http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A letters@croatia.org Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:14:49 +0000 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11456/1/Josip-Joe-Mikulec-1887-1933-back-home-in-Croatia.html darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11455/1/Truffles-in-Croatia---enjoying-with-Gordon-Ramsay-who-prepares-a-delicacy.html The world's biggest truffle was found in Istrian peninsula in Croatia, weighing 1.3 kg! The Croatian name for a cook is KUHAR. It is interesting that in Istria (important peninsula on western part of Croatian coast), near the town of Zminj, there is a small village of Kuhari (= cooks). Moreover, mr. Josip Pino Kuhar, born in the village of Kuhari, is outstanding kuhar in Croatia.ÂOn the photo, Gordon Ramsay with Croatian truffles. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11454/1/Marko-Perkovic-Thompson-2025-Zagreb-the-largest-ticketed-concert-in-history---more-than-half-a-million-people.html The music of Marko Perkovic - Thompson represents the fusion of rock and folk, carying powerful lyrics that celebrate Croatian history, nature, and Biblical values. About 90% of the audience were young people. The stage was a towering structure 33 m high and 150 m wide, crafted by experts from Dubai. This was the greatest ticketed concert in history, surpassing Rolling Stones, Micheal Jackson, ACDC,...! Marko Perkoviæ - Thompson and his wife Sandra are blessed with five children. slavonac46@gmail.com (David Byler) Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11427/1/Johnny-Mercer-distinguished-American-singer-lyricist-and-songwriter-has-Croatian-roots-on-his-mothers-side.html Among the best known of Johnny Mercer's songs are "Moon River", "Autumn Leaves", "Days of Wine and Roses", and "Hooray for Hollywood". He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received nineteen Oscar nominations, and won four Best Original Song Oscars. His roots on his mother's side are Croatia: his grandfather (Ivan Josip Èuèeviæ, i.e., John Joseph Ciucevich) was born in Croatia on the island of Lastovo. gudelj@rogers.com (Nenad Bach, Branka Gudelj, and Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11419/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-quotThe-Dollquot-premiered-in-India-in-Shimla.html The Doll is the story of an android woman, written by Miro Gavran. It has been premiered in the Shimla Town in India, in the Gaity Theatre. The theatre was founded already in 1887. The story was translated from Croatian into Hindi by Saurabh Srivastava. The play is directed by Kedar Thakur, and the main roles are played by Rupesh Bhimta and Yashvi Bhardwaj. Miro Gavran's plays have been translated into 42 languages worldwide, and seen by more than four million people. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11416/1/Oto-Reisinger-1927-2016-distinguished-Croatian-caricaturist.html The people of Zagreb remember him as a well-known and charismatic face of the city, who came up with his ideas every day, absorbing the city's atmosphere by transferring them to paper, he gained world fame. His departure created a void that is impossible to fill, but the goal of the House of Cartoons in Zagreb is to make Oto's spirit live forever. Except in Croatia, he published his caricatures abroad (in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Great Britain): in Quick, Nebelsparter, Panorama, Punch. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11396/1/Anisha-Rosnas-father-Ivica-Adam-Kalebic-is-Croatian.html Anisha Rosnah, born in 1994, is the daughter of Siti Mariam Isa and Ivica Adam Kalebic, a Croatian, also known as Adam bin Abdullah. Her name is often written as Anisha Rosnah binti Adam (i.e., daughter of Adam), Anisha Isa Kalebic (containing the second names of her parents). She is very well educated, having completed the University of Bath in the UK. With this marriage she became a member of the Royal Family of Brunei. Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on the island of Borneo. The remaining part of the island is divided between Malaysia and Indonesia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 20 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11389/1/PingPongParkinson-World-Championship-2023-Wels-Austria.html The PingPongParkinson World Championship 2023 has come to an end. What a tournament it was! New world champions emerged and former champions re-positioned. This was so far the most competitive world championship and with plenty of surprises. We would like to celebrate all players for their determination and congratulate the medalists who took the podium. Global PingPongParkinson movement was initiated by Nenad Bach, on the photo. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11383/1/Mexican-Mariachi-music-is-very-popular-in-Croatia.html According to Fulanito Viajero (Mexico), the best ten Mariachi ensembles in the world (after Mexico) arrive from the following countries: Croatia!!!, Japan, USA, Spain, Slovakia, Colombia, USA, Cuba, UK, Poland. Top 10 Mejores Mariachis Extranjeros del Mundo! The best Croatian Mariachi ensemble is Los Caballeros, founded in 1998 in Croatia's capital Zagreb. They were often accompanied by distinguished Mexican harpist from Ciudad de Mexico. Many thanks to Mrs. Branka Gudelj (Canada, on the photo), for revealing us this surprising facts. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11379/1/Ana-Vidovic-incredible-classical-guitar-perfomer-and-teacher.html Ana Vidoviæ, residing in the USA, was born in Karlovac near Croatia's capital Zagreb, and started playing guitar at the age of 5. At age 7, she gave her first public performance and at the age of 11 she was performing internationally. She became the youngest student at age 13 to attend the prestigious National Musical Academy in Zagreb. In the second half of 2023 she will have solo concerts in Cordoba Spain, Ventura Ca, Girona Spain, Seattle WA, Copenhagen Denmark, Viborg Denmark. She is a wonderful classical guitar teacher, always ready to share her unique music experience with numerous guitar fans throughout the world. Her timetable of solo concerts is filled in for more than a year in advance. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11369/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-1934-2022-filmmaker-from-quotZagreb-Filmquot-Croatia-to-her-quotAnimation-Cottagequot-USA.html Maria Miletiæ Dail started at "Zagreb Film" in Croatia, continued as animator in Canada and Hollywood, worked upward into the position of director and producer. She was interested in meaningful filmmaking using original ideas. Worked in own "Animation Cottage" studio with twenty artists on ABC network series of specials. Tried to keep all work inside USA. She lectured at UCLA, CalArts and CCLA on animation. For her film "Think Earth" she won Presidential award in 1992. Her husband Sukhdev S. Dail (from India, Sikh) she prepared a few films dealing with Indian themes. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11367/1/Paul-Bradbury-Life-as-a-Croatian-Postman-on-the-island-of-Hvar.html Of all the interviews and feature stories that Paul Bradbury has done on his Total Croatia News internet project over the years, few were as much fun as an impromptu interview with his local postman over a beer in the town of Jelsa one day in 2016, as he explained to him the incredible Dalmatian GPS system they used to deliver mail on island of Hvar, Croatia. Mr. Bradbury lives in Croatia since 2003. He has published more than two thousand articles about various aspects of culture, life and bussiness in Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11362/1/Anthony-F-Lucas-the-father-of-Petroleum-Engineering-entering-into-the-history-of-cooking.html Anthony F. Lucas (1856-1928), born in the city of Split, Croatia, discovered the first major gusher in 1901, in Texas, Spindletop. He is the father of Petroleum Engineering. An excellent illustration of the possibilities of this petroleum was provided at a dinner given at Port Arthur, Tex., in 1901 to the directors of a large producing and refining company. A special salad was served with some show of ceremony and, after the guests had partaken of it, the toast-master asked them for their gastronomic opinions. The verdict was favorable À" unanimously so. They then were informed that the oil used on the salad was not a ' 'Lucca oil," but a "Lucas oil". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 23 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11333/1/GAVRANFEST-in-Augsburg-in-Germany-17-19-March-2022-in-Sensible-Theater.html The thirteenth GavranFest will be held 17-19 March 2022 in Senseble Theater in Augsburg, Germany. It's an international theatre festival with plays by Miro Gavran, Croatian writer. The festival selectors and organizers Anne Schuster i Sebastian Seidel invited five theatres from three countries, Romania, Germany, Croatia with theatres from Bucharest, Augsburg Munich and Zagreb. Along with theatre performances, there will also be a presentation of Gavran's collection of plays in German called ONE DRAMA AND FOUR COMEDIES in translations by Tihomir Glowatsky, Ljerka Ore¹koviæ Herrmann and Ludwig Steindorff. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 15 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11320/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-to-appear-in-the-film-quotDont-Look-Upquot.html Marinko Marco Radakovic (left) will appear in the new film "Don't Look Up" an upcoming American satirical science fiction black comedy film written, produced, and directed by Adam McKay. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as two low-level astronomers attempting to warn mankind, via a media tour, about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth. The film is set to receive a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021, prior to streaming on Netflix on December 24, 2021. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 04 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11318/1/PingPongParkinson-photo-monograph-by-Warren-Rosenberg-with-Nenad-Bach-illustrated-by-Ignasi-Blanch.html This wonderful photo-monograph prepared is dedicated to every person who has Parkinson desease. It describes how playing table tennis can help each such person. Due to Nenad Bach, the PingPongParkinson has become a world-wide movement, as shown on the pages of the book. There are currently more than hundred chapters in numerous countries throughout the world.oran Primorac, Olympian and Ping Pong Parkinson advisor, said: "I'm honoured and intrigued to be part of this progressive idea that has the potential of helping millions of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease." darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 28 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11317/1/Radoslav-Lorkovic-inducted-to-the-Iowa-Blues-Hall-of-Fame-on-October-17-2021.html Born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1958, Radoslav moved to the United States at age six. In the late 1990s Radoslav took his blues and accordian stylings to numerous Yupa ik Eskimo villages throughout SW Alaska. This memorable, mid-winter visit also included community concerts and class presentations in nearly twenty villages. Drawing from a multitude of influences ranging from elegant classical and jazz styles to the rawest, most basic blues, country and soul, Radoslav Lorkovic has taken on an unusually broad musical spectrum and refined it into his distinctive piano style. He has played with Odetta, Shawn Mullins, Greg Brown, Jimmy LaFave and others. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11314/1/Toni-Kukoc-enshrined-to-the-Basketball-Hall-of-Fame-in-2021.html Toni Kukoè was, alongside with late Dra¾en Petroviæ, the best basketball player that Croatia ever had. Toni, nicknamed Cookie, was often compared with Pink Panther, due to his specific elegance in the basketball game. He was born in the city of Split, one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean, known for outstanding talents like Blanka Vla¹iæ (highjumper), Ivano Baliæ (handball), Dino Radja (basketball), Branko Cikatiæ (martial sports), Anthony F. Lucas (Antun Luèiæ, the Father of Petroleum Engineering), Marko Maruliæ (the most famous Croatian Renaissance writer), ... darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11292/1/Happy-Easter-2021-to-all-and-to-your-dearest.html We present Easter customs by Croatian greeting cards from the mid-20th century (Zdenka Sertiæ - on the photo, Andrija Mauroviæ, Zlatko ©ulentiæ, etc.) to contemporary photos from 2021 (Snje¾ana Bo¾iæ). A variety of customs refer to Easter eggs, blessing of food, kissing of cross, etc. Most of the cards were provided by HKD Napredak (Croatian Cultural Society Advancement) of Bosnian Croats in Zagreb, as well as by Mrs. Snje¾ana Bo¾iæ and her father, who are using an interesting technique brought to Croatia by their grand-parents from Slovakia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 03 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11297/1/Yoko-Nishii-and-Snjezana-Bozic-connection-via-Easter-Eggs-tradition.html Yoko Nishii has published two nice videos describing in detail a technique for creating beautiful Easter Eggs, with elements of Croatian and Japanese culture. Her informer was Snje¾ana Bo¾iæ from Croatia, who learned this decorative art from her father, of Slovak roots (his mother is Marija Galko). Decorations include interlace patterns and Croatian Glagolitic Script, as well as elements of traditional Japanese art. Yoko Nishii had as many as 50 soloist concerts in 24 Croatian cities. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11291/1/Sjecanje-na-Velu-Luku-a-song-by-Branko-Zuvela-Dodo-interpreted-in-Czech-translation-from-Croatian.html Branko ®uvela Dodo is the author of Croatian song "Sjeæanje na Velu Luku" (Remembering Vela Luka), that almost every Croatian knows. Most of them think that it is a folk song. Vela Luka is a lovely Croatian town on the island of Korèula, where the author of the song was born. It is interesting that there exists a Czech version of the song (Krasne s tebou ¾it). This version was published on YouTube by late David Byler (on the photo), collaborator of the CROWN, who prepared the accompanying video. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 21 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11287/1/CROATIA-HAS-CHANGED-ME-15-Things-I-Started-Doing-After-Moving-to-Zagreb.html Sarah Cosi: ...I discovered Croatia on one of my trips back in 2007, where I fell in love with the country (and then ended up marrying a local, who is now also my business partner at Royal Croatian Tours). Since we both love exploring and showing people the beauty of Croatia, opening our own agency just came naturally. We think we make an excellent combo, as Ivan is a local Croatian and knows all of the ins and outs of Croatia, while I'm an expat, and do all of the communication with our guests personally. Coming from Canada, I understand what our guests are looking for when planning their trip, and traveling to a foreign country. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 12 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11281/1/PingPongParkinson-Virtual-Reality-Championship-April-11-2021.html PingPongParkinson has announced the launch of PingPongParkinson Virtual Reality World Championships slated for April 11, 2021. This year's tournament is the first-ever virtual reality (VR) parkinson's world table tennis championships, coming after Ping Pong Parkinson, alongside the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and International Table Tennis Federation Foundation (ITTF Foundation) partnered in 2019 to host an inaugural world table tennis championship for players with Parkinson's Disease. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11288/1/Miro-Gavrans-plays-BEER-and-ICECREAM-online-with-English-subtitles.html Theatre Gavran will put their two hit comedy plays by the Croatian hit playwright Miro Gavran on the digital platform. The plays are ICECREAM and BEER and the recordings will be available on Saturday, March 13th at 8PM, the city of Zagreb local time. BEER is a gentle comedy about a Father and his Son. ICECREAM is a comedy with Mladena Gavran and Ana Vilenica as a mother and her daughter in their most dramatic moments. Humour and emotions are intertwined in this story portraying a relationship of two women, who are so different and so alike at the same time. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 12 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11268/1/Marina-Jurica-singing-meteorologist-lead-commentator-for-NASAs-Jet-Propulsion-Laboratory-since-2019.html Marina Jurica graduated from UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) with two degrees: one in Meteorology and the other in Opera Performance. She is persuing both of her passions. She worked in Orlando, Florida, before becoming chief meteorologist at CBS47 in 2016. She was the first female chief meteorologist in the USA, and is still one of the few female chiefs. She appeared as professional opera singer in the Canadian tour of "Les Miserables" and debuted her own show "Seasons of Love" on Broadway in 2018. Her father is from the island of Lastovo, and mother from the city of Opatija, both in Croatia: "I am a first generation American, my ENTIRE family is Croatian. Growing up in a Croatian home and French immersion school, I became tri-lingual quickly.". On the photo, Marina Jurica is with her son John. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 01 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11249/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-56-Post-COVID.html "Nenad, Who Plays Ping Pong" is a short film about my passion for ping pong and using it to help those afflicted with Parkinson's. It is an Official Selection of 2020 Mountainfilm Festival, and was chosen Daily Short Pick on FilmShortage.com, May 27th, 2020. The film is touring and was screened last week in Sao Paulo, Brazil and will be touring August 24-26 in Southampton, New York, US. You can get more information here. We are now fortunate to have the film subtitled in 15 languages. My songs "Vukovar" "Everything is Forever" and "I Will Follow" were recently played by musical genius Pete Jones on his radio program in London. nenadbach@gmail.com (Nenad Bach E-Team) Tue, 25 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11235/1/Zoran-Orlic-world-class-music-photographer-Live-From-Chicago.html The Croatian-born photographer relocated to Chicago at an early age and began photographing bands in college. As a young musician might, he took his mantra seriously: practice, practice, practice. It wasn't until he chanced upon the work of one of the greatest rock photographers of all time that lightning struck, and he realized what he wanted to do with his life. "I shot Jeff," Orlic says of his first photo shoot with Wilco's founder, Jeff Tweedy. "They liked it, and the rest is history. I just kind of never left." From the perspective of the bands and record labels for whom he works, Orlic's easygoing manner and ability to produce images efficiently and without getting in the way are equally as important as his artistic prowess. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11231/1/Zeljko-Zuanovic-Croatian-priest-and-his-wonderful-world-of-sea-shells.html ®eljko Zuanoviæ is a Croatian catholic priest, with an interesting hobby: he collects see shells throughout the world. His collection of about 2500 shells is since 2020 exhibited in the village of Marijanci, a few kilometers of Valpovo the NE of Croatia. We recommend you to pay a visit to his collection of shells. Surprisingly, rev. Zuanoviæ was born in continental part of Croatia, and his other hobbies include diving, singing, cooking and writing poetry. He has published a wonderful book entitled The World of Shells. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11228/1/Franka-Miriam-Brueckler-author-of-three-math-books-published-by-Springer.html Franka Miriam Brueckler, employed at the Department of Mathematics of the University of Zagreb, has published already three mathematical books with Springer Verlag, all of them in German langague. The first two deal with the History of Mathematics, while the third one, which appeared in 2019, is dedicated to mathematical foundations of chrystallography (for both mathematicians and natural scientists): Mathematische Grundlagen der Kristallographie fuer Matthematiker und Naturwissenschaftler. The last book has 207 pp, accompanied with more than 100 drawings and several tables. Congratulations to the author for her fine work! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 06 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11225/1/Nenad-Who-Plays-Ping-Pong.html Nenad Bach is a world-class musician that decided to stop performing publicly after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2010. In the wake of his diagnosis he discovered that playing ping pong helped to alleviate his symptoms. Now he's attempting to help millions of others do the same. Official Selection of 2020 Mountainfilm Festival. Featured on Directors Library, May 28th, 2020. Daily Short Pick on FilmShortage.com, May 27th, 2020. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 03 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11209/1/Starlings-Rhapsody-in-Siroki-Brig-in-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina---lesson-for-Europe-and-more.html Starling, or èvorak in Croatian, provides us with surprising lessons of social tolerance and help. See a short video from Bosnia and Herzegovina, shot in the city of ©iroki Brig (or ©iroki Brijeg, i.e., Wide Hill), which is not far from Meðugorje. The duration of this very educative video is 1 minute and 19 seconds. Incredible starlings show on large transmission line was captured in the village Dobrkoviæi. The name of the Dobrkoviæi village is funny: Till the Moustache! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 07 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11205/1/Akiane-Kramarik-spirituality-of-painting.html Akiane Kramarik: "...Realizing that nobody, except for my mother, cherished my work, I became more and more disillusioned. One time I threw my painting in the rain outside. And as it was landing into the puddle someone caught it. Just in time. It was my mother. Out of breath she shared something, 'Last night I had a strange dream. I saw thousands of people waiting for your art. The line stretched all the way to the horizon.' " At the age of 4 she started dreaming about God, indicating that God inspired her to start painting and writing poetry about Him. She has dedicated her life to God and is focused on making the world a better place. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 17 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11204/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-writer-translated-in-Paris-and-Hong-Kong-2020.html Miro Gavran is the greatest contemporary Croatian playwright, translated to as many as 40 languages worldwide. Miro Gavran: 'The Paris edition of my drama is a continuation of my rich cooperation with French translators, I had five premiers in Paris, and I also had seven books published in that extraordinary city. Regarding the Chinese publication of my comedy The Doll, I see it as a great acknowledgement to my theatre writing. So far only my novel How We Broke Our Legs was published in Beijing, and now they can finally get to know me as a dramatist." darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 11 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11203/1/Yoko-Nishii-between-the-Dobro-Restaurant-in-Tokyo-and-Tokamachi.html By the end of 2019, distinguished Japanese pianist Yoko Nishii has visited the city of Tokamachi, which is the seat of "Croatia - Japan Friendship House", completed in 2012. Except for having the purpose of cultural center, it also serves for preparations of Croatian sportsmen for the forthcoming 2020 Summer Olympic Games to be organized in Tokyo. Yoko Nishii has visited Tokamach for completing the material for her newest CD, which will contain pianistic works of Rachmaninov. She was surround by a small team of professionals, because everything had to be registered under the best acoustic conditions. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 10 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11194/1/Nenad-Bach-Searching-for-Boredom-2019.html Triumphant 2019 ITTF Parkinson's World Table Tennis Championships, which included 62 players, 12 countries, and 130 participants. A triumph of spirit. We play for history and the 10 million who could not play. Lots of traveling, flying around the globe, as the leitmotif of the year was Ping Pong Parkinson, music and sport as the challenge of living and working with Parkinson. I feel grateful and thankful to so many friends and acquaintances who help me along the way. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New 20, Happy Holidays. World Peace in One Hour, but most of all - Peace on Earth. Let's achieve this sooner rather than later. We have everything we need, right now. Yours, Nenad Bach darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 31 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11182/1/Vladimir-Novak-Croatians-in-America-fascinating-photomonograph-published-in-2018.html  Vladimir Novak (1928-2016) darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 27 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11172/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-playwright-has-nine-premieres-in-nine-countries-during-two-months-of-2019.html Miro Gavran is the greatest contemporary Croatian playwright. His plays have been translated into as many as 41 languages worldwide. During the following two months, from the end of August till October 2019, nine of his plays will be shown in nine countries: Germany, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Nigeria, in his native Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Turkey and in Czechia. About 1000 actors in Croatia and thoughout the world participated in his plays. He had about 1300 public literary appearances in Croatia and worldwide. He is a honorable member of the Russian Literary Society in Moscow. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 24 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11170/1/Ping-Pong-Parkinson-launched-by-Nenad-Bach.html We provide PPP (Ping Pong Parkinson) links related to numerous activities of Nenad Bach in order to launch the PPP International competition. The first such competition was organized in New York in 2019. This was an impetus not only for international PPP competitions, but also for founding national PPP competitions. Congratulations to Nenad for his forisghtedness and perserverance. The competition will for sure become a part of Paraolympic Games in the near future. Some countries have already decided to include PPP into their national sports prgrams. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 23 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11162/1/Kinjo-Gakuin-high-school-from-Japan-visited-High-School-Sesvete-in-Croatia-in-2019.html Japanese students and teachers arrived in Zagreb on March, 21st 2019. They were wellcomed by students and teachers from Gimnazija Sesvete at Franjo Tuðman airport. The program consisted of multimedial presentations and workshops which presented Gimnazija Sesvete, Croatian educational system, attractions, beauty and culture of Zagreb and Croatia. Japanese students from Nagoya also presented their school, city and talked about education in Japan. The main purpose of this event was promotion of music as a universal way of connecting people as well as promoting school choir singing. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 18 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11148/1/Yoko-Nishii-speaking-about-Croatia-at-the-Japanese-TV-in-February-2019.html Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist and proponent of Croatian classical piano music in Japan, as well as of Japanese music in Croatia, was a guest of Japanese TV on 14th Febrary 2019. She described some of her numerous concerts in various Croatian cities (till 2018, she had as many as 48 soloist concerts in 24 cities, and innumerably many other appearances). She also described some of the cultural values of the country, as well as a little bit about Croatian cuisine. Yoko Nishii is fluent in Croatian language. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 01 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11146/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-52-The-Start-of-a-New-Year-2019.html Dear All, the year 2018 was a productive and exciting year and 2019 which just started looks like even more exciting... and I hope as productive as well. Focus WORLD PEACE, promoting my idea of World Peace In One Hour through four Human Passions that connects us all. ART, SPORTS, GASTRONOMY and FASHION. These four passions unite us regardless of skin color, religion, education, status in society, personal wealth or political alliance. If you have a Parkinson's diagnose and love Ping Pong, there will be the ITTF Parkinson's World Table Tennis Championships from October 11-13 here in New York. If you play any of 500+ instruments and want to play for World Peace in One Hour in the orchestra that has ALL the instruments of the world, apply! darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 24 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11144/1/Miljenko-Matijevic-in-Croatia-in-the-cities-of-Zagreb-and-Pula.html Miljenko Matijevic was born in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 1964. He became one of the greatest singing stars in entire rock history. In the recent years his popularity has spread to the Far East, especially in South Korea, where he had numerous appearances. His unique voice continues to attract millons of listeners throughout the world, for classic songs like "She's Gone", "Can't Stop Me Lovin' You", "I'll Never Let You Go", "We All Die Young", etc. Miljenko: "Thank you to my country with all my heart for opening your arms and showering us with such a graceful experience. I hope everyone enjoys what we have created." darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 18 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11135/1/Photo-of-the-Year-and-the-Family-of-the-Year-for-2018.html As a photo of the year we have chosen a detail from spectacular return of Croatian national team to the city of Zagreb, with a bus reliably driven for several hours by a nice lady (on the photo) along impossibly stuffed streets, without any accident or any injury. This is a feat maybe even more amazing that the wins of Croatian national football team agains teams like Argentina (led by outstanding world class Messi), England and the Russian Federation. As the family of the year we have chosen the family of Luka Modriæ, sharing in this way the opinion of millions of fans throughout the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 01 Jan 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11133/1/Nikolina-Sustic-Stankovic-of-Croatia-ultramarathon-world-champion-in-2018.html Nikolina ©ustiæ Stankoviæ is the world ultramarathon world champion (100 km!) for 2018. This is one of the greatest achievements of Croatian sports. Native of the city of Split, employed as a computer software tester, she leads a humble life, and became a top sportswoman without any trainer whasoever! This makes her achievment even more amazing. The city of Split is a cradle world class sportsmen and sportswomen: Goran Ivani¹eviæ (tennis), Toni Kukoè (basketball), Blanka Vla¹iæ (high jumping), Ivano Baliæ (handball), ... , to name just a few. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 30 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11127/1/Luka-Modric-winner-of-2018-Balon-dOr.html Carlo Ancelotti (director of Real Madrid): Nobody represents the values of this club, both on and off the pitch, better than Modric. Luka, affectionally nicknamed Lukito in Spain, has his great Croatian counterparts in some other collective sports: Ivano Baliæ in handball, Toni Kukoè in basketball, and several Croatian giants in waterpolo. Luka is happily married to Vanja b. Bosniæ (on the photo): they have three children. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 06 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11125/1/Croatian-islands-products---Hrvatski-otoeki-proizvod.html àÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂÃÂàà darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11128/1/Steve-Novosel-Croatian-American-jazz-bassist-and-educator.html Steven (Steve) Novosel is an American professional jazz bassist and educator whose 40-plus year career has spanned numerous genre, from traditional jazz to swing, bebop, mainstream and avant garde. Born in Farrell in 1940, Pennsylvania outside Pittsburgh in 1940, Novosel is of Croatian-American heritage. Although left-handed, Novosel mastered the double bass playing it in a right-hand set up. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 15 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11136/1/Dr-Bozo-Skoko-published-8220Understanding-Croatia---A-Collection-of-Essays-on-Croatian-Identity8221-2018.html Through a collection of essays about Croatian identity, image, politics, culture, way of life and special traits, the book speaks about Croats, their history, finding its way in the European Union, and mentality. It was written on the basis of numerous facts and studies, nevertheless, it is very readable, entertaining and educational. For this reason, it will undoubtedly be an excellent handbook for getting to know Croatia and the Croats. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 21 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11115/1/World-Cravat-Day-18th-October---the-origin-of-the-CRAVAT-and-of-its-universally-known-name-is-Croatia.html CRAVAT, the universaly known name of the necktie, has its origin in the name ov Croats. As an unavoidable fashion element, especially for representative pruposes, it can be met in the remotest parts of the Globe. It is without any doubt the most widespread fashion element in the world, bearing a national name. On the photo on the left is Ivan Gundulic (1589-1638), distinguished Croatian Renaissance writer from Dubrovnik, bearing the earliest known version of the Cravat. World Cravat Day, established by Academia Cravatica in Zagreb, is celebrated each year on 18th October. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11104/1/Nenad-Bach-Dragica-Kragic-and-Sven-Maricic-participating-at-prestigious-MTF-Stockholm-Sep-7-9-2018.html The talks stage features an incredible lineup of inspiring people from around the world in conversation - representing all areas of industry, academia, the arts, sciences and public life. Rather than a series of keynotes, speeches, panel sessions or powerpoint presentations, the magazine-style interviews and intimate performances at MTF Stockholm provide a personal insight into the world and the stories of each of these amazing individuals. Three Croatian representatives are invited: Nenad Bach (with his project World Peace In One Hour), Danica Kragiæ (a leading expert in robotics) and Sven Marièiæ (expert in 3D printing). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 22 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11098/1/Anthological-events-behind-fantastic-Croatian-games-at-FIFA-World-Cup-in-2018.html Croatian presence at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russian Federation has caused unprecedented interest world-wide for various reasons. First of all, due to the quality of players like Madriæ, Rakitiæ, Mand¾ukiæ, Lovren etc., their determination in each game to show the maximum, and above all, on the human side. Presence of their wives and children added a special flavor, as well as respect for sportsmen from other countries, since today there are not easy opponents. Probably the most interesting was exceptionally warm reception of Croatian players not only in their homeland, but also wroldwide. On the photo Luka Modriæ with his beautiful wife Vanja Bosniæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 26 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11095/1/Silver-medal-of-diamond-glitter-for-Croatia-at-the-2018-FIFA-World-Cup-final-with-golden-France.html Croatia celebrates on of the greatest successes in its sports history - the second place at the FIFA World Cup Tournament in Moscow. We mention the deserving players: Mand¾ukiæ, Rebiæ, Modriæ, Peri¹iæ, Rakitiæ, Brozoviæ, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Striniæ, and the deserving coach Daliæ. We believe that the Croatian team has shown the most attractive football play during the World Cup tournament. It is no surprise that Luka Modriæ (on the photo) has won the prestigious Golden Ball - Balon d'or. Luka Modriæ shares his second name with Professor Paul L. Modrich, USA, 2015 Nobel prize winner Chemistry, who has Croatian roots. We also add a lovely story about the most famous photographer at the moment, thanks to the goal od Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 15 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11093/1/Croatia-and-France-in-the-final-of-the-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-in-Moscow.html This is the greatest succes of Croatian football in history, surpassing the third place of Croatian soccer team in 1998 during the FIFA World Cup in France. We recall the names of Davor ©uker, Zvonimir Boban and Slaven Biliæ from 1998, and the names of Luka Modriæ, Ivan Rakitiæ and Dejan Lovren in 2018. Before arriving to the final match, Croatian won in matches with very strong teams: England, Russian Federation, Denmark, Argentina and Nigeria. Furthermore, we indicate in this article some very interesting historical and cultural contacts between Croatia and France. On the photo Domagoj Vida immediately after the match with England, with his kids and the kids of Ivan Peri¹iæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 14 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11092/1/Croatia-2---1-England-media-reports-from-the-FIFA-Word-Cup-semifinals-in-Moscow-2018.html EUROSPORT: What an incredible achievement! Croatia are into their first ever World Cup final as a nation. England just couldn't see the game out. They had chances in the first half, Kane in particular missed a sitter, but you have to admire the way Croatia wrestled back control over the course of the match. "€œFor Croatian football and for Croatia as a country, this is history being written," Coach Zlatko Dalic said. On the photo Dejan Lovren, one of the pillars of Croatian defense. The team is filled with stars from top to bottom, and the teamwork and determination has set this team apart from the rest. Meanwhile, England will face Belgium on Saturday in the third-place match. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11090/1/Croatia---England-semifinal-soccer-match-at-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-in-Moscow.html In 2007, Croatia has won 3 - 2 in a soccer match with England in London at Wembley, in a qualification match for European championships. Due to this win, Russia was placed second in the group, just after Croatia, while England was placed the third. As Slaven Biliæ, Croatian coach at that time, explained, the Croatian team was at that time simply better than the English team. How strong various soccer teams are today has been shown by Iceland, by winning in a match with England at EURO 2016. On the photo Dr. Kathy Wilkes, Oxford, distinguished English humanist, who spent very turbulent years 1991 and 1992 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. We owe her our eternal gratitude. When she died in 2003, according to her wish she was burried in Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11089/1/Croatia-2-4---Russian-Federation-2-3-at-the-FIFA-World-Cup-2018.html Croatia has won in a dramatic soccer match with Russian Federation, which was the host country of the FIFA World Cup Tournament 2018. On the photo Luka Modriæ, captain of Croatian team. We indicate several very interesting historical and cultural contacts with Russia. Recall that the Croatian win in a soccer match with England in 2007 enabled Russia to participate at the European Championship in 2008. On that occasion, Russian fans activated a web site called Thank You Croatia! - Spasibo Horvatiya!. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 07 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11088/1/Croatia-1-3---1-2-Denmark-at-the-FIFA-World-Cup-2018.html Croatia has won in a dramatic soccer match with Denmark to the quarter-finals of the World Coup 2018 tournament. Ejnar Dyggve (1887-1961), distinguished Danish historian and archaeologist (on the photo), is important for his scholarly studies of the history of the southern parts of Croatia, in particular of the region of Split. A well known cartoon movie figure Professor Balthazar is very popular in Scandinavia, including Denmar. We also mention Karin Michaelis, who wrote an article in Danish about Croatian politician and martyr Stjepan Radiæ, who was assassinated in the Belgrade Parliament in 1928. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 02 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11087/1/Toni-Kukocs-Induction-Speech-to-FIBA-Hall-of-Fame.html One of the most influential players in European, international and NBA basketball, Toni Kukoc is being honored with induction to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017. The 6ft 10in (2.08m) forward left his mark everywhere he played thanks to his exciting style and a leadership quality that resulted in numerous titles at both the club and national team levels. A native of Split, Croatia, he grew up playing at Jugoplastika where he developed his game into one that would inspire generations of players to come. He was a long and lanky point power forward with exceptional court vision and passing skills. He could also run the floor, finish and shoot well from outside. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11085/1/Croatia-2---1-Iceland-at-the-FIFA-World-Cup-2018.html On the photo Zlatko Daliæ, coach of Croatian national soccer team, which won in a match with Iceland 2 - 1. Zlatko was born in the city of Livno in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now lives in Croatia. Iceland was among the first countries which diplomatically recognized Croatia, on 19th December 1991. An interesting connection between Croatia and Iceland is the fact that Ivica Kosteliæ is married with Elin Arnarsdottir from Iceland. In Croatia's capital Zagreb there is a street named after Iceland (Islandska ulica), about 700 m of length. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11081/1/Croatia-3---0-Argentina-at-the-FIFA-World-Cup-held-in-the-Russian-Federation-2018.html After defeating Nigeria 2 - 0, Croatia achieved sensational 3 - 0 result against a very strong Argentinean team, led by Messi, the best contemporary soccer player. Some of the Croatian players are of world-wide fame, like Luka Modriæ (captain), Ivan Rakitiæ (on the photo), Mario Mand¾ukiæ, Ivan Peri¹iæ, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovaèiæ etc., directed by Zlatko Daliæ as a coach. The match took place in Ni¾ni Novgorod in the Russian Federation. The greatest Croatian success at previous FIFA World Cup championships was achieved in 1998, when our national team won the third place, with players such as Davor ©uker, Zvonimir Boban, Slaven Biliæ etc., under the baton of Æiro Bla¾eviæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 22 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11064/1/When-you-want-to-lift-your-spirits-sky-high-come-to-Croatia.html Visit the city where Marin Èiliæ found his love! Visit and discover Mario Mand¾ukiæ's Slavonia and its tremendous food and wine. Visit the National Parks approved by Ivan Rakitic. See a concert in Pula's Arena -€" approved by the 2CELLOS. Visit the birth town of Luka Modriæ (on the photo). Hit the basket on Dra¾en Petroviæ'€™s court like Dario ©ariæ. See one of the most beautiful Croatian buildings in the birth town of Dario ©ariæ. Visit one of the sunniest coast lines in Euope and find out who is the biggest Croatian musician in Croatia and it's not Maksim Mrvica. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 29 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11035/1/Croatian-tamburitza-orchestral-play-widespread-throughout-the-world.html Croatian tamburitza tradition goes back to the mid 19th century, when orchestral tamburiza play has been introduced in the city of Osijek on the NW of Croatia. It soon became quite widespread, not only in Croatia, but in many other countries throughout the world. Tamburitza play is an essential part of Croatian music culture, recognizable throughout the globe, especially in the USA, Argentina, Chile and Australia. In Croatia, there even used to be tamburitza orchestras for blind children. Orchestras for girls and women bear witness of an early emancipation of Croatian women already in the early 1900s. On the photo see Ann Elias from the Croatian Tamburitza Orchestra in the USA between the two World wars. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 17 Dec 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11028/1/Nikola-Horvat-Pacific-Crest-Trail-Tesla---Year-of-the-Beginning.html Nikola Horvat, nicknamed Tesla, in 2016 he successfully completed an extremely demanding journey on Pacific Crest Trail. Experience from his journey was vast and turbulent. Besides his personal story he has a lots of interesting information about Pacific Crest Trail, people and places somehow connected to this beautiful trail. His surname - Horvat - means simply the Croat. Nikola Horvat is a continutation of a long tradition of amazing Croatian adventurers in the USA and elsewhere in the world, like Joseph Joe Mikulec or Nikola Primorac. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 18 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11023/1/Miro-Gavran-will-have-premieres-in-India-Russia-and-Germany-in-October-2017.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran will have three premieres across the globe in October 2017. Ensemble Theater from Augsburg, Germany, will have premire of comedy "The Doll" on October 28th. On the same day theatre "M-ART" from Moscow, Russia, will have premiere of Gavran's play "My Wife's Husband". WeMove theatre from Bangalore, India, will have premiere of Miro Gavran's comedy "All About Women" in Kannada langauge. Miro Gavran so far had more than 300 premieres all around the world which were seen by more than 3 million viewers. His plays were translated into 40 languages! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 29 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11022/1/Vjeko-Martinko-director-of-Hotel-Villa-Astra-in-Lovran-celebrating-his-70th-birthday-in-October-2017.html Vjeko Martinko, director of the Hotel Villa Astra in the town of Lovran, Croatia, celebrated his 70th birthday with his friends and colleagues, including his schoolteacher Ana Ujeviæ. As always, Vjeko is full of energy, fresh ideas and challenges for the future. The celebration was held in a peaceful and very pleasant environment of the hotel and the surrounding beautiful park, filling us with a special energy and enthusiasm. Hotel Villa Astra is one of the trademarks of Croatian private entrepreneurship, offering its guests a unique place for creative rest in a friendly atmosphere, where one feels like at home. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11018/1/LADO-National-Folk-Dance-Ensemble-of-Croatia-at-The-Peforming-Arts-Center-NY-Oct-3-8pm.html LADO National Folk Dance Ensemble of Croatia founded in 1949 in Zagreb as a professional national ensemble, with the aim of researching, artistically interpreting and presenting on stage the most beautiful examples of the rich cultural traditions of Croatia. The ensemble's 39 brilliant dancers, who are also excellent singers, can easily transform this folk dance ensemble into an impressive folk choir, while its 14 superb musicians play some fifty different traditional and classical instruments. LADO National Folk Dance Ensemble of Croatia at The Peforming Arts Center Tuesday, October 3, 8pm. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 26 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11001/1/15-Reasons-Why-its-Time-For-You-To-Go-to-Croatia.html Always sunny, easy to reach, still a good value, popular Hollywood destination, has the world's most atmospheric Roman ruin, spectacular beaches, incredible national parks, incredible summer festivals, 1244 islands, isles and reefs, birthpalce of Marco Polo, one of Europe's tastiests regions, fascinating history, safety and securety, FORBES recommend, necktie or CRAVAT originate from Croatia, 101 DALMATIANS is from Croatia. On the photo the city of Split with Diocletian's palace on the Adriatic sea and the mount of Mosor behind it. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 04 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10978/1/Zoran-Primorac-Croatian-table-tennis-legend-in-New-York-at-the-WTTC-on-June-18-2017.html The Westchester Table Tennis Center welcomes Zoran Primorac, Croatian table-tennis legend, Seven-time, Olympian and medalist, at the European Championships. Silver medalist at the 1988 Olympics. One of the top European players of the past 25 years. On Sunday, June 18, 2017 two 90-minute group training sessions: Noon-1:30 and 2:00-3:30 pm. Every participant will get to play with Primorac personally plus: Party all afternoon. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks from Noon to 3:30. Food from 3:30 to 6:30. Also: Exhibition matches and remarks by Mr. Primorac at 4:30 pm. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 12 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10976/1/Croatia-from-Heaven.html Croatia’s coastline is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Mediterranean destinations. Croatia hugs the Adriatic’s warm waters and presents one of the most beautiful Mediterranean getaways, so make the Eastern European nation your next Mediterranean retreat. Croatia has been called home by a number of people from a myriad of different cultures, and added its own unique culture and architecture to the mix, giving cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split and Rijeka different atmospheres and qualities. On the photo, the unique heart-shaped island of Gale¹njak near the city of Biograd. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 29 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10969/1/Cedric-Villani-visited-Croatia-lecturing-at-the-University-of-Zagreb-about-Mathematics-and-Art.html Cedric Villani, distinguished French mathematician, visited Croatia in 2017 (on the photo with Petra Ivatovic, 2nd grade of the XVth Gymnasium in Zagreb). On 3rd April he delivered two lectures, one for high school students in the city of Zagreb, dealing with Math and Bats, and another at the University of Zagreb, dealing with Mathematics and Art. In several of his previous lectures he mentioned the work of Croatian mathematician Danilo Blanu¹a in the context of achievements of John Nash in the study of isometric embeddings of hyperbolic spaces (important in the relativity theory) into Euclidean spaces. His appearance in Croatia has raised unprecedented interest. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 04 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10968/1/Miro-Gavrans-seventh-Festival-in-Prague-5-10th-April-2017.html   The festival was initiated in 2003 at the Theater of Jan Palarik in Trnava, Slovakia, where it ran four times until 2009 before relocating in 2013 to Theater LUDOWY in Krakow, Poland. As of 2016, GavranFest takes place in Prague, Czech Republic. Gavran is the only living writer in Europe who has a theater festival dedicated to him, that continuously operates outside his homeland. His books and plays have been translated from Croatian into as many as 38 languages throughout the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 01 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10950/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-47-Life-is-Beautiful-Vukovar-microbit--.html We have seen a lot of change since my last newsletter was published. A new year, new challenges, and the passing of dear friends. March 17, I will be performing with Neno Belan and Olja Desic in Osijek to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Poduzetnik magazine. April 22, I will be in Dubuque for a private performance at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. On April 28, I will be in Washington, D.C. to give a performance and discuss how to be a catalyst for world peace, for Hrvatska Ura. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10937/1/Merry-Christmas-and-a-Happy-New-Year-2017-messages-from-the-village-of-Samarica.html Samarica is a lonely village near the mount of Moslavaèka gora East of the city of Zagreb. We present its traditional Christmas carols and customs. We also enclose a Christmas message written by rev. Nikola Radiæ from the largest Croatian island of Krk, as well as two very nice Catholic calendars (the general one and the one representing the island of Krk) created by him in 2016. Rev. Radiæ is at the age of 80 and he is one day older than Pope Francis. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10961/1/Croatian-Tales-and-Stories-for-Russian-readers-published-in-2016.html This wonderful and simple book will help the Russian reader enter into the world of Croatian language. The texts composing the book are provided without any simplifications with respect to the Croatian original. The book is supplied with the translation into Russian and with indispensable lexical and grammatical explanations, using the method of Ilja Franko. The front cover page has the following motto: Let us learn a language by reading interesting books! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10924/1/Zagreb-AdvEnt-Days-among-the-most-interesting-in-Europe.html The Zagreb Advent Days are among the most beautiful events of this kind in Europe, accompanied with a peaceful mood, specific music, domastic food, and unusual sceneries in richly decorated Croatia's capital. In the recent years, Zagreb was voted the best Christmas place in Europe. On the photo the advent wreath created by members of the OZANA Association for persons in need. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 19 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10918/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Menquot-translated-into-Estonian-and-premiered-in-Tallinn-in-Nov-2016.html Miro Gavran's play "All About Men" has been premiered in Tallinn, capital of Estonia in Vana Baskini Theatre on November 11th. So far it had 16 premieres in theaters from Rio de Janeiro to Zagreb, Moscow, Prague and Krakow. It was translated into ten languages which helped promote this Croatian writer whose work was translated into 38 languages and whose plays had more than 300 premieres and 3 million viewers all around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 13 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10912/1/Vinkovci-Automns---Vinkovacke-jeseni-2016-Croatian-folklore-manifestation-presented-by-Yoko-Nishii.html Vinkovaèke jeseni (Vinkovci Automns) is a Croatian folklore manifestation organized each year in the city of Vinkovci since 1966. The impetus to prepare this presentation of Vinkovaèke jeseni came from Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist. She is a well known guest in Vinkovci, where she already had several concerts organized by Matrix Croatica, promoting, among others, Dora Pejaèeviæ, the first internationally known Croatian woman composer. In September 2016 she had a concert just during the Vinkovaèke jeseni manifestation, and offered us her beautiful photos, a selection of which we are happy and proud to present for the readers of the CROWN. yoko51415@yahoo.co.jp (Yoko Nishii) Sat, 22 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10910/1/Stanko-Bilinskis-rhombic-dodecahedron-discovered-in-Croatia-in-1960-and-nicely-described-by-Matt-Parker-.html Academician Stanko Bilinski 1909-1998, was distinguished Croatian mathematician, an expert in the field of Geometry. In 1960, he discovered the rhombic dodecahedron. A consequence of results from his PhD dissertation defended in 1944 (published in 1948, both at the University of Zagreb) is that there are precisely 14 semiregular (Archemidian) polyhedra. His results are cited and discussed by distinguished geometers like Coxeter, Grünbaum, Miyazaki, Tekada, and others. In May 2016, Matt Parker from the University of London (Queen Mary) created a very interesting and entertaining video in Dubrovnik, dealing with this nice geometric object. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 15 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10891/1/Ivica-Kostelic-Summer-Ski-Camp-on-the-island-of-Mljet-in-Croatia.html Ivica Kosteliæ, the greatest Croatian male skier in history, invited a number of his friends, mostly skiers, to spend a part of their summer vacations on the island of Mljet, one of the most beautiful Mediterranean islands. The resulting series of six videos provides a lots of information about this island, as well as about Ivica and his guests. The island of Mljet is the one on which the shipwreck of St. Paul the Apostle occured in the first century AD, described in the Acts of the Apostles (Chps. 27 & 28) of the New Testament in the Bible. On the photo Ivica with his beautiful wife Elin Arnarsdottir from Iceland. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 30 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10874/1/Brenda-Brkusic-won-her-5th-and-6th-Emmy-Awards-at-the-Television-Academys-LA-Area-Emmy-Awards.html Croatian American Brenda Brkusic (left) won her 5th and 6th Emmy Awards  at the Television Academy's LA Area Emmy Awards held on July 23, 2016.  She was recognized as Executive Producer of "Variety Studio: Actors on Actors" and "China's Challenges: Can China Be Harmonious?" Last year she took home an Emmy for Producing "Mia: A Dancer's Journey" a film about Croatian-born ballerina Mia Corak Slavenska. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10859/1/Goran-Visnjic-distinguished-Croatian-American-actor-in-a-new-TV-series.html Goran Vi¹njiæ, an actor best known for his role in TV Series ER, was born in the city of Sibenik, Croatia. He studied at Croatia's Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Goran's first notable appearance on stage was cast in the role of Hamlet at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Visnjic's new venture will be as a co-star in NBC’s ‘Time’ Travel Pilot from Eric Kripke & Shawn Ryan.   darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 06 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10860/1/Goranka-Gudelj-presenting-Croatian-cooking-artistry.html   Goranka Gudelj, London darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 02 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10851/1/Croatia-Turkey-10-at-EURO-France-2016-on-the-Parc-des-Princes-in-Paris-with-anthological-goal-of-Luka-Modric.html A difficult match of Croatia with Turkey at EURO France 16 ended with a win for Croatia, due to spectacular goal of Luka Modriæ. Croatia has been dominant throughout the match, exhibiting high quality collective game, and the result could have been even more convincing for Croatia. This was an exceptionally good opening match, since the group in which Croatia competes is very tough. Except of Luka Modriæ, Croatian team has several very experineced international players, like Modriæ, Manðukuæ, Rakitiæ, Peri¹iæ, Srna etc. Did You know that Raktiæ is not only amazing football player, but also an outstanding polyglot, speaking, except Croatian, also German, English, French and Castillian? On the photo, the flag of Croatian fans from the village of Lukoran on the island of Ugljan near the city of Zadar on Croatian coast. ante.glibota@wanadoo.fr (Akademik Ante Glibota) Sun, 12 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10850/1/Euro-2016-in-France----Cheering-and-Singing-for-Croatian-Vatreni.html The host country of the Euro is France, the same territory where Croatia placed third in the World Cup in 1998 (which was a huge accomplishment for the then reborn country), so who knows what is going to happen. When I was a little girl growing up in Zagreb (the Croatian capital), I will never forget how during every Euro or World Soccer Cup, whenever Croatia would play against someone, everything in the city would literally stop. Whenever we did win, people would go crazy (in a good way), and many would wipe those tears of joy from their faces. And this soccer frenzy applies not just to Croatia, but to almost every nation who is into soccer. On the photo, the author, Maya Brleèiæ, internationally accompished Croatian pianist and singer, living in Cincinnati, USA. mayabrle@gmail.com (Maya Brlecic, pianist, singer and music teacher) Sat, 11 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10840/1/Andrija-Colak--Denis-Polic-founded-SurfnFries-franchise-in-Rijeka-Croatia-awarded-in-Las-Vegas.html Andrija Èolak and Denis Poliæ, two young Croatians from the city of Rijeka, founded Surfnfries franchise company in their native city in 2010. Since then, in only six years, their franchise network has grown to 40 franchise companies. Their attached companies are blossoming not only in Croatia, but also in Germany, Hungary, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Turkey, Iran, Vietnam, Thailand, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. On February 15th 2015 in Las Vegas Andrija Èolak received an award given out by the International Franchise Association for Next Generation Franchising. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 17 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10829/1/Beautiful-Croatia-founded-and-directed-by-Amanda-Grbavac-organized-an-event-in-New-York-on-26-April-2016.html Beautiful Croatia will be hosting stylish and unique events throughout the year. With over 15 years of experience in events, Beutiful Croatia also offers an event management service, to help make your destination dream event a reality. Beautiful Croatia presents all this to you with style, lots of love and happy spirit. On travels around the world, there was always one country that stood out for me like the brightest gem, it stole my heart and never let me go. That country was Beautiful Croatia. On the photo Sylvio Roubertto Kovacic, haute couture fashion designer, Amanda Grbavac founding director of Beautiful Croatia and Robert Grgurev, President of Startas USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 13 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10838/1/KISHA-the-first-Croatian-smart-umbrella-that-youll-never-lose-created-by-Andrija-Colak.html KISHA is the world’s first smart umbrella. Never lose it, always take it with you when it rains. With KISHA, you'll never ever worry about getting soaking wet. It's connected with a mobile app on your iPhone or Android and tells you each morning (or any other time of the day) if it's going to rain. It also reminds you when you leave it in a pub, bar, restaurant or any other public place. Smart? We'd rather say intelligent! The meaning of KISHA in Croatian is RAIN. Of course, you will get umbrella, not rain :) On the photo Andrija Èolak, getkisha.com darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 06 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10826/1/Roman-Krznaric-popular-philosopher-and-his-new-book-Carpe-Diem-Reclaimed.html Roman Krznaric is a cultural thinker and writer on the art of living and social change. His bestselling books, which include Empathy, The Wonderbox and How to Find Fulfilling Work, have been published in over 20 languages. His writings have been widely influential  political and environmental campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs, psychologists and designers. He is founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum and is also a founding faculty member of The School of Life. Roman has been named by The Observer as one of Britain’s leading popular philosophers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 11 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10822/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-premiered-in-Lithuanias-capital-Vilnius-on-10-March-20016.html Miro Gavran's comedy "Henpecked Husbands" had its premiere in popular theater Domino in Vilnius, Lithuania, on March 10th. Director is Kostas Smoriginas, main roles are performed by Edita U¾aite, Ineta Stasiulyte, Eimutis Kvo¹èiauskas, Mantas Vaitiekunas, Andrius Bialob¾eskis, Evaldas Jaras and Sandra Dauk¹aite-Petrulene.  