http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A letters@croatia.org Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:33:42 +0000 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11451/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidoviae-declared-Honorary-Academician-in-Bari-Italy-2025.html Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences in Bari, Italy: We are appointing Ivana Marija Vidoviæ as an Honorary Academician because of her extraordinary talent, primarily as a pianist, because of her dedication to music and culture in general, because of the international reputation she has achieved during her career so far. An artist of rare dedication to music and sensibility, Ivana Marija Vidoviæ enchants audiences around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11442/1/Tomislav-Gavranic-1937-2025-Croatian-doctor-of-Aboriginal-Health-in-Australia.html Tomislav Gavraniæ, born in Croatia on the island of Korèula (in the town of Blato), was very passionate, loyal and dedicated to the Aboriginal people which we all know. This was shown in both his private and working life. He was honoured whilst working in Gove to be initiated into the Marika Clan in Yirrkala. His aboriginal family kept in contact and they would come to visit, where many a story was told around a very multicultural table. We provide a text written by Mrs. Tuga Tarle, in Croatian. It was a part of her PhD thesis, and included into her very interesting monograph published in 2024 in Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11440/1/Darko-Vodopich-CEO-of-Global-Med-Travels.html Darko's extensive background in both medicine and travel gives him a unique perspective in the medical tourism industry. His journey from guiding travelers across Europe to founding and leading GlobalMedTravels shows a seamless integration of his passions for healthcare and global exploration. With over 30 years of experience in the medical field across various regions in the USA and Europe, his deep knowledge of both patient care and international travel positions him as a key figure in making healthcare accessible worldwide. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11432/1/Rudolf-Matz-1901-1988-distinguished-Croatian-cello-teacher.html Croatian born Rudolf Matz (1901-1988) began work on what would become his First Years of Violoncello in the early 1940-s, and he would continue to expand, revise, and make more complete this monumental undertaking for the next 45 years. His interest and experience as a teacher, performer, composer and author informed the content of these of these technical exercises, etudes, and concert pieces, as did his early life experience as a competitive sprinter and his later interest in and study of anatomy, physiology, and ergonomics. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11428/1/Anica-Markov---A-Dalmatian-Girl-from-Two-Continents.html "A Dalmatian girl from two continents" is an autobiographical book in which the author describes her untypical life from her birth up to her adulthood. She was born in Split, Croatia as the fourth child in a well-to-do family. However, due to political reasons, her parents decided to emigrate when she was 15. She loved Croatia and her life there, and she hated to emigrate. The book illustrates some memories of her childhood in various cities of Croatia. Then she continues describing her adulthood in a refugee camp in Italy, emigration to Chile and finally to Venezuela where the family settled. However, her love for Croatia was always present in her life. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11427/1/Johnny-Mercer-distinguished-American-singer-lyricist-and-songwriter-has-Croatian-roots-on-his-mothers-side.html Among the best known of Johnny Mercer's songs are "Moon River", "Autumn Leaves", "Days of Wine and Roses", and "Hooray for Hollywood". He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received nineteen Oscar nominations, and won four Best Original Song Oscars. His roots on his mother's side are Croatia: his grandfather (Ivan Josip Èuèeviæ, i.e., John Joseph Ciucevich) was born in Croatia on the island of Lastovo. gudelj@rogers.com (Nenad Bach, Branka Gudelj, and Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11403/1/Croats-in-South-America.html In this article, we have only touched upon a vast subject of Croats in South America, covering their contributions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Venezula,... in numerous field of culture, art and science. among the best known such persons is Juan (Ivan) Vuèetiæ, the father of scientific dactyloscopy (identification by fingerprints; on the photo). We mention also painters Kristian Krekoviæ, Zdravko Duèmeliæ, Gustav Likan. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 03 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11396/1/Anisha-Rosnas-father-Ivica-Adam-Kalebic-is-Croatian.html Anisha Rosnah, born in 1994, is the daughter of Siti Mariam Isa and Ivica Adam Kalebic, a Croatian, also known as Adam bin Abdullah. Her name is often written as Anisha Rosnah binti Adam (i.e., daughter of Adam), Anisha Isa Kalebic (containing the second names of her parents). She is very well educated, having completed the University of Bath in the UK. With this marriage she became a member of the Royal Family of Brunei. Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on the island of Borneo. The remaining part of the island is divided between Malaysia and Indonesia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 20 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11393/1/Miljenko-quotMikequot-Grgich-1923-2023-quotThe-King-of-Chardonnayquot.html With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, a name synonymous with innovation, excellence, and pioneering spirit in the world of winemaking. Mike's enduring legacy extends far beyond his remarkable wines; it encompasses his dedication to sustainability, his mentorship of future winemakers, and his unwavering commitment to his Croatian heritage. His Chardonnay was chosen in 1973 for a blind tasting in Paris, in celebration of the U.S. bicentennial. The results shocked the world when Mike's Chardonnay was named the top wine in Paris. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 14 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11392/1/Bokeljska-trilogija-Vicka-Tripkoviaea-Podnopljskog--uredio-Vinicije-B-Lupis--.html Izdavaèka kuæa Gospa od ©krpjela - Perast u Crnoj Gori, objavila je 2023. knjigu Bokeljska trilogija Vicka Tripkoviæa Podnopoljskog, koju je dr. sc. Vinicije B. Lupis (na slici) uredio, opremio i popratio uvodnom studijom "Vicko Tripkoviæ Podnopoljski (Dobrota, 1870. Zagreb, 1938.), zaboravljeni hrvatski knji¾evnik, autor svojevrsne bokeljske trilogije". Pripovijetke koje èine ovu trilogiju tiskane su u dubrovaèkom knji¾evnom èasopisu Srð poèetkom 20. stoljeæa. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 25 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11382/1/Nikola-Tesla-1856-1943-the-father-of-Radio-Technology-and-Wireless-Communication-since-1893.html The principles of Radio Communication and Wireless Communication were layed down by Nikola Tesla, distinguished Croatian - American inventor, in 1893, during his spectacular public lecture in the St Louis concert hall, in front of 5000 people. The event was described in detail by Margaret Chaney in her monograph Tesla / Man Out of Time, in Chapter 6 entitled Radio. We provide an important testimony by William Gundry Broughton, son of Henry Primm Broughton (1865-1959) who served as Tesla's assistant during his lecture in St. Louis. Nikola Tesla is the precurusor of mobile-phone technology for more than hundred years. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11378/1/Zoran-Filipovic-Zoro-distinguished-Croatian-photographer.html Professional photographer and writer, born in 1959 in Brèko (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Zoran Filipoviæ has lived in Croatia's capital Zagreb since 1978 where, in the last few years, he's been turning more and more towards graphic and product design. As photographer, he has worked and seen his work published in a number of distinguished world magazines, such as Paris Match, Life, Photo, Le Figaro Magazine, Die Zeit, Frankfurter Allgemeine Magazin, Vogue/GQ and others. He is the author of 22 photo-monographs. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11371/1/Elizabeth-Kera-recipient-of-Croatian-Womens-Network-Award.html Members of the Croatian Women's Network are successful women from around the world, who share Croatian heritage and ancestry and come together to celebrate achievements, to inspire, champion and mentor younger generations. The aim is to connect like-minded members around the world. The Croatian Women's Network was founded by Caroline Spivak in Canada in 2015. One of the recipients of the Croatian Women's Network Award for 2020 is dr. Elizabeth Kera (on the photo) from New Jersey, USA, who is a specialist in the field of neuropsychology. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11367/1/Paul-Bradbury-Life-as-a-Croatian-Postman-on-the-island-of-Hvar.html Of all the interviews and feature stories that Paul Bradbury has done on his Total Croatia News internet project over the years, few were as much fun as an impromptu interview with his local postman over a beer in the town of Jelsa one day in 2016, as he explained to him the incredible Dalmatian GPS system they used to deliver mail on island of Hvar, Croatia. Mr. Bradbury lives in Croatia since 2003. He has published more than two thousand articles about various aspects of culture, life and bussiness in Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11363/1/National-Mathematics-Day-of-India-marked-in-Zagreb-Croatia-on-22nd-December-2022.html According to the initiative of H. E. Mr. Raj Kumar Srivastava, the National Mathematics Day of India was marked in Zagreb on 22nd December 2022. Each such event is dedicated to the memory of Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920), the greatest Indian mathematician in history. Several Croatian mathematicians participated in the event: Professors Hrvoje Kraljeviæ, Marko Tadiæ (Fellow of Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts), Marcela Hanzer, Rudi Mrazoviæ, and Neven Elezoviæ. The first such event was organized in Zagreb in December 2021. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11353/1/Croatian---Indian-Links-monograph-marking-30-years-of-diplomatic-relations-1992-2022.html The publication Croatian-Indian Links: Thirty Chapters for Thirty Years of Diplomatic Relations (1992-€"2022) marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between and India and Croatia and highlights a legacy in which the contributions of our writers, scholars, artists, travellers, politicians are unified in one volume. Some chapters in the volume present certain important individuals and others present some themes or groups of individuals. Preparing this publication was suggested by H. E. Mr. Raj Kumar Srivastava, ambassador of India to Croatia (on the photo). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 29 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11344/1/Gustav-Likan-1912-1998-distinguished-Croatian-American-painter-and-the-Father-of-Acrylics.html Known as the Father of Acrylics, Gustav Likan was originally from Croatia, he lived and painted in Argentina, Chicago and finally in 1969 he moved to Austin. In 1950 he began a two year commission for Eva Peron, painting murals in all the Argentina schools. He emigrated to South America in 1950 where he began a two-year commission for Eva Peron painting murals in the schools of Argentina. He later moved to the United States arriving in Chicago in 1957. He was appointed to the staff of The Chicago Academy of Fine Arts as an instructor where he taught until 1967. The remainder of his life he resided in Texas. He taught at the Laguna Gloria Museum in Austin. cuvalo@gmail.com (Ante Cuvalo) Sat, 30 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11341/1/Werner-Ilic-and-Martin-Cruickshank-two-Croatian-defenders-paddled-across-the-Atlantic-in-2022.html Werner Iliæ and Martin Cruickshank (right and left), Croatian defendors from 1990s, successfuly paddled across the Atlantic Ocean during 83 days (i.e., almost three months). They travelled 5500 kms from Canari Islands to Barbados (from 15th January to 22nd March 2022). In this way, Croatia has been included into the list of 32 countries which have paddlers accross oceans. Mr. Werner Iliæ is a Croatian born in Germany, while Marti Cruickshank is of Scottish provenance, living in Croatia in the town of Velika Gorica near Zagreb, where he is happily married. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11332/1/Keiko-Mitani-Japanese-expert-in-Croatian-Glagolitic-literature-passed-away-in-2022.html Keiko Mitani, professor at the University of Tokyo, one of greatest Slavists in Japan, passed away in January 2022. She earned her PhD at the University of Zagreb, under supervision of Professor Stjepan Damjanoviæ (of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts). She was president of the Japan-Croatian Friendship Society in Tokyo. In 2017, she participated at the international conference "The Phenomenon of the Glagolitic Script", organized in the cities of Biograd and Zadar on Croatian coast. She also wrote a manual in Japanese for learning Croatian, as well as a Croatian-Japanese dictionary. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 27 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11330/1/Romain-Rollands-1924-book-quotMahatma-Gandhiquot-translated-into-Croatian-as-quotNa-Gandhiquot-Our-Gandhi.html Romain Rolland's book was published on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi (celebrated in 2019), and Stjepan Radiæ (honored in the year 2021). The original Croatian version of the book was published in 1924, entitled "Na¹ Gandhi" (Our Gandhi!). Issuing this reprint was suggested by Mr. Joginder Singh Nijjar, the president of Croatian-Indian Society in Zagreb. It appeared under the auspices of highest Croatian political, cultural and scientific institutions, as well as under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of India to Croatia. We provide a presentation of the reprint written by Ante Beliæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11335/1/Betiana-Bellofatto-published-her-photobook-8220Terra-Australis-Aedificanda8221-in-Ushuaia-2021.html Betiana Bellofatto published her photobook published in Ushuaia in 2021: Terra Australis Aedificanda (Southern Land To Be Built). Born in 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Betiana Bellofatto studied Audiovisual Design and Photography. She has performed as direction and production assistant in several fictional short-films and commercial spots. In 2009, in Berlin, she co-founded i Collective, a multicultural artist collective that works on multidisciplinary projects. Her activity combines photography, installation, art in the public space and internet art. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 14 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11322/1/Peter-Tomich-recipient-of-the-USA-Medal-of-Honor-described-in-Croatian-film-quotHeros-are-Never-Forgottenquot.html ÃàÃàdarko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11320/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-to-appear-in-the-film-quotDont-Look-Upquot.html Marinko Marco Radakovic (left) will appear in the new film "Don't Look Up" an upcoming American satirical science fiction black comedy film written, produced, and directed by Adam McKay. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as two low-level astronomers attempting to warn mankind, via a media tour, about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth. The film is set to receive a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021, prior to streaming on Netflix on December 24, 2021. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 04 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11319/1/Mirjana-Bohanec-Croatian-opera-singer-diplomat-and-a-film-star.html Her concert reportoire is very extensive: from Baroque oratorial works of Bach, Haendel, Monteverdi, Pergolesi, Cherubini, Vivaldi, to such classics like Mozart and Haydn. She sang numerous pieces of Lied, composed by Schumann, Schubert, Brahms, Grieg, Debussy, etc. She also interpreted works of Croatian authors: Antun Sorkoèeviæ, Vinko Jeliæ, Ivan Lukaèiæ, Ferdo Livadiæ, Vatroslave Lisinski, etc. Except in Croatia, she had concerts in Austria, Germany, Italy, Swityerland, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, France, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Australia, Canada and in the USA. However, she is best known for her role in the an anthological Croatian film Tko pjeva zlo ne misli (Who Sings - Does not Think of Evil). She was also a Croatian diplomat in Germany and Austria in 1990s. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11321/1/Vesna-Skulic-Croatian-cinderella-participating-in-White-Path-humanitarian-action-in-BiH-1993.html Vesna ©kuliæ is living in the village of Ra¾anac near the city of Zadar, Croatia. As an amateur radio operator, she She trasfered more than hundred thosand humanitarian messages. She actively participated in solving numerous problems related to the humanitarion action of White Path in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993. According to late Professor Slobodan Lang, Zagreb, who was the chief organizer of the action, this was the first ever successful joint Christian - Muslim humanitarian operation in history. Vesna Skuliæ, a courageos and charming Croatian woman, is a paraplegic. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11317/1/Radoslav-Lorkovic-inducted-to-the-Iowa-Blues-Hall-of-Fame-on-October-17-2021.html Born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1958, Radoslav moved to the United States at age six. In the late 1990s Radoslav took his blues and accordian stylings to numerous Yupa ik Eskimo villages throughout SW Alaska. This memorable, mid-winter visit also included community concerts and class presentations in nearly twenty villages. Drawing from a multitude of influences ranging from elegant classical and jazz styles to the rawest, most basic blues, country and soul, Radoslav Lorkovic has taken on an unusually broad musical spectrum and refined it into his distinctive piano style. He has played with Odetta, Shawn Mullins, Greg Brown, Jimmy LaFave and others. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11314/1/Toni-Kukoc-enshrined-to-the-Basketball-Hall-of-Fame-in-2021.html Toni Kukoè was, alongside with late Dra¾en Petroviæ, the best basketball player that Croatia ever had. Toni, nicknamed Cookie, was often compared with Pink Panther, due to his specific elegance in the basketball game. He was born in the city of Split, one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean, known for outstanding talents like Blanka Vla¹iæ (highjumper), Ivano Baliæ (handball), Dino Radja (basketball), Branko Cikatiæ (martial sports), Anthony F. Lucas (Antun Luèiæ, the Father of Petroleum Engineering), Marko Maruliæ (the most famous Croatian Renaissance writer), ... darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11298/1/Alex-Grossmann-1930-2019-distinguished-Croatian-French-mathematician-a-founder-of-Wavelet-Theory.html Alex Grossmann (Alexander, Alexandre) was born in the city of Zagreb, where he completed his studies of Physics at the University of Zagreb, and earned his PhD in 1955, at that time employed at the Ruðer Bo¹koviæ Institute in Croatia's capital. He spent the period between 1955 and 1965 in the USA, working among others at the Insitutute of Advanced Study, Princeton, and at the Courant Insitutue of Mathematics, NY. Since 1965 he was employed at the University of Marseille in France. This Croatian-French mathematician is considered as a father of Wavelet Theory, due to his groundbreaking joint work with French geophysicist Jean Morlet in 1984. He was a thesis advisor to distinguished Belgian physicist and mathematician Ingrid Daubechies. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 14 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11295/1/Frano-Kakarigi-distinguished-Croatian-classical-double-bassist-in-Granada-Spain.html Maestro Frano Kakarigi was born in the city of Dubrovnik, and completed his study of double bass at the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb, Croatia. He played as a principal bassist with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, and since 1991 with the City Orchestra of Granada, Spain. Besides being a passionate educator, he is known for his rich international collaboration with numerous music institutions and festivals, including in his native Croatia. He has a fruitful collaboration with Croatian pianist Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, who is the founder and director of the Festival Epidaurus in Cavtat. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11294/1/Andrej-Dujellas-monograph-Number-Theory-translated-from-Croatian.html Andrej Dujella, of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, is distinguished Croatian mathematician, expert in Number Theory. His monograph Teorija brojeva, written in Croatian, saw its translation into English in 2021: Number Theory. It is primarily intended for students of mathematics and related faculties who attend courses in number theory and its applications. However, it can also be useful to advanced high school students who are preparing for mathematics competitions in which at all levels, from the school level to international competitions, number theory has a significant role, and for doctoral students and scientists in the fields of number theory, algebra and cryptography. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11290/1/Irena-Vrkljan-1930-2021-istaknuta-hrvatska-knjievnica-u-Berlinu.html Hrvatska knji¾evnica i prevoditeljica Irena Vrkljan, dopisna èlanica Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti (HAZU), preminula je u utorak u Zagrebu u 91. godini, izvijestila je Akademija. Studirala je arheologiju i germanistiku na Filozofskom fakultetu u Zagrebu te re¾iju na Akademiji za film i televiziju u Berlinu. Bila je urednica televizijske emisije "Portreti i susreti" (1960. - 1971.), za koju je napisala sedamdesetak scenarija. ®ivjela je i radila u Berlinu kao profesionalna knji¾evnica i prevoditeljica, a 2014. vratila se u Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11285/1/Titanic-shipwreck-and-84-Croatian-saviors-out-of-300-on-Carpathia-ship.html The best known shipwreck in history is that of Titanic in 1912. Another ship called Carpathia, connecting Rijeka in Croatia and New York came to its rescue. Eighty four out of 300 members of the crew of Carpathia were of Croatian origin (i.e., nearly one quarter). We now know many more details about them and about the drama of saving the lives of the Titanic passangers. Duration of the corresponding film shot in Croatia's capital Zagreb is 47 min. A Croatian lady Marija Bartowski from the city of Osijek was on Carpathia, and her diary contains many details arround the Titanic shipwreck. On Titanic itself, there were 30 Croatian passangers, out of which 15 perished. All of their names are known. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 14 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11283/1/Andro-Mikelic-1956-2020-distinguished-Croatian-mathematician-in-France.html Andro Mikeliæ's very great scientific talent earned him deserved awards: he was a corresponding member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts since 2014, he received the InterPore Procter and Gamble Award for Porous Media Research in 2012, after being awarded the W. Romberg Guest Professorship of the University of Heidelberg in 2011. He had collaborations with researchers from all over the world: from France, from the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and of course, from his native Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 31 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11279/1/Jan-De-Jong-interview-for-the-CROWN.html Jan: "Instead of importing tomatoes from the Netherlands into Croatia, I strongly believe that we can build the required infrastructure in Croatia to turn this country into a food exporting nation again. But if we wish to compete with other countries, we need to have the best technology currently on the market. And that is exactly what we plan to build in Croatia through our company - CROP... I focus on putting everything in place to ensure we build value within our business - long term." Jan, you are a bright star on a Croatian horizone. Dobro nam do¹ao letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11278/1/Josip-Sersic-1948-2020-expert-in-Croatian-Austrian-connections.html Hrvatski centar gradi¹æanskih Hrvata u Beèu poslao je tu¾nu obavijest o smrti dr. Josipa Ser¹iæa u kojoj stoji: ÀžNa ©tefanje, 26. prosinca 2020. g. je preminuo dr. Josip Ser¹iæ (71), rodom s otoka Krka, a u Beèu posebno poznat i cijenjen kao polihistor, jezikoslovac i prije svega struènjak za noviju povijest gradi¹æanskih Hrvata. Izuzetno je aktivno i uvijek mjerodavno sudjelovao u dru¹tvenom ¾ivotu hrvatskih zajednica i udruga u Beèu. Posebno je bio vezan uz Hrvatski centar, gdje je bio i sudionik znanstvenog simpozija '400 godina Hrvata u Beèu' 2009. godine. Pet godina kasnije, 2014. objavio je zajedno s Mihaelom Ellenbogenom iznimno va¾nu knjigu 'Kroatisches Wien / Hrvatski Beè'. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 08 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11274/1/Elizabeth-Peratrovich-a-native-woman-in-Alaska-and-civil-rights-pioneer-bearing-Croatian-second-name.html Elizabeth Peratrovich (1911-1958) was a native Tlingit woman and civil rights pioneer who, in 1945, was instrumental in getting the Alaska legislature to pass what historians cite as the first anti-discrimination law in America (pre-dating the Civil Rights Act by 19 years). In 1988, the state of Alaska designated Feb. 16 -- the anniversary of the signing of the act -- as a holiday honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich. Her second name of Peratrovich comes from her husband Roy Peratrovich. His father Ivan was born in Croatia on the island of Hvar, and arrived to California in 1860. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11270/1/Branka-Musulin-1917-1975-distinguished-Croatian-pianist.html Branka Musulin, fantastic Croatian pianist, completed the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb at the age of 19. She spent most of her pianistic life in Germany, and played under the baton of Hans Mueller-Kray, Willem Mengelberg, Hermann Abendroth, Franz Konwitschny, Karl Boehm, Georg Solti and Sergiu Celibidache. She had numerous pianist concerts throughout Europe, especially in her native Croatia and in Germany, as well as in Japan. Since 1958, she lectured at the Hochschule fuer Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt am Main, first as Dozent and then as Professor. She should not be forgotten! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11277/1/Maxo-Vanka-film-to-be-made--American-Sistine-Chapel.html Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka has the following mission: to conserve and protect for permanent public exhibition the nationally recognized Maxo Vanka Murals within St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, enabling the immigrant artist's "gift to America" to serve as an enduring catalyst for community engagement and education, inspire social and cultural dialogue, celebrate diversity, and forge connections through reflections on the extraordinary American experience. Murals by Maxo Vanka are not just Croatian cultural heritage. Unique. One and only. The planned film should have been done 50 years ago. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 07 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11267/1/Steve-Rukavina-behind-the-story-about-Joe-Biden-President-Elect-of-the-USA.html On the photo from 2010, Steve Rukavina with Joe Biden, who was back then vicepresident of the USA, now President -Elect of the USA. Steve Rukavina has Croatian roots, and he visited the land of his parents 19 times. He is very active in the NFCACF (National Federation of Croatian Americans, Cultural Foundation), as well as in fostering closer ties between Croatia and the USA. NFCA has organized more than 250 meetings with the USA Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with American diplomats. On Nov. 2020, Steve Rukavina gave an interview to Croatian journal Veèernji list. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11260/1/Mahatma-Gandhi-and-Kristian-Krekovic-connecting-India-and-Croatia.html   darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11257/1/Paul-Bucha-recipient-of-the-Medal-of-Honor-has-Croatian-roots.html Paul "Buddy" Bucha was born on August 1, 1943, in Washington, D.C. He is of Croatian descent; his paternal grandfather immigrated to the United States from the Croatian town of Na¹ice. He graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High School in 1961. An all-American swimmer in high school, Bucha was offered athletic scholarships to several universities but turned them down and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduation he earned a Master of Business Administration at Stanford University before beginning his military career at Fort Campbell. Bucha was sent to Vietnam in 1967 as a captain and commander of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 20 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11253/1/Damjan-Rodin-1910-1968-Croatian-priest-in-Brasil-founder-of-Vila-Croacia-in-Rio-de-Janeiro.html Damjan Rodin was one of the first Croatian priests to move to Brazil after the Second World War, where he organised the religious and community life of the ethnic Croatian community in Sao Paulo. In Rio de Janeiro he continued his important work for Croatians and Brazilians. He was born in the ©ibenik hinterland (in the town of Prviæ Luka on the island of Prviæ) and moved to Brazil in 1947, working as parish priest in Sao Paulo. He raised a favela in Rio de Janeiro now known as Vila Croacia, part of the Senador Camara district. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 11 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11254/1/Miro-Vidovic-1967-2020-world-class-producer-with-a-heart-of-gold.html Miro Vidoviæ, born in the city of Vukovar, was one of the best Croatian music producers. Numerous distinuished musicians attended his "Morris Studio", founded in 1997 in the city of Zagreb: 2CELLOS (Stjepan Hauser and Luka ©uliæ), Oliver Dragojeviæ, Maksim Mrvica, Gibonni, Arsen Dediæ, Nenad Bach, etc. He was a manager of 2CELLOS, that he directed since the very beginning. 2CELLOS said that Miro discovered them, but Miro modestly said that in fact 2CELLOS discovered him. Miro was always simple, modest, and down to the earth. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11259/1/Frano-Maroevic-1908-1939-expert-in-maritime-law-and-publicist-from-the-island-of-Hvar-in-Croatia.html Frano V. Maroeviæ (1908-1939), died very young at the age of 31 in the native city of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar near the city of Split. Born in a family of mariners and shipbuilders, he was an established expert in maritime law, which he had studied at the University of Zagreb, where he also earned his PhD. He was also very interested in literature, mountaineering, sea travelling, about which he published numerous articles. In 2020, Hrvojka Mihanoviæ-Salopek and Jeniðe Maroeviæ-Kulaga published a luxorous, richly illustrated monograph entitled Maritimne sfere Frane V. Maroeviæa (Maritime Spheres of Frano V. Maroeviæ). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 05 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11240/1/2CELLOS-Luka-Sulic-and-Stjepan-Hauser-about-their-families-and-concerts.html Messages for Luka: Great interview. He's the sweetest hubby, papa and family man! To top that with his talent and passion in music? What more could one ask for? Lucky wife. Lucky life. Lucky babies. God bless them. (Marlene Rudolfa) | Dank je wel Luka, geniet van je break, en Dankje wel voor dit interview waarin wij ook iets van jou mogen zien! Dank voor de prachtige momenten die ik van jullie heb gehad en hopelijk nog krijg!!! Geniet ze van je dochter! (Klazina Verboom). Messages for Stjepan: Que bonita familia. La, familia es lo mas importante y valioso (Ana Rodanes Martinez) | La photo est tres touchante avec tes parents. Ca m'a mis les larmes aux yeux, surtout que je n'ai plus les miens. (Jocelyne Boulianne) darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 21 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11232/1/Ljubo-Krasic-1938-2020-Croatian-Franciscan-founder-of-Croatian-Schools-of-America-and-Canada.html Krasiæ's contribution to the formative period of Croatian language instruction abroad was massive and aimed at promoting our language and culture in North America. He left his homeland with a broad educational background and worked in the frame of Catholic missions in the Croatian communities on the dissemination of our language and culture in the anglophone world, all whilst discharging his complex parish duties while resident in the USA and in Canada. He enriched his new home through the organisation of Croatian language instruction and the printing of textbooks, magazines and books. (Dr. Vinko Grubi¹iæ.) darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 01 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11238/1/Tomislav-Tom-Gabric-1933-2019-distinguished-Croatian-architect-in-California-USA.html Tomislav Gabric was born in the town of Metkoviæ in Croatia in 1933. He moved to the United States in 1962 to start his career in Los Angeles, California. Tomislav Gabric and his wife Lea married in 1964. They have one daughter Carole (Gabriæ-Lewis). Mr. Gabric moved his architectural firm, Gabric & Associates to Corona around 1997. The firm is located at 903 South Ramona Ave in Corona. He completed as many as 1600 professional projects of various buildings throughout California. He was also a talented painter. On the left is his autoportrait from 1989. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 29 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11217/1/David-Byler-1946-2020-was-8th-generation-Croatian-American-and-permanent-correspondent-of-the-CROWN.html David Byler (1946-2020) served as a Lutheran Pastor as well as a permanent correspondent of the Croatian World Network - CROWN. Being an eighth generation Croatian-American, he has contributed in the past years some extremely interesting and insghtful articles to our readers. His wisdom, knowledge, passion and perserverence will be missed by us all. He is listed among twenty greatest Croatian Americans in the USA. David liked to be nicknamed Slavonac (Slavonia is a historical region on the North of Croatia). We express our sincere condolences to his family. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11201/1/Ante-Glibotas-speech-at-the-Symposium-on-Art-organized-in-the-Hofburg-Imperial-Palace-in-Vienna-2020.html Ante Glibota: "I am delighted with this happy initiative coming from our friend Prof. Zhang Xiaolong, Vice President of National Academy of Art of China from Beijing, who is also an excellent artist and thinker, to organize in the heart of Central Europe, in Vienna, which was and always remains one of the essential centers of the great artistic, scientific and philosopher's adventure of European civilization, this meeting between historians, artists and thinkers to briefly exchange ideas and reflections on the art and thought of these two major civilizations that are the millennial Chinese civilization and ours, European." darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 26 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11184/1/Nikola-Teslas-autobiography-quotMy-Inventionsquot-published-by-Electrical-Experimenter-in-1919.html With this article, we mark the centennial of Nikola Tesla's autobiography "My Inventions" in the USA. Nikola Tesla wrote that at the age of 14, "My studies were continued at the Higher Real Gymnasium in Carlstadt, Croatia ,... I had become intensely interested in electricity under the stimulating influence of my Professor of Physics, who was an ingenious man and often demonstrated the principles by apparatus of his own invention." The name of his professor was Martin Sekuliæ, who was not only a high school teacher, but also an active scientist. During Tesla's schooling in Carlstadt (now Karlovac), Sekuliæ became an associate memeber of JAZU in Zagreb (now Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts), in the department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 15 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11189/1/Marys-Meals---a-fruit-of-Medjugorje-initated-by-Magnus-MacFarlane-Barrow-of-Scotland.html In 1992, the MacFarlane-Barrow family from Scotland, launched an appeal to help the people of war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. Mary's Meals is today reaching more than one million children across four continents. Those involved in the first Mary's Meals projects were all people whose lives had been changed by pilgrimages to Medjugorje. They chose, therefore, to name the organisation in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They consist of, respect and reach out to people of all faiths and none. Mary's Meals are celebrating its 10th anniversary in Croatia, 2009-2019. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11182/1/Vladimir-Novak-Croatians-in-America-fascinating-photomonograph-published-in-2018.html  Vladimir Novak (1928-2016) darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 27 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11181/1/Professor-Davor-Pavuna-distinguished-Croatian-physicist-speaks-about-Artificial-Intelligence.html In his very interesting lecture delivered at the University of Osijek, professor Davor Pavuna, Croatian physicist living in Switzerland, describes global trends in the development of Artifical Intelligence. We also provide an interview with Professor Pavuna, published in Croatia by Matematièko-fizièki list. Born in 1952 in the city of Koprivnica, he studied Physics at the University of Zagreb, and is since 1988 employed at the presitigious Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne (EPFL), where now he holds the position of Professor Emeritus. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 14 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11175/1/Carmen-Verlichak-postala-je-redovitom-clanicom-Argentinske-akademije-znanosti-i-umjetnosti-2019.html Spisateljica i novinarka Carmen Vrlhicak Verlichak, MSc, postala je redovitom èlanicom Argentinske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti, u razredu za komunikacije. Vrljicak je jedina Hrvatica u Argentini koja je èlan te Akademije. Ceremoniji je u centru grada Buenos Airesa nazoèila i veleposlanica Republike Hrvatske u Argentini, gospoða Du¹ka Paraviæ. CROWN èestita gospoði Carmen Verlichak na èlanstvu u Argentinskoj akademiji znanosti i umjetnosti. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11159/1/Lucija--Dusko-Rilov-and-their-Studio-Turtula-of-driftwood-paintings.html Lucija & Du¹ko Rilov live in the city of Trogir, which has been included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are creating beautiful life out of driftwood pieces, found on the seashore along the Croatian coast. Their inspiration are small island towns, which bring them peace and inner balance. Numerous galeries and souvenir shops possess their works of art. Their work is connecting two very different areas: ecology with artistic expression. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 24 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11152/1/Michael-J-Novosel-of-Croatian-origin-recipient-of-the-Medal-of-Honor-for-saving-5589-wounded-people.html During the Vietnam war, Novosel flew 2,543 missions and extracted 5,589 wounded personnel, among them his own son Michael J. Novosel Jr. The following week, Michael Jr. returned the favor by extracting his father after he was shot down. On the morning of October 2, 1969, Novosel set out to evacuate a group of South Vietnamese soldiers who were surrounded by several thousand North Vietnamese light infantry near the Cambodian border. Radio communication was lost and the soldiers had expended their ammunition. Without air cover or fire support, Novosel flew at low altitude under continuous enemy fire... He completed 15 hazardous extractions, was wounded in a barrage of enemy fire, and momentarily lost control of his helicopter, but when it was over, he had rescued 29 men. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 05 May 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11148/1/Yoko-Nishii-speaking-about-Croatia-at-the-Japanese-TV-in-February-2019.html Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist and proponent of Croatian classical piano music in Japan, as well as of Japanese music in Croatia, was a guest of Japanese TV on 14th Febrary 2019. She described some of her numerous concerts in various Croatian cities (till 2018, she had as many as 48 soloist concerts in 24 cities, and innumerably many other appearances). She also described some of the cultural values of the country, as well as a little bit about Croatian cuisine. Yoko Nishii is fluent in Croatian language. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 01 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11147/1/RIMAC-0-100-KMH-IN-19-SEC-CONFIRMED.html The Rimac C_Two is the world'€™s most powerful electric hypercar, demonstrating the company'€™s expertise in high-performance vehicle systems. Powered by a four-motor powertrain system with 1.914 hopsepower and instantly available 2300 Nm of torque, the C_Two accelerates 0-60 mph in 1.85 seconds, and reaches 300 kph in 11.8 seconds. The 120 kWh battery capacity enables 550 km of range in WLTP cycle (650 km NEDC). ). These figures have taken the world by surprise, but with new development efforts, the C_Two can, and will, see upgrades. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 11 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11144/1/Miljenko-Matijevic-in-Croatia-in-the-cities-of-Zagreb-and-Pula.html Miljenko Matijevic was born in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 1964. He became one of the greatest singing stars in entire rock history. In the recent years his popularity has spread to the Far East, especially in South Korea, where he had numerous appearances. His unique voice continues to attract millons of listeners throughout the world, for classic songs like "She's Gone", "Can't Stop Me Lovin' You", "I'll Never Let You Go", "We All Die Young", etc. Miljenko: "Thank you to my country with all my heart for opening your arms and showering us with such a graceful experience. I hope everyone enjoys what we have created." darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 18 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11135/1/Photo-of-the-Year-and-the-Family-of-the-Year-for-2018.html As a photo of the year we have chosen a detail from spectacular return of Croatian national team to the city of Zagreb, with a bus reliably driven for several hours by a nice lady (on the photo) along impossibly stuffed streets, without any accident or any injury. This is a feat maybe even more amazing that the wins of Croatian national football team agains teams like Argentina (led by outstanding world class Messi), England and the Russian Federation. As the family of the year we have chosen the family of Luka Modriæ, sharing in this way the opinion of millions of fans throughout the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 01 Jan 2019 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11133/1/Nikolina-Sustic-Stankovic-of-Croatia-ultramarathon-world-champion-in-2018.html Nikolina ©ustiæ Stankoviæ is the world ultramarathon world champion (100 km!) for 2018. This is one of the greatest achievements of Croatian sports. Native of the city of Split, employed as a computer software tester, she leads a humble life, and became a top sportswoman without any trainer whasoever! This makes her achievment even more amazing. The city of Split is a cradle world class sportsmen and sportswomen: Goran Ivani¹eviæ (tennis), Toni Kukoè (basketball), Blanka Vla¹iæ (high jumping), Ivano Baliæ (handball), ... , to name just a few. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 30 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11132/1/Rimac-Automobili-Croatian-company-manufacturing-electric-hypercars.html Mate Rimac is CEO and founder of the RIMAC Automobili company. We provide several interviews about his company founded in Sveta Nedelja near Croatia's capital Zagreb. In 2013 Mate Rimac founded a company called Greyp, closely related to the Rimac Automobili, manufacturing high-performance electric bicycles. By the end of 2018, the company has nearly 500 employees from 27 countries (15% of foreigners). Rimac Automobili is an acknowledged electrification partner to many automotive manufacturers: Porsche, Automobili Pininfarina, Aston Martin, CUPRA, Renault, and more out of the public eye. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 25 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11131/1/Boyan-Slat-founder-and-CEO-of-the-Ocean-Cleanup-project.html On May 11th 2017, Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, the Dutch foundation developing advanced technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, announced a design breakthrough allowing for the cleanup of half the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in just 5 years. The main idea behind The Ocean Cleanup is to let the ocean currents do the work. An installation of U-shaped screens channels floating plastic to a central point. The concentrated plastic can then be extracted and shipped to shore for recycling into durable products. Boyan Slat has been recognized as one of the 20 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs Worldwide (Intel EYE50), and is the youngest-ever recipient of the UNÀ™s highest environmental accolade: Champion of the Earth. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 20 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11123/1/Nenad-Zvonarek-former-selector-of-Chinese-handball-representation.html Nenad Zvonarek was selector of the Chinese handball representation. He was active in China since 1997, directing the handball team of the Province of Jiangsu (population of nearly 80 million people, a leading Chinese province in finance, education, technology and tourism). Nenad Zvonarek, professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb, received a Medal of Friendship from the Governement of the Province of Jingsu in China in 2016. He is a honorary citizen of the city of Suzhu, China. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 23 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11121/1/Branko-Grunbaum-192982122018-distinguished-American-mathematician-born-in-Croatia.html Branko Grunbaum was born in 1929 in the city of Osijek, Croatia. He started his studies at the University of Zagreb, and then moved in 1949 to Israel, where he completed his studies in 1954 and earned his PhD at the Hebrew University in Yerusalem in 1957. In 1966 he became full professor at the the University of Washington, after spending time at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Princeton, Hebrew University and at the Michigan State University. Branko Grunbaum wrote a very interesting survey paper "The Bilinski dodecahedron, and assorted parallelohedra, zonohedra, monohedra, isozonohedra and otherhedra" (27 pp.), dealing with the work of distinguished Croatian mathematician Stanko Bilinski. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 17 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11128/1/Steve-Novosel-Croatian-American-jazz-bassist-and-educator.html Steven (Steve) Novosel is an American professional jazz bassist and educator whose 40-plus year career has spanned numerous genre, from traditional jazz to swing, bebop, mainstream and avant garde. Born in Farrell in 1940, Pennsylvania outside Pittsburgh in 1940, Novosel is of Croatian-American heritage. Although left-handed, Novosel mastered the double bass playing it in a right-hand set up. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 15 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11119/1/Carmen-Verlichak-ellected-a-member-of-the-Argentine-Academy-of-Arts-and-Sciences-of-Communication.html darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 01 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11112/1/Dino-Radja-enshrined-in-the-Basketball-Hall-of-Fame-in-2018.html Dino Radja (211 cm), Croatian basketball player born in the city of Split in 1967, continued his career as NBA player in Boston Celtics, USA, since 1993. He was a memember of Croatian national team which won the silver medal at the Olympic games in Barcelona in 1992. His very close friends were NBA stars Dra¾en Petroviæ and Toni Kukoè, also from Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 11 Sep 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11107/1/Luka-Modric-of-Croatia-named-UEFA-Player-of-Year-for-2018.html Luka Modric of Croatia, on Aug 30, 2018, received the accolade of UEFA Player of the Year in Monaco after his Champions League exploits. "My father always pushed me to fight for my dreams, I owe him a lot for everything," said Modric, whose silky midfield skills helped Real to a third straight European crown and then propelled Croatia to the World Cup final. "It's incredible moment for me, I feel really excited and proud of this great award," said the 32-year-old, who started out at Dinamo Zagreb and then had four years with Tottenham before Real prised him away six years ago. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 31 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11104/1/Nenad-Bach-Dragica-Kragic-and-Sven-Maricic-participating-at-prestigious-MTF-Stockholm-Sep-7-9-2018.html The talks stage features an incredible lineup of inspiring people from around the world in conversation - representing all areas of industry, academia, the arts, sciences and public life. Rather than a series of keynotes, speeches, panel sessions or powerpoint presentations, the magazine-style interviews and intimate performances at MTF Stockholm provide a personal insight into the world and the stories of each of these amazing individuals. Three Croatian representatives are invited: Nenad Bach (with his project World Peace In One Hour), Danica Kragiæ (a leading expert in robotics) and Sven Marièiæ (expert in 3D printing). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 22 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11099/1/Oliver-Dragojevic-1947-2018-distinguished-Croatian-pop-musician-and-composer.html Except in Croatia, he had concerts at Olympia in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, Pearl Theatre in Las Vegas, Royal Albert Hall in London, Konzerthaus in Vienna, Opera House in Sydney. Umra je Oliver. Zamuèa je ra¹pavi glas koji smo svi volili. Michael Bolton iz Vela Luke. Zamuèala je Dalmacija, zamuèali smo smi mi koji smo uz njegove pisme ¾ivili. Resli, jubili, pivali, gu¹tali, sièali se, sanjali. ... Ne znan kako vaman, ali meni je ona najtipiènija slika Dalmacije zalaz sunca iza otoka, bonaca, i zvuk èetverotaktnog motora na trabukulu negdi u kanalu. A najtipièniji glas Dalmacije voljene je Oliver. Bog ga blagoslovija! Maja. Written by Maja Cioni (b. Buliæ), Paris. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 29 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11082/1/Sanja-Falisevac-Croatian-sculptress-and-poet-enriching-us-with-her-deafblind-world.html Sanja Falisevac began to portray at the age of 14, when she was already completely blind and deaf. She remembers from her childhood beautiful pictures of snow under sunset and Christmas. Her mother used to play with her by writing letters with her finger on her back, which Sanja easily recognized. She now communicates with the outer world in a similar tactile way, by writing on her palm. Her sculptures reveal her as a born artist, and she is now a member a the Union of Professional Croatian Artists. According to her own description, although being blind and deaf, she sees the outer world very clearly in her mental pictures and communicates by using touch. She is a perfect example for all those who think that their life is difficult. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 23 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11079/1/Jakov-Radovcic-distinguished-Croatian-paleonthologist-and-an-expert-in-the-Neanderthal-culture.html NEANDERTHALS represent a magical and mystical idea of the prehistoric people of Europe. They are one of the many secrets of the beginning of our species. Who were those people who lived between 30,000 and almost 300,000 years ago? How did 19th century science discover and interpret the finds and what do we know now, at the beginning of the third millennium, about these Stone Age people who used to hunt for rhinoceros in this area 125,000 years ago? If you want to find out the answers to these questions, visit the new KRAPINA NEANDERTHAL MUSEUM, in Krapina, in Croatia! On the photo Jakov Radovèiæ, the leading Croatian paleonthologist, a discoverer of the Neanderthal jewelry. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 19 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11077/1/Stjepan-Radic-1871-1928-a-great-Croatian-politician-humanist-and-martyr.html In 2018 we commemorate a tragic death of Stjepan Radiæ, one of the greatest Croatian politicians and humanists in history (on the photo with his grandchildren), assassinated in 1928 in the Belgrade Parliament. We provide an articl written by Dr. Ante Cuvalo, an information about a new street in the Prague bearing his name (and his wife Marija was a Czech schoolteacher), as well as an article about him written by a Danish writer Karin Michaelis, who used to know his family in person. We conclude the article with a very interesting article of Stjepan Radiæ about the Russian Branch of the noble Croatian family of Jelaèiæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11074/1/Nenad-Bach-interview---Glazba-je-jezik-duse.html Od svih hrvatskih umjetnika èija su imena postala poznata jo¹ poèetkom Domovinskog rata svakako je najpoznatije ime Nenada Bacha, roðena Zagrepèanina, odrasla i ¹kolovana u Rijeci. Bach je nadaleko poznat je po svojoj pjesmi Can We Go Higher?, koja se izvodila ¹irom svijeta i upoznala tada taj svijet s ratom u Hrvatskoj i Bosni i Hercegovini. Nenad Bach suraðivao je s brojnim umjetnicima kao ¹to su Luciano Pavarotti, Bono iz U2, Brian Eno, Garth Hudson & Rick Danko (The Band), Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead), John Malkovich, Ellen Burstyn, Martin Sheen, Michael York, i brojni drugi. Prenosimo intervju koji je s njima za Vijenac obavila Gloria Fabijaniæ Jeloviæ. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11070/1/Zvonimir-Mihanovic-distinguished-Croatian-hyper-realistic-painter-living-in-the-city-of-Split.html After completing his elementary and high school education in Split, Croatia Mihanovic went to Paris in 1971 to study at the L'Ecole des beaux-arts. Major galleries in the United States promote his art and organizing exhibitions, including galleries in New York, Chicago, Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, and Aspen. He is represented by Mihanovic International of Aspen, Colorado, USA. Mihanovic's distinctive style of painting, recognized by art critics as a particular expression of contemporary hyper-realism, places him among the most sought after and in-demand artists in the world today. As a colorist, he is creative and unsurpassed, capturing not only detail but exact and precise colors. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 21 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11069/1/Danica-Kragic-professor-of-robotics-at-the-Royal-Institute-of-Technology-in-Stockholm-Sweden.html Danica Kragic is a Professor at the School of Computer Science and Communication at the Royal Institute of Technology, KTH. She received MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Rijeka, Croatia in 1995 and PhD in Computer Science from KTH in 2001. She has been a visiting researcher at Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Brown University and INRIA Rennes. She is the Director of the Centre for Autonomous Systems and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and founding member of the Young Academy of Sweden. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 17 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11053/1/Kristian-Krekovics-portraits-exhibited-in-Sweden-upon-the-initiative-of-Ljerka-Galic.html Kristian Krekoviæ (1901-1985), distinguished Croatian painter, spent the years 1948-1952 in Sweden, where he made several portraits of members of the Schmitz family in Malmo. It is known that during that period Krekoviæ made a portrait of the Swedish King Gustav Vth. He also portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in his atelier in Paris in 1931, who often visited him. Upon the intiative of Mrs. Ljerka Galic of the Croatian Foundation Heritage, an exhibition of Krekoviæ's works of art has been organized in Malmo in October 2017. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 19 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11050/1/-Miro-Gavran-to-be-awarded-with-quotGold-Merit-Badge-of-the-Republic-of-Austriaquot-by-president-Van-der-Bellen.html Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria made a decision to award Miro Gavran with "Gold Merit Badge of the Republic of Austria". It will be awarded on March 20th 2018. He received international "Dr. Alois Mock Europa-Preis" award for affirmation of European values in his literary works in December in Vienna. Prominent publisher from Vienna - "Seifert Verlag" published four of his novels in hardcover. Gavran has had nine theatre premieres in German in Austria and Germany so far and there is one more premiere coming up in Vienna in Septermber 2018. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 08 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11048/1/Marijan-Zubanovic-1931-2016-Croatian-technical-thermodynamics-expert-in-France.html Marijan Zubanoviæ, born in 1931 in the village of Virje on Croatian north, completed his studies of mechanical engineering in 1957 at the University of Zagreb. In 1959, not willing to work for military industry of ex-Yugoslavia, he emigrated to France. In 1970, he founded and directed STS enterprise (Systeme Thermodynamique Serivce). He solved the problem of air conditioning for the first French atomic submarine "Le Redoutable", and patented cooling systems for French nuclear power plants. marinko.frka@gmail.com (Mauricij Frka-Pete�i�) Mon, 05 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11040/1/Denis-Vignot-author-of-the-novel-Le-Choix--The-Choice-dealing-with-Croatia-published-in-France.html Denis Vignot from France wrote a deeply moving historical novel entitled Le Choix (The Choice), dealing with Croatia in the early 1990s during the Yugoslav and Serbian agression on Croatia. It is based on personal experiances in Croatia, dealing with love, with the country in trouble, with honor. This extraordinary book, published in France in 20016, containing more than 750 pages. One of the main protagonists in the book is Anton Domovina, former memeber of the French Legion, which the readers will easily recognize (Domovina = Homeland, in Croatian). The author, Denis Vignot, deserves our deep gratitude for having written this monumental literary testimony. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 16 Jan 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11036/1/Kresimir-Krnjevic-distinguished-Croatian-neuroscientist-celebrates-90-years-in-2017.html Eugene Garland of ISI and Current Contents named Dr. Kre¹imir Krnjeviæ as one of the 1,000 most cited contemporary scientists and named three of his papers "citation classics." He is Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada since 1975., as well as Honorary Member of the Croatian Pharmacological Association (1983), Honorary President and Member of the Advisory Board of the Croatian Institute of Brain Research (since 1991), Corresponding Member of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences (1992) , etc. He was also president of the International Croatian Initiative (1992-1998). We provided an article written by Professor Ante Padjen, of the McGill University, Canada, which has been published in 2017 by Gaudeamus, the journal of AMCA Toronto. ante.padjen@mcgill.ca (Prof.Dr. Ante Padjen) Wed, 20 Dec 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11033/1/Mladen-Ibler-1937-2017-distinguished-Croatian-medical-scientist-and-diplomat.html Dr. Mladen Ibler, born in Zagreb, besides his native Croatian, spoke English, Danish, German and Russian. He organized Croatian workshops at the International Peace and Understanding Conference in Copenhagen (1989) and Vienna (1991) and lectured at the same conference in Copenhagen (1994). As the president of the Croatian Cultural Association in Denmark, he worked on the international recognition of Croatia and the establishment of political and diplomatic relations between those two countries. He was Honorary Consul of Croatia to Denmark 1994, as well as ambassador to Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland domiciled in Stockholm in 1996. From 1999 till 2005 he was ambassador of Croatia to Australia and New Zealand, with residency in Canberra. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 01 Dec 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11032/1/Slobodan-Praljak-1945-2017-the-truth-about-Croatia-and-Bosnia-Herzegovina.html On the photo Slobodan Praljak 1945-2017, portrayed by Ante Gotovina. Slobodan Praljak is holder of three academic titles - in Electrical Engineering, in Humanities (Sociology and Philosophy) and from Theatre and Film Academy, all of them from the University of Zagreb. On Carla del Ponte: "If I, by any chance, Slobodan Praljak, had written or said such qualification [see in the article], no matter when, in any form whatsoever, in relation to any nation or group during the war in the territories of the former Yugoslavia, I would have been sentenced to 5 years of prison for it only." darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 29 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11029/1/Miro-Gavran-the-greatest-contemporary-Croatian-writer-received-Dr-Alois-Mock-Europapreis-2017-award.html The greatest contemporary Croatian writer Miro Gavran is the winner of this year's prestigious international 'Dr Alois MockEuropapreis 2017' award. As soon as it arrived, the announcement of this year's selection was signed by Michael Spindelleger, the president of the 'Dr Alois Mock' Foundation and former Austrian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Foundation. The plays of Miro Gavran have been translated into as many as 40 languages worldwide. Congratulations to Mr. Gavran! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 20 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11028/1/Nikola-Horvat-Pacific-Crest-Trail-Tesla---Year-of-the-Beginning.html Nikola Horvat, nicknamed Tesla, in 2016 he successfully completed an extremely demanding journey on Pacific Crest Trail. Experience from his journey was vast and turbulent. Besides his personal story he has a lots of interesting information about Pacific Crest Trail, people and places somehow connected to this beautiful trail. His surname - Horvat - means simply the Croat. Nikola Horvat is a continutation of a long tradition of amazing Croatian adventurers in the USA and elsewhere in the world, like Joseph Joe Mikulec or Nikola Primorac. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 18 Nov 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11022/1/Vjeko-Martinko-director-of-Hotel-Villa-Astra-in-Lovran-celebrating-his-70th-birthday-in-October-2017.html Vjeko Martinko, director of the Hotel Villa Astra in the town of Lovran, Croatia, celebrated his 70th birthday with his friends and colleagues, including his schoolteacher Ana Ujeviæ. As always, Vjeko is full of energy, fresh ideas and challenges for the future. The celebration was held in a peaceful and very pleasant environment of the hotel and the surrounding beautiful park, filling us with a special energy and enthusiasm. Hotel Villa Astra is one of the trademarks of Croatian private entrepreneurship, offering its guests a unique place for creative rest in a friendly atmosphere, where one feels like at home. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11014/1/Mirko-Tomasovic-1938-2017-distinguished-Croatian-literary-historian-and-translator.html A member of Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Mirko Tomasoviæ was the most prolific literary translator from Romance languages in Croatia and distinguished expert in Latinist literature. He left us important studies on the written Croatian and Latin heritage of Marko Maruliæ (1450-1524), the most important Croatian Renaissance writer. His translations into Croatian include about 20 books of Italian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan and Occitan poetry, as well as epic and drama literature. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 08 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11011/1/Tomislav-quotTomquot-Mihaljevic-is-named-new-CEO-of-the-Cleveland-Clinic.html In just a few months, Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic (left) will take over as the new president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic. The incoming CEO was born in Croatia and is a naturalized American citizen. He earned his medical degree from the University of Zagreb's medical school in Croatia and completed his residency in cardiovascular surgery at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery of the University of Zurich in Switzerland before coming to the United States. He speaks Croatian, English and German. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 05 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11010/1/Yoko-Nishii-has-a-pianist-concert-tour-in-Croatia-Sep-2017-Zagreb-Dubrovnik-Split-Vinkovci-Sisak.html Yoko Nishii is indefatiguable proponent of fine music, including Japanese and Croatian. Her concert tour in September 2017 includes Japanese authors Kozaburo Hirai and Kosaku Yamada, as well as Croatian authors Bo¾idar Kunc (brother of a distinguished Croatian opera singer Zinka Kunc) and Dora Pejaèeviæ (the first internationally known Croatian woman-composer). As we can see, music does not know the borders. Yoko Nishii is a lecturer at Aichi University of the Arts in Japan. She speaks Croatian language. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 03 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11003/1/Dina-Merhav-1491149715041492-150215121495148982068206-distinguished-Croatian-born-Israeli-sculptor-presented-by-Yoko-Nishii.html Dina Merhav is an international artist, born in 1936 in the city of Vinkovci, Croatia, whose works are in public and private collections throughout the globe. Her sculptures can be found in Mumbai, India, Geneve, Switzerland, Canada, USA and Europe. In Israel, her base and homeland, the sculptures are placed in parks, schools, industrial plants, and memorial sites. Her first individual exhibition outside of Israel took place in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 2013, in the Glyptotheque of HAZU (= Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts) Gallery in Zagreb. Later the same year, it has been welcomed in her native city of Vinkovci with great appreciation and love. yoko51415@yahoo.co.jp (Yoko Nishii) Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11000/1/Darko-Varga-1956-2017-distinguished-Croatian-publicist.html Darko Varga, 1956-2017, born in the city of Osijek, grown up in the town of Dalj, attended High School in his native city, and completed his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Zagreb. From 1993 till 2000, he served as director of HEP (Croatian Electric Supply) in the region of Baranja on the NE of Croatia. He was active in revitalizing Croatian villages as well as ecotourism in Baranja, ravaged in the early 1990s during the Serbian aggression on Croatia. Also, he was an indefatigable promoter of cultural traditions of the region. His latest work on an impressive monograph dealing with the cuisine of the noble Croatian family of Zrinski, has been published in 2015 on the occasion of 450 years since the legendary Siget Battle in 1566. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10985/1/Mike-Vucelic-1931-2012-Apollo-system-manager-for-NASA-and-Rockwell-in-charge-of-300-NASA-engineers.html Milojko Mike Vucelic, born in the town of Gare¹nica, Croatia, completed the Faculty of Machanical Engineering of the University of Zagreb in 1954. Since January 1962 he worked for Apollo, and subsequently he served as one of directors of the Apollo Program. The mission of Apollo 8 in 1968 was circulating around Moon's orbit with the crew of three astronauts, and Mike Vucelic considers this to be his greatest success in professional life in the USA. During the Apollo 11 mission, he was at the control of the flight, just beside Gene Kranz, who served as the chief of the control. Due to this success in saving the Apollo 13 crew (Hello Houston... we have a problem), he was awarded by the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the then president of the USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 17 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10984/1/George-Skurla-1921-2001-led-the-1600-man-team-that-built-the-historic-Apollo-11-lunar-landing-module.html In 1965, George Skurla became director of operations for Grumman at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC). In that position, he brought together the 1,600-man Grumman team responsible for the final assembly, test and pre-launch checkout for the Apollo lunar module vehicle. Skurla led the team that built the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing module. The lunar modul spacecraft, which was designed, developed and produced by Grumman co., was the final stage in NASA's Apollo Program which landed American astronauts on the surface of the moon. The family of Skurla (©kurla) has Croatian roots, from Herzegovina, near the environs of the Dubrovnik area. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 17 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10972/1/Dora-Pejacevic-1885-1923-the-first-internationally-known-Croatian-woman-composer.html Born into an old, noble family, the talented pianist would grow up to become one of the most influential figures in Croatian music. During her short life (she died in childbirth at the age of 38) she composed 57 completed works, including a hefty ouvre for solo piano, sixteen chamber works, and dozens of lieder. But she made her mark with the human voice; Pejaèeviæ is credited with bringing orchestral song to Croatian late-Romantic music. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 12 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10970/1/Marin-Saric-CEO-of-Optimoroute-company-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Marin ©ariæ: "When people think about logistics, they think about routing, they think about package deliveries, they might think about some ships or freight crossing companies,” he concludes. “But I think what people need really to understand is that we are moving towards this mobile world, where every every year, in every country, there are more and more people who are working on the go, and Optimoroute is in the middle of it all.” darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 06 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10930/1/Claudio-Radonich-since-Dec-2016-Mayor-of-the-city-of-Punta-Arenas-in-Chile-has-Croatian-roots.html Claudio Radonich is since December 2016 a new Mayor of the city of Punta Arenas on the very south of Chile. He belongs to the third generation of Croats born in Chile, and his great-grandparents (Radonich's) are from the town of Starigrad on the island of Hvar. Punta Arenas (as well as many other cities in Chile and in South America) has a very strong Croatian immigrant population, dating already since the 19th century. The city has a Croatian Street, Croatian Firefighting Association, Croatian Women Society, as well as Escuela Croacia (School Croatia), Clinica Croacia, Club Croata Restaurant, and a nice monument dedicated to Croatian Coat of Arms (3 m of height). darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 31 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10933/1/Zrinskis-in-Vienna-with-emphasis-on-Nikola-Subic-Zrinski-of-Siget---1566.html The defense of Siget by Nikola ©ubiæ Zrinski (on the photo) in 1566 entered all the annals of European history in the 16th century. With his 2500 brave soldiers, mostly Croats, he was defending the fortress of Siget in southern Hungary against 90,000 Turks. Cardinal Richelieu, a famous French minister at the court of King Lui XIII, wrote the following: A miracle was necessary for the Habsburg Empire to survive. And the miracle happened in Sziget. Ivan Zajc has composed the opera Nikola ©ubiæ Zrinski in 1876, which is very popular in Japan, especially its tune "U boj, u boj!". Zrinski's helmet and sward, kept in Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, have been shown in Croatia in the city of Èakovec in September 2016. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10936/1/Marinko-Marco-Radakovic-to-appear-in-the-film-quotPatriots-Dayquot.html Marinko Marco Radakovic (left) will appear in the film “Patriot’s Day” directed by Peter Berg, and is about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent terrorist manhunt led by Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Dawhich. This visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and the strength of the people of Boston. Radakovic will be playing a Boston police officer. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 21 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10935/1/Tom-Begich-Croatian-American-is-New-State-Senator-in-Alaska.html Tom Begich (left), Croatian American from Alaska, has been elected to the State Senate there and won in the Anchorage downtown “J” district. Tom ran unopposed in the general election after he won the August 16th Democratic primary with 62% of the vote against Ed Wesley. The Senate seat opened up when long time Democratic State Senator Johnny Ellis retired after 24 years. This popular incumbent endorsed Tom in the competitive primary race which was a key endorsement. Tom ran an energetic and issue-oriented campaign to win a strong majority of votes in this crucial party primary. This was Tom’s first campaign for office and he will be sworn in to the Alaska State Senate on January 17, 2017. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Tue, 20 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10926/1/Mara-Vitols-Hrgetic-of-Venezuela-and-Don-Markusic-of-Australia-describing-their-bussiness-work-in-Croatia.html Mara Vitols Hrgetiæ of Venezuela (on the photo, of Latvian parents) and Don Marku¹iæ from Australia, were guests of Marijan O¾aniæ in his monthly interview dedicated to entrepreneurship in Croatia. An example of Mara Vitols Hrgetiæ is quite interesting since she is a Lathuian born in Venezuela, married to a Croatian (also born in Venezuela) Josip Hrgetiæ, who started the FORUM Centre in Zagreb, aiming, among others, to economically connect Croatians from diaspora to the country of origin of their predecessors. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 30 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10918/1/Miro-Gavrans-play-quotAll-About-Menquot-translated-into-Estonian-and-premiered-in-Tallinn-in-Nov-2016.html Miro Gavran's play "All About Men" has been premiered in Tallinn, capital of Estonia in Vana Baskini Theatre on November 11th. So far it had 16 premieres in theaters from Rio de Janeiro to Zagreb, Moscow, Prague and Krakow. It was translated into ten languages which helped promote this Croatian writer whose work was translated into 38 languages and whose plays had more than 300 premieres and 3 million viewers all around the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 13 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10917/1/Astrid-Kuljanic-participating-A-Concert-Benefiting-the-Syrian-American-Medical-Society-in-NY-Nov-29th-2016.html Featured performance, of which Astrid Kuljaniæ will be a part of: "He Will Be Our Brother," A Concert Benefiting the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) Tuesday, November 29th, 2016, Saint Peter’s Church at 619 Lexington Ave, New York, NY. Special performances by renowned New York City musicians, including Edmar Castañeda, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Kevin Hays, Gregoire Maret, John Ellis, Matt Clohesy, Magos Herrera, Vitor Gonçalves, Rogerio Boccato and Asaran Earth Trio. The admission is free and open to public. Hope you can join us in helping this extremely important fundraiser! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 02 Nov 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10910/1/Stanko-Bilinskis-rhombic-dodecahedron-discovered-in-Croatia-in-1960-and-nicely-described-by-Matt-Parker-.html Academician Stanko Bilinski 1909-1998, was distinguished Croatian mathematician, an expert in the field of Geometry. In 1960, he discovered the rhombic dodecahedron. A consequence of results from his PhD dissertation defended in 1944 (published in 1948, both at the University of Zagreb) is that there are precisely 14 semiregular (Archemidian) polyhedra. His results are cited and discussed by distinguished geometers like Coxeter, Grünbaum, Miyazaki, Tekada, and others. In May 2016, Matt Parker from the University of London (Queen Mary) created a very interesting and entertaining video in Dubrovnik, dealing with this nice geometric object. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 15 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10901/1/Sandra-Paovic-of-Croatia-winning-gold-medal-in-table-tennis-at-the-2016-Paraolympic-Games-in-Rio.html Paovic’s career in the able-bodied side was cut short on 30 January 2009, by a life threatening car accident en route to the airport in Paris following a match. She suffered a severe cervical spinal injury leaving her with limited use of her legs. “What motivated me to come back to table tennis is the love that I have for table tennis and sport in general,” she said. “Many people were there for me on my way to success, but most important was that I believed in myself and that I never gave up.” Sandra was born in the city of Vukovar. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 16 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10900/1/Katja-Markotic-Croatian-mezzo-soprano-interpreting-chants-by-Mexican-composer-Manuel-M-Ponce.html Katja Markotiæ is distinguished Croatian mezzo-soprano singer and since 1996 the artistic director of the Rovinj Summer Festival in her native city of Rovinj. Except in Croatia, she is a frequent guest on concert podiums in Austria, Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom and Mexico. She has achieved remarkable success during the evening recitals at the International Festival "Cervantino" in Mexico, with a final performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Mexico City), in 1991 and in 2002. She lives and works as a freelance artist in Croatia's capital Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 16 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10899/1/Kreso-Mikulic-bigmustache-Croatian-carpenter-engineer-Olympic-gymnast-alpine-skier-and-winemaker.html What do devotion to the Blessed Mother, the fuel pump in the B-1 bomber, and a popular Colerain Township winery have in common? The answer is Kreso Mikulic, age 79, native of the Medjugorje region of Bosnia, patent holder of the B-1 fuel pump and owner and master vintner at Vinoklet Winery.  Mikulic, an ethnic Croatian, has imported white and red wines made by Podrumi Andrej in Medjugorje and labeled with a portrait of the Blessed Mother, whom local tradition holds appears there annually since 1981. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 15 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10896/1/Sven-Maricic-a-pioneer-of-3D-printing-technology-in-Croatia.html   A team of doctors at the Clinical Hospital in the city of Rijeka, Croatia, have recently and successfully attached a 3D printed ear to an elderly patient whose biological ear had to be removed because of skin cancer. The operation was executed as a joint effort between the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Rijeka and the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic at the local hospital and marks yet another successful implantation of a 3D printed prosthetic. The 3D printed ear model was designed by Dr. Sven Marièiæ and his associates Sanjin Fuæak, and Duje Kalaj¾iæ and was based off of measurements made of the patient’s original ear. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 10 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10894/1/Yoko-Nishii-Japanese-pianist-has-six-concerts-in-Croatia-in-Sep-2016.html In September 2016 Yoko Nishii, Japanese pianist and proponent of the music of Dora Pejaèeviæ (the first Croatian women composer), arrives to Croatia again with a series of six concerts (Rovinj, Sisak, Vinkovci, Cavtat, Ludbreg, Zapre¹iæ), as well as in Kotor and Budapest. On the photo Yoko Nishii with Vjeko Martinko, her host in Villa Astra in the town of Lovran in which she graduated piano studies in 2000. Yoko is fluent in Croatian language. In the Spring of 2015, Yoko Nishii issued an important double CD in Tokyo, containig complete pianistic works of Dora Pejaèeviæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 06 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10893/1/Mother-Teresa-proclaimed-a-saint-in-2016-and-her-connections-with-Croatia.html Saint Mother Teresa was deeply connected with Croatian people. Croatian Jesuits stand at the beginning of her spiritual path, and her close collaborator in India was Ante Gabric, SJ, Croatian missionary and a good spirit of Bengal. In 1995, in Kolkata, she obtained an official Croatian passpoirt from the then Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia dr. Drago Stambuk, as an authorized representative of the Republic of Croatia for Humanitarian Aid. Saint Mother Teresa had spiritual speaches in Croatian language in the Zagreb Cathedral on several occasions. The photo on the left is from her Croatian passport. We also provide some anthological photos of Mother Teresa by Zvonimir Atletiæ, distinguished Croatian photographer. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 05 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10877/1/Yoko-Nishii-Japanese-pianist-has-a-series-of-concerts-throughout-Croatia-in-Sep-2016.html Yoko Nishii is known as a leading promoter of the music of Dora Pejaèeviæ, after having published the complete pianist works of the first Croatian woman composer in Tokyo in the Spring of 2016. Yoko-san is preparing her new concert tour in Croatia for September 2016, starting in the town of Rovinj on the Sep 8th. Having studied piano in Japan, Yoko-san continued her specialisation in Croatian town of Lovran. She is fluent in Croatian language, and in the past years visited as a pianist numerous Croatian towns. This time, by the courtesy of Mr. Vjeko Martinko, she will also be hosted among others by Hotel Villa Astra in Lovran, where she will meet her numerous friends. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 05 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10867/1/Ivan-Mrvos-of-Croatia-designed-the-best-smart-street-bench-in-the-world.html Steora is the world's best street bench, and its designer is Ivan Mrvos from the town of Solin, Croatia. It provides phone charging and internet to users and beautifies the street. All powered by green solar energy. Steora is more than a bench. Steora is the future of cities. The benches are equipped with an independently developed wireless device charger and two smart USB connectors, providing fast charging for mobile devices whilst ensuring battery protection. Internet access is constantly available within a four-meter diameter of the bench, delivered by a superfast 4G mobile router. The product is exported to Australia, and the product is tested in the USA, Switzerland, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 16 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10863/1/Zvonko-Vranesic-Croatian-Canadian-International-Chess-Master-and-Professor-at-the-University-of-Toronto.html Professor Zvonko Vranesic was born in Croatia's capital Zagreb. At the University of Toronto, he served as the Director of the Computer Engineering Program from 1991 to 1995, and as Chair of the Division of Engineering Science from 1995 to 2000. He worked on numerous consulting projects in the area of computer engineering. Presently, he is a Principal Software Engineer at the Altera Toronto Technology Center. He has co-authored five books which have become widely used (worldwide) in undergraduate courses. He represented Canada in numerous chess competitions. He holds the title of International Master and since 2010 is a member of the Canadian Chess Hall of Fame. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 09 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10859/1/Goran-Visnjic-distinguished-Croatian-American-actor-in-a-new-TV-series.html Goran Vi¹njiæ, an actor best known for his role in TV Series ER, was born in the city of Sibenik, Croatia. He studied at Croatia's Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Goran's first notable appearance on stage was cast in the role of Hamlet at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Visnjic's new venture will be as a co-star in NBC’s ‘Time’ Travel Pilot from Eric Kripke & Shawn Ryan.   darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 06 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10860/1/Goranka-Gudelj-presenting-Croatian-cooking-artistry.html   Goranka Gudelj, London darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 02 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10852/1/Sibe-Mardesic-1927-2016-distinguished-Croatian-mathematician-and-Fellow-of-the-AMS.html Professor Sibe Marde¹iæ: "I have been very devoted and faithful to Mathematics in Zagreb. I dedicated approximately equal shares of my time and energy to research, teaching and organization. I tried to transfer to Zagreb good things that I saw at other more developed places. I paid particular attention to teaching at the graduate level." Professor Sibe Marde¹iæ is a member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the prestigious American Mathemacial Society. He had over 260 lectures at conferences and universities in 20 countries. Besides his native Croatian, he fluently spoke six languages. We provide an interesting interview with him conducted by Professor James Keesling, USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 18 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10841/1/Interview-with-Giovanna-Drpic.html Bolivian born Giovanna Drpic is a journalist and the host/producer of the Emmy-nominated business show, Money & Main$treet on Verizon FiOS1. CROWN recently sat down with her and asked her about her life and career and how she came to the U.S. from Bolivia as well as her origins from the island of Brac. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10840/1/Andrija-Colak--Denis-Polic-founded-SurfnFries-franchise-in-Rijeka-Croatia-awarded-in-Las-Vegas.html Andrija Èolak and Denis Poliæ, two young Croatians from the city of Rijeka, founded Surfnfries franchise company in their native city in 2010. Since then, in only six years, their franchise network has grown to 40 franchise companies. Their attached companies are blossoming not only in Croatia, but also in Germany, Hungary, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Turkey, Iran, Vietnam, Thailand, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. On February 15th 2015 in Las Vegas Andrija Èolak received an award given out by the International Franchise Association for Next Generation Franchising. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 17 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10829/1/Beautiful-Croatia-founded-and-directed-by-Amanda-Grbavac-organized-an-event-in-New-York-on-26-April-2016.html Beautiful Croatia will be hosting stylish and unique events throughout the year. With over 15 years of experience in events, Beutiful Croatia also offers an event management service, to help make your destination dream event a reality. Beautiful Croatia presents all this to you with style, lots of love and happy spirit. On travels around the world, there was always one country that stood out for me like the brightest gem, it stole my heart and never let me go. That country was Beautiful Croatia. On the photo Sylvio Roubertto Kovacic, haute couture fashion designer, Amanda Grbavac founding director of Beautiful Croatia and Robert Grgurev, President of Startas USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 13 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10837/1/Nikola-Tesla-Croatian-citizen-advised-the-City-Hall-of-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-in-1892-about-electrification.html In 1892, Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) has been invited by Milan Amru¹, Mayor of the city of Zagreb, to visit the City Hall in order to give advice about future electrification. An interesting article from 1892 has been published in the Zagreb newspapers, which we provide for the first in English translation from Croatian original. We cite the following significant sentence from this 1892 article: Mr. Tesla considers it his duty, as a native son of this country [Croatia], to assist the Zagreb City Council in this matter offering his advice and helping in every way he can. The country he meant here is without any doubt Croatia. As a Croatian citizen, Nikola Tesla possessed the passport issued in the city of Zagreb in 1883. On the photo Nikola Tesla in 1941 with Fritzie Zivich, known as the Croat Comet, the then welter-weight boxing world champion. vesnablazina@hotmail.com (Vesna Bla�ina and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 05 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10833/1/Branko-Leskovar-1930-2016-distinguished-Croatian-American-expert-in-Electrical-Engineering--Electronics.html Dr Branko Leskovar, born in Croatia's capital Zagreb, earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zagreb. Since 1965 he worked atthe  Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. His work in resolution studies of electro-optical devices has had profound benefits on development and manufacturing of new devices with significantly improved characteristics. These methods have been accepted world-wide by government and industrial laboratories. Upon retirement, he served as Scientific Advisor to numerous universities and US government agencies. He was a fellow of IEEE and Sigma Xi societies. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 22 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10826/1/Roman-Krznaric-popular-philosopher-and-his-new-book-Carpe-Diem-Reclaimed.html Roman Krznaric is a cultural thinker and writer on the art of living and social change. His bestselling books, which include Empathy, The Wonderbox and How to Find Fulfilling Work, have been published in over 20 languages. His writings have been widely influential  political and environmental campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs, psychologists and designers. He is founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum and is also a founding faculty member of The School of Life. Roman has been named by The Observer as one of Britain’s leading popular philosophers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 11 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10827/1/Ines-Trickovic-Croatian-Jazz-Vocalist-and-Friends-performing-at-Carnegie-Hall-NY-April-6-2016-8-PM.html Ines Trickovic, a Croatian jazz singer based in Macau, joins forces with young jazz artists Brian Girley, Julian Shore, Gilad Hekselman, Marion Ross III, Shin Sakaino, and Marcus Gilmore. Their music is strongly influenced by jazz, as well as cinema and contemporary music. Songs are composed and arranged by Brian Girley and Ines Trickovic, with the exception of a few classical jazz pieces from the American Songbook and a traditional Croatian song, paying homage to their musical background. They will be performing at Carnegie Hall NY, Weill Recital Hall, April 6, 2016, 8 PM. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 02 Apr 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10824/1/Carolina-Blaskovic-Croatian-violinist-wins-American-Protege-International-Piano--Strings-Competition-2016.html Carolina Blaskovic from Zagreb, Croatia, who is currently studying at the Royal College of Music in London, is just 20 years of age, and was the youngest of 62 participants in the College students and professional musicians category in ths years competition. The American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition is open to adults and school students of all nationalities. She beat participants from around the world, including Australia, Hungary, Korea and the United States. Thanks to her winning performance, she has been given the rare chance to perform at the spectacular Carnegie Hall in New York. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 30 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10818/1/Branka-Cubelic-and-her-Dreamtime-Events-Croatia.html Branka Èubeliæ is CEO of Dreamtime Events Croatia, which is an international  team of professional creative event planners. Their diverse staff, having lived and worked in Australia, Canada, and Croatia, has over 30 years of experience in creating stylish, memorable, and of course, fun weddings and events. First class event planning experience from their native countries coupled with all of the amazing possibilities that Croatia has to offer. The Dreamtime is the Aboriginal understanding of the world, of it’s creation, and it’s great stories. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 18 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10819/1/Betiana-Bellofatto-Purifying-Ties-in-Antarctica.html Betiana Bellofatto was born in 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her parents, Teresa Perinic and Carlos Bellofatto, are daughter and son of European immigrants (Croatian and Italian). Betiana studied Audiovisual Design and Photography. Her work as an artist often has a participative and relational approach, and has been exhibited in Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic and China. Purifying Ties is a time-based art work that emerges from the specific location where it was done: Antarctica. betianab@yahoo.com (Bettiana Bellofatto) Thu, 17 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10817/1/Branding-Croatia-2.html Gosti predavaèi u Hrvatskoj matici iseljenika (HMI, Trg Stjepana Radiæa) bili su Nenad Bach, Ante Mandiæ, Mate Rimac, Ivan Ma¾uraniæ i Daniel Kolak. Vrlo interesantna predavanja popraæena su ¾ivim diskusijama i mnogim novim idejama. Meðu sudionicima manifestacije bili su Robert Schenk, Radojka ©verko, Miroslav Æiro Bla¾eviæ, Amanda Grbavac, Ljiljana Vinkoviæ, Branka Èubeliæ, Sven Marièiæ, Lucija Petraè, Marko Sever, Helena Perièiæ, Michael Glazer i drugi. Najveæa vrijednost ovog susreta su nova sklopljena prijateljstva. Na fotografiji su Petar Æuriæ (moderator), Mara Vitols-Hrgetiæ i Nenad Bach. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 15 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10797/1/Lana-Genc-Croatian-pianist-has-US-Premiere-Piano-Recital-at-DiMenna-Center-in-NYC-on-March-5th-2016.html Ana Genc, Croatian pianist, studied at the Music Academy in Zagreb, at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria, as well as at the Academy of Santa Cecilia in Bergamo, Italy. She regularly performs throughout her native country, as a solo artist, with all major orchestras, and in chamber. At the age of 17, Lana traveled to Japan for her first recital tour, which led. She has played recitals in Vienna (Bosendorfer - Saal), Cyprus, Bulgaria, Holland, Russia, France, Germany, Chile and some other countries. On her premiere USA concert tour, besides New York, Lana will play in Washington DC on Feb 25th, Baltimore MD on Feb 28th and Alexandria VA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 02 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10811/1/Umro-je-Dr-Slobodan-Lang-smrt-koja-nas-moralno-obvezuje-na-gradnju-mira-i-einjenje-dobra.html Umro je ... hrvatski domoljub i nacionalist, ®idov i Hrvat, ¹tovatelj i sljedbenik ideja i vjere Isusa Krista, hrabar èovjek u ratu, spasitelj brojnih ljudskih ¾ivota, idejni zaèetnik humanitarnih konvoja "Libertas" (uz Branku ©eparoviæ) i "Bijeli put" (s Hermanom Vuku¹iæem), odan suprug i bri¾an i nje¾an otac i djed, sin velikog znanstvenika i plemenitog èovjeka dr. Rikarda Langa ... Ni¹ta od onog ¹to je bio Slobodan Lang nije nikada pre¹utio i zatajio i zato bi nas njegova smrt mogla potaknuti na gradnju mira i èinjenje dobra. (Prof.dr. Slaven Letica) slaven1947@gmail.com (Prof.Dr. Slaven Letica) Tue, 23 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10810/1/Pavo-Jurisic-published-an-important-monograph-about-50-years-of-pastoral-care-among-Croats-of-Melbourne.html The monograph And the hand of the Lord was with them / Celebrating 50 Years of Pastoral Care among Croats of Melbourne, written by Dr Pavo Juri¹iæ, is dedicated to Croatian immigrants in Australia, especially those in Melbourne who lived their faith and represented their homeland, and to their fellow countrymen in Australia, their new homeland which accepted them and gave them shelter. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 21 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10809/1/Mate-Rimac-lecturing-at-the-Stanford-University-about-the-Electric-Car-Industry-start-up-in-Croatia.html In January 11 2016, Mate Rimac had the honor to deliver a lecture about his Electric Car Startup in Croatia upon the invitation from the prestigious Stanford University, USA. The technological novelties of this company in Croatia, which now has about 150 employees (out of which only 5 foreigners), have raised enormous interest among global leaders in the field. The novelties are expected to have a big impact on the global production of cars and other vehicles in decades to come. Numerous excursions, professional and educational, are organized to the Rimac automobili co. near Croatia's capital Zagreb, including from Israel. Some of the principal investors come from China. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 19 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10806/1/Mate-Rimac-How-We-Build-The-Worlds-Fastest-Electric-Car-.html Focused on high-performance that comes from a unique fusion of light build, and pure, seamless power, Rimac Automobili was driven from the world we were, passionate petrolheads, into the world of electric propulsion that we are today. Rimac Automobili is a family of enthusiasts, engineers and designers on their quest to discover new ways of making cars faster, and to prove to the World that fun can be electric - far more than anyone ever imagined. Located in Croatia, near Zagreb, the Rimac factory is a place where magic has happened since 2009. When you love what you do, you don't work, you play and thus create art.  darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 16 Feb 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10795/1/Marin-Soljacic-professor-at-MIT-speaking-about-newest-discoveries-in-nanophotonics-and-applications.html Marin Soljaèiæ, distinguished Croatian-American physicst and professor at MIT, USA, delivered a very interesting talk at the 2015 Tech Day, dealing with newest achievements in nanonphotonics and possible applications. Nanophotonics is a sub-field of nanotechnology that deals with light (photons). Nanophotonic techniques provide ultimate opportunities for tailoring behavior of light, thus offering a potential to enable a wide variety of important applications. This talk highlights recent work in this area, including security applications (for consumers and soldiers), energy conversion, and displays. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 24 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10789/1/Mladen-Ibler-and-Birgitta-Fritz-writing-about-Johan-Franke-a-Croatian-castle-commander-in-Sweden-in-15th-ct.html The castle commander Johan Vale or Franke in Sweden is identified by Dr Mladen Ibler (on the photo) as Ivan An¾ Frankopan, the eldest son of Count Nikola IV, viceroy (banus) of Croatia from 1426. The Scandinavian king Erik of Pomerania had met the young man at the court of his cousin King Sigmund in Budapest. After having decided to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land he had chosen this nobleman, who was familiar with Mediterranean conditions, to lead the tour. In Jerusalem the king knighted him and then afterwards recompensed him with the enfeoffments in Sweden. Besides those connections between the Scandinavian king and the Frankopan family the article also presents proofs of the king's stay at Dubrovnik, both on the way to Palestine and on the way back. mladen.ibler@gmail.com (Dr. Mladen Ibler) Thu, 14 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10787/1/Esther-Gitmans-interview-2016-about-Archbishop-Alojzije-Stepinac-and-his-role-in-saving-the-Jews-in-Croatia.html Dr Esther Gitman analized about 5000 archival documents kept in various Croatian archives. Especially important among them are 500 signed petitions for the rescue of Jews in Croatia during the WW2. Some of these documents contain as many as 150 names, signed by ordinary people, who risked their lifes in order to save the lifes of their endangered Jewish neighbors and friends. Furthermore, according to Dr Girtman, THOSANDS OF ORDINARY PEOPLE signed these petitions, which is a fact totally unknown in historigraphy (not only Croatian). Similar documents in such abundonce, cannot be found in any other European country, said Dr Gitman. We invite you to see and listen to this extremely interesting and important interview, conducted by the Laudato TV in Zagreb, Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 07 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10786/1/Lovre-Stavun-linking-Croatia-and-Japan-via-his-native-city-of-Zadar.html Lovre ©tavun is a young Croatian tourist guide living in the city of Zadar, who is very fond of Japanese language and culture. It is even more impressive that he learned Japanese without visiting Japan yet! In his article, that he wrote in English and Japanese (sic!), he discusses the possibilities of offering completely new contents for tourists visiting Croatia, with emphasis on his native Zadar. "How many natural wonders does the country of Croatia possess, but those same wonders are rarely ever offered as something of value to Japanese tourists." lstavun@gmail.com (Lovre Stavun) Thu, 07 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10783/1/Bernard-Luketich-1931-2015-president-of-Croatian-Fraternal-Union-in-the-USA-during-37-years.html Bernard Luketich was instrumental in the organization of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA) when a strong need existed for unifying all Croatians living in the United States. He was the recipient of numerous citations and prestigious awards from the Croatian government, was honored as Man of the Year by the United CFU Four County Lodges, CFU Scholarship Foundation Inc., the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh and several other fraternal organizations, including John Jordan Upchurch Award for distinguished leadership and service to the fraternal benefit system. He liked to play tamburitza, Croatian national instrument. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 30 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10777/1/Lovre-Stavun-the-first--only-Japanese-speaking-Croatian-tour-guide-in-the-city-of-Zadar.html Not many people in Croatia can claim to being fluent in the Japanese language, and even fewer people in Croatia can claim to being fluent in the Japanese language without any formal education… 29-year-old Lovre ©tavun from the the city of Zadar is perhaps one of the few people in Croatia who can claim that. The Japanophile is putting his skills to use and recently he became the first formally schooled tour guide in the Japanese language in the Zadar county and one of the very few Japanese-speaking tour guides in Croatia. He has not yet visited Japan, but if he were to be given a chance to do so, he would gladly take such an opportunity. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 21 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10774/1/Silvija-Gradecak-Croatian-scientist-at-MIT-speaking-about-Nano-Structured-Materials.html Her solar cells could absorb and use more sunlight. Her light bulbs could last longer, and her thermoelectric devices could take heat that would be otherwise lost and turn it into energy. “We’re looking for more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and less expensive technology with new capabilities,” Gradeèak says. Born in Vukovar, Croatia, she studied physics at the University of Zagreb and earned her PhD in Physics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lousanne. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 11 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10769/1/Anthony-Grbic-distinguished-expert-in-metamaterials-visited-the-University-of-Zagreb.html Anthony Grbic received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, in 2005. In January 2006, he joined the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he is currently an Associate Professor. In January 2010, he was awarded a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. In 2011, he received an Outstanding Young Engineer Award from the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society. He has Croatian roots, and he collaborates among others with a group of Croatian scientists at the University of Zagreb. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 04 Dec 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10763/1/Cravat-man-Nicholas-B-Daddazio.html Nicholas B. Daddazio studies the necktie as an icon and symbol of Western culture, rather than a fashion statement. He is also the first artist in the four hundred year history of the cravat/necktie to make figurative and representational bronze sculptures of the necktie/cravat. The giant neckties can be displayed on walls, in corners, on doors, along a staircase, hung from the ceiling, or flung over a bed, piano, or couch. As everybody knows, the cravat, as a global fashion element, has Croatian roots from the 16th century, and even the name of the cravat is derived from the name of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 20 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10761/1/The-Story-of-Ilija-Letica-by-distinguished-Croatian-filmmaker-Jakov-Sedlar-.html We present the readers of the CROWN a fascinating documentary by Croatian filmmaker Jakov Sedlar about the life and work of Ilija Letica in the USA, about his very successful LETICA CORPORATION in the USA, with a special emphasis on his ties with Croatia and on his life philosophy. LETICA is a multi-faceted packaging company with diverse talent and technologies to support business on a number of fronts. The company works in multiple technologies such as thermoform, injection mold, paper-forming and sheet extrusion as well as with multiple mediums including paper, rigid and thinwall plastic, reclaimed post-consumer fiber, and other environmentally-friendly materials. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 14 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10759/1/Andrej-Plenkovic-Croatian-diplomat-and-a-Member-of-the-European-Parliament-speaking-about-Ukraine.html Andrej Plenkoviæ, Croatian diplomat and a Member of the European Parliament, was the Chairman 2nd meeting of the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committe held in Kyiv on 4-5 November 2015. "We had two days of very intensive and productive discussions with our friends in the Verkhovna Rada, and very fruitful meetings with President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and Speaker Groysman. ... The European Parliament stands ready to assist Ukraine's efforts on its European path, against the backdrop of the complex economic, financial and social situation, and of the temporary occupation of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia.", said Mr. Plenkoviæ. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10749/1/A-Castle-for-Croatia-in-Australias-capital-Canberra.html The Lifestyle Magazine CAPITAL for in and around Canberra, in the 14th issue of January - February  2005, published a luxorous article  A castle for Croatia, written by Ainsleigh Sheridan and with excellent photos of Elizabeth Hawkes. The story of the Croatian embassy is as epic as Croatia's history. It was built entirely through the efforts of Croatians living in Australia. Furthermore, local architect Antony Mikulic won a selective competition to design the embassy, which the Royal Institute of Architects awarded with a commendation in 2001. The article is based on the interview with His Excellencey Dr Mladen Ibler (on the photo), the then ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Australia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10748/1/Zdravko-Basaric-Krize-ne-bi-bilo-da-je-50-Vlade-ili-Sabora-iz-dijaspore.html Zdravko Basariæ: U ovom trenutku dovr¹ava se prijevod trilogije Odbrojavanje na hebrejski jezik, snima se i trailer u Izraelu koji æe se prikazivati na najveæim sajmovima knjiga, ali i u Hollywoodu, jer je jedan od ciljeva, osim prijevoda na druge strane jezike, i ekranizacija ove trilogije. Reakcije iz svijeta vrlo su pozitivne jer je ova trilogija zapravo i pobuna protiv svake agresije. Izraelci su izvrsno prihvatili ove knjige, vjerujem da bi se i Palestincima svidjele jer pozivaju na dijalog i mirno rje¹enje sukoba. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 08 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10726/1/Hrvoje-Prpic-Trillenium-creating-beautiful-online-shops-in-VR-3D-and-mobile.html Trillenium is developing a proprietary platform. It's a key enabler of the next phase of online fashion retailing. They have experience of doing this before: their founder, Hrvoje Prpic, is one of Europe's most successful retail entrepreneurs. His previous exit was one of the biggest domestic IPOs in Croatia and the Central Europe region. Trillenium intends to bring virtual reality, 3D, gaming and mobile technologies together with an interactive and social shopping adventure. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10720/1/Josipa-Majic-from-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-is--founder--CEO-of-Teddy-the-Guardian-global-enterprise-.html Josipa Majic is the founder and CEO of Teddy the Guardian, Zagreb, Croatia, the first smart teddy bear on the market. During play, the teddy bear seamlessly captures the child's heart rate, saturation of blood with oxygen and body temperature, and wirelessly sends the data on a mobile app. This creates a truly child friendly experience for hospitals and home care. With specialization in medical technology, Majic's work places a special emphasis on a more human approach to patients and users. She has previous experience in delivering medical applications and wearable technology solutions. On the photo Josipa Majic and Ana Burica, Zagreb, authors of the idea of Teddy the Guardian. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10714/1/Ferdinand-Budicki-the-first-driver-in-Zagreb-to-have-passed-a-driving-test-in-1910.html At the beginning of the 20th century, the royal government stipulated that every car in the city of Zagreb must have a license plate and that each driver must pass a driving exam. There was a problem, however, for not even a single official knew how to drive. It was agreed that Ferdinand Budicki, the owner of the first car in Zagreb, would teach four civil servants how to drive. The examination committee began its work late July 1910, and the first to have been summoned to take the exam was Ferdinand Budicki. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 12 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10713/1/Ivan-Rakitic-Croatian-soccer-diamond-born-in-Switzerland.html Ivan Rakitiæ, Croatian soccer player born in Switzerland, is a versatile and physical midfielder who can stake a claim on nearly every inch of the midfield. He’s an offensive-minded player, but he is also an avid defender when his team requires it. He has good game vision and his passing capability is excellent. Throughout his career he’s stood out as great assister. He also possesses a powerful shot. Despite featuring for the Swiss national youth teams, Rakitiæ elected to play for Croatia. Since his debut at the age of 19, on September 8 of 2007, he’s become a nearly permanent feature for Croatia.Ivan speaks five langauges: Croatian, German, Castillan, English and French. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 11 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10710/1/Zdravko-Basariae-Marija-Husar-Croatian-singer-and-art-director-of-Bonofest-in-Vukovar.html Marija Husar is known as a singer of spiritual music and love songs and one of Croatia's most famous singers. She is also Bonofest's art director in the city of Vukovar. “It is incredibly important for us to show musical and spiritual quality...” she said. When Zdravko Basariæ asked her why she chose spiritual music, she replied that the most supreme music is music dedicated to God and that, in general, the most beautiful art in human history is art dedicated to God. The article has been published by Wall Street International on 20 June, 2015. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 03 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10705/1/Giorgio-Surian-distinguished-Croatian-opera-singer-of-worldwide-reputation.html   Giorgio Surian is the most famous opera singer that Croatia ever had. He is the internationally acclaimed bass-baritone of worldwide reputation. Thanks to the incredible vocal capabilities, he has made more than 160 appearances in his career so far. He sings in different languages that, alongside Croatian, include Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, English... He performed in the Scala of Milan, the Metropolitan Opera, Staatsoper in Wien, Opera de Lyon, Arena di Verona, Opera national de Paris, Royal Opera House in London, El Liceo in Barcelona, Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Teatro Real in Madrid, Salzburg Festival, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 21 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10703/1/Pope-Francis-in-Sarajevo-in-2015-meeting-his-old-friend-f-Petar-Galauner-SJ-Zagreb.html Petar Nodilo, SJ Zagreb: We all were indeed happy to see how the Pope embraced our f. Petar Galauner, SJ, and how he was sincerely delighted to see him again. Our dear father Galauner, we wish you God's blessing so that you spend many years to come with us, with your confreres and with  numerous flock which loves you. Petar Galauner, SJ, is distinguished educator, living in Croatia's capital Zagreb. His last encounter with Pope Francis was about thirty years ago. They first met in the Vatican in 1974. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 14 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10697/1/Ante-Glibota-elected-vicepresident-of-the-European-Academy-of-Sciences-and-Arts-in-Paris-since-2015.html   Ante Glibota, distinguished Croatian historian of art and architecture, has been elected in June 2015 in Paris, in the Senat of the Republic of France, as the vice-president of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, L'Academie Europeenne des Sciences des Arts et des Lettres; L'AESAL). To be a leading person of this prestigious international institution, which gathers as many as 65 Nobel Prize winners, as well as several hundred outstanding experts in different fields, is not only a great honour for Mr. Ante Glibota, but for Croatia as well. We express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Ante Glibota for his achievements, wishing him good health and fruitful guidance of the Academy. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 09 Jun 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10677/1/Brittain-Kovac-is-waking-up-debt-free-in-America.html Brittain Kovac’s great grandmother came from Croatia and settled in Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, KS. Her family loved the openness of the space, and the opportunity to own and care for land. Their entrepreneurial spirit was passed down to Brittain’s dad and to her as well. They also passed down the sense of responsibility that comes with any such opportunity: the need to give back. When Brittain was around 13, she went on a mission trip to the heart of Jamaica. “It literally changed my life and the direction that I had planned for my future,” she says. tajci.official@gmail.com (Tajci Cameron) Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10676/1/Zdravko-Basaric-Everything-is-Forever-when-I-met-Nenad-Bach.html I first met Nenad during Christmas mass in the Church of Saints Cyril & Methodius and St. Raphael in Manhattan. It was during my visit to New York (1998) where I was promoting my novel Rhapsody on the Island of Susak for Croatian emigrants and the American public. During prayer I saw a tall man, with a distinct black hat. Very soon after the mass I had the honor of meeting him. This man is a Croatian American recording artist, composer, performer, producer and peace activist. The author of the article is Zdravko Basariæ, Croatian writer, on the photo. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10673/1/Fritzie-Zivic-boxing-welterweight-champ-invited-by-famous-inventor-Nikola-Tesla-to-lunch-in-New-York.html Fritzie Zivic never asked why. He never asked if his opponent hit hard, if his opponent deserved the shot, if the opponent would be tough. He just said “yes” and signed the contract. Perhaps this fearlessness is the reason why Zivic may have fought a better array of boxers than any fighter in history. 23,190 people filled the Madison Square Garden in New York to the rafters when Armstrong met Zivic again on January 17, 1941. This remains the all-time highest Garden record for attendance! After this match, great inventor Nikola Tesla invited his compatriot and his four brothers to celebrate this win in his hotel. See Tesla and Zivic on the photo. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 18 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10672/1/Max-Emanuel-Cencic-Croatian-countertenor-singing-from-Versailes-and-St-Petersburg-to-Budapest-and-Vienna.html We are pleased to announce, that performances of our successful production of Siroe (the opera by Johann Adolf Hasse), directed by Max Emanuel Cencic, will be resumed on April 18th 2015 in semi-staged version at Budapest’s Vigszinhaz. Following this, there will be a performance in concert version in Theater an der Wien, Vienna, on April 21st. The high carat cast will be the same as in Versailles, consisting of  Max Emanuel Cencic in title role. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 17 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10666/1/Mirogoj-Cemetery-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-through-the-lens-of-Nikola-Piasevoli.html Mirogoj is one of the most beautiful city cemeteries in Europe. It has been designed by Austrian architect Herman Bollé, starting from 1879 to 1929 when it was completed. Many famous Croatians are burried there. Furthermore, with its pleasant atmosphere and numerous high quality works of art, it is a nice place for rest and meditation. All the photos have been taken by Mr. Nikola Piasevoli from Zagreb. With this presentation we wish all the readers of the CROWN and their families a happy Easter. nikola@piasevoli.com (Nikola Piasevoli) Fri, 03 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10657/1/Robert-Benmosche-1944-2015-CEO-of-AIG-found-paradise-in-Croatia.html Robert Benmosche: I was in Dubrovnik in Croatia back in 1997 and found it was a beautiful place. I said to myself, "Bob, what do you want to do when you retire?" I had read an article that said Zinfandel may have come from Croatia. And so I said that is an interesting idea.  In 2006, I was able to get two pieces of land. One in Dingac where my vineyard manager's property is, and another in Viganj, about 12 acres, right on the sea. I chose it because it had these yellow flowers called broom. They say where the flowers grow is great for growing grapes. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 14 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10655/1/Frank-Westermans-book-about-the-Lipik-Lipizzaners-translated-into-Croatian.html Frank Westerman's book about Lipizzaner horses, with emphasis on their destiny in the 20th century, especially during the Serbian aggression on Croatia in 1990-1995, originally published in Dutch, has been translated into 15 languages and has 40 editions until 2015. As stressed by Frank Westerman in his book, the CROWN (Croatian World Network) and Nenad Bach had an important role in launching the international media campaign aiming to return from Serbia the stolen Croatian Lipizzaners from back to their homeland. Mr. Westerman visited on many occasion the town of Lipik, in which numerous noble Lipizzan horses have been mercilessly assassinated during the aggression. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 11 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10649/1/Nikola-Tesla-distinguished-Croatian-American-inventor-and-his-high-school-education-in-Croatia.html Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) attended the high-school (High Real School) in Rakovac, Croatia, in the period of 1870-73, where the subjects were taught in German language. One of the compulsorly subjects that young Tesla had, was Croatian language (Kroatische Sprache), which was his mother tongue. Martin Sekuliæ, high school professor of Mathematics and Physics, was probably the most important among Tesla's professors during his entire education, since he enthused him for electricity, magnetism and polar light. Sekuliæ was an active researcher and a member of the Academy of Sciences in Croatia's capital Zagreb, in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 28 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10647/1/Zdravko-Basaric-ie-Patrick-Hughes-Croatian-writer-of-Countdown-Trilogy-promoted-in-Israel-Jerusalem-2015.html The Countown Trilogy written by Zdravko Basariæ (Patrick Hughes) living in a small town Sveta Nedelja near Croatia's capital Zagreb) was first published in Croatian and English, promoted in 2014 at Israeli pavillion at the world's largest Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Now, in 2015, we have significant news for the readers of the CROWN: this trilogy, which has been published in Croatian and English in 2013, is being published in Hebrew in Jerusalem, the State of Israel, 2015. Congratulations to Mr. Zdravko Basariæ, the author of the trilogy, and to Mr. Pierre Lavi, publisher of the Hebrew edition and responsible for international editions. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 19 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10646/1/Kolinda-Grabar-Kitarovic-Croatias-first-woman-president-inaugurated-on-15th-February-2015-in-Zagreb.html Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic was sworn in as Croatia's first female president in history. She was a former foreign minister, ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Washington and an Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Public Diplomacy. She was the first woman ever to be appointed Assistant Secretary General of NATO. Mrs. Grabar-Kitarovic is at the age of 47, and except her native Croatian, she fluently speaks English, Castillano and Portuguese and can also communicate in French, Italian and German. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 15 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10642/1/Michael-Bilandic-mayor-of-Chicago-1977-1979-proud-of-his-Croatian-heritage.html Michael Bilandic was born in 1923 in Chicago, Illinois and was one of four children born of his Croatian immigrant parents. His father was from a village near Sinj, Croatia and his mother was from the island of Brac, also in Croatia. In 1977 he was elected as Chicago’s 40th mayor until 1979. He was devoted to his family, faithful to his church, and proud of his Croatian heritage. He was presented the Vinodol Code Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the administration of justice in Illinois. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 19 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10639/1/Blase-Joseph-Cupich-installed-as-Chicagos-Archbishop-on-November-18-2014.html Archbishop Blase J. Cupich has been installed as the Ninth Archbishop of Chicago at an Installation Mass on November 18 2014, at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior Streets in Chicago.  Cardinal George presided at the Monday evening Liturgy and Archbishop Cupich delivered the homily. Among the civic leaders welcoming Archbishop Cupich were Governor Patrick Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle.  Also welcoming the new Archbishop was Dr. Jelena Grèiè Poliæ, the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 11 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10635/1/Botanical-Garden-in-Zagreb-founded-in-1889-through-the-lens-of-Nikola-Piasevoli.html Nikola Piasevoli amateur photograper fell in love with the Botanical Garden in Zagreb and regularly pays visit on every season, from spring to automn. The Garden was set in 1889 as a gift from the City of Zagreb to the University. The only compensation for it was (and still is) an agreement to open the doors of the Garden to the visitors, free of charge. About 5500 taxa of higher plants grow in Croatia, which is more than in Spain (5050), France (4630) and Germany (3200). nikola@piasevoli.com (Nikola Piasevoli) Sun, 04 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10633/1/Forum-Center-in-Zagreb-connecting-Croatia-Venezuela-and-Latvia-via-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script.html The aim of Congress Centre FORUM Zagreb is to satisfy the needs of their customers by providing dedicated and customized quality services, as well as prompt and efficient solutions at any time. It is directed by Josip Hrgetiæ, a Croatian born in Venezuela, and by his wife Mara Vitols Hrgetiæ, of Latvian origin. The Centre organizes seminars, workshops, courses, market research, launching of new products, video conferences, press conferences and other  business and social meetings. Their charming halls are docorated with Croatian Glagolitic Script, and moreover, the halls are named after Croatian Glagolitic characters. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 01 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10631/1/Mia-Slavenska-Croatian-American-ballerina-broadcast-premiere-quotMia-a-Dancers-Journeyquot.html "Mia, a dancer's journey" aired November 20th on PBS SoCaL in Southern California and received great ratings and great reviews in the press! Viewers can catch an encore of the film on PBS SoCaL, Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 9 pm! In February, the film will be released to PBS stations across the country and millions of Americans will have access to this film on television. This is the first time a film like this about a Croatian American ballerina has been distributed nationally on Public Television and we are very happy about this accomplishment. Adding to the excitement, the film will have a film festival premiere at the Lincoln Center in New York in January, 2015. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 30 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10630/1/Petar-Guberina-and-his-Verbotonal-method-described-by-Dr-Carl-Asp-in-Zagreb.html Verbotonal method is an auditory-based strategy that maximizes the listening skills of children and adults with hearing impairment and possibly other communications disorders, while simultaneously developing intelligible spoken language through binaural listening.  Originally developed by Professor Petar Guberina of Zagreb University (on the photo) for teaching normal hearing people to speak before reading a foreign language, it has been more popularly used in Europe.  However, Dr. Carl W. Asp, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has developed both academic and research programs for its applications through the acquisition of a Federal grant since 1967. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 23 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10629/1/Carmen-Verlichak-author-of-the-book-Edificios-y-monumentos-de-los-Croatas-de-la-Argentina.html Carmen Verlichak is the author of a new monograph entitled Edificios y monumentos de los Croatas de la Argentina, published in 2014 by her own company Krivodol Press. She provides short stories about numerous Croatian families in Argentina. Especially interesting is the story about Father Stjepan Gregov from the island of Pa¹man in Croatia, who emmigrated in dramatic circumstances to Argentina. She also mentions the need for the building at Marcelo T. de Alvear street in Buenos Aires to be directed to its original purpose, a donation to the Croatian people. It was donated by Nicolas Mihanovich, a founder of Argentine Merchent marine. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 19 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10628/1/Professor-Ivan-Gutman-distinguished-Croatian-expert-in-mathematical-chemistry.html Professor Ivan Gutman (b. in 1947) is holder of two PhDs: in Chemistry and in Mathematics, and is a leading international expert in mathematical chemistry in the world today. He has published 1260 professional scientific articles and is author of several research monographs published by Springer, North Holland and Nova Publishers. Professor Gutman has enormous international cooperation with numerous scientists throughout the world in his field of research. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 19 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10627/1/Patrick-Hughes-Croatian-writer-guest-of-Israeli-pavilion-at-the-2014-Frankfurt-Book-Fair.html   Patrick Hughes (Zdravko Basariæ), Croatian writer, had the honor to participate with his Countdown Trilogy in the pavilion of the State of Israel during the largest book fair in the world in Frankfurt (8-10th of October 2014).  Thanks to his publisher for global market Mr. Pierre Lavi, the books are translating into Hebrew. The philosophy of Patrick Hughes is condensed in the following words: "Words and bullets kill, but I prefer to create good words rather than bullets. Help me create words of peace for all humanity". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 15 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10626/1/PhotoMath-smart-camera-calculator-and-PhotoPay-created-by-Jurica-Cerovec-and-his-colleagues-in-Croatia.html It's really stunning: the PhotoMath video on Vimeo has very quickly reached 2 million views. Their web page has over 9000 page views each minute, and the iOS app alone was downloaded more than 1.6M times in less than three days in the Automn 2014, becoming the top free app in most countries around the world. It has been created by Jurica Cerovec and his colleagues at MicroBLINK in Croatia. Their products have recently been shown with great success in London, and they have created enormous interest throughout the world. They open completely new perspectives in education and other areas. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 10 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10623/1/Silvije-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-pianist-in-the-USA.html While having played hundreds of concerts throughout Europe and the U.S., Silvije Vidovic continues to excel through his genuine artistry and profound performances. Mr. Vidovic’s extraordinary musical talents come by no surprise as he was born into a family of musicians, and by the age of eight was giving performances in his hometown of Karlovac, Croatia. Presently, Silvije is a lecturer professor at the Florida International University, Lynn University, and at the University of Miami. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 22 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10621/1/Darko-Sertics-Applied-Ceramics-company-in-California-Croatia-Taiwan-Japan-and-Israel.html Darko "Matt" Sertic is a well respected entrepreneur who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Ceramics headquartered in Fremont, California. Applied Ceramics, Inc., is a worldwide leading fabricator and supplier of custom-made ceramics, quartz, silicon and sapphire components for the semiconductor processing equipment industry. The company has facilities in California, Croatia, Taiwan, Japan and Israel. He also founded the culinary academy in Sisak, Croatia, called Kul In. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 16 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10620/1/Cedomir-Antolic-distinguished-Croatian-spiritual-singer-composer-and-songwriter.html Èedomir Antoliæ is distinguished spiritual singer, composer and songwriter in Croatia, active since the early 1970s, a person of unique vocal color and of rare musicality. He is usually accompaning himself with his guitar, singing his beautiful verses and. Mr. Antoliæ founded several spiritual music groups in the city of Zagreb, and for the last several years he had very successful collaboration with ®eljka Marinoviæ. Mr. Èedo Antoliæ also had several public appearances with Nenad Bach. His music style ranges from butterfly tenderness to volcanic force. Equally impressive are his colorful improvizations as a background vocal accompaning other singers. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 12 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10619/1/Faust-Vrancic-1551-1617-Memorial-Center-on-the-island-of-Prvic-near-the-town-of-Sibenik-in-Croatia.html Faust Vranèiæ was a distinguished Croatian inventor and encyclopaedist during Renaissance 16/17th centuries. Among his most important inventions we mention the parachute as we use today (very different from Leonardo da Vinci'c), suspension bridge and wind turbine. He wrote an important five language dictionary of the most noble Eureopan languages, which included Latin, Italian, German, Croatian and Hungarian. Faust Vranèiæ, born in the town of ©ibenik, now has a superb Memorial Center on the nearby island of Prviæ, where he was burried according his last wish. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 08 Oct 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10618/1/Professor-Tefko-Saracevic-distinguished-Croatian-American-expert-in-Information-Sciences.html Professor Tefko Saraèeviæ studied electrical engineering at the University of Zagreb, Croatia and completed Ph.D. (1970) studies in information science at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. As principal investigator or co-principal he has received research grants from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes for Health, Department of Education, Council for Library Resources, the Rockefeller Foundation, UNESCO, and several other national and international organizations. His results are widely reported, distributed, and cited. He is recipient of honorary doctorate from the University of Zadar, which is the oldest Croatian university, founded in 1396. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10595/1/Drazen-Prelec-distinguished-Croatian-expert-for-Neuroeconomics-and-professor-at-MIT-USA.html Professor Drazen Prelec, born in Croatia's capital Zagreb in 1955, completed his studies of Applied Mathematics at Harvard University in 1978, and earned Ph.D in 1983 in Experimental Psychology. He is one of the leading experts in Neuroeconomics, where pscychology and neuroscience intersect. Professor Prelec investigates both the development of normative decision theory and the exploration of the empirical failures of that theory. He is professor at MIT, holding three appointments: at the Department of Economics, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and at the Sloan School of Management. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 02 Aug 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10591/1/Michel-Iellatchitch-from-France-descendant-of-the-Russian-branch-of-noble-Croatian-family-of-Jelacic.html Mr. Michel Iellatchitch, citizen of France living in the province of Alsace, visited the city of Zagreb from April 25th till 28th with his two sons Victor and François. While walking through the Zrinjevac park, a local guide, describing them important Croatian historical persons, asked them if they are familiar with the name of Jelaèiæ. They answered: "Yes, we are Jelaèiæ's!" Mr. Michel Ielatchitch is a descendant of the so called Russian branch of this noble Croatian family, about the history of which he has written a very nice historical survey in the French language, available via Internet. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10587/1/TARARA-singing-and-dance-connecting-Maori-people-in-New-Zealand-with-Croatians.html We invite you to enjoy the magnificent Samoan capella performances and indigenous chants combined with Croatian harmony blockbusters: Vilo moja (My Fairy), Ju te san se zajubio (I Fell In Love With You), Samo moru virujen (I Believe To The See Only), and other. Breathless feeling goes further with Maori who are, within their customs, songs and dances presentation surprising everyone with Maori version of the song "Vilo moja." Maori and Croatian all get on very well. They have a similar way of looking at life and relationships. Tarara is a mixture of Maori people and Croatians in New Zelaland. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10582/1/Mark-Begich-US-senator-presented-with-the-Croatian-American-Bar-Association8217s-2013-Vinodol-Code-Award.html At the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2014, the Croatian American Bar Association presented the 2013 Vinodol Code Award to U.S. Senator Mark Begich, in recognition of his distinguished public service career and vigilant attention to international matters affecting the worldwide Croatian community, as specifically exemplified by his insight on matters affecting economic and political progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and for his introduction of Senate Resolution 131 on May 8, 2013 in the Senate. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 06 Jul 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10572/1/Josos-Croatian-Seafood-Restaurant-in-Toronto-in-Stephen-Holts-interview-with-Leo-Spralia.html Stephen Holt interviews Leo Spralia at Joso's, one of Toronto's top Seafood restaurants, during the Toronto International Film Festival as broadcast on the Stephen Holt Show. Sept.'02. The restaurant serves food prepared in Dalmatian way from Croatian coast. Owned and operated by Leo and Shirley ©pralja and founded by Joso ©pralja in the 1960′s, Joso’s restaurant has achieved continuous success of over 36 years in business and is considered a landmark of the Toronto hospitality scene. It has been visited by numerous celebrities, like Mike Jagger, Paul Newman, Jose Feliciano etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10567/1/-Tomislav-Sunic-former-Croatian-diplomat-author-of-the-monograph-Chronique-des-Temps-Modernes-in-2014.html One is surprised when Tomislav Suniæ, a political theorist and former Croatian diplomat, states that Europeans have as much to learn from Americans as Americans, from Europeans. The reason is that far too many European nationalists still define themselves through a hostility and antagonism towards neighboring Europeans. As Sunic argues, in light of our current geopolitical situation, European nationalists cannot afford the luxury of dwelling on historical grievances, no matter how real they might be. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 26 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10562/1/Ivan-Hrvoic-Croatian-scientist-inventor-entrepreneur-and-benefactor-in-Canada.html Ivan Hrvoiæ completed his studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Zagreb, and earned his PhD in the field of Experimental Physics from the same university. In 1972 he immigrated to Canada, where in 1982 he founded Geo Systems, Inc., which is today the leading producer of magnetometers in the world, exporting its product to numerous countries, including Israel. In the late 1980's he participated in founding the Alumni Society of former students of Croatian Universities (AMCA Toronto), and from 1990-1995 was the president of this organization. His humanitarian and media activities in Canada were extremely important during the 1990-1995 aggression on Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 16 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10561/1/Vlasta-Zekulic-Croatian-Army-female-officer-trained-Afghan-military-police.html   Croatian female military police officer Vlasta Zekuliæ, PhD in international relations and national security, trained Afghan military police, despite social taboos. In Croatia during her career, she commanded military police platoon and company, and as instructor trained Croatian officers for missions, and then in Afghanistan she trained Afghan military police students on military investigation and work of the provost marshals. She was not afraid of being discriminated against because she is a woman. She completed her education at the Croatian Defense Academy "Petar Zrinski" and at the prestigious Military Academy "The Citadel" in South Carolina in the USA. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 15 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10557/1/Latica-Aniae-won-1st-Prize-at-Liezen-International-Cello-Competition-in-Austria.html Latica Aniæ (19), cello student at the Zagreb Academy of Music, in the class of prof. Valter Despalj, won 1st Prize at the Liezen (Austria) International Cello Competition. There were over 40 students  from Europe, Asia and America competing in her age category of 19 to 23. The panel of judges was composed of distinguished professors from music academies in Vienna, Cologne, Ljubljana, Prague and Salzburg. Her interpretations of  demanding works by Boccherini, Beethoven, Elgar and Ligeti  were also met with very enthusiastic applause from the audience. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 03 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10556/1/Ivan-Bjelovucic-the-first-in-history-to-fly-over-the-Alps-in-1913.html One of the greatest successes of Ivan Bjelovuèiæ (1889 – 1949) was achieved on 25 January 1913 when, as a French pilot, he managed to fly over the Alps between Brigue and Domodossola in 26 minutes and thus become the first pilot in the history who did it. Born in Peru, on his father's side he was a descendant from the family of sea captains from Janjina, Pelje¹ac peninsula in Croatia. Recently a postage stamp was issued in his honor in Croatia in 100,000 copies. marinko.frka@gmail.com (Mauricij Frka-Pete�i�) Fri, 02 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10545/1/Ignacio-Frezik-Croatian-that-flooded-Colombia-and-half-of-the-world-with-his-strawberries.html For half a century, The Frezik-Rozman Family is reputed to sell the most delicious strawberries in EL FRESAL (The Strawberry Place) located at Saucio neighborhood, Choconta Municipality of Colombia. Ignacio Frezik came to Colombia in 1954 as a refugee from World War II after escaping from four concentration camps. With his wife Elizabeth Rozman (on the photo) and their children also from Croatia, he began less than zero: Bricklayer, domestic service, foreman, farmer, cook and micro-entrepreneur. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 12 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10540/1/Everything-is-Forever-by-Victor-Zimet-docu-drama-on-the-life-of-Nenad-Bach-World-Premiere-April-11th-2014.html WorldFest, founded in 1961, is the third oldest film festival in North America & the Oldest Indie Film Festival in the World! This annual event has evolved into a competitive Independent International film festival showcasing rising Indie cinematic talents! WorldFest Houston is a non-profit Educational and Cultural Organization. Croatian rocker/composer Nenad Bach's cinematic journey through war and peace and rock and roll. An unflinching examination of the universal creative process. The world premiere will be in Houston on Friday April 11th @ 9PM. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10542/1/Branko-Istvancic-Croatian-filmmaker-recipient-of-the-Liliane-Stewart-Award-for-Design-Arts-in-Montreal-Canada.html Branko I¹tvanèiæ is recipient of a highly praised award at the The International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) 2014 in Montreal, Canada, for his very beautiful and poetic documentary film "Straw-Girls." The “straw girls” are anonymous Croatian artists of Bunjevci ethnicity who live in the province of Baèka. They found straw to be the “green” medium of choice for creating paintings, sculptures and applied art objects as an antidote to their difficult life on the vast Pannonian plain. In 2013 Mr Branko II¹tvanèiæ already won the Gold Camera Award for best documentary in Los Angeles, USA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 01 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10536/1/Professor-Suncica-Canic-Croatian-American-mathematician-uses-math-to-build-better-stents.html University of Houston mathematician Sunica Canic and her colleagues build computer models to study stents. Their simulations could lead to better designs and also help doctors select the right stents for specific procedures. Computer scientists usually model stents in three dimensions, keeping track of about 200,000 mesh points points Together with her collaborator Josip Tambaca of the University of Zagreb in Croatia, and her Ph. D. student Mate Kosor, Canic wrote a much simpler program that approximates stents with only 400 mesh points. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 17 Mar 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10533/1/Vinko-Coce-1954-2013-Croatian-tenor-and-klapa-singer-from-the-city-of-Trogir.html Vinko Coce is a distingushed Croatian pop and klapa singer, known for his numerous unforgettable songs like "Vilo moja“ (My Fairy), „Ribari“ (Mariners), or „Mirno spavaj ru¾o moja“ (Sleep peacefully my rose). He is known for his numerous humanitarian concerts, in particular during the 1990s. Among his memorable appearances are the concerts at the grand stadium in the city of Split. We invite You to listen to his singing. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10529/1/Chess-champion-Garry-Kasparov-granted-Croatian-citizenship.html   Garry Kasparov, 50, has been granted Croatian citizenship in February 2014. During the last 20 years he spent many summer holidays at a house he owns in the southern Croatian town of Makarska and he speaks the Croatian language. Since the 1990s he was also a member of the Borovo Chess Club in the town of Vukovar, which he has played for during the Serbian aggression on Croatia. Mr. Kasparov is Armenian on his mother's side, and Jewish on his father's side. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 28 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10525/1/Dr-Svyetlana-Vyalova-Russian-expert-in-Croatian-Glagolitic-Script-writes-about-the-Bercic-Collection.html Svyetlana Olegovna Vyalova is distinguished expert in Croatian Glagolitic Script, working in the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg, which the Russians claim to be the largest in the world. The library is in possession of the Berèiæ Collection, which is the largest collection of Croatian Glagolitic manuscripts and books kept outside of Croatia, purchased by the Russian Imperial Academz already in 1865. It contains 228 items, and among them is extremely rare 1483 Croatian Glagolitic incunabulum, which is considered as one of the greatest valuables of the Library. According to her own words, Dr. Vyalova dedicated her best scientific years to the research of the Croatian Glagolitic heritage. wialova@gmail.com (Svyetlana Olegovna Vyalova) Sun, 23 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10515/1/Lana-Is-presents-her-Solo-Debut-Album-quotIn-Your-Headquot-on-Feb-16th-2014-in-New-York-City.html   A new music star on a horizon. Lana Cenèiæ aka Lana Is, singer. songwriter, actress and dancer born in Zagreb and living in New York enriches the music world with a successful debut album notable above all for its complex song structures and the artist’s expressive voice. The intricacy of the songs is achieved not through pompous instrumentation or bombastic sound but through intelligent rhythms including numerous breaks and surprising twists and effective instrument combinations. Put together, it is not easy to process but has great character that matures and grows on you. Lana Is CD Release Party @ Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) 196 Allen Street, New York, NY, Sunday Feb 16, 7pm darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 04 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10513/1/Karlo-J-Mirth-1917-2013-distinguished-Croatian-writer-and--lifetime-president-of-Croatian-Academy-of-America.html Karlo Mirth was born in Otoèac in Croatian region of Lika, where also Nikola Tesla was born. He studied Forestry and Civil Engineering at the University of Zagreb. Forced to leave Croatia after 1945, he studied  Journalism at the University of Rome. He later studied at the Universities of Barcelona and Madrid, and the Library Sciences at Columbia University. Karlo Mirth was a prolific writer of many articles related to Croatian culture and history. He was very active in Croatian Academy of America, and in 2013 published his autobiographical book ®ivot u emigraciji (Life as an Emigree). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 02 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10510/1/Marin-Soljacic-Croatian-physicist-and-inventor-founder-of-WiTricity-Corp-announces-quotGOODBY-WIRESquot.html The story starts one late night a few years ago, with professor Marin Soljaèiæ, standing in his pajamas, staring at his cell-phone on the kitchen counter. “It was probably the sixth time that month that I was awakened by my cell-phone beeping to let me know that I had forgotten to charge it. It occurred to me that it would be so great if the thing took care of its own charging.” To make this possible, one would have to have a way to transmit power wirelessly, so Soljaèiæ started thinking which physical phenomena could help make this wish a reality. In October 2013 Intel was involved in a $25 million Series E funding round for WiTricity, founded by Marin Soljaèiæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 26 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10509/1/Milan-Horvat-1919-2014-distinguished-Croatian-conductor-collaborated-with-worlds-most-famous-orchestras.html For five years, from 1951 to 1956, maestro Milan Horvat was chief conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin. Than in 1969 up to 1975 he led the newly formed Symphony Orchestra ORF in Vienna. He was an honorary conductor of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. He collaborated with the greatest soloists of the world such as Mstislav Rostropovich, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, etc. He taught at the University of Graz in Austria, where his star pupil was Fabio Luisi, now music director of the Zurich Opera. The key to his vitality was, as he put it, his "hunger for music". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 24 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10507/1/Joza-Vrljicak-writing-about-Croatian-Government-Advisory-Council-for-Croats--Abroad.html Mr. Joza Vrljièak from Buenos Aires, Argentina,  participated in the First Meeting of the Advisory Council to the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Croats Living Abroad, which was held in Zagreb on 18th to 20th December 2013. The Council was established by Croatian law in 2012 and it is formed by 55 representatives of Croatians from around the globe. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrlji�ak) Sun, 19 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10504/1/Dr-Peter-Kuzmic-authority-on-Christian-response-to-Marxism-and-on-Christian-ministry-in-post-Communist-contexts.html Dr. Peter Kuzmic is the foremost evangelical scholar in Eastern Europe and is considered an authority on the subject of Christian response to Marxism and on Christian ministry in post-Communist contexts. He co-founded and directs Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia, the first evangelical theological school in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. He also founded Timisoara Theological Institute, a Romanian school affiliated with ETS. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 03 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10503/1/Merry-Christmas-and-a-Happy-New-Year-2014-to-all-the-people-of-good-will.html Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the readers of the CROWN from Croatian painter Zdenka Sertiæ, on the photo. Croats have about five hundred Christmas carols, more than any other nation in the world. One of truly famous works of art, related to Christams, is due to Croatian sculptor Andrija Buvina from the 13th century, carved on monumental wooden doors of the Cathedral of St. Dujam in the city of Split. We also send a special Christmas greeting to Mr. Dario Kordiæ and Mr. Slobodan Praljak and their families. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 22 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10502/1/Toni-Kukoc-Croatian-basketball-sensation-in-Chicago-Bulls-and-Pink-Panther-of-the-NBA.html In Europe they called him The Pink Panther, his lucidity and intelligence fascinated everyone. He gave three European team basketball titles to his hometown Split, Croatia. He won two Olympic silvers, a World Champion title and many awards in Croatia and Europe. In 1992 he was ready to move to the homeland of basketball. He joined the Chicago Bulls, he got the nickname The Croatian Sensation, and he reached the top, he won three NBA rings in a row. With George Mikan and Dra¾en Petroviæ, Toni Kukoè was one of the greatest Croatian basketball players in the NBA. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10500/1/-Miro-Gavrans-world-premiere-of-quotHOW-TO-STEAL-A-WIFEquot-in-Vilnius-in-Lithuania-adapted-from-his-comedy.html The world premiere of the film "How to Steal a Wife", which was adapted from Miro Gavran's theatre comedy "Henpecked Husbands", is scheduled for December 20th in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The producer is LITL BAZ PICTURES from Vilnius. The director is the young, but exceptionally successful Donatas Ulvydas. Shortly after its release in Vilnius, the film will play in theaters in America and Europe, so screenings are already lined up in Chicago, London, Oslo, Copenhagen, Bergen ... Very recently Miro Gavran had premieres in Slovakia, Czechia and in Russia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 16 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10499/1/Andrija-Mohorovicic-1857-1936-great-Croatian-scientist-discoverer-of-the-MOHO-discontinuity-in-Earths-crust.html The MOHO is the boundary between the crust and the mantle in the Earth. This is a depth where seismic waves change velocity and there is also a change in chemical composition. Also termed the Mohorovièiæ discontinuity after the Croatian seismologist Andrija Mohorovièiæ (1857-1936) who discovered it. The boundary is between 25 and 60 km deep beneath the continents and between 5 and 8 km deep beneath the ocean floor. The discovery of MOHO is one of the greatest achievements in the history of Croatian science. Andrija Mohorovièiæ was born in the town of Volosko on the northern part Croatian coast. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 16 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10498/1/Frok-Zefi-Catholic-priest-historian-and-publicist-in-Croatia.html Besides his regular duties in his parish, Don Frok Zefi (on the photo) is very active as a historian and publicist. Till now he has published about a dozen of books and monographs, most of them in Zagreb and Osijek, and some of them printed in Albanian as well. No doubt, the greatest Albanian in history was legenedary Mother Teresa, educated as a girl by Croatian Jesuits. The greatest expert in the history of Albanians was distinguished Croatian scientist and polyglot Milan pl. ©ufflay (1879-1931). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 13 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10495/1/Bijeli-Put---White-Path-10-26-December-1993-the-greatest-humanitarian-action-in-European-History.html Dr. Slobodan Lang is one of initators of White Path / Bijeli Put humanitarian project. Bijeli Put 1993 is the greatest humanitarian project in European History. It is the first and only successful joint humanitarian project of Catholic Christians and Muslims. In December 2013 the 20 years since the White Path has been solmenly marked in the building of the Council of the City of Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 11 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10492/1/Max-Emanuel-Cencic-world-class-countertenor-singer-recipient-of-the-Diapason-dor-award-in-Paris-2013.html Max Emanuel Cenciæ, Croatian countertenor, "great amongst great", is recipient of the award Diapason d'or (Golden Diapason) for 2013. It is an important recognition to the spectacular singing career of this former singer of the famous Wiener Sanger Knaben (Vienna Boy's Choir). It is interesting that Mr. Cenciæ is not the first Croatian recipient of Diapason d'or, it was already won by Katarina Livljaniæ with her Ensemble Dialogos in 2004. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 07 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10489/1/Croatian-events-in-Argentina-2013-Buenos-Aires-Celebra-Croacia-Klapa-Kastav-Chaco-etc.html   Joza Vrljièak sent us numerous video recordings and photos concerning the Croatian Day celebrated in Argentinean capital Buenos Aires, in November 2013. It is estmated that there are about 300,000 citizens of Croatian origin in Argentina. Croatian community in Argentina is very active, espeically in the field of culture. Numerous Croatinas contributed in various ways to the prestige and wellbeing of Argentina. Probably the best known among them is Juan (Ivan) Vucetich 1858-1925, the father of the scientific dactiloscopy, that is, of identification by fingerprints. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrlji�ak) Thu, 05 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10487/1/Ana-Vidovic-classical-guitar-prodigy-interviewed-for-Guitar-Artistry.html Ana Vidoviæ was born in Croatia, and began performing in her native city of Karlovac at the age of 8. By the age of 11 she was performing internationally, and at 13 became the youngest student to attend the prestigious National Musical Academy of the University of Zagreb, where she studied with Professor Istvan Romer. Vidoviæ's reputation in Europe led to an invitation to study at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, U.S., with Manuel Barrueco, from where she graduated in May 2003. Here we provide an interview for Guitar Artistry, and several of her recordings. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10483/1/Vukovar-is-an-indelible-part-of-European-and-World-History.html In this article we have collected some of the songs and verses dedicated to the tragic destiny of the city of Vukovar and its citizens. The destiny of numerous victims is still not known. This Baroque city on the Danube river was savagely destroyed in 1991. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10480/1/Lorde-an-authentic-new-music-star-on-a-horizon.html Ella Yelich-O'Connor, known by her stage name Lorde, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter. She released her first EP The Love Club, in March 2013 and her first single "Royals" in June 2013. Her début album Pure Heroine was released in September 2013. Yelich-O'Connor was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 7 November 1996 to an Irish father and Croatian mother Sonja Yelich, a prize-winning poet. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 05 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10479/1/Nenad-Bachs-life-in-America-is-described-in-a-film-called-quotEverything-is-Foreverquot.html Home Team Productions has nearly completed the documentary film about Nenad's life in America called "Everything is Forever" and is directed by Victor Zimet and produced by Stephanie Silber. Congratulations to Nenad for being selected as an advisor for the State Office for Croatians Abroad! Advisors will assist in the creation and execution of activities pertaining to Croatians who live outside of the Republic of Croatia. The band will be performing at Percolator Coffeehouse next Sunday, November 10, 2013 starting at 7:00 p.m. HRT 1 will be rebroadcasting the band's concert at Lisinski Hall on Monday November 4, 2013 at 6:20 New York time.  You can watch the live stream at http://htv1.hrt.hr . darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 04 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10478/1/Queen-of-Croatians-Chapel-on-the-mount-of-Medvednica-near-Zagreb-celebrates---80th-birthday.html In 2013 the Chapel of Mother Mary of Sljeme near Zagreb, also known as the Queen of Croatians, solemnly celebrated 80 years since it has been built. The Holy Mass  was served in September 2013 by cardinal Josip Bozaniæ, the Zagreb Archbishop. In October 2013 an interesting mass has been served by F. Josip Ro¾mariæ, SJ, and by Rev. Oleh Hirnyk, Greek-Catholic priest from the city of Lviv, Ukraine; see the photo. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 02 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10477/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-representing-her-native-city-of-Dubrovnik-and-Croatia-in-Italy-as-a-pianist-and-poet.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, distinguished Croatian pianist and poet born in the city of Dubrovnik, is a frequent guest in Italy. On the other hand, as a profound connoisseur of Italian culture, she was nominated in 2010 as an Ambassador of Italian culture in Croatia. In October 2013 she had two recitals and a master class at the Conservatory of Antonio Vivaldi in Alessandria, with emphasis on the opus of Croatian pianist Dora Pejaèeviæ. During the 2013 PianoMasters Festival in Lombardia in Palazzo Gallio, she was playing Mozart, Granados and Dore Pejaèeviæ, while during the break her verses have been recited by Italian actor Claudio Milani. At the end Ivana recited the verses in original Croatian language. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 01 Nov 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10476/1/IN2---the-largest-Croatian-IT-company-founded-by-Ante-Mandic.html Mr. Ante Mandiæ and his IN2 Group’s IT solutions have received worldwide acknowledgments, and their software solutions have won the highest recognitions. In London, March 13 2013, IN2 Group won a prestigious annual European IT & Software Excellence Award for its software products in the category Government Solution of the Year. In Houston, Texas, in July 2013, IN2 Group won the world Microsoft Partner of the Year Award in the category of Public Sector Partner of the Year – Public Safety/National Security, which Microsoft Corp. grants every year in various categories. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (Marijan O�ani�) Wed, 30 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10475/1/Tina-Mihelic-from-Split-Croatia-is-the-2013-Radial-Laser-World-Sailing-Champion.html Tina Miheliæ is the 2013 world champion in sailing in the category of Radial Laser. This is for the first time in history that a Croatian sportswoman won such a title. The competition took place in China, and she won in front of the girls from Denmark and the USA. Originaly from a very nice Croatian coastal town of Kostrena, she now lives in the city of Split. This is one of great achievements of Croatian sports. Congratulations to Tina and to her YC Labud (i.e., Swan) in the city of Split. The yacht club was founded in 1924. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 28 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10474/1/Ante-Glibota-Croatian-historian-of-Art-published-a-monograph-about-Chinese-painter-Yin-Yang-in-Bejing.html Ante Glibota: "...Through his visual work, Yin Yang appears through this book’s pages as a crusher of immaterial, divine and earthly ideas, and imposes himself by the gesture’s apotheosis, and in the reconciliation of the human, philosophical and spiritual values, unifying the whole in tonalities that unveil the simplicity and the colorimetrical richness of the light’s surface. The spirit and the soul are thus transported toward an imaginary that opens up the way towards unattainable issues. ..."  We congratulate Mr. Ante Glibota for his very nice 2013 monograph published by Delight Edition. Mr. Glibota is distinguished Croatian historian of art and architecture, living in Paris and Shanghai, and a titular member of the European Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters in France. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 27 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10473/1/Brian-Krzanich-Intel-CEO-leads-an-organization-of-more-than-100000-employees-.html Brian Krzanich is the chief executive of  INTEL, the world’s biggest maker of semiconductors. Mr. Krzanich will create an Intel markedly different from the past: "We have amazing assets, tremendous talent, and an unmatched legacy of innovation and execution." Brian is a strong leader with a passion for technology and deep understanding of the business. As chief operating officer, Krzanich led an organization of more than 50,000 employees spanning Intel's Technology and Manufacturing Group, Intel Custom Foundry, NAND Solutions group, Human Resources, Information Technology and Intel's China strategy. Mr. Krzanich has Croatian roots. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 23 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10468/1/Phil-Boskovich-King-of-Onions-descendant-of-Croatian-immigrants--dies-in-2013-at-the-age-of-97.html Boskovich was born in Los Angeles in 1915 to Croatian immigrants. After graduating from North Hollywood High School in 1933, he joined his father, Stjepan, on the family’s small farm, according to a release from the company. His brother Joe, cofounder of the company, died in 2008. Today, Boskovich Farms grows produce on more than 15,000 acres in California and Mexico and employs more than 500 people in Ventura County. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 05 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10467/1/Jakov-Sedlar-distinguished-Croatian-filmmaker-Who-wants-to-kill-Yulia-Tymoshenko.html   FILMIND Tel Aviv & Coppola film London presents: Who wants to kill Yulia Tymoshenko? directed by Jakov Sedlar, distinguished Croatian filmmaker. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 03 Oct 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10457/1/Croatia-won-gold-in-quadruple-sculls-at-2013-World-Championship-in-Korea-ahead-of-Germany-and-GB.html David ©ain, Martin Sinkoviæ, Damir Martin (on the photo) and Valent Sinkoviæ representing Croatia are continuing with amazing results in quadruple sculls rowing. At the 2013 World Championship held in Korea, Croatia won the first place, Germany the second (last year's Olympic champions in London, Croatia was  second then), and Great Britain the third. Croatia won the title of world champions for the second time (2011 and 2013), and is at the same time the tripple world cup champion (2010, 2011, 2-013), which is an unbeleivable achievement besides such countries like Germany, Great Britain, Rusia, USA, etc.. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 02 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10456/1/Alexei-Tanovitski-Russian-singer-opening-Metropolitan-opera-season-2013-2014-in-New-York-on-September-23.html Award-winning Russian bass, Alexei Tanovitski, is one of the brightest stars of his generation. He has impressed audiences the world over and won wide-spread critical acclaim for his performances in the most prominent theaters and concert halls. He was recently appointed as an ambassador to promote the UNESCO World-Heritage-Listed city of Trogir on Croatia's Adriatic Coast. He lives with his wife Ivana in Croatia's capital Zagreb. Mr. Tanovitski is opening the Metropolitan Opera season 2003-2014 on September 23. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 30 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10448/1/Pope-Francis-and-his-encounters-with-Croatians-in-Argentina-and-Brasil.html Pope Francis, as a cardinal of Buenos Aires, encountered Croatians in Argentina in various occasions. He concelebrated during a mass dedicated to blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac (1898-1960). His personal confessor was Croatian Franciscan Berislav Ostojiæ. We express our gratitude to Carmen Verlichak, Croatian-Argentinean writer living in Buenos Aires, for providing us with interesting photos. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 10 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10443/1/Carmen-Verlichak-Croatian-Argentinean-writer-published-a-monograph-El-Cardenal-Stepinac-in-Buenos-Aires-2013.html In 2013 Carmen Verlichak, Croatian-Argentiean writer living in Buenos Aires, wrote a monograph about Blessed Cardinal dr. Alojzije Stepinac 1898-1960, entitled El Cardenal Stepinac. It has been published by the Krivodol Press in Argentinean's capital. This is the first monograph in Castellano about this important historical and religious figure published in South America. In 1998 Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Marija Bistrica, during his second Apostolic visit to Croatia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 28 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10441/1/George-Mikan-gentle-giant-and-the-first-big-dominant-basketball-player-in-the-history-of-NBA-has-Croatian-roots.html George  Mikan, a famous Croatian-American basketball player, the first big and dominant man in the NBA (212 cm tall). He was born in Joliet, and baptized in the Croatian Roman Catholic Church in. His grandfather, whose name is also George Mikan, was born in Croatia, as Juraj Mikan (in Croatian, Juraj = George), and he once said th efollowing: "I am proud of my grandson, and am glad that we Croatians have made a contribution to the progress and development of our America, not only in its industry, but in its sporting world, also." A statue was erected in honor of the NBA Hall of Famer at the Target Center in Minneapolis. In 2013 his two grand-daughters, Gina and Molly, visited Croatia and, among others, payed a visit to the native village of George Mikan's grand-father, and to their relatives - Mikans in Croatia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 20 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10440/1/Azithromycin-or-Sumamed-one-of-worlds-best-selling-antibiotics-product-of-Croatian-company-PLIVA-Zagreb.html Azithromycin or Sumamed is one of the world's best-selling antibiotics, used to treat or prevent certain bacterial infections, most often those causing middle ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, typhoid, bronchitis and sinusitis. It has been discovered Croatia's capital Zagreb in 1980, by a team of researchers at the Croatian pharmaceutical company Pliva: Gabrijela Kobrehel, Gorjana Radobolja-Lazarevski, and Zrinka Tambura¹ev, led by Slobodan Ðokiæ. They are recipients of the 2000 award Heroes of Chemistry in the USA. The first roots of Pliva go to 1921. Croatian Nobel Prize winner Vladimir Prelog (1975 for chemistry) worked in a company preceding Pliva in 1935. The earnings are estimated to 1.5 billon US$ per year! Croatia is one of only nine countries in the world with its own antibiotic product. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 18 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10437/1/Igor-Stagljar-dances-with-ABC-transporters-step-forward-to-cure-the-cancer.html Professor Igor ©tagljar, Croatian Canadian scientist working at the Faculty of Medicine’s Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto, and his team developed the first roadmap for ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins. These proteins are crucial components of every cell, and are also involved in tumor resistance. “Our discovery shows how ABC transporter proteins effect cancer and other diseases, and this knowledge can help us develop better, more targeted drugs. This is truly momentous,” said ©tagljar. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 08 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10439/1/Fr-Ante-Gabric-SJ---An-Apostle-of-the-Sundarbans-Croatian-missionary-in-Bengal-India.html Many among those who worked and lived with Fr. Ante continue to give witness to the holiness of this great missionary they knew, and some are convinced that âGod visited us in the form of Fr. Ante Gabricâ. The work started by Fr. Ante and other missionaries is being continued today among the Santals, who are much more deserving and are still in the periphery, but witnessing to the faith by their lives. The Calcutta Jesuit province while thanking the Lord for giving a worthy and zealous missionary to Bengal thank also the Croatian Province and the people Croatia for their continued prayerful support for the ever growing mission today. The article was written by Fr. Irudaya Jothi SJ of the Calcutta Jesuit Province. jothisj@gmail.com (Fr. Irudaya Jothi SJ) Sun, 07 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10427/1/A-famous-Croatian-Professor-Balthazar-shown-by-Google-on-its-front-page-on-June-21st-2013.html Professor Balthazar is probably the most famous Croatian professor in the world, a popular figure of cartoon movies, familiar to millions of children throughout the world. It has been created in 1967, that is, 46 years ago, by Zlatko Grgiæ, a member of the lagendary Zagreb School of Animated Film. On June 21st 2013 Google placed the professor on its front page. Professor Balthazar was equally popular among children fourty years ago, as is today. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 22 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10426/1/Goran-Karan-very-successful-concerts-of-Croatian-singer-in-London-in-June-2013.html Goran Karan, a well known Croatian pop singer from the city of Split, will remember the year of 2013 for a series of very successful concerts in Estonia and Poland, culminating with two concerts in England, in London - in Dingwalls Club and Gloucester Millenium Hotel. His singing is deeply influenced by very emotional local Dalmatian melodies. Besides the mentioned concerts, Goran had many other concerts held in Austria, Germany, Italy, France, along with three tours in the United States. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 21 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10424/1/Joseph-Thomas-Rukavina-1922-2013-Croatian-humanitarian-and-Democratic--activist-in-the-USA.html Joseph Thomas Rukavina, 91 years old of White Bear Lake, MN died on June 10, 2013 at Southview Acres Health Care Center  in West St. Paul. Joe was a long time activist within the Democratic party and so proud of his work with three Croatian American groups:  Croatian Fraternal Union, MN Croatian Cultural Society and the National Federation of Croatian Americans (co-founder).  He was honored with awards from both the Republic of Croatia and The White House for his outstanding humanitarian work during the 1990s war in Croatia and in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  He was a founding member of St. Pius X Church in White Bear Lake and was active there  for 59 years. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10423/1/Nikola-Primorac-Croatian-captain-of-City-of-Ragusa-craft-sailing-from-Liverpool-to-New-York-and-back-in-1870.html There are honored people in Croatian maritime history who contributed to the various fields of maritime affairs. One of them is Captain Nikola Primorac, born in Dubrovnik on July 27, 1840, who sailed in his small boat across the Atlantic from Liverpool to New York and back to Liverpool, England. In Liverpool he made a bet with one Englishman for 100 pound sterling that he will cross the Atlantic in a small boat. It was sensational news in Britain which the London "Times" wrote: "It is an incredible brave and crazy adventure ever made that could turn into tragedy or triumph". darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10414/1/Branko-Istvancic-Croatian-film-maker-made-a-fantastic-documentary-film-about-the-art-of-straw-girls-in-Backa.html Croatian female artists called straw-girls (or straw-women) from the region of Baèka are named so for straw, which they weave in order to make beautiful and poetic description of their hard and lonely life. Very common motives are small Catholic churches and Christian symbols. At the 1976 international exhibition of naive art in Moscow Ana Milodanoviæ won the gold medal, while Kata Rogiæ had exceptional honour to present her work to Pope Paul the 6th in the Vatican in 1964. Croatian film-maker Branko I¹tvanèiæ made a fantastic film about the art of straw-girls. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10412/1/Don-Wolf-author-of-autobiographical-photo-monograph-Croatian-Love-Story.html Long before Don Wolf was born, the outline for A Croatian Love Story was formed in the 1900’s. An ethnic neighborhood was the site where determined women and men struggled to build, to educate and to become citizens. These Croatian immigrants formed the strong shoulders supporting cherished traditions as they learned to live in and to love their new country. Don’s photographs depict Croatian life both in the United States and in Croatia. His writing preserves generations of memories. This book is a tribute to those who came before and a blessing to those who are yet to come. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 26 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10411/1/Luka-Misetic-and-Tomislav-Kuzmanovic-presented-with-the-2012-Vinodol-Code-Award.html   The Croatian American Bar Association presented the 2012 Vinodol Code Award to each of Luka S. Misetic (on the photo) and Tomislav Z. Kuzmanovic, as the joint recipients, in recognition of their distinguished legal careers and outstanding contributions to the Croatian-American community. Mr. Misetic and Mr. Kuzmanovic represented General Ante Gotovina and General Mladen Markaè before ICTY’s Appeals Chamber. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10410/1/David-Byler-8th-Generation-of-Croatian-American-New-Dalmatia-Nueva-Espa241a-Texas-and-the-way-Home.html After World War II, in America parents began to teach phone numbers and addresses to their children so they knew how to get home. David Byler's parents taught him a little "poem" so he could find his way Home. Home, almost three hundred years ago, was a little town in western Slavonia.  David had a career in international forest products sales and transportation. He has had another career as a Lutheran Pastor which continues at the present.  David is currently producing music videos with which he hopes to attract both Croatians of all kinds and non-Croatians to the priceless treasure of Croatian culture. slavonac46@gmail.com (David Byler) Sat, 18 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10409/1/Ana-Vidovic-concerts-and-interviews-of-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist.html Ana Vidovic is an extraordinary classical guitarirst with formidable gifts taking her place amongst the elite musicians of the world today. Ms. Vidovic has given over one thousand public performances since first taking the stage in 1988. Her international performance career includes recitals in Zagreb, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas, St. Louis and beyond. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10407/1/How-can-Croatian-science-help-Croatia-to-overcome-the-crisis.html The Arguments radio show on Croatian Catholic Radio, directed by Marijan O¾aniæ,  discussed to what extent science in Croatia is connected with economy and whether science can help Croatia to overcome economic crisis. Zvonko Benèiæ and Igor Èatiæ (on the photo), professors at the University of Zagreb, were invited as competent experts from the field of engineering sciences, who can tell us a lot about it because they have spent their entire working life connected with economy. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (Marijan O�ani�) Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10406/1/General-Dr-Ivan-Prodan-1927-2013-founder-of-Croatian-Veteran-Association-in-1990.html Primarius Dr. Ivan Prodan, Croatian general, was the first president of the Croatian Veteran Association, founded in 1990. Since 1993 this association was a full member of the World Veteran Federation (WVF) with its seat in Paris. Furthermore, Dr. Prodan was the first Croatian to have been elected as a member of the Permanent committee of the WVF. Croatian Veterans gave an important contribution to the defense of sovreignity of the Republic of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10404/1/Michael-Coren-interviewed-Judith-Reisman-who-visited-Croatia-in-support-of-Karolina-Vidovic-Kristo.html Sun News Networks' Michael Coren interviews Judith Reisman on The Arena. They discuss the recent visit of Judith Reisman and Tim Tate to Croatia in support of Karolina Vidoviæ-Kri¹to, a respected and successful journalist and tv host, who got suspended after reviewing Tim Tate's documentary on her public television show. On the photo Judith Reisman and Karolina Vidoviæ-Kri¹to. We also provide a related article by Mons. Nikola Radiæ, island of Krk, and a lecture by Dr. Ivan Poljakoviæ from the University of Zadar, both in Croatian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10402/1/Adam-Eterovich-1931-2013-distinguished-researcher-of-the-history-and-culture-of-Croatian-diaspora-in-the-USA.html Adam Eterovich's studies of Croatian diaspora in the USA are inavoidable for understanding the contribution Croatians to the history of the USA. He has accumulated and published a list of several hundred thosanad of names of Croatian Americans. On his well known web-site www.croatians.com Mr. Eterovich has selected dozens of interesting biographies, some of which left indelible mark in the history of the USA, like Nikola Tesla (the father of three-phase system in world's electrical engineering), Anthony Lucas (or Antun Luèiæ, a father of world's petroleum engineering), Mario Puretiæ (Puratiæ, important inventor in fishing industry), etc. etc. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 02 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10401/1/Daniel-Cacija-young-Croatian-jazz-singer-of-international-reputation.html Daniel Èaèija was recently selected as the winner of the Downbeat Music Award 2013 as the best jazz vocal soloist. He has accumulated numerous prestigious awards, like the European Broadcast Jazz Competition 2011 and the winner of the ‘Best Male Jazz Baritone' in Austria. In addition, he is gaining popularity in the Baltic states performing at festivals such as Rigas Ritmi. Daniel is already at the start of an international career singing in the National Jazz Orchestra of Germany. He is also involved in music therapy for children with special needs. On 5 May 2013 he has a concert in Zagreb, interpreting songs by Ivo Robiæ. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10397/1/Margaret-Thatcher-1925-2013-It-is-a-great-pleasure-to-speak-to-you-here-in-the-ancient-capital-of-your-beautiful-country.html Margaret Thatcher passed away on 8 April 2013. One of her greatest achievements came when she was no longer Prime Minister. She came out in support of recognising and arming Croatia in 1991 when Serbia had invaded and she did the same for Bosnia-Hercegovina when Belgrade turned its aggression onto that country. In so doing she helped focus international onto who was the aggressor. She played her role in combating the return of genocide to Europe. (Brian Gallagher, London) darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10396/1/Radoslav-Lorkovic-Croatian-American-musician-ranging-from-classical-and-jazz-styles-to-blues-country-and-soul.html Drawing from a multitude of influences ranging from elegant classical and jazz styles to the rawest, most basic blues, country and soul, Radoslav Lorkovic has taken on an unusually broad musical spectrum and refined it into his distinctive piano style. His tenure on the R&B and folk circuits has culminated in five critically acclaimed solo recordings and numerous appearances on the recordings of and performances with artists including Odetta, Jimmy LaFave, Ribbon of Highway Woody Guthrie Tribute, Greg Brown, Richard Shindell, Ellis Paul, Dave Moore, Andy White and Bo Ramsey. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10393/1/Ferdinand-Kulmer-1925-1998-distinguished-Croatian-painter-author-of-Croatia-Phoenix-series--in-1991.html According to Mr. Ante Glibota, distinguished Art Historian, a Croatian living in Paris and Shanghai, nobody in the contemporary history of Croatian art has so successfuly and convincingly described the drama of the creation of the Republic of Croatia, as Ferdinand Kulmer. Ferdinand Kulmer was a witness of the drama, which he superbly described in his paintings, and announced the victory in a series called Croatia Phoenix already in 1991. Born in France, Kulmer was a descendant of Croatian nobility, sharing the destiny of all Croatians. His works of art are described in several representative monographs written by Ante Glibota. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 30 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10392/1/Happy-Easter-from-distinguished-Croatian-painter-Zdenka-Sertic-1899-1986.html Zdenka Sertiæ 1899-1986 studied painting in Zagreb, Berlin and Paris, and specialized in drawings related to Croatian folklore. From 1939 to 1941 directed the Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb. She painted some of the most beautiful Croatian postage stamps, and participated in exhibitions in Paris, Leipzig, Barcelona, Berlin, Kopenhagen, Haag and Bruxelles. She also painted several beautiful Easter greeting cards, that we show in this article. According to Dr. Vedran Deletis, NY, "Croatian glagolitic Lenten chants retrace a venerable and direct link to our ancestors, our roots, and our religious belief. Born out of Middle Ages, they continue to extend an unbroken tradition of Croatian history..." darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10388/1/Zoran-Jakuc-student-of-the-University-of-Zagreb-and-his-project-CROM--CROATIA---ROMANIA.html Mr. Zoran Jakuc, a student of the Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF) of the University of Zagreb, spent three exciting months in Romania in 2011/12, within the European student exchange, at the University of Iasi. Among others, he proposed and organized an interesting Croatian-Romanian student project, called CROM 2012, aiming to promote cultures of both countries, using fashion and textile technology. The project resulted with a rich two hour cultural program, which was a great success, registered by the Romanian TV. He was also accompanied with his two colleagues from the TTF of the University of Zagreb, Marija Dami¹ and Kristina Pli¹o. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10386/1/Dina-Rizvic-young-Croatian-singer-composer--piano-player-guitarist-and-drummer.html Dina Rizviæ was born in a lovely Croatian town of Labin, in Istrian peninsula. She is not only a fine singer, but also a surprisingly good instrumentalist on several different instruments. At the moment, as recipient of “Berklee college of music” scholarship, she finished her first year in Boston and is majoring in contemporary songwriting and production, educating in many different genres from jazz improvisation, writing for big and small bands, production classes, orchestras and songwriting classes. Besides Croatian folk tunes and belcanto, she is singing, composing and playing pop, rock, funk, jazz. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10384/1/Bruno-Krajcar-distinguished-Croatian-ethno-jazz-rock-composer-and-singer.html Bruno Krajcar, professional Croatian composer and singer, was born in the city of Pula in 1973. His surprisingly diverse repertoire includes sophisticaed intepretations of Croatian folk music, in particular from the Istrian peninsula. With his music he seems to connect a large variety of music expressions, ranging from simple folk melodies, to belcanto, jazz ballads and to wild rock. The poetry behind his music is far from being banal or trivial. His songs are sometimes embued with social content, pointing to problems of poverty and injustice. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10382/1/Zvonimir-Janko-distinguished-Croatian-mathematician-celebrated-80th-birthday-at-the-Martin-Luther-University.html Martin-Luther-University in Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, organized an international conference entitled Celebrating the 80th birthday of Zvonimir Janko, dealing with the theory of Simple groups, p-groups, and combinatorial designs. It started in October 19, 2012. The program has been opened by Laudation speech delivered Professor Dieter Held, distinguished German mathematician, who spoke about scientific accomplishments of Professor Zvonimir Janko. The three plenary lectures were delivered by Professors Trung van Tran (Essen), Roger Wilson (Queen Mary, London), and Zvonimir Janko. The conference was attended by more than forty scientists from Germany, USA, Israel, and Great Britain. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10375/1/Miljenko-Matijevic-amazing-Croatian-American-rock-singer-and-frontman-of-the-Steelheart-rock-band.html Miljenko Matijeviæ, also known as Michael Matijevic or Mili Matijevic is a Croatian American rock singer, best known as the frontman of the hard rock band Steelheart. He was born November 30, 1964, in Croatia's capital Zagreb. Steelheart is a glam metal band based in Norwalk, Connecticut. Formed in 1990, the band is fronted by vocalist Miljenko Matijevic. His solo appearances, where he accompanies himself with guitar or piano, attract many those who love authentic and convincing rock music. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 24 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10368/1/Boris-Ivandic-Croatian-painter-in-Berlin-described-in-a-representative-monograph-by-Ante-Glibota.html Boris Ivandiæ, Croatian painter, was born in Putesevica, in  Bosnia-Herzegovina, in 1951. Several books and many catalogues have been published about Ivandic’s work, as well as two bibliophile volumes in limited edition, with illustrations by Boris Ivandiæ and poems by Ante Glibota. His works are to be found in all the most important private and public collections throughout the world. Ante  Glibota prepared an extensive monograph about his work. Boris Ivandic lives and works in Berlin where he teaches in the Deutsche Akademie der Kunst. His wife Gabriele Binder is a famous costume designer. ante.glibota@wanadoo.fr (Akademik Ante Glibota) Sun, 10 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10366/1/Goran-Oreskovic-founder-and-owner-of-VESKI-Ltd-Croatian-export-and-knowledge-based-company.html Mr Goran Ore¹koviæ is a mechanical engineer and a mathematician, an entrepreneur and our greatest expert in machine vibrations. He is the founder and owner of VESKI Ltd. (www.veski.hr), and a man who has spent his whole career in developing the most complex products in the field of high technologies. The fact that VESKI Ltd. exports its products even to Australia is one the greatest confirmations of its success. In addition, its products have been awarded with numerous international and Croatian prizes for innovations and scientific contributions. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (Marijan O�ani�) Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10365/1/Egon-Matijevic-distinguished-Croatian-American-expert-in-colloid-chemistry.html Professor Egon Matijeviæ was born in the Croatian village of Otoèac ninety years ago. He was educated in Croatia where he started his extraordinary scientific carrier. After postdoctoral studies in England Matijeviæ moved to USA where he joined Clarkson College of Technology (present Clarkson University) at Potsdam (NY). Egon stayed with Clarkson contributing significantly to the University especially within the Department of Chemistry both in teaching and in research in the field of colloid chemistry. Professor Matijeviæ is a prominent scientist and his achievements were recognized by the scientific community world wide being the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10363/1/Ana-Konjuh-young-Croatian-tennis-player-won-two-junior-titles-at-Australian-Open-2013.html Croatian Ana Konjuh signalled she is a future star of women's tennis as she claimed the 2013 Australian Open girls' singles championship on Saturday. She became the third player in the past three years to win both the Australian Open girls’ singles and doubles title. Miss Konjuh was born and lives in Dubrovnik at the Croatian coast, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 03 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10359/1/Davor-Vrankic-distinguished-Croatian-painter-living-and-working-in-Paris-and-New-York.html   Davor Vrankiæ, distinguished Croatian painter born in the town of Osijek, lives and works in Paris and New York. He had individual exhibitions in Osijek, Rijeka, Zagreb, Paris, New York, Amsterdam, Bordeaux, etc. His paintings are extremely complex compositions, and he paints with a pencil. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10358/1/Mate-Rimac-young-Croatian-inventor-created-the-fastest-electric-car-in-the-world.html Mate Rimac, young Croatian inventor, created the fastest electric car in the world rushing faster than 300 km/h. The U.S. TV Bloomberg ranked him in its list of "Best of 2012". The car has four electric motors with a total of 1088 horsepower. The Rimac Concept One utilizes a 92-kWh battery to power four sets of electric motors (one for each wheel). Each motor operates independently, accelerating and decelerating hundreds of times per second in what the brand calls “All-Wheel Torque Vectoring”. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10357/1/Karolina-Vidovic-Kristo-distinguished-Croatian-journalist-on-HTV.html   Karolina Vidoviæ Kri¹to is producing an excellent program for Croatian diaspora, for which she deserves our deep gratitude. She is engaged, among others, in defending human rights of children in Croatia, and promoting deeper ties between Croatia and its diaspora. Her professionalism and honorable engagement ranks her among the leading figures on Croatian Television - Hrvatska televizija (HTV). darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10356/1/Jacob-Jake-Matijevic-1947-2012-NASA-engineer-of-Croatian-origin-father-of-Curiosity-rover-on-Mars.html  Jacob (Richard) Matijevic, also known as "Jake" Matijevic, (3 November 1947 - 20 August 2012) was an American NASA engineer of Croatian origin who worked on Mars Exploration Rovers. Dr. Matijevic, PhD in Mathematics from the University of Chicago, was involved in developing the "Sojourner", "Spirit", "Opportunity" and "Curiosity" rovers. For his contributions to the rover projects, NASA named several landmarks (including "Matijevic Hill" and "Jake Matijevic" rock) for him on the planet Mars. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 30 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10350/1/Ante-Glibota-distinguished-Croatian-historian-of-art-writing-about-Chinese-artists.html Ante Glibota was born in Croatia, and studied history of art at the Universities of Zagreb and Sorbonne in Paris, now living in Paris and in Shanghai. He is an internationally renowned art historian and French architecture historian. Mr. Glibota was nominated as Curator and editor of  “Art and Sport”, organized by Adidas and the IOC for the Olympic Games in Peking, 2008 One of his exhibitions, “ Chicago, 150 years of architecture” was singled out as the most significant exhibition of the XXth century by the French newspaper Le Monde. He is the author of several truly amazing books about distinguished contemporary Chinese artists, published in Bejing. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 14 Dec 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10339/1/Petar-Janjic---Tromblon-defendor-of-Vukovar-and-Croatia--in-1991-and-twenty-years-after.html Petar Janjiæ nicknamed Tromblon, was an active participant of the defense of Vukovar in 1991, and survived infamous concentration camps in Serbia. He is speaking about his life and about Croatian defenders in his important and unique autobiographic book about the 1991 Vukovar tragedy, entitled "®edni krvi gladni izdaje" (Those Thirsty of Blood and Hungry of Treason). He is openly and very courageously describing some of the current problems of contemporary Croatia. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 18 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10337/1/Dr-Ante-L-Padjen-Croatian-neuroscientist-and-founder-of-I-Medici-di-McGill-Orchestra-in-Montreal-CA.html Professor Ante Padjen was educated in Croatia (University of Zagreb, Croatia; 1966, MD; 1970, DSc), University of Edinburgh (Graduate Studies), NIMH (1971 - 1975, Washington, DC). He has served as Professor at McGill University, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics from 1976. His primary research interests include neuroscience, information technology and knowledge translation in biomedicine with a particular interest in developing areas. He is the founder and principal viola of I Medici di McGill Ensemble (The Physicians of McGill), a performing orchestra made up largely of physicians, medical students and medical faculty. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 14 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10335/1/Zvonko-Viduka-Croatian-enterpreneur-selling-high-tech-products-in-35-countries-worldwide.html Since 2002 ALTPRO Ltd., founded and directed by Mr. Zvonko Viduka, has been included in the Railway Gazette – Railway Directory. Since June 2004 ALTPRO Ltd. has become a full member of UNIFE – The Association of the European Rail Industry, as the only non-EU firm admitted in the association. ALTPRO Ltd. is the only Croatian firm that has become a full member of an EU economic association. It is also a member of two working groups in Brussels and has been granted the CENELEC certificate. m.ozanic@raza-tpz.hr (M.Sc. Marijan O�ani�) Sat, 27 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10331/1/Victor-and-Vlado-Krizek-sucsessfully-direct-Croatian-jewelry-company-Zlatarna-Krizek-.html In the production of gold and silver jewelry, Zlatarna Kri¾ek is using modern machinery such as computer engraving machines and modern machines for casting, etc. However, aware that there is no machine that can compensate for artistic creativity, Zlatarna Kri¾ek employs more young, talented designers and this is the assurance that the design and hand-made jewelry Zlatarna Kri¾ek will continue to attract with their beauty and originality. On the photo brothers Victor and Vlado Kri¾ek. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 13 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10325/1/Dr-Zeljko-Ivezic-Croatian-scientist-and-a-leading-expert-in-astronomy-in-the-world.html After five years at UK, dr. ®eljko Iveziæ and his family moved on to New Jersey where he began working at Princeton University. During his seven years at Princeton, Dr. Iveziæ participated in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey which has been called one of the most ambitious and influential surveys in astronomy history. Over the course of eight years, the survey produced three-dimensional maps of more than 930,000 galaxies. Ivezic is now part of an effort to create the first digital movie of the sky with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). On the photo dr. Iveziæ with his daughter Vedrana. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10316/1/James-Spudich-American-scientist-of-Croatian-roots-recipient-of-the-Lasker-Award-for-biochemistry.html Dr. James Spudich, professor of medicine at Stanford University, USA, received the 2012 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for his trailblazing investigations of the molecular motors that drive our skeletal muscle contractions and heartbeats, enable our cells to divide, and power patrolling immune cells through our tissues. The Lasker Prize is one of the most prestigious scientific prizes  in the filed of basic medical research. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 13 Sep 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10302/1/-Jorge-Luis-Subiabre-Matiacha-published-a-monograph-about-Croatians-in-Punta-Arenas-in-Chile.html Huellas y Rastros de Croatas en Punta Arenas (The Impressions and Traces of Croatians in Puntas Arenas) is a fascinating, trilingual, Spanish-English-Croatian book of photos by Jorge Subiabre Matiacha and Tatiana Alfaro Chavez, that Jorge recently published in Puntas Arenas. Matiacha has Croatian roots and works as a graphic designer, photographer and writer, while co-author Tatiana is a photographic technician.  Both have already participated successfully at photo exhibits. The book features many black & white photos of Croatians, most with roots from the Croatian island of Braè, with a selection from the poetry of Pepita Turina (1907-1986) in the foreword. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10301/1/Dragutin-Cifrek-distinguished-Croatian-painter-calligrapher-and-miniaturist-in-Slovenia.html Dragutin Cifrek, distingushed Croatian painter, calligrapher and miniaturist living in Slovenia, is a follower of Julije Klovic (Giulio Clovio, 1498-1578), a famous Renaissance miniaturist born in Croatia, nicknamed long ago as the "Michelangelo of miniature". His special affection are miniatures of birds. In 1990s he created a series of very nice drawings for Croatian postage stamps. Mr. Cifrek was educated at the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Zagreb. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 26 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10296/1/Dr-Josip-Marcan-born-in-Croatia-is-widely-recognized-as-the-foremost-expert-on-tigers-in-the-world.html Dr. Josip Marcan discovered his uncanny ability with animals during his childhood in Croatia. Dr. Marcan eventually made his way to the United States in the late 1960's and began focusing more on the endangered Bengal tiger.  By the early 1980's he had developed a breeding program that was producing the finest, genetically sound Bengal tigers anywhere. Animals from his breeding program have made their homes in zoos and wildlife parks all over the world. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 14 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10291/1/Kathy-Wilkes-Dr-Honoris-Causa-of-the-University-of-Zagreb-2001.html Dr. Katheleen Wilkes (1946-2003), during her speech at the University of Zagreb in 2001: A charming thought to start a rather depressing talk. Johann Gottfried von Herder, in 1791: “How wonderfully has Nature separated nations, not only by woods and mountains, seas and deserts, rivers and climates, but most particularly by languages, inclinations and characters, so that the work of subjugating despotism might be rendered more difficult...” darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 04 Jul 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10279/1/Thomas-Crowley-1949-1995-Irish-hero-of-Croatian-defense-1991-1995.html Thomas Crawley (1949-1995) arrived to Croatia in 1991, where he participated in its defense. He tragically died in 1995 at the age of 46. He was a Major of Croatian Army. Commemorative Mass in his honor has been organized in the city of Split on 10th June 2012 in the Cathedral of St. Dujam. His earthy remains are buried in the Split cemetery. Thomas Crowley is not only the son of Ireland, but also the son of Croatia. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 10 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10260/1/Marko-Vrdoljak-photographer-and-his-presentation-of-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Marko Vrdoljak, Zagreb: "We have to make sure that we see the beauty of tomorrow and enjoy it as happily and intensely as possible. It is our duty to keep our faith in beauty and hope. We must be the ones to create a better tomorrow with our positive energy, our talents, the ones who must keep negative thoughts inside and transform them into warmth, understanding and kindness..." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 18 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10258/1/Dr-Hedvig-Hricak-distinguished-Croatian-expert-in-radiology-and-tumor-diagnosis.html Professor Hedvig Hrièak earned her MD degree from the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and her Dr. Med. Sc. from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. She is the Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the first woman on that position. Dr. Hricak is President-Elect and Secretary Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). She is an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists and an honorary member of the British Institute of Radiology, German Radiological Society, Austrian Roentgen Society, Croatian Society of Radiology, Journées Françaises de Radiologie and the Swedish Society of Medical Radiology. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10255/1/The-Society-to-Preserve-the-Millvale-Murals-of-Croatian-painter-Maxo-Vanka.html  Maxo Vanka's murals for Millvale's Croatian Church of St. Nicholas are a unique contribution to the American mural movement of the 1930s and 1940s. The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka is a nonprofit public supported historic art preservation organization. Vanka's work touches upon common themes of his era, including family, labor, and war, but with a focus upon the disenfranchised and the dispossessed. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 06 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10253/1/Mia-Slavenska-1916-2002-Croatian-ballerina-one-of-the-greatest.html   Mia Èorak Slavenska, born in Croatia, a child star at 4 in Croatia's capital Zagreb, became a solo dancer at 12, prima ballerina at Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb at 18, starred as prima ballerina of the Ballet Russe in Paris, Ballet Theatre, London Festival Ballet. Organized her first ballet company at 12. With Slavenska-Franklin Ballet, created dance history with the ballet A Streetcar Named Desire. Mia was fluent in five languages. She also starred in the prize-winning French film, Ballerina (in French La Mort du Cygne), considered one of the best ballet films ever made. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10249/1/Sinking-of-the-Titanic-in-1912-and-Croatians.html April 15, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the famous Titanic liner.  Among 1,316 passengers, out of which 818 died in this horrific tragedy that stunned the world, there were also a number of Croatians and/or people coming from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Carpathia was the only ship to come to Titanic’s passengers and crew rescue. At the time of Titanic’s sinking Carpathia was on its regular route New York – Rijeka (Croatia). There were 76 Croatians working as crew on the Carpathia – the hero ship. cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante �uvalo) Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10248/1/Helena-and-Zvonimir-Bulaja-Croatian-digital-artists.html Helena and Zvonimir Bulaja started a collection of animated and interactive stories "Croatian Tales of Long Ago", based on a fairytale book with the same title written in 1916 by Ivana Brliæ Ma¾uraniæ. The project won about 30 international awards and recognitions, at the animation and new media festivals worldwide, including the most important ones: San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Montreux, Toronto, Austin, Zagreb, Annecy, Hamburg, Ottawa, Seoul... darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10243/1/Jad-Marinovic-Australian-of-Croatian-roots-champion-in-kettlebell-lifting.html Jad Marinovic is as strong, tough and committed as they come!  She has high ambitions both as an athlete and coach.  Jad has traveled to the USA and Europe to compete and also learn from the best, attending the IKSFA St. Petersburg Elite Kettlebell Training Camp in Russia becoming Australia's first female certified IKSFA Kettlebell Sport Coach.  She is not daunted at the prospect of hard training under Russian coaches, and already she has shown she has what it takes to mix with the very best. Jad is the short form of her Croatian name Jadranka. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10241/1/Ljubica-Stefan-1921-2002-Croatian-Righteous-courageous-historian-and-publicist.html With this article we commemorate 10 years since the death of Ljubica ©tefan, distinguished Croatian intellectual, exceptionally courageous historian and publicist, recipient of the medal of Righteous among the Nations from Yad Vashem. On 17 March 2012 the Holy Mass has been served in her memory by Rev. Josip Kuhtiæ in the Zagreb Cathedral, assisted by Mons. Dr. Juraj Batelja. She risked her life living in Belgrade until 1992,  and publishing her books in Zagreb under several pseudonims during the Serbian aggression on Croatia and BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina). In 1992 she left Belgrade leaving there literally all her property. The Prize of Ljubica ©tefan has been established in her honour in Zagreb in  2009 for exceptional publicist and scientific work. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10240/1/Collegium-pro-musica-sacra-Croatian-choir-founded-in-1972-celebrates-40-years-of-existence.html Collegium pro musica sacra, Croatian choir specialised for churhc music ranging from Gregorian coral to modern sacral music, with a special emphasis on Croatian church music,àhas been founded in 1972, ie. 40 years ago. It was founded by s. Imakulata Malinka on the photo, who directed the choir until 1999, and since then until 2010 it was directed by s. Cecilija Ple¹a. Now the Collegium pro musica sacra is conducted by Iva Juras, prof. The choir has won silver medals at the Internation choir competition in Jerusalem, Israel, in 1996, then in Bremen in 2004in Rome 2009, and gold medal at the International competition of choirs held in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2010. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10234/1/Boris-Papandopulo-Croatian-composer-interpreted-by-American-pianist-Nicholas-Phillips-25-Feb-2012-Houston-TX.html You are cordially invited to an evening of CROATIAN PIANO MUSIC with up and coming American concert pianist - Wisconsin's own  NICHOLAS PHILLIPS.  Nick will be performing works of renowned 20th Century Croatian composer - BORIS PAPANDOPULO 1906-1991. He was the son of the Greek noble Konstantin Papandopulo and the Croatian opera singer Maja Strozzi-Peèiæ. He studied composing in Zagreb and conducting in Vienna. Papandopulo led the chores "Kolo" from Zagreb and "Zvonimir" in Split and was also the director of the Croatian National Opera and the conductor of the Radio Croatia Symphonic Orchestra. He directed and conducted the Operas in Rijeka, Sarajevo, Zagreb and Split. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10233/1/Lovro-von-Matacic-1899-1985-great-Croatian-conductor.html Lovro von Mataèiæ collaborated with Arthur Rubinstein, Christian Ferras and Rudolf Buchbinder, Marijana Radev, Ru¾a Pospi¹ Baldani, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Christa Ludwig, ... He recorded for labels such as Columbia and Supraphon. Although Anton Bruckner was at the top of the list for his symphony and concert repertorie and Richard Wagner, along with his favorite âOrpheusâ by Ch. W. Gluck and JanÃèekâs âJenùfaâ at the top of his opera repertorie, Lovro von Mataèiæ's interest covered a huge span from Palestrina, Monteverdi and Henry Purcell, through Handel, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven to Mussorgsky, Mahlera, JanÃèek, Smetana, R. Strauss, Wagner, Verdi and others. He was especially dedicated to performing Croatian authors. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10231/1/David-Diehl-Super-Bowl-winner-pride-of-Croatia-and-Croatians-around-the-world.html David Diehl on the photo with his daughter Addison Elizabeth celebrated the Super Bowl victory with visible Croatian insignia: with Croatian coat of arms on his left arm, with the Croatian inscription NEUNI©TIV (Undestroyable), and with Croatian shawl around his neck brought in 2011 from the land of his predecessors. Equally great on the defeated side is another Croatian - Bill Bellichick. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10225/1/Sena-Jurinac-1921-2011-legendary-Croatian-artist-who-shaped-the-entire-opera-world.html Sena Jurinac was educated as an opera singer in Croatia's capital Zagreb, where she started her opera career in 1943. Since 1945 she was singing for the State Opera in Vienna, until 1982 when she retired.  Dominique Meyer, director of the Vienna State Opera, said the following on the occasion of death of Sena Jurinac: “We are mourning the loss of a legendary artist who shaped not only the Vienna State Opera, but also the entire opera world,’’ She died on 22 November 2011 at the age of 90. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10222/1/Pino-Kuhar-Croatian-cook-unique-in-the-world.html "Kuhar" in Croatian means "cook". So, Mr. Pino Kuhar from Croatia is Pino the Cook. But Kuhar is his true last name, not the nickname. Now, as a surprise, he was born in the village of Kuhari, that is, in the village of The Cooks! Employed as a professional chef, a few years ago he was proclaimed as the best Croatian chef - Hrvatski kuhar. So, Mr. Pino The Cook is distinguished chef born in the village of The Cooks in Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10220/1/Martina-Filjak-Zagreb-Croatia-on-a-world-tour-starting-January-2012.html One of the most exciting young artists to emerge in recent years, Martina Filjak is garnering international praise for her poetic passion and technical mastery at the keyboard as well as for her charismatic personality and magnetic stage presence. Her transition from prodigy to mature artist has been all the more remarkable against the backdrop of political maelstrom that defined her native Croatia during her childhood. ... Martina speaks seven languages. Fortunately, for an active performer, she loves to travel. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10218/1/William-Feller-distinguished-Croatian-American-mathematician---first-monograph.html William Feller 1906-1970 was born in Croatia's capital Zagreb, where he studied mathematics, professor of mathematics at Princeton Univeristy since 1950. Feller is one of the founders of Probability Theory as a scientific discipline, and best known for his two volume monograph An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications, which is considered as one of the finest mathematical textbooks of the 20th century. A bilingual Croatian-English monograph has been published in Zagreb in 2011, written by Darko ®ubriniæ, dedicated to the life and work of William Feller. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10217/1/Zdenko-Basic-distinguished-Croatian-animator-and-illustrator-of-childrens-books.html Zdenko Ba¹iæ (1980, Zagreb) has graduated in 2005 at the Academy of Fine Arts, Department for Animated Film and New Media. He’s an award-winning animator and illustrator of many children’s books and magazines; predominantly Andersen and Grimm’s fairy tales. His illustrated book ‘Alice in Wonderland’ for the British,  American and French publishing market has been launched in 2010 by Carlton Publisher. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10216/1/Dr-Jelka-Vince-Croatian-scientist-singing-a-Christmas-song-in-Zagreb.html Dr Jelka Vince is Croatian scientist working in the fields of ethnology and anthropology. She is also fine guitarist and singer. Dr Vince participated at the Christams Concert in December 2011 in the church of St. Jerome in the city of Zagreb. She is also very active in Croatian Society of University Women, where she serves as coordinator for international relations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10212/1/BusyBasket8482-designed-by-Diana-Peekaj-Vukoviae.html Diana Peèkaj Vukoviæ is a professional journalist, art historian, Germanist, book  and screenplay writer, award-winning innovator and the owner of the Jupiteriana, company for inventing of new products. BusyBasket™ is an innovative basket for carrying a laptop or briefcase on a bicycle. It was awarded a gold medal at the British Invention Show 2009 in London. Looking for business partner to manufacture and license the product worldwide. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10211/1/Msgr-John-E-Kozar-Croatian-American-appointed-president-of-the-Catholic-Near-East-Welfare-Association.html Msgr. John E. Kozar, former national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, has been appointed president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and the Pontifical Mission for Palestine. John E. Kozar: "Family. It is, perhaps, what comes to mindmost often during the Christmas Season. So at this time of year then, I think often of my visits with our mission family..." ... "Family in need. Family offering loving service. And through it all, you are there - at Christmas and all through the year - supporting, in prayer and generous sacrifice, the Church in the Missions in its outreach to the poor. May the hope and peace of the Lord be with you in the coming year!" darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10210/1/Marija-Zudenigo-footprint-collection-exhibited-in-Rijeka-Croatia-November-16th-8211-29th-2011.html Marija Zudenigo, city of Rijeka, Croatia: "Mother is a child’s first earth. The way we learn to walk on our first earth is the way we walk through our life. All our inner imbalances adopted from this ‘walk’ make themselves known in our physical walk. It was this insight that made me a footprint collector." Her collection of  more than 3,000 footprints is exhibited in Kortil Art Gallery in Rijeka, November 16th – 29th, 2011. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10209/1/Professor-Mladen-Vraniae-received-the-honorary-degree-of-the-University-of-Zagreb-Croatia-in-2011.html  Mladen Vraniæ, professor emeritus of the University of Toronto, one of the leading experts in the field of diabetes prevention in the world, received the honorary degree from the University of Zagreb 4th November 2011. It is interesting that he defended his PhD at the same University in 1962. The doctor honoris causa degree was conferred to him by professor Aleksa Bjeli¹, recotor of the University of Zagreb, in the presence of all the deans of the University, former rectors, etc. Professor Vraniæ has Croatian and Canadian citizenship, and is a member of the Royal Society of Canada and of Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10207/1/Dr-Dijana-Dominis-Prester-distinguished-Croatian-astro-physicist.html Dr. Dijana Dominis Prester is Croatian astro-physicist employed at the University of Rijeka, Croatia. She completed the study of physics in 1996 at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and defended her PhD in 2002 at the University of Potsdam in Germany. In Science magazine, within the Editor's choice, a news item was published in 2006 about a discovery of the first extrasolar planet (that is, of a planet outside of Solar system) in which a group of astrophysiscist participated from all 6 continents, among them a Croatian scientist, Dijana Dominis Prester from the University of Rijeka Department of Physics. The complete scientific paper has been published in the magazine Astrophysical Journal. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10208/1/Cristophe-Dolbeau-expert-in-Croatian--French-relations.html Mr. Cristophe Dolbeau is distinguished expert in Croatian-French relations, with a deep insight into Croatia's past and present. He published several books an numerous articles, and some of the articles have been translated into Croatian. his very interesting brochure "France - Croatie, Aperçu des relations entre le XIe et le XIXe siecle", Lyon 1994. In its fifteen chapters, the brochure contains a wealth of data, some of them of interest also for specialists. His newest book is "Croatie - Sentinelle de l'Occident", 300 pp. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10197/1/Georges-dEsclavonie-Croatian-professor-at-Sorbonne-in-Paris-and-French-spiritual-writer-around-1400.html Georgius de Sclavonia or Georges d'Esclavonie wrote his book Le chasteau de viriginte in 1411. With this article we mark 600 years since its appearance in France, at the Beaument Benedictine Abbey in the city of Tours. This Croatian scholar studied at the famous Sorbonne in Paris, where he became professor at the beginning of the 15 century. The Municiapl Library of Tours keeps his texts written in the Croatian Glagolitic Script (see on the left), which he expressly calls Alphabetum Chrawaticum. This texts constitute the earliest known Croatian handwritten manual for children, which he reproduced at Sorbonne in Paris, accompanied with his commentaries in Latin. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10204/1/Rudjer-Boskovic-1711-1787-Croatian-polymath-and-the-Royal-Society-exhibition-in-London-until-15-Feb-2012.html To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Croatian scientist Rudjer Boskovic, the Royal Society is mounting a small exhibition of rare books and archives relating to Boscovich, his work, and his influence on later British scientists including Joseph Priestley, Humphry Davy and J J Thomson. He visited the Royal Society while in London on a diplomatic mission in 1760, and was immediately elected a Fellow of the Society. The exhibition will open from 24 November 2011 until 15 February 2012. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10200/1/Dr-Ante-Cuvalo-8211-Lakse-je-biti-poslusan-nego-samosvjestan-samostalan-i-odgovoran.html Dr. Ante Èuvalo, èovjek èiji su ¾ivotni put usmjerile dvije odrednice: politièki emigrant i akademski graðanin daje svoje viðenje dana¹nje Hrvatske. Doktorirao je povijesne znanosti (1987.) na Ohio State University u Columbusu, glavnom gradu dr¾ave Ohio. Predavao je nekoliko godina na Ohio State University, a potom 20 godina na Joliet Collegeu, u blizini Chicaga, povijest zapadne civilizacije, modernu rusku, odnosno sovjetsku povijest, povijest Bliskog istoka i kolokvije o nacionalizmu. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10199/1/Dinko-Fio-1924-2011-distinguished-Croatian-composer-and-conductor-died-at-the-age-of-87.html Dinko Fio ostvario je i obiman skladateljski opus na temeljima tradicijske glazbe, a neke njegove pjesme toliko su povezane s tradicijom da ih se èesto smatra izvornim napjevima. Njegov autorski opus objavljen je u jedanaest zbirki i na tridesetak diskografskih izdanja. Kao melograf i obraðivaè spasio je od zaborava neke od najljep¹ih narodnih napjeva iz Dalmacije, zapisao ih te priredio za izvedbe dalmatinskih klapa i zborova. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10193/1/Anthony-F-Lucas-b-Antun-Lucic-of-Split-Croatia-discoverer-of-the-the-first-major-gusher-in-Texas-in-1901.html Antun Luèiæ (Anthony F. Lucas born in Split 1855, died in Washington 1921) is the father of petroleum industry. He discovered the first major gusher in Texas, The Lucas gusher, flowing at the rate of 80-100,000 barrels per day. It blew in January 1901. About 50,000 people came to see it. This meant the earliest massive exploitation of oil and petroleum in the world. Eighteen m. high granite obelisk, built in honour to the Lucas gusher, Spindletop, contains the following lines: "On This Spot on the Tenth Day of the Twentieth Century a New Era in Civilization Began." In 1936 The American Institute for Geological and Metallurgical Investigations founded a prize named after him: Anthony F. Lucas Gold Medal. With this article we mark 110 years from this event of worldwide importance. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10192/1/Dr-Marin-Soljacic-promoted-to-full-professor-of-physics-at-MIT-in-2011-at-the-age-of-37.html Marin Soljaèiæ, born in Zagreb in 1974, was promoted to Full Professor of Physics at the Massachusets Institute of Technology, Boston, USA, in July 2011. He is best known for his discovery of possibility of wireless energy transfer. He is also interested in various topics in nonlinear optical physics. On the photo professor Marin Soljaèiæ swiming with a dolphin in Florida. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10188/1/Kristian-Krekovics-oils-exhibited-in-Etnographic-Museum-in-Croatias-capital-Zagreb-2011.html   Kristian Krekoviæ 1901-1985 portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, the Queen Mother in 1938 upon her request, the Swedish King Gustav V, Queen Sofia of Spain and Juan Carlos, and many other. Eighty of his oils have been donated by his wife Sina to Croatia in 1994, and in 2011 a smaller part of this important donation - eighteen oils - is exhibited by the Ethnographic Museum in Croatia's capital Zagreb. The oils refer to old Peruvian Inca and pre-Inca cultures. His 1956 exhibition under the auspices of Peruvian Government in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington has been visited by as many as 126,000 people! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10186/1/Ljubo-Stipisic-Delmata-1938-2011-distinguished-composer-and-proponent-of-Croatian-music-and-spirituality.html Ljubo Stipi¹iæ Delmata's personality contains a multitude of traits: composer, poet, melodiographer, painter, producer, conductor of a-capella ensembles, etc. Maestro Delmata has been honored numerous prestigious music awards including several lifetime achievement awards. His work is of immeasurable musicological and cultural importance, especially for preservation and strengthening of the identity of  Croatia. Maestro Ljubo Stipi¹iæ died on October 9th 2011 at the age of 74. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10203/1/David-Diehl--American-football-star-of-Croatian-roots-visited-the-city-of-Split.html New York Giants offensive tackle, David Diehl, stepped foot on Croatian soil for the first time on 1st July 2011. David is trying to retrace his roots as his maternal grandfather, Ante Bekavac, is from Lovreæ, while his grandmother is from Krk. “It is a great honor to come here. This is my first time in Croatia, searching for my roots. I was in Lovreè, here I am in Split, now I go around to meet my motherland. It was an incredible experience for me, I see where I came from, where my roots are from. I am delighted and proud that I came to Croatia.” darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10177/1/Vladimir-Shuvaev-director-of-verbotonal-institute-in-Vladivostok-in-Russia-visited-Croatias-capital-Zagreb.html Dr. Vladimir ©uvaev is a young expert for problems of deafness of children in the Russian Federation and director of the institute in Vladivostok. In his work he is exploiting the verbotonal method developed at the world's famous SUVAG center in Croatia's capital Zagreb. There are more than 600 SUVAG centers in more than 70 countries. In the Russian Federation only there are SUVAG centers in 29 cities. We publish an interview with dr. ©uvaev and prof. Lovriæ conducted in Zagreb in the Russian language. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10164/1/Nenad-Hancic-created-a-new-high-quality-Croatian-Glagolitic-font-for-Windows.html Nenad Hanèiæ from Germany, Duesseldorff, created a new Croatian Glagolitic font for Windows. The lower case letters of the font “Glagolica Missal DPG” are oriented on the “Missal from 1483”, the first Croatian printed book (incunabulum), while the capital letters are oriented on those of “Transit of St. Jerome”, a book printed in Croatian Glagolitic characters in the town of Senj in 1508. We owe our deep gratitude to Nenad Hanèiæ: his work will be immensly useful both for amateurs and professionals. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10161/1/Valter-Despalj-distinguished-Croatian-cellist-started-ensemble-project-Cellomania-in-Zagreb-in-1991.html   Valter De¹palj is professor at the Zagreb Academy of Music. he has also been a guest professor at the conservatories in The Hague, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Graz (University of Music), editor of cello music with major music publishers, and member of judging panels at the most prestigious international competitions including Tchaikovsky (Moscow), Bach (Leipzig), Lutoslawski (Warsaw) and ARD (Munich) competitions. It was 20 years ago that maestro De¹palj started the project of Cellomania Croata. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10153/1/Viktor-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist.html Born in Karlovac, Croatia, Viktor Vidoviæ had his first solo concert at the age of 12. At 14 he enrolled in the Geneva Conservatory, in the class of Brazilian guitarist Maria Livia Sao Marcos, under whose guidance he took the first place at CIEM, the International Competition of Musical Artists in Geneva, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the competition, taking the Villa Lobos Prize and the Patek Philippe Prize for distinguished musical interpretation. He livs in Croatia's capital Zagreb. Ana Vidoviæ: "My brother Viktor is phenomenal guitarist." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10148/1/Ana-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist-interviewed-for-MEL-BAY.html Classical guitarist Ana Vidovic is considered one of the elite musicians of the world today. Since first taking the stage in 1988 Ana has given over one thousand public performances. Her international performance career includes recitals in Zagreb, New York, London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas, St. Louis, Tokyo, and beyond. Recorded at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville Tennessee, this is her Mel Bay Artist Interview with Erica Cantrell. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10147/1/Croatian-Viewpoint-website-of-Jean--Ante-Marinovic-husband-and-wife-team-in-Melbourne.html Croatian Viewpoint’s mission is to bring the Croatian ‘journey to freedom’ to an English-speaking audience.‘Viewpoint’ presents an analysis of key Croatian issues from a human rights perspective, and the ‘Virtual Policnik Museum’ interprets the Croatian history of the Zadar hinterland from an ethnographic viewpoint. Croatian Viewpoint’s hosts are Ante Marinovic and Jean Lunt Marinovic, a husband & wife team, who voluntarily contribute to this independent project.  Jean is the principal author and she gets her support from her husband Ante and their family, and she gets her inspiration from the courage and optimism of Croatian people. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10137/1/Branko-Fucic-1920-1999-representative-collection-of-conference-papers-published-about-his-life-and-work.html  Sixty three conference papers from the International Scholarly Seminar on the Life and Work of Academician Branko Fuèiæ (1920-1999) have been published in 2011 in voluminous, representative monograph comprising 844 pp. Branko Fuèiæ was distinguished expert in Croatian Glagolitic Script, in the history of Croatian church art, in particular for the area of Istria, dr. honoris causa in theology, and recipient of Herder's prize in Vienna. The monograph has been edited by dr. Tomislav Galoviæ of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10136/1/Branka-Kandic-Splavski-and-her-Croatian-fairy-tales-as-medicine---Bajka-kao-lijek.html Branka Kandiæ-Splavski is a specialist in family medicine and in her soul, a fairy tales writer. In 2004 after her first book ANDREA'S SHELL had been published her personal and professional life took a new direction: one of her patients was dying of brain cancer. She was no longer able to move, or speak, she was laying motionless and communicated only with her eyes. In the process of catching the public ear and eye, informing and educating the society about the patients' rights and neccessity for dignified care in the lives of severely ill people the fairy tale idea once again served as a bridge. vladom@xnet.hr (Vladimir Mihajlovi�) Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10118/1/Don-Wolf-Croatian-photographer-and-benefactor-in-Kansas-City-USA.html Don Wolf is a professional photographer living in Kansas City, USA. His family is from Gorski Kotar, a mounatinous part of Croatia. His greatest comfort was to help Croatian orphans via the vehicle of photography, showing their needs and presenting them to the good people of America. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 23 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10117/1/Mijo-Juric-Wolves-in-Springtime-in-German-with-foreword-by-Dr-Alois-Mock.html Mijo Juriæ's book "Wolves in Springtime" - Life under a Dictatorship, has been published in German with a foreword of dr. Alois Mock, former vice-counceller and minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Austria, while the afterword wrote dr. Hannes Swoboda, distinguished Austrian politician. It is an expanded version of his book "Osamnaesto proljeæe" (Eighteenth Spring) published in Croatian in Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 21 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10115/1/Franck-Alfirevic-Croatian-film-director-from-the-island-of-Reunion-in-Indian-Ocean.html Franck Alfirevic is a film director born in Paris, and since the age of 9 living on the French island of Réunion in Indian Ocean, 800 km East of Madagascar. He discovered that he has brother and three sisters in Croatia. One of his sisters, Kate - Katarina, sings ©vet Ivane - St. John, traditional Croatian song dedicated to the protector-saint of Trogir. The music was registered in his studio on the island of Reunion. A CD has been issued entitled Rencontre magique (Magic reunion) - KATE. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 17 May 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10109/1/Joseph-Mikulec-Croatian-globetrotter-appearing-in-a-silent-movie-1922.html Message from Angelina E. Payne, Canada:  "Hello, I happened upon the name of Joseph Mikulec while watching old silent films by the National Film Preservation Foundation. It's from 1922 and I thought that perhaps it might interest you. ... I, too, would love to know what became of this interesting fellow as well as his book." Josip Mikulec met the American president Theodore Roosevelt three times. Mikulec made thousands of kilometers on foot in the USA, China, Japan, India, South America, ... darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9745/1/Jack-Baric-presents-Searching-for-a-Storm.html Is the UN complicit in the wartime tragedies of the former Yugoslavia ... and is the Croatian general Ante Gotovina indicted for war crimes to justify their failed policies? Robin Harris, London: Gotovina is a scapegoat of  the politics and judiciary. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10100/1/Slobodan-Praljak-The-truth-about-Croatia.html Slobodan Praljak: Who destroyed the bridges in Mostar and the water pipelines which connected the sources (right coast of Neretva) and the eastern part of the town? The Old Bridge was destroyed on 9th November 1993. The started investigation about the tank crew which fired on the Old Bridge, in spite of my requests was never completed by any authority of BIH or Federation of BIH. A perpetrator was produced and a lie became the "truth". darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sat, 16 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10097/1/Iva-Eaeija-1953-2011.html Iva Èaèija, djevojaèko prezime Vidiæ, roð. 19.01.1953. u Sinju, kao èlan stare sinjske obitelji Vidiæ, podrijetlom sa Èitluka. iznenadno preminula, od posljedica mo¾danog udara, dana 29. o¾ujka 2011.g. Iva je bila prekrasna osoba, puna zivotne mudrosti, veselja, razumijevanja prema bliznjima, duhovita...nematerijalna. Supruga poznatog Hrvatskog skladatelja Mojimira Èaèije. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10095/1/Dr-Slobodan-Lang-Goodness-has-a-right-to-be-recognized-as-a-part-of-truth.html Dr. Slobodan Lang, distinguished Croatian humanist and scientist, learned from Gandhi to treat concrete people with their faith and culture as basic partners in facing and solving problems. He also developed the concept of Postholocaust, meanning that we have to use it as a way to prevent future genocides, concentration camps, hate, as well as promote the universal responsibility of righteous among nations and right to a home. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10081/1/Mate-Ujevic-1901-1967-the-founder-and-editor-in-chief-of-Croatian-Encyclopaedia.html Dr. Mate Ujeviæ was the greatest Croatian lexicographer of the 20th century. The first volume of Croatian Encyclopaedia was published on 10 February 1941. Five volumes were published until 1945, out of 12 planned volumes. He was editor in chief of The Martitime Encyclopaedia published in 1954 in eight volumes. Dr. Ujeviæ was posthumosly honoured by the title of righteous among the nations by Yad Vashem. ibirtic@gmail.com (Iva Ujevi� Birti� and Darko �ubrini�) Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10079/1/Perforations-Festival-to-be-held-in-New-York-City-March-11-21-2011.html Zvonimir Dobrovic (left) in association with La MaMa will be bringing the Perforacija Festival from Croatia to  NewYork. The Peforations Festival is a live arts festival featuring some of the leading contemporary performing artists from Southeast Europe. The festival will be held at Club La MaMa in New York City, March 11-21, 2011. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10078/1/Nik-Orosi---one-mans-passion-for-coffee.html Nik Orosi (left) dreamt about coffee one night, about how he was preparing it in some box and knows that he told his wife, immediately the next morning,  to tell her he was finished with his previous business career and  that he wanted to open a café with real coffee because he had dreamt it! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10074/1/Michael-Mazzeo-Gallery--hosts-exhibit-by-Hrvoje-Slovenc-March-3-to-April-23-2011.html Michael Mazzeo Gallery is pleased to present Home Theater, a solo exhibition of large-scale,multiple-panel, color photographs by the New York based, Croatian photographer, Hrvoje Slovenc (left). The work will be on view from March 3 through April 23, with a reception for the artist on Thursday, March 10, from 6 – 8 PM. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10073/1/Kava-Cafe-in-New-York-City-gets-rave-reviews.html John Saric (left), the owner of Kava Cafe was so impressed with Stumptown Coffee Roasters that he was moved to open a coffee bar within walking distance of his home in New York City. "Kava" is the Croatian word for "coffee." The name is a tribute to Saric's parents, who are from Croatia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 14 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10072/1/Dr-Kathleen-V-Wilkes-1946-2003-devoted-her-life-to-the-victory-of-Croatia.html Dr. Kathleen Vaughan Wilkes was a distinguished British humanist, professor of philosophy at the University of Oxford, and also taught at the Inter-University Centre in Dubrovnik, Croatia. During the Serbian siege of the City in 1991 and 1992, she was spreading the truth about its merciless destruction. Dr. Wilkes wrote on Dec 26, 1991: "Dubrovnik... there is still no water or electricity, scant food, no glass in the windows, temperature at freezing point..." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10071/1/Dr-Hrvoje-Kacics-book-Serving-My-Country-translated-into-several-languages.html Prof. dr. Hrvoje Kaèiæ is a distinguished Croatian specialist in maritime law.  Since 1990 he was an independent M.P. of the Croatian Parliament, elected chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs during the first mandate. From 1994 to 2001 he was president of the State Commission for Borders of the Republic of Croatia. His book Serving My Country has been published in Croatian, English (three printings), Spanish and German. It will soon appear in Ukrainian and Polish. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 03 Feb 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10068/1/Dr-Slobodan-Lang-and-his-concept-of-the-Challenge-of-Goodness.html Dr. Slobodan Lang, professor of medical ethics at the University of Zagreb and at Harvard, is best known for his tireless work on humanitarian issues, without precedent in contemporary history. He initiated the concept of „Challenge of Goodness“ and proposed and presented prevention of hate and genocide, protection of hospitals, prisoners of war and refugees, as well as responsibility for goodness by human beings during conflict. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10063/1/Miss-America-2011-Teresa-Scanlan-has-Croatian-roots.html 17-year-old Teresa Scanlan (left) is the youngest winner in the history of the Miss America contest and the first woman from Nebraska to take the crown. The blond beauty is also part Croatian. The origins of the newly crowned Miss America can be traced back to the small Croatian island of Ilovik, which her grandparents left many years ago to move to the United States. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10061/1/Owen-Marecic-of-Stanford-Named-Inaugural-Paul-Hornung-Award-Winner.html A throwback to another era, two-way starter Croatian American Owen Marecic (left) of Stanford University was selected the inaugural winner of the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in major college football, by the Louisville Sports Commission and Paul Hornung. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 13 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10057/1/Mladen-Lovric-founder-of-SUVAG-Center-in-Yakutia-in-Russia-1990.html Mladen Lovriæ is a distinguished specialist for Verbotonal method which is applied to children with deafness problems. This global method is due to renowned Croatian scientist Petar Guberina. Mr. Lovriæ helped to establish the first SUVAG Center in Russia in 1990, which - surprisingly - was founded in Yakutia, in East Siberia. Recently the 20th anniversary was celebrated in Neryungri. On the left portrait of M. Lovriæ by Ukrainian painter Taras Belej. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10032/1/Michael-McAdams-1947-2010-historian-and-sincere-Croatian-friend.html C. Michael McAdams (1947-2010) is best known for his important monograph Hrvatska - mit i istina (Croatia Myth & Reality), published in Croatian, Swedish, Danish, Spanish (2 editions), and English (3 editions). Other translations are planned. We invite you to read an article by Croatian historian Dr. Ante Èuvalo written in memory of Michael McAdams. cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante �uvalo) Sat, 13 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10031/1/Taras-Belej-painter-from-Ukraine-Croatia-in-my-heart.html Taras Belej, a young Ukrainian painter, had an exhibition of his works of art in Zagreb entitled "Croatia in my heart" (Galerija Mirko Virius), September 2010. As a four year old deaf child he arrived to Zagreb for rehabilitation at the SUVAG center, the world's leading center for treating deafness, where he started his systematic education, according to the verbotonal method of Croatian scientist Petar Guberina. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10027/1/Srdjan-Bulat-wins-big-in-Alessandria.html Srdjan Bulat (left) won second place and the prize for youngest finalist at the Michele Pittaluga International Classic Guitar competition. This competition is one of the most important and longest running competitions for classical guitar in the world which has been held for 43 years in the Italian town of Alessandria. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10014/1/Renata-Pokupiae-makes-her-LA-Opera-debut-as-Cherubino-in-Le-Nozze-di-Figaro.html Renata Pokupiæ (left) makes her LA Opera debut as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro (September 2010). The Croatian mezzo-soprano is known internationally through her acclaimed performances of baroque, classical and other coloratura-mezzo repertoire as well as solo songs. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10012/1/Pete-Radovich-has-18-Emmys.html "Friends" won 11, "Sienfeld" won 10, "South Park" won 3 but Croatian-American Pete Radovich (left) has 18 Emmys! This award winning producer is the Creative Director on CBS sports and has produced sports events ranging from the NBA to the Olympics. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10009/1/Tomislav-Raukar-laureate-of-the-Anton-Gindely-Prize-in-Vienna-Austria-2009.html Tomislav Raukar, distinguished professor of Croatian Middle Age History at the University of Zagreb and a member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, is a laureate of the prestigious Anton Gindly Prize in Vienna, Austria, for 2009, conferred to him by the Institute for Danube Area and Middle Europe in Vienna. It is a state prize in Austria established about 30 years ago. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 21 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10006/1/Dr-Borislav-Arapovic-elected--member-of-the-Russian-Academy-of-Sciences-2010.html Dr. Borislav Arapoviæ, Croatian philologist, founder of the Institute for Bible Translation in Stockholm, was elected the foreign member of the famous Russian Academy of Sciences, in 1999 for his work on organizing the translation of the Bible into about 80 non-Slavic languages of the former SU. About eight million copies of the Bible have been issued till now. Founding the Institute for Bible Translation in Moscow in 1997 has been blessed by late Patriarch Alexij II. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 14 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10003/1/George-Jure-Prpic-1920-2009-Croatian-American-historian.html Dr. Jure Prpiæ, Professor Emeritus of History, John Carroll University,  Cleveland USA, authored numerous books, booklets and articles. He wrote many articles in various Croatian immigrant publications., and deserves a special place in the history of the Association for Croatian Studies. Besides being one of its founders (1977), for quite a long time he was its main pillar and promoter. He was truly a gentle soul, a genuinely good person. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9979/1/John-Kraljic-and-his-Croatian-historical-studies.html John Kraljiæ was born in New York City of Croatian parents from the area of Rijeka. John is a member and an officer of the Croatian Academy of America and member the Croatian Studies Association, as well as a contributing editor of the Review of Croatian History, published by the Croatian Institute of History (Hrvatski povijesni institut). Mr. Kraljiæ is the President of the National Federation of Croatian Americans. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9962/1/Srdjan-Bulat-shines-in-Valencia.html On Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Xth International Guitar Competition of Alhambra, Srdjan Bulat (left) shined winning three awards at this prestigious guitar competition. He placed second overall, and won an audience award and an award for best interpretation of Spanish music. On Sunday May 16 2010 he will have free and open concert in Chicago, International House. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9961/1/Dejan-Lazic-to-perform-with-the-Pacific-Symphony-May-13-15-2010.html Croatian pianist Dejan Lazic (left) whose recent performance The New York Times hailed as “full of poetic, shapely phrasing and vivid dynamic effects that made this music sound fresh, spontaneous and impassioned.” will be performing with the Pacific Symphony led by guest conductor Michael Stern. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9960/1/Nenad-Bach-and-Miro-Gavran-guests-at-Croatian-Television-on-April-16-2010.html Nenad Bach, distinguished Croatian-American musician, and Miro Gavran, distinguished Croatian writer, both of worldwide reputation, were guests of the Croatian Television show Lica nacije (Faces of the Nation) hosted by Branimir Biliæ and directed by ®eljko Musiæ. This very interesting interview discussed strategic issues of global promotion of Croatian culture, as well as fundamental human values nourished within family. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9958/1/Jim-Caviezels-spiritual-journey-from-Medjugorje-to-Mel-Gibsons-Passion.html Jim Caviezel became the world famous actor with leading role in Mel Gibson's movie "Passion". In Medjugorje he had experienced certain dimension of faith that was unknown to him up to that point. In February 2010 he came to Medjugorje for the sixth time as pilgrim. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9954/1/Australian-Croatian-Vinko-Romanik-featured-on-stamp.html Vinko Romanik, was recently granted the honour of appearing on a limited edition postage stamp in recognition of the 200th Anniversary of Australia Post.  He has worked for Australia Post for some years.  He was one of 10 Australia Post workers to appear on an exclusive stamp out of 1,600 employees who were nominated. lillyrom65@live.com.au (Lilly Romanik) Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9953/1/Tom-Rukavina-Croatian-American-running-for-Minnesota-governor.html Tom Rukavina, from northern Minnesota is in the running for governor of Minnesota as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He has a reputation as a straight talking, hard working and passionate advocate for what's best for Minnesota. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9949/1/Professor-Henrik-Heger-founder-of-Croatian-studies-at-Sorbonne-in-Paris-in-1981.html  Henrik Heger, distinguished Croatian scientist, is professor at Sorbonne in Paris, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. He founded Croatian Studies at Sorbonne already in 1981. In 1983 professor Heger organized an important international symposium Les croates et la civilisation du livre  (Croatians and the Civilization of the Book). He has contributed enormously to spreading the knowledge about Croatian culture. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 29 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9941/1/Daniella-guest-hosts-on-Malaysian-Dance-Radio.html  Daniella Pavicic (Daniella) has always been surrounded by dance music. Growing up, she developed a connection and an attraction to electronic music through radio stations and club gigs. But she never thought that one day that it would be her voice on the radio, her face on a CD cover, and that she'd be one of the genre's biggest stars. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9938/1/Ivo-Robic-1923-2000-Croatian-pop-singer-and-a-global-star.html Ivo Robiæ 1923-2000 is probably the most famous Croatian pop singer in history. For Germany's Polydor Record Co he first cut "Morgen" in 1959, and in a few weeks the "Morgen" climbed to Germany's top songs. It was sold in more than a million of copies, half a million in the USA! He was a guest star in some prestigious USA programs: Perry Como Show of NBC, the Ed Sullivan Show, the Dick Clark Show, etc. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9933/1/Steve-Rukavina-met-Barack-Obama-at-the-White-House.html National Federation of Croatian Americans President Steve Rukavina (left) and his wife Diane met with President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama at a December holiday party at The White House. The NFCA President was thrilled to meet the President and to extend well wishes from the Croatian American community. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9932/1/Ivica-Kostelic-wins-silver-in-Vancouver.html Ivica Kostelic's silver medal added to the Olympic legacy of one of the great Alpine ski racing families. Second behind Bode Miller in Sunday's super-combined, Kostelic got advice from his younger sister Janica on how to master a slalom course set by their father and coach, Ante. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9930/1/Zoran-Orlic-Croatian-American-photographer-featured-in-Jutarnji-List.html Croatian-American photographer, Zoran Orlic (left) sat down and spoke with Jutarnji List of Croatia and spoke about how he got started in photography, who his influences are and how he has made a successful career of immortalizing musicians in photographs.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9929/1/Vladimir-Hudolin-distinguished-Croatian-psychiatrist-and-humanist.html  Vladimir Hudolin, 1922-1996, is distinguished Croatian psychiastrist of worldwide reputation, professor at the University of Zagreb. He has  created the social-ecological approach to alcohol  related problems centred on the  family  and on the community. In Italy only more than 2500 Clubs of Alcoholics have been founded which exploit his methodology. Professor Hudolin is a honorary citizen of San Daniele del Friuli, Italy, since 1983. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9927/1/Anton-Cetin-distinguished-Croatian-painter-in-Canada.html Anton Cetín was born in 1936 in Croatia. He studied printmaking and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb. Since 1968 he has been living and working in Toronto, Canada. A deluxe monograph about his work was written in 1986. by Dr. David Burnett of Toronto. Several documentary films about Cetín's life and work were produced. vgoss@aol.com (Dr. Vladimir Goss) Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9925/1/Croatian-Cooking-Show-on-the-OC-Channel-PBS-Jan-27-and-Feb-3-2010.html Brenda Brkusic (left) drops in to co-host two episodes of "Cooking for Health and Pleasure".  She will be preparing Croatian dishes on the show. These episodes will be airing on KOCE's OC Channel with part one airing on Jan 27 and part two on Feb 3, 2010 stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9916/1/Dalia-Lazar-has-Carnegie-Hall-recital-on-January--27th-2010-at-730-pm.html Dalia Lazar is Croatian pianist who had concerts and recitals in the United States, Israel, Russia, Switzerland, Greece, Venezuela, Croatia, Mexico, etc. At the age of sixteen she was admitted to Moscow's P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory. She has perfomed throughout former Soviet Union. She will perform a recital in memory of Maria Curcio on Wednesday, January 27th 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9915/1/Robert-Herjavec-Croatian-born-Canadian-entrepreneur-businessman-and-TV-star.html Herjavec began his career with IBM mainframe sales but in 1990 founded BRAK Systems which soon became Canada's top provider of Internet security software. BRAK Systems was sold to AT&T in 2000 for $100 million. Subsequently Herjavec founded and runs The Herjavec Group, a fast-growing security software company. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9914/1/Ivo-Josipovic-Croatia8217s-new-president-to-write-an-opera-on-John-Lennon.html Croatia’s new president, Ivo Josipovic, who won in a runoff on Sunday, is a bona fide classical composer. He majored in composition at the Zagreb Music Academy, graduating in 1983. From 1987-2004 he was a lecturer at the same school. Since 1991, he has been director of the Zagreb Music Biennale, one of the more prestigious contemporary music festivals. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9913/1/Vrijeme-i-Zemlja-frontman-Nenad-Bach-to-release-EP-later-this-year.html Zoran Tuckar of Muzika.hr called Vrijeme i Zemlja "the most talented Croatian band of all time." In his last statements before he died, famed Croatian music critic, Darko Glavan said regarding Vrijeme i Zemlja that it was "a project that essentially expanded the boundaries of the possible." This year Vrijeme i Zemlja's frontman and the Nenad Bach Band will release an EP featuring all new material.  stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9911/1/Maksim-Mrvica-Croatian-pianist.html Maksim Mrvica found himself to be the focus of intense media interest and he made frequent television appearances as well as giving a great number of interviews. His album The Piano Player gave a new spin to compositions by Handel and Chopin. It has been very successful, particularly in Asia, where it has achieved Gold status in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China, Platinum in Taiwan and Croatia and Double Platinum in Hong Kong. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9909/1/Zoran-Orlics-work-is-featured-on-new-Wilco-DVD.html  Zoran Orlic is a Croatian-born fine arts photographer with a flair for revealing the many moods of rock photography. Orlic's passion for the camera and music has led him to capture rock bands on film for the last seventeen years. Most recently noted for his work with The Frames, Wilco and Lucinda Williams, Orlic's snapshots have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, websites and music packaging. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9908/1/Martina-Filjak-interview-of-the-winner-of-the-2009-Cleveland-Competition.html Martina Filjak gave a very intersting interview on the occasion of her 1st prize won at the prestigious 2009 Cleveland International Piano Competition. The critical praise and general buzz she received for her performances during the final rounds have been merited, given the brilliance, sensitivity and imagination of her playing. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9907/1/Jaksa-Cvitanic-a-leading-expert-in-Mathematical-Finance.html Jak¹a Cvitaniæ is Professor of Mathematical Finance at Caltech. Prior to joining Caltech in 2005, he held positions as Professor of Mathematics and Economics at USC and Associate Professor of Statistics at Columbia University. He is regarded as a leading expert in mathematical finance. Professor Cvitaniæ was born in the city of Split, Croatia, and completed his studies of mathematics at the University of Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9893/1/Romano-Sole-is-among-the-best-Croatian-musicians-in-Germany.html Romano Sole, born in Split, he studied music and at a young performed with many big names on the Split music scene. His song "Niz Vrijeme" was voted number 7 of the Split Radio top ten list for 1995. Fate would send him to Germany where he continued his musical endeavors and would succeed both as an artist and producer. He was named the best Croatian diaspora musician by Matica Hrvatska in 2008. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9882/1/Japanese-Ambassador-in-Croatia-HE-Yoshio-Tamura-uses-CroTram-to-go-to-work.html We as a new nation, but an old civilization, should look into other cultures as an inspiration in behavior. Japan, the third largest economy in the world, certainly gives us that opportunity. Are we capable of recognizing these values? That will remain to be seen. Your Excellency Yoshio Tamura, WELCOME to Croatia! We are honored to have you in our country. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9878/1/Giovanna-Drpic-covers-the-news-in-New-York-City.html Giovanna Drpic has been a general assignment reporter with My 9 News since April 2005. Drpic joined My9 from WKMG in Orlando, Florida. New York's diversity was a big draw for Drpic, especially since she's Bolivian, Peruvian, German and Croatian. And about her last name - no, it's not a typo. And, yes, people have told her, on more than one occasion, to please buy a vowel! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9871/1/Miletich-Fighting-Systems-Home-of-Champions-Past-Present-and-Future.html Often known as "The Croatian Sensation" Pat Miletich at the age of 26 began to train for the MMA. He had already trained in a variety of martial arts including karate, kickboxing, and boxing. He was very much inspired by the boxing aspirations of his uncle, Johnny "Miler" Miletich who was present at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles as part of the boxing squad. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9866/1/Zeljko-Brkanovic-distinguished-Croatian-composer.html Renwned German composer Erhard Karkoschka commented on the music written by ®eljko Brkanoviæ on the left: "I have already encountered and learnd to appreciate his music at the concerts of the Zagreb Biennale... What I noticed in particular is a differentiated use of instruments, which makes his orchestral works very interesting due to sudden shifts. In the same manner the formal structure and logically controlled lines always make a convincing impression." darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9860/1/Croatian-guitarist-competes-at-Francisco-Tarrega-competition-in-Spain.html Srdjan Bulat, (left) a 5th year guitar student at the Musical Academy in Zagreb performed at the 43rd annual Francisco Tarrega international competition that was held from August 28th – September 4th 2009 in the Spanish city of Benicassim. This year's competition marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Francisco Tarrega, a renowned Spanish composer and guitar instructor. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9863/1/Nenad-Bach-plays-for-global-peace-in-Kansas-City.html  Internationally renowned Croatian musician Nenad Bach (left) performed at the first ever Concert for Global Peace on Saturday August 29, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. The concert was organized by the International Visitors Council of Kansas City in collaboration with Dr. William Everett, Associate Professor of Musicology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9853/1/-In-Memoriam-Virgilije-Nevjestiae-1935---2009.html Virgilije Nevjestiæ was a poet and an artist of rich, surreal and poetic expressions.  He was born in the village of Kolo near Tomislavgrad (BiH) in 1935 and moved to Paris in 1968, where he built a respectible artistic career. He died on August 24th 2009, after a long and difficult illness at La Tourelle hospital in the Parisian suburb of L'Hay-les-Roses, where he had been since September of last year. MBrkanovic@t-online.de (Mirna Brkanovic) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9852/1/Ana-Vidovic-distinguished-Croatian-guitarist.html Ana Vidoviæ was born in Croatia in the town of Karlovac. At the age of 13 she became the youngest student to attend the National Musical Academy in Zagreb.  Her international performance career includes recitals in London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas and St. Louis. She has a recital in Cavtat Croatia within Epiduarus Festival September 2, 2009 - 8:00 PM. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9851/1/Blanka-Vlasic-defends-her-world-title-in-Berlin-2009.html High-jump queen Blanka Vlasic, one of the best athlete in the world,  retained her world crown on Thursday when she saw off arch-rival and local favourite Ariane Friedrich to win gold at the World Athletics Championships. Vlasic was the only athlete to clear 2.04m in the electric atmosphere of Berlin's Olympic stadium. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9848/1/Loreta-Kovacic-to-play-at-the-Contemporary-Arts-Museum-in-Houston-Sept-3-2009.html Croatian pianist Loreta Kovacic and her group the Texas Slavs will be performing at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston on September 3, 2009 starting at 7:00 p.m. The show is called Immigrants Out There, and will feature songs composed by her. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9847/1/Martina-Filjak-clinches-victory-in-Cleveland-International-Piano-Competition.html Two weeks of intense musical rivalry came to an end last Saturday when jurors in the 2009 Cleveland International Piano Competition crowned Martina Filjak, 30, of Croatia (left), winner of the 18th biennial contest. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9846/1/eljka-Eorak---Warps-of-abidance-in-small-things-.html There is something amazing in ®eljka Èorak's need to handle the most relevant issues in Croatia at one point, and then, almost in the same sentence, to write about barely visible objects from her environment, things that help her work on the most important theme of her opus – the art of remembering. vibor@astoria.hr (LivingStone Magazine) Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9843/1/Ivan-Vucetic-dactiloscopy-exhibition-in-Milan-Italy-in-July-2009.html An important exhibition dedicated to Ivan Juan Vuèetiæ, founder of scientific dactiloscopy - identification by fingerprints, has been organized in Milan from July 8-20 2009, in the representative building of Palazzo Triennale  It was conceived by Ljerka Galic from the Croatian Hertage Foundation in Zagreb, who opened the exhibition in the presence of Consul General of Argentina, Consul General of Croatia, representatives of Italian State Police and other guests. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9841/1/Epidaurus-Festival-in-Cavtat-Croatia-Aug-28---Sep-22-2009.html CROWN invites you to attend the Third Epiduarus Festival in Cavtat,  from  August 28 to September 22 2009. The Festival has been founded and is directed by infatiguable Croatian pianist Ivana Marija Vidoviæ, on the photo. Cavtat is a lovely town south of Dubrovnik, on Croatian coast. Among principal guests of the Festival this year will be a famous Croatian guitarist Ana Vidoviæ. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9839/1/Feri-Sucic-91-years-old-Croatian-musician-and-writer-from-Gradisce-Austria.html Feri Suèiæ was born in 1918 within a Croatian branch in Austria, in the region of Gradi¹æe - Burgenland. He composed or arranged 300 songs, and many of them are circulating as traditional songs. He is also known as prolific writer. An extensive monograph dedicated to his life and work has been issued last year on the occasion of 90th birthday. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9835/1/Igor-Stagljar-distinguished-Croatian-molecular-biologist-in-Toronto.html Professor Igor ©tagljar and his team of scientists in Toronto began developing an original biological method for the identification of new proteins involved in the development of cancer. This method paved the way for the research of grave genetic diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9832/1/Zvonimir-Atletic-distinguished-Croatian-photographer.html Zvonimir Atletic is professional Croatian photographer. His unique photos include such persons like Mother Teresa and Father Ante Gabriæ, well known worldwide for their humanitarian work, especially in India. Mr Atletiæ had numerous exhibitions not only in Croatia, but also in Italy, France, Poland, Indonesia, Brasil, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9836/1/Bozidar-Finka-1925-1999-distinguished-Croatian-linguist.html Bo¾idar Finka 1925-1999 was distignuished Croatian linguist, a member of Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. This article has been published on the occasion of 10th year anniversary of his death. He is one of the authors of the Croatian orthography prepared in  1971. jasna.finka@zg.t-com.hr (Jasna Finka, prof.) Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9827/1/Radojka-Sverko---Croatian-Diva.html Radojka ©verko is one of the greatest female singers Croatia ever had. She had concerts in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Seul, Athens, Puerto Rico, Caracas, Los Angeles, New York and Kopenhagen among others. Listen to her extraordinary interpretations of Croatian songs, and evergreens like The Shadow of Your Smile, Amazing Grace, The Automn Leaves, Bridge Over Troubled Water and many others. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9818/1/Children-Festival-of-Klapa-Singing-in-Zadar-May-2009.html Klapa singing in Croatia is a unique phenomenon of European culture. The phenomenon has been enriched in the past few years by  existence of children's klapas. The City Library in Zadar, Croatia, organizes the annual Children Festival of Klapa Singing since 2006. Each year it is becoming more and more popular and widespread. One of the principal proponents of klapa singing in Croatia is Ljubo Stipi¹iæ Delmata. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9814/1/Andrea-Kulier-17-years-old-Croatian-in-the-USA-to-study-cosmology-at-Princeton.html Andrea Kulier who is only 17-years-old will graduate from California State Los Angeles University and attend Princeton in the fall to study cosmology. Kulier and her family immigrated to the U.S. from Croatia. While most in her age group are graduating high school, Andrea Kulier received dual bachelor's degrees and is on course for a PhD. JKraljic@msn.com (John Kralji�, Esq) Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9809/1/Four-Croatian-female-alpinists-conquered-Mt-Everest-in-May-2009.html Four Croatian female alpinists climbed on Mt Everest, among them two sisters Darija and Iris Bostjanèiæ on the photo. It was for the first time that two sisters climbed on the top of Himalayas. This success was a result of team work in which 11 Croatian female alpinists participated. The expedition was organized by Croatian Mountaineering Association on the occasion of 135 years of its existence, founded in 1874, one of the oldest such organizations in the world. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9808/1/Mime-Cuvalo-Croatian-expert-for-GoogleU-Tube-and-benefactor.html Mime Èuvalo is not only successful Croatian computer science expert in the USA, employed at prestigeous Google/U-Tube in California, but also an active member of the Franciscan community. In the course of last 3 years this young man donated nearly $35,000 for his Croatian homeland, mostly for the needs of children. On the photo Mime with a Bosnian child that he adopted. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9807/1/Trideset-godina-od-prvog-rijeckog-rock-LP-albuma-Vrijeme-i-Zemlja-I-iz-1979.html Vatru rijeèke glazbene scene zapalio je prvi rijeèki rock LP album 1979, kad se o albumima moglo samo sanjati. Èetvorica mladiæa iz Rijeke, Nenad, Davor, Marinko i Jo¹ko ostvarili su ono ¹to nitko do tada nije. LP Vrijeme i Zemlja I postala je rasadnikom novih glazbenih ideja.  Nenad Bach i svi èlanovi grupe Vrijeme i Zemlja biti æe na Press Party 19. lipnja 2009. u Rijeci. Davor Tolja i Nenad Bach su lijevo na slici iz 1979. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9806/1/Drazen-Domjanic-and-his-wonderful-musical-family-in-Liechtenstein.html Dra¾en Domjaniæ is Croatian pianist born in the town of Èakovec, living with his family in Liechtenstein. He is artistic director of Musik & Jugend (Music and Youth Foundation) which organized many master classes and concerts aiming to help young musicians from Central Europe, with emphasis on Croatia. His children Sara and Andreas are also musicians, playing violin and piano. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9804/1/Ivan-Mestrovics--Mother-Teaching-Child-to-Pray-sold-at-Sothebys-auction.html Lauded by Rodin as 'the greatest phenomenon amongst the sculptors', Ivan Me¹troviæ began his career exhibiting with the Vienna Secession at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries. His fame led to important exhibitions across Europe, and in 1915 he made history as the first living artist to have a solo exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. mate.mestrovic@zg.t-com.hr (Rumjana Me�trovi�) Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9803/1/quotDownloading-Nancyquot-screenings-in-New-York-and-Los-Angeles-on-June-5-2009.html Igor Kovacevich (left) graduated in 1992 from the University of Sarajevo with a B.F.A. - Diploma in Film, Theatre and Comparative Literature. He also worked as an intern on "Time of the Gypsies" by Emir Kusturica (a two-time winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival). In December 2007, Kovacevich completed production of the psychological thriller "Downloading Nancy". stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9801/1/Branko-Lustig-receives-2009-IFF-Lifetime-Achievement-Award.html Born in 1932 to a Croatian-Jewish family, Branko Lustig (left) began his film career in 1955 working on films like Fiddler on the Roof and The Tin Drum before landing a job on Meryl Streep's unforgettable "Sophie's Choice." He is the recipient of two Oscars, having won one for "Schindler's List" in 1993 and another for "Gladiator" in 2001. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9800/1/Eat-that-Croatian-food-man-and-you-just-feel-the-power-in-your-veins.html "30 Rock" actor, stand up comedian, and World Champion, Judah Friedlander (left) is an outspoken fan of Croatian food. To which he was undoubtedly exposed to, by his Croatian mother. Describing the power of Croatian cuisine, he says: "I like pretty much all food, but eat that Croatian food, man, and you just feel the power in your veins." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9795/1/Joseph-Haydn-Austrian-and-Croatian-composer-died-200-years-ago.html Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), a famous Austrian and Croatian composer, died 200 years ago, May 31. He was born in a Croatian ethnic enclave in Burgenland (Gradi¹æe) in Austria. Joseph Haydn composed a lovely melody which is based on a very old Croatian folk song. He named it Volkslied (Folk song), and later it became the Austrian national anthem. This melody is the contemporary German national anthem that everybody knows. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 22 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9794/1/Srdjan-Bulat-wins-three-times-in-Gorizia.html Srdjan Bulat (left) a fourth year student from the Zagreb Music Academy from Split, confirmed once again that he is known as one of the best guitar players at the European Classical Guitar Competition "Città di Gorizia" held May 15-17 in the Italian city of Gorizia. He won three prizes in three of the toughest categories in the competition. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 20 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9787/1/Ivo-Macela-distinguished-Croatian-medical-scientist-in-Prague-and-Bratislava.html Dr. Ivo Maæela 1891-1952, born in Trpanj on Pelje¹ac peninsula, was professor at the Charles University in Prague and at the Comenium University in Bratislava. In 1945 he founded the Medical Faculty in Plzen in Czech Republic. In 1947 he was nominated unanimously candidate for the Nobel Prize by the Council of Professors at the Medical Faculty of the Charles University in Prague, for his research and important achievements in endocrinology. najka.mirkovic@du.t-com.hr (Najka Mirkovi�) Sat, 02 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9786/1/Branko-Istvancics-film-depicting-Croatians-wins-Italian-award.html Branko I¹tvanèiæ, distinguished Croatian screenwriter, film and TV director, provided very interesting inserts of his films depicting various aspects of life and spirit of the Croatians: Wellman, The Stone Picker, The Cormorant Scarecrow, The Ghost in the Swamp, Saying Goodbye, From Grain to Painting, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9782/1/Sofia-Mulanovich-Peruvian-surfer-of-Croatian-descent-inducted-in-Olympic-Museum.html Sofía Mulánovich Aljovín is a Peruvian surfer of Croatian descent. She is the first Peruvian surfer ever to win an Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event. In 2007 she was inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame, and in 2009 into the Olympic Museum in Laussane in Switzerland. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9779/1/Matko-Jelaviae-releases-his-latest-album-Prvoj-Rui-Hrvatske.html Matko Jelaviæ (left) has released a new album of original music entitled "Prvoj Ru¾i Hrvatske" (First Rose of Croatia) containing twelve original songs. He has been performing and composing music since he first won at the Split Music Festival in 1988 with his original song "Majko Stara" (Old Mother). stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9772/1/Djuro-Janekovic-photographing-Croatias-captial-Zagreb-in-1930s.html Ðuro Janekoviæ and his newly discovered photos of Zagreb from 1930s reveal the capital of Croatia in new light and atmosphere. He exhibited his photos in Vienna, München, Buenos Aires, London, Oslo, Stockholm,  Amsterdam, Debrecin, Prag, Var¹ava, and in Zagreb. An exhbition of his photos is organized at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb until March 12 2009. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9770/1/Bratislav-Lucin-leading-expert-for-Croatian-Renaissance-classic-Marko-Marulic.html  Bratislav Luèin, distinguished Croatian scholar and director of Marulianum institute in the city of Split, has recently published two important books dealing with a famous Croatian Renaissance writer Marko Maruliæ 1450-1524. Maruliæ's books were read by St Francis Xavier, Cervantes, Thomas More, King Henry VIII, etc. Marko Maruliæ is the author of the notion of PSYCHOLOGY. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9765/1/Jerry-Blaskovich---Anatomy-of-Deceit.html Jerry Blaskovich is a US physician of Croatian origin. During the 1991-1995 war in Croatia, nobody had to tell Dr Blaskovich where to go, what to do, whom to help, and what to write. Although living in California, Jerry knew what his homeland needed, what tasks suited his abilities, what pressure his family was able to go through, and what his health and strength allowed him to do. joza.vrljicak@gmail.com (Joza Vrlji�ak) Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9764/1/Sime-Strikoman-millenium-photos-of-Croatia.html ©ime Strikoman is the author of a series of unusual photos representing various aspects of Croatia. For example The Kutjevo Wine Cellars celebrate 777 years of existence, so he made a millenium photo. Equaly interesting are his photos related to the island of Pag, towns of ©ibenik, Zadar, Biograd, Split, etc. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9760/1/Stana-Katic-Croatian-Movie-Star-in-Canada.html Stana Katiæ (b. 1980) is a Canadian film and television actress active in the United States. Stana Katic was born to Croatian parents. In addition to English, she speaks Italian, French, and Croatian. She has an alto mezzo-soprano singing voice. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9748/1/Josip-Mikulec-tireless-world-hiker-hundred-years-ago.html  Very brave Croatian adventurer Josip Mikulec set out to circumnavigate the globe on foot in the span of five years.  With the start of this journey in Croatia's capital Zagreb he became a perpetual wanderer.  Mostly hiking, he traveled the world some 28 years and achieved a degree of fame for having collected more than 30,000 autographs of world-famous people.  cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante �uvalo) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9746/1/Louis-Cukela-recipient-of-USA-Navy-and-Army-Medals-of-Honor-during-WWI.html Louis Cukela (Vjekoslav Lujo Èukela, 1888-1956), was awarded both the Navy and Army Medals of Honor for extraordinary heroism in France 1918 during World War I. He was the only living man to hold two such decorations for extreme bravery in a single war. Èukela was born in Split in Croatia, and emigrated to the USA in 1913. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9741/1/Kristian-Krekovic-portrayed-Mahatma-Gandhi-Queen-Mother-King-Gustav-V-etc.html Kristian Krekoviæ (1901-1985), distinguished Croatian painter born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, since the end of 2008 has a web site www.kristiankrekovic.com dedicated to his life and work. It was launched by the Associtiation of Friends of the Krekovic Museum in Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Among his numerous portraits, we can find those of Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Mother, King Gustav V, and many others. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9739/1/Lady-Jadranka-Njers-Beresford-Peirse-promotor-of-Croatian-culture-in-GB.html Lady Jadranka Njer¹ Beresford Peirse of London is a fascinating personality and a great Croatian patriot, whose efforts  have been engaged in raising funds both for the restoration of the damaged monuments that form such an important part of Croatian heritage and in finding ways to promote Croatian culture in Great Britain. She is recipient of the 1999 INA Award for international promotion of Croatian culture. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9736/1/Ante-Sardelic-distinguished-Croatian-sculptor-painter-and-printmaker-in-Canada.html Ante Sardeliæ Kraljeviæ, sculptor, painter, and printmaker was born in the town of Blato on the island of Korèula in Croatia. The last ten years he worked on the project The Eternal Homeland. This exhibition is now traveling through many major cities throughout the world. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9735/1/Luka-Sulic-Croatian-cellist-wins-the-first-prize-in-Warszaw-Poland-2009.html Croatian cellist Luka ©uliæ (1987) is the First Prize winner of the Witold Lutoslawski International Cello Competition held in February 2009 in Warsaw. This very prestigious biannual competition, whose Honorary President during his lifetime was legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, attracted some forty cellists from all over the world.  Luka also won special prize for the best performance of Lutoslawski's Sacher Variations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9710/1/Vladimir-Kristl-filmmaker-and-artist-from-Croatia.html Vladimir "Vlado" Kristl (24 January 1923 – 7 July 2004) was a filmmaker and artist from Zagreb, Croatia, best known for his celebrated animations and short films. Kristl first came to international prominence for his formally challenging and rigous animations, particularly Don Kihot. The film is a "graphical and abstract masterpiece which went beyond all existing conventions" darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9734/1/Prof-dr-Sreaeko-Gajoviae-utilizes-glowing-mice-to-study-stroke.html A group of scientists at the Croatian Brain Research Institute in cooperation with the Laval University in Canada started a research on post-stroke events in the brain using unique models. Project was started by the group of prof. dr. Sreæko Gajoviæ, Head of the Section for Neurogenetics, Cytogenetics and Developmental Genetics at the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb. srecko.gajovic@hiim.hr (Prof.Dr. Sre�ko Gajovi�) Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9731/1/Support-Ann-Marie-Boskovich-For-The-Next-American-Idol.html  Support Croatian talent. Vote for Ann Marie tonight! We begin an exciting week as Ann Marie was picked to sing in the first group set to perform on Tuesday, February 17th. 2009. If you have the privilege of knowing Ann Marie, you were a fan long before her involvement with American Idol simply because she is just one of those special people with an amazing heart. This is a grass root support. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9727/1/ChessQuire-is-a-new-game-created-by-Zarko-Svatovic.html  ChessQuire is an expanded Chess Game played on ten by ten, 100 squares board, instead of classic 64 squares. The new game introduces one new type of chess piece named “Esquire”: four of them in total; two Esquire on each side of the board, belonging to the two opposing sets of pieces. There are also extra four pawns on the board, two on each side. Invented by Zarko Svatovic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9725/1/Robert-Belinic-to-play-guitar-at-the-University-of-Chicago-March-10-2009.html Robert Beliniæ, acclaimed Croatian guitarist, will have a concert at the Khorsabad Court of the Oriental Insitute at the University of Chicago, Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 pm. He was the sole winner of the 2001 Young Concert Artists European Auditions in Leipzig, Germany, and in 2002 was the first guitarist ever to win a place on the Young Concert Artists roster in New York. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9724/1/Miro-Sinoveiae-innovative-Croatian-artist-in-the-USA.html In 1985 Miro Sinovèiæ emigrated from his native Croatia to the United States, where he became one of the most-sought after artists in publishing, advertising and motion pictures. His art has appeared on more than a thousand book covers, and his innovative techniques helped transform the traditional look of book illustrations into more modern treatments of color and atmosphere. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9721/1/Paul-Bucha-Leading-Candidate-for-the-Secretary-of-the-Army-in-Obama-Biden-team.html Paul Bucha is of Croatian descent; his paternal grandfather immigrated to the United States from the Croatian town of Na¹ice. Bucha attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Earned an MBA at Stanford University before his military career at Fort Campbell. Recipient of a Medal of Honor, he was very instrumental in Admiral J. Robert Lunney's successful effort to present Peter Tomich's Medal of Honor to the next of kin. jrlunney@yahoo.com (RADM J. Robert Lunney) Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9720/1/Caridad-Svich-is-a-playwright-songwriter-translator-editor-with-Croatian-roots.html Caridad Svich is a playwright-songwriter-translator-editor of Cuban-Argentine-Spanish and Croatian descent. Her works have been staged across the US and abroad at venues as diverse as Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, INTAR, The Women’s Project, 7 Stages, Cleveland Public Theatre, Salvage Vanguard Theatre, Dad’s Garage and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9717/1/Dietrich-Mateschitz-another-Croatian-billionaire.html Another day another Croatian billionaire. Dietrich Mateschitz (born May 20, 1944 in Sankt Marein im Mürztal, Styria) is an Austrian businessman and billionaire. He is of Croatian heritage. Lives in Salzburg, but also owns Laucala Island, off Fiji. Brilliant in marketing and business, he holds 49 percent of shares in the energy drink producer Red Bull. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9716/1/Bruno-Krajcar-dedicated-himself-to-the-study-of-Istrias-ethnic-heritage.html Bruno Krajcar is academic musician, composer, singer, journalist and  editor. Krajcar plays various instruments and has been composing since he was ten, now being the author of many compositions. He represented Croatia at the 25th EBU International Folk Festival. Moreover, he has dedicated himself to the study of Istria's ethnic heritage. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9715/1/Damir-Simic-featured-in-Premier-Guitar-Magazine.html As musicians, many of us are lucky to be surrounded by our peers and influences. Imagine, if you will, the horror of growing up in a place where you have to not only leave the city or state, but cross international lines in order to get new music. Damir Simic Shime grew up in Croatia before moving to America at the young age of 22. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9708/1/Martina-Filjak-from-Croatian-child-prodigy-to-mature-pianist.html Martina Filjak is one of those few young artists who have successfully made it from child prodigy to mature musician. Her stage presence and personality regularly impress audiences and critics alike, whether she plays delicate baroque and classical pieces, or colossal works such as Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata or Bartok's 2nd Piano Concerto. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9703/1/Boris-Miksic-considering-run-at-Croatian-presidency.html Boris Miksic has amassed millions from his White Bear Township business Cortec Corp. Now, he said all he wants to do is give back to his country of Croatia - as its president. If he runs for the office in 2009, it won't be the first time. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9702/1/Dr-Mladen-Vraniae-in-the-Canadian-Medical-Hall-of-Fame.html In a world where diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions, Dr. Mladen Vraniæ is colossal. He is recognized as a global leader in diabetes research. In 2009 he will join the group of outstanding individuals recognized by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9701/1/Dennis-Kucinich-Receives-the-2008-Vinodol-Code-Award.html The Croatian American Bar Association (CABA) is pleased to announce that Dennis J. Kucinich (left) is the recipient of this year's CABA Vinodol Code Award for his outstanding contribution to the law as a tireless advocate for workers' rights, civil rights and human rights. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9697/1/Charles-Bene-French-expert-for-Croatian-Renaissance-writer-Marko-Marulic.html Dr. Charles Béné, a retired professor from the University of Grenoble, France, is a European authority on 16th century literature. He studied various aspects literary works of Marko Maruliæ, Croatian Renaissance writer, and his discourses were published in distinguished European magazines. He has also studied other Croatian writers of the Humanism and Renaissance movements. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9696/1/Ivana-Marija-Vidovic-Croatian-pianist-touring-Pennsylvania-NC--January-14-21-2008.html Ivana Marija Vidoviæ is Croatian pianist and poet, born and living in Dubrovnik. We are happy to announce her USA tour in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, January 14-21, 2008. She is a young pianist with great natural instinct, a beautiful musicality, lovely desire to express herself artistically, with taste, poetry and extroversion. She is the founder and artistic director of the Epidaurus Festival, and involved in humanitarian work. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9695/1/Goran-Simic-is-the-worlds-best-neuropathologist-in-2008.html Prof. Dr. Goran ©imiæ from the University of Zagreb won the award for his discovery of the spinal muscular - atrophy mechanism and, due to that, has been acclaimed as the world's best neuropathologist in 2008. The "Kurt Jellinger Prize" is awarded by one of the world's leading magazines specialising in neuropathology, "Acta Neuropathologica."  ©imiæ is also the first Croatian scientist whose picture has appeared on the cover of the journal. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9694/1/Croatias-Zeljko-Rohatinski-named-best-world-banker-in-2008.html "The Banker" magazine, which is one of the publications of a group of the most influential European newspaper, "The Financial Times", bestowed on the governor of the Croatian National Bank, Zeljko Rohatinski (left), two awards for the past year - the best governor of Europe and the best central bank governor of the world in 2008. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9692/1/Dr-Vinko-Ribariae-Hawaiian-captain-John-Dominis-originates-from-the-island-of-Rab.html Captain John Dominis is the father of John Owen, the husband of the last Hawaiian queen Liliuokalani. Prof. Dr. Vinko Ribariæ, on the photo, has issued a monograph in 2008 proving that both John Dominis and his son John Owen have their roots from the island of Rab in Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9683/1/New-Soccer-star-Argentinian-Croat-Dario-Cvitanich-nets-hat-trick-for-Ajax.html Dario Cvitanich (left) secured his hat trick in the 3-0 win over Den Haag inside the first hour of play (6', 17', 55'). He has also scored 6 goals in the last 3 games for Ajax. Cvitanich was born in Argentina but is of Croatian origin. mocnaj@gmail.com (Ratimir Mocnaj) Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9682/1/Renata-Pokupic-acclaimed-Croatian-mezzo-sporano.html Croatian mezzo-soprano Renata Pokupiæ is known internationally through her acclaimed performances of baroque, classical and other coloratura - mezzo repertoire as well as solo songs. She holds numerous awards among which are the International Circle of Friends and Patrons of Théâtre du Châtelet and the Orlando for the best performance at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival 2004 with the Purcell Quartet. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9679/1/Croatian-born-Mirna-Jukic-wins-Austrian-quotAthlete-of-the-Yearquot.html  Thomas Morgenstern (ski jumping) and Mirna Jukic (swimming) are the Austrian Athletes of the Year for 2008. More than 300 members of Sports Media Austria voted this year for the nation's top athletes including the team of the year. Mirna Jukic is Austria's most successful swimmer ever. Born in Croatia, she came to Austria in 1999 and received Austrian citizenship a year later. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9678/1/Ivica-Kostelic-Croatian-skier-wins-his-9th-World-Cup-at-Alta-Badia.html Ivica Kosteliæ, Croatian skier, secured his ninth career win at the Alta Badia slalom in Italy, finishing ahead of France's Jean-Baptiste Grange and Austria's Benjamin Raich. This is a nice introduction to a world skiing event "Snow Queen Trophy" that will take place on January 4th and 6th 2009  in Zagreb, capital of Croatia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9676/1/Ivan-Rabuzin-1921-2008-outstanding-Croatian-painter-died.html Ivan Rabuzin 1921-2008, Croatian painter, designed a curtain decorating the stage of one of the best Kyoto theaters in Japan, as well as the Takarazuka theater in Tokyo (10.5 x 24 m, 1980), and several other museums in Japan. Among numerous monographs devoted to his work we mention only Masayoshi Honme, Ivan Rabuzin, Taiji Harada, 1990, published by Kodanasha, Japan. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9675/1/Martin-Kotarski-Croatian-pupil-winner-of-prestigious-humanitarian-award-in-Japan.html We are proud to report in more detail about prestigious Japanese humanitarian award conferred by the Goi Peace Foundation to Martin Kotarski, a very young Croatian student. Martin is on the photo with Natalija Juri¹iæ, his prof. The report has been prepared on the bases of material submitted upon our request by Martin himself, exclusively for the readers of the CROWN. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9673/1/Petar-Zoranic-1508-1569-important-Croatian-Renaissance-writer.html In 2008 we mark 500 years since the birth of Petar Zoranic, Croatian Renaissance writer, born in the city of Zadar in 1508. He is best known for his novel Planine (The Mountains), published in 1569, the first one in the history of Croatian literature. It is considered to be the oldest novel about mountains in the world. It is also one of the earliest patriotic books in the history of Croatian literature. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9672/1/Zlata-Bartl-Croatian-inventor-of-Vegeta-died.html Zlata Bartl (1920-2008) is known as inventor of Vegeta, an original, natural, and universal condiment of unique taste. Vegeta was created in 1958 in Podravka company in the town of Koprivnica, Croatia, and is used in over 40 countries. It is one of the most popular of European condiments. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9671/1/Stjepan-Hauser-double-winner-at-international-music-competition-in-Italy.html On December 5th, 2008 Stjepan Hauser won two first prizes at the International Music Competition "Francesco Forgione" in Verbania, Italy near Milano. He won 100 points out of 100 and became absolute winner in two different categories (Solo and Solo with Orchestra). A part of the prize includes 70 concerts in Italy. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9668/1/Bishop-Alejandro-Goic-Karmelic-Chile-in-ad-limina-visit-to-pope-Benedict-XVI.html Pope Benedict XVI met with a group of 33 bishops from Chile, who were in Rome on their ad limina visit. Three of them are of Croatian origin. Moreover, Msgr. Alejandro Goic Karmelic (on the left with the Pope), whose both parents come from Croatian island of Braè, is the president of the Chilean Conference of Catholic bishops. He was a guest at Croatian program of the Radio Vatican where he spoke in Croatian. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9665/1/Vlaho-Paljetaks-Marijana-sung-by-Seiji-Tanaka-in-Japan-in-1976.html Vlaho Paljetak (1893-1944) is a famous Croatian pop singer born in Dubrovnik, known for several still very popular songs, among them Marijana. It is not widely known that this Croatian song had two Japanese recordings. It was sung by Seiji Tanaka in 1976. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9664/1/Miro-Gavran-3-premieres-in-3-countries-in-2-weeks-Latvia-Slovakia-and-Czech-R.html Miro Gavran, the most succesful contemporary Croatian playwright, will have three premieres of his plays in three European countries in only two weeks. His three playes "All About Men", "Greta Garbo's Secret" and "Othello from Susak Island" will be performed Latvia November 28,  2008. Slovakia December 11, 2008 and Czech Republic December 13, 2008 in respective languages. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9661/1/Slavonski-Poduzetnik-a-Croatian-success-story.html Vladimir Mihajloviæ, on the photo, is a newspaperman of Slavonski Poduzetnik - Slavonian Entrepreneur. He sent us a few very interesting stories published in this monthley issued in Osijek, a major town in Slavonija. Slavonia is a very fertile historical region on the north of Croatia. The editor in chief of this excellent bussiness journal is Tihomir Jelaviæ. vladom@xnet.hr (Vladimir Mihajlovi�) Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9660/1/Hrvoje-Gunjaca-Great-story-about-operation-of-eagle-owl-on-CNN.html An injured eagle owl was brought to the Falconry centre near ©ibenik, Croatia, with its wings badly damaged. Under carefully measured anaesthetic,  30 damaged feathers have been changed with new feathers. The operation was done by Emilio Menðu¹iæ, director of the centre (on the photo). The resulting film prepared by Hrvoje Gunjaèa was awarded by CNN. Daria.Marjanovic@hrt.hr (Prof. Daria Marjanovi�) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9655/1/Croatian-pupil-Martin-Kotarski-and-Bill-Gates-awarded-in-Japan.html   Martin Kotarski, 14 years old Croatian pupil, and Bill Gates (both on the photo), are recipients of a recognition from the Goi Peace Foundation in Japan. Martin received Children's Category 1st Prize for his essay Joined by a Cookbook. He prepared a cookbook with traditional Croatian meals in order to get money for poor people of his school. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9654/1/Ivan-Mestrovics-The-Descent-from-the-Cross-sold-for-250-000-EU-at-Sothebys.html Ivan Me¹troviæ (1883-1962), a famous Croatian sculptor, is probably best known for his Chicago Indians, prepared in Craatia in the course of two years. His another famous sculpture carved in wood is The Descent from the Cross,  exhibited with undprecedented success at Albert Museum in London in 1915. It has recently been sold for 250,000 EU at Sotheby's in London. mate.mestrovic@zg.t-com.hr (Dr. Mate Me�trovi�) Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9653/1/Croatian-Heroes-Kata-oljiae-legendary-Croatian-mother-died.html Kata ©oljiæ, considered as a hero of Homeland War, lost her four sons who defended Croatia in 1990s during the Battle for Vukovar. She was seeking the remains of her children for twelve years, and the last one was found in 2003. During the Second World War she lost her four brothers. Kata ©oljiæ died in 2008 in Zagreb, at the age of  87. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9650/1/Eck-Spahich-distinguished-Croatian-American-died.html Ekrem Eck Spahich (1945-2008) was distinguished Croatian American in Texas, born in the town of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1972, Eck organized the Croatian Philatelitic Society and started the social journal, Trumpeter (Trubljac). He was an active member of  "Bluebonnet" CFU Lodge 1836 in Houston. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9647/1/Hrvoje-Saric-1922-2007--inventor-of-the-first-360-degree-camera.html In 1972 Hrvoje Sariæ invented and patented the first professional 360  degree synchro-rotational photo-camera in history. In 1988 he deviced the first electronical construction consisting of nine BETACAM videocameras, catching the range of the full circle. It was used at 1998 and 2000 EXPO exhibitions in Lisbon and Hannover in Portugal and Germany. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9646/1/Valentina-Golubenko-and-Ivan-Saric-young-Croatian-world-chess-champions.html Valentina Golubenko and Ivan ©ariæ are world youth chess champions for 2008, at the competition organized in Vietnam. With two gold medals and one bronze, Croatia is ranked third at the World Competition, after India and Vietnam, and before China, Russia, USA, Germany etc. Congratulations from the CROWN! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9643/1/Katarina-Livljanic-presenting-Judith-in-Vancouver-Chicago-and-Kansas-City.html Katarina Livljaniæ, singer and musicologist, is one of the principal international specialists in medieval chant performance. Born in Zadar, Croatia, she directs the vocal ensemble Dialogos, Paris, specializing in medieval chant and liturgical theater of the Glagolitic tradition.  She will perform Judith in Vancouver, Chicago and Kansas City, November 2nd, 7th and 8th, 2008. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9641/1/Croatian-Heroes-Heroes-of-Vukovar-TV-serial-by-Eduard--Dominik-Galic-part-8.html Part 8 of the Vukovar Heroes series by Eduard and Dominik Galiæ, entitled Slavonska and Hercegovaèka Street will be available on Friday 24.10.2008, at 20.10. You'll meet Mirko Brekalo senior, Nenad Gagiæ (on the photo), Ivan Kapular, Ivica Lukiæ, Dragan Luketiæ, Ivica Habajec. dominik.galic@missart.hr (Dominik Gali�, producer) Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9639/1/Ante-Gabric-the-Saint-of-Sundarban-in-India.html  Fr. Ante Gabriæ (Metkoviæ, Croatia 1915 - Bengal, 1988) lived like a  Bengali, and he worked tirelessly for the spiritual development of  the Bengali community in India. People in Bengal consider Fr. Gabriæ should be beatified like mother Teresa and all the people are praying for for this. He was very much related to Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata  and they worked hand in hand. nema@nema.in (Fr. Sylvester Xavier) Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9636/1/Croatian-Heroes-Heroes-of-Vukovar-TV-serial-by-Eduard--Dominik-Galic-part-7.html Part 7 of the Vukovar Heroes series by Eduard and Dominik Galiæ, entitled New Banijska Street will be available on Friday 17.10.2008, at 20.10. Main characters in this episode are Miroslav and Tomislav Josiæ, Vlatko Voloder, Ivica Bano¾iæ, Ivan Kapula and Dragutin ©pac (on the left). dominik.galic@missart.hr (Dominik Gali�, producer) Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9635/1/Ivan-Vueetiae-the-father-of-dactiloscopy---fingerprinting-as-a-method-of-identification.html Ivan Vuèetiæ (1858-1925), in Argentina better known as Juan Vucetich, introduced dactilosopy, that is, fingerprinting as a method of identification. This year we mark 150 years since his birth on the island of Hvar. On this occasion The Croatian Heritage Foundation in Zagreb has organized a series of events and issued a nice publication. muzej@matis.hr (Ljerka Galic, prof.) Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9634/1/Helen-Crlenkovich-renowned-Croatian---American-springboard-diver.html Helen Crlenkovich (1921-1955) was one of the most successful athletes in America and the world on the three-meter springboard and the ten-meter platform. She was an American-born Croatian lovingly known as  "Klinky." She was the first female to do a full-twisting 1 1/2 somersault and several other dives that were heretofore only achieved by men. cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante �uvalo) Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9633/1/Croatian-Heroes-Vinko-Gecan-USA.html Vinko Gecan (1862-1916) is one whose name is woven into the historical fabric of our Croatian and American people. True heroism is not something that is planned. Rather, it is something that takes place under difficult circumstances as presented by life. Heroic moments are those that for some mysterious urge within us surface out of love for others - those in danger or need. cuvalo@gmail.com (Dr. Ante �uvalo) Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9630/1/Mirna-Brkanovic-working-on-her-debut-film.html Mirna Brkanoviæ studied at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb since 1994. In 1997 she started studying  at the Academy of Television and Film in Munich, Germany. "Hidden Truth" is her graduation film. At the moment she is working on her debut film. Her motto is: "Stay true to your deepest and inmost wishes, because one day they will become your true." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9629/1/Croatian-Heroes-Heroes-of-Vukovar-TV-serial-by-Eduard--Dominik-Galic-part-5.html Part 5 of the Vukovar Heroes series by Eduard and Dominik Galiæ is among others about Zdenko Horvat, Croatian defender (on the left), who destroyed 10 tanks and one armored vehicle and almost alone stopped a large enemy breakthrough in Vukovar across Bobota channel in 1991. dominik.galic@missart.hr (Dominik Gali�, producer) Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9628/1/Eduard--Dominik-Galic-Croatian-film-producers.html Eduard Galiæ and his son Dominik (on the left) are very successful film producers. Especially important is their joint work on the Heroes of Vukovar series, which is just being shown by Croatian Television with great success. Dominik holds a Croatian national record in butterfly swimming. dominik.galic@missart.hr (Dominik Gali�, producer) Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9627/1/Mark-Begich-for-US-Senate-to-be-the-first-Croatian-American-in-the-US-Senate.html I met with Mayor Begich last night in Washington, DC and was very impressed with his wit, intelligence and commitment to bring reform and an energy expertise to the U.S. Senate. He acknowledged how pleased his dad was with all the support he received from Croatian Americans when he was starting his first campaign and did get elected to the U.S. Congress in 1970. It's our time now to help elect for the first time ever - a  Croatian American in the U.S. Senate letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9625/1/Marin-Soljaeiae-Named-MacArthur-Fellow-for-Work-on-Wireless-Power.html Asked how it felt to be a certified genius, Marin Soljaèiæ (left) laughed, "What, did I just grow a second head?" No, it's just that his head’s in two fields at once-electrical engineering and physics. That polyvirtuosity may have helped the MIT professor win one of the 25 fellowships announced today by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9624/1/Branimir-Budetiae-won-silver-medal-for-Croatia-in-China.html Branimir Budetiæ of Croatia celebrates after finishing second during the final of the men's javelin F11-12 classification event at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in Beijing on September 10, 2008. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9623/1/Darko-Kralj-won-gold-medal-for-Croatia-in-China.html Darko Kralj won gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Paraolympic Games in China. Competing in Men's Shot Put he broke a new world record at the National Stadium known as Bird's Nest. He said: "My biggest wish was to listen to the Croatian anthem in Beijing." Mr. Kralj lost his left leg  in 1991 during the Serbian aggression on Croatia (1990-1995). darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9622/1/Croatian-Heroes-Dr-Juraj-Njavro-legendary-surgeon-at-the-Vukovar-Hospital-died.html  Dr. Juraj Njavro (1938-2008) was a legendary Croatian surgeon at the Vukovar Hospital in 1991, during one of the most dramatic events in the history of Croatia. He was known as exceptionally pleasant and tolerant person. He wrote a book about his internment after the Serbian occupation of the city of Vukovar. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9621/1/Antonia-Balek-won-two-gold-medals-for-Croatia-in-China.html Antonia Balek two gold medals for Croatia at the 2008 Paraolympic Games in China. The first gold medal has been won in women's javelin, and the second in women's Shot Put, both with new world records. The competition was held in the National Stadium known as Bird's Nest in front of 85,000 spectators. Antonia survived  a deep coma which lasted for 3 years. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9619/1/Billy-Kirchen-and-his-musical-quotMirrors-of-Desirequot-in-New-York-on-October-19th.html Mirrors of Desire is a magical love story set to music and dance complete with a fairy godmother of sorts, angels, imps, and of course magic.. Preview of musical, "Mirrors of Desire" is on October 19th 2008 at the Richmond Shepard Theatre 309 East 26th Street, New Yok City, New York. 8 PM. American baritone, pianist, and composer Billy Kirchen is very proud of his Croatian roots. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9612/1/For-retired-coach-Chuck-Mrazovich-keeping-fits-a-slam-dunk.html At 84, Chuck Mrazovich has been aging well. The retired EKU basketball coach keeps himself fit and by staying active with multiple hobbies, like antiques, raising grandchildren designing furniture, playing the brac, eating well and working out. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9606/1/Veljko-Rogosic-first-to-swim-from-Europe-to-Africa-via-Sicilia-in-July-2008.html Veljko Rogo¹iæ, one of the most famous longdistance swimmers in history, swam from the island of Sicilia to Tunisia at the age of 67! He is thus the first human being to be able to connect Europe and Africa along this way. It took him 50 hours. This is one of the greatest achievements of Croatian sport in history. He is swimming under the motto "With sport against drugs!" darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9605/1/Erik-Margan-an-artistic-scientist-in-search-for-invisible-particles.html Erik Margan is a specialist in electronics working in Slovenia, with roots from Croatia. He participates a particle physics experiment called ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland. The ATLAS detector will search for new discoveries in the head-on collisions of protons of extraordinarily high energy. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9603/1/Croatian-Heroes-Pavo-Urban-defended-Dubrovnik-with-his-camera.html Pavo Urban was a young photographer. He lost his life in 1991 during Serbian and Montenegrin shelling and bombing of the city of Dubrovnik with his photo camera in hands. His last photos are taken literally a few seconds before his tragic death. His photos reveal subtle spirituality of a young soul. Great talent. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9599/1/Marko-Vuketiae-Burgendland-Croat-Austrian-ambassador-in-Ukraine.html His Excellency Mr. Marko Vuketiæ was recently appointed as Austrian ambassador in Ukraine. He belongs to Croatian branch in Austria known under the name of Burgendland Croats, or Gradi¹æanski Hrvati, living there since the 16th century. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9595/1/Andrija-Stampar-Croatian-scientist-father-of-the-World-Health-Organization.html Andrija ©tampar (1888-1958), Croatian scientist and professor at the University of Zagreb, is the father of the World Health Organization, founded 60 years ago. He introduced the public health service in China in 1930s, where he spent three years as a specialist and representative of the then League of Nations. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9594/1/Charles-Billichs-Bing-Ma-Yong-cycle-of-paintings-in-China.html Inspired by the conviction that the Chinese Olympic Committee should adopt a traditional symbol as the official image of the 2008 Beijing Bid, Billich created the Bing Ma Yong cycle of paintings. Charles Billich is Croatian-Australian painter, born in Croatia, and official painter of the 2008 Olympiad in China. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9592/1/Marijan-Busic---a-Croatian-visionary-with-The-Cravat.html  The name of Mr. Marijan Bu¹iæ, Zagreb, is with the unbreakable knot connected to one of the most original and the most attractive Croatian products and souvenirs worldwide, the indigenous Croatian invention - to the CRAVAT. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9591/1/Ilija-Veselicas-photo-view-of-Croatia.html Ilija Veselica, born in the town of Sinj, Coratia, is a student of Computer Science at the University of Split. He offers us his poetic view to various parts of Croatia via his top quality photos. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9589/1/Stjepan-Radiae-1871-1928-The-Russian-branch-of-our-Jelacics.html Stjepan Radiæ is one of the greatest Croatian personalities of the 20th century. We present his article dealing with a branch of the Croatian noble family of Jelaèiæ in Russia and their contribution to the Russian culture. With this article we mark 80 years from his tragic destiny. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9586/1/International-Conference-in-honour-of-Josip-Pecaric-in-Trogir-Croatia.html On the left you can see three mathematicians: professor Lars-Erik Persson, Sweden, academician Vladimir D. Stepanov, Russia, and academician Josip Peèariæ, Croatia. An exceptionally successful international math conference was orgnaized in June in the town of Trogir, attended by 150 participants. Trogir is a part of World Cultural Heritage, protected by UNESCO. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9576/1/Korado-Korlevic-and-Visnjan-Astronomical-Observatory-in-Croatia.html Korado Korleviæ is Croatian astronomer of international reputation, infatigable promoter and popularizer of astronomy, especially among the young. He founded the Vi¹njan Observatory in the town of Vi¹njan in Istria, where he discovered more than 1,100 asteroids and three comets. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9570/1/Drazen-Petrovic-a-famous-Croatian-basketball-player-left-us-15-years-ago.html Dra¾en Petroviæ, a famous Croatian basketball player, died on June 1993, ie 15 years ago. With all the problems going on in Croatia back then, Dra¾en gave all of Croatia the joy of Basketball to alleviate their pains. His very nice monument can be seen in front of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. ipuscenik@yahoo.com (Ivan Pu��enik) Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9562/1/Azra-Ljumanoviae-little-known-Croatian-sprituality.html Azra Kristina Ljumanoviæ (1958-1998) is one of the symbols of Croatian spirituality. Working as a school-teacher, she left deep and indelible traces on her pupils and contemporaries with her beautiful songs, poetry and inspiring Christian messages. mario.essert@inet.hr (Prof. Dr. Mario Essert) Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9547/1/Ivana-Zahiroviae-invited-to-play-flute-in-Kansas-City-on-August-7-10-2008.html Ivana Zahiroviæ, Croatian flutist living in Germany, is invited to have a performance at the National Flute Association Convention in Kansas City, Missoury, USA, in August 7-10, 2008. She will appear with another Croatian musician living in Germany, Diana Grubiæ on piano. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9540/1/Brenda-Brkusic-Named-quotTop-Business-Executive-Under-40-Years-Oldquot.html From Chapman University, to the Halls of Congress, European Union, and a high-profile position as channel manager of KOCE-TV's OC Channel - activist, humanitarian, and businesswoman, Brenda Brkusic (left), has been named to OC Metro Business magazine's list of "Top 40 Business Executives and Entrepreneurs Under 40 years old." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9535/1/Stjepan-Hauser-performed-for-Prince-Charles-at-Buckingham-Palace-on-April-23-2008.html We are happy to announce that Croatian cellist Stjepan Hauser, one of the most promising upcoming instrumentalist today, performed for Prince Charles at the Buckingham Palace on April 23rd, 2008. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9536/1/Robert-Beliniae---Guitar-performs-in-New-York-City-on-April-29th-2008.html Young Concert Artists will present Croatian guitarist Robert Beliniæ’s New York concerto debut on April 29, 2008 with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s conducted by Michael Stern. "Robert Belinic displayed charm, musicality, virtuosity and spirit. He performed the Bach Chaconne with an astonishingly warm and evocative tone, full of feeling." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9533/1/Niko-Dzapo-will-be-racing-for-Team-USA-in-China-May-29---June-1-2008.html Great success by young Niko Dzapo (left). Niko will be racing as part of the Team USA at the UCI BMX World Championship in Taiyaun China which will be held on May 29 - June 1, 2008. This has been a dream come true for Niko to represent the USA. Niko's motto is "keep trying, you have nothing to lose". ddzapo@tibco.com (Dragan Dzapo) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9525/1/Duje-Draganja-the-fastest-swimming-man-on-the-planet-Earth.html   Croatian Superman, Duje Draganja, the fastest swimming man on the planet conquers world record on 50 meters free style in Manchester, England on April 11th 2008. The Croatian swimmer, wearing Speedo's LZR Racer suit, finished in 20.81 seconds. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9520/1/Damir-Spanic---Artist-of-the-Week---Photographer-for-Life.html   It was the turning point of trying to capture the essence of the person, after arrival of an idea that all people are beautiful for no reason related to their outside appearance but more to inner qualities. Now I am a stock and lifestyle photographer with the strongest point in portraits and emotive portraits. I license my images through a Canadian agency, subsidiary of Getty. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9515/1/Josip-Ganza-Croatian-klapa-singing-break-out-to-Europe.html Dalmatian klapa singing is a part of Croatian identity and being such is dear to us all. Our klapas know nothing about Italian people's choirs, and Italians even less about our klapas. That was unallowable hole and Josip Ganza was intrigued by and felt the urge to fill in. iremlanik@gmail.com (Irena Nikoli�) Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9512/1/Croatians-in-America---photo-collection-by-Vladimir-Novak-part-2.html Mr. Vladimir Novak is well known for his rich collection of photos related to life and work of Croatians in America, collected over several decades in the USA. We continue with the second part of a series of articles. Much of this material is presented for the first time, exclusively for the readers of CROWN. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9510/1/Vladimir-Devide-and-Haiku-poetry-in-Croatia.html Professor Vladimir Devidé, Croatian mathematician, is better known as outstanding Japanologist and tireless promoter of haiku poetry. Croatia is one of the most successful nations in haiku in the world, counting the number of prizes won at various international competitions. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 16 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9467/1/Professor-Balthazar-and-Zagreb-Film-a-Croatian-trademark.html Probably the most famous Croatian professor worldwide is Professor Balthazar, a well known figure from Croatian cartoon movie series initiated in 1967 by late Zlatko Grgiæ. This was the most successful project of Zagreb Film ever. His popularity is amazing even today, especially in Scandinavian countries, but also in Iran for example! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9455/1/Belichick--Diehl-Two-Croatian-Americans-face-off-at-Super-Bowl-XLII.html Croatian-American Bill Belichick (left) has led the England Patriots to three Super Bowl victories, the most recent in 2005. This Sunday, February 3, 2008, his Patriots face the New York Giants led by fellow Croatian-American offensive lineman David Diehl. The Giants have not won a Super Bowl since 1990 and are ready to rise to the challenge. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9454/1/Guitarist-Ana-Vidoviae-says-she-cant-imagine-her-life-without-music.html It is surprising to hear that a young woman who describes herself as being both close to her family and an introvert moved across the Atlantic Ocean on her own at 20 to become a performer. Ana Vidoviæ is far from her native Croatia, but feels at home wherever she is when she has her trusted guitar along. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9437/1/The-Worlds-Healthiest-Foods-by-George-Mateljan.html The George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods was established by George Mateljan to discover, develop and share scientifically proven information about the benefits of healthy eating, and to provide the personalized support individuals need to make eating The World's Healthiest Foods enjoyable, easy, quick and affordable. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9439/1/Croatian-sensations---Niko-Micin-and-Petra-Radovic-at-the-University-of-Washington.html Each year, thousands of students from around the country come to Seattle to start their college careers at the UW. Some come from small towns, some from big cities and some even come from other countries. Niko Micin (left) and Petra Radovic are two people who fall into the latter category. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9434/1/Croatian-Aussie-Stan-Bilic-quotMoney-wont-make-you-rich-insidequot.html Stan Bilic (left) moved to Sydney in 1970 at 22 and then settled in Melbourne. He is a leading figure in the Australian-Croatian community, runs a building company that specialises in residential homes and is the president of Melbourne Knights, one of the biggest and most prominent football clubs in the country. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9425/1/Mime-Cuvalo-web-developer-and-proponent-of-open-web-standards.html Mime Cuvalo, on the photo with small Stipo Adzaip, is a young Croatian web developer and proponent of open web standards. He is currently employed at three jobs: YouTube/Google, finishing up FireFTP, and creating the online music database The Rock Hard Times. His "charityware" FireFTP has been downloaded over 4.5 million times! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9421/1/Croatians-in-America---photo-collection-by-Vladimir-Novak-part-1.html Mr. Vladimir Novak, on the left with Alma Franuloviæ Planèiæ in Croatian national costume, is well known for his rich collection of photos related to life and work of Croatians in America, collected over several decades in the USA. We start with a series of articles, presented for the first time exclusively for the readers of CROWN. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9420/1/Amigos-del-Museo-Krekoviae-Palma-de-Mallorca-Spain.html Amigos del Museo Krekoviæ (Friends of Krekoviæ's Gallery) is a society in Spain which in 2007 opened a nice blog devoted to life and work of Kristian Krekoviæ, a famous Croatian painter. His gallery in Palma de Mallorca has been solemnly opened in 1981 by the Spanish Queen Sophia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9400/1/Compassionate-player-Vedran-Corluka-BiH-and-Croatias-pride.html 'Me and my family have had to fight for everything that we have ever had and I still have that attitude. It has played a big part in helping me deal with life and my profession.'  Raised in the small Bosnian village of Derventa, Corluka and his family fled to Croatia when he was six to escape a Serb onslaught that was to burn down the family house letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9401/1/Croatian-Americans-The-Cynics-waited-till-their-40s-to-release-best-yet.html Five long years went by without The Cynics rolling anything new out of the garage. The USA Today even called "Here We Are" "one of the best neo-garage-rock albums in years."It began as just an acoustic demo for the principals, Gregg Kostelich and Michael Kastelic, (left) but it turned into a rock 'n' roll explosion with the help of producer Jorge Explosion. JKraljic@msn.com (John Kralji�, Esq) Sat, 22 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9405/1/Ivan--Klasnic-enjoys-fairytale-finish.html Werder Bremen's Ivan Klasnic (left) enjoyed a Christmas fairytale finish to the kidney transplant nightmare - which almost ended his career - with two goals in the 5-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9376/1/Zvonimir-Janko-an-outstanding-Croatian-mathematician.html Zvonimir Janko, professor of mathematics at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, is a well known expert in the theory of finite groups. His discovery in 1964 of the group now called the first Janko group in his honour, launched the modern theory of sporadic groups. We wish him a happy 75th birthday! And a happy 100th birthday to his father in Bjelovar, Croatia! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9371/1/Zoran-Dukiae-Croatian-guitarist-one-of-the-most-prominent-players-of-today.html Zoran Dukiæ won more prizes on international competitions than any other guitarist in the world. He had solo concerts in more than 30 countries on all five continents. He is teaching among others at the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague, Hochschule für Musik in Aachen, and at the Escuela Superior de Musica de Barcelona. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9369/1/Sidro-Californias-favorite-Croatian-Tamburitza-Orchestra.html Sidro, formerly known as Blue Adriatic, is one of Northern California's favorite Croatian Tamburitza Orchestras. For over 20 years, Sidro has been performing throughout California, accompanied San Jose's Koraci Folklore dance group in Croatian Folklore Festivals throughout Canada, and fused Tamburitza music with rock'n'roll when recording on Nenad Bach's, "Thousand Years of Peace". letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9359/1/Nikola-Baiae-author-of-the-Zadar-Sea-Organ.html Nikola Ba¹iæ, on the left, is one of the pioneers of cultural tourism in Croatia, author of the project of the Zadar Sea Organ, the newly built urban musical attraction in the city of Zadar, Croatia. His principal collaborator was Ivan Stamaæ, expert in acoustics who contributed musical solutions to the project. The random music is created by sea waves and tubes. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9349/1/Zdravko-Duemeliae--el-pintor-preferido-de-Borges.html Zdravko Duèmeliæ (1923-1989), outstanding Croatian - Argentinean painter, masterfully illustrated a famous book "Laberintos", written by Jorge Luis Borges, with his surreal, quasi-metaphysical works. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9348/1/Silvija-Gradeeak---young-and-brilliant-Croatian-scientist-born-in-Vukovar.html Professor Silvija Gradeèak, with diploma in physics, University of Zagreb, Croatia, 1999, is employed at MIT, USA. Her research focuses on nano-photonics and electronics. She explores novel optoelectronic applications such as nanoscale light-emitting sources, single photon sources, or nanowire lasers. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9344/1/Luka-Brajnovic-outstanding-Croatian-scholar-in-Spain.html Luka Brajnoviæ (1919-2001) was professor of Ethics of the University of Navarra, a former director of the Institute of Artes Liberales, a well known Spanish intellectual, a Croat born in Boka kotorska. A prestigeous international award Premio Brajnovic a la communication was established in 1997, ie during his lifetime. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9312/1/ProfDr-Daniel-D-Gajski-a-hero-of-Computer-Science.html Prof.Dr. Franz Ramming: "... Daniel Gajski did not just light the fire, he also fuelled it substantially. During the last three decades he achieved pioneering results. He was a principal contributor to the areas Silicon Compilation, High-Level Synthesis, and System-Level Design. ..." c.mateo@verizon.net (Martin Cvjetkovi�) Sun, 21 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9301/1/Jaz-Spelic-Actor-Producer-based-in-Sydney-The-Trinity-of-Vukovar.html Since graduating in 2004, most of my time has been spent developing 'The Trinity of Vukovar'. I am also employed as a guest Actor at Sydney's International Film School, have done a few televison commercials and my first feature film 'The Warrior' was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Directed by Melbourne based Croatian, Steve Ravic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9284/1/Henry-Suzzallo-president-of-the-University-of-Washington-from-1915-to-1926.html Henry Suzzallo (1875-1933) was president of the University of Washington from 1915 to 1926. The central library of the University of Washington is called Suzzallo Library. His parents Petar and Ana Suzzallo, Croatians originating from Dalmatia, arrived to San Francisco in 1852. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9276/1/Vida-Jurcic-runs-an-award-winning-design-firm-Hangar-18.html   Vida Jurcic is a principal of Hangar 18, a fast-growing, award-winning design firm specializing in corporate and retail communications that she co-founded in 1996.  to_nena@hotmail.com (Nena Kazulin) Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9268/1/Nick-Bicanic-Director-Producer--Creator---A-new-filmmaking-star-on-a-horizon.html Nick Bicanic comes to the film and television industry from 8 years of experience in the world of new media. Nick abandoned PhD studies in Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. Shadow Company is his new film. Nick will testify on Friday Sept 21 on a Capitol Hill. Watch CSPAN letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9223/1/Ivan-Krstiae-Harvard-Making-antivirus-software-obsolete.html  Instead of blocking specific viruses, Krstiæ's system sequesters every program on the computer in a separate virtual operating system, preventing any program from damaging the computer, stealing files, or spying on the user. "This defeats the entire purpose of writing a virus," says Krstiæ. hrabri.rajic@intel.com (Hrabri Raji�, Ph.D.) Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9216/1/Nela-Erinik-a-Croatian-actress-and-entertainer-died.html   Nakon kratke bolesti u Voloskom  umrla je 14. kolovoza 2007. u 84. godini Nela Er¾i¹nik, hrvatska glumica, estradna umjetnica i najveæa komièarka hrvatske scene. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9214/1/Zoran-Orliae---Brilliant-book---The-Frames-behind-the-glass---True-Rock-and-Roll.html   Zoran Orlic is a Croatian-born fine arts photographer with a flair for revealing the many moods of rock photography. Orlic's passion for the camera and music has led him to capture rock bands on film for the last seventeen years. Orlic's snapshots have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, websites and music packaging. A new star is born. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9211/1/2-Silver-medals-for-Croatia-at-the-World-University-Games.html Josipa Kusanic (right), and Danijela Grgic won silver in Taekwondo and the 400 meter race respectively at the 24th World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9210/1/Martin-Sinkovic-wins-bronze-in-Beijing.html  Martin Sinkovic (left) won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Beijing, China. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9207/1/New-Jersey-Singer-is-1-in-Croatia.html  When Gina Picinic was a senior at North Bergen High School a few years ago, she was already a recording star in her native land of Croatia. Just 17, Picinic was like the Croatian version of Celine Dion. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9200/1/Marko-Puljiae-PhD-Philosophy-with-the-touch-of-Artificial-Intelligence.html   Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, University of Memphis, 2005. Master of Science in Finance, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, 1998. Bachelor of Science in Mathematics / Economics, University of Zagreb, 1996. Unique, to say the least. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9126/1/Mark-Viduka-Croatian-Australian.html   Mark Viduka (left) is surprised how much the green and gold shirt has become ingrained in his soul. He has contemplated leaving behind the Australian national team many times. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9105/1/Family-tradition-continues-at-Grgich-Hills---The-Croatian-connection.html Of his life's work, 84-year-old Mike Grgich says he is clearly not done, but adds, "All of my life's work is coming to fruition unexpectedly."   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9088/1/Michael-Kaufman-Power-Values-and-Reform-Through-the-EU-Accession-Process.html   The EU's efforts to promote democratic development are at odds with the incentives created by the accession process itself, where the EU gives priority to efficiency over legitimacy, which leads to questions about the potential of the EU to export its own democratic deficit...with a specific reference to Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9079/1/Miro-Gavrans-works-translated-into-more-than-30-languages.html   Miro Gavran, the contemporary Croatian author, was born in 1961. His works have been translated into more than thirty languages, and he is the most prolific and frequently performed writer. He has published eight books of prose for adults. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9057/1/Dr-Drago-tambuk-one-of-Croatias-best-loved-poets---Presentacion-de-Andres-Morales.html Dr. Drago Stambuk is presently the Croatian ambassador to Japan and former Croatian ambassador to Great Britain, India, Egypt and six other Arab countries; he is a medical doctor and researcher; and one of Croatia's best loved poets. His selected poems are being published in a volume which will comprise approximately 600 poems.        letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9030/1/FC-Sydney-inks-Croatia-born-Culina-as-coach.html  Croatia-born Branko Culina (left) has signed a two-year contract to coach Sydney FC in Australia's A-League soccer competition, the team's third coach in less than a year. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9018/1/Croatian-born-Radovan-Vlatkovic-virtuoso-hornist-makes-it-sound-easy.html  Croatian-born Radovan Vlatkovic renders divine sounds from the notoriously difficult French horn.   EAAndrus@comcast.net (Edward Andrus) Sat, 07 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9010/1/Damir-Matausic-sculptor-and-medal-designer.html   The medal designer creates this system gradually as a symbolic sublimation of history. The central circle of values - the national culture - has been analitically articulated by Matausic. I would say: An incredible artist.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8995/1/Domagoj-Ivanovic-violinist---violin-teacher.html   Mr. Ivanovic appeared as a soloist with the Zagreb Philharmonic orchestra and with the Miami Symphony orchestra. Described as a player with "clear technique and great sensitivity" by El Nuevo Herald, he has performed in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, France, Spain, Hungary, Canada, and the United States. fedor.kabalin@nyu.edu (Fedor Kabalin) Sat, 24 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8992/1/Prof-Dr-Nikola-Buble.html   He is an author of ninety (90) professional and scholarly papers and twenty six (26) recording editions. In his scholarly papers he 'plunges into interpersonal relations, social environment and cultural circumstances, and in that way he sets the whole music culture into an enlarged social context' and by doing so he expresses' a differentiated need for ethnomusicology research of the phenomenon of music'. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8963/1/Carmen-Verlichak-Los-Croatas-de-la-Argentina.html Carmen Verlichak is a well known Argentinean writer with Croatian roots. She is the author of  important book Los Croatas de la Argentina. Recently an exibition was opened in Zagreb with a nice collection of photos devoted to Croatians in Argentina. Her brother Joza Vrljicak is one of pioneers of Internet promotion of Croatian culture worldwide via Studia Croatica journal,  Buenos Aires.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8956/1/Vjera-Odak-Jembrih-Receives-Teaching-Merit-Award.html Ms Vjera Odak, a teacher at the Elly Basic school of music, was chosen among 117 candidates from all around the world to receive the most significant award for classical accordion teachers - the CIA Merit Award.   nikola.mihaljevic@unimedia.hr (Nikola Mihaljevic) Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8946/1/Goodbye-Champion-is-the-five-piece-incarnation-with-a-Croatian-roots.html Collaborative recording effort between Steven Vidaic and Aaron Snyder. They began earnestly writing and recording together in late 2003 focussing their efforts on the cohesive marriage of words and music. Their songs are a mixture of social commentary and personal experience.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 16 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8940/1/Katarina-Livljaniae-in-the-USA-and-Canada-in-February-2007-with-Tondals-Vision.html Places of performances of Dialogos Ensemble, Paris, directed by Katarina Livljaniæ: New York City (Feb. 18th),  Wellesley College (Feb. 20th), Vancouver (Feb. 22nd), Kansas City (Feb. 24th). Tondal's vision is an Irish legend from 12th century, which in the 15th century became a part of the Croatian Glagolitic literature (The Petris Miscellany, 1468). darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8937/1/Darko-Ivaneiae8217s-story---Genes-of-stone-and-the-sea-in-his-veins.html   Collaborate - Innovate - Integrate. The production and engineering literary started in his own garage, which is how ELCON Marine started. The largest cruise ship in the world, Queen Mary II, they equipped. Creativity and quality are the two principles he goes by in life. His deepest wish is to implement thier expertise and knowledge in the future of Croatia. elcon-marine@ri.t-com.hr (Dragana Mi�eti�) Sat, 10 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8925/1/George-quotCatfishquot-Metkovich---Outfielder-and-First-Baseman.html Got the nickname "Catfish" from his Boston teammates, after he stepped on a catfish while trying to pull the hook out of its mouth and a barbed fin went through the crepe sole of his shoe, incapacitating him during Spring training.   olujanovine@hotmail.com (Tomislav Kapular) Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8910/1/Famous-Croatian-American-Philosopher-Prof-Dr-Daniel-Kolak.html   Kolak's numerous articles, stories, essays, books and other creative works bridge traditional philosophy with all areas of inquiry and expression, from neuroscience to quantum mechanics, from logic and mathematics to art, music and literature. Among his best known recent works are I Am You: The Metaphysical Foundations for Global Ethics letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8906/1/A-Cellar-Full-of-Miracles.html Wine has been part of Miljenko Grgich's (left) life since he was born, the youngest of 11 children in the small village of Desne, Croatia. His father was a respected winemaker and young Miljenko, at the age of 3, would be put into a vat of grapes and told to - walk around and have a good time.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8900/1/Andrija-Mohorovieiae-and-his-MOHO-discontinuity-of-the-Earth.html Among scientists studying seismology the famous Moho layer (or Moho discontinuity) of the Earth is well known. It was named after the great Croatian geophysicist Andrija Mohorovièiæ (1857-1936), professor at the University of Zagreb. His discovery was essential for understanding the inner structure of the Earth and the behavior of seismic waves. This is one of the greatest achievements in the history of Croatian science.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8894/1/John-Mayasich-Olympic-medal-winner-The-First-Miracle-on-Ice.html John Mayasich (right) has enjoyed an outstanding career as one of the top broadcast executives in Minnesota. A talented athlete, he is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and an Olympic medal winner.   olujanovine@hotmail.com (Tomislav Kapular) Thu, 11 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8893/1/Croatias-Ana-Jelusic-en-Route-to-the-Podium.html   Ana Jelusic was excited about her first ever World Cup podium on home soil after twice finishing fourth earlier this season. "I wondered if I could manage such a result here despite the pressure from the crowd and the media and I'm proud to have achieved such a performance in front of so many fans," said the young skier from Rijeka, who turned 20 on Dec. 29. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 10 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8889/1/Otto-Lang-1908-2006-Northwest-icon-founded-first-ski-school-at-Mount-Rainier.html   Otto Lang, a skiing pioneer and filmmaker, was a Northwest icon who had few equals in elegance, work ethic and zest for life. Lang, who touched the lives of neophyte skiers and Hollywood stars alike, died at his West Seattle home at the age of 98. olujanovine@hotmail.com (Tomislav Kapular) Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8887/1/Ivan-Illich-1926-2002.html Ivan Illich, was one of the world's great thinkers, a polymath whose output covered vast terrains. He worked in 10 languages; he was a jet-age ascetic with few possessions; he explored Asia and South America on foot; and his obligations to his many collaborators led to a constant criss-crossing of the globe in the last two decades. olujanovine@hotmail.com (Tomislav Kapular) Tue, 09 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8875/1/Night-At-The-Museum---New-Movie-Has-Croatian-Roots---Milan-Trenc-in-Action.html Milan Trenc (pictured right) was born in 1962. in Zagreb, Croatia where he graduated graphic arts and film direction. His comic strips appeared in Heavy Metal Magazine and his children's book, The Night At the Museum (Baron's 1993,) became a Twentieth Century Fox. feature movie directed by Shawn Levy, with an all star cast including Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke.   stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 21 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8869/1/William-Feller--outstanding-Croatian---American-mathematician.html  William Feller (Zagreb, 1906 - New York, 1970), graduated in mathematics from the University of Zagreb (1925), earned his PhD in Göttingen (1926), since 1939 living in the USA. One of the founders of Probability Theory as a scientific discipline. Many mathematical notions bear his name. Author of a one of the best math textbooks of the 20th century. Recipient of the National Medal of Science, USA. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8861/1/Edin-Dino-Zonic-winner-of-Golden-Karma-National-Awards-2006.html Edin Dino Zonic winner of Golden Karma National Awards 2006. Unity Through Music a nonprofit organization founded by Maestro Dino Zonic. As Composer, Conductor and Cultural Ambassador, Maestro Zonic is dedicated to continuing the expansion of peace and unity through music, music that bridges cultural, national and religious barriers to bring the universal message of peace.   jeep77@prodigy.net (Peggy Jurecic Jasina) Fri, 08 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8855/1/IGOR-SUNARA-Director-of-Photography-HFS.html   Education: BA, Honours in Film and TV. University of Westminster, UK. American Dream 1990 Oskar, Dir/Barbara Kopple. Music Videos (selected list) Bon Jovi, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Liza Minelli, Barry Manilow, Notorious BIG, Lil Kim. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8854/1/Priv-Doz-Dr-med-Natalija-Novak-Winner-of-2006-Heisenberg-Fellowship-of-the-German-Research-Council.html 2003: Fujisawa Young Investigator Award on Achievments in the Field of Atopic Dermatitis Research2004: Karl Hansen Award DGAKI 2004 2005. Heinz Maier Leibnitz Award 2005 of the German Research Council 2005. Award on Atopic Dermatitis Research (Pro Derma Foundation) 2006: Heisenberg-Fellowship of the German Research Council   marianne.novak@hotmail.de (Marianne Novak) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8853/1/Tomislav-Kuzmanoviae-Esq---Croatian-Rising-Star---8220Super-Lawyer8221-for-the-second-time.html   In November 2006, Mr. Kuzmanovic was named for the secondtime a "Super Lawyer" in the area of Business Litigation byWisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2006 magazine. Inaddition, he was profiled as the subject of "A Small Part to Play,"an article in Super Lawyers describing his litigation practice andhis human rights work on behalf of independent Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8841/1/Can-We-Go-Higher.html www.croatia.org is a web site initiated by Nenad Bach. It is an attempt to answer the question "Can We Go Higher?", raised in the title of his beautiful song. We invite you to visit his fantastic video-clips maintained at video.google.com, revealing the driving force and spirituality of the artist. This video is a Christmas gift for all of us, that everybody should see and listen to.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 29 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8828/1/Razgovor-dr-Radoslav-Mariae.html   Dr. Radoslav Mariæ, autor knjige "Moja polnoæka" (urednik knjige prof. dr. Ivan Biondiæ, naklada "Kamen" Publishing LLC.), roðen je g. 1938 u Hercegovini, ¹kolu je polazio u ©irokom Brijegu i Mostaru, medicinski fakultet zavr¹io u Zagrebu, a porodni¹tvo i ginekologiju specijalizirao je u Petrovoj bolnici. Zbog politièkih pritisaka ¹ezdesetih godina odlazi sa ¾enom i djecom u Kanadu. Jedan je od utemeljitelja i èlan Upravnog odbora Udruge amerièkih Hrvata "Croatian American Association" (CAA). stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 21 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8822/1/Prof-Dr-Marin-Soljaeiae-one-of-the-top--innovators-under-the-age-of-35.html    Prof. Marin Soljaèiæ was born in Zagreb, Croatia on  February 7th, 1974. An expert in photonic crystals and nonlinear optics. Co-authored more than 60 scientific articles, a co-inventor on 12 patents (10 more pending), given more than 40 invited talks around the world. In 2005 awared Adolph Lomb Medal of the Optical Society of America. In 2006, chosen by Technology Review to be one of the "TR35": top 35 innovators under the age of 35. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 17 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8819/1/Jelena-Vukotiae-again-in-The-New-Yorker.html Check a current issue of The New Yorker. Born in Pula, Croatia. Jelena's photographs have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Forbes's Four Seasons Magazine, Prague Business Journal and others. Her work was exhibited at solo and group shows in Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Germany, Slovenia and USA.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 16 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8792/1/Helen-Merrill-60-Years-of-Warm-Sweet-Songs.html   One of the most distinctive jazz singers ever, Helen Merrill started singing professionally sixty years ago when her warm voice paired with the Reggie Childs Orchestra in 1946. But that was just the start of a long and vivid story which would lead the talented young daughter of Croatian immigrants to make history in jazz by recording with [trumpeter] Clifford Brown and [arranger/bandleader] Gil Evans in the 1950s. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 07 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8681/1/Biloxi-Native-Dr-Frank-G-Gruich-Gives-Back-to-his-Community.html Dr. Frank G. Gruich, or Dr. G, as he likes to be called, still goes to Biloxi Regional Hospital nearly every day. The hospital, and Biloxi for that matter, owes Gruich considerably more than a plate of red beans and rice. He is a living witness to the past, a spokesman for a city and an era that has almost vanished from memory. Beyond that, Gruich is a venerable local figure widely known for his fierce loyalties, mischievous spirit and substantial accomplishments. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 07 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8561/1/EH-Petar-Miso-Mihocevic.html Petar Miso Mihocevic       Petar Miso Mihocevic (1949), BA in Letters and Philosophy from the Zagreb University (Political Sciences never completed), from a family of musicians and professors. Scholarships to USA, Italy and Great Britain. In theatre and music since early childhood, first 'position' of an errand boy at the Press Office of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival when only 14 ( after being forced to interrupt a promising career in swimming for skin infection on the eve of federal championships); subsequently spent each summer with the Festival, progressing from an assistant to the General Secretary to the host and interpreter in charge of international artists. After his BA, he was scouted by chance and was invited to become a fashion model in Rome, where he was soon engaged by a famous family of designers as personal secretary to the companyÀ™s owner. Followed an international 'career' in fashion and films (he never took seriously either of the two). After many years he was engaged by the Dubrovnik Summer Festival as its PR Manager, then as Principal Producer (1986-1991) in which period he re-established the Festival's fame by engagements of worldÀ™s foremost artists and theatres of the time (Caballe', Ughi, Wiener Sängerknaben, Dresden Symphony, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Royal National Theatre with Daniel Day-Lewis as Hamlet, Moscow Philharmonic, etc). When in 1991 the Serbian-Montenegrin Army attacked the area of Dubrovnik, he volunteered to the National Guards (later Croatian Army; was its Senior Liaison Officer with international missions À“ UN forces, EUMM, UNICEF, UNESCO, Red Cross - and the opposite army; in late 1999 demobilized upon personal request in the rank of colonel), was the first local negotiator with the aggressing forces on the occupied territories, has hosted all the most prominent personalities visiting Dubrovnik, including HRH Prince of Wales, Turkish President Demirel, HRH Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the members of the Royal family of Habsburg, all ambassadors to the new country, foreign ministers of defense ( USA, Germany, Great Britain). Thereupon he again joined the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, where he was appointed General Manager. He stepped down out of his own will in late 2001, whereupon he founded his own event and concert management agency AGEVENT. The agency soon came to fame internationally, both in events (catering to clients such as Microsoft, EsteeÀ™ Lauder, Falck, Medipharm, CEO, YPO, to Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Culture of Croatia etc.), and, especially as the organizer of the Festival of Chamber Music À˜Julian Rachlin & FriendsÀ™, considered by many expert critics the best festival of its kind ever. (More on all at: www.agevent.biz  ).During the same time, in summer 2004 he was asked by the Lady Mayor of Dubrovnik to take over the City Theatre which was undergoing a serious crisis (wrong repertoire, no audience). In less than one complete season, all evenings of the totally new repertoire at the theatre have become a sell out.Interests include reading, music (an amateur singer, started as a small boy, later a leading vocal in a band, singer in several choirs, among which he was a co-founder of the Dubrovnik-based À˜LibertasÀ™ Symphony Choir; has appeared in choruses in opera productions at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival; plays so much applauded role of a À˜PresenterÀ™ in his own latest production of a musical in the Dubrovnik Theatre). On the list of essential needs is humor and goodwill.    Petar Miso Mihocevic    Petar Miho eviZlatni potok 11Dubrovnik  ZivotopisRodjen 1949.Skolovanje: Gimnazija u Dubrovniku, Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu; stipendije u Italiji i SAD.Radno iskustvo: - od 1964 petnaestak sezona na Dubrova kim ljetnim igrama (kurir u press uredu, pomonik u tajnistvu, u propagandi, prevoditelj), sef za propagandu, direktor programa (1986-91), ravnatelj (2000-2002).Nakon iksustva u svim segmentima organizacije i produkcije, kao direktor programa DLJi posebno: nastupi Montserrat CaballÃÂ, Uto Ughi, Zbor be kih dje aka, Ratni rekvijem B. Brittena sa Moskovskom filharmonijom, Hamlet sa Danielom Day-Lewisom.2001. utemeljio projekt 'Julian Rachlin & Friends'; po odlasku iz DLJi projekt koji je kao samostalni festival komorne glazbe dvije posljednje godine jednoglasno ocijenjen kao najbolji glazbeni festival u Hrvatskoj, preuzeo u vlasnistvo.Na DLJI takoer nastupao kao pjeva ( Ecce homo, Kako braa prodase Jozefa, Seviljski brija ).- od 1973 do 1979 foto model i maneken u visokoj modi (Rim, Firenca, Milano , Njema ka, Slovenija itd), osobni tajnik vlasnika firme Brioni.- neprekidno se bavi prevoenjem (posebno tekstova vezanih za umjetnost, npr. monografije I. Dul i, . Pulitika, J. Trostmann, brojni katalozi, umjetni ka kritika), te simultanim i konsekutvnim prevoenjem sa/na engleski i talijanski jezik na stru nim skpovima i kongresima.- prvi predsjednik Mjesovitog zbora 'Libertas'.- organizator i producent mnogih promotivnih, sve anih i drugih posebnih skupova za Ministarstvo vanjskih poslova RH, Ministarstvo obrane RH, HOO, Nj.V. Francescu von Habsburg, Miscosoft Europe, EsteàLauder, Canon, Altana Pharma, Strabag, Gorenje, HBOR, HEP, Hrvatsku udrugu banaka, Europsku udrugu banaka, HVB-Splitsku banku, Volksbank i dr.- Domovinski rat : dragovoljac u Kriznom stoþeru obrane grada od 1.10.1991., sudjeluje na pregovorima na okupiranom podru ju od samog po etka, najprije kao prevoditelj, zatim kao asnik HV ( demobliziran u inu bojnika u prosincu 1999.g.). Prvi hrvatski asnik koji je zavrsio Skolu za vojne promatra e UN (Be , 1996). Odlikovan i pohvaljen.- Od srpnja 2004. g. ravnatelj Kazalista Marina Drþia u Dubrovniku.-----------------------VI. Festival Julian Rachlin & FriendsAug 29 - Sept 4, 2006program HRV / programme ENG www.agevent.biz www.julianrachlinandfriends.com Agevent mail. online@agevent.biz , agevent@agevent.biz Agevent tel. + 385.(0)20.358616 / fax. +385.(0)20.358617 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8560/1/E-Croatian-Chronicle-Profile---Pete-Radovich-Man-Behind-the-Scenes.html PROFILEPete Radovich: Man Behind the Scenes Emmy award winning CBS Sports producer, fundraiser, and proud Croatian-American By Josip Bogovic Did you ever wonder as you sit on your comfortable couch watching a major sports event like the U.S. Tennis Open, an NFL football game or the Olympics, what it takes and who the people are behind the scenes that make the broadcast possible? During the 2005 U.S. Tennis Open and the NFL game between the Giants and the Denver Broncos, Croatian Chronicle had an opportunity to go behind the scenes to witness the grand operation of sports broadcasting, courtesy of Pete Radovich. Who is Pete Radovich? To begin with, he is a CBS sports producer, a feature story Emmy award winner and a gentleman who has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help de-mine Croatia. That’s already too much factual information, so let’s take it slow and find out what he does, how he got there, and what makes him tick. Let’s also discover how he got us on to center court 10 minutes before a match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi and on to the New York Giants’ field during team practice. At CBS Sports, the A-team covers major sporting events and Pete Radovich is one of its principal members. The A-team travels around the country in mobile trailers that broadcast in high definition; CBS is one of the few networks that have such a setup. The operation is huge and complex and the communication and coordination between the more than one hundred workers is at the core of a successful broadcast. Everyone has to get it right because it’s a live, unedited broadcast. As the replay producer, Radovich is one of five people that are at the center of the sport broadcast operation. In this role he gives the viewer information about a replay or some other aspect or action of the game. This is one of the roles of Pete Radovich in his capacity as a live producer. As a tape producer, he goes out, creates a story then films it with a crew. The footage is then broadcast during a live telecast or separately on its own. In this role he is a creative force, a filmmaker and a storyteller.As we walk around the secret corridors of the stadium, he gives us details about the operation. Radovich is warmly greeted by his colleagues as we pass them. This guy carries weight, we think to ourselves. “You want to find out more about me, go to my colleagues and ask them some questions,” he suggests. So off we went forty minutes before game time. We were warmly received at the Giants Stadium skybox by Jim Nantz, the veteran sportscaster who has more than 20 years of broadcasting under his belt at CBS. He and co-sportscaster Phil Simms worked their 31st games together. Nantz is a true professional in every respect. “Look,” I said to Mr. Nantz, “I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about Pete. Surely you can tell us about a time when he dropped the ball? Some secret the world is eager to know?”The sportscaster smiles at my comment. “Sorry to disappoint you, but when we are talking about Pete we’re speaking about a true professional. Pete’s a very talented guy who gives texture and a polished look to our broadcasts, making them look and feel unique. Pete produces little vignettes (stories) on players and teams; this too adds spice to our broadcast,” says Nantz. So how does one become a nine-time Emmy award winning sports producer? Pete Radovich’s father was born on the island of Kaprije near Šibenik; his mother was born in Nevidane on the island of Pašman. Radovich’s parents immigrated to the U.S. in the mid 1960’s and settled in New York where they met and got married. Peter was born in Astoria, Queens. Since Croatian was the spoken language at home, it was Peter’s first language. He recalls his parents as working hard since the family lived a small apartment in Astoria. “My parents taught me the value of hard work. They have always taken their jobs seriously and never missed a day of work for trivial reasons. I can say from experience that Croatian people are proud people who take their work seriously. This is one of the attributes I carry with me from my Croatian heritage,” he recalls. Throughout his youth Pete played soccer, basketball and baseball. In the early 1980’s he played soccer for Croatia-New York as a goaltender when the team was in the Metropolitan league. “I played for the team at a time when it wasn’t politically correct to be Croatian. What was also great about the experience was that our team played against Dinamo in 1989 at the Croatian Highlands in Boonton, New Jersey. I was good at everything but great at no one particular sport,” he recalls. The other thing that he excelled at was art - drawing, painting and photography in particular. He was voted “most artistic student” several times in grade and high school. It was this combination, together with several other factors, he believes, that allowed him to be where he is. Croatian experience changed my life In most peoples’ lives there comes a time when their direction and focus is not clear. But there usually follows a pivotal point from which their life takes a turn for the better. This was the case with Radovich when he started high school in Queens. “When I started high school I wasn’t focused. I didn’t know what I should do. I then decided to go to high school in Croatia for two years and see what would happen. Off to Zadar I went, alone and ready to experience the land of my parents. This experience most definitely changed my life. I became more patient and appreciative of what I had and the fact that my life was comprised of two cultures. From an American kid I became a Croatian-American kid. I learned the language, the culture, made life-long friends. Ever since then I go back every year. At my job at CBS everyone knows of Croatia and my roots. In a small way I try to give Croatia some positive and well deserved publicity,” he explains. Radovich played baseball for the Zadar high school he attended and was the best player on the team, having the U.S. experience under his belt. “I was the only player to have hit two home runs in the same day - one in Varaždin and one in akovec,” he says proudly. Upon entering college in the U.S. he came upon an internship at NBC Sports. That’s when everything clicked for him; his love of sports and art became one body.“In the last 10 years of my career I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of great moments in sports. But the biggest and most memorable are those where Croatia has made incredible results. I was covering the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. It was at these Olympics that Croatia received its first Olympic gold medal, in handball. I was standing behind the Croatian bench for the game and for the singing of the Croatian national anthem. I will never forget these moments; I get goose-bumps whenever I think of them. In 2000 I covered Wimbledon for NBC. Goran Ivaniševi dedicated the final match in memory of Dražen Petrovi, the Nets Hall-of-Famer. What I did was to put together a live footage montage of Dražen, inter-spliced with live footage of Goran in action. I gave him the completed project the morning of the match. Goran watched the footage before the match. I believe that it must have stirred his emotions quite a bit. The final match stirred my emotions to the point where my coworkers told me to leave my post and go watch the game. I was so emotional I could only think of Goran winning. That’s all that was on my mind that day. Well, the good news is that he did win and I got to see it as a spectator as well as from behind the scenes. I hope my reel made a little difference in the great outcome,” says Pete with the expression of a great moment relived in his memory. Radovich has combined his love of his heritage with his work to help Croatia in other ways as well. “When I started at NBC I was very fortunate to be taken under the wing of Jim Bell. Jim was my mentor and I owe him a lot. Jim is now the executive producer of the Today Show. Matt Lauer does this three hour show once a year showcasing a particular country. The show is seen by millions of viewers. So I said to Jim in a somewhat joking way, “Jim, you should have Matt check out Croatia; maybe you’ll like it. Maybe do a showcase on it. I didn’t think anything of my comment. Next thing I know, I get a call the day before the airing of the show only to find that Matt was showcasing Dubrovnik, Croatia. I was pleasantly shocked and should have told Jim to include Zadar,” he says smiling. Radovich won his solo Emmy award for a feature story he did called “Super Bowl Quarterbacks and their Sick Sons.” He picked up on the idea that there was this coincidence of more than six Super Bowl quarterbacks having sons that were very sick so he put together a very emotional story that moved everyone who saw the work. Radovich shies away from the notoriety of being an Emmy winner. “It’s a good conversation piece at home when friends and family come to visit. I’m sure my parents told more people about me winning the Emmy than I did. An Emmy is a benefit of doing my job.” He says that giving the speech when receiving the award really racked his nerves like few other things before. Radovich’s ties to his heritage extend beyond the professional realm. He is also involved in fundraising, particularly for the annual Croatian-American Golf Outing to raise money for de-mining in Croatia and the work of the American Cancer Society. He auctions off tickets for special sporting events like the one we experienced. “I’ve been fortunate in my life and this is a way for me to use my position to give back to Croatia and society at large,” he says of his fundraising activities.