (71), rodom s otoka Krka, a u Beèu posebno poznat i cijenjen kao polihistor, jezikoslovac i prije svega struènjak za noviju povijest gradi¹æanskih Hrvata. Izuzetno je aktivno i uvijek mjerodavno sudjelovao u dru¹tvenom ¾ivotu hrvatskih zajednica i udruga u Beèu. Posebno je bio vezan uz Hrvatski centar, gdje je bio i sudionik znanstvenog simpozija '400 godina Hrvata u Beèu' 2009. godine. Pet godina kasnije, 2014. objavio je zajedno s Mihaelom Ellenbogenom iznimno va¾nu knjigu 'Kroatisches Wien / Hrvatski Beè'. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 08 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 Petrinja and Sisak between the sounds of the earthquake and of classical music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11275/1/Petrinja-and-Sisak-between-the-sounds-of-the-earthquake-and-of-classical-music.html In this article we provide photos and sounds commemorating the earthquake (6.2 degrees on the Richter scale) that by the end of 2020 struck the areas of the towns of Sisak and Petrinja south of Zagreb. The earthquake was felt as far as Italy and Austria. Both towns have already undergone a very slow and complex process of renovation in the period of two and a half decades after the Serbian agression on Croatia. We intersperse the presentation with photos showing its past and present. On the photo - Sisak Angels. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 31 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia shining in 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11271/1/Croatia-shining-in-2020.html I am sure that many of you, like me, have lived about ten lifetimes this year, the most chaotic, stressful, unpredictable and scary perhaps ever. But we are still here, hanging on, and hoping for better things. But 2020 was not such a disaster for everyone. In fact, if you take a step back from all the doom and gloom and try and look on the brighter side of life, there is an awful lot of positivity to celebrate, especially if you are Croatian. In an effort to balance the understandable depressive posts on the web, here is an ode of recognition to 25 things which made Croatia shine in the pandemic year of 2020. On the photo, an amazing cat-like Croatian island. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 15 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Maxo Vanka film to be made | American Sistine Chapel http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11277/1/Maxo-Vanka-film-to-be-made--American-Sistine-Chapel.html Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka has the following mission: to conserve and protect for permanent public exhibition the nationally recognized Maxo Vanka Murals within St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, enabling the immigrant artist's "gift to America" to serve as an enduring catalyst for community engagement and education, inspire social and cultural dialogue, celebrate diversity, and forge connections through reflections on the extraordinary American experience. Murals by Maxo Vanka are not just Croatian cultural heritage. Unique. One and only. The planned film should have been done 50 years ago. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 07 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii's lecture about Croatia in the Toba High School in Japan 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11264/1/Yoko-Nishiis-lecture-about-Croatia-in-the-Toba-High-School-in-Japan-2020.html The city of Toba in Japan has a high school attended by 169 students. Yoko Nishii, living in the city of Ise close to Toba, has delivered a lecture about Croatia, its history and culture, repeated for all six classes of the school (on 25th and 26th October, 2020). Yoko Nishii has prepared 150 beautiful slides dealing with Croatia. She is not only fluent in Croatian language, but as a pianist she visited almost every corner of Croatia: she had as many as 49 soloist concerts in 24 cities throughout the country. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 31 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000 xxxx http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11457/1/xxxx.html darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 14 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Mahatma Gandhi and Kristian Krekovic connecting India and Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11260/1/Mahatma-Gandhi-and-Kristian-Krekovic-connecting-India-and-Croatia.html   darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Japan remembering Vladimir Devide 1925-2010 Croatian haiku poet and mathematician http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11263/1/Japan-remembering-Vladimir-Devide-1925-2010-Croatian-haiku-poet-and-mathematician.html Mihovil Rismondo, Croatian painter from the city of Split (age 71), painted twelve canvases inspired by haiku poetry, under the auspices of Japanese Embassy in Croatia and the Tourist Association of the city of Zagreb. In this way, ten years since the death of Vladimir Devide have been marked, a well known Croatian haiku and mathematician. He was the greatest promoter of Japanese culture in Croatia. For his contributions in popularization of Japanese culture he was awarded the prestigious Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure - Konsanto Zuihosho. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000 14th Epidaurus Festival organized in Cavtat on September 5-12, 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11252/1/14th-Epidaurus-Festival-organized-in-Cavtat-on-September-5-12-2020.html U subotu 5. rujna, po prvi puta u predvorju Kne¾eva dvora u Cavtatu, organiziramo sveèano otvorenje 14. Epidaurus festivala. Njime meðu inim obilje¾avamo 130. obljetnica roðenja proslavljenog cavtaèanina Tina Pattiere, koji nas je ne samo zadu¾io nego i poduèio svojim primjerom kako moramo ustrajati u stvaranju umjetnosti i ljepote oko nas. Dijeliæ ¾ivota ovog markantnog i sjajnog tenora æe nam Franica Krampus Vidoviæ, dugogodi¹nja profesorica Povijesti glazbe u Umjetnièkoj ¹koli Luke Sorkoèeviæa u Dubrovniku, koja je i sama autorica brojnih studija i èlanaka o jo¹ uvijek nedovoljno poznatom pjevaèu zlatnoga grla. Ostanite zdravo i raspjevano! Dobrodo¹li u Cavtat! The founder and artistic director of the Festival is Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, on the photo. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota 1945-2020 distinguished Croatian patriot and historian of art and architecture http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11250/1/Ante-Glibota-1945-2020-distinguished-Croatian-patriot-and-historian-of-art-and-architecture.html Mr. Ante Glibota, born in the town of Slivno in 1945, distinguished Croatian patriot and intellectual, passed away in Paris in 2020. According to the data provided by Mr. Glibota himself in 2017, during his appearance at the Croatian TV, his opus consists among others of about 220 books and catalogues published in some 15 languages (more than hundred of them in China only) and of about 550 large exhibitions organized throughout the world. His achievements are all the more impressive in the light of the fact that as a young person he spent two years in ex-Yugoslav communist prison (1972-1974). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 29 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Vukovar hosting fantastic Japanese Ningyo dolls exhibition 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11251/1/Vukovar-hosting-fantastic-Japanese-Ningyo-dolls-exhibition-2020.html The exhibition of beautiful Japanese Ningyo dolls has been opened on August 27th, 2020 in the city of Vukovar in the presence of Her Excellency Misako Kaji (on the photo), ambassador of Japan to Croatia. The exhbition will be opened until Septemeber 27th. Japan has a long and rich tradition of the art of dolls. It is not widely known that one of the most interesting collections of dolls representing national costumes of various countries throughout the world is kept in Croatia's capital Zagreb, in Ethnographic Museum, collected by Ljeposlav Periniæ - The King of Dolls. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach International Newsletter No. 56: Post COVID? http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11249/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-56-Post-COVID.html "Nenad, Who Plays Ping Pong" is a short film about my passion for ping pong and using it to help those afflicted with Parkinson's. It is an Official Selection of 2020 Mountainfilm Festival, and was chosen Daily Short Pick on FilmShortage.com, May 27th, 2020. The film is touring and was screened last week in Sao Paulo, Brazil and will be touring August 24-26 in Southampton, New York, US. You can get more information here. We are now fortunate to have the film subtitled in 15 languages. My songs "Vukovar" "Everything is Forever" and "I Will Follow" were recently played by musical genius Pete Jones on his radio program in London. nenadbach@gmail.com (Nenad Bach E-Team) Tue, 25 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Jelko Yuresha 1937 - 2020 distinguished Croatian ballet dancer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11246/1/Jelko-Yuresha-1937---2020-distinguished-Croatian-ballet-dancer.html Belinda Wright and Jelko Yuresha (on the photo), English and Croatian dancers, established partnership as "Ambassadors of Dance", performing throughout the world. Jelko Yuresha, born in Croatia's capital Zagreb, studied ballet under Ana Roje, Nadine Nicolaeva Legat, Kathleen Crofton, Tamara Karsavina and worked with choreograhphers Leonid Massine, Vladimir Bourmeister, Frederick Ashton, Serge Lifar, Bronislava Nijinska. He appeared with Margot Fonteyn in the BBC-TV production of "Sleeping Beauty" (1959), was The Principal Dancer of The English National Ballet (previously London Festival Ballet) and danced Principal roles with British Royal Ballet. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 07 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000 St. Jerome and his importance for Croatians http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11245/1/St-Jerome--and-his-importance-for-Croatians.html St. Jerome, one of the most important spiritual writers of the Western Civilization, who translated the Bible into the Latin language, died in 420 AD. His importance for Croatia is analogous to that of St. Martin for France (who died in 397 AD). St. Jerome entered into the history of Croatian literature already in the Middle Ages. In Croatian lands there are as many as 63 sacral objects bearing the name of this saint. The present Papal Croatian Department of St. Jerome in Rome has its roots from the time of Pope Sixto V (end of 16th ct.), who was of Croatian origin. Protector of theologians, librarians, teachers and students, St. Jerome is celebrated on 30th of September. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 01 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Mia Slavenska 1916-2002 Croatian ballet prodigy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11247/1/Mia-Slavenska-1916-2002-Croatian-ballet-prodigy.html Mia Slavenska, the greatest Croatian female classical dancer in history, was born in Brod na Savi, Croatia, on February 20, 1916, the daughter of Milan and Heddwiga (Palme) Èorak. Her early teachers include Josephina Weiss, former Ballerina of the Vienna State Opera, Margarita Froman, ballerina of the Bolshoi and Maximilian Froman, soloist of the Bolshoi. Mia Slavenska was a student at the Royal Academy of Music, Zagreb, Croatia for five years, where she majored in piano. She studied ballet in both Vienna and Paris. She came to the United States in 1939 and was naturalized in 1947. She married Kurt Neumann and had one daughter, Maria. We draw your attention to an excellent film Mia Slavenska - A Dancer's Journey (60 min.), by Maria Ramas and Kate Johnson. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 30 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Journal of Croatian Studies founded in New York in 1960 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11242/1/Journal-of-Croatian-Studies-founded-in-New-York-in-1960.html The Journal of Croatian Studies is a scholarly publication dedicated to Croatian history and culture. It covers a broad range of fields, including history, literature, fine arts, music, philology, philosophy and political science. It also publishes documents of historical and cultural significance to Croatian Americans and their descendants. The present editors-in-chief of the Journal of Croatian Studies are VInko Grubisic and John Kraljic (on the photo). The journal is published by the Croatian Acadmey of America, established in 1953 in New York. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Studia Croatica journal founded in Buenos Aires in 1960 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11241/1/Studia-Croatica-journal-founded-in-Buenos-Aires-in-1960.html With this article we mark 60th anniversary of Studia Croatica, founded in 1960 in Buenos Aires. The journal has been founded by Croataian emmigrants. Its editors in chief were Ivo Bogdan (1960-1971), Franjo Nevistiæ (1971-1984), Radovan Latkoviæ (1984-1994), Joza Vrljièak (1995 till today, 2020, on the photo). Among numerous collaborators we mention Ernest Bauer, Rafo Bogi¹iæ, Gojko Boriæ, Christophe Dolbeau, Jozo Kljakoviæ, Kristian Krekoviæ, Mateo Martinic, Ivan Me¹troviæ, C. Michael McAdams, Vinko Nikoliæ, Bogdan Radica, Zdravko Sanèeviæ, Carl Gustav Stroehm, Franjo Tuðman, Carmen Verlichak, Viktor Vida. In 2020, August ©enoa's novel Zlatarevo zlato (Goldsmith's Treasure) has been translated into Castilian: El Tesoro del Orfebre. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Marijana Grisnik Croatian painter from Strawberry Hill in Kansas City USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11236/1/Marijana-Grisnik-Croatian-painter-from-Strawberry-Hill-in-Kansas-City-USA.html Marijana Gri¹nik (b. Pintar) is a woman with strong ties both to Strawberry Hill and the ethnic heritage of its people. All four of her grandparents immigrated to Kansas City from Croatia. According to Marijana, "I was very fortunate in that my mother shared me with the people on the Hill. They all seemed to have a hand in raising me." As a child Marijana loved to sketch the sights of Strawberry Hill. It was, however, after the birth of her third child that she began painting her memories of growing up on Strawberry Hill. Through her canvases this self-taught artist has become the storyteller of this ethnic community. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orlic world class music photographer: Live From Chicago! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11235/1/Zoran-Orlic-world-class-music-photographer-Live-From-Chicago.html The Croatian-born photographer relocated to Chicago at an early age and began photographing bands in college. As a young musician might, he took his mantra seriously: practice, practice, practice. It wasn't until he chanced upon the work of one of the greatest rock photographers of all time that lightning struck, and he realized what he wanted to do with his life. "I shot Jeff," Orlic says of his first photo shoot with Wilco's founder, Jeff Tweedy. "They liked it, and the rest is history. I just kind of never left." From the perspective of the bands and record labels for whom he works, Orlic's easygoing manner and ability to produce images efficiently and without getting in the way are equally as important as his artistic prowess. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii plays Sergei Rachmaninov http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11230/1/Yoko-Nishii-plays-Sergei-Rachmaninov.html I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all others who have assisted and supported me in various ways in making this CD. In particular, great support was given by Tokamachi City which is known as a host town for Croatia for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Croatia is my second home where I'd studied and spent seven years. Tokamachi City has a warm friendship with Croatia since the 2002 FIFA World Cup and it was really special for me to get a chance to make the recording at such a city. I hope that this CD would contribute to a further development of a beautiful friendship between Japan and Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Ljubo Krasic 1938-2020 Croatian Franciscan founder of Croatian Schools of America and Canada http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11232/1/Ljubo-Krasic-1938-2020-Croatian-Franciscan-founder-of-Croatian-Schools-of-America-and-Canada.html Krasiæ's contribution to the formative period of Croatian language instruction abroad was massive and aimed at promoting our language and culture in North America. He left his homeland with a broad educational background and worked in the frame of Catholic missions in the Croatian communities on the dissemination of our language and culture in the anglophone world, all whilst discharging his complex parish duties while resident in the USA and in Canada. He enriched his new home through the organisation of Croatian language instruction and the printing of textbooks, magazines and books. (Dr. Vinko Grubi¹iæ.) darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 01 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 1141 years since the first international recognition of Croatia: 879 - 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11229/1/1141-years-since-the-first-international-recognition-of-Croatia-879---2020.html The Croatian Prince Branimir, 9th century, made important steps in strengthening the relations with Rome. During the solemn divine service in St. Peter's church in Rome in 879, Pope John VIII gave his blessing to the prince and the whole Croatian people, about which he informed Branimir in his letters, the first one dated on May 21, 879. This was the first time that the Croatian state was officially recognized (at that time the international legitimacy was given by the Pope), which, as we see, happened more than eleven centuries ago! In his letter dated from 881 the Pope addressed Branimir as the "glorious prince". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 21 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Ragusa (Dubrovnik) in Croatia and Ragusa on the island of Sicily in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11227/1/Ragusa-Dubrovnik-in-Croatia-and-Ragusa-on-the-island-of-Sicily-in-Italy.html The article deals with erroneous interpretation of the Ragusa veduta dating from 1695, kept at the National and University Library in Zagreb, Croatia (and there are numerous copies kept in other European libraries, the first edition originating from 1638). It was published Matthaeus Merian Sr., but it does not represent the city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) in Croatia, but Ragusa on the island of Sicily in Italy. Most of the authors do not distinguish between Matthaeus Merian Sr. and his son Matthaeus Merian Jr., which has caused numerous mistakes and contradictions. It is interesting that Matthaeus Merian Jr. (on the photo) prepared a well known veduta of the city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa in Croatia) in flames, after the 1667 earthquake, and not his father (who has died 17 years earlier, in 1650). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Ivana Marija Vidovic and Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Tomislav Tom Gabric 1933-2019 distinguished Croatian architect in California, USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11238/1/Tomislav-Tom-Gabric-1933-2019-distinguished-Croatian-architect-in-California-USA.html Tomislav Gabric was born in the town of Metkoviæ in Croatia in 1933. He moved to the United States in 1962 to start his career in Los Angeles, California. Tomislav Gabric and his wife Lea married in 1964. They have one daughter Carole (Gabriæ-Lewis). Mr. Gabric moved his architectural firm, Gabric & Associates to Corona around 1997. The firm is located at 903 South Ramona Ave in Corona. He completed as many as 1600 professional projects of various buildings throughout California. He was also a talented painter. On the left is his autoportrait from 1989. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 29 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000 The city of Zagreb struck in 2020 with the earthquake of 5.5 degrees on the Richter scale http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11219/1/The-city-of-Zagreb-struck-in-2020-with-the-earthquake-of-55-degrees-on-the-Richter-scale.html As if the vicious corona pandemic was not enough! In March 22nd 2020, at 6:24 AM, the city of Zagreb was suddenly struck with the earthquake of 5.5 degrees on the Richter scale. This was the strongest earthquake in Croatia's capital since 1880. We mention in passing another earthquake in Zagreb 1909, which was quite important, since it led Croatian scientist Andrija Mohorovièiæ to the discovery of the MOHO layer, conisdered as the most important discovery in the history of seismology (the science about earthquakes). The 2020 earthquake brought a lots of damage to the city, easpecially to its central part. During the period of one month only, Zagreb has experienced as many as eight hundred additonal smaller earthquakes and tremors. The earthquake damage is estimated at 5.52 billion Euros. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 24 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Renata Pokupic Croatian mezzo-soprano praised for her expressive interpretations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11212/1/Renata-Pokupic-Croatian-mezzo-soprano-praised-for-her-expressive-interpretations.html Much in demand on the concert platform, Renata Pokupiæ appeared with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, sang with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and with Collegium Vocale Gent as well as DSO Berlin. She has also sung with Orchestre de Paris and Orchestre des Champs-Elysees, with Hofkapelle Esterhazy, with Handel Festival Goettingen, with Scottish Chamber Orchestra, at Mozarteum Salzburg with Le Cercle de l'Harmonie, with Orchestre de Paris, with the Bach Choir, with the Academy of Ancient Music, with Classical Opera and had an extensive tour of "Tribute to Lorraine Hunt Lieberson" with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 29 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian folk saga "Following the Sun" discovered on the island of Krk beginning before the Christian era http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11210/1/Croatian-folk-saga-quotFollowing-the-Sunquot-discovered-on-the-island-of-Krk-beginning-before-the-Christian-era.html Rado ®ic Mikulin and Leonard Eler¹ek are the authors of a monumental book Putom sunca (Following the Sun), dealing with the till now unknown saga from the island of Krk (the town of Punat) about the earliest Croatian history. It was registered by Rado ®ic Mikulin from one of his grandfathers, and the saga has been passed to the present day from time immemorial. The saga starts before the Christian era, on the Tigris river. The authors provide a wealth of traditional verses from the island of Krk, as well as a number of very interesting old maps, describing the movement of Croatians to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 20 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran in Vienna Austria and in Vilnius Lithuania 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11208/1/Miro-Gavran-in-Vienna-Austria-and-in-Vilnius-Lithuania-2020.html In March 2020, Croatian author Miro Gavran will present his drama and prosaic work in Vienna and Vilnius. His comedy The Doll will premiere at the Theatre Centre Forum in Vienna on 5th March 2020. Tihomir Glowatzky translated the work into German and the play is directed by the renowned Austrian actor Hubsi Kramar. In the main roles are: Adriana Zartl and Christian Strasser; The Doll is produced by Carmen Wenger. It's a jubilee, the 20th premiere of this play, which has had its world premiere in New York 2012 and since then it's been produced in both Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. It was recently published in China in the Anthology of East-European drama. A week later, on 13th March 2020, in the cultural Centre in Vilnius, Miro Gavran will promote his novel Kafka's Friend in Laima Masyte's translation, published by Ledikla Gelmes. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 01 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Celebrating 22nd February the Day of Croatian Glagolitic Script and Glagolitism http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11207/1/Celebrating-22nd-February-the-Day-of-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-and-Glagolitism.html On 22nd Febrary, 1483, the first Croatian printed book has appeared in the Glagolitic Script. It shows that Croatian glagolitic priests were able to adopt very early Gutenberg's technology of movable type. Only 12 copies of the books have been preserved, 5 of them kept in Croatia, and 7 scattered throughout the world: in the Russian National Library (former Russian Imperial Library) in St Petersburg, in the Austrian National Library in Vienna (former Austrian Royal Library), in the Vatican Apostolic Library (two copies), and in the Library of Congress in Washington. On the photo a monument to Gutenberg in Zagreb from cc. 1890, the first one in Europe appearing outside of German speaking area. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 21 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Akiane Kramarik spirituality of painting http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11205/1/Akiane-Kramarik-spirituality-of-painting.html Akiane Kramarik: "...Realizing that nobody, except for my mother, cherished my work, I became more and more disillusioned. One time I threw my painting in the rain outside. And as it was landing into the puddle someone caught it. Just in time. It was my mother. Out of breath she shared something, 'Last night I had a strange dream. I saw thousands of people waiting for your art. The line stretched all the way to the horizon.' " At the age of 4 she started dreaming about God, indicating that God inspired her to start painting and writing poetry about Him. She has dedicated her life to God and is focused on making the world a better place. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 17 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota's speech at the Symposium on Art organized in the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna 2020 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11201/1/Ante-Glibotas-speech-at-the-Symposium-on-Art-organized-in-the-Hofburg-Imperial-Palace-in-Vienna-2020.html Ante Glibota: "I am delighted with this happy initiative coming from our friend Prof. Zhang Xiaolong, Vice President of National Academy of Art of China from Beijing, who is also an excellent artist and thinker, to organize in the heart of Central Europe, in Vienna, which was and always remains one of the essential centers of the great artistic, scientific and philosopher's adventure of European civilization, this meeting between historians, artists and thinkers to briefly exchange ideas and reflections on the art and thought of these two major civilizations that are the millennial Chinese civilization and ours, European." darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 26 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii between the Dobro Restaurant in Tokyo and Tokamachi http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11203/1/Yoko-Nishii-between-the-Dobro-Restaurant-in-Tokyo-and-Tokamachi.html By the end of 2019, distinguished Japanese pianist Yoko Nishii has visited the city of Tokamachi, which is the seat of "Croatia - Japan Friendship House", completed in 2012. Except for having the purpose of cultural center, it also serves for preparations of Croatian sportsmen for the forthcoming 2020 Summer Olympic Games to be organized in Tokyo. Yoko Nishii has visited Tokamach for completing the material for her newest CD, which will contain pianistic works of Rachmaninov. She was surround by a small team of professionals, because everything had to be registered under the best acoustic conditions. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 10 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Searching for Boredom 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11194/1/Nenad-Bach-Searching-for-Boredom-2019.html Triumphant 2019 ITTF Parkinson's World Table Tennis Championships, which included 62 players, 12 countries, and 130 participants. A triumph of spirit. We play for history and the 10 million who could not play. Lots of traveling, flying around the globe, as the leitmotif of the year was Ping Pong Parkinson, music and sport as the challenge of living and working with Parkinson. I feel grateful and thankful to so many friends and acquaintances who help me along the way. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New 20, Happy Holidays. World Peace in One Hour, but most of all - Peace on Earth. Let's achieve this sooner rather than later. We have everything we need, right now. Yours, Nenad Bach darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 31 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Sardelic Kraljevic and the Vukovar Gong of World Peace donated by Indonesia in 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11193/1/Ante-Sardelic-Kraljevic-and-the-Vukovar-Gong-of-World-Peace-donated-by-Indonesia-in-2019.html The Gong of World Peace, donated by the Republic of Indonesia, was officially unveiled in the city of Vukovar on September 22nd, 2019, by H.E. Mr. Dyujoto Suntani, president of the World Peace Council, and Mr. Ivan Penava, mayor of the city of Vukovar, on the photo. It was placed in a local park, which was decorated by the works of art of distinguished Croatian artist Mr. Ante Sardeliæ Kraljeviæ, living in Canada. The decorations include messages written in Croatian Glagolitic Script. In the cultural program, a group of Kumpanija Dancers participated, originating from the town of Blato on the Croatian island of Korèula, in which Mr. Sardeliæ was born. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 30 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Kristian Krekovic connecting India and Croatia via his 1936 portrait of Mahatma Gandhi http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11191/1/Kristian-Krekovic-connecting-India-and-Croatia-via-his-1936-portrait-of-Mahatma-Gandhi.html Distinguished Croatian painter Kristian Krekoviæ (1901-1985) portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in his atelier in Paris in 1936, while Gandhi was meditating there. The portrait is kept in the Gallery of Krekoviæ (Museu Krekoviæ) in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Two panneaus containing Ghandi's portrait have been presented in Dec 2019 to the Embassy of India in Zagreb and to the Croatian - Indian Society. This was a gift of the Society of the Friends of the Glagolitic Script, and the solemn event took place in the Napredak hall in Zagreb, during the intercofessional Christmas meeting organized by the Croatian - Indian Society, directed by Mr Joginder Singh Nijjar. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 26 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic member of the jury of the International Music Competition in Kaunas, Lithuania 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11199/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-member-of-the-jury-of-the-International-Music-Competition-in-Kaunas-Lithuania-2019.html It was a great honour for the Dubrovnik pianist and poet Ivana Marija Vidovic to be in the jury presidency for all five categories in the piano section from age 5 to 23. The jury of the Piano section was composed by maestra Ivana Marija Vidovic (on the photo with H.E. Mr. Kre¹imir Kedmenec, ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Lithuania), professor Otto Niederdorfer, Austria, and director of the Kaunas Philharmonic Orchestra, maestro Justinas Kre-p¹ta. Ivana Marija Vidoviæ also had the additional honour of addressing on behalf of the jury the numerous audience of the crowded Kaunas Philhramonic Hall during the final concert, awarding of all this year's awards and this year's Grand prix. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 15 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Klasya Modrusan and Eva Kirchmayer Bilic Croatian musicians performing in Yerevan Armenia in 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11190/1/Klasya-Modrusan-and-Eva-Kirchmayer-Bilic-Croatian-musicians-performing-in-Yerevan-Armenia-in-2019.html Klasja Modru¹an (voice) and Eva Kirchmayer Biliæ (piano and organ), Croatian classical musicians, had two concerts in Yerevan, capital of Armenia, in December 2019. They performed the works of Croatian composers for voice, piano and organ, and delivered a short lecture dealing with Croatian history, art and music, with emphasis on vocal music. The concerts took place in the Hall of Conservatorium Komitas (for piano) and in the Chamber Hall (for organ). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 14 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Sandra Wigh Hrascanec reviving Croatian composer and benefactor Luisa Erdoedy Lios born in Vienna http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11188/1/Sandra-Wigh-Hrascanec-reviving-Croatian-composer-and-benefactor-Luisa-Erdoedy-Lios-born-in-Vienna.html U Velikoj koncertnoj dvorani Hrvatskog narodnog kazali¹ta u Vara¾dinu, 30. studenoga 2019. odr¾ala se grandiozna Glazbeno-dramska veèer "Lujzina ko¹arica", posveæena ¾ivotu i stvarala¹tvu Luise Erdoedy-Lios, na kojoj je nastupila mezzosopranistica Sandra Wigh Hra¹æanec, koja ¾ivi i djeluje u Beèu. Grofica Lujza, naime Luisa Erdoedy Lios (1853-1924), roðena je u Beèu i nakon smrti svog prvog supruga, udala se za hrvatskog grofa Rudolfa Erdoedya, gdje je provela dio svog ¾ivota u njegovom dvorcu u Novom Marofu blizu Zagreba (na slici). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic, Vesna Miletic and Diana Hilje honoring August Senoa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11187/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-Vesna-Miletic-and-Diana-Hilje-honoring-August-Senoa.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Vesna Miletiæ (on the photo, right and left) and Diana Hilje, Dubrovnik ladies - musicians, honored Croatian writer August ©enoa (19th ct), by organizing a very interesting program dedicated to Cvijeta Zuzoric, a famous Dubrovnik beauty and poetesse (16/17th ct). The program took place in the ©enoa House in Zagreb. August ©enoa wrote a beautiful article about Cvijeta Zuzoriæ. The program included classical music, as well as poetry of Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, which she recited in Croatian and Italian languages. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Vladimir Novak: Croatians in America, fascinating photomonograph published in 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11182/1/Vladimir-Novak-Croatians-in-America-fascinating-photomonograph-published-in-2018.html  Vladimir Novak (1928-2016) darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 27 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000 New Book: "Immigrant Daughter: Stories You Never Told Me" by Catherine Capphahn http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11180/1/New-Book-quotImmigrant-Daughter-Stories-You-Never-Told-Mequot-by-Catherine-Capphahn.html American-born Catherine knows little of her Croatian mother's early life. When Marijana dies of ovarian cancer, twenty-two-year-old Catherine finds herself cut off from the past she never really knew. As Catherine searches for clues to her mother's elusive history, she discovers that Marijana was orphaned during WWII, nearly died as a teenager, and escaped from Communist Yugoslavia to Rome, and then South America. Through travel and memory, history and imagination, Catherine resurrects the relatives she's never known. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 01 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat directed by Ivana Marija Vidovic 10th – 22nd September 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11177/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-directed-by-Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-10th-8211-22nd-September-2019.html Programme: Clara Schumann / A life for the music (on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of her birth), Magics of the Italian Opera, Let's meet Wagner, Norah Wanton - piano, guitar and voice (Spain), The Magic Fiddle - Miron Peku (Albania), Piano duo Fantasia - Ivana Marija Vidoviæ (on the photo) & Vesna Miletiæ (Croatia), Rembrandt the great - Lecture by Marijke Brekelmans (Holland),... closing gala concert CAMERATA EPIDAURUS Croazzolla Concertante (Croatia) Ferdinando Redavid clarinet (Italy) & Frano Kakarigi kontrabas double bass (Spain) & Ivana Marija Vidoviæ piano (Croatia). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 07 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Radoslav Katicic 1930-2019 distinguished Croatian linguist in Vienna http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11173/1/Radoslav-Katicic-1930-2019-distinguished-Croatian-linguist-in-Vienna.html Professor Radoslav Katièiæ was born in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 1930, where he studied philology and earned his PhD. During the period of 1960-61 he was a stipendist of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Tuebingen. After the return to the University of Zagreb, he became a docent on Indo-European and general linguistics. Soon after, he served as a head of the newly formed Department for General Linguistics and Oriental Studies. In 1966 he became associate, and in 1973 full professor. Beside general and Indo-European linguistics, he also taught Old Iranian and Old Indic philology. In 1977 he became full professor of Slavic philology at the University of Vienna, Austria. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 27 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran Croatian playwright has nine premieres in nine countries during two months of 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11172/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-playwright-has-nine-premieres-in-nine-countries-during-two-months-of-2019.html Miro Gavran is the greatest contemporary Croatian playwright. His plays have been translated into as many as 41 languages worldwide. During the following two months, from the end of August till October 2019, nine of his plays will be shown in nine countries: Germany, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Nigeria, in his native Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Turkey and in Czechia. About 1000 actors in Croatia and thoughout the world participated in his plays. He had about 1300 public literary appearances in Croatia and worldwide. He is a honorable member of the Russian Literary Society in Moscow. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 24 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Vidovic - Vesna Miletic Croatian pianist duo in Trento in Italy 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11171/1/Ivana-Vidovic---Vesna-Miletic-Croatian-pianist-duo-in-Trento-in-Italy-2019.html U organizaciji festivala klasiène glazbe Piano piu piano iz Trenta dubrovaèke pijanistice Ivana Marija Vidoviæ i Vesna Miletiæ odr¾ale su pro¹log tjedna koncert za pamæenje. Odr¾an u prekrasnom srednjovjekovnom gradu Cavalese podno impresivnih Dolomita, pobudio je odlièan odaziv educirane, probrane i zainteresirane publike koja je sve pa¾ljivo pratila te izmamila i dva dodatka. Na programu su bila zastupljena djela Mendelssohna, Schuberta, Debussyija, Faurea a nadasve ih je raznje¾io Andante iz 3. simfonije Luke Sorkoèeviæa. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 23 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach promoting his World Peace In One Hour program at MedILS in the city of Split http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11160/1/Nenad-Bach-promoting-his-World-Peace-In-One-Hour-program-at-MedILS-in-the-city-of-Split.html We want to present this project through four entries: first is art, music primarily, where we want to gather the orchestra with all instruments of the world. Sport is also very important so we plan to set up ping-pong tables at the airports all around the world with "World peace in one hour" and "Ping Pong Parkinson" written on the tables' edges." - Nenad Bach told and emphasized how through gastronomy and fashion we need to spread awareness of ability to achieve world peace as well as awareness of Parkinson's desease. Now, in the era of internet and social networks, it has never been easier. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 20 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Kinjo Gakuin high school from Japan visited High School Sesvete in Croatia in 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11162/1/Kinjo-Gakuin-high-school-from-Japan-visited-High-School-Sesvete-in-Croatia-in-2019.html Japanese students and teachers arrived in Zagreb on March, 21st 2019. They were wellcomed by students and teachers from Gimnazija Sesvete at Franjo Tuðman airport. The program consisted of multimedial presentations and workshops which presented Gimnazija Sesvete, Croatian educational system, attractions, beauty and culture of Zagreb and Croatia. Japanese students from Nagoya also presented their school, city and talked about education in Japan. The main purpose of this event was promotion of music as a universal way of connecting people as well as promoting school choir singing. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 18 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Lucija & Dusko Rilov and their Studio Turtula of driftwood paintings http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11159/1/Lucija--Dusko-Rilov-and-their-Studio-Turtula-of-driftwood-paintings.html Lucija & Du¹ko Rilov live in the city of Trogir, which has been included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are creating beautiful life out of driftwood pieces, found on the seashore along the Croatian coast. Their inspiration are small island towns, which bring them peace and inner balance. Numerous galeries and souvenir shops possess their works of art. Their work is connecting two very different areas: ecology with artistic expression. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 24 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Nicholas Daddazio's reinvention of Croatian necktie with a pocket for a cellphone http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11168/1/Nicholas-Daddazios-reinvention-of-Croatian-necktie-with-a-pocket-for-a-cellphone.html France and Croatia shared a victory celebration together going back to 1648, when Croatia won the Thirty Years' War for France and Louis XIV celebrated with a parade in Paris to honor the Croatian soldiers, who were wearing red cravats, by having Royalty and ordinary Parisians wear similar cravats made by Louis XIV's tailors. France fell in love with the cravat, as well as the other European countries, and thus began the history of the necktie that evolved in design, shape, fabric, and color for more than four hundred years to the present. Daddazio's designs are a re-invention of the necktie with the added feature of a pocket for a cellphone that makes it practical and functional for this new millennium. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 20 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Drago Stambuk odlikovan japanskim Ordenom izlazeceg sunca 2019. g. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11157/1/Drago-Stambuk-odlikovan-japanskim-Ordenom-izlazeceg-sunca-2019-g.html Dne 21. svibnja 2019. Vlada Japana je objavila da æe odlikovati dr. Dragu ©tambuka, biv¹eg veleposlanika Republike Hrvatske u Japanu, Ordenom izlazeæeg sunca sa zlatnom i srebrnom zvijezdom, a radi njegovog doprinosa jaèanju veza i prijateljskih odnosa izmeðu Japana i Republike Hrvatske. Kao veleposlanik Republike Hrvatske u Japanu, osim napora ulo¾enih u jaèanje veza izmeðu dvije zemlje, dr. ©tambuk je radio na razmjeni kroz pjesni¹tvo i haiku poeziju doprinoseæi time meðusobnom razumijevanju Japana i Hrvatske, ali i ¹irenju haiku poezije ne samo u Hrvatskoj nego u cijelom svijetu. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 09 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Teresa Perinic and the King of Dolls representing Croatia at the Day of Europe in Argentina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11153/1/Teresa-Perinic-and-the-King-of-Dolls-representing-Croatia-at-the-Day-of-Europe-in-Argentina.html The Day of Europe has been celebrated on 9th of May 2019 in Buenos Aires. It consisted in Common Stories (Historias Comunes) connecting Europe and Argentina, in which also Croatia has participated. The collection of common stories consists of 20 stories from various European countries, collected in a book. The Croatian story deals with Ljeposlav Periniæ, better known throughout the world as The King of Dolls. The title of the story is "From Zagreb to Don Torquato - The King of Dolls". On the photo Teresa Perinic de Bellofatto, daughter of The King of Dolls. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 13 May 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic-Salopek: Veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Diocese of Gospiæ-Senj http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11155/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-Veneration-of-the-Blessed-Virgin-Mary-in-the-Diocese-of-Gospiae-Senj.html We often travel to the Adriatic coast through the spacious, desolate, forested and mountainous expanses of Lika, without being aware that there used to be a highly developed center of medieval Croatian culture and Glagolitic scriptoria. Although the brutal Ottoman invasions wrought devastation, we are attracted to the residual traces of the original old Croatian civilization. This is Hrvojka Mihanovic-Salopek's 11th DVD from the series Stella Maris of Croatia (Croatian Mariological heritage). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 04 May 2019 07:00:00 +0000 International festival of early music in Dvigrad, Istria, Croatia 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11150/1/International-festival-of-early-music-in-Dvigrad-Istria-Croatia-2019.html Alojzije Prosoli (on the photo), the founder and director of the Musica Sacra (Sveta glazba) associationa in Croatia, continues with his activities in promoting classical music in Croatia by organizing the XVIIth International Festival of Early Music, in the medieval town of Dvigrad in Istrian peninsula, Croatia. The festival is organized in unique ambience in the world, in the mediaeval town of Dvigrad, abandoned in 18th century. Dvigrad is placed near the town of Kanfanar in central part of Istrian peninsula. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 27 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii speaking about Croatia at the Japanese TV in February 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11148/1/Yoko-Nishii-speaking-about-Croatia-at-the-Japanese-TV-in-February-2019.html Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist and proponent of Croatian classical piano music in Japan, as well as of Japanese music in Croatia, was a guest of Japanese TV on 14th Febrary 2019. She described some of her numerous concerts in various Croatian cities (till 2018, she had as many as 48 soloist concerts in 24 cities, and innumerably many other appearances). She also described some of the cultural values of the country, as well as a little bit about Croatian cuisine. Yoko Nishii is fluent in Croatian language. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 01 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach International Newsletter No. 52: The Start of a New Year 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11146/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-52-The-Start-of-a-New-Year-2019.html Dear All, the year 2018 was a productive and exciting year and 2019 which just started looks like even more exciting... and I hope as productive as well. Focus WORLD PEACE, promoting my idea of World Peace In One Hour through four Human Passions that connects us all. ART, SPORTS, GASTRONOMY and FASHION. These four passions unite us regardless of skin color, religion, education, status in society, personal wealth or political alliance. If you have a Parkinson's diagnose and love Ping Pong, there will be the ITTF Parkinson's World Table Tennis Championships from October 11-13 here in New York. If you play any of 500+ instruments and want to play for World Peace in One Hour in the orchestra that has ALL the instruments of the world, apply! darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 24 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's great success in Germany - continuing GavranFest in Augsburg 2019 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11140/1/Miro-Gavrans-great-success-in-Germany---continuing-GavranFest-in-Augsburg-2019.html The ninth GavranFest, the international theatre festival which exclusively features plays by the Croatian author Miro Gavran, will take place 1-3 February 2019 in the Sensemble Theatre in Ausburg, Germany. The producers of the festival, Anne Schuester and Sebastian Seidel, have invited five productions from Austria, Croatia and Germany. They have also organised two round tables where directors, actors, theatrologists, and translators will speak about Gavran's work. Miro Gavran informed us that one of his books was translated in Azerbaijani in 2019, which is 41st language on the list of translations of his books! Congratulations! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 31 Jan 2019 07:00:00 +0000 Artur R. Bagdasarov published an important book "Armenija - Noina zemlja" in 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11134/1/Artur-R-Bagdasarov-published-an-important-book-quotArmenija---Noina-zemljaquot-in-2018.html Artur R. Bagdasarov, an Armenian scholar living in Moscow, is an expert in Croatian language and history. His newest book "Armenija - Noina zemlja" is his fifth book in Croatian language, and the third dealing with Armenia. Among interesting novelties published in the book, we mention the name of an Armenian Vagan Melik-Karaganjan, a honory citizen of the city of Biograd, who built the first hospital in this Croatian coastal city. It is not widely known that the congreation of Mhitarists, benedictine abeys of Armeno-catholic church, published more than 200 Croatian books in their printing house in Vienna. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 01 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian island's products - Hrvatski otoèki proizvod http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11125/1/Croatian-islands-products---Hrvatski-otoeki-proizvod.html àÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂàà darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Japanese-Croatian Friendship House in Tokamachi emits a permanent light http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11118/1/Japanese-Croatian-Friendship-House-in-Tokamachi-emits-a-permanent-light.html Croatian Ambassador to Japan Dr. Drago ©tambuk initiated in 2006 the construction of a Japanese - Croatian Friendship House. It was designed in 2009-2010 and its opening ceremony was held in 2012 in the city of Tokamachi. the facility was designed by the Croatian architectural tandem Vinko Peneziæ and Kre¹imir Rogina. Guided by the common cultural heritage and symbols of both countries, a project of high architectural and symbolic value was achieved. On the photo Mayor of the city of Tokamachi Mr. Sekiguchi with Dr. ©tambuk darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 31 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach at the nuclear reactor in Stockholm 30 m below http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11117/1/Nenad-Bach-at-the-nuclear-reactor-in-Stockholm-30-m-below.html In September 2018, Nenad Bach visited the nuclear reactor in Stockholm, as a part of his @KTH appearance at the MTF 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. It is interesting that he had the honor of playing music on a piano placed near the very bottom of the reactor. His message was an invitation to global peace: "World Peace In One Hour". "World Peace in One Hour" is the vision of Nenad Bach, international recording artist, composer, producer and peace activist. Over the past 25 years, Nenad has crafted a Roadmap to World Peace based on the premise that "Peace is Profitable". darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Bozo Skoko published “Understanding Croatia - A Collection of Essays on Croatian Identity” 2018 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 ubrini) Sun, 21 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 World Cravat Day 18th October - the origin of the CRAVAT and of its universally known name is Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11115/1/World-Cravat-Day-18th-October---the-origin-of-the-CRAVAT-and-of-its-universally-known-name-is-Croatia.html CRAVAT, the universaly known name of the necktie, has its origin in the name ov Croats. As an unavoidable fashion element, especially for representative pruposes, it can be met in the remotest parts of the Globe. It is without any doubt the most widespread fashion element in the world, bearing a national name. On the photo on the left is Ivan Gundulic (1589-1638), distinguished Croatian Renaissance writer from Dubrovnik, bearing the earliest known version of the Cravat. World Cravat Day, established by Academia Cravatica in Zagreb, is celebrated each year on 18th October. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic Croatian pianist and Koji Miura Japanese clarinettist playing in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11114/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-Croatian-pianist-and-Koji-Miura-Japanese-clarinettist-playing-in-Italy.html Parva Mundi Duo composed of Ivana Marija Vidoviæ and Koji Miura is a Croatian-Japanese classical music duo which will have a concert on October 6th, 7th and 8th 2018, in Bari, Italy. Their program consists of the pieces of Debussy, Liszt, Faure, Piazola, as well as of Croatian and Japanese authors. Both musicians have recently participated with great success at the 12th Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat (near Dubrovnik) in Croatia, of which Ivana Marija Vidovic is the founder and director. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii japanska pijanistica nastupa u Hrvatskom domu Herceg Stjepan Kosaèa u Mostaru 13. rujna 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11111/1/Yoko-Nishii-japanska-pijanistica-nastupa-u-Hrvatskom-domu-Herceg-Stjepan-Kosaea-u-Mostaru-13-rujna-2018.html Yoko Nishii, japanska pijanistica, odr¾ati æe glasovirski koncert 13. rujna u 20:00 sati u Hrvatskom domu Herceg Stjepan Kosaèa u Mostaru. Koncert pod nazivom "Prijateljstvo Japana i Mostara" organizira Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti, Hrvatsko kulturno dru¹tvo "Napredak" i Hrvatski dom Herceg Stjepan Kosaèa. Po prvi puta u Mostaru, u dugogodi¹njem prijateljstvu Japana i Mostara, svirati æe djela Bacha, Listza, Rachmaninoffa, japanskog skladatelja Kosaku Yamada, Dore Pejaèeviæ i ®ivka Kljuèe. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 07 Sep 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat directed by Ivana Marija Vidovic 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11110/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-directed-by-Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-2018.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Croatian pianist and poet, is the founder and director of the Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat, Croatia, which this year enters into its 12th season. Cavtat, a lovely town on Croatian coast, near the city of Dubrovnik, has become a meeting point of music, dance, painting and beautiful nature. This time, among other distinguished guests, will be Renzo Ruggieri, Italian jazz accordion player. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 07 Sep 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia and France in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Moscow http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11093/1/Croatia-and-France-in-the-final-of-the-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-in-Moscow.html This is the greatest succes of Croatian football in history, surpassing the third place of Croatian soccer team in 1998 during the FIFA World Cup in France. We recall the names of Davor ©uker, Zvonimir Boban and Slaven Biliæ from 1998, and the names of Luka Modriæ, Ivan Rakitiæ and Dejan Lovren in 2018. Before arriving to the final match, Croatian won in matches with very strong teams: England, Russian Federation, Denmark, Argentina and Nigeria. Furthermore, we indicate in this article some very interesting historical and cultural contacts between Croatia and France. On the photo Domagoj Vida immediately after the match with England, with his kids and the kids of Ivan Peri¹iæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 14 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Sanja Falisevac Croatian sculptress and poet enriching us with her deafblind world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11082/1/Sanja-Falisevac-Croatian-sculptress-and-poet-enriching-us-with-her-deafblind-world.html Sanja Falisevac began to portray at the age of 14, when she was already completely blind and deaf. She remembers from her childhood beautiful pictures of snow under sunset and Christmas. Her mother used to play with her by writing letters with her finger on her back, which Sanja easily recognized. She now communicates with the outer world in a similar tactile way, by writing on her palm. Her sculptures reveal her as a born artist, and she is now a member a the Union of Professional Croatian Artists. According to her own description, although being blind and deaf, she sees the outer world very clearly in her mental pictures and communicates by using touch. She is a perfect example for all those who think that their life is difficult. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 23 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Louis Zorich the USA veteran stage actor has died in New York in 2018 at the age of 93 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11078/1/Louis-Zorich-the-USA-veteran-stage-actor-has-died-in-New-York-in-2018-at-the-age-of-93.html Louis Zorich was born on February 12, 1924 and died on January 30, 2018. He was an American actor. He is perhaps best known to television audiences for his portrayal of Paul Reiser's father, Burt Buchman, on the NBC series Mad About You. He played the role from 1993 to 1999. Zorich was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Croatian immigrants Anna (nee Gledi) and Christ Zorich. He was Broadway veteran and the husband of Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, he also starred on TV's 'Brooklyn Bridge.' darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 12 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Alojzije Prosoli organizing 16th Dvigrad Festival of Early Music in June and July 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11076/1/Alojzije-Prosoli-organizing-16th-Dvigrad-Festival-of-Early-Music-in-June-and-July-2018.html Participating the 16th International Dvigrad Festival of Early Music are Ensemble Dialogos with Katarina Livljaniæ (Fr), Ensemble Antonima Frottolisti (It), Ensemble Lucidarium (It), Centotrecento Ensemble (It), Elena Roce, soprano, and Ema Stein, Renaissance lute, Ensemble Responsorium (Hr), Capella Sanctae Sophiae (Hr). The Festival is organized under the auspices of Kolinda Grabar Kitaroviæ, president of the Republic of Croatia. Alojzije Prosoli is the founder and director of the International Dvigrad Festival of Early Music, as well as of the Musica Sacra (Sveta glazba) association in Zagreb. The town of Dvigrad is placed in Istrian peninsula on the SW of Croatia, not far from the city of Pula. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 03 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran to have premieres in Cuba, the Netherlands, Romania, Macedonia and Kosovo, May & June 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11072/1/Miro-Gavran-to-have-premieres-in-Cuba-the-Netherlands-Romania-Macedonia-and-Kosovo-May--June-2018.html Miro Gavran: "It is a great pleasure to have five foreign premieres in such different cultures in short period of time. I am very happy to have my first premiere in Cuba which I can thank Zeljka Lovrencic. I am also happy to have another Dutch premiere after 30 years which wouldn't be possible without the help from Sanja Kregar who published several books of my prose in Amsterdam in last few years. Premieres in Romania, Macedonia and Kosovo and extension of successful cooperation so far. ..." With these performances Miro Gavran confirmed that he is the most performed Croatian writer in Croatia and abroad. His work has been translated into 40 languages. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 29 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Zvonimir Mihanovic distinguished Croatian hyper-realistic painter living in the city of Split http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11070/1/Zvonimir-Mihanovic-distinguished-Croatian-hyper-realistic-painter-living-in-the-city-of-Split.html After completing his elementary and high school education in Split, Croatia Mihanovic went to Paris in 1971 to study at the L'Ecole des beaux-arts. Major galleries in the United States promote his art and organizing exhibitions, including galleries in New York, Chicago, Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, and Aspen. He is represented by Mihanovic International of Aspen, Colorado, USA. Mihanovic's distinctive style of painting, recognized by art critics as a particular expression of contemporary hyper-realism, places him among the most sought after and in-demand artists in the world today. As a colorist, he is creative and unsurpassed, capturing not only detail but exact and precise colors. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 21 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic translated into Croatian the verses written in 1876 in honor of Franjo Krezma in Verona http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11068/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-translated-into-Croatian-the-verses-written-in-1876-in-honor-of-Franjo-Krezma-in-Verona.html In 1876, young Croatian violinist Franjo Kre¾ma (on the photo), then at the age of 14, had a series of three consecutive concerts at the Ristori Theatre in Verona, on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th December. The concerts have been announced by beautiful verses written by anonymous Italian author G.D. The verses have been translated into Croatian in 2018 by Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian pianist, poetesse and writer. Franjo Kre¾ma was a violin prodigy: he earned his diploma at the Conservatory of Vienna at the age of 13! He died very young, at the age of 19. ivanamarija.vidovic@gmail.com (Ivana Marija Vidovi) Wed, 16 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000 When you want to lift your spirits sky high, come to Croatia! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11064/1/When-you-want-to-lift-your-spirits-sky-high-come-to-Croatia.html Visit the city where Marin Èiliæ found his love! Visit and discover Mario Mand¾ukiæ's Slavonia and its tremendous food and wine. Visit the National Parks approved by Ivan Rakitic. See a concert in Pula's Arena -€" approved by the 2CELLOS. Visit the birth town of Luka Modriæ (on the photo). Hit the basket on Dra¾en Petroviæ'€™s court like Dario ©ariæ. See one of the most beautiful Croatian buildings in the birth town of Dario ©ariæ. Visit one of the sunniest coast lines in Euope and find out who is the biggest Croatian musician in Croatia and it's not Maksim Mrvica. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 29 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Vidovic playing extremely demanding Grande Ouverture Op. 61 by Mauro Giuliani http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11063/1/Ana-Vidovic-playing-extremely-demanding-Grande-Ouverture-Op-61-by-Mauro-Giuliani-.html Ana Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian guitarist, continues to surprise us with a variety and quality of her classical guitar interpretations of famous composers. We provide a small collection of videos describing her unprecedented success throughtout the world, ranking her among the best contemporary classical guitar musicians. She was born in the city of Karlovac in Croatia, and completed the study of classical guitar at the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb, which she inscribed at the age of 13! We also provide an interesting interview with Ana conducted by Benjamin Verdery. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 28 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Filip Cvitic and his Fabula Shop promoting Croatian cultural heritage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11061/1/Filip-Cvitic-and-his-Fabula-Shop-promoting-Croatian-cultural-heritage.html Fabula Shop is a new E-Commerce platform on which the native and foreign customers have access to high-quality gifts with stories that promote Croatian cultural heritage. Fabula Shop gathers people who have an interest in products with Croatian background and products which promote Croatian cultural heritage. Here you will find authentic jewelry, museum tickets, souvenirs, clothes, illustrations, books and services connected with culture of Croatia. Currently the physical products are available for delivery in entire Europe, and the digital ones in the whole world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 18 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's plays "The Doll" and "Death of an Actor" published in Hindi in Jaipur, India 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11059/1/Miro-Gavrans-plays-quotThe-Dollquot-and-quotDeath-of-an-Actorquot-published-in-Hindi-in-Jaipur-India-2018.html "The Doll" and "Death of an Actor" - two popular plays written by Miro Gavran were published as two books in hardcover in Hindi in Jaipur, India. Publisher is Bodi Prakash. Both of these were translated into hindi by Saurabh Srivastava. Gavran's plays had performances all around India - from Mumbai to Puni and Hyderabad, Assam and Bangalore in the last 15 years. This is first time that his texts were published as books in India. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 17 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota's hommage to Otto Piene and his HÉLIOGABALUS Berlin 18th April – 30th June 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11058/1/Ante-Glibotas-hommage-to-Otto-Piene-and-his-HELIOGABALUS-Berlin-18th-April-8211-30th-June-2018.html THE NIGHTS OF HELIOGABALUS is homage to Otto Piene on what would have been his 90th birthday (1928-2014) . Poems by Fernando Arrabal, text by Ante Glibota (on the photo), lithographs by Otto Piene, and sculptures by Andreas Blank and Stefan Rinck. This artistic dialogue between the visual arts and poetry was conceived by Ante Glibota. Ante Glibota, a close friend of Otto Piene, will attend the opening and give an introduction. Schlachthaus.fresh&fine art will open its new exhibition space at Budapester StrassŸe 10 in Berlin Charlottenburg. Opening: 18th April 2018, duration of the exhibition: 19th April -€" 30 June 2018. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 17 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Kristian Krekovic's portraits exhibited in Sweden upon the initiative of Ljerka Galic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11053/1/Kristian-Krekovics-portraits-exhibited-in-Sweden-upon-the-initiative-of-Ljerka-Galic.html Kristian Krekoviæ (1901-1985), distinguished Croatian painter, spent the years 1948-1952 in Sweden, where he made several portraits of members of the Schmitz family in Malmo. It is known that during that period Krekoviæ made a portrait of the Swedish King Gustav Vth. He also portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in his atelier in Paris in 1931, who often visited him. Upon the intiative of Mrs. Ljerka Galic of the Croatian Foundation Heritage, an exhibition of Krekoviæ's works of art has been organized in Malmo in October 2017. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 19 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran to be awarded with "Gold Merit Badge of the Republic of Austria" by president Van der Bellen http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11050/1/-Miro-Gavran-to-be-awarded-with-quotGold-Merit-Badge-of-the-Republic-of-Austriaquot-by-president-Van-der-Bellen.html Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria made a decision to award Miro Gavran with "Gold Merit Badge of the Republic of Austria". It will be awarded on March 20th 2018. He received international "Dr. Alois Mock Europa-Preis" award for affirmation of European values in his literary works in December in Vienna. Prominent publisher from Vienna - "Seifert Verlag" published four of his novels in hardcover. Gavran has had nine theatre premieres in German in Austria and Germany so far and there is one more premiere coming up in Vienna in Septermber 2018. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 08 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Jelko Yuresha Croatian ballet prodigy at the Royal Ballet in London since 1962 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11046/1/Jelko-Yuresha-Croatian-ballet-prodigy-at-the-Royal-Ballet-in-London-since-1962.html Jelko Yuresha was born in 1937 as ®eljko Jure¹a in Croatia's capital Zagreb. In 1958, Jelko Yuresha emigrated to England, later gaining United Kingdom citizenship. Yuresha made his professional debut as a first guest artist with the newly formed Irish Theatre Ballet in Dublin. He joined London Festival Ballet (today English National Ballet) in 1959. In 1959, Yuresha partnered with Belinda Wright at a Royal Command Performance before Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in Manchester. Jelko Yuresha and Belinda Wright married in 1961. In 2017, Mr. Jelko Yuresha has donated his valuable ballet collection to his native City of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 16 Feb 2018 07:00:00 +0000 London piano recital by Stefan Warzycki in aid of the International Trust for Croatian Monuments 28 Feb 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11044/1/London-piano-recital-by-Stefan-Warzycki-in-aid-of-the-International-Trust-for-Croatian-Monuments-28-Feb-2018.html The recital of distinguished pianist Stefan Warzycki is being given in aid of the International Trust for Croatian Monuments, which was founded in 1991 under the auspices of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (UK) in response to damage and destruction of monuments of culture in Croatia caused by war. It has supported the restoration of churches, cathedrals, museums, libraries and works of art. All of the music in this recital is for the left hand alone, composed by J.S. Bach (Brahms's superb arrangement), F. Bridge, D. Lipatti, M. Moszkowski, L. Godowski, P.Z. Novak). The concert will be held at Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Road, London, W14 8LZ, on Wed 28 Feb 2018 at 7:30 p.m. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 10 Feb 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Senoa House in Zagreb The Museum of August Senoa described by Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11042/1/Senoa-House-in-Zagreb-The-Museum-of-August-Senoa-described-by-Lady-Jadranka-Beresford-Peirse.html Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse, b. Njer¹, of Croatian origin, lives in London, and is a founder of The International Trust for Croatian Monuments already in 1991. Since then, she has organized numerous humanitarian and cultural events and undertakings. Here we reproduce her very interesting article published in London by "The Bridge", a journal of Croatian community in England, which deals with The ©enoa House, which is a private museum in the city of Zagreb, directed by Mrs. Jasmina Reis. August ©enoa is significant Croatian writer from the 19th century, one of the trademarks of Croatian literature. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Mihael Feric founded Tambura Museum in Brod na Savi Croatia unique in the world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11039/1/Mihael-Feric-founded-Tambura-Museum-in-Brod-na-Savi-Croatia-unique-in-the-world.html Mihael Feriæ, distinguished Croatian expert for tamburitza music, founded the Tambura Museum in the town of Brod na Savi in 2012, which is unique in the world. It contains a fascinating collection of tamburitza instruments of amazing versatility, since the mid 19th century until today, as well as a rich collection of various manuals and books. The most valuable book has been written by Mr. Feriæ himself, entitled "Croatian Tambura Breviary", written in Croatian. In this article we provide a some of the most interesting photos from the Tambura Museum, inviting You to visit Croatia in order to see this unique exhibition. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 10 Jan 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's novel "Kafka's Friend" published in Bulgarian in 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11037/1/Miro-Gavrans-novel-quotKafkas-Friendquot-published-in-Bulgarian-in-2017.html Miro Gavran is the greatest contemporary Croatian writer, whose plays and novels have been translated into fourty languages worldwide. His novel "Kafka's friend" has been released in Sofia, Bulgaria, by respected publishing house "Paradox". The translation into Bulgarian was done by Valentina Sedevèeva. This novel has so far been translated from its original Croatian, into Dutch, Czech, Slovakian, English and Albanian, as well as partially, into French and Esperanto. It tells a powerful and emotional story of two writers and friends, Franz Kafka and Max Brod, and the women that determined their destiny. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 01 Jan 2018 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian tamburitza orchestral play widespread throughout the world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11035/1/Croatian-tamburitza-orchestral-play-widespread-throughout-the-world.html Croatian tamburitza tradition goes back to the mid 19th century, when orchestral tamburiza play has been introduced in the city of Osijek on the NW of Croatia. It soon became quite widespread, not only in Croatia, but in many other countries throughout the world. Tamburitza play is an essential part of Croatian music culture, recognizable throughout the globe, especially in the USA, Argentina, Chile and Australia. In Croatia, there even used to be tamburitza orchestras for blind children. Orchestras for girls and women bear witness of an early emancipation of Croatian women already in the early 1900s. On the photo see Ann Elias from the Croatian Tamburitza Orchestra in the USA between the two World wars. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 17 Dec 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Ivica Percl's song Stari Pjer - Old Pierre - interpreted by Greek singer Nana Mouskouri in German and French http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11034/1/Ivica-Percls-song-Stari-Pjer---Old-Pierre---interpreted-by-Greek-singer-Nana-Mouskouri-in-German-and-French.html Ivica Percl (1945-2007) was Croatian singer, composer and painter, who accompanied his singing with his guitar and harp. His best known song is Stari Pjer, composed by Ðorðe Novkoviæ. It is very little known that this song was beautifully interpreted by a famous Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, in French and in German. In this article we collect some of their interpretations of the song, as well as by a few other singers. As a musician, he took part in defense of Croatia with his guitar on warious Croatian battlefields, since 1991. He was a very modest and unassuming person. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 06 Dec 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Coat of Arms from 15th to 19th centuries http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11031/1/Croatian-Coat-of-Arms-from-15th-to-19th-centuries.html We provide a selection from a wide variety of Croatian Coat of Arms appearing during the time span of four centuries - from the 15th to 19th centuries. They appear not only in Croatia, but also thrhought Europe and in both Americas. On the photo is Croatian Coat of Arms appearing in Innsbruck, Austria, dating from dating from 1495/96. We provide just a selection of an immense number of interesting artefacts. Many consider the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Croatia to be mong the most beutiful in the world. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 27 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran the greatest contemporary Croatian writer received ''Dr. Alois Mock Europapreis 2017'' award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11029/1/Miro-Gavran-the-greatest-contemporary-Croatian-writer-received-Dr-Alois-Mock-Europapreis-2017-award.html The greatest contemporary Croatian writer Miro Gavran is the winner of this year's prestigious international 'Dr Alois MockEuropapreis 2017' award. As soon as it arrived, the announcement of this year's selection was signed by Michael Spindelleger, the president of the 'Dr Alois Mock' Foundation and former Austrian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Foundation. The plays of Miro Gavran have been translated into as many as 40 languages worldwide. Congratulations to Mr. Gavran! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 20 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Thana Alexa to perform at concert honoring Ella Fitzgerald's Centennial on November 12, 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11024/1/Thana-Alexa-to-perform-at-concert-honoring-Ella-Fitzgeralds-Centennial-on-November-12-2017.html Croatian-American, Thana Alexa (left) will be performing a special concert celebrating Ella Fitzgerald'€™s centennial at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City on November 12, 2017. The program features milestone standards that inspired the legendary Ella Fitzgerald and highlight her journey from debut performance at the Apollo Theater'€™s Amateur Night to her groundbreaking career as one of the most celebrated jazz artists of the 20th Century. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 05 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran will have premieres in India, Russia and Germany in October 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11023/1/Miro-Gavran-will-have-premieres-in-India-Russia-and-Germany-in-October-2017.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran will have three premieres across the globe in October 2017. Ensemble Theater from Augsburg, Germany, will have premire of comedy "The Doll" on October 28th. On the same day theatre "M-ART" from Moscow, Russia, will have premiere of Gavran's play "My Wife's Husband". WeMove theatre from Bangalore, India, will have premiere of Miro Gavran's comedy "All About Women" in Kannada langauge. Miro Gavran so far had more than 300 premieres all around the world which were seen by more than 3 million viewers. His plays were translated into 40 languages! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 29 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic i Vesna Miletic s koncertom na Rijeci 27. i 30. studenog 2017. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11030/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-i-Vesna-Miletic-s-koncertom-na-Rijeci-27-i-30-studenog-2017.html U ponedjeljak 27. studenog 2017. u Narodnoj knji¾nici u Kostreni sv. Luciji te u èetvrtak 30. studenog u dvorani Hrvatske èitaonice Trsat odr¾at æe koncert Klavirski duo Fantazija kojeg èine dubrovaèka pijanistica i pjesnikinja Ivana Marija Vidoviæ te pijanistica Vesna Miletiæ. U Kostreni æe im se pridru¾it i pjesnikinja Vesna Miculiniæ Pre¹njak s Rijeke, a za izbor i recitaciju stihova odgovorne su pjesnikinje Vidoviæ i Miculiniæ Pre¹njak. Na Trsatu æe kao gost koncerta klavirskog dua nastupit i zbor Hrvatske èitaonice Trsat pod ravnjanjem maestra Vinka Badjuka. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 10 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii pianist concert at the Mimara Palace in Zagreb in Sep 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11017/1/Yoko-Nishii-pianist-concert-at-the-Mimara-Palace-in-Zagreb-in-Sep-2017.html Yoko Nishii had an excellent pianist concert at the Mimara Palace in Zagreb, which has started with Japanese and Croatian composers. She is known as a proponent of Croatian music heritage, especially the music works of Dora Pejaèeviæ (1885 - 1923), the first significant Croatian woman composer. The concert has been organized by the Embassy of Japan in the city of Zagreb. Till now, Yoko Nishii had 46 soloist concerts in as many as 24 Croatian cities and towns. She speaks Croatian, and in 2015 she published the double CD in Tokyo containing pianist works of Dora Pejaèeviæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Mirko Tomasovic 1938-2017 distinguished Croatian literary historian and translator http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11014/1/Mirko-Tomasovic-1938-2017-distinguished-Croatian-literary-historian-and-translator.html A member of Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Mirko Tomasoviæ was the most prolific literary translator from Romance languages in Croatia and distinguished expert in Latinist literature. He left us important studies on the written Croatian and Latin heritage of Marko Maruliæ (1450-1524), the most important Croatian Renaissance writer. His translations into Croatian include about 20 books of Italian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan and Occitan poetry, as well as epic and drama literature. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 08 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Dina Merhav דינה מרחב‎‎ distinguished Croatian born Israeli sculptor presented by Yoko Nishii http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11003/1/Dina-Merhav-1491149715041492-150215121495148982068206-distinguished-Croatian-born-Israeli-sculptor-presented-by-Yoko-Nishii.html Dina Merhav is an international artist, born in 1936 in the city of Vinkovci, Croatia, whose works are in public and private collections throughout the globe. Her sculptures can be found in Mumbai, India, Geneve, Switzerland, Canada, USA and Europe. In Israel, her base and homeland, the sculptures are placed in parks, schools, industrial plants, and memorial sites. Her first individual exhibition outside of Israel took place in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 2013, in the Glyptotheque of HAZU (= Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts) Gallery in Zagreb. Later the same year, it has been welcomed in her native city of Vinkovci with great appreciation and love. yoko51415@yahoo.co.jp (Yoko Nishii) Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 University of Zadar to host Inaugural "May of Bre¹an" in 2018 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11002/1/University-of-Zadar-to-host-Inaugural-quotMay-of-Breanquot-in-2018.html Ivo Bre¹an (27 May 1936 - 3 January 2017) was a Croatian playwright, novelist, and screenwriter, known for political satire. From May 18-20, 2018 the University of Zadar will host the the inaugural "May of Bre¹an", an international academic conference dedicated to examining Bre¹an's works. Those wanting to participate in the conference have until December 1, 2017 to register. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Darko Varga 1956-2017 distinguished Croatian publicist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11000/1/Darko-Varga-1956-2017-distinguished-Croatian-publicist.html Darko Varga, 1956-2017, born in the city of Osijek, grown up in the town of Dalj, attended High School in his native city, and completed his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Zagreb. From 1993 till 2000, he served as director of HEP (Croatian Electric Supply) in the region of Baranja on the NE of Croatia. He was active in revitalizing Croatian villages as well as ecotourism in Baranja, ravaged in the early 1990s during the Serbian aggression on Croatia. Also, he was an indefatigable promoter of cultural traditions of the region. His latest work on an impressive monograph dealing with the cuisine of the noble Croatian family of Zrinski, has been published in 2015 on the occasion of 450 years since the legendary Siget Battle in 1566. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's novel John the Baptist translated from Croatian into Bulgarian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10998/1/Miro-Gavrans-novel-John-the-Baptist-translated-from-Croatian-into-Bulgarian.html Miro Gavran's book "John the Baptist" has been translated into Bulgarian by Valentina Sedefcheva, Sofia. So far this novel had seven editions in Croatian. It was also published in Spanish in Buenos Aires, in German in Vienna and in English on Amazon. It is a story set in 1st century AD, in time of violent political and religious shift. Heroes of the novel are John the Baptist, Saloma, Elisha and Bileam, and Jesus Christ himself. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 02 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Milka Trnina or Ternina 1863-1941 distinugished Croatian opera singer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10975/1/Milka-Trnina-or-Ternina-1863-1941-distinugished-Croatian-opera-singer.html According to Giacomo Puccini, author of the famous opera Tosca, Milka Trnina (or Ternina) was the best "Tosca" that he had opportunity to listen to (on the London premiere in 1900). In 1898, she appeared for the first time in opera in London, performing Isolde in Tristan und Isolde. She would continue to appear at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, until 1906, achieving a total of 98 appearances there in a variety of operas. Did You know that the name of the famous MILKA chocolate, Switzerland, had been given in honour to Milka Trnina, Croatian opera diva? The founder of the company, who was a great admirer of the singer, decided to name the company and his chocolate by the name of MILKA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 14 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Ruggiero Boscovich - Rudjer Boskovic (1711-1787) has a memorial plaque in Milano http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10987/1/Ruggiero-Boscovich---Rudjer-Boskovic-1711-1787-has-a-memorial-plaque-in-Milano.html In June 2017, on Piazzale Borromeo in the heart of Milan, a commemoration ceremony and performance took place for Ruðer Bo¹koviæ, native of Dubrovnik and the most distinguished scientist in Croatia'€™s history, outside the Church of Santa Maria Podone, where he was buried on 13 February 1787. A memorial constructed of Dubrovnik Mironja stone was unveiled with the support of renowned lawyer, Cristian Pambianchi, an esteemed friend to Dubrovnik, and realized by the Croatia'€™s Consulate General in Milan. On the photo Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian pianist, by the memorial plaque dedicated to Ruggiero Boscovich - Ruðer Bo¹koviæ. ivanamarija.vidovic@gmail.com (Ivana Marija Vidovi) Wed, 28 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000 AMCA Paris organized two lectures dedicated to Croatian Glagolitic Script in May 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10977/1/AMCA-Paris-organized-two-lectures-dedicated-to-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-in-May-2017.html Upon the invitation of AMCA Paris (a society of former students of Croatian Universities, living in Paris), Mauricij Frka Pete¹iæ and Darko ®ubriniæ had the honor to deliver a joint lecture entitled "Croatian Glagolitic culture and its European context" (May 4th 2017), with a special emphasis on Croatian-French relations. Two days later, D.®. had a short palaeographic course for children about Croatian Glagolitic, based on manuscripts written arround 1400 at Sorbonne in Paris by Georges d'Esclavonie (+1416), Croatian Glagolitic priest who entered into the history of French literature. On the photo are the lecturers with Mrs. Lamia Barbier Ru¾diæ, president of AMCA Paris. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 19 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000 International conference in Biograd and Zadar on the phenomenon of glagolitic script in May 12-13th, 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10983/1/International-conference-in-Biograd-and-Zadar-on-the-phenomenon-of-glagolitic-script-in-May-12-13th-2017.html Thirty three scientists from Croatia, Austria, Italy, Japan, Russia and Slovenia participated at the Conference. It has been superbly organized by the city of Biograd and the University of Zadar (which the oldest Croatian university, founded in 1396), as well as by Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Old Slavonic Insitute, Matrix Croatica Zadar. The Conference was held under auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia. On the photo Dr. Keiko Mitani from Tokyo, one of the participants and contributors to the Conference. She speaks Croatian, and completed her PhD at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 15 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Sead Muhamedagic 1954-2021 distinguished Croatian literary translator from German http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10974/1/Sead-Muhamedagic-1954-2021-distinguished-Croatian-literary-translator-from-German.html Sead Ivan Muhamedagiæ (1954-2021) was born in Zagreb, where he worked as a literary translator, journalist and poet. He translated fiction, poems, essays, scholarly texts on literature and music as well as pedagogical texts from German into Croatian, and vice versa. He translated works of German-language authors such as Thomas Berhnhard, Elfriede Jelinek, Annemarie Schimmel, Werner Schwab, Arthur Schnitzler, Peter Turrini, Karl Kraus, Gert Jonke, Klaus Hensel and W.G. Sebald. Despite being blind since his birth, he was working not only in Zagreb, but is also teaching students in Austria, at the Pedagogical College in the city of Graz. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 11 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic Salopek presenting Croatian Mariological Heritage of the Varazdin Bishopric http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10971/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-presenting-Croatian-Mariological-Heritage-of-the-Varazdin-Bishopric.html Dr. Hrvojka Mihanoviæ-Salopek prepared already her tenth DVD covering various aspects of extremely rich mariological heritage among Croatians. This DVD refers to the Vara¾din Bishopric on Croatian north. Numerous baroque churches, lavishly decorated by Ivan Ranger and other Baroque artists, provide a special touch into the architecture of the city of Vara¾din and surrounding towns and villages. A special emphasis is placed on the natural beauties of the region, liturgical and folk melodies, as well as on centuries old Croatian literature. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 07 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Cedric Villani visited Croatia lecturing at the University of Zagreb about Mathematics and Art http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10969/1/Cedric-Villani-visited-Croatia-lecturing-at-the-University-of-Zagreb-about-Mathematics-and-Art.html Cedric Villani, distinguished French mathematician, visited Croatia in 2017 (on the photo with Petra Ivatovic, 2nd grade of the XVth Gymnasium in Zagreb). On 3rd April he delivered two lectures, one for high school students in the city of Zagreb, dealing with Math and Bats, and another at the University of Zagreb, dealing with Mathematics and Art. In several of his previous lectures he mentioned the work of Croatian mathematician Danilo Blanu¹a in the context of achievements of John Nash in the study of isometric embeddings of hyperbolic spaces (important in the relativity theory) into Euclidean spaces. His appearance in Croatia has raised unprecedented interest. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 04 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's seventh Festival in Prague 5-10th April 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10968/1/Miro-Gavrans-seventh-Festival-in-Prague-5-10th-April-2017.html   The festival was initiated in 2003 at the Theater of Jan Palarik in Trnava, Slovakia, where it ran four times until 2009 before relocating in 2013 to Theater LUDOWY in Krakow, Poland. As of 2016, GavranFest takes place in Prague, Czech Republic. Gavran is the only living writer in Europe who has a theater festival dedicated to him, that continuously operates outside his homeland. His books and plays have been translated from Croatian into as many as 38 languages throughout the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 01 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's novel Forgotten Son published in Tokyo in Japanese http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10963/1/Miro-Gavrans-novel-Forgotten-Son-published-in-Tokyo-in-Japanese.html Miro Gavran's novel Zaboravljeni sin (Forgotten Son) has been translated from Croatian into Japanese by Ikuko Yamamoto and published in Tokyo by reputed Kindabungeisha Publishing House. It already had nine Croatian editions, as well as in German, English and Castillian, while in 2002 it has been placed on the IBBY HONOUR LIST in Basle, Switzerland. Miro Gavran is a global phenomenon: his books have been translated into 38 languages worldwide. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 07 Mar 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's comedy premiere בעלה של אשתי in Tel Aviv in Israel on Feb 3 2017 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10952/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-premiere-1489150615001492-15131500-1488151315141497-in-Tel-Aviv-in-Israel-on-Feb-3-2017.html Premiere of Miro Gavran's comedy "My Wife's Husband" (בעלה של אשתי) in National Theatre Habima in Tel Aviv, Israel in Hebrew will be on February 3rd, 2017. The director is Roy Segev, the main roles are performed by Ami Smolarchik, Pini Kidron and Shiffi Aloni, scene designer is Zeev Levi, costume designer is Aviah Bash, composer Ben Nun and light design was done by Yogev Mazuz. Miro Gavran's work has been translated into 38 languages and his plays were seen by more than three million theatre viewers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 03 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach International Newsletter No. 47 Life is Beautiful, Vukovar, micro:bit http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10950/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-47-Life-is-Beautiful-Vukovar-microbit--.html We have seen a lot of change since my last newsletter was published. A new year, new challenges, and the passing of dear friends. March 17, I will be performing with Neno Belan and Olja Desic in Osijek to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Poduzetnik magazine. April 22, I will be in Dubuque for a private performance at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. On April 28, I will be in Washington, D.C. to give a performance and discuss how to be a catalyst for world peace, for Hrvatska Ura. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Lackovic Croata distinguished painter inspired Fumiko Yamazaki in Japan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10949/1/Ivan-Lackovic-Croata-distinguished-painter-inspired-Fumiko-Yamazaki-in-Japan.html Ivan Lackoviæ Croata is one of the most distinguished representatives of the so called Naive Art. Due to his paintings, Fumiko Yamazaki visited Croatia in 1990s, learned Croatian both spoken and written, and is known for popularizing the art of Lackoviæ Croata in Japan. As we can see, fine art does not know borders. Mrs. Fumiko Yamazaki founded Lackoviæ Art Japan society. In 2012,  the then Croatian Ambassador in Japan, Drago Buvaè handed the Certificate of Gratitude to Mrs. Fumiko Yamazaki in recognition of her contribution to the development of the Croatian-Japanese cultural cooperation. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 31 Jan 2017 07:00:00 +0000 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2017 messages from the village of Samarica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10937/1/Merry-Christmas-and-a-Happy-New-Year-2017-messages-from-the-village-of-Samarica.html Samarica is a lonely village near the mount of Moslavaèka gora East of the city of Zagreb. We present its traditional Christmas carols and customs. We also enclose a Christmas message written by rev. Nikola Radiæ from the largest Croatian island of Krk, as well as two very nice Catholic calendars (the general one and the one representing the island of Krk) created by him in 2016. Rev. Radiæ is at the age of 80 and he is one day older than Pope Francis. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Marinko Marco Radakovic to appear in the film "Patriot's Day" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10936/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-to-appear-in-the-film-quotPatriots-Dayquot.html Marinko Marco Radakovic (left) will appear in the film “Patriot’s Day” directed by Peter Berg, and is about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent terrorist manhunt led by Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Dawhich. This visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and the strength of the people of Boston. Radakovic will be playing a Boston police officer. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 21 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Zagreb AdvEnt Days among the most interesting in Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10924/1/Zagreb-AdvEnt-Days-among-the-most-interesting-in-Europe.html The Zagreb Advent Days are among the most beautiful events of this kind in Europe, accompanied with a peaceful mood, specific music, domastic food, and unusual sceneries in richly decorated Croatia's capital. In the recent years, Zagreb was voted the best Christmas place in Europe. On the photo the advent wreath created by members of the OZANA Association for persons in need. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 19 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Miletic Dail exhibiting her Five medallions of Croatian history in San Pedro on 19 Nov 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10922/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-exhibiting-her-Five-medallions-of-Croatian-history-in-San-Pedro-on-19-Nov-2016.html The first panel was named "Seoba Hrvata" - "Croatian Migration", the second "Krstenje Hrvata" or "Christening of Croats", the third "Matija Gubec" or "Matija Gubec's crowning"; the 16th century revolutionary, put to death with a hot iron crown. The fourth "Ante Starcevic - Otac Domovine", "Ante Starcevic, father of our homeland. And the fifth "Alojzije Stepinac", our cardinal and Blessed Martyr, imprisoned by communists. The opening of the exhibition will be on 19 Nov 2016 at 6:30 PM in Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 18 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic Salopek presenting Croatian Mariological Heritage of the Sisak Bishopric http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10914/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-presenting-Croatian-Mariological-Heritage-of-the-Sisak-Bishopric.html Veneration of Mary, Mother of Mercy, in the city of Sisak near Croatia's capital Zagreb is the ninth film in the series Digital Recording of the Croatian Mariological Heritage, under the auspices of the Committee for Education, Science and Culture of the Croatian Parliament and the Council for Culture of the Croatian Conference of Bishops. The project leader, scenarist and director is Hrvojka Mihanoviæ-Salopek, Ph.D, who deserves our deep gratitude for her excellent work, as well as the producers, Alojzije Prosoli and Kre¹imir Renzo Prosoli. On the photo two angels from the Sisak bishopric. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 26 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Vinkovci Automns - Vinkovacke jeseni 2016 Croatian folklore manifestation presented by Yoko Nishii http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10912/1/Vinkovci-Automns---Vinkovacke-jeseni-2016-Croatian-folklore-manifestation-presented-by-Yoko-Nishii.html Vinkovaèke jeseni (Vinkovci Automns) is a Croatian folklore manifestation organized each year in the city of Vinkovci since 1966. The impetus to prepare this presentation of Vinkovaèke jeseni came from Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist. She is a well known guest in Vinkovci, where she already had several concerts organized by Matrix Croatica, promoting, among others, Dora Pejaèeviæ, the first internationally known Croatian woman composer. In September 2016 she had a concert just during the Vinkovaèke jeseni manifestation, and offered us her beautiful photos, a selection of which we are happy and proud to present for the readers of the CROWN. yoko51415@yahoo.co.jp (Yoko Nishii) Sat, 22 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Amira Medunjanin Tour October-November 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10898/1/Amira-Medunjanin-Tour-October-November-2016.html In recent years, singer Amira Medunjanin (left), an outstanding successor of the Bosnian traditional music Sevdah, has become one of the most important voices of the Central Europe. ​Her dignified voice is as smooth as silk yet at the same time as solid as rock, and is able to interpret the strength of fearless emotions. In the form of a trio, Amira Medunjanin will be accompanied by: Ante Gelo (guitar) and Zvonimir Sestak (Upright bass). She will be touring North America for the first time from October 28 to November 20th. Read on to see the complete list of cities and dates. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 14 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii Japanese pianist has six concerts in Croatia in Sep 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10894/1/Yoko-Nishii-Japanese-pianist-has-six-concerts-in-Croatia-in-Sep-2016.html In September 2016 Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist and proponent of the music of Dora Pejaèeviæ (the first Croatian women composer), arrives to Croatia again with a series of six concerts (Rovinj, Sisak, Vinkovci, Cavtat, Ludbreg, Zapre¹iæ), as well as in Kotor and Budapest. On the photo Yoko Nishii with Vjeko Martinko, her host in Villa Astra in the town of Lovran in which she graduated piano studies in 2000. Yoko is fluent in Croatian language. In the Spring of 2015, Yoko Nishii issued an important double CD in Tokyo, containig complete pianistic works of Dora Pejaèeviæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 06 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat celebrates 10 fruitful years of existence in 2016 - congratulations! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10892/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-celebrates-10-fruitful-years-of-existence-in-2016---congratulations.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinugished Croatian pianist and poet from Dubrovnik, is the founder of artistic director of the Epidaurus Festival in the town of Cavtat near Dubrovnik. The Epidaurus Festival celebrates 10th anniversary in 2016. It has hosted numerous musicians and artists from Croatia and abroad. In the name of the readers of the CROWN, we express our deep gratitude to Ivana for her perserverence and hard work, and for having established numerous very interesting and fruitful music contacts between Croatia and other countries.  darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 05 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Masic exhibiting her works of art in Amsterdam Whitney Gallery NY 26 Aug - 27 Sep 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10890/1/Ivana-Masic-exhibiting-her-works-of-art-in-Amsterdam-Whitney-Gallery-NY-26-Aug---27-Sep-2016.html Ivana Masic was born and raised in White Plains, New York. She graduated from Manhattanville College with a Masters in Art and Education & a BFA double major in Business Management and Fine Art. She proudly teaches High School Art at Valhalla High School in NY. Ivana collaborates often with various artists, musicians, producers, directors, writers, educators & healers. Notably, Ivana also acted as art director for the NY based company called The Last Automat Press and designed over 30 book covers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 30 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Natasha and Volodimir Balyk distinguished Russian-Ukrainian music duo living in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10878/1/Natasha-and-Volodimir-Balyk-distinguished-Russian-Ukrainian-music-duo-living-in-Croatia.html Nata¹a and Volodimir Balyk, better known as Duo Balyk, is a music family of Russian and Ukrainian provenance, both of them excellent musicians playing domra, a sort of mandolin, and bajan, a sort of button accordion, respectively. They live in Croatia since the 1990s, in the town of Lovran, and are performing throughout Croatia, as well as all over Europe. Their repertoire is enormous, ranging from classical pieces to traditional, folk and jazz music. Both educated at the Moscow Conservatory, they are lecturing in Croatia at the Music School of Mate Ronjgov in the town of Krk, as well as in the town of Rab, in respective departments for guitar & mandolin (Nata¹a), and Accordion (Volodimir). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 06 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii Japanese pianist has a series of concerts throughout Croatia in Sep 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10877/1/Yoko-Nishii-Japanese-pianist-has-a-series-of-concerts-throughout-Croatia-in-Sep-2016.html Yoko Nishii is known as a leading promoter of the music of Dora Pejaèeviæ, after having published the complete pianist works of the first Croatian woman composer in Tokyo in the Spring of 2016. Yoko-san is preparing her new concert tour in Croatia for September 2016, starting in the town of Rovinj on the Sep 8th. Having studied piano in Japan, Yoko-san continued her specialisation in Croatian town of Lovran. She is fluent in Croatian language, and in the past years visited as a pianist numerous Croatian towns. This time, by the courtesy of Mr. Vjeko Martinko, she will also be hosted among others by Hotel Villa Astra in Lovran, where she will meet her numerous friends. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 05 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Brenda Brkusic won her 5th and 6th Emmy Awards at the Television Academy's LA Area Emmy Awards http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10874/1/Brenda-Brkusic-won-her-5th-and-6th-Emmy-Awards-at-the-Television-Academys-LA-Area-Emmy-Awards.html Croatian American Brenda Brkusic (left) won her 5th and 6th Emmy Awards  at the Television Academy's LA Area Emmy Awards held on July 23, 2016.  She was recognized as Executive Producer of "Variety Studio: Actors on Actors" and "China's Challenges: Can China Be Harmonious?" Last year she took home an Emmy for Producing "Mia: A Dancer's Journey" a film about Croatian-born ballerina Mia Corak Slavenska. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Steve Gadd to Headline the 10th Croatia Drum Camp in Groznjan August 1-10, 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10873/1/Steve-Gadd-to-Headline-the-10th-Croatia-Drum-Camp-in-Groznjan-August-1-10-2016.html Steve Gadd, Clapton’s favorite drummer with whom he recorded eleven albums – along with seven with Chick Corea, seven with Paul Simon, eight with George Benson, eight with Al Di Meola, four with Al Jarreau, two with Paul McCartney as well as one with James Brown, Patti Austin, B.B. King and Charles Mingus – was announced as Headliner at this year’s 10th Annual Croatia Drum Camp in Groznjan, (left), often labeled a ‘Leading Drum & Percussion Summer Camp in Europe.This ten-day-event, dedicated to the Art of drumming and promoting drummers as musical artists, includes a series of drum-clinics, seminars, masterclasses, concerts and VIP appearances from music industry executives. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Ljiljana Fruk and Marina Prijatelj of Croatian Choco Concept connecting Chocolates, Chemistry and Art http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10872/1/Ljiljana-Fruk-and-Marina-Prijatelj-of-Croatian-Choco-Concept-connecting-Chocolates-Chemistry-and-Art.html ; Ljiljana Fruk and Marina Prijatelj believe that the main driving force in both science and art is the creativity. Artists create new realities, their imagination can run wild and they have a licence to experiment and push the boundaries. Scientists are not unlike artists, they just add a bit more of the analytical approach to exploration. They like to do both. Dr. Ljiljana Fruk on the photo, born in Krapina, Croatia, is lecturing Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 23 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach successfully finished his workshop at the 56th International Children's Festival in Sibenik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10862/1/Nenad-Bach-successfully-finished-his-workshop-at-the-56th-International-Childrens-Festival-in-Sibenik.html Nenad Bach, proslavljeni hrvatski pjevaè, skladatelj i izvoðaè koji je tijekom svoje uspje¹ne meðunarodne umjetnièke karijere suraðivao s Lucianom Pavarottijem, Bonom Voxom iz grupe U2, Brianom Enom, Richiem Havensom, Garthom Hudsonom i Rickom Dankom iz slavne grupe "The Bend" koja je bila prateæi band Boba Dylama, Vinceom Welnickom iz legendarnog banda "Grateful Dead", glumcima Martinom Sheenom, Michaelom Yorkom, Johnom Malkovichem i mnogim drugima, sudionik festivala "Woodstock 94" i autor kompilacijskih albuma Brucea Springsteena, Leonarda Cohena i Allena Ginsberga, u crkvi sv. Duha u ©ibeniku otpjevao je, prateæi se na drevnim orguljama iz 1640. godine, svoju pjesmu "I Will Follow You". darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 03 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 PagArtFestival founded on Croatian island of Pag by Lovro Pogorelic dedicated to classical music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10861/1/PagArtFestival-founded-on-Croatian-island-of-Pag-by-Lovro-Pogorelic-dedicated-to-classical-music.html PagArtFestival was founded in 1999 and it has already become a tradition to have it opened by Lovro Pogoreliæ's recital. Lovro Pogoreliæ, Croatian pianist, traces his origin to Pag, and the Festival originated out of his wish to help and dignify life of the town of Pag by meaningful companionship of quality through various projects. The town of Pag is a small renaissance town made of stone, a zoning unicum well known not only by the famous lace and cheese, but also by the tradition of cultural events. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 02 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat to perform in Yerevan, Armenia July 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10856/1/Srdjan-Bulat-to-perform-in-Yerevan-Armenia-July-2016.html The young guitarist from the city of Split and graduate from the Royal Academy in London, Srdjan Bulat, will hold a cycle of chamber recitals in the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan. As part of the Hassfest guitar festival July 4-9, 2016, he will hold a solo recital, in which he will perform works from Spanish, Armenian and Croatian composers, thus contributing to this first joint festival of music and visual art which will be attended by numerous young artists from 15 countries worldwide. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 23 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Dvigrad Festival 2016 offering a rich program of Renaissance and Early Baroque music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10870/1/Dvigrad-Festival-2016-offering-a-rich-program-of-Renaissance-and-Early-Baroque-music.html The Dvigrad Festival has been conceived by Alojzije Prosoli and his Musica Sacra / Sveta glazba society, along with numerous collaborators. This year, among distinguished soloists and players, the Festival will host Mario Penzar, Jelena Èila¹, Josue Melendez, Sarah Louise Ridy, Diego Leveriæ, Tin Cugelj, Martina Klariæ, Augustin Mr¹iæ, Ema Stein, Ana Jembrek, Anna Waszak, Edmund Andler-Boriæ, Silvio Richter, Darko Solter, Responsorium ensemble, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 15 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000 17th Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre Festival in Svetvinèenat July 22-25 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10847/1/17th-Dance--Non-Verbal-Theatre-Festival-in-Svetvineenat-July-22-25-2016.html Save the date! The 17th Dance & Non-verbal Theatre Festival Svetvinèenat (San Vincenti) will take place from July 22th to July 25th. 2016. We are preparing the program with a lot of dance treats from around Europe and Croatia! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 31 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Vocal Group Roots / Vokalna skupina Korijeni from Chicago, USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10839/1/Croatian-Vocal-Group-Roots--Vokalna-skupina-Korijeni-from-Chicago-USA.html Croatian Vocal Group Korijeni (i.e., Roots) is a non-profit traditional Croatian folk singing group. The group focuses on singing traditional a capella songs in 3 to 4 part harmony. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized several forms of Croatian singing: Klapa, Beèarac, Ojkanje, Istrian 2-part singing. Vokalna Skupina Korijeni intends to perpetuate traditional forms of Croatian singing. we are extremely honored to have the Zagrebaèki Folklorni Ansambl (ZFA) coming to Milwaukee to perform a concert. The ensemble will present a concert in Milwaukee on Tuesday, November 15th 2016 at the Alverno Colllege Pitman Theatre. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 10 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii's humanitarian concert in Zagreb during the Japanese Culture Week in March 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10832/1/Yoko-Nishiis-humanitarian-concert-in-Zagreb-during-the-Japanese-Culture-Week-in-March-2016.html   This humanitarian concert of Yoko Nishii, Japan, has been organized by the Embassy of Japan in Zagreb in cooperation with Croatian Society for Training Guide Dogs and for Mobility. She played the works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Liszt i Ferrucci Busonij, Frédéric Chopin, Eric Satie, Dora Pejaèeviæ, Kozaburo Hirai, Kosaku Yamada i Tooru Takemitsu. In Tokyo in 2015, she published the first CD in the world, which includes all pianistic compostions of distinguished Croatian female composer Dora Pejaèeviæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 16 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +0000 The 3rd International Flute Summer Academy in Karlovac, Croatia July 3-10th 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10831/1/The-3rd-International-Flute-Summer-Academy-in-Karlovac-Croatia-July-3-10th-2016.html The Croatia Flute Academy is an international flute summer course, which presents a week full of intensive workshops, flute-clinics, seminars, shows, masterclasses, concerts, 1-1 Lessons, round-tables & ensemble-rehearsals. Flutists of all ages and levels are welcome to apply for a place. It will also feature guest professors from all over the world including Pierre-Yves Artaud (left) of France. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 14 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's comedy premiered in Lithuania's capital Vilnius on 10 March 20016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10822/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-premiered-in-Lithuanias-capital-Vilnius-on-10-March-20016.html Miro Gavran's comedy "Henpecked Husbands" had its premiere in popular theater Domino in Vilnius, Lithuania, on March 10th. Director is Kostas Smoriginas, main roles are performed by Edita U¾aite, Ineta Stasiulyte, Eimutis Kvo¹èiauskas, Mantas Vaitiekunas, Andrius Bialob¾eskis, Evaldas Jaras and Sandra Dauk¹aite-Petrulene.  The works of Miro Gavran have been translated into 38 languages. His books had over 200 editions in Croatia and abroad. Based on his dramas and comedies, there were more than 300 theatric premieres worldwide, seen by more than three million of people. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 27 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Trio LUR from Zagreb consisting of flutist Lucija Petrac, organist Ursa Vukman and soprano Rea Alaburic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10816/1/Trio-LUR-from-Zagreb-consisting-of-flutist-Lucija-Petrac-organist-Ursa-Vukman-and-soprano-Rea-Alaburic.html Trio LUR was formed at the Zagreb Music Academy in 2011. The three students have found their common ground in the Baroque era, and have continued their musical collaboration and friendship in the exploration of the later musical periods. Their repertoire is based on the compositions that were intended to be performed by the flute, the voice and the organ or the harpsichord, written by Vivaldi, Purcell, Händel, Bach, Bajamonti, etc. In 2014, Trio Lur had concerts at the Ceremonial Hall of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome, and in the della Misercordia basilica in Sant'Elpidio a Mare. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 12 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Lana Genc Croatian pianist has U.S. Premiere Piano Recital at DiMenna Center in NYC on March 5th 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10797/1/Lana-Genc-Croatian-pianist-has-US-Premiere-Piano-Recital-at-DiMenna-Center-in-NYC-on-March-5th-2016.html Ana Genc, Croatian pianist, studied at the Music Academy in Zagreb, at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria, as well as at the Academy of Santa Cecilia in Bergamo, Italy. She regularly performs throughout her native country, as a solo artist, with all major orchestras, and in chamber. At the age of 17, Lana traveled to Japan for her first recital tour, which led. She has played recitals in Vienna (Bosendorfer - Saal), Cyprus, Bulgaria, Holland, Russia, France, Germany, Chile and some other countries. On her premiere USA concert tour, besides New York, Lana will play in Washington DC on Feb 25th, Baltimore MD on Feb 28th and Alexandria VA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 02 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 What's This Croatian Village Doing in McKinney, Texas? Story by Money | Time 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 ubrini) Tue, 01 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Vitomir Marof distinguished Croatian baritone of international reputation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10813/1/Vitomir-Marof-distinguished-Croatian-baritone-of-international-reputation.html Croatian baritone Vitomir Marof graduated in Pharmacy at Pharmaceutical Faculty of the University of Zagreb and worked for several years in pharmaceutical industry. He also graduated in solo singing at The Academy of Music in Zagreb. Perfected in Vienna, Salzburg and particulary belcanto style (Verdi) in Rome. In 2008/10 he had Gala Concerts with Europasymphony Orchestra and mo. Wolfgang Gröhs in Weikersdorf Castle in BADEN / VIENNA; than several concerts in Vienna, etc. It is interesting that he has  his fans in Vienna who travel to Croatia in order to attend his concerts in his native city of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 26 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Pavo Jurisic published an important monograph about 50 years of pastoral care among Croats of Melbourne 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 ubrini) Sun, 21 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Marinko Marco Radakovic Croatian American Actor http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10803/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-Croatian-American-Actor.html If Marinko Radakovic looks familiar, you may have seen him in recent movies and on TV. The Croatian born actor was recently seen in the Johnny Depp movie, Black Mass, RIPD, and Ted. He was also on TV in The Blacklist, Elementary, Daredevil and in Person of Interest. Marinko attended the 2016 SAG awards and was in a recent Visa commercial featuring Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots. He is also set to appear alongside Melissa McCarthy and Matt Walsh in the new Ghostbusters reboot directed by Paul Feig. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 18 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Dubrovnik celebrating 1044 years of the Feast of St Blaise in 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10800/1/Dubrovnik-celebrating-1044-years-of-the-Feast-of-St-Blaise-in-2016.html On the 3rd of February of 2016, the city of Dubrovnik celebrated the Feast of its protector, Sveti Vlaho (St. Blaise). The celebration is organized each year at this date for more than a thosand years, more specifically, for 1044 years. The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Sarajevo Cardinal Vinko Puljiæ, who was the official envoy of Pope Francis. Thirty archbishops and bishops concelebrated, among them Blaise Cupich, archbishop of Chicago (who is of Croatian origin), archbishop Kegham Katcherian, envoy of the Armenian Catholicos - upon the invitation of the Dubrovnik bishop Mate Uziniæ, as well as around a hundred priests. We provide numerous photos of Croatians in traditional dresses, who attended the Feast of Sveti Vlaho. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 08 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Najka Mirkovic inspired by flying residents of the city of Dubrovnik – the pigeons http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10799/1/Najka-Mirkovic-inspired-by-flying-residents-of-the-city-of-Dubrovnik-8211-the-pigeons.html The new photographic cycle of Najka Mirkoviæ - a lover of photography who belongs to the group of Dubrovnik-based photographers, observes the pigeons, eternal guardians of the city walls. All citizens of Dubrovnik have photographs as little children chasing pigeons by Orlando Column. A photograph with pigeons in front of St Blaise’s Church and in the Open-air Market was part of the city cults in each generation, because pigeons have profound symbolism in Dubrovnik's Judeo-Christian tradition. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 07 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Anna Givargizyan exhbited her photos of Armenian khachkars in Dubrovnik Croatia in Feb 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10802/1/Anna-Givargizyan-exhbited-her-photos-of-Armenian-khachkars-in-Dubrovnik-Croatia-in-Feb-2016.html   The photo collection of khachkars, Armenian stone crosses, has been prepared by Dr Anna Givargizyan, an Armenian living in Moscow. The exhibition lasted from the February 2nd to March 3rd 2016, and was held in the hall of the Society of Friends of the Dubrovnik Antiquities. Except Dr Givarigizyen, in the solemn opening of the exhibition participated Armenian archbishop Kegham Katcherian, the Dubrovnik bishop Mate Uziniæ, Croatian historian Dr Vinicije Lupis and Mrs Naira Asatryan, who is a pianist living in Dubrovnik and is the founder of the Croatian-Armenian Friendship Society in the city. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 03 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Zagreb Philharmonic to perform with Malek Jandali at Carnegie Hall on February 6 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10798/1/Zagreb-Philharmonic-to-perform-with-Malek-Jandali-at-Carnegie-Hall-on-February-6-2016.html Composer and pianist Malek Jandali premieres his sinfonietta for chamber orchestra with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in their Carnegie Hall debut. This concert celebrates the orchestra's 145th year during Carnegie Hall's 125th anniversary season. Jandali presents his latest album SoHo featuring The Malek Jandali Trio as part of his world tour The Voice of the Free Syrian Children, uniting people in peace and humanity. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 02 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Traditional celebration in Subotica Prelo sicanja to be organized on 7th February 2016 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10796/1/Traditional-celebration-in-Subotica-Prelo-sicanja--to-be-organized-on-7th-February-2016.html CROWN is very proud to announce a traditional celebration of Prelo 2016 in the city of Subotica. The whole region of Baèka where the city is situated is one of the trademarks of Croatian culture, especially via beautiful songs and dances of Bunjevci Croatians in Baèka. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Subotica was the largest Croatian city (larger than Croatian capital Zagreb). Also, the oldest Croatian soccer club called Baèka has been founded there, and its trademark was the Croatian Coat of Arms. The celebration of Prelo siæanja starts on 7th Feb 2016 at 5pm near the Franciscan church and continues at the Croatian Cultural Center Bunjevaèko kolo at 7pm. Traditional Bunjevci suits are obligatory. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 29 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Drago Stambuk promoting global haiku consciousness and deepening friendship between Brazil and Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10793/1/Drago-Stambuk-promoting-global-haiku-consciousness-and-deepening-friendship-between-Brazil-and-Croatia.html When Dr Drago ©tambuk (on the photo) proposed the creation of a Haiku Award in memory of Professor Vladimir Devidé, Croatian mathematician and the pioneer of haiku in Croatia, he suggested that modern and traditional haiku should be treated as equals. This is especially crucial for international haiku composition and competition, since not all languages can reflect Japanese syllabic patterns, nor do all climates mirror the four clear seasons which find expression in classical haiku. We also illustrate interesting contacts with Brazililan poets, established by Dr Drago ©tambuk as a former Croatian ambassador in that country. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 20 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 The 2016 “UPBEAT” International Summer Music School to be held in Milna on the Island of Brac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10791/1/-The-2016-8220UPBEAT8221-International-Summer-Music-School-to-be-held-in-Milna-on-the-Island-of-Brac.html The 13th annual composition course this summer as part of the “UPBEAT” International Summer Music School in the town of Milna on the beautiful Adriatic island of Brac in Croatia. The composition course consists of: a series of daily group meetings with Professor Joel Hoffman (left), cultural and outdoor group activities in Milna and nearby on the island of Brac, and final concert of works by course participants. The course will focus on works written for the Milna Ensemble, which consists of the composer-performers who are members of the course. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 18 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian writer Miro Gavran nominated for the 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10788/1/Croatian-writer-Miro-Gavran-nominated-for-the-2016-Hans-Christian-Andersen-Award.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran has been nominated for the 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the most significant prize for children's literature in the world.  This prize has been awarded every two years to authors since 1956, and to illustrators since 1966. Works by Miro Gavran have been translated into 38 languages. Gavran has published ten books for children and teenagers, eagerly read by young and old alike: "How Dad Won Mum", "Try to Forget", "All Sorts Of Things In My Head", "Head Over Heels", "Happy Days", "The Teacher Of My Dreams", "A Summer To Remember" ... miro.gavran@zg.t-com.hr (Miro Gavran) Mon, 11 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Lovre Stavun linking Croatia and Japan via his native city of Zadar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10786/1/Lovre-Stavun-linking-Croatia-and-Japan-via-his-native-city-of-Zadar.html Lovre ©tavun is a young Croatian tourist guide living in the city of Zadar, who is very fond of Japanese language and culture. It is even more impressive that he learned Japanese without visiting Japan yet! In his article, that he wrote in English and Japanese (sic!), he discusses the possibilities of offering completely new contents for tourists visiting Croatia, with emphasis on his native Zadar. "How many natural wonders does the country of Croatia possess, but those same wonders are rarely ever offered as something of value to Japanese tourists." lstavun@gmail.com (Lovre Stavun) Thu, 07 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach International Newsletter No. 41 Winter Peace Dec 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10784/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-41-Winter-Peace-Dec-2015.html 2015 was an exciting year to say the least. Let the Winter Peace roll in, and I would like to wish everyone a belated merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah let's all work for world peace in one hour in 2016! Scoring a documentary film about Croatian most prominent ballerina Mia Slavenska. Film Mia, A Dancer's Journey will be distributed in 2016. Produced by Brenda Brkusic. While in Zagreb, I was privileged to be part of the future art exhibition by Robert Gojevic, a very talented photographer and editor in chief of the Blur Magazine. Future is now. I drove autopilot Tesla Model S. Jamie Cohen is a brilliant man and one of the most prominent and progressive teachers who wrote an important book. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 31 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Bernard Luketich 1931-2015 president of Croatian Fraternal Union in the USA during 37 years http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10783/1/Bernard-Luketich-1931-2015-president-of-Croatian-Fraternal-Union-in-the-USA-during-37-years.html Bernard Luketich was instrumental in the organization of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) when a strong need existed for unifying all Croatians living in the United States. He was the recipient of numerous citations and prestigious awards from the Croatian government, was honored as Man of the Year by the United CFU Four County Lodges, CFU Scholarship Foundation Inc., the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh and several other fraternal organizations, including John Jordan Upchurch Award for distinguished leadership and service to the fraternal benefit system. He liked to play tamburitza, Croatian national instrument. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 30 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Adventski koncert Splitskih virtuoza i Mai Suzuki pod ravnanjem maestra Wladimira Kossjanenka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10782/1/Adventski-koncert-Splitskih-virtuoza-i-Mai-Suzuki-pod-ravnanjem-maestra-Wladimira-Kossjanenka.html Komorni orkestar Splitski virtuozi odr¾ao je adventski koncert u foyeru Hrvatskog narodnog kazali¹ta Splitu 12. prosinca 2015. Koncertom je ravnao Wladimir Kossjanenko, a kao go¹æa veèeri nastupila je mlada japanska violinistica Mai Suzuki pobjednica Meðunarodnog natjecanja „Vaclav Huml“ 2013.g. Na programu su bila Èetiri godi¹nja doba Antonija Vivaldija, Simfonija br.3 u D-duru Luke Sorkoèeviæa i Rumunjski plesovi Béle Bartóka. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 22 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic istaknuta hrvatska pijanistica nastupila u Cankarjevem domu u Ljubljani http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10781/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-istaknuta-hrvatska-pijanistica-nastupila-u-Cankarjevem-domu-u-Ljubljani.html Gallusova rasprodana dvorana, za klavirom Dubrovkinja Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Simfonijski orkestar Cantabile i maestro Grdadolnik ispratili su ovu 2015. godinu na spektakularan naèin u subotu 19.12. Na¹a je dubrovaèka pijanistica i pjesnikinja imala èast nastupiti u potpuno rasprodanoj Gallusovoj dvorani u Cankarjevem domu u Ljubljani uz palicu maestra Grdadolnika i Simfonijski orkestar Cantabile tumaèeæi Klavirski koncert u cis molu Nikolaja Rimskog Korsakova, op. 30, skladanog izmeðu 1882.-1883. godine. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 19 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 The Canon of Croatian Poetry, 1450-2000: Over 200 Croatian Poems with English Translations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10776/1/The-Canon-of-Croatian-Poetry-1450-2000-Over-200-Croatian-Poems-with-English-Translations.html Translated, edited and annotated by Ivo and Vinka Soljan, this work offers a panorama of Croatian poetry written over the last five centuries. Touching on the different subjects and shifting fashions of poetic creativity throughout Croatia’s turbulent history, this poetry reveals the spirit of its people. The poems are clustered chronologically into chapters representing seven literary periods. The Renaissance, The Baroque, Classicism, Romanticism, Croatian Modernism, Echoes of the Two World Wars, and The Postmodern-Contemporary Period. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 17 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Pavletic's 476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries is available on Amazon.com http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10744/1/Ivan-Pavletics-476-AD-Chapter-One-The-Last-Light-of-Aries-is-available-on-Amazoncom.html We recently sat down to talk with Croatian-American filmmaker and painter, Ivan Pavletic regarding the release of his historical epic 476 A.D. Chapter One: The Last Light of Aries is available on Amazon.com. The film tells the story of General Flavius Aëtius' Last Victorious Campaign against Attila the Hun, which brought order back to the Roman Empire, with General Aëtius' increasing political power and popularity as "The True Savior of Rome", he becomes a threat to Caesar Valeninian III and the Senate of Rome. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 15 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ivo Pogorelich world renowned pianist a frequent guest of Croatian concert halls in Zagreb and Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10772/1/Ivo-Pogorelich-world-renowned-pianist-a-frequent-guest-of-Croatian-concert-halls-in-Zagreb-and-Dubrovnik.html Ivo Pogorelich, distinguished pianist, is a frequent guest of numerous concerts halls throughout the world, including Croatia. He is a recipient of several high Croatian honors in the field of culture, such as: Orlando Award (Dubrovnik Summer Games (1981), Vladimir Nazor Award (1985), Order of Croatian Morning Star (Red Danice Hrvatske) with the figure of Marko Maruliæ (1999), Porin Award for a special contribution to Croatian music culture (1997), Milka Trnina Award (2002). In the recent season 2014/2015 Ivo Pogorelich has given triumphal recitals and concerts in Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Great Britain, Lithuania, Croatia, Spain, Turkey, Japan as well as in China. His brother Lovro Pogoreliæ is also a pianist and professor at the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb, Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 08 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach's film music for Mia Slavenska sang by Klapa Nostalgija in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10770/1/Nenad-Bachs-film-music-for-Mia-Slavenska-sang-by-Klapa-Nostalgija-in-Zagreb.html     darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 04 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii's Christmas concert on 23rd Dec 2015 in Japan includes Croatian composer Dora Pejacevic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10768/1/Yoko-Nishiis-Christmas-concert-on-23rd-Dec-2015-in-Japan-includes-Croatian-composer-Dora-Pejacevic.html We are very pleased to announce that Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist, will have a Christmas Concert on December 23rd 2015 at Oita (Oita-iichiko Hall, Oita-city, Japan). It includes among others the works of Dora Pejaèeviæ (1885-1923), the first Croatian womean composer. Yoko Nishii is the author of the double CD containing the pianist works of Dora Pejaèeviæ, published in Tokyo in 2015. She studied piano at the Music Academy "Ino Mirkoviæ" in Lovran, Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 02 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's novel "Kafka's friend" published in Albanian in Pristina, Kosovo http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10766/1/Miro-Gavrans-novel-quotKafkas-friendquot-published-in-Albanian-in-Pristina-Kosovo.html Miro Gavran's novel "Kafka's friend" was just published by the publishing house "OM" from Pristina, Kosovo. Translation from Croatian into Albanian was done by Ben Apolloni and the editor is Xhemajl Avdyli. This novel first came out in Croatian in 2011 published by "Mozaik knjiga" from Zagreb and after that it was translated into Czech, English, Dutch, Slovak and in parts into Esperanto. The main characters are the writers Franz Kafka and Max Brod and women that defined their destinies. Gavran's books have been translated into 38 languages! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 26 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Vidovic why is she considered to be one of the greatest contemporary classical guitarists? http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10765/1/Ana-Vidovic-why-is-she-considered-to-be-one-of-the-greatest-contemporary-classical-guitarists.html   We provide a few selected video recordings of recent appearances of Ana Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian guitarist living in the USA. Among them there are several recordings from 15 March 2015 in AsamSaal Ettlingen, Germany, of impressive quality and variety, ranging from classical to pop music. She started playing guitar at the age of 5, and by 7 had given her first public performance. At the age of 11 she was performing internationally, and at 13 became the youngest student of the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb in history. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Cravat man Nicholas B. Daddazio http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10763/1/Cravat-man-Nicholas-B-Daddazio.html Nicholas B. Daddazio studies the necktie as an icon and symbol of Western culture, rather than a fashion statement. He is also the first artist in the four hundred year history of the cravat/necktie to make figurative and representational bronze sculptures of the necktie/cravat. The giant neckties can be displayed on walls, in corners, on doors, along a staircase, hung from the ceiling, or flung over a bed, piano, or couch. As everybody knows, the cravat, as a global fashion element, has Croatian roots from the 16th century, and even the name of the cravat is derived from the name of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 20 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Zdravko Basaric representing Croatia at the Israeli pavillion at the 2015 Frankfurt Book Fair http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10757/1/Zdravko-Basaric-representing-Croatia-at-the-Israeli-pavillion-at-the-2015-Frankfurt-Book-Fair-.html It was great honor for Mr. Zdravko Basariæ and and for his country the Republic of Croatia tobe presented and promoted in the pavilion of the State of Israeli, during the Frankfurt book fair 2015. Thanks to his publisher of Hebrew edition Mr Pierre Lavi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel and the Ministry of culture of the Republic of Croatia, "The Countdown Trilogy" has become successful Croatian-Israeli cultural project which is presented to the global publishers in the world and to the Hollywood film industry. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 04 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Stephen Kovacevich distinguished classical pianist of Croatian origin in London http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10753/1/Stephen-Kovacevich-distinguished-classical-pianist-of-Croatian-origin-in-London.html Stephen Kovacevich was born in San Pedro, Los Angeles, USA, to a Croatian father and an American mother. As a soloist and conductor, he has frequently performed and recorded works by, amongst others, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Bartók.  He has directed the London Mozart Players, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in this way. Stephen Kovacevich is one of the most revered musicians of his generation. He has won unsurpassed admiration for his interpretation of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Schubert. He has given master classes and recitals at Dartington International Summer School for many years. Had two concert appearances in Croatia's capital Zagreb, in 2012 and 2015 (on the occasion of his 75th birthday). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 23 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's novel "Kafka's friend" second edition published in Dutch 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10751/1/Miro-Gavrans-novel-quotKafkas-friendquot-second-edition-published-in-Dutch-2015.html The second edition of Miro Gavran's novel "Kafka's friend" was just published in Dutch. Translation was done by Sanja Kregar while publisher is "KLIN" from Amsterdam. Dimitrije Popovic's painting from series called "Kafka" was used as book cover. The novel was published in Croatian by Mozaik Books in 2011 and after that it was published in Czech, English, Slovak, Dutch and Esperanto in parts. Miro Gavran's work has been translated into 38 languages and his novels had more then 200 different editions in Croatia and abroad. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 18 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Newsletter October 2015 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 Zdravko Basaric: Krize ne bi bilo da je 50% Vlade ili Sabora iz dijaspore http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10748/1/Zdravko-Basaric-Krize-ne-bi-bilo-da-je-50-Vlade-ili-Sabora-iz-dijaspore.html Zdravko Basariæ: U ovom trenutku dovr¹ava se prijevod trilogije Odbrojavanje na hebrejski jezik, snima se i trailer u Izraelu koji æe se prikazivati na najveæim sajmovima knjiga, ali i u Hollywoodu, jer je jedan od ciljeva, osim prijevoda na druge strane jezike, i ekranizacija ove trilogije. Reakcije iz svijeta vrlo su pozitivne jer je ova trilogija zapravo i pobuna protiv svake agresije. Izraelci su izvrsno prihvatili ove knjige, vjerujem da bi se i Palestincima svidjele jer pozivaju na dijalog i mirno rje¹enje sukoba. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 08 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's play "All About Women" had 100th performance in Bratislava Slovakia in 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10747/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Womenquot-had-100th-performance-in-Bratislava-Slovakia-in-2015.html Theater Divadlo v Podpalubi from Bratislava, Slovakia had 100th performance of Miro Gavran's play "All About Women" with author attending on September 30th, 2015. Translation into Slovak was done by Jan Jankovic while director is Minim F. Otzow. Main roles are performed by Andrea Profantova, Andrea Karnasova and Bibiana Ondrejkova. Miro Gavran is a Croatian playwright and novelist, whose works have been translated into thirty-five languages. His plays have had more than two hundred first nights worldwide and have been seen by more than two million theatregoers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 04 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Author Helena Pericic interviewed by Marta Mestrovic Deyrup http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10745/1/Author-Helena-Pericic-interviewed-by-Marta-Mestrovic-Deyrup.html Helena Pericic, who is a full professor at the University of Zadar, has been writing poetry, plays, and prose since her school days. As a student she worked for Zagreb Youth Radio 101. She she founded the Student Literary Club of Zadar University and recently published Domnana and the White Sheep (Stories on Contrition/Prostration). deyrupma@shu.edu (Marta Mestrovic Deyrup, Ph.D.) Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Bring the story of Mia Slavenska home to Croatia and to a worldwide audience http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10743/1/Bring-the-story-of-Mia-Slavenska-home-to-Croatia-and-to-a-worldwide-audience.html Mia, a dancer’s journey is the story of Mia Èorak Slavenska, Croatia's greatest ballerina and a pioneer in American dance. The film is voiced by Emmy® award-winning actress Blythe Danner and features a daughter’s promise to tell her mother’s story, which becomes a fascinating and moving reflection on historical memory, national identity, and the power of dance. Now, In order to make sure that Mia's story doesn't fade away with the last PBS broadcast, we are asking you to help us to raise the funds necessary to take the next step in distribution. Poorhouse International, a prestigious arts films distributor, wants to distribute the film internationally through T.V. broadcast and DVD/Blu-ray and Video on Demand. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 28 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Yoko Nishii Japanese pianist issued 2CD in Tokyo with music of Croatian female composer Dora Pejacevic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10740/1/Yoko-Nishii-Japanese-pianist-issued-2CD-in-Tokyo-with-music-of-Croatian-female-composer-Dora-Pejacevic.html Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist, entered Music Academy "Ino Mirkoviæ" situated in Lovran, Croatia with full scholarship for 2 years. Thanks to her great talent and dedicated work, she completed the academic program in only 2 years of studies (normally it lasts 4 years) and graduated with excellent grades under prof. Evgeny Zarafiants in September 2000.  In 2012 she has produced and given the concert of the complete piano works by the first Croatian female composer "Dora Pejaèeviæ" as a project "the Cultural Transmission from Ise to the World" in Ise, Japan. In February 2015 she has released 2CD "Dora Pejacevic: Complete Piano Works" (a set of 2 CDs) from Japanese CD label "Herb Classics". Yoko Nishii speaks Croatian language. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 27 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Join the Project to Present All of Croatia in One Timelapse Video http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10742/1/Join-the-Project-to-Present-All-of-Croatia-in-One-Timelapse-Video.html Calling all photographers, videographers, visual amateurs and professionals and anybody interested in timelapse photography… Croatian Tomislav Buza has launched the project “Timelapse-Ajmoo Hrvatsku” (Timelapse – Let’s go Croatia”, with the goal gathering Croatia timelapse videos and compiling them into one final video which will present the whole of Croatia. Buza will turn to crowdsourcing to raise funds to travel throughout Croatia filming scenes which he will merge into one final timelapse video. Buza is interested in gathering as much footage as he can in the next couple of the months from anyone interested. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 23 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 August Senoa’s historical novel The Goldsmith’s Treasure available in English since 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10734/1/August-Senoa8217s-historical-novel-The-Goldsmith8217s-Treasure-available-in-English-since-2015.html The first Croatian historical novel, written in 1871 August ©enoa (1838-1881), is the tale of a forbidden love between the daughter of a goldsmith and a nobleman's son set against the backdrop of the streets and squares of 16th century Zagreb. The town lies before you. In the words of ©enoa himself: “below the mountain, a jewel most precious to us glimmers in the sun, strong like a mighty hero - the town of Zagreb.” The book, published by Spiritoso, Zagreb, has 388 pp, and has been translated from Croatian by Neven Divjakinja. Except into English, the book has already been translated into German, Czech, Polish, French, Slovak, Russian and some other languages. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 07 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 France in Croatia's capital Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10735/1/France-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html The French Institute in Zagreb is among the oldest such institutions in the world, founded almost a century ago, more precisely, already in 1922. We present a short video published in 2013, accompanied with nice scenes from Croatia's capital, featuring the following guests: Luc Levy, director of the French Institute in Zagreb, Michelle Boccoz on the photo, ambassador of France in Croatia, Clelia Chevrier, counsellor of the Ambassador, David Gabelica, president of the French-Croatian Club, Guillaume Bardot, priprietor of the Bistro Bardot in Zagreb, and Damien Derrenberger, director of the French School in Zagreb and some other. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 06 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota i neke njegove muzeolo¹ke poruke i ¾elje upuæene najlip¹em gradu na svitu Splitu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10732/1/Ante-Glibota-i-neke-njegove-muzeoloke-poruke-i-elje-upuaeene-najlipem-gradu-na-svitu-Splitu.html G. Ante Glibota, dopredsjednik Europske Akademije Znanosti i Umjetnosti, koji ¾ivi u Parizu, povjesnièar umjetnosti i arhitekture visoke meðunarodne reputacije, nekada i sam graðanin grada Splita, nakon kraæeg boravka u najlip¹em gradu na svitu tijekom srpnja 2015., daje vrlo kompetentnu ocjenu sada¹njeg stanja u muzeolo¹koj kulturi grada, kao i sugestije za rje¹avanje primjeæenih problema, analizirajuæi Muzej hrvatskih arheolo¹kih spomenika MHAS u Splitu, kao i  Me¹troviæevu galeriju. Upozorava da Hrvatska mora inzistirati da znamenita Me¹troviæeva mramorna skulptura Povijest Hrvata, koja veæ osam desetljeæa stoji otuðena u Beogradu (gdje je do¹la posudbom), bude iz Srbije vraæena u grad Split, a prema ¾elji velikog hrvatskog umjetnika iskazanoj u vi¹e navrata. ante.glibota@wanadoo.fr (Akademik Ante Glibota) Wed, 26 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Marijan Busic: The Cravat Day to be marked on October 18th each year throughout the world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10730/1/Marijan-Busic-The-Cravat-Day-to-be-marked-on-October-18th-each-year-throughout-the-world.html   Academia Cravatica, a non-profit institution dedicated to the phenomen and culture of Croatian necktie, the cravat, aims to promote the cravat as a part of Croatian, European and also world heritage. This year, Academia Cravatica decided to pay special attention to international celebration of the Cravat Day, and is now in the process of inviting numerous Croats and their ancestors living abroad to join together on October 18th, put on their Croatian cravat with pride and, joining with others, remember the values it represents. The founder and director of Academia Cravatica is Mr. Marijan Bu¹iæ, successful and very creative Croatian entrepreneur in the city of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 21 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Rucner Croatian cellist and Klapa Sinj celebrating the tradition of Sinjska alka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10722/1/Ana-Rucner-Croatian-cellist-and-Klapa-Sinj-celebrating-the-tradition-of-Sinjska-alka.html On 5th August Croatia is celebrating Liberation Day, remembering not only the Storm Liberation Operation from 1995, but also endevours of generations of Croatian people during many centuries. Here we provide a beautiful video from the town of Sinj, featuring Sinjska Alka and Croatian cellist Ana Rucner, with typical songs from the Sinj area interpreted by Klapa Sinj, as well as the famous air U Boj, sang in Croatia's capital Zagreb by the Kwansei-Gakuin Choir from the city of Kobe, Japan. Finally, we end with a testimony of Dr. Slobodna Lang, distinguished Croatian humanitarian activist, professor at the University of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 30 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Brenda Brkusic wins 3rd and 4th Los Angeles Area Emmy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10721/1/Brenda-Brkusic-wins-3rd-and-4th-Los-Angeles-Area-Emmy-.html Brenda Brkusic (left) and her production teams won two Los Angeles Emmys for the film "Mia, a dancer's journey" in the Arts and Culture/History category and "Variety Studio: Actors on Actors" in the Best Entertainment Program category. The winners were announced at the 67th Los Angeles Area Emmy(R) Awards presentation on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at The Skirball Cultural Center Guerin Pavilion in Herscher Hall. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Vladimir Bubrin & Vinko Grubisic: The Glory and Fame, Croatian Renaissance Reader, NY 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10717/1/Vladimir-Bubrin--Vinko-Grubisic-The-Glory-and-Fame-Croatian-Renaissance-Reader-NY-2015.html Vladimir Bubrin & Vinko Grubisic (on the photo) have prepared an important and extensive book dealing with Croatian Reanaissance literature.  It has been published in 2015 by Croatian Academy of America, NY, USA. The book has 589 pages and provides the original Croatian texts from the Renaissance period (14-17th century), their translation into contemprary Croatian langague, as well as into English. Large portions of the book have already been published in the Journal of Croatian Studies, issued by the same Academy. Now, by publishing the book this valuable material has been made available for broad public - for students, experts, as well as to all those interested in Croatian literature. Professors Grubi¹iæ and Bubrin live in Canada, employed at the University of Waterloo and the Univeristy of Toronoto, respectively. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 16th Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre Festival in Svetvinèenat July 24-27 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10711/1/-16th-Dance--Non-Verbal-Theatre-Festival-in-Svetvineenat-July-24-27-2015.html Svetvinèenat is getting ready to dance for the 16th time in a row! The 16th Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre Festival is just around the corner. Svetvinèenat will be dancing again from 24 to 27 July, and we promise you as much excitement as in all these years before! Over the four festival days, we'll present to you artists and shows from several European countries and an exciting additional programme with workshops for professional dancers and talks with the visiting artists. You will also get to know Aerowaves, a European dance network, whose aim is to promote new talented choreographers from across the continent. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Plitvice Lakes in Croatia and the sounds of water, birds and 2CELLOS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10707/1/Plitvice-Lakes-in-Croatia-and-the-sounds-of-water-birds-and-2CELLOS.html Plitvice Lakes, the most beautiful National Park in Europe, contains a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. The 157 bird species recorded on the Plitvice Lakes so far is the third largest population of birds among the national parks of Croatia. Particularly interesting is the white-throated dipper – a rare bird dependent on clean aquatic habitats. We invite you to listen to the sounds of water, birds and 2CELLOS. The Plitvice Lakes music video by 2CELLOS had nearly 4 million views. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 24 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Giorgio Surian distinguished Croatian opera singer of worldwide reputation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10705/1/Giorgio-Surian-distinguished-Croatian-opera-singer-of-worldwide-reputation.html   Giorgio Surian is the most famous opera singer that Croatia ever had. He is the internationally acclaimed bass-baritone of worldwide reputation. Thanks to the incredible vocal capabilities, he has made more than 160 appearances in his career so far. He sings in different languages that, alongside Croatian, include Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, English... He performed in the Scala of Milan, the Metropolitan Opera, Staatsoper in Wien, Opera de Lyon, Arena di Verona, Opera national de Paris, Royal Opera House in London, El Liceo in Barcelona, Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Teatro Real in Madrid, Salzburg Festival, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 21 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Artur Bagdasarov and Vinicije Lupis promoting their joint book about Dubrovnik in Moscow on 14 June 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10700/1/Artur-Bagdasarov-and-Vinicije-Lupis-promoting-their-joint-book-about-Dubrovnik-in-Moscow-on-14-June-2015.html Dr. Artur Bagdasarov and Dr.  Vinicije Lupis are promoting their joint book about Dubrovnik in Moscow. The book deals with Armenian and Croatian ties via St. Vlaho who is an Armenian saint and patron of the city of Dubrovnik. The presentation is organized by ®am journal on 14 June 2015 at 19:00 at Pokrovka 27, str. 1, cultural center Pokrovskie vorota, m. Kitaj-gorod, Èistye prudy, Moscow. The admission is free. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 10 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota elected vicepresident of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in Paris since 2015! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10697/1/Ante-Glibota-elected-vicepresident-of-the-European-Academy-of-Sciences-and-Arts-in-Paris-since-2015.html   Ante Glibota, distinguished Croatian historian of art and architecture, has been elected in June 2015 in Paris, in the Senat of the Republic of France, as the vice-president of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, L'Academie Europeenne des Sciences des Arts et des Lettres; L'AESAL). To be a leading person of this prestigious international institution, which gathers as many as 65 Nobel Prize winners, as well as several hundred outstanding experts in different fields, is not only a great honour for Mr. Ante Glibota, but for Croatia as well. We express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Ante Glibota for his achievements, wishing him good health and fruitful guidance of the Academy. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 09 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Astrid Kuljanic to perform a series of concerts in New York City May-June 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10683/1/Astrid-Kuljanic-to-perform-a-series-of-concerts-in-New-York-City-May-June-2015.html Originally from Rijeka, Astrid Kuljanic (left) is graduating from the Master of Music program as the first Croatian jazz musician that has ever attended Manhattan School of Music. She will be performing a series of concerts in celebration of graduation and the beginning of her American life outside of school with her family and friends. The repertoire will cover Astrid's originals, experimental and world music (Croatian, Brazilian) arranged for voice with live electronics and performed with Mat Muntz (double bass) and Jasmin Vrban (contemporary dance). stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 08 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Violet Grgich: Following Your Own Path While Keeping the Legacy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10696/1/Violet-Grgich-Following-Your-Own-Path-While-Keeping-the-Legacy.html To every immigrant (and every winemaker) Mike Grgich's journey is tremendously inspiring and empowering. He arrived in America poor but hopeful, and eventually achieved a level of success that placed him on the menus of famous restaurants, the White House wine cellar, in history books and the Smithsonian Museum. Mike Grgich is a giant, but Violet Grgich (left), the proprietor and vice president of Grgich Hills Estates, is clearly not overshadowed by his success; she lets her own soul shine through with much genuine love and gratitude. tajci.official@gmail.com (Tajci Cameron) Mon, 01 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Warren Mason – Kurt Cobain’s Music Teacher Shares His Great Musical Gift http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10695/1/Warren-Mason-8211-Kurt-Cobain8217s-Music-Teacher-Shares-His-Great-Musical-Gift.html In a neat little house in Aberdeen, surrounded by well-cared-for shrubs and trees, lives Warren Mason (left), the man who taught Kurt Cobain to play guitar and to write music. The veteran all-round musician, guitarist, fiddler and violinist plays and teaches all styles of music from folk, rock and jazz to classical on every major string instrument except harp. Warren Mason was born into the Croatian immigrant community in Raymond. His mother was Bonita Medak whose parents Joe and Yerka Medak had come over from the old country. JKraljic@msn.com (John Kralji, Esq) Fri, 29 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 The story of the film Zvizdan (The High Sun), the first Croatian Cannes Laureate http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10693/1/The-story-of-the-film-Zvizdan-The-High-Sun-the-first-Croatian-Cannes-Laureate.html Croatian film managed to achieve great success in Cannes. "Zvizdan" (The High Sun) directed by Dalibor Matanic (left) won the Jury Prize for Best Film in the "Un Certain Regard". It was screened on May 17 and immediately impressed the audience, and then, obviously, the jury. Croatia has also won its first Cannes laureate. This award gives a strong wind into the sails to all Croatian filmmakers wanting a breakthrough onto the international market. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 25 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Oliver Dragojeviæ to perform in Las Vegas on September 26, 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10692/1/Oliver-Dragojeviae-to-perform-in-Las-Vegas-on-September-26-2015-.html There will be a world music takeover of The Pearl at the Palms when Croatian pop star Oliver Dragojeviæ (left) performs with the UNLV Symphony Orchestra and special guests on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. After sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, L'Olympia in Paris, Royal Albert Hall, London and Sydney Opera House, Dragojevic performs for the first time in Las Vegas. His style blends traditional melodies of Dalmatia, a coastal region in his native Croatia, with jazz motifs wrapped up in a modern production. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 25 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Srðan Bulat continues to play contemporary Croatian composers http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10691/1/Srdan-Bulat-continues-to-play-contemporary-Croatian-composers-.html One of the best Croatian musicians of the his generation, guitarist Srdjan Bulat does not give up in his commendable effort to perform contemporary Croatian composers in numerous international performances. This unknown music amazes the audience, as evidenced by the critics from the Italian town of Lodi where Bulat appeared a week ago. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 22 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 U boj, u boj! sung by Kwansei Gakuin University Choir from Japan in Croatia's capital Zagreb 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10690/1/U-boj-u-boj-sung-by-Kwansei-Gakuin-University-Choir-from-Japan-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-2014.html Connection between Croatian arias and Japanese students is already well known. Male choir of one of the most prestigious Japanese universities - Kwansei Gakuin University, Kobe - for its anthem chose "U boj, u boj ", the famous air from the Croatian opera "Nikola Subic Zrinski". Japanese choirs are singing this air exclusively in the Croatian language for the last 90 years, and it is believed that the persona and life of Nikola Zrinski of Siget found its admirers in distant Japan because of his courage and honourable samurai death in 1566. The opera was composed by Ivan pl. Zajc 1832-1914, distinguished Croatian composer, on the photo. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 22 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 12th Annual BH Film Fesival in New York to feature Irena ©koriæ and her film "Dear Lastan!" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10689/1/12th-Annual-BH-Film-Fesival-in-New-York-to-feature-Irena-koriae-and-her-film-quotDear-Lastanquot.html The 12th Annual Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival will be held from May 21 to May 23, 2015 in New York City. Among the many films to be screened will be "Dear Lastan!" from Croatian director Irena ©koriæ. A total of 14 films will screen at Tribeca Cinemas in New York City. They include four feature films, four short films, and six documentaries. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 21 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 1136 years since the first international recognition of Croatia, more than 600 years before the discovery of America http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10688/1/1136-years-since-the-first-international-recognition-of-Croatia-more-than-600-years-before-the-discovery-of-America.html The Croatian Prince Branimir, 9th century, made important steps in strengthening the relations with Rome. During the solemn divine service in St. Peter's church in Rome in 879, Pope John VIII gave his blessing to the prince and the whole Croatian people, about which he informed Branimir in his letters, the first one dated on May 21, 879. This was the first time that the Croatian state was officially recognized (at that time the international legitimacy was given by the Pope), which, as we see, happened more than eleven centuries ago! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 21 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach to be featured on Hudson Valley Artist Spotlight May 15, 2015 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 Pulji) Tue, 12 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 The 2nd International Flute Summer Academy in Karlovac, Croatia July 5th-12th 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10682/1/The-2nd-International-Flute-Summer-Academy-in-Karlovac-Croatia-July-5th-12th-2015.html The Croatia Flute Academy is an international flute summer course, which presents a week full of intensive workshops, flute-clinics, seminars, shows, masterclasses, concerts, 1-1 Lessons, round-tables & ensemble-rehearsals. Flutists of all ages and levels are welcome to apply for a place. It will also feature guest professors from all over the world including Damjan Krajaèiæ(left) of Croatia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 05 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orlic captures musician Richard Thompson for his new album "Still" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10681/1/Zoran-Orlic-captures-musician-Richard-Thompson-for-his-new-album-quotStillquot.html Richard Thompson is the latest musician to be captured through the lens of photographer Zoran Orlic (left). This time it is for Thompson's new album "Still" due to be released in June and which is being produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Orlic's photos have appeared in numerous magazines including Rolling Stone, newspapers, websites and music packaging. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 04 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Metkovic Croatian town on Neretva river ornithological paradise in Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10637/1/Metkovic-Croatian-town-on-Neretva-river-ornithological-paradise-in-Europe.html The town of Metkoviæ is best known for Fr. Ante Gabriæ, SJ, Sundarban saint in Bengal in India, who was born in this town. It is also known for its exceptionally rich nature, due to its position on the delta of the Neretva river at the Adriatic sea. Especialy interesting is its Ornitological Museum. In the vicinity of the town there is a valuable archeological site of Narona from Roman times. During the last two decades the city has revived its tradition of races of old traditional boats. On the photo is a detail from the church of St. Elias (Sv. Ilija) dominating the town and the Neretva valley. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 02 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Artur Bagdasarov and Vinicije Lupis creating a bridge of friendship between Armenia and Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10679/1/Artur-Bagdasarov-and-Vinicije-Lupis-creating-a-bridge-of-friendship-between-Armenia-and-Croatia.html Artur Bagdasarov (Moscow) and Vinicije Lupis (Dubrovnik) are the authors of an important book Armenija - domovina sv. Vlaha  (Armenia - Homeland of St Blaise), dealing with the history St. Blaise tradition in the city of Dubrovnik, going back to the 10th century. St. Blaise, known in Croatia as Sveti Vlaho, is an Armenian saint who lived in 3rd and 4th centuries. The monograph provides a detailed account of historical contactcts between Croatians and Armenians. Dr. Artur Bagdasarov is an expert in Croatian linguistics, while Dr. Vinicije Lupis is a distinguished Croatian historian. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 25 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic Salopek and her Stella Maris Croatiae project http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10678/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-and-her-Stella-Maris-Croatiae-project.html Hrvojka Mihanoviæ Salopek, PhD, of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, is the director of important cultural project Stella Maris Croatiae, the aim of which is to present the most important examples of the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Croatia, including noted Marian shrines and an anthological selection of Marian works from the theological, artistic and musical heritage. Dr. Mihanoviæ Salopek and her team deserve our deep gratitude for her project and for their fantastic achievement, this time concentrated on the Southern Croatian islands and on Slavonian wheat fields. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 25 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Zdravko Basaric: Everything is Forever when I met Nenad Bach http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10676/1/Zdravko-Basaric-Everything-is-Forever-when-I-met-Nenad-Bach.html I first met Nenad during Christmas mass in the Church of Saints Cyril & Methodius and St. Raphael in Manhattan. It was during my visit to New York (1998) where I was promoting my novel Rhapsody on the Island of Susak for Croatian emigrants and the American public. During prayer I saw a tall man, with a distinct black hat. Very soon after the mass I had the honor of meeting him. This man is a Croatian American recording artist, composer, performer, producer and peace activist. The author of the article is Zdravko Basariæ, Croatian writer, on the photo. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Max Emanuel Cencic Croatian countertenor singing from Versailes and St Petersburg to Budapest and Vienna http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10672/1/Max-Emanuel-Cencic-Croatian-countertenor-singing-from-Versailes-and-St-Petersburg-to-Budapest-and-Vienna.html We are pleased to announce, that performances of our successful production of Siroe (the opera by Johann Adolf Hasse), directed by Max Emanuel Cencic, will be resumed on April 18th 2015 in semi-staged version at Budapest’s Vigszinhaz. Following this, there will be a performance in concert version in Theater an der Wien, Vienna, on April 21st. The high carat cast will be the same as in Versailles, consisting of  Max Emanuel Cencic in title role. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 17 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian artisans in Kre¹evo preserve unique tradition of ornamenting eggs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10667/1/Croatian-artisans-in-Kreevo-preserve-unique-tradition-of-ornamenting-eggs.html Located just west of Sarajevo, the predominantly Croatian town of Kre¹evo is home to a centuries old tradition of "shoeing" eggs. This tradition is only practiced by only a handful of skilled artisans, and Kre¹evo is said to be the only town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where this tradition survives. The egg has always been a symbol of new life, and the horseshoe a symbol of happiness. In almost every yard in Kre¹evo has tree on which are hung shod eggs of different colors. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 08 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Mirogoj Cemetery in Croatia's capital Zagreb through the lens of Nikola Piasevoli http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10666/1/Mirogoj-Cemetery-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-through-the-lens-of-Nikola-Piasevoli.html Mirogoj is one of the most beautiful city cemeteries in Europe. It has been designed by Austrian architect Herman Bollé, starting from 1879 to 1929 when it was completed. Many famous Croatians are burried there. Furthermore, with its pleasant atmosphere and numerous high quality works of art, it is a nice place for rest and meditation. All the photos have been taken by Mr. Nikola Piasevoli from Zagreb. With this presentation we wish all the readers of the CROWN and their families a happy Easter. nikola@piasevoli.com (Nikola Piasevoli) Fri, 03 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian American Radio Club of Chicago Celebrates 80th Anniversary 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 Pulji) Sun, 22 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 World Premiere of Nenad Bach's new video "Daughter's Eyes" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10660/1/World-Premiere-of-Nenad-Bachs-new-video-quotDaughters-Eyesquot.html Announcing the world premiere of Nenad Bach's new video "Daughter's Eyes" which is the 4th Music Video out of Bach - Orlic audio video laboratory. The video was filmed at the Bella Donna Chapel in Adriatica, McKinney, Texas on April 14, 2014. It premieres today on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2015. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Robert Herjavec of "Shark Tank" on Season 20 of "Dancing With the Stars" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10658/1/Robert-Herjavec-of-quotShark-Tankquot-on-Season-20-of-quotDancing-With-the-Starsquot.html If you are not familiar with Robert Herjavec (left) he is recognized as the “nice” Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award- winning hit show Shark Tank. Born in Croatia, Robert and his family fled communism in the former Yugoslavia with just one suitcase and $20 to their name. As Founder & CEO of Herjavec Group, Robert has grown his cybersecurity business over 12 years from $400K in sales and 3 employees to $140 million in sales and 250 employees worldwide. Robert is a proud Dad, a bestselling author, a marathon runner, a Ferrari racecar driver and is thrilled to be able to soon say “a dancer!” stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 17 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Goran Vi¹njiæ Joins World Stars in Fight to Protect Elephants http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10656/1/Goran-Vinjiae-Joins-World-Stars-in-Fight-to-Protect-Elephants.html Famous Croatian actor Goran Vi¹njiæ has joined a host of stars as ambassadors for one of the largest animal welfare and conservation charities in the world – The International Fund for Animal Welfare – in its aim to protect the world’s elephants. Vi¹njiæ, who rose to fame in his role as Dr. Luka Kovaè in the American television series ER, has warned the world about the threat to elephants in a video which also features a number of stars. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 14 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 The 2015 “UPBEAT” International Summer Music School to be held in Milna on the Island of Brac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10653/1/The-2015-8220UPBEAT8221-International-Summer-Music-School-to-be-held-in-Milna-on-the-Island-of-Brac--.html The 12th annual composition course this summer as part of the “UPBEAT” International Summer Music School in the town of Milna on the beautiful Adriatic island of Brac in Croatia. The composition course consists of: a series of daily group meetings with Professor Joel Hoffman (left), cultural and outdoor group activities in Milna and nearby on the island of Brac, and final concert of works by course participants. The course will focus on works written for the Milna Ensemble, which consists of the composer-performers who are members of the course. The dates of the course are 25 July through 5 August, 2015. the deadline for receipt of all materials is Friday, 13 March, 2015. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 07 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Tena Stivicic Wins Blackburn Drama Prize http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10652/1/-Tena-Stivicic-Wins-Blackburn-Drama-Prize.html Tena Stivicic (left) was awarded the 37th annual Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play “3 Winters,” a dark, era-hopping drama about a Croatian family in post-World War II Zagreb. At a ceremony at Playwrights Horizons,The Blackburn, the oldest and largest prize awarded to female playwrights, is given annually to an English-language theater work of outstanding quality. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 03 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian director Tiha K. Gudac receives CEI Award 2015 at Trieste Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10650/1/Croatian-director-Tiha-K-Gudac-receives-CEI-Award-2015-at-Trieste-Film-Festival.html Tiha K. Gudac (left), born in Zagreb in 1982, was awarded for the documentary film Goli (Naked Island) which, as underlined by the jury, “denounces how a nation’s past can haunt its present”. The CEI Award (3.000 EUR) was presented by Alternate Secretary General, Amb. Margit Waestfelt, on the occasion of the awarding ceremony in Trieste on 22 January. Goli is an investigation built upon the ruins of the past, a mosaic made of clues, family photos and intimate testimonies of a tight-knit group of people who were brought together by the same place, a political prison in former Yugoslavia, also known as an “Island of broken souls” – and consequences this place has left on three generations. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 27 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Zdravko Basaric i.e. Patrick Hughes Croatian writer of Countdown Trilogy promoted in Israel Jerusalem 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10647/1/Zdravko-Basaric-ie-Patrick-Hughes-Croatian-writer-of-Countdown-Trilogy-promoted-in-Israel-Jerusalem-2015.html The Countown Trilogy written by Zdravko Basariæ (Patrick Hughes) living in a small town Sveta Nedelja near Croatia's capital Zagreb) was first published in Croatian and English, promoted in 2014 at Israeli pavillion at the world's largest Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Now, in 2015, we have significant news for the readers of the CROWN: this trilogy, which has been published in Croatian and English in 2013, is being published in Hebrew in Jerusalem, the State of Israel, 2015. Congratulations to Mr. Zdravko Basariæ, the author of the trilogy, and to Mr. Pierre Lavi, publisher of the Hebrew edition and responsible for international editions. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 19 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 10 Annual Heritage and History Tour of Croatia with Robert Jerin September 12 - September 26, 2015 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 Pulji) Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Hancic created new font inspired by the Vinodol Code written in Croatian Glagolitic Script in 1288 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10641/1/Nenad-Hancic-created-new-font-inspired-by-the-Vinodol-Code-written-in-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-in-1288.html Nenad Hanèiæ, living in Duesseldorf, Germany, has created a superb new computer font representing the famous Vinodol Code, a very old and important legal document written in Croatian Glagolitic Script, dating from the 13th century, more precisely, from 1288. This is the first font representing the most important Croatian Middle Age legal document. The Vinodol Code was written more than two hundred years before the discovery of America. Congratulations to Nenad Hanèiæ for great job! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Documentary about Mia Slavenska, Mia, a Dancer's Journey to be screened in NYC on January 31, 2015 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 Pulji) Wed, 14 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Blase Joseph Cupich installed as Chicago's Archbishop on November 18, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10639/1/Blase-Joseph-Cupich-installed-as-Chicagos-Archbishop-on-November-18-2014.html Archbishop Blase J. Cupich has been installed as the Ninth Archbishop of Chicago at an Installation Mass on November 18 2014, at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior Streets in Chicago.  Cardinal George presided at the Monday evening Liturgy and Archbishop Cupich delivered the homily. Among the civic leaders welcoming Archbishop Cupich were Governor Patrick Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle.  Also welcoming the new Archbishop was Dr. Jelena Grèiè Poliæ, the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran Croatian writer will have ten theater premieres in America, Asia and Europe in 2015 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10638/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-writer-will-have-ten-theater-premieres-in-America-Asia-and-Europe-in-2015.html In the first four months of this year, Croatian writer Miro Gavran (www.mirogavran.com) will have ten theater premieres: in America (Los Angeles), Asia (Mumbai and Bangalore in India, Tel Aviv in Israel, which will be his first premiere in Hebrew), and Europe (Moscow in Russia, Parnu in Estonia, Prag in Czechia, Zagreb in Croatia). Works by Miro Gavran have so far been translated into 37 languages, while more than 250 premieres have been made based upon his dramas and comedies, which have been seen by over three million viewers around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Botanical Garden in Zagreb founded in 1889, through the lens of Nikola Piasevoli http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10635/1/Botanical-Garden-in-Zagreb-founded-in-1889-through-the-lens-of-Nikola-Piasevoli.html Nikola Piasevoli amateur photograper fell in love with the Botanical Garden in Zagreb and regularly pays visit on every season, from spring to automn. The Garden was set in 1889 as a gift from the City of Zagreb to the University. The only compensation for it was (and still is) an agreement to open the doors of the Garden to the visitors, free of charge. About 5500 taxa of higher plants grow in Croatia, which is more than in Spain (5050), France (4630) and Germany (3200). nikola@piasevoli.com (Nikola Piasevoli) Sun, 04 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic Croatian pianist and poet had Christmas concert in Tirana in Albania Dec 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10636/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-Croatian-pianist-and-poet-had-Christmas-concert-in-Tirana-in-Albania-Dec-2014.html After the concert of Ivana Marija Vidoviæ  in Tirana in April 2014, in front of a large audience, in the main hall of the Academy of Arts "Akademia e Arteve" at the festival FLAUTE MAGJIK, a new invitation has followed in December. Vidoviæ took part at the Piano Festival Pianodrom in the same hall of the Academy and under the artistic direction of maestro Fatos Qerimaj, Vidoviæ performed mainly Hispanic repertoire and one work by an Albanian author T. Harapi. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 31 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Franjo Dugan playing organs in Zagreb during the first public registration of a gramophone record in Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10634/1/Franjo-Dugan-playing-organs-in-Zagreb-during-the-first-public-registration-of-a-gramophone-record-in-Europe.html The first remote public registration of a gramophone record in continental Europe was successfully organized in Croatia's capital Zagreb, 1927. It was the third such registration in the world, after the USA, New York in 1925 and GB, London in 1926. The concert of Croatian Christmas carols with Franjo Dugan as the organist in the Zagreb Cathedral (stuffed with 2000 worshippers who were singing), had been registered for the Edison - Bell - Penkala Co. in Zagreb. We mention in passing that Penkala was a famous Croatian inventor, known among others for his "chemical pen", named as penkala in his honor. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 27 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Bunjevci Croats from Backa and their Christmas traditions expressed in straw and cakes http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10632/1/Bunjevci-Croats-from-Backa-and-their-Christmas-traditions-expressed-in-straw-and-cakes.html Straw work is a unique naive art form which originates from the rich folk art of the Bunjevci-Croats settled in the north of Baèka. In Tavankut, a village near the town Subotica, the self-taught women nourish and preserve this naive art skill by entwining beads and making paintings out of straw which portray specific motifs and themes from the life of the Bunjevci-Croats. Also, delicious and richly ornamented Christmas cakes called bo¾iènjak are prepared. On the photo Christmas cake by Dubravka Vrbljanac. With this article we wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 06 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Mia Slavenska Croatian-American ballerina broadcast premiere "Mia, a Dancer's Journey" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10631/1/Mia-Slavenska-Croatian-American-ballerina-broadcast-premiere-quotMia-a-Dancers-Journeyquot.html "Mia, a dancer's journey" aired November 20th on PBS SoCaL in Southern California and received great ratings and great reviews in the press! Viewers can catch an encore of the film on PBS SoCaL, Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 9 pm! In February, the film will be released to PBS stations across the country and millions of Americans will have access to this film on television. This is the first time a film like this about a Croatian American ballerina has been distributed nationally on Public Television and we are very happy about this accomplishment. Adding to the excitement, the film will have a film festival premiere at the Lincoln Center in New York in January, 2015. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 30 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Carmen Verlichak author of the book Edificios y monumentos de los Croatas de la Argentina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10629/1/Carmen-Verlichak-author-of-the-book-Edificios-y-monumentos-de-los-Croatas-de-la-Argentina.html Carmen Verlichak is the author of a new monograph entitled Edificios y monumentos de los Croatas de la Argentina, published in 2014 by her own company Krivodol Press. She provides short stories about numerous Croatian families in Argentina. Especially interesting is the story about Father Stjepan Gregov from the island of Pa¹man in Croatia, who emmigrated in dramatic circumstances to Argentina. She also mentions the need for the building at Marcelo T. de Alvear street in Buenos Aires to be directed to its original purpose, a donation to the Croatian people. It was donated by Nicolas Mihanovich, a founder of Argentine Merchent marine. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 19 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Patrick Hughes Croatian writer guest of Israeli pavilion at the 2014 Frankfurt Book Fair http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10627/1/Patrick-Hughes-Croatian-writer-guest-of-Israeli-pavilion-at-the-2014-Frankfurt-Book-Fair.html   Patrick Hughes (Zdravko Basariæ), Croatian writer, had the honor to participate with his Countdown Trilogy in the pavilion of the State of Israel during the largest book fair in the world in Frankfurt (8-10th of October 2014).  Thanks to his publisher for global market Mr. Pierre Lavi, the books are translating into Hebrew. The philosophy of Patrick Hughes is condensed in the following words: "Words and bullets kill, but I prefer to create good words rather than bullets. Help me create words of peace for all humanity". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 15 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran Croatian playwright to have eight premieres in eight countries http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10625/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-playwright-to-have-eight-premieres-in-eight-countries.html   In the next two months, November and December 2014, the Croatian playwright Miro Gavran will have eight theatrical premieres in eight different countries:  Russia, Czechia, Slovenia, Romaina, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzgovina and in Poland. This rich theatrical series starts on November 6th with the premiere of Gavran's drama "All About Men", in the famous Russian theater RED TORCH from Novosibirsk. Miro Gavran's works have so far been translated into 35 languages. There have been over 250 theatrical premieres worldwide of his dramas and comedies. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 30 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Faust Vrancic 1551-1617 Memorial Center on the island of Prvic near the town of Sibenik in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10619/1/Faust-Vrancic-1551-1617-Memorial-Center-on-the-island-of-Prvic-near-the-town-of-Sibenik-in-Croatia.html Faust Vranèiæ was a distinguished Croatian inventor and encyclopaedist during Renaissance 16/17th centuries. Among his most important inventions we mention the parachute as we use today (very different from Leonardo da Vinci'c), suspension bridge and wind turbine. He wrote an important five language dictionary of the most noble Eureopan languages, which included Latin, Italian, German, Croatian and Hungarian. Faust Vranèiæ, born in the town of ©ibenik, now has a superb Memorial Center on the nearby island of Prviæ, where he was burried according his last wish. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 08 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavat directed by Ivana Marija Vidovic offering a rich program September 8-14, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10612/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavat-directed-by-Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-offering-a-rich-program-September-8-14-2014.html Participants of the Epidaurus Festival: Marking 150th anniversary of the birth of Richard Strauss Jordi Vázquez, tenor,  Cláudio Suzin Rodríguez, piano (Spain); Ave Maria for Cavtat, by Oliver Lakota, trumpet, Germany, Alexander Frey, organ, USA; Tirana Virtuosi, Lorenc Radovani, violin, Ramazan Peku, violin, Gezim Belegu, cello, Arben Basha, double bass, Fatos Qerimaj, clarientte, Robert Radoja, piano; Evenings of Tino Pattiera,  etc. Program compiled by Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Artistic director of the Epidaurus festival, on the photo. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 07 Sep 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota interview for Art Investor journal in Munich Germany conducted by Judith Eilers in 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10610/1/Ante-Glibota-interview-for-Art-Investor-journal-in-Munich-Germany-conducted-by-Judith-Eilers-in-2014.html Mr Ante Glibota, distinguished Croatian expert in art history completed a rare bibliophilic book (83 x 63cm.) in June 2014 with Otto Piene’s lithographs and Fernando Arrabal’s poems and his introductive essay, which gave him a lot of pleasure. Another important monograph on 450 pages, aboutChinese artist Li Zhuo, who is one of the most talented artists among the younger Chinese generation, and that will be completed in November 2014, and followed by an exhibition tour in the same European museums. Another important book in preparation deals with Chicago architect Lucian Lagrange, who he follows closely since 1981. It is important to note his preparative work on Swiss multimedia artist Franziska Megert. Etc. etc. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 29 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Festival Kvarner in Opatija celebrating five years of existence with attractive concert program for 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10609/1/Festival-Kvarner-in-Opatija-celebrating-five-years-of-existence-with-attractive-concert-program-for-2014.html Mahler was here, Puccini visited it, Lehar and Kalman were regular guests. We are talking about the unique Opatija - a place, where, probably, the most beautiful (concert) venues of the entire Adriatic coast are situated. What brought us to found the Festival Kvarner? To anticipate: Only a re-foundation to revive Opatija's 100 year old tradition as a Gesamtkunstwerk has been done!  Program for 2014 includes pieces by J. Haydn, R. Strauss, Irish folk music, etc. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 29 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Tomislav Braliæ & Klapa Intrade USA and Canada 2014 Tour 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 Pulji) Sun, 24 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Otto Piene 1928-2014 in light of poetry and gesture described by Ante Glibota Croatian historian of art http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10598/1/Otto-Piene-1928-2014-in-light-of-poetry-and-gesture-described-by-Ante-Glibota-Croatian-historian-of-art.html Otto Piene is distinguished German artist, a leading figure of European post-war avant-garde. In 1974, he was appointed as director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Advanced Visual Studies, USA, and stayed on this position during 25 years. Croatian historian of Art and Architecture Mr. Ante Glibota is the author of two extensive monographs about Otto Piene. We provide the text of his Introduction to joint monograph with Otto Piene and Fernando Abral. Mr. Glibota had an exception honor to open, jointly with Mr. Otto Piene, two grand exhibitions in Berlin, one in Neue National Galerie and another one in Deutsche Bank Kunsthalle, in 16th July 2014. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 12 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Yin Yang fantastic Chinese painter exhibited in 2014 in Croatia due to indefatigable Ante Glibota http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10597/1/Yin-Yang-fantastic-Chinese-painter-exhibited-in-2014-in-Croatia-due-to-indefatigable-Ante-Glibota.html   Due to the efforts of indefatigable Mr. Ante Glibota, Croatian artistic critic and director of galleries in Paris in Shanghai, Croatia had a rare opportunity to be acquainted with some of the finest contemporary Chinese artists. Two exhibitions were organized in 2014, one in the city of Pula, and another one in the city of Rijeka. Here we concentrate on works of art Yin Yang, with his artistic (as well as social and philosophical) theme of coal miners. It is in a sense autobiographica exhibition, since Yin Yang worked as a coal miner during about two decades. After Croatia, the exhibition will be shown in Belgium and France. Mr Ante Glibota is a leading international authority for contemporary Chinese art. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 09 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian choirs Kastavke and Jane won gold medals at the World Choir Games in Riga Latvia 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10592/1/Croatian-choirs-Kastavke-and-Jane-won-gold-medals-at-the-World-Choir-Games-in-Riga---Latvia-2014.html Croatia successfully participated at the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, winning two gold medals (Kastavke on the photo, Jane, Mir) in various categories: two silver medals and one bronze (Èarobna frula), as well as two gold diplomas (Mir). This competition is the largest choir competition in the world, organized in 29 categories, in which 460 choirs participated with about 27000 singers from 73 countries representing all five continents. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 27 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 TARARA singing and dance connecting Maori people in New Zealand with Croatians http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10587/1/TARARA-singing-and-dance-connecting-Maori-people-in-New-Zealand-with-Croatians.html We invite you to enjoy the magnificent Samoan capella performances and indigenous chants combined with Croatian harmony blockbusters: Vilo moja (My Fairy), Ju te san se zajubio (I Fell In Love With You), Samo moru virujen (I Believe To The See Only), and other. Breathless feeling goes further with Maori who are, within their customs, songs and dances presentation surprising everyone with Maori version of the song "Vilo moja." Maori and Croatian all get on very well. They have a similar way of looking at life and relationships. Tarara is a mixture of Maori people and Croatians in New Zelaland. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 International Folklore Festival in Zagreb 2014 dedicated to the region of Medjimurje in Croatian north http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10585/1/International-Folklore-Festival-in-Zagreb-2014-dedicated-to-the-region-of-Medjimurje-in-Croatian-north.html The 48th International Folklore Festival in Zagreb, 16-20 July 2014, is dedicated to the folklore and heritage of Meðimurje, the northernmost part of Croatia. Participants of the Festival also include folklore groups from other parts of Croatia, as well as groups coming from distant foreign countries. Stage performances will be complemented by exhibitions, dance and music workshops, as well as traditional church music and world music concerts. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 12 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Pag Lace is a miracle of Croatian folk art on the island of Pag http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10584/1/Pag-Lace-is-a-miracle-of-Croatian-folk-art-on-the-island-of-Pag.html   A systematic teaching of preparing the Pag lace on the island of Pag near the city of Zadar started in 1906 (cancelled in 1948 and renewed in 1994). But it is known that already in the 15th century the Pag lace has been prepared within the benedictine convent of St Margarita on the island of Pag. Hundreds of hours of patient work, without any mistake, are needed to produce a high quality lace. In the town of Pag there is a Gallery of Pag Lace (Galerija pa¹ke èipke), which we warmly recommend you to see it. On the photo dating from 1916, is a little Pag lacemaker. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 10 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Canada Day celebration in Zagreb features Emmanuel Vukovich a distinguished violinist with Croatian roots http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10581/1/Canada-Day-celebration-in-Zagreb-features-Emmanuel-Vukovich-a-distinguished-violinist-with-Croatian-roots.html Emmanuel Vukovich, distinguished Candian violinist of younger generation, has Croatian roots: one of his grandfathers is from the town of Brinje in the region of Lika. Mr. Vukovich and his colleague pianist Hyun-Ho Choi had the honor to have a concert at the Hrvatski Glazbeni Zavod in Zagreb, on the occasion of the Canada Day, in the presence of Her Excellency Mrs. Louise LaRocque, Canadian ambassador to Croatia, and about 300 invited persons. He is the recipient of McGill University’s first Schulich Golden Violin Award, The Canada Council for the Arts Orford String Quartet Scholarship, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 04 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 West Village Chorale from New York City's Greenwich Village touring Croatia 4-10th July 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10579/1/West-Village-Chorale-from-New-York-Citys-Greenwich-Village-touring-Croatia-4-10th-July-2014.html Since 1971, the West Village Chorale, based in New York City's Greenwich Village, has performed an eclectic repertoire that celebrates the classics and gives voice to new directions in choral music. In a wireless age of downloads, playlists and podcasts, they bring chorus and audience together in the spirit of community to experience the joy of live choral music. This tour allows the chorus to explore the beauty and culture of Croatia and its people, joining forces with Croatian musicians and transcending language barriers to create beautiful music together. Concerts: on 4th July 2014 in Dubrovnik, on 7th July in Split and on 10th July in Pula. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 02 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavatat Croatia hosts children's artistic troup from Kaliningrad Russia 4th July 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10578/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavatat-Croatia-hosts-childrens-artistic-troup-from-Kaliningrad-Russia-4th-July-2014.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, artistic director of Epidaurus Festival: My wish is that every sound produced at Epidaurus Festival would merge with Cavtat's magical hug, and that every word, every verse, whether sung or spoken, would, for centuries to come, continue to echo throughout its old streets, the very same ones that - within and of themselves  - had been a stage for centuries already. BREVIS Ensemble from Kaliningrad, composed of children, will have a concert at the Epidaurus Festival on 4th July 2014, at 9 pm, marking the birth of distinguished Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 01 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Gavran's premiere of "All About Women" in Paris and hundredth performance of "Creon's Antigone" in Avignon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10574/1/Gavrans-premiere-of-quotAll-About-Womenquot-in-Paris-and-hundredth-performance-of-quotCreons-Antigonequot-in-Avignon.html Miro Gavran will have the premiere of his drama "All About Women" in Paris on July 6th. The premiere will happen in LA FUNAMBLE THEATRE MONTMARTRE in the production of  "Compagnie du soir", and the show will play every day until July 29th. As luck would have it, on that same July 6th at the Theater Festival in Avignon, the formal 100th performance of Gavran's drama "Creon's Antigone" is to be performed by the ROSEAU Theater, which will then in Avignon be played 20 times in a row for the duration of the festival. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 13 Jun 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Joso's Croatian Seafood Restaurant in Toronto in Stephen Holt's interview with Leo Spralia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10572/1/Josos-Croatian-Seafood-Restaurant-in-Toronto-in-Stephen-Holts-interview-with-Leo-Spralia.html Stephen Holt interviews Leo Spralia at Joso's, one of Toronto's top Seafood restaurants, during the Toronto International Film Festival as broadcast on the Stephen Holt Show. Sept.'02. The restaurant serves food prepared in Dalmatian way from Croatian coast. Owned and operated by Leo and Shirley ©pralja and founded by Joso ©pralja in the 1960′s, Joso’s restaurant has achieved continuous success of over 36 years in business and is considered a landmark of the Toronto hospitality scene. It has been visited by numerous celebrities, like Mike Jagger, Paul Newman, Jose Feliciano etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:00:00 +0000 The Baron family's Croatian tamburitza band in the USA in 1930s http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10566/1/The-Baron-familys-Croatian-tamburitza-band-in-the-USA-in-1930s.html By age 12, the Baron kids were proficient on traditional Croatian tamburitza instruments such as the prim, tambura and bas-prim, and were put to work playing at weddings, apartments or wherever my great-grandfather could hire them out (places where shots of whiskey apparently flowed during breaks). Their parents are from Zagreb, Croatia, who carved out a life in Braddock, in a rented flat near Pittsburgh's burgeoning steel mills. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 27 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Ljubo Krasic director of Croatian Ethnic Institute in Chicago, USA 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 ubrini) Thu, 22 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 The Countdown Trilogy is a spy thriller written by Zdravko Basaric under the pseudonym of Patrick Hughes http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10555/1/The-Countdown-Trilogy-is-a-spy-thriller-written-by-Zdravko-Basaric-under-the-pseudonym-of-Patrick-Hughes.html The Trilogy Countdown is not only a tense spy-political thriller written by a Croatian author, Zdravko Basaric under the pseudonym of Patrick Hughes. It is a tense spy-political thriller with an uncertain ending, about an ordinary businessman Martin Balarin (36) from New York accidentally facing a spy war. The reason for that is a well-paid job in a diving expedition on his native island of Korcula (Croatia) and a beautiful woman named Bianca Stone (27), whom he meets while in a meeting in Atlantic City. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 01 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 15th Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre Festival in Svetvinèenat - July 18-21, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10554/1/15th-Dance-and-Non-Verbal-Theatre-Festival-in-Svetvineenat---July-18-21-2014.html This year, Festival activities will start in June at the Mediterranean Dance Centre in Svetvinèenat, a regular meeting place of Croatian and foreign artists at artistic residences and workshops. The peak of dance "season" is undoubtedly the 15th Dance and Non-verbal Theatre Festival, which will be held from July 18 to July 21, featuring choreographers from the whole of Europe. Performances will be staged at four attractive locations: under the starry sky at the renaissance square, inside Grimani castle, in the loggia and at the earlier mentioned Mediterranean Dance Centre. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 30 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 LET'S CEE Film Festival Short Film Competition - due date for submissions June 7, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10553/1/LETS-CEE-Film-Festival-Short-Film-Competition----due-date-for-submissions-June-7-2014.html The 3rd edition of the LET’S CEE Film Festival is calling for entries for the 2014 Short Film Competition. Films can be submitted between 7 April and 7 June, 2014. The Short Film Competition will give young filmmakers (up to 35 years of age) from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as from Austria, the opportunity to submit their short films with a maximum length of 30 minutes. The films featured in this competition can be submitted personally by their respective directors or producers. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 30 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Goran Visnjic in an appeal for the Croatian Scholarship Fund 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 Pulji) Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Oliver Dragojeviæ USA Tour May 10-24, 2014 featuring Nina Badriæ, Ljiljana Nikolovska, and Tedi Spalato http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10516/1/Oliver-Dragojeviae-USA-Tour-May-10-24-2014-featuring-Nina-Badriae-Ljiljana-Nikolovska-and-Tedi-Spalato.html Music legend, Oliver Dragojeviæ, bard of Croatian music returns with his band “Dupini” to the United States May 2014. Influenced by global music trends, his work still preserves the elements of Dalmatian music, the key to his more than 40-year sparkling career. Oliver’s previous performances took place in many renowned venues around the world including sold-out concerts in: Olympia-Paris, Royal Albert Hall-London, Carnegie Hall-New York, and Sydney Opera-Australia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 28 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Happy Easter - Sretan Uskrs 2014 through art of Jozo Kljakovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10550/1/Happy-Easter---Sretan-Uskrs-2014-through-art-of-Jozo-Kljakovic.html Wishing a Happy Easter to all readers of the CROWN, we touch a part of the work of art of distinguished Croatian painter Jozo Kljakoviæ (1889-1969). In Zagreb there is a Memorial Museum of Jozo Kljakoviæ, dedicated to his life and work. He is well known for his frescos in the Pontifical Croatian St. Jerome Institute in Rome and in the church of St. Mark in Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 19 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 ‘Everything is Forever’ biographic film about Nenad Bach wins international filmfest top awards in Houston http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10549/1/8216Everything-is-Forever8217-biographic-film-about-Nenad-Bach-wins-international-filmfest-top-awards-in-Houston.html   The journey of Croatian-American composer/singer and writer Nenad Bach through war and peace, and rock and roll captured in the documentary/feature film ‘Everything is Forever’ won top awards at the 47th Annual Worldfest Houston International Film Festival (April 4-13). The feature film garnered the prestigious Platinum Remi Award for Theatrical Feature Film & Video Award and the Special Jury Remi Award for Music Video Award – Stage Concert/ Performance. Written by Violi Calvert. On the photo Stehanie Silber, Victor Zimet and Nenad. violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Fri, 18 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Vuprem oci an old traditional Croatian song very popular among French vocal choirs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10547/1/Vuprem-oci-an-old-traditional-Croatian-song-very-popular-among-French-vocal-choirs.html Vuprem oèi is a very tender and poetic Croatian folk song from the region of Meðimurje on the north of Croatia. Its simple melody follows a pentatonic pattern, so typical for this part of Croatia. We express our deep gratitude to Professor Kre¹imir Veseliæ, distinguished Croatian mathematician, who informed us about popularity of this song in France. We also owe our sincere gratitude to numerous French choirs and their conductors for their exceptional perfomances. Moreover, they all sing this song in Croatian! This song is a jewel of the European cultural landscape. On the photo Mrs. Pascale Scarabin from France, fantastic solo interpretor of Vuprem oèi. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 17 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Istvancic Croatian filmmaker recipient of the Liliane Stewart Award for Design Arts in Montreal Canada http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10542/1/Branko-Istvancic-Croatian-filmmaker-recipient-of-the-Liliane-Stewart-Award-for-Design-Arts-in-Montreal-Canada.html Branko I¹tvanèiæ is recipient of a highly praised award at the The International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) 2014 in Montreal, Canada, for his very beautiful and poetic documentary film "Straw-Girls." The “straw girls” are anonymous Croatian artists of Bunjevci ethnicity who live in the province of Baèka. They found straw to be the “green” medium of choice for creating paintings, sculptures and applied art objects as an antidote to their difficult life on the vast Pannonian plain. In 2013 Mr Branko II¹tvanèiæ already won the Gold Camera Award for best documentary in Los Angeles, USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 01 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Ukrainian - Croatian friendship http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10537/1/Ukrainian---Croatian-friendship.html Croatian-Ukrainian ties are very old. The so called White Croatians originate from the western part of Ukraine. It is no surprise that, for example, the Ukrainian traditional art and the architecture of wooden churches are close to that of the north of Croatia. In 2010 a nice monument was erected in honor of distinguished Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko in Croatian town of Lipik, who spent a few years in Croatia. Ukraine was the first country which, as a member of the UN, recognized the Republic of Croatia. On the photo one can see Croatian and Ukrainian Easter eggs, decorated by Annette Hricko Czupylo, an Ukrainian living in the USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 18 Mar 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Vinko Coce 1954-2013 Croatian tenor and klapa singer from the city of Trogir http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10533/1/Vinko-Coce-1954-2013-Croatian-tenor-and-klapa-singer-from-the-city-of-Trogir.html Vinko Coce is a distingushed Croatian pop and klapa singer, known for his numerous unforgettable songs like "Vilo moja“ (My Fairy), „Ribari“ (Mariners), or „Mirno spavaj ru¾o moja“ (Sleep peacefully my rose). He is known for his numerous humanitarian concerts, in particular during the 1990s. Among his memorable appearances are the concerts at the grand stadium in the city of Split. We invite You to listen to his singing. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Svyetlana Vyalova Russian expert in Croatian Glagolitic Script writes about the Bercic Collection http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10525/1/Dr-Svyetlana-Vyalova-Russian-expert-in-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-writes-about-the-Bercic-Collection.html Svyetlana Olegovna Vyalova is distinguished expert in Croatian Glagolitic Script, working in the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg, which the Russians claim to be the largest in the world. The library is in possession of the Berèiæ Collection, which is the largest collection of Croatian Glagolitic manuscripts and books kept outside of Croatia, purchased by the Russian Imperial Academz already in 1865. It contains 228 items, and among them is extremely rare 1483 Croatian Glagolitic incunabulum, which is considered as one of the greatest valuables of the Library. According to her own words, Dr. Vyalova dedicated her best scientific years to the research of the Croatian Glagolitic heritage. wialova@gmail.com (Svyetlana Olegovna Vyalova) Sun, 23 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Screening of documentary film "Many Voices One Song" March 8, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10523/1/Screening-of-documentary-film-quotMany-Voices-One-Songquot-March-8-2014.html "Many Voices One Song" is a 2007 documentary film that follows the journey of one hundred thirty women in the Portsmouth, NH-based women’s chorus “Voices from the Heart” who make a life-changing connection with Croatian villagers who live surrounded by landmines left from the war of the 1990’s. Through the universal language of music this community of American women raised funds to clear the mines in their adopted Croatian village and sang their way across Croatia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 21 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 soCro: a Croatian Hip Hop artist from Chattanooga http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10519/1/soCro-a-Croatian-Hip-Hop-artist-from-Chattanooga.html Croatian, Hip Hop, and Chattanooga are three words that you don't normally hear in the same sentence. Meet Eric Lisica AKA soCro, a rap artist proud of his Croatian roots who “combines electronic elements of the European club scene with Southern hip hop.” A Dalmatian and good ol’ Southern boy based out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he has opened for Big Boi of Outkast, plays piano, viola, guitar, and drums and plans to take over the world with his music. diane.kolanovic@gmail.com (Diane Kolanovic) Fri, 14 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Lana Is presents her Solo Debut Album "In Your Head" on Feb 16th, 2014 in New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10515/1/Lana-Is-presents-her-Solo-Debut-Album-quotIn-Your-Headquot-on-Feb-16th-2014-in-New-York-City.html   A new music star on a horizon. Lana Cenèiæ aka Lana Is, singer. songwriter, actress and dancer born in Zagreb and living in New York enriches the music world with a successful debut album notable above all for its complex song structures and the artist’s expressive voice. The intricacy of the songs is achieved not through pompous instrumentation or bombastic sound but through intelligent rhythms including numerous breaks and surprising twists and effective instrument combinations. Put together, it is not easy to process but has great character that matures and grows on you. Lana Is CD Release Party @ Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) 196 Allen Street, New York, NY, Sunday Feb 16, 7pm darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 04 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Croatians Krist Novoselic and Ella Yelich O’Connor aka Lorde take home Grammys http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10512/1/Croatians-Krist-Novoselic-and-Ella-Yelich-O8217Connor-aka-Lorde-take-home-Grammys.html Croatians score two wins at the 2014 Grammy awards. Croatian-American Krist Novoselic won as part of a collaboration with Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney and Pat Smear for best rock song. Ella Yelich O’Connor of New Zealand won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for “Royals.” stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Milan Horvat 1919-2014 distinguished Croatian conductor collaborated with world's most famous orchestras http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10509/1/Milan-Horvat-1919-2014-distinguished-Croatian-conductor-collaborated-with-worlds-most-famous-orchestras.html For five years, from 1951 to 1956, maestro Milan Horvat was chief conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin. Than in 1969 up to 1975 he led the newly formed Symphony Orchestra ORF in Vienna. He was an honorary conductor of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. He collaborated with the greatest soloists of the world such as Mstislav Rostropovich, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, etc. He taught at the University of Graz in Austria, where his star pupil was Fabio Luisi, now music director of the Zurich Opera. The key to his vitality was, as he put it, his "hunger for music". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 24 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 "Caught Between Darkness and Light" is a new collection of poetry by Walter Mirkovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10508/1/quotCaught-Between-Darkness-and-Lightquot-is-a-new-collection-of-poetry-by-Walter-Mirkovic.html Croatian-American author Walter Mirkovic has published his first book of poetry. The book titled "Caught Between Darkness and Light" is a  collection of poetry highlighting observations of the world through spontaneous workings of the mind and personal experience. The book is illustrated by his niece Adriana Starcic. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 21 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota curator of the prestigious exhibition Contemporary Chinese Art in Luxembourg 18 Jan - 9 Feb 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10506/1/Ante-Glibota-curator-of-the-prestigious-exhibition-Contemporary-Chinese-Art-in-Luxembourg-18-Jan---9-Feb-2014.html Ante Glibota is distinguished Croatian expert in the history of art and architecture, a titular member of the European Academy of Sciences, Arts and Lettres (Membre titulaire de l’Académie Européenne des Sciences, des Arts et des Lettres). He has exceptional honour to be the curator of  important exhibition entitled "Art Chinois Contemporain 2" (Contemporary Chinese Art), to be held in Luxembourg from 18 January to 9 February 2014. Admission to the exhibition is free. Mr. Glibota lives in Paris and Shanghai. He is curator of the Museum of Art and Urbanity in Shanghai, China. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 11 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia Summer Conservation Field School June 20 - July 18, 2014 initiated by the University of Oregon, USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10505/1/Croatia-Summer-Conservation-Field-School-June-20---July-18-2014-initiated-by-the-University-of-Oregon-USA.html The Croatia Conservation Field School adds an exciting international element to the University of Oregon's Historic Preservation Program. It is an intensive program that allows students to gain hands-on experience in a culturally rich setting. Students will explore villages, while learning the history of the area of the city of Trogir (protected by UNESCO, on the photo) and on the island of Braè, documenting and analyzing important structures, and participating in a hands-on building project. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. z@zerostudio.net (Zoran Orlic) Fri, 03 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014 to all the people of good will http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10503/1/Merry-Christmas-and-a-Happy-New-Year-2014-to-all-the-people-of-good-will.html Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the readers of the CROWN from Croatian painter Zdenka Sertiæ, on the photo. Croats have about five hundred Christmas carols, more than any other nation in the world. One of truly famous works of art, related to Christams, is due to Croatian sculptor Andrija Buvina from the 13th century, carved on monumental wooden doors of the Cathedral of St. Dujam in the city of Split. We also send a special Christmas greeting to Mr. Dario Kordiæ and Mr. Slobodan Praljak and their families. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 22 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat to give recital at the Royal Academy of Music in London on January 7, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10501/1/Srdjan-Bulat-to-give-recital-at-the-Royal-Academy-of-Music-in-London-on-January-7-2014.html Classical guitarist, Srdjan Bulat will be holding a recital at the Royal Academy of Music in London, on Tuesday January 7, 2014. The recital will be held at the David Josefowitz Recital Hall and will start at 6:00 p.m. admission is free. Bulat, a post graduate student at the Royal Academy of Music will be performing works by Croatian composers. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's world premiere of "HOW TO STEAL A WIFE" in Vilnius in Lithuania adapted from his comedy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10500/1/-Miro-Gavrans-world-premiere-of-quotHOW-TO-STEAL-A-WIFEquot-in-Vilnius-in-Lithuania-adapted-from-his-comedy.html The world premiere of the film "How to Steal a Wife", which was adapted from Miro Gavran's theatre comedy "Henpecked Husbands", is scheduled for December 20th in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The producer is LITL BAZ PICTURES from Vilnius. The director is the young, but exceptionally successful Donatas Ulvydas. Shortly after its release in Vilnius, the film will play in theaters in America and Europe, so screenings are already lined up in Chicago, London, Oslo, Copenhagen, Bergen ... Very recently Miro Gavran had premieres in Slovakia, Czechia and in Russia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 16 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Arsen Anton Ostojic wins in St. Louis and has been nominated for an Oscar for a third time http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10496/1/Arsen-Anton-Ostojic-wins-in-St-Louis-and-has-been-nominated-for-an-Oscar-for-a-third-time.html Both Arsen and his new Oscar nominated feature film "Halima’s Path" were awarded during the 22nd St. Louis International Film Festival, held from November 14th to 24th. Arsen received the Contemporary Cinema Award, which honors mid-career filmmakers doing challenging and innovative work. This is the third time that one of Arsen's films will represent Croatia for the Oscars; his previous two films - "A Wonderful Night in Split" and "No One's Son" were both Croatia's official entries for an Academy Award. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 12 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Latica Aniæ, Kristina Winiarski and Vid Veljak soloists with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra in Germany 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10493/1/Latica-Aniae-Kristina-Winiarski-and-Vid-Veljak-soloists-with-the-Stuttgart-Chamber-Orchestra-in-Germany-2013.html Latica Aniæ (Croatia), Kristina Winiarski (Sweden) and Vid Veljak (Croatia) are among the most gifted students of maestro Valter De¹palj, distinguished professor of violoncello at the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb. They had a privilege to be elected among nine out of about hundred participants of masterclasses in Rutesheim, Germany, as soloists  for the final concert with the internationally known Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra in November 2013. Among the former students of maestro De¹palj is Luka ©uliæ, a member of globally known 2 CELLOS. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 09 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Max Emanuel Cencic world class countertenor singer recipient of the Diapason d'or award in Paris 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10492/1/Max-Emanuel-Cencic-world-class-countertenor-singer-recipient-of-the-Diapason-dor-award-in-Paris-2013.html Max Emanuel Cenciæ, Croatian countertenor, "great amongst great", is recipient of the award Diapason d'or (Golden Diapason) for 2013. It is an important recognition to the spectacular singing career of this former singer of the famous Wiener Sanger Knaben (Vienna Boy's Choir). It is interesting that Mr. Cenciæ is not the first Croatian recipient of Diapason d'or, it was already won by Katarina Livljaniæ with her Ensemble Dialogos in 2004. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 07 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian events in Argentina 2013: Buenos Aires Celebra Croacia, Klapa Kastav, Chaco, etc. 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 Vrljiak) Thu, 05 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Zamba to compete at the 30th International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 21-25, 2014 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10486/1/Zamba-to-compete-at-the-30th-International-Blues-Challenge-in-Memphis-in-January-21-25-2014.html Croatian Blues band Zamba (left) is an entrant for the 30th International Blues Challenge where musicians from around the world will be competing for for cash, prizes, and industry recognition. The Blues Foundation will present the 30th International Blues Challenge January 21-25, 2014 in Memphis, Tennessee. The world's largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 02 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Kunc's new sophisticated CD entitled KUNC PLAYS KUNC dedicated to her father Bozidar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10484/1/Ivana-Kuncs-new-sophisticated-CD-entitled-KUNC-PLAYS-KUNC-dedicated-to-her-father-Bozidar.html   We are very pleased to announce Ivana Kunc's new and very sophisticated musical project on CD entitled KUNC PLAYS KUNC, dedicated to her father Bo¾idar Kunc, distinguished Croatian pianist and composer, who spent the last fourteen years of his life in the United States. His beloved and noble wife DeElda Kunc b. Fiebelkorn, a gifted poetess, passed away in 2013. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 20 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Vukovar is an indelible part of European and World History http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10483/1/Vukovar-is-an-indelible-part-of-European-and-World-History.html In this article we have collected some of the songs and verses dedicated to the tragic destiny of the city of Vukovar and its citizens. The destiny of numerous victims is still not known. This Baroque city on the Danube river was savagely destroyed in 1991. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orlic captures the band Trampled By Turtles in a new book http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10482/1/Zoran-Orlic-captures-the-band-Trampled-By-Turtles-in-a-new-book.html Croatian-American photographer Zoran Orlic (left) was given the opportunity to capture the band "Trampled by Turtles" as they performed their 10th anniversary concert in Minneapolis earlier this year. Those photos which feature candid backstage shots as well as explosive onstage moments have been collected in a book commemorating the event. The book goes on sale in November and is limited to 1,000 copies. Pre-order your copy today! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 12 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Lorde an authentic new music star on a horizon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10480/1/Lorde-an-authentic-new-music-star-on-a-horizon.html Ella Yelich-O'Connor, known by her stage name Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter. She released her first EP The Love Club, in March 2013 and her first single "Royals" in June 2013. Her début album Pure Heroine was released in September 2013. Yelich-O'Connor was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 7 November 1996 to an Irish father and Croatian mother Sonja Yelich, a prize-winning poet. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 05 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach's life in America is described in a film called "Everything is Forever" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10479/1/Nenad-Bachs-life-in-America-is-described-in-a-film-called-quotEverything-is-Foreverquot.html Home Team Productions has nearly completed the documentary film about Nenad's life in America called "Everything is Forever" and is directed by Victor Zimet and produced by Stephanie Silber. Congratulations to Nenad for being selected as an advisor for the State Office for Croatians Abroad! Advisors will assist in the creation and execution of activities pertaining to Croatians who live outside of the Republic of Croatia. The band will be performing at Percolator Coffeehouse next Sunday, November 10, 2013 starting at 7:00 p.m. HRT 1 will be rebroadcasting the band's concert at Lisinski Hall on Monday November 4, 2013 at 6:20 New York time.  You can watch the live stream at http://htv1.hrt.hr . darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 04 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Queen of Croatians Chapel on the mount of Medvednica near Zagreb celebrates 80th birthday http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10478/1/Queen-of-Croatians-Chapel-on-the-mount-of-Medvednica-near-Zagreb-celebrates---80th-birthday.html In 2013 the Chapel of Mother Mary of Sljeme near Zagreb, also known as the Queen of Croatians, solemnly celebrated 80 years since it has been built. The Holy Mass  was served in September 2013 by cardinal Josip Bozaniæ, the Zagreb Archbishop. In October 2013 an interesting mass has been served by F. Josip Ro¾mariæ, SJ, and by Rev. Oleh Hirnyk, Greek-Catholic priest from the city of Lviv, Ukraine; see the photo. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 02 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic representing her native city of Dubrovnik and Croatia in Italy as a pianist and poet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10477/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-representing-her-native-city-of-Dubrovnik-and-Croatia-in-Italy-as-a-pianist-and-poet.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian pianist and poet born in the city of Dubrovnik, is a frequent guest in Italy. On the other hand, as a profound connoisseur of Italian culture, she was nominated in 2010 as an Ambassador of Italian culture in Croatia. In October 2013 she had two recitals and a master class at the Conservatory of Antonio Vivaldi in Alessandria, with emphasis on the opus of Croatian pianist Dora Pejaèeviæ. During the 2013 PianoMasters Festival in Lombardia in Palazzo Gallio, she was playing Mozart, Granados and Dore Pejaèeviæ, while during the break her verses have been recited by Italian actor Claudio Milani. At the end Ivana recited the verses in original Croatian language. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 01 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota Croatian historian of Art published a monograph about Chinese painter Yin Yang in Bejing http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10474/1/Ante-Glibota-Croatian-historian-of-Art-published-a-monograph-about-Chinese-painter-Yin-Yang-in-Bejing.html Ante Glibota: "...Through his visual work, Yin Yang appears through this book’s pages as a crusher of immaterial, divine and earthly ideas, and imposes himself by the gesture’s apotheosis, and in the reconciliation of the human, philosophical and spiritual values, unifying the whole in tonalities that unveil the simplicity and the colorimetrical richness of the light’s surface. The spirit and the soul are thus transported toward an imaginary that opens up the way towards unattainable issues. ..."  We congratulate Mr. Ante Glibota for his very nice 2013 monograph published by Delight Edition. Mr. Glibota is distinguished Croatian historian of art and architecture, living in Paris and Shanghai, and a titular member of the European Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters in France. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 27 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Jolijn Ceelen from the Netherlands learning Croatian Glagolitic Script with her father Mart in Sv. Filip i Jakov http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10472/1/Jolijn-Ceelen-from-the-Netherlands-learning-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-with-her-father-Mart-in-Sv-Filip-i-Jakov.html Ms. Jolijn Ceelen is a very young and gifted painter and designer from the Netherlands (Nijmegen), and her father Mart (Schijndel) is interested in painting as well. In September 2013 they decided to participate in the Fourth Glagolitic Workshop organized by the Society of Glagolites of Zadar, founded in 2012, in order to learn the basics of the exotic Croatian Glagolitic Script. The literature writen using this amazing script during the past centuries (from the 10th century till today) is surprisingly rich. The Ceelen's arrived to Croatia for the first time, and shared their fascination with other participants of the Glagolitic Workshop. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 11 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Adriatic Wonder: the Work of Davor Vukovic at the Broadway Gallery in New York City October 16th – 29th 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10471/1/Adriatic-Wonder-the-Work-of-Davor-Vukovic-at-the-Broadway-Gallery-in-New-York-City-October-16th-8211-29th-2013.html Broadway Gallery is proud to announce an exhibition featuring the new work of Davor Vukovic. His most recent and largest paintings (300×300 cm) are to be shown in the artist’s second one-man exhibition at New York’s Broadway Gallery in October 2013. Although they depict the sea, islands, and submarine landscapes in tones of dark blue and indigo, they also reflect the sky, the infinity of the space, and the moving of myriads of stars and galaxies. The work involves reflections of dark and light sky with the bottom of the sea on the surface and in the deep water. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 11 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Galley walk through of David Maljkovic's exhibition at Metro Pictures in New York City October 12, 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10470/1/Galley-walk-through-of-David-Maljkovics-exhibition-at-Metro-Pictures-in-New-York-City-October-12-2013.html A gallery walk-through of David Maljkovic's current exhibition at Metro Pictures is being sponsored by Ikon Arts Foundation. Walk through begins at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday October 12, 2013. The show presents an animation, film installation, sound works and display forms, along with collaged inkjet prints mounted on aluminum and a slide projection. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 11 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 2Cellos Fall 2013 USA Tour http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10469/1/2Cellos-Fall-2013-USA-Tour-.html Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS, achieved sensational success by taking the cello to a new level and breaking the boundaries between different genres of music. Their unique cello version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” took the world by storm. They are touring the USA in October and November 2013. Check to see if they are coming to your town! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 07 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's plays to be premiered in capitals of Poland, Brazil and Latvia in October 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10466/1/Miro-Gavrans-plays-to-be-premiered-in-capitals-of-Poland-Brazil-and-Latvia-in-October-2013.html If you are in Brazil's capital Sao Paulo, Poland's capital Warsaw, or Latvia's capital Riga this month (October 2013), you can see one of three premieres by Miro Gavran, the most prolific contemporary Croatian playwright, that will happen in these cities. The titles of respective plays are "My Wife's Husband" in Poland, and "All About Men" in Latvia and Brazil. Gavran's plays have been translated into more than thirty languages worldwide. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 03 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Tajci's landmark 1,000th Concert to be held on October 26, 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10465/1/Tajcis-landmark-1000th-Concert-to-be-held-on-October-26-2013.html There are not many, if any, politicians, actors, or singers who have spent 13 years staying in people’s homes and getting to know the real American spirit closeup and personal. Interestingly, this has been the unique experience of international singer, Tajci [TYchi], her American husband Matthew Cameron, and their three sons which inspired her new album “Awaken” to be performed at her landmark 1,000th concert on October 26 in Cincinnati, Ohio. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 25 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Pianist Javor Braèiæ makes solo debut at Carnegie Hall on October 22, 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10463/1/Pianist-Javor-Braeiae-makes-solo-debut-at-Carnegie-Hall-on-October-22-2013.html Since his arrival in the USA in 2009, Javor Braèiæ (left) has performed at various venues in New York City including the Metropolitan Museum, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall and New York Historical Society. He has been heard on WQXR classical music station (the McGraw Hill Companies Young Artists Showcase) and has recently released a CD album “Tribute to Haydn” with works written by and dedicated to Joseph Haydn. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 25 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Wladimir Kossjanenko founded The Virtuosos of Split chamber orchestra in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10462/1/Wladimir-Kossjanenko-founded-The-Virtuosos-of-Split-chamber-orchestra-in-Croatia.html Wladimir Kossjanenko is a violist of international reputation, born in Alma Ata in Kazakhstan, now associate professor at the Academy of Music in the city of Split in Croatia. He has recently founded The Virtuosos of Split, an ambitious chamber orchestra, composed of his students at the Academy, and also of several professional musicians. Except in Croatia, he is a frequent guest of classical music events throughout the world. His wife Vesna Podrug, a pianist born in the city of Split, is an assistant professor at the same Academy. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 24 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian folklore groups from Zadar won gold medals at the 2013 World Championship of Folklore in Bulgaria http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10458/1/Croatian-folklore-groups-from-Zadar-won-gold-medals-at-the-2013-World-Championship-of-Folklore-in-Bulgaria.html Two Croatian folklore groups, Sv. Jeronim from Vla¹iæ and Sv. ©ime from Rtina as one (under the name of Dalmatika), and Privlaka and Radovin as another, won gold medals at the World Folk 2013 competition organized in Bulgaria. The international competition is organized by the World Association of Folklore Festival and the European Association of Folklore Festivals. More than hundred folklor groups from all five continents participated. Outside the competition, four Croatian folklore groups (about 60 singers) sang old-Croatian Glagolitic songs in two Bulgarian historical churches, which was registered by local TV. Congratulations to Mr. Livio Marijan and his coleagues from the Zadar hinterland. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 08 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's play Night of the Gods translated into Hindi will be played in Hyderabad India on August 3rd 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10444/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-Night-of-the-Gods-translated-into-Hindi-will-be-played-in-Hyderabad-India-on-August-3rd-2013.html The Croatian author Miro Gavran’s play “NIGHT OF THE GODS” will be premiered in THE TURIYA THEATRE in the Indian city of Hyderabad on  August 3rd. The play has been translated into Hindi and is being directing by Bavani Ganti, while the main roles are being played by Rabul Reddy, Vinay Abhishek and Afroz Hussaini. To date “NIGHT OF THE GODS” has been played in 20 premiere performances. His works have been translated into 35 languages, and his books have come out in 150 different editions at home and abroad. His dramas and comedies have had more than 200 theatre first nights around the world and have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia - Land and People internet project of the Public Diplomacy Service and the Lexicographic Institute http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10442/1/Croatia---Land-and-People-internet-project-of-the-Public-Diplomacy-Service-and-the-Lexicographic-Institute.html We are pleased to inform the readers of the CROWN that, on the occasion of Croatia's accession to the EU, a new website has been recently launched: www.croatia.eu, that is, "Croatia - Land and People“. It has been produced on the initiative of the Public Diplomacy Service of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, with the support of the Institute of Lexicography in Zagreb. The project has been initiated by Mr. Zvonimir Frka Pete¹iæ, head of the Public Diplomacy Service. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 24 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Istvancic's documentary From Grain to Painting awarded as best documentary in LA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10436/1/-Branko-Istvancics-documentary-From-Grain-to-Painting-awarded-as-best---documentary-in-LA.html Croatian documentary From Grain to Painting by Branko I¹tvanèiæ, is the recipient of the Gold Camera award for the best documentary and has been nominated for a Best of Festival award for Documentary productions in 2013 film competition of US International Film & Video Festival in Los Angeles. Distinguished Croatian filmmaker Branko I¹tvanèiæ, the director of live-action (The Ghost in the Swamp, 2006) and award-winning documentary films (The Cormorant Scarecrow, 1998), born in Subotica, where a large part of the film takes place, devoted a lot of attention to the poetic atmosphere and visuals. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 07 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic and 7th Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat Croatia - festival of music, drama, theatre and folklore http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10435/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-and-7th-Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-Croatia---festival-of-music-drama-theatre-and-folklore.html   On the south east part of the Croatian coast, in a beautiful, picturesque Cavtat we would love to welcome a cultural series of events. The Epidaurus Festival is a festival of music which will also include other artistic events - drama, theatre, literature, poetry, various presentations, folklore, educative programmes, matinees for young talents, getting to know the area, its beauty, nature, tradition, etc. Without music life would be a mistake (F. Nietzche). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 03 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 NFCACF Elects New President Paul Ton¹etiæ-Kunder 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 Pulji) Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 2CELLOS taking the cello to a new level and breaking the boundaries between different genres of music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10432/1/2CELLOS-taking-the-cello-to-a-new-level-and-breaking-the-boundaries-between-different-genres-of-music.html Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS, achieved sensational success by taking the cello to a new level and breaking the boundaries between different genres of music. “... Go and see them live, because it really is astonishing! I can’t remember seeing anything as exciting as them since I saw Jimi Hendrix live back in the 60’s…” Elton John. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 29 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ljeposlav Perinic 1922-2005 the King of Dolls and the world exhibition of his dolls in Buenos Aires in 1970 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10431/1/Ljeposlav-Perinic-1922-2005-the-King-of-Dolls-and-the-world-exhibition-of-his-dolls-in-Buenos-Aires-in-1970.html Ljeposlav Periniæ 1922-2005 was a Croatian known under the title of the King of Dolls or Rey de las munecas. In 1970 he had an exhibition of dolls in Buenos Aires where he lived since 1945. In this article we show a short interview with him conducted by Monica Mihanovic. On the photo Mr. Periniæ with two beautiful dolls representing Pakistan (on the left) and India. Since 1991 the collection of his dolls is kept in Croatia's capital Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 29 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Marko Marulic 1450-1524 and Katarina Livljanic: JUDITH biblical history of Renaissance Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10430/1/-Marko-Marulic-1450-1524-and-Katarina-Livljanic-JUDITH-biblical-history-of-Renaissance-Croatia.html   Far from the traditional filming of a staged performance, Alpha and Katarina Livljanic offer a genuinely cinematographic work based on the epic poem Judita of the Croatian Renaissance writer Marko Maruliæ. Judita has been printed in Croatian language in 1521, and Marko Maruliæ, one of the greatest Croatian writers, expressly stated in the title of his book that the poem was written in Croatian language. Musically, this project by Katarina Livljaniæ, professor at the University of Paris - Sorbonne, is a reconstruction, using Gregorian, Beneventan and Glagolitic sources of medieval Dalmatia, as well as the study of Croatian Glagolitic chant in oral tradition. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 28 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 A famous Croatian Professor Balthazar shown by Google on its front page on June 21st 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10427/1/A-famous-Croatian-Professor-Balthazar-shown-by-Google-on-its-front-page-on-June-21st-2013.html Professor Balthazar is probably the most famous Croatian professor in the world, a popular figure of cartoon movies, familiar to millions of children throughout the world. It has been created in 1967, that is, 46 years ago, by Zlatko Grgiæ, a member of the lagendary Zagreb School of Animated Film. On June 21st 2013 Google placed the professor on its front page. Professor Balthazar was equally popular among children fourty years ago, as is today. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 22 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Destination CROATIA Destination CROATIA Destination CROATIA Destination CROATIA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10422/1/Destination-CROATIA-Destination-CROATIA-Destination-CROATIA-Destination-CROATIA.html Croatia, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, is a land which its citizens often call her Lijepa Na¹a, that is, Our Beautiful. It is not surprising that this is the title of Croatia's National Anthem as well. Croatia is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between the Pannonian Plain and the Mediterranean Sea. Its southern and western flanks border the Adriatic Sea. In this article we show two fantastic films about Croatia. On the left is a photo of probably the most beautiful cape in the world, called Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), on the island of Braè in Croatia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 GLAGOLICA a European Musical Language - project by Festival Kvarner in Opatija 25-26 June 2013 Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10421/1/GLAGOLICA-a-European-Musical-Language---project-by-Festival-Kvarner-in-Opatija-25-26-June-2013-Croatia.html The “GLAGOLICA - A European Musical Language” project, is an awarded EU project within the framework of the Culture Programme 2007-2013. We are speaking about Croatia, which will enter the European Union on 1st of July 2013. The central theme is the Croatian recension of Old Church Slavonic literary language with its Croatian Glagolitic Script. The program includes the concerts of Katarina Livljaniæ (25th June, Middle Age Music) and I.G. Kovaèiæ Choir from Zagreb (26th June, Bruckner's Te Deum) in  the city of Opatija in Istrian peninsula, both at 21:30. Croatian Glagolitic Script will be visualized by Ars Electronica from Vienna. On the photo is the logo of Festival Kvarner in Opatija, Croatia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 LET’S CEE-Short Film Competition - Due date for submissions June 16, 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10420/1/LET8217S-CEE-Short-Film-Competition---Due-date-for-submissions-June-16-2013.html LET‘S CEE Film Festival presents once a year in Vienna high-quality productions from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including the Caucasus region and Turkey. Since its first installment in 2012, the LET‘S CEE Film Festival has been providing an exclusive and attractive stage for Central and Eastern European cinematography. The second LET’S CEE Film Festival will be held from September 13th to September 21st, 2013. The Call for Entries will be available till June 16, 2013. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Miletic Dail exhibiting her murals on Croatian history at Lovejoy Gallery in Los Angeles June 15th 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10419/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-exhibiting-her-murals-on-Croatian-history-at-Lovejoy-Gallery-in-Los-Angeles-June-15th-2013.html Marija Miletic Dail, distinguished Croatian American director, producer, animator and filmmaker, living in the USA, will have an Exhibition of Cultural Murals "Five Medallions of Croatian History" at Lovejoy Gallery in Los Angeles, June 15th 2013, from 4-10 pm, 749 South Broadway St. The titles of murals are Alojzije Stepinac, Ante Starèeviæ, Seoba Hrvata (Migration of Croatians), Kr¹tenje Hrvata (Baptizing of Croatians), and Matija Gubec. This art will be available to collectors after the exhibition. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Julija Vojkovic champion of International Competition in Middle Age Fencing in Pavone Canavese Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10418/1/Julija-Vojkovic-champion-of-International-Competition-in-Middle-Age-Fencing-in-Pavone-Canavese-Italy.html In 2013 a small Croatian group participated in the International Competition of Middle Age Fencing in Pavone Canavese Italy. And for the first time in the history of competition, a brand new team won to first places. Julija Vojkovic won the first place in fencing. She composed her fantastic dresses sewing them alone, based on old traditional, extremely elegant Croatian costumes from the region of Vrlika. Julija is professional graphic artist and designer living with her family in the city of Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's interviews and plays to be shown in Poland, the Czech Republic and in Belgium in June 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10415/1/Miro-Gavrans-interviews-and-plays-to-be-shown-in-Poland-the-Czech-Republic-and-in-Belgium-in-June-2013.html Miro Gavran, the greatest contemporary Croatin playwright, will soon have several appearances with his plays and interviews in Poland, the Czech Republic, and in Belgium. His works have been translated into 35 languages worldwide, including Chinese. His play Hotel Babilon is in some way very special: it is a monodrama in which his wife Mladena Gavran (on the photo) plays as many as ELEVEN different roles. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Winners announced for the Iserlohn-Zagreb art competition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10417/1/Winners-announced-for-the-Iserlohn-Zagreb-art-competition.html The annual student art competition organized by artists Ankica and Ante Karacic (left) have announced the winners in this year's art competition. The theme for this year was protecting the environment. This year, 500 entries from 10 countries were submitted. The organizer is Ankica Karaèiæ living in Germany, on the photo with her husband Ante. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Istvancic Croatian film-maker made a fantastic documentary film about the art of straw-girls in Backa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10414/1/Branko-Istvancic-Croatian-film-maker-made-a-fantastic-documentary-film-about-the-art-of-straw-girls-in-Backa.html Croatian female artists called straw-girls (or straw-women) from the region of Baèka are named so for straw, which they weave in order to make beautiful and poetic description of their hard and lonely life. Very common motives are small Catholic churches and Christian symbols. At the 1976 international exhibition of naive art in Moscow Ana Milodanoviæ won the gold medal, while Kata Rogiæ had exceptional honour to present her work to Pope Paul the 6th in the Vatican in 1964. Croatian film-maker Branko I¹tvanèiæ made a fantastic film about the art of straw-girls. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 The World Festival of Animated Film in Croatia's capital Zagreb 4–9 June 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10413/1/The-World-Festival-of-Animated-Film-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-482119-June-2013.html As many as 52 works from 16 countries submitted their applications for the 2013 Festival of Animated Film in Zagreb. The 16 selected works are characterised by the diversity of animation techniques and artistic approaches. They include abstract works like Unfettered by Canadian author Sandra Eber, Kihi-kuhi by Finn Maria Bjoerklund or Ostali tragovi by Swiss-Croatian artist Michaela Müller, as well as narrative films like Choban by Croatian filmmaker Matija Pisaèiæ, Donijela sam kolaèa by another Croatian author, Ivana Pipal, and We have no tickets by Chinese artist Bao Jian. In the middle of the photo is the logo of the Festival: Z... is for Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 28 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Don Wolf author of autobiographical photo monograph Croatian Love Story 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 ubrini) Sun, 26 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 David Byler: 8th Generation of Croatian American, New Dalmatia, Nueva España, Texas, and the way Home http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10410/1/David-Byler-8th-Generation-of-Croatian-American-New-Dalmatia-Nueva-Espa241a-Texas-and-the-way-Home.html After World War II, in America parents began to teach phone numbers and addresses to their children so they knew how to get home. David Byler's parents taught him a little "poem" so he could find his way Home. Home, almost three hundred years ago, was a little town in western Slavonia.  David had a career in international forest products sales and transportation. He has had another career as a Lutheran Pastor which continues at the present.  David is currently producing music videos with which he hopes to attract both Croatians of all kinds and non-Croatians to the priceless treasure of Croatian culture. slavonac46@gmail.com (David Byler) Sat, 18 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Vidovic concerts and interviews of distinguished Croatian guitarist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10409/1/Ana-Vidovic-concerts-and-interviews-of-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist.html Ana Vidovic is an extraordinary classical guitarirst with formidable gifts taking her place amongst the elite musicians of the world today. Ms. Vidovic has given over one thousand public performances since first taking the stage in 1988. Her international performance career includes recitals in Zagreb, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas, St. Louis and beyond. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Artur Bagdasarov author of Croatian-Russian Dictionary containing 35,000 lexemes published in Moscow 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10405/1/Artur-Bagdasarov-author-of-Croatian-Russian-Dictionary-containing-35000-lexemes-published-in-Moscow-2013.html A special attention in this dictionary has been payed to the phraseology. Many notion from the Croatian history, culture, faith, tradition, and their way of life have been described. The dictionary will be useful to a broad audience. It can be recommended to translators, philologists, professors, students, and all those who use it in professional level. Dr. Bagdasarov is a frequent guest in free Croatian media, author of numerous articles and books, and a recipient of the INA Awarad for international promotion of Croatian culture. We congratulate Dr. Bagadasarov on this superb work. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 09 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 MARULIC DAYS 2013 in the city of Split in Croatia - COLLOQVIVM MARVLIANVM XXIII http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10403/1/MARULIC-DAYS-2013-in-the-city-of-Split-in-Croatia---COLLOQVIVM-MARVLIANVM-XXIII.html The 2013 COLLOQVIVM MARVLIANVM XXIII, under the title  The Heritage of Classical Antiquity in Renaissance Texts, has been organized by the Split Literary Circle - Marulianum, Split, Croatia, 19-20 April 2013. This international conference was held in the Institute of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Split. It was a part of a much larger cultural event, The Maruliæ Days 2013, named after Marko Maruliæ 1450-1524 (Marcvs Marvlvs), a Croatian Renaissance writer, who was living in the city of Split. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 06 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Daniel Cacija young Croatian jazz singer of international reputation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10401/1/Daniel-Cacija-young-Croatian-jazz-singer-of-international-reputation.html Daniel Èaèija was recently selected as the winner of the Downbeat Music Award 2013 as the best jazz vocal soloist. He has accumulated numerous prestigious awards, like the European Broadcast Jazz Competition 2011 and the winner of the ‘Best Male Jazz Baritone' in Austria. In addition, he is gaining popularity in the Baltic states performing at festivals such as Rigas Ritmi. Daniel is already at the start of an international career singing in the National Jazz Orchestra of Germany. He is also involved in music therapy for children with special needs. On 5 May 2013 he has a concert in Zagreb, interpreting songs by Ivo Robiæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Academy of America celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10400/1/Croatian-Academy-of-America-celebrates-its-60th-anniversary-in-2013.html In 1953, a group of persons dedicated to promoting Croatian history, art and culture agreed that a formal organization needed to be established to introduce to an American and Canadian scholarly audience the importance of Croatia to civilization.  The Croatian Academy of America (CAA) resulted from the work of these dedicated persons. The Academy’s Journal of Croatian Studies made its first appearance seven years later, in 1960, and has been publishing ever since, showcasing the articles of hundreds of prominent scholars from North America and Croatia. On the photo John Kraljiæ, the current president of CAA. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran Croatian writer and ceremonial 300th performance of his drama in the Prague in Czech Republic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10399/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-writer-and-ceremonial-300th-performance-of-his-drama-in-the-Prague-in-Czech-Republic.html On Sunday, April 14th in Prague, Theater STUDIO DVA presented the ceremonial 300th performance of Miro Gavran's drama 'All About Men', translated by Blanka Kuèerova and Blanka Fi¹erova, and directed by Jana Janekova. Miro Gavran is a well-known author in the Czech Republic; so far, he has had twelve premieres there, as well as two published books - a drama book, and the novel 'Judita'. Miro Gavran's works have hitherto been translated into 35 languages, and have had over 200 permieres perfomed around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 20 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Radoslav Lorkovic Croatian-American musician ranging from classical and jazz styles to blues, country and soul http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10396/1/Radoslav-Lorkovic-Croatian-American-musician-ranging-from-classical-and-jazz-styles-to-blues-country-and-soul.html Drawing from a multitude of influences ranging from elegant classical and jazz styles to the rawest, most basic blues, country and soul, Radoslav Lorkovic has taken on an unusually broad musical spectrum and refined it into his distinctive piano style. His tenure on the R&B and folk circuits has culminated in five critically acclaimed solo recordings and numerous appearances on the recordings of and performances with artists including Odetta, Jimmy LaFave, Ribbon of Highway Woody Guthrie Tribute, Greg Brown, Richard Shindell, Ellis Paul, Dave Moore, Andy White and Bo Ramsey. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Vinodol Collection of old Croatian tunes sung and played near the Adriatic Sea http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10394/1/Vinodol-Collection-of-old-Croatian-tunes-sung-and-played-near-the-Adriatic-Sea.html Vinodol Collection consists of the oldest known Croatian tunes sung and played in the region near the town of Bribir, situated not far from the Adriatic Sea. The collection is a result of enthusiasm and efforts of maestro Ivica Kaliman, b. in 1926, to preserve the songs that were sung about a century ago in Croatian villages near this part of Croatian coast. The efforts resulted in CD published by Maraton in 2013. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Ferdinand Kulmer 1925-1998 distinguished Croatian painter author of Croatia Phoenix series in 1991 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10393/1/Ferdinand-Kulmer-1925-1998-distinguished-Croatian-painter-author-of-Croatia-Phoenix-series--in-1991.html According to Mr. Ante Glibota, distinguished Art Historian, a Croatian living in Paris and Shanghai, nobody in the contemporary history of Croatian art has so successfuly and convincingly described the drama of the creation of the Republic of Croatia, as Ferdinand Kulmer. Ferdinand Kulmer was a witness of the drama, which he superbly described in his paintings, and announced the victory in a series called Croatia Phoenix already in 1991. Born in France, Kulmer was a descendant of Croatian nobility, sharing the destiny of all Croatians. His works of art are described in several representative monographs written by Ante Glibota. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 30 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Happy Easter from distinguished Croatian painter Zdenka Sertic 1899-1986 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10392/1/Happy-Easter-from-distinguished-Croatian-painter-Zdenka-Sertic-1899-1986.html Zdenka Sertiæ 1899-1986 studied painting in Zagreb, Berlin and Paris, and specialized in drawings related to Croatian folklore. From 1939 to 1941 directed the Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb. She painted some of the most beautiful Croatian postage stamps, and participated in exhibitions in Paris, Leipzig, Barcelona, Berlin, Kopenhagen, Haag and Bruxelles. She also painted several beautiful Easter greeting cards, that we show in this article. According to Dr. Vedran Deletis, NY, "Croatian glagolitic Lenten chants retrace a venerable and direct link to our ancestors, our roots, and our religious belief. Born out of Middle Ages, they continue to extend an unbroken tradition of Croatian history..." darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran distinguished Croatian writer was performed in India in Hindi in March 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10391/1/Miro-Gavran-distinguished-Croatian-writer-was-performed-in-India-in-Hindi-in-March-2013.html On March 23rd there was the premiere of  Miro Gavran’s play “Forget Hollywood” in Hyderabad, India, produced by the Theater SIFAR. The play was translated into Hindi, and directed by Feroze Ahmed, while the leading roles are played by Chandra Shekhawat and Shravant Koneru. Miro Gavran's theatrical pieces are of global popularity, translated into 35 languages. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Cantores Maruli vocal quartet promoting Renaissance music and distinguished Croatian guitarist Petar Culic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10390/1/Cantores-Maruli-vocal-quartet-promoting-Renaissance-music-and-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist-Petar-Culic.html Male vocal quartet Cantores Maruli, from the city of Split, promotes religious repertoire written by recognised or neglected Croatian composers. The name Cantores Maruli (Marul's Singers) wishes to pay a tribute to a famous Croatian Renaissance writer Marko Maruliæ - Marul 1450.-1524., named "the father of Croatian literature". The quartet cherishes rich Croatian cultural heritage and emphasises its importance within the contemporary environment. We also present Petar Èuliæ, distinguished Croatian classical guitarist. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Jakuc student of the University of Zagreb and his project CROM = CROATIA & ROMANIA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10388/1/Zoran-Jakuc-student-of-the-University-of-Zagreb-and-his-project-CROM--CROATIA---ROMANIA.html Mr. Zoran Jakuc, a student of the Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF) of the University of Zagreb, spent three exciting months in Romania in 2011/12, within the European student exchange, at the University of Iasi. Among others, he proposed and organized an interesting Croatian-Romanian student project, called CROM 2012, aiming to promote cultures of both countries, using fashion and textile technology. The project resulted with a rich two hour cultural program, which was a great success, registered by the Romanian TV. He was also accompanied with his two colleagues from the TTF of the University of Zagreb, Marija Dami¹ and Kristina Pli¹o. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Tomislav Braliæ and Klapa Intrade 2013 U.S. Tour http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10387/1/Tomislav-Braliae-and-Klapa-Intrade-2013-US-Tour.html Tomislav Braliæ and Klapa Intrade will be coming to the United States from Zadar to perform in select cities. Starting in April they will be in New York City, Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit to showcase the ancient a cappella style of singing native to Dalmatia known as klapa. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 17 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Dina Rizvic young Croatian singer, composer, piano player, guitarist, and drummer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10386/1/Dina-Rizvic-young-Croatian-singer-composer--piano-player-guitarist-and-drummer.html Dina Rizviæ was born in a lovely Croatian town of Labin, in Istrian peninsula. She is not only a fine singer, but also a surprisingly good instrumentalist on several different instruments. At the moment, as recipient of “Berklee college of music” scholarship, she finished her first year in Boston and is majoring in contemporary songwriting and production, educating in many different genres from jazz improvisation, writing for big and small bands, production classes, orchestras and songwriting classes. Besides Croatian folk tunes and belcanto, she is singing, composing and playing pop, rock, funk, jazz. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Bruno Krajcar distinguished Croatian ethno-jazz-rock composer and singer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10384/1/Bruno-Krajcar-distinguished-Croatian-ethno-jazz-rock-composer-and-singer.html Bruno Krajcar, professional Croatian composer and singer, was born in the city of Pula in 1973. His surprisingly diverse repertoire includes sophisticaed intepretations of Croatian folk music, in particular from the Istrian peninsula. With his music he seems to connect a large variety of music expressions, ranging from simple folk melodies, to belcanto, jazz ballads and to wild rock. The poetry behind his music is far from being banal or trivial. His songs are sometimes embued with social content, pointing to problems of poverty and injustice. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Coats of Arms in the 20th century http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10380/1/Croatian-Coats-of-Arms-in-the-20th-century.html Croatian Coats of Arms are quite widespread among Croatians in the USA, in South America, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in Western Europe. Easy to recognize, it served and still serves as a sign various organizations and societies, and many Croatian families keep it as a dear decoration on carefully chosen places in their houses, in hundreds of witty variations. It is an interesting element of fashin of Croatian sportsmen and sportswomen. On the photo Croatian Coat of Arms with two angels, from 1919, on the ceiling of a hall in Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Coats of Arms in the 19th century http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10379/1/Croatian-Coats-of-Arms-in-the-19th-century.html Croatian Coats of Arms of the 19th century, as well as in previous and later periods, are of amazing variety and beauty. It is therefore no surprise that they can be found throughout Europe, in the USA, and in Australia. They are often very nice decoration on official documents, postacards, books, playing cards, dishes, bags, fans, houses, monuments, etc. On the photo is a detail from the golden book of donors, when the Croatian Music Hall (Hrvatski glazbeni zavod) was founded in Zagreb in 1871. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Coats of Arms in 17th and 18th centuries http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10378/1/Croatian-Coats-of-Arms-in-17th-and-18th-centuries.html Croatian Coats of Arms of the 17th and 18th centuries can be found not only in Croatia, but throughout Europe:  in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain. On the photo you can see a very beautiful Coat of Arms of the Croatian sea port Bakar from 1779. We express our gratitude to late Mr. Adam Eterovich for inciting our interest in Croatian Coats of Arms. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Coats of Arms in the 15th and 16th centuries http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10377/1/Croatian-Coats-of-Arms-in-the-15th-and-16th-centuries.html Croatian Coat of Arms is among the oldest national symbols in Europe. It can be encountered already since the 15th century in numerous European countries. By Croatian Coat of Arms here we mean the well known red-silver square pattern, by which Croatia is universally recognizable. Rather amazing Croatian Coats of Arms can be seen for example in the Prague Cathedral of St Vitus, on the mount of Hradèany, in the Republic of Czechia, dating from the first half of the 16th century. On the photo is Croatian Coat of Arms from Innsbruck, Austria, painted in 1495, that is, three years after the discovery of America. The presentation is dedicated to the memory of Adam Eterovich. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 02 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Call for submissions for 1st International Samobor Film Music Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10373/1/Call-for-submissions-for-1st-International-Samobor-Film-Music-Festival.html The 1st International Samobor Film Music Festival, September 11- 14, 2013., is now open for submissions! Composers can submit film music through the ISFMF's online entry form. Application period will run until March 31st the latest. The Artistic Board of the festival will conduct selection of movies for nominations, and the criteria will be determined in relation to the quality and originality of the score. Only films with the production date between January 1st 2010. and February 28th of the current year, will be considered for nominations. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Boris Ivandic Croatian painter in Berlin described in a representative monograph by Ante Glibota http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10368/1/Boris-Ivandic-Croatian-painter-in-Berlin-described-in-a-representative-monograph-by-Ante-Glibota.html Boris Ivandiæ, Croatian painter, was born in Putesevica, in  Bosnia-Herzegovina, in 1951. Several books and many catalogues have been published about Ivandic’s work, as well as two bibliophile volumes in limited edition, with illustrations by Boris Ivandiæ and poems by Ante Glibota. His works are to be found in all the most important private and public collections throughout the world. Ante  Glibota prepared an extensive monograph about his work. Boris Ivandic lives and works in Berlin where he teaches in the Deutsche Akademie der Kunst. His wife Gabriele Binder is a famous costume designer. ante.glibota@wanadoo.fr (Akademik Ante Glibota) Sun, 10 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Iulius Clouius Croatus and a mistake of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and of the Europeana in the Hague http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10364/1/Iulius-Clouius-Croatus-and-a-mistake-of-the-Kunsthistorisches-Museum-in-Vienna-and-of-the-Europeana-in-the-Hague.html Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna keeps an early self-portrait of Julije Kloviæ, a famous Croatian Renaissance miniature painter, that is, of Iulius Clouius Croatus 1498-1578, as can be clearly seen in a short description on the upper border of the self-portrait (follow the link in the title to see it). Citing this description in the accompaning web page of this institution, the name of "Croatus" has been omitted. The same mistake can be seen on the Europeana web page http://pro.europeana.eu/. We are asking for explanation and the correction. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Gavran's novel "The Only Witness to Beauty" translated from Croatian language into Bulgarian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10362/1/Gavrans-novel-quotThe-Only-Witness-to-Beautyquot-translated-from-Croatian-language-into-Bulgarian.html Miro Gavran's novel "The Only Witness to Beauty" has been published in the Bulgarian language in Alexandar Liven's translation. The publisher is "The Foundation for Bulgarian Literature" from Sofia. After its publlication in Croatian in 2009, the novel was met by a warm welcome from readers and the critics, and it will be published in The Netherlands by the end of 2013.  Miro Gavran's works have been translated from Croatian into 35 different languages to date. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Roman Krznaric speaking about the art of living and social change http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10361/1/Roman-Krznaric-speaking-about-the-art-of-living-and-social-change.html Roman Krznaric is a cultural thinker and writer on the art of living. He is a founding faculty member of The School of Life in London, which offers instruction and inspiration on the important questions of everyday life, and advises organisations including Oxfam and the United Nations on using empathy and conversation to create social change. He has been named by The Observer as one of Britain’s leading lifestyle philosophers. Roman is a fanatical real tennis player, has worked as a gardener, and has a passion for furniture making. His ambition is to found the world’s first empathy museum. Mr. Krznaric has Croatian roots. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 BREVIS Croatian female vocal ensemble in Carnegie Hall in New York on 21 Jan 2013 at 7 pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10360/1/BREVIS-Croatian-female-vocal-ensemble-in-Carnegie-Hall-in-New-York-on-21-Jan-2013-at-7-pm.html Croatian female vocal ensemble BREVIS will sing at Carnegie Hall in New York on 21 January 2013 at 7 pm, Isaac Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. They are singing as guests of a famous Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. The ensemble had very successful tours in Europe, America and Asia. They were winners of prestigious competitions of ensembles at the Sweden Helsingborgschoir Festival (2004), and also at the 4th Olympiade of choirs at the World Choir Games in 2006 in Xiamen in China (2006). In June 2012 they had a very successful debut in Hollywood. The ensemble is directed by Antoaneta Radoèaj-Jerkoviæ and Davor Dediæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Davor Vrankic distinguished Croatian painter living and working in Paris and New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10359/1/Davor-Vrankic-distinguished-Croatian-painter-living-and-working-in-Paris-and-New-York.html   Davor Vrankiæ, distinguished Croatian painter born in the town of Osijek, lives and works in Paris and New York. He had individual exhibitions in Osijek, Rijeka, Zagreb, Paris, New York, Amsterdam, Bordeaux, etc. His paintings are extremely complex compositions, and he paints with a pencil. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Giulio Clovio Croata 1498–1578 the greatest miniaturist of the Renaissance http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10353/1/Giulio-Clovio-Croata-149882111578-the-greatest-miniaturist-of-the-Renaissance.html Giulio Clovio de Croatia (1498-1578), or Julije Kloviæ, probably the greatest Croatian painter in history, is regarded as the last great representative of the classical European miniature. Among his friends let us mention Michelangelo. His masterpieces are kept in Florenze, Naples, Venice, Torino, Paris, London, Vienna, New York. Klovic used to sign himself as GEORGIVS JVLIVS CLOVIVS CROATA. His grave is situated near Michelangelo's Moses in the the church of S. Pietro in Vincoli, Rome, and bears an inscription "Pictor de Croatia". darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 22 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Vidovic Croatian guitarist playing Sonatina & Suite Castellana by Federico Moreno Torroba http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10355/1/Ana-Vidovic-Croatian-guitarist-playing-Sonatina--Suite-Castellana-by-Federico-Moreno-Torroba-.html Ana Vidoviæ, a famous Croatian guitarist, is playing Sonatina & Suite Castellana by Federico Moreno Torroba. Pure joy for ears. And eyes. As Mr. Andres Okorn put it, "Sie ist eine Ausgezeichnete Gitarristin, Excellente Musikerin und eine sehr schöne Frau...". She was interviewed by Steve Halpern on 9th December 2009, as a guest of the Arts of Westchester. We also provide an excerpt from her concert in Seoul, S. Korea, and an interview in Adelaide, Australia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 21 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 CroExpress: a newspaper that is better informing the Diaspora 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 Pulji) Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota distinguished Croatian historian of art writing about Chinese artists http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10350/1/Ante-Glibota-distinguished-Croatian-historian-of-art-writing-about-Chinese-artists.html Ante Glibota was born in Croatia, and studied history of art at the Universities of Zagreb and Sorbonne in Paris, now living in Paris and in Shanghai. He is an internationally renowned art historian and French architecture historian. Mr. Glibota was nominated as Curator and editor of  “Art and Sport”, organized by Adidas and the IOC for the Olympic Games in Peking, 2008 One of his exhibitions, “ Chicago, 150 years of architecture” was singled out as the most significant exhibition of the XXth century by the French newspaper Le Monde. He is the author of several truly amazing books about distinguished contemporary Chinese artists, published in Bejing. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 14 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Klapa Cambi 2013 US & Canada Tour Featuring the Jerry Grcevich Tamburitza Orchestra http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10348/1/Klapa-Cambi-2013-US--Canada-Tour-Featuring-the-Jerry-Grcevich-Tamburitza-Orchestra.html The most awarded and internationally recognized a’cappella group from Croatia,  winner of a World Choir Championship in St. Petersburg will showcase their unique vocal talent during their USA and Canada tour scheduled for January 2013. For 25 year the group stays true to the core of Croatian heritage and culture while bringing authentic music of Dalmatia to the international spotlight. Their performance will take you through ancient Dalmatian cities, help you feel the love and appreciation for the homeland, and bring closer to the beautiful Adriatic. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Croatie - la voici! L'alphabet glagolitique croate en France http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10347/1/Croatie---la-voici-Lalphabet-glagolitique-croate-en-France.html Croatia - here it is! Croatian Glagolitic Alphabet will be exhibited in France in the Museum of Tau in Reims, France. A famous Evangel of Reims, Croatian Glagolitic book ,is kept in the City Library of Reims since 16th century as a special tresure. The book has an amazing biography: handwritten in 1395 in the Prague, tied with an even older Cyrillic Evangel from Kiev, Ukraine, from 11th century, it is a significant symbol of European cultural landscape, connecting Western and Eastern Christianity. An exhibition entitled THE CROATIAN GLAGOLITIC SCRIPT will be open 13 Dec 2012 - 24 Feb 2013 in Palais du Tau, in Reims. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian toys exhibited at the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum 1 Dec 2012 - 31 May 2013 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10345/1/-Croatian-toys-exhibited-at-the-Zagreb-Ethnographic-Museum-1-Dec-2012---31-May-2013.html The Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb organized a very nice exhibition of Croatian toys, 1 Dec 2012 - 31 May 2013. The opening has been accompanied by a group of children, members of the Turopolje Folklore Ensemble, wearing fantastic national costumes from the region of Turopolje near Zagreb. Traditional manufacturing of children's wooden toys in Hrvatsko Zagorje, a region on the north of Croatia, has been inscribed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Documentary Celebrating 100 Years of St. Jerome Parish in Chicago to premiere December 9, 2012 on WTTW http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10342/1/Documentary-Celebrating-100-Years-of-St-Jerome-Parish-in-Chicago-to-premiere-December-9-2012-on-WTTW-.html The film about St. Jerome's 100th Anniversary "They Never Walked Alone" will debut on Chicago's WTTW (PBS Ch. 11) on Sunday Dec. 9th, 2012 from 6pm-7pm. Only part of the film will be featured (only 40 minutes) that evening, Chicago's anchorman Bill Kurtis and actor Goran Visnjic have narrated the film. Please encourage your parishioners and listeners to tune in at that time and if they are inclined to purchase the DVD and support both the church and WTTW. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 27 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Band in Zagreb at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall on Friday 30 November 2012 20pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10333/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-in-Zagreb-at-the-Vatroslav-Lisinski-Concert-Hall-on-Friday-30-November-2012-20pm.html We are pleased to announce the forthcoming concert of Nenad Bach and the Nenad Bach Band in Croatia's capital Zagreb, on Friday 30th November 2012, 20 pm. His special guests will be distinguished Croatian musicians Arsen Dediæ, Klapa Sinj, Radojka ©verko, Miroslav ©koro, and Marko Tolja. It is for the first time that Nenad Bach has a soloist concert in his native city of Zagreb, after about thirty years of very successful career in the USA and worldwide. Through his singing and songwriting, Nenad’s goal is to spread the message of joy and universal peace. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ninth Annual MMFender Awards to be held at club Sax! on November 27, 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10340/1/Ninth-Annual-MMFender-Awards-to-be-held-at-club-Sax-on-November-27-2012.html The ninth annual MMFender Awards will be held at club Sax! on November 27, 2012 starting at 9:00 p.m. The award is given to those musicians and non-musicians for their outstanding contribution to music and rock music in Croatia. Editor-in-Chief of CROWN, Nenad Bach will be receiving an award for his contributions for the promotion of Croatian music in the world. Congratulations to Nenad and all of this years award winners! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Ante L. Padjen Croatian neuroscientist and founder of I Medici di McGill Orchestra in Montreal CA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10337/1/Dr-Ante-L-Padjen-Croatian-neuroscientist-and-founder-of-I-Medici-di-McGill-Orchestra-in-Montreal-CA.html Professor Ante Padjen was educated in Croatia (University of Zagreb, Croatia; 1966, MD; 1970, DSc), University of Edinburgh (Graduate Studies), NIMH (1971 - 1975, Washington, DC). He has served as Professor at McGill University, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics from 1976. His primary research interests include neuroscience, information technology and knowledge translation in biomedicine with a particular interest in developing areas. He is the founder and principal viola of I Medici di McGill Ensemble (The Physicians of McGill), a performing orchestra made up largely of physicians, medical students and medical faculty. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Wed, 14 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Mrgari flower-shaped dry stone sheepfolds on the island of Krk in Croatia studied by Dr. Berislav Horvatic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10332/1/Mrgari-flower-shaped-dry-stone-sheepfolds-on-the-island-of-Krk-in-Croatia-studied-by-Dr-Berislav-Horvatic.html The ancient building technique of dry stone walling called mrgari, are complex multicellular dry stone sheepfolds, flower-shaped in ground plan, used for sorting out the sheep of various owners. These giant dry stone flowers, tens of meters in diameter, ornate the common pasture (komunada) of only three settlements on the island of Krk (Ba¹ka, Jurandvor, and Batomalj), still maintaining the traditional custom of communal sheep round-up. Except in Croatia, somewhat similar flower-shaped multicellular sheepfolds can be found only in Wales and on Iceland. Mrgari have been studied by Croatian physicist Berislav Horvatiæ. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Victor and Vlado Krizek sucsessfully direct Croatian jewelry company Zlatarna Krizek http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10331/1/Victor-and-Vlado-Krizek-sucsessfully-direct-Croatian-jewelry-company-Zlatarna-Krizek-.html In the production of gold and silver jewelry, Zlatarna Kri¾ek is using modern machinery such as computer engraving machines and modern machines for casting, etc. However, aware that there is no machine that can compensate for artistic creativity, Zlatarna Kri¾ek employs more young, talented designers and this is the assurance that the design and hand-made jewelry Zlatarna Kri¾ek will continue to attract with their beauty and originality. On the photo brothers Victor and Vlado Kri¾ek. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 13 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Tajci's California Tour Fall 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10327/1/Tajcis-California-Tour-Fall-2012.html Tajci will be performing a 7 week tour of California starting on October 15, 2012. She will be performing several programs "Born of Love," "i Do Believe," "Let it Be," and a new program for All Soul's Day - "Love Lives On". She will also be at the Medjugorje Peace Conference in Ivrine, California on October 20-21, 2012. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Davor Vukovic Exhibit at Broadway Gallery in New York City October 24th - November 12, 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10328/1/Davor-Vukovic-Exhibit-at-Broadway-Gallery-in-New-York-City-October-24th---November-12-2012.html Davor Vukovic, a self-educated painter and poet, is one of the most prominent artists in contemporary Croatian landscape painting. Vukovic possesses originality mixed with an innate talent for spontaneous expression. Although his poems are more subtle and introspective, his paintings are passionate and exciting—he engages himself both physically and emotionally. Expressing himself in a range of colors that reflect both his inner-self and his outer interactions with nature, Vukovic infuses modernity and impressionism into energetic paintings that soothe the mind. His work, through its evocative use of color, movement, texture, and shape, display a state of mind rather than a tangible landscape. He will be highlighted in a major solo exhibition at Broadway Gallery, NYC. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Gradovrh a new web portal for Croats in Tuzla is launched http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10317/1/Gradovrh-a-new-web-portal-for-Croats-in-Tuzla-is-launched.html Until its destruction, the Gradovrh monastery was a spiritual and cultural center for Croatian Catholics in the northeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina centered around Tuzla. Even though the monastery no longer exists, its name is still revered by Croats in the Tuzla area to this day. Not only does the journal published by Matica Hrvatska in Tuzla carry its name, but a new website aims to preserve Gradovrh's legacy in this digital age and report on the situation of Croats there. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000 An Evening of Croatian Music in Washington D.C. Sunday September 23, 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10319/1/An-Evening-of-Croatian-Music-in-Washington-DC-Sunday-September-23-2012.html Pianist Srdjan Caldarovic (left) and violinist Ivan Novinc will be playing at Steinway Piano Hall in McLean, Virgina on Sunday September 23, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m. They will be performing an evening of Croatian music with works by Josipovic, Kunc, Bjelinski, Papandopulo, Klobucar, Kempf, Lhotka and Dora Pejacevic. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Drago Stambuk a samurai poet connecting Japan and Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10318/1/Drago-Stambuk-a-samurai-poet-connecting-Japan-and-Croatia.html Dr. Drago ©tambuk, Croatian ambassador to Japan until 2011, is an expert in medical sciences, and a haiku poet of international reputation.  His book From Nowhere has been published in Japan in 2011, prepared by Mr. Shokan Tadashi Kono, in three languages: original Croatian, Japanese and English. The book was published in time when the earthquake, followed by disastrous tsunami, shook Japan. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota Croatian historian of art wrote a monograph about young Chinese artist Shi Liru http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10315/1/Ante-Glibota-Croatian-historian-of-art-wrote-a-monograph-about-young-Chinese-artist-Shi-Liru.html The Museum of Art and Urbanity of Shanghai (MAUS) announces the presentation of a comprehensive exhibition of works by the Chinese painter, photographer and sculptor Shi Liru and of a monograph dedicated to the artist published jointly by MAUS and Delight Edition, to be held September 1st 2012. Curator of the exhibition as well as author of the monograph is the art historian Ante Glibota, a titular member of the European Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sat, 01 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Rudolf Klepac 1913-1994 professor at Mozarteum and Croatian bassoonist one of greatest in history http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10314/1/Rudolf-Klepac-1913-1994-professor-at-Mozarteum-and-Croatian-bassoonist-one-of-greatest-in-history.html   Rudolf Klepaè was born in 1913 in Majurje near the city of Vara¾din in Croatia, professor of bassoon at the Music Academy in Croatia's capital Zagreb, professor at the famous Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, distinguished interpretor of works by Mozart, Vivaldi and other giants, recipient of the Golden Ring of Salzburg from the Mayor of the city, honorary member of Croatian Society of Musicians... darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's comedy to be premiered in Hyderabad in India August 19th 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10309/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-to-be-premiered-in-Hyderabad-in-India-August-19th-2012.html The Croatian writer Miro Gavran's comedy, My Wife's Husband, will be premiered in the SIFAR Theatre's production in the Indian city of Hyderabad on August 19th 2012, 7:30 pm. The play has been translated into the Hindi language by Feroze Ahmed, and the leading roles will be played by Prakash Phadnis and Feroze Ahmed. The city of Hyderabad is cultural and political centre of the focal Indian federal state of Andhra Pradesh. Miro Gavran's works have been translated into 35 languages, his plays have had over 200 premieres, and his shows have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Sun, 12 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Julian Rachlin & Friends Festival founded in 2001 in Dubrovnik, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10307/1/Julian-Rachlin--Friends-Festival-founded-in-2001-in-Dubrovnik-Croatia.html This year marks the 11th anniversary of the internationally renowned “Julian Rachlin & Friends” festival held annually in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a platform for creative and vibrant projects with today’s leading musicians and actors. Besides delighting his audiences with his musical performances, Julian is also receiving recognition as a young philanthropist for his charity work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his educational outreach. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Jorge-Luis Subiabre Matiacha published a monograph about Croatians in Punta Arenas in Chile http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10302/1/-Jorge-Luis-Subiabre-Matiacha-published-a-monograph-about-Croatians-in-Punta-Arenas-in-Chile.html Huellas y Rastros de Croatas en Punta Arenas (The Impressions and Traces of Croatians in Puntas Arenas) is a fascinating, trilingual, Spanish-English-Croatian book of photos by Jorge Subiabre Matiacha and Tatiana Alfaro Chavez, that Jorge recently published in Puntas Arenas. Matiacha has Croatian roots and works as a graphic designer, photographer and writer, while co-author Tatiana is a photographic technician.  Both have already participated successfully at photo exhibits. The book features many black & white photos of Croatians, most with roots from the Croatian island of Braè, with a selection from the poetry of Pepita Turina (1907-1986) in the foreword. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Dragutin Cifrek distinguished Croatian painter, calligrapher and miniaturist in Slovenia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10301/1/Dragutin-Cifrek-distinguished-Croatian-painter-calligrapher-and-miniaturist-in-Slovenia.html Dragutin Cifrek, distingushed Croatian painter, calligrapher and miniaturist living in Slovenia, is a follower of Julije Klovic (Giulio Clovio, 1498-1578), a famous Renaissance miniaturist born in Croatia, nicknamed long ago as the "Michelangelo of miniature". His special affection are miniatures of birds. In 1990s he created a series of very nice drawings for Croatian postage stamps. Mr. Cifrek was educated at the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Thu, 26 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Livio Marijan & Ivica Dundovic of Zadar Croatia won gold medal at the European Folklore Festival in Bulgaria http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10299/1/Livio-Marijan--Ivica-Dundovic-of-Zadar-Croatia-won-gold-medal-at-the-European-Folklore-Festival-in-Bulgaria.html Ivica Dundoviæ and Livio Marijan are winners of a prestitigious European Folklore Festival organized from 10th to 20th July 2012 in Bargas in Bulgaria, under the auspices of UNESCO. Besides the gold medal they also won the black orpheus, a prize of the public, the recommendation for the World Folklore Festival, and are recipients of a special diploma "Revelation of the Festival". They were singing old, almost forgotton Croatian songs from Dalmatia, including traditional Glagolitic songs from the town of Kali on the island of Ugljan. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Passion Heritage of Croatians in The Danube Region conference held in Sombor 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10297/1/Passion-Heritage-of-Croatians-in-The-Danube-Region-conference-held-in-Sombor-2012.html Mrs Marija ©ereme¹iæ initiated organizing the international conference dealing with the Passion Heritage among Croatians in the Danube Region. It was held in the lovely town of Sombor, in cooperation with the local Croatian society called Urbani ©okci directed by Mrs ©ereme¹iæ, and by the Agency for Culture of Vojvodina Croatians from Subotica, directed by Mr Tomislav ®igmanov. The conference was superbly organized and very successful. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 LADO prestigious Croatian national folklore ensemble visited Japan in 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10295/1/LADO-prestigious-Croatian-national-folklore-ensemble-visited-Japan-in-2006.html LADO is one of the most famous folklore national ensembles in the world, founded in 1949. The following impression illustrates reactions of the public on the concerts of LADO in Japan in 2006: "... If I were born again, I would like to be born a Croat, so I could dance these beautiful dances with LADO" On the photo Mrs. Ivana Lau¹iæ, director of the LADO ensemble, and His excellency Mr. Tetsuhisa Shirakawa, Ambassador of Japan in Croatia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic organized the 6th Epidaurus Festival Plus in the Bukovac House in Cavtat in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10293/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-organized-the-6th-Epidaurus-Festival-Plus-in-the-Bukovac-House-in-Cavtat-in-Croatia.html For the first time the Epidarus Festival Plus in Cavtat has been organized in the house of distinguished Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac (1855-1922). This was a real feast of art, music and the surrounding nature, interwoven with emotions of guests and musicians. The central event took place on 4th July, celebrating Vlaho's birthday, with participation of two distinguished Spanish musiscians:MarÃa Esther GuzmÃn playing guitar and Luis Orden with flute. With superb organization of Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinuished Croatian pianist, poet and humanist, founder and director of the Epiduarus Festival during the past six years, on the photo with a girl wearing local Konavle dress. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Glibota Croatian historian of art author of the monograph about a leading multi-media artist Otto Piene http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10288/1/Ante-Glibota-Croatian-historian-of-art-author-of-the-monograph-about-a-leading-multi-media-artist-Otto-Piene.html Otto Piene and Ante Glibota on the photo are two champions in this voluminous book. They write in their Press Release, that the twenty-three year long journey "...has left a powerful imprint on their subconscious and a shared sense that the 'adventure' has been a genuine, authentic act of entertainment, in the poetical meaning of the word, even as they remained extremely vigilant and precise as to the facts and to the importance of the motives that guided them and have led to the book in its present and final form." darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ubrini) Fri, 29 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 6th Epidaurus Festival solemnly opened on 9 June 2012 in the town of Cavtat on Croatian south http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10280/1/6th-Epidaurus-Festival-solemnly-opened-on-9-June-2012-in-the-town-of-Cavtat-on-Croatian-south.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, director and founder of the Epiduarus Festival, distinguished Croatian pianist, poet and humanist, oriented her activites also towards younger and youngest generations of the City of Dubrovnik and in the southmost Croatian region of Konavle, to the great pleasure of numerous visitors and parents of children. The festival has international character, and is organized in the magic Mediterranean ambiance of the town of Cavtat, or ancient Epidaurus. On the photo two Konavle girls with typical Konavle caps. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 10 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Festival in France in automn 2012 will have more than 60 events http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10275/1/Croatian-Festival-in-France-in-automn-2012-will-have-more-than-60-events.html More than 60 events held in 45 different locations will be the feature of the 2012 Croatian Festival in France which is to be held from September to December, confirmed Croatia's Ministry of Culture. The official opening of the Festival will be on 9 October in the Cluny Museum in Paris, where it is expected that the presidents of the two countries will open the Croatian medieval art exhibition. Furthermore, the 400th edition of French magazine Geo, June 2012, has been dedicated to Croatia. On the photo the town of Rovinj in Istrian peninsula, Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 New York City premiere of "The Doll" by Miro Gavran on June 22nd 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10274/1/New-York-City-premiere-of-quotThe-Dollquot-by-Miro-Gavran-on-June-22nd-2012.html Miro Gavran's play “The Doll” will be premiered in New York on June 22nd by Storefront & Bench Production with The Local Theatre Present at the Gallery MC in the West End. The translation into English was done by Nina H. Kay-Antoljak. Sanja Bestic is directing and the members of the cast are Anna-Nora Bernstein and Chris Batstone. This premiere in New York will be the first performance of the play in the United States. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 04 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Living Cells a new book by Julienne Eden Busic available on Amazon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10273/1/Living-Cells-a-new-book-by-Julienne-Eden-Busic-available-on-Amazon.html “Living Cells,” now available in English in paperback and for Kindle, is a novel based on the true story, including actual tapes, of a young Croatian woman  who was held hostage as a sex slave, or “comfort woman”, for over two months by Serbian soldiers during the occupation of the eastern Croatian city of Vukovar in 1991. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 04 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Nikola Knez and his iFilms LLC has received 11 Remi Awards at the 45th Annual Worldfest-Houston 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10272/1/Nikola-Knez-and-his-iFilms-LLC-has-received-11-Remi-Awards-at-the-45th-Annual-Worldfest-Houston-2012.html Nikola Knez directed all of the nominated entries. Nikola is an multi-award winning director who formed iFilms LLC in 2007. iFilms LLC is a multi-award winning full-service film company managing the production process from script to screen. The studio is equipped with state-of-the-art, leading edge technology and staffed with film industry professionals. They bring twenty years of international experience with specialization in 3D animation and visual effects to their work. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 03 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Christophe Dolbeau wrote a new important book about French - Croatian historical relations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10270/1/Christophe-Dolbeau-wrote-a-new-important-book-about-French---Croatian-historical-relations.html The newest book by Christophe Dolbeau is written in French, and its title is  Croatie - France, Une Belle Amitié, i.e. France  - Croatia, a Nice Friendship. It reveals us many new details about various historical contacts between Croatia and France. It has 138 pp, and covers the period since the Middle Ages till the 19th century. This book will be a wonderful gift to anybody wishing to known more about Croatia in the context of European relations throughout centuries, with a special reference to France. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 31 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat Croatia solemn opening on 9th June 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10269/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-Croatia-solemn-opening-on-9th-June-2012.html Indefatiguable professor  Marija Ana Vidoviæ, Dubrovnik, distinguished Croatian pianist, poet and humanist, organized with her colleagues the 6th Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat, Croatia, 6-19 June 2012. Among numerous interesting guests we mention Dejana Sekuliæ, violin, and Nata¹a Bekèiæ, piano, both young talents from the Royal Academy Brussels, and Kyung Hee Luciu Yang, soprano from South Korea. Epidaurus plus is planned for the 4th July as a big surprise. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 INmusic Festival is back at Jarun in Zagreb, Croatia for the 7th year in a row http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10267/1/INmusic-Festival-is-back-at-Jarun-in-Zagreb-Croatia-for-the-7th-year-in-a-row.html The festival's seventh edition is scheduled to take place on 29–30 June 2012 on Youth Island in the middle of Zagreb's Lake Jarun. INmusic festival brings together many big names such as The Cranberries, Franz Ferdinand, Gorillaz Sound System, Plan B, Mando Diao, Gogol Bordello, General Elektriks, Retro Stefson, Human Woman, Reptile Youth, and Iness Mezel. INmusic festival is Croatia's biggest international open-air festival. The festival was started in 2006 and includes several genre-specific stages with internationally renowned indie rock, heavy metal and electronica artists. INmusic is among the top 20 European summer festivals. Ivobach2@aol.com (Ivo Bach) Thu, 24 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Ivo Pogorelich intrigues Dubrovnik with his outstanding musicianship and emotional performance http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10265/1/Ivo-Pogorelich-intrigues-Dubrovnik-with-his-outstanding-musicianship-and-emotional-performance.html After 26 years of absence, pianist Ivo Pogorelich returned to Dubrovnik to play at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival on July 25, 2011. This concert in the Rector's palace was an unforgettable opportunity to watch a master at work.The contrast yet evenness of the notes showed great control and power in his playing. Pogorelich's body language, as well as his emotions, reflected that, as he played the piece, he was also playing a story in his mind. He continued to stimulate the crowd throughout the performance. Ivobach2@aol.com (Ivo Bach) Wed, 23 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia Haiku Super Power - Vladimir Devide Haiku Award 2012 goes to Kudryavitsky and Maretiæ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10261/1/Croatia-Haiku-Super-Power---Vladimir-Devide-Haiku-Award-2012-goes-to-Kudryavitsky-and-Maretiae.html The Second Vladimir Devide Haiku Award was announced by Akito Arima, formerly Japanese Minister of both Science and Education, and president of the University of Tokyo, and current president of the Haiku International Association. The award attracted over 200 entries from 28 countries, and this year the prize was jointly awarded to two authors, Anthony Kudryavitsky from Ireland, and Tomislav Maretiæ from Croatia on the photo. Croatia is considered a Haiku "superpower". darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 20 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Marko Vrdoljak photographer and his presentation of Croatia's capital Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10260/1/Marko-Vrdoljak-photographer-and-his-presentation-of-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb: "We have to make sure that we see the beauty of tomorrow and enjoy it as happily and intensely as possible. It is our duty to keep our faith in beauty and hope. We must be the ones to create a better tomorrow with our positive energy, our talents, the ones who must keep negative thoughts inside and transform them into warmth, understanding and kindness..." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 18 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Igor Iliæ's first novel F*ckin' Foreigner available on Amazon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10257/1/Igor-Iliaes-first-novel-Fckin-Foreigner-available-on-Amazon-.html Fuckin' Foreigner: Igor Ilic Welcomes You To America! In his first novel, he tells a story full of wit and hard-boiled realism. We are introduced to the Croat Igor and venture with him from Croatia to Las Vegas and to San Francisco Bay Area as he chases the mirage of the American Dream. Pressured by the harsh reality of debt, poor wages and unemployment, our 31 year old hero of this novel is more than just another great American novel's vagabond. He is a reminder of Umberto Eco's mantra that a real hero is a hero by mistake. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Valter Despalj and Istvan Roemer distinguished Croatian cellist and guitarist playing together http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10256/1/Valter-Despalj-and-Istvan-Roemer-distinguished-Croatian-cellist-and-guitarist-playing-together.html Maestro Valter De¹palj is distinguished Croatian cellist, professor at the Academy of Music in Zagreb. In 1990 he founded Cellomania - an orchestra of young cellists in Zagreb. Among his former students are Stjepan Huaser & Luka Suljic, members of the duo 2 CELLOS. Maestro Istvan Roemer on the photo is distinugished Croatian guitarist and professor at the same Academy. Among his former students are Ana and Viktor Vidoviæ. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 09 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Croatian painter Maxo Vanka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10255/1/The-Society-to-Preserve-the-Millvale-Murals-of-Croatian-painter-Maxo-Vanka.html  Maxo Vanka's murals for Millvale's Croatian Church of St. Nicholas are a unique contribution to the American mural movement of the 1930s and 1940s. The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka is a nonprofit public supported historic art preservation organization. Vanka's work touches upon common themes of his era, including family, labor, and war, but with a focus upon the disenfranchised and the dispossessed. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 06 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Mia Slavenska 1916-2002 Croatian ballerina one of the greatest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10253/1/Mia-Slavenska-1916-2002-Croatian-ballerina-one-of-the-greatest.html   Mia Èorak Slavenska, born in Croatia, a child star at 4 in Croatia's capital Zagreb, became a solo dancer at 12, prima ballerina at Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb at 18, starred as prima ballerina of the Ballet Russe in Paris, Ballet Theatre, London Festival Ballet. Organized her first ballet company at 12. With Slavenska-Franklin Ballet, created dance history with the ballet A Streetcar Named Desire. Mia was fluent in five languages. She also starred in the prize-winning French film, Ballerina (in French La Mort du Cygne), considered one of the best ballet films ever made. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach & Miro Gavran hosted by Branimir Bilic on Croatian TV 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10252/1/Nenad-Bach--Miro-Gavran-hosted-by-Branimir-Bilic-on-Croatian-TV-2010.html Nenad Bach, distinguished Croatian-American musician, and Miro Gavran, distinguished Croatian writer, both of worldwide reputation, were guests on the Croatian Television show Lica nacije (Faces of the Nation) hosted by Branimir Biliæ on the photo and directed by ®eljko Musiæ. This very interesting interview discussed strategic issues of the global promotion of Croatian culture, as well as fundamental human values nourished within family. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's comedy "My Wife's Husband" will be premiered in Mumbai, India 28 April 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10251/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-quotMy-Wifes-Husbandquot-will-be-premiered-in-Mumbai-India-28-April-2012.html On April 28 Miro Gavran's comedy, "My Wife's Husband" will be premiered in Mumbai, India in the Hindi language.  The Performers Theatre Group and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai are handling the production side. The play has been translated into Hindi and is being directed by Munish Sharma, while the main roles are being played by Aditi Pohanker, Munish Sharma and Abhimanyu Pandey. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Helena and Zvonimir Bulaja Croatian digital artists http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10248/1/Helena-and-Zvonimir-Bulaja-Croatian-digital-artists.html Helena and Zvonimir Bulaja started a collection of animated and interactive stories "Croatian Tales of Long Ago", based on a fairytale book with the same title written in 1916 by Ivana Brliæ Ma¾uraniæ. The project won about 30 international awards and recognitions, at the animation and new media festivals worldwide, including the most important ones: San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Montreux, Toronto, Austin, Zagreb, Annecy, Hamburg, Ottawa, Seoul... darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's play to be premiered in Antwerp, Belgium on 12th April 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10246/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-to-be-premiered-in-Antwerp-Belgium-on-12th-April-2012.html   "Chekov Says Good-bye to Tolstoy", Miro Garan's drama, will be premiered at the TEATRA AAN DE STROM (www.theateraandestroom.be ) in Antwerp, Belgium on 12th April. The translation into Flemish has been done by Bob Snijers, who will directing the play, and the roles will be played by Jef Demedts, Magda Cnudde. Steven de Lelie and Annelore Stubbe. The drama has had nine premieres to date:  in Croatia, the Czech Republic, the United States of America, France and Poland, so that the Belgian premiere will be the tenth. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Armenian and Croatian contacts described by Dr Vinicije B. Lupis http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10244/1/Armenian-and-Croatian-contacts-described-by-Dr-Vinicije-B-Lupis.html A special bond between the city of Dubrovnik and Armenia is the cult of the City's patron saint St. Blaise from Armenian Sebaste. Croatian Jesuit Josip Marinoviæ, 18th century, wrote the first history of Armenians in the West. The Croatian-Armenian Friendship Society was founded in 2003 in Zagreb. In March 2012 a small gathering of members of the Society has been orgnized in Zagreb, aiming among others to promote a Small Croatian-Armenian / Armenian-Croatian Dictionary. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Yamato Japanese drummers in Croatia with students of Japanology University of Zagreb Feb 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10242/1/Yamato-Japanese-drummers-in-Croatia-with-students-of-Japanology-University-of-Zagreb-Feb-2012.html Yamato in Zagreb again, receiving Croatian Hearts as gifts from students of Japanology at the University of Zagreb. On the left a young lady from the Yamato Drummers group - Madoka Higashi, proudly showing her souvenir from Zagreb. Many thanks to our dear friend Mr. Oskar ©aruniæ to have recorded this very nice event in Croatia's capital. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Collegium pro musica sacra Croatian choir founded in 1972 celebrates 40 years of existence http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10240/1/Collegium-pro-musica-sacra-Croatian-choir-founded-in-1972-celebrates-40-years-of-existence.html Collegium pro musica sacra, Croatian choir specialised for churhc music ranging from Gregorian coral to modern sacral music, with a special emphasis on Croatian church music,àhas been founded in 1972, ie. 40 years ago. It was founded by s. Imakulata Malinka on the photo, who directed the choir until 1999, and since then until 2010 it was directed by s. Cecilija Ple¹a. Now the Collegium pro musica sacra is conducted by Iva Juras, prof. The choir has won silver medals at the Internation choir competition in Jerusalem, Israel, in 1996, then in Bremen in 2004in Rome 2009, and gold medal at the International competition of choirs held in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2010. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Artur Bagdasarov congratulates all Croatians the Holiday of Croatian Language 11-17 March http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10239/1/Dr-Artur-Bagdasarov-congratulates-all-Croatians-the-Holiday-of-Croatian-Language-11-17-March.html Dr. Artur Bagdasarov is distinguished expert in Croatian language working in Moscow, of Armenian origin. He published nine books dealing with various aspects of Croatian language. Here is his message, written in Croatian: Dragi Hrvati! Svima vama u domovini Hrvatskoj, svima vama raseljenima diljem svijeta, mojim kolegama hrvatskoga jezika èestitam blagdan Hrvatskoga jezika! U Hrvatskoj se svake godine, od 11. do 17. o¾ujka, slavite Dane hrvatskoga jezika. Ta kulturna manifestacija utemeljena je odlukom Hrvatskog sabora 1997. godine, na spomen Deklaracije o nazivu i polo¾aju hrvatskoga knji¾evnoga jezika. ... darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 11 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Boris Papandopulo Croatian composer interpreted by American pianist Nicholas Phillips 25 Feb 2012 Houston TX http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10234/1/Boris-Papandopulo-Croatian-composer-interpreted-by-American-pianist-Nicholas-Phillips-25-Feb-2012-Houston-TX.html You are cordially invited to an evening of CROATIAN PIANO MUSIC with up and coming American concert pianist - Wisconsin's own  NICHOLAS PHILLIPS.  Nick will be performing works of renowned 20th Century Croatian composer - BORIS PAPANDOPULO 1906-1991. He was the son of the Greek noble Konstantin Papandopulo and the Croatian opera singer Maja Strozzi-Peèiæ. He studied composing in Zagreb and conducting in Vienna. Papandopulo led the chores "Kolo" from Zagreb and "Zvonimir" in Split and was also the director of the Croatian National Opera and the conductor of the Radio Croatia Symphonic Orchestra. He directed and conducted the Operas in Rijeka, Sarajevo, Zagreb and Split. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Lovro von Matacic 1899-1985 great Croatian conductor http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10233/1/Lovro-von-Matacic-1899-1985-great-Croatian-conductor.html Lovro von Mataèiæ collaborated with Arthur Rubinstein, Christian Ferras and Rudolf Buchbinder, Marijana Radev, Ru¾a Pospi¹ Baldani, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Christa Ludwig, ... He recorded for labels such as Columbia and Supraphon. Although Anton Bruckner was at the top of the list for his symphony and concert repertorie and Richard Wagner, along with his favorite âOrpheusâ by Ch. W. Gluck and JanÃèekâs âJenùfaâ at the top of his opera repertorie, Lovro von Mataèiæ's interest covered a huge span from Palestrina, Monteverdi and Henry Purcell, through Handel, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven to Mussorgsky, Mahlera, JanÃèek, Smetana, R. Strauss, Wagner, Verdi and others. He was especially dedicated to performing Croatian authors. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Katarina Livljanic presenting Judith by Marko Marulic a famous Croatian Renaissance writer from 15-16th ct. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10229/1/Katarina-Livljanic-presenting-Judith-by-Marko-Marulic-a-famous-Croatian-Renaissance-writer-from-15-16th-ct.html Ms. Katarina Livljanic enacted the ancient drama with splendidly pure singing in Croatian, urgent narration, a penetrating gaze and expressive hands. (...) What makes “Judith” seem almost startlingly modern and metaphysical at times is Ms. Livljanic’s incorporation of other 16th-century texts dealing with inner dialogues at climactic moments in the story. The New York Times, USA. Marko Maruliæ 1450-1525 was Croatian Renaissance writer, one of the most important European spiritual writers of his time. He wrote the Biblical epic in Croatian, and stated expressly on the title of the book that the book was written in Croatian verses - u versih harvatski. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 1040 years of uninterrupted tradition of celebrating the Day of St Blaise in Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10228/1/1040-years-of-uninterrupted-tradition-of-celebrating-the-Day-of-St-Blaise-in-Dubrovnik.html Celebrations of the fest day of St Blaise (in Croatian, Sveti Vlaho), Dubrovnik patron saint, is celebrated since 972 AD, that is, continuously for 1040 years. This patron relates Dubrovnik and Croatia with Armenia, because St Blais was Armenian saint. The Festival of St Blaise is also the City of Dubrovnik Day. Croatian-Armenian friendship society has been founded in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 2003. Its current president is Croatian pianist Naira Astaryan of Armenian origin. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Sena Jurinac 1921-2011 legendary Croatian artist who shaped the entire opera world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10225/1/Sena-Jurinac-1921-2011-legendary-Croatian-artist-who-shaped-the-entire-opera-world.html Sena Jurinac was educated as an opera singer in Croatia's capital Zagreb, where she started her opera career in 1943. Since 1945 she was singing for the State Opera in Vienna, until 1982 when she retired.  Dominique Meyer, director of the Vienna State Opera, said the following on the occasion of death of Sena Jurinac: “We are mourning the loss of a legendary artist who shaped not only the Vienna State Opera, but also the entire opera world,’’ She died on 22 November 2011 at the age of 90. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's play 'All About Women' will be premiered in New York on February 17 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10223/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-All-About-Women-will-be-premiered-in-New-York-on-February-17.html Dear Friends! If you happen to be in New York on 17th February, I would love to see you at my premiere.  I am forwarding more detailed information on the play from the Presscut Agency. With good wishes, Sincerely, Miro Gavran. PS The play is premiered by STOREFRONT PRODUCTION at the Gallery MC in the West End.The play 'All About Women' is set in contemporary Zagreb, Croatia and portrays fifteen female characters of all ages in five different stories that are intertwined. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Klapa Grdelin in Croatia's capital Zagreb singing Dalmatian songs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10221/1/Klapa-Grdelin-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-singing-Dalmatian-songs.html Klapa Grdelin was founded in Zagreb in February 2000. Throughout the years Grdelin has been exploring and expanding its repertoire that was performed at many concerts and festivals. The repertoire includes original Dalmatian songs arranged by famous composers and ethnomusicologists (Jakov Gotovac, Ljubo Stipi¹iæ, Dinko Fio, Du¹ko Tambaèa and others), popular tunes adapted for klapa singing, traditional folk tunes of Lent and Christmas. Grdelin has found a valuable source of songs in the rich musical heritage of the city of Split and its surrounding area. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Martina Filjak, Zagreb Croatia, on a world tour starting January 2012 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10220/1/Martina-Filjak-Zagreb-Croatia-on-a-world-tour-starting-January-2012.html One of the most exciting young artists to emerge in recent years, Martina Filjak is garnering international praise for her poetic passion and technical mastery at the keyboard as well as for her charismatic personality and magnetic stage presence. Her transition from prodigy to mature artist has been all the more remarkable against the backdrop of political maelstrom that defined her native Croatia during her childhood. ... Martina speaks seven languages. Fortunately, for an active performer, she loves to travel. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Francesco Laurana - Frane Vranjanin 1420-1502 Croatian Renaissance sculptor and his Lost Princess http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10219/1/Francesco-Laurana---Frane-Vranjanin-1420-1502-Croatian-Renaissance-sculptor-and-his-Lost-Princess.html Frane Vranjanin or Francesco Laurana was born in Vrana around 1420, near Zadar. Laurana’s female busts, after they had been finally correctly attributed to him several decades before, by at the turn of 20th century came into the focus of interest of greatest German and French scholars. He is considered to be the greatest non-Tuscan and non-Venetian sculptor active in Italy in 15th century  With this article we mark 510 years since his death in 1502 in France (Avignon or Marseille). darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Zdenko Basic distinguished Croatian animator and illustrator of children's books http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10217/1/Zdenko-Basic-distinguished-Croatian-animator-and-illustrator-of-childrens-books.html Zdenko Ba¹iæ (1980, Zagreb) has graduated in 2005 at the Academy of Fine Arts, Department for Animated Film and New Media. He’s an award-winning animator and illustrator of many children’s books and magazines; predominantly Andersen and Grimm’s fairy tales. His illustrated book ‘Alice in Wonderland’ for the British,  American and French publishing market has been launched in 2010 by Carlton Publisher. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 Dr Jelka Vince Croatian scientist singing a Christmas song in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10216/1/Dr-Jelka-Vince-Croatian-scientist-singing-a-Christmas-song-in-Zagreb.html Dr Jelka Vince is Croatian scientist working in the fields of ethnology and anthropology. She is also fine guitarist and singer. Dr Vince participated at the Christams Concert in December 2011 in the church of St. Jerome in the city of Zagreb. She is also very active in Croatian Society of University Women, where she serves as coordinator for international relations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 BusyBasket™ designed by Diana Peèkaj Vukoviæ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10212/1/BusyBasket8482-designed-by-Diana-Peekaj-Vukoviae.html Diana Peèkaj Vukoviæ is a professional journalist, art historian, Germanist, book  and screenplay writer, award-winning innovator and the owner of the Jupiteriana, company for inventing of new products. BusyBasket™ is an innovative basket for carrying a laptop or briefcase on a bicycle. It was awarded a gold medal at the British Invention Show 2009 in London. Looking for business partner to manufacture and license the product worldwide. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Zudenigo footprint collection exhibited in Rijeka, Croatia, November 16th – 29th, 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10210/1/Marija-Zudenigo-footprint-collection-exhibited-in-Rijeka-Croatia-November-16th-8211-29th-2011.html Marija Zudenigo, city of Rijeka, Croatia: "Mother is a child’s first earth. The way we learn to walk on our first earth is the way we walk through our life. All our inner imbalances adopted from this ‘walk’ make themselves known in our physical walk. It was this insight that made me a footprint collector." Her collection of  more than 3,000 footprints is exhibited in Kortil Art Gallery in Rijeka, November 16th – 29th, 2011. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Georges d'Esclavonie Croatian professor at Sorbonne in Paris and French spiritual writer around 1400 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10197/1/Georges-dEsclavonie-Croatian-professor-at-Sorbonne-in-Paris-and-French-spiritual-writer-around-1400.html Georgius de Sclavonia or Georges d'Esclavonie wrote his book Le chasteau de viriginte in 1411. With this article we mark 600 years since its appearance in France, at the Beaument Benedictine Abbey in the city of Tours. This Croatian scholar studied at the famous Sorbonne in Paris, where he became professor at the beginning of the 15 century. The Municiapl Library of Tours keeps his texts written in the Croatian Glagolitic Script (see on the left), which he expressly calls Alphabetum Chrawaticum. This texts constitute the earliest known Croatian handwritten manual for children, which he reproduced at Sorbonne in Paris, accompanied with his commentaries in Latin. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Marie Bernadette Rouaux - Universal Language http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10173/1/Marie-Bernadette-Rouaux---Universal-Language.html My name is Marie-Bernadette Rouaux, I chose these few photos that recall me some “reflections and spaces” from Bretagne and some wonderful days in Croatia, its intensive blue and green beauty. I loved  Varazdin under the rain, an evening at Zagreb, the river Sava near Cigoc, the green immersion at Plitvice, the Cadillac at Vitina in Herzegovina, the picnic at Majerovo Vrilo, the sunset on the Kornati, the isle of Solta where I feel at home. At 8 a.m., waiting for the departure to Split, I took two photos in the same moment , the rowboat on the quiet sea and the taking flight of a seagull. I felt the strange sensation of suspended time. When I take pictures,  I feel fugitive sensations and deep feelings and it’s a great joy for me to share emotions without words,  just going with the flow, “au fil de l’eau”. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Argentinean Croats presented on YouTube by Studia Croatica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10202/1/Argentinean-Croats-presented-on-YouTube-by-Studia-Croatica.html Joza Vrljièak, indefatiguable director of Studia Croatica society in Buenos Aires, sent us a set of 39 videos describing rich cultural activities of Argentinean Croats. On the photo the logo of Jorgovan,  which is one of very active and successful Croatian cultural societies in Argentina. We also provide a few recepies of Croatian sweets that are popular in Argentina, hoping that they could be useful for your family for the celebration of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Dinko Fio 1924-2011 distinguished Croatian composer and conductor died at the age of 87 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10199/1/Dinko-Fio-1924-2011-distinguished-Croatian-composer-and-conductor-died-at-the-age-of-87.html Dinko Fio ostvario je i obiman skladateljski opus na temeljima tradicijske glazbe, a neke njegove pjesme toliko su povezane s tradicijom da ih se èesto smatra izvornim napjevima. Njegov autorski opus objavljen je u jedanaest zbirki i na tridesetak diskografskih izdanja. Kao melograf i obraðivaè spasio je od zaborava neke od najljep¹ih narodnih napjeva iz Dalmacije, zapisao ih te priredio za izvedbe dalmatinskih klapa i zborova. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000 2 Cellos Luka Suliæ & Stjepan Hauser 2 Croatian Geniuses conquering the world! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10196/1/2-Cellos-Luka-Suliae--Stjepan-Hauser-2-Croatian-Geniuses-conquering-the-world.html This kind of musical meteor happens once in a generation! I listened to this album "2 cellos Luka Suliæ & Stjepan Hauser" many times. Each song is a cinematic journey through melodies and rhythms of centuries accumulated knowledge of cello playing. Strength: Level of performance, original arrangements, not-in-the-way-of-art production. Weakness: None. In one word: PERFECT. Buy this album and enjoy it. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia presents Global Birthday Celebration for the Necktie on October 18th! CNNiReport http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10195/1/Croatia-presents-Global-Birthday-Celebration-for-the-Necktie-on-October-18th-CNNiReport.html While the Croats first wore the cravat, they are very appreciative of the other cultures around the world that have embraced and perfected it. Now, in fact, they are proud to say that the cravat is an important aspect of world culture as it worn across so many cultures while represents universal human values...which is why they are so committed to preserving and promoting it as a proud part of their heritage. Academia Cravatica established "International Day of the Cravat" in 2008 and it now occurs every year on October 18th. Article submitted by Nicholas B. Daddazio, NY, distinguished proponent of the cravat fashion, on the photo. nbdaddazio@mac.com (Nicholas B. Daddazio) Sat, 29 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Incorporating the Diaspora in Contemporary Croatian Studies @ The Harriman Institute 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 Srdjan Bulat and Petrit Ceku take two top spots at the Maurizio Biasini International Guitar Competition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10190/1/Srdjan-Bulat-and-Petrit-Ceku-take-two-top-spots-at-the-Maurizio-Biasini-International-Guitar-Competition.html   Petrit Ceku (right) and Srdjan Bulat (left) took first and third places respectively for Croatia at the inaugural International Guitar Competition Maurizio Biasini in Bologna, Italy. The competition was held from October 10-16, 2011 and was organized in memory of Maurizio Biasini, a physicist of international stature as well as an outstanding classical guitarist. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Kristian Krekovic's oils exhibited in Etnographic Museum in Croatia's capital Zagreb 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10188/1/Kristian-Krekovics-oils-exhibited-in-Etnographic-Museum-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-2011.html   Kristian Krekoviæ 1901-1985 portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, the Queen Mother in 1938 upon her request, the Swedish King Gustav V, Queen Sofia of Spain and Juan Carlos, and many other. Eighty of his oils have been donated by his wife Sina to Croatia in 1994, and in 2011 a smaller part of this important donation - eighteen oils - is exhibited by the Ethnographic Museum in Croatia's capital Zagreb. The oils refer to old Peruvian Inca and pre-Inca cultures. His 1956 exhibition under the auspices of Peruvian Government in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington has been visited by as many as 126,000 people! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Esther Gitman and Jadranka Juresko-Kero @ The Harriman Institute on November 3rd 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10187/1/Esther-Gitman-and-Jadranka-Juresko-Kero--The-Harriman-Institute-on-November-3rd-2011.html New York premier of the documentary film made by Jadranka Juresko Kero (photo left). This is a story about dr Esther Gitman, a historian of Jewish origins who has written the book “When Courage Prevailed”. Dr Gitman’s message is the film’s main motive. Her message is that the rescue of the Jews in the Independent State of Croatia and the role played by Archbishop Stepinac deserve internationalization so that the whole truth is known about the Croatian people whose courageous representatives were the only ones in Europe during World War II to openly oppose Hitler’s racist laws. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Ljubo Stipisic Delmata 1938-2011 distinguished composer and proponent of Croatian music and spirituality http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10186/1/Ljubo-Stipisic-Delmata-1938-2011-distinguished-composer-and-proponent-of-Croatian-music-and-spirituality.html Ljubo Stipi¹iæ Delmata's personality contains a multitude of traits: composer, poet, melodiographer, painter, producer, conductor of a-capella ensembles, etc. Maestro Delmata has been honored numerous prestigious music awards including several lifetime achievement awards. His work is of immeasurable musicological and cultural importance, especially for preservation and strengthening of the identity of  Croatia. Maestro Ljubo Stipi¹iæ died on October 9th 2011 at the age of 74. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Kristian Krekovic's drawings exhibited in the Modern Gallery in Croatia's capital Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10182/1/Kristian-Krekovics-drawings-exhibited-in-the-Modern-Gallery-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Kristian Krekoviæ 1901-1985 is a distinguished Croatian painter. His main works can be seen in Palma de Mallorca in Museum Krekovic, which has been solemnly opened by Queen Sofia of Spain in 1981. Krekoviæ's 54 drawings have been exhibited on 4 October 2011 in the Modern Gallery in Zagreb in the presence of His Excellency prof.dr. Fedor Devide, plenipotentiary of the Republic of Peru in Croatia, and numerous visitors. The exhibition has been organized by Matrix Croatica, Passion Heritage, and Croatian-Hispanic Society, and is opened until the end of October 2011. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Band and Marci Geller at Towne Crier Cafe September 30, 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10180/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-and-Marci-Geller-at-Towne-Crier-Cafe-September-30-2011.html The Nenad Bach Band will be returning to one of their favorite haunts, the Towne Crier on Friday September 30th.  The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $17.50 in advance and $22.50 at the door. The Towne Crier is located on  130 Route 22, Pawling, New York. Opening the show and joining the band will be special guest Marci Geller, one of Nenad's favorite singers. Marci is something to marvel at. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Doodle Jump is a pop icon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10175/1/Doodle-Jump-is-a-pop-icon.html Doodle Jump is one of the most popular iPhone apps. It recently surpassed 10 million downloads. This addictive game is the brainchild of Croatian immigrants Igor and Marko Pusenjak, who came up with the game one day when Igor was sketching a game on a notepad. Marko did the programming and the rest is now history. Doodle (left) has become a pop icon and has been seen on TV and as a fashion accessory for Lady Gaga!  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian animation on Cambridge Film Festival 23-24 September 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10171/1/Croatian-animation-on-Cambridge-Film-Festival-23-24-September-2011.html On September 23-24 2011 the Cambridge Film Festival will be screening two programmes of Croatian animation. Aline Conti, the Short Film Programmer for the Cambridge Film Festival: "... the originality and quality of these animations struck me and I thought 'People in Cambridge need to see these animations! ...' I believe that Croatian animations played a revolutionary role in the history of animation especially in the 1950s when the Zagreb Animation School abandoned the Disney-like cartoon style, and introduced visual of avant-garde abstract painting, constructivism and cubism. ... ". darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Croatia for littlest residents of Dubrovnik region in Pridvorje 16 Sep 2011 at 8pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10172/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Croatia-for-littlest-residents-of-Dubrovnik-region-in-Pridvorje-16-Sep-2011-at-8pm.html The most precious things begin and end at home; all else is secondary. Je¾urka Je¾iæ, the popular character from Branko Æopiæ's “Je¾eva kuæica” (The Hedgehog's Home), understood this.  So shall we, and our children; I'm not afraid for the children - they will understand if they have a chance. A beautiful interpretation of this timeless text takes the form of a musical in the enchanted surroundings of Konavle's Pridvorje on Friday, September 16th 2011 at 8pm. This lovely and important presentation is a gift from the Epidaurus Festival to the kindergarten in Konavle. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Famous Croatian American photographer Zoran Orlic's photo on the cover of the Rolling Stone Magazine http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10170/1/Famous-Croatian-American-photographer-Zoran-Orlics-photo-on-the-cover-of-the-Rolling-Stone-Magazine.html Croatian American photographer Zoran Orlic, made the cover of the September 2011 German-language edition of Rolling Stone Magazine. Zoran is already known in music circles for his photographs of the Frames and Wilco. The photo chosen for the cover of Rolling Stone is of Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. Zoran also provides the photographs for the accompanying article in the magazine about Wilco.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Russian recognition to Croatian Lepoglava lace and to Tihana Rendic in the city of Volgoda 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10165/1/Russian-recognition-to-Croatian-Lepoglava-lace-and-to-Tihana-Rendic-in-the-city-of-Volgoda-2011.html Tihana Rendiæ has won the first prize at the International Lace Festival organized in Volgoda in Russia in 2011, in the category of professional lacemarers. We also announce the  15th International Lace Festival in Lepoglava, Croatia, organized from 22 to 25 September 2011. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Hancic created a new high quality Croatian Glagolitic font for Windows http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10164/1/Nenad-Hancic-created-a-new-high-quality-Croatian-Glagolitic-font-for-Windows.html Nenad Hanèiæ from Germany, Duesseldorff, created a new Croatian Glagolitic font for Windows. The lower case letters of the font “Glagolica Missal DPG” are oriented on the “Missal from 1483”, the first Croatian printed book (incunabulum), while the capital letters are oriented on those of “Transit of St. Jerome”, a book printed in Croatian Glagolitic characters in the town of Senj in 1508. We owe our deep gratitude to Nenad Hanèiæ: his work will be immensly useful both for amateurs and professionals. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Valter Despalj distinguished Croatian cellist started ensemble project Cellomania in Zagreb in 1991 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10161/1/Valter-Despalj-distinguished-Croatian-cellist-started-ensemble-project-Cellomania-in-Zagreb-in-1991.html   Valter De¹palj is professor at the Zagreb Academy of Music. he has also been a guest professor at the conservatories in The Hague, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Graz (University of Music), editor of cello music with major music publishers, and member of judging panels at the most prestigious international competitions including Tchaikovsky (Moscow), Bach (Leipzig), Lutoslawski (Warsaw) and ARD (Munich) competitions. It was 20 years ago that maestro De¹palj started the project of Cellomania Croata. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat childhood dream of Croatian pianist and poet Ivana Marija Vidovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10160/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-childhood-dream-of-Croatian-pianist-and-poet-Ivana-Marija-Vidovic.html My wish is that every sound produced at Epidaurus Festival would merge with Cavtat's magical hug, and that every word, every verse, whether sung or spoken, would, for centuries to come, continue to echo throughout its old streets, the very same ones that - within and of themselves - had been a stage for centuries already. Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Artistic director of the Epidaurus festival. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 20 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Festival Kvarner a new meeting point of artists and scholars in Opatija, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10159/1/Festival-Kvarner-a-new-meeting-point-of-artists-and-scholars-in-Opatija-Croatia.html The idea of the artistic exchange on a European level is revived in our Festival in the Kvarner region in Croatia. The fact that many composers, such as Mahler, Puccini, Lehar, Kalman, etc., who, over the course of history, have stayed here and have been inspired by the picturesque landscape and the Mediterranean flair proves that this location is perfectly suitable for music: history provides us with the evidence that our idea has a good basis. On the photo Vjekoslav Martinko, Lovran, president of the Festival Kvarner. Director of the Festival is dr. Michael Fendre, Vienna. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Band At The BeanRunner Cafe NY Friday August 19 2011 7:30-10:30 pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10155/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-At-The-BeanRunner-Cafe-NY-Friday-August-19-2011-730-1030-pm.html Join us Friday, August 19, 2011 7:30 to 10:30 pm, At The BeanRunner Cafe 201 South Division Street, Peekskill, NY to listen to The Nenad Bach Band. We are an intimate and friendly live music cafe with a full menu, including beer and wine, available during all performances. Seating fills quickly, so give us a call - 914.737.1701 - to reserve your table. Seating starts at 7:30 pm. Showtime is at 8:00 pm. Nenad Bach has a dream, nurtured through wartime and expatriation, and informed by his quest for universal justice and deep longing for world peace. The result: All I Want Is Freedom, a potent shot of rock infused with heart and soul. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Ilija Veselica Croatian photographer biking on the island of Brac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10154/1/Ilija-Veselica-Croatian-photographer-biking-on-the-island-of-Brac.html Hi, I'm Ilija Veselica and I am honored that you are here to visit my photo galleries. I started off in photograpy just right before I got to the University FESB in Split in Croatia where I graduated Computer Science. We show you amazing beauty of Croatian island of Braè, its beaches and clean sea, and more. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 13 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Viktor Vidovic distinguished Croatian guitarist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10153/1/Viktor-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist.html Born in Karlovac, Croatia, Viktor Vidoviæ had his first solo concert at the age of 12. At 14 he enrolled in the Geneva Conservatory, in the class of Brazilian guitarist Maria Livia Sao Marcos, under whose guidance he took the first place at CIEM, the International Competition of Musical Artists in Geneva, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the competition, taking the Villa Lobos Prize and the Patek Philippe Prize for distinguished musical interpretation. He livs in Croatia's capital Zagreb. Ana Vidoviæ: "My brother Viktor is phenomenal guitarist." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Dubrovnik Missal from 12th century kept in Oxford GB facsimiled in Dubrovnik Croatia 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10151/1/Dubrovnik-Missal-from-12th-century-kept-in-Oxford-GB-facsimiled-in-Dubrovnik-Croatia-2011.html The Dubrovnik Missal was written in the 12th century in Dubrovnik where it was used in the Cathedral for centuries. Today it is kept in the Bodleian Library in Oxford. It is a worldwide cultural heritage monument. Written in Beneventan script and notation, it contains 230 Gregorian chants which, in words of Dr. Miho Demoviæ, 'represent a superior accomplishment in this art in Europe'. The chants found in the Missal are diverse. The exultet from Dubrovnik is considered to be the most refined melody in the Gregorian literature, unparalleled in any European manuscript found so far. Owing to the efforts of Dr. Demoviæ, the Croatian music history can now be traced back to the 10th century. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Vidovic distinguished Croatian guitarist interviewed for MEL BAY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10148/1/Ana-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist-interviewed-for-MEL-BAY.html Classical guitarist Ana Vidovic is considered one of the elite musicians of the world today. Since first taking the stage in 1988 Ana has given over one thousand public performances. Her international performance career includes recitals in Zagreb, New York, London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas, St. Louis, Tokyo, and beyond. Recorded at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville Tennessee, this is her Mel Bay Artist Interview with Erica Cantrell. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian lace proclaimed the most beautiful at international lace contest in Russia 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10138/1/Croatian-lace-proclaimed-the-most-beautiful-at-international-lace-contest-in-Russia-2011.html At the first International Lace festival in Vologda in Russia the Croatian lace from the town of Lepoglava was declared the most beautiful in competition with 10 countries and 36 Russian areas. On photo is Croatian lace from the island of Pag, a famous Pa¹ka èipka - Pag lace, a  part of typical national costume. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Fucic 1920-1999, representative collection of conference papers published about his life and work http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10137/1/Branko-Fucic-1920-1999-representative-collection-of-conference-papers-published-about-his-life-and-work.html  Sixty three conference papers from the International Scholarly Seminar on the Life and Work of Academician Branko Fuèiæ (1920-1999) have been published in 2011 in voluminous, representative monograph comprising 844 pp. Branko Fuèiæ was distinguished expert in Croatian Glagolitic Script, in the history of Croatian church art, in particular for the area of Istria, dr. honoris causa in theology, and recipient of Herder's prize in Vienna. The monograph has been edited by dr. Tomislav Galoviæ of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's play "All About Women" watched by theatre lovers in India http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10134/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Womenquot-watched-by-theatre-lovers-in-India.html ‘All About Women' was a wonderful journey in to the lives of women. The play has been written by Croatian author and playwright Miro Gavran. It starred Mumbai-based theatre artists Ratnabali Bhattacharjee, Prerna Chawla, Nimrat Kaur, Tahira Nath, Malaika Shenoy and Shivani Tanksale. It was made up of five interwoven stories of the dreams, aspirations and the unexpressed desires of women. A few minutes into the play, the stage, the lights and the audience all melted away. Only the actors on stage remained. They were like people who lived next door!... Written by Akila Kannadasan for The Hindu. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 International conference in Carmelite convent of St. Elijah in Busko Blato in Bosnia and Herzegovina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10121/1/International-conference-in-Carmelite-convent-of-St-Elijah-in-Busko-Blato-in-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina.html The Carmelite convent of St. Eliah in Bu¹ko Blato in B&H and the Society Passion Heritage from Croatia's capital Zagreb organized a very succesful international conference dedicated to passion heritage of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The accompaning program included two concerts of sacral music of Croatians in B&H, with participation of original groups in fantastic national costumes from various parts of the country. The principal organizer of the conference was F. Zvonko Martiæ, on the photo. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 18 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 The Croatian Academy of America Issued New Volume of the Journal of Croatian Studies http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10132/1/The-Croatian-Academy-of-America-Issued-New-Volume-of-the-Journal-of-Croatian-Studies.html The Croatian Academy of America issued volume 44 of the Journal of Croatian Studies, its annual interdisciplinary review. Contributed articles by Darko ®ubriniæ: William Feller (1906-1970) - an outstanding Croatian-American mathematician, Vinko Grubi¹iæ: The three alphabets used in the printing of Croatian Reformation books in Germany, John Felix Clissa: Migration history of the Italo-Croatians of Molise to Western Australia, Jure Kri¹to: Brother's keeper The surveillance of American Croats by FBI during World War II, Stan Granic: Canadian Ethnic Studies (1969-2003) and Polyphony (1977-2000) as sources for the Croatian Ethnological Community stangranic@hotmail.com (Stan Granic) Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 KAFKA'S FRIEND and FORGOTTEN SON by Miro Gavran go digital on Amazon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10130/1/KAFKAS-FRIEND-and-FORGOTTEN-SON-by-Miro-Gavran-go-digital-on-Amazon.html The most frequently translated contemporary Croatian writer, Miro Gavran, has published his novels Kafka's Friend and Forgotten Son in their English translation by Nina H. Kay-Antoljak as e-books on AMAZON, making them accessible with the Kindle electronic reader. Miro Gavran's works have been translated into 35 languages, and his books have come out in 150 different editions at home and abroad. His dramas and comedies have had more than 200 theatre first nights around the world and have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers. mocnaj@gmail.com (Ratimir Mocnaj) Sun, 12 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Mestrovic's "Christ on the Cross" sold at Sotheby's in London http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10129/1/Ivan-Mestrovics-quotChrist-on-the-Crossquot-sold-at-Sothebys-in-London.html Dne 17. svibnja 2011. na dra¾bi "Europsko kiparstvo 19. i 20. stoljeæa” (Sale: L11230, 19th and 20th Century European Sculpture) u kuæi Sotheby’s u Londonu sa velikim je  uspjehom prodano jo¹ jedno djelo Ivana Me¹troviæa (1883. – 1962.). Mali drveni reljef “Krist na kri¾u” (86  X  31.5 cm) postigao je jako visoku cijenu (54,000 EU; 77,000 USD). Reljef je izraðen vjerojatno 1912. od slavonskog hrasta. mate.mestrovic@zg.t-com.hr (Dr. Mate Metrovi) Sun, 12 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Dora Maar robbed by The Direction of French Cultural Patrimony http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10128/1/Dora-Maar-robbed-by-The-Direction-of-French-Cultural-Patrimony.html The Direction of French Cultural Patrimony (La Direction General des Patrimoines) disregarded the realm of Law and Private property, and took everything from Dora Maar's inheritance for the state. The Croatian citizen Mrs. Dragica Markoviæ married Brkljaèiæ was left without any inheritance contrary to existing French law. Mr. Predrag Brkljaèiæ, the son of late Mrs. Dragica, and Croatian-American citizen, professor of English, French and Spanish, tries to get some just solution. denisebrk2@yahoo.com (Predrag Brkljai) Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Pope Benedict XVI in Croatia's capital Zagreb 4 and 5 June 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10125/1/Pope-Benedict-XVI-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-4-and-5-June-2011.html “I offer my most cordial greetings to the beloved land of Croatia!” Here I would like to introduce the main topic of my brief reflection: the theme of conscience. This cuts across all the different fields in which you are engaged and it is fundamental for a free and just society, both at national and supranational levels. Truly, the great achievements of the modern age – the recognition and guarantee of freedom of conscience, of human rights, of the freedom of science and hence of a free society – should be confirmed and developed while keeping reason and freedom open to their transcendent foundation, so as to ensure that these achievements are not undone, as unfortunately happens in not a few cases. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 04 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Zvonko Martic & Vido Bagur authors of ethno monograph about Croatians in B&H http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10120/1/Zvonko-Martic--Vido-Bagur-authors-of-ethno-monograph-about-Croatians-in-BH.html Carmelite monk f. Zvonko Martiæ on the photo and Vidoslav Vido Bagur are authors of important monograph in Croatian and English dealing with national costumes, dances, customs of Croatians throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vila bana zvala priko Vrana (A Fairy Called the Viceroy Over the Mountian of Vran). The book has 200 pp. and about 100 pp contain luxorous photos. The monograph is accompanied with two DVD-s containing numerous dances and songs. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Don Wolf Croatian photographer and benefactor in Kansas City USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10118/1/Don-Wolf-Croatian-photographer-and-benefactor-in-Kansas-City-USA.html Don Wolf is a professional photographer living in Kansas City, USA. His family is from Gorski Kotar, a mounatinous part of Croatia. His greatest comfort was to help Croatian orphans via the vehicle of photography, showing their needs and presenting them to the good people of America. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 23 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Songbooks of Bozidar Kunc Croatian composer now available http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10113/1/Songbooks-of-Bozidar-Kunc-Croatian-composer-now-available.html Croatian composer Bo¾idar Kunc was born  in 1903 in Zagreb and died 1964 in Detroit. His sister Zinka Kunc Milanov was a famous opera singer. Recently Ivana Kunc, his daughter, has issued the first CD containing his music. In 2006 Ivana Kunc gave a concert of her father’s vocal pieces at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. She has since released a studio recording of these songs entitled “Music of Bo¾idar Kunc.” Much of the music on this CD is being presented for the first time. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 08 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 “Painting with the Sea” photo art conceived in Croatia by Visnja & Marijan Anic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10111/1/8220Painting-with-the-Sea8221-photo-art-conceived-in-Croatia-by-Visnja--Marijan-Anic.html Vi¹nja and Marijan Aniæ from Croatia's capital Zagreb concevied a new photo art based on an intricate interplay between sea surface, light and the bottom of the sea. Dazzling sceneries discover a new world of amazing shapes and colors, captured through fascinating photos. This art is the art of nature of breathtaking beauty. Croatian coast with its very clean sea and exceptionally rich archipelago is ideal place for creating real masterpieces in this art. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 01 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 I AM is a film about a twenty-first century quest for enlightenment http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10108/1/I-AM-is-a-film-about-a-twenty-first-century-quest-for-enlightenment.html Director of Photography, Roko Belic (left) assists director Tom Shadyac  on a twenty-first century quest for enlightenment. Posing two practical and provocative questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? The result is a fresh, energetic, and life-affirming film that challenges our preconceptions about human behavior while simultaneously celebrating the indomitable human spirit. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Nikola Knez won three gold Remi Awards at the WorldFest Houston 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10106/1/Nikola-Knez-won-three-gold-Remi-Awards-at-the-WorldFest-Houston-2011.html  Nikola Knez was educated in Croatia where he produced a vast variety of films for various Croatian institutions. In 2011 he won three Gold Remi Awards at WorldFest Houston, and the Gold Pixie Award by American Pixel Academy for 3D computer animation. In 2010 he won two gold Remi Awards. He is the author of more than 300 documentaries, education and science programs, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 25 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Brodosplit male choir from Croatia among the best in the world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10104/1/Brodosplit-male-choir-from-Croatia-among-the-best-in-the-world.html & Brodosplit male choir from the city of Split is conducted by Vlado Sunko, distinguished Croatian conductor and composer. The coir became the world champion at the 5th World Choir Games, Graz 2008, in the category of male chamber choirs. It is especially known for beautiful interpretations of spiritual songs of Christian inspiration from Croatian and international repertoire. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Gotovina - Croatian general and painter http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9889/1/Ante-Gotovina---Croatian-general-and-painter.html Ante Gotovina, a famous Croatian general, is probably best known for his role in preventing the tragedy of Bihaæ in BiH. However, we did not know that Mr Gotovina is amateur-painter. On the left you can see his nice portrait of Slobodan Praljak, another famous Croatian general (who has three academic diplomas from the University of Zagreb: in electrical engineering, sociology, and film art). Mr. Gotovina recently made a portrait of blessed Ivan Merz. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 17 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Exhibition "400 years of Croatians in Vienna" opened by dr. Jan Kickert in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10103/1/Exhibition-quot400-years-of-Croatians-in-Viennaquot-opened-by-dr-Jan-Kickert-in-Zagreb.html Dr Jan Kickert, ambassador of Austria in Zagreb, solemnly opened the exhibition "400 years of Croatian in Vienna" in the hall of the Matrix Croatica - Matica hrvatska. The exhibition has been prepared by dr. Josip Ser¹iæ and mr. Mijo Juriæ from Vienna, in collaboration with Gabriela Novak-Karall, Secretary General of Croatian Center in Vienna, and Petar Tyran, president of the Center. The exhibition was already shown in Vienna in December 2009, as well as in Slovakia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran Croatian playwright with four premiers in April of 2011 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10102/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-playwright-with-four-premiers-in-April-of-2011.html Miro Gavran had premieres in San Pedro, Prague, Moscow and Osijek. "My Wife's Husband" is a long play, to be sure. You'll notice that when you leave the Little Fish Theatre playhouse after 10:30 at night, checking your cell phone or watch and wondering where all the time has gone. You won't notice it until then, though, because Miro Gavran doesn't give you time to notice - from the moment the play begins right up to its final hilarious (and inconclusive) ending. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Sylvie Vucic revealing female Croatian composer Dora Pejacevic to Paris http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10090/1/Sylvie-Vucic-revealing-female-Croatian-composer-Dora-Pejacevic-to-Paris.html French on her mother’s side but also Croatian through her father, Sylvie Vucic mixes French volubility, precision and refinement with fiery slavic temperament. She lives in Paris. She has been working in duo with the pianist Jean Angliviel, revealing the vocal work of Dora Pejacevic, female Croatian composer of the beginning of the XXth century. They will have a concert in March 25, 26 and 27 2011 in Paris, in Studio Le Regard du Cigne. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Max Emanuel Cencic Croatian singing prodigy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10086/1/Max-Emanuel-Cencic-Croatian-singing-prodigy.html Max Emanuel Cenèiæ, born in Zagreb, Croatia, is gifted with the most beautiful countertenor voice of our time. He was a member of the Vienna Boys' Choir, subsequently pursuing a solo career. He was awarded as the best new singer of the year 2003 by "Opernwelt" magazine. His performance of Andromeda Liberata in Tokyo was named the best concert of the year 2005 in Japan. Since 2007 Max EmanueI Cencic is recording with the top-label EMI/Virgin Classics. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Mate Ujevic 1901-1967 the founder and editor in chief of Croatian Encyclopaedia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10081/1/Mate-Ujevic-1901-1967-the-founder-and-editor-in-chief-of-Croatian-Encyclopaedia.html Dr. Mate Ujeviæ was the greatest Croatian lexicographer of the 20th century. The first volume of Croatian Encyclopaedia was published on 10 February 1941. Five volumes were published until 1945, out of 12 planned volumes. He was editor in chief of The Martitime Encyclopaedia published in 1954 in eight volumes. Dr. Ujeviæ was posthumosly honoured by the title of righteous among the nations by Yad Vashem. ibirtic@gmail.com (Iva Ujevi Birti and Darko ubrini) Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Pavletic directs "476 A.D." a new film about the Fall of Rome http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10080/1/Ivan-Pavletic-directs-quot476-ADquot-a-new-film-about-the-Fall-of-Rome.html Writer, director and actor, Ivan Pavletic (left), has filmed the last days of the once mighty Roman Empire. The film, titled "476 A.D." brings to life the turbulent fall of Rome at the hands of the Ostrogoths and the characters that see the sunset of an empire that spanned 12 centuries. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Perforations Festival to be held in New York City, March 11-21, 2011 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 Pulji) Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Sam Miltich jazz guitarist from northern Minnesota http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10077/1/Sam-Miltich-jazz-guitarist-from-northern-Minnesota.html Sam Miltich (left) is a jazz guitarist born and raised in the woods of northern Minnesota. He is a musician by profession and plays regularly in the Upper Midwest as a soloist and with his bands the Clearwater Hot Club and Big Dipper Jazz Band. In addition to gypsy swing and traditional jazz his musical interests include bluegrass, Brazilian choro, French musette, tamburitza, and other forms of traditional folk music. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 My Wife's Husband Premieres makes US premiere March 9 – 24, 2011 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 Pulji) Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Michael Mazzeo Gallery hosts exhibit by Hrvoje Slovenc March 3 to April 23, 2011 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 Pulji) Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Kava Cafe in New York City gets rave reviews http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10073/1/Kava-Cafe-in-New-York-City-gets-rave-reviews.html John Saric (left), the owner of Kava Cafe was so impressed with Stumptown Coffee Roasters that he was moved to open a coffee bar within walking distance of his home in New York City. "Kava" is the Croatian word for "coffee." The name is a tribute to Saric's parents, who are from Croatia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 14 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Kathleen V. Wilkes 1946-2003 devoted her life to the victory of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10072/1/Dr-Kathleen-V-Wilkes-1946-2003-devoted-her-life-to-the-victory-of-Croatia.html Dr. Kathleen Vaughan Wilkes was a distinguished British humanist, professor of philosophy at the University of Oxford, and also taught at the Inter-University Centre in Dubrovnik, Croatia. During the Serbian siege of the City in 1991 and 1992, she was spreading the truth about its merciless destruction. Dr. Wilkes wrote on Dec 26, 1991: "Dubrovnik... there is still no water or electricity, scant food, no glass in the windows, temperature at freezing point..." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Artur R. Bagdasarov promoter of Croatian culture and language in Russia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10069/1/Dr-Artur-R-Bagdasarov-promoter-of-Croatian-culture-and-language-in-Russia.html Dr. Artur Rafaeloviè Bagdasarov is a distinguished Russian linguist of Armenian origin, very active in promoting Croatian culture, in particular the Croatian language, in the Russian Federation. He is the author of numerous books, dictionaries and articles dealing with Croatian literary language. For his efforts he has been awarded with the 2010 INA Award in Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 "I Will Follow You" by the Nenad Bach Band is hit of the week on Radio Split http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10067/1/quotI-Will-Follow-Youquot-by-the-Nenad-Bach-Band-is-hit-of-the-week-on-Radio-Split.html   "I Will Follow You" by the Nenad Bach Band has been named hit of the week by Radio Split in Croatia! This is the band's first single and is off of their EP "All I want is Freedom." On Sunday, January 23, the Nenad Bach Band performed at the historic Towne Crier in Pawling, New York to a captive audience. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia in the Early Middle Ages published in English and French http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10066/1/Croatia-in-the-Early-Middle-Ages-published-in-English-and-French.html An excellent and easy to read book that should be available in all universities and libraries world-wide for scholars and anyone interested in studying the history of Europe's Middle Ages. Croatia is one of the oldest continuously existing countries in Europe. Hilda Foley. This luxorous monograph  containing 30 extensive articles with numerous photos, has been published by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 24 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian cellists Stjepan Hauser and Luka ©uliæ are a YouTube hit http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10065/1/Croatian-cellists-Stjepan-Hauser-and-Luka-uliae-are-a-YouTube-hit.html Cellist Luka ©uliæ (left) along with cellist Stjepan Hauser have created a hit on YouTube with their new video. The video features the duo engaged in a classical music rendition of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal". This rendition was arranged by both Stjepan Hauser and Luka ©uliæ and already has several hundred thousand views on the popular video sharing site. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 23 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Franolic 1925-2011 distinugished promoter of Croatian studies http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10064/1/Branko-Franolic-1925-2011-distinugished-promoter-of-Croatian-studies.html Dr. Branko Franoliæ, distinguished Croatian scholar, a member  correspondent of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, spent most of his life far from his homeland, in England, France, Canada and elsewhere. He defended his doctoral thesis at famous Sorbonne in Paris. He left behind him numerous important books and articles dealing with various aspects of Croatian history and culture. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 Lidija Bajuk Croatian singer, songwriter and poet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10054/1/Lidija-Bajuk-Croatian-singer-songwriter-and-poet.html Lidija Bajuk, distinguished musician of the Croatian ethno music scene, reveals us traditional folk songs from various parts of Croatia, especially from her native Meðimurje. She writes music for film and theatre. She has also published several collections of poems and fairy tales, and has initiated The Virtual Museum of Traditional Meðimurje Music. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Andrija Buvina's 13th century Christams message Split, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10053/1/Andrija-Buvinas-13th-century-Christams-message-Split-Croatia.html The world famous portal of the Cathedral of Sv. Dujam in the city of Split had been finished in c. 1214. It is ranked among the most beautiful pieces of art in the medieval Europe. The height of the Buvina wooden  doors is 5.3 m. It contains 28 scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 New book by Slavica Jakeliæ "Collectivistic Religions" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10050/1/New-book-by-Slavica-Jakeliae-quotCollectivistic-Religionsquot.html "Collectivistic Religions" by Slavica Jakeliæ addresses questions of religion and collective identity, religion and nationalism, religion and public life, and religion and conflict. It moves beyond the attempts to tackle such questions in terms of 'choice' and 'religious nationalism' by introducing the notion of 'collectivistic religions' to contemporary debates surrounding public religions. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Little Stars Croatian girls choir singing at Lincoln Center December 19, 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10047/1/Little-Stars-Croatian-girls-choir-singing-at-Lincoln-Center-December-19-2010.html Maestro Zdravko ©ljivac is conducting the Little Stars choir from Zagreb, which will participate the International Holiday Concert Let us sing Croatian Christmas together - Pjevajmo zajedno hrvatski Bo¾iæ, organized by the Harmony For Peace Foundation. The concert is held in the Lincoln Center, Sunday, December 19, 2010, 3:00 PM Avery Fisher Hall. Also participating are Drago Bubalo & Angel Voices & Bells of St. Aidan, Reagan Stone, Klapa Astoria. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Tales of Long Ago by Ivana B. Mazuranic published in Japanese in 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10045/1/Croatian-Tales-of-Long-Ago-by-Ivana-B-Mazuranic-published-in-Japanese-in-2010.html Croatian Tales of Long Ago, written by Ivana Brliæ Ma¾uraniæ 1874-1938, have been published by Fusambo International publishing house in Japan in 2010, translated from Croatian by Ikuko Yamamoto. It was promoted at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Tokyo, and Mrs Yamanoto, Mrs Kikko Sakamoto, director of the publisher, and Dr. Drago ©tambuk, ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Japan, described the edition. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Band receives rave reviews on Coverville http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10043/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-receives-rave-reviews-on-Coverville.html Coverville's The 7th Annual Thanksgiving Double-Shot Beatles Cover Story aired a rendition of "Golden Slumbers" by the Nenad Bach Band. "Golden Slumbers" was originally on the Beatles’ classic 1969 album "Abbey Road". Coverville producer, Brian Ibbott called the Nenad Bach Band cover his favorite of the broadcast. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 03 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Hagen Iserlohn 2011 call for submissions http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9955/1/Hagen-Iserlohn-2011-call-for-submissions.html The Hagen Iserlohn-2011 contest and exhibition of Croatian student's art  from around the world will be held in Germany in cooperation with: HKM Hagen, SD. Croatia Hagen, Hagen Caritas, Matica Croatia for the Ruhr area and the Croatian Heritage Foundation. The deadline for submissions is December 18, 2010. The contest and the exhibition have been initiated by Ankica Karaèiæ, Hagen, Germany. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 02 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Middle Age Poetry by A. Kapetanovic, D. Malic and K. Strkalj Despot http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10041/1/Croatian-Middle-Age-Poetry-by-A-Kapetanovic-D-Malic-and-K-Strkalj-Despot.html  Croatian Medieval Poetry, written by Amir Kapetanoviæ, Dragica Maliæ and Kristina ©trkalj Despot, is the first complete chrestomathy and monograph of Croatian medieval texts written in verse during the period of 14th-16th centuries, in Old Latin, Croatian Glagolitic and Croatian Cyrillic scripts. Publishing this amazing book by the Institute of Croatian Language and Linguistics is a great event for Croatian culture. It has nearly 1000 pages. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic Croatian pianist touring USA and Brazil http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10037/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-Croatian-pianist-touring-USA-and-Brazil.html Ivana Vidoviæ has a series of concert and recitals in the USA and Brazil. In the USA she played with the Wayn State Orchestra, and with Dearborn State Orchestra in Michigan, plus the recital and master class for advanced students of the Wayne State University. In Brazil she will play with the Orquestra camerata de Curitiba. Her program includes also the first Croatian woman composer Dora Pejaèeviæ. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 21 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Carla Martinis 1922-2010 Croatian opera star in Vienna http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10035/1/Carla-Martinis-1922-2010-Croatian-opera-star-in-Vienna.html   Dragica Martinis (January 19, 1922 - October 8, 2010), better kown as Carla Martinis, was born in  Croatia in a small village of Danèuloviæi in the region of ®umberak west of Zagreb, near the town of So¹ice. An Austrian newpapers proclaimed her to be an "acoustic miracle". Herbert von Karajan chose her to have the role of Aida in 1951 for the solemn concert organized on the occasion of 50 years since the death of Giuseppe Verdi. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 15 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ashley Colburn and WOW Croatia seen by 10 million families in the USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10033/1/Ashley-Colburn-and-WOW-Croatia-seen-by-10-million-families-in-the-USA.html WOW Croatia is a documentary created in 2009 which has brought  the prestigious Emmy Award in 2010 to Ashley Colburn. Here we present the second part of her series of documentaries about Croatia, and an interesting interview she gave to Goran Rotim of the Croatian TV. By the mid 2010 about 10 million families in the USA have seen WOW Croatia darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 14 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Taras Belej painter from Ukraine: Croatia in my heart http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10031/1/Taras-Belej-painter-from-Ukraine-Croatia-in-my-heart.html Taras Belej, a young Ukrainian painter, had an exhibition of his works of art in Zagreb entitled "Croatia in my heart" (Galerija Mirko Virius), September 2010. As a four year old deaf child he arrived to Zagreb for rehabilitation at the SUVAG center, the world's leading center for treating deafness, where he started his systematic education, according to the verbotonal method of Croatian scientist Petar Guberina. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Violi Calvert: Nenad Bach in China to be interviewed by China Radio International http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10030/1/Violi-Calvert-Nenad-Bach-in-China-to-be-interviewed-by-China-Radio-International.html Violi Calvert, collaborator of the CROWN from Sydney: Hi,  I wish to advise that Nenad will be interviewed by Croatian radio in Beijing, which could be streamed through the website: http://croatian.cri.cn on Monday, 18 October at 4-5pm Beijing time [10-11am Zagreb time; 4-5 am New York time; 7-8pm Sydney time]. violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Zvonimir Ranogajec preserves the story of the Croatian diaspora on film 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 Pulji) Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat wins big in Alessandria http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10027/1/Srdjan-Bulat-wins-big-in-Alessandria.html Srdjan Bulat (left) won second place and the prize for youngest finalist at the Michele Pittaluga International Classic Guitar competition. This competition is one of the most important and longest running competitions for classical guitar in the world which has been held for 43 years in the Italian town of Alessandria. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 4 Miro Gavran novels in 4 languages at 2010 Frankfurt International Book Fair http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10026/1/4-Miro-Gavran-novels-in-4-languages-at-2010-Frankfurt-International-Book-Fair.html Miro Gavran, distinguished Croatian playwright, has appeared with four novels in four languages, Chinese, German, Spanish and English, at the 62nd Frankfurt International Book Fair, October 8, 2010, at the Croatian Exhibition Stand. His books have been translated into as many as 32 languages. Miro Gavran's play "All About Women" was premiered in Warszaw, Poland in July 2010. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Julienne Eden Busic's second book "Your Blood and Mine" available in English http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10020/1/Julienne-Eden-Busics-second-book-quotYour-Blood-and-Minequot-available-in-English.html In her best-selling autobiography, "Lovers and Madmen", Julienne Eden Busic wrote about the events leading up to her participation, in the 1976 political hijacking of an American TWA plane. Thirteen years later, the author shares in her acclaimed second book, "Your Blood and Mine", an intimate glimpse into the meaning of suffering, commitment, and waiting. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 15 Sep 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Mile Bogovic opened the Church of Croatian Martyrs in Udbina 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10019/1/Mile-Bogovic-opened-the-Church-of-Croatian-Martyrs-in-Udbina-2010.html A dream of dr. Mile Bogoviæ, Gospiæ-Senj archbishop on the left, and the whole of Croatia has been realized. The beautiful Church of Croatian Martyrs has been solemnly opened in Udbina, a town in the heart of Croatian region of Lika, on a spot with breathtaking view to the legendary Krbava field and surrounding mountains. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 13 Sep 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ljerka Ocic prominent Croatian organist and proponent of organ playing http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10017/1/Ljerka-Ocic-prominent-Croatian-organist-and-proponent-of-organ-playing.html Ljerka Oèiæ is teaching organ and chamber music at the Academy of Music in Zagreb. She is a jury member at the international organ contests and gives master courses in interpretation. Professor Oèiæ is the president of the "Franjo Dugan Organ Music Promotion Society" in Zagreb, named after distinguished Croatian organ player and composer Franjo Dugan. She is the author of a series of five 30 min classical music films, shown in Croatia and Italy. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Marko Bre¹koviæ 1942-2010 a founder of Dubravacki trubaduri http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10015/1/Marko-Brekoviae-1942-2010-a-founder-of-Dubravacki-trubaduri.html After a long and difficult illness, Marko Bre¹koviæ passed on August 29th, 2010 at the age of 69. Together with Ðelo Jusiæ, Luciano Capurso, Hamo Hajdarhod¾iæ, Bobo Berdoviæ and Ladislav Padjen, he helped form the legendary group Dubrovaèki trubaduri. He will be buried on September 1, 2010 at Bonino cemetery in Dubrovnik. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Renata Pokupiæ makes her LA Opera debut as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10014/1/Renata-Pokupiae-makes-her-LA-Opera-debut-as-Cherubino-in-Le-Nozze-di-Figaro.html Renata Pokupiæ (left) makes her LA Opera debut as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro (September 2010). The Croatian mezzo-soprano is known internationally through her acclaimed performances of baroque, classical and other coloratura-mezzo repertoire as well as solo songs. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Filip Cvitic created Epistula Croatica font for Croatian Glagolitic Script http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10010/1/Filip-Cvitic-created-Epistula-Croatica-font-for-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script.html Epistula Croatica is the project initiated by Filip Cvitiæ, aiming to spread information about the Croatian Glagolitic Script. The script, which is an important part of Croatian cultural heritage, is being researched in terms of design. The logo of the CROWN, that you can see at the top of this web page, has been created using this typeface, according to the initial idea of Nenad Bach. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Borislav Arapovic elected member of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10006/1/Dr-Borislav-Arapovic-elected--member-of-the-Russian-Academy-of-Sciences-2010.html Dr. Borislav Arapoviæ, Croatian philologist, founder of the Institute for Bible Translation in Stockholm, was elected the foreign member of the famous Russian Academy of Sciences, in 1999 for his work on organizing the translation of the Bible into about 80 non-Slavic languages of the former SU. About eight million copies of the Bible have been issued till now. Founding the Institute for Bible Translation in Moscow in 1997 has been blessed by late Patriarch Alexij II. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 14 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach Band new CD "All I Want Is Freedom" 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10005/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-new-CD-quotAll-I-Want-Is-Freedomquot-2010.html Nenad Bach has a dream. A dream nurtured through wartime and expatriation, a dream informed by his quest for universal justice and deep longing for world peace. The result: All I Want Is Freedom, a passionate cri de coeur and the latest CD in the artist’s prolific body of work. Playing live on Sunday, August 22 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm Nenad Bach Band Live at Lucy's 446  Bedford Rd., Pleasantville, NY USA. New CD available on iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Miletic Dail and her animated film PIXELTOWN http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10004/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-and-her-animated-film-PIXELTOWN.html Marija Miletiæ Dail created a very interesting animated film PIXELTOWN. It is based on her book Pixletown - The World Found, issued by PublishAmerica in 2005. Pixletown is where a whole world existed, and even thrived, undiscovered for eons, until this last century, when the vehicle had been invented to bring it to our attention. That vehicle was the computer. Marija was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where her animation carreer had started. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvatski Obièaj of Kansas City to release first CD http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10002/1/Hrvatski-Obieaj-of-Kansas-City-to-release-first-CD.html The commitment, ded­ication, desire, sheer joy and passion each of us holds in our hearts is what connects us forever in this journey. As this CD was a labor of love we hope that you enjoy it, continue to support our endeavors and may you carry the spirit of Croatia all around the world with you as you listen to our music! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Brenda Brkusic and Jack Baric won Los Angeles Area Emmy® Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9999/1/Brenda-Brkusic-and-Jack-Baric-won-Los-Angeles-Area-Emmy174-Award.html Bloody Thursday, a revealing documentary about the struggle of the West coast dockworkers during the Great Depression, produced by Brenda Brku¹iæ on the photo and Jack Bariæ, has won a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award. The onehour film that debuted on KOCE public television was one of three nominees in the category of Arts, Culture and History. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ashley Colburn and WOW Croatia won an 2010 Emmy Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9997/1/Ashley-Colburn-and-WOW-Croatia-won-an-2010-Emmy-Award.html American television journalist and producer Ashley Colburn has won a prestigious Emmy Award for her documentary "WOW Croatia," which was filmed in October last year in our country, supported by Croatian National Tourist Board. From the historical walls of Dubrovnik to the markets and ties of Zagreb - get ready for a first class exploration of this amazing country. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Unforgettable Croatian songs of 1990s http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9990/1/Unforgettable-Croatian-songs-of-1990s.html Late Tomislav Ivèiæ on the photo composed his unforgettable Stop the War in Croatia. We include excellent appearances at the Eurovision Song Contents of the Put (Path) with Don't ever cry, the duo of Lidija Dunjko and Danijela Martinoviæ with Nostalgija, and Maja Blagdan with Vjeèna ljubav (Eternal Love). We include Tereza Kesovija with Srebrena Bosna (Silver Bosnia), and last, but not least, Nenad Bach with Can We Go Higher?. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 The Korea Times: Croatia – ‘Miss World’ of the Mediterranean http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9988/1/The-Korea-Times-Croatia-8211-8216Miss-World8217-of-the-Mediterranean.html Mr. Lee Chang-sup, The Korea Times correspondent, wrote a very nice article about Croatia. Writing about Plitvice Lakes, Mr. Lee expressed his opinion that Croatians may feel their pride hurt when this national park is compared with the Niagara Falls in the U.S. and the Iguazu Falls near the border of Brazil and Argentina, at least in natural beauty. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 CroExpress newspaper for Croatians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9987/1/CroExpress-newspaper-for-Croatians-in-Germany-Austria-and-Switzerland.html In 2009 a team of Croatian and German journalists jointly produced a concept for the CroExpress, the new newspaper for Croatians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, directed by Marina Stojak on the photo. This monthly describes the life of Croatians living in Europe and on the other side of the Atlantic to promote Croatian language, old-Croatian tradition and culture. It is a free newspaper. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat wins in Almeria http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9984/1/Srdjan-Bulat-wins-in-Almeria.html Srdjan Bulat (left) a fifth year student at the Musical Academy in Split, under the tutelage of Professor Darko Petrinjak was the winner at the 11th annual Julian Arcas guitar competition, which was held from June 23-26 , 2010 in the Spanish town of Almeria. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Nicholas B. Daddazio's Cravat Sculpture as icon and symbol of Western Culture http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9983/1/Nicholas-B-Daddazios-Cravat-Sculpture-as-icon-and-symbol-of-Western-Culture.html Cravat Sculpture as icon and symbol of Western Culture is an unending subject of interest for Nicholas B. Daddazio to explore. In 1991, his search for a new and surprisingly unusual, offbeat, out of the ordinary, and unexpected subject for his art led him to the ubiquitous cravat. The cravat originated in Croatia during the 1600's. Even the name of cravat is derived from Croatian name. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian town Lipik needs help to rebuild Kursalon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9982/1/Croatian-town-Lipik-needs-help-to-rebuild-Kursalon.html The Kursalon, the neo-Renaissance style cafe in the town Lipik, Croatia, was constructed in 1893, with concert and a dance halls, a movie theater, restaurants, a piano bar, casino etc. It was the central point of the social and cultural life of the town until 1991, when it was destroyed  and burned during the Serbian aggression on Croatia. This is an appeal to rebuild one of the trademarks of the town of Lipik. On the photo Nenad Bach and Ivan Pu¹æenik in Lipik. ipuscenik@yahoo.com (Ivan Puenik) Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Studia Croatica founded in Buenos Aires Argentina celebrates 50 years http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9981/1/Studia-Croatica-founded-in-Buenos-Aires-Argentina-celebrates-50-years.html Studia Croatica is an important Croatian quaterly in Spanish founded in 1960 in Buenos Aires. It has published thosands of pages devoted to various historical, cultural and political issues dealing with Croatia and Croatians. The past directors were Ivo Bogdan, Franjo Nevistiæ, Radovan Latkoviæ, and Joza Vrljièak (photo), who established its internet versional at www.studiacroatica.org, capital achievement in preserving the history of Croatians. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Dvigrad International Festival of Early Music in Croatia 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9980/1/Dvigrad-International-Festival-of-Early-Music-in-Croatia-2010.html Indefatigable professor Alojzije Prosoli, founder of Sacred Music association in Zagreb, Croatia, organized the new Dvigrad International Festival of Early Music, 26 June - 18 July. Dvigrad is a mediaeval town in the heart of Istrian peninsula in Croatia, which has been abandoned already in the 17th century due to plague. The partner country of the 2010 Dvigrad Festival is France. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Mladena Gavran Croatian theatre actress awarded The Vladimir Nazor Prize 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9976/1/Mladena-Gavran-Croatian-theatre-actress-awarded-The-Vladimir-Nazor-Prize-2010.html For the twelve roles (!) she played in the monodrama THE CRAZIEST SHOW IN THE WORLD, the Croatian actress Mladena Gavran has been named the winner of the VLADIMIR NAZOR Prize for 2010. The author of the monodrama is her husband Miro Gavran. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Mestrovic's marble portrait of a child sold at Sotheby's in London 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9975/1/Ivan-Mestrovics-marble-portrait-of-a-child-sold-at-Sothebys-in-London-2010.html This portrait of Slavan Vidoviæ, son of Croatian painter Ivan Vidoviæ is the first major marble by distinguished Croatian sculptor Ivan Me¹troviæ to appear at auction at Sotheby's in 2010. The portrait was modelled during Me¹troviæ's stay in Split in 1906. mate.mestrovic@zg.t-com.hr (Dr. Mate Metrovi) Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Branimir Kvartuc of StandUpCroatia.com to cross the Adriatic Sea for charity http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9972/1/Branimir-Kvartuc-of-StandUpCroatiacom-to-cross-the-Adriatic-Sea-for-charity.html Croatian American Branimir Kvartuè, an award-winning photojournalist, two times cancer survivor, StandUpCroatia.com founder and  philanthropist, will be crossing the Adriatic Sea on June 25-27 of 2010, from Venice, Italy to Pula, Croatia on a Stand Up Paddle board, setting a world record, in the process. See some of his beuatiful photos from the Ðakovo Embroidery folklore festival. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 23 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 New Voices in Croatian Drama featured in NYC, May 13, 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9942/1/New-Voices-in-Croatian-Drama-featured-in-NYC-May-13-2010.html Highlighting the first-ever playwriting exchange between Croatia and the United States, this evening will showcase the work of young Croatian dramatists Ivana Sajko (left) and Tena ©tivièiæ, featuring a brief presentation on contemporary theatre from Croatia, excerpts from both author’s plays in both Croatian and English, and a discussion with the participants in this exchange. InterfaithArts@aol.com (Eileen Weiss) Sun, 09 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach, Boris Ljubicic & Davor Pavuna at TEDxZAGREB April 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9968/1/Nenad-Bach-Boris-Ljubicic--Davor-Pavuna-at-TEDxZAGREB-April-2010.html Ideas worth spreading: Nenad Bach: A lifetime of advocating for peace has led Nenad to question: What is Freedom? Boris Ljubièiæ: Designer in quest, he has subordinated personal to the general, persistent and uncompromising promoter of Croatian visual identity. Davor Pavuna: unusual physicist with vision, exposing on eternal theme - Ah, Love! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 06 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Irish dance phenomenon in Croatia's capital Zagreb May 16 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9967/1/Irish-dance-phenomenon-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-May-16-2010.html Lord of the Dance spellbounds, excites and thrills audiences worldwide. It is the greatest and most sold dance show in the world. This time, Zagreb is looking for a ticket more. Zagreb will host Lord of the Dance's Troupe One, led by Michael Flatley himself. The performances will be held on Sunday, May 16th 2010, at Dra¾en Petroviæ Basketball Center. First perfomance begins at 5 p.m. and the second one at 8.30 p.m. edivjak@gmail.com (Eugen Divjak) Mon, 03 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Creation is the trademark of best Croatian products http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9966/1/Croatian-Creation-is-the-trademark-of-best-Croatian-products.html In late 1997 the Croatian Chamber of Economy started the Project to Visually Mark Croatian Products with Croatian Quality and Croatian Creation labels. The Croatian Quality label is given to those Croatian products whose properties meet high world standards. The Croatian Creation label is awarded to original Croatian products that reflect Croatian tradition, development, research, innovation and inventions. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Concert in honor of maestro Zeljko Brkanovic in V. Lisinski Concert Hall Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9964/1/Concert-in-honor-of-maestro-Zeljko-Brkanovic-in-V-Lisinski-Concert-Hall-Zagreb.html The Zagreb Philarmonic Orchestra with Lana Genc on the piano marked 50 years of artistic work of professor ®eljko Brkanoviæ, distinguished Croatian composer, performing his sophisticated Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall March 25 2010 under the baton of maestro Stefan Lano. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Greenwich Trio win at the Beethoven Society of Europe Competition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9963/1/Greenwich-Trio-win-at-the-Beethoven-Society-of-Europe-Competition-.html The Greenwich Trio comprised of Stjepan Hauser from Croatia, Lana Trotovsek from Slovenia (both pictured left) and Yoko Misumi from Japan won at the Beethoven Chamber Music Competition 2010 held on April 22, 2010 at Steinway Hall in London and  sponsored by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat shines in Valencia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9962/1/Srdjan-Bulat-shines-in-Valencia.html On Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Xth International Guitar Competition of Alhambra, Srdjan Bulat (left) shined winning three awards at this prestigious guitar competition. He placed second overall, and won an audience award and an award for best interpretation of Spanish music. On Sunday May 16 2010 he will have free and open concert in Chicago, International House. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Dejan Lazic to perform with the Pacific Symphony May 13-15, 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9961/1/Dejan-Lazic-to-perform-with-the-Pacific-Symphony-May-13-15-2010.html Croatian pianist Dejan Lazic (left) whose recent performance The New York Times hailed as “full of poetic, shapely phrasing and vivid dynamic effects that made this music sound fresh, spontaneous and impassioned.” will be performing with the Pacific Symphony led by guest conductor Michael Stern. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach and Miro Gavran guests at Croatian Television on April 16 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9960/1/Nenad-Bach-and-Miro-Gavran-guests-at-Croatian-Television-on-April-16-2010.html Nenad Bach, distinguished Croatian-American musician, and Miro Gavran, distinguished Croatian writer, both of worldwide reputation, were guests of the Croatian Television show Lica nacije (Faces of the Nation) hosted by Branimir Biliæ and directed by ®eljko Musiæ. This very interesting interview discussed strategic issues of global promotion of Croatian culture, as well as fundamental human values nourished within family. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Moreska in Croatia the last authentic sword dance in the Mediterranean http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9959/1/Moreska-in-Croatia-the-last-authentic-sword-dance-in-the-Mediterranean.html The more¹ka dance on the island of Korèula in Croatia can be played only by those for whom at least one parent is from the island. The dance dates from the Middle Ages, and together with the house of Marko Polo represents one of the chief attractions of the island. The confraternity of All Saints is the oldest one on the island, founded back in 1301. Text and photos by Davor Rostuhar, Croatian journalist and photographer. rost@net.hr (Davor Rostuhar) Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatians of Chicagoland book set to launch May 17, 2010 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 Pulji) Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Easter Eggs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9950/1/Croatian-Easter-Eggs.html Croatia has a long and rich tradition of beutifully painted Easter eggs prepared within families during Lenten time. On the left are a few such eggs from a large ethnographic collection exhibited in the famous Franciscan convent of Kraljeva Sutjeska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We take the opportunity to wish all the readers of the CROWN and their families a happy and blessed Easter. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Professor Henrik Heger founder of Croatian studies at Sorbonne in Paris in 1981 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9949/1/Professor-Henrik-Heger-founder-of-Croatian-studies-at-Sorbonne-in-Paris-in-1981.html  Henrik Heger, distinguished Croatian scientist, is professor at Sorbonne in Paris, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. He founded Croatian Studies at Sorbonne already in 1981. In 1983 professor Heger organized an important international symposium Les croates et la civilisation du livre  (Croatians and the Civilization of the Book). He has contributed enormously to spreading the knowledge about Croatian culture. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 29 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 The Sound of Music, von Trapp and Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9948/1/The-Sound-of-Music-von-Trapp-and-Croatia.html The Sound of Music, a well known film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, deals with the life of Georg von Trapp who was born in Zadar in 1880. This is a true story of a war captain, dedicated to his family, the navy, the sea, different ships and submarines, etc. But it also contains many beautiful descriptions of the places and people he met along the entire Adriatic coast. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 JUSTICE a subtle film by Evan Oppenheimer music by Nenad Bach on DVD http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9944/1/JUSTICE-a-subtle-film-by-Evan-Oppenheimer-music-by-Nenad-Bach-on-DVD.html "Justice", the long-awaited film directed by Evan Oppenheimer, with a musical score from Nenad Bach that has been called "brilliant", is finally available for purchase! A sensation when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, "Justice" was greeted by superb reviews in its theatrical release, and it set box office records at the independent theater it was released at in New York City. It was praised in the New York Times and The International Herald Tribune. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Daniella guest hosts on Malaysian Dance Radio http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9941/1/Daniella-guest-hosts-on-Malaysian-Dance-Radio.html  Daniella Pavicic (Daniella) has always been surrounded by dance music. Growing up, she developed a connection and an attraction to electronic music through radio stations and club gigs. But she never thought that one day that it would be her voice on the radio, her face on a CD cover, and that she'd be one of the genre's biggest stars. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Japan-Croatia Friendship House Project presented in Tokamachi http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9940/1/Japan-Croatia-Friendship-House-Project-presented-in-Tokamachi.html Dr. Drago ©tambuk, Croatian ambassador in Japan, called Tokamachi the capital of the Japanese-Croatian friendship. More precisely, Japan-Croatia Friendship House Project has been presented in Tokamachi, to be built near the playground named Croatia Pitch, which serves the sporting, cultural and social purposes. Croatian architects Vinko Peneziæ and Kre¹imir Rogina, already established in Japan, explained the project's premises and details. jonckheere@gol.com (Sanja eljeznjak) Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidoviæ gave a concert in Torino Italy 27 Feb 2010 with standing ovations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9936/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidoviae-gave-a-concert-in-Torino-Italy-27-Feb-2010-with-standing-ovations.html Croatian pianist Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, gave a concert on 27th of February in one of the most prestigious art buildings in Turin, Teatro Circolo dei lettori, on the occasion of 200th anniversary of the birth of the great German composer Robert Schumann. Ivana performed among others  pieces of the most famous Croatian woman composer Dora Pejacevic Standing ovations and several encores have au-revoired this Croatian multitalented artist. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Children's and Youth Festival in New York April 24-25 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9935/1/Croatian-Childrens-and-Youth-Festival-in-New-York-April-24-25-2010.html It is our great pleasure to announce that the 2010 Croatian Children's and Youth Festival will take place April 24-25, for the first time in the beautiful auditorium of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria. Eleonor@aol.com to me (Eleonora Turcinovic) Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orlic, Croatian-American photographer featured in Jutarnji List http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9930/1/Zoran-Orlic-Croatian-American-photographer-featured-in-Jutarnji-List.html Croatian-American photographer, Zoran Orlic (left) sat down and spoke with Jutarnji List of Croatia and spoke about how he got started in photography, who his influences are and how he has made a successful career of immortalizing musicians in photographs.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Winners named in Croatian schoolchildren's art contest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9931/1/Winners-named-in-Croatian-schoolchildrens-art-contest.html The Croatian Information Centre named the winners of its recent art competition and exhibition of art by Croatian schoolchildren in the diaspora. The judges had a tough decision to make because there were over 500 entries from Croatian children around the world. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Anton Cetin distinguished Croatian painter in Canada http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9927/1/Anton-Cetin-distinguished-Croatian-painter-in-Canada.html Anton Cetín was born in 1936 in Croatia. He studied printmaking and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb. Since 1968 he has been living and working in Toronto, Canada. A deluxe monograph about his work was written in 1986. by Dr. David Burnett of Toronto. Several documentary films about Cetín's life and work were produced. vgoss@aol.com (Dr. Vladimir Goss) Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran to be premiered at the TEATRO ALLO SCALO in Rome Feb 16 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9926/1/Miro-Gavran-to-be-premiered-at-the--TEATRO-ALLO-SCALO-in-Rome-Feb-16-2010.html Croatian playwright Miro Gavran will have his drama NIGHT OF THE GODS premiered at the TEATRO ALLO SCALO in Rome on February 16, 2010. Two days later, on February 18, Miro Gavran will present his theatre and literary work to the students of the renowned Rome university SAPIENZA, with his wife, the actress Mladena Gavran. His works have been translated into 32 languages. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Sukhev Dail Croatia loving artist and his creations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9924/1/Sukhev-Dail-Croatia-loving-artist-and-his-creations.html Born in Punjab, India, educated in New Delhi and Belgium, he emigrated to Canada, then United States. He worked in animation studios, and reached  the role of a director. Married to Marija Miletiæ, a Croatian, they opened an animation studio in Hollywood. His newest exhibition produced a series of fine reviews and accolades from the public, as well as from fellow artists. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Armenian bishop Nareg Alemezian in Dubrovnik Celebrating the Day of St. Vlaho http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9923/1/Armenian-bishop-Nareg-Alemezian-in-Dubrovnik-Celebrating-the-Day-of-St-Vlaho.html   A special bond between Croatia and Armenia is the cult of the saint Sv. Vlaho (St. Blaise) from Armenian Sebaste, patron of the city of Dubrovnik. Armenian bishop Nareg Alemezian on the left visited the City and participated in the annual festivity, 1038th in order! The author of the first history of Armenian people published in Europe was Croatian - Josip Marinoviæ, in 18th century. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Mestrovic Croatian sculptor and his Chicago Indians http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9922/1/Ivan-Mestrovic-Croatian-sculptor-and-his-Chicago-Indians.html Ivan Me¹troviæ sculptured 6m high equestrian statues representing American Indians, known as Spearmen or Bowmen. The sculptures have been created in 1926 in his atelier in Croatia's capital Zagreb. Each of them is weighing 8 tons, and placed at the entrance of Grant Park in Chicago. We invite you to see a short film from Zagreb describing Me¹troviæ's work on these famous monuments. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Zdravko Kalabric at the 34th Congress of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9921/1/Zdravko-Kalabric-at-the-34th-Congress-of-the-World-Association-of-Chefs8217-Societies.html Along with his friend and colleague, Zlatko Marinovic (Chef/Owner of Nostromo in Split and captain of the regional team participating in the 2008 Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany), Chef Kalabric flew in from Brodarica to attend the 34th WACS Congress held in Santiago de Chile. He worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens, including the Ritz Carlton Montreal, the Chateau Champlain and a private club in Toronto. Participated in the Culinary Olympics (IKA). SusanneMetz@verizon.net (Susanne Metz) Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Borivoj Dovnikoviæ Croatian master of animated film: Learning to Walk http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9920/1/Borivoj-Dovnikoviae-Croatian-master-of-animated-film-Learning-to-Walk.html Borivoj Dovnikoviæ is recipient of numerous awards at international festivals of animated films. Retrospectives of his films have been shown in about fifty cities throughout the world.  He was a member of international juries and selection committees at twenty five festivals, and participated on various forums dealing with animated films, from the USA and Canada to Korea, China and Japan. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Cooking Show on the OC Channel (PBS) Jan 27 and Feb 3, 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9925/1/Croatian-Cooking-Show-on-the-OC-Channel-PBS-Jan-27-and-Feb-3-2010.html Brenda Brkusic (left) drops in to co-host two episodes of "Cooking for Health and Pleasure".  She will be preparing Croatian dishes on the show. These episodes will be airing on KOCE's OC Channel with part one airing on Jan 27 and part two on Feb 3, 2010 stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Zagreb Youth Theater Performance at La Mama, New York City Jan 28 - Feb 7, 2010 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9918/1/Zagreb-Youth-Theater-Performance-at-La-Mama-New-York-City-Jan-28---Feb-7-2010.html The play, directed by Ivica Buljan, is based on the popular contemporary Croatian novel of the same name by Zdenko Mesaric, which has been described as "moving, dark, cold, Sisyphean." The play runs from January 28 - February 7, 2010, and has start times on Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Dalia Lazar has Carnegie Hall recital on January 27th 2010 at 7:30 pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9916/1/Dalia-Lazar-has-Carnegie-Hall-recital-on-January--27th-2010-at-730-pm.html Dalia Lazar is Croatian pianist who had concerts and recitals in the United States, Israel, Russia, Switzerland, Greece, Venezuela, Croatia, Mexico, etc. At the age of sixteen she was admitted to Moscow's P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory. She has perfomed throughout former Soviet Union. She will perform a recital in memory of Maria Curcio on Wednesday, January 27th 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ivo Josipovic, Croatia’s new president, to write an opera on John Lennon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9914/1/Ivo-Josipovic-Croatia8217s-new-president-to-write-an-opera-on-John-Lennon.html Croatia’s new president, Ivo Josipovic, who won in a runoff on Sunday, is a bona fide classical composer. He majored in composition at the Zagreb Music Academy, graduating in 1983. From 1987-2004 he was a lecturer at the same school. Since 1991, he has been director of the Zagreb Music Biennale, one of the more prestigious contemporary music festivals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Vrijeme i Zemlja frontman Nenad Bach to release EP later this year http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9913/1/Vrijeme-i-Zemlja-frontman-Nenad-Bach-to-release-EP-later-this-year.html Zoran Tuckar of Muzika.hr called Vrijeme i Zemlja "the most talented Croatian band of all time." In his last statements before he died, famed Croatian music critic, Darko Glavan said regarding Vrijeme i Zemlja that it was "a project that essentially expanded the boundaries of the possible." This year Vrijeme i Zemlja's frontman and the Nenad Bach Band will release an EP featuring all new material.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Maksim Mrvica Croatian pianist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9911/1/Maksim-Mrvica-Croatian-pianist.html Maksim Mrvica found himself to be the focus of intense media interest and he made frequent television appearances as well as giving a great number of interviews. His album The Piano Player gave a new spin to compositions by Handel and Chopin. It has been very successful, particularly in Asia, where it has achieved Gold status in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China, Platinum in Taiwan and Croatia and Double Platinum in Hong Kong. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Grapes from Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia are gaining a following http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9912/1/Grapes-from-Croatia-Hungary-and-Slovenia-are-gaining-a-following.html  'Try the Pannonhalmi Tricollis," the bartender at Ardesia advised me. A wine bar in midtown Manhattan, it had only been open for a few months. Were they already trying to unload their unpronounceable-hence unsalable-wines? Or did I look like an easy mark, the sort who would fall for a wine that had as many consonants as it did vowels? On the other hand, it only cost $7 a glass. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 10 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Happy birthday to maestro Vladimir Krpan in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9910/1/Happy-birthday-to-maestro-Vladimir-Krpan-in-Zagreb.html Maestro Vladimir Krpan, born on January 11, 1938, is distinguished Croatian pianist and professor at the Academy of Music in Zagreb. Among his former students are such celebrities like Maksim Mrvica and Martina Filjak. We invite you to listen to  his students playing a well known tune "Happy Birthday to You" in relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orlic's work is featured on new Wilco DVD http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9909/1/Zoran-Orlics-work-is-featured-on-new-Wilco-DVD.html  Zoran Orlic is a Croatian-born fine arts photographer with a flair for revealing the many moods of rock photography. Orlic's passion for the camera and music has led him to capture rock bands on film for the last seventeen years. Most recently noted for his work with The Frames, Wilco and Lucinda Williams, Orlic's snapshots have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, websites and music packaging. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Martina Filjak interview of the winner of the 2009 Cleveland Competition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9908/1/Martina-Filjak-interview-of-the-winner-of-the-2009-Cleveland-Competition.html Martina Filjak gave a very intersting interview on the occasion of her 1st prize won at the prestigious 2009 Cleveland International Piano Competition. The critical praise and general buzz she received for her performances during the final rounds have been merited, given the brilliance, sensitivity and imagination of her playing. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 Ljeposlav Perinic 1922-2005 the King of Dolls http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9901/1/Ljeposlav-Perinic-1922-2005-the-King-of-Dolls.html The King of Dolls Ljeposlav Periniæ 1922-2005 was born in the city of Split, Croatia. After 1945 he lived in Argentina. His collection comprises dolls in national costumes donated by kings, queens, presidents, first ladies and prime ministers from about 120 countries. The collection is kept in Ethnographic Museum in Croatia's capital Zagreb. On the photo is the proud King with the dolls from Pakistan and India donated by Benazir Bhutto and Indira Gandhi. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 A new monograph: Croatia - Aspects of Art, Architecture and Cultural Heritage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9900/1/A-new-monograph-Croatia---Aspects-of-Art-Architecture-and-Cultural-Heritage.html  A group of scholars (Stjepan Æosiæ, Branko Kirigin, John Wilkes, Sheila McNally, Christopher de Hamel, Donal Cooper, David Ekserdjian, Timothy Clifford, Marcus Binney, Brian Sewell and Josko Belamaric) prepared the following monograph with an introduction by John Julius Norwich, Croatia: Aspects of Art, Architecture and Cultural Heritage (Frances Lincoln), 224 pp. On the left St Vlaho (St Blasius) with grey beard, protector of the city of Dubrovnik, and St Paul. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Vjekoslav Sutej 1951-2009 distinguished Croatian conductor http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9898/1/Vjekoslav-Sutej-1951-2009-distinguished-Croatian-conductor.html Vjekoslav ©utej was born in Rijeka, Croatia. He has conducted concerts with famous opera stars: José Carreras, Montserrat Caballé, Diana Ross, Placido Domingo, Roman Vargas, Mario Guleghin, etc. He also directed the first four concerts Christmas in Vienna with Placido Domingo and José Carreras. So far, more than a million copies of compact disks from these concerts have been sold. He founded the Royal Symphonic Orchestra in Sevilla, Spain. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's premieres in the Czech Republic, Japan and Romania http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9895/1/Miro-Gavrans-premieres-in-the-Czech-Republic-Japan-and-Romania.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran will have three foreign premieres in just five days in three different countries. My Wife's Husband on December 13 at the Slezska Divadlo Opava in Czech Republic, How To Kill the President  on December 16 at the IWATO Theatre in Japan, and All About Women  at the CLASIC IOAN SLAVICI Theatre in Arad in Romania on December 18. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Romano Sole is among the best Croatian musicians in Germany http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9893/1/Romano-Sole-is-among-the-best-Croatian-musicians-in-Germany.html Romano Sole, born in Split, he studied music and at a young performed with many big names on the Split music scene. His song "Niz Vrijeme" was voted number 7 of the Split Radio top ten list for 1995. Fate would send him to Germany where he continued his musical endeavors and would succeed both as an artist and producer. He was named the best Croatian diaspora musician by Matica Hrvatska in 2008. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Mestrovic's Pieta sold at Sotheby's in London http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9892/1/Ivan-Mestrovics-Pieta-sold-at-Sothebys-in-London.html Ivan Me¹troviæ's Pieta was sold at Sotheby's in London for 8,750 GBP. It was the only drawing among 100 works of art offered within the section  of "19th & 20th Century European Sculpture". Unusually, the drawing represents the head of Christ to be above the Virgin, appearing to shelter her. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatians in the Banja Luka bishopric in Bosnia and Herzegovina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9888/1/Croatians-in-the-Banja-Luka-bishopric-in-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina.html Dr. Franjo Komarica, bishop of Banja Luka on the left, warmly accepted a group of visitors from Zagreb. He described the life of Croatians from that part of BiH, now scattered throughout the world, as very difficult. Those rare who returned have problems from existential to unsecured basic human rights, as witnessed by the bishop. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Damir Halilic Hal Croatian fingerpicking guitar virtuoso http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9887/1/Damir-Halilic-Hal-Croatian-fingerpicking-guitar-virtuoso.html At the moment you think everything that can be said with an acoustic guitar has already been said, there will be a voice from somewhere in the world, and may it be Croatia, that suddenly tells you new stories... Hal (on the photo) plays in the best American fingerstyle tradition, but there always is this little something, this little extra, that makes his playing unique. Hey people, listen to him, this guy is great! Thomas Kleemaier. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 UNESCO included seven cultural elements of Croatia a world cultural treasure http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9886/1/UNESCO-included-seven-cultural-elements-of-Croatia-a-world-cultural-treasure.html In 2009 UNESCO included seven elements of Croatia a world cultural treasure: Annual carnival bell ringers' pageant from the Kastav area, The festivity of Saint Blaise (the patron of Dubrovnik), Lacemaking in Croatia (aloe lace on the left), Procession Za Kri¾en, Spring procession of Ljelje/Kraljice (queens) from Gorjani, Traditional manufacturing of children's wooden toys in Hrvatsko Zagorje, Two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Votive chapel of gifts at Mary's Trsat sanctuary near Rijeka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9885/1/Votive-chapel-of-gifts-at-Marys-Trsat-sanctuary-near-Rijeka.html The votive chapel at Trstat sanctuary near the city of Rijeka has been constructed by Peter Kru¾iæ, a legendary Croatian defender from the16th century. It is dedicated to the protector of seamen, Saint Nicholas. The sanctuary has been visited by late Pope John II during his Apostolic visit to Rijeka in 2003, on the photo with Ivan Devèiæ, the Rijeka archbishop. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 5th Festival of Croatian Music in Vienna Austria 5 Nov - 1 Dec 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9881/1/5th-Festival-of-Croatian-Music-in-Vienna-Austria-5-Nov---1-Dec-2009.html   The 5th Festival of Croatian Music in Vienna, Austria, will take place from 5th Nov to 1st Dec 2009. Among many interesting musical events we are pleased to announce the concert by Zagreb Philharmony conducted by maestro Ivan Repu¹iæ on the left, with Martina Filjak on piano, to be held on 8th Nov 2009 in the famous Musikverein Grosser Saal, 19.30. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Hancic-Matejic from Germany created a new Croatian Glagolitic font http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9880/1/Nenad-Hancic-Matejic-from-Germany-created-a-new-Croatian-Glagolitic-font.html Nenad Hanèiæ-Matejiæ from Düsseldorf, Germany, created a new Croatian Glagolitic quickscript font called  "Croatica" available via his web site, and described in Croatian, German and English languages. It is a result of four year's hard work. It will be useful both for amateurs and professionals. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's book published in Chinese language http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9877/1/Miro-Gavrans-book-published-in-Chinese-language.html   Miro Gavran's novel How We Broke Our Legs is published in Beijing, PR of China by World Affairs Press. The translation into Chinese has been done by Kewein Yan. The prefaces to the novel have been written by Chen Haosu and Ante Simoniæ. To date, this novel has come out in five editions in Croatian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia - Aspects of Art, Architecture and Cultural Heritage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9874/1/Croatia---Aspects-of-Art-Architecture-and-Cultural-Heritage.html The book "Croatia: Aspects of Art, Architecture and Cultural Heritage" includes  contributions by leading British, American and Croatian writers and scholars. John Julius Norwich says in the book's introduction: "To the traveller arriving in Croatia from across the Adriatic, the land seems indeed to have been blessed by providence.  Nowhere in the whole Mediterranean will you find an interplay of land and sea more breathtakingly lovely than along the Dalmatian Coast." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000 LADO Croatia’s Acclaimed Folk Dance Ensemble to Perform in North America http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9873/1/LADO-Croatia8217s-Acclaimed-Folk-Dance-Ensemble-to-Perform-in-North-America.html LADO's fall tour of the U.S. and Canada is the climax of the 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of the ensemble. Eleven performances are scheduled in eight cities, full-production concerts and choral concerts combined. The mission of LADO goes well beyond performing dances that have been central to Croatian culture for generations. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Stjepan Veckovic founder of Croatian Bagpipe Orchestra http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9869/1/Stjepan-Veckovic-founder-of-Croatian-Bagpipe-Orchestra.html  Stjepan Veèkoviæ on the photo is a founder of the Croatian Bagpipe Orchestra. Bagpipes are usually  associated to Ireland and Scotland, but Croatian bagpipe tradition is much older. Recently an International Bagpipe Festival has been organized in the village of Mihovljan near Zagreb. According to Mr. Veèkoviæ, there is no country in the world that could compete Croatia in the variety of traditional national musical instruments. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat impresses judges with music and technical ability http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9870/1/Srdjan-Bulat-impresses-judges-with-music-and-technical-ability.html  The winner of the 6th annual Ferdo Livadic international competition for young musical artists in Samobor was Srdjan Bulat from Split (left). He impressed the judges with his selections and technical ability. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Marie Spaemann a student of maestro Valter Despalj wins the first prize http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9868/1/Marie-Spaemann-a-student-of-maestro-Valter-Despalj--wins-the-first-prize.html Marie Spaemann on the left is a young German violoncellist studing at the Zagreb Academy of Music in the class of maestro Valter De¹palj, distinguished Croatian musician and educator. She has recently won the first prize at the prestigeous 16th "Johannes Brahms" international competition for young musicians organized in Poertschach in Austria. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Zeljko Brkanovic distinguished Croatian composer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9866/1/Zeljko-Brkanovic-distinguished-Croatian-composer.html Renwned German composer Erhard Karkoschka commented on the music written by ®eljko Brkanoviæ on the left: "I have already encountered and learnd to appreciate his music at the concerts of the Zagreb Biennale... What I noticed in particular is a differentiated use of instruments, which makes his orchestral works very interesting due to sudden shifts. In the same manner the formal structure and logically controlled lines always make a convincing impression." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian guitarist competes at Francisco Tarrega competition in Spain http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9860/1/Croatian-guitarist-competes-at-Francisco-Tarrega-competition-in-Spain.html Srdjan Bulat, (left) a 5th year guitar student at the Musical Academy in Zagreb performed at the 43rd annual Francisco Tarrega international competition that was held from August 28th – September 4th 2009 in the Spanish city of Benicassim. This year's competition marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Francisco Tarrega, a renowned Spanish composer and guitar instructor. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Julian Rachlin and Friends festival in Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9858/1/Julian-Rachlin-and-Friends-festival-in-Dubrovnik.html Pianist Yefim Bronfman, violinist Lawrence Power, clarinettist Martin Frost, cellist Torleif Thedéen, double-bassist Stacey Watton, harpsichord player Jan Jansen, along with almost "traditional" participants - cellist Mischa Maisky, pianist Itamar Golan, violinist Janine Jansen and many others - are only several world-renowned names coming to Dubrovnik this year upon the invitation by Maestro Julian Rachlin to perform at the Festival from 31 August to 12 September. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach plays for global peace in Kansas City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9863/1/Nenad-Bach-plays-for-global-peace-in-Kansas-City.html  Internationally renowned Croatian musician Nenad Bach (left) performed at the first ever Concert for Global Peace on Saturday August 29, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. The concert was organized by the International Visitors Council of Kansas City in collaboration with Dr. William Everett, Associate Professor of Musicology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Interview: Gordana Brzoviæ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9856/1/Interview-Gordana-Brzoviae.html Somebody once said – a good product is a good product, whatever we might say about it. One such product is the show “Transfer” dedicated to culture, a different kind of culture, slightly off-center from the ordinary and spiced up with the right dose of critical consideration. We talked with Gordana Brzoviæ, director and an editor. vibor@astoria.hr (LivingStone Magazine) Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 In Memoriam: Virgilije Nevjestiæ 1935 - 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9853/1/-In-Memoriam-Virgilije-Nevjestiae-1935---2009.html Virgilije Nevjestiæ was a poet and an artist of rich, surreal and poetic expressions.  He was born in the village of Kolo near Tomislavgrad (BiH) in 1935 and moved to Paris in 1968, where he built a respectible artistic career. He died on August 24th 2009, after a long and difficult illness at La Tourelle hospital in the Parisian suburb of L'Hay-les-Roses, where he had been since September of last year. MBrkanovic@t-online.de (Mirna Brkanovic) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Vidovic distinguished Croatian guitarist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9852/1/Ana-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist.html Ana Vidoviæ was born in Croatia in the town of Karlovac. At the age of 13 she became the youngest student to attend the National Musical Academy in Zagreb.  Her international performance career includes recitals in London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas and St. Louis. She has a recital in Cavtat Croatia within Epiduarus Festival September 2, 2009 - 8:00 PM. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Villa Ruzic in Rijeka and Croatian Tales of Long Ago by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9850/1/Villa-Ruzic-in-Rijeka-and-Croatian-Tales-of-Long-Ago-by-Ivana-Brlic-Mazuranic.html Villa Ru¾iæ, situated in the city of Rijeka, is a top monument of Croatian culture. Among other things it comprises numerous editions of the famous Croatian Tales of Long Ago published by Ivana Brliæ Ma¾uraniæ in 1916. The book intended for children was translated into some fourty languages, including Chinese. The Villa Ru¾iæ is superbly directed by Mr. Theodor de Canziani Jak¹iæ on the left. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Loreta Kovacic to play at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston Sept 3, 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9848/1/Loreta-Kovacic-to-play-at-the-Contemporary-Arts-Museum-in-Houston-Sept-3-2009.html Croatian pianist Loreta Kovacic and her group the Texas Slavs will be performing at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston on September 3, 2009 starting at 7:00 p.m. The show is called Immigrants Out There, and will feature songs composed by her. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Martina Filjak clinches victory in Cleveland International Piano Competition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9847/1/Martina-Filjak-clinches-victory-in-Cleveland-International-Piano-Competition.html Two weeks of intense musical rivalry came to an end last Saturday when jurors in the 2009 Cleveland International Piano Competition crowned Martina Filjak, 30, of Croatia (left), winner of the 18th biennial contest. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 ®eljka Èorak - Warps of abidance in small things http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9846/1/eljka-Eorak---Warps-of-abidance-in-small-things-.html There is something amazing in ®eljka Èorak's need to handle the most relevant issues in Croatia at one point, and then, almost in the same sentence, to write about barely visible objects from her environment, things that help her work on the most important theme of her opus – the art of remembering. vibor@astoria.hr (LivingStone Magazine) Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach guest artist in Kansas City Concert for World Peace Aug 29 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9845/1/Nenad-Bach-guest-artist-in-Kansas-City-Concert-for-World-Peace-Aug-29-2009.html UMKC student/alumni will perform in a Concert for World Peace, Saturday, August 29, 2009, 7:30pm, Rose Theatre, Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Ave., Kansas City, MO 64114. The Conservatory students and alumni will perform with guest artist Nenad Bach. Nenad Bach is a recording artist, composer, performer, and peace activist.  He is originally from Croatia, but now lives in New York. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 U2 conquered Zagreb Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9844/1/U2-conquered-Zagreb-Croatia.html Unprecedented and original spectacle in Maksimir stadium was thrown by Bono Vox and his good Irish lads of U2. Over 60,000 people sang along with the band for over two hours. Oh beautiful, oh precious, oh sweet  liberty - Bono Vox quoted 17th century Croatian author Ivan Gunduliæ  as per Nenad Bach's suggestion, to the delight of the sold-out stadium. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Fjaka - Between Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9842/1/Fjaka---Between-Times.html If we were to attribute all our moods to the seasons, the fjaka, as a specific state of mind and body, could be said to be a conspicuous product of the summer, the result of its sweltering heat, and a general dissolution of body and spirit in the baleful high temperatures of the day, when we just don’t feel like doing anything. vibor@astoria.hr (LivingStone Magazine) Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat Croatia Aug 28 - Sep 22 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9841/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-Croatia-Aug-28---Sep-22-2009.html CROWN invites you to attend the Third Epiduarus Festival in Cavtat,  from  August 28 to September 22 2009. The Festival has been founded and is directed by infatiguable Croatian pianist Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, on the photo. Cavtat is a lovely town south of Dubrovnik, on Croatian coast. Among principal guests of the Festival this year will be a famous Croatian guitarist Ana Vidoviæ. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Feri Sucic 91 years old Croatian musician and writer from Gradisce, Austria http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9839/1/Feri-Sucic-91-years-old-Croatian-musician-and-writer-from-Gradisce-Austria.html Feri Suèiæ was born in 1918 within a Croatian branch in Austria, in the region of Gradi¹æe - Burgenland. He composed or arranged 300 songs, and many of them are circulating as traditional songs. He is also known as prolific writer. An extensive monograph dedicated to his life and work has been issued last year on the occasion of 90th birthday. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Collegium pro musica sacra earned silver medal in Rome 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9837/1/Collegium-pro-musica-sacra-earned-silver-medal-in-Rome-2009.html The 3rd International Choir Competition was organized by sacred music association Musica Mundi in the basilica of San Crisogono in Rome from June 30 to July 5 2009. Twenty choirs participated from all over the world. Croatian choir Collegium pro musica sacra, conducted by Iva Juras on the left, earned silver diploma. This excellent Croatian choir exists for 37 years. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Zvonimir Atletic distinguished Croatian photographer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9832/1/Zvonimir-Atletic-distinguished-Croatian-photographer.html Zvonimir Atletic is professional Croatian photographer. His unique photos include such persons like Mother Teresa and Father Ante Gabriæ, well known worldwide for their humanitarian work, especially in India. Mr Atletiæ had numerous exhibitions not only in Croatia, but also in Italy, France, Poland, Indonesia, Brasil, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 CROATIAN art&craft EXPO New York City @ Gallery MC July 23 - July 31 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9834/1/CROATIAN-artcraft-EXPO-New-York-City--Gallery-MC-July-23---July-31-2009.html The ten-day cultural event will consist of two exhibitions representing current Croatian applied and fine arts, featuring over forty contemporary artists working in traditional and non-traditional media, such as ceramics, glass, metal, stone, textiles, unique jewelry, product design, paintings and more. The exhibitions will be in the heart of New York City @ Gallery MC from July 23rd - July 31st, 2009. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Weaving workshop bridges past and present http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9829/1/Weaving-workshop-bridges-past-and-present.html The idea of a loom and weaving is something that brings us back to the past, to our ancestors and folk tradition. But the weaving workshop was a means by which the grassroots organisation CODD (Civil Organisation for Development Dalj) from Slavonia/Croatia encourages a better future for their municipality. vladom@xnet.hr (Vladimir Mihajlovi) Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 A Matter of Taste wins award at Heart of England International Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9828/1/A-Matter-of-Taste-wins-award-at-Heart-of-England-International-Film-Festival.html A Matter of Taste (Stvar Ukusa) won the best short film award at the Heart of England International Film Festival. In the film, directed by Costa Ipsa, a middle-aged man, unsatisfied with his life, is about to commit a suicide from a roof top and the only thing standing in his way is a simple handyman. marina@auxanotravel.com (Marina Varenina) Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Radojka Sverko - Croatian Diva http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9827/1/Radojka-Sverko---Croatian-Diva.html Radojka ©verko is one of the greatest female singers Croatia ever had. She had concerts in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Seul, Athens, Puerto Rico, Caracas, Los Angeles, New York and Kopenhagen among others. Listen to her extraordinary interpretations of Croatian songs, and evergreens like The Shadow of Your Smile, Amazing Grace, The Automn Leaves, Bridge Over Troubled Water and many others. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Julienne Eden Busic: Your Blood and Mine, waiting for Zvonko for 32 years http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9825/1/Julienne-Eden-Busic-Your-Blood-and-Mine-waiting-for-Zvonko-for-32-years.html Julienne Eden Bu¹iæ's speech at the book promotion, "Your Blood and Mine", held in an overcrowded hall of the Mimara Palace in Zagreb, May 21, 2009, in the presence of her husband Zvonko, both on the photo from 1970s. They met each other again in 2008 after 32 years of separation. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Klapa Cambi singers from Kastel Kambelovac Croatia winning in St Petersburg http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9823/1/Klapa-Cambi-singers-from-Kastel-Kambelovac-Croatia-winning-in-St-Petersburg.html Klapa Cambi singers from the town of Ka¹tel Kambelovac in Croatia won the prestigeous competition Grand Prix of Peter the Great in St. Petersburg in Russia with the maximal 100 points from the jury. According to Ljubo Stipi¹iæ, one of the principal proponents of klapa singing, there are about 400 klapa's in Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Children Festival of Klapa Singing in Zadar May 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9818/1/Children-Festival-of-Klapa-Singing-in-Zadar-May-2009.html Klapa singing in Croatia is a unique phenomenon of European culture. The phenomenon has been enriched in the past few years by  existence of children's klapas. The City Library in Zadar, Croatia, organizes the annual Children Festival of Klapa Singing since 2006. Each year it is becoming more and more popular and widespread. One of the principal proponents of klapa singing in Croatia is Ljubo Stipi¹iæ Delmata. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 49th International Children's Festival in Sibenik Croatia June 20 - July 4 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9816/1/49th-International-Childrens-Festival-in-Sibenik-Croatia-June-20---July-4-2009.html 49th International Children's Festival in the city of ©ibenik, Croatia, will take place in the period of June 20 - July 4 2009. It will host as many as 1100 participants from twenty countries which will offer a rich cultural program. The theatre tradition in ©ibenik started 140 years ago, in 1870, when the theatre building was inaugurated. The city is famous for its Renaissance Cathedral of Sv. Jakov from 15-16th centuries, proteced by UNESCO. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Trideset godina od prvog rijeckog rock LP albuma Vrijeme i Zemlja I iz 1979 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9807/1/Trideset-godina-od-prvog-rijeckog-rock-LP-albuma-Vrijeme-i-Zemlja-I-iz-1979.html Vatru rijeèke glazbene scene zapalio je prvi rijeèki rock LP album 1979, kad se o albumima moglo samo sanjati. Èetvorica mladiæa iz Rijeke, Nenad, Davor, Marinko i Jo¹ko ostvarili su ono ¹to nitko do tada nije. LP Vrijeme i Zemlja I postala je rasadnikom novih glazbenih ideja.  Nenad Bach i svi èlanovi grupe Vrijeme i Zemlja biti æe na Press Party 19. lipnja 2009. u Rijeci. Davor Tolja i Nenad Bach su lijevo na slici iz 1979. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Drazen Domjanic and his wonderful musical family in Liechtenstein http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9806/1/Drazen-Domjanic-and-his-wonderful-musical-family-in-Liechtenstein.html Dra¾en Domjaniæ is Croatian pianist born in the town of Èakovec, living with his family in Liechtenstein. He is artistic director of Musik & Jugend (Music and Youth Foundation) which organized many master classes and concerts aiming to help young musicians from Central Europe, with emphasis on Croatia. His children Sara and Andreas are also musicians, playing violin and piano. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Mestrovic's Mother Teaching Child to Pray sold at Sotheby's auction http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9804/1/Ivan-Mestrovics--Mother-Teaching-Child-to-Pray-sold-at-Sothebys-auction.html Lauded by Rodin as 'the greatest phenomenon amongst the sculptors', Ivan Me¹troviæ began his career exhibiting with the Vienna Secession at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries. His fame led to important exhibitions across Europe, and in 1915 he made history as the first living artist to have a solo exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. mate.mestrovic@zg.t-com.hr (Rumjana Metrovi) Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 "Downloading Nancy" screenings in New York and Los Angeles on June 5, 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9803/1/quotDownloading-Nancyquot-screenings-in-New-York-and-Los-Angeles-on-June-5-2009.html Igor Kovacevich (left) graduated in 1992 from the University of Sarajevo with a B.F.A. - Diploma in Film, Theatre and Comparative Literature. He also worked as an intern on "Time of the Gypsies" by Emir Kusturica (a two-time winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival). In December 2007, Kovacevich completed production of the psychological thriller "Downloading Nancy". stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Project of Croatian house in Tokamachi Japan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9802/1/Project-of-Croatian-house-in-Tokamachi-Japan.html In the Japanese city of Tokamachi and with the presence of eminent Croatian architects Vinko Peneziæ and Kresimir Rogina, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Japan Dr. Drago ©tambuk and the Mayor of Tokamachi Yoshifumi Sekiguchi confirmed the decision of the City Council regarding the construction of Croatian House that would represent the focal point of Croatia-Japan friendship in Japan. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Lustig receives 2009 IFF Lifetime Achievement Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9801/1/Branko-Lustig-receives-2009-IFF-Lifetime-Achievement-Award.html Born in 1932 to a Croatian-Jewish family, Branko Lustig (left) began his film career in 1955 working on films like Fiddler on the Roof and The Tin Drum before landing a job on Meryl Streep's unforgettable "Sophie's Choice." He is the recipient of two Oscars, having won one for "Schindler's List" in 1993 and another for "Gladiator" in 2001. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Eat that Croatian food man, and you just feel the power in your veins http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9800/1/Eat-that-Croatian-food-man-and-you-just-feel-the-power-in-your-veins.html "30 Rock" actor, stand up comedian, and World Champion, Judah Friedlander (left) is an outspoken fan of Croatian food. To which he was undoubtedly exposed to, by his Croatian mother. Describing the power of Croatian cuisine, he says: "I like pretty much all food, but eat that Croatian food, man, and you just feel the power in your veins." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Marijana Hajdarhodzic & The Penny Black Remedy mix up styles http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9799/1/Marijana-Hajdarhodzic--The-Penny-Black-Remedy-mix-up-styles.html How many bands have tried to mix up styles and genres and fallen on their face? Don't spend too long trying to come up with an answer. It'll take you a while, and you'll doubtless need more fingers and toes than you are in possession of to keep count. One thing is for sure, The Penny Black Remedy are not a band that you'd be adding to the list of failures. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Vidovic performing Dora Pejacevic in the city of Zadar May 30 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9798/1/Ivana-Vidovic-performing-Dora-Pejacevic-in-the-city-of-Zadar-May-30-2009.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, Croatian pianist from the city of Dubrovnik, will soon be a guest of the University of Zadar. Her rectial includes compositions of Albéniz, Chopin, Liszt, Pejaèeviæ and Resta, starting at 21:00, May 30 2009. Students of the University will perform her poetry dedicated to Dora Pejaèeviæ, the first famous Croatian women composer. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Hrvojka Mihanovic Salopek and her Stella Maris project of St. Mary's heritage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9796/1/Hrvojka-Mihanovic-Salopek-and-her-Stella-Maris-project-of-St-Marys-heritage.html  Dr. Hrvojka Mihanoviæ Salopek is the leader of an important project Stella Maris - Sea Star, devoted to centuries of St. Mary's heritage in Croatia in the broadest sense: from church architecture and sacral paintings to church music, poetry, literature and Croatian Lenten chants. Till now the project resulted in 5 excellent DVD's which describe an important part of 13 centuries of Croatian spirituality and culture in Europe. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 23 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Joseph Haydn Austrian and Croatian composer died 200 years ago http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9795/1/Joseph-Haydn-Austrian-and-Croatian-composer-died-200-years-ago.html Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), a famous Austrian and Croatian composer, died 200 years ago, May 31. He was born in a Croatian ethnic enclave in Burgenland (Gradi¹æe) in Austria. Joseph Haydn composed a lovely melody which is based on a very old Croatian folk song. He named it Volkslied (Folk song), and later it became the Austrian national anthem. This melody is the contemporary German national anthem that everybody knows. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 22 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Srdjan Bulat wins three times in Gorizia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9794/1/Srdjan-Bulat-wins-three-times-in-Gorizia.html Srdjan Bulat (left) a fourth year student from the Zagreb Music Academy from Split, confirmed once again that he is known as one of the best guitar players at the European Classical Guitar Competition "Città di Gorizia" held May 15-17 in the Italian city of Gorizia. He won three prizes in three of the toughest categories in the competition. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 20 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Studia Croatica 1986 #103 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9792/1/Studia-Croatica-1986-103-.html In this 103 (1986) issue of Studia Croatica, Ivo Korsky explains why Croatians struggle for independence and Ernesto Livacic writes about the living Croatian presence in Chilean literature. Three articles are devoted to the Venezuelan Precursor Francisco de Miranda (1750-1816) and his relation with Croatia, while Mateo Martinic writes on the Croatian immigrants to Chile (1919-1939). 96 pages, in Spanish. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Wed, 20 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Miletic Dail, Croatian artist in the USA, and her animation cottage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9791/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-Croatian-artist-in-the-USA-and-her-animation-cottage.html Marija Miletiæ Dail is director, producer, animator and filmmaker, working in the USA, born in Croatia. She won the Best of Animation Award in 1974 at the International Film Festival in Switzerland for the film "Why Not?", the Presidential Award in 1992 for the environmental film "Think Earth", and lectured on animation at UCLA, LACC, and Cal Arts. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 15 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian one minute film festival in Pozega May 29-30 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9789/1/Croatian-one-minute-film-festival-in-Pozega-May-29-30-2009.html The festival jury in Po¾ega has received 454 films from 43 countries worldwide. Sixty films were chosen for the official programme, to be shown on May 29-30 2009. This is already 17th annual festival with a high international reputation. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 10 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Odjeb je lansiran uspje¹no http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9777/1/Odjeb-je-lansiran-uspjeno.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 09 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Branko Istvancic's film depicting Croatians wins Italian award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9786/1/Branko-Istvancics-film-depicting-Croatians-wins-Italian-award.html Branko I¹tvanèiæ, distinguished Croatian screenwriter, film and TV director, provided very interesting inserts of his films depicting various aspects of life and spirit of the Croatians: Wellman, The Stone Picker, The Cormorant Scarecrow, The Ghost in the Swamp, Saying Goodbye, From Grain to Painting, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 U2 legends of rock'n'roll are coming to Zagreb on August 9th and 10th 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9785/1/U2-legends-of-rocknroll-are-coming-to-Zagreb-on-August-9th-and-10th-2009.html The Zagreb concerts of U2 are scheduled for August 9th and 10th. The 10th of August concert was sold out in just a few hours, so organisers and the band arranged an additional concert, for which you may still buy your tickets. The concerts are to be held at Maksimir Stadium. In 1995 Bono recited a verse written in 1628 by Croatian poet Ivan Gunduliæ:  O lijepa, o draga, o slatka slobodo... (O beautiful, o beloved, o sweet liberty...). edivjak@gmail.com (Eugen Divjak) Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's plays in Slovakia, Germany, Poland, and Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9781/1/Miro-Gavrans-plays-in-Slovakia-Germany-Poland-and-Croatia.html Miro Gavran's plays tour throughout Europe in full intensity: on March 17 2009 in Spi¹ska Nova Ves in Slovakia, on March 23 in Augsburg in Germany, on May 10 in Rado in Poland, on 16 May in Ilok in Croatia, and May 22 again in Spi¹ska Nova Ves in Slovakia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 FOR | FROM CROATIA WITH LOVE Croatian Jazz Gala at the Lincoln Center http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9780/1/FOR--FROM-CROATIA-WITH-LOVE-Croatian-Jazz-Gala-at-the-Lincoln-Center-.html  The AIC Foundation is launching a concert series "For | From Croatia With Love" which promotes Croatian culture, art and heritage in the United States. Its first concert will be a Jazz Gala at the Lincoln Center featuring Jazz musicians from Croatia and the United States. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Matko Jelaviæ releases his latest album Prvoj Ru¾i Hrvatske http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9779/1/Matko-Jelaviae-releases-his-latest-album-Prvoj-Rui-Hrvatske.html Matko Jelaviæ (left) has released a new album of original music entitled "Prvoj Ru¾i Hrvatske" (First Rose of Croatia) containing twelve original songs. He has been performing and composing music since he first won at the Split Music Festival in 1988 with his original song "Majko Stara" (Old Mother). stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Museum of Broken Relationships visited San Francisco in February 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9773/1/Museum-of-Broken-Relationships-visited-San-Francisco-in-February-2009.html   A museum dedicated to broken hearts has been founded in Croatia. Authors of the concept Olinka Vi¹tica and Drazen Grubi¹iæ decided to set up the museum after consoling friends over their failed romances. The Museum of Broken Relationships is an art concept which proceeds from the assumption that objects possess integrated fields - "holograms" of memories and emotions. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Djuro Janekovic photographing Croatia's captial Zagreb in 1930s http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9772/1/Djuro-Janekovic-photographing-Croatias-captial-Zagreb-in-1930s.html Ðuro Janekoviæ and his newly discovered photos of Zagreb from 1930s reveal the capital of Croatia in new light and atmosphere. He exhibited his photos in Vienna, München, Buenos Aires, London, Oslo, Stockholm,  Amsterdam, Debrecin, Prag, Var¹ava, and in Zagreb. An exhbition of his photos is organized at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb until March 12 2009. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Journal of Croatian Studies - Volume XXIV - 1983 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9771/1/Journal-of-Croatian-Studies---Volume-XXIV---1983.html The 1983 issue of the Journal of Croatian Studies was fully devoted to the most famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic (1883-1962). The volume features three texts by the sculptor as well as articles by Ante Kadic, Bogdan Raditsa, Christopher Spalatin, Ivan’s son Matthew Mestrovic, Karlo Mirth, among others. The volume has 216 pages including 36 plates. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Bratislav Lucin leading expert for Croatian Renaissance classic Marko Marulic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9770/1/Bratislav-Lucin-leading-expert-for-Croatian-Renaissance-classic-Marko-Marulic.html  Bratislav Luèin, distinguished Croatian scholar and director of Marulianum institute in the city of Split, has recently published two important books dealing with a famous Croatian Renaissance writer Marko Maruliæ 1450-1524. Maruliæ's books were read by St Francis Xavier, Cervantes, Thomas More, King Henry VIII, etc. Marko Maruliæ is the author of the notion of PSYCHOLOGY. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Adriana Smajic from Argentina for Radio Split http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9769/1/Adriana-Smajic-from-Argentina-for-Radio-Split.html Adriana Smajic contributes from Argentina to the program Nedeljni Akvarel. The program is emitted every Sunday noon from Radio Split. Adriana’s contributions deal mainly with the life of Croatians in Argentina joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Goran Karan Tours the United States and Canada April-May 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9768/1/Goran-Karan-Tours-the-United-States-and-Canada-April-May-2009.html   Croatia's platinum and diamond recording artist Goran Karan and his six -piece band "Vagabundo" will be performing in select cities in the United States and Canada. He promises an unforgettable concert featuring his most popular songs and some traditional Dalmatian songs as well as other hits.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Studia Croatica 1986 #102 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9767/1/Studia-Croatica-1986-102.html In this 102 (1986) issue of Studia Croatica, the main articles are one by Mate Mestrovic about the possibility of Democracy in the then Yugoslavia. Ante Kadic wrote about Marko Marulic, while Maja Lukac-Stier presents the main Croatian community contributions to Argentina. In turn, Ivo Boric wrote about the Croatian immigrants to Bolivia. This issue has 96 pages, in Spanish. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Jerry Blaskovich - Anatomy of Deceit http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9765/1/Jerry-Blaskovich---Anatomy-of-Deceit.html Jerry Blaskovich is a US physician of Croatian origin. During the 1991-1995 war in Croatia, nobody had to tell Dr Blaskovich where to go, what to do, whom to help, and what to write. Although living in California, Jerry knew what his homeland needed, what tasks suited his abilities, what pressure his family was able to go through, and what his health and strength allowed him to do. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Studia Croatica 1986 #101 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9759/1/Studia-Croatica-1986-101.html Radovan Latkovic, then editor of Studia Croatica, analysed in 1986 the future of Yugoslavia from an historic perspective. In the 1986 issue, other articles deal with literature, with Pope Sixtus V, of Croatian origin, with brothers Mirko and Stevo Seljan, Croatians explorers in Africa and South America. And much more, 96 pages, in Spanish. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's 200th staging and new premier in Poland March 27 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9757/1/Miro-Gavrans-200th-staging-and-new-premier-in-Poland-March-27-2009.html Croatian playwright Miro Gavran has been a frequent guest in Poland lately, where his plays saw ten theater premiers, and where he had two books of dramas and comedies published. Within the World Theater Day (March 27), the famous Teatr Ludowy in Krakow will stage the 200th performance of this comedy "My Wife's Husband", translated by Anna Tuszynska. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Journal of Croatian Studies - Volume I - 1960 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9756/1/Journal-of-Croatian-Studies---Volume-I----1960.html On its first issue, the Journal, which is approaching its 50th anniversary, presented itself with the text "To Our Readers". There, the editors state that the Croatian Academy of America, established in 1953, had planned to publish a learned journal of Croatian cultural, historical, political and economic developments. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Sat, 21 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 LADO National Folk Dance Ensemble of Croatia celebrates 60th anniversary in 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9738/1/LADO-National-Folk-Dance-Ensemble-of-Croatia-celebrates-60th-anniversary-in-2009.html  In celebration of the ensemble's 60th anniversary, many events, concerts and other commemorative activities have been organized for this special year. The ensemble will be marking this anniversary year with an impressive tour of the US and Canada which will take place in October and November. Also planned is the promotion of a documentary DVD entitled '60 Years of LADO' and the issuing of a LADO postage stamp. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Kristian Krekovic portrayed Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Mother, King Gustav V, etc. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9741/1/Kristian-Krekovic-portrayed-Mahatma-Gandhi-Queen-Mother-King-Gustav-V-etc.html Kristian Krekoviæ (1901-1985), distinguished Croatian painter born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, since the end of 2008 has a web site www.kristiankrekovic.com dedicated to his life and work. It was launched by the Associtiation of Friends of the Krekovic Museum in Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Among his numerous portraits, we can find those of Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Mother, King Gustav V, and many others. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Lady Jadranka Njers Beresford Peirse promotor of Croatian culture in GB http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9739/1/Lady-Jadranka-Njers-Beresford-Peirse-promotor-of-Croatian-culture-in-GB.html Lady Jadranka Njer¹ Beresford Peirse of London is a fascinating personality and a great Croatian patriot, whose efforts  have been engaged in raising funds both for the restoration of the damaged monuments that form such an important part of Croatian heritage and in finding ways to promote Croatian culture in Great Britain. She is recipient of the 1999 INA Award for international promotion of Croatian culture. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Ante Sardelic distinguished Croatian sculptor, painter and printmaker in Canada http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9736/1/Ante-Sardelic-distinguished-Croatian-sculptor-painter-and-printmaker-in-Canada.html Ante Sardeliæ Kraljeviæ, sculptor, painter, and printmaker was born in the town of Blato on the island of Korèula in Croatia. The last ten years he worked on the project The Eternal Homeland. This exhibition is now traveling through many major cities throughout the world. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Luka Sulic Croatian cellist wins the first prize in Warszaw, Poland 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9735/1/Luka-Sulic-Croatian-cellist-wins-the-first-prize-in-Warszaw-Poland-2009.html Croatian cellist Luka ©uliæ (1987) is the First Prize winner of the Witold Lutoslawski International Cello Competition held in February 2009 in Warsaw. This very prestigious biannual competition, whose Honorary President during his lifetime was legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, attracted some forty cellists from all over the world.  Luka also won special prize for the best performance of Lutoslawski's Sacher Variations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Vladimir Kristl filmmaker and artist from Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9710/1/Vladimir-Kristl-filmmaker-and-artist-from-Croatia.html Vladimir "Vlado" Kristl (24 January 1923 – 7 July 2004) was a filmmaker and artist from Zagreb, Croatia, best known for his celebrated animations and short films. Kristl first came to international prominence for his formally challenging and rigous animations, particularly Don Kihot. The film is a "graphical and abstract masterpiece which went beyond all existing conventions" darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Support Ann Marie Boskovich For The Next American Idol http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9731/1/Support-Ann-Marie-Boskovich-For-The-Next-American-Idol.html  Support Croatian talent. Vote for Ann Marie tonight! We begin an exciting week as Ann Marie was picked to sing in the first group set to perform on Tuesday, February 17th. 2009. If you have the privilege of knowing Ann Marie, you were a fan long before her involvement with American Idol simply because she is just one of those special people with an amazing heart. This is a grass root support. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatians in Romania celebrate 500 years of their roots http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9730/1/Croatians-in-Romania-celebrate-500-years-of-their-roots.html Croatian community in Romania is not large, but is stable with well-preserved traditions and language. It is estimated that the number of Croats in Romania number around 14,000, but likely the number is higher. They are a part of one of the oldest communities in the Croatian diaspora. They have lived there over 500 years. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia Coming Soon at Jimmy Choo http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9726/1/Croatia-Coming-Soon-at-Jimmy-Choo.html  These 35mm wedge sandals have an embroidered decorative pannel and  are pefect for laid back summer chic. slaven1947@gmail.com (Prof.Dr. Slaven Letica) Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Robert Belinic to play guitar at the University of Chicago March 10 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9725/1/Robert-Belinic-to-play-guitar-at-the-University-of-Chicago-March-10-2009.html Robert Beliniæ, acclaimed Croatian guitarist, will have a concert at the Khorsabad Court of the Oriental Insitute at the University of Chicago, Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 pm. He was the sole winner of the 2001 Young Concert Artists European Auditions in Leipzig, Germany, and in 2002 was the first guitarist ever to win a place on the Young Concert Artists roster in New York. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Sinovèiæ innovative Croatian artist in the USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9724/1/Miro-Sinoveiae-innovative-Croatian-artist-in-the-USA.html In 1985 Miro Sinovèiæ emigrated from his native Croatia to the United States, where he became one of the most-sought after artists in publishing, advertising and motion pictures. His art has appeared on more than a thousand book covers, and his innovative techniques helped transform the traditional look of book illustrations into more modern treatments of color and atmosphere. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Kimono Croatia worn in honour of Croatian ambassador Stambuk's birthday http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9723/1/Kimono-Croatia-worn-in-honour-of-Croatian-ambassador-Stambuks-birthday.html The winning silk kimono named Croatia has been made in Tokamachi in the memory of the Croatian national football team's presence during the World Cup 2002 in Japan. The Mayor's daughter has worn it for the Croatian ambassador's birthday. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 International conference dedicated to the memory of Branko Fucic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9722/1/International-conference-dedicated-to-the-memory-of-Branko-Fucic.html Branko Fuèiæ (1920-1999) is a distinguished historian of Croatian art and investigator of Croatian Glagolitic monuments. His work is especially important for Istrian peninsula. A three day international conference was superbly organized in Malinska on the island of Krk dedicated to the study of his life and work. More than 70 scientists have participated from seven countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Russia, and Bulgaria. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Listen to a famous Croatian song O MARIJANA in Japanese http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9719/1/Listen-to-a-famous-Croatian-song-O-MARIJANA-in-Japanese.html A famous Croatian tune O MARIJANA composed by Vlaho Paljetak from Dubrovnik, Croatia, is now available via Internet, sung by Seiji Tanaka in Japanese and Croatian. The song was recorded in Japan already in 1976. It is extremely popular in Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 GAVRANFEST 2009 in Trnava Slovakia February 23 - 27, 2009 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9718/1/GAVRANFEST-2009-in-Trnava-Slovakia-February-23---27-2009.html Since 2003, the Jan Palarik Theatre from Trnava, Slovakia has organised a theatre festival that is unique in Europe, at which only the dramas and comedies of the Croatian author, Miro Gavran, are performed. This year's GAVRANFEST is the fourth to be organised and it will be held between February 23 and 27, with theatres from five countries taking part:  Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Bruno Krajcar dedicated himself to the study of Istria's ethnic heritage http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9716/1/Bruno-Krajcar-dedicated-himself-to-the-study-of-Istrias-ethnic-heritage.html Bruno Krajcar is academic musician, composer, singer, journalist and  editor. Krajcar plays various instruments and has been composing since he was ten, now being the author of many compositions. He represented Croatia at the 25th EBU International Folk Festival. Moreover, he has dedicated himself to the study of Istria's ethnic heritage. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Zumberak a hidden Croatian treasure http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9709/1/Zumberak-a-hidden-Croatian-treasure.html  ®umberak is a Croatian region south-west of Zagreb. It is a favorite place for mountaineers, those wishing to learn about rare plants and interesting archaeological sites, or about Croatian churches of Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic rites built side by side like in So¹ice. Remote villages and their hospitable inhabitants still preserve their old habits. On the photo Miroslav Peris from So¹ice in ®umberak, Croatian pilot and Hero. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Martina Filjak from Croatian child prodigy to mature pianist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9708/1/Martina-Filjak-from-Croatian-child-prodigy-to-mature-pianist.html Martina Filjak is one of those few young artists who have successfully made it from child prodigy to mature musician. Her stage presence and personality regularly impress audiences and critics alike, whether she plays delicate baroque and classical pieces, or colossal works such as Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata or Bartok's 2nd Piano Concerto. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ubrini) Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Filip Deviæ Croatian Folklore Ensemble from Split http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9706/1/Filip-Deviae-Croatian-Folklore-Ensemble-from-Split.html Folklore ensemble "Filip Deviæ" was founded in 1950. Since then more than 8,000 of its members have participated in preserving Croatian national heritage by bringing back to life old customs, songs and dances. In 1970 it came home with gold medal for folk dancing from Middlesbrough, England where an International Festival was held. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Wooden Baroque Church from 1642 near Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9705/1/Wooden-Baroque-Church-from-1642-near-Zagreb.html The Church of St. Barbara in Zagreb is the most important example of folk wooden sacral architecture of the Baroque period in Croatia. It was built of oak timber in 1642. It is very near the Zagreb airport. