http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A nenad@nenadbach.com Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:45:23 -0700 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9521/1/Pandoracom-The-Music-Genome-Project-plays-Nenad-Bach-music-from-March-28th.html We set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about "looks" or "genre". letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9406/1/Abortion-in-Croatia-is-Down-90-Since-1989.html Croatia has experienced a very dramatic drop in the abortion rate from 1989 when the nation's 51,289 abortions were nearly equal to the number of live births. The latest statistics, from 2005, indicate there were 4,563 abortions - a drop of nearly 90% since 1989.  Significantly the law on abortion has not changed. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9269/1/9000-NATO-Commandos-In-Adriatic-Operation.html   From 1 to 12 October 2007 Croatia will be the scene of Noble Midas 07, the largest and most important international military manoeuvre to be held in Croatia since its independence. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9259/1/PYRAMID-on-top-of-the-Pyramid---Monumental-success-of-Croatian-TV.html   The Pyramid is a unique combination of talk show and game show. Europroducciones has already optioned the format for Spain, Italy and Portugal, as has Gestion Avanti Cine Video for French speaking Canada. (photo) Dubravko Merlic and Zeljka Ogresta letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9246/1/Day-of-Mourning-in-Croatia.html In the aftermath of the deaths of firemen on Kornati, the Croatian government declared Monday, September 3, Day of Mourning.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9158/1/Ana-Maruiae-MD-PhD-President-of-Council-of-Science-Editors.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9157/1/Croatian-Medical-Journals-Receive-International-Recognition.html   Two Croatian medical journals, "Croatian Medical Journal" and "Lijecnicke novine", received important international recognition, which was not given much attention in Croatian media. mmarusic@mef.hr (Prof. Dr. Matko Maru¹iæ) Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9145/1/Petition-for-the-Embassy-of-BiH-in-Buenos-Aires-to-remain-open.html Molimo da se ne zatvori Ambasada BiH u Buenos Airesu. We petition for the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Buenos Aires to remain open. Pedimos que no se cierre la Embajada de Bosnia y Herzegovina en Buenos Aires. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700 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 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8984/1/NFCA-Press-Release-The-NATO-Freedom-Consolidation-Act-of-2007.html     foleycoinc@earthlink.net (Joe Foley) Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8982/1/Genocides-most-wanted-Countries-and-people-shouldnt-be-allowed-to-get-away-with-genocide.html     rullid@yahoo.com (Dino Rulli, Ph.D.) Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8954/1/Croatia-to-Compete-in-2007-Bacardi-Cup.html   The Bacardi Cup Star Class Regatta expands its reach drawing Croatia for the first time in its 80 - year history. Registrants include Olympic Medalists from 19 countries.  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8945/1/Top-US-Universities-did-begin-to-post-FREE-courses-on-the-web-open-to-all.html   Universities are posting online everything from lecture notes to sample tests, and even making audio and video franjo@adnc.com (Franjo Rado¹eviæ) Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8934/1/Croatia8217s-Quality-of-Life-Ranks-18th-in-the-World.html   International Living Magazine recently announced its top choice countries in terms of quality of life, with Croatia placing 18th out of the 193 countries officially recognized. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8933/1/Svecano-proslavljena-Festa-Svetog-Vlaha-u-Los-Angelesu-3-veljace-2007.html U subotu 03. veljace 2007., veliki Hrvatski centar Sv. Ante u Los Angelesu bio je premalen kako bi primio sve dubrovkinje, dubrovcane, sve Hrvate koji su tako daleko od Domovine dosli odati pocast nasem Parcu i dostojno proslaviti festu Svetog Vlaha.   Dubrovnik5@aol.com (Niko Hazdovac) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8932/1/Austrian-Grants-for-Croatian-PhDs-under-35-years---1000-Euros-a-month.html  Call for Applicants / Expression of interest. We would like to encourage in particular applicants from Southeastern Europe for PhD students and PhDs under 35 years stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8931/1/Dogs-life-Brightens-up-with-new-Centre-in-Croatia.html Only a few years ago, Neven Silvestar Kovacevic's idea of a day-care centre for dogs met with dismissive smirks in his native Croatia. Today, his Nesi daycare centre for dogs is proof that innovative entrepreneurship is taking root in this European Union candidate country.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8926/1/Croatia-India-Sign-Co-operation-Agreement.html  Croatian Minister of Science Dragan Primorac and his visiting Indian counterpart, Kapil Sibal, signed a declaration on strengthening bilateral scientific and technological co-operation. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8924/1/Job-Posting-for-Lawyer-in-Croatia.html   International law firm seeks Partner for their Zagreb office to serve a roster of both domestic and multi-national clients. katarina@stanfordalumni.org (Katarina Milicevic) Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8919/1/Le-Meridien-Lav-Opens-First-Hotel-In-Split-Croatia.html   Le Méridien Lav is taking over the resort previously known as the Hotel Lav, giving it a $150 million renovation. The resort has 364 guestrooms with 17 suites and a Presidential Suite. The beach-front resort has seven bars and dining areas, tennis academy, private yacht marina, a casino and indoor and outdoor pools. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8915/1/Croatia-Advances-to-Quarterfinals-in-2007-Handball-World-Championships.html   Croatia continue to look to be the team to beat in the World Championships as they defeated previously unbeaten Hungary 25-18. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8905/1/Amateur-Radio-Club-Koprivnica-Celebrates-60-Years.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8904/1/Ambassador-to-Croatia-Visits-Pittsburgh.html  Robert Bradtke (left), the United States ambassador to Croatia, lived in the Pittsburgh area just a short time.But he remembers those few years fondly, he said during a recent visit to the Croatian Fraternal Union of America in Wilkins. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8888/1/Croatia-would-soon-be-calling-for-bids-to-privatise-five-of-its-largest-shipyards.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8883/1/Last-month-on-a-frosty-night-in-Zagreb-Croatia-they-draped-the-shimmering-cape-on-the-shoulders-of-James-Brown-for-the-last-time.html   As the crowd cheered, the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business," whose career had begun six decades and a world away as a child dancing for coins along the Savannah River, walked away from the microphone. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 26 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8862/1/Web-stranica-wwwlijepanasadomovinahrvatskacom-ponovo-se-nalazi-na-internetu.html     i.grgic@comcast.net (Ivica Grgiæ) Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8849/1/Brian-Gallagher-analyzes-The-Trial-of-Domagoj-Margetic.html     brigall@yahoo.co.uk (Brian Gallagher) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8847/1/Croatian-World-Congress-Invites-You-to-Participate-at-the-UN-COMMISSION-ON-STATUS-OF-WOMEN.html The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will hold its 51st session from 26 February to 9 March 2007, at United Nations Headquarters, New York. The Commission will focus on the thematic issue entitled The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child.   MViscovich@aol.com (Prof. Dr. Mario Viscovich) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8846/1/Poziv-na-sudjelovanje-pri-UN-Komisiji-o-polozaju-zena-Rok-prijave-22-prosinca-2006.html     MViscovich@aol.com (Prof. Dr. Mario Viscovich) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8844/1/The-dead-sexy-Tesla-delivers-on-its-promise-100--Electric-car-No-more-excuses.html     c.mateo@verizon.net (Martin Cvjetkoviæ) Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8798/1/Predavanja-akademika-Ante-Stamaca-quotGibanja-u-suvremenom-hrvatskom-jezikuquot.html     dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8791/1/Croatian-Hall-in-Biloxi-MS-to-be-Rebuilt.html The Slavonian Lodge, in Biloxi, MS was the gathering place for Croatians in the area. In 2005 it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. The American and Croatian flags fly over its remains. The local Croatians have committed themselves to rebuilding their lodge. Read more&   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8738/1/Great-escape-by-Bhupathi-Ancic.html Mahesh Bhupathi , left, of India and Mario Ancic of Croatia, right, pose with the winners' check and the trophies after defeating the Indian duo of Rohan Bopanna and Mustafa Ghouse in the doubles finals match of the Kingfisher Open Tennis in Mumbai, India, Monday, Oct. 2, 2006. Bhupathi and Ancic defeated Bopanna-Ghouse 6-4, 6-7, 10-8 to win the doubles' title.   dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8737/1/-Ljubicic-wins-second-place-at-Thailand-Open.html American James Blake dominated top-seeded Croatian Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 6-1 Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006 to win the Thailand Open final. Third-seeded Blake controlled the match from the start with superior ground strokes, wrapping up his fourth title of the year in less than an hour.   dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8736/1/Lord-of-the-DNA-ring.html Zagreb, Croatia. The study was completed in cooperation between the Croatian research institute Rudjer Boskovic and the Paris-based Necker Institute. Ksenija Zahradka, a leading researcher in the study, told a news conference. "It is an extremely fascinating phenomenon to see how a cell itself can repair its fairly destroyed DNA." Croatian scientist Miroslav Radman supervised the experimental part of the study. October 3rd 2006. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8735/1/Croatians-Show-the-Way-to-Immortality.html ZAGREB - Croatian scientists have worked out how a radiation-resistant bacterium that can exist in extreme conditions repairs damage to itself, a discovery which could provide clues about diseases such as cancer. "Through evolution, the bacteria have developed a mechanism to precisely reconstruct its DNA. Until now this has been a scientific riddle," Ksenija Zahradka, a leading researcher in the study, told a news conference.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8732/1/GORBACHEV-IN-PRIMOSTEN.html   Croatian President Stipe Mesic, right, looks at former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev as he speaks at a conference marking his 75th birthday and 20th anniversary of his Perestroika reforms in Primosten, Croatia, Saturday Sept. 30, 2006. dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8721/1/Guitar-professor-returns-from-teaching-in-Croatia.html Miroslav Loncar, associate professor of guitar and artist-in-residence at William Carey University, recently returned from spending the summer teaching guitar in his home country of Croatia.   dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8720/1/Oakland-Intl-FF-BEYOND-THE-CALL-screening-this-Friday-Sept-22-6pm-at-the-Grand-Lake-Theater.html   Hello Bay Area Friends, I am excited to announce and invite you and your friends to a screening of BEYOND THE CALL in the beautiful Grand Lake Theater in Oakland (http://cinematreasures.org/theater/414/) as part of the Oakland International Film Festival (http://oaklandfilmsociety.org). Wadirum1@aol.com (Adrian Beliæ) Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8701/1/Returning-to-a-Cuntry-in-Transition-is-Both-Challenging-and-Rewarding.html Returning home to Croatia after working as a postdoctoral fellow in the United States took preparation and patience. I had enjoyed my three years studying insulin resistance at two prominent US centres. Although I disliked the poor career prospects for postdocs and the lack of professional development, I loved my colleagues' competitive spirit and the generous funding of the laboratory. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8698/1/Ljubicic-Leads-Croatia-Charge-in-China.html Top seed Ivan Ljubicic (right) led a trio of Croatians into the second round of the China Open with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over Japan's Go Soeda on Tuesday.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8697/1/Kukoc-Calls-a-Halt-to-NBA-Career.html Toni Kukoc, who played on the last three of Chicago's Michael-Jordan led title-winning teams is to quit the NBA.