http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A nenad@nenadbach.com Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:39:52 -0700 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9600/1/2008-CABA-Law-Student-Essay-Competition.html The Croatian American Bar Association will be holding a law student essay competition open to all currently enrolled law students worldwide and  must be an original, unpublished work.  There is a cash prize, and winners will be announced in Novermber 2008. The submission deadline is October 31, 2008. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9595/1/Andrija-Stampar-Croatian-scientist-father-of-the-World-Health-Organization.html Andrija ©tampar (1888-1958), Croatian scientist and professor at the University of Zagreb, is the father of the World Health Organization, founded 60 years ago. He introduced the public health service in China in 1930s, where he spent three years as a specialist and representative of the then League of Nations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9576/1/Korado-Korlevic-and-Visnjan-Astronomical-Observatory-in-Croatia.html Korado Korleviæ is Croatian astronomer of international reputation, infatigable promoter and popularizer of astronomy, especially among the young. He founded the Vi¹njan Observatory in the town of Vi¹njan in Istria, where he discovered more than 1,100 asteroids and three comets. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9532/1/Study-the-Croatian-language-in-Croatia-this-summer.html Zagreb University (left) is host to one of two programs to study the Croatian language this summer. Sponsored by the Croatian Heritage Foundation, these summer courses allow people born outside of Croatia to learn Croatian language and culture in two intensive courses. croatacad@aol.com (Mladen Lolic) Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9430/1/Zagreb-School-of-Economics-and-Management-offers-studies-in-English.html   Zagreb School of Economics and Management is a private high education school with public rights. It was founded according to the Law of high education, with the aim to offer its students the best education which enjoys the same rights as the best schools in the world. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800 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 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9393/1/Croatia-to-hold-quotAccess-to-Infoquot-conference.html Zadar (pictured left) will be the host of a symposium from 28 to 30 January 2008, where participants will talk about barriers to accessing information, whether they are political, social, economic or technical, and then come up with ways to break through them. The keynote speaker will be Professor Ana Maru¹iæ MD, PhD, and Editor of the Croatian Medical Journal. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9260/1/Efforts-to-build-the-Church-of-Croatian-Martyrs-in-Udbina.html In September 9th, 2007 an invitation has been sent by Croatian Bishops from Udbina to continue with efforts to build the Church of Croatian Martyrs. The manifestation has been accompanied with a rich spiritual and cultural program. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9226/1/Spirituality-and-mission-of-the-Christian-teachers-in-Europe-today.html   The European Fedaration of Christian Teachers (SIESC) organized its 53rd Annual Meeting in July 2007 in Croatia. The host of the conference was Hrvatsko katolièko dru¹tvo prosvjetnih djelatnika (HKDPD), Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9215/1/19th-International-Olympiad-in-Informatics-in-Croatia-Aug-16-22-2007.html   The 19th International Olympiad in Informatics will be held in the Croatian capital Zagreb gathering nearly 300 best students from 90 countries, organizers said in Zagreb on Monday.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9178/1/The-Visnjan-Summer-School-of-Science.html Summer School of Science (S3/S3++) is a science workshop held at Visnjan Observatory for high school students interested in natural sciences.  branimir.lukic@epfl.ch (Branimir Lukic) Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9116/1/New-York-Grant-Opportunities-for-Organizations--Artists.html   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9088/1/Michael-Kaufman-Power-Values-and-Reform-Through-the-EU-Accession-Process.html   The EU's efforts to promote democratic development are at odds with the incentives created by the accession process itself, where the EU gives priority to efficiency over legitimacy, which leads to questions about the potential of the EU to export its own democratic deficit...with a specific reference to Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9074/1/University-of-Zagreb-Medical-School-enrollment-in-its-20072008-MD-Program-in-English.html   The program is entirely instructed in English, and is also designed so as to meet both American (USMLE) and European Union standards with its internationally accredited exams. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9058/1/Croatian-School-of-Outward-Bound.html  An interview with Dr. Stanimir Vuk-Pavlovic, who has launched a Croatian branch of the Outward Bound Schools, whose mission is to inspire character development and self-discovery in people of all ages. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9046/1/Otvoren-AMAC-Mid-Atlantic-Student-Projects-Fund.html  Prije gotovo dva mjeseca otvorili smo AMAC Mid-Atlantic StudentProjects Fund za podrsku studentskim strucnim projektima. president@amac-ma.org (Mario Juric) Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9004/1/Unity-through-Knowledge-Fund-first-Calls-for-Proposals-open.html Unity through Knowledge Fund has recently launched its first program and announced the Calls for Proposals for financing joint research projects of Croatian expatriate scientists and experts with their Croatian colleagues. Read more...   mestric@ukf.hr (Hrvoje Mestric, Ph.D.) Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9000/1/Kennedy-Center-Arts-Management-Fellowships---Deadline-April-1st.html   Fellows receive an annual stipend of $20,000. Course tuition, materials, and health insurance are provided at no cost to the Fellow. Plus round-trip transportation from country of origin. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8993/1/Canon-National-Parks-Science-Scholarship--will-award-eight-US80000-scholarships.html     MViscovich@aol.com (Prof. Dr. Mario Viscovich) Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8987/1/Tjedan-Mozga-Rijeka-8211-Rab-8211-Opatija-8211-Kraljevica-8211-Krk---Delnice-12-18-oujka-2007.html     ante@medri.hr (Prof.Dr. Ante Simoniæ) Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8976/1/Seton-Hall-University-Libraries-the-acquisition-access-and-preservation-of-digital-information.html Seton Hall University Libraries and the International Library Information and Analytical Center (ILIAC) of Russia  are cosponsoring a  symposium Planning for Growth: The Impact of Digital Information on Libraries in Russia, Europe and the United States on Thursday, March 15th, 2007. Sanjica Faletar Tanackovic of the J.J. Strossmayer University in Osijek will be speaking on "Cultural Heritage Institutions in the Digital Age: Current Models of Collaboration in Croatia." deyrupma@shu.edu (Marta Mestrovic Deyrup, Ph.D.) Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8959/1/Global-PACT-Training-in-Zagreb-June-24th---July-21st.html Do you have the desire to make the world a better place, but feel that so many issues seem too overwhelming to approach? Where do you even begin if you want to make a meaningful change?   uvanovic.r@neu.edu (Robert Uvanovic) Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 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 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8945/1/Top-US-Universities-did-begin-to-post-FREE-courses-on-the-web-open-to-all.html   Universities are posting online everything from lecture notes to sample tests, and even making audio and video franjo@adnc.com (Franjo Rado¹eviæ) Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8936/1/3-Simpozij-o-prehospitalnoj-urgentnoj-medicini-VINJAN-CROATIA-16-17-02-2007.html Na¹ skup skup ima za cilj iznijeti iskustva kolega koji su bili u kaznenim i prekr¹ajnim procesima, obavijestiti medicinare o njihovim pravima. Pozvat æemo i predstavnike sudstva, HLK I HLS posebno pravnike tih slu¾bi da nam iznesu svoje poglede na te teme.  stjepan.arnold@pu.t-com.hr (Dr. Stjepan Arnold) Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8932/1/Austrian-Grants-for-Croatian-PhDs-under-35-years---1000-Euros-a-month.html  Call for Applicants / Expression of interest. We would like to encourage in particular applicants from Southeastern Europe for PhD students and PhDs under 35 years stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8931/1/Dogs-life-Brightens-up-with-new-Centre-in-Croatia.html Only a few years ago, Neven Silvestar Kovacevic's idea of a day-care centre for dogs met with dismissive smirks in his native Croatia. Today, his Nesi daycare centre for dogs is proof that innovative entrepreneurship is taking root in this European Union candidate country.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 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 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8911/1/Croatian-Gallery-2005.html Croatian Gallery 2005 is a web collection of photos and articles representing some of the most interesting features of Croatian history, culture and science. It shows that Croatia is not at all a small country, as many say. Its contributions in many fields of human activities are outstanding.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8891/1/Mi-stvaramo-Audio-knjige---hrvatske.html     grmusa@btl.hr (Zeljko Grmusa) Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8837/1/Fulbright-Science-and-Technology-Award-Winners-Announced---Croatia-among-winners.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 25 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8808/1/Global-Engineering-Excellence-recommendations-for-the-future-education-of-engineers.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8794/1/Launching-of-the-National-Fellowships-8220For-Women-in-Science8221.html  It is with particular pleasure that we would like to announce the launching of the National Fellowships "For Women in Science" organized by L'Oreal Adria and the Croatian Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Culture, with the purpose of awarding young women scientists from the Republic of Croatia.   ljerka.ivankovic@sabor.hr (Ljerka Ivankoviæ) Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8759/1/PRILJEV-MOZGOVA---program-Nacionalne-zaklade-za-znanost-visoko-kolstvo-i-tehnologijski-razvoj-Republike-Hrvatske.html U tekstu natjecaja jasno su objasnjeni svi uvjeti natjecaja, sto se financira, koliko i u kojem trajanju te tehnicki detalji vezano uz prijavu. Ukratko, za program Senior nije definirana dob kandidata vec se gleda trajanje nezavisne istrazivacke karijere, koja za hrvatske gradane koji su u inozemstvu mora biti u trajanju od najmanje 5 godina mmarusic@mef.hr (Prof. Dr. Matko Maru¹iæ) Tue, 24 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8746/1/University-of-Zagreb-Medical-School-announces-enrollment-in-its-20072008-MD-Program-in-English.html In the academic year 2003 University of Zagreb Medical School (UZMS) introduced a new 12-semester/8 semester (6/4-year) Medical Doctor Study program in English. Graduates of the program are granted a diploma conferring the professional title of Doctor of Medicine (MD). This program is entirely instructed in English, and is also designed so as to meet both American (USMLE) and European Union standards with its internationally accredited exams. Read more... stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8528/1/E-Students-perspective-of-University-of-Zagreb-School-of-Medicine-in-English.html University of Zagreb School of Medicine 'Medical Studies in English' Program:   A Student's Perspective by Jake Raguz, a student at UZSM/MSE jake_raguz@yahoo.com There are a lot of things to learn in medical school. One of the many things that the University of Zagreb School of Medicine (UZSM) endeavours to teach students is to pass on information and knowledge to others. With that in mind, i hope this article will: 1. inform others about the UZSM program, and encourage prospective students to attend; 2. help prepare students, and make the transition to Zagreb and the UZSM a little easier. Some readers may already be aware that the UZSM, which was founed in 1917, has an excellent reputation, with many of it's graduates working all over the world, including the US and Canada. What readers may not be aware of is, in addition to it's Croatian-language program, in 2003 the school added a 'Medical Studies in English' (MSE) program. The similarities between the two programs at UZSM are: the same medical school; the same professors; the same Medical Doctor (MD) degree. The differences are: language of study (English), and the MSE program has the added advantage of using all the latest editions of medical texts used in US and Canada. The 'Medical Studies in English' (MSE) program has already completed it's third year and each year is getting bigger and better. This past year, in 2005, the school added a 4-year program alongside it's preexisting 6-year program. The school added the 4-year program in response to the increased number of students attending from the US and Canada with previous university degrees and transferable credit courses. Essentially what this means is that students with prior university credit may be exempt from some courses, even if they aren't accepted into the 4-year program. The 6-year program is based on the European system of accepting students straight out of high school with no previous university experience, unlike the North American system where typically students need an undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. An important note to remember for students coming from North America is that UZSM, as is the system in Europe, offers each student at least three (3) opportunities to pass an exam. In other words, if you don't pass an exam, it's not counted as a 'fail', and there is no record of how many attempts it takes you to 'pass' the exam. So the school offers students every opportunity to succeed. According to Prof. Davor Jezek, thr coordinator of the MSE program, MSE currently has 51 students, spread across 3 years. Most of the students come from the US and Canada. In total, 12 different countries are represented. Also, over 30% of the students already possess one or more Bachelor degrees. Some of the students are former university graduates who have left full-time jobs or unrelated careers for an opportunity to pursue a medical degree. Other students are recent university graduates. Still other students are straight out of high school. Some students are children of medical doctors; others have no doctors in their family. Each student has his or her own story, his or her own reason why they chose to attend. UZSM/MSE offers each of them an opportunity. In some cases, it is an opportunity of a lifetime. Most of the professors at UZSM are extremely intelligent (with MD and PhD degrees) and surprisingly young. Most also have a strong command of english and have a good sense of humor, which makes them very approachable. Also, the professors encourage students to ask questions and they make themselves available to students for questions after class. In particular, Prof. Jezek, who is in charge of the MSE program, has been extremely enthusiastic and approachable since day one. He always has time to meet with students, and is constantly endeavouring to make the MSE program better. Towards this goal, the school has visiting professors attending from various countries to give lectures. Also, Prof. Jezek is working with the university to establish internships and residency placements for the MSE students in the US and Canada. I would encourage any doctor or administrator who can help the students find internship and residency placements, in the US and Canada, to please contact Prof. Jezek. Your assistance in this matter would be most appreciated. According to Prof. Jezek, some doctors from the US, Canada and Europe have already established an informal 'Friends of Medical Studies in English Club' („Klub prijatelja MSE“). For those students planning to attend UZSM/MSE, here are a few things that might help make your transition a little easier. The school: In 2007 the UZSM will be celebrating it's 90th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the school has recently been renovated, internally and externally. Also, the school has a student cafeteria ('menza') conveniently located in the medical school building. All students receive an 'x' card ('iksica') which entitles them to eat at the school cafeteria at a reduced rate (approximately ¼ the cost). The school also has 2 new computer rooms, each with 12-15 internet equiped computers, and a medical library. Textbooks: Any textbook that you want to order, you can do so from the bookstore 'Algoritam' in Zagreb. The bookstore is located near Trg Ban Jelacic, behind the Hotel Dubrovnik. Books usually arrive within 2-4 weeks. The cost is similar, if not even less expensive, to what you would pay in your home country. An example is the text 'Clinically Oriented Anatomy', which i purchased in Toronto for the equivalent of 500 kunas, but which can be purchased in Zagreb for around 350 kunas. The list of recommended texts can be found on the school's web-site. However, i would go so far as to say that for first year the only courses that really require textbooks is Biochemistry and Anatomy. For all the other courses the school or professors provide all the material on a CD or on powerpoint presentations. So there is no need for students to unnecessarily purchase expensive textbooks or to drag a case load of texts from your home country. Also, some students manage to get a copy of a text from students in upper years. I should also mention that some students may have CD copies of the 'Sobotta Atlas' and 'Netters Atlas', used in Anatomy, so that there is no real need to purchase these yourself. However, I highly recommend getting a laptop computer for school. Many of the classes have their lecture presentations available on CD or you can download it onto a USB stick. Also, wireless internet is readily available in Croatia. When you arrive in Zagreb, you'll also want to get yourself a cell phone. Cell phones are virtually mandatory. Students typically exchange phone numbers with each other at the beginning of school. They are extremely useful for sending text messages to one another. Student Dorms/Apartments: students dorms are not available to students in the MSE program. So you'll have to get an apartment. Some students have family living in Zagreb and stay with them. Others have to find their own place. What you'll need to do is to go to any newspaper kiosk and get a copy of 'Plavi Oglasnik' and search the apartment rental section. The other option is to check the bulletin boards at the medical school. Some students/landlords post notices on bulletin boards looking for tenants or roommates, but most are looking for female students only.  This is a good time to mention that there is a Tourist Information Centre located on the Trg Ban Jelacic (the main square in the city). They can provide you with all sorts of valuable information, including complimentary mini-maps of the city with all the 'tram' (streetcars/trolleys) routes. When you get to Zagreb, go to the Tourist Information Cente and ask them how to get to the medical school on Salata. They'll give you a mini map and draw the best route to get there. As mentioned, the medical school is located on Salata, which is a 10 minute walk from the main square (Trg Ban Jelacic). On Salata there are also many recreation facilities, including a work-out/fitness gym, tennis and basketball courts, soccer field and ice-skating rink. And of course, several cafes and night clubs. Admittedly there's an adjustment period for most, if not all, students. Most all of the students are away from home, some for the first time. Some make the adjustment better than others. But every individual has his or her own struggles being away from family and home and friends. Some students, especially the ones straight out of high school, seem to take too much of an advantage of the fact that they're away from home and parents and spend too much time partying and too little time studying. The students who have previous university experience tend to be a little more disciplined in their study habits. However, not every student is the same. The good news is that any student that puts in the time and effort will get a good result. Just as in the story of 'The Tortoise and the Hare', perseverance can prevail. Typically, students that make it past first year tend to become more serious and disciplined in their studies and continue on to 2nd year and beyond. Unfortunately some students are unable to strike the right balance and fall too far behind and eventually leave the program. In each of the the first 3 years approximately 20 students were admitted. However, about 5 students from each of the 2nd and 3rd years are no longer at the school. As a result, the upper years have about 15 students each. Students drop out for various reasons. Some transfer back to schools in their home country. Others drop out for academic reasons. But it's hard to tell from one year to the next what each new year will bring. Each group of students, from each of the three years, seem different. Each has its own character. Next year's class will have its own character. It will be different in its own unique way. However, the problems will still be the same. Of course having the right friends, study partners or roommates can have a big effect on an individual. During first year the students are still trying to figure out who's who and what's what. And everything goes by so fast. That being said, some upper-year students are very friendly and helpful, offering advice or comments about the program and other matters. My advice is don't be afraid to approach other students to ask for advice or comments. I'm looking forward to next year's crop of new students. Speaking with other students, they also say that they hope there's an even greater number of students enrolled in next year's class. Not only some of the staff, but also some of the students here are trying to improve and expand the MSE program.And that's one of the reasons why i'm writing this article, to notify any and all students of the great opportunity to study medicine here, and to encourage all who are so inclined to apply to UZSM. The good news is that as of June 1, there are more than 25 students (15 from US and Canada) accepted so far for the upcoming year (06-07). There is still room and still time to apply for this coming year (October 2006). If you're interested in applying, send in your application, even if the official deadline has past. In previous years, students have applied as late as August and September and have gotten accepted for the October start date. Regarding student financing, i managed to get the government of Canada to recognize UZSM, so that residents of Canada can now apply and receive student financing (OSAP in the province of Ontario). Please check the school's website for more information, and the OSAP website to apply. If anyone can provide information or assistance regarding student financing from the US, please notify Prof. Jezek or myself so that the information can be posted on the school's website. When all is said and done the fact is this: if you want to get a medical degree, with an excellent education, at a reasonable cost, from a renown medical school that has graduates working all over the world, including the US and Canada, then come to UZSM. See you in October, when classes start! Jake Raguz UZSM/MSE web-site is www.mef/mse.hr. Prof. Jezek (MSE Program Coordinator) can be reached at davor@mef.hr. The Admissions Officer, Mihaela Jakovac, can be reached at mjakovac@mef.hr. Jake Raguz is a student at UZSM/MSE. Jake has a BFA degree in Film Production & Screenwriting from York University in Toronto, Canada. Jake can be reached at jake_raguz@yahoo.com. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8527/1/E-University-of-Zagreb-started-the-first-joint-elective-course-with-University-of-Kent.html MEDICAL STUDIES IN ENGLISH (MSE) STARTED THE FIRST JOINT ELECTIVE COURSE WITH UNIVERSITY OF KENT!     