http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A letters@croatia.org Sat, 02 May 2026 04:09:28 +0000 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11439/1/Financial-support-for-projects-of-interest-to-returnees-and-immigrants-from-the-Croatian-diaspora-2025.html The Croatian Ministry of Demography and Immigration has announced a public call worth 200,000 Eur, inviting non-profit organisations and individuals to apply for financial support for projects of interest to returnees and immigrants from the Croatian diaspora. Applications can be submitted over the next month, until 17 March 2025. The Ministry is prepared to provide financial support for projects that foster cooperation with the Croatian diaspora to encourage return migration. On the photo, ladies from Croatian Woman Society in Chicago, founded in 1929. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11361/1/MICROBLINK-a-mobile-vision-software-development-company-founded-in-Croatia-in-2012.html Microblink is a mobile vision software development company. BlinkID enables scanning of over 100 international identity documents including driving licenses, national identity cards, passports and others. PDF417 SDK or WEB API enables scanning and parsing 1D and 2D barcodes such as QR, PDF417, and others. PhotoPay SDK captures payment information from standardized and non-standard payment slips and it's often used in mobile banking apps. BlinkReceipt SDK captures raw OCR data or structured information from retail receipts. This technology grew out from experience accumulated from PhotoMath, created by Jurica Cerovec and his colleagues in Croatia's capital Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Thu, 22 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11206/1/Croatian-Post-successfully-made-its-first-drone-delivery-in-Feb-2020.html The drone flew autonomously, from the Zadar port of Ga¾enica to Preko on the island of Ugljan at a speed of 35 km/h, for about 12 minutes. This flight is a part of a pilot project with the Croatian company AIR-RMLD which develops commercial and industrial services using drones. Drones have already proved their usefulness in crisis situations, for example, when medicine or antidotes needed to be delivered in hard to reach areas. Today, Croatian Post is testing smart solutions faster and more often than ever before - from augmented reality goggles, pallet-carrier robots to electric vehicles and drones. On the photo, the city of Dubrovnik seen by a drone. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Thu, 20 Feb 2020 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 ®ubriniæ) Fri, 23 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11160/1/Nenad-Bach-promoting-his-World-Peace-In-One-Hour-program-at-MedILS-in-the-city-of-Split.html We want to present this project through four entries: first is art, music primarily, where we want to gather the orchestra with all instruments of the world. Sport is also very important so we plan to set up ping-pong tables at the airports all around the world with "World peace in one hour" and "Ping Pong Parkinson" written on the tables' edges." - Nenad Bach told and emphasized how through gastronomy and fashion we need to spread awareness of ability to achieve world peace as well as awareness of Parkinson's desease. Now, in the era of internet and social networks, it has never been easier. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Sat, 20 Jul 2019 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 ®ubriniæ) Wed, 22 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11049/1/Nenad-Bachs-article-World-Peace-in-One-Hour-published-by-the-Journal-of-Global-Health.html We, as the species that run the planet Earth, are at a crossroads of either self-destruction or an unimaginably progressive future as the Species of the Universe. Now is the time to make the right decision and focus our knowledge, resources, and talent towards the improvement of our lives on Mother Earth. Culture, Global Health, Education, Art, Science, Infrastructure, Environment, Music, Freedom of Expression, Beauty, and Wisdom will follow where there is no violence. Can you imagine unforeseen benefits? darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko ®ubriniæ) Tue, 06 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11003/1/Dina-Merhav-1491149715041492-150215121495148982068206-distinguished-Croatian-born-Israeli-sculptor-presented-by-Yoko-Nishii.html Dina Merhav is an international artist, born in 1936 in the city of Vinkovci, Croatia, whose works are in public and private collections throughout the globe. Her sculptures can be found in Mumbai, India, Geneve, Switzerland, Canada, USA and Europe. In Israel, her base and homeland, the sculptures are placed in parks, schools, industrial plants, and memorial sites. Her first individual exhibition outside of Israel took place in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 2013, in the Glyptotheque of HAZU (= Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts) Gallery in Zagreb. Later the same year, it has been welcomed in her native city of Vinkovci with great appreciation and love. yoko51415@yahoo.co.jp (Yoko Nishii) Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10867/1/Ivan-Mrvos-of-Croatia-designed-the-best-smart-street-bench-in-the-world.html Steora is the world's best street bench, and its designer is Ivan Mrvos from the town of Solin, Croatia. It provides phone charging and internet to users and beautifies the street. All powered by green solar energy. Steora is more than a bench. Steora is the future of cities. The benches are equipped with an independently developed wireless device charger and two smart USB connectors, providing fast charging for mobile devices whilst ensuring battery protection. Internet access is constantly available within a four-meter diameter of the bench, delivered by a superfast 4G mobile router. The product is exported to Australia, and the product is tested in the USA, Switzerland, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sat, 16 Jul 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 ®ubriniæ) Tue, 17 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 ®ubriniæ) Fri, 06 May 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 ®ubriniæ) Tue, 15 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10809/1/Mate-Rimac-lecturing-at-the-Stanford-University-about-the-Electric-Car-Industry-start-up-in-Croatia.html In January 11 2016, Mate Rimac had the honor to deliver a lecture about his Electric Car Startup in Croatia upon the invitation from the prestigious Stanford University, USA. The technological novelties of this company in Croatia, which now has about 150 employees (out of which only 5 foreigners), have raised enormous interest among global leaders in the field. The novelties are expected to have a big impact on the global production of cars and other vehicles in decades to come. Numerous excursions, professional and educational, are organized to the Rimac automobili co. near Croatia's capital Zagreb, including from Israel. Some of the principal investors come from China. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 19 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10805/1/Monaco-Police-testing-Croatian-Bikes--Greyp-Bikes-breakthrough-to-institutional-markets-worldwide.html Greyp Bikes is a sister company of the better known Rimac Automobili in Croatia. With its electric bicycle G12S the company Greyp Bikes has recently gained attention from a significant number of institutional buyers from around the world.  Among several interested parties coming from various continents, Police Department of Monaco stands out as the institution which has for some time been extensively testing the everyday usage of Greyp Bikes. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Tue, 16 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10786/1/Lovre-Stavun-linking-Croatia-and-Japan-via-his-native-city-of-Zadar.html Lovre ©tavun is a young Croatian tourist guide living in the city of Zadar, who is very fond of Japanese language and culture. It is even more impressive that he learned Japanese without visiting Japan yet! In his article, that he wrote in English and Japanese (sic!), he discusses the possibilities of offering completely new contents for tourists visiting Croatia, with emphasis on his native Zadar. "How many natural wonders does the country of Croatia possess, but those same wonders are rarely ever offered as something of value to Japanese tourists." lstavun@gmail.com (Lovre Stavun) Thu, 07 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10763/1/Cravat-man-Nicholas-B-Daddazio.html Nicholas B. Daddazio studies the necktie as an icon and symbol of Western culture, rather than a fashion statement. He is also the first artist in the four hundred year history of the cravat/necktie to make figurative and representational bronze sculptures of the necktie/cravat. The giant neckties can be displayed on walls, in corners, on doors, along a staircase, hung from the ceiling, or flung over a bed, piano, or couch. As everybody knows, the cravat, as a global fashion element, has Croatian roots from the 16th century, and even the name of the cravat is derived from the name of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Fri, 20 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10720/1/Josipa-Majic-from-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-is--founder--CEO-of-Teddy-the-Guardian-global-enterprise-.html Josipa Majic is the founder and CEO of Teddy the Guardian, Zagreb, Croatia, the first smart teddy bear on the market. During play, the teddy bear seamlessly captures the child's heart rate, saturation of blood with oxygen and body temperature, and wirelessly sends the data on a mobile app. This creates a truly child friendly experience for hospitals and home care. With specialization in medical technology, Majic's work places a special emphasis on a more human approach to patients and users. She has previous experience in delivering medical applications and wearable technology solutions. On the photo Josipa Majic and Ana Burica, Zagreb, authors of the idea of Teddy the Guardian. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10708/1/Mireo-co-from-a-small-village-of-Banjole-in-Croatia-outbid-Google-in-Dubai-with-their-navigational-tool.html Ivica Siladiæ, PhD in Math, is a founder of Mireo company in Croatia, in a beutiful village of Banjole on Croatia coast. Mireo's Genius Maps is a free application that installs on your mobile device. It's an offline route planning, exploration and navigation app that does not require a mobile internet connection to search and navigate. There are no roaming costs and your battery lasts longer. In 2014 Mireo's navigational program has been chosen to be used in Dubai. It is amazing that a small Croatian team of 25 employed experts outperformed Google. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Mon, 06 Jul 2015 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 Mihajloviæ) Thu, 22 Aug 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 ®ubriniæ) Sun, 30 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10358/1/Mate-Rimac-young-Croatian-inventor-created-the-fastest-electric-car-in-the-world.html Mate Rimac, young Croatian inventor, created the fastest electric car in the world rushing faster than 300 km/h. The U.S. TV Bloomberg ranked him in its list of "Best of 2012". The car has four electric motors with a total of 1088 horsepower. The Rimac Concept One utilizes a 92-kWh battery to power four sets of electric motors (one for each wheel). Each motor operates independently, accelerating and decelerating hundreds of times per second in what the brand calls “All-Wheel Torque Vectoring”. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10335/1/Zvonko-Viduka-Croatian-enterpreneur-selling-high-tech-products-in-35-countries-worldwide.html Since 2002 ALTPRO Ltd., founded and directed by Mr. Zvonko Viduka, has been included in the Railway Gazette – Railway Directory. Since June 2004 ALTPRO Ltd. has become a full member of UNIFE – The Association of the European Rail Industry, as the only non-EU firm admitted in the association. ALTPRO Ltd. is the only Croatian firm that has become a full member of an EU economic association. It is also a member of two working groups in Brussels and has been granted the CENELEC certificate. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (M.Sc. Marijan O¾aniæ) Sat, 27 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10282/1/Zagreb-Technopolis---Silicon-Valley-on-the-Sava-River-in-Croatia.html Zagreb Technopolis, or the Silicon Valley on the Sava River, is a large science and technology park of 236 000 m2 envisaged on the site of the never completed hospital. That would be the place of the future science and technology park for high-tech firms, an entrepreneurial zone for large productive enterprises, business schools and various accompanying facilities like multimedia halls, conference rooms, laboratories, banks, restaurants, kindergarten. Zagreb Technopolis won’t be just some large office area for accommodation of various big and small firms. It will be the place where entrepreneurs, companies and products for export will be developed, and new jobs opened. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (M.Sc. Marijan O¾aniæ) Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/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/10194/1/Incorporating-the-Diaspora-in-Contemporary-Croatian-Studies--The-Harriman-Institute.html This series of short presentations will introduce the exciting and dynamic developments at the University of Rijeka’s new campus, as well as outline the university’s goals for expanding international cooperation, exchange, and Croatian language education. There will also be a focus on how to strengthen cooperation and exchange between the University of Rijeka and Croatian émigré communities in the United States, including knowledge transfer, student exchanges, contributions of returning scholars, and development opportunities. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10111/1/8220Painting-with-the-Sea8221-photo-art-conceived-in-Croatia-by-Visnja--Marijan-Anic.html Vi¹nja and Marijan Aniæ from Croatia's capital Zagreb concevied a new photo art based on an intricate interplay between sea surface, light and the bottom of the sea. Dazzling sceneries discover a new world of amazing shapes and colors, captured through fascinating photos. This art is the art of nature of breathtaking beauty. Croatian coast with its very clean sea and exceptionally rich archipelago is ideal place for creating real masterpieces in this art. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko ®ubriniæ) Sun, 01 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9974/1/Sensational-Croatian-electric-car-launched-at-the-Geneva-Motor-Show-2010.html Dok-Ing is the Croatian producer of high-tech robots, primarily for the US military. It has recently launched an attractive electric mini-car with vertical-opening doors. It can achieve 130km/h, acceleration of 0-100km/h in 7.7s. After 8 hours connected to a 220V network it gets a full charge of its lithium-phosphate, and can travel up to 250km without having to plug it. Director Vjekoslav Majetiæ on the photo and design by Igor Juriæ. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 29 May 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/9764/1/Sime-Strikoman-millenium-photos-of-Croatia.html ©ime Strikoman is the author of a series of unusual photos representing various aspects of Croatia. For example The Kutjevo Wine Cellars celebrate 777 years of existence, so he made a millenium photo. Equaly interesting are his photos related to the island of Pag, towns of ©ibenik, Zadar, Biograd, Split, etc. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9723/1/Kimono-Croatia-worn-in-honour-of-Croatian-ambassador-Stambuks-birthday.html The winning silk kimono named Croatia has been made in Tokamachi in the memory of the Croatian national football team's presence during the World Cup 2002 in Japan. The Mayor's daughter has worn it for the Croatian ambassador's birthday. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9675/1/Martin-Kotarski-Croatian-pupil-winner-of-prestigious-humanitarian-award-in-Japan.html We are proud to report in more detail about prestigious Japanese humanitarian award conferred by the Goi Peace Foundation to Martin Kotarski, a very young Croatian student. Martin is on the photo with Natalija Juri¹iæ, his prof. The report has been prepared on the bases of material submitted upon our request by Martin himself, exclusively for the readers of the CROWN. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 20 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/9663/1/Dr-Slaven-Letica-If-Streets-Could-Talk-Kad-bi-ulice-imale-dar-govora.html If Croatian streets and squares could talk, what a thrilling story they could tell about the meaning of all the name changes, and the dramatic, bloody, and tragic history that lies beneath. In my book, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, I decided to "freeze history", at least for a brief moment. I gambled on posthumous recognition for my efforts, fully aware that any such appreciation in Croatia is always fleeting, and never long-lasting. slaven1947@gmail.com (Prof.Dr. Slaven Letica) Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9655/1/Croatian-pupil-Martin-Kotarski-and-Bill-Gates-awarded-in-Japan.html   Martin Kotarski, 14 years old Croatian pupil, and Bill Gates (both on the photo), are recipients of a recognition from the Goi Peace Foundation in Japan. Martin received Children's Category 1st Prize for his essay Joined by a Cookbook. He prepared a cookbook with traditional Croatian meals in order to get money for poor people of his school. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9590/1/Damir-Baeiae-Hrvatski-glazbeni-identitet---Discover-the-music-of-Croatia.html Svaka prilika za predstavljanje hrvatske glazbe u svijetu odlièna je prigoda i za promid¾bu hrvatske kulture, gospodarstva, gastronomije i svih ostalih oblika turistièke ponude. Ali i obratno, prepoznatljiva hrvatska glazbena ba¹tina uvijek bi trebala biti glazbena podloga predstavljanju bilo kojeg hrvatskog branda. damir.bacic@inet.hr (Damir Baèiæ) Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9346/1/Introducing-mobiExplore-Croatia.html A new mobile travel guide - mobiEXPLORE, developed in Split, Croatia, was officially presented. More than 300,000 tourists walk around Croatia with mobile guide in their hands, reserving table in a restaurant, booking room in a hotel, sightseeing, listening stories about sights. vedran@gideon.hr (Vedran Prazen) Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9223/1/Ivan-Krstiae-Harvard-Making-antivirus-software-obsolete.html  Instead of blocking specific viruses, Krstiæ's system sequesters every program on the computer in a separate virtual operating system, preventing any program from damaging the computer, stealing files, or spying on the user. "This defeats the entire purpose of writing a virus," says Krstiæ. hrabri.rajic@intel.com (Hrabri Rajiæ, Ph.D.) Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9142/1/Croatia-Citizen-journalists-to-play-a-big-role-in-cross-platform.html Europapress Holding has plans to launch "the New Medium" a revolutionary news project that will integrate a daily newspaper, a web portal, television shows, and mobile communications.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 14 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9125/1/Hawaiian-Fishponds-in-the-Adriatic.html Could traditional Croatian suhozid or dry stone construction, used to create fences in rocky areas of Croatia be adapted for Hawaiian style fish ponds along the Adriatic?    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9064/1/ProfDr-Marin-Soljacic-Wireless-technology-used-to-power-light-bulb.html   Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology made a 60 watt light bulb glow by sending it energy wirelessly - from a device 7 feet away - potentially heralding a future in which cellphones and other gadgets get their juice without having to be plugged in. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 08 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8960/1/Free-energy-technology-will-be-made-widely-available.html   Steorn has today announced that its free energy technology will be made widely available to the development community immediately after the independent scientific validation process that is currently underway. peter@scheltus.nl (Peter Scheltus) Fri, 23 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8958/1/Tesla-Motors-Selects-Site-For-Electric-Sedan-Factory.html Tesla Motors, the San Carlos, Calif., company that is marketing a $92,000 battery-powered roadster to boost the visibility of electric vehicles, said it had selected a site in Albuquerque for a factory to build a $50,000 electric passenger sedan.   c.mateo@verizon.net (Martin Cvjetkoviæ) Thu, 22 Feb 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/8807/1/Tesla-Motors---Electric-Car.html    With the Tesla Roadster, you get great acceleration and the highest energy efficiency at the same time. All while requiring no special driving skills to enjoy it. This makes the Tesla Roadster six times as efficient as the best sports cars while producing one-tenth of the pollution.   c.mateo@verizon.net (Martin Cvjetkoviæ) Sun, 12 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8762/1/MALA-HRVATSKA-TVRTKA-SA-MOGUAENOAEU-BRZOG-RASTA-TRAI-INVESTITORA.html Mala hrvatska tvrtka, sa moguæno¹æu brzog rasta, tra¾i investitora ili venture capital tvrtku zainteresiranu za ulaganje u Hrvatskoj. Investicija mo¾e biti izvedena na vi¹e naèina, ali na legalan naèin i posve transparentno. Zainteresirane molimo da se jave gospodinu Goranu Nikola¹eviæ, direktoru poduzeæa, putem e-mail adrese: dentamete@vip.hr Investitor mo¾e biti poslovni anðeo, druga tvrtka ili venture management kompanija. dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola¹eviæ) Thu, 26 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8756/1/A-brand-new-product-for-toothcare-toothbrushing-tablets-DENTAMETE.html BRONZE MEDAL FOR "DENTAMETE" ON ZAGREB AUTUMN TRADE FAIR 2006. I would like to introduce a brand new product for toothcare, toothbrushing tablets DENTAMETE. Dentamete are microbiologically and chemically tested and approved by Croatian public health institute. dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola¹eviæ) Sun, 22 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6467/1/E-Pisemo-Strategiju-Klapska-Pjesma-Cista-Energijaitd.html ÂPisemo Strategiju. LiderPress.hrÂKlapsko pjevanje, čista energija, razminiranje, itd..ÂKLAPSKA PJESMA - SVJETSKI FENOMENZa pravu studiju s konkretnim brojevima, trebalo bi preko 100 stranica i 6 mjeseci istrazivackog rada. Ovo je skoro pa tok misli, ali ponovljenih u mojoj glavi bezbroj puta.KLAPSKA PJESMA - SVJETSKI FENOMENZvuci Sredozemlja - Hrvatski Misticni Glasovi.Za ozbiljno predstavljanje svijetu kroz kuturu potreban je plan i to dugogodisnji. Recimo 10 godina za pocetak (za sada nema dugorocnih projekata ministarstva kulture). Klapsko pjevanje tada ima veliku mogucnost postati svjetski fenomen. Posljedice toga su viseslojne i ogromne. Od utrostrucenja turizma do samopouzdanja nacije. Po mom misljenju jedan od najsigurnijih pokusaja bi bio plasman Klapskog pjevanja u svijet. Kako to ostvariti?1. Vrhusko kvalitetna proizvodnja CDa (pogledajte primjerke SACDa Klape Sinj i Klape FA Lindjo - www.klapasinj.com )2. Distribucija tih CDa po svim kontinentima, ne samo Internetom vec i fizickim prisustvom na policama.3. Turneje Klapa s osmisljenim programom, osim a cappella pjevanja i u kombinaciji s drugim glazbenim formama.4. Kao primjer, na Americkom kontinentu bi se ta turneja odvijala dva puta na godinu i to samo u elitnim dvoranama. (primjer i matrica takvog kako programa tako i prostora je turneja Klape Sinj i Nenada Bacha u prosincu 2005-te organizirana kroz americke institucije. World Music Institute, The Kennedy Center i Chicago Cultural Center, www.nenadbach.com ili google nas).5. Sustavna promocija na radiju, TV,tisku, Internetu, plakatima i razglednicama prije i poslije koncerata. Uz svaki novi koncert promovira se i slijedeci.6. U glavnom opticaju se nalazi 10-tak pouzdanih Klapa, a privatne inicijative svih Klapa se isto tako podrzavaju.7. 100 mjesta na Jadranu na kojima se u ponoc odrzavaju koncerti od 30tak minuta ili vise po volji Klape, a Klapa je sponzorirana od grada, sela, mjesta, kako bi se popularizirala jedna autohtona kultura. Klapa pod voltom nastupa svaku ponoc, i prodaje svoje i tudje CDe Klapske pjesme, zaradjujuci i promovirajuci. 8. Danas Klape sve zajedno prodaju recimo 10.000 CD na godinu u Hrvatskoj. 10 miliona ljudi koji posjeti Hrvatsku, kad bi imali i prilike i kad bi Klapa bila eksponirana, bi kupili svaki po recimo 2-3 CDa. dakle prodaja se dize od 10.000 na 20-30 miliona. Ti isti CDi idu u svijet kreirajuci dodatnu promociju i publiku. Izvoz, cak i bez postarine. Ova mogucnost je totalno neiskoristena. Normalno, kvaliteta prozivoda bi se trebala kontrolirati i dati prilike najboljima i pokazati drugima sto je moguce kad se stvari odrade kako treba. 