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8696/1/Croatia-Knots-Worlds-Biggest-Tie.html  Croatia tied the world's biggest tie after placing red thread round its 4,000 kilometres (2,480 miles) of borders to promote the country's cultural heritage and identity. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8692/1/Pismo-Ministrice-Ministarstvo-Vanjskih-Poslova-i-Europskih-Integracija.html ®elim vam dobrodo¹licu na web stranice Ministarstva vanjskih poslova i europskih integracija namijenjene informiranju pripadnika hrvatskog naroda koji ¾ive izvan granica Republike Hrvatske.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8691/1/Mirjana-Bohanec-8211-Vidoviae-promovirana-novom-pomoaenicom-ministrice-u-Upravi-za-hrvatske-manjine-iseljenitvo-i-useljenitvo.html   Obavje¹tavamo sve hrvatske udruge u iseljeni¹tvu da je 25. kolovoza 2006. godine novom pomoænicom ministrice u Upravi za hrvatske manjine, iseljeni¹tvo i useljeni¹tvo imenovana gospoða Mirjana Bohanec - Vidoviæ. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8553/1/E-Croatia-abolishes-prison-sentences-for-defamation.html Croatia abolishes prison sentences for defamation 03/July/2006 Croatia is now the third Southeast European country to abolish criminal punishment for defamation in the past year, following Serbia and Macedonia. There were several Croatian journalists convicted for defamation in 2004 and 2005. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe negotiated with the government to change the law, by moving defamation from the criminal code to the civil code. Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE media freedom representative, said the move was an important step toward freer media. “This change will boost the self-confidence of the press and also improve its professionalism," Haraszti said. OSCE: http://www.osce.org/item/19716.html. Reporters Without Borders: http://www.rsf.org/country-53.php3?id_mot=505&Valider=OK.  http://www.ijnet.org/Director.aspx?P=Article&ID=305196 OSCE media watchdog praises Croatia's abolition of prison sentences for defamation Subscribe to e-mail service Print version VIENNA, 29 June 2006 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, today commended the Croatian Parliament for adopting amendments to the Criminal Code that abolish imprisonment as a sanction for defamation. "I welcome Croatia's move to liberate the country's journalists from the fear of imprisonment for their words," Mr Haraszti said. "This will boost the self-confidence of the press, and also improve its professionalism. "Journalistic ethics can only mature in an environment that allows for an uninhibited and free press. The amendments to the law will also help journalists to contribute to greater transparency in public life." Both the Representative and the OSCE Mission to Croatia have continuously advocated the decriminalization of defamation. Their co-operation with the Government on defamation and libel has intensified following several convictions of journalists for defamation in 2004 and 2005. After Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Croatia is the third state since last September to abolish imprisonment as a punishment under its criminal libel law. "I am pleased that these countries are taking the lead in removing criminal libel laws from their penal codes and letting the civil courts deal with these offences. I hope that all OSCE participating States will follow their example," Mr. Haraszti said. http://www.osce.org/item/19716.html nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8554/1/E-New-US-Ambassador-Robert-A-Bradtke-To-Be-Sworn-in-on-July-3rd.html New U.S. Ambassador Robert A. Bradtke To Be Sworn-in on July 3rd National Federation of Croatian Americans Press Release   from left to right: NFCA Government Affairs Director Joe Foley, NFCA President Ed Andrus, Ambassador Designate Robert A. Bradtke, NFCA Vice President Steve Rukavina, NFCA National Treasurer Zvonko Labas) For Immediate Release – June 28, 2006 “New U.S. Ambassador Robert A. Bradtke To Be Sworn-in on July 3rd” (Washington, D.C.) A National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) delegation visited the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, June 21, to meet the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to The Republic of Croatia Robert Bradtke and Croatia Desk Officer Bradford Bell. The group led by NFCA President Ed Andrus, Eastern Vice President Steve Rukavina, National Treasurer Zvonko Labas, and Government and Public Affairs Director Joe Foley had a very substantive 100 minute working lunch meeting with the American diplomat. Ambassador Bradtke will be sworn in during a July 3rd U.S. State Department ceremony headed by Secretary of State Condolezza Rice. This meeting was an ideal opportunity for the Ambassador Designate to become better acquainted with the activities of the National Federation of Croatian Americans, the Croatian Fraternal Union, and to hear more detailed specifics about the activities, accomplishments, and many dimensions of the Croatian American community. Ambassador Bradtke has been in the U.S. Foreign Service for thirty three years. He was based in the Zagreb Consul during the 1976-1980 time period and later worked for and visited Croatia with Secretary of State Warren Christopher in 1996. The meeting was centered on the topic of NATO membership for Croatia as the key discussion subject. Ambassador Bradtke feels Croatia has made much progress in its pursuit of membership in this Euro-Atlantic alliance. The diplomat was quick to point out that the upcoming NATO Summit in Riga, Latvia is not the enlargement meeting. Enlargement would most likely occur at the 2008 NATO Summit. Ambassador Bradtke as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State was intricately involved in the 2002 NATO Enlargement process. This American diplomat with all his NATO experience will be a great addition to the American diplomatic corp working directly with Croatian government officials over the next few years. Ambassador Bradtke believes the Croatian Defense Minister understands all he needs to know about some necessary requirements and reforms needed to better ensure NATO membership. The new Ambassador is clearly committed to discussing the benefits and requirements of NATO membership during his term in Croatia. He hopes that the Croatian citizenry will better appreciate the significance of NATO Article 5, which clearly states that an attack against any NATO member is an attack against all of them. The Ambassador believes that the Croatian public, like the Slovenes about four years ago, will clearly favor NATO membership as debate continues through the next 12 to 18 months regarding the long term security benefits of membership in this alliance. Ambassador Bradtke was very impressed with the role of the NFCA in the creation of the Congressional Croatian Caucus. He believes that this type of bi-partisan political leverage will be instrumental when it comes time for the U.S. Senate to vote on NATO enlargement in 2008. He was also pleased to hear how the NFCA has worked positively with the AmCham in Zagreb, the U.S. State Department with the Brcko project, Eastern Slavonia re-integration, economic development initiatives, de-mining fundraising, hosting Croatian visitors to the U.S., investor organizing, and sponsoring many Croatian-related educational symposia. Also, the Ambassador thought the involvement of Croatian American individuals and community in the development of Croatia's democracy and free market could be very instrumental over the years ahead. Ambassador Bradtke mentioned that he will be very busy in his first month. He will attend an early July Dubrovnik symposia with a NATO focus, participate in a Nikola Tesla 150 year birthday salute, and will also visit Vukovar within his first 30 days to pay his respects to the Croatians who lost their lives during the recent war in the Homeland. The Ambassador Designate mentioned that he had a very productive meeting and lunch with Croatian Ambassador Nevin Jurica on Thursday, June 15. The diplomat was openly very excited about his appointment and confirmation to be the next Ambassador to The Republic of Croatia. The diplomat feels strongly that the next few years for Croatia are crucial in its evolution to be a model democracy and force for stability in Southeast Europe. Ed Andrus spoke for all NFCA members when he congratulated Ambassador Bradtke, wished him well, and offered NFCA support for his diplomatic efforts to help with Croatia's pursuit of NATO membership. NFCA representatives will attend his swearing-in ceremony on July 3rd. The NFCA is a national umbrella organization of Croatian American groups that collectively represents approximately 130,000 members. For additional public affairs information, please call Mr. Joe Foley, NFCA Government and Public Affairs Director, at (301) 294-0937, or Mr. Ed Andrus, NFCA  President, at NFCA Headquarters at (301) 208-6650, or by email at NFCAhdq@verizon.net . For recent NFCA newsletters, important NFCA membership and chapter information, and other Croatian American news please visit the NFCA’s Web Site at WWW.NFCAONLINE.COM . National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) 2401 Research Blvd, Suite 115 Rockville, MD 20850 PHONE: (301) 208-6650 FAX: (301) 208-6659 E-MAIL: nfcahdq@verizon.net WEB SITE: www.nfcaonline.com  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8551/1/E-Soros-out-of-Croatia.html Soros out of Croatia As of June 1, 2006, Open Society Institute closed its offices in Zagreb, Croatia. OSI Croatia was active for 14 years spending $55 millions on development of civil society, education, public health, media, art, culture, and judiciary. OSI Croatia board of directors chairperson, Slavica Singer, affirmed OSI board's belief that Croatia's civil society is capable and self-sustainable within parameters of European democratic standards nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8552/1/E-Soross-Open-Society-Institute-in-Croatia-Closes-Shop.html Open Society Institute in Croatia Closes Shop   Tomislav Domes 02 June 2006 The Open Society Institute Croatia announced, in a public release of Wednesday that it concluded its 14-year work in Croatia on May 31. OSI Croatia was established in 1992, as support to the democratic development of Croatian Society. After the initial phase during which it concentrated on providing humanitarian assistance to the country at war, the Institute donated more than 55 million US Dollars as support for numerous initiative in the fields of education, media, art, culture, public health, law and economy, and greatly contributed to emergence and development of civil society in Croatia. During the 1990s, OSI Croatia often worked in an environment that was not very inclined towards it, and contributed actively to the criticism of dominant political and social models, presenting an alternative to the authoritarian and nationalist beliefs and actions, thus helping the political changes and institutional reform. After 14 years of systemic support to the democratization, in the context of Croatia’s progress towards the EU integration, the people at the Institute are convinced that the civil society in Croatia reached the level of self-sustainability, necessary to function in accordance with European democratic standards. We would like to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to all our collaborators, members of the Managing Board and programme boards, as well as the employees of the OSI Croatia, the state, cultural and scientific institutions, the media, as well as numerous partners and users of our programmes for their activism, enthusiasm and dedicated work on democratization and development of Croatian society”, said OSI in a public statement. http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/134055/1/ nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6871/1/E-Croatian-Chronicle-Croatian-President-Stipe-Mesic-visits-San-Francisco.html  Man on a MissionCroatian President Stipe Mesic visits San Francisco to attract U.S. investment, meets with local Croatian American community and finds time for some gardeningPresident Mesic and Mike Grgich planted a vine commemorating Roots of Peace efforts in Croatia - a campaign to replace mines with vinesIn a bid to promote joint economic ventures between his country and U.S. investors, and entice Americans to visit Croatia, President Stjepan Mesic traveled to California April 8-10, 2006. Mesic's trip to the West Coast also included meeting with some of the 50,000 Croatians in the San Francisco Bay area at a reception at the Croatian-American Cultural Center to inform them of the latest developments in Croatia's efforts towards EU and NATO membership. During his visit Mesic expressed his satisfaction with the level and quality of Croatian-U.S. cooperation. The President's itinerary also included speaking before the World Affairs Council in San Francisco on the role of small nations on the 21st century international political scene, an interview for the San Francisco Chronicle and a meeting with former U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz. One of the highlights of Mesic's visit was a meeting with famed Napa Valley winemaker Miljenko "Mike" Grgich on April 9, 2006, with whom he planted a vine commemorating Roots of Peace efforts in Croatia - a campaign to replace mines with vines - in front of Grgich Hills Cellar in Rutherford, CA. Not only is Grgich one of United States' best-known winemakers, he is a Croatian who is equally well known in his homeland for winemaking and for his support of Roots of Peace - a humanitarian non-profit organization dedicated to the eradication of landmines by returning de-mined land to productive agricultural use. Heidi Kuhn, President of Roots of Peace, attended the vine planting at Grgich Hills Cellar. Kuhn had just returned from New York City where she joined Mrs. Kofi Annan at the United Nations for the inaugural UN Landmine Awareness Day on April 4, 2006. Grgich also owns a winery in Croatia called Grgic Vina and was instrumental in establishing that the origins of Zinfandel can be traced back to the Croatian grape variety Crljenak. "I'm honored that the president came to my vineyard to show his support for Roots of Peace," said Grgich. "We had an overcast sky but the sun broke through the clouds just long enough for us to plant the vine. I think that is a blessing from heaven on our efforts." Echoing the president's invitation for Americans to visit his homeland, Grgich added, "Croatia is a beautiful country that is perfect for a vacation. In fact, my daughter, Violet, is leading a tour that's taking a spectacular cruise along the Dalmatian Coast in August."   