“Professionally, I take it as it comes. I love what I do now. So far, I feel like I’ve won the lottery so I don’t play the regular one. The only drawback to my job is that I miss many family functions since I’m always booked on the weekends. I’d like to semi-retire early so I could perhaps do some projects in Croatia and spend more time there.” Radovich may have the opportunity to rework some of the Croatian tourism commercials shown abroad. He believes they don’t measure up to a higher standard. For now, Pete Radovich is on the road and a very busy man. Currently, he is off to Korea to do a story on Hines Ward, the MVP of last year’s Super Bowl who is half Korean. The story will air sometime during the Super Bowl in Miami. The theme of this story seems to be that when Pete Radovich wins, the world becomes a better place. Formatted for CROWN by Croatian Chronicle Subscribe to Croatian Chronicle letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8559/1/H-Croatian-Chronicle-Razgovor-Visnja-Staresina---Medju-iseljenistvom-je-posijana-apatija.html RAZGOVOR: VIŠNJA STAREŠINANovinarka, autorica knjiga”Vježbe u laboratoriju Balkan” i “Haaška formula” samo za Hrvatsku kroniku govori o Haagu, hrvatskoj politici i iseljeni kim brigamaMeu iseljeništvom je posijana apatija Razgovarala: Jadranka Jureško-KeroVišnja Starešina je poznata hrvatska novinarka koja je od 1992. godine pratila meunarodno upravljanje krizom u Hrvatskoj i BiH kao dopisnica Ve ernjeg lista s Meunarodne konferencije o bivšoj Jugoslaviji u Ženevi, i kao posebna izvjestiteljica s brojnih meunarodnih pregovora i konferencija. Pratila je rad Meunarodnog kaznenog suda za bivšu Jugoslaviju u Haagu od samog osnutka, izvještavala s prvih suenja, a kao kolumnistica i urednica u Ve ernjem listu posebno se bavila poslijeratnom politikom meu državama nastalim iz bivše Jugoslavije. Višnja Starešina je autorica dviju zapaženih, i za hrvatsku državu i povijest, te za razumijevanje meunarodnih odnosa i rada suda u Haagu, vrlo važnih knjiga; “Vježbe u laboratoriju Balkan”, objavljena 2004. godine i “Haaška formula” objavljena krajem 2005. godine. Zamoljena za razgovor za Hrvatsku kroniku odmah je pristala, komentirajui kako izuzetno cijeni ulogu i pomo hrvatskih iseljenika u stvaranju i obrani naše države.Hrvatska kronika:  Mislite li da nakon vaših dviju knjiga Hrvati i naša vlast bolje razumiju što se zapravo dogaa u meunarodnim odnosima prema Hrvatskoj i u radu Tribunala? Višnja Starešina:  Knjige se u nas malo itaju i njihov sadržaj je dostupan vrlo uskom itateljskom krugu, ako nije predstavljen ili problematiziran u masovnim medijima. A u hrvatskim je masovnim medijima gotovo prešuen sadržaj moje knjige Vježbe u laboratoriju Balkan, koja govori o meunarodnim politi kim igrama u upravljanju ratom u Hrvatskoj i BiH. A gotovo je potpuno bojkotiran sadržaj knjige Haaška formula, koja govori o politi kim manipulacijama iza scene Haaškog suda, koje se dogaaju pod egidom pravde, o krivotvorenju istine i krivotvorenju novije povijesti u ime pravde, koje stvara nove frustracije i sjeme novog sukoba. Kad kažem bojkotiran, želim rei da su u nekim hrvatskim dnevnim listovima urednici ak odbili objaviti desetak redaka vijesti o promociji knjige, iz pera mojih kolega, a svojih svojih vodeih komentatora. A osobito su otklonili objavljivanje recenzija koje bi predo ile itateljstvu sadržaj kniige, i otvorile raspravu o njemu. No to se u Hrvatskoj radi sustavno sa svim knjigama koje nisu u skladu s vladajuim svjetonazorom i njegovim mitovima. Taj prvi zid šutnje postupno je razbijan promocijama knjige u Hrvatskoj i BiH, mojim nastupima na lokalnim televizijama, a zatim i na državnoj televiziji, gdje sam bila u prilici iznijeti svoje argumente. Paradoksalna je injenica da je sarajevsko Osloboenje objavilo informaciju o sarajevskoj promociji i vrlo korektan prikaz “Haaške formule”, a u hrvatskim novinama je i dalje postojala šutnja. Kao da sam pisala o zadnjim nogicama žutih mrava, a ne o klju nom politi kom problemu hrvatske države! S druge strane u Hrvatskoj se ipak nešto dogaa, izvan kontrole i iza scene: knjiga se ita unato prešuivanju, estitaju mi na njoj vratari u javnim institucijama, dok se njihovi šefovi i dalje ponašaju kao da nisu itali. H.K: Možete li komentirati za naše itatelje od kuda potreba da se piše i govori o politi kim zamkama koje postoje oko nas.V. Starešina: ini mi se da je normalno nastojanje da se razumije što se zapravo oko nas dogaa, i kakve se politike vode iza naizgled lijepih rije i i plemenitih ciljeva: O pravdi, ljudskim pravima i slobodama. Bitno je znati, da se ne bi donosile pogrešne odluke i vodile naivne politike i da se hrvatska povijest ne bi još jednom pisala u obavještajnim radionicama Londona i Beograda, da ne bi bila skrojena kao krivotvorina koja proizvodi nacionalnu frustraciju i postaje žarište novog sukoba. A bojim se da idemo upravo tim putem. Gotovo zastrašuje kako olako hrvatska politika i mediji usvajaju kao povijesnu istinu tako banalnu propagandu koja dogaaje iz devedesetih godina prošlog stoljea tuma i iz jednog sastanka Tumana i Miloševia u Karaorevu, njihovog navodnog sporazuma, kojeg nitko nije vidio i kojeg su svi kasniji dokumenti demantirali, i famozne karte na jelovniku britanskog obavještajca Paddya Ashdowna. I kako se potcjenjiva ki odnose prema svakom dokumentu koji dovodi u pitanje tu konstrukciju. Gradei optužnice upravo na tim tezama, haaško je tužiteljstvo optužilo hrvatsko državno, vojno, politi ko i policijsko vodstvo, kao i prakti ki sve pripadnike obrambenih snaga za sudjelovanje u dva zlo ina ka prothvata, u Hrvatskoj i BiH. A velikorspska agresija bit e u kona nici svedena na lokalnu srpsku pobunu, osobito nakon Miloševieve smrti. Neshvatljivo je da je službeni hrvatski odgovor na to: Mi smo otvorili arhive, pa tko hoe, može se poslužiti!HK: Kako objašnjavate ponašanje Carle del Ponte i haškog tužiteljstva u slu aju podizanja optužnica protiv novinara, i ovaj zadnji slu aj u kojem jedino novinar Jovi ostaje "boljka" Haagu? V.Starešina: Institut zaštite svjedoka je strahovito zloupotrebljavan pred Haaškim sudom i postao je jedno od klju nih sredstava manipulacije. On ne služi tome da zaštiti žrtve od nelagode ili moguih osveta, ve tome da štiti od provjere nevjerodostojne iskaze nevjerodostojnih svjedoka. Nije trebala zaštita nizozemskom asniku koji je 1998. godine razgovarao s Miroslavom Bralom i kom, patološkim ubojicom iz Ahmia i tada ve optuženikom Haaškog suda, koji se predao SFOR-u želei u Haag. Zaštita je trebala tužiteljstvu, koje nije željelo ubojicu u Haagu, da ne naškodi njegovoj tezi o zapovjednoj odgovornosti politi kog i vojnog vodstva. Vjerujem da nije trebala zaštita Stjepanu Mesiu ni 1998. godine kao svjedoku tužiteljstva u postupku protiv Blaškia, a osobito nije trebala predsjedniku Stjepanu Mesiu nakon 2000. godine. Zaštitom svjedoka štitila se injeni na nedosljednost iskaza na kojima je zasnovana presuda o hrvatskom sudjelovanju u meunarodnom sukobu u BiH i na kojima je kasnije izgraena teza o hrvatskom zlo ina kom pothvatu u BiH. Kazneni progon novinara zbog nepoštivanja suda, koji uostalom njegovim Statutom nije predvien, služio je prije svega njihovom zastrašivanju i bio je opomena i drugima koji bi se mogli usuditi ukazati kako je sud štitio identitet stranih i bivših udbinih obavještajaca, i na temelju njihovih konstrukcija, protivnih temeljnim injenicama, donosio presude. Vjerujem da je zastrašivanje razlog zbog kojeg tužiteljica ne povla i optužnicu protiv kolege Jovia, koji se nije pokajao niti je prestao kritizirati Sud. Carla del Ponte voli graditi autoritet na prijetnjama, suci je u tome nažalost pre esto podržavaju.HK: Možete li komentirati najnovije podizanje prašine oko Bilandžieve nove knjige i u isto vrijeme medijski gotovo ignorirane Tumanove knjige "Vrijeme krivokletnika" ?V. Starešina: Ne mogu se oteti dojmu da je knjiga profesora Bilandžia pisana po narudžbi, kao svojevrsna “knjiga na knjigu” profesora Tumana, koji je svoju analizu politi kog djelovanja i haaškog svjedo enja Stjepana Mesia dugo i minuciozno pripremao. Tumanova je knjiga vrlo neugodna za predsjednika Mesia, jer ne samo što secira neistine i injeni ne manipulacije vezane uz njegovo svjedo enje i politi ki rad, nego uz to iznosi i ozbiljnjne dokaze koji upuuju na zaklju ak da Mesievo djelovanje suprotno hrvatskim nacionalnim interesima i ponavljanje tue propagande kao vlastite istine nije tek stvar neznanja ili trenuta ne inspiracije. U svakom slu aju ti su argumenti previše ozbiljni da bi bili tek tako prešueni. A upravo se to u Hrvatskoj dogaa. Na promociji knjige profesora Tumana bilo je više od tisuu ljudi, i gotovo da i nije bilo novinara, osobito ne televizije, a sadržaj je prešuen. Na promociji knjige profesora Bilandžia bilo je nešto više od stotinjak, ljudi uklju ujui i predsjednika države s lanovima obitelji, mnoštvo novinara, kamera i knjiga je odmah dobila epitet “prevrijedne”, a da ni im nije argumenatirano zašto. Knjiga “otkriva” tek još jednu promjenu Biladžievih ranijih, takoer višestruko mijenjanih tvrdnji, sukladno potrebama politi kog trenutka. O autoru i o knjizi možda najviše govori posveta koju je napisao predsjedniku Mesiu, a objavljena je u jednom hrvatskom dnevniku: ”Da nije bilo Tebe, ova knjiga vjerojatno ne bi ugledala svjetlo dana. Ti si svojom vizijom daleko nadmašio svog prethodnika kada si uz bok hrvatske nacionalne zastave stavio zastavu EU, jer hrvatsko nacionalno pitanje više nije ni državno ni teritorijalno, ve demokratsko”. Pristojni autori takve posvete nisu pisali ni drugu Titu. HK: Hoemo li se u Haagu obraniti od "zlo ina kih udruživanja" i što bi, po Vama, sve trebalo napraviti dok još nije kasno da u Haagu sprije imo to što se sprema? V. Starešina: Ja ne primjeujem da se Hrvatska država uope bilo kako brani u Haagu od optužbi za zlo ina ke pothvate, koje su strašne. U zlo ina ki pothvat su uklju eni svi vladajui politi ari na državnom i lokalnom nivou u Hrvatskoj, i svi pripadnici vojnih i policjskih snaga, te prakti ki svi Hrvati u BiH . Hrvatska vlast nije u inila ništa da ukaže koliko je sumanuto koncipirana optužnica, niti primjeujem da se priprema kako bi je pobila. Obrana optuženika prepuštena je njihovim odvjetnicima, koji uz najbolju volju, toliki posao ne mogu obaviti sami. Na optuženi koj je klupi prakti ki cijela država, dokumente za njezinu obranu prikupljali su optuženici vlastitim sredstvima, ponajviše general Praljak, radili su to esto uz ignoranciju, a ponekad i opstrukciju državnih institucija. Na drugoj strani, država je izdašno i u potpunosti plaala obranu generala Blaškia, koja je dokumentima upitne vjerodostojnosti i svjedocima iz bivšeg jugoslavenskog obavještajnog miljea potpomognutih britanskim obavještajcima pomagala tužiteljstvu da potvrde teze o hrvatskom zlo ina kom pothvatu. Presude Haaškog suda, nažalost, izgledaju kao da su kazne odmjerene ve uo i procesa, bez obzira na dokaze izvedene u vrijeme suenja, a ta je “mjera” za Hrvate vrlo loša. Dario Kordi je, uz “pomo” Blaškieve obrane, osuen na 25 godina zatvora za etni ko išenje u opkoljenoj Lašvanskoj dolini, a Biljana Plavši na 11 godina za sve srpske zlo ine u BiH. Prepusti li se obrana od zlo ina kog pothvata samo Sudu, bojim se da e presude ii uhodanom logikom, bez obzira na dokaze. Hrvatska se definitivno ne može obraniti od “udruženih zlo ina kih pothvata” samo u sudnici, ve je nužno razotkriti manipulacije Haaškog suda, opasne po stabilnost cijele regije, u svjetskim medijima, te u meunarodnoj politi koj i pravni koj javnosti. To je ono što bi Hrvatska država trebala initi, i na tu je obvezu uvijek treba podsjeati. Iako je ve jako, jako kasno. HK: Iseljenici su uvijek upozoravali na tajne službe bivših sustava s kojima su oni imali bliske susrete pa tvrde da su njihove hobotnice još meu nama. Ima li istine u tome i mogu li iseljenici pomoi u razotkrivanju?V. Starešina: Moram priznati da sam i sama ula istu pri u gostujui u nekim europskim državama na promociji knjige. Model je zapravo uvijek isti: Suradnici bivšh jugoslavenskih obavještajnih službi koji su nadzirali hrvatske emigrante su se jedno vrijeme pritajili, da bi se krajem devedesetih infiltrirali u iseljeni ke udruge i potom ih ili preuzeli ili podijelili i uništili. Tako je posijana jedna apatija meu iseljeništvom. Oni koji su ih pratili za bivšu UDBU, sad ih prate za novu hrvatsku vlast. Oni znaju kako se to radi. No sli na je situacija i u Hrvatskoj: I u institucijama vlasti, i u medijima dominantnu ulogu imaju pripadnici bivšeg obavještajnog sustava, koji su se u meuvremenu nametnuli kao mjera za ljudska rava i slobodu mišljenja. Taj fenomen obnovljene moi komunisti kih obavještajnih struktura prisutan je u svim postkomunisti kim zemljama, no u hrvatskoj je osobito opasan zbog toga što je u osnovi i antihrvatski, odnosno projugoslavenski orijentiran. Neki kolege vjeruju kako e ta mreža, ili kako vi kažete hobotnica, odumrijeti prirodnim putem. No bojim se da je to preoptimisti no o ekivanje. HK: Planirate li prevesti vaše knjige na engleski i kad ete u Ameriku? V. Starešina: Uz podršku grupe prijatelja tražimo na in da knjigu prevedemo na engleski i da naemo izdava a. Oni imaju mnogo dobro volje, ali kad u tome nemate podršku institucija vlastite države, to nije jednostavno. Takoer planiramo i promotivnu turneju po SAD-u, vjerojatno najesen.HK: Na kojim novim projektima radite?V. Starešina: Upravo ovih dana u Lašvanskoj dolini po injemo snimanje dokumentarca po motivima knjige “Haaška formula”. Filmom zapravo želimo pokazati s kakvom je bezobzirnošu haaška birokracija manipulirala životima obi nih ljudi, poput muzikanata brae Kupreški, koji su lažno optuženi proveli etiri godine u Haaškom pritvoru; želimo pokazati nemo pojednica u žrvnju meunarodne pravde, ali i veli inu nekih njihovih susjeda Muslimana, koji unato osobnim tragedijama zbog gubitka bližnjih, nisu željeli lažno svjedo iti pred sudom. HK: Ima li još u medijskom prostoru RH mjesta za iseljeni ka ulaganja u TV ili novine? V. Starešina: Mjesta svakako ima, pitanje je ima li interesa i novca. Hrvatskoj nedostaje jedan ozbiljan i kvalitetan politi ki tjednik. Arhai no je rei – tjednik hrvatske orijentacije, jer bi se to u normalnoj državi valjda trebalo podrazumijevati. No u Hrvatskoj nije tako; u hrvatskom tjedniku Globus vas, recimo pou avaju kako bi za državu bilo dobro i korisno, da TV Novu, koja ima koncesiju na državnoj razini, preuzme srpska mafija. Dakako da bi bilo idealno da iseljeništvo može kupiti Novu TV. No bojim se da je, kako vi kažete “hobotnica” i tu ve obavila posao, proizvodei ulaga ku apatiju meu iseljeništvom, a s druge strane pripremajui one koji e preuzeti televiziju – a da baš na prvi pogled ne izgledaju kao srpska mafija. Formatted for CROWN by Croatian Chronicle Subscribe to Croatian Chronicle letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 07 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8558/1/E-Dr-Borislav-Arapovic-Croatian-humanist-in-Sweden.html Dr Borislav Arapovic  Dr Borislav Arapovic Croatian humanist, honorary director of the Biblical institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Born in  Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1935, studied in Zagreb, emigrated in 1965 to Sweden. Founded The Institute for Translation of The Bible into Languages of (former) Soviet Union.  In 1996 the Russian Academy of Sciences conferred him a doctorate honoris causa. In 1999 he was elected foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. For the creation of the ChildrenÀ™s Bible in 1983, Dr. Arapovic was awarded the Leo Tolstoy medal by the Russian ChildrenÀ™s Fund. He discovered an amazing pacifist sermon given in 1778 by an anonymous Croatian preacher to Croatian soldiers. The sermon was published in German in 1778, in Dutch in 1778 in the Hague, Amsterdam, and Leeuwarden, in Swedish in 1778 in NorrkÃÂping, and in 1779 in Stockholm, and in Latvian in Riga - Leipzig in 1804.  Submitted by Darko Zubrinic, Zagrebwww.croatianhistory.net letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7082/1/H-Josip-Konta-akademski-kipar-i-slikar.html Josip Konta Âhttp://www.konta.bi .hr/ Josip Konta je strastveni promotor vlastitog do ivljaja svijeta stvarnosti. Njegovi i ra aji odvode nas na mjesto ra miÅljanja biti i bitka i poimanja svijeta oko nas i u nama.Roden u Livnu 18.05.1946., diplomirao na Akademiji likovnih umjetnosti u agrebu 1972., postdiplomski studij u majstorskoj radionici prof Antuna Augustincica od 1972-1974. Poslije dvoipolgodinjeg rada na mjestu direktora Ljevaone umjetnina pri Akademiji likovnih umjetnosti u agrebu, ivi i radi kao samostalni umjetnik u agrebu.Rad popracen ni om samostalnih i skupnih i lo bi re ultirao je umjetninama koje se nala e u privatnim birkama kako u Hrvatskoj tako i u ino emstvu. ÂSa adovoljstvom Vam predstavljamo Internet stranicu akademskog kipara i slikara Josipa Konte. Na istoj stranici je u kratku biografiju predstavljena virtualna galerija podijeljena po skupinama radova kako bi Vam olaksali uvid u dio velikog opusa ovog umjetnika. Stranica se nala i na adresi http://www.konta.bi .hr/ . Srdacan po drav! Josip Konta, akademski kipar i slikar Bo idara Magovca 163 agreb 10 010 Hrvatska Tel: 01 66 05 111 Mob: 091 53 67 788 e-mail: konta@amisa.hr Web: http://www.konta.bi .hr/  Formatted for CROWN by Ivo Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7083/1/E-Vanja-Rogulj.html ÂVanja Rogulj Class:JuniorHometown:Zagreb, CroatiaHigh School:SplitHeight / Weight:6-0 / 165Event:Breast/I.M.NCAA All-American: 2005: 100 Breast (1st), 200 Breast (1st), 200 FR (H.M.); 2004: 100 Breast (H.M.), 200 Breast (H.M.), 400 MR ACC Champion: 2005: 100 Breast, 200 Breast, 400 MR; 2004: 200 Breast, 400 MRUVa Career Bests: 50 Free (21.36), 100 Breast (53.27), 200 Breast (1:56.57), 200 I.M. (1:50.56)Continues to make an impact on the ACC, NCAA and international levels in the breaststroke ... tremendous relay competitor ... had fastest 100 breaststroke split at the 2005 NCAA Championship meet ... represented Croatia in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games ... has the ability to challenge for a NCAA title in the breaststroke ... 2005 Men's ACC Swimmer of the Year ... holds the second-fastest spot in the 100 breast and third spot in the 200 breast on the UVa all-time top times list ... a member of the 200 medley relay team that holds the school record (1:27.70) ... a five-time All-American, including two first-team awards in 2005 ... a five-time ACC champion.2004-2005- Named the Men's ACC Swimmer of the Year ... earned first-team All-America accolades in the 200 breast by finishing fifth at NCAAs ... placed sixth in the 100 breast at NCAA to garner first-team honors as well ... was a member of the 16th-place 200 free relay at NCAAs to earn honorable mention accolades ... won the 200 breaststroke for the second consecutive year at the ACC Championships ... also won the 100 breaststroke at ACCs ... was a member of the ACC title-winning 400 medley relay ... swam in the consolation finals of the 200 I.M. at ACCs (10th) ... swam on the 200 medley relay that set the school record (1:27.70) at the Last Chance Meet held at UVa ... competed in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke at the FINA World Championships in Indianapolis in October 2004 ... was awarded the Ramirez Scholarship. 2003-2004- Earned the first All-America certificates of his career at the NCAA Championships ... finished 10th in the 200-meter breast and 14th in the 100-meter breast at NCAAs to earn two honorable mention honors ... also earned a certificate for swimming the breaststroke leg of Virginia's ninth-place 400 medley relay at the NCAAs ... won the ACC title in the 200 breast at the ACC Championships ... earned All-ACC honors for his second-place finish in the 100 breast at ACCs ... was a member of the Cavaliers' ACC champion 400 medley relay ... represented Croatia at the 2003 World Championships and placed 24th in the 50-meter breaststroke and 38th in the 100 breast ... also competed in the 400-meter medley relay and helped Croatia to a 15th-place finish ... is the Croatian National champion in the 100-meter breast. Prep & Personal- Represented Croatia in the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney, Australia ... holds the Croatian national records in the 50, 100, and 200 breaststroke ... son of Silvija and Andrija Rogulj ... born February 13, 1982 in Split, Croatia. http://virginiasports.collegesports.com/sports/c-swim/mtt/rogulj_vanja00.htmlUniversity of Virginia Athletics Swimming & Diving letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7084/1/E-Mark-Milovats.html Mark Milovats'Croatian King of Christmas' www.markmilovats.com ÂMark Milovats began his career as a pop standards crooner and has been expanding his musical variety with each passing year. He has a rich and powerful voice that has been compared to many of music greats. Mark has taken standards like "Mack the Knife' , "Fly me to the Moon', "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' and "My Way' and given them a powerful new lift without straying too far from the originals. Mark has been compared by industry insiders to, Sinatra, Bennett, Connick and Andy Williams. He is versatile. He engages his live show audiences with song, dance, and laughter. Mark is a true showman. He can go from "Oh Holy Night" to "Luck be a Lady' and then to "Zorba the Greek' as one of the featured dancers. His shows are a delight to see. Mark has appeared on television, radio and in print campaigns. He alsohas been the MC for beauty pageants like Miss Indiana, corporate awards shows and many more. Mark has performed with country music legends like Boots Randolph, ('Yakity Sax' ... 'Benny Hill') Rascal Flatts and has opened for Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdink, Barry Manilow, Perry Como, as well as having numerous leading roles in Musicals.Mark has been a repeat performer for Arnold Palmer and many other celebrities. He was the creator and producer of 7 Sold Out holiday shows to raise monies for the Children's Miracle Network and other Children's Hospitals. WISH-FM's Chris Shovlin has called Mark the 'King of Christmas.' US AIRWAYS / America West Airlines have used Mark's newest song 'You Got Me Thinkin' in one of their recent radio campaigns. USA3000 airlines has been featuring two of Mark's songs on their in flight music stations. He has been featured for the past 7 years on the NBC Thanksgiving Day Parade and is a producers dream. Mark is the WHOLE PACKAGE! A class act who woos audiences of all ages. Interested in booking Mark Milovats to entertain at your next event,corporate function, or concert theatre please call MARKM EnterprisesPhone 412 372-2609 www.markmilovats.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7085/1/E-Katarina-Livljaniae.html   Katarina Livljaniæ     Katarina Livljaniæ, singer and musicologist, is among the leading international specialists in medieval chant performance. Born on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, she decided to become a medieval music performer at a very early age, training at the Zagreb Music Conservatory before moving to France to study voice with Guillemette Laurens and musicology with Marie NoÃl Colette. She now directs the vocal ensemble Dialogos, specializing in medieval chant and liturgical theatre of the Glagolitic tradition. For her work in this field, she was decorated for cultural achievement by the president of Croatia in 2002.She obtained a Ph.D. at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris, based on research of medieval chant manuscripts of Southern Italy. She is currently MaÃtre de conferences in medieval music at the Sorbonne University in Paris. As a vocalist, she also performs in major international festivals with the ensembles Sequentia and Alla Francesca. She spent a semester as visiting lecturer and directed a gregorian chant schola at Harvard University. In 1998 she founded a chant performance program at the University of Limerick in Ireland. With Benjamin Bagby, director of the ensemble Sequentia, she is invited to several universities in the United States and Canada as a teacher and resident artist (Vancouver, Harvard). She has emerged as an important international speaker about medieval chant performance and publishes articles in specialized reviews worldwide. In 2002 she was artistic advisor at the Early Music Festival in Utrecht, Netherlands. http://www.ensemble-dialogos.org   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 01 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7086/1/E-Ivana-Kunc-preparing-a-recital-of-her-fathers-original-songs.html ÂIvana KuncÂIvana Kunc comes from a musical family. Her aunt was dramatic soprano Zinka Milanov, and her father noted Croatian composer Bozidar Kunc. Ms. Kunc, a lyric soprano, has performed with numerous opera companies including Opera Northeast, Amato Opera, and Brooklyn Lyric Opera. Some of the roles in her current repertoire include Mimi in La Boheme, Micaela in Carmen, Liu in Turandot, Marguerite in Faust, and Pamina in The Magic Flute.Ivana has performed solo recitals throughout the Tri-State area. Her most recent, “Try to Remember” produced by Boz and the Bard Productions, included Broadway standards as well as classical pieces. Currently, Ms. Kunc is preparing a recital of her father’s original songs.A native New Yorker, Ivana now resides in New Jersey with her husband, guitarist Monroe Quinn. She is also an avid animal rights activist and vegetarian.Hear Ivana sing the song "Strepnja" composed by Bozidar Kunc ÂContact Ivana:ivanajoy@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7087/1/E-Marija-Miletic-Dail.html ÂMarija Miletic DailDirector - Producer - Animator - Filmmakerwww.marijamileticdail.comWork HistoryEducationBiographyAdditional Information WORK HISTORY 2005 - Supervising Director for animated series - European Studio 1999 - Co-directed the feature animation film âMadeline lost in Parisâ€? for DIC Animation Studio. 1996-1998 - Produced and directed 24 half hours of âCasper the friendly ghostâ€? series for UNIVERSAL STUDIO. 1989-1995 - Independently produced and directed three half hour specials for the ABC NETWORK in USA in own studio ANIMATION COTTAGE, utilizing up to 200 people, domestic and foreign. Directed and animated 10 min. promotional for the opening of MGM hotel and park in Las Vegas. Produced and directed three half hour specials for the Christian TV Network. Produced and directed the environmental short âThink Earthâ€?, and an educational 15 min. spot. 1989 - Produced and directed eight half-hour of âKissyfurâ€? for DIC Studio and NBC Network. 1984-1987 - Producer and Supervising Director at the MARVEL STUDIO for the ABC series âLittle Wizardsâ€?, syndicated series âMoondreamersâ€?, âGlo-friendsâ€?, and âJemâ€?. 1983 - Animation Director and Designer for STUDIO OPERATIONS. Animated the trailer for the Disney feature film âBlack cauldronâ€?. Produced and directed musical video for the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984, âOlympiad Iâ€?. 1980-1982 - FILMATION STUDIO â Animation Director and Layout Supervisor. 1977-1980 - HANNA BARBERA â Presentation designer. 1975-1977 - FREELANCE ARTIST â TV commercials (Toyota, Toys R Us, Kleenex etc.), book illustrator, independent short animation films. 1970-1975 - ANIMEDIA â Animator and Art director. 1968-1970 - HANNA BARBERA â Animator. Started in animation at âZagreb Filmâ€? studio in Zagreb, Croatia.Upon immigrating to Canada and Hollywood independently produced directed and animated three shorts, one of which, âWhy Not?â€? received âThe best of animation awardâ€? in Switzerland. back to top ^ EDUCATION1981 Earned the Masterâs Degree (MFA) from UCLA in theater Arts, majoring in animation.Was offered to lecture at the animation workshop with a promise of professorship. She did it simultaneously with working at the studio for two years. The double duty proved too taxing and she had to decide for the better paying job at the studio.Still keeps in touch with students, who want her input. back to top ^ BIOGRAPHY Marija was born in Zagreb, Croatia, just before the WWII started. She remembers seeing clusters of bombs falling down on her town and learning at the same time the valuable lesson of âGolden ruleâ€?. She and her brotherâs home teacher held their hands as they looked skyward and Marija said, âOh,God, let those bombs fall anywhere else, but not here.â€? The teacher looked down at her and said: âYou gave God an impossible task, Marija. What if others are praying the same prayer?â€? Her brother Anthony wrote and she illustrated their âhouse newspapersâ€? as children and young adults, and through writing about a daily life in their communist country, they got in trouble. Brother Anthony, at age eighteen, was sentenced to eight years in prison, where he contracted hepatitis three times and died of chyrosys, not even reaching his best years of life. He managed to escape to Canada, where Marija followed a year later. She continued with her artistic endeavors, once she learned enough English. Until that time she washed dishes in restaurant, picked fruit for canning industry, and picked worms at night on golf courses for fishermen. Anything to stay alive and above board. She made a point of learning a word of English every day and using it. The articles of âaâ€? and âtheâ€? have always presented a problem, since they donât exist in her language. After about two years in Canada she got a job in an animation studio, and worked there ten years. Bill Hanna of Hanna-Barbera called her to come and join his company in Hollywood, to which she responded enthusiastically. She was by this time a divorced, single mother with two daughters and a mother to take care of. In Hollywood she worked as an animator, designer, writer (âJaneâ€? the pilot for Edgar Rice Burrows comic strip). She gave them the idea to write âJaneâ€? in 1974, âThe year of womenâ€?. She directed and produced animation series and features for Hanna-Barbera, Marvel and Universal Studios. She met her husband Sukhdev while both worked at H&B in 1968. Marija started her own studio âAnimation Cottageâ€? and produced a series of specials for the ABC network. Her last job in Hollywood was directing and producing 24 half hours of âCasper the friendly ghostâ€? series for television. She writes and directs her own films and participates in animation festivals in France and Croatia. Since her homeland became a free and democratic country, she travels there every year, since she has a house there and many friends. Marijaâs next project is a story about Joe Magarac, the Legend of the Allegheny Mountains. She made a five minute film presentation of it, while presenting her thesis for Master Degree at UCLA in 1982. âJoe Magaracâ€? is a genuine American legend, which has its roots in Croatian immigration and steel and mine workers of Pennsylvania. Mariaâs father and brother worked in the steel industry in Hamilton, Ontario â and she feels itâs up to her to tell the story, since she is Croatian/American â just like âJoe Magaracâ€?. back to top ^ ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONMember of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Member of the Board of Directors of ASIFA, Won the âBest of Animation Awardâ€? at the International Film Festival in Switzerland, 1974, for the film âWhy Not?â€? Won the âPresidential Awardâ€? in 1992 for the environmental film âThink Earthâ€?. Lectured on animation at UCLA, LACC and Cal Arts (Disney college). TV Reviews in Los Angeles Times wrote on 4th Feb. 1989: ââ as director Marija Dail and the artists at the Animation Cottage studio managed to imbue P.J. (animation character) with an agreeably bouncy way of moving. Their attention to details like shading the character to suggest shadows and highlights gives the program a richness thatâs rarely seen on Saturday morning television. These animators are clearly capable of interesting workââ€? Marija was included into the chosen group of âCreatives in Animationâ€? in the âAnimation Magazineâ€? March 1997 issue, page 18. In 2005, Marija published Pixletown - The World Found and is presently writing Joe Magarac - The Legend of the Allegheny Mountains. ÂContact: dailart@comcast.net ÂOp-edJust a small addition to the above biography from a personal and professional point of view. Marija is 'Odlikasica' with a huge heart for Croatia and Croatians. She was one of the first to help me with Can We Go Higher? Video that was produced at the very beginning of the war. Generous to many as I personally witnessed... and gave a lot for our country, silently, without asking anything for herself. Talented as the best come. Her vision of Joe Magarac should be supported long time ago to become a feature animation film. Croatia should have an ear to help Marija create an epic that involves Croatian characters form the American legends. It is still not too late. It comes down to the same song I always sing. So much talent and so little collective support. Croatia as a country needs to create a STRUCTURE OF SUPPORT for her best daughters and sons, who are so undeniably representing Croatian culture around the world. Marija Miletic Dail, certainly deserves your attention. ÂNenad Bach, New York August 26th, 2005ÂJoe Magarac:Joe Magarac is a genuine American Legend with roots in Croatian as well as other nationalities' immigration.The story evolves around the lives of steel mill and mine workers of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains at the turn of the century. Joe Magarac is a hero who helped save many a live and changed the course of the steel industry forever. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7088/1/E-VJEKOSLAV-MARTINKO-live-the-life-beyond-the-main-stream.html ÂVJEKOSLAV MARTINKOHeritage - Tradition - Friendship - CreativityÂLook for the life style that is alternative to the 'main stream' Live the life beyond the 'main stream' Make sustainable change of person, community and environment the first priority.ÂVJEKOSLAV MARTINKOOwner and Chief Executive OfficerLOVRANSKE VILE d.o.o.(Lovran, Croatia)ÂHeritage - Tradition - Friendship - CreativityÂvjeko@lovranske-vile.com www.lovranske-vile.com ÂShort Description of your company/business:ÂCompany Lovranske Vile Ltd., was established in 1996 with the main objective of developing Unique Concepts in Holiday Living, which address the personal needs of each and every guest. It is intended to blend the Croatian natural and human heritage with a warm personal approach, friendly environment and high comfort levels, while enhancing creativity and personal health.ÂOur activities include purchasing and reconstructing historical properties in north Adriatic seaside town Lovran and converting them into the top of the range tourist facilities, consultation in local development.ÂWe provide hospitality services according to the formulas:- self catering apartments in historical seaside villas;- rental of country farm house for holiday ;- hotel-restaurant with spa and conference services; and- destination management services.ÂÂÂMr. Martinko with his son Hrvoje on the leftand personnel of Hotel 'Villa Astra'ÂÂÂMr. Martinko planting cherry tree on farm 'Oraj'ÂÂÂWhat is your vision on Entrepreneurship?ÂMy entrepreneurship is holistic. It's entrepreneurship of life. It involves my whole person. It is an inside-out process. I would like to create positive change (wealth creation) by realizing certain potential but I can do it only if I am open for positive changes in myself. Instead of repeating experiences of the past, judging others and then planning and acting, my action is starting from my heart based on feelings, tuning in to future and bringing it to present by exploring all future possibilities. This requires reshaping of the will from ego-centred (small self) to the essence (real self) or 'Grand will'.ÂMy everyday spirituality and ethics are actively involved in change/business I am undertaking. Although I often experience cultural clash it helps me to steer my inner change and growth.ÂHow did your started your business?ÂAfter 10 years in corporate business in Croatia and 15 years in leading position in global company in the Netherlands I decided to get out of my corporate life at the age of 48 in spite of possibility for further working opportunities. I have decided to stop and return home. Without any specific plan I came to medieval sea side town Lovran in a search for the family holiday property. This was the moment when in new state Croatia social properties were turned into private. Owners of apartments in historical seaside villas built in 19th century for tourism purposes were selling it after buying it out from the state. I saw the possibility to turn them to high quality accommodation facilities combining with different packages for holiday experience.ÂWhat are the five most five important feature of a businessman/women? Please rank them in decreasing importance.Âto have a feeling and ability to recognize potentials and future trendsto know yourself and have developed self observation capabilityto have self development/growth plan to have necessary education, skills and lifelong learning attitude to have motivation/desire to change the world for the betterÂWhat is your expectation from the Government in supporting favourable business and regulatory environment?Â-Provide strategic development plans for region and local communities-Provide subsidies for renovation of heritage properties-Provide free consultancy to entrepreneurs when they start business-Organise providers and suppliers into the cluster (tourism)-Support and subside environment protection projects undertaken by private enterprisesÂWhat is the role of an enterprise/business in the current globalized world?ÂÂMr. Martinko -on the right- receiving annual reword from Ministry of environmental protection for preservation of farm house Oraj as example for sustainable developmentÂTo secure sustainable wealth creation by creating new jobs, making positive social impact on its employees and the community and protection of the environment. Networking with related partners on the global scene.ÂWhat do you understand on business responsibility? ÂSecuring profit for sustainable growthNecessity for quality assuranceFairness toward customers and sub suppliersEducation and the personal growth of its employees Development of the civil society sector in its environment Respect for the environment ÂÂWhat do you do for the civil society?Â-We gave initiative and assisted in establishing NGO 'Lovrana nostra'-NGO for heritage protection in the local community. -Initiative for the integrated local development-Partnership with 'Eco Liburnia', an NGO for sustainable development and bio agriculture.-Donations to several humanitarian NGOsÂWhat is your hobby? Do you have time to practice it?ÂMr. Martinko relaxing near labyrinth built near farm house OrajÂMr. Martinko with his children Marija and Hrvoje on the top of Risnjak mountainÂ-Writing-Reading -WalkingWhat do you think as important for the current and next generation? What is your message to the society as a whole? Look for the life style that is alternative to the 'main stream' and live the life beyond the 'main stream'. Make sustainable change of person, community and environment the first priority. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7089/1/E-Tomislav-S-Peric---Media-Relations-Expert.html ÂTomislav S. PericâÂÂTomislav S. Pericâ is president of Galileo Communications Inc., a communications consulting firm that specializes in creating editorial products and initiating aggressive public relations campaigns on behalf of its clients. Tomâs client list includes the largest developer of embedded software in the world, the 25th largest privately held company in the United States, the 12th largest investor-owned utility in the United States, the third largest business-to-business publisher in the United States, the Republic of Croatia, the largest architectural firm in Ohio, the most influential trade expert in Ohio and one of the nationâs top supply chain experts.A Cleveland, Ohio native, Tom forged his editorial expertise with a decade-long stint as a senior reporter with American News Features Syndicate in Washington, D.C. Tom spent an additional seven years as a journalist in Northeast Ohio, serving as a business editor of a daily newspaper and holding various senior editorial positions on a variety of magazines, including senior editor at Cleveland Magazine. He helped launch editorial products in his areas of expertise for two Penton Media publications, one focusing on small business (Managing Small Business magazine) and the other on the HVACR industry (HVACR Distribution Business magazine). He has worked with the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and the Convention and Visitors Bureau on a variety of editorial and public relations projects.He is the editor of the award-winning (in its first year) B2B Marketing Trends.His 1994 article, The House of Martin, won an award as the best reported magazine feature in Ohio.In the public relations field, he is known for obtaining remarkable results with his media relations campaigns. One client with a national practice had approximately $5,000 to $10,000 worth of media coverage annually before enlisting Tomâs assistance. In less than two years, his publicity program garnered the client more than $1.4 million in media coverage. In the process, he turned one of the companyâs principals into the most published writer in his industry (excluding professional writers or columnists). He has also written advertising copy and speeches for various CEOs.Tom was born of Croatian parents in a refugee camp in Europe and immigrated to the United States as a child. He opened his first business at 19. He sold it several years later and attended The American University in Washington, D.C., on several academic scholarships, including a Scripps-Howard National Journalism Scholarship. He studied communications and history as an undergraduate and international affairs as a graduate student.Tom has extensive teaching experience as an instructor of writing and as a speaker on how the media works. He has taught at the University of Maryland, the University of Akron, Lakeland (Ohio) Community College and Camden County (New Jersey) College. Tom earned his Certified Toastmaster with Toastmasters and served as vice president of public relations for the oldest Toastmasters club in New Jersey. He is the author of Wacky Days: How to Get Millions of $$$ in Free Publicity by Creating Your Own âRealâ€? Holiday & Other Tactics Used by Media Experts (Gregson & Lestrade).In 1997 he started Galileo Communications Inc., which has offices in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Cleveland Ohio. Tom lives in Haddonfield, N.J., with his wife, Cheryl Federline, an international trade expert, formerly with a Fortune 200 company and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association where she served as deputy director of the World Trade Center. They have a son, Andrew, 11, who recently was the highest scoring 5th-grader in the New Jersey State Geography championship.www.wackydays.com Order a book: orders@wackydays.com Telephone orders: toll free 1-866-WACKYDAYS (922-5932)Op-ed:The book is worth every penny. Buy it.Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 27 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7090/1/E-Ana-Petercic-Buzancic---Art-Around-the-Neck.html   Ana Petercic Buzancic - Art Around the Neck     My pleasure in silk painting is in creating accessories that complement everyday wear and make it unique.   One of a kind Scarfwww.artaroundtheneck.com   Ana Petercic Buzancic  Growing up surrounded by stage art and costumes influenced my creative direction. Color choice and composition are determined during involvement with the process of making the piece. My design scheme--partly figurative and naturalistic, partly abstract--uses characteristic swirls combined with geometric patterns and are intensely saturated with color. My pleasure in silk painting is in creating accessories that compliment everyday wear and make it unique.I grew up in Zagreb, Croatia in an artistic family. My mother was a ballerina and my father an actor. Growing up surrounded by stage art and costumes has influenced my creative direction. I studied fashion and design at University in Zagreb and subsequently worked as costume designer. Shortly thereafter I began painting on silk, realizing my interest in depicting the natural beauty of my country trough the texture and fluidity of the fabric. In 1993 moved to Chicago where I continued to develop and hone my talents as a fiber artist.I think my work reflects the boldness and drama of theater. When faced with canvas, a blank piece of silk, I think how to incorporate a variety of tones that will accent the colors worn in everyday clothing and yet enhance the overall effect.Both abstract and figurative, my designs are intensely saturated with color.Using ÀœsertiÀ? the French approach to fabric design, combined with tie-resist, shibori and block printing, I create art to wear. My pleasure in silk painting is in creating accessories that complement everyday wear and make it unique.     Contact: phone: 847-676-1763 anasilkdesign@comcast.net   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 21 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7094/1/E-50-years-of-photography-for-Don-Wolf.html ÂÂ50 years of photography for Don WolfÂPhoto by DON WOLF ÂBy BRANT STACYKansan Staff WriterDon Wolf has experienced a lot of powerful moments during his lifetime.Wolf, a local photographer and Kansas City, Kan., native will display his 50 years of photography at the Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. Fourth St., from noon to 5 p.m. beginning today. The exhibit will also be on display Sunday and continue on Saturday's and Sunday's until July 30. Wolf said the exhibit will give him an opportunity to share with friends and family the extent of his work."For the first time in my life, I have an opportunity to share with my friends, clients and family my experiences," he said. "So many people have fragmented concepts of what I do. They don't really understand. This will be a chance to show them the scope of my work."Wolf began his career as a photographer when he was 14 years old, he said. One of the first pictures he took was of the 1951 flood in Kansas City, Kan. He said he photographed the area using a camera that his uncle, Johnny, brought him from World War II. In 1956, he joined the Navy, serving as an aerial photographer for two years aboard the U.S.S. Kearsage, he said. During his time on the ship, he would shoot pictures of landings, take-offs, and officer portraits. He also said one of his most treasured shots he ever took was aboard this ship."I was asked by the captain to photograph our ship heading back from Japan to the United States," Wolf said. "In order to do that, I told the captain we needed to turn it around because of the sun. It costs $12,000 to do this, but it was one of the most powerful moments in my whole life."Before Wolf initially became a crewmember upon the U.S.S. Kearsage, he was given an opportunity by the Navy to enroll in college. Between graduating from high school and his first year at Donnelly College, in KCK, he said he spent the summer in photography school."In 1955, I spent the summer in Oakland, Calif., in photo school," Wolf said. "Then, I went to Donnelly and upon graduation in 1956, I went aboard the U.S.S. Kearsage."After two years at sea, Wolf returned to Kansas City, Kan., in the fall of 1958, to begin his career as a commercial photographer. He said his first professional camera was a 4-by-5 speed graphic camera that he used to photograph famous faces and his travels throughout the world. He said he has photographed presidents Harry S. Truman and Richard Nixon, as well as singer, Tony Bennett and actress, singer and dancer, Ginger Rogers. He said in 1979, he brought his camera along to Croatia when he went to visit his grandparents. In later years, he said he went on a European tour with former Kansas City, Kan., mayor Carol Marinovich.Several years later, Wolf said he purchased two large studio cameras, a Sinar 4-by-5 and a Sinar 8-by-10 that he only used in his first studio he had for 25 years called Wolf Photography. These cameras he used to photograph everything from furniture to automobiles."I had Wolf Photography for about 25 years," Wolf said. "I then sold it because I thought I was going to die at 64 like my father did."After Wolf sold his business, he said he realized that he was 64 and still alive. He went to Johnson County Community College for several years to teach studio lighting, and during that time he received numerous calls asking him to restart his business. He contemplated the idea for awhile, then decided to get things rolling again."I called up several people that used to work for me, and a friend and we put the business back together again," Wolf said. "This business we called New Vision Photography, which is still located in a 15,000 square-foot building at 3117 Merriam Lane in Kansas City, Kan."Wolf said he has been at this studio for about 20 years. He said the new studio is great for photographing large objects because it is so big. He said he works with a lot of clients who bring their products to his studio for him to photograph.Pat Malinak, studio manager for New Vision photography, said she met Wolf 20 years ago while she was working as a model. She said the first time he spoke to her he used a Croatian greeting."Since his family is of Croatian descent he thought I was, because of my last name," Malinak said. "I joined his staff at Wolf Photography as a production manager until he closed it."Malinak said a few years ago, Wolf called her asking if he could use her studio she had recently purchased at 3117 Merriam Lane. She said she agreed, and since then she, Wolf and the original members of Wolf Photography came back together to create New Vision Photography."We all just fell back together two and a half years ago," Malinak said.Malinak said she has always been impressed by Wolf's incredible energy. She said she is constantly amazed of how well liked he is."He's a very benevolent man, and I respect him for that," Malinak said. "All of his images I love. It's hard to just choose one."Matthew Fey, an account executive with J. Schmid Associates, a direct marketing agency, said he and his company have worked with Wolf for quite a few years. He said Wolf does a lot of photography for catalogs and direct mail pieces."He has provided us with stellar photography over the years," Fey said. "He is the man we turn to when we need incredible catalog shots."Fey said he considers he and Wolf's relationship both a professional and friendly one. He said a lot of people at his office attribute a grandfatherly figure to him, and are impressed by the level of quality and professionalism he brings to his work."He's just a humble master and down to earth," Fey said. "His level of knowledge is sublime."Nate Accardo, chief executive officer and chairman of Custom Colors, is another one of Wolf's clients, who has also been a friend and former 15-year partner of Wolf's since the 1960s. He said over the years Wolf's work has done nothing but gotten better."He has a great attitude about what he does and it comes through in his photography," Accardo said. "After 50 years few people are still excited about their work, and he is."Accardo said he wouldn't miss the exhibit down at the museum. He said he respects Wolf's creativity and his willingness to do what it takes."He's a good guy and extremely creative," Accardo said. "His attitude separates him from the rest of the world."Adrienne Nastav, a volunteer at the Strawberry Hill Museum, who is helping Wolf set up his exhibit, said Wolf has always been involved with the museum through its Croatian exhibit. She said he has donated many of his family photos and pictures he took while in Croatia to the museum."Besides his Croatian photos, he has helped raise $700,000 for orphanages in Croatia," Nastav said. "He even adopted a child during the war and brought her back to the United States. When it was safe, he returned her back home."Nastav said one of the most interesting things about Wolf is his creativity as well as his unselfish volunteerism. She said he is able to excel in all aspects of his life."He has inspired me to go back and try doing black and whites," Nastav said. "He proves that photography can be accomplished whether you take a picture in your backyard or in a foreign country."Wolf said he has come along way since he first acquired that camera from his uncle Johnny. He said he does mainly studio work now, and most of his clients are outside the Kansas City, Kan., area. Everything is also completely digital now, he said."We are all 100 percent digital," Wolf said. "We are also one of the best kept secrets in Kansas City, Kan."Wolf said the exhibit will be broken up into images of Strawberry Hill, Navy and travel and commercial work. He said the exhibit will reflect his diversity throughout the years."If I would've concentrated on one aspect of photography I would've gotten bored," Wolf said. "Everyday is different. You get to go places and meet all kinds of people. It was a good life and still is."http://www.kansascitykansan.com/articles/2005/05/09/news/local/news2.txt letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7093/1/EH-Visnja-Coric---Artist---Slikarica-from-Kiseljak.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7091/1/E-Stjepan-Vlahovich---Collecting-Croatian-textiles.html ÂStjepan VlahovichCollecting Croatian textilesÂ"I love the fact that peasants, sometimes looked down upon as simple people, created such sophisticated work."Stjepan Vlahovich Short Biography: ÂStjepan Vlahovich is a second generation Croatian-American whose Grandfather emigrated to the US from the Zumberak region of Croatia and settled in Cleveland. Mr. Vlahovich's interest in Croatian folk dress and textiles began during the eleven years he was a dancer and singer with Zivili, a Columbus-based ensemble that featured Croatian folk dances and songs in its repertoire. After retiring from Zivili, Mr. Vlahovich began collecting folk dress and textiles during annual trips to Croatia. He has visited there nineteen times. Here's the more involved version of the story:My interest in Croatian folk culture came from a desire to explore my family heritage. My Grandfather emigrated from the Zumberak region of Croatia to the United States in the late 19th century. He eventually settled in Cleveland, where my Father was born and raised. Although I have Croatian ancestry, I grew up in Washington, DC where I had virtually no contact with Croatian culture. However, between my freshman and sophomore years at The Ohio State University, I visited Croatia for the first time. I was overwhelmed by the experience. After my return from that trip, I took as many college courses that related to Croatian history and literature as I could. By chance, I also took a folk dance class, which sparked an interest in folk dancing.Several years after graduating from Ohio State, I became a dancer and singer with Zivili, a folk dance ensemble that was based in Columbus. The majority of Zivili's repertoire was from Croatia. I was with Zivili for eleven years and performed with them throughout Ohio and the Midwest, in New York City, at the Epcot Center, at the 1983 World's Fair in Knoxville, and in Croatia. Through my experience with Zivili, I had my first contact with Croatian folk dress and textiles. In 1986, after retiring from Zivili, I began annual trips to Croatia. It was then that I started to assemble my collection of textiles. I started buying them because they were the most unusual and interesting things I saw in the market. I was attracted by their great beauty. I was drawn to their intricate designs, incredible use of color, and amazing variety. My collection began very haphazardly. I just picked up the things I came across that attracted my attention. As my knowledge and interest evolved, I tried to be more systematic, seeking pieces from all over Croatia that represent the rich variety of materials, designs, and techniques used by Croatian women in their textile art. I love the fact that peasants, sometimes looked down upon as simple people, created such sophisticated work. One thing I'd appreciate being known on your site is my interest in having exhibitions of materials from my collection at other places. (There have been three so far, all in Ohio.) As you will see when you receive the photos from Notre Dame College, I have collected some beautiful pieces that have a great deal of symbolic meaning. I would like for more people to be able to see and appreciate this wonderful Croatian textile artwork. Let me know if you have any questions about this information. I look forward to chatting with you again some time.Stjepan VlahovichÂA Croatian folk dress from Bizovac in SlavonijaÂOp-edDear All,If you are interested to see this extraordinary - ordinary collection, please contact Stjepan at, as he calls himself NarodMan@aol.com In my eyes, you are nothing but special. Because of people like you CROWN exist. Because of the sprits like yours, we have been able to rise above obvious. Thank you, and everybody please support Stjepan and invite him to your city with his exhibition. As soon as possible. CROWN will promote it all the way. The world is yours.Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7095/1/E-Frank-Radosevic-Veteran-headhunter-not-slowing-down.html ÂFrank Radosevic a Veteran headhunter not slowing downÂ"the quality remains long after the price is forgotten."ÂPhoto: Diana Casanova/The Daily TranscriptVeteran headhunter not slowing downBy MICHAEL BUCHANAN, The Daily TranscriptFriday, February 18, 2005After 35 years in the business, Frank Radosevic is considered the most senior executive search consultant in the United States. As president and founder of the local headhunting firm Radosevic Associates, Radosevic has placed countless executives with companies specializing in consumer electronics, telecommunications, biotechnology and various other industries.Last September, at the annual Executive Search Summit in New York, Radosevic was named the most senior retainer executive search consultant in the United States.Sitting in his home office in Carmel Valley, the 72-year-old native of Croatia said he has no plans to retire any time soon."I believe in what I'm doing," Radosevic said. "There is no more important job."Radosevic wasn't always a headhunter. He spent his early years studying engineering and living in various countries as a political exile during turbulent times in Europe. Consequently, he received engineering degrees from three different universities in Croatia, Austria and Germany.In 1962, he came to the United States as part of an immigration program sponsored by the United States government. Radosevic jokes about being the ideal candidate for the program."I was single, educated and healthy," Radosevic said. "I was the perfect European slave."Slave or not, Rados evic soon found engineering work. He designed vacuum furnaces for Hevi-Duty Heat Treating Co. and later moved on to become vice president of engineering and operations for Hughes Aircraft Co. in the late 1960s.While working for Hughes, Radosevic was often asked his opinion of engineers who applied for work there. This led to Radosevic's career as a headhunter.Back then, there wasn't really a headhunting field. "Even today, the U.S. Labor Department does not have a classification number for it," Radosevic said.In 1970, he went to work for San Diego-based VIP Employment Agency as director of the "high-tech" department. Back then terms such as "retainer," "compensation package" and "severance pay" were either rare or unheard of. Radosevic developed his own, patented methods for headhunting. One such method involved having his corporate clients write out an extensive "search position profile" for a job opening to spell out a company profile, employment conditions, ideal candidates and other key aspects of the job.A typical profile could be eight pages long for a vice president and nearly 30 pages long for a president. On the flip side, he also came up with a profile for job candidates that included everything from extensive references to what mistakes the person has learned from on the job.Radosevic recalled one experience where he asked his client why they chose to hire someone who had completed one of Radosevic's profiles. The head of the company told him, "Because I made the same mistakes," Radosevic said.Radosevic started his own firm in 1979. In the beginning, he worked with companies involved in high technology and nuclear and military electronics because those were the driving industries in San Diego.Since then, not only have more industries arrived, old industries have branched out, he said. For example, what used to be called the "medical industry," is now divided into bioinformatics, diagnostics, drug discovery instrumentation and software, biomedical and so on.This poses challenges for headhunters, who have to stay on top of all those industries to do the job, Radosevic said."Our job is to understand and differentiate," Radosevic said. "A competent headhunter is not particularly an expert in any one of those fields; his or her expertise is understanding the industry."Having placed people in jobs worldwide, Radosevic said San Diego poses another unique problem: the high cost of living."San Diego, a city of 3 million people, is considered one of the most expensive areas regarding the cost of affordable housing," Radosevic said. "It is essential to consider that aspect of relocation when recruiting people from other areas."According to Radosevic, people should look for the same things in a headhunter as they do a financial planner: knowledge, experience, familiarity, trust and confidentiality. While he finds it difficult to define his job, he applies the old saying, "if you're in the business long enough, then you know the ropes.""The end of the rope is not when the candidate is hired," Radosevic said. "It's when the guarantee is up and beyond, in order to create the repeatable business."In his office, Radosevic keeps the first three dollars he made as a consultant in a frame on one wall. He also has a statue of Santa Claus on his desk to remind him "to always give something," and a picture on one wall bearing his firm's motto, "the quality remains long after the price is forgotten."Friday, February 18, 2005editor@sddt.com http://www.sddt.com Source Code: 20050218tbb letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Apr 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8368/1/E-End-of-the-world-but-the-beginning-of-everything-Logbook.html  “End of the world but the beginning of everything.”Logbook of the m.s.Andrea USHUAIA — ANTARCTICAJanuary 6-15, 2005 www.elegantcruises.com/  First Wedding on the AntarticaIn late afternoon the wedding of Jessica and David Wilborntook place ashore at Orne Harbor. A crowd gathered on a smallsnow covered slope, Dick gave the preamble and then CaptainPazanin conducted the service –pronouncing them man and wife.Then Praba and Jittu sang a traditional Sanskrit song of goodwishes for the bride and groom. Then the revelers were taken ona zodiac tour of the area and then back to the ship for a champagnecelebration. We remained at anchor all night in this beautiful area. expedition leader: Dr.KimCrosbieassistant E. L.: Sonja Messicklecturers: Dick Cameron, Gustavo Lovrich, Nanette SchleichMonday, 6 December ushuaia, argentinaThe m.s. Andrea calmly awaited dockside for its passengers whilethe crew was stowing supplies, preparing staterooms, and settingtables for dinner. The expedition crew was also busy checkingradios, and practicing Zodiac launching from the bow area.The passengers arrived at about 1600 hrs and were shown totheir cabins and their luggage appeared as well. All received theirown luggage and for the crew there was a sigh of relief, for whenluggage is misplaced immediate confusion breaks out with everyonesearching everywhere for the missing piece.A buffet of sandwiches, pastries, tea and coffee was set in theKittwake Lounge for the passengers. This allowed them to mingleand get to know one another. Dr. Kim Crosbie, Expedition Leader,took advantage of this gathering to introduce the expedition staff :Sonja Messick (Assistant Expedition Leader), Dick Cameron,Nanette Schleich, and Gustavo Lovrich.People then had the chance to familiarize themselves with theship by taking a nice walkabout. The Mandatory Life Boat andSafety at Sea Drill was postponed as cargo was still being loaded.Dock workers were on strike so the cargo had to be brought tothe ship by small boat and then loaded through the starboard side(the port side was along the dock). Just before 2000 hrs the shipbegan to maneuver from the dock and by 2007 hrs. the Andreawas full away. And then in short order the mandatory drill tookplace followed by dinner as the passengers were, by this time,famished.Leaving Ushuaia the sign on shore read “End of world but thebeginning of everything.” The Andrea sailed smoothly down theBeagle Channel on its way to Antarctica.Tuesday, 7 December All night long and all day long, the Andrea did her imitation ofRock and Roll. Numerous passengers and a few of the Expeditionstaff were somewhat without sea legs and thus scheduled lecturesand other informative activities were postponed. Severaltimes during the day one heard the crashing of dishes and onewould think that we were attending a Greek wedding.Some lectures were given and they were:A Time to Krill – Gustavo LovrichKrill are the keystone of the Antarctic ecosystem with whales,penguins, and seals depending on krill for sustenance. Krill are themost abundant animal on earth. Gustavo presented informationon numbers of krill, their biology, and the way in which krill studiesare being done.Antarctic Sea Birds by KimOverview of the types of birds and their unbelievable life at sea.Basic Geology by DickThis was an overview of basic geology and a primer on platetectonics and the overall geology of the Antarctic continent.Passengers reported seeing penguins and a whale. The systemworks, as the only real way to enjoy Antarctica is out on deck. At2000 hrs fog appeared and the sea temperature dropped to 0degrees Centigrade. We were crossing the convergence wherecold Antarctic waters meet the warmer seas to the north.In the evening a contest was announced whereby the person whosaw the first iceberg would win a bottle of champagne. The excitementof the passengers was keen but it all came to a halt when at2100 hrs all were notified that it was Ivan, the Ice Captain, was theone who sighted the berg. As he is considered staff he was ineligiblefor the bottle. The berg was sighted at 59 degrees and 25 minutessouth latitude and 62 degrees and 23 minutes west longitude.NOON POSITION: 57Â22.7’S 69Â28.9’WWednesday, 8 December Icebergs were all over this morning, and under a beautiful bluesky we sailed on Southwards. The first lecture of the day was byNanette, entitled Science in Antarctica Part 1. This lecture explainedthe Antarctic Treaty and how it is the basis of worldwide cooperationand governance of the continent. She also gave a briefoverview of the significant research projects that are underway.Kim conducted a Mandatory Zodiac Briefing whereby the passengerswere given the rudiments of how to board and disembarkfrom these rubber crafts and the do’s and don’ts while in the zodiac.They were also instructed in the IAATO Code of Conduct inAntarctica. The environment on the continent is fragile and theanimals have such a short summer their activities must not beinterrupted.The first landing of the day was to be Aitcho Island in the groupof islands called the South Shetlands. However, the wind wouldnot quit and a landing was impossible. So we sailed on. We founda decent place to land at Half Moon Bay where there was an abandonedboat most likely left by whalers. The landing went smoothlyand we were able have a nice walk to see the Chinstrap penguinsand some Weddell seals. Of course I am only kidding about a nicewalk, as every step of the way on the snow surface was one ofanticipation as to how deep will my foot go this time. This landingwas great as there was plenty of time to spend absorbing this environment.After this good time ashore the passengers returned tothe Andrea to prepare for the Captain’s Welcoming Cocktail Partyand Dinner.During the evening we sailed towards the Weddell Sea side ofthe Peninsula. As we approached the Antarctic Sound the greattabular bergs appeared as if on parade. A beautiful sightNOON POSITION: 62Â29.2’S 59Â22.0’WThursday, 9 December By early this morning we had passed through the AntarcticSound and were in Terror and Erebus Gulf. The destination wasDevil Island but as we arrived the wind was too strong for a landingso we sailed south along the Prince Gustav Channel that separatesJames Clark Ross Island from the mainland Peninsula. Butbefore long sea ice obstructed further progress and the ship cameabout and we once again headed for Devil Island. This island is astrange one, set in an embayment of the larger island called Vega.The islands in this area are fascinating in two ways. The first isthat the Swedish explorer Nordenskjold wintered on Snow HillIsland in the early 1900’s and the story of his travail and rescue isan amazing one which is yet to be properly appreciated. And secondly,the islands have some interesting Mesozoic and Cenozoicrocks in which numerous unique fossils have been foundincluding the remains of a 6 foot tall penguin.We were able to land on Devil Island as the wind speeddecreased. On the island were large rookeries of Adelie penguinsguarding their precious eggs and it was more than entertaining towatch their antics of communication and their serious attention tothe business of keeping the eggs at a proper temperature. Somepeople climbed to the summit of the island while others watchedpenguins and strolled along the beach.There were several good examples of columnar jointed basaltalong the beach. This jointing is produced when lava flows outonto the surface and cools rapidly. Back to the ship and Gustavotold the fascinating story of Nordenskjold’s expedition with itsunbelievable coincidences of sledge journeys, boat trips, time, andplace that finally reunited the expedition.During the evening we sailed towards Paulet Island wherethere resides a tremendous number of penguins. Enroute, however,the wind increased to a gale over 50km/hr. and the ship had apermanent list to starboard. We could see where the huge rookerywas on Paulet but there was no way to visit the island so wesailed on into the Antarctic Sound and then during the night theship made its way to Deception Island.NOON POSITION: 63Â45.7’S 57Â16.1’WFriday, 10 December As we awoke we were just off the entrance to Deception Island.The sky was overcast but visibility was reasonable. When passengerswere notified of our position and what we were about to dothe decks were immediately filled and we sailed throughNeptune’s Bellows and into Port Foster. We made directly forPendulum Cove and the morning swim.There were a large number of passengers hardy enough to dothe swim. Steam covered the beach and the shallows. Nanettewas to be the sacrificial lamb so in she went and said the waterwas fine. The rest followed with giggles and oh’s and aw’s. Asswimmers came out they were handed nice heavy towels. Nowthey could brag they had been swimming in Antarctica.Our next stop on Deception Island was Telefon Bay where theeruption of 1967 created a large crater. The passengers climbed tothe crater and viewed this large depression with steep sides and aflat central area, and waterfall on the far side. Kim led a group ofwalker/climbers up and around the crater while the remainderrelaxed and strolled to view a small crater nearby and then back tothe beach. At the beach a group of Weddell seals were sunbathingon the snow so passengers had another opportunity to take a fewphotographs. The number of photos being taken on this trip mustbe phenomenal as cameras seem to be in constant action. In the olddays one could here the clicking of cameras – now they are silent.Onto Whaler’s Bay to view the remains of the old whaling stationand the equipment used for rendering the blubber and storingthe whale oil. Here also are the remains of a British research stationabandoned after the 1967 volcanic eruption. LincolnEllsworth landed here on his historic flight from South America toLittle America in 1935.We left Deception in early evening headed for a landing on thecontinent.NOON POSITION: 62 56’ S 60Â40’ WSaturday, 11 December Early this morning we approached the continent of Antarctica. Itwas with palpable anticipation that the passengers were ready toland on what is known as the Seventh Continent. The Zodiacstook the Redcoats to Selvick Cove of the Antarctic Peninsula andpeople stepped onto a new continent. For many of them it wasindeed their 7th continent while others, especially the youngerpassengers, have a few continents yet to go. Group pictures weretaken and people mingled about on the rocky beach and on thesnow platform beneath the rocky cliff.Taking advantage of surrounding majestic mountains and theirice cover as plateau glaciers and outlet glaciers, Dick gave a brieftalk on glaciology; their classification from ice sheet to ice cap tovalley glacier and how they are formed and how they flow.From here the zodiacs took all to Cuverville Island where therewere several Gentoo penguin rookeries. The water here was veryclear so one could watch the penguins swimming underwater. Anumber of passengers went on a stimulating walk high up on therock for fantastic views of the mountains and glaciers that surroundthe area.With all aboard once again the Andrea sailed from Cuverville forNeumayer Channel, a spectacular waterway between Anvers andWiencke Island. Unable to penetrate the channel very far, the shipcame about with the intention of trying to reach the southernentrance of the Neumayer via the Gerlache Strait. Had we beenable to do this we would have visited Port Lockroy, a Heritage Siterun by the British. But unfortunately ice blocked the Andrea’s pathonce again and at 64 degrees 47 minutes south latitude, the mostsoutherly point reached on this trip, the Andrea headed north.Before long a pod of orcas’ were sighted headed south.In late afternoon the wedding of Jessica and David Wilborntook place ashore at Orne Harbor. A crowd gathered on a smallsnow covered slope, Dick gave the preamble and then CaptainPazanin conducted the service –pronouncing them man and wife.Then Praba and Jittu sang a traditional Sanskrit song of goodwishes for the bride and groom. Then the revelers were taken ona zodiac tour of the area and then back to the ship for a champagnecelebration.We remained at anchor all night in this beautiful area.NOON POSITION: 64Â41.0’S 62Â38.0’WSunday, 12 December Waking, the passengers could not believe their eyes, for onceagain blue sky and absolutely wonderful calm weather engulfedthem as if embraced by a loved one. Well, that seems to be a littletoo poetic but it indeed was a beautiful day.We arrived at Enterprise Island and a zodiac cruise was initiated.The island is located in Whilemina Bay where whalers wouldbring in the whales for processing. The wreck of the factory shipGuvernorn is there rusting away. The ship was destroyed in a fireon the 27th of January in 1915. Through a hole in the hull wecould see the explosive harpoons that were used to kill the whales.A bygone age. Although the Japanese are still doing some whaling.We cruised around the area and saw many Kelp Gulls and afew Weddell seals. One seal left his snowy perch, entered thewater, and swam past the zodiac creating a fantastic wake. Backto the ship and we sailed north to Ceirva Bay.Into the zodiacs again. This area is the sight of the Argentinestation Primavera which is presently unmanned. These stationscost a great deal to maintain and so it will most likely only be utilizedfor special research projects. The reason for our visit herewas to see leopard seals. Kim knows this Peninsula so well thatindeed we saw a wonderful leopard seal on an ice floe. We wereable to get quite close and get good pictures. As we were concentratingon the seal a Minke whale appeared and began to playwith us. The three zodiacs cut their engines and drifted about asthe whale came up between the boats and then dived under theboats. The passengers and the staff were thrilled with this performance.In the evening we made our last landing on Trinity Islandwhere there was a Argentine Refuge and many Gentoo penguins.This was a somewhat sad visit as the passengers knew this wastheir goodbye to Antarctica. It was a quiet evening with no windand on the ride back to the Andrea we could see golden clouds atthe horizon.The Andrea set sail on a heading of 330 degrees for Cape Horn.NOON POSITION: 64Â32.1’S 61Â51.2’WMonday, 13 December At sea in the Drake Passage. This cruise has been an extremelylucky with a southern crossing in relatively moderate seas andnow as we head north the seas seem to be behaving once again.Today the activities were confined to shipboard as the zodiacsare stowed away for the crossing. We have had eleven landingswhich is quite remarkable in such a short time.Today’s lectures were:Science in Antarctica II by NanetteNannette devised a research project to determine the amount ofsunlight that penetrates snow. She conducted this work nearScott Base on Ross Island, McMurdo Sound. Her results agreedfavorably with other researchers.Armageddon in Antarctica by GustavoIcebergs scrape the bottom of the sea destroying animal andplant life that have been living for hundreds of years. It will take along, long time for these biota to reestablish their communities.Global Warming by DickA series of examples of warming trends were presented includingcoral reef loss, drying up of Chinese rivers, increased rain andstorms on East coast of the U.S.AÂ., and finally how the ice coverof Kilimanjaro will be gone in about 15 years. An astute observationby one of the passengers noted that in the map shown amajority of the ice cover disappeared between 1910 and 1923,before real concern about the greenhouse effect.After each lecture there were numerous questions that led tomore questions and a lively ensued.Just before dinner we had the Andrea Quiz with groups of sixanswering 25 questions, doing a crossword puzzle, and composinga song. The creativity of the songs was amazing. The group withthe highest number of points won a bottle of champagne.Dinner was delightful as ever with conversation somewhatmore animated stemming from some of the controversial answersto quiz questions.NOON POSITION: 61Â08.0’S 63Â33.8’WTuesday, 14 December At sea. Last night the Andrea gave the passengers a taste of theDrake with pitching and rolling for a number of hours. But bybreakfast time the sea had moderated and remained that way forthe rest of the day. By late morning Cape Horn was sighted –South America was in sight.Today the lectures were:How to Cope with Antarctica by GustavoThis talk explained the mechanisms by which the various animalskeep from freezing.Long line fishing and the Albatross by KimThe ongoing slaughter of these birds is a terrible tragedy that iscaused by the birds taking the baitand being pulled under thewater and drowned. Efforts to develop methods to minimizethese deaths were discussed.The Uttermost Part of the Earth by DickTwo books that are about the Beagle Channel area were reviewed.Lucas Bridges was the son of a missionary to the Ushuaia area in1871 and in his book “Uttermost Part of the Earth” he describesthe life in Tierra del Fuego and the various the Indian tribes.Rockwell Kent’s book “Voyaging Southward from the Strait ofMagellan” describes his trip to this area in 1922 and his woodcutsare gorgeous.Rain began to fall as we approached the Beagle Channel. Thefirst bad weather of the trip. We hove to for part of the eveningas we waited for the pilot to take us into Ushuaia. The Captain’sFarewell Cocktail Party and Dinner was a splendid affair. At theend of the Cocktail Party Kim showed a series of photos withAfrican music in the background. The photos were made availablefor those contributing to the Save the Albatross effort andthis wonderful group of passengers all did so.The dinner was magnificent. It was a great finale to this adventure.NOON POSITION 55Â54.8’S 66Â43.3’WWednessday, 15 December The Andrea arrived at the dock in Ushuaia at 0700 hrs amid abright sunny day and the mountains about the harbor coveredwith powdered sugar. While rain was falling on the lower Beaglelast night snow was dusting the mountains.Disembarkation day is always a day of where did I put my luggage?What time does the bus leave for the airport? And can Iboard the ship again to look for my pen? But it always works outand the passengers leave for their many destinations with happymemories of a wonderful trip to Antarctica and a good feelingabout the Andrea and its crew.NOON POSITION 54Â48.5’S 68Â16.4’W Captain Stanovic, owner of m.s.Andrea, Nenad Bach, Marilyn Armbruster  For further information regarding our special luxury cruises call your travel agent or contact us at: Elegant Cruises & Tours, Inc. 24 Vanderventer Avenue Port Washington, NY 11050 Ph: 516-767-9302 1-800-683-6767 Fax: 516-767-9303 e-mail: info@elegantcruises.com   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7097/1/E-Croatian-Ivan-Zugelj-Charlotte-Symphony-Player.html ÂCroatian Ivan Zugelj Charlotte Symphony PlayerHelping the architecture of a musical work take shape during a performance.Posted on Sun, Feb. 13, 2005 The challenge of the first-chair job is that other players are taking cues from there. "If you do something wrong," Zugelj explained, "somebody else may make a mistake. Because people are depending on you." But what's "tremendously gratifying," he added, is helping the architecture of a musical work take shape during a performance. "You get this weird thing going where you can sense what the people around you are thinking. It's an awareness that happens in a totally