9. Izgraditi kuturni turizam, gdje ljudi dolaze na lokalitete snimanj CDa (Crkva Sv. katarine u Novalji, npr), gdje ujutro i /ili poslij podne slusaju snimanje jednog projekta, a u ostala vremena ih se vodi na ribarenje i arheoloske turneje...ili po osobnom interesu.10. Kreiranje strukture koja ce podrzati Klapske turneje. Od prijevoza do smjestaja i hrane. Autobus. Ugovori s lokalnim motelima..itd11. Klapska pjesma je Hrvatski DNK za izvoz.KULTURNI CENTRI PO SVIJETUNeophodnost kulturnih centara po svijetu, vise nije ni smijesna nego tragicna. Pogledajmo druge nacije oko sebe, na primjer Makedonski Kulturni Centar u New Yorku. Kasnimo dobrih 10 godina iza nacija koje su bilu u istoj razini ili ispod, a da ne govorimo o nacijama koje su razvile svoj kulturni identitet kroz stoljeca. Proucimo Goethe Institut, za pocetak. Mi imamo zlatnu koku, a to je turizam. Sve sto ostvarimo u svijetu kroz, kulturu i sport vraca nam se stostruko. Patriotizam na stranu, razum je dovoljan da i sljepac ovo vidi.FINANCIRANJEProblem financiranja kulturne politike, je samo problem distribucije novca. Sredstava ima dovoljno. Politika se najvise bavim upravo tim...distribucijom novca, tako da su problemi financiranja samo izgovor onome tko ne zeli vidjeti prave programe kulture.CISTA ENERGIJA - VJETROELEKTRANEPosto vise od 50% elektricne energije dobivamo korz potencijalnu energiju vode, zar ne bi kao turisticka zemlja i jedna od rijetkih oaza u svijetu mogli preostalih 50% obskrbiti s vjetrom i suncem, ne ovisiti o nafti, ne zagadjivati okolis i povesti citav svijet u tom smjeru pozitivnim primjerom. Pogledajte sto radi Adria Wind Power (otok Pag ima prvih 7 vjetroelektrana)RAZMINIRAVANJE HRVATSKE - BITI JEDNA OD PRVIH ZEMALJA U SVIJETU S CISTOM I SIGURNOM ZEMLJOM.To je moguce ostvariti do 2009-te. Sad se moramo pripremati na proslavu toga i kreirati takav "buzz" da jednostavno nema povratka o te zadace i datuma. Svijet bi dosao na tu proslavu kako radi podrske tako radi i pozitivnih poticaja da nastave proces razminiravanja u cijelom svijetu. Postanimo luconosa u ostvarivanju svjetskog mira. I ne samo to, prodajmo svijetu svoj "know-how" i vodimo razminiravanje u svijetu kroz nekoliko uspjesnih poduzeca koji ce obavljati humanitaran posao i u isto vrijeme donositi dobit cijeloj Hrvatskoj. Podrzimo svoje izumitelje u toj domeni razminiravanja. Osobno sam upoznat s problematikom kroz Adopt A Minefield.PROMETNICEÂCeste, vodeni kanali, Internet. Fiber to the premises - Preskocimo par stepenica, i kreirajmo mogucnost brzog polaganja kablova i unaprijedjenje tehnologije. Protok kako materijalne tako i intelektualne energije mora biti omogucen, i tada ce se ovaj USPAVANI HRVATSKI DIV probuditi.Par dodatnih misli:IMALI SMO MASU PROPUSTENIH PRILIKA.Jedna velika je bila tada kad je Toni Kukoc igrao za Bullse, a mi nismo bili u stanju osmisljeno organizirati da na svaku utakmicu koju je gledalo 50 miliona ljudi ne izvjesimo svoje parole, zastave i podrsku Toniu, a time i reklamu Hrvatskoj, kroz recimo 20-tak ljudi koji bi bili redovni navijaci. I umjesto reklame u totalu vrijednosti preko 2 miliarde dolara, mi smo se samo veselili dobrim utakmicama. Ja sam o tome tada govorio naglas koliko god sam znao i mogao. Bez rezultata. Isto se danas s manjom publikom, ali sustavnom ponudom, jer je nas tenis napredovao, moze napraviti s profesionalnom tenisom (Ivan Ljubicic, Mario Ancic..itd)SKROMNOST JE ZADACA SVAKOG VLADARA ILI POZNATE OSOBESvi predsjednici, premijeri, popularni pjevaci i sportasi, bi trebali dnevno raditi na svojoj skromnosti. Jer moc korumpira dusu i oduprijeti se tome moze samo dnevnim radom na skromnosti.Ovo je u jednom dahu,Nenad Bach, New York 18 veljace 2006letters@croatianworld.net www.nenadbach.com www.croatia.org www.phonecroatia.com www.klapasinj.com Âhttp://www.liderpress.hr/Default.aspx?sid=1497  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6468/1/E-University-of-Zagreb-and-University-of-Georgia-Partnership.html ÂShowcasing Significant Accomplishments: The Recent History of the University of Zagreb and University of Georgia Partnership for Building a Foundation for a Strong Economic Future for CroatiaRusty Brooks, Assistant Director and Professor[1]The International Center for Democratic GovernanceThe Carl Vinson Institute of GovernmentThe University of GeorgiaBackgroundAlmost eight years of cooperative work between the University of Zagreb and the University of Georgia now shows significant accomplishments that will positively contribute to building a sustainable economic future for Croatia. Primarily these results were made possible through the diligent and persistent work of Dr. Bojan Baletic of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Zagreb (UZ) and with the support of Vice Rector Vlasta Vizek Vidovic of UZ. These recent accomplishments were facilitated through a three year project begun in 2002 between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the University of Zagreb (UZ) entitled âA Partnership for Sustainable Rural Economic Revitalization in Croatia.â€? This project was funded by the Association Liaison Office for University Cooperation in Development in Washington DC with monies from the United States Agency for International Development.This three year project focused on the Zumberak region of Croatia. This region was selected because it had significant out-migration of people; little job creation and job retention; important land and forest resources; and is in close proximity to Zagreb. The proximity issue was considered an important consideration if the project was to be able to entice faculty from UZ out to the region to assist in accomplishing the objectives of the project. The stated objectives of this three year project were to have UZ and UGA partner in âoutreach activitiesâ€? to generate jobs and improve quality of life in the Zumberak region of Croatia.What the project actually served to do was to indicate the important institutional changes that would first have to occur at UZ to allow these âoutreach activitiesâ€? to have support and financing. These necessary institutional changes would be required to help alter the university culture to not only embrace and reward traditional teaching and research, but would create the institutional mechanisms to allow and endorse UZ to actively engage in organized applied research, technical assistance, and consultation activities that would positively improve the lives of the people, governments, and businesses in Croatia.This three year project intended to demonstrate how to produce jobs and improve quality of life in the Zumberak through helping organize activities by UZ that emulated âoutreachâ€? activities carried out at UGA. Many U. S. institutions of higher education carry out outreach activities in addition to their primary missions of teaching and research. U. S. universities have an organizational culture that sees outreach activities as equal in importance to their responsibilities of traditional teaching and basic research.Outreach activities allow U. S. universities to actively engage themselves with their larger publics by addressing real world problems and issues that confront citizens, businesses, their state and local governments, and specific economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism. In this way, U. S. universities build valuable constituencies beyond only the traditional student. By actively engaging with this larger public constituency, U. S. universities provide applied research, technical assistance, and consultation activities that make significant contributions to better governments, more successful businesses, improved quality of life for citizens, and large contributions to overall economic development. In turn, U. S. universities receive significant financial and political support from these larger constituencies. This broad-based support for outreach and engagement by U. S. universities comes about largely because they are seen as such important players in stimulating economic development and improving quality of life for the people they serve. This is exactly the case at UGA and the state of Georgia benefits greatly from the universityâs role in outreach scholarship.What Happened at UZ?Again, what this three year project served to clearly demonstrate was that it was going to be necessary to change the organizational culture of UZ to create internal institutional mechanisms that would support faculty roles and university structures (in addition to the traditional roles and disciplinary silos that serve to only facilitate and reward teaching and research) to support outreach activities. Clearly, the reward and financing structure, as well as the promotion system, would have to be changed if UZ was to effectively engage itself in outreach in the Zumberak. It became obvious that the first task would require making changes within the UZ laws and regulations to support outreach. This was the important role that Dr. Baletic assumed at UZ. Over the three year period he worked tirelessly within UZ to:Ground documents for UZ outreach: Program document for the establishing of the UZ Council for the Support of Regional Development and Local Community (2003). Program document for the establishing of the UZ Centre for Sustainable Regional Development (2004). Donation of the school buildings by the Zumberak local government (2003). Articles regarding the outreach mission of UZ and the optional formation of the Office for Regional Development in the new UZ Statue (2005).In addition, he managed to provide leadership to other activities that also supported the grounding of outreach into the UZ organizational structure and to engage UZ faculty in developing projects that would support outreach activities. For example:Documents were produced that outline the strategy and subject of UZ outreach in the rural development domain: Project proposal: Socio-economic models of rural sustainable development (submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). Project proposal: Sustainable tourism in rural Croatia (submitted to the Ministry of Tourism). Project proposal: Development of a web-based system for sustainable development knowledge distribution (submitted for Croatian telecom donation). Project proposal: University integration and regional development support (submitted to Tempus program). Project proposal: Sustainable tourism in continental Croatia (submitted for Interregional cooperation). Power point presentations at the ALO Synergy in Development Conferences in Washington DC in 2003 and 2004. Participation and support of the Zumberak plan of local development based on EU criteria (Interregional project).All these changes at UZ have worked to assist the university in more formally structuring activities that help create in Croatia avibrant agricultural economy; improve public health; help create new jobs and businesses; organize significant new rural development activities and programs; protect and preserve traditional architecture; train officials for better functioning local governments; and, move to better manage the increasingly fragile natural resource base with sustainable management practices to help Croatia clearly demonstrate the characteristics of a country ready to assume a place within the European Union.In sum, the collaborative work between UGA and UZ, with Dr. Baleticâs and Vice Rector Vizekâs strong support, has resulted in creating at UZ a model of higher education that transfers the relevant and appropriate technology of UGAâs land grant model of public service and outreach to Croatiaâs citizens, civic society, governments, and businesses, and positions UZ to now become a major catalyst for improving quality of life and sustainable economic development in Croatia.Where are we now? Dr. Baletic continues to lead efforts at UZ to move the collaborative work with UGA in Zumberak forward. Vice Rector Vizek recently completed an agreement between the local governments in Zumberak for the donation of the old school in Mrzlo Polje to become the UZ Centre for Sustainable Development. The recent generous contribution of Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Phillips to UGA for work in Croatia will allow UGA and UZ to utilize this abandoned school facility, when remodelled and furnished, as a locus of joint activities that can serve as a model for outreach activities across Croatia.UGA has committed to work to obtain donor monies to rehabilitate and reconstruct the abandoned old school into a viable and quality facility with the expectation that UZ and government in Croatia will furnish, supply, staff, maintain, and support the activities that will take place there.UGA has also committed to bring salary monies to create a Director of Outreach in Zumberak at this Centre contingent upon UZ and Croatia government providing the necessary infrastructure to support the position, including staff, equipment, and supplies. UGA has also committed to funding UZ faculty to carry out activities at this Centre for Sustainable development if UZ and the relevant Ministries agree to recognize, support, and reward outreach activities and outreach scholarship by participating faculty at UZ.The Phillips contribution to UGA is being set up as an endowment to insure the long term involvement of UGA in Croatia. The Phillips endowment will allow students and faculty from UGA to travel to Croatia to use this facility in Mrzlo Polje jointly with colleagues from UZ. The Phillips monies will also allow funding for joint projects between UGA and UZ faculty and students to carry out activities