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Charles Bene French expert for Croatian Renaissance writer Marko Marulic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9697/1/Charles-Bene-French-expert-for-Croatian-Renaissance-writer-Marko-Marulic.html Dr. Charles Béné, a retired professor from the University of Grenoble, France, is a European authority on 16th century literature. He studied various aspects literary works of Marko Maruliæ, Croatian Renaissance writer, and his discourses were published in distinguished European magazines. He has also studied other Croatian writers of the Humanism and Renaissance movements. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Marija Vidovic Croatian pianist touring Pennsylvania, NC, January 14-21, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9696/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-Croatian-pianist-touring-Pennsylvania-NC--January-14-21-2008.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ is Croatian pianist and poet, born and living in Dubrovnik. We are happy to announce her USA tour in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, January 14-21, 2008. She is a young pianist with great natural instinct, a beautiful musicality, lovely desire to express herself artistically, with taste, poetry and extroversion. She is the founder and artistic director of the Epidaurus Festival, and involved in humanitarian work. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Cultural Club in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9690/1/Croatian-Cultural-Club-in-Zagreb.html The principal role of the Croatian Cultural Club in Zagreb is the advancement of Croatian culture at home and internationally. The Club provides incentives and works on implementation of various programmes related to creation of works of arts, organises lectures, recitals, exhibitions and conferences. The Club has been founded by ©ime ©imatoviæ on the photo. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Language in the Gutenberg Galaxy with 500 titles in 23 languages http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9684/1/Croatian-Language-in-the-Gutenberg-Galaxy-with-500-titles-in-23-languages.html The Zagreb School of Slavic Studies organized an exhibition of around 500 titles of translation of Croatian fiction and assorted titles from the field of humanities in 23 languages. The exhibition was shown in Dubrovnik and Zagreb. On the photo is a detail from a pocket book "Croatian language" published in French by Assimil. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Renata Pokupic acclaimed Croatian mezzo-sporano http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9682/1/Renata-Pokupic-acclaimed-Croatian-mezzo-sporano.html Croatian mezzo-soprano Renata Pokupiæ is known internationally through her acclaimed performances of baroque, classical and other coloratura - mezzo repertoire as well as solo songs. She holds numerous awards among which are the International Circle of Friends and Patrons of Théâtre du Châtelet and the Orlando for the best performance at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival 2004 with the Purcell Quartet. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Rabuzin 1921-2008 outstanding Croatian painter died http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9676/1/Ivan-Rabuzin-1921-2008-outstanding-Croatian-painter-died.html Ivan Rabuzin 1921-2008, Croatian painter, designed a curtain decorating the stage of one of the best Kyoto theaters in Japan, as well as the Takarazuka theater in Tokyo (10.5 x 24 m, 1980), and several other museums in Japan. Among numerous monographs devoted to his work we mention only Masayoshi Honme, Ivan Rabuzin, Taiji Harada, 1990, published by Kodanasha, Japan. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Petar Zoranic 1508-1569 important Croatian Renaissance writer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9673/1/Petar-Zoranic-1508-1569-important-Croatian-Renaissance-writer.html In 2008 we mark 500 years since the birth of Petar Zoranic, Croatian Renaissance writer, born in the city of Zadar in 1508. He is best known for his novel Planine (The Mountains), published in 1569, the first one in the history of Croatian literature. It is considered to be the oldest novel about mountains in the world. It is also one of the earliest patriotic books in the history of Croatian literature. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Stjepan Hauser double winner at international music competition in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9671/1/Stjepan-Hauser-double-winner-at-international-music-competition-in-Italy.html On December 5th, 2008 Stjepan Hauser won two first prizes at the International Music Competition "Francesco Forgione" in Verbania, Italy near Milano. He won 100 points out of 100 and became absolute winner in two different categories (Solo and Solo with Orchestra). A part of the prize includes 70 concerts in Italy. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Marin Speranda's attractive photos of the City of Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9669/1/Marin-Sperandas-attractive-photos-of-the-City-of-Dubrovnik.html Many people think that the City of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful in the world. Marin ©peranda, living in Dubrovnik, is amateur photographer, and his photos indicate in his very convincing poetic way the beauty of his native City. Dubrovnik is the unique city in the world lovingly called by its citizens simply as GRAD, i.e. the City. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ignjat Djurdjevic: St Paul was on the island of Mljet in the Adriatic for three months http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9667/1/Ignjat-Djurdjevic-St-Paul-was-on-the-island-of-Mljet-in-the-Adriatic-for-three-months.html  An important book by Ignjat Ðurðeviæ published in 1730 in Venice was released in 2008, in The Year of St Paul, i.e. two thousand years after the birth of St Paul. It is the Croatian translation of Ignjat Ðurðeviæ's monograph written in elite Latin language, in which he proved that St Paul spent three months on the island of Mljet in Croatia, and not on the island of Malta. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Vlaho Paljetak's Marijana sung by Seiji Tanaka in Japan in 1976 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9665/1/Vlaho-Paljetaks-Marijana-sung-by-Seiji-Tanaka-in-Japan-in-1976.html Vlaho Paljetak (1893-1944) is a famous Croatian pop singer born in Dubrovnik, known for several still very popular songs, among them Marijana. It is not widely known that this Croatian song had two Japanese recordings. It was sung by Seiji Tanaka in 1976. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Slaven Letica: If Streets Could Talk. Kad bi ulice imale dar govora. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9663/1/Dr-Slaven-Letica-If-Streets-Could-Talk-Kad-bi-ulice-imale-dar-govora.html If Croatian streets and squares could talk, what a thrilling story they could tell about the meaning of all the name changes, and the dramatic, bloody, and tragic history that lies beneath. In my book, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, I decided to "freeze history", at least for a brief moment. I gambled on posthumous recognition for my efforts, fully aware that any such appreciation in Croatia is always fleeting, and never long-lasting. slaven1947@gmail.com (Prof.Dr. Slaven Letica) Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran 3 premieres in 3 countries in 2 weeks. Latvia, Slovakia and Czech R. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9664/1/Miro-Gavran-3-premieres-in-3-countries-in-2-weeks-Latvia-Slovakia-and-Czech-R.html Miro Gavran, the most succesful contemporary Croatian playwright, will have three premieres of his plays in three European countries in only two weeks. His three playes "All About Men", "Greta Garbo's Secret" and "Othello from Susak Island" will be performed Latvia November 28,  2008. Slovakia December 11, 2008 and Czech Republic December 13, 2008 in respective languages. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Mestrovic's The Descent from the Cross sold for 250 000 EU at Sotheby's http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9654/1/Ivan-Mestrovics-The-Descent-from-the-Cross-sold-for-250-000-EU-at-Sothebys.html Ivan Me¹troviæ (1883-1962), a famous Croatian sculptor, is probably best known for his Chicago Indians, prepared in Craatia in the course of two years. His another famous sculpture carved in wood is The Descent from the Cross,  exhibited with undprecedented success at Albert Museum in London in 1915. It has recently been sold for 250,000 EU at Sotheby's in London. mate.mestrovic@zg.t-com.hr (Dr. Mate Metrovi) Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach is Baack and Wanted - performance at Fairleigh Dickinson University http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9652/1/Nenad-Bach-is-Baack-and-Wanted---performance-at-Fairleigh-Dickinson-University.html  Nenad began the set behind the piano and performed a new ballad: "Everything is Forever." The song was in the mood of most of Nenad's previous rich resume of recordings, but it managed to be both melancholy and optimistic. Perhaps that is possible when one has a long track record of engagement on and off the stage. We hope to see more of Nenad's vault full of talent and vision into the future, and the audience that night certainly was left looking for more. aconvenientgenocide@mac.com (Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey) Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Stjepan Hauser obtained cello from legendary Bernard Greenhaus as a gift http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9648/1/Stjepan-Hauser-obtained-cello-from-legendary-Bernard-Greenhaus-as-a-gift.html Legendary Bernard Greenhaus played on a very special cello made especialy for him by Cornelissen.  And he suddenly decided to give this most beautiful example of Cornelissen to Stjepan Hauser, Croatian cellist, as a gift! The Greenwich Trio, in which Stjepan plays cello, won the 1st prize at the International Music Competition "Carlo Mosso" in Alessandria, Italy. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach performing LIVE at Fairleigh Dickinson University Nov. 1st 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9640/1/Nenad-Bach-performing-LIVE-at-Fairleigh-Dickinson-University-Nov-1st-2008.html An incredible line-up of cross generational folk stand-outs will perform in a trend-setting concert experience. Join them in song on Saturday, Nov 1, 2008. "An evening of outlandish chuckles and thoughtful folk provocation!" Oscar Brand, Terence Martin, Uncle Floyd, Nenad Bach, John and Martin Dull, Alex Zetelski. Featured seasoned musicians with Nenad: Kinny Landrum, Richard Lindsey, Michael O'Keefe and Mick Hanson. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Mirna Brkanovic working on her debut film http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9630/1/Mirna-Brkanovic-working-on-her-debut-film.html Mirna Brkanoviæ studied at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb since 1994. In 1997 she started studying  at the Academy of Television and Film in Munich, Germany. "Hidden Truth" is her graduation film. At the moment she is working on her debut film. Her motto is: "Stay true to your deepest and inmost wishes, because one day they will become your true." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Oliver Dragojevic in Concert at Carnegie Hall, October 9th 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9631/1/Oliver-Dragojevic-in-Concert-at-Carnegie-Hall-October-9th-2008.html  Legendary Croatian recording artist Oliver Dragojevic will perform in the Oliver & Friends concert at Carnegie Hall on October 9th, 2008 at 8:00pm. Joining Mr. Dragojevic will be some of Croatia’s most celebrated talent including Ante Gelo, Drazen Bogdanovic, Boris Popov, Robert Vrbancic and famous Croatian conductor Alan Bjelinski. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 The Baska Glagolitic Path on the island of Krk, part 2 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9620/1/The-Baska-Glagolitic-Path-on-the-island-of-Krk-part-2.html The Second International Workshop was devoted to the project of The Ba¹ka Glagolitic Path. It had participants from the Czech Republic, Austria and Croatia. Stone monuments have various cities as sponsor. For example, the stone representing the Glagolitic letter P is sponsored by Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. On the left is Erika ©imaniæ, Rijeka, carving the Glagolitic letter ®. blandina.markovic-randic@zg.t-com.hr (Blandina Markovi - Randi, dr.dent.med.) Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Billy Kirchen and his musical "Mirrors of Desire" in New York on October 19th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9619/1/Billy-Kirchen-and-his-musical-quotMirrors-of-Desirequot-in-New-York-on-October-19th.html Mirrors of Desire is a magical love story set to music and dance complete with a fairy godmother of sorts, angels, imps, and of course magic.. Preview of musical, "Mirrors of Desire" is on October 19th 2008 at the Richmond Shepard Theatre 309 East 26th Street, New Yok City, New York. 8 PM. American baritone, pianist, and composer Billy Kirchen is very proud of his Croatian roots. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Spancirfest in Varazdin, a Baroque city in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9614/1/Spancirfest-in-Varazdin-a-Baroque-city-in-Croatia.html  The Vara¾din ©pancirfest is a regular festival devoted to craftsmanship, music and entertainment by the end of August and beginning of September each year. This very pleasant manifestation visited by thousands of people. It is a paradise for children. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian national costumes in Monostor on the left bank of Danube http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9613/1/Croatian-national-costumes-in-Monostor-on-the-left-bank-of-Danube.html  Mono¹tor is a village on the left bank of Danube, with majority of Croatian population. We present their very nice dresses and female slippers,  see on the left, as well as old photos of  tamburitza players. The photos have been sent to us by prof. Marija ©ereme¹iæ living in this village. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Marin Drzic 1508-1567 a famous Croatian Renaissance playwright http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9601/1/Marin-Drzic-1508-1567-a-famous-Croatian-Renaissance-playwright.html Marin Dr¾iæ, a famous Croatian Renaissance playwright, was born five hundred years ago, in 1508. His native city of Dubrovnik and the whole of Croatia celebrate this year dedicated to his memory by a series of events and publications. Marin Dr¾iæ is one of the pillars of Croatian literary tradition, preceding that of Shakespeare and Moliére by more than half a century. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Matica Iseljenika Newsletter Srpanj 2008 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 Charles Billich's Bing Ma Yong cycle of paintings in China http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9594/1/Charles-Billichs-Bing-Ma-Yong-cycle-of-paintings-in-China.html Inspired by the conviction that the Chinese Olympic Committee should adopt a traditional symbol as the official image of the 2008 Beijing Bid, Billich created the Bing Ma Yong cycle of paintings. Charles Billich is Croatian-Australian painter, born in Croatia, and official painter of the 2008 Olympiad in China. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ilija Veselica's photo view of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9591/1/Ilija-Veselicas-photo-view-of-Croatia.html Ilija Veselica, born in the town of Sinj, Coratia, is a student of Computer Science at the University of Split. He offers us his poetic view to various parts of Croatia via his top quality photos. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Damir Baèiæ: Hrvatski glazbeni identitet - Discover the music of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9590/1/Damir-Baeiae-Hrvatski-glazbeni-identitet---Discover-the-music-of-Croatia.html Svaka prilika za predstavljanje hrvatske glazbe u svijetu odlièna je prigoda i za promid¾bu hrvatske kulture, gospodarstva, gastronomije i svih ostalih oblika turistièke ponude. Ali i obratno, prepoznatljiva hrvatska glazbena ba¹tina uvijek bi trebala biti glazbena podloga predstavljanju bilo kojeg hrvatskog branda. damir.bacic@inet.hr (Damir Bai) Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Cravat is a trademark of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9587/1/Cravat-is-a-trademark-of-Croatia.html Croatian soldiers gave the world something that is today unavoidable in fashion: the tie, called la cravate by the French and by the Germans die Krawatte - the expression was coined from the Croatian name, and mentioned for the first time in 1651. The name is in everyday use in many languages throughout the world. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia - China then and now http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9579/1/Croatia---China-then-and-now.html On the left you can see a postage stamp issued in Zagreb with Croatian name written in Chinese, designed by Boris Ljubièiæ. Croatian Tales from Long Ago, written by Ivana Brliæ Ma¾uraniæ, have been published in China already in 1957. Dragutin ©urbek, a famous Croatian ping-pong player, was very popular in China, nicknamed there as Surbeka. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Stjepan Hauser performed for Prince Charles at St James' Palace in London http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9574/1/Stjepan-Hauser-performed-for-Prince-Charles-at-St-James--Palace-in-London.html Stjepan Hauser, a young and prosperous Croatian violoncellist, performed on 18th June 2008 with the Philharmonia Orchestra on Gala Ceremony at St. James' Palace, a Royal residence in London. The event was attended by Prince Charles. Stjepan recently performed at the Buckingham Palace on 23rd April 2008. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia - Russia, historical and cultural relations http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9573/1/Croatia---Russia-historical-and-cultural-relations.html We indicated some very interesting facts that connect Croatia and Russia via history, culture and sports. For example, did you know that the earliest monument built in honour of the famous writer L.N. Tolstoy was erected not in Yasnaya Polyana, but in Croatia, on the island of Brac. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 International Children's Festival in ©ibenik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9571/1/International-Childrens-Festival-in-ibenik.html International Children's Festival in ©ibenik, Croatia, promotes aesthetical education of children and young adults, and develops all artistic forms of children's creativity. The festival has the support of the UNICEF and UNESCO, as well as the permanent sponsorship of the President of Croatia. The first festival was held in 1958, ie 50 years ago. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's new premiere in Prague on July 7, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9569/1/Miro-Gavrans-new-premiere-in-Prague-on-July-7-2008.html Miro Gavran, the most successful contemporary Croatian playwright, has a new premiere in the city of Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, at STUDIO TWO Theatre on July 7, 2008. In his unusual text the three actors each play five roles in five different stories that are interwoven. Gavran's plays have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers on five continents. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Maxo Vanka, a famous Croatian painter http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9567/1/Maxo-Vanka-a-famous-Croatian-painter.html Maxo Vanka (Zagreb 1889 - Mexico 1963) created spectacular murals in the Croatian Catholic church of St. Nicholas in Pittsburgh, USA, in 1937. On each side of the altar are Croatian people, on the left from the Old World, and on the right from the New. Shooting of a feature film about Maxo Vanka is planned by Mladen Juran, Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Zahiroviæ, outstanding Croatian flutist, won the first prize in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9565/1/Ivana-Zahiroviae-outstanding-Croatian-flutist-won-the-first-prize-in-Italy.html Ivana Zahirovic, outstanding Croatian flutist, has won the first prize at the 4th International Competition for woodwinds "AUDI Mozart 2008". The competition took place in Rovereto, Italy, from 9th to 24th May 2008. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Tatiana Banðen wins ZadarTeen festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9563/1/Tatiana-Banden-wins-ZadarTeen-festival.html Tatiana Banðen (left) won the Grand Prix at the first International ZadarTeen Festival held in April 2008. Tatiana is a regular performer at many venues in Vancouver and Canada, as well has performed in the USA, France and of course Croatia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Movable exhibition wagon of the Croatian Railway Museum http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9561/1/Movable-exhibition-wagon-of-the-Croatian-Railway-Museum.html The Croatian Railway renovated a mail wagon to become a unique movable museum exhibit. It has so far hosted several exhibitions, lectures and promotional filming. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Gordana Muraja Revives Hidden Cultural Heritage of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9559/1/Gordana-Muraja-Revives-Hidden-Cultural-Heritage-of-Croatia.html   The aim of Gordana Muraja is to revive the interest in the cultural heritage of Croatia as well as bring forth beautiful objects, which have a highly valued place in this contemporary world. She has succeeded in presenting the magnificent beauty of an art form otherwise unknown to the masses. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 27 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 The Barber of Kigali at the Boston International Film Festival June 6, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9557/1/The-Barber-of-Kigali-at-the-Boston-International-Film-Festival-June-6-2008.html The short dramatic film "The Barber of Kigali" written and directed by Jamie Cohen with the music composed by Nenad Bach, will play at the prestigious Boston International Film Festival on Friday June 6th, 2008 at the AMC/Loews Theater at 6:30 pm.  The theater is located at 175 Tremont St in Boston, MA. USA jcohen@integrity-films.com (Jamie Cohen) Sun, 25 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach on Global Broadcast for Supreme Master TV, June 1, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9556/1/Nenad-Bach-on-Global-Broadcast-for-Supreme-Master-TV-June-1-2008.html Nenad Bach’s interview is scheduled to air on Sunday, June 1, 2008 on  "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" on Supreme Master TV.  Broadcasting on 14 satellite platforms across the globe plus World Wide Webcast. translated in 15 languages. See inside for the exact time of the broadcast and webcast. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sat, 24 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Tiny ceramics on show in Croatia reported by Chinese TV http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9552/1/Tiny-ceramics-on-show-in-Croatia-reported-by-Chinese-TV.html More than 300 artists from 71 countries contributed to the Lilliput Exhibition of Ceramics in the town of Rovinj in Croatia. Judging by the number of countries it is the largest exhibition of ceramics in the world. In order to be entered, a sculpture must be less than 17 centimetres high and weigh less than a kilogram. Reported by Liu Fang, Chinese Central TV. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Svjetlana Kabalin and Sylvan Winds performing at Carnegie Hall on May 14, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9550/1/Svjetlana-Kabalin-and-Sylvan-Winds-performing-at-Carnegie-Hall-on-May-14-2008.html   Svjetlana Kabalin and Sylvan Winds in action again. They will present a program of works for "Winds & Piano" with a distinguished pianist Claude Frank at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th Street, New York City on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 8 PM. This will be season finale. Come and support art. fedor.kabalin@nyu.edu (Fedor Kabalin) Wed, 07 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's premieres in Bratislava May 16th and Krakow May 17th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9549/1/Miro-Gavrans-premieres-in-Bratislava-May-16th-and-Krakow-May-17th.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran will have two premieres in two important European culture centers, in Bratislava, Slovakia, May 16th, and in Krakov, Poland, May 17th. Miro Gavran has had more than 160 premieres of his theatre texts all over the world, and his plays have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival at Tribeca Cinemas - May 9-10, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9548/1/Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Film-Festival-at-Tribeca-Cinemas---May-9-10-2008.html The 5th annual Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival will be held May 9-10 in New York City. The Living and the Dead (Zivi i Mrtvi) opens the festival on Friday at the Tribeca Cinemas The opening reception starts at 6:00 p.m., and the screenings will start at 7:00 p.m. editaz@gmail.com (Edita Zulic) Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Zahiroviæ invited to play flute in Kansas City on August 7-10, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9547/1/Ivana-Zahiroviae-invited-to-play-flute-in-Kansas-City-on-August-7-10-2008.html Ivana Zahiroviæ, Croatian flutist living in Germany, is invited to have a performance at the National Flute Association Convention in Kansas City, Missoury, USA, in August 7-10, 2008. She will appear with another Croatian musician living in Germany, Diana Grubiæ on piano. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Handball Connects People http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9546/1/Handball-Connects-People.html Sports is a great catalyst for world peace, because it is transparent as much as it can be, plus people connect through the game regardless where they came from and what they do or make for a living. At the game we are all together on the same spiritual level. It is very close to music. violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Cinema Today at the Aero Theatre in Los Angeles May 16-18, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9545/1/Croatian-Cinema-Today-at-the-Aero-Theatre-in-Los-Angeles--May-16-18-2008.html Zivi i Mrtvi (The Living and the Dead), left, will be making its U.S. debut at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. It is playing as part of the Croatia Cinema Today series. Kristijan Milic, the film's director, and Filip Sovagovic one of the main actors in the film will be present for the debut. There will be a question and answer session, and a Croatian wine tasting sponsored by The Blue Danube wine company. info@newcroatiancinema.com (Ziggy Mrkich) Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 5 Ways to purchase Freedom from Despair on DVD & VHS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9544/1/5-Ways-to-purchase-Freedom-from-Despair-on-DVD--VHS.html  From Chapman University, to the Halls of Congress, to the European Union, and back to KOCE-TV, 26-year-old Brenda Brkusic's student film makes headlines around the world. The 90-minute film uncovers the long history of suppression and abuse of the Croatian people and their struggle for independence. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Spectacular Monument to The Sun in the city of Zadar by Nikola Ba¹iæ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9541/1/Spectacular-Monument-to-The-Sun-in-the-city-of-Zadar-by-Nikola-Baiae.html Nikola Ba¹iæ is the author of probably the most beautiful monument dedicated to the Sun that exists on the Earth. The monument is placed in the city of Zadar, on the Croatian coast, along with equally famous Zadar Sea Organ. This is one of greatest achievements of contemporary Croatian Art and Architecture. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian-American Day in Chicago May 8-11, 2008 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 New York City Escape from Despair book promotion May 16, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9538/1/New-York-City-Escape-from-Despair-book-promotion-May-16-2008.html Katarina Tepesh, will promote her new book, Escape from Despair: A Croatian Family's Survival (left), at the Histria American Women's Association on May 16, 2008 at 7:30 pm at Istria Sport Club, Inc. TEPESHK@aol.com (Katarina Tepesh) Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 From Pazin to Paris - Luigi Dallapiccola's Opera Ill Prigioniero featured in the NYT http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9537/1/From-Pazin-to-Paris---Luigi-Dallapiccolas-Opera-Ill-Prigioniero-featured-in-the-NYT.html Many directors of American opera companies would never even consider presenting Luigi Dallapiccola’s one-act "Prigioniero," a bleak, 12-tone, boldly modernistic work about a despairing prisoner during the Spanish Inquisition. But unlike many of his timid counterparts, Gerard Mortier, the director of the Paris National Opera, has faith in audiences. JKraljic@msn.com (John Kralji, Esq) Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Stjepan Hauser performed for Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on April 23 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9535/1/Stjepan-Hauser-performed-for-Prince-Charles-at-Buckingham-Palace-on-April-23-2008.html We are happy to announce that Croatian cellist Stjepan Hauser, one of the most promising upcoming instrumentalist today, performed for Prince Charles at the Buckingham Palace on April 23rd, 2008. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Robert Beliniæ - Guitar performs in New York City on April 29th, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9536/1/Robert-Beliniae---Guitar-performs-in-New-York-City-on-April-29th-2008.html Young Concert Artists will present Croatian guitarist Robert Beliniæ’s New York concerto debut on April 29, 2008 with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s conducted by Michael Stern. "Robert Belinic displayed charm, musicality, virtuosity and spirit. He performed the Bach Chaconne with an astonishingly warm and evocative tone, full of feeling." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Drago ©tambuk on an official visit to Kobe, Japan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9534/1/Dr-Drago-tambuk-on-an-official-visit-to--Kobe-Japan.html Dr. Drago ©tambuk, Croatian Ambassador to Japan, was warmly welcomed at the Kwansei Gakuin University during his official visit to Kobe. One of the best Japanese choirs sang in his honour U Boj, u boj in Croatian language. This Croatian tune is well known throughout Japan, sung in this country since 1919! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Melita Spahic Dance in London http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9530/1/Melita-Spahic-Dance-in-London.html Melita Spahic Dance is a meeting point for dance, theatre and video artists, composers and musicians to share their passion for the collaborative performance by developing their ideas and skills through various dance related projects. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia-based WHW named curator for 11th International Istanbul Biennial http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9528/1/Croatia-based-WHW-named-curator-for-11th-International-Istanbul-Biennial.html The 11th International Istanbul Biennial, organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and sponsored by Koc Holding is set for 12 September-8 November 2009, under the curatorship of Zagreb-based What, How & for Whom / WHW. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Charles Billich prepares for The Olympic Games in China 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9527/1/Charles-Billich-prepares-for-The-Olympic-Games-in-China-2008.html Charles Billich, outstanding Croatian painter living in Australia, created the Bing Mah Yong cycle of paintings for the needs of the 2008 Beijing Olympiade. So well received has this work been that his paintings are represented on a collection of 16 postage stamps currently in circulation in China. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Velimir Trnski painting the 1671 love story of Petar and Katarina Zrinski http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9523/1/Velimir-Trnski-painting-the-1671-love-story-of-Petar-and-Katarina-Zrinski.html Velimir Trnski, Croatian painter, transformed the most famous Croatian love letter - Moje drago zercze, My Dear Soul, into a series of remarkable frames in which the sensual figure of the young wife is consistently kept in the foreground. One of the most deeply moving Croatian historic dramas has been presented in a most contemporary, provocative and attractive way. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Festival favorite Random Lunacy is on the road again! April 14 - June 5, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9522/1/Festival-favorite-Random-Lunacy-is-on-the-road-again-April-14---June-5-2008.html Home Team Productions is proud to announce five upcoming screenings of "Random Lunacy: videos from the road less traveled." Rolling Stone's Peter Travers says of this documentary, "Prepare to be wowed!"  The film follows the radically itinerant Poppa Neutrino and his family of street performers over the course of twenty adventurous years of living homeless by choice. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Pandora.com The Music Genome Project plays Nenad Bach music from March 28th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9521/1/Pandoracom-The-Music-Genome-Project-plays-Nenad-Bach-music-from-March-28th.html We set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about "looks" or "genre". letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Damir Spanic - Artist of the Week - Photographer for Life http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9520/1/Damir-Spanic---Artist-of-the-Week---Photographer-for-Life.html   It was the turning point of trying to capture the essence of the person, after arrival of an idea that all people are beautiful for no reason related to their outside appearance but more to inner qualities. Now I am a stock and lifestyle photographer with the strongest point in portraits and emotive portraits. I license my images through a Canadian agency, subsidiary of Getty. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia Film Festival in South Africa from 18 to 28 April 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9519/1/Croatia-Film-Festival-in-South-Africa--from-18-to-28-April-2008.html Armin (left) is one of seven internationally acclaimed films from Croatia that  are headed for Pretoria (Cinema Nouveau Brooklyn Mall) from 18 to 20 April and Johannesburg (Cinema Nouveau Rosebank Mall) from 25 to 28 April 2008. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Josip Ganza: Croatian klapa singing break-out to Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9515/1/Josip-Ganza-Croatian-klapa-singing-break-out-to-Europe.html Dalmatian klapa singing is a part of Croatian identity and being such is dear to us all. Our klapas know nothing about Italian people's choirs, and Italians even less about our klapas. That was unallowable hole and Josip Ganza was intrigued by and felt the urge to fill in. iremlanik@gmail.com (Irena Nikoli) Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Composer Margareta Jeric to perform at the University of Montreal on April 5, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9514/1/Composer-Margareta-Jeric-to-perform-at-the-University-of-Montreal-on-April-5-2008.html Maragreta Jeric (left) will be performing her work "Upload" on April 5th at 7:30 p.m. under the conduct of Jean-François Rivest. The concert is part of a series dedicated to Claude Vivier and will take place at Claude-Champagne Hall on 200 Vincent-d’Indy.  mocnaj@gmail.com (Ratimir Mocnaj) Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Sretan Uskrs! Happy Easter! Felices Pascuas! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9511/1/Sretan-Uskrs-Happy-Easter-Felices-Pascuas.html Wishing you a Happy Easter, we present you beautiful Croatian and Ukrainian hand-painted eggs by Annette Czupylo, a Ukrainian living in the USA. Photographs were taken by Vladimir Novak, Zagreb. Easter eggs are called pisanice in Croatian, and pysanky in Ukrainian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Joe Magarac, a legendary Croatian steel worker in the USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9492/1/Joe-Magarac-a-legendary-Croatian-steel-worker-in-the-USA.html Joe Magarac is a well known name in the USA. His name, aparently nonamerican, has without any doubt Croatian roots. Its meaninig is simply - donkey. The name of "magarac" is also a synonim of hard work, endurance and obstinacy in Croatian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Vladimir Devidé and Haiku poetry in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9510/1/Vladimir-Devide-and-Haiku-poetry-in-Croatia.html Professor Vladimir Devidé, Croatian mathematician, is better known as outstanding Japanologist and tireless promoter of haiku poetry. Croatia is one of the most successful nations in haiku in the world, counting the number of prizes won at various international competitions. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 16 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Arithmetika Horvatszka from 1758, the oldest Croatian arithmetic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9506/1/Arithmetika-Horvatszka-from-1758-the-oldest-Croatian-arithmetic.html Arithmetika Horvatszka, that is the Croatian Arithmetic, was published in Zagreb in 1758. We celebrate 250 years since the publication of this oldest known Croatian book on arithmetic. It was important also for the development of Croatian scientific terminology. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Ante Padjen, founder of the "I Medici di McGill" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9500/1/Dr-Ante-Padjen-founder-of-the-quotI-Medici-di-McGillquot.html The non-profit I Medici got off the ground as Dr. Ante Padjen's string quartet 30 years ago. "My sanity valve," says Padjen (left), who officially formed the orchestra in 1989.  Today, physicians, medical students and researchers make up half of I Medici di McGill's musicians. mocnaj@gmail.com (Ratimir Mocnaj) Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ksenija Prohaska performs as Marlene Dietrich in Pittsburgh March 15-16, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9493/1/Ksenija-Prohaska-performs-as-Marlene-Dietrich-in-Pittsburgh-March-15-16-2008.html Celebrated Croatian actress Ksenija Prohaska brings Marlene Dietrich, a one-woman show originally written for her, to the Cabaret at Theater Square in Pittsburgh, March 15-16, 2008. Audiences all over have been overwhelmed by the brilliance of Ksenija's interpretation of Marlene Dietrich, to which numerous national and international awards can testify. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova in Once for your consideration at the Oscars http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9491/1/Glen-Hansard-and-Marketa-Irglova-in-Once-for-your-consideration-at-the-Oscars.html   Academy Award Nominee Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for Best Song "Falling Slowly". Once is a 2007 Irish musical film written and directed by John Carney. Set in Dublin, this naturalistic drama stars musicians Glen Hansard (of popular Irish rock band The Frames) and Markéta Irglová as fictional struggling musicians. Update:They won Oscars z@zerostudio.net (Zoran Orlic) Sat, 23 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Sylvan Winds in concert March 13, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9487/1/Sylvan-Winds-in-concert-March-13-2008.html The Sylvan Winds are starting the season with a free concert to be held at the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo, 24 West 12th Street on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The group has been hailed by the New York Times for "its venturesome programming and stylishness of performance." sylvanwinds@worldnet.att.net (Svjetlana Kabalin) Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Falku¹a regatta in 1593, the earliest known regatta in Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9485/1/Falkua-regatta-in-1593-the-earliest-known-regatta-in-Europe.html The 1593 regatta consisted of seventy four wooden fishing boats called falku¹a, from the harbour of the town of Komi¾a on the island of Vis to the islet of Palagru¾a. It was the oldest known boat race in Europe. Falku¹a is autochthonous Croatian boat of 9m of length, with the mast of equal size, in use from 11th or 12th century. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Random Lunacy tonight in Salem Oregon, with great review in Salem News http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9484/1/Random-Lunacy-tonight-in-Salem-Oregon-with-great-review-in-Salem-News.html   The documentary, "Random Lunacy: videos from the road less traveled", directed and produced by Victor Zimet and Stephanie Silber is more about survival outside conventional society than a story about a man. It's a completely unique portrayal of human inventiveness, persistence, and the longevity and strength of family. Music by Nenad Bach among other talented musicians. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Dario ©olman - The Heart of Perspective, Friday, February 22, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9479/1/Dario-olman---The-Heart-of-Perspective-Friday-February-22-2008.html Dario ©olman's The Heart of Perspective, The Making of the Film is an ongoing project begun in 2001 that consists of studies and tests for a film that will never be made. The exhibit will run from February 22 - April 5, 2008, at the Gallery of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Willy Terrazas Muller and Tango HR in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9477/1/Willy-Terrazas-Muller-and-Tango-HR-in-Croatia.html The HR Tango Dance Company and its director Guillermo Miguel Terrazas from Buenos Aires, Argentina will present a performance of Argentinian Tango and folklore on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the Buffet Kinoteka in Zagreb. willyterrazas2003@yahoo.com.ar (Willy Terrazas Muller) Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Cinema in Chicago from February 3 - March 6, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9471/1/Croatian-Cinema-in-Chicago-from-February-3---March-6-2008.html The Gene Siskel Film Center's focus on the ever-surprising Croatian cinema, February 3 through March 6, 2008 encompasses six feature films ranging from the 1970 comedy One Song A Day Takes Mischief Away to the very recent Armin (left), hit of many a European festival and Croatia's current contender for an Oscar nomination. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Valentina ©uljiæ exhibition in Slovenia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9468/1/Valentina-uljiae-exhibition-in-Slovenia.html Valentina ©uljiæ is young Croatian artist, whose work includes different fields of artistic expressions. Her works include paintings, sculptures, graphic design, photography and urban installations. Her work will be on exhibit at Galerija Schwarz in Ljubljana Slovenia, from February 6 to April 4, 2008. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Janja Glogovac and Jelena Vukotiæ at the Rotterdam Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9469/1/Janja-Glogovac-and-Jelena-Vukotiae-at-the-Rotterdam-Film-Festival.html The film "L... Like Love" was co-written by Jelena Vukotiæ (left) and opened at the Rotterdam Film Festival in January, to a sold out crowd and received rave reviews. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Professor Balthazar and Zagreb Film a Croatian trademark http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9467/1/Professor-Balthazar-and-Zagreb-Film-a-Croatian-trademark.html Probably the most famous Croatian professor worldwide is Professor Balthazar, a well known figure from Croatian cartoon movie series initiated in 1967 by late Zlatko Grgiæ. This was the most successful project of Zagreb Film ever. His popularity is amazing even today, especially in Scandinavian countries, but also in Iran for example! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Ana Mihanoviæ mezzo-soprano in concert New York City February 9, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9466/1/Ana-Mihanoviae-mezzo-soprano-in-concert-New-York-City-February-9-2008.html Ana Mihanoviæ, mezzo-soprano, has been a featured soloist with the Southwest Symphony, American West Symphony, Legacy Chorale and Utah Philharmonic. She will be performing a collection of folk songs on Saturday, February 9th, 2008, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Manhattan School of Music.  katarina.cuvalo@gmail.com (Katarina uvalo) Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Petar Brajkoviæ Exhibit in Sesvete starting February 8, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9464/1/Petar-Brajkoviae-Exhibit-in-Sesvete-starting-February-8-2008.html After 35 years, Petar Brajkoviæ (left) will be returning to Croatia to open a showing of his work at Galerija Oblok in Sesvete.  His show will start on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. kruno.poljak@gmail.com (Kruno Poljak, dipl.ing.) Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 4th International Antonio Janigro Cello Competition in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9459/1/4th-International-Antonio-Janigro-Cello-Competition-in-Zagreb.html Antonio Janigro, a famous Croatian-Italian cellist, was the founder and conductor of the Zagreb Soloists from 1954 to 1967. Winner of the 2008 international competition in Zagreb, held in Janigro's honour, is David Eggert, Canada, the 2nd prize went to Tian Bonian, China, and the 3rd prize to Dmitri Prokofiev, Russia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Drago ©tambuk inaugurated an exhibition in the Turkish Cultural Centre in Tokyo http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9458/1/Drago-tambuk-inaugurated-an-exhibition-in-the-Turkish-Cultural-Centre-in-Tokyo.html Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Japan Dr. Drago ©tambuk inaugurated in the Turkish Cultural Centre in Tokyo the opening of the exhibition of Turkish artist in marble technique Nilüfer Tütüncü dedicated to Jalaluddin Rumi. He also gave an interview to the Turkish national television. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Guitarist Ana Vidoviæ says she can't imagine her life without music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9454/1/Guitarist-Ana-Vidoviae-says-she-cant-imagine-her-life-without-music.html It is surprising to hear that a young woman who describes herself as being both close to her family and an introvert moved across the Atlantic Ocean on her own at 20 to become a performer. Ana Vidoviæ is far from her native Croatia, but feels at home wherever she is when she has her trusted guitar along. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 25th RIJEKA CARNIVAL 2008 in Rijeka this weekend - Come and enjoy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9452/1/25th-RIJEKA-CARNIVAL-2008-in-Rijeka-this-weekend---Come-and-enjoy.html The town of Rijeka has been known for its carnival festivities since the Middle Ages. Austrian and Hungarian aristocracy, Russian princesses, German barons, counts and countesses from all over Europe were once the guests of the Rijeka Carnival. Starting February 1, 2008, revelers will take to the streets and celebrate Carnival. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Franjo Dugan, a prominant figure of Croatian church music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9450/1/Franjo-Dugan-a-prominant-figure-of-Croatian-church-music.html Franjo Dugan (1874-1948) is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Croatian music. Besides his work in restoring church music, he distinguished himself in his studies of science and education. pinterovic@advalvas.be (Prof. Antun Pinterovi) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Artist Jasnica Klara Matiæ Exhibition in New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9448/1/Artist-Jasnica-Klara-Matiae-Exhibition-in-New-York-City.html The Agora Gallery is proud to present Jasnica Klara Matiæ (left) in Enigmatic Visions. Scheduled to run from February 5th through February 26th, 2008, the collection will feature a captivating selection of Jasnica's earthy human beings. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 KOCE-TV to air "Freedom from Despair" Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9443/1/KOCE-TV-to-air-quotFreedom-from-Despairquot-Thursday-Jan-24-2008.html Freedom from Despair has its public television debut on KOCE-TV Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. with an encore presentation Sunday, Jan. 27 at 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute film uncovers the long history of suppression and abuse of the Croatian people and their struggle for independence. Please call KOCE-TV at (800) 278-5050 between 10 and 10:30 PM Pacific Standard Time or/and e-mail Brenda at BBrkusic@koce.org  and voice your support for the movie. bbrkusic@koce.org (Brenda Brkusic) Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Iron Maiden to perform in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9396/1/Iron-Maiden-to-perform-in-Croatia.html British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden (left) will be performing at the Split City Stadium in Split, Croatia on Sunday 10th August 2008 as part of their Somewhere Back In Time World Tour. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Artist Vlatka Horvat will have three exhibitions in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9436/1/Artist-Vlatka-Horvat-will-have-three-exhibitions-in-New-York.html   Croatian born, New York based, Vlatka Horvat will be showcasing her art in three different galleries in the Big Apple. Spanning a range of media - from photography and video, to works on paper and projects with text - her work often focuses on an encounter between a person and a particular system, state, or physical space. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Tess Gallagher's speech at a presentation of Drago Stambuk's poetry in Pula http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9432/1/Tess-Gallaghers-speech-at-a-presentation-of-Drago-Stambuks-poetry-in-Pula.html Once I heard Drago read to a Croatian immigrant audience in Vancouver, Canada. It was so tender, the timbre of his voice, that it was as if he were speaking to the listeners in a clearing in the woods, surrounded by mystery and wildness and beauty, but giving them comfort too... - Tess Galagher (left) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Film "All for Free" at The Museum of Modern Art Tonight, January 11, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9429/1/Croatian-Film-quotAll-for-Freequot-at-The-Museum-of-Modern-Art-Tonight-January-11-2008.html After the death of three of his friends in a petty argument in a bar, Goran sells his home and travels around Bosnia in a refreshment van, giving away free drinks. On his travels, he encounters Maja and the two fall for each other. Additional screening on January 20th, 2008 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Terezija Cukrov will perform at Carnegie Hall on January 27, 2008 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9423/1/Terezija-Cukrov-will-perform-at-Carnegie-Hall-on-January-27-2008.html A native of Croatia, pianist Terezija Cukrov has performed widely throughout Europe and North America. As a soloist and chamber musician she has appeared in venues such as Weill Recital Hall, Steinway Hall, Goethe Institute, Lisinki Hall, and has been described by critics as "subtly, passionate and technically superior performer". stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Amigos del Museo Krekoviæ, Palma de Mallorca, Spain http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9420/1/Amigos-del-Museo-Krekoviae-Palma-de-Mallorca-Spain.html Amigos del Museo Krekoviæ (Friends of Krekoviæ's Gallery) is a society in Spain which in 2007 opened a nice blog devoted to life and work of Kristian Krekoviæ, a famous Croatian painter. His gallery in Palma de Mallorca has been solemnly opened in 1981 by the Spanish Queen Sophia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Japanese inspired art with a twist from Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9418/1/Japanese-inspired-art-with-a-twist-from-Croatia.html A Zagreb-based artist is reinventing the art of Japanese Manga cartoons. Nikolina Ivezic (left), is winning fans all over Croatia with a fusion of the Japanese art form and images that are distinctly Croatian. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 Book Review: Escape from Despair http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9417/1/Book-Review-Escape-from-Despair.html Katarina Tepesh has probed the depths in her compelling and powerful memoir, "Escape from Despair:  A Croatian Family's Survival".  Born into an impoverished family in the former Communist Yugoslavia, Katarina's mother is taught to believe that there are "rewards in heaven and punishment in hell." stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 The Music of Bozidar Kunc performed by his daughter Ivana Kunc http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9414/1/The-Music-of-Bozidar-Kunc-performed-by-his-daughter-Ivana-Kunc.html A new CD, Music of Bozidar Kunc, performed by his daughter Soprano, Ivana Kunc, has been recorded featuring Bozidar's best twenty vocal pieces. Croatian opera lovers are already familiar with Ceznja or Longing, widely sung and recorded by his world famous sister, Zinka Kunc Milanov. TEPESHK@aol.com (Katarina Tepesh) Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 In Loving Memory of Joseph Turkaly, 1924-2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9411/1/In-Loving-Memory-of-Joseph-Turkaly-1924-2007.html The Turkaly Art Gallery provides a beautiful collection of works of art of Josip Turkalj, outstanding Croatian artist in the USA. In 1999 he received the "Presidential Award for the Advancement of Croatian Culture", an award bestowed on him by the Government of Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 30 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Nopoki University for Peruvian Indians founded by Msgr. Gerardo ®erdin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9408/1/Nopoki-University-for-Peruvian-Indians-founded-by-Msgr-Gerardo-erdin.html Msgr. Gerardo ®erdin, Croatian bishop and missionary in Peru in the region of the Amazon river, founded the Nopoki Center for Investigation and Intercultural Formation. The aim is to educate future school teachers for work within their native communities, in order to preserve their roots, language and customs, and ensure material and cultural prosperity. See also 32 Krekoviæ's paintings. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian-Americans The Cynics waited till their 40s to release best yet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9401/1/Croatian-Americans-The-Cynics-waited-till-their-40s-to-release-best-yet.html Five long years went by without The Cynics rolling anything new out of the garage. The USA Today even called "Here We Are" "one of the best neo-garage-rock albums in years."It began as just an acoustic demo for the principals, Gregg Kostelich and Michael Kastelic, (left) but it turned into a rock 'n' roll explosion with the help of producer Jorge Explosion. JKraljic@msn.com (John Kralji, Esq) Sat, 22 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Igor Kovacevich at the Sundance Film Festival 2008 with "Downloading Nancy" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9395/1/Igor-Kovacevich-at-the-Sundance-Film-Festival-2008-with-quotDownloading-Nancyquot.html "Downloading Nancy" that was produced by Croatian American  producer - director Igor Kovacevich along with his partner David Moore made it onto the Sundance Festival. It is in the main Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival 2008 as the movie made it to one of only 16 slots in the Competition, out of thousands of films that were submitted. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Pittsburgh Symphony coming to Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9389/1/Pittsburgh-Symphony-coming-to-Croatia.html   The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will receive $5.5 million from a charitable foundation to bolster its international tours through 2011. That tour commemorates the 250th anniversary of the naming of Pittsburgh. The symphony will perform in 13 cities in Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Croatia over three weeks. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Buenos Aires, Argentina HR Tango in action again on Dec 23, 2007 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 Christmas in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9388/1/Christmas-in-Croatia.html   In the endearing spirit of "it takes a village" - rather than a shopping mall - to celebrate the holiday season, the 37th annual Christmas Revels will mirror the village traditions of Croatia and southeast Europe in its music and dancing. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Dukiæ, Croatian guitarist, one of the most prominent players of today http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9371/1/Zoran-Dukiae-Croatian-guitarist-one-of-the-most-prominent-players-of-today.html Zoran Dukiæ won more prizes on international competitions than any other guitarist in the world. He had solo concerts in more than 30 countries on all five continents. He is teaching among others at the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague, Hochschule für Musik in Aachen, and at the Escuela Superior de Musica de Barcelona. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Sidro, California's favorite Croatian Tamburitza Orchestra http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9369/1/Sidro-Californias-favorite-Croatian-Tamburitza-Orchestra.html Sidro, formerly known as Blue Adriatic, is one of Northern California's favorite Croatian Tamburitza Orchestras. For over 20 years, Sidro has been performing throughout California, accompanied San Jose's Koraci Folklore dance group in Croatian Folklore Festivals throughout Canada, and fused Tamburitza music with rock'n'roll when recording on Nenad Bach's, "Thousand Years of Peace". letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Life is a tapestry of MOMENTS - film by Liliana Resnick at the French Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9368/1/Life-is-a-tapestry-of-MOMENTS---film-by-Liliana-Resnick-at-the-French-Festival.html MOMENTS is a film about the mystery of moments, some  of which get connected into the life I recognize to be living, while others come to pass by posing questions rather than giving answers @ 25th FESTIVAL TOUS COURTS International Shortfilm Festival in Aix-en-Provence and its Aera 26th - 30th november 2007 in Aix area and 3rd - 8th December 2007 in Aix-en-Provence. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Freedom from Despair available for purchase on DVD and VHS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9365/1/Freedom-from-Despair-available-for-purchase-on-DVD-and-VHS.html   Freedom from Despair is a an award winning feature length documentary that explores the untold history of Communist Yugoslavia through first hand interviews, stock footage, news reels and narrative recreations shot in the US and Croatia.  bbrkusic@koce.org (Brenda Brkusic) Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia ceremony honored prominent Persian poet Mowlavi born in 1207 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9362/1/Croatia-ceremony-honored-prominent-Persian-poet-Mowlavi-born-in-1207.html Iran's embassy in Croatia celebrated the 800th birth anniversary of prominent Persian poet and mystic Mowlavi in an official ceremony. UNESCO has named 2007 as the year of Mowlavi in honor of his outstanding achievments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 01 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Nikola Ba¹iæ, author of the Zadar Sea Organ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9359/1/Nikola-Baiae-author-of-the-Zadar-Sea-Organ.html Nikola Ba¹iæ, on the left, is one of the pioneers of cultural tourism in Croatia, author of the project of the Zadar Sea Organ, the newly built urban musical attraction in the city of Zadar, Croatia. His principal collaborator was Ivan Stamaæ, expert in acoustics who contributed musical solutions to the project. The random music is created by sea waves and tubes. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian American Cultural Center hosts 6th Annual SF Bagpipe Festival 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 Archaeological sites near Dubrovnik with several important discoveries http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9354/1/Archaeological-sites-near-Dubrovnik-with-several-important-discoveries.html Croatia is a paradise for archaeological research. Dr. Zdenko ®eravica, a renowned Croatian archaeologist from the City of Dubrovnik, unveils us some of the miraculous sites in ®upa Dubrovaèka and Konavle near the City. The research over the past years has resulted with several important discoveries. zdenko.zeravica@du.t.com.hr (Zdenko eravica, Ph.D.) Sun, 25 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zdravko Duèmeliæ, el pintor preferido de Borges http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9349/1/Zdravko-Duemeliae--el-pintor-preferido-de-Borges.html Zdravko Duèmeliæ (1923-1989), outstanding Croatian - Argentinean painter, masterfully illustrated a famous book "Laberintos", written by Jorge Luis Borges, with his surreal, quasi-metaphysical works. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's comedy available as Croatian-English parallel text http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9345/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-available-as-Croatian-English-parallel-text.html Miro Gavran, outstanding Croatian playwright, generously contributed his brilliant comedy "Laughter Prohibited" to our project of on-line school of Croatian language via parallel text method. Furthermore, If you want to produce this comedy anywhere in the world, please contact the author directly for rights and support. miro.gavran@zg.t-com.hr (Miro Gavran) Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 San Francisco: 150th Anniversary of Croatian culture celebration on Nov 18, 2007 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 Zoran Orlic - Photographs Featured in 2008 Calendar for Rock Band WILCO http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9341/1/Zoran-Orlic---Photographs-Featured-in-2008-Calendar-for-Rock-Band-WILCO.html The annual Wilco calendar returns this year to the more classic wall variation, with days big enough to keep yourself organized throughout 2008. The calendar mixes poster artwork from past Wilco shows with a collection of live photos by Zoran Orlic. z@zerostudio.net (Zoran Orlic) Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Free tickets for CROWN readers for Croatian Film Festival at Lincoln Center http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9336/1/Free-tickets-for-CROWN-readers-for-Croatian-Film-Festival-at-Lincoln-Center.html Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York USA is giving free tickets to CROWN readers for the "Beyond Boundaries: The Emergence of Croatian Cinema". At the box office mention CROWN, Croatia.org or/and Nenad Bach and you will be given a free ticket. First come first serve up to 20 tickets. Courtesy of Film Society of Lincoln Center letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 06 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 50 years ago today on November 3rd 1957, Laika by Marilyn Cvitanic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9333/1/50-years-ago-today-on-November-3rd-1957-Laika-by-Marilyn-Cvitanic.html Fifty years ago today the USSR launched Sputnik 2. On board was a live dog named Laika. The point was to prove that a dog, and eventually a human being, could survive in space. Sputnik 2 was equipped with life support systems and enough food and water for ten days. The mission yielded very little useful scientific information. mcvitanic@nyc.rr.com (Marilyn Cvitanic) Sun, 04 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Ivan Paric on the reality show for photographers VH1 TV this Sunday http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9328/1/Ivan-Paric-on-the-reality-show-for-photographers-VH1-TV-this-Sunday.html I would like to invite you to watch the reality show for photographers where I am one of the contestants. The name of the show is The Shot. The Shot is scheduled to premier on Vh1 channel  on Sunday, Nov. 4 @ 10 PM & 12 PM EST and Monday Nov 5th. ivan@ivanparic.com (Ivan Paric) Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra American Tour November 2007 East Coast http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9327/1/Dubrovnik-Symphony-Orchestra-American-Tour-November-2007-East-Coast.html   Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra American tour is scheduled November 1-12, 2007 and will take the orchestra to the cities of the Eastern Seaboard, from New York to Philadelphia. This tour offers a unique opportunity for both American public and Croatian ex-patriots to experience one of Croatian's finest cultural treasures. cmacdonald@imca.us (Cynthia P. Macdonald) Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran’s play Dr. Freud’s Patient premiers & book launch of Judith in Prague http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9326/1/Miro-Gavran8217s-play-Dr-Freud8217s-Patient-premiers--book-launch-of-Judith-in-Prague.html Miro Gavran's play Dr. Freud's Patient will be premiering at the Na Pradle Theatre in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov. 6, 2007.  On Nov. 15 Gavran's novel Judith will be launched in at the Retezova Literary Café, also in Prague. Another great success of outstanding Croatian writer. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Marko Perkovic - Thompson USA & Canada Tour Nov 2 - 18th 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9323/1/Marko-Perkovic---Thompson-USA--Canada-Tour-Nov-2---18th-2007.html Croatian singer Marko Perkovic Thompson and his band will be performing a series of concerts in the United States and Canada starting November 2, and ending on November 18 in New York, Toronto, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Vancouver and San Francisco. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Carmen Verlichak: Maria Josefa Ezcurra, El amor prohibide de Belgrano - 4th edition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9319/1/Carmen-Verlichak-Maria-Josefa-Ezcurra-El-amor-prohibide-de-Belgrano---4th-edition.html Bila je godina 1810. I raðala se domovina... a s njom i politika. Do¹ao je i rat sa svojom stra¹nom pratnjom: sprijeda su i¹le okrutnost, nadmoæ i izdaja; straga su se nizali siroèad, bijeda i beznaðe. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 3rd Festival of Croatian Music in Vienna, Austria, Oct 21 - Nov 27, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9318/1/3rd-Festival-of-Croatian-Music-in-Vienna-Austria-Oct-21---Nov-27-2007.html Festival of classical music, jazz and folk, organised by Croatian Music Information Center in cooperation with Croatian Ministry of Culture and other institutions. The concert of Zagreb Soloists is held under high patronage of Dr. Heinz Fischer, president of the Republic of Austria. Klapa Sinj, the most famous Croatian Klapa in the world, performs on Nov 15th 2007. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Gavran's great international success: Grand-Prix in Russia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9314/1/Miro-Gavrans-great-international-success-Grand-Prix-in-Russia.html   Miro Gavran's plays have recently been performed in Russia, Austria and Poland with great success. His play "My Wife's Husband", performed under the direction of outstanding Russian artist Alexander Ogarjev, obtained three important prizes, among others the Grand-Prix for the best overall performance. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Jaz Spelic Actor Producer based in Sydney 'The Trinity of Vukovar' http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9301/1/Jaz-Spelic-Actor-Producer-based-in-Sydney-The-Trinity-of-Vukovar.html Since graduating in 2004, most of my time has been spent developing 'The Trinity of Vukovar'. I am also employed as a guest Actor at Sydney's International Film School, have done a few televison commercials and my first feature film 'The Warrior' was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Directed by Melbourne based Croatian, Steve Ravic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Goran Dukic's film Wristcutters: A Love Story in the movie theaters NOW http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9311/1/Goran-Dukics-film-Wristcutters-A-Love-Story-in-the-movie-theaters-NOW.html Another Croatian American filmmaker star on the horizon. "Wristcutters: A Love Story" won the Acura Grand Jury Award at the 2006 Gen Art Film Festival, was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. Support Croatian talent. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Closer Croatia 2007 - Croatian Film Festival in London UK, Oct 11-14, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9300/1/Closer-Croatia-2007---Croatian-Film-Festival-in-London-UK-Oct-11-14-2007.html After a very successful Croatian Film Festival in 2004 - the first such a festival in the UK for almost 40 years - there is another one in October. As young Croats of London paved the way and got the winning formula, it's essential to repeat the experiment - this time with more support and more partners. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 The Film Society of Lincoln Center presents The Emergence of Croatian Cinema http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9299/1/The-Film-Society-of-Lincoln-Center-presents-The-Emergence-of-Croatian-Cinema.html The Croatian film production, although small in size, is vital and very versatile in the terms of genre, themes and style, which has been recognized at numerous international film festivals at which, for the last couple of years, they have won important awards. At Lincoln Center, New York Oct 26 - Nov 14, 2007 zdenkakardum@yahoo.com (Zdenka Kardum) Thu, 11 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 3 Books by Janko Deur http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9297/1/3-Books-by-Janko-Deur.html   Janko Deur (left) falls into the category of writers who divides his work and lives between two homelands - Croatia and the United States. He has won critical acclaim for his works. Read what the critics have to say and how to get your own copies of Deur's books. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 10 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Freedom From Despair Screening at the European Parliament in Brussels http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9296/1/Freedom-From-Despair-Screening-at-the-European-Parliament-in-Brussels.html Freedom from Despair is a feature length documentary that explores the untold history of Croatia. Screening for the European Union at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, October 11, 2007 at 9:00 pm. Film by Brenda Brkusic. Music by Nenad Bach. bbrkusic@koce.org (Brenda Brkusic) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zrinski in Concert HR Tango Klapa BA Orquesta T.C.Zrinski 27 de Octubre de 2007 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 Prof.dr. Vlatko Èeriæ and his algorithmic art in New York on Nov 1st 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9293/1/Profdr-Vlatko-Eeriae-and-his-algorithmic-art-in-New-York-on-Nov-1st-2007.html Through many years experimenting with images and image manipulation, Vlatko's works have reached new heights, and have been exhibited across the globe. His works of art will be exhibited in Agora Gallery in New York on November 1st, 2007. croatacad@aol.com (Mladen Lolic) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 KLD Resetari is looking for writers from the Croatian Diaspora http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9285/1/KLD-Resetari-is-looking-for-writers-from-the-Croatian-Diaspora.html   KLD Resetari is holding a contest for Croatian poets living abroad.  Authors who are interested can submit up to 3 poems. Winners will have their work published in the group's literary journal. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 FESTIVAL BLAST: HOME TEAM'S RANDOM LUNACY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9281/1/FESTIVAL-BLAST-HOME-TEAMS-RANDOM-LUNACY.html "Movies like to pretend they're different, but RANDOM LUNACY really, truly is. Gifted filmmakers Zimet and Silber throw us into a life that intoxicates, infuriates and leaves us panting for each unforgettable adventure. Prepare to be wowed" - Peter Travers of Rolling Stone HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Sat, 29 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Kunc’s brand new CD “Music of Bo¾idar Kunc" in stores now http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9278/1/Ivana-Kunc8217s-brand-new-CD-8220Music-of-Boidar-Kuncquot-in-stores-now.html We are pleased to announce the release of Ivana Kunc's brand new CD "Music of Bo¾idar Kunc". Ms. Kunc is the daughter of Croatian composer Boidar Kunc and the niece of soprano Zinka Milanov. This recording contains songs with both Croatian and English text. On Croatian Radio tomorrow. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Culture of the Croats in Argentina on CD-ROM http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9274/1/Culture-of-the-Croats-in-Argentina-on-CD-ROM.html A very nice CD-ROM entitled Cultura de los Croatas de Argentina, containing numerous video clips, music, photos and texts, has been created by Studia Croatica, Argentina. We warmly recommend you to enjoy in authentic Croatian music. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 U2 in Sarajevo, 10 Years After September 23, 1997 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9273/1/U2-in-Sarajevo-10-Years-After-September-23-1997.html Bono, The Edge, Larry and Adam were still in the dressing room underneath the rapidly filling Kosevo stadium stands. Paul McGuiness and I were standing behind the stage. aconvenientgenocide@mac.com (Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey) Sun, 23 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 The Ba¹ka Glagolitic Path on the island of Krk http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9272/1/The-Baka-Glagolitic-Path-on-the-island-of-Krk.html   The Ba¹ka Glagolitic Path - THE CROATIAN PRIMER OF THE HISTORICAL LANDSCAPE, is a vast project, the purpose of which is to erect a monument of permanent value in the Ba¹ka valley. It will consist of 34 stone statues displaying the individual letters of the Glagolitic alphabet. blandina.markovic-randic@zg.t-com.hr (Blandina Markovi - Randi, dr.dent.med.) Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 11th International Lace Festival, Lepoglava 2007, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9271/1/11th-International-Lace-Festival-Lepoglava-2007-Croatia.html From the program: Lace Tent Project, author Akiko Sato (Japan), Children Workshops, Items from private and museum collections from France, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany and Croatia, Lace workshops and Lace sale, Vara¾din Baroque evenings concert: Mario Penzar, organs, ... darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 I¹tvanèiæ's film at the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9267/1/Itvaneiaes-film-at-the-Los-Angeles-International-Childrens--Film-Festival.html  Branko I¹tvanèiæ's film Duh u moèvari (Ghost in the Swamp) is invited to be shown at the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival, October 10th, 2007, at 7pm, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium within the Santa Monica Library. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Nick Bicanic, Director, Producer & Creator - A new filmmaking star on a horizon http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9268/1/Nick-Bicanic-Director-Producer--Creator---A-new-filmmaking-star-on-a-horizon.html Nick Bicanic comes to the film and television industry from 8 years of experience in the world of new media. Nick abandoned PhD studies in Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. Shadow Company is his new film. Nick will testify on Friday Sept 21 on a Capitol Hill. Watch CSPAN letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New book: Escape From Despair - A Croatian Family's Survival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9270/1/New-book-Escape-From-Despair----A-Croatian-Familys-Survival.html  Katarina Tepesh (left) has published a memoir titled "Escape From Despair - A Croatian Family's Survival" learn more about the author, the book and where you can get it. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Josip Turkalj 1924-2007, a renowned Croatian American artist, died http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9265/1/Josip-Turkalj-1924-2007-a-renowned-Croatian-American-artist-died.html   On July 3, 2007, a renowned Croatian American artist, Josip Turkalj, died at his home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Besides being an exceptional husband and father to six sons, he was a brilliant sculptor, educator, wonderful man, and a friend to many of us. cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante uvalo) Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Film Festival in New York Sept 13 -16 organized by Doors Art Foundation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9248/1/Croatian-Film-Festival-in-New-York-Sept-13--16-organized-by-Doors-Art-Foundation.html The Doors Art Foundation organized Croatian Film Festival NYC, a multimedia event. September 13 - 16th, 2007 at the Museum of the Moving Image and the Tribeca Cinemas. The festival  will present 21 Croatian films and will also include a panel discussion on Croatian film.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Istarski gunjci, musicological book by Vladimir Perniæ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9245/1/Istarski-gunjci-musicological-book-by-Vladimir-Perniae.html  Vladimir Perniæ wrote a very interesting book about a unique music phenomenon in Istria, Croatia - the tradition of GUNJCI. Istria is a paradise in many respects: music, architecture, nature, history, Glagolitic script, cuisine, olives, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 01 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia Hall celebrating 75th anniversary http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9242/1/Croatia-Hall-celebrating-75th-anniversary.html  Frank Sebalj (left) is ready for the hall's 75th celebration this coming weekend. The society also hopes to increase its membership to keep the tradition and culture of Croatians alive in Schumacher letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 31 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Horses in Croatian Art http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9239/1/Horses-in-Croatian-Art.html  Ivan Me¹troviæ: Chicago Indians, New York; Antun Augustinèiæ: Horsewoman (or Monument of Peace, in front of the UN building) - probably the best known equestrian statue in the world; Charles Billich - Official Artist of the 2008 Beijing Olympiad, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 30 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 The Lipik Kursalon 1893-2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9233/1/The-Lipik-Kursalon-1893-2007.html  The Lipik Kursalon is one of the most important Thermal Health Centers in Europe, together with Baden Baden (Germany) and Karlove Vary (Czechia). It was almost completely destroyed during the Serbian agression on Croatia in 1991. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 26 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Invitation to Croatian Émigré Publishers. Deadline Sept. 10th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9228/1/Invitation-to-Croatian-Emigre-Publishers-Deadline-Sept-10th.html   The Croatian Heritage Foundation calls all publishers, book stores and individuals to participate in an Exhibition of publishing activities in Croatian emigration. Deadline September 10th 2007. vesna@matis.hr (Vesna Kukavica) Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Award Winning Film Random Lunacy available on DVD + 2 Festival Screenings http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9222/1/Award-Winning-Film-Random-Lunacy-available-on-DVD---2-Festival-Screenings.html   Home Team Productions  announces RANDOM LUNACY on DVD at FilmBaby. com. See it as well at the Chicago Underground & Wildwood By The Sea Film Festivals. Hear Nenad's music. HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Oliver Dragojevic through the lens of Zoran Orlic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9221/1/Oliver-Dragojevic-through-the-lens-of-Zoran-Orlic.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 A river of the faithful visits Our Lady of Sinj from all directions http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9219/1/A-river-of-the-faithful-visits-Our-Lady-of-Sinj-from-all-directions.html Mnogi vjernici iz Hrvatske i svijeta hodocastili su Cudotvornoj Gospi Sinjskoj moleci se ponajvise za zdravlje.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Nela Er¾i¹nik, a Croatian actress and entertainer, died http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9216/1/Nela-Erinik-a-Croatian-actress-and-entertainer-died.html   Nakon kratke bolesti u Voloskom  umrla je 14. kolovoza 2007. u 84. godini Nela Er¾i¹nik, hrvatska glumica, estradna umjetnica i najveæa komièarka hrvatske scene. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orliæ - Brilliant book - The Frames behind the glass - True Rock and Roll http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9214/1/Zoran-Orliae---Brilliant-book---The-Frames-behind-the-glass---True-Rock-and-Roll.html   Zoran Orlic is a Croatian-born fine arts photographer with a flair for revealing the many moods of rock photography. Orlic's passion for the camera and music has led him to capture rock bands on film for the last seventeen years. Orlic's snapshots have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, websites and music packaging. A new star is born. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 3rd Festival of Baroque Music - Rovinj 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9212/1/3rd-Festival-of-Baroque-Music---Rovinj-2007.html U sklopu projekta Tragovima Venecije, Festival iznova u goste dovodi eminentne glazbenike koji strastveno propitkuju i istra¾uju djela èije su stranice ispisane u razdoblju baroka i bliskih mu epoha. vulicevic2000@yahoo.it (Antonella Vulievi) Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 "An Age of Angels" at Edinburgh Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9209/1/quotAn-Age-of-Angelsquot-at-Edinburgh-Festival.html    letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New Jersey Singer is #1 in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9207/1/New-Jersey-Singer-is-1-in-Croatia.html  When Gina Picinic was a senior at North Bergen High School a few years ago, she was already a recording star in her native land of Croatia. Just 17, Picinic was like the Croatian version of Celine Dion. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Volunteers sought for Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra's USA Tour 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 Tino Radanoviæ victor of the 292nd Sinj Alka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9193/1/Tino-Radanoviae-victor-of-the-292nd-Sinj-Alka.html The victor of the the 292nd Sinja Alka was Tino Radanoviæ.  Stjepan Mesiæ, President of Croatia awarded him a sabre and a gold ring.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Award Winning Film Random Lunacy on Chicago Underground Film Festival 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9189/1/Award-Winning-Film-Random-Lunacy-on-Chicago-Underground-Film-Festival-2007.html   Award winning "RANDOM LUNACY: videos from the road less traveled" screens at the Chicago Underground Film Festival, Sunday, August 19th, 2007 at 2:45 PM The Chopin Theatre - 1543 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL. Hear the music of Nenad Bach and Klapa Navalia. See you there. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Inventory of Heritage Organisations in Europe (IHOE) - Croatia 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 Croatian accordion players at 60th Coupe Mondiale, Washington DC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9163/1/Croatian-accordion-players-at--60th-Coupe-Mondiale-Washington-DC.html Hrvatski  harmonika¹i sudjelovat æe na 60. Coupe Mondiale 13.-19. augusta 2007. u Alexandriiji, Washington DC. Za vrijeme odr¾avanja mondijala prof. Vjeri Odak-Jembrih bit æe uruèeno priznanje MERIT AWARD, koje joj dodjeljuje Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes.  vjera.odak-jembrih@email.t-com.hr (Vjera Odak-Jembrih) Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Guitar virtuoso Viktor Vidovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9144/1/Guitar-virtuoso-Viktor-Vidovic.html Viktor Vidovic comes from a well-known musical family, whose influence on his achievements was very big. At 12, he had his first solo concert. At 13, he took very convincing first places at competitions.  twelveouncepoundcake@gmail.com (Ana Bach) Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Ethno hairstyles of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9137/1/Ethno-hairstyles-of-Croatia.html  Ethno Hairstyles of Croatia by Blanka ®akula is the first photo-monograph treating hairstyles from various parts of Croatia. The book is of amazing quality. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Voices from the Heart coming to Croatia July 5 - 12th, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9025/1/Voices-from-the-Heart-coming-to-Croatia-July-5---12th-2007.html   Voices from the Heart is a 200-voiced women's a cappella chorus located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA. On July 5, 2007 Ms. Connolly, founding director, will be taking the chorus on a ten day international tour, to Croatia and Slovenia letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 American edition of Lovers & Madmen: A True Story of Passion to be Released http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9099/1/American-edition-of-Lovers--Madmen-A-True-Story-of-Passion-to-be-Released.html  Sunshine Publishing has released the American edition of Lovers & Madmen: A True Story of Passion, Politics, and Air Piracy, by native Oregonian Julienne Eden Busic. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zindependence day http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9113/1/Zindependence-day.html  Zinfandel, like most of us, is not native to the United States. It's an immigrant, too, with a somewhat murky family history that goes back ultimately to Croatia, or so researchers believe. c.mateo@verizon.net (Martin Cvjetkovi) Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Book Review: Goli Otok http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9109/1/Book-Review-Goli-Otok.html This rare, first-person account of physical and mental torture in the prison on Goli Otok should be read as widely as possible, because it tells the truth about inhumane conduct in peacetime.   TEPESHK@aol.com (Katarina Tepesh) Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Ruggero Cattaneo, a scholar devoted to Croatian language and literature http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9108/1/Ruggero-Cattaneo-a-scholar-devoted-to-Croatian-language-and-literature.html Ruggero Cattaneo, a young Italian scholar with profound knowledge of Croatian language and culture, translated the monograph "Povijest hrvatske knji¾evnosti" (History of Croatian Literature) by academician Dubravko Jelèiæ from Croatian into Italian, under the title "Storia della letteratura Croata". darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New York: Grant Opportunities for Organizations & Artists http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9116/1/New-York-Grant-Opportunities-for-Organizations--Artists.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Thompson snimke sa Maksmira / Thompson videos from Maksmir http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9100/1/Thompson-snimke-sa-Maksmira--Thompson-videos-from-Maksmir.html On June 17, 2007, Croatian pop star Marko Perkovic - Thompson held a concert in Zagreb's Maksmir Stadium that was attended by over 50,000 of his fans.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Cultural cooperation between Croatia and Mongolia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9097/1/Cultural-cooperation-between-Croatia-and-Mongolia.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Ples konja na zagrebaèkom Hipodromu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9093/1/Ples-konja-na-zagrebaekom-Hipodromu.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Nedamo te pismo na¹a - Klapski pozdrav Gospi Trsatskoj 21-22 lipanj 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9086/1/Nedamo-te-pismo-naa---Klapski-pozdrav-Gospi-Trsatskoj-21-22-lipanj-2007.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Tanac dances from the island of Krk by Tvrtko Zebec, Ph.D. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9077/1/Tanac-dances-from-the-island-of-Krk-by-Tvrtko-Zebec-PhD.html The monograph Krèki tanci [Tanac dances on the island of Krk], by author Tvrtko Zebec is an excellent study not only for the island of Krk, but also as a model of documentation of dancing events in relation to their contemporary social contexts. (Elsie Dunin, UCLA)   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Dvigrad Festival 2007, June 15th-24th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9075/1/Dvigrad-Festival-2007-June-15th-24th.html Festival of Early Music, Croatia, will be held from 15th to 24th June in the mysterious town of Dvigrad in Istria, abandoned in 17th century due to the plague. The festival, organised by the Association Prosoli "Sacred Music" from Zagreb, will have international character (Croatia, Italy, France, Montenegro). Among guests is a famous Ensemble Dialogos from Paris, directed by Katarina Livljaniæ, and Vrbanja singers from the island of Hvar.  darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 13 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Show draws more than 10,000 dogs in Zagreb, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9072/1/Show-draws-more-than-10000-dogs-in-Zagreb-Croatia.html   More than 10,000 dogs from around the world participated in this year's Euro Dog Show in several categories, including that for Europe's top beauty. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Sacramento festival celebrates all things Croatian 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 Ivo Miche Borovina: MINI-PHOTO EXHIBIT: “Big City Blues” http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9065/1/Ivo-Miche-Borovina-MINI-PHOTO-EXHIBIT-8220Big-City-Blues8221.html It sounds unlikely, but there is certain gracefulness about them, nevertheless the strongest was the feeling of melancholy... In today's society, we seem to be obsessed and addicted to materialistic nature of all the 'stuff' that we think we so desperately need and want..   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Neugodna istina na DVD-u http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9061/1/Neugodna-istina-na-DVD-u.html  Bit æe skoro propast svijeta. Neka, neka, no Al Goreu ipak smeta. Zato je i snimio hit dokumentarac o globalnom zagrijavanju, samo da nas sve trgne. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Drago ©tambuk one of Croatia's best loved poets + Presentación de Andrés Morales http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9057/1/Dr-Drago-tambuk-one-of-Croatias-best-loved-poets---Presentacion-de-Andres-Morales.html Dr. Drago Stambuk is presently the Croatian ambassador to Japan and former Croatian ambassador to Great Britain, India, Egypt and six other Arab countries; he is a medical doctor and researcher; and one of Croatia's best loved poets. His selected poems are being published in a volume which will comprise approximately 600 poems.        letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Denis Licul at Clay Art Center Exhibition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9056/1/Denis-Licul-at-Clay-Art-Center-Exhibition.html Croatian artist Denis Licul is being featured at an exhibition featuring utilitarian dinnerware and objects at the Clay Art Center starting June 8 and going through June 16.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Women's chorus to visit Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9054/1/Womens-chorus-to-visit-Croatia.html Voices from the Heart will leave for Croatia in July, where they hope to raise more money to help clear minefields.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Meðimurske popevke, Nedeli¹æe 2007. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9052/1/Medimurske-popevke-Nedeliaee-2007.html Meðimurje folk songs from the NW of Croatia are a true jewel of our culture. It is estimated that there are about 6000 Meðimurje folk songs, many of them of great musical value, exploited by composers of classical music and jazz musicians. The recent 2007 Nedeli¹æe Festival, 23rd in order, showed us a part of that magic musical heritage. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Heritage and genealogy of Croatia tour hosted by Robert Jerin, October 4 - 17, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9051/1/Heritage-and-genealogy-of-Croatia-tour-hosted-by-Robert-Jerin-October-4---17-2007.html Join Robert Jerin, for this exploration of Croatia's history and heritage. Meet with local professionals working in genealogy while cruising the coastline and tour this country rich in culture.   rjerin26@yahoo.com (Robert Jerin) Wed, 30 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Objavljena Knjiga Emila Èiæa "Eseji O Glazbi" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9049/1/Objavljena-Knjiga-Emila-Eiaea-quotEseji-O-Glazbiquot.html  Knjigu o glazbenom utjecaju na dru¹tvo, crkvenoj glazbi te nepoznatoj hrvatskoj glazbenoj tradiciji "Eseji o glazbi - bit glazbe, glazba u vremenu" objavio je u vlastitoj nakladi muzikolog Emil Èiæ. ecic@inet.hr (Emil i) Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Random Lunacy at the Portland Underground Film Festival, Thursday June 7, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9048/1/Random-Lunacy-at-the-Portland-Underground-Film-Festival-Thursday-June-7-2007.html Random Lunacy will be playing at the Portland Underground Film Festival. The film follows family band of self-taught Dixieland musicians on a quest for pure freedom. Music is by Nenad Bach.   HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Armin represented at the prestigious Tribeca film festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9045/1/Armin-represented-at-the-prestigious-Tribeca-film-festival.html For the second year, the Republic of Croatia was represented at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival with a feature film, Armin, by director and screenwriter, Ognjen Svilicic.   TEPESHK@aol.com (Katarina Tepesh) Wed, 16 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian World Calendar - Hrvatski Svjetski Kalendar, coming soon, uskoro http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9043/1/Croatian-World-Calendar---Hrvatski-Svjetski-Kalendar-coming-soon-uskoro.html                             letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Klapa Navalia and Klapa Luka new SACDs coming soon ! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9042/1/Klapa-Navalia-and-Klapa-Luka-new-SACDs-coming-soon-.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Klapa Di¹pet wins first place at festival for choral singing in Verona http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9038/1/Klapa-Dipet-wins-first-place-at-festival-for-choral-singing-in-Verona.html Klapa Di¹pet from Zagreb  placed first in the female folk group category at the Concorso Internazionale di canto corale festival in Verona, Italy.   jasna.ja@gmail.com (Dr. Jasna Jancic) Tue, 01 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Name of the Croatian Literary Language http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9032/1/40th-Anniversary-of-the-Declaration-on-the-Name-of-the-Croatian-Literary-Language.html   The principle of the national sovereignty and full equality include also the right of each of our nations [in ex-Yugoslavia] to preserve all the attributes of its national existence and to develop maximally not only its economical, but also its cultural activities. Under these attributes, the most important role has the national name of the language, which the Croatian people use, because it is the inalienable right of each nation to name its language by its own name... (Quote from the 1967 Declaration) mmatijevic@arhiv.hr (Melita Matijevi) Sun, 29 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New York: Homage to Tin Ujeviæ, the Bard of Croatia @ The Bowery Poetry Club http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9027/1/New-York-Homage-to-Tin-Ujeviae-the-Bard-of-Croatia--The-Bowery-Poetry-Club.html  John Kruth and Marilyn Cvitanic are producing a show called Tin Supreme: Homage to Tin Ujevic at the Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery in Manhattan) on Saturday April 21, 2007 at 6 PM. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New York: Ana Vidoviæ in Classical Guitar Society's Spring Concert Series http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9026/1/New-York-Ana-Vidoviae-in-Classical-Guitar-Societys-Spring-Concert-Series.html Croatian guitarist Ana Vidovic is an extraordinary talent with formidable gifts taking her place amongst the elite musicians of the world today. The Washington Post says: Ana's playing was virtually immaculate. April 20th   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 San Francisco: Mandolin Festival, April 22, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9024/1/San-Francisco-Mandolin-Festival-April-22-2007.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian-born Radovan Vlatkovic, virtuoso hornist, makes it sound easy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9018/1/Croatian-born-Radovan-Vlatkovic-virtuoso-hornist-makes-it-sound-easy.html  Croatian-born Radovan Vlatkovic renders divine sounds from the notoriously difficult French horn.   EAAndrus@comcast.net (Edward Andrus) Sat, 07 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Brigham Young University is seeking contributions of digital Croatian historical documents http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9017/1/Brigham-Young-University-is-seeking-contributions-of-digital-Croatian-historical-documents.html   EuroDocs is a portal to European primary historical documents. Please consider this a call and an invitation to join the EuroDocs family to help build primary historical documentation online for the European country or countries of your choice. You can request a password, after which you are invited to contribute as few or as many links to historical documents online as you like. deyrupma@shu.edu (Marta Mestrovic Deyrup, Ph.D.) Sat, 07 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Sretan Uskrs - Happy Easter - Veliki Tjedan - Procesija na Hvaru http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9016/1/Sretan-Uskrs---Happy-Easter---Veliki-Tjedan---Procesija-na-Hvaru.html Linguistically It all started with the word cult (=service to God) and culture (=creation, preserving manhood's spiritual and material creation). Commonly In ancient civilizations - both were created with service to God and around the actual service, although as history progressed circumstances continued in a more emphasized way, occasionally in a closer interaction, then separating, eventually distancing from one another. In pascal singing in Vrbanj on the island of Hvar - throughout the whole island and along our coastline - a specific service to God and spiritual culture has developed since the Middle Ages.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Memory Institutions in the Digital Age: Current Models of Collaboration in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9011/1/Memory-Institutions-in-the-Digital-Age-Current-Models-of-Collaboration-in-Croatia.html   A  symposium Planning for Growth: The Impact of Digital Information on Libraries organized by Marta Mestrovic Deyrup delivered some interesting presentations. One of them was by Sanjica Faletar Tanackovic from Croatia @ Seton Hall University deyrupma@shu.edu (Marta Mestrovic Deyrup, Ph.D.) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Damir Matausic, sculptor and medal designer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9010/1/Damir-Matausic-sculptor-and-medal-designer.html   The medal designer creates this system gradually as a symbolic sublimation of history. The central circle of values - the national culture - has been analitically articulated by Matausic. I would say: An incredible artist.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 In Debt we Trust is the latest film from Danny Schechter, playing in New York April 4-5 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9009/1/In-Debt-we-Trust-is-the-latest-film-from-Danny-Schechter-playing-in-New-York-April-4-5.html   While many Americans may be "maxing out" on credit cards, there is a deeper story: all economic power around the world is shifting into fewer hands. This will lead to an unavoidable consumer debt meltdown. This predicts Schechter, The Emmy-winning former ABC News and CNN producer, will have frightening consequences for us all. dissector@mediachannel.org (Danny Schechter) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Award Winning Film Random Lunacy playing in New York on April 1st 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9008/1/Award-Winning-Film-Random-Lunacy-playing-in-New-York-on-April-1st-2007.html   Videos From The Road Less Traveled, is a close-up look at a family's odyssey of survival, adventure, and desire.  The hour long documentary unspools on Sunday, April 1, 2007, at the New York Underground Film Festival, New York, N.Y., at 8:45 PM. What is genuine value in a culture jaded by its own affluence? HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra Concert, Saturday April 21, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9002/1/Detroit-Tamburitza-Orchestra-Concert-Saturday-April-21-2007.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zoran Orlic Announcing the US Book Launch for "The Frames: "Behind The Glass" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8999/1/Zoran-Orlic-Announcing-the-US-Book-Launch-for-quotThe-Frames-quotBehind-The-Glassquot.html     z@zerostudio.net (Zoran Orlic) Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 George Washington University: Slavic Cultural Festival March 31, 2007 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 Josip Novakovich will be participating in a memoir symposium at Trinity College http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8996/1/Josip-Novakovich-will-be-participating-in-a-memoir-symposium-at-Trinity-College.html     josipn@yahoo.com (Josip Novakovich) Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Domagoj Ivanovic, violinist - violin teacher http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8995/1/Domagoj-Ivanovic-violinist---violin-teacher.html   Mr. Ivanovic appeared as a soloist with the Zagreb Philharmonic orchestra and with the Miami Symphony orchestra. Described as a player with "clear technique and great sensitivity" by El Nuevo Herald, he has performed in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, France, Spain, Hungary, Canada, and the United States. fedor.kabalin@nyu.edu (Fedor Kabalin) Sat, 24 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 A rich program of Pasionska ba¹tina for 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8994/1/A-rich-program-of-Pasionska-batina-for-2007.html Udruga Pasionska ba¹tina, Zagreb, nudi nam za godinu 2007 iznimno bogat glazbeni i knji¾evni program, od 24. o¾ujka - 4. travnja 2007. Pozivljemo Vas da upoznate knji¾evno bogatstvo hrvatske pisane i predajne rijeèi, liturgijsko bogatstvo mediteranskog bazena, trajno umivanog, osobito na Hrvatskom Jugu, hrvatskim jezikom u slu¾bi Bo¾joj (glagoljicom), te na slojevitost kulturnog i liturgijskog blaga srednjoeuropskog prostora Hrvatskog Sjevera...  darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Prof. Dr. Nikola Buble http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8992/1/Prof-Dr-Nikola-Buble.html   He is an author of ninety (90) professional and scholarly papers and twenty six (26) recording editions. In his scholarly papers he 'plunges into interpersonal relations, social environment and cultural circumstances, and in that way he sets the whole music culture into an enlarged social context' and by doing so he expresses' a differentiated need for ethnomusicology research of the phenomenon of music'. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Studia Croatica moved to www.studiacroatica.org http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8990/1/Studia-Croatica-moved-to-wwwstudiacroaticaorg.html  www.studiacroatica.org   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 16 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Mijo Juriæ: Osamnaesto Proljeæe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8988/1/Mijo-Juriae-Osamnaesto-Proljeaee.html   Na svim stranama osjeæalo se zajedni¹tvo i odluènost u borbi za samostalnost. Sloga i solidarnost postajale su dio nas. Pokrenuta je akcija prikupljanja novca za gradnju autoceste Zagreb - Split, koju smo veæ bili nazvali Autocesta kralja Tomislava. Ljudi su davali od srca, neki i preko granica svojih moguænosti. Govorilo se veæ i o èlanstvu Hrvatske u UN-u, o samostalnom nastupanju hrvatskih ¹porta¹a itd...1971. prodecor@aon.at (Mijo Juri) Wed, 14 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Nenad Bach's music helps new film "Random Lunacy" score another award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8986/1/Nenad-Bachs-music-helps-new-film-quotRandom-Lunacyquot-score-another-award.html     HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Marta Mestrovic Deyrup: Digital Scholarship, Access for a Connected World 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 New York City: Sylvan Winds World Premiere at TENRI on March 29, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8980/1/New-York-City-Sylvan-Winds-World-Premiere-at-TENRI-on-March-29-2007.html    sylvanwinds@worldnet.att.net (Svjetlana Kabalin) Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Detroit: Croatian Cultural & Tourism Day, Sunday March 18, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8979/1/Detroit-Croatian-Cultural--Tourism-Day-Sunday-March-18-2007.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Looking for authors to write an English-language books about the Culture and Customs of Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8977/1/Looking-for-authors-to-write-an-English-language-books-about-the-Culture-and-Customs-of-Croatia-Slovenia-and-Bosnia-Herzegovina.html     lordlord@siu.edu (Suzanne Lord) Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Joseph Haydn - Austrian and Croatian composer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8975/1/Joseph-Haydn---Austrian-and-Croatian-composer.html Jospeh Haydn (1738-1803) used numerous themes from Croatian musical folklore in his enormous opus. He named one of his songs Volkslied, before it became the anthem ("Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" - God Save the Emperor Franz). So, whenever you hear the German national anthem, remember its Croatian roots. An outstanding English scholar Sir William Hadow published a monograph in London in 1897, dealing with a Croatian composer - Joseph Haydn.  darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Marija Grgurevic, a Croatian model on the cover of Time Magazin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8974/1/Marija-Grgurevic-a-Croatian-model-on-the-cover-of-Time-Magazin.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 "BORDER POST" by Rajko Grlic in New York tonight http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8965/1/quotBORDER-POSTquot-by-Rajko-Grlic-in-New-York-tonight.html It is our great pleasure to announce that a very special guest Croatian director Rajko Grlic will present his film *Border Post* on Thursday, March 1st at 7:00 pm at the Two Boots Pioneer Theatre in Manhattan, New York. A Q&A with the director will take place after the screening.     letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Tue, 27 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Carmen Verlichak: Los Croatas de la Argentina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8963/1/Carmen-Verlichak-Los-Croatas-de-la-Argentina.html Carmen Verlichak is a well known Argentinean writer with Croatian roots. She is the author of  important book Los Croatas de la Argentina. Recently an exibition was opened in Zagreb with a nice collection of photos devoted to Croatians in Argentina. Her brother Joza Vrljicak is one of pioneers of Internet promotion of Croatian culture worldwide via Studia Croatica journal,  Buenos Aires.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 RANDOM LUNACY: new film by Vic Zimet and Stephanie Silber premieres on March 9th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8962/1/RANDOM-LUNACY-new-film-by-Vic-Zimet-and-Stephanie-Silber-premieres-on-March-9th.html   Peter Travers of Rolling Stone says: "Movies like to pretend they're different, but RANDOM LUNACY really, truly is.  Gifted filmmakers Zimet and Silber throw us into a life that intoxicates, infuriates and leaves us panting for each unforgettable adventure  Prepare to be wowed." @ WESTCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL Friday, March 9th at 9:40 PM White Plains City Center, New York. To reserve tickets call 914 747 6000 HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Fri, 23 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Dubravka Oraiæ Toliæ - Croatian Literature Wins Top Translation Prize http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8961/1/Dubravka-Oraiae-Toliae---Croatian-Literature-Wins-Top-Translation-Prize.html Dubravka Oraiæ Toliæ goes beyond playing with language and textual contexts. Although reality and notions of home, country, people, nation, and life permeate her poetry, the thematic weight does not rest on the semantic deconstruction of concrete geographical-historical localities...   tchapek@pdx.edu (Terra Chapek) Fri, 23 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Vjera Odak-Jembrih Receives Teaching Merit Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8956/1/Vjera-Odak-Jembrih-Receives-Teaching-Merit-Award.html Ms Vjera Odak, a teacher at the Elly Basic school of music, was chosen among 117 candidates from all around the world to receive the most significant award for classical accordion teachers - the CIA Merit Award.   nikola.mihaljevic@unimedia.hr (Nikola Mihaljevic) Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New York City: Screening of Zrinko Ogresta Film "Washed Out" February 22, at 7:00 p.m http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8953/1/New-York-City-Screening-of-Zrinko-Ogresta-Film-quotWashed-Outquot-February-22-at-700-pm.html Internationally awarded film, by a famous Croatian filmmaker Zrinko Ogresta, playing in New York. Jagoda is young woman who lives in poor section of Zagreb. Mother is dying, father cares only about fishing and uncle is a war refugee.   letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 The New York Times: Ms. Livljanic has assembled a work so magnificent and moving http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8950/1/The-New-York-Times-Ms-Livljanic-has-assembled-a-work-so-magnificent-and-moving.html Ms. Livljanic has assembled a work so magnificent and moving that its resemblance to what medieval listeners might have heard is beside the point. Included are sections of the Mass (the Kyrie, Agnus Dei and Sanctus) in Croatian, using Glagolitic chant, as well as Latin sacred texts, among them a striking Salve Regina setting.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 19 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 CROATIAN PREMIERE of "An Inconvenient Truth" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8947/1/CROATIAN-PREMIERE-of-quotAn-Inconvenient-Truthquot.html   President Stjepan Mesic, as well as ambassadors of the United States, the Russian Federation, India and Japan, attended the Croatian premiere of former US President Al Gore's documentary film about global warming "An Inconvenient Truth", in Zagreb on 15 February 2007. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 17 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Goodbye Champion is the five-piece incarnation with a Croatian roots http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8946/1/Goodbye-Champion-is-the-five-piece-incarnation-with-a-Croatian-roots.html Collaborative recording effort between Steven Vidaic and Aaron Snyder. They began earnestly writing and recording together in late 2003 focussing their efforts on the cohesive marriage of words and music. Their songs are a mixture of social commentary and personal experience.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 16 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zagreb: Photo Exhibition "The Croatians in Argentina" February 20, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8941/1/Zagreb-Photo-Exhibition-quotThe-Croatians-in-Argentinaquot--February-20-2007.html Mrs. Carmen Verlichak, writer of Croatian descent and author of the book entitled "The Croatians in Argentina", will present her photo exhibition at the Croatian Heritage Foundation auditorium. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrljiak) Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Katarina Livljaniæ in the USA and Canada in February 2007 with Tondal's Vision http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8940/1/Katarina-Livljaniae-in-the-USA-and-Canada-in-February-2007-with-Tondals-Vision.html Places of performances of Dialogos Ensemble, Paris, directed by Katarina Livljaniæ: New York City (Feb. 18th),  Wellesley College (Feb. 20th), Vancouver (Feb. 22nd), Kansas City (Feb. 24th). Tondal's vision is an Irish legend from 12th century, which in the 15th century became a part of the Croatian Glagolitic literature (The Petris Miscellany, 1468). darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Zagreb: Al Gore - Neugodna Istina - An Inconvenient truth - Premiera 15 Veljaèe 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8939/1/Zagreb-Al-Gore---Neugodna-Istina---An-Inconvenient-truth----Premiera-15-Veljaee-2007.html    nenad.maljkovic@zg.t-com.hr (Nenad Maljkovi) Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Svecano proslavljena Festa Svetog Vlaha u Los Angelesu 3. veljace 2007. 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 Croatian Gallery 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8929/1/Croatian-Gallery-2006.html We invite you to an excursion to Croatian Gallery 2006. It shows that Croatia is not at all a small country. Did you know that a mechanical and fountain pen have been constructed in Croatia? And the name of pen was given in honour of the inventor - E. Penkala.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 08 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Katarina Livljaniæ & Dialogos in New York on Sunday, February 18, 2007 @ 4 pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8927/1/Katarina-Livljaniae--Dialogos-in-New-York-on-Sunday-February-18-2007--4-pm.html   The acclaimed Dialogos will offer a most unusual concert: "Tondal's Vision," a twelfth-century musical play about an unconscious knight whose soul leaves his body. Performed by Dialogos's six female singers, this production of Dalmatian medieval music is semi-staged with supertitles. Dormilce@aol.com (Dorothy Milcetic) Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia - The New Foodie Frontier http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8918/1/Croatia---The-New-Foodie-Frontier.html Croatia has been my second home for nearly three decades. I learned to cook from my mother-in-law, in the tiny kitchen, two blocks from Zagreb's bustling, colorful open market. She taught me that the key to any successful dish began with selecting the freshest ingredients, preferrably local. Herbs and spices were also important.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Kansas City: Performance of Croatian Medieval Music, Saturday February 24th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8914/1/Kansas-City-Performance-of-Croatian-Medieval-Music-Saturday-February-24th.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Kansas City: World Heritage Sites in Croatia on Exhibit, January 28 - March 11 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 Pulji) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 "Beyond the Call" on PBS - Check Local Listings http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8909/1/quotBeyond-the-Callquot-on-PBS---Check-Local-Listings.html     Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beli) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 New York City: Screening of Lukas Nola Film "Alone" Tonight at 7:00 p.m. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8908/1/New-York-City-Screening-of-Lukas-Nola-Film-quotAlonequot-Tonight-at-700-pm.html     letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Guillermo Terrazas & HR Tango in Zagreb Tonight Jan 18, 2007 - Free Entrance http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8902/1/Guillermo-Terrazas--HR-Tango-in-Zagreb-Tonight-Jan-18-2007---Free-Entrance.html    Tonight in Zagreb - HR Tango, Jan 18th 2007 willyterrazas2003@yahoo.com.ar (Willy Terrazas Muller) Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 January 15th Croatia’s International Day of Recognition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8897/1/January-15th-Croatia8217s-International-Day-of-Recognition.html   The new Baska Tablet was introduced on the set of a special edition of HRT on January 15, 1992 for the day that Croatia was internationally recognized by 30 countries in Europe and the world. boris@studio-international.com (Boris Ljubii, Akademski Slikar) Sun, 14 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Tanja Simic to Perform at Flames of Classic Concert in Berlin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8895/1/Tanja-Simic-to-Perform-at-Flames-of-Classic-Concert-in-Berlin.html   This Saturday, Jan 13, 2007, Tanja Simic, mezzo-soprano, will sing with BKO/ Berlin Chamber Orchestra in the Flames of Classic concert to be held in Handel hall at Salzgrafenplatz 1. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 12 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Mi stvaramo Audio knjige - hrvatske! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8891/1/Mi-stvaramo-Audio-knjige---hrvatske.html     grmusa@btl.hr (Zeljko Grmusa) Wed, 10 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 Dalibor Matanic's "I Love You" opens tonight at the Two Boots Pioneer Theatre. Jan 3-9 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8886/1/-Dalibor-Matanics-quotI-Love-Youquot-opens-tonight-at-the-Two-Boots-Pioneer-Theatre-Jan-3-9.html   letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 The New York Times review "I Love You" by Dalibor Matanic. Jan 3rd, 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8885/1/The-New-York-Times-review-quotI-Love-Youquot-by-Dalibor-Matanic-Jan-3rd-2007.html   Review by Jeannette Catsoulis.  A bleak drama from the Croatian writer and director Dalibor Matanic, is an unusually perceptive scrutiny of absence and emptiness. Set in the filmmaker's hometown, Zagreb, the movie follows a young advertising hotshot . letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 An on-line auction for 48 hours. Famous artists helping other artists. Unity Through Music Dec 27-29, 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8881/1/An-on-line-auction-for-48-hours-Famous-artists-helping-other-artists-Unity-Through-Music-Dec-27-29-2006.html   Dino Zoniæ on Golden Karma Awards on WGN, 9pm EST. Dec 27th 2006. www.givinghearts.net will be hosting an on-line auction during the Special and for 48 hours after the Special. Unique opportunity for you to buy famous paintings of Berber, Ibrulj, Trnski...    gshep2005@netzero.net (Becky Garrigus - Success for Good) Sun, 24 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 A Triumph at Carnegie Hall: Ivana Kunc makes Her Smashing Debut on Dec. 9th, 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8876/1/A-Triumph-at-Carnegie-Hall-Ivana-Kunc-makes-Her-Smashing-Debut-on-Dec-9th-2006.html   Ms. Kunc's comportment and grace on stage, and the depth of emotion that she conveyed through her father's direct and passionate vocal style, all connected with her audience, the cumulative result garnering an even deeper respect for this unique family legacy.  mspudic@aol.com (Michael Spudi) Fri, 22 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Night At The Museum - New Movie Has Croatian Roots - Milan Trenc in Action http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8875/1/Night-At-The-Museum---New-Movie-Has-Croatian-Roots---Milan-Trenc-in-Action.html Milan Trenc (pictured right) was born in 1962. in Zagreb, Croatia where he graduated graphic arts and film direction. His comic strips appeared in Heavy Metal Magazine and his children's book, The Night At the Museum (Baron's 1993,) became a Twentieth Century Fox. feature movie directed by Shawn Levy, with an all star cast including Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 21 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Chicago: Friday December 22nd, Boduli and ODE Collaboration at Martyrs' http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8873/1/Chicago-Friday-December-22nd-Boduli-and-ODE-Collaboration-at-Martyrs.html  This Friday December 22nd, come enjoy an evening with The Champagne Room.  TCR features members of Ode, Boduli, Plavi Jadran and The Jerry Grcevich Band.  TCR blends folk, rock and ethnic music with soulful versions of Ode and Boduli originals and a wide variety of covers from Cole Porter to Oliver Dragojevic. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 19 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Oscar nominated filmmaker Adrian Beliæ showing his film Beyond the Call @ Jakarta International Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8868/1/Oscar-nominated-filmmaker-Adrian-Beliae-showing-his-film-Beyond-the-Call--Jakarta-International-Film-Festival.html The Adventures of Mother-Theresa-meets-Indiana - Jones, depicting the enterprising spirit of three aging Americans who form a humanitarian organization called Knightsbridge International. The three men set out on an independent Robin Hood-like odyssey, visiting dangerous spots worldwide to lend their support to worthy causes. The result is a riveting documentary.    Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beli) Thu, 14 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 New York City Tonight: Croatian director Dalibor Matanic will present his film *I Love You* http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8867/1/New-York-City-Tonight-Croatian-director-Dalibor-Matanic-will-present-his-film-I-Love-You.html   It is our great pleasure to announce that a very special guest Croatian director Dalibor Matanic will present his film *I Love You* on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00 pm at the Two Boots Pioneer Theatre,  Manhattan, New York. A Q&A with the director will take place after the screening.  Presented by www.doors-art.com letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Thu, 14 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Reclaiming the lost harmony of the world: CROWN goes behind Golden Karma Awards, with winner Dino Zonic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8865/1/Reclaiming-the-lost-harmony-of-the-world-CROWN-goes-behind-Golden-Karma-Awards-with-winner-Dino-Zonic.html Reclaiming the lost harmony of the world is our mission . We are presenting gala concerts worldwide, celebrating the spirit of life, which will symbolize a unique, magnificent and unifying message for the world. Music is our deepest connection and most powerful tool of unity and peace among all people. It gives a voice to our deepest sorrows while opening our hearts to forgiveness. www.UnityThroughMusic.org   edzonic@yahoo.com (Dino Zoni) Sun, 10 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 World famous Russian Tsar's ballet performed Swan lake in Osijek, Croatia Dec 8, 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8863/1/World-famous-Russian-Tsars-ballet-performed-Swan-lake-in-Osijek-Croatia-Dec-8-2006.html  Members of the Russian Tsar's ballet and soloists of the Bolshoi theater from Moscow, Ana Ivanova and Kiril Radiv performed one of the most famous ballets, Swan lake by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovski in Osijek, Croatia on December. 8th 2006 dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikolaevi) Sat, 09 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Edin Dino Zonic winner of Golden Karma National Awards 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8861/1/Edin-Dino-Zonic-winner-of-Golden-Karma-National-Awards-2006.html Edin Dino Zonic winner of Golden Karma National Awards 2006. Unity Through Music a nonprofit organization founded by Maestro Dino Zonic. As Composer, Conductor and Cultural Ambassador, Maestro Zonic is dedicated to continuing the expansion of peace and unity through music, music that bridges cultural, national and religious barriers to bring the universal message of peace.   jeep77@prodigy.net (Peggy Jurecic Jasina) Fri, 08 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Pasionska ba¹tina u Hrvatskoj http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8858/1/Pasionska-batina-u-Hrvatskoj.html UDRUGA PASIONSKA BA©TINA I DRU©TVO HRVATSKIH KNJI®EVNIKA raspisuju natjeèaj za knji¾evno djelo na temu Muke Kristove, ili na temu, ¹iroko shvaæene, opæeljudske muke. U ozbir dolaze do sada ne objavljena knji¾evna djela, i to: roman, veæa pripovijetka, drama, poema, te zbirka stihova.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 07 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Josip Novakovich: Ruth’s Death, nonfiction (memoir) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8856/1/Josip-Novakovich-Ruth8217s-Death--nonfiction-memoir.html It's hard for me to write about parents since I know more about children than about parents. That is because when I was a child, I was more interested in myself and my siblings than in my parents, and now that I am a parent, I find our children more interesting than us parents.   josipn@yahoo.com (Josip Novakovich) Wed, 06 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Come celebrate the music of Croatian composer Bo¾idar Kunc. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Saturday afternoon, December 9, 2006 at 2:00 PM http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8848/1/Come-celebrate-the-music-of-Croatian-composer-Boidar-Kunc-Weill-Recital-Hall-at-Carnegie-Hall-Saturday-afternoon-December-9-2006-at-200-PM.html   Ivana Kunc, sings Bo¾idar Kunc. Do you remember Zinka Kunc Milanov? Come and see a new soprano, Ivana Kunc, and you won't regret it later. Come and support Croatian culture at the New York historic Carnegie Hall. This Saturday, December 9th, 2006. 2 PM. Reserve your tickets.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Magnificent Christmas Concert in Astoria, New York on December 18th, 2006 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 RECENT CROATIAN CERAMICS at MC Gallery New York City Dec 16th 2006 - Jan 7th 2007 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8851/1/RECENT-CROATIAN-CERAMICS-at-MC-Gallery-New-York-City-Dec-16th-2006---Jan-7th-2007.html The exhibition Recent Croatian Ceramics will be on wiev in the Gallery MC, at 564 West 52nd Street, 8 Floor, NY, as a first group presentation of contemporary Croatian Ceramics in US, starting from December 16th 2006 till January 7th 2007. denislicul@msn.com (Denic Licul) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 WORLD FAMOUS RUSSIAN TSAR'S BALLET IS COMING TO OSIJEK, CROATIA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8845/1/WORLD-FAMOUS-RUSSIAN-TSARS-BALLET-IS-COMING-TO-OSIJEK-CROATIA.html     dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikolaevi) Sat, 02 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Can We Go Higher? http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8841/1/Can-We-Go-Higher.html www.croatia.org is a web site initiated by Nenad Bach. It is an attempt to answer the question "Can We Go Higher?", raised in the title of his beautiful song. We invite you to visit his fantastic video-clips maintained at video.google.com, revealing the driving force and spirituality of the artist. This video is a Christmas gift for all of us, that everybody should see and listen to.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 29 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 BEYOND THE CALL theatrical opening, Chicago Nov. 24th San Francisco Dec. 1, 06 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8816/1/BEYOND-THE-CALL-theatrical-opening-Chicago-Nov-24th-San-Francisco-Dec-1-06.html Landmark Theaters is premiering BEYOND THE CALL It's playing for a week in each city. The opening weekend success in both cities are very important, because it will determine how wide Landmark will distribute the film around the US in theaters. Please, send this out to as many people as you can, including news letters, blogs, websites, radio,TV, etc. BEYOND THE CALL resonates with a very broad cross-section of the US population, Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beli) Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Knji¾evni Petak - Tragovima znanja u buduænost http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8830/1/Knjievni-Petak---Tragovima-znanja-u-buduaenost.html     ante@medri.hr (Prof.Dr. Ante Simoni) Thu, 23 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Dr. Franjo Topiæ gostuje u New Yorku u srijedu 22. studenog 2006 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 Jelena Vukotiæ again in The New Yorker http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8819/1/Jelena-Vukotiae-again-in-The-New-Yorker.html Check a current issue of The New Yorker. Born in Pula, Croatia. Jelena's photographs have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Forbes's Four Seasons Magazine, Prague Business Journal and others. Her work was exhibited at solo and group shows in Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Germany, Slovenia and USA.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 16 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 “Croatia My Love" - the truth about the Homeland War in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8809/1/8220Croatia-My-Lovequot---the-truth-about-the-Homeland-War-in-Croatia.html "Croatia My Love", the film, depicts the truth about the Homeland War in Croatia. The proceeds from the sale of entry tickets to Jakov Sedlar's film, "Croatia My Love" ("Hrvatska ljubavi moja") will be paid into a 'foundation fund for the truth about the Homeland War in Croatia', located in Zagreb. antem@westnet.com.au (Jean Lunt Marinovic) Fri, 10 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 New York: Nova zbirka pjesama Ivana Dobre ®irjanina "MOLITVA ®IRAJSKI OLTARO“ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8799/1/New-York-Nova-zbirka-pjesama-Ivana-Dobre-irjanina-quotMOLITVA-IRAJSKI-OLTARO8220.html     IvanDobra@aol.com (Ivan Dobra) Fri, 10 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Helen Merrill: 60 Years of Warm Sweet Songs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8792/1/Helen-Merrill-60-Years-of-Warm-Sweet-Songs.html   One of the most distinctive jazz singers ever, Helen Merrill started singing professionally sixty years ago when her warm voice paired with the Reggie Childs Orchestra in 1946. But that was just the start of a long and vivid story which would lead the talented young daughter of Croatian immigrants to make history in jazz by recording with [trumpeter] Clifford Brown and [arranger/bandleader] Gil Evans in the 1950s. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Tue, 07 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 VRHUNSKI MODNI DO®IVLJAJ U OSIJEKU http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8788/1/VRHUNSKI-MODNI-DOIVLJAJ-U-OSIJEKU.html Ovoga su vikenda Osijek i Slavonija ponovno do¾ivjeli modnu renesansu. Peti Fashion Incubator je do¹ao pod nazivom Fashion Airlines i u modno nebo nas vodio preko Zraène luke Osijek. Putnièka zgrada u Klisi bila je mjesto odr¾avanja najveæega modnoga dogaðaja namijenjenog iskljuèivo promociji mladih i neafirmiranih modnih imena.   dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikolaevi) Sun, 05 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian lace http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8785/1/Croatian-lace.html The annual exhbition of Croatian lace in the town of Lepoglava near Zagreb, showed amazing skills of our women in knitting, using subtle patterns of breathtaking beauty. The 10th International Lace Festival - Lepoglava 2006 has been very successfuly organized. The oldest testimony of lace making in Croatia is from the 15th century, mentioned in the minutes of the Dubrovnik Senat.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 04 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Ivana Kunc - Solo Concert at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on December 9th, 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8784/1/Ivana-Kunc---Solo-Concert-at-Weill-Recital-Hall-at-Carnegie-Hall-on-December-9th-2006.html   Come celebrate the music of Croatian composer Bo¾idar Kunc. Ivana Kunc - Soprano, Daniel Ragone - Pianist. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Saturday afternoon, December 9, 2006 at 2:00 PM Tickets can be purchased at www.carnegiehall.org CarnegieCharge at (212)247-7800 or The Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57th Street and 7th Avenue ivanajoy@yahoo.com (Ivana Kunc) Fri, 03 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 C.F.Croata Zrinski CompaÃia Hr Tango Argentina, Nov 11th, 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8754/1/CFCroata-Zrinski-Compantildeia-Hr-Tango-Argentina-Nov-11th-2006.html   C.F.Croata Zrinski Compañia Hr Tango Argentina Estimados amigos queremos comunicar que las localidades del espectaculo que ofreceran el Conjunto Folklorico Croaata Zrinski y HR Tango  ya estan agotadas. Desde ya agradecemos a todos los interesados y esperamos compartir una gala diferente. Contact: Willy Terrazas Muller: willyterrazas2003@yahoo.com.ar . www.hrtangoargentina.com.ar  willyterrazas2003@yahoo.com.ar (Willy Terrazas Muller) Sun, 22 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Miro Sinovcic in action again: New York, October 26th 2006 "Impeferfectly Perfect" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8753/1/Miro-Sinovcic-in-action-again-New-York-October-26th-2006-quotImpeferfectly-Perfectquot.html Artist's Reception Thursday, October 26th, 6-8PM at the Show Walls lobby of 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York City (6th Avenue between 43rd and 44th) Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served www.mirosinovcic.com | www.nyframeofmind.com art@mirosinovcic.com (Miro Sinovcic) Sun, 22 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 A Croatian glagolitic book written in 1395 in Prague, Czechia, kept in France http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8749/1/-A-Croatian-glagolitic-book-written-in-1395-in-Prague-Czechia-kept-in-France.html The Reims Evangelistary, or The Coronation Book, a Croatian glagolitic book written in 1395 in Prague, Czechia, kept in Reims in France since the 16th century, with which French kings were sworn in during the coronation in the Reims cathedral, among them Louis XIV  darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 21 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Croatians in London Newsletter No. 24 October 2006 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 Novi Humoristicko-Satiricki Magazin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8733/1/Novi-Humoristicko-Satiricki-Magazin.html   NOVI HUMORISTICKO-SATIRICKI (non-profit) MAGAZIN u potpuno novom i neuobicajenom obliku je od nedavno online. Pravi vatromet humora, karikatura, satire, stripova, gegova i animacija na 292 strane, prezentirano na nacin koji dosad u hrvatskom net-u nije vidjen.  Citaj vise... stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 04 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 NEW YORK: Croatian Film Screenings "THE RED DUST" by Zrinko Ogresta Thursday, October 5th, 2006 @ 7PM http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8731/1/NEW-YORK-Croatian-Film-Screenings-quotTHE-RED-DUSTquot-by-Zrinko-Ogresta-Thursday-October-5th-2006--7PM.html THE RED DUST takes its title from a line in Dostoevesky which says that "the blood is least visible on the red" - a phrase whose significance is not revealed until the end of the film. The story is told through the eyes of 16-year-old Skgra, who witnesses the whole, violent chain of events. dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Wed, 04 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Meðunarodni Sajam knjiga u Frankfurtu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8729/1/Medunarodni-Sajam-knjiga-u-Frankfurtu.html Od 04. do 08. listopada 2006 odr¾ava se meðunarodni Sajam knjiga u Frankfurtu. Posjetite Sajam knjiga i stupite u dijalog sa kolegicama i kolegama iz Dru¹tva biv¹ih studenata hrvatskih sveuèili¹ta u Njemaèkoj,  koji æe govorit o hrvatskom literarnom stvarala¹tvu. Tradicionalna literarna tribina - okrugli stol u sklopu Sajma knjiga manifestacija je duha suradnje domovine i dijaspore.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 New York: Croatian Film Screenings 'WHAT IVA RECORDED' by Tomislav Radic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8728/1/New-York-Croatian-Film-Screenings-WHAT-IVA-RECORDED-by-Tomislav-Radic.html The Doors Art Foundation is proud to present monthly screenings featuring a selection of films from the Croatian cinema of the last decade. Thursday, September 28th & October 21st. 2006 @ 7 PM dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 New York: Concert of Ana Vidovic, Guitarist from Karlovac, Croatia on September 29th and 30th., 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8727/1/New-York-Concert-of-Ana-Vidovic-Guitarist-from-Karlovac-Croatia-on-September-29th-and-30th-2006.html   The Monkey is proud to present classical guitar sensation Ana Vidovic. Ana has been exciting audience all over the world with her extraordinary musicianship, dazzling technique and stunning stage presence. On September 29th and 30th Ana will grace the stage of The Monkey for four performances over two nights dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Dublin Launch for “THE FRAMES: Behind the Glass” http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8725/1/Dublin-Launch-for-8220THE-FRAMES-Behind-the-Glass8221.html   Croatian-American photographer Zoran Orlic, will be in Dublin, Ireland this weekend, October 1st to promote the launch of his book "THE FRAMES: Behind the Glass." The launch will feature an exhibit of photographs from the book and an appearance by the Frames. Zoran will also be on hand to sign copies of the book.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 27 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 A Celebration of Croatian Dance, Music, and Food 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 Oakland Int'l FF: BEYOND THE CALL screening this Friday, Sept. 22, 6pm at the Grand Lake Theater.... http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8720/1/Oakland-Intl-FF-BEYOND-THE-CALL-screening-this-Friday-Sept-22-6pm-at-the-Grand-Lake-Theater.html   Hello Bay Area Friends, I am excited to announce and invite you and your friends to a screening of BEYOND THE CALL in the beautiful Grand Lake Theater in Oakland (http://cinematreasures.org/theater/414/) as part of the Oakland International Film Festival (http://oaklandfilmsociety.org). Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beli) Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Photo Exhibition "Silence and the Sea" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8707/1/Photo-Exhibition-quotSilence-and-the-Seaquot.html THE LOCKWOOD - MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM presents "SILENCE  AND  THE    SEA" A  contemporary photography show Recent work of Tonci Coric and Lorence Ferich.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 20 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Festival Hrvatske Glazbe u Beèu 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8706/1/Festival-Hrvatske-Glazbe-u-Beeu-2006.html   Muzièki informativni centar Koncertne direkcije Zagreb zajedno s Udru¾enjem za promicanje hrvatske glazbe u Beèu (Verein zur Förderung der kroatischen Musik) i Veleposlanstvom Republike Hrvatske u Austriji ponovo organizira "Festival hrvatske glazbe u Beèu".    letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Old Photos of Croatians http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8699/1/Old-Photos-of-Croatians.html    Joseph M. Settich (left) was a student of St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Louis. This school was a part of St. Joseph Croatian parish and was closed in the 1980's. Joseph became a prominent attorney in St. Louis until his death in 1971. This photo was taken circa 1931. Photos submitted by Robert Settich. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Croatia Knots World's Biggest Tie http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8696/1/Croatia-Knots-Worlds-Biggest-Tie.html  Croatia tied the world's biggest tie after placing red thread round its 4,000 kilometres (2,480 miles) of borders to promote the country's cultural heritage and identity. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian Highlights and History Tour http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8702/1/Croatian-Highlights-and-History-Tour.html Are you interested in traveling to Croatia next year, but don't want to deal with the hassle of making an itinerary? Croatian-American photographer Don Wolf will be offering a guided tour of Croatia in 2007. Interested? Read more.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 13 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Beyond the Call and Genghis Blues playing at Temecula Valley Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8690/1/Beyond-the-Call-and-Genghis-Blues-playing-at-Temecula-Valley-Film-Festival.html   For those in the Southern California area and friends there, we are very excited to announce that Beyond the Call and Genghis Blues (oh, the legs on that film) are screening at the Temecula Valley Film Festival this week, Sept. 13 - 17th. We will be attending the whole festival doing Q&A after each screening. Come out for a beautiful time in wine country. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Poziv na Predavanje 26.9.2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8689/1/Poziv-na-Predavanje-2692006.html   Likovni stvaratelj Vlado Franjeviæ æe 26. rujna 2006. od 19.00 do 21.00 sati odr¾ati predavanje o svojem ovogodi¹njem nastupu na 1. meðunarodnom simpoziju dizajna u Ammanu, Jordan. Predavanje æe se odr¾ati u prostoru centra Haus Gutenberg u Balzersu, Knezevina Liechtenstein.     stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Coming Home to Croatia: A Spiritual Journey http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8687/1/-Coming-Home-to-Croatia-A-Spiritual-Journey.html Don Wolf has spent the past 28 years photographing the country of Croatia. He says he feels compelled to capture the essence of the land and the character of its people not only because it's part of his family heritage, but also because he wants to share the country and its rich history with others.    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Invitation to Emigre Croatian Publishers/Poziv Hrvatskim Izdavaèima iz Iseljeni¹tva http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8683/1/Invitation-to-Emigre-Croatian-PublishersPoziv-Hrvatskim-Izdavaeima-iz-Iseljenitva.html The Croatian Heritage Foundation calls all publishers, book stores and individuals to involve themselves in an Exhibition of publishing activities in Croatian emigration, which is to be held between 7 - 11 November 2006. Hrvatska matica iseljenika poziva sve nakladnike, knji¾are i pojedince da sudjeluju na izlo¾bi nakladnièke djelatnosti iz hrvatskog iseljeni¹tva, koje æe se odr¾ati od 7. do 11. studenoga 2006. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Sun, 10 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Rave Reviews for Croatian Actress http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8651/1/Rave-Reviews-for-Croatian-Actress.html Ines Wurth, a native of Croatia, recently playedLady M. to rave reviews in a recent production of Macbeth in Edinburgh. Ines can also be seen in "I Miss Communism" and the show will be traveling to Ireland for the month of September.        stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Fri, 08 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Richard Gere Filming in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8679/1/Richard-Gere-Filming-in-Croatia.html Richard Gere will be in Croatia filming his new movie "Spring Break in Bosnia."  Gere  will play  a reporter looking for one of Bosnia's top war criminals.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Thu, 07 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Don Wolf's photo exhibition "Images of Croatia" - Kansas City, Kansas USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8677/1/Don-Wolfs-photo-exhibition-quotImages-of-Croatiaquot---Kansas-City-Kansas-USA.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 In Honor of Josip Slavenski, Celebrating the 110th Anniversary of His Birth - New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8675/1/In-Honor-of-Josip-Slavenski-Celebrating-the-110th-Anniversary-of-His-Birth---New-York.html   In Honor of Josip Slavenski (1896 - 1955), Born in Èakovec, Croatia. Celebrating the 110th Anniversary of His Birth. DATE   September 11, 2006 START TIME   7:30 PM END TIME   COLLEGE NAME   Graduate Center ADDRESS 365 Fifth Ave @ 34th St. PHONE   212-817-8607  BUILDING NO. ROOM NO. Elebash Recital Hall DESCRIPTION  With Aleksandra Vojcic & Co. (Concert Office, PhD/DMA Program in Music) Admission is free. For more information visit: www.cuny.edu fedor.kabalin@nyu.edu (Fedor Kabalin) Tue, 05 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 NE DAMO TE, PISMO NA©A 3. rujna na splitskom Poljudu! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8631/1/NE-DAMO-TE-PISMO-NAA-3-rujna-na-splitskom-Poljudu.html   Klape Maslina, Intrade, Sinj, Cambi, Trogir, ©ufit, Puntari i Crikvenica odr¾at æe 3. rujna veliki koncert pod nazivom Ne damo te, pismo na¹a na splitskom Poljudu! Organizatori glazbene noæi s okusom mora, splitska agencija Picaferaj i diskografska kuæa Scardona, poljudsku ljepoticu u tu svrhu kane pretvoriti u golemi otvoreni teatar...   tihana@scardona.hr (Tihana Buklija) Sun, 27 Aug 2006 07:00:00 +0000 Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra Opening Concerts Sept 12 - 16 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8622/1/Dubrovnik-Symphony-Orchestra-Opening-Concerts-Sept-12---16.html Croatian piano prodigy Mia Elezovic, American Grammy award winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, and the fiery principal guest conductor Zvonimir Hacko will present masterworks by Schumann, Rodrigo, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji) Wed, 23 Aug 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zoran Orlic: The Frames - Behind the Glass http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8602/1/E-Zoran-Orlic-The-Frames---Behind-the-Glass.html  Zoran Orlic with Janine Schaults  Glen Hansard founded The Frames before appearing in The Commitments (1991). Since then the band has enjoyed multi-platinum success in Ireland. Now they are making a global breakthrough. Zoran had unfettered access to the band. The rise of the band is illustrated with exclusive vintage photographs. Also included are rare shots of enigmatic producer, Steve Albini who worked with Nirvana and The Pixies   z@zerostudio.net (Zoran Orlic) Tue, 08 Aug 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Skarabej - First online museum of lost and discarded family photographs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8506/1/EH-Skarabej---First-online-museum-of-lost-and-discarded-family-photographs.html   We are inspired by the beauty and ephemerality. As for us beauty is not just what is new, technically perfect, flat, symmetrical, neat etc. We see beauty in a photograph that failed, rough wall, rusted key, unskilly painted wood and so on.... beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully -               Matthew Fox letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brenda live, reporting for PBS TV today and tomorrow http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8501/1/E-Brenda-live-reporting-for-PBS-TV-today-and-tomorrow.html Brenda live, reporting for PBS TV today and tomorrow Hello all, Well....the people at PBS convinced me to go out and give on-camera news reporting a chance. While I was producing a half hour documentary for them, they asked me to also produce a small package on the Ocean Institute for the news. I put it together today in a jiffy and it will air on KOCE Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 6:30 pm, it will repeat at 11:00 pm on Thursday and Friday morning (the 16th) at 8 am. It is the first time I have ever attempted on-air "news style" reporting, writing, editing, etc. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you are all doing well! Thanks! Brenda Brkusic News Assignment Editor, Real Orange KOCE-TV 15751 Gothard Street Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Phone: 714-895-0856 Fax: 714-895-0861 www.koce.org  http://www.koce.org/realorange/ROteam.htm  ( op-ed see Brenda as a part of the team) http://www.koce.org/realorange/index.htm emil@konoba.com (Emil Jakovevi) Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach's production of Klapa music again on Millennium of Music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8504/1/E-Nenad-Bachs-production-of-Klapa-music-again-on-Millennium-of-Music.html Nenad Bach's production of Klapa music again on Millennium of Music from June 26, 2006 check your local listings   "One of our most popular series ever is when we featured Croatian music" "The multichannel recording is spectacularly realistic" "Just stop, close your eyes, and Listen to the most amazing harmony. After experiencing Klapa Sinj a few times, it has become my favorite CD. I don't understand a word of Croatian; however the pure humanity of the singing transcends language. Anytime I play Klapa as background music at work - without exception I have had someone comment on the beauty of the sound." "This unbelievably resonant music should be heard by everyone...as it's one of Croatia's best exports. The sounds of the sea, the souls of the fishermen who used to sing these songs, the beauty of the night stars and the heart of the tiny fishing villages, are all elements that can be felt when listening to this CD. The sound is God-like." "The recording is very transparent and one really feels transported to the church where the performance took place." "No need to understand Croatian, this music plays to the inner most part of your humanity. It cannot be described À“ only felt. " 10 Million audience. #06-27: (repeat of #05-43) 06/26/06: Croatia's Mystic Sounds--One of our most popular series ever is when we featured Croatian music from the Holland Early Music festival in Utrecht. Producer Nenad Bach has recorded two programs of folk and other haunting music from the tradition called "Klapa" which are now generally available on disc, and we'll sample them this week. Klapa Sinj and Klapa FA Lindjo.   To purchase the CDs click here http://www.nenadbach.com/shoppe/shoppe.html http://www.millenniumofmusic.com/schedules/2006_mayaugust.php letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Denis Licul at Touched by Design on June 16-18 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8502/1/E-Denis-Licul-at-Touched-by-Design-on-June-16-18.html Denis Licul at Touched by Design on June 16-18   Dear friends, I will be participating in the open house exhibition "Touched by Design" in Ossining on June 16-18. The host of event, Matko and Janette Peckay, beside professional artist, would like to include some yang artists from the area in the exhibition. They prepared flyer for the art teachers to spread out the message. If you know of anyone else who might be interested, please feel free to pass it on. Best regards, Denis   emil@konoba.com (Emil Jakovevi) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Arhitekt Leo Modrcin otvorio samostalnu medjunarodnu izlozbu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8505/1/H-Arhitekt-Leo-Modrcin-otvorio-samostalnu-medjunarodnu-izlozbu.html Leo Modrcin otvorio samostalnu medjunarodnu izlozbu   Contact: www.ured.org   240 Central Park South Suite 2-O New York, New York 10019 Phone : 212 397 2707 Fax : 212 246 6852 e-mail: info@ured.org  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) PRED LITOM Izlozba Krunoslava Medjimoreca http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8503/1/H-PRED-LITOM-Izlozba-Krunoslava-Medjimoreca.html Uz izlozbu Krunoslava Medjimoreca u galeriji AZ u Zagrebu PRED LITOM K litu - pozdravljaju se Istrani na rastanku, zeleci jedan drugom da se vide i dogodine. A mi se eto pred litom nalazimo s izlozbom Krunoslava Medjimorca koji je u toj iscekujucoj atmosferi ljeta koje ce nas nahraniti novom snagom za ostatak godine priredio jedan mali kolaz svojih ciklusa akvarela i crteza. Istodobno sa zagrebackom izlozbom Krunoslav Medjimorec izlaze uljne slike u Milanu u sklopu manifestacije "Il duomo incontra l'arte" (Katedrala u susret umjetnosti) u uglednoj galeriji Ars Italica. Onaj koji poznaje kiparstvo Krunoslava Medjimorca, velikog zaljubljenika u kamen i njegovu finu meku obradu, poput Frane Krsinica, tesko ce razumijeti vezu izmedju fine organske forme kipa i koloristicke i crtacke burovitosti, koja prati njegovo slikarstvo. Pa ipak, ta je veza ocita u snaznom emotivnom naboju kojim umjetnik omeksava kamen, u krokijima i akvarelu u kojem s jednakim senzibilitetom hvata osnovne crte lica zena i djevojaka (ciklus Lice zene), razvedenu ili skromnu liniju akta, (Ciklus Aktova), kao sto hvata titraje kristalno cistog zraka u istarskom krajoliku, ili pak vrucinu ljetnog dana, zujanje i mirisanje zemlje, disanje zivota. Ta tesko uhvativa slika, ne dozvoljava slikaru da se zatvori u cvrsto odredjene oblike, vec upravo suprotno: boje bljeskavo izmicu, slika bjezi i pretapa se, pulsira, meka je i topla, mirisava, znojna. Nije cudo da su upravo konji i putene zene umjetnikov najzahvalniji motiv, jer njima izaziva kod gledatelja upravo zeljene asocijacije na miris, toplinu, dahtanje, na neobuzdanu ljepotu, na svijet koji je istodobno najkonkretniji i najneuhvatljiviji, svijet osjecaja, disanja punim plucima, i sirokog pogleda. Ova je izlozba, koja tematski zahvaca, dakle, nekoliko ciklusa (medju kojima i Ciklus Krajolika duse) tehnicki vezana na krokije i akvarele svojevrsni je autorov dnevnik: on biljezi stanje osjecaja, ostavljajuci otvorenim njihov konacni izgled, komponirajuci krajolike Istre, kao krajolike duse, pustajuci vidljivo da se prozimaju oci i srce, vid i ljubav. Nebitno, dakle, u kojem mediju stvara, Krunoslav Medjimorec istrazuje vlastitu i stvaralacku bit, istrazuje univerzalnu i osobnu razinu ljubavi, hvata ishodiste osobne intuicije u umjetnicke mreze univerzalnog razumijevanja. Branka HLEVNJAK letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Book Club-Mike Celizic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4929/1/E-Croatian-Book-Club-Mike-Celizic.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORK Our next selection for 'book of the monthâ is writer Mike Celizic. He writes regularly for MSNBCSports.com. Celizic is the author of Courage: True Stories of American Sports and the Biggest Game of Them All: Notre Dame, Michigan State, and the Fall of â66. In addition, Mike Celizic co-wrote, Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life-Changing Inspiration, Rudyâs Rules: Game Plans for Life from the Real Rudy! and The Winning Spirit. Mike Celizic is a joy to read, even when you disagree with him. His parents are long time members of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life-Changing Inspiration is available in paperback for $2.95 at www.alibriss.com and at www.amazon.com . Meeting place: Croatian Cultural Center Address: 502 West 41st Street, New York, NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, May 17th, 2006 at 6 p.m. Next book selection: Moments of Truth by Mike Celizic Please read the book in advance. A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material. Each month, the facilitator will choose a âbook of the monthâ€? that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed: * The Stone Fields by Courtney Angela Brkic * Infidelities - stories of War and Lust by Josip Novakovic * How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed by Slavenka Drakulic * Neither Red nor Dead by Stevo Julius * The Museum of Unconditional Surrender by Dubravka Ugresic * The Banquet in Blitva by Miroslav Krleza * The Bridge to Dalmatia - Search for the Meaning of Place by Francis Violich * Delightful Dalmatia by Alice Lee Moque * The Turk and My Mother by Mary Helen Stefaniak * Sarajevo Marlboro by Miljenko Jergovic * Croatian Tales of Long Ago by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic * Anna Marinkovich by Edward Ifkovic * Carrying the Farm on Her Back-A portrait of Women in a Village by Eva Skold Westerlind * Healing the Heart of Croatia by Joseph Kerrigan * Goodby Dear Old Homeland by Yasna Sikic Hood * American Dream - a Guy from Croatia by Boris Miksic * Thorn Lace - Mojmir - A Migrantâs Lot by Ina Vukic * Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration Mike Celizic * The Labyrinth by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com * Youâre Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice by Bill Rancic * Lovers and Madmen - a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy by Julienne Eden Busic * Fix Our United States by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net * Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War by Eve Ensler * www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden * The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric * Donât Call Me Rosie by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com * Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com * A Single Step by Heather Mills McCartney (chapters on Croatia) * Can You Hear Me Screaming? by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com * First Service by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com * Celestial Dancer by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich * Letters to My Daughters by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich) * Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered Country by Tony Fabijancic * The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skating by Sandra Bezic * Return with Honor by Scott OâGrady * Pixletown: The World Found by Marija Miletic Dail * The Survival League by Gordan Nuhanovic * Tesla: Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney * Zagreb, Exit South by Edo Popovic * American Scream & Palindrome Apocalypse by Dubravka Oraic Tolic * King of the Confessors by Thomas Hoving * Motherâs Memoirs - Lucy Majnaric Marincel by Emily Marincel Amberg * The Education of a Coach by David Halberstam re: Bill & Steve Belichick * Zinka Milanov and Flora Tosca: Art, Love, and Politics by Bruce Burroughs * Inlaid Pearl by Stacie G. Vesolich * The Croatian Immigrants in America by George Prpic * Bogdan Radica - out of print Most of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com and other discount bookstores. Book Club discussion questions and topics:  What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader?  Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?  What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?  How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?  In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the authorâs world view?  Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?  What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book?  How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic?  Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this?  If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias?  How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Facilitator: Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Womenâs Writing Guild. Her essays, âFatherâs Funeralâ€? www.quietmountainessays.org/Tepesh and âBabin Kukâ€? were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays. âYearning for Freedom in a Land of the Freeâ€? at http://freeriverpress.org/Tepesh.htm Free River Press. A short story, âAnica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatiaâ€? at CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . âKolo Danced by Hundreds in New York Cityâ€? www.puredance.org/pressNada.html ; âJosip Novakovich - Infidelities - Stories of War and Lustâ€? www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/folder/tepesh_280905.htm Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985.  Formatted for CROWN by Ivo Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Goran Filipec at the Carnegie Hall http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4925/1/E-Goran-Filipec-at-the-Carnegie-Hall.html  GORAN FILIPEC at the Carnegie Hall on June 2, 2006Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall at 8:00 pmPresented By PRESTIGE CLASSICAL PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION A Universal Affair Featuring American and International Artists"Extraordinary pianistical qualities, originality of musical ideas and control of the principles of a specific piano school make this pianist unique and original" Ivo PogorelichGoran Filipec is the threefold winner of the Croatian National Piano Competition in 1995, 1997 and 1999, and the winner of many awards such as, the Lions Grand Prix in 1995 and 1997, the Istria Nobilissima Award in 1997, 1999, 2002, and the Rijeka Musicians Award in 1998. At only 23 years of age, Mr. Filipec has already performed in many concert halls such as the Vatroslav Lisinski Hall in Zagreb, National Theatres in Rijeka and Split, Salle Cortot in Paris, Grande Salle du Conservatoire de Musique, Geneve, National Concert Hall in Dublin and in the large concert hall of the Muziekcentrum Vredenburg in Utrecht, and many European Festivals. As a soloist, he has performed with leading symphony orchestras in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia and in Croatia with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Zagreb Philharmonic, Rijeka Philharmonic and the Croatian Chamber Orchestra, and others. For tickets, please go to: www.carnegiehall.org/article/box_office/events/evt_8078.html?selecteddate=06022006 Goran Filipec.pdfwww.prestigeagency.com/goran_filipec.php www.goran-filipec.com THE DOORS ART FOUNDATION 427 W 45th Street, Suite 2FW New York, NY 10036 Tel. 212.757.7449 Fax 212.969.9964  Formatted for CROWN by Ivo Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Opening of Croatian Naive Art Gallery and Museum in the USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4924/1/E-Opening-of-Croatian-Naive-Art-Gallery-and-Museum-in-the-USA.html ÂU.S. CROATIAN NAIVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUMOPENING IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, U.S.A.ÂMission StatementOFCroatianNaiveArt.com 'TO HELP BRING SOME WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION TO A FEW OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST ARTISTS BY OFFERING FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS UNIQUE PAINTINGS THEY WILL LOVE WHILE HAVING FUN ALONG THE WAY.' Âwww.croatiannaiveart.comÂThe major exhibition of 'The Fantastical World of Croatian Naive Art' was organized from February through June 2000, at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida by the director of the Museum Mr. Michael Milkovich. This show that was enjoyed by over sixty thousand visitors inspired two of those visitors, James and Donna Nannen, to open the Croatian Naive Art Gallery and Museum in St. Petersburg in June this year.  James and Donna Nannen at their home in St PetersburgÂTheir enthusiasm for this art form brought them many times to see the show, and they encouraged many friends to visit the Museum and see the breath taking world of oil on glass painting which was created by peasants from Podravina. James said, that by being introduced to Croatian Naive Art, it helped him develop an appreciation for all arts. He fell in love with Croatian Naive Art immediately, and so did his wife Donna, who is an Art History graduate from Lake Erie College.The Fantastical World of Croatian Naive Art show included the 'Ten Classic' artists of this art form:Ivan Generalic, Mirko Virius, Emerik Fejes, Matija Skurjeni, Ivan Rabuzin, Dragan Gazi, Ivan Vecenaj, Mijo Kovacic, Ivan Lackovic Croata and Josip Generalic. Vecenaj's Moses and the Red Sea made a lasting impression on the Nannens who decided to start their own collection of Croatian Naives.They traveled to Croatia two times, and met many naive artists there. When in Croatia, they would visit 6 - 7 artists per day, each time seeing something new and exciting. Their current collection includes over 45 artists. After meeting with Croatian artists in the artist's hometowns, James realized that this artwork and the artist's stories were so important that they should be brought to the United States. Bringing this art to America became a passion for James. He felt compelled to tell this story to his countrymen and visiting tourists (yearly visit surpass 7,000,000 people in our area).The U.S. Croatian Naive Gallery and Museum will be located directly across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is scheduled to open in June 2006. Information and art work may be seen at www.croatiannaiveart.com .James Nannen hopes that through the success of his gallery he will be able to acquire more artist's work and achieve recognition for them in the United States. If all goes well, hopefully in just a few years, the gallery will be enlarged and museum quality pieces will become part of the permanent collection. The museum will contain representative works of artists and will be permanently exhibited.James and Donna are very enthusiastic people. We wish them the best in this endeavor and congratulate them for presenting again 'The Fanatstical World of Croatian Naive Art' to the American public.Frank (Zeljko) BeluhanMichael MilkovichÂcontact: Frank13zb@aol.com www.croatiannaiveart.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian film festival in South Africa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4928/1/E-Croatian-film-festival-in-South-Africa.html ÂCroatian film festival in South AfricaMay 3, 2006By Tanya FarberFor many years, the word Croatia was synonymous with the tragedies of war. Today, while the sad melody of war still lingers in the global mind, the country has become synonymous with a booming tourist industry, and artistic expressions of the past, present and future.Joburg and Pretoria dwellers will be able to indulge in these expressions on celluloid at the upcoming Croatian Film Festival. The six films on show encompass a broad range of genres including comedy, drama, romantic comedy, war drama and docu-drama. On the comedy front, When the Dead Start Singing tells the story of two Croatian immigrants who decide to return to their homeland after having fled to Berlin. Anticipating logistical problems along the way, they decide that one of them will pretend to be a corpse How the War Started, also a comedy, takes viewers on an amusing story of army antics and music during the war. Long, Dark Night - which stars ER star Goran Visnjic in the main role - is a war drama about two friends fighting on opposite sides, while Red Dust (not to be confused with the South African film of the same name starring Hilary Swank), tells the story of an ex-boxer searching for his identity after his country's difficult transition.Also included in the line-up are romantic comedy The Three Men of Melita Zganjer - about a woman in search of love, and the documentary drama What Iva Recorded on October 21 2003, which is a Croation version of cinÃma veritÃ. http://tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3227477&fSectionId=428&fSetId=218 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Fish made of flowers in Split, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4926/1/E-Fish-made-of-flowers-in-Split-Croatia.html ÂFish made of flowersÂÂÂFish made of flowers is displayed in the 31st International Flowers Show at Split, Croatia, May 02, 2006. About 30 international flowers artist are competing in the show. REUTERS/Matko Biljak  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Doors Art present Tamara Obrovac USA Tour 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4923/1/EH-Doors-Art-present-Tamara-Obrovac-USA-Tour-2006.html ÂDoors Art present Tamara Obrovac USA Tour 2006US Turneja Tamare Obrovac Transhistria Ensamble-aÂÂNEW YORK, 17. svibnja 2006.,- Doors Art fondacija u svom programu predstavljanja eminentnih hrvatskih glazbenika ameriÄ?koj publici najavljuje gostovanje Tamare Obrovac Transhistria Ensemble-a.ÂKoncerti će se odrzati u petak, 19. svibnja Chicagu, Hot House www.hothouse.net te u nedjelju 21. svibnja dva nastupa u New Yorku, Joe’s Pub www.joespub.com. Ovi elitni klubovi etablirani su u svijetu jazz i world music glazbenih izriÄ?aja te ugosćuju svjetska imena poput Elvis Costella, David Byrne-a, Bebel Gilberta, Alicia Keys, David Greya... ÂDoors Art fondacija u ovom projektu angazirala je svjetski poznatu world music producenticu Vernu Gilles, koja je u svojem dugogodisnjem radu suraÄ'ivala s imenima kao sto su Buena Vista Social Club, Davidom Sylvianom, Ryuichi Sakamotom, Peterom Gabrielom i drugima, a koja je zaduzena za marketinsku promociju ove turneje. Na Tamarinim koncertima najavljni su brojni kritiÄ?ari te su zakazana tri radio interview-a koja će predstaviti nasu umjetnicu ameriÄ?koj publici. ÂTamara će se predstaviti glazbom s dva albuma Sve pasiva te novog soundtracka Daleko je. Doors Art Fondacija realizirala je i potporu The Istro-Romanian Language Documentation Project-u angazirajući se kako bi se popularizirao i otvorio dijalog s publikom radi oÄ?uvanja vlaskog ili zejanskog jezika, koji je stoljećima u uporabi istro-rumunjske jeziÄ?ne enklave u Istri. Tako će biti izvedena kompozicija pisana vlaskim jezikom a posvećena zajednici koja je najvećim dijelom emigrirala u New York. ÂGlazba Tamare Obrovac izazvala je veliki interes u glazbenim krugovima World music izriÄ?aja. Osobnost Tamare Obrovac izvire iz bogatog kulturoloskog i glazbenog nasljeÄ'a mediteranskog kruga te je oplemenjena vrlo sugestivnim elementima Istarske ljestvice sto joj otvara nove prostore na svjetskim pozornicama. ÂDoors Art fondacija dodatnu promociju hrvatske kulture ostvaruje u već dobroj suradnji s Two Boots Pioneer Theatre koji ugosćuje film Hrvoja Hribara sto je muskarac bez brkova a za koga je Tamara napisala muziku. U ciklusu tjedna evropskih filmova pod nazivom The Brave New Europe sedmodnevno prikazivanje Hribarovog filma zapoÄ?eti će premijerom 22. svibnja. ÂProzimanjem komplementarnih programa Doors Art fondacija i ovom prilikom nastoji ostvariti jednu viseslojnu prezentiranju hrvatske kulture u Americi.ÂOva turneja je sponzorirana od Ministarstva Kulture Hrvatske, udruge Istarske zene iz New Yorka, Auxano Travel, Hrvatskog konzulata iz Chicaga i Hrvatskog Kulturnog Centra iz New Yorka. ÂVise o programima Doors Art fondacije moze se vidjeti na www.doors-art.comTHE DOORS ART FOUNDATION427 W 45th Street, Suite 2FWNew York, NY 10036Tel. 212.757.7449Fax 212.969.9964doors@doors-art.com www.doors-art.com http://doors-art.com/obrovac/april%202006.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BEYOND THE CALL, World Premier - Adrian Belic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4927/1/E-BEYOND-THE-CALL-World-Premier---Adrian-Belic.html ÂÂFrom the filmmakers behind the Academy Award Nominated and Sundance Audience Award Winning documentary GENGHIS BLUES ( www.genghisblues.com ) comes the next great adventure….WADI RUM AND ITVS PRESENT BEYOND THE CALL Documentary FeatureWORLD PREMIERE TRIBECA AND SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS and The Doc Shop film market at Hot Docs film festival. Toronto, Canada.CONTACT: ADRIAN BELIC (filmmaker)Phone (415)716-0660Email wadirum1@aol.com In a Mother Teresa meets Indiana Jones adventure, three middle-aged men, former soldiers and modern-day knights, travel the world delivering life saving humanitarian aid directly into the hands of civilians and doctors in some of the most dangerous yet beautiful places on Earth, the front lines of war.Ed Artis, Jim Laws and Walt Ratterman are self-styled Knights of Malta, and in 1995, they formed Knightsbridge International, a unique humanitarian aid organization, whose motto is "High Adventure and Service to Humanity." Artis explains: "We're not there to change anybody's politics, we're not in the God business, and we pay our own way." Their specialty is going where death from landmines, bullets, or bombs is as frequent as death from hunger, disease, or the elements. As Laws tells it simply, “We do what we can, when we can, because we can.”Their personal convictions and courage drive them to places such as Afghanistan, Albania, Chechnya, Cambodia, Rwanda and the southern Philippines, often when few if any other humanitarian aid organizations are around. The camera follows Artis, Laws and Ratterman as they take us on a journey into the heart of humanity and the soul of courage.Director, Producer, Writer and Cinematographer Adrian Belic. Editor Jennifer Chinlund. Music by Marcello De Francisci. Sound Edit and Mix by Lora Hirschberg.TRIBECA FILM FESTIVALhttp://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/ Press Screenings: Tribeca Cinemas at 54 Varick St (below Canal St at Laight St.) NY, NY 10013Thursday, April 20. 2:00pm Theater 2. 130 seats.Tuesday, April 25. 10:00am. Theater 1. 100 seats.Public Screenings:Friday, April 28. 5:00pm. AMC 34th St. Theater 14. 176 seats. {World Premier}Saturday, April 29th. 10:00am. AMC Village 7 (66 Third Av. at 11th St.). Theater 1. 293 seats.Friday, May 5. 1:30pm. AMC 68th St. (1918 Broadway at 68th St.). Theater 6. 176 seats.Saturday, May 6th. 4:45pm. AMC 68th St. (1918 Broadway at 68th St.). Theater 6. 176 seats.SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALhttp://www.sffs.org/festival/index.html Press Screening: Kabuki Theater. Screen 3Wednesday, April 26th. 11:00amPlease contact Richard Parkin at rparkin@sfiff.org or (415) 627-7859 to get on list.Public Screenings:Sunday, April 30. 6:00pm. Kabuki Theater 1. 700 seats.Thursday, May 4. 3:00pm Kabuki Theater 3. 253 seats.Dr. Jim Laws D.O. and his wife Pat Laws will be in New York City Thursday night, April 27th - Saturday night, April 29th. They will be in San Francisco, Sunday, April 30th – Tuesday, May 2nd.We are making arrangements for phone interviews with Ed Artis from the southern Philippines and Walt Ratterman by satellite phone from northern Pakistan where they are currently delivering humanitarian aid. They will also be available for email interviews.The filmmaker Adrian Belic will be attending all of the screenings.His travel schedule is as follows… San Francisco: Monday, April 17th – Sunday, April 23rd New York: Monday, April 24th – Saturday, April 29thSan Francisco: Sunday, April 30th – Wednesday, May 3rd New York: Thursday, May 4th – Wednesday, May 10thFor Press Requests please contact Adrian Belic (415) 716-0660 orwadirum1@aol.com Please send this on to family, friends and press…Thank you. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Wind Quintet on prestigious WQXR Radio - Today http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4930/1/E-Sylvan-Wind-Quintet-on-prestigious-WQXR-Radio---Today.html ÂSylvan Wind Quintet on prestigious WQXR RadioÂSylvan Wind Quintet's last Sunday concert at the Kosciuszko Foundation will be REbroadcast on WQXR 96.3FM Sunday, April 30 at 6PM Eastern Daylight Time (=GMT-05:00) & for those outside the New York metropolitan area & world-wide, WQXR.com is streaming LIVE on the web on AOL Radio. Tune in & enjoy the program featuring Polish chamber works for winds, including the elegant Poldowski Suite, the wickedly humorous Kilar, the beautifully sonorous Reicha Adagio, a spiky early work of Lutoslawski's and the wonderfully heraldic Muczynski.Sylvan Wind QuintetSvjetlana Kabalin, flute; Kathy Halvorson, oboe/English horn;Amy Zoloto, clarinet; Erik Holtje, bassoon; Zohar Schondorf, hornProgram:Poldowski (1880-1932) Suite MiniatureKilar (b.1932) Quintet (1952)Reicha (1770-1836) Adagio in D Minor for wind quintet with English hornLutoslawski (1913-1994) Trio for oboe, clarinet & bassoon (1945)Muczynski (b. 1929) Quintet for winds, Op. 45 (1985)  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 28 Apr 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski film Dejana Sorka na Tribeca Festivalu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4934/1/H-Hrvatski-film-Dejana-Sorka-na-Tribeca-Festivalu.html Â'Dva igraca s klupe' scenariste i redatelja Dejana Sorka prvi Hrvatski film na Tribeca FestivaluÂPostovani,zadovoljstvo nam je priopciti Vam da je hrvatski film 'Dva igraca s klupe' scenariste i redatelja Dejana Sorka, iz nacionalnoga filmskoga projekta Ministarstva kulture RH snimljen u produkciji Interfilma i Hrvatske televizije, uvrsten u sluzbeni natjecateljski program ovogodisnjega petoga po redu Tribeca Film Festivala u New Yorku koji ce se odrzati od 25. travnja do 7. svibnja 2006.Tribeca Film Festival osnovan je 2002. godine i u samo pet godina postao je prvorazredan svjetski dogadjaj filmske umjetnosti kojega prate svi znacajniji americki i svjetski mediji, a najvece holivudske produkcije nastoje na tom festivalu osigurati svjetske premijere svojih filmova. Ove godine na Tribeca Film Festival apliciralo je 1950 igranih filmova iz cijeloga svijeta, a u natjecateljski program Narative Feature Competition odabrano je 17 filmova, od cega 6 europskih, medju kojima je i hrvatski film 'Dva igraca s klupe' (Two Players from the Bench). Vise podataka o filmovima i programu moze se pronaci na web stranici www.tribecafilmfestival.com Film 'Dva igraca s klup' prikazan je na proslogodisnjem filmskom festivalu u Puli i dobitnik je triju Zlatnih arena - za scenarij, kameru i sporednu zensku ulogu.Izbor u sluzbeni natjecateljski program Tribeca Film Festivala je znacajan dogadjaj za promociju hrvatskoga filma i hrvatske kulture u svijetu, te Vas pozivamo da pogledate jednu od projekcija filma 'Dva igraca s klupe" Âu New Yorku, u kino dvoranama prema sljedecem rasporedu:- AMC Loews Lincoln Sq 6, subota 29. travnja, 8:15pm- Tribeca Cinemas 1, ponedjeljak 1. svibnja, 6:30pm- Regal Cinemas Battery Park 11, srijeda 3. svibnja, 1:00pm- AMC Loews Village VII 2, cetvrtak 4. svibnja, 10:30am- AMC Loews 34th Street 12, petak 5. svibnja, 7:30pmS postovanjem,Petar Ljubicicgeneralni konzulFilm Trailer:http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/event_np_trailer.php?EventNumber=1957ÂÂInterethnic tensions and the bitter legacy of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia provide the black comic grist for Two Players from the Bench, one of the first films from the troubled region that openly addresses these explosive topics. Ante and Dusko, a Croat and a Serb, find themselves dragooned by a mysterious government functionary and held captive in a deserted military base on the outskirts of Zagreb. There the two former volleyball players are briefed on their roles in a convoluted plan to exonerate a Croat military officer, Colonel Skoko, from his war crimes indictment. Offered 20,000 Euros to impersonate two of Skoko's ex-officers and supply exculpatory testimony in The Hague, the two reluctantly agree. But their captor/employer isn't being totally honest with them, and a host of complications soon ensue: a Ukrainian sex slave enters the picture, Ante and Dusko have trouble keeping their cover stories straight, and Ante's lack of an identifying scar forces him to come up with ever more elaborate explanations in front of the International War Crimes Tribunal. By turns darkly comic and disturbingly Kafkaesque, Two Players from the Bench eschews the easy path of making the two ancient enemies become fast friends while in captivity. The performances are uniformly stellar, especially Goran Navojec as Ante, the burlier of the two men. With his antic mannerisms and arched eyebrows, he seems at times to be channeling the spirit of John Belushi, and could probably find a lucrative career in U.S. comedy if Croatian cinema proves insufficiently remunerative.Â- Robert Schnakenberg http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/event_np_summary.php?EventNumber=1957Director/Screenwriter:Dejan SorakProducer:Ivan MalocaCinematographer:Vjekoslav Vrdoljak, HFSComposer:Mate MatisicArt Director:Mario IvezicFirst Assistant Director:Branka TurkaljCast:Goran Navojec, Borko Peric, Tarik Filipovic, Dora Lipovcan, Rene Gjoni Dejan Sorak  Rodjen je 29. ozujka 1954. Diplomirao je reziju na Akademiji dramskih umjetnosti u Zagrebu. Scenarist i redatelj je cjelovečernjih igranih filmova Mala pljačka vlaka, Oficir s ruzom, Krvopijci, Vrijeme ratnika, Garcia. Dobio je mnoge nagrade i priznanja kao sto su Zlatna arena za scenarij, Zlatna vrata za najgledaniji film, nagradu Vladimir Nazor za najbolji film, nagradu za Najbolji film HDFD te Jadran filma. Sudjelovao je na festivalima u Valenciji, Montrealu, Kairu, Munchenu, Indiji. Oficir s ruzom prodan je za prikazivanje u desetke zemalja sirom svijeta. zorak je takodjer autor i redatelj TV te kazalisnih i radijskih drama. Dobio je nagradu Marko Marulić za najbolji radio tekst i najbolju reziju, nagradu Zlatni smijeh za najbolju kazalisnu dramu te je pobijedio na anonimnim natječajima Hrvatskog radija za najbolju radijsku dramu. Zagreb ÂIzvor:http://www.film.hr/bazafilm_ljud.php?katx=1&ljud_id=204 ÂBorn in Croatia in 1954, Dejan Sorak has been writing and directing films since his graduation from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb in 1978. A playwright, theater director, novelist, and recipient of numerous prizes, he has also made Little Train Robbery (1984) and An Officer with a Rose (1987), which was distributed in over 40 countries. Sorak went on to make The Bloodsuckers (1989), The Time of the Warriors (1991), and Garcia (1999). His work has screened at film festivals around the world, including the Montreal, Cairo, Valencia, Munich, Alexandria, and New Delhi Festivals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) First time ever a Croatian Film on Tribeca Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4933/1/E-First-time-ever-a-Croatian-Film-on-Tribeca-Film-Festival.html ÂTwo Players from the Bench on Tribeca Film Festival.First Croatian film in festival's competitionÂÂTwo Players from the Bench Dva Igraca S KlupeInt'l Narrative Competition [TWOPL] 2005 112 min Directed By: Dejan Sorak International Premiere Film Trailer:http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/event_np_trailer.php?EventNumber=1957ÂÂInterethnic tensions and the bitter legacy of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia provide the black comic grist for Two Players from the Bench, one of the first films from the troubled region that openly addresses these explosive topics. Ante and Dusko, a Croat and a Serb, find themselves dragooned by a mysterious government functionary and held captive in a deserted military base on the outskirts of Zagreb. There the two former volleyball players are briefed on their roles in a convoluted plan to exonerate a Croat military officer, Colonel Skoko, from his war crimes indictment. Offered 20,000 Euros to impersonate two of Skoko's ex-officers and supply exculpatory testimony in The Hague, the two reluctantly agree. But their captor/employer isn't being totally honest with them, and a host of complications soon ensue: a Ukrainian sex slave enters the picture, Ante and Dusko have trouble keeping their cover stories straight, and Ante's lack of an identifying scar forces him to come up with ever more elaborate explanations in front of the International War Crimes Tribunal. By turns darkly comic and disturbingly Kafkaesque, Two Players from the Bench eschews the easy path of making the two ancient enemies become fast friends while in captivity. The performances are uniformly stellar, especially Goran Navojec as Ante, the burlier of the two men. With his antic mannerisms and arched eyebrows, he seems at times to be channeling the spirit of John Belushi, and could probably find a lucrative career in U.S. comedy if Croatian cinema proves insufficiently remunerative.Â- Robert Schnakenberg http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/tixSYS/2006/filmguide/event_np_summary.php?EventNumber=1957Director/Screenwriter:Dejan SorakProducer:Ivan MalocaCinematographer:Vjekoslav Vrdoljak, HFSComposer:Mate MatisicArt Director:Mario IvezicFirst Assistant Director:Branka TurkaljCast:Goran Navojec, Borko Peric, Tarik Filipovic, Dora Lipovcan, Rene GjoniÂÂDejan Sorak Born in Croatia in 1954, Dejan Sorak has been writing and directing films since his graduation from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb in 1978. A playwright, theater director, novelist, and recipient of numerous prizes, he has also made Little Train Robbery (1984) and An Officer with a Rose (1987), which was distributed in over 40 countries. Sorak went on to make The Bloodsuckers (1989), The Time of the Warriors (1991), and Garcia (1999). His work has screened at film festivals around the world, including the Montreal, Cairo, Valencia, Munich, Alexandria, and New Delhi Festivals.ÂDejan Sorak's biography in Croatian:Âhttp://www.film.hr/bazafilm_ljud.php?katx=1&ljud_id=204ÂScreenings:- AMC Loews Lincoln Sq 6, Saturday April 29, 8:15pm- Tribeca Cinemas 1, Monday, May1, 6:30pm- Regal Cinemas Battery Park 11, Wednesday, May 3. May, 1:00pm- AMC Loews Village VII 2, Thursday, May 4, 10:30am- AMC Loews 34th Street 12, Friday, May 5, 7:30pmÂOp-ed:Come and support our Croatian talent. To be present on Tribeca Film Festival is not an everyday event. How do you support film? By showing up and spreading the word among your friends, especially those who are related to the entertainment industry. It is our DUTY to help fill all the screenings.ÂNB letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Predavanja Igora Zidica u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4932/1/H-Predavanja-Igora-Zidica-u-New-Yorku.html ÂPredavanja Igora Zidića u New YorkuÂ23 & 27 Travnja 2006NEW YORK, 18. travnja 2006. Hrvatska zupa Sv. Ćirila i Metoda najavljuje predavanja Igora Zidića, predsjednika Matice hrvatske i ravnatelja Moderne galerije u Zagrebu. Predavanja će se odrzati u Hrvatskom centru na Manhattanu. Prvo predavanje pod naslovom Kamo ide Hrvatska? odrzat će se u nedjelju 23. travnja u 12:30 sati a drugo predavanje pod naslovom Hrvatska danas: kultura i hrvatski identitet odrzat će se u sklopu ciklusa Hrvatska kultura četvrtkom u četvrtak 27. travnja u 7:00 sati navečer. Matica hrvatska djeluje od 1842. godine, a najvazniji je i najveći nakladnik knjiga i časopisa u Hrvatskoj. U Sredisnjici i ograncima objavljuje vise od stotinu knjiga svake godine, koje redovito odnose najvaznije hrvatske knjizevne nagrade. Uz dvadesetak redovnih biblioteka značenjem se ističe biblioteka Stoljeća hrvatske knjizevnosti, u kojoj je objavljeno već sedamdesetak naslova. Sredisnjica objavljuje dvotjednik Vijenac, novine za knjizevnost, umjetnost i znanost te knjizevni časopis Kolo i Hrvatsku reviju. Osim izdavačke djelatnosti Matica hrvatska priređuje obilje najrazličitijih kulturnih i znanstvenih manifestacija; predstavljanja knjiga, znanstvene simpozije, okrugle stolove, stručna i znanstvena predavanja i rasprave, koncerte, kazalisne predstave. Pri Sredisnjici djeluje i Galerija Matice hrvatske u kojoj izlazu u prvom redu mlađi umjetnici. Stotinjak postojećih ogranaka Matice hrvatske objavljuje dvadesetak knjizevnih časopisa, među kojima su Dubrovnik, Knjizevna revija, Dometi, Zadarska smotra, Riječi...  Moderna galerija u Zagrebu je osnovana 1905. godine. Moderna galerija je nacionalni muzej hrvatske moderne likovne umjetnosti od njezinih početaka u 19. stoljeću. Zadaća je Galerije da pribavlja, čuva i stručno odrzava, sređuje, proučava, znanstvenim metodama obrađuje, izlaze i promiče, te na druge načine i u raznim medijima predstavlja hrvatsku likovnu umjetnost 19. i 20. stoljeća. Osnovni i stalni oblik prezentacije fundusa Moderne galerije jest stalni postav moderne i suvremene hrvatske umjetnosti. Moderna galerija organizira izlozbe s područja moderne i suvremene hrvatske umjetnosti, odnosno recipročne izlozbe umjetnosti istoga razdoblja drugih naroda i zemalja. Moderna galerija priprema stručne i znanstvene kataloge, monografije i druge publikacije. ÂHRVATSKA KATOLIČKA ZUPA SV. ĆIRILA I METODA I SV. RAFAELACardinal Stepinac Place502 W 41st StreetNew York, NY 10036tel. 212.563.3395fax. 212.868.1203Postovani Nenade,u nedjelju 23. travnja nam dolazi Igor Zidic, likovni kriticar, pjesnik, predsjednik Matice hrvatske i ravnatelj Moderne galerije u Zagrebu. On ce odrzati dva predavanja; prvo u nedjelju 23. travnja u Hrvatskom centru na Manhattanu u 12:30 sati za siri krug slusatelja, te drugo predavanje u cetvrtak 27. travnja u Novoj dvorani (ispod crkve) u 7:00 sati navecer. Ovo drugo predavanje ce biti u ciklusu Kultura cetvrtkom za uzi krug slusatelja koji zele cuti nesto o najnovijim zbivanjima u hrvatskoj kulturi i javnom zivotu. Molim te, ako je prikladno, mozes li ovu vijest proslijediti dalje tako da doprije do veceg broja ljudi koji bi rado poslusali ovoga gosta iz Zagreba.Unaprijed hvala.Svako ti dobro.fra Stipe Reniccrkva.nyc@verizon.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Prvi Glas Hrvatske Dijaspore - danas u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4931/1/H-Prvi-Glas-Hrvatske-Dijaspore---danas-u-New-Yorku.html ÂNatjecanje pjevaca amatera za ÂPRVI GLAS HRVATSKE DIJASPORE ÂDanas 23 travnja u New Yorku.Click for details.Klikni za detalje. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Igor Zaninovich appearing on CSI:NY on April 12th 10pm CBS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4935/1/E-Igor-Zaninovich-appearing-on-CSINY-on-April-12th-10pm-CBS.html ÂIgor Zaninovich appearing on CSI:NY on April 12th 10pm CBSÂIgor ZaninovichÂHello-I am John Paizis, the Founder & Director of Performing Arts Studio West, a full time facility here in L.A. that works specifically with performers with developmental disabilities. The studio offers classes five days a week, year round in acting, voice, music and dance. Over the past eight years we have produced three original musical comedies, a feature film and numerous seasonal productions. Our talent management department has been responsible for helping our clients book over 400 roles in film, television, commercials and music videos. We also provide on-set support for all our talent. Igor is one of two of our actors who will be appearing on CSI:NY on Wednesday April 12th (10pm CBS). Igor's involvement with the show came about after an audition for another role on the show. The casting director booked that role with our other actor, Patrick Cooper. But the writer and director were so impressed with Igor, that they wrote another part into the episode specifically for him. The episode was shot on March 1st.PASW works diligently on a daily basis to reshape the the industry's perception of performers with disabilities and what their talents can bring to film and television projects. While changing the thinking of the industry's writers, directors, producers, and casting directors we are more importantly changing the lives of our clients.Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about the studio.John PaizisPASW Director310. 674.1346 ext. 201paizisjohn@earthlink.net www.pastudiowest.com op-edWe are proud of you Igor and ...congratulations. If you have time to watch this show on Wednesday April 12th and you like Igor's acting...send your compliments to Igor through his mother Ina Zec to inazec17@aol.com . Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) I MISS COMMUNISM in BOSTON http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4943/1/E-I-MISS-COMMUNISM-in-BOSTON.html ÂI MISS COMMUNISM - One Woman Show by Ines WurthNOMINATED:Amnesty International AwardWriter's Guild AwardCritics choice in Edinburgh 2005DON'T MISS! ONLY 3 MORE SHOWS IN THE STATES BEFORE A BIG EUROPEANTOUR!If you are in Boston at the end of the month or haveany friends in Boston please send them over. We'lltreat them well!http://www.jtoffbroadway.com/ The next shows after that AND THE LAST ONES IN THE USAare April 13-14th at Highways Performance Space, LosAngeles.For more info, tickets or contact please visit:http://www.highwaysperformance.org/ And for more on the European tour you can visit:http://imisscommunism.com East goes West; communism goes capitalism; atheismgoes God. From Croatia to America and back, thisintense dramatic comedy solo show is about 3 women, 3generations who lived through 3 wars, 3 concentrationcamps, 3 governments, 3 countries and 3 currencies.The story is about freedom of the spirit not thepolitical systems. It's about a woman coming of age.It's about war, religion and God. It's about OliverTwist. Through music, tears and great comic timingthis story can't leave you untouched.Inesimisscommunism.com 818 760 2411 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Naive Art at Kellusion Art Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4937/1/E-Croatian-Naive-Art-at-Kellusion-Art-Gallery-in-St-Petersburg-Florida.html ÂCroatian Naive Art Previews at Kellusion Art GalleryÂin St. Petersburg, FloridaÂIvan AndrasicKellusion Art Gallery will host a grand opening celebration on April 8th from 5-9pm at their new location at 538 Central AvenueÂGood morning. Thank you for responding to my press release. I would greatly appreciate your passing my release on to your audience. The entire collection of art is approximately 200 pieces of extraordinary work that is going to be presented as part of a museum and gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida. The artists are working with gallery owner, Jim Nannen to bring these original, quality pieces to the US.A growing cultural storm is moving into St. Petersburg, with international artwork never before available in the United States.St. Petersburg, FloridaMarch 15, 2006ÂKellusion Art Gallery will host a grand opening celebration on April 8th from 5-9pm at their new location at 538 Central Avenue. The gallery will feature two pieces of Croatian Naive Art as a sneak preview to the first public retail exhibit in May, 2006. "We have been fortunate to be part of the recent growth here in St. Petersburg," says gallery owner, Tom Kelly, "and excited to have two magnificent pieces of art to showcase." Kellusion will present, Ivan Andrasicâs "Fisherman" and Ivica Fisterâs "Butterfly" along with fine art photographs and paintings by Tom Kelly. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 11am â 7pm. For information about the Croatian NaÃve Art collection, as well as the upcoming May event information, contact Maggie Kelly at 727-820-9598 or by email at info@kellusion.com .Thank you again for your interest and assistance.Maggie KellyKELLUSION ART GALLERY538 Central AvenueSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-820-9598727-820-9598www.kellusion.com www.artbodyphoto.com mbarba@tampabay.rr.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) James Bond Film to Feature Croatian Actress http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4941/1/E-James-Bond-Film-to-Feature-Croatian-Actress.html ÂJames Bond Film to Feature Croatian ActressÂZAGREB, Croatia, March 14, 2006 – Even though it has beendecided that Goran ViÅnjic will not be the new James Bond,an actress with Croatian roots, Ivana Milicevic, has secured arole in the latest Bond movie, 'Casino Royale,' opening laterthis year. Ivana, who has since 1983 lived in the U.S. with herfamily, will play the role of Valenka, wife of the bodyguard ofthe main villain in the film. The Croatian actress started hercareer as a model, subsequently turning to acting andappearing in popular TV shows such as Seinfeld, Felicity andBuffy, but also in films Vanilla Sky, Jerry Maguire andResident Evil. Ivana may not be a new Bond girl – this honorwent to Eva Green – but her appearance in 'Casino Royale'is definitely one big step forward for her career. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Diversity in unity - written by Anita Brkanic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4944/1/E-Diversity-in-unity---written-by-Anita-Brkanic.html ÂDiversity in unityMerlin International Theater celebrates EU accession with a series of mini festivals Âwritten by Anita Brkanic Cultural exchange plays a vital role in getting to know our fellow nations. Aiming to build up a sense of community in the countries awaiting EU accession in 2004, Merlin International Theater in Budapest will attempt to introduce the cultural life as well as the long-established and new values of the 9 nations that enter the Union together with Hungary in May this year. Entitled “BeugrÃ,” the festival promotes international co-operation and friendship through theater, dance, music performances, literary readings, and gastronomy. The aspiration is to give a portrayal of all newly joining countries with the assistance of regional cultural institutes. Apart from that, the purpose of the program series is to boost the realization of the international partnership proclaimed by the Community. Therefore, the festival does not only wish to satisfy the curiosity of Hungarian audiences, but aims at developing a long-term exchange of ideas between the countries presented. The event series are expected to start in January 2004 and will last until May1, 2004, with a large-scale party planned for April 30 and May 1, 2004 with the purpose of celebrating EU accession. Performances will be presented in their original native language with English subtitles, while other programs will be simultaneously translated to English.At a press conference held on December 9, 2004 Budapest Mayor Gabor Demszky pointed out that “knowing a culture of a country helps understanding its people,” adding that Merlin will be the perfect host for these cultural events. As Jurgen Koppen, Head of the European Union Delegation to Hungary, put it, “In Europe we have diversity in unity.” Some future events planned by the Merlin International Theater include producing brochures, CDs, and videos about all the participants and their productions, as well as developing an interactive website for the event series. “This is another step to bring the new EU reality to citizens of Hungary and the citizens of other countries of Europe,” said Koppen.Schedule dates for the presentation of the countries: mini-festivals organized on weekends 15-18 January Czech Republic 29 January -1 February Slovakia 12-15 February Slovenia 26-29 February Poland 11-14 March Estonia 25-28. March Latvia 1-4 April Lithuania 15-18 April Malta- Cyprushttp://www.budapestweek.com/newsites/performance/performance20.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Iranian Women Directors News Conference in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4942/1/E-Iranian-Women-Directors-News-Conference-in-Croatia.html ÂIranian Women Directors News Conference in CroatiaISNA - Tehran Service: Culture - CinemaTehran, Mar.18 (ISNA)-A News conference with the participation of Iranian women directors, Pouran Derakhshandeh, Ferial Behzad and Aniseh Shah Hosseini was held in Zagreb's U.N Human Rights office by "Yasminka Petre", through the cooperation of Iran and Croatia's Friendship Association. "In Iran, women work side by side of men, which documentary and film producing can be named as one of these shared activities," said Yasminka Petre. "Iranian films are not unfamiliar to Croatians. Croatians have watched Iranian films for many years. Croatia has complete cooperation with all artists in Iran," he said."Zagreb is well known for making children films and cartoons, but can we expect Iran and Croatia to cooperate in making children films?" said Petre while addressing Iranian film makers in this news conference. Pouran Derakhshandeh while responding to Petre's question said that not only in Iran but all over the world, the most films were made for children. "It is best to merge Croatian experience on children films with the love to produce children films' in Iran and to extent our cooperation. Iran's T.V will support this plan too," she said. Ferial Behzad said it would be better that films produced in Iran were made to be broadcasted by Croatian T.V. http://www.isna.ir/Main/NewsView.aspx?ID=News-687561&Lang=E  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Korijeni - List domovinske i iseljene Hrvatske http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4940/1/E-Korijeni---List-domovinske-i-iseljene-Hrvatske.html ÂKorijeniList domovinske i iseljene Hrvatske letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Mario Perestegi in Concert - USA Tour 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4939/1/E-Mario-Perestegi-in-Concert---USA-Tour-2006.html ÂMARIO PERESTEGI USA TOURÂÂUSA TOURWashington D.C., March 25thWilliamsburg, March 28thNew York, March 29thBoston, March 31stChicago, April 2ndÂBorn in Zagreb in 1971, MARIO PERESTEGI studied organ under ProfessorAndrija Galun and church music at the Institute for Church Music inZagreb with Professor Andjelko Klobucar. He then completed a Master'sDegree in organ performance at the Music Academy in Ljubljana,Slovenia, in the class of Professor Hubert Bergant. Later, heperfected his interpretation of French organ music under the tutelageof the famous Parisian organist Marie-Claire Alain. Since 1996 he hasbeen an Assistant Professor at the Zagreb University, where heteaches Aesthetics of Music and Organ Literature and at the MusicAcademy in Ljubljana he lectures on organ literature.Mr. Perestigi's concerts contain works for organ that were composedduring the Baroque period, as well as contemporary 20th centuryworks. His special interest lies in new compositions by modernCroatian composers. In addition to more than 200 solo concerts, heregularly performs as a chamber musician, giving concerts withsingers, trumpeters and violinists. He has performed many times as asoloist with orchestras performing the works of Handel, Haydn, Bossiand Poulenc. Perestigi is a frequent guest of music festivals such asthe Po Organ Evenings, Split Summer Festival, Evening at St. Donat,and Rab Evenings. Beyond Croatia, he often performs throughoutEurope: Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany andLatvia. And in 2005, Mr.Perestigi toured Austrialia giving concertsat Sydney Cathedral, Melbourne Cathedral and Canberra Concert Hall.Organ RecitalMarch 25th, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.Saint Patrick's Church619 Tenth St. NWWashington D.C. 20001CONCERT PROGRAMJ. Bajamonti (1744-1800) Sonata for organAllegro – Adagio -AllegroJ. S. Bach (1685-1750) Concert in G-majorBWV 592Allegro – Adagio –AllegroC. Franck (1822-1890) Choral in a-minorF. Peters (1903-1986) Herr Jesus hat einGÃrtchen(Choral I, II, III,IV variation, Finale)Anonimus (Klanjec, 17th cen.) Sonata for organAllegro – Andante –AllegroA. Klobuc;ar (1931*) ÂThe Song ofCreatures of St. FrancisÂMoon and Stars / FireFranjo Dugan (1874-1948) Toccata in g-minorUSA TOURWashington D.C., March 25thWilliamsburg, March 28thNew York, March 29thBoston, March 31stChicago, April 2nd letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New Croatian Films @ Silver Lake Film Festival in Hollywood http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4938/1/E-New-Croatian-Films--Silver-Lake-Film-Festival-in-Hollywood.html ÂNew Croatian Films @ Silver Lake Film Festival in HollywoodDear Friends:For the first time Croatian cinema, will be presented as a curatedprogram and part of another festival. All films will be screened atthe Arc Light theatres during the Silver Lake Film Festival inHollywood. Please check www.silverlakefilmfestival.org for more details. Tickets go on sale Monday March 20.NEW CROATIAN FILM PROGRAMCurator: Ziggy MrkichPresented by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia &The Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia, Los AngelesWe are pleased to present New Croatian Film at the Silver Lake FilmFestival, a selection of six recent award-winning films (all withEnglish subtitles) by filmmakers of various generations, styles andmotivations. Deeply rooted in its national literature, Croatian filmsare an integral part of the Central European style and artisticexpression, in which life, and primarily family life, is portrayedrealistically without sugar-coating, sky-high budgets, and forcedaction.WHAT IVA RECORDED ON OCTOBER 21, 2003/Sto je Iva Snimila 21, Listopada2003 (US Premiere)Fri., March 24, 9:30 pm(Croatia, 2005, 92mins.)Director: Tomislav Radic; Screenwrwiters: Ognjen Svilicic, TomislavRadic Proclaimed by the Croatian Film Critics Association as the Best CroatianFilm of 2005, a teenaged girl receives a digital video camera for her14th birthday and decides to film her birthday party, while herstepfather is using the party as an opportunity to negotiate with apossible new business partner. Events begin to spin wildly out ofcontrol, as her family and guest begin drinking and arguing, while thecamera complacently records their antics. SORRY FOR KUNG FU/ Oprosti za King Fu (Los Angeles Premiere)Sun., March 26, 9:30 pm(Croatia, 2004, 71mins.)Director: Ognjen Svilicic; Screenwriter: Ognjen Svilicic; Producer: Vesna MortWinner of the Grand Prix at the Warsaw International Film Festival, thiscomedy examines the cultural divide: Returning to Croatia after a longabsence in Germany unmarried and pregnant Mirjana must face hertraditional family and the rumors surrounding her circumstances. Circumstances get very complicated when Mirjana gives a birth to a boywith Asian features.WHAT IS A MAN WITHOUT A MOUSTACHE?/Sto je Muskarac bez Brkova(U.S. Premiere)Wed., March 29, 8:15 pm(Croatia, 2005, 109 mins.)Director: Hrvoje Hribar; Screenwriters: Renato Baretic, Hrvoje Hribar;Producers: Hrvoje Hribar, Mirko GalicAn international hit and winner of the Audience Award at the 2005 ZagrebFilm Festival. A romantic comedy about a young widow, an agingimmigrant who has returned home from Germany, and a priest from abankrupt parish with whom she falls in love, all of whom are strugglingto come to terms with the post-war environment, complete with itsprejudices and illusions.LONG DARK NIGHT/Duga Mracna NocSun., March 26, 1:30 pm, reception to follow with Goran Visnjic(Croatia, 2004, 195 mins.)Director/Screenwriter: Antun Vrdoljak Producers: Antun Vrdoljak, GoranVisnjic, Jadran Film, Mirko GaliCroatia's official submission for the 2005 Academy Awards for BestForeign-Language Film, LONG DARK NIGHT is an emotional portrait of anentire country caught in the devastation of WWII, and the consequencesbrought onto one small village of Croatians of German ethnic backgroundduring the 1940's â 1950's. Iva (Goran Visnjic), a college studentdevoted to his family and friends, finds himself forced to fight withthe communist partisans when war erupts and his best friend, Mata, endsup fighting on the opposite side with the Nazi-allied Ustasha. The pathof these two former friends âboth troubled by their respective choices â mirrors the complex anddifficult transformation of Croatia during that time.A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT/Ta Divna Splitska NocMon., March 27, 7:45 pm(Croatia, 2004, 100mins.)Director/Screenwriter: Arsen-Anton Ostojic; Producer: Jozo PatljakCroatia's official submission for the 2006 Academy Awards for BestForeign-Language Film. It's New Year's Eve on the narrow cobblestonedstreets of the ancient port town of Split on Croatia's Adriatic Coastand everyone's up for a celebration. Stylishly shot in black and whiteand constructed around three very human stories, Ostojic's debut featurefollows a smalltime drug dealer involved with a war widow and her son, ayoung female junkie in crisis mode and a depressed American sailor, anda teenage couple. Shot entirely in the hauntingly beautiful Ghetto ofSplit, these three love stories unfold, and each character will haveirreversibly changed hir or her life by the stroke of midnight.WITNESSES/SvjedociThu., March 30, 5:45 pm(Croatia, 2003, 90mins.)Director/Screenwriter: Vinko Bresan; Producer: Ivan MalocaWinner of the Special Jury Prize at the Medfilm Festival Roma, Peaceand Ecumenical Film Award at the Berlin Film Festival and many otherprices at the festivals around the world. In a small Croatian towndefending itself against the Serb army, this story unfolds from anumber of different view points.A grieving wife and mother mourns the death of her husband, while heryoung son murders a Serbian man in his home. The woman's other sonsuffers from a war wound, while his girlfriend conducts aninvestigation into the Serbian man's death. Bresan's political dramaexplores ethnic hatred and moral ambiguity against the backdrop of war. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ziggy MrkichDubrovnik International Film Festivalwww.DUBROVNIKfilmfestival.comMay 31, - June 4, 2006Croatia letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Pixeltown in your town Book Signing by Marija Miletic Dail http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4936/1/EH-Pixeltown-in-your-town-Book-Signing-by-Marija-Miletic-Dail.html ÂPixletown "book signing" 8-og travnja 2006 u San PedruPixletown "book signing" April 8th 2006 in San PedroÂÂMarija Miletic Dail will have her "Pixletown- the World Found" book signing at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 7th street in San Pedro - on the 8th of April at 4 PM. She will talk about the book as well as about her career as an animator, director and producer of animation in all of the major studios in Hollywood. The book will be sold at half the price at the signing. Snack and refreshments will be served. All are welcome!ÂMarija Miletic Dail ce imati "book signing" 8-og travnja u Hrv. Kult. Centru u San Pedru u 4 PM sa zakuskom i picem.Knjiga se zove "Pixletown - the World Found". Moze je se kupiti preko Amazon.com i u Borders book stores, no ja cu je imati u San Pedru u pola cijene, ali to je samo za vrijeme potpisivanja. Ja inace ne prodajem knjigu, vec knjizare i Amazon.com. Pokazivat cemo par mojih kratkih filmica ;"Red rock" i "Kolo", a mozda i "Why not?".Why not?ÂSvi su dobro dosli, dapace neka nas dodje sto vise. Imam jos jednu vijest: Ako Bog da, na ljeto cu otici u Europu rezirati 78 kratkih filmova za Slovensko/francusku produkciju; sa boravkom u Parizu, te Ljubljani i Zagrebu. Trajat ce blizu dvije godine. To je za sada sve - hvala Ti na usluzi.Drz se, Nenade i pozdrav od Marije Miletic DailÂOrder directly from Amazon, by clicking below:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1413776361/104-0752846-5715941?v=glance&n=283155  Editorial Reviews Book Description Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Marija studied art and worked as an illustrator for the daily newspapers, while still in high school. Her animation career had its beginning at the “Zagreb Film” studio, which “infected” her with enough enthusiasm to last her a lifetime. Daughters Mirna and Vera, the “apples of her eye”, provided her with six beautiful grandchildren and enough stories for another lifetime. Marija spends her time between Carmel Valley and Zagreb, with her artist husband Dr. Sukhdev Singh Dail. “There is nothing new under the sun” has been quoted thousands of times in the centuries past. However, there was something “new” on the horizon, just waiting to be “discovered,” or simply, brought into the light. Such is the case in the story of Pixletown, where a whole world existed, and even thrived, undiscovered for eons, until this century, when the vehicle had been invented to bring it to our attention. That vehicle was the computer. ÂMarija Miletic Dailwww.marijamileticdail.com/ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0587286/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Odlomci iz knjige Kostelici - Cijela istina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4946/1/H-Odlomci-iz-knjige-Kostelici---Cijela-istina.html ÂOdlomci iz knjige Kostelici - Cijela istinaKupite knjigu Online:http://www.tomislavbirtic.com/ Poglavnik je vec pobjegao iz domovine, ostaci ustasake vlasti su na radiju pozivale gradjanstvo da mirno doceka jugoslavensku vojsku, a Bobanovi legionari su zaprijetili da ce sve vojno sposobne musakarce koji se odbiju povlaciti prema Austriji, a oni ih pronadju, ubiti. U noci sa 7. na 8. svibnja 1945. Zagrebom se sirila vijest da lubiricevci kolju po gradu; nakon cetiri godine aritmije uzbuna i preduzbuna, bijede u kojoj se aristokracija od puka razlikovala josa samo po obrazovanju, manirima i nekretninama, otac Ante Kostelica morao je donijeti najvazniju odluku u dotadasanjem zivotu.Otac Ante Kostelica bio je zeljeznicar, tramvajac. U ratu je bio domobran, ali je procijenio da ga, ostane li u Zagrebu, partizani nece strijeljati. Nije bio gorljivi pobornik palog rezima, nego je zeljeznicarima i tramvajcima Endehazija nametnula radnu obvezu. Povrh toga, otac Ante Kostelica, ciji je jedan od jedanaestoro brace bio banski savjetnik (rang ministra!), bio je fakultetski obrazovan covjek, pa je imao i dodatni razlog za vjeru da ga partizani nece ubiti: nova vlast jednostavno nema strucnog kadra, potreban je.U posvemasanjem kaosu nastalom ulaskom partizana u Zagreb, oni koji su se u Zagrebu zatekli razlicito su prolazili. Opcenito, partizani se nisu okomili na ljude koji su ostali u gradu. Oni koji su napustili Zagreb stradali su na Bleiburgu i kriznom putu, stradali su i mnogi koji su odlucili ostati, ali, u danima bez pravila jedno je pravilo ipak postojalo: vazno je bilo biti poznat. Umjetnik, sportasa, trgovac... ali poznat, trebalo je imati vezu, biti potreban.Ante Kostelic malo prica o prvim poratnim danima, no rekao mi je da se u njihovoj kuci nikad nije govorilo "oslobodjenje", nego "prevrat", te da mu partizani nisu dirali oca. Otac je nastavio raditi u ZET-u kao komercijalni direktor, a u vremenu kad se glava doista lako gubila, jos lakse dospijevalo u zatvor, jedina neugoda koju je obitelj Kostelic morala izdrzati bilo je nametnuto useljenje mlade skojevke. Zagreb je 1939. godine imao sto i osamdeset tisuca stanovnika, za vrijeme Endehazije grad je narastao na dvjesto i pedeset tisuca, uglavnom Bosanaca i Hercegovaca, a nakon 1945. napucavanje je nastavljeno. Problem stanovanja nova je vlast rjesavala prisilno useljavajuci dosaljake starosjediocima, otuda i neugodno Kostelicevo sjecanje na rigidnu partijku sto nikad nije nosila nista osim sivomaslinaste uniforme, a o opasacu je stalno imala okacene dvije rucne bombe.Kostelic je bio opcinjen svojim djedom, vlasnikom jedne od tri najvece privatne biblioteke u Hrvatskoj, s dvadesetak tisuca knjiga. Cesto je odlazio djedu u Split, cemu se silno veselio: beskonacnom promatranju geografskih karata sto ih je djed crtao iz hobija, djedovim povijesnim pricama i knjigama; samo je majku, o kojoj i danas cesto govori, volio i postovao koliko i djeda... I, djed ga nije, poput oca, opterecivao za djecju dob preteskom literaturom, poput Dantea.- Ja sam se protiv toga pobunio! I zato sam izabrao sport! kaze Ante Kostelic.Kad smo se sastali da mu obrazlozim kakvu knjigu pisem, iskoristio sam priliku i zamolio Kostelica da mi podrobnije prica o razlozima, ili bar onome sto on smatra razlozima zbog kojih mu je sport bio toliko privlacan. Stovise, pitao sam ga je li to mozda zbog toga sato je odrastao u vremenu kad su mnoge vrijednosti duboko ukorijenjene u njegovo obiteljsko naslijedje obrazovanje, strani jezici, latinski, maniri, bonton, pohadjanje glazbene sakole, ukratko ono sto se naziva beckom skolom bile doslovce anatemizirane. Pitao sam ga, eksplicitno, je li u sport pobjegao jer nije mogao podnijeti "tesaku knjigu", ili zato sato nije mogao podnijeti sadisticko obrusaavanje svih onih sato su nazlili Zagreb na sve suptilnije od parola i koracnica. Kostelic je rekao samo da je obozavao pikulanje, da su ga fascinirale te saarene kuglice u svim mogucim bojama (majka ga je grdila jer su mu ruke zbog pikulanja stalno bile prljave), pa je promjena teme, pojacana neverbalnom komunikacijom izraz lica je odavao da mu tema definitivno nije draga bila odgovor kojim sam z morao zadovoljiti.No, jedno je sigurno: sport je bio cisto gradjanska stvar, oaza duha koji bi z, da nije bilo dva prevrata, nesmetano razvijao, a ovako z negdje morao skloniti. U kaosu cije ce prevodjenje u kakvo-takvo uredjeno drusatvo potrajati godinama postojao je otocic za djecu omrazenih pripadnika negdasanje gradjanske klase, sport. Radosna, nasmijana, raspolozena Janica Kostelic sjela je na zadnje jedisate dzipa Chevrolet. Vozio je otac, na suvozackom mjestu je bio doktor Zeljko '8aucur. "Odvrnuli" su Olivera do daske i povremeno pjevali glasnije od zvuka koji je dopirao iz zvucnika. Prema stazi na kojoj ce z za koji sat voziti slalomske utrke za kombinaciju Janica je krenula kao da nakon pobjede vozi prema hotelu, kao da je vec pobijedila. Imala je neobican sjaj u ocima...Neprekidno je bila ozlijedjena, propustila je bazne pripreme. Nitko nije mnogo ocekivao, ali apetiti su porasli nakon izvrsne voznje kombinacijskog slaloma. Na suhom snijegu, koji pozbno pogoduje tehnicki superiornima.Ante Kostelic je, u ciljnoj areni spusta, u dzepu jakne imao malu drvenu olovku i na komadu papira je racunao Janicine izglede. Prvo za osvajanje bilo kakve medalje, a potom za trijumf. Pokusaavao je procijeniti koje ce joj vrijeme biti dovoljno. - Necu izazivati Boga, ali mogli bismo osvojiti medalju mrmljao je Ante Kostelic.Promjene Gipsovog raspolozenja su bile uzasne. Kad je do Janicinog nastupa ostalo samo cetiri ili pet natjecateljica, rekao je '8aucuru, koji je cijelo vrijeme stajao uz njega: "Uh... Tesako, tesako bu do medalje, kuzisa, tesako bu do medalje." Kad je, na osnovu Janicine prednosti u slalomu i voznji vecine konkurentica, zakljucio da Janica moze osvojiti medalju, mrmljao je: "Uh, super, medalja! Ali, ne zlatna, zlato ne mre." I, kad je, konacno, Janica dosala na cilj, a Kostelic shvatio da je pobijedila, samo je ponavljao: "Janica olimpijska pobjednica, Janica olimpijska pobjednica, Janica olimpijska pobjednica." - za ne vjerovati, u vremenu izmedju ulaska u cilj natjecateljice koja je vozila prije Janice, i Janicinog starta, on je tom olovcicom na papiru nabrzinu izracunao koje vrijeme joj je dostatno za zlatnu medalju sjeca z '8aucur najdramaticnijih trenutaka u dotadasanjem zivotu Janicinog tate-trenera.Nakon slalomske utrke za kombinaciju clanica Organizacijskog odbora Igara, Fransoiz zweifel, prisla je Antunu Vrdoljaku i pitala ga je ostaje li i dalje pri zelji da dodijeli medalje bas u toj disciplini. U Medjunarodnom olimpijskom odboru nastoje predstavnicima nacionalnih odbora darovati zadovoljstvo da basa oni dodjeljuju zlatne medalje reprezentativcima svojih zemalja, a zweifelova je, smatrajuci da Janica nece izdrzati kombinacijski spust, a ima sjajne sanse u slalomu, Vrdoljaku savjetovala da z predbiljezi za drugu disciplinu. Nazvala ga je u hotelsku sobu i zamolila ga da navrati u njen ured, te mu je rekla: "Ante, ona ce vjerojatno osvojiti medalju u slalomu. U kombinaciji, tesako."Vrdoljak je, pak, bio siguran da ce Janica trijumfirati u kombinaciji, racunao je na Janicinu svjezinu na pocetku Igara, a ionako je zbog drugih poslova morao otputovati iz Salt Lake Cityja, pa je inzistirao da ga se uvrsti u protokol dodjele medalja za kombinaciju.Prema protokolu, organizatori su Janicu preuzeli u hotelu i vec je u ranim popodnevnim satima, otprilike tri sata prije svecanosti, oko cetiri popodne, sluzbenim automobilom odvezli u grad, gdje z imala odrzati dodjela medalja. I, dok su nju pripremali za ceremoniju, u sjedisatu reprezentacije odvijala z drama: saznavsai od Pavleka da ce medalje dodjeljivati Antun Vrdoljak, Ante Kostelic je odlucio da Janica nece stati na postolje, ne dolazi u obzir da zlatnu medalju primi iz njegovih ruku. Kostelic je bjesnio, nije z mogao smiriti, a kad je stozer saznao da je Vrdoljak teatralno najavio kako ce z uprizoriti u tamnom odijelu i lakiranim cipelama, te z pred cijelim svijetom prikazati kao najveci prijatelj obitelji, napetost je bila na vrhuncu. Samo su sigurnosne mjere stajale izmedju njega i cina povlacenja Janice iz protokola. zbog straha od terorizma samo su najavljene osobe mogle proci kontrolne tocke, a Kosteli!c nije bio na protokolovom popisu...- Ne mozesa to uciniti, Gips. To je skandal. Prva zlatna olimpijska medalja. smirivao ga je Pavlek.Medjutim, od dana kad z Marica uplakana vratila sa sastanka s Vrdoljakom, na kojem je pokusaala ishoditi da HOO, za potrebe trenaznog procesa, tijekom Igara u Naganu financira boravak blizu staze, a ne u Olimpijskom zlu, Ante Kostelic ne zeli cuti za njega. - Cuj, ne radi se tu o Anti Kostelici i Antunu Vrdoljaku, radi se o Hrvatskoj, covjece. Svi reflektori svijeta su uprti u tebe, necesa valjda sad napraviti svinjariju?! Tko ce shvatiti te vasae intrige? zamisli kakav cesa skandal izazvati kad sve svjetske novine objave: Hrvatica nije primila medalju! apelirao je '8aucur.- Ne! Ne, ne... Ja znam sato je on o meni rekao, ne moze to tako nije se dao Kostelic.Svi okupljeni u dnevnoj sobi reprezentacije, dakle cijeli stozer reprezentacije plus ljudi iz Hrvatskog olimpijskog odbora, znali su da agresivnim pristupom prema Kostelicu nece postici nisata drugo osim kontraefekta, pa su ga takticno nastojali odobrovoljiti. Poceo se smeksaavati kad je shvatio da nema nacina promijeniti uglednika koji ce dodijeliti medalje.S najljepsaima osmijehom na svijetu Janica je primila zlatnu medalju, od Vrdoljaka.Na skijalisata, u osvajanje srebrne u superveleslalomu, te zlatnih u slalomu i veleslalomu, vozila se u istoj "ekipi". Slusaala je i pjevala jednog te istog Olivera.Kupite knjigu Online:http://www.tomislavbirtic.com/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 10 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Passion to Skate - Sandra Bezic Story http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4947/1/E-The-Passion-to-Skate---Sandra-Bezic-Story.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORKThe Passion to Skate - Sandra Bezic StoryIn honor of the Turin Olympics, we wish we had a book in English about Janica Kostelic, the most decorated woman in Olympic Alpine skiing history.www.janica.croski.hr Our next ‘book of the month’ is The Passion to Skate: an Intimate View of Figure Skating by Sandra Bezic. Written by a competitive skater, choreographer, director and producer Sandra Bezic, five time Canadian pairs champion & Olympic competitor, this volume offers insight into philosophies and appreciation of the sport. Bezic quote: “The dream begins the first time you feel your blades cutting across the hard, cold surface and discover the effortless motion of gliding. The first time you find yourself believing, if only for a few moments, that you are the most graceful or the most powerful person in the world.”At the Turin Olympics, Bezic was an NBC commentator. The Passion to Skate: an Intimate View of Figure Skating and other Croatian books are available at www.amazon.com for as little as .87 cents and up. Meeting place: Croatian Cultural CenterAddress: 502 West 41st Street, New York, NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, April 19th, 2006 at 6 p.m.Next book selection: the Passion to Skate: an Intimate View of Figure Skating by Sandra BezicPlease read the book in advance.A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.Each month, the facilitator will choose a “book of the month” that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:* The Stone Fields by Courtney Angela Brkic* Infidelities – stories of War and Lust by Josip Novakovic* How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed by Slavenka Drakulic* Neither Red nor Dead by Stevo Julius* The Museum of Unconditional Surrender by Dubravka Ugresic* The Banquet in Blitva by Miroslav Krleza* The Bridge to Dalmatia – Search for the Meaning of Place by Francis Violich* Delightful Dalmatia by Alice Lee Moque * The Turk and My Mother by Mary Helen Stefaniak* Sarajevo Marlboro by Miljenko Jergovic * Croatian Tales of Long Ago by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic* Anna Marinkovich by Edward Ifkovic * Carrying the Farm on Her Back-A portrait of Women in a Village by Eva Skold Westerlind* Healing the Heart of Croatia by Joseph Kerrigan* Goodby Dear Old Homeland by Yasna Sikic Hood* American Dream - a Guy from Croatia by Boris Miksic* Thorn Lace – Mojmir – A Migrant’s Lot by Ina Vukic* Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration Mike Celizic * The Labyrinth by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com * You’re Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice by Bill Rancic* Lovers and Madmen – a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy by Julienne Eden Busic * Fix Our United States by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net * Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War by Eve Ensler* www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden* The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric* Don’t Call Me Rosie by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com * Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com * A Single Step by Heather Mills McCartney (chapters on Croatia) * Can You Hear Me Screaming? by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com * First Service by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com * Celestial Dancer by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich * Letters to My Daughters by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich) * Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered Country by Tony Fabijancic * The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skating by Sandra Bezic* Return with Honor by Scott O’Grady * Pixletown: The World Found by Marija Miletic Dail * The Survival League by Gordan Nuhanovic* Tesla: Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney* Zagreb, Exit South by Edo Popovic* American Scream & Palindrome Apocalypse by Dubravka Oraic Tolic* King of the Confessors by Thomas Hoving* Mother’s Memoirs – Lucy Majnaric Marincel by Emily Marincel Amberg* The Education of a Coach by David Halberstam re: Bill & Steve Belichick * Zinka Milanov and Flora Tosca: Art, Love, and Politics by Bruce Burroughs* Inlaid Pearl by Stacie G. Vesolich * Bogdan Radica – out of printMost of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com and other discount bookstores.Book Club discussion questions and topics: What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader? Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know? What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?  How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes? In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author’s world view? Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before? What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book? How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic? Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this? If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias? How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Facilitator:Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild. Her essays, “Father’s Funeral” www.quietmountainessays.org/Tepesh and “Babin Kuk” were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays. “Yearning for Freedom in a Land of the Free” at http://freeriverpress.org/Tepesh.htm Free River Press. A short story, “Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatia” at CROWNwww.CroatianWorld.net . “Kolo Danced by Hundreds in New York City”www.puredance.org/pressNada.html ; “Josip Novakovich - Infidelities – Stories of War and Lust”www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/folder/tepesh_280905.htm Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985.**** letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) MATICA ISELJENIKA PREPORUCUJE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4945/1/HE-MATICA-ISELJENIKA-PREPORUCUJE.html Â2006 u HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA PREPORUCUJECROATIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION PRESENTS LA FUNDACIÃN PARA LA EMIGRACIÃN CROATA RECOMIENDAÂ1. RADIONICA NAIVNOG SLIKARSTVA, JAGNJEDOVEC, PODRAVINAHrvatska matica iseljenika & Galerijska zbirka Josipa Cugovcana, Podravske Sesvete & Sunny Village/Etno selo, JagnjedovecVrijeme odvijanja: 18.- 25. lipnja/radionica namijenjena osobama iznad 17 godina 2. WORLD MUSIC: ETNO-GLAZBENA RADIONICA – GLAZBA ISTRE, GROZNJANHrvatska matica iseljenika & Hrvatska glazbena mladez & Institut za etnologiju i folkloristikuVrijeme odvijanja: 8. – 16. srpnja/radionica namijenjena osobama iznad 17 godinaZa sve podrobnije upute i informacije, javite se: HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA, Trg Stjepana Radica 3, 10 000 Zagreb, tel: 385 1 61 15 116, fax: 385 1 61 11 522, e-mail:melita@matis.hr,Âwww.matis.hr2006 u HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA PREPORUCUJE CROATIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION PRESENTS LA FUNDACIÃN PARA LA EMIGRACIÃN CROATA RECOMIENDA1. NAIVE ART PAINTING – WORKSHOP IN JAGNJEDOVEC, PODRAVINACroatian Heritage Foundation & Josip Cugovcan Gallery of Podravske Sesvete &Sunny Village/Ethno Village of JagnjedovecTerm: June 18-25/for adults only 2. WORLD MUSIC: FOLK MUSIC WORKSHOP – MUSIC OF ISTRIA, GROZNJAN Croatian Heritage Foundation, & Jeunesses Musicales Croatia & Ethnology and Folklore Institute Term: July 8 – 16/for adults onlyFor further information, please contact: HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA, Trg Stjepana Radica 3, 10 000 Zagreb, tel. 385 1 61 15 116, fax: 385 1 61 11 522, e-mail:melita@matis.hr,Âwww.matis.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ivana Kunc, Soprano in Concert on Dec 9th 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4948/1/E-Ivana-Kunc-Soprano-in-Concert-on-Dec-9th-2006.html Ivana Kunc in concert at Carnegie Hall   Ivana Kunc, soprano, will perform a concert of her father, Bozidar Kunc's songs on Saturday, December 9th, 2006 at 2:00 PM, at Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall). Ms. Kunc will be accompanied by pianist Daniel Ragone. Known for his modern classical style, Croatian composer, Bozidar Kunc, wrote for both English as well as Croatian text. Although Ivana's aunt, soprano Zinka Milanov, has recorded three of Maestro Kunc's pieces, the majority of the material performed at this concert will be a world premiere.We hope that you will join us for this special occasion. For more information, please contact Ivana Kunc at ivanajoy@yahoo.com  Formatted for CROWN by Ivo Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 26 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Famous Croatian Photographer looking for a Book Publisher http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4953/1/E-Famous-Croatian-Photographer-looking-for-a-Book-Publisher.html ÂCroatian Photographer looking for a Book PublisherÂÂMy name is Zoran Orlic, I am a Chicago based music photographer.I have been photographing a band called The Frames for 10 years now, and am very anxious to release a photo book from the library I have accumulated, with hopes to be published this year.The Frames are only second to U2 in their native Ireland. Now is time to publish their first book through my eyes and words.This book must be a high-end finished product similar to:Anton Corbijnâs âU2&Iâ€?: http://www.u2-corbijn.com/start.html Hard cover, coated images, fine paper etcâThe bookâs written portion is finalized and edited, along with important contributing authors from the Chicago music scene. The images are finalized, organized and chaptered. My designers can either complete the design or I can work with a publisherâs designers.More information regarding publicity and book release party information is available upon request. Links to images will also be available to serious candidates.Any leads, ideas or contacts would be greatly appreciated.Cheers and thanks for your time,Zoran OrlicZeroStudio : Photographywww.zerostudio.net 1. 630. 452. 2663Zoran Orlic 2002Synopsis:2006 is the year of The Frames. This is a document of one fan's experience with a band so beloved in its native Ireland that the world will have no choice but to stand up and take notice. Photographer Zoran Orlic traveled to Ireland 10 years ago to meet the then-fledging band after months of playing pen pal with frontman Glen Hansard. Since then Orlic has been allowed unfettered access to the band on tour and in the studio. While traditional concert photos can be taken by anyone with a digital camera and uploaded onto the Internet, Orlic's camera has been the so-called fourth wall in the areas where fans are off limits. Orlic was tour manager for The Frames' first headlining tour of the U.S. in the fall of 2002. With 29 gigs scheduled in 33 days, the band zigzagged the country in a small van with Orlic snapping photos of a serious musical force in action, a road weary band in need of a bed, just being themselves. The connection between The Frames and Chicago was cemented when they recorded "For the Birds" with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio studio. Those sessions yielded a critically acclaimed album and an unbreakable bond with Albini. In never-before-seen photos, readers will see a side of The Frames previously kept under wraps and rare shots of an enigmatic producer in action. Fans have heard the fruits of those recordings and now they will have a chance to see The Frames sweat and bleed their way through the creative process. The Frames returned to Electrical Audio to record part of "Burn the Maps" again with Orlic in tow. Pictures from the early years and personal glimpses provide the book with comedic relief as the lads in turn pose with horn-rimmed glasses and show off their mid-90s fashions. Orlic's anecdotes and memories from these events accompany the photos giving readers a true sense of what life is like as a member of this band. This book will appeal to the same range of people who purchase concert tickets, wearable band merchandise and magazines with The Frames on the cover. It's no secret that The Frames have a fiercely loyal, somewhat obsessive following that travel from county to county to see them perform live. This book not only gives an unadulterated look into the heart of the band, but the soul as well. All of Ireland can get an inside look at The Frames in the States. A must-have addition to any serious Frames fan's collection, this book will also be marketed to the uninitiated curious as to what all the fuss is about. Competition is non-existent since Orlic is the only photographer to cover the band in the U.S. and from an early starting period in the mid-90s. The band is anxious for the public to have a chance to see behind the scenes and is supportive of the endeavor, although they are adamant that this be an independent project.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach na Z1 TV http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4952/1/E-Nenad-Bach-na-Z1-TV.html ÂPromocija Klapske GlazbeÂÂ13. veljaca 06. TV Z1 - video - Nenad Bach na TV Z1 13.09.2005  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Marko Gazic in 'Seven and Counting' band http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4959/1/E-Marko-Gazic-in-Seven-and-Counting-band.html ÂMarko Gazic in 7 & COUTINGYou can visit our website atwww.sevenandcounting.com Album is available for purchase on cdbaby.com/7COUTINGThank you, and I hope you are well these days,Marko Gazicgazic68@hotmail.com NEXT SHOWS - 2006- Friday, february 17th @ The Parlour, 250 West 86th St, $5 cover.- Friday february 24th, @ at Cousin Larry's, Danbury, CT.- Friday, march 10th, @ The Underpass, Elmwood park, NJ, 11:00 pm - Monday, march 13th, @ Crash Mansion, on the lower east side. - Friday, april 14th, @ Kenny's Castaways.- Friday, february 3rd, @ Ace of clubs, (formerly ACME underground)- Friday, january 20th @ Sidewalk; midnight letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hrvatski Jazz u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4957/1/E-Hrvatski-Jazz-u-New-Yorku.html ÂHrvatski Jazz u New Yorkuhttp://www.jazz.hr/ HGM jazz orkestar Zagreb nastupio na konferenciji IAJE u New YorkuHGM jazz orkestar u New Yorku Od 11. do 14. siječnja održana je u New Yorku 33. konferencija Medjunarodne udruge jazz pedagoga (IAJE), koja posljednjih godina vrijedi za najveći i najvažniji svjetski skup jazz glazbenika. Posebni značaj ove konferencije je prvi nastup nekog hrvatskog ansambla u povijesti te organizacije. Naime, HGM jazz orkestar Zagreb je u petak 13.1. u njujorskom hotelu Sheraton, a u sklopu konferencije, održao koncert pod ravnanjem svog sefa dirigenta Sigija Feigla. Gost solist bio je američki trubač John Thomas. HGM Jazz Orkestar Zagreb je bio odlično pripremljen za taj važan nastup, a izvodio je djela koja su mu već odranije na repertoaru, uključujući i skladbe hrvatskih skladatelja Miljenka Prohaske i Antun Tomislava Sabana. Uz Thomasa, kao solisti su se istaknuli i neki članovi orkestra, posebice trombonist Vid Zgajner i trubač Antonio Geček. Unatoč velikom broju vrhunskih koncerata (izmedju ostalih, na ovogodisnjoj konferenciji su nastupili i Chick Corea Trio, Count Basie Big Band, WDR Big Band, Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra), koncert hrvatskog jazz orkestra bio je dobro posjećen, a o iznenadjujućoj kvaliteti njihovog programa najbolje svjedoči činjenica da je na kraju koncerta bilo dvostruko vise slusatelja nego na početku. Uz brojne američke i nekolicinu austrijskih glazbenika, u publici su se zatekli i hrvatski glazbenik nastanjen u New Yorku Nenad Bach, te generalni konzul RH Petar Ljubičić, a ulogu prezentatorice nastupa preuzela je dopredsjednica udruge IAJE Mary Jo Papich, inače ugledan pedagog iz Chicaga hrvatskog podrijetla. Ovim značajnim iskorakom preko "velike bare", možda najvažnijim koncertom od svog osnutka, HGM Jazz orkestar Zagreb jos je jednom dokazao da se polako ali sigurno potvrdjuje kao nezaobilazan ansambl europske scene, čija zanimljivost programa i kvaliteta muziciranja stoje uz bok drugih europskih orkestara koji djeluju već desetljećima. Taj uspjeh postaje jos značajniji u svjetlu činjenice da u Hrvatskoj ne postoji institucionalizirana jazz pedagogija. Antun Tomislav Saban  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) DUBROVNIK FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE LINDJO USA TOUR http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4955/1/E-DUBROVNIK-FOLKLORE-ENSEMBLE-LINDJO-USA-TOUR.html ÂDUBROVNIK FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE LINDJO USA TOURHrvatska Loza i Hrvatski kulturni centar Chicago, organiziraju gostovanje cuvenog folklornog ansambla LINDJO, iz Dubrovnika u Americi. Ansambl postoji vec 40 godina i uvijek je bio u samom vrhu hrvatske kulture. Vise o njima mozete procitati na www.lindjo.hr . Ulaznice su u prodaji. Nazovite sto prije i kupite ulaznice za taj jedinstveni dogadjaj. Koncerti ce se odrzati u Milwaukee, Chicagu, Clevelandu i New Yorku. Croatian Vines (Loza) and Croatian Cultural Center proudly sponsor an US tour of world famous folklore ensemble LINDJO, from Dubrovnik, Croatia. The ensemble has been in existence for 40 years and it has always been at the very top of the Croatian culture. Read more about Lindjo at www.lindjo.hr. Tickets on sale now. Call as soon as possible to secure tickets for this special event. The concerts will take place in Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland and New York. ======================================================== MILWAUKEE CONCERTFederation of Croatian Societies in Milwaukee proudly presents LINDJO on: Friday, February 17, 2006 @ 6:00PM Greenfield High School 4800 S. 60th Greenfield, WisconsinReception to follow at Sacred Heart (49th and Wells)TICKETS AND INFORMATION:$25 Advance, $30 Doorâ$10 kids 10-18 yrs. of age Mirjana Markovic 414-421-0738 or 414-429-5714mmarkovic@elakeside.com Mary Schauer 414-321-8175 Ante Rados 414-541-6031 ==========================================================CHICAGO CONCERT:Croatian Cultural Center Chicago and Croatian Vines proudly present LINDJO on:Saturday, February 18, 2006 @ 6:00PMSt. Scholastica Auditorium, 7416 N. RidgeChicago, IL Reception to follow at Croatian Cultural Center, 2845 W Devon, ChicagoTICKETS AND INFORMATION:$30.00 Advance, $35.00 Door $25.00 Children (12-18). Vesna Praljak 847-520-6386 or 847-477-4950, vpraljak@yahoo.com ; Mare Romanovic 773-624-0337 or 773-914-5020,mmromanovic@sbcglobal.net . ==========================================================CLEVELAND CONCERT:American Croatian Lodge proudly presents Lindjo Thursday, February 23, 2006, at 7:00 PM: The American Croatian Lodge (Cardinal A. Stepinac) 34900 Lakeshore Boulevard Eastlake, OH TICKETS AND INFORMATION:$15.00 Advance, $20 Door, Children (under 12) free Dubrovnik Gardens 440-946-3366Branko Medancic 216-407-6725Mandicaâs Gift Shop 440-897-4013 ========================================================NEW YORK CONCERT:Croatian Center in New York proudly presents Lindjo Saturday, February 25, 2006, at 7:00 PM: Croatian Center (Hrvatski Centar) 502 W. 41st Street New York, NY 10036 TICKETS AND INFORMATION:$30.00, Children (12-18) $20.00 Fr. Ivica Majstorovic 212-563-3395 or 646-322-3395, e-mail:crkva.nyc@verizon.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Jele Croatian Women's Choir a joint concert with Tamburica "Dobri Decki" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4954/1/E-Jele-Croatian-Womens-Choir-a-joint-concert-with-Tamburica-Dobri-Decki.html ÂJele Croatian Women's Choir a joint concert with Tamburica "Dobri Decki"The 18 - voice Jele Croatian Women's Choir will present a joint concert with Tamburica "Dobri Decki" at Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Catholic Church, February 26 at 4PM. Tickets are $10. Principal arranger and conductor John Morovich will give a pre-concert lecture at 3PM.Jele will present traditional Croatian women's music specializing in regional vocal styles from strident two voice songs of the Dinaric region, to sweet, four part serenades of the Adriatic Seacoast, harvest songs of the Panonian plain, to the lyrical "popevke" of Podravina and Medjimurje with a heavy Hungarian influence. The concert will also feature music of Croats living in Bosna and Hercegovina and Southern Italy.The Dobri Decki Tamburica orchestra will accompany Jele on several songs and will perform traditional tamburica tunes from the Slavonija region and will sing Klapa songs from Dalmatia.For tickets, please email choirjele@hotmail.com CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Sylvan Winds celebrate GEORGES BARRERE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4951/1/E-The-Sylvan-Winds-celebrate-GEORGES-BARRERE.html ÂThe Sylvan Winds celebrate GEORGES BARREREJoin us for wine and music on Valentine's Day...... The Sylvan Winds invite you onFROM: Svjetlana KabalinFOR: the Sylvan Winds RESERVATIONS / PROGRAM INFORMATION (phone/fax): 212/222-3569February 10, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESYLVAN WINDS Celebrate GEORGES BARRÃRE now at CHRIST & ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH (120 West 69th Street)Tuesday, FEBRUARY 14, 2006 at 8:00 PMwith PRE-CONCERT LECTURE at 7:30 PMThe Sylvan WindsSvjetlana Kabalin, flute; Alexandra Knoll, oboe; Amy Zoloto, clarinet;Thomas Sefcovic, bassoon; Zohar Schondorf, hornwith Guest Artist: Christie Julien, pianocontinue its exploration of âflute monarchâ Georges BarrÃreâs legacy, tied to the pubÂliÂcaÂtion of his biography by Nancy Toff, with a Valentineâs Day gala for their inaugural conÂcert of the new season in a program entitledTo BarrÃre with LoveAdolphe Deslandres (1840-1911) Trois piÃces en Quintette (1900)Patrice Devanchy (1876-1943) Suite for winds and piano (1903)Andrà Caplet (1878-1925) Quintet for winds and piano (1900)Renà de Boisdeffre (1834-1906) Scherzo, op. 49Hedwige ChrÃtien (1859-1944) SÃrÃnade sous bois (1920) et Arabesque (1921)Albert Seitz (1872-1937) Sextet No. 1 for winds and piano (1897)Ticket prices for the concert are $30 for adults and $15 for students and seniorsFor further program information and reservations, please call or fax 212 / 222-3569.Georges BarrÃre (1876-1944, France/USA) was one of five French wind players recruited in 1905 by Walter Damrosch who envied the woodwind sounds of the Boston Symphony and wanted to emulate them in his New York Symphony Orchestra. In 1895, BarrÃre had founded the SociÃtà Moderne dâInstruments à Vent in Paris, a chamber music organization that performed 60 new works by 41 composers in its first 10 years. In New York, BarrÃre would go on to found the woodwind department at the Institute of Musical Art, now the Juilliard School, bringing with him the traditions of the French school of woodwind performance. In 1910, he founded the BarrÃre Ensemble of Wind Instruments consistently promoting new repertoire, advocating American composers, and supporting women composers long before it became fashionable. He toured throughout the country from 1912 to 1936, encouraged the new voices of the future â Henry Brant, Wallingford Riegger and Edgard VarÃse - and was responsible for the premiÃres of more than 170 works, with more than 40 dedicated to him. This is the third concert by the Sylvan Winds dedicated to preserving his legacy.Nancy Toff, a past president of the New York Flute Club, is the author of The Flute Book and The Development of the Modern Flute. Her Monarch of the Flute: The Life of Georges BarrÃre has just been published by Oxford University Press, coinciding with the centenary of his arrival to the United States. It is the first biography of this important musician, whose life is a veriÂtable tale of two cities, Paris and New York, to which he contributed sigÂnifiÂcantly as a performer and pedagogue. With a missionary zeal for stimulating woodwind chamber music ensembles and the performance of new compositions for that medium, his many ensembles toured the United States, building new audiences for chamber music and promoting French repertoire as well as new American music. â Ms. Toff will open this gala concert with a pre-performance lecture at 7:20 p.m.French born pianist Christie Julien is a graduate of Baltimoreâs Peabody ConÂserÂvatory where she earned her Artist Diploma under the tutelage of Leon Fleisher. In 2002 she made a specÂtacÂular U.S. debut with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center under the baÂton of Leonard Slatkin in Bartokâs Piano Concerto No. 3, a work that she also performed in Baltimore and repeated at the French Embassy. Her first solo public apÂpearance on French naÂtional television was when she was twelve. The following year she won a national prize and soloed with the orchestra. After winning the French Steinway competition, she performed at Berlinâs PhilÂharÂmonÂic Hall at fifteen, and she graduated from the Paris Conservatory with a unaniÂmously conferred first prize in both piano and chamber music. She has also toured China and apÂpeared at festivals in Europe and the United States, including Santa Fe, La Jolla, Great Lakes and Ravinia.------------------------------------------------------------------Most of the works on this program were premiÃred by BarrÃre and his wind ensembles in Paris; some have been dedicated to him as well. Except for the ArÂgentinian-born Lalo (Boris) Schifrin, all the composers on this program were also BarrÃreâs French compatriots. There is a Parisian connection with Schifrin, too; he won a scholÂarÂship to study at its Conservatory with Koechlin and Messiaen, before being disÂcovÂered in his native land by Dizzy Gillespie, whom he joined as a pianist and arranger, on his way to becoming a notable film and TV composer. In this flute-oriented program, it is worth noting that in adÂdition to his numerous off-screen compositions he wrote a 1996 Caribbean Flute Concerto. However, it is as a gesture of gratitude that this work is being included, for the continuing French support of the victims of the recent ravages suffered by the cruel blows of Katrina. Indeed, this concert is offered in hopes of a continued appreciation of French and American culture and a celebration of our fraternity. âââââââââââââââââââââHailed by the New York Times for âits venturesomeness of programming and stylishness of performance,â€? the ensemble has performed throughout the tri-state area, and has toured both domestically and abroad. The Sylvan Winds has established a reputation as one of the cityâs most versatile chamber music ensembles and has received many honors, including an invitation to perform at the New York Governorâs Arts Awards. Dedicated to exploring the entire body of literature for wind instruments, the ensemble has consistently earned audience and critical acclaim. Of its spring â99 concert at Weill Recital Hall, New York Times critic Paul Griffiths wrote, âthe work was beautifully executed here, with due care for its rhythmic demands. Indeed, throughout the evening the musicians showed themselves able to think, breathe and enter as one.â€?âââââââââââââââââââââAdditional performances by the SYLVAN WINDS this season will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 3:00 PM under the auspices of the Kosciuszko Foundation, 15 E 65 Street, featuring works of Poldowski, Kotonski, Kilar and Lutoslawski, and the ensemble will close the season as usual at Weill Recital Hall on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 8:00 PM, with the world premiÃre of Robert Dickâs Startling Stories, framed by Mozart, Adagio & Allegro, K 594; Karl Husa, Five Poems; and Maurice Ravel, Mother Goose suite arranged for wind quintet by Mark Popkin. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Goodbye Dear Old Homeland on CBC of New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4956/1/E-Goodbye-Dear-Old-Homeland-on-CBC-of-New-York.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORKIn honor of Valentine’s Day, our monthly selection is one the greatest Croatian love story recorded to date, Goodbye Dear Old Homeland – The true story of a young refugee couple’s flight from Croatia and their journey to freedom, written by their daughter Yasna Sikic Hood. Goodbye Dear Old Homeland and other Croatian books are available at www.amazon.com for as little as .87 cents and up. Meeting place: Croatian Cultural CenterAddress: 502 West 41st Street, New York, NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, February 15th, 2006 at 6 p.m.Next book selection: Goodbye Dear Old Homeland by Yasna Sikic Hood Please read the book in advance.A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.Each month, the facilitator will choose a “book of the month” that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:* The Stone Fields by Courtney Angela Brkic* Infidelities – stories of War and Lust by Josip Novakovic* How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed by Slavenka Drakulic* Neither Red nor Dead by Stevo Julius* The Museum of Unconditional Surrender by Dubravka Ugresic* The Banquet in Blitva by Miroslav Krleza* The Bridge to Dalmatia – Search for the Meaning of Place by Francis Violich* Delightful Dalmatia by Alice Lee Moque * The Turk and My Mother by Mary Helen Stefaniak* Sarajevo Marlboro by Miljenko Jergovic * Croatian Tales of Long Ago by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic* Anna Marinkovich by Edward Ifkovic * Carrying the Farm on Her Back-A portrait of Women in a Village by Eva Skold Westerlind* Healing the Heart of Croatia by Joseph Kerrigan* Goodby Dear Old Homeland by Yasna Sikic Hood* American Dream - a Guy from Croatia by Boris Miksic* Thorn Lace – Mojmir – A Migrant’s Lot by Ina Vukic* Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration Mike Celizic * The Labyrinth by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com * You’re Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice by Bill Rancic* Lovers and Madmen – a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy by Julienne Eden Busic * Fix Our United States by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net * Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War by Eve Ensler* www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden* The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric* Don’t Call Me Rosie by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com * Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com * A Single Step by Heather Mills McCartney (chapters on Croatia) * Can You Hear Me Screaming? by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com * First Service by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com * Celestial Dancer by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich * Letters to My Daughters by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich) * Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered Country by Tony Fabijancic * The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skating by Sandra Bezic* Return with Honor by Scott O’Grady * Pixletown: The World Found by Marija Miletic Dail * The Survival League by Gordan Nuhanovic* Tesla: Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney* Zagreb, Exit South by Edo Popovic* American Scream & Palindrome Apocalypse by Dubravka Oraic Tolic* King of the Confessors by Thomas Hoving* Mother’s Memoirs – Lucy Majnaric Marincel by Emily Marincel Amberg* The Education of a Coach by David Halberstam re: Bill & Steve Belichick * Zinka Milanov and Flora Tosca: Art, Love, and Politics by Bruce Burroughs* Inlaid Pearl by Stacie G. Vesolich * Bogdan Radica – out of printMost of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com .Book Club discussion questions and topics: What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader? Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know? What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?  How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes? In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author’s world view? Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before? What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book? How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic? Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this? If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias? How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Facilitator:Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild. Her essays, “Father’s Funeral” www.quietmountainessays.org/Tepesh and “Babin Kuk” were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays. “Yearning for Freedom in a Land of the Free” at http://freeriverpress.org/Tepesh.htm Free River Press. A short story, “Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatia” at CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . “Kolo Danced by Hundreds in New York City” www.puredance.org/pressNada.html ; “Josip Novakovich - Infidelities – Stories of War and Lust” www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/folder/tepesh_280905.htm Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 11 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) FEDOR KABALIN Divertimento - New York premier http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4949/1/E-FEDOR-KABALIN-Divertimento---New-York-premier.html ÂFedor KabalinÂÂBiographic sketchFedor Kabalin appeared in summer 2002 with the Constantsa Opera in Romania and guest conducted the Vidin Philharmonic for third consecutive season, following his debut in Bulgaria with the Pleven Philharmonic in 1999. Before that, he spent 2 summers in China on a cultural exchange program working with Xi'an Conservatory Orchestra over a fortnight to prepare the concerts that concluded each week, conducted opera and symphony concerts in the Czech Republic for several seasons, and opera during 2 summers at Barga Festival in Italy. He served as music director of Midland (Michigan) Symphony Orchestra, regular conductor of the Garden State Ballet in New Jersey, conducted sound track recording for Chile Films, and guest conducted New Jersey, Detroit and Chilean National symphony orchestras.Croatian born resident of the United States, after early music training in his native country, he received conducting diploma from the Vienna Music Academy, and graduate degrees in composition from Northwestern University and Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester NY. In his pedagogic activities, he taught at the Manhattan School of Music, served as music department chair at Kean University in New Jersey, Opera Theater music director and on the piano faculty at Indiana State University in Pennsylvania, and chaired theory department at the Music and Arts Institute in San Francisco where he also conducted orchestra concerts.Among his compositions are background music for feature-length film in South America, while his works were performed in Europe and Western Hemisphere in concert and on radio, with some of the performing ensembles including Zagreb Philharmonic, New Jersey, Detroit, Louisville and Oklahoma symphony orchestras. He has also been active as orchestrator and arranger, and wrote extensively on music with book chapters, articles, reviews or record liner notes published by many prestigious journals and record labels. ÂThe Divertimento for wind septet was composed for a Santiago / Chile National Music Conservatory anniversary and premiÃred on that occasion. The U.S. premiÃre was at an ISCM Chicago subscription concert, performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with additional hearings at the Yaddo Music Period in Saratoga Springs and the University of Kansas Symposium in Lawrence. The North/South Consonance Ensemble Midwinter Winds concert on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 3 PM at the Christ and St. Stephen's Church, 120 W 69 St (between Broadway & Columbus), New York City is NYCity premiÃre of the work.Its second movement, Lullaby is inscribed to composer's cousin MarÃa-Victoria, an infant at the time of the composition. The work's third movement also incorporates several ditties improvised by her father to the terms of endearment of his own invention to keep the baby amused.ÂNORTH/SOUTH CONSONANCEMidwinter Winds! premieres by composers from Europe and the Americas including works byFedor Kabalin, Astrid Kruisselbrink, Max Lifchitz & Dante GrelaMax Lifchitz, conductorThe North/South Wind EnsembleSunday, February 12 at 3 PMCHRIST & ST STEPHEN'S CHURCH120 West 69th Street, New York City - Free Admissionhttp://www.northsouthmusic.orgÂ-------------------------------North/South Consonance Ensemble Winter/Spring 2006 Performance Schedule Eight Concerts in the visually appealing and acoustically superior setting of Christ and St. Stephen's Church Location: 120 West 69th Street (between Broadway & Columbus), New York City PROGRAM II - Midwinter Winds Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 7 PMFEDOR KABALIN Divertimento ASTRID KRUISSELBRINK Dharmen DANTE GRELA Lejanos reflejos MAX LIFCHITZ Yellow Ribbons No. 11,12 & 41 Max Lifchitz, conductor The North/South Wind Ensemble Fedor Kabalin: Divertimento for wind septet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet & 2 horns) - 1959 / 13'Intrada - PomposoLullaby for MarÃa-Victoria - Andante non troppo lentoRound - Vivace letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Intervjui Nenada Bacha na hrvatskim radio postajama u rujnu 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4950/1/E-Intervjui-Nenada-Bacha-na-hrvatskim-radio-postajama-u-rujnu-2005.html ÂPROMOCIJA KLAPSKE GLAZBE ÂIntervjui Nenada Bacha na hrvatskim radio postajama u runju 2005Zvuci Sredozemlja - Hrvatski Misticni GlasoviMediterranean Sounds Croatia's Mystic Voiceshttp://www.011385.com/text06/nbach_190106.htm audio - 1. program Hrvatski Radio- Vrijeme je za narodnu glazbu - Nenad Bach , Mojimir Cacija - razgovor vodio Mladen Magdalenic, 18 IX 2005audio - 1. program HRT Glas Hrvatske - emisija 'Gost Glasa Hrvatske' - Nenad Bach - razgovor vodio Kresimir Sockovic 21 IX 2005audio - Obiteljski radio - Nenad Bach , Ivo Pervan , Mojimir Cacija - razgovor vodio Goran Kurjak 14 Rujna 2005audio - 1 dio - Radio Sljeme - Radio Pozornica - Nenad Bach, razgovor vodio Boris Ciglenecki 16 Rujna 2005audio - 2 dio - Radio Sljeme - Radio Pozornica - Nenad Bach, razgovor vodio Boris Ciglenecki 16 Rujna 2005Photo: Klapa Sinj i Nenad Bach, koncert 2. prosinca 2005, Society for Ethical Culture 2 West 64th Street, New York City, New York SADPhoto: Mario Novak letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Passion Makes the World Go Round http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4958/1/E-Passion-Makes-the-World-Go-Round.html ÂPassion Makes the World Go RoundMmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)BOOK REVIEWFebruary 3, 2006 Posted to the web February 3, 2006 Sheridan GriswoldJ. M Coetzee (2005) "Slow Man". Parktown, Random House, 263 pages, hardcover, P170, ISBN 0-436-20611-0.Nobel Prize winning author J.M. Coetzee has moved to Australia and has set his 17th book, "Slow Man", in Adelaide, South Australia. Paul Rayment is ready to retire at 60 when he has an accident and a leg is amputated above the knee. How he copes with this disaster, his paths to recovery and his infatuation with his caregiver and her family are the subjects of this unusual novel.The reader slowly learns about Paul Rayment. He is probably a character you would soon move on from if you met him at a party (but then he wouldn't be there, because he is a bit of a recluse). Paul is originally from France, but his mother remarried and they moved to Australia when he was small. There was little exceptional in his life, except he became a professional photographer.He did return to France when he was a late adolescent, but found he did not really fit in. He was shocked to find his relatives called him "l'Anglais", though he had never even been to England.He fell in love with a young woman from Morocco, then a most unsuitable passion in everyone else's eyes. He learned he was more Australian than French. So he returned to Australia and made it his home.Paul was married, but had no children. His wife left him, perhaps because he was so bland. He ran a studio in Unley and taught evening classes in photography. At a young age he began collecting original photographs by early Australian photographers of the mid 19th century.He has thus amassed a significant collection, which he will bequeath to a library on his death. The parts in this novel on the mysteries of photography are excellent.What Coetzee has given us is a case study of one man, Paul Rayment, and his alter ego, the famous older Australian woman writer Elizabeth Costello (why Coetzee falls back on using her we may never know). Much of what Costello has to observe, call attention to and pronounce on could have been done in other ways by an author writing in the third person. For example she says:"Paul here is unhappy because unhappiness is second nature to him but particularly because he has not the faintest idea about how to bring about his heart's desire" (p. 141).Costello is privileged to information about Paul and the other characters that normally is reserved for angels, gods or an author. Coetzee has used her in other works and in his previous novel of that name. Instead of the stream-of-consciousness, first-person narrative that he achieved in "In the Heart of the Country" (1977) the author plays god and writes about his characters from outside and above. This allows a little more flexibility.There are all too frequent references to what "God knows"-and not what the author knows-in this strange and extremely well written novel."God knows what Elizabeth Costello really wants, for him or for herself or for this Marianna; God knows to what theory of life or love she really holds; God knows what will happen next" (page 112).Another time Elizabeth tells Paul "We don't have much time left, either of us". He comments, "Don't we", and she replies; "No. Under the gaze of heaven, in the cold eye of God, we don't" (page 203). At one point Paul aspires to become like a god by proposing that he be accepted as a godfather.All very frustrating to the reader when an author within a novel by another author plays God. Le me quote Woody Allen: "If it turns out there is a God, I don't think that he's evil. But the worst you can say about him is that he's basically an underachiever." Paul's accident results in a circumscribed life and places him in the clutches of social services. He does what he is told, but not completely. He refuses to consider having an artificial leg installed.Instead he learns to cope using crutches and a Zimmer Frame. He cannot tolerate the first frail care nurses sent his way. He eventually is assigned one he likes:"Marijana Jokic is a shallow-faced woman who, if not quite middle aged, exhibits a thickening about the waist that is quite matronly. She wears a sky-blue uniform that he finds a relief after all the whiteness, with patches of dampness under the arms; she speaks a rapid, approximate Australian English with Slavic liquids and an uncertain command of 'a' and 'the' coloured by slang she must have picked up from her children ... " (page 27).Marijana has three children. She sometimes brings the youngest, pretty Lujba, to work with her. He is not Rocket Man, but Slow Man, observes Ljuba. The oldest, Drago, is an angelic 16 year-old with strong aspirations for himself in this "sunny land of opportunity". Marijana's husband now works in an automobile assembly plant. Before migrating from Croatia in former Yugoslavia, Marijana had trained as an art restorer and she and her husband worked at the Art Institute in Dubrovnik.Paul Rayment is not a character that will long be remembered or become part of world literature. His nemesis Elizabeth Costello, at least as treated in this novel, also does not win our affection or admiration.Turning his sights on ageing and its complication, Coetzee has perhaps found a niche and a growing audience, as the demographic profile of people over sixty who purchase and read (not just put on their shelves) novels is growing dramatically. Also the number of older people who have accidents, from broken hips to amputations due to Diabetes and other events, is expanding exponentially. Perhaps John Michael Coetzee, who will be 66 on February 9, also identifies with Rayment?Paul's relationship with Marijana and her son are explored in great detail. Paul at sixty finds there are feelings he has never really had before and he succumbs to them, but they only complicate everyone's lives further. Elizabeth Costello appears, supposedly to rescue everyone from a quagmire, but her methods are most unorthodox, and include procuring another woman (the Marianna mentioned above) for Paul.The novel turns into an exploration into the nature and meaning of love. But do the elderly need love, or only care? Is Coetzee writing tongue-in-cheek or are deeper meanings hidden here?http://allafrica.com/stories/200602030772.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 02 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN FILM SCREENINGS - Sorry for Kung Fu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4963/1/E-CROATIAN-FILM-SCREENINGS---Sorry-for-Kung-Fu.html The Doors Art Foundationwww.doors-art.com presents Upcoming film screenings at the Two Boots Pioneer Theaterevery first Thursday of the month Thursday, February 2, 2006 @ 7PMSORRY FOR KUNG FU(Oprosti za Kung Fu)2005, HRT, Croatia 73 MIN, 35mm, US Distribution - LifeSize EntertainmentDirector: Ognjen SvilicicCast: Daria Lorenci, Filip Rados, Vedran Mlikota, Luka Petrusic, Vera Zima, Ivica Basic, Yong Long DaiCroatian (English subtitles)Two Boots Pioneer Theater is located at:155 East 3rd Street (at Avenue A) / NYC / (212) 591-0434Tickets: $9.00 adults, $6.50 membersSeating is limited so we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance.http://www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=47958ÂThe Doors Art Foundation is proud to present monthly screenings featuring a selection of films from the Croatian cinema of the last decade. This unique project is a result of a creative collaboration between The Doors Art Foundation, the Croatian film critic Jurica Pavicic and the featured Croatian filmmakers. SORRY FOR KUNG FU2005 Warsaw International Film Festival - Grand Prix and Cinemax Award for Best Screenplay2005 Amiens International Film Festival, France - Best Actor - Filip Rados2005 Dubrovnik International Film Festival - Best Screenplay2005 Berlin International Film Festival 2004 Golden Arena, Pula Film Festival - Best Actress - Darija Lorenci, Best Supporting Actress - Vera Zima After waiting out the Balkan conflict in Germany, Mirjana returns unmarried and pregnant to her war-torn village in Croatia. Plans by her shocked parents to marry her off hurriedly are derailed when the birth brings an even more unwelcome surprise -- a bundle of joy with Asian features. Mirjanaâs not talking, but everyone else is, in this satire on xenophobia with obvious parallels that, director Svilicic dryly notes, are rooted in 'far smaller ethnic differences.' A critically acclaimed selection of the Berlin, Vancouver, and Warsaw international film festivals. directions: subways- F or V train to Lower East Side / Second Avenue. Exit toward 1st Avenue. Walk north (away from Houston) to 3rd street, then east just past Avenue A to 155 East 3rd. buses- 9 or 21 bus to Houston Street and Avenue A. Walk north to 3rd Street. Turn east and go a few doors down to 155 East 3rd. - 14A bus to 3rd street and Avenue A. - The 8 and 15 buses also come relatively close, as do these trains: 6 (Bleecker Street station), B and D (Grand Street), JMZ (Delancey / Essex), and L (1st Ave). We look forward to seeing you there. For more info. please visit www.doors-art.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Sirokobrijeska bazilika - majka mucenika http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4962/1/H-Sirokobrijeska-bazilika---majka-mucenika.html HRVATSKO KULTURNO DRUSTVO NAPREDAK MOSTAR PRIREDJUJEÂMLADA LJETA - BUDUCNOST SVIJETA(148. od 1990. god.), ODNOSNO TRECU NAPRETKOVU TRIBINU U 2006. s prigodnimprogramom.TRIBINA CE SE ODRZATI UNAPRETKOVOM DOMU - Liska br. 2u subotu 28. sijecnja 2006. godines pocetkom u 18.00 sati.TRIBINA JE POSVECENANASIM MUCENICIMA.(Bit ce predstavljena knjiga: Sirokobrijeska bazilika - majka mucenika)U programu sudjeluju:Prof. FABIJAN LOVRIC, knjizevnik iz Knina iFra ANDRIJA NIKICGlazbeni dio izvode:Franjini trubaduri, pod vodstvom Zeljka Simica iguslar Ante Grbesa.Voditelj tribine:student medicine RENATO PEJICPOZOVITE SVOJE SUSJEDE TE DODJITE I BUDITE DRAGI GOSTI NA OVOJ NAPRETKOVOJ KULTURNOJ MANIFESTACIJI!Molimo pomoc za uredenje Napretkova doma i potpore ucecoj mladezi. Svojprilog mozete uplacivati na ime: HKD NAPREDAK MOSTAR br. ziro racuna za KM22-10-01-98-0-5 kod Zagrebacke banke d.d. Mostar br. 3381002201980532.Identifikacijski broj je 4227038540008 kod HNZupanije, a za strane valute:SWIFT ZABA BA 22. br. ziro racuna 7100-48-06-17093-8. kod Zagrebacke banked.d. Mostar br. 3381002201980532. U povodu 15. obljetnice obnoviteljskograda HKD Napredak Mostar planiramo objaviti posebnu knjigu u kojoj cemoupisati i sve potpomagace obnove i namjestenja Napretkova doma u Mostaru.Zahvaljujem na prilogu i pozdravljamPredsjednik HKD Napredak Mostar,Prof. dr. fra Andrija NikicMostar, 23. sijecnja 2006. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatians in London Croatian actress Danira Govic on BBC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4961/1/E-Croatians-in-London-Croatian-actress-Danira-Govic-on-BBC.html www.croatsinlondon.comThe latest Croats in London has an interview withDanira Govic, a young Croatian actress who is going tobe a regular in the major BBC series 'Hotel Babylon'which starts on Thursday 19 Jan on BBC One. Neverthat bloke on ER or the lady on Lost; watch HotelBabylon for a British Croat :-)Anyway, read my interview with her atwww.croatsinlondon.com Brian letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Lindjo in America http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4960/1/HE-Lindjo-in-America.html Âwww.lindjo.hrÂHrvatska Loza i Hrvatski kulturni centar, priredjuju koncert cuvenog folklornog ansambla LINDJO, iz Dubrovnika. Taj ansambl postoji vec 40 godina i uvijek je bio u samom vrhu hrvatske kulture. Vise o njima mozete procitati na www.lindjo.hr. Ponosni smo da ih mozemo predstaviti po prvi puta ovdje u Chicagu. Koncert ce se odrzati u subotu,18 veljace (February) 2006. godine u St. Scholastica Auditorium, 7416 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60645 tocno u 6:00 sati poslije podne. Ulaznice su $30.00 unaprijed i $35.00 na vratima. Djeca izmedju 12 i 18 godina, $25.00. Za ulaznice, nazovite, Vesnu Praljak 847-520-6386 ili 847-477-4950,vpraljak@yahoo.com ; ili Mare Romanovic 773-624-0337 ili 773-914-5020, mmromanovic@sbcglobal.net . Po zavrsetku koncerta, u Hrvatskom kulturnom centru, 2845 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL , 60659, imat cemo priliku susreti se s izvodjacima, uzivati u domacoj veceri, te zaplesati uz glazbu Lindja i Maria Romanovica. Ulaz u Centar ukljucen je u cijenu ulaznice, a vecera ce se placati posebno. Nazovite sto prije i kupite ulaznice za taj jedinstveni dogadjaj. Âwww.lindjo.hrCroatian Vines (Loza) and Croatian Cultural Center proudly present world famous folk ensemble LINDJO, from Dubrovnik, Croatia. The ensemble has been in existence for 40 years and it have always been at the very top of Croatian culture. Read more about Lindjo @ www.lindjo.hr . For the first time in Chicago, the concert will take place on Saturday, February18, 2006, at 6:00 PM sharp in St. Scholastica Auditorium, 7416 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL. Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. Children 12-18 $25.00 For tickets call Vesna Praljak 847-520-6386 or 847-477-4950,vpraljak@yahoo.com ; or Mare Romanovic 773-624-0337 ili 773-914-5020,mmromanovic@sbcglobal.net . After the concert, the performers will be in the Croatian Cultural Center 2845 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL , 60659 for continued entertainment and dinner. Entrance fee for the Center is incluled in the ticket price, while dinner will be available for purchase separately. Call as soon as possible to secure tickets for this special event. Federation of Croatian Societies in Milwaukee will present LINDJO on: Friday, February 17, 2006 @ 6:00PM Greenfield High School 4800 S. 60th Greenfield, Wisconsin TICKETS $25 Advance, $30 Door?$10 kids 10-18 yrs. of age Reception to follow at Sacred Heart (49th and Wells) TICKETS AND INFORMATION: Mirjana Markovic 414-421-0738 or 414-429-5714mmarkovic@elakeside.com Mary Schauer 414-321-8175 Ante Rados 414-541-6031 Croatian Center in New York, presents Lindjo Saturday, February 25, 2006, at 7:00 PM: Hrvatski Centar 502 W. 41st Street New York, NY 10036 Tickets $30.00, Children 12-18 $20.00 Fr. Ivica Majstorovic 212-563-3395 or 646-322-3395,crkva.nyc@verizon.net CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Zdenka Vuckovic na Floridi http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4965/1/H-Zdenka-Vuckovic-na-Floridi.html ÂZdenka Vuckovic na FloridiÂ"Christmas Party" for Croatian-American Club of FloridaÂMnogi od nas clanova malog hrvatskog kluba ovdje u St. Petersburgu, Florida ("Croatian-American Club of Florida"), slusali smo Zdenku Vuckovic onda, kad su nam se djeca rodila tamo u Hrvatskoj, a danas su oni odrasli ljudi. "Tata kupi mi auto", Kucica u cvijecu" i mnoge druge poznate melodije, koje su proslavile Zdenku na festivalima zabavne muzike (Opatija, Split, Krapina), imali smo priliku slusati u zivo ovdje u St. Petersburgu na Floridi na nasoj "Christmas Party". Uz klavirsku pratnju supruga, gospodina Kresimira Oblak, bio je pravi uzitak vratiti se nasoj mladosti. Rodaci Zdenke, koji zive u Sarasoti (50 milja juzno od St Petersburga), svi imaju genetske kvalitete za muziku ili kako mi kazemo "muzicki su navudreni". Tako uz sudjelovanje rodaka, a narocito gospodina Slavka Manestar, bilo nam je priredeno ugodno muzicko vecer. Gospodin Manestar je veoma lijepo otpjevao "Ave Maria", a i neke druge omiljele melodije.Kad sam, svojevremeno, pisao mojem rodaku u Zagreb, koji je i sam muzicar, te mu javio da Zdenka Vuckovic dolazi na nasu "Christmas Party", odgovorio mi je: "Zdenka ce vas dobro zabaviti i vratiti u vase mladenacke dane"! Tako je i bilo!Svima je poznato, da smo mi narod, koji se voli dobro zabaviti, da volimo pjesmu, pa je tako i nasa "Christmas Party" zavrsila tako, da smo mnogi od nas dosli na podium pjevati zajedno sa Zdenkom nase i americke Bozicne pjesme, a i druge nase stare i novije melodije. Pjesma se je orila, glasnice mozda nisu bile najbolje, ali je srce nas iseljenika bilo veliko!Lijepe su bile rijeci nase Zdenke, kad je prilikom posjete mojem domu rekla: "Sretna sam, kad vidim nase ljude daleko u svijetu, da se preko mene sjete svoje drage Kroacije"!Dr. Zeljko Beluhan7979 Sailboat Key Blvd.#107South Pasadena, Fl.33707U.S.A.ph# (727) 360-9549e-mai: frank13zb@aol.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Nova Bascanska ploca ili povijest u suvremenosti? http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4964/1/H-Nova-Bascanska-ploca-ili-povijest-u-suvremenosti.html Â'Cijela naaa domovino...'ÂNova Baačanska ploča ili povijest u suvremenosti?Â...priznajemo povijesno pravo hrvatskog naroda na samostalnu dr~avu...ÂNarod, nacija, dr~ava...ove velike riječi u ovom nizu su se ostvarile nama hrvatima onoga dana kada su nas priznali slobodni narodi Europe i svijeta. Taj dan smo tek nedavno unijeli u kalendar i izdvojili ga kao poseban datum 15. siječnja...Da, toga dana 1992. godine, nakon krvave 1991. (kada smo imali samo KRV-ATSKU) i pada hrvatskog grada Vukovara, ato je uvjerilo svijet da i hrvati nakon tolikih stoljeća imaju pravo na samostalnu dr~avu. Dakle, hrvat i Hrvatska kao francuz Francuska, njemac i Njemačka, poljak i Poljska...etc ! Zapravo to je najznačajniji dan naae novije povijesti, pogotovo kad znamo da mnogi narodi, nacije ostadoae etnikumi jer ih svijetski moćnici nisu prepoznali i priznali kao narod i prostor dostojan pojma DR}AVE !!! To je ujedno i dan kad su povijest, sadaanjost i budućnost postali cjelina: skoro da bismo mogli zapjevati 'Cijela naaa domovino...'Kao ato memorija Baačanske ploče čuva spomen na kralja Zvonimira i određuje vrijeme i mjesto njenog nastanka, potrebno je i nama danas i za povijest iz budućnosti, ostaviti traga u prostoru i vremenu. Zato sam osmislio i dizajnirao NOVU 'Baačansku ploču' sa novom porukom i u novoj tipografiji, koja se duhovito zove Can you read me ? ( Mo~ea li me pročitati ), i na kojoj je napisano: 'priznajemo povijesno pravo hrvatskog naroda na samostalnu dr~avu.' a u potpisu stoji 'slobodni narodi Europe i svijeta' i naravno vrijeme'anno domini 1992.' !Nova Baačanska ploča se prvi put koristila u scenografiji posebne emisije HRT-a u koju su pristizale informacije o priznanju Hrvatske iz većine zemaja Europe. Nako ato je glumac Crnković sa svojim zvonkim glasom pročitao te~e čitljiv tekst (Can you read me) javio se prvi Island i tako redom 35 zemalja koje su priznale Republiku Hrvatsku kao samostalnu dr~avu. Zapravo HRT kao medij je bio posrednik između nas građana pred televizijskim ekranima i vlada dr~ava koje su nam dale pravo da se u svijetskom okru~enju predstavimo kao HRVATSKA, CROATIA, CROATIEN, CROAZIA etc. Baačanska ploča iz 11. stoljeća je smjeatena u auli Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti kao izlo~ak koji se čuva, proučava, i javno koristi joa od 1936 godine...replike raznih dimenzija su postale souvenir u Hrvatskoj i izvan nje. Nova 'Baačanska ploča' je isklesana iz Bračkog kamena, u ljeto 2003 u likovnoj koloniji LOBOL u Bolu na Braču. Mo~da bi i ona mogla postati souvenir (n)ovog vremena (!?) jer to je hrvatska povijest u suvremenosti. Naravno, to ne umanjje vrijednost stare Baačanske ploče, već naprotiv potvrđuje naau opstojnost.Boris Ljubičić ÂÂÂOp-ed:U krvi isklesana. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 15 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Seeking actors teaching artists in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4973/1/E-Seeking-actors-teaching-artists-in-New-York.html ÂSEEKING TEACHING ARTISTS FOR SHAKESPEARE PROGRAM JANUARY TO MAY 2006This is a great opportunity for you or a friend that you may know that woudl fit the bill.The coordinator has let me know that they are specifically looking for actors in the westchester area, and that if there is an overwhelming response they will hold additional 'auditions' to accomodate.Happy New Year!- Ayeshah The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival seeks teaching artists to join its Education Outreach program from mid-January through mid-May 2006. The actors hired for this position will join a company of six experienced teaching artists providing a Shakespeare arts education program now in its tenth year. The program serves students in grades 5 to 12 (upper elementary through high school) and aims to make the works of William Shakespeare exciting and accessible through classroom workshops and performances. The program a 45-minute session conducted by a team of three teaching artists and includes a short performance of Shakespeare scenes followed by student audience participation activities. The Outreach program is conducted at schools through the Hudson Valley region north of New York City. Travel to the performances from New York City and return is provided by the company. Average travel time from Manhattan to the schools is one hour and 30 minutes. Teaching artists who reside outside of New York City must arrange for their own travel.The sessions take place during school hours (8:30 to 3:30). TAs may be scheduled for up to four 45-minute sessions per day. Scheduling is done in advance and is somewhat flexible to accommodate TAs availability and requests from schools. TAs can expect to work a minimum of two days per week.TAs are paid a base of $150 per day for up to three 45-minute sessions. Additional compensation is provided for extended breaks between sessions and more than three sessions.Interested applicants should have experience with the plays of William Shakespeare and experience working in theater for young audiences or as a theater teaching artist. Actors of color are strongly encouraged to apply. In particular, we are seeking an African-American actor to balance our cross-cultural casting for this spring.Please send headshot/resume/cover letter by email only to sturner@hvshakespeare.orgOnly applicants under serious consideration will be contacted. Selected finalists will be invited to attend an audition and interview the week of January 23rd at a Manhattan location. Depending on response, an additional audition may be held in Westchester for teaching artists who reside nearby. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Prompt Croatian translation leads to $500,000 gift http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4972/1/E-Prompt-Croatian-translation-leads-to-500000-gift.html ÂPrompt translation leads to $500,000 university giftÂPosted on Mon, Jan. 09, 2006Associated PressATHENS, Ga. - The University of Georgia's outreach to Croatia is $500,000 richer because of a language professor's prompt translation of a 100-year-old letter."That may be the most expensive Croatian translation in history," quipped Lawrence V. Phillips, a retired physician from Round Hill, Va., who recently made a $500,000 donation to extend the university's outreach work in Croatia. According to a UGA news release, Phillips had a letter, written in the early 1900s by a woman from the village of Zaloka where Phillips' mother was born. He needed the letter translated to help him with a memoir that he was writing. Phillips asked his daughter, Carol Cotton, a professor of health promotion at UGA, if someone at the university could help. Cotton's university connections referred her to Keith Langston, head of the department of Germanic and Slavic languages. Within an hour of receiving the letter from Cotton, Langston faxed her a translation. Cotton said the quick reply got her father's attention."When Keith did it at no charge, on his own time, it made an impression," she said.University officials said it also prompted Phillips to take a closer look at UGA's work in Croatia.UGA provides training and assistance to Croatia through its International Center for Democratic Governance in the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The programs include economic development work in rural Croatian communities and an exchange program with the University of Zagreb.Phillips said the gift will be used in public health and rural development work.http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/13584913.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Prljavo Kazaliste - USA Tour 2006 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4971/1/E-Prljavo-Kazaliste---USA-Tour-2006.html ÂÂListen - PoslusajteÂPrljavo Kazaliste invites you to the Rock spectacle of 2006The promotion of their new album Moj Dom je Hrvatska and the kick off of their 2006 American-Canadian Tour! When: Friday, Feb 03, 2006 Where: Croatian Center in New York Time: Doors open @ 9:00 PM Price: Tickets 35 usd **Kids under 13... FREE admission! Special guests "MORE" and friends. Contact: Cro Church, 212-563-3395 Johnny, 917-685-5803email: croacija@aol.com Â letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brenda Brkusic to be interviewed on PBS THURSDAY Jan 12 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4970/1/E-Brenda-Brkusic-to-be-interviewed-on-PBS-THURSDAY-Jan-12.html ÂEMMY AWARD WINNING PBS TELEVISION NEWS SHOWTO INTERVIEW BRENDA BRKUSIC ABOUT FREEDOM FROM DESPAIRIf you live in Southern California you can catch Brenda's interview on PBS this Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 6:30 pm with reruns at 11 pm and 8 am the following morningÂMore info at the following link:www.freedomfromdespair.com/pressandreviews/press_pbs_011106.html or onwww.koce.org PBS (KOCE) in Orange County, California has asked Croatian American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic to come in for another interview on their "Real Orange" television news program. Brenda was previously interviewed on the show in 2004. The interview will take place this Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 6:30 pm, with re-runs at 11 pm that night and 8 am the next morning. The local channel for Orange and LA County residents is 50. Check your cable listings to find their channel for KOCE. Brenda will be discussing her award-winning documentary about Croatia's struggle for independence, Freedom from Despair and they will show a 2 minute trailor of the film. www.freedomfromdespair.com. After the show airs, please take a moment to call or send KOCE an email at the following addresses to let them know you enjoyed seeing Brenda Brkusic talk about her film Freedom from Despair on Real Orange, Wed.1.12.06, and that you are happy with their station's continued support of topics that serve their thousands of Croatian American viewers in OC and LA (only if you are, in fact, happy about it) :-) Viewer Response Line - 714-895-0801Maria Hall-Brown - mhall-Brown@koce.org - The wonderful woman responsible for repeatedly bringing Brenda on the show to discuss the film Real Orange - realo@koce.org - Real Orange New ProgramInside OC with Rick Reiff - insideok@rickreiff.com - Features Individuals on His ShowProgramming - program@koce.org General - member@koce.orgReal Orange, the only nightly broadcast television program for and about Orange County airs on KOCE public television, weeknights at 6:30 and 11 pm, and weekday mornings at 8. Hosted by Ed Arnold and Ann Pulice, the half-hour programs explore all aspects of Orange County lifestyle, business, health, technology, family, education, politics, culture, the arts, and much more. The show's format includes a quick-paced blend of reports shot on location throughout Orange County and a platform for newsmaker interviews on the hot issues of the day. Please check TV listings for your cable channel. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vecer duhovne i ljubavne sansone - Bruno Krajcar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4969/1/E-Vecer-duhovne-i-ljubavne-sansone---Bruno-Krajcar.html ÂÂKONCERT BRUNO KRAJCARVECER DUHOVNE I LJUBAVNE SANSONESPIRITUAL SONGSFRIDAY JANUARY 13 2006AT 7: 30 P.MST. JOSEPH CHURCH43 19 30 AVENUEASTORIA, N.Y.SPECIAL GUESTS: CROATIAN CATHOLIC MISSION YOUTH CHOIRORGANIZED BY: CROATIAN CATHOLIC MISSION ASTORIAFREE ADMISSION letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E, H) Domogaj Margetic Review of Freedom from Despair in Zagreb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4968/1/E-H-Domogaj-Margetic-Review-of-Freedom-from-Despair-in-Zagreb.html ÂFilm 'Freedom from Despair' A Living Document of the Truth about CroatiaBy Domogaj Margetic, Jounralist Indicted by the ICTYTranslated by Tereza BrkusicIn Croatia it is very seldom to be able to watch a documentary film substantiated by facts. Not in the case of the documentary film 'Freedom from Despair,' by Brenda Brkusic, an American director with Croatian roots. Her film was shown in Zagreb on Sunday November 12, in the Cinema Europa as a part of the Documentary film festival about Croatian emigrants, which that was organized by the Association of Croatian Emigrants. Freedom from despair is a journalistic biography in which Brenda Brkusic shows the life of her father just after 2nd World War in the very beginning of communism and Tito's dictatorship in ex Yugoslavia. But through Kruno Brkusic's destiny, Freedom from Despair presents a film about the national destiny of Croats in ex Yugoslavia. Many families and individuals are able to identify with the destiny of the people in this film directed by Ms. Brkusic. I was sitting in the cinema and watching the film with a few political prisoners from ex Yugoslavia, and one of them was previously condemned to death numerous times but each time the verdict came up his death sentence was converted into a longer prison sentence instead. Those are the people who know best that Brenda Brkusic didn't make up anything in this film, as they are the witnesses of that time, the victims of this inhuman and godless dictatorship which the film 'The freedom from despair' represents so well. And really, in her film, Brenda Brkusic talks without compromising, without fear, without desire or intention to appease anyone or to agree upon a middle-ground truth. She brings out the truth about Croatia that many journalists are silent about. Brenda's film certainly isn't politically in fashion right now, but the truth rarely is. Freedom from Despair is a document of the time that many young people in Croatia know almost nothing about, for them that kind of the truth about Croatia doesn't exist, that truth is constantly kept hidden by forces, under old dusty carpets in the political morgues of the past. Anyhow, the young American-Croatian director settles accounts with today's hypocrisy, and shakes off the dust to reveal the truth about the communist dictatorship in Croatia, with reference to ex Yugoslavia. Through the stories of the people who were victims in the communist regime, the film reminds us about the things we kept inside but things we hoped to express about events from just about ten years ago, which today are forbidden due to conformity: there is just one truth, there is just one truth about Croatia! The truth doesn't recognize any agreement or settlements. The truth doesn't recognize convenient and inconvenient moments to talk about the truth. The truth doesn't accept and doesn't admit reasons for silence. The truth must be loud, the truth must be said. Brenda Brkusic's movie, as a living document about Croatia, warns us about it. It is a document that is a living monument to the Croatian victims of communism and a warning to the generations to come, to those who didn't grow up during those unhappy times when many Croatians were looking for a way to achieve their own 'freedom from despair.''There are no good or bad times. There are just good and bad people in time...' said the assistant bishop Valentin Pozaic in his speech for the 10 year anniversary of the Church of the Holy Mother of the Freedom in Zagreb. At that moment, images from the film Freedom form despair dawned on me, images that clearly explained those bishop's words. Images from a time of temptation, suffering, sacrifice. Images of the exodus of Croats from their homeland to the Diaspora and testimonies from good and bad people during that time might be remembered to some as decades of hate, but we might also remember them as decades of love for those who suffered and endured and sacrificed themselves for the Homeland. 'Freedom from despair' in one way is a memory of those Croatian martyrs and it pays homage to their sacrifices for Croatia. Because of this they are revered and our future generations can take part in that reverence.Film 'Izbavljenje iz ocaja" - živi dokument istine o HrvatskojPiÅe Domogaj Margetic, Hrvatski novinar i publicist / HaaÅki optuženikU Hrvatskoj rijetko možemo vidjeti dokumentarni film toliko potkrijepljen cinjenicama, kao Åto je to slucaj sa dokumentarnim filmom americke redateljice hrvatskoga porijekla Brende BrkuÅic: 'Izbavljenje iz ocaja" ('Freedom from Despair"), koji je prikazan u Zagrebu, u subotu 12. studenog u Kinu Europa, u sklopu festivala dokumentarnog filma o hrvatskim iseljenicima, kojega je organizirala udruga Hrvatska dijaspora".'Izbavljenje iz ocaja" biografski je film u kojemu Brenda BrkuÅic dokumentarno prikazuje život svojega oca u bivÅoj Jugoslaviji neposredno nakon II. Svjetskog rata, u prvim godinama komunizma i Titove diktature. Medutim, kroz sudbinu Krune BrkuÅica, 'Izbavljenje iz ocaja" predstavlja film o nacionalnoj sudbini Hrvata u bivÅoj Jugoslaviji. Mnoge se obitelji i pojedinci mogu poistovjetiti sa sudbinom ljudi o kojima govori film redateljice BrkuÅic. Sjedio sam u kinu i gledao film sa nekoliko dugogodiÅnjih politickih zatvorenika u bivÅoj Jugoslaviji, od kojih je jedan i nekoliko puta osudivan na smrt, ali je stjecajem okolnosti preživio, i njegova je presuda na smrt svaki put preinacena u dugogodiÅnju zatvorsku kaznu. Ti ljudi najbolje znaju da Brenda BrkuÅic nije izmislila niÅta u svojemu filmu, oni su svjedoci vremena, žrtve jedne neljudske i bezbožne diktature o kojoj govori i film 'Izbavljenje iz ocaja".I doista, Brenda BrkuÅic u svojem filmu beskompromisno, bez straha, bez želje i namjere da bilo kome ugada ili se pogada oko istine, donosi istinu o Hrvatskoj o kojoj mnogi hrvatski novinari danas Åute. Brendin film zasigurno danas i nije politicki najkorektniji, ali istina rijetko jest i može biti politicki korektna. ,,Izbavljenje iz ocaja" dokument je vremena o kojemu mnogi mladi ljudi u Hrvatskoj ne znaju gotovo niÅta, za njih ta istina o Hrvatskoj ne postoji, tu se istinu stalno nastoji sakriti pod praÅnjave tepihe politickih hipoteka proÅlosti. Pa ipak, mlada americka redateljica hrvatskoga porijekla obracunava se s licemjerjem danaÅnjice i otresa praÅinu sa istine o komunistickoj diktaturi u Hrvatskoj, odnosno u bivÅoj Jugoslaviji. Kroz price o sudbinama ljudi koji su bili žrtve komunistickog režima film nas ponovno podsjeca na ono Åto smo prije samo desetak godina stalno govorili, a sada pomalo konformisticki zaboravljamo: postoji samo jedna istina, postoji samo jedna istina o Hrvatskoj! Istin ne poznaje dogovore, nagodbe, istina ne poznaje zgodne i nezgodne trenutke da se o njoj govori, istina ne poznaje i ne priznaje razloge za Åutnju. Ona mora biti glasna, istinu se mora govoriti. Film Brende BrkuÅic nas na to opominje, kao živi dokument istine o Hrvatskoj. Dokument koji sada predstavlja živi spomenik hrvatskim žrtvama komunizma i opomenu generacijama koje dolaze, a koje nisu živjele i odrastale u to nesretno vrijeme kada su mnogi hrvatski ljudi tražili svoj put za 'izbavljenje iz ocaja".'Ne postoje dobra ili loÅa vremena. Postoje samo dobri ili pak loÅi ljudi u vremenu ...", rekao je ovih dana u svojoj propovijedi na desetogodiÅnjicu Crkve Svete Mati Slobode u Zagrebu pomocni biskup zagrebacki Valentin Pozaic. Tada sam prede ocima imao slike iz filma 'Izbavljenje iz ocaja", slike koje jasno svjedoce te biskupove rijeci. Slike o jednom vremenu iskuÅenja, patnje, žrtve, slike egzodusa Hrvata iz Domovine u dijasporu, svjedocanstvo o dobrim i loÅim ljudima u tom vremenu koje cemo pamtiti kao desetljeca mržnje, ali i desetljeca ljubavi onih koji su patili i trpili i žrtvovali se za Domovinu. 'Izbavljenje iz ocaja" na svoj je nacin spomen na te hrvatske mucenike i zahvala na njihovoj žrtvi za Hrvatsku koju su sanjali, a naÅe generacije ju dosanjale.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Jazz Orchestra Zagreb in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4967/1/EH-Jazz-Orchestra-Zagreb-in-New-York.html ÂHGM JAZZ ORCHESTRA ZAGREB in New York Concert HGM Jazz Orchestra Zagreb as a part of the 33. International Conferences on Jazz Pedagogy. January 13th 2006 at 4 PM. Empire Ballroom - Sheraton Hotel 2nd Floor - 811 Seventh Avenue at 52nd Street. ÂKoncert HGM Jazz Orkestra Zagreb u okviru 33. Medjunarodne Konferencije jazz pedagoga. Odrzati ce se 13. sijecnja 2006 u 16 sati u Empire Ballroom - Sheraton Hotel 2nd Floor - 811 Seventh Avenue at 52nd Street. Journalist that want an interview contact: Makovac Mojca, groznjan@hgm.hr  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) HGM JAZZ ORCHESTRA ZAGREB http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4966/1/EH-HGM-JAZZ-ORCHESTRA-ZAGREB.html ÂHGM JAZZ ORCHESTRA ZAGREB ÂJeunesses Musicales Jazz Orchestra Zagreb is founded in Jeunesses Musicales International Cultural Centre (JMC ICC) in Grožnjan in March 2002 on the initiative of young jazz musicians the participants of the Jazz workshops. Summer Jazz School is held traditionally every summer in JMC ICC in Grožnjan under the leadership of BoÅko Petrović. The very good artistic results of the workshop have motivated JM Croatia to form the first young professional jazz big band in Croatia. The leader of the Big Band is Mr. Sigi Feigl and the members are the music school pupils, students and young musicians from all over Croatia.The attractiveness and the quality of playing as well as the team of mentors it has already gathered can very soon lead JMC Jazz Orchestra Zagreb at the very top of jazz youth orchestra scene in Europe.Some excerpts from newspaper reviews after the first appearances:ââextraordinary beginningâorchestra that has flashed on Croatian jazz scene already with itâs first appearance â Večernji list, 23.06.2002.â€?ââ one hour and a half of top jazzâ€?,â€?âa group of jazz musicians with exceptional knowledge and performance skill has quickly captivated the audience in Osijekââ..â€?(Osječki glasnik, 9.07.2002.)ââ. It is nice to see that Croatian jazz scene has a strong, numerous and inspirited young generation of musicians whose growing up is cared for by excellent musiciansââ€?SIGI FEIGL is well known to Croatian public for many years now. He is also a Band leader of Jazz Big Band Graz, and lecturer on Akademie fÃr Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz, Member of the Orchestra in Wienna, producer of several Opera performances of the Opera in Graz, founder and a leader of Big Band Sued, leader of Jazz workshops and producer of many world famous musicians such as: Bill Holman, Toots Thielemans, Art Farmer, Mark Murphy, Herb Pomeroy, Ack van RooyenâSince 2002 he is a conductor and artistic director of HGM Jazz orchestra ZagrebÂMEMBERS of HGM JAZZ ORCHESTRA ZAGREBConductor: Mo SIGI FEIGLTrumpets:Mario Stuhnhofer, Antonio Geček, Zvonimir Bajević, Branko Sterpin, Marko BobičanecSaxophones:Zdenko IvanuÅić, Dejan Kus, Ivan Ivanov, Damir Horvat, Bojan VukelićTrombones: press release Vid Žgajner, Luka Žužić, Tomislav Koprivčević, Andrija Petej, Miron HauserPiano:Davor DedićBass:Goran RukavinaGuitar:Elvis PenavaDrums:Bruno DomiterIn 4 years there were more then 60 concerts performed by HGM Jazz orchestra Zagreb. Contact: Makovac Mojca, groznjan@hgm.hr HGM JAZZ ORKESTAR ZAGREBÂHGM Jazz Orkestar Zagreb osnovan je u ožujku 2002. godine u Međunarodnom kulturnom centru Hrvatske glazbene mladeži u Grožnjanu. Projekt je nastao na inicijative mladih jazz glazbenika, polaznika Ljetne jazz Åkole koja se održava već tradicionalno svakog ljeta u MKC HGM Grožnjanu pod vodstvom BoÅka Petrovića..UspjeÅnost te radionice potaknula je Hrvatsku glazbenu mladež da pokrene taj projekt kao prvi mladi profesionalni Jazz Big band u Hrvatskoj.Voditelj HGM Jazz Orkestra Zagreb je Sigi Feigl, a članovi su učenici muzičkih Åkola i mladi glazbenici iz Zagreba i drugih hrvatskih gradova. Orkestar bi se po atraktivnosti i kvaliteti izvedbe, timu mentora koji se već okupio i mladim glazbenicima, mogao dovesti vrlo brzo u sam vrh međunarodnih jazz omladinskih orkestara.O prvim nastupima je u tisku pisalo:..Âizvrstan početak...koji je već prvim svojim nastupom zablistao na hrvatskoj džez sceni...ÂVečernji list,23.6. 2002....Âsat i pol vrhunskog jazza...skup jazz glazbenika iznimnog znanja a time i izvedbe, brzo je osvojio osječku publiku..ÂOsječki glas, 9.7.2002....ÂLijepo je vidjeti da hrvatska jazz scena ima snažan, brojan, i nadahnut pomladak o čijem se odrastanju brinu vrsni muzičari..ÂGlas Istre 9.8.2002.SIGI FEIGL već je neko vrijeme prisutan na hrvatskoj jazz sceni. Umjetnički je direktor i donedavno band lider Jazz Big Band Graza. Predavač na Akademiji za glazbu i primijenjene umjetnosti u Grazu, član orkestra združenih scena Beča, producent nekoliko opernih izvedbi Opere u Grazu, osnivač i voditelj Big Band Sued, voditelj Jazz radionica i producent brojnih svjetskih glazbenika kao Bill Holman, Toots Thielemans, Art Farmer, Mark Murphy, Bob Brookmeyer, Arturo SandovalâOd 2002. godine dirigent i voditelj HGM jazz orkestra Zagreb.ÂČLANOVI HGM JAZZ ORKESTRA ZAGREBTrube:Mario Stuhnhofer, Antonio Geček, Zvonimir Bajević, Branko Sterpin, Marko BobičanecSaksofoni:Zdenko IvanuÅić, Dejan Kus, Ivan Ivanov, Damir Horvat, Bojan VukelićTromboni:Vid Žgajner, Luka Žužić, Tomislav Koprivčević, Andrija Petej, Miron HauserPiano:Davor DedićBass:Goran RukavinaGitara:Elvis PenavaBubnjevi:Bruno DomiterTijekom posljednje 4 godine HGM Jazz Orkestar Zagreb održao je preko 70 koncerata. Kontakt: Makovac Mojca, groznjan@hgm.hr   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H) 380. Obljetnica rodjenja Ane Katarine Frankopan - Zrinski http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4976/1/H-380-Obljetnica-rodjenja-Ane-Katarine-Frankopan---Zrinski.html ÂAne Katarine Frankopan - Zrinski (Bosiljevo, 1625. â Graz, 16. XI. 1673.)ÂDobro doÅli u DHK u srijedu, 11. siječnja 2006. u 12 sati! ÂDRUÅTVO HRVATSKIH KNJIŽEVNIKAZagreb, Trg bana Jelačića 7/I* Susreti u DHK-a * Čast nam je pozvati Vas na obilježavanje 380. obljetnice rođenja najstarije hrvatske književnice, banice i mučenice Ane Katarine Frankopan - Zrinski (Bosiljevo, 1625. â Graz, 16. XI. 1673.)TRIPTIH ZRINIANAMatica hrvatska - Čakovec, Zrinski - Čakovec,Nacionalna i sveučiliÅna knjižnica - Zageb, 2005.Govorit će: akademik Josip Bratulić prof. dr. Joža Skokprof. dr. Stjepko Težakprof. dr. Zvonimir Bartolićdramska umjetnica Suzana NikolićVoditelj Tribine DHK Tito BilopavlovićDobro doÅli u DHK u srijedu, 11. siječnja 2006. u 12 sati!  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Traveling can humble us - Zoran Orlic in Pology magazine http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4975/1/E-Traveling-can-humble-us---Zoran-Orlic-in-Pology-magazine.html ÂZoran Orlic in Pology magazine ÂFrom the EditorI started Pology with the hope of sharing the exciting potential this world holds for everyone, regardless of their current station in life. It is my hope that our stories and pictures will inspire people to get out and see the world. In a time where representations of the world are fed to us through polarized lenses, traveling has become of supreme importance. Traveling can remind us that in any situation there are multiple and often conflicting truths. Traveling can humble us, and remind us of how little we know. Immersion in a new culture can force us to see a beauty in the world that all too easily gets lost in the routine of the mundane. On our pages you will find impassioned vignettes of cultural exploration. Too much of today's travel writing focuses on where to stay, eat and shop, but I'm convinced that there is a breed of traveler out there that knows getting lost and having the details unfold spontaneously is what leads to the stories that can be fondly retold for the rest of your life. I kindly ask your indulgence in hearing our stories. Neil Schwartz, March 2005 Contact PologyBy Mail:Pology Magazine760 Market Street, Suite 1047San Francisco, CA 94102By E-Mail:Editorial feedbackfeedback@pology.com General inquiriesquestions@pology.com The January issue of Pology magazine is online, this time with a couple good pieces on Tokyo and Atlantic City, plus a Chicago photo gallery exemplified above. The non-urban stuff is also pleasing as usual, particularly the Croatia gallery.http://www.pology.com/photo/0611p3.html http://www.gridskipper.com/travel/tokyo/new-pology-mag-up-146862.php Âwww.zerostudio.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Pology magazine Cover - Zoran Orlic represents Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4974/1/E-Pology-magazine-Cover---Zoran-Orlic-represents-Croatia.html Âwww.pology.com www.zerostudio.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Major cultural events and festivals in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4979/1/E-Major-cultural-events-and-festivals-in-Croatia.html ÂMajor cultural events and festivals - Theatre festivals and events- Music festivals and events- Visual arts events- Film and video festivals and shows- Literary and publishing eventsTheatre festivals and eventsDubrovnik Summer Festival / Dubrovački ljetni festival- The most prominent annual international theatrical, music and ballet festival in Croatia.c/o Dubrovnik Festival - Croatia / Dubrovnik Festival - HrvatskaOd Sigurate 120000 DUBROVNIK tel: +385 20 323 400; + 385 20 323 414 fax: +385 20 323 365e-mail: program@dubrovnik-festival.hrhttp://www.dubrovnik-festival.hrSplit Summer Festival / Splitsko ljeto- An annual national festival of music and theatre (opera, drama and ballet).c/o Croatian National Theatre Split / Hrvatsko narodno kazaliÅte Split Trg Gaje Bulata 121000 SPLITtel: +385 21 361 216; +385 21 585 957fax: +385 21 361 260e-mail: hnk-split@st.tel.hrhttp://www.hnk-split.hrMarulić Festival / Marulićevi dani- A festival of Croatian drama and author theatre and scientific workshop on Marulić's opus with with domestic and foreign participants.c/o Croatian National Theatre Split / Hrvatsko narodno kazaliÅte SplitTrg Gaje Bulata 121000 SPLIT tel: +385 21 361 216; +385 21 585 957fax: + 385 21 361 260e-mail: hnk-spli@st.tel.hrhttp://www.hnk-split.hrandLiterary Circle Split - Marulianum / Književni krug Split Đ MarulianumIspod ure 321000 SPLITtel: +385 21 360 102 fax: +385 21 360 102 International Children's Festival Åibenik / Međunarodni dječji festival Åibenik- International annual festival of children's art and art for children.c/o The Åibenik Theatre / Åibensko kazaliÅte Kralja Zvonimira 122000 ÅIBENIK tel: +385 22 213 145; +385 22 213 123 fax: +385 22 212 134e-mail: sibensko.kazaliste@sibensko-kazaliste.hrhttp://child.fest.sibensko-kazaliste.hrPIF - International Puppet Festival / PIF - Međunarodni festival kazaliÅta lutaka- International annual festival of puppet theatres.c/o International Cultural Centre / Međunarodni centar za usluge u kulturi Božidara Magovca bb10010 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 66 01 626; +385 1 66 92 574fax: +385 1 66 01 619e-mail: mcuk-iks@zg.tel.hrhttp://pubwww.srce.hr/pif-festival Meeting of professional and professionally led theatres for children and youth / Susret profesionalnih i profesionalno vođenih kazaliÅta za djecu i mlade- Annual meeting of the Croatian ASSITEJ Centre membersc/o Croatian ASSITEJ Centre / Hrvatski centar ASSITEJ Croatian Association of Drama Artists / Hrvatsko druÅtvo dramskih umjetnikaAmruÅeva 19/III10000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 4920 717e-mail: hc-assitej@inet.hrhttp://www.ador.hr/assitej-croatiaFestival of New Theatre Đ Eurokaz / Eurokaz - Festival novog kazaliÅta- International annual festival of contemporary theatre and dance promoting innovative theatric expression.c/o Eurokaz - FestivalBogovićeva 1/IV10000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 48 47 856 fax: +385 1 48 54 424e-mail: eurokaz@zamir.nethttp://www.eurokaz.hrInternational Festival of Small Theatres Rijeka / Međunarodni festival malih scena Rijeka- Presents smaller-scale theatrical forms confronting the best achievements of Croatian theatres with the best performances on contemporary European and world stages.c/o HKD Theatre Rijeka / HKD Teatar RijekaStrossmayerova 151000 RIJEKAtel: +385 51 373 502fax: +385 51 373 502Actors' Festival / Festival glumca- National festival of acting achievements in monodramas, chamber theatre and other forms- devoted to the acting profession and its creativity.c/o Croatian Association of Dramatic Artists / Hrvatsko druÅtvo dramskih umjetnikaAmruÅeva 19 10000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 49 20 717fax: +385 1 49 20 718e-mail: hddu@hddu.hrhttp://www.hddu.hrFestival of Satire/ Dani satire- Annual festival of the best comedy and satire writing in Croatian theatrical production with the participation of prominent foreign guests.c/o Satirical Theatre "Kerempuh" / Satiričko kazaliÅte "Kerempuh" Ilica 3110000 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 48 33 354; +385 1 48 333 645fax: +385 1 48 33 348e-mail: kerempuh@zg.hinet.hrFestival of Croatian theatrical amateurs / Festival hrvatskih kazaliÅnih amatera- Annual festival of the best achievements of amateur theatrical groups in Croatia- from folk through classical to experimental theatre.c/o Croatian Culture Convention / Hrvatski sabor kulture Ulica kralja Zvonimira 17/IV10000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 45 56 879fax: +385 1 45 56 877e-mail: hrv.sabor.kulture@zg.tel.hrhttp://www.hinet.hr/hr-sabor-kultureMusic Festival and EventsZagreb Music Biennale / Muzički biennale Zagreb- International biennial festival of contemporary music.c/o Croatian Composers Association / Hrvatsko druÅtvo skladateljaBerislavićeva 910000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 4872 370 fax: +385 1 4872 372 e-mail: info@hds.hrhttp://www.biennale-zagreb.hrBaroque Evenings in Varaždin / Varaždinske barokne večeri- International annual festival of baroque music.c/o Concert Office Varaždin / Koncertni ured VaraždinA. Cesarca 142000 VARAŽDIN tel: +385 42 212 907 fax: +385 42 212 907e-mail: koncured@vz.tel.hrhttp://www.vzvijesti.com/vbvMusical Evenings in St. Donat's Zadar / Glazbene večeri u Sv. Donatu- International annual music festival devoted particularly to medieval and renaissance music.c/o Concert Office Zadar / Koncertni ured ZadarTrg P. Zoranića 123000 ZADARtel: +385 23 315 807 fax: +385 23 315 807 e-mail: koncertni-ured-zadar@tel.zd.hrhttp://www.hinet.hr/koncertni-ured-zadarCroatian Music Days / Dani hrvatske glazbe- Biennial event devoted to Croatian music, musicians and music life. c/o Croatian Composers Association / Hrvatsko druÅtvo skladateljaBerislavićeva 910000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 487 23 70fax: +385 1 487 23 72e-mail: mic@zg.tel.hrhttp://www.kdz.hrEvenings of Music in Osor / Osorske glazbene večeri- National annual music festival devoted to the preservation of the Croatian musical heritage.c/o Osor Music Evenings Festival / Hrvatska udruga Osorske glazbene večeriHrcegovačka 10910000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 37 55 482; +385 51 237 110fax: +385 1 37 55 482; + 385 51 237 110Zagreb Summer Festival / Zagrebačke ljetne večeri- Annual music and opera festival.c/o Zagreb Concert Management / Koncertna direkcija Zagreb Kneza Mislava 1810000 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 46 11 809fax: +385 1 46 11 807e-mail: neda.jankovic@zg.tel.hrhttp://www.kdz.hrJeunesses musicales of Croatia - International Cultural Centre in Grožnjan (JMCICC) / Međunarodni kulturni centar hrvatske glazbene mladeži Grožnjan- Summer school of music.c/o Young Croatian Musicians / Hrvatska glazbena mladežTrg Stjepana Radića 410000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 61 11 600; +385 1 61 11 566fax: +385 1 61 11 566e-mail: hgm-jmc@zg.tel.hrhttp://www.tel.hr/hgm-jmcorc/o International Cultural Centre in Grožnjan (from 15 June to 15 September) / Međunarodni kulturni centar Hrvatske glazbene mladeži (od 15. lipnja do 15. rujna)51429 GROŽNJANtel: +385 52 776 106fax: +385 52 776 106 Week of Modern Dance / Tjedan suvremenog plesa- International annual festival of modern dance.c/o Croatian Institute of Motion and Dance / Hrvatski institut za pokret i plesBiankinijeva 510000 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 464 1154fax: +385 1 464 1154 e-mail: HIPP-TSP@softhome.net; mirna@vkool.comhttp://www.danceincroatia.comInternational Folklore Festival / Međunarodna smotra folklora- The most important international annual festival of folk music and dance in Croatia.c/o Zagreb Concert Management / Koncertna direkcija Zagreb Kneza Mislava 1810000 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 46 11 797; +385 1 46 11 709fax: +385 1 46 11 807e-mail: msf@msf.hrhttp://www.mfs.hrVisual Art EventsZagreb Art Exhibition / Zagrebački salon- Annual national exhibition of recent works of Croatian artists.c/o Croatian Associations of Visual Artists Đ HDLU / Hrvatski druÅtvo likovnih umjetnika Đ HDLUTrg hrvatskih velikana bb10000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 46 11 818; +385 1 46 11 819fax: +385 1 46 11 818; +385 1 46 11 819e-mail: salon@mi2.hrhtpp://www.salon.mi2.hrWorld Triennial Exhibition of Small Ceramics / Svjetski triennale male keramike- International triennial exibition of small ceramics (maximum size 15x15x15 cm).c/o ULUPUH - The Croation Assotiation of Artists of Applied ArtsVlaÅka 7210000 ZAGREBtel/fax: +385 1 45 52 595e-mail: ulupuh@zg.hinet.hrhttp://www.ulupuh.hrInternational Exhibition of Drawings / Međunarodna izložba crteža- International exhibition of drawings devoted to a chosen topic.c/o Museum of Modern Art / Muzej moderne i suvremene umjetnostiDolac 151000 RIJEKAtel: +385 51 33 42 80; +385 51 33 52 52 fax: +385 51 33 09 82e-mail: moderna-galerija-rijeka@ri.tel.hrhttp://www.mgr.hrPoreč Annual Exibition / Porečki annale- Annual national art exhibition.c/o Community Education Centre of Poreč / Pučko otvoreno učiliÅte PorečNarodni trg 152440 POREČtel: +385 52 432 263; +385 52 431 595fax: +385 52 431 598e-mail: likovna-porec@pu.tel.hr http://www.culture-vision.comCroatian Triennial of Graphic Art / Hrvatski triennale grafike- A nationally relevant exhibition of graphic art.c/o The Cabinet of Graphic Art of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences / Kabinet grafike HAZUHebrangova 110000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 4922 374fax: +385 1 4922 374e-mail: kabgraf@hazu.hrhttp://www.hazu.hrCroatian Triennial of Drawings / Hrvatski triennale crteža- A nationally relevant exhibition of drawings.c/o Cabinet of Graphic Art of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences / Kabinet grafike HAZUHebrangova 110000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 4922 374fax: +385 1 4922 374e-mail: kabgraf@hazu.hrhttp://www.hazu.hrZGRAF - International Exibition of Graphic Design and Visual Communication / ZGRAF - Međunarodna izložba grafičkog dizajna i vizualnih komunikacija - Triennial international exibition of graphic design and visual communication.c/o ULUPUH - The Croation Assotiation of Artists of Applied ArtsVlaÅka 7210000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 45 52 595fax: +385 1 45 52 595e-mail: ulupuh@zg.hinet.hrhttp://www.ulupuh.hrFilm and Video Festivals and ShowsFestival of Croatian and European Film - Pula / PULAFILMFESTIVAL - Festival hrvatskog i europskog filma- Annual national festival of the most recent Croatian feature film production.c/o Istrian National Theatre / Istarsko narodno kazaliÅteMatka Laginje 552100 PULAtel: +385 52 210 486; +385 52 222 380fax: +385 52 214 303e-mail: office@pulafilmfestival.comhttp://www.pulafilmfestival.comDays of Croatian Film / Dani hrvatskog filma - National festival of short and medium feature, documentary, animated, experimental and educational films, including promotional videos.c/o Zagreb film d.o.o.VlaÅka 7010000 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 46 13 689fax: +385 1 45 57 068e-mail: zagreb-film@zg.tel.hrhttp://www.zagrebfilm.hrWorld Festival of Animated Films / ANIMAFEST - Svjetski festival animiranih filmova- Biennial international festival of the most recent world animated film production.c/o Zagreb Concert Management / Koncertna direkcija ZagrebKneza MIslava 1810000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 46 11 808; +385 1 46 11 709fax: +385 1 46 11 807e-mail: animafest@kdz.hr http://www.animafest.hrMotovun Film Festival/ Motovun film festival- International festival of independent film production.c/o Motovun Film Festival d.o.o.Zvonimirova 5410000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 46 47 700fax: +385 1 46 47 587e-mail: mff@motovunfilmfestival.comhttp:// www.motovunfilmfestival.comInternational Festival of New Film and Video / Međunarodni festival novog filma i videa- International festival of alternative and experimental film and video.c/o P.B. 24421000 SPLIT tel: +385 21 525 925e-mail: split.folmfest@st.tel.hrhttp://www.splitfilmfestival.hrCroatian Minute Movie Cup / Hrvatska revija jednominutnih filmova- International film and video festival of all film genres by non-professionals and not longer than 60 seconds.c/o Croatian Film Association / Hrvatski filmski savezDalmatinska 1210000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 48 48 771fax: +385 1 48 48 764e-mail: verica.robic-skarica@hztk.tel.hr http://www.hfs.hrFestival of Croatian Film and Video Production / Revija hrvatskoga filmskog i video stvaralaÅtva- Annual national festival of non-professional film and video production. c/o Croatian Film Association / Hrvatski filmski savezDalmatinska 1210000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 48 48 771fax: +385 1 48 48 764e-mail: verica.robic-skarica@hztk.tel.hr http://www.hfs.hrLiterary and Publishing EventsZagreb Literary Talks / Zagrebački književni razgovori- Annual international literary gathering.c/o Croatian Writers Society / DruÅtvo hrvatskih književnikaTrg bana Josipa Jelačića 710000 ZAGREBtel: + 385 1 48 16 931fax: + 385 1 48 16 959e-mail: dhk@dhk.hrhttp://www.dhk.hrPoetry Festival "Goranovo proljećeČ / Goranovo proljeće - National festival of poetry in tribute to the Croatian poet Ivan Goran Kovačić.c/o Students Culture and Art Society "Ivan Goran Kovačić" / SKUD "Ivan Goran Kovačić" Opatovina 1110000 ZAGREB tel: +385 1 48 13 321fax: +385 1 48 13 320e-mail: info@igk.hrhttp://www.igk.hrBook of the Mediterranean / Knjiga Mediterana- Week-long of books inspired by the Mediterranean. An annual international multimedia event aiming at research and recognition of the Mediterranean origins of Croatian culture.c/o The Split Literary Circle / Književni krug SplitIspod ure 321000 SPLITtel: +385 21 361 081tel/fax: +385 21 344 711 e-mail: knjizevni-krug-split@st.tel.hrBook Fair in Istria / Sa(n)jam knjige u Istri- Annual Croatian book fair and major literary event in Istria with international participation.c/o Castropola d.o.o.Zagrebačka 1452000 PULA tel: +385 52 216 159; +385 52 218 197fax: +385 52 216 159e-mail: castropola@pu.tel.hrhttp://www.castropola. hrInterliber / Interliber- Annual publishing event devoted to the presentation of new Croatian and foreign books.c/o Publishers and Booksellers Association / Zajednica nakladnika i knjižaraCroatian Chamber of Economy Zagreb / Hrvatska gospodarska komora ZagrebDraÅkovićeva 4510000 Zagrebtel: +385 1 46 06 704fax: +385 1 46 06 737e-mail: industrija@hgk.hrhttp://www.hgk.hr Croatian Book Month / Mjesec hrvatske knjige- Annual national event devoted to books and reading.c/o City of Zagreb Libraries / Knjižnice grada ZagrebStarčevićev trg 610000 ZAGREBtel: +385 1 45 72 081; +385 1 45 72 344fax: +385 1 42 72 089e-mail: kgz@kgz.hrhttp://www.kgz.hrPrepared by: Marija ÅurinE-mail: marija.surin@min-kulture.hrhttp://www.min-kulture.hr/eMINISTRY_html/eNEWS/EVENTS_BIJELA_frameset.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Spencer James: New Work & Slop Pop http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4977/1/E-Spencer-James-New-Work--Slop-Pop.html ÂSpencer James: New Work & Slop PopÂSlop-pop dudeBY CAMILLE DODEROÂSpencer James says he’d better dig out the copy of his band’s EP right now or he’ll forget to pass it along — the Flats Fixed guitarist/singer is feeling a little spacey. "There was this car in front of me the whole way down here, smoking weed," he says, retrieving a jewel case from a bag next to the white bike he just rode in on. "I was riding in the back draft, so sorry if ...." His sentence trails off in an invisible ellipsis.It’s a Wednesday afternoon in Fort Point Channel’s Studio Soto, a first-floor gallery on Melcher Street overlooking the lifeless A Street Diner. Studio Soto isn’t usually open on weekdays, but the MassArt-educated painter/illustrator has keys to the space and opened it for a guided tour of his show, "Spencer James: New Work & Slop Pop." In one corner of the space is a red-and-orange piece that stars the Count from Sesame Street. "I like the Count’s ‘Ha-ha-ha,’" James explains with a grin, Sonic Youth blaring in the background. "My grandfather is from Croatia and he had that Eastern European accent." On another wall, there’s a painting of the cursive phrase "the name of your band." "It’s so important to bands," the 39-year-old says. "Now that I’m out of the potential age range to be a pop star, it’s just kind of funny that the name of your band holds so much weight."But names hold a certain importance for James, too. He christened his three-man pop-punk band after a sign in a Mission Hill tire shop: FLATS FIXED. And the term "slop pop" is integral to the identity of James’s work. It’s not his genre tag, per se: scrappy music writers have tossed the label around, a New York band called Poolsville released an EP by that name in 1998, and James himself has heard Melt-Banana called "slop pop." But a few years ago, when it came time to assign a moniker to Flats Fixed’s self-releases, he parodied Sub Pop and called it Slop Pop Records. The adjective conveys not only James’s approach to music, but his messy, somewhat haphazard, color-that-casually-bleeds-outside-the-lines approach to painting. James admits, "Mistakes are actually the most important part [of my work]."That’s especially evident looking around the Fort Point gallery. Many of James’s drawings are of figures: elephants, lotus flowers, a yam shaped like a uterus. And for the most part, they look like enlarged notebook doodles. Being bored and scrawling on paper is actually what inspired a few of them. Like the Buddha series — portraits of the back of Buddha’s head. "I was an A/V technician," says James, referring to the full-time hospitality-style job he held at the MIT Hotel he recently left after five years. "I found myself drawing the backs of people’s heads a lot."Although the Croatian-born Jamaica Plain resident has an art-school background and even worked at his parents’ folk-art shop during high school, he says he doesn’t really know much about art. For example, he has no idea how to mix color. "I know just enough to be dangerous," he likes to say, adding that he’s red-green colorblind. So when James started at MassArt, he first found himself drawn to the visual and tactile qualities of found objects, like old, rained-on plywood. "My parents totally didn’t get it, though. I would give them this block of wood with a chain and they’d be like, ‘No value. I don’t get this.’" But then he started painting on the plywood, a process that didn’t allow him room for tidying up error — and inevitably "happy mistakes" became the art.That’s also consistent with James’s handmade line of Slop Pop trucker hats and T-shirts. The hats have logos that are hand-stamped and off-kilter. James created the items because he "wanted something fast" and because he’s lately been inspired by bike couriers. He worked as one during college. "Couriers are this weird unsung hero," he says. "I just think it’s funny that couriers and their piercings, nose rings, and tattoos — smelling like cigarettes — are like an integral part of perfect hair, manicure, perfect suits, and lawyers and business. They’re always in trouble with the law, cabbies hate them, yet they have a right to be on the road...." They tend to get caught in the back draft, too. Flats Fixed plays this Friday, January 6, at Studio Soto, 63 Melcher Street, Boston | www.studiosoto.com.http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/id_check/documents/05189266.asp  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book Review 'Mother's Memoirs' http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4989/1/E-Book-Review-Mothers-Memoirs.html ÂBook Review 'Motherâs Memoirs - The Life and Stories of Lucy Marincel' by Emily Marincel AmbergBy Katarina TepeshAmong the best way to remember and honor your parents is to listen to their stories, take details notes and eventually write and publish a book. Emily, one of the ten children from Lucija Majnaric and Franjo Marincel, dedicated the book to her parents with grateful thanks for their having the courage to venture to a new land from Croatia.George Prpic noted how people from Lika, the territory formerly belonging to the Military Frontier, were tough, courageous, witty, naturally intelligent peasant stock. They emigrated primarily for economic reasons: lack of land, overpopulation, destruction caused by phylloxera, poverty, and heavy taxation. But they came also to escape conscription and for other political reasons: the Hapsburg oppression and Magyarization (1867 to 1914), dictatorship in Yugoslavia (1918 to 1939), and Communist take-over in 1945. More than 70,000 (16 percent of the entire population) left Croatia for the United States and the exodus continues. The main character in the book, Lucija Agnes Majnaric was born on December 13, 1884 in Kosinj, Lika, Croatia. Much of the book is dedicated to the survival on homestead. The role of religion and church; how young men had to register to serve three years in the âforeignâ army where German was spoken under Austro-Hungarian rule. Descriptions of farming and gardening, what food they managed to produce and various cooking recipes for potica, sarma, sauerkraut, stews and soups; joyful Christmas celebrations and traditions; how they produced their own clothing and managed the laundry, a need for constant repairs of the old house and meaning of home; Their undying love for Croatians songs and tamburitza music. Included are also wedding, marriage and inheritance customs, as well as childhood chores and games. Lucijaâs parents accompanied her on the first leg of the journey, a two-day walk from the homestead in Rudinka, through Krasna, to the village of Sveti Juraj on the coast. They spent the night sleeping on the ground along the road. From Sveti Juraj, Lucija and her parents took a small boat to Fiume or Rijeka. The gut wrenching goodbye with her loving parents knowing they will never see each other again. One way trip to America for Lucija cost about $80.00. During the long voyage of 21 days to the United States, the passengers helped with the work on the ship as part of the price of their passage. Lucija set tables, served food, and washed the dishes. She arrived in 1911 and married her childhood sweetheart, handsome Franjo Stjepan Marincel, a gentleman and honorable men. In the wedding photo, both look serious, kind of touching hands in the form of shaking hands, as in âour hearts are full of hope and now we have a partnership.â Pretty Lucija wore a veil, gloves and beautiful wedding dress made of soft peach satin. The family has kept the dress for ninety years, but now it is in very poor condition, the material in shreds.Following church ceremony and the wedding party, Lucija and Franjo went directly to their new home, a shack in one of the mining camps near Virginia. But the time they arrived, it was dawn, time to be up, start cooking, and get to work.They settled in Mountain Iron, Minnesota, where Lucija gave birth to ten children. Two died in infancy, seven surviving and pregnant with her eighth child when her husband Franjo died in 1931, at age of 47, from pneumonia. While alive, Franjo worked 10 hours in the iron mines for $2.00 per day. His grueling labor there preceded and followed by hours of additional work at home. Lucija worked the gardens, cooked, cleaned, washed the laundry, took care of the animals (milking, feeding, gathering eggs), and cared for the children. They had boarders in the house as a source of additional income. Lucija cooked and washed for them. As in most mining towns, life was ârough and toughâ on the Iron Range. For the rest of her life, Lucija was often busy making yards of rugs on her homemade loom or braiding round and oblong rugs by hand. Over the years she won many awards. Or else she was knitting mittens or making âcoklje,â homemade shoes. She could not write, but dictated letters to her family in Croatia, sending cash and packages of food and clothes. Keeping in close touch with her numerous brothers and sisters from Croatia, helped Lucija understand the killings taking place during the WWII. There is nothing more powerful than ordinary people telling the truth about the conflict between Croats and Serbs. By reading the book you will find out which soldiers came to the village to steal their last piece of bread, forced the shoes off their feet and shot them in the back when they raised their hands in the gesture of surrender trying to peacefully move towards safety and freedom. In America, Lucijaâs children served in the military and graduated from Colleges. One daughter become active in politics and became the first woman elected to the Hopkins City Council. Though fighting cancer, she helped bring into existence a shelter for battered women and served citizens in many other areas. After an absence of 60 years, Lucija returned to Croatia for a visit in 1972.Lucija lived in Minnesota until she celebrated 102. At her funeral in 1987, her grandson said, 'We remember the abiding religious faith that helped her endure a succession of trials â early widowhood, cancer, a broken hip, the deaths of several of her children, and finally old age itself. I remember her always in the middle of family gatherings; seated like a queen on her throneâ.She represented a living connection with Croatia, with rural life.' 'Motherâs Memoirs' book was privately published in 2004. Copies may be purchased for $15.00 from the author Emily Marincel Amberg, 16510 Tranquility Ct., SE, #203, Prior Lake, MN 55372.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New Journal of Croatian Study - vol 43 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4988/1/E-New-Journal-of-Croatian-Study---vol-43.html ÂÂNew Issue of the Journal of Croatian StudiesÂThe Croatian Academy of America published volume 43 of the Journal of Croatian Studies, an annual interdisciplinary periodical dedicated to Croatian studies.This exceptional volume includes contributions on recent Bosnian history; towering cultural figures such as Ivo Andrić, Tin Ujević, Ruđer BoÅković, and Josip Juraj Strossmayer; the Croatian Renaissance; and Istrian history at the close of World War II when the Allies established a military government in Pula.Former Bosnian Ambassador to the EU and NATO, Miles Vitomir Raguž, opens the volume with an examination of Croatiaâs decisive role in saving Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995 through Operation Storm. Coming less than a month after the Srebrenica massacre and an imminent attack on the UN safe haven of Bihać, it completely altered the balance of power in the region and brought about the conditions for peace. Details the diplomatic meetings between Croatia and the United States, as far back as 1993, which led to the strategy of using Croatian forces as a substitute for military power that no Western country was willing to apply on the ground. While Raguž shows how peace came about in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Marko Babić, an associate of the Miroslav Krleža Lexicographical Institute, details the catastrophic results of the Dayton Peace Accords for the Croatian population of the Bosnian Posavina region. Compares the ethnic structure of pre- and post-Dayton Bosnian Posavina revealing that before Serb forces launched their assault, Croats constituted the largest ethnic group in the region with a population of 136,266. Five years after the Dayton Peace Accords had given the Posavina to the Serb entity ('Bosanska Srpska'), only 10,881 Croats remained. Reveals that out of a pre-war Croatian population of 760,852, almost fifty percent have been ethnically cleansed from Bosnia-Herzegovina, while only 1,090 have been allowed to return to their homes in 'Bosanska Srpska' as of June 2000.University of Toronto Professor Ralph Bogert reveals the changes in reception of the writer Ivo Andrić (1892-1975), the only South Slavic recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature. Discusses efforts to claim, disclaim, and reclaim Andrić for Croatian culture and literature, and concludes that Andrić will eventually be treated like other writers whose works have crossed national boundaries. Harvard Universityâs Ellen Elias-Bursać explores Tin Ujevićâs (1891-1955) trajectory from student of philosophy and literature, through disaster of neglect, to poetry, focusing on his 1926 collection of poems entitled Kolajna. Shows the significance of the collection for an understanding of the Ujevićâs development. The third contribution dealing with literature is University of Waterloo Professor Vinko GrubiÅićâs regional survey of the Latin and Italian influences on Croatian Renaissance writers who belonged to the intellectual universality of humanist Europe. GrubiÅić also reviews the book Marko Marulić Marul (Zagreb, 1999), an up-to-date account of the life and works of the Croatian Renaissance writer and 'father of Croatian literature,' Marko Marulić (1450-1524) by Mirko Tomasović, a leading Marulićian scholar and editor of Colloquia Maruliana.Two giant figures in Croatian history, scientist Ruđer BoÅković (1711-1787) and Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer (1815-1905) are also featured in the volume. Well-known Croatian linguist from Britain, Branko Franolić, explores the motives for BoÅkovićâs traveling to Isaac Newtonâs native land. Regarded as the first to have a scientific vision of the Unified Field Theory ('Theory of Everything'), BoÅkovićâs theory of natural philosophy had a deep impact on leading British scientists and philosophers. Ljerka Dulibić of Zagreb explores Strossmayerâs role in politics, religion and culture in Croatia during the latter half of the 19th century. Focuses on his involvement with the establishment of the University of Zagreb and the Academy of Sciences and Arts, the construction of the cathedral in Đakovo and the Academy Palace, the collecting of art work, the founding of art history studies, and his donation to, and assistance in, establishing what became known as the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters.In the final contribution, John Peter Kraljic examines the power struggle over Istria between the Allies, who established an Allied Military Government (AMG) in Pula in order to secure its lines of communication to Trieste, and Titoâs Yugoslavia at the close of World War II and during the emerging Cold War. Discusses the roles played by the Italian, Croat and Slovene populations in Istria during this period, and the eventual inclusion of AMG-controlled territories in Yugoslavia.A review of French intellectual Alain Finkielkrautâs collection of interviews, commentaries and essays critiquing Western policy toward Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1991-1996, and of a catalogue showcasing Croatian books published in emigration from 1900-2000 complete the book review section of this 202-page issue of the Journal of Croatian Studies.The Croatian Academy of America was established in 1953 and has published the Journal of Croatian Studies since 1960. Managing editors of the Journal are Karlo Mirth and Jerome Jareb.Single issues of the Journal may be ordered at a price of US $25 for individuals and US $40 for institutions. Due to delays, volume 43 (2002) was published in 2005.To order a copy of the Journal contact:The Croatian Academy of America, Inc.P.O. Box 1767, Grand Central StationNew York, NY 10163-1767 U.S.A.Fax (516) 935-0019; e-mail croatacad@aol.com ÂWeb site: www.croatianacademy.org Articles appearing in the Journal are indexed by ABC-CLIO Historical Abstracts, MLA International Bibliography of the Modern Languages Association and Public Affairs Information Service. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) News from the City of Rijeka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4987/1/E-News-from-the-City-of-Rijeka.html ÂNews from the City of RijekaUniversity Campus and University hospital - an Acropolis of knowledgeDear Crown,good news from Rijeka. The University of Rijeka started last week with construction of its University campus on the location of former barracks (first of Yugoslav after Croatian army) in Trsat quarter of the City (widely famous because of Madonna of Trsat pilgrimage shrine). With these work begins construction of the first phase of the Campus which includes construction of several faculty buildings, student's cultural centre and dormitory, University library, roads, parking facilities, central square etc. First phase, worth about 500 mill. kunas (or aprox. 80 mill. US dollars) is planned to be finished till 2009th when more than 5.000 students will attend their lectures there.An idea about how to reuse former barracks site goes back to 1991. but serious preparation work started after 1995., when Homeland's war was finished. So, it was possible in 2003./04. to organize public competition for urbanistic solution of the Campus. Following winning work of architect Dario Gabrić, City Council of Rijeka approved last month Detail plan (which made arc. Gabrić also) for the area of University Campus and University hospital, which enables further construction works. This Campus has to become an Acropolis of knowledge, acclaimed our famous architect Mr. MagaÅ (well-known as the author of Split soccer stadium Poljud) aimed to its position on the plain of the hill above the rest of the city. We shall agree, because we recognized it at the very start. This is an ambition of the city and Rijeka University, too. If anyone would be moved by this article, let contact Rijeka university for further information.All the best to all, architect Srdjan Skunca letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Vremeplov - SINOC U SARAJEVU - Muzicki spektakl http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4986/1/HE-Vremeplov---SINOC-U-SARAJEVU---Muzicki-spektakl.html ÂSINOC U SARAJEVU - Muzicki spektakl Last night in Sarajevo - Musical SpectacleÂLaibach, Nenad Bach, Eric BurdonSinoc je u ljetnom kinu Metalac odrzan cetverosatni koncert koji predstavlja grandioznu zavrsnicu projekta Bridge (Most), u okviru kojeg je otvorena izlozba egipatskog umjetnika Mohameda Moustafe i odrzana medjunarodna panel diskusija. Ovaj svojevrsni muzicki spektakl otvorio je Eric Burdon, pjevac grupe Animals, pjesmom "House of the raising sun" u pratnji Simfonijskog orkestra. Zajedno su nastupili Sarajevska filharmonija, Britanska rok simfonija, grupe Transglobal Underground, Tuup, Laibach, Dajm Fam, te Nenad Bach, Eric Burdon, zatim hor Tabackog Mesdzida i hafiz Aziz Alili. Koncert je u potpunosti opravdao simboliku naziva, povezavsi i na ovaj nacin na prvi pogled nespojive muzicke pravce i ukuse, okupivsi na jednom mjestu predstavnike svih generacija. Copyright  1997-98 CyberBosna Sva prava zadrzana izvor: Informer - Cyberbosna agencijske vijesti (http://www.djikic.com/cyberbosna/informer/) http://groups.google.com/group/soc.culture.bosna-herzgvna/browse_thread/thread/224e90ff1b461ba8/cd027b6298f58e3a?lnk=st&q=%22nenad+bach%22&rnum=70&hl=en#cd027b6298f58e3a letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Two Croatians erect Bruce Lee statue http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4985/1/E-Two-Croatians-erect-Bruce-Lee-statue.html ÂTwo Croatians in Bosnia erects Bruce Lee statueÂDate: 27/11/05By Miran Jelenek Bosnia's southern town of Mostar has unveiled the world's first statue of kung fu legend Bruce Lee, paying homage to a childhood hero of all its divided ethnic groups. The life-size 1.68 metre bronze statue is situated in Mostar's central park, close to the former frontline of Bosnia's 1992-95 civil war. A decade after the conflict, Mostar's Muslim and Croat inhabitants remain deeply split.Unveiled by its initiators, Veselin Gatalo and Nino Raspudic of Mostar's Urban Movement, the statue portrays the Chinese-American actor, who died 32 years ago, in a typical defensive fighting position."This does not mean that Bruce Lee will unite us, because people are different and cannot be united and we will always be Muslims, Serbs or Croats," Gatalo said."But one thing we all have in common is Bruce Lee."Gatalo has said Lee - a hero to teenagers all over Bosnia in the 1970s and 1980s - epitomised justice, mastery and honesty, virtues the town had badly missed.The statue shows Lee facing north, so that Muslims in the eastern part of Mostar and Croats in its western half do not see him as poised for a fight with them. Croatia is in the south.The ceremony on a rainy autumn day was attended by dozens of people and the ambassadors of China and Germany, both of which helped the project. They watched a display of martial arts by Bosnian youths.Hong Kong, where Lee grew up, will unveil its own statue of the martial arts master on what would be his 65th birthday at a ceremony attended by his widow Linda.Lee was born in San Francisco and shot to fame with a series of martial arts movies, including Enter the Dragon in 1973. He died aged 32 from swelling on the brain.Mostar's most famous symbol - a 16th century bridge which the Bosnian Croat artillery destroyed in 1993 during some of the fiercest battles of the war - was rebuilt last year but unification and reconciliation in the town have been slow.Raspudic said the statue would help Mostar find a new association. "It's no longer a black hole," he said.It took Gatalo and Raspudic, both ethnic Croats, more than two years to realise their idea for a statue of Lee, the town's authorities having finally granted permission in September.http://seven.com.au/news/topstories/124413  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) FINE DEAD GIRLS - monthly screenings in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4984/1/E-FINE-DEAD-GIRLS---monthly-screenings-in-New-York.html ÂThe Doors Art Foundationwww.doors-art.com presents Upcoming film screenings at the Two Boots Pioneer Theaterevery first Thursday of the month Thursday, January 5, 2006 @ 7PMFINE DEAD GIRLSFine Mrtve Djevojke2002, Alka Film, Croatia 77 MINDirector: Dalibor Matanic www.dalibormatanic.com Cast: Olga Pakalovic, Nina Violic, Inge Appelt, Kresimir Mikic, Ivica Vidovic, Jadranka Dokić, Milan Strljic, Zdenko Sertic KriegerCroatian (English subtitles)Two Boots Pioneer Theater is located at:155 East 3rd Street (at Avenue A) / NYC / (212) 591-0434Tickets: $9.00 adults, $6.50 membersSeating is limited so we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance.http://pioneertheater.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=44871 The Doors Art Foundation is proud to present monthly screenings featuring a selection of films from the Croatian cinema of the last decade. This unique project is a result of a creative collaboration between The Doors Art Foundation, the Croatian film critic Jurica Pavicic and the featured Croatian filmmakers.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) PRVI SUSRET KLAPA IZ HRVATSKOG ISELJENISTVA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4983/1/E-PRVI-SUSRET-KLAPA-IZ-HRVATSKOG-ISELJENISTVA.html ÂPRVI SUSRET KLAPA IZ HRVATSKOG ISELJENIÅTVA U DOMOVINI24. lipnja - 2. srpnja 2006. VaÅe prijave uputite najkasnije do 20. sijecnja 2006.  Hrvatska matica iseljenika iz Zagreba u 2006. godini planira po prvi puta okupiti u Hrvatskoj klape iz iseljeniÅtva i predstaviti ih naÅoj javnosti kroz koncerte koji ce se održati tijekom desetodnevne turneje slijedecim rasporedom: ÂSubota, 24. 6. okupljanje klapa u Zagrebu, dobrodoÅlica i druženje  s domacim klapama Nedjelja, 25. 6. koncert u Crikvenici Ponedjeljak, 26. 6.ÂÂkoncert u Zadru Utorak, 27. 6. koncert u Sinju Srijeda, 28. 6. koncert u Veloj Luci na Korculi Cetvrtak, 29. 6. koncert u Podgori Petak, 30. 6. koncert u Bolu na otoku Bracu Subota, 1. 7. koncert u KaÅtel StaromNedjelja, 2. 7.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂkoncert u OmiÅu u okviru 40. Festivala dalmatinskih klapa U svakom od navedenih mjesta na koncertima ce nastupati uz klape hrvatskih iseljenika i klape domacini. U sklopu turneje bit ce održane i dvije radionice za pjevace i voditelje klapskoga pjevanja, u Zadru i KaÅtel Starom, koje ce održati renomirani klapski voditelji. ÂUvjeti sudjelovanja: Organizator – Hrvatska matica iseljenika placa troÅkove smjeÅtaja, prehrane i prijevoza za sve klape od dolaska u subotu, 24. lipnja, do zavrÅetka turneje u ponedjeljak, 3. srpnja, nakon dorucka. Klape same placaju troÅkove svog dolaska do Zagreba i povratka od Splita.  Umjetnicki voditelj programa je mr. JoÅko Caleta, a organizatorica Srebrenka Åeravic. ÂTko može sudjelovati: Na susret se pozivaju organizirane vokalne skupine ciji clanovi (vecina hrvatskog podrijetla) na repertoaru imaju i klapske pjesme. Prednost imaju skupine koje njeguju a capella pjevanje. Prema dosadaÅnjim informacijama u iseljeniÅtvu znamo za postojanje muÅkih klapa i muÅkih klapa s vodecim ženskim glasom Åto ne znaci da se na susret ne mogu prijaviti ženske ili mjeÅovite klape. ÂKoncerti: Obveza svake klape je otpjevati 2 hrvatske klapske pjesme na svakom koncertu uz jednu pjesmu iz države iz koje dolaze. Obrade tradicijskih (klapskih) napjeva i novokomponirane klapske kompozicije u a cappella izvedbama bit ce izabrane od strane selektora programa. Svaka klapa je dužna poslati umjetnickom voditelju mr. JoÅku Caleti snimku od desetak pjesama sa svog repertoara od kojih ce, nakon pregleda svih prijavljenih pjesama svih klapa mr. Caleta izabrati i predložiti klapi pjesme (dvije ili viÅe) koje ce pjevati na koncertima. Isto se odnosi i na predložene pjesme zemalja i tradicija iz kojih klape dolaze. Na kraju svakoga koncerta sve klape zajedno otpjevat ce jednu zajednicku pjesmu za koju ce na vrijeme od organizatora dobiti note. Prijave: Klape se trebaju prijaviti pismenim putem, poslati CD sa snimljenim pjesmama i jednu fotografiju u boji. Umjetnicki voditelj selektirati ce prijavljene klape i njihove programe. ÂPOZIVAMO KLAPE IZ HRVATSKOG ISELJENIÅTVA DA SE PRIJAVE ZA SUDJELOVANJE NA PRVOM SUSRETU U DOMOVINI! VaÅe prijave uputite najkasnije do 20. sijecnja 2006. godine na slijedece adrese: ÂHRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKACROATIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATIONÂVoditeljica: Srebrenka Åeravic, prof. E-mail: folklor@matis.hrÂTrg Stjepana Radiaa 310000 ZAGREBHRVATSKA / CROATIAtel: (+385 1) 61 15 116fax: (+385 1) 61 11 522www.matis.hr mr. JOÅKO CALETA E-mail: josko@ief.hr  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The New Yorker announces Klapa Sinj and Nenad Bach http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4982/1/E-The-New-Yorker-announces-Klapa-Sinj-and-Nenad-Bach.html The New Yorker announces Klapa Sinj and Nenad Bach ÂMusicians and night-club proprietors live complicated lives; itâs advisable to call ahead to confirm engagements.B. B. KING BLUES CLUB & GRILL237 W. 42nd St. (212-997-4144)âNov. 30: The Led-Zeppelin-lite guitarist and singer Billy Squier. Dec. 1: Yngwie Malmsteen is a genius to some and a punch line to others. He was perhaps the swiftest-fingered soloist of the eighties, and his technical chops remain impressive. Just donât expect anything new. Dec. 3: The Max Weinberg 7, the house band for âLate Night with Conan OâBrien,â€? provides a shot of rockinâ boogie and jump blues.BEACON THEATREBroadway at 74th St. (212-307-7171)âDec. 2-4: The âAmerican Idolâ€? crooner Clay Aiken swings by with his highly theatrical holiday show, âJoyful Noise.â€? ÂWORLD MUSIC INSTITUTEWadada Leo Smith is a free-thinking trumpeter. Alan Kushan is an avant-garde composer who plays a custom-built santir, a type of Persian zither. Together they have written âTabligh,â€? a piece that incorporates jazz, classical Persian music, and music from the zikr, a Sufi ceremony of remembrance. (Merkin Concert Hall, 129 W. 67th St. Dec. 1.) The vocal ensemble Klapa Sinj, which comes from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, makes its New York City dÃbut, in the company of the Croatian singer-songwriter Nenad Bach. (New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64th St. Dec. 2.) The young Israeli singer Yasmin Levy performs Sephardic Jewish songs from fifteenth-century Andalusia, Morocco, and Turkey. (Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall. Dec. 3.) âSongs of the Spiritâ€? unites Meshell NdegÃocello, Odetta, DJ Spooky, the Klezmatics, Sekou Sundiata, the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery, and others. (Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Amsterdam Ave. at 112th St. Dec. 6. For more information about all the shows, call 212-545-7536.)BOWERY BALLROOM6 Delancey St. (212-533-2111)âDec. 1: Prefuse 73 (one of the many aliases used by the experimental hip-hop producer Guillermo Scott Herren) crafts wide-ranging electronic music. Dec. 2: The shimmering indie pop of the Bay Area outfit Rogue Wave. With Shelby, a local group with the power and grace of its namesake iconic sixties muscle-car designer.BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn (718-636-4100)âNov. 30-Dec. 1: Patti Smith celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of her dÃbut album, âHorses,â€? by playing songs from the influential disk, from the unforgettable opening lines (âJesus died for somebodyâs sins but not mineâ€?) straight through to the end. Sheâll be backed by the original band members Lenny Kaye, on guitar, and Jay Dee Daugherty, on drums, along with the bassist Tony Shanahan and the guitarist Tom Verlaine, who played on the original album as a guest artist during his days with Television. Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, will also be on hand. Smith has yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but she was recently named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture and Communications, perhaps for the good work she did introducing legions of alienated souls to the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud.IRVING PLAZA17 Irving Pl., at 15th St. (212-777-6800)âDec. 2-3: Anchored by the singer and guitarist J Mascis, who has a lethargic drawl and a caterwauling approach to his instrument (think of a punky Neil Young), Dinosaur Jr. inspired countless alternative bands in the wake of its eighties heyday. There was an acrimonious breakup at the end of the decade, but the original lineup got back together earlier this year for a reunion tour that shows no sign of slowing down. Dec. 5: The brooding California ensemble As I Lay Dying. Dec. 6: Funeral for a Friend shares its name with a plangent Elton John tune, but this Welsh band is all loud guitars and frayed vocal chords. The bandâs third album, âHours,â€? is an amalgam of emo histrionics and metal-guitar heroics.JOEâS PUB425 Lafayette St. (212-539-8777)âDec. 1-3: The Loserâs Lounge, an ad-hoc collection of fun-loving musicians led by the keyboardist and cultural archeologist Joe McGinty, turns to the coolly sophisticated music of Roxy Music and Brian Eno. KNITTING FACTORY74 Leonard St., between Broadway and Church St. (212-219-3055)âNov. 30: The nineteen-year-old British m.c. Lady Sovereign, a key member of the U.K. grime scene, is a pint-sized white girl who deals in high-energy and highly danceable material. Sov, as she likes to be called, returns to the scene of a triumphant show earlier this year in which she overcame technical glitches and other problems. The d.j. Ghislain Poirier, who remixed one of Sovereignâs songs for her just-released U.S. dÃbut album, âVertically Challenged,â€? will also perform. Dec. 2: Beatallica dissolves the lines between parody and tribute as it conflates the songs of its musical heroes, the Beatles and Metallica. Jaymz Lennfield Krk Hammettson, Kliff McBurtney, and Ringo Larz are their pseudonyms. Studious vocal mimicry, inventive musicianship, and crunching metal arrangements are their stock in trade. They are so adept, apparently, that they have stirred speculation that they are actually Metallica in disguise. Dec. 5: Pretty Girls Make Graves (see Warsaw).âLETâS ZYDECOâ€?The roving concert series dedicated to the indigenous dance music of Louisiana presents a holiday show with the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, from New Orleans. With Liâl Anne & Hot Cayenne. (Hungarian House, 213 E. 82nd St. For more information, call 212-685-7597 or visit www.letszydeco.com. Dec. 4.)MAKOR35 W. 67th St. (212-601-1000)âDec. 5: The acerbic young singer-songwriter Nellie McKay.NOKIA THEATRE TIMES SQUAREBroadway at 44th St. (212-307-7171)âDec. 1: The British trio Morcheeba set the standard for trip-hop in the mid-nineties with its downbeat grooves and the smoky cooing of its vocalist, Skye Edwards. But that was then. The band, which is the property of the two other membersâbrothers Paul and Ross Godfreyâis back with a lively new album, âThe Antidote,â€? that features the earthy vocals of a new singer, Daisy Martey. Now, however, they are touring with yet another vocalist, Jody Sternberg. Dec. 3: Damian Marley, the youngest of Bob Marleyâs seven sons. NORTHSIX66 N. 6th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-599-5103)âDec. 3: Bob Mouldâs first band, the post-punk trio HÃsker DÃ, had a sizable influence on groups like Nirvana and Green Day. After it broke up, in 1987, Mould had a solo career, briefly fronted another band, Sugar, and then spent much of the nineties writing scripts for professional wrestling. His more recent musical enterprises reveal a fixation with electronic music, although his latest album, âBody of Song,â€? has the rock edge that got him started.WARSAW261 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn (718-387-0505)âDec. 6: Seattleâs Pretty Girls Make Graves have charmed critics with their second album, âThe New Romance,â€? by capturing the spirit of vintage punk rock without sounding derivative or retro.BIRDLAND315 W. 44th St. (212-581-3080)âNov. 30-Dec. 3: Two of jazzâs most incisive mainstream pianists, Bill Charlap and Bill Mays, perform duets.BLUE NOTE131 W. 3rd St., near Sixth Ave. (212-475-8592)âNov. 29-Dec. 4: The Cuban Ãmigrà Arturo Sandoval is an athletic trumpeter who regularly transforms excess into a virtue.DIZZYâS CLUB COCA-COLABroadway at 60th St. (212-258-9595)âNov. 29-Dec. 4: There are few musicians in a better position to pay tribute to Ray Charles than the saxophonist David (Fathead) Newman, who was one of the chief soloists in the glory days of the late, lamented soul genius. His guests include the singer Cynthia Scott. FEINSTEINâS AT THE REGENCY540 Park Ave., at 61st St. (212-339-4095)âThe high-spirited entertainer Michael Feinstein is a true mensch. He delivers his annual holiday program with ecumenical evenhandedness. Through Dec. 31.IRIDIUM1650 Broadway, at 51st St. (212-582-2121)âNov. 30-Dec. 4: The union of jazz and the music of the celebrated indie-rock band Pavement was hardly inevitable but it is certainly intriguing. On their new album, âGold Sounds,â€? the saxophonist James Carter, the pianist Cyrus Chestnut, the bassist Reginald Veal, and the drummer Ali Jackson take on the work of Stephen Malkmus and company. Mondays belong to the electric-guitar innovator Les Paul. The Mingus Big Band takes over on Tuesdays.JAZZ STANDARD116 E. 27th St. (212-576-2232)âDec. 1-4: The pianist Pablo Ziegler keeps the spirit of his former boss, Astor Piazzolla, alive through his vibrant tango band. SWEET RHYTHM88 Seventh Ave. S., at Bleecker St. (212-255-3626)âDec. 1: When Lewis Nash, the most elegant drummer of his generation, and Steve Wilson, an inventive alto saxophonist who first found acclaim in Chick Coreaâs Origin band, get together and engage in searching duets, the results are always unpredictable and satisfying.VILLAGE VANGUARD178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St. (212-255-4037)âNov. 29-Dec. 4: The Jim Hall trio. Some guitarists are bent on cramming together as many notes as possible. Hall plays the instrument with a jewellerâs touch: a gorgeous chord here, a lyrical phrase there. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra holds sway on Mondays. ZANKEL HALLCarnegie Hall, 57th St. at Seventh Ave. (212-247-7800)âIf the musical âCabaretâ€? gives you the chills, Max Raabe and the Palasat Orchester is right up your strasse, er, alley. The twelve-piece Berlin ensemble has been re-creating the sounds of Weimar days (and reimagining the work of such decadent but more contemporary performers as Queen, Prince, and Labelle) for nearly twenty years. It makes its New York dÃbut on Nov. 30, with a program of dance and film music from the twenties and thirties by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Allie Wrubel, and Franz Lehar. http://www.newyorker.com/goingson/nightlife/articles/051205goni_GOAT_nightlife  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Mystical choral folk music from Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4981/1/E-Mystical-choral-folk-music-from-Croatia.html  Mystical choral folk music from Croatia The style and performance of the songs are more in agreement with accepted classical choral performance, showing sophistication in phrasing and dynamics that were missing in the rougher Bulgarian folk group.  Mediterranean Sounds - Croatiaâs Mystic Voices - klapa fa lindo (9 female voices) & klapa sinj lipo ime (11 male voices) - Nenad Bach Music multichannel 4.0 SACDs, NBM 118 & NBM 119 ****: Remember the Bulgarian womenâs choir of some years back? It came to mind when first hearing these two joyful choral albums of folk music of the Balkans region. The differences are several: Now we have the voices in glorious hi-res four-channel surround sound. There are two choral groups - one all female and the other all male. The style and performance of the songs are more in agreement with accepted classical choral performance, showing sophistication in phrasing and dynamics that were missing in the rougher Bulgarian folk group. The appeal of the general sound and folk culture is the same however, and these recordings should find a ready audience. The womenâs group, The Folklore Ensemble Lindo, was founded in Dubrovnik in l965 to preserve the cultural heritage of that region of Croatia. Its young women members perform as both singers and dancers. Anonymous Dalmatian folk songs as well as recently-composed a cappella pieces make up their repertory. Some of the recent songs tell of the long struggle for freedom in this war-torn region. A short description of each song and its English title are given in the colorful booklets. The second SACD features the male choir from Dalmatia called Klapa Sinj. It was founded in l982 to promote Croatiaâs musical legacy. Repertory consists of a variety of traditional songs, all approached with an overriding joy that is palpable in the beauty of their vocal harmonies. The choir is made up of very talented members to have developed the groupâs highly individual performance style and even contribute new pieces to the existing catalog of klapa music. The songs deal with love, friendship, the Croatiansâ defense of their freedom, and the beauty of their land. The first two words of the Croatian national anthem are âOur beautiful,â€? and Croatians refer to their homeland as Our Beautiful. If you have difficult locating these fine SACDs, email nenadbach@aol.com - John Sunier  http://www.audaud.com/article.php?ArticleID=647 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT in ballot for OSCAR http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4980/1/E-A-WONDERFUL-NIGHT-IN-SPLIT-in-ballot-for-OSCAR.html   A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT in ballot for OSCAR   The official Croatian candidate for this year's 78th Annual Academy Awards is a successful film A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT, directed by Arsen Anton Ostojic and produced by Jozo Patljak. The film, among other awards, was nominated for the European Film Award last year and is the winner of the Best Director Award at the Queens Film Festival in New York a month ago. There will be a total of 6 screenings on the West Coast in January, one of which is the closed screening for the members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Saturday, January 7th in Los Angeles.   Other screenings, open for the public, are:Friday, January 6 at 9:15 PM, at Regal Theater, Palm Springs(the director & the producer will both attend)Sunday, January 8 at 2:30 PM at Beverly Hills Fine Arts Theater,8556 Wilshire Blvd. (west of La Cienega), Los Angeles(star Coolio together with the director and the producer will attend)Tuesday, January 10 at 1:30 PM at Regal Theater, Palm SpringsFriday, January 13 at 9:00 PM at Smith Rafael Film Center, SanRafael, Marin County, north of San Francisco (phone: 415 454-1222)Sunday January 15 at 8:30 PM at Smith Rafael Film Center, SanRafael, Marin County, north of Francisco (phone: 415 454-1222)For any additional questions please contact arsen@post.com www.arsenantonostojic.com   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book Review 'American Scream' http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4990/1/E-Book-Review-American-Scream.html Â'AMERICAN SCREAM & PALINDROME APOCALYPSE'by Dubravka Oraic TolicBook Review By Katarina TepeshNewly released by the Ooligan Press celebrated work by Dubravka Oraic Tolic called 'American Scream' or Urlik Amerike, originally published in 1981 in Croatian. Included is a special treat with the bilingual, Croatian and English poem 'Palindrome Apocalypse,' first published in 1993. Dubravka is a poet, essayist, and literary theorist. Born in 1943 in Slavonski Brod, she studied philosophy and literature. Since 1971, the author has been a member of the Philosophy Faculty in Zagreb. Throughout her long poems, Dubravka uses wordplay, political references and several citations, including from the pastoral play 'Dubravka' by Ivan Gundulic: 'O beloved, O dear, O sweet freedom.' Much of Dubravkaâs inspiration comes from her childhood during which she lost her father who served among the Home Guards and mysteriously disappeared after the end of the WWII in May 1945. In a fictional letter to the United States Ambassador to Croatia, Peter W. Galbraith, written in 1994, Dubravka declares, 'I took the name of your country as the key word and idea of my poem.'This world is not newColumbus is OdysseusAmerica â a sirenAnd we are hostages allOn the road to IthacaWhat an irresistible call!Exploring the unexpected costs of pursuing our dreams, Dubravka uses metaphors.America blows like the windAnd collapses like foolâs gold justiceAmerica falls like rainOver our facesAnd we shudderFromAmericaWriting her side of story of the 'Palindrome Apocalypse' poem, Dubravka points out how during former Yugoslavia 'Utopia was able to maintain itself only by punishing the disobedient individuals: it ate its own children. In 1991, the citizens of the Republic of Croatia said NO to Utopia. The response was a war. Utopia was already dead and vampires in uniforms of generals appeared on the scene.' Other books in Croatian by Dubravka Oraic Tolic are 'Eye Without a Homeland,' 1969, 'The Landscape in the Writing of A. G. Matos,' 1980, 'Theory of the Citation,' 1990, 'The Literature and the Destiny,' 1995, 'Paradigms of the Twentieth Century,' 1997, 'The Twentieth Century in the Rearview Mirror,' 2000 and 'Male and Female Postmodernism,' 2005. Ooligan Press, Portland State University www.publishing.pdx.edu 'American Scream & Palindrome Apocalypse'www.amazon.com $10.17**** letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 02 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 (E) You haven't heard music (or international relations) like this before http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4998/1/E-You-havent-heard-music-or-international-relations-like-this-before.html ÂYou haven’t heard music (or international relations) like this before.ÂGoodNews11/30/2005 CONCERT TONIGHT 12/2 . Our interview with Nenad Bach, which you will hearhere, will introduce you to a type of music called Klapa music. Klapa music is profoundly stirring and beautiful. If you don’t know Klapa music, all you have to do is click on the audio link to the right to get a sample. For iPodders or Mac OS users, the mp3 file is here (click on the word ‘here’ to download).You can hear the music live at 8:00 pm, Friday December 2, 8PM, 2005, in New York City, during a concert sponsored by the New York Society for Ethical Culture. If you can’t be in New York City just then, we at Good News Broadcast and our broadband supporters Xstreambroadcasting.com are preparing ways to help you experience astounding performances occurring in places you can’t be.This New York concert features the prize-winning Klapa Sinj, a group that has been one of the most revered singing ensembles on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia for over 20 years. Nenad Bach joins Klapa Sinj in their performance.The location for the concert is Two, West 64th St & Central Park West, New York. Going to the concert will set you back $25. But if you ponder each dollar spent, think about a time spent getting to know some people from a place that you might never have encountered before. But most of all, savor the sounds of Klapa, a beautiful musical artform, the way you would appreciate an astounding bottle of wine, a masterful painting, or maybe even a smile from a long-time friend you have not seen for many years.The prize-winning Klapa Sinj has been one of the most revered singing ensembles on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia for over 20 years. The group is a leading proponent of the extraordinary polyphonic vocal tradition known as klapa, an all-male vocal style heavily influenced by Italian harmonies and melodies. In addition to a cappella vocals, the ensemble will perform songs accompanied by Nenad Bach on guitar and piano, and musicians on tamburitza (lute), percussion, piano and bass. Mr. Bach, hailing from Croatia, is a recording artist, composer, and performer who has recorded for Sony, Polygram and many other labels. Two of his albums reached No. 1 in Europe, and to date he has sold over one million records. In addition, he has performed all over the world with a wide range of artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Bono & The Edge (U2), Brian Eno, Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, and many more.Founded in 1876, the New York Society for Ethical Culture is a community bound together by belief in the worth and dignity of each person and a commitment to help create a better world. Ethical Culture is a humanistic religious and educational movement inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society.This article was compiled from the following websites. Nenad Bach Music World Music Institute New York Society for Ethical Culture  Klapasinj.com  CROWN croatianworld.netPlease click on the above links to learn more.• Paul Sladkus (interview)• Pete Meister (write up)http://goodnews.lot212.com/printout.asp?id=105117&type=0  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Boris Ljubicic's 2006 greetings http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4997/1/E-Boris-Ljubicics-2006-greetings.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Sinj & Nenad Bach USA Tour - few words of thanks - part 1 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4995/1/E-Klapa-Sinj--Nenad-Bach-USA-Tour---few-words-of-thanks---part-1.html ÂKlapa Sinj & Nenad Bach USA Tour in a few words - part 1Dear all,Thank you for all your letters of kindness, compliments and emotional responses to The Tour. As far as I can tell from few reactions, this will be discussed for decades to come. This was the first tour that one Klapa took. Three concert halls in New York, Washington DC and Chicago. Three full houses and three ovations. Launch of a new World Music. Klapa Sound. Tours are exhausting and demanding, but Klapa Sinj as well as the crew that helped us along stayed together without one single incident all in harmony and joy. Looking at the photos (close to 5000), I am enjoying the moments that I couldn't at the time. On Wednesday November 30th Klapa Sinj arrived at the Newark Airport, via Air France from Paris.... I will continue this story later, but as of now, i want to thank everyone who supported us. All my Fans, friends in music, friends of Croatia and Klapa singing. To mention just few, I would like to thank Agrokor, Jana Water crew ( JanaWater.com ), Wold Music Institute, The Kennedy Center, Chicago Cultural Center, Ambassador of Croatia in the USA, Neven Jurica, the whole staff at the Croatian Embassy including Ms. Stetic, Mr. Babic...as well as Croatian Counsel General of New York, Petar Ljubicic and the staff at the Consulate in New York, Counsel General of Chicago Zorica Matkovic, Anthony Peraica (County Clerk Commisioner running for the Cook County presidency in 2006 - votetony06.com), Croatian Churches in New York, especially father Ivica Majstorovic and father Robert Zubovic, Jerko Petric. Father Damir Stojic from Washington DC, the whole staff of Croatian Defense Attache in USA and especialy their wifes , Danica Ramljak, Anne Pavlich, Father Jozo Grbes, Marina Zadro, Ana and Darko Petercic, especially Ivica Grgic and his webpage 011385.com for the continuous support, Danny Bakovic - Bon Vino restaurant, Mario Romanovic, Kruno and Diane Brkusic, Mario Novak -MarioNovak.com, Zvonko Vidusin - Z, Zoran Orlic - ZeroStudio.net, Victor Zimet, Stephanie Silber - hometeamproductions.tv, Jasna Culic Viskota, Doors-Art Foundation and the last but not the least Rulli family starting with Dino Rulli our tour manager... Stephenie, Bob, Mary, Gary, Marcus, Eric, Dina, Robert, Sonya, Vicki & Tom & little Dina, Lookphotography.net and many many more...I thank you form from the top of my hat and from the bottom of my heart. I had one of the best of times in my life. And 'Time is all we have'.Nenad Bach, New York. Christmas Eve. December 24, 2005p.s. I started CROWN for Internet WebPages on Christmas Eve 2001. (Emailing since 1999). Thank you for you support and love you send back to me. Number of readers are increasing every year substantially. ÂÂThanks to Ivica Grgic ( 011385.com ), this is a sneak preview of the concert in Chicago. One simple camera. No fancy stuff.Click here directly to Ivica's page orÂhere to CROWN. This is the middle part with the band. The whole unedited concert: clickhere Â1. www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/video05/nbach1.wmv2.http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/nenad_bach_Klapa_Sinj_Chicago_live_2005.wmv Â3. The whole concertwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/video05/Nenad_Bach_Klapa_Sinj.wmv  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Sinj & Nenad Bach Chicago Live December 7th 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4994/1/E-Klapa-Sinj--Nenad-Bach-Chicago-Live-December-7th-2005.html ÂKlapa Sinj & Nenad Bach USA Tour - Chicago,Preston Bradley hall, Chicago Cultural Center December 7th 2005 www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/video05/nbach1.wmvÂAlternative:http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/nenad_bach_Klapa_Sinj_Chicago_live_2005.wmv ÂThe whole concertwww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/video05/Nenad_Bach_Klapa_Sinj.wmv  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bozicna Sreca - Christmas Luck - Klapa FA Lindjo sings for you http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4996/1/E-Bozicna-Sreca---Christmas-Luck---Klapa-FA-Lindjo-sings-for-you.html ÂBozicna Sreca - Christmas LuckÂKlapa FA Lindjo sings for you. Listen to the beautiful harmonies of our female Klapa.Âclick hereLindjoFA-Bozicnasreca.mp3ÂSreatn Bozic, Marry Christmas - Happy New Year 2006, Happy Holidays  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Rolling Stones of Klapa received standing ovations in Washington http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4992/1/E-Rolling-Stones-of-Klapa-received-standing-ovations-in-Washington.html ÂThe Rolling Stones of KlapaDalmatian vocal ensemble gives Washington debut performanceOn Sunday, December 4, the all-male vocal ensemble Klapa Sinj, which hails from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, made it's Washington, D.C. debutBy Frank Vinko MustacCroatian singer-songwriter Nenad Bach dubbed them the "Rolling Stones of Klapa music," and perhaps they are. On Sunday, December 4, the all-male vocal ensemble Klapa Sinj, which hails from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, made its Washington, D.C. debut with Bach sharing the stage at the Kennedy Center, the U.S. capital's premiere performing arts venue."Two concerts and both with standing ovations--two out of two, not bad," said Bach speaking at the Croatian Embassy for an a reception held in honor of the singers following their concert.The group previously performed in New York City and will go to on to Chicago to complete its three-city U.S. tour.Following their New York performance on December 1, Bach and Klapa Sinj recorded part of their upcoming CD "Everything is Forever," to be released sometime in 2006, at AllAire Studios Shokan, New York"The intention is do what Paul Simon did with his 'Graceland' recording with traditional South African singers," Bach said about his collaboration with Klapa Sinj.Croatian Ambassador to the United States Neven Jurica at the reception in Washington said that Klapa singing is something unique and original to Croatia."Unique and original to southern Croatia," he said.Mojimir Cacija, the leader of Kala Sinj and a baritone singer with the group, said the ensemble had in mind for a long time to come to America. "When we got here, the emotion was even higher, especially with the help of our producer," said Cacija referring to Bach, who as well as performing his original Pop Rock songs with the group, produced and organized the tour.Klapa singing, which is relatively unknown outside of Croatia, has been performed so well for such a very long time in Dalmatia, but it takes a foreign tour and the media for the music to gain International exposure, Cacija said ."We are all friends from a small place called Sinj," Cacija said, describing, in essence, how the vocal group was formed back in 1982. "The music we perform is almost secondary to our friendship." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Sinj and Nenad Bach USA Tour 2005 in pictures http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4991/1/E-Klapa-Sinj-and-Nenad-Bach-USA-Tour-2005-in-pictures.html ÂKlapa Sinj and Nenad Bach USA Tour 2005 in picturesÂPreston Bradley Hall, Chicago December 7th 2005ÂÂFull house, standing ovationsÂÂ'Time Is All We Have, Love Is All We Need' ÂÂ'Daughter's Eyes'ÂRehearsing before the show in Chicago's dressing room.ÂÂSociety for Ethical Culture, New York City December 2nd 2005ÂÂFull house, standing ovationsÂÂÂÂÂTour BusÂÂEmcee: Jasna Culic ViskotaÂÂBrooklyn BridgeÂÂMore city than sex, Broadway, Manhattan (New York City)ÂÂJana Water, our official sponsorÂÂÂLeaving for Woodstock, after the first concert in New York CityÂÂAllAire Studios, New York, you have to see it to believe it. ÂÂRecording session, December 3rd, 2005. Klapa parts for 'Everything Is Forever' albumÂÂÂÂÂÂVictor Zimet, filming for his documentary feature (Jana Water in the background, always with us...left few cases for David Bowie)ÂÂIvan Klapez and Ivo bach, always on a computerÂÂJohn Holbrook & Nenad Bach, decades of friendship and artistry.ÂÂÂNot always serious. Nenad Bach, Kruno Brkusic, Danny Bakovic. Danny and Kruno prepared two dinners for all of us. In Chicago Dec 5th and 6th, 2005. Last supper on Dec 7th was at Ana and Darko Petercic's home.ÂCook County Session opened by Klapa Sinj as a guests of Tony Peraica, running for the president of the Cook County in 2006ÂÂAnother standing ovations. ÂÂTony Peraica, Zorica Matkovic, consul general in Chicago, always ready to help.ÂÂThe Kennedy Center, Washington DC December 4th 2005Mojimir Cacija, Klapa Sinj's leader at The Kennedy CenterÂÂand a new friendship. Author of Lipo Ime and 'Vo je nasa zemjaÂÂShort rehearsal at The Kennedy Center.ÂAcross the building at the same time, Robert Redford, Tina Turner, President of the US, Willie Nelson etc had a Kennedy Awards ceremonies, just 30 yards away. December 4th 2005.ÂMojimir, Mario and Boris from the backÂIvica and AnteÂQuick rehearsal before they let the audience in. Few friends and the staff from the Embassy, watching us.ÂFull house and standing ovations again. They didn't let us take photos during the concert.ÂMojimir Cacija with Fender StratocasterÂÂStipe, Ivan, MarioÂÂbefore the concertÂÂAll these photos from The Kennedy Center courtesy of LookPhotography.net ÂVictor Zimet was with us on every step we made.Âpiano was in tuneÂguitar needed some workÂfew Interviews.ÂLimelight, always seems to be more gratifying, after the concert, when you look at these photos.ÂFew stolen photos from the concert at The Kennedy CenterÂEnd of 'Gospe Sinjska , Snjezna Majko', songÂThe Kennedy Center. Beginning of the standing ovations. Full House again. ÂÂMoving constantly Dino Rulli, a friend and a Tour Manager in a red sweater.ÂÂCapitol Hill, Washington DC December 4th, before the show.ÂÂÂÂÂBack of the White House, Washington DC December 4th, 2005ÂWaking from the White HouseÂÂCroatian Church, Washington DC December 4th 2005ÂÂWaiting to sing again at the Mass.ÂCroatian Embassy, Washington DC December 4th 2005ÂÂÂMojimir Cacija, Ambassador Neven Jurica, Nenad BachÂÂShort Interviews Âphotos by: Zoran Orlic, ZeroStudio.net Victoria Rulli, Tom Heaphey, LookPhotography.net, Mario Novak, MarioNovak.com, additional photos, by Luko Simlesa for Croatian Chronicle, Daniela Urem, Dino Rulli and Ivo BachÂMy gratitude to all of you who took photos. There are over 5 thousand photos taken on a tour and 30 hours of video tape.Any volunteers to view all of this? Just joking.ÂTextual part in the other CROWN newsletter.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book Review 'Zagreb, Exit South' by Edo Popovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4999/1/E-Book-Review-Zagreb-Exit-South-by-Edo-Popovic.html ÂBook Review 'Zagreb, Exit South' by Edo PopovicBy Katarina TepeshEnormously gifted writer, Edo Popovic, introduces us to a group of characters in 'Zagreb, Exit South.'We meet Vera, who has worked for years as a junior professor in the English department. 'That sounds great, I mean the junior part, but unfortunately, that only applies to my status and salary, not my age. It seems like Iâll be going into retirement as a junior professor.' Robi, meeting a new woman, studied her face, 'It was a pretty face. So pretty that Robi started drooling, sensing a wounded doe that has trustingly taken refuge in the lionâs den, and the lion has noticed her, is showing her his benevolent face. Oh yes, he would have her, why not? First heâd lick her wounds, and then go in for the killâ'Magda, she was like those old island women who had never swum in the sea, for years and years. And then a typhoon showed up, lifted her off the ground, and dropped her right in the middle of the deepest ocean. Stjepan! It was nice in the beginning. Stjepan told interesting stories about the sea and faraway harbors, he was polite and all that, and then one nightâ..Elza, with a heart of a lioness, whoâs husband died in Petrinja, because it didnât occur to him that the war was being waged so that new gang could throw the old gang out of the villas that the gang before had thrown the Jews out of.An alcoholic, nicknamed Baba, was thinking about how heâd rather walk through a minefield than go home and face his wife. Strolling the streets, Baba and his buddy noticed two policemen with Kalashnikovs over their shoulders standing in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Baba said, 'Little Red Riding Hoods are working inside, and they need to protect them from the two of us and all the other wolves out on the streets.'Later, Baba felt the cans of beer lined up inside the refrigerator. Right the way, he felt better. And his headache subsided a bit. He took out a beer and a bottle of vodka. To the Slavonian soul, vodka and beer. To the wounded heart, vodka and beer. To the jet-black eyes, vodka and beer. To the cracked carburetor blocks, vodka and beer. He got up and went for a new can of beer. To the vodka and beer. To the landlordâs dentures, vodka and beer. To you, my friend, as he raised the glass toward the shadow that passed in front of the window, vodka and beer. In addition to the fascinating characters, described with great details and humor, 'Zagreb, Exit South' is the exceptionally well done translation by Julienne Eden Busic. Edo Popovic was born in 1957 in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has lived in Zagreb since 1968. His previous books include Dream of Yellow Snakes (2000) which was dramatized by Canadian theater director Danijel Margetic for Reeve Secondary Theatre in Calgary, Concert for Tequila and Prozac (2002), and A Dancer from the Blue Bar (2004). His fiction has been translated into German and Slovenian. Ooligan Press, Portland State University www.publishing.pdx.edu $12.95 **** letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Sinj and Nenad Bach sing their hearts out to sold out audience http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4993/1/E-Klapa-Sinj-and-Nenad-Bach-sing-their-hearts-out-to-sold-out-audience.html ÂSerenading New York, Dalmatian StyleKlapa Sinj and Nenad Bach sing their hearts out to sold out audienceKlapa Sinj and Nenad Bach performing at The New York Society for Ethical Culture, Friday, December 2By Josip BogovicKlapa music has many dimensions of expression. It can be sung at weddings, music festivals and is soulful enough to send one off into the eternal life. Klapa Sinj's performance drew the audience into their world of peace and beauty. It allowed the mixed Croatian-American audience of over six hundred to relax, meditate and reflect on the grand beauty of life. This is what their harmonious voices allowed and inspired. Nenad Bach also performed his emotionally fulfilling song whose message of peace and love were unmistakable. Klapa Sinj accompanied Bach on his every song. The group sang mostly Croatian lyrics while Bach sang in English, playing guitar or the piano while accompanied by a small band. The combination works and creates a new musical flavor which, judging from the response of the audience, was enjoyed thoroughly by everyone. Nenad Bach's voice is harmonically rich, unique and very pleasing. The vocal group, which takes its name from the town in the Dalmatian hinterland where its members reside, and Mr. Bach are on a small U.S. tour that also includes stops in Washington, D.C. and Chicago as well as a recording studio where the two talented forces will combine their souls. The tour was made possible through the cooperation of the Croatian Ministry of Culture in conjunction with Jana (a Croatian natural water company), and the Consulate General of Croatia.I highly recommend you see these wonderful performers. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 12 Dec 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) HERE by Zrinko Ogresta - Croatian Film Screenings - Two Boots Pioneer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5005/1/E-HERE-by-Zrinko-Ogresta---Croatian-Film-Screenings---Two-Boots-Pioneer.html ÂThe Doors Art Foundationwww.doors-art.com presentsUpcoming film screenings at the Two Boots Pioneer Theaterevery first Thursday of the month Thursday, December 1, 2005 @ 7PMHERE (TU)2003, Interfilm, 35mm, Croatia 90 MINDirector: Zrinko OgrestaCast: Zlatko Crnkovic, Ivo Gregurevic, Marija Tadic, Jasmin Telalovic,Ivan Herceg, Nikola IvosevicCroatian (English subtitles)Two Boots Pioneer Theater is located at:155 East 3rd Street (at Avenue A) / NYC / (212) 591-0434 Tickets: $9.00 adults, $6.50 membersSeating is limited so we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance.http://pioneertheater.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=42854ÂThe Doors Art Foundation is proud to present monthly screenings featuring a selection of films from the Croatian cinema of the last decade. This unique project is a result of a creative collaboration between The Doors Art Foundation, the Croatian film critic Jurica Pavicic and the featured Croatian filmmakers.HEREThe Balkan conflict and its legacy continue to make their mark on the contemporary Croatian cinema. A success with the audiences and the critics, Zrinko Ogresta's Here (Tu) makes no attempt to find heroes or apportion blame. It opens with the story of a mentally disabled man in a village recently devastated by civil war. What follows are five loosely linked portraits from contemporary life: a young female drug addict, a lonely retired man who is deluded into accepting a young neighbor's offer of a date, a television actor who has become an alcoholic, and two soldiers who have been traumatized by war. The stories present situations in which the characters find themselves at odds with an apparently normal world, living essentially private lives and unable to establish relationships. There is a no narrative resolution although the film ends with the ironic use of the national anthem before the camera retreats through a tunnel similar to that with which the film begins. The war frames and inflects a sympathetic and humane portrait of everyday life that recognizes how all generations of the Croatian society have been permanently marked by the horrors of the recent war.ÂAwards:Denver International Film Festival2004 Best European FilmKarlovy Vary International Film Festival2004 Special Prize of the JuryMilan Film Festival 2004 Best Feature FilmMontpellier Mediterranean Film Festival 2004 Critics Award /FeaturesPula Film Festival Best Film2003 Big Golden Arena /National Competitiondirections:subways- F or V train to Lower East Side / Second Avenue. Exit toward 1st Avenue. Walk north (away from Houston) to 3rd street, then east just past Avenue A to 155 East 3rd. buses- 9 or 21 bus to Houston Street and Avenue A. Walk north to 3rd Street. Turn east and go a few doors down to 155 East 3rd. - 14A bus to 3rd street and Avenue A. - The 8 and 15 buses also come relatively close, as do these trains: 6 (Bleecker Street station), B and D (Grand Street), JMZ (Delancey / Essex), and L (1st Ave). We look forward to seeing you there. For more info. please visit www.doors-art.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN VOCAL ENSEMBLE KLAPA SINJ in Chicago http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5002/1/E-CROATIAN-VOCAL-ENSEMBLE-KLAPA-SINJ-in-Chicago.html ÂCROATIAN VOCAL ENSEMBLE KLAPA SINJPERFORMS MEDITERRANEAN SOUNDS WITH SPECIAL GUEST NENAD BACH Wednesday, December 7, 7 pmNovember 23, 2005 MEDIA CONTACTImages and CDs available Kennon Brown 312.744.8948kennon.brown@cityofchicago.orgThis performance is part of Chicago Cultural Center Presents, an ongoing showcase series that highlights critically acclaimed national and international musicians who are rarely seen by Chicago audiences in mainstream venues.On Wednesday, December 7 at 7 pm, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs presents the Chicago debut of Klapa Sinj, one of the most revered singing ensembles in Dalmatia. Croatian composer and rock musician Nenad Bach joins the ensemble as special guest. The concert takes place in the Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street. Admission is free.âThis is the first time Klapa singing will be presented to the world,â€? Nenad Bach says. âThe world is always looking for something new. Weâve seen it with Cuban music, with Irish music. Itâs time for Klapa to become a world phenomenon.â€?Founded in 1982 to promote Croatia's musical legacy, Klapa Sinj has continued to be successful due to the extraordinary musical talent of its members. Having developed a wholly distinct performance style and contributing a number of new compositions to the existing canon of the Klapa music, which features soaring a cappella sounds, Klapa Sinj has produced numerous albums and has appeared frequently across the European continent. Their crowning achievement came during the recent festivals of a cappella music in Verona, Bolzano and Prague where Klapa Sinj won top prizes. Their repertory consists of a remarkable variety of traditional tunes and songs. The joy with which they approach each performance is audible in the beauty of the harmony created by so many disparate and singular voices. Klapa Sinj's accomplishments are a standing testament to the fact that the magic of music can still change the world for the better. The music reflects a 600-year old folk custom which found small groups of men gathering to give voice to the human stories of love, loss and longing, serenading a beloved on a balcony, singing their hearts out in the stone alleys and cathedrals of this region. The form has evolved over the years to become the sophisticated and finely layered sound that it is today.Classically trained composer and rock musician Nenad Bach, a Croatian now living in the U.S., joins the ensemble in a few songs, accompanying the singers on guitar and piano, along with additional musicians. Bach has produced a new CD featuring the ensemble, called âKlapa Sinj: Lipo Ime.â€? â[Their music] will stop your brain,â€? Bach promises. âIn a cluttered world, this is a pure sound that calms. Each performance receives a standing ovation, and when you see them, you will hear why.â€?Nenad Bach is a recording artist, composer, and performer who has performed all over the world with a wide range of artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Bono and The Edge (U2), Brian Eno, Indigo Girls, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko (The Band), Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead), John Malkovich, Ellen Burstyn, and many more. He performed at Woodstock 1994, and in 1998 he made a compilation album with Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen and Allen Ginsberg. Bach also writes and records music for film and theater. He has scored many features and short films. One such project was "King of Cool," a biopic about the life of Steve McQueen. Subsequently, Nenad scored the Mladen Juran film "Transatlantic", which was the Croatian entry for consideration as Best Foreign Film in the 1999 Academy Awards. Bach is also a record producer with a special interest in documenting the fascinating but little-known musical traditions of his homeland, Croatia. He recently completed work as a language consultant for the literature and film project for all four of the Harry Potter books.For more information about this program and future Chicago Cultural Center Presents programs, please call 312.744.6630 or visitwww.chicagoculturalcenter.org . Upcoming performances include Jim Gailloreto and Kurt Elling on Thursday, January 19, 7 pm and the Emil Zrihan Ensemble on January 30, 7 pm.# # #Public programs at the Chicago Cultural Center are presented by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brkic New York reading and book-signing TODAY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5001/1/E-Brkic-New-York-reading-and-book-signing-TODAY.html ÂCourtney Angela Brkic New York reading and book-signingIâll be reading from my nonfiction book, THE STONE FIELDS, this coming Tuesday. All are welcome and this may be the last reading I do for awhile! With best wishes to all at CROWN. When: Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m.Where: Cooper Union, Wollman Auditorium, 51 Astor Place, New York (Astor Place is the nearest subway stop) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Sinj to Embark on First Ever US Tour of Klapa Music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5000/1/E-Klapa-Sinj-to-Embark-on-First-Ever-US-Tour-of-Klapa-Music.html ÂKlapa Sinj to Embark on FirstEver U.S. Tour of Klapa MusicTraditional Croatian music finally takes itsrightful place on the World Music stageBy Maria GrgurevicFor 20 years now the World Music Institute in New York has carefully pickedacts to present in its World Music Series. Being selected to perform under theinstitute's sponsorship is a high honor. On Dec. 2, the vocal group Klapa Sinjof Croatia will have this honor. The group is starting the first ever klapatour in the U.S. with a performance on the Society for Ethical Culture stage inNew York, says Nenad Bach, a Croatian-born New York musician and producer who isresponsible for making this happen. The tour will continue to the Kennedy Centerin Washington, D.C., and the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall,both highly prestigious stages.For at least a decade, Bach has wanted to take klapa music (atraditional form of a cappella singing from Croatia's coastal region)out of Croatian clubs and restaurants and give it its rightful place on theworld music scene. He has been working day and night to make this happen forsome time. Bach refers to the process of getting to this point as "lifting thecement block from the bottom of the sea." He sees Klapa music on majorworld music stages around the world, turning it into another Croatian exportbrand.Bach received strong affirmation that he was on the right track back in 2002.National Public Radio featured his recording of traditional Dalmatian sacralmusic on its "Millennium of Music" program and the audience responsesurpassed all expectations. That CD, called "Following the Cross," was arecording of traditional Lenten music from the island of Hvar. Program hostRobert Aubrey Davis refers to this program as "one of the most popular seriesof programs we did."After that, Bach began producing a klapa music series called"Mediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic Voices," with the intent ofreaching the American world music audience. The CD jacket features spectacularartwork by Andrej Urem and provides song translations. To achieve a cutting edgesound, Bach is recording groups with the latest surround-sound technology neverbefore used in klapa music, while keeping its natural resonance byrecording in Dalmatian stone churches. The first two CDs in the series came outin 2005 - the women's Klapa Fa Linđo and the men's Klapa Sinj.Klapa Sinj has a special sound in the world of klapa music, as theyare not from the Adriatic coast, but from the mountainous hinterland. They singcoastal music seasoned with the rugged energy of the mountains, says Bach."[They are] part of the Mediterranean sound, but more in the hills, so theyhave a little bit more of this ojkanje," he says. "They are inbetween ganga and sea-level. Lyricism of the seashore and the roughnessof stone; the 'rolling stones' of klapa singing." Ojkanje isa vocal technique characteristic of ganga, a singing style from themountains behind Dalmatia.Besides producing other artists, Bach has written music for film and theatre,has recorded his own original albums, and has headed a number of other creativeand humanitarian projects. Currently he is working on his own new album called"Everything is Forever." This project will be about bringing his roots tohis music and to the world. He takes inspiration from Paul Simon's "Graceland.""Paul Simon kept the integrity of the artist but brought it to the worldstage," Bach says. This is how he plans to work with Klapa Sinj. He will berecording with Klapa Sinj while they are on tour, and, as part of the concertprogram, they will perform together six of Bach's new compositions.Although klapa has been used as background vocals in Croatian popmusic, Bach will be the first to use it as integral part of his compositions."Klapa is in my collective memory," he says. "If I can add anythingto the world stage, it has to be my roots."Klapa Sinj will be performing in the following cities: Dec. 2, opening of the U.S. tour in New York as part of the World Music Institute concert series at the Society for Ethical Culture. Dec. 4, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Dec.7, at the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall.For New York show tickets go to www.nenadbach.com.The concerts in Washington, D.C. and Chicago are free of charge. Listeners inother cities will be able to hear the Dec. 4 concert live over the Internet, at www.kennedycenter.com.The Klapa Sinj CD, as well as the Fa Linđo CD, the other album in thisproject, are available on www.nenadbach.com,as well as www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com,and www.eBay.com. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dec 2005 CROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORK http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5004/1/E-Dec-2005-CROATIAN-BOOK-CLUB-OF-NEW-YORK.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORKIn the spirit of Christmas, a season of sharing and hope, our next monthly selection will be 'Healing the Heart of Croatiaâ€? by Joseph Kerrigan and William Novick, M.D. For gifts, please buy Croatian books which are available at www.amazon.com for as little as .87 cents and up. Croatian writers have generously donated several of their books to read and circulate. Josip Novakovich contributed his latest 'Infidelities: Stories of War and Lustâ€? and 'April Foolâs Dayâ€?; Mary Helen Stefaniak donated several copies of 'The Turk and My Motherâ€?; Maja Muric donated copies of 'First Service - Following Godâs Calling and Finding Lifeâs Purposeâ€?; Blanka Raguz 'The Labyrinthâ€?; Ivan Dobra contributed his book of poems 'Zirajska ufanjaâ€?; Meeting place: Croatian Cultural CenterAddress: 502 West 41st Street, New York, NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, December 21st, 2005 at 6 p.m.Next book selection: 'Healing the Heart of Croatiaâ€? by Kerrigan & Novick, M.D.Please read the book in advance.A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.Each month, the facilitator will choose a 'book of the monthâ€? that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:* 'The Stone Fieldsâ€? by Courtney Angela Brkic* 'Infidelities â stories of War and Lustâ€? by Josip Novakovic* 'How We Survived Communism and Even Laughedâ€? by Slavenka Drakulic* 'Neither Red nor Deadâ€? by Stevo Julius* 'The Museum of Unconditional Surrenderâ€? by Dubravka Ugresic* 'The Banquet in Blitvaâ€? by Miroslav Krleza* 'The Turk and My Motherâ€? by Mary Helen Stefaniak* 'Sarajevo Marlboroâ€? by Miljenko Jergovic * 'Croatian Tales of Long Agoâ€? by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic* 'Anna Marinkovichâ€? by Edward Ifkovic * 'Carrying the Farm on Her Back â A portrait of Women in a Croatian Villageâ€? by Eva Skold Westerlind* 'Healing the Heart of Croatiaâ€? by Joseph Kerrigan* 'Goodby Dear Old Homelandâ€? by Yasna Sikic Hood* 'American Dream - a Guy from Croatiaâ€? by Boris Miksic* 'Thorn Lace â Mojmir â A Migrantâs Lotâ€? by Ina Vukic* 'Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspirationâ€? Mike Celizic * 'The Labyrinthâ€? by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com * 'Youâre Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprenticeâ€? by Bill Rancic* 'Lovers and Madmen â a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracyâ€? by Julienne Eden Busic * 'Fix Our United Statesâ€? by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net * 'Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and Warâ€? by Eve Ensler* www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden* 'The Bridge on the Drinaâ€? by Ivo Andric* 'Donât Call Me Rosieâ€? by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com * Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com * 'A Single Stepâ€? by Heather Mills McCartney (chapters on Croatia) * 'Can You Hear Me Screaming?â€? by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com * 'First Serviceâ€? by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com * 'Celestial Dancerâ€? by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich * 'Letters to My Daughtersâ€? by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich) * 'The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skatingâ€? by Sandra Bezic* 'Pixletown: The World Foundâ€? by Marija Miletic Dail * 'The Survival Leagueâ€? by Gordan Nuhanovic* 'Tesla: Man Out of Timeâ€? by Margaret Cheney* 'Zagreb, Exit Southâ€? by Edo Popovic* 'American Screamâ€? by Dubravka Oraic Tolic* 'King of the Confessorsâ€? by Thomas Hoving* 'Motherâs Memoirs â Lucy Majnaric Marincelâ€? by Emily Marincel Amberg* 'Zinka Milanov and Flora Tosca: Art, Love, and Politicsâ€? by Bruce Burroughs* Bogdan Radica â out of printMost of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com .Book Club discussion questions and topics: What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader? Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know? What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?  How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes? In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the authorâs world view? Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before? What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book? How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic? Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this? If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias? How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Facilitator:Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Womenâs Writing Guild. Her essays, 'Fatherâs Funeralâ€? and 'Babin Kukâ€? were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays. 'Yearning for Freedom in a Land of the Freeâ€? and 'Red Tentâ€? at Free River Press. Short story, 'Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatiaâ€? has been published on the CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985.**** letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 26 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "Ta divna splitska noc" je film o neostvarenim ljubavima http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5003/1/H-Ta-divna-splitska-noc-je-film-o-neostvarenim-ljubavima.html ÂARSEN ANTON OSTOJIĆ, dobitnik nagrade za najbolju režijuna upravo održanom međunarodnom filmskom festivalu «Queens 2005» u NewYorku:"Ta divna splitska noć"je film o neostvarenim ljubavimaPiše: Višnja MiočićNakon osvojenih čak desetak nagrada na raznim europskim filmskimfestivalima tijekom protekle godine, hrvatski film «Ta divna splitska noć»na najbolji je mogući način upravo započeo svoju američkukampanju: osvajanjem nagrade za najbolju režiju na upravo održanom međunarodnomfilmskom festivalu «Queens 2005» u New Yorku.Time je još jednom dokazao opravdanost odluke Društva hrvatskih filmskihumjetnika koje je ovaj film izabralo za hrvatskog predstavnika za najprestižnijunagradu američke filmske akademije Oscar za 2005. u kategoriji za najboljifilm na stranom jeziku.Arsenu Antonu Ostojiću (40) ovo je prvi dugometražni film, a sa trikratkometražna filma 'Orden', 'Ljubitelj ptica' i 'Slikanje akta' osvojio jetakođer brojne filmske nagrade. Nakon završene dramske akademije u Zagrebu,Ostojić je preselio u New York gdje je proveo deset godina života imagistrirao režiju i produkciju na New York University. Ta divnasplitska noć, kaže Ostojić, rezultat je njegovog životnog iprofesionalnog iskustva, a odabir Splita za mjesto radnje, kaže, nametnulo sekao logično riješenje, i iskazivanje ljubavi prema rodnom gradu. Ostojićevboravak u New Yorku iskoristili smo za kratki razgovor.Hrvatska kronika: Sve priče u filmu imaju veze s drogom i ne završavaju sretno. Slušajućirazgovore nakon projekcije stiče se dojam da su gledatelji ili oduševljenikvalitetom filma ili šokirani njegovim sadržajem. Kako to komentirate?Arsen Anton Ostojić: Najgore je kada ljudi iz kina izlaze bezemocija, potpuno ravnodušni. Namjera svakog redatelja je da pobudi emocije, danešto pokrene. Ako je istina to što kažete, znači da sam u tome uspio izbog toga sam sretan. Ovaj film rađen je beskompromisno i mislim da zbogtoga jako dobro korespondira s publikom.HK: Mislite li da je sadržaj filma šokantan za prosječnoggledatelja s obzirom da se bavi problemom droge koja direktno ili indirektnoubija mlade živote u svakoj od ove tri priče?AAO: Mislim da je bit filma potpuno krivo shvaćena. Središnjatematika Divne splitske noći nije problem droge, kako se to na prvi poglednameće, već je glavna okosnica problem nesretnih, neostvarenih ljubavi.U svakoj od ove tri priče postoji ljubavna situacija u koju se onda ubacujeđavolski element zla i čini ljubavi neostvarenima, nesretnima, tragičnima.S obzirom da sam kao mjesto radnje odabrao moj rodni grad, Split, droga seautomatski nametnula kao najlogičniji i najprisutniji element zla kojirazara sve dobro u ljudskom životu, pa tako i ljubavi koje su tema filma. Tajelement zla mogao je biti i nešto drugo: oružje ili novac recimo.... Vjerujtemi, da mi je namjera bila napraviti film o problemu droge u Splitu, on biizgledao puno mračnije i tragičnije od onoga što se može vidjeti uovom filmu.HK: Završetak filma ostavlja mjesta za različita tumačenja?AAO: Jedini način izlaska iz začaranog labirinta zla je dase poleti i odleti u slobodu....završna scena upravo je zbog toga ostala nedorečena,tj. iako mladić poleti s vrha zgrade ne postoji scena u kojoj on pada, većse završava njegovim ushitom jer je poletio....To se može shvatiti kao tračaknade i poruka da postoji oslobođenje i izlazak iz labirinta zla.HK: Nakon deset godina provedenih u New Yorku, gdje ste magistrirali režijuna New York Film University, vratili ste se u Hrvatsku. Što možete reći opovratničkom životu?AAO: Da, živio sam dvije godine u Austriji, gdje sma predavao naAkademiji u Salzburgu, a onda sam se preselio potpuno u Hrvatsku. Mislim da ježivot u Hrvatskoj lijep i, pogotovo za umjetnike, puno kreativniji iinspirativniji. Naravno, puno toga je teže realiziratii, kod nas još uvijekpostoji mentalitet gdje svatko svakom podmeće noge, ali jednom kad touzmete kao nešto što je takvo kakvo jest i skoncentrirate se na pozitivnestrane, život može biti jako lijep i ugodan. Što se tiče snimanjafilmova, atmosfera je također potpuno drugačija. U Hrvatskoj jepitanje snimanja filma još uvijek politička odluka, dok je ovdje u Americipitanje hoće li se film snimati ili ne isključivo financijska odluka.HK: Sudjelovanje na međunarodnom filmskom festivalu Queens 2005 vašje svojevrsni početak kampanje za nominaciju za Oscara. Koji je sljedećikorak i što mislite kakve su šanse da ove godine hrvatski film uđe ukonkurenciju za nagradu?AAO: Film je do sada prikazan na danima hrvatskog filma u Chicagu iLos Angelesu, te nedavno na Manhattanu, i moram reći da je kod američkepublike koja ga je vidjela naišao na dobar prijem. Nakon New Yorka upravoputujem u St. Louis, gdje smo također pozvani od organizatora još jednogpriznatog međunarodnog filmskog festivala. Nakon toga film će biti usiječnju prikazan na dvije filmske premijere u Los Angelesu.Za sada ne postoji nikakva organizirana ni planirana kampanja za promocijufilma. Sudjelujemo tamo gdje nas pozovu. Ministarstvo kulture i HTV kaokoproducent pomažu kroz troškove puta i to je sve za sada. Mada bi i jednaorganizirana kampanja puno pomogla, smatram da je najbitnije za jedan stranifilm da uđe u redovnu distribuciju, tako da ga ljudi vide u kinima prijenominacija za Oscara. S obzirom da strani film u Americi nije jako popularan, toje jako teško izvedivo, ali nije i nemoguće. Upravo me kontaktirala jednadistribucijska kuća iz New Yorka koja je jako zainteresirana. Ako bi sefilm Ta divna splitska noć počeo prikazivati u američkim kinima,i šanse za Oscara bi sigurno puno porasle.HK: Želimo puno sreće u daljnjem profesionalnom radu i još punonagrada Toj divnoj splitskoj noći! Tri priče u jednoj novogodišnjoj noći Film Ta divna splitska noć se sastoji od tri priče koje se odigravaju istodobno u tijekom jedne noći, dva sata uoči Nove godine, potpuno odvojene od novogodišnjeg slavlja koje se događa u susjedstvu. U prvoj priči protagonisti su sitni narko diler Nike (Mladen Vulić) i udovica Marija (Nives Ivanković) sa sinčićem. U drugoj priči se narkomanka u krizi Maja (Marija Škaričić), odluči prostituirati s američkim mornarem Frankyjem (Coolio), za paketić heroina, dok u trećoj mladi zaljubljeni par, Luka (Vicko Bilandžić) i Anđela (Ivana Roščić), žele proslaviti Silvestrovo na poseban način, te nakon konzumiranja opojnih droga doživljavaju krizu i tragediju. Sve tri priče povezuje koncert Dina Dvornika na Peristilu i novogodišnji vatromet. Svaka od priča podsjeća na događaje koje donosi crna kronika kakvi, pogotovo u Splitu, nisu rijetkost. Poveznica sve tri priče jest droga, koja se kao najstrašnija splitska realnost, provlači kroz tri odvojene dirljive ljubavne priče. Atmosfera i radnja su sugestivne a gluma iznimno uvjerljiva s nizom tragičnih ali i smiješnih detalja. Cijeli film je snimljen u crno bijeloj tehnici s izuzetnim umjetničkim fotografskim elementima, a mladi Mirko Pivčević je osvojio ovogodišnju pulsku Zlatnu arenu za kameru. Redatelj je, ne osvrčući se na rizik, izabrao glumce koji su najbolje pasali ulozi tako da su svi mahom iz Splita, pa se među glumcima mogu vidjeti osobe koje su još uvijek na Akademiji (npr. Ivana Roščić) ili koje je redatelj upoznao slučajno u gradu. Film je do sada sudjelovao na tridesetak filmskih festivala i osvojio devet značajnih nagrada, uključujući nagradu za najbolju režiju, na upravo završenom trećem međunarodnom filmskom festivalu Queens 2005 u New Yorku. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (D) Ethno Podium Konzert im Nordportal, Baden - Lidija Bajuk http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5015/1/D-Ethno-Podium-Konzert-im-Nordportal-Baden---Lidija-Bajuk.html ÂEthno Podium Konzert im Nordportal, Baden am 22.11.05 um 21 Uh.click here for programLiebe Freunde, ZuhÃrerInnen, Bekannte, wie auch Musik-und KulturinteressierteEs ist wieder Zeit fÃr unsere Ethno Podium Konzert! Siehe BeilageSeeU GrÃsseSibila & ZoranHKR-Redaktion letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sanya Mateyas on CBS 'The King of Queens' Monday Nov 14th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5006/1/E-Sanya-Mateyas-on-CBS-The-King-of-Queens-Monday-Nov-14th.html ÂSanya Mateyas on TV - Monday Nov 14thYour are in for a special treat this coming Monday. Hard working and Hrvatski rodoljub Sanya Mateyas has landed a guest roll on 'The King of Queens" this Monday, November 14, 2005.When: Monday, November 14Where: CBS 8:00 pmWhat: Guest spot on "The King of Queens" tv show. Here's a picture of her so you know who your looking for:Croatians rock! I wonder if she knows how to play tennis?Tune in, support, brag about it! Sanya's great! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Matija Gubec iz Tavankuta proslavlja svoju 60. obljetnicu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5013/1/E-Matija-Gubec-iz-Tavankuta-proslavlja-svoju-60-obljetnicu.html ÂHKPD 'Matija Gubec' iz TavankutaÂPostovani i dragi Prijatelji, cijenjeni posjetitelji i svi simpetizeri Matije Gupca i Tavankuta, i svi ljudi dobre volje,Dozvolite mi da Vam priopcim radosnu vijest, danas 09.11.2005. Ljeta Gosponjeg u 11,30 sati, Tavankut je zakoracio u Svit. Na web site-uwww.matijagubec.org.yu mozete biti nas dragi gost. HKPD 'Matija Gubec' iz Tavankuta naredne godine proslavlja svoj jubilej 60.-tu obljetnicu od svog osnutka. Ovo je prigoda svima koji to zele da upoznaju nas rad i sve ono sto je Tavankut i njegove zitelje resilo proteklih 60. godine. Ovo je prigoda da vidite sa cime su se sve tavankucani susretali u svom radu u nastojanju ocuvanja hrvatske bastine i kulture, radeci i nesebicno doprinoseci razvoju ne samo Gupca nego i cijelog Tavankuta, pa na koncu i cijelog hrvatskog roda. Matija Gubec i svi njegovi clanovi su uvijek bili otvoreni, susretljivi i srdacni, nastojali su graditi mostove sa drugim ljudima, drugim manjinama i institucijama. Svoj rad nisu zasnivali samo i jedino na folkloru, iako je to jedna od vrlo bitnih i znamenitih oblasti koja je u pocecima rada doprinijela daljnjem razvitku udruge. Tavankut je bio sjediste velikih kulturnih dogadjanja, prisjetimo se, otvorenje Hrvatskog seljackog prosvitnog doma 1936. godine, osnivanje HKPD-a 'Matija Gubec', 1946. godine, osnivanje grupe sestorica i Likovne kolonije 1961. godine, pomoc i sudjelovanje u osnivanju HKC 'Bunjevacko kolo', u pokretanju proslave 'Duzijance' u Subotici, prvi od svih hrvatskih institucija 1991. godine vraca pridjev 'hrvatsko' u svoj izvorni naziv, osnivanje Kolonije slamarki prije 20. godina i kontinuiteta odrzavanja iste i mnoge druge stvari. Iz Tavankuta i Gupca su ponikla mnoga znamenita imena, mnogi umjetnici, intelektualci i mnogi vrijedni poljodjelci ciji je rad nekada i zanemaren ali su dali veliki doprinos.Mnoge humke nasih clanova su mozda zaboravljene ali njihov rad i doprinos je ovdje pred Vama, i tribamo tome odati pocast.Ono sto ovu prezentaciju odvaja od ostalih je u bez preterivanja 'Duh' koji provijava tavankutskom poljanom punom piska i punom uspomena.Vi danas mozete dozivjeti sitna zrnca piska iz prasnjavi’ sokaka, mozete vidjeti bile salase, sitno pletivo slamarke, mozete vidjeti umjetnost naivki, koje zivot svoj u pismu i sliku pritacu, mozete osjetiti srdacnost Tavankuta, skromnost zitelja ali i gordost u ocuvanju ove vrijedne i neponovljive i neprikosnovene kulture navijek cuvane u tom i takvom Tavankutu, izvoristu i 'luconosi' nasih zivota i naseg postojanja i nase opstojnosti.Na nasoj prezentaciji cete vidjeti sve ono sto moje rijeci opisati nisu mogle...Sadrzina ovoga site-a je prava riznica kulture, tradicije i zivota koji i danas buja svom svojom velicinom. Neke stvari su zasticene i bice dostupne kada nadjemo sponzore koji ce nas podrzati u ovom nasem radu, a smatramo da je ovaj projekat od velike vaznosti jer su na jednom mjestu smjesteni etnoloski, demografski, kulturni, socioloski, naucni i brojni drugi civilizacijski aspekti.Stoga apeliramo na sve ljude dobre volje, da nam pripomognu u razvitku istog, kako bi nas mukotrpan rad, koji objedinio sate, dane i godine volonterskog rada, a neki ljudi su posvetili i cijeli svoj zivot ovoj instituciji, koja danas ima ovu prezentaciju pred nama. Stoga svi koji su u mogucnosti mogu pripomoci prvotno opstanku ovoga site-a, potom njegovom razvitku i otvorenju prema svijetu...Napominjem da samo dobrom voljom i neizmernom susretljivoscu naseg provajdera, danas ovdje pred Vama, stojimo mi, jer je on jedan od prvih prepoznao kvalitet prezentacije te shodno tome i znacaj ovog projekta.Veliki je broj osoba koje su doprinijele ovom projektu-svima njima od srca se zahvaljujem i isti ce biti prezentirani pocetkom naredne godine kada ce i biti svecana promocija ovog site-a.Najvise se zahvaljujemo nasem tavankucaninu koji je nas rad pretocio u rijeci, sliku i pjesmu i koji je po ko zna koji put sebe nesebicno darovao i zrvovao.Ne zeleci nikoga posebno pominjati jer postoji opasnost druge propustiti, stoga svima velika hvala, na volonterskom doprinosu, u nadi da ce netko to prepoznati i nagraditi. Jednom rjecju i ovaj danasnji rad je plod nesebicnog davanja ponikao upravo u Tavankutu, koji time potvrdjuje da je uvijek i nanovo spreman doprinositi sveukupnoj kulturi i tradiciji Hrvata i inoviranju svog rada te pracenju svih novina koja prate i nas rad.S toga Vas sve koji zelite pozivam da dostavite svoje prijedloge, sugestije ili kritike.Nastojacemo na sve odgovoriti i u tom kontekstu suradjivati.Za pocetak ostaje privatan kontakt mail:lsuknovic@tippnet.co.yu Po zavrsetku opremanja prostorija, za sto nam je potrebna pomoc u stolicama, stolovima i fax aparatu kao i postavke racunalne opreme iste cete moci slati namatijagubec@tippnet.co.yu Srdacan pozdrav u ovom velikom i svecanom danu, koji je blagoslovljen zrakama danasnjeg sunca, neka ovaj dan bude novi most prema svima Vama u nasem sveukupnom zajednistvu.Do susreta u Tavankutu...Srdacan pozdrav,Vas, Ladislav Suknoviczamjenik predsjednikaHKPD "Matija Gubec"TavankutVojvodinatel:+381 24 548-350mob: +381 64/1488163e-mail: lsuknovic@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 2005 QUEENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5011/1/E-2005-QUEENS-INTERNATIONAL-FILM-FESTIVAL.html Â2005 QUEENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALÂFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Borris Bazelais, VPEmail: bbazelais@yahoo.com Cell : 646-316-0819Tel : 718-459-5496In its breakout year, the third annual Queens International Film Festival will be taking over Astoria’s Studio City for four days in November (17th – 20th). Films and film-makers from around the globe will be converging on New York’s hottest production hub, Astoria, Queens. The Museum of the Moving Image, Kaufman Astoria Studios, The Mario Gallery and a variety of other unique Astoria venues will be the backdrop for the anticipated films and parties of the year.This year’s QIFF has expanded its scope and will feature several international entries for Best Foreign Film at the 2006 Academy Awards such as: acclaimed, prize-winning films and filmmakers from around the world, such as: Paheli by director Amol Palekar, India's entry for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards; Turkey’s Oscar hopeful, Love Lorn directed by Yavuz Turgul; and A Wonderful Night in Split, directed by Arsen A. Ostojic,Croatia’s Oscar entry. From the US, the 2005 QIFF will present: September Tapes by director Christian Johnson the stirring account of an American journalist who travels to Afghanistan to learn the truth behind the search for Osama Bin Laden; and the hilarious and star-studded Life Coach a poignant mockumentary about the shallowness of Hollywood's cult of personality.Believing that films can educate as well as entertain, this year’s QIFF will feature documentaries that expose humanitarian injustices both abroad and at home, such as: Fighting for Life in the Deathbelt, a groundbreaking film that considers the controversial institution of capital punishment through the eyes of Stephen Bright, the nation’s leading anti-death penalty lawyer; and Bye Bye Havana about a city and a nation pummeled by an unworkable socialism and a voracious consumer appetite. . In addition to QIFF’s international scope, this year’s festival will showcase and promote New York’s own film scene in two special competitions: Celebrating New York on Film and the Queens Cinema Collection. QIFF has also invited students from the top New York film schools to participate in this year’s QIFF Student Showcase. Also this year the festival will feature a youth program designed to expose at-risk kids from the five boroughs to the exciting and expressive medium of film.Check out the 2005 Queens International Film Festival (www.queensfilmfestival.com ) for the thought provoking films that are making a difference the world over. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A Wonderful Night in Split at 2005 Queens International Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5010/1/E-A-Wonderful-Night-in-Split-at-2005-Queens-International-Film-Festival.html Â2005 Queens International Film FestivalA Wonderful Night in SplitIn its third and breakout year, the 2005 Queens International Film Festival will be featuring the hit Croatia film, A Wonderful Night in Split by director Arsen-Anton Ostojic, in its opening night program, November 17. The film is the official Croatian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Annual Academy Awards and is considered a very strong contender. After the 9:00PM screening at Astoria’s Museum of the Moving Image the QIFF will be hosting a party across the street at Croatian art gallery owner Mario Novak’s spectacular Mario Gallery. The QIFF opening night screening of A Wonderful Night in Split and after-party will be New York’s Croatian cultural event of the year and not to be missed.A Wonderful Night in Split tells the tale of the last two hours in the lives of three couples leading up to the New Year's Eve fireworks in Split. Smalltime drug dealer Nike has just abandoned his mother and Maria to go to Germany with a shipment of drugs -- a plan that fatally backfires. Maja, who urgently needs money for her next fix, is supposed to prostitute herself with the dejected U.S. Marine Franky, played by hip-hop star Coolio. Teenagers Luka and Angela want to lose their virginity under the influence of LSD before midnight. A smart screenplay ties all three stories into an expertly made film noir.Check out the 2005 Queens International Film Festivalwww.queensfilmfestival.com for the thought provoking films that are making a difference the world over. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORK - Nov 16 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5012/1/E-CROATIAN-BOOK-CLUB-OF-NEW-YORK---Nov-16.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORKOur next monthly selection will be “Infidelities: Stories of War and Lust” by Josip Novakovich. All ten of his books are available at www.amazon.com . Mr. Novakovich has generously donated several of his books to read and circulate.Meeting place: Croatian Cultural CenterAddress: 502 West 41st Street, New York, NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, November 16th, 2005 at 6 p.m.Next book selection: “Infidelities: Stories of War and Lust” by Josip NovakovichPlease read the book in advance.A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.Each month, the facilitator will choose a “book of the month” that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:* “The Stone Fields” by Courtney Angela Brkic* “Infidelities – stories of War and Lust” by Josip Novakovic* “How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed” by Slavenka Drakulic* “Neither Red nor Dead” by Stevo Julius* “The Museum of Unconditional Surrender” by Dubravka Ugresic* “The Banquet in Blitva” by Miroslav Krleza* “The Turk and My Mother” by Mary Helen Stefaniak* “Sarajevo Marlboro” by Miljenko Jergovic * “Croatian Tales of Long Ago” by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic* “Anna Marinkovich” by Edward Ifkovic * “Carrying the Farm on Her Back – A portrait of Women in a Croatian Village” by Eva Skold Westerlind* “Healing the Heart of Croatia” by Joseph Kerrigan* “Goodby Dear Old Homeland” by Yasna Sikic Hood* “American Dream - a Guy from Croatia” by Boris Miksic* “Thorn Lace – Mojmir – A Migrant’s Lot” by Ina Vukic* “Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration” Mike Celizic * “The Labyrinth” by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com * “You’re Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice” by Bill Rancic* “Lovers and Madmen – a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy” by Julienne Eden Busic * “Fix Our United States” by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net * “Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War” by Eve Ensler* www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden* “The Bridge on the Drina” by Ivo Andric* “Don’t Call Me Rosie” by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com * Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com * “A Single Step” by Heather Mills McCartney (chapters on Croatia) * “Can You Hear Me Screaming?” by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com * “First Service” by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com * “Celestial Dancer” by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich * “Letters to My Daughters” by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich) * “The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skating” by Sandra Bezic* “Pixletown: The World Found” by Marija Miletic Dail * Bogdan Radica – out of printMost of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com .Book Club discussion questions and topics: What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader? Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know? What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?  How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes? In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author’s world view? Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before? What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book? How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic? Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this? If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias? How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Facilitator:Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild. Her essays, “Father’s Funeral” and “Babin Kuk” were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays. “Yearning for Freedom in a Land of the Free” and “Red Tent” at Free River Press. Short story, “Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatia” has been published on the CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian colours incorporated into a GOOGLE ICON http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5009/1/E-Croatian-colours-incorporated-into-a-GOOGLE-ICON.html ÂÂÂSee Makybe Diva’s Croatian colours – even incorporated into our GOOGLE ICON in Australia anyways.http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17109703%5E2862,00.htmlRegards,Jean letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Reserve tickets - Klapa Sinj and Nenad Bach concert in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5008/1/E-Reserve-tickets---Klapa-Sinj-and-Nenad-Bach-concert-in-New-York.html ÂKlapa Sinj and Nenad Bach, in concertÂÂWhere: New York City, Society for Ethical Culture 2 West 64th StreetWhen: December 2nd 2005Purchase tickets: click here Reserve your tickets in advance. Very possible sold out.ÂChicago and Washington DC concerts are free of charge.ÂOp-edLast Croatian event was sold out. Half of the people stayed outside asking for extra tickets. Reserve your tickets in advance, rather then wait outside for a chance to get in.ÂNB letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Mladi hrvatski umjetnici u P.S.1. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5014/1/H-Mladi-hrvatski-umjetnici-u-PS1.html ÂMladi hrvatski umjetnici u P.S.1.NEW YORK CITY - Otvorivši svoj jesenji postav, sa desetak novih izložbi, Centar Suvreme Umjetnosti - P.S.1. je 30. listopada bio prava meka umjetnika i ljubitelja umjetnosti. Tijekom čitavog dana preko tisuću posjetitelja hodočastilo je sve atraktivnijim prostorima P.S.1. Za nas je posebno značajno predstavljanje trojice mladih hrvatskih umjetnika, u sklopu programa pod nazivom International Projects: Alana Floričića, Kristiana Kožula i Tomislava Buntaka. International Projects osmišljen je kao koncept promoviranja raznovrsnih suvremenih umjetničkih praksi inozemnih umjetnika i zemalja omogućavanjem razrade, realizacije i postave privremenih projekata u prostorima P.S.1. Kuratorica izložbe je direktorica P.S.1. Alanna Heiss, odgovorna i za konačni izbor umjetnika. Širu selekciju od ukupno 8 umjetnika predložio je Branko Franceschi, sadašnji ravnatelj Riječkog Muzeja Moderne i Suvremene Umjetnosti, koji je već višegodišnju suradnju sa P.S.1. započeo kao ravnatelj zagrebačke galerije Miroslav Kraljević. Alen Floričić, Labinski umjetnik rođen 1968., predstavljen je sa više video instalacija kojima istražuje ljudsko tijelo u različitim ambijentima, kroz ritmizirano ponavljanje pokreta u ubrzanim sekvencijama koje postaju ponavljajuće tkivo video zapisa. Floričićeve video instalacije sa svojom neposrednošću i donekle crnim humorom, pored četvorokanalne postave u galerijskoj sobi, zatiču promatrača na raznim, manje uobičajenim prostorima kao što su hodnici i kupatila. S njujorškim predstavljanjem, nakon ljetošnjeg izlaganja na Venecijanskom Bienalu u sklopu hrvatske nacionalne selekcije, Floričić je zaokružio ovogodišnju vrlo uspješnu godinu.Kristian Kožul, rođen 1975. u Minhenu, predstavlja se skulpturama iz bizarne "Discoware" kolekcije nastale 2002./2003. g. Kožul skupinu "nepoželjnih" predmeta: invalidskih kolica, štake i noćne posude, transformira u raskošne primamljive objekte, obtočene mozaikom od ogledalaca, srebrnih šljokica i bijelog paperja. Time postaju dekadentni fetiš objekti izazivajući kod promarača oprečne emocije privlačenja i odbijanja te dublja propitivanja suštine istih. Tomislav Buntak, zagrebački umjetnik rođen 1971, predstavlja se site specific izvedbom rafiniranog srebrno-zlatnog crteža u kafeteriji P.S.1. Crtež iz ciklusa "Konačna pobjeda nebeske vojske" u potpunosti ispunjava zidove i strop kafeterije. Buntakovi crteži su reminiscencija kršćanskih i mitoloških prizora izvedenih u maniri klasičnih pejzaža na stilizirani i jedinstven način.Selekcijom trojice mladih hrvatskih umjetnika za International Project, Hrvatska se predstavlja kao zemlja raznovrsne, provokativne no promišljene suvremene umjetničke prakse što je ravnopravno uključuje u jedinstveni njujorški umjetnički melting pot.Radovi hrvatskih umjetnika mogu se pogledati do konca siječnja 2006. u P.S.1. na adresi 22-25 Jackson Ave. LIC, New York (Tel: 718 784-2084).Denis Licul letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) TRAGOVIMA ZNANJA U BUDUCNOST - prof.dr.sc. Ante Simonic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5017/1/H-TRAGOVIMA-ZNANJA-U-BUDUCNOST---profdrsc-Ante-Simonic.html ÂSloboda promisljanja i djelovanjaZNANOST - NAJVECA AVANTURA I IZAZOV LJUDSKOGA RODATRAGOVIMA ZNANJA U BUDUCNOSTÂPredstavljanje ce se odrzati u petak, 4. studenog 2005 u 18:00 sati u Eurospkom Domu, Zagreb Jurisiceva 1Knjige ce predstaviti:Akademik Josip BratulicAkademik Nenad Trinajstic, recenzentProf.dr.sc. Igor Rozanic, recenzentProf.dr.sc. Ante Simonic, autorBranko Vujanovic, akademski slikar graficarAndja Raic, prof., urednica u ime Medicinske NakladeAnte SimonicTRAGOVIMA ZNANJA U BUDUCNOSTQUO VADIS SCIENTIA?Ova knjiga je svojevrsni prosireni nastavak udzbenika Znanost. Trece izdanje je dopunjeno novim dijelom i sadrzaj obuhvaca sljedeca poglavlja: Svemir, Zemlja, Nastanak i razvoj zivota, Razvitak civilizacije, Sloboda promisljanja i djelovanja, Literaturu i kazalo. Opseg knjige je, u odnosu na prethodno izdanje, povecan pa knjiga sada ima 824 stranice.Ante SimonicZNANOST - NAJVECA AVANTURA I IZAZOV LJUDSKOGA RODATrece obnovljeno i ispravljeno izdanje ovoga udzbenika za poslije-diplomsku nastavu prvi je dio monumentalnog djela prof. Simonica. Knjiga ima 558 stranica i poglavlja: Nastanak i razvoj znanosti, Spoznavanje stvarnosti, Znanost i zakoni, O znanstvenoj metodi, Znanstvenik, Institucije znanosti, Znanstveno djelo, Zamjerke znanosti, Literaturu i kazalo. To: marketing@medicinskanaklada.hr Subject: newsletter br. 6 listopad 2005.Kupiti mozete knjigu na www.medicinskanaklada.hrÂÂOp-ed:1382 stranice teksta.. Ovo su knjige gdje svaka druga recenica moze biti i naslov knjige. Sama cinjenica da se netko usudi pisati o lepezi svega postojeceg je fascinantno samo za sebe. Moja topla preporuka, svakome tko imalo razmislja, neka kupi ove knjige i napise svoju recenziju, ja cu je objaviti na CROWNu. Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 01 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Listen to Klapa Sinj and FA Lindjo on Millenium of Music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5016/1/E-Listen-to-Klapa-Sinj-and-FA-Lindjo-on-Millenium-of-Music.html ÂListen to Klapa Sinj and Lindjo on Millenium of MusicSample of the song Lipo Ime, introduced by Robert Aubry Davisclick here . Listen to this first and if you like it, you can listen to the whole show.Listen to the whole show:click here (audio quality of the first 2 minutes are not so good, but after that very solid)You are able to enjoy this audio presentation courtesy of Millennium of Musicand Ivica Grgic ( www.011385.com ) who prepared it for you.ÂKlapa Sinj and Nenad Bach USA Tour schedule:Âhttp://www.nenadbach.com/progr/progr.html ÂKlapa Sinj and Nenad Bach USA 2005ÂTour Mediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic Voices Klapa Sinj coming to the USAÂDecember 2nd - 8 PM Concert at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, New York City. www.nysec.org, as a part of the World Music Institute program for 2005/2006 season.ÂDecember 4th 6 PM Concert at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC. www.kennedycenter.com/ÂDecember 7th 7 PM Concert at the Chicago Cultural Center - Preston Bradley Hall in Chicago.Âwww.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/ . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 01 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A musical busker who loves Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5024/1/E-A-musical-busker-who-loves-Croatia.html ÂOf all the countries he's busked in, Croatia is probably his favorite and he keeps going back there.ÂCharlie Cusack at home in CarrowhollyThe Interview - Charlie CusackBy Padraig BurnsTHE first thing you need to know about Charlie Cusack is that Charlie isn't his proper name at all. He was born Patrick, son of Sean and Mary Cusack from High Street in Westport and he became Charlie when he was in second year at the CBS in Westport. Something to do with a drawing of an alien creature that needed a nickname! Needless to say, on High Street they still call him Pat.The next thing you need to know about Charlie is that he's one of Ireland's great guitarists. He might not be a marquee name like Rory Gallagher or Dave Evans but talk to the connoisseurs of the instrument and they'll tell you that Charlie is up there with the best of them. A real guitar player's guitar player.He's lived too, and wherever he's travelled the guitar has travelled with him. He went to Australia for a year, overstayed his welcome by two and ended up on the list of the 30 most wanted illegal people in the State of Victoria. "At the time I was in Queensland picking fruit on a farm and my girlfriend's mother sent her this cutting from a paper with my name in the list of wanted illegals. Basically, there was a reward for anyone with information on my whereabouts, so I took that as encouragement to leave!"Later, when he was studying the guitar in college in Los Angeles, he took a wrong turn home one day and ended up being beaten up and handcuffed by the police who thought he was a member of a local gang. "I didn't know it at the time, but it was an area where no one used to walk in because it was so dangerous. The police saw me and thought I was robbing somewhere and they just jumped me, pinned me to the ground and handcuffed me. It took a bit of explaining to talk my way out of that," he recalls.Nowadays, his life is much more serene, and he lives alone in a beautiful cottage in Carraholly, a few miles outside Westport town. He's surrounded by his guitars (13 in total) and tapes and discs of his own recordings and those of his favourite guitarists. He's writing his own material at the moment and he hopes to be able to have enough ready to be in a position to record an album within the next few months.On the wall of the cottage are the posters that recall the gigs that started it all off for Charlie. Every Sunday night Charlie used to play The Den in Gibbons' Pub, Bridge Street, Westport along with his good friends, Paul Duffy and Paul 'Dude' Kelly, under the name 'Broken Glass'. Charlie used to let rip then and they still talk of the last gig he played before leaving for Germany in 1984. "I remember that night, we played in the front bar and I was up on the tables going mad. John (Gibbons) was great, he didn't really care how loud we played and we used to really give it holly. They were great times. I was working in Galway at the time in Digital, sitting at a desk all week and the Sunday night gig was a great way of letting off steam," he said, laughing at the memories of the 'Broken Glass' world tour t-shirts that did the rounds at the time.Yet, it could all have passed him by. He used to play the piano when he was in national school but by the time secondary school arrived, he was more interested in football and walking dogs on the Rockies with John Kennedy than he was in music. "It could so easily not have happened for me and probably wouldn't if I hadn't gone to visit my uncle in Leicester one summer. He had a music shop and I worked with him for the summer. When I was leaving he gave me a guitar and that set me off again," he said.He was around 15 at the time and since then life has revolved around the guitar and his music. After school he studied Electronic Engineering in Galway IT and he also worked in Digital for a while. But the music kept calling him back and in 1985 he walked away from Digital to give all his energies to music.Since then he's travelled all over Europe, Australia and Asia. He's worked in conventional jobs to keep food on the table and he's busked everywhere he went. Once, in Hamburg in Germany, he was busking on the main pedestrian street and this man came up and asked him would he mind his apartment for two weeks while he was on holidays in Ireland. "He just wanted someone to water the plants while he was away. It was really bizarre," he remembers.He recalls doing an 18-gig tour of Finland that was more hassle than it was worth. "I had to go everywhere by train. It was mad," he recalled. Of all the countries he's busked in, Croatia is probably his favourite and he keeps going back there. "They love their busking there and I managed to get a pretty big gig there once after I was spotted busking in the street in Split," he said.In the late eighties he was accepted into the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles and he spent three years there learning new techniques and refining what he knew. It was a tough but worthwhile learning environment. "I was probably the only one there that wasn't American and I had to pay my way. There were times when I didn't have a bob and I lived for a while in a hard area. It wasn't unusual for me to come out of my apartment and for a helicopter to be hovering over with its lights beaming down on someone who was being held at gunpoint by the police," he said.At the moment he's heavily into the Dadgad technique of guitar playing. Pierre Benssusan is renowned as the world's most authoritative exponent of the Dadgad technique and earlier this year Charlie spent a fortnight at his home just outside Paris, learning from the master."Dadgad is a tuning. It's used a lot in traditional music but it's only as a background, as strumming. I wanted to get some idea of how it works and I transcribed three pieces of his music. I used a notebook and I had to write down every note that he did and it took me weeks and weeks. It showed me what compositional devices he was using and how he was structuring it."When I discovered this tuning it spoke to me more than the standard tuning. I was able to compose more and it was related more to my roots. I find it so easy to compose in this tuning and anyone that uses it says the same things. Musically, I'm going back over and trying to complete music that I've written for an acoustic CD. But I need a new guitar because I've discovered that the guitar that I play the Dadgad on is limited. I can see from other players that are demanding an awful lot more from their instruments and the guitar I have isn't capable of these demands. A guy called Kevin Ryan in California hand makes the type of guitar that I need. He's leaving 11mm between the strings and that facilitates the finger picking. There's a bigger space and it makes it easier to pick, especially if you're pushing the boundaries of the guitar. I'm progressing and it's opened up a whole new world for me. I've learned a lot too from a guy called Michael Hedges and I'm trying to incorporate a lot of that into my work. I find that it inspires me," he said.He lives for his music, always has and probably always will. He doesn't bother with the television and spends most of his time writing and listening to music in Carraholly.He loves the challenge that is facing him at the moment: getting to grips with Dadgad, getting that new guitar sorted and completing his own recordings is more than enough to keep him busy. "I don't know what I'd do without my music, I really don't. You know, no matter what mood you're in there's music to suit. You can be in love and there's a tune for that or you can have the blues and there's something for that too."I'm really enjoying trying to get to grips with the whole Dadgad thing. I'm off to America in April to meet up with this guy I met at the seminar in France this year to explore it further and while I'm there I'll get my new guitar. I also have my own work to complete. The plan is to record it here in the cottage and if I can do that I'll be a happy man."If there is a downside to his life at the moment it's the lack of gigs. He used to have a regular slot in a pub in Westport but an Elvis impersonator with backing tracks replaced him. "I can't compete with someone like that. It's getting hard to get gigs," he said.When it's put to him that The Den is still vacant he smiles at the thought of a 'Broken Glass' reunion. It probably will never happen but there's a generation of people in Westport that would love nothing more than the sight of Charlie Cusack letting rip on Bridge Street again. Any chance, Charlie? letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hrvatska otkriva Ameriku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5023/1/E-Hrvatska-otkriva-Ameriku.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) HRVATI U ARGENTINI - nova knjiga http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5021/1/H-HRVATI-U-ARGENTINI---nova-knjiga.html ÂHRVATI U ARGENTINICarmen Vrljicak VerlichakÂPojavi se drugo izdanje knjige HRVATI U ARGENTINI (LOS CROATAS DE LA ARGENTINA. Knjiga sa potankostima kada i zasto su dosli, gdje su se nastanili, sto ih je docekalo, prezimena koja su se integrirala Argentinom: Vucetic, Mihanovic, Maroevic, Vranjican, Ivanisevic, Luksic i td, medu naj poznatijim I onih nezamislejnih kao Beba i Prodan. Nezaboravni vratar San Lorenza Mirko Blazina i ”kasike” Beniger dio su prezimena kojih se spominje u knjizi.Rekao pisac Abel Posse u LA NUEVA PROVINCIA: Izvanredna knjiga ove knjizevnice koja pise tako dobro.Novinar Bartolome de Vedia komentirao u LA NACIONKnjiga Carmen Vrljicak Verlichak slijedi trag proslih Hrvata duhom istrazivaoca i svjedocanstva, kojega pojacav njenom poznatom vlastitosti propovijedslacke sposobnosti, njenu osjetljivosti kojom opazi i zabiljezi naj dublje ljudske osjecaje iIskusena zilavost novinarke.Camilo Lynch rekao u LA PRENSADa njeno istrazivanje do sitnica, oslonjeno na intervjuima I sjecanje mnogih Hrvata strucnjaka, umjetnika, ne samo po tvduje doprinos koji je ovo useljenistvo proizvelu medu nama vec istice opce prilagodenje u nasoj zajednici.Carmen Vrljicak Verlichak je autor, izmedu ostalih knjiga, romana MARIA JOSEFA EZCURRA I MANUEL BELGRANOcontact:cverlichak@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Liliana Resnick at New York Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5019/1/E-Liliana-Resnick-at-New-York-Film-Festival.html ÂBETWEEN THE LINES will be shown at New York International Independent Film and Video Festival on November 14, 2005ÂHello, I am writing in English although I am Croatian. I am writing to you because I am trying to find out how to let Croatian community in New York know that my short film BETWEEN THE LINES will be shown at New York International Independent Film and Video Festival on November 14 (Monday) at 10:10PM at East Village cinemas (theater 6). All information about the film and how to purchase tickets can be found on the festival's web page. www.nyfilmvideo.com Please note that everybody who have a tickets of the screening is invited to the party after - where the party will be held will be known later, closer to the festival's days - but it will be a nice place. If you can help me spread the word please let me know. I would appreciate any help. Best Regards, Liliana Resnick ljresnick@earthlink.net Op-ed:First five people to email her will get tickets for free from Liliana.NB letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Dr. Franolica o utjecaju Rudjera Boskovica na Engleze njegovog doba http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5018/1/H-Dr-Franolica-o-utjecaju-Rudjera-Boskovica-na-Engleze-njegovog-doba.html ÂPredavanje o utjecaju naseg velikog znanstvenika 18-og stoljeca, Rudjera Boskovica na Engleze njegovog dobaÂKulturno drustvo Napredak i Hrvatska kultura cetvrtkom imaju veliku cast pozvati vas na predavanje o utjecaju naseg velikog znanstvenika 18-og stoljeca, Rudjera Boskovica na Engleze njegovog doba. Predavanje ce odrzati Dr. BRANKO FRANOLIC, vrhunski strucnjak sa podrucja lingvistike, dopisni clan HAZU, te nosilac doktorata sa prestiznog francuskog sveucilista Sorbonna. Dr. Franolic takodjer je pisac mnogobrojnih znanstvenih dijela sa svog podrucja medju kojima prevladavaju radovi o hrvatskom jeziku. Molimo vas da pocastite svojom nazocnoscu ovaj izvanredni dogadjaj koji ce se odrzati:u cetvrtak, 3. studenoga u 7 sati na veceru velikoj dvorani Hrvatskoga centra na ManhattanuÂ502 W 41 StreetNew York, NY 10036 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Stories of War and Lust this Friday the 28th @ National Arts Club http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5022/1/E-Stories-of-War-and-Lust-this-Friday-the-28th--National-Arts-Club.html ÂInfidelities: Stories of War and LustÂThe book was editor's choice in the New York Times Book Review for five weeks in a row. ÂHi,I will be giving a reading from my new book, Infidelities: Stories of War and Lust (Harper Perennial), at 7 pm, this Friday the 28th, atNational Arts Club245 East 21st StreetApt. 10CNew York, NY 10010Contact: Leonore Comora212-982-0848 direct letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 26 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) David Byrne about Croatian painter Vanka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5020/1/E-David-Byrne-about-Croatian-painter-Vanka.html ÂDavid Byrne about Croatian painter VankaÂ'The church is Croatian and the murals, by Maxo Vanka, are spectacular. The Diego Riviera of Pittsburgh, I would say.'ÂÂÂPittsburgh May 14Last night the audience sang Happy Birthday to me as we walked on stage. We're in a beautiful renovated theater in downtown- the topless muses frolic on a ceiling mural. Leigh is from here and her parents give me a pre-birthday present — a glass dish her mom made with a copy of a peculiar Austin roundabout traffic sign on it — the same sign I had embroidered on some of our merch.The next day I met my friend John Chernoff, writer and drummer, at the Mattress factory, an art space on the North Side. He talked about city finances. Some old timers remember when Pittsburgh was booming and smoky. With the combined smoke from the foundries, the coal dust and the coal heat in the houses the sky was often dark at noon. Black clouds covered the city for much of the year.The last steel mill closed recently. They tear them down and the area that remains is called Brownland. They were vast- the largest one stretched for miles along the riverbank. The little valleys that eked out from the river each contained their own mines and a little town of workers housing and churches squished into the remaining space. A law, still on the books, says that if coal is found under your house you have to allow it to be dug out.[John's correction: "Brownland" should be "Brownfields." "Brownfields" are former industrial sites that are being rehabilitated. The developments along the river are all Brownfields. There are a lot of sites that are under major reconstruction, such as the old Homestead foundry site that is now a development called Waterfront. Along the South Side, the site of the old Jones and Laughlin plant, among others, are all being redevelopment. But the main thing that makes them a "brownfield site" is that they have been cleared in preparation for them to be rehabilitated or redeveloped."] Now, of course, with the passing of all this, these towns are boarded up, as are large sections of Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. But other parts are emerging, beginning to revive in one form or another.The city is pretty much bankrupt, especially after having build 2 incredible stadiums right next to one another. [John's amplification and correction: "The city is not bankrupt because of the stadiums. There are a lot of factors, such as the shrinking population, and what you mentioned of the large nonprofit institutions that don't pay taxes, among other things like many other cities, including lack of federal and state funding support. The boarded up city neighborhoods you refer to are actually some of the old mill and mining towns. It's not neighborhoods in the city itself. And of course, there are people working to turn those places around in addition to the oligarchs -- grassroots community groupsand small businesses all over the place. The bakery we visited is an example of a business locating itself in such an old town like Millvale."] The voters said no to the expenditure, but a revamped initiative snuck through, and now the bills have come due, and as there was no raise in taxes to pay them- the Republican legislature squashed any tax raising, especially on the wealthier suburbans- well, other services have been cut, city pools closed, police force has been cut, etc. The burden falls on the mostly poor in the city itself- who just don't have the money for it. Luckily some of the oligarchs, the Heinz's, the Mellon's and others live in the city and don't want their town to go straight to hell- so they work to reinvigorate the city center, block by block, and to figure out some means of obtaining funds from the wealthier landowners. The largest tenants in the city are schools and hospitals – which don't pay taxes, so something has to be done.[John: "there are grassroots efforts being made to work on such matters as the North Side neighborhoods around the stadium. The renovated houses we saw on the North Side, around Central North Side and Mexican War Streets, cost lots of money. The neighborhood is a mix of income levels and of privately and publicly supported housing investments."] Various disastrous 60s and 70s urban renewal schemes have yet to be undone- a beautiful freeway cuts the North Side in two- insulating the stadiums and all their attendant businesses from the local neighborhoods. Housing projects create high crime zones and only the neighborhoods that were deemed beyond help- the neighborhoods of immigrant workers housing scattered here and there- are reviving. Some of them look beautiful. They still have local bars, mom and pop stores and some pedestrian traffic. We met after the show at a bar in a Polish or Czech neighborhood called Gooski's (sp?). It was packed.At the Mattress Factory the Turrell installations are spectacular — they have about 4 of them. One room is so dark and the piece is just barely on the threshold of sight- one can't be sure of one is perceiving anything or not.A piece in the alley is made of tombstones engraved with names and occupations of immigrants. A Calvino quote about finding one's part in a place one has yet to visit is inspiring- now I want to try reading him again.After lunch we look for a church in Millvale that had been recommended to me as having interesting murals. Millvale is a few miles down (up?) the river, a former mining village nestled in a little valley. Lots of boarded up stores, but a great French bakery- I buy a cake as it's my birthday. The church is Croatian and the murals, by Maxo Vanka, are spectacular. The Diego Riviera of Pittsburgh, I would say. They murals were done during 8 weeks in 1937 and they cover the interior of the church. Of course there is the virgin holding the child, but below her, for example, on either side of what is now the altar, are Croatian people, on the left from the old world, and on the right form the new- a steel foundry can be seen belching smoke behind them.But more amazing are the political murals that echo the crucifixion- widows mourn over a soldier in a coffin containing a bleeding corpse - crosses cover the hillside behind them. Another wall depicts a corrupt justice in a gas mask holding scales on which the gold outweighs the bread. Clearly WWI had a big effect on Maxo.The virgin, on the verge of being bayoneted herself, separates two soldiers.On another mural an oligarch done as Death reads the stock reports while being served a chicken dinner by two black servants. One more- Jesus is stabbed, a second crucifixion, These are badly in need of renovation- probably years of coal dust have darkened them, but one can hope that these amazing things will survive and be cleaned soon.http://www.davidbyrne.com/journal/2004-may-june.php  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 26 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian pianist Kemal Gekic played at the Austrian Embassy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5031/1/E-Croatian-pianist-Kemal-Gekic-played-at-the-Austrian-Embassy.html ÂCroatian pianist Kemal Gekic played at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC, USAÂAnd embassyâs Boesendorfer instrument has never sounded more sonorous, withplangent depths lower on the keyboard and crystalline sparkle above. Gekic maintained a refreshingly modest bearing at the piano without the distraction of ultra-heroic gestures.The Washington Post, 9/17/2005.ÂArts sectionKEMAL GEKICCroatian pianist Kemal Gekic played at the Austrian Embassy Thursday in a recital as revelatory as it was thoughtful. Though Beethoven and Chopin wrote music light-years apart in temperament, Gekicâs approach highlighted their mutual tendency to carve seemingly simple themes out of a richly variegated harmonic bedrock.In Beethovenâs âMoonlightâ€? Sonata and 13 Chopin Etudes, Gekic underlined this quality with a patina of sheer tunefulness braced with a telling legato touch and a rare sonic resonance.And embassyâs Boesendorfer instrument has never sounded more sonorous, with plangent depths lower on the keyboard and crystalline sparkle above. Gekic maintained a refreshingly modest bearing at the piano without the distraction of ultra-heroic gestures.The pianist sped at a bracing clip from one Chopin etude to the next with only a micro-second between, crowning each with a final sustained pedal that sent infinitely vibrant tones throughout the embassyâs spacious atrium (and warding off unwelcome applause until setâs end). Gekic gave full vent to the musicâs know-âem-dead bravura, tempering Herculean virtuosity with ample plastic tunefulness in the more ornamental passages.This sense of balance also held true for Gekicâs version of seven Liszt pieces: three arrangements of Schubert songs, two of the mystical âLegendsâ€? and a pair of Hungarian Rhapsodies. âErlkoenigâ€?, based on a terrifying Schubert-Goethe song, was transported to heights of insane spookiness in Gekicâs hand.Cecelia Porter (one of the best music critics for the Washington Post)on Voice of Americahttp://www.voanews.com/croatian/2005-09-17-voa6.cfm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Film Festival in New York by Doors Art Foundation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5030/1/E-Croatian-Film-Festival-in-New-York-by-Doors-Art-Foundation.html ÂOctober 2005 October 2005  newsletter 3 doors art foundation In this issue: Croatian Films meet the croatian filmakers Mediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic Voices KLAPA SINJ IN CONCERT vote for urban & 4, massimo...@ MTV adria  The Doors Art Foundation presents Upcoming film screenings at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater every first Thursday of the month The Doors Art Foundation is proud to present monthly screenings featuring a selection of films from the Croatian cinema of the last decade.ÂThis unique project is a result of a creative collaboration between The Doors Art Foundation, the Croatian film critic Jurica Pavicic and the featured Croatian filmmakers. Two Boots Pioneer Theater is located at: 155 East 3rd Street (at Avenue A) / New York, NY 10009 / (212) 591-0434 Subways: F train to 2nd Ave / 6 train to Broadway/Lafayette Tickets: $9.00 adults, $6.50 members Seating is limited so we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance. http://www.twoboots.com/pioneer/calendar_grid.html November 3, 2005 @ 7PM A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT/ TA DIVNA SPLITSKA NOC 2004, Alka Film, Croatia 100 MIN Director: Arsen Anton Ostojic Cast: Dino Dvornik, Marinko Prga, Mladen Vulic, Marija Skaricic, Coolio Croatian (English subtitles) The official Croatian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Annual Academy Awards, Arsen Anton Ostojic’s Ta divna splitska noc (A Wonderful Night in Split) has already won numerous awards at prestigious film festivals all over the world. ÂA black-and-white film constructed around three interlocking and overlapping stories, each with fatal consequences, Ta divna splitska noc takes place between 10 pm and midnight on a New Year’s Eve in the narrow streets and corridors of Split on the Adriatic coast. ÂA smalltime drug dealer Nike has just abandoned his mother and widow Maria to go to Germany with a shipment of drugs – a plan that fatally backfires. Maja, who urgently needs money for her next fix, is supposed to prostitute herself with the dejected US Marine Franky (played by Coolio). And teenagers Luka and Angela want to lose their virginity under the influence of LSD before midnight. A smart screenplay ties all three stories into an expertly made film noir. Arsen Anton Ostojic Arsen Anton Ostojic received his BA in film directing from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb, Croatia in 1990, and his MFA degree in filmmaking from New York University in 1994. He has made several award-winning documentaries and short films, in addition to the recently completed full length feature film. He worked on about twenty feature films in Europe and in the United States as an assistant director, production manager or line producer. He is currently teaching production at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb, following several teaching assignments in New York City and in Salzburg, Austria. www.arsenantonostojic.com December 1, 2005 @ 7PM HERE / TU 2003, Interfilm, Croatia, 90 MIN Director: Zrinko Ogresta Cast: Zlatko Crnkovic, Ivo Gregurevic, Marija Tadic, Jasmin Telalovic, Ivan Herceg, Nikola Ivosevic Croatian (English subtitles) The Balkan conflict and its legacy continue to make their mark on the contemporary Croatian cinema. A success with the audiences and the critics, Zrinko Ogresta's Here (Tu) makes no attempt to find heroes or apportion blame. It opens with the story of a mentally disabled man in a village recently devastated by civil war. What follows are five loosely linked portraits from contemporary life: a young female drug addict, a lonely retired man who is deluded into accepting a young neighbor's offer of a date, a television actor who has become an alcoholic, and two soldiers who have been traumatized by war. The stories present situations in which the characters find themselves at odds with an apparently normal world, living essentially private lives and unable to establish relationships. There is a no narrative resolution although the film ends with the ironic use of the national anthem before the camera retreats through a tunnel similar to that with which the film begins. The war frames and inflects a sympathetic and humane portrait of everyday life that recognizes how all generations of the Croatian society have been permanently marked by the horrors of the recent war. Zrinko Ogresta Zrinko Ogresta was born in 1958. He is a graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. After two short films (The Forbiden Toy in 1985 and A Tin in 1986), he directed several TV features for Croatian TV. He directed his first full-length feature film Fragments in 1991, which won numerous awards at home and abroad. His other films include The Washed Out (1995), Red Dust in (1999) and Here in (2003). January 5, 2006 @ 7PM FINE DEAD GIRLS /FINE MRTVE DJEVOJKE 2002, Alka Film, Croatia 77 MIN Director: Dalibor Matanic  Cast: Olga Pakalovic, Nina Violic, Inge Appelt, Kresimir Mikic, Ivica Vidovic, Jadranka Dokić, Milan Strljic, Zdenko Sertic Krieger Croatian (English subtitles) Iva and Marija, a lesbian couple, rent an apartment in a seemingly quiet building in Zagreb, but what initially appears as a safe love haven, quickly turns into a nightmare that is loosely based on Balzac’s novel Father Goriot. Among the couple’s neighbors are a hack gynecologist, a prostitute, a former soldier suffering from PTSD, and a controlling landlady, Olga, who is obsessed with her son Danijel. When Olga finds out that Danijel has a secret crush on Iva, her fury is inevitable and the fate of the lesbian couple sealed. A winner of the Best Croatian Movie Award in 2002, Matanic’s Fine Mrtve Djevojke (Fine Dead Girls) has been named one of the best Croatian movies of the last decade, and has garnered much attention due to its controversial subject matter. Dalibor Matanic Born in 1975 in Zagreb, Dalibor Matanic is a graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. He has made numerous short films, commercials and videos since the late 1990s. In 2000 he made his first full-length feature entitled The Cashier Wants to Go to the Seaside. Fine Dead Girls followed in 2004, and most recently Matanic authored a biopic about a Croatian painter Slava Raskaj. www.dalibormatanic.com  February 2, 2006 @ 7PM SORRY FOR KUNG FU / OPROSTI ZA KUNG FU 2004, HRT,Croatia, 73 min. Director: Ognjen Svilicic Cast: Daria Lorenci, Filip Rados, Vedran Mlikota, Luka Petrusic, Vera Zima, Ivica Basic, Yong Long Dai Croatian (English subtitles) After waiting out the Balkan conflict in Germany, Mirjana returns unmarried and pregnant to her war-torn village in Croatia. Plans by her shocked parents to marry her off hurriedly are derailed when the birth brings an even more unwelcome surprise -- a bundle of joy with Asian features. Mirjana’s not talking, but everyone else is, in this satire on xenophobia with obvious parallels that, director Svilicic dryly notes, are rooted in “far smaller ethnic differences.” A critically acclaimed selection of the Berlin, Vancouver, and Warsaw international film festivals.  Ognjen Svilicic Ognjen Svilicic was born in 1971 in Split, Croatia. He has made two feature movies, both produced as low budget TV films. Wish I Were a Shark (2000) won the critics’ award for the best Croatian motion picture at the national film festival in Pula. It was shown at several European film festivals, including Mannheim- Haidelberg Film Festival. ÂSorry For Kung Fu (2004) is SviliÄ?ić's second feature which it had its world premiere at the 55th Berlin Film Festival, International Forum of New Cinema. March 2, 2006 @ 7PM WITNESSES / SVJEDOCI 2003, HRT / Interfilm, Croatia, 90 MIN Director: Vinko Bresan Cast: Mirjana Karanovic, Alma Prica, Drazen Kuhn, Leon Lucev Croatian (English subtitles) Set amid the atrocities of war in the Balkans, Svjedoci (Witnesses) is retold, Rashomon-style, from various characters` viewpoints, adding new information about the complexity of war and humanity. ÂThe film traces a murder and police investigation in a small town in Croatia where, fueled by alcohol, three Croatian soldiers try to plant a bomb at the home of a Serb alleged to be a smuggler and black marketer. Startled to find him home -- he is supposed to be away -- they are forced to shoot him. Then they discover a witness whom they capture and hide in a garage belonging to the mother of one soldier. An honest cop and a female journalist launch separate investigations. Then a crippled soldier, the boyfriend of the journalist and the mother's elder son, returns home, and more secrets and lies spill out.The different viewpoints reveal the interconnections of nearly everyone in the small town, a microcosm for what happened in Croatia, where everyone, in a sense, bore witness to crimes committed during the war. Vinko Bresan A native of Zagreb and son of a famous Croatian playwright Ivo Bresan, Vinko Bresan created reputation of his own with three films which, each in its own way, broke taboos in Croatian cinema in the 1990s. In 1996 his comedy Kako je poceo rat na mom otoku (How the War Started on My Island) depicted Yugoslav Wars in humourous way and did away with the black-and-white characterization typical of Croatian cinema's depiction of those events in earlier period. ÂThree years later his comedy Marsal (Marshal) was seen as not particularly subtle attack on personality cult and other negative aspects of Franjo Tudman and his regime. The most controversial part of Bresan's opus is the 2003 war drama Svjedoci (Witnesses). This was the first film to depict Croatian Army committing atrocities against ethnic Serb civillians. Another taboo broken was the casting of the Serbian actress Mirjana Karanović in the role of a Croatian war widow.  April 6, 2006 @ 7PM A HAPPY CHILD/ SRETNO DIJETE documentary 2003, Gerila DV Film production, Croatia, 97 MIN Director: Igor Mirkovic Performances by :Azra, Bijelo dugme, Elektricni orgazam, Film, Haustor, Idoli, Pankrti, Patrola, Prljavo kazaliste Croatian (English subtitles) During the eighties a fantastically popular music scene was born on the streets of the otherwise gray and sleepy Zagreb. The filmmaker recalls it all from his boyhood years. Twenty-five years on he realizes that the period was critical in creating his personality. He travels from Zagreb to Ljubljana, Vienna, Belgrade, Budapest, Paris, Utrecht, and New York in search of the heroes of his youth. He seeks to put together a story combining punk-rock and decaying socialism in order to understand his roots. Igor Mirkovic Born in 1965 in Zagreb, Igor Mirkovic has worked as a TV reporter, a journalist and a documentary filmmaker. He is the author of films Orbanici Unplugged (1998), and Happy Child (2003). He co-directed Who Wants to be a President (2001).  Curator Jurica Pavicic A native of Split, Jurica Pavicic works as a film critic for the Jutarnji List daily. He is the author of the play Poisoner and of two novels, The Plaster Sheep (1997) and Sunday Friend (1999). He has won several journalism prizes. His prose has been translated into German and English.  VOTE FOR URBAN & 4, MASSIMO, LEUT MAGNETIC, LEELOOJAMAIS or SIDARTHA Go to the Best Adriatic and vote for your favorite Croatian band. http://ema.mtvadria.com/  Mediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic Voices Klapa Sinj in Concert The prize-winning Klapa Sinj has been one of the most revered singing ensembles on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia for over 20 years. The group is a leading proponent of the extraordinary polyphonic vocal tradition known as klapa, an all-male vocal style heavily influenced by Italian harmonies and melodies. In addition to a cappella vocals, the ensemble will perform songs accompanied by Nenad Bach on guitar and piano, and musicians on tamburitza (lute), percussion, piano and bass. New York debut.  Friday, December 2nd - 8 PM Concert at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, New York City. www.nysec.org, as a part of the World Music Institute program for 2005/2006 season. Sunday, December 4th 6 PM Concert at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC. www.kennedycenter.com/ , as a part of the Millennium Stage Wednesday, December 7th 7 PM Concert at the Chicago Cultural Center - Preston Bradley Hall in Chicago. www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/ . For more information please visit www.NenadBach.com BECome a member of THE DOORS Art Foundation  The Doors Art Foundation is a nonprofit organization that relies on a variety of funding sources for its activities. The DOORS Art Foundation members receive free admission to galleries and special exhibitions, books promotions and book signings, concerts, plays, and media presentation by Croatian artists. Members also receive invitations to our programs and events, and receive discounts on books, fine arts and CD's. If you have any questions, or to join or renew memberships please call us at (212) 969-9964 during our regular business hours, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST or send us an email at doors@doors-art.com For Detailed Membership Information, please visit our new ÂDOORS Art Foundation Web Site email:Âdoors@doors-art.comCopyright (c) 2004, Doors Art Foundation. All Rights ReservedFor more events click here.To unsubscribe, clickÂhere. Please don't reply to this email. Please forward this newsletter to colleagues and friends who may be interested. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Patrica Kalember, another Croatian actress http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5028/1/E-Patrica-Kalember-another-Croatian-actress.html ÂPatricia KalemberÂFYI - there is an actress called Patricia Kalember. Here is her website:http://www.patriciakalember.com/I recall seeing her in a number of TV shows.She had done a reading on NPR's Selected Shorts early this year of a story by Courtney Brkic. The commentary to same said she felt a connection to the story because of her own Croatian heritage. (seehttp://www.wnyc.org/shows/shorts/episodes/01022005 )John letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble US Tour 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5027/1/E-The-Zagreb-Folk-Dance-Ensemble-US-Tour-2005.html ÂZagrebacki Folklorni Ansamblhttp://www.zfa.hr/tour2005usa.phpThe Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble Dr. Ivan IvancanUSA TOUR 2005,September 30 - October 25SCHEDULE OF CONCERTSSeptember 30 - Los Angeles October 01 - San PedroOctober 02 - San Pedro "Warner Grand Theatre"478 West 6th Street - San PedroOctober 02 - Los Angeles"Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles"510 West 7th Street, L.A.October 04 - Los Angeles October 05 - Sacramento "Croatian American Cultural Center"3730 Auburn Blvd. â SacramentoOctober 06 - San JoseOctober 07 - San Francisco"Croatian American Cultural Center"60 Onondaga Ave. - San FranciscoOctober 08 - San Francisco"Heritage Theatre"1 West Campbell Ave. â CampbellOctober 09 - San Jose"Assumption of Mary Catholic Church"901 Lincoln Ave. - San JoseOctober 10 - MinneapolisOctober 11 - St. Paul"Croatian Hall"445 Second Ave. - South St. PaulOctober 12 - Duluth"Morgan Park Jr. Highschool"October 13 - St. Paul"Minnesota History Center"345 Kellog Blvd. - West St. PaulOctober 14 - Chicago"North Shore for the Performing Arts"9501 Skokie Blvd.October 15 - ChicagoOctober 16 - Milwaukee"Hale High School"West Allis - WisconsinOctober 17 - Cleveland"Cardinal Stepinac Croatian National Home" October 18 - ClevelandOctober 19 - YoungstownOctober 20 - PittsburghOctober 21 - New YorkOctober 22 - New York"Croatian Center Manhattan"502 West 41 StreetOctober 23 - New YorkPROGRAMME OF THE ZAGREB FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE USA 2005 1. SIMO HOTE MLADENCI (a fragment of the wedding in Turopolje) choreography: Andrija Ivančan music arr: Zoran Jakunić 2. DEVETSTOPETNAESTO LETO (a song from Međimurje) music arr: Marijan Makar 3. IDEJU REGRUTI (songs and dances of Međimurje) choreography: dr.sc. Ivan Ivančan music arr: SiniÅa Leopold 4. MIKOR KONJE PO POLJU ZJAHAVA (a song from Međimurje) music arr: Marijan Makar 5. BAÅKA J' MALO SELO (songs and dances of the village BaÅka on the island Krk) choreography and music arr: Goran Knežević 6. STAŽNJEVEČKI GOSTI (a fragment of the wedding in village Stažnjevec in the Bednja valley) choreography: Andrija Ivančan music arr: SiniÅa Leopold 7. NADIGRAVANJE (friendly musical competition of the Hungarian and Croatian influences) original idea: Kalman Magyar i Mark ÅpiÅić music arr: Mark ÅpiÅić 8. PRIGORSKI PLESOVI (songs and dances from surroundings of Zagreb) choreography and music arr: Zvonimir Ljevaković - RECESS - 9. NA VELIKO PRELO (tradition of Bunjevci Croats)choreography: Andrija Ivančan music arr: SiniÅa Leopold 10. OJ, DUNAVE VODO LADNA (a patriotic song of Bunjevci Croats)music arr: Marijan Makar 11. LIPA LI JE RUMEN ROŽICA (songs and dances of Jezera on the island Murter)choreography: Andrija Ivančanmusic arr: SiniÅa Leopold12. ŽENINA VOLJA(songs and dances from Posavina)choreography: dr.sc. Ivan Ivančanmusic arr: Marijan Makar13. POSAVSKA BROJALICAmusic arr: Marijan Makar14. VRLIČKO KOLOchoreography and music arr: Zvonimir Ljevaković15. DRAVA (a song from Podravine) music: Marijan Makar 16. SUSEDOVA MARICA(a song from Podravine)music arr: Marijan Makar17. PODRAVSKI SVATIchoreography: dr. sc. Ivan Ivančan music arr: Marijan Makar letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Trogir - Drvenik - Nature - Zoran Orlic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5026/1/EH-Trogir---Drvenik---Nature---Zoran-Orlic.html ÂTrogir - Drvenik - Nature by Zoran Orlichttp://www.zerostudio.net/cro05film/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Sinj & FA Lindjo on 200 Radio Stations Millenium of Music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5025/1/E-Klapa-Sinj--FA-Lindjo-on-200-Radio-Stations-Millenium-of-Music.html ÂMillennium of MusicÂ'Croatia's Mystic Sounds--One of our most popular series ever is when we featured Croatian music. Producer Nenad Bach has recorded two programs of folk and other haunting music from the tradition called 'klapa' which are now generally available on disc, and we'll sample them this week.' Below, you will find Radio and webcasting times (based on Eastern Standard Time---NOT station local time) as listed by the following website: http://jrabold.net/radio/4mila00.shtml The homepage for this website is http://jrabold.net They are independently owned and not affiliated with any radio station. I advise listeners to double-check the program time by going to the website of the station whose webfeed they wish to listen to. They should look at their schedule to confirm that the station has not moved Millennium of Music to a different time. Sometimes stations change these things without notifying us and we only find out about it when we do our quarterly update of carriage lists.  Instructions on interpreting the carriage list:  If the program uplinks on October 17th, a Monday, the carriage list will indicate what day in the week the program will air following the uplink of the program on Monday. For example, if the carriage list says Sunday@5am, the program is scheduled to air air on the Sunday following uplink: October 23rd. If it says that it airs on Thursdays@4pm, that means the program is scheduled to air on the Thursday following uplink: October 20th.  The stars next to certain stations on the carriage list were used at one time to indicate stations that webcast the program in their live station webfeed. With stations all over the country changing technology very quickly, it is possible that some of the stations without stars now ALSO webcast the program. StationsÂdo not announce to us when they begin/stop webcasting or keep us apprised of their webcasting plans.  I hope that helps and that you receive many listeners to this broadcast.  Sincerely, MoM Millennium of Music You can hear Millennium of Music at various times of the day and week by listening to streaming audio from a radio station that broadcasts this program. In the table, follow a link in the 'Broadcast service' column to connect to an audio stream from that broadcast service. Table of programs Day and Time (New York) Broadcast service Formats Sunday - Oct 23 12:01am KSUI-FM RA Sunday - Oct 23 6:00am Radio Kansas WM Sunday - Oct 23 9:00am KXMS-FM RA Sunday - Oct 23 10:00am KSJE-FM WM Sunday - Oct 23 11:00am KBPS-FM RA Sunday - Oct 23 7:00pm WXXI-FM QT Sunday - Oct 23 10:00pm WMNR-FM RA WM MP3 Wednesday Oct 19 10:00pm WNED-FM WM Thursday Oct 20 3:00pm KRVS-FM MP3 Friday - Oct 21 9:00pm KWAX-FM RA MP3 Friday - Oct 21 9:00pm WSLU-FM MP3 ALASKAKBRW, Barrow Sunday @ 12PMARKANSASKASU, Jonesboro Sunday @ 5AMCALIFORNIAKNYR, Yreka* Sunday @ 9AMCONNECTICUTWMNR, Monroe* Sunday @ 9PMWGRS, Guilford*WRXC, Shelton*WGSK, South Kent*âFairfieldâHuntingtonâNew HavenâNew LondonâOld SaybrookâWarrenâWest HartfordâSag Harbor, NYâSouthampton, NYâMt. Kisco, NYFLORIDAWFSQ, Tallahassee* Sunday @ 4PMâNorth TallahasseeâThomasville, GAHAWAIIKHPR, Honolulu Saturday @ 10PMKKUA, WalukaKANO, HiloâBig IslandâKonaâMauiâMolokaiâOahuâSchoefield BarracksILLINOISWVIK, Rock Island* Sunday @ 5AMâDubuque, IAWEIU, Charleston Sunday @ 5AMINDIANAWPUM, Rensallear Sunday @ 4-7 PM (Airs selected programs only)*IOWAKSUI, Iowa City* Saturday @ 11PMâDubuqueKANSASKHCC, Wichita Sunday @ 5AMKHCD, SalinaKHCT, Great BendLOUISIANAKRVS, LaFayette Thursday @ 2 PMMARYLANDWETH, Hagerstown* Sunday @ 10PMMICHIGANWIAA, Interlochen* Sunday @ 7PMWIZY, East Jordan* MISSOURIKXMS, Joplin* Sunday @ 8AMKXCV, Maryville* Wednesday @ 7PMKRNW, Chillicothe* NEBRASKAKTNE, Alliance Sunday @ 6AMKMNE, Bassett* KCNE, Chadron KHNE, Hastings KLNE, Lexington KUCV, LincolnKRNE, MerrimanKXNE, NorfolkKPNE, North Platte âColumbusâCulbertsonâFall CityâHarrisonâMaxâMcCookâLaramieâGrant IslandNEW MEXICOKSJE, Farmington* Sunday @ 8AM NEW YORKWXLH, Blue Mountain Lake* Friday @ 9PMWSLU, Canton*WSLO, Malone*WXLG, North Creek*WXLU, Peru*WSLL, Saranac Lake*WSLJ, Watertown*âLake PlacidâLong LakeâLowvilleâTupper LakeâAlexandria BayâOld ForgeâKeeneâSpectacularâMorristownâBoonvilleâLysons FallsâPaul SmithsWNED, Buffalo* Wednesday @ 10PMWNJA, JamestownWXXI, Rochester Sunday @ 7PMWJSL, HoughtonOHIOWCLV, Cleveland* Sunday @ 11PMWBKC, Painesville Sunday @ 11PMWDPR, Dayton * WDPG, Greenville*OREGONKWAX, Eugene* Friday @ 6PMKWVZ, FlorenceKWRX, RedmondâBendâNewportâSalemâSun River âReedsportKSOR, Ashland * Sunday @ 9AMKSRG, Ashland KSRS, Roseburg*KOOZ, Myrtle Point/Coos Bay*KNHT, Rio Dell â Eureka*KNYR, YrekaKLMF, Klamath Falls*âBandon âBeaver MarshâBig Bend âBurneyâBrookingsâCamas ValleyâCanyonvilleâCrescent City âCoquilleâChiloquinâCoos BayâHappy CampâGasquetâDunsmuirâEtnaâFort JonesâGlide âGrants PassâGold BeachâKlamath FallsâLa PineâLakeviewâLangloisâLincolnâSixesâSutherlinâWeedâReddingâTulelakeâMcCloudâMt. ShastaâPort OrfordâMerrill âMalinKBPS, Portland* Sunday @ 8AMKQHR, Ft. Hood*KMUN, Astoria Mondays@5AMKTCB, Cannon BeachâSouth AstoriaPENNSYLVANIAWMCE, Erie* Wednesday @ 11AMâEriePUERTO RICOWIPR-AM, San Juan Saturday @ 11AMWIPR-FM, San Juan SOUTH CAROLINAWBJU, GreenvilleTEXAS KEDT, Corpus Christi Sunday @ 9AMKVRT, VictoriaKMBH, Harlingen Sunday @ 11AMKHID, McAllenVIRGINIAWMRY, Charlottesville Sunday @ 6AMWMRA, HarrisonburgWMRL, LexingtonWMLU, FarmvilleâWinchesterWEMC, Harrisonburg Sunday @ 4PMWODU, Norfolk*  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Chicago: Zagreb Folk Dance Ensamble will perform October 14. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5035/1/E-Chicago-Zagreb-Folk-Dance-Ensamble-will-perform-October-14.html ÂZagreb Folk Dance Ensemble will perform October 14.The "Dr Ivan Ivancan" Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble is the largest andmost successful promoter of the Croatian folklore. A continuing high qualityof the ensemble has resulted in many travels and performances on almost allimportant festivals and competitions in the world. Program wise, thegreatest strength of the ensemble are two-hour concerts where the concept,beauty and the value of the choreography, songs, music playing and technicalperformance, the stature and the youth of the ensemble comes to its fullbloom.All those things make their performance impressive, and artisticallyvaluable.Their ability to perform such shows many times in a row is a quality of topperformers. Please share with family and fiends. We welcomed everyone to seetheseoutstanding performers. For more information you can visit their site atwww.zfa.hr Friday October 14, 20058:00 PMNorth Shore Center for Performing Arts9501 Skokie BlvdSkokie, IL 60077$25 Advance Purchase$30 At The DoorFor further information and ticket purchases contactDarinka PovrzenicDarinka1@comcast.net 847-776-8478orChrista Gavrancgavran@jenner.com 773-430-0353Sponsored By Loza letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN BOOK CLUB of New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5034/1/E-CROATIAN-BOOK-CLUB-of-New-York.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORKOur next monthly selection will be “Carrying the Farm on Her Back” by Eva Skold Westerlind. The book is available on www.amazon.com for $7.39 . Meeting place: Croatian Cultural CenterAddress: 502 West 41st Street, New York,NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, October 19th, 2005 at 6 p.m.Next book selection: “Carrying the Farm on Her Back” by Eva Skold Westerlind Please read the book in advance.A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.Each month, the facilitator will choose a “book of the month” that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:* “The Stone Fields” by Courtney Angela Brkic* “Infidelities – stories of War and Lust” by Josip Novakovic* “How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed” by Slavenka Drakulic* “Neither Red nor Dead” by Stevo Julius* “The Museum of Unconditional Surrender” by Dubravka Ugresic* “The Banquet in Blitva” by Miroslav Krleza* “The Turk and My Mother” by Mary Helen Stefaniak* “Sarajevo Marlboro” by Miljenko Jergovic * “Croatian Tales of Long Ago” by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic* “Anna Marinkovich” by Edward Ifkovic * “Carrying the Farm on Her Back – A portrait of Women in a Croatian Village” by Eva Skold Westerlind* “Healing the Heart of Croatia” by Joseph Kerrigan* “Goodby Dear Old Homeland” by Yasna Sikic Hood* “American Dream - a Guy from Croatia” by Boris Miksic* “Thorn Lace – Mojmir – A Migrant’s Lot” by Ina Vukic* “Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration” Mike Celizic * “The Labyrinth” by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com * “You’re Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice” by Bill Rancic* “Lovers and Madmen – a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy” by Julienne Eden Busic * “Fix Our United States” by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net * “Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War” by Eve Ensler* www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden* “The Bridge on the Drina” by Ivo Andric* “Don’t Call Me Rosie” by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com * Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com * “A Single Step” by Heather Mills McCartney, chapters on Croatia * “Can You Hear Me Screaming?” by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com * “First Service” by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com * “Celestial Dancer” by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich * “Letters to My Daughters” by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich) * “The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skating” by Sandra Bezic* Bogdan Radica – out of printMost of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com .Book Club discussion questions and topics: What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader? Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know? What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?  How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes? In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author’s world view? Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before? What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book? How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic? Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this? If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias? How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Facilitator:Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild. Her essays, “Father’s Funeral” and “Babin Kuk” were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays. “Yearning for Freedom in a Land of the Free” and “Red Tent” at Free River Press. Short story, “Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatia” has been published on the CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Freedom from Despair Screenings in Australia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5033/1/E-Freedom-from-Despair-Screenings-in-Australia.html ÂFreedom from Despair Screenings in Australia"Freedom from Despair," the multi-award winning film by Brenda Brkusic is touring Australia! Meet filmmaker Brenda Brkusic in person at this one and only chance to see the film "down under."Â"Freedom from Despair" was just nominated for two International Documentary Association Awards, known in the industry as the highest honor in documentary filmmaking besides the Oscars - last year Michael Moore won an award there for his film Fahrenhiet 911.ÂSee it in the following cities in October:ÂCroatian Catholic Center - Blacktown screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Sydney, NSWSunday, October 30, 2005 / 12:30 pm film screening (after mass)$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors70 Douglasa Rd, Blacktown, Sydney, NSW, Australia Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.auÂCroatian Club Sydney screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Sydney, NSW Friday, October 28, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening (after screening party at Sundowner bar!) $15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors921 Punchbowl Rd, Punchbowl, Sydney NSW, Australia Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.auÂWollongong Catholic Center screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Wollongong, NSWThursday, October 27, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening $15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors7-9 Bellevue Rd, Figtree 2525, Wollongong NSW, AustraliaContact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.auÂCroatian Catholic Center - Springvale screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Melbourne, VictoriaSunday, October 23, 2005 / 12:30 pm film screening (after mass)$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors798-808 Springvale Rd, Keysborough, 3173, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au ÂAustralian Croatian Club - Cardinal Stepinac screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Geelong, VictoriaSaturday, October 22, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening $15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors101-109 Separation St North, Geelong, Victoria, Australia Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au Australian Croatian Club - Footsgray screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Melbourne, VictoriaFriday, October 21, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening $15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors72 Whitehall St Footsgray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au more info www.freedomfromdespair.comÂStarring famous actors Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak, and music by famous composer Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ivo Pervan's 'Colours of Croatia' exhibition in London http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5032/1/E-Ivo-Pervans-Colours-of-Croatia-exhibition-in-London.html ÂIvo Pervanâs 'Colours of Croatia' exhibition in LondonâColours of Croatiaâ, an exhibition of photographs by renowned Croatian photographer and photojournalist Ivo Pervan will take place in London from October 17th to October 23rd at the Royal College of Art. This is the first showing in the UK for a photographer whose posters have won seven prizes in world competitions and other numerous awards. The exhibition features twenty-seven photographs of landscapes; the spectacular images capture not just the beauty of Pervanâs native land but also a sublime, almost transcendental quality in the landscape. The event has been organized and sponsored by Croatia Exclusive Ltd, a publishing and event company, and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK. Notes to EditorsâColours of Croatiaâ will be displayed at the Royal College of Art until Sunday 23rd October. High resolution images available for print. For further information contact Croatia Exclusive on press@croatiaexclusive.com. Useful link: www.croatiaexclusive.com/ivo_pervan.htm . London to taste Istrian wines Eight winemakers from Istria are coming to London to present a diverse selection of wines in a one-day wine tasting event for trade and consumers. The event will take place on October 21st 2005 at Vinopolis (www.vinopolis.co.uk), a venue dedicated to the world of wine. The event will be complemented by an exclusive dinner where guests can meet the winemakers, enjoy their wines and sample fine Istrian cuisine that provides the perfect match for its splendid wines.The winemakers: â Ivica Matosevic - Vina Matosevicâ Moreno Degrassi - Degrassiâ Gianfranco Kozlovic - Kozlovicâ Marino Markezic - Kabolaâ Antonio Ravalico - F&F Ravalicoâ Moreno Coronica - ATCâ Marijan Arman - Vina Armanâ Andi Sipetic - DemianThe event has been organized by Croatia Exclusive Ltd, a publishing and event company and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK.Notes to editors:1. High resolution images will be available for print. 2. For further information please contact Croatia Exclusive onpress@croatiaexclusive.com .3. Useful link: www.vinopolis.co.uk .Croatia Property Exhibition in LondonCroatia Property Exhibition, the first of what will be a regular event in the UK takes place in London (Novotel Exhibition Centre, W6) on the 12th â 13th November 2005. Top agents and developers from around Croatia will be displaying their properties in the relaxed surroundings of one of London's top locations.The exhibition provides an unrivalled opportunity to discover the buying power of UK property investors â and to meet prospective buyers actively searching for everything relating to the purchase of a home in Croatia. Visitors to the exhibition will meet property agents and developers specialising exclusively in Croatia and offering a fantastic choice of holiday and investment homes. For more information please visit: www.croatiapropertyexhibition.com.For further details please contact organiser: Croatia Exclusive Ltd on +44(0)20 7665 4283 or press@croatiaexclusive.com .Croatia Exclusivewww.croatiaexclusive.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Veliki uspjeh prve emisije Radio Vukovara 'Domovina u srcu' http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5037/1/H-Veliki-uspjeh-prve-emisije-Radio-Vukovara-Domovina-u-srcu.html ÂPrva emisija 'Domovina u srcu' naisla na veliki odaziv Hrvatski radio Vukovar krenuo je s velikim radijskim projektom u zblizavanju i upoznavanju iseljene Hrvatske u cijelom svijetu s Domovinom. zelja je kroz serijal emisija predstaviti rad radijskih postaja, klubova i uspjesnih pojedinaca, te na taj nacin doprinijeti boljem upoznavanju slusatelja sa zivotom u iseljenistvu u razlicitim dijelovima svijeta. Nakon sto su prvi gosti bili hrvatski veleposlanik u svicarskoj Mladen Andrlic, te Miro Grabovac, slusatelji su vec u prvoj emisiji mogli vise saznati o zivotu Hrvata u dalekoj Tasmaniji od novinara Davorina Perovica, a o svojim uspjesima u glazbenom svijetu u Americi govorio je Nenad Bach. Emisija ide utorkom uzivo od 20 do 22 sata, dok ce repriza emisije biti emitirana subotom (iako je ranije bio planiran termin petkom) od 3,55 do 5,55 po srednjoeuropskom vremenu. Na taj ce se nacin, na prijedlog slusatelja, omoguciti Hrvatima u dalekoj Australiji da u subotnje poslijepodne mogu slusati ovu emisiju. Buduci je u planu suradjivati sa svim dijelovima svijeta, neki ce razgovori ici uzivo dok ce se drugi, zbog vremenskih razlika, ranije snimiti.Teme razgovora su neiscrpne, a rijeci ce biti o zivotnim temama iz djelokruga rada ustanove ili pojedinca, te cemo slusatelje upoznati s nacinom zivota u pojedinoj zemlji, govorit cemo o pracenju kulturnih, gospodarskih, sportskih i drugih dogadjanja, te cemo predstaviti zanimljive dogadjaje i ljude. Kroz tople ljudske price s 'obicnim' ljudima, radnicima saznat cemo i kako zive uspjesni poslovni Hrvati, kako uspijevaju glazbenici i koliko rade kulturno umjetnicka drustva ili sportasi…Redovitim slusateljima programa Hrvatskog radija Vukovar i citateljima Vukovarskih novina dobro su poznate frekvencije radija:107,2 zatim 104,1 te 95,4. Za ocekivati je da ce 500 – tinjak redovitih posjetitelja internet stranica na adresi www.hrv.hr vrlo skoro povecati jer se cjelokupni program moze slusati 24 sata dnevno. Tijekom emisije i slusatelji se mogu ukljuciti u emisiju, a nekima od njih ispunjava se glazbena zelja tijekom emisije, ili nakon Vijesti HRV-a u 22 sata. Ne treba smetnuti s uma i zelju da se kroz ove emisije obnove rodbinske ili prijateljske veze pokidane tijekom Domovinskoga rata ili nakon njega. Za kontakte (i tijekom emisije) otvorena je mail adresa:domovina@hrv.hr , a za glasovne pozdrave koji ce se snimati petkom od 8 do 10 sati bit ce otvoren telefon (0038532) 450-458. ÂV.Benic  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 01 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Oct 2 Zagrebacki FA at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5036/1/E-Oct-2-Zagrebacki-FA-at-the-Warner-Grand-Theater-in-San-Pedro.html ÂZagreb Folk Ensemble Will Perform at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro ÂSan Pedro, CA – In an unprecedented show of unity, all the Croatian organizations, Croatian American Hall, Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles and the Dalmatian American Hall, in San Pedro have come together to host a world renowned Croatian folk group, Zagrebacki Folklorni Ansambl Dr. Ivana Ivancana on October 2nd 2005. From its very beginning in May 1945, the Zagreb Folk Ensemble, Dr. Ivan Ivancan (The Youth Cultural and Artistic Society 'Joža Vlahović' at that time) was dedicated to performing artistically choreographed and arranged regional folk dances and songs of Croatia. All spectacular elements or stylized elements were avoided to maintain the purity and beauty of this precious folkloric tradition. The program includes a stunning selection of different national costumes that are always authentic in every detail. The musical instruments are as lovingly chosen and authenticated as the costumes.The continuing high quality of the ensemble has resulted in many travels and performances to almost all important festivals and competitions in the world. The sum total of all the medals won during competitions makes the ZFDE the most awarded Croatian folklore ensemble. One should bear in mind that all the prizes were won for the dances, songs and music representing true Croatian folklore.The greatest strength of the ensemble are the two-hour concerts where the concept, beauty and the value of the choreography, songs, instrumental music and technical performance and the stature and the youth of the ensemble comes to its full bloom. All these things make their performance impressive and artistically superior. Their ability to perform such shows many times in a row is a mark of top performers. Come join us on October 2nd for this fantastic show of our beautiful Croatian Culture at the historic Warner Grand in San Pedro at 3pm! Immediately following the show at the Warner Grand, there will be a dinner at the Dalmatian-American Hall. ... click here to see the flyer Âwww.lacroatian.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 01 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) JOSIP NOVAKOVICH 'INFIDELITIES' on US Tour http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5029/1/E-JOSIP-NOVAKOVICH-INFIDELITIES-on-US-Tour.html ÂJOSIP NOVAKOVICH ON TOUR TO PROMOTE 'INFIDELITIES'Award-winning author JOSIP NOVAKOVICH is promoting fiction 'INFIDELITIES â Stories of War and Lust,' published by Harper Perennial $12.95 www.harperpenennial.comThis Croatian-American writer returns to the short story form with a new collection in which he once more underscores the everyday absurdities that temper the darker realities of life. Novakovich is the winner of a Whiting Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. A resident of central Pennsylvania, he teaches at Penn State University.Books by Josip Novakovich: novel 'April Foolâs Day, short fiction 'Salvation and Other Disasters, Yolk; essays 'Plum Brandy: A Croatian Journey', Apricots from Chernobyl; as editor 'Stepmother Tongue: Stories in English as a Second Language' (with Robert Shapard); 'Fiction Writerâs Workshop' and 'Writing Fiction Step by Step'; Tour schedule for 'INFIDELITIES â Stories of War and Lust':NEW YORK SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 KGB Reading Series2 Horatio St. #2F MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 THE NEW SCHOOL66 West 12th StTUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 192 BOOKS192 10TH AveFRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 National Arts Club245 East 21st St. #10CCOLONIE, NY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 BARNES & NOBLE7:30 PM 20 Wolf RdColonie, NY 10011PITTSBURGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 BARNES & NOBLE3:00 PM 1723 Murray AveSTATE COLLEGE, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 WEBSTERâS BOOKSTOREPA 8:00 PM CAFà 128 South Allen StVERMONT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 MIDDLEBURY COLLEGEANN ARBOR, MI WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 BORDERS7:OO PM 612 East LibertyKALAMAZOO,MI THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 WESTERN MICHIGANUNIVERSITYLOS ANGELES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 VROMENâS BOOKSTORE7:00 PM 695 East Colorado BlvdPasadena, CA 91101THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 LOS ANGELES PUBLICLIBRARY, 'A ConversationWith Philip Gourevitch'630 West 5th StCOLORADO SPRINGS FRIDAY,DECEMBER 2 COLORADO COLLEGESubmitted by Katarina Tepesh letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 17 Sep 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A little bit of Croatian culture on the catwalk - a skirt called Croacia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5041/1/E-A-little-bit-of-Croatian-culture-on-the-catwalk---a-skirt-called-Croacia.html One of their pieces is a skirt called 'Croacia' -- Croatia in SpanishÂDear all,I was just perusing a clothing website called Mango (www.mangoshop.com ) and came across an interesting reference to Croatian culture in its fall clothing collection.Mango is a Spanish fashion retailer targeting young urban women throughout Europe. They spot developing fashion trends and quickly translate these into the latest looks with mass appeal. One of their pieces is a skirt called "Croacia" -- Croatia in Spanish -- which uses large ribbon bands of Croatian-inspired embroidery work along the waistband and skirt ruffle.The skirt is available in black with white embroidery, or for a more authentic Croatian look, in white with reddish embroidery. A picture of the white skirt with burgundy embroidery is below.Interesting to see how some elements of Croatian culture are being disseminated by other Europeans and reinterpreted in something like modern, trendy fashion for a mass audience.For anyone contemplating buying the skirt, you must live within the EU for purchase and delivery.regardsSanja letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Gina - A Songbird Takes Flight http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5040/1/E-Gina---A-Songbird-Takes-Flight.html ÂA Songbird Takes FlightWith her dazzling performance at this year's Split Music Festival and the release of her first CD, 19 year-old Croatian American singer Gina Picinic is poised to take the music world by stormBy Josip BogovicGina Picinic has plenty to sing about these days. The 19 year-old CroatianAmerican's performance of the song Da si mi nocas blizu (If You Were Near MeTonight) at this year's Split Music Festival was a surprise hit that resulted ina top-ten finish and extensive radio play. Her triumph at the festival propelledher latest hit, Adio ljubavi (Goodbye, Love), up the Croatian music charts toits current number four spot. The exposure couldn't have come at a better timeas it coincides with the biggest step of her artistic career to date, therelease of her very first CD simply called, Gina. These are just the latest in aseries of accomplishments that suggest the singer's warm up is over.Picinic's CD aptly captures a history of achievement and recognition in arelatively young life. As a teenager she won first place for best vocalist atthe Croatian Children's Youth Festival. At the 2003 MIK Festival in Croatia, shewon the People's Choice Award for her song, If I Could Take a Stroll with You (Dami je s tobun prosecat). Adding to her success, she won Best Teen Soloist at theNew York International Music Festival in 2004. The critics of the festivalcalled Picinic the 'Croatian Sensation'.At his Melody Studios in the city of Rijeka, Andrej Basa richly producedPicinic's CD of ten original songs, a number of which incorporate klapa (acappella) singers, adding a unique dimension to its sound. Many of the lyricsand melodies were written by the well-known Robert Pilepic. The majority of thecompositions are love songs destined for longevity in the popular music genre.Picinic has a unique natural vibrato to her rich voice that gives her songs adistinctive signature, a kind of special spice to the ambience of her music. Ifyou spoke to her in Croatian, you would never know that she left Croatia at theage of three. She came to America and New Jersey at the age of seven, stoppingin Italy along the way.The 19 year-old takes success and the release of her very fine CD in stride."The older I get the more confident, independent and responsible I become.I'm proud of this CD; it is the result of lots of hard work and persistenteffort. I'm happy with the progress I've made as a singer and I'm also happywith my life. I'm blessed to have a very supportive family, especially mymom," she says.Recalling her experience in the recording studio she says, "There are ofcourse the long hectic hours, the element of getting the performance to thelevel you imagine it should be. The studio is a place where I can open up andnot feel inhibited. I can sing as loud as I want to and make the mistakes thatare not welcome in a live performance."Although her talent earned her a well deserved place at the Split MusicFestival, Picinic was awed nonetheless. "The Split Music Festival is anevent where the finest Croatian singers perform their favorite songs. To be apart of an event like that is wonderful and a memorable experience for me. I hada chance to experience the commanding voice of the legendary Tereza Kesovija atrehearsal. It's something you don't forget and this inspires you to do betterand strive for higher goals. We were well received by Split and the audience andthis is also a very important part of the overall festival experience."The festival circuit has given Picinic the polish of a seasoned pro with aninsight that has no doubt helped her feel at home while performing, and createdsome special memories along the way. "Each festival has its owncharm," she says. "The MIK Festival has a different structure to it.It's performed in different locations of the Kvarner region of Croatia. Thefestival becomes more like a family outing partly because the performers travelon the same bus and are together for a longer period of time. You also getinvited by the local community-the performers, and their family and friends-tosleep or eat in their homes. So the experience becomes a lot less formal."Picinic is deeply passionate when discussing her singing, describing her craftin a somewhat dreamy tone: "I like the rush that comes before I go on stagefor a performance. During my time on stage I try to give all of myself to thesong so at the end of the show, I'm usually exhausted. My performance is aboutconveying the feeling of a song and the feeling I have for the song to theaudience. The emotion I convey has to be felt by the audience otherwise it looksbored and that is the last thing the performer wants to see or feel fromlisteners. I much prefer and strive for them to be spellbound. This is why Ilike to sing songs that reach for something; I also like for my song to reachthe intellectual part of the listener. I want them to have visual associationsto the emotion of the song performed. Ultimately, the song has to feed yoursoul."Although this young artist has already attained a measure of success, there arealways hurdles to overcome. There is the issue of musicians being undermined bythe illegal pirating and distribution over the Internet of their songs."Many people are under the impression that this CD will make me rich orthat I'm living an extravagant lifestyle. That's far from the truth; the costsassociated with producing a CD are high and the artist does not make much moneyfrom the sale of the CD," she explains. She is currently attending NewJersey City University where she is pursuing a degree in music and liberal arts.She also works part-time in a local drug store to save up for her travelingexpenses when she goes to Croatia. Her mother Blazenka is her confidant, coachand the family's bread-winner. A warm, friendly and positive person, she is alsoa source of inspiration for Gina. The two make an effective, balanced team.As she ponders her future, Picinic smiles playfully at all the possibilities."This is the first step of my dream. I will build on this work and justmaybe, someday I'll sing a duet with the likes of Josh Groban and my favoriteCroatian singers," she says.If you get a chance to see Gina Picinic perform, you may conclude that she ispassionate about her craft. Her flawless performances speak of hard work andcommitment as she strives to take us to a place where peace, serenity, andbeauty rule the moment through her songs. Apart from her voice, this youngartist has numerous other attributes including personality, warmth, sincerityand a fighting spirit.Gina Picinic's CD is available in Croatia and at the Dubrovnik Deli in Fairview,New Jersey. The next opportunity to catch a performance by this exceptionaltalent will come on October 15 at La Fortuna in Fairview at a fundraising eventput on by the Croatian organization IMAS. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Joe Magarac American Legend with roots in Croatian immigration http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5039/1/E-Joe-Magarac-American-Legend-with-roots-in-Croatian-immigration.html ÂJoe MagaracJoe Magarac is a genuine American Legend with roots in Croatian as well as other nationalities' immigration.The story evolves around the lives of steel mill and mine workers of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains at the turn of the century. Joe Magarac is a hero who helped save many a live and changed the course of the steel industry forever.http://www.marijamileticdail.com/joe_magarac.htm ÂIf you want to see the feature film about Joe Magarac contact Marija Miletic Dail at:dailart@comcast.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Pixletown - the World Found a new book by Marija Miletic Dail http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5038/1/E-Pixletown---the-World-Found-a-new-book-by-Marija-Miletic-Dail.html ÂPixletown - The World Found"There is nothing new under the sun" had been quoted thousands of times in the centuries past. However, there was something "new" on the horizon, just waiting to be "discovered," or, simply, brought into the light. Such is the case in the story of Pixletown, where a whole world existed, and even thrived, undiscovered for eons, until this last century, when the vehicle had been invented to bring it to our attention.That vehicle was the computer.In paperback atAmazon.com.www.marijamileticdail.com www.animationcottage.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Renaissance sculptor Ivan Duknovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5045/1/E-Croatian-Renaissance-sculptor-Ivan-Duknovic.html ÂIvan Duknovic ÂSt. John Evangelist, around 1482, Trogir Cathedral Ivan Duknovic from Trogir, 15/16th centuries Croatian Renaissance sculptor; some of his works of art are kept inMusÃe du Louvre in Paris (l'aile DÃon)CROATIAOverview of History, Culture, and Sciencemain menu www.CroatianHistory.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Crotian DNA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5044/1/E-Crotian-DNA.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5043/1/E-The-Zagreb-Folk-Dance-Ensemble.html ÂThe Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble USA TourThe Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble “Dr Ivan IvanÄ?an” is the largest and most successful promoter of the Croatian folklore. A continuing high quality of the ensemble has resulted in many travels and performances on almost all important festivals and competitions in the world. Program wise, the greatest strength of the ensemble are two-hour concerts where the concept, beauty and the value of the choreography, songs, music playing and technical performance, the stature and the youth of the ensemble comes to its full bloom. All those things make their performance impressive, and artistically valuable. Their ability to perform such shows many times in a row is a quality of top performers. ÂFor further information and ticket purchases contactDarinka Povrzenic Darinka1@comcast.net 847-776-8478 Christa Gavran cgavran@jenner.com 773-430-0353 or $25 Advance Purchase$30 At The DoorFriday October 14, 2005 8:00 PM North Shore Center for Performing Arts 9501 Skokie Blvd Skokie, IL 60077  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski Radio Vukovar Vas poziva na suradnju http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5042/1/H-Hrvatski-Radio-Vukovar-Vas-poziva-na-suradnju.html ÂHrvatski Radio Vukovar Vas poziva na suradnjuHrvatske radio postaje u iseljenistvu, Hrvatski klubovi, kulturno umjetnička drustva, glazbeni sastaviâ.Poziv na suradnju.Hrvatski radio Vukovar pokreće od jeseni novu emisiju na radiju u koju ste pozvani na suradnju. Zelja i cilj nam je predstaviti, Vas rad, kako radijskih postaja, tako i klubova â., te na taj način doprinijeti boljem upoznavanju vasih i nasih slusatelja s zivotom u iseljenistvu i domovini.Emisija bi se emitirala utorkom uzivo u 20 sati i trajala bi 120 minuta. Kako će suradnja biti iz svih dijelova svijeta, neki razgovori bi isli uzivo dok bi se drugi zbog vremenskih razlika snimili.Teme razgovora su neiscrpne, a za početak predlazemo: -ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂupoznavanje s radijskom postajom , aktivnostima klubova, -ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂzivotne teme iz vaseg djelokruga rada, -ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂupoznavanje s načinom zivota u vasoj zemlji, -ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂpraćenje događaja na kulturnim, gospodarskim, sportskim i drugim događanjima,-ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂpredstavljanje interesantnih događaja, ljudi kako običnih (tople ljudske priče) tako i uspjesnih poslovnih ljudi, poduzeća, glazbenika, kulturno umjetničkih drustava, sportasa, â. Kako bi smanjili troskove telefona predlazemo razgovor putem internata i to putem ÂSkype software koji se moze besplatno skinuti s ove adresewww.skype.com.Kako bi protok podataka isao sto brze te da bi bio i kvalitetniji ton predlazemo Broadband pristup DSL u hrvatskoj MAXadsl, minimalne brzine 768/128.Ako nas do danas niste posjetili na nasoj web stranici, vrijeme je da nas posjetite i poslusate uzivo, adresawww.hrv.hrToliko za početak, ako ste zainteresirani za buduću suradnju posaljite nam na e mailhrv@hrv.hr osnovne podatke o Vama i kad bi se mogli uključiti u program.S postovanjem i do skorog slusanja. Direktor Tomislav Gaspar, dipl. oecc.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂhrv@hrv.hr Â  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian priest stands up for Manson http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5047/1/E-Croatian-priest-stands-up-for-Manson.html ÂCroatian priest stands up for Manson A Catholic priest has defended controversial rock star Marilyn Manson ahead of his concert in Croatia. Anton Bobas - the lead singer of his own metal band - said Manson was unlikely to "turn young people into Satanists" during his performance. The gig, taking place in Pula on 22 August, has been condemned by a number of Croatian clerics. Seven Catholic priests have offered to pay compensation to organisers if the show is cancelled. Dark Father Bobas, speaking to the Croatian newspaper Vjesnik, said that most of Manson's critics had never seen his act. The cleric, whose band is called Messengers of Hope, said the best concert he had attended was a Manson show in Hamburg three years ago. But he added that despite the music, Manson's persona was rather dark and he was not recommending that young people see the singer in action. Other religious groups in Croatia have come out against Manson's plans to perform in the country, with Protestant organisation Oaza calling for an outright ban on the conert. Manson is due to perform in the UK later this month at the Leeds and Reading festivals. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4159862.stm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dalmatinska Sansona - Sibenik 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5046/1/E-Dalmatinska-Sansona---Sibenik-2005.html ÂÂDALMATINSKA SANSONA SIBENIK 2005.ÂÂ'Malo gdje se, kao u Sibeniku proteklih desetljeća, njegovala prava izvorna dalmatinska pisma koja je zaboravu otimala stare riÄ?i i napjeve. Na najljepsoj pozornici, onoj smjestenoj izmeÄ'u kamene ljepotice katedrale sv. Jakova i stare gradske vijećnice, dvije veÄ?eri za redom izvodit će se sansona, stara i nova.' J.Klisović Najbolji kulturni dogaÄ'aj grada Sibenika svake godine, pa tako i ove, krajem kolovoza izaziva veliko zanimanje javnosti...Festival koji je donio zvijezde poput Lukya, Tedija Spalata, vratio Nenu Belana i Massima, ove godine donosi nove zanimljivosti...Uz već renomirane izvoÄ'aÄ?e, na ovoj će se Sansoni, 19. i 20. kolovoza, pojaviti i mlade nade, ali i poznati hrvatski glumci. ÂGLUMCI PROPJEVALI NA SIBENSKOJ SANSONI!Anji Sovagović, Simi Bubici i Čedi Martiniću koji su već sudjelovali na dalmatinskoj sansoni, pridruzit će se i Kostadinka Velkovska te Arijana Čulina koje će svoje izvrsne glasovne mogućnosti pokazati na drugoj veÄ?eri - VeÄ?eri novih skladbi.Kako se sve skladbe izvode uzivo, uz festivalski orkestar ili uz pratnju klapa ili ansambala, to je prilika za pravi dozivljaj i dokaz kvalitete sibenskog festivala. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book review 'Inlaid Pearl' Stacie G. Vesolich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5048/1/E-Book-review-Inlaid-Pearl-Stacie-G-Vesolich.html ÂBook review “Inlaid Pearl” Stacie G. VesolichBy Katarina TepeshTamburica lovers will appreciate a new book, “Inlaid Pearl,” a true story of three generations family, originally escaping hate and violence in the Balkans. Eventually settling in Ohio, they became famous tamburica players known as “Ljubica’s or Libby.” Among hundreds of performances, the highlight was performing at the Inaugural Ball of President Jimmy Carter. The most precious heirloom, a mandolin adorned with inlaid mother-of-pearl butterflies from the old country, is called “Inlaid Pearl.” “Inlaid Pearl” is written with much affection in a truthful manner by author Stacie Vesolich. She is a graduate of internationally acclaimed Duquesne University Tamburitzans, along with her husband Steve. Peppered with hilarious humor, such as remarks, “Strong like bull, these Balkan women!” Some of us can identify with the complexity of the English syntax which still baffles many of us speaking with thick accents. Not to mention conjugating verbs. The author chronicles family tragedies and how they dealt with pain, “Life is about living, not only dying.” Ljubica, whose name means love, is a big part of “Inlaid Pearl”. For example, on cold days, Mama gave Ljubica two hot potatoes to put in each of her coat pockets, thus keeping her hands warm as she walked to school. Ljubica was academically smart as well as athletic, but her father totally opposed any college opportunities. “Vat you need this college for?” he questioned. “You gonna get married – have babies – be a good zena (wife). That’s vat girl must do. Don’t talk no more of this college. I no hear nut-ting more of this.” Despite obstacles, Ljubica becomes affectionately known as ‘gazdarica’ or big boss in her tamburica orchestra. Among many songs performed, there is also the popular Croatian song “Fala,” as well as remembrances of the Croatian women, wearing muslin skirts delicately embroidered with red and white flowers, which seemed to be flying through the air in a circle dance, called the kolo.Published by Xulon Press www.xulonpress.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach Produces Two Magical CD's http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5049/1/E-Nenad-Bach-Produces-Two-Magical-CDs.html ÂKlapa Sinj and FA Lindjo Present Their Mystic Voices to the WorldNenad Bach Produces Two Magical CD's of the A Cappella Sounds of DalmatiaCD Covers of Klapa FA Lindjo and Klapa Sinj designed by Andrej Urem, photography by Ivo PervanBy Josip BogovicFor music enthusiasts and loversof Klapa singing--stirring vocal harmonies indigenous to the Croatia'sDalmatian region sung in a cappella style--two CD's of great technical andartistic quality produced by Nenad Bach are a must listen.The unity of the voices and thetechnical quality on the recordings are unmatched. The first CD called ‘Lipo Ime’(Beautiful Name) presents the voices of Klapa Sinj, a male group of 11seasoned, passionate, lyrical voices that resonate in absolute synchrony andharmony bringing forth the sounds of original and traditional songs. The second CD is by Klapa FALindjo, an all woman group of nine singers at their magical, spellboundbest.One of the reasons the CD soundsso great is because the songs were recorded using three of the best recordingtechniques available--Stereo Hi Frequency, Surround Sound and Regular CD recording.Klapa Sinj recorded their songsat the Church of Miraculous Lady of Sinj. The entire recording took less than 3hours. “It was all performed andrecorded in one spiritual breath,” said Bach.Klapa FA Lindjo recorded their CDat St. Catherine’s in Novalja, on the island of Pag. Containing mostly ballads,the CD is meditative. The recording technique places the listener in the centerof the performance. Nenad Bach Bach’s way of thinking tends to add new dimensions to any process or project he undertakes. He is the right man for the job of producer.A musician in his own right witha number of original CD’s in his portfolio, he has also composed music forseveral films, including "Freedom from Despair."Outside the realm his recordingand film work, Bach has created and maintains one of the most visited CroatianWeb sites in North America called CROWN at www.croatia.org Asked why he decided to producethese high-quality Klapa CD’s, Bach answered, “There are primarily two reasonsfor doing this project. The first reason is that Klapa music is in our CroatianDNA. It has its unique signature.""The music is meditativeand has its own mystique and charm. The vocal flavor is unlike any other in theworld," he said. "Why not expose it to the world.""The internationalcommunity has been exposed to Flamenco music from Spain, the Cuban musicvarieties, Fado music from Portugal and the Bulgarian Woman’s RadioChoir," Bach said. "They all received international recognition andsupport, so why not expose our jewel to the world.""I like to think that Istarted the beginning of what will become a series of 100 Klapa CD’s that willbe promoted internationally," he said. "I produced five others butthey are not on this technical level.""This concept is well tiedtogether and includes a booklet in seven languages briefly explaining eachsong. The artwork of the cover and the booklet has mystic images," saidBach, concluding his first reason for producing the CD's."The second reason forproducing this CD is that I’m a rock musician who is working on an originalalbum called 'Everything is Forever.' This work will include Klapa Sinj,"he said. "I will be singing in English and they in their traditional Croatian language singing style.""The work will be similarin form and spirit to Paul Simon’s 'Graceland' album. I expect this album (CD)to be out mid 2006," Bach said.Bach said he hopes to use someof these variations in his upcoming work. Asked how he is promoting theCD, Bach said, "The CD is available on my Web site, NenadBach.com. It willalso be available at Amazon.com in the weeks to come.""There are several concertsplanned: In New York there will be a concert on Dec. 2 at the Society ofEthical Culture. There will be one at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.,on Dec 4 and one in the Chicago Cultural Center on Dec. 7 of this year,"he said. "Presently I’m negotiation deal for radio broadcasting and othervenues." The cost of the CD is $17. If you like to order, log onÂwww.nenadbach.com/shoppe/shoppe.html , Klapa Sinj and Lindjo are waiting to sing for you. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Radoslav Lorkovic on WOMAD July 30, 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5052/1/E-Radoslav-Lorkovic-on-WOMAD-July-30-2005.html ÂWOMAD lineup finalised21 July 2005The finishing touches have been added to the lineup for this month's WOMAD festival in Reading, with organisers announcing the final few acts and confirming the weekend's billing.Crystal Music, David Lowe's Dreamcatcher, Future World Funk, Pete Moser, Swami, and The King Swingers have just been confirmed, and will join a robust line-up of over 70 artists from 37 countries. WOMAD 2005 takes place at Rivermead, Reading, from 29-31 July. Its just one of several WOMAD festivals that take place around the world. CLICK HERE for more.Each year the festival welcomes over 26,000 visitors, offering an unrivalled atmosphere, live music, and attractions that include hundreds of participatory workshops, a kids procession, a traditional funfair, shopping in the 'Global Village' with international food, drink, arts, craft and merchandise stalls, and loads more.The day-by-day lineup follows:Friday 29 JulyAbdullah Chhadeh (Syria); Bajofondo Tango Club (Argentina); Culture (Jamaica); Dulsori (Korea); Eddie Martin Trio (UK/USA); Gypsy Voices (UK/Poland); Kala Chethena Kathakali Theatre Company (India); Kike Pedersen (UK/Paraguay); Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri (UK); Les Yeux Noirs (France); Lior (Australia); Louie Vega & His Elements of Life (USA); Mahmoud Ahmed (Ethiopia); Matthaios Tsahourides (Greece); Modou Diouf & O Fogum (Senegal); OKI Dub Ainu Band (Japan); Papa Yera (UK/Columbia); Pina (Austria); Ravibandhu Vidyapathy & Ensemble (Sri Lanka); Renegades Steel Orchestra (Trinidad & Tobago); Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation (UK); Sheema Mukherjee (India); The Gloworms (UK); Youngblood Brass Band (USA).CABARET - An Act Above (Norway); Bedlam Oz (Australia); Caroline Parker (UK); Crystal Music (UK); Experiments In Psychic Philosophy (UK); Men in Coats (UK/Poland); Other Half Productions (UK/Germany); Pete Moser (UK); Romany (UK); Urban Magik (UK).Club WOMAD - Bossacucanova (Brazil) - Live & DJ set; Soul Jazz Sound System (UK).Saturday 30 JulyAdel Salameh Trio (Palestine); Akim El Sikameya (Algeria/France);Andy White & Radoslav Lorkovic (Ireland/Croatia); Athena Andreadis (UK/Greece); Bill Cobham & Culture Mix (USA/Germany/Denmark/Sweden/UK); Candela (UK/Spain); Chango Spasiuk (Argentina); Chris Difford Songwriting Workshop (UK); Dulsori (Korea); Fatback Band (USA); Huun-Huur-Tu (Tuva); Jaojoby (Madagascar); Lura (Cape Verde); Mara! & The Martenitsa Choir (Australia); Mahmoud Ahmed (Ethiopia); Manickam Yogeswaran & Friends (UK/Sri Lanka); Matthaios Tsahourides (Greece); OKI Dub Ainu Band (Japan); Pama International (UK); Ravibandhu Vidyapathy & Ensemble (Sri Lanka); Roy Paci & Aretuska (Italy); Terem Quartet (Russia); The King Swingers (UK); Tigran Aleksnayan (UK/Armenia) & Dr Mostafa Shams (UK/Iran); Wicked Aura Batucada (Singapore); Youssou N'Dour & Super Ãtoile (Senegal); Zheng Chengwei & Cheng Yu (China).CABARET - An Act Above (Norway); Bedlam Oz (Australia); Caroline Parker (UK); Crystal Music (UK); Experiments In Psychic Philosophy (UK); Men in Coats (UK/Poland); Other Half Productions (UK/Germany); Pete Moser (UK); Romany (UK); Urban Magik (UK).Club WOMAD - Qool DJ Marv (USA); Sergent Garcia (France).Sunday 31 JulyAbdullah Chhadeh & Nara (Syria); Adel Salameh Trio (Palestine); Amadou & Mariam (Mali); Apache Indian & the Reggae Revolution (UK); Atongo Zimba (UK/Ghana); Carmen Souza (UK/Cape Verde); Darrell Scott (USA); Farida & The Iraqi MaqÃm Ensemble (Iraq); Geoffrey Oryema (Uganda); Ilham Al Madfai (Iraq); Jally Keba Susso (UK/Gambia); Jorane (Canada); Les Yeux Noirs (France); Martenitsa Choir (Australia) feat. Silvia Entcheva (Bulgaria); Modou Diouf & O Fogum (Senegal); Nana Tsiboe (UK/Ghana); Neguinho da Beija-Flor (Brazil); Richie Havens (USA); Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group (Pakistan); The Heritage Survival Band (UK/Zimbabwe); The Idan Raichel Project (Israel); Totà La Momposina y sus Tambores (Colombia); Wicked Aura Batucada (Singapore); Yasmin Levy (Israel); and a special Gala finale concert, hosted by Andy White (Ireland) featuring Geoffrey Oryema (Uganda), Chris Difford (UK), Terem Quartet (Russia), Reggae Revolution (UK) and other stars from the festival line-up.CABARET - An Act Above (Norway); Bedlam Oz (Australia); Caroline Parker (UK); Crystal Music (UK); Experiments In Psychic Philosophy (UK); Men in Coats (UK/Poland); Other Half Productions (UK/Germany); Pete Moser (UK); Romany (UK); Urban Magik (UK).Club WOMAD - Future World Funk (UK); Swami (UK); Nitin Sawhney DJ Set (UK).Kids' Procession - featuring Beatroots Batteria (UK); Landing Manà and his Drummers (Senegal/UK); Los Tamboures de Totà La Momposina (Colombia); Ravibandhu Vidyapathy & Ensemble (Sri Lanka) and Wicked Aura Batucada (Singapore).Weekend tickets have already sold out but day tickets are available priced between Â35 and Â55. Click here to buy.http://www.virtualfestivals.com/festivals/article.cfm?articleid=2073  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Male choir score of 'U Boj !' used in Japan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5051/1/E-Male-choir-score-of-U-Boj--used-in-Japan.html ÂMale choir score of 'U Boj !' used in Japan Dear Prof.Darko ZubrinicDear Mr.NenadThank you very much for your kindness to support me.We are using the attached male choir score of "U Boj !"But I think there are some mistake in text and difference in scorebetween our score and original Croatian score. So I would like toknow the original opera score and text.I have already known the home page of Kansei Gakuin UniversityGlee Club and Waseda University Glee Club. And I knew the history ofthe "U Boj !".Please support me continuously from now on. Thank you.Best regards,Kunimasa KatayamaXLL06421@nifty.ne.jpMale choir score of 'U Boj !' used in Japan - Click belowhttp://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/UBoj.pdf  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Japanese Choir singing Croatian Opera in Croatian language http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5050/1/E-Japanese-Choir-singing-Croatian-Opera-in-Croatian-language.html U boj, U bojJapanese choir singing Croatian Opera'Nikola Subic Zrinski' in Croatian languageClick here and see for yourself Japanese Website. http://www.ne.jp/asahi/wglee-obmem/2002/sound/uboj.html Listen to their live recordings of the Song U boj, U bojThis is computer translated tekst from http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr In English: [ Sound recording of concert: From Concert2001 ] Finale? U Boj 5.96MB * Sound recording day: 2001 October 6th * sound recording place: North and Pia Co., Ltd. (the Tokyo north Ku) the Sakura hole * at Concert2001 encore it performs. (Premiere) * performance: Waseda University Greek love OB メンバーズ/arrangement direction: Yamazaki intellectual line/piano: Yuka Katagiri * WMA type 128kbps data compressed file [ It plays back, when ] * tune name is clicked, playback starts. [ It retains, ] * the right it clicks Windows edition Internet Explorer tune name and "the object selecting retention in the file". * The right it clicks Windows edition NETSCAPE Navigator tune name and "link acquires name and selecting retention". * In case of Macintosh, while pushing the option key, it clicks tune name, selecting the item which responds to each browser. * We prohibit the no permission diversion and alteration redistribution of the data which it is open with this sight. * MP3 is played back with PC, plug in for playback is necessary. About opera arrangement edition "U Boj" Source > of < man voice chorus tune "U Boj" 1919, with conclusion of the first next great war among the Czechoslovakia troops who are sea route return home way from Vladivostok, Trying that < August of the same year, the ヘフロン number of 847 human embarkation will avoid the typhoon, it runs aground with the Shimonoseki open sea. It escaped sinking, but the boat for repairing navigates to Kobe. As for the Czechoslovakia troop, September of the same year by train the Kobe arrival. During period of repair becomes waiting in Kobe city. > Serving English interpretation in the Kobe bottom stopping, salt road Yoshitaka who at that time has been on the register in Kansai institute Greek love (large 11 soldiers/finishings) with, music interchange of the Czechoslovakia troop and Kansai institute Greek love was done from this edge. < As for chorus of the Czechoslovakia troop, heart of the youths of Greek love the う っ it is. Especially, it was pulled in sound of pathos of the Bohemian song. "It cannot receive how many among repertories, in us?" that the member false っ becoming tired, the salt road pleads. As for the soldiers, smile and "the う it is, as for wanting please as for the musical score, the り where every one and this are for a long time Siberian revolution game and marching it had been cut off with whichever". The Greek love member keeps copying suffering hardship, while deciphering. And, you remembered the tune which is heard from the soldiers and remembered and at last, the musical score of man voice fourth section chorus of the mimeograph print you were possible and rose. Among those ウ ボイ (U Boj) it was. Eventually, repair of the boat ended and day of return home of the Czechoslovakia troop got near. That night, farewell meeting was opened at the dormitory, Greek love sang ウ ボイ other several tunes which it has transferring. The foreign students sing together the ear can tilt the soldiers, motionlessly in "your own song". When singing it ends, only it is to crack applause. The tear floated in the eye of the soldiers. > ( < > Inside Kansai institute Greek love HP/from "ウ ボイ story" http: //www.kg-glee.gr.jp/main.html) You sang were succeeded, ever since, as tune of Kansai institute Greek love cherishing and being after the second next great war and finally, the musical score flowing out you became repertory of man voice singing/stating group in Japan. As for details of musical score outflow, certain 団員of Kansai institute Greek love left the musical score in the bench of the Hankyu Nishinomiya north oral station, there is also a legend that this spread, but perhaps so is not, Yoichiro Hukunaga and the loving to sing tune collection where Tokyo コラリアーズ where the Kitamura cooperation one person have participated publishes? Predecessor "of Greek love album" after? It should see that it spread by the fact that it was recorded. ... That anyhow, even with the Greek love album which publishes the musical score, with the musical score of early time is published with the semantic unclear song poem which the Kansai institute glee generation after generation conveys, temporarily the Czechoslovakia folk song seems, it was tune of the kind of puzzle but probably is tune of one some contents. Whether this tune is one no person after being ascertained nearly 60 years passing from interchange with the aforementioned Czechoslovakia troop it is. The natural shape > < "U Boj" Description below, from HP of Kansai institute Greek love reprinting. < Drama with the New York worldwide university chorus festival > American visit in order Kansai institute Greek love DOTDT, 1965 (1965) receives the invitation which is reputation as the Asian representation to worldwide university chorus festival, to perform to the filling harmonic hole of the New York Lincoln center. Chorus festival first day (September 20th) lunch meeting, that time is. Dramatic impact ran. Greek love has recorded the pattern of the surprise as though ' sub- American interest adding knowledge record ' it is the lower column. ユーゴ representation sang in chorus ウ ボイ! (Omission) as for the party of the South America, as for large it is the plain gauze ぎ. Although you say, that the meal does not end yet, the hand rhythm foot rhythm, being pleasant truly, with the feeling that, finally it started singing does not accumulate. Being touched off in this, "the one shot, you do?", as if when it starts singing ウボイ, how probably will be, the party of ユーゴ rising, stand condition is adjusted, isn't? When you hear afterwards, as for ウ ボイ you say that it is the famous march which appears in the opera of ユーゴ. After the first world war, our seniors copying had 譜 in the Czechoslovakia troop, ' ウ ボイ ' it was sung over half a century, as the "Czechoslovakia folk song". It was harvesting which is unexpected. Hayasi teacher (forest male Ichiro new moon meeting chairman 1934 卆) they were the circumstances which are surprised rather in this. It was not Kansai institute Greek love and the case that you did not inspect the origin of the て and this tune, search was continued for a long time, but it is the meaning which finally grasps big clue with this worldwide university chorus festival. After that reference we would like to ask HP of Kansai institute Greek love concerning the investigation result. As for "U Boj", opera "ニコラ シュービッチ ズリンスキー which at the national ザグレブ opera place of present Croatia is premiered on 1876 November 4th/" Nikola Subic Zrinski "" (the script: Hugo Badavic/composition: Ivan pl. Zaic) it corresponds to the denouement part. HP of Kansai institute high section Greek love (presently closing) according to, "U Boj" of アカペラ man voice fourth section chorus becoming independent first, first it seems that is composed, is installed in opera afterwards. Man voice fourth section chorus and with opera the lyric differs at 2 places, with former the place where it becomes the universal lyric, "sibling", at latter arranges to the muscle of the story and with "the monarch/ズリンスキー" is changed. When you inquire about the whole opera, with the carrying which will be been indifferent, it is left over to the front step medium board and it is not potato funny, being something where, the motif "of U Boj" appears in the here and there, if it does the viewpoint which it drilled, coming to the point of with link of conception of opera fortunately, making this expand, probably designating that "U Boj" is composed or that famous musical work "U Boj" is completed as opera, the latter way feeling does very. < Opera arrangement edition/concerning early rice グリ OB メンバーズ wind "U Boj" > In 2001 July mountain old Domoto store/pavement/the Koga quasi- one person of business Headquarters Chief director (Seki study glee 1989 soldier/finishing) opera procuring CD of "ニコラシュービッチ ズリンスキー" with by way of, when hearing, from the fact that it is the tune thought where denouement "U Boj" differs from the traditional performance of Kansai institute Greek love excessively and is tempo, "we would like to try doing the performance which is originally if possible faithful", that what you think is beginning. You knew also the existence of the piano accompaniment score for full score practice of conductor which Seki study glee OB possesses, but in order to make the early rice グ リ OB メンバーズ wind after all you heard from CD and to cause. As business, the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music independent unit (composition major) while being on the register (2001 at that time) good fortune 澤 obtaining seriously cooperation first, the rough it had sketching the orchestra part in the piano 譜, rearranging the feature sound and the melody of each musical instrument into the base, decorating that it kept, in addition entire constitution foresaw, originally the thing where adds chorus to the last only of orchestral music. First, summary of the whole opera is as follows. (In sentence song poem, in order to prevent the illegal character, originally it meaning that alphabet and the sign which are peculiar to Croatian inscribe あ ones, with only normal alphabet 諒 solution.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opera "ニコラ シュービッチ ズリンスキー" 19 days to September 7th fights with the large troop of Osman Turkey from 1566 August 20th, フルヴァト national fort city ジゲット which accomplishes brave death in battle (セゲド city of Hungarian territory which is close to the present Yugoslav border) designates the historical fact of castle Mori ニコラ シュービッチズリンスキ - 4 worlds as material. As for Osman Turkey which infers west European conquest, as for the ジゲット castle which at least becomes the key to ウイーン capture partly due to the fact that condition of the great emperor Suleiman 1 world which has led deteriorates, when it will fall, 3 ten thousand large troops are implemented a little coercively. The Turkish troop who encircles the ジゲット castle advises surrender, but ズリンスキー denies this, after the provocation and the battle of the abundance, finally the Turkish troop starts all out attack. (On picture: From the CD booklet, the シゲット castle which is encircled. Reason in recent Italian copper engraving) Love daughter イェレナ of ズリンスキー, depending on the hand of the Turkish troop dislike, is the betrothed and you entreat the blade to castle Mori's reliance thick youth officer ユラニッチ and end. On the one hand, to tell the truth preceding day of all out attack, on September 6th as for Suleiman 1 world you die of illness, but the aide of Suleiman 1 world hides the death, orders the all out attack of the next day to all troop. ズリンスキー which could inform the death of イェレナ from ユラニッチ, while asking the happiness with heaven of the love daughter, you open the port and shoot, ユ ラ niche of the guidon all troop keep charging in the first. (Under picture: From the CD booklet, ズリンスキー which charges. Having the red flag with the central inner part of the picture ユラニッチ of the guidon, riding in Hakuba is アラピッチ of the aide? There is no statement of origin of the picture.) Furthermore, with historical fact, as for the neck of ズリンスキー which dies in battle it was bleached on the tent of Turkish troop General, but finally ガシュパール アラピッチ and the like it was returned to the ズ rinse key aide of several people who survive. Time is spent on this battle too much, the Turkish troop whom also the combat force consumes after that makes withdrawal unavoidable, as a result ズリンスキー assuming that the country (Croatia of today) it rescued, even now is handled as the hero. (Bibliography: CD booklet) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As for the part which this time causes the musical score, ユラニッチ thickly, as for the singer who appears here is as follows from at the place where death of イェレナ is informed to Mori ズリンスキー. It is thick Mori of Zrinski ニコラ シュービッチズリンスキ - 4 worlds/the シゲット castle Wife of Eva エヴァ/ ズリンスキー Juranic ユラニッチ/betrothed of イェレナ and thickly Mori's reliance thick youth officer Alapic and Paprutovic アラピッチ, パプルトヴィッチ/together the aide of ズリンスキー Casnici i vojnici officer soldiers (man voice chorus) In addition, the gist as in approximately description below is the thing. Triple singing/stating of エヴァユラニッチ ズリンスキー? Denouement quintuple singing/stating < ズリンスキー > Gle milog sina and zeno! A gdje je nasa kci? Seeing, our and the like son came, is, but as for the daughter somewhere? < ユラニッチ > Andelak nam je Jelena! Ispred nas ode gore u vjecne Bozje dvore. イェレナ now became the angel! Being one foot to go to heaven more quickly than us, it does < ズリンスキー, エヴァ> O, Boze, tebi hvala and koj' blago uze nju! To praise God, way accepting the soul of the daughter,! < Officer soldiers > Stijeg hrvatski visoko se vije! Hrvat rado svoju krvku lije Za kralja and rod i dom! フルヴァト (present Croatia) the flag whirls the heaven high! As for フルヴァト battle preparation was prepared already, for the king, for the whole group, because of the house! < ズリンスキー > Sad naprijed, braco and vec zove bijesno Ture! Ti, Juranicu, nosi Zastavu, ja za tobom, a za mnom ti and a tada Alapic! Ali prije nego izginemo, hajd'mo braco and da se zagrlimo! (Casnici se okupe; ON se grli i rukuje s njima.) @ It advances, the sibling, the super り the Turkish troop who deviates has invited! ユラニッチ, the color hand is served and also アラピッチ where our after that probably will continue continues! Is, but before receiving our fates, meet, the sibling, now then embrace! (The officers to meet, everyone to embrace ズリンスキー to grasp the hand) (Digne zastavu) < ユラニッチ > U boj and u boj! Mac iz toka, bane and nek dusman zna kako mremo mi! The sword which is charge and charge the execution れ, the monarch 示 our and the like dies in the enemy, the way! < ズリンスキー, アラピッチ, パプルトヴィッチ and エヴァ, officer soldiers > Grad nas vec gori and stize do nas vec zar: Rik njihov ori and bijesan je njihov jar! As for the town you pant already in battle and our and the like the hot blast already it reaches to our and the like echoes in 喊 voice four enclosure and he et. al. gets angry, only the mania cup < ユラニッチ > K'o pozar taj grudi nase plamte and utisa rik maca nasih zvek! Our and the like burns and the chest however our and the like you pile up loud of uplift surpasses to sound this of the sword 戟 as though it is the industry fire which burns the town < ユラニッチ, ズリンスキー and chorus > K'o bratac brataZrinskog poljub ' te svi! Zrinskom na vrata and vjerni junaci vi! It kisses to ズリンスキー as a sibling of the person same stomach of everyone and continues in ズリンスキー and directs to the port and comes reliably 汝 and others the brave warrior < Chorus > Sad and braco! Pun'mo puske, samokrese, nase grome, nase trijese, neka ore and ruse more! Brus'mo ljute nase mace, neka sijeku jace and jace! The あ sibling in order our and the like it is loading in the firearm thunder our and the like to break the resounding て enemy of lightning, it can polish the sword and is to list neck class more and more sharply < エヴァ, ユラニッチ, パプルトヴィッチ and ズリンスキー > Sad zbogom bud', dome nas zauvijek, oj, zbogom and od svud i svudna te dusman ide prijek. I vec u grob sveti trup sklada tvoj and al' nece! Za te sin svak u boj se krece! Dome nas and ti vijekom stoj! Our and the like it is the separation with this the homeland tenfold the あ eternally it is the separation two tenfold and the group enemy it attacks the homeland and the homeland where it becomes saint it pants in decease, is, but as for the populace so points the じ and our and the like it charges the homeland, while the eternal being accustomed asking < Everyone > Hajd' u boj and u boj! Za dom sad u boj! Ma paklena mnosna nj dize svoj noz; Hajd' u boj! Nas mal and al' hrabar je broj! Tko and tko ce ga strt'? Smrt vragu and smrt! Now then and because of the homeland where it is charge charge the sibling who is charge because of the homeland now then the enemy which is hungry to the blood which is charge threatens the homeland in the enemy who ruins elite small-numbered our and the like our and the like it is charge death death < ズリンスキー > Za domovinu mrijeti kolika slast! 殉 It is sly in the homeland feeling good quality of death < Everyone > Prot dusmaninu! Mora ON past'! Already death it cannot escape him et. al. with the enemy as a road accompanying (Svi odu) (you go away from everyone stage) Katastrofa (play end) Triple singing/stating of front step? The part of permanent residence draws up on the basis of the English translation of the record booklet. 1975 Tanaka lifetime person meaning/at Yamazaki it is the free translation which the part correction assistant work is done, concerning "U boj", but the original lyric quickly and it seems that is also the part where the meaning being agreeable differs. Furthermore, "U Boj! If "with," "u the preposition which displays direction and purpose," boj "translates literally with mind" of war ","/in the sense, to battlefield to battle = war, ", but with the Czechoslovakia troop terminology" advance/it advances "and with it seems that is also the meaning of saying. As understood with the above-mentioned background and meaning, the tune, this "U Boj" becomes independent with the reputation of race, and everything it is the tune whose it is possible to symbolize thoroughness resistance to the aggressor. Recently the Croatia soldier with atrocity singing this was reported even with CNN at the time of コソヴォ disputing 1999, also the purport which forces "U Boj" seal to Kansai institute Greek love with that was discovered with the Web bulletin board. Furthermore, the one that description below viewing already we would like to understand a little in the flow of world history. Below, "the superhuman" it is quick promontory Takashi will way, HP/it reprinted from the hyper link world history encyclopedia. Http: //www.tcat.ne.jp/ - Eden/index.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Osman Turkish teenage sultan (patriarch): Suleiman 1 world (great emperor) Reign 1520? 1566, zenith period of Osman empire the largest sultan who appears. In Turkey "the legislative person (カヌーニ)", in Europe "the magnificent person (l マニフィコ)" with it is called. It invades 13 times in reign of 46 years and (as for the inside 10 times Europe in east, as for 3 times Iran), possesses largest territory. It had big speech power in European political situation of 16th century mid terms e.g., it participates in the dispute of Austria and French both countries as the strongest empire which extends over Europe and Asia and Africa. Doing, it caused the prosperity of cultural progress e.g., in the internal affair aspect you reinforce the standing army, establish feudal system education system laws, basic body of law ' ムルテカ l エブハル ' compile into one book. ? ? Main occurrence in reign? ? 1521 Belgrade campaign (Suleiman first parent conquering) 1522 ロードス island captures (2nd parent conquering). It makes the ヨハネ horseman group surrender which does the pirate activity for ムスリム, guaranteeing east Mediterranean control of the sea. Fight Hungarian king ラヨシュ 2 world of 1526 モハッチ the defeat/miss dying, Hungary all earth was put under controlling almost. Hungary after this until 1918 loses independence. Because the Hungarian defensive line is broken, as for Austria Osman Turkey in confronting each other directly. In order to push down the cirque 5 world of the inn enemy Habsburg house, it approaches the French king フランソワ 1 world, to Osman empire. Soldier and 30 guns of 1529 primary Vienna encirclement 20000 4000, preparing boat 800 for the Danube river crossing, it faces to the Vienna capture, but because the rice bran る it is, power of the cannon not be able to show the land with the heavy rain, the failure. Even then at this incident trembled the European world. Capturing Tunis which you have submitted to 1534 Spain. Strengthening the position of the Osman empire in north Africa. "キャピトゥレーション (letter of guarantee such as residence commerce in the Turkish territory)" it gives to 1535 France, (first キャピトゥレーション grant). It forms an alliance with 1536 France. Game large admiral of 1538 プレヴェザ (the カプダン pas plain gauze) the Turkish fleet of vulva loss ハイレッディン direction, Western countries in プレヴェザ attack enclosure of the Greek Saigan アルタentrance of a bay (Spain, ヴェネツィア, the Roman pope) defeating the Combined Fleet. As a result acquiring Turkey the all Mediterranean control of the sea. 1541 Hungary again being attached state conversion. Starting the campaign for 1543 サファヴィー morning. バグダード and バスラ were occupied, Iraq all earth was almost put under controlling. In 7th next campaign Eastern Europe トランシルヴァニア Shin troop. It recognizes 宗主 right in 8th next campaign トランシルヴァニア and points. Suppressing the rebellion of 9th next campaign Hungarian cities. Multiply in civil war of 10th next campaign サファヴィー morning, it penetrates to ダブリーズ and イスファファン. It faces to 11th next campaign Europe. 12th next campaign it interferes to the civil war of サファヴィー morning again. To 1566 September 6th European front as for the Suleiman 1 world which takes the field, while capturing the Hungarian ジゲットヴァル fortress in position sinking. It returns  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 19 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brenda Brkusic a Feature Story in Doings http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5058/1/E-Brenda-Brkusic-a-Feature-Story-in-Doings.html  Brenda Brkusic a Feature Story in DoingsSenior project launches directing career for Lyons Township graduateÂBrkusic and the actors and crew from "Freedom From Despair" set up shop on the streets of Croatia. The 24-year old Brkusic based the film on her father, Krunoâs, escape from war-torn Yugoslavia. The documentary includes archive footage and interviews with survivors of the upheaval. (Photos courtesy of Brenda Brkusic)ÂBy Sandy Illian BoschStaff WriterÂWhen Americans gathered in Washington, D.C. in 1991 to call the government's attention to the war in Croatia, Brenda Brkusic of Indian Head Park was standing among them.Â"I was only 10 years old," she said. At that age, she didn't fully understand the events that brought her there or their widespread effects. She soon learned others didn't understand either, and she took it upon herself to tell the story.Â"Freedom From Despair" is a full-length documentary written, produced and directed by 24-year-old Brkusic. Through interviews and re-enactments, she tells the story of how her father, Indian Head Park resident Kruno Brkusic, escaped totalitarian Yugoslavia in 1957.ÂAs her father's homeland became scarred by war during the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991, he fought to tell the story of the land he fled and to convince then President George H. Bush to recognize Croatia and to help stop the injustices and atrocities taking place there.Â"It was one of the hardest parts of their lives," Brkusic said. "I just felt it was a story that had to be told."ÂThe story is one that more and more people are getting a chance to hear. Brkusic's film has won an impressive handful of awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle Award, whose recipients also include Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Ken Burns. Brkusic's film has been praised by Amnesty International, the U.S. House of Representatives and by film critics who have called it "compelling," exceptionally well-crafted" and "a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the other side of communism in the Cold War."ÂNothing less than perfectAs her television production teacher at Lyons Township High School, Bob Foskett gave Brkusic her first taste of movie-making. Even then, Foskett remembers the teenager's desire to do things right. It was in keeping with her personality, that when faced with the task of producing a film as her senior project at Chapman University in Southern California, Brkusic turned out a full-length film while others produced 15-minute videos.ÂShe spent two years making the film. She took classes and worked during the day, and crafted the film at night. The project took her to Chicago and to Croatia, and left her in significant financial debt. Not one to settle for less than she desired, Brkusic called on some big Hollywood names for help, and she got it. Michael York, John Savage and Beata Pozniak performed English voice overs for interviews that were in Croatian. The actors told her they sensed her drive, and they wanted to be part of it.ÂIndian Head Park native Brenda Brkusic spent two years, and trips to Croatia, to produce the award-winning documentary, âFreedom From Despair.â€?Â"I never thought all this would happen," Brkusic said.ÂBut looking back, she always wanted to do something in entertainment. A dancer since age 6, many assumed her career would put her on the stage rather than behind a camera. Her path took a turn, but her background as a dancer helped her navigate the way with ease and finesse.ÂThere's a rhythm to directing and editing, she said, that seems to come naturally.ÂJust the beginningIt might not happen right away, but Brkusic sees more documentaries in her future.Â"It's my way of helping people," she said.ÂUntil next spring, she'll work on distribution of the film. Three companies currently are negotiating for the right to broadcast "Freedom From Despair" on cable television, and more than 3,000 copies have been sold via Brkusic's Web site, www.freedomfromdespair.com. She's been hired by the International Documentary Association to present her film to high school and college students and to speak to them about leadership and filmmaking. Promotion of the film will take her to Australia this fall.ÂAfter that, Brkusic is lined up to serve as assistant to the director on Academy Award winner David Ward's next project. He's made films such as "Sleepless in Seattle," "Major League" and "The Sting."Â"When I was at Chapman I won a scholarship that allowed me to work with David Ward while I was editing "Freedom From Despair." He as very helpful to me and he will always be my mentor because he believes in me," Brkusic said.ÂHe's not the first to expect big things from Brkusic. In the message he wrote in her high school yearbook, Foskett predicted he would be reading a lot about his student in the future. It looks like he was right.Âhttp://www.thedoings.com/cgi-bin/do-story/feature/07-14-05-feature.dat letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Subway to 'Flamingo' - Lorence Ferich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5057/1/E-Subway-to-Flamingo---Lorence-Ferich.html ÂSubway to 'Flamingo' - Lorence FerichÂDragi Nenad. Izvjestavam te da je www.hr Hrvatski homepage od 1994 objavio moju web stranu pod Kultura i Umjetnost, Fotografija/ Fotografi, Lorence Ferich. ili izravan link :http://www.hr/wwwhr-bin/go.pl?http://www.lorenceferich.com/ÂStranica je iz dana u dan sve posvecenija, na moje zadovoljsto jer ljudi se sve vise upoznaju sa mojim opseznim radom. Ovom prilikom izdvajam za Crown novu fotografiju iz ciklusa "Innocent Sinners". Hope that you like it regards, Lorence Ferich.Âhttp://www.lorenceferich.comÂUSA 212.5176838Europe 011.38.98.634829 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nada Khodlova and Public Urban Ritual Experiment http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5056/1/E-Nada-Khodlova-and-Public-Urban-Ritual-Experiment.html  Among performers is also second generationÂCroatian, NADAÂKHODLOVA. PURE generously contributes to many not-for-profit groups with their performance.  Sunday July 17 2005: Simultaneous Performances inÂ7 U.S. Cities Processions in 7ÂUS Cities on the anniversary of when PURE firstÂwent public in 2004. A group of 32 dancers and musicians known as PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment) will process through the streets of lower Manhattan on Sunday July 17th as part of an event that involves simultaneous performances in 7 U.S. cities including Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Lafayette-IN, Traverse City, MI. How it began ... PURE was founded in New York one year ago by a group of dancers and musicians committed to promoting community and peace through publicly sharing their art outside of traditional performance venues. PURE's commitment to community is also reflected by the diversity of its dancers (who are all women) and its musicians (both men and women). The group is made up of a mix of professional and amateur performers of all ages, races, and sizes, with varied backgrounds and experience, who have come together united by a common goal. After the group's debut on July 17, 2004, people around the U.S. and the world were inspired by the power of PURE's message. Multiple PURE branches have started up around the U.S. over the past year and interest continues to grow. On July 17th all the national branches will dance simultaneously with the New York PURE branch in their home cities. The New York PURE route traces through lower Manhattan on Sunday, July 17th from 3 p.m. toÂ5 p.m. starting at the East Coast Memorial in Battery Park and ending at City Hall. The event will feature a procession of dancing and drumming as well as a series of site specific choreographies. The group will visit a series of sites in downtown Manhattan that are significant to the early development of New York City as well as its history of immigration and cultural diversity. These sites will include the National Museum of the American Indian, the World Trade Center site, City Hall Park, and several locations in Battery Park between the East Coast Memorial to WWI & WWII veterans and the Irish Hunger Memorial. Visit www.puredance.org for exact route information for all the branches... The theme of cultural diversity is central to PURE's mission. Kaeshi Chai, professional dancer and PURE facilitator, explains, "Throughout the ages and across cultures, dance and music have drawn people together both spiritually and physically. In our own city, PURE participants aim to bring attention to the power of community through ancient traditions of dance and ritual. The fluid blending of Middle Eastern, Chinese, Romani (Gypsy), Israeli Folk, Flamenco and Indian dance movements in our choreographies is representative of the world solidarity we seek to affirm in the PURE experience." The history of New York City as a haven and meeting place for immigrants from around the world is an important example of cultural tolerance. The city has also been the site of much cultural misunderstanding and violence, most tragically displayed on September 11, 2001. PURE hopes to remind spectators of this rich history and the responsibilities that go along with it. "We want to inspire individuals to take a moment and reflect on what they can do or give in the spirit of peace," says PURE percussionist and musical director Brad MacDonald. "In the long run, each small gesture contributes to the strength and solidarity we all hope for in our local and global communities." Website: http://www.puredance.org  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Doors Art Presents Zana Markelson July 28, New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5054/1/E-Doors-Art-Presents-Zana-Markelson-July-28-New-York.html ÂDoors Art Foundation Presents letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 39th International Folklore Festival, Zagreb, July 20-24, 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5053/1/E-39th-International-Folklore-Festival-Zagreb-July-20-24-2005.html ÂA POSTCARD FROM ZAGREB IN JULY: WORLD AT PALM39th International Folklore Festival, Zagreb, July 20-24, 2005Springtime Customs in North-Eastern Croatia and its' Parallels / Queens and Related CustomsZAGREB, Croatia; July 2005 â In only few days, beginning July 20th , the Croatian capital Zagreb will become lively again in sounds, colors and richer in forms cultivated in traditional customs all over the world. A postcard from Zagreb in July reads â variety, perception saturated with archetypes and symbols speaking through unbiased experience of folk arts â and ever so since 1966, the year of the first International Folklore Festival in Zagreb.Nearing itâs 40th anniversary next year, IFF in Zagreb expects over thousand programme participants from all over the country and the world. While there is 29 Croatian ensembles and solo performances, the rest of the world is very well represented by 18 performances of folk dance and music, so different as those from Sweden and Oman, Russia and Egipt, Ireland and Turkey, Check Republic, Bulgaria, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Spain and closer connected to Croatian customs, Bosnia and Hercegovina. And all that all over the city, in the representative old town squares, palaces and churches, as well as on the grand stage on the main city square, Trg Bana Jelačića.The main theme this year is Springtime Customs in North-Eastern Croatia (Slavonija, Srijem, Baranja) and its' Parallels. It brings into the focus some most peculiar of customary springtime processions and rituals: The Walk of Queens, quite distinctive for the region, but not without parallels in other parts of Croatia and some other neighboring countries (especially among Croats in Vojvodina, Hungary and Posavina in northern Bosnia). The scientific research also found some corresponding examples in folk tradition of Check Republic, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania, and they are included in to make a picture more complete.The custom itself has ancient origins, and is pointing to almost magic, pre-Christian meaning, but remained in practice until recently, around Christian holydays in Spring (Cvjetnica â Spasovo â Duhovi). In the mid 20th century and through the 21st, it was conserved and stylized, then purified and renewed in the work of local folklore ensembles. The figures of Queens are beautiful, decorated with cultures of vegetation, flowers, feathers, in some cases even golden coins ÂdukatiÂ. And they carry swords, or sables, or wooden counterparts of it - but, not for fighting, most probably to show the power and victory of renewal and fertility. Sometimes, there are also women in the walk, called Kings; in some localities they were found differently decorated, but somewhere they are looking just the same as Queens. No strong argument for now, why is that so.Other interesting and attractive programs show different themes.World music concert and club sessions â The Sounds and Echoes of Ireland â featuring Ãamon de Barra (Ireland), The Flooks (UK), The Skelligs, The Slip, CiotÃg, Belfast Food (Croatia), followed by workshops on Irish music and traditional instruments;Church folk singing: To Patron Saints in Slavonia, Women and Croatian Traditional Music, Review of Åokciâs folk costumes, dance workshop âSheikhat, the professional dancers of Moroccoâ€?, and workshop of great tradition and popularity among visitors, Dance With Us.Scientific research and a lot of work on the terrain of the experts of the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore in Zagreb, is always in the background of the IFF, thus providing some difference from other great folk festival in Croatia. As the Artistic director, Zorica Vitez, PhD., stressed last year at the press conference, the perception of the folklore is rapidly changing , and this Festival strives to meet the point. So, in this time, it is not the procession of âRadićevciâ€? in folk costumes as it once used to be, and not without sense, but rather a meeting point of different cultures, somewhere in the middle of the road, here in Croatia. The audience is always confronted with some new element in âthe old thingâ€? with the purpose to bring forth fresh evidence in dynamic multicultural sphere.That is one more reason for the audience in Zagreb to remain faithful and very interactive leaving no doubts that - if the weather hopefully wonât make pranks - any tourist in Zagreb in July is welcome in the atmosphere of good amusement and joyous impressions. (I.Stipetic) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (I,E) Optimal acceptance of Croatian Klapa FA Lindjo in Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5055/1/IE-Optimal-acceptance-of-Croatian-Klapa-FA-Lindjo-in-Italy.html Optimal acceptance of Croatian Klapa FA Lindjo in ItalyNONOSTANTE LA PIOGGIA IMPROVVISA LA MUSICA HA SAPUTO CREARE UN'ATMOSFERA MOLTO SPECIALE... (13/07/05) Ieri sera, martedà 12 luglio, il concerto del gruppo corale femminile croato KLAPA FA LINDJO à iniziato con unâottima accoglienza di pubblico. Purtroppo, dopo i primi 15 minuti di esibizione, un improvviso quanto violento acquazzone ha interrotto lâesibizione e colto di sorpresa il pubblico presenteâGrazie alla disponibilità e alla dinamicità delle ragazze croate, il concerto à ripreso pochi istanti dopo in versione completamente acustica sotto i portici di piazza S. Francesco con grande apprezzamento del pubblico rifugiatosi in massa al riparo e raccoltosi attorno alle cantanti. Unâatmosfera davvero surreale e magica per unâora di fuori programmaâ Per mancanza di spazio, purtroppo, lâOrchestra Classica della Scuola di Musica G. Sarti di Faenza non ha potuto esibirsi ma, in ogni caso, alcuni dei suoi giovani componenti hanno improvvisato unâapprezzatissima session di musica dixieland. Appuntamento questa sera in piazza S. Francesco a Ravenna con la formazione bosniaca TUZLANSKI ORNAMENTI e la FILARMONICA G. VERDI â BANDA IMPROVVISA di Loro Ciuffenna (Arezzo), ore 21.15.Âhttp://www.sonora.ra.it/news.htmÂQuick Computer translated (http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr) Yesterday evening, 12 tuesdays July, the concert of the choral group feminine Croatian KLAPA FA LINDJO have begun with an optimal acceptance of public. Unfortunately, after the first 15 minuteren of exhibition, unexpected a how much violent heavy shower has interrupted the exhibition and picked of surprise the public present... Thanks to the availability and the dinamicità of the Croatian girls, the concert is resumed little moments after in completely acoustic version under you carry us of S. public square Francisco with great appreciation of the public sheltered in mass to the shelter and raccoltosi around the singers. A surrealistic and indeed magical atmosphere for an hour outside program... For space lack, unfortunately, the Classic Orchestra of the School of G. Music Knows you of Faenza has not been able to exhibit itself but, in every case, some of its component young people have improvised a apprezzatissima session of music dixieland. Appointment this evening in S. public square Francisco to Ravenna with Bosnian formation TUZLANSKI ORNAMENTS and FILARMONICA G. GREENS - UNEXPECTED BAND of They Ciuffenna (Arezzo), hours 21.15. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (I) Great success of Klapa FA Lindjo in Ravenna, Italy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5059/1/I-Great-success-of-Klapa-FA-Lindjo-in-Ravenna-Italy.html ÂGRANDE SUCCESSO PER LA SERATA DI DEBUTTO DI BUONE VIBRAZIONI 2005 ÂGreat Success of Klapa FA Lindjo in Ravenna ItalyÂ(12 July 2005) E' iniziata nel migliore dei modi la 2 edizione di BUONE VIBRAZIONI - RASSEGNA DI GRUPPI E GIOVANI MUSICISTI. Ieri, lunedà 11 luglio, un folto pubblico ha accolto con calore l'esibizione delle due formazioni straniere ospiti della rassegna. Nell'atmosfera tutta speciale di piazza Garibaldi a Cervia hanno aperto la serata le ragazze croate dell'ensemble vocale KLAPA FA LINDJO con un repertorio di brani tradizionali dalmati e brani originali contemporanei. La formazione ha recentemente realizzato un cd prodotto da Nenad Bach con la straordinaria collaborazione dell'ingegnere del suono John Holbrook.ÂLa serata, dedicata al ricordo del decennale dell'eccidio di Srebrenica e agli accordi di Dayton, ha visto la partecipazione del Presidente della Provincia di Ravenna Francesco Giangrandi e dell'Assessore allo sviluppo economico e produttivo del Comune di Cervia Mariano Dellachiesa che, insieme alla Direttrice della Scuola Superiore di Musica di Tuzla, hanno avuto l'occasione di ricordare i tragici eventi accaduti a Srebrenica nella speranza di un futuro migliore e di festeggiare l'attività ed il talento dei giovani musicisti provenienti da Croazia e Bosnia ospiti della rassegna. La serata à proseguita con l'esibizione della formazione TUZLANSKI ORNAMENTI composta da giovani musicisti talentuosi della Scuola Superiore di Musica di Tuzla. Con un repertorio di brani classici e tradizionali, i giovani musicisti bosniaci hanno saputo catalizzare l'attenzione del pubblico proponendo diversi duetti e assoli per concludere in un emozionante assieme.La serata si à conclusa con un ulteriore notevole performance da parte delle ragazze del coro KLAPA FA LINDJO che si esibiranno anche stasera in Piazza S. Francesco a Ravenna insieme all 'Orchestra Classica della Scuola di Musica 'G. Sarti' di Faenza.http://www.sonora.ra.it/news.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Papa Bend in New York July 10, 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5062/1/H-Papa-Bend-in-New-York-July-10-2005.html ÂHRVATSKA KATOLICKA MJISIJA ASTORIAPOZIVA VAS NAKONCERT DUHOVNE GLAZBENATUPAJU MLADI IZ ZUPE SOLIN KOD SPLITA,âPAPA BENDâ€?PREDVODJENI ZUPNIKOMDON VINKOM SANADEROMNEDJELJA, 10. SRPNJA (JULY) U CRKVI MOST PRECIOUS BLOODSVETA MISA U 10,45 AM.KONCERT ODMAH NAKON SVETE MISE U DONJOJ CRKVISVI STE DOBRO DOSLI  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 09 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Review of the Children's Illustrated Croatian Dictionary http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5061/1/E-Review-of-the-Childrens-Illustrated-Croatian-Dictionary.html ÂReview of the CHILDRENâS ILLUSTRATED CROATIAN DICTIONARYEnglish â Croatian / Croatian - EnglishBy Katarina TepeshYoung readers learning Croatian language will love the 100 page full-color illustrations in the âChildrenâs Illustrated Croatian Dictionary.â€? They will find this dictionary easy to understand: when you look up the word âvillageâ you not only find translation âseloâ with pronunciation âsel-oh,â you will also find an illustration of the village. This âChildrenâs Illustrated Croatian Dictionaryâ€? will help to build a childâs understanding of Croatian language and will help them to improve spelling skills. Itâs also a great gift for a Croatian child learning English language. Fun and easy to use, the âChildrenâs Illustrated Croatian Dictionaryâ€? is the ideal choice for elementary school children who are beginning to expand their vocabulary. The intuitive pronunciation guides make it easy to use. Hundreds of bright illustrations contribute to vocabulary information and make this book a treasure. The âChildrenâs Illustrated Croatian Dictionaryâ€? is an invaluable reference book for young readers. It was developed in consultation with experts in the teaching field, Liliana Pavicic, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. Her prior teaching experience ranges from grade 1 through grade 8. Prior to teaching, Pavicic was a flight attendant and Croatian language interpreter and translator. Pavicic is also co-author of two cookbooks. Learn more about them by visitingwww.thebestofcroatiancooking.com Hippocrene Books, Inc. 171 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016 www.hippocrenebooks.com $11.95  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian ambassador to visit Adriatica Village at Stonebridge Ranch http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5063/1/E-Croatian-ambassador-to-visit-Adriatica-Village-at-Stonebridge-Ranch.html ÂCroatian Ambassador Neven Jurica to visitAdriatica Village at Stonebridge RanchBy TRICIA SCRUGGS McKinney Courier-Gazette Croatian Ambassador Neven Jurica has accepted an invitation to visit the site of one of McKinney's most anticipated planned communities, Adriatica Village at Stonebridge Ranch.According to a statement released Friday by the Blackard Group, on July 7, Jurica will tour the 44-acre development on the southeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Virginia Parkway that seeks to replicate a coastal Croatian village "in the heart of Stonebridge Ranch.""This project received lots of publicity in Croatia," said spokesperson Snjezana Pavlovic who was hired by Blackard to serve as a project consultant. "Everyone is building Italian and Greek-style villages, but Croatia is a relatively new name for many of the people here."She said the main purpose of Jurica's visit is to see the conceptual plans and to witness the measures being taken to ensure the "project is going to be as authentic as we are proposing it to be."In February, after nearly two years of wrangling over zoning and ordinance concerns the McKinney City Council gave Blackard's vision the green light along with more than a dozen pages of building regulations and restrictions to provide officials with more control of the every aspect of the project, from roofing materials to street pavers.Following the zoning case, Don Paschal, a former city manager turned consultant who spoke on Blackard's behalf at the February public hearing, told the Courier-Gazette, that the rule was probably "the most stringent ordinance the city has ever considered to date...It's rare that you would find a developer who would be willing to be bound by these things."The plan is to build the Mediterranean-style Adriatica Village project on the shoulders of Stonebridge Lake to resemble Supetar (St. Peter), Croatia, a small fishing village situated on a Croatian island on the Adriatic Sea.Nearly 300 condominiums and 70 town houses will be included in the village with an estimated 225,000 square feet of commercial space. Limitations prevent construction of "big box" stores by capping square footage at 48,000.Pavlovic said the first two structures will be commercial/retail buildings that so far will house a Keller Williams realty office, Starbucks and Blackard Group offices. Residential construction is slated for completion late in 2006."We are extremely excited that such a project is being developed in the United States. This is a premier example of a developer's determination to create an authentic atmosphere with many genuine elements," Ambassador Jurica said in a statement.Previously, residents told city officials they feared the village would not materialize, leaving the city with more multi-family housing and adding students to a school district that is already struggling to keep up with the city's record growth."I think it's neat that they're having (Jurica) come because I think that once the project is completed it's going to be a benefit to the city," said Laurie Madeiros, a concerned citizen who has volunteered her time to monitor erosion controls for Stonebridge Lake.Madeiros said at one point the project was suspended for a week by city officials after she and another resident documented failed control measures, but that "most of them have been resolved now.""It's a complicated issue," she said. "So I have very mixed feelings about it."Contact Tricia Scruggs at citynews@courier-gazette.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Mediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic Voices - SOON http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5064/1/E-Mediterranean-Sounds---Croatias-Mystic-Voices---SOON.html ÂAVAILABLE SOON onNenad Bach Music LtdMediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic VoicesKlapa Sinj - US Tour 2005 Dec 1-8This is a sound that is unafraid of its own silenceMysterious beauty from beyond the boundaries of human knowledgeIt is as if this sound emerged from the very bowels of the Earth, only to rise up and reveal the heavens. This sound sings of a timeless age when the beauty of the landscape and the trials of history combined to beget music, not unlike the symphony of human voices that celebrated the birth of harmony. But these mystical voices need neither instruments nor written music to summon the forgotten language, to commence reciting the songs to the souls of those yet unborn and to the speechless heads of stone that populate the facades of our churches. This is a sound that is unafraid of its own silences, courageous enough to test fate as its harmonies ascend the walls of the stone cities along the sea. It is a sound that embodies the promise of a new, undiscovered, mysterious beauty from beyond the boundaries of human knowledge, a beauty that hails from the cradle of creation. That is the song that is uncovering the threads of myth on the immemorial face of the earth in order to make an offering on the altar of history: the sound of verse and the beauty of Our Beautiful *Jakov DukicÂ'Our Beautiful' are the first two words of the Croatian national anthem, and Croatians throughout the world refer to their homeland as Our Beautiful.ÂÂProduced by Nenad Bachwww.nenadbach.comEngineered by John Holbrookwww.johnholbrook.netCover Design byAndrej Uremwww.andrejurem.comÂÂKlapa SinjÂFor over twenty years now Klapa Sinj has been one of the most revered singing ensembles in Dalmatia. Founded in 1982 in order to carry on and promote Croatia's musical legacy, its success has continued due to the extraordinary musical talent of its members who developed a wholly distinct performance style and even contributed a number of new compositions to the existing canon of the Klapa music. Klapa Sinj's resume includes numerous albums and frequent concert appearances across the European continent. Their crowning achievement came during the recent festivals of a cappella music in Verona, Bolzano and Prague where Klapa Sinj won top prizes. Their repertory consists of a remarkable variety of traditional tunes and songs, and the joy with which they still approach each performance is audible in the beauty of the harmony created by so many disparate and singular voices. Klapa Sinj's accomplishments are a standing testament to the fact that the magic of music can still, even if for a moment, change the world for the better.ÂKlapa SinjStipe Breko First tenor Ivan Klapez Second Tenor Mario Simic Second Tenor Ivo Breko Second Tenor Boris Zanko BaritoneMario Đidara Baritone Mojimir Cacija Baritone Mladen Sirinic BassIvica Mastelic BassPjero Filipovic-Grcic BassAnte Milun BassEnsemble leader - Mojimir Cacija ÂThe Draw of the LandscapeThe singers from Sinj cannot avoid the canyon of Cetina when approaching the town of Omis. With the northern wind at their backs and a bit of wonder still about them from their most recent musical pilgrimage, it is precisely here at the estuary, where the Adriatic quiets the eddies of Cetina amidst the islands, the coastline and the backlands, that the Sinj singers made their long-lasting pact with the beautiful land and the music, a pact that has paid off many times over.A memory of a particular moment and a specific space lingers on among the many reminiscences of those hot July evenings during their numerous pilgrimages to the festival in Omis. There in the small town square beneath the rock where the streets end and the mountain looms, the Klapa singers find a bit of shade away from the curious onlookers and they commence warming up before their performance. Neighbors offer them food and drink; they in turn soothe their souls with nourishment and song. And so the singers from Sinj continue their pilgrimages to Omis, enjoying the music and savoring the competition at this nearly four-decades-old celebration of Croatia's many musical traditions. It is an occasion where ensembles from Istria and Međimurje, from Zagorje and Slavonia gather to honor their native land.ÂÂMediterranean Sounds - Croatia's Mystic VoicesÂKlapa Lindjo - Dubrovnik, CroatiaTheir voices defend the city's freedomMusic lovers are immediately seduced with the harmony that unites the heights of the skies with the blue depths of the seaThe joyful voices of the women who make up Klapa Fa Linđo truly embrace a large swath of the Mediterranean: their harmony unites the heights of the skies with the blue depths of the sea. As their song bursts forth from the city walls, the entire world unfolds before them. Music lovers are immediately seduced, and with their initial surprise turning to enchantment, they inevitably inquire about the singers' place of origin. That place is Dubrovnik, Croatia, a city whose special character and unique surroundings have endowed the singers' voices with the softness of silk and the pungent aroma of the local flora. Their songs seem sometimes to trace the outlines of the facades that adorn the streets of Dubrovnik, and sometimes to follow the flight patterns of the birds that gather above the city at sunset. At another level, these songs guard Dubrovnik's freedom, the same freedom that was once defended with the cannons whose barrels still dot the city's ramparts and walls. In place of the cannons, these Dubrovnik singers now use their voices to defend the city's freedom, the very freedom that has in turn permeated their songs for centuries on end.ÂÂKlapa Fa LinđoThe Folklore Ensemble Linđo was founded in Dubrovnik in 1965 and since then it has persisted in the singularity of its mission: to preserve and celebrate the invaluable cultural heritage of the Dubrovnik region of Croatia. Its accomplishments over the last forty years have undoubtedly emerged as high points of Croatia's cultural life and have contributed to the Ensemble's international recognition. After it was founded in 2000 as a part of The Folklore Ensemble Linđo, Klapa Fa Linđo quickly distinguished itself at a number of prestigious festivals at home and abroad. In 2002 it won the Golden Token Award in the category of female folklore groups at the Verona Festival of Choral Singing in Italy. In 2003 and 2004, the Linđo singers made the finals at the Festival of the Dalmatian Klapas in Omis where they won the esteemed Audience Choice Award. The young women who make up Klapa Fa Linđo participate in its performances both as dancers and singers. Their vocal repertory consists of autochthonous Dalmatian folk tunes as well as of the more recently composed a cappella pieces.ÂKlapa LindjoÂ1.Ana Bacic - First Soprano2.Paula Kusalic - Second Soprano3.Jelena Jozovic - Second Soprano4.Luci Vierda - Second Soprano5.Lidija Jerosimic - First Alto6.Margarita Strazicic - First Alto7.Fani Favro - Second Alto8.Ivana Butigan - Second Alto9.Ivela Raguz - Second AltoEnsemble leader - Vedran IvankovicENGLISH COMMENTARY INSIDE * MIT DEUTSCHER TEXTBEILAGE * NOTE IN ITALIANO ALL 'INTERNO * INCLUYE EL TEXTO EN ESPAÃOL *日本語解説書付き * notes en franÃais incluses *HRVATSKI TEKST U PRILOGUAVAILABLE SOON onNenad Bach Music Ltd letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Pre-literature and oral traditions in Wales http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5070/1/E-Pre-literature-and-oral-traditions-in-Wales.html ÂWales hosts the whole story Croatia's Jasna Held, who will tell stories of her life in Croatia during the warKaren Price, Western MailJul 2 2005WHILE the Hay Literary Festival may be over for another year, Wales is now hosting its annual storytelling event.Beyond the Border, which opened last night, features performances by writers such as children's favourite Cat Weatherill as well as a host of international names.The event is dedicated to promoting understanding of the world's pre-literature and oral traditions.Staged at St Donats Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan, Beyond the Border was launched in 1993 and was the centrepiece of a Wales-wide month of storytelling as part of the UK Year of Literature in 1995.Since then, it has regularly attracted several thousand visitors each year from all over Wales and the world.The main festival is accompanied by a programme of community outreach work, taking storytellers into schools, hospitals and community centres across South Wales.Among this year's highlights are the visit from Weatherill, who has written a new children's novel, Barkbelly.Storytellers who will be travelling to Wales especially for the event include Turkey's Serap Guven and Croatia's Jasna Held, who will tell stories of her life in Croatia during the war. There are also stage shows, music and puppets.Beyond the Border runs until tomorrow. For further details, ring 01446 799100 or visit the website at www.beyondtheborder.comhttp://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0900entertainment/0050artsnews/tm_objectid=15692010&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=wales-hosts-the-whole-story-name_page.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Deceiving John Q. Public With a war of images and words http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5069/1/E-Deceiving-John-Q-Public-With-a-war-of-images-and-words.html ÂDeceiving John Q. Public With a war of images and wordsÂBY LOIS WADSWORTHEugene Weekly ReviewWMD: WEAPONS OF MASS DECEPTION: Documentary directed and produced by Danny Schechter. Producer, Anna Pizzaro. Editors, Kozo Okumura, David Chai.Music, Nenad Bach. Cinema Libre Studio, 2004. NR. 98 minutes.News is big business, and media critic Danny Schechter makes it his business to analyze what gets covered in print and electronically. In choosing to document coverage of the war in Iraq, Schechter shows there are essentially three different wars: the war we see and read about in the US, a commercial war; the war as it appears in Europe; and the war the rest of the world sees. His latest book is Embedded: Weapons of Mass Deception: How the Media Failed to Cover the War on Iraq. Schechter's conclusions don't come from the haphazard network crawling I did during the so-called war but rather from "embedding" himself in front of the television and watching wall-to-wall coverage. I did some of that during the first Gulf War, in part because a family member was in Saudi at the time, and I was worried about her. Although I was a graduate student in the journalism school at UO, I had trouble detaching emotionally from images and words spoken on the screen. Unlike my experience, Schechter's viewing of this war was methodological. He earned the authority to call the media's lopsided coverage of the war Weapons of Mass Deception."There were two wars going on in Iraq," he wrote. "One was fought with armies of soldiers, bombs and a fearsome military force. The other was fought alongside it with cameras, satellites, armies of journalists and propaganda techniques."If you've been to Schechter's web site - Mediachannel.org - you may have read some of the gazillion words he's written to show a staggering similarity of coverage across media outlets. In WMD the film, reporters outside the mainstream media such as Peter Arnett add their voices to Schechter's. Once an MSNBC correspondent, Ashleigh Banfield was chastised by her bosses at NBC and dropped by the network the following year. Her crime: She told the audience during a speech at Kansas State University the war coverage was "sanitized." Ooops!Language control is a subtle but efficient way to limit an argument, a device by which to define the terms and claim the high ground. Using words calculated to put U.S. actions in the best light, the mainstream media knowingly or inadvertently helps the Bush administration get away with murder every day. Maybe Schechter can wake up people who take literally words written thousands of years ago, but I doubt it. It takes an open mind to see how the public is manipulated by what Schechter calls the "militainment" of the post-journalism era. This film tracks the media war through the summer of 2004. It opens at the Bijou on Friday, Feb. 18 and deserves your support and attendance. Highly recommended.http://www.wmdthefilm.com/mambo/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=31 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Colors of Croatia in Warsaw - Ivo Pervan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5067/1/E-Colors-of-Croatia-in-Warsaw---Ivo-Pervan.html ÂBOJE HRVATSKE - Ivo PervanIvo Pervan - COLORS OF CROATIA28.06.ove godine povodom Dana drzavnosti, u organizaciji Ministarstva vanjskih poslova i Veleposlanstva RH u centru Varsave otvorena je nova foto izlozba Ive Pervana pod nazivom BOJE HRVATSKE. Postav je cinilo 27 fotografija potpuno novih motiva, dimenzija 110 x 80 cm. Svecanom otvaranju nazocio je velik broj uzvanika, posebno strani veleposlanici. Nakon Varsave , postav putuje u Krakow, te ce ostati u Poljskoj citav mjesec dana.Colors of Croatia is the title of the new exhibition by famous Ivo Pervan, our Croatian photo-legend. 27 of the completely new photos (110x80 cm) will first be exhibited in the center of Warsaw and then in Krakow, Poland as part of the celebration of Croatian Independence Day, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Croatian Embassy in Poland.Op-ed:If you think you can organize such an exhibition in your town, contact Alenka Demikeli at.studio-pervan@net.hr Âwww.IvoPervan.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) DIFF wraps in Dubrovnik, The Festivity Town http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5066/1/E-DIFF-wraps-in-Dubrovnik-The-Festivity-Town.html ÂDIFF, 3rd International Film Festival in Dubrovnik 2005 hosts ChristopherWalken, Emily Watson, Peter Medak and John Hurt among other notable guestsÂDIFF Festival AwardsTwo outstanding awards of the festival LIBERTAS AWARD were given toChristopher Walken and Peter Medak, in a spirit of extraordinaryachievement and ARGOSY AWARD which was given to Emily Watson foroutstanding individual in the realm of filmmaking. The essential goal of DIFF Dubrovnik International Film Festival 2005,25-29 of May, is independent film screening and among all, presentation offilm talents. Even though, its only 3rd year of its existence, City ofDubrovnik is presenting the festival as the part of one cultural andhistorical festival summer events. Dubrovnik in Croatia is well known inworld for its cultural and historical venues. Tradition and culture in thisbeautiful little coastal town, perfectly fits into the everyday life. So,what does this festival distinguishes from all other, beside itsinternational character? The festival offers an exquisite opportunity to meet celebrities andrelevant names and of course promotes cinema of ex Yugoslavia and nowadaysCroatia. Naturally, City of Dubrovnik and Ministry of Culture of theRepublic of Croatia supports this important international cultural event inorder to increase international awareness of the festival, set in thisbeautiful little town, Dubrovnik. Within this information, the Dubrovnikâsfilm club is reformed now by younger generation of local filmmakers, inorder to promote art and interest of filmmaking.DIFF Festival ProgramDIFF Dubrovnik International Film Festival, started with âLadies inLavanderâ€? directed by Charles Dance with Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, andhas been closed with action film by Breck Eisner âSaharaâ€? starring withMatthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz. Festival program included, out ofcompetition âHitchhikerâs Guide to the Galaxyâ€? by Garth Jennings and âTheWoodsmanâ€? by Nicole Kassel starring with Kevin Bacon. Beside an officialprogram of the feature and documentary films in the competition, festivalheld official program of feature, animated and Croatian films out of thecompetition and Vatroslav Mimica Retrospective of films from 60s, as animportant part of formal Yugoslavian film opus. DIFF Festival Screenwriting PanelsBeside other events, screenings and press conference DIFF Dubrovnik FilmFestival held two very important Screenwriting Panels on a subject of film,literature and publicity: Books Into Films held by panelist John Hurt wellknown British actor, Dr. James Ragan, the Dean of the USC Master ofProfessional Writing Program, Hugh Linchean an entertainment editor of theIrish Times, Marvin Siegel New York Times editor, Hilary Heath UK filmproducer, Oren Jacoby, Peter Medak film director (Negatives, A Day in theDeath of Joe Egg, The Ruling Class, The Krays, Let Him Have It, Romeo isBleeding), Daniel Rosenthal editor of Variety International Film Guide âthebest annual guide to world cinemaâ€? by The Observer and film and theatrecritic, also moderator of all panels, discussions and press conferences ofthe festival. Another screenwriting panel A Look at European and AmericanStorytelling was held by Dr. James Ragan, Gregory Widen well known filmdirector and writer (Highlander, The Prophecy, Backdraft, Tales from theCrypt), Andrew Dean (Joan of Arc, Miracles, See Spot Run, Whispers in theDark) television and film producer of Industry Entertainment and MileRupcic the winner of Hartley Merrill International Screenwriting Prize. Thediscussions were debating the difference between European and AmericanStorytelling and their meeting points and getting Books into Films, aboutthe best ways to adopt book into film. DIFF Festival JuryThe selection of films and entire cinema program of the festival reflectsconsciousness of a film current in the past few years. Within its rathersmall festival international character, (Dubrovnik International FilmFestival) DIFFâs selection of the films goes for about 15 countries, coupleof film cooperation including: UK, USA, China, Germany, Italy, Macedonia,Sweden, Poland, Chile, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Australia and Croatia.Regarding the fact that Dubrovnik International Film Festival is a smallfestival in small country, I think we should consider DIFF Jury for featurefilm: Mark Shivas UK TV and film producer, Sheamus Smith producer andformer Film Censor of Irish Film Board, Gregory Mosher producer, Directorof Columbia University of US Arts Initiative, Andrew Dean, film producer,manager, partner in LA Industry Entertainment, Regina Dantas CEO of USABossa Entertainment of New York, Maya Gregl from Croatian Television andMaryte Kavaliauskas, the film director. Jury for documentary film: Kiril Raylogov and Gregory Widen film directorand scriptwriter from USA. Also in the jury of the festival, Croatianwinner of Hartley Merrill International Screenwriting Prize, among 23 othercountries in the competition, Mile Rupcic, Foundationâs Board of DirectorsDina Merrill, Dr.James Ragan the Dean of USC Master of ProfessionalScreenwriting Program and Founding Member of Foundation Ted Hartley.Founding members of The Hartley Merrill Foundation are: Ted Hartley, GeorgeKirgo, Dina Merrill, Nikita Mikhalkov, Lord David Putnam, Robert Redford,Lina Wertmuller, Sir David Williamson.Out of films presented in Competition of DIFF, 3rd Dubrovnik InternationalFilm Festival, the International Jury awards are:FEATURE FILMSBEST FILM: âFrozenâ€? : Directed by Juliet McKeon (UK)BEST DIRECTOR: âZhoorekâ€? Directed by Ryszard Brylski (POLAND)BEST SCREENPLAY: âOprosti za Kung Fuâ€? Written and Directed by OgnjenSvilicic (CROATIA)BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: âFrozenâ€? Cinematography by Philip Robertson (UK)DOCUMENTARIESâSve petâ€? Directed by Dana Budisavljevic (CROATIA)SHORT FILMSâPhaidâ€? Directed by Chris Frey (USA)AUDIENCE AWARDâGolemata vodaâ€? Directed by Ivo Trajkov (MACEDONIA)Special Mention:âSve petâ€? Directed by Dana Budisavljevic (CROATIA)LIBERTAS AWARDSChistopher WalkenPeter MedakARGOSY AWARDEmily WatsonDIFF Festival Competition FilmsIn the official competition of the festival, these films won:âFrozenâ€? by Juliet McKeon & Jayne SteelUK, (2004)DIFFâs Best Film Award. âThe Great Waterâ€? by Ivo TrajkovMacedonia(2004)Audienceâs Award . Film is set in post II World War Macedonian orphanage home whose realpurpose was not looking after of children, but their politicalindoctrination. This is the official submission of Macedonia to the AcademyAwards, and its about 12 years old orphan Lem, who was captured bypartisans and brought to an abandoned factory where orphans of people whowere against communism were kept. Locked up with hundreds of kids, hebarely comprehended the militaristic socio-communist regimen exercise.Surrounded with dogma and cruelty Lem felt close to a new boy Isaac whoshined with beauty, dignity and preternatural calm. Soon enough Isaac andLem are getting involved with tragic chain of events among orphans, causedby cruelty of dogmatic political convictions of the adults.- Entire film shines on poetic visuals and very strong performances ofcharacters, which create unbelievable dreamscape. âZhoorekâ€? by Ryszard BryiskiPoland (2004) DIFFâs Best Director Award. âSve 5â€? by Dana BudisaljevicCroatia(2005)DIFFâ€?s Best Documentary Award. Documentary about Lidija a prostitute andporn star, a fascinated story about life of girl from small Catholicsociety, from small Dalmatian town, to the sex shops in Amsterdam and pornfilms, back to her small townââPhaidâ€? by Chris FreyAustralia (2005)Best Short Film Award. âSorry for the Kung Fuâ€? by Ognjen SvilicicCroatia (2004)DIFFâs Best Screenplay Award. A young girl comes back from Western Europeto Croatia pregnant to her conservative family in Dalmatinska Zagora. Herparents are trying to find her husband in order to avoid the shame. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Izlozba paske cipke u Muzeju Appenzell - Izvorno Hrvatsko http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5065/1/H-Izlozba-paske-cipke-u-Muzeju-Appenzell---Izvorno-Hrvatsko.html ÂIzlozba paske cipke u Muzeju AppenzellÂU Muzeju Appenzell (Museum Appenzell, Hauptgasse 4, 9050 Appenzell, karta grada), odrzava se od 30. lipnja do 15. kolovoza 2005. izlozba paske cipke. Zajedno s Muzejom Appenzel izlozbu je priredio Etnografski muzej Zagreb u suradnji s Veleposlanstvom Republike Hrvatske u svicarskoj te uz pomoc Ministarstva kulture Republike Hrvatske. Izlozba se moze razgledati dnevno od 10.00 do 12.00 i od 14.00 do 17.00 sati.Izlozba ce biti svecano otvorena u srijedu, 29. lipnja 2005. godine, s pocetkom u 19.00 sati. Ocekuje se da ce izlozbu otvoriti visoki predstavnici kantona i grada Appenzella, ravnatelji muzeja u Appenzellu i Zagrebu, kao i veleposlanik RH u svicarskoj dr. Mladen Andrlic. U programu otvaranja sudjeluju: "Chorus Croaticus" iz Berna i Hrvatsko glazbeno drustvo "seva" iz St. Gallena.Nakon sto je bila izlozena u nekoliko gradova u svijetu, među kojima prosle godine u kraljevskom renesansnom dvorcu Ãcouen nedaleko Pariza, a pocetkom ove i na Svjetskoj izlozbi cipke u gradu Noverdate u Italiji, ovu vrijednu izlozbu imati ce prigodu vidjeti svicarci, ali i Hrvati, koji zive i rade u svicarskoj.cuvena paska cipka, biser sredozemnog tekstilnog rukotvorstva, nastala je u drevnoj Mikeni i u anticko doba trgovackim putovima dosla do otoka Paga, gdje se zadrzala sve do danas. O dugoj tradiciji paske cipke govori i podatak da je prvi puta sluzbeno izlozbom predstavljena 1880. godine, a bila je izlozena i na Svjetskoj izlozbi 1939. godine u New Yorku. Carica Marija Terezija je na beckom dvoru drzala pasku cipkaricu, koja je sivala cipku za potrebe dvora. cipka je sivana iglom, a svojom se kvalitetom ravnopravno nosi s cipkarskim proizvodima zemalja istoga kulturnoga kruga, istovremeno se razlikujuci od njih svojom originalnoscu i osobitoscu. Plod je duge tradicije stvaranja vrijednih ruku zena s otoka Paga, kojom su se ukrasavale narodne nosenje, dijelovi namjestaja, ili zidovi, na koje se jos i danas vjesa kao slika. Paska cipka je autohtoni hrvatski suvenir i uvrstena je među proizvode koji nose naslov "izvorno hrvatsko".Lj. Novosel http://www.croatia.ch/veleposlanstvo/050627d.php  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) I Miss Communism by Ines Wurth at New York 59E59 Theater http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5068/1/E-I-Miss-Communism-by-Ines-Wurth-at-New-York-59E59-Theater.html I MISS COMMUNISM ÂJuly 12th - 16th @ 59E59 Theatre, New York CityBY INES WURTH AND MARK SOPERLAST PERFORMANCES before the Edinburgh Fringe Festival July 12th, 13th, 14th @ 7 PMJuly 15th, 16th @ 9:30 PM59E59 Theatre59th Street between Park and Madison Avenues http://www.59e59.org/frameset.htmÂTHIS IS A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE! PLEASE COME AND MAKE A RESERVATION FIRST:http://www.59e59.org/frameset.htmWe were completely sold out at our Los Angeles shows. Even at one of the shows we had 30 people over capacity, and had to send 20 people home, so please make a reservation.SPREAD THE WORD OUT TO FRIENDS, IT'S THE LAST WEEK TO SEE THE SHOW IN THE US BEFORE IT HITS EDINBURGH! Thank you everyone for all your support. Ines letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 02 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Oluja u prvom licu jednine http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5071/1/H-Oluja-u-prvom-licu-jednine.html ÂOluja u prvom licu jednineHvala Vam velika na promoviranju knjige a ja cu Vam sada malo jos pojasniti sadrzaj. Ako Vam sinopsis treba u punom obliku javite.Knjiga je prva ispricana prica o Oluji i to vidjena okom izvidnika 2. gardijske brigade. Pisana je u prvom licu jednine jer nisam zelio nista prepricavati nego samo napisati ono sto sam vidio.Pocetak je price oko odlaska na odmor na Jadran, pa uzbuna, povratak u bazu, dogadjaji u bazi i dobivanje signala za pokret. Dogadjaji koji slijede kronoloski prate moj i put moje grupe od 03. 08. do povratka u bazi nakon 10 dana tj. 13.08.1995. Pokusao sam proci sva dogadjanja, pocev od topnicke pripreme, kretanja do, i probijanja cetnickih polozaja, naleti zrakoplovstva, pogibiju suboraca, borbe s neprijateljem, ulazak u sela te postupci u njima, nailazak na cetnicke i izbjeglicke kolone, pomoc civilima u njima, susret s 5.KORABIH, susrete s zaostalim cetnicima, docek pri povratku, slavlje i razocarenja nakon pobjede, te sva razmisljanja koja dodju u misli nakon akcije kada shvatis sto bi bilo da je ...Nisam uopce pisao o nekim drugima, o pokretima postrojbi, te nista sto bi moglo uci u sfere vojne tajne. Dogadjaji u knjizi su istiniti i nema niti jedan presucen ili izmjenjen.Meni nije problem, ako ste Vi zainteresirani, da Vam posaljem E-mailom lektorirani rukopis koji je identican knjizi pa cete imati bolji uvid.Izdavacka kuca je Nova knjiga Rast, privatna je, osnovana 1998 u Zagrebu, izdaju svjetske bestselere a pretezno su orijentirani na mlade neafirmirane hrvatske pisce a u biblioteci Domovinski rat objavljuju knjige vezane za tu tematiku. Opskrbljuju knjizare po cijeloj Republici Hrvatskoj.Vlasnik je Ivan Rast, br. mob. 098/364-599, 091/7314-163, a fiksni 01/2013-965,fax 01/2013-967, adresa je Josipa Antoljaka 8, Dumovec, 10361 Sesvete- Kraljevac.Internet:info@novaknjiga-rast.hr www.novaknjiga-rast.hr Svoje podatke sam Vam napisao a ako Vam jos nesto treba posaljite mi i dogovoriti cemo se. Razgovarao sam sa izdavacem i on je rekao da sa stavljanjem narudze knjige na Internetu ima nekih problema ali da ce to rijesiti u ponedjeljak ili najkasnije u utorak. Zbilja bi bilo u redu da se napravi nekakav film o tome ali ja sam samo jedan od mnogih koji su sudjelovali u Oluji i to na Banovini koja je jos uvijek pod minama koje su cetnici ostavili.S postovanjem,Denis Zibar letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 25 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Artists Set Their Sights on New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5072/1/E-Croatian-Artists-Set-Their-Sights-on-New-York.html ÂCroatian Artists Set Their Sights on New YorkBy CAROL KINO Published in The New York Times: June 23, 2005Rich in artists but relatively bereft of international galleries and collectors, the countries of the former Yugoslavia have yet to develop a strong art market. To get in on the action and gain international recognition for their work, some of their artists have decided that the logical first step is to infiltrate New York.ÂChristian NguyenA photograph from a series showing the Croatian artist Zlatko Kopljar at some of the sites that have shaped his imaginative life. Mr. Kopljar is one of a number of artists from the former Yugoslavia trying to attract international attention to their work. ÂChristian NguyenAnother photograph from the series. Among those leading the way is the Croatian artist Andreja Kuluncic, who is amassing material for a semi-serious guide to the New York art world.ÂMs. Kuluncic, one of this year's artists in residence at the nonprofit exhibition space Art in General in TriBeCa, arrived in the United States in April and began canvassing local curators, dealers, artists and collectors for their opinions on what constitutes art-world success and how best to attain it. The results of her research are on view at Art in General through Saturday, and through July 15 by appointment.Her advice manual, "A Dummies' Guide to the New York Art World," which will also incorporate research conducted in Croatia, is to be published in December. "The guide is cynical," Ms. Kuluncic cautioned visitors who attended her opening presentation at Art in General. "It is not really a way to be successful."Cynical or not, international recognition is a pressing issue for Croatia, long recognized as a cultural hotbed of the former Yugoslavia. Today, its artists sell their work primarily through Western European galleries or to Croatian museums, some of which are planning expansions and have begun to pursue contemporary work more aggressively. Ms. Kuluncic, 36, who has shown her work at European art fairs like Documenta, Manifesta and the Liverpool Biennial, as well as at the Whitney Museum of American Art, said that Croatia's application for membership in the European Union had lent momentum to the artists' quest for international attention. "Because we are entering the E.U., we are thinking about what we have to offer - in all fields as well as in art," she said. Recently, too, as art-world buzz has developed around the formerly Communist countries of Eastern Europe, international curators have come hunting. "We don't want to be colonized," Ms. Kuluncic said. "Curators come and they already know what they want to see, and we don't want that. We have to make a market where we can sell what we already have."What Croatia does have in abundance, says Roxana Marcoci, a curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, is performance, video and installation art. "Right now there is a lot of continuity with the sort of avant-garde tradition that was alive during the Socialist republic," said Ms. Marcoci, who in 2002 organized "Here Tomorrow," a huge survey of contemporary Croatian art, for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb. "There are occasions when you see painting and sculpture, but that's not the main bulk of work. A lot of it is video-based and performance-based, or institutional critique. There are also many collaborative groups." Croatia has had a strong video scene since the 1970's: several of its artists, including Sanja Ivekovic and Dalibor Martinis, are considered pioneers of the movement. Work like Ms. Kuluncic's, which tends to combine sociological investigation and political activism with multimedia elements and the written word, is also fairly typical. So are performances, like those of Slaven Tolj, known for body art that pushes the limits of physical endurance.During the fighting in the Balkans in the 1990's, Croatia experienced something of a creative diaspora as some artists decamped for Vienna or Budapest, or for Italy, Germany, the Netherlands or the United States. Now many have returned, bringing with them fresh information and contacts, while others have developed transnational careers. For artists, misconceptions are one legacy of the war in the former Yugoslavia, which involved many different ethnic and national groups. When curators and critics come to the Balkans, Mr. Martinis said, "they are not ready to see work like Bill Viola's, or some sort of cool conceptual art." "People expect to see a messy, not too clear kind of work that has more to do with temperament and ethnicity," he said.At the Croatian Pavilion at this year's Venice Biennale, the artist Tomo Savic Gecan is exhibiting a line of text that notes how visitors to a gallery in Amsterdam might affect the temperature of a swimming pool in Estonia. While this focus on process and the evanescent moment makes arresting exhibitions, it can be tough to package for the market. "The gallerists know their rules," said Sandra Sterle, a multimedia artist based in Split, Croatia, "and you have to apply them if you want to sell. The rules of the gallery are rather similar to those of the boutique." In 2004, Ms. Sterle sold her first piece to an American collector through Galerie Jablonka in Cologne: the DVD component of her installation "On the Dune," based on a performance in which she pours paint on a canvas spread on the beach, à la Jackson Pollock. Recently, the dealer urged Ms. Sterle to formally mount a group of new photographs, rather than pinning them to the wall, to make them more salable. She refused. "I don't see why I should apply these rules for every piece," she said.Like the other countries of the former Yugoslavia, Croatia had a strong and lively avant-garde for most of the 20th century. The advent of Communism after World War II allowed the art scene to develop without an emphasis on market profit, yet Tito's maverick government allowed many artists to travel abroad frequently and keep abreast of developments elsewhere. After Tito's death in 1980, on through the civil war in the early 1990's and the authoritarian, nationalistic rule of President Franjo Tudjman, which ended in 1999, these freedoms were sharply curtailed.Today, said Katherine Carl, a curator at New York's Drawing Center who is writing a doctoral dissertation on early Yugoslav conceptual art, "There is a very strong pool of artists all over the former Yugoslavia. "But it's economically and politically different in all the different areas because of the breakup of the different countries," she said. Slovenia, which achieved independence without extensive fighting, is generally regarded as the furthest ahead in terms of infrastructure for artists. It played host to Manifesta in 2000 and today boasts at least two commercial contemporary galleries that work the international art fair circuit. Meanwhile, the contemporary art sectors of Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are struggling. Having emerged from a recession and gained a more moderate government, Croatia is chafing at the bit. "In both Croatia and Slovenia, people are reaching out," Ms. Carl said. "But in Croatia they've had to make the channels more diligently."In addition, the country's troubles and its lack of an art market have in some ways given its artists a special tenacity and a deep sense of purpose. "When somebody is really young, it's much better to make work without market," said Zlatko Kopljar, 43, who finished art school in Venice in 1991, around the time the fighting in Croatia began. "If you don't get anything and still you are making art, that means you really want to do it; you really want to communicate. I couldn't give up, and I know a lot of people who didn't, believe me."Mr. Kopljar made the first sale of his life in 2004, when an American collector spotted his work at the SÃo Paulo Biennial: a suite of photographs that picture Mr. Kopljar kneeling, head bowed, before some of the sites that have shaped his imaginative life - the United Nations, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Times Square. Essentially, that sale - and others since - "changes nothing," Mr. Kopljar said. "But now I have sold a little bit of work, I can feel a little bit more relieved. I am not in existential cramps.""Whether that's good or bad," he added, "I cannot say."http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/23/arts/design/23balk.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 23 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ivana Sajko Woman-Bomb http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5074/1/E-Ivana-Sajko-Woman-Bomb.html ÂIVANA Sajko A multi-award-winning playwrightÂMeet the bomb makerFiona Scott-NormanJune 24, 2005IVANA Sajko is considered a bit of a trouble-maker back home in Croatia, one of those annoyingly brilliant people who won't stop asking questions and just go away.A multi-award-winning playwright, artist, theoretician, nationally renowned one-time presenter of her own radical arts television show, literary magazine editor, performer of "stand-up tragedies", and champion of what she calls "unbearable political theatre", Sajko is simply incapable of not engaging boots and all. Woman-Bomb is a philosophically complex yet urgent work that explores the author's state of mind as she writes and, more specifically, what is going through a bomber's mind as she counts down the final 12 minutes and 36 seconds before detonation. "I really wanted to speak about terrorism. I am always interested in the situation where from one perspective you have a criminal act where people are hurt, and just by changing the view you can see it as an heroic act," says Sajko, who was at high school during the Balkan Wars, when students set off tear bombs in class to get out of exams. "It always, it always, has to do with hate. And there is always a reason for hate. But my secret question that I wanted to answer was this: is it a heroic act, or is it a suicide hidden behind a heroic act?" It was her fearlessness and cerebral intensity that drew the esteemed Melbourne playwright John Romeril to Sajko's writing in the late 1990s, when he was tutoring at Interplay, an international gathering of young playwrights held every two years in Townsville. Romeril has been quietly championing her work ever since. So when Michael Kantor took over as artistic director at Playbox, changed its name to Malthouse and relaxed the all-Australian-work rule, Romeril made sure Woman-Bomb was in his in-tray. "Ivana's take on the times we live in resonated strongly with me. There's great depth to her key image of the traditional giver of birth being the bringer of death," says Romeril, who was also chairman of the Australian National Playwrights' Conference. "She's pretty swish, a pretty sharp dame. What struck me from the start is what a mature sensibility she has. She tackles humanity's darks. There's a fierce intelligence there which I find very impressive, and a passion - she's unafraid to battle big ideas and just go for it. And she's on top of her craft, which I respect." A monologue about terrorism could easily be a simplistic polemic, but Woman-Bomb is an articulate, layered, intimate and poetic examination of creativity and power, with a refreshingly unusual cast of characters. Besides the Woman-Bomb, there is Sajko herself, 20 of her friends, a worm, a politician, his bodyguards and mistress, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, a host of disenchanted angels, and God as a cranky bureaucrat who is sick to death of mankind's whining. Sajko has written herself into most of her 11 plays. "I am like Hitchcock, always walking through. It is important to me," she says. "In this one I wanted to make a play about myself writing, and that is why you are not really sure who is the main character, the author or the bomber. "It is not about ego, it is about understanding all the layers of the media you work in. When you read someone's work, the author is always hidden somewhere, say behind a character. I think it is more interesting that I don't hide myself."So on stage there are always three of us - the author, the character and the performer." Another trademark of Sajko's is using stage directions as a character within her plays. "The words between the brackets give you the opportunity to be subversive to the main text, and in the forum of plays, a stage direction is for me a path out of the illusion. They are the territory of freedom. And in my plays they become a character. They are where the true power resides." Sajko always knew she would be a writer. She trained to be a dramaturg at Zagreb's Academy of Dramatic Arts and wrote her first play when she was 20. She created, researched, hosted and edited a national television arts show when she was 24, is writing a novel, and is the editor of the literary journal Fraction. For Ivana Sajko, speech is a weapon. "My plays are not plays, I am writing speeches," she says. "I'm trying to convince. It's very rhetorical, and rhetoric was the science, the art, the craft of convincing someone. When I say my theatre is unbearable, what I'm trying to effect is that you're surrounded by the unbearable pressure of someone trying to persuade you of something. And it is the same with the world we live in, and politics. "Politicians no longer have ideological differences. They have different economic interests, and they are not your or my interests. You must be aware of the world you live in, how it works. You must be aware of things that you do. Everything is important." For a recent play in Zagreb, Mass For Pre-Election Day Silence, put on a month after the recent Croatian election, Sajko recorded politicians' speeches and edited them into what she called "the best of shit". This was fed directly into the audience's ears through headphones. "I don't want to torture the audience. I want them to have a good time, but I don't want them to get lost in dramatic artifice either," she says. "It's all about power. The tragedy of Woman-Bomb is that it doesn't have any power. No one will react, no one will be offended. It will not change one thing." Woman-Bomb is at the Malthouse, Melbourne, from tomorrow until July 17. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15708197%255E16947,00.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book review "Can You Hear Me Screaming?" Eric Obenauf http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5073/1/E-Book-review-Can-You-Hear-Me-Screaming-Eric-Obenauf.html ÂBook review âCan You Hear Me Screaming?â€? Eric ObenaufBy Katarina TepeshâCan You Hear Me Screaming?â€? a novel by Eric Obenauf, featuring main protagonist Bee, a college student whoâs existence is laced with the frustrations that go hand in hand with confusion. Dealing with trauma of a sudden death of his father and making an agonizing decision concerning an unwanted pregnancy. âMy purpose is not to fly, but to soar. You see, Iâm empty handed, but I hold the world,â€? says Bee. The story takes place in New York City and Croatia. Obenauf describes Croatia in a unique style. âAdjacent to the town was the rock beach where all the swimmers went. In between those two points â though closer to the sidewalk corner than to the beach â was a large patch of pointy gray boulders, dark on the outside from where the water made them wet. They huddled together like devoted legions of followers bowing before their lord. In the middle was a rock podium where stood their god: a moss-green statue of a woman in a thin dress that seemed to belong more to the wind than to her. She stood in solitude, her right arm gently extended to receive a bird. Her body faced the sea, but her head was turned back over her shoulder to look at the town as though she were leaving and never returning.â€?âI can do anything I want because I am alive and I canât think of one good reason not to. Can you hear me screaming? Listen or not, I donât care, just know that Iâm screaming.â€? Eric Obenauf is the son of famous Melissa Pintar Obenauf, co-owner ofwww.CroatiaGifts.com Eric graduated from New York University where he majored in Dramatic Writing. In the summer of 2001 he toured with the professional dance group âZivili,â€? performing in refugee camps, orphanages, and homes for the elderly throughout Croatia. Eric is a participant of the Two Dollar Radio Movement. The purpose is to reestablish the literary, cultural and artistic spirit of publishing. Submit your work at www.twodollarradio.comÂ**** letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 18 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The World Is The Stage 45th International Childrenâ??s Festival, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5077/1/E-The-World-Is-The-Stage-45th-International-Childrenas-Festival-Croatia.html ÂThe World Is The Stage These school children are globe-trotting with their Indianised version of a fairytale. Divya Kaeley New Delhi, June 6: Puss in the Boots set to Rajasthani and Punjabi music, enacted by 11-16 year olds? The play The Cat Dances Boom-Boom (Billi Nachi Thumak Thumak), to be performed by Ryan Childrenâs Theatre Group at the 20th International Theatre Festival in Herbe (Switzerland), obviously has a kindergarten theme. Not without a reason though, the schoolâs cultural and creative director, Utkarsh Marwah, assures us. ââWhy do you want to show the world that India is a third world country facing problems of electricity and water?... The play has a fun theme because it is to be showcased on a world stage amidst various other countries. So why not portray our country in a rich cultural light,ââ he replies. He recalls: ââWhen we performed in Japan, a woman asked if we still traveled on elephants.ââ After the performance in Herbe on June 11, the 12 young actors will also put up the Hindi play (with an English narrative) at Professional Theatre an der Wilhelmshohe, Lingen (Germany) and the 45th International Childrenâs Festival, Croatia, this month. The theatre group has also performed in France, Pakistan and Morocco. The Indianisation of the narrative is evident by the portrayal of characters in colorful Rajasthani costumes. The story canters around three brothers. While the first one gets a horse and the second a donkey, the youngest one gets a small black cat and so becomes the butt of ridicule by the others. ââItâs about how this cat is a boon for her master, that itâs not the color and size but the confidence that matters,ââ says Marwah. The role of the cat is played by 11-year-old Akshaya Raman. Says his 14-year-old co-actor Lakshya Gupta: ââIâd like to pursue acting as a career and theatre at school level is a good beginning.ââ http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=132858  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Kad nece drzava, mora pojedinac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5076/1/H-Kad-nece-drzava-mora-pojedinac.html ÂKad nece drzava, mora pojedinac30. svibnja 2005.MARIO GALLERYKad neće drzava, mora pojedinacHrvatske zajednice diljem svijeta već godinama upozoravaju da bi Republika Hrvatska trebala otvoriti nekoliko kulturnih centara, posebno u Parizu i New Yorku. Dosad su međutim sve te molbe nailazile na gluhe usi duznosnika u nasim ministarstvima kulture i vanjskih poslova"Nakon 15 godina čekanja da se nesto napravi po kulturnom pitanju od strane konzulata, odlučio sam sam napraviti galeriju i kulturni centar koji će prezentirati Hrvate i hrvatsku kulturu prema siroj američkoj javnosti."Tako gospodin Mario Novak počinje svoju e-poruku upućenu Hrvatskom informativnom centru, s molbom da se obavijest o otvorenju Galerije Mario (Mario Gallery) objavi na nasem web portalu.Hrvatske zajednice diljem svijeta već godinama upozoravaju da bi Republika Hrvatska trebala otvoriti nekoliko kulturnih centara, posebno u Parizu i New Yorku. Dosad su međutim sve te molbe nailazile na gluhe usi duznosnika u nasim ministarstvima kulture i vanjskih poslova.Bio je doduse jedan pokusaj pjesnika Borisa Marune koji je, dolaskom na čelo Hrvatske matice iseljenika 2000. godine, navijestio kako će tu instituciju pretvoriti u "hrvatski Goethe institut", a diljem kugle zemaljske uz pomoć hrvatskih iseljeničkih zajednica pootvarati svu silu kulturnih centara. No godine su prolazile, Maruna osim pompoznih najava nije učinio nista (osim sto je sebi priskrbio veleposlaničko mjestu u Čileu na kraju Račanovog mandata), i tako je "hrvatski Goethe institut" nepovratno otisao u ropotarnicu povijesti. Galerija Mario otvara se 12. srpnja u Long Island Cityu, NY. Vlasnik Mario Novak je dobro etabliran fotograf u New Yorku (www.MarioNovak.com i www.MarioGallery.com) pa u sklopu galerije vlastitih radova, poziva hrvatske slikare i druge umjetnike da mu se pridruze u promociji hrvatske kulture. Također poziva umjetnike iz Hrvatske da mu se jave i da zajedničkim snagama uspostave "most između Lijepe Nase i New Yorka, pa čak i sire". http://www.hic.hr/hid-v-04.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) ECI, PECI, PEC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5075/1/E-ECI-PECI-PEC.html ÂECI, PECI, PECI'm writing on the behalf of our publishing company form Zagreb,Croatia. We are publishing books from a different area of interest,mostly philosophy, ethnology, history, children books.We have published a few MacMillan children books, translated to Croatian and as well we have two children books with CD. One is called: ECI, PECI, PEC (there are about 40 different songs for chidren from 3-10, sang in kindergarten and primary school for fun as well for educational purposes. And the other is: RADOST SVIJETU SVOM also with CD, about 20 different Christmas songs. Both books have a reference from Ministry of Culture, as well as the support.Ministry of Culture (City office for Education) have bought our children books for every town (Zagreb) kindergarten as an educational material for teachers and children as well.What I would like, is to have a chance to talk to someone who would like to see what we can offer. Plase be so kind and take a look on our web site, I'm sure you will find our books interesting. Especially in educational purposes for children to learn Croatian language. www.ibis-grafika.hrAlso I have to apologize for not writing in Croatian. I just didn't know which language to use, so I've decided on English.I hope I'll have an answer soon.Thank you for your time,Kind regards,Tessie JÃnkerÂIV. Ravnice 2510000 Zagreb telefon: +385 1 2332 020fax: +385 1 2306 609e-mail:ibis-grafika@inet.hr narudzbe@ibis-grafika.hr  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Charles Billich at the UN June 14-25, New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5252/1/E-Charles-Billich-at-the-UN-June-14-25-New-York.html  Charles Billich at the UN - Humanity United  Dear Mr. Nenad Bach,I hope the following information will be useful for the purposes of the Croatian community.Croatian/Australian artist Charles Billich is being sponsored by the UnitedNations Staff Recreation Council's Friendship Club and permanent missionsof Croatia and Australia for an art exhibit entitled, Humanity United, inthe UN Secretariat Lobby from 14-25 June 2004. The opening reception willtake place on Tuesday 15 June from 6.30 - 8.30 pm.Mr. Billich was commissioned to paint East Timor's official independencepainting. He was also commissioned to paint a piece in honor of the 50thanniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross that now hangsat that organization's Headquarters, his New York Cityscape hangs in thePort Authority, he presented a painting to the Pope, and this artist has animpressive CV of accolades that include Australia's official OlympicArtist and 2000 Sports Artist of the Year. He has amazing talent - stampsof his terra cotta soldiers are currently in use in China .Mr. Billich's official website will provide more detailed information atwww.billich.com.au .If any other information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact me.Best regards,Claudia_______________________Claudia AbateConference OfficerMeeting Servicing UnitUN Room S1B-02212-963-9855abate@un.org   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5085/1/E.html   "My Head Lost into the Stars" by Vlasta Mijac vlasta.mijac@st.htnet.hr   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Danijel Zezelj at Gardner Museum in Boston http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5084/1/E-Danijel-Zezelj-at-Gardner-Museum-in-Boston.html  Danijel Zezelj at Gardner Museum  May 16, 2005BOSTON, MA.- The Gardner Museum celebrates a milestone in its 13-year-old contemporary arts program this summer with Stray Dogs, graphic illustrations by its 50th Artist-in-Residence, Croatia-born cartoonist and illustrator Danijel Zezelj. Merging a quasi-documentary style with darkly poetic and musical sensibilities, Stray Dogs explores the hauntingly dark side of human experience. ZezeljÀ™s project is a boldly impressionistic representation of the world as he sees it. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition, a graphic novel by the same name, Stray Dogs, takes the form of a memoir for a woman journalist. Part illustrated biography, part dreamlike musing, the richly descriptive narrative-in-drawings are a visually eclectic mix of individuals and settings, from moody cityscapes to shadowed interiors that take on themes of exile, solitude, illness, displacement, and growing old in America. The work was inspired, in part, by the artistÀ™s residency at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in May 2004. Danijel Zezelj is a cartoonist and illustrator from Zagreb, Croatia. The author of thirteen graphic novels and short comic collections, his work has a hauntingly dark and lonely nature and Kafkaesque illustrations that often examine the darker side of life. For eight years, he lived in Seattle where he worked for The New York Times Book Review and DC Comics. Zezelj now lives in New York City. Stray Dogs also marks a milestone in the Gardner MuseumÀ™s 13-year-old contemporary Artist-in-Residence program, presented in celebration of and by the museumÀ™s 50th Artist-in-Residence. Created in 1992 to continue Mrs. GardnerÀ™s legacy of patronage for contemporary artists and directed under Anne Hawley, Norma Jean Calderwood Director and Pieranna Cavalchini, Curator of Contemporary Art, the Artist-in-Residency program at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum supports and showcases contemporary art and its creation. The Artist-in-Residence program supports artistsÀ™ needs for contemplation and an engaging environment. Visiting artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, composers, installation and performance artists, storytellers and writers live, contemplate and create at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, responding to the MuseumÀ™s intimate installations, architectural beauty, and archival histories to inspire creative thinking, artistic exploration and ideas for new work. 2005 marks a year of contemporary art at the Gardner À“ featuring three consecutive Artist-in-Residence exhibitions and an unprecedented eight visiting contemporary artists. http://www.artdaily.com/section/news/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=13685   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Subrenum performing in Chicago on May 18th, 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5083/1/E-Klapa-Subrenum-performing-in-Chicago-on-May-18th-2005.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds and Pedja Muzijevic at Carnegie May 25, 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5082/1/E-Sylvan-Winds-and-Pedja-Muzijevic-at-Carnegie-May-25-2005.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Jama Jandrokovic at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5081/1/E-Jama-Jandrokovic-at-Lincoln-Centers-Alice-Tully-Hall.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Classical music's Sex and the City World Premiere of Five Lovers - FREE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5080/1/E-Classical-musics-Sex-and-the-City-World-Premiere-of-Five-Lovers---FREE.html  A special complimentary tickets for CROWN readersJama Jandrokovic at the Alice Tully Hall,New York May 20, 2005 at 8 PM Nenad Bach and CROWN invite you to be a special complimentary guest* for a onenight only vocal performance by friend Jama Jandrokovic. After gracing thestages of esteemed venues such as Carnegie and Steinway Halls, Ms.Jandrokovic has returned from touring Europe to make her debut performanceat Alice Tully Hall. Ms Jandrokovic www.jamajandrokovic.com  who has been described by theEuropean press as "graceful...silvery, sonorous...with ecstatic, imaginativeinterpretation" will perform the world premiere of Five Lovers, at LincolnCenter's Alice Tully Hall on Friday, May 20, 2005 at 8 PM. Five Lovers is astaged world premiere concert based on Ms. Jandrokovic's autobiographicalcollection of poetry, which chronicles her romantic journey as a newlysingle young woman in New York City attempting to reinvent herself. Thepoems of Five Lovers have been set to music by American composers LoriLaitman; Luna Pearl Woolf; and the 2004 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Music,Paul Moravec. Five Lovers is directed by Gina Lapinski, stage director atThe Metropolitan Opera.Among the artists also appearing on the program are a Winner of the AmericanBook Award, poet Diana Gioia (who will read from his poetry); and cellistMatt Haimovitz, one of classical music's most adventurous artists, who wasthe first classical artist to play at New York's infamous CBGB club, in aperformance that was filmed by ABC News for its half-hour feature,'Nightline UpClose.' Five Lovers May 20, 2005 at 8 PMAlice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing ArtsTickets: $40, $30, $20Available at the Alice Tully Box Office (212) 875-5050CenterCharge (212) 721-6500online at www.lincolncenter.org *To reserve your complimentary tickets please send an email to Linda Wardlinda@jamajandrokovic.com  by May 18th. All tickets will be left at the Alice Tully Box Office for pick up ý hour before the performance.For in-depth project information including sound files, poetry and moreplease visit www.jamajandrokovic.com.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Freedom from Despair Draws Large Crowds in Ontario http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5079/1/E-Freedom-from-Despair-Draws-Large-Crowds-in-Ontario.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Studying the Jewish community in Zagreb, book coming out http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5078/1/E-Studying-the-Jewish-community-in-Zagreb-book-coming-out.html  Studying the Jewish community in Zagreb, book coming out Someone you should know: Nila Ginger Hofmanby Jeannette CastilloStaff WriterA number of professors are involved in national and international communities, Dr. Nila Ginger Hofman, a professor in the department of anthropology, has been studying the Jewish community in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Dr. Hofman came to the United States in 1984 from the Netherlands. Dr. Hofman has been studying the Jewish community in Zagreb and, based on her involvement and hard work in the Jewish community, she will have a book coming out titled, ÀœRenewed Survival: Jewish Community Life in Croatia.À? Dr. Hofman came to DePaul in the fall of 2001 and worked for the department of international studies for two years. She then joined the department of anthropology in the fall of 2003. ÀœI really like teaching at DePaul which provides a great opportunity for students to learn outside of classroom through a number of courses including Discover and Explore Chicago. I also much enjoy the diverse body of students studying at DePaul,À? said Dr. Hofman. ÀœI have been involved with a number of action-based research projects in and around Chicago. Some of them have involved DePaul students as co-researchers. These projects range from working with women who inject heroin to undocumented immigrants. ÀœThe objective of my courses is to inspire critical, creative and analytical thinking in students. DePaulÀ™s focus on experiential and service learning allows me the opportunity to move learning and teaching outside of the classroom,À? said Hofman. http://www.thedepaulia.com/story.asp?artid=807&sectid=1   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 20 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Feelings almost too deep for tears DENNIS KUCINICH http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5092/1/E-Feelings-almost-too-deep-for-tears-DENNIS-KUCINICH.html ÂFeelings almost too deep for tears - Freedom from DespairDENNIS KUCINICH "First of all, I want to thank Brenda for what is really an achievement in following your father’s story and sharing it with the world. It’s an important story. As I was watching this I was reminded of some words from a poem by Wordsworth where he talks about feelings that almost were too deep for tears….That’s why this work by Brenda is so important because it really reflects a broader human experience of war itself and the genesis of war, the idea of the inevitability of war. We really need to challenge that thinking which produces war. Your work gets into the thinking and the ideology of war, the violation of human rights which precedes war…..One of the things that I think was so important in the film was this meeting a hall where one of the persons stood up and said “look, they…” at this point we know who “they” were, “they don’t really care about Croatians. They don’t care about the Serbians either!” In a sense people were left without any kind of help from the world outside. It was almost as if it was their thing and we shouldn’t get involved. You told the story in depth that needed to be told about the suffering of the Croatian people…..We can never excuse violence of any kind, but I think when you see the human experience that has occurred here, it’s so profound when we start to realize the tragedy, the human tragedy on such a scale that effects so many people that it leaves an indelible imprint on people, makes it very hard to let go of the war, but you did this! The thing that is so powerful here, you really did this without any hatred. There was no hatred here. This was not a propaganda film. Anybody who would try to label it that didn’t see it! Because you did it without any bitterness, without any hatred and you did it, in a sense, the escape from despair here, is really a celebration of the human spirit, that’s why it is so powerful. I mean really, she deserves so much credit for making this film." Âhttp://www.freedomfromdespair.com/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "I Miss Communism" by Ines Wurth http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5091/1/E-I-Miss-Communism-by-Ines-Wurth.html ÂâI Miss Communismâ€? by Ines Wurth and Mark SoperRunning time: about 70 minutesMy name is Ines Wurth and I am from Croatia. It's not in Asia, but it is in Europe between east and west. And it is a part of Yugoslavia. kind of. And it is Communist. . . Well, kind of. There are very few rules and regulations in communism. The freedom of an individual has no limits. The system provides basic needs and the foundation for any human being. Mother government owns everything. No need to be a grown up.I miss Communism. Kind of. Why? Because. It all started four years ago. After a busy, hectic day, I mentioned to my boyfriend that I missed Communism and he passed Hagen Daaz Vanilla ice cream out of his nose. East goes West; communism goes capitalism; atheism goes God. From Croatia to America and back, my story is about three generations of women who lived through three wars in a drama with intense comic moments that won't leave you untouched. It's what I was raised in, it's what I came to America to escape from, and it's what I ran back to.I miss Communism.It's about freedom of the spirit not the systems.It's about a woman coming of age.It's about religion.It's about war.It's about Oliver Twist.http://imisscommunism.com/ Also, as you can see on the website I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!My theater in Edinburgh is affiliated with 59E59Theaters in Manhattan, a very reputable theater inNYC, on 59th and Park Av.It's a brand new theater, amazingly designed by afellow Croatian, total coincidence, who won all kindsof awards for the design of this building.It looks pretty impressive I must admit.You can go to their website if you're interested.http://www.59e59.org/frameset.htmorhttp://www.primarystages.com/ They picked a few shows, mine being one, to have a runin NY, as they call it, pre-Edinburgh.I'm gonna be performing in NY for a week, from July12-16th, in case you're there or you can tell friendsthat live in NY.I'm beyond excited. It's an amazing opportunity.Thank you and have an amazing week.Ineswww.imisscommunism.com 818 760 2411 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR" SCREENINGS IN CANADA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5090/1/E-FREEDOM-FROM-DESPAIR-SCREENINGS-IN-CANADA.html ÂFREEDOM FROM DESPAIR SCREENINGS IN CANADA"Freedom from Despair," the award-winning documentary film by Brenda Brkusic is playing inToronto, Hamilton, Oakville, and Mississauga MAY 13-15, 2005 onlyPlease mark the following screenings on your calendar: Friday, May 13 - Toronto8 pm at Our Lady Queen of Croatia Parish Address: 7 Croatia St, Toronto guest: Brenda BrkusicSaturday, May 14 - Hamilton7 pm at Holy Cross Croatian Catholic ChurchAddress: 1883 King St E., Hamiltonguest: Brenda BrkusicSunday, May 15 - Oakville1 pm at Croatian Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity Address: 2110 Trafalgar Road, Oakvilleguest: Brenda BrkusicSunday, May 15 - Mississauga 7 pm at the Rogers Theatre in the Living Arts Centre(Beside Mississauga's Civic Centre and Square One Shopping Centre)Address: 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga guest: Brenda BrkusicÂSeating is limited - please call Erica Zlomislic to reserve a seat for this event - 416.428.7703A note from The Croatian National Association: This highly acclaimed film is truly the story of all Croatians and the Croatian National Association (Udruga) is proud to sponsor the showing of this film with the generous support of volunteers. You will also be able to meet and speak to Brenda Brkusic in person. This is a fundraiser for Brenda to be able to continue promoting the film. If you think as highly of this film as we do your donation will be gratefully accepted after the screening. If you can not make it to the screening, please visit the film's website www.freedomfromdespair.com for more information on how to donate to the film. Please remember, if we support each other's events, not only will they be more profitable, they'll also be more fun! Zivili!!!Milan VukovicPresident, Croatian National Association, Los AngelesA note from Amnesty International:Brenda Brkusic’s documentary is an example of sublime filmmaking that poignantly tells the story of one brave man and translates his experience into powerful and compelling statements about the human spirit, political agendas, and global responsibility. I would like personally thank Brenda for this film. I believe that those who see it will understand the tragedy that engulfed Croatia and the hope that exists today. Amnesty International commends Brenda for this filmic achievement and we hope that she continues to bring socially conscious films to the attention of audiences around the world." Bonnie AbaunzaPresident of Artists for Amnesty International, Los AngelesHrvatsko Slovo Newspaper review of the film:http://www.croatianworld.net/CROWNframes.htm?http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/4653.htmBay Area News review of the film:http://www.croatianworld.net/CROWNframes.htm?http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/5091.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach - Video Press Kit 1990 - 2000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5089/1/E-Nenad-Bach---Video-Press-Kit-1990---2000.html ÂNenad Bach - Video Press Kit 1990 - 2000on Lijepa NasaÂhttp://www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/ videowww.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/video05/nb.wmv  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Roads Come Back to You by Nenad Bach - This week only http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5087/1/E-The-Roads-Come-Back-to-You-by-Nenad-Bach---This-week-only.html ÂThis week only"The Roads Come Back to You" by Nenad Bachwith the band:Garth Hudson (The Band)Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead)Graham Maybe (Joe Jackson)Blue Adriatic from San FranciscoGary Burke (Joe Jackson, Bob Dylan)click on www.CroatianHistory.net and turn on the speakers. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) IMOTSKI on Modro Jezero pages http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5086/1/EH-IMOTSKI-on-Modro-Jezero-pages.html ÂIMOTSKI -www.ModroJezero.orghttp://www.modrojezero.org/ Modro Jezero pages are pages about Imotski nature, history, and culture. Thepages contain an extensive collection of high quality photographs and othermultimedia. Modro jezero is the central subject of the pages, but the othernatural beauties like Red Lake, Lokviccicci lekes, river Vrljika, andBiokovo mountain are also well represented. Imotski town quarters arepresented in detail with numerous photographs and accompanied descriptions.The history pages deal with Imotski county, Imotski town, and 1000 years oldImotski fortress separately. There are also extensive collections of etno,cultural, and sports pages as well as a multitude of interactive maps.ÂModrojezero.org stranice su nastale kao skromni prilog o Imotskoj krajini naengleskom govornom podruccju oko Thanksgiving praznika 2002-e. Iako imajako mnogo turisticckih informacija i mnosstvo, za web kvalitetnihfotografija, stranice za sada visse tezze referentnoj svrsi da potaknudetaljna istrazzivanja o prirodi i povjesti Imotskoga. Poccetkom 2004-eobjavljene je i kolekcija slika o Juzznoj Dalmaciji na pridruzzenimstranicama dalmacija.modrojezero.org.http://www.modrojezero.org/ Modro Jezero stranice obradjuju Imotsku prirodu, povjest i kulturu. Stranicesadrže opsežnu kolekciju kvalitetnih fotografija, starih razglednica i mapao Imotskom i Imotskoj krajini. Od prirodnih ljepota Modro Jezero zauzimacentralno mjesto, ali su zastupljeni u dobroj mjeri Crveno jezero,Lokvicciccka jezera, rijeka Vrljika i planina Biokovo. Grad Imotski jeobradjen po svojim ccetvrtima uz detaljne legende. Povijesne straniceposebno obradjuju Imotski, tvrdjavu Topanu i Imotsku krajinu. Na webu senalaze mnogobrojne interaktivne mape, kao i etno, kulturne i povjesnestranice. Stranice su uglavnom pisane na Engleskom.ÂHrabri Raich letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Artists from Croatia and Africa Create Images Based on Neckwear http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5093/1/E-Artists-from-Croatia-and-Africa-Create-Images-Based-on-Neckwear.html Â"The Challenge of the Tie: Artists from Croatia and Africa Create Images Based on Neckwear" Â2005-04-17 until 2005-04-28 gordart Gallery Johannesburg, , ZA South Africa The Republic of Croatia is launching the third leg of its international art exhibition The Challenge of the Tie in South Africa during April. The Challenge of the Tie is part of a cultural journey that serves to promote cultural linkages between Croatia and other states while at the same time promoting one of the most famous Croatian symbols, the tie, which originated in Croatia. The project is the integral part of the existing Cultural Cooperation Agreement between the governments of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of South Africa. The tie is the dominant theme of an art collection that was launched at the Eduardo Villa Museum at the University of Pretoria on 6th April by H.E. Dr M. Zupanic, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to South Africa. The exhibition travels to the gordart Gallery, 78 3rd Street, Melville, Johannesburg, from 17 to 28 April. The art exhibition, that features unique works of art with the tie as the central theme, will travel to cultural centers in at least 20 countries around the globe over the next few years and the exhibits by African artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya, Botswana and Nigeria, along with more than 60 artists from Croatia will thus continue to receive enormous international exposure. The South African leg of the exhibition provides a demonstration of the Croatian cultural bridge between the tie, as an original Croatian creation and African art, the motifs of which appear on a special range of Croatia ties designed and manufactured specifically for the South African leg of the cultural journey. http://www.absolutearts.com/artsnews/2005/04/18/32927.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Actor Zeljko Ivanek co-stars with Billy Crudup and Jeff Goldblum http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5098/1/E-Actor-Zeljko-Ivanek-co-stars-with-Billy-Crudup-and-Jeff-Goldblum.html ÂA Man Called ZeljkoActor Zeljko Ivanek co-stars with Billy Crudup and Jeff Goldblum in The Pillowman.By: Michael PortantiereÂZeljko Ivanek(Photo  Michael Portantiere) Even if you don't know and/or can't pronounce Zeljko Ivanek's name, chances are that you're familiar with his face. Aside from his stage appearances on Broadway in such shows as Two Shakespearean Actors, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and the 1994 revival of The Glass Menagerie, Off-Broadway in A Map of the World, Cloud 9, and the Peter Brook production of The Cherry Orchard, and in London in Neil LaBute's bash, Ivanek has a long list of regional theater credits. On top of all that, he's had recurring roles in the TV series OZ and Homicide: Life on the Street, while his films include Mass Appeal, Donnie Brasco, Dogville, and the recent remake of The Manchurian Candidate. Now, Ivanek is co-starring in The Pillowman, Martin McDonagh's comedy-drama about a fiction writer in a totalitarian state who is interrogated about the gruesome content of his stories and their similarities to strange incidents occurring in his town. The play had its world premiere at the National Theatre in London last year, and Ivanek saw it there "on one of my semi-annual theater binges when I go to London for about a week and see 12 shows in seven days." I spoke with the New York-based actor shortly after he began rehearsals for the Broadway production, which is set to open on April 10 at the Booth Theatre. ******************** THEATERMANIA: You've just begun working on The Pillowman. How's it going? ZELJKO IVANEK: I've known that I was going to be doing this since last June, so it's been a long process getting to the first day of rehearsal. The nicest thing about reading through the play with the other actors was that it reminded me how entertaining it is. TM: John Crowley, who directed the play in London, is also directing the Broadway production. Would you say that he's reconceiving it? ZI: No. Martin's here, too, and they work very much in tandem. It doesn't feel like we're remounting something that's been finished; it feels like we're figuring out what exactly is going on from moment to moment in the play. Martin writes very clearly and with very specific intentions, but there are shifts that are constantly happening in the play, so the first job is figuring all that out. I can't remember the last time I saw a play that shifted gears so many times; whenever you think it's going off in one direction, it upends your expectations and turns into something else. The ending really kicks your legs out from under you. TM: Most of McDonagh's other plays are notable for shocking moments of onstage violence. Is that the case with this one? ZI: I don't know if I want to answer that! I think there are shocking moments in it, but they're shocking for various reasons. The play certainly has a lot of surprises. TM: Billy Crudup plays the writer, and you and Jeff Goldlbum play the interrogators. Is it a good cop/bad cop situation? ZI: That's part of the dynamic, but there's also a lot going on between the cops that complicates things. The setting of the play isn't specified, so we're not doing accents or anything. It's just some vaguely Eastern European-feeling, totalitarian world. I'm not even sure if the time is very clear. Is it this decade or 10 years ago? But I love the play. It gives you the kind of experience that you don't quite get from movies or books; there's something so theatrical about it. TM: You did bash in London. I was wondering if you see any similarities between the work of Neil LaBute and Martin McDonagh. ZI: Well, they've both written a lot of plays, so it's very tricky to generalize, but I do think they have two things in common. One is a sense of language; they both write dialogue that's incredibly actable and very juicy. It's fun to have those words to play with in both cases. Also, I think they both enjoy playing with the audience in certain ways, but they don't just try to wind you up. There's much more than that going on. TM: Tell me about The Glass Menagerie. The play is back on Broadway right now with Jessica Lange and Christian Slater, but you played Tom in the 1994 Roundabout production with Julie Harris and Calista Flockhart. What was that experience like? ZI: I've known the play for a long time and I love it. It's one of those plays where, the older you get, the more you understand what's going on among the people in this family, how much they love each other even though they're driving each other crazy. That's what Julie brought to it -- the sense of loving her children to the point of smothering them. But the warmth of that was amazing.TM: I've always wanted to talk to you about the 1986 TV production of All My Sons that you were in. It was the best performance of that piece that I've ever seen, live or on screen. ZI: That was an American Playhouse production with a great cast: James Whitmore, Aidan Quinn, Joan Allen, and Michael Learned. Jack O'Brien directed it and we had a good amount of rehearsal time; it felt close to rehearsing a stage play. Since it was a TV production, we stressed the intimacy of the piece, which is one of the greatest things about it. The production design was kind of theatrical, not completely realistic, but it still somehow put you in a very specific world. It's really hard to watch TV versions of plays that are just shot in a theater with an audience, because there's almost no way to balance how close the camera gets with the fact that you're still delivering a performance for 1,000 people. TM: Do you feel that you have a good mix of theater, TV, and film projects to your credit? ZI: Yes. I go to L.A. in the spring for pilot season or if I've got a specific job, but I've somehow managed to keep that up without having to be there full-time. L.A. is fine but I don't want to live there; it's too much of a company town, whereas when you're in New York, you're part of a larger world and not a self-enclosed environment. TM: Were you ever under a lot of pressure to change your name? ZI: No. Part of the reason was that I came to New York with my Equity card already in hand; I'd gotten it at Williamstown, and some agents had seen me there, too. When I arrived here, they immediately started sending me out on appointments and I signed with them about a week later, so I kind of skipped the part where I had to sell myself a lot to people. I do remember meeting some casting person who suggested that maybe Ivan Cole would be a better name for me, but it seemed weird to suddenly have a different name at the age of twenty-whatever. I couldn't quite fathom that, or my parents saying, "That's our son with the unrecognizable name!" http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/5845  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bosnian Laureate The mystical poetry of Nikola Sop http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5097/1/E-Bosnian-Laureate-The-mystical-poetry-of-Nikola-Sop.html  Bosnian Laureate The mystical poetry of Nikola Sop Miracle, miracle. We are leaning over and looking At the night overturned.What used to be above us, high up, A soaring vault, Is now flying, moving, swaying, Deep below us. Already we have forgotten clouds and winds and rains. Here at the summit of overturned space, Are we not ourselves-- Our own breath? translated by W.H. Auden. by Stephen Schwartz 04/18/2005, Volume 010, Issue 29 THIRTY-SIX YEARS AGO, Melvin J. Lasky, editor of Encounter, wrote to a Croatian literary translator living in Canada, B.S. Brusar. The subject was a Bosnian poet of Croat origin, Nikola Sop (1904-1982), whose name is pronounced shop.Encounter published several poems by Sop, in versions first rendered into English by Brusar and then recast by no less a figure than W.H. Auden. They were curious works. Sop was a Christian mystic, a schoolteacher, and a translator of the Latin classics, as well as of Renaissance Croatian poets who also wrote in Latin. But at the end of the 1950s, he began composing uniquely inspired verse about space and the human awareness of the cosmos. He titled a collection of these writings Astralia.Among the best of Sop's poems in this distinctive genre is one titled "Space Visits," published in Encounter's May 1965 issue. Its first section opens, in the Audenized version:Miracle, miracle. We are leaning over and looking At the night overturned.What used to be above us, high up, A soaring vault, Is now flying, moving, swaying, Deep below us. Already we have forgotten clouds and winds and rains. Here at the summit of overturned space, Are we not ourselves-- Our own breath?The original poem contains an extra line, between the third and fourth stanzas: "Nothing more above us." The work continues, with 16 further sections, none of them bearing the flavor of science fiction or astronautical adventures. Nonetheless, they engage effectively with the concept of living away from the earth. "Here space comes to an end," Sop writes. Further on, he conjures up alien beings, whom he describes as "Faces unseen until now, though once well known. . . . They come walking, flying, walking, walking."The poem "Space Visits" concludes with an evocation of the sole common item between earthly creatures and these beings: bread. "Bread they know, bread they break and share: But your face is strange to them."Sop's publications in Encounter comprise two more long poems, "Cottages in Space" (November 1969) and "Space Scene With Rooster" (June 1971), all redone by Auden and co-signed with his name as translator. Unsurprisingly, they do not figure in Auden's 1991 Collected Poems, edited by Edward Mendelson. For Auden, they doubtless represented a trivial affair, tossed off at the behest of Lasky. But the English poet wrote generously of Sop as "considered by many of his compatriots to be the best living Croatian poet." This is an exaggeration, for Croatian poetry, like Polish, Czech, and Hungarian verse, produced many great talents throughout the 20th century.Auden also noted that Sop was "crippled for life during Hitler's bombardment of Belgrade in 1941." Sop returned Auden's admiration, commenting in an interview with the co-translator Brusar, "When 40 years ago in my poetry Jesus appeared as I saw and felt him, he was exactly such as W.H. Auden imagines him in his eminent essay on Christianity and art: Jesus a child, and Jesus crucified . . . Auden is the first to, in a way, object [to] modern technology eager to subjugate poetry, subordinate it, make it celebrate discoveries."Thus Sop insisted that his "space poetry" had nothing to do with commemorating or extolling the space explorations of either the Soviets or the Americans. "I have been sneaking through space since long ago," he said. One might presume that Sop, as a Croat Catholic, had turned to the furthest skies as a metaphorical place to escape the cult of mechanistic progress under Yugoslav socialism. But he also evoked his childhood in Bosnia in a way that makes his propensity for speculation about the heavens obvious.Describing the road between his birthplace in the old city of Jajce, the seat of Croat rulers in Bosnia, and Banja Luka, a larger town today controlled exclusively by Serbs, he recalls, "Sometimes, when as a student I walked on the magic way, a dense night caught up with me, billowing blackly behind me while in front it was only beginning to get dark. And now imagine that distance between me and the night incessantly behind my heels. And how should I not be inspired in such a country. I should not exchange for anything that loneliness."Melvin Lasky commissioned three more poems by Sop for Encounter, but did not publish them. Yet in 1969 Lasky wrote to Brusar with characteristic enthusiasm, promising "we will try to popularize Sop the same way we did [Jorge Luis] Borges." Anybody who met Lasky will immediately recognize him in this remark, for he ran to excess. In reality, although Encounter published some stories by Borges in the early 1960s, it could hardly be said to have "popularized" him. Borges remained unknown in Britain for quite a long time, according to a new biography by Edward Williamson. When he came there to lecture in 1963, after three of his stories had appeared in Encounter, the sharp-tongued Philip Larkin inquired contemptuously, "Who is Jorge Luis Borges?"Lasky's effusions notwithstanding, Sop, unlike the Argentine Borges, remains unfamiliar except to readers of his native tongue. He appears in none of the standard, prolific dictionaries and handbooks of world literature, which fill a whole alcove of the Library of Congress--except in the indispensable and always-surprising Cassell's Encyclopedia of World Literature, issued in three volumes in 1973. There it is mentioned that Sop depicted "Jesus as a simple man in everyday life." Sop's sensitive face now appears on the currency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, along with that of the country's many other distinguished writers--most of them equally unrecognized outside the South Slav lands.The very existence of these Auden-edited "space epics" would be forgotten had the Croatian Writers' Association not produced a pocket edition of them, supplemented by other poems, under the title Auden's Sop, in 1997. It is still in print, but like other excellent volumes produced in English in Croatia (typically in faultless translations), it does not circulate in the United States.Bosnia is a country mostly covered, even now, with dense, virgin forest. The deep mysticism of Nikola Sop, his engagement with solitude, night, and transcendence, is familiar to anybody who has spent time in that environment. His vision of the sky overturned, and a platform from which to look down into the void and the stars, has an immediate resonance for those who walk through Balkan nights, when the nearness of the astral bodies and the thickness of the dark seem palpable to all, not just to sensitive children. In "Cottages in Space," again in lines redone by Auden, Sop summons upCottages in space, and windows With a breath-taking view into fathomless abysses. Open your door, and from your threshold, Descend to the next cottage, Swinging through space. You'll leave no footprints, you'll find no traces.This fantasy universe returns the author not only to bread, but to other mundane delights, which the son of the Bosnian soil can never leave behind. In "Space Scene With Rooster," which includes an image of Noah's Ark, Sop writes,. . . already bewitched by transfiguration I could hardly tear myself away From the memory Of strawberries, Of peaches, And other tasty Terrestrial fruits.It is doubtless of little interest to Anglo-American readers that W.H. Auden should be associated with an obscure Croatian versifier. But there is something more to this tale, something that deserves to be noted and remembered. When he died last year, at the age of 84, the irrepressible Mel Lasky, with his Lenin beard and anti-Stalinist pedigree, was memorialized in most of the Western media only because Encounter had been partly financed by the Central Intelligence Agency. Daily obituary writers referred to the magazine as if it had been merely an ideological newsletter for knuckle-dragging commie-bashers.Thus, Adam Bernstein wrote in the Washington Post, "Once called England's 'leading highbrow magazine,' Encounter derived its influence not from its circulation--which peaked at about 40,000 in the 1960s--but from its high-profile readership." In reality, no periodical earns its authority by dint of its readers. Encounter's prestige was based on its contributors, its spirit of controversy, and its commitment to excellence. Ian Hamilton was said to have described Encounter as "the only literary journal whose publication day he had genuinely longed for during his lifetime." The literary history the Croatian Writers' Association chose to dig out of their memory and preserve is not only that of Auden's Sop, but of Melvin Lasky in London, casting his glance in all directions, seeking new intellectual energies wherever they were to be found.Those who had no chance to read Encounter in its heyday will never know what they missed, and we may never be able to communicate to our children the passion which we brought to such experiences. The Croats, at least, have something tangible to remind them. We owe them a debt of gratitude for reminding us.Stephen Schwartz is a frequent contributor to The Weekly Standard. Auden citations by permission of Edward Mendelson.ˆ Copyright 2005, News Corporation, Weekly Standard, All Rights Reserved.Send comments to cuv@netzero.net    letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Freedom from Despair at the Artivist Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5096/1/E-Freedom-from-Despair-at-the-Artivist-Film-Festival.html ÂFREEDOM FROM DESPAIRScreens at ARTIVIST FILM FESTIVAL -APRIL 23, 8:00 PM, Egyptian Theatre in HollywoodBrenda Brkusic’s debut film, FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR, will have a Los Angeles screening at the Artivist Film Festival on April 23, 2005. The mission of the Artivist Film Festival is "merging art and activism for global consciousness." The screening of this moving film will be followed by a spirited Human Rights Forum with the cast and the director. Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the New York International Independent Film Festival, the Viewer’s Voice Award at the Cinequest Film Festival and the Golden Reel Award at the Tiburon International Film Festival, FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR is a riveting, feature-length documentary that has won awards at many film festivals as it touches and inspires audiences everywhere it plays.For advance tickets and more information regarding the screening and forum -www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=26381 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CONRESSMAN KUCINICH to attend FFD screening http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5095/1/E-CONRESSMAN-KUCINICH-to-attend-FFD-screening.html ÂCONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH TO ATTEND FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR SCREENING! Freedom From Despair Screens at ARTIVIST FILM FESTIVAL -APRIL 23, 8:00 PM, Egyptian Theatre in HollywoodBrenda Brkusic’s debut film, FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR, will have a Los Angeles screening at the Artivist Film Festival on April 23, 2005, 8 PM in the Egyptian Theatre's 600 seat theatre. The mission of the Artivist Film Festival is "merging art and activism for global consciousness." 2004 US Presidential Candidate Congressman Dennis Kucinich and interviewee in Brenda Brkusic's film FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR is coming to LA as Brenda's special guest just for the screening of FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR at the Artivist Film Festival. The screening of this moving film will be followed by a spirited Human Rights Forum including a Q and A with the film's director Brenda Brkusic, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and famous cast members, John Savage, Beata Pozniak and Michael York (York is not yet confirmed), as well as Michael McAdams, author of the book Croatia: Myth and Reality. Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the New York International Independent Film Festival, the Viewer’s Voice Award at the Cinequest Film Festival and the Golden Reel Award at the Tiburon International Film Festival, FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR is a riveting, feature-length documentary that has won awards at many film festivals as it touches and inspires audiences everywhere it plays.For advance tickets and more information regarding the screening and forum -www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=26381 or www.artivist.us orwww.freedomfromdespair.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Is Image Everything? Western Stereotypes of Croatia and Croatians http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5094/1/EH-Is-Image-Everything-Western-Stereotypes-of-Croatia-and-Croatians.html ÂIs Image Everything? Western Stereotypes of Croatia andCroatiansOn Saturday, April 23, 2005, starting at 7:00 P.M., an important lecture will take place at St. Jerome's Parish small upper hall, 2823 S. Princeton Ave., Chicago. Dr. James Sadkovich, professor of history, will give a lecture:Is Image Everything? Western Stereotypes of Croatia and Croatians.Dr. Sadkovich has published numerous books, articles and book reviews. His most recent publications are: The US Media and Yugoslavia, 1991-1995 (Praeger, 1998); "Argument, Persuasion, and Anecdote: The Usefulness of History to Understanding Conflict," Polemos (2002); "Italian Service Histories and Fascist Italy's War Effort," in Robin Higham, ed., The Writing of Official Military History (Greenwood, 1999); "North Africa and the Mediterranean Theater, 1939-1945," in L. E. Lee, ed., World War II in Europe, Africa, and the Americas (Greenwood, 1997), and more. Presently, he is writing a political biography of Franjo Tudjman, the late president of Croatia.The lecture is sponsored by the Chicago branch of the Croatian Cultural Society "Napredak". After the lecture, refreshments will be served and the guests will have the chance of meeting Dr. Sadkovich.See you on Saturday, April 23 at 7:00 P.M.!VAZNO PREDAVANJEU subotu, 23. travnja 2005., u gornjoj maloj dvorani zupe Sv. Jeronima, 2823 S. Princeton Ave. u Chicagu, s pocetkom u 7 sati navecer, Dr. James Sadkovich, profesor povijesti, odrzat ce predavanje: Is Image Everything? Western Stereotypes of Croatia and Croatians.Dr. Sadkovich je poznati drustveni znanstvenik hrvatskog prodrijetla i autor mnogih knjiga i clanaka. Samo zadnjih nekoliko godina objavio je slijedece: The US Media and Yugoslavia, 1991-1995 (Praeger, 1998); "Argument, Persuasion, and Anecdote: The Usefulness of History to Understanding Conflict," Polemos (2002); "Italian Service Histories and Fascist Italy's War Effort," in Robin Higham, ed., The Writing of Official Military History (Greenwood, 1999); "North Africa and the Mediterranean Theater, 1939-1945," in L. E. Lee, ed., World War II in Europe, Africa, and the Americas (Greenwood, 1997).Trenutacno istrazuje i pise politicku biografiju Dr. Franje Tudjmana, prvog predsjednika Republike Hrvatske.Predavanje organizira i sponzorira HKD "Napredak" - ogranak u Chicagu. Poslije predavanja, uz osvjezujuca pica i zakusku, moci cete upoznati Dr. Sadkovicha.Izlaganje ce biti na engleskom. Pozivamo posebice mladju generaciju Hrvata u Chicagu da dodju i cuju ovo zanimljivo i vrijedno izlaganje da bi sto bolje upoznali prilike s kojima se suocavaju Hrvati u svijetu u kojem zivimo.Svi ste dobro dosli i vidimo se 23. travnja u 7:00 PM! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Move over Sponge Bob http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5100/1/E-Move-over-Sponge-Bob.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Salsa, Cuban Ska, and Oregonian Mambo http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5099/1/E-Croatian-Salsa-Cuban-Ska-and-Oregonian-Mambo.html ÂCroatian Salsa, Cuban Ska, and Oregonian MamboÂCroatian Salsa, Cuban Ska, and Oregonian Mambo!? These are Three of the Unlikely Gems Listeners Will Find on the New Afro-Latin Party CD ÂOp-edBRAVO Cubismo. You made it and you have our support.Nenad BachCD Release Date: April 2005 Putumayo’s Afro-Latin Party Ricochets from Cuba to Africa…and Beyond New York, NY--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--April 7, 2005--Central to the Afro-Latin phenomenon is Africando, who provide three songs on Afro-Latin Party, each with a different African lead singer. In the 1960s and 1970s, the biggest names in African music were performing Latin music, thanks to vinyl that came over from abroad. It is not surprising to find Nuyorican Josà Mangual Jr. on the collection. His song, “Ritmo con AchÃ,” celebrates the African roots in Latino culture. Nor is it a shock to hear Chico Ã?lvarez on the set. He sings “CÃgele el Gusto,” a song made popular by Celia Cruz in the early 1960s. It was also one of the earliest tracks to use the word salsa to describe Afro-Cuban dance music. Things get interesting when Ska Cubano’s “Babalu” rings through the sound system. With old school Cuban players and a young, stylish ska singer from South London, this band is sure to make waves as Americans hear more from them in the future. Cubismo—whose presence on this album confirms the global reach of Afro-Latin music—is not only Croatia’s best salsa band, they pride themselves on being able to compete with the hottest groups out of New York or Havana. Portland, Oregon’s Pepe and the Bottle Blondes deck themselves out with an updated 1950s kitsch mambo delivery.“CuÃntame Que Te PasÔ. Also Congo-born Ricardo Lemvo, who is equally at home singing in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, and Kikongo. The CD is rounded out with a salsified Martinique classic performed by Martinique-born, Paris-based zouk Ronald Rubinel.Even with all the geographic and era crisscrossing on the album, at its core Afro-Latin Party is still a dance record beckoning party-goers to traverse the planet while they navigate the dance-floor. In the past 11 years, Putumayo World Music has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations of great international music characterized by the company's motto: "guaranteed to make you feel good!" Putumayo is available in over 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. and over 60 countries worldwide. For more information visit http://www.putumayo.com http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news_in.php?id=3993&cha=7  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Daniella Invites you to her concert in New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5108/1/E-Daniella-Invites-you-to-her-concert-in-New-York-City.html ÂDaniella Invites you to her concert in New York CityHi Eveyone,How is everyone enjoying the rainy spring?Hope you're as patient as I am and looking forward to the days filled with more sunshine...Please join me for the two upcoming gigs in the city:WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30TH, 9:45PM, NO COVERCAFE VIVALDI, 32 JONES STREET, 212-691-7538, CAFEVIVALDI.COMEthan Cohen Fine Arts Gallery &Caffe Vivaldi host The Post Opening Party at Caffe VivaldiforQinFeng Signature of the Spirit Dragon InkDrinks, Dinner, and Jazz WITH DANIELLA AND JOE***THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH, 7:30PM, $8 COVER CHARGEALPHABET LOUNGE, 104 AVENUE C, 212-780-0202`dont' miss this great set of uplifting original music with the great musicians`DANIELLA - VOCALSJOE KAPLOWITZ- ORGANHENDRICK HELMER - GUITARUWE PETERSON - DRUMShope to see you there...peace, love and joy to all...If we take time to look into our hearts, we willultimately feel complete and connected... within ourself and as part of the human family. Daniella http://lella.iuma.com 917 539 1347 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cinema Croatia - directions & parking http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5107/1/E-Cinema-Croatia---directions--parking.html ÂÂwww.cinemacroatia.com ÂDirections EGYPTIAN THEATRE 6712 Hollywood Boulevard , Los Angeles , CA 90028 Directions: Between Las Palmas and McCadden, just east of Highland Ave. in Hollywood . Selma Ave. is just south of the theatre. Map Parking: The Hollywood & Highland complex has a $2 for 4 hours rate when you get validated in any shop, restaurant or theatre that is part of that mall OR use your same day Egyptian Theatre stub to receive the $2 rate. YOU MUST TAKE THE STUB to the Customer Service Center (main area between Brookstone's and Oakley's). You can also get a validation at the Egyptian, but be sure to specify that you need a Hollywood & Highland Validation. If you stay longer than 4 hours you pay $1.00 every 20 min. or a $10 flat rate. South of Hollywood Blvd. there are attended lots on McCadden Place and on Las Palmas . Parking is $5-$8 flat rate maximum. There is a Municipal parking lot on Cherokee just north of Hollywood Blvd. on the east side of the street (north of the Egyptian across the street and east of Musso & Frank's) The first two hours are $1. Rates are posted for additional time. Pay in advance. There is also free street parking on Selma and other area side streets. AERO THEATRE 1328 Montana Ave. Santa Monica , CA 90403(at 14 th Street ) Map Parking: Metered & free Street parking is available on Montana Avenue and the cross streets surrounding the Aero. Please check posted signs. North of Montana parking is generally limited to two hours. www.cinemacroatia.com ÂC A M E O production teamAndrea Balen Jack Baric Matko Brljevic-Malinger Ivana Crvelin Igor Kovacevic Ziggy Mrkich E-mail: info@cinemacroatia.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tvrtko Saric and Matej Grahek Flutistically Yours http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5106/1/E-Tvrtko-Saric-and-Matej-Grahek-Flutistically-Yours.html ÂTvrtko Saric and Matej Grahek Flutistically YoursJust before the Easter weekend, we had a real treat at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. A flute/guitar duo consisting of Slovenian flutist Matej Grahek and Croatian guitarist Tvrtko Saric came and gave a double master class and concert. To say that these guys were terrific is a severe understatement.Both are top grade players in their own right, and together they were an inspiration. They played music from Slovenian and Croatian composers, as well as more standard repertoire. In addition, they were both absolutely delightful people to be around. They are interested in everything -- not just music. Their attitude toward music was that it should embrace life, instead of being a hothouse plant that requires special pampering. They were a breath of fresh air, just in time for spring! I'd recommend any college/university, flute society or guitar society to sponsor these two musicians for further concerts. As for myself, I'm waiting for the day their CD comes out!  Flutistically yours,  Suzanne Lord letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Anton Cetin deep-rootedness in the history of Croatian art http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5104/1/E-Anton-Cetin-deep-rootedness-in-the-history-of-Croatian-art.html ÂÂÂwww.antoncetin.com acetineve@sympatico.ca What kind of an image of the woman or the feminine does Anton CetÃn portray? Clearly, it is a woman archetype, an image of Eve, born out of purity and a clarity of perception of a unique being.She is formed from within an inner harmony and supernatural lightness, free from all earthly encumbrance.Anton CetÃn sees Eve as a spiritual entity, one which moves without limitation, and which can be recognized only by those who are prepared to let the wisdom of creation carry on in their own inner selves, a creation in which the human as such is only a small detail.Rudolf Wesner, GermanyBIOAnton CetÃn was born in 1936 in Bojana, Croatia. He studied printmaking and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb where he graduated in 1964.From 1966 to 1968 he lived and worked in Paris, France. In 1967 the image of Eve was born in Paris. Since 1968 he has been living and working in Toronto, Canada as a professional artist.He has held over 100 one-man shows: Isetan Gallery, Tokyo, Japan, 1974; Art Gallery Hamilton, Canada, 1978; Heritage Gallery, Los Angeles, U.S.A.,1979; Galeria Juan Martin, Mexico, D.F., 1979; Salon XX, Bogota, Colombia, 1981; Gilman Galleries, Chicago, U.S.A., 1983; Museum of Art and Craft, Zagreb, 1986 Croatia; Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Toronto, Canada, 1986; Beverly Gordon Gallery, Dallas, U.S.A. 1987; Oberhausmuseum, Passau 1990, Germany; Sony Plaza Art Gallery, Tokyo, Japan, 1991; Gallery 7, Hong Kong, 1993; Museo del Chopo, Mexico, D.F., 1993; Salas Nacionales de Cultura - Palais de Glace, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1994; Museo Mcpl. de Arte J.C. Castagnino, Mar del Plata, Argentina, 1995; Museum and Gallery Center - Gradec, Zagreb, Croatia,1996; City Museum Bjelovar, Croatia, 1997; Gallery Vincent od Kastva I & II, Pula, Croatia, 1997; Gallery of Old and New Masters, Varazdin, Croatia, 1998; Art Gallery, Split, Croatia, 1998; Gallery V. Karas, Karlovac, Croatia, 1999; Art Gallery and Gallery Waldinger, Osijek, Croatia, 2000; Hermann Hesse Museum, Calw, Germany, 2000, Gallery Anton CetÃn, Čazma, Croatia, 2001; Multicultural Art Gallery, Halifax, Canada, 2003; Muzej Mimara, Zagreb, Croatia, 2004; csi..., Vienna, Austria, 2004/2005 and others. He also participated in more than 200 group shows world-wide: Museum of Modern Art, Krakow, Poland, 1972; Palais de la Scala, Monte Carlo, 1973; Brockton Art Center, U.S.A., 1974; Nat. Library of France, Paris, 1978; Colectivo Palmo, Malaga, Spain, 1979; Space Art Gallery, Seoul, S. Korea, 1982; II Cabo Frio Internat. Print Biennial, Brazil, 1985; Nat. Library of Canada, Ottawa, 1990; Art Asia '93, Hong Kong; Olympic Games, Atlanta, U.S.A., 1996; Museum of Modern Art, Shanghai, China, 2000; Point K Gallery, Nice, France, 2001; Circulo del Arte, Barcelona, Spain, Centro HistÃrico, Mexico, D.F., Mexico, 2003 and others. A monograph about the life and work of Anton CetÃn was published in 1986. The text was written by Dr. David Burnett of Toronto. In 1975 he published his first folio of prints Eve and the Moon, and in 1988, together with Croatian writer S. Seselj published a folio Amerika Croatan America containing a poem and prints. In 1989 they were both received by Pope John Paul II in Rome. Two documentary films about CetÃn's life and work were produced, one in 1990 in Passau, Germany and one in 1993 in Toronto, Canada. New monograph about Cetin's life and art was published in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2004. The text was written by Branka Hlevnjak of Zagreb.He has received several awards and honours for his work. In a tribute to his work, the Canadian Croatian Artist Society chose him Artist of The Year for 1986. In 1995 he received from the Government of Croatia two honours: The Order of Croatian Danica (Morning Star) with the image of Marko Marulic and The Order of the The Croatian Interlace, for outstanding merits in the field of culture. In 2001 his works were selected by the prestigious Circulo del Arte, Barcelona, Spain. Also in 2001, in the city of Čazma, Croatia, a gallery was inaugurated in his name. The Gallery Anton CetÃn holds a permanent exhibit of his work.His works are found in museums, galleries and private collections in many countries of the world: Nat. Library of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Collection, Toronto, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Canada, Museum of Art and Craft, Zagreb, Gallery Klovićevi dvori, Zagreb, Nat. and University Library of Croatia, Zagreb; University of Michigan, Dearborn, U.S.A.; Princeton University, U.S.A.; Museo del Chopo, Mexico, D.F.; Salon XX, Bogota, Colombia; Embragel, Cabo Frio, Brazil; Salas Nacionales de Cultura - Palais de Glace, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Vatican Collection; Nat. Library of France, Paris; Oberhausmuseum, Passau, Germany; U.N., Tokyo, Japan; Circulo del Arte, Barcelona, Spain and others. The painting of Anton CetÃn is rich in signs and symbols, with a formal individuality identifiable in its time. It bears the traces of the origins of Croatia and love for the mother country. Simple in composition, and strong in its rhythms, like all poetry, it is yet deeply intimate, and then again it is universal and generally relevant. The painting of Anton CetÃn prompts us to reflection and raises questions; it charges up the emotions and is a spur to our vivacity. Deep-rootedness in the history of Croatian artTo have studied painting at the School of Applied Arts in Zagreb in 1959 in the class of Ivan Sebalj (Zagreb, 1912 - 2002) meant to have acquired firm foundations in painting, not only from the point of view of skills, but also those to do with motivation and inspiration. Ivan Sebalj was a painter who enquired into the problematics of painting, and motif was of no great importance for him. He painted always the same motifs, countless times seek-ing answers to the questions he had asked himself. In the book Uciti umjetnost by Andelka Dobrijevic (Zagreb, Opuzen 1997), in an interview about educational methods, the painter Ivan (Ivo) Sebalj, who from 1961 on also taught at Zagreb's Academy of Fine Arts, explained: The whole system of work was directed towards the acquisition of skills. If we look at the syllabi and curricula of that time, we will see the truth of this claim. Imagine the absurdity of for a whole year nothing but techniques and procedures, lining and the like. These are all the auxiliary techniques that were part of the art of once-upon-a-time, that we can see in the museums, but no longer adapted to a single young chap of nineteen or twenty. I wanted to give students something to lift them, not to be just classroom twaddle.At the School of Applied Arts, Anton CetÃn took his certificate in mural painting, which later proved useful, enabling him to master with ease the large format paintings, even over five metres, to which he devoted himself in the 1980s. It is also one of the reasons why the dimensions of paintings do not constitute a problem for him. At the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb he enrolled into painting, but later switched to printmaking. Although he took his certificate in prints in the class of Marijan Detoni (1964), the painter and printmaker Albert Kinert also had a certain influence on the young CetÃn; he was without doubt the greatest authority in the printmaking department of the Academy in Zagreb as it then was. His islands, shaped in drawing and blotches, seen from the air, like Burned Out Krk of 1962 or the forms in the painting In the Steps of the Prophet from the same year are shaped with a firm graphic form that looks like a sign composed into a finely structured ground. And the same basic definition could well be given to the early works of Anton CetÃn. CetÃn's being rooted in the Croatian history of art of the early fifties and sixties can be seen in his propensities to phantasmagoric graphic structures. The early gouaches, like that one of the Phan-tom and Woman or Wounded Bird of 1967, or the oil on canvas Phantom of the same year, are works composed in the spirit of space-phantasmagoria and hieroglyphic signs. Of course it is true that even in the early works Anton CetÃn occupied his own painterly ground and filled it with his own personal preoccupations. But it is also beyond any doubt that for a short time he did belong to Informel with its tendency to be obsessed with the gloomy topics prevailing in Croatia in the sixties as the response of artists to Soviet imperialism (Hungary and Czechoslovakia), the beginning of the Cold War and the dangers from A-bomb tests. The drawing in coloured Indian ink, Seated Woman in Profile, of 1967, is a symbol of the social headlessness all around which are drops of blood (red paint). But in 1966 Anton CetÃn had already taken up residence in Paris, where young people dissatisfied with the social order, had their brief revolt in the spirit of the international movement in 1968. That was the year of his first one-man show in Paris and his move to Toronto, which was to become his place of domicile. In his monograph about Anton CetÃn in 1986, David Burnett was already able to spot, in those first years of expatriate life, a new creative phase, which took the artist off and away towards increasing painterly freedom. His painterly investigations took off from El Lissitzky, or the Constructivism of the Russo-Ukrainian avant-garde (Proun, for example, 1923); the colourist and outer-space weightlessness of Wassily Kandinsky (for example, Blue Sky of 1940) and the painterly signs of the later Paul Klee (1940). The figure of Eve, which became, and has remained, the basis of the artist's graphic and painterly quest, was born in Paris in 1967. Through this figure, since 1968, in his Canadian studio, Anton CetÃn has created an original, marvellous and enigmatic painterly world of forms. Minimalism of composition and means Paris certainly inspired the painter Anton CetÃn with its art-rich environment and the new stimuli it provided, liberating him from the dourness of Croatian Informel, from which he had come. Illustration and the print constituted his creative field, in which his sophisticated handwriting and contemporary rhythm came to the fore. In Paris too he created the germs of his preoccupations in painting, which he was to work out subsequently in Canada. And anyway, his contact with Paris has endured; both in his painting and through his artistic curiosity, CetÃn has become a citizen of the world. In the easel painting of the seventies, the formal method of painting was predominant. The contents were brought down to general symbols, gesture was lost in the name of a depersonalised universality. This was a period of the minimalisation of contents and the search for a new purity in painting. Anton CetÃn took part in his work in the creation of the new painting, in which simplicity was a means towards spirituality. His palette became more open, his colour gained in significance. But not colour in the classical sense, with all its possibilities of creating spatially voluminous illusions: rather, pure colour, and non-colour, as a fact of painting itself. Reflection on the Infinite (mixed media, 1971) is a picture of sophisticated relationships, in which the void becomes a vast spiritual richness. The relief structure of the white ground, its geometrical drawing of windows and tiny distant pink spheres, create a scene of visual and not only titular contemplation. The relief background spatters the light and can be read as whiteness with shady irregularities. It gives the impression of a cloud, of a dream. The amorphous ground is partially overcome in the upper part with a geometrical row of windows drawn in, while the universe appears in its perfect shape of the circle or the sphere. The circle/sphere is in the full cut-out of the window, which leaves the possibility for the double comprehension of the painting; as an undefined amorphous scene in front of the window, visible from the sphere, and as an everyday accumulation of presentiments an absence of knowledge, only partially interpreted through the order and meaning of the fragile geometrical form, and the aspiration to that ideal form of the circle or sphere, visible through the window outside. The manifold response to this monochrome painting shows the artist's reduction of content to the elementary. And yet what is emphasised is form as a painterly device that sets up new relations in the concept of the painting. Perhaps this would not be anything very new in historical and in CetÃn's own personal elaborations of the problems of painting, if the law of form were not so radically expressed here. In the acrylic on canvas Space Wanderer (1971) CetÃn sets up compositional relations in a similar minimalising manner. He puts the horizon in the upper third of the picture, his kind of artistic contribution, typical of the seventies, to social and ecological awareness; the earth came into the foreground. But the artist here was not dealing quite so much with ecology as with necessities and fates. A whole series of pictures like Reflection on the Infinite, Space Wanderers and Space Wanderer of 1971, as well as many later ones, even the most recent pictures, compare the interplanetary relations of the individual to the system, in both a formal and a metaphorical sense. The artist has thus broached poetic and philosophical problems about life and the universe, through the challenge of painting. The individuals (circle/sphere/head) in the paintings of 1971, in relation to colour and position (compacted in a sequence, above an imaginary horizon, below or perhaps before) appear as symbols of variable and contradictory associations (loneliness, danger, the bomb, a hole, desire and so on). Pictures also include other important relations between the irregularity of handwriting in the painted flat surface, the fragile geometrical drawing and the pure (industrial) poster surface. Colour in the classical sense of the word, even when it exists, is not necessarily there to be identified with reality. In 1972 CetÃn painted a light pink picture on canvas called Muse, on the ground of which a heart-shaped sign with shallow shadows, creating the illusion of a third dimension and of solid material, is picked out. The sign Muse works powerfully like a seal, a stone relief or a crystal thought. This form had appeared earlier in CetÃn's pictures too (e.g., Maternity, 1967) but now it serves a different purpose, is graphically pure and simplified. It is painted almost realistically and deals like a matrix or the logo of a cover page, or better to say, the introduction into a new cycle of CetÃn's works. This new oeuvre by Anton CetÃn is based on figures/symbols, their elaboration and variation, in a constant investigation of the problems of painting. The compositional appearance of space The manner in which Anton CetÃn painted the symbol of Eve, and the particular frequency with which she appears in his work, requires special reference to the symbolism of the figure. Eve means the emotions of the human being and represents the non-rational element in humanity. She is also the concept of soul and body, the great mother of all the nations. In this sense the Eve Mother is linked with the concept of life; sea and earth are symbols of the maternal body. All the prehistoric mother goddesses were also fertility goddesses: from Babylonian Ishtar to Greek Gea. Eve the Mother is a universal symbol of refuge of warmth, tenderness and overall vital power (Chevalier and Gheerbrant: Dictionary of Symbols). Completely unconsciously, CetÃn has partially given his sign, Eve, formal elements that recall the popular and wittily composed Russian babushka, that is the wooden figures/boxes bearing the picture of a woman, who when opened up contains in herself another identical figure/box, she another inside her, and so on right until the smallest. This association is completely arbitrary and does not actually refer directly to the work of Anton CetÃn, except to the idea that through the symbol of Eve, Anton CetÃn has opened up his painting to all levels of association and symbolism; deeply philosophical, mythological and popular/vernacular as well. The heart shape, which CetÃn gave the name of Eve, is according to the symbols of traditional civilisations the seat of life, the will and the intelligence. It is the symbol of the inner person, his or her affective life. The heart is the seat of sense and wisdom, it is the symbol of secular and divine love. The simple cordiform sign with universal and civilisation-related symbolic characteristics became for the artist the centre around which to compose the painterly space. At the same time this form could be transformed from an archaic three-lined and slender figure to a contemporary mask; from a pre-historic Venus to the stylised women of the people of Mestrovic; from ur-figure to contemporary sign. Many times, CetÃn has used the symbol of Mother Eve as Mother Earth (Gea), painting footsteps over the cordiform figure. These are on the whole bird tracks, which in the eighties CetÃn painted with increasing frequency and emphasis, either separately or together with the bird. The bird is the symbol of the soul and has the role of mediator between heaven and earth (Chevalier and Gheerbrant; Dictionary of Symbols), while in contemporary poetry it is also the idea of freedom. Thus in the universal lexicon of figurative symbols, Anton CetÃn has sung the eternal themes of freedom, arrival and departure, abandoning and abiding. The heart-shaped form shows just how diverse and supple it is, how open to many interpretations, and at the same time suitable for working out numerous painterly problems that the artist set himself. It is a code with which the understanding of CetÃn's paintings is guarded, and although originally subjective, has enough of the elements of public and universal symbolism for this mysterious form also to be a key to universal communication linking together time and place, people and civilisations, and the contemporary painting of Anton CetÃn. "In rich variations of the fixing of his own emotional motifs between lyricism and symbolism, between poetical intimation and the crystallisation of elevated ideas, CetÃn creates the suggestive magic of his painterly conceptions and inspirations," as Nedeljko Mihanovic put it. The artist's poetics, with the simplicity of his sign message, became close and acceptable. But this is not about a Pop Art formal game, in which the picture becomes a poster, and the poster sums up visual messages in some defined sign or icon in the manner of Andy Warhol, where the individual idol - figure becomes the vehicle for the whole of the composition. Anton CetÃn has stuck to the area of the ongoing investigation of the contemporary picture and the problems of construction involved. Anton CetÃn is absorbed by the space of the painting. The sign has become the centre of interest in a variable context: the blue of the sea, dark nights, areas of land, window frames and the like. At the same time, the comprehensiveness of the given symbol has compelled the artist to the neutral space of the painting, suppressing confession and gesture, and pointing up the objectivity of the painterly problem and the acceptability of the message. An aspiration for the opening and closing of space has prevailed, for the creation of various of its structures, relationships of light and the internal rhythm of form, in conjunction with the fundamental maintenance of the simplicity and purity of the whole composition. In this research into virtual spaces, in the seventies the painter gave up on the subjective gesture for the sake of the structural value of the picture. But unlike the surrealists who incline towards allegorical units, CetÃn created pure formal relations, which have more in common with movie animation than the illusion in painting of three-dimensional tectonics. The association with the cartoon film, with film shots and in general with elements in motion of the CetÃn compositions of the seventies is the fruit of the artist's concept, which he was to keep on exploring. With the arrangement of his signs inside the first close-up red square, the second long-shot white square, above the deep blue inside the grey clouds, as in the picture Existence-Continuity of 1973, it would seem that a very slight effort would be required for the image to shift, for the squares to swap places, for some animation to take place in which the Eve figure appears somewhere else. The author does not fix the figure in the classical perspective, nor does he deploy it poster-wise on the flat ground, but leaves it floating, achieving an unusual spatial levity. Opening up light, regularly-drawn squares around a space of differing structurality, he creates an impression of the distances in the film, and the eye really does expect movement. The same thing happens in the picture Remembering of 1974 - 75, in which the characteristic figure of Eve is intersected by a double white line, while above the crowned head stands the three-lined sickle moon. On the greyish white background the sign in silhouette as it were floats between lines and moon, and according to some logic of sensed distances, considering the diagonal positioning of the figure, it is to be expected that it will shift in this levitating and unstable condition. The allusion to gravity-free conditions of the body in the deep-space, unknown, distant reaches has as much scientific justification as poetical visionariness. In the virtual world of animation, just as in the painting of Anton CetÃn, the spatial wasteland caught up in the painterly frame is the work of the constructive thinking-through of the image, as well as the mirror - image of contemporary reality. The artist's literal interest in spaceships is visible in pictures named after them of 1970. But these pictures are based on a different kind of journey into the mysteries of space, that of the imagination. Celebration of Space, a triptych of 1975 - 76, which reaches up to five and a half metres in width, in its title, just as in its dimensions, was the crown of the artist's interest in and exploration of the space experience of the object in the painting. In this majestic composition of the earth's wheel (half visible) that turns around its imaginary axis (as well as the light point of the sun) pictures float together with amorphous forms. The distinctive blue-white ground of the painting is crossed by sharp rays like some kind of communications lasers of spiritual energy. In its symbolism, the triptych is very individual and personal; it can but does not have to be intelligible, like, after all, any other abstract painting with a mysterious and metaphysical mood. But the compositional organisation is not totally intimist, because the symbols are eloquent and apart, and it is not some supernatural frozen picture of states. It is more the fruit of formal mimicry, sensed movements, known symbols in a constructed painterly space that compels to nothing at all, but does tease the eye and the feelings to search for answer. Freed of classical perspective and the luminous illusion of space, and equally of modern poster flatness with the illusion of spatiality based on colour psychology, the film language of distance and shot is closer to CetÃn. The colourist transparency of the planes, the subtlety of their indication (passages, windows, squares, lines and so on) as well as the openness to the interfusion of planes, suggest a possible animation, or a halted image of some imaginary event. Without, then, the classical perspectives of the painting and the spatially voluminous illusions, CetÃn's painting responds to the new and fresh formal treatment of the painting, in which formal elements are close to other dynamic media. It is the fruit of contemporary research, the demolition of the borders of classical painting and its reestablishment in the rhythm of new compositions. Translation of the sign The heart-shaped form was created by Anton CetÃn in Paris in 1967, but in the picture We Wonder of 1968, he painted two figures: that which he was later to call Eve, and the Adam that went with her. In time, this form changed from picture to picture, and sometimes appeared in variations in the same picture, several times. Almost like a typographic elaboration of the same letter, which appears in imperceptible changes, but always with the same meaning, so CetÃn works on his heart-shaped sign. If all the Eve figures were taken out of the pictures and put one next to the other, a sequence would be created of a fairly identical shape with unusual metamorphoses, suitable for animation, in which the basic outlines would preserve the meaning, although the angles, breadths, convexities, concavities, smiles, serious faces, open and closed eyes, crowns, caps, hair, headscarves, rounded and squarish forms, silhouettes with one outline or three outlines and so on would be different. From one figure two would be created, male and female, two women, a bird woman and so on. Like the cartoon film "Linea" of the Italian master of minimalism Osvald Cavandoli, or the meander image of Croatian radically-inclined painter Julije Knifer, where in a single graphic form countless changes take place; a figure of a man in a single stroke, or a meander in a single stroke. Unlike these two authors though, CetÃn puts his single-stroke multiple-meaning sign in various spatial levels, in complex compositions of remarkable facility. Certainly an attentive analysis of his paintings would show that this facility is relative, that is that in the painterly shots of wastelands there are storms, blacknesses, secret gardens and serene skies. Anton CetÃn brought single-stroke outlines to a state of virtuosity. He devoted a triptych to them, named Three Graces, of 1976 - 77, in which with the symbolism of three circles, with dissolves and merges and so on he shows the three faces of Eve, three daughters of Eve, three graces. A frequent topic in the history of art is now painted in the totally new CetÃn way, with formal means. Perhaps in system here he is close to Mondrian and his colourist rasters, to the artist who became a symbol for the formal treatment of contemporary painting, in which signs, pure colour and rhythm are the fundaments of composition. Using the same principle in another way CetÃn imparts rhythm to circles and figures, and with arhythmic layouts with a minimum of colour creates a composition of contemporary painterly form. At the end of the seventies Anton CetÃn turned the contour line into the hatched line. It seems to have been as it were borrowed from the engineer's drawing, but also as if it were a stitch in vernacular embroidery. But it also appears as a formal version of the wonder at the unusual "embroidered, folk" forms of the aerial view of the ploughed earth around Calgary, which the artist visited in 1980 - 1981. The triptych Invitation of 1978 is already of a rhythmically hatched outline. The central figure for this reason looks like an enlarged motif from some kind of exotic embroidery. Simple, one-stroke, it could serve as the designer's prototype. Placed recumbent against it is the figure of Eve, covered all over with splashes of colour, as if she were lying in flowers. The third picture of the triptych contains a framed part of featureless deep space. The triptych might be called Farewell or Dilemma because it contains three contradictory situations of some mysterious import that can be abstracted to the emotional (painterly), rational (formal) and spiritual (uncertainty of investigation). The whole triptych can be read as a visual reference to a new approach, which after 1978, during the eighties, came to life as the New Painting of the painterly reaction to minimalism. In 1980 CetÃn abandoned the hard sign and freed the drawing so that, again in a single stroke, but now in a painterly sense more freely, he could form the profile of a woman. This was no longer a sign close to the functionality of prehistory, but a profile that called to mind the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. As if he had recognised her in the needlework structure of the cultivated land of Calgary, which had for a short period of time inspired his work in painting. The new single-stroke profile of the queen is a rhapsodic flourish that is accompanied by birds, flowers, which with ease can be turned into its own facing portrait, into a picture of its own escort, into seductress, into woman of all colours and races, of marvellous hair, which sometimes is as heavy as a ploughed field. This is a woman of mature love, pure painting; a painting that is bursting with richness of expression, does not shrink from surplus of flourishes, does not despise decoration, but celebrates the return of embellishment and everything that traditionally went for natural beauty. Although in these pictures CetÃn preserved his fundamental compositional scheme, even the title of Eve, during the eighties and nineties she became more powerful in colour, became richer in painterly strokes and kinds of them, through the mingling of painter's gestures and geometrical interventions. The well worked-out and refined relationship with the print, which in the painting of Anton CetÃn was reflected with a certain discipline of colourism and sophistication in the handling of the levels, is achieved in the new cycle with pure painterly means. The new figure of a woman with a bird acquired many forms. The sign was often just a squiggle over a lush playful ground, which is in itself a new ornamental image of the dynamic stroke. The fundamental elements of the composition span the even rhythm of the ground and put into the picture a new spirit, a breath of creative elation. Woman and bird, bird and flower became an obsession for the artist. The relationship between them was at base made simple, and it was this simplicity that spurred the artist to a new, better, richer and incessant exploration of the possibilities inherent in their order and the range of his own imagination. And also the personification of earth, her dual principle of the graspable and the divine, enabled the artist to speak more easily of his pain when he watched his beloved motherland being ravaged in 1991, to celebrate the recognition of 1992 and the liberation of 1995. Through the same constructive elements, in various compositions, modifying the form, colour and rhythm, he broached universal questions in the paintings Pondering upon the Transcendental, Movement in Space and so on. "CetÃn's work is a celebration - of the universe and of infinity, of love and myths, inspiration and remembering. Of Nature. For CetÃn art civilises and humanises. The artist deals with spiritual truth. He creates because he has no alternative," says Canadian Gordon McLennan very precisely. Commitment and aesthetics The terrifying casualties of unsuspecting victims in an event that shocked the world, September 11 2001, when the twin towers of the WTC were attacked, prompted Anton CetÃn to the painting of a new cycle entitled Universe Disturbed.With the real event and the abstraction of it into the symbol of the disturbed universe, the author set new frames for his compositions. CetÃn was now to create new pictures, founded on his known painterly planes with a system of symbols that over many years had become more or less his trademarks, which had an unusual freshness and persuasiveness. The new compositions of the paintings that had the series name Universe Disturbed, to which only the opus number is given, have a great deal in them that recall the system of musical compositions. The reduced white, red, black outlines of rectangles appear as a kind of rhythm that comes out of the framework of the painting. The rhythm is reinforced with coloured circles; alternately, perhaps everything will end in a bright red ground, in blue or white. Dismembered complex elements occur around a central but now hardly perceptible figure of Eve. Done in a one-stroke contour, she appears as a variable figure, with different hair, with a concealed bird, or without one. It would seem that she has been identified with many very different figures. In his circular deployment of the surrounding elements, with a modification to core and accompanying colours, the artist has created a series of powerful rhythms of an exciting music of painting. They are no longer composed and somewhat dreamy compositions of Eve and her bird. These are the new painterly rhythms of the twenty-first century. Their effectiveness has their own basis in reality. In his full creative maturity, Anton CetÃn has created an opus of youthful vigour. The Universe Disturbed is rhythmically new, buoyant and dashing, interesting, demanding, questioning, provocative. In these paintings, everything is familiar and all CetÃn's own, but it is now put in new relationships. CetÃn is here committed, involved in the human and artistic struggle for beauty, for harmony, for spirituality, for fulfillment. He has directed his creative and visual commitment against aggressiveness. That is why violent elements occur in the paintings, in the form of squares and triangles, on the whole in three colours, in red, black and green. These colours, according to the painter, have been chosen with good reason, and the forms of the triangle and square are directed diagonally in most cases towards the figure of Eve and the bird that are placed in the centre of the painting. Like a taut arrow the diagonal stresses the violent force and the destructiveness. Inside each square or triangle a form is inscribed, indicating the idea of destruction and devastation. Thus after September 11 the artist called these paintings Universe Disturbed. The artist's commitment can be powerfully felt also in the images of views through the window (Universe Disturbed opus no. 37 - 78) of 2003, which give off a certain sense of gloom. The old theme of the window has been brought to life again. But here, the window gives a view onto a heavy and expressionist colour, onto a circle/sphere that has become part of a possible threat. This is a cycle that excites a certain feeling of unease, it asks questions and fears possible hopelessness. But the artist has not determined the answers. He has left the viewer many interpretative opportunities. In the most recent cycle Revival (I - XI) of 2003 - 2004, Anton CetÃn has once again expanded the field of painterly intervention from the narrow window frame to the whole space of the painting. In the painting, colour extends in rhythmical intervals in airy levels. There is no more agitating view from the room outside, from outside into the room. Faith and hope are established, and they give these pictures a marvellous charm of intelligible and mysterious optimism. Instead of a conclusion In the opus Disturbed Universe, Anton CetÃn has confirmed one of his basic traits. He is a committed painter. He has always been one. As early as in his Art Informel beginnings, in his phantasmagoric prints, and later through the heart-shaped forms of Eve and the symbols that are the basic form of his expression. CetÃn's commitment is universal. He is an eternal fighter for the achievement of the higher spiritual values, for a higher quality fulfillment of life. In simplicity, the artist found complexity; in a single stroke, he created the symbol of Eve, loved by all and ubiquitously intelligible. The painting of Anton CetÃn is deeply immersed in its age. Numerous events, personal and social, have determined the direction of his painterly engagement. We might well call Anton CetÃn a reflexive painter, for whom the form itself is object of consideration. This is a painting of abiding power, permanent freshness, simple communication. A painting for the 20th and the 21st century.Branka Hlevnjak Âwww.antoncetin.com acetineve@sympatico.ca  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Jabuka Tamburitza Fundraiser - Saturday April 2nd http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5103/1/E-Jabuka-Tamburitza-Fundraiser---Saturday-April-2nd.html ÂÂwww.jabukanyc.comÂIf there's any way you and your family can make it Saturday night, it would be fabulous. Thegroups featured are top-notch and we have many other Eastern European musicians attending as well. Advertising our fundraiser, so posting this on your website would be extremely helpful. Also, if you're curious as to the musician's backgrounds, log on to tamburaland.com where many arefeatured; also, go to the Kennedy Center website where the JerryGrcevich orchestra (of which many of these musicians are also a part of)are featured -- the website has a video (though not of the best quality)of their show.http://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/millennium/millennium.html?genre_id=0&geography_id=0&start_date=0&start_nest=&end_date=0&end_nest=&entity_id=0&webserver=http://www.kennedy-center.org&mode=home&keyword=&gateway=true .Some background on Jerry if you're not familiar with him...Literally the best primas out there right now; second to him is Peter Kosovec of "Otrov" who will be playing Sat night. Jerry has written / co-written a number of hits with Miro Skoro, the best known "Ne Dirajte Mi Ravnicu" (which was written in his basement when Miro first emigrated to the US -- I should know -- my husband and I were both there) and works extensively with not only Miro, but Zvonko Bogdan as well, helping produce his last album (one of the songs is featured on the kennedy center video). Well, well known in tambura circles throughout the world.. and a nice guy to top it all off Hvala punoMarge Brajdic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Film starring Rick Schroder produced by Bosnian Croat Igor Kovacevich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5102/1/E-Film-starring-Rick-Schroder-produced-by-Bosnian-Croat-Igor-Kovacevich.html ÂBlack Cloud feature film starring Rick Schroder, produced by Bosnian Croat Igor KovacevichHere is link to the website of the movie Black CloudIgor Kovacevich produced it and is currently playing theatrically in about 15 cities on theEast and West Coast. The site is: http://www.blackcloudthemovie.com/ and Igor is listed under the Credits section.Black Cloud is the directorial debut of Rick Schroder (NYPD Blue, SilverSpoons, The Champ...). The film also features country superstar Tim McGraw,Wayne Knight of Seinfeld and Third Rock From the Sun, Peter Green from PulpFiction, newcomer Eddie Spears in the lead role of Black Cloud, as well asRick Schroder.ÂBLACK CLOUD THEATRESLos Angeles----------------LOEW Beverly Center 13 Unit 4088522 Beverly Blvd #835Los Angeles, CA 90048Hartford------------NAM Enfield Cinemas 1290 Elm StreetEnfield, CT 6082New Haven/Branford---------------------------------NAM Showcase 8 Theatres100 Marsh Hill RoadOrange, CT 06477North Stonington Area----------------------------------REGL Stonington 1085 Voluntown RdPawcatuk, CT 06379Boston/Massachusetts-----------------------------------NAM Showcase Cinema 1-10800 Fall River AveSeekonk, MA 2771 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cinema Croatia - Friday April 1st - COME and ENJOY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5101/1/E-Cinema-Croatia---Friday-April-1st---COME-and-ENJOY.html www.CinemaCroatia.comApril 01 -- April 07, Â2005Cinema CroatiaÂRetrospective of Croatian Films @ÂAmerican Cinematheque ÂTHIS FRIDAY - ALL WELCOME - SVI DOBRODOSLISUPPORT OUR ART AND CULTURE by SHOWING UPÂGoran Visnjic, Branko Lustig, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Zrinka Cvitesic and Arsen - Anton Ostojic in person.ÂSchedule:EGYPTIAN THEATRE 6712 Hollywood Boulevard , Los Angeles , CA 90028 Friday, April 1:5:30 PM â Cinema Croatia Seminar (Invitation Only) 7:30 PM â THE HORSEMAN (B. Ivanda) In person: director Branko Ivanda actress Zrinka Cvitesic Opening Night Party AERO THEATRE 1328 Montana Ave. Santa Monica , CA 90403Saturday, April 2:5:00 PM â AN EVENT (V. Mimica) In person: producer Branko Lustig actor Sergio Mimica-Gezzan7:30 PM â THE LONG DARK NIGHT (A. Vrdoljak) In person: actor Goran Visnjic Sunday, April 3: 3:00 PM - ZAGREB FILM ANIMATION 5:00 PM - Double Feature RONDO (Z. Berkovic) HANDCUFFS (K. Papic) Wednesday, April 6: 7:30 PM - THE NINTH CIRCLE (F. Stiglic) Dedicated to the 60 th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz . Thursday, April 7: 7:00 PM - Closing Night Reception 7:30 PM â Double Feature: A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT (A.A. Ostojic) QUEEN OF THE NIGHT (B. Schmidt) In person: director Arsen-Anton Ostojic ÂFor all the details please go to our web site:Âwww.CinemaCroatia.comÂFORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) WHAT IS A TAMBURAS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5105/1/E-WHAT-IS-A-TAMBURAS.html ÂWHAT IS A "TAMBURAS"Well, first of all...He is a lover...He loves his Croatian people and his Croatian land, and most of all...his Croatian music, the mistress of eachHe is admired by women, respected by men, and followed by childrenHe has a memory that is unlimited...almost an eighth wonder of the worldHe can remember hundreds of songs...but often forgets to come home at nightHe has hands that are strong and fingers that are gentle...and a voice that is powerfulHe will hold the "Tambura" like the child he loves...and yet in his fashion...can make it heard loudly and clearlyHe is a vagabond...a restless soul...always chasing an endless dreamHe is a ham...and he will break his heart to please anyone who will listenA "Tamburas" is not made...He is born under a special spell...A fortunate child who can hear the echoes of the wind sing...The sad song...The happy song...The love song...of his Croatian people"THAT IS A "TAMBURAS"by: Zeljko MarkovinovicProfiles:http://www.jabukanyc.com/profiles.html Contact:jabukanyc@hotmail.com www.jabukanyc.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 27 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) List of Diaspora or Croatian Studies Programs needed http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5110/1/E-List-of-Diaspora-or-Croatian-Studies-Programs-needed.html ÂList of Diaspora or Croatian Studies Programs around the US needed for Croatian literature in a Writing and Literature courseÂI am hoping that you will be able to provide me with a list of Diaspora or Croatian Studies Programs around the US so that I can contact as many people as possible. You can reach me by writing to gladys@acmt.hr Thank you for your interest in this project. AMERICAN COLLEGE OFMANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGYĆira Carića 420000 Dubrovnik, HrvatskaTel: (020) 435-555Fax: (020) 435-577E-mail: american.college@acmt.hrJanuary 24, 2005Ante Cuvalo â Editor Association for Croatian Studiescuv@netzero.com Dear Mr. CuvaloI am a professor at the American College of Management and Technology in Dubrovnik, Croatia. ACMT is a subsidiary of Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester NY. Your name was given to me by our Dean, Don Hudspeth. I am working on a project to bring Croatian Literature in translation to North American College Students. In my 40 years of teaching, I have read Indian, Asian, Hispanic, French, German, and Russian authors in translation, but I have never been aware of seeing a Croatian author in an American classroom. I would like to change that, and I need your help. I am currently teaching Croatian literature in a Writing and Literature course to first year students at RIT, and writing teaching modules for other professors to teach this literature. It is my hope that by contacting Diaspora and Universities that teach Slavic Studies, that I will find a few professors who are interested in trying out some of the modules in their classrooms and who are willing to provide some feedback so that I can revise the modules and make them more widely available. I must, at this point make a disclaimer. I am not a Croatian, and despite 3 years of research and help from many people, I cannot for a single instant claim that I can bring an in-depth understanding to this enormously rich literature full of historical and philosophical references and innuendos and carrying centuries of complex cultural heritage. But, this is a start, and because of my classes, some young Americans who had never heard of Croatia are now anxious to visit, and to meet the Croatian people. When the project is complete and the copyright issues have been resolved, hopefully, the literature itself will be available electronically to anyone who wants to read it. The American students who attend ACMT go there because they and their parents want them to experience the culture of their ancestors. Many of them speak very little Croatian. Wouldnât it be wonderful for young Croatian-Americans to be able to read Brlic- Mazuranic and Marulic and Drzic and Krleza and Gundulic and Kamov as well as the rich literature of the war for independence, literature like âLament Over Europe,â€? (which my students find uncomfortably applicable to the US today) and new contemporary writers? Through this project, over 200 poems, short stories, essays and plays have been scanned into the library reserve system at RIT for my students because the literature is out of print or not available for students to buy as classroom texts. A data base has been developed with over 300 entries which will enable Professors and others who are interested to search by author, title, genre, or the time period when the author was living. The entries contain publication information and the names of the translators where available.The 50 minute Lesson Plans for professors are complete with PowerPoint presentations where applicable, assignments, and internet sources for historical and other references made in the text of the stories . The Lesson Plans which are available in the prototype are: Introduction to Croatia, Introduction to Literature; Introduction to the Novel and Short Story; Introduction to Political and Historical Short Stories and Essays. The lesson plans for the readings I choose for this demonstration are: âThe Dead Wood,â€? âReminiscences of the Lord,â€? âThe Library,â€? âLament Over Europeâ€? and âThe Chroniclerâs Sin.â€? Everything the teacher and students will need will be available electronically through the Croatian Literature website.A few of my colleagues in the US and a few of my students have questioned why they should read Croatian Literature. For me, Literature is a vehicle for stepping into a mind, a place, or a culture with which I am unfamiliar. Through my American literature course, my Croatian students have gained enormous insight into the American culture, awareness which helps override the TV and movie images they receive. Reading one or two pieces of literature is like the one day in Paris travel tour. Focusing on the literature of one previously unknown culture is like the 10 day tour of Paris. For American students, this deeper look at Croatia destroys the perceptions that Croatia is somewhere in Siberia with no heat or electricity; it also chips away at American ethnocentricity, and because one cannot approach Croatian literature without some awareness of history (included in the lesson plans), students are exposed to European history up close and personal. While I donât test them on history, I hold out the hope that some of it sticks. Most of my American students are engineering and Information Technology majors, and insofar as the Liberal Arts are intended to broaden their interest and awareness, this course hits its mark. I have numerous anecdotes to show how those students who are open to the experience broaden their awareness.All of my colleagues at ACMT and my contacts in various government ministries and at the National Library in Zagreb are very excited about this project and are being very helpful to me. The people who recently attended a conference presentation I gave at NYCEA are also enthusiastic and interested in trying out some of the modules. I hope that you will examine the demo and also become excited about the prospect of putting Croatian Literature into North American classrooms. I hope that you will take the next step of sending this information to someone who might use one or more of these modules or that you yourself will contact me to let me know that you have an interest in this project. I will be asking people who participate in the project to evaluate the modules so that modifications can be made before they are finalized.I am hoping that you will be able to provide me with a list of Diaspora or Croatian Studies Programs around the US so that I can contact as many people as possible. You can reach me by writing to gladys@acmt.hr Thank you for your interest in this project. You can access the prototype with the following protocol:Go to www.acmt.hr Click on faculty resources Click on Croatian Literature in Trnsl. This prototype is intended for the purposes of demonstration. There about 30 more modules that need to be completed. In a couple of weeks, password protection will be added. You will told on the website how to get the password if you wish to participate in the project. If you wish to learn more about the American College of Management and Technology, go to www.acmt.hr or contact: Drazenka FranicMarketing & College RelationsTel: +385 20 435-555Fax: +385 20 435-577For more information about Rochester Institute of Technology, go towww.rit.edu Best RegardsProfessor Gladys WinkworthAMERICAN COLLEGE OFMANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGYĆira Carića 420000 Dubrovnik, HrvatskaTel: (020) 435-555Fax: (020) 435-577E-mail: american.college@acmt.hr  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 25 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cinema Croatia April 01 - 07, 2005 Los Angeles http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5109/1/E-Cinema-Croatia-April-01---07-2005-Los-Angeles.html ÂÂÂApril 01 -- April 07, 2005Cinema CroatiaRetrospective of Croatian Films @ American Cinemathequein Los AngelesFor all the details please go to our web site:www.CinemaCroatia.comCheck your (snail) mail for: American Cinematheque Brochure and Cinema Croatia postcard. If you don't receive any of the above within two weeks, send us your address for future mailings.April 1 - 7, 2005 at the Aero and Egyptian TheatreÂSince the 1960's, Croatian cinema has combined a haunting, angry, often savagely-bleak outcry against political and personal repression with humor, lyricism and tenderness born of constant conflict and adversity. While a great deal of attention has been focused on classic Czech, Polish or Hungarian cinema, relatively little attention has been paid to Croatia - an almost criminal oversight, since by any definition, directors such as Vatroslav Mimica (An Event) and Krsto Papic (Handcuffs) belong on a short list of modern Central European masters. In December 2000, the American Cinematheque and CAMEO presented âWednesdays In Croatia,â€? the first comprehensive overview of Croatian cinema ever mounted on the West Coast. As a long-overdue follow-up to that series, âCinema Croatia â€? features current Croatian filmmakers as well as acknowledged classics of Croatian cinema; in-person appearances by director Branko Ivanda (The Horseman),producer Branko Lustig (Schindler's List, Gladiator, An Event) and actor Goran Visnjic (ER, Spartacus, The Long Dark Night) and much more! series compiled by: Dennis Bartok, Branko Lustig, Matko B. Malinger and Gwen Deglise presented by: American Cinematheque & CAMEO(Croatian Art, Media & Entertainment Organization) sponsored by: Croatian Ministry of Culture Consulate General of Croatia in Los AngelesCroatian National Tourist Board letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 25 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Ljepoti i dojmljivosti takvoga tkanja vec se stoljecima dive http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5111/1/H-Ljepoti-i-dojmljivosti-takvoga-tkanja-vec-se-stoljecima-dive.html    Poznato je jezicno pocelo izricaja kulta (=bogoslužja) i kulture(=stvaranje, olikovljenje i njegovanje covjekova duhovnoga i materjalnoga stvaralaÅtva). Nerijetko se - nadasve u drevnim civilizacijama - oboje stvaralo s bogoslužjem i oko bogoslužja, no u nastavku povijesti stvari su sve naglaÅenije hodale cas u bližoj med|usobnoj povezanosti, cas odvajajuci se, pa i udaljavajuci se od protimbe jednog s drugim. U pasionskom pjevanju u Vrbanju na otoku Hvaru, kao i na citavom otoku, te dakako, i na Åirem naÅem priobalju i otocima - od Srednjega se vijeka na ovamo odvijalo osebujno tkanje, odnosno sljubljivanje kulta (bogoslužja) i duhovne kulture. Pri tomu mislimo na cudesnu bogatu krÅcansku pasionsku baÅtinu - nadasve u mediteranskom krÅcanskom krugu - koja po citavoj Europi i kod nas svjedoci o ljepoti tog povezivanja. Stvaralo se je tkanje od vjernicke duÅe i od materjalnih sakralnih znakova i simbola, te na dojmljiv i dirljiv nacin od glasovnoga oblikovanja biblijskih i drevnih liturgijskih tekstova u Velikom tjednu. Pored grada Hvara, Staroga Grada, Vrboske i Jelse i Vrbanj se istice prožetoÅ}u tih Âdvaju izraza, naime kulta i kulture. No, za razliku od cetiri spomenuta hvarska gradica - po njihovoj urbanoj slici i povijesno-umjetnickoj baÅtini svima doista prilici ime grada - Vrbanj je izrazito poljodjelsko mjesto. BaÅ kao takvo sacuvalo je baÅtinu spomenutog tkanja na vlastiti nacin, te bi se moglo kazati da je pucko pasionsko pjevanje u Vrbanju tradicijski sacuvanije, u odredenom smislu izvornije.Ljepoti i dojmljivosti takvoga tkanja vec se stoljecima dive stanovnici - u pravilu vjernici katolici-otoka Hvara, ali i mnogi drugi, jer je zapaženo da se na tomu otoku ponajbolje sacuvalo, dapace da je ostalo živo to pasionsko tkanje. Zato su naÅi etnolozi i muzikolozi s pravom posjecivali pažnju tom duhovnom bogatstvu na otoku Hvaru, pocevÅi od marnoga sakupljaca puckih obicaja s kraja 19. st. A.I.Carica, te glazbenika i muzikologa B. Sokola, izmedu dva svijetska rata, do živuceg glazbenika i tonskog snimatelja Ljube StipiÅica, da navedem samo najvažnije. Spomenutima se sada pridružuje i gospodin Miki Bratanic, koji je ne samo zaljubljenik u vrbanjsku (i hvarsku) pasionsku baÅtinu, nego je i njen marni njegovatelj i, evo, zauzeti snimatelj i objavljivac. Medu poznatim nam, dakle, sakupljacima i snimateljima pasionskih napjeva otoka Hvara, ovaj je izbor Bratanicevih puckih napjeva posebno vrijedan. M. Bratanic se je dobro odlucio da prezentira samo jedan uzorak, naime pasionsko bogoslužje (liturgijsko i pucko) triju zavrÅnih dana Velikoga tjedna samo u jednom mjestu, tj. u Vrbanju. Zato je u izabranoj zbirci cjelovit. Uz to, ovaj tonski zapis - pored vec objavljenih i snimljenih - nosi napjeve koji joÅ nigdje nisu objavljeni. Zato nam ovaj nosac zvuka dolazi kao dragocjeni glasovni zapis pasionskih sadržaja. Pred nama su, evo, napjevi koji viÅe nisu u repertoaru crkvenih puckih pjevaca. Tom gubljenju je, nažalost, uvelike doprinjela krivo protumacena liturgijska obnova Velikog tjedna prema normama Drugoga vatikanskoga sabora, u kojoj je doÅlo - kako nam je poznato - do znacajnih tekstovnih promjena. No, taj gubitak, skoro do zaborava, joÅ viÅe se je dogodio u naletu novih nekriticki vrednovanih pjesama i popjevki. Voditelji župnih zborova nakon Drugog vatikanskog sabora - nerijetko tek priuceni u glazbi, a ne pravi glazbenici - podcjenili su viÅestoljetnu vrijednost puckih kantadura i nisu znali vrednovati glazbeno bogatstvo ÂstarogaÂ. Dakako, sve Åto je staro nije nužno i vrijedno-nerijetko nalazimo i na manje vrijedne, pa i na nevrijedne baÅtinjene tragove - ali o hvarskoj se pasionskoj baÅtini - da se poslužimo evandeoskim rijecnikom- utemeljeno može kazati : ÂValja staroÂ(usp.Lk.5.39). U tome stoji i vrijednost ovoga tonskog zapisa. Dvadeset i Åest napjeva - koliko ih nosi ovaj iznimno vrijedan CD-prva je cijelovita zbirka pasionskih napjeva iz jedne hvarske župe. Pri tome je dolicno spomenuti da je dugogodiÅnji vrbanjski župnik - i sam odlican pjevac - don Branimir Marinovic, imao duboki osjecaj za ocuvanje i vrednovanje svekolike glazbene i druge kulturne baÅtine.Posebna je pak vrijednost ovog CD-a Åto on donosi ne samo psalme s antifonama, prorocke i evandeoske ulomke koji i danas - prema obnovljenom bogoslužju Velikog tjedna - ulaze u sadržaj bogoslužnih slavlja, nego doslovce i sve bogoslužne sadržaje doista velikih i svetih dana Velikog tjedna, koji su nekoc bili dio bogoslužja, a koji do danas nisu prispjeli na neki nosac zvuka.U Bratanicevoj zbirci imamo i sacuvanu arhaicnost svega obradenoga dogadanja, i, dakako, stari liturgijski jezik kakvoga je s osjecajem za Âstaro znao izreci biblicar i prevodilac Svetoga pisma, franjevac o. Petar VlaÅic. Taj biblicar je nadasve znao ostvariti suodnos izmedu jezika kulta i jezicne kulture u naÅemu kulturnom krugu. Iz svega, na ovom nosacu zvuka imamo etno-muzikoloÅki zapis iz kojega se zorno vidi sljubljenost kulta (bogoslužja) i jedne lokalne kulture. Ovaj CD istinski obogacuje fond naÅe pasionske baÅtine, te valja izreci zadovoljstvo uz objavljivanje ovako visoko kvalitetnog nosaca zvuka.  Fra Bernardin ÅkuncaU Zadru, Sijecanj 2005.  Veliki Tjedan - Vrbanj   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) First Conference of the RÃpertoire International 16-19 March 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5112/1/E-First-Conference-of-the-RApertoire-International-16-19-March-2005.html ÂMUSIC'S INTELLECTUAL HISTORY: FOUNDERS, FOLLOWERS & FADS First Conference of the RÃpertoire International de LitÃrature Musicale, 16-19 March 2005ÂTHE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK GRADUATE CENTER 365 Fifth Avenue, New YorkWednesday 16 March 2005 - Lobby of the Harold M. Proshansky Auditorium(elevator to the concourse level) RegistrationHarold M. Proshansky Auditorium / 3-3:30 pmEnnio Stipcevic(Odjel za Povijest Hrvatske Glazbe, Hrvatska Akademija Znanosti i Umjetnosti, Zagreb), Musical historiography and terra incognita: The case of Dragan PlamenacConference Room C.202C.203 / 3-3:30 pmTatjana Markovic(Fakultet Muzicke Umetnosti, Belgrade), Serbian and Viennese writings about music: Intertextual relations4:30 pmSanja Majer-Bobetko (Odsjek za Povijest Hrvatske Glazbe, Hrvatska Akademija Znanosti i Umjetnosti, Zagreb), The founders of Croatian music historiography: Music, history, politics and ideology5 - 5:30 pmZdravko Blazekovic (RÃpertoire International de LittÃrature Musicale, New York), Franjo Ksaver Kuhac(1834-1911) among the founders of ethno/musicologyThursday, 17 March 2005Harold M. Proschansky Auditorium 7:30-8:30U POTRAZI ZA LUKACICEM / SEARCHING FOR LUKACICA film about the Croatian-American musicologist Dragan Plamenac (1895-1983)and his research of the Croatian Baroque composer Ivan Lukacic (ca. 1585-1648)Production: Digital film (Sibenik) and Glazbena skola Ivana Lukacica (Sibenik)Script: ENNIO STIPCEVIC and IVAN VIDICDirector and cinematography: DAVOR SARICIn Croatian with English subtitlesSaturday, 19 March 2005Conference Room C.202C.203 / 11:00-12:00Gorana Doliner (Odsjek za Povijest Hrvatske Glazbe, Hrvatska Akademija Znanosti i Umjetnosti, Zagreb), Does folk music have its own history? The experiences gained from studying 19th-century Croatian music historiographyHarold M. Proshansky Auditorium / 2:00-4:00Melita Milin (Institut za muzikologiju, Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti, Belgrade), The place of small musical cultures in reference books  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 16 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatia Exclusive - One and Only Britain's Magazine about us http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5114/1/E-Croatia-Exclusive---One-and-Only-Britains-Magazine-about-us.html ÂCroatian Exclusivewww.croatiaexclusive.com ÂBritain's one and only Magazine about CroatiaÂÂSrdacan pozdrav iz poprilicno kisovite monarhije,Denis PolovinaPublisherCroatia Exclusive Ltd.-denis.polovina@croatiaexclusive.comwww.croatiaexclusive.com -Dir. Tel: +44 (0)20 8815 0909Mob: +44 (0)7940 872 018 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Italian Student doing PhD Thesis on Croatian Cinema - Help her http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5113/1/E-Italian-Student-doing-PhD-Thesis-on-Croatian-Cinema---Help-her.html ÂItalian Student doing PhD Thesis on Croatian Cinema - Help herDear Nenadreally thank you for your reply. I study foreign languages and cinema at the Univerisity of Naples, Italy. After a vacation to Croatia I fell in love with the place and the people, and decided part of my Ph. .D Thesis on European cinema would be devoted to the Croatian cinema. Surfing through the internet I found out Mr Vrdoljak's name as one of the most prominent directors in Croatia today. Unfortunately I couldn't find any info at my university library and not many others on the internet. What I was looking for are mostly info on Mr Vrdoljak's career as both a politician and a director and maybe some interviews ( in italian, english,f rench or german, these are the only language I speak, I'm trying hard to learn Croatian, but it's a long long way ) in which Mr Vrdoljak gives some insight on his work and share some opinions on his countryYour effort is MUCH appreciated from me thanks from the bottom of my heartlove, SybillePS I love your country :)soleil_rimbe@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach started his new album "Everything Is Forever" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5116/1/E-Nenad-Bach-started-his-new-album-Everything-Is-Forever.html ÂNenad Bach started his new album "Everything Is Forever"ÂOn February 23rd 2005,Nenad Bach started to record his long awaited and anticipated album "Everything Is Forever" atAllAire Studios, Woodstock, New York. Engineered by John Holbrook, drums by Gary Burke plus many surprises. Here are a few glimpses...ÂÂLegendary John Holbrook,David Sancious, Gary Burke andNenad BachÂÂNenad Bach and John Holbrook (5 time Grammy Award winner), a decade of friendship and creativity. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 04 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Urban & 4 at CBGB New York March 5, 2005 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5115/1/E-Urban--4-at-CBGB-New-York-March-5-2005.html CBGB Gallery313 BoweryNew York CityÂÂÂÂÂ(212) 677-0455 $7For more infowww.doors-art.comNew YorkFriday, 25.02 2005. @ 10pmCroatian Cultural Center507W 40th Street (between 10 and 11 Ave.)special guests: Frank EneaNenad BachTickets: $25 advance/ $30 doorwww.doors-art.comScorpio Caffe & Bar, AstoriaCaffe Valentino, AstoriaIstria Club, AstoriaAstoria VideoChicagoSaturday, 26.02 2005. @ 10 pm Martyrs' 3885 N. Lincoln Ave. special Âguest: ODETickets: $25www.doors-art.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 04 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Pianist Nikica Lesic at Dayton Arts Institute March 12, 1:30 pm http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5117/1/E-Pianist-Nikica-Lesic-at-Dayton-Arts-Institute-March-12-130-pm.html Croatian Pianist Nikica Lesic at Dayton Arts InstituteSat., March 12, 1:30 pmHi All,Being marginally computer literate, I can only hope that the attachments I am sending actually make it. Would someone (Bob Jerin) please email me and let me know whether my mission was accomplished? Basically, new Croatian immigrant and world renowned pianist, Nikica Lesic, will be giving his first solo concert on Sat., March 12, 1:30 pm at the Dayton Art Institute. Tickets are $25. Seats can be reserved by phoning Red Oak Productions, (937) 222-6656 or Hauer Music (937)443-0361. Nikica began his piano career at age 5, in his hometown of Split, Croatia. He studied for many years under many masters, throughout Europe. Let's give a big Welcome to Nikica! Puna Hvala,Peggy Jurecic JasinaPresident,South Slavic Club of Daytonjeep77@prodigy.net Master Pianist TechniqueLiszt ~ Ziloti@Liszt-Ziloti, Master School of Piano, has been developed and perfectedduring the past two hundred fifty years. This School and Techniqueoriginated from L. W. Beethoven, was later developed and perfected by hisstudent, virtuous pianist Franz Liszt.The technique taught by this school develops exceptional abilities inpianists, allowing them to reach the pinnacle of the Art of Piano.The philosophy of Liszt-Ziloti helps to create a balance between theintellectual and the emotional aspects of pianistic artistry; builds a connectionbetween the pianist and his instrument; nurtures the development, growth,and maturation of musical instinct; and leads to enhancement of the artistâscharacter.The techniques of the school enable the pianist to produce an incrediblyexpanded range of sound, foster a sense of space and time, and teach a deepand personal understanding of composers and their music, which lights theway toward the truest and purest pianistic interpretation of their works.A great deal of talent, hard work, and persistence is required in thestudy of the Liszt-Ziloti technique, but the result of this training is elite,sophisticated, world-class pianists. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 01 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Urban & 4 Live in New York and Chicago this Friday... http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5118/1/E-Urban--4-Live-in-New-York-and-Chicago-this-Friday.html ÂUrban & 4 Live in New York and Chicago this Friday...ÂCome and check Frank Enea performing at the New York concertCroatian Cultural Center 10 pm Feb 25th, 507 West 40th Street, New York Cityhttp://www.doors-art.com/doorsnewsletter1.htm ÂOp-edCome and supportUrban & 4, one of the best Croatian rock musician and see one of the most talented American musicianFrank Enea and his band.. Events like this do not come around too often, so be there and support Doors-Art in their endeavor to produce more of it.ÂNenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) If Croatian village floats their boat ...in Texas http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5119/1/E-If-Croatian-village-floats-their-boat-in-Texas.html ÂIf Croatian village floats their boat ...in TexasÂMcKINNEY – After more than a year of debate, McKinney City Council members Tuesday unanimously approved ambitious plans for an old-world Croatian village in suburban Collin County. ÂSnjezana Pavlovic, a Croatian hired by Mr. Blackard to supervise the authenticity of the project. ÂDeveloper Jeff Blackard will model the development on the village of Supetar, on the island of Brac, Croatia.Jacquielynn FloydIf Croatian village floats their boat ...08:48 PM CST on Friday, February 11, 2005McKINNEY – The intersection of Virginia Parkway and Stonebridge Drive, on my 6-year-old Mapsco, is a dead-end in the middle of nowhere. I need a newer map. Suburban development in this region is not so much an advancing wave as it is a series of spontaneous combustions, exploding little insta-'hoods springing up from the prairie and radiating outward. At this pace, greater Dallas could cross the Oklahoma border before the decade is out. This is a particularly interesting site: After a year of negotiation between city planners and developers, McKinney OK'd construction last week of what is being billed as an "authentic Croatian fishing village" here in the very heart of the 'burbs. An artist's sketch nailed to a sign at the site shows an Old World cluster of stone buildings and cobblestone streets sloping gently to the lapping waters of a little lake. I guess it's pretty authentic, though they could probably fake it up and nobody would be the wiser, because not all that many of us here in Texas have first-hand knowledge of what a Croatian village is supposed to look like.The Disney-esque whimsy might not appeal to everybody, but I like the idea, largely because it's a new option for how and where people might choose to live.It reminded me of another just-constructed neighborhood I saw not long ago while on vacation to the wonderland that is Las Vegas. About 30 miles outside the city, plunked down on the desert at the edge of Lake Mead, there's a master-planned faux-Mediterranean hamlet called MonteLago Village, complete with stone pedestrian paths and cunning little shops, houses and apartments, water taxi, casino and a Ritz-Carlton hotel. The suburbs, they are a-changin'. Not everybody is delighted, but suburban growth – the dreaded "sprawl" – shows no signs of letting up. Writing in The Washington Post, urban historian Joel Kotkin last week declared the suburbs not just our inevitable future but also our overwhelming present reality. "Since 1950, more than 90 percent of metropolitan population growth in America has taken place in the suburbs," writes Mr. Kotkin, citing the appeal of their "space, quality of life, safety and privacy." These amenities, of course, are what snobbish "urbanists" keep mocking as sprawl, conformity, paranoia and isolation. They ridicule the suburbs and the folks who live there, apparently believing you can shame people out of liking minivans and Olive Gardens and automatic garage door openers. The numbers suggest that you can't. Certainly there's a silly pretentiousness in calling a suburban tract house a "villa" or a "garden estate," but no more so than marketing every downtown hamster box as an "urban loft." Mr. Kotkin believes that there is a permanent but limited market – a "niche" – for people who want to live the gritty-but-glamorous urban life, walking their dogs on the downtown streets and hauling their groceries up in the elevator. Fine by me. I think people ought to live where they're happy and comfortable. But I can't help but feel that an experiment like Croatia-in-McKinney is a gleeful little pie-in-the-face to the clichÃd but inevitable ridicule of the suburbs as "bland" and "conformist." Where you choose to live isn't necessarily a political statement – some people just want to make it that way. Creating new housing options in the suburbs makes sense, when you study the direction our demographics are taking us. If that's where 90 percent of our population growth is taking place, they can't all be smug, robotic, intellectually stunted bigots. Maybe they're just perfectly decent, regular people who like it there. E-mail jfloyd@dallasnews.comÂhttp://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/all/stories/021205dnmetfloyd.3672f.htmlCroatian village gets OKCouncil backs 45-acre mixed-use development for Stonebridge Ranch12:20 AM CST on Wednesday, February 2, 2005By PAUL MEYER / The Dallas Morning NewsMcKINNEY – After more than a year of debate, McKinney City Council members Tuesday unanimously approved ambitious plans for an old-world Croatian village in suburban Collin County. The replica village, located on 45 acres in Stonebridge Ranch, could raise city property values by $100 million, officials with the development said, with a mix of lofts, townhomes, shops and waterfront features. "I expect the project to be everything you could ever anticipate it could be," said Don Paschal, a former McKinney city manager working as a consultant on the project. "I think few people would argue that the entire Stonebridge Ranch project truly, at this point in time and in the future, will be the jewel of the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area." Developer Jeff Blackard will model the development on the village of Supetar, on the island of Brac, Croatia. He was joined Tuesday by a standing-room-only crowd of residents, most in favor of the project at the southeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Virginia Parkway. It will be called Adriatica Village at Stonebridge Ranch. "The most exciting thing for me is that there are thousands of years of history trying to be replicated in this project," said Snjezana Pavlovic, a Croatian hired by Mr. Blackard to supervise the authenticity of the project. Ms. Pavlovic, who lived in Supetar and now lives in Kutina, Croatia, said Tuesday the project has already sparked interest among Croatian government officials. Mr. Blackard said a groundbreaking should he held this month. The plans have won strong support from many residents and outsiders but were opposed Tuesday by some area homeowners concerned about the economic impact of allowing apartments on land currently zoned for retail uses. Others expressed concern about the development's impact on the adjacent lake, where an island, chapel and development are planned. For months leading up to Tuesday, the fate of the project remained in doubt because of resident opposition and skepticism from some City Council members about the viability of Mr. Blackard's plans. "I'm glad that he hung in there that whole time. I don't know of another developer in the world who would have hung in there," said council member Pete Huff. The development will face 13-pages of stringent regulations to ensure it develops as envisioned – including regulations on the color palate of roofing materials and the type of stone used on buildings. The council will retain broad discretionary powers to review different phases of the village. "This is the longest single zoning case I've worked on in the City of McKinney," Planning Director Brian James said on Monday. "I've probably spent more time on this one than I have on any other zoning case." The regulations also require that varying amounts of commercial development be built as new residential development is added. Up to a quarter-million square feet of commercial development could eventually be built along with 285 residential units, Mr. Paschal said. "It's the most stringent ordinance this city has ever considered to date," Mr. Paschal said. "While it's stringent, we believe that the components, managed well, are doable." E-mail pmeyer@dallasnews.comÂhttp://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/mckinney/stories/020205dnccovillage.77fef.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Last chance for discounted Petar Graso tickets http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5124/1/E-Last-chance-for-discounted-Petar-Graso-tickets.html ÂLast chance to get discounted Petar Graso Ticketsfor this coming SaturdayWe're getting ready to welcome Croatian Music Pop Sensation, Petar Graso and his band, Bolero to the Tarragon in Sunnyvale. We've heard many good things about his recent performance in LA, and we know he will give us a show to remember.If you haven't purchased tickets yet, now is the time. They are still $40 if purchased in advance, and $50 at the door on the night of the concert.For Concert Tickets, please call:in San Mateo:Ivo Batkovic 650-315-7955in Hayward:Slavko Miskic 510-441-0371Mario Jarak 510-909-4559in San Jose:Emil Jakovcevic 408-910-6089Laura Kolomejec 408-455-3305If in Santa Clara, you can pick your tickets up from 9am-6pm at:Rivalwatch, Inc.3065 Olcott StreetSanta Clara, CA 95054Just let Emil know you're coming and how many tickets you need (408-910-6089)Concert is on Saturday, February 5th at the Tarragon in Sunnyvale. 140 S. Murphy Ave. Sunnyvale, California 94086 Doors open at 8:00, Concert starts at 9:00For more info, please visit us online at: http://www.crocenter.com If you plan on dining at the Tarragon before the concert, please call to make a reservation:(408) 737-8003At the concert, we will also have a raffle drawing with some great prizes.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 08 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Angela Courtney Brkich at the New York University http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5123/1/E-Angela-Courtney-Brkich-at-the-New-York-University.html NYU Creative Writing Program Spring Reading Series Opens Mar. 3 with Alumni Reading Monday, Feb 07, 2005 Six alumni of the New York University Creative Writing Program â Courtney Brkic, Nell Freudenberger, Quraysh Ali Lansana, Allison Lynn, Emily Raboteau, and Jason Schneiderman â open the programâs Spring Reading Series on Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m., when they read from their new books of poetry and fiction. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place in the Main Hall, ground floor of 19 University Place. For further information, call 212.998.8816.Courtney Brkic is the author of Stillness and Other Stories (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), a collection of short fiction about the wars in Croatia and in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and The Stone Fields (FSG), a family memoir. She is the recipient of a New York Times Fellowship and a Whiting Award.Nell Freudenberger wrote a collection of short stories, Lucky Girls, which won the Pen/Malamud Award. Her story âThe Tutorâ€? was included in the Best American Short Stories and the OâHenry Prize Stories anthologies.Quraysh Ali Lansana is the author of They Shall Run: Harriet Tubman Poems (2004) and Southside Rain (2000) as well as a childrenâs book, TheBig World (Addison-Wesley, 1999). He is co-editor of Roll Call: A Generational Anthology of Social and Political Black Literature and Art (Third World Press, 2002).Allison Lynnâs first novel, Now You See It, won both the William Faulkner Medal from the Pirateâs Alley Faulkner Society and the Chapter One Award from the Bronx Writersâ Center.Emily Raboteau, an assistant professor of creative writing at CUNY, is the author of a first novel, The Professorâs Daughter, published in February by Henry Holt. She is the recipient of the Chicago Tribuneâs Nelson Algren Award for Short Fiction, a Jacob Javits Fellowship, a Pushcart Prize, and a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship.Jason Schneidermanâs first collection of poems, Sublimation Point, was published by Four Way Books in 2004. He is the recipient of the Emily Dickinson Award from the Poetry Society of America and has received fellowships from The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown and Yaddo.The next event in the NYU Creative Writing Program Reading Series will be on Tuesday, March 24, featuring Galway Kinnell, prize-winning poet and Erich Maria Remarque Professor in Creative Writing at NYU.The NYU Creative Writing Program, with permanent faculty members E.L. Doctorow, Galway Kinnell, Paule Marshall, and Sharon Olds, has distinguished itself for over three decades as a leading national center for the study of literature and writing. The Creative Writing Program Director is Melissa Hammerle. The Reading Series, sponsored in cooperation with the NYU Book Centers and the Fales Collection at NYU, is a vital component of the Writing Program, bringing both established and new writers to NYU.The NYU Creative Writing Program Reading Series is made possible by generous support from the Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund, established in The New York Community Trust by the founders of the Readerâs Digest Association. Additional support is provided by Robert E. Holmes. Dragi gospodine Bach,Odite na NYU link http://www.nyu.edu/public.affairs/releases/detail/180Nekoliko mlad(j)ih autora, medju njima i Courtney Brkich (kao prva), citat ce iz svojih knjiga 3. ozujka. Mozda mozete sazeti nesto iz ove obavjesti staviti je u vas newsletter.Srdacno,Zlatko Bacichttp://www.nyu.edu/public.affairs/releases/detail/180 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 08 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) VOTE for "Freedom from Despair" Feb 9-15! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5121/1/E-VOTE-for-Freedom-from-Despair-Feb-9-15.html ÂWatch Freedom From Despair on Cinequest Film Festival's Online Viewer Voice AwardsÂPLEASE WATCH and VOTE FOR FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR THE ONLY DOCUMENTARY IN ENGLISH TO EVER TELL THE TRUE HISTORY OF CROATIAFrom February 9-15, 2005, you will be able to watch and vote for Freedom from Despair in the Cinequest Film Festival's Online Viewer Voice Awards - an internet competition recognizing outstanding new films. Starting Feb 9, 2005 go to http://www.cinequestonline.org/ then click on Viewers Voice Collection and Competition. You will be prompted to register as a voter using your email address. If you have already registered, then just log in using your email address. Once you have registered and logged in, choose Freedom from Despair then click on Watch Full Feature in the gray box. The film will download onto your Windows Media Player and you can watch it. You can vote for the film based on a 5 star rating system - 5 stars being the best! (the average number of stars combined with the average number of downloads per week determines the winners, so downloading will help to generate legitimate points for the film). You can also post notes about what you thought of the film. The top 3 films win a place in the Cinequest Film Festival in March. Note: Full Features only viewable using Windows Media 9 on Windows 98/2000/XP. You may be prompted to install the software if it is not on your computer already. Please do so as it is supposed to be a very secure program. Also, the film is 95 minutes long, so please be patient as it will take some time to download the entire film for viewing.Thank you very much and I appreciate your support. It is up to you to vote for this story so please do your part to help promote true history. A film on this subject only comes around once in a lifetime - now is the chance to support it! Please vote for Freedom from Despair! Brenda BrkusicDirector, Freedom from Despairwww.freedomfromdespair.com FREEDOM FROM DESPAIRSYNOPSISFreedom from Despair is a feature length documentary that explores the untold history of Communist Yugoslavia through first hand interviews, stock footage, news reels and narrative recreations shot in the US and Croatia. The film portrays the incredible journey of Kruno Brkusic, who as a young man risked his life to flee from a regime that punished independent thought and suppressed Croatian culture through state-sanctioned terror, imprisonment and exile. In 1957 after escaping across the border to Italy, Kruno is given a chance to live in the USA and his dream of witnessing the free world is realized. As Kruno’s homeland becomes scarred by war during the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991, he becomes a voice in the American media, fighting to disseminate untrue propaganda and challenging the journalistic community to take a stand on human rights in that part of the world. As the nation sits by and watches the carnage on television, Kruno and thousands of Croatian-Americans demonstrate on Capitol Hill in a desperate attempt to convince George Bush Senior to recognize Croatia. The film examines the role certain administrations had in allowing the massacre of over 250,000 people to occur in the Balkans. It is a shocking look at that which was never revealed in the American mainstream media including the American government’s attempt keep Yugoslavia together by supporting two of the world’s bloodiest dictators, Josip Broz Tito and Slobodan Milosevic. Interviewees include an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience, US Congressmen, a priest, a concentration camp survivor, authors on Croatian history, Kruno, his childhood friends, and his family. In exploring the atrocities committed and hidden by the Communist government of Yugoslavia and its allies, the filmmaker pieces together the shocking truth has been silenced within a generation of survivors for the past 60 years. Slowly, as these people are heard, the healing of a nation begins. Courage, faith, and an overwhelming desire to fight for freedom in the face of despair; these are the themes included in this film, making it a saga but also a celebration of culture, democracy, and the abiding strength in the human spirit.AWARDSWINNER of three “BEST DOCUMENTARY” awardsThe New York International Independent Film FestivalThe International Student Film Festival HollywoodThe Chapman Studios Filmmaker AwardsFINALIST in the Anti-Defamation League’s Dore Schary AwardsSPECIAL RECOGNITION in the Dubrovnik International Film FestivalSTARRING Michael York, John Savage, Beata PozniakMUSIC by Nenad BachThe film was recently picked by Amnesty International to be included in "On Campus" film festivals that will take place in Universities around the United States. The film has also been selected to screen at the Pula Film Festival, the ARPA International Film Festival and the Tiburon International Film Festival.PRESS“A brilliant film” -The Tolucan Times “A moving account” -The Studio City Sun “A personal documentary” -The LA TIMES “It is a must-see film for those who want to look into the window of truth. It is very likely that this fine film will send up in the archives of great documentaries” -The Croatian Chronicle“Brenda Brkusic is a young American filmmaker of Croatian decent who actually delved deep into the roots of the war in Croatia, unlike most foreign based directors who were lost in a myriad of ideological propaganda from all sides and left most things open-ended and unanswered” -Voice of Croatia Radio Program“Brenda Brkusic, American film producer of Croatian descent, is one of these authors we have been waiting for: young, gifted and brave. Brenda presented this tale without exaggeration, honestly and sincerely, with the author's courage which is imposing, but which is also without any ideology and propaganda. She gave through her personal dimension a very vivid presentation of a totalitarian time, the darkest sides of a system which mercilessly trampled human rights.”-Hrvatsko Slovo Newspaper“Brenda Brkusic has a very inspired directorial approach, and she achieved dramatic tension and rhythm, which even after one and one half hours time does not leave the viewer unmoved. Not only did she master her film profession, it is also obvious that she is a very gifted young film director, as she as a 23-year old made a mature and serious film for which even older colleagues in this domain could be envious.” -Hrvatsko Slovo Newspaper“Freedom from Despair is a powerful, moving film, documenting a much neglected piece of modern history - Croatia’s struggle for independence from the repression of Tito’s Yugoslavia and the brutality of the Balkan War. Brenda Brkusic has created a memorable portrait of a people, a culture, and one man’s hard-fought journey to freedom” -David S. Ward, Academy Award Winning Filmmaker letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 08 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sopele - Sopile http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5120/1/E-Sopele---Sopile.html ÂSopele - SopileÂSopele is traditional Croatian wind instrument playedin the region of Istria, on Islands of Krk, Cres, Rab,and also in the region from Rijeka till Novi. Two instruments areplayed simultenaously (na tanko i debelo, high voice and deep voice), using the famous Istrian Scale. Thanks to efforts of several enthusiastson the island of Krk, the instrument is again in use more and more.For example, mr. Svetko Usalj prepares these wooden instruments forserous players, but also as a souvenir. He is known to be very activein promoting Croatian Glagolitic Script among young people, andthe glagolitic is a part of some very beautiful souvenirs carved in wood.Thanks to his efforts, after centuries of male players of SOPILE orSOPELE(called SOPCI), there are also female players - young girls (SOPCHICE)playing this instrument! Mr. Svetko Usalj is also coauthor of an intersting web page devoted to the history of Glagolitic quickscript. Also specialists (linguists and historians) are using his transliterationsfrom old glagolitic church documents into the Latin script.He teaches children the secrets of this old Croatianscript in the following way: having learned the basics of the alphabet,children read a copy of text in the Glagolitic which is three orfour centuries old, written in the same area, containing the name of some of predecessors of the child. You can imagine amazement of a 10 or 12 years oldboy or girl when, reading the text aloud, he or she finds his or herown second name in the text which is three of four hundred years old.Mr. Svetko Usalj is a wonderful person, very gifted, retired whom children simply adore. He lives with his family in a lovely village of Gabonjin near Dobrinj on the island of Krk. Mr. Usalj (Ushalj) alsoorganized (and completed!) an interesting glagolitic alley of glagoliticmonuments and inscriptions, connecting the village with the nearby church on the top of the hill, with a beautiful view on the Rijeka bay. He appeared many times in newspapers, and also on the TV. He is honorable member of the letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Horses and Nurses on Rijeka's Carnival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5122/1/E-Horses-and-Nurses-on-Rijekas-Carnival.html ÂHorses and Nurses on Rijeka's CarnivalÂWomen dressed as nurses smile during Carnival grand parade in Croatia's Adriatic town of Rijeka.(AFP/Denis Lovrovic) ÂParticipants surround a giant horse during Carnival grand parade in Croatia's Adriatic town of Rijeka.(AFP/Denis Lovrovic) ÂCroatia's carnival city holds colourful masked paradeRIJEKA, Croatia (AFP) Sunday February 06, 2005AFPThe annual carnival in the Croatian coastal town of Rijeka reached its dazzling climax with a colourful parade of thousands of masked revellers along its main promenade. Some 100,000 visitors from Croatia Âand abroad flocked to watch the parade, the highlight of the month-long festival, kick off at around noon (1100 GMT), in bright winter sunshine and despite a bitterly cold wind."Rijeka's carnival is a mix of a modern European carnival and local folk tradition, with contemporary masks marching alongside bell-ringers from nearby villages," Anton Skrobonja, who headed up the parade, told AFP.The frightening looking bell-ringers, or Zvoncari, dressed in animal skins are believed to summon back the spring and scare away evil forces. The event is closer in feel to the world-famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro than to the Venice Carnival, across the Adriatic Sea from Rijeka, said Skrobonja, fitted out with a blue suit and 18th-century top hat."Venice Carnival is more static, the figures mostly stand in one place and people walk around them, while in Rijeka the public watches a parade of masks along the city's promenade," said the parade's leader, nicknamed "Master Toni".Since its launch in 1982, the Rijeka carnival has grown into one of Europe's biggest. On Sunday some 10,000 masked paraders marched in 140 groups, including ones from Bosnia , Hungary , Italy, Macedonia , Slovakia Âand Slovenia . President Stipe Mesic also briefly attended the seven-hour event. Unlike in Venice, which is dominated by traditional baroque masks, the teams participating in the Rijeka carnival spend months dreaming up original new creations for each edition of the carnival.On display on the Rijeka promenade were masks representing the four seasons, a dazzling array of flowers, animals and even cannibals.A tribute to a rich tradition of parades which flourished under the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Rijeka carnival has also become an opportunity for satirical comment on current political and social affairs.Thus, on Sunday, a mask depicting President Mesic rode astride a blue dragon with yellow stars, representing the European Union which Croatia Âwants to join -- shown with the face of the pro-European Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.In front of the dragon marched masks representing cave people, a satiric reference to the way Croatians feel they are perceived by the EU. The parade was to end with the burning of an effigy embodying all the misfortune that has befallen Rijeka's citizens in the past year, before the mayor reclaims the city keys from the carnival master ahead of Mardi Gras.Despite its originality, the Rijeka's carnival remains underexploited as a tourist magnet. "The carnival's significance for tourism will grow, but for now even our travel agencies advertise trips to Venice for carnival instead of focusing on Rijeka," Skobronja said.http://entertainment.news.designerz.com/croatias-carnival-city-holds-colourful-masked-parade.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble in Seattle, USA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5125/1/E-Vela-Luka-Croatian-Dance-Ensemble-in-Seattle-USA.html http://www.seattleweekly.com/features/0504/050126_arts_performpick.php letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 27 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) AMAC poziva na muzej s njokima u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5127/1/H-AMAC-poziva-na-muzej-s-njokima-u-New-Yorku.html ÂMuzej s njokimaDragi clanovi i prijatelji AMACa,Nadam se da ste se polako iskopali iz snijega koji je pao ovog vikenda. Za iduci vikend, tocnije nedjelju 30. sijecnja, pozivam vas na nesto bolje i manje naporno: zajednicki odlazak u jedan muzej i restoran u Astoriji - trebalo bi biti dobro kako za duh tako i za tjelo. Predlazem zainteresiranima da se nadjemo u 11:30 AM pred, ili u, American Museum of the Moving Image. Ulaz mu je na krizanju 35th Avenue i 36th Street (u Astoriji). Iako manje poznat, ovo je izuzetno zanimljiv i po mnogo cemu jedinstven muzej, koji svjedoci o razvoju filma, televizije i digitalnih medija; vrijedi ga posjetiti. Home web stranica muzeja je http://www.movingimage.us/site/site.php . Detaljne upute za doci domuzeja mogu se naci nahttp://www.movingimage.us/site/about/index.html , link Travel Directions.Nakon muzeja, u 2:30 PM dosli bi na rucak u restoran Istria Sport Cluba, 28-09 Astoria Blvd. Ovaj restoran na glasu je po domacim specijalitetima iz Istre i drugih krajeva Hrvatske, hrvatskim vinima (izmedju ostalih), i dobroj atmosferi. Jelovnik je nahttp://istriasportclub.com/restaurant.htm .Vjerujem da cemo se ugodno provesti. Molim vas da mi se do petka javite e-mailom ako namjeravate doci, kako bih u restoranu mogao rezervirati odgovarajuci broj mjesta.Srdacan pozdrav,Zlatko Bacic, PredsjednikAMAC Mid-Atlanticbacicz@mindspring.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Symbolic Beauty: Croatian Textile Designs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5126/1/E-Symbolic-Beauty-Croatian-Textile-Designs.html ÂÂCROATIAN TEXTILE DESIGNSFEBRUARY 3rd - MARCH 30th, 2005 ÂÂThe Clara Fritzsche Library Presents:Symbolic Beauty: CROATIAN TEXTILE DESIGNSFEBRUARY 3rd - MARCH 30th, 2005 Opening reception:THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 6-8 p.m.Refreshments will be served.The show may be viewed during library hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Karen Zoller at (216) 373-5267 or email kzoller@ndc.edu.Select this link for press release with more information.âThis exhibit is sponsored by a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.â€?The Clara Fritzsche Library, 4545 College Road, South Euclid, Ohio 44121 (20 minutes from downtown Cleveland, off Green Road, north of Cedar Road)ÂPlease help us publicize our upcoming exhibit, "Symbolic Beauty: Croatian Textile Designs." Funded by the Ohio Humanities Council it is hoped that this exhibit will promote increased awareness, understanding and appreciation of Croatian culture and history.http://www.notredamecollege.edu/about_ndc/exhibits.html Thank you,Karen ZollerClara Fritzsche Library Notre Dame College 4545 College RoadSouth Euclid, OH 44121216 373-5267 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORK http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5130/1/E-CROATIAN-BOOK-CLUB-OF-NEW-YORK.html ÂCROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORKA Croatian Book Club is being organized in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.Each month, the facilitator will choose a "book of the month" that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space. Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:" "The Stone Fields" by Courtney Angela Brkic" "Plum Brandy - Croatian Journeys" by Josip Novakovic" "How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed" by Slavenka Drakulic" "Neither Red nor Dead" by Stevo Julius" "The Museum of Unconditional Surrender" by Dubravka Ugresic" "The Banquet in Blitva" by Miroslav Krleza" "The Turk and My Mother" by Mary Helen Stefaniak" "Sarajevo Marlboro" by Miljenko Jergovic " "Croatian Tales of Long Ago" by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic" "Anna Marinkovich" by Edward Ifkovic " "Carrying the Farm on Her Back - A portrait of Women in a Croatian Village" by Eva Skold Westerlind" "Healing the Heart of Croatia" by Joseph Kerrigan" "Goodby Dear Old Homeland" by Yasna Sikic Hood" "American Dream - a Guy from Croatia" by Boris Miksic" "Thorn Lace - Mojmir - A Migrant's Lot" by Ina Vukic" "Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration" Mike Celizic " "The Labyrinth" by Blanka Raguz" "You're Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice" by Bill Rancic" "Lovers and Madmen - a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy" by Julienne Eden Busic " "Fix Our United States" by Krist (Chris) Novoselic" Bogdan Radica - out of printMost of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com . Book Club discussion questions and topics:" What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader?" Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?" What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story? " How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?" In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author's world view?" Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?" What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book?" How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic?" Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this?" If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias?" How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter? Meeting place: Croatian Cultural CenterAddress: 502 West 41st Street, New York,NY (between 10th & 11th avenues) Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, February 16th, 05 at 6 p.m.First book selection: "The Stone Fields" by Courtney Angela BrkicPlease read the book in advance.Facilitator:Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Women's Writing Guild. Her two essays, "Father's Funeral" and "Babin Kuk" were published in "Caprice" and "Quiet Mountain Essays." Short story, "Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatia" has been published on the CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . Katarina is also a member of the International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City. If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com or telephone 212-744-1985. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BETWEEN THE CROSS AND THE HALF-MOON http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5129/1/E-BETWEEN-THE-CROSS-AND-THE-HALF-MOON.html Â"BETWEEN THE CROSS AND THE HALF-MOON"At the University Library of Leiden, January 20th - February 20th 2005.Mr. Ivo Dubravcic from Delft, The Netherlands, is the greatestCroatian collectionar of old books and rarities, and well knownamong specialists in Croatia. Numerous books related to Croatiahave been saved due to his information and help, and many ofthem are thanks to his efforts in Croatia (in National and University Library in Zagreb, Croatian State Archives etc.). He is also well known among collectionars of books throughout Europe.Though retired, he is still very active with his hobby of collectingold books, which started thirty five years ago. I had a luck to beacquainted with this very nice person two years ago in Zagreb,and we had discussions about Croatian Glagolitic books. To may greatsurprise, I learned from him that he is in possession of several glagolitic rarities himself in Delft, for example a bookfrom the Senj Glagolitic printing house dating from 1508,which was thus 25th country except Croatia, which keeps Croatianglagolitic books. See for more detailswww.croatianhistory.net/etf/novi.html The exhbition of books of Mr. Ivo Dubravcic will be held under significanttitle "BETWEEN THE CROSS AND THE HALF-MOON", and will be openedat the University Library of Leiden, January 20th 2005.The exhbition will opened until February 20th. It will be opened by the vice-president of the University LibraryMr. Linmans, in the presence of many distinguished guests,including the Embassy of Croatia in the Hague. We remind thatthe city of Leiden is just about 15km from the Hague. Mr. Dubravcic prepared together with his colleagues, outstanding scholars(also from Croatia) the accompanying guidebook with articles dealingwith the exhibition and with elements of the history of Croatian culture.I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Nenad Bachfor all painstaking efforts with the CROWN, and withwww.croatianhistory.net Those interested in the history of Croatian books will find a lotsof information on this web.Many greetings from Zagreb to all visitors of CROWN,Darko ZubrinicUniversity of ZagrebCroatia letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) JAMA JANDROKOVIC - soprano in Concert Jan 20, 05 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5128/1/E-JAMA-JANDROKOVIC---soprano-in-Concert-Jan-20-05.html ÂCROATIAN CULTURAL THURSDAYS& HKD NAPREDAK - NEW YORKSPONSOR CONCERTByJAMA JANDROKOVIC - sopranoÂhttp://www.jamajandrokovic.com/Booking: info@jamajandrokovic.comPersonal Message: jama@jamajandrokovic.comÂThursday, January 20, 2005 at 7:00 PMCroatian Cultural Center, Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church - large auditorium 502 West 41st Street (between 10th and 11th avenues)New York, NYReception to followFor additional information contact: kdeletis@excite.com Ms. Soyeon Kim will accompany Ms. Jandrokovic on a piano. The program will feature works by American and Croatian composers. Ms. Jandrokovic will be touring Croatia and Germany next month, performing in Ivanic Grad, Zagreb, Samobor, Rovinj, Munich and Berlin. BIOGRAPHIES:JAMA JANDROKOVICâs silvery voice and interpretive sincerity shine in performances of art song, her first musical love. The young American soprano has concertized throughout the United States, and has been heard at New York venues such as Steinway Hall, Nicholas Roerich Museum, Kosciuszko Foundation, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Ms. Jandrokovic begins 2005 by making her European debut with a concert tour of Croatia, culminating in a recital in the capital of Zagreb, then on to recitals in Germany at the Gasteig in Munich and the Konzerthaus in Berlin. In New York City, Ms. Jandrokovic will sing concerts at Steinway Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Early fall of 2005 will see the release of Ms. Jandrokovicâs debut recording, âSweet, Stay Awhileâ€? featuring songs of John Dowland and Henry Purcell. Ms. Jandrokovicâs Alice Tully Hall engagement marks her debut performance at the prestigious venue as both singer and poet. The artist will collaborate with leading American composers Lori Laitman, Luna Pearl Woolf and the 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner for music, Paul Moravec, to present the world premiere of three new song cycles, written for Ms. Jandrokovic, based upon her collection of poetry, Five Lovers. The Five Lovers concert will be recorded and released in 2006.SOYEON KIM, equally at home with vocal and instrumental repertoire, has performed as a solo and collaborative pianist throughout her home country of Korea and in the United States. Ms. Kim began her studies in Korea and at the age fifteen gave her professional debut with the Taejeon Chamber Orchestra performing the Mozart Piano Concerto. As a young student, she won many competitions, including First Prize in the Seoul National Teacher's College Piano Competition, Top Prize in the Teenager Piano Competition, Laureate in the Korea Festival Ensemble Chamber Music Competition and a fellowship at the New Triad Foundation in New York City. She received her training at Seoul National University in solo piano performance where she was introduced to the collaborative aspect of performing and began working with chamber music ensembles and vocalists. Ms. Kim has participated frequently in master classes with such artists as Martin Katz, Edgar Meyer, Robert McDonald, Brian Zeger, Lauren Flanigan, Anna Moffo, Eleonore Schoenfeld, Betty Allen, and Daniel Pollack. Ms. Kimâs current focus is the art of accompanying and chamber music at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where she is pursuing her doctoral degree and studies with Heasook Rhee.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Join Croatian "Jules Verne Club" - for a reason http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5131/1/E-Join-Croatian-Jules-Verne-Club---for-a-reason.html ÂJoin Croatian "Jules Verne Club"Âhttp://www.ice.hr/davors/ejvclub.htm Â"Jules Verne Club" was initiated at October, 1997, and formally established at 9-th February 1998. in Pazin, Istria, Croatia, with purpose to put together people who like works of famous French author Jules Verne (1828-1905), to popularize reading, translating and publishing of his works, and to encourage studying and researching of his extraordinary opus and life. Direct motivation for establishing "Jules Verne Club" in Pazin is a fact that in his novel "Mathias Sandorf" (1885) Verne wrote about Pazin, his thousand years old castle, and underground cave. ÂOne of towers of a Castle in Pazin, place where Jules Verne's Mathias Sandorf was prisonedÂ"Jules Verne Club" will announce actions and results here at this site, and through "paper" bulletin which will be free delivered to the members. Jules Verne wrote about Pazin in his novel "Mathias Sandorf" (1885), and that was a result, besides other, of his correspondence with contemporary mayor of Pazin, Giusepe Cech, and reading works of French writer and traveler Charles Yriarte. In memory of this Jules Verne's novel, Pazin had ( in 1989-1990) an amateur theatre group named "Mathias Sandorf". Today, Pazin has a Jules Verne street (since 1992.), just in a part of town nearby a thousand years old castle, that one which Verne described like Mathias Sandorf's prison. At 9-th February 1998. there was a "Jules Verne Club" established in Pazin, with purpose, besides others, to make more famous a connections between Pazin (and that means Istria and Croatia too), with this extraordinary French writer. Intention is to give deserved cultural and historical meaning to this connection, and to use it as an inspiration for some activities in our time. We are just at very start of our efforts; so please, take this page as one which is still "under construction", and, for now, have a brief at one little "julesvernian" photo-album of our town. http://www.ice.hr/davors/ejvclub.htm --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact-adress: "Jules Verne Club" Stari Trg 8 52000 PAZIN CROATIA phone/fax: ++385-52/622-460 e-mail: davor.sisovic@pu.tel.hrÂHOW TO JOIN "JULES VERNE CLUB"?One of basic principals of membership in "Jules Verne Club" is that there's no any financial obligation for members. The only condition for become a member of "Jules Verne Club" is to donate a book or other cultural goods for Club's collection. It could be any Jules Verne's book; a book on Jules Verne; a material about Jules Verne's sources, specially for "Mathias Sandorf"; a film or a comic-book based on Jules Verne's works; a poster for Verne based films or plays; or any other cultural good connected with Jules Verne or Pazin. There are two basic categories of membership in "Jules Verne Club": regular members, and correspondent members. Both have the same obligation to donate one book or other cultural goods for Club's collection. Regular members are usually from Pazin and neighbor area, and we expect from them to attend Club's weekly meetings, and to take place in organization of Club's actions and events. Correspondent members have no obligation to take place in current Club's activities. Regular and correspondent members have equal rights to be informed about every Club's activities, to be called for any public events organized by Club, and to receive Club's Bulletin for free. For any additional information, please contact us by e-mail or otherwise (see end of this page). After expressing a wish to become a member of "Jules Verne Club", and sending to us basic information about a candidate (name, address, e-mail and URL, special interests, etc.), we'll ask for choosing a category of membership (suppose that mostly it will be a "correspondent member" category), and we'll please for offer for donation. After receiving of a donation, we'll send a member card to a new member, and we'll begin to send him all Club's materials, including Club's Bulletin. Of course, after becoming a member, a correspondent one also has some obligations: to popularize Jules Verne and his works, specially novel "Mathias Sandorf" and connection between Jules Verne and Pazin, as much as he can.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 15 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book review "The Turk and My Mother" Mary Helen Stefaniak http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5134/1/E-Book-review-The-Turk-and-My-Mother-Mary-Helen-Stefaniak.html ÂBook review "The Turk and My Mother" Mary Helen StefaniakReviewed by Katarina Tepesh"The Turk and My Mother" opens up with author's note explaining to the reader how "Staramajka" is the Croatian word for Grandmother. When Josip, or in rarer moments of affection, Joza leaves for America in the spring of 1914, leaving behind his wife, a touching love story describing four generations begins. Stefaniak describes Croatia from a long time ago, where her ancestors came from, "as people who lived hard lives in tiny villages, in a part of Europe that was so used to being cut up and handed around like cake, at the end of every big and little warâ.."Written with humor and affection, describing with details the immigrant neighborhood in Milwaukee, the novel encompasses a family's secret history, forbidden love, passion, loss, nostalgia for home, and the sorrow and pain and complexity of life. A journey across continents, the book is full of familiar memories about the rural village of Novo Selo, where people used to live without heat, no lights, no running water and mud in the street to your knees every spring. Much later, when Stefaniak travels to Croatia, to unravel the family mystery, she visits the four-hundred-year-old church, sees storks nesting on their chimneys and houses with ancient well in back yards. She sleeps on the big straw mattress layered with featherbeds. Mary Helen Stefaniak is the prize-winning author of "Self Storage and Other Stories." She teaches creative writing at Creighton University and lives in Omaha and Iowa City with her family. See her web site atwww.maryhelenstefaniak.comÂ"The Turk and My Mother" published by Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc. $24.95. See www.amazon.com for discounts. A paperback edition is coming out in June of 2005. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 14 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Little Stars choir in NYC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5133/1/E-Little-Stars-choir-in-NYC.html ÂLittle Stars shine BIG in New York City for the second timeBy Katarina TepeshCroatians from the New York City welcomed for the second time the "Little Stars" or "Zvjezdice" choir from Zagreb.With their glorious voices and strict discipline, the talented "Little Stars" are cultural ambassadors for the European Union and one of the top performing choirs in the world. They are again visiting America to promote peace through musical performance and cultural exchange. "Zvjezdice" choir, made up of 43 girls aged 10 to 18 have appeared on December 17, 2004 at the Holy Family Church located at 315 East 47th Street in Manhattan.The concert started formally with "Alleluia", proceeded with Franz Schubert Kyrie and Credo from Mass in G major, followed by sacred works by Ivan Lucacic, "Oci Joj Gorski Izvori" by Josip Magdic, Mozart's "Ave Maria", phenomenal artistic range in "Annen Polka" by Johan Strauss, Pero Gotovac and "Stabat Mater" by Giovanni Pergolesi.Second portion of the concert included Croatian Christmas songs such as "Svim na Zemlji Mir Veselje", "Veselje Ti Navjescujem", "U To Vrijeme Godista." and "Radujte Se Narodi." Followed by all time favorite "Tiha Noc" sang by the choir in a beautiful high tone along with their superb soloists.This special concert was also a 50th birthday celebration for conductor Zdravko Sljivac, who leads "Zvjezdice" since 1985. After standing ovation, each "Little Star" received a red rose, compliments of Wanda Radetti, public relations director of Istrian and Italian events. Julliard String Quintet and organist Bozica Tudjen accompanied this joyous concert.The large modern church of "Holy Family", perfect for musical concerts, was less then half full due to wrong address listed on the internet and Croatian newspapers. Several Croatians were searching for the "right" church near the United Nations.The "Little Stars" performed on Long Island on Saturday and were welcomed to the Croatian church on Sunday. With every seat taken, the Croatian audience was treated to an hour-long concert, including with "new" conductor Father Ivica Majstorovic during the song "Radujte Se Narodi." The founder and conductor of "Zvjezdice" Zdravko Sljivac carefully select the talent. Choir pre-admission requirements are indeed stringent, requiring the highest personal dedication and professionalism of choir member candidates. Every candidate is required to maintain excellent school grades for as long as they are member associated with the choir. "Zvjezdice" traveled all over Europe and Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Chicago. Now they have added more stars with the spirit of love and peace to the glorious Christmas decorations all over New York City - the greatest city in the world!  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 14 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Jakov Sedlar directing "The Golden Frog Lecture Series." http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5135/1/E-Jakov-Sedlar-directing-The-Golden-Frog-Lecture-Series.html ÂMichael Mamas, to Film Public Television Special in Los Angeles Â'The Golden Frog' Distribution Source : PRNewswireDate : Tuesday - January 11, 2005LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally acclaimed author and spiritual teacher, Michael Mamas, will film a three-part television special in Los Angeles on January 22nd and 23rd. The three-part series -- oriented and formatted for public television as well as for a video/DVD release -- will coincide with the introduction of Michael's latest book, "The Golden Frog." The themes of the television programs and the video/DVDs are: 1) Angels, Einstein and You; 2) Desire, Love and Longing; and 3) Healing, Parenting and Relationships.Michael Mamas, who dedicates his life to bringing forth a wise and refined understanding of human development, simplifies complex and abstract concepts so they can easily be understood by a multitude of people. His unique way of teaching enables people to not only get an intellectual understanding of a myriad of subjects, but to experience the meaning of his words within the depth of their own being. Michael addresses all fields of human interest. Areas of thought that are often seen as conflicted are brought together. He unifies apparently contradictory religious teachings, merges Eastern and Western thought, and unites pure science with sublime spirituality.The Golden Frog book follows the friendship of two boys in a series of enchanted childhood summers ... and beyond. Though each pursues his own quest for truth, Bruce and Nathaniel's paths entwine throughout life. Bruce becomes a psychotherapist trapped in the web of conditioning, while Nathaniel ventures to India, emerging as a revolutionary thinker. During his journey Nathaniel meets Surya, a spiritual master who teaches him extraordinary lessons and profound knowledge. As Nathaniel awakens to the wisdom deeply rooted within him, mysterious events unfold. With gripping passion, he penetrates the veil that cloaks spiritual wisdom. Through insightful and heartfelt interactions, he challenges all notions of reality. Witnessing Nathaniel's remarkable journey from ordinary to extraordinary, Bruce is changed forever.The Michael Mamas television program and video/DVD special is entitled "The Golden Frog Lecture Series." It will be filmed in front of a live studio audience in a live-to-tape format. Capistrano Films, known for its PBS holocaust special "Fate Did Not Let Me Go" and other uplifting programs such as "Spiritual Trekking" and "Unsung Heroes," is producing the series. Directing areJakov Sedlar and Antonio Soave. Jakov, a native of Zagreb, Croatia, has directed over 70 feature films, television specials and documentaries, including his latest docudrama, "Syndrome Jerusalem" -- winner of the First International Peace Award at the 2004 Venice Film Festival. Antonio has co-directed "Spiritual Trekking" and "The Soccer Academy." He has also written the screenplay for the Paulo Coelho biblically inspired novella, "The Fifth Mountain." http://press.arrivenet.com/bus/article.php/557768.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) China Philharmonic will tour Croatia, with Lang Lang http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5132/1/E-China-Philharmonic-will-tour-Croatia-with-Lang-Lang.html ÂChina Philharmonic Plans Nine-Country TourBy Emily Quinn13 Jan 2005 The China Philharmonic Orchestra will tour Europe and North American this year, the Xinhua News Agency reports.Yu Long, the founder and artistic director of the five-year-old orchestra, announced that the Philharmonic will give 25 concerts in the United States, Canada, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, the U.K., Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The tour dates are February 23-April 8.The tour repertoire will include Rachmaninoffâs Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and DvorÃkâs Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor as well as a number of Chinese works, such as the violin concertos Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai (Butterfly Lovers) and the erhu composition Moon Reflects in Er Quan. Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Wang Jian, violinist Augustin Dumay, and soprano Ke Luwa will make guest appearances.http://www.playbillarts.com/news/article/1161.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hrvatski Vjesnik - Croatian Herald Website Launched http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5140/1/E-Hrvatski-Vjesnik---Croatian-Herald-Website-Launched.html ÂAs of tomorrow (Thursday), we are FINALLY launching our new website atwww.croatianherald.com.au . We are very excited about the launch of the website and want to take the Vjesnik to the rest of the world. Please visit the site yourself, and PLEASE please please, pass the word onto all your contacts via CroWorldNet. By all means, make any constructive suggestions. We aim to have it free-to-air for the first few months but after that we are considering charginga $1 AUD subscription per week - $50 AUD per year in order to not lose on our hardcopy and to add a new revenue stream so we can embark on different community projects. Please let me know what you think of that, i.e. whether or not people will be enticed to subscribe, taking into account these days there are so many free-to-air news websites.Finally, may you have a very Merry Xmas and safe and enjoyable New Year and keep up the excellent work you are doing for both Croatia and the North American Croatian community. If only we had more Nenad Bachs around the world !All the best and hopefully chat with you again very soon! In the meantime, please let as many people know about our website. Eventually, once we settle down a little I would like to exchange links.Tonci Prusaccroatianherald@netspace.net.auEditor - New GenerationSports Journalist/Layout DesignerCroatian Herald,Melbourne, AUSTRALIA ADVERTISE WITH THE CROATIAN HERALD - A BUSINESS DECISION YOU WON'T REGRET! The Croatian Herald (Hrvatski Vjesnik) is a weekly newspaper, published every Friday in Melbourne but distributed and sold throughout Australia. We have been around since 1983, serving the Australian Croatian community with a top class publication that is by far the most widely-sold Australian Croatian newspaper. We are also the only Australian Croatian newspaper - and indeed one of the few ethnic papers in Australia - that has a fully fledged English supplement, known as 'the New Generation'. Currently with a print run in excess of 12,000 copies per week, and excellent market penetration in all the major metropolitan and regional cities in Australia (including Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart) we offer potential advertisers superior value for money and awesome exposure for their respective businesses or events. Added to that, the new official Vjesnik website, which you are now viewing, and the marketing opportunity to advertise with the Croatian Herald will no doubt be of extreme advantage to you. For all advertising enquiries, including highly competitive advertising rates and professional advice on artwork/design, please contact Tom at our Melbourne (Australia) Head Office Mondays-Wednesdays from 10am-6pm (AEST) on (03) 9481 8068, via fax on (03) 9482 2830 or send him an email at: croatianherald@netspace.net.au DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CROATIAN COMMUNITY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Prozor Window 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5139/1/HE-Prozor-Window-2004.html ÂProzor - Window 2004ÂÂby Vujka Calic Meic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds open 27th season at National Arts Club http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5138/1/E-Sylvan-Winds-open-27th-season-at-National-Arts-Club.html ÂÂSYLVAN WIND QUINTET RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL ARTS CLUBTHURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005 at 8 PMThe Sylvan Wind QuintetSvjetlanaKabalin, flute; Mark Hill, oboe; AmyZoloto, clarinet;Thomas Sefcovic, bassoon; Zohar Schondorf, hornreturns for the eleventh consecutive season to the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South on Thursday, January 13, 2005 at 8:00 PM for their inaugural concert of the new season in a program of More Treasures from the Library of Georges BarrÃre. Charles Lefebvre  Suite, Op. 57 Gabriel Piernà Pastorale, Op. 14, No. 1 Irene Poldowski ÂSuite Miniature (arr. G. BarrÃre) Emilio Provinciali ÂDanse Villageoise Hedwige ChrÃtien  Quintette Paul Hindemith  Kleine Kammermusik, Op. 24, No. 2Ticket prices for the concert are $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.For further program information and reservations, please call or fax 212 / 222-3569.Georges BarrÃre (1876-1944, France/USA) was one of five French wind players recruited by Walter Damrosch who envied the woodwind sounds of the Boston Symphony and wanted to emulate the sound in the New York Symphony Orchestra in 1905. In Paris, BarrÃre founded the SociÃtà Moderne dâInstruments à Vent in 1895 that performed 60 new works by 41 composers, in its first ten years. In New York, BarrÃre would go on to found the woodwind department at the Institute of Musical Art, later the Juilliard School, bringing with him the traditions of the French school of woodwind performance to this country. In 1910, he founded the BarrÃre Ensemble of Wind Instruments consistently promoting new repertoire, advocating American composers and supporting women composers long before it became fashionable. He toured throughout the country from 1912 to 1936 encouraging the new voices of the future â Henry Brant, Wallingford Riegger and Edgard VarÃse - and responsible for the premiÃres of more than 170 works, and more than 40 were dedicated to him. This is the second concert by the Sylvan Winds dedicated to preserving his legacy. Charles Lefebvre (1843-1917, France) earned a law degree before enrolling as a student at the Paris Conservatory. A co-winner of the Prix de Rome in 1870, he returned to Paris in 1873 after traveling to Greece and the Near East. He also won the Prix Chartier in 1884 and 1891 and from 1895 became professor of the chamber ensemble class at the Conservatory. He composed lots of instrumental music, especially the wind suites, as well as operas, cantatas, sacred music, choruses, 35 songs and a sacred drama, Judith. GabrielPiernà (1863-1937, France) was born in Metz and at 17 moved to Paris, where he studied with Franck and Massenet at the Paris Conservatory. Winning the Prix de Rome in 1882, he succeeded Franck as the organist at Ste. Clothilde Church (1890-98), and became principal conductor of the Concerts Colonne (1910-34) with which he performed weekly concerts. He was made a chevalier of the LÃgion dâhonneur and was admitted to the Academie des Beaux-Arts in 1925. Among his compositions were dramatic works, ballets, incidental music, oratorios, cantatas, orchestral music, chamber music, choral pieces and songs. Irene Poldowski (1879-1932, Belgium/UK) was the daughter of the violinist Henry Wieniawsky, born in Brussels and later a student of composition and piano at the Brussels Conservatory. She later traveled to Paris to study with dâIndy and composed under the pen name âPoldowskiâ rather than that of her father or husband, Sir Aubrey E.H. Dean Paul. Her music was influenced by contemporary French trends and she principally wrote songs and chamber works. Â EmilioProvinciali (d. 1908, Italy/France?) is obscure indeed. Presumably born in Italy, he became well acquainted with BarrÃreâs colleagues in Paris. It is known that Metropolitan Opera conductor Louis Hasselmans dedicated his Petite valse, Op. 13 to him. Hedwige ChrÃtien (1859-1944, France) was born in CompiÃgne and came to Paris to study at the Paris Conservatory in 1874. She studied several disciplines, was a pupil of Giraud and besides winning first prizes in solfÃge and piano, she also won the first prize in harmony and counterpoint in 1881 and in 1889, she joined the faculty. As a composer, she wrote five orchestral works, as well as numerous works for chamber ensembles, piano, voice and chorus. Paul Hindemith (1895-1963, Germany) A towering personality of the 20th century, he came from humble beginnings, the son of a music-loving house painter. He began studying violin at nine and by 19 was an accomplished violinist, violist, clarinetist and pianist. Becoming concertmaster of the Frankfurt Opera orchestra, he was also a member of several string quartets on either violin or viola. An early pioneer of early music in Germany before the second world war, he made his mark as a composer in the 1920s at the Donaueschingen Festival. In this country, Hindemith taught at Yale University from 1940-53 and also lectured at Harvard. The wind quintet was written for his colleagues in the Frankfurt Opera orchestra. A consummate craftsman, the work combines virtuoso wind writing with biting sonorities and rhythmic vitality. Â âââââââââââââââââââââHailed by The New York Times for âits venturesomeness of programming and stylishness of performance,â€? the ensemble has performed throughout the Tri-State area, and has toured both domestically and abroad. The Sylvan Winds has established a reputation as one of the cityâs most versatile chamber music ensembles and has received many honors, including an invitation to perform at the Governorâs Arts Awards. Dedicated to exploring the entire body of literature for wind instruments, the ensemble has consistently earned audience and critical acclaim. Of their spring â99 concert at Weill Recital Hall, New York Times critic Paul Griffiths wrote, âthe work was beautifully executed here, with due care for its rhythmic demands. Indeed, throughout the evening the musicians showed themselves able to think, breathe and enter as one.â€? âââââââââââââââââââââAdditional series performances by the SYLVAN WINDS this season will take place on Wednesday,March 16, 2005 at 7:30 PM at the Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue in a Sounds of the Americas program, with works by W.G. Still, Astol, dâRivera, Alleman, LeÃn, Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla and a world premiere by New York composer Max Lifchitz, and will close the season with a Winds and Piano program on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 8:00 PM at Weill Recital Hall, with guest artist Pedja Muzijevic in works by DâIndy, Sarabande et Menuet, Op. 24bis; Saint-SaÃns, Caprice on Danish and Russian Airs, op. 79; Mendelssohn, KoncertstÃck No. 1 in f minor, Op. 113, and the Thuille, Sextet in Bb Major, Op. 6. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Predstavljanje knjige "Kad bismo bili dosljedni" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5137/1/H-Predstavljanje-knjige-Kad-bismo-bili-dosljedni.html ÂGlazba i TisinaÂTrenutci rezervirani za tisinu i razmiÅljanjePREISPITIVANJE SVJEDOKA VJEREHrvatski Centar srdacno vas pozivana predstavljanje knjige:Kad bismo bili dosljedni...FRANO PRCELA, O.P.Glas Koncila (Biblioteka "Con-text" 1.), Zagreb, 2004., 271 str.ÂVelika dvorana Hrvatskog Centra u New Yorku 41 ulica 10-11 Avenija. Tel: 212 563-3395Nedjelja 9. sijecnja u 1:00 p.m.o knjizi ce govoriti: vlc. Tomo MlakicV J E S N I K â Srijeda, 22. prosinca 2004.PREISPITIVANJE SVJEDOKA VJEREFrano Prcela: ÂKad bismo bili dosljedniâ / Glas Koncila / Zagreb 2004., str. 270 Bonaventura DudaOno Åto me se prvo dojmilo, i to ne samo sada â citajuci knjigu ÂKad bismo bilidosljedni... dominikanca Frane Prcele â vec i prije, kad sam citao njegove dobre ivelike intervjue te clanke, jest novi hrvatski jezik, bolji nego sam ga navikao i citatii pisati, i to u najrazlicitijim pitanjima kojima se autor bavi. Time ka em i drugi dojam:autor se uistinu bavi vrlo razlicitim i cesto te im pitanjima, ali uvijek ona morajuzanimati svakoga pravoga covjeka Crkve, to jest sve nas, ali opet ne Crkvekoja sve zna i za sve ima odgovor, nego Crkve koja takodjer i pita, i pita se, i otvorenaje pitanjima drugih o sebi, dakako i onih koji sebe ne racunaju da spadaju uCrkvu. U tom smislu treba pohvaliti i ravnatelja Glasa Koncila Nedjeljka Pintarica koji baÅovom knjigom otvara novu knji nicu Context. Prcela je, naime, doista kontekstualanpisac, dobro se snalazi u kontekstu Crkve i u kontekstu onih koji s njome ele ilimoraju razgovarati, a cijelo vrijeme ostaje razgovoran.O zajednickom dobru naglas Biskup dubrovacki elimir Puljic u knjizije napisao doista dobar uvod ÂO zajednickom dobru na glas u kojem uz ostalohvali i kratkocu razlaganja, Åto je osobit znak dobra pisanja. Glumac i redatelj ReneMedveÅek svoj je predgovor naslovio ÂDomaca zadacaÂ, Åto je pak izraz samogapisca Prcele kad govori Âje li oprost moguc bez stvarnoga pokajanjaÂ.U uvodu Prcela istice: ÂIako su mnogi bili uvjerenja da to â sve Åto piÅem â s lakocommogu staviti na papirâ u procesu nastajanja pojedinih tekstova zapravosam sÃm puno naucio. Pisanje, naime, nisam shvacao kao priliku za dijeljenje lekcijanego za preispitivanje sebe samogaâ Nadam se da ce citatelj moci raspoznatinastojanja tra enja rijeci za precesto neizreciva ivotna iskustva ili neobjaÅnjive istinevjere. Cime se pisac u ovoj knjizi bavi? Pod deset naslova (poglavlja) obradjuje viÅe odpedeset tema, a ja odabirem samo neka pitanja koja elim istaknuti. Najprije su tupitanja, odgovori, opaske o velikim otajstvima naÅega spasenja: Bo ic, Uskrs, Duhovi,Velika Gospa, Svi sveti i DuÅni dan. Nakon toga dolaze kraci tekstovi koji seodnose na naÅu borbu za domovinu (ÂRat i vrijemeÂ), pa njegovi kratki nastupi na Zapadnonjemackomradiju u KÃlnu pod naslovom ÂKrjeposti svakodnevice i nekoliko tematskih jedinica pod naslovom ÂI razgovor je djeloÂ. U poglavlju ÂRedovniÅtvo â kriza kao poticaj  u sedam manjih jedinica raspravlja,razgovarajuci, o va nim pitanjima suvremenoga redovniÅtva. I zavrÅava s desetomjedinicom ÂPolitika je zajednicko dobroÂ. Tu najprije iznosi pismo predsjedniku dr-ave Stipi Mesicu, Åto ga je s casnom majkom sestara dominikanki 19. rujna 2000.napisao kao dominikanski provincijal. A zatim donosi komentare i izjave u tiskovnimmedijima i dodaje dva svoja intervjua pod naslovom ÂNevjerodostojna slika oCrkvi i  ivjeti svoje poslanjeÂ. Dodaje i epilog:  elje Crkvi za 21. stoljeceÂ, gdje seâ bar u dva naglaska: ad intra, ad extra â nadovezuje na koncilski nastup kardinalaSuenensa 5. XII. 1962.Bozic i konzum Åto od svega izdvojiti? Nekoliko detalja, iako ih ima mnogo. U napisu ÂBozic i konzum Prcela razmiÅljanje pocinje uz razglednicu koju dr i na stolu, s grafickimprikazom: s jedne strane pjeÅaci razlicite dobi Åto urno prelaze preko pjeÅcanogprijelaza neke ulice, ne videci jedni druge, pretrpani bo icnim jelama i poklonima; sdruge strane, Marija, sjedi na magarcu i Josip, umorni od puta, bezuspjeÅno tra epogled prolaznika. I zavrÅava: ÂSve se to sprema kao da ce se ispod bo icne jelkeroditi Nazarecanin, dogoditi Betlehem, a zapravo se 'radjaju' pokloni i dogadja konzum.Bojim se, ne samo ove godine 1994.Â, nego i, evo, deset godina nakon toga.Kad Prcela piÅe svojim dominikancima kao provincijal, ima podosta vrlo zanimljivihopaski na njihov i opcenito redovnicki ivot. Tako nam puno govori i naslov, napisanistim dominikancima, a ja ga citam za sve nas redovnike: ÂGovor koji najviÅevolim je Åutnja i blagi pogledÂ. A taj dio svoje knjige zavrÅava: ÂKad u tome kontekstugovorimo o buducnosti redovniÅtva, onda se odmah namece pitanje hoce li nasbitiâ a to nije vazno. Vazno je da i danas svjedocimoâ RedovniÅtvo ima buducnost,pitanje je samo u kojem obliku. Nekada su neki â i veliki â redovi nestajali, novi sunastajali. Sve je to u promislu Bozje dijalektike s nama ljudimaÂ.I joÅ je jedan tekst za me vrlo znacajan â ÂGlazba kao nova religijaÂ, napisan u povodu IV. Pepelnice umjetnika o temi dijaloga teologije i glazbe, a u kojem kaze: ÂNikada do sada ljudi nisu tako puno sluÅali glazbu kao u ovo naÅe vrijeme. Glazbu sluÅamo dan i nocâ Glazbu sluÅamo u crkvi. ÅtoviÅe, glazba nije i ne smije biti privjesak, nego jest i treba biti sastavnica gotovo svih liturgijskih slavlja. A Åto radi Crkva?KrÅcani odnosno Crkva stoji cesto zbunjena i s izvjesnim cudjenjem pred tomcinjenicom sveprisutnosti glazbe i jedva uspijeva djelomicno tumaciti taj fenomen,a kamoli ga pozitivno konvertirati, integrirati. Istina, ima tu i negativnih opaski: ÂIzruceni smo zvukovima u sveprisutnoj glazbi Åto dovodi do sluÅnog otupljenja â ÅtoviÅe, ta nam glazba krade trenutke rezervirane za tiÅinu i razmiÅljanje. Koliko kontekstualnosti ovdje ima izmedju glazbe i teologije,izmedju glazbe i liturgije, izmedju glazbe i Crkve, izmedju glazbe i naÅih duÅa?!ÂDoista, Prcela je kontekstualan pisac. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Celebrating choral music in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5136/1/E-Celebrating-choral-music-in-Croatia.html ÂCelebrating choral music in CroatiaLETTERS TO THE EDITOR Regarding "Choirs That Move a Nation" [Dec. 19]: It's encouraging to see this tradition surviving in an age when people listen to music with headphones.Throughout the picturesque Dalmatian coast of Croatia, people congregate in restaurants, theaters, courtyards, on boat docks and in private homes to share the choral music known as klapa. Strangers are welcomed and are not expected to pay at these informal gatherings. Lee Botsford Del Marhttp://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-letters9.1jan09,1,5118655.story?coll=la-travel-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=truePraise for 'ugly, lovely' SwanseaRegarding "Choirs That Move a Nation" [Dec. 19]: I am not a native of Swansea, Wales, having been brought up in the north of England on the edge of an industrial belt that is similar to South Wales. These both suffered from the legacy of the Industrial Revolution and may find echoes in Pittsburgh, Detroit or West Virginia.However, Swansea is much more than the squalid downtown you portray. People tend to forget that the Mumbles and other holiday areas are also part of the city and county. Swansea may still be Dylan Thomas' "ugly, lovely" city, but there have been immense efforts (not always successful) to improve the place over the years since Adolf Hitler's bombers blasted it.Although you make a passing allusion to it, the Morriston Orpheus Choir is among the most traveled (and recorded) of them all. Although other choirs may be technically competent or just jolly singing clubs, they tend to stay put with very few away concerts. The Orpheus has been crisscrossing Britain for many years and launched its first intercontinental tour to the U.S. in 1973. We have traveled the world for more than 30 years and have met every challenge to our ability to master tunes and languages from Maori to Mandarin. The choir's progressive management, adventurous choristers and inspired and inspiring musical director (with first-class musical staff in support) have contributed to this. John BettsGeneral secretary,Morriston Orpheus ChoirSwansea, Wales letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book review "NEITHER RED NOR DEAD" Stevo Julius http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5143/1/E-Book-review-NEITHER-RED-NOR-DEAD-Stevo-Julius.html ÂBook review "NEITHER RED NOR DEAD" STEVO JULIUS Reviewed by Katarina TepeshA new book is creating more buzz among Croatians than any other recently. "NEITHER RED NOR DEAD - Coming of Age in Former Yugoslavia During and After World War II," written by Stevo Julius. Stunningly powerful, this tragedy and triumph of a non-practicing Jewish family portrays a happy and privileged family life dedicated to medicine and intellectual pursuits. All that changed in late May of 1941, when first German motorcycle with machine guns arrived practically in front of their home. Forced to run and hide, first from Germans and soon from Ustashe, Julius family with two sons barely survives attacks and joins resistance. The parents, father a doctor and mother a nurse, worked day and night to save wounded communist partisans. Their youngest son Stevo, the author, at age 14 is appointed a military courier, given an outdated Italian gun, and sent to roam alone through mountains, forests, and small rural villages of Croatia. Their older son, 18-year-old bravely defends the territory of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Severely wounded, caught by Germans, he talks his way out with fluent German. "Neither Red Nor Dead" is an inside story, full of details and naming names among 481 pages, explaining why communism failed in Croatia and f-Y. After the WWII, in 1953, the Julius family suffers a fatal blow, when dirty communist politics in Zagreb pins the father, a hard working and totally dedicated head of a hospital, against the wall with false accusations. Meddling into hospital administration in a typical communist style, Dr. Julius sees no way out and commits suicide. The elder son dedicates his life to the communist ideals, but when he criticizes Milosevic, he is considered a persona non grata in the country he loved so much. He dies from cancer. The author, Stevo Julius, born in 1929 received M.D. in 1953 and Sc.D. in 1964 from the University of Zagreb. Since 1964, the author has resided in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he is Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Frederick G.L. Huetwell Professor of Hypertension at the University of Michigan. He is internationally recognized as one of the leading scientists in the field of hypertension.In Croatia, "Neither Red Nor Dead" will be translated and published by Durieux."Neither Red Nor Dead" is published by Medvista. To purchase the book, see www.amazon.com $10.59 or www.barnesandnoble.com .**** letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) WMD Opens tonight in St. Louis Tivoli Theater http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5142/1/E-WMD-Opens-tonight-in-St-Louis-Tivoli-Theater.html ÂWeapons of Mass Deception Opens in St. Louis tonight in Tivoli TheaterWMD: Weapons of Mass DeceptionBy Joe WilliamsOf the Post-Dispatch12/17/2004Do you remember, lo those many weeks ago, when it was still permissible to ask why our soldiers were dying in Iraq, and to count the civilian casualties, and to follow the money trail? No? If the mainstream press continues down the path that's charted in this late-arriving documentary, the debate that recently galvanized the electorate will become as hard to remember as the tradition of investigative journalism.Danny Schechter is a former ABC news producer who knows, literally and figuratively, where the bodies are buried. Now working as a "self-embedded" media critic, Schechter turns his lens on the industry itself, specifically how it covered the invasion of Iraq. Although much of his presentation is old news to Internet denizens and emulates the outraged-schlub theatrics of Michael Moore, it's still vitally important.Schechter and his sheepish peers contend that two wars were being fought simultaneously. One was the "shock and awe" campaign being fought on the ground; the other was the battle for hearts and minds being fought on the airwaves. Key to winning that war was the tacit cooperation between the U.S. government and the press. To that end, according to Schechter, American TV networks that were headquartered in post-9/11 New York were loathe to examine the "why" of the war, including the U.S. role in first supporting Saddam and then goading him with sanctions and shoot-downs.Schechter is particularly critical of the process of "embedding" reporters with military units and thus either coercing or forcing favorable coverage. Reporters were encouraged to use shaky cameras, and producers added stirring music and graphics to make the footage more exciting. When firsthand footage wasn't available, the government would provide it from the comforts of its media center in Qatar.Schechter traces the problem to the network executives, who took their cues from ratings-ascendant Fox News and hoped to curry favor with the FCC for the next round of deregulation.We've heard most of these things before, in films like "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "The Control Room," but except for the usual failure to interview Iraqis, it's harder than ever to find fault with Schechter's argument.WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception, *** (NR; 1:38)ÂMusic by Nenad Bachwww.NenadBach.comDanny Schechter, News DissectorEditor, Mediachannel.orgGLOBALVISION575 8th AvenueNew York, New York l0018212 246-0202x3006FOR WMD INFO, seehttp://www.wmdthefilm.comVISIT "DISSECTORVILLE"Danny Schechter's work and timeshttp://www.newsdissector.org/dissectorville letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Glagolitic Script http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5141/1/E-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script.html ÂCroatian Glagolitic ScriptÂhttp://www.hr/darko/etf/et03.html - the whole story by Darko Zubrinic, Zagreb (1995) In the history of Croatian people three scripts were in use: Croatian Glagolitic Script, Croatian Cyrillic Script (bosancica), Latin Script. Today the Croats are using exclusively the Latin Script. The Arabica was also in use among the Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was in fact the Arabic script used for the Croatian language and it constitutes the so-called Adjami or Aljamiado literature, similarly as in Spain. Its first sources in Croatia go back to the 15th century. One of the oldest texts is a love song calledChirvat-tÃrkisi (Croatian song) from 1588, written by a certain Mehmed. This manuscript is held in the National Library in Vienna. Except for literature Arabica was also used in religious schools and administration. Of course, it was in much lesser use than other scripts. The last book in Arabica was printed in 1941. It is important to emphasise that the earliest known texts of Croatian literature written in the Latin script (14th century) have traces of Church-slavonic influences. Hence, Croatian glagolitic, Cyrillic and Latin traditions cannot be viewed as separated entities. We know that Middle Age Croatian scriptoriums were polygraphic (for example in Zadar and Krk), see [Malic, Na izvorima..., pp 35-56].  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Peter O'Toole and the BBC goes to Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5146/1/E-Peter-OToole-and-the-BBC-goes-to-Dubrovnik.html Peter O'Toole and the BBC goes to DubrovnikÂThe 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Croatian Students and Young Professionals NetworkWebsite: www.csypn.org.ukEmail: info@csypn.org.ukAddress: PO Box 36126, London SW7 2RH Latest issue of Croatians in London is available at:www.croatsinlondon.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) World champion girls choir from Croatia to perform http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5145/1/E-World-champion-girls-choir-from-Croatia-to-perform.html ÂWorld champion girls choir from Croatia to perform in MerrillvilleThis story ran on nwitimes.com on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:21 AM CSTTimes Staff ReportThe Little Stars, a two-time world champion girls choir from Zagreb, Croatia, will perform a holiday concert Dec. 15 at the Croatian Center in Merrillville.This exceptional all-girl choir from Eastern Europe, where it is known as Zvjezdice, is often compared to the Vienna Boys Choir from Austria, and members are known as cultural ambassadors of the European Union.They will present a program of Christmas classics from Croatia and around the world. These elementary school girls sing in a variety of languages and have brought a renaissance to the art of an all-girls choir. They have performed throughout Europe and have twice been crowned champions at the Liangollen International Music Festival.Admission standards to the choir are stringent. Every choir member must maintain an A-plus academic average in school despite spending several hours every day in rehearsal for a minimum of two years. Only by demonstrating a mastery of harmony, tonal resonance and diction is a candidate then accepted by a review board and the concurrence of Maestro Zdravko Sljivac. A choir member is then permitted the honor of singing in public.Tickets for the Dec. 15 evening concert are $15 for adults and $7 for students, and are available by calling (219) 759-1101 or (773) 646-1099.http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2004/12/08/community/youth_focus/165b6b0bb8b32ab686256f63005a3f9d.txt letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Promocija klapske glazbe u Americi punim jedrima http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5144/1/H-Promocija-klapske-glazbe-u-Americi-punim-jedrima.html ÂZvuk Sredozemlja - Hrvatski Misticni GlasoviPunim Jedrima NaprijedÂÂGLAZBENIK NENAD BACH TVRDI DA NJEGOV PROJEKT NIJE DOVEDEN U PITANJE Promocija klapske glazbe u Americi nije zakazalaProjekt »Sredozemni Zvuk - Hrvatski mistični glasovi« trajat će 20 godina jer se radi o ambicioznom projektu gdje se ne štedi na kvaliteti, istaknuo je Nenad BachÂÂNEW YORK/ZAGREB - Kako je s nedavne konferencije za tisak Ministarstva kulture izvijestio naš novinar, ministar kulture Božo Biškupić tom je prilikom rekao da eksperiment s Nenadom Bachom kao promotorom naše klapske glazbe u Americi, po svemu sudeći, nije uspio. Tragom te informacije kontaktirali smo Nenada Bacha, koji nam se javio iz New Yorka i kazao da su ga nakon članka objavljenog u »Novom listu« mnogi zvali i izrazili čuđenje takvom izjavom: - I sâm sam bio neugodno iznenađen, pa sam odmah nazvao ministra Biškupića koji mi je rekao da to što piše u članku nije rekao. Naime, nije istina da projekt nije uspio, jer zapravo još nije ni počeo. Moje je mišljenje da ne samo Ministarstvo kulture, već i cijela država treba stati iza takvog nacionalnog programa. Zar mislite da se fado dogodio sam od sebe? Smatram da je provokativni naslov kojim se tvrdi da je Bach zakazao više nego drzak, pogotovo u vrijeme raspodjele budžeta. Zakazati može samo netko tko je zaposlen, a budući da projekt nije krenuo to je samo provokacija sitnih glodara koji nemaju ništa izvorno reći, već glođu tuđe koncepte i ideje i nastoje ih rušiti. Kad se već mora pisati o meni, zašto se ne piše da sam dobio tri nagrade u posljednjih mjesec dana za dva filma - na festivalima u Denveru, Texasu i Hollywoodu? Zašto se ne piše da je upravo sada, u prosincu, 25 godina od izlaska prvog riječkog rock-albuma »Vrijeme i Zemlja«, kojim su postavljeni temelji riječke rock scene? Kad se već mora pisati, zašto se ne piše to da surađujem s još jednim riječkim genijalcem - Andrejom Uremom, koji sada živi u New Yorku i u kojemu sam našao i prijatelja i jednog od najtalentiranijih umjetnika koji upravo radi na omotima super audio CD serije »Zvuk Sredozemlja - Hrvatski Mistični Glasovi«, ili na svjetskom tržištu »Mediterranean Sound - Croatian Mystic Voices«. Ponos RiječanaZašto se ne govori i o tome da se sprema izlazak na tržište ta dva super audio CD-a klapa u surround soundu, prva takva zvučna zapisa u povijesti hrvatske glazbe. Pogledajte kratku prezentaciju Andreja Urema na www.croatia.org pod naslovom serije. Što se tiče projekta »Sredozemni Zvuk - Hrvatski mistični glasovi«, to je projekt koji će trajati 20 godina. Radi se o ambicioznom projektu gdje se ne štedi na kvaliteti. On uključuje prijevod na sedam jezika, te vrhunsku tonsku (John Holbrook, pet Grammy nagrada) i grafičku obradu. Možete se samo pridružiti i veseliti što se tako nešto veličanstveno sprema. To je nešto što ne samo Hrvatska, nego i svijet nikad nije ni čuo ni vidio, upoznao nas je Bach. Istaknuvši da koncept samopuzdanja nacije počinje u kulturnoj pripadnosti, a ne ondje gdje se negira sve što je hrvatsko, Bach poručuje da Riječani trebaju biti ponosni na sve njihove sugrađane koji djeluju u Americi i svijetu: Ja svoj grad nisam zaboravio, i isto tako ne dopuštam da se laži i distribucija dezinformacija koju su učili u predvojničkoj obuci uči na meni - rezolutan je Nenad Bach. ÂKim CUCULIĆOp-edHvala Kim za priliku da se kaze istina.Materijal, koncept i konačan prijedlog promocije projekta je predan na vrijeme do 15 Rujna 2004.Hvala Bogu da ce ovakva Bozanska glazba govoriti sama za sebe, i vrijeme pregaziti sve nevjerne Tome. Sve je zapisano u zvijezdama. Uspjeh je neminovan i apsolutan. Relax, watch and listen. Mozete samo promatrati.Nenad Bach© Copyright 2002 NOVI LIST d.d. Sva prava pridržana.http://www.novilist.hr/default.asp?WCI=Pretrazivac&WCU=285F28632859285A2863285A28582858285C2863286328632859285A2859285D285E285A28632863286328592863B letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Creating Choir Festival with Croatian-Israeli choirs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5150/1/E-Creating-Choir-Festival-with-Croatian-Israeli-choirs.html ÂCreating Choir Festival with Croatian-Israeli choirsHiI am a travel agent from Israel as well as a member of the Israel Choir Association- MILA I would like to organise a Spring Choir Festival in Croatia. during the Jewish Pasqua Holiday which isb`between 15-22 April.Festival with Croatian-Israeli choirs.I can bring from Israel 3 choirs for 7 days for a trip country. In between we can spend 2 -3 days in any city that you recommend for the Festival. Can you organize such a festival or send this mail to a contact man . Best Regards and thanks Uzi Shaysh uzi@relax.co.il Contact number is Office : +972-3-5488138 , Mobile +972-544-764962 My web-site is www.relax.co.il ( most of it is in Hebre) and another web-site is www.diesenhaus.co.il  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Labyrinth by Blanka Raguz http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5155/1/E-The-Labyrinth-by-Blanka-Raguz.html ÂEscaping War's Labyrinth of Fear and SorrowNew Novel Follows Young Woman's Plight to Discover Dreams despite War's DevastationBlanka Raguz delves into one woman's courageous story of finding her dreams through the darkness of her homeland's turmoil in The Labyrinth (now available through AuthorHouse). Martina Tomic blossoms into a young woman in her town of Vukovar, Croatia just before the fall of communism. The daughter of two reputable doctors, she spends her teenage years daydreaming about traveling to far-off places and aspiring to become a theater actress. Her dreams take off when she visits New York as an exchange student at the age of 13. While living with an American family, Martina experiences the world much different than the oppressing atmosphere of communism at home. Also, she develops a strong affection for the young boy of the family, Ian Erricson. During her stay Martina and Ian become close confidants and develop intimate friendship. Upon returning to Vukovar, Martina engages herself in studies and theater. However, her future is clouded by the country's growing instability as the economic and political crises escalate.  A few years later, Martina again visits New York. Time has matured her and she seeks romance with Ian, but a shocking discovery about him ends her hopes of a relationship and causes her to question her shortcomings and fears. She journeys back to Croatia to mend her broken heart. New hope rises as Martina's dreams of acting become a reality and she meets fellow actor Goran, who fulfills her longing for love.  War soon sweeps across Croatia, however, and shatters her world. Martina witnesses unspeakable destruction, during which many of her fellow countrymen are being killed, wounded or expelled. Along with the war disappears her life in theater. Martina becomes a hero as she buries her true desires to selflessly care for her countrymen. She joins her parents who work as doctors in Vukovar Hospital. She tends to dying patients and tells stories of hope to little children afflicted by the war's calamities.After a long siege, citizens of Vukovar face terrifying consequences as the town falls into the enemy's hands. The fall of her hometown offsets a series of tragedies in Martina's life as she enters a dark, invisible labyrinth of losses and sorrows. After losing those she loves most to the heinous crime of genocide, she finds the courage to persevere alone. She escapes to New York to weave together the torn threads of her life, but the unforgiving metropolis presents a barrage of new challenges that threaten to break her once and for all. A gripping story that illustrates how love and beauty can triumph over war's senseless destruction, The Labyrinth captivates readers with its power and emotion. Raguz was born in Croatia and received a bachelor's degree in fine arts from New York University. Although she has lived in New York for many years, she maintains her strong interest in Croatia's cultural heritage and history. The Labyrinth is her first book. For more information on how to orderThe Labyrinth go towww.blankaraguz.com or send e-mail to blankaraguz@aol.com The Labyrinth - kratki pregled sadrzajaThe Labyrinth je triler sa mnostvom zapleta koji govori o ljubavi, izdaji i cijeni osvete. Prica se zbiva na dva kontinenta, Europi i Sjevernoj Americi. Glavna junakinja, Martina Tomic, odrasta u Vukovaru, Hrvatskoj, neposredno prije pada komunizma u Europi. Kcerka dvaju uglednih lijecnika, Martina provodi svoje pubertetske godine sanjajuci o putovanjima u daleke zemlje i planirajuci da postane kazalisna glumica. Njezin san da upozna svijet ostvaruje se kada u trinaestoj godini posjecuje New York u sklopu razmjene ucenika i provodi ljeto sa jednom americkom obitelji. Tu ne samo spoznaje svijet potpuno drugaciji od opresivne atmosfere komunizma kod kuce, nego i susrece Iana Ericcsona - djecaka u kojeg se zaljubljuje na prvi pogled. On stanuje u istoj kuci sa svojim strogim i dominantnim ocuhom Maximillianom Smithom i ekscentricnom ali prekrasnom polusestrom Kyrom. Tijekom boravka u Americi Martina i Ian postaju izuzetno bliski i razvijaju snazno prijateljstvo.Po povratku kuci, Martina se posvecuje ucenju i kazalistu. Medjutim, ni sigurnost Vukovara niti ljubav unutar toplog obiteljskog krila, ne uspjevaju je zastititi od politickog i socioloskog previranja u zemlji. Od smrti predsjednika-diktatora, do rastuce ekonomske krize i politickih bitaka, Martina postaje svjedokom ogromne promjene u drustvu i odrasta zabrinuta za svoju buducnost.Nekoliko godina kasnije Martina odlazi u jos jednu posjetu New Yorku. Kao mlada djevojka na samom rubu otkrivanja vlastite zenstvenosti, biva zatecena svojom ljubavi prema Ianu. Njezin drugi posjet razotkriva joj neocekivana otkrica o njemu. Usljed toga Martina se suocava sa vlastitom seksualnoscu, nedostatcima i strahovima. Vraca se u Vukovar odlucna da odustane od ljubavi koju ne moze imati. Nakon sto vrijeme ublazava njene rane, Martina se sprijateljuje sa Goranom, mladim kolegom iz kazalista. To prijateljstvo prerasta u romansu. Usred drustva koje se oko njih raspada, Goran ostaje svjetla tocka u njezinom zivotu. Komunizam se rusi i novi val politickih promjena zahvaca Europu, a u Hrvatskoj izbija rat. Martinin rodni grad pada pod opsadu. Martina postaje svjedokom neizrecivih unistenja, tijekom kojih mnostvo njenih sunarodnjaka biva ubijano, ranjeno ili protjerano iz svojih domova. Usporedo s tim, nestaje i njezin zivot u kazalistu. U nastojanju da pomogne svojim sunarodnjacima, Martina se pridruzuje svojim roditeljima koji rade kao lijecnici u Vukovarskoj bolnici. Njeguje ranjene i umiruce, te kazuje price ispunjene nadom vukovarskoj djeci pogodjenoj ratnim strahotama. Nakon duge opsade, gradjani Vukovara suocavaju se sa zastrasujucim posljedicama nastalim padom grada u neprijateljske ruke. Pad njezinog grada prouzrokuje niz tragedija u Martininom zivotu i predstavlja njezin ulazak u mracan, nevidljivi labirint gubitaka i tuge.Ostavsi bez icega, sama sa brojnim uspomenama koje je nastavljaju proganjati, Martina odlazi u New York u namjeri da se udalji od rata i pokusa pokrpati komadice svog rastrganog zivota. Ali nemilosrdna metropola postavlja pred nju nove izazove, mnogo vece nego sto je ikada mogla i zamisliti. Ne samo da joj vraca u zivot Iana, covjeka kojeg je jednom voljela a onda izgubila, nego je prisiljava da ponovno prozivi sablasne dozivljaje iz proslosti i da se suoci sa misterioznim uzrocima njene osobne tragedije. Time pada jos dublje u labirint ispunjen tajnama i lazima, ne uspjevajuci pronaci izlaz ili nekoga kome bi mogla vjerovati. Unutar labirinta testiraju se svi bivsi i postojeci odnosi u Martininom zivotu, maske bivaju otklonjene i misterije razotkrivene. Jednom za svagda, Martina se suocava sa beskrajnim pitanjima. Hoce li ikada uspjeti pronaci put koji vodi iz labirinta, razbiti okove proslosti i otkriti novi smisao svoga narusenog postojanja? Hoce li moci ponovno posloziti komadice mozaika zauvijek raskomadanog nemilosrdnim ratom?Prica koja potpuno zaokupljuje citatelja, The Labyrinth ilustrira nastojanje ljudskog duha da nadvlada mracne prepreke u zivotu i pokazuje kako ljubav i ljepota pobjedjuju nad besmislenoscu mrznje i ratnih razaranja.Dodatne informacije o knjizi, kao i upute kako naruciti knjigu, mozete dobiti na web straniciwww.blankaraguz.com ili ako posaljete e-mail nablankaraguz@aol.comÂSHORT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BLANKA RAGUZwww.blankaraguz.com Blanka Raguz was born in a historic town of Pozega, Croatia. She developed an interest for writingÂat a young age and nurtured it by keeping diaries and recording everyday life of then communist Yugoslavia. ÂHer ambition was to break away from the communist propaganda that surrounded her and that she resented and to experience complete freedom of expression in the United States. Raguz arrived in New York in 1987 and immediately felt a sense of belonging in the one-of-a-kind metropolis, eventually earning a B.A in Fine Arts from New York University and making a life-long commitment to writing screenplays and stories. The Labyrinth is Raguz's first novel. Although a work of fiction, the story is based and inspired by true events, namely the Croatian war for independence and the fall of the legendary town of Vukovar in 1991. The story also grew out of the author's compassion for the defenders of Vukovar, which was sacrificed for the country's freedom.Raguz lives in Astoria, New York and continues to find inspiration in the cultural and historic heritage of both her Croatian homeland and her adopted new home, New York. She is currently working on another novel.http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?q3=BpV8dJBuUas%253d letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Madonna to settle in Clifton http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5154/1/E-Croatian-Madonna-to-settle-in-Clifton.html ÂCroatian Madonna to settle in Clifton ÂTatiana Cameron is touring the country, performing in "Emmanuel." She and her husband, Matthew, plan to raise their sons, Dante (left) and Evan, in Clifton. They came to the United States from Yugoslavia.Provided Zoom There is something special about Cincinnati that appeals to Tatiana Cameron, a classical theater performer. Cameron, 34, and her husband, Matthew, 34, are on a tour across the country as she performs "Emmanuel.''ÂThe Camerons have two children, Dante, 4, and Evan, 2. They have been staying in Clifton for the past few weeks and plan to raise their children here.Â"My husband and I have been traveling since we were married five years ago,'' she said.Cincinnati offers something different from growing up in Communist Yugoslavia, where she said she celebrated baptisms in the dark to avoid detection.She went on to become a pop star and became widely known as the "Croatian Madonna.''She and her family have been criss-crossing the country in a motor home while she performs at churches.She was trained in classical theater in New York, but has successfully mixed her classical singing with pop. She has just released an album in Croatia titled "The Best of Golden Collections.''Tatiana Cameron, with a cellist, a keyboard player and a percussionist, will perform at St. Pius X. Church in Edgewood at 7 p.m. today.Grants for XU instructorsPhilanthropist Roger Grein believes in mixing giving and education.Grein, a certified public accountant in Reading, sponsors a program that gives grants to Xavier University instructors and their students to be awarded to community-based organizations within the subject area of their courses.Grants totaling $4,000 have been awarded to George Farnsworth, biology, for an environmental studies seminar; Heather Gallew, occupational therapy, for occupational justice; Irene Hodgson, modern languages, for Spanish translation and interpretation; and Melody D'Ambrosio, education for language arts and social studies.Organizations that will be receiving the grants will be selected in January.Skyline collecting coats The Skyline 500 Coat Challenge runs through Wednesday to benefit the FreeStore/Foodbank. Those who donate a clean winter coat (any size) in good condition will receive a $5 Skyline Chili gift card. Donations must be made to the FreeStore/FoodBank's drop-off center, 112 E. Liberty St., Over-the-Rhine, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041205/NEWS0105/412050421/1061/NEWS01 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Particularly noteworthy a song by Nenad Bach http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5152/1/E-Particularly-noteworthy-a-song-by-Nenad-Bach.html ÂSame DifferenceParticularly noteworthy are "Have a Reason, Have a Faith," a song by Nenad Bach; and "Unseen," a beautiful veil dance performed by Kristi Little. The cast of Same Difference ÂNew YorkSame DifferenceReviewed By: Brooke PierceSame Difference: NYC Faith Stories in Words, Music, & Dance is a performance piece put together by an interfaith collective seeking to find common ground between people of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religions. It's a crucial time for these "People of the Book"; in the aftermath of September 11, the need for understanding is greater than ever. Knowing this, the artists behind Same Difference (many of whom were involved in a similar earlier project entitled Sept. 11: In Our Own Words) interviewed over 100 New York City residents, each representing -- to one degree or another -- one of the three faiths. Thoughts and stories from these interviews have been woven together to simulate a kind of onstage dialogue. Accompanied by live musicians and singers, the piece is rounded out by a handful of songs, dances, and photo/video footage. Although Same Difference could be counted as another installment in the increasingly popular genre of "documentary theater," it is not nearly as slick as some of its forebears, such as The Laramie Project or The Exonerated. Performed at the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, where it was first conceived, Same Difference is more reminiscent of a lively church theatrical, with all of the good intentions and mixed results that such an enterprise usually entails.Each of the dozen or so principle actors in the piece takes on several personae, but there is little attention to detail as far as the "characters" are concerned; director Sarah Brockus's aim seems to be to focus on the words themselves rather than the distinct personalities of the individuals interviewed. Some of the actors succeed better than others in making particular characters stand out -- e.g., a devout young Muslim woman and an interfaith couple. Unfortunately it's difficult to single out the actors by name since they are credited only as "Man 1," "Woman 2," etc. For the bulk of the play, the presentation style is very relaxed as the characters share their feelings, anecdotes, and ideas on such topics as religion and food, interfaith relationships, and tradition. Though Brockus's direction is a little clumsy at times and some of the performers are unpolished, this freewheeling discussion format is a refreshing and entertaining approach. The music and dance elements of the piece are not as seamlessly integrated as one might hope, but it is nice to see artistic responses to these subjects. Particularly noteworthy are "Have a Reason, Have a Faith," a song by Nenad Bach; and "Unseen," a beautiful veil dance performed by Kristi Little. Eventually, and inevitably, the focus of the piece turns to September 11 and Jewish-Muslim relations, at which point the show's lightheartedness disappears. Early in the proceedings, many of the interviewees appear comfortable, even enthusiastic, about living in an interfaith community; in the face of difficult questions concerning Israel and Palestine, however, that easygoing tolerance fades away and people start falling into two groups, each one accusing the other. (This divide is also illustrated through Jill Jaffe's dance piece "The Battle.") The most provocative aspect of Same Difference is that it dares you to agree wholly with any of the opinions it presents. At one moment, a pro-Israel man makes a very good point -- and then a Palestinian woman offers a heartfelt rebuttal. The challenge is to open your mind and understand both sides. Near the end of the piece, one man admits that interfaith communication may have finally broken down. After hearing the barrage of insults, accusations, and excuses that these seemingly tolerant people begin hurling at each other, it's tempting to agree. But, obviously, the very existence of this piece -- which was created with the support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, and the American Sufi Muslim Association, among other organizations -- proves that the faithful of New York City are still aching to reach out to one another. If Same Difference lacks a certain theatrical eloquence, it is nonetheless a meaningful and enlightening expression of that desire. http://1067litefm.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/2981 Hey everybody, Please help spread the word about tonight's Cinewomen screening of our short documentary demo of SAME DIFFERENCE (Tues., 11/30/04). The price of admission includes three films plus free beer & pizza. Details are below. I'll be speaking on a really short panel (@one question each) afterwards. Thanks for your help. Much love, Eileen www.samedifference.orgCinewomen NY Screening Series www.cinewomenny.orgat 2 Boots Pioneer Theatre, 155 East 3rd St. (off A) www.twoboots.comTIES THAT BIND: The Religion of Family - Nov 30th 2004 at TWO BOOTS====Same Difference[Dir Joe Dorman and Sarah Brockus 15 mins][Co-Producer/Writer Eileen Weiss]New York City faith stories in words, music and dance. A powerful work which combines original music, dance and drama was created from interviews with over a hundred New Yorkers about their faith, anger, fears and hopes before and after 9/11. A joint venture by an interfaith group of artists. We Are The Littletons[Penny Lane, experimental, 11 min]A tangled web of found objects, intercepted correspondences, reenactments and total fabrications centered around Eve Portian Littleton Rodriguez, an artist with "movie star good looks" who mysteriously banished from her post-card perfect American family.Without Apology[Susan Hamovitch, documentary 75 min]The story of the filmmaker's family's 'dark secret' -- her brother Alan, born with a disability so severe he would never learn to speak. Institutionalized in 1958, a taboo family topic for more than thirty years, Alan is only now -- after the expose of his state-run facility, the radical overhaul of medical thought on retardation and autism -- emerging as a member of his family and of the world. ====Cinewomen NY Screening Series www.cinewomenny.orgat Pioneer Theatre, 155 East 3rd St. (off A) www.twoboots.comTuesday, November 30, 2004Admission: $9.00Box Office Opens: 6:30PMSeating: 6:45PMScreening with Q&A: 7:00 - 9:00PMFree Beer/Pizza Party: 9:00 - 10:00PM letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tolucan Times FFD is Brilliant + Voice of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5149/1/E-Tolucan-Times-FFD-is-Brilliant---Voice-of-Croatia.html Freedom from Despair is a Brilliant Film, Says Tolucan TimesÂTHE TOLUCAN TIMESIDEAS by Kevin McKenaInternational Student Film Festival Hollywood – a Big Screen BlastThis year’s International Student Film Festival Hollywood was a true celebration of fine films. The festival received more than 200 submissions from over 20 countries, and screened both high school and college students’ films. All the film screenings took place at the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.I have been volunteering for and entering film festivals since film school at the San Francisco Art Institute. An actress I liked at the time was a volunteer at the San Francisco Film Festival and suggested I volunteer. I did and got the girl, and saw a lot of real good films for free. So film festivals have always been especially entertaining for me. The International Student Film Festival Hollywood’s goal is to give student filmmakers from around the world a unique opportunity to showcase their work in the entertainment capital of the world. Veteran film editor Robin Saban, whose years of work in entertainment inspired him to create an outlet for promising student filmmakers, started the festival in 2003. Robin reached out to more than 400 universities and high schools worldwide to generate awareness and excitement for the festival. I also have accepted a seat on the festival’s board of directors. I believe it is extremely important that young and talented filmmakers get some recognition for their labor. Not to mention, film festivals are a lot of fun. Our board of directors believes that by combining our efforts to aid student filmmakers, both here and abroad, we bring the world of cinema closer together and also contribute in helping unite the earth through the art of film. I was impressed and moved by the high quality of work produced by these talented young filmmakers. Some of these films look like Hollywood directors with big budgets directed them. The opening night party was a blast and more than 300 people showed up. The food, by Arli’s Catering, was awesome. The festival presented many awards for filmmaking, including the Young Director’s Award presented to Jennifer Lynch, an accomplished director and actress, her credits include “Boxing Helena,” which she wrote and also directed. Her next project slated for 2005 is a movie called “Surveillance” which she co-wrote and will also direct. More than 2,000 people attended this year’s festival, many traveling thousands of miles to see these amazing student films from all over the world.Also attending the festival was Academy Award-nominated actor John Savage. Savage performed the narrative for the brilliant film, “Freedom from Despair,” which won in the documentary category and was directed by up-and-coming young director Brenda Brkusic.For the last few years Savage, who starred in classic films like “The Deer Hunter” and “The Onion Field” has dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts. In addition, Savage was recently nominated for ISFFH’s 2005 Humanitarian Award. Thank you, John, for your commitment to making the world a better place.Full article: http://tolucantimes.com/columns120104/McKenna/index.html www.freedomfromdespair.com ÂVOICE OF CROATIA INTERNATIONAL RADIO SEGMENT WITH BRENDA BRKUSIC ON CROATIA TODAYÂYou can listen to the interview on www.ljepanasadomovinahrvatska.com at the following link: http://www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/audio04/06.12.04.%20%20Brenda%20Brkusic.mp3Text from the interview below:Josip Serdarevic: Many different stories have been written about Croatia, its history and the homeland war over the last 15 years. But one important point has been lost in all the contradictory reports and facts and figures; namely that the whole basis of Croatia’s modern independence movement was to get itself out from under communist tyranny. Brenda Brkusic is a young American filmmaker of Croatian decent who actually delved deep into the roots of the war in Croatia, unlike most foreign based directors who were lost in a myriad of ideological propaganda from all sides and left most things open ended and unanswered. Brenda Brkusic: The film is about the Croatian people’s struggle to overcome oppression from Communist Yugoslavia – a regime that suppressed Croatian culture and religion and liquidated over 720 Catholic priests. It is based on the incredible story of a young man’s life threatening escape from his homeland of Croatia in 1957. The film portrays the Croatian people’s fight to save their war-ravaged homeland in the 1990’s and it exposes the truth about Croatia’s history that was never shown in the American mainstream media. Josip Serdarevic: Brenda Bkusic is from Chicago, Illinois and moved to Los Angeles on an academic scholarship from Chapman University. Her senior thesis was the film entitled Freedom from Despair a documentary about the Croatian people’s struggle against the Yugoslavian Communist regime. The film has since gone on to win awards at numerous film festivals propelling Brkusic into the lime light at only 23 years of age. Brenda Brkusic: The film has done tremendously well and has been highly praised by both Croatians and non-Croatians. It had had a world premiere in the Amnesty International Film Festival at the Directors Guild in Hollywood. I felt like by screening the film they were finally recognizing the Croatian story as a true and valid history that has been neglected for too long. They also want to put the film in University libraries in the United States, so I feel like that’s a big step for all of us as far as having a reference about our history. Josip Serdarevic: Once word got around about the film’s principal themes, some influential figures got behind it and provided it with a much higher profile than an average student film would get. Brenda Brkusic: Nenad Bach has always been a big support of the idea of the film and he offered to compose the score for the film. And he recommended me to a few famous actors in Hollywood: Michael York, who has been very involved with Croatian things and he did the voice-overs for the interviews that are in Croatian. John Savage who has acted in Academy Award Winning films, he did the narration for the film. And also Congressman Dennis Kucinich, he was just running for President of the United States and he is interviewed in the film as well. So I had support from a lot of great people and I was very lucky to have these names attached to the film it gives the film a lot of creditability, of course. Josip Serdarevic: The reasons for Brenda Brkusic’s impetuous for the project are much closer to home. Given that she’s a second generation American, she does have some distance from Croatia and its events, but her objectivity doesn’t obstruct the personal attachment to the film’s topics.Brenda Brkusic: When the war broke out in 1991 I was only 10 years old and my parents became very active in trying to get the first President George Bush and the American media to recognize Croatia’s freedom movement. And seeing them stand up for justice in that way made me appreciate our culture more but also made me want to know more about why my father was so interested in wanting to help his homeland and why he had escaped Yugoslavia to come to America as a young man. That’s when he told me the story of how he suffered as Croatian in Communist Yugoslavia and how he risked his life to escape. I knew that this was a story that represented millions of people who had done the same thing and that story had never really been told before.Josip Serdarevic: The film has done well for itself and has been screened all of the United States and at the Dubrovnik Film Festival. Brkusic plans to extend screenings of the documentary in Canada and Australia. Interested viewers from both sides of the border can catch the film at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor, Ontario this Sunday, December the 12th. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "British-Croatian Cultural Links: A Brief History" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5153/1/E-British-Croatian-Cultural-Links-A-Brief-History.html ÂThe Croatian Embassy has the pleasure of inviting youto a talk by: Dr Tomislav Sunic, Minister Counsellor, Croatian EmbassyOn:"British-Croatian Cultural Links: A Brief History"on Thursday, 13th January 2005 at 6.30 pm for 7 pmRefreshments will be served R.S.V.P.tel: 020 7387 2022Embassy of the Republic of Croatia21 Conway Street, London, W1T 6BN letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Macbett - Great reviews - Come and see them http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5151/1/E-Macbett---Great-reviews---Come-and-see-them.html ÂYOU ARE INVITED!Il Dolce Theatre Company and Spirit of SarajevopresentMacbettby Eugene IonescoDirected by NENO PERVANMusic by MLADEN MILICEVICLight Design by SUKI MEDENCEVICPerforming at theGlobe Playhouse1107 N. Kings Road(two blocks east from La Cienega on Santa Monica Bd. Next to HUGO'S CafÃ)West HollywoodNov 12- Dec 12Thr, Fri, Sat 8pm and Sun 7pmReservations:(310) 458-3312For more information please visit:www.macbettatglobe.org ÂLA TIMES REVIEW OF MACBETTNovember 26, 2004THEATER BEATA bubbling caldron of mayhem in 'Macbett'Revising a play that is already revisionist is a tricky proposition.But director Neno Pervan boldly dickers with Eugene Ionesco's"Macbett" in Il Dolce Theater Company's gratifyingly revisioniststaging at the Globe Playhouse in West Hollywood.An absurdist take on Shakespeare's "Macbeth," Ionesco's lengthy 1972play is remarkably faithful to the dramatic arc of its sourcematerial. So too is Pervan's drastically abbreviated version, takenfrom Charles Marowitz's translation and presented here by specialpermission of Ionesco's daughter.Pervan's production is Cliffs Notes brief yet in keeping withIonesco's absurdist spirit. What results is surprisinglyperspicacious Shakespeare, albeit with a few soap-operaembellishments, most notably Ionesco's innovative subplot in whichDuncan's disgruntled wife has a steamy affair with Macbett, urges himon to regicide and subsequently marries him.A nimble cast, including Pervan himself, keeps the action clean andstreamlined. Hilariously cowardly and self-serving, Pervan's Duncanis a preening dandy of suitably ridiculous ilk. As Macbett, gloweringZoran Radanovich hits the right emotional levels but needs to scaleback his leaping, occasionally unmotivated aerobics. In the mostfull-fledged performance of the evening, Pamela Clay plays LadyDuncan/Lady Macbett as a saucy siren on the downhill slope to lunacyand despair.Now for a quibble. For some odd reason, Pervan blocks numerous sceneson the stage floor, beneath the sightlines of a majority of theaudience, which strains and cranes to see glimpses of the prostrateactors. Surely, a few suitably placed platforms could have raisedthis production, not to mention its performers, to new heights.- F. Kathleen Foley"Macbett," Globe Playhouse, 1107 N. Kings Road, West Hollywood. 8p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec.12 only. Ends Dec. 12. $20. (310) 458-3312. www.macbettatglobe.org.Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.====================DECEMBER 3 - 9, 2004Doomed CouplesScottish malice, Sicilian malaiseby Steven MikulanYou know theater has entered its Halloween season when Macbett, Eugene IonescoÃs late-career take on the Scottish play, opens in black light with a horror-movie score, and as ShakespeareÃs Highland hellhound is wordlessly welcomed into existence by only two weird sisters who have emerged from a trapdoor. This eerie prologue, in which Macbett, lifelessly seated on a throne, appears more like the dead Christ in a Deposition painting than the vigorous Thane of Glamis, suggests the territory weÃre to cover tonight à Dark Ages realpolitik dampened by the mists of magic and superstition.IonescoÃs 1972 play is rarely produced professionally (UCLA mounted a technologically elaborate version three years ago) and is not considered one of his more important works. Still, Il Dolce Theater Company and Spirit of Sarajevo are to be complimented for staging this effort at the Globe Playhouse. Director Neno Pervan, editing down Charles MarowitzÃs translation of the original French, explores the comedy and pretense Ionesco found in ShakespeareÃs solemn characters, while sometimes reverently quoting from the BardÃs original text. In this story, both Macbett (Zoran Radanovich) and his comrade in arms, Banco (Julius Noflin), are made mad with visions of power upon hearing the witchesà prophecies. In fact, everyone involved is either after power or buffoonishly trying to hold on to it. King Duncan (Pervan), seen here as a cowardly bully dressed in a shiny, lime-green Teddy Boy outfit (or is it a zoot suit?), is an obnoxious boor whoÃs constantly shoving the queen off his throne.Which leads us to one of IonescoÃs additions to the script -à Lady Duncan (Pamela Clay). She is a cunning, conniving bitch who marries Glamis to become Lady Macbett. Our potential confusion doesnÃt matter since the two women meld into the same malignant spirit goading Macbett to murder his benefactor and, later, Banco. To Ionesco, MacbettÃs murder of his king overshadows everything; Lady MÃs death, Birnan wood, the concluding swordplay are all afterthoughts to the regicidal theme.In MacbethÃs brutality, we can discern a cleaving apart of ShakespeareÃs more enlightened world, as though in the fossil record of pre-Norman Britain stirs a dream of government that serves a common good, as opposed to mere blood sport. This notion runs elsewhere in popular cultures à EisensteinÃs film Aleksandr Nevsky opens on a brooding landscape whose inhabitants seem nearly primordial, yet ends with NevskyÃs appeal to justice and progress. However, in Macbett, the Romanian-born Ionesco, looking back in time past the refinement of constitutions and parliaments, is fascinated with the primitive urges that still lie at the heart of virtually all modern conflicts. Pervan, attuned to this, presents a kingdom uneasily lit with flickering candles and governed by a belief in witches. In a sense, he combines Macbeth with Ceausescu, and Scotland with Transylvania, drawing out of the mad forest of European villainy a narcotic faith in selfish violence.These themes have a track record: Ron MagidÃs pulpily political history Dracula Tyrannus played at this same venue in 1988, and indeed when in Bram StokerÃs Dracula the Count dismisses modern Continental treaties as "these days of dishonorable peace," he may well be looking nostalgically at MacbethÃs Scotland and NevskyÃs bloodied Russia. The Globe, with its two-tiered set, balcony and Tudor windows, lends itself to demagogic nightmares. None of this is to suggest that Macbett is a gruesome meditation on power politics à if anything, itÃs more of a Rocky Horror Show meets Ubu Roi, complete with Ionescoan touches: A grizzled man (Alexander Veadov) sells lemonade from his wheelchair, a little boy (Andrej Pervan) with a butterfly net searches for Macbett. And, for pure nuttiness, Duncan is murdered on Animal Healing Day, an annual holiday on which the king cures the local livestock and pets of their ailments. (A significant change from IonescoÃs original scene.)Director Pervan gets some good performances from his cast, notably Radanovich and Clay, and his production benefits from Slavko PervanÃs spartan set that, nevertheless, places a guillotine behind DuncanÃs chair (talk about your throne of blood), while Mladen MilicevicÃs cheesy synth-goth score recalls Euro-horror films of the 1970s. In the end, this is a story about a man who murders another for his coat and crown, while forgetting the woman who made his ascent possible. After Macbett meets death, his corpse is carried and caressed by women to the throne with its awaiting blade à perhaps that is the absurdest touch of all.MACBETT | By EUGENE IONESCO | Il Dolce Theater Company at the GLOBE PLAYHOUSE, 1107 N. Kings Road, West Hollywood | Through December 12 | (310) 458-3312-- ==========================Dr. Mladen Milicevic, ProfessorLoyola Marymount UniversitySchool of Film and TelevisionRecording Arts ProgramOne LMU Drive, MC 8230Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659, USAtel. (310) 338-4575FAX (310) 338-3030e-mail: MMilicev@LMU.eduOffice: Xavier Hall 312==========================Mladen's web site:http://myweb.lmu.edu/mmilicevic/School of Film and Television web site:http://film.lmu.edu========================== letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) U ISKONU GLAGOLJICE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5148/1/H-U-ISKONU-GLAGOLJICE.html   U ISKONU GLAGOLJICE Stoljece znanostiPrkositi kategorizaciji, ili ispravljati dobro ukorijenjene, i potom široko prihvacene teze što se vec desetljecima nalaze u enciklopedijama i školskim udžbenicima, nezahvalan je i trudan posao. Katedre i akademije su teško osvojive tvrde, bastioni, Sancta sanctorum, a nerijetko i topovnjace znanja; one sve manje sabiru i prenose znanje, a sve više ga licenciraju i brane sa svojih propovjedaonica kao da se radi nemocniku. One su sebe pomiješale s istinom i predstavljaju posljednju fazu okoštavanja i njihov je otpor rušilacki. Samozadovoljne, uljuljane tišinom i diskretnim žamorom, ne prestaju se diviti sebi i postaju razlogom svog postojanja. Svaki nemir je izazov, a izrecena sumnja vec je osporavanje, kletva i teško oprostiv napad. Udžbenik oblikuje opce mišljenje - a ono vjeruje medijima i školskih se dana sjeca s nostalgijom. Sve je to je pola puta prema predrasudi i doktrini; skolasticnost je mjera znanstvene discipline, nadomjestak za argumentaciju i znamenje autoriteta. Za sinove doktrine autoritet postaje "sveti kanon" i cizelirana faktografija van svake sumnje i ako je kršcanski pojam pravovjernosti vec pomalo posustao izgubivši bojovne sljedbenike, povijesna znanost, još uvijek mjerilom vec zaboravljene hereze - prijekim pogledom gleda na svaku tezu izvan matrice. I nema tu više plamena znatiželje, ni volje niti srcanih ugriza; samo lakovjernost i uskogrudnost, tek opce mišljenje i njegova sljedba - laicko citateljstvo. Ili ako parafraziram povjesnicara Edwarda Gibbona: slijed stidljivih ucenika poslije se pretvara u dogmatske ucitelje sljedece generacije udvorica. Hoce li se na koncu u bezuba usta ugradivati plasticni ocnjaci?Vlast i autori udžbenika su Jakin i Boaz, cuvari doktrine svake dobro uhranjene teorije. Krug odabranih, ali ne i posvecenih. Udžbenik povijesti je cuvar znanstvene pravovjernosti i politickog cudoreda. I enciklopedije su u toj zadaci pazikuca i strogih sudaca, njihovi tekstovi postaju krunski dokaz sam po sebi, potom se izvrgnu u dogmu, a nakon stoljeca ili dva, njihovih se zabluda ponekad prisjete tek zlobnici. Što je danas ostalo od heliocentricnog sustava i koje sve mudre glave onog doba nisu izrekle svoju sumnju, ali se nisu pobunile vec su hinjenom šutnjom potvrdivali njegovu valjanost? Ako je to vec bilo povijesno davno, uronjeno u neko "mracno" srednjovjekovlje, onda je Kant-Laplaceova teorija toliko svježa da se još prije tridesetak godina servirala u osnovnim i srednjim školama. Kad je izgubila utrku s Velikim praskom i ostalim astronomskim teorijama, ni Kantu niti Laplaceu nije ništa od znanstvene velicine oduzeto. Znanost cesto broji pogotke, a nerado se sjeca promašaja. A spaljivanje vještica i raznovrsnih demona? I onda je bilo mudrih i razboritih, u tim "mracnim stoljecima" napisane su izuzetne knjige, ali bujica predrasuda i straha odnosi i najhrabrije. Da li se tada spaljivalo i znanje, jer taj pojam potjece od starogrckog pojma daimon? Slijedeci taj korijen, možda se toliko hvaljena vladavina znanja treba zvati - demonkracija?Znanost je na koncu samo novovjeki pokušaj tehnologa, modernih Dedala, a znanstvenici su prije tragaoci i oni što pokušavaju, a ne oni što rješavaju temeljna pitanja kozmologije, Svemira i njegova smisla. Dokazivanje je na koncu samo igra: najprije se zamišlja, pa dokazuje, potom se, poticano sumnjom, zamišlja nešto drugo i postupak se ponavlja. Znanost u potrazi za opipljivim dokazima i ne radi ništa nego oscilira izmedu ta dva omedenja, a ponekad posrne i od argumenta ucini rekvizit u narucenoj predstavi. Trajna žudnja za dokazivanjem obilježila je znanost. I danas, svatko tko se dira u Veliki prasak, u njegovu valjanost, vjerojatno ce postati predmetom poruge. Svaka potraga za novim zapocinje rušenjem postojecih istina, a završava ustolicenjem novih. Zaborav i kratkoca ljudskog vijeka najbolji su poticaj novim sumnjama i potragama. Je li uopce uputno spominjati knjigu Safer ha-Zohar koja je Veliki prasak, i ono što mu je prethodilo, slikovito opisala u 13 stoljecu? Znanost je religija 20. stoljeca, a tehnologija je dokaz njenog cudotvorstva. Nakon pokušaja tisucljeca da se na posljednja pitanja daju valjani odgovori teologijom, mistikom, ezoterijom i hermetikom, znanost je dobila svoju priliku i umjesto odgovora napredno covjecanstvo je "dobilo" obilje dokolice, igracke, lagodu i nepodnošljivu lakocu samouništenja, pretilnost i depresiju, a posljednji odgovori ostali su sjajiti na istoj udaljenosti i žuljati na istom mjestu kao i prije. Svjetonazor temeljen na znanosti boluje od doslovnosti jer je u rukama tehnologa. Znanstvene teorije su igra malih dokaza i velikih predrasuda što nikad ne prestaju pohoditi ljudsku taštinu; u znanosti istina je samo teorija koja je valjana dok je neka druga ne smjeni snagom nekog drugog/drugacijeg, redovito djelomicnog, dokaza ili autoritetom nabubrenog ega. Mrvice znanstvene pedanterije zapisane fusnotama više velicaju autora nego potkrepljuju štivo. Zapravo, atenuirano znanje i pojacana nesigurnost neprestano se prilagoduju i potkrepljuju obilnom bibliografijom na kraju znanstvenih radova. Neoprezno i neukusno je petljati istinu u tu rabotu znanstvenog dokazivanja. Zasužnjeni svojom ambicijom ne možemo govoriti u ime istine. Ona je na koncu neizreciva stvarnost nedohvatna znanosti, i bilo bi poželjno ne vezivati istinu i aktualnu znanstvenu teoriju, makar bila utemeljena na cinjenicama i ne znam kakvim dokazima. Neke cinjenice je sa sobom donijelo vrijeme i ono ce ih i odnijeti. Sve istinito nije pojava i svaka pojava nije nužno istinita. Znanost i religija se prožimlju, ali posjeduju samo dio istine. Istina je tajna spokoja, nije dokaz izvan svake sumnje. Arijadnina nit do što vodi do dokaza je nadahnuce, a ne prst Nevjernog Tome uguran u Božju ranu. Teško je s istinom, podijeliti je i ostaviti je nataknutom. Kao i umjetnost, istina je nedokaziva. Uzdah ociju prilijepljenih za strop Sikstinske kapele, govori više od svih strucnih studija i analiza. Lista "apsolutnih" (povijesnih) istina previše je duga i povijest znanosti je povijest propalih znanstvenih teorija. Znaci li to da je svijet živio u lažima, da su se znanstvene cinjenice uklapale u teoriju, a ne teorija u cinjenice? Ili je možda previše dragocjena vremena posvecivao neuništivim bajkama, pa su ga bajke toliko zacarale da svijet više ne umije prepoznati blagodat znanstvene cinjenice? Ljudi su izjednaceni u neznanju, tek se po znanju razlikuju. I ove aktualne znanstvene istine, za ne više od pola stoljeca, bit ce izlijecene od samouvjerenosti, predrasuda, i samo ce ostavljene biste na trgu velikana podsjecati na njihovu negdanju nedodirljivost. Povijest znanja postaje dirljiva povijest promašaja i spomenik ljudske slabosti. Više su je odredile mane nego vrline pobjednika. Možda nije pogrešno, kako to piše Chesterton, uvijek prije vjerovati bajkama starih udanih žena, nego cinjenicama starih usidjelica. Zbog površnog prijevoda u Vulgati "zrake" su postale "rogovi" i vec gotovo dva tisucljeca mudrom Mojsiju iz glave vire rogovi i kršcanska ikonografija uporno je insistirala upravo na toj atribuciji - rogovi kao znak mudrosti!...iz Mojsijeva lica izbija svjetlost (Izlazak 34,30), i to je izreceno glagolom qaran, koji se može izvesti od imenice qeren (rog), odakle Vulgata doslovno prijevodi: Njegovo je lice imalo rogove, umjesto: njegovo se lice žarilo (iz lica izbija svjetlost). No, imajuci na umu da su Židovi u svom pismu bilježili samo konsonante, a masoretskim znakovima (punktacijom) tek puno kasnije poceli oznacavati samoglasnike i naglaske, lako se mogla potkrasti greška, previd, i tako je izraslo Mojsijevo rogovlje. Greškom prepisivaca, jedna tocka stavljena na krivo mjesto, ucinila je Mojsija rogatog, a to je prihvatila kršcanska ikonografija, a svi oni što su u prošlim stoljecima odmahivali pokazujuci sumnju u Mojsijevo rogovlje, u takvu atribuciju mudrosti, lako su mogli izgubiti ono na cemu rogovi stoje. Ili izraz semitski, skovao je i prvi put izrekao njemacki povjesnicar August Ludwig von Schlözer (1735 - 1809) s namjerom da oznaci jednu grupu srodnih jezika. Ljude koji su govorili tim jezicima prozvao je Semitima. I to je sve; zapoceto u jezikoslovlju, završilo je dimom u Oswiecimu. Razni predznaci i zle interpretacije koje su se iz toga izrodile ne mogu se pripisati samo neukosti i manipulaciji, vec i povjesnicarima koji su taj izraz poceli upotrebljavati za narode i jezike Starog svijeta na nacin kao da je pojam semitski pronaden na kakvim prastarim sumerskim, akadskim, hetitskim, ugaritskim, biblijskim ili egipatskim spisima. Citajuci današnje povijesne udžbenike Starog svijeta, pojam semitski se koristi s nepojmljivom lakocom, prisno uvjerljiv, kao da je rijec o krsnim listovima ili uredno produženim putovnicama. Tako siguran kao da je rijec o talijanskom, portugalskom, hrvatskom... Ne, u starim spisima toga pojma nema, cak je i danas vrlo nejasno potice li pojam semitski od Noinog sina Šema ili od latinskog semita sa znacenjem puteljka.Doista veliki povijesni mutež nastao je brkanjem dvaju pojmova koji su fonetski i morfološki dosta teško razlikuju, a imaju posve razlicito znacenje. Cak i kod ozbiljnih autora i prevoditelja, brkaju se pojmovi arjianizam (odnosi se na hereticno ucenje Arija; arijevac, pristaša arijanizma; pridjev arijevski) i Arijac, koji se odnosi na pripadnika naroda Arya (na sanskrtu, plemenit, tj. gospodin), indoeuropskog naroda, u širem smislu pripadnik indoeuropskog naroda ili plemena. Pridjev je arijski. Jezivo carobnjaštvo poluznanja, ljudska glupost, loši prijevodi i još gore politicke ambicije, potom su proizveli kovanice koje ne znace ništa ili, što je najgore, mogu se odnositi i na jedno i na drugo, a najcešce na neku pojmovnu zbrku poput - nesemit, Židov, i onda u nastavku heretik kao istoznacnica, potom etikete i denuncijacije... Želja je neodoljiv izazov, ona je cesto seniornija od covjeka kao što je i žed starija od vode. Atomska bomba napravljena je prije elektricne centrale na atomski pogon. Interesantno je da se u starijim njemackim tekstovima sjeverni Afganistan i susjedna Turkestanska ravnica ponekad nazivaju Arijana i ime te ravnice može prethoditi pojmu Arya. U umjetnosti pojam estetike uveo je 1750 Alexander Baumgarten, pojam lijepih umjetnosti prvi je izrekao Charles Baté, poslije je znacenje pomaknuto, ali zar nije upitno koliko se tim pojmovima mogu opisivati djela Srednjeg vijeka ili pak Antike? Koliko ta dva pojma korespondiraju s grckim techne, ili latinskim ars, na ono iz prirode (fysei) ili ono po ljudskoj odluci (nomo thesìa), ono Aristotelovo "samo po sebi" (to kat' heauton) i što postoji "za nas" (to pros hemas), uvijek ostaje nedovoljno jasno, zatvoreno prostorom i vremenom. Stari svijet i VucedolDrevni egipatski dokumenti Knjiga Am-duata opisuju Totha kako znakove pisma vadi iz slike bogova. Pismo nije dosjetka ili izum pa ni onih najmudrijih. Velika je tajna pisma, veca od covjekove ambicije, oholosti i gladi za znanjem. Ono je za ljude nadahnuce što ga upuceni vide u slici vjecnosti. Osjecaj za istinito upucuje na analogiju: vidljivo i nevidljivo, ponavljanje i neprolaznost i vjecita povezanost, gotovo snolika povezanost zvijezda i pisma. Snaga pismena za jedne je jedinstveni vizualni znak božanske djelatnosti, objave; za druge beskonacno prapocelo predaje, sama objava, a za previše njih to je tek tiskarski slog i dnevne novine uz jutarnju kavu ili ljubavni romancici. Vrhunsko božansko ime u Hebreja, Grka, Rimljena, Arapa, Germana i Slavena sastoji se od cetiriju slova (JHVH, T(h)eós, Deus, Alah, Gott i Bouh) što je cetvorno odredenje Jedinstva ili križ, ili ime prvog covjeka Adam izvedenog od prvog slova cetiriju vjetrova (Antola, Diasa, Arkta i Mesembrije). Vizija se ne mijenja, covjek se mijenja i obnavlja. Predaja iskljucuje ljude iz kreacije pisma, ljudi su u najboljem slucaju gramaticari. Ponekad islamska ezoterija od slova cini konstitutivne elemente Božjeg tijela. U Indiji Sarasvati, božica govora i pisma, slova poistovjecuje s dijelovima tijela. Brahma, tvorac objave, nosi vijenac od pedeset slova. On oblikova dvadeset i dva slova, odmjeri, posloži i zapocne ih preslagivati te sacini od njih sve stvoreno i sve ono što ce tek biti stvoren, piše u Sefer Yetziri. Islam pretpostavlja i 7 vrhovnih slova koja su istomislena sa 7 božanskih Rijeci. Sedam tonska ljestvica je starija i prethodi oktavi. Dvadeset i osam slova alfabeta su potpun covjek, ona su 28 mjesecevih postaja, broj clanaka na prstima obiju ruku. Nije baš sve zaceto u retorti Mezopotamije, Bliskog istoka i obalama Nila, i nije baš sve helensko - hebrejsko nasljede; u isto vrijeme u Europi je postojala kultura koja se više od svih drugih približila civilizaciji pismenih. Vucedol je na samoj granici kulture i civilizacije pisma, njegove terine iz samog pocetka treceg tisucljeca prije Krista prikazuju opojnu kozmologiju koju ce tek dvije tisuce godina kasnije tako maštovito opisati Hesiod u Teogoniji i Homer u svojim spjevovima. Na vucedolskim zemljanim posudama nisu samo ukrasi, vec je to solarni kalendar što sluti tajnu Oriona, sazviježda na kome pociva staroegipatski obred krunidbe i Tothov tajni nauk. Faraon je alternacija Velikog boga u sazviježdu Orion. Vucedolci bilježe kretanje Kasiopeje, Labuda, Pegaza i sazviježda Riba, zodijak je prepoznat, kalendar tocan i odreduje ga Orion, junak ranog vremena. U Africi Orion je Locac, pas, U Europi lovac, u Aziji lovac jelena i sobova, u Sjevernoj Americi Lovac medvjeda, u Južnoj Americi Gospodar životinja i pomagac lovaca. Vucedolskom kulturom nadahnuce luta medu sazviježdima i pismo joj je pred ocima uprtim u iskricavo nocno nebo. Trebao je još samo jedno bdijenje, dodir one vizije koju je Odin primio viseci naglavacke na Drvu života devet dana i noci, i mogla su se skinuti slova s nocnog neba, sricati slova iz lika Velikog lovca, slicno kao što je Toth to cinio u Egiptu. Izostalo je nadahnuce, sricanje pisma, vizija koja nadolazi u stanju bdijenja; još smeta obredna žrtva i manjka ono prepoznavanje tvoracke moci znaka, slova. Vucedolskoj kulturi pogled je još okrenut precima, zastrt obmanom vracanja, ciklusom neprestanog ponavljanja, mjesecu i bijelim kostima obredne žrtve. Namjesto obredne žrtve i lubanja rasporedenih na nacin da prikažu štovanje zvjezdanoj konstelaciji, trebalo je izvaditi slova iz slike Velikog lovca, Velikog pastira, Kneza, poslije Isusa. U Egiptu, na zvjezdanoj karti hrama u Dandarahi (sada u Louvreu), Orion oslikava Ozirisa. Vucedolska kultura je bila tu, nadomak, nije trebalo koliko ni razmak izmedu Božjeg i Adamova prsta u Sikstinskoj kapeli, ali nedodirnuta objavom nije iznjedrila grad, pismo, a potom i ranu civilizaciju Indoeuropejaca u Europi. Pismo otkriva djelic vjecnog svjetla u covjeku, ono je nebeski poredak i jezik ideja, citanje neba i otkrivanje simbola. Simbol je veza izmedu dva svijeta: vidljivog i nevidljivog. Neizgovoreno postoji, kao i ono prešuceno ili sakriveno - svijet oblikujemo svojom mišlju. U Kini je kaligrafija nadmašila slikarstvo i samo je ona izravno nadahnuce, umjetnost. O umijecu pisanja Wang Xishi kaže: Svaka vodoravna crta gomila je oblaka u ratnickoj formaciji, svaka kuka napeti luk iskonske snage; svaka tocka stijena što se ruši s uzvišena vrhunca; svaki kljun bakreni ukras; svako produženje retka castan izdanak, a svaka vitka i slobodna crta trkac spreman na skok. Simbol cuva viziju i bilježi iskustvo, naslucuje i traži sudionika, on upucuje i služi upucivanju. Glagoljaška biblija srice asbuohvicu doslovno gledajuci u Velikom lovcu:Iskon bi Slovo Slovo bi BouhI Bouh bi BesedaI poceje azbouhovicunapisana nami 'z jubavi nikad, vero nikad pozabit se nece pokloni se toj starini pa je onda tek pohabaj glagoljat ceš evandelje sveto... To je zapisan jezik proroka i svetaca savladanih istinom; uspomena na tajnu našeg podrijetla, boj zemaljskog znanja i zvjezdane konstelacije, onaj uzdah poniznosti upucen nebeskim tajnama.Teze i hipotezeSvi koji hoce osvijetliti svoju prošlost moraju joj se bez predrasuda posvetiti. Glagoljica je staro hrvatsko pismo, a ime je dobilo po cetvrtom slovu koje se zove glagolju, a znaci - govorim. O postanku glagoljskog pisma (azbouhovice) postoje mnoge teorije i one se manje nadopunjuju, a cešce dijametralno razilaze glede interpretacije vremena, temelja i korijena glagoljske pismenosti. Narodi nastanjeni na podrucju današnje Hrvatske tijekom minula tri tisucljeca rabili su pored grckog (alfabet), etrušcanskog, oghamskog, latinskog (abeceda), runskog (gotske futharke, slavenske crte, rjeze, rune), glagoljsko i cirilicno pismo. Danas postoji velik broj razlicitih (hipo)teza, ali njihova podudarnost s cinjenicama nije tolika da bi se i jedna od njih mogla smatrati definitivnom i znanstveno potvrdenom. Brkala se korelacija i kauzalnost, sve tvrdnje se nisu jednako provjeravale, a nepostojanje opipljivih dokaza nije svima bio isti "grijeh". Nepostojanje dokaza još uvijek nije dokaz nepostojanja. Predugo bi trajalo nabrojiti (hipo)teze i teorije o podrijetlu glagoljice i nacin na koji se ona širila (i kasnije sažimala) jer znanstveni dokaz svake od njih samo je djelomican i upitno motiviran. Djelomicnost upucuje na širinu problema, motiviranost na prekrajanje povijesti škarama politike. Ipak, dogodilo se da je samo jedna teorija dobila atribut objektivno dokazane (ciril-metodska), svaka druga, i sve ostale, stavljalo se pod tepih ili obezvredivalo etiketom "nepotpune znanstvene metode". Pritisnuta i osporavana hrvatska državnost na pocetku 19. stoljeca nije imala mnogo izbora. Dosta je toga bilo zacinjeno s politickim tlapnjama i znanstvenom nedosljednošcu, a onaj teško uklopiv višak jednostavno je stavljen sa strane. Valjda je napokon sazrjelo vrijeme za otvoreno iznijeti sve pretpostavke i bez predrasuda ispitati duhovnu osnovu i društvenu strukturu; odvagnuti cinjenice i povijest odvojiti od neprilicnog primateljstva politike i nacionalnih tlapnji. Prema orijentalnoj teoriji, zaceci glagoljskog pisma su u drevnim istocnim pismima i mnemografickim sustavima kao i u iranskom podrijetlu Hrvata. U Kraljevini Jugoslaviji, i poslije u Titovoj Jugoslaviji, ta je teza bila je napadana iz uvijek istih politickih razloga. Teza je imala mocne protivnike u srpskom i ruskom panslavizmu koji se optimalno uklapao u velikosrpsku ideologiju ekspanzije (Ilija Garašanin i Vuk Stefanovic Karadžic), u teoriji pravoslavlja opsjednutim jednim narodom, jednim jezikom i trima vjerama. Mnogi koji su prihvacali tezu o iranskom podrijetlu Hrvata (Šufflay, Šegvic, Hamm, Lovric...) i na taj nacin tumacili povijest glagoljice, stradali su na jedan ili drugi nacin. Zato se ciril-metodska teorija, pod tutorstvom dviju Jugoslavija, dobro uklapala u panslavisticke trendove noseci u sebi infalibitet te biva tretirana kao povijesni zalog i intelektualna podloga nove (Jugo)slavenske države. Obije Jugoslavije kreirale su svjetske sile, ali ih je omogucila hrvatska umišljenost i diletantizam u državnickim poslovima, loša procjena i dobro smišljene vidovdanske fraze. Tu istu državnu tvorevinu srušila je srpska bahatost i megalomanija i opet - loša procjena, ovaj put srpska. Taj pohod od Istoka na Zapad, zamisao da su upravo Sveta braca opismenili bratske narode na širokom podrucju slavenstva, bila je državotvorna u obije Jugoslavije i alergicna na svaku drugu (hipo)tezu. Isto je tako, misao na jedno pismo izmedu latinskog i grckog, na kojem se još vrši i liturgija, poticala zanesenjaštvo na "treci put", na specificum koji gotovo da prejudicira posebnost naroda okupljenih oko Svete brace.Jeronimska predaja pripisuje postanak glagoljskog pisma (scriptura hieronymitana) sv. Jeronimu, biblijskom prevoditelju (331 - 420). Prije je to bila "pobožna laž" naših glagoljaša, ne bi li casnim imenom velikog crkvenog ucitelja izbjegli neugodnosti s Rimom, nego istinsko uvjerenje o sv. Jeronimu, ocu novoga pisma. Jednom steceno pravo, glagoljaši su branili i obranili svojom upornošcu, stvarajuci za svoju obranu i poznatu legendu o sv. Jeronimu kao izumitelju glagoljice. Ta tradicija priželjkuje da je kodeks homiletskog zbornika, poznat znanosti kao Glagolita Clozianus, pisala ruka samog sv. Jeronima, pa se ta legenda koja nema pokrice u cinjenicama i kronologiji, pothranjivala u razdobljima kada je pred velikima trebalo dokazivati starost i ravnopravnost glagoljice s latinskim pismom. Gotska teorija upucuje na mogucnost postanka glagoljskog pisma u vrijeme velikih seoba i prilikom dodira s Gotima i njihovim runama. I Franjo Racki u svom djelu o glagoljici dao je nekoliko važnih upozorenja koja do danas nisu dovoljno vrednovana; smatrao je da je glagoljica posestrima s germanskim runama i dalje u tekstu razmišljajuci o Eddi cak se pita: je li rune predjoše od Vendov ka Gothom? Racki je mislio da su balticki Slaveni (Vani) imali rune kao i Germani. On je u svom djelu iznio nekoliko teza, ali i nepobitnu cinjenicu da nekoliko glagoljskih slova ima ista imena s gotickim pismenima, odnosno germanskim runama. Neka su imena glagoljskih slova po znacenju i nazivima ista kao i runska, iako se ta slova razlikuju oblikom. Urrunen teorija pretpostavlja da su rune (od staronjemackog ru, sa znacenjem tajna, tajnovito) pretpovijesno alfabetno pismo sjeverne Njemacke i da je cak osnova mediteranskom alfabetu, cak i fenickom pismu. I ta teorija je primjer da i drugi jezikoslovlje prekrajaju politickim škarama. Najnovija, strucna i vrlo temeljita ispitivanja o podrijetlu runa ili futharka potvrduju tezu da su one nastale iz etrušcanskog korijena i Alpskog alfabeta iz 2. stoljeca prije Krista ili nešto kasnije.Nakon Rackoga neslavenskim imenima glagoljskih slova dosta se bavio Eduard Boguslovski. On je smatrao da su rune imali Slaveni (Weneti) i da su ih od njih preuzeli Goti, a posebno se pozivao na izvore o postojanju glagoljskog psaltira kojim se služio posljednji salonitanski nadbiskup. Boguslovski je dopuštao mogucnost da je Ciril mogao biti reformator glagoljice, ali ne i njen izumitelj. Pismo harmonizira s glazbom brojeva i slova se medusobno odnose u skladu s numerickom progresijom. Dokaz da je glagoljica starija od gotskog alfabeta potkrepljuje brojcana vrijednost slova, jer u glagoljici ona tece neprekinuto dok se u gotskom alfabetu i cirilici razvija prema grckom alfabetu. Zapravo, samo u glagoljici brojcana vrijednost tece neprekinuto. Cinjenica postojanja germanskih naziva i znacenja za razmjerno veliki broj glagoljskih slova dokazuje da je to pismo moglo nastati u nekom politickom zajedništvu ili vojnom savezu slavenskog (slaveniziranog) i germanskog etnosa. Ti su Germani mogli biti samo Goti jer su oni jedni germanski narod koji je zavladao teritorijem na kojem je nastala prvotna jezgra hrvatske države. Takvo nastajanje glagoljice u razdoblju slavensko-germanskog zajedništva moguce je datirati u vrijeme Wulfile (2. polovica IV. stoljeca). Ne može se niti iskljuciti mogucnost da su Goti ili Sklavi po doseljenju na sjeverozapadni dio rimske provincije Dalmacije, zatekli glagoljicu u starosjeditelja i s njihovih dotadanjih prostora širili je dalje. Da su ti starosjeditelji imali neka svoja posebna pismena potvrduju i arheološki nalazi iz Lisicica. Zapravo, gotska (hipo)teza je pokušaj poistovjecivanja starih Hrvata s Gotima. Toma Arhidakon glagoljska slova naziva "gotskim slovima".Zapadna teorija govori o sustavnom skrivanju cinjenica. Naime pisani spomenici (navodno dobro i uredno zametnuti) svjedoce da je glagoljsko pismo bilo poznato starorimskim i latinskim piscima znatno prije djelovanja sv. Jeronim i sv. Cirila i Metoda, cak u I. stoljecu. Može ih se naci i medu starim italskim pismenima. Zastupnici ove teorije uvjereni su u postojanje glagoljice na podrucju akvilejskog patrijarha i na podrucju salzburške biskupije. Zapravo radi se o najstarijim glagoljskim tekstovima koji su posljednji put videni u njihovim pismohranama. Motive temeljitog sakrivanja, cak i nijekanja, takvih pisanih spomenika treba tražiti u onoj prijelomnici kad Konstantin Veliki prihvaca kršcanstvo za državnu religiju i kad potom latinski želi potisnuti svaki drugi jezik (osim grckog) iz liturgije. Jeronimov prijevod Biblije na latinski zove se Vulgata, jer je od svetih jezika (hebrejski i aramejski) preveden na priprost, vulgarni jezik toga doba - na latinski. U isto vrijeme Sirijska rana crkva ima Peshitu (u prijevodu znaci jednostavno, uobicajeno), Bibliju napisanu narodnim jezikom. No, uskoro je Zapadnom crkvom taj "vulgarni" latinski zagospodario kao jedini jezik bogoslužja i potirao svaku mogucnost da se liturgija vodi na bilo kojem drugom jeziku. Ne smije se zaboraviti da je tek II. Vatikanski koncil (1962 - 1965) odobrio liturgiju na narodnim jezicima. Takoder, zapadna teorija odrice svaku mogucnost da je potpuno novo pismo sastavio jedan covjek i to je argument koji ne treba zanemariti kada god je rijec o pismu i njegovu nastanku.Boris Mauravieff, vrstan teolog i filozof religije, u svojoj knjizi Gnosa, posve usput spominje cinjenicu (jer je za njega opcepoznata) da je sv. Ciril u Kersonu naišao na evandelja pisana glagoljicom, a za samo pismo kaže da ga je upotrebljavao sv. Andrija apostol.Usprkos cinjenici da su sve teze i teorije ostale nedorecene i manjkave, cak i bez pouzdanog svjedocanstva, samo je ciril-metodska dobila status udžbenicke i, potisnuvši sve ostale, prerasla u zvanicnu, cak državotvornu. Nastala krajem 18. stoljeca, a probudena idejom panslavizma, ona gorljivo tumaci da je Božanskim nadahnucem glagoljsko pismo stvorio sv. Ciril (861 - 863), a pristaše teorije to potkrepljuju dokumentima Žica sv. Cirila i Hrabrovom raspravom O pismenah. U stvari, Žice sv. Cirila je kompilacija, podosta dvojben sastavak od 6 razlicitih dijelova nastalim u razlicitim vremenima od kojih neki nemaju nikakve veze sa sv. Cirilom. Prvo je poglavlje govor sv. Grgura Nazarinskog u pocast njegovom prijatelju Baziliju Velikom (i jedan i drugi živjeli u 4. stoljecu); drugo i sve do 5. poglavlja je Žice - to je izvjesno.Neki su dijelovi nastali u 14. i 15. stoljecu i napisani su maštovito, a 17. i 18. odjeljci su prepricana Legenda italica - opis Cirilova boravka u Rimu, odobrenje narodnog jezika u liturgiji te njegova smrt. Suburbikalni biskup Rima, Gaudencije iz Velletrija, pisac i suvremenik sv. Cirila, zna za Cirilovu misiju medu Kazarima i Slavenima, poznaje njegov prijevod Svetog Pisma (Assemanov evandelistar), ali ništa ne zna o njegovu izumu nekog slavenskog pisma. Legenda moravica takoder opisuje Cirilovu misiju medu Slavenima, njegov boravak u Rimu, borbu za bogoslužje na jeziku puka, a opet se ne spominje Cirilovo autorstvo nekog pisma. Tek 14. i 15. odjeljci Žica spominju kako je Ciril nakon mnoštvo molitvi i posta sastavio slavensko pismo, ali ne spominje se ni azbouhovica niti glagoljica. To može biti jedino cirilica. I usput, koliko je do sada poznato Moravska nije nikada imala kneza s imenom Rastislav koji je k sebi pozvao misionare. Ipak, besmislena je i sama pomisao da bi jedan Grk, odgojen u tradiciji prepisivanja svetih knjiga i preslikavanja Aheiropoietosa, pokušao stvoriti novo pismo za slavenske narode radi njihova što uspješnijeg kristijaniziranja. Ili da bi za slavenska slova rabio germanske (runske) nazive. Nezamislivo je da bi pravovjerna crkvena osoba stvarala pismena i da bi se pri tome služila nazivima što su ih u davnini rabili poganski, a kasnije germanski narodi zahvaceni herezom Arija.Cirilmetodska teorija više je opstala autoritetom svojih zagovornika i politickim entuzijazmom panslavizma, nego snagom argumenata. Sve ove spomenute (hipo)teze su razlicite, ali dokumenti su uvijek isti bilo da su obznanjeni, zagubljeni ili sakrivani. Zašto i kako je opstala i kako je kanonizirana ciril-metodska teorija? Više je to bio zbroj politickih silnica na našim prostorima, nego razvidnost argumenta. Uništenje kršcanstva u Iliriku, na prostoru što se protezao od Alpa do Peloponeza, te od Jadrana do Crnoga mora, imalo je teške posljedice za daljnju buducnost kršcanstva uopce. Ilirsko, latinsko i grcko stanovništvo te rimske provincije predstavljalo je do tada stvarnu i povijesnu vezu izmedu Zapada i Istoka, Rima i Konstantinopolisa. Da Sclavini nisu za jedno vrijeme uništili kršcanstvo u Iliriku, ne bi Zapadna i Istocna crkva izgubile prirodni kontakt i kontinuitet, možda ne bi došlo do udaljavanja i onako nepremostivih razlika - uzrokom kasnijeg raskola. Novi gospodari Ilirika presjekli su veze koje su u tom djelu spajale Zapad s Istokom. U jednom razdobljuu (od nekoliko stoljeca, tj. V - IX), Ilirik je bio dekristijaniziran i dijalog izmedu Zapada i Istoka bio je otežan, cak i onemogucen. Kad su u IX. stoljecu Rimska i Carigradska crkva kršcanskom civilizacijom pridobile poganske došljake, opet su se susrele na podrucju Ilirika, ali sada vec kao suparnice. Duga odijeljenost ih je otudila (Pedesetogodišnja podijeljenost Njemacke nakon II. svjetskog rata odvojila je jedan narod - Nijemce, više nego se itko tome nadao). Malo potom, stjecajem povijesnih okolnosti, došlo je do snažne orijentalizacije Istocne (Bizantske) crkve, a zapadno kršcanstvo izgubilo je mnogo od starih tradicija rane crkve.Teško je tocno odrediti kada Hrvati kao narod napuštaju pogansko štovanje i prihvacaju kršcanstvo kao mjerilo društvenog ponašanja; susret s kršcanstvom moguc je i prije VII. stoljeca, no, proces kristijanizacije otegao se stoljecima. Na prostoru Histra, Japoda i Liburna, Hrvati su najvjerojatnije došli na glagoljicu (azbouhovicu), cakavicu i to je bilo ono najsvetije i najsudbonosnije što im se u povijesti dogodilo. I baš tu, na zapadnom rubu Ilirika, medu maslinama i vinogradima nastala je prva trajnija državna organizacija Hrvata, usporedo s njom i crkvena. I upravo tu, naši su preci stvarali i stvorili, i održali kroz prva stoljeca naše artikulacije, najznamenitiju hrvatsku pisanu kulturu - glagoljicu. Bašcanska ploca pisana je cakavski sa starocrkveno-slavenskim elementima. Prvi veci cakavski tekstovi potjecu iz 13. stoljeca i to su zakonici i javne rasprave: Razvod istrijanski (1275.) i Vinodolski zakonik (1288.) pisani su narodnim jezikom, jezik najznacajnijih naših inkunabula je cakavski kao i niz tiskanih izdanja nakon 1500. Stjecanjem kobne povijesne sudbe, kasnije dolaskom renesanse, hrvatstvo ce se "premjestiti" u južne krajeve i potom u sjeverne (nakon Mohackog boja 1526.). O prirodi ove najstarije pismenosti Hrvata, jer bila je to doista više pismenost nego li književnost - nema nikakve sumnje: bila je poglavito namijenjena crkvenim potrebama i crkvenim ljudima, osobito clanovima crkvenih redova. Nailazeci na gotovo potpuno razumljiv jezik i pismo (cakavicu - azbouhovicu) kao sustav znakovlja koji je mogao reproducirati njihov fonološki sustav, glagoljica im tako postaje, i kroz stoljeca ostaje, nacionalno i pucko pismo koje je pridonijelo kristijanizaciji i izgradnji hrvatskog nacionalnog bica. Postaje uzdanica hrvatske opstojnosti tijekom dugog i tegobnoga razdoblja bremenite povijesti.Nacionalni i kulturološki znacaj ove drevne pismenosti nedvojben je i naši su uceni ljudi od davnine bili prožeti sviješcu o znacaju jezicne povlastice u bogoslužju, koju su, zahvaljujuci svojim upornim predšasnicima, cakavcima, od katolickih naroda Europe stekli jedino Hrvati. Tu bi se možda moglo spomenuti i mozarabicko bogoslužje, galikanski obred i još neka, ali je njihova povijesna pozadina posve drugacija. Malo glagoljaško podrucje bilo je jedino na kojem se u prvim stoljecima pisalo. Sve što je u tim prvim stoljecima u hrvatske pismenosti napisano, ucinjeno je ovdje, a kad su na podrucju latinske Crkve nastajali prvi poceci pismenosti na hrvatskom jeziku, isti su se naslanjali na vec gotove tekstove ove glagoljaške oaze. Glagoljaštvo ima zasluge prvenstva i ono je bilo rasadnik za ostale hrvatske krajeve.Glagoljica, latinica i hrvatski jezikVal cirilice, šireci se još od X. stoljeca iz Bugarske dalje na Istok i Zapad, dosta je rano zahvatio i dio hrvatskog podrucja pod bizantskom upravom i katkada se ono naziva "harvatskim pismom" (churilika). Njome se pisalo u okolici Splita, u Poljicima, Sinju, makarskoj krajini, Dubrovniku, dalmatinskim otocima (npr. Povaljski natpis 1184. na Bracu i Povljanska isprava) i zaledu Zadra. Hrvatsku cirilicu rabile su i velikaške obitelji u Hrvatskoj (Babonici, Frankapani, Kacici, Keglevici, Kurjakovici, Šubici, Zrinjski...) U XIV. i XV. stoljecu dubrovacko vijece držalo je u svojoj službi presbiteri sclavici, presbiteri chiuriliza. Jedan od njih bio je 1391. i pop Radovan iz Zadra. I brojni mletacki uredi u Dalmaciji imali su službene pisare za dopisivanje "rvatskim" jezikom, hrvatskom cirilicom, sa susjednim turskim casnicima iako je službeni jezik bio venecijansko narjecje talijanskog. Na zetsko-humskom podrucju, u južnim dijelovima hrvatske i u Bosni i Hercegovini, pocevši od 12. stoljeca, cirilica poprima specificnu formu poznatu pod nazivom hrvatska cirilica. Važnu ulogu u njenu ocuvanju imali su kasnije, od kraja 13. stoljeca, bosanski franjevci. U Bosni je od 12. do 18. stoljeca ona bila cesto pismo hrvatskog naroda. Cirilica nije nikad uspjela posve istisnuti glagoljicu, zapravo, može se govoriti o supostojanju oba pisama kao što to pokazuje Humacka ploca i Ploca Kulina bana, zapisane hrvatskom cirilicom na kojima su sacuvana i glagoljska slova. Tekstovi pisani bosancicom (hrvatskom cirilicom) i u grafijskom pogledu i sadržajno, ovisni su o starijim glagoljskim predlošcima.Polovicom XIV. stoljeca, kad u hrvatskoj pismenosti vec obilato sudjeluju dalmatinski gradovi, pojavljuje se na hrvatskom prostoru latinica (šcavet) i s vremenom ona sve više jaca na racun glagoljice (i cirilice) da bi je uskoro istisnula i postala glavnim i jedinim hrvatskim pismom. Bila je to stara vatikanska bojazan da Ilirik s obalom zauvijek sklizne Carigradu pod skute. Glagoljica, okružena mocnom plimom latinice, uzmicala je i povlacila se u svoj iskonski prostor: Istru i Kvarner. Povukla se na prostor glagoljaškog bogoslužja, na prostor privržene Krcke, Pazinske, Picanske i Senjske (Modruške) biskupije. Nekako istovremeno izmice i hrvatska cirilica s obale u unutrašnjost Dalmacije, ostavljajuci slobodan prostor na dalmatinskoj obali vec zahuktaloj latinici. Na podrucju gradova Zadra, Šibenika, Trogira, Splita, Hvara, Korcule i Dubrovnika nastaju sudbonosne promjene na dalji život hrvatske književnosti. Ti gradovi u XIV. i XV. stoljecima vec nisu ono što su bili u vrijeme glagoljaško-latinaških sukoba. Latinica prodire silovito i poplavljuje njihov javni i privatni život, uvlaci se u tradiciju i mijenja je. Sve se to odrazilo na hrvatsku pismenost na podrucju latinskog bogoslužja. Razumljivo da je ta pismenost bila vezana za Crkvu i pretežno pobožno štivo; te pomocne crkvene knjige iz dalmatinskih gradova, iako minorna književna djela, imaju veliko kulturnopovijesni znacaj. Zanimljivo da njihovi tekstovi evandelja, poslanice i psalami nisu prevodeni izravno iz latinskog izvornika vec su bez oklijevanja preuzimani s glagoljaških matica uz nužnu doradu prema latinskom tekstu. Tako je i ova "najstarija" hrvatska pismenost na prostorima dalmatinskih gradova, zapravo potekla iz glagoljaških rasadnika. Kasnije, još kod nekih dubrovackih pjesnika, ima u prepjevima psalama glagoljaških tragova, koji su tim pjesnicima ostali u sjecanju iz tekstova udešenih prema glagoljaškim predlošcima. Iz glagoljske knjige iznjedrene u Istri i Kvarneru ušla su u, recimo, dubrovacko-dalmatinski književni krug mnoga prikazanja, legende, mirakuli, sekvence, epistole, price, epsko-lirska djela. I tamo su se (prve svitlosti našega jezika), svaki prema svom nadahnucu, odlicno snalazili. Svi su se oni potajice poklonili, a potom ocešali o glagoljsku baštinu, pa i "nedodirljivi" Marko Pecenovic - po pripuznickom tepanju, ni više ni manje, nego cale hrvatske književnosti.Nemajuci potrebu zadržati cakavicu (glagoljicu), jer im je polako postajala tuda, tek nejaka i maglovita uspomena, prepisivaci iz raguzinsko-dalmatinskog "književnog" kruga prekrajali su izvorne glagoljske matrice u latinicu i štokavicu pomažuci joj pobijediti u hrvatskoj pismenosti. Ondašnja rascjepkana Dalmacija, stalno pod okom mletackog providura, u kulturnom životu nije mogla imati znacaj što ga je imao Pavlimir. Dubrovcani su se znali ugnuti i Lavu i Polumjesecu po uigranom obrascu zlata i slatkorjecivosti. Umjeli su placati mogariš i kapitalizirati Privilegium navigationis ad pertes Orientis i na domacem tlu razviti zavidnu gospodarsku i kulturnu razinu, dok je Reliquiae reliquiarum olim magni et inclyti regni Croatiae grcala u bolnom hropcu agonije u borbi s Turcima i Mlecanima i, naravno, naspram Dubrovnika - atrofirala. Raguzini su bili Republika za se i njihova je ravnodušnost prema sudbini kršcanske brace u Hrvatskoj - potpuna. Vjera i pravovjerje se cuvalo pod budnim okom i tamjanom isusovaca, dominikanaca i franjevaca, a Sultan služio povoljnim trgovackim ugovorima; po prilici kao u Vetranicevim stihovima u Tužbi grada Budima ili Pjesanca slavi carevoj.Krajem XV. stoljeca uslijedila je velika tragedija hrvatskog naroda. Turske nalete usamljena Hrvatska više nije mogla zaustaviti, a poraz na Krbavskom polju 1493., gdje je izginula gotovo sva hrvatska plemicka elita, osigurava Turcima dominaciju i prevlast. Osmanlije primjenjuju osobitu strategiju (danas prepoznato kao etnicko cišcenje): najprije se organiziraju pljackaši, a potom se opustošeno podrucje zauzima. Egzodus hrvatskog stanovništva bio je stravican, a opustošeno i popljackano podrucje naseljava novo vlaško stanovništvo uglavnom pravoslavne vjere, koje dolazi u sastavu osmanlijske vojske kao martolozi (kršcani-spahije i akindžije) motivirani pljackom. Izbrisana je jedna viševjekovna kultura, a uspostavljen je diktat tude, posve strane tradicije. Cakavski govor potisnut je u usko priobalno podrucje, Kvarner i Istru, dok je novo vlaško stanovništvo, pristiglo s osmanlijskim osvajacima, popunilo "ocišcen" prostor, donijevši sa sobom svoju tradiciju i jezik. Seobe katolickog (i bogumilskog) stanovništva iz Bosne prema "ostatku ostataka", uspostavile su u Bosni novu ravnotežu izmedu katolickog i pravoslavnog stanovništva. Taj novi puk progovorio je novonastalim (i)jekavskim narjecjem. Najstariji pisani spomenici štokavskog narjecja (XII. - XIV.) potjecu iz Bosne i Hercegovine (natpisi na steccima, povelje, epigrafi), a književnost se pojavljuje vec u XV stoljecu i to u Dalmaciji. Tijekom XVI. i XVII. stoljeca ta je književnost u punom cvatu u Dalmaciji (Dubrovnik), Slavoniji i Bosni. Hrvatski preporoditelji proširili su štokavski govor na cijelo hrvatsko podrucje, zanemarivši bogatu cakavsku i kajkavsku pismenost i književnost i od tada se cakavica i kajkavica spominju tek kao dijalekti, narjecja. Vuk S. Karadžic kao osnovicu suvremenog književnog jezika Hrvata, Srba, Muslimana i Crnogoraca (hrvatskog ili srpskog jezika) uzeo je govor nekog vlaškog plemena nejasne dualisticke vjeroispovijesti. Znacajka tog nametnutog nam jezika je (i)jekavski izgovor i specifican rjecnik s obiljem turcizama, te preko turskog jezika preuzete arapske i perzijske rijeci. U tom smislu suvremeni književni jezik ima manje-više neprekinutu tradiciju još od XVI stoljeca, kada Dubrovcani razvijaju bogatu književnost na štokavskom narjecju ijekavskog izgovora, koji se potom namece i Hrvatima pretežno ikavskog izgovora. Ujednacavanju hrvatskog književnog jezika na štokavskom narjecju mnogo doprinose franjevci koji su djelovali u Dalmaciji, Bosni i Slavoniji te vec od polovice XVIII. stoljeca imaju svoj jezicni standard. Tek nastojanjem Ilirskog pokreta ujedinjuju se svi Hrvati u jedan književni jezik štokavskog tipa. Lingvisticko oblikovanje hrvatskog književnog jezika u XIX. stoljecu, u znaku je zagrebacke jezikoslovne škole. "Zasluge" i nastojanja Vuka S. Karadžica nagradene su 1861. kada je izabran za pocasnog gradanina grada Zagreba i Požeške županije, cak je i biskup J.J. Strossmayer donirao 1000 forinti za tiskanje Vukovih još neizdanih spisa.Krajem XIX. stoljeca u oblikovanju hrvatskog književnog jezika prevladali su hrvatski vukovci; oni hrvatski kolebljivci što se nisu mogli osloboditi Vukove "magije" i s vece ili manje razdaljine žele slijediti Vukov pravac. To je i Brozov Hrvatski pravopis iz 1892. i Mareticeva (1899.) Gramatika i stilistika..., pa dvije godine kasnije Ivekovicev i Brozov Rjecnik hrvatskog jezika. Tim se izdanjima hrvatski književni tip znatno približio odvec nametljivim susjedima. Prelazeci s cakavice i kajkavice na štokavicu, Hrvati tek 1900. usvajaju glasovnu strukturu i gramatiku Vukova književna jezika zadržavajuci veci dio jezicnog fundusa. Taj jezik, u osnovi vukovski nije bio darovan vec usvojen hrvatskom pomirljivošcu i naivnošcu. Istovremeno, potpomognut politikom plemenskog "rvatstva", stvorio je neprirodnog blizanca - srpskog doppelgangera. Cakavica je uzmicala, povlacila se; izvorni jezik tisucljetne tradicije gubio je vec svaku bitku i smežuran u narjecje padao je u zaborav. Medutim, zastor još nije pao, moc pamcenja je moc života. Cakavica se grijala uz domace kameno ognjišce, skrito tinjala pod pepelom i iskra se nije nikad ugasila. Možda ju je upravo to spasilo: iskonska ljubav za našu domacu besédu i - strpljenje, ona slabašna nada da sve na koncu prode. Rano je veseliti se, jer bilo bi bolje da je do kraja pokrije zaborav, nego da se uruši na razinu neukusnih festivalskih blesavljenja ili da postane "oružje i stigma" lokalnog revolta. Glagoljica nije smjer regionalizacije, Hrvatska je previše mala za dijeljenje, nego je glagoljica potka hrvatske integracije.Bez obzira gdje je i pod kakvim okolnostima nastala, glagoljica je svoj najdublji procvat doživjela na tlu Istre i Kvarnera i uz nju se protegnuo život i nadahnuce naše pismenosti kroz gotovo dva tisucljeca. Tijekom minulih stoljeca glagoljica je prožimala duh bogoslužja, književnosti, prava, znanosti i svagdanjeg življenja. Omogucila je kulturu, izraz kulturnih htijenja i pucku samosvijest. Kroz duga stoljeca bila je i ostala pucko pismo i pridonosila izgradnji hrvatskog duhovnog bica. Od Bašcanske ploce kroz trudna stoljeca, u misteriju pasije do cuvanja baštine i narodne samobitnosti, u ranama, molitvama i snovima - glagoljica, naš je temelji i naš medaš; nepomuceno sveto žarište i zrcalo hrvatske pismenosti, jezika, kulture, vjere, umjetnosti i znanosti. Sve do naših dana koji tek ulaze u baštinu buducnosti. Glagoljica je iskonsko svjedocanstvo trnovitih i mucnih puteva. Ona je nedvojbeni dokaz doprinosa ovog kraja obogacivanju hrvatske kulturne baštine i naše prvotno povijesno iskustvo. Glagoljica je podsjetnik da smo s njome medu prvima sudjelovali u europskoj civilizaciji.Guliverov dokazZnanost traži dokaz izvan svake sumnje - opipljiv; znanstvenici su opsjednuti dokazima i potragom te najcešce ne žele uociti zbiljsku okolnost - raspored stolica uokolo nevidljivog stola i po stolicama zakljuciti je li stol bio okrugao, cetvrtast, ovalan nego se svim silama traži se stol, i kalež za gral. Prevariv je covjek opsjednut željama. Materijalni dokaz može zavesti, kao oko, sluh, pamet; može pothranjivati znanstvenu pohlepu više nego je obuzdavati. Mi smo vec jednom vidjeli, opipali i želja nam je da nam osjetila i pamet opet budu svjedoci i želimo još jednom provjeriti iskustvenu cinjenicu. Jer oci su vidjele prepiljenu ženu na pozornici ili drugu koja lebdi. Je li madionicar izmislio antigravitacijski stroj i je li žena doista prepiljena jer, su oci svjedoci? I osobno iskustvo može biti privid.Je li covjek je privid jer se mijenja? Nije, ali postoje i drugaciji dogadaji izvan opsjenarske cirkusarije o kojima se nerado govori, jer su protivni prirodnom iskustvu. Jer teško je, najprije svom iskustvu, objasniti levitaciju sibirskih šamana u mongolskim jurtama i himalajskim ashramima, ili proniknuti u tajnu obrednog plesa šamana kad ritam njihova bubnja preuzme ritam srca mlade plesacice? Kad bubanj u rukama šamana postane srce mlade plesacice, a njeno srce uspavani organ u njenim grudima? Epilepticki ples zazivanja potaknut bubnjem slama mlado tijelo i odvodi njenu prisutnost dalje od života, djevojka postaje marioneta - grozna preobrazba covjeka u Pinokija, a sve bez cirkusantskih trikova, vec onako sirovo na granici života i smrti s okusom prekogrobnog? Možda bi brojcana vrijednost (narav) slova najviše pokazala da broj nije (samo) kolicina, vec se vis numerorum odnosi na ideju i silu, on je kljuc sklada i ritam kozmosa, pocelo suvjecno istini otvoreno prema znatiželjniku. Povijest broja je povijest sakritog i tom mamcu nitko nije odolio: od kineskih iskonskih knjiga do kršcanskih svetaca. Ako je rijec objašnjenje simbola, znaka, broj je skriveni korijen. Kako u Kabali, tako i u muslimanskom ezoterizmu svako slovo odgovara jednom broju koji tako utvrduje simbolicne odnose medu elementima ocitovanja. U glagoljici brojcana vrijednost slova tece neprekinuto dok se u gotskom alfabetu i cirilici (i ne samo u njima) razvija prema grckom pismu i ta dva pisma ovise o tom pismu. Nezgrapnost cirilske azbuke, za razliku od glagoljice, vidi se po tome što je u tablici slovcanih brojeva poremecen njihov redoslijed. Preuzet je iz Grckog, a ubacena su nova slova iz glagoljice. Tako u cirilici broj 8 dolazi neposredno iza 10, a 20 iza 8, 90 iza 900, a broj 9 je pri kraju cirilicne azbuke. U obije azbuke cetvrto slovo je g, koje u glagoljici ima vrijednost 4, a u cirilici 3. A to ne odgovara naravi broja cetiri jer on stoji iza tri (trinitet, cjelina) i oznacava potpunost. Deset je sve a osam je tek posrednik izmedu neba i zemlje, kozmicka ravnoteža i ne može doci poslije deset...Svoje iskustvo ne mijenjamo za tisucu drugih, više volimo svoje predrasude, svoje sitno poluznanje, nego vlastitu djecu. I makar oci teško prevare, i u najpouzdanije svjedocanstvo lako se uvlaci sumnja. Toma Nevjerni, posumnjavši u Isusovo uskrsnuce traži od Krista materijalni dokaz i gura prst u njegovu ranu. Nije zatražio dokaz u zajednickom iskustvu njega i umrloga, u rijeci ili recenici, necem poznatom samo njima, ne! Duboka rana, još svježa, dokaz je; prst postaje medij kojim se provjerava stvarna zbiljnosti - prstom dotaknuti prekogrobno. Za europske pragmatiste to je opipljiv dokaz nulte kategorije. Postupak strašne odlucnosti, oholosti ili apsolutnog nepovjerenja, tko to zna, ali prstom u ranu, to je predložak za dokazni postupak bogojavljanja, a prst je organ kojim se provjerava, potom i dokazuje uskrsnuce. Opip, što sve ljudi daju za opip. U jednom trenutku dok Gulliver pripovijeda o Lilliputu, zapovjednik broda iskreno posumnja u njegov zdrav razum i Gulliver dolazi u opasnost da bude bacen u potpalublje. Za potrebe filmskog scenarija, taj dio je preraden i ostavljen za kraj pa Gulliver, umjesto pred zapovjednikom broda, mora pred lijecnickim povjerenstvom i casnim gradanima dokazati da su njegove price o Lilliputu, Letecem otoku i Yahoojima istinite, inace ga ceka povratak u ludnicu. Gulliver se trsi, pripovijeda uvjerljivo, šece i gestikulira, naravno, jer je sve to što pripovijeda iskusio. Komisija uljudno klima glavama, zlobnu podrugljivost ostavlja pogledima, i postavlja razumna pitanja, a slušateljstvo je najprije zbunjeno, a potom se kida od smijeha slušajuci Gulliverove pustolovine. Uvjerljivost pripovijedanja Gulliveru nimalo ne pomaže, vec odmaže i samo ga gura bliže ludnici. On vec sigurno klizi prema ludackoj samici, prema potpalublju, ali prije nego prasak drvenog cekica zakljuci vještacenje i donese odluku, u prostoriju se ušeta jedna lilliputanska ovca velicine ljudske šake (u knjizi je zaneseni Gulliver izvadi iz džepa) - muk i pljesak, i s Gullivera i njegovih pripovijedanja morala je biti skinuta svaka sumnja i rijeci pogrde.I tako nekako funkcionira materijalni dokaz. Mala ovca iz Lilliputa postaje nesumnjivi materijalni dokaz, makar i nije iskustvena cinjenica. Letecem magarcu se ne gleda u zube. Ovca je oslobodila je Gullivera svake pogrdne sumnje, ali je usput postala potkrjepa, alibi, svakoj Gulliverovoj epizodi, svakoj njegovoj mogucoj izmišljotini. Fizicka pojava dohvatljiva našim osjetilima, je li to istina, je li to puna istina stvari cak i ako je izvan iskustva? Kad zapocinje nešto biti ocito i je li sve ocito istinito? Treba li odletjeti na Mjesec i vidjeti Zemlju da bi se odbacila predodžba o Svijetu kao ravnoj ploci? Mogu li tvrditi da sam sin svoga oca i bez da analiziram DNK našeg tkiva, ljude zvati prijateljima a da nisam provjerio jesu li to doista i u smrtnoj opasnosti. Ili nešto banalnije: tvrditi da je dužina Krckog mosta toliko i toliko metara, bez da sam ga ikad osobno izmjerio... Krivotvorena novcanica kune ne osporava postojanje Hrvatske narodne banke. Stvarnost ima svoje slojeve i dio je pristupacan osjetilima, razumu, znanosti, a dio je sakrit. Malo ih je koji se pitaju što to mala liliputanska ovca dokazuje i što se zbog njezina postojanja može kalemiti i dodavati. Ili, može li se posjedovati dokaz i njime trgovati? Istinom se ne može trgovati, jer nema cijene.Nije poteškoca oboriti ciril-metodsku teoriju, sada to više nije niti smjelost, dovoljno je donijeti bilo koji dokument napisan prije njihova djelovanja. To je najmanja poteškoca, samo je pitanje vremena, možda ipak upornosti, kad ce se montekasinski benediktinci umilostiviti i dati nešto od svoje prebogate glagoljske baštine. Ili ce se u akvilejskoj pismohrani ipak "pronaci" Solinski psaltir iz 7 stoljeca. Možda se pronade nešto "opipljivo" i u nas, prisutno vec stoljecima, a ipak nedostupno. Ali, što poslije i kako se suociti sa svom silom teško objašnjivih pojava, kako rukovati Ovidijevim tekstom kada, na primjer, u svojim opisima i pjesmama (na latinskom, naravno) govori o mjesnim razbojnicima, pa ih tako i naziva - razboinici? Kako se suociti sa nedoumicom o vremenu dolasku Hrvata u Ilirik, i jesu li Hrvati došli kao narod ili je to tada bilo zanimanje u avarsko-hrvatskom savezu? Jesmo li spremni okretati stranice povijesti a da nam ne zadrhti ruka; prihvatiti ono što u izrecenom ostaje neizreceno, ono što u nevidljivom ostaje vidljivo? Jedna predcirilska glagoljska knjiga položena na katedru imala bi isti ucinak kao kad je Gulliver iz svog džepa izvukao na stol malu ovcu - to je za prisutne trebao biti vjerodostojan argument da je svaka Gulliverova prica istinita. Publika bi se razišla s osmjehom na usnicama tek nakon što bi mnogi - gotovo svi - spremno izbacili svoje prste i poput nevjernog apostola željeli malo procackati po blejucoj cinjenici. Casna komisija bi okolišala (ili obicnom covjeku ne treba vjerovati, ili neobicnom dogadaju ne treba vjerovati, rece Chesterton), osjecala bi se prevarenom. Svjetla pozornice okrecu se drugima. Kad se oholost pretvori u prijetecu mirnocu ona je jednako prazna i nemocna. Bezrezervna podrška teoriji o Svetoj braci kao autorima glagoljskog pisma bila je gora od sumnji u njenu ispravnost.Igra oko glagoljice je velika, to je to nikad do kraja ispricana prica i ona traje još od Konstantina Velikog, to je sukob latinaša i glagoljaša koji je imao svoj crescendo, uzmake i polete. To je sukob sakriven od ociju javnosti, zanijekan od onih što u njemu sudjeluju, borba astralnog i nametnutog, izvornog i stecenog. I trvi se to vec stoljecima, nije glagoljanje borba za privilegije vec za stare pravice i senioritet.Je li prošlo vrijeme smetenosti i je li sazrijelo vrijeme da se napusti ciril-metodska teorija, ili da se s nje makar skine predznak državotvornosti i koji bi to bili motivi revizije vec dobro ukorijenjene povijesti? Ideja panslavizma rodena u zanesenim hrvatskim glavama, provucena kroz blato Balkana, postala je psovka i cvilež. Nakon što se više od stoljeca i pol krijepila panslavizmom, sveslavenstvom i svojom legendom povezivala Istok i Zapad, u sebi mirila politicke opcije i (nad)nacionalne želje, cinila duhovnu potku dvjema bivšim državama, ciril-metodska teorija postala je pomalo višak i neugodna uspomena na negdanji zanos kad su svi: i povijesna znanost i jezikoslovlje, stroge katedre i njihovi autoriteti, bili podcinjeni ili opcinjeni "višim interesima". Obicno je ta "visina" bila obilježena vrlo prizemnim politickim amaterizmom i osobnom promocijom. Erozija povjerenja u autoritet bila je neprihvatljiva, jer autoritet nosi u sebi onaj dio što ga vlast prepoznaje i kreditira. U tih gotovo dva stoljeca, i Crkva u Hrvata nije ostala po strani; i ona je nalazila svoj interes u ciril-metodskoj teoriji sjecajuci se negdašnjih snažnih latinskih oluja i latinaške podobnosti koje su se u 19. i 20. stoljecu pretvarale u talijanske i talijanaške. I opasnosti imaju svoj "rok trajanja" kao i teorije. Glagoljica je usko vezana uz Crkvu u Hrvata jer je rijec o pokrštavanju i o bogoslužju i onda o jeziku i pismu, te bi Crkva (po pohranjenim dokumentima i sakupljackoj strasti) bila najbliže povijesnim vrelima. Najstariji kanonski sloj glagoljaške pismenosti je duhovna književnost ranog kršcanstva presadena na jezik naših predaka.Postoji nekolicina povjesnicara i jezikoslovaca koji su otvoreni prema svim (hipo)tezama o nastanku glagoljice. Predrasude polako slabe, a politika se okrece drugim zalogajima. Zapocelo je sa sumnjama u samo jednu teoriju kada je još Racki uocio da crte i reze nesumnjivo imaju veze s runama starih Sklava, a još prije njega Grubišic i Hozyusz-Hocij i mnogi drugi. U knjizi (Zbornik radova) 900 godina Bašcanske ploce (Baška 2000.) diskretno su postavljena pitanja, a Fucic je otišao s teškim sumnjama ne samo u podrijetlo glagoljice vec i u podrijetlo crnorisaca. Pred malo vremena povjesnicar Bogovic obrušio se na ciril-metodsku teoriju (Licki glasnik, MH Gospic 2002) i vrlo argumentirano izrekao je ono što se godinama samo pod glas govorilo. Je li došlo prikladno vrijeme iznijeti svaku mogucnost podrijetla glagoljice ili se kritickim osvrtom na ciril-metodsku tezu tek razbija i posljednja karika, i posljednje nelagodno sjecanje na utopiju panslavizma i dvije propale države, ili možda ponovo gura Hrvatsku u habsburško leno? Nakon svega, a zapravo prije svega, treba doista vidjeti je li glagoljica autohtono, izvorno pismo nastalo medu cakavcima na zapadnom, rubnom prostoru Ilirika (Histria-Liburnia) i to davno prije sv. Jeronima i Svete brace. Na podrucju Akvileje djelovali su franacki misionari koji dolaze u obližnju Istru. Stoga je dio crkvene terminologije furlanskog podrijetla, na što upucuju i Kijevski listici; oni su nastali iz predloška pisanog u Istri, a ne Moravskoj. Na zapadnom rubu Ilirika postojala je uredena crkvena organizacija barem tri stoljeca prije djelovanja Svete brace. Kršcanstvo se na tom podrucju širilo s pomocu nekog pisma, moguce je to bila ukorijenjena glagoljica (azbouhovica). U Moravskoj, za sada, nisu pronadeni nikakvi tekstovi pisani glagoljicom. Ciril i Metod mogli su biti samo uskladitelji (i reformatori?) onoga što je vec postojalo, što je nastalo prirodnim razvojem na zapadnom rubu današnje Hrvatske medu autohtonim stanovništvom tog vremena, a ne tvorci. Sveti Jeronim je mogao biti promicatelj glagoljice koja je postojala i prije njega. Ciril je mogao izmisliti samo cirilicu koja i nije drugo nego grcko ustavno pismo iz 9. stoljeca (26 grcka i 14 slova glagoljice). Glagoljica je seniornija od cirilice: nije poznat niti jedan slucaj palimpsesta u kojem bi cirilica bila sastrugana i preko nje napisan glagoljski tekst. Prilikom prepisivanja s glagoljskih izvornika na cirilicu, ostavljalo se u takvim cirilicnim tvorevinama poneko slovo, rijeci ili cak redci pisani glagoljicom. Na temelju poznatih podataka, papa Hadrijan II. ustupio je 867. godine Svetoj braci veci broj kodeksa (npr. Capitula) medu kojima su dva bitna: Biblija i Teodorov psaltir napisan 639. u skriptoriju samostana sv. Marije od Barbana. Rabio ih je posljednji nadbiskup Salone prije razaranja toga grada 641. godine. Glagoljica je nastala kod protohrvata-cakavaca, pa je ona izvorno, domace pismo našeg kraja. Uvijek treba neki oslonac i predložak za zamisao pisma, tako je i na pocetku ovog teksta narisan Veliki lovac - Orion sacinjen od zvijezda - traženi predložak, matrica svakog glagoljskog slova. Sam pocetak gnostickog evandelja (Ivanovo) je stilizirano sricanje azbouhovice. Hrvatska je tradicija sve do druge polovice 19. stoljeca znala da je podrijetlo glagoljice starije od sv. Brace. Tek nakon spomenutog razdoblja tj. euforije panslavizma, iskonstruirana je dosta nejaka, ali ciljana teza o Cirilovu autorstvu glagoljskih slova i ta je teza postala politicki podobna pretvorivši se u poželjnu teoriju. I to je bio cilj. Istina je bila nepoželjna. Želje i navike pospanih ljudi bez zanosa najbolje se zamagljuju opcim mišljenjem. Prije nekih 170 godina škare politicke ambicije izrezale su sukno povijesne znanosti. Te su škare neumoljive i beskrajno ambiciozne i nije pretjerano zapitati se: koliko ce još politika okolišati s instalacijom nove teorije i tko ce joj biti kumovi. Hoce li se rivalstvo glagoljaša i latinaša nastaviti? Danas pod udarom globalizacije taj sukob što traje od 925. izgledao bi izmišljen i paranoican, mnogima poetski, medutim, stranci, tko god oni bili i kako se zvali, uvijek su ga poticali. Nismo mi latinicom postali dio Europe; u nas je temelj ipak bila glagoljica. Latinica i latinska liturgija bile su mjera podložnosti i znak pokornosti."Neka cvate tisucu cvjetova"Zagonetku glagoljice moguce je riješiti samo ako se zanemare sve "službene" teze iskrojene politickim inženjeringom i ako se svi suzdrže od cifrastog negodovanja i lažne (cak i iskrene) skromnosti. Prije svega kad se odbace sve predrasude kolikogod one komunicirale s osjetljivim nacionalnim pitanjem, te otvori kvodlibetska rasprava.Reci ili prešutjeti? Tko se usuduje biti Gulliver i na sudacki stol i pred publiku donijeti minijaturnu ovcu ili Lilliputanca? To se ocekuje od svih što zastupaju bilo koju od teza, a najpozvaniji su oni što odvec samozatajno, ali do kraja intrigantno argumentiraju autohtonu tezu. Na njima je na svijetlo dana iznijeti Lilliputance koji ce biti rjecitiji od svih ozbiljnih udžbenika i grmecih katedri. Najprije pomišljam na Milana Haraminu s cijim sam tekstovima donekle upoznat i moram priznati da je nemir, koji su u meni izazvali, ponekad nadjacavao staloženost. Ta najnovija saznanja nisu knjiška erudicija, vec fakti što upucuju na impozantnu drevnost pisma nazvanog glagoljica tek u 14. stoljecu, koje se najranije spominje vec u starozavjetnim knjigama, a na njemu se možda zasniva Novi Zavjet. Neka pocetak bude u apokrifnom djelu Staroga zavjeta - Drugoj Enochovoj knjizi sacuvanoj samo na glagoljici, koja se zbog toga i zove Glagoljska knjiga Enocha - za koju se pretpostavlja da je napisana na hebrejskom ili aramejskom. Medutim, glagoljska knjiga postoji, biblicari je datiraju u 7 stoljece (i u tom dijelu nema kronološke konfuzije, jer je nastala prije djelovanja Svete brace), docim se hebrejska i/ili aramejska knjiga se samo pretpostavljaju, ali nisu nikad pronadene. Do sada nam je ostajala samo ta glagoljska knjiga i razdoblje samog kraja Starog zavjeta. Istok poznaje inicijacijsku šutnju, upuceni šute i to im je zavjet, njihov je znak riba i šaran darovan uceniku nagovještaj je uspješnog upucivanja. U Grckoj je to mist(ik), mystes - onaj koji je upucen, koji ima zatvorena usta, od mýesis - cin zatvaranja usta prigodom upucivanja. Ali povijest ne možemo pisati šutnjom. Isto tako ne bi se smjela pisati ni nedodirljivim akademizmom ili poluistinama okadenim politickim pravovjerjem.Nadahnuce za glagoljsko pismo, za svako njegovo slovo, treba potražiti na zvjezdanom nebu, u konstelaciji što oblikuje Velikog pastira, Kneza. Wiliam Blake ga naziva Luvana, Geti Koening, mi ga zovemo Krist, uzašli Isus. U crtežu njegova tijela omedenim Betelgueseom, Bellatrixom, Slaphom i Rigelom, u Orionovu pojasu, kao i danas na svakom digitalnom zapisu, zapisano je svako slovo i ne samo glagoljice. I upravo je to vidio Odin dubeci naglavacke: nebeska slova nad sobom. Prvo sricanje tih slova bilo je na vlažnom pijesku iskapanom od muke i ushicenja. Izgovorena slova posjeduju tvoracku moc, zato je tajna slova, tajna kreacije. Negdje drugdje, u drugoj predaji, bio je to bog Oghme; on je spoznao vegetalnu abecedu Irske - ogham. Uvijek postoji predložak i nadahnuce, svježina duhovnog prapocela do danas još nije ishlapila. U legendama su sve istine; u onome što ljudi cine samo je strah i prisila, šaka tjeskobe i samosažaljenje. I najpametniji samo žive svoju nadu i izgaraju u sumnji. Mitovi su poruke izrasle na pravednosti; mit sažimlje analogiju. Prastari uzor vrline izrecen simbolom, znakom, još uvijek vidljivo sjaji na nocnom nebu. Simbol naslucuje i traži sudionika. Svaki je simbol teško dovesti u sklad s "opipljivom" istinom ili još gore - cinjenicama, jer u njemu je sakrita ideja sama, pa on upucuje i služi upucivanju. Nacelo analogije je os oko koje se artikuliraju simboli. Što je slika uistinu veca, harmonija izmedu vidljive i nevidljive zbilje teže je uocljiva. Uostalom, život na Zemlji zadan je fraktalima, a ne matematickim postulatima; nigdje u prirodi nema geometrijskih tijela Euklidove matematike, vec samo u matematickim udžbenicima i našoj želji da svijet spoznamo ogranicenjem svog razuma.Davor Velnic Rijeka, 1. rujna 2002.   Email contact:komercijala@istra-auto.hr   Op-ed: Uskoro izlazi i novo i upotpunjeno izdanje "U ISKONU GLAGOLJICE".Molim Vas ako ste zainteresirani, posaljite email Gdinu Velnicu i narucite novu knjigu. Najveca pomoc umjetnicima i autorima je to da kupite njihova djela. Mislim da ovakvo djelo zasluzuje nasu i paznju i podrsku.   Nenad Bach  andrej@andrejurem.com (Andrej Urem) Mon, 06 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Nenad Bach interview u Hrvatskom Listu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5147/1/H-Nenad-Bach-interview-u-Hrvatskom-Listu.html ÂSkupimo Samopouzdanje, pokrenimo drzavu, osvojit cemo svijetÂHrvatski List, 18 Studenog 2004  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 04 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zlatko Pejakovic in Los Angelesu December 4 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5162/1/E-Zlatko-Pejakovic-in-Los-Angelesu-December-4-2004.html ÂÂHRVATSKI SPORTSKI KLUBPRESENTS ZLATKO PEJAKOVIC& ASPALATHOS BRASSHUNTERS DINNERSAINT ANTHONY’S CROATIAN PARISH CENTERDECEMBER 4, 20047:30 PMTICKETS $45.00MEMBERPetar Biscan (909) 596-4557Meri Andabaka (310) 521-1905St. Anthony’s Church (213) 628-2938 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian pianist Mrvica's second album http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5161/1/E-Croatian-pianist-Mrvicas-second-album.html ÂCROATIAN pianist Mrvica has second albumÂÂMaksim Mrvica releases second album Variations Part I & II. ÂThe album includes a collection of classical and pop themes, recorded in Britain and Croatia with internationally renowned producers and writers including Youth, Tonci Huljic and Tolga Kashif. The young pianist has also written his own composition for this album, based on a theme by Paganini, which features other popular classical works including Liszt's Totentanz, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Scriabin's Etude in D Sharp Minor. You stand a chance to see him perform some of these pieces live on Dec 4 at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands. To pick up an invite, all you need to do is purchase a copy of Variations Part 1 & II album. There is a voucher, which can be redeemed for invitations to the showcase. The voucher in the cassette redeems one invitation while the voucher in the CD redeems two invitations. The redemption period is from now till Saturday. Seats to the performance are on a first-come first-served basis. http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2004/11/24/music/9475757&sec=music letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) IVAN PAVLETIC a young Croatian - American artist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5158/1/E-IVAN-PAVLETIC-a-young-Croatian---American-artist.html ÂIVAN PAVLETICÂÂÂIntroduction of the young Croatian - American artist ( painter, actor and film maker) " a star on rise " Ivan was born in Karlovac, Croatia and spent his childhood between Munich, Germany ,Denver, Colorado and Croatia. His talent for visual arts was early recognized and at the age of10 he was appearing first time in a TV shaw at Littleton, Colorado Cable TV as a painter and cartoon drawer. During a half hour interview he was drawing " life" the cartoon characters , charming the audience.By the age of 16 Ivan participated in staging of several Theater dramas and Musicals as actor andscenarist. In Thomas Jefferson High school, Denver he was also cartoonist for their news paper.In 1990 Ivan was pursuing his art education at the School for Applied Art in Zagreb. Although troubled with the war years in Croatia , he succeeded to graduate from the Art school in Zagreb,High school in Denver and from the Career Education Center in Denver with Award in Motion Picture Production. ÂIvan Pavletic drawing ÂSince 1994 Ivan participated as actor and director in several short films and Documentaries. His short films were mostly shown on Colorado Public Access TV stations. In 1998 He started to work with John Casablanca's Agency as professional model. In 2002 to 2004 he decided to pursue the education in one of his strongest talents- acting. At John Robert Powers International Academy in Denver, he was studying acting and situation comedy. His instructors find Ivan as a strong and charismatic personality with ability to perform character roles. Having a good ability to change various accents and dialects, Ivan can play a variety of demanding roles.ÂIn 1996 Ivan joined the management of ARTISK Corporation and this summer he had the opportunity to play in several film and TV productions in Croatia. He is very enthusiastic about the great potential which Croatian film industry has in co productions with American actors and film producers and possibilities to participate in US film and TV markets. Ivan Pavletic is the name we will hear more and more in the film industries on both sides of the Atlantic.Contact: artisk@sbcglobal.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zvjezdice on the US Tour - Schedule Dec 2-19, 04 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5157/1/E-Zvjezdice-on-the-US-Tour---Schedule-Dec-2-19-04.html ÂZvjezdiceWorld champion girls choir from CroatiaOn the US Tour December 2-19, 2004ÂZvjezdice in Kentucky, USA 2002ÂDear All,ÂTo contact Zvjezdice (Little Stars), call or email Erin Foster. If you have a contact at the local newspapers, Radio or TV, please put an effort in promoting this already INSTITUTION. Zdravko Sljivac is the genius behind this success who created an Institution of Girls Choir that has a deep foundation. Support him and the girls in whichever way you can. They deserve our attention. If you need something today, you can still call them in Zagreb. Schedule and contact sheet is either on the link:http://www.vizija.net/zvjezdice/ or/and below. Culture is our best presentation and promotion. And this is where we are talented and strong.Âbest,Nenad BachÂÂÂErin FosterExecutive Assistant for the US Tour513 / 515-9436; 212/330-8129erin.foster@us.army.mil ÂÂDear all,I just wanted to let you know that the world champion girls choir from Croatia -- the Little Stars, or Zvijezdice -- is touring in the US over the next few weeks. Since my cousin, Iva Sucic, is a member, I thought I would inform everyone of their upcoming tour!Zvijezdice will be performing in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City from December 2-19, 2004.You can check out their schedule and contact details for the concerts online at:http://www.vizija.net/zvjezdice/Please come out and support the girls!Best wishesSanjaÂZvjedice in New York 2003ÂDAILY SCHEDULE FOR NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND CINCINNATI SSG Erin FosterErin.foster@us.army.mil Thursday, December 27:45 p.m. - flight DL 131 arrives from Munchen to Cincinnati Bus takes girls to SPX.8:30 p.m. - bus arrives at SPX; girls are matched/go home with families* (possibility to match and pick up girls directly at Delta Baggage Claim or Airport Chappel at Delta Terminal?)9:15 p.m. - buss arrives at STI girls are matched/go home with families Friday, December 37:15 a.m. - Bus pickup at St. Ignatius8:00 a.m. - Bus pickup at SPX8:45 a.m. - arrive at CCM for lecture (beginning at 9:00 a.m.), tour, etc.9:00 a.m. - Lecture for CCM Choral Department10:30 a.m. - Tour of CCM11:15 a.m.- Lunch at UC (courtesy of Dean Lowry and Dean Hillner)12:30 p.m. - Bus to Newport on the Levee for free time-shopping, etc.3:45 p.m. - Bus leaves Newport for SPX4:00 p.m. - SPX Families pick up girls at SPX4:15 p.m. - Bus leaves for St. Ignatius4:30 p.m. - St. I Families pick up girls at St. IgnatiusFree time with host familiesSaturday, December 4Time with host families until2:30 p.m. - Van pickup at St. Ignatius. Families can choose to bring girls to St. Pius X in Edgewood KY. Directions3:00 p.m. - SPX families bring girls to SPX3:30 p.m. - rehearsal4:30 p.m. - mini concert at SPX5:00 p.m. - Mass6:30 p.m. -families pick up girls at SPX; 6:45 p.m. - Van leaves for St. Ignatius at 6:457:00 p.m. - STI families pick up girls at St. Ignatius Sunday, December 59:00 a.m. - Bus pickup at SPX - back parking lot10:00 a.m. - St. I families drop girls off at St. Ignatius (this is the last the families are involved)10:45 a.m. - rehearsal12:00 p.m. - Mass1:00 p.m. - Mini Concert2:00 p.m. - Bus to Vinoklet2:15 p.m. - Lunch at Vinoklet Restaurant3:30 p.m. - bus to CCM4:15 p.m. - rehearsal at Corbett auditorium 5:00 p.m. - Concert6:30 p.m. - departure bus to Pittsburgh (dinner en route)DAILY SCHEDULE FOR PITSBURGHMr. Vjeko Dimter vdimter@davidsoncapmgt.com UNDER CONSTRUCTIONDaily Schedule for ChicagoMr. Joe Kirin jkkirin@ameritech.net UNDER CONSTRUCTIONDaily Schedule for LOS ANGELESMr. Jeffrey Bacicjbacic1@yahoo.com Friday December 10Arrive at LAX at 12:34PM and go to the hotel. (40 min bus ride)Meet the people who will be taking in some of the girls at the hotelAfter that its up to you what you would like to do because I am not sure what time the flight arrivesSaturday December 1110:00 AM Everyone will get on the bus at head toward Santa Monica (45 min - 1 hr drive)11:00 AM Arrive at Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade. Its about 3 long blocks of shops closed off to traffic. Its all outside and hopefully it'll be a sunny day.4:00 PM Leave to return to San Pedro5:00 PM Arrive and prepare for the performance6:00 PM Leave for Mary Star of the Sea Church in San Pedro (5 min drive)7:00 PM Concert startsAfterwards you can sell CDsSunday December 129:30 AM Leave for sv Ante in Los Angeles (40 min drive)10:30 AM Mass11:00 AM Mini Concert12:00 PM Childrens program / sale of Little Stars CD's1:00 PM Lunch at Sv. Ante?3:00 PM ? Zvijezdice can go to Beverly Hills or somewhere up there since its close to sv Ante. Sightseeing or shopping at a large mall in LA.Monday December 138:00 AM Leave for Universal Studios (1:15 min drive)9:15 AM Arrive at the park. It has some rides, tours and plenty of things to do. We are looking to get discount tickets, maybe $15.00 for the girls. Its much cheaper than Disneyland ($40.00 +)5:00 PM Leave to return to San Pedro7:00 PM Dinner for the girls at Croatian American Club in San Pedro. The girls can eat and perform a little afterward. We will help to raise some money for them and they will have an oppertunity to sell CDs.Daily Schedule for NEW YORKSSG Erin FosterErin.foster@us.army.mil Friday, December 171:43 p.m. - flight arrives at LGA; bus pickup to St. Cyril3:00 p.m.- arrival at St. Cyril. Unload luggage, lunch at church, change into concert attire.4:45 p.m. - Bus to Church of the Holy Family 5:15 p.m. - arrive at Church; rehearsal6:00 p.m.- Holy Name Church Concert7:00-7:30 p.m. - Bus to St. Cyril7:30-8:30 p.m. -dinner at St. Cyril / meet host familiesSaturday, December 18Morning with families.2:00 p.m. - families drop off girls at St. Cyril to take bus to St. Aidan*Families who are closer to St. Aidan may prefer to drop girls off there directly at 4:00 p.m.3:30 p.m. - arrive at St. Aidan for rehearsal5:00 p.m. - Mass, followed by the mini-concert7:00 p.m. - dinner/ reception provided by Church of St. Aidan 9:00 p.m. - bus leaves for St. Cyril10:00 p.m. - St. Cyril families' pickupSunday, December 199:30 a.m. - families drop girls off at St. Cyril; rehearsal11:00 a.m. - Mass and mini concert1:00 p.m. - Lunch at St. Cyril2:30-3:15 p.m. - folk concert at the Croatian Center4:00 p.m. - bus leaves for St. Aidan5:00-5:30 p.m. - bus arrives at St. Aidan6:15-7:30 p.m. - FEAST OF CAROLS7:15 p.m. - small dinner at St. Aidan8:30 p.m. - bus leaves for St. Cyril9:30 p.m. - St. Cyril families' pickupMonday, December 2012:30 p.m. - families drop girls off at St. Cyril1:00 p.m. - bus departs for JFK airport4:45 p.m. - flight to MunichCINCINNATIDean Douglas Lowry 513/ 556-6000Dr. Earl Rivers 531/556-9419 Director of Choral Activities CCM Dr. Steven Coker 513/556-9421 CCM SeminarMs. Elaine Sanson 859/331-4885Anne Marie - Crosswell Bus Co. 859/724 2206anne@croswell-bus.com Fr. Robert Wehage 859/3414900 Pastor, St. Pius Xrwehage@stpiusx.com Patty Stretch, Music Director, St. Ignatius ChurchFr. Tom Bolte, Pastor St. Ignatiustel: 513/6616565PITTSBURGH Vjeko Dimter610/ 256 2006 / 353 8859CLEVELANDFr. Mirko Hladni 216 /431 1895 fax 4311128LOS ANGELES Jeff Bacic 310 /619 8166 jbacic1@yahoo.com Dr. Mate Bizaca Don Ivan Babic 213/6282938 fax 6281635CHICAGOJoe Kirin708/655-9915Fr. Jozo Grbesa312/842-1871NEW YORKFr. Bruno Dekrem, Assistant to Archbishop Megliore 516 746 65 85Msgr. Robert Hayden 516 / 7466585Drago Bubalo 516/ 746-6585 (w) 212/330-8129 (h) 718/683-0732 cellbubalo@bubalo.net Fr. Ivica Majstorovic, OFM pastor, St. Cyril Church NYC212/563-3395 crkva.nyc@verizon.netÂErin FosterExecutive Assistant for the US Tour513 / 515-9436; 212/330-8129erin.foster@us.army.mil CONTACTS IN CROATIAZdravko Slljivac, Music DirectorHome: 011/385/1/653-7041Cell: 011/385/98/904-4118Tihana Jokic, Producer Cell: 011/385/98/834-953Work 011385 1 370 5574 (w) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dalmacijo Singers and Novi Stari Tamburasi on Dec 3rd http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5159/1/E-Dalmacijo-Singers-and-Novi-Stari-Tamburasi-on-Dec-3rd.html ÂDalmacijo Singers and Novi Stari Tamburasi on Dec 3rdHoliday popDalmacijo Singers and Novi Stari Tamburasi. Christmas carols from Croatia. 8 p.m. Dec. 3. St Joseph's Catholic Church, 582 Hope St., Mountain San Jose.View. Free. tel: (650) 458-9806.http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/10288427.htm?1c  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Mediterranean Sound - Croatian Mystic Voices http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5156/1/E-Mediterranean-Sound---Croatian-Mystic-Voices.html  ÂÂÂÂÂTurn your speakers on. Upalite zvucnike.ÂArt Director and Graphic Artist: Andrej UremMusic: Mojimir Cacija, Lyrics: Jaksa FiamengoMusic producer: Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tamburtizans Perform in Hilton Head http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5160/1/E-Tamburtizans-Perform-in-Hilton-Head.html ÂTamburitzans Perform at Hilton HeadÂThese two articles appeared prior to the Tamburitzan performance in Hilton Head, NC in October.ÂÂTamburtizans at arts centerÂWhat's Up? Your community events guide for Oct. 25-31. Carolina Morning News The Tamburitzans, a troupe of young folk artists from Duquesne University, perform Saturday at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island.The troupe has a 67-year history, making it America's longest-running multicultural song and dance company.Named after the tamburitza family of stringed folk instruments, the 37-member troupe specializes in the music, songs and dances of Eastern Europe. Each year, choreographers and linguists from Russia to Croatia are brought in to teach the student artists a new program of songs and dances. The students also learn how to play such diverse instruments as the bandura, tambura, gadulka and cimbalom.The 400 elaborate costumes used in this year's show are all original reproductions of ethnic dress from Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Transylvania, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Greece and the Ukraine.In addition to the show, the troupe will conduct a master class for local dance students from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. This folk dance workshop for ages 12-adult will include dance steps, combinations, styles and choreography from Eastern European countries. The cost is $20 for students and $25 for adults.Reservations can be made through the Arts Center education office at 686-3945 ext. 222 or 233.Tickets for the Tamburitzans' 8 p.m. performance are $29 for adults, $20 for children younger than 16, and may be purchased at the box office or by phone with a credit card by calling 842-ARTS (2787).http://www.lowcountrynow.com/stories/102504/LOCwhatsup.shtmlÂTamburitzans take audiences on musical journey through Eastern Europe ÂHilton Head Island Carolina Morning News Paul Stafura expects his troupe of talented young folk artists to get a standing ovation when they perform Saturday at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.The Duquesne University students, know as the Tamburitzans, have been earning the exuberant gesture of praise from audiences across the country for 67 years, making them America's longest-running multicultural song and dance company."It's that kind of show," said Stafura, managing director of the group. "They perform riveting dances that are high-energy and high-impact. It's jam-packed entertainment."Named after the tamburitza family of stringed folk instruments, the 37-member troupe specializes in the music, songs and dances of Eastern Europe. Each year, choreographers and linguists from Russia to Croatia are brought in to teach the student artists a new program of songs and dances.The students also learn how to play such diverse instruments as the bandura, tambura, gadulka and cimbalom."We bring Europe to us," said Stafura, who started as a Tamburitzan in 1967 and has been working with the company the last 31 years. "We're here to entertain, but we keep everything authentic from the costume pieces to the dances to the way we present them."The 400 elaborate costumes used in this year's show are all original reproductions of ethnic dress from Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Transylvania, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Greece and the Ukraine.This year's program includes a waltz and several polkas from Slovenia, a medley of humorous love songs from Bulgaria, a Serbian instrumental for the clarinet and a slapping, clapping fiery dance from Hungary.Venturing beyond the Slavic borders, the group also will perform an Irish dance."It's a little bit of River Dance," Stafura said. "It's a wonderful piece that shows off our tap dancers."The students, who receive substantial scholarship awards to the university, spend 25 days in the summer at the Tamburitzans' headquarters in Pittsburgh rehearsing from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to prepare for the show."It's grueling," Stafura said. "It's like boot camp."Starting in August, the troupe takes to the road every weekend, performing some 80 concerts a year."We'll travel 40,000 miles before it's all over," Stafura said. "What's amazing is that these are all full-time students - and 68 percent of them are on the Dean's List."While there are several numbers that feature a duet or quartet, most of the sets involve six to 12 couples jumping, whirling and spinning in a spectacular kaleidoscope of color. The closing numbers for both the first and second act showcase the entire troupe with 24 of the members dancing and the rest singing and playing instruments."One of the unique traits of this ensemble is that they multitask," Stafura said. "You'll see someone singing one minute and dancing the next."All of the music is live and each song is performed in the language and dialect of the country it represents."There's something for everyone," Stafura said. "Children are captivated by the movement and sound. It's a great show for the whole family."In addition to the show, the troupe will conduct a master class for local dance students from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. This folk dance workshop for ages 12 to adult will include dance steps, combinations, styles, and choreography. The cost is $20 for students and $25 for adults.Reservations can be made through the arts center education office at 686-3945, ext. 222 or 233.Tickets for the Tamburitzans' 8 p.m. performance are $29 for adults, $20 for children younger than 16, and may be purchased at the arts center box office or by calling 842-ARTS (2787).http://www.lowcountrynow.com/stories/102904/LOCtamburitzans.shtml  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 24 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Two mummies discovered in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5163/1/E-Two-mummies-discovered-in-Croatia.html ÂTwo mummies discovered in CroatiaTwo mummified bodies dating from the 18th century were discovered in eastern Croatia during restoration works on the crypt of a Roman Catholic cathedral, officials said today. "Two well preserved mummified bodies have been discovered so far," Matija Zurakovic, a priest from the eastern town of Pozega, said. National television broadcast images of the bodies in their coffins. According to Father Zurakovic they were locals who were buried in the crypt of the cathedral around the year 1700. Hundreds of coffins remain inside the crypt and are still to be examined by experts. -AFPhttp://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200411/s1247997.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Katherine Tulich, on the jury for Cinematic Discoveries http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5165/1/E-Katherine-Tulich-on-the-jury-for-Cinematic-Discoveries.html ÂCroatian Australian, Katherine Tulich part of the international jury... and moreÂInternational and Canadian Cinematic Discoveries Take Awards at Toronto International Film Festival®The Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury for the 13th consecutive year. The 2004 jury comprises president Henry Sheehan, (KPCC-FM and KCET-TV, USA), Katherine Tulich (Sunday Magazine and Seven Network Australia, Australia), and Norman Wilner (Metro Toronto, Canada). September 19, 2004International and Canadian Cinematic Discoveries Take Awards at Toronto International Film Festival®Toronto - With a final tally of 328 films (including 98 world and 81 North American premieres), from 60 countries, unspooling over 10 days, the 29th Toronto International Film Festival wrapped on Sunday, September 19th with its annual Awards Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. AGF PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDSponsored by one of the Festival's major supporters, the AGF People's Choice Award is voted on by Festival audiences - known worldwide for their enthusiasm and love of cinema. The 2004 award goes to Terry George's HOTEL RWANDA, (United Kingdom/South Africa/Italy) the true story of an ordinary man whose love for his family inspired him to an extraordinary act of courage that saved the lives of more than one thousand helpless Rwandans during the 1994 genocide. DISCOVERY AWARDPete Travis' OMAGH (Ireland/UK) is the recipient of the Discovery Award. A powerful and intense story about the unsung victims and the grieving families left behind by a catastrophe, OMAGH examines the tragic 1998 IRA bombing of the small Irish market town of Omagh. The press corps, which consists of more than 750 international media, voted on the Discovery Award. FIPRESCI PRIZE The FIPRESCI Prize is awarded to New Zealand director Brad McGann's IN MY FATHER'S DEN (New Zealand/UK) "for its emotional maturity, striking performances, and visual grace." IN MY FATHER'S DEN follows a prize winning war journalist as he returns to his remote New Zealand hometown after a 16-year absence and is forced to confront the secret that has surrounded him for his entire adult life. This prize is annually bestowed upon a feature film directed by an emerging filmmaker, and making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury for the 13th consecutive year. The 2004 jury comprises president Henry Sheehan, (KPCC-FM and KCET-TV, USA), Katherine Tulich (Sunday Magazine and Seven Network Australia, Australia), and Norman Wilner (Metro Toronto, Canada). CITYTV AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE FILMThe Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature was given to Daniel Roby's LA PEAU BLANCHE, "for its audacious genre bending as well as its mix of race politics, romance and horror." Established by sponsor Citytv, the award carries a cash prize of $15,000 and is presented to a Canadian filmmaker whose first feature film is considered exemplary. This award acknowledges the fresh new talent emerging within Canadian cinema. TORONTO - CITY AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM The Toronto - City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film was awarded to Michael Dowse's IT'S ALL GONE PETE TONG, "for its funny, engaging and flawless portrayal of a flawed character as well as for its ability to capture the infectious rhythms of the club scene." Presented annually at the Toronto International Film Festival and generously co-sponsored by The City of Toronto and Citytv, the Toronto - City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film carries a cash prize of $30,000. A special jury citation is awarded to Velcro Ripper's SCAREDSACRED, "for its ability to take the audience on a very personal journey that has universal resonance in a time of paranoia and uncertainty, and for finding hope in moments of despair."CANADIAN FEATURE FILM AWARDS JURYThe Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film and the Toronto - City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film were selected by the following jury members: director Catherine Martin (MARIAGES); Ellen Baine, Vice-President of Programming at CHUM Television; Kyle Rae, Toronto City Councillor; Luc Déry, head of micro_scope, and director Clement Virgo (LOVE COME DOWN). BRAVO!FACT SHORT CUTS CANADA AWARDThe Bravo!FACT Short Cuts Canada Award offers a $10,000 cash prize. The award goes to MAN FEEL PAIN, directed by Dylan Akio Smith. Crisply written, darkly hilarious, and sparsely staged, this comedy explores a weighty subject through the banality of the everyday. The jury comprises director Jennifer Baichwal (THE TRUE MEANING OF PICTURES: SHELBY LEE ADAMS' APPALACHIA); editor, actor, and director Robert Kennedy (HI, I'M STEVE); and Kelly M. DeVine, a buyer for the Independent Film Channel. Canada First! and Short Cuts Canada is generously sponsored by CHUM Television. The Short Cuts Canada award is generously sponsored by Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) The Awards Brunch is generously sponsored by the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.© 2004. Movie City News. All Rights Reserved. http://www.moviecitynews.com/Notepad/2004/040919_prl.html ÂKatherine TulichEntertainmentKatherine travels the world interviewing the big stars for Sunrise. Over the years, she's cemented herself as one of Australia's leading entertainment writers. She constantly secures access to celebrities that other reporters can only dream of. Last year alone, she spent time with the likes of Elton John, John Mayer, Celine Dion and Avril Lavigne.http://seven.com.au/sunrise/regular_040129_katherinetulich  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A Studio City Journalist Highlights Freedom from Despair http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5164/1/E-A-Studio-City-Journalist-Highlights-Freedom-from-Despair.html ÂA highlight of the festival was the Best Documentary winner, âFreedom From Despairâ€?ÂA Studio City Journalist Highlights "Freedom from Despair"SCOOPS- by Marci Marks Last Sunday the parking lot next to the Mannâs Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard was turned into a winter wonderland for the premiere of âThe Polar Expressâ€?. Cavorting in the fantasy land of snow and polar bear sculptures were star Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri who composed the original songs for the film, and Rob Reiner with a bunch of his kids loving every minute. Later, as the lights went down in the theater, Tom Hanks yelled âAll Aboardâ€? from the center of the theater to the delight of the crowd. Missing and missed was Josh Groban, stuck in NY, who sings the beautiful ballad âBelieve,â€? which is heard as the credits roll at the end of the film. Grobanâs upcoming album and DVD, recorded âLive at the Greek,â€? in L.A., will be out next month. Competing with the AFI Film Festival and the American Film Mart, The 2nd International Student Film Festival brought an extraordinary six-day program to the El Portal Theater in NoHo. Beverly Garland told the young filmmakers to never stop pursuing their dreams in the opening night ceremony at which Jennifer Lynch, following in dad Davidâs footsteps, received the Honorary Young Directors Award. The Festival had over 100 films screened during a five-day period. Entries came as far away from Russia and as close as L.A.Valley College. Founder and ISFFH President Robin Saban said it best at the awards ceremony, âWhile we can only give out so many prizes, you are all winners,â€? perhaps speaking to a future Spielberg or Coppola. A highlight of the festival was the Best Documentary winner, âFreedom From Despairâ€?, by Brenda Brkusic, a moving account of the untold history of Communist Yugoslavia. The film portrays the incredible journey of Kruno Brkusic, Brendaâs father who as a young boy risked his life crossing the border to Italy from a repressive regime that suppressed Croatian culture through state-sanctioned terror, imprisonment and exile. Years later, as a successful businessman in Chicago, Brkusic became a voice to challenge the journalistic community and the first President Bush on their silence as Serbia massacred over 250,000 people in the Balkans. Acclaimed actors John Savage and Michael York donated their talents as the Narrator and translating Voice Over, respectively. Savage was also at the closing night ceremony to congratulate Brenda on her win. He spoke of how filming on location overseas had introduced him to the beauty of the land and the people of Croatia. This committed actor, who organized a childrenâs theater group to perform for free in public housing, is currently filming the second season of the HBO Series âCARNIVÃLEâ€?, which I am anticipating.Ashlee Simpson put the âSaturday Night Liveâ€? lip-synching debacle behind her with a shopping spree at Dari, the ultra hip Studio City boutique owned by William Shatnerâs daughter, Melanie. With camera crew in tow, the younger Simpson sister showed she has the chops when it comes to shopping. Studio City Sunhttp://www.studiocitysun.com/news/anmviewer.asp?a=412 http://www.studiocitysun.com/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR PLAYING IN FOUR CITIES http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5168/1/E-FREEDOM-FROM-DESPAIR-PLAYING-IN-FOUR-CITIES.html Â"Freedom from Despair," the acclaimed documentary by Brenda Brkusic is playing in New York, Chicago, San Pedro and WindsorÂPlease mark the following fundraiser screenings on your calendar and please donate what you can to help the film: (please note new location for San Pedro)NEW YORKSunday, November 21, 2004 at 1:30pm (after mass) St. Raphael's Parish CenterW41 St. (bt 10/11 Ave), New York NY Contact: Nick Krasnic 917-545-7329CinemaDeArte@aol.com (after the Parish screening we will meet up again later in the evening for another Freedom From Despair screening at a local NY film festival. For more information about that screening please visitwww.nyfilmvideo.com ) CHICAGO Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 6:00pm Croatian Cultural Center of Chicago 2845 W Devon Ave Chicago, Illinois Chicago Contact: Mijo Vodopic mvodopic@hotmail.com with sepcial guest -Croatian Consule General, Zorica Matkov SAN PEDRO Sunday, December 5, 2004 at 3:00pm (after mass) Croatian American Hall631 West 9th Street San Pedro, California San Pedro Contacts: Milan Vukovic and Jeff Bacic milanvukovic@msn.com andjbacic1@yahoo.com A prominent TV station will be there covering the San Pedro event to finish a story about the community coming together to support Brenda and her film! It is important to have a full audience for the press. We had 300 people in LA and we would like to match that number in San Pedro on December 5. With sepcial guests - famous actors from the film.WINDSOR Sunday, Decemer 12, 2004 (after mass) St Francis of Assisi Church 1701 Turner Road Windsor, Ontario Windsor Contact: Sonny Kekelj skekelj@cogeco.ca This screening is in conjunction with the Parish's annual appreciation lunch!A very special thank you to Tom Rinear for sponsoring Brenda Brkusic's flight from Los Angeles to Chicago so that she will be able to attend the Chicago film screening! And a very special thank you to Michael Kustra and family for offering to host Brenda Brkusic in their home during the New York screening. A note from Milan Vukovic: This highly acclaimed film is truly the story of all Croatians and the Croatian National Association (Udruga) is proud to sponsor the showing of this film with the generous support of volunteers in each city . You will also be able to meet and speak to Brenda Brkusic in person in NY, Chicago and San Pedro. This is a fundraiser for Brenda to be able to continue promoting the film. If you think as highly of this film as we do your tax deductible donation will be gratefully accepted after the screening. If you can not make it to one of these screenings, please visit the film's website www.freedomfromdespair.com for more information on how to donate to the film.Please remember, if we support each other's events, not only will they be more profitable, they'll also be more fun! Zivili!!!Milan VukovicPresident, Croatian National AssociationA note from Brenda Brkusic:I want to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement as I work to get Freedom From Despair shown in the American mainstream media. Your attendance at this screening and your donations will be crucial in gaining the support needed to go further with promoting the film and will mean so much to me and to all the people who told their life stories in the film. In two years, working 20 hours a day with little funds, I tried to make a film that all would be proud of - a film that tells the Croatian story in an easy to understand, professional and entertaining format. The film festival acceptances, the awards won, and the great newspaper reviews have been a blessing. Croatians have laughed and cried while seeing their own stories represented on the screen - the film is a rollercoaster of emotions that I know everyone will relate to in some way. I am ecstatic to share the film with you and ask for your support in making this journey a success. I continue to apply to film festivals and seek distribution every day. I need you help. I look forward to meeting all of you.With much love and respect,Brenda BrkusicFilmmaker, Freedom From Despair FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR - starring Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak and Dennis Kucinich. Music by Nenad Bach. PRESS RELEASE: LA showings of "Freedom from Despair" a Successhttp://www.CroatianWorld.net/CROWNframes.htm?