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6873/1/E-011385-web-stranica.html  13. veljaca 06. TV Z1 - Urednik i utemeljitelj Ivica Grgicvideo - Nenad Bach na TV Z1 13.09.2005 - promocija klapske glazbe posjetitewww.nenadbach.com iwww.croatianworld.net13. veljaca 06. HRVATSKA SVJETSKA UDRUGA - audio - INTERVJU SA VESNOM BALENOVIC - Intervju vodio Domagoj Margetić. Malverzacije i kriminal u INI , povezanost duznosnika (kriminalaca) iz vladajucih struktura i pravosudja sa duznosnicima(kriminalcima) iz INE. Madjarsko poduzece koje je kupilo INU otpustilo je te iste koje optuzuje gospodja Balenovic....Program je snimljen pod pokroviteljstvom Croatian Worldwide Association. posjetitehttp://www.domagojmargetic.com13. veljaca 06. HRVATSKA SVJETSKA UDRUGA - audio - INTERVJU SA AKADEMIKOM JOSIPOM PEČARIĆEM - Sa akademikom Josipom Pečarićem razgovarao je Domagoj Margetić. Program je snimljen pod pokroviteljstvomCroatian Worldwide Association. posjetitehttp://www.domagojmargetic.com12. veljaca 06. Radio HTV - audio - 09. veljače 2006. godine - Prvi program hrvatskog radija u emisiji "Prva crta" o tome kako su započeli, kako rade i tko sve radi na prikupljanju građe iz Domovinskog rata.Prisutnost odgovornih srpskih duznosnika iz vremena Domovinskog rata na raznim visokim duznostima u Hrvatskoj i odnos hrvatskih vlasti prema njima. Gosti su: Ante Beljo, Ivica Pandža - Orkan i Ratko Dragović - Klek.....http://www.domovinskirat.com/12. veljaca 06. Večernji list - tekst- Srbima u Hrvatskoj vratiti status naroda kao 1990 - astupnici SiCG u Parlamentarnoj skupÅ¡tini Vijeća Europe, na čelu s potpredsjednikom Srpske radikalne stranke Tomislavom Nikolićem, inicirali su donoÅ¡enje rezolucije u kojoj se od Hrvatske traži da Srbe proglasi konstitutivnim narodom u RH, dakle jednakima Hrvatima....12. veljaca 06. Hina - tekst- Hrvati u Vojvodini na udaru Å¡ovinista - SUBOTICA - Na zidovima pet objekata koje pripadaju hrvatskim udrugama, tvrtkama ili osobama hrvatske nacionalnosti u ponedjeljak su, kako prenosi list, osvanule za Hrvate uvredljive poruke.....12. veljaca 06. Hina - tekst- Predsjednik Savjeta Hrvatskog zvona Zdravko Tomac ocijenio je kako je plan međunarodne zajednice da se Hrvatsku gurne u tzv. zonu slobodne trgovine Zapadnog Balkana pokazao da početak pregovora s EU ne znači odlazak s Balkana, već nove pritiske na Hrvatsku za balkansko regionalno udruživanje....12. veljaca 06. Slobodna Dalmacija -tekst - Josip JOVIĆ - Utemeljenje Zaklade za istinu o Domovinskom ratu, koja se joÅ¡ zove i zakladom za obranu A. Gotovine, popraćeno je neuobičajenom nervozom, kritikama i napadima.....Kritičarima Zaklade, a čini se i HaaÅ¡kom sudu, pa i nekima u Europskoj uniji, smeta to Å¡to ona izmiče izvan okvira željenog ideologijskog sklopa. Zato se za nju kaže kako okuplja protueuropske snage, kako joj cilj nije obrana Gotovine, nego ideologije, itd.....09. veljaca 06. HGU Split - tekst- PROSVJED HRVATSKIH GLAZBENIKA - Poznati pjevači, skladatelji, aranžeri i organizatori objavili javni prosvjed protiv SUSTAVNOG UNIÅ TAVANJA HRVATSKE GLAZBE - ...MiÅ¡ljenja smo da to namjerno  radi grupa ljudi raspoređena u većini medija (TV, radio postajama i novinama) u dogovoru s nekim poslovnim krugovima. Posebno su na udaru najpopularnije - hrvatska zabavna i hrvatska narodna glazba....09. veljaca 06.Radio Split - audio -Matko Jelavic o prosvjedu glazbenika - ...Za razliku od razgovora na Radio Dalmaciji, ovaj je jednosatni "dvoboj" proÅ¡ao sa puno viÅ¡e nervoze.....posjetitehttp://www.matkojelavic.com/intervju preporucio Nenad Bachhttp://www.croatianworld.net09. veljaca 06.Radio Dalmacija - audio -Matko Jelavic o prosvjedu glazbenika - Vrlo zanimljiv razgovor na splitskoj radio Dalmaciji posvećen sadržaju prosvjednog pisma glazbenika.Ovo je prvi put u samostalnoj Hrvatskoj da se o problemima glazbene pozornice ovako temeljito i javno razgovara....posjetitehttp://www.matkojelavic.com/intervju preporucio Nenad Bach http://www.croatianworld.net09. veljaca 06.Andjelko Galic-audio - odvjetnik iz Chicaga , urednik i sponzor hrvatskog radija "Lijepa nasa" - kriticki odnos prema vladajucim strukturama ( bivsim i sadasnjim ) , rad haaskog suda...... 09. veljaca 06. HRVATSKA SVJETSKA UDRUGA - tekst- PISMO HRVATSKE SVJETSKE UDRUGE (CROATIAN WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION) VISOKOM POVJERENIKU ZA BiH: ZAUSTAVITE NOVE OPTUŽNICE PROTIV HRVATA U BiH - .....PiÅ¡emo Vam kako bi Vam ukazali na članak objavljen 6. veljače 2006. godine, na portalu www.index.hr, a koji Vam i prilažemo na kraju ovoga pisma. Članak piÅ¡e o tome kako se priprema 300 optužnica protiv Hrvata u Bosni i Hercegovini za navodno počinjene ratne zločine.....- tekst - CROATIAN WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION - ...We write in regards to an article which appeared February 6, 2005 on www.index.hr and posted for your reference at the end of this letter.  The article reports there are 300 indictments about to be issued against Croatians in Bosnia-Herzegovina for “war crimesâ€? allegedly committed. ...posjetite http://www.croatianworldwideassociation.com07. veljaca 06. Croatian Herald -tekst - MELBOURNE - Daniel Kraljević iz Melbournea želi dokazati kako Andrew Bogut nije jedini hrvatski Australac koji zna igrati koÅ¡arku. On će predstavljati australsku hrvatsku zajednicu na prvim Hrvatskim svjetskim igrama u Zadru, od 15. do 21. lipnja 2006. godine. Daniel je sa svojih nekoliko prijatelja odlučio prijaviti koÅ¡arkaÅ¡ku momčad i natjecati se s Hrvatima iz cijelog svijeta.Da bismo otkrili koji su točno Danijelovi planovi, porazgovarali smo s njim proÅ¡log tjedna.....posjetitehttp://www.croatianherald.com/tekst preporucio Jure Strikahttp://www.zadar2006.com07. veljaca 06. Jeffrey Lesser - tekst - Up Close and Personal with Newest Croatian Tennis Sensation Marin Cilic.........article recomended by Katarina Tepesh 07. veljaca 06. Domagoj Margetic - tekst - MESIC JE BIO SURADNIK UDB-e - Prvi hrvatski zabranjeni web portal www.domagojmargetic.com objavio je faksimile dokumentacije jugoslavenske tajne milicije UDB-e i SDB-a, koji dokazuju vezu i suradnju Stjepana Mesica sa jugoslavenskim tajnim sluzbama od 1958. godine, pa sve do demokratskih promjena 1990.....-tekst - Godinama skrivani dokument: Tajna predstavka Nikole Domjanovica o jugoslavenskom obavjestajnom i kriminalnom podzemlju u sustavu MUP-a, obavjestajnim sluzbama i Hrvatskoj vojsci - KAKO SU UDB-a I KOS UBACILI SVOJE LJUDE U HRVATSKE OBAVJESTAJNE SLUZBE, POLICIJU I VOJSKU......posjetite http://www.domagojmargetic.com07. veljaca 06. INDEX - tekst- Uskoro optuznice protiv 300 Hrvata iz Hercegovine? - SUDOVI u Sarajevu i Mostaru uskoro bi trebali zaprimiti tristotinjak optuznica protiv Hrvata iz Hercegovine koje se sumnjici da supocinili ratne zlocine u ratu u BiH, doznaje bosansko-hercegovackiDnevni list, a prenosi portal bljesak.info. Kako doznaje list, drzavno tuziteljstvo BiH provodi tri istrage u vezi sa ratnim zlocinima pocinjenim u Hercegovacko-neretvanskoj zupaniji...........05. veljaca 06.Croatian worldwide association -audio - snimak razgovora sa gen Antom Rosom kojeg je vodio Domagoj Margeticposjetite http://www.domagojmargetic.comhttp://www.domagojmargetic.com/media/audio/ROSO.WMAhttp://www.croatianworldwideassociation.com 04. veljaca 06. Nova TV - video- Istraga - Mira Dujmović - Dana 03. veljače 2006. ove godine Nova TV (www.novatv.hr) u emisiji Istraga, prikazan je prilog o Hrvatici Miri Dujmović koja je u okupiranom selu JoÅ¡evica pored Gline skrivala hrvatskog branitelja Mirka KreÅ¡talicu  riskirajući time svoj život.Nakon Å¡to su ih uhapsili sudac u takozvanoj krajini Nikola Carić osudio ju je na 15 godina robije uz optužbu da su ustaÅ¡ki Å¡pijuni.Mira i Mirko razmijenjeni su nakon 9 mjeseci zarobljeniÅ¡tva zahvaljujući crvenome križu.....04. veljaca 06. Nova TV - video- Istraga - Mladen Brleković - Dana 03. veljače 2006. ove godine Nova TV (www.novatv.hr) u emisiji Istraga, prikazan je prilog o Mladenu Brlekoviću. Dana 27. siječnja 2006. godine na redakciju Nove tv pristigao je e-mail iz Srbije u kojoj Petrinjac koji je nakon oluje otiÅ¡ao u Srbiju nudi svjedočenja kako je Srpska paravojska počinila zlodjela na okupiranoj Banovini......04. veljaca 06. Vecernji list -tekst - Å okantno haaÅ¡ko svjedočenje britanske novinarke - 'Bin Laden 1994. bio u uredu Izetbegovića’....clanak preporucio Mario Profacahttp://mprofaca.cro.net/04. veljaca 06. Katarina Tepesh - tekst- CROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORK - In honor of Valentine’s Day, our monthly selection is one the greatest Croatian love story recorded to date, Goodbye Dear Old Homeland â€" The true story of a young refugee couple’s flight from Croatia and their journey to freedom04. veljaca 06. Slobodna Dalmacija - tekst- BivÅ¡a kolumnistica Večernjega lista Dunja Ujević posvjedočila je kako je Josip Manolić, u to vrijeme predsjednik Županijskoga doma Sabora, reagirao kad mu je postavila pitanje o 200 civila koje su partizani ubili, bez suda, u Bjelovaru......04. veljaca 06. Domagoj Margetic - tekst - ,,Apel 215" protiv prijedloga za osnivanje zone slobodne trgovine na podrucju tzv. Zapadnog Balkana - Svjesni svoje odgovornosti za buducnost nase drzave, a u skladu sa Ustavom Republike Hrvatske (Clanak 141.), odlucno odbacujemo ideju Europske unije o stvaranju zone slobodne trgovine na podrucju tzv. Zapadnog Balkana. Podsjecamo da se po Ustavu zabranjuje pokretanje postupka udruzivanja Republike Hrvatske u saveze sa drugim drzavama......posjetite stranicewww.domagojmargetic.com04. veljaca 06.www.nemacenzure.com - tekst- General Rahim Ademi želi natrag u Haag! Nije sam tražio da mu se suđenje prebaci u Hrvatsku, pa će zahtijevati povratak u Haag ako mu država ne omogući kvalitetnu obranu u Hrvatskoj i ako ne nadoknadi stare troÅ¡kove procesa u Haagu, doznajemo iz krugova bliskih optuženome Ademiju, do kojega novinari ne mogu osobno doći jer poÅ¡tuje pravilo HaÅ¡koga suda da ne smije istupati u javnosti.....clanak preporucio Mario Profacahttp://mprofaca.cro.net/04. veljaca 06. Vecernji list - tekst- Tri hrvatska sina - Autor Milan IvkoÅ¡ic - Kad je prije nekoliko godina jedan ugledni americki odvjetnik Ivici Racanu ponudio pomoc u obrani generala Ante Gotovine, Racan ga je s gnuÅ¡anjem odbio. Jer, on je sin poznatog ustaÅ¡kog dužnosnika Andrije Artukovica.....04. veljaca 06. - Za mjesec sijecanj imali smo 1 732 549 hits-a . Zahvaljujem svima na suradnji 02. veljaca 06. Domagoj Margetic -audio - Audio zapisi tajno snimanih razgovora srpskih ratnih zlocinaca Radovana Karadžica, Ratka Mladica, Slobodana MiloÅ¡evica, Milana Babica i drugih. Na tajno snimanim razgovorima doticni razgovaraju o agresiji na Hrvatsku i Bosnu i Hercegovinu, odnosno o planovima napada na hrvatske i bosansko-hercegovacko gradove.Iste audio snimke bile su dostupne i haÅ¡kim istražiteljima, ali ih ICTY dosad nije koristio u procescima protiv srpskih haÅ¡kih optuženika.02. veljaca 06.Hrvatski intormativni radio- Canada -audio - snimak razgovora sa Domagojem Margeticem 29.01.2006 - posjetite http://www.domagojmargetic.com - audio - snimak razgovora sa Jurom Strikom 22.01.2006 - posjetitehttp://www.zadar2006.com/Razgovor vodila Veronika Topicslusajte "Hrvatski informativni program" svake nedjelje u 9pm (EST) , 03:00 sati (ujutro) po hrvatskom vremenu na AM530http://www.am530.ca diljem svijeta  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6872/1/H-PROSVJED-HRVATSKIH-GLAZBENIKA.html  PROSVJED HRVATSKIH GLAZBENIKA Poznati pjevači, skladatelji, aranzeri i organizatori objavili javni prosvjed protiv SUSTAVNOG UNISTAVANJA HRVATSKE GLAZBE Svoj komentar mozete ostaviti na:http://www.matkojelavic.com/dojmovi.php Misljenja smo da to namjerno radi grupa ljudi rasporedjena u većini medija (TV, radio postajama i novinama) u dogovoru s nekim poslovnim krugovima. Posebno su na udaru najpopularnije - hrvatska zabavna i hrvatska narodna glazba.Dugogodisnje nametanje tudje i nerazumljive glazbe (pod krinkom 'urbane'), poticanje samo jednog, glazbenog ukusa manjine i zabrana pristupa ostalima, prijezir prema pojmu zabave, urodile su suprotnim i nezeljenim: gotovo paničnim okretanjem većeg dijela publike (naročito mlade) glazbi nasih istočnih susjeda i naglasenom nezainteresiranoću za domaću. Vrijedjanje svih koji se ne uklapaju u opisani 'preodgoj', javno se predstavlja kao 'sloboda medija'.Zabrane i 'crne liste' izvodjača u medijima, neprihvatljive su za demokratska drustva.Predvodnik takvog ponasanja je Hrvatska televizija, kojoj pripada i najveća odgovornost za nastalu stetu.Podsjećamo, zabavna je glazba izvoran i prepoznatljiv hrvatski proizvod kojeg sudesetljećima uspjesno stvarale generacije vrsnih autora i glazbenika. Kod narodne glazbe, radi se o stoljećima.Ta se tradicija zadnjih godina silom gusi!Unistena je domaća diskografija, a javna mjesta za zabavu gube svoj smisao i nestaju.Planirano suzbijanje nase glazbe i običaja se posebno tesko odrazilo na hrvatsko iseljenistvo sirom svijeta.Upozoravamo, ovo sve vodi ukidanju cjelokupne hrvatske glazbe.Misljenja smo da u programima elektronskih medija treba uravnoteziti omjer domaće i strane glazbe, postujući volju i ukus naseg naroda.Zatvaranje i samodovoljnost nikako nije nasa namjera.