From left to right: Zelimir Bradamante, John Ramsden, Nada Cikes, Davor Jezek and David Oliver Today (June 26, 2006) School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, started the first joint elective course with University of Kent. The elective „Palliative Care“ will last 5 days and will be conducted by mixed Zagreb and Kent faculty members. The Zagreb faculty is lead by Prof. Dr. Anica Jusic. She and her co-workers will significantly participate in the presentation of selected chapters in the field of „Palliative Care“ to the students of the 3rd year of MSE. As for the University of Kent, the co-ordinator is Dr. David Oliver, a guest-professor of Medical School University of Zagreb. Other faculty members are Dr. Fliss Murtagh, Mrs. Ann McMurray and Mrs. Amanda Harris. Palliative care is a part of the clinical medicine, gaining on its importance due to the growing elderly population. The elective was opened in the presence of the Dean of the Medical School, Prof. Dr. Nada Cikes, Vice-Dean for International Co-operation, Prof. Dr. Zelimir Bradamante and His Excellency Ambassador of United Kingdom, Sir John Ramsden. Davor Jezek nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8526/1/E-Why-study-medicine-at-the-University-of-Zagreb-Medical-School.html Why study medicine at the University of Zagreb Medical School? People choose to study medicine for a variety of reasons. Some of them have safe and rewarding medical doctors' careers in mind, while others plan to concentrate o­n particularly interesting areas of medical research. Whatever the aspiration, however, they are all driven by the same goal: how to help those who are sick and in need of help. Many students find it very difficult to enroll at a prestigious medical school in their home country or in places such as the US or the UK. Moreover, o­nly a few of them can afford to study at an expensive institution of higher education. A TRADITION OF EDUCATING FOREIGN STUDENTS The quality of medical studies at the University of Zagreb Medical School has been attracting students from around the world for decades. Since the period between the two World Wars, when the first foreign students started their education at the Medical School, more than 700 have earned their medical degrees here, coming from and returning back to practice in all parts of the world: US, Canada, Australia, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Germany, Greece, the former Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Poland, Cyprus, India, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Nigeria, and many more. This tradition in foreign students' medical education, as well as the global trend toward the internationalization of medicine, inspired us to start a new program entirely in English. A MODERN AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Apart from the benefits of a big, cosmopolitan, yet reasonably priced and very relaxed city, studying medicine in English at the University of Zagreb Medical School, with its numerous teaching, research and clinical facilities, and a completely restructured and up-to-date curriculum, will certainly prove to be a good investment in every student's education and future career opportunities. Some of our advantages are Ï The development of a broad knowledge base through a unique mixture of traditional teaching and innovative approaches to medical education. Ï The early integration of basic sciences, clinical disciplines and the psycho-social aspects of medicine. Ï The integration of evidence-based medicine (EBM) skills into the curriculum. A long tradition and excellence in public health in Croatia provides a superb background for the teaching of evidence-based medicine. Ï The development of life-long learning skills. Students learn early o­n that they are responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of their knowledge and skills. Ï An emphasis o­n primary health care principles. The curriculum focuses o­n general primary care as its basis, emphasizing prevention and general concepts of primary health care. Ï Opportunities for individual career development. The curriculum exposes students to multiple facets of medicine, allowing them to make career choices suited to them and the needs of the system in which they will work. Ï An international outlook and multi-cultural dimension. The internationalization of medical education is designed to highlight the international dimension of the University of Zagreb Medical School. It also creates an opportunity for its students to assess their professional competence and performance throughout the world. The early integration of public health and health management courses (which at other medical schools are usually studied at the postgraduate level). There are also integrated modules and problem-based learning. WHY ZAGREB? Studying at the University of Zagreb medical school in Croatia, may therefore be a reasonable alternative. Your studies will certainly be less expensive, but you will nevertheless receive top-quality teaching and training. These will give you a sound knowledge base to build upon while providing a unique opportunity for the development of your personal career choices. Finally, the pleasant atmosphere of a friendly and culturally diverse city will make your studies even more enjoyable. ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: http://mse.mef.hr The Admission procedure comprises: 1) Evaluation of secondary school grades (overall average over the continuum of all 4 years of the secondary school education comprising all the grades and the final exam, together with the specific evaluation of grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics). 2) Entrance exam in biology, chemistry and physics will take place o­n July 15, 2006 at 9.00 am in "Nova Vijenica" hall, Medical School University of Zagreb, Å alata 3b. All applications must be submitted by September 8, 2006. 3) Candidates that have completed medical college and passed internationally recognized exams (MCAT), or those who have earned a BA/BSc degree in natural or health sciences with good credits in Biology, Physics, Chemistry (at least two of them) may be exempted from the entrance examination. 4) Applicants from the UK with A levels in Chemistry, Biology and Physics (one may be missing) and grades A, B may not have to sit for the exam. 5) Applicants from the US are strongly advised to take SAT II Subject Tests from the required subjects, in addition to their SAT I or ACT results o­n the basis of which they may also be exempted from the written examination. 6) Candidates who are not native speakers of English, nor have graduated from an English-speaking secondary school or college are advised to take an internationally accepted English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS). 7) The Board of admission may consider late applications submitted in July or August, depending upon the quality of the current applicant pool and the number of vacancies available. 8) Tuition fee is 7,000 Euro per academic year, payable upon enrollment before the beginning of the academic year. If payed in two installments, before the beginning of each semester, the tuition fee is 2x3,600 Euro (7,000 Euro if payed at o­nce). Croatian citizens are also eligible to apply provided that their knowledge of English is proficient. They are strongly advised to take standardized English Tests for foreign learners (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge of Oxford Certificates, available at certain foreign languages schools in Croatia). http://mse.mef.hr/link1.php?grupa=01000000 STUDENT HOUSING AND FACILITIES In Zagreb it is not difficult to rent a small, fully equipped flat for about 200 Euro/month. For all the additional information contact our student office ( mse@mef.hr ). Here are the addresses of some of the hostels : Omladinski Hostel Petrinjska 77, Zagreb 10000 tel: (01) 48 41 261 fax: (01) 48 41 269 Ravnice Youth Hostel Ravnice I 38b, Ravnice, Zagreb tram: 4, 7, 11, 12 tel/fax: (01) 233 23 25 email: ravnice-youth-hostel@zg.hinet.hr Additional information can be found here http://mse.mef.hr/link1.php?grupa=05030000 General Information: Address: University Of Zagreb Medical School Salata 3 10000 Zagreb Croatia Dean's office: (+385) 01 45 66 909 Fax: (+385) 01 45 66 724 e-mail: mhrnjak@mef.hr  Medical Studies in English (+385) 01 45 90 268 e-mail mse@mef.hr  mihaela.jakovac@mef.hr  Central Medical Library (+385) 01 45 66 918 e-mail petrak@mef.hr    Other letters on CROWN about the same subject: (E) Study Medicine in English in Croatia nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5822/1/H-Jednodnevni-posjet-Nenada-Bacha-Osijeku.html   Posjet Nenad Bacha Osijeku http://www.croatianworld.net/Letters/Poduzetnik_Osijek_2006.pdf   (3.8 Mb Download) http://www.croatianworld.net/Letters/Nenad_Bach_Osijek2_2006.jpg  (1.3 Mb Download)   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5823/1/H-Nenad-Bach-predavao-na-Ekonomskom-Fakultetu-u-Osijeku.html    nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5821/1/E-Study-Medicine-in-English-in-Croatia.html  Study Medicine in English in Croatia, Europe !  MEDICAL STUDIES IN ENGLISHStudy Medicine in English in Croatia, Europe !University of Zagreb Medical School announces enrollment in its 2005/2006 MD Program in English!In the academic year 2003 University of Zagreb Medical School (UZMS) introduced a new 12-semester/8 semester (6/4-year) Medical Doctor Study program in English. Graduates of the program are granted a diploma conferring the professional title of Doctor of Medicine (MD). This program is entirely instructed in English, and is also designed so as to meet both American (USMLE) and European Union standards with its internationally accredited exams. UZMS also has working relationships with a number of university medical schools in Europe and North America, including University of Toronto, McGill, and the Mayo Clinic. The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest and most distinguished institution of higher learning in South-East Europe. Its Medical School, founded in 1917, has a long tradition of educating foreign students - so far over 700 foreign citizens have earned their medical degree in Zagreb. Graduates of UZMS have established private practices or found teaching positions in medical schools all over the world, including the U.S. and Canada. Currently, UZMS has students enrolled from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe, Australia, and Asia.6-year program: candidates are expected to have graduated from a four-year high school with a solid basic knowledge in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and have a good knowledge of English. Candidates may be required to take an entrance exam.4-year program: candidates who have graduated from a pre-med program may be eligible to enroll in the program.Credit for successfully completed pre-med courses at the university level, if applicable, is at the discretion of the Admissions Office.The tuition fee for each academic year is 7.000 Euro (approx. 8.000 USD) if paid at once or 7.200 Euro (payable in two installments) prior to the beginning of each semester. Beginning in 2005/2006 the Government of Canada has recognized UZMS, and Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for government (OSAP) student funding.Deadline for applications is July 1, 2006. Late applications may be considered.For further details about the study, visit our web pages (www.mef.hr/mse  ) or contact our student office: Mihaela Jakovac, BA University of Zagreb Medical SchoolMedical Studies in English,Salata 3, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaPhone/Fax: + 385 1 4590 268, E-mail: mjakovac@mef.hr ; For your downloads or just read: UZMS_press_release.docUZMS_general_information.docUZMS_APPLICATIONPROCEDURE.docUZMS_Application_Form.doc UZMS_medicina_eng.pdf  (Brochure in PDF ) Op-edI visited University of Zagreb Medical School in English less then a month ago and was hosted by Davor Jezek, M.D., Ph.D. Little that I could see in such a short time, but what I saw, was very good. Tradition that Zagreb has, old walls that could talk and friendly environment (do not be fooled to think that studies are easy) gave me the confidence to promote such an important move forward. I also spoke with a student for months and found many interesting things. All in all, I recommend this study. Check on your own. Our children can study medicine in Croatia and be prepared for the carrier anywhere in the world. Thousands of Croatian doctors are all over the globe and mostly very successful. All of this experience is helping this study in English to be successful for the third year in a row. Capacity is limited so, do not hesitate for too long. Also, there is another advantage. If you have a good grades, you can go to the University directly without the college. Mihaela and Dr. Jezek are ready to answer your questions.  