/Letters/4765.htm Hrvatsko Slovo Newspaper review of the film:http://www.croatianworld.net/CROWNframes.htm?http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/4653.htmÂKodak review of the film: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/students/beat/aug2004/aug_04_chapman2.jhtml?id=0.1.4.5.4.8&lc=enÂVIEWER QUOTES!âFreedom from Despair is a powerful, moving film, documenting a much neglected piece of modern history - Croatiaâs struggle for independence from the repression of Titoâs Yugoslavia and the brutality of the Balkan War. Brenda Brkusic has created a memorable portrait of a people, a culture, and one manâs hard-fought journey to freedom.â€? -David S. Ward, Academy Award Winning FilmmakerâBrenda Brkusic has a very inspired directorial approach, and she achieved dramatic tension and rhythm, which even after one and one half hours time does not leave the viewer unmoved. Not only did she master her film profession, it is also obvious that she is a very gifted young film director, as she as a 23-year old made a mature and serious film for which even older colleagues in this domain could be envious.â€? -Hrvatsko Slovo Newspaper"In a time when there are a lot of films made about nothing, Freedom from Despair is a film about something very important. It is a film that shows us that there are still things in this world that are worthy of our tears. Some films feel as if they have to be made, and this is one." -Lewis Chesler, Juror, 2004 Dubrovnik International Film Festival âBrenda Brkusic, American film producer of Croatian descent, is one of these authors we have been waiting for: young, gifted and brave. Brenda presented this tale without exaggeration, honestly and sincerely, with the author's courage which is imposing, but which is also without any ideology and propaganda. She gave through her personal dimension a very vivid presentation of a totalitarian time, the darkest sides of a system which mercilessly trampled human rights.â€?-Hrvatsko Slovo NewspaperâIt cannot be denied that the young director, screenwriter and producer took pains to make a quality presentation.â€? -Vecernji List Newspaper"Congratulations on a magnificent film! Everyone coming to Croatia should see it. And now Iraq. You're effort has world relevence. We must not be so passive. As for the skill, the careful crafting, the checking, the sheer hard work involved....BRAVO! This is my first visit to Croatia but not my last. Like too many people, I never really knew where it was or what happened here. Now, thanks to you, I know exactly - and I will spread the word. It will always be a place in my heart. May you make many more meaningful films. Thank you for caring and sharing.â€? -Emily, South AfricaâFreedom from Despair is the epitome of an independent film, a labor of love.â€?-Pete Weitzner, PBS Producer âFreedom from Despair is an extraordinary, thoroughly engrossing, accomplished and very moving film.â€? -Michael York, ActorâBrenda, this film is important for the world. Youâre work is admired by me, as is your personality. Youâre a wonderful woman. God bless you.â€? -John Savage, ActorâWOW! We both loved it. You have a great understanding of the audience's mental state, where we are, what we're thinking, wondering, hoping for, and your film goes in directions easy to follow, inspiring, peaceful, and tragic. I loved the scene in the woods where the three boys were talking about seeing New York and Hollywood. Great job, you should be very proud.â€? -Dave Codeglia, filmmakerâI really liked your documentary. At some moments I found myself getting choked up. You really hit on the head the hardships the cause went through to get where it is today. It's not easy to take on this type of subject matter, and I think you did an excellent job.â€?-James Codeglia, filmmakerâYou are wonderful. When I received the film I disconnected my phone to watch it without disturbance. Throughout the whole time watching it, my emotions took over and my tears were flowing. I have shown the film to close friends and all I hear from them is "oh my God, we can see ourselves in this film. We were all forced out of our home the same way." I loved it. I do thank you so much for your kindness. I'm so happy to know you and your family.â€? Anthony Dizdar, DelawareâIt was an honor to watch the film today, and I am so proud of what you didto show what really happened with our country of heritage. I truly believe that you will go places in your film career - you are smart, beautiful, talented, and work hard. Keep it going, and I look forward to many more Brenda Brkusic productions.â€?-Tom Rinear, Los AngelesâWe were very moved and impressed by your film. We were both in tears at different points and though it was 95 minutes, we were captivated throughout. You truly captured the struggles of your people and it left us frustrated and angry once again at our own country's apathy when it doesn't benefit us. Your Father and Mother must be very proud of you. It took great courage and perseverance to make such a powerful film. It was also moving to be in the company of Croatians. I could feel their pain as your Father and others told their story. I bet you blew Chapman away when they saw your film. This is not a student film! Your powerful film is top notch.â€? -Georgiana Gomez, filmmaker"It was my pleasure meeting you and supporting your fantastic film. From the trailer on the web site, I knew that it was going to be a well done film, however, the editing, the in takes, the interviews, and your fatherâs story were amazing. His plight and belief in Croatia resonated throughout this film, and your passion was evident. Itâs great that you remembered me and I thank you! Little did I know that this epic project you were working on was so wonderful and so you. You really personify grace, Hollywood and passion for Croatia. I am thrilled that you have the courage, strength and will to take on such a huge project. âFreedom of Despairâ€? has given me the courage to write my Fatherâs story, and somewhere inside of me, Iâve always wanted to do a documentary on my Dad. There are literally millions of stories like our parents that should be shared and told so that these people can find their peace. " -Michelle Dunaj, South FloridaâThe film deals with a complex set of events and circumstances in a very professional manner. It weaves together the personal experiences of several individuals with the struggles of the Croatian people from after World War II to the present. Its use of scholarly commentators, political activists, personal accounts, and excellent archival material to create the sweeping story of a nation's determination to be free is accomplished masterfully. The film showing was greatly enhanced by having the author/director present and willing to respond to questions at the conclusion of the film. She brought a personal commitment and involvement that supplied a strong emotional impact for all those in attendance. The viewers were clearly caught up in the drama of the documentary, and raised significant questions about the history presented as well as the process of producing such an important film with little financial backing. The college students in particular received an important lesson in history, but even more significantly an important lesson in dedication to a project and what can be accomplished through such dedication. I was thoroughly involved in the documentary, and came away with an increased admiration for the Croatian people and their struggles to overcome both a Communist regime and Serbian domination. The film reinforced my sense of the power of a people to preserve its culture and political autonomy.â€? -Dr. Thomas McFadden, President, Marymount CollegeâI enjoyed your film very much, as it made me better understand what my own father went through when escaping communist Yugoslavia. It touched both him and myself. My father escaped from Yugoslavia at a young age, and he, like your father, was born in 1939, however in Split. As a consequence from my father successfully escaping, my grandparents and first cousin were tortured for a long period of time by the secret police. As you already know, your father's experience is a story many individuals share. I am extremely glad you made this film. People throughout the world are unaware of the inhumane actions that occurred under the communist regime. This film accurately depicts the situation, and in my opinion, is a terrific representation of how to inform the public of what many individuals experienced in the former Yugoslavia.â€? - Ivana Odak, Southern CaliforniaâI really liked it. It was long, but I felt like I learned a lot about something I knew nothing about. I was interested by the personal story but also the politics behind it all. Social justice is important to me. Everyone (in attendance) was interested and I think we all liked it. I really liked her (Brendaâs) attitude and, really, her presence. She was very down to earth and proud of her heritage and work. I think she is a good role model for Marymount to present to the students.â€? -Student, Marymount College âBrenda, you have grown so much over these past three years, not only in competence and skill but in a host of personal ways. You manage to combine your gentle, compassionate manner with an admirable determination and sense of justice. That is a great combination.â€? -Dr. Thomas McFadden, President, Marymount CollegeâI think it is a moving, intelligent piece; One that I learned a lot from and appreciate for that.â€? -Representative, Paramount ClassicsâI had the privilege of seeing Freedom from Despair and I thought it was a courageous and remarkable film. I strongly feel this film should be in every Croatian familyâs home â and every year on its national independence day all families should see it again. Freedom was bought at a very high price and many people paid so that others may live in freedom. Congratulations for a magnificent film. I am not Croatian, but I can identify with those who fight for the right, liberty and freedom of others. Iâm an American born in Texas; lived in this parish over 50 years. My family has war veterans who have contributed to the freedom of the U.S.A. Congratulations.â€? -Rosa M. Salazar, Los Angeles âIt's quite honestly one of my favorite selections for the festival year. As a former NYU film student I must say you have quite an impressive work here, in terms of both technique and content, something that you should rightfully be very proud of. This film is important in so many ways and I want to make sure it gets the reception that it deserves. On a personal note, I'm looking forward to meeting you and hopefully getting the chance to hear about your experiences shooting this and what you're up to next. Thanks for making such a great film to celebrate at this Festival.â€?-Shawn Kittelsen, New York International Independent Film FestivalâI am pleased to share that I have been so fortunate to meet Brenda while working with her to speak at our âthe Nuts and Bolts of Leadership Series.â€? Brenda is an intelligent and dynamic woman whose future has great promise. On behalf of Marymount College, we are proud of her accomplishments as a young alumna. Like the others who attended the Freedom from Despair screening on the Marymount College Campus, I was close to tears on several occasions. It was indeed a privilege to experience such a powerful and moving film.â€?-Christine Leible, Director, Alumni Relations, Marymount CollegeâAlthough I didnât see the film, I feel attached to it from what I read about it, given that Yugoslav communists caused life-time disability to my father (who lives here now, and feels good here), and a lot of grievances to entire family during their reign. Your effort to disclose the evils of communism is greatly appreciated; the truth about it is soothing for the souls of all those who suffered from it. My father, and my family, surely did, a lot.â€?-Ivana, Montreal, Quebec"I absolutley loved the film. The qaulity was leaps and bounds above any other film we've ever received for the International Student Film Festival Hollywood."- Kevin McKenna, Director of Investigative Documentaries Educating American SocietyBIOGRAPHYBRENDA BRKUSICProducer, Writer, Director, EditorBrenda Brkusic was born in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles on an academic scholarship from Chapman University, graduating with highest honors with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Writing and Directing. At Chapman, she gained experience in production, as a post production supervisor, script supervisor, and dance choreographer on various short films. She wrote, produced, directed and edited her senior thesis documentary Freedom from Despair, shooting in California, Chicago and Croatia during the summer of 2003. Recognizing her efforts, Chapman Film School awarded her its Marion Knott Scholarship, which afforded her the opportunity to work one on one with Academy Award winning filmmaker David S. Ward. Since then, praise for this film has steadily grown. Brenda has been invited to her Alma Mater, Marymount College, to be a featured speaker in their leadership series, was hired to speak in a documentary class sponsored by the International Documentary Association at San Pedro High School, was featured on PBS television, Associated Press Video News, in the LA Times, won Best Documentary and Special Recognition honors at the Student Filmmaker Awards and the Dubrovnik International Film Festival, and been covered in multiple international newspapers and magazines. She is gaining a reputation as an important new voice and her writing about Croatia has been published in the Washington Times. Freedom from Despair was recognized by Amnesty International, as one of the most important documentary films this year, and invited to have a world premiere in their film festival at the Director's Guild in Hollywood. Another human rights organization, The Anti-Defamation League, has named the film a Finalist in their current competition. She continues to make her home in Los Angeles. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) I Miss Communism Nov 14 & Macbett Nov 12 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5167/1/E-I-Miss-Communism-Nov-14--Macbett-Nov-12.html ÂI Miss Communism Opens on Nov 14, @7pmÂMacbett Opens on Nov 12ÂDear Crown readers,Just a quick note for you to come see the show. Also I have gotten a few people that were concerned about coming because the tickets are $40.PLEASE AS I SAID IN MY INVITE, DON'T LET THAT STOP YOU!!!I WILL TRY TO ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE WITH DISCOUNTS ORSLIDING SCALE TICKETS, SO PLEASE DON'T NOT COME BECAUSE OF MONEY!TALK TO ME!!! EMAIL ME!!!Click on the links for more info:http://balkansnet.org/imisscommunism.html http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=TOGGKMBQJPWIRRXAIUEW&unknownUser=truehttp://www.macbettatglobe.org/ ThanksInes letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Eugene Ionesco's Macbett directed by Croatian in LA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5166/1/E-Eugene-Ionescos-Macbett-directed-by-Croatian-in-LA.html ÂÂIl Dolce Theatre Company and Spirit of Sarajevo presentMacbettby Eugene Ionesco*Directed by Neno PervanExecutive producer Peter Dowling Performing at theGlobe Playhouse1107 N. Kings RoadWest HollywoodNov 12- Dec 12Thur, Fri, Sat 8pm Sun 7pmReservations:(310) 458-3312More information at: www.macbettatglobe.org* In consideration of the unique circumstances of this production, special clearance has been granted by Marie France Ionesco for modifications to the author's work for this production only. No rights of use beyond this production are granted. Âhttp://www.macbettatglobe.org/ Note From Ms. Marie France IonescoIn consideration of the unique circumstances of this production, special clearance has been granted for modifications to the author's work for this production only. No rights of use beyond this production are granted. History of Macbett.Note From the DirectorWe live through dangerous, treacherous time. We are bombarded with empty rhetoric, lies and threats. Shakespeare wrote about all of this, four hundred years ago. Then, genius of Eugene Ionesco revisited these same issues during the cold war era with his Macbett.He took Shakespeare's original and explained to us that, since Shakespeare's times, we did not move one single step ahead. Quite au contraire, we stepped back.Today, more than thirty years later, it is my feeling that we are stepping even further back. Ionesco's words never sounded so terrifying, and famous Shakespeare's monologues from Macbeth are as actual and stunning as ever. Very few contemporary plays can tell us this much about ourselves as these two classics can.We tried to merge these two and the result will play out in front of you tonight. We stepped more into Ionesco's tragic side, because we believe that our times require that.Our show would never be possible without understanding from Ms. Marie France Ionesco. We are extremely grateful for that.Enjoy the show.Neno Pervan CastIn Memory of Tim ChoateMacbett - Zoran RadanovichLady Duncan/Lady Macbett - Pamela ClayDuncan - Neno PervanBanco - Julius NoflinFirst Witch/Maid - Heather PetroneSecond Witch/Maid - Kim BlairSoldier - Ines WurthOfficer, Orderly, Macol - Kamen GabrielLemonade Seller - Alex VeadovButterfly Hunter - Andrej PervanProductionProduced by"Il Dolce Theatre Company" &"Spirit of Sarajevo"Executive Producer - Peter DowlingDirector - Neno PervanLighting Design - Suki MedencevicSet Design - Slavko Pervan & Neno Pervan Music - Mladen MilicevicCostume Design - Lada PervanAssist. Director - Vedrana NanichFinal Costume Designer - Alen HaljevacMaster Carpenter - Luka KrsticSound Board Operator - Scott EckertCo-Producer - Vera MijojlicAbout the author:Eugene IonescoEugene Ionesco, one of the foremost playwrights of the theater of the absurd, was born in Romania. Settling in France in 1938, he contributed to Cahiers du Sud and began writing avant-garde plays.History of MacbettHis works stress the absurdity both of bourgeois values and of the way of life that they dictate. They express the futility of human endeavor in a universe ruled by chance. His play La Cantatrice chauve (1950; tr. The Bald Soprano, 1965) was suggested by the idiotic phrases in an English language textbook; it has become an enormously popular classic of the theater of the absurd.Among Ionesco's other plays are La Leçon (1951), Les Chaises (1952), Victimes du devoir (1953), Le Nouveau locataire (1957), Tueur sans gages (1958), Rhinocéros (1959), Photo du colonel (1967), Le roi se meurt (1963), and Jeux de massacre (1970). He wrote about the theater in Notes and Counternotes (1962, tr. 1964); a memoir, Present Past, Past Present (1968, tr. 1971); and the novel The Hermit (1974).His plays are all available in English translation. www.ionesco.org Theater:GLOBE PLAYHOUSE1107 North Kings RoadWest Hollywood, CA 90069Contact:Thad Taylor,President and Founder of Globe Playhouse letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zagreb Guitar Quartet mesmerizes audience in India http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5170/1/E-Zagreb-Guitar-Quartet-mesmerizes-audience-in-India.html ÂZagreb Guitar Quartet mesmerizes audience in IndiaÂCroatian troupe regales audience in BhubaneswarÂBhubaneswar, Oct 18: Music not only transcends languages and borders but also helps in unifying people belonging to different race and culture. A classic example to this may be the rendition by a guitar troupe from Croatia at the temple town of Orissa. The performances by the Zagreb Guitar Quartet mesmerized the audiences. Apart from the traditional Croatian folk numbers, compositions by 17th century German maestro Johann Sebastian Bach and Spanish Gypsy music were widely appreciated by the assembled spectators. Though the music was incomprehensible to almost everybody in the audience, yet it strummed many a strings several hearts The artists themselves were very much touched by the warmth and receptiveness of the audience. " I liked very much the audience. I think they liked our music and we felt their energy," said Milita, one of the artists. Officials are also very pleased at the increasing cultural exchange taking place and are of the opinion that such exchanges will encourage local tourists to perform abroad as well. " This is cultural exchange. Orissa is very rich in art and culture. The Indian council of cultural relation and the department of culture Orissa government jointly organised this. The troupe is from abroad and the people of Orissa should enjoy the benefits. It will encourage our artists," said Damodar Rout, Culture Minister. (ANI) Âhttp://www.teamindia.net/index.php?action=fullnews&id=30258 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brkic Reading from THE STONE FIELDS in Chicago Nov 11 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5169/1/E-Brkic-Reading-from-THE-STONE-FIELDS-in-Chicago-Nov-11.html ÂAngela Courtney Brkic in Chicago on November 11, 2004ÂHi Nenad and CROWN subscribers!I wanted to let Chicago-area Croatians know that I'm doing a reading in the windy city next Thursday, November 11, at 7:30 PM. The location is Women and Children First Bookstore at 5233 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640Those interested can find more information on the store's website:http://womenchildren.booksense.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=storeevents&eventId=285809And, for more information about the book and reviews, please look on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0374207747/qid=1099499243/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-8099204-6192847?v=glance&s=books&n=507846Many thanks to those of you from Chicago who have sent me supportive e-mails and messages.Best wishes...i sve najbolje!Angela BrkicÂContact: cabrkic@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Croatian Sports Club offer heart felt thanks http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5173/1/E-The-Croatian-Sports-Club-offer-heart-felt-thanks.html ÂHRVATSKI SPORTSKI KLUBÂOctober 26, 2004Open Letter to the Croatian Community: The Croatian Sports Club and I want to offer our heart felt thanks to the entire community for it's support in last Sundays Thompson concert. The music was great and everyone had a fantastic time. We would like to offer a special thanks to;o The Croatian National Association, the Udruga, for sanctioning our event.o Msgr. Diomartich, for holding Mass before the event.o Fr. Mate and Fr. Ivica, for allowing us to have our event in the hall.o The Croatian Radio Program, for advertising and support.o Pero and Anna Matijasevic and Zora Cadovac, for preparing the lunch and dinner.o Adriatic Travel, Nancy Brkic, Meri Andabaka and Kristina Vukojevic, for selling concert. tickets.o Vjera Rudela, Anna Biscan, Sharon Artukovich and Tanja Vukojevic, for selling drink and concert tickets.o Jeff Bacic, for initiating the concert.o And all the Klub members that helped organize the event.See you at the Zagreb Society's "Martinjska Vecer" dinner and dance on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at St. Anthony's Parish Hall. Holy Mass at 6:00 PM. Cocktails at 6:30. Dinner at 7:30. Adult tickets $40. Children tickets $15. Musical entertainment by "Zrinski."This wonderful event is a celebration of the "tasting of the wine." All wine makers bring your 2004 wine for the contest. Rumor has it that your chances of winning are better if you and your wine pray together at Holy Mass before the contest.Please RSVP for Martinjska Vecer prior to November 7 by calling either of the following:(818) 883-3405 or (310) 837-3660 or (626) 287-3261Thanks again to all of you!Vido ArtukovicSecretaryArtukovicv@aol.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 27 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Soprano star a Croatian immigrant living in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5172/1/E-Soprano-star-a-Croatian-immigrant-living-in-New-York.html ÂSoprano star John Ventimiglia, a Croatian immigrant living in New YorkÂThe following review concerns the play Ponies playing in New York comes from The New York Times. One of the lead character in the play, played by Soprano star John Ventimiglia, is a Croatian immigrant living in New YorkOctober 26, 2004THEATER REVIEW | 'PONIES'Wiseguys, Huh? Well, Try to Get the Horse Right HereBy JASON ZINOMANhe Broadway revival of " 'Night, Mother," now in previews and starring Edie Falco, of "The Sopranos," isn't the only mobbed-up show in town. The Soprano family has its fingerprints all over Mike Batistick's punchy New York story, "Ponies." Michael Imperioli, who plays Tony Soprano's brutal right-hand man, Christopher Moltisanti (and steps in for Otto Sanchez in "Ponies" beginning tomorrow), produced the play with his wife, Victoria, and it includes enough "Sopranos" actors to satisfy fans suffering through withdrawal while the series is on hiatus.Set inside a bleak OTB outlet (is there any other kind?) on the Lower East Side, the drama at Studio Dante is about the precariousness of immigrant life in New York after 9/11.Keep an eye on John Ventimiglia, better known to "Sopranos" fans as Artie Bucco. As a Croatian put-down artist named Drazen, Mr. Ventimiglia, delivers a hammy, charismatic performance of Pacinoesque proportions. While his crass character may seem dim - he chooses horses based on their names and loses with Date More Minors - he is the kind of shameless liar who knows that playing dirty can be just as effective as working hard.Drazen brings his nervous Nigerian friend, Ken (Babs Olusanmokun), to the OTB to take his mind off losing his livery cab. The threat of deportment looms over the lives of these jittery characters, and their nervous energy sets an uneasy comic mood, in sharp contrast to the deadpan calm of the cashier (Tonye Patano, yet another "Sopranos" veteran).Mr. Batistick has a good ear for dialogue, and his foulmouthed, cruel banter has the ring of truth. The same cannot always be said of his plot, which at times is guilty of telegraphing its twists.But the polished production makes up for the script's flaws. Victoria Imperioli, who designed the sets and costumes, captures the look of an OTB with impressive naturalistic detail, and Nick Sandow's staging maintains the excitement of an episode of "The Sopranos" - without anyone getting whacked."Ponies" runs through Nov. 20 at Studio Dante, 257 West 29th Street. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 26 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Super Audio Center Launch 24 Track DSD Recorder http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5174/1/E-Super-Audio-Center-Launch-24-Track-DSD-Recorder.html ÂSuper Audio Center Launch 24 Track DSD RecorderDawn Frank, DSD Engineer and Editor (Left) and Gus Skinas, Director (Right) from the Super Audio Center with the 24 Track Sonoma Workstation and 24 Channels of EMM Labs Meitner DSD Converters (Top Photo) and Close Up of the New 24 Track Sonoma DSD Workstation (Bottom Photo)Photo by Nenad BachAES 117: Super Audio Center Launch and 24 Track Sonoma Debut at AES ConferenceAES 117: This week's Audio Engineering Society Convention at San Francisco's Moscone Center will see the formal launch of the new Super Audio Center in Boulder, Colorado. The Super Audio Center or "SAC" for short will be helmed by long-time DSD and SACD expert Gus Skinas. Also debuting at this week's conference, which starts on Thursday, is the long-awaited 24 Track Sonoma DSD workstation. ÂOp-ed:This is where I mastered new SACDs for Klapa Sinj and Klapa Lindjo two weeks ago. An amazing experience of competence and compassion from Gus and Dawn. In Boulder Colorado. Albums coming out soon. ÂNenadIn addition to these developments, I've learned that the Super Audio Center will be managing, selling and renting the existing 8 Channel Sonoma DSD Workstations as well as selling the 4th Generation DSD Converters from Ed Meitner's EMM Labs in the U.S. and Europe. Here's the story on the new Super Audio Center firm, the new 24 Track Sonoma DSD Workstation and the balance of their announcements.Super Audio Center LaunchIn recent weeks, High Fidelity Review readers have probably noticed that some new Surround Sound SACD titles - including The Marvin Gaye Collection on Motown (Motown B0003502-36) - have carried the notation that they were authored and mastered at the Super Audio Center in Boulder, Colorado. It will be headed by industry veteran Gus Skinas who has been the Director of Field Operations for the Sony Super Audio CD Project in the U.S. and started the first SACD production office in Boulder, Colorado. According to officials at the Super Audio Center (SAC), the new operation will "offer a comprehensive array of support services for SA-CD clientele, including recording and tape transfer, mixing, editing, mastering and authoring for SA-CD projects. The new Super Audio Center will be based in Boulder, Colorado and will work closely with field engineers in both Los Angeles and New York to support remote recording and mix sessions wherever they may occur."SACD Format Gains MomentumDavid Kawakami, Sony America's Project Director for Super Audio CD, offered his comments on the new Super Audio Center launch and the growth of the SACD format. Kawakami said that "As the Super Audio CD format continues to gather momentum, a number of new businesses have been spawned. Under Gus’s guidance, this new SA-CD facility will enable us to better address the needs of those artists, producers and music labels who want to issue their music on this exciting, high resolution multi-channel format."Kawakami also noted that "SA-CD compatible products are currently being offered by more than 26 manufacturers, with nearly 120 different models available. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), more than 1.3 million SA-CD albums were shipped in the U.S. in 2003 alone, bringing the total installed base of SA-CD software to over 12 million discs life-to-date. There are now more than 2,500 SA-CD titles in release worldwide, with almost half of them available in multi-channel surround."Super Audio Center Takes Over Sonoma Workstation Management & Picks Up Meitner DSD ConvertersThe Super Audio Center also announced that they will be taking over the management, support, rental and sales of the Sonoma DSD Workstations used in the production of Super Audio CD discs from the Sony Super Audio CD Project. The 8 Channel Sonoma DSD Workstation was the first workstation available to record and edit recording sessions in native Direct Stream Digital (DSD) mode. Skinas will be assisted in the management of the Sonoma Workstations by Dr. Andrew Demery who is also joining the Super Audio Center staff.In addition to managing the Sonoma Workstations, the Super Audio Center will also begin selling the 4th Generation DSD Converters from Ed Meitner's EMM Labs in the U.S. and European markets. The Super Audio Center staff said that "Utilizing converters designed by Ed Meitner of EMM Labs, the Sonoma DSD Workstation is widely regarded as one of the most transparent recording systems marketed today. The new SAC organization will be chartered to not only lease Sonoma products, but distribute them as well, making it a critical factor to ensure SA-CD’s continued growth."Tom Jung, the producer of a number of widely praised Stereo and Surround Sound audiophile SACD releases and owner of DMP Records said that "The Sonoma System, when optically interfaced with Ed Meitner’s DSD converters, is the most musically accurate recording and editing system available today at any price, period."24 Track Sonoma Workstation Debuts at AESIn addition, SAC will be using this week's Audio Engineering Society Conference in San Francisco to formally debut the new 24 Track Sonoma DSD Workstation which will be known as Sonoma 24. The new 24 Track model which was engineered by SAC in cooperation with EMM Labs will allow recording engineers, producers and artists to record and edit 24 tracks of Direct Stream Digital (DSD) audio. The Sonoma will also be available in a 16 Track configuration known as Sonoma 16.According to Super Audio Center's Gus Skinas "Many of our clients have expressed a need to record and edit more DSD channels in order to handle more complex pop music projects. The new Sonoma’s added capacity makes it possible for us to offer up to 24 channels of high quality DSD audio in a package that behaves much like a standard multi-track recorder but delivers powerful editing as well."Rock musician and producer Michael Beinhorn added that "With DSD, we are much closer to achieving the true capability of digital recording. The Sonoma machines are, in my opinion, sonically unsurpassed and have become a staple for my mixdowns. I can only imagine how remarkable the new 24-track Sonoma is."The Super Audio Center & the 24 Track Sonoma at AESThe Super Audio Center staff tells me that the new 24 Track Sonoma Workstation will be shown in two locations during the AES Conference this week at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. It will be in the Super Audio CD booth sponsored by Philips (booth #536) as well as in the ATC Loudspeaker Demonstrations (sound room #224). At the latter location, I understand that the 24 Track Sonoma Workstation will actually be used for some DSD master tape playbacks. So that will likely be a popular room at the show.A New Web Site & Easter EggAs part of the formal launch of the new Super Audio Center, the firm has started a web site (see link below). The web site lists the services and equipment available through the Super Audio Center along with an email link to Super Audio Center chief Gus Skinas.SACD offers an added bonus if you visit their new web site and click on the new Super Audio Center logo. It's an Easter Egg that features a link to a Stereo MP3 music clip by David Elias called "If I Had My Way". High Fidelity Review readers will recall that Skinas was involved in the recording and authoring of Elias' excellent direct to DSD, Surround Sound SACD entitled The Window (Sketti Sandwich SSP 3162) last year. If I Had My Way is one of the tracks that will appear on the next David Elias Surround Sound SACD which is due out later this year or in early 2005 and Skinas and Super Audio Center are working on this one as well. http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=14627490 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 24 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hong Kong, Croatia bolster cultural ties http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5175/1/E-Hong-Kong-Croatia-bolster-cultural-ties.html ÂHong Kong, Croatia bolster cultural ties www.chinaview.cn 2004-10-19 00:18:25 HONG KONG, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Croatia's Minister of Culture Bozo Biskupic and Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho signed a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation Monday. Both sides agreed to promote and strengthen cooperation in culture, arts and education, which they believe will further mutual awareness, respect, understanding, harmony and friendship between their people. To start, there will be exchange of exhibition catalogues on contemporary art between major museums and exchange of informationon major performers. Other proposed exchange activities include music exchange programs in Hong Kong for visiting youth music groups from Croatia.Enditem http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-10/19/content_2107569.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) HERE by Zrinko Ogresta on Denver Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5180/1/E-HERE-by-Zrinko-Ogresta-on-Denver-Film-Festival.html ÂZrinko Ogresta at The 27th Starz Denver International Film FestivalP l e a s e s h a r e w i t h o t h e r sDear Friends,The 27th Starz Denver International Film Festival takes place October 14 - 24, 2004 at the Starz FilmCenter on the Auraria campus. More than 180 films from around the world will be showcased, including HERE, a film from Croatia.Since many films sell out early, filmgoers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Beginning October 1, the public can purchase tickets by phone (1-800-480-8566), at the Starz FilmCenter box office (11 a.m.  9 p.m.), and online at www.denverfilm.org.A comprehensive festival schedule is featured on www.denverfilm.org. On October 1, the schedule will be published as a special pull-out section in The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. It will also be available at area Blockbuster stores. Please note that there is no late seating. If you have any questions -- or to order group tickets before September 28 - please contact me at 303-274-4889 or bmillman@ecentral.com. Sincerely,Barbara Millman, Community Outreach CoordinatorDenver Film SocietyHERE Croatia (2003)Directed by: Zrinko OgrestaThe grand-prize winner at the 2003 Pula Film Festival, this montage of contemporary Croatia, is dark but poignant. A series of sketches features a dozen characters attempting to find meaning in a war-torn and otherwise desolate country. The first episode takes place during the war against Serbia in a house where militiamen taunt a crazed vagabond, and even though one soldier comes to the poor man's aid, this same soldier also ends up hurting the man the most. Later, the soldier reappears, wandering aimlessly through his former home, which now is inhabited by his wife and her new husband. In other stories, a young heroin addict destroys her home while desperately looking for a fix and a television actor gives the bottle his honor and love. The final story portrays the lives of a father and his teenage son, the boy urging the restless but exhausted father to go to bed, the father too lost in the bitterness of the past to sleep. The six mini-stories are held together by graceful cinematography and a rich, classical music score. A residing image in Here depicts the lights going out in a house while the Croatian national anthem plays in the background, acknowledging both hopelessness and the desire for hope.Subtitled in EnglishSaturday, October 16, 3:15 p.m.Sunday, October 17, 4 p.m. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Premiering Ines Wurth's One Woman Show http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5179/1/E-Premiering-Ines-Wurths-One-Woman-Show.html ÂPremiering Ines Wurth's One Woman Show letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) LA showings of "Freedom from Despair" a Success http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5176/1/E-LA-showings-of-Freedom-from-Despair-a-Success.html ÂLOS ANGELES SHOWINGS OF FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR A SUCCESS!ÂMilan & Sonja Vukovic, Brenda Brkusic, son Vukovic, John Savage, Nenad Bach at the St. Anthony's Parish screening. ÂOn Sunday, October 3, 2004 The Croatian National Association and St. Anthonyâs Parish Center of Los Angeles sponsored a screening of Brenda Brkusicâs acclaimed documentary film Freedom from Despair. Three hundred people participated in Catholic mass before attending the screening, which was the largest attendance the church has welcomed since Easter. After mass the Croatian childrenâs school sold over 200 delicious, hot lunches to the guests for their own fundraiser. Milan Vukovic, the President of the Croatian National Association opened the event with remarks about the film and why the Croatian National Association found it important to help Ms. Brkusic with this fundraiser and other fundraisers around the country. Mr. Vukovic urged those who were touched by the film to contribute tax-deductible donations after the screening to help Ms. Brkusic with the film. Ms. Brkusic was then introduced on stage and gave an emotional speech about the making of the film, thanking many individuals for entering her life, supporting her dreams and helping to bring justice to those Croatians who suffered under communism and during the recent war. She said âyou all are strong, beautiful, wonderful people, and you truly deserve to have a film dedicated to you.â€? The largest donation of one thousand dollars came from a young woman who said that the film meant a lot to her because her father had passed away two years ago. With tears in her eyes, she remarked âI wish I could donate more. Our parents passed their stories of suffering onto us and that feeling lives in us through them. Now we must pass it on to our children.â€? This filmâs purpose is to do exactly that while also educating non-Croatians of the Croatian struggle. The audience was so captivated by the film that you could hear a pin drop in the hall and viewers cried, laughed, and even clapped during the film. One woman of non-Croatian decent commented to Ms. Brkusic after the film, âIt was moving to be in the company of Croatians. I could feel their pain as your father and others told their story. It took great courage and perseverance to make such a powerful film.â€? Ms. Brkusic would like to thank all of those who graciously attended the screening, made donations and reserved copies of the film. The screening was so successful that the Croatian National Association and St. Anthonyâs church held a second screening on October 17, 2004 to accommodate more viewers. Also in attendance for the October 17 screening were renowned actor John Savage from the academy award winning film Deer Hunter and narrator in Freedom From Despair, acclaimed musician and composer Nenad Bach from New York who wrote the film score for Freedom From Despair, as well as Croatian Counsel General Sanja Bujas Juraga from Los Angeles and Croatian Ambassador Neven Jurica from Washington D.C. On October 10, actor John Savage and Brenda Brkusic attend the ARPA International Film Festival Awards Gala after the filmâs screened in the festival. On hand were photographers from Variety and pictures of Brenda Brkusic and John Savage can been seen on CelbrityPhotos.com at the following linkhttp://www.celebrityphoto.com/scripts/search/search.pl?keyword=Arpa+International+Film&search_type=EXACTas well as at Getty Images.com at http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspxs=EventImagesSearchState|1|0|30|0|0|1|0|0|0|51442300|0|0|0|0|0||0|0|0|0&p=3.On October 13 filmmaker Brenda Brkusic screened Freedom from Despair at Marymount College after speaking to the students about leadership and filmmaking. The students and faculty were enthralled by the film, posing many questions after the seminar and the film. Marymount College President, Dr. Thomas McFadden commented, "the film showing was greatly enhanced by having the author/director present and willing to respond to questions at the conclusion of the film. She brought a personal commitment and involvement that supplied a strong emotional impact for all those in attendance. The viewers were clearly caught up in the drama of the documentary, and raised significant questions about the history presented as well as the process of producing such an important film with little financial backing. The college students in particular received an important lesson in history, but even more significantly an important lesson in dedication to a project and what can be accomplished through such dedication. I was thoroughly involved in the documentary, and came away with an increased admiration for the Croatian people and their struggles to overcome both a Communist regime and Serbian domination. The film reinforced my sense of the power of a people to preserve its culture and political autonomy."On October 15 filmmaker Brenda Brkusic, actor John Savage, composer Nenad Bach and Milan Vukovic, president of the Croatian National Association attended Heather Mills McCartney and Paul McCartneyâs gala Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, while the night before the Oct. 3 showing there was a pre-screening party at a local LA tavern organized by Croatian National Association Vice President, Vido Artukovic. Croatians and friends filled the tavern in celebration of the film where Brenda was able to meet guests from Florida and Australia who flew out to Los Angeles to see the film. The film, which has been accepted to top film festivals around the world including the Amnesty International Film Festival, has recently been named a finalist in the Anti-Defamation Leagueâs Dore Schary Awards.Screenings of the film have been confirmed for New York for Sunday, November 21, 2004 at the Croatian Church in Manhattan at 1:30 PM and for Windsor, Ontario for Sunday, December 12, 2004 at the Croatian Church in association with the parishâs annual appreciation dinner. November and December screenings for Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis and Seattle are in the process of being confirmed. For more information or if you would like to assist with helping to promote or organize the film showing in your city or if you would like to make a donation to support the film, please visit www.freedomfromdespair.com or contact Milan Vukovic at 818-610-3388. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vermeer in Bosnia reading http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5184/1/E-Vermeer-in-Bosnia-reading.html ÂVermeer in BosniaThe free newspaper "AM New York" is reporting today, October 20th, under "Talks & Readings" writer Lawrence Weschler will do a reading at the Coliseum Books 6:oo pm, FREE. Weschler's "Vermeer in Bosnia" is a new collection from the past two decades. 11 West 42 St, between Fifth + Sixth Ave. Tel 212-803-5892 www.coliseumbooks.comVermeer (1632-1675), Dutch painter.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book Review "APRIL FOOL'S DAY" Josip Novakovich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5183/1/E-Book-Review-APRIL-FOOLS-DAY-Josip-Novakovich.html ÂBOOK REVIEW "APRIL FOOL'S DAY" JOSIP NOVAKOVICHBy Katarina TepeshIn his latest book "April Fool's Day," Josip Novakovich does a great job of weaving a fictional character Ivan Dolinar, with the background of real historical events in Croatia. Ivan is a complex character in the novel, with all the complications and contradictions dealing with very familiar events in Croatia. In the "April Fool's Day," the dramatic comedy touches on growing up in the communist regime, the widespread fear of "Russians are coming," the luck of free speech and its severe consequences, the chronic shortages of much needed products to buy, the second class medicine for the patients, moves on to the Croatian Spring and much later the Vukovar tragedy and so on. Ivan struggling with family life, speculating how to improve his marriage as well as his working situation. Artistically playful, Novakovich wrote a hilarious chapter towards the end of the novel, how dead man Ivan meets the Croatian law. Novakovich is a master of details, making meticulous observations loaded with an edge, using metaphors.Josip Novakovich is the winner of a Whiting Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. He has published two short story collections, "Yolk" and "Salvation and Other Disasters," and two collections of essays, "Plum Brandy: Croatian Journeys" and "Apricots from Chernobyl." As Editor with Robert Shapard "Stepmother Tongue: Stories in English."Novakovich teaches creative writing at Pennsylvania State University. "April Fool's Day: A Novel" by Josip Novakovich, published by HarperCollins, available in bookstores and www.amazon.com $16.77.****Josip Novakovich will appear at KGB Reading Series on Sunday, October 10th at 7 pm. FREE KGB is a bar where authors read from latest work. Novakovich will read from his novel "April Fool's Day." KGB is located at 85 East 4th Street, between Second and Third Avenue (subway F or V to Second Ave; No. 6 to Bleecker St) New York, New York Telephone 1-212-505-3360 www.kgbbar.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian music in the land of salsa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5182/1/E-Croatian-music-in-the-land-of-salsa.html ÂCroatian music in the land of salsaÂJENNIFER MOONEY PIEDRAAssociated PressÂHIALEAH, Fla. - They sit in a half-circle, in the middle of a barren room, with music stands in front of them. When Charles Mrazovich gives the go-ahead - a faint "one, two, three" - their fingers begin plucking away on the strings of their instruments.There's Mrazovich on the brac, an instrument used for the melody parts. And Curt Pollack on the prim, a small, mandolin-type instrument that makes a very high, fine sound.The bugarija, an instrument similar to the guitar but with fewer strings, is played by Wally Hertsch. His backup is Lorenz Gludovatz, the band's newest member.Mike Feduniak, sits off to the side, methodically plucking the strings of his berda, also known as the bass.They call themselves "The Tamburitzans Trio," although there are five of them. And, they say, they're Miami-Dade County's only Croatian band."We use Croatian instruments, but that doesn't mean we only play Croatian music," Mrazovich said. "We can play just about anything from 'Silent Night' to 'Guantanamera.'"And he has proof.Mrazovich keeps notebooks full of sheet music in an old-fashioned luggage. The music is categorized by type, including Italian, Greek, Jewish, Irish, Lithuanian and Russian.But their most requested songs are somewhat surprising: The Disney classic "It's a Small World" and the Tennessee anthem "Rocky Top" are among the crowd favorites, Mrazovich said."It's fun to play different kinds of music," added Pollack, "That way, things never get boring."Pollack, a former music specialist for Hialeah, plays about 20 instruments, including violin, banjo and guitar.But in 1996, he was approached by Mrazovich, a former Hialeah High teacher whom he remembered from his days at the school. Mrazovich needed a place for his band to rehearse - and Pollack had just the spot: the Victor Wilde Adult Center.Then Mrazovich issued a new challenge to Pollack: Play the bass in the Croatian band. Because of his familiarity with string instruments, Pollack quickly took up the Croatian instrument, too."Each instrument is strung differently," Pollack explained, "but I had a feel for how to play them."Learning a new instrument hasn't come as easily for Feduniak. It's not because he's not Croatian - Feduniak is actually Ukranian - but because of the instrument's bulky size and his lack of musical skill, he said.Mrazovich recruited him after the band's regular bass player died. The two were longtime friends who taught together at Hialeah High in the 1960s and 1970s."We enjoy playing together," Feduniak said. "It keeps us busy."Gludovatz, a native of Croatia, is also new to his instrument. Day by day, practice by practice, he gets a little better on the bugarija."I had always heard about these guys," said Gludovatz, a retired Florida Power & Light supervisor. "Now, I am one of them."The band's legacy has lived on for more than four decades, though it has seen members come and go. The only two original members of the group: Mrazovich and Hertsch, a retired industrial fireman at Miami International Airport.Hertsch emigrated from Croatia as a child and spent much of his life living in Canada, where he learned how to play the bugarija and the prim.In the late 1950s, soon after moving to Florida, Hertsch and Mrazovich met and became fast friends.They began making music together in the garage of Mrazovich's Hialeah home. Hertsch's wife, Nella, often joined them, playing the tambourine.The five men get together for three hours every Tuesday, playing music, nibbling on doughnuts and reminiscing about their childhood, World War II experiences and the changing community around them.Their wives sit nearby, tapping their feet to the beat of the music. During some songs, the women serve as a chorus, humming the lyrics.With the exception of Pollack, 50, the rest of the men are retired octogenarians.Besides their weekly jam sessions, the men perform at city events in Hialeah, holiday functions, retirement homes and birthday parties. The style of music they play depends on their audience - but Croatian instruments are always used.Finding bandmates among South Florida's small Croatian community hasn't been easy. The Croatian Embassy in Washington, D.C. says there are about 2 million people of Croatian descent, from first to fourth generation, living in the United States. But no stats are kept on the numbers of Croatians living in Florida.Still, each Christmas the band plays at the Ranch House, the Hialeah landmark eatery."The customers and employees love them. It's something everyone looks forward to," said cashier Ruth Finnell.The band members are gearing up for their busy season: they expect to do about a dozen performances this fall and winter."This music has been a part of my life forever," said Mrazovich, the son of Croatian immigrants. "It reminds me of my childhood."Growing up in Pittsburgh, which has a large Croatian community, Mrazovich recalls his mother enrolling him in orchestra at age 9."I was embarrassed to go out in our band uniforms because I looked like a sissy," he said, "but we knew how to play the music and people really liked it."It wasn't until 1964 that his passion to playing was rekindled when he moved to Hialeah and visited a Croatian club in Hollywood. Mrazovich joined the man onstage and grabbed an instrument: "Once you learn, you never forget." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Koncert Filip Devica u New Yorku 7 Studenog, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5181/1/E-Koncert-Filip-Devica-u-New-Yorku-7-Studenog-2004.html ÂGENERALNI KONZULAT REPUBLIKE HRVATSKE U NEW YORKU I HRVATSKA KATOLIČKA ŽUPA SV. ĆIRILA I METODA I SV. RAFAELA POZIVAJU VAS NA KONCERT I SVEČANI BANKET ÂÂPostovani g. Bach!Saljem Vam najavu koncerta koji organiziramo u suradnji s zupom Sv. Cirila i Metoda.Svako dobro,Zdenka KardumÂFOLKLORNOG ANSAMBLA "FILIP DEVIĆ" IZ SPLITA7. STUDENOGA 2004. U 1 PM U HRVATSKOM CENTRU NA MANHATTANU.NA PROGRAMU SU HRVATSKE NARODNE PJESME I PLESOVI.ULAZNICE MOŽETE KUPITI U CRKVI SVETOG ĆIRILA I METODA. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Sopranos" Star Produces Play Concerning Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5178/1/E-Sopranos-Star-Produces-Play-Concerning-Croatian.html Â"Sopranos" Star Produces Off-Broadway Show with CroatianBy Robert SimonsonThe following description from Playbill concerns a play called Ponies by Mike Batistick. One of the main characters plays a Croatian living in New York. To what extent Batistick (Batistich?) has Croatian roots, I don't know. John Peter Kraljic, Esq.October 7, 2004Michael Imperioli, who recently won an Emmy Award for his work on television's "Sopranos, and his wife Victoria, will step into the role of producers with Ponies, a new play by Mike Batistick set to run Oct. 12-Nov. 6 at Studio Dante at 257 West 29th Street.The 60-seat Studio Dante was created by the Imperiolis to develop new theatre work. Though best known for "The Sopranos," Imperioli has worked on such New York stage productions as Aven'u Boys, Displaced Persons, Half Deserted Street, The Writing on the Wall and Little Blood Brother. Victoria, meanwhile, has worked in the areas of architecture and design, having studied those disciplines at The School of Visual ArtsImperioli gets a little help from a television colleague for this inaugural production. John Ventimiglia, who played Artie Bucco on "The Sopranos," is in the cast, as are Babs Olusanmokun, Tonye Patano and Otto Sanchez. Nick Sandow directs.Ponies, developed by the LAByrinth Theatre Company, was first seen by New Yorkers at the 2003 New York International Fringe Festival, where is was produced by Rising Phoenix Rep. It opened in London in August 2004, courtesy of The New Company. The plot concerns two denizens of the Lower East Side-Drazen, a Croatia native who spends his days playing the ponies at an OTB, and Ken, a Nigerian banished from his own country who is trying to make payments on his new livery cab.Tickets (at $35) are available at Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or by visiting www.ticketcentral.com. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Texture of my life changed permanently... Angela Brkic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5177/1/E-Texture-of-my-life-changed-permanently-Angela-Brkic.html ÂTexture of my life changed permanently... Angela BrkicCourtney Angela BrkicBy THE JOURNAL NEWS(Original publication: October 10, 2004)"The Stone Fields: An Epitaph for the Living," by Courtney Angela Brkic (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $24) What compelled you, at the age of 24, to spend months excavating corpses of executed civilians from mass graves in Bosnia? Not exactly a common post-college choice. Why I went is a very complicated question and one that I'm still answering, in a way. The largest reason is that I believed, down to the bottom of my soul, in the right of those individuals (who had been murdered and left without their names and histories in that grave) to be identified and receive proper treatment in death. Together with that, I believed in the right of their families to know what had happened to them. For me, the worst is the idea of simply not knowing, of living through days, months and years, and never knowing for sure. But it's more complicated than that, as well. I was very young. Though it sounds like I am now the worst cynic, I believed then that the world was a better place than it actually was, and that, somehow, there would be justice in the end. I haven't lost that feeling entirely, but I know one thing now: There is no war crimes tribunal in the world, no reparations, and certainly no book, which can bring the dead back. How did the fact that this is where your family was from â that this was a place you'd spent childhood vacations â affect your decision to go, and your reaction to what you saw? It had a huge effect â I had a history there. Part of my childhood had been spent there, in the form of childhood summers, and we still had family living in Croatia and in Bosnia-Herzegovina, though not in eastern Bosnia, where I ended up working. Although my family lived in America, we remained very attached to "back there." During the war, we were worried about our family, and the war was a personal thing. Also, when you know a place before a war, you always have an image of that place before war. It's very different for people who come in to report or work or lend aid because of that war â they don't understand what it was. The world's impression of Bosnia, for example, is the war. This is, obviously, understandable. At the same time, it's a terrible shame. Very few people realize that the same Sarajevo that's become synonymous with Sniper Alley and the Marketplace Massacre was also a beautiful city, that it actually had electrical streetcars before Vienna. You write about your colleagues sometimes chastising you for being "too close" to the work, for not being able to put it aside after hours when everyone else seemed to just want a break from it. In some ways, I was a lousy candidate for forensic archeology in this part of the world. One, I have a link to that geography. Two, things hit me hard. Both factors meant that I internalized what I saw to a very large extent. A certain "removal" from that work is, I believe, necessary to surviving it, and I managed it only in the beginning. Before working for (Physicians for Human Rights), I had spent a year interviewing many women with missing husbands and/or sons. Members of my own family had been in harm's way during the war, and I was bitter about that fact. And then there was the matter of history â members of my extended family who had disappeared/been killed during the Second World War, something which had happened years before I was born but which affected me greatly. In a way, the dead were not faceless for me, and this is a drawback in that line of work. The team with which I worked (though not the leadership) was, at every turn, supportive. The situation became problematic, I think, because my lack of removal began to get to the people with whom I was working. But there is a flip side to this. A friend of mine in Zagreb, a university professor named Ljubica Butula, lost her son in the war in Croatia. They had been living in America, but when the war started they went back. He joined the army and was killed behind Zadar. For years, she did not know what had happened to him. She searched, she marched, she wrote letters, she became an activist. Finally, she learned that he had been executed and buried haphazardly. He was exhumed, and she was able to give him a proper burial. When I came back from Bosnia, I remember feeling ashamed when I saw her. I told her, "I couldn't do it. I was too emotional. I didn't see bodies of men; I saw men." She patted my hand and told me that was not a negative thing. So, as you can see, there is a lot of gray to the issue of being "too close."How do you ever return to "regular" life after an experience like yours? In a way, I think I never did return to regular life. After Bosnia, the texture of my life changed permanently, but that's not necessarily a negative thing. I have a much clearer sense of what is important to me â my family, above everything â and what isn't. It was difficult when I came back to the States in 1998, particularly in terms of relating to people, particularly to people my age. But I've carved out a life for myself, and it's on my own terms. And Bosnia is present in a lot of what I do and a lot of what I am. I've actually found a good outlet in teaching literature and creative writing. I'm lucky to have students who are concerned about the world in which they live, who care about making it a better place, about justice. It gives me hope. http://www.thejournalnews.com/newsroom/101004/e0310brkic.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian music in the land of salsa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5185/1/E-Croatian-music-in-the-land-of-salsa.html Croatian music in the land of salsaJENNIFER MOONEY PIEDRAAssociated PressÂHIALEAH, Fla. - They sit in a half-circle, in the middle of a barren room, with music stands in front of them. When Charles Mrazovich gives the go-ahead - a faint "one, two, three" - their fingers begin plucking away on the strings of their instruments.There's Mrazovich on the brac, an instrument used for the melody parts. And Curt Pollack on the prim, a small, mandolin-type instrument that makes a very high, fine sound.The bugarija, an instrument similar to the guitar but with fewer strings, is played by Wally Hertsch. His backup is Lorenz Gludovatz, the band's newest member.Mike Feduniak, sits off to the side, methodically plucking the strings of his berda, also known as the bass.They call themselves "The Tamburitzans Trio," although there are five of them. And, they say, they're Miami-Dade County's only Croatian band."We use Croatian instruments, but that doesn't mean we only play Croatian music," Mrazovich said. "We can play just about anything from 'Silent Night' to 'Guantanamera.'"And he has proof.Mrazovich keeps notebooks full of sheet music in an old-fashioned luggage. The music is categorized by type, including Italian, Greek, Jewish, Irish, Lithuanian and Russian.But their most requested songs are somewhat surprising: The Disney classic "It's a Small World" and the Tennessee anthem "Rocky Top" are among the crowd favorites, Mrazovich said."It's fun to play different kinds of music," added Pollack, "That way, things never get boring."Pollack, a former music specialist for Hialeah, plays about 20 instruments, including violin, banjo and guitar.But in 1996, he was approached by Mrazovich, a former Hialeah High teacher whom he remembered from his days at the school. Mrazovich needed a place for his band to rehearse - and Pollack had just the spot: the Victor Wilde Adult Center.Then Mrazovich issued a new challenge to Pollack: Play the bass in the Croatian band. Because of his familiarity with string instruments, Pollack quickly took up the Croatian instrument, too."Each instrument is strung differently," Pollack explained, "but I had a feel for how to play them."Learning a new instrument hasn't come as easily for Feduniak. It's not because he's not Croatian - Feduniak is actually Ukranian - but because of the instrument's bulky size and his lack of musical skill, he said.Mrazovich recruited him after the band's regular bass player died. The two were longtime friends who taught together at Hialeah High in the 1960s and 1970s."We enjoy playing together," Feduniak said. "It keeps us busy."Gludovatz, a native of Croatia, is also new to his instrument. Day by day, practice by practice, he gets a little better on the bugarija."I had always heard about these guys," said Gludovatz, a retired Florida Power & Light supervisor. "Now, I am one of them."The band's legacy has lived on for more than four decades, though it has seen members come and go. The only two original members of the group: Mrazovich and Hertsch, a retired industrial fireman at Miami International Airport.Hertsch emigrated from Croatia as a child and spent much of his life living in Canada, where he learned how to play the bugarija and the prim.In the late 1950s, soon after moving to Florida, Hertsch and Mrazovich met and became fast friends.They began making music together in the garage of Mrazovich's Hialeah home. Hertsch's wife, Nella, often joined them, playing the tambourine.The five men get together for three hours every Tuesday, playing music, nibbling on doughnuts and reminiscing about their childhood, World War II experiences and the changing community around them.Their wives sit nearby, tapping their feet to the beat of the music. During some songs, the women serve as a chorus, humming the lyrics.With the exception of Pollack, 50, the rest of the men are retired octogenarians.Besides their weekly jam sessions, the men perform at city events in Hialeah, holiday functions, retirement homes and birthday parties. The style of music they play depends on their audience - but Croatian instruments are always used.Finding bandmates among South Florida's small Croatian community hasn't been easy. The Croatian Embassy in Washington, D.C. says there are about 2 million people of Croatian descent, from first to fourth generation, living in the United States. But no stats are kept on the numbers of Croatians living in Florida.Still, each Christmas the band plays at the Ranch House, the Hialeah landmark eatery."The customers and employees love them. It's something everyone looks forward to," said cashier Ruth Finnell.The band members are gearing up for their busy season: they expect to do about a dozen performances this fall and winter."This music has been a part of my life forever," said Mrazovich, the son of Croatian immigrants. "It reminds me of my childhood."Growing up in Pittsburgh, which has a large Croatian community, Mrazovich recalls his mother enrolling him in orchestra at age 9."I was embarrassed to go out in our band uniforms because I looked like a sissy," he said, "but we knew how to play the music and people really liked it."It wasn't until 1964 that his passion to playing was rekindled when he moved to Hialeah and visited a Croatian club in Hollywood. Mrazovich joined the man onstage and grabbed an instrument: "Once you learn, you never forget." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Rock Legend Zeljko Bebek in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5186/1/E-Croatian-Rock-Legend-Zeljko-Bebek-in-New-York.html ÂCroatian Rock Legend Zeljko BebekLIVE in Concert - Tonight!THIS Friday October 1st 9PM at Croatian Center in Manhattan. Former lead singer of Bijelo Dugme and successful solo artist, who performed such hits as "Ne spavaj mala moja, Kad bi bio Bijelo Dugme, Zaboravi, Dabogda te voda odnjela, Zuta ruza, Laku noc sviraci, Oprosti mi sto te volim" and many more. Also, New York's Cro band "MORE" will be performing. Tickets may be purchased at the door. ($25)See ya there.... http://www.nycroats.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Looking for War veterans in New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5190/1/E-Looking-for-War-veterans-in-New-York-City.html ÂLooking for War veterans in New York CityMy name is Michael Sugrue and I'm a photographer in New York City. I'm looking for subjects, specifically war veterans in New York City, for a photo project I'm working on. The project is focused on conflicts not extensively (or completely, fairly, etc.) covered by the American media. The conflict in the Balkans was treated as a political issue and the focus in the US was on the duty of our President to commit American troops. There was not a lot of discourse concerning the merits of those actually involved in the territorial struggle.My project aims to help tell the stories of the veterans of that war, in a personal way that has so far eluded the world press. Also, with the passage of several years, the stories will have take on a degree of perspective.Each photograph will be accompanied by a brief biographical description and a first person account of his/her experience.I hope to ultimately exhibit these photographs in a gallery and possibly a book. At the present time, I am only looking for veterans who live/work in the New York City area.I can be reached at mike@sugrue.com as well as at (917) 482-9546. Again, for the time being, I'm looking for people who fought in, or were otherwise directly affected by, the conflict in the Balkans, and who live in or around New York City. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to participate. All those participating will receive prints of their pictures. Thanks a lot.-Michael Sugruehttp://www.nycroats.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 28 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) THURSDAY - April Fool's Day Book Promotion in NY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5189/1/E-THURSDAY---April-Fools-Day-Book-Promotion-in-NY.html ÂCroatian Cultural Thursdays invites you to the promotion of newly releasedAPRIL FOOL'S DAY by Josip NovakovichThursday, September 30, 20047 PMAuditorium below the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius502 West 41 Street (10 and 11 ave)Info: kdeletis@excite.comPlease join us after the reading for book signing!More information: kdeletis@excite.com****************************************Croatian-born Josip Novakovich moved to the United States at the age of twenty. He has published two story collections (Yolk and Salvation and Other Disasters), two collections of narrative essays (Plum Brandy: Croatian Journeys and Apricots from Chernobyl), and was anthologized in Best American Poetry, Pushcart Prize, and O.Henry Prize Stories. His textbook, Fiction Writerâs Workshop, was a Book of the Month Club selection. His novel Poppy Slopes is to be published in Spain (in Spanish). He received the Whiting Writerâs Award (1997), Guggenheim Fellowship (1999), two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1991 and 2002), the Ingram Merrill Award, an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation and he has been a writing fellow of the New York City Public Library. His work has appeared in many journals, including Paris Review, Threepenny Review, The New York Times Magazine, European Magazine, and he contributes regularly to the Zagreb daily Jutarnji list. Mr. Novakovich teaches in the MFA program at Penn State University.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 28 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) LOS ANGELES TO SCREEN FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5188/1/E-LOS-ANGELES-TO-SCREEN-FREEDOM-FROM-DESPAIR.html ÂScreening of "Freedom from Despair" October 3, 2004ÂPlease mark the following event on your calendar:Sunday, October 3, 2004 at 12:00 noon: Screening of Brenda Brkusic's incredible film "Freedom from Despair" at St. Anthony's Parish Hall 712 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012This highly acclaimed film is truly the story of all Croatians and the Croatian National Association (Udruga) is proud to sponsor the showing of this film. You will also be able to meet and speak to Brenda Brkusic in person. This is a fundraiser for Brenda to be able to continue promoting the film and to be able to make films in the future. No RSVP is required and there is no admission charge. If you think as highly of this film as we do your tax deductible donation will be gratefully accepted after the screening. For more information please visit www.freedomfromdespair.com (new reviews of the film, viewer quotes and photos from the Pula Film Festival in Croatia will be posted within the next week).Please remember, if we support each other's events, not only will they be more profitable, they'll also be more fun! Zivili!!!Milan VukovicPresident Croatian National AssociationA note from Brenda:I want to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement as I work to get Freedom From Despair shown in the American mainstream media. Your attendance at this screening will be crucial in gaining the support needed to go further with promoting the film and will mean so much to me and to all the people who told their life stories in the film. In two years with little funds, I tried to make a film that all would be proud of - a film that tells the Croatian story in an easy to understand, professional and entertaining format. The film festival acceptances and the great newspaper reviews have been a blessing. Croatians have laughed and cried while seeing their own stories represented on the screen - the film is a rollercoaster of emotions that I know each and everyone of you will relate to in some way. I am ecstatic to share the film with you and ask for your support in making this journey a success. I look forward to meeting all of you in Los Angeles. With much love and respect,Brenda BrkusicBIOGRAPHYFilm producer, writer, director and editor, Brenda Brkusic was born in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles in 1999 to pursue her dream of working in the entertainment industry. Brenda has recently graduated with highest honors from Chapman University where she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Writing and Directing on an academic scholarship. At Chapman, she had experience as a production assistant, post production supervisor, script supervisor, and dance choreographer on various short films while also serving the film school as a part of the administration staff. She wrote, produced, directed and edited her senior thesis documentary Freedom from Despair, a feature which was shot in California, Chicago and Croatia during the summer of 2003. Due to her efforts, Brenda was awarded Chapman Film Schoolâs Marion Knott Scholarship, which afforded her the opportunity to work one on one with Academy Award winning filmmaker David S. Ward, during post-production on Freedom from Despair. Brenda was then invited to her Alma Mater, Marymount College, to screen the film and speak to the students in a leadership series. Brenda was featured on PBS television for the Next Generation Filmmakers program as well as the PBS Real Orange news program where she was interviewed about the making of Freedom from Despair. Her writing about Croatia has been published in the Washington Times newspaper and her own story has been featured in numerous international magazines, newspapers, radio and television programs. Most recently she was interviewed on the LA radio program âCenter Stageâ€? which features award-winning independent filmmakers. Freedom from Despair has received rave reviews from KODAK, Hrvatsko Slovo newspaper, Vecernji List newspaper, and has been mentioned in the LA Times as a part of an article on the Dubrovnik International Film Festival. In addition to winning an award for Best Documentary, Freedom from Despair was recognized by Amnesty International, the largest human rights organization in the world, as one of the most important documentary films this year, and was invited to have a world premiere in their film festival at the Directorâs Guild in Hollywood. FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR - starring Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak and Dennis Kucinich. Music by Nenad Bach.Kodak review of the film: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/students/beat/aug2004/aug_04_chapman2.jhtml?id=0.1.4.5.4.8&lc=enHrvatsko Slovo Newspaper review of the film:http://www.croatianworld.net/CROWNframes.htm?http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/4653.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 28 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vanessa Redgrave Patron of CLOSER CROATIA Film Fest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5187/1/E-Vanessa-Redgrave-Patron-of-CLOSER-CROATIA-Film-Fest.html ÂVANESSA REDGRAVE PATRON OF CLOSER CROATIA FILM FESTIVALVanessa Redgrave is to be the patron of LondonâsCroatian Film Festival entitled Closer Croatiaat the Riverside Studios over 7-10 October.She will open the festival on 7 October at 7.30pm.Croatia isnât just the most beautiful touristdestination in Europe, it has produced some of CentralEuropeâs finest cinema. Some of the most importantCroatian films, both past and present, are to bescreened.Representing the new generation of Croatian cinemawill be Dalibor Matanic who will attend the screeningof his film 'Fine Dead Girls' on 8 October. He will participate in a Q&A session atthe screening.Legend of Croatian cinema, actor Relja Basic willattend the screening of two of his films, 'Rondo'and the best loved Croatian film of all time 'He WhoSings Means No Harm'on 10 October.As part of Closer Croatia, two tributes to theinternationally renowned Zagreb School of Animationwill be screened on 9 and 10 October, including theOscar winning âErsatzâ by DuÅan VukotiÃ.www.csypn.org.uk/closercroatia letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 26 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Film FUSE Gori vatra in New York Sept 23, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5194/1/E-Film-FUSE-Gori-vatra-in-New-York-Sept-23-2004.html ÂFUSE Gori vatra ÂI thought some of you might me interested in seeing this movie. I heard it was excellent. The ACF auditorium is rather small, so my recommendation is to go to the 6 pm screening as it will be less crowded. Austrian Cultural Forum New York11 East 52 Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenues)Phone (212) 319-5300www.acfny.org September 23, 2004, 6 pm and 8 pm , ACF FUSE Gori vatra Bosnia and Herzegovina, two years after the war. Teanj, a small picturesque Bosnian town. On the surface - good, open-hearted people, a market place, tradition, and neighborhood. Under the surface - ethnic intolerance, crime, prostitution and total corruption. Then, news arrives about the forthcoming visit by US President Clinton. Under the supervision and with wholehearted assistance of the international community observers a frenzied race with time starts in an attempt to build democracy in seven days. In this race the whole town goes completely crazy...Directed by Pjer Zalica, Bosnian/English, 105 min. (comedy)Script: Pjer ZalicaCinematography: Mirsad HerovicEditing: Almir KenovicMusic: Sasa Losic Producers: Ademir Kenovic, Zijad Mehic, Franz and Karin NovotnyProduction companies: Refresh Productions Sarajevo, Novotny & NovotnyFilmproduktion GmbHRelease: August 11, 2003, Locarno (Award: Silver Leopard)Cast: Enis Beslagic, Bogdan Diklic, Sasa Petrovic, Izudin BajrovicPjer Zalica filmographyFuse 2003, The End of Unpleasant Times (short) 1998.Documentaries: Mostar Sevdah Reunion 2000, Children Like Any Others 1995,MGM-Sarajevo 1994, Godot Sarajevo 1993, School of Military Skills 1993, TheMan Called Boat 1992.Free admission. No tickets or reservations necessary. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) April Fool's Day in Minneapolis Star Trib http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5193/1/E-April-Fools-Day-in-Minneapolis-Star-Trib.html ÂBook review: 'April fool's Day' by Josip Novakovich ÂHere's a review from the Minneapolis Star Trib:Reviewed By Brad Zellar, Special to the Star Tribune September 19, 2004 APRIL0919 Book party on Sept. 29, 7:30pm, at Dactyl Foundation, 64 Grand Street (one block north of Canal). . . Free wine!Ivan Dolinar, the fractured protagonist of Josip Novakovich's forlorn and frequently hilarious first novel, "April Fool's Day," is a Croatian man trapped in the teeth of history and at the mercy of the universally merciless machinery of the state. Caught up in the bloody fragmentation of Yugoslavia, Dolinar's journey takes him, in alternating surges of hope and despair, through the full, horrifying range of human possibility.As such Novakovich's novel is a sort of Balkan conflation of Louis-Ferdinand Celine's coruscating post-World War I novels "Journey to the End of the Night" and "Death on the Installment Plan," with obvious nods to a host of other absurdist classics, from Gogol's "Dead Souls" to "Slaughterhouse Five." Yet while we might have seen countless variants of Novakovich's picaresque tale over the centuries, what makes "April Fool's Day" such a jarring experience is how contemporary and raw the history it recounts still is; time and again you have to remind yourself that this is not, as it so often seems, a novel born of the World Wars. And what makes the book such a strange and special achievement is the fact that Novakovich is a Croatian expatriate who emigrated to the United States at the age of 20 and now writes in his second language, a precise yet wonderfully gymnastic version of English."April Fool's Day" takes Ivan Dolinar (the title alludes to his birth on April 1, 1948) from the cradle to the grave and, quite literally, beyond. Along that bleak, hamstrung journey Novakovich subjects his anti-hero to all manner of barbarism, indignity and suffering, and Dolinar is a marvelous creation, equal parts bumbling philosopher and resigned victim of fate.As a boy, Ivan is fascinated by the spectacle of power as represented by the Yugoslavian leader, Marshall Tito. He soon enough becomes disillusioned, however, when a medical school prank lands him in a labor camp for four years. Upon his release the country begins its descent into chaos, and Ivan observes Tito's special forces breaking up a demonstration in Zagreb: "The police, riding on parade horses, attacked the demonstrators and clubbed them, fracturing skulls and clavicles. Ivan watched it from the sidewalks. He had little sympathy for the nationalists -- how could you be a nationalist? A nation is a huge group of people, and each group of people has a lot of jerks in it, so if you identify yourself with the group, you partake of the jerkdom." When war breaks out, Ivan nonetheless finds himself conscripted to the Serbian army and partaking of the jerkdom on a large and appalling scale. He deserts, only to be captured by a battalion of Croats, pressed unwillingly into service once more, and taken prisoner yet again, this time by Chetniks. Novakovich tempers his descriptions of the horrors of war with black humor and moments of grace, and as Ivan is marched through the blasted countryside he is struck time and again by surreal visions, disturbing and frequently beautiful, emerging from the carnage all around him: "Past a burnt-out and gutted steel mill, the decimated regiment of Muslims and Croats stumbled through a field of bomb craters," Novakovich writes. "Water filled the craters, out of which rough-skinned gray frogs leaped like beating hearts that had deserted the bodies of warring men and now roamed the doomed landscape. Ivan found the sudden leaps of so many hearts out of the gray earth unsettling. He could not see any of them until they were in the air, so it seemed to him that the earth was spitting up useless hearts and swallowing them back into the mud."Ivan eventually makes his way through many such doomed and unforgettable landscapes to what is left of his home and his life, only to discover that not much of either remains; he literally spends the last third of the book as a dead man, and even as he slowly dissolves into a permanent piece of local folklore, Ivan the ghost is still searching for the connections and answers he failed to find while he was stumbling around on the planet, still "hankering for any trace of love and faith to give [him] the sensation of being alive in the face of empty eternity." ÂBrad Zellar is a Minneapolis writer and former bookstore owner. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 'April Fool's Day': Ivan the Terrified - 30% off to buy NOW http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5192/1/E-April-Fools-Day-Ivan-the-Terrified---30-off-to-buy-NOW.html Â"Novakovich knows how to tell a story" - The New York Times Dear Crown readers,  Have you seen the review on Sunday in The New York Times? If not, go to www.nyt.com and then books, and look up "Ivan the Terrified." Book is 30% off on both www.bn.com and www.amazon.com. It even appears to be selling pretty well.Josip Novakovich  Â'April Fool's Day': Ivan the Terrified By MAUD CASEY Published: September 19, 2004 APRIL FOOL'S DAY By Josip Novakovich. 226 pp. HarperCollins Publishers. $23.95. Books and Literature HIS wickedly funny and deeply harrowing first novel from Josip Novakovich, a Croatian expatriate who came to the United States at 20 - in part to avoid enlistment in the Yugoslav Federal Army - relates the picaresque tale of one Ivan Dolinar, born in Croatia on April Fool's Day in 1948, around the time of Tito's historic split with Stalin. Novakovich knows how to tell a story, and his prose has an easy, elegant velocity. Of the rain in Serbia, he writes, ''The wetness carried the smells of poisonous mushrooms and old leaves, not only of the leaves that had just zigzagged to the ground but also of the leaves from the last year, and from thousands of years ago.'' This novel's darkly ironic chapter headings - ''Ivan falls in love with power as soon as he learns how to crawl''; ''Ivan finds out that the world is a huge labor camp'' - deftly move us through Ivan's peripatetic existence and this novel's meditations on war, faith and the doldrums of humanity. Miraculously, Ivan survives childhood despite his parents' blasted lives. (His father returns home from World War II with his severed arm and leg in a potato sack, having ''changed armies several times and joined the winning side too late,'' and promptly drops dead of delirium tremens; his mother's goal is to be ''as inconspicuous as possible.'') He fully understands the absurdity of his own options: ''He could assimilate in Serbia. . . . He could join the K.G.B., the C.I.A., both. And he could become an alcoholic. He was absolutely free.'' Ultimately, he hits the road to attend medical school in northern Serbia, where his Muslim roommate (later nailed to a cross by Chetnik rebels) makes a joke about assassinating Tito that lands them in a labor camp, where Ivan comes face to face with Tito himself. The dictator offers him a cigar, but when Ivan doesn't smoke it properly (''Cigar is a nose sport, not a lung disease,'' Tito says), his prison sentence is lengthened. After Ivan's release, he is drafted into the Yugoslav Federal Army and, like his father, ends up changing armies several times. (Novakovich makes it clear that in this case there are no winning sides.) He first fights against the Croatian Army, which captures and enlists him, only to be recaptured by the Federal Army and forced on a 100-mile death march. Here's a copy from bn.:  April Fool's Day JosipÂNovakovich ÂLargerÂview Hardcover, SeptemberÂ2004 ÂListÂPrice: $23.95 ÂOurÂPrice: $16.76ÂÂ(Save 30%) ÂBarnes & Noble Member Price:ÂÂ$15.08  People who bought this book also bought: Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury Memorial Day Vince Flynn The Zero Game Brad Meltzer Animal Farm George Orwell, C. M. WoodhouseÂ(Introduction), Preface byÂRussell Baker Executive Power Vince Flynn  Product Details: ISBN: 0060583975 Format: Hardcover, 240pp Pub. Date: SeptemberÂ2004 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Barnes & Noble Sales Rank: 199 Âhttp://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/19/books/review/19CASEY.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Art Displayed in the Empire State Building http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5191/1/E-Croatian-Art-Displayed-in-the-Empire-State-Building.html ÂCroatian Art Displayed in the Empire State BuildingÂContact:Croatian National Tourist Office350 Fifth Ave. #4003New York, NY 10118Tel: 212-279-8672 Fax: 212-279-8683Email: cntony@earthlink.net New York, NY - Sept. 10, 2004 -- Where was the tie invented? Croatia, of course!See the orginal Croatian tie, or "cravat", the next time you're at the Empire State Building's Fifth Avenue Gallery, where the newly opened Exhibit on Croatian is running from Sept. 10 until Nov. 22nd, featuring more than 40 works ofart, authentic Croatian artifacts and promotional posters.Croatia is a nation of almost 5 million people, nestled in the heart of Europe on the beautiful Adriatic coast. Being an integral part of Europe, it is a place of great cultural heritage, and 6 UNESCO Sites! This ancient land is also one of the world's newest travel destinations, made popular by its wealth of history, tradition, and heritage, and its friendly people that welcomeyou!Croatia has eight national parks. The best known of these is Plitvice Lakes. There are over 1,000 islands, islets, and reefs. They are well-preserved, perfect for eco-tourism. Croatiabecame a popular world cruise destination, and has many interesting ports-of-call, such as Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, Trogir, Zadar, and Pula. Excellent accommodations, such as boutique-style and five-star hotels, offer many options for both leisure and business travellers. Croatia is also home to rich culinary traditions, a combination of Mediterranean and continental cuisine. It is the home of world-renowned Zinfandel wine, whose vineyards are found insouthern Dalmatia. Continental Croatia's Kutjevo vineyards are known for their Grasevina and Riesling white wines. The Istria region is known for good food and its award-winning white truffles. One of these truffles even set a record in the Guinness Book of Records!The Croatian exhibit features breathtaking posters of Croatian cities and well-known tourist resorts such as Dubrovnik, Pula, Bol, Krk, Murter, and Zagreb. In addition, there are stunning photos that capture scenes of young and vibrant Croatians. One window display salutes New York, showcasing the riveting sepia works of MaksimilianVanka, a world-renowned Croatian artist, and his 1932 portrayal of old New York. Also, there are wonderful watercolors by the painter Antun Mates that portray Fifth Avenue with its famous Empire State Building. In addition to paintings and photography, the exhibit features original embroidery costumes from Zagorje region near the Croatian capital, Zagreb, artifacts showing history of Croatia like the Stone Tablet from Baska on Krk Island written in 11th-century Glagolithic script,and the Clay Dove, an artifact from 3000 BC. Visitors will also be marveled by the magnificent works of world-renowned naïve artist Ivan Lackovic-Croata,one of the founders of Croatia's Naïve School of Painting in Hlebine.The works of contemporary artists like Nives Kavuric Kurtovic 's Caged Bird isbeautifully displayed, as well as Duro Pulitika's Dalmatian Villages. Young artists like Miljenko Bengez, already known throughout the New York art scene, has an Imaginary City, and young and talented Antonija Ruskovic and Sanja Rescek are also featured, whose works all add to the uniquelyCroatian flavor of the exhibit, which will give visitors a taste of Croatia righthere in Manhattan!The exhibit was put together by the Croatian National Tourist Office in New York,whose General Manager Nena Komarica organized and selected the unique varietyof works and promotional material. According to Ms. Komarica, "This is the first time that Croatia is featured in the EmpireState Building, and we are taking this great opportunity to show our country as an upcoming tourist destination for Americans." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian American Kathy Thomas Publishes Book http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5195/1/E-Croatian-American-Kathy-Thomas-Publishes-Book.html Â"Don't Call Me Rosie, the Women who Welded the LSTs and the Men who Sailed on Them" by Kathy Thomaswww.thomaswright.com/LSTbookorder.htm ÂSecond Generation Croatian American publishes book, "Don’t Call Me Rosie, the Women who Welded the LSTs and the Men Who Sailed on Them."Ann’s parents, Julia Sita and Vid Jurjevic, were born in Rude and Jastrebarsko, respectively. Like many Croatian immigrants, they traveled together across the Atlantic Ocean, arrived on Ellis Island, and then traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to make their home. Julia and Vid had 10 children, one dying shortly after childbirth. The U.S. entered World War II and in 1943, three of the Jurjevic sisters, Ann, Vee, and Jul, became welders at the Dravo shipyard on Neville Island in Pittsburgh. They helped build the Landing Ship, Tanks or LSTs. The LST was a new type of ship that could land directly on the beaches of Africa, Europe, and the Pacific and discharge troops and equipment.Inspired by her mother, Ann, and her two aunts, Kathleen Thomas has collected the stories of her mother, aunts, and other women welders and published them in the book, "Don’t Call Me Rosie, the Women who Welded the LSTs and the Men who Sailed on Them." The first Chapter, "The Jurjevic Sisters", also tells the story of how Kathleen’s parents, Ann Jurjevic and Frank Thomas, met at Javors, a Croatian Club. Frank’s parents were also born in Croatia. They traveled separately to the United States and met in Pittsburgh. Less than a year after Ann and Frank met, the Army sent Frank to Africa. He sailed from Ellis Island to Casablanca. It would be almost three years before Frank returned to the States and married Ann. In addition to her mother’s and aunts’ stories, the book includes the stories of other women welders who worked in the shipyards in Pittsburgh; Evansville; Hingham; Jeffersonville; Seneca; Vancouver, Washington; and Portland, Oregon.The stories of the men who sailed on the LSTs include eyewitness accounts of Pearl Harbor, Exercise Tiger, the West Loch tragedy, Leyte, and kamikaze attacks. Although most of the stories are about World War II, one chapter includes the stories from three men who served in the Korean War.To order a copy of the book, send a check for $15.00 payable to Thomas/Wright, Inc., 7190 SW Fir Loop, Tigard, Oregon 97223. A book order form can be downloaded from the website:www.thomaswright.com/LSTbookorder.htm The book is also available at Amazon.com and Borders.com.Kathy ThomasThomas/Wright, Inc.7190 SW Fir LoopTigard, OR 97223503-624-1468kthomas@thomaswright.com www.thomaswright.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Promotion of Angela Brkic?s New Book ? NY and San Pedro http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5196/1/EH-Promotion-of-Angela-Brkics-New-Book--NY-and-San-Pedro.html ÂPromotion of Angela Brkic’s New Book – NY and San PedroAngela Courney Brkic, the author of Stillness and Other Stories has just released her second book, The Stone Fields. This powerful work will make you cry, laugh, think and feel. Brkic wrote her fascinating family saga interwoven with 21st Century Croatian history. She joined a forensic team working in Bosnia and Hercegovina where she excavated the bodies of people killed in the massacre of Srebrenica, assisted pathologists with autopsies, and arranged personal effects for photographing. "The Stone Fields" explores how the devastating consequences of war linger for generations.As a result of cooperation between Croatian communities in New York and San Pedro, the following promotions of Angela’s book will take place:New York:Thursday, September 16, 2004 – 6:30 PM at the Croatian Center in Manhattan, 502 W 41 Street, New York, NY. Info: kdeletis@excite.com . Organizers: Croatian Cultural Thursdays and Cultural Association Napredak.San Pedro:Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 7 PM at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 West 7th Street, San Pedro, CA. Info: 310-833 0103. Organizer: Croatian Cultural Center.This is an exciting opportunity to meet Angela, a very talented Croatian-American writer whose work has earned her rewards such as the Whiting Writer’s Award.Those who are unable to attend can order The Stone Fields online:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0374207747/qid=1094845327/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-3682130-5221620?v=glance&s=books***Angela Courney Brkic, autorica knjige Stillness and Other Stories upravo je izdala svoju, drugu po redu knjigu, The Stone Fields. Kooperacijom izmedu Hrvatskih zajednica u New Yorku i San Pedru, organizirane su slijedece promocije Andeline knjige:New YorkCetvrtak, 16. rujna, 2004 – 18:30 u Hrvatskom centru na Manhattanu, 502 W 41 Street, New York, NY. Informacije: kdeletis@excite.com . Organizatori: Croatian Cultural Thursdays i kulturno drustvo Napredak.San Pedro:Subota, 25. rujna, 2004 – 19:00 u Hrvatskom kulturnom centru, 510 West 7th Street, San Pedro, CA. Informacije: 310-833 0103. Organizator: Hrvatski kulturni centar.Oba dogadaja su prilika da upoznate Angelu, talentiranu Hrvatsko-Americku spisateljicu ciji rad joj je donio cijenjene nagrade kao sto je Whiting Writer’s Award.Angelina knjiga se moze naruciti preko interneta na:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0374207747/qid=1094845327/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-3682130-5221620?v=glance&s=books letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 10 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hrvatska Naivna Umjetnost pred Americkom publikom http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5200/1/E-Hrvatska-Naivna-Umjetnost-pred-Americkom-publikom.html ÂHRVATSKA NAIVNA UMJETNOST PONOVO PRED AMERICKOM PUBLIKOMNa inicijativu grupe slikara naivaca, clanova HBZ-a Lodge 2000 u Zagrebu, bit ce predstavljena hrvatska naivna umjetnost kroz ciklus izložba u SAD-u MELITA MATIJEVICNaivna umjetnost u kontekstu svjetske povijesti umjetnosti osebujan je umjetnicki fenomen 20. st.. Pojavnost naivne umjetnosti na našim prostorima datira od ranih tridesetih godina prošloga stoljeca. Ovaj segment naivne umjetnosti poznat u svjetskim razmjerima ne predstavlja njen pravi pocetak. Zacetke naivne umjetnosti nalazimo još s kraja 19. st. u pojedinacnim pojavama anonimnih samoukih slikara i kipara cija djela tek danas otkrivamo. Svoj procvat doživljava sredinom prošloga stoljeca, a rezultat je kulturno-povijesne realnosti, sredine iz koje je ponikla i radoznalosti i htijenja pojedinca da odnos prema svijetu izrazi na svoj, nadahnut nacin.Po autenticnosti i originalnosti izraza najprepoznatljivije u svijetu je slikarstvo tzv. Hlebinske škole izraslo u tihom i živopisnom krajoliku Podravine. To su slike osobnog likovnog jezika. Slike cistog i cjelovitog doživljaja neokrnjenog krajolika livada, šuma, dravskih rukavaca i prizora seoske stvarnosti. Po svojim motivima, živom valeru i jedinstvenoj tehnici slikanja na staklu ova umjetnost je svima prepoznatljiva. Hrvatska naivna umjetnost ne podliježe akademizmu niti trenutnim umjetnickim trendovima, nego je izraz rudimentarnog i primitivnog, što je njena opca vanjska osobina i što joj odreduje vrijednost. Stoga je živeci svoj osebujni život, naivna umjetnost, umjetnost za sva vremena. Od prvih skromnih zacetaka njenoga prezentiranja 1931. godine u zagrebackom Umjetnickom paviljonu gdje su izlagali Ivan Generalic i Franjo Mraz, danas naivna umjetnost obuhvaca preko 200 imena od najstarije do najmlade generacije. Svoju ekspanziju ova umjetnost doživljava izložbom Ivana Generalica pedesetih godina prošloga stoljeca u Parizu. Interes za nju ne prestaje o cemu svjedoci i izložba naših naivaca postavljena 2000. godine u Muzeju umjetnosti u Saint Petersburgu na Floridi. Apsolutno nevjerojatno. Po prvi puta mnogi su se Amerikanci doista zacudili da ovako nešto postoji, rekao je u povodu izložbe tadašnji ravnatelj Muzeja umjetnosti gospodin Michael Milkovich.Hrvatska naivna umjetnost ponovo se predstavlja americkoj publici kroz ciklus izložba. Ovu inicijativu potaknula je grupa slikara naivaca, predstavnika stare i mlade generacije, clanova Hrvatske bratske zajednice Lodge 2000 u Zagrebu. Izložbe naših umjetnika naivaca bit ce postavljene u nekoliko americkih gradova (Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago, Washington i Milwauke). Umjetnici ce biti zastupljeni sa oko stodvadeset slikarskih djela, a predstavit ce se slikari starije i mlade generacije: Nada Hegedušic-Jankovic, Marija Peti-Božic, Zvonko Sigetic, Ivica Fišter, Mato Toth, Martin Ðukin i Stjepan Ðukin. Svi oni pokazat ce se u svom autenticnom, osebujnom stilu. Prva u ciklusu izložba predstavit ce se 14. listopada 2004. u Pittsburghu (Pennsylvania) u The Connie Kimbo Gallery na Sveucilištu u Pittsburghu. To ce ujedno biti i otvorenje i najava cjelokupnog projekta prezentiranja hrvatske naivne umjetnosti. Na svecanom prijamu 16. listopada bit ce prisutni visoki uglednici: hrvatski veleposlanik, predstavnici konzulata 11 europskih država, predstavnici Sveucilišta u Pittsburghu, predstavnici lokalnih vlasti, gospodarstvenici, predstavnici hrvatsko-americkih udruženja. U okviru ovoga projekta naivna slikarica Nada Hegedušic-Jankovic pozvana je da održi predavanje na Odsjeku za modernu umjetnost Sveucilišta u Pittsburghu. Projekt je organiziran u suradnji Hrvatske bratske zajednice u Zagrebu i Društva za promicanje kulture i gospodarstva Hrvatske i SAD-a. Direktorica cijelog dogadanja u SAD-u je gospoda Nadine Bognar, a u ulozi kodirektorice je gospoda Bernadette Luketich Sikaras.Društvo za promicanje kulture i gospodarstva Hrvatske i SAD-a osnovano je na inicijativu pocasnog hrvatskog konzula u Pittsburghu dr. Mariona M. Vujevicha, uglednog dermatologa i plasticnog kirurga hrvatskog podrijetla. Udruženje je utemeljeno s ciljem da se osnuju podružnice za promicanje gospodarskih i kulturnih djelatnosti Hrvatske i SAD-a. Podršku za rad Udruženje je dobilo od Veleposlanstva Republike Hrvatske u Washingtonu. U odbor Udruženja imenovani su ugledni clanovi hrvatske zajednice u SAD-u: dr. Vujevich, Frank Brozovich; pocasni konzul RH u Seatleu, James Coleman; pocasni konzul u New Orleansu, Boris A. Mikšic; pocasni hrvatski konzul u St. Paulu, Bernard M. Luketich; predsjednik HBZ-a, Edward W. Pazo; gl. tajnik HBZ-a, David Klasnich; potpredsjednik PNC banke, Nadine Bognar; predsjednica tvrtke Bognar & Co., Bernadette Luketich Sikaras; direktorica za ljudske sposobnosti, Žan Ivan Hodžic; odvjetnik, Joseph Katalinic; odvjetnik. Društvo za promicanje kulture i gospodarstva Hrvatske i SAD-a predvida osnivanje fonda koji ce prikupljati sredstva za financiranje kulturnih i gospodarskih projekata Hrvatske i SAD-a. Primjer takve suradnje je i projekt prezentiranja hrvatske naivne umjetnosti kroz ciklus izložba u SAD-u. Dr. Vujevich svojim pozivom na suradnju želi sjediniti sve ugledne Hrvate u SAD-u u zajednickom nastojanju za postizanjem što više razine gospodarske i kulturne suradnje izmedu SAD-a i Hrvatske.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Unstoppable Josip Novakovich in USA Today http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5197/1/E-Unstoppable-Josip-Novakovich-in-USA-Today.html ÂUnstoppable Josip in USA Today (Sept. 2):April Fool's DayBy Josip Novakovich; HarperCollins, $23.95; in storesNovakovich, who emigrated from Croatia to the USA at 20, has written an ironic, meandering novel about an ironic, meandering survivor of the collapse of Yugoslavia. It's both humorous and horrifying as it traces one man's misadventures as he tries to love a dictator and fight on both sides of the war between Croatia and Serbia. A drunken doctor's malpractice allows the protagonist to witness his own wake and funeral.the web link for usa today :http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/reviews/2004-09-08-fallpreview-fiction_x.htmThe book is now in all the major bookstores. In Barnes & Noble, it's in the New Arrivals section. Contact me at josipn@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Films at the American Cinematheque http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5201/1/E-Croatian-Films-at-the-American-Cinematheque.html ÂCroatian Films at the American CinemathequeFor the new season 2004-2005we are planing 2 exciting film programs:Croatian Films at the American Cinematheque(initiated by Branko Lustig, Matko B. Malinger & Andrea Balen) &Croatian Films at the Croatian-American Cultural Center in San Pedro(12 months series - starting September 24, 2004) Let's get togetherfor a meeting / planing session ofC.A.M.E.O.Croatian Arts, Media & Entertainment Organization7:30 PMWednesday, September 8The Cat & The Fiddle 6530 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood (323) 468-3800 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Isolation and International activities of Vlado Franjevic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5199/1/E-Isolation-and-International-activities-of-Vlado-Franjevic.html ÂIsolation and International activitiesSymposiumsShortly came Vlado Franjevic back from Estonia where he took a part onthe international art symposium PostsovkoZ4. The theme of this Symposiumwas - the Isolation!Here You can see the third part of Franjevics Project 'Isolation' asa Supporting of Mr. Martin Krusche:http://www.van.at/transit/cross/vlado/ http://www.van.at/transit/cross/vlado/facts.htm http://www.van.at/transit/cross/vlado/links.htm http://www.van.at/transit/cross/vlado/feate.htm http://www.van.at/transit/cross/vlado/col.htm http://www.van.at/howl/junction/art01/art09.htm In the time when Franjevic worked in Estonia he got an invitation to takea part on the next symposium. It will be from 7.-14.9.2004 in Medulin,southern Part of Peninsula Istria in Croatia.Here the names of all participants:Eugenie Abeegunde Prevert (F), Brigitte Gauss (A), Heidemarie Laimanee (A),Dario Pehar (BiH), Mario Sunjic (BiH), Dzeko Hodzic (BiH), Dolores Sverko(HR), Tea Bicic (HR), Eugen Vodopivec Borkovsky (HR), Mladen Milotic (HR),Milan Lazaric (D/HR), Vanja Popek (HR), Helena Ramljak (HR), Mato Jurkovic(HR)and Frane Radak (HR)WebismVlado Franjevic, a member of a worldwide artists movement - Webismis one of 20 Artists who exhibits in the Castle of Saint-Auventin Franch:http://www.renderosity.com/homepage.ez?Who=bern&ViewArticle=8508 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------private - http://www.vlado.li criticism - http://www.al-leu.ch/vlado_franjevic.html (german version)curator - http://gallery.konture.commemebership - http://www.artingrid.de/1sthourwebists1.htm TIGHT AND BELL-SHAPEDOnce upon a time I came to the ballet schoolin a checked skirt and a small jacketfrom aunt Lidija from Switzerland.The Girls in the school in their plush dresses started to laugh at me.They were beautiful like princesses, and I was like a laundress.I was ashamed of my too long and bell-shaped skirt.One wore short and tight.Fragment from the poem TIGHT AND BELL-SHAPED by Sanja PilicSanja Pilic was born 1954 in Split, Croatia.Translation: Vlado Franjevic and Markus Krüger, June 2004 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brenda Brkusic, young, gifted, brave and beautiful http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5198/1/E-Brenda-Brkusic-young-gifted-brave-and-beautiful.html ÂWHEN A RESPECTED ARTIST SPEAKSHrvatsko Slovo Newspaper, CroatiaWriten by Zoran VukmanTranslated by Hilda M. FoleyThere are very few film and literary authors in Croatia who have energetically in the last ten years taken the bull by the horn in regard to these challenges. It seems we have to wait for the arrival of the new, young generation, having among them some courageous and gifted authors uninfected with the Yugoslav syndrome and unencumbered with ideological layers. In Croatia, gifted Croatians have a difficult time. If they do not attach themselves to the reigning clans, they can be geniuses, but they will not succeed. Brenda Brkusic, American film producer of Croatian descent, is one of these authors we have been waiting for: young, gifted and brave.Contemporary Croatia is still not able to confront itself with the truth regarding its time under communism. Its leftist and liberal intellectual elite have been for years silently suppressing the crimes of Titoism. Amnesia and silence reign whenever the times when people used to disappear overnight are mentioned. In the first decade after WWII, the communists destroyed the flower of the Croatian elite, decimating this nation. The unspoken about amnesty which the communist criminals received was followed by the attempt to falsify history. Yet the one thing that prevents Croatia's examination of its conscience is the intellectual opportunism reigning in the public and the media. No one wants to dig into an area which many shun. No one wants to dwell into themes that are unpopular and unwanted in the media under the scrutiny of the post-communist left. It does not want to touch its own dirt, because it would reveal the lies and deceit of an intolerant world view. All its redesigned myths would fall apart like paper totem poles, like the myth of Tito being a positive historical personage creating socialism "with a human face". There are very few film and literary authors in Croatia who have energetically in the last ten years taken the bull by the horn in regard to these challenges.It seems we have to wait for the arrival of the new, young generation, having among them some courageous and gifted authors uninfected with the Yugoslav syndrome and unencumbered with ideological layers. In Croatia, gifted Croatians have a difficult time. If they do not attach themselves to the reigning clans, they can be geniuses, but they will not succeed. Brenda Brkusic, American film producer of Croatian descent, is one of these authors we have been waiting for: young, gifted and brave. She filmed the documentary "Freedom from Despair" in which without ambiguity she clearly and factually passes judgment on Yugoslav communism as an inhumane and repressive system. It is a very mature and dynamic documentary, with the foundation being the life of her father Kruno Brkusic, who in his youth fled from the lack of freedom in Yugoslavia to freedom in America. Brenda presented this tale without exaggeration, honestly and sincerely, with the author's courage which is imposing, but which is also without any ideology and propaganda. She gave through her personal dimension a very vivid presentation of a totalitarian time, the darkest sides of a system which mercilessly trampled human rights. Brenda Brkusic did not hesitate to emphasize the main culprit for such a predicament: Josip Broz Tito.Fear, Ingratiation and AbsenceThe instinct has been developed among Croatian intellectuals for political opportunism, as they express opinions without opinions, and leave everything unanswered or in contradiction, and therefore even Tito can be figured as a benign autocrat instead of a communist dictator. Therefore, her author's directness and unconventionality is for these people like a punch in the eye. The dynamic personnel of Brenda's film, in which there are alternate acted and documentary scenes, and dialogue with a number of witnesses as well as relevant intellectuals and politicians, such as Dr. Jerry Blaskovich, Michael McAdams and American Congressmen of Croatian descent D. Kucinich and J. Radanovich, shows that the author has a very inspired directorial approach, that she achieved dramatic tension and rhythm, which even after one and one half hours time does not leave the viewer unmoved. Not only did she master her film profession, it is also obvious that she is a very gifted young film director, as she as a 23-year old made a mature and serious film for which even older colleagues in this domain could be envious. The great value of this film is in the fact that Brenda shows through intimate, warm and human dimension, that through the personal can be shown the universal, and how the political dimension of a destiny can be pictured and inhumanity and repression can be revealed without falling into ideology and propaganda. At the same time, this tale is a strong, honest and reproachful judgment of communism and Yugoslavia. The point is, conditionally said, of a political film without a political vision, but for the paradox to be even more interesting, one can notice that this is an "unpolitical" film about a sensitive political theme! From what ever angle one looks, one has to honestly admit that the author has approached this theme without ambiguity and that she touched an area from which many flee and which is still taboo with the post communist left. Their adherents, transformed into democrats, believe that in time all this will be forgotten and that their totalitarian consciousness will fade. Therefore it is not surprising that the Croatian media received Brenda's first film with indifference and coolness. It is fortunate that Ms. Brkusic has an American film diploma because if she were a gifted Croatian born and matured in Croatia, the critics such as Jurica Pavicic would have buried her forever. This way, the dwarfish, clannish enviers cannot harm her. We can only look forward to her ascent and wishing her a brilliant career."False" democrats as criticsJurica Pavicic in his column "News from Lilliput" (Could it be that this Lilliputian thinks of himself as Gulliver?) wrote about Brenda's film out of context, even though he is a film critic and could above all critique the film professionally, Pavicic fell into his usual pseudo-intellectual unwindings, which are actually the expressions of his ideology and ideological intolerance. Even though he wrote several obvious insinuations and lies, Jutarnji List refused to print Brenda Brkusic's reply! Among other things, Pavicic insinuates that in one instance the film supposedly shows a car on which a "U" is prominently displayed on the license plate. The fact is it was a total coincidence - the ninety-year old Bozo Ukas led the film crew to a mass grave and were on the way given a ride by two local young men in their car. Pavicic fantasizes that the ninety-year old man drove the car with the letter "U", and his sense of smell is grotesquely unmistaken like some police hounds. This only goes to show what occupies a film critic in Croatia and to what degree he lives by his paranoia and informers' passion. Pavicic is at his most ideological when he tries to present this film as the subjective and biased view from the Diaspora (Croatians living outside of Croatia), which is quite incorrect, because facts regarding a regime are not things of a subjective nature and viewpoints, but are simply facts. Brenda Brkusic has especially courageously and openly spoken out about the disreputable UDBA (Yugoslav Secret Police), yet she is too young to know that adherents of this criminal organization still live in Croatia, even if not in a distinct operative sense, but in a psychological and mental one. Besides, with what do these comrades occupy themselves if not in search of the letter "U" where it is only the ordinary letter of the alphabet? In the film "Freedom from Despair" we can see stirring scenes from the Homeland war - scenes for which there is an attempt to have them removed from our collective memory. There is an attempt to bring up the new Croatian generation in such a way that they do not even get the opportunity to see the truth of recent Croatian history. Therefore, Brenda Brkusic's mission is important - that the young speak out about the themes from which they are being dissuaded. That they speak out the truth about Croatia, and that they do not allow themselves to be fettered with complexes of all kinds. Because the future always belongs to the gifted and brave. Contact: brenda.brkusic@gte.netÂwww.FreedomfromDespair.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Closer Croatia - UK's First Croatian Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5208/1/E-Closer-Croatia---UKs-First-Croatian-Film-Festival.html ÂCloser Croatia - UK's First Croatian Film FestivalWe in London have been working on this major project,the first Croatian Film Festival in the UK. It will beover 7-10 October 2004 at London's prestigious Riverside Studios.There will also be an exhibition of Croatian Cinema Art.Please join us at Closer CroatiaBrianCloser Croatia:http://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/cgi-bin/cinemalist.pl Croatian Cinema Art:http://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/cgi-bin/page.pl?l=1093949851  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 03 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) St. Louis celebrates major anniversaries Sept 18, 04 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5207/1/E-St-Louis-celebrates-major-anniversaries-Sept-18-04.html ÂSt. Louis celebrates major anniversaries . . .St. Louis observes several major anniversaries in 2004 - the 100th anniversary of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the 100th anniversary of the Olympic Games, the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and, additionally, the 100th anniversary of the St. Joseph Croatian Catholic Church. Croatians arrived in St. Louis in 1861 as mariners and then began to permanently settle in the St. Louis area in large numbers around 1900. The St. Joseph Croatian Catholic Church was dedicated on September 25, 1904. Croatians contributed in many ways to the development of St. Louis. Many who came to work on the World's Fair made St. Louis their permanent home. Several generations of stonemasons continue to contribute to the skyline of St. Louis. Their work can be seen in the beautiful stone architecture in the state and federal courts, the St. Louis Cathedral, the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Arch, the Botanical Gardens, and many schools, hotels and office buildings.Since Croatians form such a significant part of the intricate ethnic heritage of St. Louis, the American Croatian Relief Project invited the renowned Croatian Radio and Television Tamburitza Orchestra to celebrate these singular events and to introduce their unique talent to American audiences for the first time. Mezzo soprano Barbara Othman and tenor Dani Stipanicev will perform with the orchestra. Established originally in 1941, and under the current directorship of Siniša Leopold, the Tamburitza Orchestra members, who are also classical musicians, will demonstrate that the tamburitza, a stringed instrument related to the Russian balalaika, the Ukrainian bandura and the Italian mandolin, not only plays a significant role in the roots of traditional Croatian folk music but also lends its unique sound to even wider music genres, from classical to contemporary pop music to modern jazz. The Tamburitza Orchestra and vocalists will demonstrate their versatility by performing classical, folk, and contemporary pieces. The American Croatian Relief Project and St. Anselm's Parish will host the performance at 8:00 p.m. at the St. Louis Abbey on Saturday, September 18, 530 South Mason Road, in Creve Coeur, MO. Adults $20, 18 and under $10, children under 5 are free. For tickets or further information, please contact Sandy Kranjec at 314-487-2265.Judy FeldworthMedia LiaisonAmerican Croatian Relief Project314-577-8314The American Croatian Relief Projectand St. Anselm's ParishpresentTHE CROATIAN RADIO AND TELEVISION TAMBURITZA ORCHESTRAwith VocalistsBarbara Othman and Dani Stipanicev Saturday, September 18, 2004, 8:00 PMSt. Louis Abbey, 530 South Mason Road, Creve CoeurAdults $20, 18 and under $10, children under 5 free For tickets or further information contact Sandy Kranjec at 314-487-2265.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 03 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Arsen Anton Ostojic Winner of the 10th Sarajevo Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5206/1/E-Arsen-Anton-Ostojic-Winner-of-the-10th-Sarajevo-Film-Festival.html   Arsen Anton Ostojic Winner of the 10th Sarajevo Film Festival   Winners of the 10th Sarajevo Film Festival, Bulgarian director Zornitsa Sophia, left, Arsen Anton Ostojic, director from Croatia, second left, best actress Croatian Marija Skaricic, third left, and Macedonian director Teona Strugar, right, hold their awards at the Bosnian National Theatre during a closing ceremony of festival in Sarajevo, on Saturday, Aug 28, 2004. The best film artists, were awarded with a 'Heart of Sarajevo' award.(AP Photo/Hidajet Delic)   See Crown's letter from Jan 15, 2003   (E) Arsen Anton Ostojic Jan 15,2003 People   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 03 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ana Vidovic Croatian Sensation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5205/1/E-Ana-Vidovic-Croatian-Sensation.html ÂAna Vidovic Croatian SensationÂhttp://www.muso-online.com/current.shtml ÂZdravo Nenad!Just spotted this while submitting information for a competition that ASCAPsponsors. The cover of a British magazine has the heading "CroatianSensation" and is about Ana Vidovic.Best wishes,MichaelMore on Ana from Kennedy CenterAna Vidovic is a bright young talent of formidable gifts destined for a major international career. She comes from the small town of Karlovac near Zagreb, Croatia and began guitar at 5. By 7 she had given her first public performance, was performing internationally at 11, and at 13 became the youngest student to attend the prestigious National Musical Academy in Zagreb, where she studied with Professor Istvan Romer. Ana's reputation in Europe led to an invitation to study at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, USA, with Manuel Barrueco, from where she graduated in May 2003. At the age of only 22, Ana has received first prizes in the Albert Augustine International Competition in Bath, England, the Fernando Sor competition in Rome, Italy and the Francisco Tarrega competition in Benicasim, Spain. Other top prizes include the Eurovision Competition for Young Artists, the Mauro Giuliani competition in Italy, the Printemps de la Guitare in Belgium and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York. She has given over one thousand public performances since first taking the stage in 1988. Her international performance career includes recitals in London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas and St. Louis. In Croatia she has performed with the Zagreb Soloists and the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and with Symphony Orchestra of the Croatian Radio and Television, as well as having been featured in three television documentaries by the eminent Croatian film director Petar Krelja. http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=ANAVIDOVICÂMichael SpudicConcert Music AdministratorASCAPOne Lincoln PlazaNew York, N Y 10023Tele: 212-621-6329Fax: 212-621-6504mspudic@ascap.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 03 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Reviews on "April Fool's Day" book by J.Novakovich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5203/1/E-Reviews-on-April-Fools-Day-book-by-JNovakovich.html Â"April Fool's Day"ÂEditorial ReviewsFrom Publishers WeeklyLike Aleksandar Hemon and Ha Jin, short story writer Novakovich (Salvation and Other Disasters) manages the feat of writing vibrantly and inventively in a second language, shaping English to the dictates of his satiric, folk-tinged storytelling. His debut novel tells the story of Ivan Dolinar, a Croatian Everyman born in the town of Nizograd in 1948. As a boy, Ivan is a bully and a patriot (as one chapter title puts it, "Ivan loves the state apparatus"), and he grows up longing to serve his country. After a buffoonish but successful stint in medical school, he's about to become a doctor when a foolish joke gets him arrested and sent to a labor camp on a desolate Adriatic island. He's released three years later, but his criminal record makes him unfit for everything except graduate school in philosophy. Demoralized and hapless, he's drafted into the Serb-heavy Yugoslav army to fight his fellow Croats; he soon deserts and is hustled into uniform on the other side. Novakovich gives a pithy, biting account of the Balkan wars, following it up by an even more caustic account of Ivan's marriage to a woman he raped during the war. The story culminates with Ivan's first-person account of his own death and afterlife. Novakovich's English is foreign-tinged and brash, giving a jolt of chaotic energy to this dark Balkan comedy. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.STARRED REVIEW from Kirkus Reviews. Copyright 2004 VNU Business Media, Inc.All Rights Reserved Kirkus ReviewsAugust 1, 2004SECTION: FICTIONLENGTH: 333 wordsHEADLINE: APRIL FOOL'S DAYSOURCE: PrintBODY:A Balkan Everyman's progress through the later 20th century and the afterlife.Protagonist Ivan Dolinar is born on April 1, 1948, and grows up in the Croatian village of Nizograd, where he learns "to admire the power of the state," worship Tito, and channel his adolescent romanticism into the study of medicine. In a quirky episodic narrative, Ivan attends medical school in Serbia and somehow passes his exams, but finds his life plans irrevocably altered after a prank misfires and he's charged with plotting to assassinate Tito and sentenced to four years' hard labor. In prison, he meets Tito (who's surprisingly cordial, under the circumstances) and is befriended by visiting Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, then released early (during the "Croatian Spring" of 1971), and reinvents himself as a student of philosophy. Similar ups and downs mark the next 30 years, during which Ivan remains basically unemployable, finally loses his prolonged virginity, fights for the Yugoslav Army (against his fellow Croatians), marries after having perhaps fathered a daughter (the facts are ambiguous), experiences the pleasures and pains of adultery, and succumbs to a stroke in his early 50s. The Croatian-American author's deadpan prose, used to such brilliant effect in his story collections Yolk (1995) and Salvation and Other Disasters (1998), is less effective here, because Ivan--whose inability to fit in anywhere subtly parallels his homeland's instability--is too emotionally subdued to be a particularly compelling character. But Novakovich's understatements work superbly in the closing chapters, when Ivan's inquisitive ghost achieves a harmony with his surroundings that had been denied him throughout his life.A flawed though agreeably eccentric first novel from one of the more interesting and unusual contemporary writers.Publication Date: 09/07/2004Publisher: HarperCollinsStage: AdultStar: 1ISBN: 0-06-058397-5Price: $23.95Author: Novakovich, Josip letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 03 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bruce of Bosnia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5210/1/E-Bruce-of-Bosnia.html ÂBruce of Bosnia From Hollywood Reporter today:In Bosnia, some citizens have decided to honor a man Serbs, Croats andMuslims can all look up to - kung fu great Bruce Lee. The statue of theChinese action hero in the ethnically divided city of Mostar is to beerected in November to remind people of Lee's values of "loyalty,friendship, skill and justice," said Veselin Gatalo, a Croat writer whohelped come up with the idea.Igor Kovacevichigor@tuleriverfilms.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 02 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Josip Novakovich, Tuesday, September 14 at 6 p.m. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5204/1/E-Josip-Novakovich-Tuesday-September-14-at-6-pm.html Josip Novakovichwill discuss and read selections from his new novelApril Fool's DayTuesday, September 14 at 6 p.m.Margaret Liebman Berger ForumJosip Novakovich, a native of Croatia, moved to the United States at theage of 20. He has published two short story collections, Yolk and Salvationand Other Disasters, and two collections of essays, Plum Brandy: CroatianJourneys and Apricots from Chernobyl. His first novel April Fool's Day, setin the Balkans, will be published this fall. He was a 2001?2002 Fellow atthe Cullman Center, and was the winner of a Whiting award, aCohen/Ploughshares award and an Ingram Merrill award. He teaches creativewriting at Pennsylvania State University.This is a free program but seating is limited. To reserve seats, pleasecall 212-930-0084 or send email to CSW@nypl.org .ÂDear Crown Friends, Please let me know if you can attend the following event. Hope to see you soon,PamelaPamela LeoAssistant DirectorDorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and WritersThe New York Public Library, Room 225Fifth Avenue and 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10018212-930-0056pleo@nypl.org  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 02 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Miro Sinovcic's new website http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5209/1/E-Miro-Sinovcics-new-website.html ÂMiro Sinovcic's new websitewww.mirosinovcic.com Croatian born artist and architect. Graduated from Zagreb Art Academy. As an artist, art director and architect he received numerous international awards including "The Best of Show" from the Rizzoli in Milan, Italy. He is also the two time recipient of the highest Croatian art award and the Bronze Medal winner at the world’s biggest book fair in Frankfurt, Germany.In 1985, he emigrated to the United States where he became one of themost sought after artists in publishing, advertising and in motion pictures. His art has appeared on more than a thousand book covers, and his innovative techniques greatly influenced the traditional look of book illustrations to more modern treatments of color and atmosphere.As a fine artist, Miro's success came overnight. The response of corporate and individual clients was so enthusiastic that galleries are having waiting list for Miro's art. He sees and paints New York City like nobody before him. The paintings are bursting with life, energy, colors and constant change. "My paintings are what New York City is: a beautiful mess and a wonderful noise". He has held 28 one-man exhibitions and participated in more than a hundred group exhibitions. His work can be found in many private art collections throughout the world and some of his corporate clients are among Fortune 500 companies.Art commissioned by: BMW, Volvo, IBM, Budweiser, Coca Cola, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Seagram's, Bradford Exchange, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal, Ballantine Books, Berkley Books, Doubleday,Harper Collins, Pocket Books, Random House.Contact: art@mirosinovcic.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 28 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian actress Ingrid Bonne at New York Fringe Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5211/1/E-Croatian-actress-Ingrid-Bonne-at-New-York-Fringe-Festival.html ÂCroatian actress Ingrid Bonne at New York Fringe Festival Thursday-Saturday August 26-28Chicago Croatian actress Ingrid Bonne will be performing at the 2004 New York Fringe Festival in "Love Pollution: A Teknopopera". The play will be performed at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 7:45 p.m. onFriday and 2:15 on Saturday. The play will be performed at the Player's Theater on 115 Macdougal Streetin Greenwich Village, right by Washington Square Park. It's a fantastic show and all Croatians in NewYork are invited to see it!!For more information, contact Ingrid Bonne atingybonne@yahoo.com .CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 27 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Art in Ernestinovo & Karlovac, Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5212/1/E-Art-in-Ernestinovo--Karlovac-Croatia.html ÂErnestinovo & KarlovacÂThe eastern Croatian town of Ernestinovo is hosting the 31st annual Ernestinovo art colony, which opened on 21 August. The event, organised by the Petar Smajic Art Association, will continue for a week and will feature the works of sculptors and painters from Croatia and Hungary.The 7th Alstom Hrvatska international folklore festival began in the Croatian town of Karlovac on 20 August. Ensembles from Croatia, Macedonia, Russia, India, and Algeria are participating. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Mariachi Band on a festival next month in Guadalajara http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5213/1/E-Croatian-Mariachi-Band-on-a-festival-next-month-in-Guadalajara.html Mariachi festival to be held next month in GuadalajaraCanadian Press August 19, 2004GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) - The unmistakable blend of trumpets, guitars, violins and the human voice will fill Guadalajara when the annual International Mariachi and Charro Festival takes place Sept. 2 to 12. Considered the city's most important cultural festival of the year, the event features a series of gala dinners, rodeo shows, concerts, music workshops and art exhibits. Two million spectators are expected. And the mariachi groups -more than 50 in all -come not just from Mexico, but from as far away as Japan,Croatia and Italy. The foreign groups all use traditional mariachi instruments -which include the Mexican folk harp -and they sing in Spanish. But they don't always know the meanings of the words. All the musicians will take part in the grand parade held on Sept. 4 through the city streets. Traditionally, mariachi music celebrates both joy and sorrow -weddings and birthdays as well as funerals and holidays. The charros -Mexican cowboys -will compete in a rodeo wearing traditional dress. For more information on the festival, visit www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx. © The Canadian Press 2004http://www.canada.com/travel/story.html?id=bbb3e0da-2729-40b9-bd3e-c0c1fae0853c  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 22 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dejan Lazic made his New York debut, The New York Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5217/1/E-Dejan-Lazic-made-his-New-York-debut-The-New-York-Times.html ÂPianist's Debut Stays Rooted in the ClassicsAugust 13, 2004MUSIC REVIEW | DEJAN LAZIC By ALLAN KOZINNWhen Dejan Lazic made his New York debut on Wednesday afternoon at the Frick Collection, it was as a pianist, although judging from his program biography, he might as easily have turned up with a clarinet. Mr. Lazic, born in Zagreb, Croatia, in 1977, has won competitions playing both instruments, and he has made some headway as a composer as well, having written a string quartet for one of Mstislav Rostropovich's 70th-birthday concerts.Clearly, Mr. Lazic keeps these sides of his musical persona separate, at least to a degree. He devoted his program fully to mainstream keyboard classics, works by Mozart, Chopin, Brahms and Liszt. Yet there was something of the composer in his playing as well. Two Chopin Ballades — the G minor (Op. 23, No. 1) and the A flat (Op. 47, No. 3) — were full of poetic, shapely phrasing and vivid dynamic effects that made this familiar music sound fresh, spontaneous and impassioned.Mr. Lazic offered a similarly thoughtful account of the Brahms "Klavierstücke" (Op. 118), performed with an organic sweep, as if its six works were inextricably linked. There were occasional misjudgments. After two wonderfully fleet Intermezzos, the Ballade had moments that were oddly ponderous. But Mr. Lazic soon recaptured the spark with which he opened the set.In two works by Mozart — the Variations on a Minuet by Jean-Pierre Duport (K. 573) and the Sonata in C (K. 330) — Mr. Lazic produced the clear, crisp textures that Classicism demands, but he did not restrain the modern piano's dynamics or his own interpretive imagination, which has an impetuous streak.Oddly, the score in which that quality should have shone brightest — Liszt's "Venezia e Napoli," the final work on the program — was often simply blustery. Even so, the sheer technical power Mr. Lazic brought to it exerted its own fascination, and in his better moments he brought an almost orchestral coloration to the music. Having by then heard him do better things in better music, a listener was prepared to accept these more superficial attractions on their own terms.Copyright 2004 The New York Times  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Lijepa Nasa Internet Radio - Novi Razgovori http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5216/1/E-Lijepa-Nasa-Internet-Radio---Novi-Razgovori.html Âwww.LijepaNasaDomovinaHrvatska.com18. kolovoz 04. Jelena Bubas -audio - Nezavisna informativna novinska agencija ( NINA ) i korisnicke usluge , upotreba hrvatskog jezika i neutralnost u informiranju,suradnja sa hrvatskim zajednicama u iseljenistvu , .....17. kolovoz 04. prof Ivan Cesic -audio - aktivnosti Medjunarodnog instituta za knjizevnost , ERATO - uspjesnost i bitnost natjecaja za najljepsu hrvatsku lirsku pjesmu , buduci projekti , zbirke pjesama i multimedijalni CD , za vise informacija i narudzbu posjetite stranice Medjunarodnog instituta za knjizevnostÂwww.erato.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H,S) Studia Croatica - New material on our Web site http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5215/1/EHS-Studia-Croatica---New-material-on-our-Web-site.html ÂStudia Croatica - New material on our Web siteContinuing with our program of putting on the Web material published in Studia Croatica, the Journal of Croatian Studies and other publications, we have scanned, corrected and re-published the following material:From the collection of the Journal of Croatian Studies (in English)Ante Kadic, Thomas G. Masaryk and the Croats, Journal of Croatian Studies, XXVIII-XXIX, 1987-88. www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/28/2805.htm James J. Sadkovich, The Use of Political Trials to Repress Croatian Dissent, 1929-1934, Journal of Croatian Studies, XXVIII-XXIX, 1987-88.www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/28/2806.htm - Kazimir Katalinic, The Declaration of Croatian Independence in the Light of International Documents, Journal of Croatian Studies, XXVIII-XXIX, 1987-88.http://www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/28/2807.htm - Ante Kadic, Tomo Skalica's Travelogue (1853) to Honolulu, Journal of Croatian Studies, XXVIII-XXIX, 1987-88.http://www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/28/2809.htm From the collection of Studia Croatica (in Spanish) - Mladen Beg, Los anfitriones de Miranda en Dubrovnik, Studia Croatica, AÃo 1986, Vol. 103, pp. 315-319.http://www.studiacroatica.com/revistas/103/10305.htm - Resolución Constitucional de Soberanía e Independencia de la República de Croacia - Sancionada el 25 de junio de 1991, Studia Croatica, AÃo 1991, Vol. 120, pp. 1-2. http://www.studiacroatica.com/revistas/120/12001.htm - Radovan Latkovic, El primer aÃo del gobierno democrático croata (30 de mayo de 1990 - 1991), Studia Croatica, AÃo 1991, Vol. 120, pp. 3-14.http://www.studiacroatica.com/revistas/120/12002.htm - Cristophe Dolbeau, El Panservismo, cáncer yugoslavo, Studia Croatica, AÃo 1991, Vol. 120, pp. 15-39.http://www.studiacroatica.com/revistas/120/12003.htm From Hrvatska Revija (in Croatian) - O. Dominik Mandic, Hrvatski Sabor na Duvanjskom polju god. 753., Hrvatska Revija – La Revista Croata, God. – AÃo VII, Buenos Aires, Ozujak-Marzo 1957, Sv. Vol 1 (25), pp 5-40. http://www.studiacroatica.com/hr/1957/mandic.htm This Bulletin is published by 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 3300 email addresses in 34 countries. Please provide us with email addresses of people that might be interested in receiving this Bulletin and 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 18000 pages in Spanish, French, English and Croatian.www.studiacroatica.com -joza@velocom.com.ar . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Violets instead of Violence http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5214/1/E-Violets-instead-of-Violence.html ÂViolets instead of ViolenceTheatrical duo drops violets on Balkan WarsCroatian government bestows highest civilian honor on Priddis theatre companyÂBy Cindy BallanceSenior reporterIt meant more than a standing ovation, more than bouquets being thrown to their feet and much more than bellows of ‘encore’ from the seats.It was an honor that nearly made them weep. Robert Greenwood and Dana Luebke, founders of Sun.Ergos, a mastery of theatre and dance in Priddis were given the highest civilian honor for culture, equal to that of the Order of Canada or the Congressional Medal of Honor, from the Croatian government and their hearts melted. The honor, Redom Danice Hrvatske s Likom Marka Marulica, was awarded to the theatrical pair for their performances, workshops and artistic and humanitarian donations during the Balkan Wars from 1991-1995 and in 1998. They are the first foreigners to be honored with this award. “It is like being knighted or given the Medal of Honor or Order of Canada. It is that level of award,” said Greenwood with obvious pride.“It is a recognition of all of the performances and workshops and a recognition of the fact that we were humanitarians,” added Luebke. “We have given a lot but we have also received a lot with such grace, joy, heart and fun.”Last year Sun.Ergos participated in 411 events, literally from coast to coast to coast.Founded in 1977, Sun.Ergos (Greek for working together) is a unique two-man company of theatre, art and dance touring nationally and internationally as cultural ambassadors. Their trips to Croatia began in 1991 when Greenwood and Luebke planned to attend the world-renowned International Children’s Festival in Sibenik. During that first trip the city was on the verge of war. “We performed one day in the municipal theatre in Yugoslavia. The next day Croatia declared independence and the war started,” said Luebke.“The ground sort of shifted under our feet there,” explained Greenwood. Due to the political unrest many performers backed out of the festival, but Greenwood and Luebke agreed to continue performing, bringing their shows in two suitcases to play in cramped bomb shelters, then disappearing. “If there is one child left alive in Sibenik, we will have a festival . . . that is why we went,” said Greenwood of their drive to continue performing despite the dangers of war. At one point the Sibenik government did find out the pair were there, but mistook the performers for a group of children. “They called the Canadian consulate and questioned why we would send a children’s company into a war zone. They did stop bombing and in all the press we were called ‘Canada’s Children’. They stopped bombing for nine days,” said Greenwood.During the war, Greenwood and Luebke also performed in refugee camps and the heartache there was nearly unbearable. “Sometimes when we performed the little women would make us socks. They had nothing and they gave us socks,” said Luebke. Over the duration of the Balkan Wars, the pair traveled to Sibenik six times. The seventh was the most depressing. The war had ended and the demoralization of the people was heartwrenching.“We didn’t perform,” said Greenwood. The pair then opted to teach workshops, hoping to leave a legacy with the children and help rebuild a culture that had been almost completely destroyed. To help in some small way, Luebke and Greenwood donated $500 to help rebuild the 150-year-old theatre which had been bombed during the war. The children’s festival as well went through a major upheaval and is just now regaining its strength on an international level. For their efforts in Croatia, Luebke and Greenwood were presented with a beautiful drawing depicting an angel dropping violets on their war — a symbolic testament to their efforts to sustain culture and art even through a most devastating time. Their efforts in Croatia are even more astounding when you consider their history.Luebke and Greenwood are not bound by their physical limitations and through their exquisite artistic ability have become chameleons in the theatre creating costumes, writing the script, planning the set design, booking flights, taking phone calls, producing a newsletter, conducting promotions and licking the stamps all under one roof in their Priddis home. “We live with the stuff we have for our performances,” said Luebke sitting on a prop used in one of their performances that doubles as a livingroom couch. Living with their props and collection of worldly artifacts inspires imaginative scripts and set designs. Greenwood, originally from New Hampshire, England, has over 50 years experience in theatre. He was trained at Dartmouth College and the Yale University, School of Drama in New York, Los Angeles and London and has created over 350 roles on stage, radio and television. He has also taught numerous actors in New York and London including Ed Harris.Luebke is well versed in ballet, modern and folk dance performing over 160 roles. He began his career with the Minnesota Dance Theatre and since danced with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.The mandate of Sun.Ergos is to celebrate the differences and recognize the similarities among people and cultures. “It is our way of attacking prejudice,” said Greenwood of the performances that are adapted from various cultural themes, stories and traditions in a way that everyone can empathize.“Using the basic language and core of just being human,” added Luebke.Being a part of the various festivals around the world, particularly the International Children’s Festival, is an avenue for the pair to express these principles.“The festivals are wonderful ways of people maintaining their culture but keeping an international window to the world,” said Greenwood.Sun.Ergos has represented Alberta and Canada to 17 countries on four continents with a repertoire of some 47 shows with workshops, classes, residencies and community outreach programs. They have received previous awards from Croatia including honorary citizenships from the Zupanija of Sibenik, the key to the City of Primosten and art awards from Osijek, Sibenik and Rijenka. They have also received awards from Canada, Poland and the United States.This fall the company will travel again from coast to coast and will spend Christmas in Yellowknife and there are no signs of them slowing down.For more on the company visit www.sunergos.comhttp://www.westernwheel.com/news-priddistheatrecompany.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dubrovnik International Film Festival - LA Times Article http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5222/1/E-Dubrovnik-International-Film-Festival---LA-Times-Article.html ÂDubrovnik International Film Festival in LA Times Article Scenes of life after wartime; A festival is part of the socialreconstruction in a still-haunted land. Kenneth Turan Times Staff Writer 8 August 2004 Los Angeles Times Dubrovnik, Croatia As sites for film festival press conferences go, it would be hard toimprove on the East West Beach Club. Beautifully situated on the shockinglyblue Adriatic Sea, it has a postcard view of this city's 15th and 16thcentury walls. Likely the best preserved vintage fortification system inthe world, these battlements look very much like something Jack Warnermight have ordered up for an action-adventure epic. The Dubrovnik International Film Festival used the club for the openingpress conference of its second year. The Croatian media, both local andnational, had shown up in force. The festival itself had gotten considerable coverage in Croatia for its2003 debut, with press headlines like the irrepressible "Cannes is Dead,Long Live Dubrovnik!" The second year under founder and festival directorZiggy Mrkich was shaping up to be just as potent, including the localpremier of Croatian director Vinko Bresan's riveting, controversial"Witnesses," perhaps the best film to deal with the war in what everyonenow calls simply "ex-Yugoslavia." But at its midpoint press conference something had gone wrong. Thetechno-pop was on the speaker system, the bottles of mineral water wereclose at hand, and the guest of honor, top Croatian director Krsto Papic,was there. Only one thing was unnervingly absent: the press itself. AndPapic thought he knew why. He has been making films for nearly 40 years, even directing Orson Wellesas J.P. Morgan in 1980's "The Secret of Nikola Tesla." Papic's latest film,"Infections," was having its national premier at Dubrovnik and showing aswell was his classic 1970 work "Lisice" (Handcuffs), considered as good afilm as any made inside the former Soviet bloc. A thoughtful, articulate man who spent a year at USC on a Fulbrightfellowship, Papic said the lack of press had to do with the kind ofmaterialistic society he feared Croatia, a new country admitted to the U.N.in 1992, was becoming. His press conference was without press, the directorexplained, because of the lure of a rival media event, complete withentertainment and a lavish buffet, being held just 20 minutes outside oftown. "The president of Croatia is coming today to open a new luxury hotel,"Papic explained, as much in resignation as in despair. "The film festivalis not the event, the whole spirit of the town is in that opening. This isour society, this is a real picture of us. "I call my generation 'Lost in Transition,' " Papic went on, with aconscious nod to the Sofia Coppola film. "During communism, we weredreaming of democracy. Then it came, but it is a false democracy in myopinion. "Everything that is bad in Western society came. We don't have a middleclass, we have a small group of very rich, and 90% of the people are hardlysurviving. What kind of society, what kind of democracy is this?" The director gestures again to the uncrowded room. "This is your chance topicture the essence of a country in transition. The reality is going on infront of you." A pause, followed by a wry "We are lost." Behind the scenes I had come to Dubrovnik to get a look at a young film festival, to find outhow one of these events goes about getting started, and I did. But I alsofound out something more. The Dubrovnik event turned out to be an unexpected opportunity to examine afilm culture and a society still coming to terms with a devastatingcatastrophe a decade-plus after the fact. It was a way to observe thepolitical and human aftershocks of war in a place that never expected to beunder fire, and to see how those tremors affected both the kinds of filmsbeing made and how they are received. To look up at the delightful green hills gently dotted with cypress treesthat ring the city is to feel as Dubrovnik's residents did in 1991: that itwould be unimaginable for the war that led to the breakup of Yugoslavia totouch down in this nonstrategic location, beautiful enough to be the imageof choice for guidebook covers and one of only three cities in Europe to bedesignated World Heritage Sites by the U.N. Yet the war did arrive here, and with a force that stunned the inhabitants.The Serb-Montenegrin-dominated Yugoslav army bombarded the city with morethan 2,000 shells from October 1991 through the following summer. More thantwo-thirds of the old town's distinctive red-tiled roofs were hit, andtotal damage, including the destruction of a 25,000-book library, has beenestimated at $10 million. According to Robin Harris' authoritative"Dubrovnik: A History," 221 people died and the city's tourist industry was"destroyed." Ten years and more down the line, those roofs have been replaced, thedamaged architectural treasures rebuilt. Croatia is running ads on EuropeanTV touting itself as "the Mediterranean as it once was," and the tourists,though not at pre-war levels, are returning to experience the city'sdazzling interplay of limestone and pure light and understand why GeorgeBernard Shaw said "those who seek Paradise on Earth should come toDubrovnik." But as much as people understandably want to put the war and its aftermathbehind them, they can't completely. Good and pleasant as life is now, withhotels crowded, traces of the past are visible if you know where to look.And if you care enough to ask, you can find memories of discord just belowthe surface of people's minds, still roiling the placid waters of currentprosperity. So, sharing window space with dolls in native costumes and souvenirashtrays in a shop just off the Stradum, the city's main street, is a bookcalled "Dubrovnik In War," with a surreal photo of the city in smoke andflames on its cover. A video, "War In Dubrovnik," is available around thecorner. And a few streets away, upstairs in what used to be the old town'shardware store, sits War Photo Limited, a gallery, possibly the first inthe world to be devoted to the photography of war. Newly opened under the direction of Wade Goddard, himself a former warphotographer, the gallery's first exhibitions are devoted to searing imagesof the war in ex-Yugoslavia. Showing in the gallery's small video theater,doing double duty as an auxiliary film festival screening site, is a briefdocumentary about the extremely hostile reaction these photographs got whenthe show was on tour in Serbia. The reaction in Dubrovnik, while muchquieter, has also been intense. "Most of the local people are happy to have something different, educatorsespecially are very grateful," says Goddard, a New Zealand native. But, headds, "there is always the odd comment about 'Why aren't there photos ofCroatian soldiers looking more heroic?' " Then, Goddard says, there's the reaction of "the woman who runs the cafenext door. She didn't want to look at any photos. Finally, she came, andwithin five minutes she was crying. Some local people don't come becauseit's too hard for them. The memories are too strong." A festival takes shape When 38-year-old festival founder Mrkich came to Dubrovnik four years agoas part of a visit to nearby parents, she was taken by the spirit of thecity and the country's rebuilding process. "I was at that phase in my lifewhere I needed to take things into my own hands, to be in control," shesays. "I thought, 'This is so beautiful, the war's over, it's going to takeoff. How could I do something here?' I came up with the idea of a filmfestival." While neighboring Serbia has 14 film festivals of various kinds, andBosnia's well-regarded Sarajevo Film Festival just celebrated its 10thanniversary, Croatia has only four, including one in Pula, onceex-Yugoslavia's biggest festival and a favorite of Marshal Tito, thecountry's ruler and something of a movie buff. Tito would stay on a nearby island and have features shuttled out to himevery night. "When the boat returned with the films," one directorremembers, "the projectionist would tell us 'he laughed' or 'he stopped theprojection.' Very often the films he loved became favorites at thefestival." Though it didn't have a film event, what Dubrovnik did have is one ofEurope's foremost summer theater and music festivals, over half a centuryold and so big it uses 30 venues for performances. "That made it a littleharder," Mrkich admits. "People would say, 'We already have a festival.'And there are only so many local sponsors to go around." That made thesupport of Dubrovnik's mayor, Dubravka Suica, essential, and she turned outto have big-picture reasons of her own to be enthusiastic. "This city lives exclusively on tourism, and the modern tourist wantscultural events," Suica said. "We are strongly connected to culture,culture is everything to us, we give 50% of our budget to theater, thesymphony orchestra, museums, galleries. "We want to have festivals all year round. Americans were a big percentageof tourists before the war. We want to attract them again." Still, the mayor says Mrkich's role as catalyst was essential. "Nothingwould have happened here without Ziggy Mrkich," she says. Mrkich was born in Australia of Croatian parents who moved back to thecountry when she was 13. In 1995, Mrkich moved to Hollywood to get involvedin the film business. "It's a tough place for females, for Australians, towork your way up the ladder," she says. "If you don't fit into thecookie-cutter development executive thing, they don't want you." Then camethe film festival idea and an unexpected opportunity to be creative. "As soon as it hatched in my brain it possessed me," Mrkich says. "It'skept me going for the last four years, coming home after work andresearching, thinking, planning, reading. It's all I think about, all Ido." Everything about starting and running a festival, however, turned out to be"harder than I anticipated," Mrkich says. Local would-be volunteers"refused to understand the concept of volunteering" and demanded to bepaid. And getting sponsorships and raising money was especially difficultbecause "American companies don't even know Croatia exists. Next year I'mgoing to try Britain; Croatia is the No. 1 location where the British buyEuropean real estate." Coming from a culture where "people like to sit in cafes," audiencesweren't always eager to get up and find seats in the festival's wonderfullyeclectic group of theaters, which include a stunningly-sited outdoor venuewith a 1950s-style rhomboid screen and baby blue trim, and the Marin Drzic,an exquisite three-tiered theatrical house dating from 1864. Still, 2003'sfirst festival got good marks from the citizenry. For the 2003 event, Mrkich had lined up the national premier of WoodyAllen's "Anything Else" for opening night, but the focus this year turnedout to be the Croatian connection, including the presentation of the 15thannual Hartley-Merrill International Screenwriting Prize to a Croatianwriter, Iva Kapetanovic, another person who couldn't get the war out of hermind and set her script in the once-besieged city of Vukovar. Brenda Brkusic, a 23-year-old recent Chapman University graduate, came witha personal documentary about her politically active father, "Freedom FromDespair." On a much lighter note was Zoran Budak's irresistible half-hourdoc, "Cooking for Hollywood," about how Croatian immigrant Toni Kalemfounded Tony's Food Service of Chatsworth, one of the movie business'premier location caterers, and became the chef of choice for Clint Eastwood("He adores Croatian food") and John Travolta. The chance to see the veteran Papic's new film was one of the festival'scoups. The director himself, though, was more excited to have a big-screenshowing of his 1970 "Handcuffs," a Kafkaesque parable about paranoia andpower. Morally complex and psychologically acute, set in a remote area in1948 on the day of a lively village wedding, it deals with the nature oftotalitarianism and its ability to cause poisonous breakdowns in society.And it turns out to have a history as dramatic as what is on the screen. Though "Handcuffs" was invited to be in Cannes' official competition in1970, Yugoslavia's official film committee, taking it as an attack againstthe current regime, refused to allow it to represent the country there."Handcuffs" was shown instead to great success at the Directors Fortnight,and Papic, who considered his career in his homeland to be over, wasthinking about emigrating to France with his family when he got a call fromhis producer. To the director's astonishment, this outcast film had won several prizes atPula, the key Yugoslavian festival, including the coveted Grand Prix. Howto explain this? Papic smiles: "Tito saw the film and he liked it." Thedirector shakes his head, still not quite believing it. "Tito, the onlyfree man in Yugoslavia." If Papic represents, in his own words, a group in transition, 40-year-oldVinko Bresan, once Papic's assistant, is part of what the younger directorcalls "the new kids." An energetic man with an expressive face, Bresan isperhaps the most accomplished filmmaker of his generation. But no one wasprepared for what he achieved in his latest film, the devastating"Witnesses." That was because Bresan, who wrote his first two films in collaborationwith his writer-father Ivo ("He can't say no or my mother will be angry"),has been known exclusively as the creator of comedies. Sharp, satiric andvery funny comedies, but comedies nevertheless. Evolution in style Bresan's first film, the wonderfully titled "How the War Started on MyIsland," became, except for James Cameron's "Titanic," Croatia'stop-grossing film of the last 20 years. He followed that with 1999's drolland pointed "Marshal Tito's Spirit." "I didn't want to make comedy for itself, I used humor as a way to tell thestory," the director explains. "When (former Croatian president Franjo)Tudman was alive, what dominated cultural politics was a celebration ofeverything. My resistance to this took the form of a carnivalization oflife. But those cultural politics disappeared after Tudman died. Now wehave a different social situation." And, successful and savvy as these films were, Bresan says, "I didn't wantto do just childish comedies all my life." Enter "Witnesses." "I felt obligated as a director to say something about the moral problemsof my society, and if I do that I have no right to use humor as adisguise," Bresan says, explaining "Witnesses' " serious tone. "No one herewants to think of the past, but unfortunately we are living in the past. Weare deeply in the past." Adapted from a novel by Jurica Pavicic, this assured, confidently cinematicand daring film is set in 1992 in an unnamed city near the front lines. Atrio of disgruntled Croatian soldiers decide to blow up the house of alocal Serb, a wealthy war profiteer they think is out of town. He isn't,and ineptitude leads to the man's death and his daughter's kidnapping. As both a detective and a journalist go against local sentiment and pursueseparate investigations into the incident, "Witnesses" ("Svjedoci" inCroatian) looks into areas most societies would prefer to avoid examining.What does armed conflict do to social order and individual responsibility?How does the wartime emphasis on clannishness, compromise and a malleable"what nobody saw never really happened" code of ethics impact nationalmorality? Is it possible, finally, to have a moral dilemma in an immoralworld? As if the subject matter weren't enough to make "Witnesses" stand out,Bresan's decision about structure makes it even more compelling. His firstcut followed the conventional pattern of linear storytelling, but he andco-screenwriter Pavicic found that "all the emotional levels we wanted toshow didn't happen." So Bresan restructured the film by fragmenting it, by having the story toldand retold from the overlapping points of view of different centralcharacters, with each retelling adding key details and texture and thewhole truth only apparent at the close. "Witnesses" won six awards at Pula, including best director for Bresan, andwas extremely well received at its international debut at the Berlin FilmFestival. But as far as the reaction at home went, Bresan says, "Berlin made itworse. Every good reaction overseas is bad for me here." Finally, he says,"two months ago, the Croatian party of the right, a powerful party, accusedme of being an enemy of the state, a traitor." Don't misunderstand, Bresan says. "I am happy I can make this film here,there are a lot of people who like it, nobody is beating me on the street,I am not a lonely revolutionary." For Bresan, the present looks promising. He has an agent at United Talentwho regularly sends him scripts, he is doing a short film for the Croatianpavilion at EXPO 2005 in Japan, and "Witnesses" is in the hands of a topEuropean distributor. But just under the surface of success for the director, as it is for manyCroatians, are concerns about that past, about the difference the war madein their lives. "From books, films, everyone thinks they know something about war," Bresanexplains, quiet but forceful. "But the one thing nobody prepared me for,the worst change, was in the minds of people. It is how society treats thevalue of humanity in a war situation. That's the reason why I made thisfilm. "In peace, if you are a good person, you are very valuable for society. Ina war situation, if you hate you are valuable. If you hate more, you aremore valuable. I lost a lot of friends during the war -- they hate toomuch, I cannot have conversations with them. The state encourages that inpeople's souls. After that, everything is possible. "Holes in roofs are easy to fix," Vinko Bresan says, the carefully repairedskyline of the old city glistening behind him. "People's souls are veryheavy to fix. Those kinds of shadows are still standing. The job forintellectuals, for artists, is to fix that kind of thinking." PHOTO: FOUNDER: Dubrovnik Film Fest's Ziggy Mrkich.;PHOTOGRAPHER: PatriciaWilliams For The Times;PHOTO: 'This is your chance to picture the essenceof a country in transition.... We are lost.' -- Krsto Papic,director;PHOTOGRAPHER: Patricia Williams For The Times;PHOTO: 'Holes inroofs are easy to fix. People's souls are very heavy to fix.' -- VinkoBresan, director;PHOTOGRAPHER: Patricia Williams For The Times;PHOTO:PICTURE PERFECT: The old-world charm of Dubrovnik's port serves as a scenicbackdrop for the city's film festival.;PHOTOGRAPHER: Patricia Williams ForThe Times ÂCopyright 2004 The Los Angeles Times  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 13 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Gobshite Quarterly rootless cosmopolitan approach to everything http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5220/1/E-Gobshite-Quarterly-rootless-cosmopolitan-approach-to-everything.html ÂGobshite Quarterly rootless cosmopolitan approach to everythingÂNew writing from Algeria, Argentina, Croatia, Cuba, Switzerland, & Washington state.Gobshite Quarterly issue Seven, your Rosetta Stone for the New World Order, at bookstores & newsstands in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe, Australia, & Japan on Nagasaki Day, Aug. 2004. (& we're already in production on Issue Eight, Dias de Los Muertos, due Nov. 2004). Distributed by FM Int'l, Kent News, Small Changes, Tower, Ubiquity, Doormouse (Canada) & BBR (UK & Europe). Utne Magazine's Chris Dodge says: "Pan-lingual Gobshite Quarterly, where Paul Krassner meets Vénus Khoury-Ghata, is my favorite source for Hungarian fiction that reads like a song ('hogy jaj. jaj. jaj. semmirol semmi fogalma nines...'). In its pages, English language poems, short stories, & 'reasoned rants' nervously traverse a dark alley, past a gauntlet of hipster Arabs, dangerous Czechs, & Spanish cantoras."Think of Gobshite Quarterly as your Rosetta Stone for the New World Order, baptized in legible fonts. Think Harpers on ecstasy, the Atlantic Monthly on an ether-absinthe bender, or a multi-lingual Granta liberated from theme issues; with Nick Cave reporting in from Rio de Jainero (Issue 3), Ivan Klíma offering fiction & essays; Hanan Al-Shaykh visits the Alhambra to sit down & weep in the Court of Lions in Arabic & English; Mahmoud Darwish reports from Ramallah in Arabic, French & English; & Laura Esquivel taking a mythopoeic approach to transgenic agribusiness in Spanish & English....Gobshite Quarterly exists in a world where people watch the news & say to each other that what they've just seen is total gobshite.People have talked about the Global Village since the 1960s. Yet things inevitably get lost in translation, or censored.This is the Global Village, & any magazine operating within its borders should present the best writing from within the borders, i.e., from around the world. To truly present the best writing from around the world, then works originally written in a foreign language ought to be published bilingually, orsometimes trilingually.... Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Croatian, Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Latin, Polish, Slovenian, Spanish, w/ en face English translation.Gobshite Quarterly was first formed in July 2001 by a cabal consisting of a recovering Southern Californian, an Australian Expat, & a native Portlander. A website was up & running by Spring of 2002, & a first print issue appeared in February 2003. http://www.gobshitequarterly.com/Poštovani gosp. Bach,Srdacan pozdrav iz Zagreba uz molbu da ove info. o casopisu Gobshite stavite na vase stranice.Unaprijed zahvaljujem i cestitam na vasem odanom radu Biserka Cetinichonos@zg.htnet.hrGobshite (n): Pernicious blatherskite (OED)Our August 2004 (Nagasaki Day) Issue Number SevenWe were refered to you by one of our contributors, Julie Busic, & by Edo Popovic, Dubravka Oriac-Tolic, Tomica Bajsic, & Gordan Nuhanovic, who feel that you might be interested in the multilingual nature of our magazine & its rootless cosmopolitan approach to everything... We now have an inexpensive trans-Atlantic shipper, & are now setting up European distribution. We are so impressed by the quality of Croatian writers that we will be featuring some Croatian writing in every issue for the forseeable future.If you would like to order from us directly, let us know. Or contact our UK distributor, BBR Solutionsdistribution@bbr-online.com Also, if there is some mutually-beneficial project we might be able to collaborate on, please Email....Comin' at ya multilingually in English, Croatian, French, German, & Spanish, your Rosetta Stone for the New World OrderThe True & Secret History of Ike Eisenhower & Joey Ramone: Commander in Chief Meets General Punk Rock Elvis Costello & Joan Jett & the Class of '77 Come to Praise Joey, Not to Bury HimŠ. Michael Stipe's & Grant Lee Phillips' new Haiku Year Christoph Keller's Threshold--Update/Schwelle--Update Luisa Valenzuela's Life's A Bitch/Esta Perra Vida Edo Popovic's Our Lady of the Whores/Gospa od bluda Dubravka Oraic Tolic's 20th C. in the Rearview Mirror/Dvadeseto Stoljece U Retrovizoru Rastas sling mud & Jonathan Demme starts making sense This Ain't No Blog: Summer Travel Writing: Bombay Road Games in "Wrecks & Pissers"; Ithican deadbeat deads; Shanghai's migrant working stiffs; & Rwandan triage.... letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 13 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) INTERVIEW WITH WRITER JOSIP NOVAKOVICH http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5218/1/E-INTERVIEW-WITH-WRITER-JOSIP-NOVAKOVICH.html ÂINTERVIEW WITH WRITER JOSIP NOVAKOVICH Croatian-born Josip Novakovich moved to theUnited States at the age of twenty. He has published two story collections (Yolk and Salvation and Other Disasters), two collections of narrative essays (Plum Brandy: Croatian Journeys and Apricots from Chernobyl), and was anthologized in Best American Poetry, Pushcart Prize, and O.Henry Prize Stories. His textbook, Fiction Writer's Workshop, was a Book of the Month Club selection. HarperCollins will publish his novel April Fool's Day in September 2004, and his novel, Poppy Slopes, will be published in Spain (in Spanish). He received the Whiting Writer's Award (1997), Guggenheim Fellowship (1999), two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1991 and 2002), the Ingram Merrill Award, an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation and he has been a writing fellow of the New York City Public Library. His work has appeared in many journals, including Paris Review, Threepenny Review, The New York Times Magazine, European Magazine, and he contributes regularly to the Zagreb daily Jutarnji list. Mr. Novakovich teaches in the MFA program at Penn State University.KT - How did you go about becoming a writer?Gradually and imperceptibly. I enjoyed writing letters and I grew addicted to writing them but when I moved to the States, my friends from Croatia did not share my passion for correspondence. We were a group of ten or so, and one more or less did not make that much difference for the group and they did not miss me as much as I missed them. So, when I realized that writing to them was not a rewarding activity--or that the rewarding part was happening only at my desk but not in my mailbox--I realized that I could do some other kind of writing, journals, stories, and essays. Writing turned out to be a better friend than the friends of my youth.There was another source of my writing habit: going to a liberal arts college in the States. I went to Vassar for two years and then to Yale Divinity School (as well as the graduate school, philosophy department), and there most of the requirements boiled down to writing essays, hundreds of pages each semester. After five years of such education, I realized that if I had learned anything it was how to write. KT - Why do you write mostly fiction rather than say history or philosophy?I grew bored by reading the dry texts of philosophy and theology. Fiction sounded alive and delightful after the quasi-precise language of the academia. I could make metaphors, make up stories, play. There is an element of freedom in making up stories that is hard to match. Jazz players experience something similar, exuberant freedom, but since I am not that musical, fiction is my way of improvising. KT - Why do you write in English?Since five years of my education preceding to my deciding to write took place in English, the choice of English as my main writing language was natural. Croatian was undergoing changes under political pressures from all the sides imaginable, and I hadn't kept up with the revisions of the language, so when I wrote my first story in Croatian and sent it to Bozo Kovacevic (now Croatian ambassador in Moscow), who edited a journal, Gordogan, he replied that my language needed updating before he could consider the story. I thought, the hell with that. If I am to "relearn" a language, I might just as well keep going in English.KT - What is your new book about? April Fool's Day, a novel (coming out from HarperCollins in September), chronicles the collapse of Yugoslavia and rise of Croatia in a satirical manner through the experiences of a Don Quixotic type of character who attempts many things and fails at most of them, as is easy to do in our region. I cover some tragic aspects of our history, but I also play with the ways we used to live under totalitarian socialism and later nationalism. I wanted to have fun with the strange stories of our native region. I get tired of humorlessness, moping, complaining and pessimism that our people are liable to resort to. Some joking is in order. We tend to take ourselves too seriously. KT - What are you working on now?A few short stories and another novel about immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century in the States. Another collection of mine is coming out from HarperCollins, next year. KT - What advice you have to those who are starting out and writing?Don't be timid. Tell strange stories and make them stranger. There are so many stories out there, you have to make yours stand out somehow. Stories live in the details--observe, recount, paint with words. Have fun at least part of the time while writing. Otherwise, it's not worth it. I actually don't like giving advice on how to write even though I teach writing, at Penn State. KT - Can our readers get in touch with you?Feel free, josipn@hotmail.com . I also have a webpage, www.josipnovakovich.com . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 13 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Thompson Concert in Toronto, October 9th 2004 at Koolhaus http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5219/1/E-Thompson-Concert-in-Toronto-October-9th-2004-at-Koolhaus.html  Ovo je prvi put u Torontu da hrvatski edstradni umjetnik nastupa u dvorani gdje su nastupale svjetske zvijezde kao David Bowie, Prince, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, etc.  Lijep pozdrav Svima, Marija Blazanin letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BOOK REVIEW OF "THE STONE FIELDS" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5221/1/E-BOOK-REVIEW-OF-THE-STONE-FIELDS.html ÂBOOK REVIEW OF "THE STONE FIELDS"The fantastically talented Courtney Angela Brkic wrote "The Stone Fields - An Epitaph for the Living," a book that will grab you from page one. The powerful story will make you cry, laugh, think and feel. Brkic wrote her fascinating family saga interwoven with 21st Century Croatian history. The beauty of Brkic's true story is how all of us Croatians can relate to it. A devout Catholic family with numerous children tries to raise them despite most severe conditions. Barefoot, hungry and sickly only the strongest children survive to scramble for a better life. The heart of Brkic's book is the bittersweet love story of her grandmother Angela from Herzegovina and Sarajevo Jew who was shot in the back by Ustase in Jasenovac concentration camp. Her aunt Ljubica dying a slow death after her beloved Ante joined Ustase and tragically died in Bleiberg. Brkic joined a forensic team working in Bosnia & Herzegovina. She excavated the bodies of people killed in the massacre of Srebrenica, assisted pathologists with autopsies, and arranged personal effects for photographing. The book includes most tragic events of Vukovar, mass rapes and killings. "The Stone Fields" explores how the devastating consequences of war linger for generations.Brkic is also the author of "Stillness," a book of short stories for which she won a prestigious Whiting Writers' Award. She has worked for the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague and for Physicians for Human Rights. She is a graduate of the famed Master of Fine Arts Degree program at New York University.Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux www.fsgbooks.com $24.00  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) An Epitaph for the Living By Courtney Angela Brkic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5223/1/E-An-Epitaph-for-the-Living-By-Courtney-Angela-Brkic.html ÂAn Epitaph for the Living By Courtney Angela BrkicSunday, August 8, 2004; Page BW02 By Jonathan YardleyTHE STONE FIELDS Farrar Straus Giroux. 316 pp. $24 In the summer of 1995 the Muslim town of Srebrenica in Bosnia supposedly was under a compromise truce brokered by the United Nations. "The Muslims would surrender their arms," Courtney Angela Brkic writes, "and the Serbs would remain at their positions without overtaking the city." It didn't work out that way. On July 6 the Dutch battalion stationed there to maintain the truce appealed for air support but was denied it by the U.N. High Command in Sarajevo: "The battalion stood by and watched the Bosnian Serb Army overrun the town, separating men from women, sending the women away on buses. The Dutch soldiers were ordered onto their own compound, and they complied." A massacre ensued. More than 7,000 people disappeared, all of them presumably murdered. "Women were raped and killed. Even many who managed to escape with their lives did not ultimately survive. One left her children on the road, walked into a wood, and hung herself from a tree." The dead were buried in mass graves. Though some Serb soldiers subsequently claimed they had dug the graves themselves, Brkic believes the victims had been forced to dig them and then had been executed. Given the brutality of the conflict in Bosnia and the history of Serbian "ethnic cleansing," she probably is right. A year later Brkic arrived in Bosnia to work on the exhumation and analysis of the corpses. She was in her early twenties, trained as an anthropologist, the child of parents who lived in a suburb of Washington. Her father, a Croatian, had escaped to the United States from what was then still Yugoslavia in 1959; he worked as a radio broadcaster and had felt the clammy hands of the Tito regime's censors as well as the general oppressiveness of life there. Precisely why his daughter insisted on returning to her ancestral land (she had visited it often in calmer times) is something of a mystery even to her, though the story of her own family had given her a deeply personal connection to the violence and ethnic hatred with which the region has been afflicted for centuries. The Stone Fields is in part a recollection of her work on the graveyard project, in part the story of her father's mother, Andelka, before, during and after World War II. Both parts are suffused with a sense of death and loss and are especially concerned with the lives and fates of the women. Brkic writes: "There is a common denominator in refugee populations worldwide. I knew it before ever setting eyes on the women of Srebrenica that summer, not one of whom had been among the women I interviewed in Croatia the year before. In the ranks of exile, there are women who listen each evening for a telltale sound coming from the hall outside their drafty rooms that says their husbands and children have returned, Lazarus-like. These women wait first one year, then another. They grow old in their waiting, each year like a ball of noxious mercury that combines with another, so that the passage of time is fluid and indistinct. They reject conflicting reports of massacres and the conventional wisdom that all is lost." In Bosnia in the summer of 1996, that took some doing, because the evidence of what had happened to the missing men was everywhere and inescapable. At first Brkic worked at the morgue in Kalesija, "a town on the edge of Bosnian Federation territory . . . just a few miles from Republika Srpska, the Serbian entity from which non-Serbs had been completely expelled." The morgue had been set up in a building that once housed a garment factory: "The conditions were primitive: there were no windows in the building, and the floor was filthy cement." Decomposing bodies were brought there from the mass graves. Brkic worked alongside pathologists who X-rayed and examined the corpses brought into the morgue. It was a grim business, separating bones from decaying flesh, reaching into pockets "for heels of bread, photographs, a plastic bag of coarse salt," anything that might help survivors identify the remains. By the end of her first day, she "was aware that [she] had crossed an invisible border." She was "unsure when that moment had been," but she "knew that [she] had become suddenly quiet around midday, unable to do more than watch with large, grim eyes and follow the pathologists' instructions." She "could not wait to put the morgue behind [her]," and transferred to the operation in the field. This too was unsettling, not merely because it involved excavating the mass graves but because she had to cross the border into Republika Srpska: "I had the sensation that I was falling. My every experience classified that border as the one between hunter and prey. On the other side of it, law ceased to exist. It was a place filled with people who hated Muslims and Croats. And, therefore, me." No longer trapped in the morgue, she was at least in the fresh air, though that air smelled of death. In time her tasks assumed "an odd normalcy," and for a while she was able to carry them out with reasonable efficiency, but eventually it became too much for her, so she quit, and struggled to come to terms with the terrible things she had seen, heard and smelled. There was precedent for them in her own family history, an important part of which she tells in chapters that alternate with the ones about her own experiences. They are stories told to her by her father, whose mother suffered irreparable loss as a consequence of the ethnic and religious hatreds that course through the region. As a teenager Andelka married a neighbor, Marijan Brkic, and had two sons by him, first Bero (the author's father) and then Zoran. When the boys were still very young, Marijan died of stomach typhoid. In 1933 his widow took her children from the countryside to Sarajevo, "where Muslims, Serbs, Croats, Jews, Czechs, Germans, and many other communities lived side by side." There she met and fell in love with Josef Finci, a Jew. "He was from a privileged family and had never known hunger. His family belonged to Sarajevo's tightly knit Sephardic community, and she knew a Catholic wife would be unacceptable, much less a widowed mother of two small sons." They had a passionate affair. He was kind to her sons, who clearly loved him, though they didn't fully understand everything: "They did understand the need for quiet, however: the need to avoid any and all notice, to shy away from drawing attention to their family's situation, in which their mother loved a Jew. That was how the world would look at it now, she thought glumly, how it had perhaps always looked at it, and she had been fooling herself all along to think the world capable of more than what its shriveled, black heart could manage." The rest of the story is inexpressibly sad and appallingly banal. The Germans occupied Sarajevo, and the Jews were rounded up. Andelka managed to hide Josef for a time, but a neighbor snitched on them. He was taken to a camp, and she never saw him again. Like the women of Srebrenica, she plunged into denial, stubbornly anticipating and awaiting his return. Finally she learned that he had been killed in the camp. There are respects in which the story of Andelka and Josef is more moving than that of all the unknown victims of "ethnic cleansing" at Srebrenica; it is easier to become emotionally involved with a small cast of characters whom one comes to know than with a large one to which names cannot be attached. Either way, though, the story is the same. Courtney Angela Brkic tells it sensitively, sparely and with quiet passion. • Jonathan Yardley's e-mail address is yardleyj@washpost.com . Hi Nenad,Well Courtney has another hit--this time in a review from Jonathan Yardley in the Washington Post...I read the papers online (so have not seen the printed edition), but I hear there is a terrific spread on page two of the WP, with a picture of the women from Srebrenica along with Courtney's book review. Here is the url for the Yardley review:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44089-2004Aug5.html Thanks much for posting this information!Best regards,Katherine letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tale of a Jumping Serpents http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5226/1/E-Tale-of-a-Jumping-Serpents.html ÂJumping Serpents of Bosnia By Dennis L. Siluk Aug 4, 2004 The Tale of the: Jumping Serpents of Bosnia The Snake Killer of Bosnia Along the coast of the Adriatic Sea lives what now is called the "poskok," better known as the "Jumping Serpent". These creatures are some five feet long and to my understanding can jump some three feet in the air and leap some five feet in any direction they are aiming at. But this didn't happen by chance, this really and truly happened by necessity. And this is the tale you are about to hear, the "why," of it, how it came about. And to be quite honest, you will be the first to hear of it. The poskok has a macabre-hissing tone to its dynamic language, a hissing that bellows out fear, and out of fear and inborn aggressiveness, its impulses create a neurological reaction that makes it leap and jump. Again, the why of this will come out in the tale? But it is always prudent to know the background of things, and so I am equipped to share it with you. In addition to its poisonous bite, it has quite the temper, and at times it can look no different than a log or branch sitting by a tree. And let's add its natural abode to this narrative background: it prefers if given the natural background to live, it will choose the trunk of trees. And now come join me for my tale of tales, and think not that there doesn't be a feature of truth in this tale, for it would be ill-advised to think otherwise. Once upon a time, several hundred years ago, or thereabouts, there were a multitude of snakes along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and within the mountainous area thereof, in a land now called Bosnia. They grew the length of the men of that area in that day. These snakes were a reddish-brown color and a cleaver kind of breed, with sharp fangs, and were quite poisonous and aggressive for the most part. Along with living in the trunks of trees, in lack of a better home, and accommodations, and liking the sun, they slept on the side of the roads to a high extent, where often times they chummed with one another - (figuratively speaking), looking like dried up old branches, especially in the fall season laying over one another like little lions. But as winter came around, back into the trunks and holes of trees they'd find themselves. And when they seen a passerby, especially during the long hot summers, they'd play possum [dead], and when a female carrying water to the village would walk by them, they'd twist their bodies slowly and, positioning them just right and quicker than you could say "help", they'd have their teeth in one's leg. And the water being fresh would feed their thirst, along with its aggressive temperament, even on their best of days would be hard for them not to do their dirty deeds, they seemed to be simply born with an aggressive nature. --Well, this went on for quite a spell, yes, for the longest time, and one day, one day after hearing - year after year hearing - people's complaints, the King of the area announced that whoever could rid the region of these nasty and evil serpents, he'd reward them by allowing them to marry his beautiful and youthful daughter. Will, all is fare in love and war, so they say, thus, Mr. Goose, an old man from Croatia [82- years old at the time], went to the little mountainous kingdom and spoke with King Mon about his reward to be, should he clear the land of these creepy-crawly type creatures that infested every nook, tree and, oh well, lets just say, the whole landscape. Said the King, with a skeptical eye, "It would take an army I fear to wipe these hills and mountains and coastline of these aggressive, antagonistic evil doers that have taken over a thousand-lives, a thousand lives I say, from my kingdom's past of which it has been some forty years, to now, yes, yes, how can one man expect to do this, it is beyond me?"Said the old man, who had an odd looking hunchback and legs that looked more animal than human with mammalian hairs sticking out all the openings of his pants, likewise his shirt, and on his face and arms; in addition, he had a long skull a very long slant to it, with a brow that receded back to prickly looking hair, quite thin, and a smirk that showed he had secrets, secrets beyond our imagination possible, and a small mustache, yes he had a small thin mustache, thin bone structure, big eyes and feet; they were as if claws from a hawk. But here he stood, the old carnivorous gentleman, smiling with a long pause, and then simply said:(Ah! but said it keenly and sharply), "I will take your daughter for my reward, as you promise, should I accomplish the mission, but if you want to know how I shall do this feat, it will cost you your kingdom."[Insolent thought the king] With a stiff upper lip, and eyebrow up in the air, the short stubby king, with his curly locks of golden hair dangling over his ears, stood up in front of the beggar type looking man, who had a deep-set of eyes, big, yes big and confident, that had a small and thin bridge separating them from what was called his nose but looked more liken to reptilian type air holes, with only a small arch and slits to inhale though. Said he, said he with scorn on his cheek bones, stiff bones, perturbing bones - even through his fat: "So be it, you will have my daughter, not my kingdom, should you achieve this mission, and should you not, I advise you, you old coot, to be gone from these hills - far gone, for I will surely have you stripped and beaten unto your last gulp of air, should you not accomplish this, simply for you absurd audacity to think so highly of yourself in front of me." --There was no more to be said, the old man turned around and with shifty looking dark eyes, ebony-yes that resembled a rat's, he walked out through the door, as strangely as he walked in, almost silently, not looking any which way but straight. Upon the door opening up, and the king still sitting at his grand thorn, two soldiers came in with a huge seven-foot snake to show the king their good deed, their catch of the day. They had its mouth died shut with a rope, and carried it on a long stick. It must have weighed two-hundred pounds or more. As the two soldiers walked past the old man, the king starting to stand up, the serpent got a look at the old man's eyes - it was the yes and the mouth, yes the mouth most certainly, and like thunder erupting, or possible like such as the sound from a volcano, the snake started hissing, and jumping all hissing more, as if about to fly out of the two soldiers mitts, trying to get free, trying to escape the old mans presence. Matter of fact, so frantic was the snake it even started to eat the rope it was tied with.When the soldiers seen this, they dropped the snake on the marble floor, as the King looked on, on towards the snake and the old man with one glance he had given the snake, frightened the snake with, he knew this man was extraordinary, and although he hesitated in mind and soul to stop this potential marriage, he had no other recourses left, the old man was it - who else was there, should he not make the deal, there'd be no kingdom to rule in time. As soon as the old man was out of the door: out of sight, the snake regained it's weaken composure it had before it had seen the old deformed gentleman of sorts. Accordingly, the deal was sealed, and for five years to follow the old man walked slowly up and own the paths of the mountains; looked in every tree trunk, walked the coast of the Adriatic, and combed miles and miles of forest areas within the vicinity, whipping out all the snakes that he could find: he ate them, like an animal eating flesh, ripped them apart like a rat to a hen. It had come to a point, and it was said, that the area had over 10,000 snakes at one time, that now their existence was down to but ten. And these ten got together, and by way of necessity, thus, started learning how to jump, and leap. They'd gathered by the waters, the lakes, the rivers, wherever they could and watched the frogs as they moved about, then even watched the toads, and any creature that jumped. And by instinct, and need for continued existence, within a years time had learned how to leap some three feet in the air, and some five to seven feet in any direction - straight forward that is. As a result it was there way of escape from this flesh-eating human animal of sorts: the old man. Four years had gone by, and the old man was now 86-years old. His heart was tired, and he wanted more than anything to leave a legacy behind - his legacy that is, but had one more year to keep the land free of these evil serpents, should he fail, he'd loose the beautiful bright- eyed young princess: and in his mind, this could not be tolerated. As time passed, the old man found these ten snakes, all in different locations: some in trees, others along side of the road playing dead, and others by the great waters of the sea, he'd go to grab them, and before he could they'd jump, leap right through his hands. Several leaps and the serpents were gone, out of sight. Well, this bothered the old man to extremes, but he knew if he kept the snakes hidden, and busy, he'd still get his reward, or could if he was deceptive enough. And consequently, as if nothing had happened - he'd continue to play his game, and the king would be no wiser; in consequence, the old man kept walking the mountain paths - as all the villagers knew, and word got back to the king all the roads were clean and clear of the snakes; and checking out the trees, and road sides, and occasionally finding a snake or two, but it again would leap out of his presence to safety (again I say, but no one had seen snakes for a long time now, no one that is but the old man, so the king was not wise to his charade). And slowly but surely the numbers started to increase, but they were simply baby snakes, and the mothers kept them hidden from the old man, in fear they'd become extinct all over again; so again no one seen them, and the snakes knew the old may was aging, and would not live forever, if only they could out last him. And therefore, the fifth year had passed, and the old man went to the king to claim his reward. The King looking quite dreadful at his parting of his daughter gave her to the old man nonetheless - with not much to say, and brought forth a great celebration. The lovely twenty-year old princess was adorned with all kinds of flowers, and jewels and riches beyond imagination. And the party went on and on all night. Surprisingly during this time the king noticed that he had only eyes for the princess, not the riches she possessed. Somehow that seemed to dignify the whole matter much more, in an ugly kind of way, that is. As the bride danced with the groom, all the young bucks looked on with discuss and envy. The princess although, said nothing, like a good daughter, she kissed her husband and bid good evening to the guests, as they went into their room to consummate the marriage.As the evening went on, the old man lay back in his bed, tired, very tired, and in the morn, the princess trying to awake her new husband found him to be dead. Mortified, and yet relieved, she called quickly to her father, the doctor and the guards. Word had gotten out quickly that the princess' husband had heart- failure, and she would be in mourning. But the serpents in the area were refreshed by the news, and came out bravely, back onto the pathways, and around the trees and coastal areas with their young ones. The king now seeing this didn't know what to do, but it was not half as bad as it was five years past, and figured he'd look for another man of same qualities, and tried to find the Goose family to no avail. Then, finding out his daughter was pregnant, he got thinking, possible, just possible, whatever the qualities the old man had, they might be in his blood line, thus, in his grand-son to be [hoping it would be a boy]. "Awe," he said with glowing and ghastly eyes, "Sure," he said to his daughter, "Should she give birth to a son, he will be the tempest for the snakes." And so the king and his kingdom all waited for the birth of the child. --And then it happened, the 9th month, third day, in the early morning, the sun had just risen: all waited outside the doorway to hear the baby's cry, but there was no cry, yet a baby was born. As the doctor looked at the child, he was in flabbergasted; the child was horrifying to look at; hence, stunned at its appearance he just shook his head, nodded his head back and forth as if to grab onto some sanity: it looked like a ferret, yet it had human form to it. The doctor remembered what the old man looked like, and now thinking of the king. He didn't show the child to anyone, not a soul, and ordered all to stay away. And during the late night took the child out of the kingdom, telling all concerned, the child had a deadly disease, should it touch anyone, it would kill them, and needed to treat it. He called the child "Mon-goose", taking the kings name and the fathers. And left it in the woods - neither one, never to return. ------------About the author: Mr. Siluk is a world traveler, a lover of the mysteries around the world, and has visit many World Heritage Sites, the most recent being Easter Island and the Galapagos. His most recent book: "After Eve," and his 26th book thus far, can be seen on/at Barns and Nobel.com, Amazon.com, Walmart and several other sites. He spends his time between Lima, Peru and St. Paul, Minnesota, and is wroking on two more books: "Stay Down, Old Abram," and "Curse of the Abyss Worm," the second being a suspensful mystery. Visit http://dennissiluk.tripod.comContact author: dlsiluk@msn.com http://www.useless-knowledge.com/articles/apr/aug031.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Angela Brkic Invoking Mother Courage, The New York Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5224/1/E-Angela-Brkic-Invoking-Mother-Courage-The-New-York-Times.html ÂInvoking Mother Courage Sergei Lobanov-Rostovsky/Farrar, Straus & GirouxCourtney Angela BrkicToday's New York Times carries the following review of Courtney Angela Brkic's new book, which is now available in bookstores....Katherine RosichBOOKS OF THE TIMES | 'THE STONE FIELDS' On the Killing Fields of Bosnia, Invoking Mother CourageBy RICHARD EDERPublished: August 6, 2004In the stony fields of Herzegovina the peasants are as horny-skinned, seamed and sun-darkened as farmers in the photographs from our own Depression years. Caring precariously for her frail baby, Courtney Angela Brkic's Croatian grandmother, Andelka, was instructed by a village neighbor to put a pine cone in his cradle. To acquaint him with hardship.She hardly needed the advice. She could remember a little sister holding a china cup decorated in a rose pattern — perhaps the only delicate thing in their mother's rough cottage — and asking, "Are we like roses?" Soon to die, their mother threw open the door and gestured at the hills outside. "We're the brush that clings to the rocky ground."Andelka clung. Orphaned and raising her sisters, widowed young when her husband died of typhoid, moving to Sarajevo, living a brief idyll until the war, when her Jewish lover was taken away and killed in a notorious concentration camp run by the Germans' fascist Croatian allies. Then losing her sons, grown and in trouble with Tito's Communists, to emigration. Through all this she clung like the brush, or a Balkan Mother Courage, until her grasp weakened and courage failed."The Stone Fields" is a pine cone that Ms. Brkic (pronounced BER-kitch) has rolled into our cradle to acquaint us with hardship. Not Andelka's hardship; in fact the grandmother's story, written with lyrical precision, provides much of the buoyancy and lovely evocation in a memoir that knows a darker pain and darkly denounces it. It is the genocide that took place in Bosnia in the early 1990's, whose most atrocious example was the elimination by Bosnian Serbs of an estimated 7,000 Muslim inhabitants in the town of Srebenica.As for the cradle: with most horrors at a distance, the world has pretty much gone back to dozing, in this case after a few years of undoubted outrage and effort. Ms. Brkic does not tolerate sleep; she wars against forgetting. Yet if it were simply denunciation and recounting of what was so amply recounted at the time, her book would lack its unique quality.Contemporary accounts of a tragedy are like temporary grave markers. Instead, the author has carved a funeral monument, its artistry marred sometimes but in the main enhanced by the rough cuts of her chisel.She has thrust herself into the present of a past that dates back 10 years. What is the present of an old massacre? Two things: the dead and missing and the bereft. What Ms. Brkic did seems obvious yet it surprises.First she spent time with refugee wives, mothers and siblings of the 7,000 — undoubtedly dead yet mostly unable, even when disinterment and identification got under way, to offer the one consolation a dead person can leave behind, the certainty of the corpse. One mother insisted that each time the telephone rang and there was no voice (common enough to that rickety phone system), it meant her son was alive, captive and sending her a message.After that Ms. Brkic, who had worked in the United States as an archaeologist, joined the forensic and excavation teams to help dig up the victims from their mass graves and examine them.She made herself a bridge, that is, from silence as crippled hope to silence as the end of hope. She restored the victim to its mourners. And, to the heaps of bones and decaying flesh, she restored the mourners. For their own sanity the excavators could only treat the remains with professional abstraction. (Try not to look at faces or hands, one advised her.) The mourners alone could manifest the reality and dignity of what lived once and was so hideously cut down.Of course it's symbolic restoration. Ms. Brkic could not materially connect the dead with the bereaved. She was only a small part of the operation, and she couldn't bear to stay more than a few weeks. She failed to imitate her co-workers' indispensable objectivity; her outrage puzzled and even angered them, and all the more because when she wept some of them did too. What she succeeded at was something different.For readers it is as if by connecting two disconnected electrical poles she released a fulminating current of pity, terror and outrage. Ms. Brkic's wiring can be shaky; her current sparks and sputters. Her passion is unquestionably real, but we may feel she turns it a bit to catch the light better; at times we get the sense of an actor moving into position so as to declaim from it. Yet it hardly matters.Atrocity lives on in the mind not by the ugliness of the violation but by the fairness, or at least wholeness, of what was violated. It is here that the life of Andelka, with its moments of beauty as well as suffering, plays its part: a notion of human dignity held up in the background while the author tries to disinter the inhuman.There is, besides, Ms. Brkic herself, displaying marks on her own wholeness. From the excavations she flees back to Zagreb, where her great-aunts live. She examines her face in the mirror, inventorying it for what lasts — the bones, that is, and eliminating eyes, cheeks, lips. She writes down a scar, then erases, "when I remembered that skin was unlikely to survive."She takes up with a Croatian army officer, veteran of the brutal war between Croatia and Serbia. He is a man of extraordinary sweetness, and it is a while before the darkness emerges. A Roman Catholic, he goes to confession frequently but never takes communion. God — to translate — forgives him, but he can't forgive himself. Neither, finally and after other twists, does the author. Meanwhile, lying beside him — "the flow of his blood was like water singing through rock" — she conjures up what will last:"Beneath the warm skin were the plates of his cranium, the sutures where entire continents met in his childhood and fused over the ocean of his mind. The gentle, breakable bones of his face were like china, or the hollow bones of birds. They were as fragile as calcified breath."http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/06/books/06BOOK.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Mostar Bridge in Architecture Week http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5225/1/E-Mostar-Bridge-in-Architecture-Week.html ÂÂMostar Bridge by ArchitectureWeek When a beloved and highly symbolic historic bridge was destroyed during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina of the early 1990s, the whole world grieved. The single-arched Stari Most ("Old Bridge") in Mostar was erected in 1566 by architect Mimar Hajruddin at the height of the Ottoman Empire. It not only connected the city physically but, by the 20th century, had come to symbolize the coming together of many nationalities and ethnicities.On July 23, 2004, festivities with music, dancing, and international guests celebrated the completed restoration of the landmark bridge to its original form. This reconstruction project is one piece of a larger effort to restore the historic district of Mostar after its devastation by bombing. The work is the combined effort of many entities, among them the World Monuments Fund, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, UNESCO, the World Bank, local agencies, and donor countries. The restoration had taken five years. According to an account by UNESCO, the bridge was rebuilt in much the same way as the original structure but with reinforcing in the foundations. "The Old Bridge was rebuilt with local materials — "Tenelija" and "Bretcha" stones found in nearby quarries — and according to traditional methods, using quoins, cramps, and dowels." The reconstruction was carried out by the Turkish company, ER-BU. Flanked by two fortified towers, the Halebija Tower on the right bank and the Tara Tower on the left, the new bridge, like its predecessor, has a single hump-backed arch 13 feet (four meters) wide, 100 feet (30 meters) long, and 65 feet (20 meters) high at its center. Before the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia, Mostar had been a small hamlet situated at a strategic crossing of the Neretva River. The Stari Most was built in the Ottoman period, during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent, to replace a precarious wooden suspension bridge that had spanned the river. The stone bridge secured Mostar's primacy as the capital of Herzegovina and transformed Mostar from a quiet settlement into a cosmopolitan crossroads. The city's rich architecture, further developed during the Hapsburg period, has been a draw for travelers to this day. On November 9, 1993, the bridge's spring line was hit by a Croatian tank shell and the already battle-damaged structure fell into the river. The war also devastated much of the city's architectural and social fabric and plunged it into decline. Later in the decade, as wartime tensions slowly faded, local and international energy went into new commercial and civic projects. The current planning and restoration work began in the late 1990s. From the beginning, planners had realized that the reconstruction of the bridge would be an empty gesture without the concurrent rehabilitation of the historic neighborhoods. The newly created Starigrad (historic city) Agency, will help guide and manage future restoration and reconstruction projects including rebuilding the streetscapes and architecture on both sides of the river and improving pedestrian access to the historic core. In July 2004, locals began walking across the Neretva River as they had for four centuries. It may take more time, however, before the Muslim community on one side of the river and the Croat community on the other overcome the psychological divisions carved by war. It is hoped that the reconstruction achievements to date will inspire future work in the historic city. Considering the terrible damage inflicted during the war, much remains to be done to make Mostar whole. http://www.architectureweek.com/today.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Freedom From Despair - 88 minute tour de force http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5228/1/E-Freedom-From-Despair---88-minute-tour-de-force.html ÂFreedom From Despair - 88 minute tour de forceWritten by Derek HorneBrenda Brkusic has been traveling to Croatia alot lately, not to enjoythe revived tourism industry, but to screen her political feature filmdocumentary Freedom from Despair. The 88 minute tour de force has newsreel footage from Croatia's tormented past, interviews with variousfamily members, historians, and political activists and dramaticrecreations of their escapes from the country. All of this isaccompanied by a haunting score by award-winning composer Nenad Bach andnarrated by actors Michael York, John Savage, and Beata Pozniak.In order to add authenticity to the dramatizations as well as conductsome crucial interviews, Brenda traveled to Croatia last summer to filmon location in Hvar (her father's hometown), Otok Murter (her mother'shometown), and various other historical sites. "I knew that I was going to be interviewing Marko Dizdar (President of"Political Prisoners under Communism") while in Croatia," said Brenda."Marko is a Croatian who was persecuted by the Communist Yugoslavgovernment for speaking his beliefs. He spent 11 years in LepoglavaPrison and was named an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience. Iwent to Amnesty to see if they could provide any documents for the filmregarding Marko's case, and they did." Brenda took Marko Dizdar back toLepoglava Prison to re-visit his old solitary confinement cell and tohave him play himself in the narrative recreations inside the prison. Freedom from Despair had its world premiere in May at the AmnestyInternational Film Festival at the Director's Guild in Hollywood. "Inmaking the film, I strove to represent issues of war and peace, humanrights and justice, culture and tolerance," she said. "I was proud thatan organization such as Amnesty International not only felt that Irepresented those issues well and were willing to program the film undertheir name, but also that they recognized the artistic value of the filmand accepted it to screen in a program with professional documentaries."Freedom from Despair was the only student film chosen for the festival.In attendance for the screening were actor Michael York and his wifePatricia York, actress Beata Pozniak, and the Croatian Consulate Generalof Los Angeles. Also in attendance was Academy Award-Winner David Ward,who served as a mentor to Brenda during his tenure at Chapman asFilmmaker-in-Residence."Receiving the Marion Knott Scholarship and getting to work with DavidWard was an invaluable experience for me," said Brenda. "I had to mixinterviews, stock footage, and narrative recreations that I shot inCroatia into a coherent and captivating historical piece. Every week Iwould bring David new edits of the film until finally I had a 95 minutefilm. David would watch each shot very carefully and help me to perfectthat mixture. He also gave me great advice about staying true to mybelief and standing my ground when trying to accomplish what I want." Brenda also appreciated the experience of getting to work with actorsMichael York, John Savage and Beata Pozniak on the film. "They allreally believed in me and knowing that I was a student they helped meout of their own generosity," she said. "Each of them had a differentway of approaching the recording session and their individualcharacters."Brenda had a long-distance working relationship with Nenad Bach who wascomposing the score in New York. "One day he called me to play a sampleof the score to me on the piano," she said. "As soon as he played thefirst few notes, I started to cry - it was that beautiful. It was atthat moment that I realized, 'My God, this person created this beautifulpiece of music to help me translate my emotions in the film and that isso special to me! I realized that the film also meant a lot to Nenad."Freedom from Despair had its Croatian premiere at the Dubrovnik FilmFestival in May. Brenda's film includes footage of the Serb forcesbombing the ancient city of Dubrovnik which is now protected by UNESCOas a world heritage site. "I felt it an important event to screen thefilm in Dubrovnik last May because it gave the people an opportunity tosee that someone has documented the injustice that occurred in theircity, in turn bringing them the only justice they may ever know," saidBrenda, whose own extended family came from all over Croatia to see thefilm. During the closing ceremony a juror from the festival got on stageand gave the film a special recognition saying "In a time when there area lot of films made about nothing, Freedom from Despair is a film aboutsomething very important. It is a film that reminds us that there arestill things in this world worthy of our tears. Some films feel as ifthey have to be made, and this is one."Brenda was invited back to Croatia in July for the Pula Film Festivalwhere it screened alongside such high profile documentaries as Farenheit911, Capturing the Friedmans, and The Revolution Will Not Be Televised!While there, Brenda was interviewed by four television stations, spoketo Branko Lustig (producer of Schindler's List and Gladiator) and metwith the President of Croatia. Croatian Television has expressedinterest in airing the documentary as well as PBS.Recently Brenda was able to gain fiscal sponsorship from a non-profitcharitable organization called the Croatian National Foundation. Thiswill allow people the opportunity to give tax deductible contributionsto the film. To make a donation or to read more about the film, visither website www.freedomfromdespair.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 02 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Courtney Angela Brkic's Story in Mercury News http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5227/1/E-Courtney-Angela-Brkics-Story-in-Mercury-News.html ÂCourtney Angela Brkic's Story in Mercury NewsPosted on Sun, Aug. 01, 2004 The unburied pastBy Charles MatthewsMercury NewsMany years ago, three friends and I wedged ourselves into a VW Beetle and set out to drive through what was then Yugoslavia to the Adriatic. We didn't know how wild and beautiful and strange and lonely much of the country was, or that we would ride for hours, hairpinning through green hills and barren ones, and seldom see another car or come upon a village or farm.And in the towns and cities, we naive Americans were surprised to see minarets rising above the rooftops. We hadn't known that Yugoslavia had such a large Muslim population. Later, the whole world would know that -- and, terribly, much more.When that time came, and the names of places where I had been -- Dubrovnik, Jajce, Mostar, Sarajevo -- filled the news, I felt sadness and horror but also remorse: I had learned so little when I was there; I had passed through those places in the tourist's cocoon of ignorance. At least I was not one of those Americans who, in Courtney Angela Brkic's words, ``asked whether Croatia and Bosnia were in Latin America.'' But though my ignorance was lesser, it was still strong.``Those savvy enough to know the region's geography would express surprise and confusion that the war had happened at all,'' Brkic writes. ``Yugoslavia had been an idyll, hadn't it? Where the past had been forgotten and people lived as brothers? I did not relish explaining, over and over again, that the past had never been forgotten, but merely buried.''Brkic may not relish explaining that, but she has done so eloquently in ``The Stone Fields,'' trying to bring into emotional focus -- such things are beyond reason -- the hideousness that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia, the rapes and torture and massacres, as well as the ignorance and indifference of the outside world.As her name suggests, Brkic is Croatian-American. Her father left Yugoslavia in 1959, and, she says, ``Like other new Americans who seek to reinvent themselves, he let weeds and dirt overtake the past.''She was given the all-American name Courtney, along with an Americanized version of her grandmother's name, Andelka (pronounced ``Anjelka''). But as she notes, ``My father had been troubled when I started responding to the name Angela. I think it seemed to him a rejection of the safe life he had created for us in America.''Trained as an archaeologist, Brkic went to Bosnia in 1996 to work with a forensic team of the Physicians for Human Rights that was unearthing mass graves and attempting to identify the bodies. ``My father did not know that I had come to Bosnia,'' she tells us, ``and the knowledge would have eaten away at him.''Part of the book is about Brkic's work on the grim task of identification, handling human remains and working in fields that had been land-mined. It was work that took both a physical and psychological toll. She came to be bothered by a burning sensation in one of her fingers.``I had the terrible feeling that a splinter of bone from one of the bodies had made its way into me and lay buried under my skin.''But the book is also about her grandmother, Andelka. Brkic has always been ``a stubborn demander of stories,'' she tells us, and from the stories told by her father and her aunts, she has crafted a fascinating account of her grandmother's life -- one ruled by the unresolved tensions of her country's violent history.``Politics is a whore,'' Andelka would say, bitter at the sway it held over her life. She was born in Herzegovina, orphaned at 14, and married at 16. Soon after their marriage, she and her husband were exiled to a remote village by the Kingdom of Yugoslavia because he was a follower of a Croatian nationalist.Andelka gave birth to four children, two of whom survived, before her husband died of typhoid when she was 21. Not wanting to live the life of a self-denying village widow, she moved to Sarajevo with her two small sons, Bero and Zoran.In Sarajevo, she fell in love with Josef Finci, who was Jewish. With the coming of the Nazi occupation, Andelka was arrested for hiding Josef, who was sent to a concentration camp. Twelve-year-old Bero and 10-year-old Zoran were left on their own for weeks -- a neighbor looked in on them and fed them -- until Andelka was released. They never saw Josef again.After the war, chaos was succeeded by the regimentation of communism, but the country's ethnic tensions were only repressed, not resolved. Andelka ``had endured her own life,'' Brkic writes. ``This impossible country had undermined her.'' So she urged Bero and Zoran to leave: `` `Get out while you still can,' she told them. `And don't come back.' ''For Brkic, a tension remains between Andelka's ``impossible country'' and the ``safe life'' her father, Bero, had tried to create for her. And her desire to understand overcomes her need for security.In Zagreb, she has an affair with Stjepan, who has served in the army and seen terrible things. She tells him that her father would like to come back -- ``a piece of him is always here'' -- but would find the adjustment difficult after growing used to life in America. ``This troubled him. Stjepan had, after all, fought for the right of people like my father to come back permanently, to reclaim their lives.'' But deep conflicts about his country also trouble Stjepan, who is prone to nightmares. Their relationship sours to an end. The buried past will not stay buried.``The Stone Fields'' has a haunting, lyrical economy. Brkic wonderfully blends precise depictions of a harsh land and hard lives with a deep and sympathetic understanding of what people have endured. Added to this is a keen self-awareness that never becomes self-indulgence.It's a book designed to banish ignorance, and it goes a long way toward its goal.THE STONE FIELDS: An Epitaph for the LivingBy Courtney Angela BrkicFarrar, Straus & Giroux, 320 pp., $24RELATED READINGSTILLNESS AND OTHER STORIES,by Courtney Angela Brkic (Picador, $13 paperback)Fiction based on Brkic's experiences in Croatia and Bosniahttp://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/books/9294920.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 02 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian National Association Helping Brenda Brkusic's film http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5235/1/E-Croatian-National-Association-Helping-Brenda-Brkusics-film.html Croatian National Association Helping Brenda Brkusic's film Good day to all,My name is Milan Vukovic, I am the president of the Croatian NationalAssociation/Foundation (Hrvatska Narodna Udruga) headquartered in LosAngeles. Vido Artukovich, vice president of the Udruga, and I had the honorof attending the premier of Brenda's amazing film. We were so moved by itthat we recommended to the Udruga that we help Brenda by coordinatingfundraising screenings of her film.We have been working with Brenda to have showings throughout Croatiancommunities in North America and to date we have received a response and areorganizing screenings in Los Angeles, Cedar Falls, IA, Washington D.C.,Chicago and New York.If you live in one the above mentioned cities and you would like to help,what can you do? You can contact us and we will give you the contactinformation for your city so that you can help organize a screening or soyou have the information to attend the screening.If you live in another city you can help her by organizing a screening inyour area. The film is so powerful that in cities with larger Croatianpopulations we are holding "free" screenings where viewers are asked todonate a contribution and the Croatian National Foundation issues each donora tax deductible receipt. We can do that for you as well, or of course youcan hold a screening and simply charge admission.Another way to support the film is by going to the "Support The Film" buttonon Brenda's new web sitewww.freedomfromdespair.comOther suggestions for help are most certainly welcome.Sincerely,Milan VukovicMilanVukovic@msn.com PresidentCroatian National Foundation(818) 610-3388 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 30 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,D,E) Novi umjetnici, Neue Künstler, New artists - Konture Gallery http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5232/1/HDE-Novi-umjetnici-Neue-Kunstler-New-artists---Konture-Gallery.html ÂNovi umjetnici, Neue Künstler, New artists - Konture Gallery(HR) Radovi novih umjetnika u nasoj galerijihttp://gallery.konture.com suonline. Umjetnici poimence su Vendi Babeli (HR) i Sylvie Robert (USA).Predstavljamo i nove radove slijedecih umjetnika: Jürgen Schreiter, LeoLezcano, Aj Nadel, Fauzie As'Ad, Andreas Ender und Alejandra Tolosa.Zahvaljujem nasem webmasteru Tomislavu za dobro obavljen posao.Vlado Franjevic, kustos - www.vlado.li -(D) Die Werke von den neuen Künstler in unserer Galeriehttp://gallery.konture.com sind online. Diese KünstlerInnen sind: VendiBabeli (HR) und Sylvie Robert (USA). Ebenfalls praesetieren wir auch dieneue Werke von: Jürgen Schreiter, Leo Lezcano, Aj Nadel, Fauzie As'Ad,Andreas Ender und Alejandra Tolosa.Vlado Franjevic, Kurator - www.vlado.li -(E) We present the artworks of new artists in our gallery:http://gallery.konture.com. These are Vendi Babeli (HR) and Sylvie Robert(USA). We present also the newest artworks of the artists as follow: JürgenSchreiter, Leo Lezcano, Aj Nadel, Fauzie As'Ad, Andreas Ender und AlejandraTolosa.Vlado Franjevic, Curator - www.vlado.li - letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 30 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) PEN American Center presents August 4th, New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5234/1/E-PEN-American-Center-presents-August-4th-New-York-City.html PEN American Center presents August 4th, New York CityState of Emergency: Unconventional Readings featuring Laurie Anderson, Paul Auster, Russell Banks, Michael Cunningham, Don DeLillo, Joan Didion, Ariel Dorfman, Eve Ensler, Jonathan Safran Foer, Barbara Goldsmith, A.M. Homes, A.E. Hotchner, Margo Jefferson, Edward P. Jones, Walter Dean Myers, Salman Rushdie, Monique Truong, Kurt Vonnegut, and others to be announced. Wednesday, August 4th at 7:00 pm (doors at 6:30) The Great Hall, Cooper Union: 7 East 7th Street at Third Avenue, New York City USA FREE ADMISSION for more information, call PEN at 212 334 1660 x 107 or email andrea@pen.org cosponsored by the Cooper Union Office for Continuing Education and Public Programs PEN American CenterA fellowship of writers working for more than eighty years to advance literature,to promote a culture of reading, and to defend free expression.http://www.pen.org/recentevents.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Predrag Dubravcic - Nove slike nicega - Photo Exhibition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5233/1/HE-Predrag-Dubravcic---Nove-slike-nicega---Photo-Exhibition.html ÂPredrag Dubravcic - Nove slike nicega - Photo ExhibitionŠtovanina stranicama Odsjeka snimanja postavljena je nova izložba fotografija na koju Vas srdačno pozivamosa štovanjemEnes Midžićhttp://www.snimanje.adu.hr/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ship VIS - in Croatian hands - Arsen Brajkovic Story http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5231/1/E-Ship-VIS---in-Croatian-hands---Arsen-Brajkovic-Story.html ÂArsen BrajkovicÂÂBrod VisÂ"On one side of the table in the admiral's salon, I was sitting completely alone, and on the other side was a whole suite of high officers in the full shine of their uniforms", recalls Brajkovic. "After all the organizational and financial complications I had to go through in the months before the transfer, I again very strongly felt what I was buying an important, vital monument of the maritime heritage, the ship that was and still remains the symbol of maritime culture for its uniqueness and its beauty.""While the Vis was leaving the pier, sirens on all ships in the port of Bar went off for full three minutes. Such moments really give you goose bumps" - says Arsen Brajkovic.For four years, the ship subsisted by a Bar pier, and it never once sailed For four years, the ship subsided by a Bar pier, and it never once sailed. Then, it became clear that something needed to be done before its total decay. There was no money for its reconstruction, but there were ideas to give the ship as a gift to the maritime museum, but even this idea required further investments.Eventually, it was silently decided to spread the word that the ship was on sale, which quickly reached Arsen Brajkovic. In June 2002, completely alone, he travelled to Bar to carefully inspect the ship. It was not very easy, especially regarding the fact that he was a foreign citizen in a war port.No way I could completely inspect the ship before buying it"Naturally, there was no way I could perform any check up of the structure, nor was there a way for me to see the submarine part of the hull", says Brajkovic. "I had to, actually, make a decision only on the basis of as detailed possible the Visual check up."Following the return to Pula, the planning of the first phase of return was launched - the payment of the ship and its transportation to Pula. Even before the towing, Brajkovic had to decide where in Croatia he would take the ship and state what exactly he had bought and to put it in order as much as possible before taking it to Pula. Kraljevica was the choice.http://www.vis-yacht.com/history.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Robert Schenk - Accord Case http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5230/1/E-Robert-Schenk---Accord-Case.html ÂRobert Schenk - Accord Casehttp://accordcase.com/about.htmlhttp://accordcase.com/index2.htm If you add passion and fine attention to detail that only a team of dedicated hand builders can provide, you get a product that sets a new standard for all.At Accord we consider the individual very seriously. This philosophy led us to create superior product aimed at satisfying the needs of our ever-changing society. It took us only a few years to win the demanding classical musicians loyalty by providing them with highest quality, handmade instrument cases. Today, we are able to utilize our know-how and craftsmanship across a wide range of products, allowing those who want more to experience the prestige of owning a product in a class of its own. ÂCase for StingIf you've held an Accord product in your hand, you perfectly understand what we're talking about. Usually, it's "Wow! How did you make it?!" or "What is this made of?!" At first sight, it is our product's innovative shape design that differentiates us from the rest, as a result of our R&D team's close collaboration with top professional musicians, and our effort to push our product's functionality a step further. Using the most advanced composite materials together with our breakthrough technology we make products featuring increased strength that give a whole new meaning to the word "ultralight". After all, it is our mission to make things easier for you. Moreover, an Accord product is also a work of art. In fact, our know-how enables us to achieve outstanding handcrafted surface patterns in a variety of colors, making each product unique and highly individualized. If you add passion and fine attention to detail that only a team of dedicated handbuilders can provide, you get a product that sets a new standard for all.USA QUALITY STRING IMPORTS, INC.contact: Mr. Lance Premezzi34 Center StreetNew PaltzNY 12561U.S.A.tel: 845 430-5336fax: 718 229-4265e-mail: qualitystrings@yahoo.come-mail: info@accordcase.com Production: Croatia, Europe Dinka Trinajstica 13, 52100 Pula phone: ++385 52 380-588fax: ++385 52 380-589 N 44° 52' 34,4"E 13° 51' 12,5"  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Unprecedented" at the Healing Earth Resources http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5242/1/E-Unprecedented-at-the-Healing-Earth-Resources.html Â"Unprecedented" at the Healing Earth Resources"Rep. Danny Davis and six other Reps have called for UN election monitorsfor the Nov 04 elections."If you do laugh at this, please come to our event to see how it is soserious:What : "Unprecedented" screening (50 min)The 2000 Presidential Election: the riveting story about the battle for thePresidency in Florida and the Undermining of democracy in America. Producedand directed by Robert Greenwald, who is also a producer of "Uncovered."When: July 14 (Wed) 7:15 pmWhere: Healing Earth Resources3111 N. Ashland Ave., ChicagoRoom open: 7:00There will be an opportunity for discussion following the videopresentations.Suggested donation: $2.00Contact Lora drlora@ameritech.net (if you would like to have this movie shown in your center please contact"Friends of the Green Planet" fotgp@worldnet.att.net oror contact Mirna at: mirna@adriaticsunshine.com )John Petrakis, Special to Chicago Tribune: Nov 21, 2003. pg. 4:"Unprecedented" (***), which screens Sunday night at the Gene Siskel FilmCenter, is a direct, organized 50-minute video about the maneuvers behindthe 2000 presidential election--specifically in Florida, which proved to bethe decisive battleground.Co-directors Richard Ray Perez and Joan Sekler focus on Florida's RepublicanParty, led by Gov. Jeb Bush (George W.'s brother) and Secretary of StateKatherine Harris, who had worked on George W. Bush's campaign. Some of thealleged revelations are new, while others have been addressed before. Theyinclude the purging of select voters from the registration rolls(African-Americans and convicted felons), the cancellation of votes from keydistricts (senior citizens confused by the butterfly ballot), the inclusion oflate absentee ballots (overseas servicemen who went strong for Bush), and therole of the three Supreme Court justices.In an attempt to suggest even-handedness, the filmmakers also castigate theGore campaign for choosing select counties for the recount, instead ofallowing the whole state to be recanvassed. Ironically, the video suggests,this attempt to up the odds of his election proved to be Gore's ultimateundoing.At a scant 50 minutes, "Unprecedented" is unable to elaborate on the morecomplex arguments or provide extensive rebuttal, but it is plenty longenough to skewer the electoral process.IL4Kucinich home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich National Website: http://www.kucinich.us Calendar: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich/calLinks: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich/linksFiles: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich/files/Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich/messagesSettings: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich/join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IL4Kucinich/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cultural Roundup from South East Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5241/1/E-Cultural-Roundup-from-South-East-Europe.html ÂCultural Roundup from South East EuropeThe Olympic Flame, which began a 36-day global journey in early June, arrived Tuesday (6 July) in Istanbul, Turkey. It travels to Bulgaria and Cyprus before returning to Greece on Friday. In all, the torch will have travelled to 34 cities in 27 countries. [AFP] (Various sources - 30/06/04 - 07/07/04)A review of sports, entertainment and other cultural news from the Balkans since 30 June:Croatian tennis star Mario Ancic recorded his best performance so far, defeating Britain's Tim Henman in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on 30 June. Ancic lost to US player Andy Roddick in the semifinals, but saw his world ranking climb from 31st to 12th.***Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti gave a concert in Zagreb (Pula op-ed) on 3 July to mark the opening of the 5th Histria Music and Theatre Festival, attended by 7,000 people. Pavarotti performed with soprano Carmela Remigio and the Croatian Radio and Television Orchestra.***Albania's Opera and Ballet Theatre is hosting a production of West Side Story, featuring an Albanian setting and traditional costumes. Several prominent local actors are taking part in the event, which was organised in collaboration with Albanian Public Television and Encompass New Opera Theatre of New York.***Guitarist Al Di Meola opened the 1st Athens Jazz Festival, held at the open-air Lycabettus Theatre near the centre of the Greek capital. The seven-day festival will also feature performances by Charles Lloyd and Richard Galliano.***Poet Petko Dabeski won this year's Miladinovci Brothers award at the Struga Poetry Evenings in Macedonia. It is the second time Dabeski has won the award. Thirty-two poets competed this year.***The city of Ohrid, Macedonia is hosting the 43rd Balkan Festival of Country Music and Dances. Musicians from Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary are scheduled to perform.***Bulgaria's Academy of Science has appointed six academics, including three from the arts and humanities: writer and historian Vera Mutafchieva, Childrens' Radio Chorus conductor Christo Nedyalkov, and film producer Lydmil Staykov. The other appointees are professors in the natural sciences.***Albania's National History Museum is hosting a special exhibition, "From Antiquity to Independence". The exhibition, devoted to the history of the Albanian people, features objects, art works, furniture and other items.http://www.setimes.com/html2/english/040707-WMI-000.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) In the latest issue of the Croatian Chronicle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5240/1/E-In-the-latest-issue-of-the-Croatian-Chronicle.html ÂÂIn the latest issue of the Croatian ChronicleIn the latest issue of the Croatian Chronicle: news and events from Croatian communities across the United States, one Croatian soccer fan’s first hand account of the European Soccer Championship in Portugal and an interview with author and philosopher Noam Chomsky. The next issue will be available in two weeks’ time and will feature extensive coverage of the Croatian Business Summit, the largest ever gathering of Croatian businessmen and women, held recently in Cleveland, Ohio. Find out who was there, what it means for Croatia and potential investors, and much more. Photos from the summit can be viewed at www.croatianchronicle.com 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.-Dubrovnik Deli in New JerseyThe 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.com Please contact us at:Ph: 718 278-5760Fax: 718 228-4311P.O. BOX 3531Astoria, NY 11103info@croatianchronicle.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) IUP theater students to perform 'Grizula' in play's native Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5239/1/E-IUP-theater-students-to-perform-Grizula-in-plays-native-Croatia.html ÂIUP theater students to perform 'Grizula' in play's native Croatia By ROB ROZYCKI Penn Contributing WriterJuly 07, 2004 SARAH BRAHA/PENN Aron Honick (senior, theater) and Julie Settle (junior, theater) strike a pose during "Grizula." The cast of the centuries-old play by the "Croatian" Shakespeare", Marin Drzic, which was adapted from Croatian and produced in English at IUP this spring, is traveling to Croatia, where they will perform the show at the Dubrovnik Arts Festival.When a group of students tried out for "Grizula," a play by Croatian author, Marin Drzic, they were told about the possibility of performing the show in the author's homeland. On July 15, the possibility will turn into a reality for the cast and crew of 18 students."It's an excellent opportunity," said Michael Hood, dean of Fine Arts, "not only to expose our students to the differences between the university and professional worlds, but also the American way of working in contrast to the European way." Hood will be joining the 16 students in Croatia with Barbara Blackledge, theater department chair.The cast will perform Grizula at the Dubrovnik Arts Festival. For most of these young actors, it will be their first time traveling abroad."This is my first time out of the country. I've never even been to Canada," said Anne Canzano (senior, theater).Although the company members are excited, they do know that challenges await them in the United States and in Croatia."The actors have to readjust to each other, the way we move, sing and speak," said Nate Miller (sophomore, theater). Miller added that he and other actors are working on their lines and the music for the show.Canzano, who is the costume designer for the production, said the major challenge for the show will be to move the show to a theater an ocean away."It's a new space, new seating arrangement and a new society," Canzano said. "While all that happens, we have to make it work even better than it did here."Source:http://www.thepenn.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/07/07/40ec19d3b7cb1 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Na Klapski Nacin - Izvrsna Web Stranica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5238/1/E-Na-Klapski-Nacin---Izvrsna-Web-Stranica.html Âwww.naklapskinacin.com ÂPostovani posjetitelji CROWNa i prijatelji,ÂSrdacno preporucujem stranice Na Klapski Nacin, koje je organizirala Iva Vianello. Stranice su informativne, jednostavne i s ljubavlju pripremljene. Podrzite ih na nacin na koji mozete.ÂNenad BachÂDear CROWN visitors and friends,ÂI wholeheartedly recommend WebPages Na Klapski Nacin which have been organized by Iva Vianello. Pages are informative, simple and created with love. It's about Klapa singing and our Croatian tradition. Support her in a way you can.ÂNenad BachÂPostovanje,Hvala Vam na e-mailu. Drago mi je da ste se javili i da Vam se stranice svidaju.Moje stranice i ja Vam stojimo na raspolaganju u svim vasim projektimavezanim za ove nase drage klape.Lijepi pozdrav,Iva Vianellonaklapskinacin@net.hr www.naklapskinacin.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Pianist Radoslav Lorkovic at Martyr's July 10, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5237/1/E-Pianist-Radoslav-Lorkovic-at-Martyrs-July-10-2004.html ÂRadoslav Lorkovic at Martyr'sI thought you might like to know that the grandson of renowned Croatianclassical pianist Melita Lorkovic is playing at 6:00 PM this Saturday, July10 at Martyr's, 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue, just south of Irving Park, inChicago.Radoslav Lorkovic is a blues, folk, and classical pianist. He is touringChicago with Andy White. There is a second opportunity to hear them at aHouse concert on Sunday night, July 11 at 7:00. For details andreservations for that concert, call 312-371-2294 or reply by e-mail tonjonese@ameritech.net .Andy White and Radoslav LorkovicSaturday, July 10, Early Show 6 to 8 PMCover $12.00Martyrs Pub3855 N. Lincoln AvenueChicago(773) 404-9494www.andywhite.com www.radoslavlorkovic.com www.martyrslive.com CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Pavarotti and Friends Collection on Sale http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5236/1/E-Pavarotti-and-Friends-Collection-on-Sale.html ÂPavarotti and Friends Collection on Sale"The Pavarotti and Friends Collection" celebrates the internationally renowned charity concert series that brought together the world's greatest pop performers with the greate... Pavarotti And Friends Collection: The Complete Concerts 1992-2000 Universal Music (11/12/2002) Starring: Bryan Adams, Eros Ramazzotti, Eurythmics, Gaetano Veloso, Gam Gam, Gianni Morandi, Gloria Estefan, Jon Bon Jovi, Jon Secada, Jovanotti, Laura Pausini, Ligabue, Lionel Richie, Litfiba, Liza Minnelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Lucio Dalla, Marco Armiliato, Mariah Carey, Meat Loaf, Michael Bolton, Michael Kamen, Mike Oldfield, Nancy Gustafson, Natalie Cole, Nenad Bach, Neville Brothers, Paco De Lucia, Patricia Kaas, Pino Daniele, Renato Zero, Ricky Martin, Savage Garden, Sheryl Crow, Simon Le Bon, Spice Girls, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Suzanne Vega, The Chieftains, The Corrs, The Edge, The Kelly Family, Trisha Yearwood, Vanessa Williams, Zucchero, Tracy Chapman, Alex Britti, Andrea Bocelli, Andreas Vollenweider, Aqua, B.B. King, Biagio Antonacci, Bob Geldof, Bono, Boyzone, Brian Eno, Brian May, Celine Dion, Edoardo Bennato, Eric Clapton, Al Di Meola, Caetano Veloso, Florent Pagny, Elton John, Enrique Iglesias, Aaron Neville, Dolores O'Riordan, George Michael, Chieftans, Joe Cocker, John McLaughlin, Joan Osborne. Retail Price: $79.98 Planet Price: $59.99 Savings: $19.99ÂÂ( 25% off ) Add to Cart Add to Wish List  Âhttp://www.dvdplanet.com/search_actor.asp?sKeys=Nenad+Bach  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Promicem tradiciju u okrilju hrvatske kulture http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5245/1/H-Promicem-tradiciju-u-okrilju-hrvatske-kulture.html ÂÂPromicem tradiciju u okrilju hrvatske kultureÂLidija Bajuk-Pecotic svestrana je umjetnica koja kroz svoje pjesnicko, književno i glazbeno stvaralaštvo promice ljepotu raznolikosti hrvatske tradicijske pjesme, mitova i legenda. Od godine 1998. djeluje kao profesionalna umjetnica nakon što je prestala raditi u školi kao razredna nastavnica i knjižnicarka. Dobitnica je mnogih glazbenih i književnih nagrada, medu kojima su Goran za mlade pjesnike 1991., zatim Zlatne plakete grada Cakovca 1998. za promicanje Medimurja u glazbi i književnosti, nagrade Josip Sever za zbirku pjesama Vucica, nagrade Fran Galovic za Kugu. Takoder je zapaženo njezino glazbeno djelovanje u kazalištu i na filmu. Nastupala je diljem Hrvatske, Europe, Kanade te u Nepalu, Tibetu i Kolumbiji.* Rodeni ste u Medimurju, "cvetjem med dvemi vodami". Pod pritiskom urbanizacije, danas sve više nestaje pravo selo, bogato obicajima i tradicijom. Jeste li ga vi doživjeli ?- Imala sam iznimnu srecu selo upoznati prije no što su se vratili njegovi gastarbajteri. Rijec je o Malom Mihaljevcu, jednom medimurskom zaselku, udaljenom od glavnih prometnica. U njemu sam upoznala život zadružne obitelji, panonsko tradicijsko graditeljstvo, domacu kuhinju, obicaje, miris domacih životinja i pokošene trave, pastirske igre, tajne šume, tamo sam prvi put okapala kukuruz i zobacila sijeno... To mi je iskustvo jedno od najdragocjenijih i najljepših. Zbog njega sam sklona tradiciji, duhovnosti, usmenoj predaji i prirodi. Ono mi pomaže u studiju etnologije i antropologije, zapravo zbog njega ponovno studiram.* Uz narodne pjesme izvodite i vlastite. Do sada ste objavili šest zbirki, "Pipilotine pjesme" ove godine. U kojoj se formi lakše pjesnicki izražavate?- Pišuci pjesme ne razmišljam o formi. Lakoca pisanja proizlazi iz nadahnuca i dubine osjecaja, uglavnom sjetnih. Sonet mi predstavlja izazov jer zahtijeva veliku usredotocenost, samodisciplinu, poznavanje jezika i glazbenu darovitost. Dobar sonet nije lako napisati. Dio vlastitih soneta sam uglazbila, pokušavajuci im vratiti njihovu prvotnu namjenu - da zazvone i ponesu ljepotom zvuka, glasa i misli.* Uz Pipi, jedan od vama najdražih književnih likova iz djetinjstva je Winnetou. Je li vaš svjetonazor blizak indijanskome?- O, da! Danas bih rekla da je moj pogled na svijet blizak prirodi, covjeku, nadahnucima, ljepoti, osjecajima, duhovnosti, požrtvovnosti, svemu obespravljenom, poniženom, zloupotrebljenom. Svjetonazor americkih domorodaca u djetinjstvu mi je, zahvaljujuci literaturi i filmu, bio bliskiji od svjetonazora ljudi u nedalekome selu. A tako su slicni! Nije se mnogo od tada promijenilo. Ne poznajemo se dovoljno, preziremo vlastito. Seosko je podcijenjeno, proglašeno nazadnim i primitivnim. A "obecani grad"? Što on nudi covjeku u konacnici, kad ga umori gužvom, lažnim blještavilom i agresivnim reklamama? Iz samoce i apatije ne proizlaze smisao i ljepota življenja.* Etnoglazba je u inozemstvu vrlo prihvacena, dok je u Hrvatskoj još mnogo predrasuda prema vlastitoj tradiciji. Zbog cega je tomu tako?- Mislim da je odmak od etnoglazbe prouzrocen politiziranjem svega što ima obilježje tradicijskoga. Osobno se bavim promicanjem tradicijskoga u suvremenome kontekstu i u okrilju hrvatske kulture. Tradicijska glazba kao etnoglazba tematizira toleranciju, prijateljstvo, suradnju, slobodu, humanost, zajedništvo u razlicitosti, pravo na izbor. Domoljublje nije ustaštvo i ne smije se s njime poistovjecivati. U protivnome, zloupotreba ljubavi prema rodnoj grudi, a svaki je covjek teritorijalan i ima pravo na takvu ljubav, imat ce dalekosežne i teške posljedice.* Jedna ste od osnivaca suvremene hrvatske etnoscene. Po cemu se taj pristup bavljenja narodnom glazbom razlikuje od folkloraškoga i kudovskoga?- Moja izvedba je naglašeno emotivna. Ne bavim se tradicijskom glazbom da bih se autisticki prisjecala prošlosti, nego da bih na pitanja sadašnjosti pokušala odgovoriti drevnim, univerzalnim pjesmama. Svi tradicijski napjevi svijeta u tomu su nalik jedni drugima, bliski su nam i razumljivi jer na jednostavan nacin pjevaju o arhetipskim, opceljudskim temama. Mislim da jedino oni sadrže prave mudrosti i odgovore na pitanja koja mnogi postavljaju, ali malobrojni odgovaraju jer su olako zaboravili. Veza s prošlošcu ima smisla samo ako je u kontekstu sadašnjosti i buducnosti. Kao što je i govoriti o sadašnjosti i buducnosti besmisleno, ako se odricemo prošlosti. Služenje suvremenim, odnosno starim glazbalima manje je bitno. To se odnosi na formalnu stranu izvedbe, no ona nije bitna za poniranje u misticni svijet sazvucja i njegove svevremenosti. Medutim, ne treba umanjivati znacaj KUD-ova koji su, iako konzervativni i stereotipni u pristupu, u mnogim sredinama jedina poveznica covjeka s vlastitim korijenima. A i to je bolje nego ništa.* Clanica ste Društva hrvatskih književnika, a svoj dosadašnji književni rad posvetili ste "Kneji". Što je Kneja Lidiji Bajuk?- Ona mi je utocište, smisao, vlastiti odraz u zrcalu, put koji slijedim, tajanstvena šuma u koju svracam kad mi je teško i kad sam sretna. Tamo mogu biti samo ako hocu ili se susresti sa svojim najboljim prijateljima, mitskim bicima iz naše tradicije, s vlastitom podsviješcu pretpostavljam. O vilama, pozoju, kaci, pesjaneku, strahi, mraku, vodenjaku, Babi Luci, Zelenom Jurju pisala sam i u Kneji (Mozaik knjiga, Zagreb, 1999.). Iako je knjiga objavljena i u sažetijem i ilustriranijem izdanju kao Kneja, vilinska šuma (Slon, Zagreb, 2001.), ona još nije dovršena. O Kneji cu pisati i pjevati dok sam živa. Ovogodišnje Osjecko ljeto otvorit ce se 29. lipnja njezinom premijerom na pozornici prema mojemu scenariju, u režiji Dubravke Car--Crnojevic i izvedbi Osjeckoga kazališta mladih. Razmišljam i o nastavku prve, nagradene Kneje (književnom nagradom Fran Galovic za najbolje djelo zavicajne tematike u 1999. god., op. a.). Hoce li se djeca ljudske Jane i mitskoga vodenjaka Vanceka snaci u sadašnjemu vremenu, sa svojim sposobnostima, mocima i zacudenim ocima boje Drave, cijega se podvodnoga carstva Vancek odrekao zbog ljubavi...Pretplatite se na FokusErvin Bacichttp://www.fokus-tjednik.hr/vijest.asp?vijest=2302 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Pavarotti, karizmaticni tenor u pulskoj Areni 3. srpnja 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5244/1/H-Pavarotti-karizmaticni-tenor-u-pulskoj-Areni-3-srpnja-2004.html ÂKarizmaticni tenor u pulskoj Areni26.06.2004OPERA Karizmaticni tenor u pulskoj Areni Oprašta li se doista veliki Luciano od pjevanja? Autor Denis Derk Tata Fernando bio mu je pekar i amaterski pjevac, omiljeni tenor. Pjevao je u lokalnom zboru i svog jedinog sina Luciana zarazio glazbom punom melodije i strasti, premda je mali Luciano u ranoj mladosti više volio sport. Prvi uspjeh doživio je baš kao sportaš, igrajuci nogomet. No, glazba je bila jaca. Na srecu.Luciano je postao najveca operna zvijezda današnjice. Njegovo pjevanje oduvijek je bilo stresno za konkurenciju. Luciano je pjevao bez napora, prirodno. Njegov ton bio je nenadmašan, topao, kao stvoren za lirske uloge kojima obiluje talijanska opera. Iz godine u godinu rastao je kult Luciana Pavarottija. Pavarotti je tako postao zaštitni znak opere i Italije.No, vremešni umjetnik, roden 1935. godine u Modeni, polako se poceo opraštati od scene. Uostalom, posljednjih godina više je gostovao na stranicama ženskih casopisa zbog veze i braka s trideset i pet godina mladom, bivšom tajnicom Nicolettom Mantovani nego što je bio predmetom umjetnickih kritika i prosudivanja. Pa ipak, mit o Pavarottiju, najpopularnijem opernom tenoru ne slabi.Kad je poceo dugotrajnu oproštajnu turneju, za svijet nije bilo dileme. Najbitnije je doci na oproštajne koncerte velikog Pavarottija. Tako je ulaznica za oproštajni koncert u Kostariki stajala punih 1200 dolara. Onda nije cudno što je i pulski koncert najavljen za 3. srpnja rasprodan na brzinu.U Metropolitanu je 3800 ljudi, stojeci, poslušalo kraj opere Tosca, kojom se Pavarotti ovog ožujka oprostio od najpoznatije i najprestižnije americke operne pozornice. U Metu je Pavarotti božanstvo. Na toj je pozornici nastupao od 1968. godine i imao cak 373 nastupa!Posljednji operni nastup želi imati na sedamdeseti rodendan, 12. listopada 2005. godine.Premda je Placido Domingo otpjevao puno više uloga i premda je Jose Carreras plijenio rijetkom srcanošcu - Pavarotti je, jednostavno, Pavarotti. Velicina u jednostavnosti.Bosna mu vjerojatno nikada nece zaboraviti koncert u Modeni, u parku Novi Sad za djecu stradalu u ratu. Pavarotti je sa svojim prijateljima (medu njima se jednom našao i Nenad Bach) pjevao i za djecu Iraka, Gvatemale, gladne i bolesne Afrike. U Mostaru je otvorio muzicki centar u cijem se studiju danas snimaju ponajbolji etnoalbumi Balkana. Pavarotti je osobno došao na otvorenje mostarskog centra u kojem su vrata bila otvorena djeci svih nacija i svjetonazora. Premda su skeptici govoreci o tom mostarskom centru na istocnoj obali Neretve spominjali i pranje novca, korpulentni se tenor na to nije obazirao. Nastupi triju zlatnih tenora po Njemackoj, njihova su menadžera zbog neplacena poreza stajali cak i zatvora. Pa ipak, nema afere koja je imalo okrznula Pavarottijevu karizmu umjetnika i humanista. Cak mu je i Italija zaljubljena u obitelj oprostila razvod od supruge Adue nakon 36 godina braka. Nedavno je Pavarotti snimio i prvu plocu s pop glazbom pod naslovom Obožavam te. Ocito ga brak s mladahnom Nicolettom s kojom ima kci Alice inspirira za nastavak glazbene karijere. Doduše, iz ozbiljnog svijeta opere u kojem nema opraštanja ni gledanja kroz prste, veliki ce maestro sigurno cešce prelaziti u lakše glazbene forme. No, legendu o bogomdanom glasu ništa nece zasjeniti, cak niti njemacki šlageri.http://www.vecernji-list.hr/newsroom/culture/27988/index.do  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 03 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) NAJBOLJE OD NAS - Umag 16. srpnja 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5243/1/H-NAJBOLJE-OD-NAS---Umag-16-srpnja-2004.html ÂNAJBOLJE OD NAS ÂÂGlazbene zvijezde na humanitarnom spektaklu u Umagu ÂJadranka Kosor pjeva samo s Tonijem Cetinskim u duetu Autor Emina BASARA 02.07.2004 ZAGREB Sve je spremno za veliki humanitarni glazbeni spektakl u Umagu Najbolje od nas, kojim ce se pomoci 400 hrvatskih obitelji s osmero i više djece, porucili su pokroviteljica akcije Jadranka Kosor i glavna zvijezda koncerta Toni Cetinski. Na središnjem terenu ATP-a u Umagu 16. srpnja uz Tonija ce zapjevati Nina Badric, Radojka Šverko, grupa Divas, Giuliano, Nenad Bach, klape i makedonska zvijezda Toše Proeski. Nadam se da ce akcija i koncert postati tradicija i da cemo uskoro stici i do Rovinja kazao je Toni nestrpljivo otvarajuci promotivne plakate. Dodao je kako se nada da ce na koncertu zapjevati i ministrica Kosor, koja je u šali dodala da ce zapjevati samo s njim u duetu. U sklopu akcije najbrojnije hrvatske obitelji dobit ce racunala, a u sljedece tri godine uz pomoc tvrtke Hewlett-Packard planira se darovati i 1200 racunala obiteljima s manje od osmero djece.http://www.vecernji-list.hr/freetime/lifestyle/scene/34207/index.do  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 03 Jul 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) FILMS WANTED - deadline 30th July 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5246/1/E-FILMS-WANTED---deadline-30th-July-2004.html ÂFILMS WANTED12. GNER 18th LEEDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, Leeds UKFrom: laurence.boyce@leeds.gov.ukhttp://shootingpeople.org/cards/laurence_boyce The GNER 18th Leeds International Film Festival will take place this year runfrom Thursday 28th October until Sunday 7th November. The largest regionalfilm festival in the UK will return with an excess of film premieres,exciting events and special guests. Highlights will include such strands asFanomenon – which last year played host to sell out screenings of such filmsas Ju-On: The Grudge and Bubba Ho-tep – will bring you the best of cultmovies from around the planet whilst the Festival Fringe will challenge andprovoke all film fans with a wide range of documentaries, features andundiscovered gems from all walks of cinematic life.Alongside the announcement of dates, the festival is extending its deadlinefor entries of features and shorts until Friday 30th July 2004. We arelooking for quality and innovative features and shorts from across the worldand of any genre. With a reputation as one of the most fresh and excitingfestivals in the United Kingdom, we want films that will reflect the cuttingedge nature of LIFF and our desire to showcase the best and newest filmmakingfrom around the globe.To download an entry form with full rules and regulations, and to find outmore about the GNER 18th Leeds International Film Festival, go towww.leedsfilm.com For any queries contact Laurence Boyce on +44 (0) 113 2478398 or emaillaurence.boyce@leeds.gov.uk OFFERED13. NEED TO SCREEN YOUR EPIC in NYC?From: videotheatrenyc@aol.com http://shootingpeople.org/cards/videotheatrenyc VIDEOTHEATRE offers Summer bargain prices on both of its air-conditioneddigital video theaters with 8ftx10ft screen. Best image in town for the bestprice. Conveniently located on Manhattan's downtown "theater row." Afterwards, discuss your film over drinks at the famous KGB bar located inour building. All info: http://www.videotheatrenyc.com Call for summer prices and scheduling. Dates are going fast.(212) 929 5213 back to contentsCopyright Shooting People 2003  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E, H) VILIM TEPES LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN 1911 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5248/1/E-H-VILIM-TEPES-LETTER-TO-THE-EDITOR-IN-1911.html ÂVILIM TEPES LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN 1911Croatian Life StoriesBranka Bezic-Filipovic, Chief of Matica Iseljenika from Split, Croatia discovered and translated the below letter written by Vilim Tepes in 1911. Tepes wrote from his village of Rusnice, Hum na Sutli, region of Zagorje, Croatia. In 1911, every family in Rusnice was named Tepes, including mine. Below is the original article in Croatian, as it appears in "Pucke Novine," printed in Split in 1911. A rough translation is included. TO SOUTH AMERICA - U JUZNU AMERIKU:Rusnica, November 7, 1911Honorable Editor of "Pucke Novine",The letter from the issue 21st of "Pucke Novine" written by a friend from far away America, better to tell from St. Louis touched me deeply in my heart. As I am leaving soon myself and I will sail away in a few days to United States of America or even to far away Argentina, I ask you dear editor to please advice me where do you think it would be better for me to go - to USA or to Argentina?There is no life for us here in Croatia, especially this year as there was no rain, our great enemy - the hunger is threatening us and there is no way to earn money, although it could be different, but our money goes to Hungarian safes and we have to live poorly and move to the foreign countries. (In the year 1911, Croatia belonged to Austro-Hungarian Empire. The northern part of Croatia was ruled by Hungary and Dalmatia by Austria, which was represented by Italy).I have read in some books and newspapers that you can earn well during the harvest, so even our priest in the church of Taborsko has recommended that we leave for Argentina at the harvest time and that the Government of Argentina gives a 20 - 30 years loan for the land and a house, so I am determined to just go, but I am asking you dear editor, what do you think where would be better in North or South America? Is there work in North America and are there some of your Dalmatian people there and are they in Argentina? I have heard that there are many of our brothers Dalmatians in Argentina. Is the heat there unbearable? Did any of your Dalmatian people go to Argentina this year?Also, please, send me the bill for the newspaper, as I have not paid for a half of a year, I will pay before I leave for America, as well as for the postage if you write back to me. In addition, I would like to tell you that wherever I go, I would remain your subscriber. How long does it take to get by ship to Argentina and how much does it cost?My dear Mister Editor, God be with you and our dear Croatia and I am asking you to wish me bon voyage and if I get there safely, wish me good luck. With sincere respect,Vilim Tepes Farmer in Rusnica, house number 2, post office Hum na Sutli. (Region of Zagorje).Printed in Split "Pucke Novine" number 23, page 198, dated November 7, 1911.Reply from the Editor of "Pucke Novine":We have sent you the bill and the price list for the steamboats, and here is the answer in public, so that it can be useful for everyone. We are against the immigration of our people to Americas, we lose our workers and Germans (meant Austrians) and Hungarians are moving to our country to Slavonia and proud Bosnia (from a rhyme 'Bosna ponosna'). Read the book written by Dr. Tresic: "Over Atlantic" and you will realize that by immigrating we lose more than we gain. Its trouble but not against the law. If you want to go away for some time, then go to South and not to North America. That was true what the priest during the Catholic mass by the altar has told you. There was a great harvest in Argentina this year. Previous years, from March to November over 60,000 Italians were going there, working, earning a few thousands of 'kruna' (currency in 1911), coming back home for Easter to work on their own land. That way they were always earning enough. This year they were forbidden to go, because of epidemic of cholera and they are at war. The best way to go is over Trieste (Italy) with the Austro-American Company. You need 200 'kruna' for the travel expenses and food. It is cheaper to go from Genoa, Italy. To get there, you need 3 weeks. We wish you a happy journey and good luck.From the Editor of "Pucke Novine"****U JUZNU AMERIKURusnica, 7 studenog 1911Slavno urednistvo "Puckih Novina"Onaj dopis u broju 21 "Puckih Novina" sto ga je prijatelj napisao iz daleke Amerike a naime iz St. Louisa veoma mi je utisnuo u srce. Buduc sam ja sada na odlasku da cu i ja odploviti za koji dan u Sjedinjene Drzave Americke ili cak u daleku Argentinu, pitam Vas gospodine urednice savjetujte me kamo bi bilo bolje da krenem ili u Sjedinjene Drzave Sjeverne Amerike ili u Argentinu? Kod nas u Hrvatskoj vise zivota neima a osobito ove godine radi velike suse prijeti nam ljuti neprijatelj glad, a zarade kod nas nigdje neima, premda bi se moralo sve to graditi a zaliboze kako, kad nas novac otide u Magjarske kese pa tako mora nas narod trpjeti oskudicu i seliti se u tudje krajeve. Iz nekoliko knjiga i novina nacuo sam da je u Argentiniji dobra zasluzba kod zetve pa i nas gospodin zupnik i kapelan u nasoj crkvi Taborsko iz propovjedaonice osobito preporuca narodu da neka putuje k zetvi u Argentinu te da ondjesna vlada daje ko hoce odmah uz povoljne polaksice place uz 20-30 godina odplacivanje zemljiste (grunt) i kucu mu sagrade, pa stoga ja samo idem pa idem, samo Vas pitam gospodine urednice, jos kamo bi bilo bolje ili u sjevernu Ameriku ili u juznu Ameriku Argentinu, je li imade u sjevernjoj Americi zarade te dali imade tamo vasih zemljaka dalmatinca i je li ih imade sto u Argentini kako to cujem pripovijedati da su nasa braca dalmatinci tamo stalno naseljeni? Je li zbilja u Argentini tako nesnosna vrucina da je nas covjek nebi mogao podnijeti?Je li je koji Vas zemljak dalmatinac odputovao u Argentinu k ovodisnjoj zetvi?Ujedno mi izvolite poslati racun mog duga na Vasem listu, koji sam preko ½ godine primao, ja cu vam to prije podmiriti nego odem u Ameriku kao i trosak odgovora dopisivanja ako mi budete odgovorili na taj list; a ujedno Vam takodjer velim da makar bio gdje mu drago biti cu Vaseg lista pretplatnik. Koliko dugo se parobrodom plovi u Argentinu, odgovorite mi i koliko stoji sa cijelom opskrbom?Gospodine urednice, ostajte mi z Bogom Vi i mila nam Hrvatska domovina, te Vas molim, da mi zelite sretan put, a ako tamo sretno preplovim sretan boravak. Sa osobitim stovanjem,Vilim Tepespoljodjelac u Rusnici k broj 2 z. posta Hum na Sutli. ODGOVOR: Poslali smo Vam list i cijenik za parobrod, a sad evo Vam javni odgovor, da bude na znanje i drugim. Mi smo protivnici iseljivanju nasega naroda u Amerike, gubimo radne snage na domu a Svaba i Magjar poplavili ravnu Slavoniju i Bosnu ponosnu. Citajte knjigu Dra Tresica "Preko Atlantika" pak ce te se uvjeriti da iseljivanjem vise smo na steti nego na koristi. Ipak nevolja zakona neima. Ako mislite poci preko daleka mora samo za koje kratko vrijeme, idite u juznu a ne sjevernu Ameriku. Istina je, sto Vam je zupnik s otara najavio. U Argentini zetva je ove godine vanredno obilna. Proslih godina poslo bi tamo od studenoga mjeseca do konca ozujka preko 60,000 Talijanaca, obredili tamo zetvu, dobili koju tisucu kruna i opet pred Uskrs povratili se svojim kucam u Italiju da obrade svoja polja. Na taj nacin nisu nikad na gubitku vec na velikom dobitku. Tako i Vi ucinite. Ove godine Talijanim zabranjeno je radi kolere, a opet im je rat. Najzgodniji Vam put iz Trsta sa Austro-Amerikanskim drustvom. Trosi se Kr: 200 put i hranu. Preko Genue talijanskim parobrodima jeftinije. Put do tamo 3 sedmice. Zelimo Vam sretan put, i dobru srecu. Urednistvo "Pucke Novine" broj 23, stranica 198, datum 7. xi 1911 Submitted by Katarina Tepesh who left Croatia in 1968 and now lives in New York City.tepeshk@aol.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,S) Studia Croatica Two new books on the Web http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5247/1/ES-Studia-Croatica-Two-new-books-on-the-Web.html Studia Croatica - New material on our Web siteTwo BooksPromotion of the book by Karlo Mirth: "Zivot u Emigraciji", in New York and Zagreb: See the Report in Croatian herewww.studiacroatica.com/jcs/promotion.htm Promoción del libro de Cristian Sprljan: "Historia de la Inmigración Croata en Córdoba": Ver el informe en español aquíwww.studiacroatica.com/sprljan/promo From the collection of the Journal of Croatian Studies (in English)The Secular Aspect of the Croatian Vernacular in the Period of Late Medieval Humanism, by Olga Nedeljkovic, Journal of Croatian Studies, XXVIII-XXIX, 1987-88www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/28/2801.htm The Principality of Poljica - From its Mediaeval Inception to Its Fall in 1807, by Edo Pivcevic, Journal of Croatian Studies, XXVIII-XXIX, 1987-88 www.studiacroatica.com/jcs/28/2804.htm - - -Fraternity Saint Jerome for the Help of Croatian RefugeesThird of four parts:BRATOVŠTINA 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 third 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. http://www.studiacroatica.com/jero/luki3.htm Parts one and two are at: http://www.studiacroatica.com/jero/luki1.htm andhttp://www.studiacroatica.com/jero/luki2.htm Croatian Surnames in Argentina and Chile: 14000We have posted at www.studiacroatica.com/ape4/ape.htm Version 4 of our work on Croatian last names in Argentina and Chile. There are 14000 Croatian surnames or surnames found in Croacia with their frequencies. Besides Argentina and Chile, we have partial information on Bolivia, Perú, Uruguay and Venezuela. In the case of Argentina there are 123000 Argentinian citizens born until 1981. Projecting it to 2004, there are some 180000 persons bearing a Croatian surname in Argentina. This number does not include people of Croatian descent not having a Croatian last name. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AdvertisementLegal matters in Croatia - Dra. Adriana Ivana Smajic - Attorney at Law adriana@ebondex.com- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 3000 email addresses in 30 countries and is re-transmited to several thousands more. Please provide us with email addresses of people that might be interested in receiving this Bulletin and 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 18000 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) Mon, 21 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Nenad Bach - Photo Gallery Opened http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5249/1/HE-Nenad-Bach---Photo-Gallery-Opened.html ÂNenad Bach Photo Gallery Âhttp://www.nenadbach.com/press/Gallery/index.htm Âhttp://www.nenadbach.com/press/Gallery/index.htmÂÂÂOtvorena galerija slika Nenada Bacha letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 15 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) War Photography Museum in Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5251/1/E-War-Photography-Museum-in-Dubrovnik.html ÂWar Photography Museum in DubrovnikFrom today's NY Times. John Peter Kraljic, Esq.June 3, 2004Photographic Images of War in a Region That Knows the SubjectBy NICHOLAS WOODUBROVNIK, Croatia, June 2 - With his back to the camera, a cigarette in one hand and a gun in the other, the soldier nonchalantly kicks the body of a middle-aged woman as she lies dying on the ground. It is one of the most famous photographs of war in Bosnia, and 21-year-old Katie Shierlaw is staring at it for the first time, transfixed.The picture, taken by the American photographer Ron Haviv, is among 700 or so in an exhibition called "A Decade of War" that officially opened Tuesday in this port, a Croatian beauty spot on the Adriatic and the scene of fierce fighting from 1991 to 1995.War Photo Limited, the gallery that has mounted the exhibition, claims to be the first in the world dedicated exclusively to war photography. Its organizers say they aim to expose people to details of war that they have not seen before. The exhibition, the gallery's first, covers the Balkans wars that gripped this region for close to 10 years.The photographs, brilliantly lighted on dark walls, range from the violent to the absurd. They include pictures of dozens of bodies, victims of the shelling of a Croatian city; artillery fire painting bright orange lines in the night sky; and a Serbian policeman offering water to an elderly Kosovar Albanian as his colleagues burn the old man's village down."It's shocking," said Ms. Shierlaw, from Niagara Falls, Ontario, who stepped into the gallery with a friend while on vacation in the city. "I knew something went on, but not to this extent."The reactions of other foreign visitors, no matter what their ages, are similar. "It's pretty hard to understand, pretty hard," one viewer commented in the visitors' book. Wrote another, "I am shocked at my ignorance and how little knowledge I had of what was happening here."The exhibition features the work of 10 photographers who covered the wars, including Darko Bandic, Christopher Morris, Srdjan Ilic and Noel Quidu. All of the pictures on display have been selected by the photographers themselves, as opposed to being chosen by a curator or photo editor. That and the sheer range of photographs on display, War Photo Limited's organizers argue, exposes people to a more raw and vivid impression of the conflict than they are likely to have encountered before."I certainly believe that people get a much better idea of what happened than if they picked up a copy of a newsmagazine, even when the war was on," said Wade Goddard, the gallery's director and a photographer who also covered conflicts in the region.The majority of visitors to the gallery through the summer are expected to be tourists, many of them brought by cruise ships that stop at Dubrovnik as they sail up the Adriatic. There are few visible scars of the war left in the city, and some visitors could be forgiven for not knowing that the spot they now walk through was under shell fire just nine years ago."I quite like the idea that you come here on holiday and it's very nice, and then suddenly you are back in reality," said War Photo Limited's owner, Frederic Hancez, a Belgian businessman who has invested close to $600,000 to convert the stone building where the gallery is housed. He visited Croatia repeatedly throughout the war, selling shoes, and struck up an interest in war photography after meeting members of the press corps. ("There was nobody else around to hang out with," apart from "arms dealers and members of the U.N.," he explained.")But while this Western-financed show has perhaps had the desired effect on tourists unaware of what happened, the reaction from those who lived through or took part in the fighting has been mixed. The gallery was open free to residents of Dubrovnik throughout the winter. For some, the images are still too raw, even though nine years have passed since the fighting ended in this region.Miljenko Popovic, 52, a former Croatian soldier and now owner of a snack bar opposite the gallery, said he did not want to see the photographs. "There are too many emotions, wounds that have not been healed," he said.Mr. Goddard has also faced criticism from other former soldiers who say that not enough heroic pictures of the Croatian army are on display. And some resident of the city have said that more photographs of the war in Dubrovnik should have been used. Mr. Haviv's collection, titled "Blood and Honey," is the main show on display, and it encountered violent responses when it went on tour in Serbia in 2002. Nationalists there claimed the photographs presented a biased or anti-Serb view of the war. The exhibition was banned in two cities and was forced to close early in another.Whether the reaction is hostility or shock, the exhibition has provided the photographers with an outlet for their work that some have said was lacking. Mr. Haviv used to believe his photographs could change the world, he said, but became frustrated when the world stood by impervious to what he saw."I now realize that this is part of a process," he said. "One image can no longer change the world. It is just not possible anymore." The dialogue provoked by the exhibition and the work of War Photo Limited, he said, "keeps me going." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) NENAD BACH posjetio Medjugorje http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5250/1/H-NENAD-BACH-posjetio-Medjugorje.html ÂNENAD BACH, HRVATSKI GLAZBENIK S AMERICKOM ADRESOM,POSJETIO HERCEGOVACKO SVETIŠTE KRALJICE MIRAÂPripremamo spektakl u Umagu i MedugorjuÂNenad Bach se prvi ukljucio u glazbeni projekt pod pokroviteljstvom Jadranke Kosor, "Najbolje od nas", koji je potpora obiteljima s više djece. Bach ce nastupiti s Tonijem Cetinskim i klapom Sinj, a s klapama ima i velike planove za inozemno tržišteGlazbeno suradujem s klapama iz Hrvatske, što je projekt za kojeg želim da zaživi u cijelom svijetu. Klape su nesumnjivo hrvatski kulturni proizvod koji ce, nadam se, biti podržan od Ministarstva kulture i turizma, kao što se nadam da ce hrvatske klape zasjati na svjetskoj pozornici i kao autohtona glazba, znaci klapska, ali i kao dio jednog novog oblika kroz pop-rock glazbu", kazao nam je poznati suradnik najvecih svjetskih glazbenika Nenad Bach koji je proteklog tjedna po drugi put pohodio svetište Kraljice Mira u Medugorju i bio gost tamošnje radiopostaje Mir.Kako nam je kazao, posjet medugorskom svetištu osobno mu je dobro došao, a dodatni povod Bachova dolaska u Hrvatsku je nastup u Umagu, na glazbenom spektaklu Najbolje od nas, koji ce se održati 16. srpnja, uoci pocetka velikog teniskog turnira ATP Croatia Open. Prije dolaska u Medugorje, Bach je bio u Dubrovniku na Festivalu filma, gdje se prezentirao film Sloboda iz ocaja, za koji je napisao glazbu. A onda je preko Medugorja i Gospina svetišta krenuo za Sinj, gdje ga ceka uvježbavanje s klapom Sinj za najavljeni nastup u Umagu. Nenad Bach ce u Umagu nastupiti zajedno s Tonijem Cetinskim i klapom Sinj, uz pratnju Simfonijskog orkestra HRT-a."Pjevat cemo pjesmu "Možemo li se uzvisiti." To ce biti prva integracija klapskog pjevanja i svega što ja radim", naglasio je svjetski poznati glazbenik.Nenad Bach se prvi ukljucio u projekt potpredsjednice hrvatske Vlade Jadranke Kosor, Najbolje od nas, koji je zamišljen kao nacionalni projekt za potporu obiteljima s više djece:"Tim projektom želimo potaknuti obitelji s više djece, buduci su upravo njima namijenjeni prihodi akcije. Rijec je o humanitarnoj akciji kojima se ljudima želi podici svijest koliko su djeca potrebna i blagoslov", kazuje Nenad Bach.Glavni nositelj glazbenog spektakla na teniskom stadionu u Umagu bit ce Toni Cetinski, uz potporu brojnih imena hrvatske popularne glazbe: Nine Badric, grupe Divas, Radojke Šverko, klape Teuta i mnogih drugih, a svi ce se sudionici odreci prihoda od ulaznica i ekskluzivne naklade CD-a i DVD-a za program pomoci obiteljima s osmero i više djece, kao i izgradnju igrališta i vrtica u krajevima gdje je to prijeka potreba.Projekt koji zapocinje u Umagu završit ce, pak, spektaklom u Medugorju, za koji Nenada Bacha, kako kaže, vežu mnogi lijepi dogadaji, ali i bliski suradnici.piše i snimio Marijan SIVRICSource: http://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20040606/mozaik03.asp  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 10 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Freedom from Despair in Arena http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5260/1/E-Freedom-from-Despair-in-Arena.html   As seen in Arena Magazine, CroatiaWritten by Snjezana Ivic-Although she was born in the United States and has lived there for 23 years, Brenda BrkusicÀ™s artistic interest is in Croatia. The daughter of Croatian immigrants to the US Grozdana Ukas from Jezera on the island of Murter and Krunoslav Brkusic from Bogomolje on the island of Hvar, Brenda is one of the best film and TV directing students at Chapman University in Orange, California. Her documentary film Freedom From Despair will one day be shown on American TV networks.-Last year the young film artist shot scenes for the movie in Lepoglava Prison and on the island of Hvar where she recreated the life of her father, Krunoslav Brkusic, who because of political reasons had to leave, as Brenda said, Àœthe most beautiful country on this earth.À? But why did he have to leave Croatia? That is the question that she has been concerned with since 13 years ago when her father used to hold passionate speeches in pro-Croatian demonstrations in Washington D.C., engaging the entire family to help out during the homeland war. In the film she tackled the theme of Communist persecution and she shot an interview with Marko Dizdar, a former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience and President of the association for Political Prisoners under Communism. In Lepoglava Prison she shot in a cell where Marko Dizdar was imprisoned for 12 years. In addition to him, there are two very prominent Croatian Americans interviewed in the film - US Congressman George Radanovich of California and and US Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio who is also a candidate for President of the USA. There are many others in the film whose statements paint a picture of the suffering endured by Croats under Communism. The music is composed by Nenad Bach, a respected Croatian living in New York. Film students in Croatia and America helped Brenda by donating their time and offering to assist with research. An interview with Brenda along with a preview of her film was shown before Christmas on the American TV station PBS. She even succeeded in gaining the attention of Amnesty International, who have supported her in her effort to approach famous actors about reading the narration for the film. ÀœI am hoping that with their help Goran Visnjic will consider participating in the movie. Even though we live in the same city and I have been in the studio during a filming of ER, I am very sorry that I did not have the opportunity to tell him about the project. If he were to contribute to this film it would be a great promotion for the film, and it would probably help with showcasing it on American TV.À? The film will have a Croatian Premiere in the Dubrovnik International Film FestivalÀ™s documentary category in May. -After escaping from the Communist regime, BrendaÀ™s parents met in US and were married in 1967. Her father started a business in Chicago called Industrial Service Products where he employed about 15 people, making his son BrianÀ™s and daughter BrendaÀ™s life very nice. And although Brenda grew up in a middle class Suburb of Chicago, Croatian culture was always a big part of her life. From childhood she enjoyed dancing. From tap, ballet to hip À“hop, she danced in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Miami until she moved to California to start her independent student life, where she began teaching dance lessons on the side to make money. From age 13, she was working as a model for hair and clothes, but for her life profession, she decided to become a writer and director of films. Chapman University recognized her talent and ambition and awarded her with a scholarship. Last year she was made a short documentary called My Croatia, a story about Boska Marcelic, a Croatian immigrant in the US who tries to retain her cultural identity. Freedom From Despair is her final project to graduate from Chapman and she is one the 5 best students out of 800 candidates to receive the Marion Knott Scholarship. This has given her the chance to work on the film during post-production with very the respected director David S. Ward as her mentor - well know for the film Sleepless in the Seattle with Tom Hanks. -ÀœEven though I have been very connected with Croatia from childhood, I visited the country for the first time in 1996. After that, I returned a few times on vacation and went last summer to film the movie. I have many friends and cousins in Croatia, one of which is Gibonni, who unfortunately I have not yet met. Many singers from Croatia who come on tours in the US are friends with my father and often they stay in our house. Because of this, we always have news from the homeland in Chicago. Freedom From Despair tells the story of my father Kruno, who was a young boy was imprisoned and harassed by the Communist regime. He escaped to Italy in 1957 risking his own life, and he found his dream of freedom in America. When Yugoslavia broke apart he was determined to become a voice of truth for Croatia in the American media. I was only 10 years old then, but witnessing him stand up for justice in that way will be deep in my mind forever. So today when I have time, I write to newspapers to try and dispel lies and fabrications that are printed about Croatia. I am especially happy that in this film, Marko Dizdar and Father Petar Bezina were able to tell their life story to the world. And perhaps my next film will also be a Croatian story.À?  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Klape u surroundu i suzama http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5259/1/H-Klape-u-surroundu-i-suzama.html  Klape u surroundu i suzama Nenad Bach na otvorenju izloþbe DOORS Art Foundation i multimedijalna izloþba Croatian Contemporary Arts doþivjeli su veliki uspjeh, a ameri ka publika ovacijama i suzama pozdravila je hrvatske klape. Ovorenje multimedijalne izloþbe pod nazivom Croatian Contemporary Arts koja je odrþana u Bredford Graves Gallery u New York Cityu 07. svibnja, pokazala se kao veliki uspjeh umjetnika Nenada Bacha,Andreja Urema,Maria Lalia te organizatoraDoors Art Foundationa. Na samom otvorenju prisustvovalo je viÃÂe stotina posjetitelja meu kojima ameri kih i hrvatski umjetnika te kulturni ataÃÂe grada New Yorka koji su pokazali veliko zanimanje za dogaaj te izrazili interes za budue programe vezane za hrvatsku kulturu. Program je otvorila direktorica Doors Art Foundationa Daniela Urem, koja je zahvalila prisutnima na tako velikom odazivu. Nenad Bach je predstavio polifono pjevanje hrvatskih klapa Sinj, Navalia, rije ke þenske klape Luka i Lino iz Dubrovnika. Za vrijeme izloþbe koja je trajala tri dana puÃÂtale su se klape Fortunal, Navalia te hvarski pu ki pjeva i Pharos Cantros kao zvu na kulisa ili duhovni pejzaþ ovog hrvatsko-ameri kog happeninga. Po prvi put ikad, Klape su se sluÃÂale u surround sistemu. Inþenjerski dio je osobno vodio John Holbrook, peterostruki dobitnik nagrade Grammy i veliki ljubitelj Hrvatske. SluÃÂajui zvukove hrvatskih klapa, prisutna publika stajala je nepomi no i sve ano. Ameri ka publika je bila dirnuta do suza, pogotovo na pjesmi Lipo ime Klape Sinj, autora Mojimira a ije i Jakse Fiamenga. Zbog velikog interesa prisutnih, Nenad Bach je istu ve er joàjedanput ponovio prezentaciju klapa. Rije anin ýelimir Galjani, program director Doors Art Foundationa te magistar filozofije, teologije i knjiþevnosti s Harvarda, predstavio je publici monografiju Aeterna Croatia Andreja Urema. Monografija Aeterna Croatia je vizualni DNK hrvatskog kulturnog identiteta, podijeljena u sedam ciklusa ilustrira antologijsko nasljee pisaca, kipara, slikara, duhovnika, glazbenika, znanstvenika te hrvatskih gradova. Svaka pojedina ilustracija rana je po atribuciji osobe koju ona predstavlja te za cjelokupni opus koriÃÂteno je preko dvije tisue raznih fotografija iz arhivskih graa. Ameri ka producentica Stephanie Silber skrenula je paþnju kako originalni pristup Uremovih grafi kih obrada i prezentacija hrvatske kulture u monografiji Aeterna Croatia stvara dublji interes ameri ke publike za Hrvatsku. ViÃÂestruko nagraivani internacionalni fotograf Mario Lali, porijeklom iz Splita, predstavljen je s dvadeset fotografija suvremenog sadrþaja. Lali promovira ideju sofisticiranih urbanih panorama vezanih uz civilizacijski klin apsurdnih pomaka svijesti i motiva. esto duhovita i viÃÂeslojna, fotografija balansira izmeu korjenskih vrijednosti i vrstog zagrljaja tehnologije. Mirko Ili nije bio u mogunosti prisustvovati izloþbi zbog izvaredne osobne situacije, ali je telefonski zaþelio uspjeÃÂnu ve er. Nenad Bach je najavio i glazbenu produkciju cijele serije glazbenih zapisa pod nazivom Mediterranian Sounds À“ Croatian Voices gdje e se takav Hrvatski kulturni proizvod (Croatian Cultural Product), hrvatskog a capella pjevanja sustavno promovirati na svjetsko trþiste. Andrej Urem je po rije ima Nenada Bacha idealni umjetnik za rjeÃÂavanje vizualnog identiteta cijele produkcije zbog njegovog razumijevanja glazbe i podneblja te originalne vizualne interpretacije iskazane u drugim radovima. Od hrvatskih umjetnika izloþbi su prisustvovali poznati fotograf Lorenc Ferich, Denis Licul, Zvjezdana Vrzi, fotofraf Mario Novak, Neven Lipovac, arhitekt Leo Modri in te ameri ki umjetnici reþiser Victor Zimet, producent Stephanie Silber, reþiser filma Justice Evan Oppenheimer, spisateljica Sheri Fink, ameri ki producent George Heussner koji je zainteresiran za posjet hrvatskoj u vezi s njegovim novim projektom Sky Over te Hrvatski Konzulat, Vanda Radetti, Jadranka JureÃÂko-Kero, Mile Mileti, Nena Komarica, Maestro Fedor Kabalin, profesor Igor Sunara , muzikolog Zdravko Blaþekovi, Makedonska misija UN-a, iz Croatian Cronicle Katarina Deletiài ViÃÂnja Mio i te John Kraljic. Ova izloþba je prva u nizu programa Doors Art Fondationa. Naredna izloþba hrvatskih umjetnika koji þive u Hrvatskoj planirana je za listopad 2004 godine, nakon koje e uslijediti izloþba ameri kih umjetnika na temu Hrvatske. Sustavno prevoenje hrvatske literature, predstavljanje hrvatskih klapa u vodeim glazbenim institucijama kao ÃÂto su Carnege Hall i Lincoln Centar te osnivanje mreþe sponzora i kulturno-administrativnog centra koji e koordinirati programe su prioriteti ove nove internaconalne fondacije. http://www.iskon.hr/kultura/page/2004/05/11/0124006.html    letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H,S) Croatian Emigrant Almanac calls upon readers, contributors http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5258/1/EHS-Croatian-Emigrant-Almanac-calls-upon-readers-contributors.html  Croatian Emigrant Almanachttp://matis.hr/zbornikCROATIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATIONZagreb, May 18, 2004Subject: Invitation by the editorial board of the Croatian Emigrant AlmanacThe editorial board of the CROATIAN EMIGRANT ALMANAC 2004 calls upon readersand contributors from expatriate Croatia and authors from the Homeland tosend their suggestions concerning the editorial conception of this serialpublication, as well as their auctorial contributions, no later thanSeptember 1, 2004, at the address below: Hrvatska matica isleljenika (Vesna Kukavica)Trg Stjepana RadiÃa 3, Zagreb, CroatiaE-mail: vesna@matis.hr Topics:1. Social and cultural life of Croatian ethnic communities in the past andpresent (people, events, anniversaries);2. Literal contributions.The editorial board will carry out the selection of works for the thematicsections of the CROATIAN EMIGRANT ALMANAC 2005. Submitted manuscripts will not be returned. Vesna KukavicaOn behalf of the CHFHRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKAHrvatski iseljeniÃki zbornikhttp://matis.hr/zbornikBroj: 4569Zagreb 18. svibnja, 2004.Predmet: Poziv uredništva Hrvatskog iseljeniÃkog zbornikaUredništvo Hrvatskog iseljeniÃkog zbornika poziva Ãitatelje i suradnike izhrvatskoga izvandomovinstva i autore iz Hrvatske da se jave sugestijama isuradniÃkim prilozima, u okviru ureðivaÃke koncepcije te MatiÃine serijskepublikacije, zakljuÃno s 15. rujna 2004. godine na adresu: Hrvatska matica iseljenika (Vesna Kukavica), Trg Stjepana RadiÃa 3, Zagreb,HrvatskaE-mail: vesna@matis.hr Teme: 1. društveni i kulturni život hrvatskoga izvandomovinstva u prošlosti isadašnjosti (liÃnosti, dogaðaji, obljetnice)2. literarni priloziIzbor radova za tematske jedinice Hrvatskog iseljeniÃkog zbornika izvršit ÃeUredništvo. Radovi se ne vraÃaju. Za HMI: Vesna Kukavica, urednica HIZ-aFUNDACION PARA LA EMIGRACION CROATAAnuario para la emigracion Croatahttp://matis.hr/zbornikNo: 4569Zagreb, May 18, 2004 Objeto: Invitacion de la redaccion del Anuario para la emigracion croataLa redaccion del Anuario trilingue Hrvatski iseljenicki zbornik, invita asus lectores y colaboradores del exterior, lo mismo que a los autores deCroacia, que envien a esta redaccion sus sugerencias y articulos. Losarticulos deber abarcar la tematica de esta publicacion serial de laFundacion para la Emigracion Croata. Enviar el material a la siguientedireccion:Hrvatska matica iseljenika / Fundacion para la Emigracion Croata (VesnaKukavica), Trg Stjepana Radica 3, Zagreb, Croacia.e-mail: vesna@matis.hr Temas: 1. Vida social y cultural de la emigracion croata, tanto en el pasado comoen el presente (personalidades destacadas, acontecimientos, efemerides)2. Trabajos literariosLa seleccion de las unidades tematicas para el 'Anuario para la emigracioncroata 2005' sera efectuada por la redaccion. Los originales no se devuelven.Vesna Kukavicapor Fundacion para la Emigracion Croata   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) KONCERT KLAPE ASTORIA, 5 Lipnja June 5th, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5257/1/HE-KONCERT-KLAPE-ASTORIA-5-Lipnja-June-5th-2004.html ZUPA MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD I HRVATSKA ZAJEDNICA ASTORIA POZIVA VAS NAKONCERT KLAPE ASTORIASUBOTA 05. LIPNJA 2004, SA POCETKOM U 20:00 SATIKoncert ce se odrzati u Most Precious Blood Church (gornja crkva)32-50 37. ulica (izmedju Broadway-a i 34. avenije)Astoria, QueensULAZ SLOBODANP.S. Uz citav niz antologijskih dalmatinskih pjesama, publika ce imati priliku cuti i koncertnu praizvedbu Dalmatinske mise, unikatnog djela dubrovackog skladatelja Kresimira Magdica. Ova peterostavacna misa, za koju je adaptaciju teksta na dalmatinski dijalekt priredio jedan od najisaknutijih cakavskih pjesnika nase domovine Jaksa Fiamengo, predstavlja ne samo projekciju puckog pjevanja u vecu klasicnu glazbenu formu vec i jedno od najvecih ostvarenja nase narodne umjetnosti do danas.MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD PARISH AND CROATIAN COMMUNITY OF ASTORIA CORDIALLY  INVITES YOU TO THECONCERT OF KLAPA ASTORIASATURDAY, JUNE 05. 2004., AT 8:00 PMConcert will take place at the Most Precious Blood Church (upper church)32-50 37th Street (between Broadway and 34th Avenue)Astoria, QueensFREE ADMISSIONP.S. Concert program will feature selection of the finest dalmatian folk songs in "a cappela style" (without instrumental accompaniment), as well as US premire of Dalmatian Mass. This unique composition in five movments is a work of two of the finest Croatian artists, composer Kresimir Magdic and poet Jaksa Fiamengo who created adaptation of traditional Mass text into the Dalmatian dialect. This work represents one of the greatest achivments of Croatian Folk Art.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Successful fund-raiser in Astoria library, New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5256/1/E-Successful-fund-raiser-in-Astoria-library-New-York.html  A successful fund-raiser forFriends of the Queens Library-Broadway Chapter, New York On Saturday May 22, 2004, "Friends of the Queens Library-Broadway Chapter" held a successful fund-raiser in Astoria library auditorium featuring artists and performers from Astoria and Long Island City community. Sanja Crnkovic, President of the "Friends of the Queens Library" helped organize the event along with several other volunteers. Two Croatian children who recently performed at the fifth Children's Music Festival in Queens performed two songs in Croatian language: Ten-year-old Katarina Glavan sang "Dalmacijo, mila moja mati" written by D. Peric and eleven-year-old Filip Malaric sang "Pokazi mi" written by Marko Bilan.The tax-deductible financial donations and active local participation, such as volunteering, creates public support for the library and enhances the cultural life of the community. Volunteers work with the library staff on legislative advocacy. Democratic Council Member – District 22 Peter Vallone, Jr. spoke briefly stressing the importance of libraries to higher education.Wanda S. Radetti, commercial and cultural attachà City of Rijeka and a local resident of Astoria, attended and enthusiastically participated during the performance of "Free Style Artists" which does interactive group art. Twelve-year-old Viktor Crnkovic also participated, reminding the audience how creative art is a worthwhile experience that even amateurs can dive into easily.Other performers were singer and comedian Susan Scannell, musician Natalia Paruz, poet Ella Smith, singer Ameilia Terry, comedian and teacher Jim Gallagher, professional dancers Milly Brig and Keith Johnson, folk dancer Anoush performed Armenian style solo dance, dressed in a beautiful outfit. Carmine Guida, a Dumbek player specializing in Middle Eastern rhythms, accompanied Anoush. In the past, Sanja initiated a collection of the Croatian Children's books available at the Broadway Branch Library in Astoria. For additional information, see www.queenslibrary.org click on "WorldLinQ" and click on "Croatian." In addition, Sanja organized free community events at the library such as performance of the Croatian folk group "Hrvatska Ruza", singing group "Klapa" and Boris Miketic speaking about travel to Croatia. Zdenka Kardum, representative in charge of cultural events at the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in New York was part of the audience along with approximately 60 others.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Plastic Cyclists by Croatian sculptor Vasko Lipovac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5255/1/E-Plastic-Cyclists-by-Croatian-sculptor-Vasko-Lipovac.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Bibliography by Dr. Branko Franolic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5254/1/E-Croatian-Bibliography-by-Dr-Branko-Franolic.html  ANNOUNCEMENTIMPORTANT NEW CROATIAN BIBLIOGRAPHY by DR BRANKO FRANOLIC 24.05.04 Dr Branko Franolic has just produced a new andimportant english language work - A Survey of CroatianBibliographies 1960-2003. To understand why this is soimportant for Croatia, I spoke to Dr Franolic. Why did he embark on this project? "After World War 2,world bibliographies that were published in London andNew York mentioned Croatia until 1958 - then stopped.This was due to Belgrade policy, which controlled theflow of information. Macedonia, Serbia and Sloveniawere mentioned but not Croatia" Dr Franolic informedme. Such policies were to have an effect on academicrecords of Croatia internationally."The 9 volume Bibliography of Bibliographies publishedby SAUR in Munich (1983-2003) has very few referencesto Croatia, less than the Former Soviet Republic ofTajikistan, but on a footing with Kyrgyzstan""That's the reason to do this bibliography - to coverthis gap of 40 years and increase the amount ofreferences."This bibliography of bibliographies is in a way morecomplete than the one produced by the National andUniversity library in Zagreb. This is largely due tothe fact that a law stating that when a book ispublished six copies should be deposited with thelibrary is not respected by some publishers andauthors. "If a book is not recorded in the Nationaland University library's CIP bulletin it effectivelydoes not exist" said Dr Franolic. Dr Franolic had to write to many separate libraries inCroatia as well as to state archives and scientificinstitutes to obtain information about the books heldin their libraries. He received much invaluableassistance from staff in libraries in places includingRijeka, Osijek, Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik and monasterylibraries in Sinj, Imotski and elsewhere. Due to DrFranolic's efforts many bibliographies are nowrecorded that would otherwise not be. In approaching libraries, one of the realities of thewar came to the fore; the deliberate destruction ofcultural material by Serbian forces. The monastery atKostajnica was destroyed; only one book remainedthere. That itself shows how important works such as thisare. This bibliography will enable historians andother academics to be able to access Croatia's historymore fully.The price of the book is $50 U.S. Dollars (postage &packing inc) and can be ordered from Dr BrankoFranolic, 15 Midmoor Road, Wimbledon, London, SW194JD, England  Brian Gallagherwww.croatiafocus.com  http://members.madasafish.com/~opus/Croatia/Brian.Gallagher.240504.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Justice on HDnet TV Jun 2nd-8th http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5253/1/E-Justice-on-HDnet-TV-Jun-2nd-8th.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Paintings at Pierogi by Marilyn Cvitanic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5262/1/E-Paintings-at-Pierogi-by-Marilyn-Cvitanic.html ÂBlue Jay WayÂHi Everyone,Just letting you know that my latest watercolors are now in the flatfiles at Pierogi gallery in Brooklyn. If you're in the area check them out.The gallery is located at 177 N. 9th St., Brooklyn (Williamsburg area). For those of you who are interested in buying a painting, they are still very reasonably priced.Thanks for your interest.Marilyn Cvitanic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 17 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cro-Australian Eric Bana in Troy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5261/1/E-Cro-Australian-Eric-Bana-in-Troy.html ÂÂEric Bana, a Croatian-Australianin TroyÂThe following story discusses, among others Eric Bana, a Croatian-Australian who plays Prince Hector in the upcoming movie "Troy." The story appears in the Sydney Morning Herald. John KraljicThe new global dish: Aussie beefcakeMay 13, 2004They are the Errol Flynns of their generation, the action heroes who make the world swoon, writes Phillip McCarthy.In the past year or two Hollywood seems to have developed a technique of deploying an elite and glamorous cadre of Australian fighters simultaneously all over the world. What's more, the magic of movies has managed to ship home-grown big guns to different centuries, too.Eric Bana and Hugh Jackman, for example, have each done a pair of blockbuster movies and become veterans of firing off a round or two in a big (northern) summer set-piece movie. The first time, last year when The Hulk fought X-Men 2 for box-office supremacy and popcorn sales, both their characters had a similar narrative arc: both Hulk and Wolverine had problems stemming from childhood development issues that got them tagged as misfits.This year the stars are gunning for each other again, each with what is known as a "tentpole" picture, in the all important northern blockbuster season. Less than a week separated the release dates of Jackman's vampire-slaying Van Helsing and Bana's portrayal of the brave, and hunky, Prince Hector in Troy. In Troy Bana has to contend with the proverbial Greeks bearing gifts, some "it couldn't happen here" smugness and his bratty younger brother, Paris (Orlando Bloom).The Van Helsing/Troy duel is not, strictly speaking, an Aussie All Star fight. While Jackman has leading man billing in Van Helsing, Bana is a bit more like bonus beefcake to Brad Pitt's star-wattage, even though his name appears beside Pitt's in the credits. But at least, with his Croatian ancestry, Bana looks like he might be from somewhere within marching distance of Troy. Pitt, with his new muscles, looks like he just stepped off Venice Beach, California."The first time we had 'duelling blockbusters', as the press calls them here, we met up in London and had a good laugh about it," Jackman says. "The thing is we are good mates and have been for years because our wives are really old friends."But this year the action-hero ranks - even without a Russell Crowe picture - seem to be more than usually bulked up with telegenic guys who did their basic training in action hero deportment in Australia. Another upcoming big-event picture is producer Jerry Bruckheimer's retelling of the legend of King Arthur with Australia's Joel Edgerton playing the part of the knight Gawain. It's Edgerton's first big Hollywood role.And then there is Nathan Jones, from Surfers Paradise, who plays a Mount Olympus-sized character in Troy called Boagrius. Jones, 33, is not exactly a household name. In the bodybuilding world Jones is also known as Megaman because he is more than two metres tall and weighs 155 kilograms. But Boagrius introduces a key plot point in Troy. Early in the film Pitt's Achilles has to fight Boagrius in a flashy scene meant to establish Achilles' legendary status as a killing machine. In this Hollywood take, Achilles downs the big guy with a kung fu leap and a spear to the neck."Well, the stereotypical early action hero was probably Erroll Flynn and he was Australian," says Troy's director, Wolfgang Petersen. "Australians can pull off the sort of qualities that appeal to Americans in their heroes. I don't think I knew Eric was Australian till we cast him."As different as their subjects and literary pedigrees are - it's, Bram Stoker's Dracula on Van Helsing's side and Homer's Iliad for most of the Troy narrative - both films are loaded with special effects and raised eyebrows in Hollywood because they seemed to achieve pre-approved budgets of as high as $US200 million ($287 million). Van Helsing opened in lavish style last week in most countries and to mixed reviews in many.But it still managed to post the biggest weekend box office take in the US, $US55 million. Troy opens around the world this week with a similar saturation of theatres. So far the critics' reactions seem a little warmer than they were for Jackman's film.Bana and Jackman each seem graceful about their now annual duels in big-ticket pictures. Bana, in New York earlier in the week to promote Troy (and see Jackman's performance in the stage musical The Boy From Oz) seemed to think the dashing Van Helsing, especially with his array of high-technology 19th century weapons and gizmos, might have an edge against the Trojan prince/general. Hector, after all, loses one-on-one to Achilles and Van Helsing has a perfect score."And Hugh definitely has Broadway to himself," Bana said later. "I can't sing. So the auditions for the next Australian film/stage crossover phenomenon have not been coming my way."In the deluge of publicity that blockbusters tend to bring to their star talent, the recurring point that has clicked in America is about the similarities between Bana and Jackman. They are both tall and handsome, 35, and officially they call Melbourne home, although Bana seems to have had more success in actually spending time there between movie projects than Jackman (who, in any case, was born in Sydney).What's more, in the mid 1990s Bana and his wife, Rebecca, played a sort of Cupid's role in getting the sparks flying between Jackman and his eventual wife, the actress Deborra-lee Furness, who met Jackman when he had a guest spot on her cop show, Correlli."In Australia I used to get mistaken for Eric all the time," Jackman says. "People would say, 'You're him. Aren't you, Eric?' No I'm not, actually. But he's a really great mate but we couldn't be more different from each other if we tried." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 17 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Josip Novakovich in Writer's Digest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5268/1/E-Josip-Novakovich-in-Writers-Digest.html ÂJosip Novakovich in Writer's DigestÂCrafting Your Fiction Josip Novakovich, author of Writing Fiction Step by Step, gives some steps to stay in fiction-writing shape. "Since we now have the telephone, we do not stay in writing shape; most of us are quite sluggish with the written word, and when we are on the page, we feel awkward and brittle, like an unskilled skater on ice." That's Josip Novakovich writing in the introduction of his book, Writing Fiction Step by Step. Here are some steps Novakovich recommends for staying in fiction-writing shape:Character motivation rules the world of characters, but don't forget to add the flaws and oddities that make them real. Pick three people you know and construct one character from them, which Novakovich calls the fusion method. Use their most dramatic traits, their most unusual features. Incorporate a distinctive voice, and you have a realistic, multi-dimensional person. Setting. It's best to give descriptions of setting while the action is taking place, in bits and pieces rather than pages of history. As you follow your protagonist - a doctor, let's say - in a walk to the office, you could give us that perspective on the smells, sounds and images of a hospital. You must bring us into a place so we can see it. One exercise Novakovich recommends is to walk through a forest and describe what it feels like, using all the senses. Forests are wonderful, diverse places. You'll need this diversity to hold readers' interest, especially in a novel. Dialogue. Among Novakovich's tips: " Strike a balance between realism - with repetitions and false starts - and idealism, with everyone speaking correctly and always to the point. " Vary sentence lengths. Both half-liners and sermons become monotonous. " Let the characters say something surprising - to surprise not only each other but also you. It's healthy to have characters say something outrageous now and then. To get started in this, try writing a dialogue between two liars trying to outdo each other. Start with mild exaggerations and gradually shift to outrageous boasting. For more advice on crafting fiction, with myriad exercises that will help you stay in writing shape, check out Josip Novakovich's Writing Fiction Step by Stepwww.writersdigest.com/ Below is a paragraph from the article "Walking Tour of Croatian History in New York"Among Croatians writers, writing mostly in English is award-winning author Josip Novakovich. As in his previous books, Novakovich continues to write universal stories about growing up in Croatia. "When I am in Croatia, I feel American. Of course, in America I feel Croatian. I am hyphenated between two cultures, and I will never integrate the two, but will suffer always from multicultural schizophrenia, or rather, bicultural psychosis." After his first visit to America, he writes, "You can leave another country to go to the States, but once you get into the States, the States get into you, and there's hardly any way of leaving. Even if you do, you carry America with you!" His publications include three collections of stories, "Apricots from Chernobyl" (1955), "Yolk" (1995), and "Salvation and Other Disasters" (1998). He has also written two books on the art of writing and co-edited "Stories in the Stepmother Tongue" (2000), a book of stories written in English by immigrant writers in the United States. ÂKatarina Tepesh letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Miro Sinovcic exibits in Irvington, New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5267/1/E-Miro-Sinovcic-exibits-in-Irvington-New-York.html ÂMiro Sinovcic, award winning Croatian artistBlue UmbrellasÂMiro Sinovcic, award winning Croatian artist is exhibiting 12 new paintings in The River Gallery in Irvington, NY. For more information visit gallery web site.The River Gallery39 Main St. Irvington, NY 10533914.591.6208www.therivergallery.com Mon-Sat 10am - 6pmSun Noon - 5pmBiographyCroatian born artist and architect. Graduated from Zagreb Art Academy. As an artist, art director and architect he received numerous international awards including "The Best of Show" from the Rizzoli in Milan, Italy. He is also the two time recipient of the highest Croatian art award and the Bronze Medal winner at the world's biggest book fair in Frankfurt, Germany.In 1985, he emigrated to the United States where he became one of themost sought after artists in publishing, advertising and in motion pictures. His art has appeared on more than a thousand book covers, and his innovative techniques greatly influenced the traditional look of book illustrations to more modern treatments of color and atmosphere. After 16 years as a commercial artist, Miro is now dedicating his time to fine art. His big canvasses are vibrant and warm, exhibiting the recognizable brush strokes of an impressionistic master.He has held 28 one-man exhibitions and participated in more than a hundred group exhibitions. His work can be found in many private art collections throughout the world and some of his corporate clients are among Fortune 500 companies.Art commissioned by: BMW, Volvo, IBM, Budweiser, Coca Cola, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Seagram's, Bradford Exchange, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal, Ballantine Books, Berkley Books, Doubleday,Harper Collins, Pocket Books, Random House.Âwww.mirosinovcic.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds Season Finale with Quatuor Arthur-LeBlanc http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5266/1/E-Sylvan-Winds-Season-Finale-with-Quatuor-Arthur-LeBlanc.html ÂSylvan Winds Season Finale at Carnegiewith Quatuor Arthur-LeBlancÂWe invite you to join the Sylvan Winds onThursday, May 20 at 8:00 PM inWeill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall154 West 57th Streetin a program of Winds & Stringswith special guestsQuatuor Arthur-LeBlancProgram:Louis Spohr Nonet in F Major, op. 31 (1814)Benjamin Britten Sinfonietta for 10 instruments, op. 1 (1932)Dmitry Shostakovich Symphony for strings & winds after String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, op. 73A (transcribed by Rudolf Barshai)Join us for this special program with the Quatuor Arthur-LeBlanc from Quebec, Canada in their New York City and Eastern U.S. debut and, following the concert, for a benefit reception at Shelly's,104 W 57 St (between Sixth and Seventh avenues) For reservations & program information call or fax 212 / 222-3569.Tickets for the concert are $25 & $20 for adults and $15 & $12 for students and seniors.Âsylvanwinds@worldnet.att.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Art-project in Estonia - Oportunity http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5265/1/EH-Art-project-in-Estonia---Oportunity.html ÂArt-project in EstoniaVlado Franjevic: molba za potporu Dear Crown readers,you are very welcome to be the part of vlado franjevics art-project inestonia, in the summer 2004. please visitwww.konture.com/poziv_invitation.htm , and read there more about. of course,vlado will be very happy if you support this action so that you send thismail further, or if you put this information/invitation online at someweb-addresses.if you do that really, please let vlado know about (vlado@konture.com ).www.vlado.li thanks a lot for your attentionHvala unaprijed, svako dobro. vlado***HRVATSKIPozivnicaProjekt Vlade Franjevica, umjetnika, autora i kuratora online galerijehttp://gallery.konture.com prihvacen je za simpozij PostsovkhoZ4/IZOLACIJA.Simpozij ce se odrzati od 6.-15.kolovoza 2004. u mjestu Mooste, na juguEstonije. Pored Franjevica, koji zastupa kulturno-umjetnicku scenu KnezevineLiechtenstein i Hrvatske, na istom ce simpoziju sudjelovati slijedeciumjetnici:Sonja Hinrichsen (D/USA), Sara Kolster-, Derek Holzer (NL), Samuel Roy-,Bois (USA), Markus Öhrn (S), Naomi Potter-, David Bovill ADA (CAN) Stephen Gunning (IRE), Vano Allsalu (Estonija), Peeter Krossman (Estonija), Erik Sandelin (S), Michael Northam(USA) / Seijiro Murayama (JPN), Marcus Williams (NZ), Natalie Waldbaum (UK),John Grzinich (USA/Estonija), Andres Keil ili Enn Tegova (Estonija), KülliKaats (Estonija), Pink Punk (Estonija), Karolina Kucia (POL), Joseph Ravens(USA), Kaie Luik, Maris Palgi i Eva Orav (Estonija)Vlado poziva sve zainteresirane da mu posalju tekstove u kojima ce seobradjivati bilo koji vid izolacije: u drustveno-politickom i(li) osobnomsmislu, izolacija kao nuzda, kao potreba i sansa, izolacija u svimpozitvnim/negativnim aspektima - sto se sve moze izgubiti, ako se misli dase ista gubi (samo)izolacijskim teznjama? Koju duhovnu/materijalnuvrijednost moze imati ono sto se mozebitno gubi? Itd.Tekst mora biti istipkan racunalom (arial, velicina slova 10) i ne smijubiti dulji od jedne A4 stranice. Sve stilske forme su dozvoljene.Lektorirane tekstove poslati jedan primjer na materinjem jeziku te po jedanlektorirani engleski i njemacki prijevod. Tekstovi moraju biti potpisanaimenima autora, lektori moraju takodje biti navedeni. Tekstovi ce sepredstaviti i citati u Estoniji a ako bude dovoljno kvalitetnih radova i akose nadju zainteresirane izdavacke kuce za izdavanje pisanog dijela ovogFranjevicevog projekta, predvidljivo je tiskati zbirku koja ce obuhvatatinajkvalitetnije priloge. Tek tada ce se moci u direktnom kontaktu saizdavacem razgovarati o eventualnim autorskim honorarima!U slucaju ako ce na adresu nositelja ove ideje stizati poplava tekstova,izbor istih za mozebitnu zbirku najkvalitenijih izvrsit ce medjunarodni ziriu sastavu:Vesna Stankovic-Benak, Hrvatska (www.konture.com), Al' Leu, Svicarska(akademski kipar, kriticar, publicist, - www.al-leu.ch), Evelyn Müürsepp,Estonija (umjetnica, dierktorica MOGS-a - http://eku.kolhoos.ee), dr.Hans-Georg Türstig, USA (Webist - www.digital-artwork.net) i VladoFranjevic, K. Liechtenstein (likovni radnik & autor - www.vlado.li).Tekstove poslati e-postom u zasebnom att.-u (najkasnije do 30.lipnja 2004.)na adresu: vlado@konture.com.------ENGLISHInvitationThe project of Vlado Franjevic, artists, author and curator of the on-linegallery http://gallery.konture.com was accepted for the symposiumPostsovkhoZ4/IZOLATION. This symposium is accomplished from 6.-15 August2004 in Mooste, in the south of Estland. Beside Vlado, which at the sametime represents the art scene of the Principality of Liechtenstein andCroatia, the following artists participate also in the symposium:Sonja Hinrichsen (GER/USA), Sara Kolster, Derek Holzer (NL), Samuel Roy-,Bois (USA), Markus Öhrn (SWE), Naomi Potter, David Bovill ADA (CAN)Stephen Gunning (IRE), Vano Allsalu (Estonia), Peeter Krossman (Estland),Erik Sandelin (SWE), Michael Northam (USA) / Seijiro Murayama (JPN), MarcusWilliams (NZ), Natalie Waldbaum (UK), John Grzinich (USA/ Estonia), AndresKeil ili Enn Tegova (Estonia), Külli Kaats (Estonia), Pink Punk (Estonia),Karolina Kucia (POL), Joseph Ravens (USA), Kaie Luik, Maris Palgi und EvaOrav (Estonia).Vlado invites all interested to send to him theirs texts about isolation. Inthe text can be describe every kind of isolation: in socio-political and/orin personal senses, isolation as emergency, as need and chance, isolation inall positive/negative aspects - what everything can be lost, if one reallythink, with a (Self)Isolation tendency something get lost. The questioncould be: which mental and material values can be lost into such cases?Etc..The texts must be typed with a PC (Arial Letters, size 10) and can be notlonger than a A4 side. All writing form are permitted. An Exemplar of thetext must be written in the native language of the author and every textmust be translated in English and German and sent in separate attachments(a language - a document) to Vlado Franjevic via E-Mail vlado@konture.com.Deadline is the end of June 2004. The originals and translations must beready for printing (language-editing). The texts must be always providedwith the name of the author. The names of Lectors have to be likewiselisted. The texts made first admits in Estonia. If it will give under itsufficient good works and if a publisher houses shows the interest in apublication of this collection, it will be conceivable to publish at leastthe best articles in a book form. Unfortunately only then will the authorsbe able to maintain directly with the publisher over possible fee. The textsfor one possible Publication will selected by the jury:Vesna Stankovic-Benak, Croatia (Editor in Chief of www.konture.com, Croatian& International Poetry Sites), Al' Leu, Switzerland (www.al-leu.ch,Literatur Publisher), Evelyn Müürsepp, Estonia (visual artist, director ofMOGS - http://eku.kolhoos.ee), dr. Hans-Georg Türstig, USA (Webist -www.digital-artwork.net) and Vlado Franjevic, P.Liechtenstein (Artist -www.vlado.li). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Natjecaj ERATO za najljepsu lirsku pjesmu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5264/1/H-Natjecaj-ERATO-za-najljepsu-lirsku-pjesmu.html ÂNatjecaj ERATO za najljepšu lirsku pjesmu Zagreb, 5. svibnja 2004.Štovani,Medunarodni institut za književnost (International Literary Institute) press konferencijom održanom 11. ožujka u Muzeju Mimara, otvorio je natjecaj ERATO za najljepšu lirsku pjesmu, najveci literarni natjecaj ikad raspisan na podrucju Republike Hrvatske. Natjecaj ERATO obuhvaca cjelokupnu dobnu strukturu gradanstva, od ucenika osnovne škole do umirovljenika, provodi se u RH te u dijaspori medu hrvatskim iseljenicima, a podijeljen je u 3 kategorije:? ERATO (za studente i odrasle svih životnih dobi)? ERATO Teen (za ucenike srednjih škola)? ERATO Junior (za ucenike osnovne škole od 5. do 8. razreda)Medunarodni institut za književnost raspisao je ovaj natjecaj u svrhu promidžbe književno-umjetnickog stvaralaštva te njegovanja hrvatskog jezika i kulture medu iseljenicima u dijaspori, ali i kako bi pomogao mladim (neafirmiranim) pjesnicima da objave svoje prve pjesnicke uratke.Natjecajem se želi ohrabriti i potaknuti ucenike i odrasle da izraze svoju jedinstvenu viziju, omoguciti da ta vizija bude citljiva i dostupna na školskoj, lokalnoj, nacionalnoj i medunarodnoj razini kroz pjesnicke zbirke te objave na web stranicama Medunarodnog instituta za književnost.Želja je natjecajem potaknuti i ucenike na pisanje i citanje poezije te razviti kod njih zanimanje i ljubav za školski predmet hrvatski jezik - kako bi vec od djetinjstva (mladenaštva) stekli kulturu citanja i izražavanja kroz pisanu rijec.Pristigle radove ocjenjivat ce višeclana komisija sastavljena od visokoobrazovanih strucnjaka s podrucja humanistickih znanosti (profesori hrvatskog jezika i književnosti te diplomirani komparatisti) te renomiranih hrvatskih pjesnika, medu kojima su Slavko Mihalic i Simo Mraovic.Svi uspjeliji radovi bit ce tiskani u zajednickoj zbirci pjesama te na CD-u. CD ce sadržavati recitacije najuspjelijih pjesama te racunalni zapis svih pjesama objavljenih u zbirci. Prijave za natjecaj zaprimaju se zakljucno do 25. svibnja 2004. godine.Svecana dodjela nagrada održat ce se u Nacionalnoj i sveucilišnoj knjižnici u Zagrebu, 24. lipnja 2004. godine uz prigodan kulturni program te mnoštvo uzvanika iz književnoga, politickog i javnog života.Nesebicnu potporu projektu te razumijevanje pružili su: uprava Muzeja Mimara te Nacionalne i sveucilišne knjižnice, Ministarstvo znanosti, obrazovanja i športa, Ministarstvo kulture te Hrvatska katolicka crkva.Medunarodni institut za književnost (International Literary Institute) nevladina je, neprofitna, nestranacka organizacija sa sjedištem u Zagrebu. Institut od prosinca 2003. djeluje na podrucju Republike Hrvatske, a suraduje sa slicnim institucijama iz cijeloga svijeta. Medunarodni institut za književnost clan je UNESCO-a pri uredu za poeziju. Cilj instituta je razvoj književno-umjetnickog stvaralaštva te poticanje na kreativno izražavanje putem pisane rijeci. Kroz nakladnicke djelatnosti i aktivnosti te putem razlicitih natjecaja institut nastoji pomoci afirmaciji novih, neafirmiranih spisatelja, pjesnika i dramskih umjetnika te na taj nacin pridonijeti ne samo književnom, vec i kulturnom životu. Svojim radom i zalaganjem institut nastoji zainteresirati mlade ljude za pisanje, ali i za citanje poezije i književne proze te razviti kod istih ljubav prema književnosti i umjetnosti. U planu je i prevodenje hrvatskih pjesnika na strane jezike kao i prevodenje stranih pjesnika na hrvatski jezik.Prijave na ovogodišnji natjecaj ERATO Sudionici natjecaja radove mogu prijaviti na ove nacine:1.) slanjem radova preporucenom poštom2.) putem e-maila na erato@erato.hr 3.) ON-LINE pristupnicom na stranicama www.erato.hr Komisija od 8 clanova ocjenjivat ce radove pod šiframa, po istom kriteriju svaku pjesmu ocjenama od 1 do 10 u nekoliko razlicitih kategorija te ce na temelju najviših ocjena odabrati pobjednike.NagradePrve nagrade za svaku kategoriju:1. nagrada - sedmodnevno ljetovanje za tri osobe u šibenskoj Rogoznici u apartmanu visoke kvalitete + PC racunalo s pristupom internetu + zbirka pjesama s najuspjelijim radovima s natjecaja + CD s recitacijama pobjednickih pjesama2. nagrada - sedmodnevno ljetovanje za tri osobe u šibenskoj Rogoznici u apartmanu visoke kvalitete + zbirka pjesama s najuspjelijim radovima s natjecaja + CD s recitacijama pobjednickih pjesama3. nagrada - sedmodnevno ljetovanje za tri osobe u šibenskoj Rogoznici u apartmanu visoke kvalitete + zbirka pjesama s najuspjelijim radovima s natjecaja + CD s recitacijama pobjednickih pjesamaSudionike natjecaja, autore pjesama od 4. do 10. mjesta, institut nagraduje prigodnom knjigom, a za kategoriju ERATO Junior uz knjigu još daruje CD «Ucilica».Nagrada za razred i školu s najvecim odazivomRazred te škola sa najvecim odazivom na natjecaj u kategorijama ERATO Junior te ERATO Teen (broj prijavljenih u odnosu na ukupan broj ucenika razreda odnosno škole) bit ce bogato nagradeni atraktivnim poklon paketima sponzora. Isto tako ce profesoru (-ici) hrvatskog jezika i književnosti pobjednickog razreda te ravnatelju (-ici) škole biti urucena vrijedna nagrada i posebno priznanje za doprinos pjesnickom stvaralaštvu, poticanju kreativnosti te izražavanja na hrvatskom jeziku kod mladih.Molimo Vas da informacije o natjecaju oglasite na Vašim stranicama, te stavite link na www.erato.hr kako bi natjecaj naišao na što veci odaziv te kako bi potencijalni sudionici na našim stranicama mogli pronaci detaljne informacije o natjecaju i upisati se na našu mail-listu da bismo ih mogli redovito izvještavati o projektima koje provodimo.S osobitim poštovanjem i željom za uspješnom suradnjom, predsjednik instituta, Ivan Cesic, prof. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) World premiere of Freedom From Despair at AIFF http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5263/1/E-World-premiere-of-Freedom-From-Despair-at-AIFF.html ÂFreedom From DespairA world premiere at the Amnesty International Film FestivalHere is an update for you to check out Amnesty IFF if you would like:Brenda Brkusic's feature documentary Freedom From Despair will have a worldpremiere in the Amnesty International Film Festival which runs May 12-17 atthe DGA Theatre in Hollywood. Brenda's film is the only student film theyselected and they are screening it among the professional docs. According totheir website, they are the "largest Human Rights organization in the world"and the films that they screen are "powerful stories of human struggle,sacrifice, and triumph - some of the most noteworthy and celebrateddocumentary films made here in the U.S. each year, including many that willgo on to air on PBS, HBO, or other networks." For more information, visittheir website atFREEDOM FROM DESPAIRDirector: Brenda BrkusicMusic by Nenad Bach2004. USA/Croatia. 90min. English and Croatian, subtitled. WORLD PREMIEREFREEDOM FROM DESPAIR explores the untold history of Communist Yugoslavia through first hand interviews, stock footage, news reels, and narrative recreations shot in the US and Croatia. The film portrays the incredible journey of Kruno Brkusic, who as a young man risked his life to flee from a regime that punished independent thought andsuppressed Croatian culture. In exploring the atrocities committed and hidden by the Communist government of Yugoslavia, the filmmaker pieces together a shocking world that lay silent with a generation of survivors for the past 50 years. The film is a celebration of culture, democracy, and the abiding strength of the human spirit.http://www.amnestyusa.org/filmfest/weho/2004/may14.html#freedomfromdespair letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 'Croatian Piano Player' mesmerizes fans in Jakarta http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5275/1/E-Croatian-Piano-Player-mesmerizes-fans-in-Jakarta.html Â'The Croatian Piano Player' mesmerizes fans in Jakarta Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, JakartaScreams, claps and whistles greeted his arrival on stage at the Indoor Tennis Stadium in South Jakarta on Tuesday night. It was a rousing welcome fit for a rock star. The 3,000-strong audience of mainly under 30s that packed the stadium made it difficult to believe they had all come to watch a classical piano recital.Only it was not just any classical piano recital, it was Maksim "The Piano Player" and his brand of crossover -- infusing techno beats to invigorate centuries old classical compositions. Maksim's all black costume of sleeveless shirt, leg-hugging pants, leather wrist bands and black rings on each finger, together with his jet-black hair streaked with white highlights, was far from the standard black tie and tails of the classical pianist. Matching the costume, the stage was also draped in black, and the lively play of lights made the performance a feast for the eyes as well as for the ears. It was a classical concert refurbished. Amid the screaming of fans, Maksim launched into Flight of the Bumblebee, the prelude to act three of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's 1899 opera Skazka o Tsare Saltane (The Tale of Tsar Saltan). No hesitation and without any music score, Maksim's deft fingers dancing on the chromatic scales of the Yamaha Grand Piano in the middle of the stage whipped the audience to a frenzy and brought thunderous applause and shouts at the end of the piece. Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A-Minor (1868), a more buoyant piece with less repetition, followed before Maksim addressed the audience. There was no need to pretend to know a little Bahasa Indonesia, there was not even the need for much rapport for the audience to love Maksim, who took up the piano when he was nine years old. His evident bashfulness upon hearing a shout of "we love you Maksim!" made this 28-year-old Croatian even more endearing to his Indonesian fans. "It's easier to play in front of an audience, because I feel there's energy from the audience," he said earlier. But more than his energetic pieces, Maksim's treatment of the calmer compositions of his repertoire were like those of a lover's caress. His fingers moving in deliberate strokes across the keyboard, back hunched, the piano player was lost in his own world. Maksim's rendition of the Sarabande by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was like a cooling shower after a hot summer day, which he followed with Tonci Huljic's Croatian Rhapsody, a piece thick with the nuances of Eastern European traditional music. Olympic Dream followed, a new composition Maksim wrote for the official album of the 2004 Olympic Games. Lead violinist Sally Jackson lent her voice for this inspiring piece. Next came Ernest Gold's Exodus from the motion picture of the same name starring Paul Newman and directed by Otto Preminger about the founding of Israel in the days following World War II. True to his classical background, Maksim then played three solo classical pieces on the piano, while his accompanying band and string ensemble retired backstage.With Croatian composer Frano Parac's Dance of the Baroness, Fryderyk Chopin's Nocturne in D-Flat, and his own Variations on the Theme of Paganini, Maksim seemed most at home. Without accompaniment, he was in his element. Feeling the music flow from his fingers. "I don't think about anything when I play, I just focus on the tone and color of the piece I am playing," Maksim, who admits to being a nostalgic person and always craves the sight of the sea as it reminds him of home, said. He then took a short break while the band played Tonci Huljic's Cubana Cubana.Maksim Mrvica (pronounced Maravitsa with a rolled "r") was born in Sibenik, a town on the Adriatic coast, in 1975. Amid the turmoil of war in Croatia in the 1990s, he kept practicing with his professor, Marija Sekso, and even won his first major competition in Zagreb, the capital, in 1993. He moved to Budapest, Hungary, when he was 22 years old to study at the Ferenc Liszt Music Academy. During this time Maksim won first prize in the Nicolai Rubinstein International Piano Competition. In 2000, Maksim moved to Paris to study with Igor Lazko and the following year he won first prize in the Pontoise Piano Competition. Maksim's breakthrough had not gone unnoticed in his own country, and when he returned to Croatia Maksim found himself in the media spotlight. He released his first album Gestures, a compilation of contemporary Croatian piano music, in 2001 and it became the fastest-selling classical recording ever released in Croatia. Gestures brought him four Porin (equivalent to the Grammy Awards), including one for Best Classical Album. It was not long before he was spotted by musician-poet-author Tonci Huljic -- who had composed several tracks for string quartet Bond -- and introduced to promoter Mel Bush. And the rest, as they say, is history. The second part of the concert was dedicated to Tonci Huljic's crossover compositions Claudine, Hana's Eyes and Wonderland. The last piece, and the longest, was the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, but the audience had not had enough. Shouts for an encore brought the piano player back on stage with more of Bumblebee and Cubana, then he was done for the night. It was another step toward conquering the world for Maksim, as his website www.maksim.co.uk boasts. http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailfeatures.asp?fileid=20040430.Q01&irec=0  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Holding out for a hero - TV Guide http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5274/1/E-Holding-out-for-a-hero---TV-Guide.html ÂHolding out for a heroWriter-director Erik Palladino's admirably subtle bit of chronological trickery allows his small-scale drama, set in 9/11 New York, to deliver a sucker-punch of an ending. Structured as a series of short scenes punctuated by blackouts, the film cuts back and forth between three apparently unconnected stories. Activist lawyer Roberta Vasquez (Daphne Rubin-Vega), perpetually on her cell phone, tries to balance battling bureaucratic indifference, mentoring her associate, Monique (Joelle Carter), and keeping her marriage alive. Roberta and her husband are trying to have a baby, but she sometimes wonders how they'll be able to raise a child when they can't find time to make one. Hardworking Kashmiri immigrant Mohammed (Ajay Naidu) maintains a sunny and optimistic attitude as he crosses paths with the many varieties of New Yorker who patronize his "Breakfast Time" food cart. Although Mohammed never planned to stay in New York, he has fallen in love, both with the city and a woman he's afraid his old-fashioned parents won't accept. The bulk of the film's running time is given over to morose writer Drew (Palladino), who works for a Marvel-like mainstream comic-book publisher. Drew has lost his will to write the same old superhero stories since his best friend, Bobby Goldberg, died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Determined to pay tribute to Bobby, Drew persuades his reluctant boss (David Patrick Kelly) to okay "Justice," a limited-run series about "the hero inside us all" in which an everyman becomes a crime-fighter. The gimmick - the boss says there has to be one - is that the particulars of Justice's everyday life will be based on those of a real, ordinary person. Once the first issue is on the stands, Drew and his collaborator, artist Julia (Marisa Ryan), cook up a guerilla publicity campaign that attracts the attention of a Village Voice writer. Unfortunately, she wants to interview the regular Joe behind Justice, and Drew never got around to asking substitute teacher Tre (SPAWN star Michael Jai White), whom he met on a neighborhood basketball court, whether it was okay to appropriate the details of his life and bestow them on a comic-book vigilante. It's hard to tell whether Palladino meant the sullen, self-pitying Drew to be such an irritating drip; if he did, kudos for courage but the character still drags down an otherwise likable drama that draws its three stories together in a quietly effective climax. - Maitland McDonagh Producer Amy R. Baird Amelia Dallis Assoc. Producer Martin Schepelern Director Evan Oppenheimer Writer Evan Oppenheimer Editor Allison Eve Zell Musical Composer Nenad Bach Production Designer Beth Kuhn Casting Mary Vernieu Felicia Fasano Sound Paul Bacca (recordist) Bill Montei (designer) Costumes Dona Mandel Make Up Carol Brown Cinematographer Luke Geissbuhler ÂCountry of Origin:U.S.Genre:DramaColor or b/w:ColorProduction Co(s).:Black Sand PicturesReleased By:Black Sand PicturesMPAA Rating:NRParental Rating:Cautionary; some scenes objectionable Erik Palladino Drew Pettite Michael Jai White Tre Daphne Rubin-Vega Roberta Ajay Naidu Mohammed Catherine Kellner Mara Seaver Marisa Ryan Julia Tom Guiry The Red Anarchist David Patrick Kelly Marty Joelle Carter Monique Michael Ealy Woody Leo Fitzpatrick The Egg Machine Larry Pine The Legend Helena Lewis Helena Alan Cox Palm Sunday Dan Cantor Terrence the Ugly American Tim Kang Bodega Owner Gloria Irizarry Luiza Firdous Bamji Samir Khan Monique Guesnon Day-Old Bagel Lady Scott Miller Cigarette Man Waleed Zuaiter Pretzel Vendor Shoshannah Stern First Patron Jimmy Wallick Second Patron Evan Lee Oppenheimer He Got Next Dan Ziemann Perry Emory Van Cleve Big Guy http://tvguide.com/movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=45379  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Installation Exhibit of Croatian Artist to Open in Niavaran http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5273/1/E-Installation-Exhibit-of-Croatian-Artist-to-Open-in-Niavaran.html ÂCroatian artist Ivan Kozaric at the Niavaran Cultural CenterTehran: 17:31 , 2004/04/27 Installation Exhibit of Croatian Artist to Open in Niavaran TEHRAN April 27 (MNA) -- An installation exhibit by Croatian artist Ivan Kozaric is to open on May 1 at the Niavaran Cultural Center. Cosponsored by the Visual Arts Promotion Institute and the Niavaran Artistic Foundation, the exhibit will run through to May 9.Born in 1921 in Croatia, Kozaric graduated from the Academy of Arts in Croatia. He has so far held several exhibits, attending the 1976 Venice Biennial, as well. http://www.mehrnews.com/wfNewsDetails_en.aspx?NewsID=73889&t=Cultural  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Justice on HD TV May 3rd http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5272/1/E-Justice-on-HD-TV-May-3rd.html ÂJustice on HD TV May 3rdJustice Rating: NR Year: 2003 Cast: Erik Palladino, Catherine Kellner, Daphne Rubin-Vega Director: Evan Oppenheimer, Music: Nenad BachSynopsis: After a tragedy, a comic book writer searches for the perfect crime fighting hero. Run Time: 1:20 Air Dates: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT - Mon, May 3rd11:15 PM ET / 8:15 PM PT - Mon, May 3rd http://www.hd.net/movies_schedule_by_title.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Teachers pool computer knowhow - Edin Kadic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5271/1/E-Teachers-pool-computer-knowhow---Edin-Kadic.html ÂTeachers pool computer know-how"You need to let them have fun," says Edin KadicTeachers from across Europe have met to swap ideas on the best use of technology in the classroom. In the first of what is planned as an annual forum, 100 teachers from 45 countries met to discuss innovations in the use of ICT in schools. The event - called the Forum for Innovative Teachers - is part of a scheme to build a community of teachers for sharing ideas and practices. It was organized by the computer giant, Microsoft. "The event highlights the benefits of technology in the education community and demonstrates working examples of ICT in practice to encourage educational excellence," said Micrososft's Mark East. Body piercing One of the participants was Professor Edin Kadic, who teaches the Croatian language and history of art at a medical school in Zadar, Croatia. He is involved in an online collaboration with another medical school in neighboring Slovenia. Students at the two schools hold video conferences and have put together a multi-lingual website, where they publish details of projects they have worked on. They also have regular internet meetings where they discuss "love, jobs and the projects they are working on", says Professor Kadic. "The students had the idea of studying the trend for body-piercing, so they put together questionnaires about why people wanted the piercings, looked at the medical side, and published their findings on the website. "These are 15, 16 and 17 year olds and they were so happy to see the pages they had made, it was marvellous," said Professor Kadic. In their study of Shakespeare, students used computers to build models of what they imagined it was like at the Globe Theatre in London in the playwright's time. Professor Kadic says he aims to give the students the technology, show them how to use it, but then let them use it creatively. That is something very close to the heart of one of the conference's main speakers, Professor Stephen Heppell, the director of Ultralab, a learning technology research centre at Anglia Polytechnic University. And he thinks it is smaller countries such as Croatia which will make the biggest strides in innovative use of technology. Our task is not to control and channel their creativity but to knock down the barriers to it Stephen Heppell, Ultralab "The countries which are doing best are mostly very small, with fewer than five million people and a stable culture, places where they are not using education to try to turn them into something else," he told BBC News Online. "Countries like New Zealand, Singapore, Norway and Wales are all doing very well. "Bigger countries are often trying to turn children into something they are not - 1950s children. "The United States is a mess - some schools are innovative and are doing great work but that doesn't get taken up to school district level or state level. "And in Germany, if you saw what they were doing in class with technology, it would make you cry - long programming or multiple choice." Ultralab is working on 58 projects, in the UK and across the world. Among them are schemes to test the idea of children's doing exams by mobile telephone, for people to study for degrees while at work, and a virtual school for children who have been excluded from mainstream school. Not in school Children involved in the virtual school - known as Notschool - have gone on to get much higher academic qualifications than they had been expected to, said Professor Heppell. "They have usually been out of school for about two years before they come to us, but 54% have gone on to get five good GCSE passes, and 98% have got some qualifications," he told delegates. Under the scheme, the children are put in groups of four and are linked to teachers who manage their learning and to others to do drama, sport and video work. Stephen Heppell says teachers will never keep up with children on use of technology - their job is to encourage their creativity and ingenuity. "Our task is not to control and channel their creativity but to knock down the barriers to it - school design, assessment, low expectation and limited resources and it is good that someone of the magnitude of Microsoft is helping us with that challenge." It is hoped teachers attending the conference will form part of an online community to share ideas and approaches. Microsoft has set up a programme called Innovative Teachers, which is free and open to all teachers. It offers training to help them use ICT in their lessons. A key part of this is a virtual classroom tour which includes tips on how to set up a classroom for learning, lesson plans and materials for various subjects and topics. For Herbert Hug, a delegate from Austria, it is a welcome development. "A few years ago, it was most important to get money in for infrastructure, but this is changing - teachers now need to get more information on how to use this infrastructure." One expert has said that schools will struggle to make best use of new, interactive online resources because their internal systems cannot make best use of it. Mike Taylor, of e-learning company Equiinet, said schools should be allowed to spend their "e-learning credits" on hardware that would run such media-rich materials. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/3670815.stm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bach, Lalich, Urem in New York City, May 7 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5270/1/E-Bach-Lalich-Urem-in-New-York-City-May-7.html ÂÂDOORS ART FOUNDATIONwww.doors-art.com CORDIALLY INVITES YOUTOTHE MULTI- MEDIA EXHIBITOFCROATIAN CONTEMPORARY ARTÂTo celebrate our cultural heritage Doors Art Foundation invites all those interested in Croatian art and culture to join us for an evening of Art Exhibit of Contemporary Croatian Artists. The Multi-Media Exhibition includes photography, graphic design, music and literature by the following artists: Nenad Bach www.nenadbach.com Mario Lalich www.mariolalich.com Andrej Urem www.andrejurem.comWe are pleased to announce our collaboration in organizing our event with an engineer and the five- times Grammy winner Mr. John Holbrook.Opening night: Friday, May 07th 2004 6pm-9pm Exhibit dates: May 08 and May 09 2004Exhibit time: 9am - 7pm Location: Bradford Grave's Gallery549 W. 52nd Street 8th Floor(Between 10 and 11th Avenue)New York, NY 10019Directions via Subway:a. A, C or E lines to 50th Street Station (8th Avenue/Worldwide Plaza)b.. B,D,F,V lines to 47-50th Street, Rockefeller Plaza Station (6th Avenue)c.. N, R or W line to 49th Street (7th Avenue)d.. 1 or 9 line to 50th Street Station (Broadway)Please, RSVP Daniela: daniela@doors-art.com 212.265.0090Edita : edita@doors-art.com Our doors are widely open to welcome anybody interested in Croatian art! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Justice in Village Voice http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5269/1/E-Justice-in-Village-Voice.html ÂÂÂ"Justice" opened onApril 28 at the Pioneer Theater on 3rd Streetand Avenue A, New York City, New York. Full house so far and it'll play there for at least three weeks. For more info go to the website, www.justicethemovie.com .ÂJusticeThe FestivalsTribeca Film Festival -- Dramatic CompetitionMaui Film Festival -- Dramatic CompetitionRhode Island Film FestivalNew Haven Film Festival -- Fave of the FestAthens Film Festival -- Best American FilmWaterfront Film FestivalDubrovnik Film Festival -- Dramatic CompetitionBreckenridge Film FestivalSao Paulo Film Festival -- International CompetitionAnnapolis Film FestivalMarco Island Film Festival -- Best ScreenplaySanta Fe Film FestivalSarasota Film FestivalMyhelan Film FestivalCleveland Film FestivalReel World Film FestivalNewport Beach Film FestivalÂPrincipal CrewWriter and Director -- Evan OppenheimerProducers -- Amy R. Baird, Amelia DallisDirector of Photography -- Luke GeissbuhlerMusic -- Nenad BachEditor -- Allison Eve ZellCasting Directors -- Felicia Fasano, Mary VernieuProduction Designer -- Beth KuhnSound Designer -- Bill MonteiSound Recordist -- Paul BaccaCostume Designer -- Dona MandelProps -- Kirsten KaneMusic Supervisors -- David Hnatiuk, Ramsay AdamsComic Book Art -- David Jerrel AndersonAssociate Producer -- Martin Schepelern letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Justice Searches for Truth - The New York Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5277/1/E-Justice-Searches-for-Truth---The-New-York-Times.html ÂJustice Searches for Truth and a Post-9/11 WayMOVIE REVIEW | 'JUSTICE' In New York, Justice Searches for Truth and a Post-9/11 WayBy DAVE KEHRPublished: April 28, 2004ÂPaul BaccaMichael Jai White, left, and Erik Palladino in "Justice." Evan Oppenheimer's independent feature "Justice" follows the currently fashionable formula ("21 Grams," "Kill Bill," et al.) of laying out a number of apparently unrelated stories and gathering them together at the end, thus making a grand statement about fate and human interdependence. Despite its outsize ambitions Mr. Oppenheimer's film, which opens today at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater in the East Village, is generally low-key and likable, thanks mainly to a talented cast that includes Erik Palladino, formerly of "E.R."; Ajay Naidu of "Office Space"; and Daphne Rubin-Vega from "Anna in the Tropics" on Broadway.Mr. Palladino plays Drew, a 30-ish writer of comic books, who finds in the wake of 9/11 that the inherent escapism of his chosen form no longer suits him. He convinces his reluctant publisher (David Patrick Kelly) to let him start a new character, Justice, an ordinary New Yorker without superpowers. Justice, dressed in the black robes of a judge, will cruise the streets of the city, righting wrongs with the aid of only a high-powered flashlight ("the Light of Justice!") and a stun gun. Drew's point is that ordinary people can be heroes, too, just like the friend he lost when the World Trade Center was destroyed. Mr. Naidu is Mohammed, a recent immigrant from India who operates a coffee-and-bagels cart near Madison Square Park. In Mr. Oppenheimer's asynchronous structure, time moves much more slowly for Mohammed than it does for the other characters. While weeks go by for Drew, only minutes have passed each time Mr. Oppenheimer cuts back to Mohammed's cart, where he is waiting anxiously for a delivery of fresh bagels in time for his morning rush. The third major character, Roberta (Ms. Rubin-Vega), is an energetic, fast-talking social activist who spends her days stalking City Hall budget bureaucrats, seeking money for the East Harlem agency she heads. Roberta also desperately wants to have a child, a subject she discusses with her husband via cellphone as she charges from appointment to appointment. As Mr. Oppenheimer slowly gathers his threads, the characters live out their minidramas in the gathering shadow of overwhelming tragedy. The separate episodes, though, are loosely written and not very dramatically compelling in themselves, and the viewer is left with plenty of time to wonder what these people have to do with one another. The final revelation proves to be both a genuine surprise and a mild letdown, ingeniously deployed but thematically obvious.JUSTICEWritten and directed byEvan Oppenheimer; director of photography, Luke Geissbuhler; edited by Allison Eve Zell; music by Nenad Bach; production designer, Beth Kuhn; produced by Amy R. Baird and Amelia Dallis. At the Two Boots Pioneer Theater, 155 East Third Street, at Avenue A, East Village. Running time: 80 minutes. This film is not rated.WITH: Erik Palladino (Drew Pettite), Michael Jai White (Tre), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Roberta), Ajay Naidu (Mohammed), Catherine Kellner (Mara Seaver), Marisa Ryan (Julia) and David Patrick Kelly (Marty). ÂSource:http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/28/movies/28JUST.html?ex=1083211200&en=70f86108c00b34cd&ei=5059&partner=AOL letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Need information right away - female Croatian composer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5276/1/E-Need-information-right-away---female-Croatian-composer.html ÂFemale Croatian composer ?Dear friends:As you may know, I'm very interested in the art music of Croatian composers. I think that this excellent music is neglected only through ignorance and once it is generally known, that it will begin appearing in concert halls more and more often.I have just received information that a book by Dr. Anne Gray is about to go to the publishers. It is entitled The Popular Guide to Women in Classical Music. This will be a reference book for musicians in libraries and music schools all over the English speaking world. There were only four Balkan names, identified as Yugoslavian. The friend who sent me the information asked if any of them were Croatian. As it turns out, they were not. I asked if Dora Pejacevic was listed in her book. She is not. In fact, not even ONE female Croatian composer is listed in this book.Please, if anyone has information about any female Croatian composer of art music for either voice or any instrument -- PAST OR THE PRESENT -- please either let me know at lordlord@siu.edu , or email Fran Irwin at Fmirwinstl@aol.com . Fran is Croatian-American and she alerted me about this upcoming book. We are both appalled that a book of this scope could come out without mention of any Croatian.Thank you for your help, Srdacno, Suzanne Lord letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Krezich First Croatian artist to exhibit in Cambridge http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5278/1/E-Krezich-First-Croatian-artist-to-exhibit-in-Cambridge.html ÂVesna Krezich Kittelson ÂSolo exhibition of her paintings in Queens' College, CambridgeÂIcarus PreparingÂExhibition:April 30 - May 9, 2004Opening Night, April 30, 6-8 PM ÂÂCroatian artist Vesna Krezich Kittelson is having a solo exhibition of her paintings in Queens' College, Cambridge, England. She is the first Croatian artist to exhibit in Cambridge. Queens' is a wonderfully picturesque college founded in 1448 under the double patronage of the two queens. This makes the Queens' one of the oldest colleges in Europe.Vesna Kittelson has exhibited in America and Europe; she is the recipient of the Bush Artist's Fellowship for Painting; Open Studio Day, sponsored by the Walker Art Center; Minnesota State Arts Board Career Opportunity Grant; and Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship. Vesna Kittelson lives permanently in America and spends summers with her family on Brac.ÂIcarus Surveying All PartsExhibition:April 30 - May 9, 2004Opening Night, April 30, 6-8 PM Contact: Vkittelson@aol.com ÂTrafalgar Fountain  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Contemporary Croatian Artists in New York City, May 7-9 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5283/1/E-Contemporary-Croatian-Artists-in-New-York-City-May-7-9.html ÂÂDOORS ART FOUNDATIONwww.doors-art.com CORDIALLY INVITES YOUTOTHE MULTI- MEDIA EXHIBITOFCROATIAN CONTEMPORARY ARTÂTo celebrate our cultural heritage Doors Art Foundation invites all those interested in Croatian art and culture to join us for an evening of Art Exhibit of Contemporary Croatian Artists. The Multi-Media Exhibition includes photography, graphic design, music and literature by the following artists: Nenad Bach www.nenadbach.com Mario Lalich www.mariolalich.com Andrej Urem www.andrejurem.comWe are pleased to announce our collaboration in organizing our event with an engineer and the five- times Grammy winner Mr. John Holbrook.Opening night: Friday, May 07th 2004 6pm-9pm Exhibit dates: May 08 and May 09 2004Exhibit time: 9am - 7pm Location: Bradford Grave's Gallery549 W. 52nd Street 8th Floor(Between 10 and 11th Avenue)New York, NY 10019Directions via Subway:a. A, C or E lines to 50th Street Station (8th Avenue/Worldwide Plaza)b.. B,D,F,V lines to 47-50th Street, Rockefeller Plaza Station (6th Avenue)c.. N, R or W line to 49th Street (7th Avenue)d.. 1 or 9 line to 50th Street Station (Broadway)Please, RSVP Daniela: daniela@doors-art.com 212.265.0090Edita : edita@doors-art.com Our doors are widely open to welcome anybody interested in Croatian art! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Justice" coming out theatrically in New York April 28 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5282/1/E-Justice-coming-out-theatrically-in-New-York-April-28.html ÂÂÂDear friends,Well, it took a while, but our movie is finally coming out here! "Justice" is opening on April 28 at the Pioneer Theater on 3rd Streetand Avenue A, New York City, New York and it'll play there for at least three weeks. For moreinfo go to the website, www.justicethemovie.com .We'll probably have an opening night party, so let us know if you'rearound.And tell everybody you know!Best to all,EvanÂJusticeThe FestivalsTribeca Film Festival -- Dramatic CompetitionMaui Film Festival -- Dramatic CompetitionRhode Island Film FestivalNew Haven Film Festival -- Fave of the FestAthens Film Festival -- Best American FilmWaterfront Film FestivalDubrovnik Film Festival -- Dramatic CompetitionBreckenridge Film FestivalSao Paulo Film Festival -- International CompetitionAnnapolis Film FestivalMarco Island Film Festival -- Best ScreenplaySanta Fe Film FestivalSarasota Film FestivalMyhelan Film FestivalCleveland Film FestivalReel World Film FestivalNewport Beach Film FestivalÂJusticePrincipal CrewWriter and Director -- Evan OppenheimerProducers -- Amy R. Baird, Amelia DallisDirector of Photography -- Luke GeissbuhlerMusic -- Nenad BachEditor -- Allison Eve ZellCasting Directors -- Felicia Fasano, Mary VernieuProduction Designer -- Beth KuhnSound Designer -- Bill MonteiSound Recordist -- Paul BaccaCostume Designer -- Dona MandelProps -- Kirsten KaneMusic Supervisors -- David Hnatiuk, Ramsay AdamsComic Book Art -- David Jerrel AndersonAssociate Producer -- Martin SchepelernÂEarly talk about JusticeAfter American Splendor how about another funny-sad rumination on making sense of a crazy world through the comics? That would be Justice. This Marvel of a sophomore feature puts Evan Oppenheimer in a League of Extraordinary Filmmakers.-- 2004 Cleveland Int'l Film FestivalHumorous, intelligent and warm, Justice interweaves a variety of relationships into a gentle, thought-provoking story. Daphne Rubin-Vega's performance is particularly touching.  -- The New Sun (New York)Oppenheimer shows a deft touch in pulling humor out of a grave topic, and in so doing he captures how we've all gone on--not by forgetting, but by simply living.  -- 2003 Tribeca Film FestivalScores waited as long as an hour outside the United Artists cinema to see films like Evan Oppenheimer's Justice.  -- Entertainment WeeklyA terrific cast (including the always extraordinary David Patrick Kelly)…strong and appealing actors who allow Oppenheimer to create subplots through charming vignettes about a range of New York encounters…Justice is a movie for adults who understand that comics haven't been kids' stuff for nearly a generation now, and for anyone who wants to balance idealistic dreams with daily struggles.-- New Haven Advocate ("Fave of the Fest")[A] thoughtful and humorous story that explores America's shared process of assimilating the 9-11 trauma. Director Evan Oppenheimer (whose first feature film, The Auteur Theory, earned widespread praise and many awards) shows a very Doonesbury-like skill in pulling humor from a sobering subject.  -- 2003 Maui Film FestivalAll praise Evan Oppenheimer for daring to acknowledge what too many people tiptoe around: that black humor is often the best way to deal with grief.            -- The Flick Filosopher (flickfilosopher.com)What makes a hero? And who exactly is a hero: A firefighter? A teacher? A vigilante dressed in tights? Comic book writer Drew (you'll recognize actor Erik Palladino from "ER") explores the definition of "hero" in this funny feature film…The ending is worth every minute of this twisty-turny film.  --The Naples Daily NewsJustice is a hip, energetic urban tale about how big-city life can actually revolve around small social coincidences…Featuring a wonderful cast, Justice is the type of film that definitely reaches people on several different levels. The cleverness of each story is highlighted by Oppenheimer's ability to show how our concepts of heroism and honour have changed since September 11 - and he proves that even in the toughest of times, we all rely on each other, whether we know it or not.    -- 2004 Reel World Film FestivalJusticePrincipal CastErik Palladino -- Drew PettiteMichael Jai White -- TreDaphne Rubin-Vega -- RobertaAjay Naidu -- MohammedCatherine Kellner -- Mara SeaverMarisa Ryan -- JuliaTom Guiry -- The Red AnarchistDavid Patrick Kelly -- MartyJoelle Carter -- MoniqueMichael Ealy -- WoodyLeo Fitzpatrick -- The Egg MachineLarry Pine -- The LegendHelena Lewis -- HelenaAlan Cox -- Palm SundayDan Cantor -- Terrence the Ugly AmericanTim Kang -- Bodega OwnerGloria Irizarry -- LuizaFirdous Bamji -- Samir KhanMonique Guesnon -- Day-Old Bagel LadyScott Miller -- Cigarette ManWaleed Zuaiter -- Pretzel VendorShoshannah Stern -- First PatronJimmy Wallick -- Second PatronEvan Lee Oppenheimer -- He Got NextDan Ziemann -- PerryEmory Van Cleve -- Big GuyJusticeSynopsisThree very different -- yet intimately connected -- New York stories:Drew -- A comic book writer, Drew has been greatly affected by the death of a good friend in the World Trade Center attack. As a tribute -- and an attempt to do something constructive -- he creates a new comic book hero, a hero based on a real-life New Yorker. But when a Village Voice writer comes sniffing around the story, Drew finds himself hiding a battery of secrets...Mohammed -- A street vendor, Mohammed is justly proud of his "Breakfast Time" cart. But, one day, Mohammed finds himself without any bagels -- and a breakfast vendor in New York needs his bagels...Roberta -- A Latina activist, Roberta has got a lot on her plate in the days leading up to September 11. The Giuliani administration is threatening her advocacy group with budget cuts, and her husband is pressuring her to start having kids...Gradually, the relationships between these characters become evident. And, as we see how fate sometimes hangs on the most tenuous of coincidences, the question is asked: How do we learn to live in a world in which everything is so uncertain?JusticeThe ActorsErik Palladino -- Erik was one of the leads on "ER", the most popular drama on TV, for three years, playing the headstrong Dr. Dave Mellucci. He has also appeared in U-571 and Can't Hardly Wait.Michael Jai White -- Michael played the lead character in the hit movie Spawn. He also starred in Exit Wounds and Universal Soldier: The Return, and is featured in the forthcoming Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill: Vol. 2.Ajay Naidu -- Ajay starred in the cult hit movie Office Space. He has also appeared in movies ranging from Suburbia to K-Pax to Bad Santa.Daphne Rubin-VegaÂ-- Nominated for a Tony Award for "Rent", Daphne recently starred on Broadway with Jimmy Smits in "Anna in the Tropics". On film, she's co-starred in Wild Things and Flawless.Catherine Kellner -- Catherine's first movie was Six Degrees of Separation. More recently, she played Nurse Lt. Barbara in Pearl Harbor.Marisa Ryan -- Marisa's career began playing the young daughter on the television series "Major Dad". She has appeared in numerous films, as well as the HBO series "Mind of the Married Man".Leo Fitzpatrick -- Leo was the star of Larry Clark's controversial film Kids. He also played Selma Blair's disabled boyfriend in Storytelling and appeared on the HBO series "The Wire".David Patrick Kelly -- DP's renowned roles range from Luther in The Warriors (he uttered the famous line, "Warriors, come out and play") to Jerry Horne in "Twin Peaks" to T-Bird in The Crow.Michael Ealy -- Michael stars as Ricky, the twice-convicted felon who's trying to turn around his life, in Barbershop and Barbershop 2. He was also featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious.Larry Pine -- Larry Pine played Dr. Ostrov in Vanya on 42nd Street. His numerous other films include The Royal Tenenbaums, Dead Man Walking, and The Shipping News. He also played Arnold Zelman on "Oz".Tom Guiry -- Tom played Staff Sergeant Ed Yurek in Black Hawk Down. His first starring roles were in The Sandlot and Lassie, and he has subsequently starred in Tigerland , U-571, and Mystic River.Joelle Carter -- Joelle was one of John Cusack's "Top Five Break-Ups" in High Fidelity. She has also appeared in American Pie 2 and Swimming.JusticeThe DirectorJustice (which world premiered as one of only four American films in the Dramatic Competition at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival) is Evan Oppenheimer's second feature film. It has won him numerous accolades in film festivals around the world.Evan Oppenheimer's first film, The Auteur Theory, made on a shoestring budget of $70,000, appeared in over thirty festivals worldwide, garnering various awards, including the "Best Feature" award at the 2000 Breckenridge Film Festival, hosted by NBC film critic Jeffrey Lyons. It appeared on Showtime and The Movie Channel, and is available on home video from Pathfinder Pictures. Reviewers have called it "ingenious", "among the best first features I have ever seen", "one of the best independent films of the year", and "easily the funniest indie film since Clerks".Evan Oppenheimer received a B.A. in English from Yale University. He was an editor for three years at Atheneum Publishers; among his books was the definitive biography of Lawrence of Arabia, named a New York Times "Best Book of the Year". Evan then moved on to NYU Film School, where he spent half of his time making films and the other half captaining the varsity baseball team. His student film Cross Road Blues won first prize at the University Film & Video Association Student Film Festival.Evan lives in New York with his wife, Lia, and baby daughter, Zoe.(Full reviews attached)Praise for The Auteur TheoryOppenheimer's satire is ingenious, collapsing film-class bluster with the whodunit logic of Agatha Christie, "Scooby Doo" and one of those Scream movies.        -- Wesley Morris, San Francisco Chronicle"Another movie about filmmaking?" I hear you cry. Hang on, this one's different...The Auteur Theory -- like Christopher Guest's The Big Picture before it -- cleverly focuses on the sacred and reveals the profane. And it's funny, to boot.        -- Marc Savlov, Austin ChronicleOppenheimer mercilessly lampoons independent film festivals, and the self-important buffoons they often attract, in this extremely clever black comedy. Expect rentals from younger, hipper patrons, especially those from college towns and metropolitan areas that have arthouse theaters and host their own festivals.        -- Ed Hulse, VarietySmart, funny, and fresh...This ranks among the best first features I have ever seen.        -- Ayo Johnson, Bermuda SunA fun, light chance to watch festival filmmakers get smacked around…Funny stuff…The sheer chutzpah of this project suggests that Oppenheimer has the fearless nature of a born director.        -- David Poland, TNT Movies, Roughcut.com**** (Four stars) Laugh-out-loud imitations of Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, Michael Moore, obscure foreign films, and the egos and weirdos of the film festival circuit.        -- Curt Holman, CreativeLoafing.comEasily the funniest indie film since Clerks.        -- 2001 San Francisco Independent Film FestivalThe Naked Gun of filmmaking films, skewering both filmmakers and festivals alike.        -- Cinemad MagazineAn incredibly promising first feature from a very talented filmmaker who has a keen eye for detail, a penchant for witty storytelling, and a serious love for both the craft and the art of this highly competitive medium...One of the best independent films of the year.Bruno Derlin, Guerrilla FilmmakerA fine cast wrings out some clever humor, and director Evan Oppenheimer does as good a job of parodying pretentious film students as anyone since "The Big Picture". (Watch for the recreation of the Kennedy assassination, staged with 8-year-olds.)        -- Sam Adams, Philadelphia City PaperUnpretentious, intelligent, silly, and very winning.-- David Annandale, UpcomingDiscs.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) NY Concert of Dunja Knebl & Poetry Recital by Zvonko Novosel http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5279/1/E-NY-Concert-of-Dunja-Knebl--Poetry-Recital-by-Zvonko-Novosel.html ÂCroatian Cultural Thursdays and Croatian Cultural Association Napredak present:DUNJA KNEBL AND ZVONKO NOVOSEL PERFORMANCEThursday, April 29th7 PMAuditorium Of The Church Of St. Cyril And Methodius502 West 41st StreetNew York, NYFree AdmissionInfo: kdeletis@excite.com Dunja Knebl, a Croatian ethno-singer, will be singing her interpretations of Croatian folk songs and Zvonko Novosel, a theater actor from Croatia, will recite poetry by famous Croatian poets. Please join us for a reception afterwards and take the opportunity to meet the performers (both are fluent in English) and learn about the new ethno-trend in Croatian music.More information about the artists and the program can be found below.PROGRAM:Zvonko NovoselPoems by Jure Franicevic Plocar, Mate Balota, Miroslav Krleza, Melita Runje, and Tin Kolumbi as well as the following famous Croatian poems:Majka Marija by A. G. Matos,Hrvatska by Drago IvanisevicHrvatska, ljubavi moja by Zlatko TomicicHrvatska Hrvatom by August HarambasicHrvatski jezik by V. NazorDunja KneblVoyage with Songs Through Croatia 1. Hrvatsko zagorje - Dobar veèer, moja draga2. Meðimurje - Dej mi, Bože, joèi sokolove3. Podravina - Lepe ti su Molivarke4. Prigorje - Karanfilje, cvijeæe moje5. Turopolje - Dragi dragoj6. Slavonija - Slavuj, tico mala7. Dalmacija - Klakar8. Istra - Meni te je majka jobeæala 9. Opæehrvatska - Blijeda djevaBiographies:DUNJA KNEBL was born in Zagreb, Croatia and lived in the US, Indonesia and Russia. After participating in "Viet-Rock" in 1968 (a production by the Zagreb Student Experimental Theatre) she decided that singing and guitar playing would remain her hobby. After completing her studies of English and Russian at the Zagreb Faculty of Philosophy she worked most of her life as a translator and language teacher, and she sang folk songs to her friends. Dunja's repertoire is very wide, and now includes several hundred Croatian folk songs alone. She has performed in many countries.In 1997 she was nominated for the Croatian Porin award as the best female singer. The 1999 edition of World Music The Rough Guide (Volume I) recommended her album "Iz globline srca". Since then two more albums have been released and the more recent one titled "Da sam barem guska" includes traditional folk songs from some of the countries Dunja has lived in. More info at:http://www.dunjaknebl.com ZVONKO NOVOSEL graduated from the Theater Arts Academy in Zagreb, Croatia in 1986. Since 1991 he has been an Independent Stage Actor within the Croatian Arts Association and regularly performs in various theaters, museums, associations, and clubs. He has had over one hundred performances and acted in numerous films and theater productions.He also taught elementary school, high school, and college students in the basic elements of stage acting, including exercises in speech, perception memory, stage reality, improvisation, modeling, and imagination in Berlin, Germany. He taught drama to Croatian refugees in the Croatian Catholic Mission Drama Workshop and regularly participates in Zagreb Acting Studio Zagreb, Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zivili Teaches Croatian Dancing http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5281/1/E-Zivili-Teaches-Croatian-Dancing.html ÂThe Zivili Group Teaches Croatian DancingÂThe following appeared in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette from Ohio. The Zivili group is lead by Melissa Pintar Obenauf and Pamela Lacko who are also involved with "Heart of Croatia" which sells Croatian products at http://croatiagifts.safeshopper.comJohn Kraljic**********************************************Dance troupe treats kids to a showBy HOLLIE SAUNDERSThe Eagle-Gazette Staff-------------------------------------------------------------E-G photos by William CannonMelissa Obenhauf (center) of Granville demonstrates the steps of a traditional Croatian and Serbian dance to third-graders Cheyanne Hines (left), Dakota Linkous and Anthony Moore inside the gym at South Elementary School in Lancaster.LANCASTER -- Students at South Elementary School danced and sang songs popular with residents of southern Slavic nations Tuesday.The education was from Zivili (Zhee-vee-lee, which means "to life"), a dance company that is this year's artist-in-residence.Melissa Pintar Obenauf led the singing and dancing while Pamela Lacko Kelley played the bisernica, a small stringed instrument native to the countries which once were Yugoslavia.Both performers are directors of the professional ethnic dance company based in Columbus.Taylor Cain, 8, part of the third-grade group, said she had a lot fun."We get to be with them every day, and this was the first time. It's a lot of fun," Cain said. "The song we learned means fun and to life."Quincy Hughes, 9, said the dancing was really cool."The dancing and singing was really easy to learn, and it was fun," Hughes said. "(Obenauf and Kelley) are really nice people."Chris Crockett, 8, said he was looking forward to the two weeks that Zivili will be at South School."It's cool to learn stuff that people who are different do, and to learn how they speak," Crockett said. "We learned they dance in a circle so that everybody can dance."Obenauf and Kelley will be at South through April 29. They will teach the students the culture of Croatia and Bosnia as well as their music, dance and costumes.According to South School Principal Peggy Merton, the visit is made possible through a grant from the Ohio Arts Council. Funds also were donated by the Junior Women's Club, the Moose Lodge and the school's Parent Teacher Organization.Andrew Brown, music teacher at South School, along with educators Dawn Gerds and Debbie Rockwood, requested Zivili return to the school for the artist-in-residence program.The group previously visited the school for two weeks in 1999.Brown said he was very excited that Zivili is at South School, and said the students and staff members will benefit from their educational program."This past summer, I did my master's degree program in Hungary. I teach music classes here by using the Kodaly (a Hungarian composer) philosophy of music education," Brown said. "I wanted to learn songs and dances from Eastern Europe so I can incorporate them into my music classes. I recommended Zivili to come here so we can learn more about that area."Obenauf and Kelley will meet every day with the third and sixth-grade classes who make up the two core groups. The other grade levels will meet with the guest educators four times during their visit.The teachers attended a workshop after school Tuesday in which they will learn dances and activities that they can apply to classroom lessons after the Zivili artists have completed their residency.On April 29, the students will present a program for their families and invited audience to showcase what they have learned.Obenauf said she and her fellow performers enjoy working the school-aged children."Pam and I both have degrees in education. Both of our grandparents are Croatian. So for us, it's wonderful to be able to share what we are passionate about in an educational setting," Obenauf said. "We get to perform and still be in education, so it's the best of both worlds."Obenauf said they also share their culture at different colleges. Zivili has also toured the United States and Europe, and have performed with orchestras in various venues including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.Zivili also performed several years ago at The Lancaster Festival. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 21 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dubrovnik International Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5280/1/E-Dubrovnik-International-Film-Festival.html ÂDubrovnik International Film Festival on the pages of filmfestivals.com,world's best web portal for film festivals:"Festivals are about bringing people together from all over the world toexchange ideas, inspire creativity and see each other's work. Seeing how someoneelse sees things. So as long as there are filmmakers, there will be film festivals.Having a film festival in the grand old city of Dubrovnik, you could not ask for a betterlocation. Because it's all about location, easy access to theatres and something elseto do between films. The main outdoor theater is spectacular - it overlooks theAdriatic Sea and provides the perfect setting to have a drink at sunset and then screena film. Bringing a film festival to Dubrovnik, completes the circle from the oldworld to the new and back again. Having recovered from the Serb Army shelling in the90's, Dubrovnik is blossoming into a rising european hot-spot for A-listcelebrities and jet-setters." says Ziggy Mrkich who runs the Dubrovnik Festival (an after forCannes?) Tough job, as tough a job as filmmaking? Perhaps.http://www.filmfestivals.com/cgi-bin/shownews.pl?obj=ShowNews&CfgPath=ffs/filinfo&Cfg=news.cfg&news=tv&text_id=25390ÂDubrovnik IFFMay 27 - 30, 2004Dubrovnik, Croatiawww.DUBROVNIKiff.org  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 21 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Plitvice, Goran Visnjic & Masterpiece Theater on TV http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5284/1/E-Plitvice-Goran-Visnjic--Masterpiece-Theater-on-TV.html ÂToday, Sunday, April 18, 2004, Channel 13 at 8 PM is showing "Nature" including Plitvice. ÂGoran Visnjic portrays the title role in "Spartacus" (2004), a two-part movie, based on the novel by Howard Fast, about the gladiator who led slaves in rebellion against the Roman Empire in 72 B.C. 8 P.M. USA cable. Masterpiece Theater Ch 13 at 9 PM is showing "Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness" Inspector Jane Tennison, played by award winning actress Helen Mirren, takes over a high-profile murder case involving the torture of a Bosnian Muslim woman. Next Sunday, the Masterpiece Theater will continue with another episode showing Serbian aggression and murders, including the ethnic cleansing. Katarina Tepesh letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dundo Maroje in Washington - Croatian Shakespeare http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5289/1/E-Dundo-Maroje-in-Washington---Croatian-Shakespeare.html ÂMarin Drzic: Dundo MarojeÂTHE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICADepartment of DramaPresentsDirected by Naum Panovski Translated and Adapted by Roland Reed and Naum PanovskiThis classic renaissance comedy from Marin Drzic "Croatian Shakespeare" evokes the charm of the Mediterranean world with bitter sweet wit and laughter. In the streets of Rome a greedy father and his dissolute, partying son tussle over money and misunderstandings amidst a host of hilarious characters all manipulated by an ever-hungry, crafty servant.with generous support fromThe Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Croatian House and AMAC Washington, D.C.You are cordially invited to join us for the performance onFRIDAY, APRIL 23at 7:30 p.m.Hartke Theatre 3801 Harewood, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20064*r.s.v.p. at 202-319-5363General admission $12.00For reservations call box office at 202-319-4000ÂMARIN DRŽIĆ - HRVATSKI DRAMATIČAR I PJESNIK Rođen: 1508. u DubrovnikuUmro: 2. svibnja 1567. u Mlecima Bio je svećenik i orguljaš u rodnome gradu, 1538. otišao je na studij u talijansku Sienu, a vratio se u Dubrovnik nakon 7 godina. S austrijskim grofom Rogendorfom putovao je u Beč i Carigrad, a između 1548. i 1558. napisao je i s različitim družinama izveo sve svoje dramske tekstove - među kojima su najvažnije komedije Dundo Maroje, Skup (prema Plautovu predlošku) i Novela od Stanca, pastorale Tirena i Grižula te tragedija Hekuba nastala prema Euripidovu djelu. Poznavajući nacionalne literarne prethodnike, strica Džoru, Vetranovića i Nalješkovića, iznimno upućen u sve zakonitosti talijanske eruditne komedije i kazalište nastalo na njezinim temeljima, Držić je stvorio djelo kome u to doba nema premca u Europi. Držićeve komedije i pastorale dovode na pozornicu lako prepoznatljiv, a ipak tako osebujan svijet našijenaca, vila i satira u kome se često, kao u izokrenutom zrcalu, prepoznaju sve značajke njegova vremena. U poetološki iznimno zanimljivim predgovorima svojim djelima Držić se pokazuje misliocem o vremenu koje živi i o prilikama koje ga okružuju, a na pozornici su njegovi likovi predstavnici svih slojeva dubrovačkoga društva čiji humor stvara nezamjenjivi prostor propitivanja gotovo svih aspekata tadašnjega i budućega života. Organizator kazališnog života u Dubrovniku i tvorac zlatnoga desetljeća hrvatskoga renesansnoga glumišta, Držić je ubrzo nakon premijere Hekube 1559. napustio rodni grad, živeći u Firenci i Mlecima. Od tamo je 1566. pisao toskanskom vojvodi Cosimu I. Medicejcu pet pisama, moleći ga da mu pomogne srušiti vladajuću dubrovačku oligarhiju, čin koji još do danas nije dobio jednoznačno tumačenje. Bijaše to posljednje što je taj pjesnik očajnik ili urotnik napisao, gdje je pod još uvijek nerazjašnjenim okolnostima umro i pokopan u zajedničkoj grobnici crkve Sv. Ivana i Pavla. Od 1938., godine prve izvedbe Dunda Maroja u 20. stoljeću, u adaptaciji i režiji Marka Foteza, na pozornici HNK u Zagrebu, Držić postaje jednim od najizvođenijih hrvatskih dramatičara, ne samo na domaćim pozornicama i festivalima, već i u svijetu, a književnopovijesne, i ne samo takve interpertacije njegova djela, tvore danas zamašnu knjižnicu.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sequel to Lord of the Rings? No, it is Plitvice http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5288/1/E-Sequel-to-Lord-of-the-Rings-No-it-is-Plitvice.html ÂCould this be a sequel to Lord of the Rings? No, it is Plitvice LakesÂCROATIA'S PLITVICE FOREST ON PBS TV, SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 8 p.m. (EST)(Check local listings)http://www.thirteen.org/pressroom/release.php?get=1116 NATURE: LAND OF THE FALLING LAKESA 'DEVIL'S GARDEN' REVEALS AN ENCHANTED WATER WORLD IN CROATIA'S PLITVICE FOREST, WHEN THIRTEEN/WNET'S NATURE PREMIERES LAND OF THE FALLING LAKES, APRIL 18 ON PBSÂNestled in a cluster of lush mountains is a mysterious ancient forest knownas the "Devil's Garden," where the olm, edible dormouse, capercaillie anddiced snake live together in an enchanted world of thunderous waterfalls,cascading lakes and subterranean caverns. Not long ago, mankind nearlydestroyed this land with warfare. But nature has found an ingenious way torejuvenate the Garden, almost as if by miracle.Could this be a sequel to Lord of the Rings?No, it is Plitvice Lakes National Park and World Heritage Site, the oldestnational park in Europe, located in Croatia's Dinaric Mountains. Enter thissecret fairyland when Thirteen/WNET New York's Emmy and PeabodyAward-winning NATURE series premieres Land of the Falling Lakes, Sunday,April 18 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Hrvatski festival Djece i Mladih New York 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5287/1/EH-Hrvatski-festival-Djece-i-Mladih-New-York-2004.html ÂHrvatski festival Djece i Mladih New York 2004 CROATIAN CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH FESTIVALYORK COLLEGE IS PLACE TO BE ON APRIL 17 & 18TIME IS RUNNING OUT - MAKE RESERVATION FOR CROATIAN CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH FESTIVAL - JUST CALL ROSE MARACIC 516 365 9628 OR KATE ROSA ON 646 201 6702 OR PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT CROATIAN ADVERTISED PLACES Croatian Youth Festival: Saturday, April 17, 2004 @ 7:00pmCroatian Children's Festival: Sunday, April 18, 2004 @ 4:00pmYork College 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Jamaica, Queenswww.crofestivalny.com check detailsRZubovic@aol.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tonight - Spartacus is played by Goran Visnjic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5286/1/E-Tonight---Spartacus-is-played-by-Goran-Visnjic.html Â'Spartacus' Revolutionary leader is played by Goran Visnjic, Âborn in Croatia, not too far distant from Thrace, birthplace of the real Spartacus.ÂSaturday, April 17, 2004LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Best known as Detective Baldwin Jones on ABC's "NYPD Blue," Henry Simmons exchanges his badge and gun for a net and spear to play gladiator slave Draba in USA Network's version of "Spartacus.""Henry is extremely believable. He was the big surprise to me how well he melted into that old world," says Robert Dornhelm, who directed this adaptation of Howard Fast's novel about a slave revolution against the Roman empire."Draba ignites the revolution by his sacrifice," Dornhelm explains. "Being able to kill Spartacus but deciding not to -- knowing that it means his own death -- is the ultimate spark."The title role of the revolutionary leader is played by Goran Visnjic, born in Croatia, not too far distant from Thrace, birthplace of the real Spartacus."Goran has that sad, suffering expression, quite useful for a man who has idealism on his side ... but knows it's a no-win situation," says Dornhelm, whose four-hour miniseries airs Sunday and Monday (8 p.m. ET).Visnjic is most familiar to audiences wearing a white coat and stethoscope as Dr. Luka Kovac on NBC's medical drama "ER." Here he wears far less and carries a sword and shield."I wish I had the sword. He had the easier time," laughs Simmons, who adds it was difficult learning to throw his net without getting it tangled around himself rather than Visnjic.After rehearsing their climactic fight sequence, Simmons discovered "there is a certain rhythm, a dance to it. It became so much fun after a while. It was like I was a child in makeup and play gear."Goran Visnjic plays the title role in "Spartacus." He was less at ease with his costume. When he first joined "NYPD Blue" in 2000, the actor was called on to take "more than my shirt off" in love scenes. But those sequences were brief and filmed "in some kind of security on a closed set." On "Spartacus," he was "out there in this skimpy outfit fighting in front of hundreds of people."Shot in Bulgaria, the lavishly produced miniseries features throngs of extras and co-stars Rhona Mitra as Spartacus' love interest, Varinia, and the late Alan Bates -- in his final role -- as the world-weary and wise Roman senator Agrippa.Stanley Kubrick first brought "Spartacus" to the screen in 1960, with Kirk Douglas in the title role. But Dornhelm says his production is more "in the spirit" of author Fast than Kubrick's "quite melodramatic" interpretation."It hits the nerve ... of greed, exploiting your fellow neighbor in order to have a nicer house or whatever," says Dornhelm, whose TV movie credits include "Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story," "RFK," and "Anne Frank: The Whole Story."In Kubrick's movie, Woody Strode played Draba. Simmons didn't watch that film, but read extracts from Fast's book and histories of slaves and gladiators in the Roman era.He says Draba is someone "with a strong spiritual belief, yet someone weary of life who had lost hope of ever seeing his family again and was ready to lay down his life for a cause."He also tried to give "my character a tremendous amount of dignity and hold to that sense of pride -- although I am a slave, I am someone who will be respected."Simmons, 33, thinks his love of acting stems from classic films starring actors such as James Stewart and Gary Cooper that his father encouraged him to watch as a child.And he recalls acting in a school play about the founding fathers: "I think I was Thomas Jefferson or someone like that, but I was so nervous I just froze and the kid playing George Washington had to whisper my lines to me."http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/17/apontv.spartacus.ap/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 'Better be good': 'Spartacus' star was warned by dad http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5285/1/E-Better-be-good-Spartacus-star-was-warned-by-dad.html Â'Better be good': 'Spartacus' star was warned by dad JUDITH S. GILLIES; The Washington Post •"Spartacus" airs at 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday on USA Network.When actor Goran Visnjic told his father he was playing the lead role in "Spartacus," his dad simply said, "Better be good." That's because he was not only playing "one of the most important humans in the whole world history," the actor said, he also was tackling a role made famous by Kirk Douglas in a 1960 film that has a history of its own.The new "Spartacus" is a miniseries about the slave who was trained as a gladiator and led a bloody revolt against Rome more than 2,000 years ago. Executive producer Adam Shapiro said he realized he was opening himself up for criticism by remaking a famous film, "but it occurred to me that so much of the story hadn't been told. By doing a miniseries we would have more time to develop the characters."And the '60 version, "while a great film, hasn't been seen by a whole generation. I think it's a story worth retelling," Shapiro said."The struggle is a true story," he said. "Here is a guy born in a world where slaves are part of the environment ... but something sparked him to set the world on fire, the thought that humans deserve more dignity than this."Visnjic, who plays Dr. Luka Kovac on NBC's "ER," said he thinks of Spartacus as a human being who had to adapt after being thrown into gladiator school - where slaves were trained to fight for the amusement of crowds. "To keep alive, he had to kill another human being in the arena. But then there is the turning point in the film, the fight scene with Henry Simmons as Draba. And Spartacus decides to change."The story is often a violent one. "Still, we hold back a lot. They were much more brutal than we are showing," Shapiro said. The miniseries is not recommended for children younger than 14.The miniseries is a love story as well as an adventure and an epic, Shapiro said. "We were very careful that his wife is telling his story, thereby keeping it alive."Rhona Mitra plays Varinia, wife of Spartacus and mother of their child. Their story is one of mutual respect, Mitra said, "and a belief in what is fundamentally right and the freedom in belief of who they have the right to be."Mitra approached the role, not as a warrior princess, she said, but as a woman of inner strength.The movie benefits from "the grace of Alan Bates," she said. Bates portrays Lentulas Agrippa, a Roman senator who opposes an aristocratic regime being pushed by Crassus, another Roman senator, played by Angus Macfadyen."What (Bates) brings to the story should resonate with everyone," she said of the knighted actor who died in December. "Spartacus" provided his last film role.The miniseries was filmed last year in Bulgaria, only a couple hours drive from the birthplace of the real Spartacus, Shapiro said."We scouted quite a few locations to get the look of the countryside that is unspoiled" and looked like southern Italy of about 72 B.C.Both the 1960 movie and the new miniseries are based on a book written by Howard Fast, who had been blacklisted and worked on "Spartacus" while he spent several months in prison in 1950 for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee.The 1960 movie, directed by Stanley Kubrick, was nominated for six Oscars and won four, including best color cinematography and costume design.The screenplay was by Dalton Trumbo, who also spent time in prison because he had refused to "name names" of alleged communists at HUAC hearings.During the '50s, Trumbo - who also was blacklisted - had written under pseudonyms. "But Kirk Douglas said no way, give him credit," Shapiro said.Viewers who have seen the movie will notice that the ending is different in the miniseries, Shapiro said."The movie has more of a Hollywood ending. For the miniseries, we went back to the book." •"Spartacus" airs at 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday on USA Network.(Published 12:45AM, April 17th, 2004)http://www.tribnet.com/entertainment/story/4975331p-4903343c.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Gasparovic's Concert in Washington D.C. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5290/1/E-Gasparovics-Concert-in-Washington-DC.html ÂTHE CROATIAN MUSICAL HERITAGE SERIES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.The Croatian House, The Embassy of Croatia andThe Association of Alumni and Friends of Croatian Universities - National Capital Group (AMAC-NCG)have the honor to present the distinguished Croatian pianistLjubomir GasparovicWednesday, April 7, 20047:30 p.m.The Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court NW, Washington, D.C. 20008-3027PROGRAMW.A. Mozart Sonata in A major, K 331Andante graziosoMenuetto-TrioAlla Turca. AllegrettoL. van Beethoven Sonata in C sharp minor, op. 27, No. 2 ("Moonlight")Adagio sostenutoAllegretto-TrioPresto agitatoIntermissionF. Chopin Ballade in A flat majorB. KuncSix bagatelles, op. 44C. DebussyPour le pianoPreludeSarabandeToccata  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 02 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Carobna Stopa - nova knjiga kap. Ive Rudenjaka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5295/1/H-Carobna-Stopa---nova-knjiga-kap-Ive-Rudenjaka.html ÂČarobna stopaLjepote i putovanja,Uvijek će nas privlačitiBeauties and JourneysAlways attract usNova Knjiga kapetana Ive Rudenjaka: Čarobna stopa, MATICA HRVATSKAUrednikova nota:Knjiga kapetana Rudenjaka, je vrijedno štivo koje bi trebalo biti prevedeno na barem pet svjetskih jezika. Book "Magic Foot" by Captain Ivo Rudenjak is a literature that needs to be translated to at least five world languages. Book like this... you couldn't make it better for Croatia. Anybody interested, send us a note. Zainteresirani javite se naletters@croatianworld.net Informacije kako naruciti knjigu su na dnu pisma.Information, how to order the book, are at the bottom. (http://www.tamaris.hr)Cestitke autoru. Congratulations to the author. Nenad BachRiječ autoraZa zdravlje, emotivno doživljavanje i obrazovanje turizam je važan svakom čovjeku.U ovom izlaganju nalazimo tumačenje fenomena turizma i obrazloženje zašto su predjeli Čarobne stope najprivlačniji dio svijeta.Iz Bilješke o autoru prof. dr. Nikole Stražičića:Ivo Rudenjak, pomorski kapetan, osebujna je ličnost, čovjek živog duha i zaljubljenik u prirodu. Na svojim brojnim i dugim putovanjima promatrao je sa zanimanjem svijet oko sebe, te istodobno znalački zapažao i uspoređivao pojave s kojima se sretao. Pobliže pozna akvatorij, otočje i primorje Jadrana, te gorske predjele u zaleđu njegovih obala. Plovio je mnogim morima. Zadržavao se na pet kontinenata. Boravio u svim klimatskim zonama. Oplovio je Afriku i ispenjao biblijsku planinu Ararat. Kao profesionalnom nautičaru i dobrom poznavatelju oceanografije, meteorologije i astronomije, a treba dodati i vrsnom planinaru, piscu se sama po sebi nametnula usporedba pojedinih predjela našeg planeta. Ovako specifično štivo mogao je napisati samo čovjek s velikim poznavanjem svjetskih prostranstava i bogatim životnim iskustvom. Djelo je namijenjeno ljudima koji vole putovanja i vesele se ljetovanju, te onima koji se bave turizmom.ÂIz Osvrta na Čarobnu stopu dipl. ing. Hrvoja Šarinića:U Čarobnoj stopi autor je svoje znanje, životno iskustvo i senzibilitet prema prirodi pretočio u odu ljepoti male, ali beskrajno lijepe Hrvatske. Kapetan Rudenjak u svojoj Stopi uvjerljivo obrazlaže zašto je hrvatsko more, šume i planine, te općenito tamošnja jedinstvena i raspjevana priroda najprivlačniji kraj na Zemlji. Stručan poznavatelj, lucidan promatrač i analitičar kapetan Rudenjak nabraja i ispituje bitne karakteristike Čarobne stope koje ugođaj življenja u njenim prostorima čine zanosnim. Onome tko nije zaljubljenik u prirodu, ovo će se štivo katkad učiniti nestvarnim. Toliko ljepote i zanosa na jednom tako malom prostoru, da li je to moguće? Onaj pak tko je "okusio" i djelić opisanih prirodnih draži, naći će još pokoju ljepotu koju je naš kapetan "zaboravio" ugraditi u trag svoje Čarobne stope.Ivo Rudenjak, Čarobna stopa, MATICA HRVATSKA Ogranak u Rijeci, Rijeka 2003.ISBN 953-6035-12-XMekani uvez, 112 stranica, 17 x 24 cmDostupno u Knjižari TAMARIS, Trg bana J. Jelačića 3, Zagreb, Hrvatska, Âhttp://www.tamaris.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) HRVATSKA ARHITEKTURA IZVOZNI ARTIKL http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5294/1/H-HRVATSKA-ARHITEKTURA-IZVOZNI-ARTIKL.html ÂHRVATSKA JE ARHITEKTURA PRVORAZREDNI IZVOZNI ARTIKLLeo Modrcin, americki arhitekt podrijetlom iz Kraljevice, u povodu otvorenja kazališne zgrade 59E59 Theaters u New Yorku Arhitekt Leo Modrcin, podrijetlom iz Kraljevice, autor je pocetkom ove godine otvorenog kazališta 59E59 u New Yorku. Modrcin je završio Arhitektonski fakultet u Zagrebu i Pratt Institute u Brooklynu, a danas radi u njujorškom »Ured Architecture«. Zgrada 59E59 Theaters izgradena je na inicijativu fondacije Elysabeth Kleinhans. U kakvom se okruženju taj objekt nalazi i kakvi su zahtjevi bili postavljeni pred arhitekta? - Zgrada je rezultat vizije gospode Kleinhans koja je iskoristila prodaju povijesnog hotela Delmonico iz zbirke istaknutih ikona njujorške arhitekture u vlasništvu svoje obitelji. Prilikom prodaje glavne zgrade hotela, mali postojeci objekt koji je bio fuzioniran s velikom zgradom ponovno je razdvojen i cijelim nizom složenih transakcija osloboden za izgradnju neprofitnog centra za kazališnu umjetnost u najstrožem komercijalnom središtu grada. Kazališta u New Yorku, takoder i ona komercijalna na Broadwayu, nisu prepoznatljiva svojom arhitekturom vec svjetlosnim znakovima, dok su ona za avangardni teatar obicno skrivena u improviziranim prostorima u više boemskim, »kreativnim« dijelovima grada. Ovim projektom gospoda Kleinhans objedinjuje svoje veliko iskustvo u upravljanju nekretninama sa strašcu i bavljenjem kazališnom umjetnošcu, te tako zapravo mijenja kazališne navike grada i uvodi kazalište u novi teritorij. S njom sam suradivao na nizu preinaka u hotelu i na projektu rezidencije u Centralnom parku, te sam tako stekao njeno povjerenje i za projekt kazališta. Bliski kontakt gledatelja i glumacaMožete li u kratkim crtama opisati projekt? Što ovaj kazališni centar nudi posjetiteljima?- Kompleks sadrži tri scenska prostora ciji je kapacitet odreden pravilima glumackog sindikata koji regulira honorare glumaca i obveze producenata prema velicini auditorija. Glavno kazalište ima 199 sjedala i spada u off-Broadway kategoriju. Ova dvorana zauzima tri razine zgrade tako da je gledalište istovremeno i intimno, jer omogucuje bliski kontakt gledalaca i glumaca, ali je i monumentalno zbog visoke pozornice i strmog gledališta koje omogucuje izvrsne linije gledanja. Na višem katu su dvije manje dvorane, jedna fleksibilna s 99 sjedala na teleskopskoj tribini te manja dvorana s 50 sjedala. Glavni javni prostor zgrade otvoreno je predvorje sa stubištem koje povezuje svih pet razina, a priljubljeno je uz samu staklenu fasadu zgrade tako da se posjetitelji doimaju poput izvodaca unutar animirane fasade. Kakvi su danas opcenito trendovi u izgradnji/obnovi kazališnih zgrada?- Kazališta nisu u današnje vrijeme centralni sadržaj kojim se izražavaju aspiracije pojedinih gradova ili država, kao što je to slucaj s muzejima suvremene umjetnosti ili cak »preživjelim« koncertnim dvoranama ili knjižnicama, a koje postaju surogati otvorenih javnih prostora. Cini se da se i kazališna umjetnost stoga koristi iskustvima drugih popularnijih, i ako se može tako reci, relevantnijih formi kulture i zabave da bi privukla pažnju. Izgleda da se to trenutno dogada i u Rijeci, a korisno je da se grad probudi iz zimskoga sna i postane receptivan i za avangardne pomake. Ono pravo, eksperimentalno kazalište, gdje se ocekuju iskoraci u teatarskoj formi, na neki se nacin povuklo u anonimnost svoga scenskog prostora, i da bi ponovno bilo relevantno vraca se svojim prapocecima, a to su rijec i izvedba glumca. Drugi suvremeni mediji poput internet arta, filma i video umjetnosti, plesa i performansa oduzeli su kazalištu važnost kao medij vizualne magije, koja je još osamdesetih godina prošlog stoljeca inspirirala eksperimente Roberta Wilsona i Roberta Lapagea. Današnja arhitektura kazališta oslobodena je koncepta mašine za izvedbe i projekcije, koji je bio temeljem modernistickih eksperimenata kazališne arhitekture, kao što su neizvedeni projekti naših arhitekata Strižica, Turine, ruskih konstruktivistickih projekata i bauhausovskih primjera Gropiusa ili Mehanickog kazališta americkog arhitekta Johna Johansena u šezdesetim godima. Naseljena kazališna zavjesaU mojem projektu sve tri kazališne dvorane neutralne su crne kutije, projektirane po strogim propisima za sigurnost, udobnost i promatranje predstava, uz vrhunsku tehnicku opremu za produkcije. Arhitektonski napor koncentriran je na zajednicke, vanjske prostore predvorja, na ulicnom platnu zgrade, na kojem je stubište integrirano u staklenu zavjesu procelja. Vokabular arhitektonskih elemenata i materijala bliži je ulicnoj arhitekturi svojstvenoj New Yorku, sa svojim celicnim stepeništima obješenim na proceljima, pa cak i podzemnoj željeznici, nego tradicionalnom poimanju reprezentativnog teatra. Kazališna zgrada tako postaje dio urbanog eksterijera, novi javni prostor bliži po svojoj tektonici Downtownu Manhattana nego svom neposrednom uzvišenom okruženju na 59-toj ulici, uz sam Centralni park. Materijali su svedeni na elementarni, nezašticeni celik, aluminijske rešetkaste stepenice, uglacani beton i stropove od drvenih dasaka koje u ovom slucaju znace toplinu. Sami posjetitelji penjanjem i spuštanjem po transparentnom stubištu postaju sudionici u dramaticnom urbanom ritualu u kojemu se ispreplece odnos promatraca i promatranih. Na neki su nacin tradicionalni elementi kazališne arhitekture, poput proscenija, scenskog tornja s mostovima i dizalima za scenografiju i rasvjetu izvuceni iz svog konteksta te premješteni na svjetlo dana. Staklena fasada kazališta 59E59 tako se može shvatiti kao naseljena kazališna zavjesa satkana od trostruko laminiranog, »tradicionalnog« žicanog stakla, poput zaslona katodne cijevi kroz koju se posjetitelji krecu poput Duchampove gole dame koja se spušta stepenicama.Želim vjerovati i da su na izbor arhitektonskih elemenata utjecali i maritimni elementi s kojima sam odrastao, kraj brodogradilišta u kojem su porinuca brodova bila središnja uzbudenja djetinstva. Ja sam ipak unuk brodskog tesara te unuk i sin pomorskih kapetana, ciji me je utjecaj i doveo, doduše zrakoplovom, u New York. Hrvatska vezaU kojoj je mjeri investitor utjecao na realizaciju projekta?- Uloga gospode Kleinhans bila je kljucna. Ona je bila idealni investitor: od direktnog utjecaja na proces izgradnje i koordinacije s izvodacima, do neposredne suradnje s mojim uredom u donošenju projektantskih odluka. Po samoj prirodi zadatka, kazalište zahtijeva cijeli tim strucnjaka - od teatarskog konzaltinga, akustike, kontrole klime, složene zakonske regulative po kojoj je New York poznat i tako dalje. Buduci da je ovaj zadatak bio veliki iskorak u mojoj profesionalnoj praksi, pojacao sam se snažnim timom sastavljenim od deset vrhunskih njujorških tvrtki. Moj »Ured Architecture« bio je nositelj projekta, u tandemu s arhitektonskom tvrtkom Franke Gottsegen Cox. Konzultantski tim predvodio je istaknuti inženjer Guy Nordenson, koji suraduje s vodecim svjetskim arhitektima, a trenutno se po njegovom projektu projektira Toranj slobode na ruševinama WTC-a. Izvodaci su bili kljucni za ovako složeni posao, a zanimljivo je spomenuti da je uz glavnog izvodaca, tvrtku Yorke, glavni doprinos gradnji dala i vodeca njujorška tvrtka za arhitektonsku bravariju i ostakljenje Aval, u vlasništvu Vlade Blaškovica, uspješnog poslovnog covjeka podrijetlom iz Labina. Hrvatsku vezu u projektu zaokružuje tvrtka IP Group, projektant instalacija zgrade koju vodi iTorpedo bih dodijelio Palachu Možete li navesti neke inozemne primjere ocuvanja industrijske baštine? - New York je pun primjera transformacije cijele industrijske infrastrukture i, iako je mjerilo neusporedivo, ima mnoge slicnosti s Rijekom. Nastao je kao luka ulaza i ljudi i roba u americki kontinent, jedan prototipski otvoreni grad. Sva su lucka postrojenja pretvorena ili se još pretvaraju u javne sadržaje, a industrijske su cetvrti sustavno kolonizirane od urbanih pionira u stalnoj potrazi za jeftinijim prostorom za život i rad. To su obicno kreativni tipovi, umjetnici, galeristi, hackeri kojima se isplati da sami ugrade instalacije, vodu, struju, kanalizaciju, samo da bi živjeli u fleksibilnom radnom prostoru. Nakon nekoliko godina zakonitosti tržišta ih potjeraju, neki se usput i obogate, a zatim se preseljavaju u nove, još neosvojene cetvrti. U rijeckim okolnostima, ja bih Torpedo dodijelio Palachu i za deset bi godina cijeli potez luke postao Montmartre s novim Muzejom suvremene umjetnosti i ostatkom kompleksa Rikarda Bencica kao sidrom. Zanimljiv je i primjer razvojne organizacije Artspace Project iz Minnessote (www.artspaceusa.org). To je neprofitna investicijska banka koja svoja sredstva ulaže u obnovu napuštenih industrijskih, skladišnih i trgovackih zgrada, koje daje na korištenje za rad i stanovanje umjetnika uz subvencionirane stanarine. Njih slijede kafici, knjižare, trgovine, imucni ljudi koji žele živjeti u takvom susjedstvu. Model se pokazao izuzetno uspješnim. U našim okolnostima zapravo vec imamo prototip takve sprege javne i tržišne investicijske suradnje, a to je POS, koji bi trebalo proširiti za transformaciju industrijske arhitekture upravo po ovom modelu. Inženjer Ivan Pollak iz Zagreba. Kakve su bile reakcije kad je 59E59 otvoren i kakav je sad život tog prostora?- Glavna dvorana kazališta otvorena je sredinom veljace s praizvedbom dvije jednocinke Terrenca McNallyja, pod zajednickim nazivom »Stendhalov sindrom«, a u produkciji trupe Primary Stages, koja ce biti i glavni stanar kompleksa. Zvijezde predstave su Isabella Rossellini, kojoj je ovo prvo pojavljivanje na kazališnim daskama u New Yorku, i Richard Thomas, veliki televizijski star koji je ovom ulogom dokazao da je vrhunski kazališni glumac. Bolji start kazališta nije se mogao ocekivati. Predstava je dobila jako pozitivne kritike i produžena je dodatnim izvedbana, a i samo kazalište spomenuto je kao dobrodošla premijera. Zanimljivo ce biti vidjeti da li jedan ovako mali projekt može izazvati odjek i u arhitektonskoj strucnoj javnosti, u doba kad se New York bavi puno vecim, kapitalnim i emotivno važnim projektima.Kako su sad završene i ostale dvorane, u travnju pocinje ambiciozni festival nove britanske drame, izbor najzanimljivijih kazališnih ostvarenja s edinburškog Festivala Fringe. Moram spomenuti da je Elysabeth Kleinhans prošlo ljeto posjetila i Hrvatsku, u kratkoj izvidackoj turi, pa se lako može zamisliti i gostovanje našeg teatra u New Yorku. Još nisam imao prilike posjetiti rijecki Festival malih scena, ali možda cu to moci uciniti u mom kazalištu!? Novi most i stare uspomeneGodine 1996. osvojili ste prvu nagradu na natjecaju Membrane Design Competition u Japanu za konceptualni projekt razorenog Starog mosta u Mostaru. Obnovljeni most nedavno je otvoren. Kakvo je vaše mišljenje o njegovom sadašnjem izgledu? Je li vaša vizija bila drugacija?- Natjecajni projekt nastao je u kraljevickom Frankopanu, u ljeto te godine, iako je ideja postojala odmah nakon samog rušenja pred 11 godina. Projekt je most zamijenio svojom slikom, ili barem digitalnim zaslonom još neostvarene tehnologije. Slika je zamijenila most dok se on ne izgradi. Poslije mi je palo na pamet da bi taj digitalni plašt mogao funkcionirati i nakon obnove, i to tako da se na njemu projicira CNN-ov video zapis samog granatiranja, kao vjecni podsjetnik da se takvo što ne ponovi. Okolnosti oko toga rada bile su potpuno paradoksalne, i osobno i šire. Njegovo objavljivanje služilo je kao svojevrsna katarza za još svježe rane, tragediju koja je na neki nacin moj vlastiti rad zauvijek obilježila u pozitivnom smjeru. Iako je sad most popravljen, krivci se privode pravdi, a Hrvatska je potpuno »in« kao turisticka destinacija, u ovoj sredini, kao doduše i kod nas, tragovi i percepcije o ratu još su prisutni. Obnovljeni most nisam vidio i mogu zamisliti da je izvrstan, a iskreno cijenim strucni i gradevinski napor koji je bio potreban da se most obnovi. Medutim, i pismeno sam se obavezao u eseju koji prati studentske radove s urbanog dizajna sveucilišta Columbija posvecenom Mostaru, da necu posjetiti grad dok ne zažive osnovne pretpostavke tih studentskih projekata, koje, kako možete zamisliti, nikako ne ukljucuju pojam podijeljenog grada. Dugujem to i jednoj izvanrednoj generaciji mladih i kreativnih Mostaraca s obje strane Neretve s kojima se srecem u New Yorku, koji su uspjeli tragediju urbicida i svoje izgnanstvo pretvoriti u vlastiti kreativni napor. Ovakav stav možda samo odražava nemoc arhitekture da bitno utjece na život, jer se pravi mostovi moraju obnoviti tek u glavama ljudi. Ipak, moramo vjerovati da je uloga arhitekture da isprovocira uvijek nove oblike humanizma. Do novog, ujedinjenog urbaniteta Mostara, novi ce kamen posivjeti pa ce tek tada biti zanimljivo usporediti novi Stari most s uspomenama.. Tretman zemlje »treceg svijeta«Pretpostavljam da su vam poznati i pokušaji oko ocuvanja i revitalizacije rijecke industrijske arhitekture. Kako biste valorizirali taj segment? - Iako je New York vec osamnaest godina glavna baza moga djelovanja, trudim se biti dijelom hrvatske arhitektonske scene - kroz projekte, natjecaje, kriticke napise o arhitekturi, i to ne samo zbog obiteljskih, emocionalnih razloga, vec i kreativnih i poslovnih. Hrvatsku u ovom trenutku doživljavam kao zemlju izvanrednih prilika, a hrvatsku arhitekturu kao jednu od najvibrantnijih arhitektonskih kultura, kojoj je u Europi možda jedino ravna Nizozemska. Cak se i Kina kao ekonomski stroj svijeta okrece uvozu arhitekture, za razliku od nas koji imamo izuzetnu autohtonu arhitekturu, a koja je oduvijek u komunikaciji s ostatkom svijeta. Rezultati te kvalitete pomalo se prepoznaju i držim da je naša arhitektura prvorazredni izvozni artikl, a domace joj je tržište potpuno premalo. A sve to uz tranzicijske porodajne muke, tradicionalnu arhitektonsku edukaciju koju uvijek želimo unaprijediti. Tu malo »solim pamet«, ali mi moja pozicija »ni tu ni tamo« to omogucava. Radim to ponajviše iz respekta prema ovoj sredini koju tek možete dijagnosticirati kad se od nje malo odmaknete. Zato me i razocarava kad vidim da si dopuštamo tretman zemlje »treceg svijeta«, i to za kratkorocni i zapravo sitni profit. Umjesto da doživljavamo Rijeku kao Miami, odakle bijela flota krece u mediteranske Karibe, a imamo i svoj South Beach u glamuroznoj Opatiji, mi gradimo lucka postrojenja usred grada i nadamo se da cemo nadoknaditi propušteno u odnosu na ostale luke na sjevernom Jadranu.Umjesto da reduciramo preradu nafte, mi cemo je preradivati i za treca tržišta, i u tih trideset godina koliko još traju rezerve uništiti jedine resurse koje imamo, a to su obala i ljudi. Da ne govorimo o apsurdnosti naftovoda, koji zbog potreba dnevne geostrategije postaje tempirana bomba koja prije ili kasnije može uništiti cijelu sjevernu obalu Jadrana, ako ništa drugo po zakonu vjerojatnosti i po sve jacim burama. Drugi, pametniji gradovi, na vrijeme su se riješili prljavih postrojenja i revitalizirali industrijske dijelove pretvorivši ih u najelitnije dijelove grada. Rijecka industrijska i lucka postrojenja najveci su kapital koji grad ima, no bojim se da ce se stvari dok ne zaživi tržište nekretnina još dogadati dekretom i uzrokovati nepopravljive greške. Spasiti lucka skladištaKakav je, konkretno, vaš stav o povijesnim rijeckim luckim skladištima, od kojih su neka predvidena za rušenje? Postoji li takva praksa i u svijetu ili se ondje drugacije odnose prema svojoj graditeljskoj baštini? - Sam New York se teško opekao u sedamdesetim godima kada je srušena prekrasna stara željeznicka stanica Pennsylvanija, a peroni zakopani pod zemlju ispod Madison Square Gardena, a sve na racun progresa. No to je izazvalo strahovitu pobunu javnosti i pokret za zaštitu spomenika roden je kao reakcija. Sada su svaka povijesno ili ambijentalno vrijedna zgrada, cetvrt ili pak interijer zašticeni, i to tako da se prije svake, pa i najmanje preinake, mora prvo dobiti odobrenje Povjerenstva za povijesno naslijede. Na greškama se uci, pa se nova moderna stanica slicnih prostornih kvaliteta rekonstruira nasuprot stare lokacije. Neka sjecanja se ne mogu izbrisati iz memorije grada i neshvatljivo je da mi opet ponavljamo greške jednog manje demokraticnog doba ili da pak svjesno dozvoljavamo rušenje objekata koje nikad necemo moci nadoknaditi, a unaprijed znamo da griješimo. Što je najbolje, postoji potpuna sukladnost mišljenja u strucnoj javnosti za spašavanje luckih skladišta pod vodstvom arhitekata poput Nane Palinic ili Hrvoja Giaconija, koji je kao talentirani projektant prava osoba za brigu i transformaciju povijesnog naslijeda. No dojam je, ovako iz daljine, da forumi na kojima se odlucuje nemaju sluha za ono što se strucnjacima cini kao zdravi razum.To mi je narocito žao zbog izvanredne arhitektonske tradicije Rijeke koja je dala velike prilike svojim arhitektima, od samih pocetaka kako je to monumentalno dokumentirano izložbama i knjigama pod vodstvom Berislava Valušeka, do samih modernih i postmodernih majstora poput Kucana i Emilija, te Borisa Magaša koji je uz antologijski stadion u Poljudu i Rijeku obilježio svojim izgradenim i neizgradenim djelima, pa do tranzicijskih neimara Idisa Turata i Saše Randica koji usred Rijeke operiraju na potpuno svjetskoj razini, a Randic sad i doslovno vodi cijelu hrvatsku arhitekturu kao aktivisticki predsjednik strukovne organizacije. Lista se nastavlja do Silvija Novaka, rijecke podružnice Studija 3LHD zaslužnog za projekt Mosta hrvatskih branitelja koji je svrstao Rijeku medu najavangardnije gradove na svijetu, do Zoke Skorup odnosno Zoke Zole cija je kuca u Chicagu pobrala vrhunske nagrade za stambenu arhitekturu u SAD-u, arhitektice Sonje Miculinic u Ljubljani, pa sve do arhitektonskog novaka Petra Miškovica koji je upravo podijelio Veliku nagradu Zagrebackog salona za projekt preinake rijeckog Muzeja Nevena Šegvica, a osim toga je sa suradnicima izgradio jedan od najistaknutijih projekata POS-a u Ðakovu. Lista se nastavlja jer Rijeka je sa svojim kozmopolitizmom uvijek bila rasadnikom vrhunske arhitekture. Osim toga ima vrhunsku službu za urbano planiranje, a oduvijek je, s iznimkom nesretnog a genijalnog Josipa Picmana, bila otvorena i za kvalitetne došljake. U takvom je okruženju neshvatljivo da se grad gura u jednu preživjelu urbanu realnost koja ce ga paralizirati za barem jednu generaciju. Osim ako i mi arhitekti sami ne doprinosimo porivu da se sve treba isplanirati kroz kampanju ili sljedecu olimpijadu, da jedini pristup gradu treba biti neka utopija za koju unaprijed znamo da se nece ostvariti. Grad možda najbolje živi ako se u njega nitko odozgo ne miješa, ako se stvari jednostavno dogode dišpetom pojedinacnih interesa, poput one stare disko-olupine na rivi koja je više pridonijela obnovi urbane Rijeke nego sve banke svijeta. Kim CUCULIChttp://www.novilist.hr/Default.asp?WCI=Rubrike&WCU=285A28602863285B2863285A28582858285C28632895288D288C286328632861285C2859285B286128632863286328592863B letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 59E59 Theaters Open - Leo Modrcin Architect http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5291/1/E-59E59-Theaters-Open---Leo-Modrcin-Architect.html ÂGlass Theater Curtain in Manhattan, by Leo Modrcin59 East 59th Street, Manhattan , New York59E59 Theaters building, designed by Croatian-born and New York-based architect Leo Modrcin, has been recently completed on East 59th Street in Manhattan, between Park and Madison Avenues. The main theater opened on February 15th, 2004, with Isabella Rossellini and Richard Thomas starring in "The Stendhal Syndrome", a new play by Terrence McNally. The complex has 3 performing spaces, including the main 199-seat theater that features a soaring triple height space and intimately proportioned relationship between the stage and the audience, as well as two other theaters with 99 and 50 seats respectively. The building was envisioned by Elysabeth Kleinhans, the president and artistic director of the Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation. The project is the first significant built project by Modrcin's office Ured Architecture and has transformed a non-descript commercial building into a preeminent performing arts facility in the heart of Midtown. Its street facade is a glazed curtain of metal and laminated wire glass that announces the theatrical events hidden inside. The audience members reach the theaters through the multileveled stairway and lobby behind the glass curtain, and thus themselves become animated performers seen from the 59th Street.Leo Modrcin is the principal of Ured Architecture in New York, and is also present with his work in Croatia. A residential project designed by Modrcin in Kraljevica is scheduled for completion in 2004.59E59 Theaters building's innovative curtain wall facade was constructed byAval Architectural Metals Corporation. Vlado Val Blaskovic, the principal of the leading architectural metals firm in New York is a distinguished benefactor for Croatian causes in New York. Also of Croatian origins is Ivan Pollak, the principal of the consulting firm IP Group, responsible for the building systems. Links: www.ured.org ,www.59E59.org Contact for Leo Modrcin: info@ured.org  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H, E) Novi broj - New issue of Croatian Chronicle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5293/1/H-E-Novi-broj---New-issue-of-Croatian-Chronicle.html ÂNovi broj - New issue of Croatian ChronicleDragi prijatelji CROWNA,Obavjestavamo vas da je u prodaji najnoviji broj Croatian Chronicla- Hrvatske kronike, koji i ovoga puta donosi obilje informacija i priloga iz zivota hrvatskih zajednica diljem Amerike!U novom broju citajte:-Eksluzivni razgovor s Borisom Miksicem, americkim Hrvatom koji se kandidira za predsjednika Republike Hrvatske-Hrvatski premijer Ivo Sanader stize u posjet Sjedinjenim Americkim Drzavama-Predstavljamo: Dr. Hedvig Hricak - uspjesna hrvatska lijecnica, sefica radiologije u Memorial Sloan -Kettering Cancer Centru u New Yorku-Radenko Fanuka; autor knjigeReflections: Personalizing Life, Nature, Man and God koja se od 28. ozujka prodaje u knjizarama Barns & Noble-Chicago-14. godisnji banket Hrvatsko americkog udruzenja (CAA) u slici i rijeci-New York- U susret petom Hrvatskom festivalu djece i mladih- donosimo sve o Festivalu kao i finalni popis svih pjesama i izvodaca-Washington- Dundo Maroje progovorio engleski-Zoran Planinic, #10 New Jersey Nets; Dolazak u NBA isplatio se profesionalno i financijski!-Hrvatski restorani; Terrace in the Sky- Romanticni ugodaj uz vrhunsku hranu i jedinstven pogled na New York City!Sve to i jos mnogo vise procitajte u najnovijem izdanju Hrvatske kronike!Cijeloj americkoj hrvatskoj zajednici zahvaljujemo na podrsci i suradnji, kao i na odlicnom prijemu koji Hrvatska kronika postize diljem Amerike! Saljite nam i dalje vase priloge, sugestije, pisma i poruke ! CROATIAN CHRONICLEHRVATSKA KRONIKATel: 718 278-5760 Fax: 718 228-4311 info@croatianchronicle.com P.O. BOX 3531 Astoria, NY 11103Pretplatite se na svoje hrvatske novine, budite djelom informirane i povezane zajednice!Novina se moze nabaviti i na slijedecim lokacijama:Podrucje New Yorka:- Crkva sv. Cirila i Metoda na Manhatannu, crkva The Most Precious Blood u Astoriji, te crkva St. John the Baptist u Fairview, NJ nakon nedjeljnih misa- Ducani Adriatic Meat, Gaspar's Deli, te u kioscima s etnickom stampom u Astoriji- Dubrovnik Deli u Fairview, New JerseyPodrucje LA i San Pedra:- Nakon hrvatske mise u Mary Star of the Sea- Croatian Hall (Hrvatskom domu), te agencijama i ducanima Libertas Travel, Mc Cowan's Supermarket, South Shores Meat Market, Sunshine MarketPodrucje Chicaga:- Nakon nedjeljnih misa u crkvama St. Jerome i Bl. Aloysius Stepinac- Croatian Cultural Center of ChicagoPodrucje Clevelanda:- Mandica Giftshop - Croatian National Home Cardinal StepinacSt. Louis:- ducanu Kaya's Imports.The latest issue of Croatian Chronicle has been publishedÂDear CROWN friends,The latest issue of Croatian Chronicle has been published, bringing you stories and articles abut the life of Croatian communities across North America.In the new issue you can find the following:- An exclusive interview with Boris Miksic, Croatian-American candidate for the president of Croatia - article about Croatian premier's Ivo Sanader's March visit to the US- Interview with Dr. Hedvig Hricak, a successful Croatian-American female doctor, and the head of radiology department at Memorial Sloan -Kettering Cancer Centaru in New York- article about Radenko Fanuka's book Reflections: Personalizing Life, Nature, Man and God available in Barnes & Noble- report and pictures from the CAA annual banquet in Chicago- story about the fifth Croatian Children and Youth Festival and the final list of songs and performers- article on the Dundo Maroje performance in Washington, DC- interview with Zoran Planicic, #10 New Jersey Nets- restaurant review: Terrace in the Sky - romantic atmosphere and superb food with the best view of New YorkWe would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Croatian-American community for their support and cooperation, as well as the excellent response the newspaper has received all over the continent.Please continue to send us your letters, suggestions, articles and stories!CROATIAN CHRONICLEHRVATSKA KRONIKATel: 718 278-5760 Fax: 718 228-4311 info@croatianchronicle.comP.O. BOX 3531 Astoria, NY 11103Subscribe to your paper, Croatian Chronicle, and become a part of an informed community!The newspaper can also be purchased at the following locations:New York area:- After the Sunday masses at the churches of Sts Cyril and Mathodious in Manhattan, The Most Precious Blood in Astoria, and St. John the Baptist in Fairview, NJ- Adriatic Meat, Gaspar's Deli, and stands selling ethnic newspapers in Astoria- Dubrovnik Deli in Fairview, NJLA and San Pedro area:- After the Sunday masses at Mary Star of the Sea church- The following shops and businesses in San Pedro: Croatian Hall (Hrvatski dom), Libertas Travel, Mc Cowan's Supermarket, South Shores Meat Market, Sunshine MarketChicago area:- After the Sunday masses at St. Jerome i Bl. Aloysius Stepinac- Croatian Cultural Center of ChicagoPodrucje area:- Mandica Giftshop - Croatian National Home Cardinal StepinacSt. Louis:- Kaya's Imports letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) American Indies Seek Inspiration Overseas http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5297/1/E-American-Indies-Seek-Inspiration-Overseas.html ÂLost in Translation: American Indies Seek Inspiration Overseasby Anthony KaufmanCatalina Sandino Moreno in a scene from Joshua Marston's "Maria Full of Grace.""Ultimately, I think naval-gazing and solipsistic filmmaking is boring," says Joshua Marston, the writer-director of "Maria Full of Grace," the story of a Columbian girl who traffics drugs to the United States, which won an Audience Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival. "I'm not interested in my own life. I don't think it's that interesting," Marston explains. "I believe passionately in a cinema that looks outwards and seeks to find new experiences and hear other people's stories."Marston is not alone. Whether it's the United States' recent sober awakening to other cultures or simply the ever-shrinking world in which we live, a number of novice American independent filmmakers are looking abroad for inspiration.At Sundance 2004, Christian Johnson unveiled "September Tapes," a "Blair Witch"-style docu-fiction about a journalist's disappearance in Afghanistan, shot in Kabul and Southern Afghanistan. Traveling the 2003 festival circuit were two foreign-made indie debut features, Paxton Winter's Americans-in-Turkey satire "Crude" and Bradley Rust Gray's Iceland-set "Salt." And earlier this month, filmmakers Michael Ojeda and Joel Goodman premiered their Balkan immigrant melodrama "Lana's Rain" in Chicago-area theaters."I think America is more aware of the pain that people are going through in other cultures," says "Lana's Rain" producer Joel Goodman. "We can't just eat our dinner and watch footage of all these people dying on the news anymore. After 9-11, what we see on TV is more real and we're getting more compassionate."Inspired by the filmmakers' own immigrant family backgrounds and the horrors of the Balkan war, "Lana's Rain" depicts the travails of a Bosnian woman who flees to the U.S., only to find herself sold into prostitution by her mobster brother. While lacking the subtlety of such recent British-made tales of immigrant strife ("The Last Resort," "Dirty Pretty Things," "In this World"), "Lana's Rain" is one of the only American films of late to focus on the struggles of foreign protagonists.Like Ojeda, Paxton Winters "didn't want to make something didactic," he explains. "Crude" -- which won top jury awards at the Los Angeles and Seattle Film Festivals and follows two hapless backpackers making their way through Turkey -- comes from Winter's eye-opening journeys around the world, particularly a resonant experience traveling along Asia's Silk Road for 15 months. "The culmination of that amazing trip gave me a different perspective," he says. "I am an American and I very much believe in the ideals the country was set on, but I wasn't going back to America to make a romantic comedy.""Bush has done horrendous things to foreign policy and the view of America in the eyes of other countries," continues Winters, whose political beliefs inform the satiric bent of "Crude." "However," he adds, "I'm more interested in stories and characters"Likewise, Bradley Rust Gray was compelled to make a film set in Iceland because of a character that was in his head: a young woman from a small fishing village -- where he had once spent time as an exchange student at Iceland's College of Arts and Crafts. Gray was attracted to the isolation and remoteness of the small Icelandic locale, both as an extension of his own alienated upbringing in Florida, but also as place so faraway from the U.S. experience that he could take liberties and be inventive with what he was depicting onscreen."I can lie about what Iceland is about, but I can't lie what Montana is about," he explains. "If you're doing a movie in a foreign country that other people don't know about, you're creating a new world apart from what people think it will be like."Gray's reasons were also financial: he had been trying to get a pair of U.S.-based projects up-and-running after the success of his poetic short film "Hitch," but discovered that nobody in the States could raise financing. "I could do it for real cheap, but nobody's going to give you the money if you're not asking for enough," he says. "There's no system set up here for people to pay for a $100,000 movie.""It is cheaper to go off and shoot in a foreign country," admits Gray, who self-financed the DV-shot "Salt" and is considering producing his next project in Canada. "People are more interested in helping out, whereas generally speaking, in Los Angeles, it's almost impossible. You can't even shoot in your own house without getting a permit.""If you go to a foreign country and you have a foreign producer," adds Gray, "you're eligible for foreign money and that's more conducive to experimental filmmaking, especially in France and Germany."While foreign tax laws and national subsidy guidelines are often in flux (the U.K. recently tightened a loophole, throwing a number of productions off track), additional countries such as Brazil, Iceland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are known for their various tax incentive "soft money" programs, as long as local producers are involved. "Salt" didn't directly benefit from such financial schemes, but the Icelandic Film Fund helped pay for the movie's blowup from digital video to 35mm when it was accepted at the 2003 Berlin Film Festival. (Still without a U.S. release, "Salt" will play in the "Village Voice: Best of 2003" program at New York's Brooklyn Academy of Music this June.)Winter agrees that shooting abroad can mean shooting cheaply and with more help from the community. "In Turkey, without a doubt, I was able to do a lot more with a lot less money than I could have in the States," he says. "And there is an incredible resourcefulness. When something breaks in the U.S., you throw it away or you buy a new one, whereas 'no' is not an answer in Turkey. There's always an alternative way to do something and that is very conducive to independent filmmaking."Winters also notes there's lot less competition making movies overseas. "There's not a lot of American filmmakers outside of America," he says. "Here in New York, I'm one of a gazillion."While runaway Hollywood blockbusters continue to be made more cheaply all the way from Morocco to Mexico, Winter says the run-and-gun, intimate nature of indies can get to places where the studios can't. While shooting in Southeast Turkey on the Iranian border, a multi-million dollar film project was denied access, whereas Winter says, "We went there and talked to the village chief, and not only did they not take money from us, but they opened up their houses, fed us and they were extras in the film.""Lana's Rain" director Michael Ojeda relates a story about the few days he and his director of photography spent shooting exteriors in Croatia. To create the visceral feel of a country besieged by battle, they spotted a random pile of tires near the already bombed-out buildings and lit them on fire. "There was black smoke everywhere," he says, "and we got this awesome shot." Could he have pulled off the same improvised special effects in the U.S.? "Probably not," he says.With the exception of "Maria Full of Grace," which Fine Line will release in July, the other films discussed here have not yet found a wider audience ("Crude" and "Salt" don't have distribution, while "Lana's Rain" has Chicago-based David Sikitch pushing a micro-release). But the hope is that moviegoers finally may be looking to other cultures and peoples than ever before."The great thing about Bush is that before Bush people didn't know about the rest of the world," says Winter, who is currently working on his next project "Iraqi Freedom," a script he workshopped at the Sundance Lab about an American solider who develops an intense relationship with an Iraqi family. "But now, there's a lot more people thinking about what's going in the rest of the world. And there's a little more interest in how we're viewed," he adds, "and what we're up to and why we're up to it."Shock POSTED Wed Mar 24 [12:14 PM] BY mogreen Today I read the article on IndieWIRE about American filmmakers telling stories about the rest of the world. I am delighted that American filmmakers and the American people are finally discovering that there is a world outside America. How exciting for you.However, what really shocked me about the article was this:"Lana's Rain" director Michael Ojeda relates a story about the few days he and his director of photography spent shooting exteriors in Croatia. To create the visceral feel of a country besieged by battle, they spotted a random pile of tires near the already bombed-out buildings and lit them on fire. "There was black smoke everywhere," he says, "and we got this awesome shot." Could he have pulled off the same improvised special effects in the U.S.? "Probably not," he says.How would Michael Ojeda feel if someone lit a a bunch of tires on fire in his backyard? Is he really this insensitive? How nice for him to get his "awesome shot". Once again an example of Americans destroying the world for their selfish purposes.Will I go see this movie? Definitely not.http://www.indiewire.com/biz/biz_040324world.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "New Directors / New Films" Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5292/1/E-New-Directors--New-Films-Film-Festival.html ÂThe Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York City is showing an international film festival called "New Directors / New Films."Over 20 countries are represented but not Croatia. Rather there is a movie called "FUSE" from Bosnia and Herzegovina. For tickets call 212-875-5050 or seewww.filmlinc.com FUSE. Pjer Zalica's debut feature starts with a jolt - emblematic of the dangers buried beneath the surface of a small rustic village, where, two years after the civil war has officially ended, Serbs and Muslims try to live and work together. A dryly humorous tone as well as a shrewd sense of reality, even in the tragic legacy of post war Bosnia, balance this beautifully wrought political satire. Times are tough indeed, and everyone in town seems to make their living the unlawful way. It's an unflinchingly honest and funny look at the struggle of a poor, corrupt community trying to hide its illegal activities and unhappy alliances and establish democracy - 'cause President Clinton is coming to visit! Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2003. 105 min. T27B. Sat. MARCH 27 at 3PM W28C. Sun. MARCH 28 at 6PM letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) None can sense more deeply than you artists http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5296/1/E-None-can-sense-more-deeply-than-you-artists.html ÂLETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II TO ARTISTS 1999To all who are passionately dedicated to the search for new "epiphanies" of beauty so that through their creative work as artists they may offer these as gifts to the world."God saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Gn 1:31)The artist, image of God the Creator1. None can sense more deeply than you artists, ingenious creators of beauty that you are, something of the pathos with which God at the dawn of creation looked upon the work of his hands. A glimmer of that feeling has shone so often in your eyes when-like the artists of every age-captivated by the hidden power of sounds and words, colours and shapes, you have admired the work of your inspiration, sensing in it some echo of the mystery of creation with which God, the sole creator of all things, has wished in some way to associate you.That is why it seems to me that there are no better words than the text of Genesis with which to begin my Letter to you, to whom I feel closely linked by experiences reaching far back in time and which have indelibly marked my life. In writing this Letter, I intend to follow the path of the fruitful dialogue between the Church and artists which has gone on unbroken through two thousand years of history, and which still, at the threshold of the Third Millennium, offers rich promise for the future.In fact, this dialogue is not dictated merely by historical accident or practical need, but is rooted in the very essence of both religious experience and artistic creativity. The opening page of the Bible presents God as a kind of exemplar of everyone who produces a work: the human craftsman mirrors the image of God as Creator. This relationship is particularly clear in the Polish language because of the lexical link between the words stwórca (creator) and twórca (craftsman).What is the difference between "creator" and "craftsman"? The one who creates bestows being itself, he brings something out of nothing-ex nihilo sui et subiecti, as the Latin puts it-and this, in the strict sense, is a mode of operation which belongs to the Almighty alone. The craftsman, by contrast, uses something that already exists, to which he gives form and meaning. This is the mode of operation peculiar to man as made in the image of God. In fact, after saying that God created man and woman "in his image" (cf. Gn 1:27), the Bible adds that he entrusted to them the task of dominating the earth (cf. Gn 1:28). This was the last day of creation (cf. Gn 1:28-31). On the previous days, marking as it were the rhythm of the birth of the cosmos, Yahweh had created the universe. Finally he created the human being, the noblest fruit of his design, to whom he subjected the visible world as a vast field in which human inventiveness might assert itself.God therefore called man into existence, committing to him the craftsman's task. Through his "artistic creativity" man appears more than ever "in the image of God", and he accomplishes this task above all in shaping the wondrous "material" of his own humanity and then exercising creative dominion over the universe which surrounds him. With loving regard, the divine Artist passes on to the human artist a spark of his own surpassing wisdom, calling him to share in his creative power. Obviously, this is a sharing which leaves intact the infinite distance between the Creator and the creature, as Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa made clear: "Creative art, which it is the soul's good fortune to entertain, is not to be identified with that essential art which is God himself, but is only a communication of it and a share in it".(1)That is why artists, the more conscious they are of their "gift", are led all the more to see themselves and the whole of creation with eyes able to contemplate and give thanks, and to raise to God a hymn of praise. This is the only way for them to come to a full understanding of themselves, their vocation and their mission.The special vocation of the artist2. Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece.It is important to recognize the distinction, but also the connection, between these two aspects of human activity. The distinction is clear. It is one thing for human beings to be the authors of their own acts, with responsibility for their moral value; it is another to be an artist, able, that is, to respond to the demands of art and faithfully to accept art's specific dictates.(2) This is what makes the artist capable of producing objects, but it says nothing as yet of his moral character. We are speaking not of moulding oneself, of forming one's own personality, but simply of actualizing one's productive capacities, giving aesthetic form to ideas conceived in the mind.The distinction between the moral and artistic aspects is fundamental, but no less important is the connection between them. Each conditions the other in a profound way. In producing a work, artists express themselves to the point where their work becomes a unique disclosure of their own being, of what they are and of how they are what they are. And there are endless examples of this in human history. In shaping a masterpiece, the artist not only summons his work into being, but also in some way reveals his own personality by means of it. For him art offers both a new dimension and an exceptional mode of expression for his spiritual growth. Through his works, the artist speaks to others and communicates with them. The history of art, therefore, is not only a story of works produced but also a story of men and women. Works of art speak of their authors; they enable us to know their inner life, and they reveal the original contribution which artists offer to the history of culture.The artistic vocation in the service of beauty3. A noted Polish poet, Cyprian Norwid, wrote that "beauty is to enthuse us for work, and work is to raise us up".(3)The theme of beauty is decisive for a discourse on art. It was already present when I stressed God's delighted gaze upon creation. In perceiving that all he had created was good, God saw that it was beautiful as well.(4) The link between good and beautiful stirs fruitful reflection. In a certain sense, beauty is the visible form of the good, just as the good is the metaphysical condition of beauty. This was well understood by the Greeks who, by fusing the two concepts, coined a term which embraces both: kalokagathía, or beauty-goodness. On this point Plato writes: "The power of the Good has taken refuge in the nature of the Beautiful".(5)It is in living and acting that man establishes his relationship with being, with the truth and with the good. The artist has a special relationship to beauty. In a very true sense it can be said that beauty is the vocation bestowed on him by the Creator in the gift of "artistic talent". And, certainly, this too is a talent which ought to be made to bear fruit, in keeping with the sense of the Gospel parable of the talents (cf. Mt 25:14-30).Here we touch on an essential point. Those who perceive in themselves this kind of divine spark which is the artistic vocation-as poet, writer, sculptor, architect, musician, actor and so on-feel at the same time the obligation not to waste this talent but to develop it, in order to put it at the service of their neighbour and of humanity as a whole.The artist and the common good4. Society needs artists, just as it needs scientists, technicians, workers, professional people, witnesses of the faith, teachers, fathers and mothers, who ensure the growth of the person and the development of the community by means of that supreme art form which is "the art of education". Within the vast cultural panorama of each nation, artists have their unique place. Obedient to their inspiration in creating works both worthwhile and beautiful, they not only enrich the cultural heritage of each nation and of all humanity, but they also render an exceptional social service in favour of the common good.The particular vocation of individual artists decides the arena in which they serve and points as well to the tasks they must assume, the hard work they must endure and the responsibility they must accept. Artists who are conscious of all this know too that they must labour without allowing themselves to be driven by the search for empty glory or the craving for cheap popularity, and still less by the calculation of some possible profit for themselves. There is therefore an ethic, even a "spirituality" of artistic service, which contributes in its way to the life and renewal of a people. It is precisely this to which Cyprian Norwid seems to allude in declaring that "beauty is to enthuse us for work, and work is to raise us up".Art and the mystery of the Word made flesh5. The Law of the Old Testament explicitly forbids representation of the invisible and ineffable God by means of "graven or molten image" (Dt 27:15), because God transcends every material representation: "I am who I am" (Ex 3:14). Yet in the mystery of the Incarnation, the Son of God becomes visible in person: "When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son born of woman" (Gal 4:4). God became man in Jesus Christ, who thus becomes "the central point of reference for an understanding of the enigma of human existence, the created world and God himself".(6)This prime epiphany of "God who is Mystery" is both an encouragement and a challenge to Christians, also at the level of artistic creativity. From it has come a flowering of beauty which has drawn its sap precisely from the mystery of the Incarnation. In becoming man, the Son of God has introduced into human history all the evangelical wealth of the true and the good, and with this he has also unveiled a new dimension of beauty, of which the Gospel message is filled to the brim.Sacred Scripture has thus become a sort of "immense vocabulary" (Paul Claudel) and "iconographic atlas" (Marc Chagall), from which both Christian culture and art have drawn. The Old Testament, read in the light of the New, has provided endless streams of inspiration. From the stories of the Creation and sin, the Flood, the cycle of the Patriarchs, the events of the Exodus to so many other episodes and characters in the history of salvation, the biblical text has fired the imagination of painters, poets, musicians, playwrights and film-makers. A figure like Job, to take but one example, with his searing and ever relevant question of suffering, still arouses an interest which is not just philosophical but literary and artistic as well. And what should we say of the New Testament? From the Nativity to Golgotha, from the Transfiguration to the Resurrection, from the miracles to the teachings of Christ, and on to the events recounted in the Acts of the Apostles or foreseen by the Apocalypse in an eschatological key, on countless occasions the biblical word has become image, music and poetry, evoking the mystery of "the Word made flesh" in the language of art.In the history of human culture, all of this is a rich chapter of faith and beauty. Believers above all have gained from it in their experience of prayer and Christian living. Indeed for many of them, in times when few could read or write, representations of the Bible were a concrete mode of catechesis.(7) But for everyone, believers or not, the works of art inspired by Scripture remain a reflection of the unfathomable mystery which engulfs and inhabits the world.A fruitful alliance between the Gospel and art6. Every genuine artistic intuition goes beyond what the senses perceive and, reaching beneath reality's surface, strives to interpret its hidden mystery. The intuition itself springs from the depths of the human soul, where the desire to give meaning to one's own life is joined by the fleeting vision of beauty and of the mysterious unity of things. All artists experience the unbridgeable gap which lies between the work of their hands, however successful it may be, and the dazzling perfection of the beauty glimpsed in the ardour of the creative moment: what they manage to express in their painting, their sculpting, their creating is no more than a glimmer of the splendour which flared for a moment before the eyes of their spirit.Believers find nothing strange in this: they know that they have had a momentary glimpse of the abyss of light which has its original wellspring in God. Is it in any way surprising that this leaves the spirit overwhelmed as it were, so that it can only stammer in reply? True artists above all are ready to acknowledge their limits and to make their own the words of the Apostle Paul, according to whom "God does not dwell in shrines made by human hands" so that "we ought not to think that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone, a representation by human art and imagination" (Acts 17:24, 29). If the intimate reality of things is always "beyond" the powers of human perception, how much more so is God in the depths of his unfathomable mystery!The knowledge conferred by faith is of a different kind: it presupposes a personal encounter with God in Jesus Christ. Yet this knowledge too can be enriched by artistic intuition. An eloquent example of aesthetic contemplation sublimated in faith are, for example, the works of Fra Angelico. No less notable in this regard is the ecstatic lauda, which Saint Francis of Assisi twice repeats in the chartula which he composed after receiving the stigmata of Christ on the mountain of La Verna: "You are beauty... You are beauty!".(8) Saint Bonaventure comments: "In things of beauty, he contemplated the One who is supremely beautiful, and, led by the footprints he found in creatures, he followed the Beloved everywhere".(9)A corresponding approach is found in Eastern spirituality where Christ is described as "the supremely Beautiful, possessed of a beauty above all the children of earth".(10) Macarius the Great speaks of the transfiguring and liberating beauty of the Risen Lord in these terms: "The soul which has been fully illumined by the unspeakable beauty of the glory shining on the countenance of Christ overflows with the Holy Spirit... it is all eye, all light, all countenance".(11)Every genuine art form in its own way is a path to the inmost reality of man and of the world. It is therefore a wholly valid approach to the realm of faith, which gives human experience its ultimate meaning. That is why the Gospel fullness of truth was bound from the beginning to stir the interest of artists, who by their very nature are alert to every "epiphany" of the inner beauty of things.The origins7. The art which Christianity encountered in its early days was the ripe fruit of the classical world, articulating its aesthetic canons and embodying its values. Not only in their way of living and thinking, but also in the field of art, faith obliged Christians to a discernment which did not allow an uncritical acceptance of this heritage. Art of Christian inspiration began therefore in a minor key, strictly tied to the need for believers to contrive Scripture-based signs to express both the mysteries of faith and a "symbolic code" by which they could distinguish and identify themselves, especially in the difficult times of persecution. Who does not recall the symbols which marked the first appearance of an art both pictorial and plastic? The fish, the loaves, the shepherd: in evoking the mystery, they became almost imperceptibly the first traces of a new art.When the Edict of Constantine allowed Christians to declare themselves in full freedom, art became a privileged means for the expression of faith. Majestic basilicas began to appear, and in them the architectural canons of the pagan world were reproduced and at the same time modified to meet the demands of the new form of worship. How can we fail to recall at least the old Saint Peter's Basilica and the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, both funded by Constantine himself? Or Constantinople's Hagia Sophia built by Justinian, with its splendours of Byzantine art?While architecture designed the space for worship, gradually the need to contemplate the mystery and to present it explicitly to the simple people led to the early forms of painting and sculpture. There appeared as well the first elements of art in word and sound. Among the many themes treated by Augustine we find De Musica; and Hilary of Poitiers, Ambrose, Prudentius, Ephrem the Syrian, Gregory of Nazianzus and Paulinus of Nola, to mention but a few, promoted a Christian poetry which was often of high quality not just as theology but also as literature. Their poetic work valued forms inherited from the classical authors, but was nourished by the pure sap of the Gospel, as Paulinus of Nola put it succinctly: "Our only art is faith and our music Christ".(12) A little later, Gregory the Great compiled the Antiphonarium and thus laid the ground for the organic development of that most original sacred music which takes its name from him. Gregorian chant, with its inspired modulations, was to become down the centuries the music of the Church's faith in the liturgical celebration of the sacred mysteries. The "beautiful" was thus wedded to the "true", so that through art too souls might be lifted up from the world of the senses to the eternal.Along this path there were troubled moments. Precisely on the issue of depicting the Christian mystery, there arose in the early centuries a bitter controversy known to history as "the iconoclast crisis". Sacred images, which were already widely used in Christian devotion, became the object of violent contention. The Council held at Nicaea in 787, which decreed the legitimacy of images and their veneration, was a historic event not just for the faith but for culture itself. The decisive argument to which the Bishops appealed in order to settle the controversy was the mystery of the Incarnation: if the Son of God had come into the world of visible realities-his humanity building a bridge between the visible and the invisible- then, by analogy, a representation of the mystery could be used, within the logic of signs, as a sensory evocation of the mystery. The icon is venerated not for its own sake, but points beyond to the subject which it represents.(13)The Middle Ages8. The succeeding centuries saw a great development of Christian art. In the East, the art of the icon continued to flourish, obeying theological and aesthetic norms charged with meaning and sustained by the conviction that, in a sense, the icon is a sacrament. By analogy with what occurs in the sacraments, the icon makes present the mystery of the Incarnation in one or other of its aspects. That is why the beauty of the icon can be best appreciated in a church where in the shadows burning lamps stir infinite flickerings of light. As Pavel Florensky has written: "By the flat light of day, gold is crude, heavy, useless, but by the tremulous light of a lamp or candle it springs to life and glitters in sparks beyond counting-now here, now there, evoking the sense of other lights, not of this earth, which fill the space of heaven".(14)In the West, artists start from the most varied viewpoints, depending also on the underlying convictions of the cultural world of their time. The artistic heritage built up over the centuries includes a vast array of sacred works of great inspiration, which still today leave the observer full of admiration. In the first place, there are the great buildings for worship, in which the functional is always wedded to the creative impulse inspired by a sense of the beautiful and an intuition of the mystery. From here came the various styles well known in the history of art. The strength and simplicity of the Romanesque, expressed in cathedrals and abbeys, slowly evolved into the soaring splendours of the Gothic. These forms portray not only the genius of an artist but the soul of a people. In the play of light and shadow, in forms at times massive, at times delicate, structural considerations certainly come into play, but so too do the tensions peculiar to the experience of God, the mystery both "awesome" and "alluring". How is one to summarize with a few brief references to each of the many different art forms, the creative power of the centuries of the Christian Middle Ages? An entire culture, albeit with the inescapable limits of all that is human, had become imbued with the Gospel; and where theology produced the Summa of Saint Thomas, church art moulded matter in a way which led to adoration of the mystery, and a wonderful poet like Dante Alighieri could compose "the sacred poem, to which both heaven and earth have turned their hand",(15) as he himself described the Divine Comedy.Humanism and the Renaissance9. The favourable cultural climate that produced the extraordinary artistic flowering of Humanism and the Renaissance also had a significant impact on the way in which the artists of the period approached the religious theme. Naturally, their inspiration, like their style, varied greatly, at least among the best of them. But I do not intend to repeat things which you, as artists, know well. Writing from this Apostolic Palace, which is a mine of masterpieces perhaps unique in the world, I would rather give voice to the supreme artists who in this place lavished the wealth of their genius, often charged with great spiritual depth. From here can be heard the voice of Michelangelo who in the Sistine Chapel has presented the drama and mystery of the world from the Creation to the Last Judgement, giving a face to God the Father, to Christ the Judge, and to man on his arduous journey from the dawn to the consummation of history. Here speaks the delicate and profound genius of Raphael, highlighting in the array of his paintings, and especially in the "Dispute" in the Room of the Signatura, the mystery of the revelation of the Triune God, who in the Eucharist befriends man and sheds light on the questions and expectations of human intelligence. From this place, from the majestic Basilica dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles, from the Colonnade which spreads out from it like two arms open to welcome the whole human family, we still hear Bramante, Bernini, Borromini, Maderno, to name only the more important artists, all rendering visible the perception of the mystery which makes of the Church a universally hospitable community, mother and travelling companion to all men and women in their search for God.This extraordinary complex is a remarkably powerful expression of sacred art, rising to heights of imperishable aesthetic and religious excellence. What has characterized sacred art more and more, under the impulse of Humanism and the Renaissance, and then of successive cultural and scientific trends, is a growing interest in everything human, in the world, and in the reality of history. In itself, such a concern is not at all a danger for Christian faith, centred on the mystery of the Incarnation and therefore on God's valuing of the human being. The great artists mentioned above are a demonstration of this. Suffice it to think of the way in which Michelangelo represents the beauty of the human body in his painting and sculpture.(16)Even in the changed climate of more recent centuries, when a part of society seems to have become indifferent to faith, religious art has continued on its way. This can be more widely appreciated if we look beyond the figurative arts to the great development of sacred music through this same period, either composed for the liturgy or simply treating religious themes. Apart from the many artists who made sacred music their chief concern-how can we forget Pier Luigi da Palestrina, Orlando di Lasso, Tomás Luis de Victoria?-it is also true that many of the great composers-from Handel to Bach, from Mozart to Schubert, from Beethoven to Berlioz, from Liszt to Verdi-have given us works of the highest inspiration in this field.Towards a renewed dialogue10. It is true nevertheless that, in the modern era, alongside this Christian humanism which has continued to produce important works of culture and art, another kind of humanism, marked by the absence of God and often by opposition to God, has gradually asserted itself. Such an atmosphere has sometimes led to a separation of the world of art and the world of faith, at least in the sense that many artists have a diminished interest in religious themes.You know, however, that the Church has not ceased to nurture great appreciation for the value of art as such. Even beyond its typically religious expressions, true art has a close affinity with the world of faith, so that, even in situations where culture and the Church are far apart, art remains a kind of bridge to religious experience. In so far as it seeks the beautiful, fruit of an imagination which rises above the everyday, art is by its nature a kind of appeal to the mystery. Even when they explore the darkest depths of the soul or the most unsettling aspects of evil, artists give voice in a way to the universal desire for redemption.It is clear, therefore, why the Church is especially concerned for the dialogue with art and is keen that in our own time there be a new alliance with artists, as called for by my revered predecessor Paul VI in his vibrant speech to artists during a special meeting he had with them in the Sistine Chapel on 7 May 1964.(17) From such cooperation the Church hopes for a renewed "epiphany" of beauty in our time and apt responses to the particular needs of the Christian community.In the spirit of the Second Vatican Council11. The Second Vatican Council laid the foundation for a renewed relationship between the Church and culture, with immediate implications for the world of art. This is a relationship offered in friendship, openness and dialogue. In the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, the Fathers of the Council stressed "the great importance" of literature and the arts in human life: "They seek to probe the true nature of man, his problems and experiences, as he strives to know and perfect himself and the world, to discover his place in history and the universe, to portray his miseries and joys, his needs and strengths, with a view to a better future".(18)On this basis, at the end of the Council the Fathers addressed a greeting and an appeal to artists: "This world-they said-in which we live needs beauty in order not to sink into despair. Beauty, like truth, brings joy to the human heart and is that precious fruit which resists the erosion of time, which unites generations and enables them to be one in admiration!".(19) In this spirit of profound respect for beauty, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium recalled the historic friendliness of the Church towards art and, referring more specifically to sacred art, the "summit" of religious art, did not hesitate to consider artists as having "a noble ministry" when their works reflect in some way the infinite beauty of God and raise people's minds to him.(20) Thanks also to the help of artists "the knowledge of God can be better revealed and the preaching of the Gospel can become clearer to the human mind".(21) In this light, it comes as no surprise when Father Marie Dominique Chenu claims that the work of the historian of theology would be incomplete if he failed to give due attention to works of art, both literary and figurative, which are in their own way "not only aesthetic representations, but genuine 'sources' of theology".(22)The Church needs art12. In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable. Art has a unique capacity to take one or other facet of the message and translate it into colours, shapes and sounds which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen. It does so without emptying the message itself of its transcendent value and its aura of mystery.The Church has need especially of those who can do this on the literary and figurative level, using the endless possibilities of images and their symbolic force. Christ himself made extensive use of images in his preaching, fully in keeping with his willingness to become, in the Incarnation, the icon of the unseen God.The Church also needs musicians. How many sacred works have been composed through the centuries by people deeply imbued with the sense of the mystery! The faith of countless believers has been nourished by melodies flowing from the hearts of other believers, either introduced into the liturgy or used as an aid to dignified worship. In song, faith is experienced as vibrant joy, love, and confident expectation of the saving intervention of God.The Church needs architects, because she needs spaces to bring the Christian people together and celebrate the mysteries of salvation. After the terrible destruction of the last World War and the growth of great cities, a new generation of architects showed themselves adept at responding to the exigencies of Christian worship, confirming that the religious theme can still inspire architectural design in our own day. Not infrequently these architects have constructed churches which are both places of prayer and true works of art.Does art need the Church?13. The Church therefore needs art. But can it also be said that art needs the Church? The question may seem like a provocation. Yet, rightly understood, it is both legitimate and profound. Artists are constantly in search of the hidden meaning of things, and their torment is to succeed in expressing the world of the ineffable. How then can we fail to see what a great source of inspiration is offered by that kind of homeland of the soul that is religion? Is it not perhaps within the realm of religion that the most vital personal questions are posed, and answers both concrete and definitive are sought?In fact, the religious theme has been among those most frequently treated by artists in every age. The Church has always appealed to their creative powers in interpreting the Gospel message and discerning its precise application in the life of the Christian community. This partnership has been a source of mutual spiritual enrichment. Ultimately, it has been a great boon for an understanding of man, of the authentic image and truth of the person. The special bond between art and Christian revelation has also become evident. This does not mean that human genius has not found inspiration in other religious contexts. It is enough to recall the art of the ancient world, especially Greek and Roman art, or the art which still flourishes in the very ancient civilizations of the East. It remains true, however, that because of its central doctrine of the Incarnation of the Word of God, Christianity offers artists a horizon especially rich in inspiration. What an impoverishment it would be for art to abandon the inexhaustible mine of the Gospel!An appeal to artists14. With this Letter, I turn to you, the artists of the world, to assure you of my esteem and to help consolidate a more constructive partnership between art and the Church. Mine is an invitation to rediscover the depth of the spiritual and religious dimension which has been typical of art in its noblest forms in every age. It is with this in mind that I appeal to you, artists of the written and spoken word, of the theatre and music, of the plastic arts and the most recent technologies in the field of communication. I appeal especially to you, Christian artists: I wish to remind each of you that, beyond functional considerations, the close alliance that has always existed between the Gospel and art means that you are invited to use your creative intuition to enter into the heart of the mystery of the Incarnate God and at the same time into the mystery of man.Human beings, in a certain sense, are unknown to themselves. Jesus Christ not only reveals God, but "fully reveals man to man".(23) In Christ, God has reconciled the world to himself. All believers are called to bear witness to this; but it is up to you, men and women who have given your lives to art, to declare with all the wealth of your ingenuity that in Christ the world is redeemed: the human person is redeemed, the human body is redeemed, and the whole creation which, according to Saint Paul, "awaits impatiently the revelation of the children of God" (Rom 8:19), is redeemed. The creation awaits the revelation of the children of God also through art and in art. This is your task. Humanity in every age, and even today, looks to works of art to shed light upon its path and its destiny.The Creator Spirit and artistic inspiration15. Often in the Church there resounds the invocation to the Holy Spirit: Veni, Creator Spiritus... - "Come, O Creator Spirit, visit our minds, fill with your grace the hearts you have created".(24)The Holy Spirit, "the Breath" (ruah), is the One referred to already in the Book of Genesis: "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters" (1:2). What affinity between the words "breath - breathing" and "inspiration"! The Spirit is the mysterious Artist of the universe. Looking to the Third Millennium, I would hope that all artists might receive in abundance the gift of that creative inspiration which is the starting-point of every true work of art.Dear artists, you well know that there are many impulses which, either from within or from without, can inspire your talent. Every genuine inspiration, however, contains some tremor of that "breath" with which the Creator Spirit suffused the work of creation from the very beginning. Overseeing the mysterious laws governing the universe, the divine breath of the Creator Spirit reaches out to human genius and stirs its creative power. He touches it with a kind of inner illumination which brings together the sense of the good and the beautiful, and he awakens energies of mind and heart which enable it to conceive an idea and give it form in a work of art. It is right then to speak, even if only analogically, of "moments of grace", because the human being is able to experience in some way the Absolute who is utterly beyond.The "Beauty" that saves16. On the threshold of the Third Millennium, my hope for all of you who are artists is that you will have an especially intense experience of creative inspiration. May the beauty which you pass on to generations still to come be such that it will stir them to wonder! Faced with the sacredness of life and of the human person, and before the marvels of the universe, wonder is the only appropriate attitude.From this wonder there can come that enthusiasm of which Norwid spoke in the poem to which I referred earlier. People of today and tomorrow need this enthusiasm if they are to meet and master the crucial challenges which stand before us. Thanks to this enthusiasm, humanity, every time it loses its way, will be able to lift itself up and set out again on the right path. In this sense it has been said with profound insight that "beauty will save the world".(25)Beauty is a key to the mystery and a call to transcendence. It is an invitation to savour life and to dream of the future. That is why the beauty of created things can never fully satisfy. It stirs that hidden nostalgia for God which a lover of beauty like Saint Augustine could express in incomparable terms: "Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new: late have I loved you!".(26)Artists of the world, may your many different paths all lead to that infinite Ocean of beauty where wonder becomes awe, exhilaration, unspeakable joy.May you be guided and inspired by the mystery of the Risen Christ, whom the Church in these days contemplates with joy.May the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always: she is the "tota pulchra" portrayed by countless artists, whom Dante contemplates among the splendours of Paradise as "beauty that was joy in the eyes of all the other saints".(27)"From chaos there rises the world of the spirit". These words of Adam Mickiewicz, written at a time of great hardship for his Polish homeland,(28) prompt my hope for you: may your art help to affirm that true beauty which, as a glimmer of the Spirit of God, will transfigure matter, opening the human soul to the sense of the eternal.With my heartfelt good wishes!From the Vatican, 4 April 1999, Easter Sunday.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------(1) Dialogus de Ludo Globi, lib. II: Philosophisch-Theologische Schriften, Vienna 1967, III, p. 332.(2) The moral virtues, and among them prudence in particular, allow the subject to act in harmony with the criterion of moral good and evil: according to recta ratio agibilium (the right criterion of action). Art, however, is defined by philosophy as recta ratio factibilium (the right criterion of production).(3) Promethidion, Bogumil, vv. 185-186: Pisma wybrane, Warsaw 1968, vol. 2, p. 216.(4) The Greek translation of the Septuagint expresses this well in rendering the Hebrew term t(o-)b (good) as kalón (beautiful).(5) Philebus, 65 A.(6) JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical Letter Fides et Ratio (14 September 1998), 80: AAS 91 (1999), 67.(7) This pedagogical principle was given authoritative formulation by Saint Gregory the Great in a letter of 599 to Serenus, Bishop of Marseilles: "Painting is employed in churches so that those who cannot read or write may at least read on the walls what they cannot decipher on the page", Epistulae, IX, 209: CCL 140A, 1714.(8) Lodi di Dio Altissimo, vv. 7 and 10: Fonti Francescane, No. 261, Padua 1982, p. 177.(9) Legenda Maior, IX, 1: Fonti Francesane, No. 1162, loc. cit., p. 911.(10) Enkomia of the Orthós of the Holy and Great Saturday.(11) Homily I, 2: PG 34, 451.(12) "At nobis ars una fides et musica Christus": Carmen 20, 31: CCL 203, 144.(13) Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Letter Duodecimum Saeculum (4 December 1987), 8-9: AAS 80 (1988), pp. 247-249.(14) La prospettiva rovesciata ed altri scritti, Rome 1984, p. 63.(15) Paradiso XXV, 1-2.(16) Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Homily at the Mass for the Conclusion of the Restoration of Michelangelo's Frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, 8 April 1994: Insegnamenti, XVII, 1 (1994), 899-904.(17) Cf. AAS 56 (1964), 438-444.(18) No. 62.(19) Message to Artists, 8 December 1965: AAS 58 (1966), 13.(20) Cf. No. 122.(21) SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 62.(22) La teologia nel XII secolo, Milan 1992, p. 9.(23) SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes, 22.(24) Hymn at Vespers on Pentecost.(25) F. DOSTOYEVSKY, The Idiot, Part III, chap. 5.(26) Sero te amavi! Pulchritudo tam antiqua et tam nova, sero te amavi!: Confessions, 10, 27: CCL 27, 251.(27) Paradiso XXXI, 134-135.(28) Oda do mlodosci, v. 69: Wybór poezji, Wroclaw 1986, vol. 1, p. 63.http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_23041999_artists_en.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Annual Croatian Youth & Children Festival (New York) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5304/1/E-Annual-Croatian-Youth--Children-Festival-New-York.html ÂCROATIAN CATHOLIC MISSION AND CROATIAN COMMUNITY OF ASTORIA PRESENT: 2ND ANNUAL CROATIAN YOUTH FESTIVAL ( www.crofestivalny.com )WHEN: APRIL 17, 2004TIME: 7:00 PM5TH ANNUAL CROATIAN CHILDREN's FESTIVAL ( www.crofestivalny.com )WHEN: APRIL 18, 2004TIME: 4:00PMWHERE: York College94-45 Guy R. Brewer BoulevardJamaica, New York 11451SPECIAL GUESTS: DINO JELUSIC FROM CROATIA, Winner of the first Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2003GINA Winner of MIK Festival 2003, 4th place, DORA Festival 2003, Croatian Children's Festival and Croatian Youth Festival AlumniTo show our gratitude and appreciation for your donations, we will be awarding the following to our patrons:$1000.00 or more Diamond Certificate Full Page Advertisement in Festival Book, CD & Video$ 600.00 to 999.00 Gold CertificateHalf Page Advertisement in Festival Book & Video $ 400.00 to 599.00 Silver CertificateQuarter Page Advertisement in Festival Book$ 200.00 to 399.00 Bronze CertificateOne Eighth Page Advertisement in Festival BookThe names of the above and all the other sponsors will be listed in the Festival Book, which will serve as a guide for both nights, as well as in the Hrvatski Korijen and in the Croatian Chronicle newspaper. Please mail in your donation with your advertisement (e.g. business card) in order to have the Festival Book printed accordingly in a timely manner.We look forward to seeing you at the Festivals in April by celebrating our musical heritage as our children and youth continue to contribute to the unique cultural diversity of New York. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,S) Karlo Mirth "Zivot u emigraciji" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5303/1/ES-Karlo-Mirth-Zivot-u-emigraciji.html The Croatian Academy of America sponsors: BOOK PRESENTATION"ZIVOT U EMIGRACIJI" by Karlo Mirth(Written in Croatian)7:00 pm Thursday, March 25, 2004Croatian Cultural Center, 502 West 41st Street, NYChttp://www.matica.hr/www/wwwizd.nsf/AllWebDocs/mirthHard cover; 434 pages - Promotional price: $ 40.00 To order contact: The Croatian Academy of America, Inc. P. O. Box 1767 Grand Central Station, NY NY 10163E-mail: croatacad@aol.com Fax: 516.935.0019 In any discussion of the institutional completeness of the Croatian diaspora in the United States during the last half of the 20th century, the name of Karlo Mirth will surely stand out. As a publisher, editor and writer, he has been at the center of two major publishing successes, Croatia Press (1947-1980) and the Journal of Croatian Studies (1960- ), and has played a prominent role in the Croatian Academy of America.Karlo Mirth was born on July 15, 1917 in the town, now city, of Otocac, in the Gospic-Senj province of Croatia. As Mirth would explain during a 1998 interview, "I wrote about all events which I felt were important for Croatia, and I was especially interested in writing documentary reviews of the cultural and political life of Croats outside of Croatia." His diverse and numerous contributions to the leading Croatian diaspora publications would certainly confirm the above statement. Mirth's extensive writing, editing and publishing activities, point to a man with immense energy, enthusiasm, focus and discipline. This discipline and enthusiasm would characterize his entire approach to presenting Croatia and the Croats both to an English-speaking audience and to the Croatian diaspora.Mirth continues to be actively engaged in the work of the Croatian Academy of America and of the society's Journal of Croatian Studies, where he has been a managing editor since its launch in 1960 and has "carried the lions share and burden of work." In recognition of his "tireless work on behalf of the Academy and its Journal" he was named Honorary President for Life in 1993."Zivot u emigraciji" was published by Matica Hrvatska, Zagreb, 2003.- - - -En cualquier análisis de la complitud institucional de la diáspora croata en los Estados Unidos durante la segunda mitad del Siglo XX, el nombre de Karlo Mirth seguramente se destacará. Como editor y escritor, estuvo en el centro de dos publicaciones de éxito, Croatia Press (1947-1980) y el Journal of Croatian Studies (1960- ), y tuvo un rol prominente en la Croatian Academy of America.Karlo Mirth nació el 15 de julio de 1917 en el pueblo -ahora ciudad- de Otocac, en la provincia de Gospic-Senj de Croacia. Como el propio Mirth explicó durante una entrevista en 1998, "Escribí sobre todos los eventos que sentía fueran importantes para Croacia, y estaba particularmente interesado en escribir crónicas documentales de la vida cultural y política de los croatas fuera de Croacia". Sus diversas y numerosas contribuciones a las publicaciones líderes de la diáspora croata confirmarán con certeza la afirmación anterior. Las extensas actividades de Mirth como escritor y editor indican que es un hombre con inmensa energía, entusiasmo, focalización y disciplina. Esta disciplina y entusiasmo caracterizó todo su forma de presentar a Croacia y a los croatas tanto a la audiencia angloparlante como a la diáspora croata.Mirth continua participando activamente en el trabajo de la Croatian Academy of America y en la publicación de esa sociedad Journal of Croatian Studies, del cual fue su editor ejecutivo desde su lanzamiento en 1960 y cargó con "la parte del león del peso de su trabajo". En reconocimiento de su "trabajo incansable por la Academia y su Journal of Croatian Studies" Mirth fue nombrado Presidente Honorario Vitalicio en 1993.Para adquirir el libro, contactarse con la Croatian Academy of America, a la dirección consignada más arriba."Zivot u emigraciji" fue publicado por Matica Hrvatska, Zagreb, 2003.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 2300 email addresses in 30 countries. Please provide us with email addresses of people that might be interested in receiving this Bulletin and 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 17500 pages in Spanish, French, English and Croatian. It receives some 140000 hits per month. www.studiacroatica.com - joza@velocom.com.ar .Este Boletín es publicado por la revista Studia Croatica - Instituto de Cultura Croata, editada en Buenos Aires desde 1960 - El Boletín se distribuye en castellano e inglés a unas 2300 direcciones electrónicas en 30 países y retransmitidos a varios miles de personas. Rogamos nos provean direcciones electrónicas de personas que podrían estar interesadas en recibir este boletín, y nos comuniquen si no desean recibir este tipo de información. Studia Croatica se encuentra en la Web desde 1996, -donde tiene unas 17500 páginas en castellano, francés, inglés y croata- y recibe unas 140000 visitas por mes.www.studiacroatica.com -joza@velocom.com.ar . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Ivan Klapez - Sculptor, Kipar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5302/1/HE-Ivan-Klapez---Sculptor-Kipar.html ÂIvan Klapezwww.klapez.freeuk.comNenade pozdravljam vas. Prije dvije godine smo se upoznali u Londonu.Vjerovatno cu u N.Y. krajem proljeca po pitanju galerija.Volio bi da se sretnemo,a ako dolazite u London,onda uz casu da se upoznamo.Kipar sam.Moj web. www.klapez.freeuk.com cisto da pogledate sto kiparim.Razlog mog javljanja je,naletio sam na vasu adresu u Matici iseljenika.Od srca pozdravivan klapezivan.klapez@btopenworld.