at this centre. ÂÂIt is envisioned that activities including public health education and promotion; short courses on preserving and protecting architectural heritage; agriculture and forestry improvement courses and technical assistance; small business development; tourism development; activities for the preservation and utilization of traditional handicrafts and art for local economic development; local government training and applied research activities; and youth recreation and education are just some examples of the types of activities that will be conducted at this centre by UZ and UGA faculty and students. All along, Dr. Baletic and colleagues at UZ have continued with an ongoing plan of activities to build institutional support at UZ for outreach scholarship. As a result an impressive list of activities has been accomplished this past year including:ÂÂDocuments and activities that build UZ â local government ties and identify specific needs in Zumberak: ALO project promotion with local government. Losinj conference that hosted the representatives of local governments. Interregional project Enerwood â sustainable management of wood resources in Zumberak. Participation and support of the Zumberak plan of local development based on EU criteria (Interregional project). Study trip for local government representatives from Zumberak to UGA. Assistance in creation of the Homeland collection for Zumberak in Sosice as a means of cultural identification and tourist attraction.Along with this, Faculty of Architecture at UZ did their own research and activities that will be of use to the future outreach work of the UZ Centre in Mrzlo Polje:Â1. Analysis of the regional and urban plans for Zumberak.2. Creation of a GIS database on the 2001 statistical data on population, cultural and natural attractions and tourist offer.3. Documentation based on three thorough study trips around Zumberak to establish real situation in regard to Zumberak tourist appeal.4. Analysis of the Croatian rural tourism offer and distribution as means to direct this development in Zumberak.5. Establishing a relationship with the Natural park of Zumberak and organizing two summer student workshops in Budinjak.Special activities regarding the future UZ Centre for sustainable development that will provide the direction for reconstruction of the old school: Photo documentation on the school buildings. Measured drawings of the present state of the buildings. Design proposal for the possible functional organization of the school buildings for the centre. Rough cost estimate.Most importantly, Faculty of Architecture and their students conducted interviews with the inhabitants of Mrzlo Polje as to their needs and views. This was done to establish the possibility of their future engagement in the UZ Centre activities and to identify what specific educational programs and activities should be conducted at the UZ Centre for Sustainable Development.ÂThe activities as implemented by UGA/UZ at the UZ Centre for Sustainable Development in Mrzlo Polje will have as their mission the task of improving the quality of the lives of the regionâs citizens through providing education and training programs that address existing public health issues; help create new business enterprises and strengthening existing ones; and, build strong and effective partnerships with local governments and NGOâs in the region. Building effective multi-sector partnerships between UZ, local and national government, NGOâs, citizens, and international aid agencies will be an important task of this centre and its staff.If the limited financial and human resources that work out of this centre are to be most effectively leveraged it will require strong multi-sector partnerships between all these relevant parties. Expertise in building these critical multi-sector partnerships is strong skill that UGA can share with colleagues at UZ. All the activities identified for the UZ Centre for Sustainable Development will serve to improve the overall livability of the region while building the capacity of these local governments and NGOâs to function in an effective and sustainable manner for the benefit of their constituents and clients.Why is UGA/Georgia/U.S. Interested in Croatia?Regional rural development activities implemented by UZ through a directed, successful outreach program can be a significant impetus for political stability, improved public health, economic development; and improvements to overall quality of life for people of Croatia. The benefits to UGA are a continued internationalization of the curriculum; additional research, teaching, and outreach outlets for UGA programs; increased international prestige for the university and its overall academic and outreach programs; and, recognition by political interests in the U. S. of support for foreign policy goals that contribute to stability in south central Europe.Benefits to Georgia potentially include new business opportunities and relationships that can facilitate the entry of Georgia enterprises into the regional and local markets. Croatia is poised on the border of the EU and markets to the east. Croatia has significant port facilities that could provide accessibility for Georgia products to these markets.ÂThe U.S. gains better regional security and stability and assistance in combating terrorism and direct and indirect threats to the U. S. from the region. Croatia is a major entry point for contraband of all types into Western Europe from points south and east of Croatia. Activities that serve to address economic development problems in rural Croatia will serve to stabilize the rural areas and provide more control of rural border areas by repopulating these areas. As this project serves to revitalize and repopulate these areas, more political, economic, and social control can be exerted by locals over illegal smuggling activities, especially trafficking in people. When Croatia can gain better control of border areas in rural places, the US will gain from greater overall international security and the EU will benefit from increased security as well.Wrapping UpUGA typifies U. S. state universities and land-grant colleges that have always provided critically important benefits both to the states that fund them and to the nation as a whole. Some of the benefitsâlives ennobled by exposure to the arts, improvements to society made by people using what theyâve learned, and current applications of research breakthroughs, etc.âare intangible and hard to express in dollars and cents. Others, however, show quite clearly that public higher education is an invaluable investment that returns a very high yield on every state dollar spent and has tremendous economic development value and outcomes.In the first project between UZ and UGA, it was apparent to the visiting Croatian delegation to Georgia that UGA played a major role in economic development in the state. More importantly, it was obvious that UGA was seen as a trusted source of non-biased information on economic development; provided invaluable training and applied research services to local and state government alike; served to provide expertise and research to both small and large businesses; provided a mechanism to commercialize relevant technology for new business start-ups; developed applied research programs to address specific Georgia problems in agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, industrial development, food processing, fisheries, and an entire host of other areas; and utilized this economic good will for the benefit of the university, its citizens, businesses, and governments.By extending itself beyond the traditional classroom and out into the state of Georgia, UGA was seen by the visiting UZ delegation as a respected, responsible, and formidable player in economic development for the citizens of the state. More importantly, UGA was seen by the UZ visitors as an institution which valued and rewarded this outreach mission by those faculty and staff members who provided this invaluable service to the people, businesses, and governments around the state. ÂThis is where we are today. UZ and UGA are positioned to create in Mrzlo Polje the Centre for Sustainable Development that can serve as a model of how UZ and other institutions of higher education in Croatia can engage in outreach activities that serve to enhance the lives of people, improve the business climate, and make governments more efficient and effective. UGA is committed to working with partners in Croatia to make these things happen. At the same time, UGA believes that Croatia can serve as a leader and role model for all of southeast Europe. By showcasing successful programs and activities at the Centre for Sustainable Development, Croatia can demonstrate a leadership role for the region in addressing similar problems and concerns. In fact, UGA sees this project in Croatia as serving as a model for countries around the world. What better legacy for Croatia than creating the model that can serve as the demonstration site for best practices in community and rural development for the entire world! Â  [1] For more information about the joint work between UGA and UZ please contact Rusty Brooks at rbrooks@cviog.uga.edu or (706) 542-7502 or Dr. Bojan Baletic at bojan.baletic@arhitekt.hr in Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 11 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6469/1/E-One-of-Tom-Perics-favorite-tools-is-a-big-wall-calendar.html ÂOne of Tom Peric's favorite tools in running his small business is a big wall calendarÂOwners embrace calendars as essential business toolsBy Joyce M. RosenbergAssociated PressPublished June 27, 2005NEW YORK -- One of Tom Peric's favorite tools in running his small business is a big wall calendar. It tells him at a glance what's coming up.Other small-business owners swear by the more high-tech schedulers in their personal digital assistants. Either way, they're managing by the calendar--anticipating all the dates, deadlines and seasons critical to operating a successful business.It might seem obvious that a business owner should pay close attention to the calendar, but many people have learned the hard way that a missed appointment or forgotten deadline can be painful and costly. Penalties for late tax returns and late payments are the most obvious, but customers and clients can be equally unforgiving."I have one client who actually charges me a stiff fee each day if I'm late when the deadline shows up," said Peric, president of Galileo Communications Inc., a Cherry Hill, N.J., publicity firm.There's an even more important reason for managing by the calendar--doing so gives an owner a better handle on the business. Knowing what's on the calendar helps eliminate unpleasant surprises and provides a clearer picture of what's ahead.Dominic Rubino, a small-business coach in Vancouver, said most of the owners he encounters don't use any sort of calendar."They can't manage themselves, and if you can't manage yourself, you can't manage others," he said, adding that owners who try to manage without a calendar "become reactive in their business."Peric said his wall calendar helps him think in advance."I don't tend to think strategically when it comes to dates," he said, calling the calendar "a quick, visual way" to keep track of business.Many owners focus on a calendar as a means of keeping on top of appointments and meetings. There are many other practical, seasonal and time-sensitive demands of running a business that deserve to put on a calendar.There are two parts to managing by calendar. First you need to develop an awareness of your company's needs as you go through the year. The second part has to do with your choice of calendar.Many owners have migrated from paper calendars to high-tech versions.Microsoft's Outlook software includes a calendar that can be programmed with reminders of coming appointments, events and deadlines months ahead of time. For example, you could ask the calendar to remind you on Aug. 15 that your next estimated tax payment is due Sept. 15--which means you have a month to get the money together.Other softwaremakers have calendars that can work alongside Outlook.But high-tech calendars can be a necessity for companies with far-flung employees. At SchoolNet Inc., a New York-based company that provides technology solutions to schools, CEO Jonathan Harber said PDAs allow his sales force to check the company calendar."One of the biggest roles and responsibilities of my executive assistant is calendaring for the company," he said.But even some owners who make a living in high-tech do it the old-fashioned way. Joe Kennedy, owner of ANT Computer Services in Los Angeles, relies on a paper Day-Timer."I have not been able to find any hand-held device or laptop to be as simple as an old book," he said.http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0506270118jun27,1,1111517.story?coll=chi-business-hed (E) Tomislav S. Peric - Media Relations Experthttp://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/5369.