By the way, University will celebrate 350 years of  its existence in 2019 and  Medical School will celebrate 100 years of continuity in 2017. Nenad Bach  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5825/1/E-UPOZNAJMO-GLAZBU-ISTRE---GLAZBENA-RADIONICA.html  WORLD MUSIC: ETNO GLAZBENA RADIONICAUPOZNAJMO GLAZBU ISTRE Dobro dosao svaki glas i svaki instrument! Ovom radionicom zelimo pribliziti tradicijsku glazbu Istre kroz suvremeni izricaj hrvatske etno glazbeNapisala: MELITA MATIJEVICHrvatska matica iseljenika pored tradicionalnih programa koji su vec sazivjeli pokrenula je i neke nove projekte. Jedan od njih je vrlo inspirativni World music: etno glazbena radionica Glazba Istre. Suorganizatori na ovom projektu Hrvatskoj matici iseljenika su Hrvatska glazbena mladez i Institut za etnologiju i folkloristiku.Etno glazbena radionica organizira se u Medjunarodnom kulturnom centru Hrvatske glazbene mladezi u Groznjanu, autenticnom istarskom selu, gdje ce se polaznicima pokusati pribliziti tradicijska glazba Istre kroz suvremeni izricaj hrvatske etno glazbe u terminu od 8. - 16. srpnja 2006. godine.Svi nasi dosadasnji projekti koje smo ostvarili u domovini i izvan nje, kao i ovaj, usmjereni su k istom cilju; promicanju vrijednosti hrvatske kulturne bastine kako bi hrvatski covjek sacuvao svoj etnicko-kulturni identitet u sredinama u kojima zivi. Kako je glazba najsnazniji izraz prepoznavanja identiteta jednoga naroda, odlucili smo se za etno glazbenu radionicu. Etno glazba Istre samo je pocetak istrazivanja kojim zelimo obuhvatiti sve tradicijske glazbe hrvatskih regija.Ovim projektom zelimo pridonijeti cuvanju i razvijanju kulturne tradicije u hrvatskim zajednicama diljem svijeta i predstaviti ovaj, za etno glazbu, inspirativni dio hrvatske kulturne bastine glazbenicima sirom svijeta. Plurietnicka i multikulturalna sredina Istre mjesto je susreta i trajnog doticaja, razmjena, prozimanja, transformacija ali i odrzavanja kontinuiteta kultura Hrvata, Talijana, Slovenaca, Istroromunja i perojskih Crnogoraca. Ona nije puki zbroj razlicitih kulturnih sadrzajnosti koje, stjecajem povijesnih okolnosti, egzistiraju jedne pored drugih, vec se radi o visestoljetnoj duhovno-kulturnoj sedimentaciji i isprepletenosti u kojoj ono sto je posebno izranja plodotvorno iz svojevrsnog jedinstva kulturnog razlicja.Radionica obuhvaca teoretski i prakticni dio te izvannastavne aktivnosti. Teoretski dio radionice osmisljen je tematskim predavanjima kojima ce biti prezentirana hrvatska tradicijska glazba po regijama, kao i veza izmedju world music i tradicijske glazbe. Prakticni dio zamisljen je tako, da polaznici steceno teoretsko znanje prakticno primjene sviranjem tradicijskih glazbala i izvodjenjem istarskih napjeva. Polaznike ove radionice ocekuju interesantni susreti s etno glazbenicima, KUD-ovima i posjet radionici glazbala. HMI organizirat ce takodjer obilazak kulturno-spomenicke bastine Istre, kao i posjet istarskim muzejima.Kako nam je zelja okupiti sto vise mladih hrvatskog podrijetla i sve ljubitelje etno glazbe iz svijeta, pozivamo vas da dodjete u nasu radionicu koju ce voditi hrvatski etnomuzikolozi i etno glazbenici. Tradicija se najbolje cuva njenim zivljenjem i neprestanim njegovanjem, stoga su nastojanja da se posebnosti glazbe Istre ucine dijelom popularne suvremene kulture hvale vrijedna.Dobro dosao svaki glas i svaki instrument!Za sve prijave i dodatne obavijesti javiti se voditeljici projekta na adresu:Hrvatska matica iseljenika, Odjel za kulturno-prosvjetne djelatnosti i sport,Melita Matijevic, Trg Stjepana Radica 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia,tel.: 00385 1 6115 116, fax: 6111 522, e-mail: melita@matis.hr   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5824/1/H-ZARONITE-U-CUDESNI-SVIJET-HRVATSKE-NAIVNE-UMJETNOSTI.html  NAIVNA UMJETNOST: SLIKARSKA RADIONICAZARONITE U CUDESNI SVIJET HRVATSKE NAIVNE UMJETNOSTI Ovom radionicom zelimo pobuditi zanimanje ljudi iz hrvatskih zajednica diljem svijeta, kao i prijatelja naive, za hrvatsku naivnu umjetnost koja je medju najprepoznatljivijim izricajima hrvatskog identiteta u svijetu, te ih u praksi nauciti tehniku slikanja na stakluNapisala: MELITA MATIJEVICHrvatska matica iseljenika vas poziva da sudjelujete u jednom novom projektu koji zasigurno zasluzuje pozornost; radionici naivnog slikarstva koja se odrzava od 18. – 25. lipnja 2006. u suradnji s Galerijskom zbirkom Josipa Cugovcana u Podravskim Sesvetama i Sunny Village/Etno selo u Jagnjedovcu, u Podravini. Ovom radionicom zelimo pobuditi zanimanje ljudi iz hrvatskih zajednica diljem svijeta, kao i prijatelja naive, za hrvatsku naivnu umjetnost koja je medju najprepoznatljivijim izricajima hrvatskog identiteta u svijetu, te ih u praksi nauciti tehniku slikanja na staklu.U hrvatskoj povijesti umjetnosti naivna umjetnost postoji od pocetka tridesetih godina prosloga stoljeca pod nazivom «Hlebinska skola» koja je iznikla u malom selu Hlebinama, mjestu u pitomom kraju Podravine smjestenom izmedju Drave s jedne strane i Bilogore s druge, koje je svoju svjetsku slavu steklo rodjenjem izvorne hrvatske naivne umjetnosti. Hrvatska naivna umjetnost nije slucajno nastala na selu. U mirnom i tihom krajoliku Podravine ona je izrasla na slikama nasih naivaca kao cudesan spoj pejzaza, zemlje i ljudi ovoga kraja. Ona svjedoci o zajednistvu, o neraskidivoj vezi prirode i covjeka.«Hlebinska skola» okupila je mnoga imena slikarske naive a prvi medju njima bio je Ivan Generalic koji je svojom izlozbom u Parizu pedesetih godina prosloga stoljeca utro put nasoj naivnoj umjetnosti u svijet. Interes za nju ne prestaje o cemu svjedoci i izlozba nasih naivaca postavljena 2000. godine u Muzeju lijepih umjetnosti u Saint Petersburgu na Floridi. «Hrvatsku naivu nitko ne moze izbrisati. Njen pecat duboko je utisnut u podravskoj ravnici, u cijeloj hrvatskoj umjetnosti ...«, rekao je poznati slikar naivac Ivan Vecenaj. Slikarska radionica obuhvaca teoretski i prakticni dio te izvannastavne aktivnosti. Teoretski dio radionice osmisljen je kroz tematska predavanja kojima se prezentira hrvatska naivna umjetnost od njenih zacetaka do suvremenosti. U prakticnom dijelu polaznici ce proci strucnu poduku u tehnici slikanja na staklu (skica za staklo, kompozicija, motiv, valer, zracna perspektiva). Polaznike radionice ocekuju i zanimljivi susreti s poznatim slikarima naive. Hrvatska matica iseljenika organizirat ce obilazak znamenitosti podravskog kraja, kao i posjete zagrebackim muzejima ( Muzej grada Zagreba, Muzej naivnih umjetnosti).U zelji za povezivanjem i upoznavanjem mladih iz hrvatskih zajednica diljem svijeta, kao i prijatelja naive, s vrijednostima hrvatske kulture i tradicije sudionike radionice sa univerzalnom slikom svijeta hrvatske naivne umjetnosti upoznat ce povjesnicari umjetnosti i zivuci slikari naive i otkriti im jedno cudesno podrucje umjetnickog stvaralastva.Dobro dosli u cudesni svijet naive!Za sve prijave i dodatne obavijesti javiti se voditeljici projekta na adresu:Hrvatska matica iseljenika, Odjel za kulturno-prosvjetne djelatnosti i sport,Melita Matijevic, Trg Stjepana Radica 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia,tel.: 00385 1 6115 116, fax: 6111 522, e-mail: melita@matis.hr    nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5828/1/E-Benevolence-promotes-democracy-500000-to-support-rural-Croatia.html  Benevolence promotes democracyCouple funds Univ. work in CroatiaNEWS NOTEBOOKPublished , January 10, 2006, 06:00:01 AM EDT A Virginia couple has donated $500,000 to support University work in Croatia.Lawrence V. Phillips and his wife Sarah Mae, of Round Hill, Va., said in a University press release that they hope their gift will help improve public health and economic development in rural Croatia.Lawrence Phillips knew little about the University’s work in Croatia until last summer when he was trying to have an old letter translated.The letter was written in the early 1900s by a woman from the same village where Phillip’s mother was born. Croatian relatives told Phillips that the letter contained information about his mother.Phillips asked his daughter, Carol Cotton, a professor of health promotion at the University, if she knew anyone who could help.Eventually, Cotton got in touch with Keith Langston, head of the department of Germanic and Slavic languages, who faxed back a translation of the letter within an hour of receiving it.The speedy, free translation got Phillips attention and he began looking into the University’s involvement in Croatia.Phillips saw the work the University has done with the Carl Vinson Institute in Croatia and he and his wife decided to make the donation to the program.'Since I’m an M.D., and Carol is in health promotion, I thought it would be a good idea to combine public health and rural development work in Croatia, and that is how this gift will be used,' Phillips said in the release.Rusty Brooks, coordinater of the University’s Croatian programs, said in the release that the couple’s gift will be used in several ways including providing service-learning opportunities for University students in Croatia, and may enable University and University of Zagreb faculty to jointly develop public health and economic development programs.Phillips said he hopes one outcome of his gift to the University will be to help negate an 'ugly American' image that he believes persists abroad.'Benevolence promotes democracy,' he said.â€"Todd Southhttp://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/01/10/43c32bf4c0985  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5827/1/E-Building-Rural-Community-Capacity-in-Croatia.html  Building Rural Community Capacity in Croatia:Adapting Rural Traditions for Sustainable Development Rusty Brooks, Professor and Assistant DirectorInternational Center for Democratic GovernanceThe Carl Vinson Institute of GovernmentThe University of GeorgiaAthens, Georgia USA 30602As Croatia continues its path towards becoming a full partner with its European neighbors, it will increasingly find itself as a laboratory for a wide range of rural development programs and strategies. However, there are two important generalizations that can be made relative to the numerous rural development approaches that will, or have already begun, to be undertaken in Croatia. First, in many strategies for rural development traditional rural knowledge, skills, and the variety of locally produced products that historically contributed to rural community and household sustainability, have tended to be discounted in favor of more 'modern' knowledge, skills, and products. This goes along with stereotypical notions that rural equates with outmoded knowledge, skills, and products. Second, many rural economic development strategies propose that rural places have to 'change' in fundamental ways if these places are to become competitive in the new world economy. Both these generalizations assume that rural places in Croatia are essentially un-competitive, un-enticing, and un-attractive for successful community and economic development and that they must be, to use current marketing parlance, re-packaged, re-positioned, and re-done if they are to survive.I advocate using a strategy of sustainable rural development for Croatia. My idea of rural sustainability for Croatia is more historical and 'place-based' in context. Rural places in Croatia, by their very nature, had to be sustainable. Rural people had to be creative to survive and sustain themselves. They had to produce food and fiber to feed and clothe themselves. They adapted to local environments, soil conditions, native plants and animal species, and developed adaptive animal husbandry and outdoor skills. They created local traditions and folkways toentertain themselves. They developed local music and dance, folk stories, and folk songs. They found ways to adapt and use local plants and herbs for medicines and for cooking. They adapted locally available raw materials to develop unique rural architectural styles exhibited in homes, farm structures, and public places. They developed rural crafts and artisans that produced utilitarian products for the home and farm including bowls, furniture, implements, and utensils. They also developed art and art forms through painting, sculpture, and pottery to expressthemselves and their relationships to their environments, their families and friends, and their faith and religion.An Alternative Model for Sustainable Rural DevelopmentMy approach to rural community economic development, which I target at rural villages in Croatia, is to build on this historical and place-based notion of sustainable rural development. I firmly advocate a definition of sustainability that does not assume that rural places are outmoded and antiquated, but indeed that many of the rural villages and towns in Croatia have certain 'comparative economic advantages' contained within the very nature of being rural, that have not been adequately captured and packaged for rural development purposes. Specifically, my approach suggests that current trends in leisure travel; nature-based tourism; heritage and cultural tourism; agricultural-tourism; the demand and interest in folk art and folk art traditions; the growth in demand for outdoor recreation pursuits; and, the current political stability in the region, all combine to provide significant opportunities for sustainable rural development strategies that build on traditionalcustoms, folkways, and lifestyles. Most importantly, my orientation advocates an approach that contends that many rural places in Croatia still contain the necessary elements for sustainable development including strong traditions of building and craft skills; wonderful architectural traditions exhibited in homes, farm buildings, churches, and public places; excellent traditions of locally produced arts and crafts such as beautiful embroidery and needlework; delicious traditions of local culinary specialties served along with excellent local wines and brandies; important rural traditions preserved, practiced, and performed in song, dance, and art; and, indigenous rural knowledge and traditions related to the natural environment of forests, wildlife, and rivers.These traditions all function to create a strong foundation for rural sustainable development. People want to see, taste, touch, hear, and feel rural places in Croatia. Just like there is a market of consumers for the Adriatic Coast, the islands, and the charm of Zagreb, there are consumers who desire, and are looking for, the pace, charm, and lifestyle of rural places and people in Croatia. What has to happen is that