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "DUGA MRACNA NOC'" REDATELJA ANTUNA VRDOLJAKA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5301/1/H-DUGA-MRACNA-NOC-REDATELJA-ANTUNA-VRDOLJAKA.html "DUGA MRACNA NOC'" REDATELJA ANTUNA VRDOLJAKAFilm jakih dojmovaGlumci u Vrdoljakovu filmu daju na ekranu nepatvorenu razigranost, prirodnost i uvjerljivost kakvu rijetko mozemo zapaziti u hrvatskoj kinematografiji. Vrlo gledljiva, iako traje oko 200 minuta, "Duga mracna noc'" ne ostavlja nikoga u udobnosti, nedodirljivosti i neosjetljivostiNakon sto smo ispratili film "Svjedoci" redatelja Vinka Bresana - u Rijeci je u kinu Teatro Fenice izdrzao umjetno odrzavan na zivotu, mizerna odaziva gledatelja, puni tjedan - stigla je "Duga mracna noc'", novi hrvatski film na ogled domac'em filmu vec' predugo nesklonim ocima. Poznati filmski i TV redatelj, nekada i popularni glumac, Antun Vrdoljak bio je odsutan iz hrvatske kinematografije od daleke 1988. i filma "Glembajevi". Taj film je bio vrlo hvaljen pa Vrdoljakovo apstiniranje nije zbog pokuda, skandala ili bankrota. Vrdoljak ima zudnju prema filmu, ali zaokupljenost politikom neprestana je opsjednutost staroga maestra. I Krsto Papic' je trajno zaintrigiran politikom kao magnetom umjetnickih htijenja i interesa, no uvijek na ekranu hladno analiticki suzdrzanih emocija, s teznjom za univerzalnim pa i alegorijskim, skrivajuc'i vlastitu kozu. Ne hitajuc'i za statusom preko politike. Vrdoljak je nakon 1990. bio obnasatelj mnogih visokih i utjecajnih drzavnih duznosti i posve je zanemario film. Vec'ina redatelja i njihovih filmova nastalih nakon uspostave samostalne hrvatske drzave nisu dorasli - glede umjetnickih, produkcijskih i drustvenih implikacija - Vrdoljakovom opusu. Podvig njemackog bataljunaI sada 2004. "Duga mracna noc'". Vrdoljakov scenarij ima povijesno epsko zariste u burnom, katastrofalnom i prijelomnom razdoblju od 1940. do 1952. sto u valovima potresahu jugoslavenske, balkanske prostore, a sredisnji zemljovid je neimenovano slavonsko mjesto nastanjeno Hrvatima i Nijemcima. Vrdoljak je osamdesetih bio zaokupljen scenarijem o nastanku partizanske postrojbe "Ernest Tellmann" (predvodnik njemackih komunista) u Hrvatskoj 1943. kao vojske pripadnika njemacke nacionalne manjine. "Duga mracna noc'" je mozda preradba i znatna dopuna tih Vrdoljakovih scenarijskih i tematskih nauma. Sredisnji lik filma je Hrvat Ivan Kolar (Goran Visnjic'), zbivanja izlaze iz ratnih vremena u poratnu Jugoslaviju Tita i OZNE, no njemacka brazda u filmu jaka je i mi odista gledamo vojni podvig bataljuna "Ernesta Tellmann", napad na njemacki vlak, kao dio krvi i mraka u "Dugoj mracnoj noc'i". Uvod filma, bozic'no doba 1940., otvara zimski krajolik u gotovo zimskoj idili. Domac'i Nijemci, recimo stari Schmidt (Zarko Potocnjak), na sajmu prodaje robu svima. Nema netrpeljivosti, Bozic' je u zraku, ljudi dobri, obazrivi, srdacni. Zidovski trgovac Neumann daje bonus stalnim kupcima, katolicima. Ima i zandara, koliko prijetec'ih, toliko karikaturalnih, poput bezimena podnarednika. Upoznajemo i Ivana Kolara, on zavrsava agronomiju u Zagrebu i dolazi posjetiti roditelje. Rekosmo, gotovo idila. Jer zlo izbija uvezeno iz Hitlerove Njemacke za arijevske izljeve pripitih, ponekih, slavonskih Nijemaca. Vrdoljakova skrusenostVodec'i lik nije Kolar, on ne donosi bitne odluke, ne daje poticaje, ne stvara podvige (jer za to nije vrijeme, u scenariju), to je mladi zgubidan Mata (Goran Navojac) u krivolovu s dvocjevkom, rasprama sa zandarima i opsluzivanju zgodnih i podatnih seljanki. U rijetkim prizorima seksa u Vrdoljakovim filmovima (erotizam mu je nepotrebni luksuz) obicno bliske tjelesne susrete vizualizira lateralnim napadom kamere na lijevu nogu prileznice, u carapi, razgolic'ena bedra, a ruka ljubavnika puzi njeznom kozom. Redatelj ima smjernost mladomisnika - tako je jednom u zagrebackom "Telegramu" opisana Vrdoljakova estetska i moralna skrusenost u svezi scena skromnih naznaka seksa. Tako je i u "Dugoj mracnoj noc'i". Rat je sredisnji dio filma. Borbe vode njemacki okupatori, zvjerski krvolocni SS i partizani, mnogi njemackog podrijetla. Partizani i ustase imaju vrlo malo srazova. Ustastvo je u filmu dovezeno njemackim vlakom. Nenapadna, tako rec'i bez dodira, harmonija njemacke vojske i ustasa, dana je zvukom harmonike u njemackim rukama i pjesmom njemackih vojnika na otvorenom vagonu. Vidimo Matu u ustaskoj odori i sa strojnicom u ruci. Vican je tamburici, oruzju mnogo manje. Spasio je Ivana Kolara iz ruku zandara i preko ravnice napustio film. Tek na kraju vidimo Matu, izmrcvarena sudionika Kriznog puta, pripremljena za smrt. Ivan Kolar 1945. kao partizanski pukovnik vrac'a Mati dug. U fabuli lik Kolarov jaca. On je u partizanima zbog osjec'aja pravde i covjecnosti, ali uskoro razabire okrutnu prijetvornost komunistickog inzenjerstva utjelovljena u liku partizanskog zapovjednika (Mustafa Nadarevic'), ulazi u sukobe s gvozdenim drugovima, razvidan mu je balkanski staljinizam s Titovim licem. Gubi utjecaj, status, suprugu (Katarina Bistrovic'-Darvas), prokazan, uhic'en, ponizavan, izudaran, ali nikada slomljen. Ni na Golom otoku. Kolarov lik prate i mlate negativci iz Ozne Tarik Filipovic' i Ivo Gregurevic'.Izuzetna suradnja s glumcimaPrisnost, neposrednost, slikovitost, vjerodostojnost, istancano oko za anegdotalne i vizualne sitnice, bogati dijalozi s poantama u puckom humoru (u ovom filmu kontrapunktirani s biblijskim reminiscencijama, marksistickim vulgarnostima, nacistickim ludorijama i govorom torture Ozninih isljednika) te izuzetna suradnja s glumcima kao i u prethodnim filmovima "Kad cujes zvona", "U gori raste zelen bor" i "Povratak" vode "Dugu mracnu noc'" na vrh Vrdoljakova stvaralastva. Spomenuti glumci, tu je i Boris Dvornik u ulozi Ivanova oca (stalni Vrdoljakov glumac), daju na ekranu nepatvorenu razigranost, prirodnost i uvjerljivost kakvu rijetko mozemo zapaziti u hrvatskom filmu. Kamera Vjekoslava Vrdoljaka pruza filmu mracno i svijetlo ozracje uvijek sukladno radnji, razvitku likova, prijelomnim trenucima price i nasluc'ivanjima, pretezito opasnim i kobnim. Obzor, beskrajni obzor nad slavonskom ravnicom, s olovnim, sivim, purpurnim, violetnim modrim oblacima, zrcalo je zbivanja apokalipticke surovosti. Posjeduje draz i uzas vizualnosti, podaruje filmu iznimne simbolicke i emocionalne vrednote. "Dugu mracnu noc'" smatramo dugo iscekujuc'om alternativom ultraljevicarskim - neosporna artizma - "Vecernjim zvonima" Lordana Zafranovic'a. Vrlo gledljiva, iako traje oko 200 minuta, jakih dojmova, "Duga mracna noc'" ne ostavlja nikoga u udobnosti, nedodirljivosti i neosjetljivosti. Aldo PAQUOLANovi list ( www.novilist.hr ), 16. ozujka 2004. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) TONI FRANOVIC IN NEW YORK CITY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5300/1/E-TONI-FRANOVIC-IN-NEW-YORK-CITY.html TONI FRANOVIC IN NEW YORK CITY HorsesFriday, March 19, 2004Dear FriendsJust a little note to inform you that my good friendTONI FRANOVIC is exhibiting his works at theNew Century Artists Gallery530 West 26th Street (bet. 10th and 11th Aves.)Starting March 15th to March 27th, 2004Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00pmYou are invited to join us at theCelebratory ReceptionOn Saturday, March 27th, 20043:00 - 6:00pmRSVP: WandaSRadetti@aol.com Toni's Cellular: 1 469 348-3525Here is Toni's web site: Toni Franovic's Home PageNotes on Toni FranovicFrom: TONI FRANOVIC "Go West Young Man!!" Oils on canvas 2003The Gallery at Phoenix Art and SuppliesDallas, Texas - December 6- 23, 2003Toni Franovic In an earlier foreword, I have already attempted to identify the painter Toni Franovic through elements of artistic form, in the sense of observing how his controlled application of selected coloristic daubs is perhaps best suited to his acute observational sensibility. It was said then that "with the masterful rapid strokes that dominate his painting (...) Franovic readily reacts with his random jottings in an attempt to preserve forever the excitement that has spurred him to the artistic discipline of his own creative energy." However, can the same line of thinking be applied to the pictures from his latest cycle? I believe that I can, indeed --the expression of the color and speed of painting now come to the fore to an even greater extent. His paintings continue to be constructed with powerful, expressive deposits of color but the previous diffusion of the artistic stroke has been replaced by a fine, nearly arabesque exuberance and the confidence of an excellent painter's hand. Scattered tachist splatters are now completed with "enformel" dripping, which sometimes runs down a painting and produces a feeling as if we are looking through a window bathed in rain. On the observational plan, this would signify that the individual and particular are replaced by an interpretation of the invisible and unfathomable, and the field of painting activity has been transformed into a metalinguistic projection of genuine plausibility. In this inter- twining of the material and fluid, the logical and intuitive, multiple levels are achieved that transparently add conviction and authenticity to the exclusively spiritual and imaginative existence of these works. From the other side, these paintings are ostensibly landscape oriented and I have also already written on an earlier occasion how it is entirely certain that Franovic's creative reflections of ambiance have their origins in a specific and actual clime. They all radiate the recognizable toponymic identities of the artist's haunts (Legrad, Vinodolska Valley and, certainly, the garden of his family home in Zagreb), which consequently influence the very precise determination of Franovic' s motif. Franovic's motif is purposeful and unfaltering. It is called by its place of origin. The elements of the form of his painting are therefore easily legible artistic units, because each detail follows the constructional logic of a warm view of our local clime, except when we find ourselves before Franovic's motifs from Israel, that always seem sunnier, airier, warmer and lighter. It is highly evident that the painting of Toni Franovic originates on the illustrative basis of reality. However much at certain moments t seems to be symbolic and out of the character of actual physical spatial existence, it is first of all painting that expertly perceives and then defines the totality of a place from the existential essentials that are crucial in the process of the formation of Franovic' s creative individuality. However, this artist does not start from a simple mimetic projection of an ambience in which he moves and with which he becomes intimate, but first of all internalizes a space mentally. Therefore, the work of Toni Franovic does not compete with nature. The painter and his work exist in a space liberated from mimetic relations with nature to such m extent that sometimes in his most recent works a motif based upon reality is transformed into an abstract vista. The motif becomes nearly unrecognizable, educed to the level of a symbol (particularly in a minimalistic composition of the setting sun), so that the semeiological interpretation competes with perception. Moreover, that which we truly see is the painter's subjective and creative reflections on the totality of a place from his own experience, movement, sojourn and relief. Thereby, artistically Franovic's work, strictly speaking, becomes a mental construction not only of that which exists but of thoughts. This work relies on the personal and intimate, is less conversant with the external, and more with the world of the artist's inner freedom. Goran Blagus From: Mark TalismanImagining and realizing a modern setting to prayCreating New Judaica: Toni Franovic is pushing the envelopeNew Judaica Toni Franovic is pushing the envelope Franovic personifies the very person who, as artist, is so hard to find in this complicated early 21st Century because so much art work is not original, does not push the to imagine what may lay ahead in this rarified field all the while worrying about dreams and ideas can be realized here on earth. Franovic's ideas come fast and furiously, He can commit them to paper, sometimes backs of envelopes, other times wildly waving the emptiness of the air in from of him. Other times producing finished product before even introducing the concepts in raw form. As a result of such alternative methods of showing his thoughts and dreams, too many drop out unable to follow this artistic pan. I hear his whistle; it beguiles me, yet his sleight of hand and his peripatetic nature are just too fast to follow. Until, of course, this maddeningly talented artist produces the most imaginative crystal goblet, hand etched, frosted here and there, and the viewer, now the startled bystander, is handed a most original and breath taking religious chalice ready to be integrated in a kiddush, a he wine, as if it had always been there ready to use. Happily, Franovic is busy at work creating a whole series of pieces of newly devised j pieces of Judaica to be used easily in the Jewish Life Cycle, filling vacuums in some instances which have existed and enhancing others vastly. A cut crystal Seder a series of Kiddush cups utilizing materials in creative ways not heretofore possible or probable. Mazzuzot in brass, bronze, glazed clays of all types, and hand woven into which have been woven real gold thread, not done since the 15th or 16th centuries. But Toni researched, found the maker of the gold thread as it was made long ago, found living still a weaver who has carried forward from centuries past, an ability to Did thread directly in the linen. Franovic has also found the people who still know how to make hand made cut velvet; otherwise a long lost art form. He has found and nurtured the artisans who can make new sequined rare fabrics which otherwise are only available to view in museums of culture and anthropology. He has also searched the depths and breadth of these museums to find costume fabric long unavailable, which he now is able to reproduce, to use in new forms of religious ceremony as if they never disappeared. The significant number of artisans and artists Toni has found and befriended have stood and appreciated greatly his willingness to work with them and to help r and then to flourish. Their rare art forms would surely have long ago disappeared except for the Franovic interventions in which he has served as a one-man endangered species brigade.Happily Project Judaica Foundation has selected the works of Judaica to be exhibited and sold in its major Judaica website where young artists are asked by juried exhibitions works. www.judaica.orgProject Judaica Foundation's mandate is to: Rehabilitate, exhibit and disseminate all forms of Judaic culture. Mark E. Talisman President, Project Judaica Foundation, Inc.Founding Vice Chairman, U. S. Holocaust Museum and Memorial Washington, D. C letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) P r o c e s _ G r a d , I I I d i o http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5299/1/H-P-r-o-c-e-s-_-G-r-a-d--I-I-I-d-i-o.html ÂP r o c e s _ G r a d , I I I d i o Ovog smo puta krenuli od kraja, ne bi li se uputili ka pocetku. Umjetnost, ili kako zelite zvati ovu vrstu stvaralastva, jedino je mjesto-vrijeme u kojem je reverzibilnost moguca i prihvatljiva nasoj percepciji.From: bacaci_sjenki@europe.com Nije nuzno da izadjes iz svoje sobe. Ostani sjediti za stolom i osluskuj. Mozes cak i ne slusati, jednostavno cekaj. Mozes cak i ne cekati, nauci samo da budes smiren, miran i sam. Svijet ce ti se ponuditi neposredno, ne bi li se razotkrio. Nece imati izbora: zavrtjet ce se u ekstazi pod tvojim nogama.NOVE IZVEDBE!!!!BACACI SJENKI: P r o c e s _ G r a d , I I I d i o (process-in-progress - umjesto premijere)Inspirirano djelom Franza K.afke i Orsona WellesaPo prijevodu Snjesk.e K.nezevicKoncept, dramaturgija i rezija: Boris Bak.alNastupaju: K.atarina Bistrovic Darvas, Damir K.lemenic i Boris Bak.alVideo supervizija: Josip Visk.ovicVJ-ing: Ivan Slipcevic, Plak.or K.ovacevicSuradnik na dramaturgiji i asistent produkcije: Luk.a Ruk.avinaSuradnica na konceptu i dramaturgiji: K.atarina PejovicProstor i svjetlo: Boris Bak.alProdukcija: Bacaci Sjenki, Dani Hrvatskog Filma, Galerija SC, Kulturni Centar Pescenica, Orchestra Stolpnik (Bologna)Potpora: Gradski ured za kulturu i Ministarstvo kulture RHProjekt ostvaren uz sponzorsku podrsku: HSM Informatika d.o.o.Galerija SC, Savska cesta 25, Zagreb HrvatskaPetak, 19.03.2004 u 23h - umjesto premijere 1Nedjelja, 21.03.2004 u 21h - umjesto premijere 2Nuzno rezervirati zbog malog broja mjesta!!!Rezervacije na tel. (od 11-13 i 18-20h) 01-459 35 10Informacije i rezervacije na: bacaci_sjenki@europe.com-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-U medjuprostoru Kafkinog i Wellesovog djela, pokusavamo porazgovarati o djelu u prostoru i prostoru u djelu, iskopati tunel koji bi nas odveo do onog tajnog i neznanog mjesta iz kojeg Kafka progovara. Interaktivno koriscenje videa - VJ-ing ili upotreba slike kao glazbene dinamicke sekvence koja se moze obradjivati uzivo - sredstvo je kojim nastojimo uci u krupne planove price i njenih mogucih protagonista: nas samih. Tako ce se pred publikom odvijati svojevrsni film u realnom vremenu, kompleksno prozimanje fizicke i digitalne radnje koju ce i publika sama, svojim odabirima pogleda, rezati i prosivati. Ovog smo puta krenuli od kraja, ne bi li se uputili ka pocetku. Umjetnost, ili kako zelite zvati ovu vrstu stvaralastva, jedino je mjesto-vrijeme u kojem je reverzibilnost moguca i prihvatljiva nasoj percepciji. Drugi dio trilogije P r o c e s _ G r a d odigrace se od 5. do 8.04. u Kulturnom centru Pescenica. Treci dio ce se dogoditi krajem travnja, na razlicitim lokacijama u Zagrebu.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Jedna od osnovnih ideja ovog projekta je obnova bojnog polja - redifiniranje teritorija Kafkinog "metafizièkog" ostranjenja unutar konkretnih politièkih i filozofskih postavki kojima se on bavio cijelog života. Tražimo ravnovjesje "sreæe odlaska i sreæe povratka" i razumijevanje politièke i fantazmièke prirode Kafkinih simulacija.Grad se obavija oko covjeka kao slatkasta zmija.Ulice mijenjaju smijer bez prekida.Optuzenik postaje tuzitelj i odlazi kupiti kilu krompira.Svaki krevet je sudnica, svaki orgazam smrtna presuda.Kazna je put, oslobodjenje je produziti.B.B.Nije nuzno da izadjes iz svoje sobe. Ostani sjediti za stolom i osluskuj. Mozes cak i ne slusati, jednostavno cekaj. Mozes cak i ne cekati, nauci samo da budes smiren, miran i sam. Svijet ce ti se ponuditi neposredno, ne bi li se razotkrio. Nece imati izbora: zavrtjet ce se u ekstazi pod tvojim nogama.F. K. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "Zivot u emigraciji" Karlo Mirth, Promocija Knjige http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5298/1/H-Zivot-u-emigraciji-Karlo-Mirth-Promocija-Knjige.html ÂÂPromocija Knjige"ZIVOT U EMIGRACIJI" Karlo Mirth7:00 navecer, Cetvrtak 25.ozujka, 2004Hrvatski Kulturni Centar, 502 West 41st Street, New YorkBiblioteka: REDOVITA IZDANJA ZA CLANSTVOIzdavac: Matica Hrvatska, Zagreb, 2003 ÂTvrdi uvez s ovitkom434 stranica, 17×24 cmISBN: 953-150-695-7Podrucje: Emigracija; Hrvatska emigracijaPriredio Igor Zidic - Predsjednik Matice HrvatskeKnjiga je opremljena sa sezdesetak c/b ilustracija,pogovorom Stana Granica i imenskim kazalom.Vecina naklade knjige dijeli se clanovima Matice Hrvatske.Karlo Mirth (Otocac, 1917), publicist, urednik, poliglot,izdavac i esejist, jedna je od vodecih intelektualnihosobnosti hrvatske dijaspore na sjevernoamerickomekontinentu u drugoj polovici 20. stoljeca. Pripadnik trecegeneracije hrvatskih emigranata na Zapad, Mirth se putZapada otisnuo nakon 1945, postavsi izbjeglica u kampuraseljenika u talijanskome Fermu. U Zagrebu je 1942.zavrsio studij sumarstva. Od 1946. do 1962. studiranovinarstvo u Rimu, spanjolski jezik u Barceloni ibibliotekarstvo i informacijeske znanosti u New Yorku. Utome vremenu pokrece, ureduje i sudjeluje u vodenju nekihtemeljnih intelektualnih i kulturno-znanstvenih institucijahrvatske dijaspore: casopisa Croatia Press i Journal ofCroatian Studies te Hrvatske Akademije Amerike "TheCroatian Academy of America" kojoj je predsjednikom postao1958. Mirth se pokazao kao odlican organizator i neumornikronicar svih vaznijih politickih, kulturnih i drustvenihdogadaja u Hrvatskoj, Jugoslaviji i emigraciji. Njegova je knjiga zivot u emigracijipublicisticko-knjizevna reminiscencija na taj uzbudljivizivotni put i na susrete s Ivanom Mestrovicem, BogdanomRadicom, Vladkom Macekom, nadbiskupom Ivanom Šaricem,slikarom Kristijanom Krekovicem, kartografom StjepanomHorvatom i ostalim znamenitim Hrvatima. "Život uemigraciji" dokumentarni je portret jednoga vremena ipomalo gorko svjedocenje o tuznoj cinjenici nerazumijevanjaizmedu domovinskih Hrvata i onih u emigraciji.Karlo Mirth "Život u emigraciji" Hard cover; 434 pagesPromotional price: $ 40.00 To order contact:The Croatian Academy of America, Inc. P. O. Box 1767 Grand Central Station, New York NY 10163E-mail: croatacad@aol.com Fax: 516.935.0019 www.croatianacademy.org Link: http://www.matica.hr/www/wwwizd.nsf/AllWebDocs/mirth  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) TOMISLAV GOLUBAN (usna harmonika) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5305/1/H-TOMISLAV-GOLUBAN-usna-harmonika.html TOMISLAV GOLUBAN (usna harmonika)U Zaboku, 09.02.2004.Rodjen sam 16.12.1976., nisam ozenjen, nemam djece i po struci sam diplomirani ekonomist sa stalnim prebivalistem u Zaboku.Unatrag pet godina (polu)profesionalni sam svirac usne harmonike. Na pocetku bih spomenuo svoj posjet SVJETSKOM PRVENSTVU USNE HARMONIKE u njemackom gradu Trossingen ('World Harmonica Festival') 2001. godine. Rezultati koje sam tamo postigao u svakom slucaju su vrijedni paznje. Na natjecanju sam bio jedini predstavnik iz Hrvatske, koji je osvojio 16. mjesto (ocjenom very good) u blues/folk/rock/traditional kategoriji u konkurenciji 20-tak nacija iz cijelog svijeta.U rujnu 2003. godine, isti organizator, njema_ki grad Trossingen i svjetski poznata tvornica instrumenata HOHNER organizirali su najve_i skup usnih harmonika_a pod nazivom 'Harmonica Masters Workshops 2003.' (RADIONICE USNE HARMONIKE), u sklopu kojeg su _etvorica instruktora, svjetski poznatih svira_a usne harmonike, podu_avali napredno sviranje ovog malog instrumenta. Opet kao jedini hrvatski predstavnik, imao sam _ast i zadovoljstvo prisustvovati radionici trenutno 'najve_eg', Joe Filiska iz Chicaga.U prosincu 2001. osnovao sam akusti_ni blues duo koji se tijekom sljede_e godine pretvorio u trio "Little Pigeon's ForHill Blues" kojeg _ine Ante Prgin iz _ibenika sa prebivali_tem u Zagrebu (gitara, vokal) i Nikola Herceg iz Zaboka (bas gitara) uz moje pjevanje i sviranje usne harmonike. Repertoar temeljim na starom blues zvuku nastalom po_etkom pro_log stolje_a u delti rijeke Mississippi ameri_kog juga - country blues.U sklopu ovog projekta nastupao sam diljem Hrvatske te gostovao na nekim zna_ajnim mjestima poput K.D. Vatroslav Lisinski u sklopu "Proljetne revije jazza 2002." sa direktnim radio prijenosom na Hrvatskom radiju Drugi program, nastup u BP Clubu 4.5.2002., otvaranje jam session-a u podrumskoj sceni "Zvonimir Rogoz" prvog dana "8. medjunarodnog festivala tradicionalnog jazz-a" u Vara_dinu 16.5.2002., gostovanje u emisije Hrvatske televizije "Dobro jutro Hrvatska" povodom na_eg nastupa na festivalu "Cest is d'best" 5.6.2002., nastup na splitskom "Blues Weekend-u" 29. i 30.11.2002., sa direktnim 50-minutnim radio prijenosom na Drugom programu Hrvatskog radija, 90 minutni live nastup na "Radio Sljemenu" u sklopu emisije "Radio pozornica" 26.07.2003., sudjelovanje na vara_dinskom "_pancir Fest-u 2003.", live svirka na Vara_dinskoj televiziji 29.08.2003., nastup u emisiji "Crno-bijelo u boji" na Hrvatskoj televiziji 30.08.2003., nastup na festivalu blues-usne harmonike odr_anom u zagreba_kom klubu "Purgeraj" od 23.-25.10.2003., te snimanje dokumentarne emisije "Jazz za po_etnike - Kako slu_ati Jazz?" koja se upravo emitira u skopu Obrazovnog program Hrvatske televizije.Uz to izdvajam nekolicinu _lanaka iza_lih u dnevnom tisku i lokalnim novinama.Takodjer bih spomenuo predavanje o usnim harmonikama koje sam tijekom prosinca 2003. odr_ao u Osnovnoj _koli u Zaboku te nai_ao na pozitivne reakcije i veliki interes djece za ovaj instrument.Na dodatan zahtjev mogu Vam poslati dokaze o gore navedenom; diplomu i priznanja, _lanke iz novina, live promo cd te snimku nastupa i gostovanja u programu Hrvatske televizije.S po_tovanjem,Tomislav GolubanKONTAKT: Tomislav GolubanGrabrovec 2, 49210 ZabokGSM: ++385 98/160 26 53 e-mail: tomislav.goluban@kr.htnet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Poziv na glazbeni forum http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5306/1/H-Poziv-na-glazbeni-forum.html ÂGlazbeni Forumwww.glazbeni-forum.comPozdrav gosp. Bach!Ja sam mladi hrvatski ljubitelj glazbe koji aktivno vjezba i uci gitaru vec nekoliko godina. Javljam vam se s pozivom da posjetite i ako vam se svidja postanete clan Glazbenog Foruma, koji je prvi takav na hrvatskom internetu. Nalazi se na adresi: www.glazbeni-forum.com Usko je specijaliziran i namijenjen aktivnim muzicarima.Pokrenuli smo ga ja i moj prijatelj Luka (Crazy Horse) prije gotovo godinu dana. Postoje odijeljenja elektricne gitare, bas gitare, bubnjeva...Do danas je vec prilicno narastao i napredovao i cast bi nam bila da nam se pridruzi jedan takav znalac poput vas!Pogledajte ako imate vremena i javite kako vam se svidja...Puno pozdrava i iskrena zahvala! Dino (mAnimal)manimal@glazbeni-forum.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 14 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Maestro Kabalin on NEW YORK COMPOSERS CIRCLE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5307/1/E-Maestro-Kabalin-on-NEW-YORK-COMPOSERS-CIRCLE.html ÂNEW YORK COMPOSERS CIRCLE LAUNCHES ITS SECOND SEASONDate: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 12:46:45 -0500 (EST)From: NYComposers@aol.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 9, 2004 For more information contact:Eugene Marlow646-312-3924or NYComposers@aol.com NEW YORK COMPOSERS CIRCLE LAUNCHES ITS SECOND SEASON:APRIL 13, 2004 CONCERT AT SAINT PETER'S CHURCH (CITICORP CENTER)FEATURES ALARIA New York: Debra Kaye, President of the New York Composers Circle (NYCC), has announced two concerts featuring new solo and chamber works by New York area composers.On April 13, 2004, 8 p.m., the New York Composers Circle will present a concert at Saint Peter's Church at the Citicorp Center (619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street). The Circle is proud to feature Alaria (Yuri Vodovoz, violin; Diliana Momtchilova, cello; and Nancy Garniez, piano) now celebrating its 20th year. Alaria will be joined by Mary Barto (flute), Andy Teirstein (viola), Yvonne Troxler (piano), and Cesar Vuksic (piano). The ensemble will perform an eclectic mix of new music by New York area composers Richard Brooks, Margaret Fairlie-Kennedy, Jacob E. Goodman, Jennifer Louis Griffith, Fedor Kabalin, Debra Kaye, Eugene W. McBride, Andy Teirstein, and Cesar Vuksic. Suggested donation: $15.The mission of the New York Composers Circle is to create an active community of composers and performers, and to provide them with a meeting ground that fosters camaraderie, collaboration, and development, both musically and professionally.According to Ms. Kaye, "One of the things I love about the Composers Circle is the opportunity it gives for composers and performers to work closely together in bringing new music to life. The fact that these relationships are ongoing opens up a lot of creative possibilities including the opportunity for developing a repertoire and performing the music more than once. This benefits everyone, audiences as well as the musicians involved. Another very special thing about the Circle is the atmosphere of congeniality, respect, and camaraderie of the informal music salons. Musicians sit in circle, listening together and exploring musical questions. This common purpose is a real bond. The fact that the Circle has nearly doubled in its second year shows what a need for this there is in the New York area." A second concert is scheduled for May 21st, 2004, at the Second Presbyterian Church, 6 West 96th Street (just off Central Park West). Details TBA. The NYCC presented its inaugural concert at Saint Peter's Church on May 4, 2003. New works by 12 composers were performed, including those of special guest, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Del Tredici. The composers were hailed by The New Music Connoisseur for their "raw power," and "sensitive" and "passionate" writing.The New York Composers Circle, founded by composer Jacob E. Goodman in 2002, was formed as an association of composers meeting monthly to play their music for each other. In its second season it has grown into an alliance of both composers and performers. The Circle continues to evolve by tapping the rich vein of talent and resources among its members. In addition to formal concerts, the NYCC now hosts new music readings with its partner Alaria. The next reading is scheduled for March 25, 2004, 6:30 pm at Frank and Camille's Fine Pianos, (29 West 57th Street, 2nd Floor). The NYCC also hosts occasional Sunday afternoon Jam & Tea sessions in which musicians experiment with improvisational forms.Honorary members include Tania Leon and Ezra Laderman.For more information, contact Debra Kaye, NYCC President, at 212-932-1376Âcomposerscircle@aol.com or Eugene Marlow, Chair, NYCC Publicity Committee, at 646-312-3924ÂNYComposers@aol.com .fedor.kabalin@nyu.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Merrillville, IN: Duquesne University Tamburitzans Concert http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5309/1/E-Merrillville-IN-Duquesne-University-Tamburitzans-Concert.html ÂTraditional 66th Duquesne University's Tamburitzans' ConcertCroatian Glee Club "Preradovic" proudly announces its sponsorship for the 66th consecutive year of Duquesne University's Tamburitzans' Concert on Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 4 PM at the Merrillville High School Auditorium located at 276 East 68th Place in Merrillville, IN. Tickets for this highly-acclaimed performance are as follows:$15.00 Adults in Advance ($17.00)Adults at Door$7.00 Children in Advance (up to 12 yrs.); $8.00 Children at DoorContacts for tickets: dorothy1@netnitco.net or bettyvince@surfnet.in or by phone: (219) 980-4996; (219) 462-6841; (219) 756-1387; (219) 662-2269;(219) 988-2462; (219 365-0517; or in Illinois (773) 646-1099The tamburitzans are full-time students earning undergraduate degrees in their chosen fields with the aid of performance scholarships from Duquesne University. Proceeds from their concerts fund the Tamburitzan Scholarship Fund.Submitted by Dorothy Borowski for Croatian Glee Club Preradovic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) AMAC aktivnosti u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5308/1/H-AMAC-aktivnosti-u-New-Yorku.html ÂAMAC aktivnosti, New Yorka i okoliceÂPod dinamickim vodstvom profesora Zlatka Bacica (NYU Department of Chemistry), predsjednika AMAC-MidAtlantic, u proteklih desetak mjeseci su odrzana cetiri vrlo interesantna susreta u Hrvatskom centru na Manhattanu (502 W 41st St.).U prvom susretu, 18. svibnja 2003, Zoran Bosnjak, tadasnji veleposlanik RH u UN, izneo je svoje osobnovidjenje hrvatske politike i diplomacije. Nakon toga, 26. listopada 2003, Dr. Zeljko Ivezic (Department of Astrophysics, Princeton University) odrzao je vanredno interesantno predavanje pod nazivom "Mapiranje neba". U njemu na popularan nacin predstavio nasa najnovija saznanja o Svemiru, njegovom pocetku, strukturi, i buducnosti, koja se dobrim dijelom zasnivaju na rezultatima tima ciji je Dr. Ivezic clan. 22. veljace, Dr. Karin Knesaurek, associate professor sa Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, odrzao je predavanje pod nazivom "Kompjuterizirana tomografija, pogled u unutrasnjost covjeka". U tom izlaganju Dr. Knesaurek je na popularan nacin opisao cetiri vrhunske dijagnosticke metode; transmisijsku kompjuteriziranu tomografiju (CT), jednofotonsku emisijsku kompjuteriziranu tomografiju (SPECT), pozitronsku emisijsku tomografiju (PET) i magnetsko rezonantno oslikavanje (MRI). Svaka od tih dijagnostiskih metoda ima odredjene prednosti, ali i ogranicenosti, te danas se vrlo cesto te metode i kombiniraju. Zahvaljujuci tih vrlo sofisticiranim dijagnostickim metodama, uveliko se poboljsala tocnost dijagnoza, te ukinula potreba za mnogo agresivnijim pristupima kao sto su eksploratorni kirurski zahvati, kolonoskopije, kateterizacije i biopsije. U zadnjem susretu 3. ozujka, imali smo priliku prisustvovati vrlo uspjesnom i odlicno primljenom koncertu, na kojem su profesor Jaksa Zlatar (Zagreb, klavir) i profesor Cveto Kobal (Maribor, flauta) izveli niz klavirskih kompozicija hrvatskih skladatelja, te kompozicija za flautu francuskih skladatelja. Prije izvodjenja svake kompozicije, professor Zlatar dao je mali komentar o njoj, sto je doprinjelo boljem razumijevanju i interesu publike. Na kraju koncerta, kao izenadjenje, gospodin Kobal je otpjevao par popularnih Gershvinovih kompozicija. Na kraju trebamo zahvaliti i gdji. Vesni Bacic i njenoj majci, gdji Slavici Dravoj, na izvanredno organiziranim domjencima poslije izlaganja na AMAC-ovim susretima. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Karin Knesaurek, PhD.Associate ProfessorDepartment of Radiology-Box 1141The Mount Sinai Medical Center1 Gustave Levy Pl.New York, NY 10029, USAtel:212-241-9368 fax:212-8312851e-mail:Karin.Knesaurek@msnyuhealth.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Novi broj - New issue of Croatian Chronicle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5311/1/HE-Novi-broj---New-issue-of-Croatian-Chronicle.html ÂU prodaji je novi brojhrvatsko-americkog mjesecnog glasila Croatian ChronicleU novom broju citajte;-Brojne vijesti i reportaze o dogadanjima u hrvatskim zajednicama diljem Amerike -Kako su Hrvati u Americi proslavili Festu svetoga Vlaha, Stepincevo i Valentinovo-Grupa 100 - Inicijativa iseljenih Hrvata za gospodarski preporod Hrvatske-Why Croatia needs to join NATO?-Sto donosi Bushova inicijativa novog zakona o legalizaciji stranaca?-Business profile: Steve Bubalo- "Ulagat cu u Hrvatsku ako nova Vlada ispuni svoja obecanja"-Condura Croatica - After nine centuries proudly sails again-Ultimate fighter Jerry Vrbanovic -"Scary Jerry": "Not afraid to Fight the Devil himself!"-Hollywood; Matko Brljevic- From the Holywood Hilltops Promotes the Croatian CultureSve 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, Gaspar's Deli, te u kioscima s etnickom stampom. U New Jerseyu novina se prodaje u ducanu Dubrovnik Deli.Croatian Chronicle proslog je tjedna upucen na adrese pretplatnika! Ispricavamo se za sva moguca eventualna kasnjenja; 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 KRONIKAPretplatite se na svoje hrvatske novine!Tel: 718 278-5760Fax: 718 228-4311P.O. BOX 3531Astoria, NY 11103info@croatianchronicle.com ÂThe 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. Read about how American-Croatians celebrated the Feast of St. Blaze, Stepincevo and Valentines Day. - Grupa 100 - An initiative of Croatian diaspora to help the economic revitalization of Croatian-Why Croatia needs to join NATO? - Insights into Bush's new proposal for legalization of illegal aliens - Business Profile: Steve Bubalo - "I will invest in Croatia if the new government keeps its promises"-Condura Croatica - After nine centuries proudly sails again-Ultimate fighter Jerry Vrbanovic -"Scary Jerry": "Not afraid to Fight the Devil himself!"-Hollywood; Matko Brljevic- From the Holywood Hilltops Promotes the Croatian CultureThe 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, 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!Please contact us at:Ph: 718 278-5760Fax: 718 228-4311P.O. BOX 3531Astoria, NY 11103info@croatianchronicle.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) From lounge lizards to cravat crusaders http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5310/1/E-From-lounge-lizards-to-cravat-crusaders.html ÂFrom lounge lizards to cravat crusaders By Simon Brooke Published: March 5 2004 20:25 | Last Updated: March 5 2004 20:25 There can be few items of clothing that have been ridiculed so mercilessly and banished for so long to fashion Siberia as the cravat. Damned as the accessory of choice for lounge lizards, dodgy colonels and amateur theatre productions, the cravat has had a hard time of it since being discarded at the beginning of the last century in favour of the less flamboyant tie.It is hardly surprising that modern men have rejected a look whose chief sponsors would seem to include Terri Thomas and Bertie Wooster. Only men like Aristotle Onassis, Gianni Agnelli or Conrad Hilton, who were so wealthy that either no one dared tell them or who knew but didn't care, would have been sporting such an extravagant accessory.But now the cravat is coming in from the cold. On the cravat crusade are Jude Law, Tom Ford at Yves Saint Laurent, Ewan McGregor, Guy Ritchie and Nick Moran, and assorted retailers. "Bring back the cravat," demands Jeremy Hackett of Hackett, one of the main sponsors of the revival. "It's about time people started taking an interest in the cravat again. It's a great half-way house between the casual look and a return to the tie."Hackett has a range of red and white spotted cravats in its spring collection. The owner's advice on how to avoid the "anyone-for-tennis?" pitfall is to keep it relaxed. "It looks better loose - hanging down a bit rather than neatly tied or completely straight. That way it looks quite artistic, quite Bohemian."Despite its absurd image in recent years, the cravat has a long, distinguished and stylish history. It first emerged during the 17th century when France recruited legions of mercenaries to fight in the Thirty-Years war. Among them were Croatians who sported colourful neckerchiefs to contrast with their drab uniforms and the mud that covered them.The French soldiers adopted this snazzy look and before long the trend had spread to the court of Louis XIV and eventually throughout Europe. During the 1800s, these neck scarves became longer and narrower and men began to tie them until, in 1924, an American named Jesse Langsdorf patented what has become the modern tie.The cravat has always been stronger in Europe than Britain and America. In Scandinavian countries, cravats are increasingly popular as a substitute for ties and scarves. "Cravats are stylish and trendy especially when worn loosely," says Ann-Britt Myers of Swedish designer Eton Shirts which is also offering cravats this season. She advises wearing a cravat with a plain white shirt and jeans as "the best antidote to the Bertie Wooster look". It also means you can experiment with a stronger pattern. "We have lots of bold designs such as stripes and colours including hot pinks, pistachio green and lilac, which are part of the new look for cravats," says Myers.But it has traditionally been Latin men with their natural sartorial adventurousness and self-confidence who have carried off the cravat with greater panache than British blokes in recent decades.At its autumn/winter shows, Hermès featured men in cravats in patterns and coloured drawings on the signature Hermès designs. Again bright colours and strong patterns here suggest that the cravat is becoming less self-effacing.Dark, understated colours will always work for the traditional British wearer but if you've got the colouring - and the nerve - you go for some pretty striking effects."It makes for a very smart look with a smoking jacket instead of a black tie," says a Hermès spokeswoman. "It's slightly decadent, slightly louche, but lots of men can get away with it."Angelo Galasso, designer at quirky Italian label Interno8, says: "I'd advise men to wear one in a plain pattern in strong contrast to the colour of the outfit." Keep it simple is the message from one continental cravat expert to a nervous British man considering this accessory."By contrasting colours," he adds, "it can soften a formal suit or make a casual suit more elegant, but it should always be 100 per cent pure silk."Nascent cravat wearers, take note.http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1078381566077&p=1016625900932 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Olja Stipanovic @ Queens Theatre in the Park http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5313/1/E-Olja-Stipanovic--Queens-Theatre-in-the-Park.html ÂOlja Stipanovic @ Queens Theatre in the ParkLong Island City Artists @Queens Theatre in the ParkFebruary 23 to March 31, 2004Michele Boneli, Cynthia Brown, Erin Butler, Margaret Cherubin, Marilee Cooper,Carol Crawford, Janice DeMartini, Lawrence Dobens, Seena Donneson, Margret Dreikausen, Maris Elman, Eveline Feldmann, Amy Geller, Moira Holohan, Ann Johnston Miller, Bruce Laird, Marla Lipkin, Robert Lobe, Susanne Palagy, Ghiorghita Rusu, Adele Shtern, Dan Silverstein, Maria Spector,Olja Stipanovic, Jeremiah Teipen, Miguel Torres, John Van Praag.February 23 to March 31, 2004A reception for the artists will be held onSaturday, March 6, 2004, from 6 to 8 pmQueens Theatre in the ParkFlushing Meadows Corona ParkP.O. Box 520069Flushing, NY 10052www.queenstheatre.org Gallery Hours: Tuesday â Saturday, 12 to 6 pmBy subway: #7 train to Willets Point-Shea Stadium stop.Exit Shea Stadium side and take the free shuttle, availablethat evening beginning at 5:30 pmBy car: Grand Central to exit 9E from Manhattan or exit 9Pfrom Long Island. Free parking in adjacent lot.For more information, please call (718) 760-0686Visit the LIC Artists website at: www.licartists.org Olja Stipanovic was born in Pula, Croatia where she started her art education. She moved to New York in 1992. She earned her BFA (painting) in 1998, and MFA (painting) in 2000, from Parsons School of Design - Fine Arts Department in New York. For the past 5 years she has been the resident of Long Island City where her studio is located. Her work has been exhibited in many group shows in New York City and abroad.Contact the artist: OStipanovic@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 06 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Concert and Lecture by Martina Cukrov, pianist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5312/1/E-Concert-and-Lecture-by-Martina-Cukrov-pianist.html ÂConcert and Lecture by Martina Cukrov, pianistSaturday, March 6, 2004 at 5PM32 Irving Ave, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632Martina Cukrov, pianistSpecial concert and lecture presentation featuring Croatian musical works.Information/directions: (201) 242-1718/ Shengf@aol.com Additional info already posted on CROWN, but as a reminder:Sunday, March 7, 2004 at 1 PMSts. Cyril & Metodious Church502 W 41st Street (10 and 11 ave)Jaksa Zlatar (piano professor, Zagreb Music Academy) & Cveto Kobal (flute, professor of chamber music, Maribor Faculty of Pedagogy) Program includes works of Croatian copmosers from 1800's to the present day. The program will begin with a short lecture about the development of piano music through Croatian history. There will be a reception following the program.Suggested donation: $10Information: 609.799.2828 Zlatko.bacic@nyu.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 06 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Beautiful Bosnia" Croatian Heritage Museum exhibit http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5318/1/E-Beautiful-Bosnia-Croatian-Heritage-Museum-exhibit.html Â"Beautiful Bosnia" Croatian Heritage Museum exhibit openingThe Croatian Heritage Museum and Library announces its newest exhibit"Beautiful Bosnia" featuring artwork by Vladimir Pintaric. Bosnia has longbeen the crossroads of many civilizations and cultures. It is thesecenturies of cultural diversity that has melded Bosnia into one of thefascinating, interesting and beautiful countries in Europe.Please join us on Sunday, March 7th, 2004 from 2 to 5 PM for a wine andcheese reception. The exhibit will run from March 7th through September 5th.Our regular hours are Friday evenings from 7 to 10 PM and other hours byappointment.The Croatian Heritage Museum is located in the American Croatian LodgeComplex, 34900 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, Oh. 44095. Also located in thiscomplex is the Dubrovnik Gardens Restaurant. To arrange group tours, pleasecall 216-991-2310.CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book by Tom Peric http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5317/1/E-Book-by-Tom-Peric.html ÂWacky Days by Tom PericThe following appeared in today's Haddonfield Herald from in thePhiladelphia suburbs of New Jersey. John KraljicHaddonfield resident pushes 'Wacky Days'By Martin C. Bricketto , Correspondent 03/04/2004MARTIN C. BRICKETTO -- Tom Peric stands next to a stack of his book,Wacky Days! in his office. How to create a 'real' holiday.Fifteen years ago, Tom Peric was a Cleveland-based reporter in themiddle of a slow day. He opened his copy of Chase's Calendar of Events -a national registry for holidays, saw that "National Epitaph Day" wasapproaching on Nov. 1 (All Saints' Day) and decided it would make a neatstory.He eventually interviewed Lance Hardie, who founded "National EpitaphDay" to suggest people think about what becomes the most important shortsentence of their lives and to promote the fact that he would writeanyone an epitaph for $5. Around Nov. 1, radio stations would call himfor interviews on the notion of epitaphs."I was fascinated by this guy," Peric said. "And this was before I wasinterested in public relations."Now - after a career-switch, marriage, the birth of a son, and a move toHaddonfield - Peric is hoping Hardie's formula works for him. Herecently created "Publicity for Profit Week" in celebration of his book,Wacky Days!: How to Get Millions of $$$ in Free Publicity by Creating a"Real" Holiday and Other Tactics Used by Media Experts, which came outin February."I'm convinced I can take this book to the airwaves," he said.Peric is the president of Galileo Communications, a seven-year-old firmin Cherry Hill that deals in editorial products and public relationsconsulting. The journalist of 25 years started the company in Ohio witha printer, funeral home, and furniture store as his initial publicrelations clients.Since then, he has accrued clients with stock on the New York StockExchange and the 25th largest privately held company and 12th largestinvestor-owned utility in the United States. He speaks at conferencesand teaches at the Haddonfield Adult School on public relations topics.In 2001, he decided to put the tricks of his trade into book form."I'm convinced that everyone has a story that's newsworthy.Unfortunately, people don't understand what makes news," he said.The end result is a guide for small businesses and not-for-profits togenerate free publicity for their ventures. But to attract mediaattention for his own venture, Peric needed a hook. He chose one of thequirkier pieces of advice in his book - create you own holiday."One of the most unusual pieces that no one knows about is how weird andunusual days that we hear about and celebrate come to be," he said.And according to Peric, creating your own holiday doesn't take apresidential edict."It's shockingly simple," he said. "It's so simple you almost want tofaint."All it takes is submitting your holiday to a registry like Chase'sCalendar of Events - a veritable bible for national holidays located inevery library across the country. It mixes the silly and solemn. "DumpYour 'Significant Jerk' Day" is just entries away from "National BreastCancer Awareness Month" or "Black History Month.""It would be like saying there were one or two yellow pages for theUnited States." he said. "But instead of having to pay for an ad, youcan get in for free."Creating your own holiday is just one of the PR tips in Wacky Days! thatPeric simultaneously recommends and employs. Following his own advice,he started a toll-free number (866-WACKYDAYS) and website(www.wackydays.com). Other tips in the book focus on writing pressreleases, how to become an expert in your field, and what to do whensomeone from the media contacts you.But regardless of what happens with Wacky Days!, Peric said he is livingthe American Dream. Of Croatian descent, he was born in an Austrianrefugee camp in 1951 and is the second oldest of nine children. He movedto Haddonfield from Ohio in 1999. His wife, Cheryl Federline - a formerinternational trade expert Spanish teacher in the Woodbury School System- went to the same grammar school that their 10-year-old son, AndrewPaul currently attends."I think I always wanted to live in a small English village," he said."Haddonfield is my version of that."©Haddon Herald 2004 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 'Passion' the best in the history http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5316/1/E-Passion-the-best-in-the-history.html ÂGibson's 'Passion' rakes in US$125.2m in first five daysLOS ANGELES (AP) - Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ'' took in $125.2 million in its first five days, passing "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' for the best gross by a movie opening on a Wednesday. In its first weekend, "The Passion'' grossed US$83.8 million. The top 20 movies at North American theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, number of theater locations, average receipts per location, total gross and number of weeks in release, as compiled Monday by Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. and Nielsen EDI Inc.: 1. "The Passion of the Christ,'' Newmarket, $83,848,082, 3,043 locations, $27,554 average, $125,185,971, one week. 2. "50 First Dates,'' Sony, $12,565,729, 3,450 locations, $3,642 average, $88,683,963, three weeks. 3. "Twisted,'' Paramount, $8,904,299, 2,703 locations, $3,294 average, $8,904,299, one week. 4. "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen,'' Disney, $6,346,941, 2,503 locations, $2,536 average, $16,905,932, two weeks. 5. "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,'' Lions Gate, $5,811,325, 2,042 locations, $2,846 average, $5,811,325, one week. 6. "Miracle,'' Disney, $4,469,617, 2,222 locations, $2,012 average, $56,328,330, four weeks. 7. "Eurotrip,'' DreamWorks, $4,051,428, 2,544 locations, $1,593 average, $12,758,176, two weeks. 8. "Welcome to Mooseport,'' Fox, $3,279,764, 2,868 locations, $1,144 average, $11,539,863, two weeks. 9. "Barbershop 2: Back in Business,'' MGM, $3,125,536, 1,524 locations, $2,051 average, $57,575,543, four weeks. 10. "Broken Lizard's Club Dread,'' Fox Searchlight, $3,035,688, 1,807 locations, $1,680 average, $3,035,688, one week. 11. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,'' New Line, $2,174,665, 1,112 locations, $1,956 average, $364,115,612, 11 weeks. 12. "Mystic River,'' Warner Bros., $2,085,463, 1,125 locations, $1,854 average, $82,234,706, 21 weeks. 13. "Monster,'' Newmarket, $2,006,422, 968 locations, $2,073 average, $26,815,006, 10 weeks. 14. "Cold Mountain,'' Miramax, $1,333,182, 1,113 locations, $1,198 average, $92,685,850, 10 weeks. 15. "Against the Ropes,'' Paramount, $1,333,157, 1,601 locations, $833 average, $5,104,925, two weeks. 16. "The Butterfly Effect,'' New Line, $1,254,484, 1,035 locations, $1,212 average, $55,377,579, six weeks. 17. "You Got Served,'' Sony Screen Gems, $1,226,543, 816 locations, $1,503 average, $38,145,620, five weeks. 18. "Something's Gotta Give,'' Sony, $811,412, 672 locations, $1,207 average, $122,736,489, 12 weeks. 19. "Along Came Polly,'' Universal, $690,560, 664 locations, $1,040 average, $86,149,245, seven weeks. 20. "In America,'' Fox Searchlight, $514,012, 202 locations, $2,545 average, $14,058,905, 14 weeks. - AP  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatia in New Grove http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5315/1/E-Croatia-in-New-Grove.html ÂCroatia in New Grove Because I teach music history (and because I found a really good bargain price!), I recently purchased the entire hard-bound, 29-volume set of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. It was a joy to see a nice long entry in volume 6 on Croatian music, from pp. 700-709. It covers both Art and traditional music from medieval times to the year 2000, including musical examples when needed. And (as usual with Grove's) the entry includes an excellent bibliography in a variety of languages. The bibliography covers the following areas: art music, music collections, studies of special regions, instruments, dances, recordings, and other studies.Many thanks to the excellent work of Stanislav Tuksar and Grozdana Marosevic for this English-language source. Many thanks to the New Grove editors for this, as well as entries on over 50 composers now identified as Croatian on the online Grove. And many thanks to Croatia for being a small but excellent country full of incredibly talented musicians!Suzanne Lordlordlord@siu.edu Nenad: it's a paid subscription. Our university subscribes, as do others. I would imagine that English-language libraries (at least the larger ones in metropolitan areas) would also subscribe. The home page address is:http://www.grovemusic.com/ PS: Congratulations on your Vanguard entry! The cream always rises to the top! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Justice" on Cleveland Film Festival, plus http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5314/1/E-Justice-on-Cleveland-Film-Festival-plus.html ÂJustice on many Film FestivalsEditor's note:Film that I scored (wrote music for) is playing all over the world. If you are in Cleveland, you can see it. If you are in New Jersey, you can see it too. And soon (march 31 in Toronto). Played in Brasil, Hawaii, Asia, Europe etc.Nenadhttp://clevelandfilmfestival.com/films/index.php?Get=Film&Film_ID=95 Show All Films Change Date: ------------------------- Thursday, March 18, 2004 Friday, March 19, 2004 Saturday, March 20, 2004 Sunday, March 21, 2004 Monday, March 22, 2004 Tuesday, March 23, 2004 Wednesday, March 24, 2004 Thursday, March 25, 2004 Friday, March 26, 2004 Saturday, March 27, 2004 Sunday, March 28, 2004 Buy Stuff Login   Justice USA, 2003 - 80 minutes Directed by Evan Oppenheimer After "American Splendor" how about another funny-sad rumination on making sense of a crazy world through the comics? That would be just. In fact, that would be JUSTICE, set in a post-September 11 New York City. Drew, a comics writer who lost his best friend in the Twin Towers, tires of penning hackneyed superhero word-balloons. He envisions a new character more in step with a shaken society. No superpowers or radioactivity. Only a decent citizen (albeit cloaked), fighting mortal villains. Needing real-life inspiration for the average-avenger "Justice." Drew strategically befriends Tre, a handsome substitute teacher he finds playing pickup basketball. The debut issue is a hit, and a Village Voice reporter fan starts asking questions. How does Drew tell Tre he's a hero, with a secret identity so secret even he didn't know he had it? On the edges of the narrative are Roberta, an activist lawyer fighting Mayor Giuliani's city hall, and Mohammed, a Muslim from India selling bagels from his cart. When we realize their significance, it hits harder than the Hulk. This Marvel of a sophomore feature puts Evan Oppenheimer in a League of Extraordinary Filmmakers. Producer: Amy R. Baird, Amelia Dallis Screenplay: Evan Oppenheimer Cinematography: Luke Geissbuhler Editing: Allison Eve Zell Music: Nenad Bach Principal Cast: Erik Palladino, Catherine Kellner, Michael Jai White, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Ajay Naidu, Marisa Ryan, David Patrick Kelly About the Director: Evan Oppenheimer graduated with a degree in English from Yale University. After editing books for Atheneum Publishers he enrolled in film school at New York University. Selected Filmography: "The Auteur Theory" (2000), JUSTICE (2003) Print Sources: Evan Oppenheimer 12 East 14th St., 5C New York NY 10003 USA p: (212) 924 4994 f: (801) 217 5834 e: evan@nyc.rr.com Category: American Independents, FilmSlam  Showing dates for Justice: Quantity Title Date Time Code Cost Status  Justice 03/25/2004 7:45 pm 25N $9.00   Justice 03/26/2004 5:00 pm 26K $9.00   http://www.myhelan.org/Pages/FFschedule.html MYHELAN Indie Film Festival. (I'll try to be there on Saturday night March 6,2004)Look for Toronto Film Fest. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds - Scandinavian Flute on March 6 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5322/1/E-Sylvan-Winds---Scandinavian-Flute-on-March-6.html ÂWe invite you to join the Sylvan Winds on SATURDAY, MARCH 6 AT 4:00 P.M. VICTOR BORGE HALL atSCANDINAVIA HOUSE presenting theSCANDINAVIAN FLUTESCANDINAVIA HOUSE is located at 58 Park Avenue (38th Street)Tickets are $20/$10 for students and seniors.For further ticket information, please call (212) 222 - 3569 Program: J.H. ROMAN Sonata No. 5 in E Minor (1727)SAARIAHO NoaNoa for solo flute & electronics (1992)A.H. SVEINSSON Intermezzo for flute & piano KUHLAU Divertissement in G Major, Op. 68, No. 5 GRIEG Sonata No. 2 in G MajorJoin us for another adventure exploring diverse sounds from Scandinavia. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are each repesented in this program. From Swedish Baroque composer J.H. Roman to Kaija Saariaho's work for flute & electronic sounds and Grieg's romantic sonata, we promise a most interesting program. We invite you, your family, friends and colleagues to join us!If there are others whom you think may be interested in attending, please forward this reminder.See you there!Svjetlana Kabalinsylvanwinds@worldnet.att.netFor ticket reservations, please call (212) 222-3569. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski glasovir kroz stoljeca - New York 7 Ozujka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5321/1/H-Hrvatski-glasovir-kroz-stoljeca---New-York-7-Ozujka.html ÂALMAE MATRIS ALUMNI CROATICAE (AMAC)Association of Alumni and Friends of Croatian UniversitiesMid-Atlantic Section (c/o Nenad Gucunski) Rutgers University623 Bowser Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854Vas srdacno poziva na glazbeno poslije podne ÂAuthor Jaksa Zlatar will show, through ten musical examples, development of Croatian piano music in Croatia from the 18th century till today. See examples below. Dragi clanovi i prijatelji AMACa,Pozivamo Vas na muzicko poslije podne koje AMAC organizira u nedjelju, 7. ozujka u 13:00, u Hrvatskom centru na Manhattanu (502 W 41st St.), u velikoj dvorani ispod crkve. Nasi gosti su Jaksa Zlatar (Zagreb, klavir) i Cveto Kobal (Maribor, flauta). Nadamo se da ce te doci u sto vecem broju. Kao i uvijek, molimo Vas da pozovete i Vase prijatelje i znance.Uz srdacan pozdrav i postovanje,Zlatko Bacic, PredsjednikAMAC-MidatlanticNedjelja, 7. ozujka 2004.u 1 sat poslije podneHrvatski Centar - Velika dvoranaCrkva Sv. Cirila i Metoda u New Yorku502 W 41st StreetGosti:Jaksa Zlatar, Profesor klavira, Muzicka Akademija u ZagrebuCveto Kobal, Profesor komorne glazbe, Pedagoski Fakultet u MariboruJaksa ZlatarPredavanje i recital: Kratki pregled razvoja klavirske glazbe u HrvatskojJaksa Zlatar, klavir & Cveto Kobal, flautaKoncertNakon koncerta, druzenje uz kolace, kavu i desertno vino. Dobrovolji prilog od $10 po osobi.PROGRAMJaksa ZlatarPredavanje i recital: Kratki pregled razvoja klavirske glazbe u HrvatskojAutor ce kroz deset glazbenih primjera prikazati razvoj klavirske glazbe u Hrvatskoj od 18. stoljeca do danasnjh dana. Primjeri su:1. Sonata za cembalo: nepoznati autor sa otoka Krka (18. stoljece)2. Leopold Ebner: Sonata, Allegro con brio (1811.)3. Ferdo Livadic: Notturno (1822.)4. Vatroslav Lisinski: Mazurka (1849.)5. Dora Pejacevic: 2 notturna (1919/1920)6. Bozidar Kunc: Mlado lisce (1933); Bagatella (1944.)7. Marko Tajcevic: Sedam balkanskih igara (1938.)8. Boris Papandopulo: Studija (1956.)9. Stjepan Sulek: Sonata (1958.)10. Frano Parac: Ples barunice (1993.)PauzaCveto Kobal, flauta & Jaksa Zlatar, klavirKoncertMichel Blavet: 4th sonata in g-majorFrancois Couperin: Concert royale nr.4 for flute and harpsichordAldo Kumar: MorningsDarius Milhaud: SonatineFranck Martin: Ballade pour flute et piano letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) PJEVANJE JE ZDRAVO, Singing is healthy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5320/1/H-PJEVANJE-JE-ZDRAVO-Singing-is-healthy.html ÂZNANSTVENICI: PJEVANJE JE ZDRAVOFRANKFURT, 6. veljace 2004. (Hina/dpa) - Pjevanje je zdravo i jaca imunološki sustav, tvrde znanstvenici s Sveucilišta u Frankfurtu, koji svoje tvrdnje potkrepljuju rezultatima krvnih pretraga provedenih na clanovima amaterskog zbora.Clanovi zbora dali su krv na analizu prije i poslije pjevanja Mozartova Rekvijema. Za vrijeme pjevanja razina imunoglobulina A i kortizola - cimbenika koji pokazuju dobro funkcioniranje imunološkog sustava - bili su bitno povišeni.Drugi uzorak krvi uzet je tjedan poslije. Crkvenom zboru tada nije bilo dopušteno da pjeva, ali su clanovi zbora slušali snimku Rekvijema. Rezultati su pokazali da promatrana razina u krvi nije bila iznad normale kao u prvom testu.Znanstvenici su ustvrdili kako se tijekom pjevanja pojacalo i pozitivno raspoloženje sudionika."Glazbene aktivnosti pozitivno djeluju ne samo na fiziološke faktore, nego i na autonomni živcani sustav", zakljucio je profesor Hans Guenter Bastian s Instituta za glazbenu naobrazbu". Istraživanje je objavljeno u casopisu Behavioral Medicine.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Chileans in New Book http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5319/1/E-Croatian-Chileans-in-New-Book.html ÂDesert journey of revelationThe following book review appeared in today's Miami Herald Tribune.John KraljicTRAVELDesert journey of revelationPoet provides a fascinating look at a world of haunting beauty and colorful characters.BY IKE SEAMANSDESERT MEMORIES: Journeys Through the Chilean North.Ariel Dorfman. National Geographic. 283 pages. $21.Ariel Dorfman's chronicle of the vast, remote Chilean desert isreminiscent of In Patagonia, Bruce Chatwin's 1977 classic about thatvast, remote region in Argentina. Their styles are analogous, blendinganecdote, whimsy, history and nostalgia to paint an indelible picture oftwo South American treasures.Chatwin pursued ghostly legends of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid andother ''bandoleros norteamericanos'' who frequented Patagonia. Dorfman,acclaimed novelist, poet, playwright and journalist, found no glamorousghosts in the Atacama Desert. He was on a mission to unearth ''themultiple origins'' of his adopted homeland, where his parents moved in1954 from New York. ''In the desert,'' he writes, ''secrets of the pastcan be uncovered because in a place like this, they have never beentruly lost. They are merely waiting for the right hand, the right eye,to bring them back to life.'' He has crafted nothing less than a lovestory encompassing family, friends and nation.Atacama is the world's driest desert, but it isn't a sun-bakedwasteland. It is dotted with mining towns and industrial cities, and for10,000 years silver, iron, copper and nitrate have been extracted fromits fertile soil. The mid-19th century discovery of nitrate ignited aboom, transforming Chile into a modern state that generated oligarchicwealth for some and terrible inequalities for most. As a result, theregion became the cradle of workers' rights and labor organizations,giving birth to the first Chilean democratic and socialist movements.Northern Chile has nurtured every major modern political figure fromMarxist-inspired President Salvador Allende, for whom Dorfman onceworked, to dictator Augusto Pinochet who overthrew Allende in a 1973U.S.-backed coup, forcing the author to flee for his life, unable toreturn until 1990. (None of this is covered in this book). Dorfmanalways ignored ''El Norte Grande'' because of ''blindness to itspleasures and challenges . . . and a deep-seated prejudice againstdeserts,'' which dissipated during this 2002 trek.Dorfman tiptoes along the fault lines as he describes the hauntingbeauty as only a poet can: ''[A] dizzying array of browns, grays andterra-cottas . . . dunes of carrot-like pale red . . . seas of clay andstones . . . drunk with shades and pigments and color.'' Guided bycolorful characters passionate about desert life, Dorfman transportsreaders to copper mines that saved the nation's economy after thenitrate industry collapsed and to such ghost towns as Pampa Union, oncefilled with brothels, bars, opium dens and gambling joints, ``onlyvisited now by whirlwinds and shifting sands.''Dorfman also had deeply personal motivations to initiate this journey ofrevelation as he and his wife searched for her lost family history.Angelica's ancestors arrived from Croatia in the 1880s to reap richesfrom the desert. Despite an exhaustive effort, most of the saga remainsburied. In another poignant twist, Dorfman obsessively seeks clues aboutthe fate of close friend and fellow 1960s political activist FreddyTaberna, a Marxist who was executed in a desert death camp formachinations deemed harmful to Pinochet's dictatorship. His body hasnever been found.Those not familiar with Chile or Dorfman, now a professor at DukeUniversity, may be puzzled by his vague, off-hand references to Chileanpolitics and his exile. Perhaps because the desert sojurn was only threeweeks, this brief memoir rambles tangentially and is uneven, skimmingthe surface on some topics while fixating ad infinitum on copper andnitrate mining, which only experts will appreciate. But overall, this isa fascinating peek at a little-known place that ``engenderedcontemporary Chile, everything that was good about it, everything thatwas dreadful.''Ike Seamans is senior correspondent for WTVJ/NBC6. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Save Disney Supporters Join Us on March 2 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5325/1/E-Save-Disney-Supporters-Join-Us-on-March-2.html  SaveDisney supporters !An Invitation to Join Us In Philadelphia on March 2 From Roy E. Disney And Stanley P. Gold As a valued SaveDisney supporter, we would like to invite you to join Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold for a SaveDisney.com Briefing and Reception in Philadelphia on Tuesday March, 2, from 4pm to 6pm (the day before the Disney Annual meeting, to be held in the same city). Unlike the Disney meeting, the SaveDisney event will be open to ALL supporters. Our meeting will be held at the Loews Hotel at 1200 Market Street in downtown Philadelphia. The Disney Annual Meeting will be held a few blocks away on Wednesday March 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street. Registration for the Disney Annual Meeting begins at 8 am and seating is available at 9 am. We urge you to attend both the SaveDisney.com meeting on Tuesday and the Walt Disney Annual meeting on Wednesday. At our meeting, which will be an open forum, we intend to tell those who attend why we believe they should join us in Voting No on the election of Michael Eisner, George Mitchell, John Bryson and Judith Estrin as Disney Directors. We will also discuss why we resigned from the Disney Board and why we are seeking to replace Michael Eisner as the company's CEO. We think it is important that the facts be put in perspective. For example: In 1994, Disney's operating income was $3.1 billion. Despite investing more than $25 billion in Company operations since, Disney's operating income in fiscal year 2003 was only $3.2 billion. Assuming the Company achieves its forecasts for Fiscal 2004, earnings will only approximate those achieved 6 years ago. In 1995, the market showed confidence in the Disney name and rewarded the company with an average price-to-book ratio of nearly 6x. In 2003, Disney's average price-to-book ratio was under 2.0x. While Disney stock has had a good recovery recently, $10,000 invested on January 1, 1996 would have grown to only $11,497 by December 31, 2003. This same amount, $10,000, invested in a Dow Jones index fund on January 1, 1996, would have grown to $20,191 by December 31, 2003. There is much more we intend to share with you including our thoughts concerning the Company's serious governance deficiencies and the actions we believe need to be taken to correct these deficiencies. It is our belief that the more Disney shareholders know the more likely they are to support our position. But as much as we have to share with you, we do not intend to have this meeting be a monologue. We are anxious to meet you and hear your views. We look forward to your questions and comments. To assist you in attending the meeting, we have secured special discount travel arrangements specifically for Disney Shareholders from cities across the nation. (Additional information follows this letter.) We have every expectation that you will see a lot of glitz and razzle-dazzle at Disney's annual meeting. Unfortunately, in our view that has been the modus operandi of the Company in recent years: a lot of fluff and not enough substance. We believe the company's shareholders deserve the facts without the spin. You will get the facts at our meeting on the 2nd. We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia. Sincerely, Roy E. Disney Stanley P. Gold Don't Forget to RSVP We'd like to be able to accommodate all those wishing to attend the March 2 briefing. Please RSVP to us so we can gauge the crowd size adequately. Send us an e-mail to rsvp@savedisney.com and in the subject line only, write the number of people attending. Responding does not guarantee admission but will allow us to better prepare for the day. Please do not email us more than once. Actual admission is on a first come, first served basis. Thanks for taking the time to inform us. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) What is the ultimate goal of SaveDisney.com http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5324/1/E-What-is-the-ultimate-goal-of-SaveDisneycom.html ÂSave Disney .com What is the ultimate goal of SaveDisney.com?This website is devoted to those concerned about the welfare of The Walt Disney Company and its future direction. Stan Gold and I plan to use this site as a central information location as we begin to restore Disney to its position as the preeminent entertainment company in the world. We have also provided a mechanism for all interested parties to provide ideas, comments, concerns and input, and we sincerely hope that you will communicate with us. I thank you for your concern about this wonderful Company founded by my father and uncle more than 80 years ago whose sole motivation was to provide lasting and wholesome entertainment to people around the world. I seek your support as we embark on this extremely important mission to restore the magic and wonder to The Walt Disney Company. Sincerely, Roy E. Disney Who is Roy E. Disney? Roy Edward Disney served as vice chairman of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company and chairman of Walt Disney Animation from 1984 until 2003. Disney assumed the responsibility for providing overall guidance and direction to the Animation Department in 1984. This was his first full-time role at the studio since 1977. Earlier, he served Disney for 25 years in various capacities, including vice president in charge of the company's wildlife films, producer, director and writer. He became a member of the board of directors in 1967 Concurrently, he maintains business interests outside Disney. He is chairman of Shamrock Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned family enterprise that he organized in 1978, with headquarters in Burbank, Calif. He began his entertainment industry career in 1953, working as an assistant film editor on the "Dragnet" TV series. He joined The Walt Disney Company in 1954 and served as assistant film editor on motion pictures, including "The Living Desert" and "The Vanishing Prairie," both Academy Award® winners. As a writer and production associate, he received an Academy Award® nomination for his work on the short subject "Mysteries of the Deep" in 1959. From writing, Disney went on to produce and direct some 35 other TV and theatrical productions, then became an independent producer and investor. Disney was born in Los Angeles Jan. 10, 1930, to Roy O. Disney and Edna Francis Disney. His father and his uncle Walt co-founded the Disney entertainment business. He attended Harvard School and Pomona College, where he graduated in 1951 with a major in English. He serves on the board of trustees of California Institute of the Arts, the advisory board of St. Joseph Medical Center and the board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Inc. He is a member of the board of directors of the United States Committee for UNICEF, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of the Peregrine Fund and a member of the board of trustees of Ronald McDonald House charities. In 1997, he was awarded the first "Mort Walker Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cartoon Industry," by the Boca Raton International Museum of Cartoon Art. Disney received honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees from his alma mater, Pomona College, and from Mercy College. In 2003, California Institute of Arts selected him for an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. Disney was a recipient of the 1999 National Catholic Education Association Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to children and education. In April of 1999, Disney received the Henry Bergh Humane Award from the ASPCA, and in the Spring of 2000, he was awarded the Inaugural Environmental Leadership Award from the Audubon Society. Married in 1955 to Patricia Ann Dailey, Disney is the father of four children -- Roy Patrick, Susan Margaret, Abigail Edna and Timothy John Disney. He is the grandfather of thirteen. Disney's outside interests include offshore yacht racing and he holds numerous elapsed-time records for race passages on the Pacific Ocean, including the Transpace Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Is Roy E. Disney Walt's brother? The late Roy O. Disney was Walt's brother and co-founder of Walt Disney Productions. Roy E. Disney is his son, Walt's nephew. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Disney is not just another company http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5323/1/E-Disney-is-not-just-another-company.html ÂSave Disney .com "Like the old farmer, you've got to pour it back into the ground if you want to get it out." Walt Disney"I believe that our mission has always been to be bringers of joy, to be affirmers of the good in each of us, to be - in subtle ways - teachers, and to speak, as Walt once said, "not to children but to the child in each of us," by way of great storytelling, by way of giving our guests a few hours in another world where their cares can be momentarily put aside, and by way of the memories of those moments that remain with people forever." -Roy E. Disney Save Disney for Future Generations"Disney is not just another company. It is an American icon. Will the Comcast bid prove to be the stimulus that finally stirs the Disney board to awake from its acquiescence and lethargy and live up to its responsibilities? Shareholders can only hope."-Stanley P. GoldEditor's Note:I would ad that Disney is not just an American icon, but the World Cultural Heritage. People who were born in this country do not have the vision of it's domestic values that are important world wide and as well appreciated. Micky Mouse is not a symbol of imperialism as someone would like it to present, but a symbol of innocence that we do not dare to lose. The vision or Walt & Roy Disney is the last line of defense of decency in entertainment. The way CEOs value their time with excessive compensation (more than $700 million in a few years. From 1996 till 2003 - my God... I have no comment), our innocence is melting away rapidly.One would ask a question, what is it your business, unless you are a shareholder? First, this is for Disney shareholders, but even more for the general public. Yes, we should and we will protest when art like Disney is being treated like a cheap commodity. Quality is the word that is associated with Disney and it should stay that way. Read www.SaveDisney.com send your opinion and support to Mr. Roy Disney and Stanley Gold and join us, shareholder or not, on March 2nd in Philadelphia. If not, voice your opinion locally in your newspapers, radio & TV shows, schools, clubs etc. -Nenad BachEditor in Chiefwww.Croatia.org www.NenadBach.comWalt Disney Talks His Business Philosophy The following interview with Walt Disney was conducted by NBC in 1966. On the surface, in his highly informal, friendly way, Walt's business philosophy seems relatively simplistic. Translated, however, it provides an understanding as to why he was so highly rated by the business world. NBC: Walt, why did you pick Anaheim as the site for Disneyland? WALT: The Disneyland concept kept growing and growing and it finally ended up where I felt I needed two-three hundred acres. So, I wanted it in the Southern California area, there were certain things that I felt that I needed, such as flat land, because I wanted to make own hills. I didn't want it near the ocean, I wanted it sort of inland, so I had a survey group go out and hunt for areas that might be useful. And they finally came back with several different areas and we settled on Anaheim because the price of the acreage was right. But there was more to it than that. And that is that Anaheim was sort of a growing area. The freeway projection was such that we could see that the freeway would set Anaheim as sort of a hub. Well, that's how we selected Anaheim. NBC: Do you feel Anaheim has lived up to expectations? WALT: In every way, the city fathers have been wonderful. They've given us wonderful cooperation right from the start and they are still cooperating. NBC: What has been your biggest problem? WALT: Well, I'd say it's been my biggest problem all my life - it's money. It takes a lot of money to make these dreams come true. From the very start it was a problem of getting the money to open Disneyland. About 17 million dollars it took. We had everything mortgaged, including my family. We were able to get it open and for ten or eleven years now we've been pouring more money back in. In other words, like the old farmer, you've got to pour it back into the ground if you want to get it out. That's been my brother's philosophy and mine too. NBC: What plans for the future do you have at Disneyland? WALT: There's a little plaque out there that says, "As long as there is imagination left in the world, Disneyland will never be complete." We have big plans. This year, we finished over $20 million in new things. Next June, I hope, we'll have a new Tomorrowland; and starting from the ground up, building a whole new Tomorrowland. And it's going to run about $20 million bucks. NBC: What steps have you taken to see that Disneyland will always be good, family entertainment? WALT: Well, by this time, my staff, my young group of executives are convinced that Walt is right, that quality will win out, and so I think they will stay with this policy because it's proven it's a good business policy. Give the public everything you can give them, keep the place as clean as you can keep it, keep it friendly - I think they're convinced and I think they'll hang on after - as you say, "after Disney." Thus, in the space of a brief, four-minute interview, Walt Disney covered no less than eight business considerations which went into the decision making process affecting Disneyland. Masterplanning... analyzing alternatives... evaluating costs... growth potential... working with government... taking risks... looking at investments and re-investment... up-grading, continually improving the product. There is an old adage in the film industry... "You're only as good as your last picture." Actually, in business anywhere today, the standard is even tougher: "you're only as good as next year's results." Success today is not a vaccine for future economic ills. Many great businesses at one time or another, practically institutions and permanent fixtures on the American scene, have fallen by the wayside. Ironically, among the publishing giants on hand in 1955 as Disneyland struggled through its "Black Sunday" press opening were Look magazine, Collier's, The Saturday Evening Post, and Life. And among the cars in the parking lot were new Hudsons, Studebakers, Packards, and DeSotos. In 1955, they all had a vital, thriving part in the American scene. By 1975 they were all gone... along with dozens of other companies with long histories and great traditions. Realistically speaking, what guarantee does the Disney organization have that some competition, perhaps not even in existence as we know it today, doesn't surpass us or worse yet... gain control of our organization? Walt Disney developed his own guarantee. He always said that we could never stand still. He had to explore, innovate and experiment and he was never satisfied with his work. "If any of you starts to rest on your laurels, forget it," he told his staff. That was his guarantee for the future. (An archival article from the mid-70's.) The Eisner Effect By Stanley P. Gold As Published in The Wall Street Journal February 20, 2004 At a time when the once-obscure issue of corporate governance has become a front-page concern, company directors who used to view their positions as sinecures are finding themselves on the hot seat. It's not easy to ride herd on a chief executive whom you probably like, at whose table you've probably supped, and to whom you probably owe your position. But that's what directors are expected to do in the aftermath of Enron, Adelphia and Tyco. Perhaps the toughest challenge a board can encounter is facing up to its responsibilities when a CEO has clearly outlived his usefulness, which is to say when his strategies or management style cause more problems than they solve. At major corporations, CEOs tend not to be shrinking violets. Typically, they are powerful, self-assured personalities who don't like being told what to do, much less being told it's time to leave. Delivering this sort of message to such an outsized figure -- and then enforcing it -- requires real courage. But in the end, that's what a board is there to do. A board's ability to assert its authority is the ultimate measure of whether or not its members are actually serving the company and the stockholders whose interests they are supposed to represent. What happens when a board is unable to muster the resolve necessary to confront a CEO? As it happens, I have some personal experience in this area. More than two months ago, Roy Disney and I resigned as directors of the Walt Disney Company to protest just such a failure of nerve. As Roy and I made clear over the last several weeks, we tendered our resignations after several years of trying to work from within to make the Disney board more responsive to shareholders. The problem, as we saw it, was two-fold: a CEO in Michael Eisner who would not brook criticism, foster talent or groom a successor; and a board that was unwilling or unable even to question, let alone challenge him. This unfortunate combination has been problematic for Disney, costing the company its focus, its creative energy, and its position as the world's leading creator of family entertainment. While Disney has posted some improved numbers of late, they are neither sustainable nor do they come close to making up for nearly a decade of substandard performance. The fact is, even after the company's gains in 2003, its operating income is only back to slightly more than what it was in 1996. And this is after reinvesting approximately $15 billion over this period. In particular, one has only to consider the dismal state of the ABC Television Network, the decline of the company's signature theme parks, and the mediocre performance of such expensive cable assets as ABC Family -- not to mention Mr. Eisner's inability to maintain key creative relationships with both longtime employees and outside partners -- to see that something is seriously wrong with the way Disney is being managed. Not surprisingly, Mr. Eisner dismissively rejects this view of his stewardship. Be that as it may, it happens to be precisely what motivated Comcast, the largest cable company, to launch an unexpected takeover bid for Disney last week. The Disney board initially rejected Comcast's offer, but the issues Comcast raised won't be so easily dismissed. In explaining to reporters what led his company to target Disney, Comcast Cable's president, Steve Burke, singled out a number of areas in which he thought the company was falling way short of its potential. Interestingly enough, Comcast's analysis of where and how Disney management has dropped the ball virtually mirrored our own critique. In Mr. Burke's view, the weak spots included the ABC network ("a weak number four [that] doesn't make very much money, despite the fact that CBS, Fox, and NBC make between $800 million and $1.3 billion a year"), ABC Family ("making very little money, and certainly not a fair return on investment"), the theme parks ("there's room for revitalization and improvement") and the creative brain-drain that, among other things, has eviscerated Disney animation ("since about 1999, the Disney animated studios have not produced . . . quality product[s]"). It's worth noting, by the way, that Mr. Burke's knowledge of Disney is anything but secondhand. Before joining Comcast, he was a senior executive at Disney for 12 years, an effective theme-park manager and the driving force behind the early success of the Disney stores. Unfortunately, he was also one of the many talented people who left the company during Mr. Eisner's tenure. Indeed, the fact that someone like Steve Burke is currently on the outside looking in, rather than on the inside making things happen, tells you everything you need to know about what is wrong with the way Disney is being run these days. In my view, Mr. Eisner's overbearing style and intrusive micro-management of everyone around him has undermined morale throughout the company and led to an exodus of creative talent from Disney. The recent collapse of Disney's vitally important relationship with Pixar alone is a debacle that I believe could cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars in lost future revenues. Indeed, it's not too much to say that under Mr. Eisner the company has become the opposite of what the Walt Disney Company used to stand for. Of course, what has allowed Mr. Eisner to get away with all this is a passive board of directors that essentially abdicated its responsibility to shareholders. Rather than tackle the difficult issues facing Disney, the board has consistently preferred to devote its time and energies to adopting policies that focus on process rather than substance, and serve only to muzzle and isolate those directors who recognize that their role is to be active participants in shaping the company's future. As Institutional Shareholder Services recently noted: "For 20 years Disney's revolving door for board members and management has had one constant -- Mr. Eisner." Disney is not just another company. It is an American icon. Will the Comcast bid prove to be the stimulus that finally stirs the Disney board to awake from its acquiescence and lethargy and live up to its responsibilities? Shareholders can only hope. Mr. Gold, a former board member of the Walt Disney Company, is president and CEO of Shamrock Holdings, Inc. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Wind , Water and Other Stories http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5331/1/E-Wind--Water-and-Other-Stories.html ÂThe Centre for Multimedia Research of SC - ZagrebCroatian Film League - Zagreb" Wind , Water and Other Stories from the Western S.E.E. ""vjetar, voda i druge price sa zapadnog jugoistoka europe"an hommage to Stan B.RECENTCROATIAN VIDEO AND EXPERIMENTAL FILM RECENTNIHRVATSKI VIDEO I EKSPERIMENTALNI FILM New York City , Feb 27,28 & March 5th 20041st programme1. «GLENN MILLER 2000 «Â (2000) , 26 min Tomislav Gotovac2. «UNDER CONSTRUCTION» (2003) 8.10 ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂVladislav Knezevic3. « 17 STORIES «Â (2001) 4 min Lala Rascic4. "LIFELINE" (2003) 1.36 Jelena Bracun5. « IN/DIVIDU»Â (1998.) 7 min Nicole Hewitt6. "PILOT 01" (2002) 3.30 min Goran Skofic 7. "VJETAR VRTULJAK" (2003) Â6.47 Marko Ercegovic-Fortunatovic8. " K 9 " (2003) 5.30 Zlatko Kopljar 9. "MAY" (1998) 10.45 Breda Beban / Hrvoje Horvatic10. THEY ALWAYS WRITE PLACE NAMES IN TWO LANGUAGES " (2003) Â 2.38 min Tina Gverovic/Ben Cain ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ75 min 56 sec2nd programme1. « DAS LIED IST AUS «Â (2002) 18 min Ivan Faktor2. «CIRCLE»Â (2002) 11.21 min Milan Bukovac 3. "UMIVAONIK" (1996-2002) 2.20 Davor Mezak4. "RONJENJE" (2001) 4 min Marijan Crtalic 5. «ULTRAZVUK»Â (1998) ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ7 min Tanja Golic6. "MIDWAY" (2003) 3 min Vlado Zrnic 7. « L'AIR DU LARGE «Â (1995), 4 min Goran Trbuljak8. "BEZ NAZIVA" (2003) 1 min Simon Bogojevic-Narath9. «END ART»Â II . dio (2002) 20.22 min Ivan Ladislav Galeta10. "ILLUSION 1 " (2003) ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ9 min Vlasta Zanic  80 min 03 sec 3rd programmeÂ1. "RESTLESS" (2002/3) ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ8 min Vlatka Horvat2. «AUTOPORTRET»Â (2003) 3.48 min Ivana Jelavic3. "FOR 2" 6.44 Ana Husman4. " A MAN WITHOUT OF NAVEL YET STILL LIVES IN ME" (2003 ) Â 4.40 Azra Svedruzic, Helena Schultheis5. "OBRNUTI SMJER" (2002) 14.24 ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDan Oki6. "RESIDENCY" (2001) 8 min Ksenija Turcic 7. « PARKEN VERBOTEN «Â (2001) 8 min Dalibor Martinis8. " LA CASA " (2003) 5.08 Sandra Sterle9. "HER 25802 DAY" (2001) 11 min Kristina Leko ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ69 min 34 sec Â total time 3 hours 55 min 43 sec letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 24 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) RECENT CROATIAN VIDEO AND EXPERIMENTAL FILM http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5330/1/EH-RECENT-CROATIAN-VIDEO-AND-EXPERIMENTAL-FILM.html ÂRECENTCROATIAN VIDEO AND EXPERIMENTAL FILMVideo art emerged in this part of the world - the western region of southeast Europe - during the 1960s and was connected with the activities of galleries of modern art in urban centers, which were concentrating largely at that time on classic presentations of the visual arts. At first there were intermittent, even timid showings of video art by visual and, somewhat more rarely, film artists. A particularly important factor was the GEFF Festival (Genre Experimental Film Festival) held in Zagreb throughout the 1960s and the early 1970s. It was only after the subsequent expansion of various reviews and festivals of experimental film and the institutionalization of media arts that Croatian artists, too, were encouraged to make creative efforts in producing video work. Perhaps the key encouraging factor was the inclusion of several Croatian artists (Gotovac, Galeta, and Vladic from the neighboring republic) in the selection of the American Art Federation, which presented a circulating international package of experimental film and video. Audiences from various continents saw this conceptual package, making it possible for the first time for a large number of viewers to come to know work from these regions. There was a lack of the essential institutional support in funding this work in a systematic way and it is only recently that State and city cultural centers and independent production companies have shown practical interest in this work. The role of the Croatian Film League has been particularly important and it has backed an extraordinarily large number of independent and experimental videos and alternative films. A major contribution to these activities and the increase in the number of media artists has been made by The Centre for Multimedia Research of the SC in Zagreb with its screenings and promotions, and by the annual International Festival of New Film and Video held in Split, and the media activities of the Art Workshop Lazareti in Dubrovnik. For ten years now it has been possible to take courses in media arts, experimental film and video, digital photography and the like at Croatian art academies. The frequent visits by media artists from America and Europe, and even from the Far East, provide a sound insight into the level of creativity, which to a considerable extent also raises the artistic level of work by domestic authors. At present, foreign financial institutions are giving support to video and experimental film authors, unlike the situation earlier when exclusively film authors were considered, largely those making feature or documentary films. Various successful participations in international festivals, starting with London in 1979 and then Rotterdam, Lodz, Copenhagen, Paris, Cologne, Karlsruhe, Frankfurt, and so on, lead domestic institutions to provide greater support to video work. It really took time for exceptional individuals such as Sanja Ivekovic, Dalibor Martinis, Breda Beban, Hrvoje Horvatic, Goran Trbuljak, working tirelessly under their own steam, almost illegally to produce work that later attracted international attention and recognition.Three recent programs of art video and experimental film consisted of the work of three generations, from pioneers such as Gotovac, Faktor, Trbuljak, Martinis and others, through the middle generation to the youngest, largely made up of students from art academies in Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb.The first program is dedicated to the clearly conceived issue of space and consists largely of post structural video works and films. The work in this group is no longer imbued with “mythopoetic” elements, as the prominent American theoretician Paul Adams Sitney established so precisely so long ago in relation to experimental films from these regions; it is more oriented to the examination and analysis of simple conceptual patterns. Almost all the video works in the second program have emerged from the artists' concentration on the relations between time, movement and the acoustic relations of water, and on self-portraits and performances. These works show a pronounced aesthetic level and poetics in the search for identity. Along with the symbolic, there is also the presence of the ecologically admonishing element in this group of work by largely young artists.The third program is made up of work by exceptionally active artists of the middle generation (some of whom were forced to leave the country in times of political and other conflicts in these regions since, due to the situation, they lacked conditions for normal work and personal creative development). They spent a large part of their time abroad in furthering their training (at, for example, the Rijks Akademie, the St Martin's School of Art, and the like) and showing their video work in various well-known media institutions and galleries, and taking part in festivals held in cities such as New York, Amsterdam, Cologne, and London. Their work shows a shift of sorts from customary narration and dramaturgy, or they emerge in an unusual mode, akin to the documentary. These are the very personal stories of authors encountering surprising rhythms and events in major urban centers, and their reflections on current, contemporary events that can be shocking. Ivan PaicMM Centre SCÂRECENTNI HRVATSKI VIDEO I EKSPERIMENTALNI FILMNastanak video umjetnosti na (ovim prostorima) zapadnom podrucju juogistoka Europe javlja se 6o-ih godina i nadovezuje se na aktivnosti iskljucivo, galerija modernih umjetnosti u urbanim sredinama, koje se tada bave uglavnom prezentiranjem klasicnih postava likovnih umjetnosti. Isprva bilježimo tek povremena, sramežljiva pojavljivanja video radova likovnih i nešto rijede filmskih umjetnika. Narocito je važna pojava i realizacija GEFF festivala( Genre Experimental Film Festival) održavanih u Zagrebu, 60—ih i ranih 70-godina Tek naknadnom ekspanzijom raznih smotri i festivala eksperimentalnog filma te institucionaliziranjem medijskih umjetnosti i hrvatski umjetnici bivaju ohrabreni u kreativnom nastojanjima unutar stvaranja video radova. Možda je kljucan i pozitivno provokativan te izrazito ohrabrujuci moment , uvrštavanje nekoliko hrvatskih umjetnika (Gotovac, Galeta, te Vladic iz susjedne republike) u selekciju Americke federacije za umjetnost koja predstavlja cirkulirajuci medunarodni paket eksperimentalnog filma i videa. Taj konceputalni paket vidjeti ce publika raznih kontinenata i prvi puta ce nešto veci broj gledatelja se upoznati sa radovima iz ovih podrucja. Institucionalna , neophodna pratnja u financiranju radova sistematski nedostaje gotovo do nedavno, tek u posljednje vrijeme najviše državne , gradske kulturne i nezavisne producentske kuce , (posebno je ovdje važno naglasiti ulogu Hrvatskog filmskog saveza) , sa iznimno velikim uspjehom produciraju radove ovog posebnog medijskog podrucja i to visokim brojem videa radova i alternativnog filma. Važan doprinos umjetnickom djelovanju i povecavanju broja medijskih umjetnika redoviti je prikazivalacki rad Centra za multimedijska istraživanja SC te takoder šestogodišnja aktivnost Medunarodnog festivala novog filma i videa iz Splita i medijska djelatnost Art radionice Lazareti iz Dubrovnika. Od prije desetak godina na hrvatskim likovnim akademijama moguce se studijski opredijeliti za medijske umjetnosti, eksperimentalnog filma, videa , digitalne fotografije i tome sl. Ucestalim gostovanjima medijskih umjetnika iz Amerike i Europe pa cak i sa Dalekog istoka, dobiva se uvid u stvaralacki nivo, što u velikoj mjeri podiže i umjetnicku razinu domacih autora. U sadašnjem momentu to se od strane financijskih institucija, poima kao normalan odnos i pruža se podrška autorima u njihovom nastojanjima, a ne samo, kao što se to dogadalo ranije, iskljucivo fimskim autorima, uglavnom vezanim za igrani ili dokumentarni film. Razna uspješna sudjelovanja na medunarodnim festivalima u Londonu 1979. , pa potom Rotterdamu, Lodzu, Copenhagenu, Parizu, Koelnu, Karlsruheu, Frankfurtu uvjerava i ohrabruje domace institucije u pravcu vece podrške u nastanku video radova. Trebalo je i zaista je prošlo mnogo vremena dok su izuzetni pojedinci poput Sanje Ivekovic, Dalibora Martinisa, Brede Beban , Hrvoja Horvatica , Gorana Trbuljaka, neumorno i vlastitoj režiji gotovo ilegalno producirali kasnije medunarodno percpirane i priznate radove. Tri recentana programa umjetnickog videa i eksperimentalnog filma sastavljena su od umjetnika tri generacije, pionira poput Gotovca, Faktora, Trbuljaka, Martinisa i dr pa preko umjetnika srednje dobi i najmladih , uglavnom studenata likovnih akademija iz Splita, Dubrovnika i Zagreba. Prvi je program posvecen poimanju postora, koncepcijski je jasno osmišljen i u njemu se nalaze uglavnom poststrukturalisticki video radovi i filmovi. Radovi u ovom sklopu više nisu protkani “mitopoetskim” elementima, kao što je to veoma davno i precizno ustanovio prominentni amerciki teoreticar Paul Adams Sitney, za eksperimentalne filmove nastale na ovim prostorima, vec su vise usmjereni na ispitavanje i razradu jednostavnih koncepcijskih predložaka. U drugom programu su gotovo svi video radovi nastali koncentriranjem umjetnika na odnose vremena , kretanjima i akustickim relacijama vode i autoportreta i performancea . Radovi su izraženog medijskog ispitivanja, estetski povišene i naglašene poeticnosti te potrage za identitetom. Uz simbolicki, prisutan je ekološki upozoravajuci element uglavnom umjetnika mlade generacije. U trecem programu, su izrazito aktivni umjetnici srednje generacije, (neki od njih su bili prisiljeni napustiti zemlju u vremena politickih i drugih konflikata unutar ovih podrucja, jer s obzirom na okolnosti, nisu imali ama baš gotovo nikakve uvjete na normalan rad i osobno kreativno razvijanje). Veliki dio svog vremena proveli su educirajuci se (npr. Rijks Akademie, St. Martin School of Art i td.) i prikazujuci svoje video radove u raznim , uglavnom renomiranim medijskim institucijama i galerijama ,i sudjelovali na festivalima u gradovima poput New Yorka, Amsterdama, Koelna, Londona itd. Njihovi su radovi stanoviti odmak od uobicajene naracije i dramaturgije, ili se ona pojavljuje na neobican nacin, povezana s dokumentaristikom. To su veoma osobne price autora suocenih sa iznenadujucim ritmovima i dogadajima u velikim urbanih sredinama, odnosno njihovi refleksi na kurentna, suvremena, ponekad i šokantna zbivanja.Ivan PaicMM Centar SCMM Centar SCSavska cesta 25HR-10 000 Zagrebtel (01) 4593557fax (01) 4593552E-mail: mmcentar@sczg.hr http://www.sczg.hr http://www.hfs.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 24 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) HRVATSKI VIDEO I EKSPERIMENTALNI FILM u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5329/1/H-HRVATSKI-VIDEO-I-EKSPERIMENTALNI-FILM-u-New-Yorku.html ÂHRVATSKI VIDEO I EKSPERIMENTALNI FILM u Millennium Film MM Centar SCSavska cesta 25HR-10 000 Zagrebtel (01) 4593557fax (01) 4593552E-mail: mmcentar@sczg.hr http://www.sczg.hr http://www.hfs.hr INFORMACIJA ZA TISAK I ELEKTRONICKE MEDIJE27 i 28 veljace i 5 ožujka, od 20 sati, MM Centar SC i Hrvatski filmski savez predstavit ce program RECENTNI HRVATSKI VIDEO I EKSPERIMENTALNI FILM u Millennium Film Workshop Inc./ 66 Eest 4th St., New York, N.Y. 10003/ newyorškoj instituciji , smještenoj u samom centru na Mannhattanu, koja se bavi prezentiranjem, distribucijom , produkcijom te edukacijom u podrucju medijskih umjetnosti, posebice umjetnickog videa i eksperimentalnog filma te fotografije . Millennium Film Workshop osnovana je 1966, i jedna je od najranije utemeljenih medijsko-umjetnickih centara u SAD . U njenim su prostorima gostovali mnogi prominentni avangardni filmski umjetnici, iz Europe , Azije i Amerike, te su svojim angažmanom, izgradili kultno zanimanje za program koji ta ustanova provodi. Imena poput Stana Brakhagea, Jacka Smitha, Jonasa Mekasa, Yann Beauvaisa, Kena Jacobsa, Take Iimure nezaobilazna su u kreiranju filmova “druge vrste”, onih veoma osobnih filmova koji u svim relevantnim filmskim krugovima su ocijenjenim gotovo vrhunskim umjetnickim radovima, a nastali su na margini tehnološki veoma razvijene kinematografije. U Millenniumu su se predstavile mnoge relevantne medijske kuce poput Lightcone iz Pariza, Lux iz Londona, Canyon Cinema iz San Francisca, a ovo je drugo gostovanje u tom prostoru predstavnika zagrebackih medijskih institucija MM Centra SC i Hrvatskog filmskog saveza. Organizator je u Personal Cinema Series 2004 ukljucio i hrvatsku produkciju , ponajviše radi toga što je ta produkcija, pogotovo u posljednje vrijeme, veoma cesto prisutna na europskoj medijskoj sceni, gdje se sustavno predstavlja. London Film Makers Co-op, Lux Cinema London, Copenhagen Nodada Galerie I Kanonhalle, Oxford Pegasus Theatre , neka su od mjesta u kojima su hrvatski medijski kustosi i teoreticari predstavili na adekvatan nacin suvremeno hrvatsko medijsko podrucje, prošlih desetak godina. RECENTNI HRVATSKI VIDEO I EKSPERIMENTALNI FILM podijeljen je u tri programa u prvom programu prikazuje se radovi usredotoceni na konstantne mijene prostora urbane geografije a snimljeni su u poststrukturalistickom obliku. U drugom dijelu programa autori ispituju relacije vezane za kretanje, akustiku i estetiku, ali I simboliku vode dok u trecem programu, pokušavaju pronaci nove izražajne mogucnosti koristeci se pritom noebicnom dokumentaristikom i izmjenjenom naracijom. Autori , zastupljeni u programu generacijski se krecu od pionira video umjetnosti i eksperimentalnog filma na ovim prostorima, poput Gorana Trbuljaka, Dalibora Martinisa, Brede Beban , Ivana Ladislava Galete, Tomislava Gotovca preko umjetnika srednje generacije Vlade Zrnica, Zlatka Kopljara, Dana Okia, Tine Leko, Vladislava Kneževica do najmladih autora, diplomanata sa Likovnih akademija iz Zagreba i Splita, Ivane Jelavic, Vlaste Žanic, Gorana Škofica, Marijana Crtalica . Ukupno ce se predstaviti radovi 29 umjetnika koji djeluju u našoj zemlji ali ih je i veliki broj aktivnih u inozemstvu. Pri odabiru autora , odnosno njihovih radova razmišljalo se o ukljucenju onih autora koje se pored eksperimentalnog filma i videa bave i ostalim, ne manje važnim podrucjima likovnih umjetnosti, video instalacija, performancea, fotografije, ready-madea, kako bismo mogli americkoj publici predstaviti radove umjetnika što je moguce cjelovitijeg umjetnickog opredjeljenja. Istovremeno cemo sudjelovati u projektu predstavljanja americkih autora medijske scene, avangardnog filma i videa u suorganizaciji s voditeljem/selektorom Millenniuma , gosp. Howardom Guttenplanom. Program americkih eksperimentalista obuhvaca period od 1990-2000. a predviden je za prikazivanje krajem lipnja, pocetkom srpnja, 2004. godine, na Medunarodnom festivalu novog filma i videa u Splitu, ali i u ostalim gradovima u Hrvatskoj te u nekim glavnim gradovima regije.Projekt predstavljanja suvremene hrvatske medijske scene bit ce potpomognut od strane Ministarstva kulture RH i Gradskog ureda za kulturu, a organizatori se zahvaljuju ucesnicima u programu, te producentskoj kuci Factum i agenciji Tip Tours.Zagreb, 22. veljace, 2004MM Centar SCHrvatski filmski savezIvan Paicurednik programa letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 24 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Chicago: Lana's Rain Movie Premiere http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5327/1/E-Chicago-Lanas-Rain-Movie-Premiere.html ÂLana's Rain Movie PremiereThere is a movie opening in Chicago on the Feb. 27th and 28th at the Music Box theatre.It is called "Lana's Rain" and it was filmed in Chicago and Croatia.The character of Lana is that of a Bosnian Croatian.I have spoken with the main distributor for the movie. If anybody is interested he will sell us tickets for $6.00 instead of the full price of 8.75. If anyone is interested in going, contact me. jkkirin@juno.comHe is looking for big support to get this film released across the country. Stars of the movie will be present both nights.It is for either night February 27th and 28th7:20pm and 9:40pm.For more info go here.http://www.lanasrainthemovie.com/ÂJoe Kirin letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 24 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) LOUIS ZORICH IN "AGAMEMNON" PLAY ON BROADWAY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5326/1/E-LOUIS-ZORICH-IN-AGAMEMNON-PLAY-ON-BROADWAY.html ÂLouis Zorich and Olympia Dukakis star in classic play "AGAMEMNON."Aquilla Theatre Company, lauded for its stylish adaptations of the classics, kicks off its first full New York season with Aeschylus' revenge tragedy, in a new translation by Director Peter Meineck. John Jay College Theater, 899 Tenth Avenue between 58th and 59th Sts, Phone 212-39-6200 Subway: A, C, B, 1, 9, to 59th St at Columbus Circle. Tickets full price are $60. Ask for discount. Tue - Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm.Louis Zorich (1924) born in Chicago to Dalmatian parents. He is a character actor, who appeared in the "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1971 and many other films. With his wife, actress Olympia Dukakis, Zorich co-founded the "Whole Theater" in Montclair, New Jersey in 1972, maintaining it for 18 years before they close it and moved to California.Katarina Tepesh tepeshk@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 24 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Jesus, he's hot - Jim Caviezel http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5328/1/E-Jesus-hes-hot---Jim-Caviezel.html ÂJesus, he's hotÂHung on a cross, accidentally scourged, Jim Caviezel recounts trials of Passion Despite his strict moral code, actor all the buzSEAN DALYSPECIAL TO THE STARLOS ANGELES— Pope John Paul II took a long hard look at Jim Caviezel and asked, "What have you learned in playing Jesus Christ?""Well, Holy Father," Caviezel replied, "I've been hanging around with the Italians lately, and I am starting to think that Jesus was Italian.""Why is that?" the Pope asked."Well, think about it," the actor said. "He didn't leave home until he was 30. He always hung out with the same 12 guys and his mother believed he was God."Okay, that conversation never actually took place. But it did provide Caviezel with a brief moment of levity during an otherwise serious conversation last week about his new movie, The Passion Of The Christ.The film, which depicts in graphic detail the torture and crucifixion of Jesus, has already created a firestorm of controversy. It arrives in theatres on Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday."It is as it was," the Pope is said to have remarked after seeing director Mel Gibson's account of the last 12 hours of Jesus's life. And the Rev. Billy Graham declared it contains "a lifetime of sermons." Still, Caviezel — looking more like a movie star than a saviour in a black button-down shirt and brown suede jacket — finds himself defending charges that Gibson's movie is anti-Semitic."That's just one attack," he acknowledges, quite matter-of-factly. "There will be others. The sad thing about it is that this is the most Semitic-looking Jesus in history. (Gibson) didn't want any blue-eyed, blonde Christ on the cross."So to further his own vision of authenticity, Gibson coloured Caviezel's trademark baby blues to brown in post production. He also required his entire cast to speak their lines in a number of dead languages (subtitles are provided in English). "The Aramaic, the Hebrew and the Latin were much easier than the physical requirements," says Caviezel, who endured eight-hour daily makeup sessions — from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. — and was struck by lightning while shooting the Sermon on The Mount scene."I am about 100 feet away from him and I look over and I see lightning coming out of his ears," producer Stephen McEveety recounted after the bizarre October, 2003 occurrence. Caviezel's reaction? "I think it was a sign I needed to act better."The devoutly religious actor — best known for his supporting roles in The Thin Red Line and Frequency — found less humour when he was accidentally whacked several times while filming the many bloody scenes of Jesus's scourging."There was a board on my back about a half inch thick, so the Roman soldiers wouldn't hit my back, but one of the soldiers missed, hit me square on the back and ripped the skin right off," he told Newsweek. "I couldn't scream. I couldn't breathe. It is so painful that it shocks your system."The crucifixion scene was even more painful. Filmed in —4C weather with extremely high winds, he could only be hung on the cross for 10 minutes at a time, so it literally took days to shoot. During that time, Caviezel aggravated a prior chest injury and separated his shoulder. "I would only eat a little bit here and there and I lost 15 pounds," he remembers. "I was throwing up all the time. With the hypothermia, you can't really digest properly."So why would someone endure so much suffering for a role?It could have something to do with his own strong religious beliefs.Caviezel, 35, was born in Mount Vernon, Wash. and raised in a strict Catholic family along with his brother Tim and sisters Amy, Ann and Erin. He has never hidden his devotion to the Lord — "I love Him more than I ever knew possible. "I love Him more than my wife, my family" — and he has even allowed his faith and strong family values to influence his career choices.Caviezel refused to participate in erotic or topless scenes with Jennifer Lopez in Angel Eyes and Ashley Judd in High Crimes and threatened to walk off the set rather than offend his wife of eight years, Kerri, a high school English teacher. They met on a blind date in 1993 and travel together each year to Bosnia and Croatia. "I was there in December visiting an orphanage," he shares. "These kids have no parents, no family, nothing. There was hand-to-hand killing."It was very nasty and provokes a thought in people."With such deep conviction to religious and social issues, it is a wonder Caviezel became an actor and not a priest. "It's interesting," he says. "I came home one day and I told my dad, `I think I am supposed to be an actor.'"He said, `Jim, if God wanted you to do anything, he would want you to be a priest.'"But what the 6-foot-2 Caviezel really dreamed about was playing in the NBA. "Most people saw me with a basketball, working on my dribbling, shooting, defence," he said in a 1999 interview.At the University of Washington, he entertained his teammates with impersonations, so when a foot injury left his hoop dreams on the sidelines, Caviezel's coach suggested he give acting a try.He made his theatrical debut in the Seattle production of Come Blow Your Horn and moved to Los Angeles at 23 to pursue a career on the big screen. He earned small roles in My Own Private Idaho (1991) and Diggstown (1992) and was soon after accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York. But Caviezel decided to remain in Los Angeles and eventually landed the breakout role of Private Witt, a young soldier trying to navigate the moral course of war in director Terrence Malick's The Thin Red Line.He has since appeared in Frequency (2000) and The Count Of Monte Cristo (2002), but Caviezel knows that The Passion Of The Christ may well be the work he is most remembered for.Caviezel says he knew taking on the role of his Lord would be a hefty challenge.But what if he didn't get it right? Was he ever afraid the one he reveres most might condemn him to a life of eternal damnation?Caviezel cracks only the slightest of smiles. "I think he would probably give me a pass because at least I tried."Special to the star letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 23 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Composer Dallapiccola From Pazin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5335/1/E-Composer-Dallapiccola-From-Pazin.html ÂComposer Dallapiccola From PazinThe following appeared in the London based The Guardian newspaper andconcerns a composer from Pazin called Luigi Dallapicola - I admit thisis the first I heard of him. John KraljicSongs of freedomInterned in the first world war and persecuted in the second, LuigiDallapiccola had a deep hatred of tyranny. His groundbreaking musicdeserves to be celebrated as an expression of liberation, says MishaDonatFriday February 13, 2004The GuardianOn April 1 1924, Schoenberg arrived in Florence with his touringensemble for a performance of his expressionist cabaret piece PierrotLunaire at the Palazzo Pitti. Most of those present regarded theoccasion as an elaborate April fool, but at least two people satlistening intently. One was Italy's most famous living composer.Although terminally ill with throat cancer, he had driven the 50-oddmiles from his home in Viareggio to hear the performance, and after itended he asked to be presented to Schoenberg. The other was a20-year-old music student named Luigi Dallapiccola. Not for a further 25years did Dallapiccola summon up the courage to write to Schoenberg andexplain how that evening had been a defining moment in his life. For hispart, Schoenberg confessed how proud he'd always been that Puccini hadcome to the Pierrot concert.There is, perhaps, something symbolic about the way the paths of thethree composers crossed for that brief moment. For it is inDallapiccola's music that Italianate warmth and lyricism find a meetingground with Austro-German contrapuntal rigour. In fact, Dallapiccola -born on February 3 1904 - was the first significant composer in hiscountry to adopt the 12-note method of composition that Schoenberg hadformulated in the early 1920s as a means of unifying music that nolonger relied on the traditional major and minor keys. In so doingDallapiccola may be said to have brought Italian music very belatedlyinto the 20th century. Not surprisingly, he was something of a fatherfigure to the generation of Italian composers that came after him: hewas for a brief period the teacher of Luciano Berio, and his music wasdeeply admired by Luigi Nono and Bruno Maderna.As Dallapiccola was finding his feet as a composer, Italy was goingthrough its darkest period, politically and culturally. EvenDallapiccola flirted briefly with fascism in the 1930s. His eyes wereopened on September 1 1938, when Mussolini issued Italy's anti-semiticracial laws. "I wanted to protest," Dallapiccola said later, "but Iwasn't so naive as not to know that in a totalitarian state theindividual is powerless. Only in music could I express my indignation."Earlier that year Dallapiccola had married a Jewish woman, and thecouple were forced to seek refuge in the hills surrounding Florence. Onthe day of Mussolini's proclamation, Dallapiccola began work on hisCanti di Prigionia (Songs of Imprisonment) - the first in a series of"protest" works.A hatred of tyranny and oppression had been instilled in Dallapiccolafrom an early age. He was born on February 3 1904, in a frontier town onthe Istrian peninsula near Trieste. At the time it was part of theAustro-Hungarian Empire, though after the first world war it reverted toItaly. (It is now in Croatia.) The composer recalled that when a trainpulled in to the local station, the guard would announce its name inthree languages: Mitterburg/Pisino/Pazin - an indication of its statusas a cultural melting-pot. The Austrian authorities were quick to stampon any suspected irredentist sympathies among the Italian population,and Dallapiccola's father - a classics teacher at the onlyItalian-language school - was considered "politically unreliable". As aresult the school was closed down, and the family deported to theStyrian capital of Graz.The experience of internment left a deep scar on Dallapiccola. The Cantidi Prigionia (scored for chorus with an instrumental ensemble consistingof two harps, two pianos and percussion) sets texts by three condemnedprisoners: Mary Stuart, Boethius and Savonarola. Mary Stuart's ferventprayer for freedom struck a particularly strong chord: "I wanted,"Dallapiccola said, "the divine word libera to be shouted by everyone."Some five years later, when his only child was born shortly after thelibera tion of Florence from the Nazi occupation in August 1944, she wasnamed Annalibera.Dallapiccola's progress towards 12-note music was a gradual one, and itwas made difficult by the lack of performances of the music ofSchoenberg, Berg and Webern in Italy. But he managed to acquire a scoreof Berg's Wozzeck and, in 1934, he heard the same composer'sconcert-aria Der Wein at a contemporary music festival in Venice. Thetwo works left an indelible impression on him - as did Lulu, of which heheard the first broadcast performance in 1937. At that time Dallapiccolawas working on his own first opera, Volo di Notte (based onSaint-Exupéry's novel Vol de Nuit), and Berg's influence can be heardthroughout: in the opera's symphonic musical forms; in the casting ofone of its scenes as a "pezzo ritmico" (an idea that harks back to the"monoritmica" that reaches its climax with the suicide of Lulu's husbandin the first act of Berg's opera) and in the Movimento di Blues, whichechoes the off-stage jazz band interludes that punctuate the scene inLulu's dressing-room.Dallapiccola lived in Florence for more than 50 years, the majority ofthem in an apartment in the Via Romana overlooking the Boboli Gardens,and his exquisitely executed scores have an air of Florentinecraftsmanship about them. Even the look of the music on the page carriessymbolic significance, as it occasionally does in Italian renaissancemusic. In his one-act opera Il Prigioniero, set during the SpanishInquisition, a prisoner is led to believe that freedom is at hand. Hemanages to escape his cell but as he emerges into a starlit garden, onlyto fall into the arms of the Grand Inquisitor, he understands that allthe events leading to his escape have been pre-arranged as the ultimatetorture - hope. In the music, a complex web of ricercars, or intricatecontrapuntal studies, seems to reflect the labyrinth of Saragossa'ssubterranean corridors through which the prisoner stumbles.In the beautiful late piece Sicut Umbra ... for mezzo-soprano andchamber ensemble, Juan Ramón Jiménez's lines "Hay que buscar, para sabertu tumba, por el firmamiento" ("You have to search the firmament to knowyour tomb") are mirrored by melodic lines based on the shapes of variousconstellations, which Dallapiccola "draws" in the score. And the CinqueCanti of 1956 for baritone and chamber ensemble use a 12-note row whosesinuous line suggests the shape of a crucifix. At the work's mid-point asingle "tutti" chord in an otherwise sparsely scored passage enablesDallapiccola to "draw" an actual cross on the page. The listener may notconsciously be aware of such symbolic devices, but they neverthelesscast a metaphysical shadow over the music.At the heart of Dallapiccola's art lie elaborate canons of everyconceivable kind. They are heard at their most serenely simple in theWartime Series of Greek Lyrics the composer wrote as a mental refugefrom the turmoil that surrounded him. More complex are the Goethe-Liederof 1953 for voice and three clarinets, based on poems from theWestöstlicher Divan. In one, the character of Suleika contemplates herreflection: "The mirror tells me I am beautiful. You tell me it is alsomy fate to age." Dallapiccola writes a mirror-canon, with the answeringvoice not only upside-down but also in a refracted rhythm that suggeststhe process of ageing, as though in a distorted looking-glass.There is in Dallapiccola's art a touching faith in the 12-note system,almost as a way of life. That faith is one that is deeply unfashionabletoday. Thirty years ago, at the time of the composer's 70th birthday, Iproduced a retrospective evening of his work for Radio 3, and I rememberasking him what was being done in Italy to mark the occasion. "I thinknothing," he said, with a resigned shrug of the shoulders.At least this time round, on his centenary, there will be performancesof his music in Rome and Florence. But over here there have beenprecious few attempts to spark a revival of interest in recent years,other than a rather ill-judged production of Il Prigioniero at EnglishNational Opera. It's difficult to know why this hauntingly beautifulmusic remains so little known to all but a small circle of admirers.Certainly, it is undemonstrative in its perfection; but that veryperfection is a quality we should treasure.· Send any comments or feedback about this article tofriday.review@guardian.co.uk letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Guitarist Robert Belinic to perform in Maryland http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5334/1/E-Guitarist-Robert-Belinic-to-perform-in-Maryland.html ÂGuitarist Robert Belinic to perform in MarylandThe Marlow Guitar Series presents Robert Belinic, a young Croatian and the first guitarist to win the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions.When: Saturday, February 28, 8 p.m.Where: Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ1 Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda, MD 20816Tickets: $17; Call 202-265-3915 or visithttp://www.marlowguitar.org/concertfour.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) War Photography Museum to Open in Dubrovnik http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5333/1/E-War-Photography-Museum-to-Open-in-Dubrovnik.html ÂA museum devoted to war photography June in DubrovnikFrom today's NY Times. John KraljicPHOTOGRAPHY: IMAGES OF WAR A museum devoted to war photography is toopen in June in Dubrovnik, in southern Croatia, Agence France-Pressereported. Described by its curators as the first of its kind, theinstitution, tentatively called the Museum of War, will be inauguratedby "Blood and Honey," an exhibition by 10 photographers who covered theconflict in the 1990's in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia. "Thefocus will be on the world's greatest war photographers, and their workwill be used to educate the public," said Wade Goddard, the museum'sdirector. "Our aim is to take away the Hollywood image that war is onlyabout glory." Exhibitions are planned about the Israeli-Palestinianconflict, the Sept. 11 attacks and the invasion of Iraq. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) An Opera Concerning Nikola Tesla http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5332/1/E-An-Opera-Concerning-Nikola-Tesla.html ÂAn Opera Concerning NikolaTesla"He was both ahead of his time... and out of his time,"ÂPhiladelphia Inquirer - 13 February 2004Contemplate the possibility: Thomas Edison - the opera.Ka-thup. The idea is dead on arrival. Inventing lightbulbs, it seems,just isn't poetic enough to sing about.Yet mention Edison's lesser-known rival and contemporary, the enigmatic,eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla, and music becomes imaginable. Enough tofill an opera? The answer comes with the world premiere of Violet Fire,a high-tech, nonlinear music-theater piece that will debut Friday andSaturday [13 and 14 February] at Temple University's Tomlinson Theater.The ingredients are a light-year or two away from, say, the OperaCompany of Philadelphia. Electrical coils worthy of a Frankensteinlaboratory stand on each side of the stage. Singers, who are Templestudents, are wired with microphones - not to amplify their voices, butto pick up waves of body energy that are projected onto video screensonstage. The orchestra is Philadelphia's ever-progressive Relâcheensemble, its jazzlike percussion section assuring that the music willhave the driving rhythm that matches the onstage electric currents.How all of this - plus choreography - fits together is up to stagedirector Terry O'Reilly from New York's cutting-edge Mabou Mines theatercompany. He's taking philosophical cues from Tesla's world: "Scientistscreate situations in which nature reveals itself; I try to createsituations where the text will reveal itself."Revealing Tesla can never be easy, even with composer Jon Gibson (alongtime collaborator of Philip Glass), five state-of-the-artcomputerized projectors with visuals constructed by Temple new-mediaassistant professor Sarah Drury in conjunction with media designer JenSimmons, plus the words of the project's mastermind, librettist MiriamSeidel.The Croatian - born Tesla, who lived from 1856 to 1943 and held more than700 patents, is best known for establishing alternating electricalcurrents (AC) over direct current (DC), as well as for harnessingNiagara Falls for its electricity-generating potential. Unlike manyturn-of-the-century inventors, however, Tesla didn't practice anexhaustive process of elimination until the bulb, figuratively speaking,lit. He envisioned what he wanted to create."In my mind," he once wrote, "I change the construction, makeimprovements, and even operate the device. Without ever having drawn asketch I can give the measurements of all parts to workmen ... It isimmaterial to me whether I run my machine in my mind or test it in myshop. The inventions I have conceived in this way have always worked."Though ridden with so many phobias he supposedly had no sex life, Teslamaintained a godlike aura. He claimed to zap himself with 100,000 volts(while wearing cork shoes), adding that it was conducive to good health.Later years, however, were littered with ambitious failures, or at leastprojects that didn't come to fruition due to faithless funders such asJ. P. Morgan.Tesla once hobnobbed with the highest of New York society at Delmonico'srestaurant, but he died an eccentric curiosity at the New Yorker Hotel,supported by a small stipend from a company that probably wouldn't havecontinued existing without him: Westinghouse Electric."A story he told a reporter late in his life was about a pigeon thatflew to his window, and he had this vision. He saw light, a greaterlight than he ever saw in his laboratory," librettist Seidel says. "Hadthis guy lived in the Middle Ages, he would've been a mystic. I rememberthinking, 'This has to be an opera.' Opera goes beyond the real."That was 10 years ago. The pigeon vision came to play such a role inSeidel's thinking that, at one point, the working title for the operawas The White Dove. Composer Gibson, who joined the project in 1997,argued against it. "I said, 'Miriam, they're pigeons.' "The new title, Violet Fire, has numerous connections with the Teslalegend. In some of his more radical experiments, he was known to createhis own aurora borealis. In his declining years, Tesla became ascience-fiction cult figure whose predictions ran in magazines such asAmazing Stories.Seidel minimized the more murky speculations about what actuallyhappened to his so-called laserlike "death beam" that the Soviet Unionclaimed to have developed during the Cold War. Some of Tesla's intricatenotebooks went missing after his death and still haven't been located.It's possible that he was really onto something. "He was both ahead ofhis time... and out of his time," O'Reilly says.The form for Violet Fire harks back to the Philip Glass operas of the1980s, Satyagraha and Akhnaten, free-floating portrayals that don'tattempt psychological portrayal but are a series of "docu-meditations"from key points in lives of remarkable men.The idea met with much encouragement from modern-music circles, but notoffers of money. The current production's remarkably lean $30,000 budgetcame together through various private and public-agency grants, but mostnotably a Provost's Commission for the Arts grant at Temple - $5,000encouraging collaboration among the university's various academicdepartments.Besides using student singers and dancers, the grant also opened thedoor to improvements that might not otherwise have happened. JohnDouglas, associate professor of voice and opera, worked with Gibsonextensively on the vocal writing, for example. "I thought the opera wasfinished," Gibson says. "I thought it was finished two or three times.But John helped me a lot on how to properly notate for the voice."Because of the long gestation, the production missed the distinction ofbeing the first major opera about Tesla. Exactly a year ago, the TenDays on the Island festival in the Australian state of Tasmaniapremiered Tesla: lightning in his hand, a more conventional workfeaturing singing versions of Edison and George Westinghouse.With any luck, the Seidel-Gibson Tesla will be better traveled. Theopera's particular brand of high technology allows not only fantasticalvisuals but also portability. The weekend's two performances - plustonight's dress rehearsal, which is open to walk-up ticket buyers - willbe attended by any number of presenters interested in the opera'stouring possibilities.The one question that's most likely to be asked by the audience,however, doesn't involve Tesla, the inventions or the production, butone of the dancers, Milsy Davis. Could it be that she's pregnant, yetdancing anyway? Yes."I'm just so passionate about the piece," says the Collegeville-basedTemple graduate, who is only 10 weeks away from giving birth. "I feelbetter after rehearsals than before." So now you know. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dubrovnik International Film Festival: May 27-30, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5336/1/E-Dubrovnik-International-Film-Festival-May-27-30-2004.html ÂThe Dubrovnik International Film Festival May 27 - 30, 2004 in Dubrovnik, CroatiaThe Dubrovnik International Film Festival (DIFF) is pleased to announce that the anticipated sequel to last year's highly successful inaugural film festival will commence on May 27 and close on May 30, 2004 in Dubrovnik,Croatia. DIFF 2004 will proudly welcome two-time Academy Award winning producer Branko Lustig as a recipient of the DIFF Libertas Award™ for his extraordinary lifetime achievements in film. Mr. Lustig received the prestigious Academy Award as a producer of GLADIATOR (2001) and SCHINDLER'S LIST (1994), and has also produced such notable films as BLACK HAWK DOWN, HANNIBAL and THE PEACEMAKER. He is executive producer of KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (directed by Ridley Scott and starring Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson) currently in production. In addition to receiving the Libertas Award™, Mr. Lustig will participate in a panel discussion on film production.Call for Entries is now open for DIFF 2004. Feature, documentary and short film entries will be accepted until March 31, 2004. Filmmakers should consult the festival website at www.DUBROVNIKiff.org for more information on submission rule and regulations.In May 2003, the first annual DIFF showcased 27 narrative features and documentaries, and 30 shorts from 15 different countries, including CALLAS FOREVER (starring Fanny Ardant and Jeremy Irons), LEO (starring Joseph Fiennes, Elisabeth Shue, Deborah Kara Unger, Dennis Hopper), MIRANDA (starring Christina Ricci), and GENGHIS BLUES, the Academy Award nominated documentary by brothers Roko and Adrian Belic. The closing night celebration included the presentation of the Libertas Award™ to Deborah Kara Unger (CRASH, THE SALTON SEA, THE GAME, EMILE) and the Argosy Award™ to Jonathan Tucker (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, STATESIDE, THE VIRGIN SUICIDES). DIFF 2004 is being produced by the Dubrovnik Film Institute, a U.S. non-profit organization. For more information, please visit us on the web atwww.DUBROVNIKiff.org  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 07 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Daniella QUARTERFINALIST in American Traditions http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5339/1/E-Daniella-QUARTERFINALIST-in-American-Traditions.html ÂDaniella among AMERICAN TRADITIONS COMPETITION QUARTERFINALISTSHello All,Hope you're enjoying the warm winter rays of the "global heater" (:Please come and join me and share the beauty of love and giving on Feb 14 at the Greenwich VIllage Bistro, 13 Carmine Street (bet Bleecker and 6th Ave) a 8pm.I will be expecting you there with a handfull of romantic tunes. Bring the paper tissues!My loyal fans: support me in spirit as I embark on the path to Savannah Music Festival this March to compete for the Best Vocalist at the Eckberg American Traditions Comeptition this March. More details at:www.savannahmusicfestival.orgThanx!Peace & Love,Daniella************************************************ If we take time to look into our hearts, we will ultimately feel complete and connected... within ourself and as part of the human family. Danijela Macesic cell: 917 539 1347 web: lella.iuma.com American Traditions Competition Sponsored by Dick & Judy Eckburg The American Traditions Competition celebrates the repertoire that represents the art and popular cultures of the United States. It subscribes to the belief that these American musical genres evolved to incorporate identifiable characteristics of excellence and artistic integrity. It is the goal of the Competition to foster heightened appreciation and celebration of these American genres. PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE 2004 AMERICAN TRADITIONS COMPETITION HAS PASSED. OUR 2004 QUARTERFINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED JANUARY 15, 2004. Should you wish to be placed on the newsletter or email list for the 2005 competition please contact: mary@savannahmusicfestival.org General Information 1.) The 11th Annual American Traditions Competition is in Savannah, Georgia on March 20-27, 2004. There are eight Entrance Categories to choose from. 2.) The competition is open, regardless of nationality to women and men, age 16 and older. 3.) Applicants for this competition agree to adhere to the competition rules, the regulations on performance and decisions of the Judges. Application Procedure: 1) Please return the completed application form with the following enclosures: a) two 8 ½" x 10" glossy photographs. Digital files scanned at 300dpi are preferred. b) 150-word biography c) professional profile d) $80 application fee (cashier's check, money order, VISA MasterCard, AMEX ONLY) e) High quality CD with a backup (may be a cassette) All application materials and enclosures must be postmarked by: December 1, 2003. 2.) Applicants selected for the Quarterfinals will be contacted on or by January 15, 2004. The application form, enclosures, and Preliminary Round recording will NOT be returned. Competition Schedule: 1.) The VeriSign American Traditions Competition will be divided into four rounds: -Preliminary Round -Quarterfinal Round March 22/23, 2004 -Semifinal Round March 24, 2004 -Final Round March 27, 2004 2.) Twenty-five to thirty contestants will be selected in the Preliminary Round, to participate in the Quarterfinal Round. Twelve to fifteen Quarterfinalists will advance to the Semifinal Round. Five or six Semifinalists will advance to the Finals. 3.) The ATC Project Manager will assign an accompanist to the competitors. Every competitor is entitled to one 30-minute rehearsal before each round of competition with his or her assigned accompanist. Any additional rehearsal time must be arranged and paid for by the individual competitor. Rehearsals for the Quarterfinals will begin March 20, 2004 in Savannah, GA. Program: 1.) Each applicant must enter his/her competition program on the submitted application form. Once the application and program are received no changes will be allowed. Preliminary Round: o Each contestant should submit a 15-minute high quality recording of the best selections from the larger 9 to 11 piece program. All CDs must be submitted with a backup recording (the back up may be a cassette tape) to insure your entry is judged. Quarterfinal Round: o Contestants advancing to the Quarterfinals will present a live performance of the material submitted on the Preliminary Round CD. NO PROGRAM SUBSTITUTIONS OR CHANGES ARE ALLOWED. NO EXCEPTIONS. Semifinal Round: o Based upon the 9 to 11 piece program submitted on the contestant application the judges will select 3 or 4 pieces to be performed live during the semifinal rounds. The judges do reserve the right to request just one or any portion of the selected pieces during the performance. o Contestants will be informed of the judges' selections the morning after the announcement of the Semifinalists. Final Round: o Prepare a 15-minute program of your BEST category repertoire. Finalists may use material from the Quarterfinals, Preliminary rounds or any unutilized remaining repertoire from the original 9 to 11 piece program. PERFORMANCE RULES: 1.) All competition pieces should be performed from memory. 2.) No "canned"/pre-recorded musical accompaniment will be permitted during competition. 3.) All the competition events will be open to the public. The audience is asked to observe any instructions announced at the beginning of each round of competition. JUDGING: Contestants will be judged using the following criterion: stage presence, technique, intonation, artistry, and the ability to communicate while singing. PRIZES: Oxnard Gold Medal $10,000 Solomons Silver Medal $5,000 Stanton Bronze Medal $2,500 Finalists $1,000 Semifinalists $500 Quarterfinalists $250 Contestants receive only ONE cash award. AMERICAN TRADITIONS COMPETITION QUARTERFINALISTS Danijela Macesic Lead singer for Elvis Stanic Group and Think Positive Band, and recipient of the "Young Jazz Masters Award - Marjan Marjanovic", Daniella moved to New York two years ago to share with a wider audience extraordinary talent as a singer and songwriter. Long before she could even understand or speak English, six years old Daniella would swing along with Satchmo and Ella and other Jazz Greats every Friday night in front of her TV set. At the age of 16, she formed her first rock & roll band. After exploring the blues form, Jazz was the following step on her musical path. Daniella has studied with Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton, among others; attended Berklee Summer School in Italy and completed The Vocal Performance Class at The New School in New York City. She has performed in clubs and restaurant all over Europe, as well as in numerous New York City clubs and restaurants, sang on Miles Jaye's Jazz Festival in Atlantic City, appeared numerous times on Joe Franklin's Radio Show "Memory Lane" on WOR 710AM, and recently performed at Madison Square Garden in New York as a part of the New York International Music Festival. Sean Anderson A native of Akron, Ohio, Sean Anderson made his solo operatic debut as "Harry" at age 10 in Albert Herring, with the University of Akron's Opera Theatre. Since then he has performed in over 40 productions from opera to Shakespeare. Most recently, Mr. Anderson covered the role of Marcello in Baz Luhrmann's Broadway production of La Boheme while it ran at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles. Last summer, he sang the title role in the Italian premier of Dominick Argento's opera Casanova's Homecoming, presented by the Opera Theatre/Music Festival of Lucca, Italy. Mr. Anderson is currently pursuing his Artist Diploma degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he also did his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. There, he has performed in many award winning main stage and studio operas, including the May 2003 production of Debussy's Pelléas and Mélisande as "Golaud" for which he received the Samuel Adams Award for Outstanding Performance. Mr. Anderson lives in Cincinnati with his wife Erika. Phillip Lamar Boykin Phillip a native of Greenville, SC, attended North Carolina School of the Arts where he began his studies in opera. He transferred to the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut and earned his Bachelor of Music degree. He then entered Howard University seeking a Master's in Jazz Vocal/Vocal performance. Phillip performed the roles: "Tarquinius" in The Rape of Lucretia, "Don Alfonso" in Così fan T utte, and "Joe" in the National tour of Showboat. Solo appearances include, The Lincoln Center, Cleveland Opera, Connecticut Opera Express, Washington Opera's Schools Program, Hartford Symphony, Bristol Symphony, Greenville Symphony and the Kennedy Center features in "Black Nativity." Phillip has toured Europe as "Crown" in Porgy and Bess, as a director with Harlem Gospel Singers and as the Star of The Golden Gospel Singers. The late Dr. William Warfield declared, "Phillip has an extraordinary gift. I'm extremely proud to have worked with him." Matthew Carey 2003 ATC Semi-finalist Matt Carey has been a member of the voice faculty at Arkansas State University since 1997. He is the music director for the ASU Theater Department's Fall Musical and co-hosts the radio program "Spotlight on the Arts". Spanning a career in which he has performed over 40 roles, Matt has sung with opera companies throughout the US and in Germany where he was principle baritone at the Theater Lübeck from 1992-1996. He was last seen on stage as Victor Velasco in Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park and Will Rogers in The Will Rogers Follies. He has sung with symphony orchestras in the US, Germany and Scandinavia, and performs recitals and coffee houses in which he programs classical song cycles, musical theater and popular standards. Matt lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas with his wife Corinne and two children, Sean and Jillian. Maria Clark Soprano, Maria Clark graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Manhattan School of Music, and also attended Florida State University's School of Music, after having received scholarship offers from both schools. Maria has also received various other scholarships such as the Color Purple Scholarship, the Georgia Merit Scholarship, and the Tallahassee Music Guild, and NAACP Scholarships. She has completed a US tour of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, while playing the principle role of Clara. She has also sung in several other operatic productions such as Miss Silverpeal in "The Impresario", Susannah in "The Marriage of Figaro", and Monica in "The Medium". Maria Clark was also a winner in the West Palm Beach Opera Competition and NATS vocal competitions, and a finalist in both the Mobile Opera, and D'Angelo Vocal Competitions. Maria has also performed The Messiah with the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, and is a staff singer at the All Saint's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. She is a promising talent whose ultimate goal is to achieve international success as an operatic singer. Catherine E. Clarke Catherine Clarke, soprano, is originally from Maysville, Kentucky. She received her BM in Vocal Performance from the University of Kentucky and her MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Having performed in both the musical theater and opera genres, roles include: Sarah Brown from Guys and Dolls, Contessa from Le Nozze di Figaro, First Lady from Die Zauberflöte, La Ciesca from Gianni Schicchi, and Fiordiligi from Cosi fan tutte. Most recently, Miss Clarke performed Adina from L'Elisir d'Amore in Italy with Operafestival di Roma. She has performed extensively in oratorio, including Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass and Orff's Carmina Burana . Miss Clarke made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Lexington Singers in 1999. In the springs of 2000 & 2001, Miss Clarke was a district finalist in the Rocky Mountain District Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions and was twice a recipient of a Denver Lyric Opera Guild scholarship. Miss Clarke was a member of Chautauqua School of Music and Aspen Opera Theater Center for 2 summers each and currently is a student of Irene Gubrud. Daniel C. Cohen As a practicing trail attorney, Danny returns to the ATC stage again as a quarterfinalist. Danny attended Presbyterian College on a voice scholarship, receiving a degree in voice performance cum laude. Active in music theater, Danny has appeared in Shenandoah, Flower Drum Song, Brigadoon, The Fantasticks, and I Do! I Do!. A NATS regional winner, Danny has performed lead rules in Menotti's Old Maid and the Thief, The Telephone, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. He has appeared as soloist with the Savannah Symphony in Schubert's Mass in G, Haydn's The Creation, and Haydn's Mass in Time of War. He also appeared as soloist in the Faure Requiem, Verdi Requiem, Mozart Requiem and Handel's Messiah. Danny recorded The Solitary by American/Czech composer Vera Kistler. Danny has been affiliated with Savannah professional chorale ensemble I Cantori for the past 10 years. Catherine Davis Cox Catherine Davis Cox has a three octave range and the ability to float between classical and contemporary music. She just appeared at the Ford Ampitheatre as the scat coloratura soloist in Duke Ellington's jazz piece, "Sacred Music." She has played locally at the Cinegrill in "An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan" and recently appeared on a bill with Fritz Coleman, the NBC weatherman, as a benefit for the Red Cross. Catherine has been a soloist for masterworks by Handel, Bach, Mozart and Haydn. She can be heard on Brian Setzer's "Rockin' Christmas," Fritz Heede's "Wings of Healing" and has her own Christmas CD with her girl's jazz trio. She has been the singing voice of animated characters for HBO and Nickelodeon and on radio for an NPR Irish Christmas special. She and tenor Philip McNiven are appearing together now in a two person concert, " A Time for Romance," combining classical and pop music with the theme of romance. Elizabeth Croy Elizabeth Croy, soprano, is active as an art song recitalist and teacher. As a dedicated promoter of art song, she twice received national awards from the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS Artist Awards). She frequently appears as a soloist with regional orchestras and has had operatic roles with the Intermountain Opera Company in Bozeman. Elizabeth was one of the seven finalists in the 2002 American Traditions Competition in Savannah, Georgia. With pianist Julie Gosswiller, Elizabeth was chosen nationally to participate in the 2002 Art Song Festival at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In the first Internet Art Song Contest, CyberSing, Julie and Elizabeth won several awards. You can hear their performance at www.lottelehmann.org/artsong/CyberSing/index.cfm. Ms. Croy is Professor of Music at Montana State University in Bozeman where she teaches studio voice, vocal pedagogy and diction. She received her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music degrees from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she studied with renowned vocal pedagogue, Dr. Barbara Doscher. Elizabeth makes her home in Bozeman, Montana with her husband and her two daughters. Jacquelyn Culpepper Jacquelyn Culpepper's lyric soprano voice has taken her across the United States and Europe. Highlights of her experience include 85 roles in opera and oratorio and 4 concert tours of American music in Europe, where she was lauded by critics for her lyrical voice and exceptional musicianship and where she performed for the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany as well as for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and Luxemborg. Featured in 3 national public television specials, and national premieres of several operas and oratorios, Culpepper's performances have taken her to prestigious concert venues such as Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to Atlanta's Symphony Hall, and in performances with the late, internationally-renowned conductor Robert Shaw. Jacquelyn has appeared many times on public and commercial television and radio stations. An Evening with Cole Porter has been popular and broadcast for several years on PBS. She was featured in a Salute to Masterpiece Theatre with Jean Marsh and also recorded a recital for the South Carolina Television Network. Currently, Ms. Culpepper teaches voice at Davidson College where she is artist associate in the music department. Christine Heath Christine Marie Heath, originally from Kaneville, IL, has performed with several theatre companies including The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center, Sarasota Opera, Toledo Opera, Ashlawn-Highland Opera Festival and Ohio Light Opera. Equally at home with opera and musical theatre, her perfomed roles include Kate in Kiss Me Kate, Gianetta in The Gondoliers, Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls, Frasquita in Carmen, and Annina in A Night in Venice, which was released on compact disc by Newport Classics. In March 2003, she made her International debut at La Gran Theatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain, where she played the lead role of Amy in A Little Sondheim Music. Upcoming engagements include the role of Magnolia in Show Boat with Natchez Opera Festival, "A Tribute to Barbara Streisand" concert series with the Opera Theatre of Philadelphia/Gulf Coast Symphony, and a solo concert hosted by The Naomi Artist Management Group in New York City. Christine earned her Master's degree at the Maryland Opera Studio and a Bachelor's degree at Illinois State University, both in Music Performance. Laurie Krauz Laurie Krauz' early career took her from Medical Social Work to the world of Finance. In 1980, while working on Wall Street, Laurie took a singing course as a lark and found her calling. Since then, she has expanded her musical studies with course work at New School University in New York City and private coachings. Over the years, her teachers have included Mark Murphy, Daryl Kojak, Carla White, Woody Mann, Stephen Tarshis and Jay Bianchi. She has performed with a number of jazz luminaries including George Coleman, Harold Mabern, Cameron Brown and Warren Vaché and has appeared at such legendary venues as The Blue Note, Town Hall, S.O.B.'s, Sardi's and The Rainbow Room. Catch Me If You Can (LML Records), Laurie's long-awaited debut CD, was released in 2001. Featuring George Coleman on tenor sax, the recording has received accolades throughout the jazz world. Cherresa V. Lawson Cherresa V. Lawson, soprano, is active as a performer and teacher. Cherresa has performed jazz, blues, opera, and pop music at numerous venues across the Midwest for the past fifteen years. As vocalist for the Caribbean Consort Steel Band, she regularly performs throughout Indiana for public and private events. She is also active as a performer of sacred music and can often be heard singing at area church services and weddings. While attending Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana), Cherresa studied with Professor Mary Hagopian. As a student, she appeared in numerous university jazz and classical performances, including Porgy and Bess. Cherresa was chosen to compete in the Savannah Onstage competition in 2002. Under her direction, the choirs at Kokomo High School have appeared throughout the United States and have earned numerous awards and recognitions. Yolanda Hall Long Yolanda Hall was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1968, though her lifelong home has been Durham, North Carolina. Yolanda, who began singing at the age of 12, got her musical start as a classical singer. She studied under renowned mezzo-soprano Betty Allen at The North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina after completing High school. While studying classical music, her musical focus would expand after seeing Durham Jazz Pianist Yusef Salim and Carol Sloane performing at Duke University one night. "It was destiny that night" says Yolanda, "Jazz chose me, it was in my blood waiting to flow out." In the time since her calling as a Jazz Singer, Yolanda began to sing professionally throughout North Carolina, playing in Jazz Clubs, with big bands and orchestras. She later traveled to Europe and played in Jazz Clubs and festivals throughout England and Italy. Yolanda returned to North Carolina and began teaching jazz vocal technique to students at Saint Augustine's College, where she obtained her B.A. in Public Relations and Broadcasting, her minor was in music. Yolanda currently continues performing as her first love, and is preparing original compositions for the compilation of her first album. Jimmie Nettles Jimmie is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University where he earned his Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. He went on to study vocal pedagogy at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and obtain a Master of Church Music degree. Since 1985 he has served as a minister of music for churches in Louisiana, Virginia and Georgia. He is currently serving as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Albany GA. He has also been Adjunct Voice Faculty at Chowan College in North Carolina, and currently, Darton College in Albany GA. Jimmie has been a soloist for a variety of venues including community concerts, churches, and colleges. He is a member of and tours with The Centurymen, an auditioned male chorus from across the US. He is married to Anne and has two daughters. Jimmie is deeply committed to church ministry and strives to bring a variety of styles and programming to the church and community where he serves. Lyle K. Nicholson Lyle Nicholson attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Illinois.He has sung with the Chicago Symphony Chorus under Margaret Hillis, presently with Lyric Opera Chorus under Donald Palumbo, roles with Chamber Opera Chicago, DuPage Opera Theatre, Grant Park Symphony, Green Bay Symphony, South Shore Chicago Symphony, Goodman Theatre Chicago and in 1994, joined the North American Tour of "Showboat" for 4 years understudying the role of Joe and made his debut in the lead role in Los Angeles with Cloris Leachman and Ned Beatty. Upon returning to Chicago, Lyle ventured onto the screen and adds to his credit, commercials for Scrubbing bubbles, Shoney Resturants, Chicago Tribune, Gateway Chevrolet, Ford Credit, voiceovers for Shoneys Resturants, Day Quil, ABN Financial Services, and numerous on-camera and voice-over industrials. Lyle will soon join the Chicago Lyric Opera Education Department in their "Meet the Artist" program. Dexter Porter Dexter Porter was born in Eatonton, Georgia on August 29th, 1963. He began performing musical theatre at Northside High School, a school which has a reputation for producing Broadway caliber shows, in Warner Robins, Georgia. There, Dexter received a solid foundation in stage performance. As a result of the training from Northside, Porter had the confidence to seek and complete a BFA degree in Theatre at Valdosta State University, yet another school with a reputation of excellence in the theatre. He has since studied under Geoffrey Owens, formerly of the Cosby Show. Currently, he is receiving training in vocal performance under Franny Burke in New York City. Porter has personally produced two CD's: "A Taste of Good Music" and "Jazz Classics". There is a work currently in progress entitled "Dexter Porter Sings Good Music". Dexter is looking forward to sharing his 'good music' with you. Wendy Reynolds American soprano Wendy Reynolds enjoys a multifaceted career that spans opera, oratorio, song recital and musical theatre. She has appeared as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof and Sarah in Company, and wowed audiences and critics alike with her portrayal of Kate in Kiss Me, Kate. The Parkland Forum/EastSider (FL) wrote, "Reynolds is excellent and convincing. She not only has audience-pleasing vocal chords but is a good actress as well." In Palm Beach Opera productions, she appeared in the title role of Lehár's The Merry Widow, Musetta in Puccini's La bohème, and Poussette in Massenet's Manon. The Palm Beach Daily News wrote: "Wendy Reynolds performed with great energy and personality and possesses a beautiful soprano voice, with excellent ringing tones and a lovely spin to the sound. She has a great future in the opera world." Most recently, Ms. Reynolds was featured at Borders Books & Music for the launch of her CD entitled "Wings of Healing". Diana Rogers Diana Rogers sang the blues on Bourbon Street before venturing to the Big Apple, where her career has blossomed and continues to ripen through exposure and time. You will be infatuated with the warm surrender of emotions she gives through her songs as she concedes intimacy with her audience. Diana has enjoyed a long engagement at the established Nino's Restaurant at 1354 1st Avenue, since it's opening in 1990. Also, she performs at the Maidstone Arms in East Hampton during the summer. Diana's cabaret show is designed to muse the past with the music of Porter, Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, and take you into the present with great songs from the current musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. In any event, Diana Rogers will give an exciting show, and as the curtain rises, she will wish you love and fascinate you with intrigue. Huxsie Scott Huxsie began her career as a jazz vocalist in 1973. During the next fourteen years she performed with many of the area's premiere jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. She was features opener for jazz greats such as the late Lionel Hampton and McCoy Tyner. Huxsie worked for a number of years as vocalist for jazz great and Savannah resident, bassist Ben Tucker. In 1987, she came full circle and went back to her roots, singing Gospel and inspirational music. Huxsie has recorded three independent solo projects and she is featured on recent releases by DRT productions and local jazz trombonist Teddy Adams. Huxsie is currently the featured performer with the Savannah Theatre Project. In 2003 the company completed two very successful seasons of Lost in the Fifties, Savannah's longest running musical to date. Huxsie's singing style is a unique blend of jazz and traditional/contemporary Gospel. Alysa Smith A featured soloist with the Savannah Symphony Chorus, Alysa Smith has performed extensively in the Savannah area. Her solo work includes the Faure Requiem, the Gounod St. Cecilia Mass, the Vivaldi Gloria, the Schubert Mass in G and Vaughn Williams' Serenade to Music. In 2002, she presented a recital as a guest artist on the Brenau University Concert Series in Gainesville, Georgia and sang the Aria from Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 with the Coastal Symphony Orchestra of Georgia. She has offered solo recitals of classical repertoire for Savannah audiences over the last two years. Presently, she sings with the Savannah Choral Society. Since 1982, she has performed with multiple choral groups: the Savannah Counterpoint Madrigal Singers, I Cantori, and Holiday Harmonies, a professional octet. Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from East Carolina University and M.M. in vocal performance from Georgia Southern University. She is the choral director at Johnson High School in Savannah. Michelle Sundwall Michelle S. Sundwall's great love is musical theatre. Recently she has been seen as Fraulein in a new musical of "Heidi" and Yum Yum in "The Mikado". She also loves sacred music as she can express her deepest feelings of gratitude and faith through this medium. Michelle has a bachelor's degree in music from The University of Utah.She has been a judge of vocal competitions and pageants and has received manyhonors and awards. Of those honors, a favorite is placing as a semifinalist in the 2003 American Traditions Competition. Michelle's greatest achievements are her happy marriage and four children. Whether lullabying babies to sleep, singing in church or performing on the stage, Michelle shares her voice generously. As Utah's well-known paper, The Deseret News, has stated, Michelle has "a truly stellar voice". Rosemary Tarquinio Rosemary Tarquinio has been singing all her life but has made a career as a film and television executive in Los Angeles. Entering the American Traditions Competition is Rosemary's return to music and singing. Rosemary has sung The National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Pirates, California Angels, Clippers and Kings and has performed a vocal number on the television series, Quantum Leap. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Rosemary now resides in Los Angeles and continues to study opera privately but her great loves are musical theatre and standards which she will perform in the American Traditions Competition. Karen Young Karen Young, Lyric Soprano, was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She holds a B.A.degree in vocal performance from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she is an adjunct vocal instructor. She also maintains a private studio of 20 students at Ars Nova School of the Arts, a music school located in Huntsville. Ms. Young's most recent roles include "Desdemona" in Verdi's Otello, "Maddalena" in Verdi's Rigoletto, and "Suzuki" in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. In her career, Ms. Young has been coached by some of the finest vocal instructors, including Joan Dornemann and Nico Castel of the Metropolitan Opera, Virginia Zeani of Indiana University, and Richard Miller of Oberlin Conservatory. Ms. Young also pursues her love of jazz music, an interest that was handed down by her mother, a local jazz pianist and singer. Karen has performed with various jazz artists in Atlanta, Nashville, and other areas in the Southeast. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sibenik - Andrej Urem http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5338/1/E-Sibenik---Andrej-Urem.html ÂAndrej UremŠibenik letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Artisits Exhibit in NYC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5337/1/E-Croatian-Artisits-Exhibit-in-NYC.html ÂCroatian Artisits Exhibit in NYCThe following review of an exhibit in New York City mentions a number ofCroatian artists whose works are included in the exhibit being held atthe Austrian Cultural Forum. John KraljicFebruary 6, 2004ART REVIEW | 'PARALLEL ACTIONS'Once Upon a Time in Central Europe, When Unruly Was the RuleBy KEN JOHNSONConceptualism, the most easily transportable artistic practice, spreadlike a highly contagious virus all over the world in the late 1960's and70's. "Parallel Actions: Conceptual Tendencies in Central European ArtFrom 1965 to 1980," an exhibition at the Austrian Cultural Forum,focuses on that one region where it flourished - parallel, as the titlesuggests, to its occurrence elsewhere.The show was organized by Hedwig Saxenhuber and Georg Schoellhammer, whoare Viennese curators and magazine editors. Few of the more than a dozenartists represented will be familiar to New Yorkers. Their countriesinclude Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Serbia and Slovenia. Amongthe participants, Valie Export of Austria, who once famously invitedpassers-by to feel her breasts inside a cardboard box covering herchest, is the best known in the United States.This show's visual interest is minimal: various forms of paper make upmost of what is displayed - photographs, collages, posters and otherprinted matter, as well as some grainy, semiabstract films shown onvideo monitors. There is already a look of antiquity about most of thismaterial. And without a catalog to fill in artistic, social andpolitical backgrounds, much of it remains enigmatic to a contemporaryNew York viewer.Still, the show provides an intriguing glimpse of what some radicallyminded people thought was worth doing in the name of art at a certainmoment in history and in places remote from the Western world's majorurban art centers.Among the works on view are black-and-white photographs with typewrittentexts documenting absurdist performances by Jiri Kovanda of the CzechRepublic, which recall 1960's performances by American artists like VitoAcconci and Adrian Piper. The caption for one picture, of Mr. Kovandaapparently doing nothing in particular, explains that he was performingactions scripted so that passers-by would not realize he was doing anart performance. In another case he rides up an escalator while standingbackward and locking eyes with the person behind him.Some art historical context might help at this point. Conceptualism is alate development in a centuries-old debate about whether artists shouldbe seen as mere artisans or as intellectuals on a par with poets,philosophers and scientists. Modernism advanced the debate by devaluingcraft and repositioning the artist as an innovator of ways of seeing andthinking about art, the self, society and the world.Meanwhile, from modern philosophy, the idea arose that reality is notfixed but is shaped or constructed by the way people think, what theybelieve and how they describe the world. This gave Conceptualism itstraction: if you could change the way people ordinarily think, you couldchange the world.And to do that, you needn't do much. Slight but purposeful deviationsfrom ordinary modes of thought or behavior, like those performed by Mr.Kovanda, might conceivably alter whole cultural and social landscapes.It is the art world's version of the butterfly effect.One instance of this line of thought is Milenko Matanovic's "CollectiveFixing of the Point." In the gallery, Mr. Matanovic's work appears as asmall photograph of an antique statue on a tall column, with a littlecircle inscribed just above the statue's head. A text invites people toconcentrate on an imaginary point above the statue in Slovenia, thecountry where the artist lived; this is to be done from 11 a.m. to noonon a certain date and thereby "inscribe the point into the memory of theworld." As the artists of the Fluxus movement had come to believe, goingfrom individual imagination to global reality might not be such a greatleap.Another strategy was to focus on art world conventions. For his 1971exhibition Goran Trbuljak of Croatia simply put up posters announcing,"I do not wish to show anything new and original." In theory, at least,Mr. Trbuljak's Bartlebyesque renunciation would cause viewers to reflectcritically and subversively on the arbitrary nature of the art systemand its connection to broader, equally arbitrary systems - academic,economic, governmental and otherwise.Sanja Ivekovic, a Croatian artist, confronted contemporary politics andpower directly in a 1979 performance called "Triangle," documented byphotographs and text. The prose explains that while President Tito ofYugoslavia was going by in a motorcade outside Ms. Ivekovic's apartment,she sat on her balcony reading, sipping whiskey and pretending tomasturbate in full view of a surveillance officer stationed in abuilding across the street. The police quickly came to her door andordered her to stop. What, if any, further consequences followed we arenot told.This is the big question raised by an exhibition of this sort. Unlikepaintings and sculptures, which are comparatively self-sufficient, thekind of activities addressed here do not travel well without goodsupplementary information.Julius Koller, a Slovakian who invented something called theanti-happening, organized a group of young artists into a Ping-Pongclub, founded an organization called U.F.O. (for "UniversalFuturological Operations") and continues to make an annual absurdphotographic self-portrait as a "U.F.O.-naut." He looks like an artistworth getting to know better, and others may be also.But without more information about the contexts that these artistsworked within and what influence, if any, their works had in the world,one feels more baffled than informed. And the skeptic is allowed tooeasily to conclude that it all might amount to not very much. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Virtual Tour of the Exhibit and Invitation http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5345/1/E-Virtual-Tour-of-the-Exhibit-and-Invitation.html ÂFor virtual Tour please click on the following link:http://www.mariogallery.com/vt/vt.php Hello,I finished Virtual Tour of the exhibit and I would like to remind you about reception this Sunday 3-5 pm atGreat Neck Arts Center113 Middle Neck RdGreat Neck, NY For virtual Tour please click on the following link:http://www.mariogallery.com/vt/vt.php and give it some time to upload, there are 6 different views of the Gallery,I'm looking forward to see you there,Sincerely,Mario NovakMario.N@MarioNovak.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Melem za ranjenu dusu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5344/1/H-Melem-za-ranjenu-dusu.html ÂMelem za ranjenu dušu NISU STAROMODNA TRADICIJA KOJU JE PROGUTALO VRIJEME KOMPJUTORA I MOBILNE TELEFONIJE Melem za ranjenu dušu Ljubavna pisma su cista, materijalizirana ljubav Kad ste posljednji put u životu napisali ljubavno pismo? Jeste li pažljivo birali boju i velicinu kuverte te olovku kojom cete svoje osjecaje ispisati na mirisnom i podatnom papiru? Koliko ste truda uložili da romanticno pismo bude ispisano lijepim i citkim rukopisom i koje ste rijeci koristili? Pamtite li strepnju pri odlasku do poštanskog šaltera ili nakon ubacivanja ljubavnog pisma u sanducic? Što ako ga netko ukrade, a možda nikad i ne stigne do voljene osobe?!A nekoliko dana nakon toga redovito provjeravanje dolaska pošte na kucnu adresu, ispitivanje ukucana o pogrešci otvaranja pisama s vašim imenom... Hoce li mi odgovoriti? Jesu li ta vremena u kojima je ispisivanje pisama izabranicima svoga srca, supružnicima, ljubavnicima, bio civilizacijski ritual i cesto jedina moguca komunikacija medu udaljenim dušama zaista dio romanticne prošlosti iz bivših stoljeca? Ne, ništa od svega toga nije opravdanje za cinjenicu da smo postali emocionalno lijena i osjecajno zapuštena generacija, kojoj su najbolji prijatelji postali kucna racunala i televizori, tvrdi americki psiholog John Dawson. On ipak upozorava da ne treba biti previše dramatican ili okrutan prema modernom dobu te da još ima nade za sve nas koji se barem malo zamislimo nad svim pitanjima postavljenima na pocetku teksta. - Ljude treba razbuditi iz elektronickog sna u kojem žive, treba odškrinuti vrata i pustiti malo svježeg zraka medu ustajale dane i mjesece u kojima samo jurimo za novcem i zadovoljavanjem osnovnih životnih potreba. Treba im u ruke gurnuti "Malog princa", da ga još jednom procitaju, a za terapiju sentimentalne komunikacije predlažem i moju knjigu nazvanu "Pedeset najvecih ljubavnih pisama" - porucuje Newyorcanin David H. Lowenherz. Godinama skupljajuci i otkupljujuci originalna ljubavna pisma koja su poznati svjetski politicari, pisci, glumci i umjetnici pisali svojim najdražima odlucio je objaviti posebnu knjigu u kojoj je predstavio najintimnije detalje iz njihove ljubavne korespondencije. Knjiga je u Americi doslovce razgrabljena, ali važniji od financijskog ucinka upravo je onaj emocionalni, kojim je i sam autor najzadovoljniji, jer je potaknula rasprave o snazi ljubavnih rijeci i pisama, o vremenima kad se nije ismijavalo one koji se ne stide napisati i recenice koje pršte od emocija, obicno skrivenih. - Živimo u vremenu elektronske pošte, brzih poruka ispisanih na malim uredskim papiricima, poruka poslanih preko mobitela ili ostavljenih na telefonskim sekretaricama. Tko u 21. stoljecu ima nekoliko sati za duga lamentiranja o ljubavi i osjecajima? Postoje li uopce posljednji Mohikanci medu romanticarima - pita se Lowenherz.Odgovore je pronašao u velikim ljubavnim pismima iz prošlosti. Poznatom skladatelju Wolfgangu Amadeusu Mozartu dok je 1789. godine boravio u Berlinu toliko je nedostajala supruga Constanze da joj je u deset dana ispisao 11 pisama. U jednom od njih, ciji se original cuva u Pierpont Morgan knjižnici u New Yorku, talentirani glazbenik tepao je ženi da je mali mišic i opisivao svoja stanja cežnje opravdavajuci se da su šašave rijeci dopuštene izmedu dvije voljene osobe."Molim te, voli me zauvijek kao što ja tebe volim. Šaljem ti milijun poljubaca", pisao je Mozart. Engleski kralj Henry VIII. koji je imao šest žena toliko se zaljubio u posljednju, Anne Boleyn, da je prekinuo odnose s Vatikanom i osnovao Anglikansku crkvu. Prije vjencanja Henry je napisao da "svojoj ljubavi nudi sve što poželi i obecava da ce sve druge žene zaboraviti ako ona bude njegova". Napoleon Bonaparte svojoj Josefini redovito je slao pisma sa osvajackih vojnih pohoda moleci je za vjernost i ljubav. Boraveci u Italiji 1796. godine Napoleon je pisao: "Draga Josefina, što radiš, što jedeš, što oblaciš i s kime se družiš? Mislio sam da sam ljubomoran ali ne, draga Josefina, ja te volim. I vjeruj mi, bio bih sretniji da ti sam moram naci ljubavnika da se zabavljaš nego da budeš nesretna i tužna bez mene. Josefina, izlazi van, zabavljaj se, idi u grad, ne boravi na selu. Još samo sedam mjeseci i vracam ti se. Cekaj me, Josefina!" I Ernest Hemingway cesto je pisao ljubavna pisma, a cini se da nitko nije više uživao u tome od Nancy i Ronalda Reagana. Romantican je u mladosti bio i George Bush senior, koji je o svojoj Barbari sanjao dok je kao najmladi americki pilot sudjelovao u Drugom svjetskom ratu.Psiholog John Dawson tvrdi da ljubavna pisma iz naše mladosti svakako treba sacuvati, ali ne preporucuje ih citati nakon tragicnih ljubavnih prekida ili drugih emocionalnih potresa. "Ljubavna pisma imaju pozitivnu energiju i unatoc vremenskom razmaku ona pobuduju tople vibracije i sjecanja na ljubav koja se cuva medu recenicama. Pisma su tragovi naše duše, oni su cista, materijalizirana ljubav koja poput svetih slicica ili amajlija mogu lijeciti naše emocionalne rane. Kažem vam stoga da stanete na trenutak, ostavite sve obveze, neka cekaju djeca, kasnite na posao, otkažite dogovorene sastanke i otrgnite vrijeme za sebe i svoje nakupljene ljubavne recenice. Ispišite ih i pošaljite onome koga volite.Ako nema takve osobe, ispišite pismo i darujte ga slucajnom prolazniku ili ubacite u nepoznati poštanski sanducic u susjednoj zgradi. Ne možete ništa izgubiti, a dobit cete puno!", porucuje Dawson Jadranka Jureško-Kero http://www.vecernji-list.hr/ONA/2004/01/31/Pages/melem.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Mel Gibson - in Croatian on the WEB - MUKA KRISTOVA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5341/1/EH-Mel-Gibson---in-Croatian-on-the-WEB---MUKA-KRISTOVA.html ÂÂIf you live in the United States, you can now order advance tickets for the film. It is now one of the best ways to show your support of the film. It is opening in over 2,000 theaters nationwide on February 25, 2004. For more details, please visit the following link:http://www.passion-movie.com/english/tickets.html CLICK ON THIS LINK TO INSERT BANNER OR MOVIE POSTER:http://www.passion-movie.com/promote/banner2.html http://www.passion-movie.com THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is a vivid depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life. ÂÂSometime around the year A.D. 30, in the Roman province of Palestine, an obscure Jewish carpenter named Jesus of Nazareth began to teach publicly and to proclaim the coming of a 'Kingdom of God.' For centuries, the Jewish people had expected the appearance of a promised deliverer known as the Messiah --a figure who would restore their ancient dignity, and free their sacred homeland from all evil and despair. In the minds of many, Jesus appeared to be this Messiah. Surrounded by a core group of twelve disciples, Jesus began to attract a massive following from among the common people of Galilee and Judea, who eventually praised him as their Messiah and King. However, Jesus also had many enemies in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin, a governing senate composed of the leading Jewish priests and Pharisees, conspired to put Jesus to death. With the aid of Judas Iscariot, a member of Jesus' own inner circle, the Sanhedrin succeeded in arresting Jesus, handing him over to the Roman secular authorities on unsubstantiated charges of treason against Rome. Although Jesus consistently maintained that his Kingdom was a heavenly and spiritual one, the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate, faced with the possibility of a riot, ordered that Jesus be taken outside the city and crucified as a common criminal. MUKA KRISTOVA: živopisni prikaz posljednjih 12 sati života Isusa Krista. Negdje oko 30. godine ljeta gospodnjega , u rimskoj provinciji Palestini nepoznati židovski tesar imenom Isus iz Nazareta poceo je s javim poducavanjem i proglašavanjem "Kraljevstva božjeg". Stoljecima, Židovi su ocekivali dolazak obecanog spasitelja znanog kao Mesiju - osobu koja bi obnovila njihovo drevno dostojanstvo te oslobodila njihovu svetu domovinu od svog zla i ocaja. U srcima mnogih, upravo Isus je bio ocekivani Mesija. Okružen jezgrovitom grupom od dvanaestoro ucenika, Isus je zapoceo uvelike privlaciti svoje buduce sljedbenike meðu obicnim ljudima Galileje i Judeje, koji su ga na kraju krajeva slavili kako njihovog Mesiju i Kralja. Usprkos tome, Isus je imao i puno neprijatelja u Jeruzalemu. Sanhedrini, vladajuci senat sastavljen od vodecih židovskih svecenika i farizeja, zavjerom Isusa osuðuje na smrt. Uz pomoc Jude Iskariotskog, jednog od njegovih dvanaestoro ucenika, Sanhedrini uspješno uhicuju Isusa, predajuci ga rimskim sekularnim vlastima pod nestvarnim optužbama izdaje protiv samog Rima. Iako je Isus naglašavao da je njegovo Kraljevstvo nebesko i duhovno, rimski prokurator Poncije Pilat, suocen s mogucnošcu pobune, nareðuje da Isus bude izveden iz grada i raspet kao obican kriminalac. Thanks for supporting THE PASSION. Can you help promote the film? We need to get as many supporters signed up on our website as possible. While THE PASSION will most definitely be released in theaters, your participation will help to get the movie into as many theaters as possible. By taking a moment to encourage others to visit the website and to complete the 'Support The Passion' form on our website, you can increase the likelihood that Mel Gibson's THE PASSION will be shown in a theater near you. For more details, please go to: http://www.passion-movie.com/Help us get out the word! If you know of anyone who would be interested in this film, please let them know about it and ask them to visit the website. If you have your own website or newsletter with visitors who might be interested in this film, please feel free to post a link to our website. You can find graphics, text, and links for this purpose at the following link: http://www.passion-movie.com/promote/banner.htmlIf you live in the United States, you can now order advance tickets for the film. It is now one of the best ways to show your support of the film. It is opening in over 2,000 theaters nationwide on February 25, 2004. For more details, please visit the following link:http://www.passion-movie.com/english/tickets.html ÂHi Nenad,Here is most of the information to the movie. Thanks for your help on this, I can't wait to see the movie myself.Thanks again,Katherinkatherin@mossprecision.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Croatian Tales of Long Ago" available on Amazon.com http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5343/1/E-Croatian-Tales-of-Long-Ago-available-on-Amazoncom.html Â"Croatian Tales of Long Ago" available on Amazon.comÂ"Croatian Tales of Long Ago" available on Amazon.comCD-ROM "Croatian Tales of Long Ago, Part One" hit the US distribution and isnow available on the world No. 1 online bookstore www.amazon.com!The CD is a result of award-winning international animation Web/CD-ROMproject "Price iz davnine" ("Croatian Tales of Long Ago"/ "KroatischeMarchen aus Urvaterzeiten"). The "Croatian Tales" project is a result ofinternational cooperation, based on a book "Croatian Tales of Long Ago"(1916) by one of the most famous Croatian writers Ivana Brlic Mazuranic(1874-1938). She was known as "Slavic Tolkien" or "Croatian Andersen", aNobel candidate, and her fairytales are based on Slavic mythology andCroatian folktale tradition. The CD-ROM is in 3 languages - English, Germanand Croatian.The project, lead by Helena Bulaja and produced by the leading Croatianmultimedia publisher "Bulaja naklada" included elite of world MacromediaFlash animators from different countries (more than 100 people wereinvolved!), and it won numerous recognitions (among others, winner onFlashForward animation festival, San Francisco; Netfestival in Rio DeJaneiro, Brazil; Golden Award of Montreux; Switzerland; New Media Festival,Georgetown, Canada; finalist of the competition animation festivals inAnnecy, France; Hamburg, Germany; Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax, Canada;Austin, Texas; Krakow, Poland; Linz, Austria; Seoul, Korea; Zagreb etc.).The project was rated by the national Croatian television - HTV, and theleading Croatian newspapers - "Jutarnjilist", as the best Croatian culturaland film project "in the past ten years" (!).The project editor in chief, Helena Bulaja, gathered together seven teams ofanimators, illustrators, musicians, actors, translators, programmers etc.from different parts of the world and different traditions: from the US,Canada, Scotland, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Russia, France etc, and theeight team was formed in Croatia. Each team picked one of eight tales andtransferred it to the digital world. The result was an exciting and reallyunique adventure, because artists from different backgrounds, who were notfamiliar with Mazuranic's work and Croatia and its tradition at all, and whonever met each other in 'real' life before, made completely newinterpretations of those beautiful fairytales. Eight main editors were wellknown cartoonists Katrin Rothe from Germany, French animator LaurenceArcadias who now lives in San Francisco, Ellen McAuslan from England, AlKeddie from Scotland, Nathan Jurevicius from Australia, Edgar Beals fromCanada, Mirek Nisenbaum, New Yorker of Russian origin, and Helena Bulaja.Along with four cartoons / interactive tales, the CD-ROM "Croatian Tales,Part One" also contains very detailed information about Ivana BrlicMazuranic and her time, about this unique project and authors involved, ashort introduction in Slavic mythology and the text of the original book"Croatian Tales of Long Ago" - everything in Croatian, English and German,on a single disc.To get an impression of what the "Croatian Tales" project is about, visitits web pages on www.bulaja.com/fairytales/ . The site is in English, andthere are also available excerpts from the animations.To purchaser the CD on Amazon, follow the linkhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/953673706X/croatitalesof-20 . Theprice is $24.97, postage costs included. The CD is packed in very nice andsweet designed box, which makes it a very nice present for anyone interestedin Croatian tradition and world of the fairytales.By purchasing the CD on Amazon you are also supporting the renewal andreopening of Ivana Brlic Mazuranic's house and museum in her hometownSlavonski Brod.For more information visit www.bulaja.com/fairytales/ or write toinfo@bulaja.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "Price iz davnine - I. dio" dostupan na Amazon com http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5342/1/H-Price-iz-davnine---I-dio-dostupan-na-Amazon-com.html Â"Price iz davnine - I. dio" dostupan na Amazon.comÂCD-ROM "Price iz davnine - I. dio / Croatian Tales of Long Ago, Part One"dosegao je americku distribuciju i dostupan je na stranicama najvecesvjetske online knjizare www.amazon.com!CD je rezultat nagradjenog medjunarodnog Web/CD'ROM projekta "Price izdavnine" ("Croatian Tales of Long Ago"/ "Kroatische Marchen ausUrvaterzeiten"). Projekt je rezultat medjunarodne suradnje, a temelji se naknjizi "Price iz davnine" (1916) Ivane Brlic Mazuranic, svakako najslavnijehrvatske knjizevnice. Prozvana je "hrvatskim Andersenom" i "slavenskimTolkienom", dvaput je kandidirana za Nobelovu nagradu, a njene se bajketemelje na slavenskoj mitologiji i hrvatskoj tradiciji. CD-ROM je na trijezika, engleskom, njemackom i hrvatskom.Projekt, kojega je inicirala i vodila Helena Bulaja a producirao vodecihrvatski multimedijski nakladnik "Bulaja naklada", ukljucio je svjetskuelitu Macromedia Flash animatora iz razlicitih zemalja (na koncu je u njegabilo ukljuceno preko 100 ljudi!), te je dobio niz medjunarodnih priznanja(pobjednik festivala FlashForward u San Francisku, Netfestivala u Rio deJaneiru, dobitnik nagrade Golden Award of Montreux, Svicarska; honourablemention, New Media Festival, Georgetown, Kanada; finalist natjecaja nafestivalima u Annecyju, Hamburgu, Ottawi, Torontu, Halifaxu, Austinu,Krakowu, Linzu, Seulu, Zagrebu itd.) Vodece hrvatske dnevne novine "Jutarnjilist" i nacionalna televizija HTV proglasile su ga za najbolji hrvatskikulturni i filmski projekt "u proteklih 10 godina" (!).Glavni urednik projekta Helena Bulaja okupila je sedam timova animatora,ilustratora, glazbenika, glumaca, prevoditelja, programera itd. izrazlicitih dijelova svijeta i razlicitih tradicija: iz SAD-a, Kanade,Skotske, Australije, Danske, Njemacke, Rusije, Francuske i dr, a osmi je timoformljen u Hrvatskoj. Svaki je tim odabrao jednu od osam bajki iz knjige ipreselio ih u digitalni svijet. Rezultat je jedna uzbudljiva i zaistajedinstvena avantura, buduci da su umjetnici iz razlicitih tradicija, kojinisu znali gotovo nista o Mazuranickinom djelu, Hrvatskoj i njenojtradiciji, i koji se nikad nisu sreli u 'stvarnom' zivotu, napravili potpunonove interpretacije tih prekrasnih prica. Osam glavnih redatelja svake odprica su poznati animatori Katrin Rothe iz Njemacke, francuska animatoricakoja trenutno zivi i radi u San Franciscu Laurence Arcadias, Ellen McAuslaniz Engleske, Al Keddie iz Skotske, Nathan Jurevicius iz Australije, EdgarBeals iz Kanade, Mirek Nisenbaum, njujorcanin ruskog porijekla, i HelenaBulajaOsim animacija i interaktivnih prica, CD-ROM "Price iz davnine - I. dio"sadrzi i vrlo iscrpne informacije o Ivani Brlic Mazuranic i njenom vremenu,o ovom jedinstvenom projektu i autorima koji su u njemu sudjelovali, kratkiuvod u slavensku mitologiju, te izvorni tekst knjige "Price iz davnine" -sve na hrvatskom, engleskom i njemackom jeziku, na jednom disku.Da biste dobili dojam o projektu "Price iz davnine", posjetite njegove Webstranice na adresi www.bulaja.com/faitytales/. Stranice su na engleskom, adostupni su i izvaci iz pojedinih animacija.Za kupnju CD-a na Amazonu, slijedite linkhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/953673706X/croatitalesof-20 . Cijenadiska je $24.97, troskovi postarine za SAD su ukljuceni. CD je zapakiran uslatko dizajniranu kutiju, sto ga cini lijepim poklonom za svakoga tko jezainteresiran za Hrvatsku , njenu tradiciju, i svijet bajki.Kupnjom CD-a na Amazonu takodjer potpomazete akciju za obnovu i ponovnootvaranje kuce i muzeja Ivane Brlic Mazuranic u Slavonskom Brodu.Vise informacija mozete dobiti na www.bulaja.com/fairytales/ ili na e-mailadresi info@bulaja.com. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) BBC Awards, Tamara at the TOP http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5340/1/HE-BBC-Awards-Tamara-at-the-TOP.html ÂTAMARA on the TOP - BBC Audience AwardCheck:http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/vote/audienceaward.shtml Dragi Nenade i citatelji CROWNaOd srca zahvaljujem svima koji su glasovali za mene u sklopu BBC radio 3Audience Awards, lijep je osjecaj biti podrzan, pogotovo od svojih...Emisija Vrijeme je za jazz ide u srijedu na 1 programu u 24.20A repriza je u cetvrtak na 3 programu u 19.50,Tebi posebno zahvaljujem,do skorog vidjenja,Tamara Dear Nenad and CROWN readers,I wholeheartedly thank all of you who voted for me for the BBC Audience Award. It is a beautiful feeling to be supported especially by your own people.The show Time for Jazz (Vrijeme je za jazz) will be aired tonight on HTV 1 6:20 PM New York time (Webcast http://www.hrt.hr/ see HRT Uzivo, ) and on Thursday on HTV 3 1:50 PM New York time.Thanks again,Tamarahttp://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/vote/audienceaward.shtml Moto poruke: kocekomenegosvojsvome...Editor's Note:BRAVO TAMARA! We Croatians around the world couldn't be more proud of you ! From here to the TOP. You deserve it !Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dundo Maroje in Washington http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5357/1/E-Dundo-Maroje-in-Washington.html  CUA Department of DRAMA  "uNcLE mAROJE" Âinvited to DUBROVNIK theatre FESTIVAL 2004 IN DUBROVNIK, CROATIA  Â January 9, 2004  Dear friend: Our drama department is honored that Mr. Ivica Kuncevic, the Artistic Director of the Dubrovnik Festival, has invited our forthcoming production of Uncle Maroje by one of the most distinguished Croatian playwrights, Marin Drzic], to be shown at next summer's Dubrovnik Festival 2004. This international Festival normally invites only significant professional theatre companies. We are the only university theatre ever to be included in its program. This is a great honor for us in recognition of our Drama Department's reputation as well as an opportunity for our students and American audiences to be exposed to and learn about the cultural wealth and the beauty of the Renaissance world and Croatian culture to be found in Dubrovnik and Croatia in the past and the present. The Dubrovnik Festival has been a member of the European Festivals Association since 1956 and is one of the oldest theatre festivals in Europe. Its prestige is comparable to festivals in Salzburg, Edinburgh and Avignon. Among the theatre companies which have performed at the Festival are: England's Old Vic, The Royal National Theatre, the Bristol Old Vic; Vienna's Burgteater, Italy's Piccolo Teatro; Sweden's Royal Dramatic Theatre, Greece's Greek National Theatre; the Chech Republic's Divadlo na Zabradili; Poland's Teatr Stary; and The United States' Bread and Puppet Theatre and La Mamma Theatre. Among the prominent theatre artists who have participated there are: Sir John Gielgud, Vaclav Havel, Peter Brook, Daniel Day Lewis, Derek Jacobi, Heiner Muller and Mario Vargas Losa. We believe that performing among such distinguished international theatres will be an unparalleled educational opportunity for our students. Our production of Uncle Maroje, written by, "the Croatian Shakespeare," is based on the new English translation and adaptation made specifically for this occasion by Dr. Roland Reed and Dr. Naum Panovski. This production will be, to our knowledge, the first production ever done of a play by Marin Drzic in the USA. Directed by Naum Panovski, internationally distinguished theatre director and the Director of our M.F.A. Directing Program, Unlce Maroje will include a team of internationally distinguished theatre artists such as Mr. Marin Gozze, a well known and internationally awarded set designer from Croatia, who will lead our set and lighting design team, and Ms. Smaranda Branescu, distinguished costume designer from Romania who has designed for renowned directors such as Liviu Cullei, Lucian Pintillei, Robert Wilson, and Libby Appel. We will be grateful if you can join us and support our endeavor to learn from the best in theatre. Thank you for your generosity and help. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon and to seeing you at our open rehearsal or during one of our productions of Uncle Maroje.  Sincerely Yours,  Naum Panovski, Director of 'Uncle Maroje"  Uncle Maroje will be performed from April 21 -25, 04., in The Hartke Theatre    The Catholic University of America Department of Drama & Croatian House  Cordially invite you to an  open rehearsal of Marin Drzic's Uncle Maroje & Croatian Wine and food testing  Sunday, February 22, 2004. 5:00 p.m - 7:30 p.m. The Catholic University of America, Hartke Theatre, 3801 Harewood, Washington, D.C. 20064 This event is supported by the Embassy of Republic of Croatia in Washington, D.C.  RSVP: Dr. Naum Panovski panovskn@cua.edu 202-319-5362  Our production has been invited to the Dubrovnik International Theatre Festival 2004 following performances here and across the United States    UNCLE MAROJE IN DUBROVNIK  ¨ YES, I plan to attend and support the UNCLE MAROJE PROJECT  Please accept my donation in the amount of:  Name: Address: E-mail address: Phone:  ¨ Enclosed please find my check payable to: The Catholic University of America Your Donations are tax deductible  Please bring or return this card with your check in envelope addressed to:  Dr. Naum Panovski UNCLE MAROJE PROJECT Department of Drama The Catholic University of America Washington, DC 20064   For any other question or help please contact us at: 202-319-5362 or panovskn@cua.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Prljavo Kazaliste - in New York Friday January 30 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5355/1/E-Prljavo-Kazaliste---in-New-York-Friday-January-30.html ÂPrljavo Kazaliste in New YorkFriday, January 30 at 9 PMThat's right, Prljavo Kazaliste is touring the US and they areperforming here in NY.Friday, January 30 at 9 PMCroatian Center502 West 41st Street (bwn 10 and 11 ave)New York, NYAdvanced Tickets: 212-563-3395At the door: 2 hours prior to the concertPrljavo Kazaliste (Dirty Theater) was one of the first Croatian original punk-rock bands, together with Azra and Paraf. Probably the first that got an album out. When I was 13, there was not that many options in Croatia: I could choose between Srebrna Krila (an equivalent of N'Sync) and Prljavo Kazaliste. I remember wearing their button on my jacket for about a year (until me and my friends started our own punk band and started wearing our own buttons). Ok, they migrated from old school mellodic punk of their first album very soon to pecuniary more satisfying styles. By the 1990's they were all too mellow for me, lead singer left, so Jasenko Houra (guitarist and song writer) started singing himself. Not bad, but never again the same. Than he made a song about his mom, calling her Ruza Hrvatska (Croatian Rose). That at time when such use of adjective Croatian in a pop song was viewed as highly provocative. You could hear it only in banned songs anyway. In the original recorded lyrics word "Croatian" appears exactly ONE time (at live performances it was repeated ad nauseam, of course). Provocation worked marvels for the sagging sales. Also, it showed Houra's brilliant marketing prowess - as the Yugoslav market disappeared destroying livelihood of many Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Belgrade rock bands, he made a song that would profile him as a patriot, and help him sell his records in the years to come. ivo letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Robert Belinic with Paducah Symphony http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5354/1/E-Robert-Belinic-with-Paducah-Symphony.html ÂRobert Belinic with Paducah SymphonyThis weekend (January 24) the Paducah Symphony in Paducah, Kentucky, had the privilege of accompanying Robert Belinic in the Villa-Lobos Guitar Concerto. Gspd. Belinic was the first guitarist to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions (2002) and among other places he has played at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in New York City.Since I play in the Paducah Symphony, most of the orchestra has heard me endlessly singing the praises of Croatia. They knew I would be extra excited about this concert, and they were right. Now they, too, know about the excellence of at least one Croatian musician! (Well, two -- we also played a Haydn symphony....) And I had a chance to try out my "five words" of Croatian!It was a terrific evening, and anyone who is within driving distance of a Robert Belinic performance should not miss it.Suzanne Lordlordlord@siu.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach presented on a top 20 USA artists list http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5353/1/E-Nenad-Bach-presented-on-a-top-20-USA-artists-list.html ÂNenad Bach presented to Radio Stations around the world as a hot Top 20 artistÂVANGUARD List - JANUARY 23, 20041. NORAH JONES 'SUNRISE'2. TEARS FOR FEARS 'CLOSEST THING TO HEAVEN'3. BEN JELEN 'COME ON' (LP VERSION)4. GAVIN DEGRAW 'I DON'T WANT TO BE'5. LUTHER VANDROSS 'THINK ABOUT YOU' (RADIO EDIT)6. SOMETHING CORPORATE 'RUTHLESS'7. EVAN AND JARON 'WHAT SHE LIKES'8. SEVENDUST 'BROKEN DOWN'9. CYNDI LAUPER 'AT LAST'10. NENAD BACH 'I LOVE LOSERS (IF I HAD ANOTHER LIFE)'11. FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE 'MEXICAN WINE'12. CLAY AIKEN 'THE WAY'13. P.O.D. 'CHANGE THE WORLD'14. JOJO 'LEAVE (GET OUT)'15. TRAPT 'ECHO'16. FEDERATION feat. E-40 'HYPHY' (CLEAN RADIO EDIT)17. DAVID BANNER feat. STATIC 'CRANK IT UP' (RADIO EDIT)18. THE LIVING END 'WHO'S GONNA SAVE US?'19. G-UNIT 'SMILE'Since it was launched in May of 1995, VANGUARD has consistently delivered hot new tracks from American superstars to our affiliates all over the world. It has also aggressively presented the best new artists as they emerged on the scene. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Croatian Chronicle in LA - January 30 at 7:30 PM http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5352/1/EH-Croatian-Chronicle-in-LA---January-30-at-730-PM.html ÂCROATIAN CHRONICLE in LAThe staff of Croatian Chronicle is traveling to LA this weekend and would like to invite all Croatian-Americans from the LA area to join us in the West coast promotion of the newspaper.You are invited to the celebratory presentation ofCROATIAN CHRONICLEFriday January 30, 2004 at 7:30 PMCroatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles510 West 7th StreetSan PedroReception to FollowJoin us as we celebrate the success of Croatian Chronicle, featuring the release of our second issue!The event is sponsored by the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los AngelesRSVP: (718) 278-5760 or info@croatianchronicle.com **********************************Urednistvo Croatian Chronicle-a putuje u LA ovog vikenda i poziva sve americke Hrvate iz LA-a i okolice da nam se pridruze na promociji novine na zapadnoj obali.Pozvani ste na svecanu promocijuCROATIAN CHRONICLE-aPetak, 30. sjecnja 2004 u 19:30Hrvatski Kulturni Centar Los Angeles-a510 West 7th StreetSan PedroPridruzite nam se kao bi zajedno proslavili uspjeh novine, te obiljezili izdavanje drugog broja.Sponzor: Hrvatski Kulturni Centar Los Angeles-aMolimo obavijestite nas o Vasem dolasku na (718) 278-5760 iliinfo@croatianchronicle.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Promocija knjige Dunje Ujevic "Ministar Obrane" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5351/1/H-Promocija-knjige-Dunje-Ujevic-Ministar-Obrane.html Â"Ministar Obrane" u New YorkuDunja UjevicU nedjelju, 1. veljace, 2004 s pocetkom u 12:45 u Hrvatskom Centru u New Yorku ce se odrzati promocija knjige "Ministar Obrane" autorice Dunje Ujevic.Ova knjiga izazvala je veliku paznju u domovini, i do sada nije bila pretstavljena medu Hrvatima u New Yorku. Za sve informacije, molimo obratite se na: ljmatesic@optonline.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Coolio u Hrvatskom Filmu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5350/1/H-Coolio-u-Hrvatskom-Filmu.html ÂCoolio u Hrvatskom FilmuDragi prijatelji i sunarodnjaci, Zadovoljstvo mi je obavijestiti vas kako cu za nesto manje od mjesec dana u Splitu poceti sa snimanjem dugometraznog igranog filma pod naslovom "Ta divna splitska noc". U svezi toga, obracam se svim zainteresiranima koji bi eventualno u ovom projektu pronasli svoj interes da sudjeljuju u realizaciji i djelomicnom finaciranju istog. Kako sam osobno proveo desetak godina u USA, gdje sam i magistrirao na NYU kao najbolji student te radio godinama na nezavisnim filmovima, odlucio sam se obratiti svima vama preko Crown- a. Film "Ta divna splitska noc" je proglasen najboljim projektom na natjecaju Ministarstva kulture Republike Hrvatske prosle godine, te je dobio inicijalna sredstva za realizaciju. Takodjer, Hrvatska televizija djelomicno financira projekt za sto ce dobiti mini-seriju od 3 epizode. Rijec je o beskompromisnoj i poetskoj viziji Splita na samu Novu godinu. Radnja se dogadja u splitskom getu, i to tijekom samo dva sata, izmedju 10PM i 12AM, kada pocinje novogodisnji vatromet i veselje. Na Peristilu se odvija novogodisnji koncert poznatog glazbenika Dine Dvornika koji ce glumiti i pjevati u filmu, dok se u okolnim mracnim ulicicama zbivaju tri sudbine isprepletene te lude noci.Nastupaju mnogi poznati splitski glumci, kao i natruscici, a jedna od glavnih uloga je i lik americkog mornara koji se sa svojim brodom nasao u Splitu te noci. Ova zanimljiva uloga je ponudjena poznatom rapperu zvanom Coolio. Naime, na audiciji koju smo imali u Los Angelesu u studenome dosao je veci broj poznatijih glumaca kojima se jako svidjela ova uloga, sto je svima nama u ekipi bilo na cast i dokaz da scenarij doista korespondira s americkom publikom. Izmedju svih njih odabrali smo Coolia.Trenutno trazimo potencijalne investitore koji bi pripomogli da se pokrije honorar za Coolia. Iznos ulaganja pa time i sudjelovanje u financijskoj dobiti ovisi prije svega o spremnosti investitora. Stoga molimo sve zainteresirane da se obrate meni osobno na email: arsen@post.comÂRelated article: Tekst koji upotpunjava sliku o Arsenu Antonu Ostojicu:  (E) Arsen Anton Ostojic Jan 15,2003 People letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Kultura za izvoz http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5349/1/H-Kultura-za-izvoz.html ÂKultura za izvozIntervju Bozidar BiškupicKultura za izvozHoce li se vaša kulturna strategija kao ministra bitno razlikovati od one koju ste zastupali 1995. Jesu li se stvari bitno promijenile u kulturi od tada? Sad najavljujete stimuliranje kulture manjina i spominjete Nenada Bacha, Dunju Knebl i Tamaru Obrovac kao hrvatske izvozne projekte, dok su prije kulturni prioriteti ipak bili nešto drugaciji. Razlikovat ce se jer ne zivimo u isto vrijeme. Kad sam 1995. preuzeo duznost, upravo je završio Domovinski rat. Zemlja je bila razorena i prioriteti su bili drugi. Stimulirat cemo i kulturu manjina, a jucer sam telefonom razgovarao s gospodinom Nenadom Bachom, koji se ovih dana nalazi u New Yorku, o njegovim projektima. Sastat cemo se cim se vrati u domovinu. Bilo bi mi drago kad bi njegov projekt zazivio. Glazba, film i izdavaštvo sastavnice su naše kulture, ciju promociju u inozemstvu moramo pojacati. Jedna od mogucnosti je poticanje "kulturnih industrija" te u tom smislu razmišljamo o kreditima kojima bi se izdavacima i umjetnicima osigurala sredstva uz minimalnu kamatu, tako da bi dio kamate podmirivalo Ministarstvo. Na ovaj nacin bismo pokrenuli kulturno poduzetništvo, kao što se to sada radi i u turizmu. Znaci, opet prica o okretanju kulture trzištu?Da, bio bi to pravi iskorak. Nigdje kultura ne moze zivjeti samo od proracuna, kao što ne smije biti samo prepuštena trzištu. zelite Europi prezentirati "ono najkvalitetnije" u hrvatskoj kulturi, mozete li mi imenovati nekoliko projekata i umjetnika koji su po Vama najkvalitetniji i relevantni u europskim okvirima?Spomenuo sam vec prijevode hrvatske literature, glazbu i likovne umjetnosti. Tako npr. 7. travnja u Parizu otvaramo izlozbu "Renesansa u Hrvatskoj". Nisam sudjelovao u pripremama te izlozbe, ali mislim da ju treba preseliti i u Berlin, London ili Moskvu. Ovako velike projekte moramo prezentirati u više velikih europskih gradova. zelimo li u Europu 2007., onda moramo nastupiti s velikim projektima koji moraju biti potpomognuti vecim sredstvima nego do sada, kako bi bili prepoznati kao dio zajednice. Nisu samo izlozbe naš izvozni projekt, to je i glazba, npr. Zagrebacka filharmonija neki je dan imala vrlo uspješan koncert u Becu, a tako nešto ocekujemo i od kazališta. Razgovarali smo o toj temi s intendantima nacionalnih kuca, a Rijeka i Split clanovi su Meðunarodne kazališne konvencije, što ce im lakše osigurati meðunarodna gostovanja. Kazališta, da bi gostovala u inozemstvu, trebaju ipak napraviti prije relevantne europske predstave, nije valjda cilj bilo kakvo gostovanje? Slazem se i vjerujem da intendanti poznaju svoju programsku politiku i da mogu napraviti predstave koje se mogu postaviti na svjetske pozornice, u cemo cemo im svesrdno pomoci. Siguran sam da ce u toj ponudi biti zastupljena i baština i suvremena djela. Bivši ministar Antun Vujic je, citiram po njegovoj izjavi, povecao proracun u 4 godine s 373 na 660 milijuna kuna. Kakva je Vaša projekcija kretanja kulturnog proracuna u sljedece cetiri godine? Koliki postotak iz ukupnog drzavnog proracuna zasluzuje hrvatska kultura?U vecini europskih zemalja te se velicine krecu oko 1 % od ukupnog proracuna i vecina europskih ministara kulture prizeljkuje takav udjel. Kada je taj udjel veci, u kulturi se "lakše diše". Dobro je da se moj prethodnik uspio izboriti za proracunska sredstva oko 1 %. Premda je gospodarska situacija teška, nadam se da ce kultura zadrzati dosegnuti standard.Kakve su Vaše ambicije vezane uz kapitalne kulturne projekte?Nastavit cemo kapitalne projekte od kojih su neki zapoceti još u devedesetima ili u mandatu mog prethodnika. S celnim ljudima za kulturu iz cetiri velika hrvatska grada razgovarali smo o zapocetim projektima kao što su Muzej suvremene umjetnosti u Zagrebu, Muzej krapinskog pracovjeka, koji je tek u prvoj fazi izgradnje, o Muzeju suvremene umjetnosti i novoj Gradskoj knjiznici u Rijeci, te o razdvajanju Gradske od Sveucilišne knjiznice u Osijeku, kao i o pomoci Ministarstva kulture u ostvarenju zapocetoga ili zeljenoga. Imate neke konkretnije datume kad bi recimo zagrebacki Muzej suvremene umjetnosti mogao biti završen?Imam obecanje izvoðaca radova - ako Ministarstvo kulture i Grad Zagreb osiguraju potrebna sredstva, Muzej ce biti završen za manje od tri godine.Podrzat cemo Split za kredit Svjetske bankeMinistarstvo kulture je ispravno reagiralo i u mom prethodnome mandatu davši preporuku Vladi da garantira Gradu Splitu za podizanje kredita koji je za obnovu povijesne jezgre nudila Svjetska banka. Na zalost, unatoc našoj preporuci garancija je izostala. Svoje smo mišljenje zadrzali i, bude li trebalo, ponovit cemo ga"U svom kabinetu rado bih vidio Krlezu", rekao je novi (stari) hrvatski ministar kulture u razgovoru koji je s njim vodio JASEN BOKONovi ministar kulture mr. Bozo Biškupic vec je u istoj ministarskoj fotelji sjedio u razdoblju od 1995.-2000. Fotelja je mozda ista, ali su se osim zgrade Ministarstva bitno promijenile i okolnosti pa smo s ministrom porazgovarali o planovima i potencijalnim problemima s kojima se moze susresti hrvatska kultura i njezin ministar u sljedecem razdoblju, ali smo razgovor morali poceti kratkim izletom u prošlost.Znam da je jedna od popularnih recenica u predizbornoj kampanji bila "dosta zagledanja u prošlost, okrenimo se buducnosti", ali ja bih se, prije nego što se buducnosti okrenemo, volio prisjetiti vašeg odbijanja Šnajdera kao intendanta u rijeckom HNK, što je bio sigurno vaš "najozloglašeniji" potez u prošlome mandatu. Što o tome mislite šest godina poslije, stojite li i danas iza svoje odluke ili Vam je ona bila nametnuta?Rekao sam na samom pocetku mandata da se necemo vracati u prošlost. Šnajdera izuzetno cijenim kao dramskog autora i vjerujem da mu to nije nepoznato, a dogaðaj otprije šest godina ostaje iza nas. Gledam u buducnost i zelim zajedništvo ljudi koji se bave kulturom u Hrvatskoj. Takvu buducnost ne treba opterecivati prošlošcu.Znaci li to da cete onda ovaj put potvrditi sve intendante koje gradovi izaberu u Vašemu mandatu? Naravno, ali novi ce zakon na drugi nacin tretirati izbor intendanata te se nece više govoriti o izboru osoba, nego ce se govoriti o izboru programa. Kandidati koji su cesto ugledni znalci struke, morat ce ponuditi svoje vizije kroz programe.Današnji premijer nekad je bio intendant HNK - hoce li se konacno nešto napraviti da se razriješi ova smiješna kazališna organizacija naslijeðena još iz Austro-Ugarske? Mislim prije svega na Operu, Balet i Dramu u istoj kuci, koji dijele jednu pozornicu. To u svijetu postoji još u Srbiji i Bosni i Hercegovini, s kojima, cini se, cinimo posljednje K&K provincije. Da ne zaboravimo i taj nesretni kazališni zakon koji se osmišljava vec 13 godina, a za koji svaki cas slušamo "evo tek što nije"... Imate neka konkretna rješenja? Ne bih rekao da je ovaj put Zakon "evo tek što nije". Mi smo u mandatu tek mjesec dana, ali se vec ozbiljno bavimo tim pitanjem. Razgovarao sam i danas s intendantima hrvatskih narodnih kazališta o novom Zakonu. Tocno je da smo kazališnu strukturu naslijedili iz austrougarskih vremena, svjesni smo da zivimo u 21. stoljecu, premda nisam protivnik tradicije, promjene su nuzne. U Zagrebu cemo pokušati rješavati ovaj problem gradnjom nove zgrade Nacionalne Drame u Novom Zagrebu, nadam se u blizini novog Muzeja suvremene umjetnosti. Za gradnju nove Opere, kao što je najavljivao bivši ministar, nema novca, a mislim ni potrebe. Opera treba ostati tradicionalno u zgradi HNK.Koliko su takve najave zaista i realne?Gradnja Muzeja suvremene umjetnosti koja je zapoceta u prošloj godini sigurno ce opteretiti proracun Ministarstva kulture te stoga nije realno ocekivati da odmah pocnemo izgradnju nove Drame, ali ako se gradnja Muzeja na vrijeme završi, za manje od tri godine otvara se mogucnost za ovaj veliki projekt.Što ce biti s vijecimaVec ste skoro mjesec dana u ministarskoj fotelji, imate li sad neke konkretne zamisli i imena; zamjenik odnosno drzavni tajnik postao je Jadran Antolovic, što je s pomocnicima za kljucne segmente?Novi pomocnici ce biti imenovani ovih dana, za knjigu i nakladništvo cedomir Višnjic, za zaštitu kulturne baštine dr. sc. Krešimir Filipec. Vjerujem da cemo s novim suradnicima uciniti više nego što je to do sada bilo u spomenutim djelatnostima. O kazalištu, glazbi i filmu nisam još donio odluku i nema potrebe za ishitrenim rješenjima.Mozete li malo konkretnije reci što ce biti s vijecima, pogotovo onim njihovim clanovima koji su u njih vrlo hitro izabrani cim su se pokazali prvi rezultati izbora? Što znaci njihova najavljena "savjetodavna funkcija", alibi za ministrove odluke?cetiri zakona o arhivima, muzejima, knjiznicama i zaštiti kulturnih dobara definiraju sastav i djelokrug vijeca pa bi svaka promjena zahtijevala promjenu tih zakona. Mozemo, dakle, razgovarati o ostalim vijecima, meðu kojima neka od njih nisu ispunila svoju svrhu, a neka su se sastala u više od dvije godine samo jedanput, kao što je bio slucaj s Nacionalnim vijecem, dok je na razini zupanije i grada osnivanje vijeca samo mogucnost. Rad ovih vijeca trebalo bi zanoviti.Zanoviti na koji nacin - kroz ljude koji ih cine ili nacinom rada?Prije svega nacinom rada i djelokrugom vijeca koja bi prvotno trebala promišljati strategiju.Stalno se spominju potencijalne promjene sastava vijeca, takvih promjena znaci nece biti? Vijeca trebaju imati manje clanova kako bi bila što ucinkovitija, naime, pokazalo se da su postojeca preglomazna, odnosno ovakva kakva su sada nisu ni savjetodavna ni obvezujuca. Pomocnik i savjetnici za pojedina podrucja i dalje ce imati suradnike koji ce im pomagati u pripremi odluka, ali ono što bi trebala biti vazna uloga vijeca, jest strateško odlucivanje, koje ce biti obvezujuce za ministra. Pokušavam dobiti konkretan odgovor: hoce li, kako je bilo najavljeno, biti uklanjanja nekih ljudi iz vijeca, posebno mislim na one koji su u njih izabrani nakon izbora, a o cemu se puno govorilo.Poznat mi je sastav vijeca i znam da njih cine strucni ljudi iz kulture. Vjerujem u korektnost prijedloga ministra Vujica i ne zelim podgrijavati nikakve tenzije te vrste. Doðe li do promjene zakona, mijenjat ce se i Vijeca. Sigurno nikoga necu mijenjati, osim što sam mišljenja da u Vijecu za knjigu ne trebaju biti izdavaci jer se u protivnom ne moze izbjeci sukob interesa. U tom vijecu trebali bi biti ljudi koji knjigu stvaraju, pisci, i oni koji su uz nju izravno vezani, poput prevoditelja i knjiznicara. Novac za splitsku baštinuHoce li nova Vlada, a ta bi odluka trebala ovisiti i o Vama, dati jamstva za kredit Svjetske banke za obnovu povijesne jezgre Splita? Kako vaše ministarstvo kani reagirati u ovom slucaju? Da ne ostane sve na "mi cemo se zalagati" i "trebalo bi"!Ministarstvo kulture je ispravno reagiralo i u mom prethodnome mandatu davši preporuku Vladi da da garanciju Gradu Splitu za podizanje kredita koji je nudila Svjetska banka. Kredit je bio namijenjen ureðenju povijesne splitske gradske jezgre, na zalost unatoc našoj preporuci, garancija je izostala. U razgovorima s predstavnicima Svjetske banke naši su strucnjaci konzervatori iz Splita ponudili vrlo kvalitetna rješenja ozivljavanja povijesne jezgre u kojoj bi bujao zivot, a ostala sacuvana baština. Bio bi to lijep primjer - baština u funkciji graðana i graðani cuvari baštine. To smo mišljenje zadrzali i, bude li trebalo, ponovit cemo ga. Odnosno, bude li Split trazio kredit Svjetske banke, mi cemo ta nastojanja podrzati!Spominjete Vladu koja nije dala jamstva kao da je strano tijelo, pa i vi ste clan Vlade, hocete li tamo nešto konkretno pokušati napraviti, osim davanja pozitivnog mišljenja?Ne spominjem Vladu kao strano tijelo, bio sam njen clan i cinio sam sve što sam mogao u korist kulture. Bila su druga vremena, nije bilo dovoljno sluha za ovakve projekte, nadam se da ce takvi projekti ovoga puta naici na puno više razumijevanja, jer Split je nakon Zagreba najveci hrvatski grad i jedan od najznacajnijih gradova na Mediteranu sa spomenicima svjetskog znacaja i povijesnom jezgrom upisanom na UNESCO-ovu listu zašticene svjetske baštine. Ima li istine u najavama splitskih konzervatora da ce navodno Ministarstvo kulture uzeti kredit kod Svjetske banke za obnovu splitske baštine?Ministarstvo kulture ne moze uzimati kredite za takve projekte, cini mi se da je došlo do nesporazuma, mi naime nismo investitor. Investitor je Grad i ako Splicani donesu takvu odluku, treba ju podrzati.Najavili ste ispravak "nepravde i revanšizma" prema "Hrvatskom slovu", drzite li da je u redu da se tjednik koji se odreðuje kao kulturni i koji ce sad opet dobivati novac od Ministarstva kulture, bavi politikom u tolikoj mjeri?"Hrvatskom slovu" kao jedinom tjedniku za kulturu data je nedostatna potpora, pa cak jedne godine i potpuna uskrata potpore od Ministarstva, a i Grad Zagreb macehinski se odnosio prema ovome tjedniku. Razumljivo je, izdavac je bio prisiljen osloniti se jedino na pretplatnike i potporu izvan sustava u kojem se do tada nalazio. Morao je prezivjeti, a to je izgleda mogao, kao što je praksa pokazala, povecanjem stranica posvecenih politici, a na uštrb stranica kulture. Nadam da ce se uz uobicajenu podršku Ministarstva i Grada vratiti ranijoj programskoj orijentaciji. Pomagat cemo od tjednika i polumjesecnika za kulturu i "Hrvatsko slovo" i "Vijenac" i "Zarez" kao i sve relevantne casopise za kulturu. Nema u tome nikakve senzacije, nego je rijec o uobicajenom pristupu financiranja glasila za kulturu.Mediji, festivali, skandaliS medijima u prošlome mandatu niste imali posla, nisu vam spadali u resor, sad se situacija promijenila. Problema ima, ne cini li Vam se primjerice da je u Zakonu o medijima isuviše ograniceno širenje medija, nije li strah od monopola prenaglašen?Postoji strah od monopola, to je tocno, je li opravdan ili ne, ne znam. Zakon o medijima svojim sadrzajem štiti od devijacija. Poznati su nam primjeri medijskog monopola iz nekih europskih zemalja. Hrvatski Zakon jamci potpunu slobodu medija, no postoji problem vezan uz njegovo donošenje. Nije izglasan u Hrvatskom saboru kvalificiranom vecinom. U tijeku je postupak kod Ustavnog suda, mislim da bi Vlada trebala sama predloziti ponovno upucivanje Zakona u Sabor.Isti kakav je vec jednom izglasan?Sad je prilika da se cak i poboljša ako je potrebno. I Zakon o HRT-u se cini problematicnim u dijelu o izboru clanova Vijeca HRT-a. Naime, politika se moze dogovoriti oko tih clanova umjesto da udruge izravno biraju predstavnike i tako Vijece bude izraz javnog interesa. Na to imaju primjedbe i civilne udruge i meðunarodna zajednica i novinarsko društvo. Moze li se tu nešto mijenjati?Zakon je izglasan i Vijece pokušava sukladno Zakonu i funkcionirati. Prema pisanju tiska ovih dana izgleda s velikim teškocama. Zapeli su vec pri prvom pokušaju izglasavanja statuta. Ne prigovara samo Vijece, vec i udruge, a i graðani. Neuspješan pocetak primjene jednoga zakona. Mislim da cemo se morati prihvatiti ponovno posla i pripremiti takav zakon koji ce biti primjenjiv i kojim ce biti zadovoljna vecina.Kakav ce biti odnos prema festivalima, HDZ im je u devedesetima bio vrlo sklon. Konkretno, Festival svjetskog kazališta potrazuje od ministarstva u ovoj godini milijun kuna, lani im nije odobrena ni kuna. Imaju li bolje izglede ovaj put?Nastojat cemo pomoci Festivalu svjetskog kazališta u ovoj godini prema mogucnostima. Veliki festivali svugdje su u svijetu i u funkciji turisticke ponude, turisticke promidzbe i pridonose gospodarskom boljitku turisticke djelatnosti. Kako je u svijetu, tako je i u Hrvatskoj. Samo što u Hrvatskoj turisticki djelatnici nazalost to još uvijek nisu prihvatili. Najteze je to objasniti turistickim zajednicama i to baš onima od kojih ocekujemo da to razumiju i sufinanciraju. Ugledajmo se na primjer Italije u kojoj je Ministarstvo turizma izravno vezano uz festivale, jer su svjesni turisticke promidzbe koju im oni donose.Mi, cini se, nemamo toliko turista koliko imamo festivala…Vjerojatno se šalite. Ja sam ovdje u prvom redu mislio na renomirane hrvatske festivale od kojih vecina ima i odraz izvan granica naše zemlje, kao npr. Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb ili Pula.Izraziti ste zagovarac "netalasanja" u kulturi, protiv ste polemika, galame koja se dize oko nekih skandaloznih postupaka. Mislite da se stvari trebaju rješavati tiho i bez upozorenja javnosti o tome što se dogaða?Nisam protiv argumentiranih rasprava, jer one pokrecu novo, najcešce nabolje. Protiv sam afera, jer one ne koriste nikome, pa ni kulturi. Skandalima nitko nikad nije ništa unaprijedio. Uvjeren sam da porezni obveznici, cijim novcem financiramo kulturu, ne podrzavaju skandale. U kulturi ima više senzibiliteta, temperamenta i brzih reakcija. Ne treba zbog toga sve što je sporno pretvarati u skandal. A spomenuli ste da sam zagovarac "netalasanja", mozda je to dio moje prirode, pristaša sam razgovora, razgovora i razgovora.cujem da ste jucer zvali kiparicu Mariju Ujevic da biste joj se ispricali zbog one izjave kako cete ukloniti njezinu skulpturu iz kabineta?Jesam, ispricao sam se. To je sjajna skulptura i ništa joj ne fali, bila je prepoznatljiv znak mog prethodnika. Gospoði Ujevic sam kazao da bih na tome mjestu kao svoj prepoznatljiv znak, a u stilu mog prethodnika, vidio radije veliku Krlezinu figuru koju je umjetnica davnih godina sacinila i danas se nalazi u prelijepom osjeckom parku, a gipsani odljev mogao bi krasiti moj kabinet.© Sva prava pridrzana: SLOBODNA DALMACIJA, 1999-2004. http://ad.netmedia.hr/banman.asp?ZoneID=58&Task=Get&Mode=HTML&SiteID=8&PageID=98751 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Marilyn Cvitanic - Artist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5348/1/E-Marilyn-Cvitanic---Artist.html ÂMarilyn CvitanicÂMarilyn Cvitanic, Artist Biography1/24/04Marilyn Cvitanic is a self-taught Croatian-American artist currently living in New York City. She has been painting and showing and selling her work in a variety of galleries and public spaces for nearly ten years. Cvitanic creates an abstract landscape where there is no clear distinction between the spiritual and physical realms. Although the perspective seems oddly familiar, it is one we don't recognize on a daily basis except in the world of dreams. Her latest body of work, "Biological Architecture" reflects her interest in structural form, both natural and man-made. This series of paintings combines shapes inspired by urban architectural landscapes, from Manhattan to Split, Croatia, (where she spends her summers) with microscopic forms from the natural world. Marilyn's intuitive process draws on images from environment as well as her life-long interest in botany and the natural sciences.While self-taught in the visual arts, Marilyn Cvitanic holds a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from the RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica, California. She began painting shortly after completing her degree. Over the past decade Marilyn's commitment to her painting has lead to a position as Adjunct Professor in the Fine Arts Departments of Mount Saint Vincent College and Manhattan College where she teaches studio art and art history. Other academic interests include the study of outsider and folk art from the BalkansMarilyn Cvitanic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Predstava Dundo Maroje na engleskom jeziku u SAD-u http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5347/1/H-Predstava-Dundo-Maroje-na-engleskom-jeziku-u-SAD-u.html ÂPredstava Dundo Maroje na engleskom jeziku u SAD-u Postovani gospodine Bach,Alan Vojvodic mi je proslijedio Vas e-mail. Zeljela bih Vas obavijestiti o predstavi Dundo Maroje na engleskom jeziku koju priprema Hartke Theatre pri Katolickom sveucilistu u Washingtonu D.C. Vjerujem da ce ova informacija biti zanimljiva nasim ljudima u SAD-u, pogotovo zato sto je Hartke Theatre spreman gostovati s predstavom ukoliko za to postoji interes medju nasom zajednicom. Lijep pozdrav Loreta Bertosa-Kusen, prvi tajnik, Veleposlanstvo RH WashingtonWashington, D.C. 30.prosinca 2003.Predstava “Dundo Maroje” na engleskom jeziku u SAD-uKazalište ÂHartke pri Katolickom sveucilištu u Washingtonu D.C. za sezonu 2003/2004 priprema predstavu ÂDundo Maroje prema istoimenom djelu Marina Držica, na engleskom jeziku. Na poziv Ivice Kuncevica, umjetnickog direktora Dubrovackih ljetnih igara, predstava ce sudjelovati u programu Dubrovackih ljetnih igara 2004. godine.Ideja i inicijativa za postavljanje ovog djela u SAD-u potekla je od makedonskog režisera Dr. Nauma Panovskog, profesora na Katolickom sveucilištu. Profesor Panovski je osobno i profesionalno cijelog života vezan uz Hrvatsku i na ovom projektu uspio je vec okupiti, uz profesore i studente Katolickog sveucilišta, i poznavatelje Držica iz Hrvatske. Tako ce scenograf predstave biti Marin Gozze iz Hrvatske, a asistentica režisera gda Romana Petrušic. Njegova je želja da ovom predstavom približi ovo poznato renesansno djelo Marina Držica americkoj publici i posebno našim iseljenicima, pogotovo drugoj i trecoj generaciji kojima ce možda biti i lakše upoznati se s ovim djelom na engleskom jeziku.Pripremljen je i novi prijevod ÂDunda MarojaÂ, više prilagodjen americkoj publici, a na njemu su suradivali prevoditelji i poznavatelji Držicevih djela iz Hrvatske.Uz predstavu cija je premijera zakazana za 21. travnja u Washingtonu D.C. u kazalištu ÂHartke pri Katolickom sveucilištu, u pripremi je i izdavanje knjige o Marinu Držicu na engleskom jeziku te okrugli stol ÂDubrovnik, Marin Držic i RenesansaÂ. U pripremi je i tiskanje posebnog programa ciji ce veci dio biti posvecen Dubrovniku i Renesansi. U vec tiskanom katalogu Hartke Theatrea za sezonu 2003-2004 najavljena ja ova renesansna komedija kao djelo ÂCroatia's ShakespeareÂ. Zbog interesa naših iseljenika, kazalište ÂHartke u mogucnosti je i ponuditi tijekom petog i šestog mjeseca održavanje predstave i za našu hrvatsku zajednicu diljem SAD-a. Vjerujemo da ce navedena predstava obogatiti i program naše zajednice prilikom obilježavanja Dana državnosti u navedenom razdoblju.U ovaj projekt su se, uz Dubrovacke ljetne igre, ukljucili i punu podršku dali Veleposlanstvo Republike Hrvatske u Washingtonu te organizacije Croatian House i AMAC-National Capital Group iz Washingtona D.C. Ovim putem željeli bismo obavijestiti sve zainteresirane za predstavu da se za informacije o predstavi mogu javiti našem Veleposlanstvu (e-mail: public@croatiaemb.org, ili direktno Dr. Naumu Panovskom sa Katolickog sveucilišta na e-mail:panovskn@cua.edu , tel. (202) 319-5362). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Prvi Hrvat na Vanguardu, First Croatian on Vanguard http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5346/1/H-Prvi-Hrvat-na-Vanguardu-First-Croatian-on-Vanguard.html ÂFirst time on Vanguard compilations a Croatian author Nenad Bach.What is more important is that Nenad Bach is presented as an American artist.Prvi puta na kompilacijama Radio Ventures pjesma hrvatskog autora.Nenad Bach na Vanguardu.Posjeti naše stranice na www.inet.hr/ravnic/rvcroatia.htmlLijep pozdrav,Alen Ravnicalen.ravnic@mail.inet.hr 10. NENAD BACH / I LOVE LOSERS (IF I HAD ANOTHER LIFE) 10/COLD/3:20(NBM/C: N. BACH, J. TIMPANE/P: NENAD BACH MUSIC LTD./YOUNG MONK MUSIC, BMI)Recording artist/composer/performer/producer Bach has sold over 1 million records worldwide, written for film and theater, and documented the musical traditions of his Croatian homeland. His work and life story have been featured on all the major US television networks, as well as on CNN, Sky Channel and on TV channels in Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, Span and Japan. This track is lifted from his most recent solo effort, AThousand Years of Peace,@ in which he delivers his signature message of joy and universal peace.VANGUARD - JANUARY 23, 2004TRACK ARTIST/SONG IN/OUT/END TIME1. NORAH JONES / SUNRISE 12/COLD/3:18(BLUE NOTE/P: FUMBLETHUMBS MUSIC, EMI BLACKWOOD MUSIC, BMI)Grammy-winner Norah Jones' smoky voice is unmistakable. She began singing in church choirs at age five, started piano lessons two years later, and briefly played alto saxophone in junior high. She issued her debut LP, ACome AwayWith Me,@ in 2002, and here is the first track from her sophomore effort, "Feels Like Home." 2. TEARS FOR FEARS / CLOSEST THING TO HEAVEN 14/FADE/3:26(ARISTA)The duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith scored numerous hits throughout the 80's including AShout,@ AMad World@ and ASowing the Seeds of Love.@ After they split in 1989, Roland continued through the 90's with the Tears For Fears name. The 2 artists have reunited and are ready to issue their first album together in 15 years. Here is the lead single from AEverybody Loves A Happy Ending,@ which is due out at the end of March.3. BEN JELEN / COME ON (LP VERSION) 14/COLD/3:44(MAVERICK)If there was a male version of Vanessa Carlton, it might be this young hottie. Jelen (pronounced Yellin) went from Scotland to England, then Texas, New Jersey, and finally, New York. Always in a new place, he never formed a band of his own, but practiced solo on piano, violin, and guitar. The self taught musician's Maverick debut is called "Give It All Away." 4. GAVIN DEGRAW / I DON=T WANT TO BE 11/FADE/3:37(J RECORDS)AChariot@ is the debut album from this 26-year-old upstate New York-based singer/songwriter. He has been favorably compared to Billy Joel and the 70's Elton John. This is the follow-up to AFollow Through@ (VAN 03/29). Gavin is currently on tour in America.5. LUTHER VANDROSS / THINK ABOUT YOU (RADIO EDIT) 02/FADE/3:29(J RECORDS/C: L. VANDROSS, J. PORTE/P: UNCLE RONNIE'S MUSIC, INC./EMI APRIL MUSIC, INC., ASCAP/GHOST MANOR MUSIC, BMI)Music legend Vandross, who is still recovering from a life threatening stroke, has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. His acclaimed album, ADance With My Father,@ was nominated in the R&B Album category while the title track (VAN 03/21) was nominated as Song of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal. Additionally, his duet with Beyonce, "Closer I Get to You" was nominated in the Best R&B Duo category. This is the 4th cut released to radio.6. SOMETHING CORPORATE / RUTHLESS 08/COLD/3:24(DRIVE-THRU/GEFFEN)Orange County, California is the home base of this modern rock quintet. Their October CD, ANorth,@ has not ignited fanslike their previous releases, but lead vocalist Andrew McMahon hopes to capitalize on this follow-up to ASpace@ (VAN03/38). Parts of both songs are going to air on the February 13 episode of the popular CBS television show AJag.@7. EVAN AND JARON / WHAT SHE LIKES 18/COLD/3:51(TWELVE BETWEEN US)Identical twins Evan and Jaron Lowenstein hail from Atlanta, Georgia. The started performing together as teenagers, initially under the name Durable Phig Leaf. Their single "Crazy For This Girl" (VAN 00/29) was a catchy hit which broke into the U.S. Top 20. Here is the first track from their forthcoming CD "Half Dozen.@ 8. SEVENDUST / BROKEN DOWN 29/COLD/3:22(TVT)Leadman Lajon Witherspoon, drummer Morgan Rose along with members Clint Lowery, John Connelly and Vince Hornsby released their latest full-length, ASeasons,@ in October. Guiding them this time was producer Butch Walker, well known for helming punk acts (SR 71, Bowling For Soup) as well as pursuing his own eclectic pop rock career. He may seem like an odd fit for the hard rockin= Sevendust, but the Altanta-based Walker has known them since their formative stages when he produced the demos that ultimately led to the band=s record deal. This follows to AEnemy@ (VAN 03/36). 9. CYNDI LAUPER / AT LAST 14/COLD/2:42(EPIC)That crazy girl who Ajust wanted to have fun@ is a nice New York City girl with quite a set of pipes. It has been 6 years since her last album, ASisters of Avalon,@ but during this time she released a 5 song EP titled AShine,@ and was the opening act on Cher=s tour. On her new CD "At Last," she revisits the music she heard growing up in the Ozone Park section of Queens with unique arrangements. The title track is a cover of the Etta James classic done in Cyndi's own unique style.10. NENAD BACH / I LOVE LOSERS (IF I HAD ANOTHER LIFE) 10/COLD/3:20(NBM/C: N. BACH, J. TIMPANE/P: NENAD BACH MUSIC LTD./YOUNG MONK MUSIC, BMI)Recording artist/composer/performer/producer Bach has sold over 1 million records worldwide, written for film and theater, and documented the musical traditions of his Croatian homeland. His work and life story have been featured on all the major US television networks, as well as on CNN, Sky Channel and on TV channels in Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, Span and Japan. This track is lifted from his most recent solo effort, AThousand Years of Peace,@ in which he delivers his signature message of joy and universal peace.11. FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE / MEXICAN WINE 00/COLD/3:22(S-CURVE/VIRGIN)The surprise hit AStacy=s Mom@ (VAN 03/23) led band members Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger to their current record deal. Now this New Jersey band hopes to create more magic with their ode to wine from south of the border. Both songs are from their 3rd LP AWelcome Interstate Managers.@12. CLAY AIKEN / THE WAY 00/COLD/4:05(RCA)The most famous runner up ever, Clay Aiken, will soon be on tour with "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson. "We are thrilled about sharing the stage for this momentous next step in both of our careers," Aiken wrote. "I think the public is looking for something that they can call their own, and that's part of the reason that 'American Idol' and Ruben [Studdard] and Kelly and myself have been successful...@ Lifted from his CD "Measure of A Man,@ this song follows A This Is The Night@ (VAN 03/24) and AInvisible@ (VAN 03/38).13. P.O.D. / CHANGE THE WORLD 20/COLD/3:02(ATLANTIC)Comprised of Sonny, Wuv, Traa and newest member Jason, this San Diego rock band issued their 3rd major label release in November. Titled APayable On Death,@ it includes the Top 10 modern rock hit AWill You@ (VAN 03/40).The band is currently performing with Linkin Park, Hoobastank and Story of the Year on the Meteora World Tour 2004.14. JOJO / LEAVE (GET OUT) 04/FADE/3:48(BLACKGROUND/UNIVERSAL)Not to be confused with JoJo Hailey, this JoJo grew up in Boston in a home filled with music. She began singing nursery rhymes at the age of 2 and then moved on to venues like Bill Cosby=s AKids Say The Darndest Things,@ AThe Oprah Winfrey Show,@ the Boston Celtics= basketball games, the Republican National Convention and McDonald's 2001 Gospelfest. Currently signed to Blackground Records, she is set to release her self-titled debut which showcases hertalent as both a singer and a songwriter. Here is the first track.15. TRAPT / ECHO 01/COLD/4:09(WB)One of the bigger breakthroughs of 2003, this California quartet (Peter Charell, Aaron Montgomery, Simon Ormandy,Chris Brown) will continue to dominate the rock airwaves with this 3rd single from their platinum-plus self-titled debut. This cut follows AHeadstrong@ (VAN 02/43) and AStill Frame@ (VAN 03/26).16. FEDERATION feat. E-40 / HYPHY (CLEAN RADIO EDIT) 00/FADE/3:47(MONTIBELLO/VIRGIN)One of northern California's most accomplished producers, Rick Rock has announced the April release date of his highly anticipated Federation album. The Federation, consisting of Doonie Baby, Mr. Stres, and Goldie Gold, get some help from Twista, Busta Rhymes, and E 40 on the CD. 17. DAVID BANNER feat. STATIC / CRANK IT UP (RADIO EDIT) 00/COLD/2:43(b.i.G.f.a.c.e./SRC/UNIVERSAL)Lavell Crump, a.k.a. David Banner, hails from Jackson, Mississippi where he made his initial impact as a producer and as 2 of the Mississippi-based Crooked Lettaz. His 2000 debut album as a soloist, AThem Firewater Boys Vol. 1,@ became one of the hottest underground albums in the South. In the spring of 2003, he released his major label debut, AMississippi: The Album,@ followed by AMississippi: Screwed & Chopped Album.@ His latest CD is titled AMTA 2: Baptized in Dirty Water,@ in which he once again addresses pertinent political and social issues. Banner, a college graduate, has set up a >=Crank It Up@ contest in which 5 winners will receive the opportunity to win a $10,000 scholarship towards any post-high school education.18. THE LIVING END / WHO=S GONNA SAVE US? 06/COLD/3:21(REPRISE)Originally formed as the Runaway Boys in Melbourne, this trio had their breakthrough with the single APrisoner of Society@ (VAN 99/02). A near-fatal car crash in 2001 involving singer/guitarist Chris Cheney got the band off track for a while. Now hoping to match their Australian success in America, Chris and members Scott Owen and Travis Dempsey are launching their new CD, AModern ARTillery,@ with this slice of Apunkabilly@ rock. 19. G-UNIT / SMILE 05/FADE/3:34(G-UNIT/SHADY/INTERSCOPE)If you know 50 Cent, you already know G Unit. G Unit is 50 Cent flanked by Lloyd Banks and aggressive Southern street soldier Young Buck. The group also includes the soon to be released but still incarcerated Tony Yayo. From their CD, "Beg for Mercy,@ this cut follows AStunt 101" (VAN 03/46) and AWanna Get To Know You@(VAN 04/02). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BBC world music audience award - Tamara Obrovac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5358/1/E-BBC-world-music-audience-award---Tamara-Obrovac.html ÂVOTE: GLASAJTE: for WORLD AWARDS 2004http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/vote/audienceaward.shtml Moto poruke: kocekomenegosvojsvome...Editor's Note:Dear Crown family,I want to inform you about the Croatian talent Tamara Obrovac, who is up for the World Awards, because of her talent. I heard about her many times and recently her name was mentioned with mine by our new minister of culture Mr. Biskupic as an example of Croatian Cultural Product. Go to her highly sophisticated webpage, listen to her music and decide if you want to support her with your vote. I did. And I do recommend it highly. This is a moment in our history that defines and redefines of who we really are, as individuals and as a nation. What we lack and what MUST be done is structure of support for talented people. Logistics and sustainable support. I believe that the moment is NOW. Support her and let me know what do you think of her music. Svako dobro,NenadVoting is only till Jan 29th, 2004http://www.tamaraobrovac.com u potrazi za originalnoscu glazbenog izricajashvatila sam vrijednost i smisao osjecajaza vlastiti zavicajjeziki tradicijukao i njegovu ulogu u stvaranjumog osobnog i skladateljskog izraza jazz je moja sloboda, a korijeni su moja istina my approach towards music went from jazz standards, through my own compositions, to my finding of an original expression by connecting the language of the folk music of my homeland (Istria, Croatia) with the rhythms and improvisation typical for jazz, so jazz is my freedom and my roots are my inner truth Inseguendo un concetto di originalita' d'espressione musicale ho inparato a capire il valore ed il senso del sentimento che nutro verso la mia lingua, la mia tradizione, e la mia terra, come pure del ruolo che esso ha nella formazione della mia identita' personale e musicale VOTE: GLASAJTE: for WORLD AWARDS 2004http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/vote/audienceaward.shtml Moto poruke: kocekomenegosvojsvome... letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Steve Renko on Times Square http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5360/1/E-Steve-Renko-on-Times-Square.html ÂSteve Mladen Renko, Winner of the Yahoo Photos contestWho knew?! I made plans months ago to be in Vancouver for a week, photo shoot. I sent Yahoo a photo on the whim. Go figure it!! I am proud as a peach in a Sunday basket. Wow!!!!I am sending you the photo Yahoo accepted. You are an inspiration Nenad. --SteveEditor's Note:Congratulations Steve. Your Redefined and Jazzcubes Poetry and Art make CROWN a proud home. If anyone is coming to Times Square at that time, please take a photo.NenadDate: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 From: Yahoo! Photos Subject: Congratulations!!Congratulations! Your photo has been selected as one of 120 winners in “Yahoo! Photos 15 Seconds of Photo Fame” event! You survived some fierce competition from over 21,000 other entries.Your photo will appear on the Astrovision screen in Times Square on Sunday, January 25, 2004 some time between 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. EST. Each picture will be displayed for 15 seconds.We would love you to join us in Times Square on the day of the event. The Yahoo! Photos Team will be meeting at the Times Square Visitor’s Center on the day of the event at 1:30pm. The Visitor’s Center is located at 1560 Broadway, between 46th and 47th Streets, next to the ticket center. Look inside for the Yahoo! kiosk.Please do your best to keep the news fairly quiet for the next few days. We will be publicly announcing the winners on Tuesday, January 20th. A public album with all the winning pictures will also be available on Yahoo! Photos on Tuesday.Please call Kelly Devers at 212-994-3832 if you will be coming to the event so we can keep an eye out for you. We hope you can make it! Thanks so much and again, CONGRATULATIONS!The Yahoo! Photos Team letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 20 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Biskupic: Etno Glazbom u Svijet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5359/1/E-Biskupic-Etno-Glazbom-u-Svijet.html ÂEtno glazbom u svijet MINISTAR KULTURE BOŽO BIŠKUPIĆ O NOVIM INICIJATIVAMA, KULTURNIM VIJEĆIMA, FINANCIRANJU FILMA, ODNOSU TURIZMA I KULTURE, INICIJATIVAMA KOJE ĆE MINISTARSTVO KULTURE PODRŽATI Nastavit ćemo sve dobre projekte koje su započeli prethodnici U svijetu je poznata praksa povezivanja turizma i kulture, posebno festivalske kulture. U Italiji je čak briga o festivalima u resoru Ministarstva turizma. U nas se još uvijek mora uvjeravati turističke radnike da od takve veze mogu imati koristi ili se pak turističke zajednice mora beskonačno moliti kako bi dodijelile kulturi makar i jednu kunu za programe kulture. Porazgovarat ću s g. Bulićem iz Hrvatske turističke zajednice kako bi se promijenio takav odnos turizma prema kulturi  Nakon nedavno održane zanimljive konferencije za medije na kojoj je novi ministar kulture, Božo Biškupić, iznio čitav niz novih inicijativa u djelovanju ministarstva, zamolili smo ministra za razgovor.  Jeste li najavom promjena Zakona o kulturnim vijećima zapravo najavili da ćete im oduzeti moć odlučivanja o raspodjeli sredstava?  - Nisam razmišljao o njihovoj moći i neću mijenjati članove Vijeća iz političkih razloga, ukoliko ste mislili na moć odlučivanja kao političku kategoriju. Četiri su vijeća - knjižnično, arhivsko, muzejsko i Vijeće za kulturna dobra - zadana zakonima i njihov djelokrug je poznat. O ostalim vijećima i njihovoj ulozi želim provesti raspravu, u prvom redu s Nacionalnim vijećem, a potom i s članovima vijeća. Pritom treba imati na umu da promjene u radu vijeća ne mogu biti brze jer je za svaku promjenu nužna promjena Zakona o kulturnim vijećima. Vijeća će, dakle, ovu godinu odraditi po dosadašnjem sustavu.  U toj ću raspravi predložiti da zajednički porazmislimo na koji način obnoviti rad vijeća, kako iskoristiti taj veliki potencijal, a osjeća se potreba i za razgovorom o programima od strateškog značenja za »bijela« područja kulture. Konkretno, mogu reći da podržavamo realizaciju Filmskog centra, a na inicijativu filmskih djelatnika i Gradskog ureda za kulturu Zagreba. O načinu rada postoje prijedlozi koji su slični slovenskom modelu. Ako utvrdimo da je taj model dobar, odnosno da su neka rješenja prihvatljiva i nama, ugraditi ćemo ih u novi Zakon o filmu.  Vijeće za urbanizam i arhitekturu nije se pokazalo učinkovito, možda i zbog toga što urbanizam nije u djelokrugu Ministarstva. Očekujem da će Vijeća pomoći ministru, odnosno ovom Ministarstvu, zapravo hrvatskoj kulturi u promišljanju najvažnijih odluka vezanih ponajprije uz velike projekte. Podrška lokalnim programima Želimo provesti značajniju decentralizaciju odlučivanja u kulturi, kako bismo lokalnim sredinama omogućili da ostvare programe od lokalnog interesa, ali i da imaju jači utjecaj pri odlučivanju o velikim projektima. Ne samo utjecaj, već i suodgovornost u odlučivanju. To je moguće jedino ako im zakonom osiguramo financijska sredstva kojima će samostalno raspolagati. Uspijemo li u toku ove godine pripremiti promjenu Zakona o financiranju javnih potreba u kulturi, kao i propise o financiranju lokalne uprave i samouprave, odnosno nadopuniti članke postojećih zakona koji bi lokalnim sredinama jamčili određena sredstva iz poreza, bit ću zadovoljan.  Nakon što, dakle, lokalne sredine osmisle svoj program, mi bismo podupirali programe koje sama sredina ne može iznijeti ili se radi o nacionalno važnim programima. Teško je očekivati, primjerice, od Ličko-senjske županije osnivanje stalne kazališne trupe ili glazbenog orkestra sredstvima kojima ona danas raspolaže. U takvim slučajevima poduprijet ćemo nastojanja lokalne razine.  Kako bi izgledala realizacija ideje o uspostavi kulturne mreže koju ste promovirali na konferenciji za medije?  - Na prvi sam sastanak o temi kulturnih mreža i zajedničke suradnje pozvao čelne ljude kulture najvećih hrvatskih gradova i to zbog toga što u tim gradovima najbolje funkcionira sustav, ali to ne znači da nećemo razgovarati i s predstavnicima manjih sredina. Zamolio sam sugovornike za zajedničku suradnju, bilo to putem sufinanciranja programa ili uz pomoć znanja i iskustva - »know-how«, a u cilju unapređenja postojećeg stanja. Recimo, na primjer, da koncertna direkcija iz Zagreba pomogne u realizaciji koncertne sezone u Vinkovcima ili u nekoj manjoj sredini. »Bijela« područja kulture Koja su to »bijela« područja kulture u Hrvatskoj o kojima ste također govorili?  - To su po mom mišljenju Lika i otoci, u kojima nedostaju neke od sastavnica kulture. Imamo i neke konkretne prijedloge, primjerice s intendantima nacionalnih kazališta smo dogovorili gostovanja HNK Zagreba, Rijeke i Splita. Time bi Gospić i Lika barem jednom mjesečno imali priliku pogledati vrhunsku kazališnu predstavu. Nešto slično želimo dogovoriti i s glazbenicima. Najvažnija je dobra volja, jer nisu samo sredstva u pitanju.  Ministarstvo kulture je od 1996. g. pa sve do 2000. godine ulagalo u obnovu Šibenskog kazališta velika sredstva, a lijepo uređeno kazalište s kojim se Šibenčani, vjerujem, ponose, zaslužuje stalni ansambl. Budući da do sada ansambl nije angažiran, pretpostavljam da mu Šibenik nije mogao osigurati sredstva, pa ćemo pokušati zajedno riješiti taj problem. To su primjeri za strateška promišljanja nadležnih vijeća i pomoć ministru u što efikasnijem rješavanju ovih i sličnih problema.  Neki su ideju da dio od ulaznica za američke filmove ide u fond za produkciju domaćeg filma vidjeli kao vrstu protekcionizma?  - Pročitao sam komentar vašeg kolege Pavičića o tome, iznio sam to kao ideju, vodeći se dobrim primjerom iz Zakona o zaštiti kulturnih dobara koji je spomeničkom rentom otvorio nove putove sufinanciranja obnove spomenika. U tom je članku izražen strah bojkota američkih producenata. Ne treba strahovati, ništa nećemo učiniti na svoju ruku, razgovarat ćemo sa stručnjacima iz područja filma, ali i pravnicima koji su upućeni u ovu pravnu problematiku.  Kad već spominjem dobre strane spomeničke rente, onda mogu reći da će primjerice Grad Du Vujićev imidž   Čestitao sam ministru Vujiću u prigodi primopredaje dužnosti na uspješnom imidžu stvorenom uz pomoć medija. U svom prvom mandatu nisam u tome uspio, nadam se da ćemo ovog puta biti bolje sreće.   Besplatne ulaznice   Zalažem se za ukidanje dosadašnje prakse dijeljenja besplatnih kazališnih ulaznica. Razumio bih da se besplatne ulaznice daju kazališnim kritičarima ukoliko im njihove redakcije nisu u stanju to platiti. Svi ostali trebaju kupiti ulaznicu. I na poklonjene ulaznice kazalište plaća PDV. Osim toga, gđa Mani Gotovac, intendantica riječkog HNK Ivana pl. Zajca, izjavila je na zajedničkom sastanku da je u Rijeci ta praksa već uvedena.   Granica financiranja   Moj prethodnik Vujić uspio je postići povoljnu granicu financiranja koju mnogi europski ministri priželjkuju - jedan posto od proračuna. Ako taj postotak možda i ne uspijemo povećati, bit ću zadovoljan da ostanemo na dostignutoj razini. brovnik samo na ime rente u godinu dana, prema našim procjenama, ubrati više od pet milijuna kuna. Takvi su me primjeri potaknuli na razmišljanje postoji li mogućnost da se dio od ulaznica preusmjeri za produkciju hrvatskog filma. To ne znači da bi Ministarstvo kulture umanjivalo sredstva za film već bi se, naprotiv, ta sredstva uvećala za iznos dobiven od ulaznica. Je li ideja dobra ili ne, u ovom trenutku mi je teško procijeniti, no razmišljanja idu u tom smjeru.   Alternativa u programu Vlade Druga je mogućnost kreditiranje uz pomoć niskokamatnih stopa za ulaganje u produkciju domaćeg filma. Slična praksa postoji u Ministarstvu turizma koje uz pomoć niskokamatnih kredita potiče obnovu tradicijskih građevina za turističku namjenu. Produkcija filma ne može, nadalje, ovisiti samo o sredstvima državnog proračuna i mi smo dužni učiniti sve u okviru djelokruga kako bi se to stanje promijenilo na bolje. Ministarstvo kulture ne može dopustiti da nestane jedna tako važna djelatnost kao što je produkcija filma. Nažalost, svjedoci smo odumiranja kinomreže. Rekao bih da je to ista medalja s dvije strane: s jedne je filmska produkcija, a s druge kinoprikazivačka mreža. Čemu proizvoditi domaći film ako ga nemamo gdje prikazati? Ne mislim pritom samo na Zagreb u kojem se obnavljaju kinodvorane ili otvaraju nove, već mislim i na prikazivačke prostore u drugim sredinama gdje su ih, nažalost, počeli zatvarati premda je kinodvorana često jedini prostor kulture u njihovu mjestu.  Recite nam nešto o sudbini nekih kulturnih projekata koji su se afirmirali u prethodnom razdoblju, a uvjetno su lijevog političkog predznaka - Teatar Ulysses, program kluba Močvara, Multimedijalnog instituta m.a.m.a...  - Uglavnom je riječ o alternativnim programima, ali i prostorima. Alternativa je u programu naše Vlade, odnosno Ministarstva kulture - ona će biti jednako tretirana kao i institucionalna kultura ukoliko to programi zaslužuju. Vijeća ovdje mogu odigrati važnu ulogu.  Možete li reći konkretno kako ćete tretirati brijunski Teatar Ulysses?  - Znam da je bilo polemičnih natpisa za i protiv tog projekta. Mislim da je rješenje u decentralizaciji i osnivanju vijeća na lokalnim razinama. Ukoliko lokalna razina u takvim projektima vidi zadovoljavanje kulturnih potreba njihove sredine, onda će oni to i podržati i financirati. Zbog toga je važno decentralizirati odlučivanje u kulturi što prije. Veza turizma i kulture Hoćete li sanirati dug zagrebačkom HNK?  - Bilo bi idealno kad bi intendant mogao početi novu kazališnu sezonu bez dugova. Prema riječima intendanta Tarbuka, Ministarstvo ne duguje ništa. Moramo razgovarati s Gradom kako bismo taj problem zajednički riješili. Prema njegovim riječima riječ je o dugu, ako sam dobro razumio, od četiri milijuna kuna. Grad je ovih dana dodijelio 2,5 milijuna kuna, pretpostavljam za saniranje duga, ali za dugoročniju politiku financiranja HNK potrebno je sačiniti detaljnu analizu troškova, ali i prihoda.  Kako vidite vezu festivala i turizma?  - U svijetu je poznata praksa povezivanja turizma i kulture, posebno festivalske kulture. U Italiji je čak briga o festivalima u resoru Ministarstva turizma. U nas se još uvijek mora uvjeravati turističke radnike da od takve veze mogu imati koristi ili se pak turističke zajednice mora beskonačno moliti kako bi dodijelile kulturi makar i jednu kunu za programe kulture.  Ove godine, prema izvješću intendanta Dubrovačkih ljetnih igara, turistička zajednica pokazuje razumijevanje za sufinanciranje, za razliku od splitske turističke zajednice kad je u pitanju Splitsko ljeto. Želim porazgovarati s g. Bulićem iz Hrvatske turističke zajednice kako bi se promijenio takav odnos turizma prema kulturi. Premda ima mišljenja da Hrvatska ima previše festivala, nisam protiv festivala upravo zbog njihove veze s turizmom. Ministarstvo kulture financira četiri velika festivala, a za pohvalu je kada, uvjetno rečeno, mala mjesta financiraju svoje festivale. Etno glazbom u svijet Prilikom govora o afirmaciji naših izvornih kulturnih vrijednosti u svijetu, spomenuli ste Nenada Bacha i Tamaru Obrovac.  - Tamaru Obrovac sam spomenuo i zbog toga jer sam dugi niz godina poklonik njezine glazbe, ali sam mislio i na sve druge, kao što su Dunja Knebl, Lidija Bajuk, Livio Morosin, Legen i drugi, ustvari mislim na cijelu grupu glazbenika koja se bavi etno glazbom na moderan način.  Kad je riječ o Nenadu Bachu i njegovom projektu plasmana hrvatske etno glazbe u svijet, pročitao sam o tome u novinama, a ovih dana sam s njim i razgovarao telefonom i putem e-maila, budući da se nalazi u New Yorku. Razgovor ćemo nastaviti krajem veljače s našim suradnicima u Ministarstvu i ukoliko zaključimo da je projekt dobar, a vjerujem da jest, onda ćemo ga podržati.  Svjedoci smo uspjeha Cesarie Evore i drugih svjetskih glazbenika na našim pozornicama i zašto da ne priželjkujemo, ali i ostvarimo, uspjeh naših glazbenika na svjetskim pozornicama? S glazbom je možda najlakše probiti put u svijet. Takav proboj treba omogućiti i hrvatskoj knjizi i izdavaštvu, ali i filmu.  Razgovarat ću s ministrom financija o mogućnosti novog modela sufinanciranja hrvatskih izdavača uz povoljne kredite. Dosadašnji način financiranja izdavača nije najbolji jer se događalo da je Ministarstvo sufinanciralo pripremu knjige, zatim tisak, a na kraju i otkupljivalo sufinanciranu knjigu po punoj cijeni. Bit će tu dosta posla, budući da su neki izdavači tiskali digitalno onoliko primjeraka koliko im je Ministarstvo otkupljivalo. Tu ćemo praksu prekinuti. Moj novi pomoćnik za knjigu i nakladništvo, kolega Višnjić, pokazuje dobro poznavanje ove materije i puno razumijevanje za ovu djelatnost i vjerujem da ćemo te probleme riješiti na najbolji mogući način. Uprava za knjigu i nakladništvo imat će dva odjela - jedan će brinuti o nakladništvu kao djelatnosti, dok će drugi promicati knjigu plasiranjem hrvatskih prijevoda stranim izdavačima, kao i osigurati njezinu prisutnost na sajmovima. O Vujiću ništa loše Što možete reći o svome prethodniku Antunu Vujiću?  - Nema razloga išta lošega reći kolegi Vujiću, premda sam na javnoj tribini na kojoj se raspravljalo o kulturnoj politici kritizirao strateški plan kulturne politike koju je predstavilo Vujićevo ministarstvo. Iako se u tom dokumentu naglašavalo novo vrijeme i 21. stoljeće, nisam bio istog mišljenja.  Nastavit ćemo rad na Strategiji i njezinoj prilagodbi europskim integracijama, kao što ćemo nastaviti i na svim dobrim projektima na kojima je radio moj prethodnik. Ništa nećemo rušiti, već ćemo nadograđivati. Ponovno ćemo formirati suradničku ekipu s ciljem unapređenja kulturne strategije i našim nastojanjima da 2007. godine postanemo punopravni član Europske unije.  Najavili ste i dodatno financiranje »Hrvatskog slova«?  - Ne treba »Hrvatsko slovo« financirati dodatno, već ga treba uvrstiti u redovno financiranje kao što je to, primjerice, slučaj s »Vijencem« i »Zarezom«. Već sam u jednom intervjuu govorio da »Hrvatsko slovo« ima premalo stranica posvećenih kulturi, što je vjerojatno posljedica ukinuća ili jako smanjene potpore Ministarstva kulture i Ureda za kulturu Grada te su bili prisiljeni novom uređivačkom politikom okrenuti se sponzorima i pretplatnicima. Vjerujem da će u budućnosti ove novine za kulturu svoju uređivačku politiku usmjeriti pretežito pitanjima vezanima za kulturu.  U kojim ćete omjerima financirati kulturne časopise?  - O tome će odlučiti i vijeća, ali i ministar. Sve ćemo relevantne časopise za kulturu podržavati i ni jednom časopisu za kulturu nećemo nanositi štetu. U samom početku izlaska »Zareza« bilo je isto tako prigovora da ima previše politike, a premalo kulture. To nas nije spriječilo da taj časopis podupremo već od samih početaka. Još jednom moram ponoviti, nikome nećemo uzimati da bi nekome drugome davali.  Vidim da ste dosta senzibilizirani na manjinsku problematiku. Je li to zbog premijera i njegovih stavova?  - Bio sam takav i ranije, samo se to vjerojatno nije primjećivalo. Uvijek smo manjinskoj kulturi pridavali značaj svjesni njenog prinosa multikulturalnosti ovoga prostora. Činit ćemo to i ubuduće jer je to politika naše Vlade i Ministarstva kulture. Nadam se da ćete ovog puta to zamijetiti. Ministarstvo će prema javnosti biti otvoreno, a novinari će imati uvid u sve odluke. Rade DRAGOJEVIĆ http://www.novilist.hr/Default.asp?WCI=Rubrike&WCU=285A2859286328592863285A28582858285C28632893289D2894289C286328632860285E285E285A286028632863286328592863U letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 20 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Art works which are movie related NEEDED http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5362/1/E-Art-works-which-are-movie-related-NEEDED.html ÂArt Work neededThe Tarrytown Music Hall is holding a weekend Movie Gala at the theatre on February 26 - 28. The Music Hall was one of the first theatres to show silent films and movies were shown in the Music Hall up until the 1970s.In the upper mezzanine and other parts of the theater, they are inviting artists to exhibit art works which are movie related. There is no charge to participate and the artists are encouraged to sell their work. If they do sell their work, a donation to the Music Hall is appreciated, but is not required. All art works must be received by February 1, 2004. If artists are interested, please contact Karina Ringeisen at info@tarrytownmusichall.org or (914) 631-3390.The Tarrytown Music Hall --- 13 Main Street, PO Box 686 ---- Tarrytown, New York 10591 www.tarrytownmusichall.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A las cincos de la tarde - Sylvie Pavuna http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5361/1/E-A-las-cincos-de-la-tarde---Sylvie-Pavuna.html Â'A las cincos de la tarde'Tempera i ulje na platnu (65 cm X 54 cm)'A las cincos de la tarde'Sylvie Pavuna (2003) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book Review: MILJENKO JERGOVIC "SARAJEVO MARLBORO" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5364/1/E-Book-Review-MILJENKO-JERGOVIC-SARAJEVO-MARLBORO.html ÂBook Review: MILJENKO JERGOVIC "SARAJEVO MARLBORO"Miljenko Jergovic was born in 1966 in Sarajevo to Croatian parents. Poet, novelist and journalist, he wrote for the Sarajevo daily "Oslobodjenje" and served as the Sarajevo correspondent for "Dalmatian Weekly". His first book of poetry, "Warsaw Observatory", won two prestigious awards in 1988. He has written several novels, including "Mama Leone" and "Buick Riviera". Miljenko Jergovic was first introduced to the American audience with a short story "The Condor" which was translated and included in the book "Wild East: Stories from the Last Frontier" published in 2003 by Justin, Charles & Co. www.justincharles.com "Sarajevski Marlboro" first published in Croatia in 1994 by Durieux. English translation was published in the UK by Penguin Books, 1997. Finally, the short story collection found a publisher in the US at Archipelago Books, 2004 www.archipelagobooks.org At the book party in New York, Jergovic was not present because he is afraid to fly. But almost 80 people, mostly Croatians and Bosnians, enjoyed delicacies from Bosnia, photos of Sarajevo and speeches from Bosnia natives about their beloved land. The team from Archipelago press fulfilled one of their missions to organize an event to connect communities to their homeland through the exploration and celebration of literature. When Jergovic temporarily left Sarajevo in 1993, he went to Zagreb where he published nine books, while never ceasing to be an acute observer and critic of Croatian political and cultural life. In "Sarajevo Marlboro," Jergovic writes about people, their offbeat lives and daily dramas in the foreground and the killing zone in the background. Three strong stories stand out. "A Diagnosis" about a man who saw with his own eyes his wife and two daughters being cut up with an electric saw by the Serb Chetniks and how other people treat him when they see a dead man walking. In another story "The Letter," Jergovic attempts an explanation of what happened in Sarajevo. "Bosnians could hate for a long time, persistently and with gusto, but there was no order in it. Somebody else had to provide the mortars, shells, tanks and planes in order to organize the hatred." In the third story, "The Saxophonist," Jergovic writes about a fat and sluggish fast talker who stole a gorgeous girlfriend from the tall, handsome, but rather quiet musician who happened to be a Serb. The fast talker brags how he left the sax player for dead. Play on words, but as the story develops, the fast talker skips Sarajevo under attack and moves to safety and comfort to another country. The quiet Serb takes a gun and bravely defends Sarajevo only to be killed by his own people. Archipelago is a not-for-profit literary press committed to cross-cultural, linguistic, and intellectual exploration. They are striving to locate, support and preserve literary talent worldwide and bring it to American readers. The Archipelago will bring to a wide audience contemporary and classic works of international prose and poetry that remain unavailable in translation. To order "Sarajevo Marlboro", please contact Consortium Book Sales & Distribution www.cbsd.com or 800-283-3572 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 16 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Haviland imports the 127 film from Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5363/1/E-Haviland-imports-the-127-film-from-Croatia.html ÂHaviland imports the 127 film fromCroatiaArea firm makes old-format filmHoneoye Falls business is a friend of antique camerasBy Michael Wentzel Staff writer JAY CAPERS staff photographer Richard Haviland of Honeoye Falls puts together orders for photographic film for classic cameras. His company has customers around the world. But he admits, “I can’t tell you how long that will last. We’re running on nostalgia and a desire to replicate the past.” [Day in Photos] (January 12, 2004) — When John C. Barton photographs the neon displays he makes in Middletown, Ohio, or his favorite antique cars, he uses his 52-year-old Kodak Pony 828 camera. “It takes very good, clear, vivid pictures,” said Barton, who works with inventors in patent and product development. But film for the Kodak Pony 828 no longer can be found in supermarket aisles or at most photo stores. Barton buys from Film for Classics, a company in Honeoye Falls that sells custom-made film to clients around the world. “The product is much better than the original Kodak film for the camera,” Barton said. “I wouldn’t think of buying from anyone else.” Film for Classics, launched in 1988, recorded a 5 percent increase in sales last year and had the best December ever, said Richard Haviland, the company’s founder and only full-time employee. “I can’t tell you how long that will last,” he said. “We’re running on nostalgia and a desire to replicate the past.” Digital cameras pose a long-term threat to the business that supplies film to owners of cameras for which Kodak and others no longer make film — a 1928 No. 3A Panoram Kodak camera, a 1931 Baby Rolleiflex or even a Brownie Hawkeye from the 1940s. “There will come a time when people will be so mystified by film cameras they probably won’t even take a chance on getting into it,” said Haviland, who is 65.Haviland, a retired speech pathologist, began making custom film in 1988 as a project for The Photographic Historical Society of Rochester to commemorate the 150th anniversary in 1989 of the invention of photography in France and England.“I made up a few rolls for members and found out how difficult and complicated it was,” he said. “I didn’t really start it to be a business. But then I thought maybe other people would be interested in this film.” Haviland buys large rolls of Eastman Kodak Co. film from the company. He splits the film to the width required by a specific camera and applies opaque paper backing to the film, a job that must be done in darkness. In many older cameras, the paper backing carries the number of each frame and blocks damaging light from entering through the small window where the number is read. Opaque paper is expensive and difficult to find. Several years ago, Kodak made a supply of backing for Haviland, but the company no longer produces it. He now relies on recycled paper returned by film processors. The lack of paper can limit the number of orders Film for Classics can fill. Part-time workers put the film on spools, another job that must be done in darkness or with the film in a closed bag. “This is labor intensive,” Haviland said. “After a few hundred rolls, you get good at it.” Films for Classics, located at 17  Ontario St. in Honeoye Falls, has few competitors. A company in Canada and another in California supply some formats but have large minimum orders, Haviland said. The Honeoye Falls company supplies major camera stores in New York City, Chicago and in California. The company has regular customers across the United States and in Japan, Germany, France and England. “Camera clubs in Japan have real affection for old-time cameras,” Haviland said.In the company’s first year, Film for Classics had $145 in sales, Haviland said. But Kodak information centers around the world advise photographers in search of custom films to contact the company. “Kodak was a very important source of growth, especially in the early years,” Haviland said. “About 60 percent of our orders now come from our Web site — www.filmsforclassics.com — and only about 25 percent through Kodak referrals. But we’re still very pleased they tell people about us.” Last year, Film for Classics sold about 6,000 rolls of film. About half of the company’s business now comes from repeat customers. The best-selling films are the 620 format for the Brownie Hawkeye and other cameras and the 127 format for the Baby Rolleiflex, for example. The least expensive is black-and-white 127 film, which costs $8 for a 12-shot roll. The most expensive, except for unusual special orders, is the 122 and 116 large format that costs $20 for six shots. Haviland imports the 127 film from Croatia and the 126 format from Italy. “The film is not cheap,” he said. “I try to price it so it is reasonable and people can afford it. I don’t want them to do this once as a novelty. I want them to do it again and again.” Film for Classics also can arrange for film processing through Rochester Photographic at 160 Park Ave. Haviland includes tip sheets with the film and returned photographs, advising customers on correct loading and use of the film and commenting on ways to improve photos. The company has been profitable for more than a decade. “I’ve been very careful to finance growth in the operation off profits,” Haviland said. “I don’t expect much growth. The business provides a good retirement occupation and income. “I suppose I’ll have to find someone to take it over someday.” MWENTZEL@DemocratandChronicle.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 16 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Pages on Queens Library's WorldLinQ Website http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5366/1/E-Croatian-Pages-on-Queens-Librarys-WorldLinQ-Website.html ÂCroatian Pages on Queens Library's WorldLinQ WebsiteThe Queens Borough Public Library is the busiest library system in the USA, and the Croatian community is being recognized by them once again through this exciting opportunity.I just accepted their invitation to transform the Croatian pages of their innovative multilingual Web-based information system, WorldLinQ, into a part of their new dynamic website. The project will start in January, and should be completed by March, 2004. This means so much to me, that I refused to be paid for my work, and asked them to channel that money into their New Americans Program instead, and fund additional Croatian events, or purchase new Croatian books and materials.In the meantime, you can visit the Queens Library on the web atwww.queenslibrary.org , go to "WorldLinQ", and than choose "Croatian". Let me know what you think, and what would you like to find there in the future. Write to me atcrnkovic@netzero.net , or call me at 718-626-6805. Thanks!ÂSanja Crnkovic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Film Update and Thanks from Brenda Brkusic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5365/1/E-Film-Update-and-Thanks-from-Brenda-Brkusic.html ÂFreedom from Despair, is coming along well.Dear Friends,My documentary film, Freedom from Despair, is coming along well. After a successful filming in California, Chicago and Croatia, the film is now in post-production. In December, a preview of the film was aired on PBS (KOCE) in Southern California to 3 million viewers. Look out for my interview in the January 19th issue of Arena Magazine. In the spring, the film will be screened in the Amnesty International Film Festival.After competing with 800 students, I was recently awarded the Marion Knott Scholarship from the Chapman University School of Film. This means that I will get to spend the next few months working one on one with filmmaker David S. Ward during post-production on my film. His credits include “Sleepless in Seattle,” “The Sting” for which he received an academy award, “Jumanji 2,” all the “Major League” movies, “Canery Row,” and “The Best Man.” I believe that time with Mr. Ward will afford me the opportunity to make the film the best that it can be.I would like to extend a very special thank you to Tom Rinear, for his recent monetary donation to the film! This project is something that will promote Croatia in a positive light and it is something that Croatians can benefit from. Below I have included the names of people who I wish to recognize for understanding importance of this. Since it is an independent student film, I am relying on the generous donations from my family and other Croatians who believe in the project. The budget is still growing and donations are still needed to complete the film. If you can afford to offer any help, please contact me atcrofilm2003@yahoo.com .Best Wishes for a Happy New Year,Brenda BrkusicFreedom from Despair: A young man’s journey from despair, a nation’s struggle for freedom.EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE FOLLOWING DONATIONS: Tom Rinear for his recent monetary donation to the film! Thank you, Tom, for being the first!Niko Hazdovac and The Libertas Foundation for advertising supportThe Cvirn family for printing free t-shirts (“Sitotisak Idizajn Cvirn,” in Zagreb, Croatia)Nenad Bach for music www.NenadBach.com and for advertising support on www.croatianworld.net Anthony Dizdar for advertising support and researchHilda Foley for research and supportDianna Brkusic, Tereza Brkusic, John Dolan, Marcial Rios, Jaclyn Austin for transcribing and translating the interviews. Irina Damic (of "Kvadar" production company in Zagreb, Croatia) for her continued work on the film lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com for the interview on the radioPBS (KOCE) (with Pete Weitzner, Liz Brandenburg, Bob Bassett and Maria Hall-Brown) for the interview on public televisionAmnesty International for research and supportChapman University School of Film for the Marion Knott Scholarship (thanks Liz, for convincing me to apply)HIC (Croatian Information Center) and Ante Beljo for researchJadran Film in Zagreb, Croatia, for donating costumesAmbassador Grdesic, The Ministry of Justice, and Lepoglava PrisonHTV (Croatian Television) for researchWGN, Chicago and Sandy Pudar for stock footageZvonko Ranogajec for stock footage and the interview on Croatian Satellite TelevisionMy cast and crew from America and Croatia for their time Extreme Film Crew for providing equipmentArena Magazine for the interviewMarymount College for supportMy friends for their supportPaul Wolansky and David Garcia for their recommendationsThe following family members for offering their services to the cast and crew while filming:My parents Dianna and Kruno Brkusic, my Dida Bozo Ukas, Anita Milin, Stipe and Roza Brkusic and their daughters, Ksenija and Nenad Talijancic, Vlado and Ankica Brkusic, Davor Talijancic and “Pizzeria Leonardo” in Hvar, Croatia, Susan Obad and Tamara Klarin.My interviewees for their enthusiasm and knowledge:Kruno Brkusic, Dianna Brkusic, Bozo Ukas, Congressman Kucinich, Congressman Radanovich, Marko Dizdar, Father Petar Bezina, Niko Hazdovac, Dr. Jerry Blaskovich, Michael McAdams, Zvonko Ranogajec, Roza Brkusic, Julija Radovanovich, Nikola Rudman............plus everyone else who has offered their support (and those who just recently offered to volunteer as a translators)! Thank you!Editor's note:This subject is something that needs to be told, with and through our own sons and daughters. We waited centuries, and especially last 60 years, to tell it to the world. So, now is your opportunity to support it. I do.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Food Not Bombs Keith McHenry In Zagreb! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5368/1/E-Food-Not-Bombs-Keith-McHenry-In-Zagreb.html ÂKeith McHenry In Zagreb!Ivana Ivicic07 January 2004Food Not Bombs Although the Subversions (evenings of media guerrilla and poetry terrorism) stopped happening on regular basis, it seems that they may get revitalized, if we judge on the first event in the new series. The guest of the Subversions was Keith McHenry, one of the people that started the first Food Not Bombs group in the world in the early 1980's, marking the emergence of hundreds of groups under that name. In Croatia, there are several Food Not Bombs groups, working in Slavonski Brod, Split, Zadar, Zagreb. Their main activity is distribution of free meals as means to point out at the existing social problems, but also promotion of the idea of sharing and emphasizing the connection between the negative social situation and the reemerging arms race and widespread conflicts. The group also presents a critic of the political, economic and all other models of functioning of the modern states, but in an affirmative manner, providing concrete alternatives and solutions for the acute problems. Keith McHenry spoke of the beginnings of the project, its history, the spreading of the idea, past experiences and everything else that marked the existence of the project over that past twenty years. You can find more about them on their web site FOOD NOT BOMBS. The Food Not Bombs StoryFood Not Bombs is one of the fastest growing revolutionary movements active today and is gaining momentum. There are hundreds of autonomous chapters sharing free vegetarian food with hungry people and protesting war and poverty throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Food Not Bombs is organizing for an end to the occupations of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. We also support actions against the globalization of the economy, restrictions to the movements of people and the destruction of the earth.The first group was formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1980 by anti-nuclear activists. Food Not Bombs is an all volunteer organization dedicated to nonviolence. Food Not Bombs has no formal leaders and strives to include everyone in its decision making process. Each group recovers food that would otherwise be thrown out and makes fresh hot vegetarian meals that are served in city parks to anyone without restriction. The groups also serve free vegetarian meals at protests and other events. The San Francisco Chapter has been arrested over 1,000 times in an effort to silence its protest against the Mayor's anti- homeless policies. Amnesty International states it may adopt those Food Not Bombs volunteers that are imprisoned as "Prisoners of Conscience" and will work for their unconditional release.Food Not Bombs works in coalition with groups like Earth First!, The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Anarchist Black Cross, the IWW, Homes Not Jails, Anti Racist Action, In Defense of Animals, the Free Radio Movement and other organizations on the cutting edge of positive social change and resistance to the new global austerity program. One collective publishes a movement wide newsletter called A Food Not Bombs Menu. There is also a German language Menu. Food Not Bombs Publishing in Takoma Park, Maryland publishes books like On Conflict and Consensus which has been an important guide for group democracy. We hope you will join us in taking direct action towards creating a world free from domination, coercion and violence.http://www.foodnotbombs.net/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 08 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Bilten - Izgradnja i obnova crkava http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5369/1/H-Bilten---Izgradnja-i-obnova-crkava.html Â" BILTEN IZGRADNJE I OBNOVE CRKAVA ".Tvrtka "Gafos" d.o.o. 31000 Osijek, Tel/fax; ++385 (0)31 506 856, E : gafos@os.htnet.hr Predmet : Casopis : " Izgradnja i obnova crkava" Osijek: 20.12.2003.Postovani G. Bach,Temeljem naseg telefonsog razgovora saljem tekst o nasem casopisu:" BILTEN IZGRADNJE I OBNOVE CRKAVA ".Tijekom domovinskog rata u Hrvatskoj je doslo do velikih razaranja, rusenja, ostecenja i devastacije, osim ostalih i velikog dijela sakralne bastine; crkava, crkvenih građevina i inventara. Od toga je katolickih crkava ukupno poruseno 352 crkve, tesko osteceno 435 crkava i osteceno 630 crkava. Stradale su i crkve drugih konfesija, ali znatno manji broj od katolickih. Tako je primjerice sruseno i osteceno i 10-tak reformiranih crkava.Nazalost do danas je obnovljeno u Hrvatskoj samo manji broj navedenih ostecenih crkvenih objekata.Bilten i njegove teme imaju znacajnu ulogu na :• Educiranju pojedinih sudionika u projektiranju, izgradnji i obnovi crkava,• upoznavanju sa zakonima i propisima,• podizanju obnove i zastite crkvenih građevina, srusenih u domovinskom ratu, na visu razinu,• podizanju projektiranja i izgradnje crkvenih građevina na visu razinu,• podizanju zastite i revitalizacije crkvenog inventara na visu razinu,• upoznavanju zupa sa renomiranim specijaliziranim i strucnim; domacim i inozemnim firmama, koje imaju referense na obnovi i zastiti crkvenih građevina i inventara,• upoznavanje sa modelima financiranja izgradnje i obnove.Bilten redovito donosi :• Popis zupa, sa podacima o ostecenju i etapama obnove crvenih građevina, • vijesti iz pojedinih (nad) biskupija i njihovih zupa o stanju obnove,• vijesti iz katolickih zupa nasih Hrvata u svijetu ,• ostale vijesti iz navedenih podrucjaPojedine clanke pisu; prestavnici pojedinih biskupija i njihovih zupa. Strucne i znanstvene teme pisu strucnjaci; fakulteta, specijaliziranih tvrtki i pojedinih institucija. Izlazi svaka tri mjeseca u nakladi od 1.500 primjeraka, a prvi broj je tiskan u sijecnju 2003. godine. Cetvrti broj izlazi iz tiska 22. prosinca 2003.godine.Bilten se distribuira; projektantima, izvoditeljima, (nad)biskupijama i njihovim zupama, sponzorima i donatorima, te pojedinim specijaliziranim firmama u svijetu.Molimo hrvatske strucnjake; profesore, arhitekte katolicke udruge i zupe iz svijeta, da se ukljuce svojim; clancima, pitanjima, prijedlozima i komentarima.Na prijedlog nasih ljudi, koji danas zive u svijetu, objavljivati ce mo vijesti i iz njihovih zavičajnih zupa u Hrvatskoj. Firmama, naših Hrvata u svijetu, koje se bave specijalistickim projektiranjem i radovima; izgradnje, obnove i zaštite sakralne baštine, nudimo poslovno-tehničku suradnju.Casopis se moze naruciti na gornjoj adresi. Godisnja pretplata iznosi: 25 Eura.Sa postovanjem,Glavni urednik:Josip Franc, dipl.ing.građ.gafos@os.htnet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Miljenko Jergovic "Sarajevo Marlboro" TONIGHT http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5372/1/E-Miljenko-Jergovic-Sarajevo-Marlboro-TONIGHT.html Â"Sarajevo Marlboro" Presentation of Miljenko Jergovic's book "SarajevoMarlboro" (tonight!) - by Chi-Young Kim(Note: Miljenko is Croatian !)Dear Friends,We would like to introduce to you Miljenko Jergovic'sstunning collection of short stories, "Sarajevo Marlboro",winner of the prestigious Erich Remarque Peace Prize. Ajournalist for Oslobodjenje, Jergovic chose to remain inSarajevo throughout most of the brutal siege of Sarajevo.Jergovic highlights the everyday lives of young Muslims,Croats, and Serbs in Sarajevo with disarming honesty,quirky humor, and profoundly personal vision. Jergovic'snovel, Mama Leone, won Italy's Cavour Prize last year.Sarajevo Marlboro is one of Archipelago Books' firsttitles. We are a newborn not-for-profit press devoted toliterature in translation. Enclosed please find a copy ofSarajevo Marlboro and our first catalogue.Please join us in celebrating the release of Jergovic'sbook on January 6, 2004 at 549 W. 52nd Street 8th Floor(Bet.10th & 11th Ave.), between 6:30 and 9:00 PM.Sincerely,Chi-Young KimEditorhttp://www.archipelagobooks.org/current/index.html Sarajevo Marlboro is Miljenko Jergovic's remarkable début collection of stories. Jergovic is a child of Sarajevo who remained in the city throughout the war. A dazzling storyteller, he brings a profoundly human, razor-sharp understanding of the fate of the city's young Muslims, Croats and Serbs with a subterranean humor and profoundly personal vision. Their offbeat lives and daily dramas in the foreground, the killing zone in the background. Penguin UK released Stela Tomasevic's stunning translation of the work in England in 1997. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 06 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Lara Oreskovic - New York Exibition Jan 8, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5373/1/E-Lara-Oreskovic---New-York-Exibition-Jan-8-2004.html Âlara oreskovic WingsMistLove Dreaminglara oreskovic 35"x28" mixed media heartdivinationsAgora Gallery 415 West Broadway • SoHo New York. NY 10012212-226-4151 / Fax: 212-966-4380www.agora-gallery.com •www.art-mine.com lara oreskovic divinationsyou are cordialy invited to attend our reception partythursday, january 08. 2004 6-8 pmexibition dates january 02. 2004 - january 22. 2004 gallery hours tues - sat 12 - 6 pmDivinations Reception: Thursday, January 8, 2004 6-8 PMExhibition Dates: 1/2/2004 - 1/22/2004Press ReleaseBorn to a creative family in Zagreb, Croatia, Lara Oreskovic studied ballet and theatre before moving to art, which had always been an important part of her life since childhood. After encouragement from her from an uncle who recognized her talent, she dedicated her life to her passion. She moved to Italy, enrolled in an arts program and opened an art gallery. Her work evolved to reflect her interest in materials and diverse techniques for making a painting surface. A love for both paper and canvas resulted surface-rich mixed media paintings. Oreskovic's thick constructed surfaces protrude with material beauty. Her lush use of paint and surface results in a sculptural and visually stimulating three-dimensional space. Symbolic images come forward and confront the viewer with the inquisitive and playful spirit of Oreskovic's work. Sparse icons such as a tree, a heart, a window or a figurative apparition are isolated within her pictures and hewn together with paint. Her work has a feeling of both surrealism and symbolism. The paintings are inspired by Oreskovic's feeling that her artistic process is "a life philosophy." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Being John Malkovich - a big fan of Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5371/1/E-Being-John-Malkovich---a-big-fan-of-Croatia.html Being John Malkovich: The Hollywood actor is a big fan of Croatia: hardly surprising, since his family originated there. He attends the Pula Film Festival every year, where screenings are in the amphitheatre - a 2,000-year-old Roman structure that is virtually perfectly preserved and in far better condition than the one in Rome. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,71-947944,00.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Nenad Bach u Vecernjaku - Klape Unikatne http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5374/1/H-Nenad-Bach-u-Vecernjaku---Klape-Unikatne.html ÂNenad Bach u Vecernjaku Klape su Unikatni Proizvod(kliknite za pdf file - click for pdf file Acrobat) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 03 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Badnjak na ognjistu Cace moga http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5528/1/H-Badnjak-na-ognjistu-Cace-moga.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂBadnjak na ognjistu Cace mogaÂDocekuju nas groboviSusretom sestre Stojke i brace: Mirka, Srecka, Rudija i Stanka Tomica u Radisicima (Ljubuski, Hercegovina) na Bozic 1998. godine i pjesmom Badnjak na ognjistu Cace moga, Rudi Tomic je najavio svoju drugu zbirku poezije.S jedne strane ovaj susret i ova pjesma personaliziraju boli, nadanja i cekanja obitelji Tomic cija su dva sina - Srecko i Rudi - napustila roditeljsko ognjiste 1948. godine, te morala zbog politickih razloga napusttiti domovinu 1958. godine. Kao politicki emigranti nisu mogli biti nazocni pogrebima svojih roditelja - oca Mije i majke Ive. Nakon pola stoljeca Srecko i Rudi su ponovno docekali Badnjak i Bozic na ocinskom ognjistu, a njih su docekali roditeljski grobovi. Ovaj posjet brace Tomica Domovini bio je znatno bolniji i uzviseniji od njihovih posjeta oslobodjenoj Hrvatskoj i BiH u proteklih nekoliko godina, te je ponukao Rudija Tomica (pjesnik, novinar, nakladnik) da napise jos dvije pjesme: Moj Caca i ja i Na grobu Majke moje, kojima se iznova vraca temama umiranja i smrti, kao i u svojoj prvoj zbirci poezije Pregrst suza cije je drugo (dopunjeno) izdanje u pripravi.S druge strane ovaj posjet i ove pjesme simboliziraju sudbine tisuca Hrvata - emigranata-iseljenika i doseljenika koji ceznu za toplim zagrljajima svojih roditelja a ovi ih doma cekaju u kamenim grobnicama. Mnogi se Hrvati diljem svijeta nisu ponovno sreli sa svojim roditeljima skoro cijelog ili polovicu svog zivota. Kad se napokon "sretnu" - onda je to na groblju. Trebali bi biti sretni (ako u susretu s mrtvima i njihovim grobovima uopce moze biti srece!?) sto znaju za roditeljske grobove, sto ih mogu posjetiti i pomoliti se na njima.Citajuci Tomiceve pjesme dobiva se dojam da se autor tek sada oprasta sa svojim roditeljima koji su davno umrli.Nazalost, ima mnogo Hrvata koji ne znaju gdje su im roditelji i najblizi pokopani, jer su im zivoti bili nasilno prekinuti pa su zatrpani u skrovista, jame, uvale, masovne grobnice ili su spaljeni. Mnoge je i voda odnijela. Tomiceva poezija svjedoci o usudu hrvatskog pucanstva - olicenje je sudbine hrvatskih iseljenika (posebice politickih) i doseljenika. Ujedno nas opominje da se u nas Hrvata povijest nemilosrdno ponavlja - nekad su bili iseljenici a danas su izbjeglice i prognanici. Ista sudbina, samo nas drugacije nazivaju.ÂOni koji su u Domovini, opet, ne mogu pomoci svojima u dijaspori i uvijek brinu hoce li svojima koji su umrli u tudjem svijetu ikada "obici kosti".Tomiceva je pjesma Badnjak na ognjistu Cace moga bila recitirana i rasplakala je posjetitelje na promociji njegove knjige Pogled s Torontskog tornja u hotelu Bigeste u Ljubuskom. Njegovo je stvaralastvo dostiglo punu zrelost i vrijednost. Posebice je uocljiva stilska dotjeranost i slozenost pjesnickih formi. Tomic je uvijek bio jedan od najplodnijih autora u dijaspori (trenutacno jedini koji se sustavno i dosljedno oglasuje iz Kanade) i jedan od najistaknutijih u sveukoupnoj hrvatskojpublicistici.Napisala: Ljerka LukicÂSlijede tri Tomiceve pjesme:Badnjak na ognjistu Cace mogaProtekla je polovica ovog burnog stoljecaSkoro cijeli vijek mog patnickog zivotaOtkad sam posljednji put iz kutka gledoRazbuktani badnjak na ognjistu Cace moga.Bilo nas je mnogo - puna kuca celjadiCekali smo zudno Cacu da unese glavnju.S bukvom u narucju on bi glasno nazva:"Na dobro vam doso Bozic i… ja!""I s Tobom bogda…", mi bismo klicalisklopljenih ruku okupljeni oko ognjista.Pobozno pjevajuci: "U sve vrime godista"Gledali bismo netremice u njega ko u Boga.Nakon krunice i casice ljute kapljicePregrsti suhih smokava i tvrdih rogacaPosli bismo u povorci na ponocna bdjenjaPoput pastira na docek Bozjeg Sina.Konacno, evo me opet doma - na CrnisiniSve je drugacije - ljudi, nebo i zemljaUmro je Caca Mijo, ni majke Ive vise nemaOstali smo sami - cetiri brata i seja.Ostarjela sirocad - celavi i sijedih kosaUmorni od vremena, teske badnjake unosimoNa Cacino ognjiste kod najmladjeg sina.Neka se nikada ne ugasi plamen Tomica!Badnjak 1998., Radisici, Bosna i HercegovinaMoj Caca i jaKao dijete gledao sam u ocaCupao mu brkove i brojio sijede kosePenjao se po sirokim ledjimaNe znajuci kakav teret ona noseBez osmijeha na mrsavim obrazimaI danas vidim kako ozbiljno gledaMislio sam tada da svaki covjekÂGlava kuce, tezak, tako izgledaRano smo se rastali moj Caca i jaÂNije me vidio kao odraslog covjekaSlao sam mu iz tudjine slike i pismaDa vidi i zna da sam i ja - cacaNakon pola stoljeca od rastankaOpet smo se sastali nas dvojicaGovorili smo glasno otvorena srcaCuo nas je Bog i studena grobnicaBoze, je li moj Caca ikad znaoKoliko sam ljubavi imao za njegaIpak mi je srcu lakse kad nije samLezi uz rame u grobu kraj moje mameBozic 1998., Radisici, Bosna i HercegovinaNa grobu Majke mojeMajko, cuo sam kada si me zvalaDa dodjem prije nego sto podjesU Krvnicu - na vjecni pocinakDa ti budem na dohvatu rukeÂKako bi jadna sa sto manje mukeÂOstavila mene, obitelj i drugeCuo sam kada si me u grcu zvalaDa sa mnom budes samo malo samaPrije nego sto si Bogu dusu dalaTudjina me je otela od Tebe i od domaNisam mogao doci do Tvoga grobaZapaliti svijece ni ostaviti cvijeceMajko, evo me napokon k TebiKonacno me dozva Tvoj njezni glasBoze, kako mi nedostaje Tvoj zagrljajPadoh potrbuske na skrovisteGrlim Tvoj grob objeruckeSuzama perem ploce grobniceGledas me s Kriza s male sliciceKao da cujem sapat umorne zene;"Sine, cuvam Ti mjesto kraj mene"Bozic 1998., Radisici, Bosna i Hercegovina letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 29 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Krispan - poezija - Blanka Supan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5527/1/H-Krispan---poezija---Blanka-Supan.html Distributed by CroatianWorldKrispanÂBadnje vece…Âu meni tamburica svira,Âbakin krispan se sareni,Âa dida preko praga upravo naramakÂslame u toplu kucu unosi.ÂNa ovu prostrijet lijezemÂzetelacke me tvrde ruke grle,Âna stolu vrela pogaca ko dukat se zuti,Âa Bijela ponire duboko u mene.ÂTo kicankaÂdjetinjstva mojegÂsvjetluca u ovoj svetojÂbetlehemskoj noci.Â**Krispan dolazi od njemacke rijeci krizbaum(Krist + Baum - drvo) i znaci bozicno drvce, jelka, bor.Bozic s tobomBozicno jutrenje.Svjetlucaju kapi u zutom obodu semaforai rijetki tramvaj promakne pod prozorom mojim.U blagoslovutisinom omamljenZagreb mirno drijema.A tebe sad cuvaju slavonske ravnice,dim prvih jutarnjih paljenica omamljuje snovei dojke drage zene utopljuju ti grudi.Pa neka!Probudit ce te sokacki pijetlovii rzanje nekog mladog vranca u stali.U svitanjeja cu svojim tramvajemÂpoci dalje.napisala Blanka Supan, ZagrebDragiNenade,da li biste mogli objaviti ove dvije pjesme gdje Blanke Supan jer govore o Bozicnomraspolozenju. Gdja Supan je poznata pjesnikinja i glavna za organiziranje knjizevnih veceri i glazbenih recitala uZagrebu. O njoj mozete vise procitati na www.kudinapisci.hrÂBog,Ljerka letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 29 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Stories - Find a Good Croatian Girl http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5376/1/E-Croatian-Stories---Find-a-Good-Croatian-Girl.html Â"FIND A GOOD CROATIAN GIRL"I could not fit the cows on the plane.Adam Eterovich in Zagreb, 1956-1958San Francisco, CaliforniaMy wife is a real Croatian-Zagrebcanka, Gospodja Danica Kralj. Papa in San Francisco told me to go to the old country, stay a while, stay out of trouble, find a nice girl on the Island of Brac; I told him I wasn't looking for a nice girl. I looked around for two years. In Zagreb I visited the Korso Kafana, Belgrad Bar, Kolodvor Kafana, Gradska Kafana, Dubrovnik Bar, Gradski Podroom Bar, Dubrovnik Kafana and Saint Mark's Church in December. This took one year and there were only three bars in town. Oh, I did try to rent a car to see more, but Tito had the car on weekends.Papa liked Tito, Stalin and Roosevelt-he wasn't sure who was going to win, in fact, he had all their pictures on the wall. It turns out he picked winners. In horse racing we call that Win, Place and Show. Over here in San Francisco during World War Two they were locking up all Japanese, good or bad, and the German and Italian fascists; they couldn't find any Croatian fascists, naturally, so at that time Papa figured Tito wasn't that bad, then after the war when they were chasing communists, Papa became a capitalist and showed his true colors. Money talks. The pictures came down. These old time stari Dalmatinci were serious about politics. His motto was kako vitar puse, bandira vija. What does that mean in English?His advice was to find a good, young, big and strong girl from the Island of Brac(then known as a center of culture, scholarship, wealth and a wonderful lifestyle) as they would listen, work and take care of you in old age. There were a few things Papa didn't tell me. Rocks, goats, sheep, more rocks, jack asses. If they had a contest on who yells the loudest, a Splitcanka or a Bracanka, it would be a dead heat and nose to nose. Good girls though, I enjoyed the bakalar dinners. I like Zagrebcanka although they are not too good at listening. Danica's mother was from Zagorje outside of Zagreb. They had a strange way of speaking, Kaj-Kaj-Kaj instead of Co-Co-Co, and making wine. They would make the wine one day, put it in barrels, and drink it the next. Danica's father was from Slavonia, no rocks, goats, sheep, jackasses, and as a dowry, I was only given ten acres of land, two cows, and bedroom furniture because she was beautiful; I could have gotten fifty acres, ten cows plus household furniture for her sister. This took one year and I ran out of money.This was better than a Bracanka with a six inch tongue, muscles, 5' 11'' tall. Although I do miss the bakalar, tripe, jonce na razojn, slone srdele, prsuta, kostredine, blitva, capula, ribe na gredele, boce, treseta, briskula, zmul bevande i tamo na rivi cekat cu te drage.I gave this all up for a pretty face.The wedding lasted three days and I could not fit the cows on the plane.Sjor Adam.San Francisco, California letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Ministar Biskupic: "Nenad Bach i hrvatski kulturni proizvod" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5375/1/H-Ministar-Biskupic-Nenad-Bach-i-hrvatski-kulturni-proizvod.html ÂHrvatski kulturni proizvodÂBiskupic: "Pokušat cemo stvoriti i hrvatski kulturni proizvod, što temeljimo na nekoliko primjera mladih glazbenika, kao što jeNenad Bach u Americi, koji pokušava napraviti prodor etnoglazbe u svijet", rekao je Biškupi, dodavši da tu ubraja i sjajan nastup Tamare Obrovac s jazz glazbom izraslom iz istarske glazbene baštine.''"Dužnost je Ministarstva kulture procijeniti sadašnje stanje i stvarati pozitivno ozracje za kulturu, a posebno omoguciti proboj hrvatske kulture prema svijetu", izjavio je novi ministar kulture.Biškupic: Pokušat emo stvoriti hrvatski kulturni proizvod Objavljeno prije 2 sata NOVI ministar kulture Božo Biškupic izjavio je da e njegovo ministarstvo nastaviti provoditi strateške projekte koje je poela bivša vlada, ali i projekte koji su zapoeti u vrijeme vladavine HDZ-a.Božo Biškupic, koji je bio ministar kulture i od 1995. do 2000., meu glavne zadae ubraja gradnju velikih kulturnih objekata - muzeja suvremene umjetnosti u Zagrebu, arheološkoga muzeja u Naroni i muzeja arheološkoga pracovjeka u Krapini. Dodao je da ce Ministarstvo nastaviti provoditi zapoete projekte u izdavaštvu, glazbi, kazalištu i filmu. Vrlo važnim Biškupi smatra otvaranje novih arheoloških parkova, te povezivanje turizma s projektima koji su ve odavno zacrtani, kao što su gradovi kulture te drugi slini važni projekti koji e pomoi razvoju hrvatskoga kulturnog identiteta. Nova ce se Vlada preko Ministarstva kulture, kako je rekao, znatnije skrbiti i za kulturu manjina, što je potpuno novo podruje. Biškupic drži važnim i program za poboljšanje statusa samostalnih umjetnika te materijalnog položaja zaposlenika u kulturi kojih ima oko 35.000.Ministarstvo se skrbi i za nacionalne parkove i parkove prirode, obnovu i zaštitu spomenika kulture i zaštitu nematerijalne kulturne baštine, primjerice tradicijske glazbe, obicaja i predstava, što je pod posebnom zaštitom UNESCO-a.Biškupic ce se zauzeti i za decentralizaciju iz koje proizlazi ravnomjerna razvijenost kulturne infrastrukture te pristupanost kulture svima, a najavljuje i jau meunarodnu kulturnu suradnju.Kulturna vijea, napominje Biškupi, moraju djelovati na osnovi svojih kreativnih prijedloga, a ne tako da se inovniki prebrojavaju programi, kako je bilo do sada. Za taj dio posla placeni su djelatnici Ministarstva, rekao je, najavivši kao novost osnivanje županijskih vijeca, kako bi ojacala decentralizacija u kulturi, što je jedna od važnih nakana Ministarstva.Glede odgovornosti drži da je ona u prvom redu na prvom covjeku Ministarstva te stoga dosadašnja kulturna vijeca mogu biti korisna kad se izrauju strateški projekti i osmišljavaju prioriteti u pojedinim dijelovima kulture ili u cjelini."Pokušat cemo stvoriti i hrvatski kulturni proizvod, što temeljimo na nekoliko primjera mladih glazbenika, kao što je Nenad Bach u Americi, koji pokušava napraviti prodor etnoglazbe u svijet", rekao je Biškupi, dodavši da tu ubraja i sjajan nastup Tamare Obrovac s jazz glazbom izraslom iz istarske glazbene baštine.Ministarstvo e se pobrinuti i za niske kamate za zajmove u knjižniarstvu i izdavaštvu te u onim dijelovima koji se nazivaju kulturnom industrijom, rekao je.Po Biškupicevim rijeima donijet ce se rješenja za casopise u Hrvatskoj, odnosno za njihovo subvencioniranje."Dužnost je Ministarstva kulture procijeniti sadašnje stanje i stvarati pozitivno ozracje za kulturu, a posebno omoguciti proboj hrvatske kulture prema svijetu", izjavio je novi ministar kulture.-- Vecernji ListHoce li upravo kultura postati naš izvozni proizvod? Trebamo li se ipak okrenuti novom vremenu i tržišno osmisliti kulturu? - Slažem se, hrvatska kultura može biti naš izvozni proizvod. Na primjer, ovih se mjeseci priprema velika izložba "Renesansa u Hrvatskoj", koja ce biti postavljena u Parizu. Sigurni smo da ce postici dobar odjek i ako tako bude, pobrinut cemo se da tu izložbu vide i drugi veliki europski gradovi. Poticat cemo tzv. kulturne industrije, a želja nam je i da se stvori hrvatski kulturni proizvod. Mislim da je to moguce najprije u glazbi. Svojedobno sam u tisku procitao da hrvatski glazbenik gospodin Bach, koji živi u SAD-u, pokušava okupiti etnoglazbenike i plasirati ih na inozemno tržište. Kao sjajan primjer takve mogucnosti spominjem i istarsku glazbenicu Tamaru Obrovac. Hocete li dati novac za to? - Hocemo. Takve cemo projekte sigurno pomoci. http://www.vecernji-list.hr/OBZOR/2003/12/27/Pages/zavrsit.html BOŽO BISKUPIC, NOVI MINISTAR KULTURE, GOVORI O KULTURNIM PROJEKTIMA SANADEROVE VLADE, STATUSU UMJETNIKA I PREDSTAVLJANJU HRVATSKE KULTURE U SVIJETU Završit cemo Muzej suvremene umjetnosti NATO, EU, PDV, rodiljske naknade..., sve su to prioriteti Vlade. A gdje je kultura? Na repu dogadaja i interesa i ove vlade? - Nije, niti ce biti! Vec je u predizborno vrijeme HDZ dao jasno na znanje u svom programu, ali i u predizbornim govorima, da kulturi pridaje veliko znacenje. Kultura je važna za Hrvatsku, a za Hrvatsku demokratsku zajednicu jedan je od prioriteta. Hrvatska Vlada našu ce kulturu pomagati i promicati u zemlji i svijetu. Hocete li raditi velike rezove u samom ministarstvu, strukturi, nacinu rada? Mislim prije svega na kadrove. - Nekih ce promjena biti. Prije svega, u Ministarstvo kulture vracena je zaštita prirodne baštine i hrvatski ured UNESCO-a, koji je sada u vanjskim poslovima. Znaci, promijenila se struktura ministarstva i neke ce službe trebati spojiti, a neke možda zahtijevaju nove ljude. Promislit cemo, u Ministarstvu ima dovoljno strucnih i iskusnih ljudi, koji ce uz ministra osmisliti i izgraditi sustav što efikasnijeg djelovanja. Premijer je u nastupnom govoru u Hrvatskom saboru govorio o potrebi smanjenja državne uprave i ministri ce slijediti primjer i ispuniti obecano. Naravno, ništa nece biti na štetu djelatnosti. Hoce li Ministarstvo kulture biti rame za plakanje, odnosno, mjesto gdje ce balerine, glumci, slikari, pisci, galeristi i mnogi drugi dolaziti po još koju kunu? PDV na knjigu smo ukinuli Vas su neki optužili da ste kulturi na vrat natovarili PDV za knjigu? - Na žalost, cini se da neki vaši mladi kolege nisu upucni u tu problematiku pa su pisali da je u vrijeme ministra Biškupica uveden PDV na knjigu. Tocno je, PDV je uveden u vrijeme premijera Valentica, a stupio je na snagu godinu dana poslije, kad je došla vlada premijera Mateše. Mi smo se u Ministarstvu kulture gotovo tri godine trudili oko tadašnjeg ministra financija i 1999. postigli da se PDV na knjigu ukine. - Ministarstvo ce zasigurno biti mjesto susreta. Umjetnici ce dolaziti kao što su to cinili i u mom prijašnjem mandatu. Iznosit ce svoja videnja, osvrtati se na probleme i nuditi rješenja. Vrata ce im uvijek biti širom otvorena. Obici cemo uskoro Hrvatsku i razgovarati s umjetnicima i djelatnicima u kulturi te se najprije suociti s problemima i s njihovim rješenjima. Vec sam obavio razgovore s nekoliko procelnika za kulturu u pojedinim velikim gradovima. Oni ce biti medu prvima s kojima cu u Ministarstvu sa svojim suradnicima razgovarati o suradnji na velikim projektima, a isto tako želim da medu prvim sugovornicima budu i intendanti svih nacionalnih kazališta. Jedan od naših prvih zadataka je ispunjenje obecanja poboljšanja materijalnog statusa samostalnih umjetnika. Vratit cemo ih za pocetak u status koji su imali i 2000. godine, a nakon toga nastojati, ovisno o gospodarskoj situaciji, taj status i poboljšati. Vama je poznato da im je Ministarstvo financija u prošloj Vladi smanjilo prava 50 posto, tako da su nakon 35 i više godina rada odlazili u mirovinu sa 800 kuna. Što cete tu konkretno napraviti? - Vratit cemo doprinose na razinu na kojoj su bili! To znaci iste mirovine kakve su bile i prije smanjenja, a s vremenom i poboljšanje. To, naravno, ovisi o boljim proracunskim mogucnostima. Ostali prioritetni potezi? - U kulturi ima oko 35.000 zaposlenih djelatnika, o cijem materijalnom položaju i statusu skrbi i Ministarstvo kulture. Ovih je dana potpisan sporazum sa sindikatima djelatnika u kulturi. Nisam ga još vidio, tek sam drugi dan u Ministarstvu, ali mislim da su neke obveze u korist djelatnika u kulturi ucinjene. Nastavit cemo sve dobre programe, a posebno važne kapitalne strateške projekte, od kojih su neki zapoceti još u vrijeme bivše HDZ-ove vlade. Da bi netko mogao uspješno kormilariti brodom punom slikara, pisaca, balerina, pjevaca..., potrebno je da ih razumije u dušu, ali i da poznaje sve tajne politike. Jer kulturnjaci svih profila vrlo su osjetljivi ljudi, veliki zaljubljenici u ono što rade, te cesto idealisti kojima je svijet politike sasvim nerazumljiv. Zbog svega toga Božo Biškupic po mnogima je gotovo idealan ministar je odlicno poznaje i snalazi se u osjetljivom svijetu kulture, ali i u interesnim politickim vodama. A to je i te kako važno, jer za kulturu je potreban i novac za koji ce se Biškupic boriti na sjednicama Vlade, ali i vladajucoj stranci. Možda ce tom vrsnom poznavatelju likovne umjetnosti, te zaljubljeniku u glazbu, koji ima vrlo važna poznanstva u vrhovima europske politike i kulture, uspjeti da pokrene naše kulturu što oni koji od nje i za nju žive željno ocekuju.. Na primjer? - Muzej suvremene umjetnosti. Natjecaj je bio završen, izabran projekt, 1999. godine, a šest dana uoci ovih izbora zakopan je i kamen temeljac. Sve je to išlo malo presporo, dobro je da je temeljac postavljen i projekt cemo nastaviti. Nastavit cemo i radove na muzeju krapinskog pracovjeka i što skorije ih dovršiti. To je svjetsko nalazište i bit ce to jedan od iznimno znacajnih muzeja u ovom dijelu Europe. Treci veliki kapitalni projekt jest arheološko nalazište u Naroni, u Svetom Vidu. Muzej smo poceli kao projekt i dovršit cemo ga. Ali osim tih kapitalnih projekata, postoji niz malih sitnih apetita i problema s kojima se ljudi iz kulture svakodnevno susrecu, koji ih lupaju po glavi i koji su za njih nerješivi. Znate li zapravo što ljude najviše tišti? Hocete li im pomoci? - Najcešce ljude tišti materijalni položaj i mi cmo im ga nastojati olakšati.Hocte li imati malo više novca s obzirom na vaš osobni vrlo utjecajan položaj u Vladi i HDZ-u? Hocete li malo više lobirati za svoju struku? - Naravno da cu lobirati za svoje ministarstvo i za sve djelatnosti koje ono pokriva, mislim da je to legalno i legitimno. Premijer dr. Ivo Sanader je covjek koji razumije problematiku kulture i od njega ocekujem podršku. Znaci, imate vezu kod premijera? - Mislim da vezu, po prirodi posla, imaju svi ministri. Važno je da imamo podršku premijera, ali i razumijevanje i suradnju s ministrom financija, posebno jer namjeravamo pojacati medunarodnu kulturnu suradnju. Mislite li samo na medudržavnu razmjenu? - Ne samo na to. Mislim, primjerice, na prijevode hrvatskih autora na svjetske jezike. Važno je pomoci prevodenju hrvatskih autora i tiskanju njihovih djela u svijetu, kako bi se i novija, ali i starija hrvatska književnost prepoznala kao relevantan cimbenik europskoga kulturnog prostora. Mislim, na primjer, i na glazbu kojom uz likovnu umjetnost najlakše promicemo hrvatsku kulturu. Nastupi hrvatskih glazbenika na svjetskim pozornicama ili hrvatskih umjetnika u svjetskim muzejima naš su prioritet. No necemo samo nuditi svoje, prihvatit cemo isto tako programe kulture iz drugih zemalja. Hoce li upravo kultura postati naš izvozni proizvod? Trebamo li se ipak okrenuti novom vremenu i tržišno osmisliti kulturu? - Slažem se, hrvatska kultura može biti naš izvozni proizvod. Na primjer, ovih se mjeseci priprema velika izložba "Renesansa u Hrvatskoj", koja ce biti postavljena u Parizu. Sigurni smo da ce postici dobar odjek i ako tako bude, pobrinut cemo se da tu izložbu vide i drugi veliki europski gradovi. Poticat cemo tzv. kulturne industrije, a želja nam je i da se stvori hrvatski kulturni proizvod. Mislim da je to moguce najprije u glazbi. Svojedobno sam u tisku procitao da hrvatski glazbenik gospodin Bach, koji živi u SAD-u, pokušava okupiti etnoglazbenike i plasirati ih na inozemno tržište. Kao sjajan primjer takve mogucnosti spominjem i istarsku glazbenicu Tamaru Obrovac. Hocete li dati novac za to? - Hocemo. Takve cemo projekte sigurno pomoci. Hocete li se zauzimati za elitizam u kulturi? - Zauzimat cu se za vrhunsku kvalitetu, ali i za decentralizirano upravljanje kulturom. Za manje sredine pojedini su programi vrlo važni, a odlucivanje iz centra ne bi im dalo šansu. Stoga im treba pružiti mogucnost na drugi nacin. Nema podjele na elitizam-neelitizam, nego na kvalitetu i specificnosti u pojedinim sredinama. Znaci li ta decentralizacija i prebacivanje financiranja u te manje sredine? - Treba pripremiti zakone kako bi dio sredstava od kojih se financira kultura došao i u lokalne sredine, da mogu same odlucivati o raspodjeli. Dobar je primjer ovakva nacina raspodjele sustav financiranja uz pomoc spomenicke baštine - 60 posto prikupljenih sredstava ostaje lokalnoj samoupravi, a 40 posto ide u fond solidarnosti pri Ministarstvu financija, iz kojega se obnavljaju i drugi spomenici kulture. Koristi li Zagreb uopce dovoljno svoje kulturne potencijale? - Hrvatska je zemlja na raskržju Mediterana i srednje Europe, a Zagreb je njezina središnja tocka. Tu se može uciniti puno više. Primjer? - Dobar je primjer Muzej za umjetnost i obrt, koji radi kvalitetne i velike izložbe, ali njih još treba plasirati barem u velike gradove susjednih država, npr. u Bec, Budimpeštu, Ljubljanu ili Milano. Veliki zagrebacki izložbeni prostor Klovicevi dvori sjajno su mjesto za ugošcivanje medunarodnih izložbi. Jedini je problem osiguranje, koje je vrlo skupo za izložbe poput Van Gogha ili D?rera. Kad bismo taj problem mogli riješiti, vjerujem da bi redovi za takve izložbe, kakve vidamo u Parizu, bili i u Zagrebu. Sponzori kao rješenje? - Vec sam poceo razgovore s vodecim ljudima velikih hrvatskih tvrtki o sponzoriranju kulture. Ima odjeka, i to mi daje nadu da cemo s njima potpisati ugovore. Kada? - Po mogucnosti uskoro. Zbog festivala bilo je puno tenzija. Hoce li tu biti nekih promjena? - Festivali imaju znacajnu ulogu u kulturi i turistickom gospodarstvu. Turizam to, na žalost, nije dovoljno prepoznao. U Italiji ministarstvo turizma cak upravlja velikim festivalima. Razgovarat cemo s ministrom zaduženim za turizam i nadamo se da ce više ulagati u programe kulture nego dosad. Za bolje prepoznavanje objekata spomenicke baštine Ministarstvo je dužno izraditi registar spomenika kulture. To je dug službe zaštite iz prošlih godina. Dat cemo im rok od šest mjeseci u kojem su ga dužni završiti i objaviti. Hoce li biti novih festivala? - Vec sam prije pet godina predlagao, a za to cu se zauzimati i dalje, da Osijek osnuje festival operete. Veliki centri, Bec, Zagreb i Budimpešta, koji njeguju taj žanr, na zajednickoj su zemljopisnoj i kulturološkoj razini s tim istocnoslavonskim središtem i verujem da ce rado suradivati. Hocete li se izboriti za dodatne olakšice za kulturu? - To ovisi o cjelokupnoj gospodarskoj situaciji, ali ima jedan problem koji želim riješiti s ministrom financija. Rijec je o opterecenjima - PDV-u i carini - koja, kad hrvatske institucije kupuju nacionalnu spomenicku gradu u inozemstvu, opterecuju državni proracun. Darko Ãuretek letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 'World record' for Croatian radio http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5377/1/E-World-record-for-Croatian-radio.html Â'World record' for Croatian radioPresenter Sinisa Martinovic has broken the world record for the longest radio talk show, according to Croatian radio station Plavi Radio (Blue Radio). Martinovic's show on the Zagreb-based station lasted more than 34 hours without interruption, Plavi Radio said. The broadcast began at 1000GMT on Friday and ended after 2000GMT on the Saturday, breaking the record held by the UK's BBC Three Counties station. Blue Radio is now waiting for Guinness Book of World Records' confirmation. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3340417.stm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 22 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cultures in concert - Music as a bridge http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5378/1/E-Cultures-in-concert---Music-as-a-bridge.html ÂCultures in concertA bridge between cultures few others can rival. "Music,"...By Mary McCartyDayton Daily NewsFriday, December 19, 2003Left Photo -ANA MAZURANIC (center) sings with Antonia Hunjet during combined rehearsal of the Little Stars and Stivers choirs for the Stivers Spectacular Winter Concert.Right Photo - STIVERS ORCHESTRA members rehearse for the Winter Concert. JAN UNDERWOOD/DAYTON DAILY NEWS Monday, they met for the first time.Tuesday, they went to school together.Wednesday night, they went to the mall.Thursday night, they put on an orchestral concert, melding the musical traditions of their two cultures and drawing a broad-based audience from the Dayton community.You know, just your typical teenage stuff.If you saw the first meeting of the two groups of teenagers -- American kids from Stivers School for the Arts, Croatian girls from Zagreb -- it would have been hard to envision that they would be mounting a professional-caliber production for two Stivers winter concerts, concluding with tonight's performance at Dayton's Masonic Temple.The noise was deafening as some 80 teens converged on the 19th-century Dayton mansion of Beth and Michael Duke. With all the laughter, shouting and squeals of delight, it sounded more like the World's Largest Slumber Party than a classical concert in the making. The two sets of teens wore name-tags and searched for the one that matched theirs among a sea of Rachels and Mollys and Ivas and Petras.The American teens perform with Stivers' Circle Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir; the Croatian students ? ages 10 to 18 ? are the world champion girls choir known as The Little Stars.Kelli Brown went from room to room searching for Annamarija Antic, the Little Star she would be hosting for the next four days. It seems that all her friends found her first. "Your girl is so much like you!? they kept telling her.?When the girls finally embraced, they found out what everybody was talking about."What would you like to do?" Kelli asked."I want to shop," Annamarija answered."Yes!" Kelli shouted.Two days later, the newfound friends, both 18, explored Stivers like long-lost sisters. "We have a lot in common," Kelli said. "We love the same music, the same foods. We even say words at the same time."Addressing Annamarija, she pleaded, "Why can't you just stay and live with me?""I love my brother," Annamarija replied with a laugh.Of course, there are differences between the two cultures. The Little Stars roamed the halls at Stivers, absorbing the atmosphere of freewheeling creativity. The visitors from the Balkans couldn't help but observe, politely, that American schools are much less strict than Croatian schools.The Little Stars carry a particularly heavy load. The girls choir, led by Maestro Zdravko Sljivac, serves as cultural ambassadors of the European Union. They're required to maintain top grades while devoting at least three hours a day to rehearsal. (Even after adhering to such a rigorous regimen, it will be two years before they hit the stage.) They memorize hundreds of classical, contemporary, pop and folk musical scores in nearly every language, including Latin, French, English, Italian and German.The emotional high point of their first United States tour came when they sang Ave Maria at Ground Zero. Passersby stopped to listen and to shed tears.These girls have heard of the Dayton Peace Accords, but that historic event ? and the years of war that preceded it ? seem a distant echo. "For them, Dayton is one of five cities in America," said Stivers Music Director Edin Dino Zonic.For the Bosnian-born composer and conductor and his wife, Julija, Dayton is far more than just another city. Zonic first came to Dayton as a musical director the Dayton Peace Accords. It seemed like the right place to create music and to raise their 4-year-old daughter, Pia. They have found a home at Stivers, which Zonic describes as a haven "for unity in diversity."Zonic's friendship with Maestro Sljivac dates back to prewar times. In fact, it was Sljivac who introduced Zonic to his future wife when she was herself a Little Star ? one of the five founding members, in fact.When they learned of The Little Stars American tour, the couple immediately set to work with Beth Duke, a Stivers parent and entrepreneur with whom they own a production company, Red Oak Productions. Their goal: To bring The Little Stars to Dayton, the city that symbolizes peace for so many Europeans.So this week's concerts are a homecoming in so many ways for the couple ? a reunion with their close friend, Sljivac, and a chance for Julija to revisit her days as a Little Star. She sang with the choir from 1985 to 1994, during the height of the war in the Balkans. The Little Stars performed for refugees and children who had lost parents."We were very bonded like sisters," Julija said. "It was our life. We didn't do it; we lived it. It's the same today with this generation."Two sets of teens living together, going to school together and creating music together is a cultural exchange in the best sense of the word.Sljivac noted that the joint venture is a new experience for The Little Stars, and a difficult one, since they have only a few days to rehearse the new music and to make two choirs come together as one.But the Maestro acknowledged that they do have one advantage, a bridge between cultures few others can rival. "Music," he said, "is a language that everybody can understand."HOW TO GO•What: The Stivers Spectacular Winter Concert, featuring The Little Stars Choir, master violinist Andjelko Krpan, Puzzle of Light and musicians from Stivers School for the Arts•Where: Masonic Temple, 525 W. Riverview Ave.•When: 7:30 p.m. tonight•Admission: Tickets, priced at $15, $20 and $25, are available at Gem City Records, Hauer Music and Stivers School for the Arts•Information: 1 (937) 222-6656http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/localnews/daily/1219mary.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Death of the Essay? http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5380/1/E-Death-of-the-Essay.html ÂDeath of the Essay? Posted, Dec. 17, 2003Updated, Dec. 17, 2003Eavesdrop (and chime in) on the ongoing conversation about the behind-the-scenes world of books, publishing and reviewing. Death of the Essay?Solid reporting and skillful storytelling are the hallmarks of contemporary journalism. Does this formula leave something by the wayside? By Margo Hammond (more by author) Book Editor, St. Petersburg Times E-mail this item Add Your Comments on this Article Hi Ellen,In the latest Boulevard, a literary magazine published by Saint Louis University, there is a symposium asking various writers, editors, and publishers, "What is most heartening and/or disheartening about contemporary publishing?" I am one of the participants, cheering on the energetic small publishers like MacAdam/Cage and the University Press of Florida, which have taken on the bigger, consolidating New York conglomerates. Most of the others dwell on the disheartening factors in contemporary publishing, of which there are many. One of them insisted that one of the most disheartening things in contemporary publishing has been the demise of the essay collection.E-MAIL NEWSLETTERCheck out Margo's Book Page.Sign up to receive Book Babes by e-mail:*Click here (sent Thursdays)"For a half a year, I think around 1994, people actually looked for essay collections, found them exotic and new. And then they found that the very word 'essay' killed the sales (as did the misnomer 'creative nonfiction') since the essay sounds too thoughtful and therefore strenuous to the cheerful American public," writes Josip Novakovich. Novakovich says that publishers are interested in work that can be sold as a memoir (if there's enough voyeuristic potential) or a true story, but that they don't think a loose collection of essays will sell. What publishers (and supposedly readers) want is a unified, gripping, and continuous story of "survival and redemption or victory of the human spirit or some such sunny clicht?." A series of random observations stands little chance of getting published.At first I thought that Novakovich, who teaches at the Penn State University main campus, was just a victim of sour grapes. He admitted he had trouble publishing his own essay collection, "Plum Brandy: A Croatian Journey" with the larger publishers that told him essay collections don't sell. He ended up publishing what he calls "a series of journey stories, my visits to Croatia and Bosnia over the last decade" with the smaller White Pine Press.But then I checked Houghton Mifflin's latest edition of "The Best American Essays." In an introduction, Robert Atwan, the series' editor, pointed out that this year is the bicentennial of Ralph Waldo Emerson, but that America's greatest essayist is "not read much any longer outside college literature departments, and even there his presence has diminished." He also confirmed the notion that publishers have shied away from "using the dreaded word 'essay' in any way, shape, or form."So now I'm wondering, Are we ó both in journalism and in the publishing world ó too fixated on the idea of a narrative thrust? Are we afraid of the rambling nature of the essay? Taking its name from the French word essai, meaning "attempt," an essay doesn't set out to tell a complete, narrative story, but rather simply tosses out an idea like a trial balloon. Are we too polarized these days to welcome such an art form that doesn't bother with neat, tied-up-with-a-bow conclusions?http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=57&aid=57662 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Brenda Brkusic on TV this Sunday Dec 21 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5379/1/E-Brenda-Brkusic-on-TV-this-Sunday-Dec-21.html ÂBrenda Brkusic on TVBrenda Brkusic directing actors on location at Lepoglava Prison in Croatia for the filming of "Freedom from Despair."Just reminding CROWN readers that Croatian American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic is going to be featured on PBS TV in California next Sunday the 21st. If you have a chance to see it please do. This is a GREAT accomplishment by any Croatian filmmaker. Period.NenadÂ"Freedom from Despair"Published on CROWN athttp://www.croatianworld.net/CROWNframes.htm?/Letters/3403.htm Croatian American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic will be featured on PBS, Dec 21 2003Op-edSupport our new generation of socially conscious filmmakers, artists and writers who bring more good for all of us. This project is worth of your support. I do. It is about our history that has been stolen from us for 50 years.Nenad _ _ _ _ _22 year old Croatian American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic will be featured on PBS for the Next Generation Filmmakers television program on Sunday December 21, 2003 at 3:30 pm (PST). Brenda will talk about the making of her documentary film, "Freedom from Despair," which was shot in California, Chicago and Croatia last summer. You will also see a preview of the film which includes music composed by Nenad Bach and comments from Michael McAdams, Dr. Jerry Blaskovich, and Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Southern California residents can see the show on KOCE. Please check the station listing for your neighborhood at the following links:http://www.koce.org/cable_list.htm for cable listings, and http://www.koce.org/satellite.htm for satellite TV. If you do not have cable or satellite, KOCE's regular over the air channel is 50.The segment with Brenda will air during the last 10 minutes of the half hour show, and it is estimated that over 3 million people will be watching. Let's raise the numbers and let KOCE know that we support programs like "Freedom from Despair.""Freedom from Despair" A young man's journey from despair, a nation's struggle for freedom.Contact: crofilm2003@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Lovro Pogorelich in Washington DC Dec 17, 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5381/1/E-Lovro-Pogorelich-in-Washington-DC-Dec-17-2003.html ÂLovro Pogorelicin Washington DC December 17th 2003On Wednesday, December 17, Croatian pianist Lovro Pogorelic will delight uswith a concert featuring Musorgsky, Slavenski and Prokofiev.PROGRAM Modest Petrovich Musorgsky: Pictures from the ExhibitionJosip Slavenski: Sonata (1924)Sergej Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7December 17, 2003 at 7:30 PM at the Embassy of AustriaAdmission is free.Please RSVP: 202-895-6776ÂLovro POGORELICH was born in 1970. He received his first piano lessons from his father and later studied with the Russian pianist and teacher Konstantin Bogino. At the age of thirteen, he gave his first recital and two years later appeared as the soloist in the Schuman Piano Concerto. In 1992, he graduated from the Music Academy of Zagreb. He spent the following year in Paris under the patronage of the French foundation Crédit National, where he recorded a CD for Lyrinx (Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition and Prokofiev, Sonata No. 7). His next recording was a DVD of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto with the Odense Symphony Orchestra and Edward Serov for Denon. Apart from numerous concerts in Croatia, Lovro Pogorelich has performed in France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Japan and the USA, both as a recitalist and orchestral soloist with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, the Slovakian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Croatian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra, the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of St. John's Smith, Orchestre Symphonique et Lyrique de Nancy, Orchestre Cannes Provence Côte d'Azur and the Odense Symphony Orchestra. The works of the Russian masters (Rachmaninov, Scriabin and Prokofiev) as well as Chopin have a significant place in his repertoire. Croatian TV made a portrait of Lovro Pogorelich (1996). On December 1, 2002, Lovro Pogorelich appeared at London's Royal Festival Hall in a recital entitled The Pianist, which promoted the music of Wladyslaw Szpilman, the composer and pianist portrayed in Roman Polanski's award-winning film of the same title. Since 1998, Lovro Pogorelich has taught piano at the Academy of Music in Zagreb.In 1999, he founded The Summer Festival in the Town of Pag and continues to serve as its artistic director. In 2001, he started teaching at the Lovro Pogorelich Summer Piano School in Koper, Slovenia. He lives inZagreb, Croatia. ( www.croatianhouse.org ).December 17, 2003, 7:30 p.m., at the Austrian Embassy Concert Hall, Washington D.C. Sponsors: Croatian and Austrian Embassies in Washington, D.CGeneral Management (except former Yugoslavia and Scandinavia)LANA BEZANOV (LB) PROMOTIONS70 Gowan AvenueLondon SW6 6RFUnited Kingdomtel +44 (0) 20 7736 4717fax +44 (0) 20 7731 8009e-mail info@lbproms.co.ukweb www.lbproms.co.ukZagreb Concert ManagementPerforming Arts AgencyKneza Mislava 1810000 Zagreb, CroatiaNina Pogorelic, producertel 385 1 45 01 206fax 385 1 46 11 807GSM 385 91 110 1996e-mail info@lovropogorelich.comweb page www.kdz.hrTivoli Artists ManagementTom Kristensen, director3 Vesterbrogade DK-1630 Copenhagen, Denmarke-mail tk@tivoli.dktel 45 33 750 400fax 45 33 750 375webpage www.tam.dk letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Singer Kresmir Spicer in Los Angeles Opera http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5383/1/E-Croatian-Singer-Kresmir-Spicer-in-Los-Angeles-Opera.html ÂKresmir SpicerCroatian opera singer Kresmir Spicer is currently performing in Los Angeles as Arturo in Lucia di Lammermoor at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion:Friday December 12, 2003 7:30 p.m. Sunday December 14, 2003 2 p.m. Wednesday December 17, 2003 7:30 p.m. Saturday December 20, 2003 2 p.m. http://www.losangelesopera.com/production/index.asp?productionid=164 Kresimir Spicer was born in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. He took his first singing lessons at the Music Academy of Zagreb. In 1994 he went to The Netherlands and went on to study at the Sweelinck Conservatorium. In 1997 he won first prize in the National Competition for Young Singers of The Netherlands and in 1999 he won four of five prizes in the Vriendenkrans Competition for Young Musicians. He has appeared in several productions such as Octavia, Andrea Chenier, Don Carlos, Gianni Schicchi, Alcina, and Das klagende Lied. In October 2001 he joined the Nederlandse Philharmonic Orchestra to sing Haydn's Requiem, as well as Lorenzo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi with the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Utrecht. In 2002 he sang in Monteverdi's Il Combatimento di Tancredi e Clorinda with Kent Nagano in Berlin with a repetition at Los Angeles Opera in 2003. In July 2000 he sang Ulysses in Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria at the Festival Aix-en-Provence, which led to invitations to sing Ulysses again in several cities. Future engagements include Da-Ud in Strauss' Aegyptische Helena in Salzburg, Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas at the Festival Baden-Baden, andIdomeneo at the Festival Aix-en-Provence. Go and see him ! PRODUCTION DATES: Saturday NovemberÂ22,Â2003 7:30 p.m. Sunday NovemberÂ30,Â2003 7:30 p.m. Thursday DecemberÂ4,Â2003 7:30 p.m. Sunday DecemberÂ7,Â2003 2 p.m. Friday DecemberÂ12,Â2003 7:30 p.m. Sunday DecemberÂ14,Â2003 2 p.m. Wednesday DecemberÂ17,Â2003 7:30 p.m. Saturday DecemberÂ20,Â2003 2 p.m.  CAST AnnaÂNetrebko LUCIA JoséÂBros EGARDO FrancoÂVassallo ENRICO VitalijÂKowaljow RAIMONDO KresimirÂSpicer ARTURO MargaretÂThompson ALISA JavierÂCortés NORMANNO  CONDUCTOR--JuliusÂRudel STAGE DIRECTOR--MartheÂKeller SET DESIGNER--JamesÂNoone COSTUME DESIGNER--JessÂGoldstein CHOREOGRAPHER--JonathanÂLunn RUNNING TIME: 2 hours, 50 minutes PRE-PERFORMANCE LECTURE: One hour prior to each performance. Duff Murphy will lead the pre-performance lecture. Pre-performance lectures are generously sponsored by the Flora L. Thornton Foundation and the Opera League of Los Angeles. PRODUCTION NOTES: Production From The Washington Opera New to Los Angeles letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Dance Group Performs in NYC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5385/1/E-Croatian-Dance-Group-Performs-in-NYC.html ÂBADCo from Croatia in New YorkThe following short review of a performance by the Zagreb Dance CompanyBADCo. appeared in the December 13, 2003 edition of the New York Times.John KraljicWanderers from Central and Eastern EuropeBy JACK ANDERSON After watching a bit of "Solo Me," which Pravdan Devlahovic and NikolinaBujas-Pristas of BADco. danced on Dec. 7 at Performance Space 122, itwould have been easy to grumble that the dancers were just wanderingaround. They continued to wander for about an hour. But their rambling,though inconsequential, became just oddly fascinating enough to preventfurther grumbling.BADco., a Zagreb-based Croatian group, is here as part of the CentralStation dance festival from Central and Eastern Europe, which is takingplace through Dec. 20 at various downtown locations in Manhattan.``Solo Me'' combined two independently created solos to recorded scores:Mr. Devlahovic's ``Solo in A Major, op. 69,'' to the second movement ofBeethoven's Symphony No. 7, Op. 92, and Ms. Bujas-Pristas's ``And thisis no longer a beginning,'' to Ivan Marusic's sharply rhythmic``Kliff.'' In this presentation, staged in the round, one dancersometimes moved alone; sometimes the other moved alone; sometimes bothmoved simultaneously. Sequences of music were punctuated by silences.Mr. Devlahovic, who is solidly built, paced back and forth ,sporadically interrupting his pacings with head shakes, twistingmovements and sprawls on the floor. Ms. Bujas- Pristas, a lithe dancer,hopped and darted with agility.Many steps in both solos were commonplace, and the dancers' informalmanner made even complex steps look commonplace. Yet the dancers alsocommanded attention simply because they wandered with greatconcentration and appeared to be enjoying themselves, as if playingtheir own favorite games in a playground for adults.They also played games with the audience. Ms. Bujas-Pristas occasionallygrasped spectators in the first row, who amiably supported her as shebalanced. And, once, I found Mr. Devlahovic staring at me intently. Istared back. He kept staring. So did I. Then I smiled; he winked andresumed his wandering. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Real reason for the season - Tatiana http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5384/1/E-Real-reason-for-the-season---Tatiana.html ÂSinger presents real reason for the seasonÂFrom the JournalNewsBy Peggy McCracken HAMILTON - No Santa, no elves, not even a snowman. "Emmanuel: The Story of Christmas" will focus on the true reason for the season. Internationally known singing artist Tatiana will present the story of the birth of Jesus at 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Julie Billiart Church, 224 Dayton St. TheCroatian-born performing and recording artist's performance will include scripture, carols, Hebrew and Gregorian chant and original music. Unlike many Christmas productions with large casts and mass choirs, Tatiana will present a one-woman program. "We're very excited to have the opportunity to present something with a little different approach," said Rod Nimtz, St. Julie Billiart music director. "This has a much quieter approach, more contemplative." "The focus is exactly why we celebrate Christmas. I think it provides people a very good alternative...a break from the hustle and bustle of the season, holiday parties, the shopping to be done, cards to be written ... just to have a little quiet time," he said. Nimtz said he arranged Tatiana's visit after members of the parish spoke of her powerful witness and music. Tatiana was featured this spring during the Embraced by Love Catholic Women's Conference held in Cincinnati. Previous Christmas programs at St. Julie's have featured larger productions, including the King's Brass. Nimtz said his experiences with large productions "have been a blast." "There is such marvelous majestic music that is written at Christmas," he said.Tatiana began her performing career at age four in her native Croatia. Educated at the Croatian Music Conservatory and trained in acting at the Zagreb Youth Theater, at age 19 her albums reached platinum sales. In less than a year she became the most popular and influential performing artist in her country. During the war in Croatia, she performed with Croatian Art Forces in efforts to raise funds for wounded people and refugees. Moving to the United States in 1992, she graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and performed at Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, theaters and other venues. She has released several albums, including "Gifts from Above" and "Struggles and Graces," as well as "Let It Be Mary's Story." She also appears at national faith-based conferences for youth, women, and families across the United States and abroad. Her tour in southwest Ohio will include performances Wednesday at the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood and Thursday at St. James Church in White Oak. Admission to the presentation at St. Julie's is free. An offering will be accepted and Tatiana's tapes will be available. For more information, call St. Julie Billiart Church at 863-1040. http://www.journal-news.com/news/newsfd/auto/feed/news/2003/12/13/1071376646.20005.5302.3712.html;COXnetJSessionID=1d4i0j3PTKF6zyK198pOatvzAyc2h47hCjeFEu99qpGadH2FUTeO!-1634404871?urac=n&urvf=10714624987080.12438222542675437 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Little Stars shine BIG in New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5382/1/E-Little-Stars-shine-BIG-in-New-York-City.html ÂThe Little Big StarsThe Little Stars or "Zvjezdice" choir from Zagreb, Croatia are cultural ambassadors for the European Union and one of the top performing choirs in the world. They are visiting America to promote peace through musical performance and cultural exchange. "Zvjezdice" choir, made up of 43 girls aged 10 to 18 have appeared last night, December 12, 2003 at the Croatian Church in Astoria, Queens. "Zvjezdice" along with conductor Zdravko Sljivac has performed since 1985 including occasional musical projects with great Croatian superstar Ruza Pospis Baldani and many others.The concert started formally with "Alleluia", Mozart's "Ave Maria" and continued with a spirited, phenomenal artistic range in "Annen Polka" by Johann Strauss. They included "Stabat Mater" by Pergolesi and "Oci Joj Gorski Izvori" by Josip Magdic. Second portion of the concert included Croatian Christmas songs such as "Svim na Zemlji Mir Veselje", "Veselje Ti Navjescujem" and "U To Vrijeme Godista."With popular "Radujte Se Narodi," the Croatian audience broke in and even took over with "new" conductor Father Robert Zubovic. This scene produced lots of giggles on girl's part. This was followed by all time favorite "Tiha Noc" with first verse sang by the choir in a beautiful high tone along with their superb soloists, followed by the audience in our usual informal sing along, sometimes off key, but from the heart. This broke the ice. The girls received standing ovation and numerous formal acknowledgements from various city officials. Gratefully we bought their two CD's "Zvjezdice Jubilej" and "Croatian Christmas Songs". Accompanied by organ player Eva Kosir, the concert continued with Croatian songs from different regions. "Lijepa Anka" from Samobor, "Po Prigorju" vicinity of Zagreb, "Lepo Nam Je Zagorje Zeleno" from Hrvatsko Zagorje, "Zbira Junak Deklice" from Podravina, "Svekrvice" from Baranja, "Moja Diridika" from Slavonia, "Izasla Je Zelena Naranca" and "O, Mladi Mornari" from Dalmacia. The founder and conductor of "Zvjezdice" Zdravko Sljivac carefully select the talent. Choir pre-admission requirements are indeed stringent, requiring the highest personal dedication and professionalism of choir member candidates. Every candidate is required to maintain excellent school grades for as long as is member associated with the choir. "Zvjezdice" traveled all over Europe and now they have added more stars with the spirit of love and peace to the glorious Christmas decorations all over New York City - the greatest city in the world!  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Girls from Croatia Come to America to Sing for Peace http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5388/1/E-Girls-from-Croatia-Come-to-America-to-Sing-for-Peace.html ÂGirls Choir from Croatia Comes to America to Sing for Peace12/9/03 1:20:00 PM To: National and International desks, Arts Reporters, Ohio correspondents Contact: Red Oak Productions Ltd: Beth Duke, 937-222-6656 or 937-313-3732 (cell) or beth@redoakproductions.com ; or Dino Zonic, 937-222-6656 or 937-671-5159 (cell), dino@redoakproductions.com Maestro Dino ZonicDAYTON, Ohio, Dec. 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by MaximsNews.com (See Photos: http://www.MaximsNews.com/redoakproductions.htm ) The Little Stars choir from Zagreb, Croatia -- cultural ambassadors for the European Union and one of the top performing choirs in the world -- are visiting America to promote peace through musical performance and cultural exchange. The Little Stars choir, made up of 43 young women aged 10 to 18, will visit New York and Dayton, Ohio -- where the Dayton Peace Accords ultimately led to peace in their homeland. The Little Stars will perform with the Circle Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, featuring the talented students at Stivers School for the Arts, Dayton Public Schools, the inspired direction of Maestro Edin Dino Zonic, and professional musicians in The Stivers Spectacular Winter Concert to be held on Dec. 18 and 19, 2003, at the Dayton Masonic Temple.The Circle Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir is a group of Ohio musicians that perform with visiting musicians and vocalists from around the world to promote peace through musical and cultural exchange. Croatian National Television and other media will accompany The Little Stars and The Circle to film a documentary to be broadcast in Europe and the United States. The Circle's Maestro Zonic is the most prominent composer to emerge from the Balkans and war-torn Bosnia and Croatia. His music has bridged cultural, national, and religious barriers to convey a universal message -- his reputation has spread worldwide. Named cultural ambassador of Bosnia, he draws from his wartime experiences to create deeply emotional, highly kinetic, and powerfully dynamic musical works.He was the founder and president of the Sarajevo-Zagreb International Culture Mission. In writing and composing music for The Circle, Zonic preserves the intellectual and multicultural freedom of the Balkans. His work has been recognized by his Holiness Pope John Paul II, his Holiness the Dalai Lama; President Bill Clinton; former UN Amb. Richard Holbrooke; Amb. Dr. Gerhard Pfanzelter; the Dayton Peace Accords; the White House; Croatia and Bosnia; the ministries of culture in England, Scotland, and Bosnia; Croatia Archbishop Franjo Cardinal Kuharic; UNHCR; Bianca Jagger; Balkan Institute; rock legend Jimmy Page; actor Martin Sheen; producer Brian Eno; Initiative Against the War, Muenster, Germany; Through Heart to Peace, London; the mayors of Zagreb, Sarajevo, Split, Muenster, Dayton, and Spilsby; Aileen LeBlanc, National Public Radio; Deborah Amos, ABC NEWS; Time Warner National Television; Voice of America and others. In the spirit of the Dayton Peace Accords, The Little Stars will be welcomed into the classrooms of Stivers High School and into the homes of the people of Dayton in celebration of peace and cultural exchange. The Little Stars arrive in New York on Dec. 11 and perform in New York City, Pittsburgh, Dayton, and Cincinnati before returning to Croatia on Dec. 23. Editors Note: See Photos and Story: http://www.MaximsNews.com/redoakproductions.htmRed Oak Productions Ltd., 29 Wayne Ave., Suite A, Dayton, Ohio 45402.http://www.usnewswire.com/ © 2003 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zvjezdice and Christmas Concert in Astoria http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5387/1/E-Zvjezdice-and-Christmas-Concert-in-Astoria.html  Red Oak ProductionsÂÂand Hrvatska KatolickaÂMisija Astoria  Cordially invite you to a Christmas concert with: Zvjezdice (Little Stars) Zdravko Sljivac, conductor WORLD CHAMPION GIRLS CHOIR from Zagreb - Croatia Cultural Ambassadors of the European Union Most Precious Blood, New York 32-27 37 street (Upper Church) ASTORIA, NEW YORK December 12, 2003,Â8:00 PM Donations will be accepted at the concert  Little Stars World's Champions and Cultural Ambassadors of the European Union " Little Stars" operates within the Zagreb - Croatia, Youth Center Singing Studio. Exceeding international standards, choir pre-admission requirements are indeed stringent, requiring the highest personal dedication and professionalism of choir member candidates. Every candidate is required to maintain excellent school grades (A+) for as long as is member associated with the choir. Spending several hours every day in rehearsal, for a minimum of two years, candidates are required to perform in high artistic level hundreds of complex musical scores. Finally, with harmony, tonal resonance and diction of the candidate honed to brilliant perfection, directorial permission is then granted and the candidate submits herself to the Youth Center Singing Studio, Directorial Review Board. Upon acceptance by the review board and the concurrence of Maestro Zdravko Sljivac, founder and director of "Little Stars", the candidate becomes a member of "Little Stars", and is permitted the honor of singing in public for the very first time. Honored to be elected as Cultural Ambassadors of the European Union Parliament, Little Stars, by popular European editorial opinion, has surpassed the Vienna Boys Choir. On July 6, 2001, Little Stars became two-times world champion at Llangollen International Music Festival, Llangollen, Wales, U.K.. Their sensational Llangollen performance, apart from the millions of Croatian listeners, has brought them well deserved acclaim with millions more in Germany, England, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Wales, Denmark, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia… They are officially the best youth choir of the world.  :…Vienna have Vienna Boy's, Zagreb have Little Stars…  The emergence of Little Stars has brought a renaissance in the art of an all girls' choir, back to Europe. Little Stars Choir possesses impressive knowledge of complex, multiple vocal scores, pure vocal clarity and intonation, clearness of technical elements, emotional impact, delivering flawless execution. The purity of their vocal style surpasses all previously known professional exhibition styles, with spontaneously joyful musical expression. A very short-list sampling of concerts, broadcasts and albums include; Ave Mundi Gloria and Christmas editions with Zagreb soloists and Zagreb wind trio, Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra Croatian TV, Croatia Chamber Orchestra and others under the guidance of P. Despalj, V. Kranjcevic, K. Ono, M. Belamaric, N. Bareza, M. Prohaska, M. Horvat. G. B. Pergolesi - "Stabat Mater" Gustav Maler - "The Eight Symphony" Carl Orff - "Carmina Burana" W. A. Mozart - "Missa brevis in B major, KW 275", " Ave Maria" and "Mi lagnero tacendo" J. Magdic - "Fidelissima Advocata Croatiae"- Oratorio Wagner - "Parsifal" G. Bizet - "Carmen" J. Langlais - "Ave Mundi Gloria" G. Verdi - "Otello" and "Macbeth" J. S. Bach - "Cantata No. 78" Mendelssohn - "Laudate Pueri" P. Gotovac - "Ave Maria" M. Zajec - concerto version of "Boito's Mafistoffel" J. Bajamonti - "St. Duje"- Oratorios E. de Cavalere - "Oratorios" Britten - "War Requiem" D. Kempf - "Four Seasons", among others "All thanks should go to maestro Zdravko Sljivac, who carefully selects the talent, nourishes beautiful tone and accomplishes envious singing technique, making every performance a maximum enjoyment." Pavle Despalj, Conductor "Zvjezdice" (Little Stars) has brought a renaissance in the art of girl's choir. Emil Cossetto, Conductor Vienna has "Vienna boys", and Zagreb has "Little Stars". Vjesnik, National News, Zagreb-Croatia "This Choir have a high dose of professionalism and professionalism in the most quality sense. Z. Sljivac with "Zvjezdice" has gained results that are highly respectable in European standards." V. Kranjcevic, Conductor "To express it simply, Zvjezdice's singing is best that is possible to find!" Pero Gotovac, Composer If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Father Robert Zubovic at 718-726-7937Op-edSupport them by buying their CD that will be available at the concertNenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zagreb Little Stars - on the USA Tour http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5390/1/E-Zagreb-Little-Stars---on-the-USA-Tour.html ÂA treat from Croatia in Dayton, Pittsburgh and New YorkWorld's Champions "Little Stars" - Zvjezdice On ABC's Good Morning America Dec 12, 2003Choir from CroatiaHonored to be elected as Cultural Ambassadors of the European Union Parliament, Little Stars, by popular European editorial opinion, has surpassed the Vienna Boys Choir. On July 6, 2001, Little Stars became two-times world champion at Llangollen International Music Festival, Llangollen, Wales, U.K..Check the web sitehttp://www.stivers.org/html/page.php?id=47&cid=14 Little StarsStivers Spectacular ProfileFounded on February 18, 1985, World's Champions "Little Stars" operates within the Zagreb - Croatia, Youth Center Singing Studio.Exceeding international standards, choir pre-admission requirements are indeed stringent, requiring the highest personal dedication and professionalism of choir member candidates. Every candidate is required to maintain excellent school grades (A+) for as long as is member associated with the choir. Spending several hours every day in rehearsal, for a minimum of two years, candidates are required to perform in high artistic level hundreds of complex musical scores.Finally, with harmony, tonal resonance and diction of the candidate honed to brilliant perfection, directorial permission is then granted and the candidate submits herself to the Youth Center Singing Studio, Directorial Review Board. Upon acceptance by the review board and the concurrence of Maestro Zdravko Sljivac, founder and director of "Little Stars", the candidate becomes a member of "Little Stars", and is permitted the honor of singing in public for the very first time.Honored to be elected as Cultural Ambassadors of the European Union Parliament, Little Stars, by popular European editorial opinion, has surpassed the Vienna Boys Choir. On July 6, 2001, Little Stars became two-times world champion at Llangollen International Music Festival, Llangollen, Wales, U.K.. Their sensational Llangollen performance, apart from the millions of Croatian listeners, has brought them well deserved acclaim with millions more in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Norway, Italy, Wales, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Slovenia.They are officially the best youth choir of the world."... Vienna has "Vienna boys", and Zagreb has "Little Stars"!!!..."The emergence of Little Stars has brought a renaissance in the art of an all girls' choir, back to Europe. Easily surpassing the acclaim received by Vienna Boys Choir, Little Stars Choir possess impressive knowledge of complex, multiple vocal scores, finesse, pure vocal clarity and intonation, clearness of technical elements, envious diction, delivering flawless execution. The purity of their vocal style surpasses all previously known professional exhibition styles, with spontaneously joyful musical expression.A very short-list sampling of concerts, broadcasts and albums include; Ave Mundi Gloria and Christmas editions with Zagreb soloists and Zagreb wind trio, Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra Croatian TV, Croatia Chamber Orchestra and others under the guidance of P. Despalj, V. Kranjcevic, K. Ono, M. Belamaric, N. Bareza, M. Prohaska, M. Horvat.Tickets Prices:Gold$25Silver$20Bronze$15Tickets Available At:Gem City Records937 / 223-8011Hauer Music937 / 222-2815Stivers School for the Arts937 / 542-7448Red Oak Productions937 / 222-6656Op-edPlease help them in whichever way you can. Go and see them or/and help organizers.Nenad BachA treat from Croatia in Dayton, Pittsburgh and New YorkBased on what I heard from the download you will not want to miss this concert!Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2003 07:30:51 -0800 (PST)From: Peggy J Subject: Robert, need help!!To: Robert Jerin Robert,Peggy Jurecic Jasina in Dayton here. I need your special help, and the help of your Church/Club, and also the Eastlake Cro community if possible.I don't know if you check out the Tamburaland website ever, but if you do, you will see notice that The Little Stars of Zagreb will be giving a concert in Pittsburgh w/ Otrov on Dec 14th. (The Little Stars are the world champion girls' choir who have surpassed Vienna Boys Choir in competition.) Well, the full story is this:Maestro Zdravko Sljivac, conductor/director of the Little Stars, is good friends w/ 2 of our Dayton Croatian immigrants. They are Juljia and Edin "Dino" Zonic, who have been here about 4 yrs. Dino is a composer/conducter who is teaching at Stivers School for the Performing Arts in Dayton. Juljia was one of the founding Little Stars. The notion of the Little Stars coming to US for a tour was hatched only a little more than 2 mos ago. Maestro Sljivac in Zagreb had to raise $$ to get visas, passports, new uniforms etc for the 42 singers. He called Dino and said "we are coming". Dino and Julie gulped, and made a leap of faith and said "come". This whole project is, in my mind, a miraculous undertaking. The Little Stars will arrive in New York on Dec 11th. They will appear on Good Morning, America on Dec 12. They have 2 concerts in NY (I do not know where/when). They will give their concert in Pittsburgh on Dec 14, accompanied by Otrov, then travel to Dayton. They are giving 2 concerts in Dayton on Th Dec 18 and Fri Dec 19---at the Masonic Temple, which seats 3300ish---then going on to Cinci to sing at Mass Sat and Sun, with concerts following services. The Dayton concerts, according to Julie, will be evoking the renowned Vienna Boys Choir New Years' Concert (cheapest ticket to that is $1,000). The concert is 2 hrs including intermission, and the Little Stars are singing 40 min or better. It is primarily a showcase for the girls, but also will feature Andjelko Krpan, violin, with Puzzle of Light. I am told encores may be in Croatian.The girls' entire tour of US is being filmed by Croatian TV. There will be 2 possibly 3 TV specials aired back in Croatia afterwards. Apparently there is a great furor "back home" about the Little Stars coming to America. Julie and Dino are obviously hoping for great support for this amazing endeavor. The whole thing has been pulled together so quickly--truly amazing--but as a result, we need to do "word of mouth". This is such a unique opportunity for us, as Croatians, for all people of Slavic descent, and for the general public. Robert, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get the word out. Feel free to pass on this email if you want. We would love to have as many people attend these concerts as possible. I am handling ticket sales for the Croatian side of things. People can call me to order tickets and I will mail them out pronto, or can hold them at the door if preferred. Tickets are $15, 20 and 25. The only difference in pricing is how close you are to the stage. There is not a bad seat in the house; there are no poles or anything to obstruct view. The majority of tickets fall in the $20 range. I have to have all ticket orders and $$ in hand on Sat., Dec 13th. My ph # is (937) 439-0403. My address is:Peggy Jurecic Jasina9643 Olde Georgetown WayCenterville OH 45458Dino and Julie are also seeking tax-deductible donations or corporate sponsorship. The logistics involved in this undertaking are phenomenal. (think travel from NY to PA to OH and back.) They are accomplishing in 2 mos what normally takes a year or more. I think they are to be greatly admired for their courage and faith. ANYTHING that any one can do to help, will be ever so greatly appreciated. Robert, if you want to give me a call for further info, please do so. Thank you so much for any efforts you make on behalf of the Little Stars. Thank you!!Hvala,Peggy Jurecic JasinaI am helping Dino and Julija Zonic, in every way that I possibly can, so that the Little Stars tour is successful. I received an email from Julija this afternoon that was troubling. She stated that today they found out that they need or should have insurance for the Little Stars while they are on their US tour. She said it breaks down to $58 per person or approx $3200 (don't recall the exact amount at this time). Can you think of any way we can appeal for financial help to get insurance for the girls on this tour? I don't know if it's necessary or not, but I certainly understand Dino and Julie's concern. They have undertaken a monumental project and are pursuing it with great faith and courage. I'd like to see them receive as much help as possible. Please brainstorm, and feel free to contact me with any ideas you may have. Thank you VERY much.Also, it is my understanding that the businesses selling the tickets for the Dayton tickets will not be mailing them out to patrons. I am willing to take ticket orders and personally mail the tickets to those who request them. I am doing this already on behalf of our Club, my friends, neighbors, etc. I extended the request to the Croatians in the Cleveland area. I will be happy to do it for those on the Midwest Croatians email list, if it will help more of our people see the Little Stars in concert. Julija has told me that I need to have all checks in hand/mailbox by Saturday, Dec 13th, after which time I will return any unsold tickets to her. Feel free to send this email as you see fit.Hvala,Peggy Jurecic Jasinajeep77@prodigy.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Nenad Bach Live on WXCI 91.7 FM Dec 10, 03 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5386/1/E-Nenad-Bach-Live-on-WXCI-917-FM-Dec-10-03.html  Nenad Bach Live on WXCI Radio Tonight, Wednesday December 10, 2003 To listen live over the Internet you have to register: http://www.live365.com/stations/wxci1 Press Play (yellow button) and fill the form. Quality is excellent.Nenad Bach is presenting his new album "A Thousand years of Peace" on a WXCI between 7-9 PM. Most of the interview will be between 8-9 PM with some more of Nenad's music between 7-8 PM. Log on or tune in. WXCI is in Danbury, Connecticut 97.1 FM. Hosted by Nancy London.Preview the music fromThousand Years of Peacehttp://nenadbach.com/disco/TYOP/CD.html Related story: (E) New York Times Review - Nenad Bach's CD letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Carols from England, Germany and Croatia in Ohio http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5391/1/E-Carols-from-England-Germany-and-Croatia-in-Ohio.html ÂCarols from England, Germany andCroatiaKnox Choraliers to present concertFriday, December 05 06:25 PM MOUNT VERNON - Knox Choraliers will present their Holiday Concert on Sunday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 100 E. High St. The ensemble will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service and again in concert at 3 p.m.The performances will feature music of many styles and countries, including carols from England, Germany and Croatia, two carols by contemporary English composer, John Rutter, "Jubilate Deo," a canon which will be sung in Latin and the 15th century carol, "Unto Us a Child is Born" which will be accompanied by three recorders played by Christine Aust, Diane Cook and Ruth Dunnell as well as cello and string bass by Scott Patterson and Elena Reiss.Knox Choraliers, offered through the Gifted Education Department of the Mount Vernon City Schools and the Knox County schools, is in its ninth year of service to children of Knox County who are interested in developing musical skills. Membership is open to children who have treble voices, can sing in tune and are in grades four through eight with younger children accepted by audition.New members will be accepted in January. For more information call the director, Diane Digler at 393-5990, Ext. 252. The public is invited to attend the performances.http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/120603/choraliers.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BADco. from Croatia - solo for two people in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5389/1/E-BADco-from-Croatia---solo-for-two-people-in-New-York.html ÂBADco. from Croatia will perform what is described as a solo for two peopleClassical Music and Dance Listings Published: December 5, 2003WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE: "WOMEN IN AFRO-CUBAN TRADITIONS." The 17-member Obini Ashé troupe will perform dance and music from the Yoruba-based religion Lucumi, as well as rumbas, the makuta social dance of Congo origin and the Comparsa de Carnaval. Tomorrow at 8 p.m. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, at 95th Street, (212) 864-5400. Tickets: $26; $15 for students (Dunning).WORLD WIDE WORKS/ CENTRAL STATION. These first presentations of an ambitious three-week festival of modern dance from Eastern and Central Europe will occur at two theaters. At Dance Theater Workshop, the program features dance by Cosmin Manolescu (Romania), Galina Borissova (Bulgaria) and Marta Ladjanszki (Hungary). Tonight and tomorrow night at 7. Dance Theater Workshop, 219 West 19th Street, Chelsea (212) 924-0077. Tickets: $20 At P.S. 122, the BADco. from Croatia will perform what is described as a solo for two people. Tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30, Sunday at 5 p.m. P.S. 122, 150 First Avenue, at Ninth Street, East Village, (212) 477-5288. Tickets: $15 (Dunning). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Skulptura KANADSKI TOTEM Vlade Polgara u Lisinskom http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5393/1/H-Skulptura-KANADSKI-TOTEM-Vlade-Polgara-u-Lisinskom.html ÂKanadski Totem Vlade Polgara u LisinskomMoja skulptura "Kanadski totem" koja sa nalazi u predvorju koncertne dvorane "Vatroslav Lisinski u Zagrebu od samog otvorenja te reprezentativne koncertne dvorane.Radjena je na osusenom drvetu agave koji sam nasao plutati u moru.Izradjena na Visu,donesena u Zagreb a nazivom i izgledom potsjeca na totem te je na taj nacin i veza izmedju Hrvatske i Kanade.Oni koji idu na koncerte i priredbe u "Lisinskom" zacijelo su je zamijetili.Pozdrav iz OttaweVlado PolgarMalo iz Tkalciceve ulice ovog ljeta.Mislim da smiruje letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Filmmaker Brenda Brkusic on PBS Dec 21, 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5392/1/E-Filmmaker-Brenda-Brkusic-on-PBS-Dec-21-2003.html ÂCroatian American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic will be featured on PBS, Dec 21 2003Op-edSupport our new generation of socially conscious filmmakers, artists and writers who bring more good for all of us. This project is worth of your support. I do. It is about our history that has been stolen from us for 50 years.Nenad22 year old Croatian American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic will be featured on PBS for the Next Generation Filmmakers television program on Sunday December 21, 2003 at 3:30 pm (PST). Brenda will talk about the making of her documentary film, "Freedom from Despair," which was shot in California, Chicago and Croatia last summer. You will also see a preview of the film which includes music composed by Nenad Bach. Southern California residents can see the show on KOCE. Please check the station listing for your neighborhood at the following links:http://www.koce.org/cable_list.htm for cable listings, and http://www.koce.org/satellite.htm for satellite TV. If you do not have cable or satellite, KOCE's regular over the air channel is 50.The segment with Brenda will air during the last 10 minutes of the half hour show, and it is estimated that over 3 million people will be watching. Let's raise the numbers and let KOCE know that we support programs like "Freedom from Despair."Brenda Brkusic directing actors on location at Lepoglava Prison in Croatia for the filming of "Freedom from Despair."Â"Next Generation Filmmakers""Freedom from Despair" A young man's journey from despair, a nation's struggle for freedom.Contact: crofilm2003@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Same Difference on TV http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5394/1/E-Same-Difference-on-TV.html ÂSAME DIFFERENCE on TVHello friends! Guess what! We're going to be on Cable TV and on the internet! This is related to the interfaith musical theatre project that I worked on, SAME DIFFERENCE, and which is being made into a documentary for PBS. Hope it's interesting. I won't see it until everybody else does, too. Love, EileenSarah Brockus, Eileen B. Weiss, and Daisy Khan, part of the SAME DIFFERENCE creative team, were interviewed for a segment on the cable show, VISUAL VOICES, which will air on November 25th. Details are below. (Note: Previous guests on this show have included Michael Moore, Ossie Davis, Gore Vidal, Reverend Billy & the Church of Stop Shopping, and Dennis Kucinich.)AIRDATE for VISUAL VOICES Show #6: Tuesday November 25th at 7:30PM Eastern Time!Op-edI wrote the song "Have a Reason Have a Faith" for this show.Nenad BachWatch VISUAL VOICES from anywhere in the world live on the web!!! http://www.mnn.org (Select Channel 34). Or if you or friends of yours live in Manhattan, check it out live. Here are the details. DATE: Tuesday November 25, 2003 TIME: 7:30PM Eastern Time in the USA CHANNEL: Time Warner Cable Manhattan Channel 34, RCN Cable Manhattan Channel 107WEBCAST: http://www.mnn.org (Note: Select Channel 34) LENGTH: Half Hour Show About The Show VISUAL VOICES A new and unusual look at how voices in media, the arts and beyond are shaping our world.Each show of our continuing series is produced collaboratively by members of the Arts and Media Task Force of the Foundation for Ethics and Meaning (http://www.meaning.org) and Co-Sponsored by We, The World (http://www.WeTheWorld.org).Show Overview VISUAL VOICES recognizes the impact of media and the arts as transmitters of cultural values and norms. The show utilizes energy, support and content from many activists, people in the arts, and independent media makers such as Danny Schechter (Globalvision and Mediachannel.org), Reverend Billy (and the Church of Stop Shopping), Amy Goodman (Democracy Now!), Greg Palast (The Best Democracy Money Can Buy), Michael Brownstein (World On Fire), Michael Moore (Bowling For Columbine), Ohms Media, A Better World, New Realities and many others. We feature people who are using their artistic and media skills to create a peaceful, caring, just and sustainable world. Wherever possible we intend to engage and inform our audience using humor, entertainment and inspiration. Vision We seek to raise the awareness of those who produce, distribute and/or appreciate the arts and media about the impact they have on society at large. Our vision is to increase the role of media and the arts as transmitters of cultural values that encourage a spirit of caring/activism and mutual recognition/connection. We challenge the dominance of material self-interest that marginalizes these important cultural values. Previous Show Featured Appearances VISUAL VOICES Show #1Sulak Sivaraksa (Buddhist Scholar, author, Seeds of Peace), Faye Feller (Season for Nonviolence Task Force) Sulak describes the Buddhist way of nonviolence. Faye discusses promoting nonviolence with youth. Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping The mission of Reverend Billy (Bill Talen) is to use thought provoking and humorous street theatre and performance art to make the public aware of how our consumer choices impact people and our planet. Urban Visionaries Film Festival Participants describe how they made the move from life on the street to making a difference in the world. Michael Moore (Filmmaker, producer of Bowling for Columbine) Michael gives a powerful and hilarious commentary on the militarization of the major media, Bush, and the Iraq War. Plus cameo appearances by several puppet members of the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. VISUAL VOICES Show #2Greg Palast BBC Correspondent Greg Palast, author of The Best Democracy Money Can Buy, reflects on the absurdities of U.S. military policies. The Flute Player We take you behind the scenes of The Flute Player - a compelling film at The Human Rights Watch International Film Festival about a survivor of the Khmer Rouge. Zero Boy The human voice becomes a unique instrument for social commentary with performance artist Joel Farrell (Zero Boy) at the Deep Dish Cabaret in lower Manhattan. Wayne Dyer The spotlight is on television that can make a positive difference. Here is an excerpt from Mitchell Rabin's show A Better World, featuring the profound words of Wayne Dyer, author of The Erroneous Zones and Wisdom of the Ages. VISUAL VOICES Show #3Ossie Davis Actor and activist Ossie Davis speaks out about media power and consumer activism strategies to defend what people love. Cynthia McKinney Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney raises her voice about bias in the corporate media and the importance of alternative media. Gore Vidal Renowned author and public figure Gore Vidal voices his concern that the legacy of our founding fathers is being shattered by the policies of the current administration. Marshall Rosenberg The importance of positive voices in the media is illustrated in this excerpt from Alan Steinfeld's TV show, New Realities. Here Paula Gloria speaks with Marshall Rosenberg, the creator of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). He discusses NVC consciousness, comparing other cultures to the consciousness of moralistic judgments common in our culture; and how NVC can be used to resolve conflicts and bring harmony to relationships. VISUAL VOICES TV Show #4 features:Congressman and Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich,who proposed legislation for a Cabinet level Department of Peace, integrates spirit and politics in his view of American potential. Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping: Voices take many forms. Performance artist Reverend Billy, a creation of Bill Talen, performs his unique brand of political theatre with the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir - which, in times of war, becomes the Stop Bombing Gospel Choir! Here, Reverend Billy takes his congregation to the World Trade Center Site to deliver a tribute to those who would turn their grief into a cry for peace. Focus on Independent media making a difference: Divided We Stand a documentary by producer Trish Dalton of the Ohms Media Collective. Trish brings us the voices of 2 Americans for whom being in Iraq during the conflict has very different significance: a photojournalist and a soldier. Clean Elections What could democracy look like? Independent Producer Matt Edge presents the voices of those who think taking money out of elections is imperative. Please let us know if you have any outlets for airing and distributing VISUAL VOICES . And please let us know if you watched the show and have any comments you'd like to share. Thank you! VISUAL VOICES TV Show #5 Features:New Media Making a Difference with Amy Goodman - Award winning journalist and host of Democracy Now! on the Pacifica Radio Network and Danny Schechter - Executive Editor of Mediachannel.org, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Globalvision, author of Embedded: Weapons of MassDeception and The More You Watch, The Less You Know appearing at the American Spirit, Values, & Power Conferenceconvened by the New York Open Center and the Continuing Education & Public Programs of CUNY Graduate Center Rick Ulfik Director of InterConnectCollaborative Media Program of We, The World; Co-Chair, Foundation for Ethics and Meaning, Co-Producer of VISUAL VOICES World On Fire Michael Brownstein, reading from the book-length poem World On Fire, delivers a personal, impassioned commentary on corporate capital and the mindset behind corporate globalization. Seeds of Deception Jeffrey Smith, author of Seeds of Deception exposes the dangers of genetically engineered foods that bio-tech companies want to keep hidden from the public. Terminating the Death Penalty Inspired by the off-Broadway play The Exonerated, producer and lawyer Bonnie Greenball sat down with Bar Association member Ronald Tabak who advocates for a moratorium of the death penalty. VISUAL VOICES Segments Currently in Production Better Media, Better World (Examples of responsible, positive media) Segment Producer Maria Sarro Making a Difference through the Arts (featuring people who are using their artistic talents to better the world) Segment Producers Rob Freudenberg Meredith Manna Media Messages Matter Most (how the major media create powerful norms in our society - some of which can be hazardous to your health!) Segment Producer Rick Ulfik Raising Your Media IQ (Media Literacy "Class" with the sometimes wacky Professor P.R. Spinn) Segment Producers Rick Ulfik Jerry Spivak OTHER POSSIBLE SEGMENT THEMESBehind The Headlines - Connecting the Dots (revealing aspects of major news stories not covered by the commercial media) Media Consolidation The Digital Spectrum Giveaway Corporate And Self-Censorship In The Media Entertainment And The De-Politization Of America (And The World) Corporate Ownership Of The Media Skews the Vision and Goals of the Media Away From Common Public Concerns and Toward Special Profit Interests of Private Corporations Violence in the Media Media and Arts Activism, Upcoming Events Expanding Independent and Alternative Media Airing Film Shorts and Documentaries Role of the Arts in Social Change Movements Radio Concerns And Activism: Pacifica and Governance Issues, Low-Power/Community Radio Issues, Talk Radio's Impact On Politics, etc. Taking Back Public Space From Corporate Advertising Branding, Ads And Consumerism How Media Spin Sells Public Policy How Corporate Media Are Used To "Manufacture Consent" For War, Building Prisons, Stiff Sentencing, Rollbacks Of Civil Liberties, Etc. How Media Coverage Affects Government Legislation And Policy (Defense Spending, Missile Shields, Etc), Health Issues, Education, Elections, Violence, Environmental Issues, Ethnic Profiling, Attitudes Towards Particular Groups of People, Attitudes Towards Animals, Etc. Who Decides What Becomes News? Media Cynicism (Cloaked As Realism) And The Assault On Idealism The Media Literacy Movement (SEE ABOVE - Raising Your Media IQ) Understanding How Arts And Media Act As Transmitters Of Cultural Values And Norms (SEE ABOVE - Media Messages Matter Most) Some of these values and norms are destructive, such as: 1) the idea that we're living in a dangerous world and we should use whatever means necessary to protect ourselves as much as possible, 2) pursuing a consumerist vision of happiness (aka the "American Dream") which doesn't consider the negative effects on our environment, labor, human rights, etc 3) the "common sense" of looking out for number one without concern about the consequences for others, 4) the importance and inevitability of corporations expanding global markets,5) there are only two sides to every issue, 6) politicians and others always have ulterior motives for personal gain that override consideration of the well-being of society, 7) people never participate in collective action for the benefit of all society (only for particular special interest groups). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dialogos a Paris 22 novembre 2003, St Severin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5396/1/E-Dialogos-a-Paris-22-novembre-2003-St-Severin.html Dialogos à Paris 22 novembre 2003, @St SÃverin Church - LaVision de Tondale Katarina Livljanic & Dialogos letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Dalmatinski perfekcionizam http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5395/1/H-Dalmatinski-perfekcionizam.html ÂDalmatinski perfekcionizamUZ SUBOTNJI KLAPSKI KONCERT U "LISINSKOM"Dalmatinski perfekcionizamZAGREB - Tradicionalno gostovanje Omiskog festivala klapa u Zagrebu kod klapasa sklonih perfekcionizmu otvara dvije ozbiljne dvojbe. Prva je moze li takva sve vise glamurozna priredba imati puni sjaj i bez nekih starih sjajnih imena koja u posljednjih nekoliko godina u natjecateljskom smislu zaobilaze omisku pjacetu. I druga koja potencira daljnje "intervencije" umjetnickog ravnatelja dr. Miljenka Grgic'a oko stvaranja atraktivnijeg programa blize odavno formiranom ukusu klapskih sladokusaca. Cinjenica da su se na 19. zagrebackom koncertu pod naslovom "Pismo moja hrli tamo" ovogodisnji mladi laureati (Jelsa, Korjandul) nasli u sredini programa prepustajuc'i zavrsne brojeve prokusanim omiskim Puntarima i Sinju jasno govori da su celni ljudi "Omisa" ozbiljno naceli ove dvojbe.Preksinoc' je i te kako bilo jasno kakva je razlika izmeu pravog klapskog zvuka koji je, primjerice, manifestirao makarski Nugal i onog puno blizem malom zboru koji ima klapski repertoar. Dobro je i kad klape vec' izborom pjesama sugeriraju iz kojeg kraja dolaze kao sto su to ucinili Subrenum iz Zupe dubrovacke ili Skradinke. Potvrdilo se da je publika zeljna i mladenacke razigranosti i efektnih pjesama kakve su Sarceve "Sijavica" i "Buc'e" u izvedbi Teute i Dispeta. Ovogodisnjim omiskim pobjednicima klapi Jelsa manjkalo je zvonke terce u Cacijinoj majstoriji "Vo je nasa zemlja". Zenski pobjednik Korjandul bio je puno uvjerljiviji u Omisu nego u Zagrebu. Ocito je neizbjezno da mlada klapa mora platiti barem mali ceh u sudaru s glamourom "Lisinskoga".Puntari i Sinj izborom zahtjevnih, ali i nedovoljno atraktivnih pjesama jos jednom su demonstrirali istinsko majstorstvo, ali i nehotice zakinuli publiku. Voditelji Edita Lucic' i Ivica uzel dobro su brodili u scenariju Jakse Fiamenga, a osim pjesme bilo je i boli i sjete zbog smrti Anelka Novakovic'a. Bilo je i gromoglasnog pljeska do te mjere da se postavlja pitanje jesu li navedene dvojbe i previse potencirane. No, upravo je vjecni klapaski samokritican stav doveo Omis do vrhunaca u kojima trenutno pliva klapska pjesma u umjetnickom smislu.Taj uspon su, nema dvojbe, ubrzale i pravodobno dobro osmisljene promjene. Stoga ostaje pitanje hoc'e li umjetnicki ravnatelj festivala dr. Miljenko Grgic' ostati pri nesluzbenom obec'anju da c'e iduc'e 20. jubilarno gostovanje Omisa u Zagrebu biti u novoj koncepciji i novom ruhu.Ivo MIKULICIN http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20031117/kultura02.asp letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Carol Fijan Croatian American Master Puppeteer http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5398/1/E-Carol-Fijan-Croatian-American-Master-Puppeteer.html ÂCarol Fijan, renowned Croatian-American puppeteerThe following is a portion of an article from the Long Island Section ofthe New York Times. Among the people portrayed is Carol Fijan, arenowned Croatian-American puppeteer. Carol's parents both came to theUS from Croatia in the early part of the 20th century, her father wasborn in Zumberak. Her parents were active in various leftist movementsand Carol, who was born in New York, is a "red diaper baby." Shestudied the drama at Hunter College but was prohibited from engaging inher trade during the McCarthyist period when she turned to puppetrywhere she became well known in her field. I met Carol several years agowhile working on my master's thesis. Importantly, her puppet work isnot aimed at children but at adults.In the 1980s donated a large amount of materials concerning activitiesof Croatian New Yorkers during the 1930s and 1940s to the Institut zamigracije i narodnosti in Zagreb.John KraljicNovember 16, 2003LONG ISLANDGood Hands at WorkBy MARCELLE S. FISCHLERTurn a key in a lock. Snap a photograph. Signal a simple "thumbs up."There's magic in the human hand, even in these most basic of motions.It's found in the 27 bones that give the hand structure and the 35muscles that power it, 15 from the forearm that give strength and 20within the hand itself that allow precise movements.That's why it's so bewitching to contemplate the work of hands that havespecial skills: a teacher communicating in sign language with the deaf,a dentist gently manipulating a drill, a surgeon repairing a shatteredfinger, a puppeteer bringing a character to life onstage.*******The Puppeteer"Good puppetry is like dance," Carol Fijan said. "You don't need words.The movements say it all."Ms. Fijan, 85, is a master puppeteer, working with hand puppets ratherthan marionettes. With a finger she can make a puppet nod, sneeze orwave hello. With two fingers she can make it clap its hands. Using thewrist, she makes a puppet say no, seem bashful, turn around and take abow. When she adds arm movements, the puppets skip, hop, jump and fall.Like a musical instrument created by a performer, a puppet takespractice and skill to bring it to life. "I don't like people to thinkyou can put on a puppet and in a few lessons manipulate it, any morethan you can take a violin and in a few lessons play at Carnegie Hall,"said Ms. Fijan (pronounced FEE-jan).She has been a puppeteer for 65 years, performing at festivals andgiving workshops nationwide. She charges $1,000 to rib someone for 15minutes at a puppetry roast.Ms. Fijan uses faceless puppets made of cloth to teach puppetry toteenagers and adults in the theater set up in the basement of her GreatNeck home. Her adult students include a psychiatrist who wants to usepuppets with her patients, a rabbi who wants to use them to teach Jewishhistory and a union representative who wants to use them for politicalpurposes.Ms. Fijan is the co-author of two books: "Making Puppets Come Alive: Howto Learn and Teach Hand Puppetry," written with Larry Engler (Dover,1997), and "Directing Puppet Theater Step by Step," with Frank Ballard(Resource Publications, 1990). Five years ago she helped start theNational Day of Puppetry, held the last Saturday in April, and in 1966,she helped found the Puppet Guild of Long Island, which still meetsmonthly at her home.Bob Boehm, the president of the 30-member guild, said that Ms. Fijan wasrecognized nationally as an puppetry instructor. As he put it: "She hasthe overall expertise with the training of puppeteers and directing ofpuppet shows."Ms. Fijan studied drama and music, but her interest in puppetry waspiqued when she saw it used as a form of political satire. "You canlaugh, you can learn, but it's not preachy," she said.Over the years she has used puppets to produce everything from Greektragedies to Shakespeare. "The puppet is an instrument, and you have tolearn how to manipulate it," Ms. Fijan said, giving an impromptu showusing high, squeaky voices with her favorite puppets, Taffy andCornelia. "The person who does the puppetry is not the important one.The puppet is the main character."ÂMaking Puppets Come Alive : How to Learn and Teach Hand Puppetry by Larry Engler (Author), Carol Fijan (Author) (Paperback) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatia won the first Junior Eurovision Song Contest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5397/1/E-Croatia-won-the-first-Junior-Eurovision-Song-Contest.html ÂCroatia have won the first Junior Eurovision Song ContestJunior Eurovision joy for CroatiaDino Jelusic (right) beat young performers from 15 other countries Croatia have won the first Junior Eurovision Song Contest, held in the Danish capital Copenhagen, on Saturday. Dino Jelusic, an 11-year-old singer songwriter, beat children aged between eight and 15 years old from 15 other countries with You Are My One And Only The UK came third with My Song For The World, written and performed by 10-year-old Tom Morley, from Cumbria. Spain took second place. Next year's contest will be held in Manchester, organisers said. The UK's Tom Morley wrote a song about the war in Iraq This year's contestants performed before an 8,000-strong crowd in Copenhagen, with millions more watching live on television across the continent. The Eurovision Song Contest has been running for almost 50 years, but this was the first time a version had been held for young performers. The placing of Morley's song, inspired by the war in Iraq, regained some dignity for the UK after the country got no points in the adult contest in May. The second-placed Spaniard Sergio Jesus Garcia Gil performed a moving tribute to his mother, who recently died. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3275171.stm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Exibition inspired by Croatian Neolithic motifs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5399/1/E-Exibition-inspired-by-Croatian-Neolithic-motifs.html Lousiana, New Orleans, IZLOZBA Hrvatska neolitska keramikaSculpture inspired by Croatian Neolithic motifswww.olr-plemenitas.hrArchaeology Fine Arts Gallery Opening on the City ParkCampus Nov 6. "Archeology" is a dual art exhibit featuring mixedmedia construction by Vickie Lever Niolet andsculpture inspired by Croatian Neolithic motifs byVesna Osojnicki, Fulbright scholar-in residence, andher ceramic students. The Delgado Fine Arts Gallery onthe City Park Campus in Delgado Hall will hold anopening reception on Thursday, November 6, 6 - 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through Dec. 4. For furtherinformation, contact Robin Pellegrin, Gallerydirector, (504) 483-4624.Vesna's ceramic students are enrolled in potteryclasses this fall semester on the City Park and WestBank campuses and the Northshore Covington facility. Max Reichard will make a presentation during the artreception on sculpture inspired by Croatian Neolithicmotifs. Dr. Reichard, acting vice chancellor forAcademic and Student Affairs and College Provost, deanof the Northshore facility and director ofInternational programs, has studied pottery with Vesnain Croatia, as well as in the United States Ceramic piece inspired by Neolithic artifact fromCroatia created by Vesna Osojnicki, Fulbrightscholar-in residence Dana 6. novembra 2003 godine u 6 pm je otvorenjeizlozbe keramike i skulpture, u USA, Lujzijana, NewOrleans, u galeriji Fine Arts u Delgado CommunityColegu ( www.dcc.edu ) Studenti ovog kolega su radili radove na temuHrvatske neolitske keramike, vodeni pod mentorstvom akademskekiparice Vesne Osojnicki. Vesna Osojnicki je korisnik Fulbright residentprograma za jesenski semestar.Vesna se predstavlja i kao akademski kipar sa opusomkeramoskulptura "Zajeno" Otvorenju izlozbe biti ce nazocni : uzvanici izkulturnih krugova juzene Lujzijane, Fulbrighta iInternacionalne razmjene studenata.Tijekom izlozbe biti ce prezentirana videoprojekcija Hrvatske turisticke zajednice o Hrvatskoj , i Internacionalnog worshopa : Oblikovne likovneradionice Plemenitas www.olr-plemenitas.hr sa kojimje sklopljen ugovor razmjene studenata i iskustva ulikovnom stvaralastvu.DOBRO DOSLI!Ak, kip. Vesna Osojnicki plemenitas2@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 15 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ante Simonic's Books Reviews by Mirna Flogel-Mrsic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5401/1/E-Ante-Simonics-Books-Reviews-by-Mirna-Flogel-Mrsic.html ÂHistory of science from the dawn of mankindBook review by Mirna Flögel-MršicA. Simonic: I. Science - the Greatest Adventure and Challenge of MankindII. Paving the way into the Future (Quo vadis scientia?) (Following the Steps of Knowledge into the Future)III. Civilisation Boundaries (raptures, interfaces, gaps, separation lines) of Knowledge (Mysteries of Culture through History), parts I and IIUnder three titles organised in four volumes (2000 pages in total) A. Simonic offers a history of science from the dawn of mankind, when inexperienced humans lived separated by vast inhabited areas, to the present state of the world, dominated by science and burdened with urgent and unsolved problems of our overcrowded Globe, from times when man was scared of frightful natural and imagined forces to the present fear of himself and of the spreading inhumane powers of global market. Yet at the same time Simonic tells the story of separate cultural developments of various defined populations, coagulated by their specific experience, believes and knowledge, which under robust surface differences all hide the same human needs and values. In his books Simonic tries to remove the boundaries between the natural and social sciences and the humanities by expanding the complexity of the anthropological concept of culture, thus covering the vast interdisciplinary spectrum of scholarship known today as "cultural studies." This unique scholarly work, densely detailed but highly readable, quotes many citations to mimic and reflect the "couleur du temps" through ages, thus presenting the key point views of various cultures during almost entire human history without endorsing or favouring any one of them. He only lays down the groundwork for a common sense approach to the problem of making a good life and evaluating that life in reference to the merits and menaces of presently emerging global society. At the same time Simonic tries to awaken the social responsibility of scientists, to rehabilitate the human values that support coexistence and tolerance, recognised as virtues in philosophies and religions, and emerging from the universal "Lex vivendi" in biosphere.Few scholars combine erudition with such clarity and ease of expression and write so purposefully for the general reader providing enormous riches and profound and challenging thoughts. Simonic's work is a personal, learned, bold, and above all, wise retrospect of the dignified story of mankind, which he has peeled off wars and politics, and by which he offers a masterful, provocative, and eloquent antidote to the dumbed-down consumerism of our own times. I. Science - the Greatest Adventure and Challenge of MankindIn "Science - the Greatest Adventure and Challenge of Mankind" Simonic discusses science as the pursuit of knowledge in its many and varied individual forms, emphasising that knowledge itself is not independent and self-justifying. It performs a function, which is essential to human nature, and necessary to human life, yet it is only one of many existential needs in the whole of human life. The function of knowledge is to enlighten, to guide, and to show the way, to offer possibilities and set targets and values which, however, must be freely acknowledged, adopted and put into practice. Knowledge thus has an essentially mediatory function for man's free, responsible activity. The pursuit of knowledge can fulfil its function to the benefit of mankind, societies and individuals only if it remains science committed to the truth, rejecting all ideological distortion.Science, as a free and responsible activity, must be seen in the overall context of the human life and activity, both of the individual and of society. Within that context, science has also its limits and its obligations. Like all human activity, it is subject to values and standards, which are determined by the need of integrated whole.Science is a vast intellectual adventure, and it has attracted some of the best minds in every civilisation. To engage in it and tackle the challenge of Nature requires a vivid creative imagination, tempered by firm discipline based on a hard core of observational evidence. For science is not the mere collecting of facts - though this is necessary - it is a system of logical correlation of those facts cementing together a hypothesis or body of theory. This theory is itself tempered by the general outlook of the times in which it is formulated. The theory must be sound enough to attract minds trained in logical thought, and at the same time be open-ended enough to leave room for development and adjustment in the light of later evidence. Scientific theories change for a whole host of reasons. To the extent that these changes are occasioned by ever more complex experience, science is a growing and expanding body of knowledge, but when they are brought about by religious, philosophical, social or economic reasons, the history of science engages with all the fluctuations of more general history. Nevertheless sooner or later, science always succeeds to free the truth from forged conclusions and offers new ways and views.With the tremendous growth of scientific research and its importance for modern society, the ethics of science have become a matter of urgent concern not only for scientists but also for society as a whole.Paving the Way into the Future (Following the Steps of Knowledge into the Future) (Tragovina znanja u buducnost)Quo vadis scientia?Under this title Simonic provides a synthetic historical survey of the growing human knowledge, its conventions and organisation into scientific fields, emphasising its origins and potentials, its philosophies, ethics and truthfulness, discussing its challenges and limitations as well as its exploitations by interest groups through changing times to present world. The struggle to comprehend the strange world in which we live is a noble one, and a continuing struggle. Our present scientific synthesis is just another step along the road to a more comprehensive picture; it is not the final one. Yet the scientific outlook has provided a far more powerful means of understanding, predicting and controlling the world than any other human try. Simonic shares the vision of Francis Bacon, to whom we owe so much of the idealism that has motivated modern science, that "knowledge and power meet in one".On the contrary to the hopes of prophets of science down through the ages, modern, western science and technology are being used, in the name of reason, to wage war against man and his natural and built environment. Nowhere is this more evident than in the developing world. The world of science faces new problems, which were scarcely imaginable to the brave prophets of science, from Francis Bacon to those of the recent nineteen fiftieth. Ever since the invention of nuclear weapons, we have faced the possibility of being destroyed by our science-based inventions, regardless whether the result may come from the ordinary operation of our science-based industry or uncontrolled genetic engineering. If the solution does not lie within science, then how far beyond it must we go?Thus within the last generation the public perception of science and technology has changed drastically. Although we still depend on `science' for the operation and improvement of our material culture, few will still believe that science has the answer to all human problems. Indeed, we are now confronted by problems, increasing in number and in intensity, which are not only the results of technological and industrial developments but of subsequent wealth and social polarisation, and for which science, though a necessary element of their solution can by no means be sufficient. How to make the proper contribution to the solution of the problems created by its own successes, still remains to be seen. It may take a full generation whose common sense of science has been formed by a social and ecological consciousness before the needed conceptions emerge. Simonic' s work strongly assists in the development of that new consciousness.Whereas before one could imagine science advancing boldly, steadily rolling back the frontier between knowledge and ignorance, now we must cope with our ignorance of the disturbing effects of science-based processes. In the very near future we must collectively make some very hard decisions, not to allow our natural environment become degraded beyond repair. We are living in an age where perturbations of our environment are producing a sort of "science based ignorance" and the greatest danger of all is that we may remain ignorant of our ignorance, and thereby live in an illusion of security.Simonic emphasises the role of scientists and learned to take the responsibility for the social development, both local and global. His historical review is but to remind that particulated knowledge and reductionist principle pars pro toto, ceteris paribus, could be misleading without the appropriate integrating philosophy, social conscienceness and awareness of individual human needs. Simonic presents with striking clarity the problems that face people and societies today, and encourages a strategy for dealing with them. He shows how world problems, though man-made, are the result not of technological or social changes themselves, but of lack of foresight and lack of control over those changes. He reminds of ethical principles and urges scientists, artists and educators as creative levers of contemporary civilisation - science, culture and education - to accept the responsibility for shaping a human-friendly future.Civilisation Boundaries (raptures, interfaces, gaps, separation lines) of Knowledge (Mysteries of Culture through History), parts I and IIMan is distinguished from other living creatures by his free will and imaginative gifts. By putting different talents together he makes discoveries and plans. His discoveries become more subtle and penetrating, as he learns to combine his talents in more complex and intimate ways. So the great discoveries of different ages and different cultures, in technique, in science, in the arts, express in their progression an ever richer and more intricate conjunction and evolution of human faculties.Yet to admire only our own successes, would make a caricature of knowledge, especially now, when our moves escape the control and when instead of ever more beneficial and harmonious development of human race, polarisation of wealth and power, has endangered so many individuals by favouring only the most competitive, the fastest. Even they are endangered by stress put upon them. Globalisation has confronted interests of separate developmental ways and levels and it has brought fear instead of hope, insecurity instead of wellbeing.Millions of years of biological evolution have shaped and fitted species to the environment they live in, and provided them with encoded, species specific, survival behaviour. Only the man is not locked into a specific environment. On the contrary, he is ubiquitous, unfitted and vulnerable, yet his genetic survival kit provided man with the capacity to adjust the environment to his needs. He does it by his imagination, his reason, his emotional subtlety and toughness. The series of inventions, by which man from age to age has remade his environment, is a different kind of evolution - not biological, but cultural evolution. Man doesn't inherit the wisdom of how to behave to preserve his species. Man has to make vital decisions. He has to discover the universal lex vivendi, and he is free to obey it or not to obey it for his better or for his worse. No one in the biosphere is ready to kill and poison himself as humans do by drugs, weapons, ideas, greed and ignorance. This is the paradox of the human condition. The mightier, the richer and the better informed, the less responsible for the wellbeing of individual life and mankind. The simultaneous early traces of material culture, of awakening consciousness as well as artistic and religious expressions show a harmonious and creative start of human material, spiritual and intellectual life. In the effort to understand and use the Nature, to adjust and embellish his surroundings for his needs and extravagancies the man has changed his attitudes towards God, Nature and himself, his creative potential has grown, his capability of understanding has broadened, the "society" has been born and interest groups have been formed, civilisations emerged and vanished, the scales of values have been defined, the rules of social organisation and behaviour have been coded and changed - cultural evolution feeding science, arts, ideologies and religions was progressing.Yet the constructor of pyramids, coliseum and cathedrals unfortunately didn't remain a fearful artist, bold and victorious conqueror, he turned also to be monstrous devastator, who exterminated animal species, who even tried cannibalism when he, still inexperienced, locally ruined all other sources of food. Of course, we have cause to be proud of the progress of our minds and of some modern work, and our capacities. Yet our achievements escape the control. Triumphs of science and technology encouraged our greedy super-ego to get rid of any humane feelings and the intellectual logic alone seems unable to tie it down. Man is not anymore progressing in a harmonious way. The intellectual progress through the history is followed by the katabasis of ideals, from Olympus to Forum, from Forum to Academies, Monasteries, courts and armies, and further down to football grounds and TV-screens. Individuals, helpless to confront the feeling of insecurity, trust the society, yet societies are not human-friendly. They do not have needs, individuals do. Societies should recognise the individual needs and universal lex vivendi, if they aim to preserve human race on the globe. Biological evolution is slow and each change is well tested. Humans are the outcome of the last change on their evolutionary branch, possibly still on probation. Since Darwin taught us to view nature as a brutal competition among species, few philosophers have regarded virtue as a natural impulse. Yet it is the evolutionary biology, not ethical theory, that offers an explanation of why people often sacrifice self-interest for the common good. The evidence of the latest research demonstrates that the hidden manoeuvring of the genes punishes the egotist and rewards the saint. However, the interplay of genes alone cannot trace nor follow "a politically correct choreography". Man's free will shouldn't be used against himself.The unravelling of the encoded autobiography of our development within the genome reveals our inborn yet limited freedom. However, we do not have to surrender our freedom to the society nor to the global financial engineering. We do not have to accept the perverse inversion of the global market where the man serves the capital instead that capital is serving the man. The history teaches us that intellectual freedom of wise individuals pointed to the right direction at times of crisis, though excommunicated by the selfish interests of mighty contemporaries. Socrates taught us to act morally, Jesus taught that God is the father of every man, Bruno believed the Universe be infinite and God be immanent in all. Their enlightening thoughts survived the poison, the cross and the fire pointing to the natural low of existence, i.e. of subordination of selfishness to the benefit of the harmonious whole. The reenvoking of the story of our coming into existence and of highlights of our cultural evolution could teach us the rules of coexistence and remind us of the unavoidable universal low of survival. Human achievements, and science in particular, is not a museum of finished constructions, it is a progress, in which the experience is gathered and truth and values perceived. In every age there is a turning point, which offers standards by which to judge the merits of our time against those of previous centuries and other cultures. A developed nation provides to its citizens political freedom and a decent standard of living. Yet so many countries are unable to accomplish this. The world at the beginning of the twenty-first century is more divided than ever between the rich and the poor, between those living in freedom and those under oppression. Even in prosperous democracies, troubling gaps in well being persist. As the credibility of traditional explanations - colonialism, dependency, racism-declines, many now believe that the principal reason why so many countries and social groups are better off than others lies in the cultural values that powerfully shape nations and peoples' political, economic, and social performance. Globalisation cannot exclude the great majority of population to the benefit of selected few. An evolution of mankind should be promoted to provide existence in peace and security for all. History and science should enlighten our minds with the wisdom to change our values and attitudes to pave the way for a progress of all and to a friendly coexistence of man and nature all over the Globe. Simonic pleads for revitalisation on human needs and values buried by forces of show business, football competitions, global marketing and www races. He confronts the religions and sects, the economies and cultures, scholars and consumers urging the awakening of the responsibility and wisdom, of education and freedom, of friendship and tolerance. Only in true friendship of individuals humans won't be a failed experiment in the course of biological evolution and mankind could look forward to its future.Simonic's work is provocative and inspiring attempt to encourage every reader to make his own contribution in that direction.Mirna Flögel-MršicOther articles related to Prof. dr. sc. Ante Simonic:- (E) Quo Vadis Scientia? - Ante Simonic - AutorÂhttp://www.CroatianWorld.net/CROWNframes.htm?/Letters/3247.htm- (E,H) Prof. dr. sc. Ante Simonic, Deputy Prime MinisterÂhttp://www.CroatianWorld.net/CROWNframes.htm?/Letters/3255.htm- (E) CIVILISATIONAL DIVIDES OF KNOWLEDGE BY Dr Ante SimonicÂhttp://www.CroatianWorld.net/CROWNframes.htm?/Letters/3226.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bjelinski for the first time in Washington DC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5400/1/E-Bjelinski-for-the-first-time-in-Washington-DC.html ÂCroatian Musical Heritage SeriesLjerka Pleslic Bjelinski, Michael Edwards and Margaret Casman-VukoLjerka Bjelinski Pleslic & Bruno Bjelinskiperforme Bruno Bjelinski for the first time in Washington DC.Press ReleaseFor Immediate ReleaseCroatian Musical Heritage Series Concert at Austrian EmbassyWashington, DC, November 12, 2003 - The Embassy of Croatia, Croatian House, and the Association of Alumni and Friends of Croatian Universities – National Capital Group, are proud to present a very special musical event onFriday, November 14, 2003, at the Austrian Embassy, 3524 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. As part of the Croatian Musical Heritage Series, Ljerka Pleslic Bjelinski, Michael Edwards and Margaret Casman-Vuko will present the works of the distinguished Croatian composer Bruno Bjelinski (1909-1992).Ljerka Pleslic Bjelinski, considered one of the outstanding Croatian pianists of her generation, will interpret the works of her late husband, Bruno Bjelinski. The award-winning artist has earned critical acclaim across the globe, as well as inspired many young musicians at the Music Academy of Zagreb. Michael Edwards, a Philadelphia-born clarinetist with a deep passion for the music of Bruno Bjelinski, is hailed as one of the world’s leading exponents of the clarinet. In addition to extensive chamber music experience, Mr. Edwards’ solo work has taken him across North America, Europe, and the Far East.Margaret Casman-Vuko has trained as a soprano in both the United States and Croatia. A graduate of the New England Conservatory School of Music, Ms. Casman-Vuko has a performance background in recital, television, radio, and film.The event will begin at 7:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. ###For further information, please contact: Alan Vojvodic, press@croatiaemb.orgSecond SecretaryEmbassy of the Republic of Croatia to the U.S.2343 Massachussetts Ave. NWWashington DC, 20008Phone: (202) 986 9476Fax: (202) 234 2363 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Daniella on NY International Music Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5402/1/E-Daniella-on-NY-International-Music-Festival.html ÂDaniella Performing @The New York International Independent Film &Video Festival Hi everyone,I hope this finds you in peace and love...I would like to invite you to several performances in next two weeks. I am a part of a NY International Music Festival and you can find more about it on the link below.The New York International Independent Film &Video Festival is the largest festival of it's kind in the world today. Founded in 1993 by Stuart Alson, this festival is recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film and music events on the independent festival circuit. My performances are as follows:~Thursday, Nov 6, 10:30pm, Madison Square Garden, Seventh Ave (bet 31 & 33rd St) ~212-465-6741 Tickets $20~Sunday, Nov 9, 1:30pm, Downtime, 251 W 30th St (bet 7 & 8th St)~212-695-2747 Tickets $10~Monday, Nov 10, 4:00pm, Madison Square Garden, Seventh Ave (bet 31 & 33rd St) ~212-465-6741 Tickets $10~Tuesday, Nov 11, 4:00pm, Pyramid Club, 101 Avenue A (@6th St.)~212-228-4888 Tickets $10And there's one more performance next week which is not part of the festival:Thursday, Nov 13, 9pm, Greenwich Village Bistro, 13 Carmine St (bet Bleecker & 6th Ave)There's no cover.Check out my website http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/DANIELLA/ for more info, and contact me if you would like to find out more about my projects.Peace,DaniellaDaniella http://lella.iuma.com tel: 917 539 1347 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Screening of "Gori Vatra" candidate for Oscar 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5406/1/E-Screening-of-Gori-Vatra-candidate-for-Oscar-2003.html ÂScreening of Fuse (Gori Vatra) at AFI - Bosnia-Herzegovina's Candidate for Oscar 2003 From: Cameo1997@aol.com Lets support this year Bosnia-Herzegovina candidate for the Best ForeignOscar for 2003. It is a winner of Best Feature at the Sarajevo Festival and Silver Leopard in Locarno Film Festival. FUSE is the story of a small town in postwar Bosnia struggling withcorruption, crime and prostitution. One day there is the news that PresidentClinton who has decided to become a citizen and godfather of theirmunicipality is coming to visit . Now they must build a democracy in sevenshort days.The screening will be held at Archlight Theatre in Hollywood on:Sat, Nov 8 at 3:30 pm Mon, Nov 10 at 9:45 pm Tickets are $11 and please find more info at:http://filmguide.afifest.com/2003/filmguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=1977 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Letter of thanks from Angela Brkic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5405/1/E-Letter-of-thanks-from-Angela-Brkic.html ÂLetter of thanks from Angela BrkicI would like to send out my sincerest thanks to the many people who have supported me during the publication of my book, Stillness and other Stories. Their assistance has meant a great deal to the book's success and to me, personally. Over the past few months, Stillness has generated positive reviews in the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, the Times of London, Newsday, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. In tough economic times, it has held its own and received an award from the Whiting Foundation this Thursday. It was not an easy road to publication. I was turned away by countless agents and publishing houses which informed me that the book's subject matter (the wars in Croatia and in Bosnia-Herzegovina) was the "kiss of death". Who, they repeatedly asked, would want to read a book on so depressing a topic? They frequently suggested scrapping the project altogether and writing about other things. I persevered even as I struggled to pay my rent. I am lucky beyond words, however, because my family was as dedicated to the project as I was. Recently, a review in "The Anniston Star" was brought to my attention. It was written by Amna Jakupovic, a Croatian student in Florida. Although I have never met Ms. Jakupovic or heard of "The Anniston Star", it is a review of great significance to me. She wrote:"While reading this book I felt stronger love and passion for my country and my people. I also discovered a secret of human nature: no matter how many wars plague a country, nor how many lives are taken, the spirit survives…As a woman I read and review this book. Yet, I am a girl who still hides her feelings and memories in her heart. I am a girl whose dad fought in this war, and I did not know where he was for six months. I am a woman who has learned from this book - "people are strong seeds." People survive with all the memories, good or bad."I would specifically like to thank Katherine Rosich and the entire Rosich family, Katarina Deletis, Dr. and Mrs. Vedran Deletis, Catherine Kanjer Kapphahn, Josip Novakovich, Jere Real and Nenad Bach. Generally, I would like to thank everyone who bought the book, people who showed up to my events and spoke words of encouragement, and people who passed the word along. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Novakovich is a world-class writer" Review of "SPLEEN" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5404/1/E-Novakovich-is-a-world-class-writer-Review-of-SPLEEN.html ÂJosip Novakovichdoes it again"Novakovich is a world-class writer", proclaims Boris Fishman, writer for "The New Yorker" The new story called "SPLEEN" by Josip Novakovich is included among the "Wild East: Stories from the Last Frontier" an anthology of stories set in Eastern Europe. In "Spleen" Novakovich breaks new ground by writing in first person from a woman's point of view. A peaceful and innocent woman living in Bosnia stabs a man in self-defense when he and another thief break into her house during the rampage when Serb army was advancing. She survives and runs away to America, settling down in Cleveland, but so do many of her neighbors from Bosnia. As much as any survivor of violence can, the heroine is trying to live for the future, only to be haunted by memories of attack when she meets a new man in her life, who also happens to be from her hometown. "Novakovich is a world-class writer", proclaims Boris Fishman, writer for "The New Yorker" and editor of the "Wild East: Stories from the Last Frontier."You can see for yourself how that is true by reading fiction story "Sheepskin" which appears in the "Salvation and Other Disasters" book. It is written in the first person point of view and set in the context of brutal war in former Yugoslavia. A deeply wounded man survives a Serb attack on Vukovar hospital and soon after seeks revenge. He kills the wrong man and the long story goes on with a twist. Novakovich then wrote and published in the "Writing Fiction Step by Step" a fascinating explanation of how he made up the events that occur in "Sheepskin" and how they occur within the context of real-life events such as the war. "Writing the story helped me sort out some of my thoughts on the subject of victims of war and the theme of personal revenge. Almost like an experiment, so I could see for myself what revenge could look like, and what possible implications there could be in revenge that is highly individualized rather than sociologically abstract." Josip Novakovich emigrated to the U.S. from Croatia at the age of twenty. He writes mostly in English. Josip's publications include "Plum Brandy - Croatian Journeys" published by White Pine Press in 2003, collection of stories from Croatia "Salvation and Other Disasters", Graywolf Press 1998, "Apricots from Chernobyl" and "Yolk" both published in 1995 by Graywolf Press. "Writing Fiction Step by Step" 1998 by Story Press and "Fiction Writer's Workshop" 1995. In addition, Novakovich co-edited "Stories in the Stepmother Tongue" published in 2000 by White Pine Press and was included in anthology "How To Write Funny" where he wrote a chapter on "Getting Laughs From Literature" published in 2001 by Writer's Digest Books. Novakovich has won a Whiting Award, a Richard Margolis Prize for Socially Important Writing, three Pushcart Prizes, an O. Henry award, an NEA fellowship, and a nomination for the Pen/Hemingway Award for First Fiction. In 2004, Novakovich new book "Infidelities: Stories of Lust and War" will be published by HarperCollins. Josip teaches writing at Penn State. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Angela Brkic Wins Whiting Award, The New York Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5403/1/E-Angela-Brkic-Wins-Whiting-Award-The-New-York-Times.html ÂAngela Brkic Wins prestigious Whiting AwardÂTen Writers Win Annual Whiting AwardsBy THE ASSOCIATED PRESSPublished: October 30, 2003Filed at 8:39 p.m. ETNEW YORK (AP) -- Ten authors have been named winners of the Whiting Writers' Award, given annually to ``emerging writers of exceptional talent and promise.''Past recipients include playwright Tony Kushner and novelist Jonathan Franzen.This year's winners each were to receive $35,000 Thursday night at a ceremony at the New York Public Library. Playwright John Guare was scheduled to be the keynote speaker.AdvertisementHonorees include fiction writers Courtney Angela Brkic, Alexander Chee, Agymah Kamau, Ann Pancake, Lewis Robinson and Jess Row. Also cited were nonfiction writers Christopher Cokinos and Trudy Dittmar, poet Major Jackson and playwright Sarah Ruhl.The Whiting awards were established in 1985 by the Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation, a New York-based organization ``dedicated to the support of the humanities and of creative writing.''Source:http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-Publishing-Whiting-Awards.html?ex=1068663998&ei=1&en=591fa549024e23e4Âbrkic251@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Tjedan knjige u Vancouveru - prof. Separovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5409/1/H-Tjedan-knjige-u-Vancouveru---prof-Separovic.html Â"Neka se ne zaboravi"Ove 2003. godine dolazi na poziv DRUSTVA PRIJATELJA MATICE HRVATSKE za svoj tradicionalni tjedan knjige profesor ZVONIMIR SEPAROVIC a tema tjedna je : "Neka se ne zaboravi"predavanja kroz 3 dana ce biti :1. ZRTVA ZA HRVATSKU --TEMELJ HRVATSKE DRZAVE2. SUVERENITET HRVATSKE --TEMELJNA NACIONALNA VRIJEDNOSTa kako je 19. studenog spomendan Vukovarske tragedije a prof. Separovic predsjednik Hrvatskog Zrtvoslovnog Drustva, biti ce i toj komemoraciji posveceno jedno predavanje.Danas je u Hrvatskoj veliki problem, kako staviti na pravo mjesto nase najnovije povjesnice, velike zrtve koje su hrvatske obitelji, narod dao za slobodu i suverenitet Hrvatske. To je danas sve stavljeno u pitanje s progonima nasih heroja. Tjedan knjige ce zapoceti sa sv Misom u 11:15 u Hrvatskoj Katolickoj Crkvi u nedjelju16. studenog, te u ponedjeljak, utorak i srijedu 17. 18. i 19 studenog u 7 sati na vecer.Svi ste pozvani i dobro dosli.Za DPMH Vera Valcic Belic, predsjednica. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 27 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CIVILISATIONAL DIVIDES OF KNOWLEDGE BY Dr Ante Simonic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5407/1/E-CIVILISATIONAL-DIVIDES-OF-KNOWLEDGE-BY-Dr-Ante-Simonic.html ÂCIVILISATIONAL DIVIDES OF KNOWLEDGE BY DR ANTE SIMONIĆÂMirko Tomasović, AcademicianCIVILISATIONAL DIVIDES OF KNOWLEDGE by Dr ANTE SIMONIĆSPEECH AT BOOK LAUNCH SPLIT, 16 AUGUST 20000 ZAGREB, 13 DECEMBER 2000What we call modern civilisation is obsessed and weighted down by information. By news that the media do not only broadcast but produce, as well. The media is a new god, on the one hand spellbinding for man who has always thirsted for knowledge, on the other a false god with chaotic and destructive power. As always in the history of mankind, divinity seeks for a cult, followers, rites, sacrifices and altars, it spreads its grace but also its horror. The pressure for news gives birth to superfluous and excessive information, most of it useless. It includes details from the everyday life of sports, show business and political stars with a wealth of miscellaneous details about their private lives. In addition there is also a lot of information that confuses people. Crime pages feature abuses and show all the deviations and distortions the human race is prone to as journalists persist in writing about accidents, catastrophes, calamities, everything that is out of the ordinary in the more immediate or wider community. What is more, this media god is openly or behind the scenes groomed by political groups, and this is so, mutatis mutandi, from the Urals to Lisbon, from Alaska to the Tierra del Fuego, in other words, everywhere. Have the people of today developed a defence mechanism from the horror that washes over them every time they open the papers, switch on the radio or, even more dangerous, the TV? I do not think so, unless they resort to using chemicals in the form of sedatives. Instead of relying on carefully selected and reliable human knowledge, such as that in this book by Dr Ante Simonić, which might have a calming and composing influence. That is why I consider it an honour to join my colleagues in presenting his book to the general public.Man always felt the need and temptation to know and learn as much as possible, and this desire was the moving force for all discoveries and progress and helped him to develop a better life. As things stand today, his tree of knowledge has been invaded by many parasites that suck its juices and devour its leaves. While this is going on basic knowledge is disappearing from the horizon, its perspective has been lost. This book of two volumes with a revealing title, Civilisational Divides of Knowledge (Civilizacijske razmeđe znanja), directly or indirectly, consciously or unconsciously, is in opposition to things as they now are and re-examines them through the perspective of many millennia of acquiring knowledge and mastering skills, an exciting path during which man came to be separated from and elevated above animals. Professor Simonić has made a grand effort to conceptualise and structure this dimension of homo faber in a book that is rather untypical for today in approach and elaboration. This is an age that thirsts for bestsellers, hits, sensations and the exotic, new specialist or micro analytical books, but Simonić has accomplished a great humanistic synthesis, laying before us the history of human achievement since time immemorial. At first glance it is a didactic book, and this is enough to make it desirable. Allow me to quote a wise Italian saying,  L uomo ignorante  la tempesta della civiltà , or,  An ignorant man erases civilisation . The ignorance we are surrounded by, especially in public activities, is even worse than primitivism, which is a scourge in itself. This book, however, is not only didactic. It is an essay-like examination of the path travelled by mankind written by a man who both thinks and feels, a scholar who collects and classifies material producing objective and established knowledge and facts, and a writer with analytical insight and literary (stylistic) proficiency. These factors make the work his own vision, a post-modern sister to the syntheses written in the Enlightenment period, encyclopaedias of the eighteenth century, medieval lucidars, and polyvalent, humanistic, history tractates with a strong personal stamp. He did not need only persistence, diligence and loyalty to his concept, he also needed self-assurance to emerge with a project of this kind and place it before the nervy reader in the post-modern literary age. In this case self-assurance allied with ambition, knowledge and insight were an investment for success. If we read the book carefully we may begin to have doubts: is it possible to fit between the covers of one book all the changes and developments that have occurred on Earth, that took place in man s soul, mind and heart from Mesopotamia to Hiroshima; is it possible to encompass the spiritual, religious and philosophical currents from the myths of Sumer to Karl Raimundo and Popper, the evolution of scholarship and science and the heritage of civilisations through the fog of historical storms in Egypt, Persia, Judea, India, China, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, from medieval Europe to the dollar giant of today? The book reassures us, satisfies our curiosity and keeps us engrossed to the last page. This is the primary and most important effect of every book, its reception by and impact on the reader.It is a stratified book with a polyhistorical approach and interdisciplinary nature, and its critical test will depend on the affinity and professional basis of the critic himself. However, I speak here about the book as a whole; it is a work that taught me a lot, helped me review my general knowledge, reminded me of a lot from the treasury of mankind, things that I had once heard and admired but then forgotten. This occurred through many to me unknown details: for example the descriptions of the Tolteks-Aztecs, Mayas and Incas and their marvelous civilization, data about ancient medicine and drugs (of which we still use some, ephedrine for example), Egyptian sports, Mesopotamian gods, about Canaan and Babylon, the Talmud and the honorable Koran, about Arab achievements. All this was passed down to modern Europe by osmosis, entering through the pores of poetry, drama, music, dance and religious art. As a reader I could, of course, not stifle my professional interest and I paid special attention to literature. On this level too the book satisfied me. Rereading the texts in Professor Simonić s quotations I thought about how mankind has even today not moved very far in some crucial problems; medicines against many diseases have not yet been found, and even those used by arrogant modern medicine were discovered by ancient witch-doctors, healers, surgeons, comforters (psychiatrists). It is the same with architecture, town planning, unsurpassed horticulture, amazing irrigation. In this context I will praise the author more specially for what he has written about literature, where I am more competent to judge. I checked the data, which are true, the facts and information are reliable, in accordance with the general integrity of the book. I am glad that my colleague Simonić honoured the role of literature in the general evolution of mankind and that he was glad to read literary texts. This can be seen from his anthological inserts, well chosen and functional. In one word, the factographic outline of the literary material is very reliable, which I can testify after reading entries about medieval minstrels, great men of the Romance languages, romantics, fields where I could hardly miss any inaccuracy. By induction I can therefore suppose that this high level is guaranteed in other fields as well, art, science, culture. Conscientiousness about facts is a precondition for scholarship and a foundation for individual judgment, for an independent view of certain phenomena, and it underpins this voluminous book. We can picture the book as a pyramid with many floors, rooms and treasuries that does not become a labyrinth for the visitor because the complex system has a vertical axis that holds it all together, made by a skilled architect. We should not make the mistake of thinking that the writer of this book wanted to give an idyllic picture of the history of mankind. He critically observed the organisation and disorganisation of human destiny, the forces of progress and destruction, fatal mistakes, wars, repression, rampaging ideologies in the march of history. It might be said that the human race is coming to its senses slowly and with difficulty, that it is irrationally repeating mistakes, that it is often the slave of  great illusions . Does the re-examination of history leave us sceptical like Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević; quotation,  The closer we are to the sky, the further away from it we are , or enthusiastic like Victor Hugo, in whose view human history is a rise from darkness to ideals. Perhaps the latter is our choice. Ante Simonić has his own stand: to achieve liberty and peace we need knowledge, but linked with wisdom. This is the precondition for establishing harmony in our goals, wishes and possibilities (p. 835). We will find a lot of knowledge and grains of wisdom in his book Civilisational Divides of Knowledge, great erudition, acribia and encyclopedic virtues of a work written fluently, clearly and succinctly. Thus we recommend it to readers of both sexes, all ages and profiles for complete or selective use, and we suggest that it should find a place in public and family libraries on the same shelves as valuable basic works like monographs and dictionaries. In one word, I sincerely congratulate Dr Ante Simonić, as a colleague and a friend. To use the language of sports, since the writer was and has remained an active sportsman, I congratulate him on victory in this marathon around the globe on the paths and through the wilderness of time. We must also give due recognition to the publishers for making it possible for this work of almost 900 pages to reach the hands of those who need knowledge. Without offence, this is all of us. Thank you! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 27 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New York Times Review - Nenad Bach's CD http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5408/1/E-New-York-Times-Review---Nenad-Bachs-CD.html ÂWritten by Susan Hodara for The New York Times, October 5th, 2003Special price- Order CD: A Tousand Years of Peace letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 26 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski strucnjak u Global Content Ziriju http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5410/1/H-Hrvatski-strucnjak-u-Global-Content-Ziriju.html ÂHrvatski strucnjak u Global Content ŽirijuPostovani gospodine Bach,S velikim zadovoljstvom Vam dostavljam press release koji su organizatori Nagrade Svjetskog Summita 2003 pripremili povodom zasjedanja Velikog Zirija u Dubaiu. Tekst dostavljam u nastavku poruke, kao i u privitku.U nadi da cete ovaj press release objaviti, srdacno Vas pozdravljam,Natalija GojkovicInternet Institut [ITI]natalija.gojkovic@hr-gateway.orgÂt. +385.1.488.99.95f. +385.1.488.99.98c.+385.91.581.98.51Nova potvrda Hrvatski strucnjak u Global Content ŽirijuDubai Internet City ugošcuje Veliki Žiri Nagrade Svjetskog Summita 2003 za izbor najboljeg svjetskog e-contenta i kreativnosti Krešimiru Lugaricu, predsjedniku Internet Instituta dopala je izuzetna cast postati jednim od medunarodnih sudaca Velikog Žirija Nagrade Svjetskog Summita 2003 (WSA 2003)."Pokazati ono što vec postoji." To je cilj Nagrade Svjetskog Summita - jedinstvene globalne inicijative za predstavljanje razvoja informacijskog društva kroz fokusiranje na inovativni sadržaj i aplikacije.Gospodin Lugaric je jedan od 36 eminentnih strucnjaka za podrucja multimedia i informacijskih tehnologija iz cijelog svijeta, koji se sastaju u Dubaiu (UAE) od 17-og do 22-og listopada radi evaluacije preko 800 proizvoda u 8 WSA kategorija: e-ucenje, e-kultura, e-znanost, e-vlada, e-zdravlje, e-poslovanje, e-zabava i e-ukljucenost.WSA Vijece direktora nominiralo je gospodina Lugarica iz široke mreže medunarodnih multimedia strucnjaka koji su podržali WSA kroz selekciju najboljih proizvoda iz 136 zemalja ucesnica. Finalisti izabrani od strane gospodina Lugarica i WSA Velikog Žirija biti ce predstavljeni u okviru UN-ovog Svjetskog Summita o informacijskim društvima (WSIS) 2003 u Genevi.The World Summit Award - Nagrada Svjetskog SummitaNagrada Svjetskog Summita je službeni event prve konferencije vlada koja se bavi globalnim informacijskih društvom. Njezin je cilj predstaviti konkretna ostvarenja informacijskog društva selekcijom najboljeg e-sadržaja i inovativnih aplikacija, te njihovo predstavljanje i promocija u svjetskim okvirima. Vodeci su politicari kao što su gospodin Romano Prodi, predsjednik Europske Komisije, gospodin Wolfgang Schüssel, federalni kancelar Austrije, gospodin Ion Iliescu, predsjednik Rumunjske i gospodin Abdoulaye Wade, predsjednik Republike Senegal, odali priznanje WSA svojim visokim pokroviteljstvom. Više informacija o WSA kao na http://www.wsis-award.org .Krešimir Lugaric, predsjednik i CEO Internet Instituta Krešimir Lugaric je zaljubljen u informacijske tehnologije i profesionalno i privatno više od deset godina. Veza je zapocela kad je sastavio svoje prvo racunalo, nastavila se kroz aktivnosti BBS-a i vlastiti uspješni web development studio i doživjela vrhunac osnivanjem Internet Instituta sredinom 2001. U okviru aktivnosti i implementacije projekata Instituta, pored upravljanja i planiranja, Krešimir se takoder aktivno bavi svojom drugom ljubavi - designom.Fotografiju gosp. Lugarica u visokoj rezoluciji možete ucitati na adresi http://www.europrix.org/wsis-award/content/jury/press.htm . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Directed and hosted by John Znidarsic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5414/1/E-Directed-and-hosted-by-John-Znidarsic.html ÂProduced, directed and hosted by John ZnidarsicÂMason, Pedi and Winther Set for Free Discovered Treasures ConcertBy Andrew Gans17 Sep 2003 Sunset Boulevard's Karen Mason, Forbidden Broadway's Christine Pedi and Mamma Mia!'s Michael Winther are just a few of the performers who will take part in Discovered Treasures: New Classics of Today and Tomorrow this month.The Sept. 30 concert at the Donnell Library Theater is being produced, directed and hosted by John Znidarsic. In a statement Znidarsic said, "I have never been one to settle for hearing the same music day in and day out. I love discovering new songs - just like I discovered the 'classics' when I was child growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. When I moved to New York, I found nothing more exciting than discovering new songs that made my heart laugh, cry or even skip a beat. "The 6 PM concert will feature songs by Tom Andersen, David Arthur, Charles Bloom, Mark Campbell and Stephen Hoffman, Douglas J. Cohen, Frank Evans and Christopher Berg, Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler, Ron Kaehler, Paul Katz and Michael Colby, Noel Katz, Brian Lasser, Jeffrey Lodin and William Squier, James Merillat and John Kenrick, Ben Moore, Rob Lindsey Nassif, Kim Oler and Allison Hubbard and Richard Pearson Thomas. Additional performers include Mana Allen, Richard Danley, Christopher Denny, Rebecca Eichenberger, Jennifer Goode, Andrea Green, Maree Johnson, Aaron Lazar, Eddie Korbich, Cindy Marchionda and Maureen Taylor. Concertgoers can expect to hear such tunes as "A Life of My Own" from The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, "Castles in the Air" from Speakeasy, "For Laura" from The Enchanted Cottage, "Gertrude Irvington's Box" from Saratoga Trunk Songs and Splendora's "Grateful."Admission to the concert is free of charge. The Donnell Library is located in Manhattan at 20 West 53rd Street. For more information, call (212) 265-3495, ext. 218. Mason, Pedi and Winther Set for Free Discovered Treasures ConcertSunset Boulevard's Karen Mason, Forbidden Broadway's Christine Pedi and Mamma Mia!'s Michael Winther are just a few of the performers who will take part in Discovered Treasures: New Classics of Today and Tomorrow this month.http://www.playbill.com/news/article/81671.html Here's what fedor kabalin had to say about this News Article:Znidarsic! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Music from the Age of Shakespeare: A Cultural History http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5413/1/E-Music-from-the-Age-of-Shakespeare-A-Cultural-History.html ÂMusic from the Age of Shakespeare: A Cultural HistoryDear Nenad:At last I can say that this book is finished! It is called Music from the Age of Shakespeare: A Cultural History, and is about Elizabethan music. It is meant for non-musicians who would like a reader-friendly way to learn about this subject. But it's not only about the music -- it's about the lives of various classes of society in that time and how music fit into those lives. Below is the editor's description and I can tell you that he's not kidding about the "scrupulously researched" part. My university library will never forget helping me carry BOXES of books to my car. Anyway, if any Crown readers are interested, it's now available on Amazon.com. Many thanks for Crown's existence -- I read it religiously! Suzanne Lordlordlord@siu.edu Book DescriptionThis book introduces every important aspect of the Elizabethan music world. In ten scrupulously researched yet accessible chapters, Lord examines the lives of composers, the evolution of musical instruments, the Elizabethan system of musical notation, and the many textures and traditions of Elizabethan music. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Najbolji hrvatski e-content http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5412/1/H-Najbolji-hrvatski-e-content.html ÂNajbolji hrvatski e-content - WSA 2003Nominacije osam hrvatskih originalnih proizvoda/projekata kojipredstavljaju primjere najbolje prakse u Hrvatskoj u podrucju e-sadržaja,multimedija i kreativnosti proslijedene su organizatorima Nagrade Svjetskogsummita o informacijskom društvu. Najbolje od nominiranih proizvoda/projekata iz 136 zemalja odabrati ceVeliki žiri tijekom listopada 2003, a odabrani proizvodi/projekti injihovi kreatori biti ce pozvani na Svjetski summit o informacijskomdruštvu [WSIS] Geneva 2003 u okviru projekata WSA Content Villages i WSABest Practice Showcase Event kako bi predstavili svoje proizvode/projekte.Proizvodi/projekti nominirani za Nagradu su:1. e-ucenje:e-škola fizika [ www.eskola.hfd.hr]Voditelj projekta: Dr. Petar Pervan2. e-kulturaCulturelink Network [ www.culturelink.hr ]Autor projekta: Aleksandra Imogen Ivir3. e-znanostPlavi svijet [ www.plavi-svijet.org ]Voditelj projekta: Draško Holcer4. e-governmentTehnološki i društveni preduvjeti elektronicke demokracije [www.foi.hr/~bklicek/edemocracy/ ]Voditelj projekta: Prof. dr. sc. Božidar Klicek5. e-zdravljePliva zdravlje [ www.plivazdravlje.hr ]Voditelj projekta: Darko Pejnovic6. e-businessMoj Posao [ www.moj-posao.net ]Voditelj projekta: Mirjana Droptina7. e-zabavaNik Titanik Mad Theatre [ www.niktitanik.com ]Autor projekta: Nikola Plecko8. Posebna kategorija: e-ukljucenostIPSIS - Internet Pomoc Slijepom Internet Surferu [ www.ipsis.hr ]Voditelj projekta: Danko ButoracViše informacija o WSA 2003 možete naci na stranicama InternetInstituta [www.hr-gateway.org], te na službenim stranicama WSA[www.wsis-award.org]. Kontakt osoba: Natalija Gojkovice-mail: natalija.gojkovic@hr-gateway.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dive Franetovic concert schedule http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5416/1/E-Dive-Franetovic-concert-schedule.html ÂDive Franetovic concert schedule Dear Nenad!ÂI finally have all the information about Dive's visit and tour. We are all so excited that she is coming here! Suzanne LordDive Franetovic, Croatian flutist and currently principal flutist of the Dubrovnik symphony orchestra, will perform a series of four concerts in America with the purpose of bringing the music of Croatian composers to American audiences. Some of the composers included will be Sorkocevic, Bjelinski, Kunc, Osghian, and Peter Obradovic. Her schedule is as follows:Monday October 20, 8 p.m. at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FloridaFor information on location/price, please contact Heather Small athsmall7@copper.net Wednesday October 22 at the Emory Performing Arts Studio in Atlanta, GeorgiaFor more information, please contact Catherine Bull atdanielpyle@mindspring.com Friday October 24, 7:30 p.m. in St. Louis, Missouri at the First Divine Church of St. Louislocated on Grand and Wyoming Admission: $10/adults, $5 students and childrenFor more information, please contact Jeanine York-Garesche atgaresche@juno.comMonday October27 at 7:30 p.m. in Carbondale, Illinois in OBF Auditorium on the campus of Southern Illinois University. Free admission. For more information, please contact Suzanne Lord atlordlord@siu.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Junaci Domovinskoga rata http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5415/1/H-Junaci-Domovinskoga-rata.html ÂJunaci Domovinskoga rataCijenjeni,Nakladnicka kuca Neobicna Naklada iz Vinkovaca u proteklih je 6 godina objavila niz knjiga na temu Domovinskog rata, naseg najplodnijeg autora ove tematike Davora Runtica. Medju objavljenim knjigama su mnogi naslovi koji su izuzetno dobro prihvaceni od strane citateljstva. Nedavno smo pokrenuli biblioteku "Junaci Domovinskoga rata" u kojoj je do sada objavljeno dvije knjige, a izuzetno su dobro prihvacene. U pripremi je treca knjiga iz ovog serijala. Takodjer, pripremamo i veliku kronologiju Domovinskoga rata u tri knjige pod zajednickim naslovom "Domovinski rat". Bit ce to jedinstvena knjiga koja ce na najopsezniji nacin prikazati sve dogadjaje koji su ratu prethodili, sam tijek rata na svim bojistima, te poslijeratno doba tzv. "mirne reintegracije" za vrijeme koje su okupatori pod zastitom mirovnih snaga UN-a nastavili pljacku i zlodjela.Vise o svim nasim izdanjima mozete vidjeti na nasoj web straniciwww.neobicnanaklada.hr .Zelja nam je doprijeti do sto veceg broja Hrvata sirom svijeta kako bismo nase knjige ponudili i njima. Ove knjige su vrijedno povijesno stivo koje govori o ljudima koji su cista srca stali u obranu domovine. Vecina ovih knjiga se temelji upravo na njihovim svjedocenjima koja je Davor Runtic godinama prikupljao u svim krajevima Hrvatske. Ti ljudi su danas zaboravljeni i prepusteni sami sebi. Mi mislimo kako je vrijeme o njima napokon progovoriti i jasno dati do znanja tko su pravi hrvatski junaci!Molimo Vas za pomoc u nasem dopiranju do Hrvata svuda u svijetu koji bi bili zainteresirani za nase knjige. Ukoliko nam zelite pomoci, slobodno nam se javite na ovaj e-mail.Zahvaljujemo se unaprijed, i lijepo Vas pozdravljamo, radujuci se buducoj suradnji!Svako dobro!S postovanjem,Hrvoje Runtic,direktor, Neobicna Naklada d.o.o.info@neobicnanaklada.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) NEW book Josip Novakovich Plum Brandy:Croatian Journeys http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5417/1/E-NEW-book-Josip-Novakovich-Plum-BrandyCroatian-Journeys.html ÂPlum Brandy: Croatian JourneysJosip NovakovichJosip Novakovich has a new book out: Plum Brandy: Croatian Journeys (White Pine Press, Buffalo, NY). A few of the pieces from the book appeared on CROWN last year, and many have appeared in a variety of journals, including the New York Times Travel Section, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Boulevard, and Iowa Review. The book is a mix of personal observation, memoir, and political and historical analysis. Phillip Lopate, the eminent American essayist, says: The triumph in this book is its narrative voice: that of a fully adult human beinng who has been places, done a lot, and knows how ludicrous and sad the world is, and he as well. The reader's pleasure issues frome very sentences, as Novakovich unveils with wry, disenchanted humor the way things are without relinquishing his ancient sense of wonder. Plum Brandy is an extraordinarily alive, enjoyable collection--the best books for far by an immensely gifted writer.You can get the book on www.amazon.com or in a large bookstore. Novakovich teaches at Penn State University. His book, Salvation and Other Disasters, won an American Book Award, a Whiting Award, and was listed as a notable book by the New York Times Book Review. Next year HarperCollins will publish his new novel and a collection of stories (entitled Infidelities: Stories of Lust and War). Feel free to get in touch with him at josipn@yahoo.com . Novakovich does not plan a book tour, but he will come to NYC in October to promote The Wild East, an anthology of stories from Eastern Europe. We will give you the dates later on. Op-edSupport Josip Novakovich by buying his book. Support artists by buying their art.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) St. Louis: Croatian Flutist to Perform October 24 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5419/1/E-St-Louis-Croatian-Flutist-to-Perform-October-24.html ÂDive Franetovic performs in St.LouisFriday October 24Renowned Croatian flutist Dive Franetovic will be performing at the First Divine Church of St. Louis at 3617 Wyoming, near Grand. Performance is scheduled to start between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10. She will be performing songs by Croatian composers. For more information please contact up is Jeanine M. York-Garesche at garesche@juno.com .CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Mariachi in Guadalajara http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5418/1/E-Croatian-Mariachi-in-Guadalajara.html ÂCroatian Mariachi in Guadalajara Posted on Sun, Sep. 14, 2003 Mariachi mania is drawing wannabes from around worldGUADALAJARA, Mexico - (AP) -- It's not easy to be a mariachi -- at least not if you're from Japan or Croatia.About 434 musicians from around the world gathered in Mexico's mariachi heartland last week to learn to walk the walk, to talk the talk -- and, please, to forget the accordions.Every year, some of the finest mariachi musicians give classes and tips to foreigners as well as locals trying to master one of the most Mexican of musical genres.''We want our mariachi to be closer to those here, to where the mariachi was born,'' said Hidejiro Mimura of the Japanese group Amigo Nippon.''We still lack a lot -- the rhythms, the words, and singing in Spanish is difficult for us, but we are doing it,'' he added.The groups get a chance to play publicly in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-most-populous city, which takes pride in its image as a center of mariachi music -- a place where bands in elaborate charro cowboy get-ups stroll the Plaza de los Mariachis offering their songs to visitors.Most groups include five to 10 musicians playing stringed instruments and trumpets, though the size of the groups can vary widely.Instructors at the yearly workshops teach traditional Mexican songs as well as some of the finer points, such as mastering a Mexican accent if you don't speak Spanish.''They have even taught us how to stand because it's not only playing but expressing to the listeners how elegant it is to form a line, whether it's curved or straight,'' said Aristides Lapuglia of Panama's Mariachi Corazon de America.Past visitors have included groups from Croatia, Italy and Australia. Most this year are from the Americas, though even Spanish-speaking visitors can offend the purists.''A lot of Latin American mariachis come to us using the accordion or flute,'' complained Cesar Carrillo Valle, the event coordinator.Sometimes local variations on a common language can get you into trouble too, noted Andres Gonzalez Lazo, a singer with the Nuevo Mariachi de Tecalitlan and a teacher.He recalled that a Venezuelan audience burst into laughter when he sang a traditional Mexican song about a marksman wooing his girlfriend.He said he was proud that people from other countries come to learn the music even if, like those from Japan, ``it is harder for them. They don't understand Spanish but they do it perfectly, even if they don't know what they are saying.''http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/6763144.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Austalian-Croatian Woman to Lead Hamburg Opera http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5420/1/E-Austalian-Croatian-Woman-to-Lead-Hamburg-Opera.html ÂSimone YoungÂThe following article from the Septemebr 9, 2003 New York Times concernsSimone Young of Australia whose mother is Croatian (as noted in the article). As further noted in the article, Young "will be the firstwoman to hold a leading position in a major European opera house."John KraljicSeptember 9, 2003Jumping Continents in the Name of OperaBy JANE PERLEZSYDNEY, Australia - There seems no end to the cheerful irreverence ofSimone Young, the Australian conductor bound for the Hamburg StateOpera. She had just finished "Otello" here in her hometown's famousscalloped opera house on the harbor, and at an after-performance suppershe ordered a sizable bowl of mashed potatoes. Oysters followed. Asplash of red wine accompanied the above. Her conversation was spunky,too. "The brass really let rip tonight; I'm very proud of them," shesaid at a restaurant table high above the opera house.After a sudden - and sensational - announcement by Opera Australia lastyear that the company would not renew Ms. Young's contract, she acceptedthe top positions at Hamburg, a trifecta of sorts: music director andgeneral manager of the opera, and director of the Hamburg PhilharmonicState Orchestra. The Australian opera board, which lured Ms. Young backfrom Europe in 2001 as a local heroine, found that her quest forambitious productions cost money beyond its pocketbook.Critics delighted in pointing out that Ms. Young was not the firstexpatriate Australian to find the cultural veneer in the nation'sboardrooms thinner than the passion for a sun-filled, sports-crazed wayof life. Now Ms. Young, 43, will be returning to a milieu that measuresits musical tradition in centuries and finances its opera at an annual$50 million, not just $10 million.She will be the first woman to hold a leading position in a majorEuropean opera house, something that Ms. Young is aware of but does notoverplay. She has big plans for Hamburg, where she has negotiated acontract starting in August 2005 that puts her in charge of the pursestrings. She has been promised an increase in the orchestra's size (to125 places from 116) and has won a small rise in the overall budget. Shewill report directly to the city's culture minister, Dana Horakova, withno general manager and no board in between. "Should they renege on theincrease in money, I have an early release clause," she said. "I don'tthink they would want to lose me early over financial dramas."She will be able to exercise her knowledge of the German repertory fromthe Romantic to well into the 20th century. Surprisingly, she said, theRing Cycle is not in the current repertory at Hamburg, and she intendsto correct that. The 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth comes the yearafter she arrives - "the only serious anniversary I'll be around for" -and it will be important to have all seven major Mozart operas ready,she said. The audience at Hamburg has a taste for new music, and Ms.Young said that, all accounts in Germany to the contrary, she wouldensure that modern works continue.Case in point: last year she staged a contemporary opera, "Lindy," aboutan Australian murder case involving a mother who claimed a wild dog tookand killed her baby while they were camping in the outback. This month anew, flashily designed production of Berg's "Lulu" opens at the SydneyOpera House. Ms. Young conducted the opera in Melbourne to rave reviewsin the spring.In a sense Ms. Young is returning to her musical roots. She leftAustralia in the mid-1980's after a childhood in the Sydney beachsidesuburb of Manly, schooling at a Roman Catholic girls' college and amusical education at the Sydney Conservatorium. Her father was Irish andher mother Croatian.Her conservatorium colleagues knew her as a gifted répétiteur with afacility for languages who could have stayed forever in an unglamorousbehind-the-scenes role in out-of-the-way Sydney. But Ms. Young hankeredfor more, and with her husband, Greg Condon, a language teacher, sheleft almost penniless for Europe. Her first break came as assistant toJames Conlon at the Cologne Opera.In 1992 Daniel Barenboim chose her as his assistant at the Berlin Opera."I am completely in awe of him," she said. She remembers a lunch breaksoon after she began work with him; she was seated at a table with"Danny" and several of his friends. "I kept thinking - this girl fromManly - how did I end up here? I didn't dare open my mouth."Her position alongside Mr. Barenboim opened the doors, in 1993, to thefamously male enclave of the Vienna State Opera, for which she conducted26 different operas. In 1997, when she was seven months pregnant withher second child, Lucie, "I conducted `Lohengrin' on the very day thatthe Vienna Philharmonic was going to take the vote on admitting women ornot," she said. "I like to think I had a little bit to do with it."She made her debut with the Hamburg Opera in 1996, with one criticapplauding her as a "sensation," and another noting her "calmdeliberation and utterly clear beat."In Australia she emerged as a vibrant personality and a compulsiveworker, able to balance her career and the lives of her two daughters -the elder, Yvan, is 16 - and her husband, who spend most of their timeat the family home in Sussex, England. Her earthiness appealed toAustralian audiences - she dressed for "Otello" in a black DKNY frockcoat and for "Lulu" in a dazzling red gown. She always wears stilettosat the podium. For the most part the musicians appreciated her intenserehearsal schedule and willingness to take risks.In "Lulu" she encouraged a little-known Australian soprano, EmmaMatthews, 31, to take the title role of the alluring actress whodestroys three husbands in two acts and who must project anextraordinary sexual energy. Ms. Matthews had never seen the opera - ithad not been staged in Australia for 11 years - and was reluctant totake on a serious drama. For Ms. Young it was a first, too, although shehad seen the opera in Europe many times. She immersed herself in Berg'slong, atonal score for two years and then told Ms. Matthews, "I willlook after you." She did. The opera opened to fine reviews.Ms. Young refused to perform Wagner at the Sydney Opera House, she said,because the orchestra pit was so confined she felt the audience wouldnever hear the music fully. While waiting for an expansion of the pit,scheduled along with a general makeover of the interior, Ms. Youngdecided to stage Wagner's comedy "Die Meistersinger" at the capaciousCapitol Theater in Sydney.When the renovated opera house pit is finished, Ms. Young plans toreturn as an occasional guest conductor, she said. Despite the publicacrimony over her forced departure, she keeps an abiding affection forher hometown. She had the satisfaction of the critics praising theproduction of "Meistersinger" and stressing, especially for the benefitof the opera board, one of the work's pertinent lines: "Look after themusic of your country because in the music lies the future of thenation."Op-ed:Artist Biography: Simone YoungBackground: Born, Australia. Studied at the Sydney Conservatorium. Music Director Opera Australia. Appointed General Manager and Music Director of the Hamburg State Opera and Music Director of the Philharmonic State Orchestra Hamburg beginning August 2005OA repertoire: The Little Mermaid, Aida, The Bamboo Flute, The Mikado, Falstaff, Tannhäuser, Don Carlo, Rigoletto, La traviata, Il trovatore, Verdi's Requiem, Simon Boccanegra, Andrea Chénier (2002 Helpmann Award: Best Musical Direction), Tristan und Isolde (2001 Green Room Award: Best Conductor: Opera), La bohème, Le nozze di Figaro, Katya Kabanova, Don Giovanni, Cavalleria rusticana, Pagliacci, Un ballo in maschera, Der Rosenkavalier, Lucia di Lammermoor, Lulu, Die Meistersinger von NürnbergOther Companies: Has a world-wide reputation as one of the leading conductors of her generation. Conducted a broad range of operatic and symphonic repertoire for major opera companies and orchestras including the Berlin Staatsoper, Cologne Opera, Vienna Staatsoper, Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Maggio Musicale in Florence, ORF Radio Orchestra Vienna, NDR Hannover, NHK Symphony Orchestra Japan, Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Chief Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra 1999-2002. Engagements with overseas orchestras and companies into 2007The Conductors' Program and Simone Young are proudly sponsored by Lion Nathan letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Rijeka's Memorial Bridge in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5421/1/E-Rijekas-Memorial-Bridge-in-New-York.html ÂRijeka's Memorial Bridge in New YorkBok Nenad,You may find this article of interest... (short reference on Rijeka's Memorial Bridge)Hope all is well,Kresohttp://www.theslatinreport.com/story.jsp?Topic=place&theStory=804open.txt===========EYES WIDE OPENby James S. Russell In Oslo, parts of a new opera house erupt in an angledtopography, creating on its waterfront site a dramaticframe for views. In London, a new city hall appears tohave plunged into the South Bank of the Thames like asleek, oval meteorite. An exhibition at Manhattan'sVan Alen Institute contends that these, as well as 18other projects from cities worldwide, are the new faceof public space ("OPEN: New Designs for Public Space,"runs through October 31st. Van Alen Institute, 30 West22nd Street, 212-924-7000).Discussions of the "public realm" almost inevitablyinduce snoozing. Isn't America content with thelargely privatized places it inhabits (which alsooften induce snoozing)? Haven't people shown theyprefer the sanitized security-patrolled mall to trulypublic crowded urban sidewalks? "OPEN" has a lot ofprejudices to overcome. This exhibition is either anostalgic wake for an idea on its last gasp - or astimulating reinvention of, as Van Alen puts it, "howwe live in cities today." While the designs avoid the tried and true, thepublic-space debate is framed by executive directorRaymond Gastil and exhibition curator Zoë Ryan interms that are too traditional. Certainly there shouldbe places to stage protests, for example, but thisdoes not make a compelling case to officials (protesttargets) or taxpayers (who are usually disinteresteduntil they find themselves participating in protest).Americans don't readily engage in the "ballet of thestreets" romanticized by Jane Jacobs, but we do useand need public places in ways we fail too often torecognize. In this respect, "OPEN" stimulates.With the exception of the handsome and dignifiedMemorial Bridge in Rijeka, Croatia, by 3LHD, there isalmost nothing here of the traditional urbanembellishments that have long defined public-realmdesign. The exhibition implies that plazas, parks,boulevards and street furniture are old hat. Some examples on view reinvent the idea of publicspace. The A13 Highway Project in London, by de PaorArchitects, uses a series of artworks to animate theeddies of dead acreage left over from freeways. In thesubterranean corridors of a subway in Korea, Cho Sladehas carved a tiny but inviting play space. Will anyonebe tempted to explore the undulating city-block-sizedlandscape of pylons that Peter Eisenman has designedas Berlin's Memorial to the Murdered Jews? It's aspace that may serve its purpose by its veryuninvitingness. Even the interpretive center, insistedon by local officials, is essentially invisible,buried under the field of markers. Some of these projects - most of which are not locatedin the U.S. - seem near desperate efforts to engagethe public. The interlocking geodesic blobs floatingin the Mur River in Graz, Austria, certainly put thepedestrian bridge in a new, if distinctly Martianlight. (It's by the artist/designer Vito Acconci,whose work exemplifies the attention-getting means bywhich Graz is trying to pump itself up as Europe's2003 City of Culture.) Ponte Parodi, a proposal by theRotterdam-based UN Studio for Genoa, Italy, roofs amultilayered activity-laden pier with an elaborate,manmade green topography. The Oslo Opera House, bySnohetta Architects, which will open in 2005, alsofalls into the undulating roof realm. But it evolves aproven prototype, the Sydney Opera House, whichsucceeds superbly as public space and urban icon. Then there are some exhilarating yet hit-and-missattempts to create something new. The fractalizedsurfaces of Federation Square, in Melbourne, aregratuitously decorative, but behind thehyperventilating facades is a large, ambitious andsuccessful public/private effort. (It was completedlast year by Lab Architecture.) With a colorfullystepped plaza and a long arcade enclosed in a 3Dpolygonal fretwork, it draws downtown Melbourne acrossa vast railyard to a riverside park. A spectacularcounterpoint to the handsome Beaux Arts waterfront ofLiverpool is the Fourth Grace, a faceted,multicolored, robotic cloud that crouches menacinglyat the river's edge. This concoction is by Will Alsop,whose brightly colored blobs on stilts long seemedwinsome. Grace is exactly what seems to have gonemissing here, as Alsop's work moves in an increasinglyobsessive, hyperbolic direction. A far more traditional - yet quite effective - use ofpublic space is represented by a number of poignantinternational projects: The Favela Bairro projectcarves out recreational and gathering spaces of a kindthat would be taken for granted in most developedcities, yet they are blessings indeed in the densehomemade slums of Rio de Janeiro. On paper, Bogota'sAlameda El Provenir is an ordinary 11-mile bike andpedestrian trail. Little about it signals the presenceof "Design!" Instead, its power derives from thecreation, by Felipe Gonzalez of MGP Arquitectura yurbanismo, of a unifying and welcoming public armaturein an urban and rural landscape of unplannedindifference. Such projects do what public space usedto do when poverty and lack of air conditioning madethe streets an extension of (or stand-in for) theliving room. The relevance of these and similar projects tocontemporary America is not obvious until youencounter Walter Hood's work in Macon, Georgia. Hoodhas transformed a neglected boulevard of park blocksby weaving a skein of new activities into them afteran intense and solidarity-building collaboration withresidents on neighboring blocks. Who needs public space? Teenagers do, for example, butswarming 16-year-olds do not a public place make. InEurope, many shopping streets, squares, and plazas arebusy enough and diverse enough that kids can hang outin a genuinely public place, be part of the life ofthe city, and yet have a bit of privacy. In America,kids' lives are either scheduled every moment or notscheduled at all, leaving ample time to hang out inwhat acts as public space: convenience-store parkinglots or mall concourses. If you think of the possibilities in how people usethese places, not just how they are designed, you canimagine a new view of public space emerging. The workof such art photographers as Thomas Struth and AndreasGursky, make peculiarly monumental art out ofcontemporary places of assembly: rock concerts,blockbuster museum shows, the vast anonymity of theatrium hotel. One can see a kindred spiritednessaround the edges of much of the work exhibited,suggesting that public space works best when it openspossibilities rather than when it coerces engagement.The most important contribution of the work on view,however, is to blow away the smoke of do-goodery thatitself obscures the evolving possibilities of theplaces urban people share. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 31 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Choreographer debuts in Massachusetts this weekend http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5422/1/E-Croatian-Choreographer-debuts-in-Massachusetts-this-weekend.html ÂAmerican debut Irma Omerzo a Croatian modern-dance choreographerThis event is this weekend. It comes from today's NY Times. John KraljicJACOB'S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL. Batoto Yetu, a New York-based company ofchildren from 6 to 18, will dance and drum in Julio Leitao's "Nzinga" atthe Ted Shawn Theater. Tonight at 8; tomorrow at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at2 p.m. Ted Shawn Theater. Tickets: $35 (matinees); $40 (evenings); $10for children 13 and under (all performances). At the Doris Duke StudioTheater, Irma Omerzo, a Croatian modern-dance choreographer making herAmerican debut, will present a dance about love. Tonight at 8:15;tomorrow at 2:15 and 8:15 p.m.; Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets: $20. Freeevents include "Marge's and Matt's Movies," an illustrated talk by showdancers Marge Champion and Matt Mattox, tomorrow at 4 p.m. at theBlake's Barn, and performances at 6:30 p.m. by Bill Young & Dancers(tonight) and Pillow student jazz dancers (tomorrow) at the SimonPerformance Space. Jacob's Pillow, George Carter Road, Becket, Mass.,(413) 243-0745 or www.jacobspillow.org (Dunning).Op-ed:Irma Omerzo - dancer and choreographer; in 1991 she graduated from the Centre Nationale de Danse Contemporaine d'Angers in France. In Paris, she first assisted in projects by choreographer Andy Degroat in company Red Not's, and then joined the DCA company under artistic direction of Philippe Decoufle in 1993. There she danced in Petite Piece Montee, Denise, Decodex, Ceremonie de Festival de Film a Cannes, Abracadabra, Triton 2ter, and Shazam. As assistant of the choreographer Philippe Decoufle she worked on Shazam and Cyrk 13. As choreographer she created the short pieces: Veza (quartet), Symphony of Fresh Fruits Falling in Cascades (quartet), and I Love Bean Soup (solo). Mi-Nous is her first full-length show. After the creation of Mi-Nous in 2001, she founded Compagnie MARMOT.Irma Omerzo, Draskoviceva 62, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia,irma.omerzo@zg.hinet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Vlado Franjevic na 2. izlozbi svjetske grafike u Sofiji http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5424/1/H-Vlado-Franjevic-na-2-izlozbi-svjetske-grafike-u-Sofiji.html ÂVlado Franjevic sudjelovao na 2. izlozbi svjetske grafike (mini format) u SofijiOd 24.6-10.7.2003. mogla se razgledati grafika malog formata u nacionalnom domu kulture, u Lessedra - organizaciji (www.lessedra.com) u Sofiji, Bugarska. Na toj skupnoj izlozbi bili su izlozeni radovi od 155 autora iz 33 zemlje. Vlado Franjevic iz Triesena u Knezevini Lihtenstajn izlozio je svoje tri digitalne grafike na tekstilu - ,iz ciklusa: tribute to Yogyakarta'. Franjevic je bio na otvaranju same izlozbe te proveo u Bugarskoj gotovo dva tjedna u kojima je izmedju ostalog posjetio vodecu graficku radionicu u Plovdivu, drugi po velicini grad u Bugarskoj, gdje su bile tiskane njegove tri grafike. Procitajte on-line izdanje (engleska verzija) o istoj priredbi:www.worldprintmakers.com/english/lessend.htm Autor publikacije je dr. Arafat Al-Naim.Pored Franjevica i mnogih bugarskih graficara otvaranju izlozbe je prisustvovao takodje i japanski graficar Masahiro Fukuda. On je bio proslogodisnji prvonagradnjeni u Sofiji kao sto je ove godine i prvonagradjeni na grafickom trienalu u Splitu, pa ga je poziv na prijem u Veleposlanstvo RH-e u Sofiji posebno veselilo. Na isti je prijem (a koji je uprilicen povodom dana drzavnosti) dosao dakako u drustvu svoje supruge, Franjevica te Georgija Koleva (Lessedra).www.artnet.li/vlado www.konture.com/gallery letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Arts Media Kick Back Cro-Style in LA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5423/1/E-Croatian-Arts-Media-Kick-Back-Cro-Style-in-LA.html ÂC.A.M.E.O.Croatian Arts Media & Entertainment OrganizationDear C.A.M.E.O. Members and Friends,Looking forward to see you again next Wednesday (August 13th!) in the Casablanca Room,Spread the Word!!!Kick Back Cro-StyleEvery 2nd Wednesday of the MonthNetwork With Other Croats, Croatian-Americans & Friends in The Art and Entertainment Industry!The Cat and The FiddleCasablanca Room6530 W. Sunset Blvd.Between Cahuenga and HighlandWednesday, August 13th7:30 PMAnd, as always, if you have any questions and/or suggestions, please send us an email at Cameo1997@aol.com. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) P. T. Anderson glavna nagrada Motovunskog Filmskog Festivala http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5425/1/H-P-T-Anderson-glavna-nagrada-Motovunskog-Filmskog-Festivala.html  P. T. Anderson dobio glavnu nagradu Motovunskog Filmskog Festivala Â'Dosao sam ovdje zbog tartufa' Glavnu nagradu 5. Motovun film festivala Propeler Motovuna osvojio je americki film 'Pijani od ljubavi' Paula Thomasa Andersona, objavio je u petak organizator Festivala MOTOVUN - Hrvatskom filmu 'Svjedoci' Vinka Bresana dodijeljena je nagrada Od A do A za najbolji film iz regije 'od Albanije do Austrije'. Ta se nagrada ove godine dodjeljuje prvi put, sa svrhom da potakne distribuciju filmova u 'zemljama regije'. Posebno priznanje ziri je dao islandskom filmu 'Noi the Albino' Dagura Karija. Te tri nagrade za glavni program dodijelio je ziri u kojem su bili predsjednik vijeca Europske filmske akademije Nick Powell, filmski teoreticar Daniel J. Goulding, filmski redatelj Srdan Dragojevic i knjizevnik Ante Tomic. Nagradu FIPRESCI, koju dodjeljuje medunarodni ziri filmskih kriticara, dobio je brazilski film 'Margaretino slavlje' redatelja Renata Falcaoa. Najboljim filmom u programu Motovun online, programu kratkih filmova na Internetu, proglasen je maddarski film 'Eso Utan' Petera Meszarosa. Tu nagradu, tisucu eura, dodjeljuje HTnet. Propeler Motovuna je statua likovnog umjetnika Nedjeljka Mikca, a nagrada Od A do A sastoji se od po pet tisuca eura za redatelja i jednako toliko za pomoc u distribuciji nagradenog filma. Jubilarni motovunski filmski festival zavrsio je u petak navecer urucenjem nagrada.Source: http://www.htnet.hr/fset.htmlThe Motovun Film Festival can be found online at http://www.motovunfilmfestival.com.Paul Thomas Anderson won the main award for his film PIJANI OD LJUBAVI / PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE, featuring Adam Sandler. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 03 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Genealogy Handbook http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5426/1/E-Croatian-Genealogy-Handbook.html  Handbook "Searching for YourCroatianRoots"ÂThis handbook, now in its 4th edition, was originally designed for my seminars but people who couldn't make the seminars began to ask for it. The book is designed to help with understanding Croatia from a historical perspective to aid our search, how and where to find info plus lots of other useful information. The handbook has evolved into a very tutorial format, with lots of graphic examples to go along with the text. Here are content and ordering details:Contents overviewHistory of Croatia, origin of CroatiansHow our ancestors lived in the "old country" Croatian immigration to America, the four waves The immigrant journey to America How they lived in America Getting Started with your family tree Dos and don'ts Locating records (in the US and in Europe) Immigrant ship manifests Records in Croatia Birth records Marriage records Death records US census recordsFinding records in Croatia A sample letter for writing to churches to ask for family records A sample letter for writing for birth, marriage and other info from Municipal offices (Opcine Ured) Translating Croatian records List of key words (more key words added) including occupations used on church and civil records including English, Croatian and Latin translation. NEW! List of places in Croatia where microfilm records are available in the US. NEW ! Floppy disc with Croatian Fonts for Windows NEW! Floppy disc with all Croatian city/town/village names and their Postal (ZIP) Codes Translation of given names (inc Croatian, English, Latin and Italian) Meaning of surnames and categories of surnames Figuring Family relationships Internet linksIf you are interested in this book please contact Robert Jerin via email for cost and ordering details. rjerin26@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 02 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatians On The Stamps Of The World http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5428/1/E-Croatians-On-The-Stamps-Of-The-World.html ÂCroatian Heritage FoundationThe Croatian Heritage Foundation branch from Split ( or in Croatian - Hrvatska matica iseljenika ) celebrates the 50th anniversary and because of this fastive occasion, has organized the exhibition under the title ''CROATIANS ON THE STAMPS OF THE WORLD''. The exhibition has been created thanks to cooperation of this office with the Philatelic Club ''Split'' , so the authors were the president of the club Mr. Pjero Baranovic and the chief of the Matica's office in Split, Mrs Branka Bezic Filipovic. The opening of the exhibition will be on Tuesday, July 29th 2003. at Hrvatska matica iseljenika, Nodilova 1/ II ; 21000 Split, Croatia at 20 hours. It will be inaugurated by the deputy mayor Mr Zeljko Sikirica.As Croatian people are not numerous, it is quite surprising that the world philatelic has given them so much space. The most numerous are the stamps with the image of president Tito, who was obviously popular at his time as well as the ones with the image of the scientist Nikola Tesla. The exhibition begins with a special occasional envelope, designed by Branka Bezic Filipovic, which shows a back side of a boat full of people, which symbolically shows how Croatians were leaving their homes in the past looking for the better lives.The exhibition is divided into sections. Some show art, literature, music, scientist, saints, sportsman and other interesting people. As for this office, the most interesting are the scientist Ivan Vucetic from Hvar who lived in Argentina where he has invented daktiloscopic method and another one Simon Martinic from Brac who was the founder of the philatelic in Bolivia.We can mention a couple of them more :Franz von Supe- who was born in Split, Croatia in 1819. and studied medicine in Italy. But his love for music brought him in Wienna where he has studied music and later became a composer using Dalmatian folk music in his classical works.Paola Preradovic, grand daughter of Croatian poet Petar Preradovic. She was born in Wienna in 1887 and she was a writer. It is interesting that she is the author of the lyrics of the hymn of the Republic of Austria.Pope Sixtus V. who was born in Krusevica in 1520. and was a successful pope for 5 years. Nikola Tesla who was born in Smiljane, Lika in 1856. and has invented electricity. Faust Vrancic born in Sibenik in 1551, and has invented the parachute.The exhibition will be opened until September .Branka Bezic Filipovicbbezicfi@inet.hr Nikola TeslaNikola Tesla, one of greatest inventors of all times, gave his name to tesla unit of magnetic induction in the metre-kilogram-second system of physical units. Nikola Tesla was the recipient of many awards and he refused them; among others awards he rejected the Nobel Prize too. He left 112 different patents: electric motors, transformers, transmitters of electric energy, high frequency techniques, radio techniques, telemechanics, turbines, hydromechanics and a number of non-announced patent rights. His almost unexplored inheritance houses his papers and 70-100.000 his laboratory notes written by his own hand. Tesla was born on July 9/10, 1856, in Smiljan (Lika). He attended elementary school at Gospic, high school at Karlovac and the prestigious Technical University at Graz. He went to work in Budapest and Paris, in 1883 he constructed his first induction motor. Unable to continue with the electric motor development in Europe, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1884. In 1887 he sold the patent rights to his polyphase system of alternating-current dynamos, transformers and motors to George Westinghouse. Tesla had been called the genius who ushered in the power age. He died in New York City (1943). Source: Croatian Post and Telecommunications  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Media And Society Dubrovnik, 24 - 29 August, 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5427/1/E-Media-And-Society-Dubrovnik-24---29-August-2003.html MEDIA AND SOCIETYInter-University Centre Dubrovnik, 24 August -29 August, 2003The 15 th Annual International Communication Course & ConferenceÂMEDIA AND SOCIETYÂDubrovnik, 24 August – 29 August, 2003Course & Conference ProgrammeInter-University Centre DubrovnikDon Frane BuliÃa 4Tel.: 00385/20/413-626Fax: 00385/20/413-628E-mail: iuc@du.tel.hr www.iuc.hr www.unizd.hr President of the Organizing Committe: Prof.dr.sc.Mario PlenkoviÃmplenkovic@yahoo.com ,mplenkov@grf.hr Accomodation with special rates in the Hotel ÂLeroÂ:1 single /HB = 58.- EUR1 double /HB = 42.- EURPut I. VojnoviÃa 1420 000 Dubrovnik /CroatiaTel. 00385/20/332-022Fax: 00385/20/332-123; E-mail: hotel-lero@du.tel.hrCourse fee for the participants: 35 EUR or 250.- KnSunday, 24/8Check-in and Registration in the ÂLero Hotel9.00 p.m. Welcome drink at the ÂLero Hotel given by the Course Directors: Mario Plenkovic (Croatia), Bogomir Horvat (Slovenia), James Leigh (Cyprus), Bonita Dostal Neff (USA), France Vreg (Slovenia)Monday, 25/8Symposium venue: Inter-University Centre & Hotel Lero10:00 - 13:00 MEDIA, POLITICS AND PUBLIC OPINION Moderation: Bogomir Horvat (Slovenia), James Leigh (Cyprus), Mario Plenkovià (Croatia)Contributors:Thomas Bauer (Austria – University of Vienna): The Cultural-Theoretical Analysis of Communication – Conditions, Challenge, Expectations and LimitsFrance Vreg (Slovenia- University of Ljubljana): Media, Elections and Political MarketingMaja Âitinski-Âoljià (Croatia – University of Split) : Journalism as an Industry versus Journalism as a ProfessionAleksandar Halmi (Croatia – University of Zagreb): Qualitative Analysis in Communication ResearchVlado SuÂac (Croatia – University of Zadar): Public TV in CroatiaDiscussion13:00 Cocktail given by Mrs. Berta DragiÃevià - Executive Director of IUCTuesday, 26/810:00 - 13:00 MEDIA AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONModeration: Bonita Dostal Neff (USA), Sonja Sibila Lebe (Slovenia), Juraj Plenkovià (Croatia)Contributors:Âeljko Hutinski & Boris Aurer (Croatia – University of Zagreb): Security Preconditions of the Business CommunicationsKsenija Ãulo (Croatia – University of Osijek): E-Business in Media and PrintingIvanka Avelini-Holjevac (Croatia – University of Rijeka): Business-Ethics – A Dimension of Quality and of SocietyDinka Krstulovià (USA – New York University): Media Ethics and Business CommunicationMajda Tafra (Croatia – PR Manager /Coca-Cola): Role of Business in Creating a Culture of Community and DialogueDiscussion9.30 p.m. – Welcome Drink at the Lero Hotel for the Postgraduate Students / University of Zadar; Meeting with Mario Plenkovià & Josip Vidakovià & Bogomir HorvatOBLIGATORY PROGRAMME FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS - UNIVERSITY OF ZADAR (MODUL VII – 27.8.