indescribably way."CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY PLAYERS | SEVENTH IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIESHe changed name, instrumentsSTEVEN BROWNClassical Music WriterThe noble strains of Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 will cap off the Charlotte Symphony concerts next weekend. As with much of Elgar's music, the symphony's broad melodies and grand sonorities are a musical afterglow of the mighty British Empire of 100 years ago. The sonic underpinning will come in part from the orchestra's double basses, whose co-principal player since 1974 has been Ivan Zugelj.HOMETOWN: McKeesport, Pa., about 20 miles from Pittsburgh.GOING BACK TO ROOTS: The name on Zugelj's birth certificate is John Zugel, a name he was still using when he came to Charlotte. John had come from his mother's father, a native of Croatia who switched from Ivan when he came to the United States. Zugelj's father's family had dropped their surname's final j after immigrating from Slovenia. About 10 years after the maternal grandfather's death, Zugelj was drawn to the original versions. "I can still remember my grandfather saying he didn't like the name John," Zugelj said. "I remember thinking, `If I'm named for this guy, why should I have a name he didn't like?' " So he legally switched.FALSE START: In the first or second grade, Zugelj got an urge to play the accordion. His parents bought an instrument and set him up with lessons. After about six months, he lost interest. But he was stuck. "My parents said, `We spent a lot of money on this. You're going to learn to play it.' "SILVER LINING: One morning a few years later, Zugelj couldn't get up from his bed. He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a paralyzing disease set off by a reaction to a polio vaccine. He had to stay home for the sixth grade, studying with tutors. But the ailment at least got him free of the accordion, Zugelj said.RECOVERY: Thanks in part to physical therapy, Zugelj returned to school for the seventh grade. "They were looking for bass players," he recalled. The theory was that kids who had already studied music were better able than beginners to pick out the pitches of low notes. That led to Zugelj. "I had to really work at it," he recalled. "I had a hard time."CHOICE: While he was laid up by Guillain-Barre, Zugelj said, he read a lot and "turned into a science freak." His high school teachers thought he would end up in some scientific field. But he did well in high school music competitions, and he "astounded" his teachers by deciding to aim that way. He earned a music degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.SOUTHLAND: Zugel landed a job in the Atlanta Symphony, where he spent three seasons -- interrupted by not-quite-finished work on a master's degree. When his former wife had a shot at the first-chair flute job with the Charlotte Symphony, Zugelj auditioned and won a spot, too, sharing the top double-bass position.PERSPECTIVE: The challenge of the first-chair job is that other players are taking cues from there. "If you do something wrong," Zugelj explained, "somebody else may make a mistake. Because people are depending on you." But what's "tremendously gratifying," he added, is helping the architecture of a musical work take shape during a performance. "You get this weird thing going where you can sense what the people around you are thinking. It's an awareness that happens in a totally indescribably way."Charlotte SymphonyGuest conductor Anthony Bramall leads Henry Purcell's "Chacony in G minor," Joseph Haydn's Cello Concerto in C major (with cellist Daniel MÃller-Schott) and Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1. WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.WHERE: Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St.TICKETS: $14-$68.DETAILS: (704) 972-2000; www.charlottesymphony.org .This is one in a series of features on Charlotte Symphony members, interviewed by Observer classical music writer Steven Brown. (704) 358-6194;sbrown@charlotteobserver.com .http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/entertainment/performing_arts/10888789.htm?1c letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7096/1/E-Croatian-Antony-Sumich-Story.html ÂAntony SumichÂDragi Hrvatski Prijatelji,My name is Antony Sumich and I am a seminarian currently studying in Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, in Denton, Nebraska. I belong to the Fraternity of Saint Peter, which is a priestly Fraternity of Apostolic life founded in 1988 after the Holy Fatherâs Motu proprio Ecclesia Dei adflicta granted to the Fraternity the right to form priests in the Traditional Liturgy of the Roman Rite.I was born in New Zealand and lived there until my 25th year when I moved to Europe to trace my family roots. My two grandfathers had emigrated from Croatia to New Zealand early in the twentieth century, where they married daughters of Croatian immigrants. All four of my grandparents came from the same region of Dalmatia, namely the Makarska coastal region. I then lived and worked in Croatia for six years where I learnt to speak Croatian, and where, more importantly I found my way back to the light of the Catholic Church. The Catholic way of life in post war Croatia made me proud to be both a Croatian and a Catholic. After a successful career coaching sport in Croatia, I answered Godâs call and entered the Fraternity of Saint Peterâs other Seminary in Wigratzbad, Germany. In August 2003 I was transferred to the USA so as to continue my studies in my mother tongue, as I had been studying in French whilst in Europe. Although I am very happy to be studying here in Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, I feel as though I am half way between my two homelands, in New Zealand and Croatia.I have a particular affinity for the Glagolitic Mass of the Roman rite, which was celebrated in many parts of Croatia up until 1970. I dream that one day, God willing, I shall be able to celebrate a Glagolitic Mass in my home village of Podgora with a Klapa choir as backing, thus keeping alive the glorious tradition of the Mass begun by Saints Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century.In writing this letter I am obeying the wishes of my superiors who have requested that all seminarians look for sponsors or benefactors to help alleviate the none too inconsiderable costs of seminary formation. In short, I am appealing to you as members of a Croatian Catholic parish, to help me find personal benefactors who can help me through my seminary years. My costs are placed in three categories, namely, seminary, daily, and travel. The seminary category covers the cost of general formation, lodging, insurance etc, the daily, covers my phone bills, books and stationery, visits to the dentist, clothing and toiletry, and the travel, covers my vacation periods should I wish to travel to New Zealand, Croatia, or remain in North America. If you feel you are able to assist in my formation, or you know of someone who may be able to help, please ring me at the seminary, or send me an e-mail to the following address:- antonysumich@yahoo.comÂAlso you could look at our website www.fssp.orgâSeek, and you shall find, ask, and you shall receive, knock, and it shall be opened to youâ€?These words of our Lord, give me the courage to place things in His hands, and I ask that you also pray for me on my path to the Holy Order of Melchizedech.I remain, in Jesus and Mary,Humbly Yours,Ante Sumićantonysumich@yahoo.com Â letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Feb 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7100/1/Vlasta-Gyura---Croatian-concert-pianiste.html  Vlasta Vlakancic  Review of Vlasta Vlakancic ConcertCabrillo College, April 24, 2004Richard LyndeThe vivacious Vlasta Vlakancic, a youngish Croatian pianiste, had performed at the home of Distinguished Artists director John Orlando a few weeks before her appearance on Saturday, April 24, at the Cabrillo College theater. Her recital was the latest in the ongoing series of benefit concerts for the Carole Holdaway fund, the purpose of which is to buy a new grand piano for the soon-to-be-constructed Cabrillo Performing Arts Center. Once again, Vlasta did not disappoint. Indeed, with her stunning combination of physical appeal and passionate musicality, she easily conquered the large audience.Her program was ranged widely within the 60-year period of 1781-1839. It included both the classicism of Mozart and the romanticism of Liszt and Chopin, with the transitional protean figure of Beethoven as well. This sequence included two jokes (one of them an unintended program-note glitch), some walks and marches, along with several songs without words (though not by Mendelssohn) in slow movements, all of them performed with tremendous feeling of the sort that won Vlasta the First Prize in the 1991 Roma International Competition.The evening started off with a hilarious “mistake” on account of Orlando’s having forgotten to cross out the Mozart Sonata K. 330 in C Major. Instead we heard the Beethoven “Pathetique” (1798), which began stiffly under Vlasta¹s cold fingers, then progressed with assurance. When most of the audience applauded wildly after the first movement, it was not in ignorance but in enthusiasm. Just listen to the recent genuine appreciation.Beethoven¹s “Rage over a Lost Penny” from 1795 is a hilarious early work of program music, where a young stroller in Vienna struts out cockily, then realizes he has lost his “Grosschen” – as in the 20th century Weill’s “Dri Grosschen Oper” and must look for it, going from despair and self pity as he retraces his steps, to triumph, on finding the coin. These emotions were well conveyed.Liszt¹s “Venezia e Napoli,” from his “Years of Pilgrimage,” dates from 1838, when the noble composer returned to Vienna to give big benefits for victims of the Danube flood. Vlasta spun out the “Gondoliera,” a work that might have been one of Mendelssohn’s boat songs, except for the ornamentation; and the “Tarantella” was a wildly headstrong spider-bite dance.After intermission came the Chopin “Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise in E Flat,” Op. 22, from 1834. This was followed by the great “Sonata Op. 35 in B Flat Minor” (1838), the famous “Funeral March” work. The march (third movement) was especially well played, as was the presto finale. In the past, various critics have compared this brief coda to “wind whispering among gravestones” or “only two hands gossiping.” But I like as much its recent characterization by writer Josef Sekon in the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian as “a huge swarm of bees flying almost silently at high speed.”In addition to the passionate, if sometimes inaccurate, keyboard forays of Vlasta, the audience was treated to her stunning appearance, perhaps a reminder of the enthusiasm of the Italian jury of the early 1990’s. Stunning in a matte black gown with sequins, she also displayed stiletto heels at the pedals. And her silhouette was unintentionally thrown up, as if by a magic lantern, on the acoustic screen behind her, which added to the drama.Also unintended but remarkable were a couple of motifs: walks/marches and melodic songs. Here are some of the worthy tunes from this recital that beg for lyrics and a golden voice: the “Andante Cantabile” from Beethoven’s “Pathetique,” which I have never heard better; the “Canzona” from Liszt’s “Venezia & Napoli,” and, yes, the soaring middle section of the Chopin “Funeral March,” which Vlasta sang out divinely. Ditto the “Andante Spianato” of Chopin, fit for a wordsmith as well as a voice. Singers and composers of lyrics – where are you now? We need you for such melodic fare.Then there was the other side, the foot-stomping march music that is not fit for words, simply because it is too fast to be sung. The third movement of the “Pathetique” is a fast walk, but nothing like the cocky strutting of the ending of the “Rage over the Lost Penny.” Liszt’s “Tarantella” is no cakewalk, but a frenzied Neapolitan “out with the spider bite.” Chopin¹s “Grand Polonaise” after the Andante starts off like his “Military” one, and also has echoes of his “Heroic.” His “Funeral March,” as played here, was slow, somber, and dignified, without the heavy-handedness of a Rachmaninoff, as in his recordings.And the surprise encore, tossed off perfectly, was a return to the unplayed but programmed Mozart of the unbeginning, in his famous “Turkish March” which concludes the Sonata in A Major, K 300, from 1781-83. Here, we had a military band of Turks, right outside the walls of Vienna, as they had threatened the city many years ago. You can look up this date on the Internet if you wish. For myself, I am computer illiterate, so will instead look forward to the next recital in these parts by Vlasta Vlakancic.Richard Lyndehttp://www.vlasta.us VLASTA VLAKANCIC was born in Croatia and was educated at: The Novi Sad University, Yugoslavia (Professor Arbo Waldmann and prof Rita Kinka), The Zagreb Academy of Music, Croatia (Professor Vladimir Krpan), and the famous "Mozarteum" Hochschulle fur Musik in Salzburg, Austria (Professor Peter Lang). She has studied in advanced Master Workshops all over Europe.Since 1987, she has performed with great success in concerts throughout Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Romania, Macedonia, Belgium, Hungary and France, with repertoire of all music periods from Bach to contemporary music.She was awarded First prize in "Roma International competition", Rome, Italy in 1991 Honored for outstanding achievement as "Best Artist Performer in Croatia" by Zagreb Society of Artists, Zagreb, Croatia in1994Since 1998, she has played in Salzburg, the acknowledged empire of the solo and chamber music in Europe, as exclusive musician of the agency "Mirabell Schlosskonzerte". During this time, she has performed with numerous famous names as Igor Oistrakh, Luz Leskowitz, Eugen Rosseau. She is awarded the celebrated "Permanent Guest" of the "Salzburg Soloists".She travels regularly to Europe performing on concert tours, and she is the founder and Artistic Director of the annual "Vukovar Music Festival", Croatia which completed its third season in July 2001.Besides her intensive concert activities, Vlasta Vlakancic is permanently engaged by the Music Academy at the University of Zagreb as member of Piano Faculty.BASIC REPERTORY:J. S. Bach: Italian concerto, Toccata in D Major, Partita B Flat Major, Suite A minor, Goldberg VariationsBach-Busoni: ChaconneW. A. Mozart: 19 Sonatas(in full),Fantasy C minor, VariationsL. van Beethoven: Sonatas op. 13, op. 14 no 1 and 2,op. 26, op. 31 no. 2,op. 106, op. 109, op. 110F. Schubert: Wanderer-Fantasie, Sonata A Major, 4 impromptusR. Schumann: Kinderszennen, Carnaval op. 9, Fantasia C Major, a-b-e-g VariationsF. Chopin: 4 Balllades, Polonaise op. 53, Waltzes, 4 Scherzos, Sonata op. 35, Nocturnes, Barcarolle op.60, Andante Spianato and Grande PolonaiseF. Liszt: Sonata BFlat Minor, Hungarian Rapsodies, Etudes de concert, Venezia e Napoli, Spanish Rapsodie, Mephisto-Valtz, Valee d'Obermann, "Rigoletto" ParafraseS. Rachmaninov: Moments musicaux, Polka, Liebesleid, Liebesfreude, VocaliseA. Scriabine: Sonata-Fantasia no. 2, FantasiaC. Debussy: L'Isle joyeuse, Estampes, Suite BergamasqueM. Ravel: La Valse, Pavana, SonatinaI. Stravinski: Suite "Petroushka"S. Prokofjev: Sonata no. 3A. Webern: Variationen op. 27G. Ligeti: Etudes I. Albeniz: Triana,Granada, CordobaGranados: GoyescasPiano concertos:J. S. Bach: Concerto for two pianos C Minor, Concerto F MinorW. A. Mozart: Concertos K.V.271, 413, 414, 415, 466, 467, 595L. van Beethoven: Concertos no. 4, 5J. Haydn: Concerto D MajorF. Chopin: Concerto no. 1,no.2F. Liszt: Concerto no 1,E Flat MajorE. Grieg: Concerto A MinorS. Rachmaninov: Paganini-VariationsC. Saint-Seans: Concerto G MinorP. I. Tchaikovski: Concerto no.1, B Flat MinorREVIEWS:"... With rare sensibility and imagination, V. Gjura has awakened Mozart's piano pieces to new life. Accurate in her rendering, adept at phrasing and the use of agogical liberties, displaying a high level of tone control and a careful attention to detail, faithful to the spirit of the period in her treatment of dynamic amplitudes, Vlasta Gyura has realized a natural and profoundly musical interpretation of Mozart's works.Vecernji List daily, 1996"… Performing Bach, Mozart, Debussy, Chopin and Stravinski with consummate ease, the young artist has displayed excellent concentration and maturity and a beautiful, carrying tone. Particularly impressive was the performance of the 3rd movement of Starvinski's "Petrushka," which ranks this recital among memorable musical achievements.Dubrovacki List daily, 1997"Vlasta Gyura's studied and absorbing exploration of the world of music is reflected in the unconventionality of the programme. Her playing is pure, simple, immediate and stylistically defined... The culmination of the performance was the superb rendering of "Petrushka" - confident, convincing and joyful, a wondrous mingling of simple melodies, luxurious harmonies and enticingly pregnant rhythms. V. Gyura selflessly gives of her vision of the work of the Russian master she has long nurtured within herself."Slobodna Dalmacija daily, 1999"... I really think that her interpretation of the Goldberg Variations was a very remarkable achievement... especially the rendering of Variations 13, 15, and 25 was breathtakingly sincere and touching. I could feel in her performances that she is not worried about producing an "effect" ... This is for me the most important element inherent to all artistic truth and achievement."Claus-Christian Schuster (Altenberg Trio)"... This young artist has performed the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach with surprising maturity, displaying in her interpretation not only the required technique but also a wonderful dynamic plasticity... Departing, for the most part, from the abrupt Baroque dynamics dictated by the structural limitations of the harpsichord, she interpreted the thematic line in a truly modern spirit...Once again: congratulations!"Vjesnik daily, 1994"Daring to perform such as substantial work as the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach, Vlasta Gjura took upon herself a Herculean task. The pianist's spiritual discipline, her ability to interpret the capital pages of piano literature in a focused and deeply poetic way, bespeaks a remarkable musician."Vecernji List daily, 1994"... The Fantasy in C minor, K.C. 475, was rendered with remarkable ease. V. Gyura has revealed herself as a virtuoso of renown, worthy to be counted among the world's leading pianists. She showed extensive knowledge, perfect technique and a superb power of interpretation."Glas Istre daily, 1995 "Vlasta Gjura has shaped a delicate, airy Mozart... With crystalline ease, she created a musical world of surpassing beauty ... elegance in the performance of the melodic line, controlled contrasts, brilliant passages ... all was permeated with warmth and musical sensitivity... With their clear architecture, ease and loveliness, the fast movements magically brought back the world of sunny, spacious withdrawing rooms of Mozart's time."Karlovacki Tjednik weekly, 1995"Vlasta Gyura's recital took place two days after Jorg Demus' performance, thus providing an opportunity to compare these two adventurers of musical interpretation. Staying closer to the accepted idea of what late 18th century music sounded like, V. Gjura proved the less adventurous of the two... Gyura's concentrated, technically sound and musically sensitive interpretation of Mozart's Fantasy, Variations on a Theme by Gluck and the B Flat Minor Sonata (K.V. 333 and 570, respectively) has shown that these pieces, usually reserved for teaching purposes, can feature as the piece de rÃsistance without fear of monotony...”Salzburger Nachricht, daily 1998  Connors and Vlasta Vlakancic  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7099/1/E-Zoran-Dragalj---Croatian-Canadian-Filmmaker.html ÂZoran Dragelj letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7098/1/E-Connor-Vlakancic.html ÂConnor VlakancicLos Gatos, California 95032M: 831-295-7827 F: 408-364-9108email: connorv@gmail.com Creative key-director-level, communications technology product business development manager with a comprehensive background in large multi-national enterprise and entrepreneurial startups.Connor Vlakancic was born in the "Corn Belt" of Illinois, about 75 miles west of Chicago. He was raised in a conservative family environment where productive work was encouraged and rewarded. His paternal Grandfather was of Croatian heritage from the Dalmatian Coast in the north Adriatic Sea, as a citizen during the end of Austro-Hungarian rule. His maternal Grandfather was of German heritage from the Alsace-Lorraine region.* * * * *Connor Vlakancic's early Silicon Valley technology career includes Fairchild Semiconductor, Timex, Inc., Microma/Intel Corporation, Siemens Opto and Raychem, where he developed semiconductor RF, IC, hybrid, LED and LCD display chips, products and systems. He traveled frequently to manage production at manufacturing sites in several Asian countries. He also spent many years at Measurex Corporation (acquired by Honeywell) developing digital control systems in paper and rubber manufacturing, and traveled worldwide to install multi-million dollar control systems.During the mid-1980’s, he was an early entrepreneur in the personal computer systems revolution by founding the most successful IBM-PC compatible (Leading Edge) computer sales company in California. He followed this success with several years at Apple Computer as a computer-marketing competitive annalist and Macintosh networking evangelist.When ARPANET gave rise to the Internet in 1990 he became an open-standards computer network consultant at Advanced Computing Environments which evolved to become Networld+Interop, the world’s largest open computer standards, tradeshow and exposition. He then joined US based Fujikura America, Inc., (subsidiary of large electric power systems manufacturing company) as Business Director of a new product division to produce and distribute (thru Anixter and Graybar Electric) innovative Desktop Area Network (DAN) products aimed at the Fortune 1,000,000 companies.During the late 1990’s, he founded a family reunion, live videoconference service to provide "Familia Visitas" from San Jose, California to Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico. He captured business videoconference service contracts with Western-Union, the State of California, Sprint International and EPRI. As the millennium changed, he was a business consultant and due-diligence investigator for international venture capital investors headquartered in Silicon Valley and a business development manager at Netscape/AOL and iPlanet/Sun Microsystems where his communications business development expertise was focused in 3rd party wireless client/server-side software application solutions.He has published technology articles in several computer magazines and was a featured lecturer at Internet and video conference expositions. He has been awarded three US and international technology patents. Following the implosion of the Silicon Valley centric "Internet bubble" by the end of 1991, he selected a change of business direction. Based on his international business acumen and family heritage, he co-founded a company to import a variety of organic food and other consumer products from the Adriatic Sea region (Croatia) of Mid-Europe. Due to the impact on international shipping following September 11, 2001 and his US Federal political experience, he became very involved with US Federal FDA food traffic issues within USA food industry trade groups. By late 2003, he had grown the company to obtain rounds of angel investor funding and incorporated as a holding company with LLC divisions that would specialize in specific product families to be positioned for acquisition by large US food service industry companies.His education includes undergraduate and graduate studies in Illinois and California Universities. These include DeVry University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he earned an under-graduate degree in electronic systems and an aircraft pilot’s license with over 5000 PIC hours. He continued his professional and leadership education in several graduate-level extension programs such as Stanford University. A few of his past and current memberships in professional organizations include: The Commonwealth Club of California, The Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs Club, The Churchill Club of Silicon Valley and The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.* * * * *He is a published political author with a major dissertation registered in the U.S. Library of Congress, Thomas Register, “The 1996 Federal Paradigm” which defines a 10-point "contract" agenda to be championed and advanced by the President of the United States. The Paradigm was recognized by GOP leadership, in 1994, and become the cornerstone of the GOP “The Contract with America” in 1995. The visionary concepts of The 1996 Federal Paradigm forecast future national issues, which have become of paramount importance since September 2001.He has been a candidate for US Congress in California. He was recommended by US Ambassador to Croatia, William D. Montgomery, and selected to represent the US Department of State in international elections monitoring, with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), during the year 2000 federal elections, in the Republic of Croatia.* * * * *His wife, Vlasta Vlakancic is renowned as Croatia’s foremost classical concert pianist with current teaching credentials at the Music Academy, University of Zagreb, Croatia. She has played professionally in international performances in Europe for heads of state in several countries, and guest lectures at GWU in WDC. She has performed in several California Concerts and music festivals.* * * * *Sun University, Java API and J2ME Enterprise and Service Provider Workshops, Palo Alto, CA (1999)CompuMaster, Microsoft Professional Series, Business Software Clinic, Redmond, WA (1996)Yale University, (Tufte extension), Visual Display of Quantitative Information Clinic, Palo Alto (1994)Stanford University, Executive Business Development, Certificated Program, Palo Alto (1993-94)Network+Interop, Ethernet, TokenRing and IP Networks Clinics, Palo Alto, CA (1990-91)Apple University, Graphic Software Applications Workshops, Cupertino, CA (1987-88)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aircraft Pilot License, Oakland International Airport, CA (1986)DeAnza College, Fortran and Assembly Language, Advanced programming, Cupertino, CA (1985)Foothill College, Business Management and Marketing Program(s) Certificate, Los Altos, CA (1968-74)DeVry University, BSES, Applied Science Degree in Electronic Systems, Chicago, IL (1967)Technical competencies include 3 US and foreign technology patents:Microcomputer and Ethernet systems, #4,694,694 - #5,480,319 - #5,545,982 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7101/1/E-Damir-Simic---Shime.html ÂDamir Simic - Shimewww.damirsimic.comÂÂS.Stevens, D Simic - Shime, S. LukatherÂDamir Simic - Shime is an extraordinary musician and an intelligent man who was able to developed his talent to the world class level. The best is yet to be shown.ÂOn a more personal note, my trips to Los Angeles are always enhanced when I see Shime and his family. You support artist by buying their art.ÂNenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 14 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7102/1/E-Tajana-Raukar-Five-Time-World-Champion.html ÂTajana Raukar Five Time World Champion http://www.icedreams.cc Photo: Morris Richardson II / The Detroit NewsIce sculptor Tajana Raukar works on her piece called "Reindeer" in front of her Plymouth home, where she prepares for the Plymouth International Ice Sculptor Spectacular.ÂContact:Address: 1280 Junction StPlymouth, MI 48170 Phone: (734) 207-3363 Email: PaulRaukar@aol.com Website http://www.icedreams.cc ÂMoney loss won't stop ice festivalBy Shanteé Woodards / The Detroit NewsIce fest details * The Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be Jan. 16-21 in Kellogg Park. * The ice show will feature more than 100 sculptures in downtown Plymouth and an exhibit at the Plymouth Historical Museum, 115 S. Main. Judges will rate sculptures for student, team and individual competitions. Tajana Raukar uses six blocks of ice weighing 300 pounds to create "Reindeer."PLYMOUTH -- Tajana Raukar was studying to become a chef when she decided to give ice sculpting a try. She took classes from an instructor she knew and by the beginning of the year, she entered into her first competition -- the Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular. She won second place in the student competition. That was five years ago. Since then, she has opened an ice carving studio and traveled around the world for different sculpting events. Raukar considers the Plymouth festival one of her favorites, but she wasn't surprised that organizers were having a difficult time raising money for the event. "If money is a problem, we can't expect as much," said Raukar, who will compete in the 2002 ice carving olympics. "(The financial difficulties) are part of living today. There is nothing you can do about it." Officials at Watts-Up Inc., which promotes the event, said the festival will go on despite the challenges. It has received last-minute help from Plymouth Cadillac dealer Don Massey, who became a sponsor, and a $4,000 contribution from the city's Downtown Development Authority. Fund-raising for the ice show is down 30 percent this year and it previously lost its largest sponsor, auto supplier Johnson Controls. The festival is not-for-profit and relies on donations and sponsorships. Mike Watts, head of Watts-Up Inc., attributed the financial situation to this year's harsh economic conditions. Big businesses and corporations are facing tighter budgets and when it comes to donations, many opt to give toward relief efforts for families in New York and Washington, D.C., instead of local events.But the show will still go on, Watts said. "Hundreds of people .. are joining hands and making sure the event comes off," Watts said. "It's a tribute to Plymouth and all the people here. This will be the largest and most spectacular event in North America this year." This year's competition will be held from Jan. 16-21 in Kellogg Park. The free show is a 24-hour event and ice carvers come from around the world to display their work. It is billed as the oldest, largest ice carving event in North America. More than $10,000 in prize money, scholarships and awards will be presented. The ice festival began in 1981 as a way to bring in more traffic to downtown businesses. More than 10 million people have come to the event since then, spending their dollars with local retailers. City officials said it has become an even greater boost for restaurants and bars that are able to attract new customers. Matt Cassidy works at Backyard Birds Garden and Nature Store in downtown Plymouth. He said the store is able to get more customers than usual during the ice festival. "But most of the people are looking, not buying," Cassidy said. "But (the extra business) doesn't hurt ... a lot of people don't know about the store, because they are not here." This isn't the first time officials have had a hard time with the event. Ron Loiselle, a festival organizer, said the 1993 event almost didn't happen because of a lack of funds. But Massey, the Cadillac dealer, became a sponsor and helped with a lot of the money problems. Earlier this year, festival organizers struggled to repay an overdue debt to the city. Organizers owed the city more than $7,000 for providing cleanup, police and road closures for the 2001 festival. That event brought in revenues of $140,000, but another $10,000 was needed to break even. The money was due to the city in May, but it wasn't paid until November. Like all businesses, ice carvers have been feeling the effects of this year's economic conditions. At this time of year, Raukar is usually working on sculptures for holiday parties and dinners. But that didn't happen this year, since many celebrations have been canceled. "I hope everything will be fine," she said. "Because of the happenings in September, people are afraid to spend money. It's difficult." You can reach Shanteé Woodards at (734)354-4049 or at swoodards@detnews.com. Plymouth Bureau: (734) 354-4048; Fax: (734) 354-4046235 South Main St., Plymouth, Mich. 48170 http://www.detnews.com/2002/wayne/0201/01/ TAJANA RAUKAR, RODOM S KRKA, U SAD-u IZRAÐUJE SKULPTURE OD LEDA I TROSTRUKA JE SVJETSKA PRVAKINJA U TOM NEOBICNOM SPORTU/ZANIMANJU Primorka oblikuje ledene blokove na minus 30 CelzijevihKad smo suprug i ja 1995. godine preselili u Ameriku intezivnije sam se pocela baviti skulpturama, a ubrzo sam se u Plymouthu posvetila ledenim skulpturama koje se u Americi koriste pri dekoraciji stolova na vjencanjima, prepricala je pocetak karijere Tajana RaukarImpozantne skulpture od leda, osim na slikama ili televiziji, zasigurno je malo tko u Hrvatskoj imao priliku vidjeti u živo. Vijesti o cudesnim ledenim kreacijama, pa i citavim objektima »sazidanim« od leda, u nas se uglavnom može doznati iz rubrika za razbibrigu, a gotovo nikad u pregledima sportskih dogadanja iako se radi o olimpijskoj disciplini. Autori, pak, cudesnih ledenih zdanja iz hrvatske su perspektive velika nepoznanica, o njima zapravo ništa ne znamo, a i ukoliko su se njihova imena mogla cuti ili procitati, vjerojatno su u trenu zaboravljena. Jer, ipak sve se to dogada u dalekim zemljama, vjecito okovanim ledom, ciji stanovnici, u šestomjesecnim polarnim danima/nocima, »nemaju« što ciniti, pa, eto, vrijeme krate »suludim« aktivnostima. Medutim, takvo je razmišljanje posve krivo... Slab interes za rukotvorine u HrvatskojNaime, trostruka svjetska prvakinja u izradi skulptura od leda i sudionik zimskih Olimpijskih igara u Salt Lake Cityju 2002. godine, je iz Hrvatske. Ona se zove Tajana Raukar, rodena je u hrvatskom Zagorju, a odrasla na Krku gdje je upoznala i svog supruga Paula Raukara. Poput mnogih Hrvata, slavu je stekla izvan domovine, u Americi, jer u Hrvatskoj njezina nadarenost nije prepoznata. Za svega šest-sedam godina života u inozemstvu, obitelj Raukar stekla je veliku slavu, k tomu je u gradu Plymouthu pokrenula uspješan posao izrade skulptura od leda, što je danas veliki hit u Americi, te pronijela slavu Hrvatske diljem svijeta. - U pocetku sam, dok sam još živjela na Krku, izradivala skulpture od gline, zatim voca i povrca. No, interesa za takav oblik stvaralaštva u nas nije bilo. Kad smo suprug i ja 1995. godine preselili u Ameriku intezivnija sam se pocela baviti skulpturama, a ubrzo sam se u Plymouthu posvetila ledenim skulpturama koje se u Americi koriste pri dekoraciji stolova na vjencanjima, prepricava svoje pocetke karijere Tajana Raukar. Tijekom pet dana cetiri skulptureU Plymouthu Tajana Raukar prvi put sudjeluje na amaterskom takmicenju u »Ice Carvingu«. No, kako je izradila višestruko uspješniju ledenu skulpturu od ostalih sudionika, receno joj je kako više ne može sudjelovati na amaterskim natjecanjima. Prelazak medu profesionalce bio je više nego uspješan, do danas Tajana Raukar osvojila je 40-ak prvih mjesta na takmicenjima profesionalaca. Dakako, s najviše ponosa istice trostruku titulu svjetskog prvaka u »Ice carvingu« u organizaciji »The National Ice Carving Association« (NICA). Prvi put u ekipnom takmicenju sudjelovala je 2000. godine na Aljasci. Godinu dana kasnije, takoder na Aljasci, s ledenom skulpturom propetih konja, Tajana Raukar, u momcadi s Aaronom Costicem, Stevom Briceom i Marjom Pohjoisahom ponavlja uspjeh. Pod hrvatskom zastavom prošle godine u Belgiji po treci je put svjetska prvakinja u izradi ledenih skulptura, što je u belgijskom tisku iznimno popraceno. Na prvenstvu u Belgiji, prema propozicijama natjecanja, sudionici su, tijekom pet dana, trebali izraditi cetiri razlicite skulpture tematski povezane.Cetvrta na zimskoj Olimpijadi Hrvatska predstavnica predstavila se s ledenim skulpturama naslovljenim - Voda, Vatra, Zrak i Zemlja, cime je oduševila ocjenjivacki žiri. Svemu tome, treba pridodati i cetvrto mjesto na Olimpijskim igrama u Salt Lake Cityju, gdje je s Aaronom Kosticem izradila orla, kao simbola americke nacije, probodenog strijelom, kao njihove posvete tragicnim teroristickim napadima. Tajana Raukar ne krije svoje razocaranje prijemom svih njezina uspjeha u Hrvatskoj. Tim više, jer je »Ice Carving« svojim iznimno zahtjevnim umjetnicko-sportskom karakteristikama stekao veliku popularnost u svijetu. »Ledena umjetnost« zahtijeva iznimnu kreativnost, poznavanje crtackih tehnika, izdržljivost na niskim temperaturama (na Aljasci skulpture su radene na temperaturi od minus 30 stupnjeva Celzijevih), te fizicku snagu, jer se stvara u ledenim santama od nekoliko stotina kilograma, i to s alatima koje je potrebno »ukrotiti«, motorne pile, bušilice sa svrdlima, specijalni noževi i dizalice pomocu kojih se slažu blokovi. Srdan BRAJCIChttp://www.novilist.hr/Default.asp?WCI=Rubrike&WCU=285F286328592863285A28582858285B2863288E2897289328632863285C285A2858285E285828632863286328582863TAll sculptures are hand carved to perfection by Tajana Raukar. ÂContact:Address: 1280 Junction StPlymouth, MI 48170 Phone: (734) 207-3363 Email: PaulRaukar@aol.com Website http://www.icedreams.cc  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7103/1/H-Ivo-Pervan---Croatian-Photo-Legend.html ÂIvo Pervan - Croatian Dream by Croatian legendÂÂOp-edRijeci su suvisne u opisu rada i talenta Ive Pervana. Svaka slika govri za sebe, dubinom duse, naseg covjeka i krajolika. Dubinom nase kolektivne memorije. Najveci kompliment umjetniku mozete dati tako sto podrzite umjetnika kupnjom njegovih djela. Ako ste zainteresirani, poklonite prijateljima koji ne znaju puno o Hrvatskoj jednu ili vise ovakvih monografija. Imajte nekoliko knjiga pri sebi tako da mozete podijeliti tu lakocu uzivanja u kontaktu s domovinom. Ovakvi umjetnici, kao Ivo Pervan, imaju respekt prema zivotu, i tako bi se i mi morali odnositi prema njima.ÂWords are not enough to describe work and talent of Ivo Pervan. Each photography speaks for itself, with the dept of our Croatian soul. With the dept of our collective memory. The best compliment you can give to an artist is to buy his/hers work. If you can, please share it with your friends who have never seen Croatia. And keep one for yourself so you can share this lightness of pleasure with a contact of our homeland. Such artists like Ivo Pervan have reverence for life, and that is exactly how we should treat them.ÂNenad BachÂp.s. Ako kliknete na bilo koju sliku doci cete na website CroatianDream.com gdje mozete nabaviti djela Ive Pervana.p.s.2 If you click on any photo, you will be linked to CroatianDream.com where you can purchase his art. ÂIvo Pervan - Hrvatski Snovi, ocima Hrvatske ÂlegendeÂKontakt:studio-pervan@net.hr http://www.croatiandream.com/ http://crosea.com/tourist/camera.htm Rodjen 24.06.1947.Nakon zavrsene gimnazije u Splitu, upisuje pravni fakultet koji napusta nakon dvije godine, shvativsi da pravo nije studij koji je blizak njegovoj kreativnoj prirodi, od malena okrenutoj ljepotama kojima smo okruzeni, vidljivima i skrivenima. Potom upisuje studij na Visoj ekonomskoj skoli, a zatim prelazi na vanjsku trgovinu na kojoj apsolvira. Poceci bavljenja fotografijom datiraju iz srednje skole, u uvjetima koji su najblaze receno bili skromni, sto njegovoj kreativnoj energiji nije ni najmanje smetalo. Njegovim fotografijama sesluze izdavaci turistickih publikacija ( vodici, plakati, razglednice, turisticke revije ), stampaju se razne foto monografije, autorske i koautorske, posebno trazena je njegova fotografija kulturne bastine. To i nije bez razloga, posto je kulturna i prirodna bastina njegov prioritetni interes u fotografiji, i zelja da se slikom sacuva povijest naseg naroda, posto vrijeme a cesto i nas nemar, kao i nedostatak sredstava rezultiraju nestajanjem brojnih vrijednosti. Vec tada dobiva prestizne medjunarodne nagrade za svoju fotografiju ( Prag, Copenhagen, Karlovy Vary… ), i to za turisticke plakate, motivi kojih su bile upravo prirodna i kulturna bastina Hrvatske. Od 1990. godine pocinje samostalno raditi, uz teskoce koje smo nazalost svi morali proci, te je mladoj drzavi Hrvatskoj donio prvu internacionalnu nagradu, koju je ova osvojila za njegov plakat god 1992. u Becu. Bilo je to I mjesto na svjetskom natjecaju za turisticki plakat, i to bas za plakat ÂSPLIT-AÂ. U to vrijeme dok smo imali rat, to priznanje je odjeknulo u Europi, sve TV kuce su informaciju prenijele svijetu. Od 198 do danas, Ivo Pervan ima 16 autorskih foto monografija, koautorskih cca 60, odrzao je velik broj izlozbi, a posebno je svojim radom vezan uz promidzbu hrvatskog turizma ( brosure, prospekti, CD-ovi ). Od 1992. do danas, Hrvatska je dobila 7 ( sedam ) prvih svjetskih nagrada za plakate s njegovim motivima.- 1986 - foto monografija "STAROHRVATSKO KULTURNO BLAGO" - 1986 - foto monografija "UMJETNICKO BLAGO HRVATSKE" - 1986 - foto monografija "ANTUN MASLE" - 1986 - foto monografija "IVO DULCIC" - 1988 - umjetnic ki vodic Dubrovnika - 1990 - "SVETI SPAS U VRH RICI" - povijesnokritic ka rasprava o hrvatskoj sakralnoj i kulturnoj bastini u danasnjem selu Cetini kraj Vrlike - 1991 - foto monografija "ANTICKI PORTRET U HRVATSKOJ" - 1991 - foto monografija "DALMACIJA, LEGENDA O SVJETLU" - 1992 - Bec - , I nagrada za turistic-ki plakat "SPLIT" - 1994 - foto monografija "DUBROVNIK" - 1994 - od strane Vlade RH, a preko Ministarstva turizma, angaziran za snimanje materijala za izradu brosure HTZ-a, kada Hrvatska okuplja vrhunske struCnjake da bi osmislili kvalitetan materijal za promidzbu, od kojega su napravljene sjajne brosure ÂMala zemlja za veliki odmor i Â1000 otoka hrvatskog JadranaÂ, te serija od 59 plakata, od kojih je 39 napravljeno od njegovih motiva, a od tih 39, 27 plakata je nagradjeno I svjetskom nagradom - 1995 - Lisabon, II nagrada za turistic-ki plakat "JEZERO MIR NA DUGOM OTOKU"- 1995 - Opatija, I nagrada za turistic-ki plakat "LOVRAN" - 1996 - foto monografija ÂMORE HRVATSKO - 1996 - Lisabon, I nagrada za turistic-ki plakat "HVAR" - 1996 - Opatija, Zlatno zvono ( I nagrada za promidzbene materijale "MALA ZEMLJA ZA VELIKI ODMOR" - 1996 - brosura "1000 OTOKA HRVATSKOG JADRANA" - 1997 - turistic-ki vodiCDubrovnika - 1997 - izlozba plakata HTZ ( 39 komada u Multimedijalnom centru u Splitu ) - 1997 - kolekcija plakata HTZ, I nagrada Lisabon ( 14 plakata u kolekciji ) - 1998 - Santiago de Chile, I nagrada za plakat "EXPO 98" ( mjesec sijecanj )- 1998 - foto monografija "SPLIT, TKO TO MOZE PLATIT" - 1998 - Lisabon, hrvatski paviljon na EXPO izlozbi - prezentacija dijapozitiva u hrvatskom paviljonu - 1998 - Lisabon, I nagrada za plakat "EXPO 98" ( mjesec lipanj ) - 1999 - Pariz, Vodic Hrvatske u izdanju GUIDES GALLIMARD ( najpoznatiji svjetski vodic- i ) - 1999 - foto monografija "MATKO MIJIC" - 2000 - Hannover, EXPO 2000 - prezentacija dijapozitiva u hrvatskom paviljonu i plakati za EXPO 2000 - 2000 - New York, foto monografija "CROATIAN DREAMS" (izdavac- North American Publisher iz New York-a u zajednici PAZ Publishing iz Tel Aviva, predgovor Martin Sheen ) - 2000 - katalog HTZ-a "HRVATSKO KULTURNO BLAGO" - 2001 - foto monografija "HRVATSKA OBALA I MORE" - 2001 - foto monografija "DUBROVNIK, NJIM SAMIM" - 2001 - New York, knjiga "NADA ME NIKAD NIJE NAPUSTILA" - 2001 - CD za HTZ kojim se Hrvatska promovirala na turistic kim sajmovima sirom svijeta, - 2001 - izrada velikog CD-a ( 400 slajdova ) i CD-a s muzikom Mateja Mestrovic- a naziva ÂCROATIAN DREAMÂ, koja je u mjesecu listopadu iste godine na Sajmu turistic kog i dokumentarnog filma u Splitu, dobio specijalnu nagradu FIJET-a ( svjetska organizacija turistiCkih novinara ), a koja ce se uruc iti u Libanonu ovog proljeca - 2001 - foto monografija "ALKA" - 2003 - foto monografija "ZAGREB" IZLOZBE: Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Trogir, Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Ljubljana, Budimpesta, Pariz, Palmizana, Pula. Godine 1999. uvrsten u Likovnu enciklopediju Hrvatske. Iste godine pozvan i primljen u clanstvo FIJET-a ( svjetska organizacija turistickih novinara ) i OMJET-a ( mediteranska organizacija turistickih novinara ), gdje na kongresima navedenih organizacija postize zapazene rezultate putem prezentacija foto materijala o Hrvatskoj ( Tunis, Turska, Spanjolska - Calpe i Barcelona ). Prezentacije su rezultirale pozivima od strane navedenih zemalja za snimanjem reportaza o istima i snimanju materijala za potrebe turisticke promidzbe tih zemalja. Od 1995. do danas, oko 3000 motiva Ive Pervana je zastupljeno na razglednicama Hrvatske. Zadnjih 5 godina, svojim reportazama sudjeluje u INFLIGHT magazinu avio kompanije Croatia Airlines, u kojima na svoj karakteristican nacin prikazuje prirodnu i kulturnu bastinu hrvatske obale. Od 1990. do danas, redovito objavljuje u casopisu JET SET, CICERO, VOX. Autor je fotografije u mapi Sjevernog Jadrana ÂLIVING ARHIPELAGO u izdanju Hrvatskog hidrografskog instituta iz Splita. Vec 5 godina za redom ADRIATIC CROATIA INTERNATIONAL CLUB koristi iskljucivo njegovu fotografiju za svoj katalog. U projektu ÂGAJETA FALKUSA drustva ARS HALIEUTICA, fotografija je njegova, a s dr Joskom Bozanicem organizira i predavanja s projekcijom dijapozitiva o istome. Organizira projekcije dijapozitiva uz citanje stihova nasih uvazenih lirika Gordane Benic i Luke Paljetka, i to u nekoliko nasih gradova, sadrzaj kojih je opet kulturna i prirodna bastina. U zadnjih 10 godina, za brojne kalendare koji su se stampali s njegovim motivima, dobio je oko 15 nagrada. Od 1994. Ministarstvo vanjskih poslova ( uglavnom ) i ostala ministarstva koriste njegove knjige kao poklon diplomatima i suvenir iz Hrvatske. Dobitnik je i Zupanijske nagrade ( SPLITSKO DALMATINSKE ZUPANIJE ) 1997 godine. Posjeduje dijateku od cca 100 000 slajdova, sto predstavlja veliku riznicu kako u aktuelnom tako i u dokumentarnom smislu. Novi projekti na kojima radi su: foto monografija grada Zagreba, otoka Hvara, otoka Visa, Paklenih otoka. U suradnji s HTZ-om grada Splita, radi na novoj foto monografiji grada. Najnovija izlozba odrzana u Copenhagenu 30.08.2002. uz prezentiranje CD-ova CROATIAN DREAM i HVAR koji su autorski projekti tandema Matej Mestrovic - Ivo Pervan.Nakon zajednickog nastupa na: Svjetskoj izlozbi u Lisabonu 1998. (EXPO 1998) na kojoj je Ivo Pervan dobio 1. svjetsku nagradu za najbolji plakat, a Matej Mestrovic Nagradu grada Zagreba za glazbu u Hrvatskom paviljonu, te Svjetskoj izlozbi u Hannoveru 2000. (EXPO 2000), autori su nastavili suradnju, te za samostalni projekt CROATIAN DREAM na 4. Medunarodnom festivalu turistickog filma u Splitu 2001. dobili specijalnu nagradu “FIJET”-a (Svjetskog udruzenja turistickih novinara) za najoriginalniju “video razglednicu” u konkurenciji 10 zemalja Mediterana.CROATIAN DREAM je projekt koji se temelji na fotografijama Ive Pervana koje su ozivljene pomocu kompjutera, pretvorene u pricu i montirane na filmski nacin, uz pripadajuce sumove, zvucne efekte i autorsku glazbu Mateja Mestrovica. Projekt je namijenjen promociji Hrvatske i njenih ljepota. Pogledajte video Croatian Dream Narucite CD Croatian Dream Ivo Pervan - Fotografija Matej Mestrovic - Rezija i glazba CROATIAN DREAM HVAR je novi film iz serije filmova CROATIAN DREAM. Film se takoder temelji na fotografijama Ive Pervana, ovaj put oko 150 fotografija otoka Hvara, tekstu "OTOK" Veljka Barbieria te glazbi i reziji koju potpisuje Matej Mestrovic. U filmu pratimo nastajanje otoka od njegovih pocetaka do danasnjih dana. Film je sinhroniziran na hrvatski jezik - tekst cita glumac Zlatko Crnkovic te engleski jezik - tekst cita Graham McMaster. Tonska postprodukcija filma radena je u studiju SHY BY - Maria Mirkovica koji na oba CD-a svira gitaru. Na CD-u se takoder nalazi screen saver sa vise od 80 fotografija otoka Hvara te foto galerija Ive Pervana.CD je moguce gledati na DVD-uredajima koji podrzavaju VCD-standard. Film je prikazan na Sonetnim danima Hanibala Lucica u Hvaru, PRIX Marulic - Starim tekstovima u pohode u Hvaru, Gradskoj vijecnici u Kopenhagenu, kod predsjednika Stjepana Mesica... Pogledajte video Croatian Dream Hvar Narucite CD Croatian Dream Hvar Ivo Pervan - Fotografija Matej Mestrovic - Rezija i glazba Ponosno objavljujemo da se od danas na trzistu nalazi i NOVI CD- Croatin Dream Zagreb - Videomonografija.Ulovljen genijalnim okom Pervanova fotoaparata,u filmu je Zagreb prikazan na jos do sada nevidjen nacin. Spustivsi se iz zraka, vodimo Vas u setnju kroz cetiri godisnja doba, od atmosfere ranog jutra, preko gradskih trgova i fontana, ljetnih terasa i ispijanja kave, do jesenskih magli i snjeznih zimskih vizura. Autorska glazba redatelja i kompozitora Mateja Mestrovica, upotpunjena autenticnim sumovima grada Zagreba, u klasicnoj cetverodjelnoj formi zaokruzuje atmosferu u potpunosti docaravajuci duh grada. Kao i u filmu "Croatian Dream" i "Croatian Dream Hvar", tako su i u filmu "Croatian Dream Zagreb" sve fotografije ozivljene na nenametljiv nacin uz pomoc racunala, sto filmu daje zivost i tempo.Osim filma,na CD-u se nalazi i screen saver sa vise od 50 fotografija Zagreba, te fotogalerija Ive Pervana.Redatelj i kompozitor filma - Matej MestrovicFotografije - Ivo PervanAsistent redatelja - Lukrecija KovacicSnimatelj autenticnih zvukova grada Zagreba - Mario Mirkovic.CD je moguce gledati u DVD playerima koji podrzavaju SVCD standard te u PC racunalima.http://www.galerija-badrov.com/online-galerija/ivo-pervan/ Galerija BadrovHR-10000 ZagrebTrg Zrtava fasizma 1Telefon: 01/4572 57501/4572 577 E-mail:foto-galerija@badrov.hr http://www.plovput-exhibition.com/autori_galerija/Pervan_Blaca.htm Kontakt : zeljko.visic@plovput.hrtel: 011- 385- 21- 390-600 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 11 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7104/1/E-Paul-Svornich-Washington-Tuna-Fisherman.html ÂThe tuna man & the seaÂThis article comes from The Sun Newspaper of Bremerton, Washington. John Peter Kraljic, Esq.The tuna man & the seaBy Sue Edwards, For The SunOctober 17, 2004It's the last weekend of September when Paul Svornich docks his tuna boat, the F/V Ocean, in Port Orchard with his final catch of the season. A Bainbridge Island resident when he's not on the open seas, Svornich comes from a long line of Croatian fishermen and operates the smallest boat in the commercial Pacific Ocean albacore fleet.Many of his customers received postcards in advance of his arrival. They swarm the dock, eager to buy his catch. As the crowd gathers, Svornich's daughter, Kashmira, and her friends weigh the frozen rolls of loin fillet and whole fish. Nearby there are tins of Svornich's premium canned, smoked albacore, sold under his own label. Some folks, like Kit Burch of Everett, make an annual trek to Port Orchard to buy his sushi-quality fish."Paul has the best fish," Burch says. "This is my third year to come down here to buy it."Jeremy Bethel of Port Orchard buys a whole fish, although he admits he's not sure how he's going to cook it. But Kashmira comes to his rescue, giving him a sheet she's put together that tells how to prepare the fish."First I'm going to go over there where they're coming in from salmon fishing and tell them I caught this in the bay," Bethel says with a chuckle.Svornich's tan, weatherworn face creases into a smile at the joke.Commercial fishing is in Svornich's blood. Both his grandfathers arrived in Puget Sound from Croatia sometime between 1907 and 1910 to do salmon seining here and in Alaska.Svornich's father also was a salmon seiner, but Svornich says he is the only one of four kids who really loved fishing and stuck with it. He's been aboard ships since early childhood and worked his first full summer as a deckhand when he was 13."I loved fishing from the start, and those hard-working men of integrity I fished with provided wonderful role models," says Svornich.He usually fishes by himself or with one carefully selected deck hand. His daughter, Kashmira Svornich, made the most recent trip with him."She goes every couple of years or until she forgets what hard work it is," he says as father and daughter exchange grins.Svornich's fishing season runs from the start of July through the end of September. He fishes for tuna off the Washington, Oregon and Northern California coastline at the edge of the continental shelf where tuna feed on swarms of bait fish.His small sailboat is powered by a one-cylinder engine fueled with "bio-diesel," made from soy bean oil, and a pair of gaff-rigged sails. The 38-foot wooden ship was designed and built by Svornich in a little over three years. It was launched in 1987 and has been running ever since. The vessel is patterned after a traditional Croatian sailboat-fishing vessel, with one exception."Most tuna vessels carry an average of about 15 tons of fish," says Svornich. "Mine only carries three tons."Svornich uses the more labor-intensive sails by choice."I grew up in generations of using power boats," he said. "I found fishing with a sailboat is a lot more challenging and interesting. It forces you to work with the ocean as opposed to just barrelling through it with lots of horsepower."Svornich looks every inch the fisherman, clad in old sweats and tall rubber boots, with his long, shiny brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.As customers mill about the ship, Svornich answers questions while he pulls fish from the hold.He hand catches every fish using six lines with only one hook per line. The small engine also powers the compressor to flash freeze his fish in a single hold at minus 40 degrees Farenheit. The fish are bled, processed and packaged by hand, then placed on the freezer plates - all within two hours of being caught. They're stored at minus 30 degrees Farenheit.He fishes three trips a year, about 22 days at a time, and sells to local restaurants, friends, customers and passersby on the dock in Port Orchard.He chats with his customers about other types of fishing he's done. He says he was inspired by sailing a similar boat from Belize through the Panama Canal and around to Port Townsend during a 106-day voyage in 1980.Svornich lived aboard his boat for many years in Eagle Harbor, but now lives at home with his wife, Lorraine, on Bainbridge Island. When he isn't fishing, he serves as an Eagle Harbor port commissioner, does routine maintenance on the F/V Ocean and works at marketing his business."I love the deep ocean," he says, his expressive brown eyes lighting up."Once you get 50 or 60 miles out, it turns from green to a deep blue and the water temperature is about 10 degrees warmer," he says. "There's absolutely nothing like it."To reach Paul Svornich about albacore tuna from the F/V Ocean, call (206) 842-6036.Sue Edwards is a contributing writer for The Sun. Reach editor JoAnne Marez at (360) 792-9208 or jamarez@kitsapsun.com Copyright 2004, kitsapsun.com. All Rights Reserved. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7105/1/E-Roger-Maris----9-NY-Yankees-Croatian-Baseball-Legend.html Roger Maris - # 9 NY Yankees, Croatian Baseball LegendÂSeventy years ago today, Roger Maris (originally Maras) whobroke Babe Ruth's home run record of 60 was born inHibbing, Minnesota to Croatian parents on September 10,1934. His father, who worked for the Great NorthernRailroad, moved the family to North Dakota in 1942, whereRoger and Rudy, his older brother by one-year, grew up. The Maris brothers played sports and attended Shanley HighSchool in Fargo, North Dakota. It was in the 10th gradewhen Roger met Patricia, his future wife, at a high schoolbasketball game. Roger played baseball in the American Legion program duringthe summers, since the North Dakota high schools with thecold weather did not have a program. He led his AmericanLegion team to the state championship. With his excellentspeed, Roger was a standout in football as well. In onegame against Devil's Lake his senior year, he scored fourtouchdowns on kickoff returns to set a national high schoolrecord. Roger was recruited by legendary coach Bud Wilkinson toplay for the University of Oklahoma, but with aprofessional baseball contract looming, Roger gave up hisscholarship at the University of Oklahoma to pursue acareer in baseball. He signed a $15,000 contract to playfor the Cleveland Indians organization. Roger spent four years in the minor leagues playing forFargo-Moorhead, Keokuk, Tulsa, Reading, and Indianapolisbefore making it to the major leagues. During his first year in the major leagues, Roger hit 14home runs and drove in 51 RBI's for the Cleveland Indians. Midway through his second year, Roger was traded to theKansas City Athletics and finished the season with 28 homeruns and 81 RBI's. Roger received attention and in histhird year, was elected to the 1959 All-Star team. After the 1959 season, Roger Maris was traded to the NewYork Yankees. In 1960, his first season with the Yankees,Roger led the major leagues with 27 home runs and 69 RBI'sby the halfway point and was again named to the All-Starteam. An injury sliding into second to break up a doubleplay caused him to miss 17 games. However, Roger stillfinished the season first in RBI's with 112, second in homeruns with 39 (one behind Mickey Mantle who led the majorswith 40), won the Gold Glove Award, and was named theAmerican League's Most Valuable Player. He also hit 2World Series home runs, but it would be for the followingyear that he would be most remembered.In 1961, Roger and teammate Mickey Mantle received nationalattention as they chased the single season home run recordof 60 set by Babe Ruth in 1927. Although Roger got off toa slow start hitting only 1 home run in April, he quicklymade up ground hitting 11 home runs in May and 15 home runsin June. The two Yankee sluggers went back and forthleading the majors in home runs during the summer. Rogerbecame the first player in history to hit 50 home runs bythe end of August. Mantle had 46. The Yankees continuedto win and were playing to sellout crowds both at home andon the road. An unfortunate illness to Mantle inSeptember caused him to miss games at the end of theseason, but he still finished with a career high 54 homeruns.Roger tied Ruth on September 26th, hitting his 60th homerun of the year. Then, on October 1, 1961, the final dayof the season, Roger hit his 61st home run, against theBoston Red Sox, to set the new home run record. TheYankees won the game 1 to 0 on Roger's home run, and wenton to win the World Series that year. Roger was named theMost Valuable Player in the American League for the secondstraight year, as he led the league in home runs and RBI's.Roger and Mickey also set the home run record forteammates hitting 115 home runs between them. In 1962, Roger hit 33 home runs. He also drove in 100RBI's and was selected to the All Star team for the 4thstraight year. Mickey hit 30 home runs, drove in 89 RBI's,and was named the league's Most Valuable Player that year. The Yankees repeated as World Series Champions. In 1963, Roger missed almost half of the season withinjuries playing in only 90 games, but still hit 23 homeruns and drove in 53 RBI's and the Yankees returned to theWorld Series. In 1964, Roger hit 26 home runs and 71 RBI's and theYankees again won the pennant and a trip to the WorldSeries. Roger sustained a wrist injury in 1965 and was only able toplay in 46 games for the Yankees. After the 1966 season,the Yankees traded Roger Maris to the St. Louis Cardinals,where he played his last two years. In 1967, Roger helped lead the Cardinals to the WorldSeries, where he then homered and drove in a Cardinalrecord 7 RBI's as St. Louis won the World Series. In 1968, Roger helped the Cardinals return to the WorldSeries and then announced his retirement. In all, RogerMaris played in seven World Series in the Sixties (1960,1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968), hitting six WorldSeries home runs and driving in 18 World Series RBI's. Hefinished his career with 275 home runs.On July 21, 1984, in a ceremony in Yankee Stadium, theYankees retired Roger's number (#9) and erected a plaque inhis honor paying tribute to his achievements.Roger Maris died on December 14, 1985 of lymphoma cancer atthe age of 51. http://www.rogermaris.com/biography.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 10 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7106/1/E-Tony-Maglicas-Story.html ÂTony Maglica's Storypatriot and businessmanEvery flashlight made by Mag Instrument, Inc., represents an abiding commitment to perfection and underscores the indomitable spirit and prowess of American manufacturing. A champion of free enterprise and “Made in the U.S.A.” manufacturing, Anthony Maglica founded Mag Instrument in Los Angeles in 1955 and designed the Maglite flashlight, now an American product icon.Through sheer determination, hard work, and know-how, Anthony Maglica achieved the American Dream when he founded Mag Instrument in 1955. When he went on to design and manufacture a product that revolutionized an industry, he achieved that dream all over again. In his ongoing pursuit of innovative technology, quality products, design and the customer service to back them up, Maglica believes he has found the key to creating worldwide demand not only for his company's products, but for all goods made in America.HUMBLE BEGINNINGSBorn in New York City during the Great Depression, Maglica was raised in his mother's native Croatia. He was a small child when his mother decided to return to Croatia so that he could be raised close to her family. In 1950, he returned to the United States. With complete faith in the American free enterprise system, Maglica set out to make the most of his training as an experimental machinist, in spite of the fact that he spoke no English. Five years later he had managed to save $125 in order to buy a lathe and start his own machine tool business in a Los Angeles area garage.Maglica manufactured precision parts for industry, aerospace, and the military, and quickly earned a reputation for quality, efficiency and ingenuity. Mag Instrument was eventually incorporated in 1974. By that time, Maglica had clearly demonstrated his innovative techniques for cutting production costs and increasing quality. Continuous improvement is a talent that continues to keep his company ahead of the competition. Maglica established a hands-on leadership style, as well as a core business philosophy of combining superior quality of all Mag products with unsurpassed customer service.LIGHTING THE PATH TO SUCCESSAs his company grew, Maglica set his sights on designing and manufacturing a new and improved flashlight. Initially targeted for the public safety sector, the Maglite flashlight was introduced in 1979. Police officers, firefighters and mechanics quickly spread the word about this rugged, reliable anodized aluminum flashlight, which would change the portable lighting industry forever.Committed to product innovation and refinement, Maglica followed up the success of the Maglite flashlight with the Maglite Rechargeable Flashlight System™, one of the most powerful rechargeable flashlights of its size. The Mini Maglite AA flashlight was launched in 1984 and set a new standard for personal size flashlights. A smaller AAA-Cell version of the Mini Maglite flashlight, ideal for many industrial and medical applications, was introduced in 1987; and the Solitaire single AAA-Cell flashlight, designed for key chains and purses, was introduced in 1988.Often referred to as "A Work of Art That WorksÂ", the Maglite and Mini Maglite have been honored by the Japan Institute of Design and the Museum for Applied Art in Germany. Fortune and Money magazines ranked Mag Instrument products among the top 100 products that "America makes best". In 1996, the Wall Street Journal referred to the Maglite flashlight as "the Cadillac of flashlights", and quoted then-CEO of Apple Computer Gilbert F. Amelio as saying he wanted Apple to be "essentially the Maglite of computers".EXPANSION AND INNOVATIONHeadquartered in Ontario, California since 1982, Mag Instrument has 850 employees and occupies 450,000 square feet of space, including factory, offices and a distribution center. A new fully integrated manufacturing facility, now under construction in Ontario, is expected to create 2,400 additional jobs. This expansion will help Mag Instrument meet the increasing worldwide demand for its products. The long-term goal is for exports to account for no less than 50 percent of sales.Mag Instrument is proud to be a leader in the current renaissance in American manufacturing. Maglica himself, a fervent believer in the importance of manufacturing in the United States, insists that all Mag Instrument products be produced domestically and bear the "Made in America" label. He has dedicated himself to proving that American-made products can excel in the global marketplace by using technology to continually improve quality and reduce costs. Over the last two decades, Maglica's innovations have allowed Mag Instrument to offer consumers consistently better value than the competition.Maglica, who is personally involved in all product research and development, holds hundreds of patents and trademarks for features that are employed in company products. Over the past decade and a half, Mag Instrument has vigorously enforced its intellectual property rights in courts here and abroad. Maglica believes that all American manufacturers benefit from the aggressive defense of patent and trademark rights against any and all infringers.Several new products are under development, to be introduced only when Maglica is personally satisfied that their design and execution are up to Mag Instrument standards. In the meantime, he has plenty of other interests to occupy his time, including building an environmental reclamation plant in Zlarin, Croatia, where he grew up. From Maglica's childhood home to the birthplace of his success, this patriot and businessman continues to champion and exemplify the blessings of free enterprise. http://www.maglite.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 25 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7107/1/E-Clem-Simich-Parliaments-perfect-gentleman.html ÂClem Simich, Parliament's perfect gentleman Â08.08.2004By AUDREY YOUNG Tamaki MP Clem Simich is a man of superlatives. He is known mainly as the man selected to replace the dominant figure of Rob Muldoon as MP for Tamaki in the 1992 byelection. But he was also National's longest-serving senior officer to come into Parliament. He was best trainee in his intake at police college with a mark, he says, that has never been equalled. He was the youngest detective and detective sergeant in the force. He did a double degree in arts and law in four years that should have taken five. And he has been one of the best select committee chairmen. These are all facts offered by the man himself this week in the course of an interview occasioned by his becoming Shadow Speaker. But there's more. "I've made a major contribution to the caucus", he says, then with a hint of modesty, "so I'm told." It is surprising that Simich is so forward about his achievements. His image has been that of the reluctant hero, demonstrated last year when he helped an elderly couple escape from their car teetering on the edge of the sea wall around the eastern bays. It is also surprising because he has famously good manners. There is no shortage of praise about him from any number of people around Parliament where Simich, now the Assistant Speaker, is regarded with an affection and respect that sits at odds with criticisms heard in Auckland about his being the invisible man. Ask any MP. "It was a pleasure standing against him," says Labour MP Lynn Pillay, his opponent in 1999. "He is a perfect gentleman." "I've found Clem to be a gentleman and a straight man," says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters whom, it must be said, was backed by Simich during the Winebox ordeal. "He has natural authority and you just know he's the sort of person you can't mess with," says former Act leader Richard Prebble. Simich would not disagree. "I know I have a presence and that always went part of the way to being able to deal with situations calmly and forcefully." He chairs the House up to three hours a week. He has yet to throw anyone out. His own colleagues test him the most, but that is because the chamber is the Opposition's forum to make the executive accountable. He thinks it best to let people have a long leash. "If some want to make fools of themselves, I let them do that, too." His talent for exhibiting and demanding good behaviour was apparent at an early age. "I was considered to be a model child by my mum and an angel. And as I grew up, nothing changed. I guess I was just good. "And when I was in police school, all of my classmates had the same view." Simich is sitting in his third-floor office at Parliament, ready to head down to chair a robust scampi debate after Question Time. His immaculate manners are matched by his immaculate appearance: black suit, gold silk pocket handkerchief, matching gold and black tie, shining brogues and three rings. With his smartly groomed moustache, he would make a perfect Poirot if he were a little more Belgian and a little less tall. He confirms the suspicion that he is fond of an old-fashioned waltz - but only with Mrs Simich, "top New Zealand high-fashion model Ann Lynch", as she is described on his website. He has given up the roll-your-own cigarettes for a more dignified pipe. Someone looking for a reason behind the heavy emphasis on achievement might find it in his humble beginnings. He began life as a barefoot boy on the gum fields of Northland, born in Te Kopuru in 1939. His mother was half-Maori, his father Croatian."We had nothing. We just looked after ourselves. We made our own fun. Grew most of our own food." The family, his parents and two brothers, went toCroatia for what was meant to be six months but turned into five years. From 8 to 13 he went to school in Croatia, almost forgetting how to speak English and topping the school in Croatian language studies and maths. When the family came home to the gumfields, he finished his schooling by correspondence, being too far away from school to attend daily. And he remembers learning an encyclopaedia by heart at home. Then in a surprising admission for a high achiever, he says he made it only to fourth form and that when he sat School Certificate at police college, he passed only on his third attempt - on a recount. Simich moved from the police force to a stonemasonry business with one of his brothers, which grew into a construction and development company. And while he was gaining that double degree in the late 1980s, he was also general manager of the public company Corporate Investments. He was made Minister of Police and Corrections by Jenny Shipley in the dying days of National's nine-year tenure in Government. Despite the rumblings in Auckland over Simich's lack of vigour and lack of profile, he is National's elder statesman in caucus, where he is said to say little but makes it count when he does. His colleagues are delighted to save him the ordeal of a challenge for selection - as had been foreshadowed. In a tidy solution to possible problems for National in Auckland's eastern suburbs, Simich agreed to stand aside as an electorate MP in the next election for a high list position. Simich gets what he wants in the promise of the Speaker's job - to which Northland MP and senior whip John Carter might well have laid claim. An unpleasant challenge against a sitting member is avoided and the party gets to hold a real contest to attract new blood in the crucial Auckland market. The solution would allow Tamaki's National supporters to vote strategically for Act - if that looks like what it would take for National to claim the Government benches - without upsetting a highly regarded local MP. Simich, 65, may take some quiet satisfaction from the fact that he could spend his political twilight years in Parliament's most respected posts. His entry to politics was less reverential. For years he has been teased about promising during the 1992 Tamaki byelection to "take a message to Wellington". Asked if he was sick of being asked about "the message", he is genuinely puzzled. "What message?" Reminded about it, he explains that the "message to Wellington" was not just "a" message. It was two years after the 1990 landslide election to National and - following the Mother of All Budgets - the party had been rating a dismal 26 per cent. "My invitation to [National Government] caucus members was to come and get a feel for things on the ground, but what the Government had done either had not been sold or was not very well received. "I wanted them to get that message. How it lingered on was that I said 'if you want to send a message to Wellington, send it to the Government, not the Opposition'. "That's a message I passed on at my very first caucus, mainly that their policies were good but hadn't been sold properly beforehand or 'take the people along with you before you implement the policy'. "I was given about half an hour of caucus time." Simich knocked aside one of New Zealand's most loved sons and a paper-perfect contender, Dr David Kirk, who came qualified with medical degree, Rhodes scholarship and World Cup trophy to his name. "It was the biggest line-up for a selection ever - 19," says Simich. Observers outside Tamaki could not understand how the electorate had chosen a supposed "unknown" against a world-beater following Muldoon's retirement. But he wasn't an unknown. Simich's relationship with the National Party began 30 years ago this month, in 1974. He had stood against David Lange in the Mangere byelection and for 15 years was on the governing body of the party, the Dominion Council. And an activist in Tamaki had a special window on the party. "We were very lucky to have Rob there for 30-something years, nine of them as Prime Minister. All of us in Tamaki had a ringside seat on what was happening."And of course I was his right-hand man for 18 years, both in the electorate and on the Dominion Council in Wellington." His Tamaki electorate ranges from the elite of Auckland on Paritai Drive to the poor of Glen Innes and Pt England, and he cites as one of his proudest achievements the bulldozing and replacement of the infamous Madeleine Ave flats.Asked how he would like to be remembered by the people of Tamaki he offers this: "I'd like to be remembered as someone who represented them well, who represented their views at this end - and who got into Cabinet in a shorter time than Rob Muldoon." http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3582765&thesection=news&thesubsection=general ÂGetting In TouchI consider it important for constituents to be able to talk directly and easily with their Member of Parliament. You can reach me at either my Tamaki Office or through my office in Wellington.Tamaki OfficeMy Tamaki electorate office is run by a husband-and-wife team, John and Vicki TremewanBetween them they have many years experience in politics and the operation of an MP's home base.If you have any problems that you feel need the attention of your Member of Parliament then please get in touch with the office.26 St Heliers Bay RdP.O.Box 25-189St HeliersPhone: 575 9842 Fax: 575 6597 Email: tamaki@ihug.co.nz Wellington OfficeClem Simich MPFreepost Parliament BuildingsWellington.Ph 04-471-9302Fax 04-473-0469E-mail: clem.simich@national.org.nz letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7109/1/E-Andrej-Urem-poet-sculptor-designer.html ÂÂÂÂÂAndrej Urem is a poet, sculptor and graphic designer who lives in New York City from the year 2002. He was born in 1965. in Rijeka, Croatia, where he completed hiseducation. He was a member of Rijeka's new - wave band Kaos (1980).Andrej continued his studies in sculpture in Rome and Florence, during the middle of the 80-ies. His solo exhibitions were held in Rijeka and Zagreb. He worked onportraits and other statuary forms within plastic art across the USA, Canada, Mexico and Italy. After return to Croatia in 1990, he started working as a graphic designer mainly for books and magazines. He is the author of the numerous graphic solutions in differing design fields. In the year of 2000. Urem's monography "Aeterna Croatia" was published. For already two decades Andrej Urem has been writing poems. Those were published in Croatian and American periodicals and translated to the English. He has published four collections of poems: Ballad of the Yellow Knife ( 1991), Bugged Hart ( 1993),Laughter in Darkness (1996) and Singing to the Essence (2000).He is represented within the anthology of the Croatian poetry titled Passion ofDifference, Dark Sound of Emptiness (1995) as well as within Small Encyclopedia of the Croatian Pop and Rock Music (1994). In 2003. Andrej Urem founded Urem Publishing Inc., and in 2004. he co-founded DOORS Art Foundation.