pace, charm, and lifestyle has to be packaged and presented for consumers. However, that pace, charm, and lifestyle must also be protectedand preserved as well. I always remind rural towns and villages where I work to understand that many economic development consultants will advocate 'change' on their part. The consultants will encourage them to change traditional architecture, industry, culture, environment, and attitudes to be modern and competitive. However I admonish them that if they do look to change as their primary goal, then many rural villages and towns in Croatia will lose distinct comparative advantages if they do advocate 'change' that fundamentally alters the rural character and landscape of the village or town or that discounts or discourages the cultivation and practice of indigenous rural knowledge, architecture, and traditions. They will lose the very uniqueness that sets them apart and makes them attractive, enticing, and interesting.Current SituationMany rural villages and towns in Croatia are having difficulty in making the economic restructuring necessary to be competitive in the new economic environment in which they find themselves. Lack of job creation and retention strategies, absence of support and encouragement for entrepreneurial activity, and insufficient public and private sector economic development financing are major problems for these rural villages and towns. Many economic development initiatives become stalemated because government at the national level is stretched for funds to invest into its undeveloped rural areas and governments at the local level do not actively pursue, or perhaps better yet, understand their important role in the nurturing, encouragement, and support for local community economic development activities. More critical to this proposal, is the contention that people and leadership in Croatia overlook the historic and place based advantages rural places have because they are looking at 'new' economic development strategies to overlay on traditional rural places. In sum, rural people and local government in rural areas of Croatia overlook the comparative economic advantages of rural village architecture, handicrafts, culture, and lifestyle. In rural villages and towns the main economic activities have traditionally included textiles, wood and timber, metalworking, agriculture, native handicrafts, and tourism. Tourism is one of the most successful aspects of the overall economy of Croatia and contributes to almost half of the national budget. Given that the country has lost almost seven of the past ten tourism seasons, tourism infrastructure and tourism businesses are struggling to survive. Tourism activities in the principal destinations, which are primarily along the coastal areas and in Zagreb, have weathered the difficult years better than rural destinations. For the most part tourism is an under-utilized community economic development asset in the rural areas of Croatia, even though these areas contain many historic sites, wonderfully attractive landscapes, locally produced handicrafts, exceptional food and drink, and great cultural diversity.Potential for the RegionBecause of the abundant and underutilized potential of the history and culture of the rural villages and towns of Croatia there is great potential for attracting visitors/tourists to these areas. However, the barriers to achieving this potential are poor transportation/road systems, inadequate tourism infrastructure such as lodging and restaurants, lack of funding to support efforts to repair and rebuild historic sites, and lack of a coordinated approach to developing/marketing the tourism potential of the region. Factors that can contribute to successful improvements in the potential of rural villages and towns for tourism are the existence of historic sites such as castles, churches, and homes, architecturally significant family dwellings and outbuildings in need of repair and restoration, and a passion of the people of Croatia, both within Croatia and Croatians around the world, to retain an attachment to the area of their family heritage. Some of the major factors that can contribute to enhancing the opportunities for rural tourism in Croatia are the rural people themselves, their many unique skills and talents, their indigenous knowledge of rural life and culture, the crafts and handiworks that have been traditionally produced, and their work ethic for perpetuating quality craftsmanship. Most important however, is the desire and interest of people and leaders to try new approaches to creating sustainable economic opportunities in rural Croatia.New businesses can be developed in these rural areas over time but there are many people with specific skills and trades that are unemployed and more importantly, underutilized as resources for rural regeneration. There are many historically significant traditional dwellings, as well as other structures in these villages and towns that need repair and which could be attractive to tourists that can visit these rural places. These dwellings and structures could serve many roles for rural villages and towns including lodging places, museums, restaurants, historic sites, information centers, retail shops, centers for the production and exhibition of locally produced arts and crafts, commercial facilities, community centers, and government offices. Many of the underutilized skills and trades of rural unemployed and underemployed people could be tapped to repair and restore these dwellings and structures for tourism and community use. Additionally, rural craftspeople can be encouraged and supported in perpetuating their skills for broader economic development purposes in rural villages and towns. There are strong traditions of beautiful and functional handicrafts in Croatia. These traditional handicrafts represent a wealth of 'folk art' that is highly desired by collectors and consumers worldwide. This proposal will advocate strategies that expand the involvement and employability of rural people in the production of specialized handicrafts. For example, pottery making is a skill that employs a single potter at a wheel. How do you expand the impact of this single potter on a rural village? You begin to identify and develop the skills of others who can paint/design pottery, others who can glaze/fire pottery, others who can work a kiln and move items in and out of the kiln, others who can present and sale the pottery, others who can build a wooden box/stand to display the pottery, and still others who can interpret the story behind the pottery and potter for those who will want to know something about the bowl or cup they have purchased.My work in Croatia advocates linking the entrepreneurial, technical, and organizational skills, knowledge, and successful experiences of artists, historic preservationists, architects, planners, and community economic developers in the United States with rural people, local governments, NGO's, and universities in Croatia for sustainable rural development. How will this be accomplished? We will succeed by building on the traditions, skills, and charm of rural places and people in Croatia as a catalyst for sustainable development through creating an atmosphere of rural community entrepreneurship. Rural community entrepreneurship is about seeing and using local heritage, culture, and environment as sustainable development assets. This notion of rural community entrepreneurship will be created by bringing the entrepreneurial experiences and knowledge of successful and experienced U.S. partners together with people, communities, and resources in Croatia. These U.S. partners will share experiences and provide technical assistance that demonstrates a variety of innovative and successful ways to use the very elements of the rural place, e.g., traditional handicrafts, rural architecture, the rural environment, agriculture, people, foods, lifestyle, history, culture, and the arts, as the basis for generating employment, income, and sustainability in rural villages and towns. When this happens we willhave taken great strides towards helping Croatia be the great destination she should rightfully be and the phenomenal economic success she deserves.   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5826/1/E-Building-a-better-Croatian-future-by-engaging-the-citizens.html  Building a better Croatian future by engaging the University of Zagreb in public service and outreach to its citizens, governments, businesses, NGO's, and natural resource sector TO: Croatian World Network and Friends of CroatiaFROM: Rusty Brooks, Ph.D., The University of Georgia, USATOPIC: Building a better Croatian future by engaging the University of Zagreb in public service and outreach to its citizens, governments, businesses, NGO's, and natural resource sectorThe University of Georgia was just gifted $500,000 by a retired physician from Virginia who is of Croatian descent. He has clearly indicated that he intends to contribute more financial resources to this effort, especially as we show specific success in the areas where he wants us to focus our project efforts. His gift is to be used to expand the involvement of the University of Georgia in Croatia, especially in the areas of improved governance, rural economic development, and public health. The University of Georgia's involvement in Croatia goes back eight years and many visits by me, as well as visits by my Croat colleagues to Georgia and other Georgians to Croatia. This is a story about why Croatia is important to me and why I, someone not of Croatian descent, has become so enamored with the country, its people, and its challenges.I am writing this because of my deep personal and professional desire to be part of something positive for the future of Croatia. Over the past eight years I have had the great fortune to personally visit Croatia numerous times and see first-hand the beauty of the country, learn about its culture and heritage, and experience the friendliness of its people. This has occurred primarily because in1998 I met Tihomira (Tihana) Stepinac Fabijanic when we were both Salzburg Fellows in Austria at a session on rural development. At that time I was most impressed with what she was doing in Croatia and committed to visiting her at my first opportunity. Since that time we have had the opportunity to exchange many visits, talk about our mutual interests, and begin structuring a way that we could build an appropriate response to the challenges of building a sustainable model of economic development for the future of rural villages in Croatia.Tihana also introduced me to many valuable colleagues in Croatia, including Bojan Baletic of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Zagreb, Vlasta Vizek Vidovic, Vice Rector at University of Zagreb, and Sasa Boric (when I first met her she was Vice Minister of Tourism) at the Institute for Social Sciences Ivo Pilar. Bojan and Sasa have been invaluable colleagues in my work in Croatia and have also visited me on several occasions here in the states, along with Tihana, as well as other colleagues from the University of Zagreb, a leadership delegation from Ivo Pilar led by Vlado Å akić, and fifteen mayors and officials from Croatia representing towns and villages such as Krasic, Zumberak, Drnis, Pakrac, and OkucaniTihana is the founder of an NGO, the International Centre of Anthropology Motovun, located in Rijeka, Croatia. She has extensive professional commitments and personal ties to several villages, small towns, and rural areas, which we think, provide the necessary ingredients to start the process of building the sustainable rural economic development models in Croatia. The areas we have initially targeted are the settlements of Ozalj, Krasic, and Samobor and the surrounding area of Zumberak, and the Gorski Kotar area, especially the villages of Severin, Lukovdol and Plemenitas. We believe that there are strong rural folkway traditions in these places represented in the local architecture, arts, handicrafts, culture and heritage, and the natural environment that can be the foundation for building a sustainable economic future.I have worked for twenty plus years in community economic development in the United States and internationally. When I have visited in these Croatian villages with Tihana, I am struck by what I see as significant economic development opportunities in these villages that are not being utilized, or are being vastly under-utilized by local people and their leadership. When I discuss my observations with local people they are always intrigued by my perceptions and ask a wide variety of questions beginning usually with why I think there are economic opportunities in their village, but almost always ending with how they can turn these opportunities into viable businesses. In sum, I am struck by the genuine interest in pursuing these economic development opportunities, but absolutely convinced of a cultural absence of an “entrepreneurial mindsetâ€? to help make the opportunities become real business