-29.8.2003)Wednesday, 27/8Inter-University Centre9:30 - 13:00 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND THE GLOBALIZATION PROCESSModeration: Thomas Bauer (Austria), France Vreg (Slovenia), Vlado SuÂac (Croatia)Salomi Papadima-Sophocleous (Cyprus – Intercollege University of Nicosia): A Web of Intercultural CommunicationJames Leigh (Cyprus – University College / Nicosia): Babylon in a Mirror: Intercultural and Supracultural Communication in a Globalized World?Maria Economidou-Kogetsides (Cyprus – University College / Nicosia): Requesting in a Second/Foreign Language: The Use of Film for Developing Pragmatic Awareness in the Language ClassroomMaria Michailidis (Cyprus – University College / Nicosia): The Challenges of Cross-Cultural Communication: A Client Centered Approach in the Business WorldMichael Hajimichael (Cyprus – University College / Nicosia): Tolerance and Multiculturalism through Music and PoetryDiscussionSpecial Topics on Communication Science for Postgraduate Students:16,15 -17,00: France Vreg (University of Ljubljana)17,15 -18,00: Thomas Bauer (University of Vienna)18,15-19,00: Bonita Dostal Neff (University of Valparaiso)19.15 – 20,00: Mario Plenkovià (University of Zagreb)Thursday, 28/8Inter-University Centre10:00-13:00 PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SOCIETY Moderation: Bogomir Horvat (Slovenia), Ante Gavranovià (Croatia), Jelenka VoÃkiÃ-Avdagià (Bosnia & Herzegovina)Contributors:Bonita Dostal Neff (USA – University of Valparaiso): Public Relations Theory: Communication As the Metatheoretical Basis of the DisciplineAnte Gavranovià (Croatia – Croatian Journalism Associations): PR in CroatiaPR-Workshop: 1. The Concept of Leadership in Public Relations2. Community and Crisis CommunicationDiscussionSpecial Topics on Communication Science for Postgraduate Students:16.15 – 19.30 : James Leigh (Intercollege University – Nicosia)Friday, 29/8Inter-University Centre9:00 – 10.00 COMMUNICATION AND TOURISM Moderation: Jozsef Györkös (Slovenia), Josip Vidakovià (Croatia), Aleksandar Halmi (Croatia)Contributors:Sonja Sibila Lebe (Slovenia – University of Maribor): Tourism in Slovenian MediaÃani Bunja (Croatia – University of Zadar): Development of Communication Startegies in Tourism IndustryMelita Cvitanovià (Croatia – University of Zadar): Behavioral Culture in TourismDiscussion10.30 – 11.30 GLOBAL INFORMATION SOCIETYModeration: Âeljko Hutinski (Croatia), Dinka Krstulovià (USA), Maja Âitinski Âoljià (Croatia)Contributors:Jozsef Györkös (Slovenia – Ministry of Information Society): Key Challenges of Information Society: Participation, Trust and SecurityBoris Aurer & Âeljko Hutinski (Croatia – University of Zagreb): Internet and SocietyJuraj Plenkovià (Croatia – University of Rijeka): Scientific Characteristics and New Technologies Discussion11.30 – 13.00 INTERDICIPLINARY ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATIONModeration: Boris Aurer (Croatia), Ksenija Ãulo (Croatia), Ãani Bunja (Croatia)Contributors:Josip Vidakovià & Ana Âtrkalj (Croatia – University of Zadar): Historical Review of Printed Media in Âibenik – 19th and 20th CenturyLoredana Kun (Canada – York University Toronto): The Convergent Media in LiteratureMarija MarinoviÃ, Marina ÃiÃin Âain, Alka Lustig-Korin (Croatia – University of Rijeka): Media as Children's Everyday LifeLjubica BakiÃ-Tomià (Croatia – University of Zagreb): Communication Aspects in the Police Management Discussion13:00 – 13.30 ConclusionsGrant of Symposium CertificationsMario Plenkovic (Croatia) & Bogomir Horvat (Slovenia)mplenkovic@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) SUNDAY Klapa Tradition Again on 164 NPR US Radio & Webcast http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5429/1/E-SUNDAY-Klapa-Tradition-Again-on-164-NPR-US-Radio--Webcast.html ÂThe Klapa Tradition - LIVE Radio and Webcast -Croatian Music on NPRThe Klapa Tradition: After the best response in the 25 years history of the show, some weeks back, we are following up with music from the ancient secular tradition from Croatia featuring stunning male part-songs.We hear the performances from this week from the Klapa NavaliaSingers, featuring the selections from Novaljo, Novaljo and Klapa Fortunalfeaturing the selections from Fire on the Sea produced by Nenad Bach. List of Radio Stations and Dates of Broadcast that carry Millennium of Music show . Local Times. Europe (Croatia) should add 6 Hours from New York (Eastern Standard Time). England 5 hours from New York. Australia 12-1 4 hours. If your radio doesn't reach any of the stations, check Webcast or even better, CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS for the accurate time.Another Hour of Croatian Music on American National Public Radio!Live Webcast - Klapa Tradition- Millennium of MusicSunday July 27th 2003LIVE WEBCAST - Millennium of Music on Sunday July 27th 2003Klapa TraditionOne Hour of Croatian Music on National Public RadioHosted by Robert Aubry Davis.Featuring Klapa Navalia and Klapa FortunalMusic produced by Nenad Bach, for Nenad Bach Music LtdTradicija Klapskog pjevanjaSunday July 27th 2003 Nedjelja 27 Srpnja 2003http://www.weta.org/fm/live.html Sunday 10 PM EST (New York), 7 PM West Coasthttp://www.wclv.com/skin/feature.php?sectionId=184 Sunday 11 PM EST, 8 PM West Coasthttp://www.allclassical.org/ Sunday 11 AM Eastern ST (New York) 8 AM West CoastU Hrvatskoj u 5 Poslije Podne na http://www.allclassical.org/ * East Coast is New York, USA. West Coast is Los Angeles, United States of AmericaCDs that will be broadcast are available at www.NenadBach.com Novaljo, Novaljo - Klapa NavaliaFire on the Sea - Klapa Fortunal List of Radio Stations and Dates of Broadcast that carry Millennium of Music show . Local Times. Europe (Croatia) should add 6 Hours from New York (Eastern Standard Time). England 5 hours from New York. Australia 12-1 4 hours. If your radio doesn't reach any of the stations, check Webcast in the next letter.One Hour of Croatian Music on American National Public Radio!Millenium of Music: Hosted by Robert Aubry DavisStations: 78Repeaters: 86Total: 164ALASKAKBRW, Barrow Sunday @ 12PM ( March 2nd, 2003)ARKANSASKXRJ, Russellville Tuesday @ 11AMCALIFORNIAKNYR, Yreka Sunday @ 9AMCOLORADOKCME, Colorado Springs TBAoCanon CityoManitou SpringsoFlorenceoSalidaCONNECTICUTWMNR, Monroe Sunday @ 9PM ( March 2nd, 2003)WGRS, GuilfordWRXC, SheltonWGSK, South KentoFairfieldoNew HavenoNew LondonoOld SaybrookoWarrenoHuntingtonoSag Harbor, NY NEW YORK ( March 2nd, 2003)oSouthampton, NYoMt. Kisco, NYDISTRICT OF COLUMBIAWETA, Washington Sunday @ 10PM WEBCAST too (check next letter)FLORIDAWFSQ, Tallahassee Sunday @ 5pmoNorth TallahasseeoThomasville, GAHAWAIIKHPR, Honolulu Wednesday @ 10pmKKUA, WalukaKANO, HilooBig IslandoHaleakalaoKaveioKonaoMauioMolokaioOahuoSchoefield BarracksoWallukaILLINOISWVIK, Rock Island Sunday @ 5AM oDubuque, IAWEIU, Charleston TBAINDIANAWPUM, Rensallear TBAIOWAKSUI, Iowa City Saturday @ 11PMoDubuqueKANSASKHCC, Wichita Sunday @ 5AMKHCD, SalinaKHCT, Great BendLOUISIANAKRVS, LaFayette Thursday @ 1PMoLake CharlesMARYLANDWETH, Hagerstown Sunday @ 10PMMICHIGANWIAA, Interlochen Sunday @ 7pmWIZY, East JordanoTraverse CityMISSOURIKXMS, Joplin Sunday @ 8AMKXCV, Maryville Monday @ 8PMKRNW, ChillicotheNEBRASKAKTNE, Alliance Sunday @ 6AMKMNE, BassettKCNE, ChadronKHNE, HastingsKLNE, LexingtonKUCV, LincolnoColumbusoCulbertsonoFall CityoHarrisonoMaxoMcCookoLaramieKRNE, MerrimanKXNE, NorfolkKPNE, North PlatteNEW MEXICOKSJE, Farmington Sunday @ 8AM NEW YORKWXLH, Blue Mountain Lake Friday @ 9PMWSLU, CantonWSLO, MaloneWXLG, North CreekWXLU, PeruWSLL, Saranac LakeWSLJ, WatertownoLake PlacidoLong LakeoLowvilleoTupper LakeoThousand IslandsoKeene WNED, Buffalo Wednesday @ 10PMWNJA, JamestownWXXI, Rochester Sunday @ 7PMWJSL, HoughtonoSag Harbor, NY NEW YORK ( March 2nd, 2003)oSouthampton, NYoMt. Kisco, NY 88.9 FM Sunday July 27th 2003 @ 9 PMOHIOWCLV, Cleveland Sunday @ 11 PM WEBCAST too WBKC, Painesville Thursday @ 9PMWDPR, Dayton TBAWDPG, GreenvilleWOSU, Columbus Sunday @ 5PMWOSE, CoschoctonWOSB, BryanWOSV, MansfieldWOSP, PortsmouthoCoschoctonOREGONKWAX, Eugene Friday @ 6PMKWVZ, FlorenceKWRX, RedmondoBendoNewportoSalemoSun River oReedsportKSOR, Ashland Sunday @ 9AMKSRG, Ashland KSRS, RoseburgKOOZ, Myrtle Point/Coos BayKNHT, Rio Dell - EurekaoBandon oBig Bend oBurneyoBeaver MarshoBrookingsoCamas ValleyoCanyonvilleoCrescent City oCallahanoCave JunctionoCoquilleo ChiloquinoCoos BayoHappy CampoGasquetoDunsmuiroEtnaoFort JonesoGlideoGrants PassoGold BeachoKlamath FallsoLa PineoLakeviewoLangloisoLincolnoRoseburgoSixesoSutherlinoWeedoReddingoTulelakeoMcCloudoMt. ShastaoPort OrfordoMerrill oMalinKBPS, Portland Sunday @ 8AMKQHR, Ft. HoodPENNSYLVANIAWMCE, Erie Wednesday @ 11AM & Sunday @ 5AMoEriePUERTO RICOWIPR-AM, San Juan TBAWIPR-FM, San Juan TEXAS KEDT, Corpus Christi Sunday @ 9AMKVRT, VictoriaKMBH, Harlingen Sunday @ 11AMKHID, McAllenKOHM, Lubbock TBAUTAHKBYU, Provo Saturday @ 10PMoSpanish ForkoFranklin County, IDVIRGINIAWMRY, Charlottesville Sunday @ 6AMWMRA, HarrisonburgWMRL, LexingtonWMLU, FarmvilleoWinchesterWEMC, Harrisonburg TBDWODU, Norfolk TBD letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian choreographer to debut in America http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5431/1/E-Croatian-choreographer-to-debut-in-America.html ÂIrma Omerzo at the Doris Duke Studio Theatre in Becket, MassachusettsFrom Croatia, Irma Omerzo brings "Mi-Nous," an intimate dance duet of love and renewal to the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival at the Doris Duke Studio Theatrein Becket, Massachusetts, August 7-10. Both shows are at 8:15 p.m. "Mi-Nous" is a Croatian pet-name meaning "we-kittens." The work is about relationships interrupted by distance and international boundaries and is partly inspired by autobiographical events, from when Omerzo leftZagreb, Croatia to study modern dance in France, while her boyfriend stayed behind. The two dancers in Mi-Nous present moments and vignettes of a relationship, conveying a romantic story that is in turns touching, witty and altogether familiar. The Jacob's Pillow Web site www.jacobspillow.org describes the piece: "Two lovers drift together and come apart amidst an ambient, electronic soundscape.Subtle movements give way to complex partnerings, telling the story of a relationship in this touching and witty piece."Novi list" (Croatia) wrote, "Mi-Nous is a wisely choreographed, skillful, [and] emotional...piece.""Vijenac" (Croatia) calls it "an open-hearted piece which captivates by its tenderness, subtlety, accomplishment and - artistic integrity" letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 22 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) An Englishman sponsors Croatian pianist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5430/1/E-An-Englishman-sponsors-Croatian-pianist.html ÂAn Englishman sponsors Croatian pianistÂPLAYING TO A FULL HOUSE BY SIMON MCGEE12:00 - 30 June 2003 A Gifted young pianist traveled more than 1,500 miles to thank the Notts man who changed her life.Peter Hallam is paying thousands of pounds a year so Croatian Duda Vukalovic can study at the Moscow Conservatoire, the world's top music school. And 18-year-old Duda thanked the retired businessman by giving a private recital in the living room of his Burton Joyce home.Mr Hallam, the former managing director of Hy-Ram engineering in Mansfield, once had ambitions to be a concert pianist himself.So when he heard Duda play at the home of a colleague during a business trip toCroatia three years ago, he knew she was something special."She played for us on an old, rickety, almost-upright piano, the only piece offurniture in her bedroom other than her bed," he said."And she was incredible. Her runs up and down the keyboard were fast, they wereeven in tone and tempo and her musicality was obvious."Duda, already recognized as a prodigious talent in her country, began playingat eight and by the age of 14 had performed a piano concerto with the nationalorchestra.But her ambition of studying at the Moscow Conservatoire seemed an impossibledream as her family were of modest means living in a tenement block.But Mr Hallam was so impressed by Duda that he returned home determined to help."Some people buy horses or yachts," he said."I decided to support Duda because music is my love and I thought it was such apity that she wouldn't have a chance if she'd stayed in Croatia."I've got my own family, I'm happy and we can handle the cost."It's a nice thing to be in a position to do and it certainly makes me feel good to be able to help her. "She's a smashing girl and almost like a daughter to me."Duda has spent the last two years at the Conservatoire's preparatory school thanks to Peter. He picks up all her tuition, boarding, and travel fees, whichhe modestly said came to "a few thousand a year".After her recital for Mr Hallam and 30 guests, who were treated to Chopin, Mozart and Liszt, Duda said: "Peter's a great guy because there are lots of people who have money but don't do anything with it."I wouldn't be where I am without him."I want to play music and prove myself as a pianist."Duda, who plays the piano for six hours a day and can speakCroatian, Russian, German and English, added:"I've been lucky and I'm really thankful that people like him exist."Duda, from the city of Varazdin, has one year left of the school before goingto the Conservatoire, where Tchaikovsky was once a teacher and Rachmaninov a student. She expects to study there for five years, but refuses to be drawn on what she will do afterwards."I could say I want to play in Carnegie Hall but that's silly," she said."I don't know where I'll be in five years' time so there's no point worrying about it."From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 22 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Stories - BALLAD OF THE MINERS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5432/1/E-Croatian-Stories---BALLAD-OF-THE-MINERS.html  BALLAD OF THE MINERS by Ivo Tasovac"So much Autumn, so many memories,should the head in a melancholy promenade,through beings and and objects, fallon someone's shoulders, descend softly uponthe unknown transient with the words: I should like youto be good, or to become so if you are evil as so manyothers, for the Autumn is here and one should listento its voices." Frano Alfirevic The graveyard was located about two miles east of the original mining colony of Park City in Utah, which because of its mineral wealth attracted, at the turn of the twentieth century, many Croats from the Lika regions to this part of the New World. I had heard a lot about the miners and their graveyard but this was the first time I could visit it and see it with my own eyes. After an early Sunday morning mass. I was driving alone towards Park City. I deliberately took a longer drive through the Emigration canyon and the Wasatch Mountains. The smell of incense still hung in my nostrils to be gradually replaced, as i was zigzagging up the mountain, by the smell of dying Summer. The day was soft and the mountain, turning its color from green into red was soothing. At this time of the year it was a majestic sight . The Autumn beauty, stretched from the bottom to the top of the mountain, and beyond to the next, looked like a surrealistic garment, woven by magic hands of an unseen mountain fairy. Indeed, I felt how someone's head, in a melancholy promenade, was falling upon me the unknown transient....And I wanted to be good and to listen to the voices of the Autumn.... After an hour or two of driving, I found myself standing in the middle of the graveyard. In contrast to the surrounding mountains, this place could hardly give you a spiritual uplift at first sight. The broken crosses and tombstones around me , reminded me of the battles long since forgotten. The graves, like frightened children of the darkness, were squeezed together afraid to cry aloud. I noticed that only along the freeway the cemetery was protected by rusty barbed wire, the rest of it was open for the cows and horses to graze freely. The nearby grave with "fresh" flowers, plastic roses, that is, attracted my attention. Some scrambled letters were chiseled into the stone: " OVDE OPOCIVA U MIRU BOZIJEM FRANE BUSIJA RODEN 2 JULY UMRA 19 FEB. 1924." There was no year of his birth. I was surprised because when I met the old Busija, he'd never told me about his dead son. He'd told me in rather a strange language, a mixtureof bad English and bad Croatian, many stories about other Croatian miners dead and buried. ''Sure, sure, rankane moj, you go down , seegraveyard down below ...those car ronaju by, and you fajind all Crowtsand bingo". I took me awhile to get straight what he wanted to say,particularly the bingo business which he used, I finally realized, as hisexclamation point.From somewhere the wind was blowing . I smelled the earthblended with the redolence of human bones. I moved around from grave tograve. Among the miners from Croatia there were those from Ireland, Norway.Sweden, Germany, Greece and some Jews were buried with them as well.Apparently, no one thought it extraordinary to be buried all together.They all found eternal peace in this sticky clay , while theywere alive, they all ''barked'' at each other, as the old Busija had putit. ''You don't know no English and the Greek starts in Greek , and you atponasu and if you could bark better, you won the war. and bingo''. The eminent Croatian writer from Lika, Mile Budak, often spokewith a degree of pride and sadness, that his Lika populated the whole worldand herself never depopulated. It seemed to me indeed that the whole Likawas buried in this plot of land. In one bunch of graves Pavichichs,Padjans, Tomjenovichs, and Tomlinovichs were buried. A little distancefrom them, the Frkovics and the Frkovichs. The same family with differentspellings. Then there were the Druzenovichs, Stimacs, Brjljachichs,Umelinovichs, Harvatins, Umiljenovichs, and Rupchichs. Scattered around wereUzelacs, Jenovichs, Pintars, Rukavinas, Surilovichs, Rubicks, Borovacs, Begichs and others. The mostnumerous were the Frkovics. One could hardly expect to know much about their lives from theinscriptions left above their graves. Yet from those scrambled letters andwords, someone who promenades through beings and objects could feel anauthentic pain, akin to the pain and frustration ofdying soldiers in the field of battle, asking the questions why ? Whysuch a pain, why such a death ? - and no consoling answers were ever heard.I tried hard to relive in my mind thedays of their lives spent in the bowels of the earth. I saw myselfstanding at the entrance of the mine, with a thousand feet of stoneshanging above my head. And then the thought leaped out of my head, like aburning comet in the thick darkness of a Summer night, telling me thatthe stone above my head was not ordinary stone, but rather, petrifieddreams,hopes, and angry oaths of those simple souls who left their pastures at thefoot of Velebit Mountain in search for a crust of bread in the New World.''USPOMENA OD TVOJE ZENE FRANJKE OPOCIVAJZLATO MOJE LAKA TI CRNA ZEMLJA'', stands above Frank Tomljenovichgrave. He was dead at thirty-two years of age. And this was not the onlycase. Most people buried here died at that age, and even younger. Thenumber of dead children was staggering. I stumbled upon the grave inwhich the dead were buried at at company expense, if they had no money oftheir own to meet the burial cost. There were holes of several squareyards, fenced around with pieces of timber, resembling sheep-pens. Therewere no names to know who was buried in these company holes. Except forthe remnants of decayed wooden crosses, planted in the middle of these sheep-pens, therewas nothing else. I sat down on one of the Frkovich's grave, thinking about deathand dying. By pure association of thoughts, all the cemeteries I had seenalong the sea coast of Croatia came to my mind. Looking around me at thebroken crosses and the graves like sheep-pens, I strongly felt that ourdead in Croatia were still alive and amongst the living. Theysimply transformed themselves into the symmetry of stone, into the longrows of harmonious monuments, into the dark and tall and eternal cypressesabove the sea. Into our souls... By comparison, the endless sky of Utahand Wyoming appeared to me from this graveyardlike the gigantic cruel jaws of some wild beasts, which cracked andgrinded everything into dust ...I suddenly stood up and walked from grave to grave. T felt that thewords were falling from mouths on the ground like leaves from the treesand then blown by winds from the ground into the sky. I dawned upon me thatI was whispering something subconsciously like a prayer I once knew. Ittook me awhile to realize that I was not whispering a prayer but a oldTadijanovic's poem about the slaughtered sheep. Once I realized what I wasdoing, I didn't know whether to say it loudly in English or Croatian. Idecided to say it in English for the benefit of all buried here. Firstwords in Croatian would appear in my mind, thenI would translate them into English and recite them as loud as I could foreveryone to hear. While reciting I felt that dead rose from their gravesand listen. I saw the tears glistening in the sockets of their dead eyes.When I moved, they followed me close behind . When I stopped, they stopped tooand stand still, waiting for me to move again.. ''A young shepherdess of pale complexion, down the slope, at dawnwas herdingtwelve fleecy sheep into a sleepy town to be sold to the fat butcher. Theywere lead by the proud ram..'' ,I went on and on. These simple anduncomplicated words by which the poet described so well the brutality ofhuman existence, on this occasion and at this place were by far moreappropriate and sublime than all the prayers I knew... ''The butcher'sapprentices, silently, like wolves, took them away. Not a single onereturned. Today is a holiday, theherd is being slaughtered for the feast...''The autumnal sun had already dispersed the fog above the valley,and a few clouds, white like washed fleece hung in the sky above themountain. I turned my face towards the sun, with my eyes wide open.Through my eyes the sun light, like melted silver, poured into my soul,making me feel well and rejuvenated. I turned around and walked back toBusija's son grave and ended my 'prayer': ''The dead eyes, the fleecespilled with blood, the broken legs. Over the slope the sun rose...On theway home, the shepherdess thought to have heard a mournful bleating, in thedistance.'' On the way home, I listened to the voices of the Autumn, though Iwasn't sure whence they were coming from. From the slopes of the mountain orthe graves I had left behind. I remember however the words and theirsound. It was an archaic, centuries old, nasal sound. Mournful and shrilledlike the old lamentations around the extinct Croatian hearths.Ivan Tasovacivan.tasovac@zg.tel.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 20 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Mariachi http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5434/1/E-Croatian-Mariachi.html  Croatian MariachiÂMusic, culture define the name 'mariachi'By Mike HazelwoodStaff writer Historians have long argued the definition of the word "mariachi." Some say it's derived from a French word referring to marriage or a wedding. Others say the name has roots in native Mexico and is derived from a kind of wood used in platforms for musicians and dancers. But ultimately, the music itself defines the word. "It reflects the Mexican culture," says Juan Morales of Porterville, a widely respected professional mariachi composer and performer involved with several local youth groups. While a majority of songs center on love, topics come from all slices of life -- love, hate, anger, patriotism, nature, work, play and everything else under the sun. Thus, mariachi is a fixture at all types of gatherings -- birthdays, weddings, funerals and everything in between. The instrumentation of the typical mariachi group contributes to its identifiable sound, which can be equally festive and heart wrenching. Some instruments are specific to mariachi music, such as the vihuela, a small guitar with a bright, prickly sound, and the guitarrón, a bass guitar with a warm, deep sound. Other instruments are common to all types of music, including violins, trumpets and harps. But mariachi music, which was born in Mexico during the 1800s, has changed since growing in the United States in the last 50 years. "Mariachi continues to evolve," Javier Rodriguez says. Many traditional mariachi songs were blatantly sexist and all the performers were men. You could write tons of songs with the theme: "I'm a womanizer who can out-drink anyone, and I'll ride off on my trusty horse, which is the fastest ever." But in the United States today, all-female mariachi groups are spreading, and the sexist lyrics are disappearing. In Tulare County youth groups, the membership is about half boys and half girls, directors say. Porterville's Mariachi Academy has organized an all-female group. "That's a big change," says Lali Moheno, a Tulare County supervisor who has grown up as a mariachi fan. "Traditionally women just weren't around mariachi," Moheno says. Another change has come in the way mariachi is learned. "Traditionally mariachi was handed down from generation to generation in each family," Rodriguez says. There was no sheet music to speak of since most performers couldn't read it. But over the last half-century, legends such as Nati Cano and his group, Los Camperos -- which will perform with a group of Tulare County students in September -- changed things. The best mariachi performers are classically trained at the university level, especially the composers and arrangers. The music they play has also dipped outside the mariachi realm, adding twists of classical and popular genres. Morales, who taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, and performed for years with Los Camperos, is credited with spreading formal mariachi instruction in the Valley. In Texas and Arizona, as well as the San Diego area, mariachi is well established in the school systems. That has led to an increase in non-Latino performers. Rodriguez, whose group Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico competes around the United States, has seen a global interest in mariachi. International competitions have featured mariachi groups from Germany, Croatia, Italy and other non-Spanish speaking nations. Many groups are even government funded. When Rodriguez heard a version of the mariachi classic "Volver, volver" sung in Japanese, he realized the music had grown to a broad new level. "The music transcends language," Rodriguez says. Originally published Saturday, July 19, 2003Source: http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20030719/localnews/607290.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 19 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ana Vejzovic Named Assistant Curator at the Brooks Museum http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5433/1/E-Ana-Vejzovic-Named-Assistant-Curator-at-the-Brooks-Museum.html ÂAna Vejzovic Named Assistant Curator at the Memphis Brooks Museum of ArtÂMEMPHIS, (amnnews.com) - Kaywin Feldman, Director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, has announced the appointment of Ana Vejzovic as Assistant Curator of the Brooks. The primary curatorial duties of the position will include the research, exhibition, and display of contemporary art. "It is fitting that Ana receive this recognition and opportunity," said Feldman. "Her training in art history and curatorial studies makes her exceptionally well suited for this position with a focus on contemporary art." "We received applications from many impressive applicants and Ana stood out," said Pacini. "Although her primary interest is in contemporary art, she is excited about working with the encyclopedic collection at the Brooks. She is a strong addition to the curatorial team, and we are expecting great things from her." The assistant curator position was made possible through the generous funding of philanthropist Hall Cannon, a Memphian currently residing in New York City. Kathy Albers, owner of Albers Fine Art Gallery in Memphis, was instrumental in working with Cannon to help the Museum fund this new appointment. "The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the preeminent fine art museum in Memphis," stated Cannon. "I believe in the importance of contemporary art and its role in modern American life. I am thrilled with the choice of Ana and know that she will make a great addition to the excellent staff at the Brooks." As Assistant Curator Vejzovic will participate in research for new acquisitions, aid in the interpretation and installation of the Brooks permanent collection, and support the development of special exhibitions. Her position will also require public lecturing and significant contribution to publication. Born in Croatia, Vejzovic's expansive background includes an undergraduate degree in art history and a masters in curatorial studies. Well-versed in Western Art with a special emphasis on the contemporary period, her studies include travel in Rome and Sicily, Italy. Her curatorial experience includes exhibitions such as Space Matters and Rest Assured both at Bard College. She has worked at the Pratt Fine Arts Center, a community art center in Seattle, Washington and most recently at ArtPace: A Foundation for Contemporary Art in San Antonio, Texas. Regarding her new appointment at the Brooks, Vejzovic stated: "I am extremely pleased to begin an affiliation with the Brooks. It is an extraordinary opportunity to work with the largest encyclopedic art museum in the Mid-South. I look forward to familiarizing myself with the community and the artists in the Memphis area and its surrounding region." http://news.amn.org/press.jsp?id=1679 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 18 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (S,E) Studia Croatica - 16 Jul, 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5435/1/SE-Studia-Croatica---16-Jul-2003.html ÂSTUDIACROATICA - BOLETIN - NEWSLETTERÂEste Boletín es publicado por la revista Studia Croatica – Instituto de Cultura Croata, editada en Buenos Aires desde 1960 – This Newsletter is produced by Studia Croatica – Institute for Croatian Culture, a journal published in Buenos Aires since 1960.www.studiacroatica.com – joza@velocom.com.arAGENDAÂLa Agenda de Argentina / Agenda for Argentina: www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htmÂ=================================================================JUGADORES DE RUGBYÂLa Selección croata de Rugby Sub-18 busca jugadores menores de 18 aÃos para ser pre-seleccionados con vistas a la última serie clasificatoria a jugarse a fines de octubre en Holanda representando a la República de Croacia. Deben ser chicos de ascendencia croata. Contactar a Jure Franceticjaflika@hotmail.com (en castellano, inglés o croata).ÂCROATIAN RUGBY PLAYERSÂThe Croatian Rugby Selection Sub 18 is looking for rugby players under 18 in order to be pre-selected to represent the Republic of Croatia at the Rugby Last Classifying Series to be played in October in Holland. The players have to be of Croatian descent. Contact Jure Franceticjaflika@hotmail.com (in English, Croatian or Spanish).Â=================================================================ÂMEDICOS CROATAS – CROATIAN PHYSICIANSÂSvjetski zbor hrvatskih lijecnikaWorld Association of Croatian PhysiciansWeltweite Vereinigung Kroatischer Ärzte e.V.Asociación Mundial de Médicos CroatasÂInvitamos a los miembros de la profesión médica y a otros interesados a adherirse a la Asociación Mundial de Médicos Croatas. En el site hay información y formularios de adhesión en croata, inglés y alemán. ÂWe invite members of the medical profession and others interested to join the World Association of Croatian Physicians. In the site there is information and application forms in Croatian, English and German.Â"The World Association of Croatian Physicians (WACP) is an association of physicians, dentists, pharmacists and veterinarians or other persons or organizations of Croatian origin or any other nationalities, who wish to contribute to the understanding between nations and to support of Croatian public health". Âhttp://www.alp.mcgill.ca/wacp/ Â=================================================================† MARIA JURICIC de TOMSICÂEl 7 de julio a las 02 horas falleció una autentica croata MARIA JURICIC de TOMSIC nacida el 8 de diciembre de 1904 en OSRARIJE CROACIA. Que en paz descanse.Â=================================================================ÂÂSTUDIA CROATICA - Nuevo material en la Web – New MaterialÂBibliaÂLa Biblia en idioma croata en Internet: www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/titulos.htm. Hemos ingresado la primera parte del libro de Isaias, enwww.studiacroatica.com/biblia/stvaranje.htm . Hasta ahora hay ingresados 16 libros del Antiguo Testamento. - The Holy Bible in Croatian (16 books) can be found at www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/titulos.htm.ÂÂContinuamos publicando el libro Croacia, 2000 aÃos de Historia, de Gaspar Glavic. Se encuentra enwww.studiacroatica.com/glavic/glavic.htm . ÂGASPAR GLAVIC: MIS LECTURAS SOBRE LOS 2000 AÃOS DE LA HISTORIA DE CROACIA- Primera parte -  10 - EL SISTEMA FEUDAL 11 - LA AMBICION DE VENECIA 12 - 1493 LA INVASION OTOMANA 13 - SIGLOS XII AL XV, CIUDADES CROATAS 14 - 1527 LOS HABSBURGO Y CROACIA-HUNGRÍA 15 - CROACIA Y LOS HABSBURGO 16 - 1663-1667 ZRINSKI Y FRANKOPANI, HEROES CROATAS 17 - AUSTRIA Y EL MAR ADRIÁTICO 18 - 1805-NAPOLEON, CROACIA E ILIRIA 19 - EL MOVIMIENTO ILIRIO 20 - TERROR HÚNGARO - REBELION CROATA 21 - J. J. STROSSMAYER (1815-1905) ÂA book on the history of Croatia, in Spanish, by Gaspar GlavicÂ================================================================MATERIAL PARA EL ESTUDIO DEL IDIOMA CROATA ÂTablas conteniendo las palabras y conjuntos de dos y tres palabras consecutivas de uso frecuente en diarios croatas recientes. Son tres tablas conteniendo la expresión en croata y su traducción al espaÃol y al inglés. ÂSe presentan ejemplos en croata en forma de tablas de frases centradas (Key Words in Context) para las letras a, b, c, c, c, d y e (2400 ejemplos en total). www.studiacroatica.com/lingua/lingua.htmÂMATERIAL FOR THE STUDY OF THE CROATIAN LANGUAGEÂTables containing words, groups of two- and three words frequently found in recent Croatian newspapers. There are three tables with the Croatian expresions and their Spanish and English equivalents. ÂTabla de 500 palabras croatas con castellano- 500 frequent words with EnglishTabla de 300 grupos dos palabras – 300 most frequent two-word groupsTabla de 300 grupos de tres palabras - 300 most frequent three-word groupsÂKey Words in contextÂAlso, we present examples in Croatian, arranged as Key Words in Context for the letters a, b, c, c, c, d and e (2400 examples in total):www.studiacroatica.com/lingua/lingua.htmÂTerminación de palabrasÂWord endingsÂEn todos los idiomas es importante la terminación de las palabras. Esto es especialmente el caso cuando las palabras se declinan, como en el caso del idioma croata. Esta característica constituye la dificultad más grande para el aprendizaje del croata. Para ayudar a su estudio, presentamos ejemplos de oraciones de los diarios, ordenados por terminación.ÂIn every language word endings are important. This is specially the case in languages that declinate, like Croatian. This feature constitutes the most dificult part of learning Croatian. To help in studying this feature, we present here many newspaper examples, ordered by word endings. Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -a -la Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -ma -iza Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -ac -ke Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -le -že Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -of -skioÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPalabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -ali -vši Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -ati -zi Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -aj -omoÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPalabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -um -smo Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -ano -put Palabras terminadas en / Words ending in:  -bu -užÂÂLINKSÂwww.Croatia.orgEsta CROWN tambien!Nenad Bach produce el excelente site http://www.croatianworld.net/ con material en inglés y croataÂ=================================================================ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂCanadian-Croatian Congress Quebec - Kanadsko Hrvatski Kongres Quebec - Le Congres Canadien-Croate du Quebechttp://www.alp.mcgill.ca/khkq/cccq_home.htm ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂCroatian American Association:http://www.caausa.org ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂCroatian Information Centre – Centro Informativo Croata: www.hic.hrÃÂÂÂÂÂÂCroatian Focus (Brian Gallagher)www.croatiafocus.com ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂCroatian World Congresshttp://www.crowc.org/english/home.asp ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂDarko Žubrinic www.hr/darko/etf/etfss.htmlÃÂÂÂÂÂÂHrvatsko Slovohttp://www.hkz.hr/Hslovo.htm ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂMidwest Croatianshttp://www.midwest-croatians.org ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂNational Federation of Croatian Americanshttp://croatianworld.net/NFCA/ ÃÂÂÂÂÂÂNew York Croats:http://www.nycroats.com =================================================================AMIGOSon muchos los correos que recibimos con todo tipo de preguntas y comentarios. Pero algunos mensajes son especiales como el que reproducimos:ÂTengo un amigo croata muchisimo mayor que yo. Solo hablamos un par de veces y me mostró libros croatas que él guardaba. Vino huyendo de la guerra y vivía solo aquí en Peru. El me hablo del dolor que sentía por no tener a su familia cerca y me dijo que vino perseguido por la guerra. Esto fue hace muchos aÃos, extraÃaba mucho a su familia y quizás viajó allá porque cuando fui a visitarlo nuevamente despues de varios aÃos no lo encontre. Seguro se fue a pasar los ultimos aÃos cerca de su familia pero me dejó un gran cariÃo por los croatas y el interés de seguir aprendiendo de ellos y del amor a la patria. Me dejó también el interés sobre la vida de los croatas y el dolor que tenía por las heridas de la guerra que nunca dejan nada bueno. A él las heridas nunca le sanaron y trabajaba para enviar ayuda a una asociación de croatas refugiados en Perú. Cuando yo lo conocí él tenia 70 aÃos y yo 17 y en sus ojos tenía una profunda tristeza que nunca se me olvidarán.We get many mails with all sort of questions and comments. Some are special, like this one:ÂI have a Croatian friend much older than me. We have only talked a couple of times and he showed me some Croatian books that he kept. He came flying from the war and he lived alone here in Peru. He told me about the pain he was living with for not having his family near by, and he told me that we came chassed away by the war. That was many years ago. He missed much his family. That was many years ago and perhaps he traveled back home because when I went to visit him again after some years I not find him. Surely he travel to live his last years with his family, but he left me with a great love for the Croatians and the desire to continue learning from them specially their love for their homeland. He also left with me an interest for the life of Croatians and the pain he had due to the wounds of the war, that never leave any good. His wounds never cured, and he worked to send help to an association of Croatian refugees in Peru. When I met him he was 70 and I was 17, and in his eyes he had a deep sadness that I will never forget.ÂGavi Huamani Castro, PerúÂ=================================================================ÂDESDE CARACAS, VENEZUELAÂMatja Krizmanic, de Venezuelaamzk86@yahoo.com, nos escribe: “pertenezco al grupo de danza croatas en Venezuela. me gustaría saber si me pudieran enviar o indicar donde puedo conseguir las canciones para los bailes, ya que el material con el que contamos no es suficiente. Si es posible, tambien tips para los bailes en general.”ÂSolicitamos a quienes puedan ayudar a los chicos de Caracas, se comuniquen con Matja. Agradeceremos también nos copien o informen quienes le respondan.ÂÂ=================================================================ABUELO CROATAÂQuisiera saber si hay algun geriátrico para croatas o bien personas para compaÃia unas horas por la tarde de 14 a 19 hs., de un abuelo croata de 93 aÃos en buen estado de salud, que vive en Banfield. Desearia saber los precios por ese servicio.Comunicarse con Ruben Kustra:rkustra@arnet.com.arÂ=================================================================LIBRO DE GASPAR GLAVICÂPara obtener información sobre el libro Croacia, 2000 aÃos de Historia, de Gaspar Glavic, seguir el link: http://www.glavichfamilyhistory.readywebsites.com/page/page/463257.htmA book on the history of Croatia, in Spanish, by Gaspar Glavic=================================================================ÂBUSCAN DATOS Y FAMILIARES – PERSONS AND FAMILIES SOUGHTÂCapitán Mato LucicJakob – Santiago / Jacobo /- BorcicMile (Marjan) VuckoDane BabicNikola - Nicolás TomasMario Marusic – Mile BaukÂInformación sobre personas y familiares buscadas está en www.studiacroatica.com/buscan/buscan.htm - Data on persons and their families being sought by relatives letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 17 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Zenska Klapa Lindjo Najugodnije Iznenadjenje http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5437/1/H-Zenska-Klapa-Lindjo-Najugodnije-Iznenadjenje.html ÂZenska Klapa Lindjo Najugodnije IznenadjenjeAko je suditi prema snazi reakcija publike, ali i stručnog povjerenstva, najugodnije iznenađenje, kako vizualno tako i auditivno, priredila je simpatična dubrovačka klapa Fa Linđo (Kroz planine, barda i gore) u čijem su sastavu najmlađe sudionice festivala. Intonativnom stabilnoaću, glasovnom snagom i svje~inom, uigranoaću i rafiniranoaću interpretacije, te izborom repertoara kojim su pokazale senzibilitet za izričajne nijanse i tipične jezične finese dubrovačkog glazbeno-leksičkog idioma, zaista zavrijeđuju svaku pohvalu. Nastupajući u sedam glasova, u svojoj su doista cjelovitoj pjevačko-scenskoj kreaciji apostrofirale činjenicu da kvantitet nije garancija uspjeha, već isključivo tehnička spremnost, autentičnost i muzikalnost čina izvedbe.Dragi Nenad i CROWN, Evo, imamo novosti, pa vam se javljamo... Bile smo u Omisu. Prosle fenomenalno.. Sa najvecim brojem bodova u izlucnim vecerima+gala veceri od svih zenskih klapa - 45.2. (U finalnoj veceri nastupit cemo posljednje). Dat cemo sve od sebe,pa sto Bog da. Saljem vam sliku iz Omisa, a naÂnetu mozete procitat kritike,Âna web stranici SlobodneÂDalmacije koja je izisla danas, 14.7.2003. Cujemo se!  Pozdrav od svih nas!  Paula Kusalic lindjovke@yahoo.com ÂOp-edJa sam osobno cuo zensku Klapu Lindjo kad sam bio u Dubrovniku i odusevio se. Kako pjevanjem, tako i izgledom i ponasanjem. Na sceni i izvan nje. Drago mi je cuti i citati o njihovom ZASLUZENOM uspjehu. I heard Klapa Lindjo personally, when I was in Dubrovnik, month ago. I was impressed with their singing, image and behavior on the stage and of the stage. I am thrilled to see and hear about their DESERVED success. Nenad Bachp.s. Vedran Ivankovic voditelj KlapeDRUGA IZBORNA VEČER }ENSKIH KLAPA - OMI` 2003.Vedrina i mladenački polet}eljeli bismo da kreativni naboj i toplina atmosfere prate festivalska događanja do same zavranice u kojoj nas zasigurno očekuje glazbeno-estetski u~itak i zanimljiv rasplet , barem ato se tiče natjecanja u ~enskoj konkurencijiSvi oni koji pomnije prate festivalska događanja sjetit će se Sinjana koji su iste godine zaslu~ili debitantsku i treću nagradu, ili pak proalogodianjeg nastupa debitantske klape Crikvenica, koja je stigavai do muakog finala, zavrijedila broncu. Čini se kako je, premda ne ~elim proricati zavranicu, ~enska klapa Korjandul-Zagreb (Sinoć san se mlada) upravo na tom tragu. Nastupom na Bolu osvojile su prvu nagradu publike i stručnog povjerenstva, a jučeraanjim kvalitetnim i dotjeranim muziciranjem kojim su pokazale sposobnost izra~avanja raspolo~enja u airokom interpretativno-tehničkom spektru, izborile su četvrto mjesto u ukupnom skoru. Nesporan je mladenački aarm i srčanost klape Diapet-Zagreb koja je, predstavivai se s dvije karakterno različite pjesme (Gorice zelena i Kukuvi~a), sugestivnom i temperamentnom interpretacijom zavrijedila mjesto u festivalskom finalu. Posljednje, dvanaestoplasirane finalistice, Gričanke iz Zagreba (O prokleta Mikulina luka) raspola~u uistinu velikim rasponom visina, dubina i sonornoaću glasovnih boja, no ponegdje tako airok sklop i nije kvaliteta u recepcijsko-estetskom smislu. U natjecateljskoj tenziji koja je postupno rasla prema kraju, u pravom klapskom atihu s tonom koji ne "tuli" u visinama, nego ima zrelu zaobljenost i ekspresivnost (vjerojatno tomu pridonosi i pjevanje iz ni~ih intonacija), zazvučale su Skradinke-Skradin (Deveta ura), poznatije kao dalmatinske ladarice, izborivai svojim timbarskim skladom drugo mjesto na konačnoj listi ~enskih finalistica. Ako je suditi prema snazi reakcija publike, ali i stručnog povjerenstva, najugodnije iznenađenje, kako vizualno tako i auditivno, priredila je simpatična dubrovačka klapa Fa Linđo (Kroz planine, barda i gore) u čijem su sastavu najmlađe sudionice festivala. Intonativnom stabilnoaću, glasovnom snagom i svje~inom, uigranoaću i rafiniranoaću interpretacije, te izborom repertoara kojim su pokazale senzibilitet za izričajne nijanse i tipične jezične finese dubrovačkog glazbeno-leksičkog idioma, zaista zavrijeđuju svaku pohvalu. Nastupajući u sedam glasova, u svojoj su doista cjelovitoj pjevačko-scenskoj kreaciji apostrofirale činjenicu da kvantitet nije garancija uspjeha, već isključivo tehnička spremnost, autentičnost i muzikalnost čina izvedbe.Bez povoda za izdvajanje bile su klape Garofuli-Bibinje, Fortica-Klis, Viola-Zadar, Stonke-Ston, i, poglavito Oraulice iz Vodica koje su nakon peha na početku bile vidlivo dekoncentrirane pjevajući repertoar s preteakim aran~manima koji su nerijetko svrha sebi samima, na uatrb jednostavnosti i prozračnosti fakture imanentne dalmatinskoj pučkoj pjesmi.}eljeli bismo da kreativni naboj i toplina atmosfere prate festivalska događanja do same zavranice u kojoj nas zasigurno očekuje glazbeno-estetski u~itak i zanimljiv rasplet s obiljem vedrine i mladenačkog poleta u utrci za odličja, barem ato se tiče natjecanja u ~enskoj konkurenciji.Nakon druge izborne večeri ~enskih klapa, poznato je dvanaest finalista: Fa Linđo (Dubrovnik), Skradinke (Skradin), Diapet (Zagreb), Korjandul(Zagreb), Kastav (Kastav), Baklje (Rijeka),Dalmatinke (Split), Ćakulone (Zagreb), Hreljin (Hreljin), Filip Dević (Split), Anima Maris (Zadar)i Gričanke (Zagreb). Ivana TOMIĆ-FERIĆ Source: http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20030714/kultura01.asp letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Angela Brkic Reading at Barnes and Noble (July 16) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5436/1/E-Angela-Brkic-Reading-at-Barnes-and-Noble-July-16.html ÂCourtney Angela Brkic in New YorkI will be reading from my short story collection (Stillness and Other Stories) next Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at the Astor Place Barnes and Noble located at 4 Astor Place, New York, NY, near New York University The event is being co-sponsored by Amnesty International and will begin at 7:30. Everyone is welcome!Also, for those unable to make the reading, but still interested in hearing me discuss the book, I'm going to be a guest on the Lenny Lopate radio show earlier that day, from 1:40 to 2:00, so please tune in. ÂOp-edPlease support our Angela Brkic and come to the reading, plus... support for any artist is when you BUY their product, in this case her book. For yourself or/and for your friends as a gift. She deserves it.best,Nenad BachEditor in Chief letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Relative of Bonfires http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5438/1/E-Relative-of-Bonfires.html  Relative of Bonfires. Movement in the direction of being refreshed, bright eyes and a bushy tail. These moments the big lamp burns across the lakeshore edges of a best location.These sunsets are familiar, the geography easily pointed to the maps rather colorco-ordinated. Seasons like the road, keep moving around, rock poetry delivered without a mailman, an audience available in individual instances on the electronic highway. Butterfly moons are daily twists in a scheme to understand themes in the physical reality, passion, a relative of bonfires, traffic lights that never included caution, ashes that had bills attached to them, lost personalities due to routine paper work, now appear daily at the press of a button, height, width, crayola colors, indifferent to these modern day attitudes. In the sunrise, in the repetitive, the refreshed air cells place all the figurines where they once stood, sat or sallied their way into a gold mine, as there is gold in those throbbing veins. The heartbeat that its attached to now has a mind of its own, eyes wide open, feeling, breathing, understanding, lining up poetic justice, surrendering to the aging process, writing things heard, painting in random shapes for the freedom of it.Steve Mladen Renkorukav1@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Congressman Radanovich Interview - Photo http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5441/1/E-Congressman-Radanovich-Interview---Photo.html ÂBrenda Brkusic andCongressman RadanovichÂHi everyone at CROWN,Here is a snap shot from yesterday's interview with Congressman Radanovich at his home in Northern Calif. He was also very friendly and welcoming. Can't wait to share the final product with everyone come 2004!ÂBrendaOp-ed. Brenda is producing and directing her new film Despair for Freedom(not sure about exact title) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 02 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered Country http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5440/1/E-Croatia-Travels-in-Undiscovered-Country.html ÂCroatia: Travels in Undiscovered Countryby Tony Fabijancic"Destroyed bridges in the former Yugoslavia are heavily symbolic. Many of them aren't being rebuilt, and that says something too."ÂA literate Canadian shares his insightful impressions of his father's homeland in Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered Country. From a leisurely walking holiday along the hot, rocky Adriatic coastline, to interviews with peasants in the pleasant rolling farmlands of Slavonia and Zagorje, to the "European" overtones that permeate the populace in the capital of Zagreb, Fabijancic spins a fascinating tale of a people and a place that at once seems timeless as well as timely.ÂIn spite of recent conflict with its neighbors, Croatia is a country ready to take on the world scene. Although outwardly eager to leave its "Balkan reputation" behind to become a player in Western Europe, many of its rural inhabitants seem content to live their lives on the land as their ancestors have for centuries. "We have everything we want," says a rural teen. "Good air, good food, good company. Why live in Zagreb?"ÂAs he travels the Croatian countryside Fabijancic admits to possessing a strange mixture of feelings. He immediately feels at home in a land that holds many stark contrasts to his privileged Canadian upbringing. He sees ghosts of humanity in the crumbling walls of sun-bleached seaside villas of the coast and war-ravaged buildings of the north. He marvels at how, in Herzegovina, some still hang onto the idealism that all residents of the former Yugoslavia might one day live in peace.ÂArmchair tourists pour yourself a glass of strong plum brandy--sljivovica--and prepare to barbecue a whole pig. . . . Open up Croatia and start reading. You'll be engulfed in more than a world--it's a frame of mind, a mood, a sensation. It's the next best thing to being there.------------------------------------------------------------------------Title: Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered CountryAuthor: Tony FabijancicPublisher: The University of Alberta PressISBN: 0-88864-397-7Review provided as a courtesy of Authorlink.com. Read more.ÂReview written by: Cindy AppelÂReviewer's Rating:9Reader's Rating: 0Reader's Votes: 0Rate it yourselfÂAdded: 24-Jun-2003Âhttp://thecelebritycafe.com/books/full_review/62.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 01 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) National Geographic Magazine coming to Croatia! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5439/1/E-National-Geographic-Magazine-coming-to-Croatia.html ÂThe National Geographic Magazine(NGM) comes to CroatiaDear Nenad,For the last 6 months I have led the efforts of bringing National GeographicÂMagazine (NGM) to Croatia. As a result of these efforts, I am delighted toÂinform you that the first issue of the Croatian edition of NGM will be onÂthe market in November 2003.The Croatian NGM will not only contain translations of selected articlesÂfrom the US and other international editions of the magazine (the CroatianÂedition will be the 25th international edition of NGM) , but also originalÂcontent articles from Croatia, which will then be part of the overall NGMÂdatabase and as such will be available to any other NGM edition. In thisÂway, the Croatian NGM will also be a promoter of the Croatian culture andÂscience and the Croatian heritage overall. However, this is not the only wayÂwe will help Croatia. Namely, the National Geographic Society (NGS - theÂlargest scientific non profit organization in the world) also has researchÂfunds (so far, Croatia received 10 grants for various research projects) andÂthe local magazine will be the main catalyst of allocation of potentialÂfunds to Croatia (we already recommended and secured the grant for theÂprotection of White Griffon birds on the island of Cres).For all these reasons and much more, we have already received support fromÂvarious Ministries and Government officials, incl. Ministry of Culture,ÂScience and Technology, Education, etc.). We will start presenting NationalÂGeographic with the exhibition "National Geographic 100 Best PhotographsÂroad show" in Dubrovnik, which will be a part of the official program of theÂfamous Dubrovnik Summer Festival, pls. seeÂhttp://www.dubrovnik-festival.hr/default.asp The exhibition will then beÂrolled out nationwide: Dubrovnik-Split-Zadar-Rijeka-Zagreb-Osijek over theÂnext 6 months.The Croatian NGM editorial team is in place and is already working hard onÂpreparation of the first issue. We have gathered the Croatian expert teamÂ(the most eminent professors from Croatian Universities, other experts onÂvarious NG related topics, etc.), but are looking for Croatian experts,Âincluding translators based in the U.S., which we could recommend to NGM inÂD.C. As you probably know, NGS gained its great reputation for reportingÂaccurate information and spreading knowledge of geography, geology, biologyÂand history of the world based on extremely high standards, also requiredÂfrom every local edition, which is reverse translated and checked in everyÂsingle detail. Therefore, I would appreciate if you could disseminate thisÂinformation via Crown and ask if there are interested translators of theÂCroatian language as well as experts in the NG related fields, who wouldÂlike to cooperate with NGM. They can contact either me directly or HrvojeÂPrcic, Editor-in-Chief of the Croatian NGM (at h.prcic@sanomamag-zagreb.hr).Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you.Best regards,Maja JelisicDistribution Director/NGM Project & Marketing DirectorSANOMA Magazines ZagrebVlaska 121/II10 000 ZagrebCroatiaTel. +385-1-469-4116Fax. +385-1-5141Cell. +385-91-6000-204e-mail: m.jelisic@sanomamag-zagreb.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa "Astoria" at the Library http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5443/1/E-Klapa-Astoria-at-the-Library.html ÂA Croatian Afternoon at the Library by Klapa "Astoria"!Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.ÂBroadway Branch Library40-20 Broadway (just above Steinway St.), Astoria718-721-2462 "Come enjoy wonderful Croatian songs by Klapa "Astoria", a group of traditional Croatian singers from the coastal region of Dalmatia. The group performs a capella traditional Croatian songs and original compositions in the Croatian style, many of them written by its director,Srdjan Berdovic.", says the flyer announcing this program.Directions:- by subway: G or R to Steinway St..- by bus: Q101 or Q104.Admission is free.Hope to see many of you there! Bring friends and family, and remember - the A/C works very well at the library!My best,Sanja CrnkovicPresident of the Friends of the Broadway Branch LibraryÂcrnkovic@netzero.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 27 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sunrise 287 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5446/1/E-Sunrise-287.html ÂSunrise287.Tossed Away.Onthe long roadwith a once widow,anex-prisoner-of-war,big lamp luggage,abottle of beer,tossed awayso many inches ago.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ--Steve RenkoÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPhoto-Artist letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Pioneers, Kenaston, Saskatchewan, Canada http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5445/1/E-Croatian-Pioneers-Kenaston-Saskatchewan-Canada.html ÂCroatianPioneers by Ken Beckie  I (Ken [Brkic] Beckie) am in the process of having a book printed about the 50 pioneer Croatian families who settled on homesteads in central Saskatchewan, mostly before WW 1. They all came from the vicinity of Lovinac, Lika, Croatia. The book has 250 pages about 118 photographs and 20 maps/diagrams. It has one page biographies and a photograph for each of the 50 families. It also includes a genealogical chart for each family and their descendants and a condensed 30 page history ofCroatia which focuses on the Lovinac area. The author's father Nikola Brkic now Beckie was born near Lovinac and came to Canada at age 4 in 1906 and is still living. The author Ken Beckie was born in 1929 in Saskatchewan and is a retired petroleum geologist. He has researched the information for this book for 30 years. Cost of the book has not yet been resolved, but should be approximately $30 US depending on the amount of financial contributions which the author might receive to offset some of the printing costs. If interested in making a contribution or purchasing the book, please e-mail or write the author : Ken Beckie, 15 Glenview Dr. S.W., Clagary, Canada, T3E 4H4E-mail address - khbeckie@telusplanet.net. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E,S) Studio Croatica - June 26,2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5444/1/HES-Studio-Croatica---June-262003.html STUDIA CROATICA - BOLETIN -NEWSLETTER Este 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 / Agenda for Argentina: www.studiacroatica.com/agendas/agenda.htm =================================================================HRVATSKOARGENTINSKI KULTURNI KLUBCLUBCULTURAL CROATA - ARGENTINOBenjamínMatienzo 2532 - Buenos AiresTel.4771-4954Poziva sve svoje članove i prijatelje u prostorije Kluba u subotu 28.lipnja 2003. u 20. sati na svečanu proslavuDANA DRŽAVNOSTITomprigodom Prvi Tajnik Veleposlanstva Republike HrvatskeG.Boris BartulinOdrzati će predavanje na temuSTICANJE DRŽAVLJANSTVA REPUBLIKE HRVATSKENakon prestavljanja zakuska.ÂBuenos Aires, lipanj 2003.=================================================================HRVATSKI DOM D.D.Lorenzo Lugones 4936 - Buenos AiresTel. 4542 5927Poziva Vas na veceru, koja ce se odrzati u spomen :"DANA DRŽAVNOSTI" u subotu 5 srpnja 2003, u 20 sati u prostorijamaHrvatskog Doma.-Molimoda odkupite ulaznicu do 29. lipnja 2003, jer broj mjesta je ogranicen.Cijena vecere (bez pica) $ 15,- (petnaestpesosa)CENTRO CROATA - BUENOS AIRESLorenzo Lugones 4936 - BuenosAiresTel: 4542 5927Invita a Ud., a la cena paracomemorar el DIA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DE CROACIA el día sábado 5 de julio de2003, a las 20 horas, que se realizará en el restaurante de Centro Croata.-Solicitamos adquirir la entradahasta la fecha 29. 06. 2003 inclusive.El precio de la cena (sin bebida)$ 15.- (quince pesos)=================================================================VISITA DEL PAPA A BANJA LUKA -BEATIFICACION DE IVAN MERZ(HIC), 'Papa u Banja Luki: 70tisuca ljudi na misi u Petricevcu', 23/6/2003BANJA LUKA: 70 MIL PEREGRINOSASISTIERON A LA MISA CELEBRADA POR EL PAPA EN PETRICEVACBANJA LUKA - La visita pastoraldel Papa Juan Pablo II a Banja Luka (Bosnia-Hercegovina) transcurrio en unaatmosfera solemne y pacifica sin que se haya producido ni un solo incidente.ÂEn efecto, 40 obispos, 600 sacerdotes, 500 religiosas y casi 70.000 peregrinosde toda Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croacia, y de otros paises europeos, concurrieron aBanja Luka para asistir a la misa celebrada por el Santo Padre en Petricevac,quien ademas beatifico al croata laico Ivan Merz, nativo de Banja Luka.Ya desde las 4,00 de la manananumerosos peregrinos se comenzaron a congregar frente a las ruinas delmonasterio de Petricevac. A partir de las 7,00, mientras esperaban el arribo delPontifice, los fieles comenzaron a cantar canciones religiosas y a agitarbanderitas amarillas y blancas, lo que contribuyo a crear un clima emotivoy solemne.A las 11,30 comenzo la misa, quese extendio hasta las 14,00 aproximadamente. Antes de la homilia, el obispo deBanja Luka y presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal de Bosnia-Hercegovina,monsenor Franjo Komarica, saludo al Santo Padre y advirtio sobre la dramaticasituacion de los catolicos en territorio de Bosnia-Hercegovina.Dijo monsenor Komarica: "Durantelos siglos de crecimiento y florecimiento, en esta region la Iglesia catolicatambien sufrio epocas y momentos dramaticos. Muchos obispos y sacerdotes (delclero secular y regular) al igual que muchos fieles seguidores de Cristo,pagaron con sus vidas su fidelidad a Dios y a la Iglesia. Durante la recientetragedia belica (1992-1995) nos abstuvimos de devolver mal por mal. A pesar denuestro comportamiento pacifista, por voluntad de ciertos factores de podermundiales la Iglesia catolica en la provincia de Banja Luka se encuentra ahoraal borde mismo de la extincion..."Por nuestro origen, nuestraherencia religiosa y por nuestra civilizacion, pertenecemos a la gran familiaeuropea. Por eso queremos y estamos en condiciones, de aportar a su desarrolloespiritual. Pero al mismo tiempo, estamos desilusionados y tristes por el hechode que esa misma Europa no nos reconoce como hombres y naciones con los mismosderechos que otros europeos.Que en esta parte de nuestroViejo continente, este se convierta lo antes posible en una Europa unida, conigualdad de derechos para nosotros tambien. Por eso, Santo Padre, le pedimoshumildemente y encarecidamente que siga usted siendo el vocero de todos loshombres desposeidos en sus derechos, sean o no catolicos", dijo mons.Komarica.Por su parte, durante la homiliael Santo Padre dijo entre otros conceptos: "Para toda una generacion dejovenes catolicos, el nombre de Ivan Merz significo un sistema de vida ycomportamiento. Vuestra patria y vuestra Iglesia, queridos jovenes, sufrierondificiles momentos y ahora hay que trabajar para que la vida se ponga en marchanuevamente. Me dirijo a ustedes y les pido que no claudiquen, sino que trabajencon mas ahinco para que Bosnia y Hercegovina se convierta en un pais de paz. Elfuturo de estas latitudes tambien depende de ustedes", dijo el Pontifice.Evidentemente los fuertesdispositivos de seguridad distribuidos por toda la ciudad, desanimo al gruporadical serbio que habia amenazado con organizar manifestaciones de protestacontra la visita del Papa.Al ver el alto grado de seguridad,muchos habitantes de religion ortodoxa tambien se animaron a ir a Petricevacpara escuchar el mensaje del Papa. La familia de Andrija Nikolic, por ejemplo,quedo encantada con el clima reinante y con el sermon de Juan Pablo II."Fue hermoso! Lamento quealgunos conciudadanos mios no hayan concurrido a Petricevac. Lo unico que lespuedo decir, es que se perdieron mucho. Estoy profundamente conmovida por todolo visto y ahora creo que tras escuchar las palabras del Papa, uno regresa acasa siendo una persona totalmente diferente y mejor", dijo la senoraBozica Nikolic, de nacionalidad serbia, quien disfruto de la visita del Papahombro a hombro junto con croatas de Medjugorje, Busovaca y Zagreb."Este es el mayoracontecimiento en nuestra vida", dijeron Sanja Komadina y Marina Cavar, dosperegrinas croatas que vinieron de Medjugorje.A pesar de que no habia sombradonde protegerse y que la temperatura subio a 30 grados, a cada paso podianverse mujeres vestidas en trajes tipicos de sus comarcas. Tras la misa, miles deperegrinos caminaron encolumnados alrededor de un kilometro hasta los autobusesque los llevarian de regreso. Los habitantes de la ciudad, en su mayoria serbios,salieron frente a la puerta de sus casas y contemplaban pacificamente pasar laprocesion de fieles. "Por supuesto que no memolesta su alegria y felicidad, porque que clase de persona seria yo si opinaselo contrario. Que canten y que disfrutan de la visita del Pontifice. Yo mismasaldre a la puerta cuando el Papa pase frente a mi casa. Estoy contentisima porel hecho que podemos dar la mejor imagen de Banja Luka", dijo NatasaMilosevic, serbia de Banja Luka.=================================================================† ĐUROÂ- ĐUKA - BORGHIHoy -24 de junio de 2003 - falleció en Buenos Aires el querido Đuka Broghi,quien fuera activo miembro la comunidad croata de Buenos Aires; había nacido enCroacia en 1925. Nos unimos a su familia en su dolor. Que en paz descanse.STUDIACROATICA - Nuevo material en la Web - New MaterialBibliaLaBiblia en idioma croata en Internet: www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/titulos.htm.Hemos ingresado el Génesis, en www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/stvaranje.htm. Hasta ahora hay ingresados 15 libros del Antiguo Testamento. - The Holy Biblein Croatian (15 books) can be found at www.studiacroatica.com/biblia/titulos.htm.Laprimera parte (30 páginas) del libro Croacia, 2000 años de Historia,de Gaspar Glavic, se encuentra en www.studiacroatica.com/glavic/glavic.htm.  1 - CROACIA (HRVATSKA) LA HISTORIA MILENARIA DE UNA JOVEN NACIÓN 2 - DEL MAR DE AZOV AL MAR ADRIATICO 3 - LOS CROATAS LLEGAN A LOS BALCANES Y AL MAR ADRIATICO 4 - PRIMERAS ORGANIZACIONES ESTATALES CROATAS 5 - LOS ESTADOS CROATAS DE LOS SIGLOS VIII AL IX 6 - DINASTÍA DE LOS TRPIMIR 7 - EL REINO UNIFICADO CROATA (925) 8 - 1000-1030 KRESIMIR III 9 - COLOMAN ARPAD - rey de Hungría y Croacia La últimaparte del libro, Cronologíade acontecimientos entre 1992 y 2000, está en www.studiacroatica.com/glavic/resumen.htmÂA book on the history of Croatia,in Spanish, by Gaspar GlavicMATERIAL PARA EL ESTUDIO DELIDIOMA CROATA Tablasconteniendo las palabras y conjuntos de dos y tres palabras consecutivas másfrecuentes encontrados en diarios croatas recientes. Son tres tablas conteniendo300 renglones cada una con la frecuencia con que aparecen, la expresión encroata y su traducción al español. Sepresentan ejemplos en croata en forma de tablas de frases centradas (KeyWords in Context) para las letras a,b, c, č y ć (2400 ejemplos entotal).MATERIAL FOR THE STUDY OF THE CROATIAN LANGUAGETablescontaining 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.. Also,we present examples in Croatian, arranged as Key Words in Context for theletters a, b, c, č andć (2400 examples in total).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 context1.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: a 2.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: abolira - Albanije 3.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: ali 4.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: Alkar - azilu 5.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: bacaju - bez 6.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: bi 7.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: bicikle - bio 8.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: Biograd - biznisa 9.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: Bjelorusiju - burzi 10.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: camp - curriculum 11.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: Čak - četvrtom 12.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: čija - čvrstog 13.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: će 14.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKey words incontext: ćelavu - ću LINKSInvitamos a leer un artículo del dr. Darko Žubrinićsobre el pintor Kristian Kreković, en versión castellana de la señoraZdravka Teresa Perinić de Belofatto, de Buenos Aires:www.hr/darko/etf/kreks.htmlOtros artículos en inglés sobre historia y culturacroatas se encuentran en: www.hr/darko/etf/etfss.htmlNenadBach produce el excelente site http://www.croatianworld.net/ con material en inglés y croata (E) Qualifier Ivo Karlovic created the biggest Wimbledon upset Jun 23,2003 Sports (E) Karlovic Makes history at Wimbledon 2003 Jun 23,2003 Sports (E) Eric Bana The Hulk, says I am Croatian Jun 17,2003 Culture And Arts (E) Ivan Merz, first Catholic to be beatified in Bosnia Jun 21,2003 Religion (H) Joza Vrljicak - Studia Croatica Jun 21,2003 People (E) Repopulate Rural Croatia? Jun 20,2003 Community (E) If Croatia enters the EU by 2007 the others would take longer Jun 21,2003 Politics (E) A Magna Carta for Strong Families Jun 21,2003 Religion (E) Croatian in 2003 NBA draft Jun 21,2003 Sports (E) Croatia gets its first multiplex Jun 18,2003 Culture And Arts (E) The Archbishop of Zagreb and Cologne held a joint service Jun 20,2003 Religion (E) HRT with the new equipment Jun 19,2003 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Genevieve Gorder, of TV show Trading Spaces, Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5442/1/E-Genevieve-Gorder-of-TV-show-Trading-Spaces-Croatian.html ÂGenevieve Gorder, designer on the cable TV show -- Trading SpacesCroatianNenad,Here's another Croatian American who's making a splash in NY and on TV.Genevieve Gorder, designer on the cable TV show -- Trading Spaces -- is theÂdaughter of the cousin of NFCA VP Ed Andrus from Philadelphia.ÂEd's mother's Croatian maiden name is Domovic.Genevieve is an offspring of the Croatian family Domovic.We hope to have Genenieve attend a special NFCA event in NY soon.More later,Steve RukavinaGenevieve Gorder on fame, design and 'Trading Spaces'Rosalind BentleyÂStar Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)Published May 2, 2002The guy behind the counter at Theatre Antiques on Lyndale Avenue just north of Lake Street gave the tall, green-eyed blonde that I-know-I-know-you look. He whispered to a co-worker, who tried to place her.The woman walked up to the counter, purchase in hand. In a whisper befitting someone at a Sunday church service, Jim Thomas asked, "Are you . . . ?""Yes," said Genevieve Gorder, one of the stars of "Trading Spaces," a cult hit on the TLC cable network."I knew it was you!" Thomas said. "We watch the show all the time!"It's become a familiar exchange for the 27-year-old Minneapolis native since she joined the show nearly two years ago. "Spaces" faithful know Gorder as the perennially barefoot designer with a distinctive, full-throttle chuckle and a penchant for distinguishing her rooms with black-and-white photography.And, occasionally, moss.Get what you pay forÂBased on the British hit "Changing Rooms," "Spaces' " has a simple premise: Two neighbors trade house keys and in 48 hours, with a budget of $1,000 and under the direction of a designer, each redecorates a room in the other's home. You don't get to pick your designer (there are six, each with an individual style), you have to sign a release letting them do whatever they want to your room, and if you don't like the result, too bad.There have been some doozies. Rooms painted black. A bedroom made to look like a railroad Pullman Car. Until designer Hilda Santo-Tomas glued hay all over a family's living room walls, Gorder created what was arguably one of the most audacious designs: She covered a bedroom wall in moss and built nightstands out of chicken wire."Spaces" has become the most popular show on TLC network, perhaps because it's more a "reality" game show than it is a decorating show. Viewers want to see the "reveal," the last minutes of the show when the host ushers the eyes-shut-tight homeowners back to their house and tells them, "Open your eyes and see your new room!"ÂReactions range from "I love it!" to "Wow!" "Wow" as in, Wow, it's going to take us way more than 48 hours to repaint and repair this mess.The owners of Gorder's mossified bedroom were in the "Wow!" group."That moss wall was hot," Gorder said recently over lunch in Uptown. "I just don't think they got it."KismetÂAlthough not trained as an interior designer, Gorder did have some do-it-yourself credentials, thanks to her parents. As a young couple, they didn't have money for contractors to rehab the south Minneapolis Victorians they lived in, so they did the work themselves. By the time she was a student at Clara Barton Open School, Gorder knew how to strip wood, paint behind radiators and take down wallpaper.Still, it seemed more likely that she might become a classical musician or international aid worker than a television personality. Throughout her school years and into college, Gorder played the violin. She and her two younger brothers were required by their parents to learn at least one foreign language. They were encouraged to travel.Gorder's mother, Diana Drake, said she and her husband wanted the kids to know something about the world. On a summer break while she was attending South High School, Gorder was an exchange student in Barcelona, Spain, an experience that influenced her decision to major in international affairs at Lewis and Clark College in Oregon.In her sophomore year of college, just for grins, she took a graphic design class. Until then, Gorder hadn't been inclined to the visual arts. Smitten by the class, she switched majors -- a dicey but fortuitous move.On the strength of a collage she made in that design class, Gorder landed an internship with MTV at age 19. She was soon offered a job there and, with her parents' blessing, quit college and moved to New York. After earning a design degree from the School of Visual Arts there, she was hired by the New York offices of Minneapolis-based graphic design firm Duffy Inc.Duffy CEO Joe Duffy hired her and remembers not only her work, but also her "spike of energy." She'd just finished heading up the redesign of an FAO Schwarz project when she got a call from Ross Productions in Tennessee. Ross was going to do an American version of the show "Changing Rooms," and she'd been recommended for an audition."To this day I have no idea how they got my name," Gorder said. "I was like, 'Yeah, I'll come for the audition, but I'm not moving to Tennessee.' "She also had her doubts as to how her training as a graphic designer would work in interior design."I just didn't associate interior design with cool," Gorder said. "I was thinking it was all Christopher Lowell, 'Let's make this Arabian Nights!' "In a matter of a couple months, she and five other designers were filming the first episodes. None of them had to move to Tennessee."I remember thinking while I was doing the first one in Atlanta, 'What have I gotten myself into, this is so not for me,' " Gorder said.But as time went on, she became more comfortable with the cameras and the tremendous amount of work it takes to pull a room together in two days."Ninety percent of the homeowners say, 'Make it look like Pottery Barn,' " she said. "But it has to be dramatic or people won't want to watch."Drama's great, but what if the homeowner doesn't like what she's done?"You can't take it personally," Gorder said. "Whether people like it or not, I always go back in so I can find out what did and didn't work for them. If the room looks bad, I look bad and I want to feel good about the room every time."Los Angeles resident Paul Hogan and his girlfriend, Sonja Teri, worked with Gorder on a recent episode. Unlike some of the show's designers, Gorder was open to at least some of their ideas for changing their neighbor's living room, they said."She was just really fun to work with, not stuck up or pretentious at all," Hogan said. "She had us doing the whole show barefoot, just like her."Gen and BobÂ" 'You guys are gon' be celebrities,' " Gorder remembers one Ross executive drawling early on. "I was like, 'Yeah, right, me and Bob Vila.' "What a difference a season makes.The show is so popular in Texas that when it is filmed there, crowds stand outside the homes for hours with placards and cameras. A late-night run for potato chips at her neighborhood market can turn into an autograph-signing. The number of unofficial fan Web sites is staggering. As Gorder walked through Uptown on a recent trip home, two teenage girls appeared on the brink of hyperventilation as she walked past them.Gorder takes this in stride. It's flattering. Her mother worries, though. While Drake is happy about her daughter's success, she's concerned about its speed and the fickleness of television."This is a great experience for her and she can take this anywhere," Drake said. "But the show has an almost fanatical following. People will walk up to her, literally crying, 'It's Genevieve, it's Genevieve.' So she's starting to deal with the gradual loss of her privacy."Still, Gorder is enjoying a life that has become somewhat charmed. Marriage and kids will happen eventually, she said. Her parents' mandate was always "check out some of your dreams before you settle down, so there are no regrets." Which is exactly what Gorder has been doing. When she's not filming, she's visiting her old host family in Barcelona or going to Morocco or some other far-flung place. On the side, she designs the occasional room, although for a budget more than $1,000. (She's reprised the moss wall five times.) She's started Double G Designs, which produces"Sex-in-the-City"-esque greeting cards, and she's been approached about designing a line of jeans. And she's retained an agent as other entertainment offers have begun trickling in. Movies? Other TV shows? Gorder won't be specific, but says that in a dream world she'd host her own travel show. Not now, though.She'd be a fool to stop changing rooms, she said, because like her moss wall, "Right now, this show is hot!"ÂMove over Martha - Another Croatian SensationÂThought you'd be interested in this. Click on the link below and see my cousin, Genevieve Gorder in the top picture, being portrayed as a contender to "Martha"! WOW! Another Croatian Sensation!Edward A AndrusÂeaandrus@comcast.netÂÂhttp://www.nydailynews.com/city_life/story/93660p-84965c.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatia gets its first multiplex http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5448/1/E-Croatia-gets-its-first-multiplex.html  Croatia gets its first multiplex ÂBlitz-Cinestar, a new joint venture between Croatian distributor, Blitz Film & Video Distribution and German exhibitor, Cinestar/Kieft & Kieft, is to open Croatia's first multiplex this autumn. The multiplex, Cinestar Zagreb will have 13 state-of-the art screens over two floors with a total seating capacity of 2,954. All theatres will be equipped with wall-to-wall screens, Dolby Digital and DTS sound systems as well as stadium seating, and 'love seats', which allow for double occupancy. As for the other countries of former Yugoslavia, there are currently only three multiplexes: two in Slovenia (12 screens in Ljubljana and seven in Celje) and one in Serbia (five screens in Belgrade).The official opening of the multiplex will take place by the end of September. The founding partners believe it will bring new life to theatrical business in Croatia, which, due to outdated equipment in a vast majority of existing theatres, has been on extreme decline for the past ten years. The number of cinemas in Croatia increased by just one in 2000 to 142 cinemas with 146 screens. Admissions for the year were 2.74 million for a population of 4.5 million. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Marko Spalatin - Review http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5450/1/E-Marko-Spalatin---Review.html ÂMarkoSpalatinFrom the Happy City of the Renaissance and thephilosopher-adventurer Franjo Petrić (Franciscus Patricius La Cittàfelice), to the America of the sixties of the twentieth century and theformation of Marko Spalatin, painter and printmaker, there is a huge span withinwhich the Croatian modern cultural universe came into being. As Croatiancontemporary history locked certain phenomena into ideologically determinedenclaves, neither Franjo Petrić, a man of the world of the times gone by,nor Marko Spalatin, our contemporary global citizen, could find an adequateplace, at least not within the coordinates of the Croatian contemporary history,although they, without any doubt, belong there. As Andrija Mutnjaković,Member of the Academy, once broke the silence by initiating the edition ArchitectonicaCroatica, so also the Cabinet of the Graphic Arts of the Croatian Academy ofArts and Sciences highlights, by presenting the works by Marko Spalatin, theopus of an American artist, of Croatian origin, enjoying exceptional renownamong his peers all around the globe. Out of the rich biography, andbibliography of Marko Spalatin, art critics would first of all select hisretrospective at the Butler Institute of American Art (Youngstown, Ohio) in theCatalogue of which a distinguished art critic, John Yau, wrote:ÂÂÂ"If we thinkof Josef Albers as one of the first modern artists to devote himself to thestudy of color, then Spalatin must be regarded as one of Albers' fewlegitimate heirs. The two other artists I would include in this mix are HansHoffman and Piet Mondrian. All three were Europeans who came to Americarelatively late in their lives; and, perhaps more to the point, all threedevoted much of their attention to the investigation of color relationshipswithin a matrix of geometry."Marko Spalatin arrived in America at an early age. Heacquired his training in the U.S., and in that sense he was free from"Europeanisms," i.e., of the bondage to constructivism. It is exactly in hiscase that we can examine that imaginary encounter of the two worlds asconstructivism, in the precise poetics of Albers, and rhythmical variations ofMondrian returned from America to Europe as an echo of liberated modernism.Liberated, first of all, of ideological identifiers, of the avant-garde.Modernism purified in America signifies that move toward Euro-American values ofa global culture, which, ultimately, declares itself as the culture of the West.But all those shifts from an ideological toward pure art are, in any period oftime, and within any group, revealed in the power of an individual, in thepersonal positioning of an artist. Thus Marko Spalatin has built, on the sourcespertaining to the world of geometry, specific crystalline variations which,although they belong to the very peak of contemporary art, have no analogies. Inparticular, they have no ties to the "New Geometry," which as an echo of atrend arrived from the U.S. in the eighties and nineties of the past century.Born in Zagreb, in a family originating from the island of Rab, Spalatin hasavoided also the European trend setting visions, the same way these had beenavoided by his famous predecessor, Josef Albers, with a note that Spalatin iseven less European. Spalatin's opus belongs first and foremost to America: hewas in school at the peak of Pop-Art, he was formed in the shadow of Op-Art andMinimalism, which we mention here in an almost rhetorical sense. Yet, ananalysis of his studious approach to color does take us toward Op andMinimalism, to comparisons with Albers, and Albers' so many times repeated"Homage to the Square;" but comparisons to associative and geometricallyconceived color variation by Dean Fleming hold, too. Closing his painting series(acrylics), or his graphic (serigraph) series into cycles and maps, Spalatin hascreated an original, unusual opus based on an exceptionally exact study ofcolors pulsating against an almost classical, geometrically conceivedbackground. Every Spalatin frame is characterized by a certain creativedetachment leading toward "imperfections" of mannerist witticisms: Parnassos,1979: Trygon, 1980; Uxmal, 1980; Hydroid, 1981; Nautica, 1982; Hexagon,1984; Quantum, 1989; Matrix,1991; Pulsar,1993,; Prizma, 1996;Akumal, 2001; these are the titles of serigraph cycles which attract attentionby simple and yet complex effects, let me repeat, concentrated in a studiousdeclension of color, in classicist perfection of geometry and in a creative"imperfection of studied, mannerist, detachment from the rules of theexercise.By origin from theisland of Rab - as already stated - Spalatin seems to evoke with each newcycle a certain genetic memory of the Mediterranean, of light, the same thatmoved Markantun de Dominis toward precise games with light and toward thediscovery of the prism. Each Spalatin frame speaks, on the level of style, ofvisualizing motifs from the repertory of exact fantasticism along with thememory of light. Still, this is always a memory written into the history ofmodern art, of geometric abstraction, and Op. Spalatin's serigraphs, theirglimmering color and tonal playfulness, the unusual perfection which defineseach centimeter of canvass or paper, place this artist at the very top of modernart, especially of graphic arts. Exhibiting his most recent graphic series, Akumal(eight serigraphs), shown with great success in New York and Paris in2001, with selections from a number of earlier series, will contribute to abetter understanding of recent American art, and also affirm a Croatian Globalculture, by which we mean a "widened" area of Croatian culture, beyond thehome borders.Should we analyzethe mythical spots of Croatian contemporary art such as Croatian constructivism,EXAT 51, or the New Tendencies, by now deeply ingrained into the history ofEurope, we will fail to find Marko Spalatin there. He is a hero from anothermovie, although due to a systematically geometric approach to serigraphy he maykeep reminding one, on some associative level, of the esthetics of the NewTendencies. Marko's artistic experience has nothing to do with those tasks. Heharbors no constructivist ethics found in Pietro Dorazio, Getulio Alviani, FrançoisMortellet, Ivan Picelj, Vjenceslav Richter, Miroslav Šutej. We have mentionedthe New Tendencies because of the "Zagreb School of Serigraphy," which madeCroatian modern art famous, but Spalatin as a supreme master of serigraphybelongs to another myth, that of the contemporary American art. Thus theexpression of Marko Spalatin keeps returning us to the visions of Josef Albers,which had indeed sprang from European constructivism, but which wereAmericanized in the sixties in the way we encounter also in Spalatin'soeuvre.ÂThe persistence ofgeometry, a certain vitality of mannerism encoded into geometry and visualcombinations, all that was creatively reworked and redefined by Spalatin as he progressedfrom phase to phase of his artistic journey developing a sophisticatedhandwriting of unrepeatable authorship. His geometric artifacts, in theirunbelievable perfection, may recall the so-called "cold optics," and thusappear repeatable and freed of personality, but this is just a first impression.Each Spalatin canvass, each serigraph, bears a stamp of uniqueness. Yes, evenserigraphs, in spite of a technology meant for repetition. This is a sign of anexceptional, impressive authorship which knows how to find truly originalsolutions within the sphere of simplified geometric forms. Spalatin'scompositions are unusual also in terms of motifs such as we may glean from the Akumal series, unusual in reductionism, in sophistication of the optics, andin color which literally animates this painter's "prism." Indeed withinthe large field of art history from mannerist geometric games to surrealism,from constructivism to minimalism, from minimalism to the Neo-Geo, we never findtwo approaches to geometry as a synthesis of form which might strike us asexactly alike Even when an author,or critic, quotes Mondrian's inventions, this is not discipleship but anauthor's reinterpretation of a Mondrian model. Still, Spalatin's fascinationwith geometry attracts attention by its emphasized originality: it surpasses anyquotation imaginable overcoming trendy changes as it springs forth from a truededication to Art, to the universal values of creativity.This was proven bySpalatin's retrospective at the Butler Institute of American Art, his sixtiethexhibition which reconfirmed the scope and significance of his opus; which leftthe imprints of its productivity in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, theTate Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Musée de l'ArtModerne and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, in the Library of Congress inWashington, and in many more distinguished museum and corporate collections. Theplace of the first comprehensive public display of Spalatin's art in Croatiais an institution of the highest professional rank in the area of graphic arts- the Cabinet of Graphic Arts of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences,within the Croatian Triennale ofGraphic Arts in Zagreb in 2003.Lilijana Domić letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Marko Spalatin - Pozivnica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5449/1/H-Marko-Spalatin---Pozivnica.html  Ozaljska39. Zagreb Croatia- EuropeÂÂÂÂphone: + 385 1 3010931 Kabinet Grafike HAZUÂUdruga Građana Globalna Hrvatskapozivaju Vas na otvorenje izložbeMARKO SPALATIN: GRAFIKA 1979 - 2003Âu Kabinetu Grafike HAZUStrossmayerov trg 10Četvrtak, 12 lipnja, 19hSponzor: Siemens letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Eric Bana The Hulk, says I am Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5447/1/E-Eric-Bana-The-Hulk-says-I-am-Croatian.html ÂCroatianThe HulkYesterday night June 16th 2003 I watched Jay Leno Show and Eric Bana was imitating his father talking, when Jay asked him, which accent was that and Eric said Croatian Australian.As CROWN predicted, Eric has a great future. With his new film Hulk, just in the theater near you. Go and support Eric. He was also in Fields of Dreams. Small but very impressive role.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Superman Comics drawn by a Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5455/1/E-Superman-Comics-drawn-by-a-Croatian.html ÂDanijel Zezelj Danijel Zezelj and the SupermanHi Nenad!I saw today at the store that Superman mini-series called "Superman:Metropolis" http://www.dccomics.com/comics/dc_display.html?cm_dc_itemCode=smmet4&month=MayÂis being drawn by a Croatian artist named Danijel Zezelj http://www.dzezelj.comÂCool!-MarkoÂWritten by Chuck Austen; art by Danijel Zezelj; cover by Zezelj and Jose VillarrubiaSUPERMAN | 32pg. | Color | 4 of 12 | $2.95On Sale May 21st, 2003 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) NYC Exhibition Includes Bridge in Rijeka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5454/1/E-NYC-Exhibition-Includes-Bridge-in-Rijeka.html ÂCroatianArchitectureÂThe Van Alen Institute in New York City is presenting an exhibition on"New Designs for Public Space" in its gallery. The exhibit includes thenew pedestrian bridge in Rijeka called Most branitelja which wasdesigned by a trio of Zagreb architects: Silvije Novak, Sasa Begovic iTatjana Grozdanic.Set forth below is a press release concerning the exhibition.John KraljicOp-edI walked on it few days ago. I felt like in Odyssey 2001. Only the year was2003.Nenad**********************************May 30, 2003PRESS RELEASEContact: Alan Brake212 924 7000 x4, abrake@vanalen.orgÂVan Alen Institute presents groundbreaking new public designs from sixcontinents Van Alen Institute presents "OPEN: new designs for public space" on June12. This exhibition of contemporary public spaces, in development, underconstruction, or recently completed, represents the most innovative architecture, landscape, andurban design from cities across the globe. These projects reveal bold new attitudes and thinkingabout how we live in cities today and in the future, looking at the intersections ofinfrastructure, environment, transportation, recreation, culture, and tourism. The exhibit will beopen 12-6 M-F throughout the summer with special Saturday openings(12-6) on June 14, and June 21. Lectures and relatedprograms will be announced at www.vanalen.org."When 4000 New Yorkers said no to proposals for the World Trade Centersite in July 2002, they were saying yes to setting a higher standard for public space andpublic life downtown and throughout the region. Public space is more important, and morethreatened, than ever, yet as this exhibit demonstrates in June 2003, cities all over the world aredesigning and building extraordinary new public spaces. New York needs to seize thisopportunity to show it can do the same and better," says Raymond Gastil, Executive Director, Van AlenInstitute.The most celebrated urban spaces, places that contribute to creative metropolises, combinelarge-scale operations and small-scale experiences, major infrastructure with recreation andculture, and grand civic events with intimate daily interaction. Organized by VAI, with exhibition director Raymond Gastil and exhibitioncurator Zoë Ryan, "OPEN" draws on the expertise of leaders in art,architecture, graphic and new media design, landscape, planning, community development, and policy who have convened at the Institute over the pastyear.Projects from six continents and more than 20 cities are included in the exhibit, which alsofeatures an "In the News" section on recent developments in New York's "parks to watch" andrecent competitions throughout North America from Memphis to Toronto, aswell as the temporary art installations that have radically transformed our sense ofhow public space is used. Among the featured projects are:· City Hall, Foster and Partners, London (completion 2002)· National Opera House, Snøhetta, Oslo, Norway (2005)· Ponte Parodi, UN Studio/Caroline Bos and Ben Van Berkel, Genoa, Italy (2005)· Federation Square, Lab Architects, Melbourne, Australia (2002)· Institute of Contemporary Art, Diller + Scofidio, Boston, Massachusetts (2005)· Fourth Grace, Alsop Architects, Liverpool, UK (2007)· Science Hub, Master Plan, Zaha Hadid Architecture, Singapore (2005)· Chungmuro Intermedia Playground, Cho Slade Architecture with Kwang-soo Kim, Seoul, Korea (2002)· Poplar Street, Walter Hood Design, Macon, Georgia (commissioned 1999)· Favela-Bairro Project, Jorge Mario Jauregui Architects, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2002)· Alameda El Porvenir, MGP Architecture and Urbanism (11 mile-long pedestrian avenue)Bogota, Colombia (2002)· A13 Artscape, de Paor Architects, London, UK (1996-2005)· Fairgrounds, Carmé Pinos, part of the new JVC city in Guadalajara, Mexico (2006)· Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills, Gluckman Mayner Architects, Tokyo, Japan (2003)· Southeast Coastal Park and Auditoriums, FOA, Barcelona, Spain (2004)· Westergasfabriek Park, Gustafson Porter, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2003)· Mur Island, Acconci Studio, Graz, Austria (2003)· Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Eisenman Architects, Berlin,Germany (2005)· Memorial Bridge, 3LHD, Rijeka, Croatia (2002)· Walter Sisulu Square, StudioMAS Architecture and Urban Design, Johannesburg, South Africa (2005)"The exhibition shows projects from small interventions in previouslyunderutilized spaces, such as a media center in a subway and an artificial island in a river, tolarge urban projects like an 11-mile pedestrian and cycle path withgathering spaces and a major cultural center thatprovides a new meeting ground in the heart of the city," says Zoë Ryan,the exhibition curator."The projects prove that public space is still a critical and thrivingaspect of city life and one in which new approaches to design arefostering interaction and exploration." The designs areorganized into five themes: The New Meeting Grounds, Active Memory, ThePlaza Unbound,Information in Place, and Opening the City.Projects will be presented with hundreds of images, plans, drawings, documentary film, digitalanimations and models, some of which have been specially commissioned for the exhibition, ina design developed collaboratively by two emerging firms, Freecell (exhibition design) and Flat(exhibition graphic design). A related program of lectures and events will occur throughout thesummer and fall. Check www.vanalen.orgÂfor details.The exhibition has been made possible by support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for theVisual Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, The New York State Council on the Arts, andThe Stephen A. and Diana L. Goldberg Foundation. A catalogue will be published in fall 2003thanks to the support of ConEdison.InformationAddress: Van Alen Institute30 W 22 Street, 6th Floor (between 5th and 6th Avenues)Hours: Monday - Friday 12-6pm (check www.vanalen.orgÂfor extended hours)Admission: FREEAbout Van Alen Institute: Projects in Public ArchitectureVan Alen Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving design in the public realmthrough a program of exhibitions, competitions, publications, lectures, and forums. Based inNew York, the Institute initiates interdisciplinary collaborations between designers, students,educators, community leaders, and the public. 30 W 22 Street, New York, NY 10010;Âwww.vanalen.org ; 212 924-7000. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) On 50th Venice Biennale 2003 - Two Croatian Artists http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5453/1/E-On-50th-Venice-Biennale-2003---Two-Croatian-Artists.html ÂCroatianArtists on Venice 50th BiennaleVenice Biennale 200350th Biennale - June 14 till November 2nd380 Artists participating in this year's Venice Biennale, one of the world's most important showcase for contemporary art. Borisa Cvjetanovic & Ana OpalicSource: http://www.labiennale-croatia.com/ÂANA OPALICPortrait, 2003, installation,mixed media, video PAL, 3 min loop; format 3:4 (rotation left 90ľ)ÂBORIS CVJETANOVICFrom the Hospital series,Medical institution for lookin after children suffering from chronic andincurable diseases, Gornja Bistra, 1987 gelatine silver print, 49.5 x 39.5 cm,edition of 5, hand print by the author courtesy of the Museum of ContemporaryArt, ZagrebBORIS CVJETANOVICBorn in Zagreb, Croatia, 1953Lives and works in Zagreb, CroatiaSELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS2003. Poletne pocitnice, Galerija sodobne umetnosti, Celje2002 Grad, Umjetnicka galerija, Dubrovnik2000 Ocean, Mala galerija, Porec11. - 14. 12. 1999, Galerija OK, Rijeka1999 L'Hopital, Espace 13 x 13, AnnemasseFotografirano, Muzej grada Rijeke, Rijeka (with Dean Golja)Â1998 Photographed, Span Galleries, Melbourne (with Dean Golja)Photographed, High Court, Canberra (with Dean Golja)ÂLjetovanje, Narodni muzej - Galerija umjetnina, Zadar1996 Summertime, Galeria Gerulata, BratislavaRadnici, Galerija Hajdarovic, PožegaLjetovanje, Museum of Contemporary Art, ZagrebScenes without Significance, Center for Contemporary Art, VilniusÂ(with Goran Trbuljak)1995 S ljetovanja, Galerija Dante Marino Cetina, Umag1991 Gracanski portreti, Galerija Kovacka 3, Dubrovnik1988 Mesnicka 6 i Labinski rudari, Galerija Fotokluba Split, Split1997 Prvomajske labinske slike, Galerija PM, Zagreb1986 Slikanje ispred slika, Galerija PM, Zagreb1985 Cetiri izleta, Galerija PM, Zagreb1984 Mesnicka 6, Galerija Dogadjanja, Zagreb1981 Erotski grafiti, Galerija SKUC, ZagrebSELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS2002 In Search of Balkania, Neue Galerie Graz am Landesmuseum Joanneum, Graz2001 Ispricati pricu/To Tell a Story, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb2000 What, How & For Whom, Dom HDLU, Zagreb1999 Panorama, Umjetnicki paviljon, Zagreb1995 The 1st Tokyo International Photo-Biennale, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography1993 Croatian War Photography, Mcs internacional de fotografia, Sao Paulo1989 Contemporary Yugoslav Photography, The John Hartell Gallery, New York1985 Preis für Junge europŠische Fotografen, Frankfurter Kunstverein, Steinernes Haus am Ršmerberg, FrankfurtSELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYMarkita Franulic: O radu Borisa Cvjetanovica, in Boris Cvjetanovic: Prizori bez znacaja, Idea Imago, Zagreb, 1995Leonida Kovac: Uzorci vidljivoga, in Boris Cvjetanovic: Prizori bez znacaja, Idea Imago, Zagreb, 1995Leonida Kovac: Nadzirano i fotografirano, Oris nr.3, 1999Zvonko Makovic: Fotografiti Borisa Cvjetanovica, cat. Rijeci i slike/ Words and Images, Open Society Institute /SCCA, Zagreb, 1994Mirela Ramljak - Purgar: Boris Cvjetanovic, Dean Golja - Fotografirano, Kontura nr. 61/62, Zagreb, 1999Branka Slijepcevic: Zamka kalotipijskog diskursa, Život umjetnosti, nr. 64, Zagreb, 2001ANA OPALICBorn in Dubrovnik, Croatia, 1972Lives and works in Dubrovnik, CroatiaSELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS2002 Libreria Central, Tremp2001 Galerija umjetnina, Split2000 Museum of Contemporary Art - Project Room, Zagreb1998 C.D.A. El Raco, TirviaThe Quiet Man Gallery, BarcelonaGalerija Kovacka 3, Dubrovnik1997 Galerija Rigo, Novigrad1996 Galerija Metelkova, LjubljanaSELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS2002 Here Tomorrow, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb2001 Ispricati pricu / To Tell a Story, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb2000 Argos Project : 100 glimpses on contemporary art, Vevey Flip, Los Angeles1999 Panorama, Umjetnicki paviljon, ZagrebYoung and Serious: Recycled Images, Ernst Muzeum, Budapest1998 Art contemporani de muntanya, Eco Museu, Valls d'Aneu1997 Hrvatska fotografija '97, Umjetnicki paviljon, ZagrebSELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYLeonida Kovac: Može li se prica ispricati sama?, cat. Ana Opalic:Autoportreti, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb, 2000Roxana Marcocci: Here Tomorrow, cat. Here Tomorrow, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb, 2000Rosana Ratkovcic: Krajolici kao autoportreti, Zarez, Zagreb, March 2000Branka Slijepcevic: Ana Opalic: Autoportreti, Triptih, Hrvatski radio, March, 2000 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) POZIVNICA, 3LHD u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5452/1/H-POZIVNICA-3LHD-u-New-Yorku.html ÂHrvatskaArhitektura u New YorkuCroatianArchitecture in New YorkJune 2 - October 31, 2003ÂPostovani gospodine BachDoastavljamo Vam pozivnicu za nastup mladih hrvatskih arhitekata na izlozbi u New Yorku. Nadam se da ovu informaciju mozete objaviti kako bi svi zainteresirani mogli doci na izlozbu.S postovanjemDomagoj KeroGeneralni konzulPostovani,Mi smo tim mladih arhitekata 3LHD - Sasa Begovic, Marko Dabrovic, Tanja Grozdanic i Silvije Novak i pozvani smo na jednu od najznacajnijih izlozbi ove godine u New Yorku u Van Alen Institute. Izlozba pod nazivom OPEN: New designs for public space okuplja 20ak najznacajnijih svjetskih arhitekata, medju kojima smo i mi, kao jedini predstavnici iz Republike Hrvatske. Obzirom da je ovo izuzetan dogadjaj za hrvatsku arhitekturu i kulturu uopce, kao i za promociju nase Zemlje, ovom prilikom vas pozivamo na otvorenje izlozbe, koje ce se odrzati 11. lipnja 2003 u 06.30 pm u Van Alen Institute 30 West 22 Street 6th floor. U prilogu ovoga maila dostavljamo vam pozivnicu.Bila bi nam osobita cast ukoliko biste mogli prisustvovati tom dogadjaju.ÂSrdacan pozdrav!3LHDÂSasa, Marko, Tanja i SilvijeContact:3LHDÂVarsavska 8/1HR-10000Zagreb, CroatiaPhone: +385 91 2006155 (DOSTUPAN I U SAD)e-mail: sasa@studio3lhd.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Rijecki Most hrvatskih branitelja u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5451/1/H-Rijecki-Most-hrvatskih-branitelja-u-New-Yorku.html ÂÂHrvatskaArhitektura Na Svjetskoj Izlozbi Riječki Most hrvatskih branitelja na izložbi u New Yorku RIJEKA/NEW YORK - Hrvatski arhitekti Studija 3LHD - Saša Begović, Marko Dabrović, Tanja Grozdanić i Silvije Novak sudjeluju na velikoj svjetskoj izložbi pod nazivom »OPEN: New Designs for Public Space«, koja je otvorena u četvrtak u New Yorku u Van Alen Institute. Među 20-ak pozvanih autora svoje radove izložili su najpoznatiji svjetski arhitekti: Norman Foster (UK), Peter Eisenman (USA), Will Alsop (UK), Toyo Ito (JP), Studio Liebskind (D), Zaha Hadid (UK), Diller+Scofidio (USA).  3LHD se predstavio projektom »Most hrvatskih branitelja u Rijeci«, za koji su primili najvažniju svjetsku nagradu za mlade nadolazeće arhitekte »AR+D award 2002«, a koju dodjeljuje ugledniji svjetski arhitektonski časopis »The Arthitectual Review«. Isti projekt nagrađen je i najvažnijom hrvatskom arhitektonskom nagradom »Viktor Kovačić« 2001. godine. Most je također dobio priznanja časopisa Piranesi (Piran, Slovenija), Bauwelt (Berlin, Njemačka) i nagradu najvažnijeg američkog časopisa za dizajn I. D. Magazine za 2003. godinu  »OPEN: New Designs for Public Space« je izložba novijih projekata suvremenog javnog prostora (u izgradnji ili netom završenih), koji predstavljaju najinovativnije projekte javnih objekata, okoliša i urbanog dizajna iz gradova cijelog svijeta. Izloženi projekti otkrivaju nove pristupe i razmišljanja kako živimo u gradovima danas i u budućnosti obzirom na okoliš, promet, rekreaciju, kulturu, turizam i infrastrukturu. Na izložbi su pokazane fotografije, nacrti, dokumentarni filmovi, kompjutorske animacije i makete projekata, od kojih su neki specijalno pripremljeni za ovu izložbu.  Na izložbi su, među ostalim, pokazani i Gradska vijećnica u Londonu, Nacionalna opera u Oslu, Institut suvremene umjetnosti u Bostonu, Muzej umjetnosti u Tokiju i spomenik ubijenim židovima u Berlinu, a bit će otvorena do 31. listopada.  Više informacija može se pronaći na web stranicama Van Alen Instituta http://www.vanalen.org/exhibits/PublicSpace/PubSpaceMain.htm © Copyright 2002NOVI LIST d.d. Sva prava pridržana. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Psihomodo Pop - Live http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5458/1/E-Psihomodo-Pop---Live.html  Psihomodo Pop ConcertBog Nenad, veceras je koncert Psihomodo Pop,a u Zagrebu, preko interneta ide diljem svijeta.ÂJune 12, 2003Lorenckoncert je danas u 21 i 30 po hrvatskom vremenu.adresa je: www.psihomodopop.htnet.hrÂ.Javim ti seÂTigran Kalebotatigran.kalebota1@zg.hinet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Koncert - Klapa Astoria - June 22, 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5457/1/HE-Koncert---Klapa-Astoria---June-22-2003.html Koncert - Klapa AstoriaÂÂZupa Most Precious Blood iHrvatska zajednica Astoriapoziva vas naKoncertKLAPA ASTORIANedjelja, 22. lipnja 2003.sa pocetkom u 19:30.Koncert ce se odrzati u Most Precious Blood Church (gornja crkva)32-50 37. ulica (izmedju Broadwaya i 34. avenije), Astoria, QueensULAZ SLOBODAN________________________________________________________________________Most Precious Blood Parish andCroatian Community of Astoriacordially invites you to theConcertKLAPA ASTORIASunday, June 22. 2003. At 7:30 PMat the Most Precious Blood Church (upper church)32-50 37th Street (between Broadway and 34th Avenue)Astoria, QueensFREE ADMISSION letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian House project has launched its web site http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5456/1/E-Croatian-House-project-has-launched-its-web-site.html ÂCroatian House project has launched its web siteWashington DC, June 9, 2003 - The Croatian House project in WashingtonÂDC has recently launched its web site, www.croatianhouse.orgÂThe non-profit Croatian American organization aims to build or buy aÂhouse in Washington, D.C., that would serve as a center for theÂpromotion of Croatia and Croatian related events in the U.S. Capitol.ÂThis web site will be used to inform the Croatian American communityÂand friends of Croatia throughout the U.S. about the Croatian HouseÂproject and related activities.ÂDanica RamljakÂramljakd@georgetown.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book Promotion of Stillness and Other Stories in NY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5459/1/E-Book-Promotion-of-Stillness-and-Other-Stories-in-NY.html ÂCroatian CulturalÂÂIf you have never been to a Croatian Cultural Thursday in NY, here is oneevent you should definitelly attend. We are having a promotion for AngelaBrkic's first book, Stillness and other stories.ÂThe book has been selected for the Barnes and Noble Discovery Series(Summer, 2003) and as one of five best new fiction books by the organizationPoets & Writers.ÂKeep your eyes open for a review in the Book Review section of thisSunday's NY Times (June 8). Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, asthis will be our last gathering until the Fall.ÂKatarinaÂ***ÂCroatian Cultural Thursdays and Cultural AssociationÂNAPREDAK invite you toÂCelebrate Courtney Angela Brkic's first bookÂStillness: And Other StoriesÂThursday, June 12th, 2003Â7 PMÂAuditorium beneath the Church of Sts. Cyril and MethodiusÂ502 W 41 (between 10th and 11th ave)ÂNew York, NYÂReception and book signing to follow. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) I zato nas jezik ima sve posebne boje http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5461/1/H-I-zato-nas-jezik-ima-sve-posebne-boje.html  I zato nas jezik ima sve posebne bojeÂÂÂÂ- Jezik je zajednicko, skupljeno sjecanje naroda. On je nit ili nerv zivotakoji tece kroz mnoga stoljeca povezujuci ih u jednu zajednicku trajnu i dragocjenu cjelinui postojanost. W. Smith Poslusajmo sto je nas veliki A. G. Matos rekao o hrvatskom jeziku :- U vasem programu vidim mnoge egzoticne predmete, ali ne vidim jednoga kojibi trebali uciti djaci svih fakulteta: hrvatskoga jezika. Vjerujte, da ga nece naucitido groba: tako je bogat i tezak.- Jer i jezik je produkt nase zemlje kao mi, kao savski sljunak ilibjelolist i pjenis'nik hrvatske Alpe. Hrvatski jezik je proizvod odnosaja Hrvata pramaHrvatskoj,prama prirodi, prama polju, gori, sumi i zraku, prama nasim cvjeticima i nasimplanetima sto kolo vode' kod Preradovica, i zato nas jezik ima sve posebne boje, zvukove,oblike i osebine nase zemlje:- buran kao senjska bura, mekan kao dvojnice, zanijet kao procvjetala granaruzmarina, tuzan kao kraska pustolina, veseo kao tambura i dubok kao mrak nasih suma itragika naseg mora. Samo lijepa nasa domovina mogase stvoriti ljepotu divnog nasegjezika, divotu nasih rijeci krasnih kao nasi otoci, 'lijepi vrti morem plivajuci'.Nevenka Vucemilovic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Nenad Bach u Novom listu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5460/1/H-Nenad-Bach-u-Novom-listu.html ÂNenad Bach u Novom listuNENAD BACH, AUTOR GLAZBE ZA FILM »JUSTICE« KOJI CE PREMIJERNO BITI PRIKAZAN NA PRVOM DUBROVACKOM FILMSKOM FESTIVALUÂZa »Warner Brothers« sam prevodio »Harryja Pottera« na hrvatski!ÂMislim da je hrvatska tradicijska glazba za svijet nesto posve originalno i podjednako bi bila zanimljiva i onima u Tokiju, i onima u New Delhiju, i onima u Cape TownuÂNa prvom Dubrovackom medunarodnom filmskom festivalu, sto ce biti odrzan od 29. svibnja do 1. lipnja, europsku i hrvatsku premijeru dozivjet ce americki film »Justice« redatelja Evana Oppenheimera, za koji je glazbu napisao Rijecanin Nenad Bach, koji je dosad nastupao s poznatim glazbenicima i glumcima kao sto su Luciano Pavarotti, Bono i The Edge (U2), Brian Eno, Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, Garth Hudson i Rick Danko (The Band), Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead), Martin Sheen, Michael York, John Malkovich, Ellen Burstyn i mnogi drugi. Svirao je i na Woodstocku '94, a 1998. napravio je kompilacijski album s Bruceom Springsteenom, Leonardom Cohenom i Allenom Ginsbergom. Posljednjih godina posvetio se promoviranju hrvatske tradicijske glazbe u svijetu, sto je rezultiralo trima a capella albumima - »Fire on the Sea« s klapom »Fortunal«, zatim kolekcijom korizmenih napjeva »Following the Cross« te materijalom »Novaljo, Novaljo« u suradnji s klapom »Navalia«. Film »Justice«, u kojemu glume Erik Palladino, Catherine Kellner, Daphne Rubin-Vegas, Ajay Naidu, Marisa Ryan i drugi, samo je jedan u nizu dugometraznih, kratkometraznih i dokumentarnih, uglavnom neovisnih, filmova koje ce vidjeti publika u Dubrovniku, a do sada su prikazani na prestiznim svjetskim festivalima poput onog u Sundanceu i Torontu.ÂDubrovnik izmedu Pule i MotovunaKakvo je vase misljenje o pokretanju filmskog festivala u Dubrovniku? - Festival je pokrenut na osobnu inicijativu Ziggy Mrkich i bez neke vece financijske podrske. Zapravo je cudno da se jedna takva ideja nije pojavila i ranije. Buduci da je Dubrovnik na neki nacin »srce« Hrvatske i poznat je u svijetu po svojoj povijesti i ljepoti, ovo je jedan od nacina da se ljudima kroz ono sto im je poznato pokusa pribliziti i druge hrvatske krajeve. U tome veliku ulogu mogu imati kultura, sport, znanost... Sjetimo se samo povratka Gorana Ivanisevica nakon pobjede u Wimbledonu kad je prakticki citav svijet vidio slavlje na splitskoj rivi. To znaci da se putem nasih talenata trebamo promovirati u svijetu. Kad je cuo moje price o Dioklecijanovoj palaci, redatelj filma »Justice« izrazio je zelju da posjeti Split i mi cemo to sada i uciniti. Moj je stav da upravo kroz umjetnost i kulturu mozemo pridobiti prijatelje u svijetu. U tome svakako moze pomoci i jedan ovakav festival. U Hrvatskoj vec postoji nekoliko filmskih festivala - u Puli, Motovunu i tako dalje. Nije li jos jedan mozda previse za jednu ovako malu zemlju? - Ni slucajno. Jedan festival ne iskljucuje drugi. Pula je vise rezervirana za domacu filmsku produkciju, dok je Motovun vec sada »pretijesan« i nema se vise gdje siriti. Dubrovacki festival odrzava se u dobrom terminu, odmah poslije festivala u Cannesu, sto znaci da ljudi relativno brzo mogu stici i do Dubrovnika. Prednost Dubrovnika je njegova blaga klima, a ovdje je osigurana i kompletna infrastruktura - od hotela do svih ostalih potrebnih pratecih sadrzaja. Redatelj Evan Oppenheimer kazao je da su mu mnogi kad im je pokazao scenarij filma »Justice« kazali da ne zele sudjelovati u filmu koji govori o 11. rujna. Na to im je on odgovorio da to nije film o 11. rujna, nego da je to film o New Yorku ciji su sredisnji likovi autor tekstova za stripove, jedna latino-aktivistica i ulicni prodavac koji je Musliman. Kako ste vi osobno dozivjeli ovu filmsku pricu i kako biste opisali glazbu u filmu? - Film je pocetkom svibnja premijerno prikazan u SAD-u, a u Dubrovniku ce biti njegova europska i hrvatska premijera. Radi se o vrlo svjezem naslovu, jer smo film dovrsili prije otprilike mjesec dana. Ovo je tek drugi Oppenheimerov dugometrazni film, a prije toga rezirao je film »The Auteur Theory« koji je prikazan na brojnim festivalima. Film »Justice« prica je o osobnoj boli i gubitku. Tek na kraju filma doznajemo da su sudbine likova na neki nacin povezane s 11. rujna. Ta zadnja scena objasnjava citav film. Osnovno je pitanje koje se u filmu postavlja kako prezivjeti bol. Nama u Hrvatskoj dobro je poznat taj osjecaj, jer smo i sami prosli ratnu traumu. U tom je smislu glavna misao filma da je vrijeme sve sto imamo, dok je ono materijalno prolazno. O tome kakva bi trebala biti glazba za ovaj film mnogo sam razgovarao s redateljem i na kraju smo dosli do zajednicke tocke, a to je grad New York. Predlozio sam mu da glazba istovremeno bude sirova i sofisticirana, sto sam postigao zanimljivim spojem modernog i tradicionalnog. Tako u filmu ima jazza, ali i tamburica.ÂZa kreativnost nije potrebno blagostanjeKako je film primljen u Americi? - Zadovoljni smo americkom premijerom, a sad nam predstoji prodor u svijet. Pozvani smo na filmski festival u Avignonu, a mislim da ce film biti prikazan i na tridesetak drugih festivala. Koliko se New York promijenio nakon 11. rujna i kakva je nakon rata u Iraku atmosfera u SAD-u? - Ne samo za New York, nego za citavu istocnu obalu to je bio strasan udarac, koji je u ekonomskom smislu pogodio sve slojeve drustva. Ljudi su emocionalno postali vrlo krhki i vise se toliko ne osjeca njihova prijasnja arogancija. Mnogi su ovdje bili protiv rata u Iraku, ali se za New York i inace kaze da nije Amerika. Grad je prosao kroz teske trenutke i sad svi nekako prezivljavamo. Uz ono lose, dogada se i mnogo toga dobrog. Raduje me sto ljudi njeguju kreativnost. Uostalom, poznato je da za kreativnost nije potrebno blagostanje. Upravo ste potpisali ugovor za svjetsku promociju albuma »The Pharos Cantors« koji sadrzi glagoljaske napjeve koji se temelje na gregorijanskim koralima. sto to konkretno znaci? - Ugovor je potpisan s francuskom tvrtkom »Arcana«, koja ce ovaj album distribuirati po cijelom svijetu. Nakon cetiri godine taj je materijal nedavno prvi put pusten na NBC-u koji pokriva 64 radijske postaje u Americi. Svirao je punih sat vremena bez prekida za reklame. Predstavljen je i u showu »Millenium of Music« koji je pred 25 godina utemeljio Robert Aubry Davis. Mislim da glagoljaski napjevi i hrvatska klapska pjesma opcenito imaju sanse u svijetu, ali bi to zahtijevalo i vecu podrsku u Hrvatskoj. Bilo bi potrebno da barem deset najboljih klapa bude financirano na jednoj visoj razini, jer je u suprotnom sve samo gubitak vremena i sredstava. Smatram da je ovo jedan od vaznih vidova promocije hrvatske kulture i turizma u svijetu. Kako su americki slusatelji dozivjeli tu glazbu? - Dobio sam pisma uglavnom od americkih slusatelja, od kojih su mi neki napisali da su zaustavili auto kako bi na miru to mogli poslusati. Bili su fascinirani, jer takvo sto prije nisu culi. Za razliku od toga, od nasih ljudi nisam dobio nikakvu povratnu informaciju. Mislim da je hrvatska tradicijska glazba za svijet nesto posve originalno i podjednako bi bila zanimljiva i onima u Tokiju, i onima u New Delhiju, i onima u Cape Townu. U vasoj biografiji stoji zanimljiv podatak da ste jezicni savjetnik za sva cetiri filmska i knjizevna projekta »Harry Potter«. Kako je do toga doslo? - Tvrtka »Warner Brothers« ima svoj tim ljudi koji analizira prijevode »Harryja Pottera« na druge jezike, pa im je trebao netko tko razumije americku, ali i hrvatsku subkulturu, kako bi se neke rijeci provjerile. Na tom sam poslu angazirao i svoju djecu, koja su dobila poseban dar od »Warner Brothersa«. Nije to neka velika stvar, ali mi je bilo zanimljivo.ÂKim CUCULICSource: http://www.novilist.hr/Default.asp?WCI=Rubrike&WCU=285A28602863285D2863285A28582858285B2863288E2897289328632863286328632863285D2863I letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Reading in Washington, DC by Angela Brkic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5463/1/E-Reading-in-Washington-DC-by-Angela-Brkic.html ÂReading from my book "Stillness and OtherStories"On Thursday, June 5, 2003, I will be giving a reading from my book "Stillness and Other Stories", which was published by Farrar, Strauss & Giroux earlier this month. It will take place at 7 PM at Olsson's Metro Center, 1200 F St., NW. All are welcome!Courtney Angela BrkicÂcabrkic@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Maksim Mrvica - pijanisticko cudo iz Sibenika http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5464/1/H-Maksim-Mrvica---pijanisticko-cudo-iz-Sibenika.html ÂMAKSIM MRVICAZvijezda je rodenaMladi sibenski pijanist silovito osvaja svjetsku glazbenu scenu: njegov spot 'Bumbarov let' 12. svibnja imao je premijeru na MTV-u, a dva dana kasnije u londonskoj dvorani The Roundhouse promoviran mu je album u izdanju EMI ClassicsNapisao Kruno PetrinovicÂSnimci Daniela Federici i Sasa Burichttp://www.gloria.com.hr/436/mrvica4.jpgÂ'The Piano Player' prvi je od pet Mrvicinih albuma koje ce objaviti ugledna diskografska kuca EMIhttp://www.gloria.com.hr/436/mrvica2.jpgÂMaksim Mrvica s Toncijem Huljicem, Melom Bushom i fotografom Johnon Paulom lanjskog rujna u Splitu kad je snimio promotivni katalogPijanisticko cudo iz sibenika, 28-godisnji Maksim Mrvica, nakon Hrvatske velikim koracima krece u osvajanje medunarodne glazbene scene. Dok se na televizijskim postajama diljem svijeta prikazuje spot "Bumbarov let", snimljen nedavno na Kubi, koji je 12. svibnja premijerno prikazan na MTV-u, Maksim u Londonu promovira "The Piano Player", svoj prvi album objavljen u izdanju diskografske kuce EMI Classics. On je jedini hrvatski umjetnik s kojim je ta ugledna diskografska kuca, ciji su izvodaci zvijezde poput violinistice Vanesse Mae, skladatelja Jean-Michela Jarrea, te gudackog kvarteta Bond, potpisala ugovor za objavljivanje cak pet albuma.Promocija Mrvicinog prvog albuma odrzana je 14. svibnja u koncertnoj dvorani The Roundhouse, u kojoj su svjetsku karijeru zapoceli i cuveni Rolling Stonesi, Jimmy Hendrix i Pink Floyd, a svoj jedini koncert u Velikoj Britaniji odrzala skupina The Doors s legendarnim pjevacem Jimom Morrisonom. Maksim Mrvica prvi je Hrvat, i jedan od posljednjih umjetnika koji u "Okrugloj kuci" nastupa prije njenog zatvaranja 28. svibnja, nakon cega ce dvorana do 2005. biti temeljito obnovljena.- Violinistica Vanessa Mae dosad je prodala sedam milijuna albuma, a zenski gudacki kvartet Bond dva. Siguran sam da i hrvatski pijanist Maksim Mrvica ima slican potencijal: mlad je, dinamican i karizmatican - zakljucuje britanski producent Mel Bush, koji je u milijunskoj nakladi tiskao i u cijelom svijetu distribuirao promotivni katalog Maksima Mrvice, snimljen lanjsko ljeto u Splitu.ÂNo, put do zvjezdanih visina mladog sibencanina, kosarkaskog stasa, nije bio posut ruzama. Kao djecak svirao je na posudenom klaviru, tijekom studija na zagrebackoj Muzickoj akademiji selio se iz jednog u drugi podstanarski stan s Anom, danas svojom suprugom, i pijaninom Petrof kojem su cesto pucale zice. A on je sanjao o - koncertom klaviru. Za usavrsavanje u Budimpesti teskom je mukom pronasao sponzore, a potom je u Parizu sa suprugom zivio vrlo skromno. Danas zivi u sredistu Londona, prosao je skolu za odnose s medijima, o njegovom se imidzu brinu stilisti, a kamo god krenuo, na usluzi mu je vozac. Svi racuni placeni- Od mene doista - kaze Mrvica - stvaraju zvijezdu. Osim mog menadzera Mela Busha, u brizi oko mene doslovno se nadmecu jos dvije agencije. Ormari su mi prepuni odjece, placaju mi sve racune, sve rade za mene, a ja samo trebam vjezbati. No, ima to i svoje nalicje: pritisak je golem i ja sam stalno za klavirom. zelim li otici u Hrvatsku, moram najaviti svoj odlazak, jer obvezno trebamo uskladiti termine. Strahuju da mi se nesto ne dogodi, a moja voznja automobilom od sibenika do Londona za njih je nocna mora.ÂNakon nastupa u Londonu, Maksim vec ima dogovorene koncerte u Japanu, Tajvanu, Njemackoj i Engleskoj, no nada se da ce i ovo ljeto sa suprugom Anom boraviti u sibeniku, s mamom Slavicom, tatom Karmelom, te bracom Stipom iSlavkom. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klapa Astoria on Times Square, New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5465/1/E-Klapa-Astoria-on-Times-Square-New-York.html ÂKLAPA ASTORIA performs on TimesSquare in New YorkKLAPA ASTORIA confirmed for Saturday May 31BrokenOPenHeart Productions Benefit Party for ourBuilding Bridges Project 2003They will go on @ 9pmChashama Theatre 135 W. 42nd StreetWe are thrilled to bring this rich Croatian culture/ art form to a widelyÂdiverse audience in the heart of Times Square!NatalieÂgrodic@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Meri Cetinic sings for Marija http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5471/1/HE-Meri-Cetinic-sings-for-Marija.html ÂMeri Cetinic sings for MarijaÂNa svecanosti povodom beatifikacije Marije Propetog Isusa Petkovic, 06.06.2003. u jutro pred dolazak Svetog Oca, u prigodnom programu medju ostalima ce nastupiti i Meri Cetinic. Otpjevat ce vlastitu skladbu posvecenu Mariji Propetog.ÂIn the morning of June 6 2003. prior to the arrival of John Paul II. and beatification of Marija Propetog Isusa Petkovic, Meri Cetinic is one of the performers ina musical program performing her owne song dedicated to Marija Propetog.Pjesma se zove ''Pitanje''.glazba: Meri Cetinicstihovi: Jela Protic i Meri CetinicThe song is called "Question"Music: Meri CetinicLyrics Jela Proticwww.MeriCetinic.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tanja Simic - Recital in New York City http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5470/1/E-Tanja-Simic---Recital-in-New-York-City.html ÂTanja Simic in ConcertMy dear friends!ÂYou are all invited on my recital at Vivaldi cafe, on 32 Jones st. betw. Off Bleecker and West 4 st.ÂClose to subway station 1& 9 train. New York City.Recital will happen this comming Sunday 25.May.03 at 8:30 pm.ÂMartina Cukrov will play piano while I sing.Hope to see you!Love you all!ÂTanjaÂtanyaus@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) informaticka udruga u Kastelima http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5469/1/H-informaticka-udruga-u-Kastelima.html ÂInformaticka udruga u KastelimaÂPoziv na suradnjuPostovani,Zovem se Dragan Kovac,zivim u gradu Kastela pokraj Splita i na moju inicijativu osnovana je prva informaticka udruga u Kastelima ciji sam ja predsjednik.Cilj udruge je prenositi znanje iz informatike meðu mladima a i starijima, a nas moto je :Ako ne znas doði i naucit cemo te a ako znas doði i nauci nas.Udruga je neprofitna organizacija.Tako smo animirali mlade ljude i veæ imamo nekoliko projekata:CD NAS GRAD KASTELA-multimedijalni cd gdje rijecju, slikom i muzikom opisujemo povijest i sadasnjost grada,KANON - kastelanske novine online gdje pisemo o gradu,izlaze svaki utorak na internetuGLAZBENI STUDIO-izdali smo cd naseg sumjestanina gosp.Mira BariæaFILMSKI STUDIO-gdje skupina djece snima i prvi kastelanski filmTEcAJEVI DIGITALNE FOTOGRAFIJEa u pripremi su i jos neki projekti.Pisem vam da vas pozovem na suradnju da nam pisete o zivotu nasih ljudi a vase tekstove i fotografije bi objavili u nasim novinama KANON.Ako smatrate da bi smo mogli suraðivati molim vas slobodno nas kontaktirajte.Vise informacija odnosno sve sto radimo stavili smo na internet: www.ik-7kastela.hrSrdacan pozdrav!!Dragan KovacPredsjednik IK-7KASTELA091/5839992info@7kastela.comÂwww.7kastela.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Photographing your family history in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5468/1/E-Photographing-your-family-history-in-Croatia.html ÂZoran Orlic: PhotographerPhotographing your family history in CroatiaZero Studio Presents:Â"Croatia in Photographs"Âwww.crophoto.comÂÂÂPlease visit the new website for:- Photo Gallery and Store- An ALL-NEW - first time - Photo Service - see website for the exciting new service description.- Personalized - Custom Photo Books plus Limited Edition Photo Books- Custom Limited Edition Photo SeriesAll photographs are custom printed by hand, matted, signed and numbered.Zoran Orlic: Photographer Born in Trogir, Croatia, in 1967, Zoran Orlic is a fine arts photographer with a flair for capturing the many spirits of Croatia. From an aging baka in all her glory of wrinkles and black dress to the sparkling calm of the Jadransko more and from the jubilant children in national Croatian costumes to the lively rock bands, Zoran puts into pictures what many have committed into memory only. ...Go to www.crophoto.com for complete bio… and complete information.Thank you so much,Zoran OrlicZero Studio Presents:Croatia in Photographs/Gallery and Store+ Croatia Photo ServiceÂwww.crophoto.comÂÂÂÂÂ630. 452. 2663Email zoran@crophoto.comÂNote: Please email me for pricing.Pricing will be available on the website soon after the first beta test run.Photographing your families history in Croatia.ÂSpecial Croatia Photo ServicePhotographing your families history in Croatia.A Great Gift - Book Now for this summer !For Croatian expatriates who want to preserve the memory of their childhood home, favorite vacation spot or other places they hold dear to their hearts, the following service is available from Zoran:A detailed personal photo documentary of your village, city, town or island. Zoran will travel to the designated location and photograph sites that are meaningful to you, such as your childhood home, church where you were married or other symbolic place.Photos will be then be uploaded onto the Internet for you to view on your personal and private web page.Customers as well as friends and family members will be able to purchase prints from their personal web page.A complimentary Black Canvas Coffee-Table Book of selected photos will be shipped 3 to 4 weeks after, Zoran has returned and the film has been processed then scanned. A select 15 to 25 photographs that symbolize the location shoot will become your personal coffee-table book to keep forever.Croatian Roots Photo Journal @ CroPhotoContact: Zoran@crophoto.comÂÂwww.crophoto.com/services.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bach, Oppenheimer & Belic @ Dubrovnik Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5467/1/E-Bach-Oppenheimer--Belic--Dubrovnik-Film-Festival.html ÂNenad Bach, Adrian Belic & Evan OppenheimerÂ@Dubrovnik Film FestivalSubj:Hello from Adrian BelicÂDate:5/21/2003 2:24:24 PM Eastern Daylight TimeFrom:Wadirum1To:NenadBachHello Nenad,I hope this email finds you well.I just thought you'd like to know about the first Dubrovnik International Film Festival May 29th to June 1 www.dubrovnikiff.org I am heading over there next week. I will be on the jury and there will be a special screening of Genghis Blues.Yours,AdrianOp-edI am glad to inform you that the film Justice that I scored (wrote music for)and Even directed, will be shown at the festival and both of us will attend the screening.Looking forward.My best,NenadÂMESSAGE FROM DIFFÂTo Friends of DIFF: The idea behind the Dubrovnik International Film Festival (DIFF) is to bring independently produced international films to a Croatian and worldwide audience in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Film festivals come in all differentshapes and sizes, but for the most part they all have one thing in common: they are successful because of the enormous dedication and commitment of the festival staff working as a team. Remarkably, a majority of the DIFF staff are unpaid volunteers who have donated their time and energy to this worthy endeavor - and for that we are extremely grateful!There are film festivals all over the world that are very successful and perhaps evenbacked by governments, but most often they rely on corporate sponsors who see the enormous marketing potential to reach a niche audience. Unfortunately, the current state of the global economy has diminished the ability for corporations to provide sponsorship and participate in their communities. For the past two years, and even the last twelve years for Croatia, we have witnessed some extraordinary events that have affected us emotionally, physically and financially. These events have had such an unprecedented impact on our lives that, at one point or another, we all stopped still in our tracks for moments at a time. Despite all of this, we must strive to do the best we can, no matter what happens. Hence, the old Hollywood saying "the show must go on" come to mind.For our first year, DIFF has been able to assemble a world-class selection offilms due to the desire of the international film community to exhibit their works in Dubrovnik and the enormous dedication of our staff and friends. We are very thankful to the City of Dubrovnik for all of their assistance, understanding and generosity in connection with DIFF 2003. We hope that the people of Dubrovnik and Croatia will enjoy our program and we sincerely appreciate the temporary "loan"of their city to us so that others may enjoy this very special location and learn about Croatia and her remarkable history.With continued hard work, dedication and determination, DIFF will evolve into a world-class annual event that provides culture and entertainment to Dubrovnik for many years to come. We hope you join us on this worthwhile journey!ÂSATURDAY, MAY 31 -1:00 P.M .(AT REVELIN )ÂJUSTICEÂDir.Evan Oppenheimer,82 min,USA,2003ÂCast:Erik Palladino,Catherine Kellner,Daphne Rubin- Vegas,Ajay Naidu,Marisa RyanÂThree very different yet intimately connected New York stories are told in JUSTICE.Drew is a comic book writer who has been greatly affected by the death of a friend in the World Trade Centerattack. As a tribute and attempt to do something constructive, he creates a new comic book hero based on a real New Yorker.Mohammed,a streetvendor, is justly proud of his "Breakfast Time " cart.But one day Mohammed fi nds himself without any bagels and a breakfast vendor in New York needs his bagels.Roberta,a Latina activist,has got a lot on her plate in the days leading up to September 11.The Giuliani Administration is threatening her advocacy group with budget cuts,and her husband is pressuring her to start havingkids. Gradually the relationships between these characters become evident and we see how fate sometimes hangs on the most tenuous of coincidences. The question isasked: How do we learn to live in a world in which everything is so uncertain? PLUS SHORT QIK2JDG Dir.Nick Spano,5 min,35mm,USA,2002 A successful judge experiences an epiphany that reveals the depth of his own humanity and conscience in the most unlikely ofplaces: a dingy gas station restroom.SATURDAY,MAY 31 -1:00 P.M .(AT SLOBODA)ÂGENGHIS BLUESÂDir.Roko Belic,90 min,USA,2000ÂPaul Pena played blues with the greats T-Bone Walker, B.B.King,and Bonnie Raitt.In 1995,the blind bluesman became the first American ever to compete in an unusual contest of multi-harmonic "throat singing." Pena discovered Tuvan throat singing on a short-wave program of Radio Moscow twelve yearsago. In 1993,Pena discovered that Tuvan throat singers were on their first concert tour of the U.S.After theirperformance, the deep-voiced bluesman broke into his own self-taught style of throat singing and serenaded themusicians! The throat singers were amazed by Pena 's mastery of the Tuvan art form and likened his rich voice to the sounds of tremors in theearth. GENGHIS BLUES is a film about exploration and friendship. It is the story of a man whose struggle in life is not defined by conformity and rules but by an unquenchablecuriosity, and love of music. Pena 's story is truly an inspiration to all. This majesticfilm, made in 1999,was nominated for the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2000 Academy Awards and won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival,(1999).The music in the film is literally incredible and it has to be seen and heard to be believed. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) NYC Benefit Party for American-Croatian exchange http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5466/1/E-NYC-Benefit-Party-for-American-Croatian-exchange.html ÂBenefit Party for American-Croatian exchange! Saturday May 31!From: grodic@hotmail.comÂÂTo: letters@croatianworld.netÂBenefit Party for American-Croatian exchange! Saturday May 31!BrokenOpenHeart Productions is having a benefit party on Saturday May 31hosted by Artistic Director gNatalie Rodicin association with chashama@ chashama Theatre135 W.42nd Street (b/w Broadway and 6th Ave.) NYC8pm -late nite $10 donation at the doorFree Snacks, Cheap Drinks, plenty of entertainmentLive Music! Bands including: Artanker's Convoy, Katie Down & Co. will playÂsongs from Croatia and other parts of Eastern Europe, and many moreLive Performances by: Timothy Speed Levitch, Khemali Murray, and AmbroseÂMartos (Hopeful to have some live folk dance and music of Croatia. This is stillÂundetermined at the moment, this was the original concept of the party.)This party is to raise funds for BrokenOpenHeart's latest project:Building BridgesOp-edNot confirmed, but Klapa Astoria might be performing. Call or email Nataliefor details.NB Current Project: Building BridgesEuropean Tour 2003 & Documentary Film**Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Kosovo**The purpose of this project is to shed light on the American predicamentÂwhile working with artists from the former Yugoslavia to make connectionsÂbased on their experiences of war, life, love, and the rebuilding process.Workshop Goals: Aid artists in building new works of theatre and dance byÂpresenting a construct and a floor plan in which to develop Present a platform for their own creative uniqueness and drawÂcomparisons and likeness between different cultures Expand theatre into public venues, creating site-specific andÂspontaneous work Encourage the involvement of the audience into the piece in orderÂto reveal each human's creative potential1. The workshops will focus on the theme of: Exploring one's identity in association with place: from ourÂbirthplace to our current home. And furthermore, how we relate to our ancestry. Exploring the concept of home and wanderlust. Exploring our own personal history along with our collectiveÂnational history and how that contributes to how we identify ourselves in aÂglobal sense.2. In addition to the workshops, BOHP will be seeking venues for performingÂa new theatre piece developed by and based on the same theme and techniqueÂas the workshop. This show will be developed and performed by members ofÂBOHP, and will be open to evolve as3. The workshops, travel adventures, and cultural reflections will culminateÂinto a professional high-quality documentary film aimed at wide audiences onÂthe festival circuit in America and Europe. BROKEN OPEN HEART PRODUCTIONS..........more about our company.............. As a fresh young artist's collective based in New York City we areÂseeking to create fresh new works of theatres, mixing media, and exploringÂnew avenues of creative expression. We know performance is a medium inÂwhich evolution may occur, and understanding can spread like wildfire. The basis of BrokenOpenHeart Production's work is storytelling throughÂthe physical life of the character. Character development is based onÂpre-existing aspects of the performer, which are uncovered through breathÂwork, physical exploration, and various techniques based on play andÂstructured improvisation. For each performer to access his or her very ownÂunique virtuosity, to shed light on pertinent issues, and to expand theÂboundaries and definition of experimental theatre is our goal for creatingÂnew works of theatre and dance.Deep-sea diving into our selves, we discover unique traits which we can lendÂto a universal theme, inspiring others to create freely and spontaneously.ÂWe transform the definition of audience from spectator to participant byÂinviting them to join in the spontaneity of performance. Through this weÂgive everyone an opportunity to discover his or her own human potential.Currently artists-in-residence at chashama, Inc., an experimental theatre inÂTimes Square, in the heart of New York City, we have produced various newÂworks of theatre, dance, and video projects.If you are interested in the project, want to help, contribute, join ourÂnetwork of artists striving for peace and cross-cultural understanding:Please email: brokenopenheart@yahoo.comÂCONTRIBUTING COMPANY MEMBERS BIOGRAPHIES:gNatalieRodic (Artistic/ManagingDirector,BrokenOpenHeartProductions) bills herself as a Renaissance woman, spending her time as a producer/ arts administrator, actor, dancer, singer, clown, commedienne, writer, teacher, student, and director. She calls New York City and Croatia home at this point in her life. Born and raised in Texas and abroad, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Texas st Austin in 1999. In Austin she performed in several regional theatres. She was a founding member of Shirk Workers Union, appearing bi-weekly from 1997-1999 in the Maple Surple Variety Show in bars, clubs, and various public venues and various non-conventional theatre spaces. She became renowned for her burlesque/ vaudeville numbers including The Butterfly Girls with Aimee McCormick. She produced, directed, wrote, and starred in various one-woman and ensemble shows, including Another Evening with Dottie P. which one Austin Chronicle's Top 9 Shows of 1999. She also won Frontera Fest Best of the Fest 1998 for her one-woman show based on Henry Miller's writings. Since moving to New York in 2000, she has studied with and worked with the SITI Company and Ann Bogart at Skidmore College on The War of the Worlds. She has performed at Columbia University's Miller Theatre & Horace Mann including Power of the Dog directed by Jay Scheib. She has collaborated with Barbara Vann (Founder of the Open Theatre and Medicine Show) on Shakespeare/ Porter in 2001. She is currently performing with Ms.Vann in The Devil with Boobs, a newly translated Dario Fo play. gNatalie is AIR [Performing Artist in Residence] @ Chashama Theatre in NYC. She co-curated, assistant-produced and performed in the immense Oasis Festival on 42nd Street in 2002. BOHP in association with Chashama produced the Soapbox Syndrome in 2001, and In & Out in 2002. In & Out was performed in Belgium, Slovenia, and Croatia in Summer 2002. gNatalie has also appeared at Chashama main space with Happy Hour Productions' smash hit: Shakespeare's Macbeth as Clown/Witch #2. She has appeared @ Chashama (and in the DUMBO Dance Festival) as a company member of Robideaux/ Plessus Dnace Co.'s: I Forgot to Breathe. gNatalie currently teaches Creative Movement to children, & Modern Dance, Acting and Clowning, and Hatha Yoga to adults.ÂKATIE DOWN, born in New York and raised in Berkeley, California, is a composer, performer, and sound artist who has created and performed numerous sound scores for theatre, dance, multi-media events and installations. Katie uses unusual and homemade instruments and found sounds she collects throughout her travels to create and compose original sound collages, sound scores and compositions. She is a multi-instrumentalist (flute, percussion, guitar, didgeridoo, recorder, pennywhistle, voice, and ukulele). She also works with children on improvisation and artistic exploration of body, voice and other instruments and has co-produced a CD with composer Dave Soldier of free improvisation with kids ages 2-9 titled "Aliens Took My Mom!" on Mulatta Records. Her work with children continues to influence her playing and composing.Â(for A GIRL JOAN)a cunning composer producing a remarkable array of sounds." -Back Stage.Â"The impact of the words and deeds was heightened by a score by Katie Down." - NY Times. (for VISION WHISPER)"the degree to which the images and sounds mirrored each other and were integrated were equally remarkable - their collaboration succeeded splendidly, pointing the way for further explorations of the innate relationship between color and form, rhythm and sound"Â- Gallery and StudioOriginal music and sound for theatre, dance and installation includes: HENRY VI, pts. I,II,III (Judith Shakespeare Co. Jose Quintero Theatre); THE TROJAN WOMEN (Fordham, University); VISION WHISPER (chashama gallery, NY); THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE: (NYU Graduate Acting Program); WITHOUT SENTIENCE (commission - Kansas State Dept. of Dance); THE HOLY MOTHER OF HADLEY, NY (Ohio Theatre, NY); THE SECRET OF STEEP RAVINES (PS 122, Ohio Theatre, Clark Studio Theatre, Lincoln Center, NY); DUSK (HERE, NY); SHEVA B'RAHOT with Tap Fusion (Duke on 42nd, WAX, University Settlement, NY); THE HOUSE NOT TOUCHED (Ko Festival Works; Boston Center for the Arts); LYSISTRATA (Artist in Residence at Mt. Holyoke College, MA); THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD by Jean-Claude van Itallie (Pilgrim Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts); CNTRL. ALT. DEL. (Joyce SoHo, NY); OUTSIDER (Danspace at St. Mark's, NY); OASIS (chashama, NY); A GIRL JOAN (HERE, DTW, New York Theatre Workshop, Present Company Theatorium, Miranda Theatre, NY); LETTERS FROM SARAJEVO with Pilgrim Theatre (Boston Center for the Arts); THE MIRACLE WORKER (Chappaqua Playhouse); THE THREE SISTERS (Equity Library Theatre, NY); HEDDA GABLER (King's Head Theatre, London). Katie performs throughout the Northeast in a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, classical, Irish, Balkan, and Sephardic music and with "Liquid Ensemble", a free improvisation quintet based in NYC. www.liquidensemble.com E-mail: glassmusic@erols.comKIM JACKSONFilm and Professional BioKim Jackson began her production career in 1988. From TV and film work in LA to web and corporate entertainment in Boston, Kim has brought her conceptual and producing talents to many projects. While at Disney, Kim worked on ABC's "Once and Again", where she facilitated relationships and contracts withÂnationally known talent. Her work with Comedy Central star Jonathan Katz began last year, producing a 1/2 - hour sitcom pilot and a feature film project for his production company Albion. Other producing work includes corporate stage shows for Emmy Award winning talent, and consulting and producing events ranging from golf tournaments to charitable functions and Independent Film premieres. Her recent film credits include Sidewalk, winner of the Avid Post-Production Award, currently considering it's distribution options and Black and Blue currently in post-production. She is the former Director Education at the Boston Film and Video Foundation and taught an undergraduate Film Industry course at Boston University this pastÂyear. Kim is currently the Director of Programs for Writers Boot Camp in New York City. You can reach Kim via her website at, www.KimJackson.com.Dance BiographyKim has been studying dance and performing since the age of 5. Her training includes studying with Mary Lou Gramacke and Gary Weeks with whom she won several national awards in Modern, Jazz, Tap and Partner Dance. She's danced with several troupes in Chicago, studying with Bonnie Lindholm and Gus Girodano performing in several regional competitions. Kim's choreography work includes several performances and showcases in Chicago, Boston and LA.ÂKim has studied and performed Butoh with Jennifer Hicks in CambridgeÂMassachusetts and is currently pursuing a diverse repertoire of classes in New York. Kim has also been practicing and teaching Hatha yoga for 5 years, studying in LA and teaching in Boston at the Rhowes Wharf Health and Spa and YMCA.ÂAnita Durst is a founding member and President of Chashama, Inc., with whom she has produced, co-produced and presented over 20 productions since 1995. In 1988 she co-produced Krapp's Last Tape and Crowbar with Anne Hamburger and En Garde Arts. She then assisted Peter Askin with the production of Mambo Mouth and the restoration of the West Side Theatre. She was a founding member of Reza Abdoh's Dar A Luz company, with whom she co-produced Tight Right White and Law of Remains and acted in numerous plays. In 2000 Anita acted in and produced her first Off-Broadway show The Bitter Tears of Petra Van Kant at Henry Miller's Theater. She received a Drama Desk nomination for her role in this show. Anita's passion lies in teaching Children's Theater. She has conducted workshops with Saint Mary's After School Program and P.S. 211 as well as ones with at-risk youth groups at Spofford Juvenile Detention Center, Convent Family Living Center and Safe Space.Rick Kariolic is originally from Chicago and is now working in New York City as a model, actor, clown, photographer and film-maker. He is an AIR @ Chashama Theatre and a co-founder of The Sillies.**************************************************************************************WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES*To create an original piece of performance art based on the themes of community, identity and geography.ÂWORKSHOP OUTLINE (1 day)*WARM UP-30 minutes Interactive Yoga designed and led by gNatalie Rodic (Certified Instructor)*Center and relax the body*Develop mind/body coordination*Generate an awareness of breath*Develop greater sensory and kinesthetic awareness*Vocal Warm-up and improvisation led by Katie DownÂBRAINSTORMING/ WRITING-60 minutes designed and led by Company*Generate original written material thematically related to social identity, ethnicity, community and geography*To distinguish which elements are unique to thegroup from those that are universal*Develop a storyboardSTORY PHYSICALIZATION- 150 minutes designed and led by Anita Durst, gNatalie Rodic, Rick Kariolic & Katie Down (music)*Physical Theatre games, improvisation sessions, & Viewpointing sessions along w/music*Introduce and teach the principals of ensemble through contactÂ*Integrate the principals of ensemble with the storyboard generated through the brainstorming/writing sessionÂ*Divide students into groups*Aid and encourage students to choose one or several forms or mediums for performance, or to create their own, based on various structures & rules*Direct and aid in the dramatization of the written material to produce an original piecePERFORMANCE & DISCUSSION- 60 minutesÂ*Students perform their three to seven minute work (each day, adding on, including music)Â*Group discussion of work and showingÂ*VIDEOTAPING & DOCUMENTINGÂWorkshop sessions, travel experiences, and individual artist interviews to culminate into a professional, high-quality document letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zlatko Kopljar exibits in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5473/1/E-Zlatko-Kopljar-exibits-in-New-York.html  K9 & NOMADS + RESIDENTSDear friends,finally i'll show my new peace K9 at 21.05.at 5.30 pm in Kitchen.Address is The Kitchen 512 W.19th Street NY 10011212.255.5793Âplease be there on time.Âbest,zlatkozlatko.kopljar@zg.hinet.hrÂ1. Zlatko Kopljar, FF Fund for Performance Artist, at The Kitchen,May 21, 5:50 to 5:55 PM sharp! Franklin Furnace-supported artist Zlatko Kopljar's K9 is a video record of performances made at various places around New York City, with narration taken from Andrei Tarkovsky's Nostalgia. The software that enhances the video moves the pixels of each frame to new locations within the same frame. Using the artist's genetic data and digital media as artistic tools, K9 exemplifies the link that digital art creates between technology and life. Contact: Franklin Furnace or Michael Chagnon The Kitchenp: 212.255.5793 x25 f: 212.645.4258 e: michael@thekitchen.org 2. A forum for visitors in the arts: making connections, supporting networks,Âsetting up meetings Nomads & Residents invites you to an evening of presentations by, NinaÂKatchadourian, Zlatko Kopljar, Nebojsa Seric - Shoba and Heidie Giannotti. Friday, May 23rd, 7 PM THE WHITEBOX 525 West 26th Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues) New York, New York 10001 tel 212-714-2347 / fax 212-714.2354info@whiteboxny.org "'Inappropriate' Adjustments" This session will bring together four artists from two highly differentÂsettings, the US and the Balkans, who are separately working with their existing social, ethical and natural limits of the world they take as their own.ÂNo matter whether their practice is triggered by the extremes and by theÂabsurdities of this world, of war, of hermetic institutionalism, of urbanÂecology, or of nature and constructed nature, their work may tell of aÂcertain inappropriate act of adjusting both the reality and to reality. ThusÂby uncovering paradoxes of what is often expected from everyday life, theseÂartists raise questions about the status of the appropriate act and itsÂweakness in new and extreme realities. With this session we hope to furtherÂraise issues of the expected and the unexpected role of a work of art, itsÂrelation to the realities that are beyond the ordinary or average, and theÂpermanence of errors that by their repetition with duration becomeÂexperienced as a standard of life. Zlatko Kopljar from Zagreb(Croatia), currently in-residence at FranklinÂFurnace and performing at the Kitchen on May 21, and Nebojsa Seric - ShobaÂfrom Sarajevo (Bosnia) who will be representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at theÂcoming Biennial in Venice both experience absurd moments in reality asÂsomething that comes to be seen as normal. Both of them deal with somethingÂthat can best be described as radical 'biting' be it in a gallery or in anÂurban space. War and uncertainty may be the context for their work, however,Ânot necessarily the sole character of their concepts. They are ratherÂquestioning the appropriateness of working as an artist in an expected wayÂwithin the situation that is extreme. Different in response, their work isÂoften triggered by the unexpected twists of the meanings of personal acts inÂsuch realities, and proposes sets of inversions, adjustments of how thisÂreality can be understood. Kopljar's installations propose heavy fundamental questioning andÂphysically destructive work. His recent work K4 was made as an attack aimedÂat the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb, a protest against the generalÂsituation of institutions in Croatia. The work consisted of a heavy and hugeÂconcrete block cast according to the dimensions of the museum's entry. ThisÂblock was placed in front of the museum blocking the entrance for the periodÂof one week. In spite of its radicality in changing the use of the museum andÂthe roughness and brutality of its appearance, this work is not aimed atÂindividual museum visitors but at the institutional structure. The goal ofÂthis piece was to work towards opening discussion about the current state ofÂopen processes and open societies. For the last six years much of New York artist Nina Katchadourian's workÂhas oriented itself around "nature," as concept, construct, and site, as aÂway of looking at our assumptions, needs, cravings, dependency and resistanceÂassociated with this term. In summer/fall of 2002 she exhibited Natural CarÂAlarms, a traveling sound sculpture that consists of three cars rigged withÂmodified car alarms whose typical six-tone siren had been replaced with aÂsimilar one made only of bird calls. The idea for the project was in fact theÂresult of a misunderstanding - she heard a bird in the jungles of TrinidadÂthat she mistook for a car alarm - and the project took up the severely urbanÂcar alarm as an element that was in fact completely natural to the LongÂIsland City landscape where the piece was exhibited several times in summerÂand fall of 2002. Her most recent body of work, exhibited at Debs & Co.Âgallery in 2003, continues asking questions about where we place the borderÂbetween the natural and the unnatural. Crossdressing becomes a vehicle byÂwhich to explore both gender and our desire for things to stay within theirÂprescribed categories. In Animal Crossdressing she constructed costumes toÂturn a rat into a snake and a snake into a rat where predator and prey areÂtransformed into their opposites. In Katchadourian's video Endurance aÂ10-minute film of Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to the South Pole onÂthe ship Endurance is projected minutely onto her front tooth as she tries toÂsmile for as long as possible without losing composure. This work is aÂresponse to both the fascination with adventure/survival stories and to theÂmore masochistic strains of the performance art tradition. On the other hand Shoba's work is a lighthearted but existentialÂquestioning of the icons of the communist era and recent history. His RemoteÂControl, for example, reduces a complex schema in reality such as war,Âreligion and happiness to commands on a remote control. Creative Time of NewÂYork selected his work in the form of poster design among the applicants fromÂthe visual, literary, architectural, and graphic arts for their projectÂentitled: Time to Consider: The Arts Response to 9.11. This and otherÂprojects are taking to task the manipulation of our collective experience byÂthe media, and to our [lack] of resistance in adjusting to it. Heidie Giannotti is an artist living in New York City. Instead of theÂnarrative description for this Nomads + Residents event on inappropriateÂadjustments of reality, she offers the following: "Appropriate appropriation,Âprop, assembler, chance, ready-made instructions, dislocated temporal eventsÂ& fugitive elements, thought is sought. PLUS: you know my style - I'd sayÂanything to make you smile." ---------------------------------------------------------- About Nomads + Residents: Big cities are in a continuous flux, with a coming and going of people whoÂsettle in, stay temporarily or move through. Newcomers enter this flux,Âbecome part of the life of the city, and make connections with others. TheÂcity, as a space, contains possibilities through the dynamic RelationshipsÂbetween people, which may provoke an active engagement. Strangers becomeÂfriends, ideas become practice, and models are being transformed into action. The curatorial and organizing group of NOMADS & RESIDENTS consists of NewÂYork based and temporary residents. They actively seek out information aboutÂwho is visiting New York and when, they invite guests to present his/herÂideas and solicit the involvement of spaces where these presentations canÂtake place. They welcome advice, ideas and the enthusiastic support ofÂothers. The events will be partly informal and casual, and will focus onÂexchanging ideas, initiating new projects and networks. They will alsoÂinclude short presentations, lectures, talks, sideshows, small exhibitions,Âperformances, discussions. Priority will be given to proposals that couldÂbecome projects that will be shared among the participants, to a practice canÂmake resources and ideas available for common use. NOMADS & RESIDENTS originated in New York, yet also bases its activities onÂthe coming and going of people who settle in, stay temporarily or moveÂthrough cities such as Los Angeles, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. To read more about n+r and browse through our archive of events pleaseÂvisit our web site at http://www.nomadsresidents.org. ----------------------------------------------------------- For program suggestions, contact us via email at: New York: info@nomadsresidents.org Los Angeles: nr_la@hotmail.com Rotterdam/Amsterdam: nomadsresidents@earthlink.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Zoran Basich a first class SF Examiner editor http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5474/1/E-Zoran-Basich-a-first-class-SF-Examiner-editor.html  Zoran Basich, a first class, San FranciscoExaminer, editorPublication date: 05/16/2003Under the bridgeBY BRUCE BELLINGHAMOf The Examiner Staff FRIDAY, May 16 -- One of the best-kept secrets in town is the Educated Palate restaurant at 4th and Mission. It's run by the culinary students at City College. It offers top-notch food at more than reasonable prices. ... Changes are underway at the Downtown Campus of CCSF. The restaurant will move up to the lobby level next month, along with the bookstore, and will expand to 80 seats. "It's a great deal and it's a great cause," says John Konstin, owner of John's Grill -- the restaurant that serves as a shrine for Dashiell Hammett. "Dash would like the cause but the cause would have more meaning if they had a bar." ... John's on the City College Culinary Arts advisory board. ... Steve Glick is the dean. ... Edward Hamilton is the chair. The chair is happy about the new dining room set. ... Just another day in S.F. That's what a group of Richmond elementary school kids thought when they were taking a tour with their teachers at City Hall yesterday. As the gaggle of ogling children were marched to their school bus, a Hummer limo pulled to the curb. Emerging from the long black vehicle and stepping onto the red carpet on the City Hall steps, was the striking Yurie Pascarella, elegantly decked out in a Thierry Mugler white-on-white suit and a black, wide-brimmed hat from Neiman Marcus. She was accompanied by two pages in powdered wigs. Yurie is the chairman of this year's Black & White Ball, set for May 31. While horn players Jonah Levy, a senior at S.F.'s School of the Arts and David Matchim, from Rocklin High School, trumpeted a fanfare, Yurie presented Mayor Willie Brown his invitation to the ball. The great band leader Dick Bright tore off "San Francisco" on his white violin. Chef Melissa Perello, from Charles Nob Hill, and Ron Siegel, the chef at Masa's, distributed confections to the cognoscenti. All in attendance were attired in variations of black and white -- including Jester and Abigail, two Harlequin-bred Great Danes from Kathleen Davis' Davishire Danes in Mill Valley. ..."I am really touched by this," said Da Mayor who is not easily impressed. ... "Is this President's Day?" a wide-eyed, 10 year old Shanice Robinson asked Marites Saquing, principal of Family Christian Academy in Richmond. Every day is President's Day at San Francisco City Hall. It was just another day. ... Dr. Eugene Schoenfeld aka Dr. Hip held a 92nd birthday party last weekend for his dad, Ben Schoenfeld, aboard Dr. Hip's 63-foot long yacht, the Higher Hopes. Gene had 45 friends aboard to watch the KFOG Kaboom fireworks. Included were KQED-FM's Michael Krasny and Leslie Krasny ... Paul "The Lobster" Wells ... KGO's Greg Edmonds ... Creon Levit ... Faustin Bray ... attorney Laurence Lichter, who is married to Nedra Ruiz, dog maul defender. ... Gene says, "We were a raucous crew. It was prudent I brought along four psychiatrists on the trip." ... They were Drs. Frank Schoenfeld ... Barbara Schoenfeld ... Alison Kershin and Nathan Cohen. ... All aboard were amazed by the 92 year old birthday boy effortlessly climbing up and down the steep, treacherous ladder to the flybridge. ... Wilkes Bashford celebrates his 70th birthday at the Fairmont tonight with a dinner that benefits PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support). Patty Austin will perform Broadway and cabaret tunes. ... Oprah Winfrey is in town this weekend ... More Norwegian gaieties: a Sat. night bash at the Norwegian Seaman's Church for Norwegian Constitution Day ... then a party Sunday afternoon at Ft. Mason where the traditional bl¯tkake or cream cake, will be served. Norway's Consul General Janne Julsrud will be there. ... Bodil Niska, the vivacious Norse tenor saxophonist, plays Moose's on Sunday, p.m. to 5 p.m. I hear Bodil's tone is clearer than a fjord, smoother than aquavit. "Aquavit is Swedish," Barbara Carberry snapped at me. Oh, well. It's all aquavit under the bridge. ... Elizabeth Laurence, "The It Girl," back from L.A., celebrated Mother's Day in style -- at the Bel Air Hotel where she and her daughter brunched with Hugh Jackman at the next table. "In casual clothes, white sweat top, black pants -- he looked very buff," reports Elizabeth. ... Speaking of buff, let's not forget the Bay to Breakers, which transforms voyeurism into a legitimate outdoor sport -- and gets this unwieldy town on its feet early Sunday morning. ... Bonnie Raitt headlines Footstock in GG Park. ... I'll be signing copies of "Bellingham by the Bay" at the nearby Examiner booth, Sunday at 9 am. ... Novelist Dale Brown has a novel way of getting to his book signings. He flies there in his 8-seater, Cessna 421. He wings in today for an appearance at the M Is For Mystery Book Store in San Mateo to promote his book, "Air Battle Force." ... A new author is Zoran Basich, who is stepping down as executive editor of The Examiner to repair to Croatia with his family and finally write that book. He is unanimously adored and respected by his staff. All of us wish him well. A first class editor, a first class fellow: I'll miss you, Zoran. Thank you, boss. ...Âhttp://examiner.com/bruce_bellingham/default.jsp?story=n.bellingham.0516w letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 17 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "People will see Croatia as an important country" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5472/1/E-People-will-see-Croatia-as-an-important-country.html Â"Vukovar Cellars," working title of novel in progress "I hope by writing a novel and going there, my enthusiasm and interest will spill over and people will see Croatia as an important country."ÂMay 16, 2003ÂStudents earn honorsÂBy Emily GarlandÂThree Linfield seniors and one recent graduate will spend next year researching or teaching in foreign countries with grants from the Fulbright Program and the French government.ÂThese students competed against almost 5,300 students for 1,134 grants this year. Eleven out of the 13 Linfield students who have applied over the past five years have been awarded Fulbright grants or French Government Teaching Assistantships. Debbie Olsen, instructor of history and director of academic advising, said the number of Linfield students who applied for and received grants this year is the highest in her eight years as Linfield's Fulbright adviser.ÂCreated by the United States Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program awards grants to students to study, research and teach abroad. Its purpose is to improve the understanding of other cultures and nations.ÂPaul Beck, an international business major and German minor, will travel to Saarbrucken, Germany in September with the money from his Fulbright award. He will research the impact of the Euro on the German economy, specifically on small and middle-sized businesses. He will spend his first few months studying the history of Europe's introduction of the single currency system at the University of Saarland in Saarbrucken. For the remainder of the year, he will interview small companies and produce case studies documenting the Euro's impact on the companies' export sales throughout Europe.ÂBeck said although he doesn't think he will see a significant change, he expects he will find evidence that the introduction of the Euro has been advantageous to smaller companies.Â"The main theory is that the Euro will provide an advantage to small companies who export their products through Europe. Before they were at a disadvantage," Beck said. "Were they able to increase their export sales in Europe since they've had the system two years? Or did things pretty much stay the same?"ÂJennifer Cregg graduated from Linfield in December 2002 with a German major and political science and European studies minors. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany.ÂCregg received a Padagogischer Austauschdienst teaching assistantship. She does not yet know where she will be teaching within Germany. After her assistantship, Cregg hopes to continue graduate school and become an English teacher in Germany.ÂSarah Monfort will travel to Croatia next year where she will write a historical novel on the 85-day Siege of Vukovar of 1991.ÂMonfort will graduate this June with a creative writing major and history and Spanish minors.Â"[A] Fulbright is a wonderful way to research this project," Monfort said. "[It will give me the] opportunity to actually go to the site and interview the people who lived through the event, who are still in the process of rebuilding the town and their lives."ÂMonfort has been studying the Croatian language over the past two semesters with a tutor she hired from the University of Portland and a Linfield student from Serbia. She plans to arrive in Croatia in July, when she will enroll in an intensive language program in Dubrovnik before her Fulbright fellowship begins in October.ÂMonfort will spend a semester at Zagreb University in the capital city of Zagreb, where she will gather information for "Vukovar Cellars," which is the working title of her novel. She will travel to Vukovar for the remainder of her fellowship, where she will observe and talk to the residents and concentrate on writing her novel.ÂMonfort turned in the 40 pages of her novel she has already written as part of her Fulbright proposal.ÂHer main purpose in writing the novel, Monfort said, is to spur interest in Croatia and to convince people of its importance.Â"Croatia is such a beautiful country with wonderful people, [but] it can be virtually overlooked by a lot of the world," Monfort said. "I hope by writing a novel and going there, my enthusiasm and interest will spill over and people will see Croatia as an important country."ÂJoelle Tybon, a history and English major and French minor, was awarded an affiliated French Government Teaching Assistantship. Students apply for this grant through the Fulbright Program. Tybon will teach English conversation classes to high school students for 12 hours a week. She does not yet know in what region she will be teaching.ÂTybon has played soccer every fall for the past 15 years and said she hopes to play or coach the sport during her stay in France.ÂTybon spent a semester in southern France and is eager to return.Â"I really want to improve my language skills," Tybon said. "I also want to share America with high schoolers who might not have any other experience with it."Âhttp://webserver-nt.linfield.edu/review/full_text.cfm?article_id=1780 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 17 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Nikica Lesic in Concert at Carnegie Hall - May 3 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5476/1/EH-Nikica-Lesic-in-Concert-at-Carnegie-Hall---May-3.html  Concert of pianist Nikica Lesic in New York ÂConcert of pianist Nikica Lesic in New YorkOn Saturday, May 3rdat 8:30 PM Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall57 street and 7 avenue, New YorkProgram includes works by Armenian, Russian and Croatian composers.Tickets: $25 available at Carnegie Hall (212) 247-7800Limited number of student tickets are available at $10Nikica Lesic was born in Split in 1974. He started playing the piano at Split Music School at the age of five. He graduated with honors in 1999 in the class od professor Pavica Gvozdic.He spent 2001 studying with the gratest Armenian piano professor and received a title of Doctor of Arts.He won the first prize at the Split Summer Festival (Splitsko Ljeto) 2001, beating a tough competition.Koncert pianiste Nikice LesicaSubota, 3.5.2003s pocetkom u 20:30 Weill Recital Hall u Carnegie Hall57 ulica i 7 avenija, New YorkNa programu su dijela armenskih, ruskih i hrvatskih skladatelja.Ulaznice: $25 mogu se nabaviti u Carnegie Hallu (212) 247-7800Omogucen je i ogranicen broj studentskih ulaznica po cijeni od $10.Nikica Lesic rodjen je u Splitu 1974 godine.Poceo je svirati pijano od svoje pete godine u Splitskoj muzickoj skoli. Diplomirao je 1999 godine u klasi profesorice Pavice Gvozdic sa najvisim ocjenama. 2001 godine proveo je nastudijimasa najvecim armenskim profesorom pijana gdje je i stekao titulu Doctor of Art. U velikoj konkurenciji Europskih umjetnika na splitskom ljetu2001 dobio je prvu nagradu. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) STILLNESS AND OTHER STORIES - Newsday REVIEW http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5475/1/E-STILLNESS-AND-OTHER-STORIES---Newsday-REVIEW.html ÂSTILLNESS AND OTHER STORIES by Courtney Angela Brkic. Farrar, Straus andGiroux, 208 pp., $23.Stories From a War ZoneBy John FreemanJohn Freeman is a writer in New York.April 27, 2003STILLNESS AND OTHER STORIES, by Courtney Angela Brkic. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 208 pp., $23.'We can't imagine how dreadful, how terrifying war is," Susan Sontag argued in her recent book, "Regarding the Pain of Others," a meditation on the failures of war photography. Perhaps Sontag is right; perhaps until a bullet has grazed one's temple or stolen one's mother, war remains an academic dilemma.Still, while photography may fail, great fiction can transport us into the heart of battle and loss. For proof one need only pick up Courtney Angela Brkic's astonishing literary debut, "Stillness and Other Stories," 16 tales about the Balkan war.Brkic's stories depict all parts of the conflict. She brings us hardened soldiers and jaded U.N. peace brokers, snipers who take aim at former classmates and mothers hovering around mass burial excavations hoping to glimpse their missing dead.Read in its entirety, "Stillness" presents a prismatic view of this bloody war, bringing home its cruel ironies. While helping a forensic pathologist sift through mass graves in one story, a man hired to wash the corpses remarks, "'Those people wanted get out' - he held up a hand with splayed fingers - 'four years ago. They could not. Only now. ... And now is too late.'"It may seem that war is a force greater than Brkic's characters, but some of them perpetuate it - whether they can admit it or not. A sniper in "The Angled City" preserves his righteousness by constructing "a code of conduct ... He does not fire at men in tan coats, red-haired women or groups of three." In the end, his guilt gets the better of him and he finds his conscience in the crosshairs.While aggressors try to obscure their god-like ability to decide people's fates, victims fight for a reason to stay alive. A mother in "Suspension" believes her son is still alive long after he's disappeared: "[S]he insisted that the boy was alive. She marked his birthday this year, cooking the sarma with cream as Edin liked it." A wife in "Remains" weathers her husband's nightmares and alcoholic rages: She has to believe things will get better.Other characters in this book adjust in more practical ways. They learn to run fast and zigzag across intersections. They communicate by tapping on pipes, reading lips or passing notes. Scavenging is a must. Impromptu graves are constructed of exploded concrete, chipped glass and tiles: Anything is better than the indignity of seeing one's dead rot in the open air.It's tempting to read these stories as journalism - a temptation Brkic, who worked for the U.N. War Crimes Tribunal and Physicians for Human Rights, almost encourages by prefacing this book with a three-page prologue in her own voice. But there is too much artistry here to permit such a misreading. Even the best journalism draws a demilitarized zone between there and here: We read about what happens to people, not about how they adjust.Many characters in "Stillness" adapt in ways that would be considered abnormal in regular life but are essential to their self-preservation during war. The narrator of "Canis Lupis" believes he is a zoo animal kept in a cage, while the narrator of the chilling title story has forgotten his past. "I had a name," he says, "but have misplaced it now. I had an entire history, once. A wife, children, perhaps, but in the cellar I am alone."All too often, though, nostalgia sneaks up on Brkic's characters like a wave of nausea, looping back and back again, until eventually it eclipses reality. One man in "Passage" escapes the conflict by immigrating to Queens. While his sibling adjusts to American life, even falling for a young woman from the Midwest, this man remains a fish out of water. He is haunted by his childhood and decides to return to the Balkans. "What do I have to be afraid of?" he asks his brother, "I'm going to die faster here."Tales of this magnitude put an immense strain on prose. They have a way of fracturing it, of reducing it to cliche or worse. Excepting a few instances, Brkic's prose never wavers. It remains stalwart, exact, brutal and grittily poetic. It does not allow us a place to hide from its ugly truth.ÂCopyright © 2003, Newsday, Inc.Âhttp://www.newsday.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=ny%2Dbktwo3251356apr27&section=%2Ffeatures%2Fbooks letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) MEDJUNARODNI FESTIVAL FILMA U DUBROVNIKU http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5478/1/H-MEDJUNARODNI-FESTIVAL-FILMA-U-DUBROVNIKU.html ÂMEDJUNARODNI FESTIVAL FILMA U DUBROVNIKU29. SVIBANJ - 1. LIPANJ 2003.OBJAVLJUJE SVECANO OTVORENJE FILMOM "CALLAS FOREVER" ("CALLAS ZAUVIJEK")I IZUZETNIM PRIKAZIVANJEM DOKUMETARNOG I KRATKOG PROGRAMALos Angeles, California, SAD, 18. travnja 2003.DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (DIFF) svecano ce otovriti smotrufilmova medjunarodne produkcije 29. svibnja 2003. u Dubrovniku hvaljenimfilmom FRANCA ZEFIRELLIJA "CALLAS FOREVER", s FANNY ARDANT, JEREMY IRONS i JOAN PLOWRIGHT u naslovnim ulogama. "CALLAS FOREVER", snimljen nalokacijama u Spanjolskoj, Parizu i Bukurestu pokazuje posljednje dane operne divei legende Marije Callas. Povijesni grad Dubrovnik, od cije ljepote zastajedah, sasvojim kamenim tvrdjavama i zidinama, Jadransko more koje se ljeska i carobni zrakobogacen mirisom stabla smokve, badema i divlje narance je pozornica pomjeri zapricu o legendarnoj i porazenoj divi. Od prikazivanja "CALLAS FOREVER" pa dozavrsne projekcije cetverodnevni Festival promaknut ce i razvitipredstavljanje filma imedisjke umjetnosti medjunarodnom gledateljstvu.Ostali medjunarodni filmovi koji ce biti prikazani na DIFF-u ukljucuju"BALL IN THEHOUSE" (redatelj Tanya Wexler, naslovne uloge JENNIFER TILLY, JONATHANTUCKER, prikazan na Festivalu filma u Torontu), DOCTOR SLEEP (redatelj NICKWILLING, naslovne uloge GORAN VISNJIC, MIRANDA OTTO, SHIRLEYHENDERSON), FALCONS (redatelj FRIDRIK THOE FRIDRIKSSON, naslovne ulogeKEITH CARRADINE, MARGRET VILHJALMSDOTTIR, INGVAR E. SIGURDSOON,prikazan na Festivalu americkog filma u Deauville-u, Festival filma Americkoginstituta filma) I "ANN B. REAL" (redateljica Lisa France, europskapremijera). Na ovogodisnjem DIFF-u ce se po prvi put u Europi prikazati dokumentarnifilmovi"TRAVELING WONDER SHOW" (redateljica CLAIRE DIDDER, europska premijera) I"BALLAD OF BERING STRAIT" (redateljica NINA GILDEN SEAVEY, europskapremijera). Kratki filmovi "LISTENING" (redatelj Kenneth Branagh, VelikaBritanija) i"THE YELLOW HOUSE" (redatelj Goran Dukic, SAD) zaokruzit ce glavni programfestivala.Filmovi "MIRANDA" (naslovne uloge CHRISTINA RICCI, JOHN SIMM, JOHN HURT,KYLE MCLAHLAN, prikazani na Festivalu filma Sundance ) i "LEO" (naslovneulogeJOSEPH FIENNES, DENNIS HOPPER, SAM SHEPARD, DEBORA KARA UNGER,prikazan na Festivalu filma u Torontu) takodjer ce se prikazivati u okviruglavnogprograma. Festival ocekuje posjetu ljubitelja Dubrovnika iz svijetafilmske industrije,glumaca u naslovnim ulogama filmova festivalskog programa kao i ostalihmedjunarodno priznatih glumaca, gdje ce uzivati u fascinantnom i vedrom aipakavangardnom i nekonvencionalnom ambijentu koji pruza Dubrovnik.DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ce okupiti umjetnike, tvorce filmova,zabavljacku industriju, ljude iz hrvatskih i medjunarodnih poslovnih krugova,medjunarodno gledateljstvo i medije u namjeri da promakne Dubrovnik,Âhrvatskunacionalnu filmsku industriju i gospodarstvo. Festival ce postavitiDubrovnik iHrvatsku na zemljopisnu kartu kao medjunarodno odrediste festivala filma.DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL upucuje poziv ljubiteljima filma,povijesti i putovanja u Hrvatskoj i sirom svijeta da od 29. svibnja do 1.lipnja sebipriuste iskustvo zadovoljenja strasti za medjunarodnom kvalitetom filma imedijskezabave.Za dodatne informacije molimo Vas kontaktirajte:ZIGGY MRKICH, Festival Director, Tel. 310.903.0483, ziggym@dubrovnikiff.orgÂTIFFANY NAIMAN, Director of Programming, Tel. 323.337.1006,tiffany@dubrovnikiff.orgÂMIA BROZOVICH, Director of Marketing, Tel. 602.214.5114, mia@dubrovnikiff.orgÂMs. Ziggy MrkichDubrovnik Int'l Film FestivalP.O. Box 480280Los Angeles, CA 90048+1-310-903-0483www.DUBROVNIKiff.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 27 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5477/1/E-DUBROVNIK-INTERNATIONAL-FILM-FESTIVAL.html ÂDUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALMAY 29 - JUNE 1, 2003ANNOUNCES OPENING NIGHT FILM, "CALLAS FOREVER," AND PRELIMINARYFEATURE, DOCUMENTARY AND SHORT PROGRAMFor Immediate Release - Los Angeles, California - April 19, 2003 - TheDUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (DIFF) will open its first celebrationof internationally produced films on May 29, 2003 in Dubrovnik, Croatiawith the acclaimed FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI's CALLAS FOREVER, starring FANNY ARDANT,JEREMY IRONS and JOAN PLOWRIGHT. Filmed in Spain, Paris and Bucharest,CALLAS FOREVER brings to life the final hours of opera diva and legend MariaCallas. The stunning and historic city of Dubrovnik - with its stonefortress walls, shimmering Adriatic Sea and magical atmosphere scented by fig, almond andbitter orange orchard trees - is a fitting stage for this story of the legendaryand defiant grand diva. From CALLAS FOREVER to its closing feature, the four-dayfestival will promote and develop the exhibition of film and media arts to internationalaudiences.Other international feature films to be screened at the DUBROVNIKINTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL include BALL IN THE HOUSE (Dir. TANYAWEXLER, Starring JENNIFER TILLY, JOHNATHAN TUCKER, Toronto Film Festival);DOCTOR SLEEP (Dir. NICK WILLING, Starring GORAN VISNJIC, MIRANDA OTTO,SHIRLEY HENDERSON), TOUCHING WILD HORSES (Dir. ELEANOR LINDO,Starring JANE SEYMOUR, Toronto Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival); FALCONS(Dir. FRIDRIK THOR FRIDRIKSSON, Starring KEITH CARRADINE, MARGRETVILHJALMSDOTTIR, INGVAR E. SIGURDSSON, Deauville Festival of AmericanFilm, American Film Institute Film Festival); and ANN B. REAL (Dir. LISAFRANCE,European premier.)Documentary films screening for the first time in Europe during the DubrovnikFestival are TRAVELING WONDER SHOW (Dir. Claire Didder, European Premier)and BALLAD OF BERING STRAIT (Dir. NINA GILDEN SEAVEY, European premier).The Short Films LISTENING (Dir. KENNETH BRANAGH, U.K.) and THE YELLOWHOUSE (Dir. GORAN DUKIC, U.S.A.) round out the main festival program.The films MIRANDA (Starring CHRISTINA RICCI, JOHN SIMM, JOHN HURT, KYLEMCLACHLAN, Sundance) and LEO (Starring JOSEPH FIENNES, DENNISHOPPER, SAM SHEPARD, DEBORA KARA UNGER, Toronto Film Festival) will alsoplay on the main program. Industry fans of Dubrovnik, and featured aswell as other internationally recognized actors, are expected to attend the festival andenjoy the alluring, serene, yet avant-garde ambiance of Dubrovnik.The DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL will bring together artists,filmmakers, the entertainment industry, the Croatian and foreign businesscommunity, and international audiences and media to promote Dubrovnik, aswell as Croatia's national film industry and economy. The Festival will putDubrovnik and Croatia on the map as an international film festival destination. On May29 to June1, the DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL invites film, history and travellovers in Croatia and throughout the world to experience the passion ofinternational excellence in film and media entertainment.For further information, please contact:ZIGGY MRKICH, Festival Director, Tel. 310.903.0483, ziggym@dubrovnikiff.orgÂTIFFANY NAIMAN, Director of Programming, Tel. 323.337.1006,tiffany@dubrovnikiff.orgÂMIA BROZOVICH, Director of Marketing, Tel. 602.214.5114, mia@dubrovnikiff.orgÂDUBROVNIKiff.orgMs. Ziggy MrkichDubrovnik Int'l Film FestivalP.O. Box 480280Los Angeles, CA 90048+1-310-903-0483www.DUBROVNIKiff.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 27 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New Croatian Star is born - Courtney Angela Brkic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5481/1/E-New-Croatian-Star-is-born---Courtney-Angela-Brkic.html ÂNew Book is Published on Life inCroatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in WartimeIn a newly published book, Stillness and Other Stories, Courtney Angela Brkic writes about lifeduring the wars that ravaged Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina beginning in 1991.ÂThis is a powerful and vivid account in sixteen short stories of theeffects of war as told by types of people who experienced it.ÂAs the book cover notes, "…In her bold, nerve-rattling fiction debut,Courtney Angela Brkic puts a human face on the lost, the missing, the exiled,and the invisible. She brings tolife perpetrators and victims, soldiers and civilians, diplomats and humanrights workers…"Only a decade ago, a war was raging in Croatia andBosnia-Herzegovina that, after four long years, left enormous devastation andloss of life. During that time,nearly a quarter of a million people died; schools, hospitals, and centers ofold towns were deliberately targeted and ruined; and many cultural monumentswere destroyed. Eachshort story in this book presents an emotionally gripping aspect of life duringor after the war: A story told byold Marija, who, while watching her granddaughter at play, remembers thesuffering of her family across three Croatian generations. There are stories told through the eyes of a soldier who istraumatized both by the loss of his young friend and his leg as he comes home toa bleak, thankless future; of a mother who cannot accept her son's death inthe war; of a husband and wife who were brutalized in detention camps; and of awriter trapped in a cellar in Vukovar during its siege. Otherstories convey deep insights about Croats in the struggling immigrantcommunities in the United States-in the coal mines of West Virginia and in aharsh urban setting in Queens. Anotherstory presents the grotesque and brutal world of a sniper who targets innocentvictims. A satire in the collectionportrays the cold and calculating world of diplomats and the injustices theypromoted in the region.Ms. Brkic, who was a researcher and translator in Croatiaand a forensic archaeologist in Bosnia after the war, draws on her knowledgeabout and experience in Croatia for her ideas.ÂHowever, she also attributes the inspiration for her work to a profoundappreciation and sensitivity to her family and her heritage.ÂÂIn the Preface to her book, she says: "My Croatian Catholic blood did not make me areturning native daughter. I cameto a Bosnian Moslem area that was foreign to me.ÂMy roots were in the south, in the rocky, harsh landscape of Herzegovinaand the mountains of Dalmatia, and my accent was a strange amalgam of thosespeeches, thwarted by an American tongue.My father had grown up inSarajevo, and that blood and that language differentiated me from the reliefworkers, UN personnel, and other foreigners who roamed the region in the summerof 1996. I occupied a sort oflimbo, not wholly native and not wholly foreign.ÂI came, too, with my own bitter memories of the war in neighboringCroatia, and remembering the ambivalence of outsiders…"This book, Ms. Brkic's first major publication, hasalready produced considerable interest and recognition. The organization "Poets and Writers" named Stillness one of five Best New Fiction books for the year and Barnesand Noble decided to include Stillnessin the "Discover Great New Writers" Series for the summer.ÂShe is the recipient of many other honors and awards, including aFulbright scholarship to Croatia in 1996, and the second prize in The ElieWiesel Prize in Ethics in 1995 for her essay, "In the Times of Darkness: TheResponsibility of the Individual."ÂBornin Washington, DC, Courtney Angela Brkic is a graduate of the College of Williamand Mary and the New York University M.F.A. Program.ÂIn September she will join the faculty of Kenyon College in Ohio.ÂShe has also worked for the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal in TheHague and for Physicians for Human Rights. Ms. Brkic is currently at work on her second book (also tobe published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux), a memoir of her life and work inBosnia. She also translatesliterary works from Croatian: Her translations of A. B. Simic's poetryappeared in Modern Poetry in Translation,and those of Sinisa Glavasevic's work are upcoming in a new journal out ofColumbia University (The New Translation).ÂCourtney is the daughter of Barry and Brigitte Brkic ofArlington, Virginia. Beforeescaping Yugoslavia in 1959, Barry was a director and playwright for RadioZagreb. In the United States, he worked for the Voice of America and was laterthe Washington-based correspondent for Croatian Radio and Television, Vjesnik,Danas, and Narodni List. BrigitteBrkic has also written articles on Croatia, one of which appeared in the ChristianScience Monitor.Stillness and other storiesby Angela Courtney Brkic is published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux and isavailable on Amazon.com and at bookstores.ÂPlease contact Sarah Moriarty at Farrar, Straus and Girouxfor more information. Her number is (212) 206-5326.Katherine J. RosichWashington, DCKrosich@erols.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Fedor Kabalin on The New York Composers Circle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5480/1/E-Fedor-Kabalin-on-The-New-York-Composers-Circle.html ÂFedor Kabalin @ Inaugural Concert in New YorkNew York Composers CircleSunday May 4, 2003 - 2 p.m.St. Peter's Church at Citicorp Center619 Lexington Av. (54th St.)New York City212) 787-8309free admissionÂThe New York Composers Circle, a new group of composers based in and around New York City, is proud to announce its inaugural concert.Program:ÂFedor Kabalin: Böse Zeit, for baritone and piano, and Two American Songs, Op. 17, for baritone and soprano, with pianoEdward Ficklin: Quixote Meditations, for baritone and pianoPatricia Leonard: This Heart Feels Heavy, for soprano and pianoJacob E. Goodman: Beneath the Trees, three songs for baritone and pianoJennifer Louis Griffith: Ebb, Gallant Chateau and Eel-Grass, three songs for soprano and pianoDebra Kaye: Slants of Light, a song cycle for baritone and pianoINTERMISSIONDavid del Tredici: Fantasy Pieces and Wedding Song, for pianoGayther Myers: I am Blessed, for soprano and piano, and To Olga, for baritone and pianoEugene W. McBride: Child April, Yellow Cabs and Prayer, for baritone and pianoMiki Nakanishi: Two poems by Langston Hughes, for soprano and reader, with pianoRobert Honstein: To a Poor Old Woman, for baritone and pianoGary Strauss: Allegro- `...chatter in the system' and Adagio- `... a plea for peace', for cello, trumpet, and pianoplease turn over for the performers >Performers:ÂDerrick Ballard (bass-baritone)Lauren Bradley (soprano)Susan Daum (soprano)David Del Tredici (piano)Clint Edward (piano)Kyung-A Lee (piano)Edmond Schonberg (piano)Elizabeth Wolff (piano) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Justice Premiers on May 8th - Tribeca Film Fest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5479/1/E-Justice-Premiers-on-May-8th---Tribeca-Film-Fest.html ÂPreliminary Production InformationWrittenand Directed by Evan OppenheimerTribecaFilm Festival Screenings:Thursday,May 8 at 6:45pm at United Artists (102 North End Avenue @ Vesey) New York CityFriday,May 9 at 10:15pm at United Artists (102 North End Avenue @ Vesey) New York CityDear All,If you are interested to cometo the premier, call 1-866- 265-8499.or go online to www.tribecafilmfestival.orgÂSeats are limited. If you are interested to write a story in your newspaper oron TV station, about it, contact David Klineberg. I wrote music for the film andI will be there. This is one of the best features I scored and personally thebest experience with a film director. If you come to the screening either onThursday or Friday, feel free to introduce yourself.My best,NenadNenad@NenadBach.comÂpresscontact:David KlinebergmPRm Public Relations330 7th Ave., Suite 2200NY, NY 10001212-268-3080 x107 (p), 212-268-3105 (f)dklineberg@mprm.comÂÂwww.mprm.com salescontact:JeffDowd & Associates1201 Pearl St.Santa Monica, CA 90405310 581-5555jeffdowd@aol.comJusticeDirector's StatementWhen I firstshowed the script for Justice to people, there were a few who respondedwith a quick "I don't want to be involved with a movie about September11." To which my response was,"It's not a movie about September 11!ÂIt's a movie about a comic book writer, and a Latina activist, and aMuslim street vendor. And it'sabout what we've all been through in New York in the last year or two.ÂBesides, the movie's funny!"But, now thatit's done, I'll admit that Justice IS a September 11 movie.ÂIn that September 11 is the driving force behind the plot, and it has aprofound impact on many of the characters in the movie.ÂAnd, certainly, September 11 was an inspiration for the movie -- but notthe primary inspiration. For me, the primary inspiration for the script was thedeath of my friend Joe Wood, who disappeared while hiking on Mt. Rainier almostfour years ago (In the film, the character of Woody is loosely based on him).ÂAs wary as I am of drawing "lessons" from tragic, senselessloss, I did learn some things from Joe's death, things that became evident toall New Yorkers after 9/11. Ilearned that sometimes people who you think will always be around won't be.ÂAnd I learned that we who are left behind have to figure out how to getthrough -- and that we need help to do it.ÂBut let me give the main character of Justice, Drew Pettite, the last word. This is a voiceover(eventually cut, for various reasons) that he used to speak over the end of themovie:"Life stillfeels very tenuous to me. Maybe that helps me live life to the fullest, maybe itjust makes me neurotic, I don't know. What do you do when something is gone,forever? Nothing. All you can do is let time pass. And, after a while, maybe thehappy memories aren't quite so painful anymore. Because at some point...allthat's left is just to let go."Evan OppenheimerJusticeSynopsisShort SynopsisIn a city searching for heroes, a maverick comic bookwriter, Drew, creates a new kind of superhero based on an (unwitting) real-lifeNew Yorker. When a spunky VillageVoice reporter, Mara, comes sniffing around the story and enters Drew's life, hehas to juggle his new friendships and success while confronting his troublingpast. He soon discovers thehard-won wisdom of his hometown: that the human spirit is resilient, and thatinspiration comes in many forms.JusticeÂPrincipal CastÂÂErikPalladinoÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDrew PettiteMichaelJai WhiteÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTreDaphneRubin-Vega RobertaAjayNaiduÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMohammedCatherineKellnerÂÂÂÂÂÂMara SeaverMarisaRyanÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂJuliaTomGuiryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Red AnarchistDavidPatrick KellyÂÂÂÂÂÂMartyJoelleCarterÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMoniqueMichaelEalyÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWoodyLeoFitzpatrickÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Egg MachineLarryPineÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe LegendHelenaLewisÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHelenaAlanCoxÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPalm SundayDanCantorÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTerrence the Ugly AmericanTimKangÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBodega OwnerGloriaIrizarryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLuizaFirdousBamjiÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSamir KhanMoniqueGuesnonÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDay-Old Bagel LadyScottMillerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCigarette ManWaleedZuaiterÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPretzel VendorShoshanaSternÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFirst PatronJimmyWallickÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSecond PatronEvanLee OppenheimerÂÂÂÂÂÂHe Got NextDanZiemannÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPerryEmoryVan CleveÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBig GuyJusticePrincipal CrewÂWriterand DirectorEvanOppenheimerÂProducersAmyR. BairdAmeliaDallisDirectorof PhotographyLukeGeissbuhlerÂMusicNenadBachÂEditorAllisonEve ZellÂCastingDirectors FeliciaFasanoMaryVernieuÂProductionDesignerBethKuhnSoundDesignerBillMonteiSoundRecordistPaulBaccaCostumeDesigner DonaMandelPropsKirstenKaneMusicSupervisorDavidHnatiukÂComicBook ArtDavidJerrel AndersonÂAssociateProducer MartinSchepelernÂJusticeÂCASTBIOSErikPalladino (Drew Pettite)Erik Palladinowill soon be seen in the independent "Ladder Days" written and directed byC. Jay Cox (Sweet Home Alabama). Hemost recently completed production on the independent "Dead and Breakfast"starring opposite Jeremy Sisto and Ever Caradine. On television, he cancurrently be seen in a recurring role on "Law and Order: Special VictimsUnit". Palladino, whowas born and raised in Yonkers is the youngest of three brothers.ÂHis father owns a heating contractor business in the Bronx and his motheris a schoolteacher. At 14, he beganperforming with the Children's Reparatory Company from New Rochelle. He becamea full-on theater arts student when he auditioned for and was accepted atMarymount Manhattan College where he later received his Bachelor of Arts degree.ÂPalladino was one of the founding members of the "Just About Had It"theatre company. He spent the nextfew years performing on the New York stage including various Off-Broadwayproductions. Upon his move toLA, Palladino landed a recurring role on "Murphy Brown".ÂHe later became well known for his character Dr. Dave Malucci on "ER"which he played for 3 seasons. Onthe big screen, he was seen in Jonathan Mostow's "U-571" starring oppositeMatthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton and Harvey Keitel.ÂPalladino also starred opposite James Earl Jones and Robert Forester inthe Golden Space Needle Award winning independent film "Finder'sFee" which won the audience award for best film.ÂSome other features include "Can't Hardly Wait", and theindependents "This Space Between Us", "The Week the Girl Died", and "Roadkill".ÂIn his leisuretime, Palladino enjoys boxing and hanging out with his 2 dogs, Daisy and Leroy.ÂHe splits his time between New York and Los Angeles. MichaelJai White (Tre) Michael played the lead character in the hitmovie Spawn. He also starred in ExitWounds and Universal Soldier: TheReturn, and stars in the forthcoming Quentin Tarantino film KillBill.AjayNaidu (Mohammed)Ajay starred in the cult hit movie OfficeSpace. He has also appeared in movies ranging from Suburbiato K-Pax to The Guru.DaphneRubin-VegaÂ(Roberta)Nominated for a Tony Award for"Rent", Daphne also starred on Broadway in "The Rocky HorrorPicture Show". On film, she's played opposite Kevin Bacon in WildThings and Robert DeNiro in Flawless.CatherineKellner (Mara Seaver)CatherineKellner recently starred alongside Shirley Knight ("Divine Secrets of Ya-YaSisterhood") in Eve Ensler's (Vagina Monologues) new play NecessaryTargets, focusing on the atrocities suffered by Bosnian women during the yearsof Balkan conflict. Kellner also recently starred in the independent film"Outpatient", which was named Best Picture at the 2003 NoDance FilmFestival. She is also co-starring in the feature film "The Grey"opposite Mark Boone Jr. Kellner was recently seen in the highly anticipated WWII drama "PearlHarbor" with Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin and directed byMichael Bay ("Armageddon"). She can be seen alongside Anson Mount in"The Truth About Tully, " a Skoras Entertainment and BlackwatchPictures release. "Tully" was screened to much success at the 2000London Film festival as well as the 2000 Los Angeles Independent and TorontoFilm Festivals. Kellner has also starred in Tom Gilroy's "SpringForward" opposite Ned Beatty and Liev Schreiber. The film was well-receivedat last year's Toronto Film Festival.Kellner also starred in"Restless" the first English-language film set in contemporaryBeijing, China, and the first ever U.S.-China film co-production. Kellner wasseen in last summer's Paramount hit "Shaft" starring Samuel L.Jackson. The film reunited her with John Singleton, acclaimed director of"Rosewood," in which she played Fanny. Other memorable film creditsinclude: "30 Days'" "200 Cigarettes,""Restaurant," "Kicking and Screaming," "Six Degrees ofSeparation," "No Way Home (with Tim Roth)" and "Day at theBeach."Ontelevision, Kellner was featured in HBO's "There's a Nightmare in myCloset," Hallmark Entertainment's "Harvest of Fire," MTV's DaftPunk video, which was directed by Spike Jonze, and ABC's critically acclaimedseries "High Incident." Kellner has an impressive background intheater as well. She has co-starred in nearly 20 stage productions, includingthe Broadway classic "The Iceman Cometh" opposite Kevin Spacey. Shehas also worked extensively with the NY Stage and Film Powerhouse Theatre.During that time, she collaborated with Canadian playwright George F. Walker andstarred in two plays by Steve Martin--Romeo and Juliet at Antioch and WASP.Additionally, she starred inThe Roundabout Theatre Company's You Never Can Tellfor which she was named "Best New Young Actress" by the New YorkPress. Kellner is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate ActingProgram. She splits her time between New York and Los Angeles.Marisa Ryan (Julia)Witha starring role in HBO's new series, "Mind Of The Married Man" and threemajor features to be released by the end of the year, Marisa Ryan has alreadybroken through a variety of mediums and is well on the road to stardom. Ryan hasestablished herself not only as a talented actress but is building herreputation as a director, having completed two films in that capacity.Inaddition to her television series, Ryan has been working on an impressive slateof feature films. She plays the delightful camp slut in the film, "Wet HotAmerican Summer" (an Official Selection in Sundance Film Festival) and has asupporting role in Penny Marshall's feature, "Riding In Cars With Boys" asDrew Barrymore's sister. Ryan is also appearing in the Untitled Todd SolondzProject.Overthe past few years, Ryan has appeared in several independent films including,"Love Always" with Moon Zappa and Beverly D'Angelo, "DelicatessenStory" for Showtime, "Lunchtime Special" with Scott Cann, "Nobody'sChildren," opposite Jeremy Sisco and Eric Michael Cole, and "Slaves For TheUnderground," a favorite at the Sundance Film Festival.ÂRyan is a regular at the Sundance Film Festival with roles in "With orWithout You" and "Cure for Boredom."Onthe small screen, Ryan has appeared as a series regular on "New YorkUndercover," "Falcone," and had a recurring role on Dick Wolf's NBCdrama, "Deadline," in addition to appearing on the hit HBO show, "Sex AndThe City," and the new CBS drama, "Hack."ÂRyan also was chosen for the starring role in ABC's mini movie series,"Que Creek."Ryangot her first break with a starring role on the successful CBS series, "MajorDad." She began her training at the High School for the Performing Arts.ÂShe continued at the Royal Theatre in London where she was featured in aplay directed by Alan Rickman entitled The Other Sides. Additional theatercredits include Another Part of the Forest and Little Foxes, both of which werepart of the Lillian Helman Festival held at the Seattle Reperatory, TheCleveland Playhouse and New York's Roundabout Theatre as well as Something SoRight at the Playwright Horizons and Picnic at the Cherry Lane Theatre in NewYork.Ryanresides in New York.LeoFitzpatrick (The Egg Machine)Leo was the starof Larry Clark's controversial film Kids. He played Selma Blair's disabled boyfriend in Storytellingand currently appears on the HBO series "The Wire".David Patrick Kelly (Marty)DP's renownedroles range from Luther in The Warrios(he uttered the famous line, "Warriors, come out and play") to JerryHorne in "Twin Peaks" to T-Bird in The Crow.Michael Ealy (Woody)Michael Ealy'sreputation continues to grow from his breakout roles over the past year in thehit films, Barbershop, KissingJessica Stein and Bad Company. A native ofSilver Spring, Maryland, Michael graduated college with a degree in English.ÂShortly after, Michael headed to New York where he performed in severalstage productions, including the Off-Broadway hits "Joe Fearless" and"Whoa Jack," for which he earned an Adelco Award nomination for hisperformance. It would not be longbefore Michael nabbed guest-starring roles in NBC's "Law & Order" andShowtime's hit series "Soul Food." On the heels ofhis television breakthroughs, he was then cast in the critically-acclaimed film KissingJessica Stein for Fox Searchlight, where he played Greg, the delivery boywith a strong craving for sex. Michaelthen segued into the role of G. Mo, the best friend of Jake Hayes (Chris Rock),in Bad Company for director JoelSchumacher.While visitinghis friends in Los Angeles, Michael heard about auditions for Barbershop.He landed the role of Ricky Nash, a two-strike offender working at the localbarbershop under the supervision of his friend Calvin (Cube).ÂThe film also starred Eve, Sean Patrick Thomas and Cedric the Entertainerand was a boxoffice hit this past September.ÂHe promptly movedto Los Angeles to further pursue acting, but suddenly found himself in Miami, ashe was cast in the pilot for the HBO series "Baseball Wives," from theLevinson/Fontana Company. Michaelhas since then returned to Miami to film a cameo role in the highly anticipatedsequel The Fast and the Furious 2which is due out June 2003 from Universal and director John Singleton.ÂMost recently, Ealy completed a dramatic arc on the Emmy-winning series"ER" for NBC.Michael continuesto reside in Los Angeles. LarryPine (The Legend) Larry Pine played Dr. Ostrov in Vanyaon 42nd Street. His numerous other films include TheRoyal Tenenbaums, Dead Man Walking,and The Shipping News. He also playedArnold Zelman on "Oz".TomGuiry (The Red Anarchist)Tom played Staff Sergeant Ed Yurek in BlackHawk Down. His career began playing the lead in TheSandlot and Lassie, and he hassubsequently starred in Tigerland and U-571.JoelleCarter (Monique)Joelle was one of John Cusack's "TopFive Break-Ups" in High Fidelity.She has also appeared in American Pie 2and Swimming.ÂJusticeÂCREWBIOSÂEvan Oppenheimer (Writer and Director)Justice is Evan Oppenheimer's second feature film. His first, TheAuteur Theory, was screened in theaters nationwide, including The PioneerTheater in New York, The Sunset Five in Los Angeles, The Lumiere in SanFrancisco, and The High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Made on a shoestring budget of$70,000, it appeared in over thirty festivals worldwide, garnering numerousawards, including the "Best Feature" award at the 2000 BreckenridgeFilm Festival, hosted by NBC film critic Jeffrey Lyons. It is appearing onShowtime and The Movie Channel throughout 2003, and is also available on homevideo from Pathfinder Pictures. Reviewers have called it "ingenious","among the best first features I have ever seen", "one of thebest independent films of the year", and "easily the funniest indiefilm since Clerks".Evan Oppenheimerreceived a B.A. in English from Yale University. He was an editor for threeyears at Atheneum Publishers; among his books was the definitive biography ofÂLawrence of Arabia, named a New York Times "Best Book of theYear". Evan then moved on to NYU Film School, where he spent half of histime making films and the other half captaining the varsity baseball team. Hisstudent film Cross Road Blues won first prize at the University Film & VideoAssociation Student Film Festival. (Full festivallist and reviews attached)AmyBaird (Producer)A graduate ofEmerson College, Amy worked in the Behind-The-Scenes television specialsdepartment at ZM Productions. As aDevelopment Associate she worked on numerous Disney Telefilms, a syndicatedseries for MTM entitled The Cape and numerous television specials anddocumentaries including the Emmy Award winning "Photographs That ChangedThe World," a tribute to LIFE Magazine's 60th anniversary.The last year atZM Productions Amy was the in-house Production Manager, overseeing the dailyproduction and development of a number of television and film projects.ÂAmy's most recent credit with ZM was as an Associate Producer on theNBC television pilot Payback.Amy has producedtwo features: Killing Cinderella and Justice.ÂShe has also produced six short films: Clutch (LA), The BusStop (LA), The Elevator (LA), Nipply Ray (NY), Dig A HoleAnd Find A Finger (NY), Martyr (NY) and Close To The Wind(NY). Most recently,Amy Associate Produced for BridgNorth Films on the new Miramax documentaryentitled Comedian with Jerry Seinfeld.JusticeBIOSNenad Bach(Original Music)Nenadis a recording artist, composer, and performer who has recorded for Sony,Polygram and many other labels. Two of his albums reached No. 1 in Europe, andto date he has sold over one million records. In addition, he has performed allover the world with a wide range of artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Bono& The Edge (U2), Brian Eno, Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, Garth Hudson &Rick Danko (The Band), Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead), Martin Sheen, MichaelYork, John Malkovich, Ellen Burstyn, and many more. He performed at Woodstock'94, and in 1998 he made a compilation album with Bruce Springsteen, LeonardCohen and Allen Ginsberg. In March 1999, he opened the Miss Universe pageant inEurope with his new song "Miss Universe." Nenad also writes andrecords music for film and theater. He has scored many features and short films.One such project was "King of Cool," a biopic about the life of SteveMcQueen, which premiered on American Movie Classics (AMC), to over 65 millionhouseholds. Another was "Life beyond Timothy Leary". Subsequently,Nenad scored the Mladen Juran film "Transatlantic", which was theCroatian entry for consideration as Best Foreign Film in the 1999 AcademyAwards. He just finished scoring a new film directed by Burt Young called"Murder on Mott Street".ÂFinally,Nenad is also a record producer with a special interest in documenting thefascinating but little-known musical traditions of his homeland, Croatia. Hismost recent work includes the production of three new acappella albums:"Fire on the Sea," by Klapa Fortunal; "Following theCross," a collection of Lenten chants based on 600-year-oldÂÂGregorian Chants never previously recorded; and just released "Novaljo,Novaljo," by Klapa Navalia. Nenad's work and his life story have beenfeatured on all the major US TV networks (CBS, ABC, NBC), on CNN, on SkyChannel, and on TV channels in Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain,Spain, Japan, and many other countries. Press coverage has been similarlywidespread, ranging from The New York Times to Billboard, from The WashingtonPost to Corriere Della Sera, and from The Boston Globe to the New York DailyNews. Nenad's most recent solo record is "Thousand Years of Peace"which will be released in 2003. The album was recorded in Nenad's own recordingstudio, which he also uses for his scoring and production work and which wasdesigned to accommodate anything from acappella vocals to rock and roll tosymphonic orchestras on a location.Heis currently in preproduction for a new solo album, which is due for release inFall 2003. Nenad sang in the new recordings of "We Are Family" benefitfor the Sept. 11th fund as well as scored the film "The Making and theMeaning of We Are Family". His label just signed a contract for theworldwide promotion and distribution of "The Pharos Cantors" (GlagoliticChants based on Gregorian Chants). He also recently completed work as a languageconsultant for the literature and film project for all four of the HarryPotter books.Throughhis singing and songwriting Nenad's goal is to spread the message of joy anduniversal peace.Festival List -- TheAuteur TheoryÂAwards and HonorsBest Feature, 2000 BreckenridgeFilm FestivalBest Feature, 2000 Westchester FilmFestivalBest American Feature, 2000 SaoPaulo Film Festival (unofficial award)Closing Night Film, 2001 SanFrancisco Independent Film FestivalClosing Night Film, 2000DancesWithFilms FestivalClosing Night Film, 2001 DialogueFilm Festival (Seoul)Best Feature Finalist, 2000 AustinFilm FestivalSpecial Commendation, 2000 CanadianInternational Film FestivalInternationalFestivalsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLocationSao PauloÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBrazil Mar del PlataÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂArgentinaCalcuttaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIndiaBombayÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIndiaBrusselsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBelgiumBermudaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBermudaCIFFÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCanadaAthensÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGreeceUmeaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSwedenFilmstockÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂEnglandAvignonÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFranceDialogue (Seoul)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSouth KoreaÂDomesticFestivalsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLocationFort LauderdaleÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFloridaSt. LouisÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMissouriAvignon/New YorkÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNew York, NYNew HavenÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂConnecticutDancesWithFilmsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLos Angeles, CAWestchesterÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhite Plains, NYSouth BeachÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMiami, FLAtlantaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGeorgia letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) FOLKLOR "ANTUN MIHANOVIC" KRECE IZ FAWKNERA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5482/1/H-FOLKLOR-ANTUN-MIHANOVIC-KRECE-IZ-FAWKNERA.html  FOLKLOR "ANTUN MIHANOVIC" KRECE IZ FAWKNERA ÂNA SJEVERNOM DJELU MELBOURNEA POKRENUTA NOVA FOLKLORNA SKUPINAMELBOURNE - Pri Ogranku Hrvatske dmokratske zajednice u Fawkneru osnovanaje 9. prosinca 2002. godine nova folklorna skupina, koja ce prvi putnastupiti pocetkom svibnja 2003."Ideja o pokretanju folklorne skupine u kojoj bi plesali mladi Hrvati sovoga dijela grada stara je vec nekoliko godina", kaze predsjednik HDZ-a uFawkneru, ujedno i predsjednik Koordinacije HDZ-a za Australiju i NoviZeland Rade Buljubasic. "No, stalno se s osnivanjem otezalo iz vrlobanalna razloga - nismo uspijevali pronaci ucitelja.Konacno, uspjeli smo se dogovoriti s Josipom Borosem, koji se prihvatiotoga posla.Sjeverni dio Melbournea i inace je bio zapostavljen. Recimo, ovdje uopcenisu postojala nikakva drustva, sve do pocetka 1990.-ih kad je osnovanogranak HDZ-a, koji je poceo vrsiti ulogu drustvene organizacije iomogucavati Hrvatima da se okupljaju i druze.Na koncu, 9. prosinca 2002. uspjeli smo osnovati i folklornu skupinu,kojoj cemo mi putem HDZ-a osiguravati (tj. financirati) dvoranu za vjezbei nastupe pri Katolickom Centru Svetoga Marka u Fawkneru kojega vodi vlc.Velimir Maglica.Prvi nastup nove folklorne grupe bit ce 3. svibnja 2003., a nakon togaocekuju nas veliki poslovi u svezi folklora. Vjerujemo da cemo uspjetinabaviti nosnje za plesace, a potom planiramo i tamburaski sastav.Veseli nas sto je vec u pocetku odaziv roditelja dobar, jer je nas krajnjicilj da se mladi Hrvati zadrze na okupu, da se medusobno druze, da govorehrvatskim jezikom i o hrvatskoj domovini, da cuvaju uspomene, svijest iznanje o svom hrvatstvu. Konacno, neka se druze, neka se zabavljaju, paneka se ubuduce medusobno zene i neka radaju nove Hrvate"Folklornu grupu nazvali smo imenom tvorca hrvatske himne AntunaMihanovica. Dakle, puni naziv ce biti "Hrvatsko kulturno drustvo AntunMihanovic Fawkner". Vjerujem da ni u odabiru imena nismo pogrijesili",kazao je Rade Buljubasic.Josip Boros, ucitelj nove folklorne skupine na samomu je pocetko iskazaosvoju radost zbog cinjenice da je odabran za prvoga ucitelja i jednoga odosnivaca grupe, a o sebi je kazao:"Rodio sam se u Dakovu, u Slavoniji. U folklornim skupinama poceo samplesati jos kao dijete u Slavoniji. U Australiju sam doselio sroditeljima sedamdesetih godina, a prvo sam plesao u "Ladu" u Geelongu, ucijemu sam osnivanju i sudjelovao.Iz Geelonga sam presao u "Sokadiju" koje je djelovala pri "Dinamu St.Albans". Tu grupu vodio sam neke cetiri godine, a predao sam uciteljskomjesto jednoj gospodi koja je plesala u "Hrvatskoj zori" iz Sunshinea, jersam bio povrijedio nogu.Potom me vlc. Ivica Zlatunic iz HKC-a Duha Svetoga u Springvaleu zamolioda se tamo prihvatim uciteljskoga mjesta u folklornoj skupini, koja je vecbila na okupu, no nisu imali ucitelja. Prihvatio sam to i u "Zvonimiru"ostao nekih godinu dana.Sada sam, evo, prihvatio ponudu iz Fawknera, gdje intenzivno vjezbamokojih dva mjeseca. Krenuli smo od nule, ali zasad imamo oko dvadesetakclanova. Oni su vec uzvjezbali dva plesa, jedan iz Sjeverne Hrvatske ijedan iz Slavonije.Prvi put cemo nastupiti 3. svibnja ovdje u St. Mark's Parish Hall uFawkneru, pa ovom prilikom pozivam clanove hrvatske zajednice - posebnoone koji bi nam se htjeli prikljuciti - da nas dodu vidjeti. Uvjeravam ihda nece biti razocarani".U upravnom odboru HKD "Antun Mihanovic" su: Josip Boros (predsjednik), AnaOpacak (tajnica), Slavica Crvenkovic (zamjenica tajnice), Ljilja Odobasic(riznicarka), Ljilja Petrevski (zamjenica riznicarke) i clanovi RadeBuljubasic i Mario Gregov.Mate BasicSource: http://www.mrons.com/drno/news1946.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatska iseljenicka lirika http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5483/1/H-Hrvatska-iseljenicka-lirika.html ÂPISMA MOJOJ HRVATSKOJCroatian Immigration PoetryDear All,My appologies to those who do not speak Croatian. This notice and the event are in Croatian...ÂDANAS 6Travnja 2003Op-edCroatian Immigration PoetrynbHrvatska Katolicka Zupa Sv. Cirila i MetodaHrvatska Katolicka Misija Astorijai Hrvatska Kultura Cetvrtkompozivaju sve ljubitelje poezije naPRETSTAVLJANJE DRUGE ZBIRKE PJESAMA HRVATSKE ISELJENICKE LIRIKE"PISMA MOJOJ HRVATSKOJ"Koja ce se odrzati6.travnja, 2003 u 13:30 satiu dvorani iza Crkve Svetog Cirila i Metoda502 West 41st StreetNew York City, New York, USAZabavimo se na jedan drugaciji nacin, uz poetsku rijec i domacu besidu, na dragom nam hrvatskom jeziku.Svojim prisustvom uvelicat ce te ovaj kulturni skup. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) European film festival @ Columbia Univ. TODAY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5484/1/E-European-film-festival--Columbia-Univ-TODAY.html ÂFILM LINEUP OF THE 2003 ASN WORLD CONVENTION***For the complete preliminary program, registration form and generalinformation on the convention, please consult our web site atwww.nationalities.org***The ASN World Convention, the world's largest scholarly gathering onidentities and nation-building in East Central Europe, the Balkans, formerSoviet Union, and Eurasia, will be screening recent documentaries andfeature films, in addition to its large selection of panels. The Conventionruns 3-5 April 2003 at Columbia University, sponsored by the HarrimanInstitute. Each screening will be followed by discussion.The 2003 selection of documentaries includes the internationally-acclaimedCHILDREN UNDERGROUND (US, 2000), on runaway children in Romania, winner ofthe Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize in 2001; RETURNING HOME;REVIVAL OF A BOSNIAN VILLAGE (Bosnia Herzegovina, 2001), by Norwegiananthropologist Tone Bringe, and Peter Loizos, on the return of Croatrefugees to a previously mixed village, the sequel of Bringe's 1993documentary We Are All Neighbours; GREETINGS FROM GROZNY (UK, 2002),following a detachment of special Russian forces and a unit of rebelWahabite fighters; THE DAMNED AND THE SACRED (Netherlands, 2002), on thecontrast between a Chechen traditional youth dance group touring Europe andthe reality back home, from Dutch director Jos dePutter, whose previousfilm The Making of a New Empire screened at ASN 2000; KILLING THE STORY(UK, 2002), a BBC investigation on the murder of a leading journal, thetape scandal, and allegations of sanctions breaking in Ukraine; SOLDAT (UK2001), ariveting portrayal of conscripts in the Russian army; HOPING FOR PEACE(Georgia/Abkhazia region, 2002), a joint report from journalists in Georgiaand Abkhazia on the Gali region in Abkhazia, mostly populated by ethnicGeorgians, and running along the ceasefire line; and SHTO NOVOVO, AN ELEGYFOR THE UNION (US 2003), on industrial depression, corruption, and Russianoutmigration in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan (the screening will be preceded bythe short WOMEN, WATER AND SOCIAL CHANGES: LESSONS FROM CENTRAL ASIA). Theconvention will also screen the feature films THE WAR (VOINA)(Russia,2002), a brazen fictional account of a rescuing operation in Chechnya, thelatest Russian film of young actor Sergei Bodrov Jr.; and FORTRESS EUROPE(Slovenia, 2000), on immigrants from the East trying to smuggle their wayto "Europe". A few more films will be added to the lineup before theconvention.Dominique Arel (darel@brown.edu)Film/Video Section ChairCHILDREN UNDERGROUNDUS 2000 (1h45 mins.)Directed by Edet BelzbergContact: In Romanian with English subtitlesVenturing below the streets of Bucharest, Romania to the infamous PiataVictoriei subway station, filmmaker Edet Belzberg introduces us to fivemembers of a "family" of orphaned, abandoned, and runaway children livingthere. The children beg and steal to buy food and Aurolac, which they sniffto get high. In this striking cinema verite documentary, Belzberg reflectson the difficult problem of youth homelessness at the beginning of a newmillennium, where children with highly developed skills of survival areaddicted to life on the street. Winner of the 2001 Sundance Special JuryPrize for Documentary.RETURNING HOME: REVIVAL OF A BOSNIAN VILLAGEBosnia and Herzegovina 2001 (48 mins.)Directed by Tone Bringa and Peter LoizosContact: In Croatian and Bosniak with English subtitlesFilmed between 1999 and 2001, "Returning Home" documents the return of theinternally displaced Muslims or Bosniaks to their homes seven years afterbeing expelled from an ethnically mixed (Bosniak/Croat) village in centralBosnia. "Returning Home" is a sequel to "We are all Neighbours" produced in1993 by Granada Television in co-operation with Tone Bringa. The earlierfilm chronicles the gradual breakdown in personal relationship betweenMuslims and Croats as war approaches the village of "Dolina". Followingsome of the same families featured in the 1993 film, this film highlightsthe decisive role of the international community in facilitating returns tothis village by guaranteeing the returnees' security and providing economicmeans for house reconstruction. Above all, however, it talks to steelydetermination of the displaced villagers to rebuild their pre-war lives,and their surprisingly sympathetic attitude toward Croat refugees livingin their homes.GREETINGS FROM GROZNYUK 2003 (52 mins.)Directed by Paul Mitchell and Tatiana RakhmanovaContact: Andy Halper In Russian and Chechen with English subtitlesFor three weeks in May 2002, Paul Mitchell filmed in and around Chechnya.He followed a detachment of special Russian forces and a unit of rebelWahabite fighters. The director and his crew, who also lived with Chechenrefugees in Grozny and the surrounding villages, give us a moving glimpseof the life of civilians ruined by the war. They take us to the valley ofPankisi on the border between Chechnya and Georgia, a zone that, accordingto Russian and American secret services, could well serve as a new basedfor radical Islamists linked to Al Quaeda. The documentary posits theviewpoints of Russian forces about "cleansing operations"-described assimple identity checks- against those of the civilian Chechen population,often the main victims of these raids. Operations that, according the humanrights groups, constantly violate the most basic rights.THE DAMNED AND THE SACRED (DANS, GROZNY DANS)The Netherlands 2002 (76 mins.), English subtitlesDirected by Jos de PutterContact: Frank van den Engel In Dutch, Russian and Chechen with English subtitlesAfter The Making of a New Empire, which screened at ASN 2000, director Josde Putter again focuses his attention on Chechnya, with an attractiveportrait of a traditional youth dance group. They go on a tour of Europe;the contrast between the destroyed buildings in the Chechen capital Groznyand the concert halls of Europe is gigantic. The dancing teacher impresseson the youngsters that they have to show the Europeans that Chechens arenormal people, not terrorists, and that therefore they have to do theirutmost. De Putter continuously switches between here and there; the twoworlds are bridged by endless bus trips and melancholic music. Thealternation makes clear that these children carry their ravaged countrywith them everywhere they go.KILLING THE STORYUK 2002 (55 mins.)Produced by Ewa Ewart (BBC, UK)Contact: What links the murder of a leading journalist, the President of theUkraine, a shy young bodyguard and allegations of international armssmuggling and sanctions breaking? In a documentary prepared for the BBCinvestigative series Correspondent, reporter Tom Mangold unravels thethreads that hold together an extraordinary mystery story involvingconspiracies at the highest level, secret tape recordings, beatings bygovernment goon squads and a moving target, running for his life with a sixmillion dollar price on his head.SOLDATUK 2001 (77 mins.).Directed by Paul JenkinsContact: Daniel Wolf In Russian with English subtitlesThe Russian Army, up close and personal, the first time a foreigntelevision production has been allowed extensive and long-term access. Thefilm follows conscripts drafted as a cheap alternative to the professionalarmy Russia can no longer afford. For two years, recruits are sucked into ahighly ritualized and hierarchical system of barrack room hazing, brutalityand humiliation called dedovshchina ("the rule of the grandfathers"). Theyemerge fundamentally changed. Junior and senior officers are seenstruggling against seemingly endless woe in an army starved of basicresources. Though most maintain a grim humour, the results are shocking andsad.HOPING FOR PEACEGeorgia/Abkhazia region 2002 (35 mins.)Directed and produced by Svetlana Korsaia (Abkhaz State Television), MamukaKuparadze (Studio Re), Mikheil Mirziashvili (Studio Re), in collaborationwith the London-based NGO Conciliation Resources.Contact: Rachel Clogg A unique collaboration between Abkhaz and Georgian journalists. Made in2002 this is the first joint documentary film in the decade since aceasefire brought to an end the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992-93. Exploringthe lives of people in the Gal/i region on the front line between theconflicting parties, this thirty minute film grapples with key challengesin the faltering peace process. Working together on all aspects of theproduction the four journalists together visited Gal/i, Sukhum/i and Tbilisi.SHTO NOBOVO, AN ELEGY FOR THE UNIONUS 2003 (52 mins.)Directed by George FitzHerbert (Harvard U, US)In Russian, Kyrgyz and Uzbek with English subtitlesAn evocative portrait of transition in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan. Whileillustrating the traditional pastoral life of the Kyrgyz, the filmaddresses issues of industrial depression, corruption, and the outmigrationof the Russian population since the Soviet collapse, and gives voice to thenostalgia with which many remember the Soviet era.preceded byWOMEN, WATER AND SOCIAL CHANGE: LESSONS FROM CENTRAL ASIAUS 2003 (20 mins.)Directed by Billur Gungoren (Columbia U, US)An exploration of gender differences in the water sector drawing lessonsfrom a community water management project implemented in six villages inCentral Asia between 1998 and 2001. Common myths on women's roles andabilities in water management, specific aspects of gender inequalitiesduring the transformation period, and an innovative social change processare described.THE WAR (VOINA)Russia 2002 (1h55 mins.)Directed by Alexei BalabanovContact: In RussianOvershadowed by events in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the war inChechnya goes on and on, the Chechens taking hostages and detonating bombsin southern Russia and the Russian army repressing the rebellion withscorched earth brutality. In Alexei Balabanov's controversial slice-of-war,two Russian soldiers and two touring British actors are taken captive bythe Chechen rebels. John, one of the two young Britons, is sent home tofetch 4 million pounds as ransom for his fiancée. Back in England, theauthorities don't want to hear anything about it, but the actor finallymanages to find the required sum and he and a fellow ex-hostage Vanyarevisit Chechnya in a blaze of disorganized, vicious revenge. Twenty-yearold lead actor Aleksei Chadov was voted Best Actor at the 2002 MontrealWorld Film Festival.FORTRESS EUROPA (TRNDJAVA EVROPA)Slovenia 2000 (80 mins.).Directed by Zelimir ZilnikContact: Alenka Sfiligoj In several languages, English subtitles.Artyom and his daughter Katya try to smuggle their way into Italy to joinArtyom's wife Sveta, who had emigrated to Italy a long time before andfound a job with the last remaining coachman of Trieste. Artyom, Katya anda group of other refugees are however arrested, first by the Slovenian andthen by the Italian police. The refugees are confronted with all kinds ofprocedures at police headquarters and then moved to a centre for illegalimmigrants, awaiting deportation, the heavily guarded "Fortress Europe."Zelimir Zilnik became internationally known in the Sixties for his visuallyexpressive and critical films. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) C.A.M.E.O. Revival! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5488/1/E-CAMEO-Revival.html ÂCroatian Arts, Media & Entertainment OrganizationI n v i t a t i o nCome and Join us inC.A.M.E.O. REVIVAL!Every 2nd Wednesday of the MonthThe Wednesday Night TraditionDrink, Network & Exchange Thoughts and IdeasWith Other Croats & Croatian-Americans inÂEntertainment and Art!Wednesday, APRIL 16th7:30 PMThe Cat and The Fiddle'C a s a b l a n c a R o o m'6530 W. Sunset Blvd.Between Cahuenga and HighlandIf you know someone that would like to be a part of our email listÂPlease forward the information toCAMEO1997@aol.comÂ(Please find attached the flyer and forward it to those who might like to know about this!) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Music by Nenad Bach on Tribeca Film Festival 2003 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5487/1/E-Music-by-Nenad-Bach-on-Tribeca-Film-Festival-2003.html ÂDe Niro's festival goes globalMartin Scorsese joined Robert De Niro at last year's festivalOp-edIn two to three days I am finishing the score(music) for the film Justice. World Premier of the Evan Oppenheimer's film Justicewill be on May 8 & 9th. All are welcome.Nenad BachLast Updated: Wednesday, 26 March, 2003, 11:30 GMTÂNew York's Tribeca Film Festival has unveiled an eclectic list of international titles in the three competition sections of the second annual event.ÂSelections include 11 world, four international and 22 North American premières.Â"We're pleased to be introducing the work of an exciting group of new moviemaking talents from all over the world," said executive director Peter Scarlet.Â"I think viewers will find it an intriguing, challenging and interesting selection."ÂThe festival - which will run from 3 to 11 May - is the brainchild of actor Robert De Niro.ÂHe created it to help revitalise New York's Lower East Side after the 11 September attacks on the US.ÂBittersweet taleÂFour US entries from first and second-time filmmakers will première in the narrative feature section.ÂIncluded is Justice.Evan Oppenheimer's examination of post-11 September grief through the work of a maverick comic book artist and Clark Walker's tale of Texas adolescents.ÂBoth east Asia and France figure prominently in the feature lineup.ÂLi Yang's film Blind Shaft, about Chinese mine workers involved in murder and extortion, is included alongside South Korean Chan-ok Park's Jealousy Is My Middle Name.ÂAlso selected is the debut of French-Italian director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's It Is Easier for a Camel, about a woman who retreats into daydreams.ÂVida Zaher-Khadeem's Firedancer, which chronicles the struggles of Afghan emigrants in the US, has been selected.ÂThe film was completed after the director's murder in 2001.ÂHip-hop entrepreneursÂThe festival's documentary section is split into two parts - one for first and second-time directors and the other for more established film-makers.ÂEntries include A Normal Life, about Albanian Kosovar refugees, by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Hugo Berkeley and director Bruce Brown's Endless Summer, which documents life in a surfing community.ÂMusic films also get a look in.ÂMaxie Collier's study of hip-hop entrepreneurs, Paper Chasers, which features Ludacris and Public Enemy is included alongside David G Berger - Holly Maxson and Kate Hirso's portrait of the jazz musician.Âhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/2887549.stmÂFull Lineup For Tribeca Film FestivalBy Linda PerneyNYNewsday.comMarch 26, 2003, 6:54 PM ESTDirectors of Manhattan's Tribeca Film Festival have announced the film lineup for the second annual event, slated to run May 3 to 11. Selected films touch on subject matter as diverse as growing up Jewish in Baghdad and skateboarding in West Texas. Eleven of the films will have their world premieres at the festival.This year, there are five new competitive categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary>2 (for directors who have made more than two features), Best Actress, Best Actor, Emerging Narrative Feature Filmmaker, and Emerging Documentary Feature Filmmaker. In addition, there is the Audience Award (open to all festival entrants), Best Documentary Short, and Student Visionary Award.Filmmakers from some 20 countries are entered, and the movies represent diverse cultures and sensibilities. "We're eager to again present such a world-class lineup of feature films in competition to share with New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe," said festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal.FeatureAmong the Feature Films, entrants include Li Yang's "Blind Shaft," from China, about two miners who take up murder and extortion, which won the Berlin Silver Bear award. Variety called another entrant, Nawfel Sahed-Ettaba's "The Bookstore," "an unheralded discovery," a richly layered portrait of people in a tight-knit neighborhood in North Africa. From France, first-time director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's film, "It is Easier For a Camel...," focuses on a woman who retreats from the reality of her life.Immigrant culture, with its themes of alienation and hope, has traditionally drawn filmmakers. This year, two films -- both about Afghan migrants -- have been chosen for the festival. Vida Zaher-Khadeem's "FireDancer," completed after the director was murdered two years ago, chronicles one man's struggles in the United States, while Homayoun Karimpour's "Nilofar in the Rain" explores the problems faced by Afghan refugees in both Pakistan and Paris.The United States has contributed four films: "Bomb the System," by Adam Bhala Lough, portrays the world of graffiti artists. In "Levelland," Clark Walker tells the tale of teenagers in a small Texas town, while Evan Oppenheimer's "Justice" tackles the subject of grief in a post-9/11world. Ramin Niami's feature, "Paris," is a thoroughly modern take on film noir.Diverse DocumentariesEntrants in the Documentary section likewise cover a great deal of ground -- from "Paper Chasers," Maxie Collier's record of hip-hop culture that features Public Enemy, Ludacris, and Damon Dash to "Sumo East and West," which looks at how foreign cultures have affected Japan's ancient art of wrestling.From the United States, Rory Kennedy's "A Boy's Life" shows the challenges faced by a welfare worker, a school principal, and a family as they struggle to save a mentally ill boy in an impoverished town in the Deep South. Another noteworthy production is director Michael Almereyda's "This So-Called Disaster," with Nick Nolte, Sean Penn and Woody Harrelson -- a behind-the-scenes look at a stage play, Sam Shepard's "The Late Henry Moss."ÂTribeca Film Festival unveils international lineup for second eventJeremy Kay in Los Angeles 26 March 2003The theme of cultural exploration is writ large over this year's second Tribeca Film Festival, which features 11 world premieres and three competition strands in its second edition running May 3-11.Announcing the line-up today (Mar 25), founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal and executive director Peter Scarlet said the feature-length competitive sections included 41 pictures including four world premieres and 22 North American premieres.The dramatic competition section consists of:Â-†††††† Ballroom (Dancing) (France) Patrick Mario Bernard, Pierre Trividic & Xavier Brillat, directors-†††††† Blind Shaft (China) Li Yang-†††††† Bomb The System (US) Adam Bhala Lough-†††††† The Bookstore (Tunisia) Nawfel Sahed-Ettaba-†††††† Chicken Poets (China) Jinghui Meng-†††††† It Is Easier For A Camel (France) Valeria Bruni Tedeschi-†††††† Jealousy Is My Middle Name (Korea) Chan-ok Park-†††††† Justice (US) Evan Oppenheimer-†††††† Levelland (US) Clark Walker-†††††† Margarette's Feast (Brazil/US) Renato Falcc?o-†††††† Nilofar In The Rain (Afghanistan/France) Homayoun Karimpour-†††††† Open My Heart (Italy) Giada Colagrande-†††††† Paris (US) Ramin Niami-†††††† Some Secrets (Czech Republic) Alice Nellis-†††††† Squint Your Eyes (Poland) Andrzej Jakimowski-†††††† Yossi & Jagger (Israel) Eytan FoxAmong the documentaries are Rory Kennedy's A Boy's Life, Nick Broomfield and Joan Churchill's Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer and Michael Almereyda's This So-Called Disaster featuring Sean Penn, Sam Shepard, Nick Nolte and Woody Harrelson.The three competitive strands are Features and Documentary Features - for first and second-time film-makers - and Documentaries, for directors of more than two pictures.Award categories to be presented in the three competition sections include - Best Narrative, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary, Best Actress, Best Actor, Emerging Narrative Feature Film-maker and Emerging Documentary Feature Film-maker.Additional Festival awards include the Audience Award (for which every feature film in the festival is eligible), Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short and the Student Visionary Award."We are eager to again present such a world-class line-up of feature films in competition to share with New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe," Rosenthal said in a statement. "This year's selections are created by extraordinary film-makers who have proven their talents on a variety of levels."Screenings will take place at locations throughout New York's Tribeca district, when festival-goers will also get a chance to attend panel discussions film-maker workshops and other events. The juries for each section will be announced in due course.ÂTribeca Fest Gaze Grows GlobalWed Mar 26, 1:32 AM ETAdd Movies - Reuters to My Yahoo!By David RooneyÂNEW YORK (Variety) - The Tribeca Film Festival has unveiled an eclectic slate of international titles hailing from locales that range from Afghanistan (news - web sites) to the Lower Manhattan neighborhood itself in the three feature competition sections of the second annual event, running May 3-11.ÂSelections include 11 world, four international and 22 North American premieres.Â"We're pleased to be introducing the work of an exciting group of new moviemaking talents from all over the world and to be presenting the work of an additional dozen who aren't beginners but who have yet to get the recognition they deserve," said executive director Peter Scarlet. "I think viewers will find it an intriguing, challenging and interesting selection."ÂFour U.S. entries will premiere in the narrative feature competition for first- and second-time filmmakers. These are 23-year-old Adam Bhala Lough's trip inside the dangerous world of Gotham graffiti artists, "Bomb the System"; Evan Oppenheimer's examination of post-Sept. 11 grief through the work of a maverick comicbook artist, "Justice"; Clark Walker's bittersweet tale of West Texas adolescents, "Levelland"; and Ramin Niami's contemporary noir, "Paris."ÂGiven the success of last year's Tribeca discovery and top prize winner, "Roger Dodger," acquisition execs will be scouring this crop for a potential breakout title.Â'PROMISING' SLATEÂ"I think the fact that just among the feature selections there are six world premieres, of which five are American, is promising," Scarlet added.ÂEast Asia figures prominently in the feature lineup, including Berlin Silver Bear winner "Blind Shaft" by Li Yang, about Chinese mine workers involved in murder and extortion; experimental theater director Jinghui Meng's drama about the transition from idealism to commercialism in Chinese culture, "Chicken Poets"; and South Korean helmer Chan-ok Park's "Jealousy Is My Middle Name," an honoree at the Rotterdam and Pusan fests.ÂAlso selected is the debut of French-Italian thesp Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, "It Is Easier for a Camel ...," about a woman retreating into daydreams to maintain balance in her life, starring the director with Chiara Mastroianni, Jean-Hugues Anglade (news), Emmanuelle Devos and Lambert Wilson. The second entry representing France is "Ballroom," by Patrick Mario Bernard, Pierre Trividic and Xavier Brillat, about an artist who sets up his studio in a former dance hall.ÂThe struggles of Afghan emigrants in the U.S. are chronicled in Vida Zaher-Khadeem's "FireDancer," completed after the director's brutal murder in 2001, while Homayoun Karimpour's "Nilofar in the Rain" examines the troubled relationship between an Afghan refugee in Pakistan and another exiled in Paris.ÂDUAL DOC TRACKSÂDocumentary selections are split into two competitions: one for first- and second-time directors, the other for more established filmmakers.ÂEntries in these sections include "A Normal Life" about Albanian Kosovar refugees, by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Hugo Berkeley; "Sumo East and West," Ferne Pearlstein's examination of foreign inroads into the ancient Japanese art of sumo wrestling; and "Step Into Liquid," in which Dana Brown, the son of "Endless Summer" director Bruce Brown, documents a surfing community.ÂMusic films are cued up with Maxie Collier's study of hip-hop entrepreneurs, "Paper Chasers," featuring Ludacris, Damon Dash and Public Enemy; and "Keeping Time: The Life, Music & Photographs of Milt Hinton," David G. Berger, Holly Maxson and Kate Hirso's portrait of the jazz musician.ÂAlso screening is "This So-Called Disaster," director Michael Almereyda's look at the creation of a stage production, in this case Sam Shepard's "The Late Henry Moss," with Nick Nolte, Sean Penn and Woody HarrelsonTribeca Film Festival Unveils 2003 SlateWed, Mar 26, 2003, 09:03 AM PTHOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) - Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal unveiled the competitive line-up for their second annual Tribeca Film Festival Tuesday (March 26), featuring an impressive 11 world premieres and 22 North American premieres.Â"We're pleased to be introducing the work of an exciting group of new moviemaking talents from all over the world and to be presenting the work of an additional dozen who aren't beginners but who have yet to get the recognition they deserve," executive director Peter Scarlet said in a statement. "I think viewers will find it an intriguing, challenging and interesting selection."ÂThe three competitive strands are features and documentary Features -- for first and second-time filmmakers -- and documentaries, for directors of more than two pictures.ÂFour U.S. entries will premiere in the narrative feature competition for first- and second-time filmmakers; "Bomb the System" about New York City graffiti artists; "Justice," Evan Oppenheimer's examination of post-Sept. 11 grief through the work of a maverick comic book artist; "Levelland,"Clark Walker's tale of West Texas adolescents; and Ramin Niami's contemporary drama, "Paris."ÂThe three documentaries are Rory Kennedy's "Boy's Life," Nick Broomfield and Joan Churchill's "Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer," and Michael Almereyda's "This So-Called Disaster," featuring Sean Penn, Sam Shepard, Nick Nolte and Woody Harrelson.ÂThe festival runs May 3 to 11, with screenings taking place in the Manhattan neighborhood of New York City.ÂTribeca Fest Sets Competition Slate for 2003 Eventby Eugene Hernandez------------------------------------------------------------------------New Tribeca Film Festival executive director Peter Scarlet joined event founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal in announcing the competition lineups for the 2003 second-annual Tribeca Film Festival (May 6-11). Forty-one films will screen in three competitive sections at this year's festival."We are eager to again present such a world-class line-up of feature films in competition to share with New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe," said Rosenthal in a prepared statement. "This year's selections are created by extraordinary filmmakers who have proven their talents on a variety of levels."In addition to a dramatic and a documentary competition, organizers have created a new "Documentaries >2" section which offers work by more established filmmakers. Competition films are from those who are presenting their first or second feature film. Jurors are yet to be announced.Scarlet stated, "We're pleased to be introducing the work of an exciting group of new moviemaking talents from all over the world and to be presenting the work of an additional dozen who aren't beginners but who have yet to get the recognition they deserve."Festival tickets will go on sale on April 27, with American Express card members getting a jump on the sale from April 21-26. The card company is the primary sponsor of the annual event. Residents who live below Canal Street in Manhattan will get a $2 discount.The complete competition lineup follows (information provided by The Tribeca Film Festival):DRAMATIC FEATURES SECTION"Ballroom" (Dancing) directed by Patrick Mario Bernard, Pierre Trividic and Xavier Brillat (France) -- International Premiere"Blind Shaft" (Mang Jing) directed by Li Yang (China) -- North American Premiere"Bomb the System" directed by Adam Bhala Lough (U.S.A.) -- World Premiere"The Bookstore" (el Kotbia) directed by Nawfel Sahed-Ettaba (Tunisia) -- North American Premiere"Chicken Poets" (Xiang Ji Mao Yi Yang Fei) directed by Jinghui Meng (China)"Fire Dancer" directed by Jawed Wassel (Afghanistan /U.S.A) -- International Premiere"It Is Easier for a Camel" (Il Est Plus Facile Pour Un Chameau) directed by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (France) -- International Premiere"Jealousy Is My Middle Name" (Jiltoo-neun Na-e Him) directed by Chan-ok Park (Korea) -- North American Premiere"Justice" directed by Evan Oppenheimer and starring Erik Palladino (U.S.A.) -- World Premiere"Levelland" directed by Clark Walker (U.S.A.) -- World Premiere"Margarette's Feast" (A Festa de Margarette) directed by Renato Falcão (Brazil/U.S.A.) -- North American Premiere"Nilofar in the Rain" (Nilofar dar Baraan) directed by Homayoun Karimpour (Afghanistan/France) -- World Premiere"Open My Heart" (Aprimi Il Cuore) directed by Giada Colagrande (Italy) -- International"Paris" directed by Ramin Niami and starring Bai Ling and Chad Allen with an original score by John Cale (U.S.A.) -- World Premiere"Some Secrets" (Vylet) directed by Alice Nellis (Czech Republic)"Squint Your Eyes" (Zmruz Oczy) directed by Andrzej Jakimowski (Poland) -- North American Premiere"Yossi & Jagger" directed by Eytan Fox (Israel) -- North American Premiere.DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SECTION"A Boy's Life" directed by Rory Kennedy (U.S.A.)"Carlo Giuliani, a Boy" (Carlo Giuliani, Ragazzo) directed by Francesca Comencini (Italy) - North American Premiere"Every Child is Born a Poet: The Life & Work of Piri Thomas" directed by Jonathan Robinson (U.S.A.) - World Premiere"Heaven's Path" (Rah-e Behesht) directed by Mahmoud Behraznia (Iran) - North American Premiere"Keeping Time: The Life, Music & Photographs of Milt Hinton" directed by David G. Berger, Holly Maxson and Kate Hirson (U.S.A.)"A Normal Life" directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Hugo Berkeley (U.S.A./Kosovo) - World Premiere"Paper Chasers" directed by Maxie Collier and featuring Ludacris, Damon Dash, Fat Joe, and Public Enemy (U.S.A.) - World Premiere"Seville, Southside" (Poligono Sur) directed by Dominique Abel (Spain) -North American Premiere"Song of the Millennium" (Le Chant du Millénaire) directed by Mohammed Zran (Tunisia) - North American Premiere"Step into Liquid" directed by Dana Brown (U.S.A.) - World Premiere"Sumo East AND West" directed by Ferne Pearlstein (U.S.A.) - World Premiere"Sunset Story" directed by Laura Gabbert (U.S.A.) - World Premiere.DOCUMENTARIES > 2"Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer" directed by Nick Broomfield and Joan Churchill (United Kingdom) - North American Premiere"And Along Came a Spider" (Va Ankaboot Amad) directed by Maziar Bahari (Iran) - North American Premiere"Dance, GrozNy, Dance" (Dans Grozny, Dans) directed by Jos de Putter (Netherlands) - North American Premiere"Dream Cuisine" (Aji) directed by Ying Li (Japan) - North American Premiere"Forget Baghdad: Jews and Arabs" - The Iraqi Experience directed by Samir (Switzerland/Germany) - North American Premiere"HUSH!" (Tishe!) directed by Victor Kossakovsky (Russia) - North American Premiere"Jonas at the Ocean" directed by Peter Sempel and featuring Vincent Canby, Nick Cave, Allen Ginsberg, Harvey Keitel, Nam June Paik and Wim Wenders (Germany) - North American Premiere"The Lost Film" (El film el mafkoud) directed by Khalil Joreige and Joanna Hadjithomas (Lebanon/France) - North American Premiere"On Hitler's Highway" directed by Lech Kowalski (France) - North American Premiere"Our Times" (Ruzegar-e Ma) directed by Rakhshan Bani-Etemad (Iran) - North American Premiere"This So-Called Disaster" directed by Michael Almereyda and starring Sean Penn, Sam Shepard, Nick Nolte and Woody Harrelson (U.S.A.) - North American Premiere"Trial" (Mohakeme) directed by Moslem Mansouri (Iran/U.S.A.) - North American Premiere.Tribeca Film Festival Founders Announce 11 World PremieresPOSTED: 3:20 p.m. EST March 26, 2003NEW YORK -- The co-founders of the Tribeca Film Festival, Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal, Wednesday announced the films slated for competition.ÂTribeca Film Fest Returns Among the movies are 11 world premieres, including "Jonas At The Ocean," starring Harvey Keitel, and a film titled "This So-Called Disaster," starring Sean Penn, Sam Shephard, Nick Nolte and Woody Harrelson.ÂNewsChannel4 is a proud sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival. Tickets go on sale April 27.Copyright 2003 by WNBC.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Volume 42 of the Journal of Croatian Studies http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5485/1/E-Volume-42-of-the-Journal-of-Croatian-Studies.html  The Croatian Academy of America, Inc. Volume42 of theJournal of Croatian Studies The Croatian Academy of America issuedvolume 42 of the Journal of CroatianStudies, an annual interdisciplinary review dedicated to Croatian studies.In the opening piece on the response ofthe international community to the war in former Yugoslavia (1991-95), ZdenkaGredel-Manuele examines whether the international community was willing and ableto bring about a peaceful and just solution to the conflict.Croatia's musical heritage isaddressed by several contributions. William A. Everett looks at the role ofthree composers with international reputations (Franz von Suppé, Ivan Zajc, andSrećko Albini), who contributed significantly to Croatian operetta of the19th century. Everett's piece lays the foundation for the contribution byVjera Katalinić, which looks at the famous 1566 siege of Siget and theinspiration that musical composers of the 19th century derived from theunyielding courage of Siget commander and Croatian Ban Nikola ŠubićZrinski, who along with his soldiers, perished while defending the town from avastly superior Ottoman Turkish force.Hana Breko shares the findings of herresearch into the influences on, and unique features of, medieval musicalliturgical manuscripts of Croatia. In her first piece, she highlights thediscovery of the presence of different chant traditions and scripts of German,Central Italy, and Normano-Sicilian provenance in the region of Dalmatia fromthe late 11th century onward. In her second piece, Breko outlines the range ofliturgical traditions that have influenced the development of plainchant sourcesof the Croatian Middle Ages. She focuses her attention on the influences andfeatures of medieval musical liturgical codices centered around Dubrovnik,Trogir, Zadar, and Šibenik, in Croatia's littoral region, and those centeredaround Zagreb which represent the northern continental part of Croatia. Bothpieces are accompanied by reproductions from the medieval manuscripts discussedand analyzed.In the final piece, Jasna M. Meyerpresents the findings of her research into Croatian conversational storytelling,and its comparison to Euro-American conversational storytelling. Through amicroanalysis of discourse, she delineates the conversational structures andpatterns of Croatian storytelling in natural talk for the first time.Several reviews on recent scholarshipare also included in the issue. James J. Sadkovich provides a thorough criticalreview of Mark Biondich's recent well-documented and extensively researchedsurvey of Stjepan Radić's political thought. Two books dealing withYugoslavia, Željan Šuster's Historical Dictionary and Sabrina P.Ramet's Balkan Babel, are critiqued by Carol Hodge and Marko AttilaHoare, respectively. Bosnia-Hercegovina are represented in the issue by threebooks: Philip Corwin's Dubious Mandate, a memoir of his role as UNCivil Affairs coordinator in 1995 Bosnia, is reviewed by Kurt Bassuener; AnteČuvalo's collection of letters and political memoranda related toBosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia in Removing the Mask, is reviewed byNorman Cigar; while Theresa M. Ursic's Religious Freedom, whichexamines the challenges faced by Catholic nuns in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatiafrom 1945-60, is reviewed by Sabrina P. Ramet. Ivo Goldstein's recent book Croatia:A History and Damir Zorić's work on the 18th century ethnologicalinvestigations of Ferdinand Konšćak in Lower California are commented onby Vjeran Pavlaković. The recent issue of the Old Church SlavonicInstitute's journal Slovo (Zagreb, nos. 47-48) is reviewed by BrankoFranolić, while Stan Granic covers Ivo Smoljan's Hrvatska dijasporaand Norman Cigar covers Jaksa Kušan's Bitka za Novu Hrvatsku.Also included in the issue are reportson the Academy's 47th Annual General Assembly, meetings with culturalinstitutions in Croatia, academic freedom in Croatia, membership activities, andobituaries.With this latest 182-page issue, the Journalof Croatian Studies continues to build on its well-established reputation asthe premiere review in English on matters related to Croatian history andculture.The Croatian Academy of America wasestablished in 1953 and has published the Journalof Croatian Studies since 1960. Managingeditors of the Journal are Karlo Mirthand Jerome Jareb.Single issues of the Journal may be ordered at a price of US $25 for individuals and US$40 for institutions.To order a copy of the Journal contact:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Croatian Academy of America, Inc.P.O.Box 1767, Grand Central StationNewYork, NY 10163-1767U.S.A.Fax(516) 935-0019; e-mail croatacad@aol.com Website: www.croatianacademy.orgÂArticles appearing in theJournal are indexed by ABC-CLIOHistorical Abstracts, MLA International Bibliography of the ModernLanguages Association and Public Affairs Information Service. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (S) Pucki pjevaci sa otoka Hvara u Spanjolskoj http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5486/1/S-Pucki-pjevaci-sa-otoka-Hvara-u-Spanjolskoj.html ÂEMBAJADA DE LA REPÚBLICA DE CROACIA Y ASOCIACIÓN DE PROMOCIÓN CULTURAL ESPAÑA CROACIARecital de Música de Los Cantantes Populares de la Isla de HvarÂCatedral de Madrid Santa María de la AlmudenaSábado, 12 de abril de 2003 a las 20:00 horasLos cantantes populares de la Isla de Hvar son un coro masculino compuesto de 16 campesinos y trabajadores de la localidad de Stari Grad de la Isla de Hvar. Su estilo único del canto litúrgico que se cultiva cuidadosamente desde hace muchos siglos en la Isla de Hvar ha impresionado por la pureza de su interpretación vocal, expresión dramática y profundidad del mensaje religioso tanto a numerosos oyentes que visitan tradicionalmente la Isla en la época de la Semana Santa, como al público en las catedrales de París, Nueva York, Berlín y Londres.Gira del Coro Los Cantantes Populares de la Isla de Hvardel 7 al 12 de Abril de 2003, ESPAÑACONCIERTOS: 8 de abril - Alcalá de Henares 9 de abril - Salamanca 10 de abril - Ciudad Real 11 de abril - San Fernando de Henares 12 de abril - MadridPROGRAMACantos1. Gloria Honor y Gracias a Ti SeñorReconocimiento de Jesús como Salvador y Rey2.Apiádate de mi SeñorSe ruega la piedad de Dios2.La pasión de nuestro Señor JesucristoLa pasión de Cristo3.Perdóname SeñorEl arrepentimiento4.Ten piedad de mi Señor6.El llanto del profeta JeremíasÂTristeza del profeta Jeremías por el dolor de Jerusalén7.InvocacionesSe ruega la bendición del Señor8.Mis labiosAlabanza al Señor9.Exaltación de la Santa Cruz10.El llanto de Nuestra Señora11.La crucifixión del Nuestro SeñorReverencias a la muerte de Jesucristo12.Aleluya, Aleluya, Aleluya13.Te alabamos SeñorAlabanza al Señor letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 28 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Krekovic Collection in Palma de Mallorca http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5489/1/E-Krekovic-Collection-in-Palma-de-Mallorca.html  Krisitan KrekovicSelf-portraitDear Mr. Bach,It is little known that in Palma de Mallorca there exists Museo Krekovic, founded by Croatian born Peruvian artist Krisitan Krekovic. The Krekovic Collection in Palma de Mallorca was officially opened in 1982 by Queen Sophia of Spain. For more details seewww.hr/darko/etf/art.html #krek (in English)www.hr/darko/etf/krek.html (in Croatian)www.hr/darko/etf/krekk.html (Art critics)Do You know that Kristian Krekovic portrayedMahatma Gandhi,Âthe English Queen (in 1938, upon her request),Âthe royal family of Spain, andÂthe royal family of Sweden.ÂIt would be of great interest to have all these portrats on the web.ÂManuel Vegas Castillo, Director of Culture of the Peruvian Ministry of Education:ÂKristian Krekoviæ, the Croatian-born artist, has dedicated his life and his Art to the fabulous Empire of Inkas, Pre-Inkas and present day Hispano-American Folklore, with such prodigality of love and truth, art and knowledge, force and sensuality, sacrifice and perseverance, the likes of which have never been equalled by any other painter in the artistic history of America...BARCELONA; "La Vnaguardia Espanola": Juan Coretés, 1957.Â"...as sensational, without any exaggeration, can be qualified the exhibition brought to us by the Croatian-born Peruvian artist Kristian Krekoviæ. His, for the most part monumental paintings are masterly and complicated compositions, with absolutely perfect drawing, masterly treatment of chiaroscuro and brilliant and luminous palette...".Greetings from Zagreb,Darko Zubrinicwww.hr/darko/etf/etfss.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Singer from NJ in Croatian Finale for Eurosong http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5492/1/E-Croatian-Singer-from-NJ-in-Croatian-Finale-for-Eurosong.html ÂGina Kuljanic from New Jersey in contestfor Eurosong 2003GINA KULJANIC-PICINIC STARTED HER SINGER'S CAREER AT CROATIAN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK - TODAY SHE IS IN THE FINALE TO BE VOTED AMONG POPULAR CROATIAN SINGERS IN CROATIA TO REPRESENT CROATIA AT EUROSONG 2003 - CROATIAN COMMUNITY IN ASTORIAÂGina Kuljanic, mlada Hrvatica koja ce i ove godine nastupiti na Festivalu u New Yorku za dva tjedna, plasirala se u finale za izbor pjesme koja ce predstavljati Hrvatsku na Eurosongu ove godine. Ovo sam nasao na sluzbenoj web stranici Hrvatske Radio Televizije i evo sto pise o nasoj Gini:"Gina Kuljanic zivi u New Jerseyu, a rodom je s otoka Suska. Prvo festivalsko iskustvo stekla je na Hrvatskom djecjem festivalu u New Yorku gdje je prije tri godine osvojila nagradu strucnog ocjenjivackog suda. Umjetnicki direktor tog festivala Andrej Basa pozvao ju je prosle godine na Melodije Istre i Kvarnera (MIK). S pjesmom "Sansego gradicu" koja je napravljena bas za nju zbog njezine povezanosti sa Suskom(Sansego), Gina je, iako debitantica, postigla zapazen uspjeh. Pjesma jos drzi visoko mjesto na top-ljestvicama radijskih postaja Istre i Kvarnera. Proslog ljeta snimljen je na Susku istoimeni video spot sa zenskom i muskom klapom "Kastav" koja je sudjelovala i na MIK-u u izvodjenju pjesme. Gina je zapazena po specificnoj boji glasa, kao i vibratu koji je cesce prisutan kod francuskih pjevaca, a mnogi njezin glas usporedjuju sa Celine Dion. Uz pjevanje uci flautu. Planira izdati prvi CD s novim skladbama i s vec do sada snimljenim materijalom. Na ovogodisnjoj "DORI" nastupa s pjesmom "Sanjam". Autor stihova je Drago Britvic, a glazbe Andrej Basa, koji je s Djordjem Novkovicem bio koautor "Don't Ever Cry" nase prve predstavnice na Eurosongu 1993."I tako to vide nasi u Zagrebu, a mi u New Yorku mozemo im jedino poruciti da ovdje na Festivalu djece i mladih mogu otkriti jos mnogo talentiranih Gina i Marina. Svi smo ponosni i sretni s ovim uspjehom talentirane Gine Kuljanic.ÂJosip Remenar - SutrA magazine - New YorkP.S. Za informacije o festivalu budite slobodni kliknuti na www.cro-zone.com i tu cete sve saznati sto vas zanima. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dive Franetovic at Weill (Carnegie) Hall http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5491/1/E-Dive-Franetovic-at-Weill-Carnegie-Hall.html ÂDive's Great Success at Carnegie This is just a short report about the young, talented, CroatianÂflutist Dive Franetovic. Croatians were out in force to cheer her on, asÂwas my family (father, son, their spouses, and myself). Dive playedÂthird on the program. She looked stunning in a floor-long, white,Âshimmering gown as she played beautifully and expressively the slowÂmovement of the Mozart Concerto in D. Everyone was very proud of herÂperformance and her poise. At the intermission, she was mobbed by members of her family,Âfriends, and well-wishers.The rest of the concert was very interesting, to say the least!ÂPerformances ranged from a movement of a 20th century violin concerto toÂa performer with an unusual talent for whistling (he whistled the "QueenÂof the Night" aria from Mozart's Magic Flute!). It was a great night --Âand, as I later discovered, it was also Dive's birthday! Many thanks to CROWN for providing a means of information soÂthat young Croatian artists can be recognized and supported!ÂSuzanne Lord letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CroatianWebsite Finalist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5493/1/E-CroatianWebsite-Finalist.html CROATIAN WEBSITE FINALIST IN SXSW INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL IN AUSTIN, TXCroatian Embassy Press Release 07/03Washington D.C., Austin, TX - The website, Croatian Tales of Long Ago, is a finalist in SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas. The website is produced by ALT F4 - Bulaja publishing company from Zagreb, Croatia. The book of Croatian fairytales, that the website is based on, were written by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic, a famous Croatian children's writer. Mazuranic's first collection of stories was published in 1916. ALT F4 - Bulaja, created this international multimedia project, which is among five finalists, including the website for Lego, competing in the animation category.ÂInternational multimedia project/CD-ROM, Croatian Tales of Long Ago, consists of eight interactive animated stories, games and movies. The project gathered seven teams of animators, illustrators, musicians, actors, translators and programmers from the USA, Canada, Scotland, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Russia, France, and Croatia. Each team took one of the stories and developed it into the digital world.In the past, the project won several important awards, two of which were awards in the same category entitled, "Story", at the San Francisco Festival, "FlashForward2002" and at the "NetFestival" in Rio de Janerio.ALT F4 - Bulaja Publishing Company, founded in 1998, specializes in electronic publication. Along with recent success, they had already published three CD-ROMs with texts of Croatian classical novels. The 10th annual festival, SXSW Interactive, will be held at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX from March 7, until March 11, 2003. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 9.ÂSome parts of the story and additional information about the project can be found atwww.bulaja.com/bajke/ , or www.bulaja.com/fairytales/.Â####For further information, please contact:Alan Vojvodic, Embassy of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America(202) 986 9476, press@croatiaemb.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Filmmaker Brenda Brkusic on TV http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5490/1/E-Filmmaker-Brenda-Brkusic-on-TV.html ÂFilmmaker Brenda Brkusic on CroatianTV"Freedom from Despair."On Sunday, March 16 at 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm (CST), 3:00 pm and9:00 pm Pacific time,Âand 6:00 pm and Midnight Eastern time,ÂaninterviewÂwith young Croatian American Filmmaker, Brenda Brkusic, will beaired on Globe Cast, (HIC) Croatian Satellite Television Program for NorthAmerica and Canada.The hour long programÂis hosted by Mr. Zvonko Ranogajec.The first segment is an interview with Ms. Brkusic's parents, Kruno and DiannaBrkusic, and the second segment of the program is an interview with Brenda aboutÂherinterest in film and television and also aboutÂherÂupcoming filmproject "Freedom from Despair."ÂÂMr.ÂRanogajec statedthat one of his goals with this program was to recognize that we need morepeople outside of Croatia working in film and media on our behalf, asÂBrendais trying so feverishly to do.ÂÂUnfortunately, not many people in the worldhave a true understanding of Croatia. But Brenda Brkusic is in the position tochange all that. She feels that we are a nation worth knowing. The youngChicago-born Croatian American is now residing in Southern California and iscompleting her degree in Film and Television Writing and Directing at ChapmanUniversity.ÂSome people may have seen her filming the Croatianrepresentatives at the International Friendship Festival in El Cajon, ordirecting crew members at Zadarska Noc last fall for her documentary "MyCroatia." Brenda has devoted countless hours to the voice in her heart byactively dedicating her artistic and technical energies towards her currentpurpose: "revealing the truth by creating documentary films that will embraceand empower the Croatian community while displaying messages of humanity andpeace," she says. Her gratification comes form seeing the way that Croatiansand non-Croatians alike have been affected by viewing her work. She thanks allof you for your support thus far.Your contributions will be essential insupporting her next non-profit project, a documentary film called "Freedomfrom Despair" which will be shot in California, Chicago and Croatia during thesummer of 2003. "Freedom from Despair" strives to represent the stories ofthe immigrants that have escaped to America's shores during the 1950's insearch of freedom. It is based off of her father's life experiences in Croatiaand his personal struggle as a political activist on Croatian affairs whileliving in America.Although Ms. Brkusic is applying for grantsand other funding means in order to continue with this work, sponsorship of thefilm is also possible through interested businesses and individuals. If you areinterested in learning more, please contact Brenda to hear how your name can bepart of this film. Thank you in advance for contributing to this importantcause!Please support out talent. To contact Brenda, write to Crofilm2003@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Putovanje Hrvatskog Djecaka http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5496/1/H-Putovanje-Hrvatskog-Djecaka.html ÂPUTOVANJEHRVATSKOG DJEČAKA UPOTRAZI ZA BOLJIM }IVOTOM Jerry Derich (Jerko Dragičević) 1899.-1963.Jerko Dragičević je rođen 30. o~ujka1899. godine u Supetru na Braču, otoku lociranom naspram Splita u Hrvatskoj.Kad god je govorio o ljepoti Hrvatske istodobno je sjetno naglaaavao  ne mo~eajesti ljepotu . Napustio je akolu u desetoj godini sa samo četiri godineizobrazbe. Svatko je u obitelji bio potreban u borbi da se prehrane i odjenu.Njegov otac Vicko nije nikad bio doma. Radio je na brodovima s kojima jeotplovljavao na dulje vremenske periode. Vicko se ~elio preseliti u Ju~nuAmeriku, ali je njegova supruga Lukre odbila napustiti domovinu. Kao dječakJerko je bio pod utjecajem prizora i pripovijesti o ljudima koji su se vraćaliiz Amerike, od kojih su neki bili odjeveni u klasična engleska odijela sazlatnim lancem i d~epnim satom. Konačno je napustio svoj dom  jer je biotoliko gladan da se borio za preostale mrvice na kuhinjskom stolu . Na dannapuatanja otoka Brača u potrazi za svojim snom njegova najmlađasestra Perina mu je dala neato malo novaca. To je bio znak takve dobrote iljubaznosti kojeg se Jerko sjećao do kraja svog ~ivota.ÂÂÂÂÂJerkov prvi avanturistički pothvat i okraajje počeo 1920., kratko poslije Prvog svjetskog rata. Govorio je onesmotrenom regrutiranju u Francusku legiju stranaca. Istog dana njegovaprisezanja postao je svjestan kriminalaca oko sebe i svog jadnog odrediata.Iskoristio je priliku i pobjegao jedne kiaovite noći puzajući ispod~ičane ograde. Uskoro se priključio joa nekim drugim Hrvatima kojisu kao skupina odlučili da bi im najbolje bilo uvojačiti se uBritansku vojsku. Nakon kratke obuke oni su bili poslani u Istanbul (Turska),kako bi slu~bovali kao okupacijski bojovnici. Napetost i političko kaotičnookru~enje zahtijevali su neprekidnubudnost kako bi se zaatitili da ne budu izbodeni. Njegov subojovnik je bioizboden na smrt tijekom noći, ato je bila učestana pojava. Po JerkuIstanbul je bio na većem prosjačkom atapu od Hrvatske; prljave ulicezaposjednute mnoatvom prosjaka. Oskudni preprodavci i torbari su sjedjeli napločnicima, ~estoko vičući i moleći mase prolaznika da kupenjihova peciva, koja su podsjećala na pogačice, i druge sitnice.Slu~bovanjeu Britanskoj vojsci nudilo je pripadnicima drugih nacionalnosti, kao ato je bioJerko, privilegiju da se usele u britansku koloniju po njihovom izboru. Po zavraetkusvog vojnog roka u Britanskoj vojsci Jerko i nekoliko njegovih zemljaka (DinkoJustin, Lovro Zenčić i Frane Bo~iković) imigrirali su u Kanadu.Preplovili su Ocean na brodu  Ausonia koji je bio vlasniatvobrodske linije  Cunard . Stigli su u Quebec 23. rujna 1923. godine. Poatosu bili provjereni i obrađeni dobili su zaposlenje u prostranojunutarnjosti Quebeca. Bili su zaposleni kao drvosječe koje su sjekle drvaza električne vodove.Putujući kroz divljinu Jerko je bio začuđen i zadivljen ogromnimprostranstvima vode i aume koja su se činila kao da idu u nedogled. Poatosu doali iz zemlje koja ima kalifornijske vremenske osobitosti, bili sunepripravni za oatru i ljutu hladnoću sjevernjačke klime te na u~asneuvjete ~ivota u logorima. Brzo su kupili odjeću i zadu~ili se u trgovini.Jerko se ponosio time ato je bio u mogućnosti izbaviti svoje pratioce izincidenta opasnog po ~ivot koji je bio prouzročen oatrim zimskim uvjetimau logoru za drvosječe i koji je primorao Dinka Justina na plakanje. Tijekomnjihove druge radne godine u aumi, Jerko i njegovi suradnici su nudili svojeusluge naveliko kako bi zaradili viae novaca i otplatili dugove u trgovini.Postupno su naučili dovoljnofrancuskih riječikako bi komunicirali s francuskim radnicima. Na kraju njihovog ugovora bili sudostatno informirani kako bi se preselili u Montreal. Poslije kratkog boravka uMontrealu Jerko se preselio u Toronto.Prijebraka Jerko i jedan njegov prijatelj su zarađivali za ~ivot iznajmljivajućisobe u jednoj kući u Oak ulici u Torontu, gdje su prodavali piće iorganizirali kartaake igre (poker). JerkovoÂpoznavanje s Irene Jessie McBrady, djevojkom irsko-engleskog podrijetla,koja je ~ivjela u najbli~em susjedstvu, brzo se pretvorilo u ljubav. Vjenčalisu se 6. srpnja 1927. godine kada je Jessie napunila aesnaest godina. Postavaio~enjen čovjek Jerko nije ~elio izlo~iti svoju mladu trudnu ~enusituacijama u kojima se opijalo i kockalo. Poato je bio nekvalificirani stranactijekom godina depresije bio je primoran početi raditi kao perač posuđaza aest dolara na tjedan. Tijekom radne stanke pomagao bi kuvaru u priređivanjuhrane. Naposljetku je stekao potrebno znanje i vjeatinu kako bi postao kuvar zakratke narud~be u restoranu  Muirhead u srediatu Toronta.ÂÂÂIstodobnosu Jerko, Jessie i beba Lucy ~ivjeli u stanu čiji je vlasnik bio jedanprijateljski ~idovski par. Stanodavac je ohrabrio Jerka da krene u vlastitopoduzetniatvo (business), jer je vjerovao da samouposlenost dopuata strancimas ograničenom izobrazbom i neposjedovanjem specijalnih vjeatina priliku zaosiguranje pristojnog ~ivljenja. Stanodavac je nadopunjavao svoj vlastitiosobni dohodak popravljanjem i prodavanjem koriaćenih vreća zakrumpir. Jerko je napustio svoj posao u mliječnom restoranu  Muirhead poslije dugog i nerijeaenog prijepora s drugim uposlenikom. Odlučio je okuaatise kao preprodavač voća. Kupio je mali kamion za tristo dolara, posuđenihod Jessinog ujaka Willija. Jerkov predani radni moral omogućio mu je dapostane uspjeaan samouposleni preprodavač i rasprodavač voća.Iako je imao ograničenu formalnu izobrazbu, on je razvio svoj vlastiti načinračunanja troakova, profitiranja i prodajnih cijena. Također je bionadaren za učenje različitih jezika kao: engleskog, talijanskog,francuskog, ruskog i poljskog. Bio je u mogućnosti izdr~avati svojuobitelj koja se povećavala: Lucia Alice (1928.), Viola Frances (1931.),Jerry Vincenzo (1932.) i Helen Irene (1941.).ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTijekom tisuću devetsto dvadesetih godina strana se imena nisu dobrouklapala s dominirajućim  engleskim protestantskim druatvom. Prijeulaska u poduzetniatvo Jerko Dragičević je promijenio svoje ime uJerry Derich poglavito zbog poslovnih razloga. Posao preprodavača voćaje bio vrlo tra~en u ljeto. Jerry bi ustajao u tri sata ujutro, odlazio ipokupio svoje voće i povrće na tr~nici  Farmers Market lociranoj u blizini  St. Lawrence tr~nice. Potom bi se vratio doma, urediosvoju robu i imao zajutrak. Ponovno bi bio na ulici do osam sati ujutro iÂrasprodavao u različitim susjedstvima dok proizvodi ne bi bilirasprodani; ponekad do sedam sati uvečer. Da bi odr~ao svoju snagu ikrepkost iaao je na počinak obično u osam sati uvečer. Jerryjai Jessie je zadesila velika i neočekivana sreća 1938. godine. Jedanstariji čovjek se nestrpljivo ~elio čim prije rijeaiti svoje starekuće za iznajmljivanje u Berkley ulici, broj 216, u Torontu, jer ju jetrebalo odmah detaljno renovirati. Bio je naklonjen Jerryju i Jessie i ~elioje da njima dopadne takuća pa se slo~io da snizi cijenu s tri tisuće na aeststo dolarakako bi se to izjednačilo s iznosom novca kojeg je Jerry uspio uatedjeti.Mala kuća je imala tri spavaće sobe u nizu, a bila joj jeÂpriključena i ogromnastaja u stra~njem dvoriatu. Staja je posebice bila korisna za njegovoposlovanje s voćem i povrćem. Njegovi hrvatski prijatelji, koji sučesto bili nezaposleni tijekom godina depresije, dragovoljno i besplatno suiskopali podrum, te udarili temelj ispod raspadajućeg i visećeg poda ukuhinji i kupatilu. U znak zahvalnosti Jerry je organizirao izvanrednu zabavu ustra~njem dvoriatu. Pečeno janje i drugi specijaliteti su bili poslu~eni.Potom je ponuđen sladoled za desert, ato je bila velika počast u timgodinama depresije. Ispod noćnih svjetiljki pjevane su hrvatske pjesme siskrenim i dirljivim sjećanjem i radoaću.Naai su dani istinski provedeni u znaku tradicionalne obitelji koja sesvaku večer okupljala za stolom na večeru. Nedjelje su bile specijalnejer je to bio slobodan dan kad bi Jerry u~ivao u svom divnom vrtu i sviraohrvatske melodije na harmonici. Taj dan je bio jedinstven i po tome ato biJerry odjenuo svoje klasično englesko odijelo (sako s tri dugmeta u jednomredu na prsima i prsluk) zajedno sa svojim zlatnim lancem i d~epnim satom.Jerry je personificirao viziju uspjeha koju je bio predvidio kao dječak. }ivioje svoj san. Mnoge nedjelje su provedene tako ato bi Jerry vozio svoju iobitelji Kokich i Yustin na razna mjesta. Sjedeći na velikim drvenim koaaramau stra~njem dijelu njegovog tri-četvrt-tonskog V8 Ford kamiona iali bismona obli~nje pla~e kao Sunnyside, Kew, te na rijeke Humber, Rouge& ili nahrvatske piknike gdje bismo plesali, pjevali i jeli pečenu janjetinu.Zimsko doba je uključilo u~ivanje u druatvenom ~ivotu kad smobili nazočni plesovima i koncertima koje je organizirala Hrvatska bratskazajednica. Badnja večer je provedena u domu Justinovih prepunom prijatelja.Tijekom slavlja Jerryjev se duboki glas mogao čuti ponad svih drugih dok supjevali domovinske pjesme. Za doček Nove godine svatko je pridonio i doaaou Derichevo kućanstvo da nastavi slavlje. Jerry je volio ići u obli~njamanja kina, poglavito ponedjeljkom i utorkom u zimskim mjesecima, kad mu jeposao iaao sporije i slabije. Osobito je u~ivao u popularnim kaubojskimfilmovima.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1952. godine u pedeset i trećoj godini ~ivota Jerry se odlučiopovući s ulice i iz posla kao ato je preprodaja i rasprodaja voća.Zajedno sa suprugom Jessie postao je ponosni vlasnik radnje za mjeaovitu robu Crveno i bijelo na Pape aveniji, broj 500. Njihova kćer Lucy je ~rtvovalasvoju karijeru tajnice kako bi pomogla svojim roditeljima u njihovomsamoprijegoru u uspjeanom vođenju trgovinske radnje.ÂNekoliko godina poslije toga Jerryjevo troje najstarije djece se udalo io~enilo. Jerry je prodao radnju i kupio kuću u Milton Place ulici, broj 8,te počeo raditi na Odjelu za voće i povrće u tr~nom centru Knob Hill Farms . Jerry je uskoro naaao ovaj posao u  Knob Hill Farms centru prezamornim. Jessie je uvjerila svog mu~a da je razumljivije kupitiradnju mjeaoviterobe na Mortimer aveniji, broj 468, i iznajmljivati kuću u Milton Placeulici, broj 8. ÂZapočeli su s novim poslovanjem (businessom) u rujnu1958. U ovoj trgovini Jessie je mogla pomagati svom mu~uÂi dati mu priliku za kratke stanke za odmor tijekom radnog dana. 1963.godine u aezdeset i četvrtoj godini ~ivota Jerry je bio sretan izadovoljan. Osjećao je financijskusigurnost i bio je ponosan na svoj novi dom i trgovinu. Djeca su mu takođernapredovala. Imao je četvero unučadi i jedno je bilo na putu.Njegove očinske obveze bi bile kompletirane s udajom njegove najmlađekćerke Helen, ato je se trebalo ostvariti u prosincu 1963.14. srpnja 1963. godine Jerryjev ~ivot je iznenada skončan iako jebio u dobrom zdravlju i očekivanju staračke mirovine. Cijeli ~ivot jese borio da pre~ivi i napreduje. Pre~ivio je opasne situacije, u~asne ~ivotneuvjete i zarade koje omogućuju puko pre~ivljavanje. Za Jerryja je biloneshvatljivo da bi on mogao dobiti iata bez borbe. Radovao je se sigurnom isretnom umirovljenju. Ali se sudbina umijeaala! Cijela obitelj se vozila napiknik u park  Wilket Creek . Jerry i Jessie su slijedili druge u svomsvijetloplavom  Chevy kamionu. Upravo pri prelasku cestovnog nadvo~njaka Don Valley preko puta  Don Mills , crni Cadillac je izgubio kontrolu iudario u njihov kamion. Jerry i Jessie su brzo prebačeni u bolnicu u kolimahitne pomoći. Jerry je ubrzo umro, ali je Jessie pre~ivjela masivneozljede. Pet mjeseci nakon prometne nezgode Jerryjeva najmlađa zaručenakćerka Helen se udala. Njena je majka inzistirala na svadbi. Jessie nije ~eljelada se iata ispriječi sreći njene kćeri. Jessie je bila nazočnaslavlju, sjedeći u invalidskim kolicima s jednom nogom u gipsu.Predpočetak Drugog svjetskog rata Jerry, koji nije imao rodbine u Kanadi,ponukao je mlađeg brata Petera da nekako dobije namjeatenje na brodu kakobi ga to dovelo u Kanadu; iz pristaniata bi Peter  nestao i uputio seprema Torontu. Kad samo jednom bude u Torontu, Peter bi bio siguran i zaatićensve dotle dok se ne bi mogao sam starati o sebi. Peter je zbilja stigao uEnglesku ali je promijenio svoju odluku i vratio se u Hrvatsku. Petera jezadesio rat u kojem je poginuo. Jerryjev je otac Vicko ubijen kad ga je njemačkibojovnik gurnuo i izbacio iz kamiona. Rečeno nam je da je njegova majkaLukre umrla slomljenog srca poslije rata.Jerrynije nikada uspio posjetiti svoju obitelj na Braču niti je itko od njegoverodbine doaao u Kanadu. Jedino sjećanje na Jerryjevu obitelj bila jefotografija njegove obitelji u crnom okviru i nekoliko slika njegovih nećakinjai nećaka koje su mu poslali rođaci. Od samog početka Jerry sedopisivao sa svojom obitelji i uvijek slao malo novaca i odjeće, čak idugo poslije rata. Perinine dobrote i ljubaznosti se Jerry uvijek sjećao islao joj u spomen na to naročit poklon sve do kraja svog ~ivota. Jessie jenastavila sa slanjem poklona Perini joadugo vremena u spomen na Jerryja.ÂNapisali: Helen Irene Derich Klar i Jerry Vincenzo Derich u Torontu, 2000.Prevelas engleskog i uredila za tisak: mr. Ljerka Lukić,prof.Prof.Lukić se posebice bavi proučavanjem, pisanjem i uređivanjemhrvatskih ~ivotnih priča, ~ivotopisa i zapamćenja (memoara), atoobjavljuje u novopokrenutoj ediciji  Naai ~ivoti .Zasve daljnje naputke i smjernice javite se na:e-mail: Ljerka-Susan@Rogers.com, brzoglasi faks: (416) 534-5442900 Dufferin Street, P. O. Box 24026,Toronto, Ontario M6H 4A9, CanadaEdited for CROWN by Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 05 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) If you missed Klapa Tradition on NPR - one more time http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5495/1/E-If-you-missed-Klapa-Tradition-on-NPR---one-more-time.html ÂÂIf you missedÂKlapa Tradition  on NPR there is another chance this Friday March 7th 2003 @ 9 PM EST(New York ), 6 PM West Coast, Live Webcast and Radio program onKWAX - Millenium of Music - One hour of traditional a cappellaCroatian style.Click here for direct broadcastwww.KWAX.comÂOnce on their website, scroll down for Real Audio and clickthere.Enjoy. The show is wonderful.Best,Nenad BachEdited for CROWN by Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 05 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Night on Earth http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5494/1/E-Night-on-Earth.html Edited for CROWN by Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 05 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Outcast Without Guilt or My Way Of Cross - NEW BOOK http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5499/1/E-Outcast-Without-Guilt-or-My-Way-Of-Cross---NEW-BOOK.html Â"Outcast Without Guilt or My Way Of Cross"by Zvonko SpringerÂA loud hello to Nenad Bach - pozdrav Nenade,I've achieved my long outstanding wish to make public my book in English at last. My original manuscript composed in 1984/5 has been published after 3 years long trial and error period now. Here are the necessary details for anybody interested in buying and/or reading my book.Thanks for your continuous interest and any support you may provide my book to be read by the Croatians speaking/reading English only. I remain with many regards yours sincerelyZvonko of Oak Hill alias Zvonimir "Bell-ringer for Peace" uz mnogo srdacnih pozdravazzspri@aon.atÂThe book's title is:"Outcast Without Guilt or My Way Of Cross"ÂFour Months of Young Home Guard alias DomobranÂgets on its way into the Cyberspace as to be published by in short. The corresponding URL is:http://www.1stbooks.comÂHere are few more data about my book:© 2002, 2003 by Zvonko Springer. All rights reserved.No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.ISBN: 1-4107-0358-4 (e-book)ISBN: 1-4107-0359-2 (Paperback)Library of Congress Control Number: 2002096471This book is printed on acid free paper.Printed in the United States of AmericaBloomington, IN ÂThe price(s) are established at the as follows:1. 1stBooks' Website Price $13.502. Electronic Book Paperback (6x9), Sie is 3495K $4.95Â3. Suggested Retail Price in bookstores including Barnes & Noble and online retailers as Amazon.com $19.95About the Book:My book is almost a diary account of personal and intimate experiences I have endured in 1945. I recalled the four months as accurately as I have been able but in some cases I was incapable to remember speeches or conversations verbatim. I have not recreated any conversation or event at which I was not personally present.ÂI dedicate my work to all known and unknown dead compatriots on the Croatian Ways of the Cross in 1945. They shall rest in Peace! Also I want to console all those who survived to reconcile with their destiny since they could not share or explain their story of sufferings to the most intimate ones. This book shall also acquaint the younger Croatian generations with horrors and tragic fates of their kin as they did not disclose about their own survival. They shall not forget some hundred thousand of Croatian men who were annihilated indiscriminately and buried at too many unknown places along Croatian Ways of the Cross.ÂAll peoples of good will shall beware of human cruelties waking up their alertness to any sign of the totalitarianism and of the indiscriminate ousting. We should forgive but not forget inflicted injustices and persecutions.ÂThe Free Preview:My book is an account of personal and intimate experiences I have endured and written as accurately as I have been able to recall them. In some cases of course I was incapable to remember speeches or conversations verbatim, but I have recreated them as accurately as I can. I have not recreated any conversation or event at which I was not personally present.ÂI dedicate this piece of work to all known and unknown dead compatriots who lost their life on the Croatian Ways of the Cross in 1945. They shall rest in Peace for ever! Also I want to console all those who survived them by assisting to reconcile with the destiny as they did not have the chance or the strength to share or to explain their story of sufferings to the most intimate ones or to others too. Finally this book shall acquaint the younger Croatian generations with the horrors and the tragic fate of their blood relations because could not or did not dare to disclose liberally about one's own survival. They also shall not forget some hundred thousand of Croatian men that were annihilated indiscriminately and buried at too many unknown places along Ways of the Cross in 1945. It addresses any person of good will too to beware of the human cruelty and wake up the alertness to any sign of the totalitarianism and of indiscriminate casting out as well as of any kind of brain washing.ÂWe should forgive but not forget the inflicted injustices and persecutions. We shall learn from the history! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 26 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Live Webcast - Klapa Tradition- Millennium of Music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5498/1/E-Live-Webcast---Klapa-Tradition--Millennium-of-Music.html ÂLIVE WEBCAST - Millennium ofMusicÂKlapa TraditionOne Hour of CroatianMusic on National Public RadioHosted by Robert Aubry Davis.Featuring Klapa Navalia and KlapaFortunalMusic produced by Nenad Bach, for NenadBach Music Ltdhttp://www.weta.org/fm/live.htmlÂÂÂSunday 10 PM EST (New York), 7 PM West Coasthttp://www.wclv.com/live_audio.htmlÂSunday 12 Midnight EST, 9 PM West Coasthttp://www.allclassical.org/ÂSunday 11 AM Eastern ST (New York) 8 AM West Coasthttp://www.wvik.org/webcast.htmSunday 6 AM, EST, Croatia (Noon)http://www.wosu.org/home/wosu_audio.htmlSunday 5 PM EST, 2 PM West CoastSunday March 2, 2003Thursday February 27, 2003* East Coast is New York, USA. West Coast is Los Angeles, United States ofAmerica letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 26 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) List of 164 Radio Stations and dates for Klapa Tradition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5497/1/E-List-of-164-Radio-Stations-and-dates-for-Klapa-Tradition.html ÂNavalia and Fortunal on Millennium of MusicThe Klapa TraditionThe Klapa Tradition: After the stunning response given the Dalmatian singersfrom Hvar some weeks back, we are following up with music from the ancientsecular tradition from Croatia featuring stunning male part-songs.We hear the performances from this week from the Klapa Navalia Singers, featuring the selections from Novaljo, Novaljo and Klapa Fortunal featuring the selections from Fire on the Sea produced by Nenad Bach.ÂList of Radio Stations and Dates of Broadcast that carryMillennium of Music show . Local Times. Europe (Croatia) should add 6 Hours fromNew York (Eastern Standard Time). England 5 hours from New York. Australia 12-14 hours. If your radio doesn't reach any of the stations, check Webcast in thenext letter.One Hour of Croatian Music on American National Public Radio!Millenium of Music: Hosted by RobertAubry DavisStations: 78Repeaters: 86Total: 164ALASKAKBRW, Barrow Sunday @ 12PM ( March 2nd, 2003)ARKANSASKXRJ, Russellville Tuesday @ 11AMCALIFORNIAKNYR, Yreka Sunday @ 9AMCOLORADOKCME, Colorado Springs TBAoCanon CityoManitou SpringsoFlorenceoSalidaCONNECTICUTWMNR, Monroe Sunday @ 9PM ( March 2nd, 2003)WGRS, GuilfordWRXC, SheltonWGSK, South KentoFairfieldoNew HavenoNew LondonoOld SaybrookoWarrenoHuntingtonoSag Harbor, NY NEW YORK ( March 2nd, 2003)oSouthampton, NYoMt. Kisco, NYDISTRICT OF COLUMBIAWETA, Washington Sunday @ 10PM WEBCAST too (check nextletter)FLORIDAWFSQ, Tallahassee Sunday @ 5pmoNorth TallahasseeoThomasville, GAHAWAIIKHPR, Honolulu Wednesday @ 10pmKKUA, WalukaKANO, HilooBig IslandoHaleakalaoKaveioKonaoMauioMolokaioOahuoSchoefield BarracksoWallukaILLINOISWVIK, Rock Island Sunday @ 5AM WEBCAST too (check next letter)Noon in CroatiaoDubuque, IAWEIU, Charleston TBAINDIANAWPUM, Rensallear TBAIOWAKSUI, Iowa City Saturday @ 11PMoDubuqueKANSASKHCC, Wichita Sunday @ 5AMKHCD, SalinaKHCT, Great BendLOUISIANAKRVS, LaFayette Thursday @ 1PMoLake CharlesMARYLANDWETH, Hagerstown Sunday @ 10PMMICHIGANWIAA, Interlochen Sunday @ 7pmWIZY, East JordanoTraverse CityMISSOURIKXMS, Joplin Sunday @ 8AMKXCV, Maryville Monday @ 8PMKRNW, ChillicotheNEBRASKAKTNE, Alliance Sunday @ 6AMKMNE, BassettKCNE, ChadronKHNE, HastingsKLNE, LexingtonKUCV, LincolnoColumbusoCulbertsonoFall CityoHarrisonoMaxoMcCookoLaramieKRNE, MerrimanKXNE, NorfolkKPNE, North PlatteNEW MEXICOKSJE, Farmington Sunday @ 8AMÂNEW YORKWXLH, Blue Mountain Lake Friday @ 9PMWSLU, CantonWSLO, MaloneWXLG, North CreekWXLU, PeruWSLL, Saranac LakeWSLJ, WatertownoLake PlacidoLong LakeoLowvilleoTupper LakeoThousand IslandsoKeeneÂWNED, Buffalo Wednesday @ 10PMWNJA, JamestownWXXI, Rochester Sunday @ 7PMWJSL, HoughtonOHIOWCLV, Cleveland Sunday @ 11 PM WEBCAST too (check nextletter)WBKC, Painesville Thursday @ 9PMWDPR, Dayton TBAWDPG, GreenvilleWOSU, Columbus Sunday @ 5PMWOSE, CoschoctonWOSB, BryanWOSV, MansfieldWOSP, PortsmouthoCoschoctonOREGONKWAX, Eugene Friday @ 6PMKWVZ, FlorenceKWRX, RedmondoBendoNewportoSalemoSun RiverÂoReedsportKSOR, Ashland Sunday @ 9AMKSRG, AshlandÂKSRS, RoseburgKOOZ, Myrtle Point/Coos BayKNHT, Rio Dell - EurekaoBandonÂoBig BendÂoBurneyoBeaver MarshoBrookingsoCamas ValleyoCanyonvilleoCrescent CityÂoCallahanoCave JunctionoCoquilleo ChiloquinoCoos BayoHappy CampoGasquetoDunsmuiroEtnaoFort JonesoGlideoGrants PassoGold BeachoKlamath FallsoLa PineoLakeviewoLangloisoLincolnoRoseburgoSixesoSutherlinoWeedoReddingoTulelakeoMcCloudoMt. ShastaoPort OrfordoMerrillÂoMalinKBPS, Portland Sunday @ 8AMKQHR, Ft. HoodPENNSYLVANIAWMCE, Erie Wednesday @ 11AM & Sunday @ 5AMoEriePUERTO RICOWIPR-AM, San Juan TBAWIPR-FM, San JuanÂTEXASÂKEDT, Corpus Christi Sunday @ 9AMKVRT, VictoriaKMBH, Harlingen Sunday @ 11AMKHID, McAllenKOHM, Lubbock TBAUTAHKBYU, Provo Saturday @ 10PMoSpanish ForkoFranklin County, IDVIRGINIAWMRY, Charlottesville Sunday @ 6AMWMRA, HarrisonburgWMRL, LexingtonWMLU, FarmvilleoWinchesterWEMC, Harrisonburg TBDWODU, Norfolk TBD letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 26 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Symposium on Eastern European Art http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5501/1/E-Symposium-on-Eastern-European-Art.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂSymposium on Eastern European ArtThe Museum of Modern Art is organizing a symposium on Eastern European Arton March 11 with prominent artists and cultural historians.There is a publication which is a part of the symposium. It contains severaltexts and art pieces by Croatian artists (Mangelos, Nena & BracoDimitrijevic, Sanja Ivekovic, Weekend Art - Ilic, Ivana Keser, TomislavGotovac) in fact the cover image is of a work by Mangelos. While none of thepanelists per se are Croatian - Nada Beros from the Zagreb Museum ofContemporary Art is a guest. Following I have included all the details aboutthe event.I hope to see you there on the night!Sincerely,ÂVISNJA BRDARCroatian Professionals NYCEast of Art: Transformations in Eastern EuropeA Symposium on the Occasion of the Publication of Primary Documents: ASourcebook for Eastern and Central European Art since the 1950sTuesday, March 11, 2003 at 6:30 pmMoMA Film at The Gramercy Theatre, 127 East 23 Street at Lexington AvenueThe political landscape of Eastern and Central Europe has changedradically over the past decade. How have these changes influenced art in theregion? Has art helped reshape cultural identities?This symposium will explore the historical, political, and artistic contextssurrounding art in Eastern European countries. Panelists include prominentcultural historians, an artist and a curator, all of whose writings appearin The Museum of Modern Art's new publication Primary Documents: ASourcebook for Eastern and Central European Art since the 1950s. The firstEnglish-language collection of documents on modern art drawn directly fromthe artistic archives of Eastern and Central Europe, this important volumeserves as an introduction to the region's major artistic and criticalmovements from the latter half of the twentieth century.PanelistsBORIS GROYS, Professor of Philosophy and Media Theory, Academy for Design,Karlsruhe, Germany, and Rector, Vienna Academy of Fine Arts.KATARZYNA KOZYRA, Artist, WarsawBOJANA PEJIC, Art Historian and Curator, Berlin and BelgradeSLAVOJ ZIZEK, Cultural critic and Philosopher, and Senior Researcher,Institute for Sociology, University of Ljubljana, SloveniaModerators, Editors of Primary DocumentsLAURA HOPTMAN, Curator of Contemporary Art, Carnegie Museum of Art, PittsburghÂTOMÁS POSPISZYL, Art Historian and Curator, and Editor of Umelec/Artist, PragueRespondentROGER L. CONOVER, Executive Editor, The MIT PressThe panel discussion is made possible by The Trust for MutualUnderstanding, The Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder Travel Fund for Centraland Eastern Europe, and The International Council of The Museum of ModernArt, and is organized by the International Program and the Department ofEducation of The Museum of Modern Art.Tickets are $7, $5 members, $3 students, and are available at the MoMA QNSLobby Ticketing Desk, 33 Street at Queens Boulevard; The MoMA DesignStores, 44 West 53 Street and 81 Spring Street; and at the door on the nightof the event. Tickets can be used as same-value vouchers when purchasing thepublication at the event. For further information please call (212) 708-9476or visit www.moma.org/momalearning.Primary Documents: A Sourcebook for Eastern and Central European Art sincethe 1950s. Edited by Laura Hoptman and Tomás Pospiszyl, with a Foreword byIlya Kabakov90 illustrations; 376 pages. $29.95Available Now. Published by The Museum of Modern Art, distributed by MITPress. The publication was generously sponsored by The International Councilof The Museum of Modern Art. Additional support was provided by The Trustfor Mutual Understanding. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) TODAY The Klapa Tradition on NPR National Public Radio http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5500/1/E-TODAY-The-Klapa-Tradition-on-NPR-National-Public-Radio.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂCroatianA cappella singing playing on NPRBuy the CD's at http://www.nenadbach.com/shoppe/shoppe.htmlFebruary 24th / 24 Veljace 2003#03-08: 2/24/03 The Klapa Tradition: After the stunning response given theDalmatian singers from Hvar some weeks back, we are following up with music fromthe ancient secular tradition from Croatia featuring stunning male part-songs.http://www.weta.org/fm/live.htmlÂLIVE over the INTERNET - Check your local time listings (6,7,10 pm ?)These three CD's will be played on the National Public Radioon Monday, February 24,2003You can go to www.NPR.com tofind the latest news and a station. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) BUDI MOJ VALENTIN http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5505/1/H-BUDI-MOJ-VALENTIN.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) THE FOOL ON THE HILL http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5504/1/E-THE-FOOL-ON-THE-HILL.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) THE DOVES FROM AVIANO http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5503/1/E-THE-DOVES-FROM-AVIANO.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂTHE DOVES FROM AVIANOAren't they prettier than warplanes?Vilma Kuis*Aviano is a NATO airforce base in Italy letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) You cannot eat beauty - Jerry Derich Story http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5502/1/E-You-cannot-eat-beauty---Jerry-Derich-Story.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂA CROATIAN BOY S JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF A BETTER LIFEJerry Derich (Jerko Dragicevic) 1899-1963Jerko (pronounced Yerko) was born on March 30, 1899 in Supetar, Brac, an island across from Split, Croatia. When Jerko spoke of the beauty of Croatia he wistfully expressed almost simultaneously  you cannot eat beauty . He left school at the age of 11 with only 4 years of education. Everyone in the family was needed in the struggle to feed and clothe themselves. His father, Vicko was never at home; he worked on ships that took him away for long periods of time. Vicko wanted to move to South America, however, his wife Lukre refused to leave her homeland. As a young boy Jerko was influenced by the sight and tales of men returning from America, some dressed in classical English suits with a gold chain and pocket watch. He eventually left home because  he was so hungry he was fighting for crumbs left on the table . On the day he left the island of Brac in search of his dream his youngest sister Perina gave him a little money. It was a gesture of kindness Jerko remembered for the rest of his life.ÂJerko s first adventurous encounter started in 1920 shortly after World War I. He spoke of unwittingly being recruited by the French Foreign Legion. On the same day of his recruitment he became aware of the criminal type men around him and his godforsaken destination. He took the opportunity to escape on a dark and rainy night by crawling under the wire fence. Jerko soon joined up with some other Croatian men. As a group they decided their best option was to enlist in the British Army. After a brief training period they were shipped to Istanbul, Turkey, to serve as occupational soldiers. The tense and political chaotic environment necessitated constant vigilance at all times to prevent from being stabbed. A fellow companion had been stabbed to death during the night, a frequently occurring circumstance. According to Jerko, Istanbul was much more impoverished than Croatia, the filthy streets beset with a multitude of beggars. Destitute peddlers sat on the pavement, eagerly yelling and pleading to the passing crowds to buy their pancakes (as closely remembered, chapatees) and other wares. Service in the British Army entitled foreign nationals like Jerko the privilege of immigrating to a British Colony of their choice. On completion of their British Army service Jerko and his fellow countrymen (Dinko Yustin, Lovro Zencich, and Frank Bozikovich) immigrated to Canada. They crossed the ocean on the Ausonia, a ship belonging to the Cunard Line. They arrived in Quebec on September 23, 1923. After being processed they were given employment in Quebec s vast interior. They were employed as lumberjacks, cutting down trees for a hydro right of way. Jerko was amazed at the vast stretches of water and trees that seemed to go on forever as they traveled through the wilderness. Coming from a country that had California type weather, they were unprepared for the severe bitter cold of a northern climate and the harsh living conditions in the camps. They quickly purchased clothing, putting them in debt with the company store. Jerko was very proud that he was able to rescue his companions from a life threatening incident caused by the bitter winter environment in the lumber camp; enough to make Dinko Yustin cry. During the second year in the bush, Jerko and his companions contracted out their services in order to make sufficient money to pay off their debt to the company store. Gradually they learned enough French to communicate with the French workmen. At the end of their contract they were well enough informed to leave for Montreal. After a short stay in Montreal Jerko left for Toronto.Prior to marriage, Jerko and a friend made a living by operating a rooming house on Oak Street, Toronto, where they sold booze and ran poker games. Jerko s acquaintance with Irene Jessie McBrady of Irish and English origin, who lived a few doors away, quickly turned to love. They were married on July 6, 1927 when Jessie turned sixteen. Once married Jerko did not want to subject his young pregnant wife to a drinking and gambling environment. Being an unskilled foreigner during the depression he was forced to take a job as a dishwasher for $6.00 a week. While on his break Jerko would assist the cook in preparing the food. He eventually learned enough to become a short order cook for Muirhead s cafeteria in downtown Toronto.ÂDuring the same period of time Jerko, Jessie and baby Lucy lived in a flat owned by a friendly Jewish couple. Jerko s landlord encouraged him to go in business for himself. The landlord believed that being self-employed allowed foreigners with limited education and no special skills a chance to make a decent living. The landlord supplemented his own income by repairing and then selling used potato bags. Jerko quit his job at Muirhead s cafeteria after an ongoing conflict with another employee. He had decided to try his hand as a fruit peddler. Jerko bought a truck with the $300.00 that he borrowed from Jessie s Uncle Willie. Jerko s diligent work ethic enabled him to become a successful self-employed fruit peddler. Even though he had a limited formal education, he devised his own method of calculating costs, profit margins and selling prices. Jerko also had the ability to learn different languages such as English, Italian, French, Russian, and Polish. He was able to provide for his increasing family, Lucia Alice 1928, Viola Frances 1931, Jerry Vincenzo, 1932, and Helen Irene 1941.ÂDuring the 1920s foreign names did not sit well with an  English Protestant dominated society. Prior to going into business Jerko Dragicevic changed his name to Jerry Derich, mainly for business reasons. The job as a fruit peddler was demanding in the summer. Jerry would rise at 3:00 a.m. to pick up his fruit and vegetables from the Farmers Market located close to the St. Lawrence Market. He would then return home to arrange his produce and have breakfast. Out on the street by 8:00 a.m. Jerry would peddle in different neighborhoods until the produce was sold; sometimes till 7:00 p.m. To maintain his strength and vitality he usually went to bed at 8:00 p.m.Jerry and Jessie had a stroke of luck in 1938. An elderly man was anxious to get rid of his old rented house at 216 Berkley Street, Toronto, that was in need of major repairs. He took a liking to Jerry and Jessie and wanted them to have the house so he agreed to drop the price down from $3,000 to $600 to match the amount of money Jerry had managed to save. The house was a small three bedroom fully attached row house with a large barn in the backyard. The barn was particularly useful for his fruit and vegetable business. His Croatian friends who were frequently unemployed during the depression years volunteered to dig out a cellar and installed a foundation under the sagging kitchen and bathroom floor. In appreciation, Jerry put on an outstanding party in the backyard. A whole lamb was barbecued and served along with the other food. Ice cream was served for desert, a big treat in those depression years. Croatian songs were sung with heartfelt remembrance and joy under the night lights.Our days were truly spent as a traditional family with supper around the table every evening. Sundays were special because it was a free day when Jerry would enjoy his lovely garden and play Croatian tunes on the accordion. It was also the day when he would dress up in his classical English suit (a three button single breasted jacket and vest) along with his gold chain and watch. Jerry personified the vision of success that he had envisioned as a young boy. He was living his dream. Many Sundays were spent with Jerry driving his family and friends such as the Kokich and Yustin families to various places. Sitting on wooden crates in the back of his 3/4 ton V8 Ford panel truck we went to nearby beaches such as Sunnyside Beach, Kew Beach, Humber River, Rouge River etc. or to Croatian picnics where we would dance, sing and eat roasted lamb.ÂWintertime included an enjoyable social life attending Croatian Fraternal Union dances and concerts. Christmas evening was spent in the Yustin s home crowded with friends. During the celebration Jerry s deep singing voice could be heard above all others as they sang the songs of their homeland. On New Year s evening everyone reciprocated and came over to the Derich s household to continue the celebration. Jerry loved to go to the local movie houses most Monday and Tuesday nights in the winter months when his business was slow. He particularly enjoyed popular cowboy movies.ÂIn 1952, at the age of 53 Jerry decided it was time to get off the street and retire from fruit peddling. Together with his wife Jessie, they became the proud owners of a Red & White grocery store at 500 Pape Ave. Their daughter Lucy sacrificed her career as a secretary to help her parents in their struggle to become competent at running the grocery store. A few years later Jerry s three eldest children were married. Jerry sold the grocery store and bought a house at 8 Minton Place and worked in the Fruit and Vegetable Department at Knob Hill Farms store. Jerry found the work at Knob Hill Farms store too tiring. Jessie convinced her husband it made more sense to buy the grocery store at 468 Mortimer Avenue and rent 8 Minton Place.ÂThey opened for business on September, 1958. At their store Jessie was able to help her husband and give him a chance to take rest breaks during the day. In 1963 at the age of 64, Jerry was happy and contented. He felt financially secure and proud of his new home and grocery store. His children were doing well. Jerry had four grandchildren and one on its way. His duty as a father would be completed with the marriage of his youngest daughter Helen, which was to happen on December of 1963.ÂOn July 14, 1963, Jerry s life ended suddenly while he was in good health and looking toward receiving the old age security cheque. All his life Jerry had struggled to survive and prosper. He had survived through dangerous situations, harsh living conditions and subsistent wages. For Jerry it was almost inconceivable that he would receive anything without a struggle. He was looking forward to a secure and happy retirement. But fate intervened! The entire family was driving to a picnic at Wilket Creek Park. Jerry and Jessie were following behind everyone in their light blue Chevy panel truck. Just as they were crossing over the Don Valley overpass on Don Mills Road, a black Cadillac lost control and smashed into their truck. Jerry and Jessie were rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Jerry died shortly afterwards, but Jessie survived her massive injuries. Five months after the accident Jerry s engaged and youngest daughter Helen was married. Helen s mother insisted the wedding take place. Jessie wanted nothing to interfere with her daughter s happiness. Jessie attended the celebration with her leg in a cast sitting in a wheel chair.Prior to World War II, Jerry who had no relatives in Canada encouraged his younger brother Peter to work on a ship that would bring him to Canada. From there Peter would jump ship and make his way to Toronto. Once in Toronto Peter would be safe and protected until he was able to look after himself. Peter did reach England but changed his mind and returned to Yugoslavia. Peter got caught up in the war and was killed. Jerry s father Vicko was killed when he was pushed off a truck by a German solder. His mother Lukre we are told died of a broken heart shortly after the war.Jerry never managed to visit his family in Brac, Croatia, nor did any of his relatives make their way to Canada. The only remembrance of Jerry s family was the black framed photograph of his family and some pictures of his nieces and nephews sent by relatives. From the beginning Jerry corresponded with his family and always sent a little money and clothes until many years after the war. It was Perina s kindness that Jerry always remembered by sending her a special gift until the end of his life. Jessie continued sending Perina a gift for a long time thereafter in Jerry s memory.Written by:ÂHelen Irene Derich Klar and Jerry Vincenzo Derich, in Toronto in 2000Edited by:ÂLjerka Susanna Lukic, B. A., M. A., Ph.D. Candidate (Croatian Philology).Prof. Lukic has a special interest in Croatian life stories, memoirs, and autobiographies.ÂFor more information: Ljerka-Susan@Rogers.com, 416-534-5442900 Dufferin Street, P. O. Box 24026, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 4A9 Canada letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Youth Festival in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5510/1/E-Croatian-Youth-Festival-in-New-York.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂCroatianYouth Festival in New York Weare excited to announce the first ever Croatian Youth Festival,Saturday, March 22nd, 2003 and the 4th annual Croatian Children'sFestival, Sunday, March 23rd, 2003, both taking place at QueensboroughCommunity College in New York. The Croatian Youth Festival will feature23 young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. The Croatian Children'sFestival will showcase 26 children between the ages of 5 and 13. Theyoung singers will be accompanied by over 100 Croatian children, of allages, that will take part in the spectacular choreographical ensemble. All performerswill sing new songs composed by prominent musicians fromCroatia and the United States. Two winners will be selected fromeachfestival by the judges and the audience. They will be eligible toperform their song at one of the famous Festivals in Croatia. You are allinvited to enjoy an enchanted evening of Croatian music inthe heart of New York. On behalf of the Croatian Community, wecongratulate the previous winners and wish them continued success in thefuture. We also wish this year's contestants all the best, good luck tothem all! As you know,the plans for the festival are financially demanding. Aswe coordinate these festivals we are counting on your understanding andprecious support which you have so kindly demonstrated in the past.Your generous contribution will help in the production of a child'ssong, each of which has a total cost of $1,200. Any size donation willbe greatly appreciated.To show our thanks and appreciation for your donation of: Â $1,000.00 or more will receive aÂÂGOLD CERTIFICATE $ 600.00 to $ 999.00ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSILVER CERTIFICATE $ 300.00 to $ 599.00ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBRONZE CERTIFICATEThe names of the sponsors and all donators will be printed in apublished souvenir book to commemorate this occasion. If you would liketo be a special sponsor of a child's song, please notify Father RobertZubovic by February 18th, 2003. These Gold Deluxe sponsors will havetheir names published on the CD and videotape.ÂYour sponsorship will allow the children a chance to experience theCroatian cultural arts. Music is in us and around us. Let us continuethe tradition of the Croatian Children's and Youth Festivals in New Yorkand make history.Thank you for your consideration and understanding. We look forward toseeing you in March at the Festivals.With sincere thanks,Eleonora TurcinovicFather Robert ZubovicFestival DirectorCoordinator of Croatian Catholic Mission, Astoria, NY(516) 933-9613(718) 726-7937Please make your check payable to: CROATIAN COMMUNITY OF ASTORIAPlease send to: THE CROATIAN COMMUNITY OF ASTORIA P.O. Box 3216 Astoria, NY 11103-216Your contribution is being donated to a non-profit organization and istax deductible to the full extent of the law.For additional information about thisevent, you can also call:Nada Bernic 516/747-2580 or Viviana Knapic 718/626-9488 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vision of Tondal http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5509/1/E-Vision-of-Tondal.html Distributed by CroatianWorld Vision of Tondal The story of Tondal, where an unconscious man hasa journey where his soul leaves the body, was written in the 12thcentury by the Irish monk Marcus. It spread across the face of Europe,Âincluding a late Medieval version dedicated to Benedictine nunson the Dalmatian coast. This performance uses Gregorian, Beneventan,and Glagolithic chant known in Medieval Dalmatia. Glagolitic liturgyis in the vernacular Croatian-Slavonic, but follows the RomanCatholic rite of mass.These performances from the Holland Festival of Early Music atUtrecht 2002 are by the Ensemble Dialogos directed by KatarinaLivljanic. They are supported in part by Radio Nederland and theÂRoyal Netherlands Embassy in Washington, D.C.1). Invocation to Tondal: Gospodin, smiluj se/Kyrie eleison (Glagolitic). Zac noge tvoje sada u tanci ne igraju.2). The soul of the Knight Tondal descends into Hell: Introit: Venite, benedicti patris mei (Beneventan). Tractus: Qui habitat in adiutorio altissimi (Gregorian, from the "Dubrovnik Missal" in the Bodelian Library, Oxford).3). The Valley of Abomination: Viruju u jedinoga boga/Credo (Glagolitic). Gospodine, pomiluj/Kyrie eleison (Glagolitic).4). Into the depths: Gospin plac (Lament of the Virgin--Glagolitic).5). Lucifer, lord of Hell: O janjce bozji/Agnus Dei (Glagolitic).6). The Golden Seats[After Tondal has followed the angels into hell and walked the thin bridgeacross the stinking chasm, he sees the golden throne, and wonders why he cannot sit] Obrativ se Tondal za angelorum. Citaje knjige Otkrivenja {Glagolitic--book of the Apocalypse}. Dodji, duse presveti/Veni, sancte spiritus (Glagolitic).7). The Knight's Soul returns to his body[When Tondal awakens, he assumes he has been gone for years, onlyto find all his adventures lasted less that one-millionth of a second] Cuvsi toj; Salve Regina; I toj reksi vaze ga za ruku; Svet/Sanctus. Acclamation: Exaudi Christe.Millennium of Music Music List 03-01 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Formae Lucisî or Forms of Light - Vladimir Pajkic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5508/1/E-Formae-Lucisi-or-Forms-of-Light---Vladimir-Pajkic.html Distributed by CroatianWorld Vladimir PajkicÂPhotographyCROATIAN ARTIST TO DISPLAY BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY AT CAPITOL HILL OPENINGPhotographer/Architect Focuses on Light, TravelWhat: Vladimir Pajkic Photography: Formae LucisîWhere: RPM Capitol Hill, 225 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20003When: Friday, February 7th, 7-9 PMWashington, D.C. -- Photographer and trained architect Vladimir Pajkic willÂlaunch the first-ever public showing of his work called Formae Lucisî orÂForms of Light in Latin at RPM Capitol Hill on February 7th. ApproximatelyÂ50 people are expected to attend a wine and cheese reception from 7-9 PM toÂcelebrate the opening and Pajkicís new website www.formaelucis.com. TheÂblack-and-white photographs are all un-cropped so there is no editing of theÂimmediate experience of that very moment,î according to Pajkic (pronouncedÂpie-kitch). He uses a mixes media process to produce the images involvingÂboth hand developing and elements of architectural printing.Images range from graffiti on a door in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome to a groupÂof elderly playing cards in the streets of Shanghai.Â"Most of my work was taken during my travels, but the place is almostÂunimportant, " says Pajkic. "The theme is the exploration of light and theÂcities, events, and people it captures. It ís almost a universal language."Pajkic, who was born and raised in Croatia, earned a Bachelors ofÂArchitecture at Cornell University and a Masters of Architecture fromÂPrinceton University. He recently moved to Washington, D.C. where he is aÂpracticing architect.Contact: Vladimir PajkicMEDIA ADVISORYÂ(202) 546-2842vpajkic@alumni.princeton.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Millennium of Music Schedule Feb2003 - The Klapa Tradition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5507/1/E-Millennium-of-Music-Schedule-Feb2003---The-Klapa-Tradition.html  The Klapa Tradition on Millennium of MusicAfter the stunning response (best in the history of the show)given the Dalmatian singers from Hvar some weeks back, we are following up with music fromthe ancient secular tradition from Croatia featuring stunning male part-songs.February 24th  / 24 Veljace 2003   Op-edThis is a breakthrough for Croatian Music and Culture on the USAmarket..Find your local stations that carries the show or log onInternet and find the way to hear it. let me know what have you find. Robert AubreyDavis, the host of the show will play all three CDs.Thank you Millennium of Music and Mr. Davis for recognizing a pearlof the world music heritage.Nenad Bach, producer of all three CDs February 2003 ScheduleProgramFebruary 24th  / 24 Veljace 2003#03-08: 2/24/03 The Klapa Tradition: After the stunning response given the Dalmatiansingers from Hvar some weeks back, we are following up with music fromthe ancient secular tradition from Croatia featuring stunning male part-songs.#03-05: 2/3/03 Palestrina from Denmark: Palestrina's death on Candlemas (February 2)has always made the month of February a good one to celebrate the great composer; this week, the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir takes us on a musical tour of this Renaissance titan.#03-06 : 2/10/03 Busnois and His Circle: A new recording by the Binchois Consorthighlights music from the 15th century lowlands--the great Antoine Busnois (who died in Bruges), and two rarely-heard composers associated with the Church of Our Lady in Antwerp, Petrus de Domarto and Jean Pullois.#03-07: 2/17/03 "Il Fasolo" from Utrecht: This month's concert from the 2002 Holland Festival of Early Music presents a Roman/Neopolitan carnival farce published in Venice through the mysterious Accademia degli incogniti by one or more composers simply known as "Il Fasolo" ("the Bean").#03-08: 2/24/03 The Klapa Tradition: After the stunning response given the Dalmatiansingers from Hvar some weeks back, we are following up with music from the ancient secular tradition from Croatia featuring stunning male part-songs. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Millennium of Music http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5506/1/E-Millennium-of-Music.html  Millennium of MusicMillennium of Music is an exploration into the sources and mainstreams ofEuropean music for the thousand years before the birth of Bach. For over18  years, it has presented, in a quiet and serious way, the vast scope ofgreat music leading up to the early Baroque. It features the evolution of sacredmusic, east and west, live performances by the best ensembles in the fieldof early music, and the ever growing number of new releases in the field.Robert Aubry Davis is the creator and host of Millennium of Music. The program is based fromWETA-FM in Washington D.C. Davis also hosts European Centuries, co-hosts Songs for Aging Children with Martin Goldsmith and serves as moderator of WETA's TV Emmy-Award winning arts discussion program, Around Town. He also serves on the boards of Early Music America, and the Music Educator National Conference.To broadcast Millennium of Music, we ask that you fill out a broadcast agreement. Why not use the one here?If you have any questions about Millennium of Music or need further information please call Jennifer Hicks at (800) 491-8863. Through the years we have featured such noted performers as; AnonymousFour, The Clerks Group, Tallis Scholars, Jordi Saval, Hesperus and many others.The best performers and conductors have shared their vision and creativeendeavors through this program. Since the beginning, chant has been amainstay of the listening experience, and many of the best-selling recordingshave received their premiere on Millennium of Music. Each year, concerts are presented from the Holland Early Music Festival atUtrecht and aired on Millennium of Music. If you want to know where youcan listen to us in your town, go to our website athttp://radman.org/about.htm and search our site. If you have anything you would like to share with us, please email us at radman@weta.com or write us at RADMAN Productions 2775South Quincy Street Arlington, VA 22206. We love to get letters and email from our listeners Our one-hour national weekly program is heard on over 190 public radio stations across the country. One of our goals is to help our listeners learn about and obtain the recordings you hear on Millennium of Music. This is why we are telling all of you about ClassicsToday.com. At ClassicsToday.com you can read hundreds of reviews of Early Music recordings, as well ashundreds of reviews of the latest classical recordings.http://www.wosu.org/home/fm/guide.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN OUR GARDEN http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5511/1/EH-TUESDAY-AFTERNOON-IN-OUR-GARDEN.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂTUESDAY AFTERNOON IN OUR GARDENby Vilma KuisWhy " tuesday "?All my life, well, at least as long as I can remember, I have always been a great " Moody Blues " fan. One could certainly call me a Moody Blues freak. I have been listening to their music for over 30 years. There is that lovely song called " Tuesday Afternoon " from THE DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED album ( 1967 ). I was listening to that song when I started drawing this picture, so I thought.....why not?Vilma KuisRijeka, CroatiaÂvilma.kuis@ri.hinet.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Snovidjenje BOSNA IZVOR VJECITE MLADOSTI http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5512/1/E-Snovidjenje-BOSNA-IZVOR-VJECITE-MLADOSTI.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂBOSNA  IZVOR VJECITE MLADOSTIUz knjigu pjesama Ljerke Lukic  Snovidjenje Â(Hrvatski put, Toronto, 2002.)Znanstvena antropologija tvrdi da je covjek s jadransko-podunavskih prostora, osobito na dinarskom gorju, homoeuropeanus - europski urodjenik. Znameniti svicarski antropolog Eugene Pittard smatra da Dinarci postojano zive nasvom zavicajnom tlu najkasnije od kamenog doba te da u Bosni i danas predstavljaju preko sedamdeset postopucanstva.Povjesnicari zapadnoeuropskih zemalja, ciji radovi sluze u povijesnoj znanosti kao doktrine po kojima se ravnaju iautori skolskih udzbenika, smatraju da se pucanstvo nasih prostora sirilo na sve strane i to ne samo Europskogkontinenta, i da je bilo izvorom onog prastarog urodjenickog europskog pucanstva koje je stvorilo europskucivilizaciju.Bosna je veliki europski izvor. Izvor mladosti. Izvor dobrote. Izvor snage koja nadzivi svaku i svacijuludost. Kao izvor rijeke Bosne: uvijek obilan, uvijek cist, uvijek nepresusan. Sto god se nabacalo po citavom toku nase sveteÂrijeke Bosne, sve to voda odnese u Savu, Sava u Dunav, a Dunav u Crno more. Bosna se vjecito podmladjuje cistinomsvog izvora i vjecito svojom cistocom podmladjuje svijet.Jedina nacija koja nikad nije nista tudje otimala a sve je od sebe dala za opce dobro, posebno celik koji je bas u Bosni(Glasinac) otkriven i dugo ostao tajnom kojoj se i Homer u Ilijadi divi. Iz Bosne potjecu i Dorani koji su stvorili grckucivilizaciju.To je ono sto povjesnicari pa i povjesnicari knjizevnosti znadu. A da je Bosna vjecito takva i da je i izvor zivotne radostipa i u najtezim danima svoje povijesti, dokazom je i ova knjiga Ljerke Lukic iz zivorodnih Zivinica - Snovidjenje .Ma nije to, ba, neka sanja. To je vidjenje stvarnosti koje je zanosnije i trajnije od ikakvog sna, to je zivotvorna poezija, zadivljenje u svijetu, a ne za hibret u dunjaluku.Bosna je i zemlja-knjiga. Preko stotinu tisuca nasih maseta, stecaka ili mramora to dokazuje. Sva je memorija nasegpostojanog i zivog covjeka paralelno biljezena u nasim nadgrobnim spomenicima, koji su dizani nad grobovima nasihdostojanstvenika i svecenika.Tako i pocinje ova Ljerkina lirska pjesmarica puna pjesama kroz suze. Bilo radosnice, bilo od bola, bilo od nade ilinostalgije, ali uvijek iz cista srca. Kao i izvor Bosne. N. B. karta Bosne lici na ljudskosrce.U Ljerkinoj dusi ti nasi mramori, odnosno grobovi nasih predaka, cuvaju, odrzavaju i preporadjaju Bosansku drzavu,koja je i sredisnja Banovina Kraljevine Hrvata.ÂBosna je svojska, slavujski fina i sokolski gorda. Ma moze, ba, sokol preletjeti Jahorinu, kako ne bi mogao, ali kud ce izSarajeva kad je tu najljepse. Bosna je carobna krijesnica u noci: tko god u noci gromorozne povijesti, koju kod svih velesila simboliziraju zivotinje iptice grabljivice, digne oci, vidjet ce zizak svjetlosti koji nadu potpaljuje, dan odrzava i zoru najavljuje.Bosna je, bas kakva jeste, to nam Ljerka dokaza, i - kosmopolitska. Internacionala folklora i tradicije - internacionala ukojoj je svatko ponosan sto je takav kakav jeste i sto ga svatko bas kao takvogpostuje. U pjesmi  Moj prvi ratni rodjendan Ljerka nam tako lijepo i u stravi smrtne grozomore nize kamencic po kamencicsmisla i u ratnom sklonistu stvara mozaik covjecnosti i ljepote zivotvornog zanosa kojem divljaci, sto se ponose da suobozavatelji ptica grabljivica i mrtvackih glava, nista ne mogu. Bosna je, ba, vjecita, a to znaci neunistiva.Sve je tu pozorno i metodicki stavljeno na svoje mjesto, i  gvozdene vile i  kreppapir . Osjecajno, skladno, uzivo. Sve tupodsjeca na njezine savrseno jasno ocrtane oci na tipicnom dinarskom liscu koje je u uzama opjevao Fran-KrstoFrankopan:  Ona lipost, kojoj v dragom liscu biva - lilija i roza cvatuc nahodiva&  . Bosna je za Ljerku to majcinsko liceu kojem se kao u zrcalu i sama prepoznaje. Strasna je stvar morati otici iz Bosne:  Zivot iscupati iz prapostojbine . I kad je Bosna  krv, krv, svuda krv , ona se utudjini dozivljava kao ziva i zivorodna; stvarnost u nasoj dusi bez koje je nemoguce podnijeti tudjinu, sto na adekvatannacin definira stihovima Kanade kao zemlje Inuita -  led, svuda led, led .Sebe je lijepo definirala pjesmom-parabolom, pravom slikom - rijecima - koja u nama zivi zivotom uocljivim u srcimanjezinim verbalnim cinima, u pjesmi  Konac u kojoj je ona konac koji sve povezuje, poput vezilje, u smisao lijepogkakav prozima svu memoriju Bosne. U pjesmi po kojoj ce Ljerka Lukic uci u svaku antologiju suvremenog pjesnistva ukojoj ce i Bosna biti zastupljena, u  Snovidjenju , ona sve vidi pod bosanskim suncem, u bosanskoj zegi, koje miluje iÂrazgaljuje bosanski povjetarac. Ljerkine su pjesme pune behara, mirisa i bukolickog ugodjaja nase male Babovine. Trebaovo citati kad god nas snadje tuga za milom grudom.Ljerka, kao kolekcionar i strucnjak za folklor i kao rodjena slikarica, i rijecima i bojama nam pokazuje da u Bosni imasvakog dobra i svake ljepote premda malo po malo, a u svom ostalom svijetu moze se naci po nesto sto na Bosnupodsjeca.Jest, vjera je - Ljerkina  Snovidjenja su vidjenja koja nas bude iz svakog sna i pricina. To je nasa duhovna stvarnost, alistvarnost koja nam pomaze da opstajemo i budemo ponosni u svakom iskusenju kakvih je bukudar u tudjini i okonje. Sta bi bila Hrvatska da Bosne nema?Livorno (Francuska), 6. studeni 2002.napisao: akademik Mirko Vidovic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 08 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN GUITARIST PLAYED AT THE KENNEDY CENTER http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5514/1/E-CROATIAN-GUITARIST-PLAYED-AT-THE-KENNEDY-CENTER.html Veleposlanstvo Republike Hrvatske u Sjedinjenim Američkim Dr~avama Embassy of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America 2343 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008 Press office, ÂPhone: (202) 986 9476 Fax.: (202) 588 8938 E-mail: press@croatiaemb.org  Âwww.croatiaemb.org  PRESS RELEASEÂ06/03ÂCROATIANGUITARIST PLAYED AT THE KENNEDY CENTERWashingtonDC, 31. siječnja 2003.  Robert Belinic, Croatian classical guitaristplayed on Sunday afternoon February 2, at the Kennedy Center. Belinic, whom isthe first guitarist to join the roster of Young Concert Artists (YCA) was theFirst Prize winner of the 2002 YCA International Audition. Sunday event wassponsored by the Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize, which is funded by Mary Mochary.Belinic opened up with JohannSebastian Bach s  Sonata No.1 for violin in G minor, BVW 1001 andperformed the immensely technical piece in the key of A minor. The journey wassurreal as Belinic took the audience through his perception of Bach s subtleyet remarkably beautiful piece of work. He captivated the audience by choosingto finish with a faster and more vibrant piece known as  Two Dances, byJorge Morel.Among the 400 plus in attendancewas the Ambassador of Croatia to the United States, Ivan Grdesic and his staff.They all attended to see their fellow countrymen in the spotlight while on hisway up in the musical world. Young Concert Artists Inc. is anon-profit organization founded in 1961 by Susan Wadsworth.ÂYCA is devoted to discovering such young amazing talent as, Belinic.ÂEven more, YCA dedicates their time and assistance in the preparation andlaunching of their young and extremely gifted musicians careers. The artists arechosen through the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which areunique in that there are no rankings and any number of winners, or none, can beselected. Belinic was the only onechosen at the audition he attended and understandably so, his talent surpassesthose of most classical guitarists in his age group. Born in 1981 in Zagreb, CroatiaBelinic s interest in the performing arts began at the age of eight when hestarred in the  Tale from Croatia, the first film released in the thennewly-independent Croatia. At the age of 11 his interest began to shift towardsmusical performance. Belinic s first instrument, however, was not the guitar,but rather the drums, which he began to play at, age three.ÂIt wasn t until the age of 11 that Belinic began to study the guitar.ÂHe first attended music school in Kutina with Zvonko Susnjar andcontinued his studies with Ante Cagalj in Zagreb.ÂEvery year since 1995, he has participated in the International SummerSchool for Guitar on the Croatian island of Hvar.ÂCurrently he is studying at the Music Conservatory in Augsburg, Germany,with Franz Halasz.Belinic s talents have certainlynot gone unrecognized. He wasawarded the Fergus new Artist Prize of YCA, The Princeton University ConcertPrize and The Beracasa Foundation Prize for an appearance at the MontpellierRadio France Festival. In 2001,Belininc was the sole winner of the Young Artists European Auditions in Leipzig,Germany hosted by the Hochschule fur Musik und Theater  Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. Belinic will continue his 2002-2003Young Concert Artists Series tour at the beginning of next week. He will firstmake his Debut recital in New York at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored bythe Claire Tow Debut Prize. Then hewill then make his Boston debut at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.ÂAlso included in the tour are performances at Mary Baldwin College inStaunton, VA, for the Jewish Community Alliance in Jacksonville, FL, and at theHonest Brook Music Festival in New York. ####ÂFor further information, please contact:AlanVojvodić, Embassy of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America, (202)986 9476, press@croatiaemb.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 06 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Benefit Concert for the Croatian House Project http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5513/1/E-Benefit-Concert-for-the-Croatian-House-Project.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂBenefit Concert for the Croatian House ProjectÂPRESS RELEASE CROATIAN MUSICAL HERITAGE SERIES IN WASHINGTON DCFor Immediate ReleaseContact: croatianhouse@aol.comÂTel.: 202 588 5899, ext. 116Natasha Dukan, Pianist, with Ante Jelincic, ClarinetistBenefit Concert for the Croatian House ProjectThe Embassy of Croatia, Croatian House and the University of Zagreb Alumni Association (AMAC)- North Capital have the honor to present the distinguished Croatian pianist, Natasha Dukan, with special guest clarinetist, Ante Jelincic, at a Croatian Musical Heritage Series concert to benefit the Croatian House Project. The concert will at The Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008-3027 on February 21, 2003 at 7:30 P.M..Of Natasha Dukan, Ronald Broun, critic for the Washington Post, has written:  Dukan played with refined touch, reveling in Scriabin's exotic sonority and disquieting harmonic trickery...her rhythmic pulse was pleasurably elastic, and she threaded limpid legato lines through densely scored commotions. ÂNatasha Dukan began her musical studies under Jelka Bakaaun in her native city of Split, Croatia, where she won numerous national competitions. During her university years, while studying under Jokuthon Kadirova-Mihailovich and the virtuoso Kemal Gekich, she performed frequently with national orchestras and in recital. After appearing at the 1986 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, she went on to win first prize in Stresa, Italy, and her appearance at the 1995 Chopin Competition in Warsaw led to numerous subsequent concert engagements throughout Poland. Her festival appearances include the Split, Ohrid, Skopje and Hvar summer festivals, and she has given concerts in Germany, Spain, Poland and Russia. She has recorded for radio and television in her native country and Italy.ÂIn 1996, Ms. Dukan received a full scholarship to study with Julian Martin at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. She earned a Graduate Performance Diploma in 1998 and was immediately admitted (on full scholarship) to the prestigious Artist Diploma Program. In the Washington area, Ms. Dukan recently appeared in the Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Summer Concerts, Fairfax Concert Series and the Church of the Epiphany Tuesday Concert Series. She is currently teaching at the Academy of Music in Gaithersburg.In the pianist Natasha Dukan, we see a rare combination of passion, intimacy, sensuality, refinement, a powerful differentiated sound and brilliant technique. She has the rare capacity to play with utter abandon yet maintain absolute control over the myriad complex elements of pianistic craft which lie behind a truly mature technique. Critics have praised her from Moscow to Maryland and audiences are unanimous in their warm appreciation of her gifts.ÂAnte Jelincic is a second-year clarinet student at the Split Academy of Music and first-prize winner of a 1999 national competition of Croatian music students. AMAC is sponsoring his appearance at this concert as part of an initiative to introduce young Croatian artists to America.Tickets (adults $18; students $8) will be available at the door one hour prior to the concert or may be purchased in advance and picked up at the door. Checks (tax deductible donations) should be payable to AMAC-North Capital and mailed to the following address: c/o Croatian House, P.O. Box 546, West Bethesda, MD 20827.ProgramFive Preludes, op. 16ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAlexander ScriabinÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(1872 1915) Two Poems, op. 32 Andante cantabile Allegro. Con eleganza. Con fiducia. Sonate-Fantaisie in G-sharp Minor, op. 19 Andante Presto Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra Carl Maria von Weber Adagio ma non troppoÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(1786 1826) Andante Allegro Ante Jelincic, clarinet Natasha Dukan, piano Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Strings Ante GrginÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂb. 1948 Ante Jelincic, clarinet Natasha Dukan, pianoIntermission Nocturne in E-flat Major, op. 55, No. 2 Frederic ChopinÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(1810 1849) Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat Major, op. 61 Scherzo in E Major, op. 54 Scherzo-FantasticoÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBoris PapandopuloÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(1906 1991) Two Studies Tempo di Tango Vivacissimo letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 06 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hoce li Hrvatsku glagoljicu stititi i UNESCO? http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5515/1/E-Hoce-li-Hrvatsku-glagoljicu-stititi-i-UNESCO.html HOCE LI HRVATSKU GLAGOLJICU STITITI I UNESCO ÂPismo nase posebnosti ZAGREB - Premda je rana hrvatska pismenost i srednjovjekovnaknjizevnost trojezicna (latinska, staroslavenska, starohrvatska) itropismena (latinica, glagoljica, cirilica), najva nija sastavnicapisane kulture toga doba medu Hrvatima upravo je ona glagoljicna. Iakonije pismo samo Hrvata, glagoljica je jedino u hrvatskome narodu opstalavise od pola tisucljeca, postav1i jednom od bitnih oznaka hrvatskoga nesamo kulturnoga nego i nacionalnoga identiteta. Nije stoga neocekivanoda je ovih dana Ministarstvo vanjskih poslova, uz istarsku ljestvicu,predlozilo i hrvatsko glagoljicno naslijedje za Unescov popisnematerijalne svjetske kulturne bastine. Predstojnika Katedre za staroslavenski jezik i hrvatsko glagoljastvona Odsjeku kroatistike zagrebackoga Filozofskoga fakulteta prof. dr.Stjepana Damjanovica pitamo sto bi uvrstavanje na Unescov popis (akonacna se odluka ocekuje u drugoj polovici ove godine) znacilo zaafirmaciju hrvatske glagoljicne bastine. - Svjetska verifikacija kulturnih dobara pojedinih naroda krozUnesco ima - veli nam prof. Damjanovic - dvije osobine: prvo, pomazeindividualizaciji naroda i njegove kulture i, drugo, veze taj narod sdrugim sredinama. Glagoljica je dobar primjer za obje dimenzije. Ona je,kako je nedavno ustvrdio pooznati poljski slavist Leszek Moszynski,simbolicki samo hrvatsko pismo, jer se jedino Hrvati potpuno s njomidentificiraju. No, glagoljica nas veze i s drugim narodima koji su senjome sluzili u proslosti (Bugari, Makedonci, Cesi itd.), a djela pisananjome s ranom knji evnoscu zapadnoeuropskoga kruga s kojom dijeli i temei zanrove. Cinjenica je da je na tom pismu stoljecima nastajao dobar dionase knjizevnosti i to je vec verificirano, primjerice, u najboljimsvjetskim knjiznicama koje imaju barem jednu ako ne i vise hrvatskihglagoljicnih knjiga. Nova medjunarodna potvrda kroz UNESCO osnazila biobjektivno vrednovanje hrvatskoga glagoljastva kao vrijednosti svjetske letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Einstein's Dreams - Dunia Bogner off-Broadway http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5518/1/E-Einsteins-Dreams---Dunia-Bogner-off-Broadway.html Distributed by CroatianWorld Dunia Bogner off-BroadwayCroatian Cultural Thursdays would like to recomend an off-Broadway show playing until this Sunday February 2nd. This performance is worthwhile seeing not only because it got decent reviews (please seehttp://www.curtainup.com/einsteinsdreams.html) but also because Dunia Bogner, a member of our Croatian community, is in it.ÂEINSTEIN'S DREAMSThe Culture Project--45 Below45 Bleecker StreetNew York, NY 10012Â212-352-3101ÂTickets: $19The Holderness Theater Company presents Einstein's Dreams, adapted by Kipp Erante Cheng from the book by Alan Lightman. The boundaries of geography, politics, culture and identity have all been turned upside down - much like Einstein's ideas on time. Holderness Theater Company, noted for their beauty as well as remarkable skill and ensemble work, consider here, the balancing act between the human and the cosmic, the temporal and the eternal. The play challenges us to examine our place in time, history, and culture with Einstein's own thoughts as a propellant.ÂTickets can be ordered on-line through Theatremania at:http://www.theatremania.com/ny/shows/einstein/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 29 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ivan Paric won the grand prize in the 2003 Photo Competition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5517/1/E-Ivan-Paric-won-the-grand-prize-in-the-2003-Photo-Competition.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂGrand Prize for Ivan ParicDear Friend,ÂGreat news! I want to share some good news with you.I won the grand prize in the 2003 PIEA competition under the category of Colleges & University - computer assisted. I am using this opportunity to thank you forÂall your help.ÂTo see winers of 2003 click here:Âhttp://www.pieapma.org/gallery/2003/college-university_assisted.htmÂBest Regards,ÂIvan Paric, PhotographerÂ805.967.0792ÂP.O.Box 282ÂSanta Barbara, CA93102-0282 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 29 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) POTENCIJAL HRVATSKOG ISELJENISTVA? - TV show http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5516/1/H-POTENCIJAL-HRVATSKOG-ISELJENISTVA---TV-show.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂPOTENCIJAL HRVATSKOG ISELJENISTVA?OBAVIJEST ZA CROWN"Znakovi vremena" su relativno novi projekt Informativno-politickog programa Hrvatske televizije (krenuo u listopadu 2002.) urednika i voditelja Branimira Bilica. Emitira se uzivo, srijedom od 20,00 sati na Prvom programu HTV-a u trajanju 55 minuta.U vremenu velikih drustvenih i globalnih promjena u razlicitim podrucjima zivota, "Znakovi vremena", drzei se bitnih odrednica novinarske profesije i njezina kodeksa  poglavito istine, znanja, morala i odgovornosti - ozbiljnim istrazivackim novinarskim pristupom hrvatskoj javnosti prezentira razlicite drustvene fenomene koji se prije svega ticu radnih, socijalnih, gospodarskih, znanstveno-tehnoloskih, kulturno-duhovnih, demokratskih te drugih javnih i osobnih potreba i postignuca covjeka, praksu i misljenja koji oblikuju zivot hrvatskog drustva, njegova europskog okruzenja te utjecu na dostojanstvo covjeka na pocetku 21. stoljeca.Gosti emisije su pojedinci iz Hrvatske i svijeta, iz razliitih podrucja zivota i rada, razlicitih svjetonazora, misljenja i vizija: sociolozi, filozofi, pravnici, psiholozi, politolozi, menageri, informaticari, tehnolozi, kulturnjaci, profesori, studenti, ekolozi, znanstvenici, teolozi& .  hrvatska intelektualna i javna elita. Ali i obicni ljudi  koji uocavaju nove znakove vremena i potrebe modernog razvoja, uljudjenog, civilnog, demokratskog hrvatskog drustva i drzave, u svijetu globalizacije, individualizacije i sve zaostrenijeg odnosa prema covjeku i prirodi.Svaka pojedina emisija problematizira jednu temu  drustveni fenomen.ÂSastoji se od: jedne do dvije krace novinarske reportaze, dva razlicita gosta u studiju koji u novom tipu dijaloga i tolerancije iznose svoje vizije i koncepcije; jedog do dva telefonska ukljucenja gostiju  strucnjaka za pojedina podrucja iz zemlje i svijeta, telefonskih pitanja uzivo te e-mail poruka gledatelja.______Tema emisije "Znakovi vremena" (5. veljace 2003.) je POTENCIJAL HRVATSKOG ISELJENISTVA. U studiju ce sjediti jedan od najutjecajnijih Hrvata u svijetu, predsjednik Hrvatske bratske zajednice BERNARD LUKETICH i povjesniar LJUBOMIR ANTIC, a izravno telefonom iz New Yorka temu ce komentirati tvorac hrvatske elektronske mreze za povezivanje i suradnju NENAD BACH,Nastojat cemo aktualizirati, a mo~da i odgovoriti na pitanja: Kako korisno upotrijebiti veliki znanstveni, gospodarski i ljudski kapital hrvatskog iseljenistva? Kako okupiti "hrvatsku pamet" iz cijeloga svijeta te je istodobno potaknuti da se angazira na razlicitim projektima za prosperitet i dobrobit Hrvatske i njezinih gradjana?Zelite li saznati vise posjetite nas na www.hrt.hr/znakovi_vremenaÂA ako zelite i suradjivati, nase zadovoljstvo bit e tim vece!S postovanjem, voditelj i urednik emisije "Znakovi vremena" HTV-a Branimir BilicS osobitim i osobnim postovanjem, Zeljka Kukec, suradnica redakcije "Znakovi vremena"znakovi_vremena@hrt.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 29 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN GUITARIST ROBERT BELINIC - in New York Feb 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5519/1/E-CROATIAN-GUITARIST-ROBERT-BELINIC---in-New-York-Feb-20.html Distributed by CroatianWorldYOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS SERIESPRESENTS NEW YORK DEBUT OFCROATIAN GUITARIST ROBERT BELINICTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2003 at 8:00 p.m.92nd STREET YProgram:J.S. BACH (arr. BELINIC): Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001FERNANDO SOR: Introduction and Variations on "Marlborough S'en Va T'enGuerre," Op. 28JOAQUIN RODRIGO: Three Spanish PiecesANTE CAGALJ: Zvona sv. Duje; Rodrigo u ZagoriANTONIO LAURO: Aire de Joropo; El Marabino; Seis por derechoJORGE MOREL: Danza Brasilera; Bossa in D MajorLUIGI BOCCHERINI: Quintet No. 4 in D Major, G. 448 ("Fandango")with guest artists Chee-Yun, violinist; Emily Bruskin, violinist; ScottSt. John, violist; Julia Bruskin, cellistThe 92nd Street Y is located at 1395 Lexington AvenueTickets: $25 and $15.To charge tickets by phone, call Young Concert Artists at (212) 307-6656.ÂStudents and Senior Citizens: Half-price tickets may be purchased on theday of the performance at the 92nd Street Y Box Office (1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street), subjectto availability.About our Guitarist:ROBERT BELINIC, winner of the 2002 Young Concert Artists InternationalAuditions in New York, was born in Zagreb and grew up in nearbyPopovaca. As a talented eight-year-old he became known as an actor,starring in "Tale from Croatia." Mr. Belinic began to study classicalguitar at the age of eleven at the music school in Kutina with ZvonkoSusnjar, and continued his studies with Ante Cagalj in Zagreb. Hecurrently studies at the Music Conservatory in Augsburg, Germany.Robert Belinic is the first guitarist to win place on the roster ofYoung Concert Artists in the organization's 42-year history. His firstU.S. tour includes debuts in New York, Washington, DC and Boston. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 26 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Film "Alone" on Febiofest in Prag http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5522/1/E-Croatian-Film-Alone-on-Febiofest-in-Prag.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂGreetings From Croatia- Febiofest Prag Film FestivalÂAlone--Croatia, 2001. Lukas Nola, directorA whirlwind of world cinemaÂ(January 22, 2003)One of the largest noncompetitive film festivals in Europe, Febiofest offers movies from more than 50 countries including previews of new releases, recent highlights of world cinema and some old favorites. There will be several guests and, for the first time, musical performances.ÂFebiofestÂThursday, Jan. 23-31ÂTickets: Slovansky dum, 69 Kc; 39 Kc for video room; Ponrepo, 50 Kc; Elementary School at Mikulandska 5, free; www.febiofest.czÂThe biggest name on this year's guest roster is Roman Polanski, scheduled to introduce his new film, The Pianist, which will be shown here in its French version. Other guests include Gary Farmer, who will attend the screening of Powwow Highway in the North American Indians section. Actor Max von Sydow is scheduled to make an appearance to introduce The Emigrants, which is showing in a retrospective of films by Swedish director Jan Troell. Some films with actor Alain Delon are real classics of French cinema.ÂMany films, especially those from France, Northern Europe, Asia and in the gay and lesbian sections, have English subtitles. Most screenings are at Slovansky dum. Buy tickets early -- the lines get long and many shows sell out.ÂHerewith, a few highlights:ÂGreetings From CroatiaÂAlone--Croatia, 2001. Lukas Nola, director. Leon Lucev, Nina Violiç star. In Croatian with English subtitles. Three people try to rebuild their lives after tragic events. Jan. 24 at 12:45, Jan. 31 at 5:45, Hall 10, Slovansky dumÂGreetings From IcelandÂThe Seagull's Laughter--Iceland, 2001. Agust Gudmundddon, director. Margret Viljjalsmsdottir, Ugla Egilsdottir star. In Icelandic with English subtitles. The arrival of a beautiful woman who lived in America turns a small town upside down in the 1950s. Jan. 28 at 8:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dumÂGreetings From IranÂWhite Dream--Iran, 2002. Hamid Jebelli, director. Hamid Jabelle, Soghra Karimi star. In Farsi with English subtitles. True love evades someone who sells wedding gowns at a bridal store. Jan. 29 at 5:45, Hall 10, Slovansky dumÂHBO PresentsÂPath to War--USA, 2002. John Frankenheimer, director. Michael Gambon, Donald Sutherland star. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson is caught up in the events leading to the Vietnam War. Jan. 26 at 5, Jan. 31 at noon, Hall 3, Slovansky dumÂJapanese Film: Yesterday and TodayÂChicken Heart--Japan 2002, Hiroshi Shimizu, director. Hiroshi Ikeuchi, Kiyoshi Imawano star. In Japanese with English subtitles. Three friends who hang out at a street-vendor's stall each have a crisis in their lives. Jan. 26 at 5:45, Hall 5, Slovansky dumÂPulse--Japan 2001. Kiyoshi Kurosawa, director. Haruhiko Kato, Kumiko Aso star. In Japanese with English subtitles. The son of Akira Kurosawa directed this thriller about a ghostly menace lurking in the Internet. Jan. 25 at 8:15, Hall 5, Slovansky dumÂKorea: Lee Chang-dong, Portrait of a DirectorÂPeppermint Candy--South Korea, 2002. Lee Chang-dong, director. Yejin Kim, Kyung-gu Sol star. In Korean with English subtitles. This love story starts at the end and ends with the beginning. Jan. 25 at 12:45, Jan. 30 at 3:15, Hall 5, Slovansky dumÂNew Greetings From DenmarkÂTruly Human--Denmark, 2001. Ake Sandgren, director. Nikolaj Kaas, Peter Mygind star. In Danish with English subtitles. Life becomes tough for an imaginary friend when the person who thought him up dies. A Dogma 95 film. Jan. 25 at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 29 at 8:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dumÂNew Hungarian CinemaÂChico--Hungary, Germany, 2001. Ibyola Fekete, director. Janos Agoston, Sasa Anocic star. In Hungarian with English subtitles. An ideological adventure film about a revolutionary who winds up in Croatia. Jan. 24 at 5:30, Hall 8, Slovansky dumÂNorth American Indians: Legends and RealityÂPowwow Highway--USA, UK, 1989. Jonathan Wacks, director. Gary Farmer, Joannelle Nadine Romero star. Circumstances force two very different Cheyenne men to travel together in an old Buick. One of them is in a hurry; the other is on a slow-paced spiritual quest. Jan. 26 at 10, Hall 3, Slovansky dumÂRamona--USA, 1936. Henry King, director. Loretta Young, Don Ameche star. The star-crossed lovers in this tale are a wealthy Spanish woman and an American Indian who find themselves opposed by all sides. An unusual romantic Western from Hollywood's Golden Age. Jan. 28 at 5, PonrepoÂSkins--USA, 2002. Chris Eyre, director. Grahame Greene, Eric Schweig star. The investigation of a crime is used to show alcoholism and other problems that still plague the reservations. Jan. 25 at 7:30, Jan. 29 at noon, Hall 3, Slovansky dumÂWorld Cinematography NewsÂ24 Hour Party People--UK, 2002. Michael Winterbottom, director. Steve Coogan, Paddy Considine, Lennie James, Andy Serkis star. Inventive re-creation of the early days of the Mancunian music scene, focusing on record producer Tony Wilson and bands like New Order. Jan. 25 at 4:30, Jan. 27 at midnight, Hall 2, Slovansky dumÂ25th Hour--USA, 2002. Spike Lee, director. Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Rosario Dawson star. A young man tries to sort out his life on his last day before going to jail in Spike Lee's latest drama, a study of Manhattan post-Sept. 11, 2001. Jan. 25 at midnight, Jan. 27 at 2, Hall 2, Slovansky dumÂBowling for Columbine--Canada, USA, Germany, 2002. Michael Moore, director. Featuring Marilyn Manson, John Nichols, Charlton Heston. The massacre at a Colorado high school is the departure point for this sprawling examination of gun culture in America. Michael Moore goes everywhere from Kmart to Canada looking for the answers behind America's obsession with violence. Jan. 27 at 4:30, Jan. 29 at 2, Hall 2, Slovansky dumÂThe Pianist--UK, France, Germany, 2002. Roman Polanski, director. Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Maureen Lipman star. French-dubbed version with Czech subtitles. Based on a true story. A classical piano player in Poland witnesses the events in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II. Winner of the Golden Palm at Cannes. Jan. 31 at 10, Hall 2, Slovansky dum (the director will attend the show; proceeds from the 300 Kc tickets go to charity)ÂPunch-Drunk Love--USA, 2002. Paul Thomas Anderson, director. Adam Sandler, Emily Watson star. Seven sisters have tormented their brother all his life, and a single phone call to a sex line causes him further trouble in this odd romance. Jan. 24 at 2, Jan. 30 at 7, Hall 2, Slovansky dumÂTen Minutes Older: The Trumpet--UK, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, 2002. Kaige Chen, Victor Erice, Werner Herzog, Jim Jarmusch, Aki Kaurismaki, Spike Lee, Wim Wenders, directors. Marrku Peltola, Ana Sofia Liano, Chloe Sevigny, Charles Esten, Yuanzhend Feng star. In various languages, including English, with Czech subtitles. Various directors tackle the theme of fate. Spike Lee's segment examines the Florida voting scandal. Jim Jarmusch's piece shows an actress on a break between scenes. The stories all feature a jazz score. Jan. 26 at 7, Jan. 29 at midnight, Hall 2, Slovansky dumÂSweden: Jan Troell, Portrait of a DirectorÂThe Emigrants--Sweden, 1972. Jan Troell, director. Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Eddie Axberg, Svenolof Bern star. In Swedish with English subtitles. Life is hard for a 19th-century Swedish family that has to spend weeks on a ship to America and then journey to Minnesota. Beautiful cinematography highlights this long film that was nominated for several Oscars. Jan. 26 at 5:45, Jan. 31 at 5:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dumÂWhite as Snow--Sweden, Denmark, 2001. Jan Troell, director. Amanda Ooms, Rikard Wolff, BjOrn Granath star. In Swedish with English subtitles. A career in aviation is the dream of a woman from a rural area. Jan. 24 at 9:30, Hall 2; Jan. 28 at 5:45, Hall 6, Slovansky dumhttp://www.praguepost.com/P03/2003/Art/0122/cinema.php letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Poezija - Kresimir Butkovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5521/1/H-Poezija---Kresimir-Butkovic.html   Poezija                         -  KresimirButkovic - ZA KAJ BI CA& Zakaj bi Ca smetal Kaj,i zac bi Kaj Ca smetal,kaj to nis reci za nas zavicaj,i zac bi se jedan drugom nametal?Zakaj ne bi morje doslo k nama,i nasi bregi bili deli morskih zrna,zakaj Sever ne bi bil prama ,a Jug topli plava nam krma?I zac nisu judi ka u po ju cvi t,da bi ih bilo brez razlike svuda,i da u Zagrebu bude Split,i da Sava Splitom vrluda?Zakaj bi Ca smetal Kaj,ca ni bo je da su tolike ri ci,oni su oba horvatski takaj,a pisma il pjesma s njima se dici!PURGERSKI PLAVODigli su Dubravu, Ravnice, Donji Grad,digli su Trnje, i Tresnjevku, i Centar,pa nek mi kazu da Zagreb je gad!U crne zastave zavili tribine,u crne odore skrojili sudbine,pa nek mi kazu da Zagreb je gad,pa nek mi pljuju na moj rodni grad!Stavise okove na zastave plave,liju se zuci, i padaju glave,a mi smo jednako jadni k o prije,i neka se smedja fotelja sad smije.Jer ja cu zauvijek za istim stijegom,onako purgerski pod svojim brijegom,zaurlati kad god budem htio,volim te Dinamo gdje god mi bio!POMISLIMPomislim da sam noc, u tamu odnosim svo nakupljeno smece, bez traga, odnosim daleko,bez povratka.Pomislim da sam jutro, donosim sunce, i jutarnju izmaglicuna proplanke. Otvaram snene ocizaspaloj djeci.Pomislim da sam more, i u valu donosim pjesmu,sumim, dubeci kamen i cvrste stijene, skrivajuciu tisini svojih dubina, potopljene brodove i ugaslezivote mornara.Pomislim da sam planina, lovim oblake parajuci kisu.Po meni se penju ljudi, zudeci daljine sto ih od pogleda skrivam.Pomislim da sam zemlja, svojim tijelom hranim, dajem,cuvam i pokapam! Crna, zuta, bijela, crvena, i svi me vole,na meni ginu, krv liju, ali me vole.Pomislim da sam nebo, isarano dugom, oblacima putnicima,Po meni plove ptice, sareni baloni, u moja njedra gledaju ljudi.Pomislim da sam voda, tecem i sve napajam, smiju mi seu lice gledajuci svoj odraz, a ja pojim zedne donoseci sa sobomzivot.Pomislim da sam vatra, gorim u necijem kaminu, grijem promrzleruke nekog siromaha, palim sve necisto, gorim.Pomislim da sam vjetar, podizem prasinu, bacam jei nosim na krovove kuca, ulazim u stanove i lupam vratima,vijorim ponosno barjake, kovitlam zauzdane zmajeve, mrsimkosu prelijepim zenama, skrivam im se u bluzu, bjezim.Pomislim da sam zrak, ulazim u tijela svemu zivom,kroz mene prolaze, ljube se, disu, masu rukama, stiscusakama, tlace me u bocama, a ja kao mjehuric isplivamiz mora i opet sam tu.Pomislim da sam pjesma, sto sa usana titra i donosi srecu,Otkrivajuci, skrivajuci, budeci, opominjuci, slaveci.Pomislim da sam svemir, nedokuciv, taman, pun tajni,a opet dostupan.Pomislim da sam san, uvlacim se u tudje misli, plaseci ih,radujuci ih, pitajuci ih.Pomislim da sam cvijet sto mirise u sobi, da sam svjetlo u tvom oku, da sam ljubav, da sam brsljan& Pomislim, pomislim, pomislim& ZAGREBU Lutamo zivotom kao neki stranci,nije nam dosta potrosenih dana,duge su sjene nasi stari znanci,dok umire sunce a radja se tama;Ponekad netko pogledom isprati,sve boje sto nebo je dalo,kad utihnu ptice, tko ce to znati,u jednu pjesmu koliko je stalo?Lome se svjetla izloga ducana,pred njima tuzna stvarnost stoji,odavno kisom i suzom sprana,jedna je crna, druga u boji.Prokleto peku stisnute oci,u hladnom znoju zora se budi,dok sunce zarom uzvraca noci,zalutalo pseto odanost nudi;Uz slamove grada ne trosite rijeci,odavno nitko nista ne cuje,ovdje se samo zbog novca kleci,poneko dijete o Dinamu snuje.Vuku se ljudi k o prebita stoka,Zagreb je ista hrvatska prica,na grbu modrom izbitog stoka,zvijezda i vrata ostatak su kica.Poneseni slikom pustih obecanja,slijeva se rijeka naivnih ljudi,s Markova trga razocaranja,opet se samo Zagrebu sudi!Pa nismo mi ovce samo za vunu,u ovom gradu milijun dusa,na cetiri dijela podijelite krunu,pa nek svak dio ponosno kusa!Ponesite snove u predgradje grada,urusite slike ruralnog koda,ovdje je prva umrla nada,mi smo krma potonula broda;Lutamo zivotom kao neki stranci,na jedvite jade skrpamo sutra,duge su sjene stari nam znanci,tek pjesma ptica vraca nam sutra.NIMA VISELanterna ne gasi sjaj vrimena,miruju mrize, Bepa vise nima,na krcatu rivu zbilo se judi,da zalazak sunca isprate vinom.Ni barke, ni batane, ni skarpina,samo kuce restu, radjaju se dica,bestimlju ljudi i vrime i sime,ni kise da ispere grija.Dernja se dite na lesadu od ribe,ka glavoc je okrenia vratom,niz sporka usta cide se sline,da uvati majku na sentimente.Pasalo je vrime od cukra i masti,nima covika da gre u poje,masline blide i same zriju,u kanatu ovce bleje  vode.Bepa nima, ni skerce od Kuke,na fjaku se lipe kapi od znoja,fali sam korak i ne cujen zvuke,na ledja svak prti vrimena svoja!KAK Kak sunce kaj na nebu sja,od njega nigdo lepsi ni ,tak poput belega snega,pod Sl emenom On stoji!Nek sam probaju nekaj rec ,pak i dotepencu srce zvoni,od Njega nigdo nije vec sem horvatzki kral evi!Ti sjaji moj Grade jos 900 l et ,nek popevaju p esme o Tebi,budi topli kak zagorska kl et,moj Zagreb zivi vu meni!RUJAN NA RABUCujem, kliktaj galeba izmijesan s mirisomMediterana.Rujan se mreska na povrsini mora,u sve kracem danu sve manje vremenaocutjeti ljepotu.Rab odise mirom i u tom mirupronalazim sama sebe, ne trazecini slike ohladnjela Zagreba.Prevaren godinama polazaka i dolazakavise i ne razumijem sto je odlazak.Jednostavno, sve je tu,neogranicen prostor, bez vremena, mjeseca,ni tjedna, ni dana, ni sata.Ustaljen sam u sreci, premda,nista sto me okruzuje nije dio igre na srecu,uspjela replika Raja u kojem Rab razlicit je tek u jednom slovu.Ne zamaram se sadasnjicom,izbjegavam sve te zivotne kategorizacije.Ne bjezim, daleko od toga;zanemarujem nepotreban ljudski zidpred prirodnim,i ako moram nesto ocekivati,mozda je to jednostavnost,savrsenstvo oblika bez ikakvadodatna uresa,poput naga tijela sto stoji pod tusem,ili pak boja otoka u ranojesenskoj kisi.Trenutak kad dan izgubi svoju svjetlost,sve utihnu i nestade bas poputcedna djeteta pod pokrivacem.Zazelis laku noc svemiru,a Rab, u mirisu ozonausnut ce u meni.URazvrstane u nesvrstane,odjenute u neodjenute,obmanute u neobmanute,zbrinute u nezbrinute,maknute u smaknute.Jauk u bauk,vijesti u sjesti,prevedi u neredi,odmjeri u promjeri,ficukni u umukni!Smisli u pokisni,nulti u multi,vrijedno u bezvrijedno,auto u automat,arak u jarak,prag u Haag!Bijesni u svjesni,casni u krasni,jasni u masni,prasni u rasni,i macka u  rvacka!KRATAK ZIVOTOPIS:Rodjen 2. 1. 1973. u Zagrebu.Zavrsio Komercijalnu skolu. Studira na Fakultetu politickih znanosti.Objavljivao u  Hrvatskom knjizevnom listu (1994.-2000.),  Ognjistu (1991.-2000.) i  Usponima (1998.-). Od 2001., postao stalni suradnik u internet casopisu na stranici www.avia.croadria.com  (Za bolji zivot -  Sutra  ) i na www.poezijaonline.com  adresa: Side Kosutic 4, 10090 Zagrebe-mail: kresimir.butkovic@hi.hinet.hr brzoglas: 345-7977 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Klasinc and Loncar Guitar Duo at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5520/1/E-Klasinc-and-Loncar-Guitar-Duo-at-the-Hattiesburg-Cultural-Center.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂCroatianGuitar Duo PerformingNoted guitar duo slated to perform in HattiesburgSpecial to The Clarion-LedgerThe Klasinc and Loncar Guitar Duo will perform in concert Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, located at 723 N. Main St.Miroslav Loncar is the associate professor of music and artist in residence at William Carey College. His wife, Natasa Klasinc-Loncar, directs guitar programs at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Pearl River Community College.Both natives of Croatia, Klasinc and Loncar have been performing in concert together for more than 15 years. The duo has played hundreds of highly acclaimed performances at chamber music series, community arts series, universities, churches, art galleries and art museums across the United States and Europe.ÂThe concert is presented by the USM Symphony Orchestra, Trustmark Bank; Hattiesburg American, the City of Hattiesburg, William Carey College and the Hattiesburg Historic Downtown Association.ÂAdmission is free.Miroslav Loncarhttp://www.clarionledger.com/news/0301/21/m11.htmlÂhttp://www.kaiso-band.com/kaiso-musicians.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian flutist - Hrvatska flautistica at Carnegie http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5525/1/E-Croatian-flutist---Hrvatska-flautistica-at-Carnegie.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂDive Franetovic at Carnegie Croatian flutist - Hrvatska flautistica at Carnegie Hall's Weill Auditorium Croatians in the New York area should know that a very talentedÂflutist has won Best Mozart Performance in the European IBLA FoundationÂcompetition. Dive Franetovic is from Dubrovnik, and will be playing inÂCarnegie Hall's Weill Auditorium, New York, Monday evening March 3, 2003 beginingÂat 6:30 p.m. Balcony tickets are $50. Tickets on the ground floor are $200. The Carnegie Hall Box Office phone number is 212-247-7800. This isÂDive's first trip to America and although the tickets are expensive (!),ÂI hope that the Croatian community will come out in force because sheÂwill make you all very proud! People like Dive will show the world whatÂbright, talented, and beautiful people come from Croatia.ÂSuzanne LordÂlordlord@siu.eduÂÂOp-edSince these prices are excessive, there must be a way to get a group rate.If someone is interested to lead, I believe that people will join.Best,Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 19 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian guitarist Belinic performs in Kennedy Center http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5524/1/E-Croatian-guitarist-Belinic-performs-in-Kennedy-Center.html Distributed by CroatianWorld Robert BelinicCroatian Guitarist: Robert BelinicKennedy Center, Washington DCÂFeb 2, 2003 at 2:00 PMTerrace TheaterÂRunning Time: 2 hoursTickets: $25.00ÂProgram:JS BACH - Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001SOR - Introduction et Variations sur l'air "Marlborough s'en va-t-en guerre"RODRIGO - Tres piezas espanolasJOSE - SonataÂROBERT BELINIC, First Prize Winner of the 2002 Young Concert ArtistsÂInternational Auditions, is the first guitarist to join the roster of YCA.ÂMr. Belinic was also awarded the Fergus New Artist Prize of YCA, TheÂPrinceton University Concerts Prize, and The Beracasa Foundation PrizeÂfor an appearance at the Montpellier Radio-France Festival. In 2001,ÂMr. Belinic was the sole winner of the Young Concert Artists EuropeanÂAuditions in Leipzig, Germany, hosted by the Hochschule für Musik undÂTheater  Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. ÂDuring the 2002-2003 season, the Young Concert Artists Series willÂpresent Mr. Belinic s New York recital debut at the 92nd Street Y,Âsponsored by the Claire Tow Debut Prize; his Washington, DC debut at theÂKennedy Center, sponsored by the Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize; and hisÂBoston debut at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. He also performsÂin the U.S. at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA, for the JewishÂCommunity Alliance in Jacksonville, FL, and at the Honest Brook MusicÂFestival in New York.ÂMr. Belinic has performed as soloist with the Zagreb Philharmonic andÂwith the Zagreb Soloists, and has given recitals in Croatia, Slovenia,ÂHungary,Poland, Italy, Germany and The Czech Republic.ÂBorn in 1981 in Zagreb, Croatia, Robert Belinic grew up in the nearbyÂtown of Popova. He played the drums beginning at the age of three.ÂWhen he was eight years old, he starred in  Tale from Croatia, theÂfirst film released in newly-independent Croatia. Robert Belinic beganÂto study classical guitar at the age of eleven at the music school inÂKutina with Zvonko Susnjar, and continued his studies with Ante CagaljÂin Zagreb. Every year since 1995, he has participated in the International Summer School for Guitar on the Croatian island of Hvar.ÂHe currently studies at the Music Conservatory in Augsburg,Germany, withÂFranz Halasz. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 19 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) NATASHA DUKAN, Croatian pianist at Austrian Embassy Hall http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5523/1/E-NATASHA-DUKAN-Croatian-pianist-at-Austrian-Embassy-Hall.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂNatasha DukanThe Croatian House, The Croatian Embassy and the AMAC-NorthÂCapitol are pleased to present:ÂNATASHA DUKAN, Croatian pianist"Dukan played with refined touch, reveling in Scriabin's exotic sonorityÂand disquieting harmonic trickery" R. Broun, Washington Post, 2001With a special guestAnte Jelincic, clarinet (young talent from the Music Academy of Split, Croatia).When: FEBRUARY 21, 2003 at 7:30 PMWhere: Austrian Embassy Concert HallMore detailed information about the concert in my next announcement.Srdacno,Danica RamljakÂA PianistÂIn pianist Natasha Dukan we see a rare combination of passion, intimacy, sensuality, refinement, a powerful differentiated sound and brilliant technique. Her career roots lie in the last turbulent years of the former Yugoslavia, and her Slavic temperament and fire are always in evidence in her performances. She has the rare capacity to play with utter abandon yet maintain absolute control over the myriad complex elements of pianistic craft which lie behind a truly mature technique. Critics have praised her from Moscow to Maryland and audiences are unanimous in their warm appreciation of her gifts.ÂCritical ResponseÂRonald Broun, critic for the Washington Post, claimed "Dukan played with [a] refined touch, reveling in Scriabin's exotic sonority and disquieting harmonic trickery...her rhythmic pulse was pleasurably elastic, and she threaded limpid legato lines through densely scored commotions." (Washington Post, 2001). Critics in Croatia have said that " In Scriabin her music making reached those interpretive heights where pianistic demands are realized with such ease, assurance, affability and affect that in the end it gives the impression of utmost simplicity" (T. Alajbeg, Dalmatian Free Press, 1999). At the Warsaw competition in 1995 A. Sulek wrote "One of the most distinctive and unusual pianists to appear at the competition ... strong emotions, exquisite pianissimos, towering crescendos..." On a more personal note, Philip Schnering of Broadmead Community Concert Series writes, "Broadmead residents are still talking about your concert. Your performance was exotic and masterful. We were charmed with your youth and spirit, not only with your mastery of your art. With all its excellence, it seemed as if you were having fun. We can't begin to thank you enough."ÂBackgroundÂBorn in Split on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, Natasha Dukan won many National competitions before entering the Art Academy of Novi Sad, former Yugoslavia's premier music school. She studied with Jokuthon Kadirova-Mihailovich (an Uzbeki from Tashkent who had studied at Moscow Conservatory in its heyday when Heinrich Neuhaus roamed the halls), and later with virtuoso Kemal Gekich. During her university years she had numerous appearances with national orchestras and in recitals. After appearing at the Tchaikowsky Competition in Moscow 1986 she went on to win first prize in Stresa, Italy, and her appearance at the 1995 Chopin Competition in Warsaw led to numerous subsequent concert engagements throughout Poland. Her festival appearances include the Split, Ohrid, Skopje and Hvar summer festivals, and she has given concerts in Germany, Spain, Poland and Russia. She has recorded for radio and television in her native country and Italy. In 1996 Ms. Dukan received a full scholarship to study with Julian Martin at the Peabody Institute, Baltimore. She graduated with a Graduate Performance Diploma in 1998 and was immediately admitted (on full scholarship) to the prestigious Artist Diploma Program. Her North American appearances include the 1998 American Liszt Society Festival in Hamilton, Canada and the Texas Festival of Young Artists, where she first appeared in 1997 and was immediately invited to return in 1998. Ms. Dukan recently appeared in the Church of the Epiphany's Tuesday Concert Series and the Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Summer Concerts in Washington DC as well as the Fairfax Concert Series in Virginia.ÂSelected RecitalsÂWashington DC, Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Summer Concerts , August 2001ÂWashington DC, Musicians Resource Council Concert Series, February 2000ÂFairfax, Virginia, Rising Stars Concert Series, January 2000ÂSplit, Croatia, 45th Split Summer Festival, August 1999ÂWashington DC, Church of the Epiphany, Tuesday Concert Series, March and October 1999, April 2002ÂBaltimore, Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall, Francis Poulenc Centenary Celebration, January 1999ÂHamilton, Canada, Central Presbyterian Church, The Great Romantics Festival, October, 1998ÂPlano, Texas, John Anthony Theatre, Texas Conservatory for Young Artists, June 1997 and June 1998ÂPoland, Concert Tour, October 1995ÂSelected Concerto AppearancesÂ1989 P. I. Tchaikowsky, Concerto in b-minor with Croatian National OrchestraÂ1988 S. Rachmaninov, Concerto No. 2 with Croatian National OrchestraÂ1982 E. Grieg, Concerto in a-minor with Croatian National OrchestraÂSelected RecordingsÂCD Recording with Palexa, Montreal, supported in part by the Peabody's Career Development Grant (in progress)ÂCD Live Recording of recital in Texas (1998):Â-A. Scriabin: Preludes, op. 16; Two Poems op.32Â-S. Rachmaninov: Sonata No. 1ÂRadio Milan, Italy: E. Pozzoli: Piano Pieces (1985)ÂRadio Split, Croatia: L.v.Beethoven: Sonata op. 31, No. 3; F. Chopin: Balade op. 52 (1986)ÂSelected Competition AppearancesÂ2000 Russel C. Wonderlic Memorial Recital Competition, Baltimore, second prize.Â1999 Concert Artist Guild Competition, New York, semifinalistÂ1997 Harrison Winter Concerto Competition, Baltimore, second PrizeÂ1995 Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, Warsaw, PolandÂ1986 International Piano Competition, Stresa, Italy, First PrizeÂ1986 P. I . Tchaikowsky International Piano Competition, MoscowÂProfessional Appointments/Teaching ExperienceÂ2000-present, Piano Teacher (part-time) at the The Academy of Music in Gaithersburg, MarylandÂ1999-2000, Piano Teacher (part-time) at the Musicians Institute of BaltimoreÂ1998-2000, Teaching Assistant in Piano Performance in studio of Julian Martin, Peabody ConservatoryÂ1997-1998, Graduate Teaching Assistant in Accompanying, Peabody Conservatory:Â1996-1997, Graduate Assistant in Opera Couching, Peabody Conservatory:Â1993-1994 Graduate Assistant at the European Piano Teacher Association (EPTA)Â1984-1990 Teaching Assistant in Accompanying, University of Novi Sad, YugoslaviaÂAcademic BackgroundÂ2001 Artist Diploma, Peabody Conservatory, class of Julian MartinÂ1998 Graduate Performance Diploma, Peabody Conservatory, class of Julian MartinÂ1988 Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, University of Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, class of Yokuthon Mihailovich letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 19 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E,F) Zagreb has the grace and the dignity of old Europe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5530/1/EF-Zagreb-has-the-grace-and-the-dignity-of-old-Europe.html ÂZagreb has the grace and the dignity of oldEuropeCROATIAThe Statues of ZagrebMichèle Bernardspecial report to La PresseTranslated from French by Ivana JericThe statue of Ban Josip Jelacic in Zagreb, Croatia.Zagreb has the grace and dignity of old Europe. If to travel is to fathom the soul of a nation, what is the key to this city? Follow the guide. Or better to say guides, for the statues in its parks show you the way to the heart of the millenarian capital of Croatia, of Hrvatska (pronounced 'hervatska).Zagreb remembers. In the gardens of the Lower Town we find the sculpture "History of the Croatians", a work by Ivan Mestrovic (1932). A quiet strength emanates from the seated young woman. Embodying the memory of her people, she shields with her joined hands a book written in glagolitic script, an alphabet invented in Croatia, an ancestor of the cyrillic script used by the Eastern Orthodox peoples.The free and artistic Zagreb is very knowledgable. All around the flowery gardens the cultural life is alive with its theaters, opera, ballet, concert halls, national museums, galleries of naïve art and private collections, university, or serious academies.Zagreb the European. Facing the railway station, one comes upon the statue of King Tomislav, a work by Mihanovic (1947). A stone's throw away there is Hotel Esplanade, in art deco style, which since 1925 has been catering to the Orient Express travelers. The cuisine of its restaurant remains one of the best in the city. After all, did not the contemporary writer Miroslav Krleza say "Europe ends on the terrace of the Esplanade"?Zagreb the warlike. Originally from the Carpathian mountains, the tribe of Croats was invited in the 7th century by the Roman Emperor Heraclius to come and defend the Balkans. The Croats came, saw and conquered. And then they stayed, exchanging their conversion to Christianity for the protection of Pope John of Dalmatia. In 925, their leader Tomislav was proclaimedKing by the Emperor. King Tomislav unified the country all the way to the sea. The kingdom did not last, and from the 11th century onwards, Croatia came under Hungarian domination for a long time.Zagreb the ambiguous. Even under the socialist yoke, the Croats persisted in their pride of history. "What, you have no king?" they teased their Slovene neighbors who were coming to sell their produce on the Dolac market, where, it seems, the pretty red parasols of today were already in place.In the Upper Town, the hills of Kaptol and Gradec have always been rivals. Starting from 1093, the ecclesiastic Kaptol was the see of a bishopric and of a Catholic cathedral. From the 12th century, the secular Gradec was the home of the Sabor - the Parliament - as well as of the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. Lying between the two, Jelacic Square is the hub of the city. All tram routes seem to lead there. Pedestrian and business streets, snack-bars and restaurants, terraces and cafes offering the usual Viennese pastries, everything radiates from there. Young people make appointments to meet "under the tail", i.e. the tail of the horse of the statue of Josip Jelacic, a work by the sculptor Fernhorn (1866).Zagreb the resisting. Slava mu, glory to him! The Governor Jelacic demanded in 1848 the abolition of all political influence over the Slavic peoples of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He lost the battle and Croatia remained subjected until 1918. Strangely enough, the statue of Jelacic stayed in place under Hungarian domination. In 1947, the socialist Tito made it disappear, trying to fight any nationalism on the part of the six Yugoslav republics. Jelacic was resuscitated in 1991, when Croatia became independent.Zagreb the idealistic. In the 19th century, Strossmayer was promoting the union of all the southern Slavs, the Yugo-Slavs. The stern statue of that patriot-bishop, a work by Mestrovic (1925) is enthroned in the gardens that bear his name. Strossmayer did not see either the beginning or the end of his dream, Yugoslavia.ÂZagreb the tender. Passers-by smile and wax sentimental in front of the Bench of Matos, a work of the contemporary sculptor Ivan Kozaric (1972). Sitting there for all eternity, the wise and filiform bronze figure meditates, close by the funicular connecting the Upper and the Lower Towns. Welcome to Zagreb. Dobrodosli.ÂCROATIELes statues de ZagrebMichèle Bernardcollaboration spéciale, La PresseLa statue de Ban Josip Jelacic à Zagreb en Croatie.Zagreb a la grâce et la dignité de la vieille Europe. Si voyager, c'est pénétrer l'âme d'un peuple, quelle est la clé de cette ville? Suivez le guide. Ou mieux les guides, car les statues des parcs enseignent le chemin du coeur de la capitale millénaire de la Croatie, la Hrvatska (lire Khoeur-vatt-ska).Zagreb se souvient. Dans les jardins de la basse ville siège la sculpture L'Histoire des Croates, oeuvre de Mestrovic (1932). Une force tranquille émane de la jeune femme assise. Mémoire de son peuple, elle protège de ses mains jointes le livre rédigé en glagol, alphabet inventé en Croatie, ancêtre de l'écriture cyrillique utilisée par les orthodoxes orientaux.La libre et artistique Zagreb est bien savante. Tout autour des parcs fleuris, la vie culturelle prolifère avec ses théâtres, opéra, ballets, salles de concerts, musées nationaux, galeries d'art naïf et collections particulières, université ou sérieuses académies.Zagreb l'européenne. Devant la gare, on tombe nez à nez avec la statue du roi Tomislav, oeuvre de Mihanovic (1947). À deux pas, l'hôtel Esplanade, de style Art déco, dessert depuis 1925 les voyageurs de l'Orient-Express. Son restaurant demeure une des meilleures tables en ville. Et puis l'écrivain contemporain Miroslav Krleza ne proclame-t-il pas «L'Europe finit sur la terrasse de l'Esplanade»?Zagreb guerrière. Originaire des Carpates, la tribu des Croates est invitée au VIIe siècle par l'empereur romain Héraclius à défendre les Balkans. Les Croates sont venus, ont vu et ont vaincu. Puis, ils sont restés, troquant leur conversion à la foi chrétienne contre la protection du pape Jean de Dalmatie. En 925, l'empereur proclame roi leur chef Tomislav. Le seigneur unifie le pays jusqu'à la mer. Le royaume ne dure pas et à partir du 11e siècle, la Croatie s'éternise sous la domination hongroise.PublicitéZagreb ambiguë. Même pendant le joug socialiste, la fierté historique des Croates subsiste. «Quoi, vous n'avez pas de roi?» taquinent-ils leurs voisins slovènes venus vendre le produit de leur ferme au marché Dolac. Où dominaient déjà les beaux parasols rouges d'aujourd'hui, affirme-t-on.Dans la ville haute de Zagreb, les collines Kaptol et Gradec rivalisent depuis toujours. Dès 1093, l'ecclésiastique Kaptol abrite évêché et cathédrale catholiques. Au 12e siècle, la séculière Gradec loge le Sabor -le Parlement- ainsi que la noblesse et la bourgeoisie. Entre les deux, la place Jelacic est le point de chute de la ville. Plaque tournante, tous les tramways semblent y aboutir. De là rayonnent rues piétonnières et commerçantes, casse-croûte et restaurants, terrasses et cafés où déguster les viennoiseries d'usage. Les jeunes se donnent rendez-vous «sous la queue du cheval» de Josip Jelacic, oeuvre du sculpteur Fernhorn (1866).Zagreb résistante. Slava mu, gloire à lui! Le vice-roi Jelacic réclame en 1848 l'abolition de toute tutelle pour les Slaves de l'empire austro-hongrois. Il perd la bataille et la Croatie demeure soumise jusqu'en 1918. Fait étrange, la statue de Jelacic demeure en place sous la domination magyare. En 1947, le socialiste Tito la fait disparaître, luttant contre tout nationalisme de la part des six républiques yougoslaves. On sort Jelacic de la poussière en 1991 lors de l'indépendance de la Croatie.Zagreb idéaliste. Au 19e siècle, Strossmayer est partisan de la réunion de tous les Slaves du Sud, les Yugo-Slaves. La sévère statue du patriote-évêque, oeuvre de Mestrovic (1925), trône dans les jardins portant son nom. Strossmayer n'a vu ni le début ni la fin de son rêve, la Yougoslavie.Tendre Zagreb. Sourire aux lèvres, les passants s'attendrissent devant le Banc de Matos, oeuvre du contemporain Ivan Kozaric (1972). Assis éternellement, le sage et filiforme personnage de bronze médite près du funiculaire reliant villes haute et basse. Bienvenue à Zagreb.Dobrodosli. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds Concert Jan 16, 2003 New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5526/1/E-Sylvan-Winds-Concert-Jan-16-2003-New-York.html Distributed by CroatianWorld Sylvan Windsin Concertsylvanwinds@worldnet.att.netÂDear Friends & Colleagues,We hope you will join the Sylvan Winds onÂTHURSDAY, JANUARY 16 AT 8:00 P.M. atTHE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB forWIND QUINTET TREASURESÂatTHE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB located at 15 Park Gramercy Park South (20th Street)Tickets are $20/$10 for students and seniors.For further ticket information, please call (212) 222 - 3569ÂProgram:ÂLIADOV 8 Russian Folk Songs, Op. 58PILLS Serenade for wind quintet (1967)HAAS Wind Quintet, Op. 10 (1929)VERDI String Quartet in e minor (1873) (arr. by Mordechai Rechtman)ÂThis program features a quintet by Czech composer Pavel Haas, written very much in the style of his teacher and fellow Moravian Leos Janacek. One of Haas' orchestral works will be played later this season at Carnegie Hall. While not performed as often in this country, he is highly regarded and his life was abruptly cut short by his death in Auschwitz in 1944.The other featured work on the program is the arrangement of opera composer Giuseppe Verdi's String Quartet by bassoonist Mordechai Rechtman, former principal bassoon of the Israel Philharmonic.We hope you, your friends, and colleagues will be able to join us. A champagne reception follows the performance, and if you wish to have dinner in the historic surroundings (Martin Scorcese filmed "Age of Innocence" in one of the parlors), you may do so by calling the club, (212) 475-3424. Just tell them you are attending the Sylvan Winds concert.If there are others whom you think may be interested, please forward this reminder.For ticket reservations, please call (212) 222-3569. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Croatian Books in US Library Hrvatske Knjige u SAD Knjiznicama http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5529/1/EH-Croatian-Books-in-US-Library-Hrvatske-Knjige-u-SAD-Knjiznicama.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂCroatian Books in US Library Hrvatske Knjige u SAD KnjiznicamaDear friends,I've told you numerous times about the Queens Borough Public Library, NYC, and about my initiative to bring more Croatian materials on its shelves.ÂHope you'll enjoy this article in the Gotham Gazette; here's the link:http://www.gothamgazette.com/citizen/jan03/original_library.shtmlÂHappy reading in Croatian (in the library!),Sanja CrnkovicRepresentative to the UN - Croatian World CongressÂP.S.All artists of Croatian origin, especially performing artists (musicians, singers, folk groups, actors...), interested in participating in future Croatian cultural events in the Library, as well as in New York City in general, send your short info to:crnkovic@netzero.netÂ--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dragi prijatelji,U vise sam navrata vec spomenula Javnu knjiznicu Queens u New Yorku, kao i moju inicijativu da sto vise hrvatskih materijala ugleda svjetlo dana na njezinim policama.Nadam se da cete rado procitati clanak objavljen u Gotham Gazette magazinu na slijedecoj adresi:http://www.gothamgazette.com/citizen/jan03/original_library.shtmlÂUgodno citanje na hrvatskom (u kniznici!),Sanja CrnkovicPredstavnica u UN-u - Hrvatski svjetski kongresÂP.S.Svi umjetnici hrvatskog podrijetla, osobito izvodaci (glazbenici, pjevaci, folklorne druzine, glumci...) zainteresirani za mogucnost sudjelovanja u hrvatskim kulturnim manifestacijama u Knjiznici ili u New Yorku opcenito, posaljite svoju kratku informaciju na adresu:crnkovic@netzero.net . letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 14 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN STORIES - In search of Homeland - Ivo Tasovac http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5531/1/E-CROATIAN-STORIES---In-search-of-Homeland---Ivo-Tasovac.html Distributed by CroatianWorldCroatian Stories IN SEARCH OF HOMELANDÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ- Ivo Tasovac - It's agreed among historians that their purpose of studying history is to detect a historical event. By historical event they mean any occurrence strong enough toinfluence the course of human history. The Croatian hijacking may not be a historical event of that magnitude, yet no one can say it passed unnoticed. In fact, it shook a good number of people, including those who heretofore never heard of the Croats. Most of them were angry, but some of them (mostly those whose countries were under communism) were elated. Even the haughty and unsympathetic to Croats andtheir causes, The New York Times, grudgingly though, published the whole page, as requested by the hijackers, of the Croatian complaints, not only against communism but against Yugoslavia as well. Personally, the event touched me very deeply. That fateful day I was in my office at the University of Utah, pondering over Salvador Dali's picture "Autumn Cannibalism". The picture hung there for some time, but today something, some dark premonition, made me to take a closer look at it. It seemed to have sprung into life. The creatures in it were devouring each other ferociously. The blood spattered and dripped fromtheir forks and knives and the entire picture became stained with the dark-red color. The world gone mad, I thought. Who knows were my thoughts would've taken me, had my friend not appeared at the door. Hey, what's the hell is matter with you damn Croats ? - he started...Do you want turn the world upside down...? What are you talking about ? - I asked. Actually, I thought he was joking, as he usually did whenever he came to see me. Then he became serious and told me what had really happened. All I remember was that the news exploded in my head with an intensity of a small bomb. Paralyzed by sudden anxiety mixed with an acute sense of helplessness, I wished to disappear into thin air or turn into a stone, without any emotions. I was seized by fright akin to aninexperienced actor on stage, watched by millions of critical human eyes which rendered me speechless, as if someone's hand had severed my vocal cords with a razor blade. Except this was not a stage, nor a make-believe world . This was a real world, a real human drama, actually a human tragedy of which, by virtue of being a Croat, l wascondemned to feel its emotional intensity and its frightful entanglement. In the meantime, my friend tried his best to put me at ease and make me relaxed. He talked very calmly about causes and consequences of this and any similar acts in the world devided by trenches of hostility and paranoia. Whoever crosses those trenches, and for whatever reasons...The last word I heard was the reason and thereafter I watched his lipsmoving but heard no sound coming out of his mouth. I managed to escape into the world of my own. After the initial stage of fright and grief, I took the refuge into the kingdom of our Croatian despair. How many times have Itraveled similar desolate roads so far upon which one hears nothing but wailing and howling of theunmitigated human loneliness. Morbid thoughts kept leaping out of my brain. I saw a huge arena with naked people in it, waiting like gladiators for the snarling beasts to come out of their cages to sink their hungry and glistening teeth into their flesh...All the brave and dead people of our past paraded before me, taking a bow, like good actors in a gruesome Shakespearean play, after thecurtain fall. The entire history of our people, in sequence, flashed in my mind. Each sequence ending with corpses in a pools of blood. Most likely because of my tragic sense of history I recalled the ritual death practices by Aztecs. Those familiar with the story of the Aztecs will recall the sacrifices of the young and radiant people, every night, to assure the rise of their sun-god from the womb of darkness every morning. History in general, andours in particular, seemed to be filled with cruel gods who took pleasure in devouring their victims. But whereas the old ones, with all of their cruelties, had some compassion left, contemporary ones have none. The cruel Yugoslav sun-god mocks and jeers our blood tributes, because, as the poet said (Father Dante):" We are without the Heaven and the Hell - a swampy/ Valley where we push and gnaw / The epic horrors without your Inferno."* Indeed, we don't have Dante's Inferno, we have Yugoslavia instead, a baren land with gray waters and gray sky and no soul and therefore no Hell and no Heaven. An unexpected surge of wrath rose within me, directed mostly against my own impotence and wallowing in self-pity. I returned to the stark naked reality. His lips were still moving but the sound was coming out now and I could hear it, loud and clear. He was still talking of crime and punishment and of Yugoslavia's valuable position on both sides of the trenches... I'm trying to be reasonable and realistic...Of course, he was right, but I wasn't in the mood to listen to any rational explanation, particularly at times when the so called Reason with the capital "R" is reduced to a subservient role of a common executioner. I stood up and left the office. He ran after me and grabbed me by my left arm, trying to calm me down. We walked together out of the building without saying a word to each other, but I sensed his sympathy and concerns. Outside, I felt a profound anguish and vacuity of my whole being. People, newscommentators, the news headlines, all of them I experienced like a gladiator the spectators with their "pollice verso" in a Roman arena, refusing mercy to the beaten slave, who had fought for his life and had lost. I was in my car, driving, without beingconscious of my motion or destination . After a while, I realized that I'd entered into one of the canyons and drove winding and twisting road towards the top of the Wasatch Mountains. The peaks and the valleys of the Mountains were majestic and soothing. There was a string of of clear lakes dug into the stone, reflecting on the surface the shadow of silvery Aspen trees. I came out of the car and took a deep breath of freshmountain air. The breeze frolicked in my hair and on my face, leaving on my lips the taste of thedistant sea. Exhausted, I lay on the ground under the nearby tree. Above me, silvery leaves of Aspen moved by the playful breeze, rang like thousands of silvery chimes. The earth smelt rich and my nostrils were filled with the smell of sage and the pines from the shores of the distant sea. Someone's unseen hand softly fell upon my shoulders and unexpected calm rushed though my soul. When in turmoil and mental anguish, the Ancients sought peace and tranquility from the nature, I remembered. In the midst of my solitude, I longed for the times and the people whose search for justice was a way of life. As a most welcomed messenger of that forgotten but sane world, Pindar came to my mind: "Hope", he said," cherishes the soul of he who lives in justice". But what happens when one is not allowed to live in justice ? One is deprived of one's humanity. In that case, I was told, justice was like an animal living in the forest, an like any other animal, it has to be hunted down. Again I looked around me. Nothing moved this time. As though the moving wave of life, suddenly stood still. How tempting it was to shut the door behind and stay here in this timeless stillness and forget all about the trenches and the modern gods. But that would precisely be what the gods want me to do - to do nothing and die by means of inertness. Even if I had a choice, I thought, I would still go back, knowing full well that the moment Ire-entered the world of man, someone's teeth would sink into my heart. It didn't matter any more. The purity and richness of pain, born out of human tragedy, finally seemed to me by far more important and bigger then life itself. Coming home that evening, my six year old son ran towards me with excitement, shouting: Dad, everybody is talking about us Croats and they were telling me in school that there wasn't such a thing as Croatia. He was beaming with pride, as if he was vindicated for the insults inflicted upon him for much too long. Now, he had the proof. I pulled him against my chest and we stood like that, feeling each other's heartbeat. I watched the news. Again I watched the lips moving and heard no sound coming out from the mouths of the reporters. I forgot to count how many hijackers came out of the plane in Paris, one, two,... five, six...I had no idea. I did notice a young American woman among them and her long hair streaming down her cheeks. They all appeared to me, like all prisoners, small and vulnerable. Yet, they were not ordinary prisoners. They were each and everyone extraordinary actors in a human tragedy which the whims of historyupon the world stage. One could feel the hope in their hearts because their act ofsacrifice demonstrated their passionate love for justice of which they were deprived by the gods and wished to restore. They all knew that man may fly through space and walk upon the strangest of planets, but he is most secure down on earth. They knew, from their experience, a life cannot have any significance, nor indeed any meaning unless a man belongs somewhere . As some philosopher remarked, without roots, without belonging, he would turn into a particle of dust and would be overcome by his individual insignificance. In the midst of tragedy, the seed of Hope, with the capital H, was sown in our hearts, in our Croatian hearts.Â* Stihovi su Vladimira Nazora, koje je posvetio Danteu prilikom izdanja Pakla u Hrvatskoj 1920. Ivo Tasovac s Irskim pjesnikom Desmondom Eganom letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Love in the footlight http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5532/1/E-Love-in-the-footlight.html ÂLove in the footlightÂBy ANNE SIEGEL Whitefish Bay's Isabelle Kralj and Mark Anderson.Is it possible to find love and artistic happiness in Milwaukee? Just ask Isabelle Kralj (pronounced "crow-l") and Mark Anderson, the artistic director and associate artistic director, respectively, of Milwaukee Dance Theatre.Though both artists are Milwaukee natives, their diverse experiences have taken them literally all over the world. Anderson, a theater major in college, went on to receive his Master's Degree in Fine Arts (MFA) from the Michigan School of Art & Design. He studied and worked in Seattle for seven years before returning to Milwaukee. Anderson is best known locally for his performance art pieces. He also teaches at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Kralj teaches, too, though her pupils are students at the University School of Milwaukee in River Hills. Her area of the arts is primarily dance. In addition to creating Milwaukee Dance Theatre in 1987, she has worked with a number of other arts organizations in Milwaukee and overseas. As a dancer, she performed in Germany, Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia and throughout the United States. She received her Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.Anderson has worked with Intertia Ensemble, Boulevard EnsembleStudio Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks and Theatre X. Kralj has worked with First Stage Milwaukee, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Florentine Opera, Bel Canto Chorus and, like Anderson, Theatre X.Working in Milwaukee has been both a blessing and a curse, Kralj admits. While Milwaukee Dance Theatre has attracted a loyal audience, it's probably not as large as it would be in other cities that are more accustomed to seeing multi-disciplinary performance work. However, she says she and Mark are grateful for all the professional recognition they've received over the years. Kralj received a new choreography award from the Wisconsin Arts Board; Anderson has received a number of commissions and twice won the Wisconsin Arts Board Interdisciplinary Arts Fellowship. Kralj is alsointensely proud of the Milwaukee Dance Theatre's status as an associate member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).The company officially will open its 15-year anniversary production this month, with a restaging of "It's a Wonderful Life." The production will be staged at Marquette University's Helfaer Theatre on Dec. 13-17.Most audiences are familiar with the famous holiday film of the same name, starring the late Jimmy Stewart. The Milwaukee Dance Theatre's version keeps fairly close to the movie script, although it intersperses dance sequences with stretches of dialogue. It is suitable for families and children of all ages."We believe we've developed a clever twist on how the story is told," Kralj says.http://www.gmtoday.com/content/NSL/2002/December/24.asp letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN STORIES - Snow Powder - Josip Novakovich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5535/1/E-CROATIAN-STORIES---Snow-Powder---Josip-Novakovich.html Distributed by CroatianWorldCroatian StoriesSnowPowder - JosipNovakovich -Large snowflakes floated in the wind like dove feathers.Mirko leaned his head against the windowpane and gazed up the hill into themountains shrouded in the pale clouds and snow, and he grew joyfully dizzy.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe stumbled to the basement, and waited for his eyes to get used to thedark, with a few streaks of light hitting a sack of sprouting potatoes. His skisemerged out of the dark and shone seemingly supplied by an independent source ofbeige light from within, from the soul of the old wood. Mirko gingerly touchedthese smooth ghosts of former winters and took them up the stairs while theyclanked and fenced with each other. He waxed them with beeswax and shined themwith his woolen socks. He walked to the yard gate, an old rusty squeal-makingcontraption on loose hinges. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhere are you going? You have to do homework and get ready for school!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMommy, look at all that beautiful snow.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes, I understand that. But you got math to do.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI am good at math.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou won't be if you don't keep up. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko ran into the yard and skied between the wood shed and the formergoat stall. The town ordinance no longer allowed keeping goats within townlimits. Just two blocks away, one could keep goats. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe moist chill on his cheeks and the snow behind his shirt collar gavehim a delicious shiver. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSoon, Boro, his younger brother, joined him, and they enjoyed a snowballfight until their fingers turned red and sore. Mirko laughed at Boro because hisface had turned into a semblance of a red and green apple--green chin and lipsand red cheeks and nose. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLater, Mirko walked to school, with his fingers itching even under hisfingernails in the gloves. The first class was his favorite, geography. He knewall the highest peaks on every continent, the longest rivers, the deepest oceantrenches. The topic was Antarctica and the global warming effect. The teacher,Medic, an elderly woman with gray hair and small eyes which gleamed from areddish darkness of swollen eyelids, kept talking about how western industrialnations had been trapping heat within the atmosphere. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDoes it mean the highest peak will go down? Mirko asked. Now it's 4987meters high.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat's an interesting question, she said. We'll have to figure it out.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut it's made of rock, unlike the North Pole.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBravo. So it won't go down with the melting.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMaybe it will, he said. How many feet that make the top are made of iceor glacier?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWe'd have to look it up.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd if the ice melts all over the world, the sea level will rise, and sothat'll cut down the space above the sea level, too, won't it?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou are right about that, she said. Brilliant for a ten year old. I amgoing to give you an A for this. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShe opened the grade book and with her trembling and swollen hand shewrote a large A in red. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut that did not make Mirko happy--the world was melting away; what was agrade compared with the world? He gazed through the windows and watched thethickly falling snow. Tree branches were covered with it, the top half white,the bottom brown--darker than usual because it was wet--divided like a flag. Hewondered whether there was a flag in that color combination and couldn't thinkof any. And why wouldn't there be a flag, half white and half black? What wouldit symbolize? Peace and death? Peaceful death? Deadly peace? Surrender and go tochurch? None of it sounded appealing. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe evergreens, white and green, made the right color combination for aflag, but not the right shape, with snow-laden branches bending.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe bell rang for the recess. He hopped down the wooden stairs, whichsqueaked and thudded and sang, as though his feet were fingertips bouncing onworn and untuned piano keys. In the schoolyard, he kneeled and hugged snow intoa little heap, which he then squeezed with his palms and rolled. The wet snowmade a quickly growing ball after which the cobbled pavement was laid bare, inan ever larger trail. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSuddenly an iced snowball hit him on his right ear so that it rang with abrimming pain, and a high pitch, like that of a struck tuning fork, remained inhis ear. He got up to see who threw the ball, but he couldn't. A boy grabbed himfrom behind, and pulled him down to the ground. Another one punched him andshouted, That'll teach you, you nerd, to show off in class.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIs that what you do, just read books? No wonder you re so weak!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe wiggled to get out from under them.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe bell rang to signal the end of the recess. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe boys got up. Mirko ran after them and tripped the slower one, whofell right in front of the math teacher, a chubby, red-faced man with whitehair.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe teacher scrutinized the boys, lit his grainy cigarette with a match,waved the flame quickly out of its life after which a trail of thin sulpheroussmoke remained and he went on his way to the classroom without a word. The boysfollowed, inhaling the incindiary and unfiltered aroma of his anger.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂStand up, you Marich, the teacher called, and blew out thick white smoke,which seemed to make his white hair expand, while his red face diminished almostto the red center of an enlivened cigarette tip.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko did. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIs that the way to behave?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe boy who fell sobbed and wiped his cheeks but there were no tears onthem. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTeacher, the two of them attacked me during the recess and I tried to getback at them. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat's a fine way to go. Let me see your homework.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI forgot my notebook at home.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut you did the homework? All right, then you know how to do complexdivision, expressing the remainder in decimals. Come to the blackboard and let'ssee whether you ve learned anything. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko stood in front of the blackboard, trying to ignore the incessanttuning fork pitch in his ear, and perhaps because of the pitch, he had nostage-fright. He solved the problem accurately.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNerd, nerd! shouted the boys in the class.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂJust ignore them, said the teacher and slid his yellow fingers intoMirko's uncombed curly brown hair, and he ruffled his hair in this nicotinedblessing so much that Mirko felt static in his scalp, a manifestation of pride,which traveled down his spine and decayed into revulsion low in his abdomen. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko looked into the rows of kids, and saw his favorite girl, Bojana,smile at him. He was blissful as he looked into her green eyes framed by blacklashes. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDuring the break, he followed Bojana outside. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLet's see who can swoosh a better angel, she said.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShe fell backwards in the snow and closed her eyes, and flapped her armslike a bird. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHer long lips slightly parted and revealed snow-white teeth, so it lookedas though the snow around her was also in her, especially when she opened hereyes; the whites of her eyes were purely white. There was a wonderful icinessbout her.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYour turn! she said. Close your eyes and imagine you are flying to theLord.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe gladly obeyed, and kept splashing the snow, when suddenly he feltmoist tingling on his lips. He opened his eyes, and she leaped away.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI told you to keep your eyes closed! she said. She was flushed in herface.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe wiped his lips and looked at his hands as though there should be bloodor honey on them.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIt would have lasted longer if you had kept your eyes closed.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDid you kiss me? he asked. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes, did you like it? I bet you've never kissed before.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo. Have you?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes, just now. I thought it was high time that I have the first kiss.After the age of ten, it's almost too late. You'd have to be embarrassed not tohave done it. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShe shoveled snow with her open palms onto his face. Now no matter whathappens in our lives, we'll always be the first, you know that? We'll neverforget it.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDo you want to do it again? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo, not today. It's too early for the second kiss. That can wait for ayear.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd she ran away, laughing.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko rushed home, skipping steps through flurries, a richer man thanbefore, with more world around him, and a better and greater world it was, justas an orange is bigger unpeeled than peeled. It was as though the world, apeeled orange that had dried and grown bitter, had got back its skin andfreshness, a chance to be juicy again. He savored the crunching sound, and triedto make a melody out of it, by crunching the snow slowly and quickly, gently androughly. He picked a little snow from an evergreen branch, and ate it. He buriedhis face in it. Snow, heavenly snow.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat evening his father, Zvonko, arrived from Germany. Business at homehad been so bad that nobody wanted mechanical watches and everybody got cheapquartz ones from China at street markets, and so he went to Germany once a monthfor a week, to sell old watches and clocks at antique fairs. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIt took me ages to get here, Father said. So many roads are blocked,Serbs had taken so much land, that I felt like a fly entering a bottle through arotten cork. But you all have been fine?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThank God, said his wife Neda. People here get along pretty well. Wearen t like those madmen in Eastern Bosnia; we don t care who s who.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou think? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂZvonko gave Mirko's brother Boro various coins--several 10 Franc pieces,with yellow brassy circles and nickel insides, from a fair in Strasbourg; a fiveGerman-mark coin; five Swiss frank coin with a thick cross on a shield, Italianliras . . . Now Boro piled them up into little towers and asked how much eachwas worth in dinars.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou can't do that in dinars, Mirko said. The dinar is worthless. Do it inGerman marks. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGood advice, said Zvonko. A German mark is worth 3 francs and onethousand liras.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAre Italians the poorest if their money is worth so little? asked Boro.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo, they just like a lot of zeros. In Italy everybody is a millionaire.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAfter supper, the father and his sons went outdoors, and built a snowman.Zvonko used two old irreparable watches as the snowman's eyes. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe following morning, Mirko was awakened by his father's kiss over hisear. That kiss triggered his inner tuning fork. The lights were on. Mirko jumpedout of bed to see whether the snow was still there.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDon't worry, the snowman is going nowhere, Zvonko said. The previous year, Mirko had cried when his snowmanmelted, and he still kept the shrunken snowman the size of an Egyptian mummifiedkitten in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Death of his snowman had grieved him fordays. The fact that snow everywhere had melted was bad enough, but that hisfriend, whose soul was made out of snow, would also melt and vanish, and had,hurt him. But this time, Mirko was not getting attached to the new snowman, evenif his watch-eyes had stalled the time perhaps from before Mirko's birth,perhaps from before the real global warming effect, when winters were continuoushowling snowstorms, and the world a pattern of shifting snowdrifts. Oh, howlucky my great-grandparents must have been, he thought, but then remembered thatthey had been slaughtered by Serbs in the Second Balkan War, in the winter.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHave you done your homework? his father asked.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWe had none.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHow nice! ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIs it all right if I go to school on my skis? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut, do you have a place to hide them? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI'll bring them into the classroom and keep them behind the stove.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko put his ski shoes on and clipped them onto the skis, and with theschoolbag at his back, he started toward the school, but as he rounded the firstcorner out of Father's sight, he went on, up the hill, through the park, overthe trails where he had played Robin Hood during the summer. He found it awkwardand painful to go up the hill waddling like a duck, so he took off the skis andcarried them, but they separated from one another and dangled and resumed theirold fencing match. To handle them better, he got rid of his school bag, which hehid in a bush. He climbed high into the hill, reaching the dazzling line ofdaytime, a storm of light of the rising sun, capping the dark blue below, and heslid down back into the slumbering morning on his skis. He kept his balance, androde in terror, delicious terror, that he would fall, shatter his bones, fly . .. and he did fly over uneven spots. The cold moist air and granulated snowsmarted his face and chilled his ears. To stop, he deliberately fell into asnowdrift, and he climbed the hill again. This time he would go to the top, intothe mountain, and he'd ski down for more than a kilometer. He panted as he wentup, and ate snow because he was thirsty. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂStoj! a voice shouted. Halt!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko looked around but saw nothing.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe rubbed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he faced several menin camouflage, which visually merged with the sickly evergreens behind them,with patterns of green and brown, as though the men too had been eaten by acidrain, or as though the acid-bitten trees had begun to move and chatter andthreaten behaving like mirage soldiers. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat are you doing up here? a soldier said. You got me so startled Ialmost shot you!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂReally? Mirko said. Why would you do that?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNice skis, where did you get those?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFrom Germany. My Dad works there. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFor those Nazis? Let's make a deal, I'll give you my gun, and you give meyour skis and boots, how is that?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo way, said Mirko.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat do you mean, No way? I can take your skis if I like. You are ourprisoner, a POW, don t you know that?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPrisoner? That s exciting, Mirko said. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWe ll make sure it s exciting.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI don't mind that if you let me ski.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut if we let you, you'll ski all the way down to the village, and you'lltell everybody we are here.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo, I won't. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAll right, we'll let you go if you come back with a flask of plum brandy.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat if I don't come back?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLet me show you something. The soldier led Mirko to a cannon on wheelsand slid a missile-like bomb into the pipe. See, it even has a telescope sostrong that you can see the rings of Saturn at night if you like. You want totake a look? Show me your house in the valley. When you look at it, it'll feellike you are right there.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat one, with the green roof, Mirko said. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAll right, we'll have to adjust the scope angle. There. So now when yougo back down there, if you tell anybody we are up here, we can blow you up, isthat clear?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou tricked me. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou are a good boy, I have one at home just like you. Nothing will happento you, just remember to bring the brandy. ÂMirko took a magnificent glide down the mountain,splashing snow left and right; the snow clouds that burst up from under himfilled with sunlight, refracting fleeting rainbow fragments. The following day, it rained, soit was not a good day to ski, but looking up the mountain, Mirko imagined thatit snowed up there. Yes, for every 100 meters, you lose one degree Celsius. Yougain snow. He wanted to go up the mountain, but not today. He longed to seeBojana, to smell her cheeks. As he walked, he looked over the minaret and achurch dome into the mountain, and for the first time ever, he felt guilty thathe was going to school. That was truly irresponsible of him; what if thesoldiers up there got angry that they had run out of brandy and bombed the town?They could kill his parents, his brother; their bomb could strike any moment inthe streets, and tear him to pieces. For a moment, he hesitated; of course, heshould rush home, and save the town. It would be terrible if they all diedsimply because he wanted to look at Bojana s face. But it would be almost asterrible not to see her face.At the beginning of the mathclass, he was tempted to tell everybody that they were encircled by a Serb army,that any moment the bombing could start, that they were all in mortal danger,and that the only way out of it was to collect plum brandy and haul it up intothe mountain. He enjoyed the power of his knowledge. He would not tell them,just not yet. He gazed blissfully out thewindow. Having missed a day, he also missed homework. The math teacher checkedhomework, and Mirko tried the old maneuver--he'd forgotten the notebook at home.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAwfully forgetful at your age, that's no good, said the teacher. Now, atmy age it would make sense. All right, prove at the blackboard you did yourhomework.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe gave Mirko the assignment, to divide 44.29 into 682.91.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko was hesitant. He'd never done a division like that, and didn't knowwhat to do with the decimal points. He remembered the buzz in his ears, butthere was none. His knees shook, and to steady them, he tightened his legs andstood up straight and stiffened. The class laughed. They all seemed to relishthe fact that he couldn't do the math. He looked for sympathy in Bojana, butshe'd joined in the mob lynching by laughter. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAll right, do it without the decimal points, the teacher said. You getthose out, and the proportion stays the same. Do it now. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThrough tears, Mirko couldn't see very well. The class still jeered. Hegot so flustered that he forgot which way to go, from left to right or right toleft. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGet lost, said the teacher. Before you fight with boys, just get lost. Gohome and do your homework. No wonder we have wars here, when you all grow uplike thugs. Why can't you boys get together to do math? Or play chess? Just tenyears ago, kids played chess everywhere, and now, I never see a kid with achessboard. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTill the end of the class, Mirko stared at the low drifting clouds, hisface still brimming and hot. He imagined washing his face in the snow, coolinghis cheeks off. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe was sitting close to the tile furnace, in which coal burned; there wasa large weaved basket full of coal in front of it. The side of his face closerto the stove was hot, and the slight smoke stung his eyes. The tiles crackled,and he wondered whether the heat did it; he knew that it made some thingsexpand, and others shrink. He wondered what the heat did to the rocks, and howglobal warming would affect the mountains. Would they all grow? Wasn't it truethat the tallest mountains were close to the equator? Or was that because of therotation of the globe? Or both? And why was it that Mars, which was a littlesmaller and rotated faster than earth, had a mountain twice as high as Mt.Everest? Was that mountain close to the equator of Mars? He got so absorbed inhis thoughts that he did not notice when the class was over. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLook at our genius, said one of the boys. What do you think goes on inhis head now? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe's probably figuring out what two times two equals.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko heard that but did not bother to answer the provocations.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDuring the break, he walked by himself. He looked around for Bojana, buthe couldn't see her in the crowds of kids.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat are you looking for, my friend? Toni, the best soccer player in theclass, asked. Your little girlfriend? Come, I'll show where she is.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe looked where Toni was pointing, to the old chestnut tree. Bojana wasleaning against the tree with her back, and Stevo, the class goalie, was kissingher. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂToni jeered. So, what is two plus one?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBojana saw him over Stevo's shoulder, and then closed her eyes and kissedmore strongly than before. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko did not know how to respond. Should he go and fight Stevo, defendhis honor and love, defend her? But she clearly was not reluctant; she put herarms behind Stevo's neck and pulled him to her. When the bell rang, Stevo walkedahead of her, not looking at Mirko, clearly not wishing any fight. She walkedbehind him, smiling, her lips scarlet, her cheeks and eyes full of light,viciously beautiful so that even at that moment Mirko marveled at her and lovedher.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou know what? she said. We didn't do it right. We just lip-kissed, whichdoesn't count. You got to tongue kiss, deep-French kiss, that counts. You justsaw my first real kiss! It's wonderful, so much better than lip-kissing, you gotto try it one day when you grow up.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMirko did not respond. He did not walk on, but continued standing andstaring at the tree as though he could still see what he should have been doing.He did not go back to the classroom. He left his books there. On the way home,he was out of breath although he walked slowly. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIn the streets, soldiers drove in regular cars, mostly VWs. That wassomething new by the flags some displayed on their uniforms, it was clear thiswas the new Bosnian army. Did they know about his friends in the hills? Wouldthere be fighting? He hoped there would be.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAt home, he stole a bottle of plum brandy from thepantry, from among the jars of plum jam and pickled peppers. The bottle clankedagainst the jars but nothing broke. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHis father caught him outside. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou are too little to be interested in brandy. What do you think you aredoing?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI need it. If I hurt myself skiing, I can clean my wound with this.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDon't lie, you little thief. I'll teach you to steal!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd his father, who had not spanked him in years, twisted his arms,nearly breaking them, and then beat him with his thick western belt, which hehad pulled out of his blue jeans. His blue-jeans fell back to his knees, and hestood in his white underwear, belting his son s back, sprawled over unsplitfirewood beech logs which smelled of oyster mushrooms and soil, the smells beingenhanced in the snow through Mirko's gasps and steamy breath.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCry, you little bastard.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut Mirko would not cry. He ground his teeth; he'd rather die thansurrender. It struck him as immensely unjust that he was being punished by theman he was about to save. His father could not know that his son was saving him,but now Mirko would not tell him, out of spite. If Father could not suspect goodintentions, if he needed to talk and accuse, the hell with him. Mirko did notcry, but tears blurred his vision, and the silvery logs and the snowman withwatchful eyes and the whole sun-struck yard broke apart in shafts of light inthe diamond splendor of his pain. The beauty of it all surprised him, and so heeven welcomed the scorching licks of ox leather on his skin. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHis Mother shouted from the house door. Stop it, you old beast! Stop letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN STORIES - On Finding a Grave in Cleveland - Josip N http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5534/1/E-CROATIAN-STORIES---On-Finding-a-Grave-in-Cleveland---Josip-N.html Distributed by CroatianWorldCroatian StoriesOn Finding a Grave in Cleveland - JosipNovakovich -My grandmother had died in Cleveland, and nobody in my family--most of them living in Croatia and none in the States--knew where her grave was. I couldn't find the records in the downtown library in Cleveland. I visited the old house on Carry Avenue where she used to live, between 55th and 60th Street, one block toward the Lake Erie from St. Claire Avenue. Before the second world war, the block had burned down on one end of the street because the gas tanks there exploded and many Slovenes and Croats who lived on the street were killed. Now, at one end of the street, there was a new park, Grdina Park, after a Slovenian priest by the same name who had buried many of the industrial victims. Grd means ugly, so the park has been appropriately named Ugly. Even 25 years ago, when I visited the States for the first time, the neighborhood, as the first sight of the glorious country for me, a Balkan provincial, appalled me. Rusty factories with shattered windows, orange-brown rails overgrown in weeds, houses with caving porches. The old Croats and Slovenes spoke a strange language, a mixture of English and Croatian, and both languages were ungrammatical, or in a way, they had their own grammar: Cronglish, or Slonglish, one could name the language if there were enough people speaking it. And there, in that neighborhood, my grandfather had worked and wasted his health, acquiring chronic bronchitis in a screw factory, along with many of his compatriots. According to letters Cleveland immigrant workers sent to Croatia at the beginning of the century, the smoke arising from more than a thousand chimneys was so heavy that one could rarely see the sky. My grandfather of course did not have a car, and he walked home from work. On one such walk he saw a girl playing in a yard, liked her, walked up to the door, rang the bell, and asked the man who opened the door for the permission to marry the girl. The man invited him in, interviewed him for ten minutes, and without consulting his daughter, gave my grandfather, who was 28, the permission to marry the girl, who was 14. And that was the beginning of that line of my family, of me. Still, my grandfather never liked Cleveland. Once Yugoslavia was formed in 1918, he decided to go back and enjoy the panSlavic state. He planned to become a big-time farmer, American style, but he overestimated what his savings could do. He went to a village, Medjuric, and wouldn't budge from it, even tough he was a poor peasant, having chosen sandy soil that alternately flooded and dried up, and yielded more frogs than cornstalks. He wheezed in the fields happy that he did not have to go to a stultifying factory in Cleveland. He read, talked, and joked, and I remember him as a tall, jovial and emaciated man. He died when I was seven. His was the first in the line of many funerals in my childhood. He was buried next to the train tracks, so every time I took the train, I'd lean out the window and see Pavao Bubanovic on black marble. This gave me some satisfaction--So, I thought, these are my roots, next to the rails, inviting me to uproot myself. Anyway, Mary Volcensek, my grandmother, had left him before his death, right after World War II, even though as a communist she had got a good apartment in the center of Zagreb. I don't know the reasons for their divorce and they were after all their business. But death and cemeteries, that is everybody's business. She loved the war years so much that in Cleveland, while working as a cashier at Mace Company, she read all the second world war novels she could. She easily talked about the war, the wormy gangrenes she as a nurse had attended to on partisans' legs, the warm handshake Tito had given her. In the States, she never accumulated any property because she gave away everything she had to her sons in Croatia, and much less to my mother. She lived first with a priest who had a temple in their house and held private services in Latin, and she laughed at his religion good-humoredly. She spent a lot of time walking from one friend to another. I visited her after she had her first heart attack at the age of 76. She said she had no desire to live, and she refused to eat, trying to die, but after the second heart attack, doctors revived her again. The third did it. At the time I lived without money and jobs in NYC, so I did not go to the funeral. She was buried by her older brother, who'd had a stroke, and his wife, Stephanie, who worked for the police department and even at 65 wore mini-skirts, proud of her legs. She was incensed that she had two sick old people on her hands to deal with, and a burial to boot. She shouted at me on the phone, so I didn't call her to ask her where my grandmother was buried, and when I tried later on, her number was no listed.Now, fifteen years later, in 1999, I was sure I would find Stephanie in the same house, or somewhere else in the city, and she would tell me how to find my grandmother's grave, after rightly rebuking me for neglecting the funeral. Plus, she would probably want me to pay for part of the expenses, which would be all right. I had just received a Guggenheim fellowship, and although I hadn't written in the application that I would pay for debts on my grandmother's funeral, I was sure the Foundation couldn't object to such a use of part of the money.I came to the one-story white house with wooden siding, and in the yard was a man I didn't know washing a car. He didn't know anything about the Volcenseks. Who are you looking for? asked a woman from across the street. Mary Volcensek used to live here. I am her nephew. I would like to . . . Oh, she died.I know. I am looking for her relatives. They died. Everybody in that house died. They all died within a year. Stephanie too?Yea, she died of cancer. Do you know any of her relatives? Well, yeah, I am her niece. Do you know where Mary is buried. I have no idea.Who would know? Maybe my other aunt. She's a bartender at . . . she gave me a name of a bar on St. Claire and 72nd. I drove there. It was a strange dive, with deer heads, pool table, and many old men. The aunt had a husky voice, broken down by too much smoking. I have no idea where she's buried. But you could talk with my cousin, Babe. Babe knows everybody in the neighborhood. Where does she live? What's her address? Her last name is Cizel. You can look it up in the book. I did, and I drove to the house, but there was nobody there. Another whitehouse, near 55th, on Bona, near the Sterle Slovenian Restaurant, where many weddings were held, and where I was defeated in my attempts to become a vegetarian. I had been one for a month, but now, during the break in my search for my grandmother's grave, I couldn't resist veal goulash. The best veal goulash I've ever had. Later I couldn't repeat the experience at the same place. I am sure that the break-down of my resolve had much to do with the pleasure of that initial meal--I savored the juices with onions and soft Italian bread. . . . Anyway, after it I tried to find old woman Babe, but she wasn't there. I went to the Slovenian Catholic Church, St. Vitius, two blocks away although I thought that was a hopeless try since my mother was a Baptist who did not attend churches, and later she attended a Lutheran church for the lunch-hour for the elderly. My wife and my kids accompanied me, and the kids chased each other in the parish office, while I tried to calm them down. A young woman showed up and gave me the parish records to look through. And sure enough, I found Mary Volcensek's name in the book. The priest walked in, a serious and sad Slovene in his later forties, and he said, Oh yes, Mary and her brother John. They died within a couple of weeks. That's an incredibly sad story. When I asked him to tell me more, he wouldn't. But he gave me the directions to the Calvary cemetery and said that the office there would be able to direct me to the location of her grave; they would have the records of her section and lot numbers. I tried calling the office but got no response. On the way there, we stopped by the Cizel's again. Upon my ringing at the door, an old woman's face appeared and I recognized it. My grandmother and I spent an evening with her 25 years ago, during Nixon's resignation address. But that was in a different house. Oh, you are from the old country, aren't you? She asked. Come in! I introduced myself, and she said, I remember you. I was delighted for a moment to be in the world in which memory does not fail; or rather, after many failures, the memory resurfaces and brings us together again. My enthusiasm in memory was dimmed a little when she asked me how my father in Zagreb was. I realized she took me for my cousin who had visited with his father. Oh, you mean my Uncle Ivo. He's dead. Bled to death from ulcer. And his son Damir, he's doing well. Married, has a daughter . . .Oh, that's it, Damir. Yes, you mistook me for Damir, I said. But I visited you too, three years before he did.Oh, yes, now I remember. I remember that evening . . . And I think she did. Her mind seemed to be quite together. And this is your family. Lovely children, she said. My six year old son hid behind my wife. Eva, my two-year old, ran in circles around the room. There was an old woman with Babe, her mother. Babe was 70 and her mother 97. As renters, they lived together on the ground floor, which hey kept it perfectly clean. Babe brought out a box with paper, death records, and photographs."She goes to all the funerals around here," her mother said. "Somebody has to," she said. "Many of our old friends have died, and some without anybody to take care of the funeral arrangements, so I help the priest out that way." "Oh, and she goes to the gravestones, and pulls out the weeds, cleans the stones." "Yes, but we haven't been to your grandmother's grave in half a year. We'd like to go, but we just got back from a dentist's appointment. Can you believe it, my mom has such good teeth that she still gets toothaches. You wouldn't think that was a good sign but it is--her teeth are alive. Se we had to go to a dentist to fill out a cavity. Oh my, that was a journey. See, we don't have a car, so we walk everywhere and we take buses. But next time you come to Cleveland, let us know, and we'll all go." Are you hungry? Would you like to eat some Slovenian sausages? Yes, we saw the Slovenian grocery on the corner on the way here, I said. Their sausages are the best, she said. How about some beer? She brought out some Heineken beer. I was impressed, The ladies were aging with style. Oh, no wonder you have lived to be over 97, I said to Babe's mother. I never drink, she said. The priest visited us, and for some reason he brought us this, so whenever a guest comes, we hope to make him drink some. We had a dozen, now 8 to go yet. They boiled the sausages for Jeanette and me. We enjoyed eating them with sauerkraut. Won't you join us? I said. Oh no, said the older one, we have sausages just for guests. I haven't eaten one in years. She just eats bread, crackers, fruits, and salads, said Babe. The old woman was smiling happily at us. I was a bit disenchanted with their healthy example; I prefer to see people stay healthy and eat and drink and be merry, but here, they were merry enough without heavy food and drink. In fact, they were merrier than most people I had talked with in days. The old woman remembered my grandmother, for they would be now the same age, and even better, she remembered her family and her mother. "They were our neighbors just a couple of blocks from here. You could see Katarina walk barefoot even in the winter. She was a strong woman. She gave birth to her children while men were at work, and then she'd cook a meal for them, so once they came back from the factory, they'd have something to eat. And then, she'd go back to her baby. I don't think she ever saw a doctor. "She wore shoes only when she went to St. Claire Avenue--for her that was the high society, and she didn't want to look like a peasant there. She liked walking barefoot because she saved on shoes that way." Wow, that was great--she was remembering my great-grandmother, and she would have probably come up with more details, if Babe hadn't insisted on dominating the conversation and on talking about St. Vitius church, which I didn't mind, just having seen what great service the church provided: it buried even those who didn't pay any dues and it kept records. Now and then, Babe would interrupt her mother: Oh, Mama, you don't remember it right. Then she'd turn to us, and say, You know just lately her mind has been going. The old woman would smile in the meanwhile knowingly. It didn't seem to me that her mind was going--she looked alert and clever. And she doesn't watch out enough for herself. A couple of summers ago, we still didn't have air-conditioning--thank god, now we do--and one hot night, I found her asleep on the floor, with the front door open right into the street. Someone could have come in . . . Oh, at my age, how could I fear that? asked the old woman. How did you like school? What subject did you like best? I asked the old woman. I liked them all. Oh, it was all interesting. Really? You had no favorites? No, hardly ever. Even with people, I didn't play favorites. Something in her attitude struck me as terribly wise and healthy. Too bad she was not a blood relative, and through in-laws our relationship was extremely distant. On the other hand, here she was, an immigrant before World War I, like my grandfather and my grandmother's family, and her life was parallel to a large extent to theirs, except that she had never bothered with Yugoslavia. What struck me about these lives was the absence of men. Most of them had died early because of terrible working conditions in the factories and because of unhealthy life-styles. This was, in some way, amatrilineal society. My quest for the roots here was matrilineal. After parting from the wise women, we drove to the cemetery. Calvary is huge, with rolling hills and many lots. It took us quite a while to find section 110, and then the lot--the lots weren't marked. Most of the tombstones were level with the ground, kept up pretty well. It took us half an hour to find her grave. The stone was pretty clean, thanks to Babe. The wind was blowing. My son shivered and stood on the stone. I told him, You can t stand on the stone. Why? He asked. It s not respectful. Why? I don t know. Who knows, maybe your Great-grandmother would like it, that you are here, standing above her. OK, stand there if you like. Jeanette took pictures I planned to send them to my mother, who was 81, and ill, in Croatia. But, it occurred to me that she might not like to see that 81 was the biological limit, so far, for women in her lineage. Maybe I would not send her the pictures. Should she die without seeing her mother s and grandmother s grave? We took a walk to the other section, where Mary's mother was. That one was next to a large maple. I was surprised to see that her first name was totally anglicized, into Catherine; I had expected her to be Katarina. My daughter danced at her grave, and said, ABC. Daddy, there s alphabet soup down here! And she sang, Now I sing my ABC. We all laughed. Eva had found a good use for tombstones. Later, we would of course revisit, and then, I suspect, Eva will not sing, and as the years go buy, the stones would strike more sadness in her.ÂJosip Novakovichjosipn@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Contemporary Music Scene in Croatia - Washington DC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5367/1/E-Contemporary-Music-Scene-in-Croatia---Washington-DC.html ÂEmbassy of Croatia has the honor to invite you to a lectureThe Contemporary Music Scene in Croatiapresented by Antun Tomislav ŠabanComposer and MusicologistWednesday, January 14, 20047:00 p.m.Embassy of Croatia2343 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20008Free AdmissionR.S.V.P.: (202) 588 5899 ex. 116ÂThe lecture will feature the current trends in the contemporary music scene in Croatia, and give an insight into Croatian classical, jazz/ethno and popular music, as well as introduce major contemporary Croatian composers and performers. Also, it will present the important music labels in Croatia, the Croatian music market, and examine whether there is such a thing as a "Croatian Music Industry". Antun Tomislav Saban is a freelance composer based in Zagreb. Currently, he holds the office of Secretary General of the Croatian Composer's Society, he directs two jazz festivals in Croatia, and is a member of the Music Council of the Croatian Ministry of Culture. Mr. Saban holds a Master of Arts degree in composition from the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna, Austria. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN STORIES - Unbroken Red Lines - Josip Novakovich http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5536/1/E-CROATIAN-STORIES---Unbroken-Red-Lines---Josip-Novakovich.html Distributed by CroatianWorldCroatian StoriesUNBROKEN RED LINES - JosipNovakovich -I don't have enough breath to tell smoothly. I don't know where my drawing of breath should take place, and where the lines should be breathless and broken. Never mind: this unsyncopated verselessness does not seek artfulness of expression, but is as simple a lament as possible. Well, in Cleveland there is a man, who came here some forty years ago. He had first worked since his early teens as a grocery store assistant in a Jewish merchant's store in Sarajevo. The war came. Djeba's boss hid from the Nazis, and Djeba was drafted at gunpoint by the Nazis into the Croatia army. The army was defeated, and it surrendered to the British in Slovenia, under the promises of some kind of amnesty. The British passed the POWs on to Tito's partisans, who strafed the company, which huddled together. The POWs didn't have the place to fall on the ground, and many corpses remained standing. Djeba, unhit, curled down below the mess of bleeding corpses, inhaling urine and blood. When you are hanged, you have an erection. When you are struck down, or before it, you piss. And then bleed. The standing corpses fell like dominos, piling up in two-three floors. At the bottom, Djeba didn't dare to move from under the mound of corpses for hours, but when he nearly suffocated, he crawled from under the foul flesh. Hiding, he chose the most difficult mountains to go back to Bosnia, where he lived in the woods and in a cave for two years, in fear that the partisans might still execute him. He ate tree roots, wild onions, berries, frogs. Still, driven by hunger in the winter he walked over the same mountain ridges to Slovenia and Austria, and reached a refugee camp. He looked for his former boss from Sarajevo in Vienna and found him. The former boss, a survivor of harrows himself, took his former grocery boy, under his wings. Djeba worked in the survivor's new grocery store. Got a visa to the States. Worked for the Tick and Screw Company and in Cleveland on bread and water. He saved enough money to buy books. He opened a bookstore, the only Croatian bookstore on the North American Continent, on St. Claire and 62nd. Yugoslav secret agents demolished his store several times and threatened to kill him. He repaired the store, and kept selling books in Croatian, so the word would not die out, so the people would not die out. The first time I got to the States, my Slovene grandmother took me to the store, in 1974, and there I met the man and his books. She bought me a large dictionary in red covers. My grandmother, who was a partisan nurse in Croatia and Slovenia in the war, died. She is buried in the Calvary cemetery, with her bachelor brother, who joined her in Cleveland, so they could die together. That may not have been the plan, but they died two weeks apart, and ended up in a singular grave. I have visited Cleveland many times, and each time I stop by in this bookstore. The Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian neighborhood on the east side fell apart. It became inner-city black. Out of racism or fear, whites in general fled to the suburbia. Slovenes and Croats were the last to follow, perhaps not because of the lack of phobia and racism, but because of poverty, and there are still many of them in that neighborhood, including the bookstore man, Djeba. He does not hate, he does not fear, he sells books. His brother died. His sister died. He is alone. I visited him several months ago. He showed me how he grows his flower garden. He waters the red flowers lovingly. He showed me how he eats. A bit of bread with olive oil and half an onion and several lettuce leaves. He was eighty five. We could not talk much. He was nearly deaf. His eyes, cataract ringed, looked steadily, and he nodded often. Tako je to, he kept saying. That is how it is. After my visit, a young man robbed him. Knocked him down on the floor. Kicked him and broke his ribs. Smashed his face. Took his wallet. The man who had got up from under the mound of foul corpses in the last world war, didn't get up. Was found by his friend, a librarian. Taken to thehospital. He recovered in a month, and went back to the bookstore. He still runs it. He is not moving to the suburbia. He loves his neighborhood, his books, his language. Do I love books that much? Who does? And there he is, exposed, old, deaf, nearly blind, with his books of beautiful islands and ugly histories. Anybody can walk in and knock him down. But so far he is still standing. Next time I go to Cleveland, I will buy one old yellowing novel and a jar of red ajvar: red tomatoes mixed with red peppers. We will sit down and drink mineral water from Croatia, and he will say, Tako je to. But, is there the next time?Josip Novakovichjosipn@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Premier in New York, SAME DIFFERENCE Music by Nenad Bach http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5533/1/E-Premier-in-New-York-SAME-DIFFERENCE-Music-by-Nenad-Bach.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂDear All,I wrote a song called "Have a Reason Have a Faith" for the show SameDifference. I may be performing few shows but I don't know if and which ones. Istarted my work on scoring a film called Justice at this time.So, if you are in the neighborhood, (The West End Theatre 263 West 86thStreet, Manhattan New York, Box Office 212-539-6506) please come by andexperience this interesting theater work. Music is with the live musicians. Thewhole effort was done with a lot of enthusiasm and energy of the artists thatbelieve in it. And if you see me, feel free to come and introduce yourself. Thethough behind the idea of Reason and Faith is that true and deepest faith is noton the other side of reason but it's integral part. Questioning everything ispart of developing you strong faith. Keep fingers crossed.ÂÂMy best,Nenad BachHave you been wondering how we can better understand our neighbors of other faiths?ÂHow can we walk a wider path together?ÂThe Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew Congregation B'nai JeshurunThe American Sufi Muslim Association Muslims Against TerrorismThe Alan B. Slifka Foundation The Dialogue ProjectThe New York Annual Conference/United Methodist Committee on ReliefInvite you to attend an exciting theatre productionÂSAME DIFFERENCENYC Faith Stories in Words, Music & Dancewith original music & dance and a multi-cultural cast -- looking at Interfaith New York City before and after 9/11. Based on the actual words from interviews with Christian, Muslim and Jewish New Yorkers, this provocative piece shows the diversity and common ground of our interfaith community, with humor, passion and truth.JANUARY 7- JANUARY 19, 2003Jan. 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 at 8PMJan. 12 and 19 at 3PMInterfaith Dialogues to follow performances on Jan. 9, 16, 12, & 19The West End Theatre in the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew263 West 86th Street, northeast corner of 86th Street & West End Avenue, NYCÂReservations required (donations welcomed)Call the Theatre Outrageous Box Office 212-539-6506Producer: Eileen B. Weiss Associate Producer: Mim WardenConceived & Directed by: Sarah BrockusHead Writers: Annie Evans & Barbara GreckiChoreographer: Renata CelichowskaÂMusical Director: Annie BurnsSet Designer: Chris JonesCostume Designer: Gail Cooper-HechtLighting Designer: Tyler MicoleauMultimedia Designer: Andrew G. MilmoeProduction Manager: Jim Ring*Stage Manager: Rachel BartonFeaturing: David Anzuelo*, Tamayo Arai, Mor Dior Bamba, Yoel Ben-Simhon, Julie Ellis*, John Forde*, H. Howard Heard, Cristin J. Hubbard*, Jon Krupp*, Jack Landron*,Kristi Little, Charlotte Patton*, Afaf Shawwa, Ryan Stewart*, Chris Pedro Trakas**member AEA/an Equity approved showcase productionWith original music by:Nenad Bach, Mor Dior Bamba, Barry Danielian,ÂMatt Fried, Jill Jaffe, Jerome Korman, Ned Rorem, Basya Schechter letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds concert Jan 15, 2004 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5370/1/E-Sylvan-Winds-concert-Jan-15-2004.html ÂDear Friends & Colleagues, We hope you will join theSylvan Winds on THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 AT 8:00 P.M. atTHE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB forWIND QUINTET TREASURES atTHE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB located at 15 Park Gramercy Park South (20th Street)Tickets are $25/$15 for students and seniors.For further ticket information, please call (212) 222 - 3569 Program: RAMEAU Gavotte & Six Doubles (arr. by R. Nakagawa)PISTON Three Pieces for flute, clarinet & bassoon (1926)DAHL Allegro & Arioso (1942)SCARMOLIN Scherzino all'antica & BadinageCOWELL Suite for Woodwind Quintet (1933)BOZZA Variations sur un Thème Libre (1943)ÂFollowing our 25th Anniversary Celebration featuring Ransom Wilson conducting a masterful performance of the Strauss Suite, the Sylvan Winds return for another season of concerts in New York City.With the exception of Nakagawa's delightful arrangement of Rameau's Gavotte & Six Doubles, this program features works written by American and French composers during the 20's, 30's and 40's. Both Piston and Dahl were exposed to French influences, contrasting with Cowell's distinctive voice and Scarmolin's 'traditional' one not affected as much by outside influences.We hope you, your friends, family and colleagues will be able to join us. A champagne reception follows the performance, and if you wish to have a pre-concert dinner in the historic surroundings (Martin Scorcese filmed "Age of Innocence" in one of the parlors), you may do so by calling the club, (212) 475-3424. Just tell them you are attending the Sylvan Winds concert.If there are others whom you think may be interested, please forward this reminder.For reservations & information, please call (212) 222 - 3569 Hope to see you there and wishing you a prosperous New Year !Svjetlana Kabalinsylvanwinds@worldnet.att.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (H) O starinama - Ceten http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5538/1/H-O-starinama---Ceten.html Distributed by CroatianWorldCetenÂO starinamaZiveci i neprestano se krecuci izmedju Atlantskog,Pacifickog i Arktickog oceana cesto se budim s glasom moje pokojne babe KajeTadic, rodjene Grabovica od oca Boze i majke Lucke, te njenim pricama opradavnim vremenima, koje je nastavila prepricavati moja mama Ruzica. Meninajdraza prica o cetenu, sirovom lanu, svuda me prati. Babin glas, usporen odprezivjelog tifusa, dugogodisnje astme i napora seljackog zivota, iz dana u danse vraca i zove me: Curko,kad me pitas, cuj me& Pamuk smo uvijek kupovali a ceten smo uvijek sijali. Kadu Drugom svjeskom ratu nije bilo pamuka, sve smo pravili od cetena. Pamuk secuvo za misne, izodne aljine il se mijeso s cetenom. Drukciji je od konopljekoja raste priko jednog metra u vis i grublja je...Ceten se posije u jesen.Nagodinu odraste i iscvjeta. Cvat mu bude plav a stablo zeleno. Cure su ranoustajale, dok je rosa, cvatom od cetena lice umivale& Ceten sazrije u ljeto.Raste frtalj do metra, nije vise. Onda se cupa. Kad se pocupa, oruni se sjemenjegovo i cuva za iducu godinu, za jesensku sjetvu. Kad se pocupa, pazi se da unjemu ne bude trave. Ocisti se od trave i pokiseli se u vodu sedam dana; uSprecu il Oskovu il u seoske rijeke. Napravi se brana; zajazi se voda jer svemora bit u vodi i mora se pazit da sta ne ode. Udari se kolje, stave se vrljikei pritke - zioke. Udare se kuke kako bi se sve dobro ucvrstilo& Nije se kralo,mozda koji stucak. Pokiseljeni ceten nije smrdio jer je voda oticala. Voda morabit bistra; ako nije - bijo bi crn. Dobro je kad voda otice brzo. Iza sedam danamora se dobro isprat vadec ga iz vode. Stucak po stucak se vadi, ispire i cijedise sam u rukama. Nosi se na njivu i stere se po zemlji da se susi. Ne smije serukama gnjavit il stiskat. I da oces to radit, ne mere jer je jos stablo. Morase odma isusit da ne istrune. Kad se osusi, onda se nabija na stupu. To su dvijecjepanice il daske. Daske imaju po pet zubaca. Jedan po jedan stucak se stavljau stupu. Jedna se zena nasloni na vrljiku i nogama radi - jednim stopalom daskuzadize, drugim spusca. To se ceten nabija. Druga zena sjedi pokraj stupe i radisve rukama; stavlja stucak po stucak u stupu, okrece stucak, drzi stucak u stupii vadi kad bude gotovo - kad se uzna vlakno. A stablo - srcika, sto se zovepozder, ispane obaska kad ga stupa udara. Kad se stucak istuce, zove se rucica.Kad se dobije vlakno cetena onda se ono stavlja u trlicu. Najbolja je odrastovog drveta jer more dugo stajat& Trlicu sto sam ti dala, milamoja, donijela sam od moje matere... Spremila mi moja majka u komori& Ona jedonijela u svojoj komori& Spremila joj njena mati, moja baba Manda, iz Kresica,s Par-Sela& Kad se vlakno cetena stavlja utrlicu, ono se priradjuje; tare se ceten. Vlakna cetena se stave u trlicu iudare se sjekacem, gornjim dijelomtrlice. Sjekac in tako pritisne. Vlakna se vuku kroz trlicu jednom rukom ispodsjekaca pa se na drugoj strani dobijaju prociscena. Tako dobijen ceten bude joscisci i meksi& Kad se ceten nabijo, moralo se rajit po jakom suncu. Tako isto- samo po jakom suncu - kad se trao na trlici, a ostalo more sve u ladovini - ilna dvoru, il u kuci...Uvijek se dizala velika prasina,pa su mloge zene obolile od zaduve& Rucice idju na grebenacu. Okrugla je, odzeljeza je, na jednoj daski. Zena nabaci rucice svojom snagom na grebenacu papovuce sebi istu rucicu njekolko puta kroz grebenacu. U grebenaci ostane slabije,tvrdje i krace sto se zovu kucine. Poslje se koristi u poutku svega sto ce setkat& A njoj u rukama ostane najmekse, najbolje, najfinije i najljevse sto sezove strasljika i to idje u osnovu svega sto ce se izatale tkat. Sto god se uzmes grebenace jos se priradjuje grebenom. Onda se prede; obaska jedno - kucine,obaska drugo - strasljika...Sve su ovo zenski poslovi: odcupat ga do prest ga. Muskinje je jedino sijalo ceten i kiselilo ga u vodi& Prede se na obicnu rucnu drvenu prelu na koju se prela i ovcja vuna. Vuna seprede na meku ruku i na tvrdu ruku, pa kako ko oce. Na tvrdu ruku je lakse prest,a na meku je ljevse. Ceten se preo sve na tvrdu ruku. Vreteno se drzi kontra.Samo se preo na meku ruku za ponjave, jer je to islo puno debelo pa nije bilotesko. Kad ga napredes na vreteno onda ga motas s vretena na rasak. Primece se,obavija oko raska i onda se skine s njega i bude ko velki okrugli smotak- kancelo& Pari ga u parjenici s luksijom. Luksija je od pepela, pepeo oddrveta. More svako drvo. Parjenica je kad se pepeo zaljeva uzavrelom vodom.Aljine u tom staje tri sata. Ceten iz parjenice valja isprat u rijeki il nabunaru. I susi se... Kad se osusi, stavi se na vitlanice. Ko kriz su, a usredini suplje, nataknute na klip. Najposljem se ceten suce, namotava cekrkom namasure i koristi se za tkanje. Prvo se snuje - razapnu se glavne niti na snovaci- pa se stavi na stan i dalje se tka&  Utom bi moj tata Mijo zakjucioovu besjedu:  Joj, kad smo za rata nosili sve od cetena& Grub, tvrd& Predja, slamarica... Podera kozu! Oguli dusu! Tako je kazivala moja baba Kaja,rodjena na Morancanima pocetkom proteklog stoljeca, udana na Par Selo. Vise odpolovice babinog zivota je proteklo u ovim i drugim pregnucima. Djetinjstvo icurstvo moje mame je obiljezeno istim naporima. Cudne su mi njihove price obistroj Oskovi na kojoj su se seljani umivali na putu k misi ili u pohode, skoje su cure vodu pile kad su isle na sijelo iz jednog sela u drugo, u kojoj sekiselio ceten... Oskove se sjecam kao necega cega smo se mi, djeca, plasili.Plasili smo se da ne bi tko spao s mosta u crnu, ljigavu, cadjavu, masnuvodurinu u kojoj se ispirao ugalj za potrebe gospodarstva i napredak pucanstva.O tome smo ucili u skoli i po tome je moj zivinicki zavicaj bio nadaleko poznat& Crna rijeka bez ikakvog zivota mi se pokatkad javi u snu kao nocna mora& Odagnavam je prizivom babinih zapamcenja i odijevanjem babinih ubjelnialjina.Babine aljine i klupcad cetena zive sa mnom u dalekom svijetu. Ostatkebjelicastog cetena, sijanog i kultiviranog na imanju Tadica u Spreckom poljuizmedju Prvog i Drugog svjetskog rata, uvijek nosim sa sobom, posebice na mojimizlozbama, monodramama i knjizevnim vecerima.Danas, na petu obljetnicu smrtimog oca Mije, pricam mojim kanadskim ucenicima o bosanskohercegovackim starinama,o uporabi pamuka, cetena, beza, meleza, predje, sukna& u nasim narodnimnosnjama i u izradbi mojih suvremenih odora. Govorim o djecjoj radosti kad im sedonesu orasnice i slipepripravljene od przenog secera i cetenovog sjemena. Spominjem Sprecu koja nasskoro svake godine zaplavi u Zivinicama. Sjecam se velike Sprece i njenog malogizvora u Papraci, podno Bisine, kojeg smo mama i ja obisle prije petnaestakgodina i s kojeg smo donijele pletenkicu bistre studene vode doma mom tati,stradalniku i pateniku, da se napije& U rukama drzim smotke cetenanaslijedjenog od babe Kaje. Jos uvijek se u njemu osjeti miris nasih skrinja,udzera i domova& Premecem ga& , privijam uza se. Ceten oplemenjuje, osnazuje,te hrani i moju kozu i moju dusu& ÂÂÂToronto, 12. sijecnja 2002.ÂLjerka Lukic,skupljacica, folkloristica,slikarica, kazivacica prica, pjesnikinja, spisateljica letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The View from the Toronto Tower of Events in the Homeland http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5537/1/E-The-View-from-the-Toronto-Tower-of-Events-in-the-Homeland.html Distributed by CroatianWorldTheView from the Toronto TowerÂBOOKREVIEWby Ljerka Susanna LukicRUDITOMIC, The View from the Toronto Tower ofEvents in the HomelandMostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, ZIRAL, 1998, 330 pp.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWithout a doubt, no one has been able to come closer to events inBosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia from a distance as has Rudi Tomic in his book The View from the Toronto Tower, published by ZIRAL Press in Mostar.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂUsing a selection of his writings, published in the Croatian-languagemedia in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and in the diaspora over the past sevenyears, Tomic addresses familiar events in pre-war, wartime and post-warBosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia from an analytical and critical perspective. Askilled and well-known journalist, as well as an analyst, editor, and poet, hemanages to interpret the causes and consequences of the war with greatobjectivity and fairness, while criticizing the main actors (foreign anddomestic) and identifying the Croatian illusions in relation to living togetherwith other nations. He warns of the negative consequences of erroneous politicalpolicies (which, unfortunately came to pass as predicted), and providessuggestions for the functioning of the Muslim/Boanjak-Croatian federation andfor the survival of the Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Tomic, in his historicaland political commentaries, is also critical of the Croats ownrepresentatives, but, as he notes:  My frequently critical evaluations of myown Croats consisted only of commentaries and appraisals of their conduct, andnever of accusations, attacks or insults .ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe power of the author s written words is perhaps best felt in hishistorical texts: Half a Century of (Non)Peace in the World, Five Centuries of Croatian Patience, By One You Shall Know Them All,by which he shows that his arguments are not based on superficialjournalistic impressions but, rather, are the product of a methodical study ofproblems, and especially of the exodus of Croats. Manyof Tomic s ideas were dangerous at first, as well as being farseeing; theywere open and courageous, and were referred to later, when they were publishedin the media at home at the right moment. Althoughhe has lived in Toronto for forty years, Tomic can take pride in his knowledgeof Croatian linguistics, and he has used a philological approach to deal withthe very thorny problem of the Bosnian language in a penetrating and successfulmanner. He advises the Bosnia-Herzegovina Academic Society (of which he was oneof its founders) that  The issue of the Bosnian language is irrelevant underthese conditions when we are struggling for our very physical survival,irrespective of any former  existence of such a language. A language mustbe a living one if it is to serve as an expression of national sentiments. For afull three-quarters of a century the Serbian regime promoted a Serbo-Croatian and  Yugoslav language. Along with the demise ofYugoslavia, that linguistic monstrosity also disappeared. If someone had reallywanted to bring the Bosnian language into being, one would have had to writebooks and to teach children, even if only in cellars, as our parents taught theCroatian language to us. And, had there been such enthusiasm for Bosniakism asthere was for Yugoslavism, there would never have been a second Yugoslavia. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe author s marked journalistic professionalism, which earned him allof Canada s most coveted awards, is also apparent. As the book s forward, byProfessor Drago Maric, Senior Aide in Bosnia-Herzegovina s Ministry of ForeignAffairs, notes:  The texts in this book are arranged chronologically but,given that they jump from subject to subject, they can be read almost by heart.The evident variety of the author s texts makes for easy reading and enhancesthe book s interest. The book contains almost all representative types of thejournalistic genre, including news reports, commentaries, feature articles,mature political essays, complete studies, and even the author s own poetry.However, above all, it is the many years of journalistic experience, formed andhoned over a span of some thirty years with CroatianWay, an extensive knowledge of history, ofthe national artistic tradition, and of the Croatian state-building idea, aswell as a refined sense for what is essential, and an outspokenly well-meaningintent in criticism, that assure for Rudi Tomic the reputation of a competentwriter. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTwo groups of texts merit particular attention. In the first, the mostpressing problem in the diaspora - whether to remain abroad or to return home -is the subject. The pamphlet reproduced in this book, There Is No Return to a PeacefulCroatia is the most complete andcoherent analysis yet of the problem of the non-return of our people to thehomeland. The texts How to Stimulate theReturn Home of Emigrants? and Assimilation,It Appears, Is the Solution onlyround out this analysis, leaving all Croats in the diaspora with a great concern is anyone really calling on them to return and does anyone (and why?) reallyneed them there?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIn the second group of texts, essays, and studies, The American Lid on the Bosnian Pot - and Peaceful Bosnia!, The Viewfrom the Toronto Tower, After the Celebrationof the Agreement in Belgrade, and ThePolicy of Mutual Concesions, the author comments on the inevitability andtragedy of the historical course of events at the end of the century, thedownfall of the East European socialist dogma, the assimilationist tendencies ofPan-Slavism (in whose name the Croatian identity was taken away and denied and aunitarist ideology imposed in its place, and by which Croatian statehood wasderailed), the Croatian (lack of) accommodation to that, the futility of theshedding of Croatian blood (often on behalf of political causes), the impact anddetrimental effects of foreign interference in our critical junctures andfateful decisions, and the unfulfilled expectations with which the Croats (andespecially those in Bosnia) will enter the twenty-first century. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTomic is one of the directors of the Toronto Press Club, and an adjunctin the Journalism Department at the University of Mostar. For thirty-five years,he was the editor and owner of the review CroatianWay and the publishing house bearing the same name. The latter publishedtwenty-five books, including works by well-known Croatian writers, as well asthe collective work Croatsin Bosnia and Herzegovina. As such, Tomic is well-placed to be verycritical of failures at home and is a champion of freedom of the press inBosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. As he says,  It is difficult to free oneselfof the impression that much of the Croatian media which used to be publishedunder the Yugoslav regime are also published today with the same title! At most,some minor changes in their appearance have been made, but these are notsufficient to do away with ingrained prejudices, especially about the Croatiandiaspora. The majority of Croatian journalists and pundits who commented on events under the pre-war regime as aprofession continue to do so today. It is thus not surprising that somejournalists find it difficult to break out of the mould, out of the uniformityof thought. His study The Croats Media in the Diaspora, covering a span of fifty years,created a sensation back home, as this has been up to now the most originalaccount and evaluation, and was followed immediately by the start of twodoctoral dissertations on the topic, for which Tomic will be the academicmentor.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOf course, this book also devotes considerable attention to ourtragedies, especially to the suffering in Vukovar, as the result of Serbian warcrimes. The author puts forward an original proposal: that Vukovar be preservedin its present condition, as eerie as it looks. As he argues,  We must leaveVukovar, as it is today, for the future Croatian generations, for history, andfor the world as a memorial symbolizing hate, crimes, genocide, and Balkanism,which our eastern neighbor (Serbia) gave us as a gift after almost a century ofshared (state) life, so that the mistakes of 1918 and 1945 of creating newunions would not be repeated& Vukovar is a city which must be preserved, inthis form and in the condition that is in today, for perpetuity, and to save itfrom being forgotten, and to make it permanent . Unfortunately, this appealwas not welcomed in Croatia. Instead, there is a campaign to rebuild Vukovar,where today there are only a few hundred Croats and more than 13,000 Serbs. TheCroats are being asked to rebuild with their own money the houses which theSerbs destroyed, and to have the Serbs then return to live there, while at thesame time the bodies of Croats from Vukovar are being dug up from mass graves.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTheView from the Toronto Tower is a genuine view of every Croat, even indefeat, and Tomic, with this book, has reaffirmed his talent and hiswell-deserved reputation. JOURNAL of Croatian Studies, Volume XL, 1999, p. 144-148AnnualReview of the Croatian Academy of America, INC.NewYork, NY U S ANote:Thebook is written in Croatian language. Can be purchased from the author ($20 + $5for mailing):RudiTomic, 34 Southport Street, P. O. Box 88510, Toronto ON M6S 3N0, Canadatel./fax:416-604-8161, e-mail: ruditomic@hotmail.com--------------------------writtenby Ljerka Susan Lukic, B. A., M. A., Ph. D. candidate (Croatian Philology)900Dufferin Street, P. O. Box 24026, Toronto ON M6H 4A9, Canadatel./fax:416-534-5442, e-mail: Ljerka-Susan@Rogers.comÂRudi Tomic(zivotopis)Rudi Tomic je rodjen 8.kolovoza 1933. godine u Donjim Radisicima (Ljubuski, Bosna i Hercegovina).Osnovnu je skolu zavrsio u Ljubuskom, gimnaziju na Sirokom Brijegu, preventivnumedicinsku u Mostaru, te vojnu medicinsku u Mariboru.Od 1959. zivi u Torontu(Kanada), gdje je zavrsio studij grafike, gospodarstvenog, drustvenog iorganizacijskog poslovanja.Od 1962. do 1990. bio jeglavni i odgovorni urednik politicke revije Hrvatski put. Od 1962. upravitelj je istoimene medjunarodne nakladnekuce u kojoj je dosad objavio dvadeset i osam djela. S pocetkom 1991. bio jeupravitelj i voditelj prvog Bosansko-hercegovackog radioprograma u dijaspori naCHWO 1050 postaji u Kanadi. Dopredsjednik je Saveza Hrvata Bosne i Hercegovine uKanadi.Napisao je oko tisucu clanaka, eseja, prikaza,studija, pjesama& , sto je objavljivano u dijaspori i domovini. U nakladi Hrvatskogputa objavio je i nekoliko svojih posebnih izdanja: Republikanskiantikomunizam i antijugoslavenstvo 1970., prvu zbirku pjesama Pregrstsuza 1994. (cije je drugo dopunjeno izdanje u tisku), te Nemapovratka u mirnu Hrvatsku 1996. U nakladi mostarskoga ZIRAL-a objavljena je 1998. njegova knjiga Pogled s Torontskog tornja. Odrzaoje mnoga predavanja iz zurnalizma, te politickih i socioloskih znanosti udijaspori i domovini. Redoviti je gost predavac na sveucilistima.Dvadeset i jednu godinu je bio upravitelj tiskarei nakladne kuce na Ryerson sveucilistu u Torontu.Clanje nekoliko profesionalnih udruga, klubova i ustanova medju kojima su: Udrugakanadskih etnickih novinara i pisaca, Udruga kanadskih novinara, Udrugakanadskih pjesnika, PEN Kanada& Direktor je Toronto Press Cluba.Dobitnikje nekoliko medjunarodnih nagrada i priznanja:1991. od Kanadske vlade za izvrsnost u zurnalizmu1991. od Udruge kanadskih novinara i pisaca zaizvrsnost u zurnalizmu1995. od Ryerson sveucilista za izvanredni doprinos1996. od Sveucilista u Mostaru za potporu i suradnju1999. od Napretka u Mostaru za potporu i suradnju& Uvrstenje u milenijsko izdanje americke publikacije Whois Who (2000.).Zbogsvog pjesnickog, zurnalistickog, politickog i organizacijskog iskustva cesto jepozivan u savjetodavne odbore prestiznih institucija u Kanadi (Odbor zaOlimpijadu u Torontu 2004., Odbor Royal banke, najvece financijske institucije uKanadi& ).RudiTomic je jedan od najboljih poznavatelja hrvatske dijaspore. Glashrvatske dijaspore je njegova nova knjiga (posvecena mrtvim i zivimdrzavotvornim Hrvatima u dijaspori), koju ce tiskati ZIRAL u Mostaru. U tisku jetakodjer i druga zbirka Tomicevih pjesama Dodji k meni. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 01 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Folk Arts - Regional Richneass of CROATIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5539/1/E-Folk-Arts--Regional-Richneass-of-CROATIAN-CULTURAL-HERITAGE.html ÂOn the occasion ofthe Croatian Christmas Charity ConcertIn Canberra , 9thof December 2000ÂFOLK ARTSÂREGIONALRICHNESS OF CROATIAN CULTURALHERITAGEDr Mladen Ibler,Ambasasador of CroatiaThe contrasts of modern world somebody named it  global village  with its welfare on the side andpoverty and destruction on the other side, incites us from time to time to lookback to human, ethical, religious and cultural heritage in the hope finding ananswer for a better future.In this context, folk artspresent a part of human cultural heritage as typical community-oriented art,i.e. the artistic expression of an ethnic environment, attached to traditions,primitive life conditions, and depending upon aesthetic views of many bygonegenerations.The quality of folk arts variesaccording to single geographic areas and regions. There is one type of peasanthandworks in France or Holland, and another in Croatia or in Ukraine. There isno doubt that in Croatian folk arts many traces are left by the culturalheritage. So, for example, influences of antiquity Byzantine and West-European(particularly baroque) art are well discernible. But these assimilatedinfluences of cultural art can in no way be taken as standards fordeterming the inner qualities of folk arts.ÂIn the Croatian folk arts manytraditional elements are preserved, which testify that folk arts has in itselfretained several ancient forms, some of which date as far back asprehistorically times.The origin of peasant carving,pottery, building, weaving and design are to be sought in the many regions whereCroats lived trough their long history. Some of these cultural activities mayhave originated from their former homelands  the areas around the modernKrakow in Poland and the regions in Iran. Others began and were adopted in theirpresent country of Croatia. Some cultural products, the origins of which havebeen traced back to the Mediterranean shores, are called Preroman or Roman.Throughout the ages, manycultural influences have come to Croatia from other European areas, too  fromPannonian areas and the Alpine areas, from the Germanic north, the Christian andMoslem east, the Apenine west and particularly from Venice in Italy. In thisway, significant artwork differentiations developed among different Croatiansregions, and were carried on in peasant art, especially in the regions ofBosnia, Herzegovina and Dalmatia.The richness of Croatian folkart and its regional differences is well expressed in peasant cloth and items ofadornment for daily use, such as towels, bandanas and pouches.Ornament is the typical formtrough which the artistic life of the peasant manifested itself throughgenerations. In Croatia typical ornamental motives are dots, straight and wavylines, vegetal configurations, geometrical figures, especially triangles andcircles, and triple-plait, carved in wood or stone, or embroided on clothe(three woolen or cord tails vowen through each other). These motives representsthe artistic form which bears the stamp of social environment from which itsprung up, notably an economic and social community.The northern region of Croatia,between the Sava and Drava Rivers, and the territory surrounding the Kupa River,are areas in which the peasants showed great skill in tailoring, dying and inproducing decorative pieces, such as veils, aprons, shoulderttes and socks.ÂThe best-preserved central areaor nucleus of the ancient art of dressmaking in its various forms is along theregion upper Posavina, east of Croat capital Zagreb. In the south  innorthwestern and western Bosnia, and all of Herzegovina, the Dalmatian Zagora(Dalmatian hinterland), northern Dalmatia and Lika  the art work of people isdistinctive, particularly with regards to vests, shirts, aprons, veils, socksand slippers, all of which are richly decorated.A common characteristic ofCroatian peasant dress is its fine color harmony. Harmonious color combinations,achromatic black and white combined with red, yellow and blue, create beautifulcolor schemes. In some regions dominates red color, in other white, and in someregions black; so it is easy for an observer to recognize from which part of thecountry originates the particular costume.Generally, red color plays theessential role. Among the secondary colors are violet, orange, purple and green.Violet is Croatian favorite color and more especially the shade of violet. Inevery combination of colors, the most favored colors are bright ones.It has been said that Croatianpeasant costumes, revealing very fine taste, are among the richest and mostpicturesque costumes in the world.For many past generations of theCroat people, folk arts with its ornaments, colors and rhythm of motives was notmerely a decoration, but  what is important to note  an expression oftheir inner life, ideals and religious riches. For Croatian peasants thisdecorative art amounted to what for urban population were large buildings.One must bear in mind that alongwith the process of modernization goes also the decay of folk arts. This processcaused by the alteration of the economic structure of the village during the 20thcentury and cannot be stopped by any means. This decay is the result ofhistorical changes and economic transformation.The tradition of folk artshowever, has to be preserved. It is not enough to store it inside the walls ofethnographic museums and scientific institutions. It is necessary to keep italive trough school programs. Courses, open exhibitions and festivals  suchas International Folklore Festival in Zagreb  and trough the use of peasantdress at public and family celebrations, as could be still seen in Norway,Sweden and Faeroes.ÂOne could provide many answersto the question, why it should be necessary to preserve folk arts. The mostimportant ones are the following:Folk art is one of the basic andoldest forms of cultural expression of human being and its inner spiritual life,enriched by national and regional differences.When it dies, a great deal of human souldies, too. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 28 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) SUPPORT BREAKTHROUGH - Croatian Music on US Radios http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5540/1/E-SUPPORT-BREAKTHROUGH---Croatian-Music-on-US-Radios.html New Page 1ÂCroatianMusic on US radiosDear All,It took us four years, a lot of financing and even more time and passion to make such a breakthrough. "Za Krizem" (Following the cross), sung by Church Choirs from St. Stephen's and The Holly Spirit Churches(Stari Grad & Vrbanj, Hvar - Croatia) isbeing played on NPR and Classical Radio Stations here in the USA. The link that I am sending to you is thePlaylist and most of the people just heard it on the radio and were amazed by the quality and beauty of Croatian singing andCroatian-American production.http://www.allclassical.org/playlists.php?selected_date=2002-11-17ÂÂClick on the link read the Playlist and choose "request" and askthem to play Singers from Croatia. The show "Millennium of Music"told me that in the history of the show they didn't have such an enthusiasticresponse.ÂI am professional musician and nomatter how good you are these are rear moments.PLEASE SUPPORT ! Call your localClassic Radio Station or NPR and ask them to play "Following TheCross" CD.Nenad BachFollowing The CrossÂÂCD OrderÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLenten folk singing from the Island of Hvar The people of South Croatia, on the Island of Hvar, have aspecific way of singing that is over 600 years old and has its roots inthe distant past. Â Their singing of Puce moj, ("MyPeople") can be classified as the best example of the national musicaltradition along the Croatian Adriatic Coast. The songs are interpreted in aprocession held during the Holy Week, starting at midnight on Holy Thursday andcontinuing into Good Friday. This dates back to Gregorian chants, and MiddleEastern Spiritual Hymns. Most of the singers are from the townof Stari Grad ("Old Town") which was established on the location ofthe ancient city of Faros, in 386 B.C. The inhabitants of six villages fromthe island begin a traditional procession called "Follow the Cross". Aspecial honor belongs to the "Cross Carrier" who carries the crossÂbarefoot through the night and is not allowed to put it down even for a moment. For the first time in history theirsongs have been recorded. Nenad Bach (producer) and John Holbrook(engineer) recorded their performance on the DVD universal format (88.2 khz / 24bit). They captured ancient with modern technology and have preserved it in amost pure way. Victor Zimet who is making a film about Nenad Bach, documentedthe whole experience.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLENTENFOLK SINGING FROM THE ISLAND OF HVARIn its rich and diverse cultural history, the island of Hvar carries the best ofwhat is an integral part of Mediterranean cultural heritage and tradition. Thebeginning of its culture extended back to the times of the ancient Illyrians,Greeks, Romans and, to that of the Croatian era.This invaluable wealth obtained its expression in many artistic forms, such asarchitecture, literature, painting, and music. Music, as a form of nationalexpression, has a special place. The following program is characteristic of aspecific type of music performed during the Easter Lenten Period. This type of"Lenten Folk Singing" from the island of Hvar is part of a unique formof religious musical expression.This specific way of singing, which is over 600 years old, has its roots in thedistant past. It is traditionally tied to Lent and Holy Week, dating back toGregorian chants, and Middle Eastern Spiritual Hymns. The interpretation of thepeople from the Village of Vrbanj, gives us a unique musical phenomena. Thesongs are interpreted in a procession held during the Holy Week, starting atmidnight on Holy Thursday and continuing into Good Friday. The inhabitants ofÂsix villages from the island begin a traditional procession called "Followthe Cross", during which a famous song "Gospin pla|", knownin the musical world as "Stabat Mater Dolorosa", is performed.The procession is a form of repentance due to the people's rebellion in 1510A.D. against the nobility of the city of Hvar. The local people instituted thisprocession of repentance before each Easter. That ritual, in its originalarchaic form, has continued unchanged to this day.Most of the singers are from the town of Stari Grad, which was established onthe location of the ancient city of Faros, in 385 B.C. Their singing of "Pu|emoj", (My People) can be classified as the best example of the nationalmusical tradition along the Croatian Adriatic Coast. The performance is imaginedas an oratory performed in church with certain scenic movements according to thepure oratorical style of musical presentation.The procession "Following the Cross", in its original form andauthentic environment in the towns and villages of the island of Hvar, wasexclusively organized by the local religious congregation called"Brotherhood". It is very interesting that the clergy does notparticipate, but only the common people. A special honor belongs to the"Cross Carrier" who carries the cross barefoot through the night andis not allowed to put it down even for a moment. The program also offersthe audience parts of "Muka" (The Passion), "Pla| JeremijeProroka" (The Lamentation of the Prophet Jeremiah), and traditionally endswith "Te Deum". By presenting this rich cultural religiousinheritance, only a small portion of the musical tradition from the island ofHvar will be shown. This heritage is one of the major contributions of theisland of Hvar and Croatia, and there are none like it in the world.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMagdalena LupiPUČKO KORIZMENO PJEVANJE OTOKA HVARAU svojoj bogatoj i raznolikoj kulturnoj povijesti otok Hvar je nositelj ponajboljeg mediteranskog kulturnog naslijedja i tradicije. Počeci njegove kulture sežu u davna vremena od starih Ilira, Grka i Rimljana do Hrvata.To veliko bogastvo dobilo je svoj izraz u svim oblicima umjetnosti: glazbi, arhitekturi, književnosti, slikarstvu, medju kojima glazba kao jedan od oblika pučkog izričaja zauzima posebno mjesto. Program koji Vam predstavljamo upravo je jedan od svojstvenih i izvornih glazbenih izričaja, jer pučko korizmeno pjevanje na Hvaru ima jedinstvene posebnosti. Izvori na osnovu kojih možemo zaključivati postojanje tog specifičnog načina pjevanja imaju svoje duboke korijene u davnoj prošlosti. To pjevanje je tradicioinalno vezano uz Korizmu i Veliki tjedan, a staro je preko šest stotina godina. Ono potječe iz Gregorijanskog korala, Istočnih melizama (Judeja), a u interpretaciji pučkih pjevača iz sela Vrbanj izuzetan je glazbeni pučki fenomen. Napjevi pučkih pjevača izvode se u jedinstvenoj procesiji koja se održava tijekom Velikog tjedna, točnije u noći od Velikog Četvrtka na Veliki petak. Stanovništvo šest otočkih mjesta tada kreće u cjelonoćnu procesiju, zvanu "Za križem", tijekom koje se izvodi pjevanje "Gospin plač", koje je u svjetskoj glazbenoj kulturi poznato pod nazivom "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". Te procesije su pokajničkog karaktera, a nastale su u vezi s pučkom pobunom protiv plemstva 1510. godine u gradu Hvaru, nakon koje su ih pučani iz pokajničkih pobuda počeli održavati uoči svakog Uskrsa. Taj obredni kontinuitet u svom izvornome arhaičnom obliku održao se nepromjenjen do danas.Najveći dio pjevača je iz mjesta Stari Grad (koji je nastao na tlu antičkog grada Farosa 385-te godine prije Krista). Njihovo pjevanje "Puče moj" može se reći da je jedan od najboljih uzoraka pučke glazbene tradicije na cijeloj hrvatskoj obali. Izvodjenje je zamišljeno na način kako se izvode oratoriji u crkvama ali sa specifičnim scenskim pokretom što ga izuzima iz Čistog oratorijskog načina prezentiranja glazbe. U svom izvornom obliku, naime, i autentičnoj sredini, mjestima i selima na otoku Hvaru, procesija "Za križem" bila je isključivo organizirana od vjerskih kongregacija, tzv. bratovština. Zanimljivo je i to što u njima ne sudjeluje svećenstvo, već isključivo puk. Posebna Čast pripada "križonoši", koji bosonog cijelu noć nosi križ, ne dopuštajući niti jedan tren da ga spusti na tlo. Ovaj program nudi publici i neke dijelove iz "Muka" (pasijon) i iz "Plač Jeremije Proroka", a završava tradicionalnim " Te Deum" - "Tebe Boga hvalimo". Predstavljajući ovu kulturnu crkvenu baštinu nastojali smo Vam dočarati barem dio bogate hvarske pučke glazbene tradicije, koja je vjekovima bila jedna od najbitnijih kulturno-religioznih značajki Hvara i Hrvatske uopće.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMagdalena LupiIzvodjači: Zbor crkve Singers of St Steven's churchSv. Stjepana, Stari Grad (Faros) Stari Grad (Faros):ÂI Tenor (First Tenor)Stjepan Franetović (SF)Toni Tadić (TT)II Tenor (Second Tenor)Mario Radoslavić (MR)Ivica Petrić (IP)Petar Bogdanić (PB)Zvonimir Franetović (ZF)Tedi Sanseović (TS)Bariton (Baritone)Josip Dujmović (JD)Ivan Vranjican (IV)I Bas (First Bass)Mate Franetović (MF)Frano {karpa (F{)II Bas (Second Bass)Ante Stančić (AS)Luka Bogdanić (LB)Pučki pjevači crkve Secular Singers from the Church of theSv.Duha, Vrbanj: Holly Spirit, Vrbanj: Jakov Stipetić (JS)Miljan Matković (MM)Andro Matković (AM)Inlay card1. Slava čast i hvala ti 1:572. Čitanje poslanice Sv. Pavla apostola Filipljanima 2:04Â3. Prosti moj Bože 3:594. Muka gospodina našega Isusa Krista 7:455. Smiluj se meni Bože 2:336. Plač Jeremije proroka 3:12Â7. Gospodine smiluj se 2:218. Čitanje knjige proroka Ezekijela 2:219. Zazivi 1:4310. Čitanje Knjige postanka 1:2211. Usta moja 2:5712. Evo drvo križa 2:20Â13. Križu virni 3:0614. Gospin plač 7:2015. O propeti - puče moj 7:0216. Aleluja, Aleluja, Aleluja 2:2317. Tebe Boga hvalimo 1:24Ukupno vrijeme: 55:491. Glory, honor and praise2. A reading from the letter of St.Paul to the Philipians3. Forgive, 0 God Â4. The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ5. Have mercy on me, O God Â6. Lamentation of the Prophet Jeremiah7. O, Lord, have mercy8. A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel9. Invocations10. A reading from the book of Genesis Â11. Pangua Lingua12. Veneration of the Cross13. True Cross14. Lamentations of the Virgin Mary ÂÂ15. 