The works of Miro Gavran have been translated into 38 languages. His books had over 200 editions in Croatia and abroad. Based on his dramas and comedies, there were more than 300 theatric premieres worldwide, seen by more than three million of people. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 27 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10817/1/Branding-Croatia-2.html Gosti predavaèi u Hrvatskoj matici iseljenika (HMI, Trg Stjepana Radiæa) bili su Nenad Bach, Ante Mandiæ, Mate Rimac, Ivan Ma¾uraniæ i Daniel Kolak. Vrlo interesantna predavanja popraæena su ¾ivim diskusijama i mnogim novim idejama. Meðu sudionicima manifestacije bili su Robert Schenk, Radojka ©verko, Miroslav Æiro Bla¾eviæ, Amanda Grbavac, Ljiljana Vinkoviæ, Branka Èubeliæ, Sven Marièiæ, Lucija Petraè, Marko Sever, Helena Perièiæ, Michael Glazer i drugi. Najveæa vrijednost ovog susreta su nova sklopljena prijateljstva. Na fotografiji su Petar Æuriæ (moderator), Mara Vitols-Hrgetiæ i Nenad Bach. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 15 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10815/1/Makybe-Diva-a-famous-horse-which-is-both-Australian-and-Croatian-brand-owned-by-Tony-Santic.html Makybe Diva is the most famous horse in the History of Mankind. Mr Tony Santic (tuna farmer), who its owner, is Australian Croat born on the beautiful Croatian island of Lastovo. The name of Makybe Diva is an acronym, derived from the names of five ladies employed at Mr Santic: Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa. In 2005 Makybe Diva became the first horse in Australasian racing history to claim three Melbourne Cups and a Cox Plate. The jockey of Makybe Diva is easily recognizable by the jersey and the cap deocrated with elements of the Croatian Coat of Arms that everybody knows. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 05 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10803/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-Croatian-American-Actor.html If Marinko Radakovic looks familiar, you may have seen him in recent movies and on TV. The Croatian born actor was recently seen in the Johnny Depp movie, Black Mass, RIPD, and Ted. He was also on TV in The Blacklist, Elementary, Daredevil and in Person of Interest. Marinko attended the 2016 SAG awards and was in a recent Visa commercial featuring Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots. He is also set to appear alongside Melissa McCarthy and Matt Walsh in the new Ghostbusters reboot directed by Paul Feig. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 18 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10808/1/Petition-for-direct-flights-between-Croatia--USA.html Dubrovnik, Zagreb, New York and Split are world's most vibrant and entrepreneurial cities but DO NOT have an overseas direct non stop flights which could connect our cities in just over 8 hours. Through our petition we can show the Airlines there's strong demand for a direct New York - Dubrovnik - Zagreb flight, providing essential market research on how profitable the route could be. Croatia is on many charts the most desirable destination for tourists. It offers great business opportunities... Instead of traveling for 20 + hours, why not do it in 7-9 hours? letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10800/1/Dubrovnik-celebrating-1044-years-of-the-Feast-of-St-Blaise-in-2016.html On the 3rd of February of 2016, the city of Dubrovnik celebrated the Feast of its protector, Sveti Vlaho (St. Blaise). The celebration is organized each year at this date for more than a thosand years, more specifically, for 1044 years. The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Sarajevo Cardinal Vinko Puljiæ, who was the official envoy of Pope Francis. Thirty archbishops and bishops concelebrated, among them Blaise Cupich, archbishop of Chicago (who is of Croatian origin), archbishop Kegham Katcherian, envoy of the Armenian Catholicos - upon the invitation of the Dubrovnik bishop Mate Uziniæ, as well as around a hundred priests. We provide numerous photos of Croatians in traditional dresses, who attended the Feast of Sveti Vlaho. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 08 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10799/1/Najka-Mirkovic-inspired-by-flying-residents-of-the-city-of-Dubrovnik-8211-the-pigeons.html The new photographic cycle of Najka Mirkoviæ - a lover of photography who belongs to the group of Dubrovnik-based photographers, observes the pigeons, eternal guardians of the city walls. All citizens of Dubrovnik have photographs as little children chasing pigeons by Orlando Column. A photograph with pigeons in front of St Blaise’s Church and in the Open-air Market was part of the city cults in each generation, because pigeons have profound symbolism in Dubrovnik's Judeo-Christian tradition. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 07 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10798/1/Zagreb-Philharmonic-to-perform-with-Malek-Jandali-at-Carnegie-Hall-on-February-6-2016.html Composer and pianist Malek Jandali premieres his sinfonietta for chamber orchestra with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in their Carnegie Hall debut. This concert celebrates the orchestra's 145th year during Carnegie Hall's 125th anniversary season. Jandali presents his latest album SoHo featuring The Malek Jandali Trio as part of his world tour The Voice of the Free Syrian Children, uniting people in peace and humanity. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 02 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10796/1/Traditional-celebration-in-Subotica-Prelo-sicanja--to-be-organized-on-7th-February-2016.html CROWN is very proud to announce a traditional celebration of Prelo 2016 in the city of Subotica. The whole region of Baèka where the city is situated is one of the trademarks of Croatian culture, especially via beautiful songs and dances of Bunjevci Croatians in Baèka. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Subotica was the largest Croatian city (larger than Croatian capital Zagreb). Also, the oldest Croatian soccer club called Baèka has been founded there, and its trademark was the Croatian Coat of Arms. The celebration of Prelo siæanja starts on 7th Feb 2016 at 5pm near the Franciscan church and continues at the Croatian Cultural Center Bunjevaèko kolo at 7pm. Traditional Bunjevci suits are obligatory. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 29 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10784/1/Nenad-Bach-International-Newsletter-No-41-Winter-Peace-Dec-2015.html 2015 was an exciting year to say the least. Let the Winter Peace roll in, and I would like to wish everyone a belated merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah let's all work for world peace in one hour in 2016! Scoring a documentary film about Croatian most prominent ballerina Mia Slavenska. Film Mia, A Dancer's Journey will be distributed in 2016. Produced by Brenda Brkusic. While in Zagreb, I was privileged to be part of the future art exhibition by Robert Gojevic, a very talented photographer and editor in chief of the Blur Magazine. Future is now. I drove autopilot Tesla Model S. Jamie Cohen is a brilliant man and one of the most prominent and progressive teachers who wrote an important book. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 31 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10778/1/Merry-Christmas-and-a-Happy-New-2016-accompanied-with-beautiful-Croatian-Christams-carols.html Croatia has as many as 500 traditional Christmas carols, the oldest ones dating from the 12th century, and sung also today. This number is probably greater than in the case of any other nation in the Christian world. We provide several video recordings to illustrate this important religious and musical heritage of the Republic of Croatia, which was a source of inspiration for numerous composers. On the photo a Christmas detail from the wooden portal of Andrija Buvina in the Split Cathedral, dating from 1214, of 530 cm of height. This is a top monument of Croatian culture. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 25 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10775/1/CROATIA-Impression-by-Ante.html darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 14 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10767/1/Ashley-Colburn-visiting-various-cities-and-resorts-of-the-Rijeka-bay-in-Croatia.html     darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 30 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10761/1/The-Story-of-Ilija-Letica-by-distinguished-Croatian-filmmaker-Jakov-Sedlar-.html We present the readers of the CROWN a fascinating documentary by Croatian filmmaker Jakov Sedlar about the life and work of Ilija Letica in the USA, about his very successful LETICA CORPORATION in the USA, with a special emphasis on his ties with Croatia and on his life philosophy. LETICA is a multi-faceted packaging company with diverse talent and technologies to support business on a number of fronts. The company works in multiple technologies such as thermoform, injection mold, paper-forming and sheet extrusion as well as with multiple mediums including paper, rigid and thinwall plastic, reclaimed post-consumer fiber, and other environmentally-friendly materials. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 14 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10755/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Womenquot-premiered-in-Moscow-on-27th-Sep-2015.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran will have premiere of his play "All About Women" on 27th October 2015 in famous Russian theater "Et Cetera" in Moscow. Director of Gavran's play is young and talented Viktorija Pecernikova. The play was translated from Croatian into Russian by Sergej Girin. Actors are Angela Belian Skaya, Natalija Zhitkova, Olga Belova, Elizabeta Ryzhikh, Katarina Buylova and Anastasia Kormilitsyana. Gavran's play "All About Women" had 41 premieres in Europe, North and South America and India so far. Miro Gavran's plays were translated into 38 languages, there have been 300 world premieres and more then 3 million people around the world saw them. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 27 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10750/1/Nenad-Bach-Newsletter-October-2015.html Nenad Bach: Several months passed like a wink and here we go into another Fall or should I say Autumn of 2015. There is no perfect moment to start a family, build a home, produce an album or finish the Newsletter... I am trying to finish this Newsletter for the last few weeks and finally today is the day. I will try to remember at least 5% including a performance with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and visit to the Emergency Room in Croatia. I am searching for boredom but can't find it. Here are few Events I would like to share with you. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10747/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Womenquot-had-100th-performance-in-Bratislava-Slovakia-in-2015.html Theater Divadlo v Podpalubi from Bratislava, Slovakia had 100th performance of Miro Gavran's play "All About Women" with author attending on September 30th, 2015. Translation into Slovak was done by Jan Jankovic while director is Minim F. Otzow. Main roles are performed by Andrea Profantova, Andrea Karnasova and Bibiana Ondrejkova. Miro Gavran is a Croatian playwright and novelist, whose works have been translated into thirty-five languages. His plays have had more than two hundred first nights worldwide and have been seen by more than two million theatregoers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 04 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10738/1/Frano-Zivkovic-Croatian-guitar-prodigy-invited-at-the-age-of-8-by-Tommy-Emmanuel-to-play-with-him.html Frano ®ivkoviæ, born in 2005 in the city of Rijeka, Croatia, is an authentic guitar prodigy. He is playing very nontrivial pieces from classical music, but he also adores modern modern fingerstyle guitar play, and his special inspirationa is Tommy Emmanuel, the greatest contemporary fingerstyle player of the world. Tommy already had several concerts in Croatia. During his appearance in the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb in 2013, Tommy Emmanuel invited Frano, then at the age of 8, to be his special guest  in the program, where they played together some well known pieces composed by Tommy. He also played with Lars de Rijck, a well known guitarist from the Netherlands. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 13 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10734/1/August-Senoa8217s-historical-novel-The-Goldsmith8217s-Treasure-available-in-English-since-2015.html The first Croatian historical novel, written in 1871 August ©enoa (1838-1881), is the tale of a forbidden love between the daughter of a goldsmith and a nobleman's son set against the backdrop of the streets and squares of 16th century Zagreb. The town lies before you. In the words of ©enoa himself: “below the mountain, a jewel most precious to us glimmers in the sun, strong like a mighty hero - the town of Zagreb.” The book, published by Spiritoso, Zagreb, has 388 pp, and has been translated from Croatian by Neven Divjakinja. Except into English, the book has already been translated into German, Czech, Polish, French, Slovak, Russian and some other languages. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 07 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10735/1/France-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html The French Institute in Zagreb is among the oldest such institutions in the world, founded almost a century ago, more precisely, already in 1922. We present a short video published in 2013, accompanied with nice scenes from Croatia's capital, featuring the following guests: Luc Levy, director of the French Institute in Zagreb, Michelle Boccoz on the photo, ambassador of France in Croatia, Clelia Chevrier, counsellor of the Ambassador, David Gabelica, president of the French-Croatian Club, Guillaume Bardot, priprietor of the Bistro Bardot in Zagreb, and Damien Derrenberger, director of the French School in Zagreb and some other. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 06 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10730/1/Marijan-Busic-The-Cravat-Day-to-be-marked-on-October-18th-each-year-throughout-the-world.html   Academia Cravatica, a non-profit institution dedicated to the phenomen and culture of Croatian necktie, the cravat, aims to promote the cravat as a part of Croatian, European and also world heritage. This year, Academia Cravatica decided to pay special attention to international celebration of the Cravat Day, and is now in the process of inviting numerous Croats and their ancestors living abroad to join together on October 18th, put on their Croatian cravat with pride and, joining with others, remember the values it represents. The founder and director of Academia Cravatica is Mr. Marijan Bu¹iæ, successful and very creative Croatian entrepreneur in the city of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 21 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10724/1/Mia-Negovetic-interpreting-Croatian-National-Anthem-on-the-occasion-of-the-Victory-Day-on-5th-August-2015.html Mia Negovetiæ is only 12 years old girl from the city of Rijeka, Croatia, who had the honor to interpret Lijepa Na¹a (Our Beautiful), the most beautiful national anthem, accompanied with Klapa Sv Juraj of the Croatian Military Marine, during the celebration of the 20 years of Humanitarian and Liberation Operation Storm in 1995. Mia is from the family of musicians, her favorite subject in school is mathematics, and she would like to become a cook and have a family. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 06 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10721/1/Brenda-Brkusic-wins-3rd-and-4th-Los-Angeles-Area-Emmy-.html Brenda Brkusic (left) and her production teams won two Los Angeles Emmys for the film "Mia, a dancer's journey" in the Arts and Culture/History category and "Variety Studio: Actors on Actors" in the Best Entertainment Program category. The winners were announced at the 67th Los Angeles Area Emmy(R) Awards presentation on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at The Skirball Cultural Center Guerin Pavilion in Herscher Hall. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10714/1/Ferdinand-Budicki-the-first-driver-in-Zagreb-to-have-passed-a-driving-test-in-1910.html At the beginning of the 20th century, the royal government stipulated that every car in the city of Zagreb must have a license plate and that each driver must pass a driving exam. There was a problem, however, for not even a single official knew how to drive. It was agreed that Ferdinand Budicki, the owner of the first car in Zagreb, would teach four civil servants how to drive. The examination committee began its work late July 1910, and the first to have been summoned to take the exam was Ferdinand Budicki. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 12 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10709/1/Photos-that-will-make-you-pack-your-bags-for-Croatia.html Courtney McCaffrey is a freelance writer and editor based in Wilmington, N.C. In addition to writing, she lives for travel - seeing new places, learning new cultures and surfing new waves. She prepared 42 stunning photos about Croatia, published by FlightNetwork, and we are happy to have obtained a special permission to present you some of them. On the photo is a picturesque town of Vrbnik from the largest Croatian island of Krk. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 26 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10707/1/Plitvice-Lakes-in-Croatia-and-the-sounds-of-water-birds-and-2CELLOS.html Plitvice Lakes, the most beautiful National Park in Europe, contains a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. The 157 bird species recorded on the Plitvice Lakes so far is the third largest population of birds among the national parks of Croatia. Particularly interesting is the white-throated dipper – a rare bird dependent on clean aquatic habitats. We invite you to listen to the sounds of water, birds and 2CELLOS. The Plitvice Lakes music video by 2CELLOS had nearly 4 million views. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 24 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10725/1/Miro-Gavran8217s-play-All-About-Women-to-be-shown-in-Avignon-France-4-26-July-2015.html Miro Gavran's play "All About Women" that had its premiere in production of "Compagnie du soir" in Le Funambule Theatre Montmartre in Paris in June of last year and was a great success will be performed on renowned international theatre festival "OFF AVIGNON" that will be held from July 4th to 26th. Play was translated into French by Anica Falamic-Brochoire and Tsolinee Vacher. Director is Etienne Chevrel while main roles are performed by Fanny Honore, Friedrique Renda and Tsolinee Vacher. The play takes place in today's Zagreb and all of the three actresses play five roles in five stories full of emotions and humour giving audience insight into intimate life of contemporary women. This Gavran's play so far had forty one performances around the world and was translated into fifteen languages. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 08 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10674/1/-Vote-for-Robert-Herjavec-855-234-5609-on-Dancing-With-The-Stars.html Vote for Robert Herjavec 855 234 5609 on Dancing With The Stars stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 19 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10656/1/Goran-Vinjiae-Joins-World-Stars-in-Fight-to-Protect-Elephants.html Famous Croatian actor Goran Vi¹njiæ has joined a host of stars as ambassadors for one of the largest animal welfare and conservation charities in the world – The International Fund for Animal Welfare – in its aim to protect the world’s elephants. Vi¹njiæ, who rose to fame in his role as Dr. Luka Kovaè in the American television series ER, has warned the world about the threat to elephants in a video which also features a number of stars. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 14 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10638/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-writer-will-have-ten-theater-premieres-in-America-Asia-and-Europe-in-2015.html In the first four months of this year, Croatian writer Miro Gavran (www.mirogavran.com) will have ten theater premieres: in America (Los Angeles), Asia (Mumbai and Bangalore in India, Tel Aviv in Israel, which will be his first premiere in Hebrew), and Europe (Moscow in Russia, Parnu in Estonia, Prag in Czechia, Zagreb in Croatia). Works by Miro Gavran have so far been translated into 37 languages, while more than 250 premieres have been made based upon his dramas and comedies, which have been seen by over three million viewers around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10635/1/Botanical-Garden-in-Zagreb-founded-in-1889-through-the-lens-of-Nikola-Piasevoli.html Nikola Piasevoli amateur photograper fell in love with the Botanical Garden in Zagreb and regularly pays visit on every season, from spring to automn. The Garden was set in 1889 as a gift from the City of Zagreb to the University. The only compensation for it was (and still is) an agreement to open the doors of the Garden to the visitors, free of charge. About 5500 taxa of higher plants grow in Croatia, which is more than in Spain (5050), France (4630) and Germany (3200). nikola@piasevoli.com (Nikola Piasevoli) Sun, 04 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10632/1/Bunjevci-Croats-from-Backa-and-their-Christmas-traditions-expressed-in-straw-and-cakes.html Straw work is a unique naive art form which originates from the rich folk art of the Bunjevci-Croats settled in the north of Baèka. In Tavankut, a village near the town Subotica, the self-taught women nourish and preserve this naive art skill by entwining beads and making paintings out of straw which portray specific motifs and themes from the life of the Bunjevci-Croats. Also, delicious and richly ornamented Christmas cakes called bo¾iènjak are prepared. On the photo Christmas cake by Dubravka Vrbljanac. With this article we wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 06 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10587/1/TARARA-singing-and-dance-connecting-Maori-people-in-New-Zealand-with-Croatians.html We invite you to enjoy the magnificent Samoan capella performances and indigenous chants combined with Croatian harmony blockbusters: Vilo moja (My Fairy), Ju te san se zajubio (I Fell In Love With You), Samo moru virujen (I Believe To The See Only), and other. Breathless feeling goes further with Maori who are, within their customs, songs and dances presentation surprising everyone with Maori version of the song "Vilo moja." Maori and Croatian all get on very well. They have a similar way of looking at life and relationships. Tarara is a mixture of Maori people and Croatians in New Zelaland. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10585/1/International-Folklore-Festival-in-Zagreb-2014-dedicated-to-the-region-of-Medjimurje-in-Croatian-north.html The 48th International Folklore Festival in Zagreb, 16-20 July 2014, is dedicated to the folklore and heritage of Meðimurje, the northernmost part of Croatia. Participants of the Festival also include folklore groups from other parts of Croatia, as well as groups coming from distant foreign countries. Stage performances will be complemented by exhibitions, dance and music workshops, as well as traditional church music and world music concerts. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 12 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10572/1/Josos-Croatian-Seafood-Restaurant-in-Toronto-in-Stephen-Holts-interview-with-Leo-Spralia.html Stephen Holt interviews Leo Spralia at Joso's, one of Toronto's top Seafood restaurants, during the Toronto International Film Festival as broadcast on the Stephen Holt Show. Sept.'02. The restaurant serves food prepared in Dalmatian way from Croatian coast. Owned and operated by Leo and Shirley ©pralja and founded by Joso ©pralja in the 1960′s, Joso’s restaurant has achieved continuous success of over 36 years in business and is considered a landmark of the Toronto hospitality scene. It has been visited by numerous celebrities, like Mike Jagger, Paul Newman, Jose Feliciano etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10512/1/Croatians-Krist-Novoselic-and-Ella-Yelich-O8217Connor-aka-Lorde-take-home-Grammys.html Croatians score two wins at the 2014 Grammy awards. Croatian-American Krist Novoselic won as part of a collaboration with Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney and Pat Smear for best rock song. Ella Yelich O’Connor of New Zealand won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for “Royals.” stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10502/1/Toni-Kukoc-Croatian-basketball-sensation-in-Chicago-Bulls-and-Pink-Panther-of-the-NBA.html In Europe they called him The Pink Panther, his lucidity and intelligence fascinated everyone. He gave three European team basketball titles to his hometown Split, Croatia. He won two Olympic silvers, a World Champion title and many awards in Croatia and Europe. In 1992 he was ready to move to the homeland of basketball. He joined the Chicago Bulls, he got the nickname The Croatian Sensation, and he reached the top, he won three NBA rings in a row. With George Mikan and Dra¾en Petroviæ, Toni Kukoè was one of the greatest Croatian basketball players in the NBA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10489/1/Croatian-events-in-Argentina-2013-Buenos-Aires-Celebra-Croacia-Klapa-Kastav-Chaco-etc.html   Joza Vrljièak sent us numerous video recordings and photos concerning the Croatian Day celebrated in Argentinean capital Buenos Aires, in November 2013. It is estmated that there are about 300,000 citizens of Croatian origin in Argentina. Croatian community in Argentina is very active, espeically in the field of culture. Numerous Croatinas contributed in various ways to the prestige and wellbeing of Argentina. Probably the best known among them is Juan (Ivan) Vucetich 1858-1925, the father of the scientific dactiloscopy, that is, of identification by fingerprints. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrlji�ak) Thu, 05 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10472/1/Jolijn-Ceelen-from-the-Netherlands-learning-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-with-her-father-Mart-in-Sv-Filip-i-Jakov.html Ms. Jolijn Ceelen is a very young and gifted painter and designer from the Netherlands (Nijmegen), and her father Mart (Schijndel) is interested in painting as well. In September 2013 they decided to participate in the Fourth Glagolitic Workshop organized by the Society of Glagolites of Zadar, founded in 2012, in order to learn the basics of the exotic Croatian Glagolitic Script. The literature writen using this amazing script during the past centuries (from the 10th century till today) is surprisingly rich. The Ceelen's arrived to Croatia for the first time, and shared their fascination with other participants of the Glagolitic Workshop. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 11 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10466/1/Miro-Gavrans-plays-to-be-premiered-in-capitals-of-Poland-Brazil-and-Latvia-in-October-2013.html If you are in Brazil's capital Sao Paulo, Poland's capital Warsaw, or Latvia's capital Riga this month (October 2013), you can see one of three premieres by Miro Gavran, the most prolific contemporary Croatian playwright, that will happen in these cities. The titles of respective plays are "My Wife's Husband" in Poland, and "All About Men" in Latvia and Brazil. Gavran's plays have been translated into more than thirty languages worldwide. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 03 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10461/1/Cliff-Searching-in-Croatia-by-Orlando-Duque-etc-etc.html Orlando Duque visited Croatia and searched for the most attractive cliffs to dive. He was delighted with the Croatian natural beauties and executed a  number of incredible jumps from cliffs. For such a small country, Croatia offers visitors an incredible range of landscapes: from the Mediterranean coast with its necklace of 1244 islands to the sunflower-gilded Slavonian plains, via pristine rivers and the wildlife-rich subalpine regions of Gorski kotar and the Velebit mountains. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 20 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10460/1/A-new-beautiful-translucent-snail-from-the-deepest-cave-in-Croatia.html Scientists discovered a new species of a peculiar cave-dwelling snail in one of the 20 deepest cave systems in the world, Lukina Jama–Trojama in Croatia. The newly discovered species belongs to a genus of minute air-breathing land snails that have lost visual orientation and are considered to be true eutroglobionts, or exclusive cave-dwellers. The Lukina Jama–Trojama is the deepest cave system in Croatia, extraordinary for its vertical shape, long pits and great depth of -1392 m. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 16 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10455/1/Dorat-doo-Company-from-Varazdin-Croatia-manufacturing-social-games-out-of-paper-and-cardboard.html The idea came from the need of familiarizing cultural, natural and historical landmarks that are recognizable for certain place, area or region to all who want to do so, especially to those who are not introduced with specific landmarks and beauty of that region or area. Some of those games are puzzles, memory, dominos and etc. Recently we developed some new products and new ideas that are interesting for the “business world”. Products are formed as souvenirs or gifts and as such they serve as promotion of landmarks, cities or regions to broad public within Croatia and abroad. The producer is DORAT d.o.o. Company from the city of Varazdin in Croatia. vladom@xnet.hr (Vladimir Mihajlovi�) Thu, 22 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10444/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-Night-of-the-Gods-translated-into-Hindi-will-be-played-in-Hyderabad-India-on-August-3rd-2013.html The Croatian author Miro Gavran’s play “NIGHT OF THE GODS” will be premiered in THE TURIYA THEATRE in the Indian city of Hyderabad on  August 3rd. The play has been translated into Hindi and is being directing by Bavani Ganti, while the main roles are being played by Rabul Reddy, Vinay Abhishek and Afroz Hussaini. To date “NIGHT OF THE GODS” has been played in 20 premiere performances. His works have been translated into 35 languages, and his books have come out in 150 different editions at home and abroad. His dramas and comedies have had more than 200 theatre first nights around the world and have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10438/1/Flirting-in-Croatian---A-Vacationers-Guide-is-available-on-Amazon.html Flirting in Croatian - A Vacationer's Guide is not your average language course. Nor is it just another dating book. It's your ticket to summer celebrity, guaranteed to make you the hottest thing on the far side of the Adriatic. Available on Amazon in the U.S. and through specialty shop Heart of Croatia as well as in Algoritam stores throughout Croatia, this pocket-sized powerhouse of a language and seduction course provides you with everything you need to talk the talk with the ladies in Croatian. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 15 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10435/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-and-7th-Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-Croatia---festival-of-music-drama-theatre-and-folklore.html   On the south east part of the Croatian coast, in a beautiful, picturesque Cavtat we would love to welcome a cultural series of events. The Epidaurus Festival is a festival of music which will also include other artistic events - drama, theatre, literature, poetry, various presentations, folklore, educative programmes, matinees for young talents, getting to know the area, its beauty, nature, tradition, etc. Without music life would be a mistake (F. Nietzche). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 03 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10433/1/Croatia-in-EU-on-July-1st-2013-seen-by-professional-designers.html Croatia has 12 centuries of uninterrupted international legitimicy, much longer than great majority of other members of the EU. As such, Croatia as an international subject is much older than EU itself. Among the most important moments of Croatia's recent past are June 25th 1991, when Croatian Deit (one of the oldest in Europe), as a result of 93,24% majority of votes of Croatian citizens, decided to become a sovereign state, as well as the decision of Badinter's Committee from September 7th 1991 about de facto recognition of Croatia. On the photo is an amusing pair of shoes, designed by Teo Bekavac, professional Croatian designer. The red one represents Croatia, and the blue one the EU. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 30 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10427/1/A-famous-Croatian-Professor-Balthazar-shown-by-Google-on-its-front-page-on-June-21st-2013.html Professor Balthazar is probably the most famous Croatian professor in the world, a popular figure of cartoon movies, familiar to millions of children throughout the world. It has been created in 1967, that is, 46 years ago, by Zlatko Grgiæ, a member of the lagendary Zagreb School of Animated Film. On June 21st 2013 Google placed the professor on its front page. Professor Balthazar was equally popular among children fourty years ago, as is today. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 22 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10423/1/Nikola-Primorac-Croatian-captain-of-City-of-Ragusa-craft-sailing-from-Liverpool-to-New-York-and-back-in-1870.html There are honored people in Croatian maritime history who contributed to the various fields of maritime affairs. One of them is Captain Nikola Primorac, born in Dubrovnik on July 27, 1840, who sailed in his small boat across the Atlantic from Liverpool to New York and back to Liverpool, England. In Liverpool he made a bet with one Englishman for 100 pound sterling that he will cross the Atlantic in a small boat. It was sensational news in Britain which the London "Times" wrote: "It is an incredible brave and crazy adventure ever made that could turn into tragedy or triumph". darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10418/1/Julija-Vojkovic-champion-of-International-Competition-in-Middle-Age-Fencing-in-Pavone-Canavese-Italy.html In 2013 a small Croatian group participated in the International Competition of Middle Age Fencing in Pavone Canavese Italy. And for the first time in the history of competition, a brand new team won to first places. Julija Vojkovic won the first place in fencing. She composed her fantastic dresses sewing them alone, based on old traditional, extremely elegant Croatian costumes from the region of Vrlika. Julija is professional graphic artist and designer living with her family in the city of Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10415/1/Miro-Gavrans-interviews-and-plays-to-be-shown-in-Poland-the-Czech-Republic-and-in-Belgium-in-June-2013.html Miro Gavran, the greatest contemporary Croatin playwright, will soon have several appearances with his plays and interviews in Poland, the Czech Republic, and in Belgium. His works have been translated into 35 languages worldwide, including Chinese. His play Hotel Babilon is in some way very special: it is a monodrama in which his wife Mladena Gavran (on the photo) plays as many as ELEVEN different roles. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10412/1/Don-Wolf-author-of-autobiographical-photo-monograph-Croatian-Love-Story.html Long before Don Wolf was born, the outline for A Croatian Love Story was formed in the 1900’s. An ethnic neighborhood was the site where determined women and men struggled to build, to educate and to become citizens. These Croatian immigrants formed the strong shoulders supporting cherished traditions as they learned to live in and to love their new country. Don’s photographs depict Croatian life both in the United States and in Croatia. His writing preserves generations of memories. This book is a tribute to those who came before and a blessing to those who are yet to come. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 26 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10399/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-writer-and-ceremonial-300th-performance-of-his-drama-in-the-Prague-in-Czech-Republic.html On Sunday, April 14th in Prague, Theater STUDIO DVA presented the ceremonial 300th performance of Miro Gavran's drama 'All About Men', translated by Blanka Kuèerova and Blanka Fi¹erova, and directed by Jana Janekova. Miro Gavran is a well-known author in the Czech Republic; so far, he has had twelve premieres there, as well as two published books - a drama book, and the novel 'Judita'. Miro Gavran's works have hitherto been translated into 35 languages, and have had over 200 permieres perfomed around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 20 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10394/1/Vinodol-Collection-of-old-Croatian-tunes-sung-and-played-near-the-Adriatic-Sea.html Vinodol Collection consists of the oldest known Croatian tunes sung and played in the region near the town of Bribir, situated not far from the Adriatic Sea. The collection is a result of enthusiasm and efforts of maestro Ivica Kaliman, b. in 1926, to preserve the songs that were sung about a century ago in Croatian villages near this part of Croatian coast. The efforts resulted in CD published by Maraton in 2013. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10391/1/Miro-Gavran-distinguished-Croatian-writer-was-performed-in-India-in-Hindi-in-March-2013.html On March 23rd there was the premiere of  Miro Gavran’s play “Forget Hollywood” in Hyderabad, India, produced by the Theater SIFAR. The play was translated into Hindi, and directed by Feroze Ahmed, while the leading roles are played by Chandra Shekhawat and Shravant Koneru. Miro Gavran's theatrical pieces are of global popularity, translated into 35 languages. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10389/1/Nenad-Bach-singing-without-his-hat-in-1978-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Nenad Bach started his music career in the 1970s. One of his earliest registered appearances is from 1978, from Croati's capital Zagreb. He interpreted his song Nokturno with his band Vrijeme i Zemlja (Time and Earth) at the Zagreb Chanson 1978, playing piano. We also provide a few of his latest fantastic songs: I Will Follow You, Everything is Forever, Daughter's Eyes, All I Want Is Freedom, and Vukovar. His voice, and verses with soul, remained recognizable all the time. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10388/1/Zoran-Jakuc-student-of-the-University-of-Zagreb-and-his-project-CROM--CROATIA---ROMANIA.html Mr. Zoran Jakuc, a student of the Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF) of the University of Zagreb, spent three exciting months in Romania in 2011/12, within the European student exchange, at the University of Iasi. Among others, he proposed and organized an interesting Croatian-Romanian student project, called CROM 2012, aiming to promote cultures of both countries, using fashion and textile technology. The project resulted with a rich two hour cultural program, which was a great success, registered by the Romanian TV. He was also accompanied with his two colleagues from the TTF of the University of Zagreb, Marija Dami¹ and Kristina Pli¹o. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10386/1/Dina-Rizvic-young-Croatian-singer-composer--piano-player-guitarist-and-drummer.html Dina Rizviæ was born in a lovely Croatian town of Labin, in Istrian peninsula. She is not only a fine singer, but also a surprisingly good instrumentalist on several different instruments. At the moment, as recipient of “Berklee college of music” scholarship, she finished her first year in Boston and is majoring in contemporary songwriting and production, educating in many different genres from jazz improvisation, writing for big and small bands, production classes, orchestras and songwriting classes. Besides Croatian folk tunes and belcanto, she is singing, composing and playing pop, rock, funk, jazz. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10384/1/Bruno-Krajcar-distinguished-Croatian-ethno-jazz-rock-composer-and-singer.html Bruno Krajcar, professional Croatian composer and singer, was born in the city of Pula in 1973. His surprisingly diverse repertoire includes sophisticaed intepretations of Croatian folk music, in particular from the Istrian peninsula. With his music he seems to connect a large variety of music expressions, ranging from simple folk melodies, to belcanto, jazz ballads and to wild rock. The poetry behind his music is far from being banal or trivial. His songs are sometimes embued with social content, pointing to problems of poverty and injustice. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10375/1/Miljenko-Matijevic-amazing-Croatian-American-rock-singer-and-frontman-of-the-Steelheart-rock-band.html Miljenko Matijeviæ, also known as Michael Matijevic or Mili Matijevic is a Croatian American rock singer, best known as the frontman of the hard rock band Steelheart. He was born November 30, 1964, in Croatia's capital Zagreb. Steelheart is a glam metal band based in Norwalk, Connecticut. Formed in 1990, the band is fronted by vocalist Miljenko Matijevic. His solo appearances, where he accompanies himself with guitar or piano, attract many those who love authentic and convincing rock music. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 24 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10361/1/Roman-Krznaric-speaking-about-the-art-of-living-and-social-change.html Roman Krznaric is a cultural thinker and writer on the art of living. He is a founding faculty member of The School of Life in London, which offers instruction and inspiration on the important questions of everyday life, and advises organisations including Oxfam and the United Nations on using empathy and conversation to create social change. He has been named by The Observer as one of Britain’s leading lifestyle philosophers. Roman is a fanatical real tennis player, has worked as a gardener, and has a passion for furniture making. His ambition is to found the world’s first empathy museum. Mr. Krznaric has Croatian roots. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10360/1/BREVIS-Croatian-female-vocal-ensemble-in-Carnegie-Hall-in-New-York-on-21-Jan-2013-at-7-pm.html Croatian female vocal ensemble BREVIS will sing at Carnegie Hall in New York on 21 January 2013 at 7 pm, Isaac Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. They are singing as guests of a famous Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. The ensemble had very successful tours in Europe, America and Asia. They were winners of prestigious competitions of ensembles at the Sweden Helsingborgschoir Festival (2004), and also at the 4th Olympiade of choirs at the World Choir Games in 2006 in Xiamen in China (2006). In June 2012 they had a very successful debut in Hollywood. The ensemble is directed by Antoaneta Radoèaj-Jerkoviæ and Davor Dediæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10345/1/-Croatian-toys-exhibited-at-the-Zagreb-Ethnographic-Museum-1-Dec-2012---31-May-2013.html The Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb organized a very nice exhibition of Croatian toys, 1 Dec 2012 - 31 May 2013. The opening has been accompanied by a group of children, members of the Turopolje Folklore Ensemble, wearing fantastic national costumes from the region of Turopolje near Zagreb. Traditional manufacturing of children's wooden toys in Hrvatsko Zagorje, a region on the north of Croatia, has been inscribed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10344/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-spectacular-concert-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-Nov-30-2012.html The Nenad Bach Band appeared for the first time in Croatia, in Nenad Bach's native city of Zagreb, in the Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall. Nenad Bach Band is composed of high class professional musicians, with a very specific, recognizable sound, interwoven with elements of Croatian folk music, enriched with Nenad's beautiful verses. Some of greatest stars of Croatian music participated as Nenad's special guests: Arsen Dediæ, Radojka ©verko, Miroslav ©koro, Marko Tolja and Klapa Sinj. For the first time Nenad's song entitled VUKOVAR has been performed, in which the names that will never be forgotten are mentioned: Jean Michel Nicolier, Sini¹a Glava¹eviæ, Vesna Bosanac, and Blago Zadro. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10333/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-in-Zagreb-at-the-Vatroslav-Lisinski-Concert-Hall-on-Friday-30-November-2012-20pm.html We are pleased to announce the forthcoming concert of Nenad Bach and the Nenad Bach Band in Croatia's capital Zagreb, on Friday 30th November 2012, 20 pm. His special guests will be distinguished Croatian musicians Arsen Dediæ, Klapa Sinj, Radojka ©verko, Miroslav ©koro, and Marko Tolja. It is for the first time that Nenad Bach has a soloist concert in his native city of Zagreb, after about thirty years of very successful career in the USA and worldwide. Through his singing and songwriting, Nenad’s goal is to spread the message of joy and universal peace. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10337/1/Dr-Ante-L-Padjen-Croatian-neuroscientist-and-founder-of-I-Medici-di-McGill-Orchestra-in-Montreal-CA.html Professor Ante Padjen was educated in Croatia (University of Zagreb, Croatia; 1966, MD; 1970, DSc), University of Edinburgh (Graduate Studies), NIMH (1971 - 1975, Washington, DC). He has served as Professor at McGill University, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics from 1976. His primary research interests include neuroscience, information technology and knowledge translation in biomedicine with a particular interest in developing areas. He is the founder and principal viola of I Medici di McGill Ensemble (The Physicians of McGill), a performing orchestra made up largely of physicians, medical students and medical faculty. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 14 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10321/1/Entertainment-in-Croatian-restaurant-Dobro-in-Tokyo-accompanied-with-sarma-and-buzara.html Hello! Morning (ハロー! モーニング。, harō mōningu?) was a weekly Japanese TV show featuring members of Morning Musume, and sometimes other Hello! Project members on TV Tokyo. In this episode they introduced Croatia as an opponent of Japan during the Football World Cup 2006 in Germany and showed some cultural things and made a quiz afterwards. Really funny, especially from Croatian point of view. ;-) darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 22 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10314/1/Rudolf-Klepac-1913-1994-professor-at-Mozarteum-and-Croatian-bassoonist-one-of-greatest-in-history.html   Rudolf Klepaè was born in 1913 in Majurje near the city of Vara¾din in Croatia, professor of bassoon at the Music Academy in Croatia's capital Zagreb, professor at the famous Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, distinguished interpretor of works by Mozart, Vivaldi and other giants, recipient of the Golden Ring of Salzburg from the Mayor of the city, honorary member of Croatian Society of Musicians... darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10311/1/-Learn-Croatian-8211-in-person-or-over-Skype.html Many Croats speak English, German, or other languages well enough to make guests feel comfortable. But for those wanting a closer connection to the country - travelers, rather than tourists; professionals with business in the country; second- or third-generation overseas Croats with family ties; or new residents, for example - learning Croatian is the key to feeling at home. New students are invited to witness the benefits of our e-learning courses via Skype by testing the program with a free 90-minute lesson. For additional information, please visit www.learning-croatian.com . darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10310/1/Croatia-won-3-golds-among-six-medals-at-the-London-Olympics-2012-plus-one-unofficial-gold.html Croatia won record 6 medals at the olympics, among them 3 golds: Sandra Brkljaèiæ in discus throwing, Giovanni Cernogoraz in trap, and Croatian waterpolo team without any defeat, Croatian quad scull won silver medal, Lucija Zaninoviæ won bronze medal in tae-kwon-do, handball team also won bronze medal. An unofficial gold medal went to Antonija Mi¹ura, see why. We also add a little refreshment with Blanka Vla¹iæ and Janica Kosteliæ. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10309/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-to-be-premiered-in-Hyderabad-in-India-August-19th-2012.html The Croatian writer Miro Gavran's comedy, My Wife's Husband, will be premiered in the SIFAR Theatre's production in the Indian city of Hyderabad on August 19th 2012, 7:30 pm. The play has been translated into the Hindi language by Feroze Ahmed, and the leading roles will be played by Prakash Phadnis and Feroze Ahmed. The city of Hyderabad is cultural and political centre of the focal Indian federal state of Andhra Pradesh. Miro Gavran's works have been translated into 35 languages, his plays have had over 200 premieres, and his shows have been seen by more than two million theatre-goers. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 12 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10308/1/Nenad-Bach-interviewed-by-Garrison-Leykam-who-hosts-Conversation-Crossroad.html On Monday August 6th, Nenad was interviewed by Garrison Leykam who hosts Conversation Crossroad. The program is the definitive Internet-based radio program for listeners who want the best in entertainment, information and intriguing ideas. On Friday August 17th, the band will be making its return to the legendary Towne Crier as guests of Black 47! The Band is honored to be opening for them. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and the Towne Crier is located at 130 Route 22 Pawling, New York. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10280/1/6th-Epidaurus-Festival-solemnly-opened-on-9-June-2012-in-the-town-of-Cavtat-on-Croatian-south.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, director and founder of the Epiduarus Festival, distinguished Croatian pianist, poet and humanist, oriented her activites also towards younger and youngest generations of the City of Dubrovnik and in the southmost Croatian region of Konavle, to the great pleasure of numerous visitors and parents of children. The festival has international character, and is organized in the magic Mediterranean ambiance of the town of Cavtat, or ancient Epidaurus. On the photo two Konavle girls with typical Konavle caps. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 10 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10274/1/New-York-City-premiere-of-quotThe-Dollquot-by-Miro-Gavran-on-June-22nd-2012.html Miro Gavran's play “The Doll” will be premiered in New York on June 22nd by Storefront & Bench Production with The Local Theatre Present at the Gallery MC in the West End. The translation into English was done by Nina H. Kay-Antoljak. Sanja Bestic is directing and the members of the cast are Anna-Nora Bernstein and Chris Batstone. This premiere in New York will be the first performance of the play in the United States. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 04 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10271/1/Life-of-Croatian-peasants-near-Zagreb-described-in-a-silent-film-from-1920s.html The film was shot probably in 1920s in the village of Mraclin south of Zagreb, the region of Turopolje, near the town of Velika Gorica. It describes the daily life of a family community in Turopolje (Turopoljska zadruga) during one ordinary day, starting from early in the morning. Especially interesting is to see making the sign of the Cross on the bread before lunch, and the sign of the Cross on small children when they go to bed. We illustrate the old customs by a nice collection of photos from Radio Velika Gorica, Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 02 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10269/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-Croatia-solemn-opening-on-9th-June-2012.html Indefatiguable professor  Marija Ana Vidoviæ, Dubrovnik, distinguished Croatian pianist, poet and humanist, organized with her colleagues the 6th Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat, Croatia, 6-19 June 2012. Among numerous interesting guests we mention Dejana Sekuliæ, violin, and Nata¹a Bekèiæ, piano, both young talents from the Royal Academy Brussels, and Kyung Hee Luciu Yang, soprano from South Korea. Epidaurus plus is planned for the 4th July as a big surprise. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10267/1/INmusic-Festival-is-back-at-Jarun-in-Zagreb-Croatia-for-the-7th-year-in-a-row.html The festival's seventh edition is scheduled to take place on 29–30 June 2012 on Youth Island in the middle of Zagreb's Lake Jarun. INmusic festival brings together many big names such as The Cranberries, Franz Ferdinand, Gorillaz Sound System, Plan B, Mando Diao, Gogol Bordello, General Elektriks, Retro Stefson, Human Woman, Reptile Youth, and Iness Mezel. INmusic festival is Croatia's biggest international open-air festival. The festival was started in 2006 and includes several genre-specific stages with internationally renowned indie rock, heavy metal and electronica artists. INmusic is among the top 20 European summer festivals. Ivobach2@aol.com (Ivo Bach) Thu, 24 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10265/1/Ivo-Pogorelich-intrigues-Dubrovnik-with-his-outstanding-musicianship-and-emotional-performance.html After 26 years of absence, pianist Ivo Pogorelich returned to Dubrovnik to play at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival on July 25, 2011. This concert in the Rector's palace was an unforgettable opportunity to watch a master at work.The contrast yet evenness of the notes showed great control and power in his playing. Pogorelich's body language, as well as his emotions, reflected that, as he played the piece, he was also playing a story in his mind. He continued to stimulate the crowd throughout the performance. Ivobach2@aol.com (Ivo Bach) Wed, 23 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10260/1/Marko-Vrdoljak-photographer-and-his-presentation-of-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb: "We have to make sure that we see the beauty of tomorrow and enjoy it as happily and intensely as possible. It is our duty to keep our faith in beauty and hope. We must be the ones to create a better tomorrow with our positive energy, our talents, the ones who must keep negative thoughts inside and transform them into warmth, understanding and kindness..." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 18 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10253/1/Mia-Slavenska-1916-2002-Croatian-ballerina-one-of-the-greatest.html   Mia Èorak Slavenska, born in Croatia, a child star at 4 in Croatia's capital Zagreb, became a solo dancer at 12, prima ballerina at Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb at 18, starred as prima ballerina of the Ballet Russe in Paris, Ballet Theatre, London Festival Ballet. Organized her first ballet company at 12. With Slavenska-Franklin Ballet, created dance history with the ballet A Streetcar Named Desire. Mia was fluent in five languages. She also starred in the prize-winning French film, Ballerina (in French La Mort du Cygne), considered one of the best ballet films ever made. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10251/1/Miro-Gavrans-comedy-quotMy-Wifes-Husbandquot-will-be-premiered-in-Mumbai-India-28-April-2012.html On April 28 Miro Gavran's comedy, "My Wife's Husband" will be premiered in Mumbai, India in the Hindi language.  The Performers Theatre Group and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai are handling the production side. The play has been translated into Hindi and is being directed by Munish Sharma, while the main roles are being played by Aditi Pohanker, Munish Sharma and Abhimanyu Pandey. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10250/1/Lika---Karlovac-A-harmony-of-nature-and-tradition-in-Croatia.html Clarity and power are perhaps best conveyed by the wondrousness of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the phenomenon which attracts with its uniqueness, but also with the effect it bears on both our mental and physical wellbeing. The National Park of Northern Velebit is an area of distinctive diversity of karstic forms, the wealth of all kinds of a living world and of breathtaking natural beauty in a relatively small area. The best known person born in Lika is Croatian-Americna inventor Nikola Tesla, on the photo. Music for the video was composed by distinguished Croatian composer Ðelo Jusiæ. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10247/1/Cooking-Croatia-Easter-In-Croatia-And-Traditional-Croatian-Easter-Cake-by-Tamara-Novakovic-.html Tamara Novakovic is a passionate self-taught cook, food blogger, freelance food writer and photographer behind bite-my-cake.blogspot.com. Her life journey has led her through Faculty of Humanities in Zagreb, Croatia to discovering passion for making cakes. She is currently a weekly food columnist for Croatian newspaper V magazine and food magazine Repete. Tamara Novakoviæ writes on Croatian Easter traditions, and with a recipe for the delicious traditional Easter cake. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10246/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-to-be-premiered-in-Antwerp-Belgium-on-12th-April-2012.html   "Chekov Says Good-bye to Tolstoy", Miro Garan's drama, will be premiered at the TEATRA AAN DE STROM (www.theateraandestroom.be ) in Antwerp, Belgium on 12th April. The translation into Flemish has been done by Bob Snijers, who will directing the play, and the roles will be played by Jef Demedts, Magda Cnudde. Steven de Lelie and Annelore Stubbe. The drama has had nine premieres to date:  in Croatia, the Czech Republic, the United States of America, France and Poland, so that the Belgian premiere will be the tenth. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10242/1/Yamato-Japanese-drummers-in-Croatia-with-students-of-Japanology-University-of-Zagreb-Feb-2012.html Yamato in Zagreb again, receiving Croatian Hearts as gifts from students of Japanology at the University of Zagreb. On the left a young lady from the Yamato Drummers group - Madoka Higashi, proudly showing her souvenir from Zagreb. Many thanks to our dear friend Mr. Oskar ©aruniæ to have recorded this very nice event in Croatia's capital. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10237/1/Croacias-Totales-Radiosat-is-a-new-program-for-Croatians-on-Argentinean-Radio.html Croacias Totales Radiosat, is a new program on Argentinean Radio, "Signos FM 92-5", broadcast each Mondey via from 19 to 20 o'clock (Argentinean local time GMT-03:00), and worldwide using Internet on the pages of http://www.fmsignos.com.ar . The leaders of the program are Veronika Cvitkovic, Jasminka Fiolic i Stella Hubmayer, all of them born in Argentina, but their parents are from Croatia. The program is mostly in Castellano, also in Croatia, dedicated to Croatian culture, music, kitchen and tourism. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10223/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-All-About-Women-will-be-premiered-in-New-York-on-February-17.html Dear Friends! If you happen to be in New York on 17th February, I would love to see you at my premiere.  I am forwarding more detailed information on the play from the Presscut Agency. With good wishes, Sincerely, Miro Gavran. PS The play is premiered by STOREFRONT PRODUCTION at the Gallery MC in the West End.The play 'All About Women' is set in contemporary Zagreb, Croatia and portrays fifteen female characters of all ages in five different stories that are intertwined. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10222/1/Pino-Kuhar-Croatian-cook-unique-in-the-world.html "Kuhar" in Croatian means "cook". So, Mr. Pino Kuhar from Croatia is Pino the Cook. But Kuhar is his true last name, not the nickname. Now, as a surprise, he was born in the village of Kuhari, that is, in the village of The Cooks! Employed as a professional chef, a few years ago he was proclaimed as the best Croatian chef - Hrvatski kuhar. So, Mr. Pino The Cook is distinguished chef born in the village of The Cooks in Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10221/1/Klapa-Grdelin-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-singing-Dalmatian-songs.html Klapa Grdelin was founded in Zagreb in February 2000. Throughout the years Grdelin has been exploring and expanding its repertoire that was performed at many concerts and festivals. The repertoire includes original Dalmatian songs arranged by famous composers and ethnomusicologists (Jakov Gotovac, Ljubo Stipi¹iæ, Dinko Fio, Du¹ko Tambaèa and others), popular tunes adapted for klapa singing, traditional folk tunes of Lent and Christmas. Grdelin has found a valuable source of songs in the rich musical heritage of the city of Split and its surrounding area. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10217/1/Zdenko-Basic-distinguished-Croatian-animator-and-illustrator-of-childrens-books.html Zdenko Ba¹iæ (1980, Zagreb) has graduated in 2005 at the Academy of Fine Arts, Department for Animated Film and New Media. He’s an award-winning animator and illustrator of many children’s books and magazines; predominantly Andersen and Grimm’s fairy tales. His illustrated book ‘Alice in Wonderland’ for the British,  American and French publishing market has been launched in 2010 by Carlton Publisher. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10216/1/Dr-Jelka-Vince-Croatian-scientist-singing-a-Christmas-song-in-Zagreb.html Dr Jelka Vince is Croatian scientist working in the fields of ethnology and anthropology. She is also fine guitarist and singer. Dr Vince participated at the Christams Concert in December 2011 in the church of St. Jerome in the city of Zagreb. She is also very active in Croatian Society of University Women, where she serves as coordinator for international relations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10214/1/Tarara-Croats-and-Maori-in-New-Zealand-monograph-by-Senka-Bozic-Vrbancic.html Maori called us Tarara. , as we speak so fast... At the beginning of the twentieth century, as Croatians left Dalmatia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire for the brave new world of New Zealand, Drawing from official documents, oral histories, novels, letters, newspaper articles, marriage certificates, and much more, Senka Bozic-Vrbancic on the photo explores relationships between Maori and Croats. How has their collective identity been shaped by changing legal regulations from colonial times to the bi cultural New Zealand of today? Croatian and Maori Christmas concert for 2011 in New Zealand. Dame Mira Szászy b. Petrièeviæ was the first Maori woman with university degree. Her father was Croatian. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10213/1/Daniela-Nincevic-and-her-Cro-Majesty-project-quotSPORT-FOR-EVERY-CHILDquot.html Cro Majesty (Hrvatsko velièanstvo) project unites over 2.000 children from 28 Orphanages, situated in 19 different cities of the Republic of Croatia. The main organizer of this project is Mrs Daniela Ninèeviæ. Its purpose is educational and recreational for children's better socialization. On its way is a new project for kids around the world to unite in different sports games, tournaments and manifestations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10212/1/BusyBasket8482-designed-by-Diana-Peekaj-Vukoviae.html Diana Peèkaj Vukoviæ is a professional journalist, art historian, Germanist, book  and screenplay writer, award-winning innovator and the owner of the Jupiteriana, company for inventing of new products. BusyBasket™ is an innovative basket for carrying a laptop or briefcase on a bicycle. It was awarded a gold medal at the British Invention Show 2009 in London. Looking for business partner to manufacture and license the product worldwide. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10210/1/Marija-Zudenigo-footprint-collection-exhibited-in-Rijeka-Croatia-November-16th-8211-29th-2011.html Marija Zudenigo, city of Rijeka, Croatia: "Mother is a child’s first earth. The way we learn to walk on our first earth is the way we walk through our life. All our inner imbalances adopted from this ‘walk’ make themselves known in our physical walk. It was this insight that made me a footprint collector." Her collection of  more than 3,000 footprints is exhibited in Kortil Art Gallery in Rijeka, November 16th – 29th, 2011. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10195/1/Croatia-presents-Global-Birthday-Celebration-for-the-Necktie-on-October-18th-CNNiReport.html While the Croats first wore the cravat, they are very appreciative of the other cultures around the world that have embraced and perfected it. Now, in fact, they are proud to say that the cravat is an important aspect of world culture as it worn across so many cultures while represents universal human values...which is why they are so committed to preserving and promoting it as a proud part of their heritage. Academia Cravatica established "International Day of the Cravat" in 2008 and it now occurs every year on October 18th. Article submitted by Nicholas B. Daddazio, NY, distinguished proponent of the cravat fashion, on the photo. nbdaddazio@mac.com (Nicholas B. Daddazio) Sat, 29 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10192/1/Dr-Marin-Soljacic-promoted-to-full-professor-of-physics-at-MIT-in-2011-at-the-age-of-37.html Marin Soljaèiæ, born in Zagreb in 1974, was promoted to Full Professor of Physics at the Massachusets Institute of Technology, Boston, USA, in July 2011. He is best known for his discovery of possibility of wireless energy transfer. He is also interested in various topics in nonlinear optical physics. On the photo professor Marin Soljaèiæ swiming with a dolphin in Florida. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10189/1/Travels-bring-experiences-and-memories-that-last-a-lifetime-Capt-Iv-Vidos-and-Violi-Calvert.html Travels bring experiences and memories that last a lifetime. They give us the opportunities to visit beautiful and interesting places, and meet amazing people. During a recent holiday my husband and I had included a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. In his welcome address I noted that the Captain is Croatian. Captain Iv Vidos reflected in his talk to passengers his great love for the sea and his mission of ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the holidaymakers as well as the staff of the ship. Aside from sharing valuable information and pointers, his good sense of humour came through his announcements before docking at various ports. violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10185/1/Google-congratulated-the-Independence-Day-October-8-to-Croatia---many-thanx-to-Google.html On 8 October 1991 the Croatian Deit (Parliament) decided to cancel all ties with ex-Yugoslavia. The day before Zagreb has been bombed by the Yugoslav army attempting to assasinate president Franjo Tuðman and Croatian Government. The decision has been undertaken in circumstances of Serbian agression on Croatia, where the ex-Yu army was left without control of ex-Yugoslav presidency. The Decision obtained support of great majority of citizens of Croatia. Thank you, Google, for celebrating Croatian Independence Day with us! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 08 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10180/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-and-Marci-Geller-at-Towne-Crier-Cafe-September-30-2011.html The Nenad Bach Band will be returning to one of their favorite haunts, the Towne Crier on Friday September 30th.  The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $17.50 in advance and $22.50 at the door. The Towne Crier is located on  130 Route 22, Pawling, New York. Opening the show and joining the band will be special guest Marci Geller, one of Nenad's favorite singers. Marci is something to marvel at. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10175/1/Doodle-Jump-is-a-pop-icon.html Doodle Jump is one of the most popular iPhone apps. It recently surpassed 10 million downloads. This addictive game is the brainchild of Croatian immigrants Igor and Marko Pusenjak, who came up with the game one day when Igor was sketching a game on a notepad. Marko did the programming and the rest is now history. Doodle (left) has become a pop icon and has been seen on TV and as a fashion accessory for Lady Gaga!  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10172/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Croatia-for-littlest-residents-of-Dubrovnik-region-in-Pridvorje-16-Sep-2011-at-8pm.html The most precious things begin and end at home; all else is secondary. Je¾urka Je¾iæ, the popular character from Branko Æopiæ's “Je¾eva kuæica” (The Hedgehog's Home), understood this.  So shall we, and our children; I'm not afraid for the children - they will understand if they have a chance. A beautiful interpretation of this timeless text takes the form of a musical in the enchanted surroundings of Konavle's Pridvorje on Friday, September 16th 2011 at 8pm. This lovely and important presentation is a gift from the Epidaurus Festival to the kindergarten in Konavle. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10155/1/Nenad-Bach-Band-At-The-BeanRunner-Cafe-NY-Friday-August-19-2011-730-1030-pm.html Join us Friday, August 19, 2011 7:30 to 10:30 pm, At The BeanRunner Cafe 201 South Division Street, Peekskill, NY to listen to The Nenad Bach Band. We are an intimate and friendly live music cafe with a full menu, including beer and wine, available during all performances. Seating fills quickly, so give us a call - 914.737.1701 - to reserve your table. Seating starts at 7:30 pm. Showtime is at 8:00 pm. Nenad Bach has a dream, nurtured through wartime and expatriation, and informed by his quest for universal justice and deep longing for world peace. The result: All I Want Is Freedom, a potent shot of rock infused with heart and soul. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10158/1/Kayaking-in-Croatia---Destination-of-the-Year-according-to-National-Geographic.html It's a common practice in the town of Vis  (on the island of Vis, Croatia) for fishermen to purposefully sink their boats to get the wood to swell, which prevents leaks. However, it is an uncommon practice to photograph this procedure. The locals were so baffled while I shot this that they gathered around to watch me. Then they recruited me to help them. Just ten minutes after snapping this image, I was sent to bring the boat to shore. This is an article of National Geographic about Croatia, photos by Peter McBride, text by Rachel Scheer. ilija.veselica@gmail.com (Ilija Veselica) Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10154/1/Ilija-Veselica-Croatian-photographer-biking-on-the-island-of-Brac.html Hi, I'm Ilija Veselica and I am honored that you are here to visit my photo galleries. I started off in photograpy just right before I got to the University FESB in Split in Croatia where I graduated Computer Science. We show you amazing beauty of Croatian island of Braè, its beaches and clean sea, and more. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 13 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10145/1/Drago-Struna-and-his-view-to-natural-beauties-of-Croatia-in-particular-of-Istria.html We inivte you to see some very nice sets of photos prepared by Drago Struna, devoted to various parts of Croatia, in particular to Istria. Some presentations are accompanied by authentic Croatian music. Mr. Drago Struna is high school professor of chemistry, amateur photographer, and nature lover. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10138/1/Croatian-lace-proclaimed-the-most-beautiful-at-international-lace-contest-in-Russia-2011.html At the first International Lace festival in Vologda in Russia the Croatian lace from the town of Lepoglava was declared the most beautiful in competition with 10 countries and 36 Russian areas. On photo is Croatian lace from the island of Pag, a famous Pa¹ka èipka - Pag lace, a  part of typical national costume. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10134/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Womenquot-watched-by-theatre-lovers-in-India.html ‘All About Women' was a wonderful journey in to the lives of women. The play has been written by Croatian author and playwright Miro Gavran. It starred Mumbai-based theatre artists Ratnabali Bhattacharjee, Prerna Chawla, Nimrat Kaur, Tahira Nath, Malaika Shenoy and Shivani Tanksale. It was made up of five interwoven stories of the dreams, aspirations and the unexpressed desires of women. A few minutes into the play, the stage, the lights and the audience all melted away. Only the actors on stage remained. They were like people who lived next door!... Written by Akila Kannadasan for The Hindu. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10115/1/Franck-Alfirevic-Croatian-film-director-from-the-island-of-Reunion-in-Indian-Ocean.html Franck Alfirevic is a film director born in Paris, and since the age of 9 living on the French island of Réunion in Indian Ocean, 800 km East of Madagascar. He discovered that he has brother and three sisters in Croatia. One of his sisters, Kate - Katarina, sings ©vet Ivane - St. John, traditional Croatian song dedicated to the protector-saint of Trogir. The music was registered in his studio on the island of Reunion. A CD has been issued entitled Rencontre magique (Magic reunion) - KATE. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 17 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10102/1/Miro-Gavran-Croatian-playwright-with-four-premiers-in-April-of-2011.html Miro Gavran had premieres in San Pedro, Prague, Moscow and Osijek. "My Wife's Husband" is a long play, to be sure. You'll notice that when you leave the Little Fish Theatre playhouse after 10:30 at night, checking your cell phone or watch and wondering where all the time has gone. You won't notice it until then, though, because Miro Gavran doesn't give you time to notice - from the moment the play begins right up to its final hilarious (and inconclusive) ending. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10065/1/Croatian-cellists-Stjepan-Hauser-and-Luka-uliae-are-a-YouTube-hit.html Cellist Luka ©uliæ (left) along with cellist Stjepan Hauser have created a hit on YouTube with their new video. The video features the duo engaged in a classical music rendition of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal". This rendition was arranged by both Stjepan Hauser and Luka ©uliæ and already has several hundred thousand views on the popular video sharing site. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 23 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10004/1/Marija-Miletic-Dail-and-her-animated-film-PIXELTOWN.html Marija Miletiæ Dail created a very interesting animated film PIXELTOWN. It is based on her book Pixletown - The World Found, issued by PublishAmerica in 2005. Pixletown is where a whole world existed, and even thrived, undiscovered for eons, until this last century, when the vehicle had been invented to bring it to our attention. That vehicle was the computer. Marija was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where her animation carreer had started. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10001/1/Croatian-Cooking--Brenda-Brkusic-on-KOCE-TV.html Brenda Brku¹iæ shows us how to make delicious, healthy, traditional dinner from the Coastal region of Croatia, like Brudet, Blitva and Polenta. Croatia is known for its pristine island beaches, crystal clear waters and picturesque architecture, but we learn in this episode of Cooking for Health and Pleasure that it is also known for great food! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9997/1/Ashley-Colburn-and-WOW-Croatia-won-an-2010-Emmy-Award.html American television journalist and producer Ashley Colburn has won a prestigious Emmy Award for her documentary "WOW Croatia," which was filmed in October last year in our country, supported by Croatian National Tourist Board. From the historical walls of Dubrovnik to the markets and ties of Zagreb - get ready for a first class exploration of this amazing country. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9990/1/Unforgettable-Croatian-songs-of-1990s.html Late Tomislav Ivèiæ on the photo composed his unforgettable Stop the War in Croatia. We include excellent appearances at the Eurovision Song Contents of the Put (Path) with Don't ever cry, the duo of Lidija Dunjko and Danijela Martinoviæ with Nostalgija, and Maja Blagdan with Vjeèna ljubav (Eternal Love). We include Tereza Kesovija with Srebrena Bosna (Silver Bosnia), and last, but not least, Nenad Bach with Can We Go Higher?. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9978/1/Karin-Kuljanic-voice-from-Heaven-and-soul-from-Croatian-island-of-Cres.html   Karin Kuljaniæ made her debut at the Melodies of Istria and Kvarner  festival in 1994, Croatia, with the beautiful song “Zami me sobun sakamo” (Take me with you anyhwere).   As I watched the video cassette of that festival I was thinking: This voice is something else! I hope it's here to stay. Luckily for MIK fans, it has. Employed at  the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Rijeka, she is also known for her charitable work. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9968/1/Nenad-Bach-Boris-Ljubicic--Davor-Pavuna-at-TEDxZAGREB-April-2010.html Ideas worth spreading: Nenad Bach: A lifetime of advocating for peace has led Nenad to question: What is Freedom? Boris Ljubièiæ: Designer in quest, he has subordinated personal to the general, persistent and uncompromising promoter of Croatian visual identity. Davor Pavuna: unusual physicist with vision, exposing on eternal theme - Ah, Love! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 06 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9967/1/Irish-dance-phenomenon-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-May-16-2010.html Lord of the Dance spellbounds, excites and thrills audiences worldwide. It is the greatest and most sold dance show in the world. This time, Zagreb is looking for a ticket more. Zagreb will host Lord of the Dance's Troupe One, led by Michael Flatley himself. The performances will be held on Sunday, May 16th 2010, at Dra¾en Petroviæ Basketball Center. First perfomance begins at 5 p.m. and the second one at 8.30 p.m. edivjak@gmail.com (Eugen Divjak) Mon, 03 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9959/1/Moreska-in-Croatia-the-last-authentic-sword-dance-in-the-Mediterranean.html The more¹ka dance on the island of Korèula in Croatia can be played only by those for whom at least one parent is from the island. The dance dates from the Middle Ages, and together with the house of Marko Polo represents one of the chief attractions of the island. The confraternity of All Saints is the oldest one on the island, founded back in 1301. Text and photos by Davor Rostuhar, Croatian journalist and photographer. rost@net.hr (Davor Rostuhar) Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9951/1/New-app-brings-Croatian-Easter-tradition-to-your-iPhone--.html  1337bit Ltd. (pronounced Elite Bit) has created a new exciting iPhone game that is based around the old Easter family tradition of egg tapping around the Easter breakfast table. The old Easter tradition of Egg tapping for Easter breakfast involves family members sitting around the Easter breakfast table tapping painted hard boiled Easter eggs into each other. janko@kattare.com (Dr. Janko Mrsic Floegel) Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9920/1/Borivoj-Dovnikoviae-Croatian-master-of-animated-film-Learning-to-Walk.html Borivoj Dovnikoviæ is recipient of numerous awards at international festivals of animated films. Retrospectives of his films have been shown in about fifty cities throughout the world.  He was a member of international juries and selection committees at twenty five festivals, and participated on various forums dealing with animated films, from the USA and Canada to Korea, China and Japan. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9910/1/Happy-birthday-to-maestro-Vladimir-Krpan-in-Zagreb.html Maestro Vladimir Krpan, born on January 11, 1938, is distinguished Croatian pianist and professor at the Academy of Music in Zagreb. Among his former students are such celebrities like Maksim Mrvica and Martina Filjak. We invite you to listen to  his students playing a well known tune "Happy Birthday to You" in relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9901/1/Ljeposlav-Perinic-1922-2005-the-King-of-Dolls.html The King of Dolls Ljeposlav Periniæ 1922-2005 was born in the city of Split, Croatia. After 1945 he lived in Argentina. His collection comprises dolls in national costumes donated by kings, queens, presidents, first ladies and prime ministers from about 120 countries. The collection is kept in Ethnographic Museum in Croatia's capital Zagreb. On the photo is the proud King with the dolls from Pakistan and India donated by Benazir Bhutto and Indira Gandhi. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9891/1/Branko-Katalinic-Croatian-scientist-directing-DAAAM-in-Vienna-for-20-years.html Branko Kataliniæ, professor of robotics at the Technical University in Vienna, Austria, has founded a prestigeous international association DAAAM in 1990. In 2009 the 20th annual conference of DAAAM has been organized in Vienna. Among the past conferences, four of them have been organized in Croatia: in Dubrovnik, twice in Opatija and in Zadar. The DAAAM comprises more than fifty member states and hundreds of international organizations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9890/1/Matko-Marusic-as-a-student-of-medicine-in-Zagreb-40-years-ago.html The home town of professor Matko Maru¹iæ is Split, on the Adriatic coast, some 200 miles south of Zagreb; that is where his parents lived, and what he calls "home". Interestingly, more than 40 years later, in 2008, he returned to live and work in Split, where he today serves as the Dean of the University of Split School of Medicine. We provide an excerpt from his 630-page anthology of 31 humorous stories about medicine. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9849/1/Vladimir-Beck-survives-in-a-post-catastrophic-world.html  What would you do in the wake of a global catastrophe? How would you find food? Water? Shelter? The Colony is a controlled experiment to see exactly what it would take to survive and rebuild under these circumstances. Vladimir Beck (left) is one of 10 volunteers that are isolated in an urban environment outside Los Angeles and tasked with creating a livable society. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9816/1/49th-International-Childrens-Festival-in-Sibenik-Croatia-June-20---July-4-2009.html 49th International Children's Festival in the city of ©ibenik, Croatia, will take place in the period of June 20 - July 4 2009. It will host as many as 1100 participants from twenty countries which will offer a rich cultural program. The theatre tradition in ©ibenik started 140 years ago, in 1870, when the theatre building was inaugurated. The city is famous for its Renaissance Cathedral of Sv. Jakov from 15-16th centuries, proteced by UNESCO. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9812/1/Teddy-Bear-Hospital-in-Zagreb-inviting-children-from-3-6-years-of-age-June-16-2009.html Dear children and parents, if you have recently noticed that your favourite teddy bear, horsy or other toy is coughing, or his tummy hurts, bring him to the doctor on Tuesday June 16th, 9 a.m. at Flower Square, Zagreb! The project is aimed for children 3-6 years of age, to teach healthy children not to be afraid of a physician: doctors and healing are presented in a way comprehensive to children, through "healing" children's toys. edivjak@gmail.com (Eugen Divjak) Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9797/1/Jovica-Kozlica-paper-plane-world-champion-in-Salzburg-2009.html Jovica Kozlica, a 26-years old student from Split, Croatia was the only champion from 2006 who defended his title again in Salzburg in 2009. Once again, he won the first place in the Longest Distance category with a throw of 54.43 metres, proving that Croats aren't just good at building ships, but also at aerodynamics. edivjak@gmail.com (Eugen Divjak) Tue, 26 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9789/1/Croatian-one-minute-film-festival-in-Pozega-May-29-30-2009.html The festival jury in Po¾ega has received 454 films from 43 countries worldwide. Sixty films were chosen for the official programme, to be shown on May 29-30 2009. This is already 17th annual festival with a high international reputation. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 10 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9774/1/Museum-of-Frogs-in-Lokve-Croatia.html In the village of Lokve in the region of Gorski Kotar in Croatia there is a unique museum devoted to frogs, called Muzej ¾aba - Museum of Frogs. Regular competitions are organized in frog jumping, which are very popular, among children as well as among grown-ups. Competitors with their frogs arrive from all over Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9768/1/Goran-Karan-Tours-the-United-States-and-Canada-April-May-2009.html   Croatia's platinum and diamond recording artist Goran Karan and his six -piece band "Vagabundo" will be performing in select cities in the United States and Canada. He promises an unforgettable concert featuring his most popular songs and some traditional Dalmatian songs as well as other hits.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9748/1/Josip-Mikulec-tireless-world-hiker-hundred-years-ago.html  Very brave Croatian adventurer Josip Mikulec set out to circumnavigate the globe on foot in the span of five years.  With the start of this journey in Croatia's capital Zagreb he became a perpetual wanderer.  Mostly hiking, he traveled the world some 28 years and achieved a degree of fame for having collected more than 30,000 autographs of world-famous people.  cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante �uvalo) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9747/1/Zadar-Croatian-city-on-the-Adriatic-Sea-under-the-snow-in-February-2009.html By the end of February 2009 the city of Zadar was completely covered with snow. We provide an interesting presentation by Darko Tomièiæ, submitted by Ivana Marija Vidoviæ. On the photo is a palm in Zadar covered with snow, as well as The Monument to the Sun behind it, both just by the seashore. ivanamarija.vidovic@gmail.com (Ivana Marija Vidovi�) Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9711/1/Nenad-goes-to-Washington-to-witness-history-Obama---Biden.html Cold day, with warm hearts. January 20th, 2009. In the first seven days, more good is done then in the last seven years. Transparency in the government addressed. Guantanamo. New emissions standards for automobiles. Environmental promises in progress. Reach out to the other side of the world. Creative ambition. Very impressive start. I've never seen anything like this before. Let's hope and let's participate. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9687/1/Croatian-Natural-Heart-found-by-Google-Earth-on-Island-Galesnjak-near-Zadar.html On the coast of Croatia, is this gorgeous heart shaped island, lined on every side with golden sands. Honeymoon location anyone? Croatia has 1185 islands, and 66 among them inhabited. slaven1947@gmail.com (Prof.Dr. Slaven Letica) Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9674/1/Chess-Street-in-Croatia-the-only-one-in-the-world.html Aleksandar Lysenko, Russian international chess master, is the author of an  article "In the Chess Street" published by the well known Russian chess journal "64 Chess Survey", Moscow 1996. The article deals with the Chess Club (on the photo) in the Chess Street in the town of Ravna Gora in Croatia. He wrote: "It is good that such a street exists, but it is a pity that the street is not in Russia."  darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9644/1/Dalmatian-dog-is-Croatian-autochthonous-breed.html Dalmatian dog is a well known breed from Dalmatia - the coastal part of Croatia. We know about organized breeding of this dog in the Djakovo bishopric already in the 14th century! The name was given in the USA in the 19th century. Recognized as Croatian autochthonous breed in 1994 (FCI-153). Croatian Post has issued a nice series of stamps dedicated to Croatian dogs. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9556/1/Nenad-Bach-on-Global-Broadcast-for-Supreme-Master-TV-June-1-2008.html Nenad Bach’s interview is scheduled to air on Sunday, June 1, 2008 on  "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" on Supreme Master TV.  Broadcasting on 14 satellite platforms across the globe plus World Wide Webcast. translated in 15 languages. See inside for the exact time of the broadcast and webcast. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 24 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9492/1/Joe-Magarac-a-legendary-Croatian-steel-worker-in-the-USA.html Joe Magarac is a well known name in the USA. His name, aparently nonamerican, has without any doubt Croatian roots. Its meaninig is simply - donkey. The name of "magarac" is also a synonim of hard work, endurance and obstinacy in Croatian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9328/1/Ivan-Paric-on-the-reality-show-for-photographers-VH1-TV-this-Sunday.html I would like to invite you to watch the reality show for photographers where I am one of the contestants. The name of the show is The Shot. The Shot is scheduled to premier on Vh1 channel  on Sunday, Nov. 4 @ 10 PM & 12 PM EST and Monday Nov 5th. ivan@ivanparic.com (Ivan Paric) Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9301/1/Jaz-Spelic-Actor-Producer-based-in-Sydney-The-Trinity-of-Vukovar.html Since graduating in 2004, most of my time has been spent developing 'The Trinity of Vukovar'. I am also employed as a guest Actor at Sydney's International Film School, have done a few televison commercials and my first feature film 'The Warrior' was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Directed by Melbourne based Croatian, Steve Ravic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9305/1/Croatian-American-Dennis-Kucinich-on-Colbert-Report-TONIGHT-Oct-15-16-2007.html Stephen Colbert talked about Dennis Kucinich on his show - made Dennis sound smart and funny and dedicated, which of course he is. Colbert challenged Dennis to appear on his show. Dennis accepts challenge tonight... I can't wait!  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9259/1/PYRAMID-on-top-of-the-Pyramid---Monumental-success-of-Croatian-TV.html   The Pyramid is a unique combination of talk show and game show. Europroducciones has already optioned the format for Spain, Italy and Portugal, as has Gestion Avanti Cine Video for French speaking Canada. (photo) Dubravko Merlic and Zeljka Ogresta letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9160/1/A-Thousand-Leaps-of-Faith-in-Zadar-Croatia---World-Record.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9110/1/Lennon-Brothers-Reconcile-in-Croatia.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9100/1/Thompson-snimke-sa-Maksmira--Thompson-videos-from-Maksmir.html On June 17, 2007, Croatian pop star Marko Perkovic - Thompson held a concert in Zagreb's Maksmir Stadium that was attended by over 50,000 of his fans.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8948/1/Croatian-Rubiks-Cube---Almost-There.html     Ivobach2@aol.com (Ivo Bach) Sat, 17 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8909/1/quotBeyond-the-Callquot-on-PBS---Check-Local-Listings.html     Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beli�) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8885/1/The-New-York-Times-review-quotI-Love-Youquot-by-Dalibor-Matanic-Jan-3rd-2007.html   Review by Jeannette Catsoulis.  A bleak drama from the Croatian writer and director Dalibor Matanic, is an unusually perceptive scrutiny of absence and emptiness. Set in the filmmaker's hometown, Zagreb, the movie follows a young advertising hotshot . letters@croatia.org (Andrej & Daniela Urem) Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8883/1/Last-month-on-a-frosty-night-in-Zagreb-Croatia-they-draped-the-shimmering-cape-on-the-shoulders-of-James-Brown-for-the-last-time.html   As the crowd cheered, the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business," whose career had begun six decades and a world away as a child dancing for coins along the Savannah River, walked away from the microphone. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 26 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8876/1/A-Triumph-at-Carnegie-Hall-Ivana-Kunc-makes-Her-Smashing-Debut-on-Dec-9th-2006.html   Ms. Kunc's comportment and grace on stage, and the depth of emotion that she conveyed through her father's direct and passionate vocal style, all connected with her audience, the cumulative result garnering an even deeper respect for this unique family legacy.  mspudic@aol.com (Michael Spudi�) Fri, 22 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8875/1/Night-At-The-Museum---New-Movie-Has-Croatian-Roots---Milan-Trenc-in-Action.html Milan Trenc (pictured right) was born in 1962. in Zagreb, Croatia where he graduated graphic arts and film direction. His comic strips appeared in Heavy Metal Magazine and his children's book, The Night At the Museum (Baron's 1993,) became a Twentieth Century Fox. feature movie directed by Shawn Levy, with an all star cast including Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 21 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8840/1/BRYAN-ADAMS-quotYou-crazy-Croatians-Bravo-Thank-youquot-AN-EXCITING-EVENT-IN-OSIJEK-CROATIA.html After performing his well known song "Somebody", Bryan has started his concert in Osijek, Croatia, with simple words: "Hello. I'm Bryan !" . dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola�evi�) Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8839/1/Ivan-Hrvatska-Partying-to-the-Top.html Outside of Vancouver, Ivan Hrvatska may not be a household name, but his music is starting to get him noticed. So who is Ivan Hrvatska, and why is he attracting a devoted following?    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8786/1/BRYAN-ADAMS-CONCERT-IN-OSIJEK-CROATIA.html  Bryan Adams's fans ! We are expecting Bryan's concert in Osijek, Croatia, on 27. november 2006. in Zrinjevac Hall. All fans are invited on concert !   dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola�evi�) Sun, 26 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8811/1/Richard-Gere-to-shoot-despite-broken-rib.html Hollywood actor Richard Gere was rushed to hospital in Croatia after breaking a rib while shooting for his new movie but he refused to allow the injury to obstruct the film shoot.