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6470/1/E-Host-Based-CT-Driver-From-Croatia---Voice-IP.html Developer Resource: Host-Based CT Driver From Croatia Add media and call processing to your VoIP apps without specialized DSP cards.06/28/2004, 7:00 PM ETThis from the "look what we found" file: Boris Pavacic, CTO of Uniqall emailed us. Boris says their somewhat spookily named Gridborg server software is "in essence [a host-based] driver" for computer telephony platforms. In other words, without the need for costly cards from Intel/Dialogic, Brooktrout, NMS, Aculab, Eicon, etc., they'll provide computer based voice-, call- and media processing for your applications. According to Boris (who we now imagine as the Croatian version of Mike Coffee), it's time: "Both VoIP and Moore's law changed many industries. Telephony boards business is in collision course with both trends. It is going to be very exciting to participate in what is going to happen with this industry during next few years."VoIP is key here, as that's the only type of voice transmission they're prepared to deal with. In pure IP environments, they say, "no VoIP hardware is needed. In hybrid environments, any generic H.323 compliant Media gateway (Cisco, Audiocodes, Planet, etc) is used instead of expensive specialized telephony boards."The software is also currently designed to work with Envox Communication server -- which would normally be used to drive the media processing resources of traditional boards.The first public beta of Gridborg 1.0, they say, is available for free download and evaluation now.Gridborg 1.X consists of two main parts:Gridborg Server handles all H.323 connections and media processing related tasks. It runs as both Linux daemon and Windows service. H.323 frontend of the server is based on open source OpenH323 stack. Gridborg Envox driver is actually Gridborg client and it runs on the same Windows environment only.All call control and media processing related communication between Gridborg Server and Gridborg Envox driver goes over TCP/IP through Gridborg Protocol. We just read Boris' email. Looks a little raw but intriguing and might be worth a look see.http://www.cconvergence.com/shared/article/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=22102560 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6471/1/E-Fish-Power-Block-Invention.html ÂFish Power Block InventionINVENTIONSAdam S. EterovichPURETICH, MARIO: A Croatian who has done more than any other man to change the face of the fishing industry is Mario Puretich. In 1938, Puretic left his home on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia to seek a better life in the United States. He was just one more among those millions who had come to the New World looking for something more than the old country could offer. Among those hordes, most of them did make it a bit better than they would have made it back home, but only a few of them, comparatively, made it big. Mario Puretich is one of them. To stretch a simile almost to the breaking point, Mario made a better mouse trap and the world beat that proverbial path to his door. The world is still treading that well-worn path and it will continue to do so as long as men continue to take fish with the net called the purse seine. Puretich envisioned and designed a piece of fishing gear of essential simplicity that has remade the purse seine fisheries of the world. This tool, known since 1955 as the Power Block, hauls purse seines with their catch. The Power Block looks like a 1arge pulley with an aluminum shell, and a hard rubber sheave, the central rotating element, does the work. Before Puretich and his Power Block, it took the work of eight to ten men to operate a salmon seine. It was work of the most difficult kind. Puretich's invention enabled the salmon seiner to do the same work with five or six men. Puretich, a hard-working fisherman, had become concerned about the difficulty of hauling nets. Where there were men content to complain about this task, Puretic, characteristically did something about it. He designed a work saver. It took him several months in 1954 to come up with what eventually evolved into the Power Block. Success did not come quickly. The prototype tested out perfectly, but for a while no one seemed interested. Then, in Seattle, Marco, a marine construction and design company, recognized the potential of Puretich's design, and their engineers quickly developed Puretich's prototype into a production line practicality. Another phase of fishing history had begun. The need for the Power Block was immediately recognized, and numbers had to be designed to impatient skippers on a first-come, first-served basis to keep things running smoothly. The year was 1955. By 1960, most vessels in the northern seine fleet had installed the Power Block. From the Puget Sound and the salmon fleets, the Power Block swept around the world. It made possible the renaissance of the moribund United States distant water tuna fleet, an event that put the United States into the forefront of that world-girdling fishery and has kept it there, helped by the adoption of synthetic fibers for netting. More than 12,000 Power Blocks in a dozen sizes and configurations are at work around the world. It hauls the nets that take most American and Canadian salmon; it takes herring and sardines in those global fisheries it takes tuna of the vast equatorial waters, and the anchovies of the northern and southern seas, the billions of menhaden of our East and Gulf Coast. These fish make up the better half of the world's annual catch. Since its invention, the Power Block has been adapted by more than eleven thousand vessels in every major purse seining fishery in the world. The Power Block has revolutionized the fishing industry by making the work more efficient and more profitable. Puretich, an inventor, has changed the seining industry and he wants to change it again. As long as there have been purse seines, they have been hauled from either port or starboard side of the vessel. Now Mario wants to convert that method to hauling the net over the stern and wants to see seining made safer through stern hauling, while uppermost in his thoughts is the saving of some hundreds of thousands of lives of porpoises in the world tuna fishery. Puretich believes that porpoises can be saved by his method and would end the burning controversy between environmentalists and pragmatic tuna men. This educational campaign, an effort to convince seine fishermen to change their method, depicts the manner of man this Croatian is. His creative energy has envisioned scores of projects, and some are in the patent stage, some are being built and used. Fishermen are a tough breed and hard to change, but Puretic understands them, he is one of them. He has brought honor to his fellow countrymen and an easier way of earning a livelihood to his fellow fishermen. (Gol 1993) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 19 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6472/1/H-Sve-smo-postigli-uzgojem-mozgova.html ÂSve smo postigli "uzgojem mozgova"Hrvatska, kao mala zemlja, može lijepo živjeti od turizmaNajbolji put za Hrvatsku je zadržati 4000-6000 dolara per capita i polako jacati svoje prednosti, a najvažnija od njih je svakako turizam / »Dajte mladim ljudima krov nad glavom da mogu osnovati obitelj i osigurajte im sredstva da mogu razviti svoje ideje u inovacije. Tad ce velike svjetske korporacije doci k vama i platiti vam za ideju« ZAGREB, 14. ožujka - Ovih je dana Hrvatsku posjetilo izaslanstvo Lige izraelsko-hrvatskog prijateljstva, koje se u Zagrebu susrelo s najvišim predstavnicima hrvatskih vlasti - od predsjednika Stjepana Mesica i premijera Ive Sanadera do ministara vanjskih poslova i pravosuda. Razlog posjeta je uspostaviti dobre veze i s predstavnicma nove administracije, ali i ponuditi pomoc u organiziranju skorog posjeta hrvatskog izaslanstva Izraelu. Prije odlaska u Rijeku, cime je završio posjet izraelskog izaslanstva, razgovarali smo s Gershonom Peresom, uglednim gradevinskim poduzetnikom koji je na osnovi vlasništva rijecke tvrtke »Konstruktor« angažiran u hrvatskom gospodarstvu, osobito u infrastukturnim projektima. Peres je u svojoj zemlji poznat i kao brat bivšeg ministra vanjskih poslova, nobelovca Shimona Peresa.• Odakle vaše zanimanje za Hrvatsku?- Za Hrvatsku sam 1995. prvi put cuo od jednog prijatelja, oženjenog Hrvaticom, koji me zamolio da kod svog brata, tada ministra vanjskih poslova, posredujem u vezi sa službenim pozivom vašem tadašnjem predsjedniku Franji Tudmanu da posjeti Izrael. Nije mi bilo jasno gdje je nastao problem, osobito kad sam doznao za antifašisticku prošlost predsjednika Tudmana i stradanja njegove obitelji u Drugom svjetskom ratu. Nakon razgovora s nekim ljudima u ministarstvu, shvatio sam da je razlog uskracivanja poziva Tudmanu zapravo protivljenje skupine židovskih doseljenika iz Srbije, koji su tvrdili da Tudman nijece holokaust, što je u Izraelu, s obzirom na našu povijest, vrlo ozbiljna optužba. Radilo se o broju stradalih u Jasenovcu. Kad je to sporno pitanje riješeno, na poziv svojih prijatelja pridružio sam se Ligi prijateljstva Hrvatske i Izraela, osnovanoj 1997.• Govorite o brojnim slicnostima Hrvatske i Izraela - male zemlje nastale ratom u neprijateljskom okruženju, koje dijele zajednicki problem održanja svoje kulture i sigurnosti. Gdje vidite mogucnosti za razvoj Hrvatske?- Svakako ne u pristupu zajednickom tržištu EU-a. Mislim da bi to bi za vašu zemlju bila katastrofa, iako svi ljudi s kojima sam ovdje razgovarao o tome govore kao o životnom snu. Ja to ne mogu razumjeti: borili ste se da izadete iz Jugoslavije i za to ste platili vrlo visoku cijenu, zašto sad želite uci u drugu, vecu Jugoslaviju? Što tamo možete dobiti što sad nemate? Ljudi mi na to odgovaraju protupitanjem: što je alternativa integriranju? Mislim da je alternativa švicarski model, da je najbolji put za Hrvatsku zadržati 4000-6000 dolara per capita i polako jacati svoje prednosti. Najvažnija od njih je svakako turizam od kojeg Hrvatska, kao mala zemlja, može lijepo živjeti. Ulaskom na to veliko tržište bit cete preplavljeni skupim proizvodima velikih zemalja, kojima vi nemate što ponuditi. Ako želite ocuvati svoju kulturu, svoj jezik, sve za što ste se borili, nemojte potraciti svoje izglede prikljucivanjem gomili »Europljana«, jer vam oni to nece dopustiti. Ako ne odustanete od svoje kulture, najviše cemu se možete nadati jest da ce vam dopustiti da budete u svom getu.• Može li mala zemlja poput Hrvatske opstati u globaliziranom svijetu?- Mala zemlja nije osudena na propast, naprotiv, sama može uspjeti i prije nego u nekoj integraciji. Sad govorim kao cionist Hrvatske, kao hrvatski nacionalist: imate obrazovane ljude kojima trebate omoguciti pristojne uvjete da ostanu u zemlji i ostvare svoje ideje. Dajte mladim ljudima krov nad glavom da mogu osnovati obitelj i osigurajte im sredstva da mogu razviti svoje ideje u inovacije. Tad ce velike svjetske korporacije doci k vama i platiti vam za ideju. U protivnom, EU ce vas ušutkati na dva nacina: uzet ce vam najbolje i najsposobnije ljude, a ostale pretvoriti u kupce svojih skupih automobila koji ce godinama otplacivati te kredite i preskupe kamate. Ta vrsta negativne selekcije je najgore što se može dogoditi bilo kojem društvu.• Ali, to se vec dogada odlaskom mladih strucnjaka u inozemstvo, gdje im se nude bolji uvjeti života i rada. Kako to zaustaviti?- Opasnost odljeva mozgova postoji i kad mladim ljudima osigurate pristojne životne uvjete, ali tko god ima i trun domoljubnih osjecaja, ostat ce u svojoj zemlji. Morate raditi i na podizanju domoljubne svijesti u cemu smo mi u Izraelu prilicno uspjeli. Cemu sve žrtve za uspostavu države, ako ju napuštaju oni najbolji?»Izrael je jedan od najvecih svjetskih izvoznika cvijeca«• Kako izraelska iskustva mogu pomoci Hrvatskoj?- Izrael je siromašna zemlja. Za razliku od vas, nemamo ni vode, samo pustinju. Pa, ipak, na 500.000 hektara obradive zemlje, zemlje koju smo uglavnom oteli pustinji, Izrael ne samo da proizvodi dovoljno hrane za 10 milijuna ljudi nego cak i izvozi. Možda niste znali da je Izrael jedan od najvecih svjetskih izvoznika cvijeca. Imamo i najvecu proizvodnju milijeka po kravi, iako prakticki nemamo pašnjaka. Jednako smo postigli i u marikulturi - po prostornom metru vode proizvodimo 80 kilograma ribe. Sve smo to postigli zadržavanjem mladih i kreativnih ljudi u zemlji, »uzgojem mozgova«, odnosno razvijanjem visoke tehnologije. To je model koji možete primijeniti i vi u Hrvatskoj.• Što kao uspješan poslovni covjek smatrate najvecim problemom hrvatskoga gospodarstva?