0, My People16. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia17. Te DeumTotal playing time:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ55:49Produced by Nenad BachExecutive Producer Vedran DeletisRecording Engineer John Holbrook letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 24 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dubrovnik in Smithsonian Magazine http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5542/1/E-Dubrovnik-in-Smithsonian-Magazine.html ÂDubrovnik in SmithsonianMagazine,ÂJanuary 2003Just received the January edition of the Smithsonian magazine and ampleased to report that they published the promised article aboutDubrovnik. Several pages with pictures, not the best as far as showingoff Dubrovnik from a tourist's point of view, but much about Dubrovnik's1000 year history. Very nice!Hilda letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 22 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Do Angels Cry ? - Book by prof. dr.Matko Marusic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5541/1/E-Do-Angels-Cry----Book-by-prof-drMatko-Marusic.html ÂMatko MaruaićIllustrated by Vasko LipovacDO ANGELS CRY?Tales of the WarMany books have been written about war, maybe just as many as love. «DoAngels Cry?» takes a standpoint of a learned man who witnessed the war thatravaged his country in the last decade of the 20th century. What does andwhat can an intellectual do in war? What can a 45-year-old man contribute to thedefence of his homeland? When, and if at all, should the country be put beforethe family?In this witty, humorous, and above all affectionate collection of war stories,Maruaić catches the feelings from the periphery of war events  growingconcern for own family, patriotic emotions in conflict with everyday duties,short encounters with the warriors, battle stories heard, victories dreamtabout, and defeats mourned. The subtle amalgam of events, feelings, humor, andpatriotism depicts the 1991-1995 war in Croatia. Like war itself, this booklaughter and tears, fear and courage, tragedy and exultation, absurdity andreason. Hatred is the only feeling absent from the book: Maruaić fightsthe war with love only.ISBN 953-176-188-4. 134 pp. 17 _ 24 cm. Soft cover. 2002.Cijena / Price: 120 kn / 16 ¬ / 15 US$Dragi Nenad,Vrlo nam je drago da ste zainteresirani za knjigu.Knjiga se za sada mo~e naruciti samo preko nas -Medicinska naklada / Medical PublishingP.O.Box 52510001 Zagreb, CroatiaPhone/fax: +385 1 4616355/4617455medicinska-naklada@zg.hinet.hrwww.medicinskanaklada.hrÂÂÂOrder the book through emails. ($14.95, Shipping $10)Kontakt: Masa Morsan, Marketing&PR Narudzbe primamo emailom, fax-om, i prekonaseg weba (narudzbenica na engleskom jeziku ce bitislijedeci tjedan aktivirana). Ne primamo kartice, za sada zbog sigurnosti(prijenos podataka). Uplata na nas devizni racun, nakon izdavanja predracuna.Cijena knjige: 14,95 US $ + postarina (cca. 10 US $ avionom, 5 US $ obicno).Nadamo se da ce se uskoro moci i preko CROATIA GIFTSHOP-a naruciti knjiga, nakon dogovora s Melissom Obenauf.Jos jednom- puno hvala.Srdacan pozdrav,MasaOp-edPlease support our writers, especially ones who translate their work intoEnglish and other languages. We have been passive for too long. For too longothers are writing our own history. Now when we have talent that does it,..simply support it.Best,Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 22 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Recognizing Haydn as Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5543/1/HE-Recognizing-Haydn-as-Croatian.html HaydnCroatianSlušala sam vecernji koncert na KUSC, Los Angeles, koji vodi Jim Svejda, najpoznatiji host i muzikolog. Najavio je jednu Haydnovu kasnu simfoniju te je rekao "it is interesting how the man, who practically invented the symphony, returned to his roots in a symphony late in life, using a Croatian tune", ili tako nekako u tom smislu. To me silno razveselilo, pa sam mislila da ce svima biti drago cuti.IvaI was listening to an evening concert on KUSC, Los Angeles, conducted by Jim Svejda , best-known host and musicolog. He announced a late symphony by Haydn and said: "it is interesting how the man, who practically invented the symphony, returned to his roots in a symphony late in life, using a Croatian tune", or words to that effect. It pleased me so much, I thought that all of you would like to hear it too.ÂIva letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Prljavo Kazaliste to Perform in Chicago http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5545/1/E-Prljavo-Kazaliste-to-Perform-in-Chicago.html Prljavo Kazaliste to Perform in Chicago ÂSaturday December 28Prljavo Kazaliste, a legendary Croatian rock band will be performing at the Croatian Cultural Center, located on 2845 Devon Ave, starting at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For ticket reservations and information e-mail Bruno Rasic at: BruRasic@aol.com or call the Croatian Cultural Center at (773)338-3839. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 10 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Damir Borovcak u ime nakladnika nove knjige http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5549/1/H-Damir-Borovcak-u-ime-nakladnika-nove-knjige.html ÂDamir Borovcak u imenakladnika na predstavljanju knjige Nenad Piskac: Porazena HrvatskaÂÂDrage Hrvatice i Hrvati, postovane gospodje i gospodo,Hrvatska javnost danas se nalazi u stanju zabetoniranih istina,stanju impregniranosti i pod utjecajem kolektivne hipnoze. U tom ozracjudovoljno je reci "Medjunarodna zajednica", "Europska Unija"ili NATO, - i automatski vecina javnosti prihvaca i daje 'zeleno svijetlo'novim stetnim djelima s Markova trga i Pantovcaka - na ustrb hrvatskesamobitnosti.U toj hrvatskoj javnosti, prvenstveno u krugovima mladih irecimo gradskih ljudi, opcinjenih materijalistickim hedonizmom i pomodnimsnobizmom, vlada iracionalni optimizam glede mogucnosti, obecanja i kredita saZapada. Dok se hrvatska javnost ozbiljno ne suprostavlja rasprodaji hrvatskihdobara, niti zaduzenjima kroz strane kredite koji su uvijek povezani snepovoljnim uvjetima, dotle Haaski sud dovodi Hrvatsku u poziciju u kojoj cemorati ili posve odbaciti svaki trag dostojanstva i prihvatiti posve podloznupoziciju, ili ce biti drasticno kaznjena.Pri tom, na hrvatskoj sceni premalo je politicara s vizijom,bitno se ne izdvaja nitko tko bi mogao uliti potpuno povjerenje i pokazati da jeu stanju povesti narod prema sigurnijoj i boljoj buducnosti. Neprestano trajemedijski tempirano prepucavanje, kaos i konfuzija dijaloga. Uglavnom vecinipoliticara nedostaje s jedne strane moralnih kvaliteta, s druge vizije, i strece i najvaznije strane - iskrenosti i stvarne opredjeljenosti za opcijuopceg nacionalnog dobra temeljenog na socijalnom nauku crkve.U takovom ozracju, mnogi su talenti i domoljubni entuzijastineiskoristeni, ostavljeni ili gurnuti vec ranije u stranu, radi sebicnosti itastina samodostatnih velicina tzv. 'visoke politike'.U takovim okolnostima dolazi mi prijateljska zamolba dapokusam ostvariti tiskanje knjige Piskaceve politicke publicistike ipromisljanja.Tko je ustvari Nenad Piskac, da bi se trebala tiskati njegovaknjiga politicke publicistike?Nenad je rodjen je u Zagrebu 1962., ali od povratka izDomovinskog rata podstanar je u Zapresicu. Otac je cetvero djece, ali odpovratka iz Domovinskog rata je i nezaposlen. Materijalno nezbrinut, ali imazdravu pamet i radi domoljubno. Sedam godina pise i objavljuje politicketekstove. Objavio je cetiri knjige zbirke poezije, a posljednja se zove:"Pogled s burze 10290". No, Nenad Piskac prije svega jedan je od nekolikodesetaka tisuca obespravljenih hrvatskih branitelja, odlikovan SpomenicomDomovinskoga rata, te medaljama Bljesak i Oluja. Ima moc politickog zapazanja,osjecaj za opce dobro i za iskreno domoljublje. I to je upravo to - zasto idalje ceka na burzi!No nije samo zato trebalo tiskati njegovu Porazenu Hrvatsku,vec i zato - sto vec u prvom tekstu, objavljenom davne 1996., samo godinudana poslije 'Oluje', koji nosi naslov 'Sto nam se dogadja', Piskacukazuje na ono sto ce se tek kroz nekoliko godina pokazati kao pakleni planporazavanja Hrvatske. Mozda je i zato bio nerijetko diskriminiran, jer je jos uvrijeme vrlo stabilne hrvatske drzave stalno upozoravao. Naime 1996. ueuforicnom vremenu hrvatske blistave pobjede i monolitne HDZ-ove vlasti, on kaodomoljub i novinar istrazivac - stalno nesto porucuje. A poruke ustvari malotko zeli slusati.Vidi se iz 'Porazene Hrvatske' da mnogima Piskacnije - niti ce im biti na srcu, jer uocava probleme otvoreno i iskreno. Tako munapr. jedan cisto vjerski tekst i razmisljanje na temu 'Izazov biblijskogmira' ne prolazi u nekoliko hrvatskih listova (biljeska na str.80). Abiser oportunizma i laznog domoljublja, nakaradne cenzure i uredjivacke politike,ocituje se zabranom objave teksta 'Nebo ili Haag' . (biljeska na str.134).A kad netko kaze kako 'Porazena Hrvatska' nije josuvijek u stvarnosti porazena Hrvatska, mozda ima i pravo, jer u posljednjacetiri reda svog izbora tekstova i sam Piskac je optimist - ali na posebannacin - citat str. 321:"General Ante Gotovina nije u bijegu. Hrvatska je, natrenutak, pobjegla od same sebe. Prestrasila se svoje slobode i odgovornostikoju ona sa sobom nosi. Kad se ponovo pronadje, vjerujem da ce general AnteGotovina zapovijedati hrvatskom vojskom!"Sve ovo bili su dovoljno jaki razlozi da se 'PorazenaHrvatska' , uz odricanje i pomoc iseljenih i domovinskih Hrvata, tiska iobjavi.Prvo predstavljanje Piskaceve knjige, obavili smo vrlouspjesno prosli tjedan u Zagrebu - na dan 29.XI. - kako bi jasno upozorili skojim se krajnjim ciljem svakodnevno odvija proces porazavanja Hrvatske. Topredstavljanje bilo je proslog petka u dvorani Tribine grada Zagreba, koja jetom prilikom bila premala primiti sve zainteresirane poznavatelje Piskacevograda. Tako su se u krcatoj dvorani, na predstavljanju pojavili izmedju ostalih iakademik Dubravko Jelcic, general Marinko Kresic, diplomati DJuro Vidmarovic,Tvrtko Mursalo i Drago Stambuk, politicke i drustvene djelatnice Maja Freundlich,Jadranka Cigelj, Ruzica Cavar, Kaja Perekovic i Zvonimir Trusic, te publicisti inovinari Stjepan Sulek, Tomislav Vukovic, Vjekoslav Boban, Bozo Cubelic iZvonimir Milas.Nazocili su i Hrvati s Banovine, koje ponovno muce stariproblemi srbovanja. Srbi u tom kraju, na novi-stari nacin preuzimaju dijeloveBanovine i kroz strukture vlasti namecu procese preimenovanja ulica i promjenehrvatskih blagdana u ime tzv. srpske vecine. Eto i to su najnoviji primjeriporazavanja Hrvatske. Zato su predstavljanju Piskaceve knjige prisustvovali igradonacelnik Hrvatske Kostajnice Davor Govorcinovic i njegova zamjenica prof.Marija Krupic - Racic, bivsi nacelnik Dvora na Uni Mirko Putric, tepredstavnici mjesta Topuskog, kojima nije bilo tesko po losem i kisnom vremenudoci u Zagreb i upoznati branitelja Piskaca.Takodjer, dok se prema pisanju u posljednjem broju Hrvatskogslova, u kojem je i Piskac objavljivao, navode imenom i prezimenom 20-tak'Belih orlova' koji su sada zaposleni u hrvatskoj policiji u ZupanijiVukovarsko-srijemskoj, dotle se obespravljeni i otpusteni hrvatski branitelji- policajci - nalaze vec mjesecima u prosvjedu na Markovom trgu. Ti supolicajci takodjer nazocili sa svojim predsjednikom udruge Filipom Lacicem napromociji Piskaceve Porazene Hrvatske u Zagrebu. Obespravljeni hrvatskipolicajaci - danas tocno 259. dan prosvjeduju u kapelici na Trgu sv. Markaispred Banskih dvora. Tamo se odvija najduzi i najnepokoreniji javni prosvjed upovijesti nove hrvatske drzave i ove vlasti. Njihovi predstavnici su i danasovdje s nama u dvorani - obespravljeni policajaci gosp. Ivan Tuk idopredsjednik udruge Zeljko Spolodor.Mozda se i zato promocija Piskaceve knjige nije mogla odvitina Markovom trgu u Starogradskoj vijecnici. Naime, u pripremi zagrebackepromocije zatrazili smo prostraniju Starogradsku vjecnicu na Markovom trgu. Noprimili smo odbijenicu Predsjednice Gradske skupstine Grada Zagreba, MoranePalikovic- Gruden iz koje se doslovno dalo zakljuciti kako hrvatski braniteljNenad Piskac i cijeli kulturni dogadjaj predstavljanja knjige, po pristranomzakljucku aktualne vlasti, nije dostojan 'spomenika kulture' - dvoraneStarogradske vijecnice grada Zagreba. Predsjednici Morani Palikovic Gruden, kojakao i cijela vlast - opstruira hrvatsku javnost, takodjer smo uputilipozivnicu za predstavljanje na pricuvnoj adresi - u puno manjoj dvorani Tribinegrada Zagreba, samo zato kako bi se mogla uvjeriti da hrvatski branitelji idomoljubi stoje i stajati ce uvijek uspravno. No Morana, kao pulenicapoliticarke Vesne Pusic, nije se imala hrabrosti tu pojaviti.Drago nam je gospodje i gospodo, da ste i ovdje u Zapresicupokazali takav visoki interes za Piskacevu knjigu i odazvali se u tako velikombroju u ovoj lijepoj dvorani grada Zapresica, koja dostojno odgovara ovojprilici i vasem sugradjaninu branitelju, pjesniku, knjizevniku i politickompublicisti - obespravljenom branitelju bez zaposlenja - Nenadu Piskacu.Za kraj, na omotu knjige stoji preko tristotine godina staraizreka Petra Zrinskog -"Pokornu glavu sablja ne sijece". Citatelju oveknjige, sigurno se nece uciniti kako nas Piskac ima pokornu glavu. Zato duznopostovanje njemu, kao i poseban pozdrav svima onima koji su takodjerobespravljeni branitelji. Knjiga je posvecena upravo njima - doslovnocitirajuci autora iz uvoda Porazene Hrvatske - "braniteljimarasporedjenim od splitske rive preko Markova trga, diljem Hrvatske do haaskogzapta i nasih grobista".I to je jos jedan vrlo vazan razlog, zasto je knjiga PorazenaHrvatska morala biti tiskana.Rijec autora - Nenad Piskac:Postovani prijatelji i sugradjani,drago mi je da u proteklih sest mjeseci imam priliku po drugiputa predstaviti svoj rad. Kulturna javnost Zapresica sigurno se sjeca da sam ulipnju ove godine predstavio knjigu poezije pod naslovom Pogled s burze 10290.Danas je pred citateljstvom Porazena Hrvatska, publicistika.Naravno, ja vas ne cu zamarati sadrzajem knjige. Mogao bih naime, samo pokvaritiono sto su vec kazali predstavljaci knjige. No, iako je veceras bilo dovoljnorijeci o naslovu - osjecam potrebu reci nekoliko rijeci o njemu, odnosno oporazenoj Hrvatskoj.Moja poruka je jasna - danas je Hrvatska porazena. To je pomojemu misljenju, gola cinjenica, koju ne treba obrazlagati. Vjerujem da cecitatelji prepoznati koji to profili, iznutra i izvana, iz dana u dan porazavajuHrvatsku. Ako ih pak, ne prepoznaju, onda cu im olaksati posao prepoznavanjahrvatskih porazavatelja. Naime, pisuci politicku publicistiku, uocio sam teze zakoje se hrvatski porazavatelji drze kao pijan plota i od kojih ne odustaju.Evo nekoliko osnovnih polazista, koje u cjelini cine izvod inadustavnih nacela hrvatskih porazavatelja. Njihova su nacela, vidjet cete,oslobodjena od etike.Hrvatski porazavatelji drze da je slobodna Hrvatska samo diopodrucja bivse Jugoslavije - izvan toga podrucja ona je samo objekt, a nesubjekt. Podsjetimo se, dr. Franjo Tudjman prije nekoliko godina stvorio jeHrvatsku kao regionalnu silu, danas je ona laboratorijski zamorac tzv.medjunarodne zajednice. Druga teza kojom porazavaju Hrvatsku glasi: DemokratskaHrvatska je samo onda ako u Hrvatskoj vladaju trojanski konji. Mislim da nakon3. sijecnja 2000. godine, ova teza ima i svoje prepoznatljivo uporiste. Trecateza je vec postala opce mjesto hrvatskih porazavatelja: europska Hrvatska jesamo onda ako u predpredsoblje Europe ide preko Beograda, Sarajeva, Tirane iSkopja, i zajedno s njima. Nakon Praga, ovu tezu vise ne treba dodatnoelaborirati, ona je «transparentna». Od godine 1945. hrvatski porazavateljisve do danas drze se i sljedece teze: Neovisna Hrvatska je uvijek i samofasisticka Hrvatska. Dalje, socijalna Hrvatska je samo onda ukoliko jerasprodana i ovisna o mrvicama izvana. Evo i jos jedne, vrlo zanimljive tezekojom se porazava Hrvatska: Hrvatska s amputiranim izvandomovinstvom jestcjelovita. I napokon, ideologizirana Hrvatska jest moderna Hrvatska.Drzim da cemo i dalje biti porazeni ako ne porazimo tezehrvatskih porazavatelja. A sve dok ih ne porazimo zivjet cemo i dalje u moralnomkaosu i politickom besmislu.Porazavateljske teze istinite su s obzirom na aktualitet, napovijesne kontekste hrvatskih porazavanja, kao i danas artikuliranu buducnosnuorijentaciju. Teze hrvatskih porazavatelja osobito su do izrazaja dosle nakon 3.sijecnja 2000. godine, iako su postavljene znatno ranije. Iz tih protuhrvatskihteza, i samo izvedeno iz njih, moguce je da laz postane istina, da agresorpostane zrtvom, da poraz postane pobjedom, da pobjeda postane poraz, da ovisnostpostane neovisnost, da obecana Europa postane Zapadni Balkan, da totalitarizampostane demokracija, da socijalna pravda postane sveopce siromastvo, itd. Sve seto dogadja pred nasim ocima, po nacelima tzv. liberalne demokracije. Mogao bihsada navoditi kako se teze porazavatelja Hrvatske provode u kulturi, medijima,gospodarstvu, itd., ali onda bi vam citanje bilo dosadno.Zelja mi je da ova knjiga ne bude shvacena kao requiem zaHrvatsku, ni kao hrvatske karmine, ni kao epitaf Hrvatskoj. Onaj tko ce jeprocitati, uocit ce da je ona zapravo poziv na odgovornu slobodu, a odgovornasloboda temelji se na krscanskim nacelima i vrednotama. Ta se pak nacela ne moguprovesti ako se ne oslonimo na «vlastite snage i pomoc Bozju», kao i 1990. Pomojemu misljenju imamo odlicne povijesne uzore na koje se trebamo osloniti, akouopce jos zelimo izaci iz porazene situacije. To su, zadrzimo se samo na drugojpolovici 20. stoljeca, na duhovnom planu blazeni mucenik Alojzije Stepinac, kojije jasno i glasno pokazao kako se treba odnositi prema ideologijama i njihovimelitama. I to je na vremenitom planu dr. Franjo Tudjman, koji je obnoviohrvatsku drzavu, kao zajednicko dobro hrvatskoga naroda. (...) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Predstavljena Nova knjiga Nenada Piskaca http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5548/1/H-Predstavljena-Nova-knjiga-Nenada-Piskaca.html ÂOp-edIako se izricito ne slazem snaslovom knjige, jer sam misljenja da sebe ne smijemo nikad podcijeniti.Hrvatska NIKAD nece bit porazena. Mozda moze pokleknuti. Situacija nijeneozbiljna i stoga smo svi zabrinuti, ali ne i porazeni. U svakom slucaju zelimsve najbolje autoru i nakladniku cije su namjere dobronamjerne za Hrvatsku.Svako dobro,Nenad BachU ZAGREBU PREDSTAVLJENA KNJIGA "PORAZENA HRVATSKA" NENADAPISKACAHNAHR-knjige-predstavljanje-KnjizevnostZAGREB, 29. studenoga (Hina) - Knjiga "Porazena Hrvatska" autoraNenada Piskaca, koju je objavila zagrebackaizdavacka kuca "CC Marketing",predstavljena je veceras u prepunoj dvorani Tribine gradaZagreba. "Knjiga donosi Piskacevepoliticke clanke koji su objavljivani u raznimlistovima od 1996. do 2001. Posvecena je obespravljenim hrvatskimbraniteljima i zato je morala biti tiskana", rekao je predstavniknakladnika Damir Borovcak.Knjizevnik i publicist Dubravko Horvatic rekao je kako je najveci brojclanaka bio objavljen u tjedniku "Hrvatsko slovo". Predstavljajuciknjigu, teolog, filozof i publicist Ivan Kordic je rekaokako autor knjigom "Porazena Hrvatska" zeli upozoriti "da seHrvatska nalazi u porazu kakvi su se nerijetkodogadjali nakon svih njezinih velikihpobjeda, a da najvecu krivnju za poraz snose hrvatskinaivci".Saborski zastupnik Ante Beljo rekao je da je knjiga svojevrsna kronologijapolitickih zbivanja od "Bljeska" i "Oluje". "Svi kojinas nisu porazili u Domovinskom ratu prekoMilosevica, krenuli su to uciniti nakonspomenutih vojno-redarstvenih akcija zeleci bacitiHrvatsku na koljena", rekao je Beljo.Horvatic je veceras, uz ostalo, istaknuo, a sto je publika pozdravilapljeskom, kako je "nasuprot poznatoj Tudjmanovoj uzrecici'Sve za Hrvatsku, Hrvatsku ni za sto', danas na Pantovcaku iu Banskim dvorima na snazi uzrecica 'Nista za Hrvatsku, a Hrvatsku bud'zasto'".Predstavnik nakladnika Damir Borovcak istaknuo je i kako nijeslucajno izabran 29. studenoga (Dan bivse SFRJ)za prvopredstavljanje knjige "Porazena Hrvatska" hrvatskojjavnosti.Nenad Piskac (rodjen 1962. u Zagrebu) dosad je objavio nekoliko zbirkipoezije. Sudionik je Domovinskog rata i nositelj Spomenice Domovinskograta, odlikovan medaljama "Bljesak" i "Oluja".To order the book - Knjigu mozete naruciti direkno kod:Âdamir.borovcak1@zg.tel.hrnenad.piskac@zg.tel.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Learning Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5547/1/E-Learning-Croatian.html ÂLEARNING CROATIANDear Nenad:In answer to your question, I am interested in learning Croatian andhope an internet school for this can be a reality. There is a companycalled Systran, which does a lot of translating work, and I think Iheard along the way that they were doing a translating program for themilitary, which would soon be available for the general public.Perhaps a contact from CROWN may be a nudge to get this going and thesoftware could be used in the program.Rudy Pavlickhrvata@worldnet.att.netÂOp-edSince CROWN is connected with Croatian Radio and TV as well as major newspapersI got a call from Mr. Zakarije from Croatian Radio who would like to interview people from 2nd and 3rd generation of Croatians around the world. If you are interested, let me know.Nenad BachEditor in Chiefletters@CroatianWorld.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Martina Cukrov - Piano concert at Carnegie, New York Dec 15 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5546/1/E-Martina-Cukrov---Piano-concert-at-Carnegie-New-York-Dec-15.html Martina Cukrov - PianoWeill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York CityDecember 15th at 5:30 PMProgram:Sonata in a minor W.A. MOZART Allegro maestoso Andante cantabile con espressione Presto Musica Ricercata G.LIGETI (b.1923)Sostenuto/Misurato, stringendo poco a poco sin al prestissimo Mesto. Parlando Allegro con spirito Tempo di valse (poco animato) Rubato. Lamentoso Allegro un poco capriccioso Con moto giusto Vivace. Energico Adagio. Mesto (Bela Bartók in memoriam) Vivace. Capriccioso Andante misurato e tranquillo (Omaggio a Girolamo Frescobaldi)Â(intermission) Chocolate or Strawberry? I.Lisak (b.1973)Molto espressivo e legatoAndante, semplice-World premiere-Etudes Symphoniques, op.13 R.Schumann Revised version (1852)ÂA native of Croatia, Martina Cukrov has performed throughout Europe and in the United States as a recitalist, chamber musician, and as soloist with orchestra at such prestigious venues as UNESCO in Paris, the Kongressalle in Salzburg, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, The Harvard Club of New York, the Polish Consulate in New York, and New York s City Hall. Ms Cukrov completed her undergraduate studies in her native Croatia as a student of Branko Sepcic.She also studied on scholarship with Konstantin Bogino in Italy, and Marina Horak in Germany.In 1998, Ms Cukrov came to the United States to pursue graduate studies at the Mannes College of Music in New York where she received her Master s degree as a student of Jerome Rose. Since 1999, she has participated in the International Keyboard Institute and Festival held in NY every summer, where she studied with Pavlina Dokovska, Vladislav Kovalsky, Victor Rosembaum, Georgy Sandor.At the Festival s competition of the Dorothy Mac Kenzie Artist Recognition Award. Ms Cukrov currently lives as an active freelance musician in New York, and serves on the faculty of the Amati conservatory in Tenafly, NY and the Monmouth Conservatory,in red Bank, NJ.Â4523 Broadway, apt.7DNew York, NY 10040phone (212) 942 4820cukrovm@bway.netÂÂKarte su $20, mogu se kupiti kod mene (Martina) ili na dan koncerta jedan sat prije izvedbe nasalteru. za karte moze se kontaktirati i moja sestra, koja na istom broju,ÂTerezija Cukrovcukrovt@yahoo.comOp-edCome and support Croatian talent ! Tickets can be bought directly throughMartina or her sister Terezija. Phone: (212) 942 4820 or/and email cukrovt@yahoo.comNenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book review "A Single Step" written by Heather Mills McCartney http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5544/1/E-Book-review-A-Single-Step-written-by-Heather-Mills-McCartney.html ÂHeather Mills McCartneyHeather Mills McCartney was known in Britain as a model who turned a terribleÂaccident into a crusade to help amputees. Her own left leg was amputatedÂjust below the knee in an accident in London with a police motorcycle inÂ1993. Her relationship with musician ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, brought her toÂworldwide attention. It also put her cause center stage. She tells her lifeÂstory in her book "A Single Step". All of the author's net proceeds will beÂdonated to "Adopt-A-Minefield".Heather describes her traumatic childhood in Britain with a violent andÂabusive father. When she was nine, her mother left her father. Without anyÂmoney, her mother did not take along her three children. Years of setbacksÂand traumas have given Heather the drive and determination needed to copeÂwith one disaster after another. Before she turned sixteen she had beenÂarrested for stealing, run away from a broken home, lived on the streets andÂrefused to go to school.ÂWorking in a succession of menial jobs, she travailed her way to modeling.ÂHeather flew to Slovenia for a skiing vacation near Bled in 1990. SkiingÂthere was so playful and so much fun, especially after she met a SlovenianÂski instructor. She moved to Slovenia, learned the language and described herÂlife there as the happiest. She loved skiing so much she was getting herÂlicense to teach, while also modeling. From Slovenia she drove to vacation toÂthe Croatian Adriatic coast. She even taught aerobics in one of the CroatianÂhotels on a small island. Due to chronic shortage of money in Slovenia toÂmeet their basic needs, her relationship with Milos, the ski instructor, wasÂnot working out despite their tremendous feelings of love. In great details,ÂHeather describes in her book how she was learning the history of the regionÂthe hard way, when in June of 1991 the Yugoslav army of mostly Serbs attackedÂSlovenia. From Ljubljana, Heather and Milos barely escaped while the tank gunÂwas trained on them.ÂWhen she reached London, first thing she wanted to do was help Slovenians andÂsoon Croatians. Immediately she started to organize and was baffled that soÂlittle attention was given in the media. Branded as civil war in formerÂYugoslavia, Heather knew firsthand what was happening via her telephone callsÂwith her friend Renata from Slavonia. Deeply distressed, she flew to CroatiaÂseveral times, risking her life, to collect evidence of Serb atrocities. SheÂsaw it first hand, dead bodies, burnet homes, shootings and spoke to refugeesÂwho were raped.ÂAll her attempts to help bring the evidence to the worldwide media backfiredÂrepeatedly when Croatian border guards completely confiscated her cameras,Âfilms and prints. During meetings with Croatian politicians they would raveÂand rant to Heather how nobody cares and no one is helping, but then theyÂthemselves did not follow through in their own jobs of providing theÂnecessary documentation for Heather to deliver help. Deeply committed,ÂHeather was adamant to find a way. After her own amputation, she organized aÂconvoy of two thirty-eight-ton trucks laden with nearly five thousandÂartificial limbs, five hundred wheelchairs, and hundreds of pairs ofÂcrutches. With a group of volunteers, Heather set off on theÂtwelve-hundred-mile journey to Zagreb despite the snail-like pace of CroatianÂbureaucracy. When she arrived in Zagreb, she was told "Nothing doing. We areÂclosed for All Saints Day".ÂRead this moving and inspirational book by extraordinary woman of how sheÂovercame her accident and made it through the darkest hours.ÂHeather Mills McCartney is committed to Adopt-A-Minefield which raisesÂawareness and funds to clear land mines and rehabilitate land-mine survivors.ÂIt offers everyone an opportunity to give people in mine-affected countriesÂback their lives, return land to productive use, and provide assistance toÂthose who have been injured in land-mine explosions. It only costs about $1Âto $2 to clear a square meter of land, $30 to help a child walk again. If youÂwould like to find out what you can do to help, or to learn more aboutÂAdopt-A-Minefield, contact:Adopt-A-Minefield UNA-USA 801 Second Avenue, New York, New York 10017 Telephone (212) 907-1305 www.landmines.org or info@landmines.orgÂP.s. As of today, the "Sloboda" or "Freedom" munitions factory in southwestÂSerbia has been churning out land mines, anti-aircraft artillery shells,Âsmokeless gunpowder and other equipment. At the present time, production isÂfor Iraq.ÂThe Ottawa convention on land mines had been drawn up with the aim to get allÂgovernments to agree to ban the use of land mines in all future wars. ManyÂcountries, including Britain, had signed it. America and several others areÂstill refusing to do so.ÂUnited States campaign to ban landmines in care of Physicians for HumanÂRights 100 Boylston Street, Suite 702, Boston, MA 02116 Telephone (617)Â695-0041 banmines@phrusa.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 01 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A Library For Young Browsers - CROATIA included http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5551/1/E-A-Library-For-Young-Browsers---CROATIA-included.html ÂA Library For Young BrowsersÂBy Leslie WalkerThursday, November 21, 2002; Page E01ÂVenture capital may have slowed to a trickle, but you can still find money for Internet projects that aim to change the world.ÂAsk Allison Druin, leader of a University of Maryland team that scooped up $4.4 million in grants to create the world's largest digital library for children. The free public library opened its electronic doors on the Internet this week, offering a pilot version with nearly 200 digitized books in 18 languages for children ages 3 to 13.ÂPlans call for the International Children's Digital Library to offer 10,000 books -- 100 titles from 100 cultures -- by 2007, allowing children to read them on desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices.ÂThe eclectic library lets children hunt for books based on what color their covers are, how they make them feel, what kind of characters they depict and other ways that adults might find rather strange. One of its goals is to test novel ways of navigating the pages with graphical rather than text cues.Â"We are developing new technologies that reflect real thinking about children's needs and cognitive abilities," said Druin, an education professor who is creating the library with her husband, University of Maryland computer science professor Benjamin Bederson. "If you look at existing technology for children searching on the Web, so much of it depends on reading and typing. From 4 to 8 years old, kids know exactly what they want but they have poor typing skills and have a heck of a time finding it."ÂAn equally key goal is to bring together publishers, librarians and software developers to explore thorny copyright issues that arise from making books publicly accessible on a Web site. Nobody knows how the traditional public library concept of book-lending will play out in the digital arena, where material is more easily copied. Though publishers remain leery of making books available for free online, big ones like Random House and Harper Collins have donated titles for display in the experimental children's library.ÂSome copyrighted works, such as "Skeleton Man" by Joseph Bruchac, appear in encrypted form in the library, while others, such "Aiana and the Pia Ghost" by author Lino Nelisa, appear without copy protection. More than two-thirds of the material in the library is in the public domain, with expired copyrights.Â"We are working with publishers so at the end of this there will be a business model," said Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive in San Francisco, co-creator and Web host for the children's library. "Traditional libraries are in a good position to experiment with these copyright issues because they spend so much of their budgets on publisher's products."ÂUniversity of Maryland husband-wife team Benjamin Bederson and Allison Druin display their new International Children's Digital Library on a Tablet PC. ( By Leslie Walker/The Post)The digital library is being designed by the University of Maryland's Human-Computer Interaction Lab, whose director is Bederson. Funders include the National Science Foundation, the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Markle Foundation. The Library of Congress has contributed 50 books so far. Other titles have been donated from the national libraries of Singapore, Croatia, New Zealand and other countries. Besides "Alice in Wonderland," books digitized include bilingual titles such as "From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems."ÂToday, more than two dozen librarians, authors and publishers from Egypt, Japan, Russia, Finland, Germany and elsewhere are gathering at the Library of Congress to discuss the five-year expansion plan for the digital children's collection.ÂThe project is unusual on many levels, not the least of which is who helped design the library -- kids under the age of 14, working with professors to figure out what kind of new visual aids might help youngsters explore books more easily. Students from Yorktown Elementary Schoolin Bowie paid weekly visits to the College Park lab since the late 1990s to help forge experimental search tools.Â"One of our most interesting findings was how kids wanted to look for books based on how they made them feel," Druin recalled. "They said, 'I want to find all the happy books.' Or 'I want to find books that are scary.' No library in the world has shelf labels that say 'happy books,' so the kids are rating the books on how they make them feel."ÂThe physical books have been scanned in their entirety. Pages and covers appear as digital photographs at the library's Web site( www.icdlbooks.org ). Viewing them requires the latest free version of Java software and ideally a high-speed Internet connection, because the pages are graphically rich. Next summer a lighter version for dial-up Internet users is planned.ÂIn addition to a kid-friendly book classification system, Druin and Bederson created kid-friendly viewing software that presents three reading options, including two graphical overviews that let children skip around visually. First is a traditional single-page view, which resembles a paper book. Second is a comic-strip view showing pages as thumbnail images in a strip. Third is a more experimental spiral view, showing thumbnails of pages twisted into two spirals. Both the comic-strip and spiral views let kids click on any small image to zoom in and read an enlarged version of the page.ÂThe library faces skepticism about the amount of reading children will be willing to do on computer screens, but Druin thinks digital displays are improving constantly and believes they represent the future of reading. "People had these same worries when ink jet printers came out with their low-resolution version of printing," she said. "Nowadays nobody thinks twice about reading off of inkjet printing."ÂDruin predicts one of the biggest impacts of the digital library will be to empower youngsters who are dependent on adults for their learning experiences. "Kids have such a mind of their own, and we give them so few tools that enable them to be in control. The goal is to put kids back in control of some small piece of their life so they get a sense of 'Aha, I can do this. This is mine.' "ÂKahle hopes the library will make high-quality children's literature more accessible across cultural lines. "There is no greater responsibility on a generation than to put the best of all human culture with reach of its children," he said. "That is fundamentally what this project is about."ÂTechNews.com Home© 2002 The Washington Post Companyhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17546-2002Nov20.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Benefit for the Dubrovnik International Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5550/1/E-Benefit-for-the-Dubrovnik-International-Film-Festival.html ÂBenefit for the Dubrovnik International Film FestivalPreview Image From: Dubrovnik Film InstituteLocation: Cinespace 6356 Hollywood Blvd. - 2nd Level, Hollywood, CA View MapWhen: Wednesday, December 4, 8:00pmPhone: 310.991.2657/323.363.0965DFI and SuperMusicVision presentSYNCHRONIZE with Thomas Golubic at LA's hottest newest venue CinespaceDecember 4th, 2002.ÂThomas Golubic (Six Feet Under, KCRW) will be re-scoring Harold &Maude 9-10:30pm and spinning until 2am.ÂSYNCHRONIZE is an ambitious audio-visual adventure featuring a live DJre-scoring of a feature film running in real time.Short films by award winning filmmakers screened all night.Tickets $10 at the doorAll proceeds benefit the Dubrovnik International Film FestivalÂMay 29 - June 1st, 2003.Cinespace 6356 Hollywood Blvd, 2nd LevelValet Parking AvailableGoodie bags for first 300 people.Sponsored byÂTIGI Hair Products http://www.tigihaircare.comClif Bar http://www.clifbar.comAdriatic Travel Agency http://www.adriatictours.comifilm http://www.ifilm.comHollywood and Highland http://www.hollywoodandhighland.comFlavia, Juan Juan Hair SalonThe Empty Stage Theater http://www.emptystage.comBreathe In, Breathe Out http://breatheinbreatheout.netAlbertsons http://albertsons.comDFI is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization for U.S. income tax purposes.DIFF Contact Info:Ziggy Mrkich 310.991.2657 ziggy@dubrovnikiff.orgÂJennifer Lazo 323.363.0965Thomas Golubic http://www.SuperMusicVision.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BOOK BY CROAT DETAINED IN BOSNIAN SERB CAMP http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5552/1/E-BOOK-BY-CROAT-DETAINED-IN-BOSNIAN-SERB-CAMP.html VUKOVARIndex:1. VUKOVAR: BOOK "APPEALS BY DR. VESNA BOSANAC" PRESENTED2. 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF SKABRNJA MASSACRE MARKED3. VUKOVAR MARKS 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGEDY4. BOOK WRITTEN BY CROAT DETAINED IN BOSNIAN SERB CAMP PRESENTED5. ANNIVERSARY OF HERZEG BOSNIA MARKED IN MOSTAR--------------------------------------------1. HINA - http://www.hina.hr VUKOVAR: BOOK "APPEALS BY DR. VESNA BOSANAC" PRESENTEDVUKOVAR, Nov 18 (Hina) - A collection of appeals the war-time head of the Vukovar hospital, Dr. Vesna Bosanac, forwarded to international associations, warning about daily artillery attacks on the hospital during the Serb siege of the town in 1991, was presented at the Vukovar hospital on Monday evening. "How can we expect the same community to understand Croatia today, if it did not want to understand it then and help save the wounded from the Vukovar hospital," a war-time surgeon at the hospital, Juraj Njavro, said presenting the book. War-time health minister Andrija Hebrang said "appeals for Vukovar are needed today as well, because we are again facing a situation when we have to justify the existence of a free Vukovar". (hina) rml sb--------------------------------------------2. HINA - http://www.hina.hr 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF SKABRNJA MASSACRE MARKEDSKABRNJA, Nov 18 (Hina) - Government and parliament officials, Zadar County and city officials, representatives of Homeland War associations and Skabrnja municipal officials on Monday laid wreaths at a monument erected at a mass grave at the local graveyard in Skabrnja to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the Serb massacre of civilians and soldiers from the southern municipality. Wreaths were laid by a government delegation, led by minister Gordana Sobol, a parliamentary delegation, led by vice-president Ivica Kostovic, and delegations of Zadar County, the City of Zadar, Homeland War associations, Skabrnja municipality and many others. Sobol reminded that 86 lives in Skabrnja were given for Croatia's freedom but that children in the village were still endangered by unexploded mines. The government will do all it can to restore security in Skabrnja, Sobol said. "Not even today, 11 years after the horrendous massacre, is this Croatian tragedy less shocking, but we are not here to instigate hatred and division but warn about the morality of the Homeland War," the minister said.Parliament vice-president Kostovic said it was incomprehensible that the suffering of Croats from Vukovar to Skabrnja was being forgotten due to the theory of equal responsibility as promoted by the Hague tribunal. One must not insult the Croat people with indictments which the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague is issuing against Croatian officers and which mention genocide and ethnic cleansing, he said. (hina) rml sbÂ--------------------------------------------3. HINA - http://www.hina.hr VUKOVAR MARKS 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGEDYVUKOVAR, Nov 18 (Hina) - More than 10,000 people marched with lit candles through the streets of Vukovar on Monday, Memorial Day of 1991 Vukovar Victims, paying respects to people killed and missing during the Greater Serbian aggression. State, county and town delegations, as well as representatives of veterans' and war victims' associations laid wreaths at the foot of a memorial at the Memorial Cemetery of Homeland War Victims at which 646 victims of Greater Serbian aggression against Vukovar have been buried.Presidential Advisor for internal affairs, Igor Dekanic, laid a wreath on behalf of the President. Parliamentary president Zlatko Tomcic laid a wreath on behalf of the Croatian parliament, and Vice-Premier Zeljka Antunovic on behalf of the government. Among the numerous residents of Vukovar, returnees, war victims and war veterans were Croatian Homeland War Veterans' Minister Ivica Pancic, the president of the Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Drazen Budisa, the president of the Croatian Christian Democratic Party (HKDU), Anto Kovacevic, the president of the Croatian Bloc party (HB), Ivic Pasalic, the vice-president of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Jadranka Kosor, the vice-president of the Democratic Centre (DC), Vesna Skare Ozbolt, and representatives of other political parties.In 90 days during which Vukovar was defended before it succumbed to Serb attacks, 600 Croatian soldiers and more than a thousand civilians had been killed, 22,000 Vukovar Croats and other non-Serbs had been displaced, and 10,000 imprisoned soldiers and civilians taken to concentration camps. Six hundred and twenty people are still registered as missing from Vukovar-Srijem County. Most of them were last heard of or seen in Vukovar.About 1,800 Croatian soldiers participated in the defence of Vukovar, fending off the superior enemy for full three months. On November 18, 1991, the Serb aggressor managed to break through the exhausted defence and enter the town.Â(hina) lml sb--------------------------------------------4. HINA - http://www.hina.hr BOOK WRITTEN BY CROAT DETAINED IN BOSNIAN SERB CAMP PRESENTEDZAGREB, Nov 18 (Hina) - A book entitled "Apartman 102" ("Apartment 102" in an unofficial translation), written by a Bosnian Croat woman, who was detained in a Serb detention camp, was presented in Zagreb on Monday evening.ÂThe author of this book, Jadranka Cigelj, wrote about her suffering and the suffering of other women and men imprisoned in the Serb-run concentration camp in Omarska (north-western Bosnia), where she had been detained from 14 June to 8 August 1992. After being released from the camp thanks to the mediation of some western European reporters, Cigelj co-operated with International Red Cross, associations for the protection of human rights, and spoke about the atrocities, committed in the camp, before the German Bundestag and U.S. Congress and Senate. Since September 1992 Cigelj has been living in Zagreb, and she has gathered over 15,000 statement for the Croatian section of the international society for the human rights, while working on a project called "The Voice of the Victim - the Voice for the Victim". (hina) ms--------------------------------------------5. HINA - http://www.hina.hr ANNIVERSARY OF HERZEG BOSNIA MARKED IN MOSTARMOSTAR, Nov 18 (Hina) - The general vicar of the Mostar-Duvno diocese called for support for the establishment of a Croat entity in Bosnia-Herzegovina in his sermon at a memorial mass for killed Croat soldiers, held on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the Croat Community of Herzeg Bosnia. The mass was said at the cathedral in the southern city of Mostar on Monday.The Croat Community of Herzeg Bosnia was established on November 18, 1991. In the autumn of 1993 the Croat Republic of Herzeg Bosnia was established, however, the Dayton Agreement of 1995 did not recognise it as the country's third entity. Rev. Luka Pavlovic spoke affirmatively about the Croat Community of Herzeg Bosnia and the Croat Republic of Herzeg Bosnia, opposing the use of the attribute "so-called" with their names. The Catholic dignitary believes that Herzeg Bosnia was established as a framework for the freedom of the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but was later abolished."The Croat politicians in Bosnia-Herzegovina now have the duty to fight for what we once fought for," Pavlovic said. The service was also attended by a delegation of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia-Herzegovina, led by acting president Barisa Colak.Rev. Pavlovic called on the gathered to pray for deceased Croatian politicians, a former president of the Croat Republic of Herzeg Bosnia, Mate Boban, former Croatian president Franjo Tudjman, former Croatian defence minister Gojko Susak, and a former deputy interior minister of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jozo Leutar. (hina) rml sb--------------------------------------------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).ÂCroatian World Congress H.S.K.ÂNGO Member of the United Nationshttp://www.crowc.org/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Play in New York Takes Place in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5553/1/E-Play-in-New-York-Takes-Place-in-Croatia.html ÂThe second act finds him visiting a Croatian familyThe following review appeared in the October 31, 2002 New York Times.John KraljicTHEATER REVIEW; Excuse Me, but Your Teeth Are in My NeckBy NEIL GENZLINGER'Son of Drakula'Dance Theater Workshop219 West 19th Street, ChelseaWhole armies have become bogged down in the Balkans, so it was probablyinevitable that David Drake would suffer the same fate in his otherwiseterrific new one-man show, ''Son of Drakula,'' which opened last nightat Dance Theater Workshop.Mr. Drake, whose résumé includes ''The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me,''here embarks on a genealogical search. He was born David Drakula andgoes to inordinate lengths to find out how he is connected to eitherBram Stoker's fictional Dracula or the 15th-century East Europeanwarlord Vlad Dracula, known as Vlad the Impaler. Family members used toemphasize the pronunciation dra-COOL-a, ''as if,'' Mr. Drake says, ''bypushing down hard on that middle syllable we could push ourselves awayfrom those European roots.''In a dazzling, inventive first act, Mr. Drake recounts his trip to theWorld Dracula Congress in Transylvania, using vocal acrobatics to bringto life the people he encountered. A sequence in which Mr. Drake relatessnippets from the speeches at the conference (''Bitten by the Byte:Vampires on the Net'') is knockout hilarious.Mr. Drake also weaves in glimpses of his childhood. His emergingsexuality is part of that, but this is not a gay play. It is, rather, asearch for identity in all its meanings.The second act finds him visiting a Croatian family that shares hisunusual name, and here his ear begins to fail; the tale becomesmeandering. But the first act makes the second forgivable, and Mark T.Simpson's eye-catching set and lighting enhance it all nicely. NEILGENZLINGER letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 11 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Poticaj za otvaranje Hrvatske Kuce u Washingtonu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5555/1/E-Poticaj-za-otvaranje-Hrvatske-Kuce-u-Washingtonu.html Hrvatski Dom u WashingtonuPRVI OD NIZA KONCERATA HRVATSKE GLAZBENE BAŠTINE U WASHINGTONUHNAHR-US-SAD-HRVATSKA-Umjetnost/kultura/zabavaWASHINGTON, 27. listopada (Hina) - U crkvi Naše Gospe od pobjede uWashingtonu u subotu navečer održan je prvi u nizu koncerata klasičneglazbe iz ciklusa Hrvatska glazbena baština, a nastupio je mladi osječkigitarist Branimir Krstič.Uz tri svoje skladbe od kojih je jedna, "Sova koja sjedi", prvi putjavno izvedena, Krstič je svirao neka od poznatijih gitarističkih djelastarih majstora. Mladi Osječan sada živi i glazbeno se usavršava u Baltimoreu u saveznojdržavi Maryland. Sav prihod od koncerta namijenjen je fondu za izgradnju Hrvatske kuče uglavnom gradu SAD. Zamisao je pokrenuta prije pola godine a cilj je stvoriti centar kojiče kulturnim, obrazovnim i poslovnim sadržajima okupiti i predstaviti hrvatsku zajednicu u Washingtonu i SAD, a ujedno biti i poveznica izmečuSAD i Hrvatske. Organizatori subotnjeg koncerta, Inicijativa za Hrvatsku kuču, Udrugabivših studenata zagrebačkog Sveučilišta i Hrvatska katolička župa sv.Blaža namjeravaju ove zime organizirati desetak koncerata na kojima čepredstaviti djela hrvatskih skladatelja i mlade hrvatske glazbenike kojisu na školovanju u SAD.(Hina) fp sl29.04.2002HRVATSKA-SAD - USPOTICAJ ZA OTVARANJE "HRVATSKE KUĆE" U WASHINGTONUWASHINGTON, 29. travnja (Hina) - Dvjestotinjak američkih Hrvata došlo je u nedjelju u prostorije crkve Gospe od pobjede, koju koristi Hrvatska katolička župa Sv. Blaža u Washingtonu, na prvo okupljanje s kojeg je ukupni dobrovoljni prilog namijenjen otvaranju "Hrvatske kuće" u glavnom gradu SAD.Ed Damich, predsjednik Odbora tog projekta, inače sudac američkog Suda za federalna potraživanja, objasnio je da se u Washingtonu želi otvoriti dom koji bi bio kulturno i poslovno središte američkih Hrvata. U njemu bi svoje radne prostore imale iseljeničke udruge, župa i kulturna društva. Zamišljeno je da u Hrvatskoj kući bude i smještajni prostor za posjetitelje iz Hrvatske ali i one iz raznih krajeva SAD koji dolaze u američku prijestolnicu.ÂDvadesetak članova Odbora odlučni su svoju zamisao što prije pretvoriti u zbilju.ÂProjekt je dobro primljen i meðu Hrvatima u drugim dijelovima SAD pa su nedjeljnoj svečanosti nazočili i posjetitelji iz Kansas Cityja i Pennsylvanije.ÂZa dobar zalogaj, koji je goste sjetio na zemlju podrijetla pobrinuo se uvaženi majstor-kuhar Ivo Svirčić.ÂU prigodnom programu nastupili su i članovi jednog od najstarijih kulturnih društava Hrvata u SAD, Kolo-kluba "Marjan" iz Steeltona u Pennsylvaniji.ÂMeðu gostima su bili učenici i nastavnici osnovne škole Vladimir Nazor iz Virovitice koji će u ponedjeljak u Washingtonu primiti nagradu kao pobjednici obrazovnog natjecanja Svjetskog tjedna svemira.Â(Hina) fp amÂ14.05.2002HRVATSKA-SAD - US,HREDWARD DAMICH PREDSJEDNIK AMERIčKOG FEDERALNOG SUDAWASHINGTON, 14. svibnja (Hina) - Edward Damich, sudac američkog Suda za federalna potraživanja imenovan je odlukom predsjednika Georgea W. Busha predsjednikom (Chief Justice) tog suda.Damichev izbor prethodno su glasovanjem podržali svi suci Suda za federalna potraživanja.Sudac Damich hrvatskog je podrijetla, roðen prije 53 godine u Pittsburghu. Njegovi roditelji, otac John i majka Josephine roðena Lovrenčić, omogućili su mu školovanje na tamošnjem Katoličkom sveučilištu a pravo je doktorirao na Sveučilištu Columbija u New Yorku.ÂZa suca Suda za federalna potraživanja imenovan je u siječnju 1999. godine na mandat od 15 godina kao prvi i jedini pripadnik hrvatske zajednice u SAD na tako visokoj sudbenoj dužnosti. Sud za federalna potraživanja jedan je od četiri savezna američka suda neposredno podreðen Vrhovnom sudu SAD.ÂDamich je bio savjetnik u senatskom Odboru za pravosuðe, član američkog izaslanstva pri Svjetskoj organizaciji za intelektualno vlasništvo (WIPO), sveučilišni profesor i prvi predsjednik Nacionalne federacije američkih Hrvata (NFCA). Odnedavno je predsjednik Odbora projekta "Hrvatska kuća" čiji je cilj da se u Washingtonu otvori dom koji bi bio kulturno i poslovno središte američkih Hrvata.Â(Hina) fp mašÂ23.05.2002SAD-HRVATSKA - USMARUNA: HRVATSKA KULTURA SE MORA PREDSTAVITI U WASHINGTONUWASHINGTON, 23. svibnja (Hina) - Zbog značenja koje SAD ima u suvremenom svijetu, važno je da Hrvatska bude predstavljena u Washingtonu, kazao je u srijedu navečer u susretu s hrvatskim iseljenicima u američkoj prijestolnici predsjednik Hrvatske matice iseljenika Boris Maruna.Â"Nesumnjivo je da su Sjedinjene države velevlast pa u Washingtonu kao sjedištu te velevlasti treba biti predstavljena hrvatska kultura i tradicija", rekao je Maruna.ÂGovorio je o želji Matice da se stvori prostor u kojem bi se mogli predstaviti različiti sadržaji, od škole jezika i knjižnice do likovnog i glazbenog stvaralaštva. Smatra da tu instituciju valja voditi profesionalno, što je jamstvo njezina uspješna rada, iako i ograničavajući čimbenik jer znači nemale troškove.ÂZamisao skupine ovdašnjih Hrvata o otvaranju Hrvatske kuće u Washingtonu i planova Hrvatska matica iseljenika ponešto se razlikuju, jer hrvatska zajednica želi prostor za komercijalne, poslovne i kulturne sadržaje, u kojem će moći raditi i katolička župa.HMI je, kaže Maruna, spreman darovati knjižnicu i pomoći opremanje Hrvatske kuće, a predlaže da se na ostvarenju zamisli angažiraju iseljenici iz svih dijelova SAD i drugih zemalja jer drži da je malobrojna zajednica u Washingtonu neće moći ostvariti samostalno.Maruna je prije dolaska u Washington boravio u Kanadi gdje je bio gost na folklornom festivalu kanadskih Hrvata u Torontu, te nazočio otvaranju likovne izložbe u hrvatskom veleposlanstvu u Ottawi. S vodstvom Kanadsko-hrvatskog folklornog saveza dogovorio je da se njihov folklorni festival 2004. godine održi u Hrvatskoj.Â(Hina) fp dlÂDanica Ramljak ramljakd@georgetown.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 03 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Croatian Charity Stamps - Doplatne Hrvatske Marke http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5554/1/EH-Croatian-Charity-Stamps---Doplatne-Hrvatske-Marke.html Doplatne marke Republike HrvatskeÂCharity stamps of the Republic of CroatiaÂhttp://www.inet.hr/~bepervan/index.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 03 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Istinita prica o Hrvatima", "Croats - The True Story". http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5560/1/E-Istinita-prica-o-Hrvatima-Croats---The-True-Story.html ÂIstinita priča o Hrvatima,ÂCroats - The True StoryNew book from our great talent Josko Marusic. Support him. Buy his books.Nenad BachIf you require any further information, please feel free to contact..Best regards,Kruno MatesicEditor-in-ChiefNaklada Slap**************************Naklada Slapdr. Franje Tudmana 33P.O. Box 7810450 JastrebarskoCroatia++385 1 6281-774; 6284-001www.nakladaslap.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vietnam wins medals at Croatia Photo Contest http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5559/1/E-Vietnam-wins-medals-at-Croatia-Photo-Contest.html ÂVietnam wins medals at Croatia Photo ContestCulture Culture Vietnam wins medals at Croatia Photo Contest Vietnam won 1 gold and 1 bronze medal and 4 certificates of honor in a recent International Photographic Contest held in Croatia. The biannual contest is held by the Croatian Photography Association and Federation of International Associations of Photographers. 600 photographers from 49 countries participated in the contest.RADIO THE VOICE OF VIETNAM,ADD: 58 QUANSU STREET, HANOI, VIETNAMTel: (84-4) 9344231 Fax: (84-4) 9344230 Email:vovnews@hn.vnn.vn letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (S,H) Marko Marulic - Studia Croatica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5558/1/SH-Marko-Marulic---Studia-Croatica.html ÂMarko Marulic - Studia CroaticaMarkoMarulić(1450-1524.)Studia Croatica, revista de estudios políticos y culturales / Buenos Aires , 43 (2002), br. 145, 142 str.Bratislav LucinSancto y Doctíssimo Varón (»svet i vrlo ucen muz«) - tako Marka Marulica opisuje Bartolomé Fernández de Revenga, prevoditelj njegovih djela na spanjolski, u knjizi tiskanoj u Madridu davne 1655. godine. Taj pozamasni svezak, koji sadrzi spanjolsku verziju Evandjelistara i Pedeset prica, logicna je posljedica i vrhunac tada vec 150-godisnje prisutnosti Marulicevih djela u spanjolskoj kulturi. Dojmljiv odjek Marulicev na Iberskom poluotoku razmjerno je dobro proucen, a postoje i poticajne naznake o nazocnosti njegovih knjiga u hispanofonim zemljama s druge strane Atlantskog oceana (Meksiko, Cile).Najnoviji spanjolski Marulic pojavljuje se upravo zahvaljujuci prekooceanskoj suradnji urednika i prevoditelja iz Madrida s nakladnikom iz Argentine. Rijec je o 145. broju Studia Croatica, casopisa sto vec 43 godine izlazi u Buenos Airesu, te je dosad na spanjolskom jeziku objavio tisuce stranica o hrvatskoj knjizevnosti, povijesti, kulturi i politici.ÂUrednistvo, kojem je na celu neumorni Joza Vrljicak, odlucilo je posebnim, tematskim brojem obiljeziti nedavne Maruliceve obljetnice. Posao je povjeren istaknutom spanjolskom klasicnom filologu, slavistu i kroatistu, profesoru na Komplutskom sveucilistu u Madridu, dr. Franciscu Javieru Juezu Gálvezu. Potpuno primjeren izbor, kad se zna da je prof. Juez Gálvez jedan od najupucenijih i najdjelatnijih marulologa izvan Hrvatske!Rani spanjolski prijevodiDa bi pripremio edición especial buenosaireskoga casopisa, on je preuzeo na sebe visestruke zadace: urednika, prireðivaca, auktora i prevoditelja - i to prevoditelja s drevne Maruliceve cakavice, s njegova humanistickog latinskog i mletackog talijanskog te, kad je rijec o popratnim studijama i esejima, sa suvremenoga hrvatskog, talijanskog i francuskog jezika. Kao prvorazredno recepcijsko svjedocanstvo, pa i jezicnu poslasticu, uvrstio je i uzorke spanjolskih prijevoda iz 16. i 17. stoljeca: Pjesmu o pouci Gospodina nasega Iusa Krista objesenoga na krizu prema prijevodu fra Ludovika iz Granade tiskanom 1567. godine te ulomke Evandjelistara i Pedeset prica prema spomenutom spanjolskom izdanju iz 1655.Svoj je izbor madridski marulolog koncipirao pomalo »nekanonski«, s naglasenom sklonoscu prema humanistickoj komponenti opusa i s ocitim afinitetom za Maruliceve iskaze osobne, privatne naravi. Uz ulomke iz najpoznatijih latinskih uspjesnica (Institucija i drugi vec spomenuti naslovi) citatelju je ponudio nekoliko stranica iz Tumaca starih natpisa, a zatim, u cjelovitim prijevodima, sva sacuvana privatna Maruliceva pisma (njih jedanaest na broju). Nije izostavio ni glasovitu Poslanicu papi Hadrijanu VI., kojoj je kao uvod posluzila izvrsna esejisticka vinjeta knjizevnika Grytzka Mascionija. Pjesnicki odsjecak opusa, uz nezaobilaznu Pjesmu o pouci, zastupljen je antologijskom poslanicom Franji Bozicevicu sa Solte i, dakako, ulomcima obaju epova, Judite i Davidijade.Sinteza Ivana SlamnigaIz obilne literature o Marulicu uvrsteno je nekoliko starijih i novijih radova: esejisticka sinteza Ivana Slamniga »Marko Marulic, kozmopolit i patriot« (za ovu prigodu cinjenicno azurirana s nekoliko biljeski), ishodisna studija Lea Kosute o Instituciji i cenzuri »Sudbina i nevolje jedne Maruliceve knjige«, tekstovi B. Lucina (»Marulicev Hercules moralisatus«) i Darka Novakovica (»Marulicevi glasgowski stihovi«) te osvrt Mirka Tomasovica na knjigu o Marulicu objavljenu u Madridu 2000. godine (B. Lucin: Marko Marulic 1450-1524, edición espanola: F. J. Juez Gálvez). Svezak se zakljucuje bibliografskim pregledom »Marko Marulic u Studia Croatica (1960-2002)« iz pera urednika marulicevskog temata.Kao osobitu vrijednost ovoga broja Studia Croatica istaknuti je prve cjelovite prijevode na spanjolski tako vaznih Marulicevih tekstova kao sto posveta Judite, Poslanica papi Hadrijanu VI. i pjesnicko pismo sa Solte.ÂPoslanice pak Katarini Obirtica, izvorno pisane visoko stiliziranom cakavicom, ovdje su prvi put prevedene na koji strani jezik. Prevoditeljev trud stoga zavrjedjuje nase priznanje, pa i divljenje zbog pouzdanosti i stilske primjerenosti spanjolskih verzija. Mozda bismo tek pozalili sto se u ovakvoj koncepciji nije naslo mjesta za pokoji glasgowski epigram (no njih spanjolski citatelj moze naci u madridskoj knjizici iz 2000).Namijenjen u prvom redu citateljima hrvatskoga porijekla koji vise ne vladaju jezikom stare domovine, ali su i dalje vezani za nju osjecajem pripadnosti i nostalgije, casopis Studia Croatica zbog svjetske je rasirenosti spanjolskog jezika neobicno vazan glasnik hrvatskih tema u medjunarodnim kulturnim i strucnim krugovima. I zbog te cinjenice, ali nadasve zbog zanimljivih tekstova u odlicnu prijevodu, ovaj je svezak znatan dobitak za Marulicevu svjetsku fortunu. Valja mu samo pozeljeti sto vecu citanost s obiju strana Atlantika.Sumario del Número 145 de Studia Croatica www.studiacroatica.comEdición especial dedicada a Marko MarulicPresentaciónÂFrancisco Javier Juez Gálvez: Marko Marulic, poeta latino y croata, moralista cristiano y humanista europeoÂIvan Slamnig: Marko Marulic, cosmopolita y patriotaÂLeo Košuta: Fortuna e infortunios de un libro de Marko Marulic: El De institutione bene vivendi per exempla sanctorum (Venecia 1507)ÂMarko Marulic: De la institución de vivir virtuosamente según el ejemplo de los santosÂMarko Marulic: EvangelistarioÂMarko Marulic: ParábolasÂMarko Marulic: Comentario sobre las inscripciones de los antiguosÂMarko Marulic: De la correspondencia personalÂGrytzsko Mascioni: Marko Marulic y su epístola al Papa: resonancias históricas de un llamamiento sin ecoÂMarko Marulic: Epístola al Papa Adriano VIÂMarko Marulic: Respuesta a Franjo BozicevicÂMarko Marulic: DavidíadaÂMarko Marulic: JuditÂBratislav Lucin: El Hércules moralisatus de Marulic: sobre la alegoría en el Diálogo de HérculesÂDarko Novakovic: Los versos de Glasgow de MarulicÂMirko Tomasovic: Marulic en españolÂFrancisco Javier Juez Gálvez: Marko Marulic en Studia Croatica Joza VrljicakÂSubject: Marko Marulic - Studia Croatica letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Michael York in Croatia making movie http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5557/1/H-Michael-York-in-Croatia-making-movie.html ÂMichael Yorkin CroatiaNA BOLJUNSKOM POLJU, U ZASEOKU PIKULIĆI, ZAPOČELO SNIMANJE TV FILMA U AMERIČKO-HRVATSKOJ PRODUKCIJI »LA FEMME MUSKEETER« REDATELJA STEVEA BOYUMAÂMichael York četvrti put glumi D'ArtagnanaÂD'Aragnan mi je vrlo dragi lik, i uvijek ga je lijepo i zanimljivo raditi ponovo. Sviđa mi se i ova priča, jer sada je već tu i »moja« kći koja nasljeđuje posao, a ja pak igram ostarjelog muaketira, izjavio je za naa list YorkÂPIKULIĆI  U malom zaseoku u Boljunskom polju zvanom Pikulići jučer je i slu~beno započelo snimanje TV filma u američko-hrvatskoj produkciji »La femme Muskeeter« (Muaketirka). Lijepa stara kuća Eleonore i Duaana Buretića već je od ranog jutra vrvila ljudima, kamerama, reflektorima, dok je cijeli zaseok bio uzdu~ i poprijeko isparkiran kamionima, prikolicama i mnoatvom automobila. Usprkos prolomu oblaka i hladnoći, blatom natopljenim dvoriatem Buretićevih motali su se u~urbano »asistenti« zadu~eni za rasvjetu, zvuk i logistiku općenito, boreći se da osjetljivu opremu nekako sačuvaju od nenaklonjenih im vremenskih uvjeta.ÂPravila američkih voditelja produkcije Takav vam je to posao, vrlo te~ak, ali istovremeno jako lijep, komentirao je u prolazu Boris Gregorić, voditelj produkcije s hrvatske strane u pauzi između dvije naredbe svojim mnogobrojnim djelatnicima iz Jadran filma. Na setu, međutim, sve se radi po pravilima američkih voditelja produkcije i redatelja Stevea Boyuma, koji su jučer strogo pazili da u interijer kuće gdje su se snimale prve scene ne bi slučajno kročili novinari. Njihova je filozofija, čini se, da se ne snima jedino valjda ako baa »padaju sjekire«, pa se tog jutra kroz blato do seta, neato kraćim putem no drugi doduae, probijala i jedna od zvijezda filma  Michael York. Engleskom je glumcu ovo već četvrta po redu interpretacija slavnog muaketira D'Artagnana, s kojim je valjda proaao sva ~ivotna doba.  D'Aragnan mi je vrlo dragi lik, i uvijek ga je lijepo i zanimljivo raditi ponovo. Sviđa mi se i ova priča, jer sada je već tu i »moja« kći koja nasljeđuje posao, a ja pak igram ostarjelog muaketira. Lijepo se vratiti i u Hrvatsku. Imao sam tu jako dobrih iskustava, kazao nam je York u hodu od kuće do automobila kojim se odvezao do obli~nje improvizirane baze na ručak. Ona, pak, podrazumijeva veliku izrovanu, blatnu livadu na kojoj su smjeatene prikolice za producente i glavne glumce, kao i veliki aator-blagovaonica za one malo »običnije« filmske djelatnike.ÂNa terenu »od sedam do sedam«Prve scene koje se do petka snimaju na seoskom imanju u Pikulićima, uključuju »kućne« prizore D'Artagnanove obitelji i rađanje mlade junakinje filma. Jučer je, primjerice, prijepodne bilo rezervirano za »scenu u kuhinji« i njena mnogobrojna ponavljanja. Činilo se da za svakog ponovnog pokuaaja sve za trenutak zastane, prisutni na asistentovo »tiaina, snima se« gotovo pa zadr~avaju dah, a onda kratki odmor, pa ponovo. U takvom će ritmu, saznali smo, ekipa svakog dana »visjeti« na terenu »od sedam do sedam«, a nakon petka Pikuliće će kao lokaciju za snimanje zamijeniti Draguć. Do tada cijelu će tu strku morati trpiti i vlasnici kuće, obitelj Buretić, koju čini se, mnoatvo stranaca u njihovoj kući ne zabavlja viae toliko kao ato su to činile pripreme seta. A nije ni čudo, kad sve ato se zbiva mogu samo promatrati  iz dvoriata.ÂVedrana SIMIČEVIĆSnimio Marko GRACIN© Copyright 2002 NOVI LIST d.d. Sva prava pridr~ana.Op-edMichael York is a great Croatian friend. From the moment first bomb exploded, hestood behind us.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Musical Heritage Concert Series in Washington DC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5564/1/E-Croatian-Musical-Heritage-Concert-Series-in-Washington-DC.html Branimir Krstićwww.branimir.netÂThe Croatian House, the National Capital Group of the Association of theÂAlumni and Friends of Croatian Universities (AMAC), and the CroatianÂCatholic Mission of St. Blaise, Washington, D.C., proudly present theÂdistinguished young guitarist and composer, Branimir Krstic. OnÂSaturday, October 26, 2002, at 7:30 p.m., Mr. Krstic will inaugurate theÂCroatian Musical Heritage Series with a concert to be held at Our LadyÂof Victory Church, 4835 MacArthur Boulevard, N.W., (walking distanceÂfrom Georgetown University), Washington, D.C. 20007.ÂMr. Krstic is a native of Croatia, where he began his musical studies.ÂHe continued his guitar and composition studies in Cologne, Germany,Âunder world-renowned professors such as Eliot Fisk, Charles Ramirez,ÂAnsgar Krause, Mauricio Kagel, Johannes Fritsch and Sir Peter MaxwellÂDavis. His music has been broadcast on the BBC and West German radio,Âand performed throughout Europe. Branimir Krstic is currently living inÂMount Vernon, Baltimore.ÂPROGRAMLuys Milan Six PavinsÂBranimir Krstic Croatian Songs, Part II (The Sitting Owl)ÂWorld PremiereHeitor Villa-Lobos Study No. 12ÂBranimir Krstic Four Nocturnes from Osijek, January 1990ÂUS PremiereÂErnesto Halffter HabaneraÂBranimir Krstic Croatian Songs, Part I (I Raise My Eyes)ÂUS PremiereÂAfter the concert, a reception will follow in the Hess Auditorium of OurÂLady of Victory Church, featuring Croatian delicacies prepared by theÂcelebrated chef, Mr. Ivo Svircic.Tickets $25.00 (adults) and $10.00 (students) will be available at theÂdoor, 45 minutes prior to the concert. The proceeds from the concert areÂMr. Kristic's donation to a undergoing project focused on an opening ofÂthe Croatian House in Washington DC.Free parking available.For further information, please contact: croatianhouse@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Model on a Newsweek cover http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5563/1/E-Croatian-Model-on-a-Newsweek-cover.html ÂVLADIMIR TOMLJENOVIC - MICKTCroatian on Newsweek Cover bio www.mickt.comÂHere is the photo of his Newsweek coverhttp://www.mickt.com/gal9_frames/gal9_8frame_main.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Josip Novakovich LIVE in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5562/1/E-Josip-Novakovich-LIVE-in-New-York.html ÂYou are invited to seeÂJosip Novakovich on Friday Oct. 25, 2002, at 7pm for a fiction readingÂat the DACTYL FOUNDATION for the Arts & HumanitiesÂCroatian-born Novakovich has published numerous works of fiction, including, Yolk and Salvation and Other Disasters. He received the Whiting Writer's Award (1997), Guggenheim Fellowship (1999), two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1991 and 2002), and a fellowship at The New York Public Library's Center for Scholars and Writers in 2001/02. Novakovich also teaches in the English Department at Penn State University.Â64 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013 / 212-219-2344 / www.dactyl.orgÂÂOp-edSupportthis talented Croatian writer by your presence and by buying his books.NenadBach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) A NEW Croatian product "Croats a true story" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5561/1/E-A-NEW-Croatian-product-Croats-a-true-story.html Joško Marušić's book "Istinita priča o Hrvatima", "Croats - The True Story" Josko Marusic, famous Croatian cartoonist, book, large, beautiful, in color "Croats - a true story".Croatian history (good), in beautiful landscape (A3) paintings, withlittle jokes. Excellent for presentation of our history.Matko MarusicIf you require any further information, please feel free to contact us.Best regards,Kruno MatešićEditor-in-ChiefNaklada Slap**************************Naklada Slapdr. Franje Tudmana 33ÂP.O. Box 7810450 JastrebarskoCroatia++385 1 6281-774; 6284-001www.nakladaslap.comÂÂÂÂÂ**************************Op-edSupport JoskoMarusic, our great Croatian talent by buying his book and showing it to yourfriends.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Sretan je onaj koji moze svoju tugu pretvoriti u latice ruza http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5565/1/H-Sretan-je-onaj-koji-moze-svoju-tugu-pretvoriti-u-latice-ruza.html Zapaljene svijece, Zagreb,2002Sretan je onaj koji može svoju tugupretvoriti u latice ružaa suze u sjaj jutarnje roseVera Valcic Belic / Zapaljene svijece Zagreb, 2002. Posveta Toncu, kojemu zahvaljujem da je vecina mojih pjesama izašla na vidjelo iz mojih osobnih pretinaca. Našoj djeci Jadranki, Nikoli i Anti, da bi razumjeli živote naših doseljenika u Kanadu i da ne zaborave dane kad su u našem domu gorjele zapaljene svijece obiteljskih svecanosti. Sretan je onaj koji može svoju tugu pretvoriti u latice ruža a suze u sjaj jutarnje rose.ÂIzasla je moja knjiga pjesamaÂZAPALJENE SVIJECEi jedan osijecki student ju je stavio cijelu na www evo adresa ako je netko zeli citati.http://www.ffdi.hr/mep/vera/index.htmÂU Hrvatskom Slovu od 20.9. 2002 je izasla Povelja o Moru jadranskom, koju su potpisali mnogi akademici i druge istaknute osobe Hrvatske i koja zavrsava s nekoliko citata moje pjesme iz te zbirke "Zapaljene svijece"Knjiga je bila predstavljena u mojem rodnom gradu Osijeku, u Zagrebu i u Preku. Svagdje je bila veoma lijepo primljena. To je za mene sve veliko veselje, pa vam to javljam mozda se jos tkogod razveseli samnom.ÂVera VB letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Musician from Seattle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5568/1/E-Croatian-Musician-from-Seattle.html ÂCroatian Musicianfrom SeattleCroatian Musician from SeattleOksana DraganWashington6 Oct 2002 02:28 UTCListen to Oksana Dragan's report (RealAudio)ÂDragan report - Download 576k (RealAudio)ÂThe ties that immigrants to the United States have with their native traditions usually weaken with each succeeding generation as it becomes absorbed in American society. However, Oksana Dragan introduces you to a third-generation Croatian American who is an active member of the Croatian community of Seattle, in the northwestern state of Washington, and a teacher of Croatian music and culture.ÂJohn Morevich says he first realized that he was different when he started school. "It didn't really hit me until grade school, I guess. Having a funny name, and being that there were other Croatian kids in my class that also had funny names. And the food was different at school than at home," he says. "As American as we were, as my parents kept the household, we were very ethnic, too, and it didn't really occur to me until elementary school that, oh, yeah, I'm different from everybody else."ÂJohn Morevich's great-great-parents immigrated to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. Like many other Croatians, they gravitated to the Pacific Northwest, where they could find work that they were familiar with from home. "The Croatians that came to the Puget Sound to fish were all from the Dalmatian coast. Those that went into coal mining were from coal-mining regions, and the logging people came from logging areas," he says. "And so they took their skills from their homeland, came here without any education, not knowing the language, with very little in their pockets, but they were able to survive and educate their kids. And that was the most important goal for them."ÂJohn Morevich says members of the large and strongly-knit Croatian community of Washington state are quite Americanized, on the one hand, but on the other retain a strong sense of ethnic identity. "They are a very assimilated group, and so people are not going to immediately recognize they're Croatian. But if they know one of us, they know the whole community. You know one of us, you know everybody," he says. "They still live in those fishing towns on Puget sound, where you'll have streets named after prominent Croatian-Americans, where Croatian-Americans are the civic leaders, the business leaders, doctors, lawyers, they're very assimilated and they know who we are."ÂGrowing up in this community, John Morevich learned the Croatian language and traditions. He also learned to play the tambouritza, a guitar-like instrument that is considered the Croatian national instrument. "As a kid growing up I always had this appreciation for tambouritza music. It's very happy music, it's very expressive music, and there's always a lot of joy, happiness and dancing that's associated with it," he says. Mr. Morevich now is the director of the 50-member strong Seattle tambouritza ensemble, which, he believes, plays an important role in passing on traditions to new generations of Croatian-Americans. Indeed, says Mr. Morevich, the traditional songs the ensemble performs, and that Seattle Croatians enjoy as part of their heritage, are often not familiar to new immigrants or visitors from Croatia.Â"Because a lot of the people who live in the cities, in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnick, whatever, their exposure to rural culture is about like my exposure to rural culture in America. So they come to the States and they meet one of us, and we'll say, 'Oh, come on over to a party', and there will be traditional Croatian folk music being played, and they'll say, 'What is this?!', but they'll get into it. I think they appreciate that this is a way for us to express our cultural identity. It's something that's not necessarily applicable to them, because they live in that country," he says. "There they listen to American music, they always have."ÂEven though his parents and grandparents were born in this country, John Morevich is steeped in his Croatian heritage. He has become a folklorist. He sings, performs with bands, and also teaches singing at an annual Balkan camp attended by Americans interested in folk music and dance. Although the Americans have to learn the words to the songs phonetically, the sound is authentic.ÂIn teaching Croatian music, Mr. Morevich says he tries to open up the whole world of Croatian culture to his American students. "I try to give an overview of what that culture is like, what that culture is made up of. It's not just the songs, it's not just the dances, there's a lot more that goes into it," he says. "There are rituals, the religious holidays, the family structure, the history, all these things that make the culture so rich."ÂJohn Morevich, third-generation Croatian-American, folklorist and musician.Âhttp://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=3CB24BDB-BB45-439B-A016F4A2ECC36614&title=Croatian%20Musician%20from%20Seattle&catOID=45C9C784-88AD-11D4-A57200A0CC5EE46C&categoryname=Arts%20&%20Culture# letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Stoljetnica NAPRETKA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5566/1/H-Stoljetnica-NAPRETKA.html ÂProf. dr. fra Andrija NikicUTEMELJENJE HRVATSKOG POTPORNOG DRUŠTVA,ODNOSNO NAPRETKAUvodGodine Gospodnje 2002. Matica hrvatska slavi 160. rodendan, Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti 135 godina rada i Hrvatsko kulturno društvo Napredak sto ljeta od utemeljenja. Te tri krunske kulturne institucije su tijekom pet država mijenjale svoja imena, ali su nas zadužili s ukupno 395 godina karitativnog, socijalnog i kulturnog djelovanja.Teške prilike i potrebe inteligencije koja bi djelovala u puckim srednjim i višim školama, te uredima i novinarstvu, davali su prvi poticaj dalekovidnim predstavnicima hrvatskog naroda u Herceg-Bosni za vrijeme Austro­-Ugarske,[1] te kumovale osnivanju Hrvatskoga potpornog društva u Mostaru. Navedena i slicna zvanja poticala su, nadalje, da se prvotna zamisao dobrocinitelja i zagovornika ostvari. Potporno društvo se tada moralo osnovati. Hrvati, naime, u Hercegovini i Bosni našli su se i poslije austrougarskog zaposjednuca u teškom položaju. Kako nisu imali svoje domace inteligencije, vrata su bila otvorena strancima, a to je bilo na veliku štetu domacem stanovništvu.[2]ÂMostar je bio u neku ruku središte hrvatskog kulturnog života u Bosni i Hercegovini pocevši od 1870. do 1900. godine.[3] Godine 1870. pocinju pripreme za nabavku Tiskare, kojoj je duša bio fra Franjo Milicevic koji je zavšio slagarski zanat u tiskari Spiridiona u Zadru. Nakon dobivene koncesije za rad fra Franjo izdaje u Mostaru knjige - prva knjiga je Pravopis za nižje ucione katolicke u Hercegovini, druga Bakulin Šematizam za 1873. i kalendar Mladi Hercegovac. Zbog onovremenih ustanickih nemira rad je zastao i godine 1883. fra Franjo pokrece hrvatski nezavisni list u Mostaru pod imenom Hercegovacki bosiljak. Od toga razdoblja život u Mostaru postaje vatreniji i življi. Dvije godine kasnije mostarski gradani osnivaju pjevacko društvo, dok ono nešto omladine poglavito sa sarajevske gimnazije i preparandije i s drugih strana pokušavaju se baviti književnim radom. Tako se u Bosiljku pojavljuju potpisani prilozi Ive Cipika. Iz Sarajeva su slali svoje priloge Ivan Milicevic, Ivan Zovko i Nikola Buconjic, a u Mostaru se isticu fra Ambro Miletic, Petar Markov Ancic i Petar Nikolin Ancic i drugi. Za taj rad mladih rado se zanimao biskup fra Paškal Buconjic i don Franjo Milicevic. U tim krugovima narocito se pretresalo i pitanje odgoja domaceg podmlatka. Naime, u srednjim školama bili su vrlo slabo zastupani i katolici i muslimani u razmjeru prema njihovom ukupnom broju pucanstva. Ovo pitanje postalo je aktualnije nakon otvaranja gimnazije u Mostaru i dijeljenja stipendija što ih je davala Vlada u Sarajevu.[4]Želeci se oduprijeti strancima, rektor Franjevacke bogoslovije u Mostaru fra Radoslav Glavaš, hercegovacki provincijal fra Augustin Zubac, biskup fra Paškal Buco­njic i još nekoliko uglednih ljudi iz Mostara, okupilo je oko sebe dalekovidne ljude i predložili im da treba organizirati Potporno društvo, koje ce omoguciti siromašnoj mladeži da završi škole. Pošlo se i dalje od obrtnickog cilja, što ga je nudilo Društvo za obskrbu muške sirocadi. Tre­balo je odgojiti vlastitu inteligenciju.[5] To je cudo entuzijasta koji to nisu trebali biti. Imajuci na srcu šire potrebe, a ne samo lokalne, organizatori su uputili poziv širom Herceg-Bosne na sva društva, a i preko Biokova, Save i Dinare da podupru taj plemeniti pothvat. Apel je djelomicno uspio.1. Hrvatsko potporno društvu u MostaruOdavno se je osjecala potreba da se osnuje potporno dru­štvo za našu ucecu mladež, jer je i bijeda bila velika. Najviše su patili naši visokoškolci u Zagrebu, Becu i Gracu.[6] Istu misao izrazio je i Ivan Milicevic rijecima: stara je ideja stvaranja hrvatskog društva za podupiranje daka, a do njenog ranijeg ostvarenja nije moglo doci zbog ondašnjih teško podnošljivih prilika.[7] Pripreme za osnutak društva jace se kristilariziraju u vremenskom razdoblju izmedu 1897. i 1901. godine. Bosanska je vlada htjela zaprijeciti osnivanje takvog društva ili mu barem oduzeti svako hrvatsko obilježje.[8] Još u godini 1901. mostarski tjednik Osvit otvorio je rubriku, u kojoj je oglašivao sve darovatelje za pomoc naših daka.[9]Ne samo u javnim glasilima nego i medu profesorima na Franjevackoj bogosloviji zapodijevali su se razgovori o odgoju hrvatske inteligencije. Prije 13. prosinca 1901. rektor Franjevacke bogoslovije fra Radoslav Glavaš je predao zamolbu gradskom predstojniku Brodniku u Mostaru, da «mogu držati skupštinu u korist osnutka družtva za podpomaganje sirotinje, osobito daka na sveucilištu». Predstojnik je, nastavlja fra Dujo, danas (13. prosinca) pred podne zovnuo sve odbornike: fra Radoslava Glavaša, Stjepana Radulovica, Juru Smoljana 'Crnoga' i Blaža Merdžu te im rekao, da im ne može dozvoliti skupštinu, pošto su lani pitali Srbi, odnosno rišcani, dozvolu za takvo jedno družtvo - to obstoji, premda nema potvrde - drugo, jer takvo družtvo nema svrhe po njihovu mišljenju, premda je humanitarno.»[10] Tako se državna vlast suprotstavila predstavnicima hrvatskog naroda koji su na zakonit nacin cinili korak po korak za dobrobit hrvatske inteligencije, a kroz prste je gledala na društvo što su ga osnovali predstavnici srpskog naroda bez dozvole. Vlada je pomagala Srbima velikim donacijama za Srpski vjestnik, a fra Dujo istice da se ta pomoc podigla do 40.000 forinti, «da se bore protiv Hrvatim». Nadalje, vlada uzdržaje muslimanski list Bošnjak «koji brani bošnjaštvo, samo neka su jedni protiv drugim žešci».[11]Â1.1. Povod utemeljenju DruštvaNeposredni povod za osnutak Hrvatskog potpornog društva, piše u mostarskom Osvitu, «dala je prva matura u velikoj gimnaziji mostarskoj godine 1901.»[12] Tada je maturiralo sedam Hrvata a ni jedan nije dobio Vladinu stipendiju za daljnje školovanje, dok su iste godine 6 srpskih i jedan muslimanski maturant iz Mostara dobili takve stipendije. Da bi se pomoglo buducim sveucilištarcima franjevci su 14. listopada 1901. kupili milodare za mostarske maturante, kojim ni ciglomu od katolika nije vlada dala stipendiju, da mogu nastaviti svoje nauke na sveucilištu.[13] Skupljanje za abituriente, «kojim nije gubava vlada podielila stipendija», nastavljeno je i 15. listopada. «Opet su naši fratri dali dvaput više nego svi naši gradani, premda ih ima, pa vicu proti fratrim, a kad im što treba, hajde k fratrim. Biskup fra Paškal Buconjic je dao 20 kruna, Franjevacki samostan 10, fra Radoslav Glavaš 8, a fra Dujo Ostojic 5 kruna. Ukupno 43 krune. Neka opet fratara. Nek se znade i ovo, što je bilo - nadodao je fra Dujo Ostojic.[14]Provincijal i tajnik biskupa fra Paškala Buconjica fra Dujo Ostojic je u svom dnevniku potanko zapisao vrijedne podatke koji su pratili osnutak Hrvatskog potpornog društva. Da se omete da hrvatska rodoljubna ideja Vlada pokrece akciju da osnuje Gospojinsko društvo. Dana 2. prosinca 1901., zapisao je fra Dujo, da je kod biskupa bila žena baruna Pitnera, okružnoga predstojnika, zatim žena gimnazijalnog direktora Karla Kudlicha, da kupe clanove za potporu siromašnih grada Mostara. Društvo ce se zvati Gospojinsko družtvo. Clan placa godišnje cetiri krune. Fra Dujo komentira da bi bolje bilo, da se je ustanovilo katolicko društvo nego ovako bez odredenog naziva.[15] Pet dana kasnije fra Dujo je zapisao: «Ovih prošastih dana potakao je fra Ambro Miletic da se osnuje hrvatsko katolicko družtvo za podpomaganje siromašne katolike u cieloj našoj Hercegovini: onda su njeki tom prigodom potakli, da se osnuje družtvo, koje ce podpomagati siromašne ucenike, osobito one, koji uce na sveucilištu u Zagrebu. To bi se družtvo imalo proširiti po cieloj Bosni i Hercegovini.»[16] Kad je za to saznao «naš vezir, okružni predstojnik baron Pitnera - možda migom ostalih turskih ulizica - potaknu oni tako zvano gospojinsko družtvo u Mostaru za podupiranje u obce sirotinje, ko bajagi da ce u to družtvo stupiti turci (muslimani), rišcani i katolici. Tada se prihvatiše velike agitacije, osobito žena barona Pitnera kao tobožnja pokroviteljica, onda dat bezbeli nalog, da se i druge uplivne žene zauzmu za tu svrhu, kao Rojal, upraviteljica više djevojacke škole, zatim žena direktora gimnazije Karla Kudlicha, žena Draga Ko'lera, gradskog inžinjera, onda žena Ivke Bašadura. Svi ti, piše fra Dujo, rade svim silama, da ubiju ta dva nauma što su ih katolici potakli. To više, što svi ti jesu crno katolici, pa bi htjeli, da odmah u zametku uguše taj naš pokret. Da je srece, oni bi nastojali poput drugih katolika po svietu, da se osnuje katolicko družtvo, ali oni naši rade nami na zator».[17] Tom prigodom, «u svojoj velikoj covjekoljubnosti, sudac napiše jedan clanak, u kome spominje tri velika reformatora: Mojsija, Isusa i Muhameda. Liepo! Kršcanstvo se bori tisucu godina protiv tomu turskom fanatizmu i divljaštvu, a ovaj katolik sudac zove Muhameda velikim reformatorom! Taj sudac nije nitko drugi nego Pajitoni, koji u svojoj prevelikoj ljubavi za cifute - koji su svagdje framazuni - i za Turke, koji i jesu protiv krstu uobce i svagdje, pa ga još mieša sa svojim Spasiteljem!» [18]ÂTako vladina milostiva ruka koja, reklo bi se da gladi Hrvate, ali cim hoce štogod za sebe uciniti «odmah znade naci nacina, da uduši u nami katolicima svaku klicu za bolju buducnost i naš napredak».[19]Â1.2. Prva sjednicaProfesori Franjevacke bogoslovije na celu s fra Radoslavom Glavašem zapazili su navedenu Vladinu politiku i zakljucili da sami moraju tražiti materijalnu pomoc svršenim maturantima i buducim studentima kako bi stvorili hrvatsku inteligenciju. Oformili su posebni odbor ad hoc i tiskanom zamolbom zamolili pucanstvo u Bosni i Hercegovini da odboru saopce svoje mišljenje. Oni su dobili mnogo izjava i pisama, da svi pristaju uz rad odbora ad hoc.[20] Od ideje, uvjetovane Vladinom protuhrvatskom politikom prešlo se na konkretna rješenja. Hercegovacki franjevci, pod predsjedanjem provincijala fra Augustina Zupca i u nazocnosti nekolicine mostarskih rodoljuba, okupili su se 7. sijecnja 1902. u provincijalatu franjevackog samostana u Mostaru i donijeli odluku o osnutku Društva. Evo kako je to suvremenik zapisao: «Sinovi hrvatskog naroda - franjevci - osjetili su potrebu da se nadu kakva sredstva kojima bi se omogucio sigurniji napredak naše ucece mladosti po školama. Franjevcima su se pridružili rijetki rodoljubi. Njihovi predstavnici sastadoše se u sijecnju (7.) 1902. Najsigurnije mjesto njihova sastanka bio je Franjevacki samostan, a najpouzdanije osobe biskup fra Paškal Buconjic i provincijal fra Augustin Zubac. U samostanu naših franjevaca u Mostaru okupili su se na dogovor, kako bi se moglo pomoci našim dacima. Sastanku je pretsjedao provincijal fra Augustin Zubac, te iza duga i ozbiljna raspravljanja zakljuciše sastaviti društvo za siromašne dake. Dana 16. sijecnja 1902. biskupov tajnik fra Dujo Ostojic je zapisao: "Danas su bili ovdje kod biskupa fra Ilario (Radoslav) Glavaš i (Stojan) Radulovic, koji hoce uz pomoc biskupa i provincijala da osnuju Hrvatsko podporno družtvo zapotrebne dake srednjih i visokih škola iz Bosne i Hercegovine. Vlada im je to odbila preko gradske oblasti po nalogu samog okružnog barona Petnera. Nu odbor se je tomu usprotivio te im zaprijetio, da ce stvar cerati do same vlade u Sarajevu, onda do samoga cara u Becu. Još im je natuknuo, da ce izdati brošuru ili predstavku caru i ministru, u kojoj ce iznijeti sva gravamina (=optužbe), koja je vlada ucinila katolicima kroz dvadeset i dvije godine. Zatim da ce svi katolici stupiti u opoziociju protiv vladi.[21] Cini se da je navedena prijetnja iznudila pozitivno rješenje. Medutim, pojedini hrvatski intelektualci iz Sarajeva poslali su savjet biskupu fra Paškalu Buconjicu i rektoru Franjevacke bogoslovije fra Radoslavu Glavašu. Naime, dr. Nikola Mandic i dr. Tugomir Alaupovic su pisali u Mostar "da o tome sada šutimo mi u Mostaru, ce bajagi biti bolje tamo u Sarajevu poslije".[22] Vjerojatno na nagovor spomenutih iz Sarajeva je hrvatskim rodoljubima u Mostar upuceno i drugo pismo. To pismu su potpisali Petar Zelenika (Mostarac), Udovic i družina Pordušic. U Mostaru su prepoznali da je to vladino maslo "jer što oni pišu, to je isto nami govorio gradski predstojnik Franjo Brodnik, koga rišcani zovu Juretom Zagorcem".[23]ÂDa se riješe odugovlacenja i bacanja luga u oci biskup fra Paškal Buconjic je 16. sijecnja 1902. napisao službeno pismo okružnoj oblasti u Mostar tužeci se na nepravdu, da rišcanskih stipendista ima u mostarskoj gimnaziji 33 s 12.000 kruna, dok katolika ima samo 13 s 2.200 kruna, a od tih je 5 cinovnickih sinova! Dakle samo 8 daka katolika hercegovackih, premda je mnogo više katolika u Hercegovini nego rišcana, a (imaju) samo 4 viecnika".[24] Nadalje, isti biskup se tuži na nepravdu prema katolicima koja se cini u upravi. Naime, "u gradskom viecu je samo 3.800 rišcana, a imaju 6 viecnika, dok katolika ima 3.400, a imaju samo 4 viecnika".[25] Nadalje, prilikom zapošaljavanja vrši se nepravda prema katolicima, "svršeni preparandisti ne mogu odmah dobiti uciteljsko mjesto, vlada ih ne ce da namjesti, vec ih mnogo godina drži, da gladuju, a njihovu placu ždere. Naprotiv rišcani su odmah namiješteni a nisu još ni svršili preparandiju".[26] Nadalje je biskup upozorio na politicku pozadinu pri namještanju rišcanskih ucitelja, koji se namještaju "tamo gdje u školi ima više katolicke djece ili barem polovica, kao na primjer u Bijelom Polju, gdje ima dvaput više katolika. Barem onih, koji mogu školu polaziti. Isto tako u Ljubuškom ima jedan rišcanin ucitelj, a gotovo nijedno rišcasko dijete u školi. U mostarskoj ženskoj školi ima dvoje rišcanske djece i rišcanska uciteljica i jedna cifutka - Mandolfo kod stotinu katolicke djece. Onda u višoj djevojackoj školi isto tako nepravedno" se protežiraju pravoslavni ucitelji i uciteljice s ciljem da šire pravoslavnu kulturu i pismenost na štetu hrvatske.[27]ÂDesetak dana kasnije, tocnije 25. sijecnja 1902. fra Radoslav Glavaš je posjetio biskupa fra Paškala Buconjica i donio mu odgovor na pismo što su uputila videnija lica iz Sarajeva radi utemeljenja Hrvatskog potpornog društva. On im je odgovorio "da mi u sporazumu s biskupom ne možemo pristati na njihove zahtjeve, tim više, pošto su oni iskljucili dake viših škola, što je nama bila upravo glavna zadaca". To stajalište potpisao je cijeli odbor ad hoc.[28]Â1.3. Pravila Društva Što se smislilo, to se brzo i ucinilo, te se sastavila pravila[29], koja su uz biskupa fra Paškala Buconjica i provincijala fra Augustina Zubca potpisala još dvanaestorica rodoljuba. Zadužili su nekoliko osoba da sastave Pravila društva. To su bili ucitelj Ante Jukic i Stojan Radulovic. Njihov tekst je pregledao i dotjerao fra Radoslav Glavaš.[30] Nakon potvrde javnog mnijenja o planiranom koraku pravila su poslana Vladi na potvrdu. Pravila su sastavljena i poslana Zemaljskoj vladi u Sarajevo.[31] Priredivacki odbor poslije prvoga sastanka pošalje pravila Zemaljskoj Vladi na odobrenje.ÂProtivljenju nekih Sarajlija pridružio se i biskup fra Paškal Buconjic: "okolnosti i razloge moram uvažiti, pa molim i Vas (vjerojatno dr. Mandica), da ih ozbiljno uzmete u obzir".[32] Glas o sastavu društva, stoji u daljnjem tekstu, proširila se brzo širom naše domovine, te je osnivajuci odbor dobio iz svih vecih mjesta Herceg-Bosne pouzdanice i želje, da se Društvo što prije i kod njih osnuje. Kako su mjeseci prolazili a potvrda pravila iz Sarajeva nije stizala, u Mostaru su se pobojali da bi vlada mogla preko uprave u Sarajevu, gdje ima i ovisnih ljudi, nekako djelovati na rad društva. Radi zatezanja s odobrenjem pravila došlo je do jaceg istupa odbora ad hoc u Mostaru protiv vlade, jer je odbor bio stavljen u kušnju, cekajuci uzalud pravila.[33] Na cešce požurivanje rodoljuba pred­ložena pravila biše odobrena na dan sv. Cirila i Metoda, 5. srpnja 1902.[34] Odobrenje pravila radi onodobnih prilika uslijedilo je iznenada. Prema Pravilima Društvo je dobilo ime: HRVATSKO POTPORNO DRUŠTVO ZA POTREBNE ÐAKE SREDNJIH I VISOKIH ŠKOLA IZ BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE SA SJEDIŠTEM U MOSTARU."[35]ÂIstovremeno fra Radoslav Glavaš traži materijalnu pomoc kod dobrocinitelja i radi na osnivanju »Hrvatskog potpornog društva« za pomoc siromašnim dacima srednjih i visokih škola. U odzivu prijatelja cuo se i prijedlog da se u svakom vecem mjestu osnuje filijala tog društva. Tako bi se »našao na okupu cijeli narod, i to: boga­tiji kao dionicari, srednji kao clanovi, a sjeromašni putem sa­kupljanja milostinje u nedilju i svetkovine (u crkvi)«. Na taj nacin bi ovo društvo postalo »prava blagodat za naš narod«.[36] Tako se zapocelo preko Osvita i nastavilo preko Kršcanske obitelji pripremati širu javnost za podržanje i dugovjecnost planitranog Društva na vecu uhar naše vrijedne mladeži. Zamisao fra Radoslava Glavaša za osnivanje navedenog društva, bez ikakve sumnje, svjedoci o Glavaševu neiscrpnom duhu inicijative, te iskrenom i praktic­nom rodoljublju. Bio je covjek koji je težio velikim djelima i pothvatima, a osobitto je bio tankocutan spram nepravdama i slobodi, odlikujuci se pravdoljubivošcu, što mu je zasigurno priskrbilo mnoge prijatelje, ali i neprijatelje. Bio je covjek privlacne vanjštine, ugladena govora, a stekao je zavidnu filozofsku i teološku, te književnu i povijesnu naobrazbu, kao humanist bio je covjek velikog znanja i umijeca. Fra Radoslav Glavaš bio je, ne rubni promatrac, nego pokretac i graditelj povijesti. Cinio je cudesa hrabrosti zauzimajuci se slovom i tvorom za odgoj hrvatske inteligencije.[37]1.4. Izborna skupštinaCim su stigla odobrena pravila odmah se je pocelo pripremati za prvu, konstituirajucu skupštinu, koja bi zaka­zana za 14. rujna 1902. godine. Dana 14. rujna 1902. održana je konstituirajuca skupština na kojoj je izabran upravni odbor. Neopisivo je bilo veselje, jedno­dušan odaziv na ovu skupštinu na koju su svi listom došli. U smislu društvenih pravila § 10. per acclamationem bijahu iza­brani: za predsjednika: fra Radoslav Glavaš, prof. bogoslovije. Tajnim glasanjem za potpredsjednika je izabran Martin Cule, trgovac; za I. tajnika prof. Bartol Inhof; za II. tajnika ucitelj Ante Ju­kic, za I. blagajnika prof. Leo Jamnicki, za II. blagajnika trgovac Blaž Merdžo, za odbornike gradani: Ilija Ivankovic, Petar Smoljan, Toma Kovac, Mato Smoljan, te prof. Kosta Urumovic i sud. prislušnik Janko Ašperger; za revizore: ing. Drag. Kohler i trgovac Nikola Smoljan.[38] U pocetku su se clanovi, prema visini novcanog doprinosa razvrstavali u dobrotvore, utemeljitelje i podupirajuce (redovite) clanove. Kasnije se pojavljuju pocasni clanovi, zakladnici i veliki dobrotvori. Na istoj skupštini jednoglasno je biran za pokrovitelja HRVATSKOG POTPORNOG DRUŠTVA biskup fra Paškal Buconjic. Broj utemeljitelja se polagano povecavao. Tako se 1910.ili 1911. vec spominju: Fišic Angja, Galic Marijan, Fra Radoslav Glavaš, Ante Kvesic, Blaž Merdžo, Merdžo Josip Mijatov, Adam Mikacic, Fila Šandrk, Samostan Franjevaca u Mostaru, Ivan Sliškovic i Stjepan Sukic.Prva odborska sjednica držana je 21. rujna 1902. u jednoj sobi biskupskog konsistorija, koju je biskup Buconjic besplatno ustupio u staroj biskupiji (Vukodolu). Na sjednicu su došli svi odbornici potpuno spremni. Na njoj su stavljeni prijedlozi i stvarani zakljucci programatickog sadržaja. Zakljuceno je, da se tiskaju društvena pravila u 500 primjeraka; 500 komada poziva rodoljubima po Bosni i Hercegovini, da se prime povjereništva i da osnivaju podružnice, 200 komada poziva odlicnim rodoljubima, da se upišu kao do­brotvori ili utemeljitelji; 100 komada poziva pjevackim dru­štvima i citaonicama, da se upišu kao utemeljitelji i da prirede po jednu zabavu u korist društva. Na istoj sjednici svaki odbornik prima na se dužnost za koju ce se skrbiti tako da svaki mora na sjednicama odgova­rati za dio posla kojega se je primio. Medu odbornicima je vla­dalo posvemašnje povjerenje, ljubav i suglasnost u svim pita­njima, koja zasijecaju u interese društva.Odbor se cesto sastaje i smišlja nacina, kako bi povecao prihode. Na pocetku pomišlja na izdavanje šibica, cigar-papira i na proizvodnju sapuna pod društvenim imenom. Od izdavanja šibica odustaje na molbu Cirilo-Metodskog društva, premda su vec bili u korespondenciji sa domacim tvrtkama.Odbor se je obracao na pojedince da se zauzmu i da osnivanja podorganizacije, ali je to slabo uspijevalo. Pomišljali su na iza­šiljanje pouzdanih ljudi u pojedine krajeve, napose u Dalma­ciju i Hrvatsku. Za Hrvatsku i Slavoniju odbor opunomocuje Mehmeda Džal. Kurta, pravnika u Zagrebu, da prikuplja uteme­ljitelje i dobrotvore i da imenuje povjerenike. U samom Zagrebu upisano je 34 utemeljitelja i 186 clanova. Lijep je odaziv bio i u svim ostalim mjestima Hrvatske i Slavonije. Docim se je Dalmacija vrlo slabo odazvala osim nekoliko istaknutijih licno­sti. Odbor je sa povjerenikom, g. Kurtom, koji je požrtvovno svoj posao vršio, skrupulozno obracune svidao.[39]Otadžbenici su srdacno pozdravili osnutak Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru. Društvo je svoj rad pocelo 1. listopada 1902. godine. Dana 2. listopada iste 1902. godine fra Dujo Ostojic je potvrdio postojanje Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru i naglasio da su To Društvo utemeljili hercegovacki fratri svojim prilozima. Medu utemeljiteljima se nalaze: biskup fra Paškal Buconjic s prilogom od 100 kruna, Franjevacki samostan u Mostaru sa 100 kruna, Kršcanska obitelj sa 100 kruna, fra Dujo Ostojic sa 100 kruna, fra Pio Knezovic sa 100 kruna. Tako je pet fratara utemeljitelja dalo ukupno 500 kruna.[40] Hrvatsko potporno društvo se raširilo u sve slojeve i u sve zemlje hrvatske, te je pozvano svecenstvo i uciteljstvo, da u svojim mjestima porade za raširenje Društva. Ideja mostarskog društva brzo se širila podružnicama i povjereništvima po Bosni i Hercegovini pa i po Hrvatskoj (u Zagrebu, Zemunu, Senju), i kao prva potvrdena je 3. svibnja 1903. podružnica u Tuzli, a istom 9. listopada 1904. podružnica u Sarajevu.[41] Za osnutak podružnice Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru, u Sarajevu posebno su zaslužni Ante Palandžic i Jozo Udovicic. Oni su bili medu prvima, koji su i od prije uveli u Sarajevu spomenutu podružnicu.[42]ÂGlavna je briga odbora bila kako namaci prihode nužne za rad društva. Obratili su se hrvatskom pucanstvu koje se, iako je živjelo u krajnjoj bijedi, izvrsno odazivalo u svojim mogucnostima.[43] Na koncu prve godine djelovanja Društvo je imalo: 1. dobrotvora (biskup Josip Juraj Strossmayer), 174 utemeljitelja i 564 redovnih clanova sa znatnim prihodima. Krajem 1903. Društvo je imalo preko 600 clanova; prihodi i glavnice stalno rastu: vec u drugoj društvenoj godini prireduje društvo svoju prvu društvenu zabavu (8. studenog 1903.), izdaje svoj kalendar Hrvoje i zakljucuje godinu s ukupnim prihodom od 16.062.46 K i gotovinom od 14.204.32 Krune od cega ostaje za temeljnu glavnicu 12.062.52 K, a kad se u trecoj godini prihodi digoše do 18.953.14 i glavnica do 13.146.16 K, dana 9. rujna 1904. zakljuci društvo graditi svoju kucu i kupi potrebno zemljište za 3.600 K. U isto vrijeme zakljuceno je izdavati društvene šibice i polovicu cistoga dobitka od toga davati družbi Cirila i Metoda.[44]ÂPrva društvena go­dina bila je najaktivnija a i najplodonosnija. Uprava društva nije po­puštala u svom prvom, žaru, nego su se pocele javljati poteškoce sa strane. Rijeci Ante Jukica na II. društvenoj skup­štini imaju vrijednosti i danas: "Mnogi naši lju­di nijesu zapravo ni shvatili cilja ovoga društva, te se je trebalo bo­riti sa mnogim predra­sudama, dok si je dru­štvo bar donekle prokr­cilo put u sve slojeve na­šega naroda. Mnogi su shvatili cilj društva je­dnostrano i sebicno, te su stupili u društvo je­dino radi toga, da sebi - odnosno svojoj djeci - odatle koristi crpu, a nijesu imali na umu vi­šeg cilja...., da radi narodne stvari treba svoju korist podvrgnuti opcoj i da je društvu cilj potpomoci one mladice, koji imaju mara i volje za nauku a sredstva nemaju". Predsjednik fra Radoslav Glavaš otvarajuci skupštinu aludira na poteškoce, koje su kocile društveni rad. "U nas, rekao je predsjednik Glavaš, vlada velika dezorganizacija, u nas se svakom poslu podmecu klipovi, pa je tako bilo i s našim društvom . . . Mi imamo puno deklamatora, ali malo radnika."[45]Iz Hrvatskog potpornog društva, s vremenom, potekla je i ideja o organiziranju dobrotvornih zabava koje ce kasnije postati tradicija. Prva takva zabava organizirana je u Mostaru 8. studenog 1903. godine. Odbor Hrvatskog potpornog društva nastojao je i na druge nacine povecati prihode. Tamo su potekle ideje o proizvodnji žigica, cigaret-papira i sapuna pod društvenim imenom.Prva podružnica koju je osnovalo Hrvatsko potporno društvo bila je u Donjoj Tuzli koja je potvrdena od Vlade 3. svibnja 1903. godine, a ubrzo i u Sarajevu.[46]ÂDobiva se dojam da je pronaden nacin te je razbudio ono stoljecima zatoceno rodoljublje hrvatskog puka koje je na oltar hrvatske misli prinosilo svoj obol. Prikupljanje prihoda za Društvo kroz desetljeca u raznim prigodama[47] je dokaz «osobite ljubavi prema svom bližnjem, ljubavi prema svom napacenom narodu, jednog silnog i zanosnog rodoljublja koje se brinulo svakom zgodom da bi omogucilo školovanje nadarenoj djeci koja oskudijeva materijalnim sredstvima. Jedna tako odškolovana generacija nije zaboravila svoj dug zgodnim zabavama da Hrvat prinese svoj obol, pruži dokaz svoje iskrene ljubavi prema svom puku, prema njegovoj 'ucenoj mladeži' koja se po bijelom svijetu pati zbog neimaštine, pa nerijetko i prekida svoje studije samo zato što nema od cega živjeti. Istinska ljubav, ljubav koja nikad ne prestaje, ljubav koja je pokretac dogadanja, koja je pomak smrti u život, ona ljubav po kojoj ce se prepoznavati Kristovi ucenici i sljedbenici - ovdje u našim krajevima u ovo vrijeme ocitovala se i preko brige za 'potrebne dake srednjih i visokih škola', ocitovala se svojim prilozima, svojim milodarima u trenucima najvece radosti i veselja, u casovima kad je srce zagrijano picem, u trenucima izobilja. I to su upravo onakvi darivaoci kakve apostol Pavao preporucuje: 'Jer Bog ljubi vesela dariovaoca'. Neka ne bude ni jednog imendana, ni jednog vjencanja, ni jednog krštenja, u našim kucama i obiteljima da se u tim radosnim casovima ne sjetimo i NAPRETKA.[48]Poteškoca je bilo i kod same uprave u susretu sa prvim neprilikama ne pokaza se dovoljno upravne spretnosti. Društveni je rad, barem u provinciji, najviše radi toga zapinjao, što je središnja uprava imala svoje sjedište u Mostaru. Mnoge podružnice i povjereništva zatajiše s radom, nisu slale clanarinu i tražile prijenos centralne uprave u Sarajevo. Sve ovo dalo je povoda, da se fra R. Glavaš ne htjede primiti ponovnoga predsjedništva, da Ante Jukic, B. Inhof i V. Pogacnik daju svoje ostavke.ÂTako, fra Radoslav Glavaš je postavio Hrvatsko potprono društvo u Mostaru na sigurne noge, protivio se sjedinjenju sa Sarajevom i 18. studenog 1903. predao upravu Društva fra Špiri Šimicu. Fra Špiro je vodio Društvo godinu dana. Skupština bira za predsjednika fra Špiru Šimica, koji ostaje samo jednu godinu. Treci predsjednik fra Nikola Šimovic, istina ostaje u istom svojstvu do konacne fuzije «Hrvatskog potpornog društva« i «Napretka«, ali glavne poslove vodi marni, nesebicni i ustrajni prof. Jamnicki. On je bio duša društva i davao sve inicijative. Radi njegovih zasluga za društvo na skupštini 1925. biran je zacasnim clanom «Napretka«.[49]2. Utemeljenje Društva u SarajevuCuvši za uspjeh hrvatskih rodoljuba u Mostaru u studenom 1902. godine grupa hrvatskih intelektualaca, na poticaj dr. Tugomira Alaupovica, odlucila je utemeljiti slicno potporno društvo sa sjedištem u Sarajevu. Društvo su prozvali Hrvatsko društvo za namještanje djece u zanate i trgovinu. Dana 9. studenog napisana su i pravila. Pravila je sastavio dr. Tugomir Alaupovic uz pomoc Ðure Vrinjanina i Dušana Plavšica. Privremeni odbor Društva izabran je 11. studenog 1902., prihvatio je Pravila, a vec «sutradan su predana pravila vladinom povjereniku na odobrenje». Sarajevskom Društvu vlada je odugovlacila potvrdu pravila. Na odobrenje pravila cekale su se gotovo dvije godine.ÂVlada tek 6. rujna 1904. uruci Ivanu Raguzu, privremenom predsjedniku Napretka Pravila, s tim da ih primi glavna skupština i ponovno se podnesu na potvrdu. Osnivacka skupština Napretka održana je 10. rujna 1904. u prostorijama Trebevica, na kojoj su jednoglasno Pravila prihvacena i izbran prvi Odbor. Predsjedik dr. Tugomir Alaupovic, profesor; dopredsjednik i tajnik Marko Kuzmanovic, cinovnik; odbornici: Ivo Barešic, Jozo Udovicic, Anto Palandžic, Ivan Spahic, Marko Debic obrtnici i Ðuro Vrinjanin, cinovnik.[50] Zanimljivo je da vec «30. listopada 1904. iznajmljuje Napredak sobu kod g. Josipa Udovicica za 8 kruna mjesecno i nabavlja potrebni namještaj u zajednici sa sarajevskom podružnicom Hrvatskog potpornog društva iz Mostara».[51] Glavna je briga i jednog i drugog odbora bila kako namaknuti prihode nužne za rad društva.3. Ujedinjenje DruštavaSve su okolnosti, piše fra Leo Petrovic, vodile koncentraciji narodnih sila u Bosni i Hercegovini. U narodnom pokretu Sarajevo je bilo posve mrtvo sve do pocetka ovoga stoljeca. Tamo su se medutim naseljavali naši ljudi, naši profesori i cinovnici, koji su poceli raditi na narodnom po­slu. Sarajevo, glavno mjesto Bosne i Hercegovine, postalo je ne samo politicko nego i kulturno središte bosansko-hercegovackih Hrvata. Narodna je potreba tražila da se i središnja uprava «Hrvatsko potporno društva« preseli u Sarajevo. To su znali odmah na pocetku rodoljubi u Mostaru. Na drugoj društvenoj skupštini, 18. list. 1903. odbor izjavljuje, da «je spravan u suglasju skupštine središte društva prenijeti u Sarajevo, ali je tada pozvano Sarajevo, da prije sastavi sebi podružnicu, pa da se tako u tom smislu sa središnjim odborom u Mostaru može u zdogovor stupiti«.Na IV. glavnu godišnju skupštinu, držanu dne 15. sijecnja 1905., Sarajevo izašilje prof. Antuna Tandarica i vlc. Antu Alaupovica. Oni su donijeli punomoci od 380 clanova iz Travnika, Livna, Tu­zle i Sarajeva, u namjeri da ishode zakljucak, da se prenesu sjedište društva u Sarajevo. Ovaj naum nije pošao za rukom jer nije imao oslona na pravilima. «Napredak«, osnovan u rujnu 1904., imao je zadacu poma­gati samo naucnike, mijenja svoja pravila i nadodaje da ce u buduce pomagati i ucenike. Radi toga, na društvenoj skupštini Potpornog društva od 8. list. 1905. preko Ðure Džamonje stavlja pri­jedlog, da i Potporno društvo preuzme dužnost pomaganja i šegrta. Ovaj «Novi Napredak« postaje u Mostaru simpaticniji, nu do fuzije još ne dolazi. Prijenosu sjedišta društva u Sarajevo neki se svom energijom protive (fra Radoslav Glavaš i Petar Nikole Ancic), vecina, pod utjecajem prof. Jamnickoga, pomalo popuštaju. Svi ipak stoje na stanovištu, da sav društveni imetak ostane u Mo­staru. Tim više to traže, buduci da su bosanske podružnice «Hrvatsko potporno društva« još prije predale «Napretku« lijepu svotu novaca.[52]ÂMisao fuzije dolazi u završnu fazu. Sada se traži pogodna baza na kojoj se ima provesti fuzija. Sarajevo predlaže: 1. da se u Mostaru osnuje »Glavna podružnica Napretka za Hercego­vinu«; 2. da ova podružnica zadrži sav imetak «Hrv. potp. društva«, kojeg je ovo do casa sjedinjenja posjedovalo. Na ovoj podlozi, pod sigurnim izgledima u uspjeh fuzije, sazvana je zadnja izvanredna skupština «Hrvatskog potpornog društva« za 6. sijecnja 1907. na kojoj je vecinom glasova zakljuceno: 1. da se raspušta Hrvatsko potporno društvo i 2. da se osnuje Dobrotvorna zaklada biv­šeg Hrvatskog potpornog društva, koja ce potpomagati vrijedne a siromašne hrvat­ske dake.« «Hrvatsko potporno društvo postojalo je do 20. svibnja 1907., a Napretkova podružnica u Mostaru držala je prvu konstituira­jucu skupštinu dne 20. sijecnja 1907., na kojoj je izabran slije­deci odbor: predsjednik: prof. Viktor Pogacnik, potpredsjed­nik trgovac Adam Mikacic, tajnik prof. Ante Kobacic, knji­govoda tehn. of. Marko Knežic, riznicar trgovac Ivan J. Smo­ljan, odbornik obrtnik Petar Soldo, zamjenici: trgovac Mijat Mer­džo i obrtnik Pavo Pavkovic; revizor prof. Leo Jamnicki.[53] Godine 1907. došlo je do stvarnog ujedinjenja društava u Mostaru i Sarajevu. Naime, u nedjelju 6. sijecnja 1907. gradanstvo Mostara, Hrvati iz svih stališa, vec do devet i cetvrt izjutra dupkom napuni krasnu novouredenu hrvatsku citaonicu Hrvoja. Došli su uzvelicati cin sporazumka o sjedinjenju bratskih potpornih društava: Hrvatskog potpornog društva za potrebne dake srednjih i visokih škola iz Bosne i Hercegovine sa sjedištem u Mostaru i Hrvatskog društva za namještanje djece u zanate i trgovine - Napredak iz Sarajeva.[54] Tako, istice Ivan Milicevic, od znamenitih zametaka Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru i od kasnije zasnovanog Napretka, koja su se stopila u jedno, imamo danas Hrvatsko kulturno-prosvjetno društvo Napredak, koje vrši svoju tešku zadacu onako, kako to iziskuju svakodnevno veci zahtjevi, koji se na nje stavljaju.[55] Tako, to je udruženje preimenovano u Hrvatsko kulturno društvo Napredak proširilo svoju djelatnost na srednjoškolce i studente.ÂSijecanjskim sporazumom 1907. krenulo se punim jedrima i uspjesi su postajali iz dana u dan sve znatniji, sve širi, sve mnogovrsniji, sve ucinkovitiji u svojoj humanitarnoj, gospodarskoj i kulturno-prosvjetnoj djelatnosti. Na temelju onodobnog tiska i sacuvanih arhivskih dokumenata stjece se dojam da je Napredak pronašao nacin te je razbudio ono stoljecima zatoceno rodoljublje hrvatskog puka koje je na oltar hrvatske misli prinosilo svoj obol. Svaki dar ili milodar pružila je ljubav razboritog, rodoljubnog i radosnog srca. Iako izvješca donose da se sakupljalo po gotovo svim mjestima diljem Herceg-Bosne, iz sacuvanih podataka se vidi da je ovaj obicaj bio kud i kamo izrazitiji u Hercegovini nego u Bosni. Izvan BiH imamo samo nekoliko obavijesti (Gospic, Slunj, Slano).[56] Sve te akcije dokaz su jedne osobite ljubavi prema svom bližnjem, ljubavi prema svom napacenom narodu, jednog silnog i zanosnog rodoljublja koje se brinulo svakom zgodom da bi omogucilo školovanje nadarenoj djeci koja oskudijevaju materijalnim sredstvima. Jedna tako odškolovana generacija nije zaboravila svoj dug i iz njenih redova, prvenstveno, dolazi kasnije poticaj na svim zgodnim zabavama da Hrvat prinese svoj obol, pruži dokaz svoje iskrene ljubavi prema svom puku, prema njegovoj ucecoj mladeži koja se po bijelom svijetu pati zbog neimaštine, pa nerijetko i prekida svoje studije samo zato što nema od cega živjeti. Zbog toga cu ponoviti apel koji se pojavljivao cesto na stranicama i glasila i kalendara HKD Napredak: NEKA NE BUDE NI JEDNOG IMENDANA, NI JEDNOG VJENCANJA, NI JEDNOG KRŠTENJA u našim kucama i obiteljima da se u tim radosnim casovima ne sjetimo NAPRETKA.[57] Udruga se 29. lipnja 1922. prozvala Hrvatskim kulturnim društvom Napredak s temeljnim programom «kulturnog jacanja hrvatskog naroda».Â4. Napretkov dom, odnosno konvikt "Kralj Petar Svacic"Kada su rodoljubi u Mostaru, dne 14. rujna 1902. zasnovali Hrvatsko potporno društvo za siromašne dake i naucnike odmah su smišljali nacin, kako ce sigurnije postici naumljenu svrhu. Prema zakljucku sjed­nice od 9. sijecnja 1903., koji je i izvanredna skupština od 11. istog mjeseca usvojila, samo se je 1/3 cistih prihoda imala utrošiti, a 2/3 prihoda moralo se je stavljati u fond društva ili kupiti kucu za eventualno teže prilike. Kako je u ono doba bankovni kamatnjak bio dosta nizak (4%) na skup­štini od 9. listopada 1904. pada zakljucak, da se imade praviti kuca, te se daje u dužnost novomu odboru, da ima u slijedecoj društvenoj godini ovu namisao ostvariti. Vec 4. lipnja 1905. zakljucuje se kupnja zemljišta u Liski ulici, za koje se je dalo 3.600 K. prema izvještaju na skupštini od 8. listopada iste godine. Na toj je skupštini definitivno zakljuceno, da se na kupljenom zemljištu gradi kuca. Vodenje gradnje povjerava se graditelju g. Stjepa­nu Škrobicu, koji je i nacrt napravio, a dodjeljuju mu se kao gradevni odbor, uz onodobnog predsjednika fra Nikolu Šimovica, gg. ing. Drag. Kohler, ing. Brozovic, Petar Nikole Ancic i prof. V. Pogacnik. Stjepan Škrobic je za nacrt i vodenje gradnje tražio honorar 4% od cjelokupne svote izdataka, što je odbor i prihvatio, kao najpovoljniju ponudu.U veljaci 1906. cine se sve priprave za gradnju. Odbor imade pune ruke posla, cešce drži sjednice, traži zajam od 14.000 K. piše zamolbe na sve podružnice i uglednije pojedince, da priteknu u pomoc. Na sve se strane traže sredstva, kako posao ne bi zapeo. Pod kraj ljeta zgrada je izvana bila gotova, ali zidovi nijesu bili izradeni - a i kasa je bila pra­zna. Uza sve poteškoce, prema izvještaju tajnika na skupštini od 2. pro­sinca 1906. »kuca se je napravila«.Društvo je utrošilo cijelu svoju gotovinu u iznosu od 22.675.97 K. Buduci da je gradnja stajala 46.109 K društvo je zapalo u dug od 23.433.03 K, a odbor u veoma neugodan i težak položaj. Odbor se je sada obracao na sve strane za pomoc, tražio zajam od banaka i od privatnika. Molba je poslana i na »Napredak« u Sarajevo. U pomoc su pritekli naj­pripravnije prof. V. Kolis i gda Ecija Jamnicky, koji su uz 5% kamata dali zamoljene svote. U godini 1907. »Napredak« se ponudio za otplatu cijeloga duga uz intabulaciju na Dom i 6% kamata. Tako se je privreme­no moglo otpocinuti i postepeno otplacivati dugove »Doma«.Na sjednici od 27. sijecnja 1918. prof. Braticevic bio je sretan, da je mogao odbor izvijestiti, kako je »Dom« potpuno isplatio dugove i da nema više vjerovnika!Konvikt je graden 1905., a nadograden 1926. godine. Pocetkom školske godine 1927./28. mogle su se koristiti sve prostorije.U Konviktu su imali smještaj i prehranu nadareni daci iz Hercegovine. Broj srednjoškolaca i studenata koji su dobivali stipendije bio je velik.[58] Od 1920. do 1942. godine u Konviktu je bilo smješteno 940 pitomaca. Za njihov duhovni odgoj brinuli su se svecenici, zvani prefekti[59], a kucanstvo su vodile casne sestra franjevke[60]. Dva hrvatska nobelovca, Ivo Andric i Vladimir Prelog, te brojni drugi poznati znanstvenici i umjetnici bili su Napretkovi stipendisti. Primjerice, samo to puno govori o dalekovidnosti hercegovcakih franjevaca i rijetkih hrvatskih rodoljuba o njihovim planovima i ostvarenjima u prvom stoljecu.ZakljucakStogodišnja proš­lost Hrvatskog kulturnog društva Napredak (1902.-2002.), napose njegovi prvi poceci mo­raju zanimati svakoga njegova prijatelja naro­cito suradnika.[61] Ne bi ni lijepo bilo, kada se ovom prigodom ne bi sjetili njegovih osni­vaca njihovih napora i truda.Hrvatsko potporno društvo, odnosno Napredak Mostar u ovoj 2002. godini slavi 100. obljetnicu svoga osnutka i djelovanja na polju potpore talentiranim osobama, u budenju nacionalne svijeti, te širenju književno­sti, prosvjete i kulture. Od davne 1902. do danas Hrvatsko potporno društvo, odnosno Napredak Mostar poslao je u hrvatski narod neizbrojiv broj opismenjenihosoba, te knjiga kojima je izgradivana i podržavana nacionalna svijest, te je njezinim knjigama izgraden hrvatski gradanski stalež u Herceg-Bosni, no­sitelj politicke misli u XX. stoljecu.ÂHrvatsko potporno društvo, odnosno Napredak Mostar nikada nije u svome radu priznavao niti društvene (klasne), niti obrazovne razlike medu Hrvatima, pa tako ni upravne ni politicke granice koje su dijelile hrvatski narod, nego je dake, ucenike i studente stipšendirao i knjige, pomocu svojih povjerenika, slao u svaku hrvatsku kucu. Pismen covjek i knjiga je uvijek u hrvatskom domu bila najbolji prijatelj i ucitelj, a pokazivala je, na najvidljiviji nacin, i društveni položaj onih koji su knjige posjedovali i voljeli.Hrvatsko kulturno društvo Napredak Mostar, pod imenom Hrvatsko potporno društvo, osnova­no je u zrelo doba hrvatskoga narodnoga preporoda u Herceg-Bosni, kada se osjecala živa potreba za vlastitom inteligencijom i osnivanjem književno-izdavackog poduzeca koje bi tiskalo knjige i publikacije neophodne za promicanje preporodnih ideja i književnih tekstova namijenjenih citanju, recitiranju ili pjevanju na sastancima i druženjima.ÂDruštvene i politicke prilike poticale su takvu potrebu, osobito kad se preporod­na ideja snažno proširila i izvan Mostara, i kada su se u vecim gradovima osnivale citaonice kao središta društve­noga, književnoga i politickoga života. Zakljucak o osni­vanju društva za potrebne dake i ucenike srednjih i viših škola u BiH, te njegovanje narodnog jezika i književnosti donijeli su hercegovacki franjevci u Franjevackom samostanu u Mostaru 7. sijecnja 1902. godine. Na taj nacin podigli su živi spomenik u srcima brojnih Hrvata u Herceg-Bosni i na širem podrucju. Godine 1939. Društvo je imalo 150 podružnica i 17 povjereništava, a u razlicitim razdobljima Napredak je imao podružnice ili povjereništva u 440 mjesta.ÂNapredak je ratne 1942. okupljao 21.000 clanova. Pod izgovorom da više nemaju clanstva, komunisticke su vlasti ugasila sva hrvatska društva, pa od 1. travnja 1949 i Napredak, koji je svio svoje tajno gnijezdo u srcima svih hrvatskih domoljuba i poput feniksa vinuo se u novi lijet slobodarskim nebom u jesen 1990. godine. Nakon obnove broj podružnica postepeno raste. Godine 2002. Napredak ima 66 podružnica i 3 povjereništva.U vihoru drugoga svjetskoga rata Napredak, pr­venstveno zbog svojih povijesnih zasluga, postaje središ­njom potpornom i izdavackom kucom u Bosni i Hercegovini. Pomaže se ucecoj mladeži, smješta ih se u domove i tiskaju se nove knjige. Unatoc ratu, na visokoj je humanitarnoj razini. Napredak ni tada nije dijelio stipendije i tiskala ni jednu knjigu kojom bi bilo iznevjereno njegovo nacelo pravednosti i slobode, um­jetnosti i humaniteta.ÂProživjevši krizu iz 1949. do 1990. kada su komunisticke vlasti zabranile rad Hrvatskog kulturnog društva Napredak i prisvojile svu njegovu imovinu, tek u zoru demokracije cine se usješni koraci koji su doveli do obnove rada Napretkove središnjice u Sarajevu 29. rujna 1990., te 14. studenog iste 1990. godine i Hrvatskog kulturnog društva Napredak Mostar i još nekoliko podružnica po Hercegovini.Tijekom minulih dvanaest godina Hrvatsko kulturno društvo Napredak Mostar održalo je 65 tribina, objavilo 46 knjiga, priredilo 16 izložaba, proslavilo jedanaest Napretkovih Božicnica, zapocelo i ostvarilo Tjedan hrvatske kulture (- s cetiri koncerta, a u dva bili suorganizatori i objavilo cetiri Napretkova povijesna kalendara. Odradili smo ukupno 125 manifestacija. Na navedenim manifestacijama predsjednik je održao prosjecno po dva govora.ÂSvecano obilježavanje Hrvatskog kulturnog društva Napredak Mostar poceo je prigodnom Tribinom 7. sijecnja 2002. godine u Mostaru. Tijekom ove godine održali smo pet prigodnih tribina i svecanu skupštinu u Mostaru, objavili tri knjige i priredili cetvrti Napretkov povijesni kalendar za 2003. Konacno, sve je to sažeto i ilustrirano u knjizi Stoljetnica mostarskog Napretka, što je, bez ikakve sumnje, vidljivi i trajni dokaz višestruke djelatnosti nekolicine entuzijasta koji to nisu trebali biti, ali dokazuju da se Napredak voli pamcenjem i potporom. Minulih stotinu godina postojanja Hrvatskog potpornog odnosno kulturnog društva Napredak za hrvatski narod u Bosni i Hercegoivni dar je i milost, poticaj i nadahnuce za nove izazove i nove pothvate: da budemo ponosni na svoje korijene, na svoje prede koji su s velikom mukom krocili putove kako bi poslovicno nadarenoj ali siromašnoj našoj mladeži osigurali ljepšu i sretniju buducnost, te stvorili domacu inteligenciju. Kroz minulih stotinu godina Hrvatsko potporno odnosno kulturno društvo Napredak Mostar proživljavalo je sve uspjehe i padove, sve nade i sumnje, sva razocaranja i uzlete koje je proživ­ljavao hrvatski narod u posljednjih stotinu godina. HKD Napredak Mostar je tako ugraden u intelektualnu i moralnu povijest hrvatskoga naroda. On je svijest i savijest hrvat­skoga naroda kroz dvadeseto i na pocetku dvadeset i prvoga stoljeca.[62] NEKA ŽIVI, NEKA SE ŠIRI I NEKA CVJETA HRVATSKO KULTURNO DRUŠTVO NAPREDAK i u slijedecem desetljecu, stoljecu, petostoljecu, tisucljecu - sve do Božje volje, jer što se s ljubavlju sije - bogato klije![1] Usp. Andrija Nikic, Društvene i politicke prilike u Hercegovini za vrijeme austro-ugarske vladavine (1878.-1918.), Školske sestre franjevke u Hercegovini 1899.-1999., Mostar - Split, 2002., str.49.-68.Â[2] Ova studiju napisana je na temelju arhivske dokumentacije iz Franjevackog arhiva u Mostaru (Napretkovi spisi, sv. 1.i 2., Povijest, sv. 2., Spisi Provincije, sv. 2.-15.), studija iz Napretkova kalendara, posebice objavljenih studija: Leo Petrovic, Prije trideset godina, Kalendar Napredak 1932., str. 161.-166., Isti, Napretkov dacki konvikt Kralj Petar Svacic, Napretkov kalendar za 1929., str 192.-196., Antun Odic, Kratak istorijat Napretka od osnutka do fuzije Hrvat. pot. Društvu u Mostaru 1902.-1907., Napretkov kalendar, XVI./1927., str. 38.-48. Isti, Kratka povijest Napretka - Rad društva 1907. do pocetka rata, Napretkov kalendar, XVII./1928., str. 39.-45. Upozoravam na vrijedne monografije: Hrvoje Šapina, Stoljetnica Napretka, Sarajevo, 2002. i Franjo Maric, Pregled Napretkovih hrvatskih narodnih kalendara 1907.-2002., Zagreb-Sarajevo, 2002.[3] «Naši otci-duhovna braca, piše fra Dujo Ostojic, boriše se 400 ljeta, nisu nikada prestali boj biti s neprijateljem. Je li ih stalo truda, muke, novca i samoga života, jest, ali svladaše s pomoci Božjom sve neprijatelje svoj uzvišene ideje. Mi imamo sada sasvim drugu borbu, t.j. borbu s nazovi katolicima, a ta je puno teža nego što je njihova bila. Svagdje su muke gore od mucila! Ali za istinu i pravdu sve, pa i glavu!» FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 550.[4] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru, Hrvatski narodni godišnjakk 2002., Sarjevo, 2002., str. 66.-67.[5] Pocetkom dvadesetog stoljeca Hercegovina je, kao rijetko koja druga pokrajina, s pravom dobila poslovicnu karakteristiku - cijeli svijet naseli, a sebe ne raseli. Ako je istina - »u velikim narodima geniju se gnj'ezdo vije« (Njegoš) - a jest, onda bi se Hercegovina morala ponositi da je iz njezina gnijezda cavjecanstvo dobi­lo dosta velikana na svim podrucjima ljudskog djelovanja. Na žalost, povijest Hercegovine je uglavnom nepoznata, a njezini velikani mrtvi. Prvi koji je socnim hrvatskim jezikom otvorio rjecita us­ta povijesti Hercegovine i njezinih zaslužnih velikana - prem­da ukratko i tematski - bio je fra Radoslav Glavaš. Glavaše­vo djelo »Spomenica« bilo je pravo otkrice. Ubrzo po izlasku navedene knjige uslijedila je i slijedeca ocjena: to je kita raz­nolikog, mirisavog, zdravog i rijetkog cvijeca, što ga je mila naša otadžbina uzgojila i sacuvala u svojim njedrima, a fra Radoslav ju je svetim ponosom pokazao, da joj se divi i sla­vi kršnu Hercegovinu. Slicno se to dagadalo i s ostalim Gla­vaševim povijesnim djelima. Usp. Andrija Nikic, Fra Radoslav Glavaš, Mostar, 1980., str. 5.-8.[6] Leo Petrovic, Prije trideset godina, Napredak, Hrvatski narodni kalendar za prestupnu 1932., godina dvadestprva, Izdalo Hrvatsko kulturno društvo Napredak u Sarajevu, 1931., str. 161.-165.[7] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva…, str. 69.[8] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 548.[9] Potrebno je prelistati godišta Osvita i ostati zadivljen nad vijestima i podacima o brizi za dake.Â[10] Fra Dujo komentira da u Mostaru postoji rišcanski list koji se zove Srpski vjestnik, njemu vlada daje godišnju potporu od dvije tisuce forinti (=cetiri tisuce kruna). FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 550.[11] FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 550.[12] Usp. Osvit, VIII/1905., br. 33. (prilog, Mostar, 29. travnja 1905.), str. 2.[13] I Fra Dujo naglašava da je vlada «hrišcanim i turcim svima dala dobar stipendij. Eto pravde i pravicnosti, koju dieli vlada nama… Nek se Hrvati katolici progone to je deviza sadašnje naše bezbožne vlade. Jadna joj uprava! Što rišcani i turci po novinam lažu, to im ona patrocinira, a da mogu, i jedni i drugi dušu bi joj izvadili i srce iskopali. Ta to se vidi po ugovoru što su ga oni ucinili u Novom sadu proti upravi u Bosni i Hercegovini.» FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, str. 284., citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 555.Â[14] FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, str. 304., citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 555.Â[15] FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 548.[16] FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 548.[17] FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 548.[18] Jadna mu pamet i crno mu duši, ko što i jest! - zakljucio je fra Dujo. Isto, str., 549.[19] To su ništarije, imenom katolici, djelom pravi pravcati muhamedanci, turci i najposlie ništa i opet ništa. Fra Dujo naslucuje da bi to mogla biti «jabuka od okružnika za Novu godinu». Uz to, fra Duji se 12. prosinca iste 1901. godine pojadao fra Radoslav Glavaš da mu je cenzura zaplijenila najnoviji broj Kršcanske obitelji radi stihova: «Od Triglava do balkanskih gora/ Mila zemlja puna srebra, zlata/ Otacbina je ponosnih Hrvata» Isto, str. 549. To je po svoj prilici bio atak na ideju o osnutku dobrotvornog društva. Zatim je fra Radoslav nadodao da je spomenuta direktorica na Višoj djevojackoj školi , poimenice Radmila Rojal zabranila, da se Kršcanska obitelj cita u školi, i da se prima u zavod. Razlog su njih dvojica pronašli samo u sadržaju lista što je katolicki i hrvatski. A moguce da se radilo kako bi se naudilo fratrima, jer oni izdaju spomenuti list. FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, citiran u Povijest, sv. 3., str. 548.[20] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru, str. 68.[21] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[22] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[23] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[24] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[25] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[26] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[27] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 551.[28] FAM, Povijest, sv. 3., str. 552.[29] Sastavljanje pravila za Potporno društvo bilo je povjereno Anti Jukicu i Stjepanu Radulovicu. Njihov elaborat je pregledao fra Radoslav Glavaš.Â[30] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva u Mostaru, 68.[31] Kad je ucinjen i taj korak, u Sarajevu su se probudili i zatražili «da se odustane od osnivanja društva u Mostaru. Vidjeli su, istice Ivan Milicevic, tek sada, da Mostarci misle i ozbiljno da izvedu davnašnju svoju zamisao, za koju nije bilo više vremena, da se s njom oteže. Uslijed toga dode do nerazumljivog unutrašnjeg spora, kada se je nakon godina i godina imala oživotvoriti najplemenitija stvar.» Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva.., str. 68.[32] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva…, 68.-69.[33] Poruka odbora vladi povjerena je bila Osmanu Hadžicu. Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva…, str. 69.[34] Leo Petrovic, Prije trideset godina, Napredak…, str. 161.-165.[35] Usp. Arhiv Napretka, Spisi Napretka, sv. 1. Osvit pocinje biti i glasilo Društva od samog pocetka.[36] FAM, Ostavština fra Radoslava Glavaša, sv. 3., f. 51.-52v.[37] Arhiv HKD Napredak, Napredak, sv. 1. i 2.[38] Usp. Antun Odic, Kratka povijest Napretka, Napredak, glasilo hrvatskog kulturnog društva 'Napredak' u Sarajevu, 2/1927., br.3.,. str. 36.[39] Leo Petrovic, Prije trideset godina, Napredak…, str. 161.-165.[40] FAM, Dnevnik fra Duje Ostojica, sv. 1., str. 319.-323., 335.-336., 338. i sv. 2., str. 7. Citirano prema Povijest, sv. 3., str. 552.[41] Fra Bazilije Pandžic navodi da je u Sarajevu osnovana podružnica Hrvatskog potpornog društva iz Mostara 9. listopada 1903. godine. Usp. Hercegovacki franjevci. Sedam stoljeca s narodom, Mostar, 2001., str. 164.[42] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva…, str. 69.[43] O tome svjedoce podaci objavljivani u mostarskom Osvitu od 1901. pa dalje.[44] Franjo Maric, Pregled Napretkovih hrvatskih narodnih kalendara 1907.-2002., Zagreb-Sarajevo, 2002., str. XIII.Â[45] Usp. Leo Petrovic, Prije trideset godina, Napredak…, str. 161.-165.[46] Hrvoje Šapina, Stoljetnica Nparetka, Sarajevo 2002., str. 12.-13.[47] O tome je dr. Pavo Knezovic napisao posebnu studiju: Veseli darivaoci Napretkovi, Hrvatski narodni kalendar za 1992., Izd. Napredak, Sarajevo, 1991., str. 352.-364.[48] Usp. Pavo Knezovic, Veseli darivaoci Napretkovi, Hrvatski narodni kalendar za 1992., str. 352.-364.[49] Usp. Leo Petrovic, Prije trideset godina, Napredak…, str. 161.-165.[50] Usp. Antun Odic, Kratka povijest…, str. 36.[51] Usp. Antun Odic, Kratka povijest…, str. 42.[52] Napredak, kalendar za 1927. godinu, str. 44.Â[53] ­Osvit, Mostar, 22. I. 1907.[54] Usp. Osvit, X/1907., br. 3. (Mostar, 8. sijecnja 1907.), str. 2. Osvit pocinje biti i glasilo Društva.[55] Usp. Ivan A. Milicevic, Kako je došlo do osnivanja Hrvatskog potpornog društva…, str. 69.[56] Primjerice u Osvitu iz 1905. i 1906. susrece se po desetak prigoda i darovatelja za Društvo. U Kršcanskoj obitelji, koju je pokrenuo zbor profesora Franjevacke bogoslovije u Mostaru na celu s fra Radosalvom Glavašem, objavljeno je od 1900. do 1944. pedesetak prigoda i imena dobrocinitelja.Â[57] Usp. Pavo Knezovic, Veseli darivaoci, str. 360.-364.[58] O tome je prikupio dokumentaciju dugogodišnji predsjednik Glavne Napretkove podružnice u Mostrau dr. fra Leo Petrovic i napisao nekoliko prigodnih studija. O gradnji konvikta usp.: Dr. fra Leo Petrovic, Napretkov dacki Konvikt »Kralj Petar Svacic« u Mostaru, Hrvatski kalendar »Napredak« za 1929. str. 192.-197.[59] O Napretkovim prefektima vrijednu studiju je napisao dr. Tomo Vukšic.[60] O sestrama franjevkama i njihovom djelovanju dokumentaciju je prikupio fra Leo Petrovic, Napretkov arhiv, Napredak, sv.1. i 2.Â[61] Usp. Andrija Nikic, Stoljetnica mostarskog Napretka 1902.- 14. rujna - 2002., Mostar, 2002., str. 61.-98.[62] Iscitavajuci zasluge Mostarskog Napretka Nevenka Vucemilovic je uputila prigodnu cestitku: Covjek ne može ostati hladan nakon išcitavanja izvještaja u povodu proslave stogodišnjice Kulturnoga društva "Napredak". Još u tijeku citanja svih zamisli, nastojanja i brojnih ostvarenja koja se izlistavaju u vijencu samoga Društva osjecamo kako se grudi nadimaju ponosom, a srce puni zadovoljstvom. Dragi bosansko-hercegovacki fratri, cestitam vam na vašim gradivnim zamislima, plemenitim nastojanjima i uspjelim ostvarenjima. Treba poželjeti samo da se ovakvo sebedarje proširi, uplete u širje društveno tkivo i produži zauvijek! Usp. Andrija Nikic, Stoljetnica mostarskog Napretka 1902.- 14. rujna - 2002., Mostar, 2002., str. 16. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian opera opens season http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5567/1/E-Croatian-opera-opens-season.html  "Obscure Croatian opera opens season"Small as it was, the audience cheered.William Littler No Canadian opera company has launched its current season more surprisingly than Opera Mississauga, whose production of Ivan pl. Zajc's Nikola Subic Zrinjski at Hammerson Hall of Mississauga's Living Arts Centre reportedly marks the opera's first full-scale North American staging. And why, you ask, should an opera company in Mississauga be staging a Croatian opera by a composer who died in 1914? Like a small number of other North American companies, Opera Mississauga has embarked on the mission field, trying to broaden its audience through contact with what used to be called ethnic communities. General director Dwight Bennett has gone so far as to make the following offer in an open letter: "We will facilitate and produce any opera or concert program for any group that comes forward with the interest, the theme, some funding and an audience." The idea is not a new one. Over the past few seasons I've travelled to Buffalo to attend Moniuszko's The Haunted Castle in Polish, to Detroit to attend Armen Tigranian's Anoush in Armenian and to other cities to hear operas in Chinese and Spanish. But it is an idea that has yet to be embraced by more than a handful of the continent's larger companies. It was the Toronto area's Croatian community, mobilized by Edward Mavrinac, that brought forward the Nikola Subic Zrinjski project, which had its opening performance Saturday, which I caught up with Tuesday and which will have its final performances tonight and this coming Saturday. Although well-known as a national opera in Croatia, Zajc's putative masterpiece hasn't travelled much for reasons that are quite obvious. Its appeal is primarily domestic, dealing as it does with the courageous defence by Zrinjski and his vastly outnumbered forces of the town of Sigeth against the Turkish armies of Suleyman II in the year 1566. Indeed, the final scene bristles with patriotism in the Mississauga production as Zrinjski and chorus slowly march toward the front of the stage with swords drawn and the Croatian flag flying, everyone singing music of tremendous nationalist fervour, proclaiming the sweetness of dying for the fatherland. It isn't, to these non-Croatian ears, especially distinguished music, but its impact is undeniably stirring. Trained in Milan in the 1850s and a successful operetta composer in Vienna before becoming director and conductor of the first permanent Croatian opera house in Zagreb, Zajc wrote in an accessible, melodious manner, without - in this score at least - achieving much originality or individuality. In staging the opera, Dora Ruzdjak Podolski did nothing to disguise its old-fashioned look. Soloists stood and delivered and the chorus lined up in almost school-like formation. Ballet sequences were danced by young students in bare midriffs and diaphanous pantaloons and the scenery turned out to be minimal. Musically, however, the performance presided over in the pit by Dwight Bennett treated the opera well, the imported Croatian soloists, including Armando Puklavec in the title role, Ivica Saric (indisposed on opening night) as Suleyman and Damir Fatovic as the grand vizier Sokolovic, sounding vigorously committed and the chorus splendidly disciplined. Small as it was, the audience cheered. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 10 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Culture in France http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5569/1/E-Croatian-Culture-in-France.html ÂCroatian Artin FranceToday, 3rd October, an exhibition of Edo Murtic is being opened. The vernissage is taking place on 55, rue de la Seine, Paris, at 18.3O. As you know he's one of the most famous Croatian painters, born is 1922, known both for his abstract and figurative painting full of strongcolors.Tomorrow, 4th October, a lecture will be given at the Université de Paris - Sorbonne (Paris IV) on the occasion of the 5OOth anniversary of the death of FRANJO VRANJANIN, a Croatian sculptor who lived and worked on the Italian and French royal courts. The lecture is entitled Franjo Vranjanin, a master of the Renaissance art in Europe, nobilis magister FRANCISCUS DE LAURANA, sculptor regius, Vrana, about 1420 - Avignon, 1502.ÂThe lecture takes place in one of the most beautiful lecture rooms at the Sorbonne University, that is to say in the Amphithéâtre Guizot, 17, rue de la Sorbonne, Paris Ve at 18.30 sharp and it isorganized by UNIVERSITE DE PARIS-SORBONNE (PARIS IV), CENTRE DE RECHERCHE EN LITTERATURE COMPAREE, EQUIPE DE RECHERCHE SUR LA CULTURE CROATE ET LES ECHANGES INTELLECTUELS INTERNATIONAUX.Mr. Henrik HEGER, corresponding member of the Croatian Academy of science and arts, will present : Workshops of the Croatian region of Dalmatia on the court of the king René : a European itinerary of F. Vranjanin Laurana.Mr. Marc BORMAND, curator of the Sculpture Department of the Louvre will make a presentation on : Laurana - A Renaissance sculptor in the Mediterranean artistic space.Each presentation will be followed by a musical intermezzo interpreted by Mrs. Catherine Joussellin (voice, viol) andMr. Philippe Gonneaud (lute).Best regards,Maja CioniDear Nenad,I 'm wondering if you would appreciate a piece of news from Paris from time to time?ÂI had the honor to meet you a year and a half ago in Paris at Easter just before thebeginning of the great concert of our singers from the island of Hvar. I've been following Croworldnet since and I've seen that not so many news come from Paris, or France in general, and cultural events do take place.Perhaps, these pages target rather North America ? Anyway, I enclose a brief description of two events happening these days.Best regards,Maja CioniDear Maja,CROWN is interested in EVERYTHING Croatians do around the worldand we all do appreciate your letter. Please do continue. We would be interestedto hear more news from Sweden, Germany, Australia etc. Both in English andCroatian as well as local language. So, next time, if you have time, pleaseinclude all the languages. Thanks a lot. Najljepsa hvala i svako dobro.My best,Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 05 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cetin in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5556/1/E-Cetin-in-Croatia.html  Cetin in Croatia      Amajor exhibition of the art of Anton Cetin, a distinguished Croatian-Canadianpainter opened in Rijeka on October 2, 2002. It was organized by the StateArchives in Rijeka  (DAR) and theCity Gallery “Kortil.” It served also to inaugurate the new, expandedgallery of the State Archives, which is now one of the most attractiveexhibition spaces in Rijeka. The city supported the exhibition and donated spacein its most prominent exhibition facility, the “Kortil.” Anotherco-organizer was the GH, Globalna Hrvatska, a Croatian NGO making itsdebut as promoter of cultural links within the Global Croatia. The exhibitionwas opened by Professor Maja Frankovi, the Head of City of RijekaDepartment of Cultural Affairs. The author was present at the opening andpersonally oversaw the setting up of the exhibition, conceived and created bythe well-known Croatian art critic and gallerist, Lilijana Domi, who isalso the President of the GH.      Anton Cetin was born in Bojana near azma in Northwestern Croatia onSeptember 18, 1936. From an early age on he displayed an interest in art, and heenrolled in the Arts and Crafts School in Zagreb where he took his degree in theclass of Professor Ivan Šebalj in 1959. He continued his studies at the ArtAcademy of Zagreb (1959-1964), and graduated in graphic arts in the class ofProfessor Marijan Detoni. Cetin visited Paris for the first time in 1964, and hesettled there in 1966. The image of “Eve,” Cetin’s symbol of the femaleprinciple of life, was born in Paris in 1967. Cetin embarked on a new adventurein 1968 when he crossed the Ocean and settled in Canada (Toronto). He publishedhis first graphic series, Eve and the Moon in 1975, and in 1988, incooperation with the Croatian poet, Stjepan Šešelj, he produced a map AmerikaCroatan America. Both authors were received by the Holy Father Pope JohnPaul II in Rome in 1989. Cetin’s paintings were the topic of two movies, onein Germany (1990), another one in Toronto (1993). His works were selected by theprestigious Circulo del Arte in Barcelona in 2001.       Among honors Cetin has received we single out his meeting with the PrimeMinister of Canada Pierre Eliott Trudeau in 1976, and his selection as theArtist of the Year of the Croatian-Canadian Art Association in 1987. Acomprehensive monograph was published in Zagreb in 1986. Cetin has received twoCroatian state decorations – the Order of the Croatian Danica with the Imageof Marko Maruli, and the Order of Croatian Interlace. So far he has had more than 80 one-man exhibitions, and hehas also participated in more than 150 group exhibitions. The Anton CetinGallery was opened in his native azma in 2001. His latest major exhibitionin Croatia was in Zagreb in 1996.       Almost one hundred paintings and drawings have been displayed at the DARand the “Kortil.” They mostly represent Cetin’s work during last fiveyears, with some going back about a decade, to create a link necessary forunderstanding Cetin’s newest phase. Among the exhibits are examples from hisanswer to the events of 9-11, 2001, entitled “A Universe Disturbed,” anddrawings from his recent “ azma Cycle,” including some of the finestand most lyrical within his entire opus. It is truly a feast of beautiful color, line, and  shape.Ms. Domic rightly says in a the handsome catalogue which accompanies theexhibition: “A Cetin painting can bereduced to four symbols. Three of them obvious – woman, bird, flower, whereasthe fourth symbolic place is literally a place, i.e., the unlimitedpicture space in which the woman, the bird, and the flower levitate. This spacecan hardly be defined by the language of visual arts, as it is neitherbackground, nor perspective, nor illusion. Still, it is defined by a background,the surface of paper or canvass which remains what it was: endless, without anyindication of depth, without any attempt to simulate infinity, even withoutelements which distinguish the left from the right, above from beneath.Cetin’s space remains unlimited, just like the Universe, or it is defined onlyby Cetin’s linearity, which has become a concept liberating the symbolin this process accompanying it until it turns into a pictogram. Anton Cetin’speculiar expression is defined, as we have stated, by summing up the symbols,cosmic summaries conveying lapidary serenity. Therefore, within the planetarycorpus of contemporary art we recognize them as Cetin’s symbolic syntax.”      So, Cetin is a universal artist, much sought for in Canada and elsewherein the West. To what extent is he also ours?      Contemplating the oeuvre of Anton Cetin, a doyen of Croatian artcriticism of the 20th century, Josip Depolo, wrote: “Cetin’semigrant fate may have severed him from the old country from time to time,”but “in no case has he been erased from the index of Croatian artists and fromthe history of contemporary Croatian art. He remains its inseparable companion.Cetin’s concentrated poetic symbols are going to represent a link in thechapter on purism in Croatian figuration, which has been lacking in the Europeancontinuity of (recent) Croatian art.”       After his departure and a prolonged absence is such an artist “lost toCroatia”, as Grgo Gamulin maintained in the case of Maksimilijan Vanka; ordoes he after all belong to “our index” as Depolo believed? Awards, prizes, and honors Cetin has received in Canada clearly show himas an artist of the Canadian mainstream, using a language understood by themainstream public, i.e., the universal language of art. Cetin does not operatewithin an ethnic, “Croatian” vocabulary, briefly a vocabulary of kitsch.      The creation of the new, sovereign Republic of Croatia has opened apossibility of new insights into that other half of Croatian national beingwhich has been moving, for over two centuries, abroad, primarily overseas.Although this possibility has not yet been fully realized (and exhibitions suchas this one are a step toward its gradual realization), it is quite clear thatwithin this new concept of Croatian global presence, a new index, unthinkable at the time of Depolo’s writing, hasbeen imposing itself. The index of a Global Croatia and its culture.      Cetin thus cuts across several indexes – Croatian, North American,Universal, and, which is of a special importance for ourselves – a GlobalCroatian index, a special version of an index of values which are (also) ours,and which are awaiting a more thorough historical and critical review. In thatchain which is slowly being put together in front of our eyes, the art of AntonCetin will surely represent a link of great importance.       The city of Rijeka could be seen as a window – Croatia’s window tothe world, and a window the world steps in and enters Croatia. It is a majorport and communications center, and it is also a major “cultural port” or a“gate”. The English Department at the School of Arts and Sciences, underleadership of Professor Branka Kalogjera, is one of the main centers of study ofCroatian expatriate literature The city has an active branch of Hrvatskamatica iseljenika, headed by Ms. Vanja Pavlovec. Cetin’s exhibition ismeant to inaugurate the practice of showing at least one Croatian diasporaartist per year. Traditionally a cosmopolitan and middle-class city, Rijekaseems to be taking its “window” role seriously. And this, I think, is good.The more “windows” and “gates” among Croatian communities around theworld, the better. And the greater is my optimism about a better and more securefuture for the entire Global Croatia. Vladimir Goss letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 04 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Your LAST chance to see CROATIAN OPERA in Canada http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5570/1/H-Your-LAST-chance-to-see-CROATIAN-OPERA-in-Canada.html Izvjestaj o produkciji opere Nikola Subic Zrinjski, Mississauga Ontario.Zrinjski: Armando PuklavecEva: Zorica AntonicJelena: Miljenka GrdjanAlapic: Ozren BilusicSulejman: Ivica SaricSokolovic: Damir FatovicLevi: Sotir SpasevskiTimoleon: Jan Vaculik / Ozren BilusicPaprutovic: Terry RooneyAli Portuk: Bernard JacksonBegler0Beg: John KaldasMustafa: Marcus SaroopArtistic Director/Dirigent: Dwight BennettProducent: Edward MavrinacReziser: Dora Ruzdjak-PodolskiDirektor Scene: Daniela MiseticKostimi: Ivan BrozicRekviziti: Srebrenka BogovicSurtitles: Robert HudajStolarija: Boris BalonDogadjaji  iza scene Solisti iz Zagreba su stigli 20. rujna zbog proba i uvjezbavanja sa kanadskimtimom. Medjutim pripreme za operu su zapocele nekih devet mjeseci ranije. U timpripremama od neprocjenive vaznosti je bila pomoc maestra Kranjcevica iz HNK kojije pomogao u odabiru solista. Takodjer veliku zahvalnost dugujemo MIC (Muzickominformativnom centru) I iznad svega gospodinu Zivanovicu koji nam je  isao naruku u svakom pogledu u nabavci partitura. Maestro Bennett je sa producentom g.Mavrincem posjetio Zagreb u travnju o.g. kada je i ucinjena selekcija solista ugore navedenoj postavi.Hrvatska zajednica u Torontu je ispunila svoju financijsku obavezu prema OperaMississauga i osigurala oko 70.000 kanadskih dolara za pocetak produkcije. Odtoga glavni donator je bila obitelj Ivice Zdunica i njihova karitativnaorganizacija: John Zdunic Charitable Organization.U nedjelju 22 rujna odrzana je u Living Arts Centru, sto je ujedno i  dom Mississauga Opere, Gala vecera na kojoj je prisutna publika po prvi puta imalaprilike cuti operni zbor. Svi su bili zadivljeni ne samo njihovim pjevanjem, vecpravilnom dikcijom i izgovorom hrvatskog jezika. Zasluga zbora je tim veca sto sesastoji kao i sama Kanada od clanova koji su porijeklom iz prakticki svih stranasvijeta; od Kine i Japana do Juzne Amerike i Australije. U zboru pjeva inekolicina Hrvata koji su se prikljucili kao  ispomoc (Vladimir Dopudja, SteveHranilovic I Loriz Buzdan).Kroz probe razvilo se i novo prijateljstvo nasih solista sa  lokalnim talentima koje su cesto, nakon napornih uvjezbavanja  potrvrdili to u obliznjem pub-u.Hrvatski solisti su smjesteni u nasim, hrvatskim domovima iako to nije bilo uizvornom planu. Solisti su uglavnom smjesteni kod Opera Mississauga clanovaUpravnog Odbora, medjutim ovog puta nasi solisti su izrazili zelju da odsjednuprivatno, kod nasih ljudi. To im je s velikim zadovoljstvom omoguceno naobostrano zadovoljstvo i gostiju i domacina.Kao i obicno uspjelo se  ukrasti jedan slobodan dan za posjet Niagari I malomgradicu Niagara-on-the-Lake koji je sve vise poznat ne samo po kazalistu,antiknim ducanima, vec i obliznjim nasadima vinograda te  kusanju vina Prva  studentska predstava odrzat ce se u petak 4.X. a premijera je dan kasnije5. X. Nazalost karte nisu "rasprodane" kako smo ocekivali; izgleda da opernaglazba nije jaka strana nase hrvatske zajednice. Takodjer je izostao obecaniorganizirani posjet autobusima Hrvatske bratske zajednice. Steta! Vidjetihrvatsku zastavu kako se vijori na kanadskoj pozornici u zadnjem cinu je stvarnodirljivo do suza...S postovanjem Srebrenka BogovicÂsrebrenka@boldinternet.comÂOP-EDJos nije kasno. Da li je netko sposoban organizirati autobusiz New Yorka, Chicaga, Clevelanda...Ja sam prezauzet, ali ukoliko netko drugi organizira autobus, jacu bit u njemu.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H,S) 50 Godina Hrvatskog Doma u Argentini http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5571/1/HS-50-Godina-Hrvatskog-Doma-u-Argentini.html  HRVATSKI CENTAR U BUENOS AIRESU HRVATSKI DOM D.D. - HRVATSKI CENTAR U BUENOS AIRESU EL HOGAR CROATA S.A. - CENTRO CROATA DE BUENOS AIRES Lorenzo Lugones 4936 (1430) Ciudad de Buenos Aires - Argentina Tel/fax 0054 11 4542 5927 e-mail: hrvatskidom@sinectis.com.arÂÂelhogarcroata@sinectis.com.ar www.croaciacomerce.com.ar Buenos Aires, rujan 2002.- Proslava 50-te godisnjice Hrvatskog Doma d.d. blagoslov i otvorenjezgrade.Sa zadovoljstvom javljamo, da je gradnja Hrvatskog Doma d.d., pri svrsetku i nadamo se, da ce u kratkom roku otvoriti vrata dionicarima, njihovim obiteljima i prijateljima. Svrha je naseg Doma, da povezuje Hrvatsku sa Argentinom, na temelju protokola i ugovora izmedju Argentine i Hrvatske o zajednickoj suradnji na kulturnom, znanstvenom, tehnickom, skolskom i turistickom polju. Nasa glavna dvorana je pripravljena za izlozbe, koncerte, konferencije , i za sve kulturne aktivnosti, da novo pokoljenje hrvatske zajednice sa argentiskim prijateljima, upozna hrvatsku bastinu. Raspolazemo sa lijepom knjiznicom u kojoj se nalazi dosta knjiga i casopisa, uglavnom tiskanih u emigraciji, koje ce biti na raspolaganju svim zainteresiranima. Molimo nasljednike starih emigranata, da bi darovali koju knjigu za nasu knjiznicu.-ÂGospodarski dio je zamisljen, da u nasim prostorijama bude stalna izlozba hrvatskih proizvoda. Svako hrvatsko poduzece iz domovine, ako je zainteresirano, moze iznajmiti jednu vitrinu i ponuditi svoje proizvode, sto bi potaknulo izvoz hrvatskih proizvoda na argentisko trziste, a Hrvatski Dom bi preuzeo promicbu i markenting. Drustveni dio raspolaze sa blagovaonicom, gdje bi se uglavnom posluzivao hrvatski jelovnik. Za vrijeme proljeca, ljeta i rane jeseni, u nasem dvoristu, na cistom zraku, ce se odrzavati razne priredbe.ÂOtvorenje zgrade i proslava 50-te godisnjice utemeljenja Hrvatskog Doma ce se najprije proslaviti sa dionicarima dana 26 listopada, a 16 studenog 2002.-, Zagrebacki Nadbiskup Mnos. Josip Bozanic ce blagosloviti nasu novu zgradu i tim cinom otvoriti je za sve Hrvate i njihova drustva.Andelko Jurun Domagoj Galinovic Domagoj Vlahovic Predsjednik PodpredsjednikÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDirektor FESTEJO 50 ANIVERSARIO DE " EL HOGAR CROATA S. A." Inauguración nueva sedeCon agrado les comunicamos que, la construcción del edificio de propiedad de El Hogar Croata S.A., está por finalizarse y en poco tiempo más, abrirá sus puertas a los accionistas, a sus parientes y amigos. Es nuestro deseo intensificar un acercamiento entre Croacia y Argentina cumpliendo así el "Convenio de Cooperación cultural y educativo" entre Argentina y Croacia, que fomenta la colaboración entre organizaciones culturales, científicas, técnicas, educativas y turísticas de ambos países. Contamos con un amplio salón principal, donde se podrán celebrar eventos culturales, exposiciones, conciertos, conferencias, especialmente dirigidas a descendientes croatas y sus amigos, para que conozcan Croacia, sus tradiciones milenarias y sus costumbres. Disponemos también, de una biblioteca, con libros en idioma croata y castellano, (con agrado recibiremos donaciones de libros).ÂEl sector económico o intercambio comercial, comenzará desarrollándose, con una exposición permanente de productos de empresas croatas, por medio de vitrinas.ÂLos eventos sociales o reuniones con almuerzos o cenas, se desarrollarán en un amplio salón, en un ambiente agradable, donde se servirán entre otras, la típica comida croata. Durante la primavera, el verano y temprano otoño, se utilizará el amplio patio y el jardín al aire libre. La inauguración del edificio y la conmemoración de los 50 años de nuestra sociedad, se festejará en primer lugar con los accionistas el día 26 de Octubre y luego el 16 de noviembre de 2002, se procederá a la bendición del mismo, con la participación del Arzobispo de la ciudad de Zagreb Mnos. Josip Bozanic y con este acto, oficialmente se inaugura el nuevo edificio.Andelko Jurun Domagoj GalinovicÂÂÂÂÂDomagoj Vlahovic PresidenteÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂVicepresidenteÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDirectorBuenos Aires, Septiembre de 2002 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Nikola Subic Zrinjski PREMIERS October 5th 2002 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5572/1/EH-Nikola-Subic-Zrinjski-PREMIERS-October-5th-2002.html Historical PremierÂofNikola Šubic ZrinjskiÂbyIvan pl. ZajcOpera Mississauga 2002-2003 Season (Traditional Croatian National Opera)October 5, 6 (m), 8, 10 & 12, 2002 8:00pm (Student Preview October 2, 7:00pm)ÂREZERVACIJE KARATA, TICKET RESERVATION(905) 306-0060cijene ulaznica: price:$36 - $104Op-edSupport this historic moment. Go toToronto/Mississauga with buses. There is still time to organize it. NB letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 28 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Reflection on September 11, 2001 - Directed by Croatian http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5574/1/E-Reflection-on-September-11-2001---Directed-by-Croatian.html Â"Reflection on September 11,2001"and "The Meaning of the 4th of July in America"Alpha & Omega Production company presents TV documentary world premiere:"Reflection on September 11, 2001". and "The Meaning of the 4th of July in America"Produced & directed by Croatian from Evanston, Zvonimir B. Ranogajec (BrankoRano) September 11, 2002 at 8:00p.m. -on Evanston TV channel 6. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 10 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) We Are Family PREMIERS on Sept 11th - Music by Nenad Bach http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5573/1/E-We-Are-Family-PREMIERS-on-Sept-11th---Music-by-Nenad-Bach.html Don't miss the television premiere of "The Making and Meaning of We Are Family" on TRIO on September 11th. Directed by Danny Schechter for GlobalVision and produced by Tommy Boy Films, "We Are Family" is the moving account of over 200 celebrities coming together to re-record the famed song of the same name to promote tolerance and the idea of a global family. See it at 9:30pm, 11:30pm or 1:30am.Music by Nenad BachOp-edI donated my time and music for this film in an effort tosupport ones who hurt the most. In the film, beside singing the tune and scoringit, I was interviewed where I compared suffering of Croatia with New York's one.Let me know how did you like this film, directed by Danny Schechter, andproduced by Tom Silverman. Legendary Nile Rodgers conducted the whole event,besides writing the tune We Are Family. I want to mention that both Tom andDanny were very much involved in the 90's when Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovinawere burning. These are my personal heroes who stood against obvious lethargywhen our country was in need for desperate help.NenadTRIO on the satellite is channel 315 (look for your local listings)TRIO PRESENTS "THE MOTH: 9/11 STORIES" AND "THE MAKING AND MEANING OF 'WE ARE FAMILY'"Two-Hour Commercial-Free Block To Air On 9/11New York, N.Y. - August 22, 2002 - On Wednesday, September 11, popular arts channel TRIO will present a two-hour commercial-free block of programming beginning at 9:00 PM, ET/6:00 PM PT, that honors this national day of mourning, it was announced by Lauren Zalaznick, President, TRIO."Since 9/11, Americans have come together in various ways to heal from this national tragedy. TRIO's 9/11 programs exemplify how different aspects of the arts are a natural and necessary extension of the healing process. Story sharing and music are universal outlets for bringing together people from all stations of life," said Ms. Zalaznick.Two original specials will be featured: the original special "The Moth: 9/11 Stories" and the world premiere of "The Making and Meaning of 'We Are Family'":"The Moth: 9/11 Stories""The Moth: 9/11 Stories", hosted by actor/director Griffin Dunne, is a 30-minute special that serves as a preview to TRIO's new one-hour original storytelling series called "The Moth". The special will highlight the emotionally charged 9/11 stories shared by NYC firefighter Keith Young and New York-based comedienne Reno. These stories will be featured in TRIO's premiere episode of "The Moth" entitled "Carpe Diem: Seize The Day," which will debut in fourth quarter '02.Taped on location in clubs around New York City, "The Moth" live show has been hailed as "...New York's hottest, hippest literary ticket". Each of the eight episodes features a different host and series of storytellers. Each Moth episode covers one specific theme in a variety of raw, emotional, unpredictable and comical stories told by an outrageously eclectic group of personalities - featuring famous authors, directors, housewives, and athletes. "The Moth" presents the art of storytelling based on themes from "Carpe Diem: Seize The Day" to "Rock 'n Roll Saved my Life"."The Making and Meaning of 'We Are Family'"This 81-minute documentary captures the passionate efforts of legendary music producer/songwriter Nile Rodgers as he brings together 200 musicians, actors, and sports figures for the all-star charity recording of the 1979 disco hit "We Are Family."Eleven days after September 11th, 2001, Rodgers (who wrote and produced with his late partner Bernard Edwards the original recording of "We Are Family") reached out to artists, athletes, celebrities, police officers, emergency workers and victims' families in New York City and Los Angeles to re-record the classic hit song "We Are Family" in a dramatic call for tolerance and healing. Spike Lee directed the music video that was produced during this recording session. Against the backdrop of 9/11, "The Making and Meaning of 'We Are Family'" is a feature length documentary special with a call for multi-cultural unity and global understanding, at a time when much of the mass media only focused on the aftermath of the tragedy and the fears of most Americans.ÂDirected by Danny Schechter, the program features members of Sister Sledge, the pop-gospel group that recorded the original hit version of the song 23 years ago, Nile Rodgers, Chic, Diana Ross, Little Steven Van Zandt, Spike Lee, Luther Vandross, Matthew Modine, Rosie Perez, Eartha Kitt, Patti LaBelle, Macaulay Culkin, John McEnroe, Nenad Bach, Jackson Browne, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, David Hasselhoff, Rahat Nusrat Fatah Ali Khan and many other prominent artists, actors, athletes, and celebrities.ÂTRIO is an entertainment cable television channel reflecting all of the popular arts: music, fashion, film, stage and pop culture in its programming. TRIO is available to over 15.5 million households via digital cable and satellite services.TRIO is a program service of Universal Television Group, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) (www.universalstudios.com), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 10 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Odkrivanje uzajamnog kulturnog, povjesnog i umjetnickog blaga http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5575/1/H-Odkrivanje-uzajamnog-kulturnog-povjesnog-i-umjetnickog-blaga.html Pregled kinematografijehrvatskih redateljau ItalijiÂOBAVJEST ZA TISAKÂHrvatsko  Talijanska udruga, kulturno  dragovoljno drustvo, promice u Italiji sto sire iÂuzajamno upoznavanje prijateljstvo i suradnju izmedu Italije i Hrvatske. Bavi se i odkrivanjemÂuzajamnog kulturnog, povjesnog i umjetnickog blaga.U tu svrhu, uz pokroviteljstvo Saveza hrvatskih zajednica u Itakliji, prikazat cemo u premijeriÂpregled kinematografije mladi hrvatskih rezisera.U Rimu, u kinodvorani ROXYPARIOLI, ulica Luigi Luciani 52/A, bit ce prikazano 6 filmova naÂoriginalnom jeziku, uz talijanske nadpise:· 24.09.02 u 20,30 i 22,30 :  Marasal  Vinka Bresana (1999)· 01.10.02 u 20,30  22,30:  Tri muskarca Melite Zganjer Snjezane Tribuson(1997)· 08.10.02 u 20,30  22,30:  Isprani Zrinka Ogreste (1995)· 15.10.02 u 20,30  22,30:  Holding Tomislava Radica (2000)· 22.10.02 u 20,30  22,30:  Rusko meso Lukas Nole (1996)· 29.10.02 u 20,30  22,30:  Blagajnica hoce ici na more Dalibora Matanica(2000)Ulaznica ¬ 5Za informacije: tel. 06/4191700 - 06/6627951Âwww.romacivica.net/croataÂÂÂÂe-mail : croata@romacivica.netÂPredsjednik Luka Krilic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Opera NIKOLA SUBIC ZRINSKI - A Historic Event 4 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5577/1/E-Opera-NIKOLA-SUBIC-ZRINSKI---A-Historic-Event-4.html ÂIvan Zajc IVAN ZAJC (1832-1914) - Croatian ComposerÂIvan Zajc was born in Rijeka and the National Opera House in Rijeka carries his name. Like manyÂother prodigies, Zajc's talent was evident early in his life and at the age of six he performed inÂpublic, playing the piano and the violin.ÂHis musical career Zajc started in Milan at the Conservatory (1850-55) under the tutelage of S.ÂRonchetti-Monteviti (counterpoint & composition), A. Mazzucato (orchestration) and L. RossiÂ(dramatic music). Zajc was considered one of the more gifted students and for his graduationÂwork, composed opera La Tirolese (1855) for which was awarded a first prize and a favorableÂcomment in the contemporary Milan's newspaper La Fama: "Zajc's music is original,Âspontaneous, clear and proper with many beautiful, delightful and vivacious themes. We haveÂmet an artist who displays his skill especially in sections of the choir. .... Although he on a fewÂoccasions imitates Verdi, we cannot begrudge him for that. A number of arias, and wholeÂsections, a female duet, a characteristic and vivacious choir, a tenor aria and especially the lastÂscene of the opera in which the composer raises his art to the heights of true emotion andÂexpresses the catastrophe of the drama in very lively colours and with great passion. TheÂaudience liked the opera very much and received it with great applause".ÂEven though offered a to be a conductor in the Teatro della Scala in Milan Zajc returned to RijekaÂwhere he was given the post of conductor and concert master at the Town Theatre Orchestra.ÂZajc also taught stringed instruments at the Philharmonic Institute.ÂIn 1862 he went to Vienna, the city where the opera and theatre were flourishing. His very firstÂwork, operetta Mannshaft an Bord (1863) was an enormous success. In Vienna Zajc composed hisÂfirst compositions to Croatian text including the patriotic choral piece To Arms, to arms! (U boj, uÂboj) (1866) which he later on incorporated into the opera "Nikola Subic Zrinski".ÂThe demise of the nationalistic Illyrian Movement prompted many prominent CroatianÂintellectuals to reawake its ideals. In Vienna Zajc met with progressive Croatian students: IvanÂDezman, Franjo Markovic, August Senoa, and others. They tried to convince him to leave ViennaÂand to return to Zagreb. Bishop Juraj Strossmayer (the founder of Croatian Academy of Arts &ÂScience, 1866) and the poet Petar Preradovic joined in persuading Zajc to return. Patriotism won,ÂZajc left his lucrative position in Vienna, and thus all chances for a secure, brilliant career as aÂfavorite and popular Viennese and Central-European composer have vanished.ÂIn 1870 Zajc came to Zagreb, only to start his career all over and in a much more uncertainÂconditions than in Vienna. He was offered the leadership of the Opera House and MusicalÂConservatory. Zajc, almost single-handedly and practically from nonexistence was responsibleÂfor enriching the Opera as an institution of the arts, and in particularly creating a Croatian opera.Â(Only one Croatian opera, Vatroslav Lisinski's Love & Malice was performed in public before hisÂarrival).ÂZajc has a prolific musical opus: 87 works were written for the musical stage; in his early careerÂsome were composed in Italian and German, but after his arrival to Zagreb, he uses exclusivelyÂCroatian librettos. Through his operas and diverse compositions he educated the audience andÂbecame a model for other Croatian composers, as well as a torchbearer of patriotism. This is mostÂclearly evident in his so-called trilogy: King Mislav , Ban Leget and Nikola Subic Zrinski. In aÂperiod when the ongoing political struggle of Croats against Hungarians was everywhereÂpresent, Zajc's works (operatic trilogy, choral song Glasna Jasna, Zrinsko-Frankopanska, aria ToÂmy Homeland etc.) stressed the greatness of patriotic heroism as a true pledge for the victory ofÂthe people, their aspirations and ideals.Â"Zajc played an important part in the development of Croatian Music. Acting over a long periodÂof time as an organizer, conductor, teacher and composer, he began and successfully carried outÂthe struggle against dilettantism and for promoting a serious approach to the composition andÂperformance of music, thus paving the way for new and significant achievements of CroatianÂmusical culture in the 20th century. Because of all of these efforts Zajc deserves great credit." HeÂdied in Zagreb on December 16th 1914.ÂInformation taken from: Andreis, Josip, The Encyclopaedia of Music, and No 3, LexicographicÂInstitute "Miroslav Krleza" Zagreb 1977 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 01 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Heart of Croatia On Tour! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5576/1/E-Heart-of-Croatia-On-Tour.html Â"Heart of Croatia" On Tour!"Heart of Croatia" On Tour!On Sunday, September 1, "Heart of Croatia" Gifts will be setting up shop in Youngstown, Ohio, at the popular Annual Radio Benefit Picnic at the CFU Lodge 66 Croatian Home, located at 3200 Vestal Road. Picnic festivities begin at noon, and "Heart of Croatia" is honored and pleased to be a part of this picnic.ÂFrom September 5th-8th, "Heart of Croatia" Gifts will be traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana, to set up shop at the Tamburitza Association of America's Extravaganza. The New Orleans Marriott Hotel is the headquarters for all activities during this wonderful, music-filled three day festival.We hope you will be able to join us during one or both of these outstanding events. At these two events, we are offering our customers a SNEAK PREVIEW of our many new products. Come see our new Third Edition Santas, commemorating the gold medalist, Janica Kostelic. Also new: our Croatian "Guardian Angel" pins; our adorable Angel Bear, which sings "Sretan Ti Bozic"; our wonderfully-designed "HR" T-shirts; lovely 14k gold Grb charms; special village-inspired "Tiha Noc" Candle Votives; our newly-revised Second Edition Santas; new and beautiful, hand-painted Christmas ornaments by "Mara"; our limited edition "Sretan Bozic" snowmen. And more! Be the first to view our wonderful new collections----all inspired by the traditions and customs of beautiful CROATIA!Visit www.croatiagifts.com to see more products. Or, call our toll-free number 877-906-8314 to order.Melissa Pintar Obenauf and Pam Lacko Kelley, Proprietors letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 01 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) ALKA 287th traditional one http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5578/1/EH-ALKA-287th-traditional-one.html ÂALKACroatiaNew CountryOld CivilizationSun Aug 4, 2002Croatian knight Denis Gugic celebrates after winning at the 287th traditional Alka Festival atÂSinj, Croatia, Aug. 4, 2002. The Alka Festival involves competitive knights jousting at high speedin this colourful and folkloric celebration, to the support of thousands of spectators. This annualfestival dates back to a victory against the Turkish invading army in 1715. (AP Photo/BozidarVukicevic)ÂCroatian knights stand in line before they start to run the Alka competition at the 287thÂtraditional Alka Festival in Sinj, Croatia, Sunday Aug. 4, 2002. Alka involves competitive knightsjousting at high speed in this colourful and folkloric celebration, to the support of thousands ofspectators. This annual festival dates back to a victory against the Turkish invading army in1715. (AP Photo/Bozidar Vukicevic)ÂNa 287. Alki u Sinju na 4. kolovoza 2002. godine okupila se ponosna, pobjednicka, prkosna,europska / civilizacijska, viteska Hrvatska. Kazu (mediji), desetak tisuca dusa. Najprominentnijipocasni gost bio je princ Karl von Habsburg s obitelji. Mnogi oporbeni politicari i saborskizastupnci, hrvatski generali, zupani, gradonacelnici, dr. Zvonimir Separovic... Mnostvonovinara, od poznatih Josip Jovic, Josko Celan, Jeffrey Kuhner... I puno lijepoga svijeta.ÂViteski je Sinj jako jako lijep gradic. Otkrice, u svakom pogledu.. U malom parku pored crkve isamostana osim drazesne fontane nalaze se i tri biste istaknutih Sinjana: s jedne je strane bistapisca Dinka Simunovica, s druge akademika Stjepana Gunjace, a u sredini bista Dusana Zanka,istaknutog kulturnog djelatnika (1904.1980.) Iz Sinja je i Miko Tripalo, ali i dr. fra Mirko Covic,Mikin gimnazijski profesor, kasnije becki emigrant, koji je nenadano umro u Becu na dan Titovasprovoda!) Grad, vitesko natjecanje, konje ... to treba vidjeti i dozivjeti.Â(ra) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 05 Aug 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Worldisround Personal Articles - place your photos and stories http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5579/1/E-Worldisround-Personal-Articles---place-your-photos-and-stories.html  'Personal Articles' on Worldisround.comhttp://www.worldisround.comÂDear friends photographers,please forward to this site any of yourinteresting photos of our beautiful Croatia. So far there are some photos andinteresting articles but "Lijepa nasa" Croatia deserves much more.At themoment I do not have any scaned photos tobe able to participate,but I willtry to scan at least few photos and write descriptive article.I am sure thatour Embassies can help us.Dragi prijatelji fotografije koji imate vasih fotografija Lijepa naseHrvatske molim vas da ih uputite na Worldisround site zajedno sa opisompredjela kojima ste putovali.Steta da nas predstavljaju stranci koji cestoneznaju puno o nasoj povijesti pa pisu onako kako im se cine da jetocno.Moze se i dati spojnica (link) na neke od nasih odlicnih site-ova.Srdacan pozdrav iz Ottawe, Vlado Polgar----- Original Message ----- Hello Vladimir Polgar, We have introduced a new 'Personal Articles' feature on Worldisround.com. This feature lets you post and describe pictures of your family and friends without posting them on the public board for everyone to view. You can either e-mail your personal article to people or just orally invite them to look at your personal article by visiting Worldisround.com and typing your name in under "Search for Articles by Author". Thus, when you create a new article, you must decide whether it is a 'travel article' (scenery photos that everyone might be interested in) or a 'personal article' (pictures that only family and friends would be interested in). Please try out the new feature, and I'd also be very appreciative if you could mention it to your friends. Personal articles are a very convenient way to describe and send photos of family and friends, and I'd hate to see it go to waste. Thanks. Davehttp://www.worldisround.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 27 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Inside of a dog it's too dark to read! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5580/1/E-Inside-of-a-dog-its-too-dark-to-read.html ÂCroatian StoriesOutside of a dog a book is man's best friend.Inside of a dog it's too dark to read! - Groucho Marx -CROWN started with Croatian Stories - SPLEEN by Josip Novakovich. We will publish your stories, no matter how good they are. Roland Baric's website is another example of the same idea. I tried to navigate on his website but it didn't work. Check on your own.Nenad Bachletters@croatianworld.netÂRoland Baric BookroomÂhttp://www.ring.net/roland/ÂOve stranice namijenjene su svima onima koji pišua nemaju priliku objaviti svoje prièe, romane, poeziju...ÂSvima Vama koji imate spremljene u ladici sastavke iz gimnazije,Âpjesme iz puèke škole, ljubavna pisma koja su prekrivena patinom brakova,šaljite ih u Rokinu knjižnicu.ÂThis site was made for all who don't have a chance to publishtheir hidden romance tales from high school, poetry for 'gone with the wind'Âlove, love letters covered by patina of marriage...Please, send your tales and poems to the Roki's Bookroom.ÂCopyright © 1993-1998 Goran Pozek & Roland Baric letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 22 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Lovers and Madmen LJUBAVNICI I LUDJACI http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5582/1/EH-Lovers-and-Madmen-LJUBAVNICI-I-LUDJACI.html ÂLoversand MadmenbyJulienne Eden BusicÂ60new pages!ÂAboutthe book: Loversand Madmen is dominated by two central themes:Âpolitics and love. JulienneBusic's memoirs take the reader through the events which shaped her life withCroatian dissident husband, Zvonko - assassination attempts, threats from theYugoslav secret police, flights from country to country, enforced poverty anddeprivation - and characterize the love which led to the greatest sacrifice ofall: a sentence of life in prisonfor the political hijacking of a TWA jet.Lessthan twenty years after their desperate act, Yugoslavia broke apart in a spasmof war and Croatia is now an independent state. The message contained in the leaflets thrown during thehijacking served as a prophesy of this disintegration and the vicious Serbianaggression, first in Croatia and Bosnia, and most recently in Albanian poplatedKosovo.Julienne Busic served thirteen years inprison and was released on parole in 1989. Zvonko Busic is still incarcerated,almost 26 years later, in a maximum security federal prison in Leavenworth,Kansas.Aboutthe author: JulienneBusic is a native of Oregon and holds a Master's Degree in German andLinguistics. She has publishedessays and articles on linguistic theory and won a Croatian Writer's Societyaward in 1997 for her first book of memoirs, Lovers and Madmen.ÂShe has previously worked in the Embassy of Croatian in Washington, D.C.and as a senior adviser in the Office of the President of the Republic ofCroatia.http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0595007589/qid=1026740237/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/002-5727224-5449661Â(inCroatian) www.sveznadar.comÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(inEnglish) www.amazon.comÂÂwww.barnesandnoble.comÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCorrespondencebetween President Franjo Tudjman and President Bill ClintonLetterfrom the current Croatian government to Madeleine AlbrightÂLetterfrom Croatian-American organizations in support of Zvonko Busic's transfer toCroatiaLetterfrom former head of EEOC, Evan Kemp, regarding Zvonko BusicÂLettersfrom the trial judge, John BartelsÂExcerpts from correspondence between passengers from hijacked plane andJulienne BusicWritingsand statements by Zvonko Busic, published for the first time here --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Novo,prošireno izdanje! LJUBAVNICI ILUĐACIJulienneEden BušićNakladnik:Mozaik knjiga60novih stranicaÂNovi epilogPriloženidokumenti: ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcorrespondencija između predsjednika Tuđmanai predsjednika ClintonaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂpismo aktualne hrvatske Vlade gdji. MadeleineAlbrightÂpismo američko-hrvatskih organizacijapredsjedniku Clintonuodlomci iz pisama putnika otetog aviona Julienni Bušićpisma suca Johna Bartelsagovor Zvonka Bušića pred sudompismo bivšeg visokog dužnosnika Bijele kućeu vezi sa Zvonkom Bušićem ÂÂi još više……. Narudžbe preko Interneta: (na hrvatskom jeziku):www.sveznadar.com cijena: 48kuna (na engleskom jeziku)www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.comÂÂcijena: $18.95Opisknjige: ZapletromanaLjubavnici i luđaci pokreće snaga ljubavi i moć politike. Julienne Schultz, mlada Amerikanka za boravka u Beču, zaljubljuje se u svoga budućeg supruga, studenta i hrvatskog disidenta Zvonka Bušića. Uslijedit će događaji koji će promijeniti i njezin i njegov život. Pokušaji ubojstva, pritisci UDBE, bijegovi iz zemlje u zemlju, život u uvjetima prisilnog siromaštva. Ljubav će ih napokon dovesti do najveće žrtve: doživotne kazne za otmicu američkogzrakoplova. JulienneBušićodslužilajetrinaestgodinazatvora iuvjetnojepuštenagodine1989. U tom jerazdoblju napisala ove memoare. ZvonkoBušić, gotovo dvadeset šest godina poslije, još uvijek boravi u najstrožemameričkom saveznom zatvoru.Uz osvrt na knjigu Ljubavnicii luđaci: »Riječju,pred nama je rijetka životna priča, ispripovijedana u stilu najuspješnijihromanopisaca realizma i naturalizma, protkana psihološkim zahvatom u likove, unajboljoj tradiciji psihološkog romana, romana a la Russo, Dostojevskogdostojna...« Goran Bujić, ZadarskiList, 11. siječnja 1996.»potresnoi podrobno evocirajući brojne zgode, od kojih su mnoge podatne zaambicioznije gradnje, autorica je svojim sjećanjima namijenila uloguautentičnoga i potresnog svjedočanstva i dokumenta vremena u kojem sepisala povijest hrvatskoga naroda...« Ivan J. Bošković, SlobodnaDalmacija, 1996.»svidjelići koji čine složeno tkivo knjige ipak ne bi posebnofunkcionirali, osim kao niz činjenica kojima je bila svjedok i sudionikautorica, da nisu oblikovani tako zrelo i umjetnički živom naracijom... toovu knjigu višestruko preporučuje za čitanje i otvara za dugotrajnijiživot potpuno u sklopu hrvatske književnosti.« Željko Kliment, Vjesnik, 13. siječnja 1996.»J. Bušić napisala je, dakle, izvanserijskuknjigu, što se može mjeriti s bilo kojim svjetskim bestselerom...njezina jepriča dostupna i čitatelju u domovini. Ukratko, književni događajza svakog senzibilnijeg čitatelja.« Sanjin Ivandin, NoviList, 12. rujna 1995.»Ljubavnicii luđaci jesu knjiga čije značenje umnogome prevladavarutinu pojavljivanja tek još jednoga u nizu literarnih naslova. Ova je knjigaknjiževni događaj prvoga reda, toliko dalek od bljedunjavoga prosjeka nakoji smo u literarnom smislu godinama navikavani«. DelimirRešicki, GlasSlavonije, 22. studenoga 1995. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) LADO in the USA - International Choral Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5581/1/E-LADO-in-the-USA---International-Choral-Festival.html International Choral Festival Brings Twin Cities Nine Days of Diverse Music, August 2 - 10 7/16/02 1:28 PM Source: PR Newswire FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE OF CROATIA LADO MINNEAPOLIS, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Choral Festival, a public outreach program of the Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music, has finalized its concert schedule. The nine-day festival will feature some of the world's most acclaimed choirs performing throughout the Twin Cities area from August 2 - 10. Over 40 public concerts plus performances for Symposium delegates and corporate audiences will be featured. Performance venues will range from free concerts in local parks, community centers, offices and places of worship to spectacular performances at the Cathedral of St. Paul and Orchestra Hall. (A complete schedule of public concerts is available at www.worldchoralsymposium6.org .) International Choirs Central to the International Choral Festival will be performances by over 20 auditioned choirs, hailing from six continents. The choirs were chosen to participate based on the diversity of their talent, sound, repertoire and stylistic performance. Together, the variety of classical, ethnic and folk traditions will build a world perspective of the choral experience. The choirs include: -- Armenia -- Little Singers of Armenia -- Forty gifted kids perform folk,  classical and more.  -- Australia -- Adelaide Chamber Singers -- A champion of the music from  "down under."  -- Austria -- Vienna Chamber Choir -- Classic style at its best.  -- Belgium -- Chamber Choir of Namur -- A premier interpreter of music  from an earlier age.  -- Brazil -- Garganta Profunda -- Part Beatles, part Swingle Singers,  wholly Latin.  -- Canada -- Elmer Iseler Singers -- Exquisite singing, eh?  -- China -- Red Leaf Children's Choir -- From the world's largest nation,  the number one children's choir. -- Croatia -- National Folkdance Ensemble of Croatia "LADO" -- Amazing sound and warmth that thrills audiences. -- Cuba -- Entrevoces -- A consistent award winner. Among the world's finest. -- Japan -- Okubo Mixed Choir -- A national treasure from the Land of the Rising Sun. -- Japan -- Gifu High School Choir -- Japan's number one high school choir. -- Latvia -- Riga Dom Boys Choir -- One of the world's outstanding boy choirs -- a tradition since 1240! -- Namibia -- Namibia National Youth Choir -- A celebration of both past and present in vibrant song. -- Norway -- The Norwegian Soloists Choir -- In its Symposium debut, representing Norway at its musical zenith. -- Russia -- Chamber Choir of the Moscow State Conservatory -- Building on a centuries-old tradition -- in spectacular fashion. -- South Africa -- University of Pretoria Choir -- Tribal and traditional songs by South Africa's top college choir. -- South Korea -- Ansan City Choir -- One of South Korea's best, with a rich repertoire. -- Sweden -- St. Jacob's Chamber Choir -- Always a capella, this church choir gets global praise. -- Taiwan -- Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir -- Magnificent sound with enthusiasm to match. -- U.S.A. -- The Boys Choir of Harlem -- The first World Symposium invite for this American institution. -- U.S.A. -- Chanticleer -- Intimate, inventive, intriguing and incredibly popular. -- U.S.A. -- Michigan State University Children's Choir -- A very special children's choir with a superb sound. -- Venezuela -- Cantoria de Merida -- From the top tier of South American choirs. Target Family Concert -- The Boys Choir Of Harlem A highlight of the festival's free public performances will be the Target Family Concert -- The Boys Choir of Harlem on Sunday, August 4 , at noon at the Target Stage on Harriet Island in St. Paul. Also performing will be internationally acclaimed choirs Entrevoces from Cuba and the National Folk Dance Ensemble of Croatia "LADO" noted for its authentic folk song, dance and native costumes. The concert, sponsored by Target, will feature free beach balls to the first 1,000 attendees. Concertgoers are encouraged to call 612-871-7284 for parking information. Performances At Orchestra Hall And The Cathedral Of St. Paul International Choral Festival performances for larger audiences will offer concertgoers a great deal of variety. I Hear America Singing with Chanticleer, the Boys Choir of Harlem and the Minnesota Orchestra, Richard Westenburg conducting, will be presented to the public on August 2 and 3 at 8:00 p.m. , as part of Orchestra Hall's MusicFest. Also performing at Orchestra Hall will be Grammy Award-winning Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra on August 7 at 8:00 p.m. , as well as Helmuth Rilling in Concert with the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus, Minnesota Chorale and San Francisco Girls Chorus with the Symposium Orchestra on August 8 at 8:30 p.m. The World Youth Choir, a group of over 80 young singers from throughout the world, will sing at the Cathedral of St. Paul in a free performance on August 8 at 8:00 p.m. The final concert, Minnesota Sings Farewell, will feature the St. Olaf Choir, Dale Warland Singers, Moore By Four and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers on August 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall. Minnesota Public Radio Broadcasts And Live Web Streaming Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) will offer audiences around the world an opportunity to hear the Symposium concerts through its radio and web broadcasts. MPR will broadcast several concerts live, including public concerts, as well as some concerts presented exclusively for Symposium delegates. Broadcasts on MPR's classical music stations including KSJN 99.5 in the Twin Cities include: -- Saturday, August 3 , 7:30 p.m. -- I Hear America Singing with the Boys  Choir of Harlem, Chanticleer and the Minnesota Orchestra  -- Sunday, August 4 , 8:00 p.m. Â-- Chamber Choir Moscow State University  (Russia) and the University of Pretoria Choir (South Africa)  -- Tuesday, August 6 , 8:00 p.m. Â-- Chamber Choir of Namur (Belgium) and  Entrevoces (Cuba)  -- Wednesday, August 7 , 8:00 p.m. Â-- Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra  -- Friday, August 9 , 8:00 p.m. Â-- World Youth Choir  -- Saturday, August 10 , 7:30 p.m. Â-- Minnesota Sings Farewell with the St.  Olaf Choir, Dale Warland Singers, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and  Moore By Four. MPR also will present 12 concerts streamed live on www.mpr.org . Select performances from concerts will be heard throughout the Festival and Symposium on MPR's The Morning Show and throughout its classical music programming. For a schedule of broadcasts and archive of performances, visit www.mpr.org . International Choral Festival and the Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music Never before held in the United States, the Symposium and International Choral Festival will bring together over 3,000 prominent choral specialists, composers, scholars and choirs from around the globe to study, perform and share in the latest industry developments. The International Choral Festival is a new component of the Symposium, brought to life through the 2002 organizing committee as they seek to expand the event's traditional role of serving delegates to also reach out to the public. "We knew that the Symposium presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the voices of the world directly to the people of Minnesota," said Philip Brunelle, president of the Symposium's board of directors and director of VocalEssence (founded as the Plymouth Music Series). "The Twin Cities community has rallied to make the International Choral Festival a reality with spectacular results. The festival boasts a stellar line-up of choirs you won't find anywhere else in the world." The Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music is presented by Marshall Field's Project Imagine(SM) and Target, with support from the Target Foundation. Every time guests shop at Marshall Field's and Target, they're making a difference by supporting social service and arts organizations that enrich our lives. Five percent of every purchase made at Marshall Field's and Target contributes to the more than two million dollars a week that Target Corporation gives back to the communities in which it does business. Symposium sponsors include Minnesota Public Radio, 3M, Pepper of Minneapolis, Ecolab, City of Minneapolis, McKnight Foundation, Medtronic, Northwest Airlines, NEA, Star Tribune, Wenger and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The Symposium is a triennial global event of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) and is hosted by the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA of MN). IFCM, celebrating its 20th anniversary, was founded in 1982 by seven prominent international choral organizations representing five continents. Its mission is to facilitate communication and exchange between choral musicians throughout the world. Tickets for the Rilling, I Hear America Singing and Minnesota Sings Farewell concerts are available at Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, 612-371-5656 or 1-800-292-4141 or at www.minnesotaorchestra.org . The Bobby McFerrin concert is sold out. Choral performances scheduled for local parks, community centers, corporate offices and places of worship are free of charge to the public. Donations will be accepted to help with the cost of the programming. Information on the Symposium and the International Choral Festival may be found at www.worldchoralsymposium6.org .  MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here  http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X83525407 SOURCE International Choral Festival/Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music Copyright 2000, PR Newswire FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE OF CROATIA LADOÂ10 000 ZAGREB, Trg M. Tita 6aÂphone:(+385 1)48 28 472, 48 28 473Âfax: (+385 1)48 28 474Âe-mail: lado@zg.tel.hr WWW.lado.hrÂÂÂÂDIRECTOR: Josip GuberinaÂART DIRECTOR: Ivan I. IvančanÂMANAGER: Davor KovačÂCHOIR LEADER: Dražen KurilovčanÂORCHESTRA LEADER: Goran KačurovÂASSISTENTS: Mojmir Golemac & Verica RadićÂSTAGE MANAGER: Romeo StanićÂHEAD OF WARDROBE: Vesna KurilovčanÂTECHNICAL SERVICE: Ante BrkovićÂADVERTISING: Ivica Đuričić, Nenad Breka, Nenad MarićÂhttp://investor.cnet.com/investor/news/newsitem/0-9900-1028-20150922-0.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Convention Speech by the President of the GH (Global Croatia) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5583/1/E-Convention-Speech-by-the-President-of-the-GH-Global-Croatia.html ÂThink globally, act Croatianway If we follow the maxim : "Nomen est omen" - the name is a sign - we may state that the goals of the Association "Globalna Hrvatska" (Global Croatia) are immediately recognizable. They are equally recognizable from the slogan which we will always emphasize when speaking of the GH: "Think globally, act Croatian way." We may also pronounce it the other way round: "Think Croatian way, act globally," but as we should recognize, at the very beginning, uneasiness of small nations about globalization, I must also mention a priori negative comments we have received in conversations about the Association. When I announced the formation of the GH, I have heard, more than once: "Isn't "Global Croatia" a contradiction in terms? As if the global excludes the Croatian! No, the global does not exclude the Croatian. Better ties among ourselves, better strategy of joint action, of communication, all this, in a presentation of culture or identity depends on ourselves. On the other hand, Croatia cannot and will not exclude the global. Thus "Global Croatia" is not a contradiction in terms, since, when we speak of a Global Croatia, we mean a subject, even a double subject. The global will not exclude the Croatian, if Croatia finds a way to impose itself thorough togetherness, unity of the Croatian home and abroad, through cultural achievements of the home and abroad, and through the knowledge and experience of the home and abroad. In such a way only could we ward off the perils of globalization, and remain a subject in the process. Think globally, act Croatian way is a declarative position of a subject. Yes - a Global Croatia which acts from a position of a subject. Such a Global Croatia is not a Globalized Croatia swallowed by and losing its identity within the Global. The Global Croatia is, if we want to use figures, twice the size of Croatia - it is the home plus abroad, Croatian people all around the world who see themselves as Croatians, although they may have spent most of their lives abroad, or were even born there as members of the third, fourth... generation. The GH will declare the unity based on mutual recognition, mutual action, on cultural awareness, and, tied to that, on being witness of global extension of Croatian culture. The GH puts forward the subject as a competitive element on the level of cultural and historical identity. This is why we have formed this Association. But we did not invent anything new. Many distinguished Croatian institutions have acted in the same way - the Croatian Academy, the Matica Hrvatska, -- promoting those ideas which focused on the values of the Croatian culture in all its manifestations and diversity. But today's globalization demands speed, well-prepared presentations, precision, and access to national data bases. We will always give our support to Croatian cultural institutions, museums, galleries, associations, and individuals working on the global affirmation of Croatian culture. This is the base - Mary Helen Stefaniak, Josip Novakovich, Marko Spalatin. Antun Šoljan, Sida Košutić, Miroslav Krleža, Vladimir Nazor, Drago Gervais, Drago Štambuk, Ferdinand Kulmer... Or such figures who may not be Croatian, like Piranesi, but whose exceptional works have been stored in Croatian cultural treasuries, such as the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb. Or, Keser, Seder, Secession in Dalmatia...all this comes within the scope of promotion by the GH. In practical terms, let me announce an exhibition of Anton Cetin in the State Archives and the Kortil Gallery in Rijeka in October, 2002, and a Rijeka-Zagreb exhibition of Marko Spalatin in 2003. Let me thank our first sponsor, the HAK (Croatian Automobile Association) which has generously contributed to the Catalogue of the Cetin exhibit. Outside Croatia, our plans call for finding a venue to exhibit the works of Josip Diminić and of the Museum of Arts and Crafts Piranesi holdings in North America. These are our most immediate goals. Your suggestions and support will be most welcome.ÂLilijana Domić, President letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Opera NIKOLA SUBIC ZRINSKI - A Historic Event 3 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5585/1/E-Opera-NIKOLA-SUBIC-ZRINSKI---A-Historic-Event-3.html ÂLibretto NIKOLA SUBIC ZRINSKIÂThe libretto was written by the Croatian poet Hugo Badalic (1851-1900) after a drama "ZRINY" by Theodor Korner (1791-1813). Ivan pl. Zajc composed the music.Â"Nikola Subic Zrinski" is without doubt Zajc's most communicative work. It is a heroic opera culminating in the final tragedy; a death of Szigeth's brave defenders faced with the onslaught of Seljuk Turks on their expansion towards central Europe (1566).ÂSynopsisÂIn his camp in Belgrade ailing Suleyman II decided to wage a war and advance towards Vienna, although his physician Levi warns him against it. Before the attack on Vienna Szigeth has to be captured and its leader (ban) Zrinski vanquished.ÂThe people of Szigeth sense the invasion and express their fear. Zrinski decides to make a stand and postpones the marriage of his daughter Jelena to his soldier Juranic. Zrinski proposes that women should be sent to Vienna for safety, but they all refuse. Sultan impatient, because unconquered Szigeth is hindering his advancements sends Sokolovic, the grand vizier to negotiate. Mehmed Sokolovic offers Zrinski to make him a king of Croatia and to spare the townsfolk should he hand over the keys of the city. Zrinski promptly refuses. Even after learning that his only son Juraj was captured, Zrinski with his family and troops repeats the solemn oath: By Almighty God I swear that I shall defend Szigeth with my blood; I will never leave you brothers, lest, my heart stops beating in my chest.ÂIn the meantime Sultan dies, but his grand vizier conceals the death from his troops. Eva and her daughter Jelena took refuge in the basement of the old fortress. Jelena 's fiancé Juranic arrives with a message that they are ready for the imminent and decisive battle against much larger enemy. Jelena begs Juranic not to leave her and to: "take tis dagger. Let me die from your hand. Stab your Jelena" In consternation Juranic refuses, but there is no other resolution to the drama and he kills her before going into battle. In the last scene Zrinski says goodbye to his wife Eva. The troops and townsfolk gather together. With the joint cry "To arms, to arms, draw your swords" the draw-bridge is dropped, with Croatian flag held high by Zrinski, they all go to their death, but Vienna and the rest of Europe were spared.ÂPRAIZVEDBA:PRAIZVEDBA OPERE NIKOLA ŠUBIC ZRINJSKIÂ4. studenoga - Velikoj turskoj vojsci pod zapovjedništvom sultana Sulejmana Velicanstvenog i vezira Mehmeda Sokolovica, koja se ljeti 1566. kretala prema još neosvojenom dijelu Ugarske, isprijecila se na putu mala tvrdava Siget i nevelika skupina hrabrih ljudi. Upornom obranom, pod zapovjedništvom hrvatskoga bana Nikole Zrinjskog, zadržana je turska vojska u opsadi mnogo duže nego je to itko mogao ocekivati. I nakon nestanka svake nade u pomoc carskih beckih trupa, posada Sigeta i dalje je branila grad i napokon gotovo sva izginula u posljednjem jurišu u rujnu 1566.ÂTaj dogadaj potaknuo je mnoge stvaraoce da pokušaju scenski prikazati zbivanja u Sigetu. Prvi je to ucinio njemacki dramaticar Teodor Kerner, cijom je dramom Niklas graf von Zriny otvorena 4. listopada 1834. prva kazališna zgrada u Zagrebu - Stankovicev gornjogradski teatar.ÂMedutim, najznacajnije djelo na tu temu sigetskog boja stvorio je skladatelj Ivan Zajc. Njegova opera Nikola Šubic Zrinjski skladana na libreto Huge Badalica, prvi je put izvedena u Zagrebu 4. studenoga 1876.ÂTo je djelo zrela majstora, nadahnuto nacionalnim osjecajem, za ono doba znalacki pisana opera, dramaturški cjelovita i s odlicno postavljenim skupnim prizorima, osobito u završnim zborovima. Vodenje i razvijanje pjevacke linije temelji se na talijanskom belkantu, ali se ipak osjeca i prizvuk hrvatske melodike. Umjetnicke znacajke Nikole Šubica Zrinjskog svrstavaju to djelo u red najboljih hrvatskih opernih ostvarenja.ÂSource for pictures and some text: www.hrt.hr/arhiv/ndd/11studeni/ 1104%20Praizvedba.htmToronto Committee for the Promotion of Croatian Opera: producer Edward Mavrinac, with Aranka Lengyel & Srebrenka Bogovic. (e-mail:seb@boldinternet.com)ÂÂOp-edPlease help and support this HISTORIC MOMENT. Call /emailproducers and ask them if they need help and which kind of help.best,Nenad BachAny help in staging the Croatian national opera Nikola SubicZrinski is still welcome and much appreciated. Donations (regardless of thesum!) will be acknowledged in the commemorative booklet and for Canadian donorsa tax receipt will be issued. There is also an opportunity to advertise(business, personal "... in memory of", congratulations etc.) in theCommemorative Booklet: black & white or colour. In Canadian funds: full page$400.00(b&w), $600.00 (color), 1/2 page $250.00 (b&w), $400.00 (color),1/4 page $175.00 (b&w) $300.00 (color), 1/8 $100.00 (b&w), $200.00(color).ÂPlease make your cheque payable to "ZRINSKI-OPERA MISSISSAUGA"ÂAddress: Zrinski-Opera Mississauga, The Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living ArtsDrive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 4B8, and Canada letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 14 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Global Croatia Holds Business Convention http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5584/1/E-Global-Croatia-Holds-Business-Convention.html ÂÂ"GlobalnaHrvatska" (Global Croatia) Citizens Association (NGO, Udruga građana) "Globalna Hrvatska" (Global Croatia) held its business convention in the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb on Thursday, July 11, 2002. It drew about tow dozen members, guests and media representatives, and its main goal was to present the objectives of the Association and open a discussion on how to achieve them. President of the Association, Ms. Lilijana Domić, explained in an inspired opening statement that the goal of the "Udruga" is to strengthen cultural exchange among Croats all around the world, with an emphasis on introducing the talent from the diaspora to home public, and on intensifying efforts to present Croatian culture and its representatives to the world. Noting that Croats have been "globalized" for over two hundred years, Ms. Domić emphasized that "our goal is not 'globalized Croatia' but global cooperation of Croatian communities all around the world, enabling Croatia to enter the global community as a subject with clear identity and tradition, and not as an object". Speaking as the host to the Convention, Professor Vladimir Maleković, Director of the Museum of Arts and Crafts expressed his support for the goals of the GH, and stressed the international character of his own institution, one of the oldest of its kind in Europe, praising the work of some of his distinguished predecessors, Iso Kršnjavi in particular. Agreement with the stated goals was also expressed by some of the guests, in particular by Dr. Ivan Kujundžić, Secretary for Public Relations of the HDZ, Professor David Pickus of the Arizona State University and Mr. Božo Skoko of the Millennium Promotions. The founding members of the Association had launched an exhibition project centered on the gallery of the State Archives in Rijeka wherein exhibitions of home artists alternate with those of the artists from the diaspora. Now the Association will take over the sponsorship of the series. Discussion that followed centered on the key task the leadership of the Association will be facing: the funds. As usual, the situation is not great. Yet, whereas there are currently only 600 kunas in the GH's account, the Association has attracted its first sponsor, the HAK (Croatian Automobile Club) which has generously agreed to help with the costs of the catalogue of the exhibition of the well-known Croatian-Canadian painter, Anton Cetin, to open in Rijeka on October 2, 2002. The convention was covered by journalists from the Croatian TV, the Večernji list and Hrvatsko slovo.ÂMembership List:Višnja Bedenko. Architect., Advisor, City Preservation of Monuments Office, ZagrebÂEdward Damich, Chief Justice, Court of Federal Claims, Washington, D.C.Lilijana Domić, writer, critic and gallerist, Zagreb.Vladimir Goss, Ph.D., writer, journalist, and scholarSena Gvozdanović-Sekulić, Dr.., Professor Emeritus, School of Architecture, ZagrebÂZlatko Jurić, Dr., Asst. Professor, Art History, School of Arts and Sciences, Zagreb.Vesna Kittelson, MFA, Professor of Art, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, painter.Valentina Krčmar, Editor, Hrvatska Iskra, TorontoSilvija Letica, Director, Dept. of Culture, Matica hrvatskih iseljenikaSlobodan Lang, Dr. Med., physician, humanitarian, and writer, Zagreb.Vladimir Maleković, Director, Museum of Arts and Crafsts, Zagreb, critic and writer.Melita Matijević, Dpt. of Culture, Matica hrvatskih iseljenika.Zlatko Ožbolt, architect and designer, Zagreb.Vesna Škare-Ožbolt, Member of Parliament.Marko Spalatin, MFA, painter, Blue Mounds, WisconsinMiroslav Šutej, academic painter, professor, Art Academy in ZagrebCarmen Verlichek, journalist and writer, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaNenad Vidović, lawyer, "Degen, Vidović, etc."Stanimir Vuk-Pavlović, Dr., Professor and head stem cell lab, Mayo Clnic, Rochester(Minnesota). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 14 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Slika kao spomenik - Photo As A Monument http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5587/1/HE-Slika-kao-spomenik---Photo-As-A-Monument.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Contemporary Music in Croatia - Continuing Traditions http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5589/1/E-Contemporary-Music-in-Croatia---Continuing-Traditions.html  ÂÂZagreb: a capital place ÂÂfor contemporary music M U S I C: Continuing Traditions Contemporary Music in Croatia William A Everett Since its independence in 1991, Croatia has maintained a very active and vital musical culture. Most of the present-day activities are the result of the establishment of institutions over a century ago and a musical heritage that extends back to the Middle Ages. This survey will begin with a discussion of performing organizations and festivals before continuing with remarks on some of the most influential composers and concluding with details on music promotion, recording and scholarship. Performing organizations and institutions Performing organizations are at the heart of any viable musical culture. In Croatia, Zagreb is the hub for professional music-making. The capital city alone boasts numerous orchestras, an opera company and other musical ensembles. In the orchestral realm, the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra is the nation's oldest orchestra, its origins coinciding with the founding of the Zagreb Opera Orchestra in 1870. The orchestra gave programs of excerpts from larger works (Quodlibet concerts) and presented its first formal concert on 8 April 1884. Its reputation grew during the 20th century under a number of distinguished conductors, including the legendary Lovro von Matačić, who led the orchestra during the 1970s. The orchestra's reputation has continued to grow since 1991. It is not an orchestra limited exclusively to Croatian performers and conductors, however; under the Japanese-born Kazushi Ono, who led the orchestra from 1990 to 1996, the orchestra made a successful tour of Japan in 1992. Programming for the 1999-2000 season of the Zagreb Philharmonic reflects a blend and balance between standard literature and works by Croatian composers. Eight works by Croatian composers are on the season's schedule: Natko Devčić's Istrian Suite (17 September 1999), Milko Kelemen's Delicate Clusters (19 November 1999), Stjepan `ulek's Eighth Symphony (26 November 1999), Bo~idar Kunc's Overture to the Mournful Game (10 December 1999), Ivo Malec's Sigma (17 March 2000) and Movements in Color (31 March 2000), Milan Sachs' Pastoral and Dance (24 March 2000) and Luka Sorkočević's Seventh Symphony (2 June 2000). Two world premieres are scheduled as well: Dubravko Detoni's Musica Danieliana for piano and orchestra (26 November 1999) and }eljko Brkanović's Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra (31 March 2000). Zagreb's other orchestra, the Croatian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra (Simfonijski orkestar HRT, also known in English as the Zagreb Symphonicists), has roots in the early 20th century. In 1930, a small ensemble known as "The Radio Orchestra" began playing on the Zagreb radio. This group was the predecessor to the present-day orchestra. The Radio and Television Orchestra has been integral to the promotion of new music in Croatia both before and after 1991. The orchestra specializes in contemporary music, as is evident by their large discography of this repertory. Most established 20th-century Croatian composers have written for the ensemble. The Zagreb Soloists, also known by the Italianized name I Solisti de Zagreb, was founded by Italian ex-patriate cellist-conductor Antonio Janigro in 1954. The orchestra champions both 18th-century and 20th-century music. Their repertory, like that of the symphony orchestras, includes a great deal of Croatian music in addition to works from the broader European heritage. The ensemble maintains a very proactive role in the renaissance of the 18th-century Croatian musical heritage (composers such as Ivan Mare Jarnović and Luka Sorkočević) as well as serving as a model for the resurgence of conductorless chamber orchestras in the late 20th century. Since 1968, the ensemble has performed without a conductor, a lead followed by groups such as the New York-based Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Founded in 1991, the Croatian Army Symphony Wind Orchestra is the official orchestra of the Republic of Croatia. In addition to official protocol assignments, the ensemble is involved in a wide range of concert activities. Mladen Tarbuk is the orchestra's principal conductor. The orchestra regularly commissions new works from leading composers. In addition to concert-giving ensembles, the Croatian National Opera maintains a visible presence in the country's musical heritage. Four opera houses in Croatia bear the title "National Opera": Zagreb, Osijek, Split, and Rijeka. The Rijeka company adds the name Ivan Zajc to its formal title, an homage to the Rijeka native who founded the Croatian National Opera in Zagreb in 1870. Numerous other musical societies exist as well. Zagreb alone is home to the Zagreb String Quartet, the Zagreb Saxophone Quartet, the Zagreb Double-Bass Duo, the Zagreb Guitar Trio and numerous choral ensembles such as the Akademski zbor (Academic Choir) "Ivan Goran Kovačić." Festivals In addition to the permanent ensembles enumerated above, Croatia hosts a number of internationally known music festivals. These range from ones which champion contemporary music to ones which celebrate the musical past. The Zagreb Music Biennele is one of the world's major contemporary music festivals. Composer Milko Kelemen established the event in 1961 to provide an opportunity for dialogue between Eastern and Western blocs in the musical world, and to establish Zagreb as a center for new music. Ivo Josipović is the current director of the Festival. The Biennele has a strong tradition of having leading composers in attendance. Igor Stravinsky, Dmitri Shostakovich, Witold Lutosławski, John Cage, Olivier Messiaen, Karl-Heinz Stockhausen, Luigi Nono, Krzysztof Penderecki, Iannis Xenakis, Luciano Berio and Robert Moran are among those who have participated in the Biennele. Penderecki was an honored guest at the 1999 festival. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of Europe's foremost music festivals. Set in one of the greatest walled medieval cities on the Adriatic, theatrical, concert and operatic performances are constituent parts of this annual summer event. Of the numerous other festivals which take place in Croatia, only a few can be mentioned here: Vara~din Baroque Evenings, Pula International Music Festival (formerly held in Opatija), Zagreb Summer Festival, Čakovec Days of Croatian Music and International Jazz Days. Composers It goes without saying that Croatian composers each have their own personal styles, but there are some broader general stylistic traits at play as well. During the 20th century, Croatian composers have usually followed the compositional principles of their Slavic contemporaries. Polish composers have been especially influential in this regard. Ivo Josipović honored Penderecki in his Drmes za Pendereckog (Drmes for Penderecki, 1986) for tamburitsa orchestra and }eljko Brkanović's Second String Quartet (1994) is intentionally modeled after Lutosławski. From senior figures though a middle generation of composers to significant new voices, Croatian composers are quite active in the creation of new music. In this brief survey, only a few of the many Croatian composers who have added to the musical life of their homeland since 1991 will be discussed. Senior figures in contemporary Croatian music include Milko Kelemen (b 1924), Miroslav Miletić (b 1925), Ivo Malec (b 1925), Adalbert Marković (b 1929), Stanko Horvat (b 1930), Petar Bergamo (b 1930), Anđelko Klobučar (b 1931), Ruben Radica (b 1931), Dubravko Detoni (b 1937) and }eljko Brkanović (b 1937). Stanko Horvat and Milo Cipra (1906-85) have special significance not only as composers but also as teachers at the Music Academy in Zagreb. Horvat received his training with Stjepan `ulek (1914-86) in Zagreb and René Leibowitz in Paris. After writing in both post-Romantic and serial styles, he embraced the Eastern European sonorist style. Cipra studied with Blagoje Berse, and while his early works are rooted in a post-Romantic national style, his later works reflect the post-war European avante-garde. These two different musical approaches served as models for younger Croatian composers. Continuing with the output of senior figures, the work of Milko Kelemen can be divided into three stylistic periods. His early works, written mostly for the Zagreb Soloists, are rooted in folklore. His "middle-period" compositions are characterized by dodecaphonic and modal constructions, while his more recent work follows Eastern European sonorist models. Kelemen studied with Stjepan `ulek in Zagreb before continuing his training under Olivier Messiaen in Paris and Wolfgang Fortner in Freiburg. He currently resides in Stuttgart. Typical of Kelemen's recent work is Archetypon II "Für Anton" (1996), written for the centennial of the death of Anton Bruckner. It is also an homage to the afore-mentioned Croatian conductor Lovro von Matačić, one of the great interpreters of Bruckner's music. The twenty-three minute work in one movement is in six parts, each of which reflects a particular primordial archetype: Tremendum, Mirum, Energicum, Sanctum, Fascinans and Majestas. The opening "Tremendum" suggests something ominous through an emphasis on the lower registers of the orchestra while the following "Mirum" exploits high sonorities to suggest everything strange and unusual. The third section, "Energicum," emphasizes the percussion in an evocation of annihilating restlessness and intensity. The contrasting "Sanctum" that immediately follows depicts an inner calmness that comes through order and tradition. Kelemen quotes Bruckner's Seventh Symphony in the trombone as a direct reference to Bruckner, Matačić and the tradition that they represent. The penultimate "Fascinans" suggests something enticing, while the final "Majestas" provides a resolute conclusion achieved through brass-dominated orchestration. Adalbert Marković, like some of his contemporaries, did not enter the mainstream of avant-garde modernism during the 1950s and 1960s. His most frequently performed work is Snijeg na Mirogoju (The Snow at Mirogoj, 1986). His style, fundamentally linear and tonal, includes frequent pedal-points and ostinatos. Marković continues, in his 60s, to be a very active composer. Moj grad (My City, 1994) is a three-movement tribute to the city of Zagreb. Aquarius (1995) for large string orchestra received its first performance by the Volga Sinfonietta Orchestra at the Zagreb Music Biennele. The work also exists in a version for smaller string ensemble and was first performed in this guise at the International Music Festival in Opatija in 1997. Moj grad is in three movements: Gradec, Kaptol, and Podgrađe. The 28-movement oratorio for narrator, mixed choir, children's choir and orchestra was written for the 900th anniversary of the Zagreb Archdiocese and the 750th anniversary of the city of Zagreb. Historic texts such as the Golden Bull of Bela IV from 1242 are the basis for the libretto. Recorded sounds of trams, cars, crowds and the bells of Zagreb Cathedral are included in the work. Cries of "Libera civitas" permeate the oratorio. Like Marković, Anđelko Klobučar did not follow the tenets of the European mainstream during the third quarter of the century. Active as an organist as well as a composer, Klobučar has written a great deal for his own instrument. A student of Milo Cipra and André Jolivet, Klobučar has a style that remains accessible to audiences while at the same time exhibiting a sophisticated level of compositional technique. The last of the senior generation to be discussed here is Dubravko Detoni. A fine pianist as well as a composer, Detoni studied in Zagreb with `ulek before continuing his work with Witold Lutosławski in Warsaw and Karl-Heinz Stockhausen and György Ligeti in Darmstadt. He worked at the Experimental Studio of the Polish Radio in Warsaw and subsequently with John Cage in Paris. He is the founder and artistic director of the Acezantez Ensemble, a group organized in 1970 to promote multimedia artistic endeavors. Detoni has also written numerous poems and essays on a variety of topics, both musical and non-musical. His music espouses a postmodern aesthetic, evident in his Piano Concerto (1989), written for Ivo Pogorelić. The Concerto consists of a series of 22 variations on an invented mazurka which become increasingly playful as the work progresses. Three representatives of a "middle generation" of Croatian composers are Marko Ru~djak (b 1946), Zoran Juranić (b 1947), and Frano Parać (b 1948). Composition is not the sole creative activity for this group, for Ru~djak is also an accomplished clarinettist and Juranić is an established conductor. In his compositions, Marko Ru~djak demonstrates a passion for musical styles from both the past and the present. A student of Cipra in Zagreb, he continued his training in Paris with Malec and Pierre Schaeffer and in Cologne with Kelemen. His recent works in the chamber music realm reflect his concern with the many facets of intimate self-reflection. Partita (La Gioconda) for solo violin (1993) exemplifies the co-existence of the past and the present, for it is a modern interpretation of a Baroque form. The series of sophisticated variations demonstrate the self-sufficient capabilities of the solo violin. In the Trio Seraphim for clarinet, viola and piano (1995), an 11-minute work in one movement, a sense of pulse akin to a human heartbeat underlies the numerous changes of tempo and texture. Zoran Juranić, in addition to his activities as a conductor at the Croatian National Opera houses in Zagreb and Osijek, is responsible for the revival of many works of the Croatian musical heritage, particularly the operas of Ivan Zajc. Among his recent original compositions are Fanfaronata for wind orchestra (1997), Pladoyer pour Caliban for two double basses (1997) and the opera Govori mi o Augusti (Speak to Me about Augusta, 1999), first performed at the Zagreb Music Biennele. The three-act work on a libretto by Juranić and Luko Paljetak is based on a farce by the latter that concerns the immutability of government. Neoclassical in style, the juxtaposition of comic and tragic elements is emphasized not only through the sparseness of the musical resources but also in the innovative stage design by Stephanie Jamnicky. Frano Parać, a student of Horvat and currently a member of the composition faculty at the Academy of Music in Zagreb, incorporates a variety of diverse influences in his music. Of late, his work is rooted in the Eastern European sonorist tradition while maintaining modernist elements from mid-century composers such as Shostakovich and Britten. His Symphony (1992) ushered in a new era for the symphonic genre among Croatian composers. First performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Shao Chia Lu on 19 February 1993, Parać wrote the 17-minute, four-movement piece during the war in 1991. The first movement is based on a recurring six-note motive that takes place over a pedal ostinato. After the initial presentation of this principal melodic material, the motive is combined with a syncopated countermelody derived from itself. This type of organic growth occurs throughout the movement. Following a contemplative slow movement and an angst-ridden Shostakovichesque scherzo, material from the first movement reappears as the basis for the final movement, but in a transformed guise. Other works by Parać to appear in the past decade include the Sonata for Violin and Piano (1992), Music for the Guitar (1996) and a Horn Concerto (1996). He is currently completing an opera on the biblical character Judith. In addition to these established figures in the compositional realm, significant new voices to carry Croatian music well into the 21st century have emerged. Among these composers are Ivo Josipović (b 1958), Berislav `ipua (b 1958), Alan Bjelinski (b 1964), Srđan Dedić (b 1965), Olja Jelaska (b 1967), Dalibor Bukvić (b 1970) and Antun Tomislav `aban (b 1971). Ivo Josipović, a student of Horvat, infuses his music with passionate joy and demonstrates an acutely keen awareness of the possibilities of timbre. Since 1991, Josipović has been the director of the Zagreb Music Biennele. Josipović's penchant for the quality of sound itself is evident in works such as Samba da camera and Hiljadu lotosa. In Samba da camera (1985) for either 13 strings or string orchestra, Josipović relies on the listener's ability to associate certain rhythmic and melodic patterns with the popular Brazilian genre. Josipović treats these stereotypical figures through aleatoric (chance) means and combines them in unexpected ways. Hiljadu lotosa (A Thousand Lotus Flowers) for six-part chorus, instruments and tape, though written in 1987, received its first performance at the Zagreb Biennele in 1995. Based on ancient Indian texts, the work includes both improvised and notated sections and is certainly eclectic in its source material. The work opens with an evocation of the Orient which is achieved through an improvisatory atmosphere, a particular choice of pitches and a distinctive use of percussion. Subsequent sections include random speech patterns in the chorus and aggressive tone clusters in the piano. The final part of the work, primarily hymn-like, is distinguished by its polyphonic and jazz-derived interjections. Srđan Dedić, also a student of Horvat, continued his studies in Strasbourg, Amsterdam and Tokyo. He has written in many genres, and has also composed for film and television. Cantus fractalus for saxophone quartet (1998) was written for and is dedicated to the Dutch Aurelia Saxophone Quartet. Based on the mathematical concept of fractals (as evident in the work's title), identical vertical and horizontal constructs provide the work with a sense of unity that underlies its numerous contrasting episodes. Promotion, publishing and recording For the promotion of Croatian music, two organizations play significant roles: the Croatian Music Information Centre and the Croatian Composers Association. The Croatian Music Information Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to the documentation and promotion of Croatian music domestically and abroad. Their activities include maintaining on-line databases; publishing and distributing books, sheet music and CDs; and collecting unpublished scores by Croatian composers. The Centre is a member of the International Association of Music Information Centres, and functions like its equivalents in other countries. The Croatian Composers Association, founded in 1945, has 250 full members and about 2500 associate members. Its primary activities include the promotion of cultural and artistic activities, the organization of performances, festivals and symposia, and the publication of music (printed music and recordings) and music-related works. Among the most important events it organizes are the Zagreb Music Biennele, the Pula International Music Festival, the Croatian Music Days, the Zagrebfest, the International Jazz Days and the Jazz Club Zagreb. The Association publishes two series of music, Ars Croatica and Popular Melodies, and the newsletter Cantus. Two labels for art music exist in Croatia: Croatia Records and Orfej/HRT. Croatia Records emerged in 1991 out of Jugoton, a company established in 1947 in Zagreb and the only record-producing company in the former Yugoslavia. Orfej began in 1989 under the auspices of RTZ (Radio Television Zagreb), the predecessor to HRT (Croatian Radio Television). Since 1997, it exists as a record company owned by HRT. Its focus is mainly on popular and rock styles, but its catalogue also includes classical, jazz, folk, spoken word and other types of recordings. The Croatian Composers Society and the Music Information Center also produce recordings of Croatian music for promotional use. Scholarship The Department for the History of Croatian Music (Odsjek za povijest hrvatske glazbe) of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (Hrvatska academija znanosti i umjetnosti, abbreviated HAZU), founded in 1980, has as its principal mission the research and documentation of Croatian music in a European context. The Department employs seven specialists in various areas of Croatian music. Another important organization regarding Croatian music is the Croatian Musicological Society (Hrvatsko muzikoloako druatvo), established in 1991. The Society has sponsored several international musicological symposia, including "Off-Mozart: Musical Culture and the Kleinmeister of Central Europe, 1750-1820" in 1992 and "Zagreb and Croatian Lands as a Bridge between Central-European and Mediterranean Musical Cultures" in 1994. The Society has also held two cooperative symposia with the Italian-based Fondazione Ugo e Olga Levi, one on medieval music, held in Split in 1997, and the second on Baroque music, held in Venice in 1999. Future symposia are planned-the next one will be held in Dubrovnik in 2001 on music of the Classical era. The Department for the History of Croatian Music and the Croatian Musicological Society sponsor two international musicological journals: International Review of the Aesthetics and Sociology of Music, unique in its scope among scholarly musical journals, and Arti musices, which focuses on Croatian-related topics. The two organizations are very active in the production of books on Croatian music. Future musicologists are trained in the Department of Musicology at the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb. The Department boasts four full-time professors and six part-time lecturers. To conclude these remarks on music and musical life in Croatia since 1991, it is obvious that the country possesses a very active musical culture. Its performing organizations and festivals provide a musical infrastructure which supports the work of living composers. Various organizations exist to promote both the work of living Croatian composers and the legacy of the Croatian musical heritage, a momentous task indeed. William A Everett, 10 January 2000 William A Everett is assistant professor of music history at the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA. http://www.ce-review.org/00/2/everett2.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Opera NIKOLA SUBIC ZRINSKI - A Historic Event 1 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5588/1/E-Opera-NIKOLA-SUBIC-ZRINSKI---A-Historic-Event-1.html Nikola Šubic ZrinskiStaging Premier of the Croatian National opera Nikola Subic Zrinski in North AmericaÂPROUD TO BE A CROAT - PROUD TO BE A PATRON OF THE ARTSÂCroatians of North America have thrown down yet another barrier for which we all can take enormous pride. This Fall the well known opera house, Opera Mississauga - Living Arts Centre, in a relatively young, but budding city of Mississauga nestled west of Toronto, will stage, as a part of their regular subscription season, Croatian opera Nikola Subic Zrinski. The event will take place October 5, 8, 10 & 12 (student preview October 2nd 8:00 PM & matinee Oct .6 at 3:00 PM) 2002. Opera Mississauga boasts one of the acoustically best theatres in the North America - a befitting place for "Zrinski"ÂIn the Opera Mississauga's promotional brochure "Zrinski" is advertised with a well-known image (by artist Oton Ivekovic) of Ban Zrinski on a horse with a drawn sword leading his faithful followers in the defense of Sziget and ultimately the rest of Europe. The image is accompanied with the following text: A favorite Croatian opera in three acts, based on the story of the death of Nikola Zrinski IV at Siget in 1566. Zajc's popular opera is a tuneful, dramatic, and colourful musical drama with National themes.ÂGeneral and artistic director of Opera Mississaaug, maestro Dwight Bennett traveled this spring to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb to audition Croatian opera singers for the principle roles, while the chorus parts will be sang by the Opera Mississauga Chorus who are diligently learning music and the Croatian text as the opera will be sung in the original Croatian with customary surtitles in English.ÂOne need not point out the significance of this undertaking for which the Croatian community had to secure about 100.000 CND dollars and Opera Mississauga has allocated further 400.000 CND dollars for a total budget of half a million dollars necessary to properly stage this production.ÂAfter much pondering it was decided for all the stage props, as well as costumes be built in Canada, therefore making them the property of Opera Mississauga, and enabling the company to take this performance to other cities in North America and Australia. Croatian Fraternal Union of America has expressed their interest in the possibility of bringing the opera to the USA. A tour of Australian cities is being considered as well.ÂThe faith of smaller nations, especially those which have been incorporated into larger entities as was Croatia during its tumultuous history (Austro-Hungary, Italy, Yugoslavia etc.) is one of neglect especially regarding their achievements in the field of arts. The intention of this neglect was often political. Nikola Subic Zrinski falls well into that category. Like Verdi's Nabuko it too stirred nationalistic emotions whenever it was performed and for that very reason performances were severely and intentionally curtailed. Each and every Croat who has had the opportunity to see the opera couldn't remain indifferent when Zrinski with a small number of faithful soldiers rushes out from the safety of fortified Siget into sure death, with Croatian the "checkered" flag proudly fluttering in his outstretched arm.ÂWho can forget Zrinski's famous lines: "Here under the starlit sky, I'll say my last goodbye. 'Thi's time for me like a Croat to die; my sacred oath I will not belie. Zrinski will fall, and his small troop too, But Croats will stand tall and bonds of slavery undo!ÂAnd further on: "The Croat banner is flying high! Croats are ever ready for their homes and their kind to die! ... To die in glory, for our country is sweet to us ... We'll take on the enemy he'll fall, he must".ÂThis historic event would not have been possible without the trust and generous support of Opera Mississauga under the general and artistic directorship of maestro Dwight Bennet and the Opera's Board of Directors. The organization and its members had shown much sensitivity for cultural, achievement of a relatively small "ethnic" group, which makes the fabric of Canadian society. Likewise without a generous support which was immediately offered came from The John Zdunic Charitable Foundation who has presented Opera Mississauga with a cheque on 30.000 dollars thus expressing the community's full commitment. In Zagreb we have received unselfish assistance from Maestro Vladimir Kranjcevic director of the Zagreb Opera and Mr. Ivan Zivanovic director of the MIC (Information centre for Music) who has supplied all the music sheets and waived any royalty charges. Croatian Ministry of Culture, Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Ottawa, The General Consulate of Croatia as well as many "ordinary" Croats have pledged their support either "in kind" (building sets, sewing costumes etc) or with monetary donations.ÂToronto Committee for the Promotion of Croatian Opera: producer Edward Mavrinac, with Aranka Lengyel & Srebrenka Bogovic. (e-mail:seb@boldinternet.com)ÂÂAny help in staging the Croatian national opera Nikola Subic Zrinski is still welcome and much appreciated. Donations (regardless of the sum!) will be acknowledged in the commemorative booklet and for Canadian donors a tax receipt will be issued. There is also an opportunity to advertise (business, personal "... in memory of", congratulations etc.) in the Commemorative Booklet: black & white or colour. In Canadian funds: full page $400.00(b&w), $600.00 (color), 1/2 page $250.00 (b&w), $400.00 (color), 1/4 page $175.00 (b&w) $300.00 (color), 1/8 $100.00 (b&w), $200.00 (color).ÂPlease make your cheque payable to "ZRINSKI-OPERA MISSISSAUGA"ÂAddress: Zrinski-Opera Mississauga, The Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 4B8, and Canada letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 02 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Opera NIKOLA SUBIC ZRINSKI - A Historic Event 2 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5586/1/E-Opera-NIKOLA-SUBIC-ZRINSKI---A-Historic-Event-2.html ÂOPERA NIKOLA SUBIC ZRINSKI - A musical tragedy in three acts or eight scenesÂThe first performance of Nikola Subic Zrinski took place in Zagreb, November 4, 1876. The Croatian poet Hugo Badalic (1851-1900) wrote the libretto after a drama "ZRINY" by Theodor Korner (1791-1813). Ivan pl. Zajc composed the music.ÂAccording to the notes on Zajc's score he composed the opera in a little over three months (July 2 - October 10 1876) and the premiere was performed after 24 days only; not a small feat indeed considering staging costumes and the necessary rehearsals!ÂIn his opera "Zrinski" Zajc has made use of tonal colouring derived from Croatian folk melodies (for example Jelena's subtle lullaby "The Red Rose Blossoms" and a melody from Podsused "The Magpie has a long Tail and Mottled Plumage"), ecstatic pathos (e.g. Zrinski's and Eva's duet "On Wings of Glory") as well as the crowning monumentality (the "Oath" of the town defenders). The leitmotiv (a recurring melody) technique common to other international operas of the time has secured for "Zrinski", among other tonal solutions, its rightful place amid similar contemporary works of other European countries. Zajc himself considered "Zrinski" to be a worthy achievement and befitting for staging abroad; his wish was granted a year before his death with "Zrinski's" performance in Prague (1913).Â"It would be fitting to see in the years ahead"; expressed Croatian musicologist Lovro Zupanovic, " that "Nikola Subic Zrinski" is performed more frequently abroad. Zajc's work indeed deserves such destiny" Almost a hundred years later this has become a reality yet again, now on the North American continent!ÂInformation from a booklet accompanying CD (Croatia records) 2CD-D-K 5022770: writer: Zupanovic, Lovro, Nikola Subic ZrinskiÂToronto Committee for the Promotion of Croatian Opera: producer Edward Mavrinac, with Aranka Lengyel & Srebrenka Bogovic. (e-mail:seb@boldinternet.com) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 02 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New book about Slavs http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5590/1/E-New-book-about-Slavs.html Let' s go to our favorite book store and see if this book (see below) mentions Croatia - and how accurate it is. I hope the author read "Croatia in the Early Middle Ages", and that it even prompted his research! In the latest (July/August) issue of Archaeology magazine is anadvertisement for a new book "The early Slavs - Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe ". It states that "More than 270 million people in Europe speak one of the many Slavic languages and dialects, but the origins and development of Slavic culture are still among the most difficult problems facing archaeologists.ÂP.M. Bradford's book is a remarkably comprehensive and accessible synthesis of the most recent archaeological discoveries, linguistic research, andliterary-historical evidence about the origins of the Slavs.49 illustrations, 34 maps $39.95 at book stores Cornell University Presswww.cornellpress.cornell.eduÂhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0801439779/qid%3D1025559590/002-7895450-2130465 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 01 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Promotion of Croatia in the world http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5593/1/EH-Ministry-of-Foreign-Affairs---Promotion-of-Croatia-in-the-world.html Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Division IV Information and Publishing Department Activities Review DM/CD Rep. of Croatia 16 - 31 May 2002 ARW - 10/2002 Zagreb, May 31, 2002 WASHINGTON, 17 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Washington LECTURE ON CROATIAN LANGUAGE In the organization of the Croatian Association AMAC and Culture Department at the Croatian Embassy, a distinguished Croatian linguist, Prof. Dr. Branko Franolić, delivered a lecture "Croatian standard language from the beginnings on" at the premises of the Croatian Embassy in Washington ". Professor Franolić gave a survey of the historical development of the Croatian language and of its most significant written documents. A special point was made in explaining the distinction between Croatian and Serbian languages. Now, when even the Congress Library codified Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian as three separate languages, it is a question of time when the coined word Serbo-Croatian will disappear. After the lecture and the discussion held in English language, prof. Franolić gave an extensive interview for the Croatian broadcast at the Voice of America.  NEUCHATEL, 17 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Bern CROATIAN CHOIR IN SWITZERLAND At the opening ceremony of the Swiss national exhibition "Expo.02" on 14 May 2002 in Neuchatel, which was a mixture of a meeting of statesmen and an event, participated more than 600 musicians in choirs and orchestras. Among them was also the Croatian choir "Ivan Goran Kovačić" from Zagreb. The traditional Swiss exhibition will be open until 20th October 2002. The same choir and the Tamburizza-orchestra from Našice gave another concert at the 7th European Festival of the Young musicians which also took place in Neuchatel on 21 May 2002.  BUDAPEST, 17 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Budapest MODERN CROATIAN PAINTERS EXHIBIT An exhibition of modern Croatian painters was opened at the "Trafo" Modern Art Gallery in Budapest on 16 May 2002. The exhibition titled "Nature/People" was opened by the Croatian Ambassador in Budapest Dr. Stanko Nick. Artistic organisers and curators of the exhibition are a young Croatian-British couple, Maja and Reuben Fowkes who - with the support of the Hungarian Ministry of the National Cultural Heritage, the Croatian Ministry of Culture, the Embassy of Croatia in Budapest, and the Culture Committee of the City of Budapest, - introduced the works of the Croatian artists Viktor Daldon, Ivan Franko, Alem Korkut, Denis Krašković, Luka Piplica, Sandra Sterle, Ivan Šermet and Slaven Tolj. On the same day, a play titled "Family Ties" based on the novel of the famous Hungarian prose writer of the 20th century, Zsigmond Moritz, was performed at the Thalia theatre in Budapest. The successful appearance of the actors from Osijek was made possible by the Croatian companies active in Budapest providing an extraordinary pleasure to both the Hungarian and the Croatian audience.  VIENNA, 20 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Vienna AWARD TO PROFESSOR MILAN TURKOVIĆ At the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Vienna, the high Croatian prize Red Danice s likom Marka Marulića for exceptional merits in the promotion of Croatian music in the Austrian Republic was handed over to professor Milan Turković by the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia Dražen Vukov Colić, who said that the prizes which Professor Turković won in both countries - in Croatia and the Honorary Cross of the First Class in Austria - signify the highest possible awards for an artist. The life-work of Milan Turković, one of the most distinguished Austrian musicians and music lecturers at the University of Vienna, was commended by the manager of the "Klagebogen" festival, Mr. Roland Geyer, who referred to Dr. Turković as "the worlds' best bassoonist", who gathered his competences in Vienna and delivered 14 music CD's and the book "Was Musiker tagsüber tun".  LONDON, 21 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, London CONCERT OF LOVRO POGORELIĆ Following the invitation of "The Chopin Society", a very active organization which promotes young musicians, the Croatian pianist Lovro Pogorelić held a concert on 19 May in the concert hall of the Polish Institute. On the cocktail-party after the concert, the visitors expressed their wish to Lovro Pogorelić to have another concert, but in a larger hall. The Croatian Embassy took part in the promotion of the concert.  PRAGUE, 21-22 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Prague PRESENTATION OF ĐANINO BOŽIĆ AND THE PULA BOOK FAIR IN PRAGUE With the cooperation of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the Czech Republic and the Open University of Novigrad-Cittanova, and under the auspices of the County of Istria and the City of Poreč, an exhibition has been opened by Đanino Božić, a modern Croatian painter, in Fronta gallery. Đanino Božić displayed thirty works form the cycle of Labyrinths, created in the period of 1999-2002. Within International Book Fair Svijet Knjiga, recently held in Prague, a book fair from Pula was presented. Ms. Magdalena Vodopija, director of the fair, talked about the fair. Mr. Albert Goldstein, editor and publisher, talked of the significance of the fair for presenting Croatian books. During the press conference, Mr. Zoran Pičuljan, Croatian Ambassador in Prague, presented cultural projects of the Republic of Croatia in the Czech Republic.  VIENNA, 21 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Vienna CONCERT BY "LIRA" SINGING CHOIR In the organization of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Austria, and in cooperation with the Croatian Catholic Mission in Vienna, the Lira singing choir from Zagreb gave a concert at the Church of Nine Evangelic Choirs in the capital of Austria. Before an audience of more than one hundred people, including the representatives of numerous diplomatic and consular missions and offices, the members of the choir sang Haendel, Bloch, Mendelsson, Cosetto, and they commanded special attention with their Jewish, Croatian and Burgenland songs. The Lira choir also appeared in Eisenstadt in Burgenland at the Empire Hall of the Esterhazy castle before a full house; the audience included Croatians and Austrians. These concerts resulted from the cooperation between the Croatian Embassy in Austria and the Croatian Cultural Society in Eisenstadt.  ROME, 24 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Rome PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK BY VLADO GOTOVAC "Razvijanje poezije" (Developing Poetry), a book by Vlado Gotovac, politician and poet, was presented on 23 May in the organization of the foundation "Vlado Gotovac", which was established last year in Zagreb by his widow Simona Sandrić. The Italian translation by Giacomo Scoti, author from Rijeka, is entitled "Muto nodo dell'infinito". The presentation was attended by a large number of guests, among them Croatian Ambassadors to Italy Drago Kraljević and to Holy See Franjo Zenko; Slovakian, Greek, Bosnian, Yugoslav Ambassadors, Italian diplomats and politicians, writers and journalists. Franjo Zenko spoke of the times spent with Vlado Gotovac in establishing the Croatian Liberal Party. A professor at the Roman University "La Sapienza" Predrag Matvejević stressed that the Italian audience will surely accept the work of Vlado Gotovac, for it has no borders. The publisher of the book is "Benucci" from Peruggia.  LISABON, 24 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Lisabon CROATIAN PAINTER EXHIBITS IN LISABON At the representative exhibition hall in the "Museum of Water" in the Portuguese capital Lisabon, an exhibition of a renowned Croatian contemporary painter Lovro Artuković was opened on 24 May 2002. The exhibition, organized by the Croatian Embassy and in cooperation of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Zagreb, was opened by the Croatian Ambassador to Portugal Dr. Darko Bekić. At the opening ceremony, several hundred of visitors from Lisabon's public and cultural life had an opportunity to see 24 works by Artukovic in a large format, including portrays, sceneries and paintings from the series "Alphabet of Narcissism". After the extensive exhibitions of Dužan Džamonja, painters from the "EXAT" and "New Tendency" groups, presentations of Željko Kipke, Damir Fabijanić, Duško Šibl, Damir Hoyka and other artists, a huge interest of the choosy Lisabon public at the opening of Artuković's exhibition confirmed the significant prestige of the Croatian art that had been presented in Portugal during the last few years.  KOPENHAGEN, AARCHUS, 27 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Kopenhagen ZAGREB GUITAR TRIO FOR DANISH AUDIENCE On 25 and 26 May 2002 a leading Zagreb Guitar Trio had its first shows in Copenhagen and Aarchus, organized by Croatian Embassy to Denmark and Strömgren, a music promoter. Guitar players Darko Petrinjak, István Römer and Goran Listeš presented the compositions by John Dowland, Marco Aurelius, Zani de Ferranti, Maurice Ravel, Michael Watkins and Antonín Dvořák. The Danish audience had a chance to hear for the first time the scores by the Croatian composers Anđelko Klobučar and Miroslav Miletić, and, as an encore asked by the applauding audience, the Croatian folklore piece "Plovi barka" ("Sailing Bark").  HELSINKI, 27 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Helsinki CLUB OF THE FINNISH SPEAKING AMBASSADORS A Club of the Finish Speaking Ambassadors was founded on 22 May 2002 at the premises of the Croatian Embassy in Finland. The host of the inaugural meeting, Croatian Ambassador Željko Bošnjak was accompanied by the Hungarian Ambassador Vig, Slovakian Kuchar, Great Britain's Bailesa, Estonian Maasikas, secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland Torstila and a journalist of Helsingin Sanomata. The founding of this club was intensively observed in the Finish political scene and media.  BADEN, 27 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Bern ACTIVITIES OF THE CROATIAN CLUB The presentation of the recently constituted Croatian Culture Club (HKK) took place in Villa Boveri in Baden on 23 May 2002. Among fifty Croatian and Swiss guests was also Croatian Ambassador in Bern Dr. Mladen Andrlić. HKK was established six moths ago with the aim to promote Croatian culture in Switzerland, as well as to help integration of Croats in the Swiss Confederation. The initiators were members of the former Croatian Cultural Community (HKZ) from the regions of Baden and Zurich. Presented was also the first issue of "Lira" quarterly magazine.  HAIFA, 27 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Tel Aviv ULUPUH EXHIBITION The ULUPUH Textile Art Section and the Seamgallery, helped by the Croatian Embassy to Israel, have staged an exhibition of the Croatian fibre artists in Megadin near Haifa. At the exhibition, opened by Dr. Svjetlan Berković, Croatian Ambassador, the art organisers of the exhibition, the married couple Sima and Uri Sela, presented the works by Jagoda Buić, Željko Pušića, Marika Danch Roth, Eleonora Apostolova, Staša Čimbur, Željka Mezić, Eugea Vodopivec Borkovski and others. The works will also be shown at Chankin Desing Gallery in Holonu.  TOKIO, 28 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Tokio PICTURES OF CROATIA An exhibition of photographs of the Japanese photographer Sunsuoke Mizoe was opened at the Museo Pictorico in Tokyo on 28.05.2002, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Japan and the Croatian Football Association, and organised by the Japanese company Victorico and the Croatian Tourist Association, with the cooperation of NIKE and Kodak. Mizoe presented about twenty photographs with motives from the Republic of Croatia taken during his visit to Croatia in April and May this year. This exhibition, scheduled to stay open until 10 June, is one of a number of promotional activities initiated by the Japan-Croatia Association from Tokyo to the purpose of the best possible presentation of Croatia in Japan during the FIFA World Cup.  BALEARES, 28-29 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Madrid In the organization of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Madrid and the Baleares 21 Foundation, and under the sponsorship of the Autonomous Province of the Baleares and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, there is an event going on as "Croatian Spring on the Baleares". On 28th and 29th May 2002, the Auditorium at Palma de Mallorca welcomed the Zagreb Philharmonic. They performed the 5th symphony by Luka Sorkočević, and the symphonies by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Felix Mendelsson-Bartholdy. A day after, the Zagreb Philharmonic performed the works by Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, and the 6th symphony by Luka Sorkočević. Both evenings, the performances were conducted by Julian Kovatchev from Bulgaria. To date, the "Croatian Spring on the Baleares" welcomed four ensembles with 12 noteworthy appearances, followed by four exhibitions of paintings and photographs. The program officially closes with the staging of Faust by the ballet ensemble of the Croatian National Theater from Zagreb on 8 June 2002.  VIENNA, 29 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Vienna ACTIVITIES OF THE AUSTRIAN-CROATIAN COMMUNITY On the occasion of the Croatian national holiday, the Austrian-Croatian Culture and Sports Community and the Croatian Football League prepared national cup finals in Vienna. The cultural program was performed by the "Anno 93" association. On behalf of the Ambassador Dražen Vukov Colić, minister plenipotentiary Slavko Begić handed over the winner cups for the first places at the competition.  VIENNA, 29 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Vienna POETRY BY ANKA PETRIČEVIĆ At the Croatian Catholic Mission in Vienna, the works of the Croatian poet form Split Anka Petričević were presented by professor and language-editor Branislava Zaradić. In the audience of some fifty visitors was a representative of the Croatian Embassy Slavko Begić.  VIENNA, 29 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Vienna EXHUMATION OF THE REMAINS OF BAN ŠOKČEVIĆ Exhumation of the mortal remains of the Croatian civil governor ban Josip Šokčević took place on 27 May 2002 on the central cemetery in Vienna. In the delegation of his home town in Vukovarsko-Srijemska County were the vice-mayor Jurica Mišin, members of "Hrvatski Sokol" and other distinguished persons from scientific and economic life. After the exhumation, there was a memorial service held in the church of the Croatian Catholic Mission, which was attended by Slavko Begić, minister plenipotentiary on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Vienna.  SANTIAGO, 31 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Santiago de Chile PROMOTION OF CROATIA ON CHILEAN TV Croatian Ambassador in Santiago Ive Livljanić participated in a 45-minutes broadcast on the private Chilean television Senado. He answered a number of questions on general facts about Croatia, mainly about historical and contemporary occurrences and tourist possibilities. Further, he emphasized very good bilateral relations between Croatia and Chile in many areas. Within the same program, an evening broadcast about attractions of the Adriatic Sea and other sights was shown on 26 May 2002.  MISSISSAUGA, 31 May 2002 Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia, Mississauga CROATIAN ACTORS ON TOUR IN USA AND CANADA With a theater play of Zagreb's theater Rugatino "In the Shadow of the Green Hill" (U sjeni Green Hilla), Croatian actors Ivica Vidović and Ljubomir Kapor visited Vancouver, Halifax, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Missisauga, Ottawa, Montreal and San Pedro. The tour was initiated by the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Mississauga in cooperation with the Croatian Embassy in Ottawa and Counsulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, Association Alma Matris Alumni in Montreal, Association of Friends of Matica Hrvatska in Vancuver and the Croatian community in Halifax. The performances were sponsored by donators from Croatia and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.  PRAGUE, 31 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Prague INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH FILM In the Czech town Zlin, the 42nd International Festival of the Youth Film, which is one of the oldest and the most significant of the class, took place from 26 May to 1 June 2002. At the repertoire were also two Croatian films: Spomenik (Monument) by Jurinko Rajić and Čemu žurba (Why hurry) by Bojan Petković. Last year, the Zlin festival started cooperation with the Child's Festival of Šibenik. This year, the representatives of the Šibenik Festival - Dragan Zlatović, director, Jasenka Ramljak, program director and Pavao Roca - were guests in Zlin, where they received one of the 8 European prizes. Within the framework of the Festival, there was an exhibition opened featuring works of the children workshop of the Galery St. Crisogon (sv. Krševan), titled "Priča o katedrali" (A Story about Cathedral).  PRAGUE, 31 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Prague SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION OF CROATIAN AND CZECH REPUBLIC Croatian Academy of Arts and Science (HAZU) and its Czech counterpart signed in Prague on 29 May 2002 the Agreement on scientific cooperation. The agreement was signed by prof. Boris Kamenar, president of the International cooperation board of HAZU, Dr. Helena Illnerova, president of the Czech Academy of Science, and in the presence of the Croatian academician Josip Vončina and the Croatian Ambassador in Prague Zoran Pičuljan. The first scheduled project is a big Croatian-Czech dictionary. The last one was published by the Czech Academy in the year 1982.  BERN, 31 May 2002 Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Bern BROADCAST ABOUT CROATIA Invited by the editorial board of the Swiss national TV -program in Italian language (RTS-1), Croatian Ambassador in Bern Dr. Mladen Andrlić was a guest of the weekly tourist-informative broadcast "Crocevia" on 29 May 2002. Showing the film materials taken by the Swiss team 10 days earlier in Dubrovnik and Brela, the broadcast focused on the historical and cultural heritage as well as on preserved nature of Croatia. Another guest was Klaudio Stojnić, head of the Representative office of the Croatian National Tourist Board in Milano, which "informally" covers the "Italian" part of Switzerland. Ambassador Andrlić presented the work of the Croatian Embassy in Switzerland, which, similar as the other modern diplomatic missions, contributes to the commercial and public diplomacy through tourist and promotional activities.  http://www.mvp.hr/mvprh-www-eng/6-promo/020531_arw.html WASHINGTON, 17. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Washington LINGVISTIČKO PREDAVANJE Dr. Branko Franolić, istaknuti hrvatski lingvist, održao je u subotu, 11. svibnja 2002. u hrvatskom veleposlanstvu u Washingtonu predavanje pod naslovom "Hrvatski književni jezik od postanka do danas". Predavanje su organizirali Društvo bivših studenata hrvatskih sveučilišta (AMAC) i Odjel za kulturu pri Veleposlanstvu. Dr. Franolić je iznio kratak povijesni pregled nastanka hrvatskoga književnog jezika, spomenuo najvažnije pisane spomenike, a osobitu pozornost posvetio je pokušaju da se umjetno stvori srpsko-hrvatski jezik te zaključio kako je sada, nakon što je Kongresna knjižnica kodificirala hrvatski, srpski i bošnjački kao tri zasebna jezika, samo pitanje vremena kad će ta kovanica nestati iz uporabe. Poslije predavanja, koje je održano na engleskom jeziku, razvila se rasprava o sadašnjem stanju književnog jezika u Hrvatskoj i o njegovoj recepciji. Predavač je dao i opsežan intervju na hrvatskom jeziku za radio-postaju Glas Amerike.  NEUCHATEL, 17. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Bern ZBOR "IVAN GORAN KOVAČIĆ" NA OTVORENJU IZLOŽBE U Neuchatelu je 14. svibnja 2002. svečano otvorena 6. švicarska nacionalna izložba "Expo.02" koja će biti otvorena do 20. listopada 2002. Švicarska organizira redovito svakih 30-tak godina jednu nacionalnu izložbu. Ceremonija otvaranja u Neuchatelu je bila spoj državničkih nastupa i spektakla održanog navečer uz sudjelovanje zbora i orkestra 7. europskog festivala mladih glazbenika. Među 600 glazbenika nastupio je i zbor "Ivan Goran Kovačić" iz Zagreba. Isti zbor i Tamburaški orkestar iz Našica održali su još jedan koncert na 7. europskom festivalu mladih glazbenika, također u Neuchatelu, 21. svibnja 2002.  BUDIMPEŠTA, 17. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Budimpešta NASTUPI HRVATSKIH LIKOVNIH I KAZALIŠNIH UMJETNIKA U galeriji suvremenih umjetnosti Trafo u Budimpešti 15. je svibnja veleposlanik Republike Hrvatske dr. Stanko Nick otvorio izložbu suvremenih likovnih umjetnika (Viktor Daldon, Ivana Franke, Alem Korkut, Denis Krašković, Lujo Piplica, Sandra Sterle, Ivan Šeremet, Slaven Tolju) pod nazivom Priroda/ljudi. Organizatori i kustosi izložbe su mladi hrvatsko-britanski supružnici Maja i Reuben Fowkes, a organizaciju su pomogli Ministarstvo nacionalne kulturne baštine RM, Ministarstvo kulture RH, Veleposlanstvo RH u Budimpešti i odbor za kulturu skupštine grada Budimpešte. U kazalištu Thalia u Budimpešti 16. je svibnja u izvedbi HNK-a iz Osijeka uspješno prikazano djelo "Rodbinske veze" prema romanu poznatog mađarskog prozaista 20. stoljeća Zsigmunda Moritza. Predstava je realizirana zahvaljujući pomoći hrvatskih tvrtki iz Budimpešte, a publiku koja je gotovo popunila dvoranu Thalie činili su većinom pripadnici hrvatske manjine u Budimpešti.  BEČ, 20. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Beč URUČENO ODLIČJE PROF. MILANU TURKOVIĆU 17. svibnja 2002. godine u prostorijama VRH u Beču, prof. Milanu Turkoviću, jednom od najistaknutijih austrijskih glazbenika i glazbenih pedagoga, redovnom profesoru na bečkom Konzervatoriju, hrvatski veleposlanik RH u Dražen Vukov Colić uručio je odličje Reda Danice s likom Marka Marulića za zasluge u promicanju hrvatske glazbe u Republici Austriji. Prof. Turković je dugogodišnji suradnik Zagrebačkih solista, a niz nastupa ostvario je na Dubrovačkom ljetnom festivalu te u Zagrebu. "Prof. Turković dobio je i najviše austrijsko odlikovanje Austrijski počasni križ prve klase, pa su se tako obje Turkovićeve domovine - i Hrvatska i Austrija složile i ujedinile u najvećoj počasti koje one mogu dati jednom velikom umjetniku" rekao je veleposlanik Vukov Colić. O životu i radu prof. Milana Turkovića govorio je intendant festivala "Klagenbogen" dipl.ing. Roland Geyer, nazivajući ga "najboljim svjetskim fagotistom …", koji je svoje obrazovanje stekao i usavršio u Beču, te je spomenuo i njegovih 14 izdanih CD-a i knjigu "Was Musiker tagsüber tun".  LONDON, 21. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, London KONCERT LOVRE POGORELIĆA Na poziv "The Chopin Society", vrlo aktivnog društva koje promiče mlade glazbenike, hrvatski pijanist Lovro Pogorelić održao je koncert u nedjelju 19. svibnja 2002. u koncertnoj sali Poljskog instituta. Izveo je djela Chopina, Debussya, Skrjabina i Liszta. Nakon koncerta na prigodnom domjenku u razgovoru s umjetnikom, posjetitelji su izrazili želju da ponovo nastupi u Londonu u većoj koncertnoj dvorani. Hrvatsko veleposlanstvo sudjelovalo je u promidžbi koncerta i dogovorima s organizatorima.  PRAG, 21.-22. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Prag PREDSTAVLJEN SAJAM KNJIGA U PULI U okviru 8. međunarodnog sajma "Svijet knjige" u Pragu (9.-12. svibnja) održana je konferencija za tisak na kojem je sajam knjiga u Puli predstavila Magdalena Vodopija, direktorica pulskog sajma, a o njegovu značenju za predstavljanje hrvatske knjige govorio je urednik i nakladnik Albert Goldstein. Na konferenciji za tisak je sudjelovao i Mladen Dušman, pročelnik ureda za kulturu Istarske županije, koji je govorio o Istri kao destinaciji kulture. Prisutnima se obratio se i prevoditelj Dušan Karpatsky sa svojim dojmovima s prošlogodišnjeg sajma knjiga, te Zoran Pičuljan, veleposlanik, ukratko izvijestivši o kulturnim projektima Veleposlanstva.  BEČ, 23. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Beč KONCERTI ZBORA "LIRA" 21. svibnja 2002. u crkvi na bečkom trgu Am Hof održan je koncert mješovitog pjevačkog zbora "LIRA" iz Zagreba. Koncert je organiziralo VRH u Beču u suradnji s Hrvatskom katoličkom misijom Beč. Pred više od stotinu slušatelja, među kojima su bili i predstavnici mnogih diplomatsko-konzularnih misija, "LIRA" je izvela djela Haendela, Blocha, Mendelssohna, Cossetta, a posebnu pozornost publike izazvale su židovske, hrvatske i gradišćanske popijevke. Sljedeći dan isti je koncert "LIRA" održala u Željeznom, u empire-dvorani dvorca Esterhazy. Izuzetno uspješan koncert u dvorani popunjenoj gradišćansko-hrvatskom i austrijskom publikom rezultat su suradnje VRH u Beču i Hrvatskog kulturnog društva iz Željeznog  PRAG, 22. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Prag OTVORENA IZLOŽBA SLIKA 16. svibnja 2002. u galeriji Fronta u Pragu otvorena je izložba suvremenog hrvatskog slikara iz Istre Đanina Božića (1961.) pod nazivom "Labirint". Umjetnik se predstavio s tridesetak radova nastalih od 1999.-2002. godine. Izložba, organizirana u suradnji VRH i Otvorenog sveučilišta Novigrad-Cittanova, održava se pod pokroviteljstvom Istarske županije i grada Poreča.  RIM, 24. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Rim PREDSTAVLJENO TALIJANSKO IZDANJE ZBIRKE PJESAMA VLADE GOTOVCA U Rimu je 23. svibnja predstavljena zbirka pjesama "Razvijanje poezije" političara i pjesnika Vlade Gotovca u organizaciji Zaklade "Vlado Gotovac" osnovane prošle godine u Zagrebu. Na prezentaciji knjige u talijanskom prijevodu Giacoma Scotia, pisca iz Rijeke, "Muto nodo dell'infinito" (Nijemi čvor beskonačnosti), nije bilo dovoljno mjesta za sve zainteresirane. "To što su tu prisutni veleposlanici i drugih zemalja pokazuje veliko zanimanje za djela Vlade Gotovca", rekla je njegova supruga i osnivačica Zaklade Simona Sandrić. Osim hrvatskih veleposlanika u Italiji i pri Svetoj Stolici Drage Kraljevića i Franje Zenka, koji je govorio o danima provedenima s Gotovcem u osnivanju Liberalne stranke, na predstavljanju su bili slovački, grčki, bosanski, jugoslavenski veleposlanici, te talijanski diplomati i političari, uz brojne pisce i novinare. Profesor na rimskom sveučilištu "La Sapienza" Predrag Matvejević istaknuo je da Gotovčevo djelo ne poznaje granice i da će ga zasigurno kao pjesnika prihvatiti i talijanska publika. Pjesme su objavljena u izdanju kuće "Benucci" iz Perugie.  LISABON, 24. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Lisabon OTVORENA IZLOŽBA SLIKA U reprezentativnom izložbenom prostoru "Muzeja vode" u portugalskom glavnom gradu Lisabonu otvorena je 24. svibnja 2002. izložba istaknutog suvremenog hrvatskog slikara Lovre Artukovića. Izložbu koju je organiziralo VRH uz pomoć ministarstava vanjskih poslova i kulture, kao i Muzeja suvremene umjetnosti iz Zagreba, otvorio je veleposlanik RH u Portugalu dr. Darko Bekić, u nazočnosti više stotina posjetitelja iz lisabonskog javnog i kulturnog života te diplomatskog zbora. Na izložbi Lovro Artuković predstavlja 24 svoja rada velikog formata nastala u zadnjih šest godina, uključujući niz portreta, krajolika i slika iz serije "Abeceda narcisoidnosti". Nakon velikih izložbi Dušana Džamonje, zatim slikara iz skupine "EXAT i Nove tendencije", kao i uspješnih predstavljanja Željka Kipkea, Damira Fabijanića, Duška Šibla, Damira Hoyke i drugih umjetnika, veliki odaziv izbirljive lisabonske publike na sinoćnjem otvorenju izložbe Lovre Artukovića potvrdio je značajan ugled što ga je hrvatska likovna umjetnost stekla posljednjih godina u portugalskoj javnosti.  KOPENHAGEN- AARCHUS, 27. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Kopenhagen KONCERTI ZAGREBAČKOG GITARSKOG TRIA 25. i 26. svibnja 2002. godine u organizaciji VRH u Danskoj i glazbenog promotora Petera Strömgrena, u Kopenhagenu i Aarchusu po prvi je puta nastupio ugledni Zagrebački gitarski trio. Gitaristi Darko Peternjak, István Römer i Goran Listeš izveli su skladbe Dowlanda, Aurelija, de Ferrantija, Ravela, Watkinsa i Dvořáka. Danska publika je imala prigodu čuti i skladbe naših skladatelja Anđelka Klobučara i Miroslava Miletića, te nakon izvanredno primljenog muziciranja i ponovnih izlazaka na pozornicu i hrvatsku narodnu skladbu "Plovi barka".  HELSINKI, 27. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Helsinki OSNOVAN KLUB VELEPOSLANIKA KOJI GOVORE FINSKI U prostorijama Veleposlanstva RH u Helsinkiju osnovan je 22. svibnja 2002. Klub veleposlanika koji govore finski. Na osnivačkom sastanku su, uz domaćina Veleposlanika g. Željka Bošnjaka, sudjelovali veleposlanik Mađarske g. Vig, veleposlanik Slovačke g. Kuchar, veleposlanica Velike Britanije gđa Bailes i veleposlanik Estonije g. Maasikas. Sastanku je također prisustvovao i g. Torstila podtajnik u MVP-u Finske, te novinari Helsingin Sanomata. Osnivanje kluba veleposlanika koji govore finski s velikim je zanimanjem praćeno u političkim krugovima Finske i medijima.  BADEN, 27. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Bern PREDSTAVLJANJE HRVATSKOG KULTURNOG KLUBA Predstavljanje novoosnovanog Hrvatskog kulturnog kluba (HKK) održano je 23. svibnja 2002. u "Vili Boveri" u Badenu. Među pedesetak nazočnih Hrvata i Švicaraca bio je veleposlanik RH u Bernu dr. Mladen Andrlić i djelatnici Veleposlanstva RH. HKK je osnovan prije pola godine s ciljem njegovanja hrvatske kulture i njezinog predstavljanja Švicarcima, kao i pomaganja integracije Hrvata u ŠK. Njegovo osnivanje potakla je skupina Hrvata s područja Badena i Züricha koji su pripadali bivšim ograncima Hrvatske kulturne zajednice (HKZ). Predstavljen je prvi broj novog časopisa "Libra", koji će izlaziti tromjesečno.  HAIFA, 27. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Tel Aviv OTVORENA IZLOŽBA UMJETNIKA FIBRE ARTA U Megadimu blizu Haife 25. svibnja 2002. godine u organizaciji Sekcije tekstilnog stvaralaštva ULUPUH-a i galerije Seamgallery, otvorena je izložba hrvatskih umjetnika fibre arta. U prisustvu brojnih gostiju, umjetnika i novinara, izložbu je otvorio hrvatski veleposlanik, dr. Svjetlan Berković. Umjetnički organizatori ove izložbe su hrvatsko-izraelski supružnici Sima i Uri Sela, koji su uz pomoć VRH u Tel Avivu predstavili radove dvanaest hrvatskih autora: ugledne Jagode Buić, zatim Željka Pušića, Marike Danch Roth, Eleonore Apostolove, Staše Čimbur, Željke Mezić i Eugena Vodopiveca Borkovskog. Drugi dio izložbe uz dodatne radove Dženise Pecotić, Vesne Kolobarić, Božene Martinčević, Ljiljane Marincel Mihaljević i Sanje Šeler predstavljeni su za nekoliko dana na novoj izložbi u Galeriji Chankin Design u Holonu.  TOKIO, 28. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Tokio IZLOŽBA FOTOGRAFIJA S MOTIVIMA IZ HRVATSKE Uz potporu VRH u Japanu i Hrvatskog nogometnog saveza, a u organizaciji japanske tvrtke Victorico i Hrvatske turističke zajednice i suradnju tvrtki NIKE i Kodak otvorena je 28. 05. 2002. u tokijskoj galeriji Museo Pictorico samostalna izložba fotografija japanskog fotografa Shunsuke Mizoea. Mizoe je na izložbi predstavio dvadesetak fotografija s motivima iz Hrvatske koje je snimio tijekom svog boravka u travnju i svibnju ove godine. Ova je izložba, koja će biti otvorena do 10. lipnja, jedna u nizu promidžbenih akcija koje inicira Udruženje Japan-Hrvatska iz Tokya a u cilju što bolje prezentacije naše zemlje u Japanu tijekom Svjetskog nogometnog prvenstva  BALEARI, 28-29. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH Madrid "HRVATSKO PROLJEĆE NA BALEARIMA" U organizaciji VRH u Madridu i zaklade "Baleari 21", a pod pokroviteljstvom Autonomne pokrajine Baleari i Ministarstva kulture RH traje manifestacija "Hrvatsko proljeće na Balearima". Na ovoj polivalentnoj kulturno-umjetničkoj priredbi 28. i 29. svibnja u Auditorijumu u Palma de Mallorci nastupa Zagrebačka filharmonija. Za današnji su nastup zagrebački filharmoničari odabrali 5. simfoniju Luke Sorkočevića te Mozarta i Mendelssohna. Sutra navečer španjolskoj će se publici Zagrebačka filharmonija predstaviti djelima Haydna, Beethovena, te 6. simfonijom Luke Sorkočevića. Za dirigentskim pultom obje večeri bit će gost iz Bugarske dirigent Julian Kovatchev. Do sada je na manifestaciji "Hrvatska proljeće na Balearima" sudjelovalo četiri ansambla s 12 zapaženih nastupa te su održane četiri izložbe slika i fotografija. Cjelokupan program službeno završava predstavom Faust u izvedbi baleta Hrvatskog narodnog kazališta iz Zagreba 8. lipnja 2002. godine.  BEČ, 29. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Beč AKTIVNOSTI AUSTRIJSKO-HRVATSKE ZAJEDNICE ZA KULTURU I ŠPORT 25. svibnja 2002. u organizaciji Austrijsko-hrvatske zajednice za kulturu i šport i hrvatske nogometne lige održan je povodom Dana državnosti finale kupa HNL u Beču uz sudjelovanje oko 2000 posjetitelja. Osim finala nogometnog kupa organiziran je kulturni program s nastupom KUD ANNO 93. Opunomoćeni ministar Slavko Begić je u ime pokrovitelja, veleposlanika Dražena Vukova Colića uručio pokale pobjedničkim momčadima i održao govor.  BEČ, 29. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Beč PROMOCIJA PJESNIKINJE ANKE PETRIČEVIĆ 26. svibnja 2002. u prostorijama Hrvatske katoličke misije u Beču održana je promocija djela hrvatske pjesnikinje Anke Petričević iz Splita. Lektorica prof. Branislava Zaradić prikazala je život i rad pjesnikinje. Na skupu je sudjelovalo oko 50 gostiju, kao i predstavnik VRH u Beču Slavko Begić.  BEČ, 29. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Beč EKSHUMACIJA POSMRTNIH OSTATAKA BANA ŠOKČEVIĆA 27. svibnja 2002. na središnjem groblju u Beču izvršena je ekshumacija bana Josipa Šokčevića, na kojoj je bila prisutna delegacija njegovog rodnog mjesta predvođena dožupanom Vukovarsko-srijemske županije Juricom Mišin. U delegaciji su se nalazili članovi "Hrvatskog sokola", ugledni znanstveni radnici i gospodarstvenici. Nakon ekshumacije održana je misa zadušnica u crkvi Hrvatske katoličke misije, na kojoj je u ime Veleposlanstva RH u Beču prisustvovao opunomoćeni ministar Slavko Begić. Čitav ovaj događaj pripremio je organizacijski odbor u Beču na čelu s Ivanom Ižakvićem.  SANTIAGO, 31. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Santiago de Chile PREDSTAVLJANJE HRVATSKE U TV EMISIJAMA Veleposlanik RH u Santiagu Ive Livljanić sudjelovao je 45-minutnoj emisiji na privatnoj čileanskoj televiziji Senado, tijekom koje je odgovorio na niz pitanja vezanih za opće činjenice o Hrvatskoj: povijesni i sadašnji kontekst, kao i turističke mogućnosti. Istaknuti su tradicionalno vrlo dobri bilateralni odnosi, te hrvatsko-čileanskoj suradnji na mnogim područjima. U okviru istog programa prikazana je i reportaža o ljepotama Jadrana kao i drugim znamenitostima Hrvatske. Televizijska emisija posvećena Hrvatskoj, u suradnji s Veleposlanstvom RH u Santijagu, emitirana je u redovitom programu TV Senado 26. svibnja 2002., s početkom u 21 sat.  MISSISSAUGA, 31. svibnja 2002. Generalni konzulat RH, Mississauga HRVATSKI KAZALIŠNI GLUMCI U SAD-U I KANADI Hrvatski glumci Ivica Vidović i Ljubomir Kapor gostuju u Kanadi i SAD-u s kazališnom predstavom Teatra Rugatino iz Zagreba "U sjeni Green Hilla". Gostovanje je inicirao GKRH u Mississaugi u suradnji s VRH u Ottawi, GK RH u Chicagu, Los Angelesu i New Yorku, te udruga Alma Matris Alumni u Montrealu, Društvom prijatelja Matice Hrvatske u Vancuveru i predstavnicima hrvatske zajednice u Halifaxu. Gostovanje je omogućeno potporom sponzora iz Republike Hrvatske i Ministarstva vanjskih poslova. Hrvatski su glumci svoje gostovanje započeli 3. svibnja 2002. u Vancouveru, nastavili 11. svibnja u Halifaxu, 16. svibnja u Chicagu i 20. svibnja u New Yorku. U Torontu i Mississaugi održali su dvije predstave. Predstava u Ottawi održana je 26. svibnja, a dva dana poslije u Montrealu. Gostovanje je završilo u San Pedru 1. lipnja.  PRAG, 31. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Prag HRVATSKI FILMOVI NA MEĐUNARODNOM FESTIVALU FILMOVA ZA DJECU I OMLADINU U češkom gradu Zlinu se od 26. svibnja do 1. lipnja 2002. održavao 42. Međunarodni festival filma za djecu i omladinu, koji je najstariji i jedan od najznačajnijih svjetskih festivala posvećeni tom stvaralaštvu. U natjecateljskoj sekciji animiranog filma sudjeluju dva filma iz Hrvatske: Spomenik Jurinka Rajića i Čemu žurba Bojana Petkovića. Zlinski festival započeo je prošle godine suradnju s Festivalom djeteta u Šibeniku, te su ove godine predstavnici Šibenskog festivala (Dragan Zlatović, direktor festivala, Jasenka Ramljak, programska direktorica i Pavao Roca) bili gosti festivala u Zlinu. U sklopu festivala otvorena je izložba radova Dječje likovne radionice Galerije Sv. Krševana na temu šibenske katedrale pod nazivom Priča o katedrali. Dodijeljene su i Nagrade srca Europe od strane udruge Euro 21 osobama i institucijama koje svojim radom podupiru stvaralaštvo djece i pridonose zaštiti prava djece u Europi, posebice u zemljama Višegradske skupine. Od ukupno 8 nagrada, hrvatski je dobitnik Festival djeteta u Šibeniku.  PRAG, 31. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Prag POTPISAN SPORAZUM O ZNANSTVENOJ SURADNJI HRVATSKE I ČEŠKE Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti i Akademija znanosti Češke Republike potpisale su u Pragu 29. svibnja 2002. Sporazum o znanstvenoj suradnji. Sporazum su potpisali prof. Boris Kamenar, predsjednik Odbora za međunarodnu suradnju HAZU i dr. Helena Illnerova, predsjednica Akademije znanosti Češke Republike. Potpisivanju su s hrvatske strane prisustvovali akademik Josip Vončina i veleposlanik Zoran Pičuljan. Prvi projekt koji bi dvije akademije željele realizirati je izrada velikog hrvatsko-češkog rječnika. Posljednji opširan hrvatsko-češki rječnik objavila je češka akademija 1982. godine.  BERN, 31. svibnja 2002. Veleposlanstvo RH, Bern PREDSTAVLJANJE HRVATSKOG TURIZMA NA ŠVICARSKOJ TELEVIZIJI Na poziv uredništva švicarskog nacionalnog TV programa na talijanskom jeziku (RTS-1), veleposlanik RH u Bernu dr. Mladen Andrlić sudjelovao je 29. svibnja 2002. u tjednoj turističko-informativnoj emisiji "Crocevia". Uz filmske materijale koje je švicarska TV ekipa snimila prije desetak dana u Dubrovniku i Brelima izabranim se riječima govorilo o osobitoj i zaštićenoj prirodi, čistom okolišu, povijesno-kulturnoj baštini u tim dijelovima Hrvatske. Voditelj emisije Edoardo Gatti razgovarao je u studiju s Klaudijom Stojnićem, direktorom predstavništva Hrvatske turističke zajednice u Milanu, koji neformalno pokriva i "talijanski" dio Švicarske, te veleposlanikom dr. Andrlićem. Uz pozive Švicarcima da posjete Hrvatsku, Stojnić je ukratko pojasnio očekivanja RH u dolazećoj sezoni, dok je veleposlanik Andrlić predstavio djelovanje VRH u Švicarskoj Konfederaciji, koje poput ostalih modernih diplomatskih misija, uobičajenim turističko-promotivnim akcijama pridonosi gospodarskoj i javnoj diplomaciji.  http://www.mvp.hr/mvprh-www/6-promidz/promidzba/'02promidz/020531_tp.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Martin Sheen unveiled first monument honouring Mother Teresa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5592/1/E-Martin-Sheen-unveiled-first-monument-honouring-Mother-Teresa.html Monument to Mother Theresa on the Island of BracThe Eucharistic celebration, officiated by Monsignor Slobodan Stambuk,which took place at the Church of Annunciation in Supetar, has securedfor the Island of Brac in Croatia a unique place in the world. On thisocassion, the renown American actor Martin Sheen unveiled the veryfirst monument honouring Mother Teresa,"I am very proud that today I am representing my country in institutingthis memorial to one of the most deserving women of all times. Not eventhis rain will dampen our spirits and diminish the grandeur of themoment" said Martin Sheen, while receiving congratulatory handshakesfrom the inhabitants of the Island of Brac.Martin Sheen did not want to dominate the celebration and was constantlypushing forward Brac's sculptor Petar Jaksic from the village of DonjiHumac who had executed the work. It seems that the famous actor was evensomewhat embarassed by all the attention."It is almost two hours that I haven't lit a cigarette. Now I feel atease" said Sheen, blowing with content billows of smoke.Sheen is leaving today Supetar and Brac since the last episodes of TheBenevolence of the Sea, a film directed by Jakov Sedlar, have been shot."I am sorry to leave, but I will return real soon. This place isdazzling!" instead of "good bye" said Martin Sheen.The popular actor was the initiator of the idea for a monument. How hegot the inspiration to honour Mother Teresa was recounted by JakovSedlar who was constantly by Sheen's side."He is a great activist for the rights of small nations. During my stayin California we were discussing his arrival to Croatia, Sheen mentionedhow it would be splendid to accomplish in a small country like Croatiasomething that was not done anywhere else. The discussion took place amonth ago. After that we spoke with the sculptor Jaksic, while thefinancial support was given by our countrymen in California, Mr. MarijanDuzic" said Sedlar.Translated by Srebrenka Bogovic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Croatian National Archives http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5591/1/E-The-Croatian-National-Archives.html ÂThe Croatian National ArchivesÂThe Croatian National Archives collect, research and arrange records produced by state agencies,Âpublic institutions, important persons and organisations, from the early middle ages of CroatianÂhistory. Records are important for all citizens. Besides giving evidence of each person's rights theyÂare a significant part of the national cultural heritage.The history of our country shows that on many occasions we have been exposed to wars,Âearthquakes, floods and similar disasters, including the deliberate destruction of documents carriedÂout by various occupying enemy forces.According to the latest statistical data, 13 archives and other institutions, such as museums,Âlibraries and religious communities hold:81,292 linear metres of conventional archives or 8.618 fonds and collectionsÂ7,000,000 microfilm frames (9,000 reels of negatives)Â600,000 photographsÂ18,473,711 metres of film archivesÂ9,286 records offices are supervised, or 257,194 linear metres of recordsÂEach type of record requires different preservation conditions, which are usually provided inÂarchival repositories.Problems occur when, because of natural or man-made disasters, records have to be placedÂsomewhere else. As in the rest of Europe we do not fear damage to repositories from hurricanes orÂextremely high humidity, but we do fear terrorism, fire, flood, pollution, earthquakes, insects, wars,Âtheft and so on. In the event that some or all of these things happen, we need to have emergencyÂplans and programmes.ÂSource: www.unesco.org/webworld/archives/ sro_citra/CroatiaIntro.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) MARTIN SHEEN OTKRIO PRVI SPOMENIK MAJCI TEREZI NA SVIJETU http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5594/1/H-MARTIN-SHEEN-OTKRIO-PRVI-SPOMENIK-MAJCI-TEREZI-NA-SVIJETU.html ÂMARTIN SHEEN OTKRIO PRVI SPOMENIK MAJCI TEREZI NA SVIJETUIzvorno iz: Ozren Marsic, Vecernji list (www.vecernji-list.hr), 29. svibnja 2002.MARTIN SHEEN OTKRIO PRVI SPOMENIK MAJCI TEREZI NA SVIJETU Nakon svecanog euharistijskog slavlja, koje je u supetarskoj zupnoj crkviNavjestenja Marijina predvodio msgr. Slobodan Stambuk, bracko-hvarsko-viskibiskup, otok Brac postao je jedinstven u svijetu. Naime, poznati americkiglumac Martin Sheen otkrio je spomenik Majci Terezi, prvi koji je podignutnjoj u cast. - Ponosan sam sto danas predstavljam svoju zemlju na otkrivanju spomenikajednoj od najvecih zena svih vremena. Ni ova kisa koja pada nece umanjitivaznost ovog velicanstvenog trenutka - kazao je Sheen dok je primao cestitkebrojnih Bracana okupljenih pred crkvom. Sheen nije zelio previse govoriti, ispred sebe je stalno gurao brackogakipara Petra Jaksica iz Donjeg Humca koji je izradio spomenik Majci Terezi.Cinilo se cak da mu je neugodno sto je on u prvome planu. Tek kada su seljudi poceli razilaziti zamolio nas je za cigaretu. - Gotovo dva sata nisam zapalio. Sada je malo lakse - rekao je Sheen,zadovoljno otpuhujuci dim. Supetar i Brac Sheen napusta danas jer su snimljeni i posljednji kadrovi"Milosti mora", filma koji se u reziji Jakova Sedlara snima na dubrovackim ibrackim lokacijama. - Zao mi je sto odlazim, ali brzo cu se vratiti. Ovdje je prekrasno -umjesto pozdrava rekao je Martin Sheen. Popularni glumac zacetnik je ideje o spomeniku Majci Terezi, a kako jeuopce dosao na ideju, objasnio nam je Jakov Sedlar, koji se ni trenutka nijeodvajao od Sheena. - On je veliki aktivist za prava malih naroda. Kada smo u Kalifornijirazgovarali o njegovu dolasku u Hrvatsku, Sheen je kazao kako bi bilo sjajnou jednoj maloj zemlji kakva je Hrvatska napraviti nesto sto se jos nigdjenije napravilo. To je bilo prije nesto vise od mjesec dana, nakon toga smorazgovarali s kiparom Jaksicem, dok je financijski sve podrzao nas iseljenikMarijan Duzic - rekao je Sedlar. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER IVAN PARIC http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5595/1/E-AWARD-WINNING-PHOTOGRAPHER-IVAN-PARIC.html ÂABSOLUT ATRACTIONThe international photo magazine PDN (Photo District News) awarded IVANPARIC the winning entry in 2002 Photo Annual. On May 22nd, Paric was honoredat the gala celebration in Manhattan at the exclusive Sky Club on top of MetLife building.Next year, Paric will graduate from the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography located in Santa Barbara, California.Born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1980, Ivan is the eldest child of Danica and LjuboParic. When he was ten, his parents gave him a small, Kodak point-and-shootcamera using 110-size cassettes. Thrilled with his toy, Ivan brought thecamera to school to photograph classmates, until his teacher confiscated thecamera as a punishment for disrupting the class. "I still remember that dayas my earliest photo session. I had to return to school with one of myparents to get the film and camera back."At age of 13 he became an active member of the Photo Club Zagreb. Prettysoon, photography was all he wanted to do in life. In 1996, Paric met thirdgeneration Croatian American photographer Don Wolf, who was visiting Zagrebat that time. Wolf, who changed his name from Vuk, went out of his way tomentor Paric.In 1998, Paric received the People's Choice award from University ofCalifornia Santa Barbara Extension, International Programs. Than in 2000, Paric excel at the Brooks Institute of Photography by receiving an award from Faculty-Staff.Ivan focuses on fashion, portrait and product photography. He is currently defining his own style by experimenting with light and smoke in his latest seriesÂ"American Spirit".Ivan Paric can be reached by telephone (805) 967-0792 or e-mail ivan.paric@brooksglobal.netÂor paric1@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Stories - Spleen http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5596/1/E-Croatian-Stories---Spleen.html JosipNovakovich77 Cooper St., Apt 2aNYC10034212-569-2472josipn@yahoo.com6600wordsfictionSpleenÂWhenI found out that a Bosnian family had moved into our neighborhood, just acrossfrom my place, I was thrilled. I had been gone from Bosnia for seven years, andI hardly ever saw anybody from there, at first deliberately, for thecircumstances under which I left were not pleasant. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTo me now it didn't matter whether the neighbors were Muslims, Croats, orSerbs from Bosnia; the main thing was that they were Bosnian, that they spokethe language I loved and hadn't heard in a while, but when I learnt that theywere a Croatian family from Bugojno, I was all the more delighted.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMaybe it was the timing. Nostalgia is a powerful thing; the more timepasses, the stronger it gets. Perhaps I could already go home, but I didn'ttrust it, since my home town was in Republika Srpska. I know, under the NATOsupervision, it's possible to go back, and probably nothing bad would happen,but I still couldn't see sleeping there at night, without streetlights around;I would imagine masked thugs coming in . . . and I begin to replay in my mind .. . but I won't get into that, not now. Well, I can't get it out of my mindnow, so I will. Some people had already fled from my hometown because they hadheard the Serb army was coming. I did not believe they would bother me. True, myhusband was already gone to serve in the Bosnian army, which wasn't a realarmy yet; they had more people than guns. If they were targeting peopleethnically, I thought I was safe, since I was half Serb, half Croat. At night,somebody knocked on the door, and shouted, Open up! Police. We must tell yousomething about your husband. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI looked through the door and saw two men with masks over their heads. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat is not what you'd expect police to look like.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSo I went to the kitchen, took a sharp mid-sized knife, put it in mysleeve and waited, while they tore the door down. I hid in a clothes' cabinet.The two thugs went through the house, overturning the tables, smashing thechina, and they shouted for me to come out. One walked into the basement, andthe other opened the toilet. At that moment I sneaked out of the closet, walkingsoftly, barefoot. But the thug saw me, and ran after me and knocked me down. Theknife slid out of my sleeve and fell on the floor but he must not have heard itbecause he'd knocked down a pile of plates on the way, and they crashed on thefloor, and some of them, rolled and jangled. He tore my clothes off. In themeanwhile, the man--or should I say, beast--downstairs kept smashing the jars ofjam, pickled peppers, and suddenly he quieted because he'd probably found thewine bottles. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe thug pinned me to the floor and as I tried to throw him off my body,he whacked my head against the boards. I am pretty strong, and I think I couldhave thrown him off if he hadn't each time I moved whacked my head. It hurtterribly. I thought migraines were the worst headache you could have, but thiswas worse, it hurt deeper inside, and I was dizzy, as though my brain had turnedaround in my skull and was now loose and wobbling. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe slid a little lower and sat on my thighs. You must help me to get ithard, he said. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI don't want to.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou must. Here, take it into your hand. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI did with one hand. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIt's awkward like that, can I sit up, I asked.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSure, no problem. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI sat up sideways, felt on the floor for the knife, grabbed its handle,and without hesitation stuck the knife into him. I wanted to get him in themiddle of his abdomen but I missed and stuck it to the side, the left side. Idid not think it went deep. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe shrieked and did not react as I leaped to the side and ran straightout of doors. And so, I ran into the hills, naked, in the cold November night. Inearly froze, turned all blue, and did not know where to hide, except in theBenedictine monastery on top of the hill. I broke into the chapel in the middleof matins, five in the morning now, still dark. The poor men crossed themselves,hid their faces, prayed in Latin, and I heard one word, which I liked,misericordia. But one of them, said, Brothers, don't be silly. Help her! Hetook of his brown garment and put it over me, and now he stood there, in hisstriped shirt and long johns. The monks gave me hot water and coffee, and when Istopped shivering, I wanted to run away. I told them what had happened andadvised them to run away as well. The one who had intervened for me drove mewest, to Mostar. As he drove he wanted to hold hands with me. No harm, Ithought. And indeed, what harm was it? This fifty year old man, holding hands.He did not ask for anything more. I think he just loved some female creaturecomfort. I did not wait for further developments. I stole a bicycle in Mostar,and rode it all the way into Croatia, to Metkovic. That was not hard since theroad mostly goes downhill. And in Croatia, I appealed to Caritas, who gave methe papers, and let me go abroad, to the States. Now that was more adventurethan I had hoped to get. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI've always wanted to be a homebody. I never got the joy of travel,wanderlust, and nearly the only aspect of travel I enjoyed as a kid was thehomecoming. I'd rush to the side of the train, as it crested a hill before myhometown, and seeing the first glimpse of the town, with the church steeples anda minaret and an old castle, made me happy. So it's all the more miraculous tome that I have become a world-traveler, an American. I work at a local bank where there are many Croats andPoles but not Bosnians. It can be interesting with our people. One day a manpaid for his entire new house in cash, literally. He opened a brown travelingcase, and it was nearly full of ten dollar bills. Nothing but ten dollar bills. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhy don't you write a check?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCan't trust no checks, he said.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd why only 10 dollar bills?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCan't trust no hundred dollar bills, he said.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhy not?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe mafia Xeroxes those. Ten dollar is the best. He was an old Croatian car dealer. Outside his lot stooda sign, Only Honest Cash for Honest Cars. You wouldn't believe that someonecompletely stuck in the cash economy could become rich, but that man apparentlydid, bringing half a million dollars just like that. I wonder how he dared walkin the streets, alone, with all the cash. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd the workplace is nice. In the back of the hall, there's arestaurant, Dubrovnik. I don't need to go into it, but just knowing it'sthere comforts me; it's a bit of homeland. And it's a cloud, a tobaccocloud. I watch people in it now and then, and have the impression that it's abunch of angels walking around in the cloud-well, only if that were the case.I like to imagine that, smoked angels. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMy coworker, a Polish woman, said, You know, there's a family next doorto yours, from Bosnia. They are renting. They are having a grill next Saturday,you should meet them.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSo there we were, having a party in the backyard of my new neighbors. Iwas simply overjoyed, laughing like a child.That is one aspect of American culture we from theBalkans quickly adapt to, grilling cutlets and sausages, although we add ourvariant to it, chevapi, spicy mixed meat in small chunks. The boom-box placed onthe outer window sill played folk music, the kind that used to bore and botherme, but now made me feel at home. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe bald host wore a green outfit as though he were in a hospital, andwhen I asked him, he said, Yes, I work at a hospital. I am an x-ray technician.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat's a good job, isn't it? How many hours a week counts as fulltime?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTwenty-four.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSo you have lots of free time. Nice. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIt could be nicer. I studied to be a doctor in Sarajevo, did very well,but wasn't very wise: I participated in a protest against Tito, had to go toprison, and could not go back to the university afterward. So I had no choicebut to emigrate. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHave you met my nephew yet? He asked, and pointed out a man whose backwas turned to us. The man turned around, balding like his uncle, with a widebony face, and teeth unusually white for someone from our parts-they were alsospread, and maybe that's what saved them. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe looked familiar, but the more I looked at him, the more I was surethat I was wrong. That is just it-many people from my native region can giveme that feeling of familiarity even without my ever having seen them. In my hometown, they would all be strangers to me, but the familiar kind of stranger, andthat is what I imagined I was responding to. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe came over to me and asked where I was from and what I did, the kind ofquestions you would not expect from someone from our native region, but from anAmerican. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhen I told him I worked fora bank, he grew wildly enthusiastic. I need to buy a house. Can you get me amortgage deal? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat depends on your credit rating.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCredit rating, phew. How would I have any? But I have a refugee status,and a Lutheran church backing me. And I just got a job, as an electrician. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou must be smart then. A dumb electrician would be dangerous.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou are right about that. But maybe I am a dumb and brave electrician. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHave you ever got a good shock? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOf course, of course, who hasn't. I bet even you have an electricalshock memoir you could relate.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTrue, I said. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe kept standing closer and closer to me, and I moved a little bit awayfrom him, and so we kept moving around the yard. I was keenly aware of it, andhe apparently wasn't, or did not mind. Perhaps I had adopted the Americansubconscious concept of personal space, which is about an arm's length,perhaps conveniently, so nobody could touch you or hit you without your gettinga chance to duck, and it's also convenient because at that distanceanybody's bad breath would dissolve in the air and you would not have tosuffer it and likewise, you would not have to worry that if you had morningbreath, you'd make people uncomfortable breathing in your free-floatingbacteria. I like this Anglo-Saxon personal space, but naturally, a fresh arrivalfrom Bosnia would be totally oblivious to it, perhaps would not understand it,and would find it cold and standoffish. Of course, it is standoffish. Stand offish. You could break it like that. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut after a while it occurred to me that he was not so much after a houseand mortgage as after me. So, quite out of context, I told him I was married.Technically it was true, but my husband disappeared in the first months of thewar, and no word on him ever. I imagine he was buried in some mass grave. It'spossible, of course, that he managed to run away, and went to New Zealand, tolive merrily, without any need to remember his native land, and family. I likeimagining the Zealandian option because then he would not be worth grievingover. That itself could warrant grief, that someone you loved suddenly turns outunworthy of grief. Anyway, I got together with this man, Dragan--for noserious reason, other than that I loved speaking Bosnian. I guess that is aserious enough reason. We talked in our neighborhood beer hall. You know, he said, my uncle is a funny cat. In thenightshift, he sometimes dresses like a doctor and pretends to be one, andvisits patients in the clinic, even offering them new diagnoses and advisingthem to undergo surgery; he loves to advise heart patients to get transplants.He was caught parading like a doctor, and thrown out of the job, but then, whenhe promised he would not pretend to be a doctor any more, he could come back. Hesuffers on the job because he imagines he knows much more than his superiors. Heis so absorbed in his status struggle, that he neglects other aspects of hislife. So for example, he lent his life savings to a friend of his from Bosnia,40,000 dollars, without a security note, just on the honorable word. The frienddisappeared, and that was that for life savings. Anyhow, that's my uncle foryou.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHow can you speak so badly of him? He takes care of you.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI am not speaking badly of him. Everybody knows what he's done. It'sfunny.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMostly sad. So he pretends to be what's he's not. Does that run inthe family?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat do you mean? I don't pretend anything.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI did not say you did. I simply wonder whether what's he's doing is afamily trait.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIs that how you talk for fun?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes, I continue a theme, a thread. So he's your uncle. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd so? Are you getting aggressive with me?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMy God, I thought you had a sense of humor.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes, I had it.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOK, mellow out. Have a beer.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGood idea. Two Guinnesses please, he asked the waitress, and turned hishead. The waitress wore a short skirt and black stockings that went only a fewinches above her knees, so there was a stretch of thighs between the hem of theskirt and the stocking. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGood body, I said.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGuinness has lots of body.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShe has a good body.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou noticed?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI didn't. I noticed you noticing. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOh, here we go again. You are catching me or something?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI noticed her style. I don't know whether she has a good body, but thestyle's-- ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSassy?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI forgot how difficult our women can be. Now I feel right at home. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSame goes for me and our men. I do feel at home. That's the point, Iwanted to feel like I was home.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd that's how you agreed to come out with me?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd it doesn't matter what I am like, the main thing is I am from overthere?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIt matters what people are like. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe beer was foamy and cool, and left a creamy and milky edge on hislips, which he never wiped off right away, but talked like that, with the foamon his upper lip. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe second round of ale got to my head. The American bars are dark. Thatmay seem like a non sequetor, and it is, but what follows is not-we kissed inthat darkness under the spell of dark ale, or under the excuse of it. He tastedof unfiltered cigarettes, and I liked that, it reminded me of home. Yes, I hadkissed a few Americans, and nonsmoking immigrants, who before the kiss,regularly chewed mints, so their mouths were cool, slightly antiseptic. Well,the three-four times I had kissed they went to the bathroom to floss theirteeth, no doubt, and to brush them, so you'd get a re-furbished mouth,revirgoned, ready for fresh reuse. But this was a European kiss, old style, witha nicotine bite to it, and an undertone of hot peppers-he must have hadfeferonki somewhere. The kiss washotly reminiscent of the old continent, so I closed my eyes, and floated intothe smoky spaces with Turkish coffee poured from dzezva, coppery vessels, andheavy dregs on the bottom, from which old peasant women read fortune. Upondrinking a cup, you'd have a few coffee grains left in your mouth, to chew on,to chase around your mouth with your tongue, and that is what the kiss now felt,like a grainy chase. A gritty and biting kiss. I stretched my neck and he kissedit, his five o'clock whiskers scratching me like a rasping paper, raw, but Iliked that sensation of hurt. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWe went to my home, and continued the erotic pursuits so impatiently thatwe had not fully undressed. I still had my skirt on, and he had his shirt andtie, though everything else was off. I pulled him to me by his red shirt, andthe tightening grip of the shirt, plus the labor of lust, made his face all red,and blue veins popped on his forehead and kept changing their courses, likeoverflowing tributaries of a river, seeking the most urgent way to the sea. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd as I realized that, I wondered why this man trusted me and let mepull the tie. I felt a sudden impulse to strangle him, inexplicable, buttempting. Instead, I let go of the tie, and loosened it. He panted with hismouth open, baring his teeth, and again he kissed my neck, and bit it, perhapsplayfully. Still, his toothy grip shot a wave of fright through my blood. I bithis ear. We kept biting each other, as though we were two wolves, steadying eachother in the playful grip of teeth. Our lust affected our bones, and came fromour bones, and flesh was in the way. The bones of our love made us both sharp,not dreamy and sleepy as I used to be in lovemaking, not floating in thedelicacy of sensations, but aggressively alert, as though we wanted to destroyeach other-and that did result in a sensation, such as you have when your lifeis in question, jumping off a cliff into a deep azure bay, skiing downhill andhitting a bump which suspends you in the air.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThere was an extraordinary undercurrent of hatred in our sex, and itshocked me. I did not think I hated this man, but how else to explain it? Whywould I hate him? I was shuddering, at first I thought in the premonition of anorgasm, but no, from the cold fright, and in this festival of inimical senses, Iwas not lagging behind. He let go of my neck, and his tie tickled my stomach andbreasts as he rocked back and forth. I was nearly strangling him again, holdingon to his tie, like a friar to the church bell, while he was smashing his pubicbone into mine in the rhythm of a church bell, and I did indeed hear the ringingin my ears. If the bones were to break, I wasn't sure it would be mine thatwould give first. Many waves of violence came instead of Eros, or Eros amidstviolence, and let me explain myself, though I don't need to apologize: loveand lust aren't synonyms, as everybody knows, and hate and lust, consequentlyaren't antonyms. Well, there are situations when hatred enhances lust. Thepanic aspect of lovemaking, which is such a big part of the abandon during anorgasm, that sensation of falling, weightlessness, loss of ground, that is sheerpanic, delicious panic, self-destructive, dangerous. Love is usually safe,someone there who can help you, who can spread his arms to keep you fromfalling, and in that sense, it's antithetical to that sensation of totalcollapse and abandon that the most intense orgasms are made of. Hatred, however, helps along that sensation of destruction,and self-destruction. That is what I realized as I was coming in this sea, notof joy, but terror.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI would not have thought like that if we had not been making love andhate in our sex, and if hate had not prevailed.I slid my hands under his shirt, and touched his stomach.His stomach twitched like a horse's flank when bitten by a horsefly. His skinwas smooth and soft. That surprised me because his neck's hairs stuck outabove the collar of his shirt. When my hands roamed further, he gripped them andput them back. That tickles, he said. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSo, tickling is good. You can tickle me, if you like. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI touched him again, and he twitched, and lost his erection. That wasjust as well, we had survived several hours of passion, and both of us sighedperhaps with relief, perhaps with the contemplation of the unsettling nature ofour collision. Even after he was gone, I sat in amazement at what hadtranspired and the animosity which hung in the air mustily, as a war ofdifferent body vapors, his sweat and my sweat, his garlicky, mine olivey, hissugary, mine salty. After he was gone, I wondered why he had kept his shirton, and that is how I went to sleep. I woke up, certain I had had anenlightening dream, like that biochemist who had a vision of a snake eating itsown tail, which was the solution for the circular structure of benzene or sugaror whatever it was and is for ever, of course. Now, in my dream, Dragan appearedin a black tee shirt. I asked him, why don't you take it off? I can't. I will make love to you only if you take it off. I'd rather not. So I undressed and teased him, and when he took off histee-shirt, I saw a brown scar on his left side, under the ribs, in the spleenarea. The scar paled, then blushed, and became angry red. Drops of blood slidout of it and went down his flank. Give me back my shirt, he said, right away! Ihad thrown it behind the bed. I don't know where it is, I said. Find it! He said. Blood now gushed. By the time I took mercy on him, though I thought I hadno reason to do it, and wanted to hand him his shirt, he fell on the floor, inan oily red puddle. Blood kept coming out of him, and furniture floated, and mybed turned into a sinking boat. I shrieked, and woke up with the echo of it,from the attic and the basement, the whole house was empty with the aftermath ofmy shriek. I went to the bathroom. The floor was dry. I brushed myteeth. My gums weren't bleeding. I looked into my eyes. They were notbloodshot. I had believed in my dreams, but I also doubted them-Ihad had all sorts of dreams, in some I had lost all my teeth and when I woke upthey were still fast in my jaws. We were supposed to meet again the following eveningafter my work. I dreaded it. I would not answer the door. I would turn all thelights off and pretend I was not there. No, I would refuse to be scared. Should I fear the mannext door? I had too many questions, and to spend the rest of my days inCleveland coping with them, without an answer, seemed to me like an unbearablepredicament. I would not be free again, but would obsess until I grew insane.No, I would not be scared of him, and I would find out everything about him. Ineeded the truth. The man held that truth hidden under his starched shirt, partof that truth, and I would get it, I decided, so I waited for him that evening. When eight o'clock approached, I had a sudden anxietyattack, that the man would not come, that he would know I had figured him out.Strangely, I needed him, needed his scar.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe came back. This time he was not so formal, but had a black tee-shirt,just like in my dream. He brought in red carnations and a bottle of Eagle PeakMerlot. I turned on the music, Mahler's Fifth. Some of the funeral cords inMahler's music give me chills, so this was masochistic of me, in all theredness and blackness to have these jarring notes in minor keys. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYou like that music? He asked.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLove it. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhy not play some accordion kolo? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLater. This is good for a slow start.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWe have been anything but slow and we are way past a start, I'd say.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe smiled, looked humble, sitting in a slouchy posture, as though helacked self-confidence. He did not look dangerous, but almost amiable, low-key,not like an alpha dog, but a beta, sitting at a fireplace with his tail curled. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOut of nervousness, I drank a fair amount, half the bottle, which for meis a lot, and soon we were kissing on my queen-size bed. I grew excited, partlybecause this had a forbidden quality to it: I had forbidden it to myself, andnow I was transgressing. I had of course planned to get to bed, to check out hisscar, the only way, but I had not wanted to be aroused, and here, I was. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂUnder the pillow I had a kitchen knife, just in case. I know, that soundslike some preying mantis kind of thing, and if so, maybe the man should have hislast wish, without knowing it was his last, to make love. I did not mind theidea; in a way, I almost wanted him to become aggressive and dangerous so Icould do it. Not that I wanted to do it, but the temptation flashed in my mind. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAs we made out, I slid my hand under his tee-shirt, to his navel. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe pushed my hand away, and said, I am ticklish.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYes, I know you said that, but you don't mind being touched elsewhere.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOnly my feet and my stomach are ticklish. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSo I touched his neck and slid my hands downward, but the tee shirt wastoo tight, from my angle to go further. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat are you trying to do? He asked. You like collar bones? ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAlways did. Collar bones are my weakness. Why won't you take off yourshirt?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂOut of vanity. I don't want you to see how my stomach sags, how mychest hairs are getting gray, and how deep my innie is.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNow that you have told me all that, what's there to hide? I know whatto expect, it can get only better. Let's fully undress. Isn't it funny, wehaven't been naked yet. We have screwed each other's daylights, andhaven't seen each other naked.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAll right, but turn off the light then.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI thought about that. I wanted the light to examine him. But I couldexamine him anyway, I would let my fingers to it. I turned off the overheadlight.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGood, that will be romantic, I said. I'll light the candles then. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI took out half a dozen candles and lit them.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHe pulled off the tee-shirt, his Fruit of the Loom underwear, and hissoccer style socks, which went almost to his knees. For his age, he was in goodshape; his stomach didn't sag. He had lied. I had candle-light coming from allthe corners of the room, and bathroom light came through a crack and spreadwider and wider on the floor onto the wall, but that was not enough to see hisscar. So as he lay down, I put my hand on his flank. He shrank, and his stomachtwitched.Be still, I said. Just let go.All right, I guess you know a technique.Yes, I do. I felt all around, touched theÂribs, below them, and I could not believe my fingers. There was no scar.What? Could my dreams have been wrong? It was horrible to think that I had foundthat man and that he was under my fingertips, but suddenly it was more horribleto think that this was not the man, and the other one was at large, who knewwhere, if he was not dead. How would I find him? Why should I want to find him?Why didn't I feel relief? I could have, I could have been overjoyed to be witha man who made love so vigorously-I could have a boyfriend, maybe even a newfamily, that would not have been outlandish at my age, mid-thirties.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI was in such a state of shock that right away I quit the foreplay. Ican't do it, I said.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhy not?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDark thoughts have crossed my mind and they won't go away.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhat are your dark thoughts?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd I told him, in detail, the attempted rape, and how I fled, except Idid not tell him about the knife and the wound. I said I knocked down the guywith a candelabra.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThat is admirable, that you had so much courage to do that, he said. Butwhy would you think of that right now?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhy admirable? What choice did I have? I had to survive. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDo you know what happened to the guy?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNo, and I don't think I want to know. Do you?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWhy would I. What a question!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI have no idea. I thought maybe I'd luck out and find out. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDid you think that even before?ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂI did not answer. I decided not to worry about anything. We drank moreEagle Peak; he'd brought two bottles, it turned out, and kept one in hislaptop briefcase. ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe wine made me tranquil, and a sense of well being permeated me warmedmy skin. His profile looked Romanesque, lonely, as though he were cast in stone,and he was pale, increasing the stony impression. Why would I increase hisloneliness, I wondered.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLet's shower together, I said. Maybe we'll make love, maybe not, butlet's shower. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tomica Golubic a music for film INOVATOR http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5597/1/E-Tomica-Golubic-a-music-for-film-INOVATOR.html Thomas Golubichttp://www.latimes.com/entertainment/printedition/calendar/la-000037886may30.storyÂhttp://www.supermusicvision.comÂMay 30, 2002ÂCLUBSNew Sound for Old MoviesDJ Thomas Golubic reinterprets classic films by adding a modern scoreBy LESLEE KOMAIKO, SPECIAL TO THE TIMESOne of L.A.'s freshest nightlife events--a mix of classic films and progressive tunes served up by DJ Thomas Golubic--was born of questionable manners and small revenge. Thank goodness for bad behavior.Several months ago, Golubic, one half of the music supervision team for HBO's "Six Feet Under," was enjoying a quiet night at home when three friends dropped by. Not only were they uninvited, Golubic recalls, "they were not in their right minds." He didn't want his unexpected guests driving, however, so he plopped them down in front of the TV. Darren Aronofsky's dark 2000 film, "Requiem for a Dream," a favorite of his, was just beginning."I thought I should turn the sound down and put some music on to freak them out," Golubic says. He ended up DJ-ing through the final credits, basically rescoring the film while his friends watched and listened. "The next day one of my friends called and said, 'Dude, that was amazing.' So I thought let me try this thing and see if there's any validity," he says. The result is Synchronize, a free monthly--sometimes bimonthly--event in the plush, spacious lounge at West Hollywood's Moomba. Unlike Golubic's impromptu effort at home, these are musically scripted affairs; he spends hours masterminding in advance. "Most of the creativity is in how I move from one track to another," he says. The other difference is that in the club he layers the dialogue over the music.Synchronize debuted quietly in March with, appropriately enough, "Requiem for a Dream." Then came "Blade Runner." Earlier this month, Golubic rescored Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." About 100 people, most in their late 20s and early 30s and mainly musicians, industry people, FOTs (friends of Thomas), or some combination thereof, showed up."It's a wonderful change of pace from the multiplexes," said Amy Rosen, a music supervisor who attended the screening with a group of friends. "I hate the prices, the lines, the noise like crying kids. This is closer in spirit to when our parents went to the movies, like an event."But this is not an ultra-hush Writers Guild-style screening environment. The lights are dimmed but not dark. Candles flicker on the tables. There's the occasional shake, shake, shake of ice on metal from the bar as well as the chatter and laughter of friends and couples who consider the film more atmosphere than focal point. People wander out to the parking lot for a smoke. But the majority of the audience sits quietly transfixed, sometimes grooving in their seats to the music, sipping martinis, cosmos, or red wine."It's an interesting take, especially for things you've already seen, because it puts a new perspective on it musically," said Kyle Schember, who was there with his Rockstar bandmate Ryan Stuit. "And honestly," Stuit said, "where can you order a New York strip and watch a movie at the same time?"Many of the artists featured in the Synchronize rescores can also be heard on Golubic's weekly late-night radio show, "Swing Shift," on KCRW-FM (89.9). "2001," for example, included tracks from Groove Armada, David Sylvian and Holger Czukay, Brian Eno, Radiohead, Rinocerose, Sigur Ros, Royksopp and DJ Spooky. "I try to avoid music with lyrics because I really don't want the lyrics to distract you," Golubic says. "And I try not to use music that was available at the time the movie was made."Among the "2001" audience members who made it to the end of the often contemplative, nearly 21/2-hour film was Vickie Curea, a psychotherapist who'd seen it several times before. "I was totally surprised and pleasantly so," she said. "I thought the way he interpreted many of the scenes in the film, he heightened the sense of fun and absurdity." She also appreciated the comfy couch she and her friend scored by arriving early. "I think that anybody that's a fan of movies and eclectic music would groove on something like this. I don't know if it would hit in Fargo, but it would in Chicago."Tonight, Synchronize will feature "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." Akira Kurosawa's "Ran" is slated for next month with accompaniment from electronic composer George Sarah and a live string trio. Among the films Golubic is considering for later in the summer are "Barbarella," "Mad Max" and Jacques Tati's "Playtime." He wants to do Wim Wender's "Wings of Desire" down the line and the Hong Kong action flick "The Heroic Trio.""I choose films that have a very distinctive visual storytelling approach," Golubic says, "films that are not dialogue- or narrative- based." He also gravitates to films that have good music to begin with. After all, where's the challenge in reinterpreting a mess?Synchronize, tonight, 9 p.m., at Moomba, 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. Also June 20, July 25 and Aug. 22. (310) 652-6364.ÂCopyright 2002 Los Angeles TimesBioAfter many years of producing desperately romantic and unsolicited mix tapes for a host of bewildered young women, Thomas has recently parlayed that otherwise fruitless ability into a career as a radio and club DJ and as a music supervisor for film and television.ÂThomas first cut his teeth at eclectically-minded Los Angeles radio station KCRW (89.9 FM), where since 1998 he hosts and programs "The Swing Shift", an ambitious late-night radio show exploring the outer limits of new hip hop, funk, soul and jazz. He also programs the electronic music backdrop for revered Los Angeles spoken word artist Joe Frank and his KCRW radio program "The Other Side".Following in the footsteps of fellow KCRW DJs turned music supervisors Chris Douridas and Gary Calamar, Thomas began working with veteran music supervisor G. Marq Roswell. This film & music boot-camp experience yielded contributions as music coordinator on the rock-heavy "Varsity Blues" (with a soundtrack certified Gold), the soul and r&b sound to the Denzel Washington film "The Hurricane", and the contemporary pop and country of the Kevin Costner film "For Love of the Game", among others.ÂStriking out on his own, Thomas music supervised "Shadow Hours", collaborating with composer Brian Tyler to create a highly modern dark electronic soundscape deeply blurring the lines between score and source music. The film came and went with little fanfare, but the film soundtrack garnered quite a bit of attention for both Thomas and Brian and the innovative approach and compelling music has subsequently been used to temp a number of new films.Seeing a strong collaboration potential with old mentor and friend Gary Calamar, the two formed SuperMusicVision as a partnership in early 2000. The duo worked together on a PBS documentary and an independent feature prior to landing the coveted job of music supervisors on the celebrated HBO drama "Six Feet Under". The show, created by Academy-Award winning "American Beauty" scribe Alan Ball, has become an enormous ratings success, comparable to the HBO hits "Sex and the City" and "The Sopranos". The show garnered almost universal praise in the press and has now been nominated for the Golden Globe "Best Drama", "Best Actor" and "Best Supporting Actress" awards.The show turned out to be the pair's most creatively rewarding project, allowing them to bring the full breadth of their eclectic music tastes and knowledge into the texture of the challenging and ambitious show. A soundtrack deal was brokered with Universal Records, and remixes of Thomas Newman's haunting title theme have been commissioned with some of the most exciting new artists in hip hop and electronic music. The "Six Feet Under" soundtrack album will be in stores in March 2002 to coincide with the start of the second season.Thomas has held DJ residencies at several Hollywood clubs, including the Knitting Factory, The Oxygen Bar, Café Luna Sol and Café Des Artistes. He presently spins at various special events around town and hosts SYNCHRONIZE, a live DJ re-scoring of feature films like "2001: A Space Odyssey", old Hong Kong action pictures and even Bollywood musicals. He is also a contributing feature music writer and reviewer for Lotus Magazine. Thomas lives in a rooftop apartment in the Hollywood Hills where, on occasion, he catches a few hours of sleep.Op-edTomica is from my own experience, very proud of his Croatian heritage. He iswarm, passionate, extremely intelligent and very talented man. His understandingof music was very impressive and I wonder, when I met him, why somebody likethat kind of sensibility doesn't have an opportunity to impact a boring scene ofmusic in Hollywood. And here we go, as we announced earlier on CROWN, Tomica ismusic supervisor for one of the most authentic show on TV today "Six Feet Under".Working with Alan Ball, the best filmmaker on a horizon. Besides his talentsTomica is genuine with people and animals (his two beautiful cats).Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Discover Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5462/1/E-Discover-Croatia.html ÂDiscover Croatia "Discover Croatia" was a title of presentation given by Boris Miketic, Travel Agent, at the Queens Borough Public Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Astoria on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 3 p.m. Audience had a chance to find out about must-see locations inCroatia, how to travel there on a budget, and where to stay. Beautiful tourist brochures and maps were made available (courtesy of Croatian National Tourist Office, NYC). A sampling of books for children and adults in Croatian from the Library's new Croatian collection was on display as well. Sanja Crnkovic President of the Friends of Broadway Library letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 28 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN HERITAGE Web Page www.croatians.com http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5600/1/E-CROATIAN-HERITAGE-Web-Page-wwwcroatianscom.html ÂCROATIAN HERITAGE Web Page www.croatians.comÂThe CROATIAN HERITAGE Web Page has been on the internet for over five years. All the materialÂpresented is in the English language. Subjects covered include:Croatian Genealogy: Source information in how to Trace Your Roots in Croatia and AmericaÂincluding a Guide to Croatian Genealogy.Croatian Heraldry: Examples of Croatian family name Arms and an extensive index of familyÂnames that have a Coat of Arms granted during the Middle Ages.Croatian Civic Heraldry: Examples of Country, City, Town and Island Coats of Arms. An index ofÂplaces granted Arms in the Middle Ages.Croatian Books: All books are in English and include histories, language and immigrant history.Biographies and Stories: Biographies of Croatians world wide including articles of Croatians andÂCroatia in immigration.Island of Brac: General history of the island including a history of each town on the island.ÂBiographies being added.New documentation and material is added monthly. The above is sponsored by the CroatianÂGenealogical and Heraldic Society, Ragusan Press and Adam S. Eterovich.Adam S. Eterovich croatians@aol.comÂÂwww.croatians.comÂ1-800-935-2429 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 24 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN NAIVE ART in Ottawa http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5601/1/E-CROATIAN-NAIVE-ART-in-Ottawa.html ÂMirko Horvat: Drvosjeca CROATIAN NAIVE ART FROM MAY 22 UNTIL JUNE 7, 2002 AT THE EMBASSY OF CROATIA 229 CHAPEL ST. OTTAWA From Monday to Friday 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM and Saturday, May 25, 2002 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Pogled u Bosnu Srebrenu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5599/1/H-Pogled-u-Bosnu-Srebrenu.html PROVINCIJA KAO SREDIŠTEPOGLEDU RIZNICE PROVINCIJE BOSNE SREBRENESramnoje biti stranac u vlastitoj domovini,ili, Turpe est in patria esse peregrinum, dobro zvoni latinska izrekakoja se pripisuje rimskom caru Hadrianu aistaknuta je na ulazu u mali lapidarij Klasične gimnazije u Visokom. Usredputovanja po Provinciji Bosni Srebrenoj koje nas je vodilo tragom franjevačkeumjetničke baštine, ovaj natpis bolno potsjeća naÂratom, iseljavanjem i političkom manipulacijom ugroženi kulturološkikontekst koji su stoljećima čuvali bosanski fratri.ÂÂPogledu Bosnu naslov jestudijskog putovanja u organizaciji Udruge Franjevačke klasičnegimnazije Visoko kao uvod u simpozij predviđen za lipanj 2002 u Zagrebu. Usredištu putovanja nakon što za očaranim putnicima ostane Jajce, svetišteu Podmilačju, Bugojno, Uskoplje, franjevački samostan u Rami odnosnoŠćitu, potom crkva u Ovčarevu, veliki samostanski kompleksi i crkve uGučoj Gori, Kraljevoj Sutjesci i Fojnici, kada se nakon puta punog otkrićaprepuni dojmova suočimo sa natpisom na oglasnoj ploči pred lapidarijemu Gimaziji u Visokom, (Turpe est in patria esse peregirinum,) počinjese doživljavati i razumijevati stoljetna, no i danas aktualna, tragedijaZemljice Bosne. Doduše, latinski natpis moramo čitati kao jedan odnaputaka đacima o vrijednosti znanja no ipak... Gimnazijski Lapidarij uVisokom osnovao je i uredio profesor fra Ignacije Gavran, koji je generacijamaštićenika ucjepio ljubav za starinu, za povijest, za povijest umjetnosti.Lako je, slušajući ga i danas slijediti onaj isti zanos koji je njegoveđake trajno vezao za umjetnost. Zapravo, Udruga đaka Franjevačkeklasične gimazije Visoko iz Zagreba organizirala je putovanje tragomfranjevačke baštine u Bosni Srebrenoj, posebno fokusirajući hrvatskusuvremenu umjetnost, koja doslovce živi u bosansko hercegovačkim franjevačkimsamostanima i za njih vezanim svetištima. Tu su radve ostavili Ivo Dulčić,Josip Biffel. Đuro Seder, Zlatko Keser, Slavko Šohaj, Vasilije Jordan,Zdenko Grgić, Josip Poljan, Marija Ujević, Šime Vulas, Josip Marinović,Branko Ružić, Mile Blažević, Kuzma Kovačić; potom, ufranjevačkim zbirkama umjetnina nalazimo remek djela od onih Ede Murtića,Rudija Labaša, Miroslava Šuteja, Ivice Šiška, do onih mladih autora,primjerice, Matka Vekića. Ovaj prebogati fundus suvremene umjetnosti samoje jedan sloj arhitektonskih i povijesnoumjetničkih fenomena Bosne Srebrene.I sva spomenuta autorstva pojedinačno doživljavamo i razvrstavamo kaoremek djela koja se grupno potvrđuju kao skladna summa, kao vjerodostojniumjetnički fundusi koji traju, žive, zrače.Ljepotakrajolika, rječitost arhitekturePut nas nakon Okučana i Petručevca najprije dovodi u Jajce obilježenotokom najljepših rijeka Plivom i Vrbasom. Grad se spominje1396. kao posjedHrvoja Vukčića Hrvatinića; u blizini Jajca grob je posljednjegbosanskog kraja Stjepana Tomaševića; to je grad opasan zidinama saostacima gotičkoga dvora na citadeli koje su gradili i u stilu mletačkegotike ukrasili majstori bliski radionici Andrije Alešija. Premda su Turcidevastirali dvore i pretvorili ih u utvrdu još je uočljiva kula skraljevim portalom građenim u gotičkom slogu sa insignijama obiteljiKotromanić u luneti. Nadalje, Jajce je rodno mjesto pjesnika Nikole Šopa. Od tame i od čađi, sa pognutom strehom,/ ljuljajuć se i cvilećiškripi,/Nada mnom je spušten i nad mojim grijehom,/ Svu noć nešto tamnos njega sipi, sipi.//Al svaki put u neko doba gluho/probudi me kroza nj plavidah svježine./ To krov tamni nada mnom zaškripi suho./I pospe me zvijezdama kroz raspukline. Jednuod svojih najljepših pjesama Krov napisao je Nikola Šop pamtećirodni grad, istodobno kraljevsko i skromno, tragično obilježeno i uvijekživo Jajce. In situ grad i krajolik upućuju nas na srednjovjekovljei renesansu, Toranj Sv Luke, iz 1460 godine podignut uz franjevačku crkvuSv Marije koju su kasnije Turci pretvorili u džamiju potsjetit će nazvonik katedrale u gradu Hvaru. U blizini Medvjed kule isklesane su u živojstijeni podzemne prostorije takozvane Katakombe, podzemna dvorana služila je zaobavljanje rituala Zmajeva reda. Ovdje je dakle promaknut Zmaj od Bosne...Premdasu franjevci došli u grad prije 15 stoljeća današnji Franjevčkisamostan izgrađen je u razdoblju od 1877 do 1885Âa obnovljen je u 20 stoljeću.. Crkve uz samostan više nema, srušenaje do temelja u strašnoj jugo agresiji naBosnu i Hercegovinu. Pri tom je stradalo puno vrijednosti među inim i zidneslike Marka Antoninija, slikara koji je radio u romantičarskom ihistoricističkom slogu. Nestala je u prašini njegova čuvena slikaÂpod nazivom Na grobu posljenjeg bosanskog kralja. Valja spomenutii to kako je Antonini djelovaonajprije pod pokroviteljstvom grofa Nugenta koji ga i dovodi iz Rima u Zagreb.Antonini je oslikao dvorac u Oroslavlju, potom dvorac uzÂstari grad Trsat u Rijeci, djelovao je u Zagrebu, u Bosnu dolazi kada seobnavlja samostan u Jajcu, oslikava crkvu u Kraljevoj Sutjesci. Putevi su nas iz Jajca odveli u Podmilačje, proštenište Sv IvanaKrstitelja. Velikoga kompleksa crkve više nema ali rekonstruirana je stara gotičkacrkva. Lunetu iznad portala su, prema mišljenju stručnjaka,dekoriralimajstori iz kruga Jurja Dalmatinca. U ovom dijelu Bosne upada u očivilinska ljepota krajolika, poglavito u Podmilačju.Arhitekti novijeg doba koji su ovdje gradili bili su osobito nadahnutipoviješću i krajolikom. Primjerice, veliki kompleks u Kraljevoj Sutjesci i Fojnici gradio je Josip Vancaš, zagrebačkiarhitekt, (samo zbog orijentacije, izgradio je Blok Ilica Margaretska zadavšiZagrebu nakriveni prolaz sa poznatim Oktogonom) Stilski na tragu historicizmaVancaš je Kraljevu Sutjesku obilježio dvoranskom crkvom sa dva tornja, unutrašnjostje u neorenesansnome stilu dok u vilinskom krajoliku Fojnice krajolik obilježavaskladna crkva posvećena Duhu Svetomu. Izvorno, samostan i crkva podignutisu ovdje već kajem 14 stoljeća. Današnja crkva sa impozantnom kupolomnad križištem potsjetiti će nas na spoj najljepših venecijanskoh svetištaSan Giorgio Magiore i Santa Maria della Salute. Skladni oblici koji sugerirajuuzore u baroknom klasicizmu govore o kulturološkom kontinuitetu, o trajanju upovijesti, u povijesti umjetnosti. Lijepo je naći remek djelo arhitketurekoje tako dobro razumije krajolik ovoga puta svjedočeći, na razinisrednjoeurospoga eklekticizma, graditeljsko savršenstvo. Na tom tragu bosanskecrkve danas podižu arhiteksti Krznarić, Marijan Hržić, Zlatko Ugljen...ÂVlašić,posvećena goraRemek djelo arhitekture ali na razini gesamtkunstwerka, u dizajnu domišljenei dovršene cjeline nalazimo u Ovčarevu, u crkvi Arhanđela Mihaela. Teškoje opisati Ovčarevo nad Lašvanskom dolinom, nad Travnikom, na obroncimaVlašića, valja ga pohoditi. Kipar Zdenko Grgić zamislio je i osmislioprojekt uređenja crkve, od fasade do prostrane unutrašnjosti jednobrodnebazilike koja je ispod sloja žbuke otkrila kamen. Grgić je i ovdje izradioKrižni put za crkvu koji se doimlje kao teški reljefni friz . Od GrgićevihVia Crucis izdvajamo onaj u Franjevčkoj crkvi u Sarajevu na Bistriku i Križniput iz Plehana, privremeno smješten u kapelu pored lokacije na kojoj je nekadbila stara crkva (Crkva i samostan u Plehanu bili su prebogati umjetničkimblagom) Zdenko Grgić je nazajedničkom poslu u Ovčarevu okupio umjetnike, izabrao umjetnine,projektirao osvjetljenje koje u horizonatlnoj liniji gotovo u romaničkomefektu polumraka otkriva ljepotu kamene gradnje. Uz Grgićev Križni put, tusu kip Sv Ante Josipa Poljana, Marijin kip Marije Ujević, vitraji Slavka Šohaja.Vitraji u prostudiranom polumraku crkve osvjetljavaju prostor kao zvijezde u Božićnojnoći. Ovim je projektom postignuta jedinstvena začudna scenografija.Naime, kada se prvi put zakorači u crkvu Arkanđela Mihaela pod Vlašićem,prostor vas obasja po prilici onako kao kada smo se u djetinjstvu prvi putzatekli pred jaslicama Na uzvisiniiza crkve pred Župnim dvorom postavljen je portret Ive Andrića, takođerGrgićev rad. ÂKatolička Škola u TravnikuUblizini Ovčareva nad dolinom Lašve slijedi pohod Gučoj Gori. Naseljese prvi puta spominje 1425 godine. Samostan je u današnjem obliku izgrađensredinom 19 stoljeća. Ovdje je i ranije postojala franjevačka kuća,odnosno hospicij. Opet nailazimo na imena arhitekata Ante Cecilijanija izTrogira i Josipa Vancaša iz Zagreba a kada je dovršen bio je to najvećifranjevački kompleks u Bosni i Hercegovini. No tragično je izgorio1945 godine. Crkva je obnovljena sredinom pedesetih a uređenje unutrašnjosticrkve započinje početkom sedamdesetih. Kipar Zdenko Grgić,napominjemo kipar koji nije uvršten u Enciklopediju hrvatske likovne umjetnosti,ostvario je u Gučoj Gori još jedanput Via Crucis stoga bi mu moglipodariti još jedno ime - MajstorKrižnoga puta. Dominantno mjesto u svetištu imala je velika apsidalna slikaZlatka Kesera «Krist Svevladar». No danas dominira svojevrstan «retuš»slike. Naime, u posljednjem ratu djelomično je zalivena bojom, zapravonamjerno je nagrđena. Devastirane su, u bočnim brodovima još i freskasa prikazom Žalosne Gospe i Ozdravljenje sljepcaÂu mozaiku, obje remek djelaIve Dulčića. U Bosni uvijek valja kazati «u posljednjem ratu». Jeruvijek postoji neki rat koji mu je prethodio. Tako se povijest diskontinuiteta,bolje je kazati antipovijest, prepiltala s poviješću.Večera u traviÂÂPovijesno umjetnički fundus svakako blista u radovima Slavka Šohaja iÂĐure Sedera u crkvi u Bugojnom, u oltarnoj, apsidalnoj slici JosipaBiffela u Uskoplju, ali iznad svega danas je jedna od najdragocjenijih zbirkisuvremene umjetnosti u franjevačkom samostanu u Rami-Šćit. Rama se upovijesnim dokumentima prvi put spominje u 12 stoljeću.Samostan sa crkvomSv Petra postojao je prije dolaska Turaka. Rušen i obnavljan nekoliko putasamostan je napušten 1687 godine kada su franjevci sa narodom iz Ramskoga krajapobjegli u Dalmaciju. Sa sobom su ponjeli i čuvenu Gospinu slikuÂkoja se čuva u franjevačkoj crkvi u Sinju. Svojedobno je kopijuGospone slike izradio Alberto deRhoden ali i ona je izgorjela u jednome od prošlih ratova, 1942 godine. Danasje ovdje postavljena, ne kopija nego reinterpretacija slike Gospe Sinjske, remekdjelo Kuzme Kovačića. No u Kovačićevoj interpretaciji slikaje postala reljef, spomen u bronci. Reljef sa prepoznatljivim Gospinim likomblista uokviren zlatom, blistaju tragovi ufanja, dodira, zavjetnih darova kojepoetski vizualizira Kovačić. On je za Ramsku crkvu građenu1873-81.prema zamisli fra Antuna Vladića, izradio još jedan originalnispomenik. U crkvu je ugrađen reljef sa likom legendarne Dive Grabovčeve.Sve je sliveno u ovaj miloliki monument: majstorstvo, ljupkost idealiziranogalika. To je mjesto pamćenja, identifikacijsko mjesto puka.U dnu crkve, u apsidi blista oltarna slika Josipa Biffela izrađena je1967-69. ova antologijska oltarna slika posvećena je Gospi, franjevcima inarodu Ramskoga kraja. Vitraje i svetohranište izradio je Josip Poljan. Zapravoteško je procijeniti što je ovdje ljepše, unutrašnjost crkve ili okoliš okonje. U parku oko crkve dominira Ramski križ Mile Blaževića, znamen ukrajoliku, uspomena na ramske žrtve iz drugoga svjetskog rata. Tu je iPosljednja večera Kuzme Kovačića. Doslovce Večera utravi, sugestivna brončana grupa koja je uz prelijepi tekst fraMirka Jozića bila prezentirana u Klovićevim dvorima u Zagrebu 2001.godine.Danas gledajući ovo izražajno djelo umiveno rosom i jutarnjimsuncem možemo ustvrditi samo jedno, Rama/Šćit je opet dobila relikvijudostojnu Gospe Sinjske. Iz obilja vrijednosti Ramske umjetničke zbirke koje smo vidjelizahvaljujući ljubznosti gvardijana Fra Mate Topića svkako izdvajamoslike Đure Sedera, Ede Murtića, Matka Vekića... Pred nama su Kraljeva Sutjeska, Fojnica,Visoko, Sarajevo i povratak prekoDervente, kroz Plehanski kraj, u Slavonski brod. Teško je izdvajati, KraljevaSutjeska: Križni put u klaustru samostana izradio je u mozaikuVladmimir Blažanović, unutrašnjost bazilike otkriva majstorstvo MarkaAntoninija, u crkvi je postavljena skulptura bosanske kraljice Katarine ustilizaciji Crnih Madona rad kipara Josipa Marinovića...Kraljeva Sutjeskapod kraljevskim gradom Bobovcem čuva povijest. Ovo je «duboki zdenacprošlosti», koristim sintagmu iz priče o «Josipu i njegovoj braći».Duboki zdenac prošlosti, postepenootkriva onu duhovnu silu koja isponova, nakon svakoga rata, pokreće, čisti,dograđuje, rekonstruira, kreira i okuplja zanesenjake.... Bosna je likovnaÂriznica od prikaza srednjevjekovnih turnira na stećcima kojidokumentiraju srednjevjekovnu Bosnu do radova Vladmimira Blažanovića iJosipa Biffela... Svi su, sva ova plejada autora, zanesenjaka ugradila je ponešto dragocjeno uÂnepreglednu riznicu duhovnoga blaga Bosne Srebrene. Posebno fasciniraFranjevačka gimnazija u Visokom sa kojom započinjemo ovu priču iSarajevo. Sarajevo sa tri predragocijena lokaliteta, neka mi bude oprošteno štokoristim riječ lokalitet. Ali kako drukčije nazvati Franjevačkuteologiju u Sarajevu, gdje se može vidjeti najbogatija zbirka suvremene, pačerecentne umjetnosti u ovim krajevima...koja je i učilište, i sveto mjesto,i okupljalište, i kulturni centar... Učionice su opremljene umjetničkim,likovnim cjelinama pa vam se kod obilaska može činiti da ste zalutali uMuzej suvremene umjetnosti. Impresivan je također i interieur crkve sv.Pavla u sklopu Teologije sa reljefom Šime Vulasa, frizom Zlatka Price, reljefomMarije Ujević. Pamtim 1992, novi Marijin reljef sa prikazom Sv Pavla, zbogratne opasnosti nije mogao biti dostavljen i postavljen u Nedžariće. Istegodine bio je izložen u Galeriji Studentskoga Centra u sklopu izložbe Novasakralna umjetnost. Danas je Sv Pavao na svome mjestu u Nedžarićima.Slijedi još jedan dobro poznat lokalitet, samostan Sv Ane na Bistriku uSarajevu i uz nju je crkva Sv Ante nadaleko čuvena kao riznica suvremeneumjetnosti. Ponajprije tu su vitraji Ive Dulčića, danas sa vidljivimtragovima rata.U apsidi jeposljednja večera Đure Sedera, Križni put izradio je Zdenko Grgić,Madonu s djetetom Frano Kršinić...U zbirci su zastupljeni Meštrović,Šimunović, Kljaković, Šohaj, Gliha, Murtić, Lovrenčić,Lah, Poljan. U Provincijalatu na Koševu gdje nam je dobrodoščicu zaželioFra Mijo Džolan provincijal Franjevačke provincije BosneÂSrebrene -Âkapelicu rese i osmišljavaju radovi kipara Branka Ružića. Potomnas je put vodio prema Franjevačkom samostanu Dubrave u sklopu kojega je usamostanskoj galeriji stalni postav, jedna od najboljih i najprobranijih zbirkihrvatske suvremene umjetnosti. Nakon svega vidjeti Plehan, Plehanski kraj savidljivim tragovima rata, tragovima zla, nije bilo lako. Utoliko nam se dubljeusjekao u pamćenje franjevački pozdrav Mir i dobro.Lilijana Domić letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Zivjeti na osovini Knin-Kijevo-Paraplegija http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5598/1/HE-Zivjeti-na-osovini-Knin-Kijevo-Paraplegija.html ZIVJETI NA OSOVINI KNIN-KIJEVO-PARAPLEGIJA Cijenjene dame i gospodoOsobno bi mi bilo vrlo drago ako nadjete vremena i volje procitati ovo moje pismo od pocetka do kraja. Iako znam da postoji mogucnost da ste do sada vec primali ne mali broj pisama slicnog sadrzaja i iako slutim da ste mozda i sami iscrpljeni slicnim vapajima. Zelim Vas ovdje upoznati sa akad. slikarom i graficarom Antom Teskerom i njegovom neveselom situacijom te Vas uljudno zamoliti da, ako ste ikako u mogucnosti obratite pozornost na tog, teskom sudbinom pogodjenog kreativca, koji ce se beskrajno veseliti ako mu se javite barem sa par ljubaznih rijeci. Ante Teskera rodjen je 1972. u Kninu a do 1980. živio je sa obitelji u selu Kijevo koje je svehrvatskoj budnoj javnosti poznato po strahoti koja je nanesena tom selu i hrvatskom stanovnistvu od strane Srba. 1980. Ante je nastradao u automobilskoj nesreci s posljedicom trajne oduzetosti donjih ekstremiteta (paraplegija). Osnovnu je školu zapoceo u Kijevu, potom nastavio u Kraljevici te završio u Zagrebu u Centru za odgoj, obrazovanje i osposobljavanje djece i mladeži. Tu je priveo kraju srednju upravno-birotehnicku školu. Dvije je slijedece godine boravio u Centru kao prognanik. 1995. uspijeva se upisati na Akademiju Likovnih Umjetnosti u Zagrebu na kojoj je diplomirao u veljaci 2001. u klasi prof. Miroslava Šuteja. Obracam Vam se s molbom u nadi da ste u mogucnosti na bilo koji nacin pomoci ovom mladom umjetniku u nezavidnoj situaciji u kojoj se nasao. Mozda ste ona(j) koji/koja ima ideja kako pomoci, bilo savjetom ili konkretnom transparentom akcijom tipa organizirati izlozbe njegovih radova, otkupiti koji od radova, preporuciti umjetnika onima koji bi znali i(li) mogli uciniti slicno. Kao likovnjak Ante Teskera radi u tehnikama ulja na platnu, grafika (suha igla, bakropis + aquatinta, litografija) i kolazi a poznata mu je i problematika stolnog izdavastva odnosno dizajnerski rad, od ideje do tiska. Ante bi bio sretan kad bi mogao zivjeti od svojeg osobnog rada. Jer je svjestan svojih mogucnosti tesko mu pada biti u poziciji onog koji moli za pomoc no svi znamo u kakvoj namse situciji trenutacno nalazi Lijepa nasa u kojoj kreativci i uopce mladi ljudi friskih ideja tesko danalaze prostora za djelovanje. Usput budi receno, Ante nije od onih koji prima socijalnu ili sl. pomoc od strane drzave nego sva sredstva prezivljavanja su honorari njegove umjetnicke djelatnosti a ti su pak nazalost rijetki. Apeliram na Vasu osobnu hrabrost, javite se Anti Teskeri barem kojom ljubaznom rjecju a kad se pojavite u Zagrebu posjetite ga, rado ce Vam pokazati svoja djela i "prosetati se" s Vama po bregima izvanzagrebackim.ÂKontakt adresa Ante Teskere je: Pirinova 12 A, 10 000 Zagreb; Telefon: 01 2913 522; e-mail:ante.teskera@zg.tel.hr Najsrdacnije se zahvaljuje na paznji Vlado Franjevic, Knezevina Liechtenstein -------------------------------------------------------------------------- U nastavku rijeci povjesnicarke umjetnosti Visnje Slavice Gabout o radovima Ante Teskere: Slikarski svijet Ante Teskere ponajviše je svijet kolaža. Svijet jedne druge, paralelne realnosti - presložene i analiticki sredene, istodobno disciplinirane i poeticne, aluzivne i sinteticne, u kojoj se rastapaju granice izmedu stvarnog i imaginarnog, u kojoj je iluzija taktilna i u kojoj fizickiosjet izmice materijalnoj odredljivosti. A iznad svega, svijet je to kreativne igre - igre asocijacija i optickihsenzacija, igre znacenja i komunikacijskih transformacija, prostornih pomaka i sadržajnih odmaka. Jer kolaž je taktilna metamorfozaforme i sadržaja. On ne predstavlja stvarnost, niti je opisuje, ali je od nje sazdan i o njoj opipljivosvjedoci. On je i predmetna cinjenica i iluzija; dijalektika vida i privida; zbilja i njezina predodžba. Njegovi djelici su uzorci istarih i novih struktura, sudionici i starog i novog vizualnog poretka. U neodoljivim, prividnim prostorima kolažaprotice neodredljiva protocnost vremena i cure, poniru i bujaju umnoženi kadrovi jednog novostvorenog svijeta - koji je tu, koji se može opipati, ali koji istodobno izmice iz ruku i iz vidokruga, pretvarajuci se, kao neštofizicko, smisleno i misleno, u nešto drugo - sasvim iluzivno. U novim srodnostima i novim susjedstvima otkrivaju se tako neki drukcijiprostori i nepoznati vidovi poznatoga. Kolaži Ante Teskere isjeccima preuzetima iz poznate stvarnosti - iz pronadenog materijala (tiskovine) kreiraju novu zbilju i novu predmetnost. Pritom ovaj autor pokazuje poseban interes zageometrijsku gradnju slike, konstruirane pomocu pravilnih, izduženih traka papira u boji, strpljivo lijepljenog pojednom tehnicki discipliniranom i matematicki promišljenom principu, s naglaskom na facetiranim apstraktnim formama i nacvrstoj strukturi slike. Slike oblikovane škarama i naslikane papiricima obojenih, šarenih uzoraka, kompozicijskiuravnotežene po zakonitostima klasicnog "zlatnog reza" i koloristicki usuglašene i dinamizirane aktivnim odnosomapliciranih obojenih ploha. Kolaži su to gustog i pikturalno zasicenog linearnog umreženja, neobicnih prostornih rastvaranja - dubokih proboja i beskrajnih širenja, snažnih pulsirajucih ritmova i naglašenih energetskih cvorišta,koji pobuduju osjetilne i mentalne senzacije, aktiviraju kombinatoriku, sugeriraju poetiku i nude slobodnu igruimaginacije, istražujuci na taj nacin neke druge prostore i prekoracujuci iluzionisticki prag imaginarne slikarskeravni. U avanturu traganja za osobnim likovnim izrazom Ante Teskera tako ulazi sjedne strane cistom i strogom organizacijom slike, redom i sabranošcu, analiticnošcu i sinteticnošcu, cvrstom strukturom i jasnom konstrukcijom, dok s druge svoj izraz boji zacudnom sugestivnošcu i ekspresivnošcu, pritajenom culnošcu ijednom oduhovljenošcu unutarnjeg videnja, što njegovu izricaju pridaje komponentu osobnosti, emotivne angažiranostii poetske slobode. Komponentu neophodnu da bi se ovo slikarstvo smjestilo u individualni kadar i išcitalo kaojedna neponovljiva, kreativna autorska prica i autorova subjektivna, maštovita slikarska vizija. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- English Version: LIVING ON AXIS KNIN-KIJEVO-PARAPLEGIA Honoured Ladies and Gentlemen, Personelly I would be very pleased if you find time and will to read my letter from the beginning to the end. Even though I now there is possibility that by now you have recived a great number of letters with similar contents and even though I assume that you might feel little exhausted because of similar longings.In this moment I would like to introduce you academic painter and graphic artist Ante Teskera and his unhappy situation, and to politely ask, if you are in any way in position, to pay attention on this creative individual, hit by a hard destiny, who will be endlessly happy if you write him just a couple of nice words. Ante Teskera was born in 1972 in Knin and untill 1980 he lived with his family in Kijevo, village known to croatian watchfull public by horrible things who affected the village and croatian population, done by Serbs. In 1980 Ante was injured in car accident and the consequence was permanent paralysis of lower extremities (paraplegia). He started elementary school in Kijevo, continued in Kraljevica and finished in Zagreb in Centre for education and training of children and youth. In this Centre he graduated secondary administrative school. Next two years he lived in the Centre as a refugee. In 1995 he manages to register in Academy of Fine Art in Zagreb and he graduated in February 2001, in the class of professor Miroslav Sutej. I turn to you for a favour, hoping that you are in the position to provide help to this young artist in unenviable situation in wich he found himself. Maybe you are the person who have ideas how to help, either through advice or concrete transparent action like: to organize exhibitions of his work, to buy up some of his work, to recommend this artist to those who knows and (or) could do something like this. As an artist Ante Teskera works in techniques as oil on canvas, graphic (dry needle, copper etching + aquatinta, litography) and collages. He knows the problems of desktop publishing in design work - from idea to print. Ante would be happy if he could live from his own work. Because he is aware of his possibilities, it is hard for him to be in the position of person who ask for help, but we all knows in wich situation is our beautiful country Croatia at this moment and generally where creative and young people with fresh ideas hardly find a space for perform. By the way, Ante is not one of those who receive social or other help provided by state, all his resources for surviving are author's artistic royalties, wich are rare. I appeal on your personel courage, send at least a couple of kind words to Ante Teskera, and when you come to Zagreb try to visit him, he will be happy to show you his work and take you 'for a walk' across the hills near Zagreb. Contact adress: Ante Teskera, Pirinova 12 A, 10 000 Zagreb; phone: 01 2913 522; e-mail: ante.teskera@zg.tel.hr Cordially gratefull on your attention Vlado Franjevic, Principality of Liechtenstein -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the words of art historian Višnja Slavica Gabout: The painter's world of Ante Teskera is primarily the one of collage. A world of another, parallel reality - recomposed and analytically composed, synchronously disciplined and poetic, allusive and synthetic, where the dividing line between the real and the imaginary is blurred,where illusion is tactile and the physical sensation eludes material identifiability. And most of all, it is the world of creative play - a play of associations and optical sensations, a play of meanings and communicative transformations, of spatial shifts and contextual detachment. For, collage is a tactile metamorphosisof form and content. It is neither a representation nor a description of reality, yet it is made of it andtangibly testifies to it. It is both an objective fact and an illusion; the dialectics of perception and semblance; the reality and its image. His fragments are but patterns of structures old and new, participants in anold as well as new visual order. In the irresistible, imaginary reaches of the collage there flows an imponderable fluidity of time, and trickle, disappear underground, then heave some multiplied frames of a newlycreated world - which is here to be touched, yet elusive and tending to escape from the horizon, turning, asif something physical, meaningful and reflective, into something quite different - quite illusive indeed. Innew relationships and new neighbourhoods some different spaces are thus unveiled, some unknownaspects of the known. By segments of the known reality - taken from the found print material - the collagesof Ante Teskera create a new reality and a new subjectivity. While doing so, this author shows a particularinterest in drawing a geometric figure made of straight, coloured paper ribbons laboriously glued together on atechnically disciplined and mathematically well thought-out principle, with emphasis on faceted abstract forms and a solid structure of the picture. The painting picture shaped by scissors and painted in ribbons of multicoloured patterns, its composition balanced by following the rules of the classical goldensection, colouristically harmonised and dynamised through an active interplay of appliquéd coloured surfaces.These are the collages of a fine, pictorially saturated linear mesh, of peculiar spatial partitions - of deep penetrations and infinite expansions, of potent pulsating rhythms and pronounced energy sources, that inducesensory and mental sensations, activate the combinatorial skill, suggest poetics and invite to a free play of imagination, exploring thus some other spaces and crossing the illusionist threshold of an imaginary painting plane.Ante Teskera plunges into this adventurous quest for a personal visual expression with a pure and rigorous arrangement, with order and composure, analysis and synthesis, with a solid structure and clear design on one hand, whereas on the other he tints his expression with amazing suggestiveness and expressiveness, with suppressed sensuality and a spirituality of the inner vision that impartsto his expression a touch of individuality, emotional engagement and poetic license. The touch vital for putting hispainting within an individual frame and to reading it as a unique, creative author's tale and his personal,imaginative painter's vision. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 18 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tanja Simic, mezzo-soprano performance http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5602/1/E-Tanja-Simic-mezzo-soprano-performance.html You are cordially invited to a graduation recital by TANJA SIMIC, mezzo-soprano with Martina Cukrov - piano, Danny Mallon - percussion, Joe Ravo - guitar.Sunday, May 19, 2002 at 1:30 pm at Mannes College of Music, Concert Hall, 150 West 85th Street (between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenue). Works by Handel, Schumann, Dvoak, Rachmaninov, etc.ÂFree Admission letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 17 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) All eyes on Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5604/1/E-All-eyes-on-Croatia.html Friday 17 May 2002Telegraph NetworkÂtelegraph.co.uk All eyes on Croatia Rebecca Heald reports on the latest excitement to emerge from Europe's eastern playground LONDON, New York, Paris, Milan, Zagreb: the latter might not yet be on the fashion map but that is all set to change thanks to design trio I-GLE's first independent catwalk show on May 7.I-GLE: catch them if you can. Picture: Ivana Vucic'I-GLE', Croatian for both 'sewing needle' and 'Hey, look!', was established by Martina Vrdoljak Ranilovic in 1998 with Romano Decker and Natasa Mihaljcisin joining in consequent years. Together they have revolutionised the Croatian fashion industry attracting a cult-like following of fashionistas and socialites the world over. Taking shape: the collection hanging in I-GLE's ZagrebboutiqueCiting 'the unexpected' as their main inspiration, their designs are characterised by stray threads, complex layering, unusual colour combinations and themes of disintegration and deconstruction. Wildly anticipated in Croatia and beyond, I-GLE is following the recent examples of Dolce & Gabbana, Julien Macdonald and other enlightened designers by broadcasting the show across the globe via a live webcast. Log on to www.i-gle.comÂat 20:00 GMT (21:00CET) to witness a showÂthat promises to set new standards for both couture and the catwalk.© Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2002. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 16 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tarbuk recipient of the "Slavenski" award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5607/1/E-Tarbuk-recipient-of-the-Slavenski-award.html Mladen TarbukTarbuk is Recipient of the "Slavenski" AwardThe recognition given to Mladen Tarbuk for his composition "Dreamers", inspired by Nikola Sop's poetry. A rich annual harvest of Croatian music - no less than 59 premieres.ZAGREB, April 10. - Vjesnik's now already traditional award "Josip Stolcer Slavenski" for new works of Croatian composers performed for the first time in 2001 went to Mladen Tarbuk for his vocal-instrumental cycle "Dreamers", which had its premiere at the International Music Platform in Pula. It was performed by the coloratura soprano Lidija Horvat-Dunjko and the instrumental ensemble "Cantus", under the direction of the composer.The jury consisting of Tonko Ninic (Chairman), Erika Krpan, Visnja Pozgaj, Frano Parac and Nenad Turkalj did not have an easy task, because Croatian music was enriched last year by no less than 59 new works of orchestral, vocal, stage, and chamber music. Such a number of premieres was also due to the fact that last year the Zagreb Biennale of Contemporary Music took place, so that domestic composers had sufficient opportunity for placing their new works, apart from the regular concert programs and the Pula event.The jury selected the candidates in three rounds of voting, the first of which yielded fourteen composers: Zeljko Brkanovic (two compositions), Zoran Juranic, Vjekoslav Njezic, Pavle Despalj, Ivo Josipovic, Igor Kuljeric, Olja Jelaska, Mladen Tarbuk, Dubravko Detoni, Miroslav Miletic, Davorin Jagodic, Kresimir Seletkovic, Berislav Sipus and Pero Gotovac.After the second round of voting, the short list consisted of Berislav Sipus with his cycle of piano preludes "Nights", Igor Kuljeric with his Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra, and Mladen Tarbuk with his "Dreamers", also Pavle Despalj with his Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra, Vjekoslav Njezic with the composition "Traces" for orchestra and electronics, Dubravko Detoni with his electronic composition "Secret", Pero Gotovac with his choral composition "Misa Delmata", and Ivo Josipovic with his "Tuba ludens" for tuba and orchestra.In the third and final round Mladen Tarbuk was declared the laureate for his composition "Dreamers", which will be performed on May 9 at the 29th Musical Memorial "Josip Stolcer Slavenski" in Cakovec.The jury's explanation: Mladen Tarbuk (b.1962) has been prominent on the Croatian musical scene for a number of years, not only as a prolific and talented composer, but also as conductor and organizer. He has been responsible for the systematic formation and improving quality of the Symphonic Wind Instrument Orchestra of the Croatian Army, and has recently also been appointed manager of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. As a composer he has been performed almost more frequently abroad than at home, at numerous events featuring contemporary music, where he has achieved recognition and received numerous foreign awards.Nikola Sop's dream visionsHis "Dreamers" were inspired by a cycle of poems by one of the great Croatian poets of the 20th century, Nikola Sop, who has been described as "a wonderful Catholic poet with a tragic destiny". These are spiritual poems expressing dream visions, and it was their metaphysical depth that induced the composer to evoke brilliantly the atmosphere of this poetry through a particularly complex instrumentation. The critics have also noticed that in this respect his work is not comparable to any other in Croatian music to date.The composition has also depended on the collaboration of an exceptional singer, the soprano Lidija Horvat-Dunjko, who is able to execute coloratura passages of dizzying heights, all the way to the third A; by employing an unusual set of instruments in his chamber music orchestra, the composer has devised surprising and very striking sound combinations which complement the voice of this brilliant singer.Nenad Turkalj (Vjesnik, Thursday, April 11, 2002)Â(Translated by generosity of Ivana Jeric) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Canada SAD Kazalisno gostovanje iz Zagreba http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5606/1/H-Canada-SAD-Kazalisno-gostovanje-iz-Zagreba.html U Kanadi i SADu sljedeci tjedan gostuje kazalisna predstava "U SJENI GREEN HILLA", autora Joska Bozanica i redatelja Marina Carica, u izvedbi poznatih glumacaIVICE VIDOVICA i LJUBOMIRA KAPORAKazalisni komad U SJENI GREEN HILLA dramski je prvijenac Joska Bozanica, pjesnika i istrazivaca hrvatske pomorske tradicije. Autor je zabiljezioÂusmene price dalmatinskih iseljenika u Kaliforniji. Iz tih prica nastala je ova scenska igra. Radnja predstave smjestena je u San Pedro. Dva vremesna nasijenca, emigranta s pocetka pedesetih godina, prepricavaju svoje zgode i nezgode u uvjetima sustavih zelenih novcanica. Njih dvojica su kao jedanÂcovjek - jedan slabo cuje, drugi slabo vidi i tako oni uzmu jedan drugoga pod ruku pa "voke i toke po Pacifiku".Predstave ce se odrzati:u cetvrtak, 23. svibnja 2002. u 20:00 satiGeorge Ignatieff Theatre15 Devonshire Plc. , Toronto (St. George/Bloor)u subotu, 25. svibnja 2002. u 20:00 satiHuron Park Theatre830 Paisley W., Mississauga (Mavis/Dundas)Ulaznice po cijeni od $20.00 mogu se kupiti jedan sat prije predstave.ÂDjeca mladja od 14 godina, besplatno.Za REZERVACIJE i obavijesti, obratite se na telefone 905-277-9051 iÂ416-695-1493 ili na e-mail: aranka_lengyel@hotmail.com.Âu SAD.:May 20, 2002 at 7 p.m.Croatian Centre ManhattanNew York, NYcontact person: fra. Ivica Majstorovictel: 212-563-3395, fax: 212-868-1203e-mail: crkvany@aol.comÂJune 1, 2002San Pedro, Californiacontact person: Mr. Damir TomkaConsulate General of the Republic of Croatiatel: 310-477-1009, fax: 310-477-1866IN CANADA:May 23, 2002 at 8 pmGeorge Ignatieff Theatre15 Devonshire Plc.Toronto (St. George/Bloor)May 25, 2002 at 8 pmHuron Park Theatre830 Paisley W.Mississauga (Mavis/Dundas)contact person for Toronto/Mississauga:Aranka Lengyel, Consulate General of the Republic of Croatiatel: 905-277-9051 or 416-695-1493, fax: 905-277-5432,e-mail: aranka_lengyel@hotmail.comÂMay 26, 2002 at noonCroatian ChurchOttawa, Ontariocontact person:Marijan Oresnik, Embassy of the Republic of Croatiatel: 613-562-7820, fax: 613-562-7821,e-mail: embcrott@sprint.caÂMay 28, 2002 in the eveningCroatian ChurchMontreal, Quebeccontact person: Vesna Blazina, AMCAe-mail: vesna.blazina@umontreal.ca letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN THEATRE PLAY ON TOUR IN CANADA AND THE U.S.A. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5605/1/E-CROATIAN-THEATRE-PLAY-ON-TOUR-IN-CANADA-AND-THE-USA.html CROATIAN THEATRE PLAY ON TOUR IN CANADA AND THE U.S.A.!IN THE SHADOW OF GREEN HILLa comedy by Josko Bozanic, directed by Marin Caricperformed by eminent Croatian theatre and film actorsIVICA VIDOVIC and LJUBO KAPORThis is the first theatre play by Josko Bozanic, a poet and a researcherof Croatian naval tradition. Mr. Bozanic has based his play on thecollected stories told to him by Dalmatian emigrants in California. Theplay is therefore taking place in San Pedro, California, where twoelderly men, emigrants from the early fifties talk about their good andbad times far away from their island, which is still the only placewhere they truly belong.This play has received numerous theatre awards in Croatia. It will makeyou laugh, but it will also bring a few tears to many eyes.SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES:IN THE U.S.A.:May 20, 2002 at 7 p.m.Croatian Centre ManhattanNew York, NYcontact person: fra. Ivica Majstorovictel: 212-563-3395, fax: 212-868-1203e-mail: crkvany@aol.comÂJune 1, 2002San Pedro, Californiacontact person: Mr. Damir TomkaConsulate General of the Republic of Croatiatel: 310-477-1009, fax: 310-477-1866IN CANADA:May 23, 2002 at 8 pmGeorge Ignatieff Theatre15 Devonshire Plc.Toronto (St. George/Bloor)May 25, 2002 at 8 pmHuron Park Theatre830 Paisley W.Mississauga (Mavis/Dundas)contact person for Toronto/Mississauga:Aranka Lengyel, Consulate General of the Republic of Croatiatel: 905-277-9051 or 416-695-1493, fax: 905-277-5432,e-mail: aranka_lengyel@hotmail.comÂMay 26, 2002 at noonCroatian ChurchOttawa, Ontariocontact person:Marijan Oresnik, Embassy of the Republic of Croatiatel: 613-562-7820, fax: 613-562-7821,e-mail: embcrott@sprint.caÂMay 28, 2002 in the eveningCroatian ChurchMontreal, Quebeccontact person: Vesna Blazina, AMCAe-mail: vesna.blazina@umontreal.ca letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Svjetlana Kabalin - The Sylvan Winds at CARNEGIE HALL http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5608/1/E-Svjetlana-Kabalin---The-Sylvan-Winds-at-CARNEGIE-HALL.html ÂTUESDAY, MAY 21 AT 8:00 P.M.inWEILL RECITAL HALL at CARNEGIE HALLThe Sylvan Winds Schubert is generally considered a pretty good composer &, along w/Dvorzhak, probably the best INSTRUMENTAL melodist of them all... But eventhe best can be improved upon as happened to Schubert more than once. Thereare not only numerous Liszt transcriptions of his songs, but the good abbéwandered away w/ Schubert's Wanderer Phantasy transforming it into a piano concerto! Even Schubert himself wasn't averse to self-`improvement' as witnessed byhis incorporating that little fishy song into an entire variation movementin one of the most popular works in the entire chamber music literature,although using the piano & 4 strings that DO NOT add up to a string quartet... So, THERE was a good reason for making it better by using a STANDARDchamber group w/ piano such as, e.g. wind quintet. BUT, if you want toblame ME for daring to meddle w/ Schubert's fiddles changing them intowhistles, while pleading guilty for the notes, can't take CR for the idea. It all started when Kenneth COOPER, now returning for his sixthcollaboration with the Sylvan Winds with whom he first appeared in 1980, attheir initial subscription concert at Weill Recital Hall in 1983 played thework's Scherzo as an impromptu encore - with the Sylvan Wind Quintetreading from the original string parts... For their customary end-of-the-season return to Weill Recital Hall inApril '987 they ASKED me (does that count as a `commission'?) to providethe arrangement for the entire work, premièred at the time. Now, by hearingit on this version's 2nd performance at its 15th anniversary you may come(as I hope you will!) to hear it for yourself & let me know if I shouldchalk it up to the CR or DR column of my so called accomplishments (as in`my "so called" life'). Hoping to c y there & that YOU'll become SylvanWinds regulars!TUESDAY, MAY 21 AT 8:00 P.M. inWEILL RECITAL HALL at CARNEGIE HALL forÂMASTERPIECES, a Sylvan Winds programÂfeaturing pianist KENNETH COOPERProgram:ÂBRAHMS Zigeunerlieder (Gypsy Songs), Op. 103 (1888) arr. for wind quintet & piano by Kenneth CooperBEETHOVEN Quintet in Eb Major, Op. 4 (1792/7) arr. for wind quintet by Mordecai RechtmanSCHUBERT 'Trout' Quintet in A Major, D. 667 (1819) arr. for wind quintet & piano by Fedor KabalinThe Sylvan Winds is pleased to present this program of 'Masterpieces'dedicated to Florence & Martin Richman in honor of their generous patronageand the 40th Wedding Anniversary!WEILL RECITAL HALL is located @ 154 W 57 St(50 steps to ze rite of ze Russian Tea Room)Tickets are $25 & 20 / $12.50 & $10 for students & seniors.ÂFor further ticket information, please call (212) 222-3569If there are others whom you think may be interested in attending, pleaseforward this reminder.Hope to c ya there!Fedor Kabalinfedor.kabalin@nyu.eduThe SYLVAN WINDS, an ensemble devoted toexploring the literature of chamber music for wind instruments, is a naturaloutgrowth of the Sylvan Wind Quintet, founded in 1976. Based in New York City,the group is the only one of its kind to present an annual subscription serieswhich has been critically acclaimed and has been captivating audiences with itsinnovative programming. Following a concert sponsored by the Carnegie HallCorporation in 1982, the Sylvan Winds has frequently performed in Weill RecitalHall.The ensemble has often been featured at Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival,most recently appearing in the Mozart & Prague week, having also appearedduring the Mozart Bicentennial Celebration and Haydn Marathon, as well as inAvery Fisher Hall pre-concert programs, and participating with the Festival'swinds in performances of the Mozart Grand Partita (K. 361/370a) and Handel'soriginal orchestration of the Royal Fireworks music. Chosen to perform for NewYork's Governor's Arts Awards in the fall of 1994, the Sylvan Winds have alsotoured major university and chamber music series nationally, includingperformances at the University of the Pacific, Amherst College and the RutgersUniversity Summerfest. Featured as the chamber ensemble in-residence at theWhite Mountains Festival, the ensemble performed in Korea in the spring of 1993and has also been heard on New York City radio stations WQXR, WNYC and WBAI, aswell as on National Public Radio's Performance Today.Noted for a wide range and breadth of repertory, the Sylvan Winds have presenteda number of New York, United States and world premieres of works by suchcomposers as Gustav Holst, Gunther Schuller, David Chaitkin and Arthur Weisberg.Many of the works they perform are written for a variety of instrumentalgroupings and have included collaborations with guest artists such as conductorGerard Schwarz, the Guarneri String Quartet, pianist Claude Frank and EdmundBattersby, harpsichordists Kenneth Cooper and Gerald Ranck, singers Wendy Whiteand D'Anna Fortunato, as well as the American Brass Quintet. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 14 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Island of Zlarin Project http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5609/1/E-Island-of-Zlarin-Project.html ÂÂÂIsland of Zlarin StudioProf.George Proctor, AIAgeorger@cybertects.comThe island of Zlarin is located on the Dalmatian coast an hour north ofSplit. It is one of four inhabited islands belonging to the town of Sibenik, thegateway to the national parks in the Krka river gorge and the Kornati Islands.Zlarin is within swimming distance of the mainland, just a 30 minute boat ridefrom the Sibenik ferry terminal. Zlarin's beautiful coast and clear waters are ahaven for yachters travelling the Croatian coast, its picturesque small villagedating to the 1400's is a photographers dream and its pristine coves a paradisefor swimmers and summer sunbathers.Until the 1960's islands off the coast from Sibenik were heavily cultivated,primarily for subsistence farming. At one time, Zlarin even produced exportablewine and olive oil. Today agricultural production has dwindled to garden plotsand a few cared-for olive and grape orchards. At present, only 5% of theisland's 8.14 square kilometers are used for agricultural production. Much ofthe former orchards and vineyards are covered with Mediterranean pine.Maglite founder and President Anthony Maglica recently enlisted the help ofthe faculty and design studios at California State Polytechnic University Pomonato provide a vision for Zlarin, the place of his youth. Mr. Maglica, born in NewYork City to Croatian immigrants, returned to the island with his mother in the1930's as a small child, and came back to the U.S. in his early twenties forgainful employment like so many of his countrymen. As recent as 1960 thepopulation of Zlarin was close to 2000 people. However, many of the inhabitantsleft the island for jobs in the cities of the former Yugoslavia, leaving thepresent population at approximately 250.A recent visit to the island left Anthony Maglica discouraged about theisland and its people's future. Wanting to bring jobs and the substance of acomplete life to the people of Zlarin, he enlisted the help of the Cal Polydesign studios to prepare a master plan and urban design solutions for thevillage and the hinterlands of his Adriatic childhood. The college's richhistory began with its founding Dean Richard Neutra and his principles ofsurvival through design, which are manifest in the Architecture, Art, LandscapeArchitecture, and Urban & Regional Planning Departments and, the highlyregarded Center for Regenerative studies. Cal Poly's College of Environmentaldesign has a reputation for taking on real world projects and brings a diverserange of expertise to bear on an island like Zlarin. The College's Center forRegenerative Studies is known internationally as a living lab forsustainability, and its know-how is a keen match with an island project.Working with the attributes of Zlarin, the design studios at Cal Poly arebeginning to develop a vision for the island that expands the idea of tourism toinclude the island's agricultural history, its quaint village and clear coastalwaters. Additionally, internet based cottage industries and light, pollutionfree, manufacturing will bring a balance to the economic vitality of the island.The Cal Poly studios are painting the picture of a culturally authentic placedriven by worldly economic engines. The studio is developing designs to enhancethe island's amenities and historic traditions in order to expand tourism beyondthe typical two-month season. Water sports, agri-tourism, and high qualityindigenous cuisine will give tourists many reasons to come to Zlarin. Visitorsmay visit a local winery, olive oil production facility, work on a small farm,bike around the island or eat in restaurants serving up locally produced fishand hams, goat cheese, wild asparagus, and other island grown greens andvegetables. Authentic dwellings are being considered for renovation as touristaccommodations in lieu of megalithic resort and hotel complexes. Newdevelopments are being depicted at the same scale and character as the existingvillage. Several light manufacturing and assembly facilities will be nestledinconspicuously along the edge of the island's agricultural valley. At the heartof the historic village, a new town center is being designed to provide accessto modern shopping, a movie theater and a place for cultural events.In April 2000, a team from Cal Poly visited Zlarin and the town of Sibenik,Croatia to collect data and meet with local leaders. The vision the team isdeveloping found consensus with the local people. With the help anddetermination of Anthony Maglica, the vision for this place seems destined tobecome a world class destination with authentic qualities.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂhttp://www.csupomona.edu/~env/zlarin/# letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) FREE Museum Mile Festival June 11th, 2002 in Manhattan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5603/1/E-FREE-Museum-Mile-Festival-June-11th-2002-in-Manhattan.html The annual Museum Mile Festival takes place the second Tuesday in June from 6-9pm. In the past two decades, well over one million people have taken part in this annual celebration. Festival attendees can walk the Mile from 82nd Street to 104th Street and visit nine of New York City's finest cultural institutions open free that evening to the public. Several of the participating museums will offer outdoor art activities for children. This year's opening ceremony will be hosted by Paul Thompson, the new director of the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution,and will take place at 5:45pm in their Garden at 91st Sreet. Fifth Avenue will be closed to traffic and become a strollers' haven. Special exhibitions and works from permanent collections will be on view inside the institutions and live music from jazz to Broadway tunes to string quartets will be featured in front of each museum. Additional street entertainers will perform along Fifth Avenue all evening. Established in 1978 to increase public awareness of its member institutions and promote public support of the arts, the festival has served as a model for similar events across the country. For further information, the public may call at 212-606-2296 or check:www.museummile.org.ÂThese are the museums along Museum Mile :ElMuseo del Barrio at 104th StreetMuseumof the City of New York at 103rd StreetInternationalCenter of Photography at 94th StreetJewishMuseum at 92nd StreetCooper-HewittNational Museum of Design at 91st StreetNationalAcademy Museum and School of Fine Arts at 89th StreetSolomonR. Guggenheim Museum at 88th StreetMetropolitanMuseum of Art from 82-86 StreetGoetheHouse German Cultural Center at 82nd Street letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Four Centuries of Global Presence http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5612/1/E-Four-Centuries-of-Global-Presence.html ÂFour Centuries of Global PresenceThe Classical Gymnasium of Zagreb will celebrate its four hundredth anniversary in 2007; an event significant not only for Croatia, but for European and World culture. A few weeks ago I listened to a lecture by Dr. Dino Milinovic on promotion of Croatian culture in France. The lecture took place at the premises of the Association of the Classical Gymnasium of Zagreb - Sodalitas Gymnasii Classici Zagrabiensis. Both the lecturer, the place, and the topic are significant. Let us take up the man first. Dr. Milinovic (Ph.D. in art history, Sorbonne, 1990) is a Croatian scholar and diplomat. He graduated from the Classical Gymnasium in 1974, and from the School of Arts and Sciences of the University of Zagreb (art history and archeology) in 1984. Currently, he is a lecturer at the University of Zagreb's School of Arts and Sciences teaching Iconology and Roman art. Dr. Milinovic just completed a two year tour of duty as the cultural attaché at the Croatian Embassy in Paris. Previously, he had served as Secretary to the Croatian Commission for cooperation with the UNESCO. Obviously, he is fully qualified to speak about promotion of Croatian culture in France - and elsewhere. As someone who spent a decade or so promoting Croatia in the U.S., including a stint (1994-97) as the Head of the PR Division of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA), I am well positioned to understand Dr. Milinovic's efforts, and to congratulate him on his successes - primarily on Croatia's well-received participation in the all-European Anjou Exhibit at Fontevrauld, a mausoleum of the early members of that important European dynasty, and on the upcoming major exhibition of Croatian sculptor, Ivan Kožaric, in Paris. But I am also fully capable of sharing his frustrations. From memory, I will quote just one of Dino's thoughts: "The triumph of Janica Kostelic, accompanied by the success of her brother, Ivica, is a wonderful thing for Croatia, but it is not a result of a systematic Croatian Government policy of promotion (in this case, of sport), but of efforts and dedication of one man - Janica's and Ivica's father". My American experience has been very similar: Croatia does not know how, does not wish, to promote itself. Already in the fall of 1991, Dr. Philip Cohen a great friend of Croatia, told me over the phone: "You Croats are too restrained, too polite when it comes to promoting your cause. You should be screaming." It was the time of the siege of Vukovar. Now, that the shooting war is over, perhaps we need not scream, but we should indeed stand up and boldly present our case. As I have written in a document entitled "Croatian Culture and Promotion of Croatia in the U.S.", produced at the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar in Zagreb in 1999-2000 (and for reasons unknown never brought out to public light, or disseminated to the Croatian authorities), I expressed similar thoughts (and frustrations). Among other things, I pointed out that a key to a successful promotion of Croatia, in this case via Croatian culture, which I believe to be our strongest weapon in a daily struggle for political and economic goodwill of the Only Remaining Superpower, is the role of Croatian communities all around the world, in particular of the "old diaspora," the offspring of those who had emigrated many decades (centuries) ago. I will say a few more words about this issue in my conclusion. But first, allow me to say a few words about the place. The Classical Gymnasium of Zagreb was formed by the Jesuits in 1607. The Gymnasium's beautiful, early Baroque building still stands at Katarina Zrinska Square in the Upper Town of Zagreb. Although the Gymnasium is today (again) at Križanoc Street, the author of these lines graduated under the heavy vaults of the old building. The venerable institution, and structure to accommodate it, came into being less than two decades after the Croats, together with Slovene and Styrian troops, routed the Turks at Sisak, putting a stop once for ever to their advancement on the Croatian front. Here, a mere fifty kilometers from the battle line, the founding of the Classical Gymnasium challenged the old maxim that Inter arma silent Musae. This year the Classical Gymansium is celebrating its 395th birthday. I am not too fond of "minor" celebration dates, but in the case of my old Alma Mater I may be ready to bend my own rules. An institution that has been present for almost four centuries on the global scene deserves to make a few headlines every few years. This year's celebration includes such major events as the publication of a monumental Povijest Klasicne gimnazije (A History of the Classical Gymnasium), a 600 page plus opus by a distinguished Croatian historian, Dr. Lelja Dobronic, a Godišnjak (Miscellany) which, I am sure, will be as full of interesting and exciting texts as the previous ones, a Svecana Akademija (State Gala, in the Croatian National Theater, on May 28, 2002), and an exhibition of art works featuring such Croatia's top artists as Angeli Kosta Radovani, Zlatko Prica, Albert Kinert, Josip Biffel, Mrija Ujevic, Lovro Artukovic, Dubravka Babic, etc. There will also be concerts, theater performances, and lectures. But all this pales in the light of what should be in store for 2007, when the Gymnasium will celebrate 400 years of its existence. In order to understand the magnitude of that date, not just for Croatia, we must think at least very briefly of the nature of the institution itself. The Counterreformation period witnessed, of course, founding of Jesuit classical gymnasiums in many European (and even overseas) countries. In each case this meant becoming a link in a chain of institutions promoting an all-European and global view. Latin, Greek, and, in some cases, Hebrew, the classical languages, are by nature multicultural, i.e., do not know national or cultural borders. Harvard is an offspring of a divinity school founded on classical knowledge. Still in the 19th century, the students on the Harvard campus were allowed to address one another only in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew. Since 1607, Zagreb has been a part of that great international brotherhood. And it is truly a brotherhood. Often have I discovered that I had more in common, or could better count on alumni of classical gymnasiums from Botswana or Paraguay, than on people of my own family. This globalist aspect of the Classical Gymnasium of Zagreb should be recognized in Croatia and beyond. Again, we need not scream about it, but we need, politely but firmly, point out to the "greater," that cross-cultural and globally minded institutions existed in Croatia at times when the people of the area had to fight daily in order to survive. And they have survived, at this difficult spot of the globe, because they have preserved their culture, not in isolation, but linking it up to the best in the European and global community. For this reason, I suggest that Croatia's investment in the great celebration which must ensue in 2007 be minimal. We should, as of today, start to, politely but firmly, ask for sponsors from the world community - in order to make it realize that Croatia's historical and cultural space has never been "Balkans." I strongly believe that the celebration may be one of our best opportunities to make this point. And we must not miss it! This brings me back to a few thoughts expressed above. In order to pass on a message, a piece of communication, we must be understood. This means mastering the language of the people we want to speak to (Dr. Milinovic has pointed out that one of Croatia's problems with France is a very small number of francophone individuals in Croatia). We must also understand the psychology of our targets, their ways of thinking, their myths. Just take the U.S.: "O.K. Corral," the myth of good guys winning in spite of being outnumbered and outgunned. Or "Horatio Alger," rags-to-riches story of a little guy succeeding in spite of all odds. Croatia certainly fulfilled the "good guy" image in 1991-92 - and won! It certainly is a "little guy" trying to succeed in spite of all odds. The role of those among our people around the globe who have been fully integrated into the world of their new countries could be immense in this process. So could also be that of a supranational community of people linked by classical education. The upcoming four hundredth anniversary of the Classical Gymnasium of Zagreb is a superb opportunity for Croatia to "make a splash" on the global scene. Allow me to repeat: let us make every, both individual and government effort not to miss it!Vladimir P. Goss letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 11 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) So Much to Write - So Little Time http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5610/1/E-So-Much-to-Write---So-Little-Time.html ÂSo Much to Write - So Little TimeMary Helen Stefaniak - a Poet of Forgiveness, a Poet ofJoyMary Helen Stefaniak, along with Melissa Milich, AnthonyMlikotin, and Josip Novakovich, forms a quadrille of Croatian-American writerswho belong to the mainstream of the contemporary American literature. Each ofthem has its own style, its own background, and its own artistic road - butwhat they have in common is that that road has brought them all to the very topof American literature.ÂÂÂÂÂThe Matica spoke to Mary Helen for the first time in 1997, afterthe publication of her well-received collection of short stories Self Storageand Other Stories (Minneapolis: New Rivers Press, 1997). "What a joy thesestories are! Spun from the stuff of everyday life they are carefullyconstructed, lovingly sewn, and touched here and there by the miraculous. MaryHelen Stefaniak knows her craft, and she is wonderfully humane writer." Theseare the words a fellow author, Sharon Oard Warner, used to describe MaryHelen's stories.ÂÂÂÂÂÂThis "poet of everyday joy" was born in Milwaukee, in a Croatianfamily originating from Novo Selo in Hungary, across from Virovitica. A numberof her stories deal with the family experiences in the Milwuakee's ethnic"ghetto" - one of them, "The Hollywood Plate," appeared in Croatiantranslation in the Korabljica 3 in 1997, and was described by a critic as"a story of anthological quality."ÂÂÂÂÂÂMary Helen attended Marquette University and the Iowa Writers Workshop,and, before joining the Faculty of the Creighton University at Omaha (Nebraska)teaching creative writing she had worked as a model, a soccer coach, a Europeantour guide, editor, etc. Her home is Iowa City, her husband is of Polish origin(Mary Helen's family name is "Iliasics" in Hungarian, and "Iljašić"in Croatian), and they have three children.ÂÂÂÂÂÂThe highly respected Epoch magazine published by CornellUniversity, brought out not longago Mary Helen's short novel, the first one of a trilogy in progress, TheTurk and My Mother. This was one of the reasons we decided to close the fiveyear gap, and learn more about the career and current projects of thisremarkable Croatian-American.VG: Welast spoke in 1997, after the publication of the Self-Storage. What happened inbetween? In your career? In your writing? In your life?MHS: As far aswriting goes, I've been spending most of my time working on the"trilogy" of novellas that includes "The Turk and MyMother," which was published by Cornell University in EPOCH in Fall 2000.Â"The Turk and My Mother" was shortlisted for the O. HenryAwards, 2001. I've had a number ofshort stories published since 1998: "A Note to Biographers Regarding FamousAuthor Flannery O'Connor" (which draws on my mother's family history inMilledgeville, GA) appeared in The Iowa Review and wasthen selected by Shannon Ravenel for the anthology, NEWSTORIES FROM THESOUTH: THE YEAR'S BEST, 2000. A story called "Believing Marina"--which issort of "ethnic" in that it involves meeting a"D.P." from Ukraine on a Greyhound bus trip--appeared in TheAntioch Review in Spring 2000, and "Arlo on the Fence" waspublished in the same journal in Fall 2001.ÂI also write 9 or 10 essaysper year for a monthly publication called The Iowa Source.ÂI read many of them on Iowa Public Radio.ÂI started contributing those essays to The Source in the end of1997 and have about 40 essays accumulated now, which I've been working onpolishing for a book of essays. Some of those essays deal with my family historyand my travels to the ancestral village on the Hungarian-Croatian border.ÂOne of them was translated into Hungarian by a family friend so that therelatives we visited in Novo Selo (who, of course, read and writeHungarian while they also speak Croatian) could read it.ÂÂÂÂÂÂOne of the things that pleases me most:ÂI fit into so many cultural niches that I don't really "fit"into any of them. In Fall 1998,SELF STORAGE was honored by the Wisconsin Library Association with the BantaAward for Literary Achievement. The Banta Award identifies me as a Wisconsinwriter, a wonderful web page has been created for me at a site called TheNebraska Center for Writers, which calls me a Nebraska writer, and the story in NewStories from the South suggests that I'm a southern writer, not to mentionthe fact that you have identified me as a Croatian-(Hungarian)-Americanwriter! I likebeing "nationwide"--and beyond.ÂÂÂÂÂÂIn 1999, I accepted a tenure-track teaching position at CreightonUniversity in Omaha, Nebraska, where I'm now Director of the Creative WritingProgram. My husband and I continueto share a commute across the state of Iowa, between Iowa City, where we'velived since 1983, and Omaha--a four-hour drive. It's a beautiful drive acrossIowa-terraced fields, rolling hills, groves of oak trees--but it doescomplicate ourlives. At thispoint, the youngest of our three children is a junior in college (doing asemester in Australia at the moment, marine biology off the Great Barrier Reef),so I can't be accused of neglecting my children with my wandering professionallife, but there are two cats in Iowa City who miss me, and many friends in bothstates for whom I don't have nearly enough time.VG: How do youcombine writing with teaching creative writing (and withother activities?MHS: Withdifficulty! Having done a lot ofdifferent things to support my writing habit, I have to say that a full-timetenure-track teaching position is the most difficult thing to combine with aserious commitment to writing. Iwork from 6 a.m to 11 p.m. most days in order to fit in blocks of time forwriting and still get all the teaching andadministrating duties done.ÂVG: Your newshort novel "Turk and My Mother" is out. Tell us about it.MHS: Likemy other "ethnic" stories, "The Turk" takes its cue and hasits roots in events that "really happened" and characters who reallyexisted--a guy named George who has a lot in common with my father, also namedGeorge, narrates--but it goes on to invent the parts of the "familyhistory" that didn't get passed on (because I made them up!)ÂI realized after I wrote "The Turk" that it is aboutforgiveness, that I wrote it inorder to forgive my grandmother (Agnes in the story) forsomething she didto her daughter (my aunt Madeline), something Aunt Madelinehad told meabout a long time ago.ÂIn order to forgive Agnes, I found I needed to invent a whole life andromance for her in the village, I had to imagine my way into her existence toexplain and understand what she did. It'strue that my grandmother Agnes did spend the years surrounding the First WorldWar in Europe while her husband was already in Milwaukee.ÂIt's true that my aunt Madeline conceived her first child before shemarried, and,according to Aunt Madeline, it's true that my grandmotherpunished her in the cruel way the story describes. It's also true that my father used to catch snapping turtlesin the river as a child in Milwaukee and that he liked to swim in the filthywater of the canal with this friends and that he himself became a policeman inpart because of his admiration for theneighborhood policeman who becomes "Pete the Cop"in the story. Prettymuch everything else in the story is fictional--includingtwo of the stars of the tale, Staramajka and the Turk himself.VG: It is apart of a trilogy. What about the other two parts. When? What?Why?MHS: Tostart with the last question first, why two more parts? Because there are alwaysmore people to forgive and understand, more people whose lives we need toimagine our way into. In real life,my father died at age 59. In thisbook, he lives past 80 and gets a chance to tell his daughter more stories. What?ÂAside from an invented family history, all three stories--"The Turkand My Mother," "The Kashube Girl," and "Uncle Marko &the Hollywood Plate"--are really interlocking love stories that take placein Europe and in America, moving back and forth between and among three timeperiods: the present, the 1930s, and the years surrounding World War. We meetAgnes and the Turk in the village during the war, Agnes'shusband Joe and Anica in Milwaukee at that same time, Joe'sbrotherMarko--missing in action in WWI--and a young Russian womanin Siberia, Joeand Agnes's son George and "the Kashube girl" aschildren in Milwaukee inthe 30', and decades later as very senior citizens.ÂEven Staramajka and--well, I won't give everything away.ÂIf there is a theme throughout, it's the relationship of love andforgiveness, how each is necessary for the other, each makes the other possible.ÂMy real father told me on his deathbed that the only thing that mattersin life is having people who love you, people you love.ÂI guess I took him to heart on that one. Another thing that matters, thatgets us through the worst of circumstances, is recognizing the humor inherent inour human predicament. Even in the darkest, cruelest parts of my story, there ishumor, a recognition of the absurdity hovering over and under it all.ÂThere's asense that we're all in the same boat and a recognitionthat the boat is always sinking, but we keep bailing hopefully all the same.ÂThat is very courageous of us, but also quite absurd.ÂÂÂÂÂAs for "when," I'm currently working on the third of the threenovellas and hope to have the whole "trilogy" ready to give to myagent by the end of this summer. Ihad hoped to have it finished a year ago, but the fiction writing process--or atleast my fiction writing process--has a mind and schedule of its own.VG: I havedescribed you as a "poet of the American suburbia" emphasizing yoursensitivity for human feelings and relationships, and fine humor. Doyou agree? How the critics usually describe your work? Ofcourse, you are also a poet of the ethnic inner city blocks. Describe your earlyexperiences in Milwaukee, and also what role in your life and writing was playedby family memories?MHS: Youknow, the truth is that I have never really lived in what we usually think of asa suburb. I've lived most of mylife on tree-lined streets in the city itself--on the south side of Milwaukee,in the industrial/residential city of West Allis, adjacent to Milwaukee, at theedge of downtown Iowa City, and now at the edge of a university campuswedged between downtown and inner city Omaha.ÂI grew up in neighborhoods,the kind where kids played on front porches and inbackyards and alleys, where people shopped at the corner store. (In fact, my grandfather ran a grocery store on East BayStreet in Milwaukee before I was born--this is the same street that serves asthe setting, along with the village of Novo Selo in the old country and the fareastern reaches of Siberia, for the three novellas.) When I was a very small child, my parents and my oldersister and I lived with my grandmother on East Bay Street,in the very house that is the setting for most of the Milwaukee portions of thestory.ÂVG: You are aCroatian from Hungary. If it is at all possible, how have you been relating to"real" Croats (again, if there is such a thing). Was your familyaccepted without question by the Croatian community in Milwaukee?MHS: Therewas not much awareness of our Croatian-ness, even though mygrandmother, aunt, father, and other relatives spokeCroatian to each other all the time. Myfather (b. 1923) was the only one of three siblings born and raised in the US.ÂCroatian was his first language. Mygrandmother's English was quite limited and my aunt's was definitelynonstandard. But when I was growingup, if you had asked me what language they were speaking, I probably would havesaid Hungarian. (In point offact, my grandparents spoke Hungarian when they didn't wantmy father to understand what they were talking about.)ÂWe belonged to a Hungarian parish and a Slovenian lodge.ÂFor years, we received the monthly magazine of the Slovenianorganization. Why was the "Croat-ness" hidden?ÂPerhaps, living in the Austro-Hungarian "empire" before WWI andin Hungary afterward, one was wise to downplay other ethnic origins, to"assimilate" to the Hungarian. Andcertainly there were truly Hungarian relatives inthe mix of my family, by marriage and moving beyond thevillage. Some relatives --like myfather's sister Madeline--chose to identify themselves as Hungarian;others--like my cousin Marie Sinyakovich, with whom I've traveled twice toEurope, are more comfortable with a Croatian identity, too.ÂAfter years of identifying being Croatian with being a kind ofsecond-class citizen in Hungary, there is a huge resurgence in culturaland linguistic interest in Croatia among the younger peoplein the village of Novo Selo, something that's been growing and flourishing sincethe years following the war in 1991.VG: Youvisited Hungary/Novo selo. How was it? And did it live up to the expectationraised by family lore?MHS: I visitedthe village of Novo Selo (Totujfalu in Hungarian) with my now 80-year-old cousinMarie Sinyakovich in 1994 and with Marie and my sister Sandra and my youngestdaughter Lauren, then 18, in 1999 (the latter during the U.S./U.N. bombing ofSerbia, a nervous time with our village on the flight path between Budapest andsome targets in Serbia). I loved the village.ÂIt more than met my expectations. VLADIMIR:ÂI will send you copies of two of the essays I've written on the subjectof visiting the village and of our family names/history.ÂI may try to send the text as email messages to you, following this one.ÂMaybe there will be something useful there.ÂVG: Do you plan to visit Croatia? Any ideas on cooperatingwith Croatian artists, critics, public? Or Hungarian?MHS: I almost got to Croatia on my last visit to Hungary in1999. Next time (perhaps spring orsummer 2003?), I will definitely visit Zagreb and, I hope, Rijeka, and Dubrovnikand more. I would love to make someconnections with Croatian artists and writers, and as I told you, I have thisdream of reading to a Croatian audience in Croatian.VG: You are first of all a successful American mainstreamwriter. Did your ethnic background contribute anything to your writing, exceptfor the subject-matter? Do you see your "ethnic" writing as differentfrom your "other" writing? Do you in any way feel"different" because of your "ethnic" background?MHS: The combination of my father's Croatian/Hungarianheritage and my mother's roots in the rural Deep South have always made me feelbi-cultural at the very least. Ithink my writing style is a product of the "spoken storytelling" thatcomes out of both their backgrounds--not only in terms of sentence structure andword choice, but in the resistance to simple chronological storytelling.ÂI heard plenty of stories from my Aunt Madeline and my mother and myfather, but they were never presented with a beginning, a middle, a climax, andend. They were always told inglimpses and moments, in layers and circles.ÂThat method of presenting a story certainly informs "The Turk and MyMother" and the other novellas, too. Ilove backtracking in a narrative, having something show up on page 100 thatreally happened between pages 9 and 10, seeing how events shift meaning whensome new scene, formerly hidden, comes to light. That keeps happening not only within the novellas but acrossthe trilogy as a whole. If I stick with the current ending, then the last lineof the last novella asks you to reconsider the first line of the first one.ÂThe story is always in flux, always being parceled out to the reader.ÂAs the narrator says in "The Turk," "My grandmother hadher own style of storytelling, a style that avoided accommodating her listenersin any way." While I doaccommodate my readers some, I expect them to work to follow the story, too.ÂÂÂÂÂÂFor these stories I have also made a point of studying Croatian and oflistening to taped interviews that I made with my aunt Madeline speaking her ownparticular variety of English. Therhythms and syntax and diction I've picked up in this way--not to mentionlistening to spoken Croatian and nonstandard English as a child--certainly colorthe style of "The Turk" and the other novellas. I suspect they color my speech and writing overall, as well.VG: Do youhave any literary models? Idols? Teachers? Do you know personally anyCroatian-American writers, or Croatian writers, or Hungarian writers? Does it,would it matter?MHS: Alice Munro, Tobias Wolff, and George Saunders arecurrent favorites, andI've learned a lot from Flannery O'Connor and J.D. Salingerwhen it comes to bringing a world into sound and light on the page, or creatingcharacters with a line of dialogue or a gesture. My sense of the possibilities of story and the absurdities ofhuman existence has been expanded by reading Italo Calvino, Borges, GarciaMarquez, Milan Kundera,Gunter Grass, and others.ÂI have a book of Albanian Folk Tales that has been very helpful to me.ÂI don't know any Croatian or Hungarian writers personally.ÂI would be happy to work together on translation--my work or someoneelse's--from English to Croatian and vice versa, but the opportunity has notarisen.VG. How do you go about conceiving your stories? Frominspiration to the editor's desk? Your write in a very natural and fluent style.How much do you have to "work on it"?MHS: I'm glad to hear that my style comes across as"very natural and fluent," because the truth is that I am a very slowwriter. I write a great deal that Ithrow away--either because it's rough and weak or simply because I don't have aplace for it. My stories come to mein moments and scenes and pieces and images--not a very efficient way for themto come, since I have to write down every line and gesture even before I know ifI will ever use it or not. Then Iarrange all the bits, and rearrange them, andwrite more bits, and rearrange and cut and write some more.ÂI try not to polish and fiddle with sentences until I am reasonably sureif the sentence will actually survive to the final draft, but I find a certainamount of polishing is necessary just to see if something MIGHT work. Sometimeswhole scenes and passages come to me like a vision and hardly need any work atall. I accept these gifts withgratitude and try to keep them in mind as I struggle with less graceful pages.ÂÂÂÂÂStories begin with a character I've observed or imagined in a particularmoment, and or with a first line that sets the tone, creates a narrative voicethat needs to go on speaking.ÂÂÂÂÂÂI often jot down observations of people and places--details, gestures,images, dialogue--and use many of these later in ways that I could never haveanticipated. I feel as if there isso much to write down, so much richness to capture before it gets away.ÂIf I didn't have a job and a family (and three cats), I would read andwrite all the time. In the summer, when I'm not teaching, I often write for 10hours a day, day after day. I dotry to go for a swim everyday--my nod to the healthy lifestyle.ÂWhile I swim, I work out scenes and passages in my head.VG. What is in the future - beyond the Trilogy?MHS: Ihave more writing projects lined up than lifetimes in which to get them done.ÂWhen the trio of novellas is finished, I will set aside time to polishthe essays and hope to interest a publisher in what it means to be "Aliveand Well" in the American Midwest. Atthe same time, I will be working with my daughter Liz Stefaniak on co-authoringa book about obsessive-compulsive disorder, something that has plagued both ofus and other members of our family. Lizis a recent grad of Washington University in St. Louis and a writer herself.ÂThe OCD book will be nonfiction, of course, drawing on our experiencesand the current state of knowledge on OCD.ÂIt will be a funny and heartbreaking book in which we try to do whatfiction does so well: to givepeople an opportunity to imagine what it's like to be someone else, someonewhose whole attentionand energy are required just to get from Point A to Point Bduring any hour of any given day.ÂÂÂÂÂI've got plans for a book of nine related short stories, one each aboutmy maternal grandmother, her 7 brothers and sisters, and her mother. These arethe southern relatives. Theirstories would be set in Georgia and will, taken altogether, span the whole 20thcentury. Each will be named for themain character, and here I have to thank the richness of southern naming, forthe siblings are: Ebeneezer, Elmo,Clifford, Ralphord, Gladys, Hattie, Aileen, and their mother, Daisy. Thenthere are the duo-biographies I'd like to write:Âalternating chapters from the lives of a pair whose experiences speak toeach other and to the culture: twowomen from the same Senior Swim Club, one a Japanese-American whose family wasinterned in California during WWII and the other the wife of a war hero andmayor; or two priests, one a lifelong missionary in the mountains of Peru, theother a founder of revolutionarymovements in El Salvador. Andof course, I'm always at work on the miscellaneous short story, the one thatsuddenly came to me while I was changing in the locker room, thinking about mylast trip to Georgia, or maybe while I was driving across Iowa. I'm almost finished with "You Love that Dog."ÂIt will end up in a collection one day, I hope, along with "Arlo onthe Fence" and "Believing Marina" and the other stories Imentioned in response toquestion #1 above. Ideasfor novels occur to me about once a week. Iwrite them down. I wait, I hope,for the time to write them. Meanwhile,I plug away, working all but two days a week (T and Thursday, when I teach),proceeding at my glacial pace. Somuch to write, so little time. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 11 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Reading by Award-winning Josip Novakovich in NY http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5613/1/E-Reading-by-Award-winning-Josip-Novakovich-in-NY.html ÂYou are cordially invited to a reading (in English) byJOSIP NOVAKOVICHan award-winning authorThursday, May 16th, 2002Auditorium of the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius502 West 41st street, between 10th and 11th Ave7PMFree AdmissionInfo: kdeletis@excite.com or 212.688.9077Josip Novakovich reads and signs copies of Apricots from Chernobyl, his collection of narrative essays, and Salvation and Other Disasters, a short story collection, as part of Croatian Cultural Thursdays, an ongoing series held regularly at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. These events promote local Croatian-American talents with a purpose of presenting various aspects of the Croatian culture to both the Croatian and American public.About the author:Josip Novakovich was born in Daruvar, Croatia, in 1956, and he moved to the United States at the age of twenty. He writes mostly in English, and he has published two story collections (Yolk and Salvation and Other Disasters), a collection of narrative essays (Apricots from Chernobyl), and was anthologized in Best American Poetry, Pushcart Prize, and O. Henry Awards. His textbook, Fiction Writer's Workshop, was a Book of the Month Club selection. His new collection of essays, Countries Without Bridges, will be published this fall.ÂHis first collection of stories translated into Croatian, Grimizne usne, was published by Meandar Press in Zagreb, in 2000, and it won the Kozarac Award at Vinkovacke Jeseni (Vinkovci Fall Festival). His new collection of stories in Croatian will be published by Meandar in November.ÂHe received the Whiting Writer's Award (1997), Guggenheim Fellowship (1999), two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1991 and 2002), the Ingram Merrill Award, an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. His work has appeared in many journals, including Paris Review, Threepenny, The New York Times Magazine, European Magazine, and he contributes regularly to the Zagreb Daily, Jutarnji list. Mr. Novakovich teaches in the Master of Fine Aarts program at Penn State University. He is currently a Fellow of The New York Public Library's Center for Scholars and Writers. The Richard J. Margolis Prize for socially relevant writing, a fellowship from the NEA, a Pushcart Prize, and a Ploughshares/Cohen Award.His stories and essays have appeared in "Paris Review," "Antaeus" and "New Directions." His books "Apricots from Chernobyl" and "Yolk" were published by Graywolf Press. Novakovich teaches writing at the University of Cincinnati. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Drago Stambuk poetry reading in Boston! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5617/1/E-Drago-Stambuk-poetry-reading-in-Boston.html Poetry ReadingDRAGO STAMBUKOne of Croatia's Most Distinguished PoetsDr. Stambuk will read in Croatian and Boston University Professor RosannaWarren will read in English.MAY 15 at 5:00 PMBOSTON UNIVERSITY745 COMMONWEALTH AVENUEFIFTH FLOOR, ROOM 525T Stop: BU Central (Green Line B)Drago Stambuk has published 23 books of poetry, including Snow forAkhenaten (1981), Croatiam Aeternam (1991), The Tools of Pain (1997), Carved intothe Mountains (1999), Black Obelisk (2000). He is a medical doctor, specialistin internal medicine. He conducted clinical research in the field of liverdiseases and HIV/AIDS in London hospitals from 1983 to 1991. In 1991, hebecame Croatia's first representative to Great Britain. From 1995 to 1998, he wasCroatia's ambassador to India, and from 1998 until 2000 Croatia'sambassador to Egypt and the Arab World. He currently works as a Fellow at theWeatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.Marko SoldoHarvard University356 Adams HouseCambridge, MA 02138---------------------------- letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E)(H) Croatian Language Officially Recognized in Vojvodina http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5616/1/EH-Croatian-Language-Officially-Recognized-in-Vojvodina.html ÂÂFrom HRT Web site. English translation is my own. John KraljicÂÂ8 May. Croatian became an official language in the Yugoslav AutonomousÂRegion of Vojvodina. The Parliament of Vojvodina, under the presidencyÂof Nenad Canak, passed the measure by a majority vote. Croats inÂVojvodina, depending on estimates, number between 70,000 to 200,000.ÂWith 84 in favor and 4 abstentions, Croatian became one of the fiveÂofficial languages in Vojvodina. Representatives of the DSS Party hadÂcriticisms with respect to the renewal of the Croatian weekly, CroatianÂWord, which ceased publication in 1956. Nevertheless, with 85 votes inÂfavor and 5 against the Croatian community in Vojvodina again has itsÂown newspaper-publishing house, Croatian Word.ÂÂ8. svibnja - Hrvatski je postao sluzbeni jezik u jugoslavenskojÂautonomnoj pokrajini Vojvodini. Vojvodjanska skupstina, pod predsjedanjemÂNenada Canka, odluku je donijela vecinom glasova. Hrvata u Vojvodini,Âovisno o procjenama, ima od 70 do 200 tisuca. S 84 glasa za i cetiri suzdrzana hrvatski je jezik postao jedan od pet sluzbenih jezika u Vojvodini.ÂÂZastupnici DSS-a imali su primjedbe na ponovno ozivljavanje 1956. godineÂukinutog tjednika na hrvatskome jeziku Hrvatska rijec. No, s 85 glasovaÂza i pet protiv hrvatska manjinska zajednica u Vojvodini od danasÂponovno ima svoju novinsko-izdavacku kucu Hrvatska rijec.ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Cultural Archaeological tours http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5614/1/E-Cultural-Archaeological-tours.html ÂSome more pleasant news for change: Not too long ago I wrote a letter tothe Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture suggesting thatthey work out a plan to foster tourism in the U.S. for people who areinterested in visiting cultural and archaeological sites and suggestedthat they inquire at the Archaeological Institute of America and theSmithsonian Institute, who sponsor such trips, if they would beinterested in Croatia. I don't know if it is any thanks to theMinistries, but in the newest edition (May/June) of the "Archaeology"magazine under "Travel with AA scholars to spectacular sites around theworld" Croatia is listed twice!ÂA shorter one : "Mediterranean Odyssey, Seville to Venice" Sept 13-28Âincludes on a 61-cabin "expedition" ship a cruise from Spain to Veniceover Greece and Malta - "....Historic cities on the Dalmatian Coast,including Dubrovnik and Korcula, Croatia." ..."All brimming withfascinating and unforgettable cultures, archaeology and history."Lecturer: Hector Williams, Professor, University of B.C. Price: $5,490.00 plus airfareThe second one is: "From Venice to Dubrovnik: Luxury yacht program"Oct. 22-Nov. 3"The Adriatic's Dalmatian coastline is a wonderland of rarely visitedancient ruins and medieval towns. (After it describes Italy's Venice andRavenna ) ...discover the art and architecture of Croatia, includingvisits to Pula's fabulous Roman arena; Opatija's Trsat castle, ( reallyRijeka) Split for Diocletian's palace and impressive 9th century churchconverted in the 9th century into a cathedral and Korcula. After ninesplendid nights aboard a luxurious and elegant 28-cabin yacht enjoy twonights in Dubrovnik, an extraordinary World Heritage city."ÂLecturer James Wiseman, Professor, Boston U. (Price $5,275, plus airfare) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 08 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Dario Solman at PS1 - New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5611/1/E-Dario-Solman-at-PS1---New-York.html ÂDARIO ŠOLMAN"The Real Thing - the Making of the Film", animation still, 2002Invitation for P.S.1 OpeningYou are cordially invited to the opening of«Listening to New Voices»2001-2002 Studio Program exhibitionfeaturing the work by Dario SolmanThe opening will take place onSunday, May 19, 200212 to 6 PM.at the P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center,22-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave, Long Island City.Please consult www.ps1.org for details and directions.«Listening to New Voices» is curated by Daniel Marzona and LarissaHarris, and features 20 national and international artists participatingin the P.S.1 program.Dario Solman (1973) is the first Croatian participant of the P.S.1.'sInternational Studio Program. Prior to his residency at P.S.1, Mr.Solman has completed graduate studies in arts at the Ohio StateUniversity and undergraduate studies at the Academy of Fine Arts inZagreb. He has exhibited widely and has taught at the Arts Academy inSplit and the Ohio State University.Dario Solman will exhibit his most recent work "The Real Thing - theMaking of the Film", the mix media project created in residency atP.S.1. His previous work can be viewed at the web site:http://dariosolman.tripod.com/.The Croatian participation at the prestigious International StudioProgram is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Croatia, FACE CroatiaFoundation (under the leadership of Mrs. Mercy Bona Pavelic), Trust forMutual Understanding and realized through the Arts International andHDLU-Zagreb. Initiator and coordinator of the program is BrankoFranceschi, curator/manager of the Miroslav Kraljevic Gallery, Zagreb,Croatia.P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, a MoMA affiliate, is the leadinginstitution for the breakthrough contemporary art in the world. Inaddition to Croatia, 15 leading countries send their artists to theInternational Studio Program, making it one of the most desirableresidencies for the emerging contemporary artists.For more information contact:Branko Franceschi at branko.franceschi@ina-np-sir.tel.hrÂDario Solman at dariosolman@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Fabrijev raskosni knjizevni kozmos http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5615/1/H-Fabrijev-raskosni-knjizevni-kozmos.html ÂNedjeljko FabrioÂ- Dobitnik Herderove nagrade -Uglednu Herderovu nagradu utemeljilo je prije više desetljeca Sveucilište u Becu, a namijenjena je "njegovanju i unaprjedivanju kulturnih odnosa s istocnim i jugoistocnim narodima i dodjeljuje se osobama koje svojim primjerom pridonose održanju i povecanju europske kulturne baštine u skladu s miroljubivim sporazumijevanjem medu narodima". Nedavno je obznanjeno da je ovogodišnji dobitnik književnik i akademik Nedjeljko Fabrio za svoj svekolik književni rad. Time se Fabrio uvrstio u niz hrvatskih znacajnika iz podrucja književnosti i humanistickih znanosti (Miroslav Krleža, Maja Boškovic Stulli, Dunja Auguštin, Vjenceslav Richter, Zdenko Škreb, Ivo Frangeš, Viktor Žmegac, Branko Fucic) koji su do sad odlikovani tim prestižnim europskim priznanjem. Poslije Krleže Fabrio je, dakle, drugi hrvatski pisac koji je ovjencan tom nagradom.ÂFabriovo književno pismo vec cetrdeset punih ljeta, u raznovrsnim žanrovskim diskurzima i stilovima (pripovijednom, dramskom, esejistickom, znanstvenom, prevoditeljskom) traje kao neporeciva i stamena vrijednost suvremene hrvatske književnosti. U punom smislu ono uvjerljivo opovrgava nerijetko izricane teze o njezinu provincijalnu, ruralnu i rubnu znacaju i znacenju. Rodenjem i životnim bivanjem, ali i cijelim svojim duhovnim bicem, uronjen u prebogat i složen svijet dviju kljucnih povijesnih i kulturalnih sastavnica hrvatskoga etimona - Sredozemlja i srednje Europe - Nedjeljko je Fabrio tim prevažnim prostorima europskoga i svjetskog univerzuma posvetio cio svoj stvaralacki vijek.ÂVec su u prvima, eksperimentalnim, Partitama za prozu (1966.) - u kojima je uocljiv izrazit autorov osjecaj i nerv za glazbu što ce ga stalno pratiti da bi maestralno bio oknjižen prije nekoliko godina u Maestru i njegovu šegrtu - došle do izražaja dubinske poveznice s hrvatskom mediteranskom baštinom. Navod iz Zoranicevih Planina, u jednoj od tih ranih proza - I mi bismo od ovud pobigli, dali nas slatkost bašcine uzdrži - o tome puno govori. Drame: Reformatori (1968.), gdje se strjelica europskoga usuda prijelomne prve polovice XVI. stoljeca s Matijom Vlacicem Ilirikom odapinje iz hrvatske Istre u srce njemacke, Lutherove, reformacije; Cujete li svinje kako rokcu u ljetnikovcu naših gospara koja iznova aktualizira najranjivija mjesta hrvatske novije povijesti i njezine tragicne ožiljke na covjeku pojedincu; Meštar koji ispisuje dramu umjetnika; nikad neizveden Magnificat (1970.), dramska alegorija o izloženosti kazališta gruboj (politickoj, dakako) zbilji. U razdoblju duge hrvatske šutnje, poslije sloma Hrvatskoga proljeca, zašutjevši kao dramatik, Fabrio piše i objavljuje brojne novele, talijanisticke i kroatisticke eseje i studije (Apeninski eseji, Štavljenje štiva), ustrajno prevodi talijanske prozaike XX. stoljeca, stvara nenadmašne glazbene medaljone.ÂU strašnom je i sudbonosnom vremenu rata za neovisnu Hrvatsku u dva mandata predsjednikom Društva hrvatskih književnika. Svojim je neumornim djelovanjem i odlucnim istupima tada inkarnirao neslomljivu volju i svijest hrvatskih pisaca u zajedništvu sa svojim narodom, poticuci nadu i vjeru u Domovinu i neuništivost njezine tisucljetne kulture i onda kad je izgledalo da nikakve nade nema. Iz toga je proizašao kratki roman Smrt Vronskog (objavljen još za Domovinskoga rata 1994.), gdje se carobnom formulom pišceve imaginacije Tolstojev junak dovodi u samo srce vukovarskog pakla. Jedna od najvelicajnijih prica cjelokupne svjetske prozne književnosti spojena je s pjesnickim poniranjem u sudbinski aktualan trenutak nacionalne egzistencije i ugroze sama opstanka.Stvaralac maniristicke cistoce i jasno cizelirane recenice (kako napisa Zdravko Zima), baveci se kljucnim pitanjima egzistencije pojedinca i kolektiva (Velimir Viskovic), tvorac dotjerana stila, osobito lomljenja recenice (Josip Pavicic) koja se pretapa u melankolicnu i baladicnu sucutnost (Božidar Petrac), Nedjeljko je Fabrio ponad svega vjeciti tragac za ljepotom rijeci i izraza. Sam je, u Reformatorima, znakovito, zapisao: Ništa nije što kroz rijec ne prode. Opsjednut pak ludilom Povijesti (jedan mu je od leitmotiva, poantiran u završetku Vježbanja života, da 'Povijest je ludilo, jalovost i smrt'), s podkožno ucijepljenjim resantimanom spram hrvatstva, mediteranstva i srednjoeuropejstva, morao je Fabrio konacno stici do svoje Jadranske duologije (koja ce se, skorašnjim objavljivanjem novog romana, Trimeron/Roman einer kroatischen Passion, pretvoriti u trilogiju).ÂKronisterija Vježbanje života i Familienfuge Berenikina kosa nisu samo idejni i estetski vrhunac i svojevrsna sinteza Fabriova književnog djela, one su impresivno pjesnicko svjedocanstvo o bitnim, odredujucim silnicama povijesnih tijekova na hrvatskome tlu kroza posljednja dva stoljeca. Stapanje krajnje akribicno istražene dokumentarne grade s poetski izmaštanim i višestruko izukrštanim ljudskim sudbinama - a koje su i opet, u ishodištu i konacnici, prokleto uvjetovane politikom; jer ona je, na nesrecu, kako kaza Napoleon Goetheu u Weimaru godine Gospodnje 1809., sudbina moderna covjeka - vodi dubinski u paradigmatican svijet našega užeg i šireg povijesnog, kulturalnog i zemljopisnog prostora. A da je on prepoznat i u tim širim razmjerima, dokazuju prijevodi na madarski (Varos az Adrian) i njemacki (Das Haar der Berenice), naskoro i na ruski (Smrt Vronskog).Pocetkom 1990. vratio se Fabrio rijeckim uprizorenjem Vježbanja života trijumfalno na hrvatsku pozornicu s koje prakticki bje izgnan prije dvadeset godina. Slijedila je Bereninika kosa koju je, kao i Vježbanje, u zagrebackom HNK-u 1994. režirao Georgij Paro. Dosadašnju ukazalištenu romanesknu trilogiju zakljucuje Smrt Vronskog u rijeckome HNK-u Ivana pl. Zajca 1995. u prilagodbi i režiji Ivice Boban. A Vježbanjem života u hrvatsko glumište je usješno i uzorno uveden model integralna kazališnog spektakla.Mi zato, stostruko, klicemo casnom laureatu: Ad multos et faustissimos annos!Darko GAŠPAROVICFabrijev raskosni knjizevni kozmosOve godine to prestizno medjunarodno priznanje pripalo je ijednom od nasih vodecih suvremenih pisaca - Nedjeljku Fabriju,koji je to odlicje na ceremoniji dodjele primio iz rukurektora Beckog sveucilista.BEC, 3. svibnja - Svecana dvorana drevnog beckog Sveucilistasredisnje je mjesto dodjele Herderove nagrade i proslavesvakoga od sedam Europljana nagradjenika na velikom prostoru,od Baltickog do Crnog i Egejskog mora. Po svome znacaju tanagrada, sto se dodjeljuje za umjetnost i humanistickeznanosti, naziva se jos i malim Nobelom, a dodjeljuje jeZaklada F. V. S. sto ju je 1963. godine utemeljila recenazaklada Alfreda Toepfera.Ove godine to prestizno medjunarodno priznanje pripalo je ijednom od nasih vodecih suvremenih pisaca - Nedjeljku Fabriju,koji je ovo odlicje na ceremoniji dodjele - sto je protekla uzzvukove fanfara i rektorski zbor u togama koji je pratio tutradicionalnu i rijetku svetkovinu - primio iz ruku rektoraBeckog sveucilista. U pozdravnom govoru rektor prof. dr. GeorgWinckler upozorio je da se ovogodisnja dodjela Herderovenagrade dogadja u teske dane Beckog sveucilista kada je vladauvela restrikcije na visoko obrazovanje. Tako su nas na ulazudocekali prosvjedni golemi natpisi i studenti koji su dijelililetke.Laudaciju "sedam velicanstvenih" za govornicom slavnog Beckogsveucilista procitao je medjunarodno priznati slavist sgöttingenskog sveucilista prof. dr. Reinhard Lauer, isticucihumanitarni znacaj profila te nagrade koja promice osobitostmalih jezika i kultura. Socijalno i demokratsko ujedinjenjesrednje, istocne i jugoistocne Europe moze uspjeti, ali sto cebiti s kulturama tog podrucja? - pita se dr. Lauer.Ovogodisnji su dobitnici Herderove nagrade grcki lingvistprof. dr. George Demetrius Babiniotis, bugarska politologinjaprof. dr. Radost Todorova Novoivanova, rumunjski kompozitorAurel Stroë, poljska povjesnicarka prof. dr. LechTrzeciakowski i trojica knjizevnika. Latvijac Maris Caklais,Madjar Peter Esperhazy i hrvatski knjizevnik Nedjeljko Fabriokomu je medju nagradjenicima dan upravo najvece znacenje.Receno je tom zgodom da je Fabrio jednako plodonosan pisac nasvim podrucjima te da njegova djela pokrivaju sveukupanknjizevni kozmos. Kao takva presnaznosna i prevelika da biostala zatvorena samo u granice Hrvatske - istaknuo je dr.Lauer i dodao: "Fabrio je nedvojbeno najveci suvremenihrvatski pisac", pa i ova nagrada dolazi u prave ruke nosecimu priznanje za svekoliki knjizevni opus, koji je ispisanbriljantnim stilom neogranicenih dosega a obaseze obiteljsku idrustvenu kroniku povezanu sa sudbinama malih ljudi itragedijama koje im donosi povijest kao izvor nesrece. Ukorpusu jadranske duologije, posebno se osvrnuo na njegovnajnoviji roman "Triemeron" izricuci mu sve superlative inajavljujuci njegovu blistavu buducnost. Na kraju te rijetkeeuropske svetkovine duha u ime laureata zahvalio je PeterEsterhazy.Vecer uoci dodjele Herderove nagrade ugledna becka knjizevnainstitucija "Literatur Haus" posvetila je svojoj redovitojpublici susret s ovogodisnjim dobitnikom te nagrade, hrvatskimknjizevnikom Nedjeljkom Fabrijom i njegovim dugogodisnjimprevoditeljem na njemacki Klausom Detlefom Olofom, dobitnikomaustrijske drzavne nagrade za prevodjenje. Fabrio je uvodnokazao da dolazi u ime literature koja je pisana na cak desetsvjetskih jezika i koja je toliko europska, da je od ranogasrednjeg vijeka do postmoderne ponavljala i osebujnointerpretirala sve europske stilske formacije.- Bec je grad koji je zauzeo vidno mjesto na stranicamajadranske trilogije, i to iz povijesnih, ali i romanesknihrazloga. To se ponavlja i u "Triemeronu", mom najnovijemromanu, s jednakim resantimanom, iako se povijest i tupotrudila da uzburka odnose carskoga grada spram svih, pa takoi spram hrvatskog naroda u carevini - kazao je Fabrio, a Olofprocitao poglavlje o Jelacicevoj obrani Beca, sto je ovaj putizazvalo znatizelju jer obicni gradjani znaju premalo o sudbinivlastita grada. Tako se ponovo zavrtjelo kolo u kome su sejavili i hrvatski ban i Karl Marx i madjarski revolucionari iono sto Fabrio zove "ludilom povijesti".Na vise od 1200 stranica, sada vec zavrsene jadransketrilogije, obrce se bezbroj ljudskih sudbina koje dodiruju svezemlje ovoga prostora, ali uz zajednicku kob koja ih uvlaci upropast u trenutku kada i sami pomisle stvarati velikupovijest - dodaje Fabrio.Pristup pun razumijevanja i sucuti prema tim malim ljudskimsudbinama u nacerenom zrcalu povijesti u kome se zele vidjeti,otvorio je piscu put do dvije velike europske nagrade, jedne uMadjarskoj 1993., a druge u Austriji 2002. koje su zacudoistovrsne po ocjeni njegova opusa, a to je promicanje suzivotau srednjoj i jugoistocnoj Europi. Stoga i ne cudi, kako jekazao Nedjeljko Fabrio na kraju knjizevne veceri, da suzavrsne rijeci Trilogije preuzete iz srednjovjekovnih misnihtekstova a glase: "Dona nobis pace" ili Gospode daruj nam mir- sto je publika prihvatila dugim pljeskom. Medju mnogobrojnimnovinarima austrijskog radija i televizije u publici je toplopozdravljena nazocnost hrvatskog veleposlanika u Becu DrazenaVukova-Colica.Branka Dzebic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 04 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Najveca izlozba hrvatske pismenosti http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5618/1/H-Najveca-izlozba-hrvatske-pismenosti.html ÂBašćanska PločaÂVjesnik, Petak, 26. travnja 2002.Najveca izlozba hrvatske pismenostiU Drzavnoj knjiznici u Berlinu otvara se izlozba hrvatskepisane bastine / Predstavljeni spomenici hrvatske pisanekulture nastali tijekom stoljeca, s posebnim naglaskom naglagoljicu kao najstarije slavensko pismoBERLIN, 25. travnja (Od Vjesnikova dopisnika ) - Izlozba »Tripisma - tri jezika« priredjena u berlinskoj Drzavnoj knjiznicinajveca je izlozba hrvatske pismenosti ikad priredjena uinozemstvu, izjavio je u cetvrtak uoci otvaranja izlozbe dr.Zvonko Pepelic, strucni referent za jugoistocnu Europu uStaatsbibliothek zu Berlin, na konferenciji za novinareodrzanoj u Berlinu.Pepelic je naglasio da se pri koncepciji izlozbe vodilo racunao povijesnim vezama hrvatske kulture s njemackim govornimpodrucjem. Logotip izlozbe je Berlinski glagoljski misal iz14. stoljeca koji se cuva medju rijetkostima berlinske Drzavneknjiznice. Izlozbu pratiti i reprezentativan katalog nanjemackom jeziku. Koordinator izloze Srecko Lipovcannovinarima je ispricao povijest nastanka izlozbe, upozorio nazanimljive eksponate, posebice na kameni odljev Bascanskeploce koji ce nakon zatvaranja izlozbe ostati u Berlinu.Valja reci da prostor Berlinske drzavne knjiznice, kao mjestoodrzavanja izlozbe, nije slucajno izabran. Ona je, naime,sredisnje mjesto za proucavanje slavenskih jezika i kultura nanjemackom jezicnom podrucju.Na izlozbi ce biti predstavljeni spomenici hrvatske pisanekulture tiskani tijekom stoljeca s posebnim naglaskom naglagoljicu kao najstarije slavensko pismo. Berlinska cepublika u Drzavnoj knjiznici do 8. lipnja moci vidjetisedamdesetak panoa s fotografijama u boji i legendamastrukturiranim po vecim segmentima. Tu je i dvjestotinjakknjiznih izlozaka te pet izabranih kamenih spomenika.Autori ove izlozbe koja je pripremana pet godina su AnicaNazor, Josip Bratulic i Mirko Tomasovic. Nositelji izlozbe suStaroslavenski institut Zagreb i Nacionalna i sveucilisnaknjiznica Zagreb. Rijec je o zajednickom projektu Ministarstvakulture i Ministarstva vanjskih poslova Republike Hrvatske.Branko Madunic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) HVARSKI PUCKI PJEVACI U BERLINU CETVERODNEVNA TURNEJA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5619/1/HE-HVARSKI-PUCKI-PJEVACI-U-BERLINU-CETVERODNEVNA-TURNEJA.html ÂPharos CantorsÂU cetvrtak 25. travnja zbor crke Sv. Stjepana iz Starog Grada i pucki pjevaci crkve Sv. Duha iz Vrbanja odlaze u Berlin na cetvorodnevnu turneju. Oni ce u toku gostovanja u Berlinu pjevati na svecanom otvaranju izložbe pod naslovom "Drei Schriften, drei Sprachen - Tausendjahre Schriften bei den Kroaten" (Tri pisma, tri jezika - Tisucu godina pismenosti u Hrvata). Ova izložba ce biti otvorena u Državnoj knjižnici Pruskog kulturnog blaga (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin), u Potsdamer Straße, u Berlinu.ÂIzložbu organiziraju Staatsbibliothek iz Berlina i Nacionalna i sveucilišna knjižnica iz Zagreba. Autori izložbe su dr. Zvonko Plepelic, viši knjižnicarski savjetnik, šef Odjela za jugoistocnu Europu Državne knjižnice, i dr. Srecko Lipovcan, povjesnicar i publicist izZagreba. Hvarski pjevaci ce izvesti nekoliko crkvenih puckih napjeva na narodnom (hrvatskom) jeziku i time predstaviti jedan segment jezicne i kulturne baštine Hrvata. Osim ovoga nastupa Hvarski ce pjevaci u Berlinu održati i tri samostalna koncerta s repertoarom korizmenih napjeva otoka Hvara. Troškove boravka pjevaca u Berlinu bit ce pokriveni sredstvima njemackog Odjela za kulturnu djelatnost Ministarstva vanjskih poslova Savezne Republike Njemacke, dok troškove puta snosi Hrvatska strana.Poželimo pjevacima uspjeh i sretan put.ÂOp-edYou can buy their CD on www.nenadbach.comAuthentic singing from this group is being recognized around the world. I had privilege to produce their CD"Following the Cross". The CD has a world distribution through ARCANA, a Frenchlabel.ÂNenad BachPoster for the concerts in Berlin. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 24 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) NAGRADA von Coudenhove Kalergi BISKUPU FRANJI KOMARICI http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5621/1/H-NAGRADA-von-Coudenhove-Kalergi-BISKUPU-FRANJI-KOMARICI.html ÂOBAVIJEST O DODJELI NAGRADE COUDENHOVE KALERGIBISKUPU FRANJI KOMARICIU Becu 12. travnja 2002.Bishop Komarica honored with Richard von Coudenhove Kalergi Award U sklopu proslave 80. obljetnice Medjunarodne paneuropske unije., koju je svojim programatskim clankom iz 1922. Paneuropa - ein Vorschlag i vizionarskom programatskom knjigom Paneuropa iz 1923. utemeljio Richard von Coudenhove Kalergi, ove je godine Zaklada Coudenhove Kalergi dodijelila svoju nagradu banjoluckomu biskupu Franji Komarici. Proslava se odrzala u Becu i Bratislavi od 12. do 14. travnja 2002., a pocela je 12. travnja u 19h u svecanoj dvorani Haus der Industrie na Schwarzenbergplatzu dodjelom nagrade Coudenhove Kalergi. Ta je nagrada dosad uglavnom bila dodjeljivana najuglednijim europskim politicarima, poput kancelara Helmuta Kohla ili ministra Aloisa Mocka, za zasluge u procesu europske integracije, pa je odluka da se ove godine dodijeli duhovnoj osobi bila izuzetna i znakovita, tim vise sto se radi o jubilarnoj godini. Nagradu su u ime Zaklade urucili bivsi austrijski ministar vanjskih poslova dr. Alois Mock, "ministar koji je uveo Austriju u Europsku uniju" i koji od prosle godine predsjedava Zakladi, i g. Marco Pons, potpredsjednik Zaklade. Ona je biskupu Komarici dodijeljena kao covjeku koji je svjedocio o najvisim europskim i krscanskim vrijednostima u dijelu Europe koji je u doba rusenja zidova i ujedinjavanja Europe u prethodnom desetljecu bio ugrozen najgorim zlocinima protiv covjecanstva; kao nosiocu duhovnih vrijednosti, koji je svojim zivotom, izlazuci ga neustrasivo smrtnoj pogibelji, svjedocio o dostojanstvu svake ljudske osobe, o zalaganju za sve zgazene i ugrozene ljude, i o djelatnoj ljubavi prema bliznjemu, pa i neprijatelju, i usred rata i vrtloga zlocina. Na dodjeli je laudatio (pohvalni govor) laureatu drzao g. Roy Gutman, urednik vanjskopoliticke redakcije Newsweeka, dobitnik Pulitzerove nagrade i autor knjige A Witness of Genocide o genocidu u ratu protiv Bosne i Hercegovine i Hrvatske. U govoru je istakao strahovite okolnosti u kojima je djelovao biskup Komarica u Banjoj Luci i naveo zlocine lokalnih vlasti. Govorio je o visokim moralnim nacelima biskupa i hrabrosti s kojom se suocavao sa smrtnim opasnostima u ratu. Kao ocevidac svjedocio je o biskupovu nepristranu zalaganju za sve ugrozene, stradale i gazene, o njegovoj borbi protiv progona i za pravo svih - u Banjoj Luci osobito ugrozenih Hrvata i Muslimana - na svoj zavicaj. Izrazio je svoje dozivljaje razocaranja slabim i sporim odgovorom medjunarodne javnosti na dogadjaje, i istakao znacenje koje je biskup Komarica imao kao "nas heroj" u borbi za ljudska prava u strasnom vremenu genocida. U prepunoj svecanoj dvorani govorio je potom na izvrsnom njemackom i sam biskup Komarica. Zahvalio se na nagradi i istakao da ju prima u ime svih koji su stradali, kojima su prava bila i jos su uvijek gazena, svih za koje nam je duznost brinuti se i pomoci im. Govorio je o Europi, procesu njena ujedinjavanja, i o nacelima na kojima se to ujedinjavanje mora temeljiti ako polazimo od postovanja dostojanstva ljudske osobe. Govorio je o patnjama ljudi u svojoj biskupiji, o svima stradalima u ratu i prognanima i o njihovim potrebama. A zatim o svojim i nasim duznostima i zadatcima i o najvisim vrednotama koje nas u zivotu i javnome radu trebaju voditi. Pri urucenju nagrade, kao i nakon govora biskupa Komarice, cijela se dvorana - vise stotina uglednih predstavnika iz preko dvadesetak zemalja Europe, te iz Japana - digla na noge i dugim odusevljenim pljeskom izrazila svoje postovanje biskupu, i svoje zadovoljstvo odabirom ovogodisnjega laureata. Osjecalo se da u tim velikim trenutcima za nas Paneuropa odaje priznanje jednomu hrvatskom biskupu iz Bosne i Hercegovine koji za nju predstavlja vjerodostojnoga i herojskoga svjedoka njihovih najvisih vrijednosti, najvisih vrijednosti krscanstva i Europe. Na godisnjoj skupstini Medjunarodne paneuropske unije 13. travnja u Bratislavi u zgradi staroga pozunskoga sabora, pod pokroviteljstvom slovackoga Predsjednika Rudolfa Schustera i uz njegovo sudjelovanje, te na jubilejskoj svecanosti 14. travnja u Hofburgu u Becu, na kojoj su svecani govornici bili bivsi njemacki kancelar Helmut Kohl, "kancelar ujedinjenja Njemacke koje je omogucilo dalje ujedinjavanje Europe", austrijska ministrica vanjskih poslova gdja Benita Ferrero Waldner i predsjednik Medjunarodne paneuropske unije dr. Otto von Habsburg, bio je biskup Franjo Komarica prisutan kao pocasni gost. Na dan jubilejske svecanosti, prije programa u Hofburgu, svetu je misu u beckoj katedrali Sv. Stjepana za cijelu Medjunarodnu paneuropsku uniju i prisutne vjerike vodio biskup Komarica, dok su katedralni zupnik i prof. Franjo Topic iz Sarajeva koncelebrirali. Citanja i molitve vjernika bile su na nizu europskih jezika: njemackom, francuskom, talijanskom, hrvatskom, madjarskom, slovenskom, a sredisnji je dio liturgije bio na latinskom. Propovijed biskupa Komarice kasnije je u svom svecanom govoru u Hofburgu dr. Otto von Habsburg nazvao "jednom od najljepsih antologijskih propovijedi u novijoj povijesti Crkve". Iako ovo kratko izvjesce stize prekasno za dnevne listove, vjerujemo da moze jos biti od koristi tjednicima, te specijaliziranim radijskim i televizijskim programima. Hrvatska paneuropska unija procjenjuje da bi bilo vrlo pozeljno da tako velik dogadjaj kojim je odlikovan jedan hrvatski biskup iz susjedne nam Bosne i Hercegovine bude povodom za razgovore s biskupom Franjom Komaricom i za razgovore o njem, o kontekstu njegova djelovanja i o nacelima i vrednotama za koje se zalaze, u primjerenim glasilima i programima. Nadamo se da bismo vam uskoro mogli pomoci i u nabavljanju snimljenoga materijala s proslave 80. obljetnice Medjunarodne PEU u Becu i Bratislavi, kao i sa dodjele nagrade Coudenhove Kalergi biskupu Komarici.Iz Hrvatske paneuropske unije,ÂJurisiceva 1a, 10000 Zagreb,Âtel. 4813451, 4813452, fax 4813453;Âe-mail: hpeu@zg.hinet.hr (hpeu@zg.tel.hr).Predsjednik HPEU i potpredsjednik MPEUProf. dr Mislav Jezic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Tarbuk laureat "Slavenskoga" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5620/1/H-Tarbuk-laureat-Slavenskoga.html  The history of croatian music, 100th anniversary of the composer Josip Stolcer Slavenski Priznanje pripalo Mladenu Tarbuku za skladbu "Sanjaci"Ânadahnutu stihovima Nikole Sopa / Bogata godisnja zetvaÂhrvatske glazbe - cak 59 praizvedbiÂZAGREB, 10. travnja - Vjesnikova vec tradicionalna nagradaÂ"Josip Stolcer Slavenski" za nova djela hrvatskih skladatelja,Âpraizvedena u prosloj 2001. godini pripala je Mladenu TarbukuÂza njegov vokalno-instrumentalni ciklus "Sanjaci", praizvedenÂu listopadu na manifestaciji Medjunarodne glazbene tribine uÂPuli. Djelo je pod ravnanjem skladatelja izvela koloraturnaÂsopranistica Lidija Horvat-Dunjko uz instrumentalni sastavÂ"Cantus".Ziri koji je radio u sastavu Tonko Ninic (predsjednik), ErikaÂKrpan, Visnja Pozgaj, Frano Parac i Nenad Turkalj nije imaoÂnimalo lak zadatak, jer je hrvatska glazba prosle godineÂobogacena cak s 59 novih djela orkestralne, scenske, vokalne iÂkomorne glazbe. Tolikom broju praizvedbi pridonijela je iÂcinjenica sto se prosle godine odrzavao i zagrebacki BiennaleÂsuvremene glazbe, pa su domaci autori uz redovite koncertneÂrepertoare i manifestaciju koja se svake godine odrzava u PuliÂimali dovoljno prilike za plasman svojih novih djela.Ziri je birao kandidate u tri kruga glasovanja, od cega je uÂprvi krug uslo cetrnaest skladatelja: Zeljko Brkanovic (dvijeÂskladbe), Zoran Juranic, Vjekoslav Njezic, Pavle Despalj, IvoÂJosipovic, Igor Kuljeric, Olja Jelaska, Mladen Tarbuk,ÂDubravko Detoni, Miroslav Miletic, Davorin Jagodic, KresimirÂSeletkovic, Berislav Sipus i Pero Gotovac.U drugome krugu u uzi su izbor usli Berislav Sipus s ciklusomÂklavirskih preludija "Noci", Igor Kuljeric s Koncertom zaÂmarimbu i orkestar i Mladen Tarbuk sa svojim "Sanjacima", aÂpored njih jos Pavle Despalj s Koncertom za violoncelo iÂorkestar, Vjekoslav Njezic sa skladbom "Traces" za orkestar iÂelektroniku, Dubravko Detoni za elektronsku skladbu "Tajna",ÂPero Gotovac za zborsku skladbu "Misa Delmata" i Ivo JosipovicÂza "Tubu ludens" u izvodjenju tube i orkestra. U zavrsnome,Âtrecemu krugu glasovanja lauratom je proglasen Mladen TarbukÂza skladbu "Sanjaci", i to ce djelo biti izvedeno 9. svibnjaÂna 29. muzickom memorijalu "Josip Stolcer Slavenski" u CakovcuÂu dvorani tamosnjegÂObrazlozenje zirija: Mladen Tarbuk (1962.) godinama se vec uÂhrvatskoj glazbenoj javnosti istice ne samo kao plodan iÂdarovit skladatelj suvremenih nadahnuca, nego i kao dirigent iÂorganizator. Zasluzan je za sustavno oformljenje i kvalitetanÂuspon Simfonijskog puhackog orkestra Hrvatske vojske, aÂnedavno je postavljen i za intendanta Hrvatskoga narodnogÂkazalista u Zagrebu. Kao skladatelj gotovo je izvodjeniji uÂinozemstvu na brojnim manifestacijama suvremene glazbe, a iÂdobitnik je brojnih inozemnih nagrada i priznanja.Snovidjenja Nikole SopaÂZa svoje "Sanjace" nadahnuo se ciklusom jednoga od velikihÂhrvatskih pjesnika 20. stoljeca, Nikole Sopa, nazvanog "divnimÂkatolickim pjesnikom tragicne sudbine". Radi se oÂproduhovljenim stihovima koji izrazavaju snovidjenja i koji suÂupravo svojom metafizickom produbljenoscu navela skladateljaÂda na sjajan nacin osebujno slozenim instrumentalnim sastavomÂod osamnaest glazbenika zvukovno docara atmosferu te poezije,Âpa je i u kritikama zapazeno da mu je u tome pogledu djelo bezÂusporedbe u dosadasnjoj hrvatskoj glazbi.Osim toga, skladba je uvjetovana suradnjom jedne iznimneÂpjevacice, sopranistice Lidije Horvat-Dunjko, koja je u stanjuÂispjevati vrtoglave koloraturne visine sve do trecega A;Âuposlivsi neuobicajeni komorni instrumentarij skladatelj jeÂpronalazio iznenadjujuce, veoma apartne zvukovne kombinacije,Âsuzivljene glasu te sjajne pjevacice.ÂNenad Turkalj (Vjesnik, Cetvrtak, 11. travnja 2002.)Tarbuk laureat "Slavenskoga" Mladen Tarbuk (1962.) diplomirao je dirigiranje i kompoziciju na zagrebačkoj Muzičkoj akademiji i Visokoj glazbenoj školi u Grazu, a zatim se je usavršavao na bečkoj Visokoj glazbenoj školi.Njegova dirigentska djelatnost proteže se na operu i na koncertni podij. Za interpretaciju Janaček Ravnao je mnogim uglednim orkestrima poput Državne filharmonije iz Hallea, orkestrom Državne opere iz Praga, Simfonijskim orkestrom Graza, te je gostovao u Njemačkoj. Češkoj, Italiji, Austriji, Rusiji, Madjarskoj, Belgiji i Sloveniji. Suradjivao je s mnogim uglednim interpretatorima dnašnjice".U razdoblju od 1993.-2000. vodio je Simfonijski puhački orkestar Hrvatske vojske, koji se je pod njegovim ravnanjem razvio u jedinstven sastav u ovome dijelu Europe. Od 1999. djeluje i kao prvi dirigent Simfonijskog orkestra HRT, s kojim je, uz značajna gostovanja (München, Ljubljana) i redovite koncerte u okviru njihovog Majstorskog ciklusa, snimio niz vrijednih i zaboravljenih djela hrvatske glazbene baštine. Takodjer se bavi i redigiranjem velikih djela baštine, pa je tako rekonstruirao drugi čin Papandopulove "Sunčanice", te redigirao i postavio na scenu HNK-a u Zagrebu izvornik Zajčeva "Nikole Šubića Zrinjskog".Premda je težište njegova opusa u komornoj glazbi, autor je niza simfonijskih ostvaraja (Stara hrvatska glazba, Hrvatska suita, Zildjian Concerto itd.). Osobito je zapažen njegov rad na komornim oblicima glazbenoga kazališta (Franz Mileni, Martyre d'un jongleur). Dobitnik je prvih nagrada na 22. medjunarodnom natjecanju za zborsku skladbu u Talosi i "Dr. Ernst Vogel" (1993.) u Stockerau, Nagrade "Stjepan Šulek" (1994.), te dvaju Porina (1998. i 2001.). Skladbe su mu se izvodile na mnogim uglednim festivalima suvremene glazbe (World Music Days Manchester, Moskovska jesen, Gaudeamus Amsterdam, Wien modern, Europamusicale München, Trieste prima, Musikprotokoll Graz, Muzički biennale Zagreb itd.), te snimane za fonoteke ORF-a, BR-a, BBC-a, RAI-a, NR-a i HRT-a. Snimio je svoj Zildjian Concerto za udaraljke i orkestar za HoneyRock.Na Muzičkoj akademiji u Zagrebu djeluje kao docent glazbene teorije.ÂOp-edMladen Tarbuk je isto i netjak (ili bratic, ili tako nesto, ali u rodu)Ânase Hilde Foley.nb letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Austrian Cultural Center http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5622/1/E-Austrian-Cultural-Center.html ÂThis article appeared in the NY Times' Arts Section on Sunday, April 14.ÂIt is a great exposition of what other countries do to promote theirÂculture in NYC and shows an example of what I have been urging CroatiaÂshould do. John KraljicÂÂOp-edÂOur plea is unison. We need Croatian Cultural Center in major world cities. With substantial budgets and qualified people working in it.ÂNenad BachÂÂApril 14, 2002ÂShowing the Flag of Culture (or Not)ÂBy MICHAEL Z. WISEÂWTH a steeply raked glass facade that appears to fall like the blade ofÂa guillotine, the Austrian Cultural Forum is one of the most strikingÂbuildings to have gone up in New York in decades. It's also a dramatic,Â24-story, $29 million embodiment of how nations use culture to polishÂtheir image.ÂCultural prestige has always followed troops and trade as a measure of aÂnation's influence. Even when once-great powers lose political andÂeconomic dominion, they still yearn to hold sway in the cultural realm.ÂAustria is a prime example: the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian EmpireÂin 1918 may have relegated the surviving Austrian Republic to the bushÂleagues of international politics, but fervid promotion of its artisticÂheritage has enabled this small Alpine nation to retain cultural renown.ÂFor decades Austria has bankrolled national treasures like the ViennaÂState Opera, the Vienna Philharmonic and the Salzburg Festival. Now, onÂFriday, it will dedicate its towering new American outpost, designed byÂthe Austrian-born architect Raimund Abraham. The building, on 52ndÂStreet between Madison and Fifth Avenues, contains galleries, a libraryÂand a theater as well as offices. But it doesn't stand alone; it's onlyÂthe latest in a flurry of gestures by foreign nations to show theirÂcultural bona fides in New York.ÂSeveral countries are opening cultural centers to capture theÂimagination of the American public and reflect glory back home; stillÂmore are lending state support for performances and exhibitionsÂinvolving their native artists at American institutions.ÂYet the phenomenon is mostly one-sided. While many nations have embracedÂcultural diplomacy and made New York the focal point of it, the UnitedÂStates has been reluctant to use art to communicate American objectivesÂoverseas at a time of broad American reach. The end of the cold war andÂthe global scope of satellite broadcasting and the Internet have helpedÂthe United States attain not only vast new political power but also anÂincreasingly dominating cultural influence that both attracts andÂrepels. And many officials believe that popular culture can be a potentÂweapon in the American arsenal, a view cannily underlined by SecretaryÂof State Colin Powell's appearance on MTV in February in which heÂdefended the American campaign against terrorism before a worldwideÂaudience of young people. But American politicians have shown littleÂappetite for using state auspices to export a broader range of AmericanÂarts than is available through market incentives.ÂThe opposite is happening in Europe. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, NorwayÂand Sweden have helped finance construction of the new six-storyÂScandinavia House on Park Avenue, run by a nonprofit foundation as aÂkind of permanent World's Fair pavilion for Nordic art exhibitions,Âconcerts, lectures and films. Spain will open a $19 million arts centerÂon East 49th Street. The Italian Cultural Institute, now operating outÂof a stately but shabby 1919 mansion on Park Avenue, plans to move byÂthe end of 2003 to more up-to-date Midtown premises, where it canÂgreatly expand its programming.ÂThe lavishness of these facilities attests to their home countries'Âbelief in the importance of culture as a tool of diplomacy. "It's aÂpowerful way for governments and nations to gain positive attention,"Âsays Curtis Barlow, director of cultural affairs for Canada's DepartmentÂof Foreign Affairs and International Trade. "At the senior level ofÂgovernment, there is a growing recognition of the utility and importanceÂof this kind of work."ÂForeign diplomats and arts administrators alike say that using cultureÂfor international understanding has taken on heightened significance.Â"Since Sept. 11, people are more conscious of the fact that we live inÂone world and that culture can help bridge our differences," said KarenÂBrooks Hopkins, president of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, one of manyÂNew York institutions that benefit from foreign governments' promotionalÂefforts.ÂSchuyler Chapin, the New York City Commissioner for Cultural AffairsÂfrom 1994 to 2001, said: "Propaganda has nasty connotations as a word,Âbut putting a country's strengths and cultural resources in front ofÂpeople is a very persuasive argument about the legitimacy and generalÂartistic energy that may be found in country X. New York is in many waysÂthe cultural capital of the Western world, so it's natural thatÂcountries wishing to represent themselves from the standpoint ofÂcultural life would gravitate to this city."ÂNew York has been a stage for a wealth of foreign-supported culturalÂinitiatives in the last two years. A partial list includes the LincolnÂCenter Festival performance of the Dutch opera "Writing to Vermeer," aÂretrospective of the Spanish director Luis Buñuel's films at the MuseumÂof Modern Art, French dance performances at the Joyce Theater, aÂworkshop featuring the German composer Helmut Lachenmann at ColumbiaÂUniversity, a symposium on 20th-century Swedish design by the BardÂGraduate Center and an evening of Canadian comedy at the 92nd Street YÂpresented by Michael J. Fox. All were at least partly supported by theÂnations whose art was on display.ÂWhy would envoys of the Ottawa government help organize an evening ofÂCanadian comedy? "Most people think of Canada in terms of Peter JenningsÂor cold weather," said Kevin O'Shea, a diplomat who was involved. In anÂattempt "to get across a more vibrant image," he said, Canada hasÂrecently tripled its budget for arts promotion in New York.ÂThe goal of erasing stereotypes comes up repeatedly. Paolo Riani,Âdirector of the Italian Cultural Institute, is intent on "presenting anÂimage of the country that is not just Mafia, not just fashion." FlavioÂPerri, the Brazilian consul general, wants "to show we are more thanÂCarnival."ÂExplaining why Israel is helping defray the cost of the Batsheva DanceÂCompany's appearance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music later this month,Âthe cultural attaché, Ofra Ben-Yaacov, says: "We are too much in theÂnews because of events. It's important to see that we don't only fight,Âthat we have better channels." Max Imgrügh, chairman of the SwissÂInstitute, which receives part of its financing from the government,Âaspires "to show that there's more to Switzerland than bank accounts andÂthe Holocaust."ÂSimilar thinking in the mid-1980's led to the attention-getting AustrianÂCultural Forum. Austria wanted to break out of the internationalÂisolation that had been caused by the revelations of President KurtÂWaldheim's service in a German army unit involved in Nazi war crimes.ÂOne way to cast the country in a more favorable light, it was decided,Âwould be to erect an arresting, architecturally significant building inÂthe middle Manhattan. But it's not an approach every nation is preparedÂto take.ÂHow to make a mark on New York's jam-packed arts scene through lessÂconcrete measures is the challenge facing dozens of foreign culturalÂrepresentatives. "It's useless to be gallery No. 1,428 or to make aÂsmall concert when it's the 27th on a given night," says Stephan Nobbe,Âdirector of the Goethe Institut. For this reason, the $7.5 million thatÂthe institute spends each year to promote German culture in the UnitedÂStates - largely provided by the German Foreign Ministry - is frequentlyÂused to help stage events at local institutions like the GuggenheimÂMuseum or the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center rather than toÂfinance presentations at the Goethe Institut itself, on upper FifthÂAvenue.ÂLess prosperous countries are also resourceful at beating their artisticÂdrums. Mongolia staged a citywide festival in 2000 that includedÂwrestling and archery displays in Central Park and a show of dinosaurÂrelics at the American Museum of Natural History, all of which coincidedÂwith the Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition on the theme of theÂMongolian horse.ÂEuropean powers like Germany and France are old hands at culturalÂdiplomacy. The Goethe Institut was founded before World War II andÂrapidly became enmeshed in Nazi ideology. But its postwar activitiesÂhave greatly reinforced the democratic credentials of today's FederalÂRepublic. France, which employs 85 people in 10 offices around theÂUnited States to promote French culture, created the Alliance FrançaiseÂin 1883 to help regain national prestige after its defeat in theÂFranco-Prussian War. Since then, France has believed that acquaintingÂforeigners with its intellectual and cultural traditions buys sympathyÂfor its political and economic policies.ÂThe official use of culture can backfire. Chinese interference in theÂaborted American premiere of the opera "Peony Pavilion" at the 1998ÂLincoln Center Festival demonstrated the perils. After agreeing to sendÂthe epic work to the festival, Shanghai officials saw a preview of theÂproduction and denounced it as "feudal," "absurd" and "pornographic."ÂThey then refused to allow performers to travel to New York. (TheÂdirector pursued other avenues and the opera was staged in 1999.)ÂBut curators and artistic directors say they can recall no other recentÂinstance of overt state intervention in a cultural endeavor here.ÂWhile New York arts institutions insist that their bookings are based onÂartistic criteria, they often rely on cultural attachés to bring newÂartists and productions to their attention. Foreign governments willÂalso foot the bill for curators and presenters to travel abroad to seeÂthe work. "They provide us with a knowledge base," said Robert Harth,Âartistic director of Carnegie Hall, which does not accept subsidizedÂtrips.ÂThe degree to which United States arts institutions receive help fromÂforeign nations varies widely. Ms. Hopkins of the Brooklyn Academy saysÂ"it would be tough" for the Academy to keep up its high level ofÂinternational programming without diplomatic backing. At the Museum ofÂModern Art, foreign financing has been modest in contrast to the overallÂcost of any exhibition, says the director, Glenn Lowry. But stateÂsupport for shows like the recent Giacometti retrospective, backed byÂSwitzerland, helped gain additional money from foundations and privateÂdonors.ÂOnce government backing is lined up, cultural attachés often go further,Âacting as go-betweens to find corporate sponsors from their ownÂcountries. Jean-René Gehan, the French cultural counselor, said he hadÂhelped arrange sponsorships by the media giant Vivendi Universal, theÂaircraft manufacturer Dassault and the Société Générale bank.ÂOfficially supported culture used to flow more readily across theÂAtlantic. During the 1950's and 60's, the United States InformationÂAgency flooded Europe with American orchestras, dance groups, artÂexhibits and jazz performances as well as the Broadway musicals "PorgyÂand Bess" and "My Fair Lady."ÂNo sooner had the communist threat waned after 1991, however, thanÂUnited States initiatives were cut back severely. In 1999, the U.S.I.A.Âitself was folded into the State Department. The United States droppedÂout of Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany. The network of American librariesÂand reading rooms overseas has been reduced to 168, from a high of 254Âin 1963. Only 22 percent are traditional lending libraries; theseÂ"information resource centers," as they're now called, often consist ofÂa single computer terminal.ÂSept. 11 and its aftermath raise the question whether slashing culturalÂdiplomacy was prudent. Editorial writers are asking how best to combatÂdistortions about the United States, and the film critic David Denby,Âamong others, has urged that cultural diplomacy be revived in theÂIslamic world. Writing in the online magazine Slate, he advocatedÂsending a wider range of films abroad as well as dispatching poets,Âprofessors and cultural journalists: "We can do it not by boasting orÂexhorting, but by describing, illustrating, embodying - that is, byÂshowing up."ÂAmerica has long had an aversion to official involvement in the arts.ÂAlthough most foreign countries have national ministries of culture andÂregard protection of their artistic heritage as a public responsibility,ÂAmericans have been wary of such bureaucratic control. From theÂDepression-era Works Projects Administration through more recentÂupheavals involving the National Endowment for the Arts, federal supportÂof culture has set off heated debate.ÂPatricia Harrison, the assistant secretary of state for Educational andÂCultural Affairs, agrees that there's a need to refocus culturalÂdiplomacy to correct misperceptions abroad. Along with culturalÂprogramming, Ms. Harrison oversees the Fulbright Program, which offersÂ4,500 grants a year to foreigners to study in the United States and toÂAmericans to go abroad. "We need more opportunities for dialogue," sheÂsaid, but she cautioned that that it could take years for any newÂcultural programs to have an impact. Ms. Harrison said the BushÂadministration had not substantially reversed the cuts in culturalÂdiplomacy, but added, "We have put a tourniquet on the hemorrhaging."ÂJoseph S. Nye Jr., dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard,Âargues that America's commercial cultural exports already make up a formÂof "soft power" that influences other societies by implicitly promotingÂAmerican values like personal freedom, upward mobility and democraticÂopenness. But he also believes that the government can't do much toÂoffset the hostility that popular products like "Baywatch" or BritneyÂSpears videos can provoke. "Efforts to balance the scene by supportingÂexports of American high culture - libraries and art exhibits - are atÂbest a useful palliative," Professor Nye said.ÂTo be sure, advocates of reviving American cultural diplomacy do notÂsuggest that Washington merely trumpet the upper reaches of AmericanÂartistic achievement. "We can't simply say we have great novelists andÂgreat architects," said the historian Richard Pells, author of "Not LikeÂUs: How Europeans Have Loved, Hated and Transformed American CultureÂSince World War II."Â"But we need to engage people abroad on why they feel uncomfortable whenÂthey encounter America in their own living rooms," Professor Pells said.Â"Many people interpret America in terms of its most visible artifacts -Âthe Golden Arches or Mickey Mouse. American cultural diplomacy couldÂdemystify these artifacts and engage in a dialogue on why they're soÂpopular."ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) BOOK - Croatia: The Country and Language http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5625/1/E-BOOK---Croatia-The-Country-and-Language.html SUCCESSFULLY LEARN CROATIAN LANGUAGE NOW WITH THESE BOOKSSt. Louis, MO--Nasja Bo¹koviæ Meyer, Lodge 50, announces the 20th Anniversary of the revised, enhanced, and new edition of the Croatian Language and Culture Books that have been sold in 47 states in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Croatia. A buyer said of the first edition: "These books are easily the best of the Croatian materials I have. I don't believe one can truly learn a language without first knowing something about the history and culture that produces it. I will gladly recommend these books to others who want to learn Croatian."The book is published in two volumes and is called "Croatia: The Country and the Language" / "Hrvatska: Zemlja i Jezik" by Nasja Bo¹koviæ Meyer and Jasna Meyer McCarthy, Ph.D., ACM Publishing, Copyright 2018. Both volumes are available in soft-cover and hard-cover. Each volume includes an extensive English - Croatian Dictionary and a Croatian- English Dictionary, and an audio component -- CD, that helps with pronunciation and reinforces progress in learning. The books are a dynamic new way to learn about the country and language of Croatia.Nasja Bo¹koviæ Meyer holds a B.A. in Foreign Languages and is a native of Split, Croatia. She has taught Croatian language and culture for over 35 years at colleges throughout St. Louis. She is the author of two books of poetry in Croatian -- the second, "Pet Rubina Crvenih," is also available for sale. Nasja Meyer is a regular contributor to Zajednièar, writing about her frequent visits to Croatia.Her daughter and co-author Jasna Meyer McCarthy, Ph.D., is American born, but educated in Croatia, as well as in the U.S.àHer Ph.D. is in Intercultural Communication and her doctoral work focused on linguistic comparisons of Croatian and Euro-American speakers.ÃÂÃÂCurrently she is a professor at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. Volume I For everyone who wants to learn more about the rich history and culture of Croatia and its language, Hrvatski Jezik. This first volume is an Introduction to the Language and itsStructure, Pronunciation, Basic Grammar, Gender of Nouns, Present Tense, Grammatical Cases, and Declension of Nouns. Key sections include: Intro to the Language, Greetings,ÃÂFamiliarScenes in Zagreb, Poems and Proverbs, Everyday Expressions, Brief History of Croatia, Exercises in Speaking and Writing Croatian, Jokes and Short Conversations, Practical Suggestions for Visitors and Tourists to Croatia, English-Croatian and Croatian-English Dictionaries, 299 pages with colored pictures and illustrations, and a CD which is essential for pronunciation. Volume II For persons who want to learn more, and in greater depth about Croatian language and culture, for visitors to Croatia, for those with friends and family connections in Croatia. Continuation of the Study of Grammar, Past Tense, Future Tense, Imperative Form and Conditional. Poems, Proverbs, Songs, Recipes. Visits to Karlovac, Plitvice Lakes, Split, Trogir,©ibenik, Zadar, Dalmatian Islands, Dubrovnik, Meðugorje. The Game of "Alka" at Sinj, Everyday Expressions, Exercises in Speaking and Writing Croatian, Recipes for Holiday Baking, Jokes and Short Conversations, English-Croatian and Croatian-English Dictionaries, 321 pages with colored pictures and illustrations, and a CD necessary for pronunciation.CROATIAN BOOKS FOR PRESENTSBirthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Easter, Confirmation, Graduations, Special Days! Many of us wonder what we will give for gifts to our friends and relatives. We want to give a gift that is enriching and attractive, and we may spend hours deciding, looking for the "right" gift.àHere is an idea that will save your precious time, a gift that will last for years, and will be greatly appreciated.TO ORDERSend your Name, Address, Phone No., and a Check to Nasja Meyer, 8055 Davis Dr., St. Louis, Mo. 63105.Free Shipping Anywhere in the U.S.!Soft-Cover: Vol. I. $67.00 Vol. II $67.00Hard-Cover: Vol. I $79.00 Vol. II $79.00When you buy two soft-cover volumes, only $130When you buy two hard-cover volumes, only $150Free shipping included.(Indicate if you wish the authors to sign your copy or dedicate to someone you name and forwhat occasion).For more information, call 314-727-0747 and leave your phone no. if necessary, or contact us by email at jmeyer@fontbonne.eduFor orders outside of the U.S. (Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, etc.) or multi-copy orders including for course adoption, contact us. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Naiva: Fenomen vrijedan divljenja http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5629/1/H-Naiva-Fenomen-vrijedan-divljenja.html Jutro - Ivan GeneralicFenomen vrijedan divljenjaVelikom kritickom izlozbom i znanstvenim skupom zelimopodsjetiti da je naiva nezaobilazan segment umjetnosti XX.stoljeca i da je hrvatska dionica u tim zbivanjima, gledano usvjetskim okvirima, medju najvecim vrijednostima - kaze kustosVladimir CrnkovicU godini svoga zlatnog jubileja kada Hrvatski muzej naivneumjetnosti proslavlja 50. obljetnicu osnutka, kao prvapriredba te specijalizirane zagrebacke ustanove postavljena jekomorna izlozba Ivana Lackovica Croate, mala kritickaselekcija u povodu umjetnikovih jubileja: 70. obljetnicerodjenja i 50. obljetnice neprekinuta slikarskog djelovanja.Izlozbu je priredio kustos Vladimir Crnkovic koji se i prijedolaska u muzej 1998. posebno bavio fenomenom naivneumjetnosti.Istom prigodom, u svojstvu urednika i priredjivaca, Crnkovic jepotpisao monografsku studiju Giancarla Vigorellija u prijevoduTonka Maroevica o tome nasem cijenjenom crtacu i slikaru. Skustosom Crnkovicem razgovaramo o spomenutim aktivnostima, azanimaju nas i drugi projekti te prosudba o polozaju naivneumjetnosti na pocetku XXI. stoljeca u nas i svijetu.* U Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti dosli ste na radno mjestokustosa, voditelja zbirke i izdavacke djelatnosti. Kako ste unovim okolnostima nastavili selektivnu kriticarsku djelatnostpo kojoj ste poznati iz prijasnjega razdoblja?- Odmah po mome dolasku u Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnostipristupili smo redefiniranju izlagacke politike i aktiviranjuizdavacke djelatnosti - kaze Vladimir Crnkovic. - To jepodrazumijevalo vrlo selektivan pristup, ponajprijekoncentraciju na estetsko, umjetnicko, kao i ukljucivanje visestranih stvaralaca u stalan muzejski postav. Odlucili smopokrenuti dvije biblioteke: izdavanje bio-bibliografijanajznacajnijih autora - dosad su obradjeni Matija Skurjeni iEmerik Fejes - te knjiga iz teorije i kritike naive.Godine 1999. objavili smo Gamulinove tekstove >Prema teorijinaivne umjetnostiOnaivi, naivima i srodnim pojavamaFantastican svijet hrvatske naivne umjetnostiInsite< uBratislavi, na izlozbi naive, art bruta i outsider arta sto jeotvorena u Slovackoj narodnoj galeriji potkraj studenog 2000.U segmentu >Povijesna retrospektivaInsite< i dva putaMedjunarodnog zirija. To spominjem s razloga sto se upravo utakvim prigodama najlakse uspostavljaju kontakti sa svijetom,sto je za male narode i nepoznate kulture, kakva je nasa, i tekako vazno. Bez osobnih kontakta to je gotovo nemoguce.Bratislava je jedno od takvih vaznih mjesta gdje suuspostavljena mnoga medjunarodna poznanstva koja su urodilaukljucivanjem nasih umjetnika u velike projekte.Ili drugi primjer. Da nisam godinama suradjivao i prijateljevaos gospodjom Charlotte Zander, vlasnicom Muzeja naive i artbruta u Bönnigheimu u Njemackoj, vjerojatno najvecemu inajbogatijemu muzeju za tu vrstu umjetnosti, nasa spomenutaamericka izlozba ne bi bila takve kvalitete kakvu smoostvarili, jer smo upravo iz Muzeja Zander posudili nizkljucnih slika za taj projekt. Gospodja Zander bila je izdavac,ili suizdavac, osam mojih knjiga, o Gaziju, Kovacicu,Rabuzinu, Savi Sekulicu, Skurjenom i Fejesu te Bomboisovemonografije, a sponzorirala je i druge projekte medju kojima sumoje knjige o Generalicevim i Lackovicevim crtezima odnosnozbornik o Rabuzinu i drugo.Ne spominjem ta imena da pokazem o kome sam sve pisao, nego dase vidi koje sve nase umjetnike Muzej Zander ima u programu.Stoga se ne treba cuditi sto su na zadnjoj velikoj izlozbi teustanove u Becu u listopadu 2001. hrvatski umjetnici - uzfrancuske >slikare svetoga srcajugoslavenskom cudunezavisne autore< Fejesa, Skurjenog iRabuzina. Time ne zelim umanjiti prinose srpskih, danasnjihjugoslavenskih majstora, koje osobito cijenim i cija sekvalitetna djela nalaze i u nasemu muzeju - od BogosavaZivkovica do Milana Stanisavljevica, od Ilije do SaveSekulica. Toga potonjega, jednoga od najznacajnijih umjetnikaartbrutistickih tendencija u svijetu, valjalo bi sagledavati iunutar korpusa hrvatske umjetnosti jer je rodjen u Dalmatinskojzagori.Medju nama i dalje su prisutni, i to vrlo aktivno, klasici nasenaive: Rabuzin i Vecenaj, Kovacic i Lackovic, a u zadnja dvadesetljeca nisam siguran da se pojavila ijedna istinski novavrijednost. Zadnja kreativna generacija stasala je pocetkomsedamdesetih. Izdvojio bih osobito Nadu Svegovic-Budaj,Dragicu Loncaric i Kresu Trumbetasa. Tom nizu pribrojio bih iSofiju Naletilic Penavusu, hrvatsku umjetnicu iz Bosne iHercegovine, koja je osamdesetih i pocetkom devedesetihprepoznata kao najmarkantnija pojava moderne europske naive.Grand Prix u Bratislavi 1994. o tome najrjecitije svjedoci.No, nakon tih imena pocinje silazna putanja, sto ne znaci danisu moguca iznenadjenja.* Znaci li to da hrvatsku naivnu umjetnost svodite na tihpetnaestak imena?- Ne, to je samo moj uzi odbir. Mogao bih, a moguce i morao,spomenuti jos ponekoga autora, ali ako govorimo nacelno, akozelim da teza koju zastupam bude sto razloznija, onda svetreba maksimalno reducirati. Davno je vec Gamulin definiraonaivu kao stvaralastvo singularnog stila, osebujne iprepoznatljive fizionomije te uvijek jasne umjetnicke razine -i time ju razgranicio od amaterizma i narodne, puckeumjetnosti.Pitanje se odnosi i na prilike u svijetu. I tu smo svjedocitek manjega broja istinski novih kreativnosti. Ne moze seocekivati da se svakih nekoliko godina pojavi novo i velikootkrice. Kreativnost se moze podupirati, ali ne moze seprogramirati. Kreativnost je cudo, ona je nepredvidljiva, kaosto je i neobjasnjiva. Pojava fascinantnoga Rusa PavelaLeonova, dobitnika Grand prixa u Bratislavi 1997., jedno je odtakvih otkrica. S radoscu mogu kazati da u nasemu muzeju imamotri njegove velike i znacajne slike.Iste godine kada je Leonov nagradjen za naivu, nagradu za artbrut na >Insiti< dobio je Nizozemac Willem van Genk, danasvjerojatno najvece zivuce ime na razmedju naive i art bruta. Tospominjem iz dva razloga. Prvo, ta nagrada je dokazprepoznavanja novih tematskih, stilistickih i poetickihznacajki te svjesnog otklona od >klasicne< naive prema novimfenomenima: art brutu i outsider artu. Drugo, jedna VanGenkova slika nalazi se u zagrebackome muzeju jos od 1991.,kada je samostalno izlagao u Galeriji primitivne umjetnosti,danas Hrvatskome muzeju naivne umjetnosti, sto govori da su iprijasnji kustosi - rijec je o Nadi Vrkljan-Krizic - bilikompetentni te su prepoznavali nove pojave.Ako se danas, na siroj svjetskoj razini, naiva, art brut ioutsider art zajedno izlazu, u istim izlozbenim salonima, stoprije dvadesetak godina nije bilo vidjeno, to govori o novomesenzibilitetu, novim spoznajama, novim otkricima. Stoga netreba zabrinjavati sto vrsne nove naive sve manje susrecemo,jer se javljaju novi fenomeni.* Muzej je pred zlatnim jubilejom. Sto pripremate za tuosobitu svecarsku prigodu?- Kada je otvorena prva izlozba: >Stalna izlozbaseljaka-slikara< u novooformljenoj Seljackoj umjetnickojgaleriji, 1. studenog 1952., tada nitko nije mogao znati stoce se sve desiti. Neprijeporno je da je vec tada prepoznatavrijednost i izdvojenost Generalica, Viriusa i Smajica, da jeshvacen njihov novum kako u odnosu prema akademskom slikarstvutako i prema puckoj, narodnoj umjetnosti te amaterizmu.Otkricem Fejesa, radnika-slikara, cija je samostalna izlozbapriredjena 1956., ustanova mijenja ime u Galerija primitivneumjetnosti, sto korespondira s nastojanjem na svjetskom planu.Ne bih vise zamarao s kronologijom, dovoljno je napomenuti daje Galerija primitivne umjetnosti izdvojena iz Galerija gradaZagreba 1994. - unutar kojih je djelovala od 1959., slicno kaoi Atelier Mestrovic - te je preimenovana u Hrvatski muzejnaivne umjetnosti. Zbog svega navedenog, to je prvi muzejnaive u svjetskim okvirima.U svezi s navedenim jubilejom pripremamo veliku kritickuizlozbu najvrsnijih eksponata u nasemu muzeju, podjednakodomacih i stranih autora. Time zelimo upozoriti na blago kojecuvamo u spremistima, kao i na potrebu dobivanja vecega iprikladnijeg izlozbenog prostora. Kriticki cemo preispitaticijelu nasu zbirku, a katalog izlozbe bit ce dopuna iprosirenje nase male monografije, vodica kroz zbirku, jer ceukljuciti znatno vise radova, medju njima i niz djela stranihautora.Drugo, priredit cemo simpozij da bismo fenomen naive idjelatnost muzeja osvijetliti s vise aspekta. Sve prilogenamjeravamo objaviti u posebnom zborniku. Tim projektom zelimoiznova podsjetiti i pokazati zasto su Generalicevi uspjesipedesetih godina, od Pariza preko Sao Paula do Bruxellesa,bili opravdani, zasto su i u svezi s kojim to slikama publikai kritika s odusevljenjem prihvatili njegovo stvaralastvo.Zelimo takodjer podsjetiti zasto je i kako narastaj koji jestasao sezdesetih godina, a medju njima Rabuzin napose,nastavio, prosirio i produbio taj veliki uspjeh naseumjetnosti na svjetskoj sceni. Zelimo pokazati kako se tonastavlja i sedamdesetih godina i kako su svi ti uspjesiduboko razlozni, a u svim tim dogadjanjima vaznu ulogu odigralaje i nasa institucija.Da zakljucim, zelimo podsjetiti da je naiva nezaobilazansegment umjetnosti XX. stoljeca i da je hrvatska dionica u timzbivanjima, gledano u svjetskim okvirima, medju najvecimvrijednostima.Josip Skunca (Vjesnik, Utorak, 19. ozujka 2002.)Suncokret - Ivan Generalic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 10 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Cestitka DHK Vesni Parun za 80ti rodjendan http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5624/1/H-Cestitka-DHK-Vesni-Parun-za-80ti-rodjendan.html ÂVesna Parun - Sretan 80ti rodjendanZAGREB, 9. travnja - Drustvo Hrvatskih Knjizevnika cestitaloÂje u utorak Vesni Parun (1922.) osamdeseti rodjendanÂizrazavajuci poznatoj hrvatskoj pjesnikinji "i ovogaÂpramaljeca najiskrenije i hvalu i zahvalu, i odanost" zeleciÂ"pregrst zdravlja, sunca i novih stihova". "Prije sedamÂdesetljeca s Pramaljecem u "Andjelu cuvaru" odvazno si iÂnenadmasno zapocela broditi ovim jedinim i pocesto neveselimÂsvijetom i tkati zacudnu, iznimno bistru i plodonosnu rijekuÂnezaboravnih stihova i antologijskih pjesama u jezikuÂhrvatskome", pise u rodjendanskoj cestitki dopredsjednik DHKÂAndjelko Novakovic. Vesna Parun pjesmu Pramaljece objavila je uÂosnovnoj skoli u listu "Andjeo cuvar" (1932.). "Tvoje zore iÂvihori, Tvoje crne masline i zavicajni koralji, Tvoje tuge iÂradosti vec desetljecima nepomuceno stoluju i odzvanjaju uÂnasim dusama, kao i u srcima uistinu nebrojenih postovateljaÂTvojih lucidnih pjesnickih, proznih i dramskih ostvarenja",Ânapominje u cestitki Novakovic. (Hina) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 10 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "Hrvatska Prica" u Montevideu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5623/1/H-Hrvatska-Prica-u-Montevideu.html  ZAGREB, 9. travnja - U organizaciji Hrvatske matice iseljenika (HMI) glazbeno-scenski projekt Hrvatska Prica gostovao je ovih dana u dvorani >Zitarrosa< u Montevideu. U sklopu projekta, koji predstavlja kulturni, glazbeni i turisticki vid Hrvatske, u glavnom gradu Urugvaja nastupili su TamburaskiÂorkestar HRT-a pod ravnanjem Sinise Leopolda, rijecka klapaÂFortunal te dvoje solista, sopranistica Barbara Otman iÂbariton Miroslav Zivkovic, izvijestila je HMI. Iako jeÂhrvatska zajednica u Urugvaju jedna je od starijih u tomeÂdijelu svijeta, mnogi od posjetitelja dvorane Zitarossa mladjega narastaja ne govore hrvatski, no unatoc tomu goste iz Hrvatske odusevljeno su pozdravili. Nastup >Hrvatske priceIndependencia letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 10 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Sve upucuje na "ostavstinu" mimo ostavstine - Krleza http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5630/1/H-Sve-upucuje-na-ostavstinu-mimo-ostavstine---Krleza.html KRLEZAÂSve upucuje na "ostavstinu" mimo ostavstineDa rukopis seste knjige "Zastava" postoji, ili je barempostojao, upucuje i niz Krlezinih iskaza. Sestu knjigu Krlezaspominje na vise mjesta u razlicitim svojim tekstovima. Prijesvega, u dnevnickim zapisima iz prosinca 1968. govori o tomekako je dosao do polovice te knjige i kako se nada da ce doveljace 1969. imati oko 300 stranicaVELIMIR VISKOVICU proslom Nedjeljnom Vjesniku dr. Zeljko Sabol se ukljucio uraspravu o Krlezinoj rukopisnoj ostavstini energicno izrecenomtvrdnjom da sesta knjiga Krlezina romana "Zastave" nijepronadjena jer nije ni mogla biti nadjena: ona, jednostavno,nije ni napisana. Sabolovo misljenje svakako treba ozbiljnouzeti u obzir jer je rijec o poznatome grafologu (uz ostalo iautoru clanka o rukopisu M. Krleze u enciklopediji"Krlezijani"); Sabol je sredinom osamdesetih grafoloskiobradjivao Krlezine rukopise: na temelju njegove rekonstrukcijeobjavljena je dijarijska knjiga "Zapisi sa Trzica".Svoju tvrdnju potkrepljuje dvama argumentima: 1. nevjerojatnoje da postoji rukopis seste knjige "Zastava", jer bi to Krlezasigurno najavio i objavio; 2. da je knjiga postojala urukopisu, svakako bi dosla u njegove, tj. Sabolove ruke, jerje Krlezine rukopise trebalo grafoloski odgonetavati zbognecitljivosti, sto je Cengic povjeravao njemu u doba izdavanjaSabranih djela.Uza sve postovanje prema Sabolovoj strucnosti i njegovupoznavanju Krlezina opusa, usudio bih se primijetiti da mi senjegovi argumenti ne cine uvjerljivima. Prije svega, nitkonikad nije ni ustvrdio da je postojala dovrsena sesta knjigaromana koju je samo trebalo tiskati.Da je postojala, zasigurno bi je objavio sâm autor za zivota;cak ako je i postojao neki kompozicijski i stilski koherentanrukopis, cinjenica da ga autor nije objavio, mogla bi znacitisamo da ga nije smatrao potpuno zavrsenim te da je jos nanjemu zelio raditi. Stoga sam, bar ja osobno, dosad govoriosamo o nedovrsenoj sestoj knjizi (ako to nisam izricito svakiput isticao, iz konteksta se to podrazumijevalo).Na drugi Sabolov argument, kako rukopis seste knjige nepostoji jer ga on nije vidio, mogu samo odgovoriti da muvjerujem da tu knjigu nije vidio, ali da to ne znaci da ona nepostoji; naime, drzim da je Sabol vidio samo manji dioKrlezinih rukopisa. Cengic, pretpostavljam, nije ni imaopotrebe da mu taj rukopis pokazuje jer se vjerojatno nijeradilo o rukom pisanom autografu; cjelokupna gradja vezana zaostalih pet knjiga "Zastava", a rijec je doista o golemojkolicini papira (tisucama kartica), pisana je strojem; ima inesto neuvezanih araka iz casopisa Forum u kojemu je tiskanaprva varijanta romana i vrlo malo rukom pisanih stranica;doduse, na strojopisnim karticama ima dosta rukom unesenihKrlezinih intervencija. Pretpostavljam da je Krleza tekst"Zastava" rukom koncipirao samo u natuknicama, a da je potomsvojim tajnicama diktirao integralnu varijantu teksta na kojojje potom dalje radio.Stoga osim triju objavljenih varijanti romana ("Forum","Zora", "Oslobodjenje"), medju kojima postoje goleme razlike,postoji i niz, da tako kazem, medjufaznih varijanti koje nikadnisu tiskane. Pripremni tekstovi - biljeznice s naslovom"Galerija likova", u kojima su opisane karakteristike likova injihove uzajamne relacije, te golema povijesna studija u kojojje opisana politicka pozadina zbivanja u romanu - svjedoce osilnome Krlezinu trudu ulozenom u taj roman. Sve je topronadjeno i zasigurno ce biti iznimno korisno buducimistrazivacima Krlezina djela.Na temelju uvida u gradju vezanu za pet poznatih knjiga"Zastava", mozemo pretpostaviti i da je rukopis sestenajvjerojatnije sacuvan u strojopisnoj verziji. A da onapostoji, dakako - nedovrsena, u vise navrata potvrdio mi jeakademik Ivo Franges. U posljednjem razgovoru, nakonobjavljivanja teksta o ostavstini u pretproslom NedjeljnomVjesniku, upozorio me da tekst kojeg je on svojedobno imao urukama (dobio ga je s Cengicevom sugestijom da ga priredi zatisak) nije imao formu kontinuirane knjige vec se radilo onizu fragmentarnih scena koje redaktorskim zahvatima nije bilomoguce povezati pa je on, kao urednik sarajevskog izdanja"Sabranih djela" nakon Malinarove smrti, odustao odobjavljivanja knjige i rukopis vratio Cengicu.Da rukopis postoji, ili je barem postojao, upucuje i nizKrlezinih iskaza. Sestu knjigu Krleza spominje na vise mjestau razlicitim svojim tekstovima. Prije svega, u dnevnickimzapisima iz prosinca 1968. govori o tome kako je dosao dopolovice te knjige i kako se nada da ce do veljace 1969. imatioko tri stotine stranica.U knjizi "Pisma" sarajevskog izdanja "Sabranih djela" nacicemo pisma upucena Zoltanu Csuki (4. rujna 1972.) i MarijiKrukowskoj (21. sijecnja 1974.) u kojima Krleza govori o tomekako ocekuje skoro tiskanje seste knjige. O toj knjizi cestorazgovara i s Enesom Cengicem; primjerice, 2. lipnja 1976.godine rekao mu je:"A sto se seste knjige tice, ne znam ni sâm. Napisana je, aliima jos na njoj da se radi. Sve imam u glavi, no rekao samvec: ne pise se samo glavom, vec i straznjicom. Sada nemamvolje, nemam strpljenja da pisem". (S Krlezom iz dana u dan,1985, knj. 2, str. 125)Na temelju tog citata moze se zakljuciti da knjiga nije posvegotova, ali zasigurno postoji u nekom radnom, nezavrsenomobliku. Ta ga knjiga opsesivno proganja; stalno Cengicu govorio tome da "zastavira" (radi na "Zastavama"); 19. travnja 1979.