• Prosvjedujemo i ogorčeni smo iskrivljavanjem hrvatskog jezika, sto se potiče iz istih medija.• Prosvjedujemo protiv neaktivnosti nadleznih institucija koje sve ovo mirno promatraju.Znakovito je sto su sva nasa nastojanja da se javno razgovara o ovomproblemu, u posljednjih desetak godina uvijek nailazila na zid sutnje.Zasto se javni ukus mijenja nasilno i tajno?Apeliramo na drzavna ministarstva i ostale drzavne institucije, odgovorne u medijima, strukovne udruge (Hrvatska glazbena unija, Hrvatsko drustvo skladatelja, Institut za glazbu itd.) da naprave ono zbog čega medju ostalim postoje â€" zastite domaću glazbu od očitog progona u vlastitoj zemlji.GLAZBENICI HRVATSKE:(potpisali do 2.veljače 2006.)Miso KovačKrunoslav Kićo SlabinacVinko CoceMatko JelavićJasna ZlokićMladen GrdovićDrazen ZečićBARUNIgrupa MAGAZINJasmin Stavrossima JovanovacTRIO GUsTVladimir Kočis ZecZlatko PejakovićMarina TomasevićDrazen zankoSLAVONSKE LOLENenad VilovićMilo HrnićMate BulićVlado Kalembergrupa DALMATINOEmilija KokićMucaloDusko KulisAlen Nizetićdjordji PeruzovićDusko JeličićPero PanjkovićPATRIAIvo AmulićMirela MeićZdravko skenderZrinkaIvica Čović PipoNenad siskovBotrić Eduardgrupa NEVERAKRISTALIDamir Mihanović Čubigrupa ČUVARI SVIRALAStjepan Jersek - stefPRIDRUzENI (organizatori)Ivica BubaloBranko PaićDragan HamovićNapomena:Zbog iskrivljavanja navoda iz ovog prosvjednog pisma od strane pojedinih medija, prisiljeni smo ga objaviti prije nego su prikupljeni svi potpisi. Ipak, potpisivanje se nastavlja u podruznicama Hrvatske glazbene unije sirom Hrvatske.Mislimo da su navedena imena i vise nego dovoljan poticaj za početak javne rasprave o ovom problemu.http://www.matkojelavic.com/novosti.php?p=34 Svoj komentar mozete ostaviti na:http://www.matkojelavic.com/dojmovi.php   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6874/1/E-Croatia-Begins-EU-Talks.html  Croatia Begins EU Talks 2006-02-07 18:08:12 Croatia's team led by Sinisa Petrovic and European Commission officials on Monday began the explanatory stage of screening the level of adjustment of Croatian legislation governing intellectual property protection to the European Union's acquis communautaire. "There is a high level of adjustment of the Croatian laws to the acquis, but the key issue is implementation," Petrovic said. In 2003 Croatia overhauled the legislation regulating intellectual property protection. In the coming period Zagreb should strengthen its capacities for the implementation of relevant laws, notably in the fight against piracy and forgery. On Wednesday, Croatia and the EC will start the explanatory stage of negotiations on social welfare and employment. (Brussels/Zagreb, DTT-NET.COM)- Croatia’s government is gaining ground on its calls that Western Balkans countries should join existing free trade agreement of Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and avoid creating a new one as suggested last week by European Commission. Officials from EU presidency and Stability Pact (SP) for South-East Europe told DTT-NET.COM on Friday that countries from Western Balkans are not obliged but are free to choose whether they want to join Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania at CEFTA organization created in 1992 or negotiate a new agreement for free trade zone in the region. A spokesperson of EU presidency- the Austrian government- said that nations of the European bloc have nothing against the possibility of enlarging CEFTA. “If the countries from the Balkans want to join CEFTA then that’s OK for us” the spokesperson said. Same reactions had also officials from SP charged since 2001 by the EU to help the regional countries on technical aspects of free 31 bilateral trade agreements signed so far. “It’s up to the countries to decide”, Dragan Barbutovski the spokesperson of SP told DTT-NET.COM. However both officials said that CEFTA 15 year’s old regulations on trade should be upgraded and also criteria of the membership should be changed in order Balkans countries can join. Countries to join CEFTA must be members of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and have institutional relations with EU. Austrian spokesperson of EU presidency and Barbutovski said that “CEFTA should ease and smooth its procedures to accept Balkan countries”. Croatian government have already proposed the same in order to open the CEFTA door to its neighbours (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia). Macedonia last year has completed negotiations for membership at CEFTA and is expected to join soon. Croatian government on Thursday said that Ukraine should also join the organisation. The EC said last week that the new regional FTA agreement is expected to be concluded by mid-2006 and enter into force 2007, but following Croatia’s rejections; it’s most likely that plans are to be put on stand by until countries from the region and EC have not agreed between CEFTA and new regional free trade zone. European Commissioner in charge of EU enlargements Olli Rehn last week called on Western Balkan countries to speed up efforts to create a new single trade area in the region, in order as it says, to better promote trade and economic development. EC said in a statement that current 31 bilateral free trade agreements between the countries of the area are insufficient and they should be transformed in a single regional agreement. But following the strong rejection of the proposal by Croatian government, Rehn then said that the EC is keeping options opened and CEFTA could be the alternative to his proposal. “We are still considering whether it should be based on CEFTA or something else. I think that CEFTA is a possibility which we are considering carefully,” Olli Rehn told Croatian National TV on Tuesday. Croatia’s government argued that there is no need for duplication of existing organization. Croatian public reacted harshly to the proposal fearing that the it has political connotations and eventual plans by Brussels to create a new family between countries based on former Yugoslavia model, a claim which was dismissed by EC and also by officials of Stability Pact for South-East Europe. CEFTA is a multilateral agreement for creation of a free - trade zone by a gradual removal of duties for industrial goods, liberalization of trade for agricultural products, and free competition on the territories of the countries - members. As Bulgaria and Romania are to join the EU in January next year or at latest in January 2008, they are to walk out of the trade network with Balkan region and also from CEFTA. Earlier members of the organisation: Poland; Czech Republic, Slovakia; Hungary and Slovenia left as they joined the EU in May 2004. www.seeurope.net  http://www.seeurope.net/en/Story.php?StoryID=57160&LangID=1   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 10 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6875/1/H-U-prodaji-29-broj-Hrvatske-kronike.html  U prodaji je novi broj najčitanije hrvatskenovine u Americi - Hrvatske kronike!Novi broj Hrvatske kronike donosi; Razgovor s Gordanom Giričekom - košarkašem Utah Jazz-a; Pročitajte što ponajbolji hrvatski košarkaš misli o svom NBA iskustvu, zašto ne vjeruje hrvatskim medijima i zbog čega želi jednog dana živjeti u Španjolskoj a ne u Hrvatskoj Reportažu o hrvatskom restoranu Drago's u New Orleansu; Kako je restoran obitelji Cvitanović prehranio tisuće i tisuće bekućnika nakon tragičnog uragana Katrina. Hrvatska kronika istražuje; Koliko Amerikanci mogu saznati o Hrvatima i Hrvatskoj u jednoj prosječnoj američkoj knjižari. Rezultati poražavajući: U američkim knjižarama nema knjiga o Hrvatskoj!Čitajte; zašto je Janica jedina Hrvatska kraljica!?Što je osam stotina Hrvata poručilo generalu Anti Gotovini iz Vancouvera? Skup potpore uhićenom hrvatskom generalu u Vancouveru najmasovnije okupljanje Hrvata od Domovinskog rata naovamo. Sve to i još puno drugih zanimljivih vijesti pročitajte u novom broju Hrvatske kronike!Pretplatite se na svoj primjerak najpopularnijeg hrvatskog glasnika Sjeverne Amerike!Tel. 718 278 5760Fax. 718 278 4311Pretplata moguća i putem kreditne kartice na internetu: www.croatianchronicle.com nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 23 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6876/1/E-Croatian-Chronicle-every-two-weeks.html  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:CONTACT: Contact Person: Visnja MiocicCompany Name: NY Media LinkVoice Phone Number: (718) 278 5760FAX Number: (718) 228 4311Email Address: info@croatianchronicle.comWebsite: www.croatianchronicle.comNew York, October 28, 2005Croatian Chronicle to Become Bi-Weekly PublicationIt is our great pleasure to announce the launch of the first bi-weekly edition of the Croatian Chronicle on November 7, 2005! The most popular and widely read Croatian American publication will now be available twice a month!Each month, up to 20,000 people throughout North America read the Croatian Chronicle for news and information from the Croatian community. Community support for and interest in the newspaper have grown drastically in the last two years and has convinced us of the need to expand the Chronicle's circulation.Readers who subscribe today for the Croatian Chronicle are automatically entered in our annual Christmas Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of a number of fabulous prizes. By filling out the enclosed subscription form, customers can also take advantage of our exclusive Christmas offer to give the gift of a subscription to someone special this holiday season!The Croatian Chronicle would like to thank its readers for their continued support and looks forward to embarking on this new endeavor to better inform Croatians about news and events in their communities.For more information about Croatian Chronicle, please visit us at our Web site www.croatianchronicle.com or send an e-mail to info@croatianchronicle.com.- END - nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6878/1/E-Olli-Rehn-on-business-and-pleasure-trip-to-Croatia.html  Olli in Zagreb Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader (L) and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn smile during their meeting in Zagreb October 8, 2005. Rehn is on a two-day visit to Zagreb where he will meet Croatian officials and attend a soccer match between Croatia and Sweeden in World Cup qualifying. REUTERS/Nikola Solic  Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, right, and European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, left, depart from the press conference following their meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005. Rhen is on an official one day visit to Croatia. (AP Photo/Filip Horvat)   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6877/1/E-Croatia-and-Turkey-become-EU-candidates.html  Croatia and Turkey become EU candidatesBy Ann Cahill, Europe CorrespondentTURKEY and Croatia officially became the latest European Union candidate countries late last night after a day of knife-edge diplomacy. Following more than 30 hours of torturous negotiations and phone calls from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Ankara, the way was finally cleared for what should be the first EU member with a Muslim majority. But for Turkey and its population of 70 million it will be a long and winding road with final rejection always a possible outcome while Croatia is almost certain to become the EU’s 28th member by 2010. Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern said it was a good day for the union. 