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 10 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8788/1/VRHUNSKI-MODNI-DOIVLJAJ-U-OSIJEKU.html Ovoga su vikenda Osijek i Slavonija ponovno do¾ivjeli modnu renesansu. Peti Fashion Incubator je do¹ao pod nazivom Fashion Airlines i u modno nebo nas vodio preko Zraène luke Osijek. Putnièka zgrada u Klisi bila je mjesto odr¾avanja najveæega modnoga dogaðaja namijenjenog iskljuèivo promociji mladih i neafirmiranih modnih imena.   dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola�evi�) Sun, 05 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8720/1/Oakland-Intl-FF-BEYOND-THE-CALL-screening-this-Friday-Sept-22-6pm-at-the-Grand-Lake-Theater.html   Hello Bay Area Friends, I am excited to announce and invite you and your friends to a screening of BEYOND THE CALL in the beautiful Grand Lake Theater in Oakland (http://cinematreasures.org/theater/414/) as part of the Oakland International Film Festival (http://oaklandfilmsociety.org). Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beli�) Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6003/1/E-MrsCroatia-Ivana-Brnic-Boce-1st-runner-up-at-MrsWorld-2005.html ÂMrs.Croatia Ivana Brnic-Boce Mrs World 1st runner-up 2005ÂÂNewly crowned Mrs.World 2005 Sima Bakahr (C) of Israel poses with Mrs.Croatia Ivana Brnic-Boce (R) 1st runner-up and Mrs.New Zealand Sherin Peace (L) 2nd runner-up, for the photographers during a function in Lonavala, 140 km (88 miles) from Bombay February 25, 2005. Bakahr was crowned Mrs.World from 41 contestants around the world. [Reuters] Sima Bakhar of Israel is Mrs. World 2005 Mrs Croatia, Ivana Brnic Boce was named the first runner-upIndo-Asian News Service Mumbai, Feb 26 (IANS) Beating 40 other gorgeous beauty queens, Mrs. Israel Sima Bakhar won the coveted title of Mrs. World 2005 at Amby Valley Sahara Lake City near here.Mrs. Croatia, Ivana Brnic Boce, and Mrs. New Zealand, Sherin Peace, were declared the first and second runners-up respectively at the event. India's Jeevika Shah could only make it as one of the six semi-finalists.Last year's winner Suzana Pavadee Vicherut Mcnokroot of Thailand crowned Bakhar, 28, with a diamond and ruby studded crown worth $18,000.A five-member panel of judges comprising celebrated personalities like Vijay Amritraj, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Swapna Roy, Heida Dianan (Mrs. America 2004) and Rosy Senanayake (Mrs. World 1985) picked the top three winners.This was the first time that India played host to the contest, initiated in 1977. It symbolises the celebration of beauty, grace, charm and family values of women.Speaking on the occasion David Z. Marmal, president of Mrs. America Inc and Mrs. World Inc said: "The event began with the intention of recognizing the contribution of a woman to her community, country and modern contemporary life. It now showcases the modern married women who has imbibed style, grace, beauty and intelligence."Added Seemanto Roy, head of Sahara Infrastructure and Housing: "All the participants from around the world are living testimony to the continuously evolving empowered women who strive and achieve unprecedented balance in their multifaceted lives, contributing significantly both to the family and society as a whole." Indo-Asian News ServiceFor clarifications/queries, please contact IANS NEWS DESK at 2616-5778/8546, 2617-3369 or mail us atsupport@eians.comhttp://www.eians.com/stories/2005/02/26/26sima.shtml Mrs Croatia, Ivana Brnic Boce was named the first runner-upLifestyle: 26 February 2005, Saturday.Mrs Bulgaria World 2005 Yana Marinova swept the "Duncans Beautiful Smile" award at the prestigious Mrs World contest.The Mrs World 2005 title was swept by Mrs Israel Simam Bahahr. The ceremony took place at open-air theatre against the backdrop of a 15th century fort along the Sahyadri range in Amby Valley at Sahara Lake City near Mumbai.Mrs Croatia, Ivana Brnic Boce was named the first runner-up and Mrs New Zealand Sherin Peace was the second runner-up.The judges chose Mrs Ukraine Svitlana Valova as the Dettol Beautiful Skin, while Mrs Israel was voted Veets Beautiful Legs.Mrs Bulgaria is a fresh acting star. Yana Marinova, aged 26, made a name with Bulgaria-produced soap opera Hotel Bulgaria, which is currently being shown on local Nova TV. The brunette Missis has had a modelling career but never won a beauty pageant before, media said. Last year the beauty and intelligence of the Bulgarian ladies was acknowledged in the entire world as Mrs Bulgaria Globe 2004 Rumyana Marinova was crowned Mrs Globe 2004 at a special ceremony that took place in California.http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=45037  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 04 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6004/1/E-Bosnian-refugee-wins-1million---Vitamins-are-good-for-you.html ÂBosnian refugee wins $1millionLottery numbers came off bottle By Sheldon S. Shafersshafer@courier-journal.comÂThe Courier-JournalBy Pam Spaulding, The C-JSanel Barakovic held the vitamin bottle that provided the numbers that his father, Kemal Barakovic, right, selected for his five Cash Ball tickets. He claimed his winnings yesterday. A Bosnian refugee who used bar-code numbers from the bottom of a vitamin bottle to choose his Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball numbers ended up with five winning tickets. Yesterday he claimed $1million in prizes. Kemal Barakovic, who settled in Louisville after leaving a refugee camp in Croatia 10 years ago, has always dreamed of having "his own home in America, and now that dream can become a reality," said his son, Sanel Barakovic. Kemal Barakovic speaks little English; Sanel and his brother, Amir, spoke for their father yesterday at Kentucky Lottery headquarters in Louisville. The elder Barakovic bought five $1 Cash Ball tickets Monday at the Thorntons at 5318 Preston Highway and played the same five numbers on each ticket — 11, 14, 21, 24 and the Cash Ball, 22. Each winning ticket paid $200,000. The odds of matching all five numbers are one in 1,268,520. Lottery officials said it's the first time a player has had multiple winning tickets in a drawing for Cash Ball, a game that started in March 2001 and has six drawings a week. Kemal Barakovic, 61, who makes air filters at Airguard in Louisville, spends about $20 a week on lottery tickets and has a habit of picking numbers off items he finds around his apartment in Buechel, Sanel Barakovic said. Sanel Barakovic works as a clerk at the Thorntons and frequently sells his father tickets. He said his father came in Monday evening with the numbers off the bottle, saying he wanted to play the same numbers on all five tickets. Sanel Barakovic said he tried to persuade his father to pick different numbers on each play, but "Dad always said, `Why go for $200,000 when you can shoot for a million?'" Lottery president Arch Gleason said there is no prohibition on clerks selling tickets to family members. He said there is no way they can know in advance the numbers that will be drawn. Still, Gleason and lottery spokesman Chip Polston said the lottery security staff went to great lengths to validate the five winning tickets, including checking the videotape of the Monday-night drawing and screening the store's security-camera tape of the transaction. They found everything "was on the up and up," Gleason said. Sanel Barakovic said his father intends to share the money with him and his brother, a truck driver who lives in Iowa but came to Louisville yesterday for the festivities. Amir Barakovic said his mother, Habiba, stayed home yesterday because "she couldn't handle this." With the winnings, minus 31 percent automatically withheld for federal and state taxes, the family plans to visit relatives in Bosnia, and his father plans to buy a house and pay off some debts, Sanel Barakovic said. The father probably will take a break from playing the lottery for a while and intends to keep his job, Sanel Barakovic said.http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2004/12/31ky/B1-lottery1231-5057.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6005/1/E-Welcome-New-Year-2005-at-HOTEL-BOSKINAC.html ÂHOTEL BOSKINAC NEW YEARS OFFERNEW YEAR 2005ÂNEW YEAR PARTY IN RESTORANT- Welcome drink with Domestic buffet table in wine cellar - Five courses delicate dinner- Live music by quartet with repertoire of world standard, evergreens, jazz, movie music, very famous canzone, rock’ n ’roll…- Firework from our wine yards with Champagne at midnight- We can feast 50 + 30 persons in two halls that are connected with a dancing floor- The price for arrangement is 590,00 kn (79euro) per personÂACCOMODATION IN HOTEL BOSKINACÂWe can offer accommodation for 29 persons in our hotel. (placed in 4 double bed room, 4 rooms for 3 persons and 3 Suites for 3-4 persons)- 1 night including breakfast/ 696,00 kn (94euro)/ for 2 persons- 2 nights including breakfast/ 680,00 kn (92euro)/ for 2 persons- 3 nights including breakfast/ 640,00 kn (86euro)/ for 2 persons- 4 nights including breakfast/ 640,00 kn (86euro)/ for 2 persons- The deficiency pay for third bed/ 200,00 kn (27euro)The residence tax is 4,50 kn (0,60euro) per person a day. Prices are same for groups or individuals.As we are small hotel with limited numbers of seating place, we would prefer to have table reservations for New Year Eve, at least until 01.12.2004.Same with advance payment of 50% for accommodation in hotel, as confirmation for the reservation.AFTER PARTY IN WINE CELLAR BOSKINAC ON 1ST of January 2005. NIGHT- Traditional re-run New Years Eve with the same quartet, dance and domestic menu- A la card offerNote:To make your New Year days more interesting we can organize excursion through Island Pag with a guide.- Trucking to the highest hill of the Island “St.Vid”, with a spectacular panorama, lunch packet included, (excursion take app. 3-5 hours)- Walking to “Pag triangle”, lunch packet included (excursion take app. 3 hours)- Excursion to Lun, place with thousand years old olive trees (excursion take 2- 3 hours)Price for a guide is 100,00 kn (14 euro) per hour.All excursions could be arranged only in nice weather.-We can organize fishing for groups up to 60 persons, with lunch on boat.Price for that arrangement is 25 euro per person, or 500 euro per boat, for a group of 20 persons.As we are hotel with limited capacity, and you are a big group, we can help you to find an additional accommodation in Novalja, in three stars Hotels:Loža-tel.053/661 326Vila Palcic-053/663 680Both Hotels are app. 2 km away from Hotel Boškinac.Or private accommodation Vila Škoda****- 098/528 430For any other information’s, please contact us by e-mail or by telephone number++385 (0)53/ 663 500. CREATE YOUR WAY OF ADVANTURE ENTERING 2005th. Best regards,Mirela ŠankoWine Cellar Hotel Boškinacwww.boskinac.com info@boskinac.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6006/1/E-Health-minister-keeping-watch-on-Croatias-Big-Brother.html ÂHealth minister keeping watch on Croatia's 'Big Brother'Associated PressSept. 21, 2004, 2:29PMZAGREB, Croatia -- They sit together in a whirlpool bath, tell intimate stories and compete for a $166,650 prize. But the health minister has warned 12 contestants of Croatia's Big Brother television show: Stop smoking or you'll pay for it. ADVERTISEMENTHealth minister Andrija Hebrang said Tuesday that some of the players freely smoke during the show, which is televised live on Croatia's RTL channel, and that the practice violates a law that bans smoking in public. The law provides for fines of up to $83,300, but Hebrang said he decided to first warn the show's producers and contestants in a letter. "I understand that it's a widely popular show, but the law must be the same for all," Hebrang said.Croatia's version of Big Brother was launched Saturday. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/ae/2807465 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 28 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6007/1/E-Jigsaw-Dubrovnik-by-Hellie-from-bellaonline.html ÂJigsaw Dubrovnik by Helliehttp://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art22719.asp BellaOnline's Walking EditorHello!My name is Hellie and I'm your walking host.I live high on a hill overlooking the beautiful Forest of Dean UK, which I think has some of the best walks in the country.This means of course whenever I go out walking, the journey back is always very uphill!I've walked miles on the Great Wall of China, in Nepal, in Oregon, Canada and Europe.I have always enjoyed walking and this year I shall be off on walking holidays in Croatia and in Tuscany, Italy.I try to walk at least 5 miles at the weekends and on a good weekend maybe 15 -18.I teach part-time at a local comprehensive school and in my spare time enjoy keeping chickens, my favourites are Marans.I also host the English Garden site at Bellonline.I'd like this site to become the best walker's site on the web.Please email me your favourite walks, places, achievements and tips - I'd love to hear from you.If you would like to send me a comment, question or suggestion, please feel free to Email Me!http://www.bellaonline.com/about/Walking http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art22719.asp  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6008/1/E-Miss-Croatia-greet-people-in-downtown-Quito-Ecuador.html     Lef to right: Fabiana Niclotti, Miss Brazil, Gabriela Barros, Miss Chile and Marijana Rupcic, Miss Croatia greet people during a parade in downtown Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, May 23, 2004. This parade was organized to present the candidates for Miss Universe (news - web sites) Pageant 2004 to the people of Quito. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6012/1/E-Bill-Rancic-is-The-Apprentice.html ÂÂBill Rancic is âThe ApprenticeâOp-edWhat is with those Croatians, they win each and every big Real TV contest. Amber, Bill... who's next?ÂNenad BachÂDonald Trump with "Apprentice" winner (and new Trump employee) Bill Rancic. ÂThe Associated PressUpdated: 4:29 p.m. ET April 28, 2004NEW YORK - For one night at least, Donald Trump can really proclaim that he was the king of television.An estimated 27.6 million viewers tuned in Thursday to watch Trump say, âYouâre hired!â€? to Chicagoan Bill Rancic on NBCâs hit boardroom game, âThe Apprentice.â€?That enabled Trump to knock off televisionâs most popular show, âCSI: Crime Scene Investigation.â€? The CBS drama was seen by 23.6 million, about 2 million fewer than average, Nielsen said.When Rancic won, Trump gave him a choice of two plum jobs: managing a Trump-owned golf course in California or overseeing a 90-story building project in Chicago.âIn a way, Iâm very happy he didnât choose the golf course, âcause I put someone there about a month and a half ago, and theyâre doing a great job,â€? Trump said after the broadcast. âIt could have been a little bit embarrassing.â€?The snag was averted. Rancic was happily homebound and his fellow finalist, Kwame Jackson, was fired as the hit NBC series aired its live finale.âKwame, I think you have an amazing future,â€? Trump said. âYouâre a brilliant guy, great education, and I have no doubt youâre going to be a big success. But right now: Bill, youâre hired!â€?Rancic, a street-smart 32-year-old Internet entrepreneur, had edged out Jackson, the laid-back 29-year-old New Yorker and Harvard MBA, for what Trump described as the âdream job of a lifetimeâ€? and a $250,000 yearâs salary.Trump insisted the decision had been difficult, and close â and one he shared with no one before airtime â not even Mark Burnett, creator of âThe Apprentice.â€?âI had good feelings about both of these people,â€? Trump said after the show, âor they wouldnât have gotten there.â€?Which did Burnett think Trump would pick? âI didnât think,â€? Burnett answered flatly.The victorious Rancic said his win sends a message.âThe American Dream is still alive out there, and hard work will get you there,â€? he told reporters. âYou donât necessarily need to have an Ivy League education or to have millions of dollars startup money. It can be done with an idea, hard work and determination.â€?Then, asked when his job with Trump would start, he grinned and said, âI believe I am on the clock, even as we speak.â€?Trump 'fires' up viewersTrumpâs decision closed out a three-month-long competition. The billionaire developer and host of the show put 16 would-be apprentices through numerous business tasks â then, in the boardroom, âfiredâ€? an underperformer at the end of each episode.At their last assignments, Bill was put in charge of a Trump golf tournament and Kwame handled an appearance by pop star Jessica Simpson at one of Trumpâs Atlantic City casino hotels.These two âbossesâ€? were each teamed with three âemployeesâ€?: previously fired âApprenticeâ€? candidates who, possibly still nursing grudges, sometimes seemed as much a hindrance as a help.Thanks to Billâs team, a vital sponsorâs sign went missing.Thanks to Kwameâs team, Simpson went missing. Then she disappeared again, while Trump tapped his foot.That was the handiwork of beautiful but scheming Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, one of the breakout stars among the showâs candidates. Her feigned martyrdom after plaster fell on her head on one episode earned her the ultimate pop-culture salute: She was spoofed on âSaturday Night Live.â€?Of course, not every burning issue was cleared up Thursday. For instance, how can 15 people be fired when they were never hired in the first place? That question may never be resolved.But the boardroom summits with Trump, where he pronounced the now famous âyouâre fired,â€? helped make âThe Apprenticeâ€? a sensation after its January premiere.Last week, it ranked second among all prime-time shows, logging 22 million viewers â even more than CBSâ âSurvivor: All-Stars.â€? It holds seventh place for the season to date, according to Nielsen.Created by Burnett, who brought âSurvivorâ€? to the airwaves, âThe Apprenticeâ€? traded on a similar survival-of-the-fittest gimmick, and viewers loved it for its display of competitive greed and back stabbing.Another draw, perhaps: the eight female contestants were attractive and tended to wear short skirts.âThe Apprenticeâ€? launched Trump to new heights of renown. Not only did he dine out on the catchphrase âyouâre firedâ€? (even threatening to copyright it), he landed deals for a Trump-brand credit card and as a celebrity spokesman for a telecommunications company.Two weeks ago he was guest host on âSaturday Night Live,â€? and now has agreed to come back for a new edition of âThe Apprenticeâ€? next season, reportedly at a substantial pay raise.Looks like there are lots more firings ahead. 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.ÂSource: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4750777/  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6011/1/E-Croatian-Amber-Brkich-Wins-Survivor-All-Stars.html ÂCroatian, Amber Brkich wins 'SurvivorÂÂFrom a 2001 issue of Stuff Magazine:http://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/html/article_109.htmlÂSTUFF: Your last name is spelled B-R-K-I-C-H. What exactly do you have against vowels?AMBER: Ah, no. I have nothing against vowels. It’sCroatian.ÂAMBER BRKICH 22 Single Administrative Assistant Beaver, Pennsylvania Journal and PenAmber Brkich is from Beaver, Pennsylvania and is a recent graduate from Westminster College, where she earned a B.A. degree in Public Relations, minoring in Speech Communications. Prior to departing for Australia, while Brkich searched for her "career job," she was an administrative assistant and lived with her parents. Her previous occupations while attending school included waitress, librarian assistant, swimming instructor, lifeguard and babysitter for her professor. Brkich's favorite hobbies are going out with her friends, dancing and just generally having fun. She's a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, where she was Vice President and New Member Coordinator. Brkich also belongs to the Catholic Church. Her primary reasons for trying out for Survivor: The Australian Outback include lack of change, excitement, and kangaroos in her life, although the million dollars wouldn't hurt either! Her birth date is August 11, 1978. ÂMMI, CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved Â-------------Source: http://www.realitytvworld.com/index/articles/story.php?s=2546 Amber Brkich wins 'Survivor: All-Stars', gets engaged to runner-up Rob MarianoBy Steve Rogers, 05/10/2004 The beneficiary of heavy resentment regarding the manner in which her alliance and Final Two partner -- and now fiance -- Rob Mariano played the game, Survivor: The Australian Outback's Amber Brkich emerged as the champion and $1 million winner during last night's Survivor: All-Stars finale on CBS. The Survivor finale opened with the four remaining contestants -- Amber, "Boston Rob," Rupert Boneham, and Jenna Lewis -- facing a "two-versus-two" shutdown at the next Tribal Council, since Rupert and Jenna were allied. Rob and Amber immediately campaigned for Jenna to join with them to oust Rupert, thus avoiding a possible random draw "purple rock" tiebreaker, while cleverly not pushing Jenna to make a firm commitment to them. Their plan would be spoiled if Rupert won the Immunity Challenge, which turned into a close race between Amber and Rupert. However, Amber won, for her first victory in an individual Immunity Challenge in her two Survivor seasons, and Jenna sided with "Romber" to send Rupert to a fourth-place finish. During the final immunity challenge, which was (as usual) an endurance test in which contestants couldn't lift their feet or touch the center pole with their free hands, Jenna was the first to waver, moving her foot off its pole momentarily just before the 2.5-hour mark, thus leaving the crucial final immunity to be decided between Rob and Amber. Despite the duo's personal feelings for each other and sworn plans to take each other to the Final Two, neither one was willing to intentionally step off the challenge poles to give the other immunity, and the challenge continued for another hour until Amber absentmindedly touched the center pole with her free hand while gesturing at Rob. Amber was thus disqualified, handing Rob Survivor: All Star's final immunity, a guaranteed place in the Final Two, and the right to choose his opponent in the final vote. Despite some momentary thoughts that he might stand a better chance if he faced Jenna in the Final Two, Rob opted to take his Survivor sweetheart with him to the final jury, leaving Jenna in third. Facing a jury comprised of colleagues who deeply resented the presence of both Boston Rob and Amber in the Final Two, the couple faced tough questioning, including open hostility from Survivor: Africa alums Tom Buchanan, who placed fifth in All-Stars, and Lex van den Burghe, who placed ninth. Four votes were revealed during the voting, two for Boston Rob and two for Amber (who was rumored to have been included in the cast to complete the requisite "hot chick" quota only after previous contestants Elisabeth Filarski Hasslebeck and Colleen Haskell both declined to participate), before the votes were spirited off for safekeeping, to be read at the live finale in New York City's Madison Square Garden. Ever the strategist, Boston Rob had one more card left to play before the votes were revealed. As soon as the live show began, he pulled a multi-carat diamond ring out of his pocket and proposed marriage to Amber, who promptly accepted (no surprise, considering that Amber was wearing an "I Love Rob" tank top), thus ensuring that, no matter who won, both of them would share the prize money. In the process, Boston Rob and Amber got around the game's "you can't agree to split the money" rule in a way that Survivor producer Mark Burnett likely never envisioned. When the votes where finally announced, in a by-then somewhat anticlimactic ending, Rob learned that he was engaged to a millionaire, as Amber edged him 4-3 in the voting. Supporting Amber were Tom, Lex, Survivor: The Australian Outback's Alicia Calaway, and Survivor: Thailand's Shii Ann Huang; supporting Boston Rob were Rupert and Jenna Lewis, plus Survivor: Marquesas's Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien. Amber also won a new Chevy -- but, since she and Rob had already won cars on the show, she had to pass the car along to another survivor, and (after consulting with Rob, who told her that the choice was hers) she awarded it to Shii Ann.The finale was as contentious and acrimonious as the show was predictable, culminating in Survivor: The Australian Outback villainess Jerri Manthey, who was booed when she bashed the show for manipulating people's real feelings for entertainment purposes, walking off the set halfway through. Despite being confronted with evidence of their own deceptions, Lex and Tom were no more willing to "forgive and forget" than they had been while on the jury. The eighteen castaways basically broke down into two groups, with Lex, Tom, Kathy and Jerri, who claimed that what Boston Rob did "crossed the line" between gameplay and personal on the one side, and Richard Hatch, the winner of the first Survivor, Colby Donaldson, the runner-up in Survivor: The Australian Outback, and Shii Ann prominently on the other side. One thing this season of Survivor did produce was a lot of romance, however. For the first time in Survivor history, there were two confirmed couples among the contestants. In addition to Boston Rob and Amber, the other couple was Survivor: The Amazon winner Jenna Morasca and Survivor: Africa winner Ethan Zohn, who have been rumored to be dating for about a year but confirmed that their relationship had become closer since the show. In addition, third-place finisher Jenna Lewis eloped last weekend with a 21-year-old male model, and even Richard Hatch confirmed that he had found romance with a hotel desk clerk that he met in Argentina when he visited there following his boot from All-Stars (in fact, the two currently live together in Richard's Rhode Island house and had announced that they would participate in a February "gay marriage" ceremony in New Paltz, NY, but ultimately did not). Also, in a "surprise" that had been heavily promoted by Extra!, Survivor: Borneo's Susan Hawk showed off her "extreme makeover," which included both liposuction and plastic surgery ... and which was paid for and filmed by Extra! Finally, in a last "twist," CBS and Survivor announced that one of the 18 castaways would be receiving a million-dollar bonus awarded by popular vote as to who played the best game. Viewers may vote for the bonus, sponsored in part by Cingular Wireless, either on the CBS web site or by text-messaging on their Cingular wireless phones. While Susan Hawk, for one, expressed the belief that Rupert would be awarded the million dollars, we note that many viewers -- led, in part, by Michael Orzoff from Fox's Love Cruise (which was the third reality-competition show filmed in the U.S., behind only the first Survivor and the first Big Brother) -- support Rob Mariano for the million. We're not surprised by Michael's support for Boston Rob, since Rob and Amber's game strategy often seemed to mirror the strategy employed by Michael and alliance-mate Melissa in Love Cruise, right down to forcing the jury to choose between the two most-resented people in the final vote (although Michael and Melissa's strategy was almost foiled when the producers inexplicably decided to add another team to the finals). We look forward to seeing the results of this vote on the Survivor wrap-up show, Thursday, May 13, at 8 PM EDT on CBS. ÂAMBER BRKICH 22 Single Administrative Assistant Beaver, Pennsylvania Journal and PenAmber Brkich is from Beaver, Pennsylvania and is a recent graduate from Westminster College, where she earned a B.A. degree in Public Relations, minoring in Speech Communications. Prior to departing for Australia, while Brkich searched for her "career job," she was an administrative assistant and lived with her parents. Her previous occupations while attending school included waitress, librarian assistant, swimming instructor, lifeguard and babysitter for her professor. Brkich's favorite hobbies are going out with her friends, dancing and just generally having fun. She's a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, where she was Vice President and New Member Coordinator. Brkich also belongs to the Catholic Church. Her primary reasons for trying out for Survivor: The Australian Outback include lack of change, excitement, and kangaroos in her life, although the million dollars wouldn't hurt either! Her birth date is August 11, 1978. ÂMMI, CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6010/1/E-Marijana-Rupcic-Miss-Croatia-Universe-2004.html ÂÂMarijana Rupcic, Miss Croatia Universe 2004ÂÂÂJessica Rodriguez, Miss Panama Universe 2004; Sabina Remar, Miss Slovenia Universe 2004; Marijana Rupcic, Miss Croatia Universe 2004; and Joan Ramagoshi, Miss South Africa Universe 2004, pose together in their Endless Sun swimsuits during registration and fittings for the 2004 Miss Universe competition at the JW Marriott Hotel in Quito, Ecuador on May 12, 2004. They will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2004 during the LIVE NBC broadcast of the 53rd annual Miss Universe competition from Quito, Ecuador on June 1, 2004. REUTERS/Darren Decker/Miss Universe L.P., LLLP/HO  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6009/1/E-Ivan-Mikulic-performs-at-the-49th-Eurovision-Song-Contest.html ÂÂIvan MikulicÂÂÂCroatia's Ivan Mikulic performs his song entitled 'You Are the Only One' during the semifinal of the 49th Eurovision Song Contest in Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul May 12, 2004. REUTERS/Fatih Saribas  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6013/1/E-Bill-Rancic-Croatian-American-Finalist-on-the-Apprentice.html ÂCroatian, Bill Rancic of Chicago, a finalist on NBC's reality series 'The Apprentice.''ÂAn undated publicity photo of Bill Rancic of Chicago, a finalist on NBC's reality series 'The Apprentice.'' Four finalists will vie Thursday, April 8, 2004, for a job with Donald Trump. The series ends April 15, (AP Photo/NBC,Scott Duncan) ÂThis is a translation of an article that appeared in Slobodna Dalmacija on Easter. The original article along with the link is below. -MarkoBill Rancic An American Television Success for a 32-year old CroatianA Splicanin in the finals of Donald Trunp's Reality ShowNext Thursday, Bill Rancic will fight for victory on a 2-hour finale, which will bring an influential managerial position in Donald Trump's corporation and a pay of $250,000Bill Rancic, whose roots are from Split, was successful in entering the finals of one of the most watched shows. In the NBC televised series, the 32-year-old has almost reached signing a one-year managerial contract with one of Donald Trump's corporations worth $250,000. We previously mentioned in out TV section - Reflektor that the young Chicagoan is one of the biggest stars of "The Apprentice," and has overcome one more obstacle, with some 23 million people watching to enter in the finals, where his final obstacle will be Kwame Jackson from New York. Bill Rancic has delighted audiences with his management of his work assignments and is an owner of an online cigar shop, and it seems he easily surpassed the 215,000 people who entered. He was among the first who had to produce a rock concert in two days, or when he had to suddenly organize a lemonade stand on a New York street and sell more. Just as easily, when the contestants had to remodel a ruined apartment and rent it for a higher price. In an interview with Slobodna Dalmacija, earlier this week, Bill Rancic mentioned that his grandfather Nikola Rancic moved to the United States from Split, and that he plans to visit the country of his ancestors. Next Thursday Bill Rancic will fight in a 2-hour finale to win an influential managerial position in the Donald Trump Corporation, and because of an agreement with the producers, he could not tell us what will be the last assignment for him and his final opponent Kwame Jackson. Source: http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20040410/mozaik01.aspBILL RANCIC AMERICŒKI TELEVIZIJSKI USPJEH 32-GODISNJEG HRVATASplicanin u finalu realityshowa Donalda Trumpa!Sljedeceg cetvrtka Bill Rancic ce se u dvosatnom showu na NBC-u boriti za pobjedu koja donosi utjecajno managersko mjesto u korporaciji Donalda Trumpa uz placu od 250 tisuca dolaraSplicanin podrijetlom, Bill Rancic, uspio je uci u finale jednog od najgledanijih americkih reality showa. U seriji emisija televizijskoga kanala NBC, 32-godisnji Rancic je dosao na korak do potpisivanja godisnjeg ugovora od 250 tisuca dolara na mjestu managera jedne od tvrtki bogatasa Donalda Trumpa, inace pokrovitelja showa.Vec smo u nasem televizijskom prilogu Reflektor pisali kako je mladic iz Chicaga, jedna od najvecih zvijezda emisija The Apprentice, a sada je prosao jos jednu prepreku te uz gledanost od cak dvadeset tri milijuna ljudi usao u samu zavrsnicu gdje ce mu jedina prepreka biti Njujorcanin Kwame Jackson.Bill Rancic je publiku odusevio iznimnim snalazenjem u poslovnim zadacima, pa je vlasnik online trgovine cigarama, cini se s lakocom nadmasio ukupno 215.000 prijavljenih kandidata. Bio je meC'u prvima kad je u dva dana trebalo isproducirati rock koncert ili kad je na brzinu na newyorskoj ulici trebalo oformiti stand za prodaju limunade te prodati sto vise. Jednako je bilo i sa zadatkom kad su natjecatelji morali obnoviti ruinirani stan te ga iznajmiti po sto visoj cijeni...U razgovoru za Slobodnu Dalmaciju, ranije ovoga tjedna, Bill Rancic je ispricao kako se njegov djed Nikola Rancic iz Splita doselio u Sjedinjene Drzave, te da i on sam planira posjetiti zemlju svojih predaka.Sljedeceg cetvrtka Bill Rancic ce se u dvosatnom showu na NBC-ju boriti za pobjedu koja donosi utjecajno managersko mjesto u korporaciji Donalda Trumpa, a prema ugovoru s producentima nije nam mogao reci sto ce biti zadaci za njega i jedinog preostalog konkurenta Kwamea Jacksona. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6014/1/E-PlayStation-2-Croatia-as-a-screen.html ÂCroatia as a screen on the PlayStation2Rainbow Six 3 On PlayStation 2 This Spring - Screens InsideShop for Final Fantasy X-2 for PlayStation 2 Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, today announced that Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 will be released for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system this spring. Developed by Ubisoft's Shanghai studio, the game offers the most thrilling and realistic single- and multiplayer counter-terrorist experience available anywhere. Completely redesigned for next-gen console players, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 for the PlayStation 2 gives players the opportunity to command an elite, four-man international anti-terrorist squad and features the trademark realism of the Clancy games, immediate, immersive close-quarters action, state-of-the-art in-game cinematics, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell-quality graphics and a nail-biting plot ripped from today's headlines. A voice-activated command system and comprehensive offline and online multiplayer capabilities round out the most exciting experience PlayStation 2 gamers will have this year. "The Tom Clancy brand represents one of the best-selling videogame franchises ever, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six series is already a runaway success with PlayStation gamers - the first console title remains one of the all-time top-ten action sellers for the PlayStation 1, and we expect a repeat performance," said Tony Kee, vice president of marketing for Ubisoft. "Thrilling and realistic single- and multiplayer gameplay, intelligent AI, stunning graphics, and an amazing real-time voice-command system combine to deliver the best counter-terrorist gaming experience on the market - period." About Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 for the PlayStation 2 In Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 for the PlayStation 2, the first title in the wildly popular series for next-generation consoles, players lead an elite team of multinational counter-terrorist operatives in 15 intense missions against deadly, intelligent foes. When a terrorist plot threatens to tilt the balance of peace between the United States and Saudi Arabia, Team RAINBOW is the only answer. In locations around the world - from the Caribbean to Venezuela, Croatia and New Orleans - execute Team RAINBOW's missions with deadly force and precise tactics in order to protect the innocent and ensure peace. http://www.gameinfowire.com/news.asp?nid=3727 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6015/1/E-Josip-Kuchan-on-TV---George-Lopez-Show-Sept-32003.html ÂJosip Kuchan on TV - George Lopez Show Sept 3,2003Hey!Love the reruns, especially when I'm in one of them.George Lopez Show " George Has Two Mommies " airs on September 3, at 8:30 PM on ABC 7.I'm in the last 10 minutes of the show.Link to ABC http://abc.go.com/primetime/georgelopez/ Link to IMDb http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0473642/ Link to me surfing http://homepage.mac.com/jozhica/PhotoAlbum2.html Josip Kuchan(yo-sip)jozhica@mac.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 31 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6016/1/E-Goran-Visnjic-and-PBS-Documentary.html ÂCroatianactor Goran VisnjicCroatian actor Goran Visnjic is the "voice" of wartime photographer,Robert Capa in PBS Television's documentary "Robert Capa: In Love andWar" which first airs on PBS on May 28th at 9:30 p.m. eastern. Checkyour local TV listings for air dates in your area. Goran reads excerptsfrom Capa's diary and letters.ÂCroatian actor, and star of NBC's "ER", Goran Visnjic, was asked toportray the character of Spartacus in a USA network remake of the classic filmwhich originally starred Kirk Douglas in the title role. Filming has begunin Bulgaria. The made-for-TV movie is scheduled to be aired during thefirst quarter of 2004.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 31 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6017/1/E-Don-Henley-of-the-Eagles-Loves-Croatia.html ÂDon Henley Loves CroatiaIn the following interview with Billboard magazine Henley said that henever did a concert in Croatia but would love to do one after havingseen a TV program about the country. Any one looking to sponsor a rockconcert? (:John Kraljic***************************May 25, 2003Soaring with the Eagles: Don Henley on the RoadBy REUTERSFiled at 11:14 a.m. ETLOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Since the Eagles reunited for the Hell FreezesOver tour in 1994, they have become that rare bird: the sure sellout.The band started its latest tour May 9 in Richmond, Va. From the road,drummer Don Henley provides Billboard with a rare glimpse into what it'slike to soar with the Eagles.BILLBOARD: The tour features the Eagles' most elaborate production ever.Why the change?HENLEY: Last year, the band made a decision to play only indoor arenasuntil such time as we change our minds. We have increased our lightingand added large LED screens to take advantage of the fact that we willalways be playing in darkness.Playing outdoors in the summertime, whether it's a shed or a stadium, isa drag, because it doesn't get dark until about halfway through theshow. Hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of lighting equipment anddesign is wasted.In arenas, there is just more magic, plus we are not subject to thewhims of the weather. The LED screens ensure that even people in thenosebleed section can clearly see what's happening onstage. We like it,and our fans like it.BILLBOARD: You're jokingly calling this tour Farewell I. How many moretours will there be?HENLEY: I very much doubt that we will make it to Farewell XX, but Iimagine there will be a Farewell II after the new album comes out.Beyond that, it's anybody's guess. The Eagles operate on a cyclicalbasis now, with a year to a year-and-a-half comprising a cycle. At theend of each cycle, we sit down and decide if we want to do anythingfurther.So far, there has been a consensus to go forward, but someday it's allgoing to come to a screeching halt. I think everybody in the band agreesthat we want to exit while we're at the top of our game. Nobody in thisorganization is interested in beating a dead horse, but right now thehorse is very much alive and well. It's as good as it's ever been--maybebetter.Even in the midst of this shaky economy and the strange state of theworld, people are flocking to our shows. It's wonderful. We're verygrateful.BILLBOARD: Speaking of the new album, when is it coming out?HENLEY: I don't know when the album is coming out, but it won't be thisyear. ``Hole in the World'' is the only new material from the album thatwe will be doing.BILLBOARD: What markets do you still want to play?HENLEY: The Eagles have performed in a great many places around theglobe, including Russia, but it's a big world, and there are still a fewplaces we've never been.Believe it or not, we've never played in Mexico. We've never been toSouth America, either. We've been invited to several places in the FarEast, such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but we've never beenable to make it. I saw a thing on TV the other day about Croatia, and itlooks absolutely beautiful, so I'd like to play Zagreb. I'd also like toplay some of the countries that border the Baltic Sea -- Estonia, forexample. Also, we've never been to Denmark or Austria. However, for thepresent time, we are staying in North America.We played in Italy for the first time in the summer of 2001 in anancient, walled city called Lucca. We played outdoors in the piazza;14,000 Italians showed up and sang every word in English at the top oftheir lungs. I'll never forget it as long as I live. I would love toplay in Italy for weeks.BILLBOARD: Describe a show day for you.HENLEY: I have an office set up in each of my hotel rooms. I get up inthe morning and start doing business -- media interviews for the tour;tons of written correspondence and phone calls relating to the WaldenWoods Project, the Recording Artists' Coalition, the Caddo LakeInstitute; domestic stuff -- I talk to my kids as often as I can --communications with Irving Azoff in regard to all kinds of issuesrelating to the Eagles, my solo career, the music business in general.I'm usually on the phone all day. The phone, the e-mails, and the faxmachine never stop. This is not just about the three hours onstage atnight; this is a full-time job. I try to get in a workout most days.We generally leave the hotel in mid- to-late afternoon -- depending onthe distance to the gig -- and we do a sound check before every singleshow. The sound check can last 15 minutes or it can last two hours.We have dinner at the venue at approximately 5 p.m., and then we go toour respective dressing rooms and do whatever we each have to do to getready for the show. I bring a recumbent exercise bike on every tour, andit is set up in my dressing room. Even if I've done a weight-lifting ora Pilates workout earlier in the day, I always get on that bike about anhour before show time and ride it for 30 minutes. Then I take a showerand get dressed for the show.After the show, I generally stay up for an hour or two reading the faxesand e-mails that I didn't get to before I went to sound check.Sometimes, though, we go off stage, straight to the airport, and fly tothe next city. On those nights, I'm often up late trying to make my nestin the new hotel room. I carry three or four good books and numerousperiodicals, and I can usually read myself to sleep. It's a good life,but it's not as easy as some might think. Traveling gets old. I gettired of packing and unpacking. I get homesick.BILLBOARD: How has your relationship with your fans changed over theyears?HENLEY: I think our bond with our fans has only grown stronger over thepast 30-odd years. We've all been through a lot together, and we've beenwith them and they with us. The passage of time enriches these memories,these shared experiences. It's bittersweet.BILLBOARD: How has touring changed since you started more than 30 yearsago?HENLEY: There are two big changes that come to mind. One is the enormousamount of organizational skills that have been brought to bear on ourtouring. Everything is extremely organized and professional now.Irving Azoff usually travels with us, and he is on top of everything --all the time. Harry Sandler, our tour director, is, in my opinion, thebest in the business. There are 92 people, including the band members,on this tour, and it runs like a Swiss watch.We have excellent people who are committed and know how to do theirjobs. We have no jerks, no loose cannons, no slackers. Everybody gives100%, because the goal is to give the fans the best show possible.Backstage is very serene and consistent. There is no partying eitherbefore or after the shows, but we do receive old friends andprofessional guests briefly either just before show time or during themid-show break.In short, things have changed a great deal from the old days. Thesechanges have come out of necessity, and they are a logical progressionfor any band that is committed to its work. That's why we're still hereand thriving 32 years after we began.Reuters/Billboard letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6018/1/E-Mercury-Retrograde.html ÂMercury RetrogradeApril 27, 2003 - May 21, 2003Question:ÂWhat does it mean when the planet Mercury goes "retrograde" in the sky?Answer:ÂMercury, the Roman god of "communications and everyday routines" seldom gets much attention in astrology, except those times when he briefly turns retrograde in the transiting (moving) sky. Then Mercury gets blamed for just about anything (and everything) that might go "wrong." The traditional meaning assigned to Mercury going "retrograde" in the sky is that of unexpected delays and frustrations in everyday life routines and in communications. During the (very) approximate 24 day periods when Mercury turns "retrograde" in the sky, astrologers generally recommend delaying of the signing contracts and other important life decisions. It is a time better spent in reflection and rethinking things.ÂRetrograde?ÂFor the "uninitiated," a retrograde planet is a planet that (when viewed from the perspective of the earth) appears to have stopped and then temporarily reverses its regular movement through the sky. The planet then goes "retrograde" (backwards). After a certain length of time (depending upon the planet involved), the planet then appears to once again stop and reverse its movement through the sky. The planet then goes "direct" and is back on it's normal cyclic path through the sky. The planet, Mercury, during it's time spent in retrograde is mythologically the grand patron of the "Freudian slip." Here's one of the reasons why...ÂFreudian SlipÂGreek Mythology relates that "once upon a time," Hermes (the Greek equivalent of Mercury) became interested in gaining the sexual favors of a certain young princess of Crete named Apemosyne. However, the attraction was not mutual. Apemosyne was not interested in Hermes' advances and therefore turned his invitations down. So, one day, Hermes strategically placed several wet, slick animal hides on the ground in a place where he knew she'd be walking. Apemosyne slipped on the animal hides, allowing Hermes to "have his way" with herÖ.. Sadly, as a result of this action, Apemosyne's brother murdered her... Ever had one of your "slips" of the tongue get you in some serious trouble? Thought so...ÂMercury Retro Time TableÂJanuary 18, 2002 - February 8, 2002May 16, 2002 - June 9, 2002ÂSeptember 15, 2002 - October 7, 2002ÂJanuary 3, 2003 - January 24, 2003ÂApril 27, 2003 - May 21, 2003ÂAugust 29, 2003 - September 21, 2003ÂDecember 18, 2003 - January 7, 2004ÂApril 7, 2004 - May 1, 2004ÂAugust 11, 2004 - September 3, 2004ÂDecember 1 - December 21, 2004 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 08 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6019/1/E-ER-Continues-Croatia-Storyline.html ÂER Continues Croatia StorylineThe NBC television series, "ER", will continue with a storyline for Dr. Luka Kovac which involves coming to the aid of a 9-year-old boy from Croatia. In the previous episode shown on April 3, Luka received a call from Zagreb, from an old medical school classmate, Gordana. There is a small boy in serious need of surgery which cannot be done where he is. Gordana asked for Luka's help in bringing the boy to America for the surgery and in helping to find a way to defray the expenses. This storyline will continue in episodes 19 and 20, to be shown April 24 and May 1, respectively. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6020/1/E-ER---Tonight-DrLuka-Kovac-and-Croatian-Child.html ÂTonight (4/3/03) on ER (NBC) Dr. Kovac tries to bring an ill Croatian boy to the US letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6022/1/E-BRAVO-profiles-ROBERT-DUVALL---Premiers-Sunday-Oct-13.html ÂRobert DuvallHome Team ProductionspresentsBRAVO profiles ROBERT DUVALLPremiers Sunday, October 13, 2002at 7:00 PM EST on BravoProduced and Directed byStephanie Silber and Victor ZimetWritten by Stephanie SilberEdited by Victor ZimetCinematography byRobert Bondy / Ron Hill / Gary MarshAudio Post Production by Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 11 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6023/1/E-No-Mans-Land---wwwkinoeyeorg.html  SARAJEVO FILM FESTIVAL Caught in the middle Danis Tanović's No Man's Land (2001) The Sarajevo Film Festival was enraptured by a Cannes-winning film by Bosnian director Danis Tanović. Ilya Marritz witnessed the event and caught up with the director. http://www.kinoeye.org  Â Danis Tanović admits he was tense on the warm August night when 2700 filmgoers crowded into an enormous courtyard in central Sarajevo to watch the hometown debut of his film. Tanović is the author and director of No Man's Land (2001), a feature that had recently won the Best Screenplay award at Cannes and which was selected to open the 7th Sarajevo International Film Festival this year. The buzz surrounding the film was considerable, and, with reason, Tanović is not given to modesty. Still, the showing of the film in Sarajevo was a singular occasion. "I was rather excited, even more so than when I was in Cannes," said Tanović. "Here, people have been expecting [the film] for two months and the whole thing kept pumping up more and more and very often when you have this kind of situation, often things just blow up." "[These people] lived through the war. As this is a war story, they have an eye which sees in much more detail and they pay attention to each little detail they see," noted the director, "so they were really a hard public and I think if I survive this, I'm gonna survive any other premiere." Fiction that is true to life Tanović didn't merely survive the premiere, he triumphed. Nearly every audience member I spoke with after the screening spoke glowingly of No Man's Land , praising it for its clever plot and realistic depiction of the war. Many people felt that No Man's Land is special because it is the first film to show the Bosnian war "as it really happened." Strictly speaking, Srđan Dragojević's grisly Lepa sela lepo gore (Pretty Village, Pretty Flame, 1996) might be a truer graphic depiction of the ghastliness of war. But what is really remarkable about No Man's Land is the way Tanović successfully reduces the entire cast and breadth of the Bosnian war to a few characters in and around a little foxhole between the Bosnian and Serb frontlines. Without resorting to stock characters or clichés, Tanović's drama unfolds-a Catch-22 updated for the media age. No Man's Land is the story of three soldiers in an absurd fix. They are Čiki (the beloved Bosnian comic actor Branko Đuric, making a comeback in his native country), Cera (Filip Šovagović) of the Bosnian Army, and Nino (Rene Bitorajac), a fresh Serb recruit. While on a scavenger mission following a skirmish between Serb and Bosnian units, Nino and his commander search a trench for cigarettes or any remaining Bosnian soldiers still hanging on to life. As a joke, Nino's idiotic senior commander drags what he believes to be a dead body over a jumping mine-an insidious device that won't detonate until his comrades eventually come to retrieve his body. From a nearby hiding place, Čiki watches on in disgust. He guns down the Serb commander a few seconds later, letting Nino get by with only a wounded leg.  Nino extends a hand to a relucant ally Minutes later the body on the mine comes to life-it is Čiki's friend Cera recovering from shell-shock. Čiki throws himself as gingerly as possible over his comrade's body to prevent a movement that will blow them all up, while holding his weapon in such a way as to keep Nino in check. This is the kind of physical comedy that propels the film forward: it's not quite slapstick, but it feels alright to laugh, because if Čiki and Nino really hated one other enough to kill, one of them would have been dead long ago. For much of the film, Čiki and Nino will play a game of cat-and-mouse for supremacy in the trench, while a growing number of United Nations and media personnel arrive on the scene, waiting for a mine expert to be found. All the while, Cera lies bravely still on a bomb, barely able to crane his neck to see the storm gathering around him. Tanović relies heavily on humor to defuse the tension and highlight the ironies of the situation. When, in a scene set a few hundred meters away from the trench, one soldier puts down his newspaper and shakes his head, telling the second soldier that things are getting really bad in Rwanda, the audience roared at the joke. Inside the trench, Čiki and Nino sometimes seem like squabbling brothers. Čiki compels Nino at gunpoint to admit his side's guilt in the war. When the tables are turned minutes later and Nino has a gun and Čiki doesn't, Nino, with a wry smile, extracts the same admission of guilt from Čiki. Again, the audience guffawed. "I often say that this is a serious film with a good sense of humor," said Tanović. "I didn't want to make a film that is very tough to watch and that nobody wants to go see. I wanted to make a film which is tough but which everybody will go to see." A foreign production, but a Bosnian result  The media home in on a good story A handful of scenes in English and French will make the feature-which already has distributors in the United States and most of western Europe-go down even easier with foreign audiences. Having spent much of the post-war years in Paris with an American-born wife, Tanović was well aware that, to make his film and be taken seriously, he needed to get foreign backing and direct a film that could also be shown outside of Bosnia. A French-Belgian-Italian-Slovenian co-production, No Man's Land wasn't even filmed in Bosnia-it was shot in Slovenia and Italy-but it will be Bosnia's submission for Oscar consideration this year and is indubitably more "Bosnian" than anything else. The enthusiasm generated by the film in Bosnia is reflective of the satisfaction Bosnians feel for at last gaining recognition for their cultural achievements-even when those achievements relate directly to the war that made their country infamous. Probably no one feels this satisfaction more than the Director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, Mirsad Purivatra. "Culture is usually the last on the list [of areas] supported by the government and it's not so easy," said Purivatra, who is in his second year as Festival Director, also noting that: Danis has already produced very good energy among young filmmakers. It was so important to show young filmmakers that, in spite of the lack of support [from Bosnia's government], the film could be made. I think he made a great picture of Bosnia, and I think also a very important picture. We will see this, I think, in the coming years as a big antiwar film but also [a film that has] very strong opinions regarding the facts about some of the people who started the war. A film about his people, a story for the world  Speaking in plain language No Man's Land is actually fairly reserved about the people who started the war. At first glance, Tanović seems to direct most of his anger about what happened in Bosnia at the United Nations command. In a mansion far from the conflict, the cynical, sex-obsessed general played by Simon Callow is primarily concerned with giving the appearance of getting things done rather than actually accomplishing anything-and indeed, he unapologetically admits this towards the end of the film. Far more sympathetic is the French sergeant who arrives on site to take control of the situation (George Sitiadis) and finds his efforts thwarted by Callow. To provoke the UN to do something, the sergeant makes a discreet alliance with an idealistic British television journalist (Katrin Cartlidge), who, speaking a language the general will respond to, threatens to report the UN's inaction. In contrast to Callow's character, the hapless, bespectacled Nino-who early on extends his hand to Čiki, only to be disdainfully rebuffed-lacks the general's extreme jadedness. Content as he is to be fighting on the Bosnian Serb side, Nino is a pleasant enough picture of Serbian moral indifference. There are, of course, a few jokes at the expense of Serbs-including some cheap homophobic humor-but Tanović's personal bitterness about the war really only becomes apparent when you speak with him in person.  Director Danis Tanović "Today nobody needs to explain that Jews were victims in Second World War. So why the hell should I explain again and again that Bosnians were victims?" said the director, when asked about his film's political message. "Everybody who wanted to know what was happening in Bosnia knew that Bosnians were victims of this war. So I didn't want to insist on it." When war first broke out in Bosnia, Tanović went to the front lines, eventually spending two years filming with the Bosnian Army. Encouraged by his reception at Cannes, and now in Sarajevo, Tanović is optimistic about his film's chances to reach a wider audience: I think I managed [to make my point], because after the Cannes projection, there were some people coming to me from Bangladesh who just told me, "You know, we have the same kind of problems in our country. And there were some people from Pakistan who were saying he same things. And then the Japanese went to see the film, and MGM/United Artists bought it. So you know, I think everybody understood the message. They certainly understood it on opening night in Sarajevo. After the screening, however, many filmgoers were shocked to hear a series of ear-shattering explosions above them. Their fears were allayed when they looked up and saw a beautiful fireworks show. Perhaps not a tasteful tribute, but a fitting one-and a powerful reminder of the simple pleasure of being able to sit outside on a warm summer night and watch a good feature film. Ilya MarritzSource: http://www.kinoeye.org/01/02/marritz02.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 28 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6024/1/H-Dogodilo-se-na-danasnji-dan.html DOGODILO SE NA DANASNJI DANMoj HThinet - http://moj.hinet.hrÂhttp://moj.hinet.hr/sarhiv.asp?dan=14&mjesec=5&time=Potra%9Ei&sercat=vremeplovÂ- 1998.: Umro Frank Sinatra1998. američka pjevačka i glumačka legenda Frank Sinatra, jedan od najvećih pjevaća ovog stoljeća, preminuo je u 82. godini života od srčanog udara. Sinatra je bio živuće utjelovljenje američkog "Showmana", ali i prilično kontroverzna ličnost izvan pozornice.ÂSin talijanskog emigranta, rođen je 12. prosinca 1915. u radničkoj obitelji. Kao mladić počinje se baviti glazbom, prvo u maloj skupini, a zatim samostalno. Postepeno niže uspjehe i privlači milijune djevojaka. No, procvat rocka zadaje ozbiljan udarac njegovoj karijeri. Sinatra tada kreće u filmske vode i dobiva ulogu u filmu "Odavde do vječnosti", za koju osvaja Oscara za najbolju sporednu ulogu 1953. Od tada se paralelno bavi glumačkim i pjevačkim poslom. Autor je stotinjak albuma, a nastupio je u 58 filmova. Poput prave "zvijezde" čitavog je života punio stranice žutog tiska svojim brakovima, avanturama, navodnim vezama s mafijom i svojom sklonošću piću.Â- 1974.: Umro slikar Ljubo Babić1974. umro je hrvatski slikar Ljubo Babić. Slikao je portrete, kompozicije, pejzaže, studije i mrtve prirode, primjenjujući raznovrsne slikarske i grafičke tehnike. Vrijedan je doprinos dao i kao scenograf zagrebačkom kazalištu, ostvarivši nekoliko stotina scenografskih postava u drami, operi i baletu. Opremio je i ilustrirao mnogobrojne knjige, radio nacrte za plakate, interijere i predmete umjetničkoga obrta. Ljubo Babić rođen je 14. lipnja 1890. u Jastrebarskom.Â- 1944.: Rođen redatelj George Lucas1944. u Modestu u Californiji, rođen je George Lucas, najznačajnija pojava u američkom filmu osamdesetih godina 20. stoljeća. Komentirajući svoj film "Američki grafiti", Lucas ga naziva avangardnim ostvarenjem koje je, srećom, postalo hit, pa je zahvaljujući tom uspjehu, mnogim drugim redateljima dopušteno raditi takve male filmove. Za Lucasa je važno spomenuti i to da je on jedini holivudski redatelj koji je, nakon što je dobio golemi postotak od zarade "Američkih grafita", pozvao sve članove ekipe i podijelio im čekove u znak zahvalnosti na njihovom trudu. Isto je učinio i nakon uspjeha "Ratova zvijezda", čija čarolija neće izgubiti snagu niti u 21. stoljeću.- 1940.: Razoren Rotterdam1940. stotinjak njemačkih bombardera okomilo se na nezaštićeni grad Rotterdam, zasulo ga razornim bombama i pretvorilo ga u ruševine i pustoš. Nizozemska se vlada potom premjestila u London i objavila da nastavlja rat protiv Njemačke, unatoč tome što je nizozemska vojska kapitulirala pred nacističkim snagama.Â- 1922.: Rođen državnik i povjesničar Franjo Tuđman1922. u Velikom Trgovišću rodio se Franjo Tuđman, državnik i povjesničar. Od 1941. sudjeluje u antifašističkom pokretu u sjeverozapadnoj Hrvatskoj. Početkom 1945. odlazi u Beograd gdje radi u "Glavnoj personalnoj upravi Ministarstva narodne obrane", u Generalštabu JNA i uredništvu "Vojne enciklopedije". U Beogradu završava i studij na Višoj vojnoj akademiji. Potkraj 1960. promaknut je u čin generala, ali 1961. na osobni zahtjev napušta aktivnu vojnu službu da bi se posvetio znanstvenom i spisateljskom radu. U Zagrebu 1961. osniva Institut za historiju radničkog pokreta, a 1965. doktorirao je povijesne znanosti. Od 50-ih objavljuje veći broj rasprava i članaka iz povijesnih znanosti, vojne teorije i međunarodnih odnosa. Njegovi tekstovi s područja vojne doktrine o osvajačkim i oslobodilačkim ratovima, u kojima je, polazeći s gledišta da svaki narod treba imati svoju oružanu silu, zastupao koncepciju naoružanog naroda i teritorijalne obrane, postali su predmet kritike pobornika centralističko-hegemonističkih shvaćanja i optužaba zbog nemarksističnosti i nacionalizma. Protivljenje nametanju kompleksa krivice hrvatskome narodu zbog NDH u 2. svjetskom ratu s obzirom na antifašističku borbu, te kritika preuveličavanja jasenovačkih žrtava izložile su ga političkim, a zatim i sudskim progonima te zatvaranjima.1989. osniva Hrvatsku demokratsku zajednicu i postaje njezinim predsjednikom. Nakon pobjede HDZ-a na prvim demokratskim izborima, u Saboru je 30. svibnja 1990. izabran za predsjednika predsjedništva tada još Socijalističke Republike Hrvatske. Nakon donošenja novog demokratskog Ustava Republike Hrvatske (1990.) u kolovozu 1992. izabran je za predsjednika Republike Hrvatske. Umro je 10. prosinca 1999.Â- 1686.: Rođen fizičar Gabriel FahrenheitU Gdansku je 1686. rođen njemački fizičar Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit. 1714. usavršio je termometar napunivši ga živom umjesto alkoholom. Fahrenheitova termometarska skala ima 180 stupnjeva, dok je po Celzijusu podijeljena na 100 stupnjeva. Ta se skala općenito upotrebljava u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama i Engleskoj. Fahrenheit je umro 1736.Â- 1643.: Umro kralj Louis XIII1643. umro je francuski kralj Louis XIII. Kralj je bio od 1610. Do punoljetnosti, 1617., regentkinja je njegova majka Marija Medici.