(knj. 3, str. 177) izrijekom mu potvrdjuje da je knjiganapisana ("nije u glavi, nego na hartiji"); stovise, iprecizira koje razdoblje ona obuhvaca ("sesnaesta, sedamnaestai osamnaesta godina"), a to znaci da bi ona popunila vremenskuprazninu izmedju trece i cetvrte knjige petosvescanog izdanja"Zastava". Krleza spominje i naslov te seste knjige: "Nalijepom plavom Dunavu".Zanimljivo je da na nekim mjestima Krleza spominje i rad nasedmoj knjizi, primjerice, u pismu Csuki 5. listopada 1971.,ali i u razgovoru s Cengicem (knj. 2, str. 146). PoznavajuciKrlezine navike, doista nije nemoguce da je poceo nesto raditina sedmoj knjizi, a da prethodno nije zavrsio sestu.Iako sam svjestan cinjenice da je u umjetnika uobraziljaiznimno razvijena, da svi mi koji pisemo, cak i ako nismoumjetnici, volimo tekstove koje imamo u glavi zamisljati, pa iuvjeravati druge, da su vec napisani; ipak ne vjerujem da jeKrleza sestu knjigu "Zastava" posve izmistificirao i da je onaostala samo u njegovoj glavi.Postoji mogucnost i da smo mi koji smo pregledavali Krlezinuostavstinu ponesto i previdjeli. Rijec je o desecima,vjerojatno i stotinama tisuca kartica gradje (ne znam je linetko izmjerio tezinu tih 14 golemih sanduka, ali vjerojatnoono sto je u njima tezi barem jednu tonu); u ovom prvompregledu nismo mogli detaljno proucavati svaki papiric,nastojali smo samo naciniti elementarnu evidenciju gradje,odijeliti tekstove kojima je autor sam Krleza od onih koje sudruge osobe uputile njemu te izdvojiti neobjavljene radove odobjavljenih.Ipak, ne vjerujem da nam je mogao promaknuti citav fascikl(ili odeblja biljeznica, ili veci snop papira), a buduci dasam osobno svako Krlezino djelo procitao nekoliko puta,vjerujem da bih uspio locirati kamo pripada rukopis u kojemuse spominju likovi iz "Zastava".Ako je tocan Frangesov iskaz da je osamdesetih godina imao urukama fragmentarni rukopis seste knjige "Zastava", jasno jezasto tog rukopisa nema u ostavstini koja se nalazi u NSK.Naime, Krlezina je ostavstina (uz dosta peripetija i javnihpolemika) nakon njegove smrti pohranjena u trezore Nacionalnei sveucilisne knjiznice. Ako je netko zelio doci do nekogrukopisa sredinom osamdesetih, mogao je to uciniti jedino takoda prodre u trezor, polomi pecate i iznese rukopise; naravno,na isti takav nacin ih je mogao i vratiti. No, drzim da jetakva mogucnost iskljucena.Medjutim, neke cinjenice jasno upucuju na zakljucak da svaKrlezina rukopisna gradja nije pohranjena u Sveucilisnuknjiznicu. Enes Cengic je u svojim knjigama razgovora sKrlezom objavio nekoliko tekstova iz Krlezine rukopisneostavstine. Na temelju rukopisa objavljeni su i "Zapisi saTrzica". Zeljko Sabol ih je grafoloski obradjivao sredinomosamdesetih, iz cega je ocito da oni nisu bili pohranjeni sostalom rukopisnom ostavstinom. Pretpostavljam da je terukopise Cengic objavljivao s Krlezinim (pismenim ili samousmenim?) dopustenjem. Za neke rukopisne dokumente jasno je daje Krleza zelio da budu objavljeni, primjerice, odnosi se toprije svega na Promemoriju istrazivacima tzv. "sukoba naljevici" koja je najprije objavljena 1982. u sarajevskomcasopisu Dalje i Cengicevoj monografiji "Krleza", a tek potomu Krlezinoj knjizi "Dijalekticki antibarbarus".Osobno mi je, kao istrazivacu Krlezina opusa, drago da jeCengic objavio nepoznate Krlezine rukopise. Drugo je pitanjeje li to posve suglasno slovu Krlezine oporuke po kojoj svirukopisi moraju biti pohranjeni na 20 godina u Nacionalnu isveucilisnu knjiznicu. Ali ostavljam to pitanje pravnicima.Mene kao krlezologa u ovom trenutku najvise zanima sto je odKrlezinih rukopisa ostalo u posjedu Cengicevih nasljednika. Jaznam da je Cengic uzivao Krlezino povjerenje; u najtezimtrenucima Krlezina zivota bio je uz njega; ucinio je mnogo i uposlu tiskanja njegovih djela. Ne treba smetnuti s uma da jesarajevsko izdanje "Sabranih djela" (uza sve pojedinacnenedostatke) jedino dosad zavrseno izdanje nakon vise pokusajau proslosti; njegove knjige razgovora s Krlezom zanimljivo sui vrijedno stivo. Mislim da mu je uvijek bila u interesuafirmacija Krlezina umjetnickog djela, da se omoguci njegovoproucavanje te da se potakne izdavacki i citateljski interes.Ocekujem stoga da ce njegovi nasljednici pregledati Cengicevuostavstinu, sami ili uz pomoc vanjskih strucnjaka, izdvojitiKrlezine rukopise za koje pretpostavljam da bi se u tojostavstini mogli naci, zatim knjige s Krlezinim redakturama idopunama priredjenima za sarajevsko izdanje "Sabranih djela" teda ce taj krlezinski fond prikljuciti ostalim rukopisimapohranjenim u trezoru Nacionalne i sveucilisne knjiznice.Vjerujem da bi i Enes tako postupio. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) OBJAVLJEN POSAVSKI NARODNI KALENDAR http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5628/1/H-OBJAVLJEN-POSAVSKI-NARODNI-KALENDAR.html ÂÂOBJAVLJEN «POSAVSKI NARODNI KALENDAR»ÂPovjest, sadašnjost i kultura bosanske PosavineÂÂZAGREB/ORAŠJE- Svjetlost dana je ugledala nova knjiga «Posavski narodniÂkalendar 2002». Nakladnik tradicionalnog zbornika je HKD»Napredak» Sarajevo,Âpodružnica Orašje i podružnica u osnutku u Hrvatskoj Kostajnici. UrednikÂkalendara na 200 stranica je Mato Krajinovic, a piše nekoliko autora.«Posavski narodni kalendar 2002», iako izišao sa zakašnjenjem, donosi nizÂpriloga o povjesti, sadašnjosti i bogatoj kulturnoj baštini bosanskeÂPosavine. Na pocetku knjige je dio o novinama i novinarima bosanskeÂPosavine, uz osvrt na zacetak novinarstva u BiH u 19. stoljecu. NastavljaÂse serijal 1500 pjesama iz okolice Bosanskog Šamca, Odžaka i Modrice.ÂKvalitetan je prikaz knjižnica i citaonica u Posavini, od 19. stoljeca doÂdanas, gdje se vidi bogatstvo pisane rijeci u Posavljaka.ÂÂZanimljiv je tekst o Ani Dolecek, ljecnici u plehanskom kraju, inaceÂCehinji. Tekst «Bosanska Posavina na Internetu» pokazuje kako su PosavlajciÂpovezani diljem svijeta,Internetom.Tužna je prica o srpskom logoru uÂSremskoj Mitrovici i zatocenim Posavljacima, haaškim svjedocima. Opisano jeÂi stradanje Posavljaka i Banjolucana u Domovinskom ratu. Opširan je tekst oÂopcini Donji Kukuruzari kod Hrvatske Kostajnice, gdje je naseljeno nekolikoÂtisuca Posavljaka.ÂDio o sportu i dio o književnoj baštini bosanske Posavine, te prikazÂnekoliko knjiga posavskih autora su tradicionalni. Na naslovnici knjige jeÂumjetnicka slika «Golgota», iz zbirke franjevackog samostana Plehan.ÂSimbolika golgote i uskrsnuca Hrvata bosanske Posavine.ÂÂBoris CAVARÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski gitaristi sedam puta prvi u Italiji http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5627/1/H-Hrvatski-gitaristi-sedam-puta-prvi-u-Italiji.html  Hrvatski gitaristi sedam puta prvi LOVRAN/VIAREGGIO, 8. travnja - Mladi su hrvatski gitaristiÂosvojili cak sedam prvih nagrada na medjunarodnomeÂgitaristickom natjecanju "Simone Salmaso" koje je od 6. do 8.Âtravnja odrzano u talijanskome gradu Viareggiu. Prvu nagradu uÂC kategoriji s najvisim brojem bodova osvojio je Hrvoje Ton,Âpolaznik poslijediplomskoga studija Visoke skole za glazbenuÂumjetnost u Lovranu, dobivsi 1000 eura te pravo odrzavanjaÂkoncerta u Rimu. Prvu nagradu u B kategoriji osvojio je VladoÂBrzovic, student druge godine istoimene Skole, a drugu nagraduÂVedran Roguljic, ucenik trecega razreda Srednje glazbene skoleÂu Lovranu. Srdjan Bulat iz splitske glazbene skole "JosipaÂHatzea" u B kategoriji podijelio je trecu nagradu s meksickimÂgitaristom. Prvu nagradu u A kategoriji za mlade gitaristeÂosvojila je Ivana Tucakovic iz Glazbene skole u Novskoj, aÂdrugu i trecu nagradu ucenici zagrebacke srednje glazbeneÂskole "Pavla Markovca" Matija Mundjer i Aleksandra Nadj. NaÂnatjecanju su nastupili i gitaristi iz Argentine, Meksika,ÂNjemacke, Poljske, Velike Britanije, Italije i Bugarske.Â(Hina) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Young Croatian Guitarists Win 7 Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5626/1/E-Young-Croatian-Guitarists-Win-7-Times.html ÂLOVRAN/VIAREGGIO April 8 - Young Croatian guitarists won seven awards at the"Simone Salmaso" international guitarist competition held April 6-8 in the Italian city of Viareggio. First place in the C category with the most votes was Hrvoje Ton, a graduate student for musical art in Lovran who received 1000 Euros and the right to hold a concert in Rome. First place in the B category went to Vlado Brzovic, a second year student at the Lovran music school, while second place went to Vedran Roguljic, a third year student at the Lovran music school. Srdjan Bulat, from the "Josip Hatze" music school in Split shared third place in the B category with a Mexican guitarist. First place in the girl's A category went to Ivana Tucakovic from the Novska music school, while second and third places went to Matija Mundjer and Aleksandra Nadj respectively of the "Pavle Markovac" music school in Zagreb. Guitarists from Argentina, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Great Britain, Italy and Bulgaria took part in the competition.ÂTranslated by Marko Puljic letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) WORLD TOUR FOR PLAY "NECESSARY TARGETS" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5631/1/E-WORLD-TOUR-FOR-PLAY-NECESSARY-TARGETS.html ÂEve EnslerFINAL WEEKS PRIOR TO WORLD TOUR - DON'T MISS THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE!Eve Ensler's "Extraordinary, bold and provocative" (NY Times) newÂplay NECESSARY TARGETS for just $35!Â(over 40% off the regular price!) Only $20.00 for StudentsYOU ARE INVITED TO SEE NECESSARY TARGETS, now in it's final weeks in New York before world tour!Recent events clearly demonstrate that the future of the world willnot be determined by military might. It will arise from the kind ofmiraculous and fragile dialogue that develops between two tenaciouslyestranged women, an American and a Bosnian, in the emotional ground-zero of arefugee camp somewhere in Croatia.Once their illusions about safety, security and tribal righteousness areshattered, each woman in her separate trial reaches the same the awakening:she is not held hostage by her painful history, but by her terror ofexperiencing love in the present.NECESSARY TARGETS is an American epiphany, a triumphant blueprint for theglobal future. Where the scratched ego would to go to battle, the uncensoredwisdom of the heart allows us to connect and heal."A Winner. Shirley Knight gives a performance that can make a theatregoerÂweep with the realization of how much this artist has been missed."Â- Linda Winer, NewsdayShirley Knight and Diane Venora are extraordinary! This performance aloneis worth the price of admission."- Jacques le Sourd, The Journal NewsStudents pay only $20.00Call Tele-charge: (212) 947-8844 and give code: NTGX334 OR bringÂa printout of this email to the Variety Arts Theatre Box OfficeÂ(110 Third Avenue at 14th Street in Manhattan), NYC. (Tues.-Sat. 8; Wed., Sat. & Sun. at 3) valid thru AprilÂ21Speak Out at NECESSARY TALKSTicket Holders are invited to attend an Open Forum and Audience Speak Outafter the performance every Sunday. On Sunday April 14th, author SUZE ORMAN who wrote "The 9 StepsÂto Financial Freedom" which appeared on the New York Times Business Best-Seller will appear as aÂpanelist.ÂOffer is subject to availability and prior sale and cannot beÂcombined with any other discounts or offers. All phone orders subjectÂto service charges. Limit of 8 tickets per order. Producer reserves theÂright to limit the number of tickets at this price. A $1.00 facility chargeÂis added to the price of each ticket.We hope that you will join us for "Necessary Targets."ÂFor additional details see http://www.necessarytargets.com.or contact V-day 212- 696-5731There are the made-in-heaven days, when you've got a new show on Broadway, you're schmoozing withÂMeryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, and it's all raising money for a cause dear to your heart. Then there are theÂtrying days, when the New York Times balks at running your ad because your title is too racy. A radical feminist playwright never knows what to expect.For Eve Ensler '75, the Broadway/Streep/Hawn experience last fall was the payoff for a long artistic andÂpolitical effort. The place was New York's Helen Hayes Theatre. The occasion was a benefit performance toÂraise funds for Bosnian war victims. The event was a reading of Ensler's Necessary Targets, a wrenchingÂdrama about women and war, specifically about women brutalized in rape camps during the war inÂBosnia."In 1993," Ensler recalls, "I saw a picture on the cover of Newsday of six totally traumatized girls who hadÂjust been returned from rape camps, and I freaked out. I couldn't believe that rape was being used as aÂsystematic tactic of war in the middle of Europe in 1993."It was an atrocity demanding a response from a writer who has never stopped thinking of herself as aÂradical feminist, and has never stopped believing in a natural connection between art and politics. SheÂpersuaded a Hollywood production company to fly her overseas to investigate the war experiences ofÂwomen in the dismembered Yugoslavia. "In 1994, I spent two months in Croatia and Pakistan interviewingÂBosnian women refugees. Then I went back again last summer to Bosnia and spent quite some timeÂinterviewing women who have worked with rape victims during the war."Out of that research came what Ensler describes as a play about "an American psychiatrist who goes on aÂmission to `help' Bosnian refugees who have been traumatized, goes to save them and in the process reallyÂsaves herself." After a Necessary Targets reading at the Public Theatre, an official of the International RescueÂCommittee asked Ensler to arrange a benefit performance. Meryl Streep agreed to portray the psychiatrist,Âand other stars Anjelica Huston, Cherry Jones, Lois Smith, John Cullumquickly filled out the cast. "It wasÂtruly one of letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 08 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "Europa i kultura" na Internetu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5634/1/H-Europa-i-kultura-na-Internetu.html Âhttp://europa.eu.int/comm/cultureÂÂBRUXELLES, 1. travnja - Prigodom neformalnog sastankaÂministara kulture zemalja clanica Europske unije koji jeÂodrzan 18. i 19. ozujka u glavnom gradu kulture Salamanci,Âpovjerenica za obrazovanje i kulturu Viviane RedingÂpredstavila je novu internetsku stranicu "Europa i kultura"Âposvecenu kulturnim politikama i aktivnostima u EuropskojÂuniji. Stranica nudi jednostavan i besplatan pristupÂinformacijama o nizu kulturnih zbivanja na podrucju cijele EU.Â"Europa i kultura" nudi sve podatake o kulturnim dogadjajima iÂzanimljivostima u Europskoj uniji prema tipu aktivnostiÂ(propisi, suradnja, medjunarodni odnosi i sl.) te premaÂpodrucju aktivnosti (glazba, ples, kazaliste, kulturnoÂnaslijedje, itd.). Stranica takodjer nudi informacije o mogucojÂfinancijskoj potpori pojedinim aktivnostima te vodi naÂstranice ministarstava kulture pojedinih zemalja clanica iÂpridruzenih clanica EU i na stranice o kulturi uopce. StranicaÂje uredjena na pet jezika (njemackom, engleskom, francuskom,Âspanjolskom i talijanskom), a dostupna je na siteu EuropskeÂkomisije na adresi:ÂÂhttp://europa.eu.int/comm/culture. (Hina)ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Kazotic: Zacetnik teoloske misli u Hrvata http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5633/1/H-Kazotic-Zacetnik-teoloske-misli-u-Hrvata.html ÂZacetnik teoloske misli u HrvataÂÂTrogirski dominikanac, pariski student, zagrebacki i lucerskiÂbiskup, Augustin Kazotic bio je u srednjovjekovnim europskimÂintelektualnim krugovima / Ustanovio je poseban zagrebackiÂobred i reformirao skolstvo u HrvatskojÂÂZAGREB, 3. travnja - Premda je zagrebacki biskup AugustinÂKazotic (oko 1260.-1323.) proglasen blazenikom 4. travnjaÂ1702., obiljezavanje godine toga prvog hrvatskog blazenikaÂzavrsit ce u nedjelju 7. travnja svecanim misnim slavljem, stoÂce ga predvoditi nadbiskup Josip Bozanic u novoj crkviÂposvecenoj Kazoticu, gradnja koje se u sklopu DominikanskogaÂsamostana na zagrebackoj Pescenici jos dovrsava.ÂGodina posvecena 300. obljetnici Kazoticeva blazenstvaÂotvorena je u zagrebackoj Katedrali 4. travnja 2001. SlijediloÂje hodocasce u Luceru, gdje je posljednju godine svoga zivota,Ânakon sto mu je hrvatsko-ugarski kralj Karlo Robert zabranioÂpovratak iz Avignona u Zagreb, bio takodjer biskupom. Tu jeÂumro 3. kolovoza 1323., a njegovo tijelo prvo pokopano uÂsamostanskoj Crkvi sv. Dominika preneseno je 1812. u lucerskuÂKatedralu. U rujnu prosle godine njemu je u cast uspostavljenaÂzupa na zagrebackoj Pescenici, te je blazeni Augustin KazoticÂpostao titularem novoga dominikanskoga samostana i crkve.ÂKrajem godine odrzan je i znanstveni skup "Bl. AugustinÂKazotic, prosvjetitelj, prijatelj siromasnih i odbacenih", aÂposveceno mu je bilo i "Dosasce: vrijeme solidarnosti". UÂveljaci 2002., u znaku njegova blazenistva, odrzan je i tjedanÂknjige, tijekom kojega je predstavljena knjiga "BlazeniÂAugustin Kazotic - biskup, prosvjetitelj i zastitnik siromaha"Âautora Marijana Biskupa.ÂTrogirski dominikanac, pariski student, zagrebacki i lucerskiÂbiskup, Augustin Kazotic bio je za zivota cijenjen uÂsrednjovjekovnim europskim intelektualnim krugovima, naÂprijelazu 13. u 14. stoljece, ne samo kao vrstan govornik iÂucenjak nego i kao covjek dobrote i prijatelj siromasnih.ÂUpravo stoga mu je 1303. papa Benedikt XI. povjerio upravuÂzagrebacke biskupije, tada jedne od najvecih u katolickomeÂsvijetu. Tu je on ustanovio poseban zagrebacki obred s misnimÂobrascem preuzetim iz dominikanske liturgije, koji se uÂzagrebackoj Prvostolnici odrzao sve do 1790. godine.ÂTezeci vjerskom i kulturnom prosvjecivanju svoga naroda,ÂKazotic je bio i reformatorom skolstva, te se zalagao daÂskolovanje bude omoguceno svima, bez obzira na njihoveÂmaterijalne mogucnosti. Jedan je od rijetkih srednjovjekovnihÂumova koji je pridavao vaznost proucavanju prirodnih iÂmedicinskih znanosti. Uz to Kazotic je jedan od prvihÂteoloskih pisaca u Hrvatskoj, o cemu svjedoce njegove raspraveÂ"O pitanju krstavanja slika i drugim oblicima praznovjerja" iÂ"O materijalnim dobrima Krista i njegovih ucenika".ÂIako je vec 20. listopada 1325. kalabrijski vojvoda KarloÂzamolio papu da ga proglasi svetim, beatificiran je tek 1702,Âa njegova kanonizacija, nakon vise puta upucenih zamolbi, josÂuvijek se iscekuje.ÂÂVesna KusinÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Opera ZRINSKI dolazi u Kanadu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5632/1/H-Opera-ZRINSKI-dolazi-u-Kanadu.html Â"Zrinjskoga" ce izvesti Opera Mississauga sa sedam solista HNKÂiz Zagreba, a pjevat ce se na hrvatskomeÂÂZAGREB, 4. travnja - Opera Mississauga u listopadu ce, sÂhrvatskim solistima u glavnim ulogama, u Torontu imati petÂizvedaba opere "Nikola Subic Zrinjski" Ivana pl. Zajca.ÂProjekt vrijedan oko pola milijuna kanadskih dolara, koji ceÂpremijeru imati 5. listopada, predstavili su u cetvrtak naÂkonferenciji za novinare u Hrvatskoj matici iseljenikaÂdirigent Dwight Bennett, umjetnicki direktor Opere MississaugaÂi producent opere "Nikola Subic Zrinjski", te akademskiÂglazbenik hrvatskoga podrijetla Edward Marvinac.ÂIzrazivsi odusevljenje glazbom iz "Zrinjskoga", Dwight BennettÂistaknuo je da je rijec o izvrsnom i visokokvalitetnom komadu,Âs cijom se nacionalnom tematikom i Kanadjani moguÂpoistovjetiti. Hrvatskoj operi dat cemo na nasem repertoaruÂjednaku vaznost kao i "Aidi" ili "Seviljskom brijacu", rekaoÂje Bennett, dodavsi da ce kostimi biti izradjeni u Zagrebu, aÂscenografija u Kanadi.ÂÂDo sada je uvijek hrvatska zajednica u Kanadi trazila pomoc odÂKanadjana, osobito za vrijeme Domovinskog rata, a postavljanjeÂ"Zrinjskoga" prvi je put da je situacija obrnuta, rekao jeÂEdward Marvinac. Novac za projekt prikupljat ce se, medjuÂostalim, iz darova kanadskih i hrvatskih poslovnih ljudi,Ânapomenuo je. Po njegovim rijecima, s audicije odrzane uÂsrijedu u HNK ovih ce dana biti izabrano sedam solista, kojiÂce dobiti vecinu glavnih uloga. Predstava ce se u potpunosti izvoditiÂna hrvatskome, a iznad pozornice projicirat ce se titlovi s prijevodomÂna engleski. Opera Mississauga planira nakon "Zrinjskog" i turneje po SAD-uÂi Australiji, te raditi i "Ero s onoga svijeta". Opera Mississauga (nazvanaÂpo dijelu Toronta u kojem je smjestena) moze primiti oko 1.200 posjetitelja.ÂKako su u toj kuci bile vec izvodjene madjarske, ceske i ukrajinske opere,Âocekuje se da ce u publici osim Kanadjana i Hrvata biti mnogi pripadnici tihÂmanjina. (H)ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Croatian Rose" Impressed the Audience - New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5635/1/E-Croatian-Rose-Impressed-the-Audience---New-York.html ÂÂÂÂÂÂIn a packed auditorium of the Broadway Branch library in Astoria, Queens, the folk ensemble "Croatian Rose" kept the audience at the edge of their seats with its youth enthusiasm, elaborate traditional costumes and dance technique.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMr. Wei Tam, the Broadway Branch manager, estimates that as many as hundred and forty visitors enjoyed the performance, which officially introduced the brand new collection of children's books in Croatian.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe announcer and initiator of this project was Sanja Crnkovic of Astoria.ÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Film screening of "Living Afterwards" TODAY in LA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5636/1/E-Film-screening-of-Living-Afterwards-TODAY-in-LA.html ÂÂPlease join theHuman Rights Watch University chapter of USC onÂApril 3 at 5 PM for a screening of "Living Afterwards," aÂdocumentary about 3 Bosnian women. CCS member TerreeÂBowers will be on hand to speak about his work with anÂinternational tribunal.ÂÂ***ÂWHAT: A screening of Living Afterwards, a documentaryÂchronicling the emotional healing of 3 young BosnianÂwomen after the atrocities committed by Serb ChetniksÂin the early nineties, followed by a discussion of warÂtribunals led by Terree Bowers, an attorney who hasÂworked for the International Criminal Tribunal for theÂformer Yugoslavia from 1994-1998.ÂÂWHO: Presented by Human Rights Watch University, theÂUnruh Institute of Politics, WSA, GLBTA, and theÂInitiative to Study Political ViolenceÂÂWHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 5 PMÂWHERE: USC Campus, Taper Hall 301ÂÂAdmission is FREEÂÂParking at USC is $6. Use Lot #3, enter on Figueroa.ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 02 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New York Apr 16 - Josip Novakovich at Public Library http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5637/1/E-New-York-Apr-16---Josip-Novakovich-at-Public-Library.html ÂOp-edÂCome and support Croatian talent !ÂnbÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe New York Public LibraryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCenter for Scholars and WritersÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMargaret Liebman Berger Forum, Room 227ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHumanities and Social Sciences LibraryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFifth Avenue and 42nd StreetÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNew York, New York 10018ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂpresents a reading byÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂJosip NovakovichÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂStories after the Balkan WarsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m.ÂÂCroatian-born Josip Novakovich moved to the United States at the age ofÂtwenty. He has published two story collections (Yolk and Salvation andÂOther Disasters), a collection of narrative essays (Apricots fromÂChernobyl), and was anthologized in Best American Poetry, Pushcart Prize,Âand O. Henry Awards. His textbook, Fiction Writer's Workshop, was a BookÂof the Month Club selection. His new collection of essays, CountriesÂWithout Bridges, will be published this fall. He received the WhitingÂWriter's Award (1997), Guggenheim Fellowship (1999), two National EndowmentÂfor the Arts Fellowships (1991 and 2002), the Ingram Merrill Award, anÂAmerican Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. His work hasÂappeared in many journals, including Paris Review, Threepenny, The New YorkÂTimes Magazine, European Magazine, and he contributes regularly to theÂZagreb Daily, Jutarnji list. Mr. Novakovich teaches in the Master of Fine AartsÂprogram at Penn State University. He is currently a Fellow of The New York PublicÂLibrary's Center for Scholars and Writers.ÂÂThe Margaret Liebman Berger Forum is located on the second floor of theÂHumanities and Social Sciences Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.ÂThis is a free public program. Seating is limited. To register, pleaseÂcall 212-930-0084 or send an email to CSW@nypl.org.ÂÂThe Center for Scholars and Writers sponsors a competitive fellowshipÂprogram open to scholars, non-academic research professionals, scientistsÂengaged in the humanities, and creative writers of demonstrated achievementÂwhose proposed work will benefit directly from access to the Library'sÂcollections.ÂÂMade possible by a generous endowment by Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman inÂhonor of Brooke Russell Astor, with major support provided by The Andrew W.ÂMellon Foundation, The Estate of Charles J. Liebman, Sue Ann and JohnÂWeinberg, The Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation, William W. Karatz, andÂadditional gifts from Mel and Lois Tukman and Sandra Payson.ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 01 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Velika retrospektiva Maksimilijana Vanke http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5638/1/H-Velika-retrospektiva-Maksimilijana-Vanke.html Nena Komarica art contribution. Asta Srijeda, 27. ožujka 2002. http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2002/03/27/Clanak.asp?r=kul&c=1 Kozmopolit i slikarski virtuozVelika retrospektiva Maksimilijana Vanke u Galeriji Klovicevi dvori / Djela koja cine postav prikupljena su iz muzeja, galerija i od privatnih vlasnika u Hrvatskoj, SAD i Velikoj Britaniji / Vanka je bio intelektualac kozmopolitskog nastupa i znatiželje, a istodobno covjek snažna osjecaja nacionalne i kulturne pripadnosti korijenima i podneblju iz kojeg je potekaoZAGREB, 26. ožujka - Prva velika retrospektivna izložba hrvatsko-americkog slikara Maksimilijana Vanke (Zagreb 1989. - Porto Vallarta u Meksiku 1963.) može se od utorka na vecer razgledati u Galeriji Klovicevi dvori. Ta izložba vrhunskog znacaja otvorena je u sklopu programa kojim se obilježava 20 godina djelovanja Galerije Klovicevi dvori. Postav cini cak 286 djela, a od toga je cak 115 slika stiglo iz inozemstva, dok šest izložaka jesu Vankini portreti koje su naslikali drugi slikari.Velik broj slika koje su stigle iz inozemstva zagrebacka publika može vidjeti prvi put, a medu njima se istice autoportret koji je slikar nacinio netom prije smrti. Djela koja cine postav prikupljena su iz muzeja, galerija i od privatnih vlasnika u Hrvatskoj, SAD i Velikoj Britaniji. Autorica izložbe, koja se može razgledati do 10. lipnja, jest Nevenka Posavec-Komarica, a ona je za ovu priliku okupila Vankine radove iz svih njegovih stvaralackih razdoblja.Maksimilijan Vanka je u Ameriku emigrirao 1934. godine, a rijec je o hrvatskom umjetniku koji ima jedan od najzanimljivijih životopisa. Roden je kao izvanbracno dijete dvoje plemica, a odgojila ga je Dora Jugova iz Hrvatskoga zagorja. Proputovao je gotovo cijeli svijet, a umro je u nerazjašnjenim okolnostima, odnosno utopio se u Pacifickom oceanu u Meksiku. Ono što je od posebne važnosti za njegov opus jest stalna mijena. Tako se teme njegovih slike krecu od snažna socijalnog angažmana i kritike, preko snažne nacionalne note i prikazivanja života u seoskim krajevima. Tehnicki je Vanka bio izvanredno virtuozan slikar, a na njegov su stil presudan utjecaj imali stari majstori, ponajviše flamanski. Vanka se nije priklanjao strujama svoga vremena i aktualnim umjetnickim težnjama, te je ustrajno nastavljao raditi u okvirima tradicionalnog slikarskog stila.Nakon uvida u životopis Maksimilijana Vanke, s pravom se može reci da je on intelektualac kozmopolitskog nastupa i znatiželje, a istodobno covjek snažna osjecaja nacionalne i kulturne pripadnosti korijenima i podneblju iz kojeg je potekao. Prva retrospektivna izložba Maksimilijana Vanke u Hrvatskoj ujedno je i dugo ocekivana prilika susreta naše javnosti s americkim opusom toga velikog umjetnika. Cjelovito predstavljen opus i vremenska distanca omogucit ce vjerodostojno vrednovanje Vankina prinosa hrvatskoj likovnoj umjetnosti prve polovice dvadesetog stoljeca, napominje u predgovoru kataloga Nevenka Posavec-Komarica. Postav Vankine retrospektive u Klovicevim dvorima potpisuje Biserka Rauter-Plancic.O važnosti ove retrospektive Maksimilijana Vanke zorno svjedoci i opširna najava te izložbe u posebnom dodatku The New York Timesa - »Visit Europe«. U tim je novinama zagrebacka retrospektiva svrstana uz bok svjetski važnih izložaba poput »Misterija mladog Rembrandta« u Amsterdamu, »Revolucija nadrealista« u Parizu i »Sisley i impresionizam« u Madridu.Goran Jovetic  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 30 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Vodic kroz Glagoljicu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5639/1/H-Vodic-kroz-Glagoljicu.html http://www.svkri.hrPostovani prijatelju,Molim Vas da objavite ovaj moj oglas, jer sam uvjeren da je ovu knjigu vrijedno ponuditi nasim prijateljimaÂna mrezi. Ne radi se ni o kakvom posebnom biznisu nego o distribuciji vrijedne knjige koja bi mogla ostati uÂspremistu nerasprodana, jer se ova ustanova ne bavi trgovinom, a trgovcima bas nije najprofitabilnija.ÂZahvaljujem.Postovani prijatelji,U Sveucilisnoj knjiznici Rijeka vec vise od trideset godina djeluje stalna Izlozba Glagoljica, koja jeÂpostavljena 1968. godine kao spomen na 25. obljetnicu prikljucenja Istre, Rijeke,Zadra i kvarnerskih otokaÂDomovini. Prosle godine u prosincu je ravnatelj ove knjiznice izradio Vodic po toj izlozbi sto je zapravoÂsvojevrstan prirucnik o hrvatskoj glagoljskoj pismenosti i glagoljaskoj bastini ne samo sjevernojadranskogaÂpodrucja vec citavoga hrvatskoga povijesnoga prostora. Sve informacije o ovoj izlozbi i knjizi, namjenjenojÂprvenstveno dacima, studentima i svima onima koji zele imati brzu, sazetu i cjelovitu informaciju o tojÂtematici, mozete dobiti na adresi: http://www.svkri.hr. Knjigu mozete nabaviti, tj. naruciti u SveucilisnojÂknjiznici u Rijeci.Knjiga je dobro ilustrirana i ukusno opremljena svim potrebnim pomagalima (Pojmovnik najvaznijih iÂcesto malo poznatih pojmova, popis najvaznije domace i svjetske literature, tablice i slike pojedinih izlozakaÂi nekih vaznijih glagoljskih domunenata) i posebno je prikladna za darivanje.Strucna javnost je do sada vrloÂpozitivno ocijenila ovo izdanje i preporucila je i slavistima u inozemstvu kao odlican prirucnik.Nadam se da ce Vam se svidjeti i da ce Te je htjeti imati, sto ce mi kao autoru biti posebno zadovoljstvo.S postovanjem.Juraj Lokmer letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "Hrvatska ruza" osvojila publiku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5641/1/H-Hrvatska-ruza-osvojila-publiku.html ÂÂÂÂÂÂU prepunoj dvorani lokalne knjiznice Broadway u Astoriji, u subotu, 23. ozujka poslijepodne, Kolo grupa "Hrvatska ruza" osvojila je publiku svojim mladenackim poletom, bogatstvom narodnih nosnji i plesackom tehnikom.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPrema procjeni gospodina Wei Tam-a, upravitelja knjiznice Broadway, cak stotinu i cetrdeset posjetilaca pratilo je nastup kojim je sluzbeno javnosti predstavljena zbirka djecjih knjiga na hrvatskome jeziku.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂProgram je vodila Sanja Crnkovic iz Astorije, ujedno i inicijatorica ovoga projekta.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Glazbeni projekt Hrvatska prica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5640/1/H-Glazbeni-projekt-Hrvatska-prica.html ÂGlazbeni projekt "Hrvatska prica" predstavlja bisere nase glazbenebastine Glazbeni projekt "Hrvatska prica" predstavlja bisere nase glazbene bastine, odabrane skladbe duhovne glazbe kao i one vrhunske, razlicitih zanrova, u izvodjenju popularnih umjetnika i u suradnji s Tamburaškim orkestrom Hrvatske radio televizije. Ravnatelj Hrvatske matice iseljenika Boris Maruna istice znacaj ove turneje za kulturnu suradnju s hrvatskim etnickim zajednicama iz zemalja Juzne Amerike, koje su razvile iznimno bogat kulturni zivot te tijekom proteklih stoljeca sacuvali hrvatski kulturni identitet - unatoc zaboravu materinskog jezika i naravnim procesima integracije u domicilnim zemljama. Samo u Chileu procjenjuje se, primjerice, danas zivi oko 140 tisuca gradjana hrvatskog podrijetla. Vesna Kukavica letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Return to Trogir comes out March 25 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5643/1/E-Return-to-Trogir-comes-out-March-25.html Â"Return to Trogir" is a collection of photographs by Zoran Orlic beingÂpublished by ELITE Magazine and will be featured in the April issue, due toÂhit stands on March 25. For ordering information, or to find locationsÂnearest you please call (708)633-6868.ÂÂELITE is the South Suburban Magazine of Fine Lifestyles. With a circulationÂof approximately 40,000 subscribers in Chicago's south and southwest suburbs, it isÂdistributed exclusively to Daily Southtown and Star newspaper subscribers in selected communities. ItÂis available at many south suburban locations, including Barnes and Noble in Orland ParkÂÂCroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals.Â----------------------------------------------------------------------ÂÂOp-edÂYou can view Zoran Orlic's Hommage at:Âhttp://www.ensad.fr/journal/avr97/orlic.pdfÂnbÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 24 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles EXIBITS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5642/1/E-Croatian-Cultural-Center-of-Greater-Los-Angeles-EXIBITS.html Âwww.croatianculutre.com!ÂÂDear Mr. Bach,ÂÂMy name is Mary Bumbak and I am Director of Programs, Editor of the Newsletter and Youth President down at the Croatian Cultural Center in San Pedro. We actually met when you came to the tourism presentation. As you saw the place was pretty bare because we have just started. But as of now our classes sizes have tripled which is wonderful news. We are really attracting the second and third generations and not to mention other nationalities that are attracted to our beautiful culture! To me it was remarkable and wonderful having an Asian woman in our beginning Croatian Class who plans to move to Medjugorje to become a Nun!ÂÂI think what you are doing is absolutely wonderful and applaud you! Keep up the excellent work.ÂÂThe Croatian Youth in San Pedro is meeting this week to finish our website...www.croatianculutre.com! We are extremely excited!ÂÂI would like to know how to post things on your website. Here are two of our upcoming events:ÂÂYou are cordially invited to the Croatian Cultural Center's exhibitÂÂ"MY CROATIA" by a prominent Croatian painter ZORICA TURKALJ. "My Croatia" is a solo exhibit which will be open from March 22 to April 25, 2002. The gallery hours are Monday 6:30pm to 9:00 pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 3:00pm to 8:30pm and Sunday from 3:00pm to 5:00 pm. Entrance is free. Everyone is welcomed!ÂÂThe Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles, 510 West 7th St. San Pedro, CA 90731ÂÂÂSecond event:ÂÂThe Friends of the Croatian Cultural Center, Inc. presents:ÂThe Third Night of Croatian Immigrant LyricsÂOrganized by the Croatian Catholic Mission in Astoria, New YorkÂÂSaturday April 27th, 2002 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los AngelesÂ510 West 7th Street, San Pedro, CaliforniaÂÂAfter the program there will be a dinner and folkloric entertainment by a Kolo group from the Croatian Children School of New York at the Dalmatian-American Club, 1639 South Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro. Cocktails at 7:00pm, Dinner at 8:00pm, Program 9:00pmÂÂSuggested donation for the program at the Croatian Cultural Center: $15.00. Tickets for the dinner and entertainment at the Dalmatian-American Club: $35.00ÂÂTickets can be purchased at:ÂCroatian Cultural Center, 510 West 7th Street, San Pedro Tel: (310) 548-7630ÂAdriatic Travel, 777 West 9th Street, San Pedro Tel: (310) 548-1446ÂGojko Spralja, 1631 S. Pacific Ave, San Pedro Tel: (310) 833-2107ÂCroatian Club, 631 West 9th Street, San Pedro Tel: (310) 547-9484ÂÂFor information, please call Davor Bozin Tel: (310) 833-5440ÂÂThe Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles is a facility of the City of Los Angeles,ÂCultural Affairs Department.ÂÂEntire program will be in CroatianÂÂIf you would so kindly post this on your website it would be greatly appreciated.ÂThank you,ÂMary BumbakÂMaRyUcSb@aol.comÂÂOp-edÂÂDear Mary,ÂÂI remember our meeting and I was very impressed with the youth of greater LA. One of presentation that I had was in LA and I saw many intelligent eyes. That thrilled me. Also, I see that you are very active and productive. Evening of the Croatian Poetry as well as exhibition by Zorica Turkalj. I will announce Poetry event again in April.ÂÂOne word. BRAVO !ÂNenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 24 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Franjevicevi stihovi na UNESCO-voj stranici Italije http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5644/1/H-Franjevicevi-stihovi-na-UNESCO-voj-stranici-Italije.html ÂCijenjeniÂRado Vas obavijestavam da je prvi hrvatski on-line magazin za novu hrvatsku iÂinernationalnu poeziju www.konture.com predlozio i stihove Vlade FranjevicaÂza projekt raspisan od UNESCO-a Italije. Citajte Franjevicevu pjesmuÂ"nase zadnje putovanje bilo je lijepo" (hrvatska, njemacka i engleska verzija):ÂÂÂhttp://www.unesco.it/poesia/babele/poesia/poesia_autori/franjevic.htmÂÂÂNajavaÂU najnovijem izdanju www.konture.com, koje ce vec skoro biti objavljeno,Âcitat ce Te i najnovije stihove iz "Indonezijskog opusa" hrvatsko-liechtensteinskogÂautora i umjetnika Vlade Franjevica.ÂÂÂSrdacni pozdravi i hvala ako ovu vijest proslijedite dalje onima koji bi seÂmoze biti veselili istojÂÂÂYvonne Heeb FranjevicÂÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) FIRST TIME IN THE LIBRARY! Croatian Music and Dance http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5645/1/EH-FIRST-TIME-IN-THE-LIBRARY-Croatian-Music-and-Dance.html ÂAn Afternoon of Croatian Music and Dance - FIRST TIME IN THE LIBRARY!ÂÂDear Mr. Bach,ÂÂÂPlease be informed that there is going to be a performance by the folk ensemble Croatian Rose on Saturday, March 23 at 3 p.m. in the Broadway Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library. The address is: 40-20 Broadway, Astoria (close to the intersection of Broadway and Steinway St.).ÂÂÂThis performance is an introduction to the public of the new children's books collection in Croatian.ÂÂÂFirst time ever, the library is dealing with Croatian children's material, as well as celebrating Croatian heritage through a cultural arts program. The initiator is Sanja Crnkovic of Astoria, Queens.ÂÂÂHopefully, this is just a beginning of a series of Croatian events in the busiest library in the country.ÂÂÂÂLooking forward to seeing you on Saturday,ÂÂÂSanja CrnkovicÂcrnkovic@netzero.netÂÂPress release.ÂPriopcenje.ÂÂSanja Crnkovic, 718-600-4011ÂDate: 20. listopada, 2001.ÂSubject: Djecje knjige na hrvatskome jeziku - prvi put u Javnoj knjiznici Queens!ÂÂDraga djeco i roditelji, Hrvatice i Hrvati,ÂÂPo prvi puta u povijesti Javne knjiznice Queens (Queens Borough Public Library), moguce je posuditi djecje knjige na hrvatskome jeziku! Zbirka od cak stotinu trideset i pet potpuno novih, kvalitetnih djecjih knjiga i slikovnica na hrvatskome jeziku, upravo je stigla u lokalne knjiznice Broadway (40-20 Broadway, LIC, tel.718-721-2462) i Ridgewood (20-12 Madison Street, Ridgewood, tel.718-821-4770).ÂÂKnjige su kupljene sredstvima proracuna tzv. New Americans Programa pri Javnoj knjiznici Queens, a kao rezultat petogodisnje inicijative Sanje Crnkovic iz Astorije.ÂÂOp-edÂCongratulations Sanja. This is a VERY important event. We have to learn how to utilize structure and institutions of the country we are living in. This is a very good and positive example. Many times, great opprtunity lies behind hard work (five years), and that is the reason why many cannot recognize it. Please come and support this event. It is crucial to be present.ÂÂCestitke Sanja. Ovo je vrlo bitan dogadjaj. Mi moramo nauciti kako upotrijebiti institucije drzave u kojoj zivimo. Ovo je prekrasan primjer. Cesto prilike leze iza napornog rada (pet godina) i ljudi su skloni ne prepoznati takve. Molim Vas Vi koji ste u New Yorku i okolici, podrzite ovaj dogadjaj Vasim prisustvom.ÂÂNenad BachÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 20 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Lord of the Rings & Suzana Peric http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5647/1/E-Lord-of-the-Rings--Suzana-Peric.html ÂHej Nenad!ÂÂSaljem ti jedan link za Lord of the Rings Movie Soundtrack.ÂÂhttp://www.moviewave.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/titles/fellowship_ring.htmlÂÂIsto International Movie Database nema podataka o njuÂhttp://us.imdb.com/Name?Peric,+SuzanaÂÂ-MarkoÂÂDear MarkoÂÂSuzana Peric is a Croatian woman from Zagreb. A great talent, living in New York andÂa great friend. She is music editor, but here she even co-produced the record. Suzana workedÂfor major world directors and is very respectable in her profession. Also, she helped meÂtremendously in 1991, when I produced "Can We Go Higher?". She deserves a separateÂpage just to count her accomplishments.ÂÂNenadÂÂÂComposed byÂHOWARD SHORE Rating ****ÂAlbum running time 71:22ÂTracksÂ1: The Prophecy (3:54)Â2: Concerning Hobbits (2:55)Â3: The Shadow of the Past (3:33)Â4: The Treason of Isengard (4:01)Â5: The Black Rider (2:48)Â6: At The Sign of the Prancing Pony (3:14)Â7: A Knife in the Dark (3:34)Â8: Flight to the Ford (4:15)Â9: Many Meetings (3:05)Â10: The Council of Elrond (3:49)Â11: The Ring Goes South (2:03)Â12: A Journey in the Dark (4:20)Â13: The Bridge of Khazad Dum (5:57)Â14: Lothlorien (4:34)Â15: The Great River (2:43)Â16: Amon Hen (5:02)Â17: The Breaking of the Fellowship (7:21)Â18: May It Be (4:16) Performed byÂÂTHE LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRAÂandÂTHE NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAÂandÂLONDON VOICESÂandÂTHE LONDON ORATORY SCHOOLS SCHOLAÂconducted byÂHOWARD SHOREÂFeatured vocalistsÂEDWARD ROSSÂELIZABETH FRASERÂMABEL FALETOLU Additional musicÂENYAÂLyricsÂPHILIPPA BOYENSÂROMA RYANÂHOWARD SHOREÂFRAN WALSHÂOrchestrationsÂHOWARD SHORE Engineered byÂJOHN KURLANDERÂÂEdited byÂÂSUZANA PERICÂÂNANCY ALLENÂSIMON KILNÂANDREW DUDMANÂMICHAEL PRICEÂJENNIFER DUNINGTONÂÂProduced byÂÂHOWARD SHOREÂSUZANA PERICÂÂReleased byÂREPRISEÂSerial numberÂ9362 48110 2ÂÂTHE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING Mawdor most horridÂA review by JAMES SOUTHALLÂÂPeter Jackson's ten-hour, three-film adaptation of Tolkein's classic The Lord of the Rings tale must rank among the most ambitious movie projects of all time. Assembling a superb cast and filming the three parts simultaneously, Jackson must be applauded for mastering the sheer logistics of it all before any credit is given for technical and artistic achievements within the movies themselves. The other major popular book adaptation of 2001 (Harry Potter) was handed to Chris Columbus who, like Jackson, has never handled anything on this scale previously nor, to be perfectly honest, given the impression of being able to. Whereas Columbus proved to be a slightly less visionary director than he was explorer some time previously, Jackson can be proud of his accomplishments. The Fellowship of the Ring is a stunning film, succeeding on just about every level. The cast is predictably filled with noted British talent, led by Ian McKellen, who is on commanding form as Gandalf. Ian Holm and John Rhys-Davis are just as good as they always are, and the rest of the cast acquits itself superbly too. Jackson makes fine use of the New Zealand scenery (to the extent that its tourist industry has ballooned out of all proportion) and John Gilbert's film editing ensures that despite its gargantuan length, the film never seems either to be dragging or rushed. Speculation as to who would score the movie was just about feverish for almost a year before the final, surprising, choice was revealed. For a while it seemed like James Horner was a given, and Polish master Wojciech Kilar's name was also attached to the project for some time. However, the only composer approached to write the score was Howard Shore, whose reputation is high among those in the industry but who was - until now - not especially known in the wider world. Shore's music is excellent, make no mistake. He captures the spirit of each scene very well while also maintaining a hold on the wider picture. There are a few motifs associated with characters or groups and the score as a whole is composed in a Michael Kamen-like way, integrating small, perhaps not too obvious, themes and motifs together and creating a broad tapestry based on these elements. Talk about a dream project: wizards, elves, hobbits, dwarves, magic, humour, terror. What composer wouldn't be inspired by it? But this, to me, is an important question, one not considered by the legions of (mostly teenage) film music fans who have lavished praise on the score as the best thing ever. Not to belittle Shore's excellent accomplishment (it is indeed a powerful, moving, thrilling musical work) - but wouldn't it have been virtually as hard not to be inspired by the film as it would have been to be inspired? If Shore's music has a fault, it is that it is all entirely predictable. The composer's never written a score on a comparable scale nor in a similar style before, and yet from start to finish it sounds entirely as one would expect the music for The Fellowship of the Ring to sound. An unusual complaint? Certainly, it may read as such - but for my money, this film is in terms of size, scope and guaranteed popularity the most obvious candidate for a world-beating score since Star Wars a quarter of a century before it. Think of your reaction on first hearing Star Wars (or, for that matter, Ben-Hur) - this movie genuinely offered a similar opportunity for a score to be considered alongside the very finest of all time. Did it get one? Simply, no. The music is exciting when it needs to be, moving when it needs to be, beautiful when it needs to be - but as exciting, moving or beautiful as Star Wars? Not even close; not even close, if truth be told, to First Knight or Mulan, not major scores in Jerry Goldsmith's body of work. One of the major action themes in The Fellowship of the Ring ("A Knife in the Dark", if you want an example) is either borrowed from, or coincidentally very similar to, Goldsmith's The 13th Warrior, an above-average but not earth-shattering score written as recently as 1999 which garnered very little in the way of critical praise or even attention, by virtue of the fact that it was "just another Goldsmith score". But "above-average but not earth-shattering" would pretty well sum up Shore's music here - it's less on the level of "best thing ever" and much closer to the level of "just another Goldsmith score" - not a biting criticism (Goldsmith's still better than anyone at what he does) - but an observation to underline that this music is not the be all and end all of quality film music written in the last decade. It's not sensational. It's good fun, it's very well-written, but at the same time it's repetitive (every time there's a long shot of the fellowship on their travels, the same fanfare - which sounds like a slightly-mutated version of a MiklÃs RÃzsa processional - appears, usually in the same arrangement) and - dare I say it - quite generic. Not generic in the sense that it sounds like a typical Hollywood score - it is better than that - but generic in the sense that it's like a "brand X" version of Star Wars or Legend. This criticism must be read with this in mind: I make it not because I think The Fellowship of the Ring is poor - in any way - but because the fanatical hysteria which has greeted its release is astoundingly over-the-top, and because for such an important film, I think there is a relatively large bunch of composers - not just Williams and Goldsmith, but Kilar, Goldenthal, Kamen, others - who could have written something truly special. As it is, The Fellowship of the Ring is an excellent score, an excellent album (featuring two songs by Enya which have provoked a heated debate, but which for my money are two of the better cues on the CD) - just not, perhaps, what it could have been. Buy this CD by clicking here!ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Likovna radionica Vlade Franjevica u Indoneziji http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5646/1/H-Likovna-radionica-Vlade-Franjevica-u-Indoneziji.html ÂIzvjesce iz LiechtensteinaÂÂStovaniÂÂOvo je izvjestaj o jednomjesecnom boravku hrvatsko-liechtensteinskogÂkulturno-umjetnickog radnika Vlade Franjevica u Yogyakarti, Indonezija, aÂgdje je na tamosnjoj Akademiji likovnih umjetnosti zajedno sa jos tri kolegeÂi jednom kolegicom iz Liechtensteina vodio, na poziv Akademije i posredstvomÂindonezijsko-liechtensteinskog umjetnika Fauzie As'AdaÂ(www.artnet.li/fauzie) likovnu radionicu te naknadno izlagao na skupnojÂizlozbi na kojoj su bili izlozeni i radovi a koji su nastali djelovanjemÂstudenata Akademije i voditelja likovnih radionica Arna OehriaÂ(www.artnet.li/arno - izlagao Franjevicevim posredstvom 2001. u gradskomÂMuzeju u Bjelovaru i u Konzervatorskoj galeriji u Splitu), Walti RothaÂ(www.artnet.li/walti), Barbare Bühler (www.artnet.li/barbara), Fauzie As'AdaÂi Vlade Franjevica (www.artnet.li/vlado; www.konture.com). OvaÂkulturno-umjetnicka akcija omogucena je finaciranjem Vlade KnezevineÂLiechtenstein a na prijedlog Savjetodavnog tijela za kulturu iste te Vlade.ÂIduce godine ce indonezijski umjetnici boraviti, raditi i izlagati uÂKnezevini Liechtenstein.ÂÂOvaj izvjestaj temelji se na jednomjesecnom dnevniku kojeg je u IndonezijiÂvodio Vlado Franjevic.ÂÂJakarta je glavni grad Indonezije ali glavna dogadjanja na polju likovneÂumjetnosti te juznoazijske zemlje odigravaju se bas u Yogyakarti. O uspjehuÂovog cjelog projekta svjedoce podaci da je o ovom kratkom radnom posjetuÂLiechtensteinaca Indoneziji izvjestavano devet puta u razlicitim tiskovnimÂglasilima od kojih i u vodecem dnevnom listu "Kompas" te da je objavljen iÂTV-prilog u jednom od TV-dnevnika. O pozitivnim razvojima dogadjanja uÂsklopu likovnih radionica i otvoreno druzenje tamosnjih vodecih suvremenihÂumjetnika, studenata likovne Akademije i vodecih kolekcionara umjetnosti saÂgostima iz Liechtensteina govorio je posebnom srdacnoscu i Rektor Akademije,Âgospodin prof.dr. I Made Bandem prilikom otvaranja izlozbe.ÂÂVlado Franjevic bio je pozvan od strane Veleposlanstva Republike Hrvatske uÂIndoneziji na Coctail-Party koju je organizirao Veleposlanik RH u IndonezijiÂgospodin Boris Mitrovic a povodom dolaska Hrvatskog predsjednika StjepanaÂMesica u Indoneziju. Coctail-Party odrzana je u cetvrtak, 14. veljace 2002.Âu 18.30 sati u Bimasena Club, ulica Dharmawangsa Raya br. 39 u KebayoranÂBaru. Zbog osobnih obaveza prema instituciji od koje je pozvan, odnosno kojaÂga je poslala na ovaj put i zbog programa koji je bio priredjen u castÂdolaska gostiju iz Liechtensteina Franjevic se nije nazalost mogao odazvatiÂtom pozivu kojeg je razumio kao ne mali kompliment, pa se nadao dolaskuÂpredstavnika Veleposlanstva RH na otvaranje izlozbe 1.3.2002. a kako je toÂovom likovnom radniku bilo vec obecano. No do tog susreta takodje nijeÂdoslo. Gospodin Stjepan Mesic zajedno sa delegacijom boravio je takodje 15.Âveljace u Yogyakarti te bio primljen osobno od tamosnjeg Sultana i GuverneraÂHamengku Buwono X. Delegacija u kojoj se nalazio i Vlado Franjevic bila jeÂprimljena kod istog gospodina vec 19. veljace (vidi trecu sliku slijeva odÂcetiri dolje u att.!)ÂÂU dnevniku Kompas od 14. veljace 2002. na naslovnici je bila objavljenaÂfotografija sa predsjednicima dviju zemalja a o tom politickom dogadjajuÂpisano je doslovce slijedece (pardoncek - ovdje stivo ispisanoÂIndonezijskim):ÂÂ"PRESIDEN KROASIA - Presiden Megawati Soekarnoputri bersalaman denganÂPresiden Kroasia Stjepan Mesic di Istana Merdeka, Rabu (13/2). PresidenÂKroasia dan Ny Milka Mesic tiba di Indonesia sekitar pukul 14.00 untukÂkunjungan selama lima hari.ÂPresiden Megawati Soekarnoputri dan Presiden Kroasia Stjepan MesicÂsependapat, kerja sama antara Indonesia dan Kroasia masih bisa dikembangkanÂlagi di berbagai bidang. Hal itu terungkap ketika kedua pemimpin tersebutÂmengadakan jumpa pers bersama di Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, Rabu (13/2) sore.ÂSebelum jumpa pers, keduanya mengadakan pembicaraan tertutup. PresidenÂKroasia dan Ny Milka Mesic tiba di Indonesia sekitar pukul 14.00 untukÂkunjungan di Indonesia selama lima hari. Selain Mengadakan kunjungan diÂJakarta, Mesic juga akan ke Yogyakarta dan Bali. Ia juga akan bertemu KetuaÂMPR Amien Rais dan Ketua DPR Akbar Tandjung. Dalam jumpa pers singkat,Âkemarin, Megawati mengungkapkan, pertemuannya dengan Presiden Kroasia jugaÂmembicaran soal kerja sama bidang investasi, ekonomi, dan perdagangan. MalamÂharinya, Taufik Kiemas, mengadakan jamuan makan malam kenegaraan untukÂmenghormati Presiden dan Ny Milka Mesic di Istana Negara, Jakarta.ÂÂSlijede najzanimljivije crtice iz Franjevicevog dnevnika, kronoloski:ÂÂ1. Subota, 9. veljace. Let za Singapur pa za Yogyakartu.Â2. Nedjelja, 10. veljace. Umjetnici su bili smjesteni privatno. VladoÂFranjevic kod obitelji Suwarna Wisetrotomoa, profesora i docenta naÂAkademiji, lektora i likovnog kriticara.Â3. Ponedjeljak, 11. veljace. Izlazak, upoznavanje grada sa indonezijskimÂdomacinima.Â4. Utorak, 12. veljace. Imlek - kineska Nova godina. Ucenje prvimÂindonezijskih rijeci. Primitak pozivnice od Veleposlanstva RH u Jakarti.ÂKupnja platna. Fauzie ce se pobrinuti za okvire, napinjanje i grundiranjeÂplatna. Franjevic ce se truditi i slikati.Â5. Srijeda, 13. veljace. Posjet najvecem i najznacajnijem indonezijskomÂbudistickog svetistu Borobodur. Posjet Muzeju i galeriji Widajat te naknadnoÂrucak priredjen u cast dolaska Liechtensteinaca. Taj muzej je osnovao jedanÂod najznacajnijih modernih indonezijskih likovnih majstora, i danas - uÂnjegovoj 83. godini zivota - aktivni Hagi Widajat. Audijencija kod dr. OeiÂHong Djiena, jednog od najznacajnijih indonezijskih kolekcionara umjetnosti.Â6. Cetvrtak, 14. veljace. Posjet Muzeju u kojem ce biti organizirana izlozbaÂnakon zavrsetka likovnih radionica. Franjevic je, boraveci u izlozbenomÂprostoru, znao da ce svoju primarnu ideju s kojom je dosao ovdje prilagoditiÂizlozbenom prostoru. Tako ce poslije nastati njegova instalacija. EntangÂWiharso, jedan od najvaznijih indonezijskih umjetnika mladje generacije iÂnjegova supruga Christine, jedna Amerikanka, stajali su svakodnevno naÂraspolaganju umjetnicima iz Liechtensteina. Vijest o dolasku HrvatskogÂpredsjednika u tisku.Â7. Petak, 15. veljace. Audijencija kod Rektora Akademije prof.dr. I MadeÂBandema u Akadamiji. CroWorldNet informirao me putem interneta o prvojÂzlatnoj Janicinoj medalji.Â8. Subota, 16. veljace. Franjevic je poceo raditi na svojem "Plus-minus"Âprojektu obradjivajuci drvene elemnte u Entangovu ateljeu. Zajednicki posjetÂprodajnom centru Matahari Galleria u sredistu Yogyakarte te restauranta AdemÂAyam gdje se jedu originalna jela iz Yogyakarte. Pisanje postanskih karti.ÂObavijest da su platna pripremljena za slikanje.Â9. Nedjelja, 17. veljace. Vlado se probudio sa otecenim desnim ocnim kapkomÂi podocnjakom pa otisao oslikavati platna kod Fauziea. Veselio se svojem radu.Â10. Ponedjeljak, 18. veljace. Franjevievo je lice poprilicno "demolirano".ÂUslijed ugriza pauka kako mu je receno kasnije u bolnici. Entang je sveÂskupa odvezao u Akademiju gdje su umjetnici predstavili same sebe i svojeÂprojekte okupljenim studentima. Za Franjevicev projekt zainteresiralo seÂprvo tri studenta i jedna studentica a poslije se istoj grupi prikljucilaÂjos jedna studentica. Poimence su to Deni Rahman, Eko Nugroho, Nur Joko,ÂPuspitasari Prima i Theresia.Â11. Utorak, 19. veljace….Â12. Srijeda, 20. veljace….Â13. Cetvrtak, 21. veljace….ÂPonedjeljak, 11. ozujka. Povratak u Liechtenstein. Nakon 16 sati letaÂdijagnoza: Tromboza!ÂÂVlado Franjevic je misljenja da ga je ovaj boravak i zajednicki nastup saÂkolegama iz Liechensteina u Indoneziji obogatio sa jednim iskustvom koje ceÂpamtiti i novim prijateljstvima te se veseli jednom ponovnom susretu saÂistim ljudima koji su mu u toj drugacijoj kulturi nesebicno stajali naÂraspolaganju i trudili se udovoljiti svim njegovim potrebama. Zahvaljuje seÂposebno kolegi Fauzieu, Vladi Knezevine Liechtenstein i Savjetodavnom tijeluÂiste Vlade, poduzetnistvu Swarovski u Liechtensteinu te svojoj obitelji iÂsvima onima koji ce naci za shodno ovu vijest prosiriti. U ime jedneÂlegende.ÂÂNajsrdacnije pozdravlja i zahvaljuje se na paznjiÂÂYvonne Heeb FranjevicÂÂÂP.S. O detaljima ovog radnog boravka moci ce se najvjerojatnije vec u skoroÂvrijeme citati na Njemackom u Franjevicevom putopisno-dokumentarno-lirskomÂzapisu oblikovanom u manju knjigu, sa bogatom foto-dokumentacijom.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Atrocity Exhibit http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5649/1/E-The-Atrocity-Exhibit.html ÂI recommend that everyone read these articles, located at http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0211/winter.phpÂregarding the new movie with Vukovar as the backdrop, and the Serb-propaganda (the old 'mi nismo' crap) from Bogdanich. Jessica Winter's reviews are quite good.ÂÂAlenÂÂHarrison's FlowersÂDirected by Elie ChouraquiÂWritten by Chouraqui, Didier Le Pêcheur & Isabel EllsenÂUniversal FocusÂOpens March 15ÂÂYugoslavia: The Avoidable WarÂDirected by George BogdanichÂPioneerÂOpens March 15 ÂÂWeek of March 13 - 19, 2002ÂÂThe Atrocity ExhibitÂby Jessica WinterÂÂThe wars of secession in Yugoslavia initially met with international bemusement not least because media and government agencies alike presented the conflicts as an imponderable "ethnic" quagmire, an ancient, hopeless thicket of tribal vendetta. This was hogwash, of course, but it furnished yet another ravaged backdrop for Hollywoodized war tourism: intro civics lessons-cum-survival tales, in which guileless Americans abroad are plunged into swarthy, undifferentiated chaos. After serving as the nominal launching pad for bullying patriotism in December's idiotic Behind Enemy Lines, the Balkans provide the obstacle course for the love of a good woman in Harrison's Flowers. Newsweek photojournalist Harrison (David Strathairn) is on the verge of giving up his trade for the wife and the kids and the greenhouse, but he takes one last assignment, covering the outbreak of civil war in Croatia in late 1991. When Harrison goes missing in besieged Vukovar and is presumed dead, it's up to his wife, Sarah (Andie MacDowell), to buck protocol and dive headfirst into the powder keg to rescue him. (Just as Behind Enemy Lines recalled the 1995 ordeal of a downed U.S. pilot, Harrison's Flowers bears a slight accidental resemblance to the Daniel Pearl tragedy.) Sarah goes with her gut, unencumbered by any apparent connection to her two small children or, indeed, her immediate surroundings-making a rare exit from the den where she obsessively watches TV news day and night, she's shocked to find family and friends saying kaddish for Harrison. Elie Chouraqui's film is likewise a discombobulating mix of blood-and-grit docu-realism and moony multiplex contrivance. Once Sarah arrives in Croatia and drives her rental car directly into gunfire, Chouraqui's harrowing images of smoking, corpse-littered streets would seem ripped from CNN were it not for the puzzling sight of journalists jogging through the flying bullets, shouting the gibberish phrase "Press! Press!" at soldiers. Harrison's FlowersÂDirected by Elie ChouraquiÂWritten by Chouraqui, Didier Le Pêcheur & Isabel EllsenÂUniversal FocusÂOpens March 15 Yugoslavia: The Avoidable WarÂDirected by George BogdanichÂPioneerÂOpens March 15 ÂTwo of her husband's colleagues, establishment prizewinner Elias Koteas and loose-cannon snapper Adrien Brody, aid Sarah's quest, the latter saddled with delivering the film's political platform: "No one knows what this country is. . . . There are no bad guys, there are no good guys." A sentiment worthy of Warren Christopher, perhaps, but the main clash in question-the three-month assault on Vukovar by combined Yugoslav Peoples' Army forces and Serb paramilitaries-wounded or killed thousands of civilians. The carnage only further sanctifies Sarah, who cradles the dying in her arms or makes remarks like "The children are so beautiful here" when she's not crawling in camouflage through sniper territory. And yet, as she tears through the local hospital screaming her husband's name, does it occur to her that the doomed invalids she brushes past might have lovers and children and orchids too? Did it occur to the director? Covering the period between the Cold War's end through NATO's air war in Kosovo in 165 brisk, narration-heavy minutes, Yugoslavia: The Avoidable War claims to sort the bad guys from the good, which is its essential problem. Heedlessly pro-Serbian and anti-interventionist, lovingly fixated on phrases like "Clinton hard-liners" and "ad hoc war-crimes tribunal," it could make puffy fascists from Slobodan Milosevic to Pat Buchanan weep for joy. Indeed, Slobo has used clips from George Bogdanich's video doc as evidence for his defense in the Hague-which might be the movie's chief point of interest. No side was without sin in the decade-long Balkan catastrophe, but The Avoidable War (as in, the West could have avoided it) makes the breathtaking assertion that Serbia was the perpetual hapless victim, flummoxed on all sides by self-bombing upstart nationalists. (Bosnian president Alija Izetbegovic is painted as a radical Islamic warrior in bed with Osama bin Laden.) Bogdanich dismisses the atrocities at Srebrenica and Serb-run prison camps as blindered media exaggerations; mass-rape victims are waved aside via one woman's inconsistent testimony. Deceptively rich with news footage and State Department talking heads, the film is akin to an overlong Fox News special-to borrow a Nation headline, they distort, they decide.ÂÂTell us what you think.ÂÂeditor@villagevoice.com ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 14 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Harrison's Flowers - film set in Vukovar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5648/1/E-Harrisons-Flowers---film-set-in-Vukovar.html ÂFYIÂ===============================ÂA film set in Vukovar 1991 is due out in the US shortly. Here's an early review, found atÂhttp://ofcs.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-1112917/reviews.php?critic=moviesÂ&sortby=default&page=1&rid=294011ÂÂAnteÂÂOp-edÂFilm opens on Friday march 15th across USA. Please support it.ÂnbÂÂ----------------------------ÂHARRISON'S FLOWERSÂFilm reviewed by James BerardinelliÂFrance, 2000ÂDirector: Elie ChouraquiÂCast: Andie MacDowell, David Strathairn, Elias Koteas, Adrien Brody,ÂBrendan GleesonÂÂEven today, with Slobodan Milosevic awaiting trial for crimes againstÂhumanity, most U.S. citizens understand neither the extent nor the gravityÂof the atrocities committed in the former Yugoslavia during the bloodyÂrevolution that turned a country into a charnel house. One reason for theÂapparent apathy is a lack of understanding - brief, horrific images on CNNÂare not conducive to grasping a situation of social, cultural, andÂpolitical upheaval. An even greater consideration is distance. YugoslaviaÂis half a world away, and, to many people, as remote as Mars. This wasn't aÂbloodbath happening in our backyard. September 11, 2001 showed how thisÂcountry can react to a threat that is close and immediate. Such was not theÂcase in the brutal conflict between the Serbs and Croats.ÂÂHarrison's Flowers personalizes the war for one New Jersey couple. The yearÂis 1991. Harrison Lloyd (David Strathairn) is an award-winning NewsdayÂphotojournalist who has decided to retire in order to spend more time withÂhis wife, Sarah (Andie MacDowell), and their two children. His editor (AlunÂArmstrong) convinces him to stay on in the short term until a replacementÂcan be found. Harrison's agreement has dire consequences. His nextÂassignment takes him to Yugoslavia, where the civil unrest is turning ugly.ÂThere, Harrison disappears and is presumed dead. But, because there is noÂbody, Sarah will not accept that he is gone. So, alone and equipped withÂonly a camera, she heads for the epicenter of the conflict - Vukovar - andÂquickly learns firsthand how war can turn human beings into rabid beasts.ÂÂAt its heart, Harrison's Flowers is a love story, albeit a graphic andÂdifficult one. It shows the lengths to which a woman will go when presentedÂwith the slimmest of hope that her husband might still be alive. As aÂcharacter observes, "If we could all be so lucky to have a woman love usÂthat much." Sarah's journey into Yugoslavia's heart of darkness changesÂmany things about her, not the least of which is her view of human nature,Âbut it never shakes the core of her being. She places Harrison above herÂchildren and herself - finding him becomes central to her existence. If heÂhas died in Vukovar, she will meet her end there as well.ÂÂAlthough her journey starts out as a solo endeavor, she is eventuallyÂjoined by three other journalists, all of whom knew Harrison: AmericansÂKyle (Adrien Brody) and Yeager (Elias Koteas), and Brit Stevenson (BrendanÂGleeson). Hardened as these men are by things they have witnessed duringÂprevious assignments, nothing prepares them for the barbarity theyÂexperience as they gain firsthand knowledge of what is meant by the termÂ"ethnic cleansing". Writer/director Elie Chouraqui gives us a series ofÂmemorable, harrowing visual cues, none of which is more disturbing that theÂshot of a dead girl, shot through the head, with dried blood caking herÂinner thighs - evidence of what was done to her before the coup de graceÂwas administered. Chouraqui does not dwell on such images - merely showingÂthem is enough.ÂÂFrom a narrative standpoint, the film weakens during its final third. TheÂpace becomes rushed, and the carefully developed sense of tension erodes.ÂIt's also around this point that a voiceover is introduced. Not having beenÂused during the early acts of the film, its inclusion is jarring andÂout-of-place (even though some of the information it provides isÂinteresting). Finally, while the ending brings a welcome sense of closure,ÂI'm not sure that the movie earns its final scene. Chouraqui seems to beÂcheating at this point in order to provide a specific kind of conclusion.ÂÂLike Michael Winterbottom's Welcome to Sarajevo, Harrison's Flowers attacksÂthe Bosnian war from the perspective of outsiders. Films made about thisÂpart of the world during this time period generally take one of twoÂapproaches: drama heavily laced with black comedy and gallows humor (PrettyÂVillage, Pretty Flame; Welcome to Sarajevo; No Man's Land) orÂstraightforward tragedy (Vukovar). Harrison's Flowers falls into the latterÂcategory. There's nothing even vaguely satirical or ironic about thisÂstory.ÂÂDespite having an English-speaking cast and several recognizable AmericanÂstars, Harrison's Flowers was made with French money for a EuropeanÂaudience. The movie opened in France more than a year ago. Current events,Âhowever, have given this film a new relevance, and that may generate someÂinterest at the box office (although this is not seen as having mainstreamÂappeal). Harrison's Flowers offers a glimpse of what happened in 1991 asÂMilosovich bulldozed his way into power over the corpses of his enemies,Âwhile sounding a cautionary note that, in today's shrinking world, noÂconflict is so distant that its ripples cannot be felt in our homes.© 2002 James BerardinelliÂe-mail: berardin@bc.cybernex.netÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 14 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Medimurski franjevci 20. stoljeca http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5651/1/H-Medimurski-franjevci-20-stoljeca.html ÂMedimurski franjevci 20. stoljecaÂÂZAGREB, ss. veljace - U nakladi Hrvatskoga knjizevnoga drustvaÂ>Sv. Jeronima< objavljena je knjiga >Medimurski franjevci 20.Âstoljeca< uglednoga franjevca i povjesnicara Ivana Damisa kojiÂje na temelju arhivske grade i literature obradio zivotopis 42Âredovnika u razdoblju od osnutka Hrvatske franjevaèkeÂprovincije >Sv. Cirila i Metoda letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 11 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Haiku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5650/1/E-Croatian-Haiku.html Source: www.asahi.com/english/culture/K2002022200693.html2002-02-22Asahi Shimbun www.asahi.com JAPANESEASAHI HAIKUIST NETWORK: DAVID MACMURRAYThe Ashiya International Haiku Festa winners included Darko Plazanin fromCroatia, to whom the Japanese Minister of Education, Science and Culture gavean Inspirational Award for his English haiku with a 3-syllable first line,intriguing contrasts and similarities:each snowflakeflies in its own way intothe same whitenessAlso from Croatia, Stefanija Bezjak won the Haiku Grand Prize in honor ofhaiku mentor Kyoshi Takahama (1874-1959) for a similarly pithy starting line:spring morningmountain pastures reachup to the skiesDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 11 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) MARCO POLO FESTIVAL, KORCULA 2002 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5653/1/HE-MARCO-POLO-FESTIVAL-KORCULA-2002.html WELCOME TO THE VII. INTERNATIONAL MARCO POLO FESTIVAL OF SONG AND WINE KORCULA 2002 Postovani prijatelji,pozivamo Vas na:VII. MEDJUNARODNI MARKO POLO FESTIVAL PISME I VINA KORCULA 2002.Festival ce se odrzati: 12., 13. i 14. srpnja na ljetnoj pozornici grada Korcule.Nadamo se Vasem odazivu i suradnji. Vjerujemo da cemo i VII. Festivalsko izdanje uciniti zajedno lijepsim a u svrhu promicanja Hrvatskog turizma, gospodarstva,Korcule i Hrvatske. Ukoliko zelite nešto poruciti to možete ovim putem:www.marcopolofest.hr ili nas nazovite. tel. 091-513-6234fax/tel 020-711-010 tel 020-715-845 ''DOÐITE! PROVESELIMO SE ZAJEDNO UZ PISMU I VINO NA ZELENOM I ZLATNOM OTOKU. U SRCU SVJETA. BUDITE NAS DRAGI GOST ILI BAR NA KRATKO KORCULANIN U DANIMA NASEG VII. FESTIVALSKOG IZDANJA.'' VAS FESTIVALSKI ODBORHEJ' NEPRAVDO PUSTI ME DA ZIVIM(PROTEKCIJO PUSTI ME DA ZIVIM) GODINAMA U MRAKU SAM BIO.OKUSIO DRVO I KAMENJE.NA KOLJENA NIKAD NISAM PAO.JER CUVAO SAM RODA ZNAMENJE. ISPOD NOGU ZEMLJA MI SE TRESLA.PROGONILI ME LJUDI NEMILI.SVOJOJ DJECI SVE SU SKOLE DALI.A MENE SU UVIJEK GAZILI. HEJ' NEPRAVDO PUSTI ME DA ZIVIM.DOSTA SI OD MENE UZELA.NEK SVAKI COVIJEK, ZIVOTU SE DIVI.ZA SVAKOG NEK SU ISTA PRAVILA. ROMANTIKA, NOSILA JE LJUDE.NOSTALGIJA, MNOGE UBILA.ZASTO DANAS MLAD COVJEK POSJEDI.JER ZA SVAKOG NISU ISTA PRAVILA. HRVATSKA JE LOZA SRCE DALA.I BEZ NJEGA JE BRZO OSTALA.SA SVIH STRANA SVIJETA ZEMLJO MOJA,VRATI NAMA, SVAKOG ANÐELA IVAN SEGEDIN OFFER FOR MARCO POLO FESTIVAL DEAR FRIENDS OF KORCULA AND CROATIA FIRST OF ALL, I GREET YOU CORDIALLY AND WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST, ESPECIALLY GOOD HEALTH AND A PROSPEROUS NEW MILLENIUM. THIS YEAR IN THE TOWN OF KORCULA, WE ARE ORGANISING: THE VII. INTERNATIONAL ''MARCO POLO FESTIVAL'', OF SONG AND WINE KORCULA 2002. THE FESTIVAL CONSISTS OF THREE FESTIVE EVENINGS. I. THE INTERNATIONAL EVENING-SONG AND WINE II. THE EVENING OF MARCO POLO MELODYIII. THE SUPERFINAL EVENING THE FESTIVAL PROMOTES SINGERS, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL FOLK SONGS, EXHIBITS THE BEST LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL WINE SORTE, AND WITH THE SATISFACTION OF MANY VISITORS, TOURIST AND GUESTS, WE PROMOTE: TRADITIONAL CUSTONS, SUCH AS DANCES, SONGS,DONKEY RACES, PULLING OF THE ROPE SACK JUMPING, ETC.WE ARE HOPING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE BY WAY OF PATRONAGE, SPONSORSHIP OR DONATION.IT IS OUR GREAT WISH TO INVITE. YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL AS AN HONOURED GUEST OR AT LEAST TO BE A LOCALDURING THE FESTIVE DAYS. WE CAN BE CONTACTED AT ANY TIME ON THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: TEL/FAX +385 (0)20 711 010TEL +385 (0)20 715 845MOBILE +385 (0)91 513 6234E-mail:mpfest-segedin@du.hinet.hrIF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE OUR PATRON, SPONSOR OR DONATOR, YOUR RESPECTABLE NAME AND SURNAME, OR COMPANY BUSINESS NAME WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED DURING THIS YEARS: VII. INTERNATIONAL MARCO POLO FESTIVAL OF SONGS AND WINE KORCULA 2002.,AS PER FOLLOWING: - ON ALL POSTERS- ON CD's, TAPES, AND VIDIO CASSETTES- DURING THE ANNOUCEMENT AT ALL THREE FESTIVE EVENINGS- IN THE PRESS- IN THE FESTIVAL'S CATALOGUE- ON THE RADIO-SPOTS AT RADIO STATION IN THE CROATIA AND EUROPE- TV-DURING THE EMISSION OF THE FESTIVAL- IN THE INTERNET PAGE:www.marcopolofest.hr SPONSOR OR DONATOR CAN SEND OR PROPOSE ANY SINGER WHO WILL REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY. OUR ADRESS IS: SEGEDIN d.o.o. for ''MARCO POLO FESTIVAL'', p.p. 1 20260 KORCULABANK ACOUNT: SEGEDIN d.o.o. Korcula SPLITSKA BANKA 7001-0555495 SWIFT SPLIHR 2X WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND CORDIALLY GREETYOU FROM THE SOUL OF THE WARM CROATIAN SOUTH. YOUR SINCERELY, IVAN SEGEDINDirector letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Our Beautiful / Lijepa Nasa Photos http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5652/1/E-Our-Beautiful--Lijepa-Nasa-Photos.html Postovani gosp. Bach, Zahvaljujem na Vasoj poruci - drago mi je da Vam se svidjaju moje fotografije. Posjetila sam stranice Croatian World Neta i vidim da je dosta toga jos u pripremi pa nemam cjelokupan uvid, ali sto se tice mojih fotografija, nemam nista protiv toga da ih koristite na svojim stranicama. Adresa albuma je: http://community.webshots.com/user/m_lozicAlbum birate sami... Zelim Vam uspjesan rad, ostvarivanje ideja i mastovite i poduzetne suradnike. S postovanjem, Meri LozicZadar letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "Footprints of War" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5655/1/E-Footprints-of-War.html ÂIvan Talijancic, a Croatian-born actor in the performance.ÂÂhttp://www.nytimes.com/guests/nytoday/bin/event?st=event&eid=1015360074738ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYoshiko ChumaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNYToday Pick, Modern/Ballet/JazzÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ03/14/02-03/31/02ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThu-Sat 10 p.m., Sun 5:30 p.m.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ$15ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLa Mama Experimental TheaterÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂEast VillageÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ74A E 4th StÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNew York, NYÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(212) 475-7710ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIn 1999, choreographer Yoshiko Chuma went to Sarajevo with TheÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSchool of Hard Knocks, the collective of modern danceÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂchoreographers and artists she directs. While there, theyÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂperformed "Footprints of War" at the Sarajevo InternationalÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTheater Festival. That was the easy part. Getting the set fromÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSarajevo to New York for performances scheduled at the JoyceÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwas a two-and-a-half month ordeal of emails andÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂmiscommunications that is the subject of her newest piece,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"Pi=3.14: Hiroshima-New York-Belgrade-New York-Sarajevo-NewÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂYork-Kabul."ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂChuma, who says the title represents "endless, continuousÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcircles of life and war," has put together spoken word andÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂchoreography into this work that pulls together themes of war,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂdisplacement and Chuma's own childhood in postwar Japan. TheÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂperformers each have experiences with war, such as Tea Alagic,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwho is from Mostar, a city in Bosnia and Herzergovina; IvanÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTalijancic, a Croatian-born actor, Jim DiBiasio, an AmericanÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂactor who has experienced three wars, and Wazma Osman, anÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAfghan woman who walked over the Pakistani border to freedomÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂin 1980. -- Laura ShinÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Goran Visnjic & ER http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5654/1/E-Goran-Visnjic--ER.html ÂLast night (March 7), a new episode of the NBC-TV show ER focused onÂLuka Kovac, Goran Visnjic's character, and three of his collegues forÂpractically the entire hour. The show had some psychologicalÂundertones.ÂÂDuring the show, Luka Kovac noted that he was in the Croatian Army, thatÂhis father is a conductor of a tram in Zagreb but an amatuer artist (inÂactual life, Visnjic's wife is an artist) and that as a young man he hadÂstudied acting and had played Shakespere. There is then a scene whereÂhe and Dr. Carter (played by Noah Wylie) recite Hamlet's soliloque.ÂCarter remembers only the first half, Luka finishes it in Croatian!ÂÂThere is also a scene where Carter and Luka are getting on each other'sÂnerves. Luka says that the group should come to Croatia to which CarterÂreplies: "Who would want to go to the Balkans to get themselves blownÂup?" Luka replies: "It's a beautiful country, Zagreb, Dubrovnik . . .Â."ÂÂA later scene has them fencing against each other (it's too difficult toÂexplain how this happened). The fencing gets very rough and they beginÂfighting. When the fighting breaks up, Luka begins to curse in CroatianÂ(I won't tell you what he says - but as my wife noted it's cool toÂunderstand it knowing that no one else knows what he's talking about!).ÂÂBravo Goran Visnjic! You deserve as many gold medals as Janica!ÂÂJohn KraljicÂÂOp-edÂI am not sure if all of you do understand the power of the word, but Goran did it.ÂJust to hear our own language and also to be so legitimized, as a nation, as a language.ÂWhere is our ministry of Tourism? What are they waiting? Remember the shrimp and Hogan (Australia). What is our country doing? Does anybody have any sense of what it means to be the most watched show in America and not use this for the promotion? Visnjic in a role as Ante Kostelic? Just name it. Anything. Kukoc played for three rings, every game in front of 50 million people worldwide. No systematic promotion whatsoever. Just blew it like this. Bono from U2 spoke words from Ivan Gundulic (I suggested it and rehearsed with him till he learned it - O, lijepa, o draga o slatka slobodo. O, beautiful, o precious, o sweet liberty) and it is on the CD sold in 2 million copies. On the same CD I recited part of "lijepa nasa" (national anthem) as a narrative part in "Can We Go Higher?" (in video done by John Malkovich).ÂÂLanguage is identity.ÂÂBravo Goran! I am amazed!ÂÂNenad BachÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Matica Hrvatska - 160. obljetnica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5657/1/H-Matica-Hrvatska---160-obljetnica.html ÂVjesnik, Petak, 15. veljace 2002.ÂÂBratulic: Rad Matice hrvatske nikad nije bio nacionalistickiÂÂMatica hrvatska je najstarija kulturna ustanova u Hrvatskoj.ÂVec 160 godina ona sa svojim narodom dijeli istu sudbinu /ÂMaticina obljetnica proslavljat ce se cijelu godinu u ZagrebuÂi svim njenim udrugama / Ove ce godine biti dovrseno istocnoÂkrilo Maticine palace, nastavit ce se Dani hrvatskoga jezika sÂpredavanjima diljem Hrvatske, a pokrenut ce se i Dani MaticeÂhrvatske u vecim hrvatskim gradovima / Svaka vlast koja budeÂzapostavljala Maticu bit ce zapamcena kao vlast koja ne mariÂza kulturne potrebe svoga narodaÂMatica hrvatska, ta nasa najstarija kulturna ustanova, odÂsvoga osnutka, 10. veljace 1842., pa sve do danas u luku odÂ160 prijedjenih ljeta prozivjela je >sve uspone i padove, sveÂnade i sumnje, sva razocaranja i uzlete koje je prozivio iÂhrvatski narod. Tako je ona ugradjena u intelektualnu i moralnuÂpovijest hrvatskoga naroda, bivajuci njegovom svijescu iÂsavjescupredlozio je presvijetli gospodinÂgrof Janko Draskovic. kao predsjednik istoga Drustva citaoniceÂda se jedan fond iliti glavnica ustanovi pomocju koje mogli biÂse stari klasici dubrovacki i ostale znanstvene i opce korisneÂknjige u nasem narodnom jeziku organickim (glasoshodnim)Âpravopisom na svijet izdavatiVijenacKolo< iÂ>Hrvatska revijaVijenacVukovi dani< u Beogradu i naÂproslavi 175. obljetnice Matice srpske u Novom Sadu. Odbio samÂotici na >Vukove danePetÂstoljeca hrvatske knjizevnosti< nakon sto je i sluzbenoÂpotvrdjena >rastava braka< te ugasle edicije s edicijomÂ>Stoljeca hrvatske knjizevnosti letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) WE ARE FAMILY near Ground Zero http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5656/1/E-WE-ARE-FAMILY-near-Ground-Zero.html ÂNENAD BACHÂandÂGLOBALVISIONÂÂinvite youÂÂÂWE ARE FAMILY DOCUMENTARY with dates and show times below!ÂThe Screening Room, NYCÂÂI saw this film at its premiere in NYC and want everyone to see it.ÂThe documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation.ÂÂThe Story: The documentary is an uplifting story about the 9-11 tragedyÂinterlaced with footage from a re-recording of Nile Rodgers legendary song WeÂAre Family in NYC and LA with over 200 actors and musicians... The storyÂcombines heartfelt interviews with the actors and musicians speaking aboutÂthe impact of 9-11 on themselves and the world, and is a compelling,Âinspiring and powerful story about how people come together and unite at aÂtime of need to speak out for harmony and tolerance.ÂÂImportance: It's really a wonderful film, which I hope will play a role inÂhealing the world and building a stronger global community....ÂÂWho's Who: Emmy Award winner Danny Schechter directed the film, Tom SilvermanÂproduced the film and Spike Lee directed the music video'Ķ. Among the 200Âparticipants - Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Tyson Beckford, MacauleyÂCaulkin, Steven Van Zandt, Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Patti Labelle,ÂDionne Warwick, Aida Turturro, Roberta Flack, David Hasselhoff, CarmenÂElectra, Taye Diggs, Maury Povitch, Montel Williams, John McEnroe, MarkÂJackson, Ananda Lewis, Matthew Modine, Rosie Perez, Nenad Bach and many many more.ÂÂIn addition, the film features common folk in New York and Los Angeles -- asÂwell as pop stars, actors, industry bigwigs -- singing their hearts out andÂsharing their feelings. Rodgers says, "He welcomed people whose lives wereÂdirectly affected and people who were directly affecting our lives."ÂÂPurpose: The film was created as one of the products of the We Are FamilyÂFoundation (started by Nile Rodgers and Tom Silverman). LegendaryÂsongwriter/producer Nile Rodgers wrote the song We Are Family, and SisterÂSledge made it famous, and it remains a song with great meaning for manyÂpeople globally. The film will be used to raise money for the foundation,Âwhich is both giving money to those impacted by 9-11 and also launchingÂeducational programs for schools, teachers and parents to raise consciousnessÂand broaden understanding about what it takes to work together on globalÂtolerance and understanding.ÂÂHope you can come. Please bring friends and family and tell everyone you know.ÂÂThe Screening Room - located at 54 Varrick Street - just blocks from groundÂzero (212 334 2100).ÂÂThe film runs from March 8th, for, as many weeks as there are people stillÂinterested. Please invite friends and family. We want everyone to see theÂfilm.ÂÂShowtimes are:ÂÂMon -Fri: 2:45; 4:25; 6:10; 8:00 and 9:50ÂSat-Sun: the above plus 1:00 matineeÂÂDanny SchechterÂExecutive Editor Mediachannel.orgÂhttp://www.mediachannel.orgÂExecutive Producer, Globalvision.IncÂ1600 Broadway, #700 NY NY 10019 USAÂ212-246-0202ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 07 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Goli otok kao umjetnicki izazov http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5660/1/H-Goli-otok-kao-umjetnicki-izazov.html ÂVjesnik, Utorak, 12. veljace 2002.ÂÂGoli otok kao umjetnicki izazovÂÂIdeja naseljavanja otoka suvremenom umjetnoscu koja biÂprivukla turiste prilicno je utopijska / Spontanom akcijom teÂizlozbom u zagrebackoj galeriji Miroslav Kraljevic umjetniciÂsu uspjeli svratiti pozornost na jedan zapostavljeni prostorÂU galeriji Miroslav Kraljevic, otvorena je izlozba pod nazivomÂ>Goli otok - novi hrvatski turizamsuperstar< umjetnickog svijetaÂIvan Kozaric koji se u skupnim projektima u suradnji s mladjimÂumjetnicima sve vise okrece performativnoj umjetnickoj praksi.ÂÂGost umjetnik iz Sarajeva - Jusuf Hadzifejzovic takodjer jeÂizveo performans koristeci ready made predmete, izmedju ostalogÂi skulpturu Ivana Kozarica koju je upotrijebio da bi njomeÂrazbio orahe.ÂTu su nadalje nekoliko clanova splitske umjetnicke obiteljiÂBrajnovic - Tomislav i Petar, koji su izveli konceptualneÂradove eksplicitno tematizirajuci ideolosku obojenost mjesta.ÂU slicnom tonu su radovi Rajka Radovanovica, koji jeÂintervenirao na fotografiji generala pomocu crvene boje iÂznaka kriza, te Zlatka Kutnjaka, koji je za svoj radÂupotrijebio ikonografiju zastave. Igor Zlobec je izveo radÂ>Maja putuje na Golinered siri s vremenomÂjer mjerimo vrijeme u smjeru u kojem se nered siri letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Tomislav Golubic SIX FEET ABOVE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5658/1/E-Tomislav-Golubic-SIX-FEET-ABOVE.html ÂDear All,ÂÂFor those who are not aware, Thomas Golubic is a music supervisor for the HBO show "SixÂFeet Under", created by Alan Ball, author of American Beauty. Since I know Tomica, I want you to know few things about him. He is extremely talented man, who loves music and know function of the same in the visual arts. He worked at the radio station in Los Angeles and was struggling music supervisor for years. For my taste, and ability to recognize the talent, he was already there many years ago. It was just matter of time when someone else would recognize it. And it finally did. In my opinion one of the best writer of our generation Alan Ball is working with Tomica. What is also important for us Croatians is that he is very proud of his name and keep his (Ch), the line above c, intact on the credit screen. One thing that I also recognized is that Tomica and his partner Gary Calamar have full screen credit. That doesn't happen by chance. If you get your full screen as a music supervisor it means that you are doing tremendous job for the show. I cannot remember last time I've seen that. Ivo Skoric discovered Tomica for me years ago and knowing Ivo's, to say the least avangard, taste in music, I would expect something else. But what is impressive to me as an author is a wide taste and appreciation of any sound that comes over the speakers. I share the same love for music and somehow for me everything is easy in communication with such people. Story after story, we see that our roots go deep. Deeper then six feet under. We are not present just at the landing on the moon or every possible university, or we just don't build parts for space ships and write good music and literature, we have a great music supervisor too. I have a great joy in watching professional at work. Surgeon or buss driver, it doesn't matter. People who love their work and go deep to discover their own vehicle to divine through their talent. The way someone plays the music for you, takes care of CDs or vinyl records... you are watching ballet of movements.ÂÂOne last note: Thomas Newman's main title theme is original piece of music and so wellÂedited with the picture. It's the best I have ever seen on TV.ÂÂNenad BachÂÂÂDig TV's 'Six Feet Under'ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFri Mar 1, 2:40 PM ETÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBy Steve JamesÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNEW YORK (Reuters) - Undertakers were skeptical that "Six Feet Under," theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTV drama set around a funeral home, would portray them as grimÂÂÂÂÂÂÂstereotypes, or play for cheap laughs. But America's funeral directors nowÂÂÂÂÂÂÂare actually praising the show, not burying it.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂUnlike lawyers who lambaste court dramas, and cops who cringe at crimeÂÂÂÂÂÂÂdramas, some death-care industry professionals think the highly-rated AOLÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTime Warner Inc.'s Home Box Office drama might even help the image ofÂÂÂÂÂÂÂtheir business.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe view of the industry's human side is helpful at a time when theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂbusiness is in flux, with an increasingly corporate funeral industryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂtrying to hold onto its traditional personal style.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"Funeral directors are always portrayed as very eerie, Vincent PriceÂÂÂÂÂÂÂstereotypes, so we brushed it off at first thinking it would be anotherÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHollywood portrayal," said Dawn Fisher, whose husband, John, owns theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFisher Funeral Chapel in Logansport, Ind.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂNot that kids are suddenly rushing out to become embalmers or makeupÂÂÂÂÂÂÂartists for the deceased in the same way everyone wanted to be a reporterÂÂÂÂÂÂÂafter "All the President's Men." But undertakers say the TV drama, whichÂÂÂÂÂÂÂstarts its second season on Sunday, has people talking more openly aboutÂÂÂÂÂÂÂdeath and the sensitive issue of what happens afterwards.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"People kept saying: 'You have to see this,' and so we signed up for HBO,"ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂshe said. "The death-care industry gets a lot of bad press, but this showsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwhat funeral directors do behind the scenes."ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"I was concerned at first, when I heard it would be humorous," said SteveÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTurner, a third-generation funeral director and owner of the WalkerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMortuary in Freeport, Ill.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"But somebody has really done their homework -- it brings an awareness ofÂÂÂÂÂÂÂthe business."ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIn "Six Feet Under," the fictional Fisher & Sons funeral home in LosÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAngeles is run by two brothers, one gay, one straight. Their widowedÂÂÂÂÂÂÂmother is re-discovering her youth and their sister is an angst-riddenÂÂÂÂÂÂÂteen. Son David's gay lover is a black cop, and Nathaniel's girlfriend hasÂÂÂÂÂÂÂa mentally disturbed brother.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe family may be dysfunctional, but in the past, Hollywood has usuallyÂÂÂÂÂÂÂportrayed undertakers as Dickensian, obsequious Uriah Heep-likeÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcharacters. For action-minded viewers it may bring to mind "Paul Bearer,"ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂthe creepy urn-carrying ex-manager of World Wrestling FederationÂÂÂÂÂÂÂperformer, The Undertaker.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"They (undertakers) are usually very morbid characters portrayed in aÂÂÂÂÂÂÂnegative light," said David Walkinshaw, spokesman for the National FuneralÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDirectors Association. "On 'Six Feet Under,' they are believable people,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂalbeit with character flaws.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDeath is traditionally a difficult subject to talk about, he said. "NowÂÂÂÂÂÂÂthey can, in the guise of asking about the show," said Walkinshaw, aÂÂÂÂÂÂÂfuneral director at Saville & Grannan in Arlington, Mass. "A lot of what'sÂÂÂÂÂÂÂin 'Six Feet Under,' I lived myself."ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHBO spokeswoman Mara Mikialian said the show was the channel's highestÂÂÂÂÂÂÂrated series in a first season -- better than "The Sopranos (news - Y!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTV)" even, or "Sex and the City (news - Y! TV)." This season it willÂÂÂÂÂÂÂfeature its first Buddhist and first Jewish funerals.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂE-mails and letters from funeral homes pour in.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"They say the show is doing a service de-mystifying death," MikialianÂÂÂÂÂÂÂsaid.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe show comes at a time when the issue of corporate takeover ofÂÂÂÂÂÂÂfamily-run funeral homes is a recurring theme and major funeral andÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcemetery companies have recently reported disappointing income.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAt a time when people in the United States are living longer, a moreÂÂÂÂÂÂÂmobile population means that families tend to be dispersed. And becauseÂÂÂÂÂÂÂfewer people are buried in family plots, funeral companies have focused onÂÂÂÂÂÂÂso-called pre-need sales, in which customers pre-pay the cost of their ownÂÂÂÂÂÂÂfuneral.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAlso, more Americans are choosing cremation, which costs less. BobÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAchermann, executive director of the California Funeral DirectorsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAssociation, said there is an approximate 50-50 split between cremationsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂand burials in his state.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAchermann said of the TV show: "You see lots of issues raised that theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂpublic is not aware of, like the obvious bias against corporate ownership.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"They are portrayed as trying to threaten and buy out the small funeralÂÂÂÂÂÂÂdirectors. (But) Corporate ownership is common and in the show, theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcorporations tend to be heavy-handed."ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"I watch the show and I think it's well-written. Talking about it (death)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂis normally difficult as people would rather not know the details.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnything that fosters understanding of the death-care industry isÂÂÂÂÂÂÂhelpful," said Achermann.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"I have not heard of anyone who thinks it's awful," said Tammy Neville,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂadministrator of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. "Whoever theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwriters are, they have true insight into the funeral profession."ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut it's the gallows humor of creator Alan Ball's drama set in a funeralÂÂÂÂÂÂÂhome that has the professionals laughing.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"We all have curious things that have happened that would fit into a darkÂÂÂÂÂÂÂcomedy," said Walkinshaw. "Like the clergyman falling in the grave or theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂgrave caving in.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ"I was at one funeral where the moment the priest ended the prayer, theÂÂÂÂÂÂÂstone slid silently into the grave. But we wouldn't want to embarrassÂÂÂÂÂÂÂanyone and we keep it to ourselves."ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Maestrali's great concert in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5664/1/E-Maestralis-great-concert-in-New-York.html ÂÂNenade,ÂÂÂKako to da je ovaj dogadjaj promakao CROWN-u?ÂÂÂPozdrav,ÂBozidar Jerkovic (aka CT accordion player, but now in NYC)ÂÂOp-edÂThis was a private concert. Thanks ! I had a privilage to introduce the group in Los Angeles and here in New York. Maestrali klapa is a unique group from Dubrovnik that exist for 33 years. On and off the stage they are a true example of a great Croatian culture.ÂNenad BachÂÂÂÂKlapa "Maestral" performed a 1 1/2 hour concert at the Lafayette Theater inÂSuffern NY.ÂÂÂWow! What a concert. The theatre, a restored vaudeville house, was HUGE.ÂThe audience, respectable-sized, sat up in the front (we were front-rowÂcenter) for an incredible program of acoustic music.ÂÂÂThere were 6 musicians who came over, and they were joined for a fewÂnumbers at the end by two former members now living in the US. Most of theÂprogram was sung with the group accompanying themselves on bass, prim,Âbrac^, guitar, and what appeared to be two mandolins (one standard, oneÂlarger that served like a cello).( op-ed that was tamburitza)ÂTheir playing was very good, their vocalsÂbeautiful. On the a cappella numbers, the sound was breathtaking. And allÂbalanced the old-fashioned way ---- no mikes, just 6 fellows playing andÂsinging together, and obviously loving it. And so were we.ÂÂÂFor the klapa crowd on the list, they did 4 or 5 numbers from the campÂrepertoire, though some, like "Maestrale moj" appeared in different formÂ(that one moved into 3/4 time ---- different, but nice). Others, like "DvaÂBrac^anina" were pretty much the arrangements we know, only done better.ÂAnd their obligatory English-language song, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I'veÂSeen," was a lovely arrangement and by far the best "host-country number"ÂI've heard.ÂÂÂThanks, Wendy, for calling the list's attention to this program.ÂÂÂ- GeorgeÂÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian poets NEEDED http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5663/1/E-Croatian-poets-NEEDED.html ÂÂDear NenadÂPlease be so kind and visit this site. You will find there a veryÂinterssting project for every croatian poet worldwide. I thing itÂwould be quite good if some of them send theirs poetry for the projectÂPoetical Babel to on-line poetry magazineÂÂwww.konture.com.ÂÂThank You so muchÂVlado FranjevicÂÂP.S. Miss Vesna Stankovic-Benak, the head of www.konture.com and meÂpersonaly, leader of Gallery by konture.com, would be very glad andÂwould thank You so much if it is possible to put a link to thisÂon-line magazine at www.croatianworld.net!ÂÂOp-edÂI am still learning the basics of E publishing. As soon as possible I willÂmake a link.ÂnbÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) THE PETER TOMICH UNCLAIMED MEDAL OF HONOR http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5662/1/E-THE-PETER-TOMICH-UNCLAIMED-MEDAL-OF-HONOR.html ÂPearl Harbor, December 7, 1941ÂorÂPeter Tonic-Tomic-HercegÂCroatian AmericanÂÂBy Adam S. EterovichÂÂThere are only two Medals of Honor in American history that are not claimed because a next-of-kin could not be found, one in the Indian Wars and Peter Tomich at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. He died a hero on the battleship Utah.ÂHis next-of-kin, John Tomich in Los Angeles, could not be found and the Navy dropped the matter as his records simply stated born in Prolog, Austria. So, for 60 years the Navy, Medal of Honor Society and the Croatian community did nothing thru no fault of their own.ÂApproximately 15 years ago I asked a journalist, Vjekoslav Krsnik, from Split, Croatia to visit Mali and Veli Prolog in Dalmatia and Prolog in Hercegovina and ask for the names Tonic and Tomic and since these were small places , we should turn up something. To our surprise no Tonic-Tomic originated in Mali or Veli Prolog, but at Prolog in Hercegovina Vjekoslav found that Tonic was the Clan Name for Herceg. We had found our hero, his birthplace and his Croatian nationality. We obtained birth and other records from Prolog which were extremely useful.ÂAdmiral J. Robert Lunney of New York has probably contributed more than anyone in his help, cooperation and labor to present to the proper Naval authorities adequate proof that we do have a next-of-kin. He traveled to Prolog to view the original Church and Civil records. His first submission to the Navy was rejected and since then a second Legal Brief has been filed. We also wish to thank my good friend Don Chvarak, a Croatian American War Veteran, of Texas, Admiral Robert A. Rosen, Senators Robert G. Torricelli and Max Cleland. Also special thanks to Mato Herceg here in California and a Vietnam Veteran, a native of Prolog, who updated and uncovered new documentation and president Bernard Luketich of the Croatian Fraternal Union for graciously publishing material on Peter Tomich in the Zajednicar.ÂThe Navy is confused because of "Prolog, Austria"; Tonich changed to Tomich, then being advised that the name is really Herceg and that he is a Croatian from Hercegovina, Then Austria, that had been Turkey in his father's lifetime. It does get confusing.ÂWe are pleased to report to have found a direct relative of the next-of-kin, now deceased, his grandson, Srecko Herceg a Lt. Col. in the Croatian Army living in Split, Dalmatia. He received five medals for valor in battle against Serbian forces in the late war in Croatia. We also have a relative, Mato Herceg, living in California. Now we have two heroes, it must in their blood...Hercegovci are known for their stubborness, loyalty, honor and as superior warriors against all odds. Peter Tomich-Herceg beat the Japanese in the Pacific and Srecko Herceg beat the Serbs in Croatia and Hercegovina. We do hope to have Srecko Herceg brought to America or Mato Herceg to receive the Medal from the President of the United States.ÂI would like this Medal to be deposited at the Croatian Fraternal Union Museum in Pittsburgh.ÂÂTOMICH, PETERÂPeter Tonich was born in Prolog, then Austria, on June 3. 1893. He enlisted in U. S. Army at Fort Solcum, New York, on June 6, 1917, and served with the 12ti- Company, 3rd Training Battalion, 154th Depot Brigade, Camp Greene, North Carolina, and also with Company L, 47th Infantry, Camp Greene, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged January l3, 1919.ÂTonich was naturalized at Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on October 10, 1918. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy at Newark, New Jersey, on January 23, 1919, at which time his name was recorded as Tonich. Later he used the name Tomich in signing official papers. Tonich (Tomich) served continuously in the Navy from the time of his enlistment and was advanced through the enlisted ratings to that of Chief Watertender on June 4, 1930.ÂTonich (Tomich) was serving aboard the USS UTAH at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked the Fleet on December 7, 1941, and was killed in that action. For his heroism on this historic occasion he was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, by the President of the United States, with the following citation:ÂMedal of HonorÂ"For distinguished conduct in line of his profession and extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by the Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Although realizing that the ship was capsizing, as a result of enemy bombing and torpedoing, he remained at his post in the engineering plant of the USS UTAH, until he saw that all boilers were secured, and all fireroom personnel had left their stations, and by so doing he lost his own life."ÂHe was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal, posthumously.ÂIn addition to the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart Medal, Tonich (Tomich) was entitled to the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.ÂA Destroyer Escort vessel, the USS TOMICH, DE-242, was named in his honor.ÂÂAdam S. EterovichÂ650-592-1190Âcroatians@aol.comÂNative of San FranciscoÂKorean War Veteran, VolunteerÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian tenor - A Star Is Born in Berlin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5661/1/E-Croatian-tenor---A-Star-Is-Born-in-Berlin.html ÂSubj:Kresimir Spicer (pronounced Shpitzer!ÂÂÂDolje je kompletni tekst MusAm clanka reproduciranog na WQXR.comÂoznacio sam s --> djelove koji se odnose na Spicera i njegov skorasnjiÂnastup u Brooklynu, ako zelite skratiti ili izostaviti oatatak, iako jeÂopis Olge BorodinA (accEnt on the last syllAble!) i Dominga zabavan (iÂpoucan? - sugestije za skracenje i izostavljanje oznacene s (~ / ~)ÂÂClassical News from Musical America.comÂDaily stories from the business source for the performing arts.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂA Star Is Born in BerlinÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂby Paul Moor, MusicalAmerica.comÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWednesday, February 6th 2002ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBERLIN -- Since Kent Nagano took over the leadership of theÂDeutsches Symphonie-Orchester, Berliners have grown accustomed to someÂfairly extravagant ideas of programming, but this week must have set someÂkind of record.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMonday's night's began with Luciano Berio's 1968 realization ofÂClaudio Monteverdi's 1624 cantata "Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda"Â(The Conflict Between Tancred and Clorinda). After that came a 40-year-oldÂecho of that unmissed aberrational phase of Europe's musical avant-gardeÂthat called itself "instrumental theater," György Ligeti's "Aventures."ÂOnly after the intermission did the part come that had justified theÂconcert's billing as "gala": a concert performance of Act 2 of CamilleÂSt.-Saëns's opera "Samson et Dalila," flaunting two of today's stellarÂvocalists, Olga Borodina and Plácido Domingo.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(~Even at gala prices, a capacity audience packed Berlin'sÂPhilharmonie; in fact, the gauntlet of hopefuls pleading for tickets oneÂhad to run began a full block away from the entrance.~) One Berlin criticÂevidently kept an eye on his watch during the evening; by his reckoning theÂentire concert lasted only 90 minutes, with much of the St.-Saëns segmentÂdevoted to the harangue between Delilah and the High Priest (SergeiÂLeiferkus, first-rate), leading into that critic's grumpy question "TenÂminutes of Plácido Domingo for 125 Euros?" (roughly $100).ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBoth Borodina and Domingo did indeed treat us to some memorablyÂfine vocalism - with Domingo sounding every bit as wonderful as he everÂhas, something of a miracle at the age of 60, but for not me alone theÂ-->evening's vocal highpoint, in fact a revelation, came when a youngÂCroatian tenor with the improbable name of Kresimir Spicer (:KrEshimirÂShpItzer, u fonetskom originalu S sa `kvacicom'!) provided the first part'sÂhigh point as the narrator in the Monteverdi; during the intermission, anÂenthusiastic little crowd of Berlin's musical sophisticates surrounded himÂin the Philharmoniker's backstage buffet crying for information about thisÂvocal discovery. More about Spicer in a moment.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFirst, the shortest of shrift for the Ligeti abomination. TheÂso[u!]briquet "instrumental theater" (think first and foremost the ratherÂcumbersome high jinks perpetrated by Mauricio Kagel) applied toÂinstrumental works that required the performers to horse around in oneÂextra-musical way or another, to no apparent purpose. In 1962 it pleasedÂLigeti to perpetrate a work for two sopranos and one baritone in anÂinvented nonsense language he called "asemantic." Their particular horsingÂaround toward one another supposedly conveys such emotions as anxiety,Âboasting, foolishness, and so on.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂUncertain audience titters rewarded, for instance, theÂpercussionist's using a carpet-beater the size of a tennis racket to wallopÂa sort of miniature mattress beneath it, or pop an inflated paper bag, orÂwhen the three long-suffering but impressively capable singers (SarahÂLeonard, Linda Hirst, and Omar Ebrahim) pinched their nostrils closed toÂproduce an unattractive nasality, or when they picked up small megaphonesÂfrom the floor and bellowed through them into the auditorium. I had heardÂabout "Aventures" sporadically ever since its world premiere, but untilÂthis week my luck had held out against actually encountering such rubbish.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDuring rehearsals for this concert, Nagano had reported thingsÂ"going really well" with "quite a chemistry between Domingo, Borodina, andÂthe orchestra," but conceivably those rehearsals took place in the DSO'sÂstageless rehearsal room and not on the stage of the Philharmonie. At theÂconcert, things went logistically wrong from the start of the St.-Saëns,Âfor instead of a strictly concert performance, the performers decided toÂincorporate a modicum of physical histrionics - and when you turn two suchÂimpressively endowed and experienced singing hams loose with no controlÂwhatever to rein them in, musical disaster automatically threatens.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAt the worst moments Monday evening, it didn't only threaten.ÂLeiferkus's segments provided him scant opportunity to spread himself, butÂBorodina almost immediately turned into the very model of an old-fashionedÂprimissima donna of the most self-indulgent sort. Unabashedly, arrogantly,Âalmost contemptuously, she ever more and more ostentatiously turned herÂback completely towards Nagano - and any opera's conductor must alwaysÂremain in control musically.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPoor Nagano could only pivot back and forth on the podium,Âsometimes looking almost pleadingly at the singers behind him, hopefullyÂtrying to catch an eye at least occasionally, usually with no successÂwhatever. As a result, Borodina and Domingo mostly did what singersÂunfortunately will, given half a chance; they indulged themselves in theÂmost narcissistic, self-serving manner of performance imaginable. We didÂindeed hear great, surging billows of glorious vocalism - but music? InÂspite of Nagano's valiant exertions, music to a large extent simply wentÂdown the drain.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBut let's get back to the -->truly musical highlight of theÂevening. Note the name - write it down, memorize it - of Kresimir Spicer,Âfor me the most exciting vocal discovery since Thomas Quasthoff explodedÂinto my ken five or six years ago. Artists' program biographies tend toÂvaunt, but Spicer's perceptibly does its best to inflate such things as heÂhas done to date. Little wonder, since he gives his age at merely 25!ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBorn in Slavonski Brod, he studied in Zagreb and Amsterdam,Âwhere he settled - and even while still a student he appeared inÂprofessional productions there of "Don Carlo" and "Gianni Schicchi." LastÂJune he first attracted major international attention at theÂAix-en-Provence Festival when William Christie cast him as Ulysses inÂMonteverdi's opera with Christie's splendid ensemble Les Arts Florissants,Âwith Marijana Mijanovic singing opposite him.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂGaëtan Naulleau wrote in "Le Monde" on June 13: "The eve of theÂpremiere, nobody knew Marijana Mijanovic (Penelope) and her companionÂKresimir Spicer (Ulysses). The next day, their names drew moved smiles uponÂall the lips of the people in Aix plus enthusiastic babbling." -->ResidentsÂof greater New York may anticipate a similar experience when theÂ-->Brooklyn Academy of Music imports that production intact for the -->weekÂbeginning April 7.ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Kazalisna predstava "Necessary Target" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5667/1/H-Kazalisna-predstava-Necessary-Target.html ÂU Manhatnu se otvorila nova kazalisna predstava koja se zove "Necessary Target". Prikazuju se realni i istiniti dogadaji o obiteljima koje su prezivile rat od srpskih napada. Prica se dogada u kampu, negdje u Hrvatskoj, za ljude koji su ostali bez doma u vrijeme srpske okupacije.ÂÂZa popust na kartama, zovite telefonski broj (212) 947-8844 promocija code NTTPL64.ÂPredstava "Necessary Target" se odrzava kod Variety Arts Theatre 110 Treca Avenija i 14 Ulica.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vukovar/ Harrison's Flowers http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5666/1/E-Vukovar-Harrisons-Flowers.html ÂOp-edÂPlease check this site too:Âhttp://babel.altavista.comÂImpresive translation service. Enter up to 150 words for translation at the timeÂThanks Marko. I heard about it many times, but now I believe it.ÂNenadÂÂÂA head's up to everyone concerning the movie "Harrison's Flowers" set toÂopen in NY and LA on March 15. I beleive that this movie has alreadyÂbeen shown in France. Among the stars is Andie McDowell. The movieÂtakes place in Vukovar and concerns an American photographer whoÂdisappeared in the takeover, was thought dead and was seen alive by hisÂwife on CNN. I assume the movie to be "Croat-friendly" as I found theÂtext set forth below on the web site of the Croatian embassy in Paris (IÂunfortumately don't read French, so I am assuming it is a positiveÂarticle).ÂÂI saw an advertisement for this movie this morning in NY and IÂunderstand that it will open in a larger geographic area in the US laterÂin the year.ÂÂAnyone know anything about it?ÂÂJohn KraljicÂÂÂUne Américaine à Vukovar« Harrison's Flowers » d'Elie ChouraquiÂÂÂAvec ce film actuellement sur les écrans le réalisateur français ElieÂChouraqui propose le premier long métrage dont l'intrigue se déroule surÂfond de la guerre qui embrasa la Croatie en 1991, et notamment auxÂenvirons de la ville de Vukovar conquise par l'armée et les milicesÂserbes après un siège terrible qui dura trois mois. Bien qu'il s'agisseÂlà d'une fiction sans prétention didactique particulière, le cinéaste yÂest néanmoins parvenu à restituer les scènes de guerre avec un réalismeÂsaisissant. Un public averti y décèlera sans doute l'imposant travail deÂdocumentation et de reconstruction qu'aura nécessité le tournage.ÂÂÂA l'automne 1991, lorsque débute l'agression serbe en Croatie, HarrisonÂLloyd (interprété David Strathairn), un photographe américain employéÂpar Newsweek, disparaît dans les environs de Vukovar, laissant derrièreÂlui ses deux enfants et sa femme Sarah (Andie MacDowell) qui refuse deÂcroire à sa mort. Elle s'envole alors pour l'Autriche, loue une voiture,Âpasse la frontière et se joint à un groupe de photographes de presse quiÂcouvrent le conflit, dont Kyle (Adrian Brody), un ami de son mari.ÂYeager Pollock (Elias Koteas), un autre collègue les ralliera bientôt.ÂEnsemble, passant au milieu d'exactions en tous genres, ils vontÂrejoindre les ruines de la ville croate martyre, assiégée, pilonnée, etÂbientôt envahie par l'armée de Belgrade et les miliciens serbes. VoilàÂpour le décor.ÂÂC'est sur cette trame que Chouraqui tisse son récit où il dépeint avecÂbrio la difficile profession de reporter de guerre. Pour ce qui est duÂchoix de la guerre de Croatie, il s'explique : « J'ai, en effet, prisÂl'exemple de Vukovar pour montrer la folie hystérique des hommes. (...)ÂEn 1991, Vukovar a été la première ville d'Europe entièrement bombardéeÂdepuis la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Les Serbes l'ont pilonnée pendant 80Âjours. Il y a eu une obstination à raser cette ville du XVIIe siècleÂpour que disparaisse de la surface de la terre le génie deÂl'architecture croate. Les Serbes se sont livrés à des exécutionsÂsommaires, à de multiples atrocités, exterminant à la grenade, tuant lesÂblessés de l'hôpital. Tout ce que je montre dans le film figure dans leÂrapport des Nations unies (...) ». Et effectivement la minutie dont il aÂfait preuve pour reconstituer fidèlement l'atmosphère apocalyptique quiÂrègne dans les rues du « Stalingrad croate » est véritablementÂdéconcertante.ÂÂPour autant, Harrison's Flowers n'en est pas moins une fiction, ce queÂle réalisateur revendique à juste titre. Ceux qui s'attendaient à voirÂenfin portée à l'écran l'épopée de la fameuse « bataille de Vukovar »Âresteront sur leur faim. Aucune trace de l'héroïque et désormaisÂlégendaire résistance du petit millier d'hommes écrasés sous les bombesÂqui parvinrent, contre toute attente, à tenir en échec un adversaireÂlargement suréquipé et très supérieur en nombre. Certes, le scénarioÂdéjà excellent n'en aurait sans doute été que meilleur. Il est pourtantÂdes moments où curieusement le réalisateur exploite avec précision lesÂréférences historiques, quoique secondaires, en poussant très loin leÂréalisme. Ainsi nous fait-il revivre la prise par les Serbes duÂtristement célèbre hôpital de Vukovar, il est vrai, sans montrer le sortÂfuneste alors réservé à ses deux cents blessés, ensevelis depuis àÂquelque distance de là dans le charnier d'Ovcara.ÂÂD'autre part, le choix délibéré du réalisateur de ne faire accéder auÂvéritable rang de personnage que les seuls reporters occidentaux, s'ilÂentretient ainsi indiscutablement une certaine distance à l'égard duÂconflit, n'en facilite pas moins a posteriori une meilleureÂappréhension. L'identification suggérée avec le personnage principal,Âincarné avec force par Andie MacDowell, n'en est de la sorte que plusÂaisée. Paradoxalement, la crudité et le réalisme époustouflant desÂscènes de guerre risquent de surprendre le public occidental qui neÂgarde généralement en mémoire de la guerre en « ex-Yougoslavie » que leÂsiège de Sarajevo, auquel il convient d'ajouter depuis peuÂl'intervention de l'OTAN au Kosovo. Mais la dureté de certaines scènesÂvient ici brutalement rappeler à quel point la violence voilà déjà dixÂans de la campagne militaire serbe en Croatie, fût-elle moinsÂmédiatisée, ne saurait être réduite à un simple avant-goût du conflitÂbosniaque.ÂÂPourtant certains clichés semblent tenaces. Certains commentateurs queÂle film n'a apparemment pas vraiment éclairés l'ont même présenté commeÂse déroulant en Bosnie, voire en Serbie... Ainsi a-t-on pu lireÂrécemment sous la plume circonspecte d'un critique de cinéma queÂChouraqui péchait par excès puisque la guerre en Croatie n'aurait, selonÂlui, « jamais atteint » l'intensité qu'elle a dans ce film. Quand onÂsait que Vukovar, après seulement que trois mois de bombardement,Âdemeure la ville où les destructions ont atteint un degré inégalé dansÂl'ensemble de la région, on peut en douter.ÂÂAu-delà de sa qualité esthétique indéniable, le grand mériteÂd'Harrison's Flowers est peut-être précisément d'être parvenu a mêlerÂavec habileté fiction et réalisme, où effort documentaire vientÂavantageusement étoffer un scénario original librement inspiré du romanÂLe Diable a l'avantage d'Isabel Ellsen. En illustrant les risquesÂauxquels s'exposent quotidiennement les reporters de guerre, ElieÂChouraqui choisit aussi de nous rappeler le prix exorbitant qu'à l'aubeÂdu IIIe millénaire un peuple a dû payer pour défendre, au coeur deÂl'Europe, des droits aussi légitimes et fondamentaux que l'indépendanceÂou la démocratie.ÂÂLe Service de presseÂÂ*****************************ÂÂHey John!ÂÂYes the article is more pro-Croatian, and not just because it was on the Croatian Embassy website.My high school French (and how come they don't offer cool languages in High School) is a bit rusty, so I took the text and plugged it into the web basedÂtranslator atÂÂhttp://babel.altavista.comÂÂThe text itself is still raw. I did not make any corrections or revisions toÂit. Some words did not translate, but I think we can all get the idea ofdÂwhat the article is about...ÂÂVoilà!ÂÂÂAmerican in Vukovar " Harrison' S Flowers " of Elie ChouraquiÂÂWith this film currently on the screens the French realizer Elie ChouraquiÂproposes the first full-length film whose intrigue proceeds on bottom of the war which set ablaze Croatia in 1991, and in particular around the town of Vukovar conquered by the army and the militia Serb after a terrible seat which lasted three months. Although it is a fiction without particular didactic claim, the scenario writer that pointÂnevertheless reached to restore the scenes of war with a seizing realism. A public informed there will undoubtedly detect imposing it work of documentation and rebuilding which will have required turning.ÂÂWith the autumn 1991, when begins the Serb aggression in Croatia, Harrison LloydÂ(interpreted David Strathairn), an American photographer employed by Newsweek,Âdisappears in the surroundings from Vukovar, leaving behind him his twoÂchildren and his wife Sarah (Andie MacDowell) who refuses to believe in her death. It flies away then for Austria, rents a car, passes the border and joint to a group of press photographers who cover the conflict, of which Kyle (Adrian Brody), a friend of her husband. Yeager Pollock (Elias Koteas), another colleague will rejoin them soon. Together, passing in the medium of exactions in all kinds, they will join the ruins of the city Croatian martyrdom, besieged, rammed, and invaded soon by the army of Belgrade and the militiamans Serb. Here is for the decoration.ÂÂIt is on this frame that Chouraqui weaves its account where it depicts with brillianceÂthe difficult profession to defer war. As regards the choice of the war ofÂCroatia, it is explained: " I, indeed, took the example of Vukovar to show theÂhysterical madness of the men (...) In 1991, Vukovar was the first town of Europe entirely bombarded since the Second World war. The Serb ones rammed it during 80 days. There was an obstinacy to shave this city of XVIIe century so that disappears from the surface of the ground engineering of Croatian architecture. The Serb ones were devoted to summary executions, with multiple atrocities, exterminating with the grenade, killing the casualties of the hospital. All that I show in film appears in the report/ratio of the United Nations (...) ". And indeed the meticulousness of which it made proof to accurately reconstitute the apocalyptic atmosphere which reigns in the streets of the " Croatian Stalingrad " is truly disconcerting.ÂÂFor as much, Harrison' S Flowers is not less one fiction, which the realizerÂasserts rightly. Those which expected to see finally carried to the screen épopée of famous " the battle of Vukovar " will remain on their hunger. No trace of heroic and from now on legendary resistance of the small thousand of men crushed under the bombs which arrived, counters any waiting, to hold in failure a largely over-equipped adversary and very superior in a number. Admittedly, the already excellent scenario would undoubtedly have been only better. It is however moments when curiously the realizer exploits with precision them historical references, though secondary, while pushing very far realism. Thus revives us it the catch by the Serb onesÂof sadly admittedly celebrates hospital of Vukovar without showing theÂdisastrous fate then reserved for its two hundreds wounded, buried since at some distance from there in the mass grave of Ovcara.références histories, though secondaries, while pushing very far realism. Thus revives us it the catch by the Serb ones of sadly admittedly celebrates hospital of Vukovar without showing the disastrous fate then reserved for its two hundreds wounded, buried since at some distance from there in the mass grave of Ovcara.ÂÂIn addition, the choice deliberated on the realizer to make reach the true row ofÂcharacter only only the reporters Western, if it thus indisputably maintainsÂa certain distance with regard to the conflict, does not facilitate of it less aÂposteriori a better apprehension. The identification suggested with the principal character, incarné with force by Andie MacDowell, of it is kind only easier. Paradoxically, the crudeness and the époustouflant realism of the scenes of war are likely to surprise the Western public which generally keeps in memory of the war in " ex-Yugoslavia " only the head office of Sarajevo, to which it is appropriate to add recently the intervention of NATO in Kosovo. But the hardness of certain scenes comes here brutally to recall to which point violence here are already ten years of the Serb military countryside in Croatia, it was médiatisée, could not be reduced to a simple first impression of the Bosnian conflict.ÂÂHowever certain stereotypes seem tough. Certain commentators that the filmÂapparently did not really light it even presented like being held in Bosnia, even inÂSerbia... Thus one could read recently under the circumspect feather of a critic of cinema that Chouraqui sinned by excess since the war in Croatia would not have, according to him, " ever reached " the intensity which it has in this film. When it is known that Vukovar, after only that three months of bombardment, remain the city where the destruction reached an unequalled degree in the whole of the area, one can doubt it.ÂÂBeyond its undeniable aesthetic quality, the great merit of Harrison' S Flowers is perhaps precisely to have arrived has to mix with skill fiction and realism, whereÂdocumentary effort advantageously comes to pack an original scenario freely inspired of the novel the Devil has the advantage of Isabel Ellsen. By illustrating the risks to which are exposed daily the reporters war, Elie Chouraqui as chooses to recall us the exorbitant price as at the dawn of thousand-year-old IIIe people had to pay to defend, to the heart of Europe, the as legitimate and fundamental rights as independence or the democracy.ÂÂPress ServiceÂÂ********************Âprocitala sam komentar sa stranica veleposlanstva u francuskoj.Âzakljucak je da je taj film « Harrison's Flowers » d'Elie ChouraquiÂpodsjetio na cijenu koja je placena - "u srcu europe" - za stjecanjeÂ"temeljnih i legitimnih prava kao sto su neovisnost i demokracija".ÂÂkomentator smatra film fikcijom, koja se ipak nije mogla izvesti bezÂzahtjevnih uvida u dokumentaciju i rekonstrukciju (bliske) proslosti.Âspominje neke nepotrebne detalje iz povjesti koji za nas nisu relevantniÂa istaknuti su, ne znam na sto misli. ipak smatra da je to dobar prikazÂ"lude ljudske histerije", apokalipse "hrvatskog staljingrada". (gdje jeÂjasno da se radi o Beogradskoj/srbskoj miliciji etc.)ÂÂpomalo zamjera sto je film ostao na fikciji, sto se nije priblizioÂrealnosti u smislu prikazivanja hrabroga otpora male skupine ljudiÂprotiv daleko superiornijeg neprijatelja u brojnosti i opremi. nemaÂdakle "famozne vukovarske bitke" -- "sigurno je da bi iovako izvanredanÂscenarij bio s time samo bolji" - dakle scenarij je ipak pozitivnoÂkomentiran. to potvrdjuje i zakljucak.ÂÂivana arapovicÂmontrealÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Film Festval in Brooklyn - NEEDS ATTENTION http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5665/1/E-Film-Festval-in-Brooklyn---NEEDS-ATTENTION.html Âwww.bam.orgÂtel: (718) 636-4100ÂÂYes! Created at the expense of the Croatian taxpayer, Storm over Krajina returns to the American cinema! Scroll down. BrianÂÂGeneral admission tickets to BAM Rose Cinemas are $9. Tickets are $6 forÂstudents (with valid I.D. Monday-Thursday, except holidays), seniors, BAMÂCinema Club members, and children under 12. Tickets are available at the BAMÂRose Cinemas box office, by phone at 718.777.FILM (order by "name of movie"Âoption), or online at www.bam.org. A dinner and movie package on Friday andÂSaturday nights at BAMcafé is available for only $30 (at the box officeÂonly). For more information, call the BAMcinématek hotline at 718.636.4100Âor visit www.bam.org.ÂÂÂÂwww.bam.orgÂ718.636.4100Â----------------------------ÂÂBAM Cinematek PresentsÂÂNo Man's Land: The Splintering of Yugoslavia,ÂA Selection of Provocative Works about the Wars of Secession inÂYugoslaviaÂÂÂFilmmakers Jasmila Zbanic (Bosnia) and Goran Radovanovic (Serbia) at BAM forÂQ&As, Saturday, April 13ÂÂÂPanel Discussion with Jasmila Zbanic, Goran Radovanovic, co-curator HowardÂFeinstein, and Thomas Keenan, director of the Bard College Human RightsÂProject, Sunday, April 14ÂÂÂBrooklyn, February 25, 2002 - From April 12-14, BAMcinématek, theÂrepertory film program at BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Avenue), presentsÂNo Man's Land: The Splintering of Yugoslavia, a selection of provocativeÂfilms and videos depicting the recent wars in Serbia, Kosovo, and theÂformer Yugoslavian republics (especially Bosnia and Croatia). TheÂFriday-through-Sunday series includes five different programs that featureÂshort-format works responding to or documenting the social upheaval,Âsystematic genocide, and war crimes committed in these regions. AmongÂthese films are early works by Danis Tanovic whose feature No Man's LandÂreceived a Golden Globe and was recently nominated for an Academy Award.ÂNo Man's Land is co-curated with Howard Feinstein, a New York based filmÂcritic who is also a programmer for the Sarajevo Film Festival.ÂÂÂAccording to Feinstein, "When republics began seceding from autocratÂSlobodan Milosevic's Yugoslavia, 'ethnic cleansing' and other horrorsÂperpetrated in the name of his 'Greater Serbia' ensued. The atrocities inÂBosnia and Croatia, recorded by war correspondents and instantly beamedÂaround the world, were also captured by film and video makers."ÂÂÂ"A number of Bosnians with an artistic bent, like No Man's Land directorÂDanis Tanovic, fought the war with cameras. Some talented dissidents inÂSerbia managed to make subversive films and videos. Croatian artists livingÂunder dictator Franjo Tudjman, as well as ethnic Albanians caught in theÂquickfire mass expulsion from Kosovo, had to wait until their conflicts wereÂsomewhat resolved before they could create interpretations of those events.ÂDirectors from abroad, outraged by the world's blind eye, sought to exposeÂthe horrendous effects of war in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo." FeinsteinÂconcludes, "The exhibition No Man's Land: The Splintering of YugoslaviaÂfeatures some of the strongest of these works. Most don't offer solutions toÂthe complex problems of the Balkans. Some choose to comment on the absurdityÂof the Yugoslav wars. A few do suggest possible ways out of the quagmire. NoÂmatter what the approach, the spectator is moved, even provoked, by what isÂprojected."ÂÂÂTwo artists featured in the series will be present for special Q&A sessionsÂand a panel discussion. Serbian Goran Radovanovic, whose films and videosÂhave been exhibited worldwide, will discuss his work on Saturday, April 13Âas will Jasmila Zbanic, a filmmaker and cultural activist from Bosnia. BothÂdirectors will be on hand for a panel discussion with film writer andÂcurator Howard Feinstein and Tom Keenan, director of the Human RightsÂProject (at Bard College), on Sunday, April 14. BAMcinématek is madeÂpossible through the leadership support of The Joseph S. and Diane H.ÂSteinberg Charitable Trust. No Man's Land: The Splintering of Yugoslavia isÂsupported by Trust for Mutual Understanding.ÂÂÂGeneral admission tickets to BAM Rose Cinemas are $9. Tickets are $6 forÂstudents (with valid I.D. Monday-Thursday, except holidays), seniors, BAMÂCinema Club members, and children under 12. Tickets are available at the BAMÂRose Cinemas box office, by phone at 718.777.FILM (order by "name of movie"Âoption), or online at www.bam.org. A dinner and movie package on Friday andÂSaturday nights at BAMcafé is available for only $30 (at the box officeÂonly). For more information, call the BAMcinématek hotline at 718.636.4100Âor visit www.bam.org.ÂÂÂNo Man's Land: The Splintering of YugoslaviaÂAll programs presented in English or with English subtitlesÂÂÂProgram 1 (84min)ÂFriday, April 12 at 6:50, 9:10pmÂÂÂPortraits of Artists in Sarajevo (1994), Bosnia, 19 minÂDirected by Danis TanovicÂDanis Tanovic captures the lives of Sarajevan artists during the siege. In aÂcity surrounded by Serbian troops-cut off from electricity and water, andÂwithout adequate weapons to protect themselves-the artists still find waysÂto creatively respond to the daily horrors around them. Tanovic, who shotÂmore than 300 hours of footage on the front lines during the war, justÂreceived a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for his first feature film,ÂNo Man's Land (2001).ÂÂÂDawn (1996), Bosnia, 13 minÂDirected by Danis TanovicÂThis documentary records the bittersweet reunion of a man and his wife andÂchildren after three years apart. Having lost his eyesight and both arms inÂthe war, he is aware of his family's mixed feelings of joy and shock.ÂÂÂAwakening (Ça Ira) (1998), France, 52 minÂDirected by Danis TanovicÂThe director journeys through postwar-Bosnia with a European aid worker,Âinterviewing people along the way and recording their stories of the war.ÂÂÂProgram 2 (92min)ÂSaturday, April 13 at 2, 7pm*Â*Q&A with director Goran Radovanovic follows screeningÂÂÂA Man Called Boat (1992), Bosnia, 9 minÂDirected by Pjer ZalicaÂSarajevo-born Pjer Zalica documents a day in the life of a Bosnian sniper.ÂZalica pieces together fragments from the man's routine as he prepares forÂanother day of battle, never once showing the sniper's face.ÂÂÂSerbian Epics (1993), UK, 40 minÂDirected by Paul PawlikowskiÂThe filmmaker Paul Pawlikowski creates an intimate and shocking portrait ofÂRadovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb leader currently indicted for war crimes.ÂKaradzic's views and daily life are captured in great detail.ÂÂÂSecond Circle (1998), Serbia, 27 minÂDirected by Goran RadovanovicÂGoran Radovanovic's Second Circle follows a struggling family of Gypsies inÂSerbia as they face discrimination at every turn.ÂÂÂHop, Skip & Jump (1999), Bosnia, 16 minÂDirected by Srdan VuleticÂIn this award-winning dramatization of the war, Srdan Vuletic depicts theÂuneasy relations between Bosnian Muslims and Serbs before, during, and afterÂthe siege of Sarajevo, as the powerful and the oppressed change places.ÂÂÂProgram 3 (93min)ÂSaturday, April 13 at 4*, 9:30pmÂ* Q&A with director Jasmila Zbanic follows this screeningÂÂÂRed Rubber Boots (2000), Bosnia, 18 minÂDirected by Jasmila ZbanicÂZbanic documents the horrors of Milosevic's ethnic cleansing directive inÂRed Rubber Boots. The camera follows Bosnian women while they search throughÂmass graves to identify their family members. One mother seeks a pair of redÂrubber boots, hoping they will lead to the remains of her missing child.ÂÂÂThe Abyss (2000), Bosnia, 15 minÂDirected by Adis BakracÂBosnian filmmaker Adis Bakrac descends with workers into a cave called TheÂAbyss-a mass grave for 84 murdered Bosnians.ÂÂÂCrime and Punishment (1998), Norway, 60 minÂDirected by Maria Fugelvaag WarsinskiÂWarsinski retells the story of the 1995 massacre of Bosnians in Srebrenica,Âthe single worst mass killing in Europe since World War II, during whichÂSerbian soldiers invaded the UN-designated "safe area" and killed more thanÂ7,500 men. Warsinski explores the event through interviews with survivorsÂwho are searching for their loved ones' remains.ÂÂÂProgram 4 (104min)ÂSunday, April 14 at 2, 8:30pmÂÂÂThe Valley (1999), UK, 70 minÂDirected by Dan ReedÂDan Reed's The Valley, a documentary about the bloody conflict in Kosovo'sÂDrenica Valley, was shot just as the war was beginning in this region.ÂAgainst the backdrop of burning villages, armed men, and burying of theÂdead, individuals on both sides discuss their rights to the land.ÂÂÂDocumentary Mosaique (1999-2000), Kosovo, 28 minÂDirected by Eugen SaraciniÂEugen Saracini weaves together three stories of Albanian suffering in theÂaftermath of the Kosovo war. One family maintains its optimism in the faceÂof losing five sons; two men from different generations, the sole survivorsÂof a massacre in their town, reflect on the past and future; and a family ofÂseven decide to remain where they are despite the destruction of their home.ÂÂÂProgram 5 (103min)ÂSunday, April 14 at 4:15pm*Â*Panel discussion with filmmakers, curator Howard Feinstein, and Tom KeenanÂfollows this screeningÂÂÂOperation "Storm" (2001), Croatia, 52 minÂDirected by Bozidar KnezevicÂOperation "Storm" in 1995 resulted in the liberation of all occupiedÂCroatia, and was deemed a success. But after several years, the unsettlingÂtruth about what really happened began to see the light.ÂÂÂModel House (2000), Serbia, 21 minÂDirected by Goran RadovanovicÂUsing a small model house as a metaphor, Goran Radovanovic gently satirizesÂthe intolerable living conditions of Serbian refugees from Croatia living inÂSerbia.ÂÂÂThe Last Wish (1999), Serbia, 1 minÂDirected by Goran RadovanovicÂRadovanovic's The Last Wish is a one-minute version of a 30-second publicÂservice announcement from 1999 about the repression of the press-one of manyÂhe made for Serbian TV from 1998-99.ÂÂÂEthnically Clean (1998), Serbia, 30 minÂDirected by Janko BaljakÂCreated in association with Radio B92, a Belgrade news and music outlet forÂSerbian resistance to Slobodan Milosevic's regime, Ethnically Clean examinesÂMilosevic's "ethnic cleansing" tactics by documenting the civilian courtÂcase of a Serb who has murdered several Croats.ÂÂÂThe BAM Rose Cinemas are named in recognition of a major gift in honor ofÂJonathan F.P. and Diana Calthorpe Rose. BAM Rose Cinemas would also like toÂacknowledge the generous support of The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation, RichardÂB. Fisher and Jeanne Donovan Fisher, Brooklyn Borough President MartyÂMarkowitz, Brooklyn Delegation of the New York City Council, New York CityÂDepartment of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, HSBCÂBank USA, Bloomberg Radio AM1130, and Bowne of New York. Additional supportÂis provided by The Liman Foundation, and Coca-Cola Enterprise of New York.ÂÂÂBAMcinématek would like to offer special thanks to Howard Feinstein and toÂthe filmmakers: Dan Reed, Danis Tanovic, Goran Radovanovic, PaulÂPawlikowski, Srdan Vuletic, Adis Bakrac, Jasmila Zbanic, Maria FugelvaagÂWarsinski, Pier Zalica, Janko Baljak, Eugen Saracini and producer NenadÂPuhovski.ÂÂÂGeneral informationÂÂBAM Howard Gilman Opera House, BAM Rose Cinemas, BAMcafé, and Shakespeare &ÂCo. BAMshop are located in the main building at 30 Lafayette AvenueÂ(Lafayette and Ashland) in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn. BAMÂHarvey Theater is located at 651 Fulton Street (between Ashland andÂRockwell) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. BAM Rose Cinemas is Brooklyn's onlyÂmovie house dedicated to first-run independent and foreign film andÂrepertory programming. J.A.M Catering Services provides food and beveragesÂat BAMcafé, which features an eclectic mix of spoken word and live music onÂFriday and Saturday nights as well as Sounds of Praise (live gospel musicÂwith a soul-food buffet) on selected Sunday afternoons. A package includingÂdinner in BAMcafé and a movie ticket to BAM Rose Cinemas is available forÂonly $30 (at the box office only). BAMcafé is open Friday-Saturday fromÂ5-10:30pm and Sundays from 2-8pm. Additionally, dinner is served fromÂ5-7:30pm on all Monday-Wednesday mainstage performance nights.ÂÂÂSubway: 1, 2, 4, 5, Q Local, and Q Express to Atlantic AvenueÂW, M, N, R to Pacific Street; G to Fulton Street; C to Lafayette AvenueÂTrain: Long Island Railroad to Flatbush AvenueÂCar: Commercial parking lots are located adjacent to BAM.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Film about Janica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5659/1/E-Film-about-Janica.html ÂÂIs our country thinking about making a feature film about Janica? Her training and slalom between mortars? Original underdog treatmant? We as a nation should already know the power of film. Power of image. Great success story. Hollywood loves that. When will we become our own friends. The time is NOW.ÂÂThere are many talented Croatians in the film industry. I offer my talent for the score (music).ÂÂbest,ÂÂNenad BachÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Beauty of Hands http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5668/1/E-The-Beauty-of-Hands.html ÂÂGLOBAL CROATIA/GLOBALNA HRVATSKAÂÂThe Beauty of HandsÂÂÂ"I have a dream…" (Martin Luther King, Jr.)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂVesna Krezich Kittelson is an outstanding Croatian painter from the Mid-West. She lives and works in Minneapolis (Minnesota), where she teaches painting at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Vesna was born in Trebinje, and raised in Split. While at Cambridge (England) studying law, she met an American scientist, David Kittelson, married him, and left for the other side of the Ocean. Her art work has been exhibited in Cambridge, Berlin, Split, Minneapolis, and in a series of museums and galleries in the Mid-West, most recently at the University Gallery of the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse.ÂÂÂÂÂÂMs. Kittelson entered the forefront of American mainstream art during the nineties, mostly through her remarkable series of "War Paintings," her artistic reaction to the horrors of the war in Croatia. After this dramatic, post-modernist phase in unusual formats and materials, Vesna has reverted to more standard forms of panel painting, her color scale has brightened, and the critics have been comparing her new style with the art of Pompeian frescoes and the paintings by Tiepolo. Not long ago I have had a chance to see one of those paintings - "The Hands."ÂÂÂÂÂÂIn front of a turquoise and brown background, two hands with beautiful, long fingers bind themselves together by an almost invisible thread. At a closer look we recognize a children's game played, I believe, all over the world, and known in English as "The Cat's Cradle." Upon those intertwined hands descends, from above, something like golden rain. And in the middle, we can see an outline of yet another pair of barely visible hands.ÂÂÂÂÂÂFor an artist, the image is primarily a fantasy of light and color, but the beauty of Vesna's hands has reminded me of something else. Two hands, two Croatias. Our "Most Beautiful Homeland,' and the Croatian communities abroad, all around the world, the "Iseljena Hrvatska." Two parts, two halves of our national being, almost identical in numbers. One half in the small southeast European countries called the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; the other half scattered all over the globe, mostly in the far away, overseas countries, the Croatian Outremer.ÂÂÂÂÂÂIn Vesna's painting, both hands are beautiful, and they equally participate in the game of recasting the thread. Skillful fingers produce harmonious, symmetrical movements. The thread links the hands as they act in unison.ÂÂÂÂÂÂFor many years, I have had a dream, shared, of course, by hundreds of thousands of my compatriots both at home and abroad. It was a dream of a harmonious relation between our homeland and her daughters and sons around the globe, of a great Croatian global community encompassing both the homelands of Croatian people, the Republics of Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and all our communities abroad. Briefly, of a harmonious and happy Croatian world community, a Global Croatia - Globalna Hrvatska.ÂÂÂÂÂThis happy state of union Vesna's hands so much remind me of has never been a rule in relations between Croatian homeland and its lost global children. Since the moment we can with some historical accuracy follow the emigration of the Croats, in particular into the lands across the Ocean, since the time when Louisiana was still French, the authorities in Croatia, mostly foreign or foreign controlled, have been doing their best to keep the hands apart. Croats, especially those who had gone overseas, found themselves in the leading countries of modernization, urbanization, and free markets, countries which "invented" democracy, right to self-determination, human rights. As such, the diaspora Croats have for more than two centuries stood behind a dream of a free, democratic Croatia; and as such they were anathema to the home rulers - be they Austrians, Hungarians, Venetian, Turkish, French, Yugoslav, or Communist. Croats were not leaving Croatia. They had been departing from the Habsburg, Austro-Hungarian, or Ottoman Empire, from the Venetian Republic or the Illyrian Provinces, the Kingdoms of Italy or SHS, or from the Communist Yugoslavia. As the Croats abroad systematically supported opposition movements against all of the above, the hands stayed separated. There was no thread to link them together, no golden rain to celebrate the beauty of their union.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe authorities of the new, sovereign Republic of Croatia have also failed to produce the magic thread. The former government extended their hand to some, too few, groups abroad, and the current one behaves as if our diaspora did not exist. Even the hated word "emigrant" has made a comeback.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂWe live in a period of globalization, as agreements signed between Croatia, and, for us most relevant "global" body, the European Union, clearly indicate. We are a small nation and it is only natural that some fear that process. National identity seems to be threatened.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHowever, if we add to the Croats living in the constitutional homelands of Croatian people - Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina - all those living abroad, we become a much bigger, more experienced, and more affluent people. We may be cursed by the fact that we have had to leave and settle in almost every corner of the world, that we went away, as a Croatian proverb would have it, as "crab's children" ("kao rakova djeca"), but there is a silver lining to that curse. As I have said and wrote many a time, Croats need not fear globalization. Simply, we have already been "globalized." Let us turn vice into virtue, and take advantage of it.ÂÂÂÂÂÂThis means: bring together the hands that have been separate so far.ÂÂÂÂÂÂThis means to recognize and take advantage of all that knowledge, experience, goodwill, political influence, and, yes, material wealth amassed by the Croats abroad, combine it with the Homeland's great human, intellectual, emotional, and natural resources, and create that Global Croatia, a true partnership in which all of us work for the best interest of all. Let me put it in very clear terms: the Homeland has to understand that there are Croats abroad, quite different from those back home. The Croats abroad have to understand that there is a Croatia, a real land quite different from the one in their dreams, without which, we abroad, remain a crowd without roots or identity. It is, therefore, a question of a partnership of hands, not of a domination of one hand over another. It is a question of discovering (or inventing) that miraculous thread which may bind the hands together; of recognizing, even, those barely visible hands in the background which may breathe more unity into the activities of the two more prominently displayed hands of the Global Croatia.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMaybe I should tell you more about my personal dream as I keep watching a reproduction of Vesna Kittelson's lovely painting. And the dream has to do exactly with those "invisible hands." What are they? I experience them as those beautiful impalpable values - culture, education, the arts. And I dream of the moment when they bring the hands closer together. For this to happen, the hands must get to know each other. And what better way to do so but by telling each other their dreams, their visions, their hopes, and even nightmares. This is what can be so well expressed and communicated through the arts and culture.ÂÂÂÂÂÂSeveral years ago I wrote that culture may be Croatia's best weapon in an ongoing propaganda battle for the political and economic goodwill of the world's power centers. But, it is also true that the home hand can learn a lot about her sister abroad by listening to the stories of her dreams.ÂÂÂÂÂÂYet, how often do we see artists such as Vesna Kittelson, Marko Spalatin, Anton Cetin exhibited in Croatian museum and galleries? How many diaspora writers - from Chile, Argentina, the U.S., Canada, or New Zealand - are members of the Croatian Writers Association? How many Croatian institutions of higher learning offer courses or programs dealing with the Croatian diaspora, or with Global Croatology? How many diaspora organizations specialize in promoting Croatian artists and culture abroad?ÂÂÂÂÂÂLet us ask ourselves these questions, and then, let us admit: Global Croatia is still a dream. The impalpable, invisible hands are one of the major roads toward the realization of that dream. I never asked Vesna Kittelson what she meant by painting "The Hands." As an artist, she would have probably answered that she was looking for a certain harmony of color, a certain light; this or that type of expression. If I were to tell her my dream and intuition, she might agree, and she might not. Which does not prevent me, or any of us from having a dream. Of hands linked forever, permanently fertilized by a golden shower.ÂÂÂVladimir P. GossÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Next Best Thing - Pharos Cantors on PBS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5670/1/E-The-Next-Best-Thing---Pharos-Cantors-on-PBS.html ÂÂThis past Sunday the choral singers from St. Stephen's Church were one ofÂthe features presented on National Public Radio's "The Next Best Thing." IÂbeleive our own Nenad Bach acted as translator.ÂÂJohn KraljicÂÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 26 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatians in California, 1849-1999 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5671/1/E-Croatians-in-California-1849-1999.html ÂÂRAGUSAN PRESSÂ2527 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, CA 94070ÂPresident: Adam S. Eterovich Phone: 650-592-1190 croatians@aol.com www.croatians.comÂÂDear Friend:ÂWe have just published two new studies on Croatians in California. We intend to donate 100's of these books to major libraries and institutions in America and Croatia.ÂÂCroatians in California, 1849-1999.ÂBy Adam S. Eterovich.ÂRagusan Press. 640 pages. Soft Cover. 2001. ISBN 0-918660-98-xÂ$30.00ÂGold Rush pioneers, the wild west, saloons, restaurants, farms, orchards, vineyards, fishermen, music, celebrations, societies, churches and 1000's of individuals. Includes 803 Biographies and 115 Illustrations. Bibliography of over 1000 entries.ÂÂGeneral Index to Croatian Pioneers in California, 1849-1999.ÂBy Adam S. Eterovich and Jerry L. SimichÂRagusan Press. 368 pages. Soft Cover. 2001. ISBN 0-918660-99-8Â$30.00.ÂAn Index by Name, Date, Occupation or Activity, Location, Town of Origin and Reference Source. Abstracted from cemeteries, voting registers, census, society records, church records and other sources. 45,000 individuals-family groups.ÂÂCROATIAN AMERICAN TIMES NEWSPAPERÂÂCroatian American Times (Cro-AT) is the only WEEKLY INDEPENDENT newspaper in North America that serves Croatian Americans. The Times is bilingual, being published in Croatian and English, and international in scope. Daily contact is maintained with journalist and reporters in Croatia and America. Circulation to Croatia is 5000 weekly. Cro-AT is published with the intention to provide business, cultural and social information and news to the American and Croatian community. It provides business and trade opportunities for Americans, Croatian Americans and Croatians in Croatia. Cro-AT reports on all historic, social, benevolent, church and other activities within the Croatian American community and promotes, thru advertising and articles, Croatian American and Croatian enterprises. Their advertising rates are reasonable and affordable. Subcription is $95.00 per year or $2.50 weekly. Write or call Croatian American Times at 44-37 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, NY 11363; Phone 718-819-0401; Fax 718-819-0407; E-Mail CroatianAmerican@aol.com. Call or write for a free sample.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) "WE ARE FAMILY" OPENS MARCH 8 IN TRIBECA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5674/1/E-WE-ARE-FAMILY-OPENS-MARCH-8-IN-TRIBECA.html ÂDear All,ÂÂYou are all invited to this screenings. I scored the film (as well as being interwied) and Danny is a person who helped Croatia tremendously since 1991. If you happen to be in the New York City, drop by and say hello to me.Tribeca Center was established by Robert DeNiro.Come and meet many interesting friends.ÂÂNenad BachÂÂGlobalvision invites you to tune in to our television broadcast, attend theÂscreening of our documentary and take part in our events.....Danny SchechterÂÂTHEATRICAL OPENINGÂÂGLOBALVISION'S FILM "WE ARE FAMILY" OPENS MARCH 8 AT THE SCREENING ROOMÂTHEATRE IN TRIBECAÂÂThe Globalvision production WE ARE FAMILY, which received a standingÂovation at this year's Sundance Film Festival, is having a theatrical premiere at theÂScreening Room, the only open movie theater near Ground Zero in New York at 54ÂVarick Street (at Canal) on March 8 for a week run. The Tommy Boy filmÂchronicles the efforts of 200 well known artists, celebs and many others inÂresponding to the events of Sepetember ll with a rousing celebration ofÂthe values of tolerance and the need to promote global understanding.ÂÂWE ARE FAMILY was conceived as a dynamic way to affirm our culture and theÂvictims. Many artists raised money, We Are Family raised awareness andÂsymbolized a commitment to encourage unity, tolerance and globalÂunderstanding. Veteran filmmaker Spike Lee donated his services to directÂthe music video. And Globalvision's Emmy-award winning documentary filmÂproducer Danny Schechter documented the sessions-exploring how and why theÂbonds of family stir people the world over. Some of the greatest divas,Ârockers, rappers, Broadway stars, actors and athletes not only sang theirÂhearts out, but talked about their own pain and hope at a time when hopeÂwas in short supply. For more about WE ARE FAMILY visitÂhttp://wearefamilyfoundation.comÂÂÂ*************************************************************Â3. PUBLIC FORUM IN NEW YORK CITYÂÂÂGLOBALVISION'S MEDIACHANNEL.ORG CO-SPONSORSÂPOST 9-11 CIVIL LIBERTIES FORUMÂÂÂPhil Donahue moderates a public meeting featuring conversations with MollyÂIvins, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Hussein Ibish and Nadine Strossen of theÂACLU. Anna Deveare Smith performs. February 27, 7-9 PM at the Society forÂEthical Culture 2 West 64 (at CPW) New York City. $5. Presented by theÂNation Institute.ÂÂÂVisit http://www,mediachannel.org and sign up for our free weekly e-mailÂnewsletter. Read Executive Editor Danny Schechter's DAILY news dissectionsÂon the Mediachannel's weblog. His latest book is NEWS DISSECTOR (AkashicÂBooks).ÂÂÂ*************************************************************Â4.NEW GLOBAL NEWS SERVICE:ÂLAUNCH OF GLOBALVISION NEWS NETWORKÂÂÂThe new and unique Globalvision News Network offering news and informationÂfrom the "inside-out" worldwide is coming soon. Visit http://www.gvnews.netÂfor a sample of this new hard hitting syndicated news and informationÂservice. Sign up for a free 30 day trial. For info on syndicationÂopportunities, write Tim@globalvision.org. Rory O'Connor leads theÂdevelopment of the news service which was recently written up in the NEWÂYORKER, NEW YORK, and VANITY FAIR.ÂÂÂ*************************************************************Â5.SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING IN PRODUCTIONÂÂÂGlobalvision's short film "THE DARKEST HOUR IS JUST BEFORE DAWN" openedÂthe World Economic Forum in New York and received an ovation at the firstÂplenary. It was directed by Danny Schechter and produced by Anant Singh,Âour partner who leads Videovision in South Africa. Editorial/editingÂservices by RAINLAKE, postproduction by Whimsical LdtŠDanny SchechterÂkeynotes the Global Entertainment Summit at the Hammerstein Ballroom onÂWest 34th Street in New York on March 2nd. He will be the featured speakerÂat an investigative journalism conference in Sweden in mid-March. HisÂassessment of press coverage of the WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM will be featuredÂin the next edition of EARTH TIMES...ÂÂÂWatch for "COUNTING ON DEMOCRACY." Globalvision's investigative film onÂwhat really happened in Florida during the 2000 elections is beingÂfinished this month for a Spring release. Danny Schechter directs. FayeÂAnderson writes and co-produces...and Speak Up Young Africa, a new AIDS filmÂproduced with Kebba Jobarteh and Nduka Amankulo...Globalvision PresidentÂRory O' Connor is in India completing principal photography on a film onÂthe digital divide with Italian filmmaker GIL ROSSELINI ...Globalvision'sÂSEEDS OF PEACE airs on Free Speech TV available on the DIRECT TV satellite.ÂÂÂ***************************************************************ÂPLEASE FOWARD THIS ANNOUCEMENT TO INTERESTED FRIENDS,ÂCOLLEAGUES AND LIST SERVSÂÂÂContact Kelly Sheehan at 212 246-0202 for information about productionÂservices or consulting for your company, oganization or projects.ÂÂÂ*************************************************************ÂVisit our Websites for more about Globalvision and our many projects:Âhttp://www.globalvision.org, http://mediachannel.org, http://gvnews.netÂÂÂÂÂ_____________ÂKelly SheehanÂDirector of ProductionÂGlobalvision, Inc.Â1600 Broadway Suite 700 NYC 10019Â212 246-0202 ext. 3013Â212 246-2677 faxÂwww.globalvision.orgÂÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) CROATIAN CHILDRENS FESTIVAL http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5673/1/EH-CROATIAN-CHILDRENS-FESTIVAL.html ÂCROATIAN CHILDRENS FESTIVALÂTreci Hrvatski Djecji Festival New York 2002ÂÂSaturday March 9th at 7pm.ÂSunday March 10th at 4pm.ÂÂAtÂQueensborough Community CollegeÂ222-05 56th Ave.Â-Bayside,NY-ÂÂTicket Price- $35ÂÂTickets are held:ÂAfter Sunday Mass at Hrvatski Centar sold byÂMr. Stipe DumancicÂÂAfter Sunday Mass at CafeteriaÂMost Precious Blood School in AstoriaÂÂCafe Bar Scorpio & LoydÂÂFor reservation you can call:ÂRose Maracic: 516-365-9628ÂIvica Gasparic: 718-626-3354ÂVivijana Knapic: 718-626-9488ÂÂFor other information call:ÂEleonora: 516-933-9613: eleonor@aol.comÂFr. Zubovic: 718-726-7937: rzubovic@aol.comÂÂÂ*Dobro Dosli Na Treci Hrvatski Djecji Festival New York 2002*ÂÂÂOp-edÂPlease support this wonderful event ! Eleonora, Robert and many others are doing it again ! Bravo ! We admire your talent and perseverance.ÂNenad BachÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) "ZA KRIZEM" Francusko izdanje za Svijet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5672/1/H-ZA-KRIZEM-Francusko-izdanje-za-Svijet.html ÂÂKako je u Francuskoj izasla ploca CD "ZA KRIZEM" slijedeci tekst sam poslaoÂna Vecernji list, Slobodna Dalmacija, Vjesnik, Hrvatski tjednik, GlasÂAmerike, Hina, Radio ZGB, HRT, kao i Ambasadi Hrvatske u Parizu i zamolio ihÂda publiciraju na svojoj web stranici, i svima dodao skanirane slike prednjeÂi straznje strane ploce.Nadam se da ce imati dobar prijem i komercijalni uspjeh.ÂÂDamir PerinicÂPERINIC@wanadoo.frÂÂploca CD " ZA KRIZEM ", hrvatskih glagoljaskih korizmenih napjevi otokaÂHvara izasla u Francuskoj.ÂÂU Francuskoj je izasla, u izdanju " ARCANA ", CD ploca Starigradskih iÂVrbanjskih pjevaca i zborova, pod hrvatskim naslovom " ZA KRIZEM ".ÂVlasnici muzicke izdavacke kuce " ARCANA ", Charlotte i Michel Bernstein,Âbili su odusevljeni snimkom koncerta kojega je izveo Zbor crkve Sv. StjepanaÂiz Starigrada na Hvaru zajedno s pjevacima crkve Sv. Duha iz Vrbanja na Hvaru.ÂÂIsti pjevaci, na turneji u Francuskoj i Sjedinjenim Drzavama, odrzali su uÂcrkvi Sv. Elizabete u Parizu, u prosincu 2000. godine taj koncert predÂodusevljenom publikom. To je takodjer ponukalo i odlucilo bracni parÂBernstein da pripreme plocu CD s hrvatskim glagoljaskim korizmenimÂnapjevima, te su zajedno s americkom nakladnom kucom Nenad bach Music 2000 "Âovih dana izbacili na francusko i americko trziste prekrasno pripremljenuÂCdplocu. Na naslovnoj strani ploce reprodukcija je slike Jacoppa TintorettaÂ" Plakanje nad Kristom " koja se nalazi u crkvi Sv. Petra u dominikanskomÂsamostanu u Starigradu na Hvaru. Ploca je opremljena i brosuricom naÂfrancuskom, engleskom, njemackom, talijanskom i hrvatskom jeziku, koja nosiÂna prvoj stranici reprodukciju najstarijeg notnog pjevnog zapisa naÂhrvatskom, a na zadnjoj hrvatski grb iz 1590 godine. Na ostalim stranicamaÂomotnice su lijepe fotografije procesija Svete Nedjelje na Hvaru.ÂMuzicka izdavacka kuca " ARCANA ", premda male strukture i malog brojaÂgodisnjih izdanja ploca, poznata je u muzickom svijetu Europe po vrloÂpreciznom izabiru najkvalitetnijih izvadjaca klasicne i stare muzike starogÂkontinenta i svaka nova edicija njihovih CD ploca se prati s velikimÂzanimanjem.ÂVrlo je znacajno zato da je bas u njihovom izdanju izasla ta nova ploca sÂhrvatskim glagoljskih napjevima, sacuvanim na otoku Hvaru, jer ce takoÂmelomanima skrenuti paznja na bogatstvo hrvatske muzicke bastine.ÂÂDamir PerinicÂÂKopija teksta publiciranog u brosuriÂÂZA KRIZEMÂÂGlago1ja'ski korizmeni napjeviÂotoka Hvara, HrvatskaÂÂ"Drevne vibracije glago1jagke polifonije ovih korizmenih napjeva ziva suÂveza sa nasim mrtvima, nasim korijenima, nasom konfesionalnom pripadnoscu,Âdio su naseg emotivnog bica. Oni su neprekidna hrvatska povijest, neka namÂbudu dika, oslonac i ufanje." Vedran DeletisÂÂ1 . Slava cast i hvala tiÂ2. Citanje poslanice Sv. Pavla apostola FilipljanimaÂ3. Prosti moj BozeÂ4. Muka gospodina nagega Isusa KristaÂ5. Smiluj se meni BozeÂ6. Plac Jeremije prorokaÂ7. Gospodine smiluj seÂ8. Citanje knjige proroka EzekijelaÂ9. ZaziviÂ10. Citanje Knjige postankaÂ11. Usta mojaÂ12. Evo drvo krizaÂ13. Krizu virniÂ14. Gospin placÂ15. 0 propeti - puce mojÂ16. Aleluja, Aleluja, AlelujaÂ17. Tebe Boga hvalimoÂÂPJEVACI PHAROSAÂÂIzvodjaci: Zbor crkve Sv. Stjepana, Stari Grad (Pharos)Â1 Tenor: Stjepan Franetovic [SF] * Toni Tadic [TT]ÂIl Tenor: Mario Radoslavic [MR] - Ivica Petric [IP]ÂPetar Bogdanic [PB] - Zvonimir Franetovic [ZFI - Tedi Sanseovic [TS]ÂBariton: Josip Dujmovic [ID] - Ivan Vranjican [IV]Â1 Bas: Matko Franetovic [MF] - Frano Skarpa [F~]ÂIl Bas: Ante Stancic [AS] - Luka Bogdancé [LB]ÂPucki pjevaci crkve Sv. Duha, VrbanjÂJakov Stipetic [JS] - Miljan Matkovic [MM] - Andro Matkovic [AM]ÂÂSnimljeno direktno na NAGRA-D visokom rezolucijom od 88.2 KHz, 24 bit-a uÂpovijesnojÂcrkvi Sv. Petra u Starom Gradu na otoku Hvaru, Hrvatska, dana 25-27 lipnjaÂ1999 godine.Âlnzinjer zvuka: John Holbrook. Mastering inzinjer: Ted Jensen, SterlingÂSound, New York City.ÂÂProducent: Nenad Bach.ÂIzvrsni producent: Vedran DeletisÂ(C) NENAD BACH MUSIC 2000ÂARCANA CHARLOTTE & MICHEL BERNSTEIN ÉDITEURS 2002ÂÂÂPUCKO KORIZMENO PJEVANJEÂOTOKA HVARAÂÂÂU svoioi bogatoj i raznolikoj kultumoj . povijesti otok Hvarje nosite1jÂponajboljeg mediteranskog kultumog naslijedja i tradicije. Poceci njegoveÂkulture sezu u davna vremena od starih Ilira, Grka i Rimljana do Hrvata.ÂÂÂTo veliko bogastvo dobilo je svoj izraz u svim oblicima umjetnosti: glazbi,Âarhitekturi, knjizevnosti, slikarstvu, medju kojima glazba kao jedan odÂoblika puckog izricaja zauzima posebno mjesto.ÂProgram koji Vam predstavIjamo upravo je jedan od svojstvenih i izvornihÂglazbenih izricaja,jer pucko korizmeno pjevanje na Hvaru ima jedinstveneÂposebnosti. * lzvori na osnovu kojih moiemo zakljucivati postojanje togÂspecificnog nacina pjevanja imaju svoje duboke korijene u davnoj proslosti.ÂÂTo pjevanje je tradicioinalno vezano uz Korizmu i Veliki tjedan, a staro jeÂpreko sest stotina godina. Ono potjece iz Gregorijanskog korala, IstocnihÂmelizama (Judeja), a u interpretaciji puckih pjevaca iz sela Vrbanj izuzetanÂje glazbeni pcêki fenomen: Napjevi puckih pjevaca izvode se u jedinstvenojÂprocesiji koja se odrzava tijekom Velikog tjedna, tocnije u noci od VelikogÂCetvrtka na Veliki petak.Â28 HRVATSKIÂÂStanovnistvo sest otockih mjesta tada krece u çjelonocnu procesiju, zvanuÂ"Za krizem", tijekom koje se izvodi pjevanje "Gospin plac", koje je uÂsvjetskoj glazbenoj kulturi poznato pod nazivom Stabat Mater Dolorosa.ÂÂÂTe procesije su pokajnickog karaktera, a nastale su u vezi s puckom pobunornÂprotiv plemstva 1510. godine u gradu Hvaru, nakon koje su ih pucani izÂpokajnickih pobuda poceli odrzavati uoci svakog Uskrsa. Tâj obredniÂkontinuitet u svom izvornome arhaicnom obliku odrzao se nepromjenjen, doÂdanas.ÂÂÂNajveci dio pjevaca je iz mjesta Stari Grad (koji je nastao na du antickogÂgrada Pharosa 385-te godine prije Krista). Njihovo pjevanje "Puce m0j" mozeÂse reci da je jedan od najboljih uzoraka pucke glazbene tradicije na cijelojÂhrvatskoj obali. Izvodjenje je zamis1jeno na nacin kako se izvode oratorijiÂu crkvama ali sa specificnim scenskim pokretom sto ga izuzima iz cistogÂoratorijskog nacina prezentiranja glazbe.ÂÂÂU svom izvomom obliku, naime, i autenticnoj sredim, mjestima i selima naÂotoku Hvaru, procesija Za krizem bila je iskljucivo organizirana od vjerskihÂkongregacija, tzv. bratovstina. Zanim1jivo je i to sto u njima ne sudjelujeÂsvecenstvo, vec iskljucivo puk. Posebna cast pripada "krizonosi", kojiÂbosonog cijelu noc nosi kriz, ne dopustajuci niti jedan tren da ga spusti naÂtlo.ÂOvaj program nudi publici i neke dijelove iz "Muka" (pasijon) i iz "PlacÂJeremije Proroka ", a zavrsava tradicionalnim, Te Deum - "Tebe BogaÂhvalimo". PredstavIjajuci ovu kulturnu crkvenu bstinu nastojali smo VamÂdocarati barem dio bogate hvarske pucke glazbene tradicije, koja jeÂvjekovima bila jedna od najbitnijih kulturno-religioznih znacajki Hvara iÂHrvatske uopce.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) And They Shall Beat Their Swords into Plowshares http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5676/1/E-And-They-Shall-Beat-Their-Swords-into-Plowshares.html ÂDear Nenad,ÂÂÂGreetings! I am planning a trip to New York City on March 3-6 to discussÂour Roots of Peace event planned at the United Nations in May 2002. As youÂcan see from the attached, I am delighted to announce that Roots of PeaceÂwill establish a garden beneath Isaiah's Wall to raise landmine awareness onÂa global basis! This has been my dream...now come true!ÂÂPlease call me at your earliest convenience, as I would like to arrange aÂmeeting with you. Also, included is an article printed in the SF Chronicle discussing our landmine removal efforts in Croatia!ÂÂWith Kindest Regards,ÂÂHeidiÂheidi@rootsofpeace.org (Heidi Kuhn)ÂRoots of PeaceÂÂThis is the HTML address for the San Fr. Cro article:Âhttp://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/02/03/MÂN16174.DTLÂÂDear Heidi,ÂIt's Divine to DemineÂNenadÂÂDear Heidi,ÂÂI am very inspired by your passion and creative ideas for how to successfully deal with the seemingly irresolvable landmine crises which afflicts places of instability around the world. I have heard of your cause and seen your web site. I can see that the support for what you are doing only continues to grow with each passing year. Your cause in and of itself is like a seed of hope that is on the verge of blooming into something beautiful that our world right now so desperately needs. Your cause initially caught my attention because of your demining efforts in Croatia and Bosnia. I am a half first generation Croatian that grew up in California...but through out my life was afforded the opportunity to visit the beautiful country and home town that my father grew up in. To hear of the families and children that were afflicted by the terrible war that our country, Croatia, had to endure is heart wrenching. To think of farmers and children going out into fields infested with mines is something that my minÂÂI have always believed that a good economy can help detract from political instability. By working with the soil of war torn areas of conflict and developing products such as wine and coffee will surely contribute to improving the economies of these areas. I believe you are essentially warding off future conflict in these areas because you are giving the inhabitants of these lands something to believe in and something to work for together for the greater good of their own society. Maybe I am too idealistic, but I believe that the beauty of your ideas for vineyards and gardens goes well beyond what is visible to the human eye. The true beauty of your cause is the sense of hope and opportunity for achievement that you will give to the inhabitants of these lands. The beauty is the hope for unity across humanity that these fields will now stand for.ÂÂYour letter to William Castro regarding your idea of planting a "roots of peace" garden at the United Nations peaked my interest even more. What a great way to let the world know about your cause! Imagine all of the tourists and people that will be exposed to this idea everyday. I would like to know how I can be of help to support this particular idea and your cause in general. Your idea mentioned a need for further corporate sponsors. My father, Jure Sola, born and raised in Croatia, is co-founder and CEO of Sanmina-Sci corporation. I intend to discuss with him your cause and any further information you can provide me with.ÂÂI look forward to hearing from you. Congratulations on such a profound success.ÂÂWarm regards,ÂÂMartina SolaÂBusiness Development ManagerÂSanmina-Sci CorporationÂÂÂDear Martina,ÂÂThank you for your kind words of encouragement! Our proposal for a Roots of Peace Garden has been formally approved by the NYC Parks Commission, and hope to unveil our special Mines to Vines garden beneath Isaiah's Wall on May 6th--International May Day Celebration, where seeds of hope grow in sharp contrast to the seed of terror on New York City soil.ÂÂWe are actively trying to raise $60,000 for the planting/gardening/maintenance of this Roots of Peace Garden. For corporate donors, there will be a permanent plaque displaying their names for global citizens to view as they visit this historical site.ÂÂWe would greatly appreciate the support of the Croatian community in assisting us with our goals...this is far more than a garden, and may sow the seeds of hope that the world so desperately needs. Thank you for helping us get the word out to generous donors who may contribute tax-deductible dollars to this worthy cause.ÂÂWith Kindest Regards,ÂÂHeidi KuhnÂÂÂÂFebruary 15, 2002ÂÂMr. William CastroÂBureau Commissioner of ManhattanÂNew York City Department of ParksÂ16 West 61st StreetÂNew York, New York 10023ÂÂDear Mr. Castro,ÂÂI greatly appreciated the opportunity to speak with you earlier todayÂregarding the prospect of planting a Roots of Peace Garden beneath theÂinspiring words etched in stone at Isaiah's Wall-a prophesy that's becomeÂthe international motto of the United Nations:ÂÂÂÂÂÂ"…And They Shall Beat Their Swords into Plowshares,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd Spears into Pruning Hooks,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSo That Nation Shall Not Fight Against Nation,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnd There Shall Be No More War…"ÂÂBeneath this wall of opportunity exists the fertile soil of New York CityÂwhere the roots of peace may be planted inspiring global citizens to embraceÂthese prophetic words inscribed 2000 years ago, as our society strives to sowÂthe seeds of peace in the new millennium. This Roots of Peace Garden wouldÂserve as a source of inspiration for thousands of visitors to the UnitedÂNations, as they reflect upon our humanitarian roots.ÂÂRoots of Peace is a humanitarian organization dedicated to the eradication ofÂlandmines by returning demined land to productive agriculturalÂuse-converting" swords to plowshares" or Mines to Vines by replacing theÂscourge of landmines with bountiful vineyards in countries suffering theÂaftermath of war. The scourge of over 70 million landmines silently plantedÂin over 70 countries represent the most primitive form of terrorism facingÂour planet today-the phantom enemy of a landmine prevents innocent farmersÂand families from cultivating their fields and walking the earth in safety.ÂThe Roots of Peace Garden would remind global citizens that we are activelyÂembodying the words etched in stone by removing the deadly seeds of terror byÂreplanting seeds of hope.ÂÂThe UN Global Compact and Roots of Peace will co-host a luncheon on May 6,Â2002 in the West Terrace Room of the Delegate's Dining Room of the UnitedÂNations where we will showcase our efforts by successfully developingÂ"Public-Private Partnerships in Zones of Conflict". The luncheon willÂconsist of corporate CEO's, California & New York vintners, US GovernmentÂLeaders, UN Dignitaries, politicians and Ambassadors from landmine affectedÂcountries, where we will all lift our glasses in a global toast to peaceÂduring the Spring planting season that the world may go "…from mines toÂvines."ÂRoots of Peace was launched by Mrs. Nane Annan just a few years ago,Âfollowing the death of the late Princess Diana who catapulted the issue ofÂlandmines to the forefront of the international agenda. Her Majesty QueenÂNoor of Jordan has taken the royal torch in lighting the way forward, andÂwill be invited to attend this distinguished event. (In fact, there is aÂrare Black Iris of Jordan that could be incorporated into the Roots of PeaceÂGarden along with the English Rose!) His Excellency Kofi Annan hasÂpersonally supported our efforts over the years by attending a Roots of PeaceÂevent hosted in the Silicon Valley of California, where he stated to anÂaudience of business entrepreneurs:ÂÂ"…you have turned mines to vines by replacing seeds of death with seeds ofÂlife…Âand you have shown the world that even with modest beginnings, a partnershipÂbacked up by persistence can make a real difference."ÂHis Excellency Kofi A. Annan, June 2000ÂÂRoots of Peace is proud to have demined hundred of acres of land in theÂBalkans, and now strives to raise funds to demine the rich agriculturalÂvineyards north of Kabul in the Shomali Valley of Afghanistan. Of course,Âthese vineyards will produce grapes and raisins with respect to the MuslimÂculture and we are working closely with both the United Nations and the USÂDepartment of State in properly identifying this newÂRoots of Peace Mines to Vines initiative. We hope to announce significantÂfunding for this demining project during our May 6th luncheon.ÂÂAs we discussed, specifically I would envision launching the Roots of PeaceÂGarden either before or after the May 6, 2002 luncheon hosted at the UnitedÂNations. Both fine wine and grape juice could be served at a ribbon-cuttingÂceremony beneath Isaiah's Wall to toast to our vision to convert "swords toÂplowshares" by replanting rice in Cambodia, coffee in Angola, wheat inÂAfghanistan, cashews in Mozambique or grapes in Croatia by replacing formerÂminefields with agricultural seeds. The Roots of Peace Garden would serve asÂa living representation of our UN global humanitarian vision. An ecumenicalÂblessing of the Spring Planting Season honoring the plight of farmers aroundÂto world cultivating their lands with dignity and safety could also beÂincorporated into the opening.ÂÂThe Roots of Peace Garden would be annually sponsored by a corporate donorÂwho would agree to supply the flowers and maintenance fee to support theÂliving blossoms.ÂA grapevine could also be incorporated into the center of the gardenÂsymbolizing the various choices of the vine-the juicy nectar of grapes,Âraisins or a fine bottle of wine. This grapevine could be pruned and caredÂfor by the emerging vintners of the New York Vintners Association. FlowersÂwould include the American Beauty Rose and Peace Rose Also, a fountain ofÂwater could be incorporated into the garden representing the universalÂprinciples of life. We look forward to developing this vision with youÂfurther!ÂÂSincerely,ÂÂÂHeidi Kuhn cc: Mrs. Gillian Sorensen, United NationsÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 22 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) NEW PLAY THE "NECESSARY TARGETS" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5669/1/E-NEW-PLAY-THE-quotNECESSARY-TARGETSquot.html  NEW PLAY THE "NECESSARY TARGETS" For special discount $15.00 less per ticket please call (212) 947-8844 and mention promotion code NTTPL64   In real life I was never in a refuge camp somewhere in Croatia or Bosnia, but last night I was there. Seeing the new play called "Necessary Targets", a powerful portrayal of the survivors of war in the former Yugoslavia. Two American women, one a therapist, the other a trauma specialist, travel to a refuge camp trying to help. Under the horrifying circumstances, they clash from the beginning taking turns interacting. When one is down and out, the other knows what to say and do to carry on. They meet the survivors who eventually open up to tell them their life stories. The unspeakable crimes they had endured. The anguish of lost lives. The rape and torture of civilians. In telling their stories, timely, strangely compelling and ultimately about survival. The play depicts the darkest side of human nature during wartime.  The new play "Necessary Targets" began performances on February 14 at the Variety Arts Theatre 110 Third Avenue (between 13th & 14th Street) New York City. For special discount $15.00 less per ticket please call (212) 947-8844 and mention promotion code NTTPL64 For group sales: (212) 889-4300 www.theater.party.com Tickets available through Telecharge: (212) 239-6200 www.telecharge.com For additional info see http://www.necessarytargets.com/schedule.html  The author of "Necessary Targets" is Eve Ensler. Her play has had benefit performances on Broadway with Meryl Streep and Anjelica Huston; at the National Theater in Sarajevo with Glen Close and Marisa Tomei; at the Kennedy Center with Glen Close and Calista Flockhart, and had its American premier production at Hartford Stage in 2001.  Ms. Ensler first visited the Center for Women War Victims in Zagreb, Croatia, in 1994. Her V-Day Fund contributed $30,000.00 to the center in 2000.  Ms. Ensler's Obie-Award winning play, "The Vagina Monologues" translated into 26 languages and running in theatres all over the world, including current sold-out at both off-Broadway's Westside Theatre and on London's West End (2002 Olivier Award nomination, Best Entertainment), initiated V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women. Ms. Ensler's performance in "The Vagina Monologues" can be seen in the recently released HBO documentary film. Both "The Vagina Monologues" and "Necessary Targets" have been published by Villard/Random House. Other plays include "Conviction", "Lemonade", "The Depot", "Floating Rhoda" and the "Glue Man", "Extraordinary Measures", "Ladies and Scooncat". Ms. Ensler is currently working on her book and play, "The Good Body", also to be published by Villard/Random House. She is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship Award in Playwriting, the Berrilla-Kerr Award for Playwriting, the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Solo Performance and the Jury Award for Theatre at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, as well as the 2002 Amnesty International Media Spotlight Leadership Award.   Submitted by Katarina Tepesh  Tepeshk@aol.com Telephone (212) 744-1985   Distributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know!  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 22 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) HRVATSKU TREBA VRATITI HRVATIMA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5675/1/H-HRVATSKU-TREBA-VRATITI-HRVATIMA.html   DOM I SVIJET - http://www.hic.hr/dom/ 19.02.2002  HRVATSKU TREBA VRATITI HRVATIMA RAZGOVOR S PROF. DR. VINKOM GRUBISICEM, REDOVNIM PROFESOROM NA WATERLOO SVEUCILISTU U KANADI Pise: Marica Risek Dom i svijet - 18. veljace 2002.   HMI je danas, rekli bismo, tek izraziti primjer nesuradnje izmedu dvaju dijelova hrvatskoga naroda. Velika je tragedija danasnje Hrvatske sto njene institucije ovise o hirovima pojedinaca, od ministara "za razvoj" koji savjetuju mlade strucnjake da napustaju Hrvatsku, od predsjednika drzave koji jubilarnu proslavu dana nezavisnosti naziva komemoracijom (?)... Kad gledate danasnje hrvatske vrhovnike, pa cujete besmislice koje pricaju i koje zvuce komicno, ali kad te besmislice pocnu i ostvarivati, onda se cijela stvar pretvara u tragediju". Katedra hrvatskog jezika u Sjevernoj Americi postoji samo na Sveucilistu Waterloo. Kako je doslo do uspostave te katedre i kakav je interes i odaziv studenata?  Prije kojih petnaestak godina pocelo se u Juznom Ontariju govoriti o potrebi uspostave Katedre za hrvatski jezik i kulturu i uskoro su, poduzetnoscu nekih poslovnih ljudi, grupa, organizacija i pojedinaca prikupljena potrebna sredstva. Katedra je otpocela s radom na Sveucilistu Waterloo (nedaleko od Toronta), koje je vec godinama, prema ispitivanjima casopisa McLeans, na prvom mjestu po studijskim i inovacijskim programima. To dinamicno sveuciliste pruza takoder mogucnost studiranja hrvatskoga jezika dopisnim putom, tako da ljudi mogu bez problema zavrsiti studij, ma gdje zivjeli. Oni dobivaju sve potrebne materijale kojima se sluze redoviti studenti, pisu testove, a zavrsni ispit pisu na sveucilistu koje im je najblize. Taj se nacin studiranja pokazao veoma uspjesnim u zemljama ogromnih razdaljina. Danas je u pripravi i studiranje hrvatskoga jezika putom Interneta, jer na Sveucilistu Waterloo nekoliko se predmeta predaje internetski, "e-predavanjem" ucilisnih materijala. Moj udzbenik "Elementary Croatian I" vec se prireduje za internetski nacin predavanja, a vjerujemo da ce to uskoro biti slucaj i s "Elementary Croatian II".  Redoviti studenti imaju mogucnost uzimati tecajeve hrvatskog jezika, knjizevnosti i kulture i cak uzeti hrvatski kao "minor", sto bi u nasim okvirima odgovaralo "b predmetu". Neki su tecajevi samo na engleskom tako da su pristupacni i onim studentima koji ne govore hrvatski, ali koje zanima hrvatska kultura. Hrvatski na Waterloou je u sklopu germanistike i slavistike, a studenti su vecinom djeca hrvatskog porijekla.  Uz Katedru djeluje i "Center for Croatian Studies" (Centar za hrvatske studije) koji posjeduje nekoliko mikrofilmova starih rukopisa koji se cuvaju u americkim knjiznicama (ponesto ce od toga uskoro biti i objavljeno). Centar je otvoren studentima do- i postdiplomskog studija na svim razinama koji pisu radnje o Hrvatima, Hrvatskoj, Sredozemlju ili srednjoeuropskim problemima.  Trenutno na Sjevernoamerickom kontinentu Katedra hrvatskoga jezika i kulture postoji samo na Sveucilistu Waterloo, ali se hrvatski jezik malo pomalo uvodi i na druga sveucilista. Stvar je sa "srpskohrvatskim" sigurno propala. Danas vise takvog jezika jednostavno nema ni u jednoj drzavi, ni u jednoj ustavnoj formulaciji, izuzev jos na nekim sveucilistima. Reklo bi se - pukla lopta, raspalo se drustvo! Medutim, proucavanju hrvatskoga jezika i kulture izvan Hrvatske, valjalo bi pristupiti mnogo ozbiljnije negoli to cini danasnja vlada i negoli je to cinila i jucerasnja vlada, a da o prekjucerasnjoj i ne govorimo. Trebalo bi u tu svrhu organizirati temeljit simpozij, jer druga pa i treca hrvatska generacija dolazi - ali i prolazi!  Motivi su za ucenje hrvatskoga jezika, kao i bilo kojeg drugog predmeta, veoma raznovrsni. Mnogi zele upoznati jezik i kulturu svojih roditelja, odnosno svojih predaka, neki opet uz ruski zele uzeti jos jedan slavenski jezik... Jednom mi je jedan student matematike rekao da je uzeo hrvatski jer mu je netko rekao da je hrvatska slovnica izuzetno teska, pa da izbjegne stalne susrete s brojevima i znamenkama, htio se pozabaviti "teskim gramatickim" pravilima. Na koncu mi je povjerio da dobro i logicno objasnjena gramatika i nije tako nesavladiva...  U Australiji na Sveucilistu Macquarie postoji takoder Katedra hrvatskog jezika koju vodi prof. Luka Budak. Kakva je suradnja izmedu Vase katedre i one u Sydneyu?  Prije uspostave Katedre hrvatskoga jezika i kulture na Sveucilistu Waterloo djelovala je Katedra za hrvatske studije na Macquarie sveucilistu u Sydneyu. Tamo sam proveo jednu cijelu skolsku godinu, pomalo se upoznao s njihovim sustavom studiranja (i oni imaju veoma razvijene dopisne tecajeve, jer su i u Australiji, kao i u Kanadi, ogromne razdaljine izmedu pojedinih mjesta), sprijateljio se s tamosnjim predavacima, profesorima Lukom Budakom i Gracijanom Birsicem, a kasnije 'dopisno' upoznao i dr. Borisa Skvorca. Ostali smo u trajnom prijateljstvu i suradnji. Ta mi je "australska godina" ostala u najljepsim uspomenama, jer sam mnogo toga naucio.  Asimilacija je neumoljiva perspektiva Hrvata u iseljenistvu. Sto Hrvatska moze uciniti da uspori proces asimilacije? Ima li smisla odgadati neminovno?  Odgadati? To bi nam bilo nemoguce. Medutim, sto mozemo i trebamo ciniti je usmjeravati asimilaciju hrvatskih potomaka u novim sredinama tako da bude na korist Hrvatskoj. I Hrvati u Hrvatskoj se "asimiliraju" u neki buduci cudan svijet "globalnog sela", sa svim "seoskim navikama". I u srednjem vijeku stvarna je drustvena jedinica obuhvacala ono podrucje koje je culo isto zvono ("kampanelizam", pa i danas opet dolazimo na isto: danasnje se "zvono" (Internet) cuje po citavom nasem selu... No vratimo se "asimilaciji", koja bi se mogla prevesti kao "poslicnjavanje". Danas su u Americi podjednako ucestala americka imena koja zavrsavaju na -ic (ili na -ich) i ona na -son. Uz to amerikanstvo svatko ima, ili bar mnogi imaju - rekli bismo - i tradicijsku pripadnost, duhovne temelje ("background". "Usmjeravati asimilaciju" znaci obogacivati Amerikance, Australce, Kanadane, Novozelandane i druge hrvatskom kulturnom bastinom i bogatom hrvatskom tradicijom. Bit ce uvijek onih koji ce biti zainteresirani za jezik, povijest, kazaliste, folklor... Hrvatske institucije im to ne bi smjele uskracivati, jer - na dulji rok - to je na obostranu korist.  Kad su prije vise od godinu i pol Boris Maruna i Jaksa Kusan preuzeli vodstvo Hrvatske matice iseljenika, uputili su proglas 'urbi et orbi' kako ce se Matica transformirati u svojevrsni hrvatski Goethe institut. Kako Vi ocjenjujete rad danasnje Matice?  Hrvatska matica iseljenika nas Hrvate izvan Hrvatske zanima kao nasa institucija, bez obzira na imena ljudi u njenom vodstvu. Uz sve duzno postovanje prema Goethe institutu, HMI ima sasvim drugu misiju, koja je u vrijeme dok je Ante Beljo bio ravnatelj bila ne samo jasno zacrtana nego i izuzetnim dinamizmom ostvarivana. Poznajem u Matici mnoge vrijedne i radine osobe i uvjeren sam da ce, uz pomoc tih snaga, HMI opet ozivjeti i da ce je Hrvati izvan Hrvatske opet prihvatiti kao "svoju Maticu". HMI je danas, rekli bismo, tek izraziti primjer nesuradnje izmedu dvaju dijelova hrvatskoga naroda. Velika je tragedija danasnje Hrvatske sto njene institucije ovise o hirovima pojedinaca, od ministara "za razvoj" koji savjetuju mlade strucnjake da napustaju Hrvatsku, od predsjednika drzave koji jubilarnu proslavu dana nezavisnosti naziva komemoracijom (?)... Kad gledate danasnje hrvatske vrhovnike, pa cujete besmislice koje pricaju i koje zvuce komicno, ali kad te besmislice pocnu i ostvarivati, onda se cijela stvar pretvara u tragediju. A uvjeren sam da nitko nije tako dobar da bi smio reci - "Institucija, to sam ja!"  Tajnik ste Hrvatsko-kanadskog kongresa, kanadske inacice Hrvatskog svjetskog kongresa. Sto Kongres radi i moze li motivirati Hrvate, koji su nakon euforije s pocetka devedesetih zapali u letargiju, razocarani postupcima HDZ-ove vlasti, vracanjem komunista na vlast u Hrvatsku, umorni od davanja i pomaganja, frustrirani napisima o malverzacijama...?  Da, i moram odmah dodati da je moj kongresni predsjednik gospodin Ivan Curman veoma djelotvoran pa tako "pokriva" i mnoge tajnicke poslove, koje ja ne dospijevam obaviti. Hrvatsko-kanadski kongres bi sigurno mogao vise toga uciniti za Hrvatsku kad bi ta suradnja bila obostrana i kad ne bi bilo nastojanja da se iseljenistvo i "privremeni radnici" u europskim zemljama ponovno otjeraju "u emigraciju". No, kako narod kaze, "svaka sila za vremena", a u demokratskim pluralistickim sustavima vlast je kratkotrajna i brzo se trosi, a institucije i organizacije su trajne, jer ne zavise toliko od pojedinaca koliko od programa.  Ljudi izvan Hrvatske - a Hrvatski svjetski kongres u tome prednjaci - zele samo pomoci Hrvatima u Hrvatskoj. Od Hrvatske ocekuju da sto bolje i sto uspjesnije razvije svoje gospodarske mogucnosti i da suradnjom pomogne Hrvatima izvan Hrvatske ne ublaziti, nego kulturnim i pedagoskim suradnjama, "usmjeravati" neotklonjivu asimilaciju, tako da Hrvatska nastavi suradivati s onima koji trajno ostaju zivjeti izvan Hrvatske.  Jednostrano donosenje zakona o tomu kako "iseljeni Hrvati" imaju ili nemaju ovo ili ono pravo, ne sluzi nicemu. Takvi bi se zakoni trebali pripremati u suradnji s Hrvatima izvan Hrvatske (odnosno s organizacijama i institucijama koje ih zastupaju). Tu bi mogao i Kongres biti od velike koristi. Ukidanje prava glasa Hrvatima, koji zive izvan Hrvatske, ukidanje je jednog od osnovnih prava covjeka. Nije bitno koliko ce se Hrvata izvan Hrvatske tim pravom i posluziti i za koju stranku Hrvati izvan Hrvatske masovno glasuju. Bitno je da se nicije pravo ne povrjeduje. Usto, Hrvati izvan Hrvatske bili bi sigurno najbolji i najsigurniji ulagaci u Hrvatsku, kad bi se prilike u Hrvatskoj "normalizirale", kad bi birokracija bila bar donekle po ljudskoj mjeri. To bi, dabome, motiviralo i one "asimilirane" na suradnju sa zemljom njihovih oceva, djedova, ili predaka.  Trebaju li Hrvatima u iseljenistvu krovne udruge, jer ocito smo narod koji ne voli i ne postuje autoritete, osim onih zadanih i tudih?  Hrvatima, kao i svim normalnim ljudskim bicima, potrebne su udruge, organizacije, institucije... Pa i krovne udruge su potrebne, jer one mogu zastupati interese najveceg broja Hrvata u svijetu.... Uz "zadane i tude autoritete", koje valja i treba postivati (a cesto se to i mora), koje su povezane s poslom, sa svakidasnjim zivljenjem... hrvatski su autoriteti i organizacije gotovo iskljucivo na dobrovoljnoj bazi. Tu ljude spaja samo osjecaj duznosti prema narodu iz kojega potekosmo.  Kako motivirati mlade da se vise ukljuce u rad hrvatskih drustava - celni ljudi mnogih hrvatskih organizacija su pedesetogodisnjaci, sezdesetogodisnjaci - sudjeluju li mladi u dovoljnoj mjeri u radu hrvatskih drustava da bi ih jednog dana bili spremni preuzeti?  Jedno od najvaznijih, rekao bih i najhitnijih pitanja jest upravo to: kako motivirati mlade?... Sigurno je jedno: mnogo je lakse hrvatske organizacije, udruge, institucije prilagoditi potrebama mladih (jer to je najcesce prilagodavanje vremenu) negoli mlade prilagodavati organizacijama, udrugama, institucijama... Dabome, tu ne bi trebalo zadirati u temeljne vrijednosti organizacija i institucija. I mladi postaju vremenom sve manje mladi, a sezdesetogodisnjaci naginju zna se kamo, a upravo o tomu se vodi premalo brige.  Kako vidite hrvatsko iseljenistvo za pedeset godina?  Svijet se strahovito brzo razvija i mijenja. Cini se da samo siromastvo i problemi ostaju uvijek isti. Svjetski mocnici, oni koji odlucuju o globalizaciji, nastoje se sto bolje sakriti pri donosenju svojih odluka, jer se boje krvavih demonstracija onih o kojima odlucuju.  Na jednom mjestu je Albert Camus zapisao da je najveci zlocin osudivati covjeka danasnjice u ime bilo kakve buducnosti... Sigurno je da ni danas ne vidim hrvatsko iseljenistvo kako treba, to jest kakvo zaista jest. "Presadivanje" ljudi veoma je kompleksan, tezak proces. Kroz iducih pedeset godina izdogadat ce se mnogo toga, a sve uglavnom nepredvidivo. Zemljama, koje su danas na vrhu blagostanja sitost, pretilost i oholost, moze se poceti vracati kao bumerang...  Odnos prema Hrvatskoj, sviju njenih nezitelja, a posebno onih koji ce i za pedeset godina biti ponosni na svoje hrvatsko porijeklo, zavisit ce uvelike od toga koliko ce sami Hrvati uvidjeti svoje potrebe, prednosti, mogucnosti... A te mogucnosti nisu male. Nazalost, danas se mnogi pitaju kako je Hrvatska mogla - uz sva svoja bogatstva, geopoliticki polozaj, razmjerno visoku skolovanost svojih ljudi - spasti na tako niske grane na kojima je danas. Nedavno je putem AMAC-ove i CroWorld mreze upuceno nekoliko zahtjeva Vladi RH koje Hrvati u iseljenistvu (mahom mlade generacije) smatraju neophodnim za poboljsanje imagea i prezentacije Hrvatske. Tu se, izmedu ostalog, spominje potreba za uvodenjem direktnih avionskih linija iz Toronta i New Yorka, otvaranje hrvatskih kulturnih centara u Parizu i New Yorku, angaziranje profesionalne lobisticke tvrtke koja bi promovirala hrvatske interese...  Mislim da su sve to zahtjevi, koji bi samoj Hrvatskoj bili od ogromne koristi. Ti bi se poslovi mogli rasporediti na nekoliko ministarstava. Medu Hrvatima izvan Hrvatske, uz AMAC, tu bi od velike koristi mogle bile hrvatske organizacije, drustva, ustanove, zupe te Hrvatski svjetski kongres kao krovna organizacija.  Iz osobnog iskustva, sto biste preporucili mladima u Hrvatskoj koji kane napustiti domovinu i okusati srecu na Zapadu?  Za danasnje stanje u Hrvatskoj mnogo toga je krivo. Krive su tu dabome mnoge iluzije, onaj seretsko-sicardzijski predsjednicki osmijeh o nekakvim bajoslovnim stranim ulaganjima, ako se sama Hrvatska bude povinovala svim zahtjevima zapadnih politickih mocnika, krive su zamisli da ce netko odnekud doci i pokusati stvoreni nered u Hrvatskoj pretvarati u blagostanje. Hrvatima nakon komunistickog raja valja, kao i Adamu, nakon svih "surovanja sa zmijom": ustati, obuci se i obradivati svoj vrt.  Krive su mnoge iluzije glede zivota na "bogatom Zapadu". Mi koji smo "okusavali srecu" u mnogim zemljama i dalekim kontinentima, mogli bismo mnogo toga reci, ali naglasimo samo jedno: nigdje se mlad strucnjak nece osjecati korisnim, a samim time i sretnim, kao u svojoj zemlji, u kojoj se dogodio, ostvarivao, skolovao, prijateljevao... Vrijeme carobnih dvoraca i bljedolikih Snjeguljica, koje uspavljuje i najmanji ubod bezazlena trna je odavno proslo. Valja u Hrvatskoj mijenjati sve odreda: od "prodaje hotela za jednu kunu", do izbornih lista, koje na vlasti drze nekakve samozvane spomenike, koji provode daleko vise vremena u saborskom restoranu nego u sabornici. Treba Hrvatsku vratiti Hrvatima. Onima koji je vole, koji je poznaju, koji su ginuli za nju i koji je nikomu nece dati.   Distributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know!  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 19 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Love: Readings by Croatian-American Voices http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5679/1/E-Love-Readings-by-Croatian-American-Voices.html ÂCatherine Kapphahn (Columbia University - Non-Fiction) and Courtney Angela Brkic (New York University - Fiction) will read from their work at the event "Love: Readings by Croatian-American Voices" (sponsored by Napredak). Writers' biographies are below.ÂThe event will take place in New York on Thursday, February 28, in the auditorium below the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, 502 West 41st street, between 10th and 11th Avenue. The bar will open at 6:30, and the reading will begin at 7:00. There will be music between and after the readings.ÂBIOGRAPHIES:ÂCATHERINE VICTORIA KAPPHAHN spent most of her growing up years along the Front Range mountains in Colorado, however due to her parents' nomadic lifestyle she also lived in Peru, Singapore, Indonesia, and England. At twenty she moved to New York City, where she imagined she would do many exciting things with her dancing and acting, instead she spent much of her time waitressing. When she was twenty-two her Croatian-born mother died of cancer. Afterward Catherine got her BA from Hunter College, where she began writing about her mother. She is currently a graduate student at the Writing Division at Columbia University where she continues to work on a memoir about her mother's death and rediscovering her mother's Croatian history. She lives in New York City in a fifth-floor walk up apartment with her husband René Georg Vasicek, also a writer, and their dog, Sonja.ÂCOURTNEY ANGELA BRKIC grew up in Washington, DC, and received her undergraduate degree in Anthropology/Archeology from the College of William and Mary. She received a Fulbright Scholarship in 1995 to collect data on women in the war-affected population living in Croatia. In 1996 she joined a Physicians for Human Rights team as a forensic archeologist, and worked on sites around Srebrenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina. She returned to Croatia where she lived for several more years, working alternately with missing persons' and other grassroots groups, and as a free-lance translator. She has additionally worked for the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal and for the United States Agency for International Development. She returned to the US in 1999 to pursue an MFA in Fiction from New York University. Her first book "Stillness", a collection of short stories about the wars in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, will be published in late 2002 by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) CD "Na zelenom travniki" ansambla "Lado" http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5678/1/H-CD-Na-zelenom-travniki-ansambla-Lado.html ÂD.De, Vecernji list (www.vecernji-list.hr), 15. veljace 2002.Â"LADO" PREDSTAVIO GRADISCANSKU KOMPAKTNU PLOCUÂÂZAGREB - Na pocetku treceg milenija hrvatske narodne pjesme, tj. jacke izÂGradisca, konacno su dobile profesionalni nosac zvuka. Rijec je o CD-u "NaÂzelenom travniki" ansambla "Lado" na kojem je sesnaest pjesama izabrao,Âobradio i dirigirao Bozo Potocnik, skladatelj i dirigent koji ove godineÂslavi sedamdeseti rodjendan i pola stoljeca umjetnickog rada.ÂÂI dok su ovog vikenda uz puno emocija i suza predstavljene u VelikomÂBoristofu u austrijskom Gradiscu, nova snimka hrvatskih narodnih jacki izÂGradisca jucer je dozivjela i zagrebacku promociju u svecanom foajeuÂHrvatskoga narodnog kazalista. Predstavljanje cetrnaeste kompaktne ploceÂ"Lada" pretvoreno je u mali koncert orkestra, zbora i solista koji je josÂjednom dokazao nesporni talent Boze Potocnika, ali i velike pjevacke iÂsviracke potencijale jedinog profesionalnog folklornog ansambla u Hrvatskoj.ÂBozo Potocnik u kratkom je govoru naglasio da su gradiscanske popijevkeÂpredugo bile izolirane iz hrvatske glazbene tradicije te da su GradiscanciÂstvarajuci popijevke pili s vise izvora. Na ploci "Na zelenom travniki"Âprikupljene su ponajljepse gradiscanske pjesme koje su gradiscanski HrvatiÂAustrije, Slovacke i Madzarske uporno cuvali i sacuvali pet dugih stoljeca.ÂUspjesnosti promocije pridonio je i poznati vinar iz austrijskog GradiscaÂMate Klikovac omogucivsi valentinovsku kusaonicu svojih ponajboljih vina.ÂÂÂZ. Ra, Vecernji list (www.vecernji-list.hr), 15. veljace 2002.ÂIZLAZU GENERALIC, LACKOVIC I PAVKOVICÂÂVUKOVAR - U Domu hrvatskih branitelja u Vukovaru 22. veljace otvara seÂizlozba trojice autora inspiriranih Domovinskim ratom: Josip Generalic ceÂpod nazivom "Hrvatska u krvi" izloziti zidne oslikane tanjure, Ivan LackovicÂCroata ciklus crteza "Zaustavite rat u Hrvatskoj", a Mladen Pavkovic ciklusÂfotografija u boji "Sveto ime Vukovar". Novinar i publicist Pavkovic tom ceÂprigodom predstaviti i svoju najnoviju knjigu "Sveto ime Vukovar".ÂÂM. Matkovic, Vecernji list (www.vecernji-list.hr), 15. veljace 2002.ÂTRI NAGRADE - CETIRI DOBITNICEÂÂZAGREB - Rukopis Silvije Sesto naslovljen "Debela", a poslan na javniÂnatjecaj "Skolske knjige" za Nagradu "Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic" pod zaporkomÂKalorije, kalorije najbolji je u konkurenciji 68 dosad neobjavljenih radova.ÂTako je odlucio Prosudbeni odbor Nagrade u kojem su bili Dubravka Tezak,ÂTito Bilopavlovic i Miroslava Vucic.ÂÂZa razliku od proteklih godina kad je od moguce tri dodijeljena samo jednaÂnagrada, ove je godine u uzi izbor uslo sedam rukopisa, a nagradjene suÂcetiri autorice. Drugu je nagradu dobila Snjezana Grkovic-Janovic zaÂbajkoviti rukopis "Izgubljeno proljece", a trecu i cetvrtu nagraduÂravnopravno dijele Branka Kalauz za rukopis "Iskustva jedne mame", i IvonaÂSajatovic za krimic "Dvije haljine". Obrazlozenja nagrada na jucerasnjojÂkonferenciji za novinare u "Skolskoj knjizi" procitao je Tito Bilopavlovic,Ânasalivsi se da je zbog Valentinova namjesteno to da nagradjene budu samoÂdame.ÂÂMiroslava Vucic, urednica Biblioteke "Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic" u kojoj ceÂbiti objavljena sva cetiri nagradjena rukopisa, istaknula je da su pisciÂstekli povjerenje u odabir najboljih rukopisa jer svi radovi stizu podÂzaporkom. Mnozinu pristiglih rukopisa objasnila je vecim senzibiliziranjem iÂjavnosti i pisaca za djecju knjigu, na sto je uvelike utjecao H. Potter.ÂÂPrva nagrada sto se sastoji od novcanog iznosa, broncane skulpture SegrtÂHlapic i Gita, rad akademskoga kipara Zelimira Janesa, i povelje, te druga iÂtreca nagrada autoricama ce biti dodijeljene u prostorijama "Skolske knjige"Âsredinom travnja.ÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) THE PHAROS'CANTORS - Following the Cross http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5682/1/E-THE-PHAROSCANTORS---Following-the-Cross.html This is a press release for The Pharos Cantors from a French label ARCANA that will make world distribution for a new release of "Following The Cross". This letter will go to every distributor in the world.best,NenadFollowing the Cross First, a bit of geography. The island of Hvar is located off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, opposite the city of Split. Fairly narrow (5-11 km in width) and 89 kilometers long, it is renowned for its sunshine * a local hotel tradition offers free bed and board to any visitor who finds himself detained on account of snow or fog *, its limpid waters, some of the clearest in all of Europe, and the warm welcome of its inhabitants. The city of Hvar is the main city, but Stari Grad, owing to its ancient status as the island's capital, has maintained an important role, perhaps more revealing of local habits and customs. Next, a bit of history. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the island of Hvar was peopled by the Illyrians, then the Greeks and Romans, be-fore coming under several centuries of domination by Byzantium, Venice and the Austrian Empire, successively. For seven years * during the Napoleonic conquests * it was French. Thus the city of Stari Grad arose on the site where the Greeks had founded Pharos, in 385 BC, and the huge fort that overlooks the city of Hvar was built by the French emperor. Thanks to its insular position, it remained outside the combat zones during the war of conquest declared by the Serbs at the moment of the independence of Croatia. These considerations are useful in understanding that this is a place of ancient civilization, boasting a glorious past in terms of architecture, literature, painting and music. We will also point out that it was in Hvar that the first municipal theater known in Europe was built in 1612. In 1510, the inhabitants of Stari Grad rose up against the nobility of the city of Hvar. The Holy Week procession was one of repentance and became a tradition. Taking place every year during the week before Easter, in Stari Grad and the neighboring villages, the custom has endured up until the present day. Organized by a local religious congregation, the clergy does not participate. Glagolitic chants, in the vernacular, come from the oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation.Under the name of THE PHAROS' CANTORS are grouped the cantors of the Church of Saint Stephen in Stari Grad and the Secular Cantors of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Vrbanj. All the members practice secular professions the rest of the year, and their membership in the choir is a manifestation of their faith. Thus, this is a folk custom integrated into its local social context. What is striking, on first hearing, is the quality of the voices, the accuracy and precision of the ensembles, as well as the fervor, narrative tone and force of expression. There emanates a great intensity which even the most uninformed listener cannot ignore. The character of this music is absolutely unique, comparable to nothing else: the psalmodies of the Lamentations of the Virgin Mary, with their extensive silences, linked to the realistic crackling of the Crucifixion, for instance, attest to the music's harmonic and incantatory force. It remains to be hoped that the success to which THE PHAROS' CANTORS are unavoidably destined * they have already subjugated New York, London and Paris * will not overly de-nature them. They must, with the same fervor, the same purity and the same authenticity, continue the artistic heritage of the rich * and as yet unknown * repertoire of the island of Hvar. distributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Globalna Hrvatska - Answer to Cultural Neglect http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5681/1/E-Globalna-Hrvatska---Answer-to-Cultural-Neglect.html Âhttp://hometown.aol.com/vgoss/ugh.htmÂGlobalna Hrvatska Answer to Cultural Neglect    A Citizens Association Globalna Hrvatska (Global Croatia) held itsÂFounding Assembly in Zagreb on January 20, 2002. The Association (UdrugaÂGradjana = NGO) was initiated by Lilijana Domic, top Croatian art andÂliterary critic and gallerist, and a major poet, and by Dr. Vladimir P. Goss,ÂCroatian-American writer, journalist and art history professor. AmongÂfounding members are Professor Vladimir Malekovic, Director of the Arts andÂCrafts Museum of Zagreb, painter Miroslav Sutej, Croatian-American painterÂMarko Spalatin, Professor Dr. Zlatko Juric of the Faculty of Arts andÂSciences and Art Academy,  Judge Edward Damich, Court of Federal Claims,ÂWashington, Professor Silvija Letica, head of the Education Department of theÂCroatian Heritage Foundation (Matica hrvatskih iseljenika), Ms. Visnja BorasÂBedenko, Architect,  Member of the City of Zagreb Preservation of MonumentsÂOffice, Dr. Nenad Vidovic, a well-known Zagreb attorney.    According to the By-Laws, the Association is a voluntary form of citizÂens' association created in order to stimulate, promote and implementÂcooperation between Croatia and the Croats abroad, which together constituteÂGlobal Croatia, in the fields of art and culture, and in related areas ofÂmutual interest.    The stated goals of the Association are to stimulate, promote, organize,Âimprove and implement cooperation in the field of art and culture (and inÂrelated areas) between the Homeland and the Croats abroad, i.e., withinÂGlobal Croatia, which is comprised of the constitutional homelands of theÂCroatian people, the Republics of Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, andÂthe Croatian communities around the world; to bring about better mutualÂunderstanding between the Croatian people at home and the CroatianÂcommunities abroad, and to support good and fruitful relationship inÂparticular in the fields of culture and the arts by spreading information andÂsupporting education on all levels in order to improve the knowledge ofÂCroatian culture, and to advocate a global approach to Croatian studies.    The Association will carry out its activities in a spirit of mutualÂcreative cooperation, partnership, and respect within Global Croatia.    It will sponsor and promote such activities as exhibitions, lectures,Âround tables, festivals, concerts, performances, readings, symposia, etc.,Âintroducing to the Homeland Croatian artists and cultural activists fromÂabroad, as well as promoting Croatian artists and cultural activists abroad,Âin the countries with substantial Croatian communities, or in any countryÂwhich is interested in the type of activity offered by the Association.    The Association will also seek membership for Croatian artists andÂcultural activists from abroad in Croatian professional organizations andÂinstitutions, and vice versa. It will promote virtual links within GlobalÂCroatia by the way of the Internet. It will strongly advocate spreadingÂknowledge of Global Croatian culture by encouraging programs of studies atÂthe institutions of high and higher learning, as well as education of theÂmedia, both at home and abroad. It intends to create a publication program,Âand a library including electronic media.     Membership in Global Croatia is open to individuals and legalÂentities both in Croatia and abroad, as long as they accept the By-Laws ofÂthe Association. Annual membership fee is a voluntary contribution.    Why Global Croatia?    According to the initiators, there is a state of insufficient knowledge,Ânot to say of total ignorance, in Croatia concerning the art of the CroatsÂabroad. And just in Chile there are 150 published writers of Croatian origin.ÂIn Argentina, Carmen Verlichak has claimed a major literary prize. So alsoÂhave Josip Novakovich, Mary Helen Stefaniak, Melissa Milich, AnthonyÂMlikotin, Alain Horic in the US or Canada; or Amelia Batistich in NewÂZealand. Marko Spalatin is recognized as one of the top US painters of today.ÂSo also is Anton Cetin in Canada; and Charles Bilich in the Pacific region.ÂUntil recently there was no systematic program of exhibitions of CroatianÂartists from abroad in Croatia. Not until one such program was proposed andÂinitiated by the founders of the Association. Croatian writers from abroadÂhave beendenied membership in Croatian writers associations.    On the other hand, there are many outstanding Croatian artists and otherÂcultural activists who need to be introduced to the world. Recently a top USÂinstitution proposed to fund a major exhibition of Croatian painting in theÂUS there were no takers in Croatia to act as partners.    All this, in our opinion, constitutes a major case of cultural neglect,Âand Global Croatia hopes to remedy the situation.    Wonders of Croatian culture are still insufficiently known, both insideÂand outside Croatia. The fact that there exists a Global Croatian culture isÂa concept shared by just a few both at home and abroad. Please join us in ourÂeffort to promote some of the best aspects of Croatia's past and present.    Accept this as our cordial invitation to join.ÂÂÂVladimir P. GossÂvgoss@aol.comÂ919-732-7576 (in the US)Â091-503-0117 (in Croatia)ÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) AN INTERVIEW WITH JOSIP NOVAKOVICH http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5680/1/E-AN-INTERVIEW-WITH-JOSIP-NOVAKOVICH.html ÂAN INTERVIEW WITH JOSIP NOVAKOVICHÂÂBy Katarina TepeshÂÂÂOn April 16th, 2002 at 6:30 PM Josip Novakovich will give a reading at theÂNew York Public Library and autograph his books.ÂÂÂJosip Novakovich is the author of "Apricots From Chernobyl", a collection ofÂessays, and the short story collection "Yolk", both published in '95, andÂ"Salvation and Other Disasters", published in '98.ÂHis writing textbooks "Fiction Writer's Workshop" and "Writing Fiction StepÂby Step," published in '95 and '98 by Story Press, were Quality PaperbackÂClub selections. He is co-editor of "Stories in the Stepmother Tongue,"Âpublished by White Pine Press in 2000. His novel, Poppy Slopes, will beÂpublished by Ediciones Destino in Spain this spring, in the SpanishÂtranslation.ÂA collection of essays is coming out this fall from the White Pine Press,Âentitled "Countries Without Borders".ÂÂJosip Novakovich was born on April 30, 1956, in Daruvar, in the region ofÂSlavonia, Croatia, where he completed his secondary education. He studiedÂMedicine in Novi Sad, 1975-76 and arrived in the US at the age of twenty, inÂ1976. Studying Psychology, he received a B.A. in '78 from Vassar. HeÂcontinued his studies at Yale, in Philosophy and Theology, 1978-82, finishingÂwith the title Master of Divinity; in 1988 he received an M.A. in EnglishÂLiterature and Creative Writing at the University of Texas at Austin. HeÂtaught Creative Writing at the University of Cincinnati and he is currentlyÂan Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the Penn StateÂUniversity.ÂÂHe was awarded a long list of outstanding literary awards and fellowships,Âamong others, three Pushcart Prizes, Best American Poetry 1997, the WhitingÂWriters' Award, Ingram Merrill Award, the Richard Margolis Prize for SociallyÂImportant Writings, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (one forÂthe year 2002) in fiction, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Vogelstein fellowship,Âand a 1999 American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation (forÂ"Salvation and Other Disasters").ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂKT What readers like best about your award-winning writing is the diversityÂin the style of writing, positive and negative experiences, encouraging andÂdemoralizing ones, uplifting and depressing.ÂÂJN I hope they do-I need a variety in writing just like in music. An allegroÂmovement asks for adagio, adago for andante or allegro vivace. After someÂtragedy, humor comes easily; after humor, strangely enough, depression; manyÂhumorists are highly depressed.ÂÂKT It's totally amazing that you arrived from Croatia at the age of twentyÂand now you are recognized among the best to teach Americans how to write theÂart of fiction. Your piece is included in "The Best Writing on Writing"ÂÂJN To me it's not amazing. Writing is storytelling no matter in whatÂlanguage, and leaving one culture for another only gives you more stories toÂtell and more perspectives from which to tell them, so you can certainly useÂthat stance of relativity to examine what goes on with us when we tellÂstories.ÂÂKT In your books, stories and essays, you really covered our CroatianÂexperiences from practically every angle. You touch on the W.W.II turbulentÂhistory of Home Guards, Ustashe, Chetniks, partisans, communists, etc. andÂespecially the more recent attack by Serbs. You offer readers an importantÂperspective: your view on how and why Yugoslavia split apart. Slavonia wasÂespecially hard hit. Vukovar, Pakrac, Osijek. You also write aboutÂSrebrenica, Sarajevo, etc.ÂÂJN Yes, I go into history and the current affairs to tell the stories partlyÂbecause I can't simply read and talk and remain passive about what's goingÂon. I am not a historian on the other hand, so I write fiction, personalÂessays, reflections, opinions, and I grapple with our difficult history asÂbest I can, and when I get tired of it, I write in the absurdist fashion, toÂchange the mood. Sometimes I joke that I am a war profiteer: I have manyÂstories to tell now.ÂÂKT You did not shy away from grim subjects like rape, forced prostitution,Âadultery, TB, hepatitis, post-traumatic stress syndrome, etc.ÂÂÂJN Story telling is like medicine: there is very little to do with a healthyÂman in a medical office and a lot with a sick one. What would doctors beÂwithout disease, and story tellers without problems? Or to put itÂdifferently, there is no math without a problem, the unknown which aÂmathematician may try to figure out through the known factors. There's aÂnegative dialectic at play here-the bigger the problems, the more games toÂplay.ÂÂKT Your writing is about ordinary people, as well as famous names likeÂDrazen Petrovic, Cibona from Zagreb?ÂÂJN I write about all sorts of people, mostly unknown, and occasionally IÂstray and mention someone well known. For a while I dabbled in journalism, soÂI interviewed, for example, the emaciated Croatian Zeus, Ivanisevic, but IÂhaven't used him in fiction. In a story, I caricature Mladic.ÂÂKT In "Apricots from Chernobyl" you wrote hilarious "Rock: Twenty YearsÂAfter" about your teenage years. And you also wrote a number of other, plÂayful and candid stories about growing up in Croatia.ÂÂJN Sure. While I was there, our experiences seemed to me to be banal andÂdreary, but when I got to the States, they appeared fresh and original-worthÂrecalling and lionizing.ÂÂKT In your writing you often touch on religion?ÂÂJN Inevitable in my case since I grew up in a religious family, and untilÂthe age of 18, I was a firm believer, a Baptist. Even later I went through aÂtheological phase and got a Master of Divinity at Yale, to understandÂreligious experiences.ÂÂKT Humor! One of the most appealing aspects of your writing. Your piece isÂincluded in "How To Write Funny". Your humorous writings on the absurdity ofÂour society, especially coming of age in a repressive former Yugoslavia.ÂÂJN I think many things from our country and region, even if describedÂrealistically, turn out to be funny. Kafka from Prague, raised inÂAustro-Hungarian Empire, with different layers of bureaucracy, foreign andÂdomestic, appears to be an absurdist humorist even when he is almostÂrealistic. Our realism can be surrealism viewed from elsewhere.ÂÂKT In the book "Yolk" your fourth story is called "Apple" and its aboutÂyour fathersÂdeath described in great detail.ÂÂÂJN Yes, that could just as well be a memoir, but I wrote it thinking I wasÂwriting a story. That was the only way I could at the time approach theÂevent. When I began writing, that was the story I wanted to tell most, but IÂavoided it for a long time; I wrote around my father's death until I couldÂface it. After reading "The Death of Ivan Illych" by Tolstoy, I decided IÂmust write; the story stirred me because for me it echoed my father's death.ÂÂKT In "Rings and Crucifixes" you address the question, "When would CroatiaÂselect skillful and eloquent diplomats, ministers, presidents?"ÂÂJN I write that in 1992/3, at the height of Croatian diplomatic ineptitude.ÂIt was painful to watch PBS and listen to NPR-Bosnian Muslims had brilliantÂrepresentatives in Sacerby (even if he turned out to be a crook later on) andÂothers; Serbs had good representation, but who could speak up for theÂCroatians? Those who could, weren't invited by the Tudjman team, and thereÂwas such a prejudice against Croatia in the media here that nobody in factÂwanted a Croatian voice. It was a frustrating time.ÂÂKT Equally important, you described Serbs for who they really are. It wouldÂserve us Croatians well to see that more people read your books.ÂÂJN Well, what are Serbs like? You tell me. I don't know, after all. I don'tÂknow what any nation is like. I hate generalizing about peoples. I am readingÂhistory now, and in the beginning of the century, Serbs were mostly CroatianÂfriends, manipulated by Austria to fight against each other so Austria couldÂsnatch BiH. We don't need to keep up the divido et impera animosities thatÂwere cast upon us from the outside. We have to rise above that if we don'tÂwant to be manipulated and ruled. At the moment Croatia has few friends. WeÂneed to learn how to get along with everybody, not how to quarrel withÂeverybody, and that includes Serbia and Serbs. Serbia is Croatia's potentialÂeconomic partner. Who else are we going to export our goods to? We can't onlyÂimport, or we will become like Argentina, or we are already a bananaÂArgentina. Times have changed, war is over, we got to be constructive. If weÂdid not have Serbs to blame, we would blame Herzegovinians, or Dalmatians, orÂSlavonians-we know how to be divided even among ourselves. That leadsÂnowhere.ÂÂKT In some of your writing you portray yourself something of a rebel. IsÂthis the case in real life as well?ÂÂJN Yes, I am an anarchist, deep down. I suppose most Croats are, simplyÂbecause we were ruled from the outside, against our interests, so it isÂnatural for us to mistrust any government. But that is a dangerous trait,Âwhich is liable to make us passive and cynical rather than constructiveÂparticipants in democracy building. Democracy after all should be possibleÂeven in Croatia. (OK, I said I would not generalize about peoples, but thisÂone, I think, is a pretty safe generalization, that Croatians have anÂanarchistic national trait.)ÂÂÂÂKT You co-edited "Stories in the Stepmother Tongue"ÂÂJN Emigration, with the gain of spatial and cultural distance, helps manyÂwriters to put their old experiences into perspective - or even to realizeÂthat their observations and memories from their home are worthwhile storyÂmaterials.ÂÂKT Do you foresee teaching online? Or Croatians specifically?ÂÂÂJN We are doing this interview on-line, so obviously, anything is possibleÂonline. But I don't want to teach online, least of all Croatians. Nobody is aÂprophet at home, and I don't even want to try to teach Croatians. In Croatia,Âmany people are conceited, believing that writing is a God-given talent, andÂthere's nothing to do then with a bunch of geniuses. Writing, however, is 99%Âperspiration, and 1% inspiration, as the saying goes, and there is certainlyÂa lot of groundwork one can do to learn how to write well, how to work withÂthe word. I have no intention of preaching writing, however.ÂÂKT If you did not have to teach for a living, would you still do it?ÂÂJN Yes, but much less than I do. One course a year, and one summer seminarÂwould do. Right now I have been invited to teach at workshops in Kenya,ÂRussia, and Fiji, summer and winter. Tempting, but detrimental to my ownÂwriting time. Go for example to www.sumlitsem.com and you will see theÂRussian conference, where I have been teaching for years, every June.ÂÂKT Since you wrote "Fiction Writer's Workshop" and "Writing Fiction Step byÂStep" how does that work in your classroom?ÂÂJN It's helpful to have the books; I have always been sloppy with my lectureÂnotes, but here they are, perfectly organized, so even if I am sleepy andÂscatter-brained occasionally, the students see the books, and don't lose theÂfaith in me, and so I can relax.ÂÂKT Fiction writing vs. memoirs?ÂÂÂJN To me it's all the same; sometimes I start writing what appears to be aÂmemoir but I change so much and invent that I realize I am writing fiction;Âother times, the reverse. I have a fancy plot, but I realize that I amÂputting in real people whom I know, and then I say, forget the fiction, andÂwrite an essay or memoir based on these people.ÂÂKT When you traveled to Croatia in '92, did you take notes?ÂÂÂJN Just a little. I did not have journalist credentials, so I wasn't allowedÂinto refugee camps near Vukovar and Vinkovci. I did write about it fromÂmemory.ÂÂKT Any hobbies and/or interests besides your family, writing and teaching?ÂÂÂJN I used to play chess and tennis. I enjoy classical music, Beethoven,ÂShostakovich, Bartok, Straviinsky.ÂÂKT Who were or are your role models?ÂÂJN Dostoyevski, Mark Twain-used to be.ÂÂKT Favorite book?ÂÂJN Histories by Heredotus, Dead Souls by Gogol, Brothers K.ÂÂKT Which aspect of the Croatian culture do you like best?ÂÂJN Conversation. Our people can talk all night long.ÂÂKT Your opinion on the Croatian literature?ÂÂÂJN Well, it's a rich and varied literature. I don't have one opinion on it,Âbut many. However, I must admit that as I was growing up I deliberatelyÂavoided anything which was not translated: I wanted to flee from Croatia andÂYugoslavia through the world of imagination, and so I happily read everybodyÂelse but us. I still have not made up for the sins of my youthful lack ofÂpatriotism.ÂÂKT Your present work on Croatian and Slovene immigrants at the beginning ofÂthe 20th century?ÂÂJN I am writing a novel based on the history-and it's taking me more effortÂto piece the history together than I had expected. Eventually, I will say,Âthe hell with it, let me just write it. That is why there is fiction: youÂimagine what you don't now, and even what you know, to understand it, youÂmust imagine what it's like to be in someone else's shoes, skin.ÂÂKT What was the reaction from your family, after you wrote about all ofÂthem at some point in your books?ÂÂJN Less positive than the reactions of total strangers. In Iran, forÂexample, where a magazine published several of my stories and a lengthyÂinterview, 220 readers wrote to the editor in praise of my work. I don'tÂthink that could happen in Croatia, for me.ÂÂKT What is your philosophy in life?ÂÂÂJN That would take too long to elucidate. I used to have clear philosophies,ÂI even studied philosophy for the Ph.D. at Yale but luckily dropped out. NowÂI am not sure I love philosophy that much-not that it's become a misosophy,Âbut I am skeptical about what abstractions can do.ÂÂKT You accomplished a lot so far, what about your future plans?ÂÂJN I have not accomplished nearly enough. I plan to write more and better.ÂWe'll see.ÂÂÂIn 2000 a translation of a number of Novakovich stories, mostly from theÂ"Salvation and Other Disasters" appeared in Zagreb entitled "Grimizne Usne,"Âwhich won the Kozarac Award at the Vinkovacke Jeseni Festival in Vinkovci forÂthe best prose book by a Slavonian writer in the year 2000.ÂÂCurrently he is a writing fellow of the New York Public Library. He isÂworking on a book on Croatian and Slovene immigrants at the beginning of theÂ20th century.ÂÂHis short stories and essays have appeared in the O.Henry Awards anthology,ÂThe New York Times Magazine, the LA Times, Paris Review, European Magazine,ÂJutarnji List, Threepenny Review, and other anthologies and journals. InÂMarch, the New York Times will print his travel story on the island of Hvar,Âand in May, the National Public Radio will broadcast his story, "Whale'sÂThroat," in the Selected Shorts Series.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E)"No Man's Land" received the foreign language film Golden Globe http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5683/1/ENo-Mans-Land-received-the-foreign-language-film-Golden-Globe.html Â'A Beautiful Mind' Wins Four GlobesÂÂBy ANTHONY BREZNICANÂ.c The Associated PressÂÂÂÂÂBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - ``A Beautiful Mind'' was named best drama andÂits star Russell Crowe won the top dramatic actor trophy as the Golden GlobesÂrewarded stories of love under the duress of madness, despair and illness.ÂÂ``A Beautiful Mind'' collected a leading four Globes Sunday night and wasÂfollowed by triple winner ``Moulin Rouge,'' which was awarded the Globe forÂbest musical or comedy and earned a best actress honor for Nicole Kidman.ÂÂIf conventional wisdom holds, the Golden Globe recognition will be a boostÂfor the Oscar chances of the two films when the Academy Awards are presentedÂin March.ÂÂ``A Beautiful Mind'' captured the attention of Hollywood Foreign PressÂAssociation voters with its dramatization of the true-life story of NobelÂprize-winning John Forbes Nash Jr., a schizophrenic math genius who rebuildsÂhis life with the help of his devoted wife.ÂÂ``I wanted to give a greater understanding to mental illness,'' said producerÂBrian Grazer. ``And I hope in some way we achieved this.''ÂÂThe film also won for best screenplay and best supporting dramatic actress,ÂJennifer Connelly.ÂÂAlthough ``A Beautiful Mind'' omits and fictionalizes elements of the Nashes'Âlives, the movie was most concerned with dramatizing the mutual dedication ofÂtwo suffering people, Connelly said.ÂÂ``I think the essence of their story is really captured in the film,'' sheÂsaid. ``I think that the Nashes most importantly are happy with it, and thatÂit accurately presents their story.''ÂÂThe hyperactive musical ``Moulin Rouge'' blended fantasy storytellingÂtechniques and anachronistic pop songs in a tale of forbidden romance.ÂÂKidman plays a dying cabaret singer wallowing in sadness until a dashingÂromantic, played by Ewan McGregor, sweeps her off her feet.ÂÂ``My hands are shaking,'' Kidman said. ``This is really, really specialÂbecause I never thought I'd be in a musical - let alone win an award forÂone.''ÂÂThe supporting dramatic actor honor went to Jim Broadbent for playing theÂhusband of novelist Iris Murdoch, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, inÂ``Iris.''ÂÂBroadbent portrayed writer John Bayley, Murdoch's brilliant but childlikeÂhusband, who nursed his dying wife as her once-sharp mind deteriorated.ÂÂRobert Altman took the directing honor for his murder-mystery satireÂ``Gosford Park,'' which chronicles the scandals of English aristocratsÂthrough the eyes of their servants.ÂÂSissy Spacek was named best dramatic actress for the dark drama ``In theÂBedroom,'' about a husband and wife who must reconcile after a familyÂtragedy.ÂÂ``I feel so blessed to get to do what I love to do and work with so manyÂwonderfully talented people,'' Spacek said.ÂÂGene Hackman earned the comedy actor Globe for his performance as theÂconniving head of a family of former child prodigies in ``The RoyalÂTenenbaums.''ÂÂBosnia's ``No Man's Land'' received the foreign language film Globe. StingÂwas the victor in the movie song category for his romantic waltz ``UntilÂ...,'' from the comedy ``Kate & Leopold.''ÂÂAbsent during this year's telecast were the outrageous antics or remarks thatÂhave given the Globes notoriety. It showed that Hollywood is largelyÂmaintaining a toned-down attitude since the Sept. 11 attacks.ÂÂIn the television categories, HBO's ``Sex and the City'' took best comedy andÂstar Sarah Jessica Parker was cited as best comedic actress. The cableÂnetwork's funeral home drama ``Six Feet Under'' was best drama series.ÂÂCharlie Sheen got the comedic actor award for ABC's ``Spin City.''ÂÂKiefer Sutherland's role as a CIA agent in the real-time thriller ``24'' wonÂa dramatic TV actor trophy, and Jennifer Garner claimed the dramatic TVÂactress award for playing a sexy spy in ABC's ``Alias.''ÂÂHBO's World War II drama ``Band of Brothers'' won best miniseries.ÂÂJudy Davis received the miniseries actress award for ABC's ``Life With JudyÂGarland: Me and My Shadows'' and James Franco the miniseries actor prize forÂTNT's ``James Dean.''ÂÂHarrison Ford, star of the ``Indiana Jones'' adventures and the originalÂ``Star Wars'' trilogy, took home the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievementÂaward.ÂÂOn the Net:ÂÂOfficial site: http://www.goldenglobes.orgÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Vassili Sulich Outstanding Individual Artist http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5686/1/E-Vassili-Sulich-Outstanding-Individual-Artist.html Someone you should know!The Internationally celebrated choreographer and dancer Vassili Sulich has just released his new book Vision in the Desert. The book tells of his life experiences growing up in Croatia on the island of Brac. He recounts the war years spent in the refugee camp in El Shat, Egypt, along with so many other fellow countrymen. He became a ballet dancer and eventually made his way to the U.S., settling in Las Vegas, where he founded the Nevada Dance Theater. The book tells of his life in ballet and the many people he has encountered throughout his lifetime.He was recently recognized for his many accomplishments in the United States Senate. The Congressional Record for Wednesday, December 5, 2001, refers to Vassili Sulich "one of Nevada's true cultural treasures." Among his many awards, he received the State of Nevada Governor's Arts Award for "Outstanding Individual Artist" and is credited with the "cultural evolution" of that state.His beautiful home in Las Vegas is filled with treasures from his beloved homeland and has been featured in magazines and newspapers. He has often returned to his hometown of Pucisca, on Brac and remains close friends with people he grew up with there.The Las Vegas Philharmonic recently hosted a very successful booksigning event for Sulich, in conjunction with their annual Yuletide Celebration Concerts.His book is available through many outlets, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, etc. ISBN 1-931741-04-2Regards,Nancy (Andjelich) Margraffp.s. I have a copy of the Congressional Record mentioned abovedistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski umjetnik Vlado Franjevic put Indonezije http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5685/1/H-Hrvatski-umjetnik-Vlado-Franjevic-put-Indonezije.html Srdacni pozdraviSaljem Vam ove fotke dolje s prijema liechtensteinskih umjetnika koji putujuu Indoneziju, kod novog Veleposlanika te jugoistocnoazijske zemlje u Bernu.Na slici lijevo, s lijeva na desno: Walter Roth, Vlado Franjevic,Veleposlanik Indonezije, Barbara Buehler i Fauzie As'Ad.Vijest: V. Franjevic putuje 9. veljace zajedno sa cetvero liechtensteinskihkolega, likovnih umjetnika, a na poziv Akademije likovnih umjetnosti uYogyakarti, Indonezija. Isti ce tamo voditi likovne radionice te zakljucnoizlagati zajedno sa indonezijskim kolegama. Njihov boravak u tojjugoistocnoazijskoj zemlji trajat ce mjesec dana. Iduce godine indonezijskice umjetnici boraviti u Liechtenstein.Vlado Franjevicwww.konture.comwww.artnet.li/vladowww.artoffer.com/vladoP.S. Na slikama nedostaje jos kolega Arno Oehri, www.DerPrinz.li s kojim samizlagao prosle godine u Bjelovaru i Splitu a koji ce nam se na ovom putupridruziti.distributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 19-year-old Croatian guitarist Robert Belinic wins in New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5684/1/E-19-year-old-Croatian-guitarist-Robert-Belinic-wins-in-New-York.html ÂFrom: orchestras-admin@list.symphony.orgÂIN THE NEWS 1/22ÂEdited by Melinda WhitingÂÂNicholas Beard, writing for MusicalAmerica.com on Tuesday (1/22), reports:Â"Young Concert Artists has chosen five first-prize winners of its 2002Âauditions, which took place Saturday at the 92nd Street Y." The winnersÂ"each receive $5,000; recitals in New York, Boston, and Washington D.C.;Âand YCA's management services for three-plus years." The five: 19-year-oldÂ*Croatian guitarist Robert Belinic*; 26-year-old American baritone AntonÂBelov; American violinist Nicolas Kendall, 23; Russian pianist VassilyÂPrimakov, 25 and Japanese marimba player Naoko Takada, 25.ÂÂOp-edÂIma nas. Perla za perlom. Perl after perl, we do exist. Bravo Robert!ÂnbÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Josip Novakovich will give a reading at the New York Public Library In April 2002 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5687/1/E-Josip-Novakovich-will-give-a-reading-at-the-New-York-Public-Library-In-April-2002.html JOSIP NOVAKOVICH Josip Novakovich is the author of "Apricots From Chernobyl", a collection of essays, and the short story collection "Yolk", both published in '95, and "Salvation and Other Disasters", published in '98. His writing textbooks "Fiction Writer's Workshop" and "Writing Fiction Step by Step," published in '95 and '98 by Story Press, were Quality Paperback Club selections. He is co-editor of "Stories in the Stepmother Tongue," published by White Pine Press in 2000. His novel, Poppy Slopes, will be published by Ediciones Destino in Spain this spring, in the Spanish translation.Josip Novakovich was born on April 30, 1956 in Daruvar, in the region of Slavonia, Croatia, where he completed his secondary education. He studied Medicine in Novi Sad, 1975-76 and arrived in the U.S. at the age of twenty, in 1976. Studying Psychology, he received a B.A. in '78 from Vassar. He continued his studies at Yale, in Philosophy and Theology, 1978-82, finishing with the title Master of Divinity; in 1988 he received an M.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Texas at Austin. He taught Creative Writing at the University of Cincinnati and he is currently an Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the Penn State University. He was awarded a long list of outstanding literary awards and fellowships, among others, three Pushcart Prizes, Best American Poetry 1997, the Whiting Writers' Award, Ingram Merrill Award, the Richard Margolis Prize for Socially Important Writings, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (one for the year 2002) in fiction, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Vogelstein fellowsihp, and a 1999 American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation (for "Salvation and Other Disasters"). In 2000 a translation of a number of Novakovich stories, mostly from the "Salvation and Other Disasters" appeared in Zagreb entitled "Grimizne Usne," which won the Kozarac Award at the Vinkovacke Jeseni Festival in Vinkovci for the best prose book by a Slavonian writer in the year 2000. Currently he is a writing fellow of the New York Public Library. He is working on a book on Croatian and Slovene immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. His short stories and essays have appeared in the O.Henry Awards antholgoy, The New York Times Magazine, the LA Times, Paris Review, European Magazine, Jutarnji List, Threepenny Review, and other anthologies and journals. In March, the New York Times will print his travel story on the island of Hvar, and in May, the National Public Radio will broadcast his story, "Whale's Throat," in the Selected Shorts Series. In April 2002 Josip Novakovich will give a reading at the New York Public Library and autograph his books. Op-edWe will announce exact time of the event. Please come and support our artists.Nenad Bachdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski gitarist prvi u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5688/1/H-Hrvatski-gitarist-prvi-u-New-Yorku.html Click Here: Crown Home PageVjesnik, Utorak, 22. sijecnja 2002.Belinic mladi glazbenik godine Robert Belinic je prvi gitarist koji je osvojio trofej »Young Concert Artist of the Year«ZAGREB/NEW YORK, 21. sijecnja - Hrvatski gitarist Robert Belinic (21) pobjednik je uglednoga svjetskog glazbenog natjecanja Young Concert Artists, koje je upravo zavrseno. Naslov Mladi glazbenik godine (Young Concert Artist of the Year - 2002) Belinicu, pored novcane nagrade, osigurava i koncertne angazmane po Sjedinjenim Americkim Drzavama i Europi Young Concert Artists je neprofitna udruga osnovana godine 1961. da bi pronasla mlade nadarene glazbenike i pomogla im u medu vrhunske zvijezde reproduktivne klasicne glazbe: Emanuel Ax, Richard Goode, Murray Perahia, Dawn Upshaw, Ruth Laredo, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Pinchas Zukermann i drugi. Belinic je prvi gitarist koji je osvojio taj trofej. On je i prvi hrvatski glazbenik koji se uopce prijavo na to vrlo cijenjeno natjecanje.Za zavrsno natjecanje Robert Belinic kvalificirao se na izlucnom natjecanju u Leipzigu (od 11. do 16. rujna 2001.) kao jedini od svih 120 europskih natjecatelja u ovogodisnjim kategorijama (klavir, violina, violoncelo, gudacki kvartet, glas, flauta, oboa, truba, francuski rog i prvi put u povijesti natjecanja gitara). Gitarist Robert Belinic rodom je iz Popovace, osnovnu glazbenu skolu »Boris Papandopulo« zavrsio je u Kutini, a Glazbeno uciliste »Elly Basic« u Zagrebu u klasi prof. Ante Caglja te je osvojio pet nagrada na medunarodnim natjecanjima. Sada je student druge godine na Visokoj skoli za glazbu u Augsburgu u klasi prof. Franza Halasza. Inace hrvatskoj kulturnoj javnosti Robert Belinic poznat je i kao tumac uloge »mladog rockera« u filmu Krste Papica »Prica iz Hrvatske«. (Hina) distributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 22 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) LADO in New York ? Srpanj 2002 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5689/1/H-LADO-in-New-York--Srpanj-2002.html Dear New Yorkers,Can we put together one concert for LADO on July 23, 2002? Croatian Center? Or/and other venue?Moze li se tko zauzeti za LADIN koncert 23 srpnja 2002 u New Yorku?NenadSubj: ANSAMBL LADODate: Thursday, January 17, 2002 7:12:45 AMFrom: folklor@matis.hrFrom: folklor@matis.hr (Odjel za folklor)To: RZubovic@aol.comPostovani don Zubovicu,Obracam Vam se ponovno, ovoga puta uz jednu veliku molbu. Naime, najboljihrvatski folklorni ansambl, ANSAMBL NARODNIH PLESOVA I PJESAMA HRVATSKE"LADO" gostovat ce ovoga ljeta od 4. do 7. kolovoza u Minneapolisu kaopredstavnik Europe na festivalu pod nazivom 6TH WORLD SYMPOSIUM ON CHORALMUSIC. To je velika cast i za LADO i za Hrvatsku. Mislim da bi bilo vrijednoiskoristiti ovu prigodu i boravak LADA u SAD i organizirati jos nekekoncerte, kako folklorne (cjelovecernje), tako i sakralne u crkvama. Kako jenjihova prva destinacija New York, bilo bi zaista dobro organizirati baremjedan koncert. Razmisljali smo o tome da se, ako je ikako moguce, organiziranjihov sakralni koncert u Katedrali St. Patricka u New Yorku. "LADO" krece iz Hrvatske 22. srpnja 2002, znaci taj koncert u New Yorkumogao bi se odrzati vec 23. srpnja uvecer. Naravno, "LADO" bi rado odrzao icjelovecernji folklorni koncert u New Yorku, ukoliko ga je moguce ostvariti.Vama ce se direktno javiti i gdja Ivana Lusic iz ansambla "LADO" naravno sasvim deteljima i uvjetima za nastup, a ovo moje pismo molim Vas prihvatitekao iskrenu preporuku. Najljepse Vas molim ucinite sve sto je moguce kako bise ostvarilo gostovanje "LADA" u New Yorku, mislim da je to najljepsi nacinda predstavimo nasu Hrvatsku.Ja Vam vec unaprijed zahvaljujem na Vasoj pomoci i buducoj suradnji inajsrdacnije pozdravljam!Vasa,Srebrenka Seravic, prof.Voditeljica Odsjeka za folklorHrvatske matice iseljenikafolklor@matis.hrdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 20 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Sylvan Winds at National Arts Club, Jan 16 - New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5691/1/E-Sylvan-Winds-at-National-Arts-Club-Jan-16---New-York.html Click Here: Crown Home PageDear Friends & Colleagues,We hope you will join the Sylvan Winds on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2002 AT 8:15 P.M. atTHE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB forWOODWIND TREASURES FROM GEORGES BARRERE'S LIBRARY featuring works premiered and performed by the Societe ModerneTHE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB is located at 15 Park Gramercy Park South (20th Street), New York City. Tickets are $20/$10 for students and seniors. For further ticket information, please call (212) 904-1422 x13 Program: DESLANDRES Three Pieces for wind quintetFLAMENT Fantasia con Fuga, Op. 28 for wind septetDUBOIS Second Suite for wind octet (1899)deWAILLY Aubade for flute, oboe & clarinet (1901) LEFEBVRE Second Suite for wind sextet, Op. 122REINECKE Sextet for winds, Op. 271 For those curious about Georges Barrere: He was Paul Taffanel's protege at the Paris Conservatory, who was later invited to come to New York in 1905 by none other than Walter Damrosch - yes, as in the park - to serve as principal flute of the New York Symphony Orchestra (later the Philharmonic.) Barrere was the pre-eminent flutist in New York at the time, and would continue his teacher's legacy by founding the Societe Moderne in Paris, the New York Symphony Wind Instruments Club and eventually, the New York Flute Club, as well. The program features works performed and premiered by his ensembles, and we are thrilled to have collaborate on this project with Nancy Toff, Vice President and Editorial Director at Oxford University Press. We hope you, your friends, and colleagues will be able to join us. A champagne reception follows the performance, and if you wish to have dinner in the historic surroundings (Martin Scorcese filmed "Age of Innocence" in one of the parlors), you may do so by calling the club, (212) 475-3424. Just tell them you are attending the Sylvan Winds concert.If there are others whom you think may be interested, please forward this reminder.For concert ticket reservations only, please call 904-1422 x13.If you can't make it Wednesday, but still want to hear the program, it will be repeated under the auspices of the New York Flute Club:SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 AT 5:30 P.M. atCAMI HALL165 West 57th StreetTickets will be available at the door.Hope to see you there!Svjetlana KabalinArtistic Directordistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 15 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 The Croatian singing man choir Chorus Croaticus on Jan. 19, 2002 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5690/1/The-Croatian-singing-man-choir-Chorus-Croaticus-on-Jan-19-2002.html Click Here: Crown Home PageThe Croatian singing man choir Chorus Croaticus(www.homepage.swissonline.ch/krc/) organizes on 19 January 2002 in Berne his10th anniversary friendship concert in Berne. The leader of the Croatianchoir Frane Vugdelija invated also this time the family Frommelt choir fromthe Principality of Liechtenstein, this was an idea of the culture- andart-creative and poet Vlado Franjevic (www.konture.com) from Liechtenstein.The leader of the family Frommelt choir, Mr. Albert Frommelt leads also themixed choir of Liechtenstein, which carries name of the large composer ofLiechtenstein Josef Gabriel Rheinberger and he is also the conductor of thesymphony orchestra of the Principality of Liechtenstein. It is interestingthat in the choir of the family Frommelt sings, beside a few members of thechoir J.G. Rheinberger, also the ex-director of the Liechtenstein school ofmusic and the president of the European music school union Mr. JosefFrommelt. On the concert program in Berne are also as follows: the writerPeter Weibel, the authoress Dragica Rajcic, the president of CWC as writerdr. Simun Sito Coric, the woman singing choir Baerner Fyrabe Choerli, IvicaBozicevic alias Elvis Presley, the club of jodel-singing Saeli and thesinger, dancer and radio moderator Guido Schaller.distributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 15 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 On TV STARZ5 The Keeper (1996) Director of Photography: Igor Sunara http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5694/1/On-TV-STARZ5-The-Keeper-1996-Director-of-Photography-Igor-Sunara.html The Keeper(1996)**+ÂSTARZ5 11:05PM-12:40AM Monday Jan 14Â------------------------------------------------------------------------ÂTaking in a Haitian rape suspect (Isaach de Bankole) causes marital problemsÂfor a liberal Brooklyn prison guard (Giancarlo Esposito) and his wife (ReginaÂTaylor). (1 hr. 30 mins. )ÂWith: Giancarlo Esposito, Regina Taylor, Isaach de Bankole, Ron Brice, O.L.ÂDuke, Arthur French, Shiek Mahmud Bey, Samuel E. Wright.ÂDirector: Joe Brewster, Producer: Jordi Torrent, Producer: Joe Brewster.ÂDirector of Photography: Igor SunaraÂMovies.ÂÂStereo. Letterboxed.ÂÂRated NR.ÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 CROATIAN ARTISTS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5692/1/CROATIAN-ARTISTS.html Click Here: Crown Home PageMelissa Pintar Obenaufwww.croatiagifts.comobenaufm@alink.comToll Free: 1-877-906-8314 **CROATIAN ARTISTS** "Heart of Croatia" is pleased and honored to present to our customers the work of acclaimed Croatian artists Ivan Generalic, Miho Simunovic, and Milena Soree. Please visit us at www.croatiagifts.com to find out how you can become a proud owner of work by these celebrated Croatian artists. Ivan Generalic is considered by many to be the greatest Croatian naïve painter, as well as one of the greatest painters of the 20th Century in the world. Born in Hlebine, a village in the Croatian region of Podravina in 1914, Ivan Generalic sketched and painted from the time he was a small boy. Wed to his paint brush throughout his life, Generalic's explanation for why he painted was this, "Ask me why I live." Ivan Generalic painted scenes of every day life from his village. His paintings allow us to see village life from an insider's point of view. Village festivals, animals and livestock, market-days, holiday celebrations, autumn harvests, growing grapes and making wine.all became central themes in Generalic paintings. His use of color augmented his skill as an artist, turning ordinary routines of village life into extraordinary paintings. Ivan Generalic is the first painter in a long line of naïve artists from the village of Hlebine. His style, form, and content have provided the inspiration, direction, and impetus for many other heralded artists who have emerged from the Hlebine School. "Heart of Croatia" offers our customers the opportunity to purchase high quality art reproductions. Born in Omis, a town located to the south of Split, watercolorist Miho Simunovic was raised and educated in Zagreb, Croatia. As a young boy, he visited many times the town of Vela Luka on the island of Korcula, where he was inspired to capture the delicate sunlight and varied shades of the spectacular Dalmatian coast. After graduating from art school in Zagreb, Miho Simunovic first worked as a graphic designer in an advertising firm. In 1973, he moved to America and worked as an illustrator. Simunovic now lives in California where he works full-time as a professional watercolor artist. He has traveled back to Croatia many times where he travels up and down the Adriatic, painting scenes that strike his fancy. Miho Simunovic is an artist of sun and shadows, whose goal is to create atmosphere and mood through use of depth, shadow and light. He enjoys capturing the feeling of a day at a particular moment, solidifying that moment in watercolors before it disappears from the world forever.In 1992, Milena Sorée, an award-winning Croatian-American fine art photographer, went to Croatia to record the devastating events taking place and was given a chance of staying and photographing the frontline alongside a Croatian Army unit for eight months. At the end, Sorée had taken over 1300 images of which she chose 35 of the most poignant ones and exhibited them next to 35 other photographs showing peace and serenity of Old World Croatia chosen from her earlier body of work. Since then the Croatian Rose photograph has been selected by the Croatian American Association to be the "Croatian Freedom Award" because of its artistic representation of new life splendor rising out of death and decay; thus symbolizing the rebirth of the Croatian Nation. Milena Sorée has therefore dedicated a part of the sale proceeds from this poster to be donated to the FRIENDS OF VUKOVAR FUND, which is currently accepting donations for the restoration of the Home for Disabled Children in Vukovar, Croatia. Croatian Rose was first displayed in the Capitol Hill Rotunda of the United States Congress in the Spring of 1996 as part of a stunning photographic essay by Milena Sorée entitled CROATIA: WAR AND PEACE. (found under "Featured Items")distributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 Croatian radio Vukovar is live on the internet http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5693/1/Croatian-radio-Vukovar-is-live-on-the-internet.html Click Here: Crown Home PageCroatian radio Vukovar is live on the internethttp://www.hrv.hr/real audio address to listenhttp://www.hinet.hr/Radio/RadioVukovar.ramPisite im ako ih cujete na:hrvatski-radio-vukovar@vk.hinet.hrmore radio stations:http://moj.hinet.hr/panda/kateg.asp?cat=3BOKStanko RotimMississauga Ontario Canadadinamo1974@hotmail.comdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachments is strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possible extent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 10 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian artist Antun Mates exhibits in Plaza Hotel, New York http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5707/1/E-Croatian-artist-Antun-Mates-exhibits-in-Plaza-Hotel-New-York.html Celebrate 10 years of Croatian recognition as a state, with an art exhibition.ÂÂCroatian artist Antun Mates exhibits in Plaza Hotel (sec. floor) - noÂinvitations needed.ÂIndependent Art Fair of the New York, the first big exhibition of New YearÂwill be open January 15, 2002, at the Plaza Hotel, Central Park south andÂ59th Street.ÂÂOpening Reception will be at 6:00 -9:00 PM and viewing will be from Jan. 16 -ÂJan. 18, 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM.ÂCroatia will be represented by Antun Mates, one of the most loved artist inÂEurope. Two times winner of Frankfurt Book Fair, artist of the most popularÂcalendar in Croatian history. His graphics are in permanent collections ofÂalmost every Croatian museums and galleries. Also his art is prominentlyÂdisplayed in museums in Germany, Australia. Canada and Argentina. For moreÂinformation's please check web site: www.newyorkindependentartfair.comÂÂSubmitted by Miro SinovcicÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Philatelic Society - P.O. Box 696, Fritch, Texas 79036-0696 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5706/1/E-Croatian-Philatelic-Society---PO-Box-696-Fritch-Texas-79036-0696.html Croatian Philatelic Society - P.O. Box 696, Fritch, Texas 79036-0696Âhttp://www.croatianmall.com/cps/index.htmÂfounder Ekrem SpahichÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian composer at Sundance http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5705/1/E-Croatian-composer-at-Sundance.html FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEÂCROATIAN MUSICIAN NENAD BACH PROVIDES ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR ALL STAR WE AREÂFAMILY FILM SELECTED FOR SCREENING AT SUNANCE FILM FESTIVALÂÂGlobalvision is pleased to announce that its new documentary film WE AREÂFAMILY, directed by company Executive Producer Danny Schechter, with music byÂNenad Bach, has been selected for screening in the SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL.ÂThe screening will be part of a special program showcasing films produced inÂresponse to the attacks ofÂSeptember llth.ÂÂWE ARE FAMILY, available in 60- and 90-minute versions, chronicles theÂremaking of the classic 1979 hit song WE ARE FAMILY by more than 200Âwell-known artists, actors, sports figures and other personalities, as a callÂfor tolerance and healing on a globalÂbasis. The song, by veteran record-maker NILE RODGERS (Madonna, Chic, DavidÂBowie, etc.), is released in association with Tommy Boy Records. The filmÂalso incorporates a music video directed by Spike Lee.ÂÂ"The stars behind the remake of "WE ARE FAMILY" wanted Nenad Bach toÂappear in it and were thrilled when he provided original music for theÂdocumentary," says Director Danny Schechter. "They all knew of Nenad'sÂhaunting anti-war anthem "CAN WE GO HIGHER?" released during the war againstÂCroatia and Bosnia, and his participation inÂPavarotti's internationally broadcast charity concert for the children ofÂwar. "ÂÂBach is one of 200 artists who sing on the record, and is also featured inÂthe documentary comparing the shock of the attacks of September llth, to theÂpain suffered by the Croatian people when they were attacked so savagely. WEÂARE FAMILY offers a searching exploration into the feelings people all overÂthe world .ÂÂThe WE ARE FAMILY project will benefit various organizations, including theÂRed Cross, that are directly serving victims of the September 11th attacks.ÂIt is also helping fund groups that defend victims of prejudice and racialÂattacks and promote tolerance in theÂwake of the incident.ÂÂGlobalvision's cameras covered recording sessions in New York and Los AngelesÂthat drew stars from popular music like Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, PattiÂLabelle, Jackson Browne, Roberta Flack, Little Steven and Run DMC; actorsÂsuch as Macaulay Caulkin, Matthew, Modine and Rosie Perez; and athletes likeÂbaseball player Gary Sheffield, tennis playerJohn McEnroe and basketballÂstars Rebecca Lobo and Mark Jackson.ÂÂ"WE ARE FAMILY has a message and a mission: to build bridges betweenÂour communities and to reaffirm that we all live in a global family," saysÂGlobalvision President Rory O'Connor. "It's the kind of coming together ofÂgreat artists with a great cause that our company has worked on throughoutÂits history."ÂÂ"We are thrilled to show WE ARE FAMILY at Sundance because it is aÂcontagious experience," adds Tom Silverman, founder of Tommy BoyÂMusic and co-executive producer of the film project. "We value theirÂcreativity and commitment."ÂÂDirector of Production Kelly Sheehan has supervised a dynamic teamÂthat includes Senior Producer and co-Director Patrice O'Neill, knownÂfor the film "Not In Our Town" and many other PBS specials, ProducerÂBrian Dentz, and Globalvision's chief editor, Kozo Okamura.ÂÂDirector Danny Schechter is an Emmy award-winning veteran of CNN andÂABC's 20/20 and has produced profiles of such musicians as BruceÂSpringsteen, Bob Dylan and Tina Turner. He shared an InternationalÂDocumentary Association Award for "The Making of Sun City," the hitÂsong by artists protesting South African apartheid in l986. He isÂthe director of numerous other award-winning documentary films,Âincluding "The Making of Give Peace a Chance" and five films withÂthen-South African President Nelson Mandela. Schechter's latest filmÂin production is "Counting on Democracy," the untold story of theÂFlorida Presidential election in 2000.ÂÂFor more information about Globalvision, visit www.globalvision.org.ÂFor more about WE ARE FAMILY, visit www.wearefamilyfoundation.com.ÂDanny SchechterÂExecutive Editor Mediachannel.orgÂhttp://www.mediachannel.orgÂExecutive Producer, Globalvision.IncÂ1600 Broadway, #700 NY NY 10019 USAÂ212-246-0202ÂÂDanny SchechterÂExecutive Producer, GlobalvisionÂExecutive Editor, THE MEDIA CHANNELÂwww.mediachannel.orgÂ1600 Broadway #700ÂNew York, N.Y. 10019Â212 246-0202x3006ÂFax: 212:246-2677ÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) First, second, even third generation Croatians is not so far fetched http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5704/1/E-First-second-even-third-generation-Croatians-is-not-so-far-fetched.html Hello Nenad,ÂÂÂThank you for the quick response. I look forward to being of someÂassistance.ÂÂÂMy interest in your web site lies in the fact that although I was born andÂÂraised in the USA as a half first generation Croatian (my mother is fullÂÂblooded American), I continue to be fascinated by the rich history that ourÂÂcountry, Croatia, is filled with. I travel to Croatia every summer, andÂÂhave been afforded with the opportunity to appreciate a completely differentÂÂway of life than I am normally accustomed to. I think it is a great idea toÂÂtry and spread the positive aspects of the Croatian culture. The idea ofÂÂconnecting first, second, even third generation Croatians together throughÂÂout the world is not so far fetched. People should try and understand theirÂÂheritage and where their families come from. There is always something toÂÂbe learned from another culture.ÂÂÂWarm Regards,ÂÂMartina SolaÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Ground Zero in Vukovar - Roots of Peace http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5703/1/E-Ground-Zero-in-Vukovar---Roots-of-Peace.html Dear Nenad,ÂÂÂIt was both a personal and professional pleasure to see you in San FranciscoÂÂlast month. As we discussed, the profound experience of walking through theÂÂmined vineyards of "Ground Zero in Vukovar" and "Ground Zero in New York"ÂÂduring the same month of September 2001 is an image etched in my mindÂÂforever. The conclusion in my heart is that terrorism knows no borders, andÂÂthe phantom enemy of a landmine represents the most primitive form of terrorÂÂto innocent Croatian farmers and families who yearn for the dignity toÂÂcultivate their fields. Each landmine removed is a victory against aÂÂcowardly act of silent terrorism. Death lurks in the fertile soils ofÂÂCroatia, and we must engage the world to assist us in removing these deadlyÂÂseeds of destruction that sow seeds of hatred for future generations.ÂÂÂAs we turn the page to a new year, Roots of Peace is delighted to reportÂÂthat we are currently demining the Bibijne Vineyard located near the coastalÂÂcity of Zadar. According to the International Trust Fund (ITF), the CROMACÂÂcontract was signed on December 7, 2001 through funds raised byÂÂCroatian-born Miljenko Grgich at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of theÂÂParis Tasting hosted at Domaine Chandon in the Napa Valley. We are alsoÂÂproud to announce that our initial donation of $30,000 was matched by the USÂÂGovernment to support our efforts totally $77,000 in demining funds for theÂÂBibijne Vineyards...now that's a special "global toast to peace" for the newÂÂyear--from MINES TO VINES!ÂÂÂJody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, joined Dr. Dijana PlestinaÂÂand my son, Brooks, in September 2001 as we toured these mine affectedÂÂvineyards while meeting with the local farmers, whose sole desire was toÂÂcultivate these bountiful vineyards. We shared the fruits of the firstÂÂharvest season of the new millennium with these Croatian vintners, andÂÂremain deeply proud that we are now able to return mines to vines in theÂÂvillage of Bibijne. We donated these RoP funds in honor of UNÂÂSecretary-General Kofi Annan on United Nations Day--October 24, 2001--andÂÂare delighted to see these funds leveraged by the US Government, ITF, andÂÂCROMAC in such a prompt, effective manner to accelerate demining.ÂÂÂAs we discussed, I would like to plan a traditional "Blessing of the Grapes"ÂÂceremony during the Spring planting season, when Croatian-born vintnerÂÂMiljenko Grgich will be traveling back to his homeland in early June 2002.ÂÂI would like to propose that we have an ecumenical blessing with leaders ofÂÂthe Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim Church at a special Roots of Peace eventÂÂentitled "Ground Hero" honoring all the public-private partnerships thatÂÂcontributed to our efforts to plant the roots of peace. Such an event wouldÂÂinspire global citizens to replicate this model in mine affected regionsÂÂthroughout the world--whether the grapes are fermented or not! Your gift ofÂÂmusic could be incorporated into this worldwide celebration, and of course,ÂÂthe voices of local children singing cultural songs would add to theÂÂhumanitarian efforts of this special day...deeply inspiring futureÂÂgenerations in the spirit of hope!ÂÂÂPlease let me know your thoughts, as we weave this global trellis of peaceÂÂtogether!ÂÂÂWith Kindest Regards,ÂÂÂHeidi KuhnÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Interview - Igor Kordey http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5702/1/E-Interview---Igor-Kordey.html http://www.comicon.com/ubb/Forum12/HTML/000090.htmlÂÂHere is an interview with successful Croatian comic strip artist Igor kordeyÂ- just drawn top selling X-Men. Does anyone have a contact email for him?ÂÂÂBrianÂÂÂWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is a long way from Groznjan, Croatia, and whileÂIgor Kordey may miss his friends in Croatia, he doesn't mind the peace CanadaÂenjoys. Along with the change in location for Kordey and his family has comeÂwork - lots of it from American comic book publishers.ÂÂWhile Kordey had made a name for himself with his work on Tarzan for DarkÂHorse and other publisher, as well as other comic work in the states andÂEurope, the 44 year-old Croat émigré has found himself in the comic spotlightÂrecently, beginning with his stint as regular penciler on Marvel's Cable, asÂwell as being named a fill-in artist on New X-Men, and being tapped for aÂbevy of other Marvel projects.ÂÂNewsarama caught up with Kordey in his Winnipeg home for a chat about whereÂhe's been, where he is, and where he sees his future.ÂÂNRMA: Over the past few years, the American market has seen a small butÂnotable influx of Croatian comic book creators, which to many seems a littleÂodd. How did you, growing up the former Yugoslavia, become interested inÂcomics?ÂÂIK: I was interested in comics since I started to think probably, when I wasÂthree or four. That's when I found my first comics and fell in love withÂthem. It's a disease. I cannot get rid of it.ÂÂNRMA: But that's pretty young, right? To Americans who grew up during theÂCold War, Yugoslavia was tucked behind the Iron Curtain, and, at least asÂmany of us were taught, nothing from the West got in. Did you see WesternÂcomics?ÂÂIK: Oh yes. When I painted Star Trek: The Gorn Crisis last year, I did someÂacknowledgements to two guys who were my biggest influences ever, two EnglishÂartists - Frank Bellamy and Frank Hanson. When I was a kid, they used toÂpublish a weekly youth magazine with comics in Croatia. Translated, its nameÂwas Blue Herald. It was a copy of the English magazine Eagle - which was aÂvery influential magazine for comic creators in England throughout the '50sÂand '60s. Those two guys used to work on Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future, aÂscience fiction comic book. It was done with beautiful color - they wereÂusing the most modern and updated color possibilities for offset print atÂthat moment. It had a greater impact than any Walt Disney cartoon or whateverÂat that time, because we didn't have too much of an information flow from theÂWest, and there weren't popular television serials for the kids.ÂÂNRMA: Among your generation of English creators, Eagle gets mentioned a lot…ÂÂIK: When other guys my age remember this magazine, we can remember everyÂsingle picture and every detail. It was an incredible comic book. The sadÂthing was that both of those guys they died without real recognition. In theÂ'50s and '60s, England didn't have copyright protection, so both of themÂdied pretty poor. I think Frank Bellamy, before he died, had arthritis, andÂcouldn't draw anymore - it's a very sad story, just like the creators ofÂSuperman, Siegel and Shuster.ÂÂSpeaking of Siegel and Shuster and the early days of comics, I would like toÂrecommend to all people who are into comics that they read The AmazingÂAdventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. It's a beautiful book. ItÂbrings an amazing amount of fact and fiction together, especially in itsÂportrayal of the comic industry in the early days using creators' creativityÂto make piles of money. Lots of people got rich on behalf of the comicÂartists who remained relatively poor.ÂÂNRMA: So, getting back to your career, the comics in Blue Herald and Eagle,Âpushed you into comics?ÂÂIK: Right. Those are my biggest influences in comic books, and Harold FosterÂwith Prince Valiant was also one of my big influences back in those days asÂwell. Because I really wanted to read, I learned how to read and write andÂdraw by copying them, and I made my own magazines out of these Blue HeraldÂmagazines. It was cute - I even invented my own logo. I called it Albatross,Âand it circulated among my friends at the school who had the same interest inÂcomic books. We exchanged comic books, and started to exchange comics withÂthe first Avengers, Daredevil, and Thor stories in them in the early '60s.ÂÂLater, I forgot about the American comic books because in art school, we wereÂrebellion oriented, and American comic books were sort of the symbol ofÂrotten capitalists, so we switched to European stuff. It was very interestingÂ- in the mid '70s, French publishers started to publish a number ofÂmagazines aimed at an adult audience, like Metal Hurlant, which was turnedÂinto Heavy Metal in America. It wasn't like it looks today, oriented towardsÂmild eroticism - in the '70s, it was really, really good science fiction andÂfantasy stories with excellent artists like Richard Corben. I was fifteenÂyears old when I saw that for the first time, and I freaked out completely.ÂÂNRMA: Since you were impressed by the Metal Hurlant and the art therein, didÂyou begin your own move away from the Dan Dare-style of comic illustrationÂtowards a more illustrative approach, say, along the lines of Corben,ÂFrazetta and other artists who made names for themselves in the '70s?ÂÂIK: Yes. In my art school period, which corresponds to high school in the US,Âsince we were between fifteen and eighteen years old, I wanted to be a bigÂartist, so I forgot comic books for a while, and started doing paintings andÂposters. Later, around 1976 and 1977, some guys from Zagreb, the capital ofÂCroatia founded a group called New Square [also translated as "New Frame"],Âand it was the most influential group of comic book creators for some twentyÂyears. We created many comics for audiences all over Europe. In 1999, we hadÂour twentieth anniversary, and it was fun - I saw all those old people forÂthe first time in ten or fifteen years.ÂÂThis group, New Square, it was greatly influenced by the French, Italian, andÂSpanish magazines of the moment, in the late '70s. It was very much intoÂcomics for adults, and intellectually oriented comic books.ÂÂNRMA: From New Square, and illustrative, more adult-oriented comic art, youÂwere able to make the leap to the American Heavy Metal in 1989?ÂÂIK: Yes. My cooperation with comic books in the United States began in theÂlate '80s. My work was being published all over Europe, and I started to workÂfor Heavy Metal magazine in '89, with the black and white story, "The Wall."ÂIn '94, I entered the American comic book industry through the main entranceÂ- on the painted 'Marvels' stories that Alex Ross and Kurt Busiek hadÂstarted. Some of my first 'official' stuff was for Marvel. My first work wasÂTales of Marvels: The Wonder Years.ÂÂNRMA: So you got your first big comics gig at Marvel when you said thatÂearlier American comics were a symbol of rotten Western capitalism. WhatÂchanged?ÂÂIK: The ex-Yugoslavia was transitioning out of communism, and was a socialistÂgovernment while I was growing up. Basically, it was a very open country, butÂcommunist oriented. We grew up and were raised to hate capitalism - well, notÂto hate, but to have a different approach to the Western world. Over theÂyears, I grew out of it. Since I was fifteen or sixteen, I used to hitchhikeÂall over Europe and England, and made contact with other young people fromÂthe USA. It was a normal part of the development of the young person to beÂcurious about and learn things about the world outside your own borders, inÂmy case, Yugoslavia. I learned that it wasn't such an awful society to theÂWest.ÂÂNRMA: After you got your start at Marvel, which as you described was grabbingÂthe brass ring, you pretty much moved exclusively to Dark Horse for yourÂAmerican output, and were there for years working on licensed properties. WhyÂthe move?ÂÂIK: It's because of Tarzan. Tarzan is my obsession over the years. Back inÂ'83, there was one big publisher in Yugoslavia that had the Tarzan licenseÂfor all of Europe, and my story-writer [Neven Anticevic] and I made aÂproposal called Tarzan: Rivers of Blood. The proposal was bought, but wasÂturned down because it was too mature, too grown-up of a Tarzan story forÂwhat they wanted. They offered it to their European publishers, but still, noÂone wanted it. In '91, a Swedish company, which was based in Copenhagen,ÂDenmark, bought the publishing rights for Tarzan, and they were going toÂpublish it for Malibu for the US market. Still, I didn't have any luck - twoÂteams, an American team and a Danish team had stories published throughÂMalibu before me, and they were both flops, so they cancelled the completeÂproject, although they paid me for the work I'd done.ÂÂIn '93, Dark Horse bought the license for the Tarzan comic, and my ex-editorÂfrom Copenhagen sent all this existing Rivers of Blood material over - it wasÂabout 90 pages at the time. I got a call from Dark Horse in '94, because theyÂwanted to start publishing some of my earlier Tarzan work, particularly aÂshort story called Tarzan: Mugambi, which was actually my first AmericanÂcomic published in a regular comic book format. It was also the firstÂpublished work of Darko Macan, the writer. That's how he started his career,Âand he's really renown today. I like him a lot.ÂÂÂ[This message has been edited by mbrady (edited 11-27-2001).]ÂÂIP: LoggedÂÂmbradyÂÂMatt BradyÂÂNewsarama posted 11-27-2001 09:46 AMÂÂ---------------------------------ÂÂNRMA: But ultimately, Dark Horse did publish some of Rivers of Blood, right?ÂÂÂIK: Yes. I was struggling for years for it to be published at Dark Horse,Âand finally, just before the Disney cartoon was released, Dark Horse decidedÂto start publishing Rivers of Blood, so I started working on it again. TheyÂpublished four books, and cancelled it again at the beginning of 2000. MyÂwriter and I are in contact with Dark Horse all the time, but they refuse toÂget rid of the license, which prevents us from publishing it elsewhere. OverÂhalf of the story is still unpublished. Still, I'm very stubborn and veryÂpatient. The day will come in the future when we can publish the entireÂstory. It's beautiful and works perfectly without any problem. It's aÂlong story - it's been going on for 18 years now.ÂÂNRMA: Speaking earlier of Darko, it's interesting that you, Darko, and EdvinÂBiukovic all entered the scene around the same time, worked at Dark Horse andÂwere known for your intense storytelling. Do you think the passion with whichÂthe three of you drew from came from living through some very nightmarishÂtimes in Croatia/Serbia and the surrounding territory?ÂÂIK: Wait - there is something you must not forget - we didn't come fromÂSerbia - we came from Croatia, and you shouldn't mix them, because we had aÂwar against them from '95, and they were the aggressors. After YugoslaviaÂsplit in 1990, they wanted to keep it together as the biggest nation inÂYugoslavia, so there was aggression on Croatia in 1991, and on Bosnia inÂ1992. The Serb government was the bad guys - and that's important to note -Âit was the government. I'm still keeping connection with some of my beautifulÂfriends from Serbia, and they are having hard times right now. The people whoÂwant peace and mutual understanding are in a minority these days all over theÂBalkan area. It's no wonder - the Balkans are such an area that a war can beÂprovoked every ten or twenty years. We're kind of used to it, to alwaysÂexpect some kind of turmoil and mess going around, and it does affect how youÂlive, yes.ÂÂNRMA: While we're talking about your life in Croatia, in your editorial inÂCable #89, in which you also spoke a little about your military serviceÂduring the war, you explained to comic fans and creators alive that after theÂattacks of September 11th, we all must get back to the business of living,Âand maintain our families and senses of humor. Was this something that wasÂlearned through trial?ÂÂIK: Yeah. Get back to life and take care of your families - that's whatÂreally matters. There was a response on some website where the guy had veryÂpositive comments on the article, but said that where I felt the point ofÂlife is to reproduce and keep your family safe, it sounded depressing. I gotÂpissed when I read that. It's not depressing - taking care of your family isÂthe only thing you have.ÂÂIt's a larger story. They must learn to think that way. Family is somethingÂthat is not popular anymore, but it's not people's fault, the system madeÂthem to think that way. The very core of the nuclear family has broken down,Âand people are left alone, and when they are alone, they get depressed, andÂwhen they are depressed, they are more obedient and turn toward money muchÂmore, and are therefore easier to rule. But that's another story.ÂÂIf you have family, you are building your own foundation, your own security,Âand your own tribe. An oasis. Starting with mutual contact, family is theÂbasis of society, and it's completely broken down in Western society,Âespecially North America. When you are alone, it is much harder to cope withÂa disaster like the New York tragedy. For me, family is extremely important,Âbut look around - it doesn't exist anymore. Grandparents live in New York,Âthe son lives in Vancouver, the daughter lives in Texas, and theÂgrandchildren live in Los Angeles, and they see each other maybe once a yearÂfor a family reunion, but it's not "family" anymore. People don'tÂcommunicate anymore in a family way. That's what I was talking about in thisÂarticle - family is the basis of your existence, and it should be. That'sÂwhy I was pissed when that guys said that reproducing and taking care of yourÂfamily was a depressing outlook. It's part of the way of thinking - peopleÂwant their lives, they want to make money, and the family is just a burdenÂfor them, especially if they have kids.ÂÂNRMA: Speaking of your time with the military in Croatia, and the lessons youÂlearned, in your essay you said that there were five million war stories inÂCroatia. Have you ever thought of writing and illustrating anÂautobiographical story about your time in the war?ÂÂIK: I have one beautiful proposal, and I've offered it to publishers all overÂthe USA over the years, but nobody wants to publish it.ÂÂNRMA: Why not?ÂÂIK: All of them want to put a bigger accent on the war side, and basically,Âmy story, because a vampire is involved, and some other things, it's moreÂlike fantasy than war. I went through it, so I didn't make exactly the warÂstories, which is very understandable. For the people who have never part ofÂa war, they want to hear more about war. For the people who have been throughÂwar, they don't really want to talk about the war itself. It's a catch-22.ÂIt happened especially in connection with DC Comics - an editor from DCÂwanted to cut out all these characters that were not part of the real war,Âlike the vampires and ghosts and extra-material experiences. I didn't want itÂto be shortened, and I refused to shorten it, so I cancelled it. The sameÂthing would happen with all the publishers I contacted.ÂÂNRMA: What is it about and what keeps publishers at bay?ÂÂIK: It's called Cross Roader, and it's a story about a guy who is a naturalÂborn super-hero. There are such people all over the world, like witch doctorsÂand shamans - they do possess some powers, and they know how to deal withÂthem. I met such people in Europe. I'm actually talking about real things,Âbut for people here, they don't look real, they look like fantasy.ÂÂThe story is about this guy who is dealing with evil forces in his own way,Âand he became part of this war in Croatia, and fights, good against evil. IÂcall it a super-hero story, but it's not - it's more complex. It's aboutÂexisting people and places, not made up heroes. This year, I started myÂcompany, by myself, and publishing will be included in it, and one day in theÂfuture, I plan to make and publish this comic completely on my own.ÂÂNRMA: Since you mention the superhero set, since Tarzan is your admittedÂobsession, why the switch to Marvel from the more pulp-oriented characters atÂDark Horse?ÂÂIK: First, I heard about some changes going on at Marvel, and it correspondedÂwith my miscommunication with Dark Horse. After they cancelled Tarzan, I wasÂnot interested in working with them anymore, so I had a transition periodÂworking with Wildstorm on the Star Trek book last year. Then, last year inÂOctober, I was in Spain to attend this beautiful convention, and there I metÂHoward Chaykin. He kind of liked my work, and told me that he had someÂproposals over at Marvel, and he would like to work with me, and would let meÂknow when the time came what was going on. He also told me that they wereÂbringing lots of good writers in to Marvel, as well as artists like RichardÂCorben, so I knew the situation there had to be changing from what it wasÂwhen I was there before - I was not satisfied with the people who wereÂworking there while I was illustrating Tales of the Marvels. It was a breathÂof fresh of air at Marvel, and I was intrigued. I wanted to try somethingÂnew.ÂÂNRMA: So you weren't keeping up with Marvel at the time?ÂÂIK: No - I hadn't read any superhero for years and years, so for me, it wasÂgoing to be a nice change. Then, at the beginning of this year, Howard calledÂme and said they had given him the green light on Cable, but David TischmanÂwould be coming on as a co-writer. Because Howard was working on theÂtelevision series, he had to step down from Cable, but would stay on almostÂas a ghostwriter, supervising the stories. Eventually, he dropped out of supeÂrvising too, leaving David as the writer. In early March, we started talkingÂwith Joe Quesada and Mark Powers.ÂÂNRMA: From what you've said, it seems as if Cable, as envisioned by TischmanÂwould be a good match for you.ÂÂIK: Yes, Cable is something good for me, because when I began talking withÂDavid, he told me exactly what he planned on doing with Cable - turn him intoÂa wandering priest/warrior who's visiting every hotspot in the world, and isÂtrying to make a difference by fighting the bad guys. At the same time, heÂworks to spread around his religion, especially to young people as a way toÂhelp them cope with their problems. This combination of traits in a characterÂwas very interesting to me. He's sort of a modern samurai.ÂÂLater, we developed his special relationship with women, which allows us toÂput in a slight dose of eroticism. It coincided with Marvel's decision toÂdrop the comics code, which was good. We can pump up the amount of allowedÂeroticism in this book. All in all, it was a good combination - with the codeÂgone, you have bigger possibilities to do good stories. The sensuality andÂeroticism that we might put in the book isn't there just for the sake ofÂbeing there, but it's there to spice up the lives of these sweaty, stinkingÂguys who seem to battle one another all the time. Look at it this way, CableÂhas this artificial arm, he's big, handsome, and very wise and mysterious. HeÂmust appear very exotic to women.ÂÂNRMA: Judging from your art first three issues, it looks as if Cable is theÂperfect book for you, and speaks to your strengths - many people, fewÂcostumes, and varied locations.ÂÂIK: Yes. Especially, when talking about comic books, I always consider myselfÂmore of a black and white artist than a painted artist. I entered theÂAmerican market in '94 as a painter with Tales of the Marvels, and had aÂreputation for being a painter for a long time, but I wanted to get rid ofÂit. I was doing black and white stuff occasionally, and didn't have a chanceÂto develop my black and white skills as much as I wanted. So Cable is anÂexcellent opportunity because it is an ongoing serial, and it's an excellentÂopportunity for me to work in black and white and try to do what I alwaysÂwanted to do - got to the essence of black and white graphic art, and doÂwhatever is necessary when it comes to purification and stylization of theÂart itself.ÂÂI don't know what I'm going to do with Cable, but I already realize workingÂon it, I have become faster and cleaner. It's like practicing piano every dayÂ- as you go, the contact between your fingers and brain is shorter andÂshorter and shorter. You can draw something in a split-second. You don't needÂtoo long for an idea to reach your fingers from your brain, but you can onlyÂreach this point by practicing every day, and this is what I'm able to do nowÂ- draw twelve hours a day.ÂÂNRMA: Along with the art, you're also responsible for the new logo andÂcovers, which have been distinctive so far. Is it gratifying to work in aÂwork-for-hire situation and be given a rather large amount of freedom?ÂÂIK: Yes. Very much. With Cable, they let me do whatever I want - they let meÂredesign the logo, and have a new approach with colors on he cover. They'reÂnot painted, they're not two colors - if you've seen the three Cable coversÂso far, you won't find too much color - they're very graphic and visuallyÂpowerful. Marvel is very satisfied with this new approach, and so am I. It'sÂchallenging and a big change when the company I'm working for trust me soÂmuch that I can do whatever I want. I have over 25 years experience ofÂworking in comics, and they know that I won't go over the edge withÂsomething. There's mutual understanding and respect. When you do this job forÂso many years, you have an inbuilt censorship, so you know what to do andÂwhat you can't do. Even though the European market is much more open to sex,ÂI know what can and can't be done in this market.ÂÂÂNRMA: Are you pleased with the reception Cable has received so far?ÂÂIK: Yes, very. I've been reading what some critics of Cable who used to readÂthe book before I started have had to say, and 90% are satisfied with what IÂdid on architecture and characters and the terrorists. One thing I like aboutÂthis book is that no one is black and white - everyone is a different shadeÂof gray, like normal people. They can kill, but they can love, they can beÂtough, and they can be gentle. They're real people, jus like in life. No oneÂis completely good, and no one is completely bad.ÂÂNRMA: Moving away from Cable, and getting to one of your pieces that hasÂstruck an emotional chord in many people, your illustration for the HeroesÂbook of the passengers on United Flight 93 rising up against the hijackers.ÂWhile you had to have known that other creators were going to focus on theÂrescuers at Ground Zero, why did you focus on these people and this moment inÂtime?ÂÂIK: First, because it was a challenge. I wanted to deal with something that IÂknew nobody else would tackle, because it was something that was really hardÂto draw. Secondly, this story, if it's true, it's a very heroic act. TheÂpassengers decided to take over and fight the terrorists, in spite of theÂfact that they knew they were going to die, because some of them were inÂcontact with their relatives and knew that the other two planes had crashedÂinto the towers. In spite of this fact, they decided to do something aboutÂit, and try to take over the plane.ÂÂNRMA: Something that has caused a little controversy though, is your image ofÂan Air Force fighter seen through the window of the plane. Is this aÂstatement on your part of what you think happened to Flight 93?ÂÂIK: No, no. We still don't know if it's true or not, because, according toÂsome other stories, this plane was crashed by Air Force fighters which wereÂescorting George Bush's airplane, which was very close to it at the time.ÂThis story about the passengers sounded very heroic to me, so when Joe toldÂme that this book was going to bear the title Heroes, this was what came toÂmy mind. This was a very heroic act.ÂÂAs for the plane and other things in my image, I had given up on watching theÂnews, because they started saying the same things and showing the same videoÂover and over again, so some of what was learned about the plane came after IÂwas done with my picture, like the terrorists had killed one steward to showÂthat they weren't guys to fuck with. If I knew that before, maybe it wouldÂhave looked better, but what I drew in this illustration was my impression ofÂwhat I had heard about this Pennsylvania plane, and I tried to draw regularÂJoes traveling to their business, or whatever. Some of them were men, someÂwere women, and all had a different reaction - some were standing up, someÂwere praying, some were panicking. There are many different reactions. ThatÂwas challenging - to draw a variety of behaviors in the face of a distressfulÂsituation. Unfortunately, I didn't have too much time to draw it, butÂaccording to the reactions I've heard, I'm very satisfied because I managedÂto provoke such a reaction.ÂÂNRMA: And you're working on A Moment of Silence as well - whose story areÂyou illustrating?ÂÂIK: Joe Quesada's. It's an 11-page silent story, based on a true story inÂNew York. I won't tell you anything of how it ends - I want it to be aÂsurprise. Roughly, it's about a family coping with a loss - a disappearance.ÂThere will be many people that will never be found after the attacks - soÂmany disappeared without a trace. There is always a spark of hope in suchÂcases that they may show up some day, if they've never found the body. It'sÂinteresting from a psychological point of view - you know someone died, butÂthe body was never found, so part of you wants to believe they're stillÂalive. Then there's the waiting. The period of waiting is what this story isÂabout.ÂÂNRMA: On to slightly happier topics, it appears as if the attention from theÂHeroes piece as well as the success with Cable is already beginning to reapÂbenefits. From hearing Joe Quesada speak, you've become the pinch hitter forÂnearly the entire Marvel Universe. So, do you have a fill-in slot scheduledÂon every book?ÂÂIK: Not quite, but I am getting more work. I think they announced alreadyÂthat I will be doing a full-length graphic novel hardcover on Storm. In theÂbeginning, Chris Claremont wrote it to be a four issue miniseries, but it wasÂso powerful and visually effective that I managed to negotiate with Joe andÂthe other editors to add an extra fifty pages and do it immediately as aÂgraphic novel. I want to do some experimenting with color in this book, so itÂwill be exciting. Because of the length, it will run 144 pages and willÂresemble manga a little bit, but not in the style - just in storytelling,Âgraphic approach and length. I would like to concentrate more on charactersÂand their body language, and 88 pages is not a length for such a book. ItÂwill be something beautiful, and will probably come out in 2003.ÂÂNRMA: You're also replacing Greg Horn on the MAX Black Widow miniseries byÂGreg Rucka, right?ÂÂIK: Yes. I'm just about to start on it. I need to finish this silent story,Âand finish inking X-Men for #120. After that, I'm clear to go for BlackÂWidow, which is familiar ground to me, because it happens in Russia. RussiaÂis not my country, but most of the people in the Balkan area are part of theÂSlavic tribe, and the Russian way of thinking is very familiar to me. Again,Âit's challenging to do something appropriate within a Russian environment.ÂÂNRMA: You enjoy working on something in a real world setting rather than aÂfantasy one, where you can take a few artistic liberties?ÂÂIK: Yes. I started working this way on Cable - the first arc happens in Peru,Âand I spent a long time researching to find out about real people, theÂfashions they wear, and the environments they operate in. For me, it's alwaysÂvery important to generate a complete picture, so they can get a completeÂimpression as to what it's about.ÂÂSo, in lots of superhero books, you can see when they showed Moscow, it'sÂalways Red Square. Moscow is not just Red Square. That's what I plan to doÂwith Black Widow - to present a variety of architecture and people and stuff.ÂSimilar to in Cable - we're doing the Macedonian story right now. People inÂthe US and Canada probably don't have a good feel for Macedonia and what itÂis about, so I'd like to present that to them. It's a part of my EuropeanÂcomic book heritage - we grew up with these French, Italian, and SpanishÂcomic books, and they always paid attention to the backgrounds - theÂarchitecture, the fashion, and the vehicles. The French have had a longÂtradition of this since it began with Herge's Tintin of showing detailedÂbackgrounds. He was one of the first authors who started paying attention toÂenvironments, especially architecture. I think it's very important for theÂreader to have a complete picture of everything that is going on.ÂÂNRMA: Looking ahead, one could figure since Marvel is keeping you busy,Âyou'll be staying with them for the foreseeable future?ÂÂIK: Yeah. Although, at a certain point, they started to pile up the offers toÂa point where I changed into a marketing way of thinking and told them thatÂif they want me to do so much, they must like me, so they should be willingÂto raise my price a little. They thought about it for a short time, andÂoffered me an exclusive contract. I agreed, because I have a big family toÂfeed… [laughter]ÂÂNRAMA: How big?ÂÂIK: I have a wife and two dogs, and three girls - but not in that order. TheÂdogs should come at the end. The girls are 4, 8, and 10 years old. ThisÂcontract is for two years, so at least for two years, it will give meÂfinancial security. Now, for the first time since I came to North America,Âwhich was five years ago, I can plan something for the future. I can spreadÂmy tentacles on the local ground some more. This income I'm getting fromÂMarvel right now will give me the possibility to open a gallery of my work,Âand my wife and I have always wanted to open a restaurant.ÂÂRecently my wife and I leased a place here in Winnipeg that was an oldÂMasonic Temple from the end of the last century. It was a restaurant forÂyears and years, and we've now leased it, and are trying to renovate it toÂestablish a lounge on the second floor with live music and lots of art. OnÂthe third floor is going to be a big, big gallery. We're hoping for thisÂbuilding to be the center of all the cultural events in the city. It can be aÂgathering place for people who are involved in culture and art. One of theÂthings I want to do for next year or for 2003 would be to start up a comicÂbook convention, because there isn't any in this region. Winnipeg is an idealÂare for that, because in a circle of 2000 kilometers around, you can find allÂthe bigger cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Vancouver, Seattle,Âand Portland. Winnipeg is basically the geographical center of North America,Âso if people want to get together for a comic book convention, they don'tÂneed to go to San Diego or New York - they can travel a shorter distance, andÂcome to Winnipeg. We'll see. We also want to do theater shows, live music,Âand lots of other things.ÂÂNRAMA: Sounds like you've got a full plate all around…ÂÂIK: Right. And I will be able to do it especially because I have this steadyÂincome for two years and hopefully longer. That's why this contract and myÂcontact with Marvel are so significant. Things are going up.ÂÂÂAddendum:ÂÂWhen Igor learned that his interview would be following Jodorowsky's theÂcreator was compelled to offer up his own Jodo story or two, one that shouldÂespecially pique the interest of fans of both Kordey and Jodorowsky…ÂÂÂIK: I worked with Jodorowsky at the beginning of this year on a project forÂthe French publisher, Les Humanoides Associes [the parent of the AmericanÂHumanoids]. The book was the second volume of Les Passion de Diosamante. ItÂis supposed to be an ongoing story, but he doesn't want to writer furtherÂstories, because he wants to see how the first book will be accepted by theÂmarket. He pulled out of it, because he was very busy with his theater showsÂand other things, along with writing comics.ÂÂNRAMA: This would be a continuation of the original series by Gal, correct?ÂÂIK: Yes. Diosamante is a fantasy story begun by Jodo and Jean-Claude GalÂbegan in the late '80s, but Gal died after the first book was published. HeÂdied because of working too much. [laughter] it will probably be the same forÂme too. He was in bad health, but a great guy. I had met him once in France.ÂHe had glasses like beer bottles minus fifteen diopters, or something. TheyÂoccasionally published his work in Heavy Metal - it was extremely, extremely,Âpainfully detailed stuff. It was almost annoying in a way to read, it had theÂtendency to overpower the storytelling.ÂÂThey wanted to start it again last year, so they engaged Jodorowsky to beginÂwork on it. Gal managed to finish ten pages of layouts of the second volume,Âand I was working on the script for the potential second book.ÂÂNRAMA: There's been some speculation that Jodo might be a target of JoeÂQuesada's as he looks for talent to bring to Marvel. Speaking as someone whoÂhas worked with the man, do you think he would bite, if offered the chance?ÂÂIK: Oh, no. He's very satisfied with what he's doing, because they treat himÂin France like a celebrity. He chooses his own artists and whatever he saysÂeditors obey. He wouldn't have such an approach in the US. He's a celebrity,Âa big deal in France, and he would like to stay like that. I doubt he wouldÂwant to spoil it. They pay him very well also - every serial he starts is aÂbig success in France and the European market.ÂÂSpeaking of him, this Juan Solo project- what's coming out in America as SonÂof the Gun - I would recommend it to anyone. You can recognize hisÂobsessions, as in all of his books - he's coping with religion, withÂdwarves, with incest, Oedipus complexes, and all of it. Later in Son of theÂGun it will all come out - trust me. It's very good, probably my favoriteÂJodorowsky story.ÂÂÂBrian GallagherÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Interview with Goran Visnjic in Guardian Unlimited (UK) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5701/1/E-Interview-with-Goran-Visnjic-in-Guardian-Unlimited-UK.html Operating in a different theatre. Having set pulses racing in ER, CroatianÂactor Goran Visnjic tells Wendy Ide he's now working like a trainee doctor toÂget his movie career off the ground.ÂÂWendy IdeÂÂGuardian UnlimitedÂÂSaturday December 15, 2001ÂÂÂA key role in Michael Winterbottom's Welcome To Sarajevo brought CroatianÂactor Goran Visnjic to the attention of the international film industry, andÂafter a bit of a false start (Practical Magic), his US career was sealed whenÂhe was recruited to fill George Clooney's shoes as ER's crumpet-in-residence.ÂA film career crammed in around his obligations in the emergency room has soÂfar produced a lead in Nick Willing's Doctor Sleep and an acclaimedÂperformance as a blackmailing stranger in The Deep End.ÂÂThere's a bit of a medical theme in your work at the moment, what with ER, aÂrole as a hypnotist in Dr Sleep and the cardiac massage in The Deep End.ÂÂWhat can I tell you? It was, like, accidental, you know. And to make thingsÂeven funnier, my character is supposed to be from Chicago in Dr Sleep, and ERÂis set in Chicago. So I said, "Can we please change to another city, it wouldÂbe too much." So I'm from Seattle now.ÂÂDo you find that you're offered a lot of villain roles because of the easternÂEuropean accent?ÂÂIt's a fashion that started during the cold war, in 007 movies, and the USÂmovie industry was of course much bigger than anything else in the world. SoÂthe bad guy would be whoever was their enemy at the time. Now things areÂslightly changing, but you have to choose your parts carefully. If you've gotÂan offer, big bucks, to play a bad guy in the next 007, you can do that, butÂwhat will happen with your career in the next couple of years?ÂÂHave you moved from Croatia to the US permanently?ÂÂI just moved to the States two years ago. So I consider it a temporary move.ÂI never even applied for a green card, nothing like that. I'm still onÂworking visas. I spent a while commuting between the US and Croatia. I knewÂevery aeroplane. Then when I got ER I decided I had to move, because you haveÂto be there for nine months while the shoot is happening. It's an every dayÂjob.ÂÂSo you only have time to do one movie a year. How do you choose?ÂÂYou have to have a really good agent. For The Deep End, it was a really easyÂdecision: it was a great script; Scott and David directing; Tilda SwintonÂwould be in it, I knew that already; and you can play someone who's a bad guyÂat the beginning, but over the course of five or six days turns into a reallyÂgood guy. That's four really interesting things in favor of being in thisÂfilm.ÂÂHow was the shoot?ÂÂWe had a bear on the set one day, it was eating garbage. We were shooting onÂLake Tahoe and the bear just walked into the catering area. He smelled theÂfood, poor guy. They were making a noise in front of the bear to make himÂwalk away, but he was just ignoring everybody. He was a very polite bear. HeÂate a little bit and then he left.ÂÂDo you still work in Croatia?ÂÂI work back and forth. I think it's really important to keep contact withÂyour native language, and denitely, what I would like to do, once I have fourÂmonths off from my life, I would denitely like to go to Croatia, and work inÂtheater. Theater is my first love.ÂÂWhat about a holiday?ÂÂHoliday? What's that? I'm the type of guy, after 10 days of holiday, I'mÂcrazy. I want to work. When I work I feel good. I like what I'm doing, soÂit's almost like a pure pleasure to work.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂBrian GallagherÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Music in NYTimes http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5700/1/E-Music-in-NYTimes.html Nenad: This appeared in today's NYT and mentions this fellow Marshall asÂÂrecording music from Croatian and Serbian Orthodox Churches in Dubrovnik.ÂÂMarshall brother-in-law, Francis Tomasic, was killed in BH - I assumeÂÂTomasic is a Croatian surname.ÂÂÂJohn KraljicÂÂDecember 30, 2001ÂÂÂAn American Minimalist Who Can Stir the SoulÂÂÂBy ADAM SHATZÂÂÂONE of the most intractable myths of the classical tradition is that WesternÂÂart music is "autonomous," heroically transcending the context that nurturesÂÂit and lacking any genuine social function. It's hard to see how anyoneÂÂcould take this notion seriously after Sept. 11. Within days of the attacks,ÂÂmemorial events were held in concert halls throughout the country, vividlyÂÂconfirming an often forgotten attribute of classical music: its ritualÂÂpower. I recently spoke to a friend about what we'd been listening to,ÂÂpost-apocalypse. At the top of his list was Arvo Pärt, the Estonian composerÂÂknown for his haunting settings of Christian texts. At the top of mine wasÂÂIngram Marshall. To which my friend replied, "Ingram who?"ÂÂÂIf Ingram Marshall had a longer beard, spoke Estonian, lived in Berlin andÂÂworshiped in the Russian Orthodox Church, he might, like Mr. Pärt, be calledÂÂa "holy minimalist" and count Michael Stipe among his fans. But reputation,ÂÂlike fate, is partly an accident of geography, and Mr. Marshall, who wasÂÂborn in New York and lives in New Haven, will never have Mr. Pärt's exoticÂÂaura. American minimalists, we're told, write secular music, while EasternÂÂEuropean minimalists like Mr. Pärt write sacred music. Never mind that SteveÂÂReich, Philip Glass and John Adams have all composed major works onÂÂreligious themes. Next to Mr. Pärt, the Pole Henryk Gorecki and theÂÂEnglishman John Tavener, they might as well be children of a lesser god.ÂÂÂÂJames Patrick Cooper for The New York TimesÂÂIngram Marshall conducting a rehearsal of his 1981 work ``Fog Tropes'' atÂÂCooper Union in October.ÂÂÂÂÂArts & Leisure (Dec. 30, 2001)ÂÂÂThe contrast between American secular minimalism and European holyÂÂminimalism is especially misleading in Mr. Marshall's case. True, he doesÂÂnot write explicitly liturgical music, nor does he cultivate any priestlyÂÂairs. But his music is some of the most stirring spiritual art to be foundÂÂin America today.ÂÂÂ"Composers, poets and artists always feel useless in the wake of calamity,"ÂÂMr. Marshall said in a recent interview. "We are not firemen; we are notÂÂphilanthropists or inspirational speakers. But I think it is the tragic andÂÂcalamitous in life that we try to make sense of, and this is the stuff ofÂÂour lives as artists." A few months ago, Mr. Marshall's plainspoken sense ofÂÂduty would have been almost quaint; today it feels just right.ÂÂÂMr. Marshall's mournful, sonorous music can be heard on two new releases -ÂÂ"Kingdom Come" (Nonesuch 79613-2), which features recent works forÂÂorchestra, choir and string quartet, and "Dark Waters" (New Albion NA 112ÂÂCD), a series of pieces for oboe and French horn. Like the films of AndreiÂÂTarkovsky, much of the music here has a quality of timeless lament, ofÂÂinconsolable sorrow. Tenderly human in expression yet superhuman in scale,ÂÂit seems to contemplate our condition from a very great height. Mr. MarshallÂÂenhances this effect by interweaving conventional instruments withÂÂprerecorded, computer-manipulated sounds or with live devices, like digitalÂÂdelay. The fusion of electronic manipulation and human intention is seamlessÂÂbut never slick.ÂÂÂ"Ingram has always had his own extremely distinctive voice," Mr. Reich said.ÂÂ"Call it subdued, call it Northern, call it tragic and personal. `KingdomÂÂCome,' especially its opening measures, is some of the most beautiful musicÂÂI've heard."ÂÂÂMr. Adams likened Mr. Marshall's music to "certain 19th- and 20th-centuryÂÂAmerican painters who used landscape as an expression of an elegiacÂÂsensibility. There is a real sense of melancholy, an experience of landscapeÂÂin Ingram's music."ÂÂÂHis work is a synthesis of three radically divergent traditions: electronicÂÂmusic, Indonesian gamelan and turn-of-the-century European Romanticism. BornÂÂin 1942, he came of age at a time when many American composers wereÂÂthrilling to the possibilities of electronic technology. A graduate studentÂÂin music history at Columbia University, Mr. Marshall found his true home inÂÂthe school's renowned electronic music studio, directed by VladimirÂÂUssachevsky. "What I loved about the studio was being able to manipulateÂÂsounds as if they were colors you were painting with," Mr. MarshallÂÂrecalled. "It was a very direct, physical act." Although he no longer writesÂÂstrictly electronic music, he said his "impulse of working with sounds asÂÂcolor, atmosphere, and memory hasn't really changed."ÂÂÂThe other defining experience of Mr. Marshall's first years as a composerÂÂwas the trip he made to Indonesia in the summer of 1971. In Bali he studiedÂÂwith the gamelan master K.R.T. Wasitodipura and learned to play the gambeh,ÂÂa flute that he has since incorporated into several compositions. But whatÂÂrevolutionized his thinking was the slow, stately music of Java, whichÂÂshowed him that "time could be driven to an almost complete halt and stillÂÂbe interesting."ÂÂÂOddly enough, Mr. Marshall's music has virtually none of the EasternÂÂinflections that ripple through the early work of Mr. Reich, who fell inÂÂlove with gamelan around the same time. Indeed, Mr. Marshall is in someÂÂrespects the most European of minimalists, an unabashed romantic whoÂÂluxuriates in sound and who does not shy away from grand, even bombasticÂÂgestures that would cause some of his peers to blush. Where Mr. Reich andÂÂMr. Glass rebelled against the 19th-century symphonic tradition, Mr.ÂÂMarshall has embraced it. He said he felt "an especially strong affinityÂÂwith the Northern loneliness in Sibelius's music." Both "Dark Waters" andÂÂ"Kingdom Come" allude to Sibelius's tone poem "The Swan of Tuonela."ÂÂÂNeither a process-oriented minimalist nor a neo-romantic, Mr. Marshall neverÂÂfit comfortably into any camp. As Mr. Adams, a close friend of Mr.ÂÂMarshall's since the 1970's, when they were neighbors in San Francisco,ÂÂrecalled: "Ingram was a fish out of water because his music was so romantic,ÂÂso expressive. His example gave me a great deal of encouragement and helpedÂÂto validate my own feelings about expressivity."ÂÂÂThe support was mutual: it was Mr. Adams who encouraged Mr. Marshall in hisÂÂmove away from purely electronic composition. After Mr. Marshall presentedÂÂhis tape piece, "Fog" - a brooding collage of fog horns, ringing buoys,ÂÂwind, female voices and gambeh - Mr. Adams, then the conductor of aÂÂcontemporary-music ensemble, suggested that Mr. Marshall arrange the pieceÂÂfor brass sextet. With painstaking attention to verisimilitude, Mr. MarshallÂÂsucceeded in making the brass lines - the low murmurs of tuba and trombone,ÂÂthe sirenlike sounds of French horn - seem as if they were emanating fromÂÂthe fog itself. Composed in 1981, the revised work, "Fog Tropes," has becomeÂÂMr. Marshall's signature piece; "Kingdom Come" concludes with a fine newÂÂarrangement of it for the Kronos Quartet.ÂÂÂIn recent years, Mr. Marshall has been especially drawn to spiritualÂÂsounds - church bells, choirs, the shuffling of feet in cathedrals. TheÂÂtitle track of "Kingdom Come," a 16-minute work performed by the AmericanÂÂComposers Orchestra under the conductor Paul Dunkel, dates to Mr. Marshall'sÂÂvisit to the former Yugoslavia in 1985. Wandering through Dubrovnik, heÂÂsmuggled his tape recorder into services at Croatian Catholic and SerbianÂÂOrthodox churches. The recordings lay on his shelf until 1994, when Mr.ÂÂMarshall's brother-in- law, the journalist Francis Tomasic, was killed by aÂÂmine in Bosnia. Mr. Marshall then set to work on the piece, combining hisÂÂtapes with an old recording of a Bosnian Muslim gusle singer.ÂÂÂMore dissonant than anything Mr. Marshall has written, "Kingdom Come" is aÂÂtroubled requiem. After a sumptuously lyrical opening for strings, the pieceÂÂbuilds to a tormented polyphony as Croatian, Serbian and finally BosnianÂÂvoices are added. The conclusion - the repetition, and the dying away, of aÂÂleft-hand piano chord - is no more reassuring. It's a meditation on theÂÂclash of political and religious faiths that may speak to American listenersÂÂtoday with an uncomfortable immediacy.ÂÂÂA measure of solace is provided in the work that follows, "Hymnodic Delays,"ÂÂan arrangement of four early American Protestant psalms for Paul Hillier'sÂÂTheater of Voices, a choral quartet. Mr. Marshall, whose mother played pianoÂÂin the family's Congregational church, combines digital delay with moreÂÂtraditional techniques like canons to underscore the meaning of theseÂÂprayers. In his arrangement of Jeremiah Ingalls's "Bright Hour Delayed,"ÂÂwhich asks "How long dear savior, O how long / Shall this bright hourÂÂdelay?" he elongates the words "delay" and "long" through digital delay,ÂÂwhich gives the yearnings they express an aural embodiment. "What I'm tryingÂÂto do is go into the actual sound of the words," he said. "I think thatÂÂwords in religious texts that are very old have a way of connecting peopleÂÂto God."ÂÂÂIngram Marshall's music offers a powerful recreation of the experience ofÂÂsolitude that is very close to an experience of the divine. Reprinted in theÂÂliner notes to "Kingdom Come" is a 1976 photograph of Mr. Marshall by hisÂÂfriend Jim Bengston. In the picture, Mr. Marshall is seen from the back,ÂÂlooking out on the Sierra Nevada enshrouded in fog. It's a portrait of a manÂÂjealous of his privacy and humbly aware of the fragile position he occupiesÂÂin the cosmos. As in his music, Mr. Marshall suggests that, measured againstÂÂthe inexorable forces of nature and time, we are finally insignificantÂÂfigures in a vast landscape.ÂÂÂAdam Shatz's most recent article for Arts & Leisure was about the guitaristÂÂMarc Ribot.ÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) On the Run Cable IFC premiere, Dec. 29 at 8pm ET, Igor Sunara Director of Photography http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5699/1/E-On-the-Run-Cable-IFC-premiere-Dec-29-at-8pm-ET-Igor-Sunara-Director-of-Photography.html December 29 at 8pm ET.ÂÂON THE RUNÂpremieres on the Independent Film ChannelÂas part of the Mezzo-Sopranos FestivalÂÂMichael Imperioli and John Ventimiglia will introduce the film on IFC.Â------------------------------------Âhttp://www.arcofilms.comÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Waldeffpetar http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5698/1/E-Waldeffpetar.html Dragi Nenad: You are to be congratulated for all of your efforts. I amÂwondering if any of your other readers have heard about a Croatian artist, atÂleast he writes in Croatian, and signs his works "Waldeffpetar" or very closeÂto that spelling. There is one work I have seen entitled "vrt sa stazane stoÂse racveja." Puno hvala.......a.pavlich (ankica2@aol.com)ÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Ponovo uveden hrvatski jezik u opcini Subotica http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5697/1/H-Ponovo-uveden-hrvatski-jezik-u-opcini-Subotica.html DEMOKRATSKI SAVEZ HRVATA U VOJVODINIÂÂPress sluzbaÂÂÂSubotica: Hrvatski jezik u sluzbenoj uporabiÂÂSubotica: Hrvatski vrtici od jeseni 2002.ÂÂNovi Sad: Hrvatski jezik u Vojvodini u sluzbenoj uporabi - inicijativaÂÂÂSubotica, 20. prosinca 2001.ÂÂÂNa inicijativu Demokratskog saveza Hrvata u Vojvodini Skupstina opcineÂSubotica je na svojemu zasjedanju 20. prosinca 2001. godine donijela dvijeÂodluke, koje su izuzetno vazne za Hrvate:ÂÂÂ- ponovo je uveden hrvatski jezik u sluzbenu uporabu u opcini Subotica. JosÂ1993. godine takodjer na inicjativu DSHV Skustina je uvela hrvatski jezik iÂmadjarski pravopis u sluzbenu uporabu u opcini, protiv cega je MilosevicevaÂSocijalisticka partija Srbije podnije tuzbu Ustavnom sudu Republike Srbije.ÂTaj sud je iz politickih razloga odgadjao presudu sve dok je Milosevic bio naÂvlasti. Potvrdjujucu presudu nisu htjeli donijeti, jer bi time HrvatimaÂomogucili nesto, za sto oni ne bi nista dobili. Negativna presuda ne bi bilaÂpopularna za rezim. 24. sijecnja 2001. godine sud, ciji su suci biliÂimenovani jos od milosevicevog rezima, donijo je odluku kojom se proglasavaÂnistavnom odluka Skupstine opcine Subotica, jer "nije u skladu sa Zakonom oÂsluzbenoj upotrebi jezika". Hrbvatima se, doduse dopusta javno govoritiÂhrvatski (nece nam se jezici iscupati!), ali na hrvatskom komunicirati sÂdrzavom - to ipak ne ide! Tako ustavni sud RS.ÂÂSada je to ispravljeno i Hrvati u Subotici mogu dobiti sve opcinske dokumenteÂkomunicirati s opcinom i na hrvatskom jeziku;ÂÂÂ- od jeseni 2002. godine hrvatska djeca ce u Subotici, po zelji roditelja,Âmoci biti u skupinama u kojima ce se govoriti hrvatski jezik.ÂÂOva odluka se odnosi na vrtice u vlasnistvu opcine.ÂÂOvim zapocinje proces, ciji slijedeci korak ce biti i osnivanje razreda iÂskola na hrvatskom jeziku i po posebnim programima, koji ce uzeti u obzirÂjezik i knjizevnost, povijest, kulturu, glazbu... kako vojvodjanskih Hrvata,Âtako i opceg hrvatstva.ÂÂOvaj je korak bio tempiran upravo za ove dane, jer ce od 1. sijecnja 2002.Âgodine osnovne skole biti u nadleznosti opcina, a srednje u nadleznosti APÂVojvodine.ÂÂÂNovi Sad, prosinac 2001.ÂÂÂNa inicijativu Demokratskog saveza Hrvata u Vojvodini iznova je pokrenutaÂinicijativa da se hrvatski jezik uvede u sluzbenu uporabu u AP Vojvodini.ÂÂOvakva inicijativa je, naime, vec jednom bila pokrenuta u sijecnju 2001.Âgodine, ali u Skupstini AP Vojvodine 24. svibnja 2001. nije dobila dovoljnoÂglasova: za ovaj prijedlog glasalo je 56 poslanika, a trebalo je najmanje 61.ÂÂSada je opca klima povoljnija i ocekuje se da ce u sijecnju ili veljaci i ovaÂinicijativa biti na dnevnom redu i da ce biti prihvacena.ÂÂUsvajanje ove inicijative omogucilo bi osnivanje osnovnih i srednjih skola naÂhrvatskom jeziku u cijeloj Vojvodini, osnivanje sredstava informiranja odÂstrane APV, kako to postoji za sve priznate jezike, tj. narode, mogucnostÂuporabe hrvatskog jezika u svim strukturama pokrajinske administracijeÂ(dokumenti, nazivi gradova i sela, maticni dokumenti, sudovi...).ÂÂBela TonkovicÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Putujuci lijepom nasom http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5696/1/H-Putujuci-lijepom-nasom.html Zajednicar, Pittsburgh (SAD), 21. studenoga 2001., "Putujuci Lijepom Nasom"ÂÂÂ... Putujuci kroz mala mjesta Like covjek dobiva bolan osjecaj da je cijeliÂÂsvijet izumro, jedino je priroda poput mlade nevjeste pokazala svu svojuÂÂraskos i ljepotu. Zapusteni vocnjaci krcati su plodovima, ono maloÂÂobradjenih njiva izgledaju kao biseri. Uglavnom nepokosene livade, na nekimÂÂmjestima su rastom nadmasivale covjeka. Kao u nekom ruznom snu, hodala samÂÂtim napustenim selima, nadajuci se da cu nekoga sresti, nesto vidjeti ili seÂÂbarem probuditi iz tog mucnog sna, ali nista osim pustosi. U mom rodnomÂÂmjestu ostalo je samo nekoliko staraca i svaki put kad im pisem ili ihÂÂvidim, sve ih je manje. Obisla sam svaku kucu, svakog starca ili staricu.ÂÂOdnijela im skromne ali korsne poklone. Plakali smo, smijali se i spominjaliÂÂne tako davna vremena, kad je moje rodno mjesto cvalo od zivota. Kako jeÂÂtuzno gledati tu napustenu zemlju, tu niciju zemlju, za kojom se tolikoÂÂprolilo suza, znoja i krvi, kroz stoljeca. Groblje je jedino mjesto gdje jeÂÂnas Lovincana svakim danom sve vise i vise. (...)ÂÂÂ... Ne znam od cega ljudi zive, ali svi imaju visi standard od mene. SviÂÂkukaju. Oni koji imaju vise kukaju vise, a oni sto imaju manje, kukajuÂÂmanje. Gotovo se svi slazu da se u Hrvatskoj nista ne isplati. Ne isplati seÂÂuzgajati janjce, pilice, praviti sireve. Na farmi od nekoliko stotina ovaca,ÂÂvuna se pali, jer se ne isplati prati, a iz Novog Zelanda dojde cista.ÂÂTehnicka roba i odjeca je skuplja, hotelske usluge jeftinije, a pogotovo uÂÂprivatnom smjestaju. Voznja autobusima, a pogotovo vlakom je vrlo jeftina.ÂÂNitko ne ide bez mobitela, a ja sam im izgledala kao bijela vrana bezÂÂmobitela, jos i k tome i sat mi se pokvario, tako da sam zapravo bila zaÂÂzaljenje a ne "svijetli" primjer kapitalliste. Svi s kojima sam razgovaralaÂÂkrive nekog drugog za udes i uporno mi tvrde da mi njih ne razumijemo.ÂÂVjerojatno je to istina da mi nemamo pravu sliku o Hrvatskoj, ali tu slikuÂÂje vrlo tesko dobiti. U Hrvatskoj ima svega. Neke stvari su skupe, nekeÂÂpristupacne, a neke cak i jeftine, recimo alkohol i cigarete, jer vecinaÂÂljudi pusi. Najskuplji i najtrazeniji predmet za mene, bio je smijesak, kojiÂÂse tesko dobiva, a u javnim uredima gotovo ne postoji.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ-- Josipa Klostranec-LicankaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂclanica odsjeka 975 HBZ [Toronto]ÂÂ----------------ÂÂmozda koji "kapitalist' iz "dijaspore" ... zagrize.ÂÂÂjucer sam citao zivotnu pripovijest jedne druge Licanke iz Lovinca. iz srÂÂhrvatske je u kanadu iselila 1955. godine s petero djece. suprug je otisaoÂÂvec 1945. godine. danas imaju dvadesetak unucadi i 23 praunucadi -- uÂÂKanadi.ÂÂÂproslijedjeno: Rudolf ArapovicÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Stihovi Vlade Franjevica u novom broju Konture! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5695/1/H-Stihovi-Vlade-Franjevica-u-novom-broju-Konture.html Uspjesnu Vam 2002. godinu zele suradnici i urednistvo casopisa za novuÂpoeziju, Konture.com. Odvojite trenutak za poeziju i ostale sadrzaje izÂupravo objavljenog treceg broja Kontura.ÂÂwww.konture.comÂkonture@konture.comÂÂU novom broju konture, (nezavisna i neinstitucionalna web publikacija zaÂsuvremenu poeziju) citajte stihove Vlade Franjevica. Magazin konture jeÂutemeljen na privatnoj inicijativi. Casopis kojeg ureduje stalni urednik /ÂZagreb / i gosti urednici iz zemlje i inozemstva izlazi tromjesecno prviÂje projekt takve vrste u Hrvatskoj. Likovno-kulturni radnik i autor VladoÂFranjevic iz Liechtensteina je od nedugo clan savjeta ovog magazina.ÂÂÂVlado Franjevic , jedini na domaci-inozemni autor uÂovome broju, autor je posve osobena poetskog izraza. Poezijom narativnogÂtipa autor bilje i nizove dojmova, svojevrsni kovitlac zbivanja,Âpokretnost - tovi e nemogucnost zaustavljanja ni kada bismo htjeliÂ(nijemac koji je stajao u repu za brod iza nas / ugurao nas je s na imÂautom u ogromni brod.). Mjestimice, Franjeviceve poetske slike otkrijuÂFranjevica slikara (jezera, vodenslapovi, obale Rajne, zlatna sela ...),Âno povrh toga putnika duhom nevezana za odreden prostor ( ponekad mislimÂovdje / to je mo da ipak / svugdje.). Strukturiranje recenica i upotrebaÂjezika s blagim odmakom od "uobicajenoga", a zapravo s odmakom odÂdomicilnoga jezika, dodatno osvje avaju citanja.ÂÂÂU rubrici "Iz hrvatske poezije" citajte takodje o slijedecim autorima:ÂÂVeoma zanimljiva pjesnikinja i nova suradnica Kontura, Irina BanÂ, do sada nije objavljivala svoje pjesme. Ni po knji evnojÂperiodici, iako je veoma zainteresirana za sud citateljstva o svojimÂstihovima. Pjesme ove autorice odi u posebnim dojmom, svojevrsnimÂ"parunovskim" enstvom gotovo stopljenim s prirodom (zemljom, plodno cu)Âkoje, ipak, nekamo izmice. Objekt udnje nije zatajen, no nije ni pokazan:Âu onom je prostoru u kojem ga citatelj sam "izgraduje" ... Kako ovajÂuvodnik nije namijenjen analiziranju poetika odabranih autora, nego najaviÂcitanja zanimljive poezije, dalja citanja rado cemo podijeliti iÂusporediti s Va ima u na em.ÂÂSladan Lipovec pjesnik je bez jo uvijek vlastiteÂknjige pjesama, no stihove je objavljivao u periodici, sudjelovao uÂpoetskim natjecajima, a knjigu stihova najavljuje. Lipovceva poezija, naÂposve razlicit nacin od poezije Irine Ban, takoder pjeva o plodnosti,Âgotovo zemljano opipljivoj. Pjesnikova je uloga u vlastitim stihovimaÂdvojaka: onoga tko stvara, kreira, ali i procjenjuje (vrednuje) kakoÂautorsku poziciju, tako i sadr aj koji stvara. Primjerom je pjesma JesenÂje popodne u kojoj se pjesnik svjesno distancira odÂtradicije pjevanja o jeseni (Cesaric) i ulogom aktivnog sudionikaÂ"ispiljuje stihove o jeseni". Pjesmu navodimo i kao toliko rijedakÂprimjer, u tzv. postmodernoj poeziji, pjesme koja od citatelja zahtijevaÂdo ivljavanje kompleksom cula: miris benzina, okus cigarete, osjecajÂhladnoce, slu anje vjetra i piljenja drva. Hocemo li i ubuduce citati vi eÂnove, sinestezijski bogate poezije?!ÂÂÂTomislav Ribic , vje tim i sigurnim autorskimÂrukopisom, pi e/slika/hvata bajkovitu radnju. Za razliku od tzv.Âpostmoderne karaktristicne fantazmagorije u poeziji (razlomljene, li eneÂkonvencionalnih znacenja i poimanja), Ribiceva je bogata pjesma-bajkaÂvje to izgradena prepoznatljivom formom (pocetka, razrade i kraja). MotiviÂnemirgradova, vila, ena-riba, vodenih po tara samo u veoma sigurnimÂautorskim rukama mogu postici snagu dojma kakvu posjeduje RibicevaÂpoezija.ÂÂÂBlanka Supan pjesnikinja je bogatstva motiva, tovi e,Ânjihova istodobnog pro imanja. Autorici vje to uspijeva, a ritmomÂtoka/neprestanog mijenjanja, u pjesmu utkati poruke klasicne mudrosti,Âslike svakodnevne neuroticne vrtnje, motiv duboke zabrinutosti humanistaÂnad svijetom ... a pocesto se zaigra i samim gradivnim tkivom pjesme -Ârijecju. U pjesmi Osveta autorica cini jak odmak odÂdotada njeg joj zaigranog pisanja, i otvara polja autorskog istra ivanjaÂkompleksa odnosa: ena/samosvjesnost/okolina/konflikt ...ÂÂTvrtko Vukovic pjesmama kojima se predstavlja u ovomÂbroju Kontura, a kojima najavljuje svoju drugu knjigu poezije, najavljujeÂcini se, i pjesnika od koga je ocekivati zgusnutu, te ku, vanserijskuÂpoeziju. Vukovic nam ne olak ava citanja. Ne opterecuje se servirati namÂifrarnik u d ep lovacke/ umarske/navijacke odjece kada smo mu se vecÂodlucili pridru iti na putovanju u nepoznato. A kada smo mu se vecÂpridru ili, obecanje posve individualne pustolovine svakoga od sudionika,Âte ko da ce nas odvratiti od daljeg puta/citanja, iako odmah uocavamo daÂput nije ni uobicajen ni lak. Prepuna iznenadenja, zasicena posve novomÂsimbolikom prizora, gusta i slojevita ... Vukoviceva poezija naci ceÂpoklonike medu zaljubljenicima poetskih rijetkosti.ÂÂproslijedjeno; Vlado FranjevicÂdistributed by CROWN - www.croatianworld.net - CroWorldNet@aol.comÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 06 Jan 2002 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Power of Music tonight on TV - Igor Sunara DP http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5709/1/E-The-Power-of-Music-tonight-on-TV---Igor-Sunara-DP.html Wishing you joy as you celebrate the beauty of the season!ÂIgorÂÂP.S.ÂThe folowing are two films I was involved as Director of Photography, PowerÂof Music (documentary / Co-Cinematographer) and On the Run (feature / DoP):ÂÂWatch "The Power of Music," December 20, 9 p.m. ET/PTÂÂDHC (DISCOVERY HEALTH CHANNEL)ÂÂDec 20 2001ÂEpisode#1 9pmÂEpisode#2 10pmÂÂDec 21 2001ÂEpisode#1 12:00 amÂEpisode#2 1:00amÂÂAbout The ProgramÂMusicians and doctors discuss the affects of music on the human body andÂspirit. Music as Healer. Discover how music can help you tap into your ownÂinnate ability to heal your heart. Music Resources Dig deeper into theÂamazing research being done on music as therapy.ÂÂÂhttp://health.discovery.com/premiers/powermusic/powerofmusic.htmlÂhttp://health.discovery.com/schedule/series.jsp?series=4998ÂÂOn The RunÂPremiering on the Independent Film ChannelÂon December 29th, 2001 at 8pm ETÂÂNominated for the Critic's award at the Paris Film Festival 1999, FranceÂNominated for a Open Palm award, at the Gotham Awards 2000, USAÂWinner Best Feature Award at the Ourense Independent Film Festival 1999,ÂSpainÂÂ"a solid feature debut"ÂLisa Nesselson - VARIETYÂ-----------ÂIgor SunaraÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) No Man's Land - new film http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5708/1/E-No-Mans-Land---new-film.html Yes. Two thumbs up. I saw the movie a few weeks ago here in Washington, DC.ÂIt's about a Bosnian Serb and a Bosnian Muslim who both get trapped a aÂtrench between the front lines, and cannot quite figure out how to get outÂalive. The director/screenwriter is Bosnian Muslim, and the movie was filmedÂin Slovenia. Other than the fact that the movie tries to play both sidesÂfair, in the end the viewer can come to his own conclusions - I concludedÂthat the Serbs were mostly to blame, and the international community andÂmedia only made it worse. The movie, like the war, was a genocidal farce. GoÂto see it, immediately. Tony Margan.ÂÂDear All,ÂÂHere's the URL for the Yahoo site about that film:Âhttp://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=info&id=1807485009ÂÂRotten Tomatoes give it a rating of 97% fresh:Âhttp://www.rottentomatoes.com/movie-1111144/ÂJudy - St. LouisÂÂÂI have not seen it. It has received excellent reviews; it's playing at 2Âtheatres in NYC.ÂÂReceived an award at Cannes. A number of the actors are Croatians; theÂdirector is Bosnian.ÂÂÂJohn KraljicÂÂÂNotice: This e-mail and the attachments are confidential information.If youÂare not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified thatÂany dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail and the attachmentsÂis strictly prohibited and violators will be held to the fullest possibleÂextent of any applicable laws governing electronic Privacy. If you haveÂreceived this e-mail in error please immediately notify the sender byÂtelephone or e-mail, and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Book - CROATIA THE COUNTRY AND THE LANGUAGE http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5711/1/E-Book---CROATIA-THE-COUNTRY-AND-THE-LANGUAGE.html December 5, 2001ÂTO: FRIENDS OF CROATIAÂFROM: NASJA BOSKOVIC MEYER, LODGE 50ÂÂCROATIAN BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTSÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Christmas season is here, and many of us wonder what we will give forÂpresents to our friends and relatives. We want to give a gift that isÂenriching and attractive. We may walk the malls for hours and hours, lookingÂfor the "right" gift.ÂHere is an idea that will save your precious time, a gift that will last forÂyears, and will be greatly appreciated.ÂÂCROATIA THE COUNTRY AND THE LANGUAGEÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHRVATSKA ZEMLJA I JEZIKÂÂBy Nasja Boskovic Meyer and Jasna Meyer, Ph.D.ÂÂA DYNAMIC NEW WAY TO LEARN ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND LANGUAGE OF CROATIA.ÂPUBLISHED IN TWO VOLUMES, IN HARD-COVER AND SOFT-COVER, COPYRIGHT 2001.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂVol. I: for anyone who wants to learn more about the rich history andÂculture of Croatia and its language, Hrvatski Jezik. Intro to BasicÂGrammar, Familiar Scenes in Zagreb, Poems and Proverbs, EverydayÂExpressions, Brief History of Croatia, Exercises in Speaking andÂWriting Croatian, English/Croatian and Croatian/English Mini-ÂDictionary, Jokes and Short Conversations, Practical SuggestionsÂfor Visitors and Tourists to Croatia, 283 Pages with Pictures andÂIllustrationsÂÂVol. II: for persons who want to learn more, and in greater depth, aboutÂCroatian language and culture, for visitors to Croatia, for those withÂfriends and family connections in Croatia. Continuation of the Study ofÂGrammar, Poems, Proverbs and Songs. Visits to Karlovac, PlitviceÂLakes, Split, Trogir, _ibenik, Zadar, Dalmatian Islands, Dubrovnik,ÂMe_ugorje. The Game of "Alka" at Sinj, Everyday Expressions,ÂExercises in Speaking and Writing Croatian, Recipes for HolidayÂBaking, Jokes and Short Conversations, Mini-Dictionary, 301 Pages withÂPictures and IllustrationsÂAudio tapes are available to complement both volumes. The tapes help withÂpronunciation and reinforce progress in learning both the language and theÂculture.ÂÂTo order, send your Name, Address, Phone No. and a check toÂÂACM Publishing, 605 Langton, St. Louis, Mo. 63105-2416.ÂShipping and handling costs are included for delivery in the U.S.ÂÂVol. I: Soft-Cover, $37.50, Hard-Cover, $47.50,Vol. I Audio Tape,$11.50.ÂÂVol. II: Soft-Cover, $37.50, Hard-Cover, $47.50, Vol. II Audio Tape,$11.50ÂÂFor more information, call 314-727-0198 and leave your phone no. ifÂnecessary, or contact us by email at ARTMEYER@peoplepc.comÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Wins Book Award http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5710/1/E-Croatian-Wins-Book-Award.html Croatian theologian wins religion awardÂÂÂLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A Croatian theologian has won the 2002 GrawemeyerÂÂAward in Religion for his book on how enemies can resolve theirÂÂdifferences.ÂÂÂMiroslav Volf published the book, "Exclusion and Embrace: A TheologicalÂÂExploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation," in 1996.ÂÂÂThe $200,000 prize is presented annually by the Louisville PresbyterianÂÂTheological Seminary and the University of Louisville.ÂÂÂ"He helps us to imagine new possibilities for living against violence,ÂÂinjustice and deception," seminary professor Susan Garrett said.ÂÂÂGrawemeyer awards are also presented in the fields of musicalÂÂcomposition, education and psychology.ÂÂÂNOTICE: This e-mail and the attachments hereto, if any, may contain legallyÂÂprivileged and/or confidential information. It is intended only for use byÂÂthe named addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient of thisÂÂe-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution orÂÂcopying of this e-mail and the attachments hereto, if any, is strictlyÂÂprohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, pleaseÂÂimmediately notify the sender by telephone and permanently delete thisÂÂe-mail and the attachments hereto, if any, and destroy any printout thereof.ÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5713/1/E-CROATIAN-CHRISTMAS-IN-AMERICA.html CROATIAN CHRISTMAS IN AMERICAÂBy Sjor Adam EterovichÂChristmas is a very happy time of year for Croatians and the celebration ofÂChristmas. Croatians express themselves thru their food and cuisine. TheseÂrecipes are a very important part of their culture and have been passed downÂfor generations. Bozo Bozic says "the ingedients contain no fat or chemicalÂadditives and have been approved by the Hrvatski Institute Za Pijani".ÂÂCROATIAN VIRGINS BRIDAL RIBBONSÂ(Hrstule)Â6 eggsÂ1/2 cube butterÂ1 tablesoon oilÂ6 tablesoons sugarÂ1 tablespoon lemon rindÂ1 tablespoon saltÂ6 cups flour, unbleachedÂ2 tablespoons sour creamÂ3 tablespoons plum brandyÂ3 tablespoons brandyÂ3 tablespoons whiskeyÂ3 tablespoons ginÂ3 tablespoons orange juiceÂ1 teaspoon lemon juiceÂ2 teaspoons vanillaÂÂMix together eggs, butter, sugar, oil, and flavors. Use blender or woodenÂspoon until well blended. Add flour and knead until well blended.ÂÂDivide into four balls, working each ball until smooth for about 5-10Âminutes. When handling dough, dust with flour to keep from getting sticky.ÂPlace each ball into a container with lid for about 2 hours or overnight.ÂKeep covered at room temperature.ÂÂHeat oven and turn off. Place balls in lukewarm oven for 1 hour. Roll outÂfirst ball from center to edges, turning as necessary, until thin. Cut intoÂinto strips 1 1/2 " wide. Hang strips on sheet or tablecloth over backs ofÂchairs. Stretch each strip before hanging. This will allow for slight drying.ÂRepeat with other balls.ÂÂCut each strip and make 2 bows or knots and drop into moderately hot oilÂturning to keep from darkening. When a light golden color, remove from oil,Âdrain and place on tray. When all have been fried, use equal amounts ofÂgranulated and powdered sugar in sifter to dust finished Hrstule. Will keepÂfor several weeks.ÂBRAC DOUGHNUT HOLES---THE HOLE, NOT THE DOUGHNUTÂ(Prsurate)ÂPlace 2 pounds of flour in large bowl. Into hole in the middle, add graduallyÂabout a quart of hot water. Beating as you go, and sides are cleaned ofÂbatter. Whip the batter thoroughly with the wooden spoon and add water untilÂthe mixture begins to ball. Gradually add:ÂÂ1 cup raisinsÂ1 cup sugarÂ1/2 Army cup brandy or whiskey, or vodka or gin or scotch or cognacÂor...........Â1/2 nutmeg, gratedÂZest of 1 lemon (grated peel)Â2 tsp. vanillaÂÂBlend in and whip 1/2 cup tepid water in which you let soak 6 teaspoons ofÂdried yeast as you begin the recipe. Let batter stand (about 15 to 20 minutesÂwhile oil heats). Heat about 1 1/2 plus quarts light cooking oil in pan.ÂWhip the dough again. Have teaspoon and cup warm water handy.ÂWhen oil is hot enough (stops speaking), take a small fistful of dough andÂsqueeze upward a ball about double, filling the teaspoon that had been dippedÂin the warm water, then drop in hot oil. Continue, dipping spoon in waterÂbefore scraping off the ball of dough, until your pan surface is nicelyÂfilled but not crowded. Whip some more air into your dough. Turn yourÂprsurati when they are golden brown. When both sides are golden brown,Âremove and let cool slightly before rolling in confectioners fine sugar toÂcoat.ÂÂBOZO'S (Chris') WINE AND BRANDY MIXERÂ(Vino i Vinjak Gemished)Â2 barrelsÂ2 bottles, emptyÂ37 corksÂ2 glasses, largeÂ2 Croatians,1 male,1 femaleÂServes two, mixed companyÂ2 aspirins, laterÂ1 Church, go in morning, take female, confess, repent, singÂMix ingedients as needed, sing; say Hvala Bogu oftenÂÂEmpty contents of barrel into bottles, sing; cork at room temperature, sing;Âdip Kolaci, Hrstule, Prsurate, Kifli i Salame into full glass, large, sing;Âdrink and eat before chilled, sing.ÂVinjak served best on Badnjak (Christmas Eve); Wine on Bozic (Christmas Day).ÂÂAll of the above can be repeated on New Year's Eve.ÂVocabulary: trezan-sober; pijan-soused; aspirin-ahspereen; wife-zena, don'tÂsing; cura-girlfriend, sing; confession-ispovijed, sing Thank God-Hvala Bogu.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Dajmo da cuju humanitarni projekt za djecu branitelja http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5712/1/H-Dajmo-da-cuju-humanitarni-projekt-za-djecu-branitelja.html http://www.hrt.hr/hrt/index.html> .POVRATAK letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) 1000 Dinners - part 1 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5725/1/E-1000-Dinners---part-1.html Dear All,ÂÂIn its effort to clear land mines around the world, theÂOrganization of American States (OAS) is sponsoring aÂcocktail event Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,Âat its beautiful headquarters in Washington, D.C.Â(Organization of American States Main Building; 17thÂStreet and Constitution Ave. N.W.; Washington, D.C.).ÂÂThe event is open to the public, and a donation of $10 isÂrequested. Please e-mail me (frankmustac@att.net) ifÂanyone would like a copy of the invitation in MicrosoftÂWord format.ÂÂThe cocktail event is being held in conjunction with theÂworld-wide fund-raiser to clear land mines called "NightÂof a Thousand Dinners." On Friday, Nov. 30, people aroundÂthe world will host and attend dinner parties to raiseÂfunds and awareness for land mine clearing.ÂÂCroatia is one of the countries listed on the "Night of aÂThousand Dinners" Web site, http://www.1000dinners.com,Âin which "land mines problems are most prevalent."ÂÂI understand that a large dinner will be held at theÂSheraton Hotel in Zagreb. President Mesic may attend thatÂevent.ÂÂI'm not sure if any of the money raised at the ThursdayÂnight event in Washington will go towards clearing landÂmines in Croatia, but it should be fun and worthwhileÂnonetheless.ÂÂFrank Mustac, reporterÂfrankmustac@att.netÂÂ-------------------------ÂÂHere's the text of the invitation:ÂÂThe Secretary General of the Organization of AmericanÂStates, Dr. César Gaviria, and The PermanentÂRepresentative of Canada to the OAS, Ambassador PaulÂDurand, cordially invite you to a cocktail receptionÂÂ"The Night of a Thousand Dinners"ÂÂcelebrating our joint efforts to rid the Americas ofÂlandmines on Thursday, November 29, 2001, From 6:00 toÂ8:00 p.m.ÂÂThe Organization of American StatesÂMain BuildingÂ17th Street and Constitution Ave. N.W.ÂWashington, D.C.ÂÂABOUT THE NIGHT OF A THOUSAND DINNERSÂÂThe Organization of American States (OAS) and theÂPermanent Mission of Canada to the OAS are proud to beÂaffiliated with the Night of a Thousand Dinners, anÂinitiative which encourages individuals and businessesÂacross the world to host dinners for friends, family, andÂco-workers in order to raise awareness and resources forÂmine action. This initiative was launched by the CanadianÂLandmine Foundation, a private sector charitableÂorganization dedicated to the eradication ofÂanti-personnel landmines throughout the world and toÂending the human and economic suffering caused by theseÂmines. The OAS has a particular interest in raisingÂawareness and funds for mine action as its Member StatesÂhave adopted the goal of the global elimination ofÂantipersonnel landmines and the conversion of the WesternÂHemisphere into an antipersonnel-land-mine-free zone.ÂÂFor the Americas to accomplish this goal, financial andÂhuman resources are needed. Your kind contribution willÂbe greatly appreciated; we suggest a minimum of $10.00.ÂÂChecks may be made payable to the Victim Assistance Fund.ÂPlease send your payments along with your ticket stubs toÂthe OAS Mine Action Program, Room 850-K, 1889 F StreetÂUPD/ AICMA Washington, DC 20006-4499.ÂÂIf you have any further questions, please contactÂClaudia Estrada at the OAS Mine Action Program,Â202.458.3343, or via email at cxestrada@oas.org, orÂPatrick Alwine at the OAS Mine Action Program,Â202.458.3023, or via email at updint7@oas.orgÂÂFrank Mustac, reporterÂfrankmustac@att.netÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Behind Enemy Lines inspired by Scott O'Grady's experience http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5724/1/E-Behind-Enemy-Lines-inspired-by-Scott-OGradys-experience.html http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/printedition/calendar/la-000094606nov28.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2DcalendarÂÂLA Times InitiativesÂNovember 28, 2001ÂA War's Sharp ShooterÂÂDirector John Moore brought lifelong knowledge of battle to 'Behind EnemyÂLines.'ÂTimes HeadlinesÂÂBy GINA PICCALO, TIMES STAFF WRITERÂÂWarfare in one form or another has always been a part of John Moore's life.ÂHe grew up in Dundalk, Ireland, the hardscrabble border town long known as aÂhide-out for the Irish Republican Army where car bombs killed a few of hisÂrelatives and bloody riots were commonplace.ÂÂAs a news cameraman years later, Moore braved Israeli shelling while coveringÂthe peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon. The wars in Bosnia so haunted himÂthat he studied the ethnic conflicts and visited the war-torn nation lookingÂfor answers.ÂÂSo it's not surprising that Moore's first feature film, "Behind Enemy Lines,"Âwould depict the complexities of modern warfare with such a visceral edgeÂthat at times it feels more like a documentary than a big studioÂaction-thriller. In the 20th Century Fox film that opens Friday, Owen WilsonÂstars as a naval aviator who must fight his way out of Bosnia with the helpÂof his admiral, played by Gene Hackman. The story is loosely based on theÂexperience of American pilot Scott O'Grady after he was shot down in BosniaÂin 1995. Moore employed a variety of styles to film the civil war in BosniaÂin all its surrealistic horror. In one particularly vivid scene, a satelliteÂcamera tracks Wilson as he hides under a pile of dead bodies in a mass graveÂsite. In another, images flash by with the staccato rhythm of live newsÂfootage as we watch, close-up, a fierce battle inside a village. Moore saidÂhe used hand-held cameras in that scene to prevent "the distancing that goesÂon with the more glamorous techniques in the film."ÂÂThe $35-million film was originally set to open Jan. 18, but the studio cutÂproduction time by seven weeks to open it this year. It's one of two warÂmovies moved up after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks--Sony's militaryÂthriller "Black Hawk Down" opens Dec. 28; it had been scheduled for a MarchÂ2002 release. Both Fox and Sony felt that the timing was right for filmsÂabout the U.S. military, even if they aren't conventionally patriotic.ÂÂFox Chairman Tom Rothman hired Moore after he saw Moore's commercial forÂSega. It aired during the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards and featured a chaseÂscene with dozens of sophisticated stunts. "It got a lot of attention in theÂmovie world, which was something I didn't really expect," noted Alex Blum,Âwho produced the commercial and co-produced "Behind Enemy Lines."ÂÂMoore could hardly believe that he had landed a film about the conflict inÂBosnia. After years in the commercial world, he was anxious to use hisÂtechnical skill and storytelling ability to share his understanding of theÂregion's ethnic conflict.ÂÂ"I always imagined that somebody ripped open Pandora's box," he said of theÂbeginning of the conflict in Bosnia. "I felt obsessed about researching it. IÂcouldn't accept the fact that it had just flared up. It was so enticing andÂappalling at the same time."ÂÂThe burly, bearded Moore, 31, favors camouflage fatigues as a wardrobeÂstaple. Compromise has never been easy for him, and his early success didÂlittle to soften his all-or-nothing attitude on the job, Blum said.ÂÂ"I don't think he expected to live past 30," Blum added. "I think he expectedÂto have a very intense and short life. For him to have his life turn out thisÂway is surprising."ÂÂMoore's fearlessness shocked his producers while scouting locations inÂEastern Europe last year. "He wanted to shoot the movie in Sarajevo and wentÂthere on his own," producer John Davis said. "We had to say to him, 'We can'tÂshoot this movie anywhere that they're going to shoot at you.'" Ultimately,Âthe film was shot in remote areas near Bratislava, Slovakia, during threeÂmonths in late 2000.ÂÂThe second oldest of three brothers and one sister, Moore's roots were IrishÂworking-class. His father was a carpenter, his mother worked at a computerÂhardware manufacturing plant, and the family didn't have a car. His youngerÂbrother Paul went on to become a sniper for the Irish military. (Paul has aÂcameo role as a sniper in "Behind Enemy Lines.")ÂÂMoore said he got "hooked on imaging" at age 11 after he watched theÂtelevised assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat by Muslim radicals.ÂAs a teenager, Moore dreamed of becoming a combat photographer and idolizedÂBritish television war correspondent Aernout Van Lynden. While shooting hisÂfilm last year, Moore spent months tracking down the journalist to playÂhimself in the movie.ÂÂMoore graduated from Dublin Technical Film School just as Ireland's filmÂindustry was booming. He worked as an assistant cameraman on several filmsÂincluding "The Miracle," "The Butcher Boy" and "Braveheart." He also directedÂmusic videos for Irish bands.ÂÂAround that time, Moore took interest in the Bosnian conflicts and beganÂresearching the complicated history of the region's ethnic strife. TheÂdirector's knowledge became useful years later when producer Davis asked forÂhis feedback on the original "Behind Enemy Lines" script.ÂÂ"It [the script] was so horrendously out of whack," Moore said. "I hadÂstudied the wars in Bosnia. I'd been there. I took that stuff very seriously.Â[This script] was genuinely ridiculous with the actors escaping in World WarÂI biplanes and stuff."ÂÂFor the next several weeks, "Natural Born Killers" writer David Veloz andÂscreenwriter Zak Penn rewrote the script, adding a survival element andÂstructuring it more as a traditional action film. Still, Moore wasn'tÂsatisfied. When the director first met Owen Wilson, he told the actor flatÂout, "There's not one good line in this script."ÂÂ"That was kind of an interesting way to try to sell your movie to an actor,"ÂWilson said in a recent interview. "But I appreciated it, because I agreedÂwith him."ÂÂMoore admired Wilson's talent for improvisation.ÂÂ"I've looked at executives and seen them look slightly puzzled when you'reÂsaying Owen can carry an entire drama," Moore said. "But the guy is aÂstraight-up Steve McQueen."ÂÂHackman was another matter. Moore prepared himself for directing the veteranÂby watching every film the actor had made, including multiple viewings ofÂ"The French Connection."ÂÂStill, he was incredibly intimidated when the two-time Oscar winner arrivedÂon set a day early. They exchanged a curt introduction and then Hackman urgedÂhim to "get back to work."ÂÂMoore, with his stubborn nature and unwavering intensity, clashed withÂHackman. One scene resulted in Hackman storming off the set. "I got blastedÂonce," Moore said. "We were all sleep-deprived.... He wanted a rehearsal andÂI wasn't ready for it."ÂÂAs the production continued, Moore learned to be more prepared. In fact, heÂsaid, the crew's work style became somewhat militaristic as the shoot wore on.ÂÂ"You have to know what you want [with Hackman]," Moore said. "You don'tÂdisrespect him by over-explaining on set."ÂÂActors aside, Moore's toughest scene was depicting a horrific battle in aÂMuslim-occupied village. "In many ways, it's very badly shot," he said. TheÂonly cameras used were hand-held to add realism.ÂÂAs a commercial director, Moore said this type of filming feltÂcounterintuitive: "I've sat on sets and spent four hours to get theÂcondensation on a Coke can perfect."ÂÂFor his most technically difficult scene, the shoot-down of Wilson's jetÂfighter, Moore spent two months planning and four months shooting.ÂÂWith the help of military technical advisors, he depicted nearly every one ofÂthe 164 different mechanical operations that occur in 1.2 seconds of a pilotÂejection.ÂÂNow that the film is complete, Moore is conflicted about the idea of theÂpicture serving to boost American morale after Sept. 11. He said he doesn'tÂwant the more subtle messages of his work to be lost.ÂÂOne key example, Moore said, is when a French admiral accuses Americans ofÂprotecting their own lives before fighting for justice.ÂÂ"Part of me is afraid that the film will be perceived as uber-patriotic andÂuber-jingoistic," Moore said. "But if the public decides for themselves thatÂthe film gives them a sense of comfort and satisfaction, then I think they'reÂabsolutely entitled to do that."ÂFor information about reprinting this article, go to http://www.lats.comÂÂCopyright 2001 Los Angeles TimesÂBy visiting this site, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Bishop Peric Blesses THE PASTORAL CENTER IN BOBANOVO SELO http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5723/1/E-Bishop-Peric-Blesses-THE-PASTORAL-CENTER-IN-BOBANOVO-SELO.html Wednesday, November 28, 2001ÂÂSource: Dnevni list, November 26, 2001ÂÂBISHOP PERIC BLESSES THE PASTORAL CENTER IN BOBANOVO SELOÂÂWhat does the opening of this pastoral center mean for You?ÂÂÂ"I was in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer. The church, in which the CroatianÂpeople gather, was full to capacity. Present were, as they informed me,Âabout 5000 of our people who moved there during the war. Even though it madeÂme happy to meet with the people, it was hard for me to see them on aÂdifferent continent. They definitely will not return to their homes,Âespecially the young people. Today I thanked God when I saw how many of theÂpeople that remained here had gathered. I am grateful to all of thoseÂpeople, as well as to those from various congregations: Jablanica, Konjic,ÂVares, etc, becase they stayed here. I am also grateful that they hope toÂstart their families and find conditions for life here. I suggest that theyÂstay here, even if that means going through hardships because there areÂhardships everywhere, and here they have their own land that requiresÂcultivation, on which they should work, live, and support their families. IÂam glad that this is the beginning of new construction, turning towards theÂChurch, which should be the spiritual strength of this place and the peopleÂof this congregation, but I would like it if all the people could have theÂfundamental conditions for survival. However, if the people are satisfiedÂwith their lives, then the Church can prosper as well."ÂÂÂThe opening of this center also symbolizes much more for these people.ÂÂÂ"Just as every body has a soul, without which there is no life orÂconsciousness, if this place doesn't have a soul then it's just a mass. ButÂif is has a soul, the Church and a conscience, then the people too will feelÂdifferent regardless of where they are from or what kind of hardships theyÂmay be suffering."ÂÂforeign press officeÂfpo-mostar@pincom.netÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Contemporary Croatian Artists An International Exhibition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5722/1/E-Contemporary-Croatian-Artists-An-International-Exhibition.html Come Join Us!ÂÂContemporary Croatian ArtistsÂAn International ExhibitionÂÂDevoted to the discovery and introduction of emerging artistsÂMediums include: photography, fashion, painting, music, etc.ÂÂCheck it out at: http://homepage.mac.com/trogir13/NYC/PhotoAlbum10.htmlÂÂSaturday, December 8th 2001Â7pm-11pmÂÂLocation: Croatian Center:ÂW. 41st St. btw 10th & 11th Ave, New York City, USAÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian American Family Hosts 1 out of 1000 Dinners http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5721/1/E-Croatian-American-Family-Hosts-1-out-of-1000-Dinners.html Croatian American Family Hosts A Successful Benefit DinnerÂTo Raise Funds For Demining in CroatiaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEÂÂ(December 1, 2001 - North Potomac, MD) - On November 30th, 2001, over fortyÂguests attended the benefit dinner at the Steve Rukavina residence in NorthÂPotomac, Maryland. This "Night of a Thousand Dinners" was the first of whatÂwill become an annual event as part of the international initiative andÂsocial movement worldwide to raise funds to make the world mine-safe andÂmine-free.ÂÂThis Maryland fundraising dinner was coordinated through the Washington, D.C.Âbased organization, the National Federation of Croatian Americans CulturalÂFoundation (NFCA). The featured guest speaker was Richard Kidd, IV, from theÂBureau of Political and Military Affairs at the US Department of State. Mr.ÂKidd, is a foreign affairs officer with significant experience with theÂlandmine problems in Southeast Europe and Afghanistan. Also, Dr. KresimirÂPirsl, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia,ÂJackie Hanson of the International Committee to Ban Landmines and JasonÂRukavina of the NFCA, addressed the well-fed crowd about the pressingÂchallenge and crisis with landmines around the world. The Croatian section ofÂthe Voice of America, attended and interviewed several of the guest speakers.ÂÂ"I was pleased that we raised close to $4,500 with the matching fundsÂavailable for demining in Croatia arranged through the Adopt-A-MinefieldÂorganization. It was a fun night, with a great crowd and Chef Ivo Svircic wasÂthe hero of the night with his on-site preparation of superb CroatianÂdishes", said Jason Rukavina, co-host of this benefit event with his father,ÂSteve Rukavina. The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia donated most of theÂfood for this benefit dinner.ÂÂAll funds raised at the North Potomac dinner will be contributed to theÂAdopt-A-Minefeld organization and then earmarked for demining operations inÂCroatia and thus, will qualify for U.S. government matching funds. ThisÂglobal dinner effort was arranged by the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLF)Âand the United Nations Association of the USA to raise awareness and fundsÂfor groups like Adopt-A-Minefield, based in New York.ÂÂÂ"This fundraising dinner was a new challenge for me and my first seriousÂattempt at organizing an event that benefits a Croatian cause, and overall itÂwas very satisfying that it was so successful. I hope more Croatian AmericansÂwill plan and participate in next year's round of global dinners," concludedÂJason Rukavina.ÂÂop-edÂOn this somber day when we lost George Harrison, I felt a great satisfactionÂthat the third generation of Croatian Americans are involved in such aÂprecious cause, to show that we care and that we can make a difference. WeÂfound friends in organizations like Adopt-A-Minefield and Roots of Peace, whoÂselflessly help our country without asking for any rewards. TheseÂcontributions that will come from all over the world will show them that weÂare as well committed to the cause. Great job Jason and all of you unnamedÂwho contributed.ÂÂLove and Light in the spirit of George Harrison !ÂÂNenad BachÂeditor in chiefÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) For distance never separates hearts that really care http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5720/1/E-For-distance-never-separates-hearts-that-really-care.html Hello Nenad,ÂMy name is Diana. I am a nurse/health educator. I live in the Blue RidgeÂMountains of South West Virginia.ÂI grew up in New York. At the age of 6, my parents left Brooklyn and movedÂto Oceanside, Long Island, in pursuit of the American Dream. However, IÂremember that Brooklyn neighborhood with fondness and love. It was a placeÂwhere people lingered on the sidewalk, where the corner candy store providedÂa pretzel and egg cream, and penny candy was plentiful. It was a place whereÂwe played stoop ball, and stick ball, and roller skated the hours away.ÂThere was a lot of activity, and a lot of emotion.ÂLittle did I know, however, that while I was growing up in anÂItalian/Jewish/African American neighborhood, I had a biological grandmotherÂliving close by who came from Croatia.ÂIn 1928, she gave birth to Helen Agnus, the child who would grow up to becomeÂmy biological mother. She was born at a Catholic Hospital in Manhattan, closeÂto where my grandmother, Luce, lived, (somewhere near the George WashingtonÂBridge).ÂWhen I was 6 months old, my birth mother set me free to be adopted. FromÂthat moment on, I lost contact with her until 45 years later. A few monthsÂbefore finding her, I found her brother, my biological uncle, George. HeÂtoo, had not seen my birth mother for almost 5 decades. He was 82 when IÂfound him. That was about 3 years ago. It was he who had the history of myÂbiological grandmother, Luce. He told me she came from Dubrovnik, andÂimmigrated to America around 1913. She originally went to Watsonville,ÂCalifornia to live with her brother, Bozo. Another brother, Mato, leftÂCroatia in 1902, but returned to Dubrovnik in 1911 and worked to arrange forÂmy grandmother's fare to America.ÂUnfortunately, she died in 1962. I was still a young girl, and of courseÂknew nothing of her. Now, many years later, I am trying to reconnect with herÂby "resurrecting" her life. It is a fascinating story of a young CroatianÂimmigrant woman, struggling to make a life for herself in a strange land. ItÂis a story of unrequited love, loss, pain, and suffering. But, it is also aÂstory of faith, determination, strong will, and an unyielding belief in God.ÂIndeed, it was her Catholic religion that sustained her.ÂTwo years ago, after inquiring about her birth records from the DubrovnikÂHistorical Society, I was able to find the village where she was born.ÂSearching the Internet, I found her brother's family (the one who returned toÂCroatia), still living in the hamlet where she grew up. I have connected withÂthem. It is an exciting and wonderful revelation for me to learn I amÂCroatian and actually have cousins still living in the land of my ancestors.ÂIt is especially amazing for me, since I grew up without an identity--neverÂknowing what nationality or ethnic roots I descended from.ÂI now know who I am, and wish to celebrate my heritage. I want to live andÂlearn everything Croatian. For some reason, I believe it is the voice of myÂancestors who call me to this journey.ÂWhen I first found my cousin Mato (44), and his father, Duro (89),the son ofÂmy grandmother's brother who returned to Croatia in 1911, I wrote this poem:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDistance can never separateÂhearts that really care.ÂSo think of me Mato,Âand I will be right there.ÂYou can hear my footsteps walkingÂalong your mountain side----ÂYou can feel my heartbeat beatingÂwith much Croatian pride.ÂThe blood of our ancestorsÂruns deep in both our veins.ÂWe honor every memoryÂby sharing their joys and pains.ÂSo please remember Mato,Âwhen you see the sky, that I am right there with youÂstanding so close by.ÂLet the miles between us vanishÂas we listen to the wind -- our voices it will carryÂacross a distant land.ÂBozo, Mato, and LuceÂonce traveled over the seaÂLook at the ocean now Mato,Âand please remember me.ÂWe can visit anytime -- no matter when or where.ÂFor distance never separatesÂhearts that really care.ÂSo this is part of my story. I am on a discovery to connect with my originsÂand biological past. Thank you for including me in your newsletter. I wantÂto keep up with everything.ÂDianaÂÂop-edÂI am very proud to be able to connect to the second and third and "n"tÂCroatian generation. All the effort seems suddenly appropriate. This is ourÂown strenght and honor. Welcome !ÂNenad BachÂÂp.s. Anybody knows Croatians from South West Virginia? Any school to learnÂCroatian language near by? Please contact me if you hear of one.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Great website from Vancouver Heart of Mary http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5719/1/E-Great-website-from-Vancouver-Heart-of-Mary.html Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Roman Catholic ParishÂÂHrvatska Katolicka Zupa Srca MarijinaÂÂ3105 E. lst Avenue - Vancouver, British Columbia - Canada V5M 1B6ÂÂTelephone: 604 253 2089ÂÂe-mail: bono@dowco.comÂÂÂ----------------------ÂÂDobro Dosli! Welcome!ÂÂÂhttp://www.heartofmary.ca/Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Harbor Heritage - Croatia - Historical Society and Museum in Gig Harbor http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5718/1/E-Harbor-Heritage---Croatia---Historical-Society-and-Museum-in-Gig-Harbor.html The Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society and MuseumÂin Gig Harbor, Washington State, is currently presentingÂan exhibit titled "Harbor Heritage - Croatia." TheÂexhibit runs from Nov. 16, 2001 to March 16, 2002.ÂÂHere is what the museum's Web site says about it:ÂÂhttp://www.gigharbormuseum.org/at_museum.htmlÂÂThe exhibit runs through March 16 2002, and documentsÂthe importance of the Croatian Community to the historyÂof Gig Harbor. The Croatians created one of the firstÂtowns, they established the local fishing industryÂ(which sustained the local economy for more than 100Âyears), and the related industry of shipbuilding.ÂÂÂGig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society & MuseumÂP.O. Box 744, Gig Harbor, WA 98335ÂÂLocation: 4218 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WashingtonÂÂTel: 253/858-6722ÂFax: 253/853-4211Âinfo@gigharbormuseum.orgÂÂFrank MustacÂfrankmustac@att.netÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Hollywood's No-fly Zone over Bosnia premiers on Friday http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5717/1/E-Hollywoods-No-fly-Zone-over-Bosnia-premiers-on-Friday.html A Hollywood movie premiering this Friday (11/30): "Behind Enemy Lines"ÂÂstarring Owen Wilson and Geme Hackman, and based on the events of the springÂof 1995, when a US Navy pilot enforcing the "No-fly Zone" over Bosnia isÂshot down, then chased by the Bosnian Serbs.ÂÂPremise: Here's how Fox gives the premise: "A Navy pilot (Wilson) is shotÂdown over enemy territory, and struggles to survive the relentless pursuitÂof a ruthless secret police enforcer, a deadly tracker, and countlessÂhostile troops. With time running out, the injured pilot's commandingÂofficer (Hackman) goes against orders to carry out a desperate rescueÂmission." (Wilson's character crashes in an Eastern European country likeÂBosnia while documenting genocide; Macht plays Wilson's copilot.)ÂÂRegards. Tony Margan.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Michael Milkovich - our pride http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5716/1/E-Michael-Milkovich---our-pride.html The following appeared on Nov. 24 in the St. Petersburg (Florida) TimesÂÂconcerning the now retired director of the Museum of Fine Arts in theÂÂcity. John KraljicÂÂÂST. PETERSBURG -- Michael Milkovich was born in Croatia under a fullÂÂmoon on Friday the 13th, 1929, circumstances, he says, "that explain aÂÂfew things about me."ÂÂÂMilkovich, who recently retired after almost 20 years as director of theÂÂMuseum of Fine Arts, would be the first to say his life has been oneÂÂinteresting ride. His father, a businessman, lost everything when theÂÂCommunists took control of Croatia. During high school, Milkovich wasÂÂsent to a labor camp because he attended church. As a young man, he fledÂÂto Germany as a political refugee after participating in a protest atÂÂthe University of Zagreb. He studied at the universities of Madrid andÂÂHeidelberg but wanted to leave Germany in 1956. He came to the UnitedÂÂStates almost by accident:ÂÂÂ"There was an opening to go to Australia, but we knew that they wereÂÂtaking only workers, so all night I rubbed a broom to develop callouses,ÂÂto show that I am a worker," he relates. "They saw me and they kicked meÂÂout, by the way, and thanks to God, because I got the word soon from theÂÂAmerican Embassy that my visa had been approved."ÂÂÂHe landed in Cleveland, but the fluent speaker of German, Russian,ÂÂSpanish and Italian did not understand English. He and his wife wereÂÂexpecting their first child. He had little money and no job offers. HisÂÂfirst employment was with Cleveland Drill Co., manning and cleaning theÂÂmachines on the night shift. He says of that time, "I walked home, andÂÂthey could smell me three blocks away."ÂÂÂThrough hard work and ambition, he learned English, earned a master'sÂÂdegree in art history and began his climb through the art world, whichÂÂculminated in his appointment as director of the Museum of Fine Arts inÂÂSt. Petersburg.ÂÂÂAlong the way, he became a U.S. citizen, had four sons, divorced,ÂÂremarried and divorced again. Before coming to Florida, he becameÂÂfounding director of the University Art Gallery at the State UniversityÂÂof New York and the Dixson Gallery and Gardens in Memphis. He survived aÂÂbout with cancer.ÂÂÂMilkovich's tenure in St. Petersburg, though remarkably long for the artÂÂworld, has not always been smooth. In 1994, after clashing with aÂÂhandful of board members, he was fired, then rehired by the full board.ÂÂHis last seven years have been marked by significant acquisitions forÂÂthe collection and a string of successful exhibitions. One of his mostÂÂsuccessful was also closest to his heart, a show of naive Croatian artÂÂhe brought from his homeland.ÂÂÂMilkovich, 72, who plans to spend his retirement here and in Croatia,ÂÂrecently talked with the Times about his career and his thoughts aboutÂÂthe museum and the city upon his retirement:ÂÂÂLennie Bennett: How did you feel about St. Petersburg when you first sawÂÂit in 1982?ÂÂÂMichael Milkovich: Lee (Malone, the retiring director of the museum)ÂÂcalled and said, "Why don't you come for an interview? You will enjoyÂÂvisiting St. Petersburg." I was not really interested in the job,ÂÂbecause when I left Memphis, I wanted to finish my doctoral degree. IÂÂcame here, and they put me in the motel across the street. It was aÂÂweekend and I had a headache, so I went to the manager. I said, "Sir, doÂÂyou have aspirin?" He said no. I said, "Where can I buy it?" He said, "IÂÂthink the closest place to buy aspirin is Tampa." I said to myself,ÂÂ"Michael, what are you doing?" But when I saw St. Petersburg, when I sawÂÂthe beaches, I said, "To hell with the Ph.D."ÂÂÂL.B.: You couldn't find aspirin, but still you took the job because youÂÂliked the beaches?ÂÂÂM.M.: That's right. Now, 20 years later, I am still here.ÂÂÂL.B.: Let's talk about the expansion.ÂÂÂM.M.: In 1989, we decided that we needed expansion. It cost usÂÂ$2-million. We doubled the gallery from 10 to 20 galleries, office areaÂÂdoubled, storage area doubled. You could not even see that there was anyÂÂaddition or any change; it was very beautifully done.ÂÂÂL.B.: How have things changed in regard to fundraising, capitalÂÂcampaigns in the more than 10 years since the last one happened here?ÂÂÂM.M.: The museum got more support. Our challenge fund -- that's the endÂÂof the year when members of the board get together to supplement theÂÂoperating budget -- it was $100,000 last year. We have $200,000-$300,000ÂÂthis year, so really it's improving. We became more ambitious as far asÂÂthe exhibitions are concerned. There was plenty of support there.ÂÂÂL.B: What would you say to someone who believes that with all the needÂÂin the world, art is extraneous, a luxury?ÂÂÂM.M.: Well, for some people that might be their feeling, but lots ofÂÂpeople don't want to come into a community where they don't have moreÂÂthan just bread and water. They want culture, they want programs, theyÂÂwant museums. And this is part of life. It's not luxury; this is aÂÂspiritual need which helps us to maintain a certain level of civilizedÂÂlife . . . absolutely I feel that way.ÂÂÂL.B.: Is there one single work of art here that you love more than anyÂÂother?ÂÂÂM.M.: I use always an example. If you have four children and you askÂÂwhat is your favorite child, you cannot say. . . . No, I don't have anyÂÂfavorite.ÂÂÂL.B.: Have you heard the charge that the museum is perceived by someÂÂpeople as elitist?ÂÂÂM.M.: Yes, and this was the subject of every meeting of the (national)ÂÂAssociation of Art Museum Directors -- how we should make ourselvesÂÂavailable. And we should do every effort, and we are, bringingÂÂminorities, bringing special programs, but we should not forget oneÂÂthing: that there are people who are just not interested. They are moreÂÂreligiously inclined, more sports, more music, more something. I didÂÂeverything in my power to have groups, different groups, differentÂÂcommunities to come, but if they don't want to come, I don't accept thatÂÂresponsibility and that blame.ÂÂÂL.B.: And do you feel the membership has become more diversified?ÂÂÂM.M.: Oh, definitely, definitely. It still could be much better, ofÂÂcourse, but it did absolutely change. Our membership -- around 4,000 --ÂÂis a good proof we have variety of programs.ÂÂÂL.B.: Now you are director emeritus of the museum.ÂÂÂM.M.: Yeah, it is a recognition by the institution where I worked, inÂÂthis case almost 20 years, that I have done something right, and it is aÂÂpersonal satisfaction.ÂÂÂL.B.: That's a long time to be at one place in the art world, isn't it?ÂÂÂM.M.: It is. You could count 20-year directors probably on one hand,ÂÂmaybe two.ÂÂÂL.B.: Were you ever tempted to go to another museum?ÂÂÂM.M: No, I was never tempted, even when they (Fine Arts Museum boardÂÂmembers) kicked me out; then I had more desire to come back to proveÂÂthat they were wrong. I knew this was my last job, last museum.ÂÂÂL.B.: And what are your plans now?ÂÂÂM.M.: I joke with my friends, I tell them while I was working, I wasÂÂworking 9 to 5. Now I work 8 to 6, except that I take a nap every day.ÂÂThat's the best discovery after discovering America: a nap. I love it. IÂÂwill be spending more time with my sons, who live in Florida and NewÂÂYork, and grandchildren, and in Croatia, where I have a brother and hisÂÂfamily. And I offered . . . to assist different museums (in Croatia)ÂÂevery year, maybe spending one month with the development, with theÂÂmembership, which they don't have in Europe.ÂÂÂL.B.: How would you assess your tenure at the Museum of Fine Arts?ÂÂÂM.M.: If you would ask me what I feel best about, No. 1, I reached theÂÂcommunity. No. 2, I made our museum more visible nationally andÂÂinternationally. L.B.: Is it getting harder to get paintings from otherÂÂmuseums because of security concerns, especially after Sept. 11?ÂÂÂM.M.: Yes and no. For a good project, you will always get a loan. But itÂÂhas to be good.ÂÂÂL.B.: Do you think people are more reluctant to donate art to museums,ÂÂpreferring to sell works to the highest bidders?ÂÂÂM.M.: Well, that depends. If somebody's in need, (he) probably wants toÂÂsell it, but if somebody has a collection, it's better for them to giveÂÂto the museum, taxwise, and that's the one phenomenon of America. IÂÂthink Americans, by nature, are very, very generous.ÂÂÂL.B.: Any parting remarks you want to make?ÂÂÂM.M.: I came here, no money, did not speak English, did not have anybodyÂÂto recommend me, to give me anything. I worked hard. I was lucky. I didÂÂwhat I wanted and was paid for it. That only could happen in America. ItÂÂwas a most wonderful experience.ÂÂop-edÂWe are very proud of you Michael Milkovich (btw: early CROWN subscirber) andÂyour dedicated work, which ONLY promoted GOOD for all of us Croatians in theÂworld. Don't stop. 70s are middle age now.ÂNenad BachÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Would you ever consider making a film in Croatia about Croatians http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5715/1/E-Would-you-ever-consider-making-a-film-in-Croatia-about-Croatians.html In light of discussions on "Storming over Krajina", Croatian films,Âculture etc, this excellent piece by Drucilla Badurina may be of interest.ÂÂÂPublished in Oluja No.31ÂÂConversation with a Croatian American film studentÂÂbyÂÂDrucilla Badurina, President of Badurina & AssociatesÂÂÂMotion pictures. This mighty medium entertains us and sometimes enlightensÂÂus. In the United States, since the early part of the 20th century, filmsÂÂhave become a regular part of the lives of millions of people. Today, whileÂÂthey continue to patronize movie theaters, the American public also popsÂÂfilms into VCR's, disks into DVD players, watches films on cable andÂÂsatellite TV and on computer display terminals. Filmmaking is an interestingÂhybrid of art, craft and business. Since it generates billions of dollars,Âit's called the filmÂÂindustry or movie business for a good reason.ÂÂÂImmigrants and children of immigrants have been an integral part of the filmÂÂbusiness since the very beginning. From the early 1900's when "Westerns" wereÂmade in Ft. Lee, New Jersey and shown on the silent screen, to theÂblockbusters of today; from small producers with hand cranked cameras toÂthose who created a powerful motion picture studio system, these immigrantsÂand children of immigrants laid the foundation for current filmÂentertainment. Though filmmaking and films have been constantly evolving inÂthe hands of succeeding generations of filmmakers,ÂÂmany the offspring of immigrants, it still remains basically the same---aÂÂblend of art, craft and business.ÂÂÂOne of the new generation of aspiring filmmakers isÂÂJason Gabriel Varga, a young Croatian American in his early twenties. JasonÂÂis a graduate student in film pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at theÂGraduate FilmÂÂConservatory at Florida State University's School ofÂÂMotion Picture, Television and Recording Arts. He is theÂÂgreat-grandson of Croatians who immigrated to the United States in the earlyÂpart ofÂÂthe last century. They and their descendants successfully maintained theirÂÂCroatian identity, language and culture in what was then known (prior toÂÂthe nation's current stance of pride in its ethnic and racial diversity) asÂÂthe U.S. melting pot.ÂÂÂOn a bright, winter afternoon at the beginning of this new year, DrucillaÂÂBadurina, president of Badurina & Associates, sat down and talked with JasonÂVarga.ÂÂÂB&A: When did you discover that you wanted to be a filmmaker?ÂÂVARGA: When I saw E.T. at the age of five. No, it wasn't quite that earlyÂ(laughing) but I was fascinated by movies even then. I can't say exactlyÂwhen because it was more of a process. As a youngster,ÂÂI was constantly writing little stories or scenarios and drafting myÂÂbrothers, sister, cousins or neighborhood kids--they weren't exactlyÂÂthrilled--to play the various parts. My first real stage performance happenedÂwhen I was 8 or 9 years old and played one of the children's roles in a localÂhigh school production ofÂÂThe Music Man. I continued to act and work in stage productions all throughÂÂmy high school years. It was a class project when I was around 13 years oldÂÂthat really started it all. The assignment was to select a character fromÂÂancient history and do a presentation. I didn't wantÂÂto do something boringÂÂlike reading a paper, so I decided to make a videoÂÂabout Hannibal, theÂÂgeneral who crossed the Alps. I rented a camera andÂÂmade a video. EveryoneÂÂwho saw it was blown away. They loved it. It mightÂÂhave been cheesy andÂÂgoofy but I had so much fun doing it and it opened upÂÂmy eyes about what youÂÂcould do with a movie camera as opposed to working onÂÂthe stage. It was thenÂÂthat I looked at movies and television in a differentÂÂlight. I always knew IÂÂwanted to do something visual and this made me evenÂÂmore focused on that.ÂÂÂB&A: What influence did your Croatian heritage have onÂÂyour love ofÂÂfilmmaking?ÂÂVARGA: I remember the Croatian picnics, weddings andÂÂeven funerals where IÂÂwould sit with the adults rather than play games withÂÂthe other kids andÂÂlisten to the stories they would tell about theirÂÂlives and experiences. ItÂÂwas fascinating. That was also true of familyÂÂgatherings or one-on-one timesÂÂwith my baka, mother or teta or other relatives andÂÂCroatian friends whoÂÂwould share stories about their Croatian heritage andÂÂits many facets. I'mÂÂsure all of this had both a conscious and subliminalÂÂinfluence on my love ofÂÂthe narrative translated into the visual.ÂÂÂB&A: You have an undergraduate degree in film. HasÂÂyour undergraduateÂÂexperience helped in graduate film school?ÂÂVARGA: Only in the sense that my undergraduateÂÂexperience solidified myÂÂdetermination to do narrative films. The universityÂÂfilm school I attendedÂÂat the University of Maryland, Baltimore County wasÂÂpart of the fine artsÂÂdepartment and the prevailing philosophy was that filmÂÂwas only art, not art,ÂÂcraft and business. It was geared to the avantÂÂgarde--fifteen minutes ofÂÂfilming a wall, things like that--rather than tellingÂÂa story visually. ButÂÂI did have access to a lot of nice equipment. As aÂÂcreative, artisticÂÂperson, I can appreciate the avant garde. InÂÂcinematography, I loveÂÂexploring elegance and composition, but that mustÂÂserve and enhance andÂÂsupport the main focus--visual narrative.ÂÂÂB&A: What kind of films have you made?ÂÂVARGA: I've made a number of films as an undergraduateÂÂstudent. Most wereÂÂshort films. I haven't done any feature length. IÂÂdiscovered that I wasÂÂmore successful making a film from stories written byÂÂothers or adaptationsÂÂof stories by other writers rather than something IÂÂhad written. And otherÂÂpeople made films from my stories or screenplays. AsÂÂan undergraduateÂÂfilmmaker, I also came to appreciate that you learn aÂÂlot from your mistakes.ÂÂSometimes you learn even more from your mistakes thanÂÂyour successes. It'sÂÂbetter to learn that early on so you're prepared toÂÂtry and eliminate orÂÂminimize mistakes when you're in the film industryÂÂworking with otherÂÂpeople's money. A film is made three times: 1) whenÂÂit's written; 2) whenÂÂit's filmed; 3) when it's edited. The story is writtenÂÂa certain way andÂÂwhen it's being filmed things usually change. EditingÂÂalso brings changes.ÂÂA good film allows that process to unfold.ÂÂÂB&A: Why did you decide to enroll in the Florida StateÂÂUniversity graduateÂÂfilm program?ÂÂVARGA: Even though I had an undergraduate degree inÂÂfilm, I felt that IÂÂdidn't have enough experience working on a movie setÂÂand I wasn't sure IÂÂwanted to spend all my time trying to find a job thatÂÂmight or might not giveÂÂme that experience. I knew a lot about theory andÂÂtechnique but little aboutÂÂthe practical aspect of working on a movie set. I knewÂÂthat FSU was one ofÂÂthe very few schools that worked as a graduateÂÂconservatory, essentially aÂÂmini movie studio making films. Its graduate filmÂÂprogram offers eachÂÂstudent the opportunity to work in all the positionsÂÂassociated with making aÂÂfilm. You get a chance to do everything. FSU gives youÂÂtwo years ofÂÂintensive movie industry experience. It's literallyÂÂOJT---on the jobÂÂtraining.ÂÂÂB&A: Tell us more about the program.ÂÂVARGA: Entry is competitive since only 24 students areÂÂaccepted each year.ÂÂThat's why the professors know every student and theÂÂstudents know each otherÂÂin a both a classroom and working environment. FacultyÂÂmembers areÂÂprofessionals and veterans of the movie industry andÂÂfilmmaking. They aren'tÂÂjust teachers but also advisors, coaches andÂÂfacilitators. The school actsÂÂas studio production heads and decides the parameters.ÂÂUnlike many otherÂÂfilm schools, films at FSU must be made within aÂÂdefined, limited budget--aÂÂstudent can't add personal funds to enhance the filmÂÂhe or she is making--andÂÂyou sign a "contract" agreeing to adhere to that rule.ÂÂIt creates a levelÂÂplaying field among the students and is actually greatÂÂexperience in stayingÂÂwithin budget, a reality of the film productionÂÂbusiness. In the two yearÂÂprogram, graduate students will have rotated workingÂÂin all positions on theÂÂset during filming and in pre-production and postÂÂproduction. Even thoughÂÂduring the two years you eventually decide what jobsÂÂyou like the best or doÂÂthe best this system gives every student the chance toÂÂlearn, understand andÂÂappreciate what everyone is doing or should beÂÂdoing--the cinematographerÂÂknows what sound design is doing, and so on--which isÂÂgreat preparation forÂÂworking in the industry A process that might take manyÂÂyears in the industryÂÂis compressed into two in this program. Since thereÂÂare about 20 films madeÂÂeach semester this system provides opportunities forÂÂeveryone to getÂÂpractical experience in various jobs.ÂÂÂB&A: What's it like as a first year graduate filmÂÂstudent?ÂÂVARGA: Well there is no typical day. I had regularlyÂÂscheduled classes thisÂÂpast semester--directing, producing, editing,ÂÂscreenwriting, cinematography,ÂÂsound design, etc.--which will repeat in the summerÂÂand next fall. InÂÂaddition to the regular classes, there are requiredÂÂextra seminar classesÂÂthat somehow end up being held during what youÂÂexpected to be a "free" day onÂÂthe weekend! (Laughing.) You might have a nightÂÂshooting schedule as wellÂÂas day shoots depending on what films you're workingÂÂon and your job on eachÂÂfilm so your schedule is packed and days or nights areÂÂlong. We work yearÂÂ'round with breaks between semesters. For instance, IÂÂwas home for ChristmasÂÂbut won't get back home again until sometime inÂÂAugust. The fall semesterÂÂclasses immediately translate into practicalÂÂapplication on the set. DuringÂÂlast semester, the eight classes I took in the firstÂÂfour weeks----directing,ÂÂediting, writing and the rest--were focused aroundÂÂpre-production--storyÂÂdevelopment, budgets and the like. When classes areÂÂover, production beginsÂÂon the sets for the various films, followed byÂÂpost-production. Film shootsÂÂlast one or two days so you're involved in many jobsÂÂon many films. EveryÂÂfilm is different although all are narrative; thereÂÂare no documentaries.ÂÂWe're graded not just on classroom work but the workÂÂwe do on the sets. LastÂÂsemester I had classes plus production work; thisÂÂsemester I have no classesÂÂand all production work. The first semester you're inÂÂthe trenches helpingÂÂothers make their films. If you're good at particularÂÂjobs, you might be inÂÂdemand as others request you for their films. TheÂÂhighest position a firstÂÂyear grad student can reach is unit productionÂÂmanager. I'll do my producingÂÂproject this semester and my second directing projectÂÂthis coming summer.ÂÂI'll begin work on my thesis film the followingÂÂspring. It's an intensiveÂÂprogram about film as art, craft and business; asÂÂindependent andÂÂcollaborative effort; theory put into practice. It'sÂÂthe ultimate in "on theÂÂjob training" and it's great!ÂÂÂB&A: During your undergraduate years and now inÂÂgraduate school, did youÂÂstudy or encounter any Croatian filmmakers?ÂÂVARGA: Not really. From my own knowledge aboutÂÂCroatians in the industryÂÂright now, the person who comes to mind is BrankoÂÂLustig. He's high profileÂÂand essentially doing the job on a much grander scaleÂÂthat I'll be doing nextÂÂsemester. I suppose he might be considered a roleÂÂmodel because he's doingÂÂnow what I want to be doing in the near future. LustigÂÂhas worked on aÂÂnumber of films that I've liked, for instance,ÂÂGladiator. I bought it onÂÂDVD, by the way. (Laughter.)ÂÂÂB&A: What about Croatian films?ÂÂVARGA: No, Croatian films never appeared in any partÂÂof my four yearÂÂundergraduate film studies curriculum or program. YouÂÂknow, if a CroatianÂÂfilm is made for an independent art house release,ÂÂthen whoever is promotingÂÂthem should consider putting them on the universityÂÂcircuit, showing them atÂÂcolleges and universities, especially those with filmÂÂschools, throughout theÂÂU.S.ÂÂÂB&A: What advice would you give high school orÂÂundergraduate collegeÂÂstudents interested in a filmmaking career----go toÂÂgraduate school orÂÂdirectly into the industry?ÂÂVARGA: I'd have to give the same answer that used toÂÂannoy me because itÂÂseemed trite, but it's true: there's no defined orÂÂbest way to get into theÂÂmovie business. It's whatever works for you.ÂÂÂB&A: What film job is your ultimate goal and what doÂÂyou want to do afterÂÂgraduate school?ÂÂVARGA: As far as what I want to do in films, it'sÂÂproducing, directing orÂÂcinematography, probably producing/directing. After IÂÂcomplete this program,ÂÂI hope I'll be doing this and getting paid for it andÂÂworking on featureÂÂlength films.ÂÂÂB&A: Would you ever consider making a film in Croatia about Croatians?ÂÂVARGA: You bet I would, given a good story. I supposeÂÂthen my Croatian heritage will have come full circle.ÂÂÂ=====ÂÂBrian GallagherÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Atlasova Lijepa gesta iz nase Domaje http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5714/1/H-Atlasova-Lijepa-gesta-iz-nase-Domaje.html Postovani Nenad,ÂÂTako je lijepo cuti nesto dobro iz nase Domaje, kao sto je uspjeh dviju skolaÂiz Hrvatske, koje su osvojile prvo i drugo mjjesto na natjecanju 273 skola izÂcijelog svijeta, te uspjeh naseg skijasa, brata nase proslavljene Janice,ÂIvice Kostelica sa upravo zavrsenog natjecanja u skijanju iz Aspena.ÂÂJa imam nesto dodati: ovog ljeta proveo sam dosta vremena u nasoj Hrvatskoj.ÂPosjetio sam vrhunske slikare Naivne umjetnosti, sto je bio posebanÂdozivljaj, te rezervirao sobu u hotelima u Dubrovniku, Korculi, Hvaru, BracuÂ(Bol) i Splitu preko Turisticke agencije "ATLAS" iz Zagreba (Zrinjevac 17).ÂBio sam sretan vidjeti ljepote nase obale, otoka nakon toliko godina. ZbogÂnekih problema morao sam prekinuti put, te nisam mogao koristiti unaprijedÂuplacen hotel na Bracu i Splitu, vec sam sa Hvara otisao u Zagreb, a da nisamÂuopce obavijestio hotele o promjeni planiranog ljetovanja. Tako sam dosaoÂkuci (ovdje na Floridi) i eto ti iznenadenja! Nakon dva i pol mjeseca poÂmojem povratku dobio sam e-mail iz agencije "ATLAS" iz Zagreba, od "BranchÂoffice manager", simpaticne Eve Brukec, gdje mi pise slijedece:"...radi se oÂneiskoristenim rezervacijama u Splitu i Bolu, a za koje ste Vi uplatiliÂnemali iznos. Htjela sam se s Vama dogovoriti te napraviti povrat u iznosuÂcca ____Kn na Vasu VISA karticu ili se dogovoriti ako cete drugo ljetoÂdolaziti u Hrvatsku da to prebacimo na eventualne rezervacije, koje bisteÂnapravili u organizaciji nase agencije."ÂÂOvo je bilo nesto neocekivano, jer sam ja otpisao mogucnost bilo kakoveÂnaknade u novcu. To pokazuje, da je nas turizam ipak uspjesan, da ljudi radeÂzaista profesionalan posao, a ovo pisem u zelji da bismo imali mnogo takovih,Âkoji ne gledaju "uhvatiti na brzinu".ÂÂJasno, odmah sam se zahvalio, te im dao uputstva o prijenosu novca. Ovo pisemÂu nadi da cete objaviti ovu lijepu gestu nase agencije "ATLAS" i njenogÂpredstavnika Eve Brukec, a i sa zeljom da se spomene nesto dobro o tom nasemÂnovom drustvu, koje prolazi kroz dosta tezak period promjena.ÂÂVama, dragi Nenad, posebno cestitam na vrijednom radu za Hrvatsku i za nasÂkoji ju volimo.ÂÂVas Zeljko (Frank) BeluhanÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Dec 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Amb. Grdesic to speak in Indiana, Nov. 26 1200-130 p.m. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5737/1/E-Amb-Grdesic-to-speak-in-Indiana-Nov-26-1200-130-pm.html CROATIA'S SECOND TRANSITIONÂÂPresented by Dr. Ivan Grdesic, Ambassador of theÂRepublic of Croatia to the United States of AmericaÂÂWhen: Monday, November 26, 2001ÂPlace: Oak Room at the Indiana Memorial UnionÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ900 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂPhone: (812) 856-6381ÂTime: 12:00-1:30 p.m.ÂÂPresented by the WORKSHOP IN POLITICAL THEORY AND POLICYÂANALYSIS Workshop ColloquiaÂÂFor more information, visit the Web site:ÂÂhttp://www.indiana.edu/~workshopÂÂThen click on "Colloquia Announcements & Abstracts"Âunder the heading "Information & Activities:"ÂÂFrank MustacÂfrankmustac@att.netÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian American Family Hosts A Night Of A 1000 Dinners http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5736/1/E-Croatian-American-Family-Hosts-A-Night-Of-A-1000-Dinners.html Croatian American Family Hosts A Night Of A Thousand Dinners --ÂBenefit To Assist Global Humanitarian Mine ActionÂÂFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEÂÂ(November 24, 2001 - North Potomac, MD) - On November 30th, 2001 MontgomeryÂCounty area residents in Maryland will join Sir Paul McCartney and fiancéÂHeather Mills, Her Majesty Queen Noor, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell,Âand the Canadian Governor General, H.E. Adrienne Clarkson in attendingÂdinners held around the world to raise awareness and resources for theÂinternational landmine crisis.ÂÂThe recent fighting in Afghanistan has brought renewed attention to thisÂpressing global health, environmental and developmental issue. Tens ofÂthousands of fleeing refugees and Allied troops face what many ordinaryÂAfghan people have faced for decades - the fear of encountering one of theÂmillions of landmines or unexploded ordnances in the ground. Every yearÂapproximately 18,000 people are killed or maimed by landmines and, one-thirdÂare children. More than 80 million landminesÂare buried in more than 80 countries that were once ravaged by war.ÂÂThe Rukavina family in North Potomac, Maryland, working with the NationalÂFederation of Croatian Americans, decided to take action to support thisÂhumanitarian effort. The Maryland dinner featuring Croatian foods will be oneÂofÂsome one thousand being hosted around the world on or around November 30th asÂpart of the Night of a Thousand Dinners. This international initiativeÂcoordinated by the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLF) and the United NationsÂAssociation of the USA will raise funds for Adopt-A-Minefield and otherÂorganizations that are all addressing different aspects of the globalÂlandmine crisis. All funds raised at the North Potomac dinner will beÂearmarked for the Adopt-A-Minefeld organization and de-mining operations inÂCroatia and will qualify for U.S. government matching funds.ÂÂÂHeather Mills, honorary chairperson of Adopt-A-Minefield, who is to marry theÂformer Beatle next year, said: "I normally cook dinner at home and Paul makesÂthe breakfast, but on this occasion he'll be helping me and we'll share theÂcooking." McCartney has also donated signed lithographs of his paintingÂAmnesty to be given as prizes to three lucky hosts. The Rukavina dinner eventÂwill feature several Croatian dinner entrees, supplied by the Embassy of theÂRepublic of Croatia.ÂÂ"Night of a Thousand Dinners is a way for every person to contribute to theÂglobal mine clearance effort while being among friends and family in theirÂown homes," said Jason Rukavina, a senior at Wootton High School. "EveryÂperson's contribution makes an important difference to the people who live inÂfear of the threat of landmines every day."ÂÂ"I am excited to play a part in creating a safer, mine-free world and to helpÂraise money for de-mining in Croatia," said Jason Rukavina. "Night of aÂThousand Dinners enables everyone to make a meaningful difference with thisÂworldwide problem."ÂÂFor further information, please contact Jason Rukavina atÂE-mail address: ruk21@aol.comÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Don Wolf of Kansas City - A Croatian you should know! http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5735/1/E-Don-Wolf-of-Kansas-City---A-Croatian-you-should-know.html If you have never heard of Don Wolf of Kansas City, then you are missing aÂgreat story. This man has been the guardian angel for the sisters andÂorphans at St. Theresa's Orphanage in Zagreb for the past 10 years or more.ÂHe has taken their cause to many people and tirelessly raised funds to keepÂbuilding from collapsing and to keep the sisters and their efforts fromÂbankruptcy. He visits there every year and has many of the photos from hisÂvisits on the Internet. Unfortunately, the government does little to supportÂtheir efforts and they must rely on the generosity of the public.ÂÂIf anyone is feeling generous this holiday season, donations can be sent toÂthe orphanage through Don at:ÂÂSt. Theresa's OrphanageÂc/o Don WolfÂ3535 North 63 TerraceÂKansas City. Kansas 61104ÂÂUnlike other charities, ALL MONEY goes directly and immediately to theÂorphanage.ÂThe nuns at the orphanage can be reached via e-mail at: se000@globalnet.hrÂÂSubmitted by NancyÂNancyM3292@aol.comÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Handpainted Ornaments by Mara www.croatiagifts.com http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5734/1/E-Handpainted-Ornaments-by-Mara-wwwcroatiagiftscom.html Melissa Pintar ObenaufÂÂ1753 Loudon StreetÂÂGranville, OH 43023ÂÂPhone/Fax: 740-587-7715ÂÂToll Free: 877-906-8314ÂÂEmail: obenaufm@alink.comÂÂWebstore: www.croatiagifts.comÂÂÂNew Christmas Ornaments by "Mara!"ÂÂÂCome see our new Christmas ornaments, as designed by artist "Mara," at "HeartÂof Croatia" Gifts! "Mara" has hand-painted some beautiful designs she tookÂfrom Croatian embroidery designs, on her unique and one-of-a-kind glass globeÂornaments. Also at our "new" category we offer T-shirts, buttons, pins,Âtravel CD-Roms, "licitarska srce," Lepoglava Cipka (exquisite lace by DanicaÂfrom Varazdin), and a new cookbook by Croatian authors Gordana Pirker-MosherÂand Liliana Pavicic. We also have 8 dolls in Prigorje and Slavonijan costumesÂready and available for immediate delivery---no waiting on special orders!ÂÂÂIt's Christmas Shopping at its most Croatian now at "Heart of Croatia" Gifts!ÂVisit www.croatiagifts.com to select unique products that celebrate CroatianÂtraditions and customs. Make certain to see our special Christmas categoryÂwhere you will find traditional "licitarska srce" (honeybaked hearts),ÂCroatian Santas, hand-painted Christmas ornaments by "Mara," Christmas cardsÂby Marijana, and Christmas prints by world-renowned naïve artist, IvanÂGeneralic! Wait 'til you see our adorable "Sretan Bozic!" ("MerryÂChristmas!") snowbears, our hand-painted "Tiha Noc" ("Silent Night") eggs,Âand our newest addition to our Croatian village collection, our "BozicÂ(Christmas) Shop." You may want to consider a wooden tamburitza ornament forÂyour tree or our newly-released and acclaimed video, "Christmas in Croatia"Âfor your holiday entertainment! There are many additional categories to visitÂas well, including that of our new watercolor artist, Miho Simunovic, whoÂpaints lovely renderings of special locations in Croatia.ÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) John Babarovic, 69, Architect at Airports, Dies http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5733/1/E-John-Babarovic-69-Architect-at-Airports-Dies.html Do our London based friends or Rijecani know of John Babarovic? And isÂthis Susak (island) or Susak [ sushak] (part of Rijeka - across the RiverÂRjecina). In New York Times it says Susak, Yugo. (geography for 70 yearsÂago). All Babarovics that I know are Croatian. Seems like very accomplishedÂlife.Âop-edÂÂNovember 22, 2001ÂJohn Babarovic, 69, Architect at Airports, DiesÂBy THE NEW YORK TIMESÂÂJohn A. Babarovic, an architect who worked on major airport projects as wellÂas residential architecture, died on Nov. 2 in London, where he lived. He wasÂ69.ÂThe cause was complications after heart surgery, his family said.ÂMr. Babarovic was director of long-range planning at American Airlines in theÂlate 1960's. He represented the airline in the design and engineering of theÂSuper Bay Hangars in Los Angeles and San Francisco. These were the largest inÂthe world at the time, designed to accommodate four of the new Boeing 747'sÂand two DC-10's under one roof. He also designed the American AirlinesÂterminal at San Francisco.ÂWhile with the firm of Harrison & Abramowitz in New York, he worked on theÂMetropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center and the Citibank headquarters. AtÂthe time of his death he was working on a double- decker docking system forÂthe Airbus A380, a superjumbo jet that is planned to have two seating levels.ÂMr. Babarovic was born in Susak, Yugoslavia, and was a graduate of St.ÂGeorge's College in Argentina and Syracuse University. He served in theÂUnited States Army, in military intelligence, in the Korean War.ÂHe is survived by his wife, Anne Crawford Babarovic of London; a sister,ÂFrances Baglantzis of New Rochelle, N.Y.; two daughters from a previousÂmarriage, Juliana Babarovic Jaynes of Newport News, Va., and Christina MariaÂBabarovic of London; and a grandson.ÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Josip Novakovich reading at Pennsylvania State University http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5732/1/E-Josip-Novakovich-reading-at-Pennsylvania-State-University.html Croatian-born writer Josip Novakovich will give a publicÂreading at Pennsylvania State University. Arriving-mostÂrecently-from St. Petersburg and New York City,ÂNovakovich is the new addition to the fiction side ofÂPenn State's Master's of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program.ÂÂWhen: November 27, 2001, 8 p.m.ÂWhere: Lipcon Auditorium of the Palmer Museum ArtÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCurtain RoadÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Pennsylvania State University (PSU)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂUniversity Park, PA 16802ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ(814) 865-7672ÂÂPresented by the College of the Liberal ArtsÂThe Pennsylvania State University (PSU)Â110 Sparks BuildingÂUniversity Park, PA 16802ÂPhone: (814) 865-7691ÂÂ*The week of Week of May 4 - May 10, 2002, A NationalÂPublic Radio's (NPR) program called "Selected Shorts"Âwill broadcast Novakovich's short story "A Whale'sÂThroat" read by Jerry Orbach from Novakovich'sÂbook "Salvation and Other Disasters" (Graywolf Press).ÂÂNovakovich is the winner of the O.Henry prize, the mostÂprestigious American award in short fiction, awarded toÂjust 20 American short stories yearly. His list ofÂcredentials includes having been awarded a GuggenheimÂFellowship.ÂÂHis books include Salvation and Other Disasters: ShortÂStories (Graywolf, May 1998), Apricots from Chernobyl:ÂNarratives (Graywolf, April 1995), Yolk: Short StoriesÂ(Graywolf, September 1995), Writing Fiction Step by StepÂ(Story, July 1998), Fiction Writer's Workshop (WritersÂDigest Books, April 1995 and February 1998). He also co-Âedited Stories in the Stepmother Tongue with RobertÂShapard (White Pine, September 2000).ÂÂFrank MustacÂfrankmustac@att.netÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Recent photos of Croatia from Michelle Dunaj http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5731/1/E-Recent-photos-of-Croatia-from-Michelle-Dunaj.html FDear Michelle,ÂÂI do know writer who needs pictures from Croatia for his new book to beÂpublished.ÂI saw your pictures and they are besides being all of them very beautiful,Âmany with the artistic approach (waves and the frame that I find veryÂartistic. Clean and simple, the is and it should be). Congratulations andÂthank you very much for this generous offer. Since CROWN do not send picturesÂover the net (Virus reasons) but will put them on the web when that will beÂin function, I suggest that people who are interested in these photos toÂemail you directly. They won't regret. How beautiful is Our Beautiful. Bravo!ÂÂNenad BachÂCROWNÂÂHere are some pictures for you! Hope that you enjoy.ÂÂMichelle DunajÂÂ(See attached file: Beautiful Split Croatia.jpg)Â(See attached file: Roof_top_Dubrovnik.jpg)Â(See attached file: Dubrovnik3_1998.jpg)Â(See attached file: Dubrovnik2_1998.jpg)Â(See attached file: Dubrovnik_1998.jpg)Â(See attached file: Krocula_Croatia.jpg)Â(See attached file: Dubrovnik_Window.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfalls.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall9.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall4.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall5.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall8.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall10.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall6.jpg)Â(See attached file: Waterfall2.jpg)ÂÂMichelle.Dunaj@jmfamily.comÂSubject: [CROWN] (E) recent photos of Croatia availableÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) The Univ. Library of Rijeka invites you to Ex-Libris Exhibition http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5730/1/E-The-Univ-Library-of-Rijeka-invites-you-to-Ex-Libris-Exhibition.html Dear friends,ÂÂThe University Library of Rijeka invites you to see the Third InternationalÂEx-Libris Exhibition «Old Scripts» which will be opened on Tuesday 6thÂNovember 2001. The invitation is enclosed hereto. Participating in thisÂExhibition are 332 authors from 42 countries with 746 ex-libris. The text ofÂthe invitation and list of awarded authors, as well as the catalog of thisÂExhibition can be found on the E pages of the University Library of Rijeka (Âhttp://www.svkr.hr)ÂÂOn this occasion the original speeches of the distinguished Latinist, _imunÂKo_i_i_ Benja, that he gave at the Lateran Council in 1512 and 1516 will alsoÂbe exhibited, wherein he describes the horrible sufferings of Croatian andÂits people under the Ottomans, and his appeals for aid which came fromÂnowhere. Besides, only on the opening evening, one will be able to see theÂeditions of the printing-office that this banished bishop set up in RijekaÂ(1530-1531):ÂPsalter, 1530/1531 (reprint from 1976)ÂThe Roman Office, Rijeka 1530 (the original is property of the National andÂUniversity Library)ÂMisal hruacki (Croatian Missal), 1531 (the original is property of theÂNational and University Library)ÂBook of the Cross, Rijeka, 1531 (reprint from 1984)ÂBook about the lives of Roman popes and emperors (Knji_ice od _itija rimskihÂarhierjeov i cesarov), Rijeka, 1531 (original-fragments, property of HAZU)ÂBook on the Character of a Member of Monastic Order (Od bitija redovni_kogaÂknji_ice), Rijeka, 1531 (photocopy of first page)ÂÂThis Exhibition is organized thanks to the good will and understanding of NSKÂand HAZU, as well as CROATIA Osiguranje, Branch-office Rijeka.ÂÂThis Ex-Libris Exhibition is planning to make guest appearances. Hence theÂfirst guest appearance is to take place in Berlin as a sideshow of the mainÂexhibition of the heritage of Glagolitic script and Croatian literature:Â"Three Languages and Three Scripts of One Nation" at the Staatsbibliothek inÂthe beginning of 2002. The exhibit is easy to transport and the catalog isÂprinted bilingually (Croatian and English). Thereafter the plan is toÂorganize guest appearances in Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. We welcome allÂpossibilities for guest appearances abroad.ÂIf any of our friends from the AMAC network wish to have the catalog they canÂplace an orderÂThis is one of the ways of expressing our Croatian awareness and our place inÂthe world. As to how successful we have been in this sense, we leave that toÂthe decision of the numerous visitors to this Exhibition and to our E pages.ÂÂWe also invite our dear friends of the AMAC network to visit us. Soon the EÂpages of the University Library of Rijeka will come out with a virtualÂexhibition of Glagolitic script as an electronic reflection of the actualÂexhibition that has for 33 years now since it was first put up been a displayÂof this theme that is unique in the world.ÂWelcome.ÂJuraj LokmerÂjuraj.lokmer@svkri.hrÂÂop-edÂVisit their: http://www.svkr.hrÂIf you travel go and see the exhibition !ÂSupport our Croatian Cultural heritage. Bravo Rijeka !ÂNenad BachÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Darko Tresnjak i Louis Zorich uspjesni u New Yorku http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5729/1/H-Darko-Tresnjak-i-Louis-Zorich-uspjesni-u-New-Yorku.html Darko Tresnjak je izgleda poznat i aktivan kazalisni redatelj u NY iÂokolici. Momentano, citirajuci danasnji NYTimes, Arts section, p E5 na dnu IIÂstupca (u clanku o Sondheimu) `Goodspeed Op/Hse in East Haddam, CT isÂpresent'g [Sondheim's] "A Little Night Music"' u njegovoj reziji.ÂÂÂÂÂÂLouis Zorich (poznat po ulozi u TV seriji"Mad About You) pak nastupa uÂglavnoj ulozi Neil Simon komedije `45 Seconds from B'wy' u Rich RodgersÂkazalistu (226 W 46 St, 307-4100).ÂÂSubmitted by Fedor KabalinÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) New York - Vecer folklora DANAS http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5728/1/H-New-York---Vecer-folklora-DANAS.html Folklorna Grupa "Hrvatska Ruza"ÂizÂHrvatske Katolicke Misije AstoriaÂPoziva Vas NaÂVECER HRVATSKOG FOLKLORAÂÂSubota 24.11.2001Â7:00 PMÂMost Precious Blood Scholl AuditoriumÂ32-52 37th Street , AstoriaÂÂÂÂNastupaju:Â"Kardinal Stepinac" iz ManhattanaÂHrvatska [kola iz Astoria iz AstorijeÂHrvatska [kola Astoria iz DouglastonaÂ"Jadranski Valovi" iz AstorijeÂKUD Rudar iz Rudar Kluba-AstoriaÂ"Hrvatska Ru`a" iz AstorijeÂÂZabavljaju Vas "Sunce" I "Novi Plamen"ÂÂUlaz: $15.00ÂÂDOBRO DOSLI!!!ÂÂThank you for supporting us!Â~Hrvatska Ruza~ÂÂÂÂcontact fra. Robert Zubovic: RZubovic@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Vecer sa Spirom Guberinom u New Yorku - Kultura Cetvrtkom http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5727/1/H-Vecer-sa-Spirom-Guberinom-u-New-Yorku---Kultura-Cetvrtkom.html VECER SA SPIROM GUBERINOM u ciklusu Kultura CetvrtkomÂÂCetvrtak, 29. XI, 2001 7 sati navecerÂÂÂdvorana ispod crkve Sv. Cirila i Metodija, Manhattan 41 ulica, izmedju 10 iÂ11 avenijeÂu New YorkuÂÂÂKarte: $5 (za studente ulaz slobodan)ÂÂInformacije na telefon: 212.563.3395ÂÂÂProgram:ÂÂÂIzbor iz najboljih kazali nih ulogaÂÂProjekcije izabranih TV ostvarenjaÂÂRazgovor sa umjetnikom letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H,E) Bozicni koncertChristmas Concert in Toronto http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5726/1/HE-Bozicni-koncertChristmas-Concert-in-Toronto.html JUBILARNI HRVATSKI BOZICNI KONCERT U TORONTU!Â(English text follows)ÂÂESTRADA vas poziva na tradicionalni, ali ovog puta jubilarni Bozicni koncertÂkoji vec deset godina okuplja Hrvate Juznog Ontarija i sve nas zajedno, uzÂprigodne bozicne pjesme i druzenje s prijateljima.ÂÂUzivat cete u bogatom programu u izvedbi nasih mladih, talentiranihÂumjetnika, pjevati s nama najljepse hrvatske Bozicne pjesme i susresti svojeÂprijatelje uz kavu i izvrsne domace kolace.ÂÂNase najmladje Sveti Nikola razveseliti ce s poklonima!ÂÂBozicni koncert ce se odrzati:Âu nedjelju 9. 12. 2001. godineÂu 3 sata poslije podneÂu tradicionalnoj dvoraniÂSilverthorn CollegiateÂ291 Mill Road, EtobicokeÂ(zapadno od HWY 427, juzno od Burnamthorpe)ÂÂUlaznice se mogu kupiti kod Hrvatskih kreditnih zadruga, Generalturista, teÂclanova Estrade i Zenskog pjevackog zbora ili 45 minuta prije predstaveÂ(prema raspolozivosti)ÂÂCijena ulaznica: $15 za odrasle, $10 za studente , za djecu do 14 godinaÂulaz je besplatanÂÂZa sve dodatne informacije i rezervacije nazovite Aranku na 416-695-1493 iliÂSrebrenku na 416-781-7450, ili se obratite na e-mailÂaranka_lengyel@hotmail.comÂÂTRADITIONAL CROATIAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN TORONTO!ÂÂEstrada cordially invites you to their traditional Croatian ChristmasÂConcert. This is our 10th anniversary, a Jubilee: come caroling with us!ÂMeet old friends and get spiritually prepared for the festive season.ÂÂEnjoy the graditional programme enriched by the participation of our youngÂCroatian talents. Sing along the most beautiful Croatian Christmas carolsÂand savour coffee and home baked sweets with friends.ÂÂSaint Nichloas will delight the youngest with presents!ÂÂThe Croatian Christmas Concert will take place on:ÂÂSUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2001 AT 3 PMÂSilverthorn Collegiate Institute, 291 Mill Road, EtobicokeÂÂTickets can be purchased in advance at the following outlets:ÂCroatian Credit Union(both addresses), Generalturist and from members of theÂWomen's Choir.ÂÂTickets, subject to availability, can be purchased 45 minutes prior to theÂperormance.ÂCost: general admission: $15.00, students: $10.00, children/youth under 14Âyears: free!ÂÂAdditional information and reservations:ÂÂAranka: 416-695-1493 (evening) or Srebrenka: 416-781-7450 (day)Âor e-mail: aranka_lengyel@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 25 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Artists from 10 different nations including Croatia in Seattle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5758/1/E-Artists-from-10-different-nations-including-Croatia-in-Seattle.html 17 musicians, singers and dancers from 10 different nations:ÂGreece, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Iraq, Croatia, India, Fiji, Japan and the USÂÂGreetings Friends,ÂÂThis Saturday, I'll be appearing with CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION at theÂPARAMOUNT THEATER, NOVEMBER 17 at 8PM. Tickets are $15, $20 or $25 andÂcan be purchased through www.theparamount.com or www.ticketmaster.comÂÂThe concert doubles as the release of our new video and two new CD'sÂrecorded live at Meany Hall in June of this year in front of a sold outÂhouse of 1,200.ÂÂChildren of the Revolution has been called a "Mediterranean Riverdance"Âwith elements of Gypsy Kings, Sanata the Buena Vista Social ClubÂfeaturing 17 musicians, singers and dancers from 10 different nationsÂ(Greece, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Iraq, Croatia, India, Fiji, Japan andÂthe US) will perform with numerous guest artists including Johnny KalsiÂof Afro/Celtic Sound System, Reggie Watts of Maktub, Viktoria Titova ofÂthe Bolshoi Ballet and Chelsea Bacon, one of the world's foremost staticÂtrapeze artists.ÂÂThe Paramount Theater, located at 911 Pine Street in downtown Seattle,Âseats nearly 3,000 people. Although there are tickets still availableÂbuy them now, because it will be a sell out!ÂÂFor those of you who can not attend the concert, but would like toÂpurchase a video or CD's, check out the band website atÂwww.wmrevolution.comÂÂAll proceeds from the video and the CD's will benefit BABES, Seattle'sÂsupport group for HIV+ women.ÂÂHope to see you all there,ÂÂJohn MorovichÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Asirija i Asirci http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5757/1/E-Asirija-i-Asirci.html Zanimljiv tekst o Asircima koji sam preveo na hrvatskom!   www.aina.org/articles/asirija.htmClick Here: Asirija i Asirci   -Marko  marko@croatia.ogdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com    letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Chef John Sarich from Seattle http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5756/1/E-Chef-John-Sarich-from-Seattle.html Take a look at this web site: www.cookalotamus.com and the followingÂÂwww.cookalotamus.com/media_johnsarich_gsharp.htmlÂÂÂI couldn't down load the article, which appears in this months Long IslandÂÂParenting magazine (a free magazine) concerning Sarich, a chef in theÂÂSeattle area who has his own TV show (Best of Taste: Flavors of the PacificÂÂNorthwest). Sarich speaks in the article about being a first generationÂÂCroatian American. His parents are from Dalmatia. He gives a recipe in theÂÂarticle for potato gnocchi.ÂÂÂThanks to my wife for finding this article.ÂÂÂJohn KraljicÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Cuisine Croatian Cookbook - Support and buy http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5755/1/E-Croatian-Cuisine-Croatian-Cookbook---Support-and-buy.html http://www.croatianmall.com/valcich/">ValcichPublishingÂhttp://www.croatianmall.com/valcich/ÂÂ"Croatian Cookbook" - A Walk through Croatia - by Dennis ValcichÂ(dvalcich@ihug.com.au)Â"Hrvatska Kuhinja" - Croatian Cuisine - by Dennis ValcichÂ(dvalcich@ihug.com.au)ÂÂCongratulations Mr. Valcich !ÂPlease support this book by buying it. I will order, both of them. The bestÂway how to support our cause is by direct support of the people who carry theÂweight and use their talent and time to bring it to the world audience. SuchÂbooks should be sold in 10s of thousands of copies, without blinking, and ifÂthe world audience recognize the same even more. That is what I call support.ÂI am talking from my own experience. Taping someone's shoulder is not enough.ÂÂMy best,ÂNenad BachÂEditor-in-ChiefÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Croatian Roots 0n TV tonight (New York, Chanel 13) http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5754/1/E-Croatian-Roots-0n-TV-tonight-New-York-Chanel-13.html The Public Television or Chanel 13 i n New York is showing tonight,ÂSunday November 18, 2001 the Croatian Roots at 10:30 p.m.ÂÂKatarina TepeshÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Darko Suvak - Croatian DP Award Winner at AFI International Film Festival http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5753/1/E-Darko-Suvak---Croatian-DP-Award-Winner-at-AFI-International-Film-Festival.html Nenad:ÂNote to your readers from the AFI International Film Festival:ÂÂThe Kodak Vision Award in Cinematography: Darko Suvak, director ofÂphotography, 'Skies, Satellites" (Croatia)ÂÂBRAVO Darko !!!Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) DialogosParis http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5752/1/E-DialogosParis.html GreetingsÂÂÂOn my trip to Paris and my night out, you can buy the dialogos CD "TerraÂAdriatica" from both US and UK amazon:ÂÂÂUS:ÂÂhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001NTJX/qid=1005778047/sr=8-1/ref=srÂÂ_8_1_1/102-6794175-9559312ÂÂÂUK:ÂÂhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001NTJX/o/qid=1005778194/sr=8-1/reÂÂf=sr_aps_cm_1_1/026-7434138-6138052ÂÂÂA mention on the groupÂÂat:http://www.hr/darko/etf/et12.htmlÂÂÂThere is also something on the Croatian embassy inÂÂParis (for the French readers, not moi!) website :ÂÂÂhttp://www.amb-croatie.fr/culture/dialogos_amca2001.htmÂÂÂÂRegardsÂÂÂBrianÂÂ=====ÂÂBrian GallagherÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Harry Potter and We are Family http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5751/1/E-Harry-Potter-and-We-are-Family.html Dear All,ÂÂI am happy to share two personal accomplishments TODAY. I worked on HarryÂPotter ( Warner Brothers/One Voice) as an analyst, reviewer, advisor onÂCroatian language for Literary & Film projects for the first four books ofÂHarry Potter, during the last year. But today, November 16th, 2001, is theÂpremier of the first film, so it feels good.ÂÂAlso, I participated in the recordings of We Are Family CD and scored (wroteÂmusic) for the one hour TV special of "The Making and Meaning of We AreÂFamily." CD is on sale worldwide. Globalvision is still working on DVD thatÂwill include the film that is directed by Danny Schechter.Âwww.globalvision.orgÂÂCharm comes in three and I hope that I will sign another contract today, thatÂis in progress for some time. Keep fingers crossed. Don't ask how I do all ofÂthis (that is the most asked question).ÂI don't know either. My family do.ÂÂBest,ÂÂNenad BachÂÂhttp://www.wearefamilyfoundation.com/version_html.htmlÂhttp://www.wearefamilyfoundation.comÂÂWE ARE FAMILY is an expression of concern and a celebration of our commonÂhumanity. It is not political. It takes no stands except one: Our worldÂculture needs to hear more voices of tolerance and to insure that prejudice,Âracism and blind revenge should never become an acceptable action, and shouldÂnot now be an accepted response.ÂÂOur country is in pain. Many have lost friends, family, and a part of a cityÂthey loved. We know that everyone wants to help, and millions of dollars areÂbeing raised for relief and recovery.ÂÂYet, individuals are suffering losses that money can never replace. OurÂsociety needs relief too. We need inspiration and unifying messages to helpÂheal a stunned and traumatized nation that, in its best moments, has shownÂthe beautiful ways people can help and love each other. It is time for all ofÂus who treasure our most fundamental American ideals to do everythingÂpossible to promote tolerance. The obligation and responsibility ofÂpatriotism is not just to defend our country from outside enemies but also toÂensure our principles are not challenged or compromised from within.ÂÂLike justice, debate and free expression, diversity and freedom of religionÂare also values we must defend. We need to hear each other and not demonizeÂeach other.ÂÂWE ARE FAMILY.ÂÂOn Saturday, September 22, 2001, in response to the devastating attack on NewÂYork, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, over 150 celebrities came together inÂunity and strength of purpose to re-record the Sister Sledge classic "We AreÂFamily." The song is a celebration of our common humanity, a theme song toÂunite our nation and the world. This celebrity version includes performancesÂby Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Ashford &ÂSimpson, Dionne Warwick and many other top singers, actors and sportsÂfigures. It was produced by Nile Rodgers and co-executive produced by TomÂSilverman for Tommy Boy Music and SumThing Else Musicworks. Spike Lee shotÂthe music video and there will be a one-hour documentary available soon.ÂÂThe WE ARE FAMILY PROJECT DONATES proceeds from the sale of the record toÂwell run, non-profit relief, educational, legal defense and toleranceÂpromoting activism. Funds will be shared by The American Red Cross and theÂCantor-Fitzgerald Relief Fund. For more information, contact:Âkris.chen@tommyboy.comÂÂTo learn more about the worthwhile organizations below, check out eachÂgroup's website. Get involved and help spread the message of compassion,Âcaring, and tolerance.ÂÂAmerican Red CrossÂhttp://www.redcross.orgÂÂCantor-Fitzgerald Relief FundÂhttp://www.cantorrelief.orgÂÂThe new release is available on CD and can be purchased at CDNOW. You canÂalso purchase the download from our friends at Liquid Audio. Either way, it'sÂa great way to contribute and get a historical recording in return!ÂÂMay May AliÂLamya AlmugheryÂMichael AmanteÂAmberÂAngela AmmonsÂLaurie AndersonÂNick AshfordÂNenad BachÂJerry BarnesÂMilton BarnesÂWindy BarnesÂAfrika BambaataaÂTony BarowiakÂTyson BeckfordÂGina BelafonteÂPolly BergenÂBig GuessÂBig SykeÂHoward BinghamÂStephen BishopÂBlack ChildÂBlessÂNelson BotwinickÂElton BrandÂJackson BrowneÂBe Be BuehlÂKim BurrellÂDavid CanaryÂHarry Wayne CaseyÂBryan ChanÂJen ChapinÂEd CherneyÂPatricia CisaranoÂFrancesco ClementeÂCokoÂJim CourierÂMacaulay CulkinÂDonna D'CruzÂE.G. DailyÂAlia M. DavisÂTaylor DayneÂGavin DegrawÂTaye DiggsÂCarmen ElectraÂQuentin EliasÂFaith EvansÂFDNYÂRoberta FlackÂJeffrey GainesÂCynthia GarrettÂLeif GarrettÂSiedah GarrettÂGiGi GastonÂGin GatorÂGina GershonÂDeborah GibsonÂRod GilbertÂDavid GoldschmittÂMac GollehonÂJay GordonÂJoel GrayÂNiki HarisÂDavid HasselhoffÂSophie B. HawkinsÂCatherine HicklandÂRichard HiltonÂJD HintonÂLamar HolmesÂLemel HumesÂNancy HuntÂDesiree JacksonÂMark JacksonÂAlexander JonesÂAnnabelle JonesÂAnn JonesÂJamie JonesÂMartina JonesÂMick JonesÂJonas JosiahÂMilla JovovichÂKC and the Sunshine BandÂScott KellinerÂDelion KennedyÂRahat Nusrat Fateh Ali KhanÂAngelique KidjoÂEartha KittÂPatti LaBelleÂErnie LakeÂQueen LatifahÂKenny LattimoreÂHen LeeÂSpike LeeÂLeonÂLisa LeslieÂAnanda LewisÂLisa LingÂRebecca LoboÂJimmy LocustÂAudra LomaxÂEdith LutnickÂLisa LyleÂMaccalÂCheb MamiÂMarioÂJesse L. MartinÂLorelei McBroomÂJohn McEnroeÂJoey McIntyreÂLalisha McLeanÂAkissa A. MendezÂMichael J. MillerÂMike MillerÂStephanie MillsÂBrian Stokes MitchellÂMathew ModineÂChante MooreÂRaul MoralesÂMs. ShabazzÂMin. Benjamin MuhammadÂNatarajÂAlfred NevarezÂNoeliaÂNYPDÂDanny Boy O'ConnorÂJoan OsborneÂMae PangÂRosie PerezÂRichard PerryÂBernadette PetersÂRich PicciattoÂKate PiersonÂAnita PointerÂBonnie PointerÂJune PointerÂRuth PointerÂMaury PovichÂNathan PurdeeÂPeter RauhoferÂRev. Right Time and the First Cousins of FunkÂRev. RunÂDenise RichÂDeleon RichardsÂCalvin RichardsonÂNile RodgersÂFelipe RoseÂBubble Share RossÂDiana RossÂDarius RuckerÂMarcus SchenkenbergÂFred SchneiderÂRoxanne SeemanÂTaja SevilleÂMolly ShannonÂSylver Logan SharpÂGary SheffieldÂJamie Lynn SiglerÂElla SilvermanÂZoe SilvermanÂValerie SimpsonÂBill Sims Jr.ÂMongo SladeÂCathy SledgeÂDebbie SledgeÂJoni SledgeÂKathy SledgeÂKim SledgeÂErika SlezakÂRichard SmallwoodÂHillary B. SmithÂPatti SmythÂPhoebe SnowÂAngie StoneÂKT SullivanÂTony TerryÂCarl ThomasÂFonzi ThortonÂNestor TorresÂAida TurturroÂLittle Steven Van ZandtÂIyanla Van ZantÂLuther VandrossÂTata VegaÂGerardo VelezÂTom ViscountÂVitamin CÂDionne WarwickÂMartha WashÂTeresa WeatherspoonÂCorey WilliamsÂDeniece WilliamsÂMontel WilliamsÂNick WizÂNorwood YoungÂRick YuneÂMalik YusefÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Istria in New York Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5750/1/E-Istria-in-New-York-Times.html Dear All,ÂÂRegardless what Ms. Bastiancic feels, we should send a short note to New YorkÂTimes and let them know and understand that we DO understand thisÂmisrepresentation. Even more, I do expect from our Istrians on the net to doÂso. Istria is a beautiful part of this planet and within the boarders ofÂCroatia. Personal feelings aside. If Croatia is mentioned in New York Times,Âit is better for all of us, especially on such a good note.ÂWrite to: letters@nytimes.comÂÂNenad BachÂÂp.s. Ms. Bastiancic is a very talented chef and an entrepreneur. Should weÂmake next Croatian (New York) gathering /meeting in her restaurant?ÂÂA Recipe Kept Warm for 55 YearsÂÂROM the commotion in the kitchen, you would have thought it was a weddingÂday. Pans of eggplant rollatini baked in the oven, turnovers stuffed withÂsalami and mozzarella fried in the pan. Fresh clams were minced, broccoliÂrape was rinsed. The pears and grapes were already roasted in moscato, andÂthe pignoli cookies were cooling on a sideboard. The chicken hadn't even beenÂstarted. This was no wedding. This was lunch. Lidia Matticchio Bastianich,Âthe celebrated chef who is a co-owner of five restaurants and the star of herÂsecond public television series, "Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen," whichÂhas been on the air since January, still makes lunch for her family everyÂSaturday and Sunday. The fact that this was Wednesday didn't stop her; theÂchance to cook from her latest book, "Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen"Â(Alfred A. Knopf), which includes the recipes for every dish in the newÂseries, was too hard to resist. Really. While other women choose yoga orÂmeditation to relax, Ms. Bastianich cooks. The prospect of throwing up herÂhands and ordering in is foreign to her.Â"Maybe I felt that way once or twice," she said. Once or twice what? A month?ÂA year?Â"No, once or twice that I can remember," she answered, smiling. "Cooking isÂgood therapy for me."ÂIt is also central to her sense of home - the childhood home she lost inÂIstria, a region in northeastern Italy that was taken over by YugoslaviaÂafter World War II and became Communist. In 1956 her family left for Trieste,Âwhere for two years they lived in a refugee camp awaiting visas to America.ÂMs. Bastianich was 10 at the time and had to leave without saying goodbye toÂthe beloved grandparents who helped raise her. They ran a trattoria and grewÂmost of the food they sold and ate, producing their own olive oil and wine,Âdistilling their own grappa and curing their own meats. That world, no longerÂhome, no longer even Italy, was lost to her forever.ÂOr so she thought. The family moved to Astoria, Queens, to be near a distantÂrelative, and Ms. Bastianich's father found work as a mechanic for Chevrolet;Âher mother, who had been an elementary school teacher, did piece work for theÂEvan Picone clothing company. Her daughter cooked the family's dinner eachÂnight, a task that kept the memory of her grandmother close.Â"I picked up the newness in America, and it was wonderful," Ms. BastianichÂsaid, escaping the kitchen to sit in her sunroom. "But I needed to go back soÂmuch. This nostalgia I had at 12 years old! I had unfinished business there.ÂMy grandmother was the epicenter for me."ÂShe entered Hunter College on a scholarship but left after two years to marryÂFelice Bastianich, a fellow Istrian. At 19, on her honeymoon, she returned toÂIstria for the long-awaited reunion with her grandmother. "I had eight visitsÂafter that," Ms. Bastianich said happily. "She was able to see my twoÂchildren."ÂThe echoes of her truncated childhood still sound through this house. A TudorÂbuilt in 1902, it is located in the Douglaston Manor section of Queens andÂsits right on the bay, a vegetable and herb garden in the yard, a wood-Âburning bread and pizza oven and rotisserie in the back. The terrace was bareÂin the November sunlight; Ms. Bastianich had brought her lemon, bay leaf andÂrosemary trees indoors for the winter, along with huge pots of geraniums. TheÂlast of the summer's tomatoes were ripening on a sheet of newspaper on theÂterra- cotta-tiled dining room floor.Â"The food of a country is my story," she said. "It is a small story, butÂpeople relate so much to it. I want to share that, but also the idea ofÂbringing people and family together. There is a softness to it, I think.ÂPeople say to me: `You remind me of my mother. You bring back memories.' "ÂThe sound of pots banging in the kitchen seemed to distract her momentarily;Âthis idea of family, which for her encompasses the people she works with, isÂa noisy proposition. Ms. Bastianich's recipe tester, Chris Styler, had takenÂover preparation of the chicken cacciatore while her assistant, ShellyÂBurgess, answered the phone and tended to her 4- month- old son. Ms. BurgessÂis married to Fortunato Nicotra, the chef at Felidia, Ms. Bastianich's firstÂManhattan restaurant, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in October.ÂMs. Bastianich's mother, Erminia, who is 80, played with the baby while herÂcompanion, Giovanni Bencina, read the paper; they live in the house in aÂseparate apartment. Ms. Bastianich's son-in-law, Corrado Manuali, a lawyer,Âran after his 2-year- old son, Lorenzo. His wife, Tanya, Ms. Bastianich'sÂdaughter, was in Italy, where she often leads tour groups for a company sheÂowns with her mother. Joseph Bastianich, his mother's partner in Felidia,ÂBecco and Esca in New York, Lidia's Kansas City and Lidia's Pittsburgh, wasÂin Connecticut poised for his wife's delivery of their third child, whoÂarrived later that night.ÂMixing work and family is second nature by now; Ms. Bastianich's motherÂalways lived with her and watched the children so that she and her husbandÂcould work in their restaurants at night. And Ms. Bastianich tapes herÂtelevision series in her spacious kitchen.ÂIt is a house that is lived in," she said. "There's people, food, kidsÂplaying. The house is me." Lorenzo barreled through the door. "Nonna Lidia,"Âhe called, using the Italian word for grandma, "House!"Â"Yes, Lorenzo, make a house, go ahead," she answered, as he pulled theÂcushions from the sofas and propped them up on the floor. "This need ofÂhaving family all around is very Italian, anyway," she said. "My quest isÂwhere can my family and friends fit, what would they enjoy? I want to shareÂwith the house."ÂFor all the frenzy that surrounds her, Ms. Bastianich, 55, seems to have anÂinner peace. After 31 years of marriage, she and her husband divorced; theÂbusiness expansion interested him less than it did his wife. They remain goodÂfriends, she says, and she seems no worse for wear. Her skin is baby smooth,Âher smile is radiant, the flour that marks her pants - she never wore anÂapron - bothers her not at all.Â"Nature recharges me," she said, gazing out onto the bay. "I need the water.ÂI'm with people 12 hours a day. Hearing the water rustle against the rocks isÂjust like music."ÂAnd having had her mother live with her all these years comforts her as well.Â"That gives me a tremendous amount of security," she said. "I had my firstÂchild at 21, my first restaurant at 24."ÂDespite her mother's help, Ms. Bastianich said, she was still conflictedÂabout mixing career with children. She and her husband ran two restaurants inÂQueens for a decade before opening Felidia. "I was lucky enough to have aÂyoung pediatrician," she said, "because the guilt came to me. I told him, `IÂlove what I do, but I have this weight about it.' And he said: `ChildrenÂbasically want their parents to be happy. If you stay home and are grouchyÂyou'll regret it. If you go out and do and be happy, you can bring themÂalong.' So I brought them. But I told my kids, you've got to get anÂeducation, you don't want this. We had to have our Mother's Day or Easter atÂthe restaurant before we opened, then they would go home with Grandma, and IÂwould stay and work."ÂThough they obeyed her - Joe received his B.A. from Boston College, Tanya aÂPh.D. in art history from Oxford - they came right back. In 1999, when Ms.ÂBastianich was given the James Beard Award for best chef in New York andÂJoseph Bastianich with his partner in Babbo, Mario Batali, won the award forÂbest new restaurant in the United States, it was a thrilling moment. "It wasÂa culmination," she said proudly. "A legacy going forward."ÂMr. Bastianich, who opened Becco, his first restaurant, when he was 25, saysÂthat his mother makes a good partner. "When I needed her she was there, andÂwhen I didn't she was nowhere to be found," he said. "Her greatest strengthÂis her sensibility in dealing with people." So, there are no big blowoutsÂwith the chef? "She's not a chef," he said. "She's a real cook, not aÂscreamer or a control freak. Cooking is who she is, a part of her culture,Âand how she exhibits emotion and love. It's her language."ÂPreserving that culture, Ms. Bastianich said, was one of the reasons sheÂwrote her new book. "I wanted to capture my grandmother and those memories,"Âshe said. " I don't want the children to forget who they are. TheÂItalian-American cuisine has been shunned in recent years as an imposterÂcuisine. But I think it is venerable. These are people who came to a newÂcountry and did their best with what they found."Â"Still," she went on, "I feel like an octopus; I'm touching different things.ÂI'm that sort of link caught in between here and there."ÂThe noise in the kitchen was escalating. Clearly it was time for lunch. "CallÂGrandma," Ms. Bastianich told Mr. Styler, spotting her outside the kitchenÂwindow as she headed back to the stove. He returned promptly. "She wants toÂknow what's the holdup," he said, and Ms. Bastianich smiled, shaking her head.Â"On the show, we call her the executive executive producer," Mr. Styler said.Â"She sits in control room and says, `Smile a little more.' "Â"As the family gathered, Ms. Bastianich boiled the pasta, sautéed garlic andÂolive oil, even tossed some spaghetti in a pan with butter for Lorenzo, whileÂhe sat on the marble counter banging on pots with a spoon, hisÂgreat-grandmother by his side. She sang, `Bravo, mi amore" in time with theÂbeat. Ms. Bastianich's calm was practically Zenlike; she seemed to hearÂnothing.ÂUntil Ms. Burgess's baby, who had been peaceful all morning, suddenly beganÂto wail. Finally, Ms. Bastianich looked up. "Feed him, that's all," she said.Â"He wants to eat."ÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New Book Croatia Country and Language http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5749/1/E-New-Book-Croatia-Country-and-Language.html The Christmas season is here, and many of us wonder what we will give forÂÂpresents to our friends and relatives. We want to give a gift that isÂÂenriching and attractive. We may walk the malls for hours and hours,ÂÂlooking for the "right" gift. Here is an idea that will save your preciousÂÂtime, a gift that will last for years, and will be greatly appreciated.ÂÂÂCROATIA THE COUNTRY AND THE LANGUAGE HRVATSKA ZEMLJA I JEZIKÂÂÂBy Nasja Boskovic Meyer and Jasna Meyer, Ph.D.ÂÂÂA DYNAMIC NEW WAY TO LEARN ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND LANGUAGE OF CROATIA.ÂÂPUBLISHED IN TWO VOLUMES, IN HARD-COVER AND SOFT-COVER, COPYRIGHT 2001.ÂÂÂVol. I: for anyone who wants to learn more about the rich history andÂÂculture of Croatia and its language, Hrvatski Jezik. Intro to BasicÂÂGrammar, Familiar Scenes in Zagreb, Poems and Proverbs, EverydayÂÂExpressions, Brief History of Croatia, Exercises in Speaking and WritingÂÂCroatian, English/Croatian and Croatian/English Mini- Dictionary, Jokes andÂÂShort Conversations, Practical Suggestions for Visitors and Tourists toÂÂCroatia, 283 Pages with Pictures and IllustrationsÂÂÂVol. II: for persons who want to learn more, and in greater depth, aboutÂÂCroatian language and culture, for visitors to Croatia, for those withÂÂfriends and family connections in Croatia. Continuation of the Study ofÂÂGrammar, Poems, Proverbs and Songs. Visits to Karlovac, PlitviceÂÂLakes, Split, Trogir, ibenik, Zadar, Dalmatian Islands, Dubrovnik,ÂÂMedugorje. The Game of "Alka" at Sinj, Everyday Expressions, Exercises inÂÂSpeaking and Writing Croatian, Recipes for HolidayÂÂBaking, Jokes and Short Conversations, Mini-Dictionary, 301 Pages withÂÂPictures and IllustrationsÂÂAudio tapes are available to complement both volumes. The tapes help withÂÂpronunciation and reinforce progress in learning both the language and theÂÂculture.ÂÂÂTo order, send your Name, Address, Phone No. and a check to ACM Publishing,ÂÂ605 Langton, St. Louis, Mo. 63105-2416. Shipping and handling costs areÂÂincluded for delivery in the U.S.ÂÂÂVol. I: Soft-Cover, $37.50, Hard-Cover, $47.50,Vol. I Audio Tape,$11.50.ÂÂVol. II: Soft-Cover, $37.50, Hard-Cover, $47.50, Vol. II Audio Tape,$11.50ÂÂÂFor more information, call 314-727-0198 and leave your phone no. ifÂÂnecessary, or contact us by email at ARTMEYER@peoplepc.comÂÂÂÂCroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) New website from Knin's Franciscans http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5748/1/E-New-website-from-Knins-Franciscans.html http://www.hinet.hr/franjevacki-samostan-knin/ÂÂÂVisit usÂÂKNINSKI FRANJEVCIÂÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) On 'E.R.', a Pair of Survivors Who Throw Off Sparks http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5747/1/E-On-ER-a-Pair-of-Survivors-Who-Throw-Off-Sparks.html The following appeared in the NY Times on Oct. 21. Note the reference toÂthe war in Bosnia; it should be the war in Croatia and I intend and askÂothers to write a letter to have this error corrected in a story which isÂotherwise very favorable to Visnjic.ÂJohn KraljicÂÂÂOctober 21, 2001ÂÂÂÂOn 'E.R.', a Pair of Survivors Who Throw Off SparksÂÂÂBy STEVE VINEBERGÂÂÂOS ANGELES -- THE inspired notion of hooking up Abby Lockhart, theÂÂfull-time nurse, on-again-off-again med student, with Luka Kovac, theÂÂCroatian physician, on "E.R." created perhaps the most fascinatingÂÂrelationship on prime-time TV: the meeting of two emotionally repressedÂÂsurvivors who seemed to have given up hope of any pleasure deeper thanÂÂcomfort or convenience.ÂÂÂAbby, a recovering alcoholic who dropped out of medical school becauseÂÂof money quarrels with her bitter ex-husband, was revealed last seasonÂÂto be the daughter of a bipolar woman whose periodic forays back intoÂÂher life keep Abby in a state of anxiety and instability. Luka lost hisÂÂwife and both his children when their apartment was bombed during theÂÂBosnian war. Luka and Abby's sexual chemistry - his brooding BalkanÂÂromanticism sparked the naughty teenager barely hidden under herÂÂprofessional solidity - and their shared besieged humor covered theÂÂinner turmoil they kept out of each other's view; sometimes theirÂÂdomestic scenes together were small symphonies of unarticulatedÂÂmiseries. It was a seasonlong masochist's glut of an affair, and in theÂÂhands of the remarkable Maura Tierney and Goran Visnjic it was - andÂÂcontinues to be, in the stormy aftermath of Abby and Luka's breakup thisÂÂseason - singularly compelling.ÂÂÂ"In the writers' minds it was a relationship out of need and notÂÂnecessarily depth," Ms. Tierney said this summer on the set. "But it'sÂÂso interesting that they wound up together, because they're both missingÂÂsomething - some part of their spirit is divided." Mr. Visnjic added,ÂÂ"Abby presumed that Luka was emotionally unavailable, and that's why sheÂÂwent for him."ÂÂÂCertainly these two, both introduced during the 1999-2000 season, embodyÂÂthe willingness of "E.R." to explore the darker recesses of itsÂÂcharacters. "All of the characters are approached through theirÂÂemotional inadequacies," Ms. Tierney said. "That's how they're defined;ÂÂthat's how the characters navigate the stories."ÂÂÂMr. Visnjic and Ms. Tierney are the best reasons, among a highlyÂÂskillful cast, to watch NBC's enduring melodrama, which has been aroundÂÂsince 1994 and is as affecting as any medical series TV has produced.ÂÂ(As Kerry Weaver, the lesbian physician who directs the emergency room,ÂÂLaura Innes shares top acting honors with them.) Ms. Tierney, whoÂÂstudied in New York at Circle in the Square in the mid-80's, slippedÂÂinto the cast of "E.R." after five years on "News Radio" and appearancesÂÂin several feature films, including Mike Nichols's "Primary Colors." Mr.ÂÂVisnjic received classical training at Zagreb's Academy of Dramatic ArtsÂÂ(he played Hamlet over seven summers in a co- production of the CroatianÂÂNational Theater and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival) and first gained theÂÂattention of Western audiences with a touching, fully inhabitedÂÂsupporting performance in the movie "Welcome to Sarajevo." "But IÂÂconsider `E.R.' my biggest training ever," he said. "It's almost easierÂÂfor me that it's in a foreign language, because it's so foreign in everyÂÂway for me to be on a show like this."ÂÂÂWatching his work, you can guess what he means. His style is bothÂÂinterior and exterior - a stylized approach tempered with psychologicalÂÂrealism. As an actor, he seems constantly to be modifying his technique,ÂÂdetermining how much to craft his emotional responses, in a way thatÂÂparallels Kovac's method of acclimating himself to a culture soÂÂstrikingly unlike his own.ÂÂÂKovac has maintained his wartime mentality, which makes him particularlyÂÂqualified for the routine pile-up of trauma in the emergency room. ButÂÂthe moral imperative that leads him to make renegade decisions - likeÂÂdenying a kidney transplant to a young man who burned his own out withÂÂcocaine - can be unrelenting, and distasteful. So far Mr. Visnjic hasÂÂbeen most extraordinary in a story arc involving a dying bishop (aÂÂmemorable performance by James Cromwell) with whom he tangled overÂÂwhether or not a drunk driver who had killed a man and his child had theÂÂright to absolution. At the climax of this story, the priest persuadedÂÂLuka to unearth his buried guilt over his inability to save his ownÂÂfamily. Mr. Visnjic began to tell the story matter of factly, from aÂÂcautious distance, and then suddenly found himself up to his neck in it.ÂÂIn acting terms, he had wandered into a dangerous area that techniqueÂÂcouldn't float him out of; only the depth of his emotional commitment toÂÂthe character and the scene could.ÂÂÂIn her first season on "E.R.," Ms. Tierney wore her hair nearlyÂÂshoulder-length and straggly; it wasn't flattering, but it complementedÂÂAbby's low self-image. (Since the show paired Abby and Luka, she's beenÂÂpermitted to look much prettier - a far better choice for both theÂÂactress and the character.) With the help of the writers, Ms. TierneyÂÂhas turned Abby into a multi- layered character. Calm and reassuringÂÂwith patients, she has a caught-out little-girl side that surfaces whenÂÂshe makes a bad medical judgment. With John Carter (Noah Wyle), theÂÂresident she sponsored at A.A. and then grew into a companionable,ÂÂnot-quite-defined relationship with, she's playful and flirtatious, butÂÂin a pre- adult way: they're like a couple of kids at their high schoolÂÂprom, even when they're out at a benefit dinner hosted by his patricianÂÂfamily. It's only with Maggie, her mother, that her irony grows causticÂÂand she allows herself the outbursts of both fury and despair that, theÂÂrest of the time, she's so careful to guard against. "I find that peopleÂÂwho have had difficult childhoods don't cry a lot," Ms. Tierney said.ÂÂ"It just becomes part of your life to bear it. You have to pull itÂÂtogether." Abby's best defense is her humor. Much of Ms. Tierney'sÂÂperformance is a complex comedy routine with a continuously varyingÂÂtone. Her scrunched-up pudding face keeps commenting on what's going onÂÂas if she were providing subtitles to convey her thoughts.ÂÂÂThe graceless way in which the show has split up Abby and Luka is aÂÂdisappointment. Luka's behavior in the break-up scene and even hisÂÂdialogue seemed to belong to some other character - not because hisÂÂconduct was ugly (after all, this is a man who, in one episode, beat aÂÂmugger to death) but because it was oddly crude for this refugeeÂÂHeathcliff. You couldn't fault Mr. Visnjic's acting or Ms. Tierney's,ÂÂthough; you never can. It's hard to say how their characters will relateÂÂto each other now that they're on the outs, or even if they'll stay thatÂÂway. The only expectation we can reasonably have is that, given theÂÂstory lines, these two actors will continue to find new and surprisingÂÂlayers underneath the ones the show peels away.ÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Poem The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt needed http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5746/1/E-Poem-The-Spider-and-the-Fly-by-Mary-Howitt-needed.html Help from american Americans needed!ÂPoem by Mary Howitt( 1799 - 1888 ): "The Spider and the Fly"ÂÂPozdrav,ÂSteffÂTom_Nuernberger.AMAWORLD@amadeus.netÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) Positiv vibration at the relation Croatia - Liechtenstein - Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5745/1/E-Positiv-vibration-at-the-relation-Croatia---Liechtenstein---Croatia.html Ladies and Gentlemen. Dear Mr. municipality Chief and President of theÂCulture Adviser Office of the Principal Government. Very honouredÂrepresentatives of the EmbassyÂand the Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Switzerland*. Loves familyÂmembers.ÂÂIt is a large honour for me, here and today, tell You a few words about myÂpictures, which are shown on the Calendar of the municipality** Ruggell.ÂPerhaps I tell also a fewÂthings in addition. It makes me extraordinarily happy that I could carry outÂthis small artistic project and therefore I want just say thanks toÂmunicipality Chief Jakob Buechel. The motives of the municipality, it adoptedÂme officially one year ago, I have been know already for a long time, but nowÂI could experience them again, first in the Natives, and then on my canvases.ÂAnd it did well to my internal.ÂÂThis type of the painting, which is for the viewer at the start of itsÂregarding equal understandable, I don't use in my newer works. But my currentÂartistically reaction, toÂunderstand it correctly, I would like to say that I react in such a way fromÂtime to time, for only one reason: I look it back, to check how far forward IÂcame!ÂÂHowever, funny was the reaction of one of my acquaintance. He knows also myÂother works and recently he asked himself, if he saw these pictures: What isÂnow the matterÂwith him? Does he paint now suddenly also like Mrs. Mueller and Mrs. Meier?ÂNaturally, thus is meant whether I'm lost a little and sold myself for onlyÂfew Franks (CHF) and paint now as everyone and everyone. Still I enjoy theÂliberty to deciding me whichÂI will pictorial do and give everyone the chance to invent on it theirsÂStories. And it will be always like that. I use the opportunity to thank,Âfirst of all to Yvonne, but then also to her family, for theirs goodness.ÂÂI would like to thank also at the culture commission of the municipality,Âwhich, a few years ago, supported idea of my wife and me. It concerned aÂfinancial support of theÂinterior creating of the chapel on the today's property of the family AloisÂand Manuela Hoop. In this chapel are one picture and three wood figures ofÂmy two acquaintance***, academically trained artists from my first homeland -ÂCroatia.ÂI reported about it in an issue of the Croatian Newspaper "HrvatskiÂdijasporski list". Thus Two from Ruggell became still more well-known. TheÂchapel and the woman. I amÂgenuinely glad that I, or better said WE succeeded, to place on legsÂsomething from positive vibrations at the relation Croatia - Liechtenstein -ÂCroatia. With very few means and almost exclusively with the strength of ourÂgood will. Here some proofs for it - (I gave to show to the guests myÂInterviews with the Mrs. Dr. Andrea Willi,Âformer culture minister and minister of foreign affairs from LiechtensteinÂand also interview with Mr. Josef Frommelt, the former director of theÂLiechtenstein school of music and president of the European music schoolÂunion). One of that, for me most important and most interesting moments ofÂsuch efforts, were exhibitions with my artist colleague Arno Oehri fromÂRuggell, this year in Croatia. It will hopefully continue to go also in suchÂa way.ÂÂThanks for your attention.ÂÂVlado Franjevics laudatio by Promotion of his Artist-Calender ofÂMunicipality of Ruggel in the Principality of Liechtenstein, 9.11.2001ÂÂ* Mr. Josip Spoljaric (Embassy) and Mr. Tony Glowatzky (Consulat)Â** Principality of Liechtenstein is very small country. This country has 11Âmunicipalities, and that's all. Ruggell is the nordest one and closed toÂAustrias border. (See also: www.ruggell.li) Write also hello to municipalityÂchief Mr. Jakob Büchel at: jakob.buechel@ruggell.liÂ*** Zdravko Djerek and Robert ZdarilekÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) watercolors by Simunovic http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5744/1/E-watercolors-by-Simunovic.html Everyone I know who visits the Dalmatian Coast, falls in love with it. TheÂÂtranquil sea, the vast expanse of blue sky, the stark, white mountains, theÂÂlovely fishing villages with their red-tiled roofs.are all part of a commonÂÂexperience and memory that those of us who have been lucky enough to visitÂÂthere (or are from there), share.ÂÂÂNow you can share this beautiful memory with others by purchasing a print ofÂÂrenowned watercolorist, Miho Simunovic, and hanging it in your home.ÂÂSimunovic, a native of Omis, Croatia, has painted breathtaking images of theÂÂCroatian coast and we are honored to be able to offer the work of thisÂÂtalented painter at our webstore. See Dubrovnik, Zadar, harbors, piers,ÂÂfishing villages, boats, and even tamburicas(!) in the work of MihoÂÂSimunovic when you visit www.croatiagifts.com today!ÂÂMelissa Pintar ObenaufÂÂ1753 Loudon StreetÂÂGranville, OH 43023ÂÂPhone/Fax: 740-587-7715ÂÂToll Free: 877-906-8314ÂÂEmail: obenaufm@alink.comÂÂWebstore: www.croatiagifts.comÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E,H) Katarina Livljanic at Trinity Church in Princeton, New Jersey http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5743/1/EH-Katarina-Livljanic-at-Trinity-Church-in-Princeton-New-Jersey.html On Saturday, November 10, 2000 Katarina Livljanic, a world respectedÂexpert for early music held a concert in the Trinity Church in Princeton, NJ.ÂÂThe concert was conceptually very interesting as it was sung by a group ofÂ120 young women who belong to three different quires: Christ Church,ÂGreenwich, CT, St. Peter's Church, Morristown, NJ and Trinity Church,ÂPrinceton, NJ.ÂÂThis was an interesting didactical attempt by Katarina Livljanic to work withÂyoung American church singers. Even though she has been working with themÂfor only a short while, Katarina's work has been a success.ÂIn addition to performing a few works of Renaissance music, the quire sungÂthe famous Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten.ÂThe program ended with the first ever performance of the work by a localÂcomposer Aram Nazarian called Sussex Carol.ÂÂÂU Subotu 10, Listopada u Princeton-u New Jersey, svjetski repektibilniÂekspert za ranu glazbu, Katarina Livljanic iz Pariza je odrzala koncert uÂCrkvi sv. Trojstva (Trinity Church) u Princeton-u NJ.ÂÂKoncept koncerta je bio neobicno zanimljiv, jer je izvodjen od zboraÂsastavljenog od 120 djevojaka i djevojcica od tri razlicita zbora ( ChristÂChurch, Greenwich , CT, St Peters's Church, Moristown, NJ i Trinity Church,ÂPrinceton, NJ.).ÂÂOvaj veoma intereseantni didakticki pokusaj rada sa americkim mladimÂcrkvenim pjevacima je novi izazov Katarine Livljanic. Premda u veomaÂkratkom vrmenu rada sa mladim pjevacima Katarina Livljanic je ostvarilaÂuspjeh. Pored nekoliko djela talijanske renesansne glazbe, izvodjen je iÂpoznati Ceremony of Carols od Benjamina Britten-a .ÂNa kraju programa je po prvi puta izvedeno veoma zanimljivo, od publikeÂjako dobro prihvaceno, djelo lokalnog kompozitora Aram-a Nazariana "SussexÂCarol".ÂÂVedran Deletis, New YorkÂÂdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Hrvatski informativni centar - za SAD i Kanadu http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5742/1/H-Hrvatski-informativni-centar---za-SAD-i-Kanadu.html Postovani g. NenadÂÂÂÂmolim Vas da objavite materijal koji Vam saljem.ÂÂÂÂUnaprijed se zahvaljujem i srdacno Vas pozdravljam iz danas kisovitogÂZagrebaÂÂÂÂHrvatski informativni centarÂÂÂÂÂÂKata OrecÂÂÂÂÂmarket@hic.hrÂÂMeduli_eva 13 o 10000 ZAGREB o CROATIA o Tel. +385 1 / 4848-631 o Faks +385 1Â/ 4848-634 o E-mail market@hic.hr . www.hic.hrÂÂÂObavijest Hrvatima u SAD-u i KanadiÂÂVe_ devet godina zaslugom Hrvatskog informativnog centra (HIC) iz ZagrebaÂna podru_ju SAD-a i Kanade emitira se hrvatska satelitska televizija.ÂOd 1. srpnja 2001 g. program se emitira na novom satelitu - Telstar 5,Âpozicija 97° zapadno, transponder 12, kompanija GlobeCast od 6 do 9 satiÂnave_er po isto_no ameri_kom vremenu (EST). Repriza programa je od pono_i doÂ3 sata ujutro (EST).ÂÂNa istom satelitu od ove godine Hrvatska radio televizija (HRT) tako_erÂemitira tri sata svojega televizijskog programa u terminu od 9 do 12 satiÂnave_er.ÂÂHIC TV program mo_e se gledati isklju_ivo na GlobeCast opremi jer samo taÂoprema ima mogu_ost instaliranja smart-kartice, bez koje se kodirani programÂne_e mo_i gledati. Oprema se mo_e naru_iti kod Hrvatskog informativnogÂcentra u New Jerseyu tel (973) 340 9980, tel/fax, (973) 674 8694,ÂÂe-mail: HICTV@aol.comÂÂÂDolazi Bozic i Nova godina,ÂOvo je vrijeme intenzivne promocije - objavite svoju reklamu,ÂPredstoji vrijeme _estitanja - objavite svoju _estitkuÂÂMarketing HICTV-a prima narud_be,Âtel. (++385 1) 48 48 631, fax, (++385 1) 4848 634Âe-mail: market@hic.hrÂÂCIJENA _ESTITKE:Âosobna _estitka ( izrada i 4 objave)....................... $ 100 USÂposlovna _estitka (izrada i 4 objave )..................... $ 200 USÂÂCIJENA REKLAME:Âizrada i objava ( 3 objave x 20 sek)......... $ 200 USÂÂZadnji rok za narudzbe 15. prosinac 2001.ÂÂÂHrvatski informativni centarÂÂÂÂÂÂKata OrecÂÂÂÂÂmarket@hic.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Nova Hrvatska crkva Sv.Leopolda Mandica pod Juznim Krizem http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5741/1/H-Nova-Hrvatska-crkva-SvLeopolda-Mandica-pod-Juznim-Krizem.html Mate Basic , Dom i Svijet (www.hic.hr/dom) 12. studenoga 2001.ÂÂHRVATSKI SVJETIONIK POD JUZNIM KRIZEMÂÂÂIZ AUSTRALSKOG HRVATSKOG VJESNIKA PRENOSIMO RAZGOVOR S VLC. JOSIPOM VÂÂRANJESOM, ZUPNIKOM ZUPE SV. LEOPOLDA MANDICA U MELBURNSKOM SUNSHINEUÂÂÂNova Hrvatska crkva svetog Leopolda Bogdana Mandica u melburnskoj cetÂÂvrti Sunshine, bit ce svecano otvorena i blagoslovljena 17. studenog, naÂÂmisnom slavlju koje ce predvoditi melburnski nadbiskup Denis Hart i lÂÂicko-senjski biskup Mile Bogovic.ÂÂÂBit ce to zasigurno najljepsa moderna katolicka crkva u Juznoj hemisfÂÂeri, te jedna od najvecih, a njeno posvecenje oznacit ce zivotno djeloÂÂvlc. Josipa Vranjesa, mladog hrvatskog misionara, koji je sluzbu u AuÂÂstraliji otpoceo 1986. godine.ÂÂÂOsim same impresivne gradjevine, upecatljiv dojam ostavljaju djela hrÂÂvatskih umjetnika Josipa Dina Botterija, Petra Barisica, Ante Mamuse iÂÂCharlesa Bilica.ÂÂÂJosip Botteri izradio je mozaik i vitraze, od cega mozaik zauzima kojihÂÂstotinjak cetvornih metara, a vitraze s nacionalno-sakralnim hrvatskimÂÂmotivima, koji se odnose na hrvatsko primanje krscanstva i ugovore hrÂÂvatskih kraljeva s Rimom, zauzimaju kojih 250 cetvornih metara. KakoÂÂsvjedoci vlc. Vranjes, sam Josip Botteri smatra to vrhuncem svojeg umÂÂjetnickog djelovanja.ÂÂÂPetar Barisic izradio je oltar, krstionicu, ambon, svetohraniste i kipÂÂLeopolda Bogdana Mandica, dok je Ante Mamusa izradio Kristovo raspelo, aÂÂCharles Bilic dojmljivih 14 postaja Kriznoga puta.ÂÂÂCrkva je povrsine oko 1.400 cetvornih metara, s predvorjem, glavnom dÂÂvoranom, kapelicom i sakristijom te s pomocnim prostorijama, a financÂÂijsku vrijednost cijeloga projekta tesko je uopce izracunati, s obziromÂÂda se placao uglavnom samo materijal, a radnu snagu, znanje i slicneÂÂvrijednosti, Hrvati su ulozili besplatno.ÂÂÂVlc. Vranjes navodi kako dosada u novcu nije isplaceno vise od dva miÂÂlijuna australskih dolara, iako su troskovi samog projekta procijenjeniÂÂna vise od pet milijuna dolara. Drugim rijecima, prinos u dobrovoljnomÂÂradu Hrvata mogao bi biti veci od cetiri milijuna dolara, dok je ukupnuÂÂvrijednost crkve - ipak nemoguce izracunati.ÂÂÂOd nove Hrvatske crkve svetog Leopolda Mandica veca je jedino KatedralaÂÂsvetoga Patricka u Melbourneu, ovdasnja sredisnja sakralna gradjevina, aÂÂpo svojim arhitektonskim i umjetnickim dosezima, s njom se zasigurno neÂÂmoze mjeriti nijedna moderna sakralna gradjevina u Australiji...ÂÂÂVlc. Josip Vranjes rodio se 29. ozujka 1959. u selu Rostovo, u opciniÂÂNovi Travnik, kao jedno od sedmero djece Andje i pokojnog Ilije VranjÂÂesa. Jedna od sestara poginula je 1988., druga je u Lici, treca - najÂÂmladja - zaredila se medju Sluzavke Maloga Isusa u Sarajevu, a danas kaoÂÂmedicinska sestra radi u jednoj njemackoj bolnici blizu Muenchena, dokÂÂje samo jedna ostala u Bosni. Jedan od brace zivi u Okucanima, drugi jeÂÂu Australiji, a Josip se odlucio posvetiti svecenickom pozivu.ÂÂÂ- Pokojni tata radio je na sjeci sume i obradjivao zemlju - kaze JosiÂÂ. - Uzgajali smo ovce, krave, drzali konje, imovinsko stanje je biloÂÂtesko, ali izdrzljivo, tako da su nas roditelji sve uspjeli skolovati iÂÂuputiti u zivot. Najstariji brat Blaz zavrsio je sumarsku skolu, Bozo jeÂÂzavrsio tokarski zanat, jedna je sestra zavrsila medicinsku skolu, drugeÂÂsu krojacice, a ja sam zavrsio bogosloviju.ÂÂÂ* Kako ste se odlucili za svecenicki poziv?ÂÂÂ- Nas zupnik, pokojni Drago Sucic, zainteresirao je nekoliko mladica izÂÂsela za svecenicki poziv. Od nas cetvorice iz sela, dvojica smo se zaÂÂredili, a dvojica su kasnije odustala. Otisao sam u sjemeniste u DubrÂÂovnik 1975., a nakon mature 1979. upisao Bogoslovni fakultet u Sarajevu.ÂÂNo, nakon tri mjeseca pozvan sam na sluzenje vojnog roka u JNA. Po izÂÂlasku iz vojske, nastavio sam studij i diplomirao 1986.ÂÂÂVojni sam rok sluzio u Bovecu, na slovenskoj granici. Tamo su i casniciÂÂJNA dolazili po kazni, pa je to vrijedilo i za nas. Na mene kao studentaÂÂbogoslovije gledali su, u najmanju ruku, sa zanimanjem. Prvo, zanimaloÂÂih je kako sam se tu uopce nasao, u granicarskoj sluzbi. S druge strane,ÂÂredovito su govorili protiv crkve, protiv Stepinca, a cesto bi me znaliÂÂprozvati i pitati za misljenje. Sto mogu, morao sam sutjeti.ÂÂÂ* Tko je studirao s vama?ÂÂÂ- Pa, studirao je don Velimir Tomic, danas jedan od cetiri hrvatska mÂÂisionara u Tanzaniji. Zatim, bio je tu i don Ivan Stironja, jos jedanÂÂhrvatski misionar u Africi, koji je danas katedralni zupnik u Mostaru, aÂÂjedno je vrijeme sluzio i na zupi u Kanadi. U mojoj su generaciji stuÂÂdirali i Marko Barisic, bivsi zamjenik glavnoga urednika "Vjesnika",ÂÂpovjesnicar dr. Ante Skegro, pa don Ivo Tomasevic, bivsi tajnik kardiÂÂnala Vinka Puljica... Bili smo dobra generacija.ÂÂÂ* Sarajevo je - cesto se danas moze cuti - imalo image multikulturnogÂÂgrada, koji je nestao u ratu. Jeste li ga i vi dozivljavali takvim?ÂÂÂ- Proveo sam sest godina u Sarajevu, a ne bih bas rekao da je to bioÂÂmultietnicki grad, u onom smislu u kojemu je to, recimo, Australija,ÂÂdakle, u smislu totalne tolerancije. Sjecam se, primjerice, da smo neÂÂdjeljom odlazili na misu u katedralu obuceni u svecenicke odore dok suÂÂse po nama prosipale psovke iz tramvaja, iz kuca, s prozora, u smislu:ÂÂ"Majku ustasku, sto trazite ovdje", itd. Dakle, nije u to doba vladalaÂÂbas tolika idila, u kojoj je bilo bas "najlakse" zivjeti u Sarajevu jÂÂednomu katoliku, a pogotovo Hrvatu.ÂÂÂ* Cesto, gotovo neizbjezno pitanje studentima vase i ranijih generacija,ÂÂodnosi se na dr. Krunoslava Draganovica, negdasnjega tajnika Zavoda sÂÂvetoga Jeronima u Rimu, koji je, navodno, organizirao bijeg dr. AnteÂÂPavelica iz Europe, da bi ga 1967. UDB-a otela, nakon cega je zivio uÂÂinternaciji sarajevske Bogoslovije i predavao studentima. Kakva su vasaÂÂsjecanja na njega?ÂÂÂ* Dr. Draganovic predavao mi je povijest jedan semestar. Dosta sam gaÂÂdobro poznavao i zivo ga se sjecam, bio sam mu i na sprovodu. Kao proÂÂfesor, bio je ziva enciklopedija, slusali smo ga bez daha. Kad smo imaliÂÂdva sata predavanja, naprosto nismo odlazili na odmor, radije smo sluÂÂsali.ÂÂÂNe bih ulazio u to kako se vratio u Jugoslaviju, uostalom, to nikadaÂÂnije posve razjasnjeno, ali kao profesor bio je izvanredan. Nama su pÂÂojedinci znali dolaziti i napominjati nam kako se nije pametno s njimÂÂdruziti. Kad je obolio, tadasnja UDB-a blokirala je zgradu, osigurali suÂÂdoslovno sva vrata i prozore, i pretresli njegovu sobu. Vjerojatno suÂÂpokupili sve njegove biljeske, zapravo, odnijeli su sve sto je imao.ÂÂÂ* Gdje ste odrzali mladu misu?ÂÂÂ- Mladu sam misu odrzao 16. kolovoza 1968. u svojem selu Rostovu, a pÂÂotom preuzeo zupu Uznesenja Velike Gospe u Komusini. To je selo na putuÂÂod Doboja prema Banjoj Luci, ispod Vlasica, a inace je nacionalno sveÂÂtiste Sarajevske nadbiskupije. Kraj je uglavnom napucen hrvatskim zivÂÂljem, jedno srpsko selo je u zaledju, a muslimanske kuce pocinju tekÂÂtamo blizu grada.ÂÂÂOstao sam tamo, medjutim, svega tri mjeseca, a potom dosao u Australiju.ÂÂBilo je to 28. prosinca 1986. Nakon toga, kuci sam putovao samo jednom,ÂÂkad mi je 1998. poginula sestra, a nakon 1990. putovao sam prosjecnoÂÂsvake dvije godine, prateci posiljke s humanitarnom pomoci, itd.ÂÂÂ* Kako se dogodilo da tako brzo po svrsetku studija dospijete u AustrÂÂaliju?ÂÂÂ- Pa, slucajno. Ovdje je misiju vodio vlc. Ivica Zlatunic, koji je odÂÂNadbiskupije trazio pomoc. Pitali su me jesam li zainteresiran, ja samÂÂpristao, i eto, dosao sam u Sunshine, i jos sam tu. Vlc. Ivica vec jeÂÂbio pri kraju izgradnje dvorane u Katolickom centru u Sunshineu. Jos je,ÂÂdoduse, trebalo zavrsiti neke sitnice. Nastavili smo zajedno raditi tÂÂijekom slijedece cetiri i pol godine, a onda je on otisao na sluzbu uÂÂNjemacku, pa sam zupnicku duznost u Sunshineu naslijedio ja.ÂÂÂVlc. Mato Krizanac dotle je vodio zupu Duha Svetoga u Springvaleu. KadÂÂje pokojni vlc. Josip Kasic obolio, vlc. Mato preuzeo je njegovu dotaÂÂdasnju Zupu svetog Nikole Tavelica na Clifton Hillu (inace, najstarijuÂÂhrvatsku zupu u Australiji), a vlc. Ivica vratio se vrlo brzo iz EuropeÂÂu Springvale. Na tim smo mjestima ostali do danas, s tim da je meni jÂÂedno vrijeme pomagao vlc. Luka Pranjic, koji danas vodi hrvatsku misijuÂÂu Adelaideu.ÂÂÂSvake prve nedjelje u mjesecu sluzim misu za Hrvate u Wodongi, koja jeÂÂodavde udaljena kojih 300 kilometara. Tamo je nekada zivjela velika hÂÂrvatska kolonija, a danas je ostalo izmedju 100 i 120 hrvatskih obiteÂÂlji, koji nedjeljom u 18 sati koriste jednu australsku crkvu.ÂÂÂ* Koliko je, znaci, trajala izgradnja Hrvatskog katolickog centra u SÂÂunshineu?ÂÂÂ- Pa, dovrsenje crkve ne znaci da je dovrsen i cijeli katolicki centar.ÂÂOvdje se moze jos mnogo toga sagraditi i napraviti. Vlc. Ivica poceo jeÂÂgraditi dvoranu 1984., a nakon toga se pocela planirati izgradnja crkve.ÂÂNaravno, ti planovi tekli su usporedo sa zblizavanjem Hrvata u zajednÂÂici, usporedo s tzv. konsolidacijom zajednice. Naime, bilo je potrebnoÂÂda svi Hrvati shvate sto to tocno znaci biti u svojemu, na svojoj zemÂÂlji, itd. Prije toga, Hrvati iz ovog dijela grada slusali su mise poÂÂFootscrayu, Maidstoneu, St. Albansu, Altoni... Gotovo da se zajednicaÂÂnije ni poznavala kako treba.ÂÂÂNo, cim smo dovrsili dvoranu u Sunshineu, i poceli je koristiti i zaÂÂmise, i za zabave, skupove i druge potrebe hrvatske zajednice, ljudi suÂÂpoceli drukcije razmisljati i ideja o izgradnji crkve pojavila se kaoÂÂlogican rezultat. Godine 1993. iskopali smo i betonirali temelje, a bÂÂlagoslovio ih je kardinal Franjo Kuharic koji je tada boravio u AustrÂÂaliji.ÂÂÂ* Bilo je to prije gotovo deset godina...ÂÂÂ- Tocno, no u to doba doslo je do najzesceg rata u Hrvatskoj i BiH, paÂÂsmo u dogovoru sa zajednicom prekinuli gradnju. Nismo gradili nista sveÂÂdo 1996., a prikupljena sredstva usmjeravali smo prema Hrvatskoj. MislimÂÂda smo vlc. Mato, vlc. Ivica i ja u tom razdoblju organizirali vise odÂÂ300 kontejnera s hranom, odjecom i drugim stvarima, a prikupljene su i uÂÂHrvatsku poslane i velike kolicine novca... Na svemu sto smo ucinili,ÂÂcijeloj hrvatskoj zajednici posebno je zahvalio i pokojni predsjednikÂÂdr. Franjo Tudjman, kad je 1995. osobno posjetio Melbourne i AustraliÂÂju...ÂÂÂS gradnjom crkve nastavili smo 1996., no tada se ustanovilo da su ljudiÂÂi emotivno i financijski prilicno iscrpljeni stanjem i zbivanjima kojeÂÂje donio rat. Zbog toga, radili smo na najjeftiniji moguci nacin: ljudiÂÂsu ulagali svoj besplatni fizicki rad, ulagali su svoje zanatske vjesÂÂtine, radilo se vecinom subotom i dragovoljno... S druge strane, danasÂÂmislim kako je bolje da se dogodilo upravo tako. Jer, ljudi su sretniÂÂkad vide rezultate vlastitog truda, kad osjete ponos pri pogledu na ovuÂÂprekrasnu gradjevinu, kad mogu vlastitoj djeci prepricati kako je u sÂÂvaki detalj ulozen i dio njihova rada...ÂÂÂ* Kako je tekla sama gradnja crkve?ÂÂÂ- Prvo smo ocistili teren i obiljezili ga, potom poceli kopati i betoÂÂnirati temelje. Ljudi su sve radili besplatno, placali smo samo materÂÂijal, cak su i strojevi radili besplatno. Slijedeci korak bila je izgÂÂradnja golemih nosivih stupova, na kojima pociva cijela konstrukcijaÂÂcrkve. Opet su to radili Hrvati, koji su dodatno angazirali potrebneÂÂpomocne radnike. Zatim je trebalo sklopiti zeljeznu krovnu konstrukciju,ÂÂsto su takodjer organizirali i izveli Hrvati. Jedan od posebno teskih iÂÂosjetljivih poslova bilo je vezivanje zeljeza, sto su ljudi radili doÂÂlazeci ovdje nakon svojega redovnog posla.ÂÂÂPotom smo poceli zidati zidove, tj. slagati cigle, gdje ponovo nijedanÂÂzidar nije radio za placu, iako je to bio golem posao. Onda su poplocaniÂÂpodovi u crkvi i ispred nje, opet besplatno, itd. Zapravo, ne mogu se,ÂÂovako na brzinu, niti sjetiti koliko je truda valjalo uloziti u svakiÂÂdetalj. Zbog toga sam beskrajno zahvalan svakomu Hrvatu koji je ulozioÂÂsvoj trud u izgradnju crkve, a posebno ljudima iz Gradjevinskog odbora,ÂÂpoput Johna Mikulica, Joska Topica, Nenada Topica, Ante Dragovica, KrsteÂÂLasica... Oni su mi bili "desna ruka", a bez njihove pomoci, iskustva iÂÂspremnosti ne bih stigao daleko, kao sto ne bih daleko stigao ni bezÂÂljudi iz Crkvenog odbora, povjerenika, te bez Zenskog drustva "SvetiÂÂLeopold Bogdan Mandic" i ljudi iz Umirovljenickog drustva koji su miÂÂbili na raspolaganju u svakomu trenutku, na sve moguce nacine, pa i fÂÂinancijski.ÂÂÂZapravo, da nije bilo sloge u zajednici, ovaj se posao ne bi priveo kÂÂraju. Konacno, to sam i zelio: htio sam da se u crkvi osjeti da ju jeÂÂgradila hrvatska ruka, bez obzira je li rijec o zidovima, o krovu, ili oÂÂsitnim gradjevinskim detaljima.ÂÂÂO tome sam cak razmisljao i dok sam se u Hrvatskoj raspitivao kojeg uÂÂmjetnika angazirati, te dok sam razgovarao s Josipom Dinom BotterijemÂÂkoji je izradio impresivan mozaik i vitraze, s Antom Mamusom koji jeÂÂizradio kipove raspetog Krista i svetoga Lepolda Bogdana Mandica, s PÂÂetrom Barisicem koji je izradio oltar, ili s Charlesom Bilicem koji jeÂÂizradio Krizni put. Nosila me ideja kako se kroz ovu crkvu moze pokazatiÂÂkako su Hrvati u najboljem smislu dio civiliziranoga svijeta, sa svojimÂÂgradjevinskim radnicima, sa svojim kiparima i slikarima, sa svojim duhomÂÂkoji moze proizvesti nesto neponovljivo, kakva je ova gradjevina.ÂÂÂOva ce crkva ubuduce biti svjetionik hrvatskoga umijeca, hrvatske vjeÂÂstine i hrvatskoga duha, ona ce svjedociti o hrvatskim sposobnostima iÂÂgovoriti protiv onih koji nam pripisuju samo lose osobine. Ona ce svjÂÂedociti o hrvatskoj kulturi i o hrvatskom zajednistvu. Jer, crkva i jestÂÂmjesto na kojemu se susrecu Bog i ljudi, pa su Hrvati - susrecuci se uÂÂcrkvi - izgradili ovu crkvu koja ce svjedociti o njihovoj vjeri u Boga,ÂÂo njihovu zajednistvu s Bogom, o njihovu medjusobnom zajednistvu i oÂÂnjihovoj neodvojivosti od domovine i od onoga sto su iz nje ponijeli.ÂÂÂHrvati su, eto, ovu crkvu podarili Australiji, koja je i njima puno pÂÂruzila. Ali, oni su se Australiji oduzili na sebi najprimjereniji nacin,ÂÂdaleko od svih primisli na balkansko zlo i blato u kakvo nas cesto guÂÂraju.ÂÂÂ* Centar je smjesten na povelikom prostoru, koji uz nabrojeno podrazuÂÂmijeva i prostrani parking, slobodan prostor na koji se moze smjestitiÂÂstaracki dom, te prostor za aktivnosti poput bocanja, tenisa i drugihÂÂsportskih aktivnosti. Sto jos planirate izgraditi?ÂÂÂ- Izgradnja starackog doma, sto je inace jedno od bolnih pitanja hrvaÂÂtske zajednice u Victoriji, pokusava se pokrenuti vec godinama. PonovnoÂÂsu pokrenuti odbori i pocelo se intenzivnije govoriti o izgradnji. PoÂÂstojeca lokacija, u okviru Hrvatskog katolickog centra u Sunshineu, ciniÂÂse najboljom varijantom: lokacija je besplatna, crkva je, evo, gotova,ÂÂpet minuta voznje daleko nalazi se nova bolnica, tamo su i dva velikaÂÂprodajna centra, a cestovnom komunikacijom preko Ringroada, centar gradaÂÂudaljen je svega 15 minuta.ÂÂÂZemljiste u Sunshineu obuhvaca povrsinu od 12 jutara. Drzava ga je usÂÂtupila hrvatskoj zajednici na rok od 99 godina, zahvaljujuci utjecajuÂÂliberala Philipa Nelsona (izvornog prezimena Filipovic), svojedobnogaÂÂgradonacelnika Sunshinea. Najamnina koju je drzava pritom odredila zaÂÂpravo je simbolicna - iznosi svega stotinjak dolara godisnje.ÂÂÂDrustvena dvorana, namijenjena skupovima, zabavama, koncertima i slicnimÂÂzbivanjima, sagradjena je na povrsini od 2.000 cetvornih metara, dokÂÂnova crkva zauzima kojih 300 cetvornih metara manje. Kao sto je vec rÂÂeceno, od Hrvatske crkve svetog Leopolda Bogdana Mandica u SunshineuÂÂveca je jedino Katedrala sv. Patricka u Melbourneu, ista ona katedralaÂÂcije juzno dvoriste, od kraja srpnja 2000., krasi i poprsje blazenogÂÂkardinala Alojzija Stepinca, sto ga je izradio akademski kipar MladenÂÂMikulin, a melburnskoj ga nadbiskupiji poklonila hrvatska katolicka zÂÂajednica, prvenstveno zalaganjem vlc. Mate Krizanca, zupnika Zupe sv.ÂÂNikole Tavelica na Clifton Hillu).ÂÂÂ* Crkvu ce posvetiti melburnski nadbiskup dr. Denis Hart, aÂÂsenjsko-gospicki biskup dr. Mile Bogovic sluzit ce misu i odrzati propovijed. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Web stranica Franjevackog samostana Knin http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5740/1/H-Web-stranica-Franjevackog-samostana-Knin.html Postovani!ÂÂObavjestavamo Vas da je Franjevacki samostan otvorio svoje web stranice naÂinternetu na adresiÂÂÂhttp://www.hinet.hr/franjevacki-samostan-knin/ÂÂÂposjetite nasÂÂKNINSKI FRANJEVCIÂFRANCISCANS from KNIN letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) www.neoric.hr - Zupa Neoric otvorila svoje WEB stranice http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5739/1/H-wwwneorichr---Zupa-Neoric-otvorila-svoje-WEB-stranice.html Molim cijenjeni naslov da objavi na svojim stranicama da je Zupa NeoricÂotvorila svoje WEB stranice. Mogu se naci na adresi www.neoric.hrÂÂS postovanjem!ÂÂDon Stipan Bodrozic, zupnikÂstipan.bodrozic@st.tel.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (H) Zagreb -Nova knjiga NASA SKABRNJA promocija 17-og http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5738/1/H-Zagreb--Nova-knjiga-NASA-SKABRNJA-promocija-17-og.html 10. obljetnica sjecanja na skabrnjske zrtve srbske agresije u DomovinskomÂratuÂÂÂProgram:ÂÂSubota, 17. studenoga 2001. u 17 satiÂÂPromocija knjige Ante MilkovicaÂÂÂNASA SKABRNJAÂÂÂo knjizi ce govoritiÂÂÂDr. Stijepo Obad i dr. Marjan Diklic, recenzentiÂÂZlata i Julije Derossi, uredniciÂÂprof. dr. Zvonimir SeparovicÂÂAnte Milkovic, autor knjige.ÂÂÂPromocija ce se odrzati u prostorijama Osnovne skole "Vladimir Nazor"ÂÂÂNedjelja, 18. studenoga 2001.ÂÂÂ10.30h - Polaganje vijenaca na spomen-obiljezje na mjesnom grobljuÂÂ11h - Sv. misa zadusnica u kripti nove crkveÂÂ12h - Polaganje vijenaca na spomen-obiljezje masovne grobniceÂÂ12.15h - Komemorativni skup u O. S. "Vladimir Nazor"ÂÂÂPredsjednik Opcinskog vijecaÂÂOpcine SkabrnjaÂÂMladen Skara letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 ZBLJTitle textZBLJ http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5761/1/ZBLJTitle-textZBLJ.html From the Boston Globe - it's buried in the story. John KraljicÂÂÂPlymouth offers a Thanksgiving twistÂÂÂBy Robert Knox, Globe Correspondent, 11/15/2001ÂÂÂLYMOUTH - To Lynne Wilkinson, the message of autumn and Thanksgiving isÂÂrenewal and hope. The director of the a cappella chorus Persephone'sÂÂDaughters has prepared ''Autumn Leaves,'' a program of songs andÂÂreadings, to celebrate those values.ÂÂÂÂIncluded are lines like these from ''November Morning'' by ElizabethÂÂTarbox: ''Perhaps the spirit that moves the bird to flight also moves inÂÂus to commit love in response to anger, and kindness where there hasÂÂbeen killing.''ÂÂÂ''Autumn Leaves'' will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Plymouth'sÂÂFirst Parish Unitarian Universalist Church. It is part of the town'sÂÂdaylong ''Home to Thanksgiving'' celebration, a series of open housesÂÂand special events.ÂÂÂHistoric houses and local museums will be open all day, and a 4 p.m.ÂÂcandlelight vigil at Plymouth Rock will include band music and a talk byÂÂthe Rev. Peter Gomes, a Harvard professor and Plymouth native.ÂÂÂThe 50-voice women's chorus Persephone's Daughters is based on aÂÂtraditional African style of learning music. Rather than reading music,ÂÂthe singers learn songs line by line and phrase by phrase by copying theÂÂleader's singing. The method, taught by Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey inÂÂthe Rock, focuses on building a vocal community by teaching musicÂÂorally.ÂÂÂWilkinson, who is classically trained and sings with Boston Cecilia, wasÂÂinspired by other women's choruses and studied the oral method inÂÂworkshops.ÂÂÂ''The idea is to make music accessible to all women who want to sing,''ÂÂWilkinson said last week. ''You're teaching everything orally, so theyÂÂdon't have to be able to read music. It's a way for women to buildÂÂcommunity through singing and to experience other cultures throughÂÂmusic.'' The group rehearses on Thursday nights.ÂÂÂThe concert Saturday will be divided into two parts, ''Autumn'' andÂÂ''Harvest Home,'' the English name for the custom that became America'sÂÂThanksgiving. The first half, Wilkinson states in a press release forÂÂthe concert, ''explores the message of renewal and hope through theÂÂturning of the seasons.'' The music includes an African chant, the songsÂÂ''We are Strong Women'' and ''The Moon is a Cradle,'' a Croatian harvestÂÂsong, and a solo performance of ''Seasons of Peace.''ÂÂÂThe late Elizabeth Tarbox, a South Shore Unitarian UniversalistÂÂminister, published two books of meditations. ''November Morning''ÂÂreflects on whether the wild goose knows that the hunter awaits.ÂÂ''Perhaps the bird knows and flies on,'' Tarbox wrote in the meditationÂÂthat will be read at ''Autumn Leaves'' by a chorus member. ''Perhaps theÂÂbird knows what we know, that the world is a place of beauty, and ofÂÂmadness, of violence, and of compassion.''ÂÂÂThe seasons teach the wisdom, and the solace, of ''turning,'' WilkinsonÂÂsaid. Even with the coming of winter, she said, the message of turningÂÂis hope and understanding. It is a message the director of Persephone'sÂÂDaughters finds particularly relevant after the Sept. 11 attacks, and aÂÂtheme Plymouth organizers sought to embody in the events of Saturday'sÂÂ''Home to Thanksgiving.''ÂÂÂThe event was scheduled for the Saturday before Thanksgiving when townÂÂleaders learned that the annual Thanksgiving parade would not be heldÂÂthis year. Parade organizers complained of a lack of local support.ÂÂÂAfter the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the town added a candlelightÂÂvigil to the day, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Town church bells will ring, theÂÂhigh school band will play, and the eloquent Gomes will frame some wordsÂÂon ''Hope and Thanksgiving.''ÂÂÂHope and Thanksgiving figure in the ''Autumn Leaves'' concert too. InÂÂlines written by the late Unitarian Universalist minister RaymondÂÂBaughan, the speaker asks the falling leaves, ''Teach me to turn/ MyÂÂsullen sense toward marvel.''ÂÂÂThe second part of the concert will include a round to be taught theÂÂaudience and sung in four languages - English, Hebrew, Latin, and GermanÂÂ- and several versions of the 23d Psalm. A chorus member will recite theÂÂpsalm, and the chorus will sing the Bobby McFerrin version. It will alsoÂÂinclude a Native American song and a reading from a famous ShawneeÂÂchief, Tecumseh.ÂÂÂThe concept of learning from the seasons to deal with the ups and downsÂÂof life underlies the chorus's name. In Greek mythology, Persephone isÂÂthe daughter of Earth goddess Demeter. Her abduction by the god of theÂÂunderworld ultimately brings about the seasons, after Demeter freezesÂÂthe earth in a permanent winter. In a deal brokered on Mount Olympus,ÂÂPersephone is permitted to return to her mother, but must spend fourÂÂmonths each year underground. Persephone's Daughters hopes to nourishÂÂthe souls of listeners by teaching the genuinely spiritual importance ofÂÂgoing with the flow.ÂÂÂThe proceeds of the concert will go to the town's No Place for HateÂÂCommittee, created last year to promote tolerance and diversity.ÂÂTickets, $10 for adults; $5 for seniors, students, and children, will beÂÂavailable at the door.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) CROATIAN WORLD CONGRESS-U.N. Conference http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5760/1/E-CROATIAN-WORLD-CONGRESS-UN-Conference.html New YorkÂNovember 8, 2001ÂCROATIAN WORLD CONGRESS,ÂOFFICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVEÂTO THE UNITED NATIONSÂÂPRESS RELEASEÂÂOn Thursday, November 8, 2001,the Croatian World Congress organized andÂco-sponsored a Round-table meeting concerning refugees at the United NationsÂin New York and moderated a Conference Commemorating the 50th Anniversary ofÂthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.ÂÂIn the morning, the Round-table discussion, held as a special preparation forÂthe afternoon conference, was a meeting for invited persons only and wasÂorganized by the Croatian World Congress (CWC) and the Society for theÂPsychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) as co-sponsors. The morning'sÂdiscussion was moderated by Dr. Joseph Albeck, Psychiatric and ClinicalÂInstructor at Harvard Medical School and Dr. Vladimir Kasnar,ÂCroatian World Congress Representative to the U.N., Member-at-Large,ÂExecutive Committee, UN-NGO Committee on Health and Communication, andÂMember, UN-NGO Committee on Mental Health. Present at the meeting also wasÂMr.sc Mario Viscovich, Croatian World Congress International RepresentativeÂto the United Nations, and Member, Executive Committee, UN-NGO Committee onÂHealth and Communications.ÂThe same presenters from the Round-table meeting presented in the afternoonÂas well, but the subject was approached in more detail, with extended inputÂfrom additional experts and professionals in the areas of repatriation,Âreconciliation, and conflict resolution, as well as from people from theÂaffected areas under discussion.ÂIn the afternoon, the UN-NGO Committee on Mental Health presented aÂconference open to the public entitled:ÂREFUGEES: REPATRIATION and RECONCILIATIONÂThe conference addressed refugee issues such as mental health, trauma,Âconflict resolution, repatriation, and reconciliation. The speakers were:· Radojka Kraljevic, MA, Clinical Psychologist, and Zdenka Pantic,ÂPsychologist and Sociologist, of the International Rehabilitation Center forÂTorture Victims (IRCT-Zagreb, Croatia), presenting: "To whom do we belong?" aÂrepatriation and reconciliation project - a working model· Dr. Joseph Albeck, Psychiatrist and Clinical Instructor at Harvard MedicalÂSchool, presenting: "Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma and Resilience"Âas it occurs in ethno-national groups· Dr. Elia Awwad, Psychologist and Head of the Mental Health Department ofÂthe Palestinian Red Crescent Society, presenting his mental health work withÂPalestinian refugees. This presentation was a video-interview prepared forÂthis conference.ÂModerators of the conference were Joseph De Meyer, Ph.D., Member-at-Large,ÂExecutive Committee, UN-NGO Committee on Mental Health, UN Representative,ÂSociety for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (Division of theÂAmerican Psychological Association),and Dr. Vladimir Kasnar of the CroatianÂWorld Congress. Mr. Mario Viscovich was present at the afternoon conferenceÂas well, as was Mr. Ivan Dobra, Treasurer and Member of the ExecutiveÂCommittee of the New York Branch of the Croatian-American Congress. SeveralÂrepresentatives from the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner forÂRefugees and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights presentedÂtheir activities and contemporary issues of concern for the United Nations inÂrelated fields.Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 (E) John Ivanac in New York Times http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5759/1/E-John-Ivanac-in-New-York-Times.html This appeared in the NY Times this week and contains some quote from JohnÂÂIvanac, born in Brela, Croatia, who owns 2 restaurants in NYC. John KraljicÂÂÂNovember 7, 2001ÂÂÂWORKPLACEÂÂÂTerror Follows Immigrants to AmericaÂÂÂBy ABBY ELLINÂÂÂmmigrants who came to America to escape strife-torn nations and startÂÂbusinesses in the homeland of entrepreneurship are suddenly facing some ofÂÂthe same fears they had fled. They came here from the Middle East, from theÂÂformer Soviet bloc, from Africa, from Latin America. They left so they wouldÂÂnever again have to worry about governments regulating their every move orÂÂbombs exploding in the streets or mustard missiles slamming into theirÂÂhomes.ÂÂÂAnd that is precisely what has made the last two months so painful for soÂÂmany of them: it is as if terror has followed them around the world.ÂÂÂIn 1979, after the shah was ousted and Islamic militants seized AmericanÂÂhostages, Jeniette Melamed fled Iran for the United States. Ms. Melamed,ÂÂthen the 20- year-old daughter of a Tehran tailor, objected to the newÂÂregime's harsh religious rhetoric and its curbs on freedom and yearned for aÂÂcountry that would let her pursue her entrepreneurial instincts. Even more,ÂÂshe longed for a stable and free society in which to live.ÂÂÂShe got both. Arriving in New York with little money and even less English,ÂÂshe moved to Los Angeles and became a hostess at an International House ofÂÂPancakes, working her way through school. In 1982, she and her new husband,ÂÂHamid, moved back to New York and she opened a beauty salon with fourÂÂemployees on Fourth Avenue. The business has since grown into a day spa onÂÂEast 13th Street with 25 employees, most of them recent immigrants. "I couldÂÂnot have had this business in Iran," she said.ÂÂÂLike untold millions of other Americans, Ms. Melamed, 43, has alsoÂÂdiscovered the serenity of suburbia. She lives in a three- bedroom home on aÂÂtree-lined street in Brookfield, N.Y., with Hamid, a grocer and owner of aÂÂMiddle Eastern restaurant in Roslyn, and her two children, aged 14 and 10.ÂÂShe drives a Mercedes and the family takes an annual vacation in February,ÂÂusually in Puerto Rico.ÂÂÂFor more than two decades, Ms. Melamed could not read about the warfare andÂÂpolitical upheavals of the Middle East without shuddering - and thanking GodÂÂthat she had escaped it all, even though she says she still loves and missesÂÂher homeland.ÂÂÂThen came Sept. 11 - and suddenly she brushed up against the horror that sheÂÂthought she had left behind forever. She was on the Long Island Rail RoadÂÂcommuting to work when she heard about the planes that hit the World TradeÂÂCenter; she arrived at her shop in time to see the second building collapse.ÂÂShe sent her staff home and waited to make sure they were safe before sheÂÂleft. Since then, she has been gripped by crying jags and smoke-filledÂÂnightmares.ÂÂÂ"For many years I told my kids: `This is the best country. We are free. WeÂÂare wonderful; anyone can be president. In the United States, if you're notÂÂlazy, you'll never go hungry.' "ÂÂÂ"Now, though, it's tough," Ms. Melamed said. "I'm afraid for my kids, forÂÂtheir futures. It's not fair. They took the flavor out of New York."ÂÂÂHer sister, Rosa Melamed, 46, who like Jeniette, uses her maiden name, hasÂÂmade the same emotional journey. She moved to New York in 1988 with herÂÂhusband and young daughter after Iraqi missiles shattered her country.ÂÂ"America was the house of hope, the land of promise," she said.ÂÂÂThen, for a few minutes on Sept. 11, she thought she was back home in Iran.ÂÂ"Everyone was going crazy and I said, `Don't cry, it's normal,' " sheÂÂrecalled. "Then I realized for me it was normal, it was normal in Iran, butÂÂfor everyone else it wasn't."ÂÂÂJohn Ivanac experienced a similar role reversal. Mr. Ivanac made his way toÂÂthe United States in 1966 at 26 to escape the communism and economicÂÂstagnation of his native Croatia, then part of communist- ruled Yugoslavia.ÂÂTen years ago, Mr. Ivanac was frantically telephoning his relatives inÂÂCroatia during the war with Serbia, not knowing if the calls would getÂÂthrough or even if anyone was alive to pick them up.ÂÂÂBut on Sept. 11, the calls flooded in the opposite direction from hisÂÂrelatives to his two Midtown Manhattan restaurants, Villa Berulia and Trio.ÂÂÂ"For three weeks, I've been so depressed," Mr. Ivanac said. The attacks onÂÂthe World Trade Center, he said, "affected me more than the war in Croatia.ÂÂÂ"I knew there was a war there, and when there is a war, whether you like itÂÂor not, someone's going to die," he added. "But this wasn't a war; this wasÂÂa regular working day." Since then, he said, his business is down 30ÂÂpercent.ÂÂÂSome visitors from troubled foreign lands are even wondering if it would beÂÂsafer to go back home. Wahila Alam, a 28-year-old Pakistani physician, cameÂÂto New York a year ago to work as an H.I.V.-treatment project researcherÂÂwith Doctors of the World, a humanitarian organization that deploys medicalÂÂprofessionals both here and abroad.ÂÂÂWhen she arrived, Dr. Alam thought she had left behind the fears andÂÂuncertainties endemic in countries like Pakistan that are in perpetualÂÂpolitical turmoil. But for eight hours on Sept. 11, she was unable to locateÂÂher husband, who worked as a transportation engineer three blocks from theÂÂtrade center.ÂÂÂ"I was terrified," she said. "When I found out he was safe I thanked God,ÂÂbut afterward you're scared. What's next? Is it safe to be here? Is itÂÂreally worth staying here?"ÂÂÂShe has decided to do so. And other long- time immigrants who have takenÂÂAmerican citizenship say they are not plagued by such doubts and trumpetÂÂtheir patriotism.ÂÂÂ"This is by far the greatest country in the world," said George Feldenkreis,ÂÂthe chairman and chief executive of Perry Ellis International (news/quote),ÂÂthe Miami-based maker of men's clothing. Mr. Feldenkreis, a Cuban Jew, cameÂÂto Florida in February 1961, two months before the Bay of Pigs invasion. HeÂÂremembers a world where bombs exploded in Havana restaurants, friends wereÂÂarrested for speaking out against the government and soldiers grippedÂÂmachine guns while standing guard. And that was the country his parents hadÂÂchosen as a haven after they fled persecution in the Ukraine.ÂÂÂ"The Americans have been very lucky that we have been able to have a veryÂÂfree country with unlimited movement," he said. "The U.S. is one of the fewÂÂcountries in the world that has never been touched. We are all veryÂÂconcerned that our way of life will be changed forever. But I've livedÂÂthrough situations in life and I tell my son, `This too shall pass. We'llÂÂget used to it.' "Âdistributed by CROWN (Croatian World Net) - CroworldNet@aol.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Nov 2001 07:00:00 +0000 Guitar professor returns from teaching in Croatia http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8721/1/Guitar-professor-returns-from-teaching-in-Croatia.html Miroslav Loncar, associate professor of guitar and artist-in-residence at William Carey University, recently returned from spending the summer teaching guitar in his home country of Croatia.   dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000