- Banke ste prodali strancima. Oni truju vaše društvo poticanjem potrošnje na kredit, jer time ubiru pretjerano visoke kamate. Nema novca za ulaganje, jer banke nisu zainteresirane za dugorocne hrvatske interese, nego žele brz i lagan novac. Za to placate dvostruku cijenu - visoke kamate na njihove kredite i visoke poreze. Moj savjet je da poduzmete sve što je potrebno da to promijenite.Julijana Štrbichttp://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2004/03/15/Clanak.asp?r=tem&c=2 Ne zelim ulaziti u polemiku tko nam daje savjet, ali moram priznati da je iskren i opisuje trenutacno stanje u Hrvatskoj. E sada je pitanje da li nasi imaju sluha za ovakvo stivo.Pozdrav,A. Vidic / Lyon letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6473/1/E-Electro-Shoes-Generate-A-Buzz.html ÂCROATIA: Electro-Shoes Generate A Buzz 12 Feb 2004 Source: just-style.comElectro-shoes with built-in generators that produce enough power run a laptop computer, or keep a person warm on a cold day are to go into mass production.The "e-man" shoes, invented and built by a Croatian entrepreneur, have drawn the attention of the US military according to Croatian daily Vecernji List, and talks with other buyers are said to be at an advanced stage. The shoes are designed to generate electricity when a person walks and then transfer that power to special clothing which converts it into heat.http://www.just-style.com/news_detail.asp?art=32967 This is Ivica Saric's invention as many times mentioned on CROWN.Ivicu SaricCosmopolitan Exchange Corp.P. O. Box 320333Franklin, WI 53132 USAE-Adresa; coxco@execpc.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6474/1/E-The-airplane-and-its-first-100-years.html ÂThe Airplane - First 100 YearsÂBy Michael KlesiusPhotographs by Joe McNally The airplane has come a long way in its first hundred years. Fasten your seat belt for a high-tech ride into the next century of flight. We take off into the radiance of a midwinter sun. Maj. Mark "Jocko" Johnson, a Marine Corps test pilot, shoves the throttles forward. Engines roaring, the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced tactical aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, leaps down the runway with head-snapping acceleration. From the backseat, where I can just see over Jocko's helmet, I watch the expanse of Naval Air Station China Lake in the California desert rush at us. Our mounting speed feels like a truckload of sand pouring onto me. In less than half a mile the airplane springs aloft. Minutes later Jocko banks northward into the brown, bush-dotted fissures of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and we begin a terrain-hugging, gut-clutching ride at 540 knots—the speed of an airliner at cruise altitude. But we're only 500 feet (200 meters) above the folded landscape. He finesses the airplane through sharp turns and dodges mountain outcrops with the twitch of a wrist. When ridges appear in our path, he climbs, twists the aircraft onto its back, and curls above them, then holds us inverted for a brief count as we nose into the next valley. I tilt my head back and peer out the top of the canopy at the stony earth hurtling past.Moths awakening in my stomach, I decline his next suggestion, something called the squirrel cage. Instead, he takes us into a high-speed loop, topping out near 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). As we plunge into the dive, with the frosted Sierra to our west and the toasted desert straight down, my queasiness suddenly vanishes. In its place, pure exuberance! I'm lost in the tumbling alchemy of earth and sky, my soul awash in the freedom, the audacity, the miracle of flight.When powered flight turns a hundred on December 17, it's worth noting what an adventure flying still is in a world where commercial air travel has become routine, uncomfortable, sometimes torturous. On our way back to base I thank Jocko for taking me up. "I should be thanking you," he replies. "I was scheduled to fly a desk all day." His passion for his calling salutes a century of aviators all the way back to the Wright brothers, while his airplane heralds the next century of aviation. The Super Hornet and a few other new fighter planes exhibit the stealthy angles and coatings that make it difficult for radar to detect them, among aviation's most cutting-edge advances in design.In contrast to the rapid progress in the military, the commercial airline industry has fastened its seat belts for serious economic turbulence, as evidenced by a string of layoffs and bankruptcies. Few landings have been harder or higher profile than that of the Concorde, which just retired from service. Grounded with it is the hope for mass supersonic travel anytime soon. Instead, the Europeans are trading speed for size as they build a new superjumbo jet, the 555-seat A380.In the 1950s airplanes got fast; in the 1980s they got stealthy; today they're getting smart. Brilliant, in fact. From the private four-seater to the massive A380, the airplane is evolving most dramatically on the inside. In the military, computer automation has resulted in a new generation of airplanes called unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, that fly without any pilots at all. In commercial aviation the growth of automation has resulted in computers that already fly the plane from just after takeoff to landing, turning pilots into flight-systems managers. UAVs now spark debate over whether cargo planes and even airliners of the future could fly pilotless. "Airplanes are now built to carry a pilot and a dog in the cockpit," says Arlen Rens, a Lockheed Martin test pilot. "The pilot's job is to feed the dog, and the dog's job is to bite the pilot if he touches anything."Get the whole story in the pages of National Geographic magazine letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6475/1/E-Investing-In-Immortality.html ÂHigh-Tech Daydreamers Investing In Immortality ARTS & IDEAS/CULTURAL DESK | November 1, 2003, Saturday High-Tech Daydreamers Investing In Immortality Copyright New York Times Company Nov 1, 2003Aubrey de Grey took the stage of the Camden Opera House, tugging at a beard worthy of Methuselah, to tell his listeners that they could triumph over death.Mr. de Grey was not selling an afterlife or a metaphor. He is a geneticist at the University of Cambridge, in England, and his prophecy was straightforward if hard to believe: Getting old and dying are engineering problems. Aging can be reversed and death defeated. People already alive will live a thousand years or longer.He was at pains to argue that what he calls ''negligible senescence,'' and what the average person would call living forever, is inevitable. His proposed war on aging, he said, is intended to make it happen sooner and make it happen right. He subscribes, it seems, to the philosophy articulated by Woody Allen: ''I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying.''This notion of getting in on the ground floor of immortality was apparently appealing to the roughly 500 people who came in mid-October to this coastal town of big yachts and small gift shops about 70 miles northeast of Portland to attend Pop!Tech, an annual technology conference. They were ready for the Next Big Thing. After all, many of them were present at the creation of the last one, the spread of the personal computer and the explosive growth of the Internet.Stephen M. Case, the founder of AOL, was here, as were John Scully and Robert Metcalfe, who started the conference seven years ago. Mr. Scully was the chief executive of Apple, after he had left PepsiCo. Mr. Metcalfe invented the Ethernet and founded 3Com, among a few other achievements, before he became a venture capitalist. Other, lesser known entrepreneurs and investors, along with dot-com veterans, a gaggle of journalists and the merely curious, also attended to look for new ideas or promote them, and to use the gathering of thinkers and talkers as a guide to what's next.The answer was clear. Now that the giddiness and glamour of the killer app and ultimate hand-held gizmo have passed into memory, it is biology that beckons. The possibility of making money out of biotech is of obvious interest. But the more exciting question in the air was not so much where to put your money as what to think about. Differentiating between vision and fantasy would come next.Many in the audience seemed unafraid of amending the presumed laws of nature. When Juan Enriquez, from the Harvard Business School, displayed an X-ray of a chicken with three wings and asked who believed that this sort of research ought to continue, about two-thirds of those in the audience raised their hands. This was before they knew its purpose, which is to understand how to regenerate damaged tissues for human beings.Mr. Enriquez said he was surprised, as well he might be. It is not often you find 300 people ready to vote for extra limbs, no matter the reason.Other speakers addressed the importance of stem cell research, ocean exploration, a crisis in the patent system, the soul-deadening effect of suburbs, and the mode by which the Earth will die.For audacity of imagination, though, Mr. de Grey was matched only by Joe Davis, a molecular artist from M.I.T. with a peg leg and a devilish glint in his eye, who, with the help of scientists at Harvard and M.I.T. has made art of DNA by inserting coded messages into the genes of bacteria. He does not work only with DNA. He also pointed out that drawings sent into space, presumably for curious extraterrestrials, lacked anatomically correct female genitalia. He has not been able to remedy that, but he did record vaginal contractions and translate them into a radio broadcast.He also provided instruction in basic biology using a DNA model made of garden hose to great effect. All in all it was a perfect atmosphere for Mr. de Grey, whose campaign against death has something of the feeling of an Internet start-up. On one hand he is promising the world. On the other, the underlying science and technology are real, Mr. de Grey argued. And the business plan is, if nothing else, bold.Yet without true expertise in some very sophisticated biology, it was hard to know how far away from the mainstream he was.Mr. de Grey is probably several steps ahead of the avant garde in his conviction that the 4,000- or 5,000-year life is right around the corner. But extending the average human life to 150 years is commonly discussed. And some gerontologists say there is no theoretical limit to the human life span.Mr. de Grey's ideas were not completely new to people who have been pondering cyborgs and artificial intelligence for years. ''I think, and I've thought this for a long time, that we live, roughly speaking, in the last generation of human beings,'' said Whitfield Diffie, chief of security for Sun Microsystems, a pioneer in encryption, and a freewheeling thinker often sought after for such conferences as a speaker. He was just visiting this year and said he was fascinated by the grand claims for the biological century, which he views as probably too conservative.He is convinced, he said, that there are probably people alive already today who will have unlimited life spans. And he was unimpressed by the skepticism of more conservative experts in the field of aging. After all, he said, he had witnessed change coming rapidly from unexpected directions in the digital world.Mark Hurst, who runs a consulting company in New York and founded a Web site for consumer complaints, thisisbroken.com, said after the meeting that he was ''skeptical and entertained.'' But, he said, ''as far as actually believing it,'' he thinks most of those he talked to at Pop!Tech had the same question about the scientific details as he did, ''What the heck was he talking about?''Mr. de Grey compared the cellular and molecular damage that aging causes to what happens to a house. Houses keep going, he said, not because they are built to be immortal, but because people keep repairing them. Science should take the same approach to the human body, he argued; many, if not all, of the techniques for making such repairs are already available.He also had an answer for how to pay for the necessary research. First prove that the life of laboratory mice can be extended. Once people realize that aging can be reversed in a mammal, he said, research will take off, and the demand for extending life far beyond the current limits will be universal. Then people can just keep repairing themselves and researching new ways to take care of future damage.To get this whole process going, Mr. de Grey established the Methuselah Mouse Prize in September. The prize is drawn from a fund, at methuselahmouse.org, now open for donations. A portion of it is to be offered each time the record is broken for prolonging mouse life. A portion will also be offered for reversing aging, which is a more complicated calculation. The prize fund stands at $28,448.With enough money, Mr. de Grey said, it would take about 10 years to find a proven method for taking any 2-year-old mouse, already two-thirds of the way through a normal life, and extending it to five years, the equivalent of 150 years for humans. At that point the war on human aging could begin