enterprises. Let me stress that I am not suggesting that there is a perfect U. S. model for economic development that we should force onto Croatia. However, I do believe that in the U. S. we have a society that nurtures and supports the entrepreneurial spirit and that we have some valuable lessons and experiences we can share relative to how entrepreneurship can turn economic development opportunities into economic development realities. What this means for these villages in Croatia, is that we can share our experiences and talents to teach and demonstrate that entrepreneurship can be used to turn the economic development opportunities presented by Croatian rural traditions in the arts, architecture, handicrafts, culture and heritage, and natural environments, into jobs and incomes for the local people.How can this happen? Tihana and I organized a team of U. S. entrepreneurs and practitioners with vast experience and expertise in entrepreneurial approaches to art, architecture, handicrafts, culture and heritage, and natural environments for rural economic development that visited Croatia in spring 2001, where we conducted the 1st Annual Croatian Rural Renaissance Workshop in Ribnik. These US entrepreneurs had a genuine interest and commitment to work hand-in-hand with local people from the Croatian villages we initially targeted to do real projects, in real time, and leave real results. Early on in my work in Croatia I recognized that one excellent opportunity for Croatia would be to build a model of higher education engagement. In the U. S., many universities conduct what are called outreach activities which engage the universities, their faculty and students, with citizens, businesses, local and state governments, and non-profit organizations, to address significant social, economic and political problems and issues. For example, The University of Georgia devotes significant faculty and financial resources to working with small businesses to make them successful; improving and enhancing Georgia's agriculture for better food and fiber production; managing our forests and natural areas for production and recreation; training and improving local and state government so it serves our citizens better; and, helping non-profit organizations and citizen groups better accomplish their goals.My knowledge and understanding of economic and organizational development convinced me that if my work in Croatia was to leave a permanent legacy, the best opportunity would involve transferring the technology of U. S. higher education outreach to the University of Zagreb. That has comprised the past three years of my efforts in Croatia. Vlasta Vizek Vidovic, Vice Rector at the University of Zagreb and Bojan Baletic of the Faculty of Architecture, have been instrumental in leading the development of such a model at the University of Zagreb. It is at the university where the greatest store of knowledge, of research, of human capital, and human energy in the form of students, exists to solve Croatia's development problems and challenges. Traditionally, universities in Croatia, as well as other parts of Europe, have not seen outreach and engagement as an accepted, encouraged, and supported role for universities. The traditional university role has been teaching and research only. One of the strongest contributions of higher education in the U. S. has been the additional role of engagement and outreach that contributes directly to economic development and job creation. Through this generous gift to the University of Georgia we will continue to work with our many partners in Croatia to build a strong and secure future for Croatia and Croatians. We would welcome your interest and involvement in this ongoing effort. If you have suggestions, of if you would like more information; you can contact me at rbrooks@cviog.uga.edu  or by phone at +1 706-542-7502 or by fax at +1706-542-6594. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely,Rusty Brooks  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 11 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5829/1/H-Podravkina-Zaklada-prof-Zlata-Bartl-dodijelila-stipendije.html Zaklada - Zlata Bartl - stipendije - potpore Zaklada, koja je utemljena u čast izumiteljice Vegete Zlate BartlZaklada prof. Zlata Bartl dodijelila stipendije i potpore za akademsku godinu 2005./2006.Koprivnica (ots) - Podravkina Zaklada "prof. Zlata Bartl" dodijelila je ukupno 20 stipendija i potpora studentima dodiplomskih i poslijediplomskih studija za akademsku godinu 2005./2006.. Ovo je druga godina kako Zaklada, koja je utemljena u čast izumiteljice Vegete Zlate Bartl, dodjeljuje potpore i stipendije. Bez obzira na visoke kriterije natječaja ove se godine prijavilo dvadesetak posto viÅ¡e studenata nego proÅ¡le godine. Pravo na dodjelu stipendije i potpore imali su studenti dodiplomskih studija:- ako nisu stariji od 22 godine, - ako nisu ponavljali godinu studija, te - ako imaju prosjek ocjena u dosadaÅ¡njem studiju 4,5 ili viÅ¡e. Pravo na dodjelu stipendije i potpore imali su polaznici poslijediplomskih studija:- ako nisu stariji od 30 godina, - ako su na dodiplomskom studiju imali prosjek ocjena 4,5 ili viÅ¡e, te - ako imaju napredno znanje dva svjetska jezika, od kojih je jedan engleski, te napredno poznavanje rada na računalu - informatičku pismenost.Kandidatima za dodjelu stipendija i potpora koji ispunjavaju gore navedene kriterije vrednovana su sljedeća mjerila: uspjeh u studiju - kao osnovno mjerilo, znanstveni i/ili stručni radovi, nagrade dekana, rektora i meðunarodne nagrade te preporuke profesora. Uz iste uvjete prednost će imati studenti viÅ¡ih godina studija i loÅ¡ijeg socijalno-ekonomskog statusa.Dobitnici stipendije - dodiplomski studij su Mario Hlevnjak iz Osijeka (Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Marko Å arić iz Donjeg Miholjca (Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Osijeku), Tamara Petrović iz Zagreba (Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Maja Petković iz Zagreba (Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Dragan Filipović iz Lipovljana (Ekonomski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu). Dobitnici potpore - dodiplomski studij su Darija Å najder iz Osijeka (Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Osijeku), Ivan Tomljenović iz Zagreba (Katoličko bogoslovni fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Borko Baraban iz Osijeka Filozofski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Osijeku), PaÅ¡ko Burnać iz Splita (Ekonomski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Splitu) i Tanja Mamula iz Gomirja (Pravni fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Rijeci). Dobitnici stipendije - poslijediplomski studij su Mario VaÅ¡ak iz Severina (Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Tea Marcelić iz Zagreba (Farmaceutsko-biokemijski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Vedran Radojčić iz Siska (Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Pave MarkoÅ¡ iz Splita Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Splitu) i Mario Habek iz Zagreba (Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu).Dobitnici potpore - poslijediplomski studij su Mladen Fruk iz Zagreba (Universitat Pompeu Fabra u Barceloni), Ivo Krznar iz Zagreba (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona), Mirela SuÅ¡a iz Zagreba (Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu), Maja Hrabak iz Zagreba Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu) i Maja Prutki iz Velike Gorice (Medicinski fakultet SveučiliÅ¡ta u Zagrebu).Detaljnije informacije možete pronaći na www.zakladazlatabartl.hr.NAPOMENA O IZVORU:Podravka d.d.Sektor za korporativne komunikacijeA. Starčevića 3248000 Koprivnicatel. 048/651-845mob. 091/6520-445e-mail: mario.pintar@podravka.hrweb: www.podravka.com   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5830/1/EH-Learn-Croatian-Language-Online---Ucite-Hrvatski-preko-Interneta.html  Learn Croatian Language Online Croatian Online is now a reality! From now on, wherever you live, you can study Croatian on the Internet!At the University of Waterloo, for more than a decade the best over-all and the most ground-breaking Canadian University, Croatian online (for beginners) is already up and running. Croatian is among the first languages prepared for one of the most innovative Internet programs at one of the most innovative universities. To study Croatian online, contact the University of Waterloo’s Department of Distance Education or Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies as soon as possible. For further information, please emaildistance@waterloo.ca , orvggrubis@uwaterloo.ca . Phone #:(519) 888-4567  http://www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infoucal/COURSE/course-CROAT.html Ucite Hrvatski Na Internetu  Konačno je od ove skolske godine moguće studirati na sveusilisnoj razini hrvatski preko interneta. Studenti iz svih pa i najudaljenijih krajeva svijeta za koji djelić sekunde moći će biti u kontaktu s profesorom, odnosno s drugim studentima i učiti hrvatski sustavno, sto će im omogućiti priznanje hrvatskoga kao sveučilisnog predmeta na njima najblizem sveučilistu. Na kanadskom sveučilistu Waterloo, koje je već godinama - prema svestranim istrazivanjima poznatog tjednika MacLean’s â€" najbolje i najinovativnije kanadsko sveučiliste, a po tehnoloskim inovacijama i jedno od najboljih na svijetu, - hrvatski će biti ove skolske godine priređen u veoma praktičnu i lagano primjenjivu programu 'Angel'. Tečaj koji je na internetu namijenjen je početnicima, kao i onima koji imaju veoma rudimentarno znanje iz hrvatskog, a sastoji se od dijaloga koje je snimio Radio-Zagreb, od gramatičkih tumačenja na engleskom te od različitih vjezba, kojih odgovore provjerava i ocjenjuje sam kompjuter. Priprave su bile dug proces, ali je evo hrvatski medju prvim jezicima na svijetu priređen internetski, odnosno kao «Online course». Za sve obavijesti kao i za upise (a rok upisa je pri izmaku) obratite se internetski na e-mail adresu: distance@waterloo.ca , odnoso na vggrubis@uwaterloo.ca . A telefonski broj je veoma lagano zamaptiti: (519) 888-4567.  http://www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infoucal/COURSE/course-CROAT.html  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5831/1/E-Artist-opportunities-keeping-coming-my-way---New-York.html  Artist opportunities keeping coming my way - New YorkArtist opportunities keeping coming my way, so once again I am sharing a potential opportunity with the artists on our mailing list!Strategic Opportunity Stipends form the New York Foundation for the Arts are now available for 2006 and 2007! The next deadline is Wednesday, September 28, 2005. There will be two additional rounds for the grants with deadlines of February 1 and May 24.Career Advancement Mini-Grants (SOS)NYFA's Strategic Opportunity Stipends (SOS)Strategic Opportunity Stipends (SOS), a project of the New York Foundation for the Arts, working in collaboration with arts councils and cultural organizations across New York State, are designed to help individual artists of all disciplines take advantage of unique opportunities that will significantly benefit their work or career development. Literary, media, visual, music and performing artists may request support ranging from $100 to $600 for specific, forthcoming opportunities that are distinct from work in progress. Please note: SOS is not available to artists living in the five boroughs of New York City. For further information, please contact Shawn Miller, by phone at (212) 366-6900 x350 or by email at smiller@nyfa.org . You may download guidelines and applications on NYFA’s website here:http://www.nyfa.org/level3.asp?id=49&fid=1&sid=21 Good Luck!