'It’s important to have Turkey in for the stability and security of Europe and that part of the world,' he said. http://www.examiner.ie/pport/web/world/Full_Story/did-sgt8m983t4-Fg.asp  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6879/1/E-Mirjana-Mladineo-UN-Representative-of-the-Republic-of-Croatia.html  NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF CROATIA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS  The new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia, Mirjana Mladineo, presented her credentials to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today. (I-Newswire) - Ms. Mladineo has some 30 years of diplomatic and government service. Most recently -- from September 2003 to the present -- she served as Head of the Croatian Mission to the European Union. From 2000 to 2003, Ms. Mladineo served as Croatia’s Deputy Minister for European Integration, and from 1999 to 2000, she was her country’s Head of the Office for European Integration.Between 1997 and 1999, Ms. Mladineo was Croatia’s National Coordinator for the Central European Initiative and prior to that -- from 1992 to 1997 -- she was the Minister Counsellor at Croatia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.Ms. Mladineo served as Counsellor and Personal Secretary to the Chief of Staff for the Republic of Croatia’s Office of the President from 1991 to 1992. In 1984, Ms. Mladineo was named Head of Department, Assistant Director, at the Republic Administration for Scientific and Technical International Cooperation, a post she held until 1991. From 1977 to 1984, she served as Counsellor to the Republic Committee for Education, Culture, Technical Culture and Sports. Throughout her career, she has been a member of Croatian delegations at numerous international multilateral events and bilateral negotiations. Ms. Mladineo holds an advanced degree in English, Russian languages and culture from the Philosophy Faculty of the University of Zagreb, and she has taken a number of specialized courses in international relations and European integration. Born on 15 February 1946 in Zagreb, Ms. Mladineo is married and has one daughter. http://i-newswire.com/pr36525.html   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6880/1/E-Digital-terrestrial-TV-trials-begin-in-Zagreb-and-Rijeka.html  Digital terrestrial TV trials begin in Zagreb and Rijeka Media MonitorCroatia: DTT trials begin in Zagreb and RijekaJun 21, 2005, 8:25 GMTprinter friendly email this article Croatia has begun digital terrestrial TV (DTT) broadcasts in the capital Zagreb and the coastal town of Rijeka, the Broadband TV News website reports. In Zagreb, the broadcasts come from two transmitters - HRT Dom (UHF 56) and Sljeme (UHF 27) - while in Rijeka the Ucka (UHF 28) transmitter is being used.The transmissions from Sljeme can be received in parts of neighbouring Slovenia, while those from Ucka cover the Adriatic and Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. A fourth transmitter will soon be activated in the eastern town of Osijek (UHF 33) and will cover parts of neighbouring Serbia. The DVB-T multiplex currently carries Croatia's four main channels - HRT1, HRT2, Nova TV and RTL Televizija - and can be received with set-top boxes costing around 200 euro. Source: BBC Monitoring research 21 Jun 05http://news.monstersandcritics.com/mediamonitor/article_1017882.php/Croatia_DTT_trials_begin_in_Zagreb_and_Rijeka   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 21 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6882/1/E-The-three-year-old-Croatian-died-in-Tsunami.html  Fears grow for missing thousands December 31, 2004Foreigners killed Families across Europe await news of family and friends, but the death toll is expected to rise.European leaders prepared their citizens for the worst as hopes dimmed for nearly 5000 tourists, half of them Swedes and Germans, still missing four days after a tsunami tore through some of Asia's most popular beach resorts.Officially, only 212 foreign tourists have been reported killed by their home countries, but Thailand alone has said that at least 435 foreigners had died there. Thousands more are still unaccounted for.This is the latest country-by-country breakdown, excluding Australia:Austria: Five Austrians confirmed dead, 55 are missing. At least 1500 Austrians were in the affected area.Belgium: Four Belgians, including two babies, have been killed. About 20 are still missing.Britain: Twenty-six Britons have died. On Monday, officials said 50 teachers in Sri Lanka were unaccounted for.Croatia: The three-year-old daughter of a Croatian-Dutch couple was killed in Thailand. Nine Croatian nationals are unaccounted for.Denmark: Three Danish citizens - a man, 71, a man, 63, and a 10-year-old boy - are reported dead in Phuket. Thirteen Danes still listed as missing around Phuket are presumed dead.Finland: Two Finns have died. About 2000 are believed to have been in the affected areas.France: At least 20 French nationals are confirmed dead. Hundreds are unaccounted for.Germany: At least 26 Germans are confirmed dead and about 1000 are missing. At least 4000 Germans are believed to have been on holiday in the region when the quake struck.Greece: About 20 are still unaccounted for.Hungary: About two dozen are unaccounted for in Thailand.Ireland: Dozens are unaccounted for across the region.Italy: At least 14 Italians have been killed. About 100 are missing.The Netherlands: At least five Dutch nationals have died.Norway: Thirteen people are dead and 446 unaccounted for in Thailand.Poland: One man has been killed and 56 are missing.Portugal: Eight Portuguese are missing, including a baby who was swept out of her mother's arms.Romania: Two on Phuket earlier reported missing were found safe at their hotel.Russia: A 33-year-old Moscow woman and her six-year-old son were killed on Phuket. About 50 other Russians are missing.Spain: One person is missing, presumed dead, after being swept away. Others are missing.Sweden: About 1000 tourists are still unaccounted for. Six are confirmed dead.Switzerland: At least 11 have been killed. About 2200 are believed to have been holidaying in the region.Turkey: Seventy-five people remain unaccounted for.http://www.theage.com.au/news/Asia-tsunami/Fears-grow-for-Europes-missing-thousands/2004/12/30/1104344924938.html?oneclick=true  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6883/1/E-Mayor-Bloomberg-to-travel-to-Croatia-in-Olympic-bid.html  Mayor Michael Bloomberg to travel to Croatia in Olympic bidNovember 29, 2004, 1:41 PM ESTNEW YORK (AP) _ Mayor Michael Bloomberg will travel to Croatia on Friday to present the city's bid for the 2012 Olympics to a group of European Olympic committees. Bloomberg said Monday he will travel with a group of advisers to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, site of a meeting of the 48-nation European National Olympic Committees. Representatives of candidate cities are allowed to meet with members of the International Olympic Committee at the conference. The IOC will announce which nation will host the 2012 Games on July 6. Besides New York, four European capitals _ London, Paris, Madrid and Moscow _ are bidding for 2012. Copyright © 2004, The Associated Press Subscribe to Newsday home deliveryhttp://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--nyc2012-bloomberg1129nov29,0,1643123.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6884/1/E-Croatian-Soldiers-to-Join-Peacekeeping-Mission-in-Afghanistan.html  Croatian Soldiers to Join Peacekeeping Mission in Afghanistan  Troy Record - International - Aug 03 6:49 AMExcerpt from report by Croatian news agency HINA Zagreb, 3 August: The deputy chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, Gen-Col Slavko Baric, visited today the fourth national military contingent which will join a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan at the end of August.   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6885/1/E-275-of-whole-population-in-Croatia---Internet-users.html  27.5% Of the whole population in Croatia uses Internet According to the research conducted by Croatian subsidiary of IDC, number of Internet users in Croatia is expected to reach 1.197.500 until the end of this year. This means that the number of Internet users will be 27.5% of whole population in Croatia. Dial-up connection prevails among the others. Croatian citizens and companies have paid over $92.000.000 for Internet access. Just to compare, number of Internet users in Macedonia is only 4% of whole population. Like in Croatia, dial-up connection prevails, but there is no information about the Internet providers' profit.   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6887/1/E-Croatian-jobless-rate-falls-again.html Croatian jobless rate falls again Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 6:12:37 AM ESTZAGREB, Croatia, July 28 (UPI) -- Croatia's unemployment rate fell again in June, dropping to 17.4 percent from 18 percent in May, the Croatian statistical office said Wednesday.The statistical office also said real, after-tax wages were up 2.5 percent in May and 3.9 percent in the first five months of 2004, in year-on-year terms.Falling unemployment and rising wages represent good news for Croatia, which hopes to join the European Union in 2007 or 2008 along with Bulgaria and Romania. Economists say progress in economic reform will be a key precondition for Croatia's bid to join the European Union.The wider economy has shown signs of picking up steam in recent months. Gross domestic product was up 4.2 percent in the first quarter of the year compared with year-on-year growth of 3.3 percent in the last quarter of 2003.--Copyright 2004 by United Press International.All rights reserved.http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?StoryId=CqqCKWeidy3jVyxrPys11BMvTCgXVEw1LBNq  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6886/1/E-One-Quarter-of-the-Population-of-Croatia-Uses-Internet.html One Quarter of the Population of Croatia Uses InternetThe prognosis based on the results of the results of The Internet Access Market in Croatia 2003-2008 study, conducted by the regional offices of IDC state that it is possible to expect 1,197,500 Internet users in Croatia by the end of 2004.In comparison with 2003, when the internet was used by approximately 1,047,000 citizens, the numbers for 2004 represents an increase of 14.4%. It would mean that the percentage of Internet users in Croatia would grow from 24 to 27.5 percent. Source: http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/90797/1/   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6888/1/H-TRECI-HRVATSKI-ZRTVOSLOVNI-KONGRES.html  TRECI HRVATSKI ZRTVOSLOVNI KONGRES Hotel Sheraton u Zagrebu od 18. do 20. lipnja Svecano otvorenje u petak 18. lipnja u 17.00 sati glavni referati, kulturni program, dodjele priznanja i domjenakUlaz slobodanPredsjednik Hrvatskog zrtvoslovnog kongresa Dr. Zvonimir Separovic   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 14 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6881/1/E-Croatia-to-host-2006-Meeting-of-Mediterranean-Journalists.html   Croatia to host 2006 Meeting of Mediterranean JournalistsMalta to host 2007 Meeting of Mediterranean Journalists by di-ve.com Saturday, 14 May, 2005 Malta is to host the 2007 Meeting of Mediterranean Journalists under the auspices of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The decision was taken at the 1st Meeting of Mediterranean Journalists held recently in Almeria, Spain. Next year the meeting will be held in Croatia. At the opening session of the meeting in Almeria, the General Secretary of the IFJ, Aidan White, attacked the governments who manipulate the media for their own political ends, "as we saw in Spain a few days before the last election and in Britain when the BBC was attacked by the government for its independent reporting of the war in Iraq, as well as those governments around the Mediterranean, such as Turkey, Slovenia, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia and Israel, when their approach threatens media independence and pluralism." We must unite to send a strong message to all governments that they must keep their hands off the controls of media and information, continued Mr White. He also criticised the US government over its failure to end speculation over targeted killings of journalists and media staff in Iraq. Last year more than 130 journalists and media staff were killed. It was the worst year ever. Up to today some 73 journalists and media staff have been killed in the Iraq conflict alone, said Mr White. "The IFJ recognises that most targeted journalists are the victims of cruel extremists with whom it is impossible to make a moral compact. We condemn unreservedly those attacks and the people behind the current wave of hostage taking which has seen the kidnapping of colleagues. We must be unequivocal about our condemnation of terrorism. I say this because sometimes there is confusion caused by those who justify extreme violence on the basis of ideas of 'legitimate resistance' to occupation, continued Mr White. Mr White joined those who criticise much of the media