in earnest.Mr. de Grey described himself as a theoretician, and as such he holds a position that is rejected by most researchers into the science of aging. For instance, Leonard P. Guarente, a professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said, ''The idea of people living to a thousand is preposterous.'' There are mechanisms that may well allow extending life, he said, but so much goes wrong as organisms deteriorate with age that ''trying to fix everything that's going wrong is impossible.''Mr. de Grey is undeterred by criticism and relatively unconcerned about suggestions that near-immortality, if achievable, might not be entirely a good thing. Asked what would happen to reproduction when the living started to accumulate the way the dead do now, taking up all the space, he said they would no doubt resent new arrivals. He said matter-of-factly that it would be, by and large, a world without children.He recognized that there would be difficult issues to face but brushed aside any suggestion that defeating death was not a fundamentally good thing to do.''Aging really is barbaric,'' he said. ''It shouldn't be allowed. I don't need an ethical argument. I don't need any argument. It's visceral. To let people die is bad.''Although Mr. de Grey got his listeners talking and thinking, there was no indication that their interest meant they had signed on to the program. Mr. Diffie, for one, was unconvinced by the notion of death as something that arrived by accident in evolution. It was, after all, universal. ''My nose for when I don't understand something tells me there's something here I don't understand,'' he said. '' I don't think they understand it either.''The audience was not lacking in millionaires, but there was no great surge of donations to the Methusaleh Mouse Prize after Mr. de Grey's talk. According to his online record of donations, $1,849 was received during or after Pop!Tech, which ran from Oct. 16 to 18.Mr. de Grey has no illusions about the challenge he faces. He wants to establish an institute to direct research, he said, adding that he probably needs $500 million to achieve the goal of using mouse research to kick-start a global research explosion on human aging. That includes the prize fund.Just before a dinner the night after his talk, one of the participants in the conference approached him and asked, ''Can we talk about funding?''''Yeah,'' Mr. de Grey said, ''how much money do you have?'' letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6476/1/E-Kako-nastaje-uspjesna-drzava--Algoritam-kapitala.html ÂKako nastaje uspjesna drzava – Algoritam kapitalaPostovani!Molimo Vas da na stranici koju uredjujete objavite najavu promocije knjige“Kako nastaje uspjesna drzava – Algoritam kapitala”, autora VladimiraVugrina i Snjezane Dubak-Braskic, koja ce se odrzati u petak, 17.10.2003.godine u Sveucilisnoj i nacionalnoj knjiznici u Zagrebu, Hrvatske bratskezajednice bb, s pocetkom u 11 sati prije podne po hrvatskom vremenu.Promocija knjige bit ce izravno prenosena putem Interneta na web-adresimms://tv.carnet.hr/nsk Knjiga sadrzi saznanja o jedinstvenom rjesenju svih zarisnih problemahrvatskog gospodarstva. Svojom originalnoscu sokantno potresa danasnjuekonomsku znanost, a nacelima na kojima je zasnovana u poslovanje vracadavno zaboravljenu moralnost.Vugrin vlastitom troskovnom kamatom – viskom vrijednosti kao troskomposlovanja, novim posebnim konceptom dodane vrijednosti, priznavanjemgoodwilla kao najkvalitetnije imovine, uvodjenjem OPO-a (Obvezne premijeosiguranja) za sve zaposlenike, stavljanjem naglaska na knjizni novac, ulaganjem PDV-a u pravne osobe i izvozne poslove, te kontnim planomprirodnog dvojnog knjigovodstva algoritma kapitala, transponira postojeceefekte gospodarstva u konstruktivnu reakciju koja pokrece gospodarskesnage, u cilju akcije vracanja moralnih normi ponasanja, te na taj nacinpostize sveopcu ravnotezu, kao osnovu mira, sigurnosti i prosperitetapotrebnu za realizaciju stabilizacije i perspektivu blagostanja ubuducnosti.Algoritam kapitala nalaze osnivanje eskontne banke pri Hrvatskoj narodnojbanci, uvodi koncept glavnice poduzeca kao sadasnje vrijednosti buducegpoduzetnickog posla, utvrdjene projektiranim profitom podijeljenimeskontnom stopom (6%) te uvodi unutarnji poslovni zajam poduzeca(menadjerski kredit) koji omogucava privatizaciju poduzeca reorganizacijompoduzeca u korist menadjera (poslovodja) na nizoj razini koji vladajutehnologijom i savladavaju svakodnevne aktualne konkretne probleme, stozajamcuje pozitivne poslovne rezultate u stvaranju novih vrijednosti iuspjesnu brzu privatizaciju.Promocija navedene knjige jedinstvena je prilika da, uz pomoc suvremeneinformaticke tehnologije, na jednom mjestu okupimo, motiviramo i upoznamos prirodnim knjigovodstvom strucnjake iz razlicitih podrucja, poduzetnike,nezaposlene, povratnike i ostale zainteresirane osobe te da se svizajedno, pomocu timova i mreza timova, samoorganiziramo i damo svojdoprinos u primjeni prirodnog dvojnog knjigovodstva poduzeca u hrvatskojekonomiji. Nadamo se da cete pratiti promociju putem Interneta te da ceteposlati svoje prijedloge, kritike i pitanja na e-mail adresuosijek@efos.hr S postovanjem, prof.  dr.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂsc.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnteÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLauc letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Oct 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6477/1/H-Hrvatske-izmedju-autopoiesisa-i-alopoiesisa.html ÂHrvatske izmedju autopoiesisa i alopoiesisaÂPostovani!Projekt koji ima za cilj Kako povecati GNP (bruto drustveni proizvod u Republici Hrvatskoj s 20 na 100 milijardi USD pod vodstvom profesora dr. Ante Lauca s Ekonomskog fakulteta u Osijeku trazi suradnike koji zele sustavno suradjivati na ovom programu.U sklopu toga pozivamo nase gradjane u svijetu koji su voljni suradjivati, imaju znanja, dobre volje, tehnologiju, materijalnih sredstava i inovacija da slozno radimo na realizaciji povecanja GNP u RH.Stoga molimo sve zainteresirane gradjane u inozemstvu i domovini da svoja misljenja, prijedloge na kojim bi podrucjima zeljeli suradjivati bilo iskustvima, savjetima, organizacijskim aktivnostima ili podizanjem samostalne gospodarske aktivnosti kako bi pridonijeli izgradnji ovoga projekta, dostave na dolje navedene adrese.Ujedno nas zanimaju i vasa iskustva koja ste vec imali u suradnji s Domovinom kako bismo u buduce mogli raditi na poboljsanju i daljnjem razvijanju gospodarskih odnosa.Na tom poslu treba raditi zajednicki, ustrajno i to oni koji misle da znaju, mogu i hoce, te oni koji nemaju dovoljno znanja, ali imaju volje da se ucenjem i radom formiraju u uspjesne osobe.Kontakt osobe: Voditelj projekta: prof. dr. Ante Lauc (lauc@efos.hr)Voditelj za korespondenciju: Ivana Ivancic, prof.(anavicicnavi@yahoo.com) Voditelj za korespondenciju: Voditelj projekta:Ivana Ivancic, prof. prof. dr. Ante Lauc letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 21 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6478/1/E-Croatia---Impartial-State-Why-not-.html ÂCROATIABETWEEN EUROPEAN INTEGRATION, WESTERN BALKAN AND IMPARTIALITYAndelkoMilardovic,Ph.D. PoliticalScience Research Center, Zagrebwww.cpi.hrÂ1.EU INTEGRATIONSince internationalacknowledgement in 1992 until today, the Croatian foreign policy the object areEuropean integrations. That object has been emphasized and is emphasized byformer Government and by new coalition government. Despite that, until recentlythe Government didn't manage to achieve inter -party agreement on Europeanintegration Strategy, and it was accomplished at the end of 2002 by acclamationof Declaration in Croatian Parliament. Impartially from what may be the bestresults in Stabilization and association process, comparing with othercountries, Croatia didn't find itself among ten new candidate countries in EUEastern enlargement process. At Copenhagen Summit Croatia was not traded as acountry which could be in enlargement process with Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.That promptedCroatian political elite on diplomatic action and acclamation of Declaration andundergoing of application for full membership by March 2003.The application hasdomestic and foreign political reasons.Domestic politicalreasons are related to forthcoming elections. In a case of acceptance,Government of the Prime-minister Račan would achieve a great success inforeign policy which could probably have impact on forthcoming elections. But,in a case Of subtraction thisGovernment will have to bear consequences and the question of alternativestrategy for the future will be opened.The good side of theapplication is that it will show a real position of Brussels who will have togive its final answer, either positive or negative. Positive answer basedon intern consensus, would ask for development of integration strategy withprecise dynamic, distribution of tasks, distribution actor roles, budget andcost of integration, benefits of integration for Croatia, losses and obligationby referendum.In a case of negativeanswer the government will have to develop the scenario to avoidcontra-productive effects of ten to fifteen years by the time Croatia becomefull EU member.That time should beused on developing an Alternative or our own concept of impartiality. Thatconcept will be discussed among leading Croatian intellectuals on Seminar"Croatia-neutral State?" which will be held on 23rd January 2003in Bezanec Castle in Hrvatsko Zagorje.2.GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION, IDENTITY AND POLITICAL REALIZMPositive and negativeScenario of Croatian future and her position in the globalized world has to bedeterminate by her geopolitical situation, which is constant in domestic andforeign politics. It is a permanent fact which has to be taken as dependent inprogramming and implementation of future scenario.According to that, itis possible to identify Croatia as a country between Central Europe,Mediterranean and Balkan. Three components identify her geopolitical andcultural identity: Central European, Mediterranean and Balkan component, ofwhich geographicallyÂBalkanhas a smallest impact.Until January 3rd2000 the emphasis was on first two components but after arrival of coalitionGovernment the priority was given to a Balkan component. Objections to an oldGovernment were that it favored European integration; Central European andMediterranean identity but it acted totally Balkanian. New Government, on theother side to has emphasized cooperation with Balkans as an integrated part ofStabilization and accession process and the Mediterranean and Central Europeangeopolitical and cultural component where put in a second plan and a prioritywas given to cooperation with Western Balkan countries (In economy, culture,sport and etc).In the politicallanguage by officials in Brussels Croatia is treated as a part of Western Balkanregion. Since 1997 until 2000 in "European herald" magazine Croatia ismentioned as an integrated part Western Balkan region, Yugoslavia minus Sloveniaplus Albania. In this region exist interweave between Western (EU and U. S. A.),Russian and Islamic interest. EU foreign politics treats this region as one. Theobject of Stabilization and association Agreement is implementation ofstabilization in the region and association, if it ever became possible. The EUpolitics does not take into account the results of each individual country. Itis occupied with the collective approach. Individual accession model, as itseems, will not be easily accepted. The reasons why Croatia didn't enter infirst enlargement group in Copenhagen are strictly political. The WesternBalkans is treated as Europe's "black hole", the region withoutestablished rule of law and with great problems with corruption, organizedcrime, illegal migrations and trafficking of human beings. It is treated in thisway and actually isolated so that it doesn't undermine EU construction, and inattempt to prevent eventual effects of the "black hole" on her system EU isbuilding a stronger politics towards Balkan countries and barbarians who couldundermine the EU principals.Finally, in allScenarios of EU Future, either official or of think tanks, Croatia is seen asWestern Balkan country. These are some of the examples, Western Balkan and a newEuropean responsibility. Strategic paper presented at special meeting "Club ofthree and Western Balkans" (Brussels 29 ­ 30, June 2000); CARDS assistanceProgram to the Western Balkans - regional strategy paper 2002 - 2006(European Commission. Forward studies unit. Horizontal issues). Western Balkanin 2004. Assistance, cohesion and new European borders. The paper by independentinstitute ESI - Berlin was presented to Javier Solana on November 5th2002 in Brussels. Taken into account, Scenario confirms thesis of politicalreasons of Croatian exclusion from Copenhagen enlargement process and acollective, instead of individual approach to accession, if ever becomesplausible. ESI