====Erica ReinertPrograms CoordinatorWestchester Arts Council31 Mamaroneck AvenueWhite Plains, NY 10601914.428.4220 ext. 225/ FAX: 914.428.4306ereinert@westarts.com www.westarts.com Stay up to date on what's happening in the arts. Click the link below to subscribe to the monthly Westchester ArtsBulletin by email!http://www.topica.com/f/v.html?900052645.900002387  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5833/1/H-Izasla-je-iz-tiska-prva-knjiga-iz-edicije-BB-a-Biti-Bolji.html  Izasla je iz tiska prva knjiga iz edicije BB – Biti Bolji Postovani,Konacno! U ponedjeljak 01.08.2005.g. izasla je iz tiska prva knjiga iz edicije BB – Biti Bolji po naslovom: 'Imam ideju za posao! Sto sada?' Bit ce mi drago ako budete prepoznali ovu knjigu kao nesto sto Vam moze pomoci u poslu i zivotu. Pokrenuti vlastiti posao san je mnogih, mladih, srednjih godina, starih, zena, branitelja, studenata, pripravnika...ne raditi za druge. Potrebna je samo hrabrost za prvi korak. Potrebna je ideja. Vas prvi korak ste napravili. Kupovinom ove knjige omogucili ste sebi i svojima da otkrijete sve o pokretanju vlastitog posla u Hrvatskoj.Edicija BB – Biti Bolji (Be Better) je pokusaj da prikaze sve sto trebate znati o pokretanju vlastitog posla u Hrvatskoj na jednostavan, strucan ali razumljiv jezik i za one koji se prvi puta srecu s tom materijom, i za one koji vec rade i vode biznis, i za one koji uce o tome i uskoro krecu u te vode, i za one koji su sada u skoli i koji ce u te vode uplivati za nekoliko godina.Knjiga je namijenjena ( a tako i cijela edicija) buducim i sadasnjim poduzetnicima (poduzeca, obrtnici, obiteljska poljoprivredna gospodarstva, slobodna zanimanja..). Za razvoj malog i srednjeg poduzetnistva vazno je poticati gradjane, ucenike, studente, nezaposlene , radnike da pokrecu vlastite poslove, tvrtke i obrte. Buduci poduzetnici su ti koji ce pokrenuti zivot, stvoriti tako cesto spominjaju konkurentnost. To je uzbudljiv, cesto puta mukotrpan, ali i rizican posao. Strah od rizika i neuspjeha treba izbaciti i krenuti, odvazno sa idejama koje mogu i moraju uspjeti, svi mi moramo teziti biti bolji, u poslu, ljubavi, zivotu, jer nas to pokrece i motivira.BB - Biti Bolji (Be Better) je edicija knjiga u kojoj prikazujem put jednog poduzetnika od ideje za posao, pokretanja toga posla, planiranja i analize posla, razvoja i prepreka na koje ce svatko od nas naici u pokretanju posla. To su prakticni prirucnici za poduzetnike gdje kroz konkretne primjere prikazujem poduzetnicima sto ih ceka na tom putu i kako uspjeti ili možda na vrijeme odustati. Knjiga 'Imam ideju za posao! Sto sada?' ce Vam dati odgovore na mnogobrojna pitanja. Sve sto Vas muci možete naci u jednoj knjizi.Kako pokrenuti posao? Kome se obratiti? Gdje osigurati novce za pokretanje posla? Tko Vam moze pomoci? Kako do vrha? Kako stvoriti pocetni kapital za pokretanje posla? Sto biste morali znati prije nego se odlucite da pokrenete vlastiti posao?...Upoznajte svoje prijatelje, poznanike, poslovne partnere, rodbinu,.... sa ovom knjigom. Mozete je naruÄ?iti kao fizicka ili pravna osoba (na racun).Obratite nam se na telefon 00385 31/243 204 ili mobitel 00385 91/767 5 999 ili e-mail: cikla@net.hr Narucite odmah ovu korisnu knjigu po povoljnoj cijeni od 80,00 kuna ili 10,50 USD + troskovi dostave postom. Naruciti mozete i na adresi: Sponte d.o.o., 31000 Osijek, G.Cevapovica 17.Sljedeca knjiga iz nase edicije: 'Hocu biti poduzetnik – nije bauk, ali oprez'Hvala Vam na ukazanom povjerenju i budite u zivotu bolji i sretni!Budite Bolji – Be BetterOsijek, srpanj 2005.g  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5832/1/H-14-Europska-konferencija-o-citanju.html  14. Europska Konferencija o Citanju'Pismenost bez granica', u organizaciji Europskog odbora MeÄ'unarodne citateljske udruge i Hrvatskog citateljskog drustva, a u cijem ce programu sudjelovati strucnjaci i znanstvenici iz cijeloga svijeta, odrzat ce se u Zagrebu od 31. srpnja do 3. kolovoza 2005. Predavanja ce odrzati: Richard Allington, Predsjednik MeÄ'unarodne citateljske udruge, SAD; Kay Raseroka, Predsjednica MeÄ'unarodnog saveza knjiznicnih drustava i institucija, Botsvana; Aleksandar Stipcevic, profesor u mirovini, Sveuciliste u Zagrebu; Renate Valtin, Sveuciliste Humboldt Berlin, Njemacka i Danko Plevnik, novinar 'Slobodne Dalmacije', Hrvatska.Radni jezik Konferencije bit ce engleski.Poseban program na hrvatskom jeziku bit ce posvecen problematici pocetnog citanja. Vise informacija potrazite na www.hcd.hr/conference http://www.ffdi.hr/studentski-zbor/znanost.php  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5834/1/E-Summer-Research-Opportunity-in-Zagreb-Croatia.html  Summer Research Opportunity in Zagreb, Croatia UCSF Institute for Global Health (IGH)This research opportunity in the summer of 2005 is primarily geared towards first-year students, but a fourth-year elective could be considered. Only UCSF students are eligible. IGH has an ongoing research/training collaboration with the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases (UHID) as well as with the Andrija Stampar School of Public Health in Zagreb, and under this program, a small pilot study of HIV-positive patients at the UHID is planned. This will examine risk behavior as well as subtyping of the HIV to determine the patterns and history of the nascent HIV epidemic in Croatia. The student will assist in this study, and will work with infectious disease specialists in Zagreb to understand global health challenges in the post-conflict situation of the Balkans. In addition, the student will participate in a short course training in clinical research to be provided by UCSF faculty in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is expected that the student will develop a research protocol for a small study as part of this course. There is no language requirement for this opportunity. A stipend of $1500 is available to defray living expenses in Croatia, and the selected student may also apply for Office of International Programs funding by May 15 for airfare and expenses. The assignment will begin about June 20 and finish in mid-August, with a minimum commitment of six weeks. For further information, contact Tom Novotny ( tnovotny@psg.ucsf.edu  ) at (415) 597-8201.  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5837/1/E-Njiric-one-of-the-three-leading-architects-at-the-Trieste-conference.html  Voyage Through Europe: International Conference In TriesteRIBA President George Ferguson joined representatives and delegates of other professional architectural organisations at a European and global level, taking part in a significant international conference in Trieste on 27 and 28 May: Voyage Through Europe: Architectural experiences, visions and realities.The aim of the conference was to explore future work prospects and discuss professionals working outside their country of origin, as set out by European directives and policies. Key political and administrative figures discussed their future projects, amongst which three leading architects - Richard Rogers, Carlos Ferrater from Spain and Hrvoje Njiric fromCroatia - talked about their varied experiences in the countries in which they are active. A unique opportunity to compare different European realities, the conference opened up debate on the future of the architectural profession in all its ramifications.The conference encouraged solidarity and thinking in the light of increased cross border activity, underlining the need to share knowledge on common issues such as professional practice, regulations, sustainability and education and training. The conference also illustrated the necessity of reaching a European consensus on the quantitative and qualitative standards of architectural education, including the promotion of Continuous Professional development programmes at all levels.Taking into account the enlargement of the European Union, a revision of the working structures of the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) was finalised.George Ferguson, President of the RIBA said: “It was a great European occasion in a very fine city, for which special thanks should go to RIBA member Luciano Lazzari - President of the local chapter and the driving force behind the conference. The Manifesto for Architecture raised considerable interest with several countries talking of emulating it. It was even suggested we should consider a European version. There was particular interest in the issue of Procurement of Projects and the notion of a smarter way of employing PPP or PFI to put design at the front of the process.â€? Posted 7th June 2005http://www.azobuild.com/news.asp?newsID=1055   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5836/1/E-Dept-of-European-Public-Law-at-the-University-of-Zagreb.html  Department of European Public Law at the University of ZagrebDear all,I just received an email that noted that the Department of European Public Law at the University of Zagreb has announced its web page and mailing list service. If you are interested in the topic of European law, you may consider signing up to their unmoderated list server.Department of European Public Law http://eu.pravo.hr Mailing list service http://lists.topica.com/lists/ceusa/ best wishesSanja  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5835/1/H-Pobjeda-znanja-nad-bogatstvom.html Pobjeda znanja nad bogatstvomUspjeh mladih informatičara iz XV. gimnazije najveći je inozemni uspjeh neke hrvatske skole dosad, a jos ga većim čini to da su hrvatski učenici na tom ACSL-ovu natjecanju pobijedili američke ekipe s neusporedivo boljim uvjetima skolovanja i pripremanja Sudeći prema uspjesima mladih informatičara iz zagrebačke XV. gimnazije, popularnog MIOC-a, koji su se s ACSL natjecanja u Americi vratili okićeni jednim zlatnim i dvama srebrnim odličjima, Hrvatska ne treba strahovati od manjka potencijala u razvoju suvremenih tehnologija. Na ACSL natjecanju (American Computer Science League), odrzanom od 25. do 28. svibnja u gradiću Emmausu (Pennsylvania, SAD), ekipa Senior osvojila je prvo mjesto, dok su ekipe Intermediate i Junior zasluzile srebrna odličja. Iako je Hrvatska, sa svoja tri tima od po pet učenika, uz Rumunjsku bila jedina europska drzava koja je sudjelovala na natjecanju, mladi informatičari nisu bili zastraseni konkurencijom s američkog kontinenta, sto je pridonijelo tom najvećem inozemnom uspjehu bilo koje hrvatske skole.»Kad smo dosli, prije samog natjecanja, rekli smo da ćemo biti prvi, sto se i ostvarilo, iako smo se samo salili«, prepričava Hrvoje Samija, vođa seniora. Da je konkurencija bila zaista jaka, svjedoči podatak da je svoje znanje u rjesavanju informatičkih zadataka na natjecanju odmjeravalo dvjestotinjak učenika iz 63 skole. »ACSL je zapravo američko natjecanje, koje oni pokusavaju učiniti međunarodnim. Tako osim Kanade i Sjedinjenih Američkih Drzava, zasad sudjeluju jos Rumunjska i Hrvatska. MIOC već devet godina sudjeluje na natjecanju, a ove smo godine uspjeli nadmasiti čak i lanjski rezultat koji je također bio sjajan«, kaze profesor informatike Mladen Pregrad, koji je zajedno s profesoricom Gordanom Batchom, mentorski predvodio mlade informatičare. Sustav ACSL-a je takav da prije samog finala učenici u skolama koje se prijave na natjecanje individualno rjesavaju trosatne testove i skupljaju bodove, koje potom njihovi profesori salju u Ameriku. Nakon četiri kruga prednatjecanja, formiraju se ekipe sastavljene od učenika koji su ostvarili najvise bodova. Sredisnje natjecanje sastoji se od dvaju dijelova â€" od trosatnog programiranja koje se radi grupno i od jednosatnog rjesavanja teorijskih zadataka iz 16 područja informatike, koji se rjesavaju individualno. Svaka grupa radi samostalno u zasebnoj učionici, u kojoj su sva potrebna pomagala. Iako vrlo zadovoljni organizacijom i tretmanom, posebno ističući fair play, nasi mladi informatičari ipak su imali zamjerku. Naime, kada su zatrazili da dobiju običnu kompjutorsku tipkovnicu, rečeno im je da je to nemoguće, jer bi tako bili u prednosti pred ostalima. »Tipke na laptopu su spojene, pa se znalo dogoditi da nam se cijeli kod izbrise kad bismo slučajno pritisnuli tipku«, objasnjava Hrvoje Samija. Američki učenici s tim nemaju problema, jer u njihovoj skoli u Emmausu svaki učenik na satu informatike dobiva laptop na kojem samostalno radi. Iako je MIOC tehnoloski najopremljenija skola u Hrvatskoj, koja svakih pet godina dobiva nove kompjutore u svoje tri informatičke učionice, vidljiva je razlika u odnosu prema skoli u Emmausu, u veličini i u opremljenosti.Prema riječima učenika iz XV. gimnazije, skola u Emmausu pet je puta veća od MIOC-a, a svih 2500 učenika ide u jednu smjenu. Kada se uzme u obzir da razredi nemaju vise od dvadesetak učenika, mozete si predočiti koliko je učionica u zgradi. Skola ima tri sportske dvorane, nekoliko bazena, multimedijalne učionice s plazmama i banku u kojoj učenici imaju prigodu steći praktična znanja. U sve te blagodati ubraja se i petnaestak učionica s interaktivnim pločama, dok je MIOC prije dva mjeseca dobio prvu takvu ploču u Hrvatskoj! »Interaktivna ploča "pamti" sto se na njoj pise i salje sadrzaj kompjutoru. Tako profesor poslije cijelo predavanje moze spremiti i koristiti u daljnjem radu«, objasnio je načelo rada Melkior Ornik, vođa juniora.Srednja skola u Emmausu nije specijalizirana, nego je opće namjene, pa se u njoj pored informatičara, skoluju i kuhari, odgajatelji i sl. U nastavnom je programu i mnostvo izbornih praktičnih predmeta. Kao ključ svoga uspjeha, zagrebački gimnazijalci navode visoku motiviranost za pobjedu, kao i sloznost ekipe. »Amerikanci su isto pametni, ali mi se vise trudimo i radimo. U nasoj ekipi bila je superatmosfera. Nije bilo vazno tko je koji zadatak rijesio, jer se na kraju ipak vrednujemo kao tim«, objasnio je Bruno Kovačić. Svi su se slozili, da unatoč tome sto mozda nekim američkim timovima nije bilo drago sto su ekipe iz Europe bolje, podmetanja nije bilo. Većinu troskova putovanja, koji su iznosili 20 tisuća dolara, podmirili su Ministarstvo znanosti, obrazovanja i sporta i Gradski ured za obrazovanje i sport. Ostatak je pokrilo pet hrvatskih poduzeća, novčano ili doniranjem slatkisa i majica. »Imamo veliku pomoć Ministarstva, Grada Zagreba i drzave. Nista od svega toga ne bi bilo niti bez silnog zauzimanja nase ravnateljice Veronike Javor i, dakako, rada i upornosti cijelog tima - učenika i nastavnika informatike«, rekao je profesor Pregrad.Za uspjeh je, čini se, ipak presudan uporan rad i talent. Mladi informatičari svake subote rade s nastavnicima pet do sest skolskih sati. U vrijeme »Vjesnikova« posjeta XV. gimnaziji, petorice od petnaest učenika s natjecanja, nije bilo. Oni su, naime, odmah po povratku u Zagreb započeli s pripremama za informatičarske olimpijske igre, koje će se potkraj kolovoza odrzati u Poljskoj. Natjecatelji s prijasnjih igara i međunarodnih natjecanja, kako kaze profesor Pregrad, danas su uspjesni studenti i poslovni ljudi, a dvoje zive u Americi i rade u Microsoftu, odnosno Googleu. Ipak, svi članovi ovogodisnjih timova, zeljeli bi nakon fakulteta ostati zivjeti i raditi u Hrvatskoj.Ruzica Jakesevićhttp://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2005/06/06/Clanak.asp?r=pis&c=1     nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5839/1/E-Someone-to-teach-me-Croatian.html  Someone to teach me Croatian Hello All A friend of mine is looking for someone to teach him/her Croatian (Chicago area) Any leads?Please reply to Vesna Pavlovic at: VPavlovic@mayerbrownrowe.com CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals.  