coverage. "We do need to do better. We do need to avoid the language of intolerance and we do need to avoid being manipulated by political and military spin doctors. The answer to bad journalism is good journalism. When journalists provide accurate, reliable, quality information in context and in an ethical and independent manner people are properly informed about the causes of tension," concluded Mr White. The Institute of Maltese Journalists was represented at the Almeria Meeting by Secretary Joe A. Vella and Council Member Roderick J. Agius. http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=182709&pid=1    nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 14 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6890/1/E-Jerko-Jerry-Zovko-Michael-Teague-and-Scott-Helvenston.html  3 former military men among those killed in FallujahBy Connie MabinThe Associated PressWILLOUGHBY, Ohio - Two Army veterans and a former Navy SEAL were among four American contractors killed in Fallujah, Iraq, their bodies mutilated and dragged through the streets.Family members and a spokesperson said Thursday that Jerko "Jerry" Zovko, 32, Michael Teague, 38, and Scott Helvenston, 38, died with another civilian Wednesday after they were hit by rocket-propelled grenades in a rebel ambush. The victims worked for Blackwater Security Consulting, one of five subsidiaries of North Carolina-based Blackwater USA.Zovko's mother said she and her husband had suspected their son might be among the dead, but their fears were confirmed Thursday morning when the president of Blackwater USA knocked on their door."It was the hardest day of my life," Donna Zovko said in her suburban Cleveland home."Jerry was a man with a principle, an idea," she said. "He loved people. He wanted the world to be without borders, for everybody to be free and safe."Zovko's family wouldn't say whether he was married or had children."My brother was an exceptional individual," Tom Zovko said. "He did what he thought was right."Jerry Zovko was 19 when he joined the Army in 1991. He spoke five languages fluently -- English, Croatian, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Tom Zovko said.Teague of Clarksville, Tenn., was a 12-year Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan and served in Panama and Grenada, his wife, Rhonda, said in a statement. She called her husband a "proud father, soldier and American.""I, his son Brandon and his friends and family will miss him without measure," her statement said.Teague had worked in the security business since he left the Army six years ago, but he joined Blackwater Security only two months ago, WTVF-TV of Nashville reported.Helvenston was identified by a family spokesperson who said the family would comment today. Helvenston lived in Leesburg, Fla., before joining the Navy when he was 17.He served with the Navy SEALs for 12 years and later worked as a fitness promoter, starting a company called Amphibian Athletics. He also was an actor and stunt man for movies including G.I. Jane, according to a company Web site.The names of the four victims were not officially released because all family members had yet to be notified, U.S. officials said.http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/special_packages/iraq/8338325.htm?1c   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 02 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6889/1/E-Croatian-Ex-SEAL-Among-Four-Killed-in-Iraq.html  Croatian American, Ex-SEAL Among Four Killed in IraqDonna Zovko holds a photo of her son Jerry.  WILLOUGHBY, Ohio (April 2) - Two Army veterans and a former Navy SEAL were among four American contractors killed in Iraq, their bodies mutilated and dragged through the streets.Family members and a spokeswoman said Thursday that Jerko 'Jerry' Zovko, 32, Michael Teague, 38, and Scott Helvenston, 38, died with another civilian Wednesday after they were hit by rocket-propelled grenades in a rebel ambush. The victims worked for Blackwater Security Consulting, one of five subsidiaries of Blackwater USA based in North Carolina.Zovko's mother said she and her husband had suspected their son might be among the dead, but their fears were confirmed Thursday morning when the president of Blackwater USA knocked on their door."It was the hardest day of my life," Donna Zovko said during an interview in her suburban Cleveland home."Jerry was a man with a principle, an idea," his mother said. "He loved people. He wanted the world to be without borders, for everybody to be free and safe."Zovko's family wouldn't say whether he was married or had children."My brother was an exceptional individual," Tom Zovko said. "He did what he thought was right."Jerry Zovko joined the Army in 1991 at age 19. He spoke five languages fluently - English, Croatian, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Tom Zovko said.Teague, of Clarksville, Tenn., was a 12-year Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan and also served in Panama and Grenada, his wife, Rhonda, said in a statement.She called her husband a "proud father, soldier and American. ... I, his son Brandon and his friends and family will miss him without measure."Teague had worked in the security business since he left the Army six years ago, but he joined Blackwater Security only two months ago, WTVF-TV of Nashville reported. A friend, Sgt. John Ratliff, told CBS' ''The Early Show'' that Teague ''told me to promise to take care of his wife and his son ... He knew it was rough over there.''''In my opinion, Mike was caught in a situation to where he couldn't do anything for himself or his counterparts,'' Ratliff said. He said he knew his friend ''would have done anything in his power'' to save himself and the other three if it had been possible.A third victim was identified as Helvenston by a family spokeswoman who said the family would comment further on Friday.Helvenston lived in Leesburg, Fla., before joining the Navy when he was 17. He served with the Navy SEALs for 12 years and later worked as a fitness promoter, starting a company called Amphibian Athletics. He also was an actor and stunt man.He helped prepare actress Demi Moore for her role as the first woman to join the Navy SEALs in ''G.I. Jane,'' and appeared on two reality series: ''Man vs. Beast'' and ''Combat Missions.''But after years out of the service, friends said they weren't surprised to learn the former SEAL had left the comfort of his life in California behind him and headed for Iraq.''That's what, in a time of need, true American warriors like Scott would do,'' said Mark Burnett, producer of the 2002 reality series "Combat Missions."Helvenston's fitness company, Amphibian Athletics, promised to bring a Navy SEAL-style workout to his customers. His wife, Tricia, appeared in some of the company's workout videos.Fred Atkinson, a neighbor of Helvenston's in Oceanside, said he was a devoted father to his children, Kyle and Kelsey, and often took them camping or surfing.On the day of the killings, jubilant Iraqi residents dragged two of the charred corpses through the streets and strung them up on a bridge, acts the U.S. government denounced as "horrific."The identity of the fourth victim was not immediately known. The names of the victims were not officially released because all family members had yet to be notified, U.S. officials said Thursday.Blackwater Security, based in Moyock, N.C., provides security training and guard services to customers around the world. President Gary Jackson and two other company leaders are former Navy SEAL commandos.A statement on the company's Web site said officials were grieving for the employees.''Our tasks are dangerous, and while we feel sadness for our fallen colleagues, we also feel pride and satisfaction that we are making a difference for the people of Iraq.''04/02/04 08:04 ESTCopyright 2004 The Associated Press  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 02 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6891/1/E-New-York---Zagreb-in-45-minutes-.html  NASA's 5,000-MPH Jet Makes First FlightBy ROBERT JABLON, APLOS ANGELES (March 28) - Three years after its first test flight ended in an explosion, NASA on Saturday successfully launched an experimental jet that the agency believes reached a record-setting speed of about 5,000 mph. Op-edWouldn't it be nice to reach Zagreb from New York in 45 minutes? They say in 16- 20 years, possible.NB NASA's B-52 mother ship carries the X-43A, perched atop its booster rocket, lower right The unpiloted X-43A made an 11-second powered flight, then went through some twists and turns during a six-minute glide before plunging into the Pacific Ocean about 400 miles off the California coast.``It was fun all the way to Mach 7,'' said Joel Sitz, project manager at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center.Flight engineer Lawrence Huebner said preliminary data indicated the needle-nosed jet reached a maximum speed of slightly over seven times the speed of sound, or about 5,000 mph, after a rocket boosted it to about 3,500 mph.Huebner said it was the first time an ``air-breathing'' jet had ever traveled so fast. The rocket-powered X-15 reached Mach 6.7 in 1967.``It's a great way to end, certainly all the sweeter because of the challenges we've had to step up to and overcome through the life of this project,'' said Griffin Corpening, Dryden's chief engineer on the project.The first X-43A flight ended in failure June 2, 2001, after the modified Pegasus rocket used to accelerate the plane veered off course and was detonated. An investigation board found preflight analyses failed to predict how the rocket would perform, leaving its control system unable to maintain stable flight.NASA built the X-43A under a $250 million program to develop and test an exotic type of engine called a supersonic-combustion ramjet, or scramjet.In theory, the air-breathing engine could propel an airplane to speeds of Mach 7 or faster, enabling around-the-world flights that would take several hours. The Department of Defense also is working on the technology, which it's eyeing for use in bombers that quickly could reach targets anywhere on the globe.The 12-foot-long, 2,800-pound X-43A was mounted on a Pegasus rocket booster and carried to an altitude of 40,000 feet by a modified B-52 bomber, which took off from Edwards Air Force Base in the high desert.A few seconds after the craft was dropped, the rocket flared, sending the jet skyward on a streak of flame and light. At about 100,000 feet, the rocket dropped away.The scramjet took over, using up about two pounds of gaseous hydrogen fuel before gliding. Applause rang out in the control center at Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards.Technological hurdles mean it will be decades before such a plane could enter service. And NASA's role in developing the technology remains in doubt, as the agency recently cut funding for more advanced versions of the X-43A.Engineers have pursued scramjet technology because it could allow rocket-speed travel but with considerable savings in weight. Rockets must carry their own oxygen to combust the fuel they carry aboard; scramjets can scoop it out of the atmosphere.In scramjets, oxygen is rammed into a combustion chamber where it mixes with fuel and spontaneously ignites. To work, the engine must be traveling at about five times the speed of sound - requiring an initial boost that only a rocket can provide.A third X-43A could fly as early as the fall.http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040327134609990001&_mpc=news%2e6 nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6892/1/E-Wife-of-Cellphone-pioneer-is-from-B-H.html  Cellphone Pioneer, Wife to Give USC $52 MillionBy Peter Y. HongTimes Staff WriterMarch 1, 2004Andrew J. Viterbi, a renowned engineer and wireless communicationsmagnate, and his wife, Erna, will donate $52 millionto the University of Southern California, which will name itsengineering school for the couple.A co-founder of San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc., Viterbi pioneeredtechnology used in cellular telephones throughout theworld. He earned his doctorate in electrical engineering at USC in 1962.The gift enhances USC's effort to be considered among the nation's topengineering schools, along with such institutions asCaltech, MIT, Stanford and UC Berkeley. The one-time cash gift, whichwill be announced Tuesday in a ceremony oncampus, will go to the engineering school's endowment, which now standsat $120 million.Just as important as the boost to the school's endowment is the cachetof Viterbi's name, said C.L. Max Nikias, dean of theengineering school. "The name raises our visibility and reputationinstantly. Viterbi is a big name in both academic circlesand industry."In 1967, Viterbi published the Viterbi algorithm, which allows the rapiddecoding of overlapping signals. In one of its mostsuccessful commercial applications, the algorithm enables numerouscellular phones to communicate without interfering witheach other. The algorithm is employed in hundreds of millions ofcellular phones today.Erna Viterbi recalled in an interview with USC