Scenario anticipate crisis inWestern Balkans 2004 caused by reduction of assistance. In a part of Scenario" European Union and the crisis 2004" the Western Balkan countries arehardly taken into account in a view of future EU enlargement, and the evidenceof that approach was shown in Copenhagen treatment of the Balkans. It isstressed that: »From 2004 to 2006, most countries inthe region will receive relatively little EU aid, whatever political orinstitutional reforms they undertake and irrespective of their progress up theStabilization and Association ladder. Unless something changes, there will alsobe little argument for taking the needs of the region seriously in the nextprogramming cycle (2007-13). The Balkans will continue to depend on thedevelopment and humanitarian aid budget, and will find itself competing with thecountries of the Southern Mediterranean and the Middle East and with new crisisareas as they emerge around the globe.Without a serious commitment from theEuropean Union, the Western Balkans will find itself increasingly isolated fromthe developments unfolding all around it, from Slovenia, through Hungary,Romania and Bulgaria, and south to Greece. Its capacity to join the Europeanproject will only decrease over time. While in the enlarged Europe, the newgoals will be economic cohesion; development and labour mobility, in the Balkansthe focus will narrow to issues of crime, corruption and border management. Ifthis is Europe's only response to the crisis of 2004, then the most probablefuture of the Balkans is to remain an island of instability in the heart ofEurope, exporting migrants and importing peacekeepers. (ESI, November 2002, p.20). »EU foreign politics has commonstandards of "Europeanization" of new potential candidate countries anddeveloped regional politics. One of these regional politics is toward WesternBalkans. But, either Croatia hasn't developed clear strategy whose objectivesare European integrations neither it comply prerequisite for full membership,partly because it's own fault and partly because of existing scenarios of EUfuture. The question here is: What can we do ina case they don't accept our application for full membership and we subtractscenarios, which tend to relate Croatia and her own future with a future ofWestern Balkan? Therefore, alternative scenario must be developed includingacclamation of permanent impartiality on Constitutional basics. 3. IMPARTIALITY If the application for full membershipis going to be subtracted, and if the Government is rejecting a concept, whichtends to relate Croatia with Western Balkan scenario, an alternative strategy ofextrication from the Balkans must be developed. This strategy should necessaryinclude acclamation of impartiality as a concept of self- reinforcing, buildinginstitutions based on rule of law, implementation of common European standardsand best practice, anti-participation in war conflicts, abstention from NATOmembership, and reinforcement of Constitutional statute which forbids anyassociation with former Yugoslavian countries, and promotion of peace byRepublic of Croatia. In a political history termimpartiality had deferent meanings, but always resulting from constellation ofpower and relations. Since establishment of international relations between thestates in 1648 it was interpreted as abstention from conflicts and taking partsin violations, respect of sovereignty and independent foreign politics forexample, freedom of choice in leading its own foreign politics. The system of impartiality is changingthrough the centuries, especially after a fall of Berlin wall. Withglobalization of politics the old concept of impartiality has changed, andgradually is defined in new context of power and relations. The right on impartiality, in terms ofglobalized politics, has to be maintained, as a choice of a freedom. Forexample: Croatia has never been forced to join EU and NATO, but EU scenariorelates it to Western Balkan. Impartiality, hence, means a freedom of choice,which defines our own future. Any declared impartiality should be acknowledgedby international community, and in that case Croatia should "experience"second international acknowledgment if declare neutrality.As I said, through the historyimpartiality was result of constellation of power and relations. Examples are:Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Ireland. Switzerland is an example ofpermanent, Constitutional based impartiality. Austria is an example ofimpartiality created as a result or consequence of 2nd World war.Since 1955 until 1994 Austria experienced total impartiality. That time was usedon institutional building and self-reinforcing, and at the end Austria joined EU.Austria is not a NATO member, but is candidate country and is pleading forredefining of impartiality under new conditions. Sweden, Finland and Ireland areall EU members but not NATO members. Therefore, in globalized world there arestill some neutral states, and some countries are neither members of EU or NATO.Perfect example is Switzerland.According to that, if Croatia currentlycannot become full EU member, and there is no need to enter NATO, as senselessorganization, it should declare neutrality related to future conflicts andpermanent impartiality. "Permanent neutrality is clearlydifferent from neutrality by the fact that permanent neutrality ischaracteristic of the state as a subject of international law, as defined byConstitution and international Agreement, and opposite, term neutrality isrelated to war." (Source: Vladimir Ibler, International civil law dictionary,Zagreb, Informator, 1987, p. 319). Raymond Aaron has also written aboutdifferent types of impartiality in book "Peace and war among the nations"(Zagreb, Golden marketing, 2001, p. 548.)The idea of freedom of choice and peaceare in foundation of impartiality. So if Croatia is going to declareimpartiality it won't be in any relation with isolationism. Impartiality isbased on the assumption of freedom of choice to integrate, according to nationalinterests, in those global institutions in which, for example, Switzerland is amember, but is not a member of European Union and NATO. Finally, impartialityexclude isolationism. Croatian concept of impartiality in globalized world,should therefore, be the concept of institutional self reinforcing, comparativewith EU standards, based on rule of law so that Croatia in time became adesirable EU partner.Since the end of bipolar structure ofthe world and fall of Berlin wall NATO has became an institution occupied withplanning its own purpose. In NATO strategy1999 it is stressed that a role ofNATO is a protection of North-Atlantic alliance countries. Whom from? Who is aglobal enemy today? It is also stressed that NATO's second role is managingthe crisis caused by NATO to vindicate its purpose. Beside that, after aFatherland war, Croatia is not longer willing to participate in wars and wish todeclare itself as Republic of peace. Parallel with that Croatian membership inNATO would be senseless since NATO is interested only in the military bases inMediterranean, as a place for protection of capital interests, interests offoreign companies, and as a source of equipment and goods, and trained soldiersfor artillery meat. Croatia should offer military bases and in exchange shouldreceive a expensive equipment, bordellos, prostitutes, infectious diseases,drugs, military police and "State within the state", from NATO. The fact is,there is no any country who could pose a threat to Croatia besides NATO, andNATO members for shure will not declare war to Croatia. Slovenia is not a NATOmember, Italy, as old member, excludes that idea, and Hungary, after joinEuropean Union is not a question. The only threat could pose Serbia. But ifCroatia has succeeded to organize army in the early 1990 and defend fromEurope's third military forces at the time, it is not a question whether itcould do that in the future with built military organization and well equippedarmy? Hence, there are no reasons for Croatia to become a NATO member. As astate which proclaims peace, based on impartiality, Croatia should developpolitics towards Serbia to prevent threats.Impartiality includes strong economyinstitutions and membership in, according to national interests, global economyinstitutions. Globalization of economy and politics has greatly changed theconcept of territorial sovereignty of European Union members. In the invitation for Seminar which isgoing to be held at the end of January 2003 it is stressed: "Today the natureof impartiality has changed especially in accordance with new nature ofconflicts and threats in international relations. Strong integration processesand even stronger inter-dependence of the world and states progressively arechanging the main principles of neutrality, as for example, the principal ofsovereignty and national interests. Neutral states continually are changingtheir behavior in international relations in accordance with real neutrality,but they stay committed to basic idea which enable them a great freedom foractions".Globalization, as a main form inintegrated the world, does not exclude impartiality, but impartiality needs tobe adopted according to conditions in globalized world. Globalization is basedon neo-liberalism, the idea of freedom, just as neutrality is based on idea offreedom. Hence, terms globalization and neutrality are not in contradiction ifthe right of freedom of choice, freedom of individual and society to choose itsown future is respected. Our choice is a way towards European Union and iftemporary we can't reach it and we don't want to be related with WesternBalkan impartiality is a way for Croatian politics in globalized world. But weneed International community to acknowledge this way and they will if Croatiasuggests that option. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6479/1/E-How-Can-We-Change-the-Face-of-Croatia.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂHow Can We Change the Face ofCroatia?Dear friends,ÂIn response to the information that Hilda has graciously provided about the Seselj Indictment: some are happy, some are bitter. Regardless, we now must do our part to make sure that this news continues to permeate throughout the rest of the world, and does not just resonate alone within our own community. The seeds of truth are being planted-it is up to us to help them grow and flourish. Here is one thing that I feel needs to be done:We are familiar with the names of such organizations as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Anti-Defamation League, but unfortunately, they are not rightfully familiar with us. While viewing the websties of these organizations, you will not find a pretty picture if you type the word "Croatia" in their searchable database.ÂHuman Rights Watch Mission StatementHuman Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to bring offenders to justice, to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom and to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those holding power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all.If this is their mission then why do most of the articles presented mention only the lack of human rights for Serbs in Croatia and the Croatian massacre of Serbian civialians in Krajina?The articles they are presenting are obviously one sided. If they are to remain a creditable organization, they need to report both sides.ÂThe same goes for Amnesty International. Let them hear our voice and we shall not be forgotten.ÂAt the Antidefamation League website they basically present to the world what they call Tudjman's dishonoring of the camp at Jasenovac. If this organzation aims to stop injustice and genocide, then where are the articles about Milosevic, Vocin, and media untruths (just to name a few)?Please forward your letters and supporting factual material to these organizations. Let them read about our side, if nothing. They will not know these things if we do not push the truth on them.ÂIf this is all they know about Croatia, then they will be in for a big shock when they see my films ("My Croatia" and "Freedom from Despair"). I am planning to submit my documentaries to the film festivals that these organizations sponsor because the themes represented in my work fit into their mission statements. Please write to them in your spare time, so that it is quite clear to them that there is more to know about us then what they have been reporting. If they have been educated on the issues of injustice in Croatia ahead of time, they may be more inclined to put one of these films on their big screen this year, in turn making one of our many media goals a reality. Little by little we can change the face of Croatia- and this is just one step.ÂSvako dobro,Brenda BrkusicSet us up for success! Start by writing to:#1 Anti-defamation League - www.adl.orgÂÂ#2 Amnesty Interational - www.amnesty.orgÂ#3 Human Rights Watch - www.hrw.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000