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5838/1/E-SCHOLARSHIPS-FOR-CROATIANS.html  EUROPEAN CITIZEN ACTION SERVICESCHOLARSHIPS FOR CROATIANSScholarships for NGO leaders available! The European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) scholarship program for NGO leaders is continuing in 2005. Places are available for residents of Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia, Belarus, and Ukraine. If you are interested in spending one month in Brussels and learning more about the nonprofit sector, contact us at: NGOs@ecas.org  or visit ourwebsite http://www.ecas.org/product/91/default.aspx?id=388 *********ECAS is Looking for Scholars from Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia, Byelorussia and UkraineScholarship programme at ECAS continues in 2005!The scholarship programme at ECAS office in Brussels continues into 2004. So far a number of NGO leaders from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Latvia have already visited ECAS. There are still places available for NGO leaders from Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia, Byelorussia and Ukraine, so we would encourage anyone who is interested in spending one month in Brussels at ECAS office to get in touch with us at: NGOs@ecas.orgDuring your month long scholarship in Brussels accommodation is provided together with a stipend to cover your living costs. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements. ECAS will also provide technical support and guidance during your time in Brussels.In order to qualify for the scholarship in Brussels you should be a leader of an NGO community in your country (at least 2-3 years of experience) and be able to communicate in English. Other languages are an advantage but not a necessity.For more information please find attached two reports from NGOs representatives from Slovakia who came to ECAS last year (English and Slovak versions are available). Do not hesitate to contact us for further details. To your application, please, attach your latest CV in English language and supporting letter from your organisation. I look forward to your applications! Cecilia Liljegren  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5840/1/EH-HRVATSKA-MATICA-ISELJENIKA-PREPORUCUJE.html  2005  HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA PREPORUČUJECROATIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION RECOMENDSLA FUNDACIÃ"N PARA LA EMIGRACIÃ"N CROATARECOMIENDA www.matis.hr 1. NAIVE ART PAINTING â€" WORKSHOP IN JAGNJEDOVEC, PODRAVINACroatian Heritage Foundation & Josip Cugovčan Gallery of Podravske Sesvete & Sunny Village/Ethno Village of JagnjedovecTerm: June 19-26/for adults only 2. WORLD MUSIC: FOLK MUSIC WORKSHOP â€" MUSIC OF ISTRIA, GROŽNJAN Croatian Heritage Foundation, & Jeunesses Musicales CroatiaTerm: July 9 â€" 17/for adults only 3. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF CROATIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, ZAGREBUniversity of Zagreb & CHF Term: June 25 - July 224. INTERNATIONAL COURSES OF CROATIAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE, ZADARLingua Croatica & CHFTerm: July 24 - August 13 / students over 165. LITTLE SUMMER SCHOOL OF CROATIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, NOVI VINODOLSKICroatian Heritage Foundation & Red Cross ChildrenÂ's ResortTerm: July 18 - 29 / children 9 â€" 14 years old For further information, please contact: HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA, Trg Stjepana Radića 3, 10 000 Zagreb, tel. 385 1 61 15 116, fax: 385 1 61 11 522, e-mail:melita@matis.hr ,lada@matis.hr , http://www.matis.hr   1. RADIONICA NAIVNOG SLIKARSTVA, JAGNJEDOVEC, PODRAVINAHrvatska matica iseljenika & Galerijska zbirka Josipa Cugovčana, Podravske Sesvete & Sunny Village/Etno selo, JagnjedovecVrijeme odvijanja: 19.- 26. lipnja/radionica namijenjena osobama iznad 17 godina2. WORLD MUSIC: ETNO-GLAZBENA RADIONICA â€" GLAZBA ISTRE, GROŽNJANHrvatska matica iseljenika & Hrvatska glazbena mladež Vrijeme odvijanja: 9. â€" 17. srpnja/radionica namijenjena osobama iznad 17 godina3. SVEUČILIÅ NA Å KOLA HRVATSKOGA JEZIKA I KULTURE, ZAGREBSveučiliÅ¡te u Zagrebu & Hrvatska matica iseljenikaVrijeme odvijanja: 25. lipnja - 22. srpnja4. MEĐUNARODNI TEČAJEVI HRVATSKOGA JEZIKA, ZADARLingua Croatica & Hrvatska matica iseljenikaVrijeme odvijanja: 24. srpnja - 13. kolovoza / za osobe iznad 16 godina5. MALA Å KOLA HRVATSKOG JEZIKA I KULTURE, NOVI VINODOLSKIHrvatska matica iseljenika & Crveni križ grada ZagrebaVrijeme odvijanja: 18. â€" 29. srpnja / djeca 9 â€" 14 godina Za sve podrobnije upute i informacije, javite se: HRVATSKA MATICA ISELJENIKA, Trg Stjepana Radića 3, 10 000 Zagreb, tel: 385 1 61 15 116, fax: 385 1 61 11 522, e-mail: melita@matis.hr ,lada@matis.hr , http://www.matis.hr   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5841/1/E-Beverly-Hills-Lingual-Institute---Croatian.html  Beverly Hills Lingual Institute - CroatianPrograms / Croatian Classes Beverly Hills Lingual Institute - Croatian 439 North Canon Drive, Suite 207Beverly Hills, CA 90210(310) 858-0717 "The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute is the premier Croatian language school inLos Angeles offering a convenient schedule of Croatian classes taught by highly educated native speakers. University texts; new facility; best location; small classes; best value." op-edCheck on your own. This is their commercial. Nenad BachThe Beverly Hills Lingual Institute is the premier Croatian language school in Los Angeles, offering Los Angeles Croatian classes for all levels of L.A. Croatian students. The Croatian courses are taught at our new facility in the beautiful Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills at a cost of $275 per eight-week term. We take pride in offering L.A.’s premier Croatian instruction using highly educated native-speaking Croatian teachers and university texts. Croatian language tutors are also available for private instruction and corporate programs. When you want to learn Croatian in Los Angeles, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute could be your choice. Current Schedule of Croatian Classes We offer as comprehensive a schedule of Los Angeles Croatian classes as possible. The levels of classes scheduled reflect our current students’ needs and the anticipated requirements of new students. We will add any needed level of Croatian classes to our current schedule when we can match at least three students at the same level with an available teacher and classroom. All classes meet once a week for 90 minutes during an eight-week term. Below are the currently scheduled classes. New Year 2005(1/10/05 - 3/03/05) Spring I 2005(3/07/05 - 4/28/05)http://members.aol.com/BHLingual/Pages/Croatian_v1.htm   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 26 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5843/1/S-CLASES-DE-IDIOMA-INGLES.html  CLASES DE IDIOMA INGLESen : Centro Croata - Buenos AiresLugones 4936, Capital.Dictadas por el profesor de Inglésde origen croata Dean Ermano VivodaSi Usted sabe Inglés y hace mucho no lo practica o necesita ejercitarlo para viajar o simplemente quiere ampliar sus horizontes culturales, ésta es su oportunidad…Si Usted no sabe Inglés, no lo dude, ésta es su oportunidad…Si tiene dudas al respecto, no dude …Comuníquese al tel. 4566-3166 o al15-4198-9422Hope to hear from you soon.Dean.deanghi@fibertel.com.ar  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5842/1/E-Uci-Hrvatski-kod-mene.html  Intermediate level informal conversation group will meet once a week Uci Hrvatski kod mene !Intermediate level informal conversation group will meet once a week at my East Village apartment to speak, and be corrected by a native speaker/ teacher who willalso lend us further skills in grammar, etc.Beginning in April, we will meet once a week in the evening or sunday afternoon. The cost will be very reasonable, and dependent upon participation.If at all interested, please respond to Natalie Rodic:brokenopenheart@yahoo.com . Or 917.495.8612. Tell me your level of speaking, and schedule preference.  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5844/1/E-Someone-who-might-want-to-practice-Croatian-with-me.html  Looking for someone who might want to practiceCroatian with me Hi! my name is Norah Howe and i just moved to new york city (the bronx) and i am looking for someone who might want to practice Croatian with me. i got your e-mail address off of crolinks.com . . . anyway, i have been to Croatia over 10 times and i think it is the most beautiful country in the world! i would love to learn more about the country and the language. if you wouldn't mind getting together occasionally for coffee or something and practicing Croatian please write me!puno hvala,norahzednasam@yahoo.com   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5846/1/H-COMPUTERS-IN-EDUCATION---MIPRO-May-2005.html  COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION  CALL FOR PAPERS28th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION MIPROMay 30 - June 3, 2005CONFERENCE ONCOMPUTERS IN EDUCATION (CE)Grand Hotel Adriatic Convention Centre, Opatija,  Adriatic Coast, Croatia MIPRO Croatian Association, IEEE Croatia Section, University of Zagreb and Univesity of Rijeka will organize the conference. The conference is supported by Ministry of Science, Education and Sports and Ministry of Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development of the Republic of Croatia. The conference is a traditional forum for scientists and practitioners in the merging area of telecommunications and informatics. Official languages are English and Croatian. Opatija, often called the Nice of the Adriatic, is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Croatia and a place with the longest tourist tradition on the eastern part of Adriatic coast. Opatija is so attractive that at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries it was visited by the most prominent personalities: Giacomo Puccini, Pietro Mascagni, A. P. Čehov, James Joyce, Isidora Duncan, Beniamino Gigli, Primo Carnera, Emperor Franz Joseph, German Emperor Wilhelm II, Swedish Royal Couple Oscar and Sophia, King Georg of Greece.The offer includes 20-odd hotels, a large number of catering establishments, sports and recreational facilities.For more details please look at http://www.opatija.hr/ andwww.opatija-tourism.hr/. IMPORTANT DATES Abstract submission December 3,.2004 Full-paper submission January 28, 2005 Final acceptance notification March 18, 2005 Camera ready submission March 31, 2005 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF PAPERSINSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF PAPERSMore information on http://www.mipro.hr/ece.html nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5845/1/H-Fulbright-u-Hrvatskoj---rok-5-Studeni-2005.html  Fulbright u Hrvatskoj - rok 5 Studeni 2005Dragi NenadeAko znas nekog tko se bavi informatikom na fakultetu kod vas u SAD, a rado bi dosao u Hrvatsku na Fulbright molim te da mu proslijedis ovo pismo i da nas spojis. Ja inace radim na Ekonomskom fakultetu u Rijeci i predajem informaticke kolegije za ekonomiste.Puno pozdrava Marinamarinacs@efri.hrSubject: Iskaz interesa za prihvat stipendista iz SAD-a (program FULBRIGHT)Poštovani,Pokrovitelji Fulbrightovog programa u Hrvatskoj, Ministarstvo znanosti, obrazovanja i športa i Veleposlanstvo Sjedinjenih Americkih Država pozivaju vas na iskaz interesa za prihvat americkih profesora/istraživaca koji ce u Hrvatskoj boraviti u akademskoj godini 2006-07.Ukoliko je vaša ustanova zainteresirana za primitak americkog profesora ili istraživaca molimo Vas da ispunite obrazac "Zahtjev za dodjeljivanje stipendista Fulbrightovog programa" (http://www.cies.org/fulbrightagency.htm) - "U.S. Scholar Awards Catalog Forms 2006-07" i onda "New Award Form"). Temeljem iskaz