officials that herhusband came up with the algorithm in the midst of acelebration of the Jewish holiday Purim. Their children had just takenfirst-prize in a costume contest, but Andrew wasfixated on a scrap of paper on which he had been scribbling."I'd made them the costumes and I really had to try to get him out ofthis thing he was working on," she said, but herhusband remained focused on his work. "And I said, 'So, did you come upwith something really?' "Andrew, she said, replied, "Yeah, but I thought about it, it's reallynothing major."The algorithm and other scientific achievements earned Viterbi numeroushonors including membership in the NationalAcademy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and theAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences.Before co-founding Qualcomm in 1985 with Irwin M. Jacobs (for whom UCSan Diego's engineering school is named),Viterbi was an engineering professor at UCLA and UC San Diego.He credited much of his success to his teaching experience. "The bestresearch often comes out when you're thinking aboutwhat you're going to teach your graduate students," he said.Both Andrew and Erna Viterbi came to the United States as refugees; hefrom Italy, she from Bosnia-Herzegovina.Andrew Viterbi arrived at age 4 with his parents in New York. His fathersoon opened an ophthalmology practice inBoston, where Viterbi glimpsed the campus of the Massachusetts Instituteof Technology across the Charles River inCambridge, and decided at age 10 he would attend the school.After graduating from Boston Latin School, a storied public high schoolfounded in 1635, Viterbi enrolled at MIT. Hebegan work at Raytheon while an MIT student, and earned bachelor's andmaster's degrees from the school.After finishing at MIT in 1957, Viterbi took a job as an engineer at theJet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Viterbi hadhoped to study for a doctorate at Caltech, but that institution wouldhave required him to enroll full time, he said. USCallowed him to enroll in its doctoral program and continue to work fulltime at JPL.Viterbi fondly recalled those years as a kind of Golden Age forengineering in Southern California.The thriving aerospace industry "recruited the best talent, encouragedthem and treated them professionally," he said.Andrew also met Erna in Los Angeles through one of her cousins; thecouple's first date was at the Coconut Grovenightclub.The Viterbis also are active supporters of MIT and the Technion-IsraelInstitute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.In San Diego, they have contributed generously to private schoolsattended by their grandchildren, but have kept theirnames off buildings to spare the children any awkwardness. Viterbi saidhe had no such reservations about the engineeringschool taking the family name. "I'm not that shy," he said.Andrew Viterbi said that MIT is "recognized pretty generally as No. 1"but that USC's current momentum as a rising Top10 school means the couple's gift "will do more to further engineeringand engineering education — goals we havesupported through our entire 48-year marriage — than anywhere else."http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-usc1mar01,1,2176819.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6893/1/E-Troops-form-Croatia-in-Iraq.html  Croatian Troops in IraqA convoy of Japanese troops crosses the border from Kuwait into southern Iraq (news - web sites) Monday Jan. 19, 2004. An advance team of 35 Japanese made way to their new base in the southern Iraqi town of Samawa. Greeting them, in background, are troops form Croatia. (AP Photo/Nabeel al-Jurani) nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6895/1/E-Dirty-Thousand-and-Two.html  Dirty Thousand and Twohttp://www.theherald.co.uk/news/7699.html How to win a war where the enemy refuses to play by the rules? Find a soldier who does not give a damn about them either.The US is training 1000 Serb elite paramilitary troops, who were last time engaged in ethnic cleansing operations in Kosovo in 1999, for anti-terrorist duties in Afghanistan. While the use of ostensibly anti-Muslim fighters in a Muslim country could be seen as a provocation, Afghans are not behaving friendly to any foreign soldiers.Interestingly, to avoid compunctions about ICC, thousand Serbs are not going to be under NATO command in Kabul, but directly under the US command.ivo A 25 year old Swedish man of Serbian birth has admitted the murder ofSwedish Foreign Minister Anna Lind in a Stockhom department store in2003. ZDF Television, quoting Swedish media, reported in its NachtMagazin that Mihajl Mihajlovic held a grudge against the ministerfollowing her outspoken support for NATO's actions against Serbia in1999. Mihajlovic's lawyer claims his client is mentally disturbed.This is an important reminder that terrorism and despair are not just a province of Arab Muslim extremists. And that there always is some socio-political background to any act of political violence.ivohttp://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/nation/7467176.htmZivota Konstantinovic, former Serbian soldier who admittedly participated in ethnic cleansing of Croatians, is arrested in Miami and awaiting deportation. Not clear where is he going to be deported to, though. Shouldn't he face charges for his alleged involvement in torture and related offenses?ivo ---------------------------------------------------------Ivo Skoricivo@balkansnet.org nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6896/1/E-US-Green-Card-Lotterey-File-by-Dec-30-2003.html  US Green Card Lotterey File Electronically by Dec-30-2003 State Department DV Lottery 2005 Ends December 30. FTCIssues Alert The State Department has issued information and questionsand answers on the criteria and procedures for applying forthe FREE Diversity Visa Lottery for 2005. NOTE: Not allnationalities are eligible to apply. The registrationperiod is November 1 through December 30, 2003. Allapplications must be filed electronically, directly to theState Department. The FTC issued a fraud alert concerning anon-governmental website Instructions:http://www.travel.state.gov/dv2005.html General:http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm Overview:http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/divvisa.htm How to Participate:http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/divlott.htm nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6897/1/E-Nomination-of-Croatian-group-and-Heather-Mills-McCartney.html  Nomination of  Heather Mills McCartney for her generous support toCroatian peopleAn international organization called the "Women's eNews" is an independent daily news source covering issues of particular concern to women which they distribute daily via e-mail and post on their Web site. Every year they invite their readers to nominate individuals whose work for women has not received sufficient recognition. This year's nomination, called "21 Leaders for the 21st Century" has been submitted by me nominating the Croatian Women's Human Rights Group called "B.a.B.e." Specifically, I named Nevenka Sudar who works for B.a.B.e. www.babe.hr/eng Read about their latest work from Croatia in the article "16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women". The second person I nominated is Heather Mills McCartney for her generous support to Croatian people and other needy countries with her work at "Adopt-A-Minefield" organization www.landmines.org  Among thousands of nominations, the final selections will be announced on December 31 on their Web site and e-mail news www.womensnews.org Katarina Tepesh tepeshk@aol.com 16 days of activism against violence against women Nov. 25th - December 10th 2003PHOTO ALBUM of ACTION in ZAGREB PHOTO ALBUM of ACTION IN SPLIT Reports about Campaign from various Croatian townsCroatian Women's Network celebrated November 25th as The International Day Against Violence Against Women and the beginning of the international campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women". 20 silhouettes of women killed by their spouses and partners in the course of the past year and a half were placed at main squares in Zagreb in order to show the seriousness of the problem of domestic violence and the necessity for the state and the society as a whole to treat this problem systematically and efficiently. With questions: Why are they silent? Why are they not among us? we ask ourselves and all of us what has been done in order to prevent these crimes. The question Who is next? warns us and demands urgent action. The laws, no matter how imperfect they might be, exist, but the willingness to implement them on daily basis is still lacking. Social care centers, police, health care employees, courts have not succeeded in prevention of domestic violence. Without cooperation, long-term planning and agreements, there will be no substantial improvement. Croatian Women's Network produced and shot a video named "Violence Against Women is a CRIME, what is the PUNISHMENT?" which will be broadcast on Croatian public television during 16 days. 2000 posters and 2000 postcards have also been printed and distributed. 20 silhouettes made from plywood were placed at public squares of various Croatian towns (Slavonski Brod, Zagreb, Karlovac, Virovitica, Pula, Zadar, Split, Virovitica, Vukovar and Osijek) as silent witnesses of murdered women. Nobody builds monuments for women victims of violence, they do not receive medals for bravery. We can't let them be forgotten and at least for a day, for an hour, we shall make the citizens of Croatia think about the reasons why so many women and children have been deprived of the safety of their own homes, why do they have to live in it in violence until one day they are murdered because the society can not protect them. This year the Campaign 16 days is coordinated simultaneously in 20 countries of the region. The project has been made possible thanks to the financial support of the Open Society Budapest and the Croatian Office for Human Rights and the Committee for Gender Equality. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6899/1/E-Andy-Jezics-New-Book-Has-Been-Published.html  Andy Jezic:A Comprehensive Look at State and Federal Confession Standards All in One Title Dear Friends, FYI Andy's book has been published, please join me in congratulating him -- avjezic@aol.com All the best,Steve RukavinaFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact : Brant Skogrand, APR November 13, 2003 (651) 848-8578 West Announces the Release of Maryland Law of Confessions A Comprehensive Look at State and Federal Confession Standards All in One TitleEAGAN, Minn. West, a Thomson business (NYSE:TOC; TSX: TOC) today announced the release of Maryland Law of Confessions, an essential resource for any attorney or law enforcement official that deals with criminal confessions and interrogation. This new book contains more than 900 pages of comprehensive coverage of Maryland's standards regarding voluntary confessions, the right to silence and the right to counsel.Providing state and federal standards all in one title, Maryland Law of Confessions clearly, carefully and concisely addresses every conceivable aspect of the topic ever discussed in the Maryland appellate courts. Issues examined in detail include: The implications of the recent Williams opinion on prompt presentment Custody, waiver, invocation, re-interrogation and surreptitious questioning The right to silence not directly related to interrogations Under-utilized rules pertaining to the Sixth Amendment Ethical considerations for prosecutors "Maryland Law of Confessions is the most complete book on confession law available to the Maryland legal community," says Andrew Jezic, author of Maryland Law of Confessions. "It examines or cites nearly every Maryland and Supreme Court case on confession law and draws observations from well over 100 law review articles. For attorneys or law enforcement officials looking for a quick reference to basic rules, the book provides practice pointers at the end of each chapter."Timesavers included in Maryland Law of Confessions are practice tips, checklists of key elements of commonly litigated issues, an index of descriptive words and phrases, and a table of cases, statute and rules.A softbound copy of Maryland Law of Confessions is available for $70.00. For more information or to order, call (800) 344-5009 or visit west.thomson.com.Editors who would like a copy for review can contact Caitlin Sullivan at (800) 778-8090, ext. 85985, or caitlin.sullivan@thomson.com .About WestHeadquartered in Eagan, Minn., West is the foremost provider of integrated information solutions to the U.S. legal market. West is a business within The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX:TOC) and was formed when West Publishing and Thomson Legal Publishing merged in June 1996. For more information, please visit the West Web site at west.thomson.com.About The Thomson CorporationThe Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2002 revenues from continuing operations of $7.5 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software tools and applications to more than 20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, higher education, reference information, corporate training and assessment, scientific research and healthcare. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 43,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6898/1/E-First-issue-of-the-Croatian-Chronicle.html  Croatian ChronicleA new Croatian-American monthly newspaperDear Nenad,It is with our outmost excitement that we would like to announce the release of the first issue of Croatian Chronicle, the new Croatian-American monthly newspaper. We will send you a copy first thing in the morning!In this first issue, our readers can find articles on the latest parliamentary elections in Croatia, with a detailed analysis of the Diaspora votes, the celebration of the ninetieth anniversary of the Croatian parish in New York, the Croatian-American Golf Outing fundraiser, as well as many other news from Croatian communities all over the North America.We would like to extend our thanks to many individuals, including numerous CROWN readers, who have supported Croatian Chronicle in so many ways. We hope you will enjoy reading it. For all those interested in subscribing to Croatian Chronicle, please send your checks in the amount of $22 for a yearly subscription of twelve issues (or $12 for a six-month subscription of six issues) to the following address:NY MEDIA LINK INC.CROATIAN CHRONICLEP.O. BOX 3531ASTORIA, NY 11103For newspaper sales locations near you, please contact us at: (718) 278-5760 orinfo@croatianchronicle.com Our warmest regards,Visnja, Sanja and Katarina nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6900/1/E-Cell-number-yours-to-keep---NEWS.html  "Tutorial" on new FCC rule:Your cell number, yours to keep Your cell number, yours to keep Coming Nov. 24 for cell phone users: better stuff, better prices, better service, better terms.November 5, 2003: 4:12 PM EST By Sarah Max, CNN/Money Staff Writer BEND, Ore. (CNN/Money) ? If the hassle of changing your cell phone number is the only reason you've stuck with your wireless carrier, you might want to start shopping for a better deal. On Nov. 24, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) "local number portability" rule goes into effect in much of the country, giving cell phone customers the option of keeping their number when they switch carriers within the same geographic region. Consumers have waited more than four years for the rule, which has been delayed several times since its initial 1999 deadline. This time, however, the change seems certain. "The only thing that could stop it now is action in Congress," said Consumers Union policy analyst Adam Goldberg. "When I wake up on Nov. 24 and it actually happens I'm going to feel really good," he added, while admitting that he won't really believe it until he sees it. Telephone customers should also feel good. Not only will cell phone users get to keep their phone numbers, they may very well see better rates, terms and service as wireless carriers scramble to compete. At the same time, customers of old-fashioned wireline phones could also see their rates come down. In certain cases, the rule will allow wireline customers to transfer their numbers to wireless phones, and vice versa. What's the big deal?As cell phone customers know too well, you can't take your phone number with you when you switch wireless carriers. Rather than deal with changing phone numbers, many customers stick with their carriers even if the cost is high and the service is sub par. That may soon change, thanks to portability. The plan's proponents expect these and other benefits to emerge: Better stuff. New phones, with advanced features and lower prices, are sure to keep coming. Superior gadgetry -- think picture phones -- is an ever-popular enticement. "We think the market will change quite a bit," said Bill Hardekopf, CEO of CellUpdate.com, a site that compares cell phone plans. Better prices. Free months or banked minutes may be waved in front of both new and existing customers, along with other financial enticements yet to be invented. "Come the end of the month you might see some nice incentives for carriers who want current customers to extend their contracts," said Hardekopf. Better terms. Contracts with steep termination fees are another barrier to dumping a carrier. Carriers could initially roll out longer contracts with higher termination fees, but may compete over the long run by offering fewer binding contracts. "It's going to be hard for carriers to stick with a system that punishes consumers," Goldberg said. "Consumers just won't accept that." Better service. The Management Network Group (TMNG) estimates that the turnover of personal cell phone users will jump from about 3 to 20 percent in the next 12 months as a result of portability. To stem that churn, companies will have to be, well, nicer. Still, cautions Goldberg, "it may take some time for carriers to really understand the new competitive environment." Cutting the cord at homePortability could be a boon for all telephone customers. That's because the rule will also give wireline customers the option of moving their home phone number to a wireless phone, depending on where the wireless carrier is located. "Right now the FCC is clarifying the limits on wireline-to-wireless portability," said Chris Murray, legislative counsel for the Consumers Union, adding that a decision should come next week. "What I'm expecting is that they'll define the scope to be about the size of an area code." Once people have the option of switching their home number to a wireless phone (and vice versa), local carriers may have no choice but to lower rates. "Wireless is the only competitor for local phone monopolies," added Murray. "If the FCC makes it easier for customers to cut the cord, that's our best hope for a competitive local market." Please "port" my numberWhile they've been fighting the portability rule, wireless carriers have also been taking steps to comply with the changes. "The carriers have been very focused on being ready," said Cathy McMahon, an executive for wireless portability at Telcordia, a software company that is handling number switching for seven of the eight largest carriers. Beginning Nov. 24, consumers in the 100 largest metropolitan statistical areas can request that a new cell carrier "port" their current number. (The deadline for carriers serving the rest of the country is May 26.) The new carrier will need to validate information with the old carrier and notify a centralized system, but all told, the process could take less than three hours, according McMahon. Wireline-to-wireless transfers, however, could take several business days. Though Telcordia has been testing the system for more than a year, potential glitches could arise if, for example, customers give inaccurate information about their old plans. "It's a complex process with lots of systems interfacing with other systems," said McMahon. "There are places where things could go wrong." What will it cost you? Wireless customers have actually been paying for the change for nearly two years in the form of a local number portability surcharge, typically around $1, levied on their bills. The FCC has said that carriers can also charge a fee to departing customers who want to port their numbers, though it's likely that new carriers will offer to cover the cost of switching as long-distance carriers often do. © 2003 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 30 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6901/1/EH-The-Croatian-American-Chronicle---Novina-americkih-Hrvata.html  The Croatian-American Chronicle - Novina americkih HrvataDear CROWN Readers,It is with great joy that we announce to you the birth of a monthly Croatian-American newspaper targeted solely at the activities and interests of Croatian-Americans and their communities. The first issue of the Croatian Chronicle will be out in early December and will feature stories such as the results of the Croatian parliamentary elections with a special focus and commentaries on the Diaspora vote, the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Croatian Parish in New York, an overview of the upcoming New York Children and Youth Festivals, including a list of songs and performers, a returnee's story about moving back to Croatia, a review and background of famous Croatians athletes in America, news about Croatian-American clubs and communities and much more.Therefore, we are asking all Croatian-Americans to support this effort as all of us are well aware that such a publication is greatly needed in our communities. The best way to ensure the Croatian Chronicle will have a long and prosperous life is to send us your submissions about important events happening in your life and in your communities no matter where in North America you reside, as well as your classifieds which will be published free of charge. Digital photos are also welcome. There is still time to send in these submissions to our contacts listed below, so we encourage everyone to do so by Sunday NOVEMBER 30, 2003. Additionally, your yearly subscription and business advertisements will provide the necessary financial support. Please contact us for our competitive rates. As the Christmas season is approaching, please consider giving a Croatian Chronicle subscription to your loved ones! For only $22.00 they will enjoy a full year (12 issues) of this informative publication.We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to all those who have helped us so far, including Nenad Bach and all the people at CROWN.Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year,Sanja, Visnja and KatarinaPlease contact us for sale locations near you and for subscriptions, advertising as well as for your submissions at:NY MEDIA LINK INC.CROATIAN CHRONICLEP.O. BOX 3531ASTORIA, NY 11103(718) 278-5760 info@croatianchronicle.com Dragi citatelji CROWN-a,Veliko nam je zadovoljstvo obavjestiti vas o izlasku novih hrvatsko-americkih novina, koje ce u potpunosti biti posvecene aktivnostima i interesima americkih Hrvata. Prvi broj Croatian Chronicle-a izlazi pocetkom prosinca ove godine i donosi mnogo zanimljivih tekstova. Izmedu ostaloga u prvom broju mozete citati sve o parlamentarnim izborima u Hrvatskoj s posebnim osvrtom i komentarima na glasovanje dijaspore, o proslavi devedesete obljetnice Hrvatske zupe u New York-u, o pripremama Djecjeg festivala i Festivala mladih u New Yorku, mozete citati povratnicke price iz Hrvatske, price o uspjesnim hrvatskim sportasima u Americi, vijesti iz hrvatskih klubova i zajednica.. Iskreno se nadamo da ce mnogi medu Vama prepoznati potrebu postojanje ovakvog glasila, i podrzati napore koji se ulazu u realizaciju i postojanje ovog projekta. Ako zelite i sami pomoci da Croatian Chronicle uspjesno zazivi i pozivi dug i produktivan zivot, slobodno nam se obratite; ovo je Vasa novina koja ce pisati o Vama! Obavijestite nas o dogadajima u Vasim zivotima i zivotima Vasih zajednica bez obzira u kojem dijelu Sjeverne Amerike zivite. Digitalne fotografije su takoder dobrodosle! Ostalo je jos malo vremena za dostavljanje Vasih priloga, koji moraju stici na nas e-mail najkasnije do nedjelje, 30. STUDENOG, 2003, kako bi bilo objevljeni u prvom broju. Godisnja pretplata na novinu ili reklama za Vas biznis takoder su dobar nacin da iskazete svoju podrsku i pruzite nam potrebnu financijsku potporu, kako bi novine mogla kontinuirano izlaziti. Isto tako, mozete naruciti godisnju pretplatu kao bozicni poklon za Vase najmilije. Za samo 22 dolara (12 brojeva) pruzite im sansu da cijelu godinu uzivaju u ovoj informativnoj, zanimljivoj novini.Ovom prilikom zelimo se zahvaliti svima koji su vjerovali u nas i koji su nam na bilo koji nacin pomogli i pruzili nam podrsku tijekom napornih priprema za pokretanje Croatian Chronicle-a, ukljucujuci i gospodina Nenada Bacha i cijeli CROWN tim. Zelimo Vam svima blagoslovljen Bozic i sretnu Novu godinu,Sanja, Visnja i KatarinaAko zelite saznati mjesta na kojima ce se novina prodavati ili ako se zelite pretplatiti, poslati reklamu za Vas biznis ili poslati Vase priloge, obratite nam se na sljedecu adresu: NY MEDIA LINK INCCROATIAN CHRONICLEP.O. BOX 3531ASTORIA, NY 11103(718) 278-5760 info@croatianchronicle.com Sanja Floricic-Bogovic, Visnja Miocic, Katarina Deletis nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 22 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/6902/1/E-Croatia-claims-new-big-breakfast-record.html  Croatia claims new big breakfast recordCroatian Guinness Book of World Records19 Oct 2003 13:45:54 GMTZAGREB, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Some 38,000 Croatians ate corn mush, yoghurt and anapple on Sunday in a big breakfast attempt to enter the record books for the most people sitting down to their first meal of the day at one time.At least 38,665 people took part in the breakfast that was staged simultaneously on more than 200 locations in a dozen Croatian cities, organizers said.The current breakfast record in the Guinness Book of World Records was set onOctober 13, 2001 in Taiwan when 23,291 peo