ÂOd 1624. politiku zemlje vodi Richelieu, a od 1643. Mazarin. Louisa XIII naslijedio je Louis XIV, koji je 1643. imao samo pet godina, a Francuskom je vladao tek od 1661., nakon Mazarinove smrti.ÂLouis XIII. rodio se 1601. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 14 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6026/1/EH-Follow-the-mouse---Slijedi-misa.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6025/1/EH-Test-Your-reflexes---Testiraj-svoje-reflekse.html Test your Response time!Testiraj svoje reflekse!Click on "Start" first, and wait until the background color changes. As soon as it changes, hit "stop"!Kliknite "start" i cekajte dok se pozadina u kutiji ne promijeni.Cim se promijeni kliknite "stop" letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6027/1/E-Two-thousand-fans-greet-Oscar-award-winner-in-Sarajevo.html ÂTwo thousand fans greet Oscar-award winner Danis Tanovic in downtown SarajevoÂFri Apr 5, 2002ÂÂSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Some 2,000 people gathered Friday on Sarajevo's main downtown square to cheer Danis Tanovic, the writer-director who won Biosnia's first Academy Award.ÂÂÂÂÂ"I'm happy and calm because I came back home. I simply came back home to my parents, my friends and my people," Tanovic said, taking his Oscar out of his backpack and holding it up for the crowd to see.ÂÂTanovic, 33, whose film, "No Man's Land," won this year's Oscar for best foreign-language film, arrived in his hometown to accept on Saturday the city's annual "April 6" award - given to citizens who make distinguished contributions to society. The "April 6" award is in honor of the city's liberation from Nazi Germany on that day in 1945.ÂÂ"No Man's Land," a satire of the 1992-95 Bosnian war that devastated the country, won a total of 42 film awards, including a Golden Palm award at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival (news - web sites), before being nominated for the Academy of Motion Picture's Oscar.ÂÂThe violent war satire is about enemy soldiers - one Bosnian and one Serb - trapped together in a battlefield trench. It captures the absurdity of the war, the cruelty of ethnic hatred and the ineffectiveness of United Nations (news - web sites) forces during the conflict.ÂÂThe dlrs 1 million budget film was shot on location in neighboring Slovenia, as filming in postwar Bosnia proved too risky. The film's lead roles were played by Branko Djuric, a native Sarajevan, and Rene Bitorajac, who was born in Zagreb, Croatia.ÂÂTanovic left Bosnia in 1994 and now lives in Paris.ÂÂOp-edÂFew days ago, I spoke with Cedo Kolar, producer of the film from his studio in Paris. He sent his greetings to CROWN subscribers. Support the film in few months, when it comes out on DVDÂÂNenad BachÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6028/1/E-Chicago-World-Music-Festival.html Âhttp://www.ci.chi.il.us/WorldMusic/ÂÂDepartment of Cultural AffairsÂChicago Cultural CenterÂ78 E. Washington StreetÂChicago, IL 60602ÂAttention: World Music Festival: Chicago 2002ÂÂWorld Music Festival hotline: 312-742-1938ÂÂChicago Cultural Center hotline: 312-744-6630ÂÂTo email festival organizers: WorldMusic@cityofchicago.orgÂFor email regarding this website, please include "website" in the subject line.ÂÂFor information about educational programs, email Melissa Bauer,ÂEducation Coordinator: melbauer@rcnchicago.comÂÂFor sponsorship information, callÂEileen Friestad, Development Director:Â312-744-5905ÂÂOp-edÂWe should be present on such festivals, not just in the audience but ON THE STAGE.ÂnbÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 26 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6029/1/E-Bosnia-Herzegovina-Wins-OSCAR.html  Danis Tanovic Wins Oscar !The lead roles were played by Branko Djuric, a native Sarajevan, and Rene Bitorajac, who was born in Zagreb, Croatia.'No Man's Land' Claims Foreign OscarÂMon Mar 25,12:09 AM ETÂBy ANTHONY BREZNICAN, AP Entertainment WriterÂLOS ANGELES (AP) - Bosnia-Herzegovina's violent war satire "No Man's Land" claimed the Academy Award for best foreign language film Sunday, an artistic triumph for a nation still recovering from its devastating ethnic civil war of the 1990s.The movie, about enemy soldiers - one Bosnian and one Serb - trapped together in a battlefield trench was the only film produced by that country last year. It upset France's feel-good "Amelie," which was considered the favorite with five Oscar nominations, but won none."Wow," said writer-director Danis Tanovic, who trained on the front lines of the 1992-95 war as a documentary filmmaker. "This is for my country. To Bosnia."Tanovic has said he wanted to highlight the absurdity of the war, the cruelty of ethnic hatred and the ineffectiveness of United Nations (news - web sites) forces during the conflict.The movie was shot over six weeks in Slovenia because filming in Bosnia was too risky. The lead roles were played by Branko Djuric, who was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Rene Bitorajac, who was born in Zagreb, Croatia.Yugoslavia began to unravel along ethnic lines during the reign of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic (news - web sites).Bosnia-Herzegovina voted for independence from the former Yugoslavia in March 1992, but Serb and Croat militias fought Muslims to contest the vote; on Nov. 21, 1995, the Dayton accords ended the war. The new state is made up of two statelets - the Croat-Muslim federation and a small Serb republic.Other foreign film nominees were Argentina's "Son of the Bride," Norway's "Elling" and India's "Lagaan."Bosnians Exult in Oscar WinÂMon Mar 25, 8:13 AM ETÂBy AIDA CERKEZ-ROBINSON, Associated Press WriterÂSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) - Like most Sarajevans, retired electrician Zijo Sahovic went to bed long before the Academy Awards (news - web sites) ceremony was over."Nothing nice ever happens to us," Sahovic, 64, said fatalistically.But Monday dawned with big news for Bosnia: Writer-director Danis Tanovic won the Oscar - and the admiration of a nation - for best foreign-language film for "No Man's Land," a satire of the 1992-95 war that devastated the country."I knew it! I knew it!" an exultant Sahovic told his neighbors as they headed to work in a heavy spring snowfall."No, you didn't. You just hoped, like everybody else," came the reply.Tanovic was the talk of the town on the streets of Sarajevo, where people seemed eager for some good news in a city still struggling to recover from years of bloody conflict."I'm so happy, as if I received the Oscar," said Dzemal Kovac, 40, who sells vegetables at one of the city's open markets. "It's time for the world to see that not all Bosnians who go west are refugees, but that there are some good and successful people here."Tanovic's violent war satire is about enemy soldiers - one Bosnian and one Serb - trapped together in a battlefield trench. It captures the absurdity of the war, the cruelty of ethnic hatred and the ineffectiveness of United Nations (news - web sites) forces during the conflict.His father, Mevludin Tanovic, and mother, Hatidza, watched the Oscar ceremony live on Bosnian state television, and reporters massed outside their home in the morning."Danis fulfilled all of our expectations," Mevludin Tanovic said. "We invested everything we had into his education. That education, along with an empty suitcase, is all Danis took with him when he left Bosnia. I think Danis achieved a global idea which everybody could recognize, from Cannes to Berlin to Los Angeles.""Your anti-war movie ... represents a message for all of us living here," Bosnia's three-member presidency said in a statement congratulating Tanovic for "the biggest success in the history of our filmmaking."Bosnian Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija sent a letter to the filmmaker, who got his start making documentary films on the front lines of the war, expressing Bosnians' pride that "No Man's Land" has won international acclaim."The crown came with the Oscar, and Tanovic is an example of talent and determination never having lost a battle," Lagumdzija said.Tanovic, who left Bosnia in 1994 and now lives in Paris, made the film on a budget of $1 million, tiny by Hollywood standards. It was shot over six weeks in Slovenia because filming in Bosnia was too risky. The lead roles were played by Branko Djuric, a native Sarajevan, and Rene Bitorajac, who was born in Zagreb, Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6030/1/E-Suzana-Peric-and-Oscar-for-the-Lord-Of-The-Rings.html ÂÂAs I am writing this Howard Shore is receiving an OSCAR for Original Score in the film "Lord Of The Rings"ÂÂGuess who co-produced the CD? Our Suzana Peric from New York.ÂÂCongratulations Suzana ! You deserve recognition.ÂÂNenadÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 24 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6031/1/EH-Winners-of-the-Crni-Macak-awards-named.html ÂIzvor: http://www.online.hr/_clanak.asp?id=63973&kategorija=659ÂÂsubota, 23.03.2002 10:02:07ÂObjavljeni dobitnici nagrade "Crni macak"ÂNOVINARSKU rock-nagradu "Crni macak" za najbolji album godine "SonicÂBullets - 13 From The Hip" dobila je grupa "The Bambi Molesters", zaÂnajbolju pjesmu godine "Put ka sreci" Goran Bare i Placenici, a dodijeljeneÂsu im sinoc na rock spektaklu u športskoj dvorani "Andrije Hebranga" uÂBjelovaru.ÂÂRijecka grupa "Let 3" najbolji je rock izvodac, dok je najbolji hip hopÂizvodac grupa "TBF".ÂÂPobjednik u kategoriji izvodaca elektronske glazbe je "Boxer", a uÂkategoriji vokala Jadranka Bastajic - Yaya.ÂÂNajboljim instrumentalistom proglašen je Krunoslav Levacic.ÂÂNagrada za najbolji omot za album pripada autoru Ivici Baricevicu za albumÂ"Sonic Bullets - 13 From The Hip", dok je najbolji glazbeni producent EdiÂCukeric za isti album.ÂÂU posebnim kategorijama bile su dodijeljene nagrade za najvecu nadu koju suÂosvojili "Yammat", a najbolji web site ima grupa "Pips Chips & Video Clips".ÂÂNagrada savjetodavnog vijeca "Stari macak" dodijeljena je Piku Stancicu.ÂÂNagrade su dodijeljene nakon dvoipolsatnog koncerta na kojemu su uzÂnominirane nastupili i "Hladno pivo", "Psihomodo Pop", Urban, "Mile iÂPutnici".ÂÂZa atmosferu i dobro raspoloženje pobrinuo se ovogodišnji Master ofÂCeremony, poznati hip hop izvodac El Bahattee. Nagradeni su, uz kipic "CrnogÂmacka", dobili i bonus - po gajbu piva.ÂÂ"Crni macak" ove je godine dodijeljen peti put, a prijašnje su dodjele bileÂu Cakovcu, Varaždinu, Rijeci i Zagrebu.ÂÂO pobjednicima tradicionalno je odlucivalo glasacko tijelo sastavljeno odÂnovinara, a glasovali su za najznacajnije izvodace rock i ostale urbaneÂglazbe, za njihova izdanja objavljena u Hrvatskoj, kao i za ostalaÂdostignuca s podrucja hrvatske rock i urbane kulture.ÂÂU prepunoj bjelovarskoj dvorani, uz brojne novinare i kulturne djelatnikeÂbili su, medu ostalima, gradonacelnica Bjelovara Ðurda Adlešic, ministarÂobrane Jozo Radoš i ministar vanjskih poslova RH Tonino Picula.ÂÂÂSaturday March 23, 2002ÂÂThe recipients of the Crni Macak Award AnnouncedÂThe media's "Crni Macak" (Black Cat) rock-award for the year's best albumÂ"Sonic Bullets - 13 from the Hip" went to the Bambi Molesters, and for bestÂsong went to Goran Bare i Placenici "Put Ka Sreci", and were awarded duringÂlast night's rock spectacle in the Andrija Hebran Sports Arena in Bjelovar.ÂÂRijeka's "Let 3" was awarded best rock producer, while the best Hip HopÂproducer went to "TBF".ÂÂThe winner for best producer of electronica went to "Boxer" and best in theÂvocals category went to Jadranka Bastajic - Yaya.ÂÂKrunoslav Levacic was awarded best intrumentalist.ÂÂThe award for best album cover went to Ivica Baricevic for the album "SonicÂBullets - 13 from the Hip", while the award for musical producer went to EdiÂCukeric for the same albumÂÂIn other categories, awards went out for the best hope, won by Yammat, andÂto Pips Chips and Videoclips for best website.ÂÂThe advisory council's "Stari Macak" award was given to Pika StanicicÂÂAwards were handed out after a two and a half hour concert in which HladnoÂPivo, Phihimodo Pop, Urban and Mile i Putnici performed along with theÂnominees.ÂÂThis year's Master of Ceremonies, well-known Hip Hop producer, El BahateeÂwas responsible for the good times and atmosphere. The winners, along withÂthe "Crni Macak" statue, also received a bonus - a crate of beer.ÂÂThis year the "Crni Macak" was awarded for the fifth time, and previousÂceremonies were held in Cakovec, Varazdin, Rijeka, and Zagreb.ÂÂThe winner is traditionally decided by a voting body comprised ofÂjournalists, who voted for the best rock producers and other urban music,Âfor their works released in Croatia, as well as other achievements inÂCroatian rock and urban culture.ÂÂIn the completely full Bjelovar sports arena, along with numerousÂjournalists and cultural persons, among whom were the mayor of Bjelovar,ÂDurdica Adlesic, Defense Minister Jozo Rados, and Foreign Affairs MinisterÂTonino PiculaÂÂTranslated by Marko PuljicÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6032/1/E-For-Oscar-the-accents-on-box-office.html ÂÂFor Oscar, the accent's on box officeÂWed Mar 20, 4:10 AM ETÂBy Adam DawtreyÂÂLONDON (Variety) - Forget arthouse: For the past three years, the foreign-language Oscar has been won by a global blockbuster.ÂÂÂÂÂSo history would suggest that French romantic comedy "Amelie," with a worldwide gross of $134 million, will follow the path to the podium previously trodden by "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Life Is Beautiful."ÂÂFrom the U.S. perspective, this year's other four contenders -- Argentina's "Son of the Bride," Norway's "Elling," Bosnia's "No Man's Land" and India's "Lagaan" -- look like weaklings by comparison. Yet in the context of their own countries, they're all box office behemoths, too.ÂÂWar-ravaged Bosnia, for example, hardly has any cinemas left, so the $215,000 earned there by "No Man's Land" is an extraordinary achievement.ÂÂIn Norway, "Elling" is the all-time No. 1 local picture. "Son of the Bride" was Argentina's biggest local movie in 2001. "Lagaan," despite its daunting 223-minute running time, came in at No. 3 in India.ÂÂThese four still have some distance to go on their international travels, and therefore much to gain commercially from an Oscar victory. For "Amelie," it's just a matter of pride.ÂÂWriter/director Jean-Pierre Jeunet's movie has already traveled wider than any other French picture. Its boffo figures in Germany and Spain ($14 million and $7 million, respectively) might not have beaten the record for a Gallic pic set by "Asterix and Obelix versus Caesar," but Jeunet's charmer also wowed the crowds in territories where Asterix never managed to get his passport stamped -- the U.S. ($29 million), the U.K. ($7 million) and Japan ($8 million). It also has opened in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, territories where few French pictures ever open.ÂÂ"Amelie" achieved its success despite being snubbed by the Cannes Film Festival (news - web sites) last year. It was the French theatrical release in April that set the tone.ÂÂIn contrast, Cannes was the making of "No Man's Land," which earned an eight-minute standing ovation and the script prize. "Cannes created this film and this director," said Paris-based producer Cedomir Kolar.ÂÂNonetheless, it's a tough movie -- an ironic drama about the war in Bosnia -- and its box office beyond home turf reflects that.ÂÂThe French-Italian-Belgian-British-Slovenian co-production won a Cesar Award in France for best first film; in Belgium the prize for best Belgian film; and in Italy it has been adopted as the country's Oscar standard-bearer after Nanni Moretti's "The Son's Room" failed to secure a nomination.ÂÂ"We say that 'No Man's Land' is really no man's film," laughs Kolar.ÂÂThe French release, on Sept. 19, was overshadowed by the events of Sept. 11, but the film still ended up with a healthy $900,000. In Italy two weeks later, however, its thunder was stolen by the remarkable run of Afghan movie "Kandahar," and "Land" bagged $400,000.ÂÂ"The Oscar nomination has probably helped us sell the film in smaller territories, such as Portugal, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan," said Joy Wong of sales agent the Works. "Box office figures have been O.K., not fantastic, for this sort of film."ÂÂExcept, of course, in the former Yugoslavia, where the movie is set. It has broken records in Slovenia and Serbia as well as Bosnia itself.ÂÂThe only blip -- an ironic legacy of the conflict that is the subject of the film -- was Croatia, where it grossed just $16,000 even though both lead actors are local boys.ÂÂ"The distributor was great, but nobody else followed," said Kolar. "I think it was jealousy of the neighbor, the former brother."ÂÂ"Elling" has yet to open anywhere beyond Scandinavia, where it has put in the best-ever performance by a Norwegian movie, grossing a combined $5.9 million across those territories.ÂÂAfter topping the charts in Argentina last year, "Son of the Bride" is now running strongly, with a $4 million gross in Spain, where Latin American movies routinely fail. The picture's Spanish takings surged 60% higher in the weekend after the Oscar nominations. Sony Classics opens the film March 22 Stateside.ÂÂWhich just leaves "Lagaan." The Indian picture -- a kind of Bollywood-Merchant Ivory hybrid -- has played strongly both in India and in Bollywood theaters in the U.S. and U.K., but has yet to cross over to a non-ethnic audience. Sony Classics has picked it up for a Stateside re-release, and the studio will roll it out across the rest of Europe in May.ÂÂReuters/VarietyÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 21 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6035/1/E-Croatian-singer-Tajci-Tatiana-on-TV-Sunday.html ÂTatiana Cameron formerly Matejas, along with her husband Matthew and herÂsister Sanja will be on EWTN this sunday at 11pm ET or 8 pm PT onÂchannel number 261 DISH NETWORK SATELLITE Television network. EWTN isÂalso on some cable networks or on the website: EWTN.COM on liveÂstreaming video. The program is called Life on the Rock, this is MotherÂAngelica's Catholic network. She sings with her sister during the showÂand her 18 month old son Dante is also on for part of the 1 hour longÂprogram.ÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6034/1/E-Go-Support-Harrison-Flowers-THIS-WEEKEND-Why-Read.html ÂDragi Nenad,ÂÂPozdrav iz Los Angelesa.ÂIt is great that you guys put this story:Â- (E) An American in Vukovar in "Harrison's Flowers"-Âon the CroWorld site.ÂÂI work for Universal Pictures and Universal Focus whoÂis doing North American distribution of the movieÂ"Harrison Flowers". The movie is rather properlyÂbalanced regarding the Serbian aggression and horrorsÂof Vukovar. I asked our publicity here also to linkÂan offical web site of the city of Vukovar to theÂfilm's official site which they did.ÂYou can check the film's official web site atÂhttp://www.harrisons-flowers.com/Âand Vukovar's site is under Links and News section.ÂThe movie is opening on 500 screens this weekend andÂwho ever goes to the film's web site would be able toÂget to the Vukovar's web site and see originalÂCroatian perspective...ÂBog,ÂÂIgor KovacevichÂUniversal Pictures/Universal Focus AcqusitionsÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6033/1/E-MUST-SEE-THIS-WEEKEND-Harrisons-Flowers.html ÂI noticed the submission from my friend Igor Kovacevic to go see Harrison's Flowers. Well, I just got backÂfrom a 10pm Friday night showing at a multiplex that is a 10 minute drive from San Pedro (where nearlyÂ30,000 Croatians live) and aside from my wife and I there were only 4 other people in the theater.ÂI implore all Croatians to go support this film. I must warn you that it can be a difficult and emotionalÂfilm for us to watch, but it will be a crying shame if we choose to ignore this film -- especially in light ofÂthe fact that we are consistently frustrated by how the media has depicted the war.ÂÂÂIt is a must see picture for Croatians!ÂÂAside from a couple of references, this film would be accused of being Croatian propaganda if it wereÂmade by one of our filmmakers (the director is French). The West never wanted this type of story told. ItÂsomehow better suited them to paint us all with the same brush as they sat on the side and made smugÂcomments about how equally barbaric we all were.ÂÂIt is interesting because it has become so politically correct in Western media to keep a balancedÂperspective with regard to the war that I was actually shocked by some of the images of SerbianÂatrocities and by comments of the film's characters regarding Serbian brutality. Funny, I am neverÂshocked when a film depicts Nazis in this way. How gratifying and courageous for a filmmaker to putÂaside political correctness and show the true aggression perpetrated by the Serbs in Croatia.ÂÂBravo to Harrison's Flowers and shame on us if we don't support it!ÂÂOp-edÂÂI saw the movie last night. There were few viewers at 9:35 at night in New York.ÂFilm DESERVES our FULL SUPPORT. Period. If we couldn't make such a film (and that is criticism to ourÂÂfilm industry. Big one. Big failure so far), then GO and Support someone's else effort.ÂThere are few sentences that we would like to edit, but the film is THE BEST so far. Vukovar and whatÂreally happened there. We are forgetting it with the speed of light. It is only 11 years and not 11 centuriesÂsince it happened. Nothing big happening on the WAR REPARATION front. Not to go too deep into theÂsubject: Please invite your friend and go to support the film. Through poetic love story, we see the worstÂand the best of the human race.ÂÂI will go to see the film AGAIN, inviting others. Not that it was easy to get up at 9 pm, when you want toÂrest at home with the family. Believe me. But if we all do not take AN EXTRA MILE, nothing will happen in our lifetime.ÂÂAll Croatian RADIO STATIONS should promote the film. All Croatian NEWSPAPERS as well as TV stations. Plus we should do more to thank the creators of the film and the actual heros who went through the hell of war, for us to be able to live to this moment to see some truth on the screen.ÂÂbest,ÂÂNenad BachÂEditor in chiefÂCROWNÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6036/1/E-An-American-in-Vukovar-in-Harrisons-Flowers.html ÂÂAn American in Vukovar:Â"Harrison's Flowers" by Elie ChouraquiÂÂÂWith this movie, which has now been released, the French film director Elie Chouraqui is presenting the first feature film with a plot unfolding on the background of the war which engulfed Croatia in 1991, and more particularly in the environs of Vukovar which was taken by the Serbian army and militias after a terrible siege that had lasted for three months. Although this is fiction, the film director has nevertheless managed to reconstitute the war scenes with gripping realism. An informed public will no doubt recognize the imposing documentary and reconstructive work that would have been needed in the making of the movie.ÂÂÂIn the fall of 1991, at the beginning of Serbian aggression on Croatia, Harrison Lloyd (played by David Strathairn), an American photographer employed by Newsweek, disappears in the environs of Vukovar, leaving behind him two children and his wife Sarah (Andie MacDowell) who refuses to believe that he is dead. She flies to Austria, rents a car, crosses the frontier and joins a groups of press photographers who are covering the conflict, among them Kyle (Adrian Brody), a friend of her husband's. Yeager Pollock (Elias Koteas), another colleague, soon joins them. Together, passing through all kinds of hardship, they visit the ruins of the Croatian martyr city that had been besieged, pounded, and soon invaded by the Belgrade army and Serbian militias. That is the stage setting.ÂÂÂIt is on this background that Chouraquie weaves his story, in which he brilliantly depicts the difficult profession of war correspondent. Concerning his choice of the war in Croatia, he explains: "Indeed, I took the example of Vukovar to show the hysterical folly of man. (...) In 1991, Vukovar was the first European city bombed out of existence since World War II. The Serbs pounded it for 80 days. They were obstinate in razing this 17th century city, so that the Croatian architectural genius would disappear from the face of the earth. The Serbs indulged in summary executions, in multiple atrocities, in extermination by grenades, in killing the wounded in the hospital. Everything shown in the movie appears in the report of the United Nations (...)". And in effect, the meticulousness that the film director shows in his effort to reconstitute faithfully the apocalyptic atmosphere reigning in the "Croatian Stalingrad" is truly disconcerting.ÂÂÂHarrison's Flowers is nevertheless fiction, as its creator rightly points out. Those who were hoping finally to see on the screen the epic of the famous "battle of Vukovar" will be disappointed. There is no trace of the heroic and by now legendary resistance of a small group of some thousand men crushed under the bombs, who succeeded, contrary to all expectations, to keep at bay an enemy that was vastly over equipped and numerically far superior. Certainly the script, already excellent, would without doubt have been even better for it. There are however moments where the director makes use of some historical references, albeit secondary ones, with precision and very realistically. Thus he has us experience again the capturing of the sadly famous Vukovar hospital by the Serbs, but without showing the deadly fate that was awaiting its two hundred wounded who later got buried some distance away, in the mass grave at Ovcara.ÂÂÂOn the other hand, while the fact that the film director deliberately chose to give the rank of characters only to the Western reporters undoubtedly serves to maintain a certain distance from the conflict, it nevertheless affords a better grasp of it a posteriori. The suggested identification with the main character, forcefully played by Andie MacDowell, is only made easier that way. Paradoxically, the rawness and the astounding realism of the war scenes are probably going to surprise the Western public, which generally remembers from the "ex-Yugoslav" war only the siege of Sarajevo, to which may have been recently added the NATO intervention in Kosovo. But the harshness of certain scenes reminds us in a brutal fashion, to what an extent the violence of the Serbian military campaign in Croatia, which took place already ten years ago, should not be considered as a simple foretaste of the Bosnian conflict, although the media did not pay as much attention to it.ÂÂÂStill, some stereotypes seem to be tenacious. Certain commentators, for whom the movie apparently did not really clarify things, even presented it as taking place in Bosnia, or even Serbia... Thus we were able to read recently, from under the circumspect pen of a movie critic, that Chouraqui erred on the side of excess, since, according to this critic, the war in Croatia "never reached" the intensity shown in the movie. When one knows that Vukovar, after only three months of shelling, remains the city where destruction has reached a degree unequaled in the entire region, one should have one's doubts about this.ÂÂÂBeyond its undeniable esthetic qualities, the great merit of Harrison's Flowers is perhaps precisely its success in mixing adroitly the fiction and the realism, where documentary endeavor advantageously provides substance for an original scenario loosely inspired by Isabel Ellsen's novel The Devil Prevails. While highlighting the risks that war correspondents face daily, Elie Chouraqui also chooses to remind us of the exorbitant price that a nation had to pay, at the dawn of the third millennium, and in the heart of Europe, in order to defend such legitimate and fundamental rights as independence and democracy.ÂÂÂTranslated from the French by Ivana Jeric and submitted by Hilda Foley.ÂÂÂÂÂOp-edÂAndie MacDowell just promoted the film on David Letterman show tonight (March 12, 2002)ÂnbÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Mar 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6037/1/E-A-fun-project-to-promote-Croatia.html ÂI visit a website called the International Movie DATABASE on a regular basisÂand which is located at www.imdb.com. If I see an actor on TV or the moviesÂI can pull up information on what films and shows they have worked, maybeÂread their bio see pictures, etc. This website gets a couple MILLION visitsÂa month.ÂÂWhat if we began a project to find all actors and actresses of CroatianÂorigin, and submit to the database people an e-mail saying that person is ofÂCroatian heritage. What if we could go further and provide biographicalÂinformation. We could read the submission details for photos, and submitÂsome thus filling out the database.ÂÂCase in point:ÂÂTiger Joe Marsh (Joe Marusic) was a wrestler, actor and the original modelÂfor Mr. Clean. On the International Movie Database it lists his name, placeÂand date of birth and place and date of death, and no mention of him beingÂCroatian: http://us.imdb.com/Name?Marsh,+Tiger+Joe Vladimir Novak publishedÂan article about him in Matica. We have it on our website:Âhttp://midwest-croatians.org/archives/mrclean.html What if we could get Mr.ÂNovak to forward his article to the editors of the website, so his biographyÂis online.ÂÂThe same goes for John Northpole: http://us.imdb.com/Name?Northpole,+John IÂthink Vladimir Novak wrote something about him in Matica too...ÂÂOn a positive note, there's also someone we know in the movie database:Âhttp://us.imdb.com/Name?Bach,+Nenad It does mention his Croatian homeland :)ÂÂFinally, look at some of our neighbors:ÂÂhttp://us.imdb.com/Name?Malden,+KarlÂhttp://us.imdb.com/Name?Davidovich,+LolitaÂhttp://us.imdb.com/Name?Bogdanovich,+PeterÂÂThe point is, we can promote Croatia anytime, provided we keep our eyes openÂfor the right opportunity. It does not and would not take a lot of effort toÂsend e-mails, in this case saying an actor/actress is of Croatian heritage.ÂEven those few words can help a lot!ÂÂ-MarkoÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 27 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6038/1/E-Visnjic-TONIGHT-on-ABC-in-Practical-Magic.html ÂGoran Visnjic is appearing as Nicole Kidman's abusive boyfriend in the dark comedy "Practical Magic" 1998 playing on ABC TV tonight, Feb. 25th, at 9 pm Eastern Time.ÂÂÂÂDistributed by www.CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,Âplease delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6021/1/E-Fun-for-Goran-Visnjic.html ÂIf brooding Luka lacks direction, Visnjic does not.From Newsday. John Kraljic*************************************Bad Blood Gives Life to 'ER' DocBy Robert KahnSTAFF WRITERFebruary 19, 2003Bad times for Dr. Luka Kovac mean fun for Goran Visnjic.After fading into the background in the early part of "ER's" ninthseason, Visnjic's sullen physician has, in a short span, met a hooker,lost a patient and nearly killed a med student."Bad news for Luka is good news for Goran, as an actor," the 30-year-oldVisnjic said the other day in Manhattan as a group of women at theRihga's hotel bar tried to pretend they weren't looking at him."Luka's really misplaced now and he's looking for answers in the wrongplaces - sex and drinking, that kind of stuff," Visnjic says. "At thebeginning of the season, there were a lot of episodes which were notvery interesting for me. So this is a real payoff."If brooding Luka lacks direction, Visnjic does not.He knows what he wants to do when his "ER" contract is up in two years:Direct theater in Croatia, where most of his family still lives. And heknows how he wants to spend his spare time now: horseback riding,catching up with TV documentaries about space exploration and supportinghis pet causes, like animal rights.He's featured in an ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animalsappearing in Eastern Europe, with his pug, Bugsy. The caption on the ad:"If you wouldn't wear your dog, please don't wear any fur.""That ad has provoked a lot of people, which is great," he says. "Hey,you can't hate my dog." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 22 Feb 2002 07:00:00 +0000