ÂContact: urem@earthlink.net  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 May 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7110/1/E-Ivan-Dikic-MD-PhD.html ÂIvan Dikic, M.D., Ph.D.ÂMolecular signaling group Head: Ivan DikicIvan Dikic, M.D., Ph.D.Professor, Institute of Biochemistry IIGoethe University Medical SchoolUniversity Hospital, Bldg 75Theodor-Stern-Kai 7D-60590 Frankfurt, Germanytel: (069) 6301 83647fax: (069) 6301 5577http://molsig.biochem2.de If there are any problems with the e-mail connection please usedikic@biochem2.uni-frankfurt.deIvan DikicProfessor of BiochemistryGoethe University Medical SchoolTheodor-Stern-Kai Str. 7D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyTel: 00 49 69 6301 83647Fax: 00 49 69 6301 5577E-mail: Ivan.Dikic@biochem2.de PERSONAL INFORMATIONDate of Birth: 28 - 05 - 1966Place of Birth: Zagreb, CroatiaCitizen of Croatia, Resident of GermanyFamily Status: Married with Inga Dikic, M.D. Ph.D.Children: Daughters Karla (1999-2002) and Petra (2003), Son Lovro (2001)Scientific conferences: 1st International conference on signal transduction, Dubrovnik 1998http://www.icst.irb.hr/icst1introduction.html 2nd International conference on signal transduction, Dubrovnik 2000http://www.icst.irb.hr/icst2introduction.htm EMBO Lecture Course- Cellular Signaling in Development and Disease, September 2001 3rd Dubrovnik conference on cellular signaling, Dubrovnik 2002http://www.icst.irb.hr/icst3intro.html FEBS Lecture Course/Dubrovnik conference 2004, May 21-27, 2004http://www.icst.irb.hr/ STUDIES1995-1997 Postdoctoral Fellow with Prof. Joseph Schlessinger, New York University Medical Center, New York, USA1991-1995 Ph.D. - molecular biology University of Zagreb and New York University under supervision of Prof. J. Schlessinger1986-1991 Medical Doctor-University of Zagreb Medical School, Summa cum laude, GPA-5.0POSITIONS HELD2003-present Professor of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Medical School, Frankfurt, Germany1997-2002 Assistant Member and Group Leader, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala, Sweden1992-1997 Research associate at the New York University, NY, USA1991-1992 Intern, Institute for Mother and Child Health Care, Zagreb, CroatiaAWARDS2002 Lilla Förnstrom Award, Lund, Sweden - for the identification of signals that control intracellular transport of growth factor receptors and associated molecules2000-2003 Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Research Award, Germany1997-2000 Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Research Award, Germany - for studies on signalling and endocytosis of receptor tyrosine kinases1997 Young Investigator Award - Gordon Conference, Barga, Il Ciocco, Italy1991 University of Zagreb Rector's Award, Croatia1991 D. Perovic Award- Best Medical Graduate at University of Zagreb, Croatia; maximum GPA 5.01991 FEBS scholarship, Aarhus, Denmark1990 Karyn Kupcinet fellowship, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel1990 University of Zagreb Award for Distinguished Students, CroatiaMEMBERSHIPS2002 German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, FEBS and IUBMB2001 International Union Against Cancer2001 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology2001 European Life Science Organization (ELSO)2000 The American Association for Cancer Research1998 World Association of Croatian Physicians1995 New York Academy of Sciences1995 American Association for the Advancement of ScienceSCIENTIFIC MEETINGS and LECTURESInvited speaker at 23 conferences in Europe and USA.Invited lecturer at more than 30 Universities across Europe, USA and CanadaLecturer instructor at 5 EMBO, ESF and FEBS CoursesFounder and co-organizer of the Dubrovnik conferences on signalling (1998-2004)Organizer of EMBO Lecture Course on Signalling and Development (Split, 2001)Organizer of the FEBS Lecture Course on Cellular Signalling (Dubrovnik 2004)MEMBER of EDITORIAL BOARDS2003-2008 Journal of Biological ChemistrySCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER2002-2003 Betagenon, Stockholm, SwedenMENTORS for students and EDUCATION5 Ph.D. and 4 M.Sc. Following courses and practicums:2003-2004 Seminar courses and module-based practicum in biochemistry at the Goethe University Medical School 2000-2001 Graduate course in Cellular Signalling - Karolinska Institute, Hudinge, Sweden2000 Advanced Course in "Physiology: Cellular and Molecular Aspects", The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden2000 Graduate Course in Molecular Biology, Split University, Split Croatia1999-2000 Graduate Course in Cell Signalling, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden1995-1997 Research instructor, NYU Medical School, New York, USASCIENTIFIC SEMINARS in 2003Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Institute for Cancer Research, Torino, Italy,NKI, Amsterdam, Holland Yale University, New Haven, USAMount Sinai University, New York, USAUmea University, SwedenInstitute of Physiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, GermanyInstitute of Neurology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany ESF endocytosis meeting, Marathea, ItalyPhysPharm 2003, Odense, DenmarkFASEB meeting, Cooper Mountains, USABiochemical Society meeting, Essex, UKFEBS Lecture Course, Spetses, GreeceBSI Annual congress, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UKSFB Signalling congress, Jena, GermanyAstra Zeneca, Sodertalje, SwedenMerck, Darmstadt, Germany  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 18 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7108/1/H-Darko-Varga-dipl-ing-el.html   Darko VargaŽIVOTOPIS Roden sam u Osijeku 17.travnja 1956.godine, a odrastao u Bilju, Baranja, u blizini Biljskog i Kopackog rita. Baka i roditelji su me naucili prijateljskom odnosu prema prirodi, životinjama i biljkama u svom okolišu, a otac i stricevi upoznali su me sa svim tajnama ribolova u bogatim vodama poplavnog podrucja Dunava i Drave. Osnovnu školu pohadao sam u Bilju, a više razrede svakodnevno putujuci u Dardu. Sudjelovao sam i pobjedivao na natjecanjima iz matematike, fizike i kemije. Pohadao sam i osnovnu glazbenu školu- odsjek klasicna gitara, te bio aktivan i u novinarskoj sekciji, igrao nogomet i košarku.Srednju školu, gimnaziju, završio sam u Osijeku, u Tvrdi, koja je dala dva hrvatska nobelovca: Vatroslava Ružicku i Vladimira Preloga. Bio sam prvi na natjecanjima srednjih škola iz fizike.Nakon gimnazije upisujem Elektrotehnicki fakultet u Zagrebu, gdje sam 1981.g. diplomirao na smjeru Elektroenergetika. Tijekom studija bio sam aktivan u radu KSET-a (Kluba studenata elektrotehnike), gdje sam organizirao glazbene slušaonice, nastupe mladih bandova, te bio disc-jockey. U to vrijeme pisao sam priloge i za studentsko glasilo "Naš list", te igrao nogomet za ekipu fakulteta u prvoj sveucilišnoj ligi. Nakon završetka studija iste godine zapošljavam se u "Elektroslavoniji" Osijek i radim na izgradnji elektroenergetskih objekata, kao voditelj izgradnje. Od 1990. g. sam rukovoditelj odjela Elektromontaža. U razdoblju od 1993. do 2000. g. obnašao sam dužnost direktora HEP- Prijenosno podrucje, Osijek. Od 2000.g do danas sam savjetnik direktora. Zadnji znacajniji posao, koji sam obavio u funkciji nadzornog inženjera, bio je nadzor nad obnovom visokonaponskih dalekovoda 110, 220 i 400 kV iz nedavno završenog programa obnove ÂErnestinovoÂ.Osim hrvatskog, govorim engleski i madarski, a služim se i njemackim jezikom.Oženjen sam i imam dvoje djece. Starija kci Dunja je ucenica Klasicne isusovacke gimnazije u Osijeku, a uz stipendiju Schwaben International, završava drugi gimnazije (10.razred) u Herrenbergu u Njemackoj. Clanica je zbora "Brevis" iz Osijeka, najboljeg djevojackog zbora u Hrvatskoj, a završila je i osnovnu glazbenu školu-smjer klavir. Bila je sudionica Medunarodnog kongresa mladih: II. European Youth Water Congress, održanog u Barcsu, Madarska 2001.godine. Sin Matija je ucenik cetvrtog razreda osnovne škole, i pobjednik je na opcinskom natjecanju iz matematike, a na županijskom natjecanju je bio osmi. Ocekujemo da ce biti pozvan i na regionalno natjecanje. Igra aktivno nogomet u "Elektri", gdje je i kapetan momcadi. U STD (Slavonsko tamburaško društvo) "Pajo Kolaric" uci svirati tamburu "brac". Supruga Željka radi u knjižarskom poduzecu "Libraria".HobijiKao dokazani prijatelj životinjskog svijeta bavim se uzgojem crvenih irskih setera. Sa svojim psima postigao sam europski znacajne rezultate, a moj uzgojni koncept (vracanje na Wendover tip irskog setera) je priznat. Imam registriranu uzgajacnicu od 1986. pod imenom REDHOT, pod brojem F.C.I 2536.Veliki sam ljubitelj i poznavatelj glazbe, a slušam mnoge forme, pocev od jazza i bluesa, pa do rock glazbe, narocito one iz 70-ih godina prošlog stoljeca, a nije mi strana niti klasicna i etno glazba iz razlicitih dijelova svijeta.Fotosafari, snimanje živog svijeta, tradicijske arhitekture, povijesnih znamenitosti Podunavlja, obicaja, a najviše Kopackog rita, takoder je moj hobi, ali i potreba za materijalom s kojim predstavljam naše lokalne vrijednosti svijetu. Skupljam stare povijesne knjige, a narocito "ludujem" za starim zemljovidima.Volim putovati i otkrivati nove svjetove, te prikupljati tuda iskustva u zaštiti prirode, u održivom razvitku, te ona dobra i našem podneblju primjerena iskustva nastojim primijeniti u svom radu.Volonterski rad• Opcina BiljeKao prognanik iz Bilja, gdje smo živjeli prije Domovinskog rata, u Osijeku sam se aktiviro u radu tadašnje, jedine baranjske mjesne zajednice u progonstvu. Od 1991.- 1993. g. organiziram humanitarnu pomoc prognanicima, nabavljam krevete, hranu za djecu, organiziram zbrinjavanje prognane djece u Madarskoj, radim u nadzoru na izgradnji prognanickog naselja u Cepinu, i izradujem programe povratka i razvitka Baranje. Od 1992. g. bio sam clan Povjereništva Vlade za Baranju kao koordinator opskrbe energentima i clan Povjerenstva za povratak, obnovu i razvoj Baranje. Bio sam i nacelnik opcine Bilje u dva mandata. U prvom mandatu, od 1993.-1997.g. radio sam i dalje na humanitarnim poslovima, organizirao razne priredbe i okupljanja prognanika kako bih održao tenziju za njihovim povratkom, ali i zbog edukacije o vrijednostima podrucja te njihovom mudrom korištenju nakon povratka. U to vrijeme izradio sam više razvojnih programa za opcinu Bilje, a 1995. g. pokrenio i prekogranicnu suradnju sa susjednim jedinicama lokalne samouprave iz Madarske. Vec 1996. g. je tridesetak opcina i gradova iz Hrvatske i Madarske potpisalo sporazum u suradnji, a 1997. g. u selu Kopacevu je održana i Konferencija: "Dunav-Drava-biseri prirode", gdje su nam gosti bili predstavnici WWF-a, Euronatura i Ministarstva zaštite okoliša iz Madarske, kao i mnogi drugi koji donose odluke u vezi uredenja prostora. Na moju inicijativu, glavne teme su bile turizam i zaštita prirode i okoliša, te prekogranicna suradnja po tim pitanjima. Tijekom 1996. i 1997.g. aktivno sudjelujem u procesu mirne reintegracije Podunavlja u pravni sustav Republike Hrvatske.U mandatu od 1997.- 2001. g. radim na obnovi infrastrukture u Opcini, u obnovi obiteljskih kuca, u formiranju lokalne samouprave i njezinih tijela, te aktivno promoviram prirodne i kulturne vrijednosti lokalnom stanovništvu, ali i u svijetu. U to vrijeme izradujem strategije razvitka, programe, te održavam i organiziram citav niz edukacijskih seminara (ekološka poljoprivreda, turisticki vodici, tecajevi engleskog), vodim predstavnike iz sela Opcine u Madarsku, u Nizozemsku i Austriju gdje mogu vidjeti primjere seoskog i ekološkog turizma...• Ekološka družba "Prijatelji Kopackog rita"Družbu sam pokrenuo 1996. godine, u progonstvu, i od tada do danas sam predsjednik Družbe. Družba broji stotinjak clanova medu kojima su sveucilišni profesori, ekonomisti, pravnici, biolozi, kao i ribari i ekolozi, a imala je citav niz aktivnosti i projekata. U 2001.g. doradili smo Statut i još bolje se organizirali.• Turisticka zajednica Opcine BiljeU 1998. g. sam inicirao osnutak TZ Opcine Bilje i bio njen prvi predsjednik.Popis aktivnosti na promociji vrijednosti Podunavlja• Filmovi1995.g. – Bio sam scenarist, producent i režiser prvog hrvatskog video filma "I rode se vracaju…" koji je prikazan na festivalu dokumentarnog filma u Madarskoj, u organizaciji "Lakiteleki alapitvany". Film je dobio posebno priznanje.1996.g. - S policijom organiziram dozvolu ulaska u Kopacki rit gdje, u suradnji s Marijom Romulicem, snimamo prvi video film o Kopackom ritu. Zašli smo i preko crte razdvajanja, iznad minskih polja, ali i napravili prvi hrvatski film o Kopackom ritu. Bio sam producent filma.1997. g. - Uz propusnice UNTAES-a ulazimo u isti prostor i pravimo drugi video film.1998. g. - Takoder u mojoj produkciji radimo i treci film koji, uz prirodne vrijednosti, prezentira etno i opcenito kulturnu baštinu Baranje.1999.g. - Ekološka družba s Marijem Romulicem izradila je promotivni film za namicanje sredstava za razminiranje. Rezultat je donacija kanadske vlade od milijun dolara.• Djecji festivalOrganizirao sam, uz pomoc Vjekoslava i Jelene Buric, Osjeckih zumbica i Brevis-a, Prvi medunarodni djecji festival ekološke pjesme "Bilje 1998". Sudionici su djeca do 12 godina iz 6 država. Vlastitim sredstvima supruga i ja smo financirali izdavanje CD nosaca zvuka.• Edukacija i ostalo- Tijekom 2000. g. predlažem projekt Medunarodnog etno sajma "Dunav-Drava, zajednicka baština" koji je sufinancirao WWF International, a proveli predstavnici Družbe, Opcine, Turisticke zajednice. Ovaj projekt je bio veliko ohrabrenje lokalnom stanovništvu da je turizam moguc, te je ta aktivnost prekretnica u razvitku Opcine. Od tada je "niklo" 11 obiteljskih gospodarstava koja nude turisticke usluge, smještaj, jahanje... - Web stranica www.bilje.hr je bila druga web stranica jedne opcine u Hrvatskoj (prva je opcine Matulji). Postavljena je 1997. g. u progonstvu, a 2000. je osvježena.- Još 1996.g., u progonstvu, pokrenuo sam izradu turistickog prospekta opcine Bilje, gdje je Kopacki rit bio posebno istaknut.- Pokrenuo sam 1997. g. i izdavanje lokalnog glasila "Štekavac" i dao mu ime po najznacajnijoj ptici Kopackog rita, orlu štekavcu.- Tijekom 1996.,1997. i 1999.g. organizirao sam i slikarske kolonije s temom Kopacki rit.- Objavljivao sam tekstove o Kopackom ritu i ustupao svoje fotografije sljedecim casopisima: "Hrvatski zemljopis", "Cro-turizam", "Oasis" (Italija), te fotografije za bibliografiju "Kopacki rit", grupe autora...- Organizirao sam više izložbi, uvijek s prigodnim katalogom: "Spojimo list" (izložba eko-karikatura) i "Mine ubojita ostavština" autora Tomislava Dušanica; "Uskrs naš hrvatski" (izložba radova prognane baranjske djece, a nagradeni su posjetili Muzej za umjetnost i obrt u Zagrebu, te Hrvatski Sabor.- Organizirao sam 1998.g. izradu vec zaboravljenog ribolovnog sredstva-ÂvejszeÂ, koji još zna izraditi samo stari ribar Horvat iz Kopaceva.- Organizirao sam, uz pomoc madarske ekološke udruge "Teampannon", posjet predstavnika opcine Ramsarskom podrucju, Tisza-to u Madarskoj.- Angažirao sam uciteljicu foklora (1998.g.) za rad s djecom, te pomogao izdavanje knjige Jelke Mihaljev "Hrvatski baranjski vez". - Organizirao sam 1995.g. (u progonstvu) te 2000.g. tecajeve rucnog rada za lokalno stanovništvo.- Znacajna edukacijska aktivnost bila je izložba koja je organizirana 1995.g. u suradnji s državnim arhivom u Osijeku (prof. Sršan): "Opcina Bilje na starim katastarskim zemljovidima". Znacajan je i katalog za tu izložbu, u kojem je autor, dr. Stjepan Sršan, napisao i kratku povijest opcine Bilje, te je i taj materijal edukacijsko-promotivnog karaktera. Nakon te izložbe, Hrvatske vode su narucile 1998. g. slicnu izložbu i katalog "Kopacki rit na starim zemljovidima". Nakon toga je uprilicena i izložba "Baranja na starim zemljovidima".- Pokrenuo sam, 1997.g., održavanje "Ribarskih dana" u Kopacevu, što je danas vec tradicija i uspješan poslovni turisticko-ugostiteljski dogadaj za lokalno stanovništvo.- Godine 2001., u suradnji s Državnim arhivom iz Osijeka i Austrijskim veleposlanstvom (ataše za kulturu), organizirao sam izložbu "Pohodi Eugena Savojskog u Hrvatsku i Bosnu" koja se održala u dvorcu Eugena Savojskog u Bilju.- Od 1995. do 2002. g. organizirao sam nastupe Opcine Bilje na raznim sajmovima: Agrozemlja u Bizovcu, u Viškovu (kod Rijeke), Zagrebu, Varaždinu, na kojima smo predstavljali naše ekološke i etnološke vrijednosti. Na prvim sajmovima u Bizovcu bilo je aktivno ukljuceno preko stotinu ljudi s podrucja Opcine Bilje.• Prekogranicna suradnja- S gradonacelnikom Beremenda (Madarska) inicirao sam osnutak Koordinacije pogranicnih opcina i gradova, a 1996.g. potpisan sporazum o suradnji.- U Kopacevu je 1997.g. održana Prva medunarodna konferencija pogranicnih opcina i gradova: "Dunav, Drava-biseri prirode", gdje su dogovarani projekti biciklistickih staza, vinskih putova koji ce se povezati u obje države, a pokrenuta je i inicijativa za otvaranjem novih granicnih prijelaza (otvoren je novi prijelaz Baranjsko Petrovo Selo - Beremend), te je dogovorena suradnja na zaštiti prirode i okoliša. Suradnja je pocela održavanjem "Delta kupa", malonogometnog turnira koji se održavao u Osijeku i u Beremendu, a sudionici su bile ekipe iz lokalnih samouprava, potpisnica sporazuma o suradnji.- Od 1998.g. u svojstvu predstavnika Osjecko-baranjske županije sudjelujem na sastancima u sklopu prekogranicne suradnje dviju županija, i na sastancima prve hrvatske EU regije: Dunav-Drava-Sava. U Pecuhu sam održao predavanje pod nazivom "Održivi razvitak Opcine Bilje" na madarskom.• Suradnja i inicijative- U svom radu suradivao sam s predstavnicima mnogih udruga i institucija: World Wildlife Fund For Nature (WWF) International, WWF-Austrija, WWF-Švicarska, Euronatur-Njemacka, Teampannon-Madarska, ProNatura- Švicarska, REC-Hrvatska, s mnogim fakultetima i profesorima sa Sveucilišta u Osijeku.- Sudjelovao sam, s dr. Jožefom Mikuškom, u izradi materijala za UNESCO, prijedloga za uvrštavanje Kopackog rita u popis Svjetske prirodne baštine.- Sudjelovao sam u izradi Projekta Svjetske banke i GEF-a (Global Environmental Fund) za dobivanje kredita i donacije GEF-a. Smatram se najzaslužnijim za dobivanje donacije od 750.000 USD za Kopacki rit. Program je raden po mojim idejama i vizijama.- Pokretac sam, inicijator osnutka Javne ustanove "Park prirode Kopacki rit" i bio sam prvi predsjednik Upravnog vijeca, te s ravnateljem dr. J. Mikuškom postavio temelje rada te državne ustanove.• Znacajna medunarodna aktivnost- 1997. g., u organizaciji ProNatura-Švicarska i Cause commune, posjetio sam Švicarsku. Jedini sam predstavnik ekoloških udruga iz Hrvatske koji je posjetio sjedište Ramsarske konvencije u Glandu, kao i sjedište IUCN-a i WWF-a. Svoj razvojni program i video film o Kopackom ritu predstavio sam u sjedištu Ramsara, WWF-a, ali i u Ministarstvu zaštite okoliša Švicarske u Bernu. Nakon toga krenula je medunarodna potpora mojim projektima.- 1998. g., kao gost UNESCO-a, kao jedini predstavnik lokalne samouprave s podrucja koje obuhvaca Sjevernu Ameriku i sve europske države, ukljucujuci i države bivšeg SSSR-a, boravio sam u Finskoj na Trecem susretu koordinatora rezervata biosfere u organizaciji UNESCO-ve institucije EuroMaB (Man and Biosphere). Predstavio sam referat: "SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF BILJE MUNICIPALITY", objavljen u zborniku radova sa susreta pod nazivom "Protect The Nature And Live Of It" koji je izvucen iz mog slogana. Ovaj zbornik izdala je Finska akademija znanosti 1999. godine.- 1999.g. predstavio sam svoj rad ”DEVELOPMENT BASIS OF SUSTAINABLE RURAL TOURISM OF THE MUNICIPALITY BILJE”, koji je objavljen u zborniku radova sa simpozija “ECONOMIC, CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL HERITAGE IN NATIONAL, EUROPEAN AND GLOBAL TRANSITION”,održanog u Osijeku.- 2000.g. predstavio sam svoj rad ”AN APPROACH TO THE STRATEGY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BILJE MUNICIPALITY”, na Medunarodnom znanstvenom simpoziju u Varaždinu pod nazivom ”MARKET DEMOCRACY IN CROATIA, SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVES”, u organizaciji HAZU, koji je objavljen u zborniku radova Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti 2000. godine.- Svoj rad ”AN APPROACH TO THE STRATEGY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BILJE MUNICIPALITY”, predstavio sam (objavljen je u zborniku radova) na medunarodnoj konferenciji “GIS CROATIA 2000” održanoj u Zagrebu i Osijeku 2000.godine. Isti rad objavljen je u izdanju Hrvatskog instituta za lokalnu samoupravu u knjizi ”LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT CROATIAN AND HOLLAND EXPERIENCES”, Osijek, 2001.godine.- 2001. g. sam u Bukureštu (Rumunjska) na summit-u Dunavsko-karpatskih zemalja pod nazivom “GREEN LIGHT FOR EUROPE”- ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CARPHATIAN AND DANUBE REGION, kao jedini sudionik iz hrvatskog Podunavlja s projektom, predstavio svoj rad “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF BILJE MUNICIPALITY THROUGH COOPERATION”.- U Barcsu (Madarska) 2001.godine, na medunarodnom forumu za zaštitu europskih rijeka “EUROPEAN FORUM ON WATER AND TOURISM” predstavio sam svoj rad "MUNICIPALITY ON TWO EUROPEAN RIVERS”.- 2002. godine, kao gost americkog State Department-a, u sklopu Visitors Program-a boravio sam 25 dana u SAD-u, u grupi ljudi sa cetiri kontinenta, kao jedini iz Europe. Upoznavao sam se s iskustvima u prekogranicnoj suradnji po pitanjima zaštite okoliša (Crossboarder Environmental Issues). Posjetio sam više federalnih ministarstava (Agencies), ministarstava saveznih država, susretao se s mnogim nevladinim udrugama koje rade na zaštiti i prekogranicnoj suradnji izmedu saveznih država i u suradnji s Kanadom i Meksikom.- 2003.g. na medunarodnom simpoziju ETHNOGRAPHY OF PROTECTED AREAS: Endangered habitats - endangered cultures održanom na Pohorju u Sloveniji predstavio sam referat: "ETHNOGRAPHIC HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BARANYA REGION, CROATIA". Trenutno još nije objavljen zbornik radova.• Zanimanje svjetske javnosti za moj rad-Interview u On the Danube, a Nature Reserve Unites Old Foes By MarliseSimons 23 October 1999 .- Video film " Portreti znacajnih pojedinaca koji rade na zaštiti prirode". Video film financirao je WWF-International, a predviden je za emitiranje na Discovery Channel-u. Kroz razgovor i kadrove iz podrucja prikazan je moj rad na zaštiti Kopackog rita.• Nagrade- "Zelena povelja Osjecko-baranjske županije", za promociju vrijednosti Kopackog rita. (1996.g.)- "Medalja Vukovar", odlicje predsjednika Republike za aktivno sudjelovanje u mirnoj reintegraciji Podunavlja (1999.g.)- "Državno priznanje" za posebni doprinos pojedinca u zaštiti prirode i okoliša (Vodice, 2001.g.)U Osijeku, 17.travnja 2004.g. E-mail: darko.varga@os.htnet.hr darko.varga@hep.hr  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 17 Apr 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7111/1/E-Kemal-Gekich-pianist-at-edge-of-genius.html Â"Gekic rides the charismatic edge of genius"ÂRichard Dyer, The Boston GlobeÂÂKemal Gekic, pianistFlamboyant, daring, provocative, exciting, seductive and sensitive are some of the words used to describe one of today's most formidable pianists, Kemal Gekic, whose playing has been acclaimed worldwide by public and critics alike.Âwww.kemalgekic.info ÂBorn in Split, Croatia in 1962, Gekic amazed his family by accurately picking out melodies on the piano at age one and a half. The young prodigy received all his early musical training from his aunt, Lorenza Batturina. In 1978 he entered the class of Prof. Jokuthon Mihailovich (a graduate of Moscow Conservatory) at the Art Academy of Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. He graduated in 1982 with the highest mark ever granted a diploma exam recital, and was immediately given a faculty appointment by the piano department which he eventually directed until 1999. During his school years he won prizes at the Franz Liszt Competition in Parma (1981), the Viana da Motta in Lisbon (1983) and the Yugoslav Artists' Competition in Zagreb (1984).He earned his Master's degree in 1985, the same year he created a sensation at the Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Although panned by the jury he won the hearts of audience and critics alike, and began receiving many invitations to perform abroad, including several from the Chopin Society of Hannover, Germany which had awarded him a special prize for best sonata performance at the competition. A recording of his Warsaw performances sold 60,000 copies in Germany by the end of the year, and the Victor Entertainment Corporation, Japan (JVC) sold 80,000 copies of a CD version in their home country. The Warsaw Philharmonic invited Gekic to perform the Chopin E minor Piano Concerto in Philharmonic Hall in their regular series that season. In the same hall, with the same orchestra as he would have done in the competition finals, Gekic wowed the Warsaw audience once more, and for an encore gave Chopin's Third Sonata in B minor in its entirety!In the years following the 1985 Warsaw Competition, in addition to extensive concert activity in Germany, Denmark, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Spain, France, Italy, Canada and of course Yugoslavia, he completed tours of the USSR and Japan-Southeast Rim. Programs on his life and his performances were broadcast by RAI Italy, TV Portugal, TV Yugoslavia, NHK Japan, POLTEL Poland, RTV Lower Saxony West Germany, RTV USSR, Intervision, CBC and PBS.But it was during the early 1990's that Gekic drastically curtailed his concert activity, going into seclusion for a further period of intensive study, seeking even higher levels of perfection in his art. The 'first fruits' of this retreat was the landmark recording of the complete Liszt Transcendental Etudes, generally considered as the best recording of the set ever made. Shortly to follow were the Naxos recording of Liszt-Rossini transcriptions (including the William Tell Overture) which won the "Rosette" Prize from the Penguin Guide to Music, and live recordings from Yugoslavia (VAI), Montreal (Palexa), and Liszt's Années de Pelerinage Book II from The International Piano Festival Williamstown, Pennsylvania.In 1999 he was invited to perform at the Miami International Piano Festival. Minutes before he was to walk on stage, a chance glance at a television showed houses burning in his hometown of Novi Sad. It was March 24th; the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia had begun. Instead of canceling, he went out on stage and played what many consider to be the best recital he ever gave, one that launched his current re-emergence as one of the major pianists of our century.Over the past few years, Gekic's appearances worldwide have consistently generated frenzied audience enthusiasm. There are concert recordings from Japan where audible weeping can be heard among members of the normally reserved Japanese public. His sound is constantly evolving, setting a new standard for other pianists to aspire to. His daring approach to interpretation is often perceived as provocative or quixotic, but this is the price he pays for breaking new ground - to "boldly go where no pianist has gone before" might well be taken as his motto. Of one thing you can rest assured - at a Gekic recital you will not receive 'standard' interpretations but renditions of the great masterworks that have been subject to his razor-sharp musical scrutiny, his flamboyant imagination, his amazing digital dexterity, his stunningly colorful, wide and varied tonal palette and his ever-deepening comprehension of the spiritual elements of these works. For sure, a Gekic recital will wow you, seduce you, overwhelm you, delight you, transfix you, but in the end Gekic sees the process of musical communication as something even more: as the transmission of spiritual material. In this as well he is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.Âhttp://www.kemalgekic.info/main.htm  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 31 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7112/1/E-Peter-Zovak-Elected-New-Mayor-Temple-City-California.html ÂPeter Zovak is a member of the Croatian Community in Los Angeles, California. Congratulations!Peter & Joanne ZovakCouncilmember Peter Zovak Elected MayorDate: March 16, 2004TITLE: City Council Reorganizes - Councilmember Peter Zovak Elected Mayor Councilmember Dan Arrighi Elected Mayor Pro TemporeAt the regular City Council meeting of March 2, 2004, the City Council of the City of Temple City held its annual reorganization. At that time, Councilmember Peter Zovak was unanimously elected Mayor and Councilmember Dan Arrighi was unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tempore."I'd like to thank my fellow Councilmembers for their support tonight. I am looking forward to the next year." said the newly elected Mayor. Mayor Zovak also introduced members of his family, including his wife Joanne, his three children, his mother, two uncles, aunt, three sisters, two brothers-in-law, two nieces and a nephew.Mayor Zovak, who was fist elected to the City Council in March 2001, is beginning his fourth year on the City Council. Mayor Zovak spent the last year as Mayor Pro Tempore and championed issues such as youth activities and economic development. Prior to being elected to the City Council, Mayor Zovak served on the City's Planning Commission for three years. In his regular full-time position, Peter Zovak serves as an Administrator in Housing Development with responsibility for developing affordable housing. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 16 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7113/1/E-Nick-Stozic-Croatian-American-Vet-Honored.html ÂNick Stozic Croatian-American Vet HonoredThe following story appeared in today's Concinnatti Post. John KraljicIrish to honor former POWHe is featured in 2004 paradePost staff reportFor most of the year Nick Stozic is of Croatian descent, but for St.Patrick's Day this year the 99-year-old former POW will be a wee bitIrish.Stozic, who spent part of World War II as a prisoner of war in a Germancamp, has agreed to be the honorary grand marshal of the annual St.Patrick's Day parade in Cincinnati."Yeah, my nephew, Davey, talked me into it," said Stozic, who has livedin Clermont County since he got out of the service.That nephew, David Maher, is grand marshal of the March 14 parade, whichover the past 37 years has become one of the largest Irish culturalcelebrations in the region.The parade's Hometown Heroes theme this year honors those who haveserved the country, said parade spokesman Dave Lane.With the death of U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina last year,Stozic is believed to be the oldest living veteran of the Army's 82ndAirborne Division.Stozic "represents the spirit of service and stands as a positiveexample of the sacrifices that have been made," said Lane.Stozic joined the Army after leaving home at age 16 and lying about hisage so he could enlist in the Army.He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne as a glider pilot.When he was shot down over Holland, Stozic was hit in the leg by enemygunfire and captured by enemy troops.He spent his captivity in a German concentration camp."It happened seven months before the end of the war," he said earlierthis week. "I thought I had it in the bag."Stozic was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart and eventuallyretired with the rank of warrant officer after a 25-year career.The local St. Patrick's parade began in 1967 when the local chapter ofthe Ancient Order of Hibernians, a group that promotes Irish culture,staged a loosely organized religious procession downtown.The event was later changed to Sundays because of it size and evolvedinto a full-fledged parade with floats, step-dancers, pipers, marchingbands and Irish families.This year's parade will begin at 1 p.m. at Eighth and Reedy streets,just east of downtown.To learn more or to participate, call the parade committee at (513)922-2230 or visit www.cincinnatisaintpatrickparade.netfirms.com.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 04 Mar 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7114/1/E-Bing-Crosbys-Croatian-Daughter-In-Law.html ÂBing Crosby's Croatian Daughter In LawThe following appeared in today's Monterrey Sun and concerns HarryCrosby, Bing Crosby's son. It notes his recent marriage to a Croatiancancer researcher Mihaela. I am guessing that this is Mihaela Skobe,whose work has made the press previously. Dr. Skobe is currently withthe Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. John KraljicBing would have liked it, son saysThe special feeling never leaves, said Harry Crosby, when he comes backto the golf gathering his father started.And he is certain that if Bing Crosby were around today, that he wouldlike what is going on with the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am."Absolutely, I think he would," Crosby said Thursday after the firstround he has played in the tournament in four years."Dad took great care to create the right environment, with people whocare about the community," said Crosby, whose 8 a.m. starting time wason the back side of Spyglass Hill Golf Course, far removed from thecelebrity field up the road at Poppy Hills. "He was strict about thepeople who participate."The tournament came to the Peninsula in 1947 as the Bing Crosby NationalPro-Am, the first on the PGA Tour to showcase pro golfers andcelebrities together.Crosby, 44, a managing director for Merrill Lynch in New York, said theevolution of the event -- from paying the winner $40,000 in 1977, theyear Bing Crosby died, to a $954,000 first prize this year -- wasinevitable."There was a time in the '70s that the Tour was organizing in a way likenever before," Crosby said. "We needed a sponsor. The family couldn'tunderwrite it."The backlash from the Crosby name being dropped from the tournament whenAT&T became title sponsor in 1986 still rumbles round the Peninsula abit. And for a time, the move to corporate sponsorship put a strain onthe family."Change is always a little bit painful," Crosby said.But he has been on board with the progression since 1986, and still is,as a member of the board of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, whichruns the AT&T Pro-Am.Although Crosby has not played in the event recently -- creating a voidof the Crosby name in the event he and his younger brother, Nathaniel,have played in the past -- he has been at most events, to attendFoundation meetings.And while he hasn't played much golf lately -- "It's a little hard whenit's 20-below in New York" -- Crosby still shot 79 on his own Thursday.The trip back to the Peninsula is always special to Crosby, who wasmarried last August. His wife, Mihaela, is a scientist from Croatia whois working in cancer research."It's always a little nostalgic to be here, but I like what PeterUeberroth, Clint Eastwood and AT&T have done," Crosby said, noting twoof the four principal owners of the Pebble Beach Co. Eastwood is alsochairman of the Foundation board. "They have taken such pains to ensurethe tradition is still there."It's about the people who participate," Crosby said. "They know that.They got it right." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Feb 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7117/1/E-Vlado-Franjevic---Artist.html ÂVLADO FRANJEVIC1963 born in Martinac, Croatia. 1985 finished the school for applied art (painting) in Zagreb. From 1988/89 till 1993 he left in St. Gallen, Switzerland and after that he moved to the Principality of Liechtenstein, homeland of his wife. Exhibitions. From 1990 till today he exhibited his works (drawings, paintings, objects & plastics, space installations and videos) in the Principalities Liechtenstein and Monaco, in Switzerland, Croatia, Germany, French, Indonesia, Bulgaria and Serbia. As one of five artists from Liechtenstein he took a part in the culture-exchange Liechtenstein-Indonesia 2002 & 2003. From 2002 he is a member of HDLU Zagreb (Croatian Society of Fine Arts).The most important exhibitions: Monaco-Ville, Gallery by the Cathedral, 1993; Zagreb, Croatian Horizons, MGC Klovicevi Dvori, 1997, Ed.: Croatian Centre of Strategic Studies; CH-Männedorf, PoEthisches, Benefit for Kosovo, 1999; CH-Altstätten, idee: scholle, Schollenmühle, 2000; HR-Bjelovar, Museum of City Bjelovar, 2001; Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Culture-Exchange Liechtenstein-Yogyakarta, Gallery Taman Budaya 2002 & 2003 in FL-Vaduz; D-Berlin, Berlin Art project, Taking Pictures & Writing on the Wall, 2003; BG-Sofia, Lessedra Second World Art Print Annual / Mini Print Kulturpalast, 2003.Writing. He is also a member of Society of Interest of German Authors and of the literature Society called 'Rheinische Brigade' in Germany. His lyrics in Croatian, German and English was published in different physical and online literature magazines or in the poetry collections in Croatia, Germany and also once in USA. 2001 he published his first lyric collection in German under the title 'Uraufführung'. Many times he read his lyrics and short stories in Liechtenstein, Germany, and Switzerland. A few times he wrote and read the speeches for the opening of exhibitions for other artists. He wrote a column for Croatian magazines and made interviews with the prominent peoples from Liechtenstein. He translated different literature texts from German in Croatian for the Croatian online literature magazine www.konture.com . 2000 he got the support prize for the young authors of Society of Interest of German Authors. 2002/03 as an artist he got one year scholarship of Culture Adviser of the Government of Principality of Liechtenstein. VLADO FRANJEVIC letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7116/1/E-Marija-Dalbello-PhD.html ÂMarija Dalbello, Ph DÂMarija Dalbello is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Library andInformation Science, School of Communication, Information and LibraryScience at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Her researchinterests and publications are in the area of knowledge creation asrelated to print and electronic culture. She focuses on the interplaybetween technology and society in the context of modernity, focusing ondigital libraries, transformation of visual genres and modernity, memoryand identity, and the role of memory institutions in shaping access toinformation and national identity. She uses critical theory, qualitativeresearch methods and historical approach in her work. Her doctoral thesiswas a cultural analysis of Croatian diaspora almanacs. She has presentedand published on Croatian cultural history in Book History, Slavic andEast European Information Resources, book history and information scienceconferences. She is invited to edit a special issue of Vjesnikbibliotekara Hrvatske devoted to the history of books and printing inCroatia for which a call for papers will be available shortly. She isco-organizer of an annual conference and summer seminar in Dubrovnik,Libraries in the Digital Age (http://knjiga.pedos.hr/lida/venues.php) andhas been involved with this international conference from its beginning.She was involved with a digital art project Peace 2000 (linked from thehome page of the Philosophy Faculty in Zagreb athttp://www.ffzg.hr/peace2000/fragility.html ). Since last year, she hasbeen on the board of the Croatian Academy of America. Her goal is to aidthe establishment of this notable scholarly organization's archives. Youmay learn more about Dr. Dalbello and her other research and teachingactivities athttp://scils.rutgers.edu/~dalbello .Her email is: dalbello@scils.rutgers.edu .Marija DalbelloAssistant ProfessorDepartment of Library and Information ScienceSchool of Communication, Information and Library StudiesRutgers, The State University of New Jersey4 Huntington StreetNew Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1071Voice: 732.932.7500 / 8215Internet: dalbello@scils.rutgers.eduhttp://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~dalbello EDUCATIONUniversity of Toronto Ph.D., Information Studies, April 1999 Major fields: history of books and printing; ethnographyDissertation: Croatian Diaspora Almanacs: A Historical and Cultural AnalysisKent State University M.L.S., 1991 Master's research paper: Hrvatski kalendar (=Croatian Almanac): A Case Study in Ethnic PublishingPhilosophy Faculty. University of Zagreb Diploma of Graduate Librarian, 1988Thesis: The Methodology of Compilation of a Bibliography of Ethnic GroupsPhilosophy Faculty. University of Zagreb Diploma, English and Indiology, 1984Major: English language and literature; Minor: Sanskrit Thesis: Austin's Taxonomy of SpeechWORK EXPERIENCEAssistant Professor. Department of Library and Information Science. School of Communication, Information and Library Studies. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. July 2000 to dateVisiting Assistant Professor. School of Library and Information Studies. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Aug. 1999 to May 2000Visiting Assistant Professor. School of Library and Information Science. The Catholic University of America. Aug. 1997 to May 1999Teaching and Research Assistant. Faculty of Information Studies. University of Toronto. Sept. 1992 to Aug. 1997WORK EXPERIENCE IN LIBRARIESThe Ohio State University Libraries (Columbus, Ohio). Cataloger, Charvat Collection of American Fiction., Sept. 1988 to Dec. 1990 (full time until mid-Sept. 1990)Library Assistant, Special Collections Cataloging, Sept. 1987 to Sept. 1988Institut za etnologiju i folkloristiku Archive and Documentation (Zagreb, Croatia) Librarian, July 1984 to Sept. 1986Library and Documentation Assistant, Sept. 1982 to July 1984GRANTSRutgers Research Council Grant ($1,500) (2002/2002) (study: Theorizing Spectacle: The Transformation of Vision, 1886-1925)Reinvest in Rutgers grant "Gendered Public Policies" ($1,700) (2002) (for course development: 'Gender & Technology')Andrew A. Mellon Foundation colloquium participation grant ($500) (2002) (to showcase research project, Photography, Shadow Theatre, Silent Film: Transformation of Vision, 1886-1925)Rutgers Research Council Grant ($2,000) (2001/2002) (study: Global Processes and Localization Strategies: A Cross-Cultural Study of National Digital Library Projects)Andrew A. Mellon Foundation time-release grant ($6,000) (2001/2002) (for research and course development using Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum materials)WebWorks Grant Program (1999). UW-Madison (application of web technology in classroom instruction)FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDSOntario Graduate Scholarship (held in 1995/96) (also 1994/95 recipient)Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral Fellowship(held in 1994/95)University of Toronto Open Doctoral Fellowship (held in 1991/92, 1992/93; 1993/94; 1995/96)Research fellowship at Fudan University, Shanghai(held Sept. 1986 through Feb. 1987)PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIESInvited speaker:The University of Osijek, the University of Zagreb, and the regional chapter of Croatian Library Association in Rijeka "Education for Librarianship in the United States: Tradition and Transformation" three lectures10-16 June 2002.National and University Library (Zagreb, Croatia), "Building Archival Digital Libraries: The Model of an Information Mosaic," 13 June, 2000.Colloquium "Global Perspectives in Librarianship." School of Library and Information Studies. University of Wisconsin-Madison. 13 October, 1999.Toronto Centre for the Book. Special Session for Graduate Students. Toronto, 29 January, 1997.Contributor, International Dictionary of Library Histories (Ed. David Stam. Chicago, Ill.: Fitzroy Dearborn, forthcoming 2000).Panelist, "Libraries and the Internet: Promises and Pitfalls." LIDA (Libraries in the Digital Age) 2000. Dubrovnik, Croatia, 25-28 May, 2000. Referee, Information Processing & Management, 2000; Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science, 1997.Consultant, the Canadian Review of Books, 1997.Reviewer, Index to volumes 1-30 (1960-1989) of Journal of Croatian Studies (New York, 1995), 1996.Conference co-organizer, Connections '96 Great Lakes Doctoral Students ConferencePlanning, Review Committee, Panel ChairMember, SHARP (Society for the History of Authorship, Reading and Publishing) (1994- ); Modern Language Association of America (1995- ); American Printing History Association (1995-1997); American Library Association (1989- ). Association of College and Research Libraries; Academic Library Association of Ohio (1989-1990); ASIST (1999-); Croatian Academy of America (1994- ); Croatian Library Association (1984-1986).Seminar participant, Rare Book School (Charlottesville, Va.): Electronic Texts and Images (SGML workshop) (1999); Rare Book Cataloging (1989)CIVIC OR OTHER ACTIVITIES"Project Gutenberg" digital libraries initiative (volunteer contributor of etexts -- still working on Ivana Brlic Mazuranic's fairy tales)"Kareta," Canadian charitable organization helping women, victims of war, 1996.Teaching Focus: In most general terms, my teaching focuses on the creation, diffusion and use of knowledge as shaped by social and cultural forces. Courses taught reflect interest in reading and reading genres, information sources and scholarly communication, culture of the book, print culture, electronic publishing, historical and naturalistic research methods, rare books and special collections librarianship, organization of information and knowledge organization, history of libraries and information science as a field of study, social aspects of technology, and its intersections with gender, race, and class. In the delivery of courses and integral to the learning process is the use of technology in expanding the notions of literacy and writing and as agency for knowledge production and diffusion.Student Projects: Significant group projects include Frautschi Letters Virtual Archive and The Wisconsin Mosaic, a digital library of historical materials developed by the M.L.S. students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (and in collaboration with Max Kade Institute, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison). The story behind the creation of the Wisconsin Mosaic presents the history and the rationale for this project. A group of students involved in creating a component of the Wisconsin Mosaic received an award for the innovative use of technology. At Rutgers, the Journals Database is an online assignment focusing on domain knowledge building in scholarly communities of practice; it is updated on an ongoing basis by M.L.I.S. students enrolled in the Knowledge Structures and the Information Professions class. This project was executed in collaboration with the Scholarly Communication Center (Rutgers University, Alexander Library). A resource page listing virtual communities emerging around popular reading and genre fiction is regularly updated with reviews and links contributed by students in the Reading Interests of Adults class. Several generations of students from the Reading Interests of Adults class presented their research at the New Jersey Library Association annual meeting in April 2003, featured in a panel titled Reading, Readers, Reading Genres.The record of a semester-long online participation of the students enrolled in my book history class, with the class taught by John Unsworth at the University of Virginia's English Department, can be found at the 20th Century American Bestsellers site (archived). The experiences of that project are discussed in an article titled "Is There a Text in This Library? History of the Book and Digital Continuity."At Rutgers, I advise M.L.I.S. student group SOURCE (Student Organization for Unique and Rare Collections Everywhere). This community consists of M.L.I.S. students interested in historical aspects of book, paper, and writing materials, and bridges between digital librarianship and special collections, rare books, visual resources librarianship and archives. It was founded in Fall 2000. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7115/1/H-RAMON-DIAZ-ETEROVIC.html ÂRAMON DIAZ ETEROVICHrvatska Mativa Iseljenika www.matis.hr Odjel za kulturno-prosvjetne djelatnosti i sportO autoru, književnom opusu i najnovijem prijevodu:RAMON DIAZ ETEROVIC: SEDMERO SIMENONOVE DJECE(Nakladni zavod Matice Hrvatske; Hrvatska matica iseljenika, Zagreb, 2003.)U izdanju Nakladnog zavoda Matice hrvatske i Hrvatske matice iseljenika i uprijevodu Zeljke Lovrencic, krajem 2003. godine objavljen je novi romanpoznatoga cileanskog pisca hrvatskog podrijetla Ramona Diaza Eterovica,Sedmero Simenonove djece.Ramon Diaz Eterovic rodjen je u Punta Arenasu, na krajnjem jugu Cilea 1956.godine. Njegovi preci po majci dosli su u Cile s otoka Braca. Jedan je odnajvaznijih cileanskih knjizevnika – pjesnik, esejist, pisac pripovijetki iromana. Neka od njegovih djela su: knjige poezije El poeta derribado(Iscrpljeni pjesnik, 1980.) i Pasajero de la Ausencia (Prolaznik uodsutnosti, 1982.); knjige pripovijedaka: Cualquier Dia (Bilo koji dan,1981.), Obsesion de Ano Nuevo (Opsesija Novom godinom, 1982.), Atras singolpe (Natrag bez udarca, 1985.) i Ese viejo cuento de amar (Ta stara pricao ljubavi, 1986.), te romani La ciudad esta triste (Grad je ozaloscen,1987.), Solo en la oscuridad (Sam u tami, 1992.), Nadie sabe mas que losmuertos (Nitko ne zna vise od mrtvaca, 1993.), Angeles y solitarios (Andjelii osamljenici, 1995.), Correr tras el viento (Trcanje za vjetrom, 1997.),Nunca enamores a un forastrero (Ne zaljubljuj se u stranca, 1999.) i El ojodel alma (Oko duse, 2001.).Dobitnik je tridesetak knjizevnih nagrada, poput one Vijeca za knjigu icitanje za najbolju objavljenu knjigu 1995. godine ili Nagrade gradaSantiaga 1982., 1994. i 1996. godine. Bio je u finalu za nagradu Casa de lasAmericas, Dashiell Hammett, Medjunarodnog udruzenja pisaca policijskihromana i argentinske nagrade Planeta. Njegova su djela objavljena uantologijama prica u Spanjolskoj, Juznoj Americi i Sjedinjenim AmerickimDrzavama, a prevodjen je na vise jezika, izmedju ostalih i na hrvatski. Bioje predsjednik Drustva cileanskih knjizevnika. U cileansku knjizevnost uveoje Âcrni romanÂ. 1997. godine prvi put posjecuje Hrvatsku gdje je bio gostZagrebackih knjizevnih razgovora.Sedmero Simenonove djece treci je roman ovoga knjizevnika koji se pojavljujekod nas. 1999. godine objavljen je njegov spijunski roman Trcanje za vjetromcija se radnja odvija u Punta Arenasu i glavni lik mu je Hrvat Yako Rendic,a 2001. godine roman Ne zaljubljuj se u stranca, art-krimic u kojemudetektiv Heredia pokusava rijesiti slucaj ubojstva jedne mlade zene. Radnjase opet odvija u knjizevnikovome rodnom gradu Punta Arenasu. Roman SedmeroSimenonove djece prvo je objavljen u Santiagu 2000. godine u izdanjuizdavacke kuce LOM, a potom u Barceloni 2001. godine u izdanju SeixBarral-a. Glavni junak romana ponovno je samotan, marginalan, razocaranidetektiv Heredia koji ovaj put istrazuje slucaj ubojstva istaknutogodvjetnika iza cega se skriva mracna drama vezana uz izgradnju plinovodaizmedju Argentine i Cilea. Tu se ispreplicu i politicki i gospodarskiinteresi koji narusavaju ekolosku ravnotezu. Privatni detektiv Herediaistrazuje slucaj ubojstva, ali isto tako i cileansku stvarnost. Vracajuci ses obale gdje je radio i ljetovao, prenoci u jednom hotelu u Santiagu gdje sedogadja ubojstvo. Buduci da njega okrivljuju za to ubojstvo, odlcuje otkritisto stoji iza toga. Heredia je profinjeni detektiv koji jako dobro poznajeknjizevnost i ima izvrstan glazbeni ukus, a citati poznatih knjizevnikacesto se ponavljaju u stalnim razgovorima s njegovim mackom Simenonom kojije zapravo njegova savjest. Citatelju se nudi romanticna i cinicna atmosferau isto vrijeme, dok je on sam istovremeno i njezan i grub. Uz macka Simenonakoji postaje samohrani otac, tu su i prodavac novina Anselmo, Heredijinsusjed i prijatelj, prorocica Madam Zara koja se zainteresirala za Herediju,ali se kasnije udaje za Anselma, Amerikanac Ballinger, novinar Cambell icitav niz drugih zanimljivih likova. Heredia stanuje u stanu koji mu jeujedno i ured, u jednoj od starih gradskih cetvrti u sredistu grada. U tomdijelu ima mnogo barova, trgovina, restorana i nocu je dosta opasno. Ovagradska cetvrt privlacila je knjizevnike - boeme 20 i 30 godina proslogstoljeca i tu su cesto boravili cileanski knjizevnici (medju ostalima iPablo Neruda). Lik Heredije prvi put se pojavljuje u romanu Grad jeozaloscen, a njegove se pustolovine nastavljaju u sedam ostalih romana.Heredia obozava svoj grad, njegove tradicionalne cetvrti i ljude koji zive unjima. Melankolican je i senzibilan, i duboko su ga pogodili dogadjaji zavrijeme diktature u Cileu. Njegov najveci prijatelj i ponekad jedino drustvoje bijeli macak Simenon koji je ime dobio po belgijskom piscu, tvorcuslavnoga inspektora Maigreta. Macak je Heredijino drugo ja, s njim vodi dugerazgovore koji mu pomazu kad razmislja o egzistencijalnim problemima ilitrazi rjesenje zlocina koje istrazuje. Simenon se pojavio u drugomEterovicevom romanu Sam u tami, objavljenom 1992. godine u Buenos Airesu.Dosao je u Heredijin stan - ured, smjestio se na primjerke sabranih djelaGeorgesa Simenona, te zaspao. U prvim romanima u kojima se macak pojavljuje,Heredia ne zamislja dijaloge s njim, ali od pojave djela Nitko ne zna viseod mrtvaca, njihovi su razgovori obimniji i postaju znacajni za razvojradnje romana Diaza Eterovica koji rado priznaje utjecaj Georgesa Simenona,i Osvalda Soriana na njegovo stvaralastvo. Osjeca se i utjecaj klasicnihsjevernoamerickih majstora detekcijske proze Dashiella Hammeta i RaymondaChandlera. Heredia je slican Chandlerov liku Philu Marlowu koji je isto kaoi on samac u godinama, pomalo rezigniran, neurednog zivota, sklon alkoholu icinizmu. Ali, kod Diaza Eterovica je razvidno da se on sluzisjevernoamerickom detekcijskom pricom samo kao podlogom za postmodernistickopripovijedanje i za koristenje brojnih citata iz suvremene svjetske icileanske knjizevnosti. Privatni detektiv je srediste svijesti i na nekinacin alter ego ovoga povucenog i sutljivog pisca koji u njegovim romanimapostoji vec 17 godina. Heredijina pesimisticka vizija cileanske stvarnostiproizlazi iz piscevog vidjenja i mnogi dijalozi izgledaju kao da supreneseni iz nekoga bara u Santiagu. Diz Eterovic nam cesto nudi citavugaleriju pitoresknih likova i mjesta grada Santiaga koje koristi za svojuigru. U romanu Sedmero Simenonove djece Herediju zapravo najvise zanimajukorupcija i bahatost onih koji su na vlasti (u ovom slucaju sve se vrti okoizgradnje plinovoda) i nimalo ne vjeruje u pobjedu pravde na zemlji. Tajlik, iako razocaran, cinican i sentimentalan, iako zivi od nepostojecihuspomena i ne polaze mnogo racuna na svoj izgled, ipak ima svoja sitnazadovoljstva: putuje na obalu, juri za djevojkama i od Anselma dobiva napoklon automobil koji je nekad bio posljednji model. Njihova zajednickastrast su konjske utrke. Heredia posjecuje barove, ulice i trgove Santiagakoji pomalo nestaju i nostalgicno zali za njima. zali i za svojom znatnomladjom djevojkom Grisetom koja ga nakon nekog vremena provedenog s njimnapusta jer ne moze pratiti njegov ritam.Ovaj roman nije samo napeta kriminalisticka prica nego i prikaz jednogaprostora, jednog vremena, jednog zemljovida, te kritika politickoga idrustvenog zivota velikoga juznoamerickog grada Santiaga po cijim ulicamakoraca pomalo izgubljeni detektiv Heredia, moderni Robin Hood koji nemadrugo drustvo osim svog macka i prodavaca novina. Taj privatni detektiv bezimena, antijunak i anarhist, simbol je citave jedne generacijetraumatizirane posljedicama diktature, a iza njegove vjecne spremnosti zanove avanture krije se piscevo veliko zanimanje za socijalnu problematiku ikritiku drustva. Ovo zabavno, ali ne i povrsno djelo privuklo je pozornostsiroke citalacke populacije sirom svijeta i nadamo se da ce i hrvatskapublika koja Diaz Eterovic toliko cijeni uzivati u njemu i da cemo imatiprigodu ponovno se susresti s Heredijom koji ce uz pomoc svojega mackarazrjesavati jos mnoge dileme. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 29 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7118/1/EH-Tamara-Obrovac.html ÂTamara Obrovachttp://www.tamaraobrovac.com ...jazz je moja sloboda, a korijeni su moja istina......jazz is my freedom and my roots are my inner truth......che esso ha nella formazione della mia identita' personale e musicale...Âu potrazi za originalnoscu glazbenog izricajashvatila sam vrijednost i smisao osjecajaza vlastiti zavicajjeziki tradicijukao i njegovu ulogu u stvaranjumog osobnog i skladateljskog izraza jazz je moja sloboda, a korijeni su moja istina my approach towards music went from jazz standards, through my own compositions, to my finding of an original expression by connecting the language of the folk music of my homeland (Istria, Croatia) with the rhythms and improvisation typical for jazz, so jazz is my freedom and my roots are my inner truth Inseguendo un concetto di originalita' d'espressione musicale ho inparato a capire il valore ed il senso del sentimento che nutro verso la mia lingua, la mia tradizione, e la mia terra, come pure del ruolo che esso ha nella formazione della mia identita' personale e musicale The singer flutist and composer Tamara Obrovac was born 1962 in Croatian city of Pula where she finished High school of music for flute.She is one of the most important artists on the Croatian music scene, and in the past few years she has become very popular due to the influence of the Istrian folk music that has been the creative force of her works. Istria is a beautiful Croatian region, a North Adriatic peninsula, particular for It's musical and dialectal tradition. She also writes lyrics in a local dialects. In addition to here international concert activities she composes for theatre performances, cartoons, movies, musicals, etc. and she is also a member of the international Balkan winds ensemble.This creative musician has become known for her highly aesthetic performances, her interpretations are suffused with spontaneity, inventive improvisation, freedom, humour and the ability to communicate with the audience. Her musical career began in Zagreb where she went by the beginning of the 1980ies to study sociology - it was then that she formed her own band that played her compositions. She slowly began discovering the jazz scene of Zagreb and Ljubljana and began to perform with young Croatian and Slovenian jazz musicians, to finally enroll in the jazz singing classes at the High School of Music in Ljubljana. With her natural inclination towards exploration and experimenting she always participated to projects that brought something new and as a person of powerful imagination and ideas she strived to dedicate herself to her own, personal projects. However, by the beginning of the nineties the war in former Yougoslavia quieted many things, and so it quieted club performances in both Croatia and Slovenia - it was at this time that Tamara returned to her native Istria, untouched by war, where she dedicated herself to her own musical progress and prepared her first CD entitled "Triade", issued in 1996.This CD was a compilation of sorts, in which she presented three areas that were most present in her work at the time: jazz standards, original jazz compositions, and compositions inspired by Istrian folk music. With this CD she introduced freshness and a new way of thinking on Croatian jazz scene. A stylistically more refined CD entitled Ulika followed 1988, on which all her compositions are sung in dialect. This is an exceptional work of unusual strength, distinctiveness, intellectual but also spiritual permeatedness with the roots, habits, folklore, language, music and spirit of Istria and the Istrians. At that time she began to perform with here quartet in the neighbouring countries, Italy, Slovenia, Austria.A new page in her musical development was opened by the CD "Transhistria" on which she inaugurated a new ensemble and a different sound with which, remaining faithful to the musical expression rooted in her native Istria, she definitely proved herself as an extraordinary artist that has created, by using elements of tradition, a distinctive musical expression with which she has become increasingly more present on the European musical stage. Through the communion of different musical forms and improvisation, the last CD "Sve pasiva" (All fades away) conveys an even more profiled authorial approach, creating a unique authorial form that, inspired by the vastest Mediterranean tradition, has established the "personal poetics" of the author, while in the alchemy with her extraordinary musicians she creates an incredible lightness of expression that truly characterizes only the greatest artists. Tamara Obrovac within the Istrian cultural contextTranscript from the magazine La Battana, no. 130, December 1999, page 106, 107, author Loredana Bogliun We seldom encounter authors that create a new style drawing their strength from the existing poetic sources. Tamara has understood that if she intelligently picked from and artistically handled the traditional values at her disposal, she could draw from a well of infinite, creative and original stories. She understood that this approach would give her a strong artistic identity and that by creating melodies, lyrics and different interpretations she can best express herself and her artistic singularity: to live with art - a privilege of only few. I feel that these few are those who have felt the calling, the need for a complete dedication to art, the gift of their own beauty to the beauty of others.The language of truth is always universal. But the universality also needs a Voice. For Tamara Obrovac that Voice is Istria; more precisely, the cultural matrix of chakavian Istria, that typically rural, strongly rooted Istria, characterised by a distinctly melodious speech. The authenticity of this musical story and the interpretations of the same derive precisely from Tamara's sense of belonging to this Istrian soil. On the concert, when she interprets her songs, she is the soil from which the wheat grows, the sun that scorches at noon, the woman that knows the hardships of life, the impudent and innocent fury of the Istrian peasant that was always trodden upon by the historical events, the rebellious song of the American Negro, the voice that gently caresses and strongly requests; in beautiful harmony with the musicians that during their performance become one, communicating to us the magic of rhythm, music, sound… The modern rendition of culturological archetypes is wonderful.Contact:Tamara ObrovacCarlijeva 1, 52100 Pula, Croatiatel: ++385 52 50-58-89e-mail: tamara.obrovac@pu.hinet.hrÂPjevacica, flautistica, skladateljica i autorica tekstova Tamara Obrovac rodjena je 1962. godine u Puli, gdje je zavrsila srednju glazbenu skolu za flautu. Jedna je od najznacajnijih i najsvestranijih osobnosti na Hrvatskoj glazbenoj sceni, a zahvaljujuci utjecajima istarske narodne glazbe koje koristi u kreiranju svog glazbenog izraza, u nekoliko je posljednjih godina stekla i veliku popularnost. Uz internacionalnu koncertnu aktivnost sklada glazbu za balet, kazaliste i film, a stalni je clan medjunarodnog ensemblea Balkan Winds (CD u pripremi) Ova kreativna glazbenica postigla je prepoznatljivost i visoku estetsku razinu, a njezine interpretacije prozete su spontanoscu, inventivnim improvizacijama, slobodom, humorom i snaznom komunikativnoscu. Najzahtjevnije aranzmane izvodi sa lakocom i jednostavnoscu svojstvenom samo najvecim umjetnicima. Njena glazbena karijera zapocela je u Zagrebu u koji pocetkom osamdesetih dolazi na studij sociologije - tada osniva vlastiti band koji svira njene skladbe. Polagano otkriva zagrebacku i Ljubljansku jazz scenu i pocinje nastupati sa mladim Hrvatskim i Slovenskim jazz glazbenicima, a u Ljubljani upisuje jazz pjevanje pri srednjoj glazbenoj skoli. Sklona trazenju i eksperimentiranju, uvijek je sudjelovala u projektima koji su donosili nesto novo, a kao osoba snazne imaginacije i ideje zeljela se posvetiti vlastitim projektima.No pocetkom 90-tih rat je utihnuo mnoge aktivnosti pa tako klupske svirke u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji - tada se Tamara vraca u rodnu Istru netaknutu ratom gdje radi na vlastitom glazbenom usavrsavanju i priprema svoj prvi CD "Triade" koji izlazi 1996. Bila je to svojevrsna kompilacija u kojoj je predstavila tri podrucja prisutna u njezinu radu : jazz standarde interpretirane jezikom suvremenog jazza, originalne jazz skladbe pjevane na engleskom, te skladbe inspirirane istarskom narodnom glazbom. Ovim CD-om najavila je svjezinu i novi nacin razmisljanja na nasoj jazz sceni. Uslijedio je stilski profiliraniji CD Ulika, na kojem sve svoje skladbe pjeva na dijalektu. To je iznimno djelo neobicne cvrstine, posebnosti, intelektualnog, ali i duhovnog prozimanja obicajima, folklorom, jezikom, glazbom i duhom Istre i Istrana. U to vrijeme zapocinje nastupati i u susjednim zemljama, Italiji, Sloveniji, Austriji. Novu stranicu u svom glazbenom razvoju otvara CD-om "transhistria" inaugurirajuci novi ansambl i drugaciji zvuk kojim se, ostajuci vjerna izricaju vezanom uz rodnu Istru, definitivno potvrdjuje kao iznimna umjetnica koja je koristeci elemente tradicije stvorila osebujan glazbeni izricaj kojim je sve vise prisutna na Europskoj glazbenoj sceni.Kroz suzivot razlicitih glazbenih formi i improvizacije posljednji CD "Sve pasiva" donosi jos profiliraniji autorski pristup stvarajuci unikatnu autorsku formu koja, inspirirana opcom Mediteranskom tradicijom, etablira "osobnu poetiku" autorice, a uz alkemiju sa izvanrednim glazbenicima postize nevjerojatnu lakocu izricaja svojstvenu zaista samo najvecim umjetnicima. TAMARA OBROVAC U ISTARSKOM KULTURNOM KONTEKSTULoredana BogliunRijetko susrecemo autore koji stvaraju novi stil crpeci snagu iz postojeceg poetskog. Tamara je shvatila da iz tradicionalnih vrijednosti ukoliko ih inteligentno zaokruzi te umjetnicki obradi, moze crpiti izvor neiscrpnih, kreativnih, originalnih prica. Razumjela je da joj ovakav pristup pruza snazan umjetnicki identitet i da ona, stvarajuci melodije, tekstove i dajuci razlicite interpretacije moze najbolje iskazati sebe i svoju umjetnicku osobnost. A to je: zivjeti sa umjetnoscu - privilegija rijetkih. Mislim da su ti rijetki upravo oni koji osjecaju poziv, tu potpunu predaju umjetnosti, poklanjanje vlastite ljepote ljepoti drugih.Istinski govor je uvijek univerzalan. Ali i univerzalnost treba Glas. Taj Glas je za Tamaru Obrovac Istra; preciznije receno kulturna matrica cakavske Istre, ona tipicno zemljoradnicka, snaznih korijena i posebne govorne melodioznosti.autenticnost ove muzike price i interpretacije iste izlaze upravo iz Tamarine pripadnosti istarskoj zemlji. Dok na koncertu interpretira svoje pjesme, ona je zemlja iz koje raste zito, sunce koje przi u podne, zena koja pozna nedace, ljutnja drska i nevina onog istrijana koji je uvijek bivao pregazen povijesnim dogadjajima, buntovno pjevanje americkih crnaca, glas koji njezno miluje i snazno zahtijeva; u predivnom skladu glazbenika koji se u izvodjenju spajaju u jedno, prenoseci nam magiju ritma, glazbe, zvuka…..Moderna izvedba kulturoloskih arhetipova je velicanstvena.VOTE: GLASAJTE: for WORLD AWARDS 2004http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/world/awards2004/vote/audienceaward.shtml Moto poruke: kocekomenegosvojsvome... letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7543/1/H-Dr-Pavuna-Deset-posto-kako-bismo-pokrenuli-Hrvatsku.html  DR. DAVOR PAVUNA U Hrvatskoj svi znaju za neke nogometase, a nitko nema pojma da su, primjerice, na Institutu za fiziku razvili najbolji septometar na svijetuTreba nam deset posto 'borbeno spremnih'ljudi kako bismo pokrenuli Hrvatsku VJESNIK,  Nedjelja, 11. sijecnja 2004. 'Pokusat cemo udruziti sve hrvatske strucnjake po svijetu i u domovini i gotovo sam siguran da ce ministar prihvatiti moj prijedlog o povecanju postotka inzenjerskobiotehnoloskih strucnjaka, sustavno slanje odabranih u tzv. centre moci, te jacanje uloge juzne Hrvatske, tocnije Splita, jer mi se cini da je previse 'znanja' centrirano u Zagrebu. Potrebna nam je jasna nacionalna vizija i konsenzus kakvu zemlju zelimo, koji se nece mijenjati nakon svakih izbora. Neke bih ljude vratio u Hrvatsku, Cak se usudim tvrditi da ce na nasim strucnjacima iz dijaspore Hrvatska zaraditi ako ce ih znati koristiti', kaze dr. PavunaOtkad je novi predsjednik hrvatske Vlade Ivo Sanader najavio posvecivanje vise pozornosti znanosti te akademika Miroslava Radmana imenovao Vladinim savjetnikom za znanost, o znanosti se u javnosti ne prestaje govoriti. Tko bi se sve mogao naci uz prof. Radmana koji ce HDZ-ovu Vladu savjetovati u kojem smjeru treba ici domaca nam znanost?Jedan od strucnjaka koje je Radman pozvao iz dijaspore kako bi pomogli u osmisljavanju nove strategije znanstvenog razvoja, jest i dr. Davor Pavuna, ugledni znanstvenik koji zivi i radi u Svicarskoj. Dr. Pavuna doktorirao je 1982. fiziku u Engleskoj, a nakon tri godine istrazivanja u Nacionalnom centru za znanstvena istrazivanja u Grenobleu te kraceg boravka u Australiji i SAD-u, 1986. prelazi u Institut za tehnologiju u Lausannei gdje i danas vodi istrazivanja na podrucju visokotemperaturnih supravodica i kompleksnih sustava.Vecinu vremena danas provodi u Americi gdje mu je trenutno najvazniji projekt na Syncrotronu u Wisconsinu, koji financiraju svicarski i americki Fond za znanstvena istrazivanja. Objavio je vise od 150 znanstvenih radova u vodecim svjetskim znanstvenim Casopisima te udzbenik o supravodljivosti koji je postao bestsellerom u svjetskim strucnim krugovima. Uredio je 20-ak strucnih knjiga, odrzao stotinjak predavanja po elitnim svjetskim sveucilistima od Cambridgea, Harvarda, BellLabsa i Parisa, do Berkeleya, Sydneya i Tokija, a redovito predsjedava Svjetskim kongresom nanoinzenjeringa i novih oksidnih tehnologija. Predsjedavao je i na 20-ak svjetskih konferencija i ljetnih skola o fizici, medju kojima i na NATO-u. Savjetnik je nekoliko korporacija u Engleskoj, Njemackoj, Francuskoj, Japanu, SAD-u i Koreji, a i vanjski je suradnik naseg Instituta za fiziku. Zivi u svicarskim Alpama, ozenjen je Francuskinjom s kojom ima dvoje djece.-Rekli ste mi da ste, kao hrvatski strucnjak iz dijaspore, s hrvatskom vladom suradjivali vec i ranije, tijekom Domovinskog rata pa i kasnije?Da, bio sam savjetnik Vojnotehnickog savjeta Hrvatske od 1991. te tijekom rata, a suradjivao sam s akademikom Slavenom Barisicem, potom sa tadasnjim ministrom i kasnije rektorom Zagrebackog sveucilista dr. Brankom Jerenom, te predsjednikovim savjetnicima i nizom drugih istaknutih hrvatskih mislioca. O tome se malo zna jer je bio rat i nismo ni htjeli da se zna. Dakle, dio nas iz dijaspore suradjivao je preko generala Cosica izravno i u vojno-tehnoloskom sektoru, o cemu postoje detaljna izvjessa, kao i cijela strategija koju sam osobno izradio i predstavio drzavnim duznosnicima. No, iako su se nacelno svi slozili sa mnom i jasno postavljenim parametrima o tome kako i po kojim kriterijima udruziti ili vratiti neke nase strucnjake, s time nikad nije ucinjeno nista vaznije jer prosirenoj oligarhiji pri vlasti i u vojnom sektoru tada valjda nije odgovaralo moje jasno postavljanje pozitivnih kriterija odabira najboljih. A buduci da se nista nije zbilo, moji brojni prijatelji i ja naprosto smo udruzili vidjenije Hrvate preko Interneta i sad smo tu gdje jesmo, spremni za nove izazove.-Novi vas je ministar znanosti, obrazovanja i sporta, dr. Dragan Primorac, nedavno kontaktirao i predlozio vam suradnju. O cemu je tocno rijec?Vec smo ranije s prof. Radmanom dogovorili da cemo nas nekoliko, svatko u svojoj strucnoj disciplini, pomoci Vladi i, konkretnije, ministru Primorcu. Iz dosadasnjih razmjena ideja ocito je da cemo pokusati udruziti sve hrvatske strucnjake u svijetu i domovini te sam gotovo siguran da ce ministar prihvatiti moje prijedloge povecanje postotka inzenjersko-biotehnoloskih strucnjaka, sustavno slanje odabranih u tzv. centre moci, te jacanje uloge juzne Hrvatske, tocnije Splita, jer mi se cini da je previse 'znanja' centrirano u Zagrebu. Nama je potrebna jasna nacionalna vizija, treba nam konsenzus kakvu zemlju zelimo koji se nece mijenjati nakon svakih izbora. Recimo, svi podrzavamo Radmanov Institut MedILF u Splitu, imamo i podrsku Instituta 'Rudjer Boskovic' kao i Instituta za fiziku, a te ce podrske biti i vise. To bi ministru umnogome olaksalo posao jer vecina nase znanstveno-tehnicke elite u nekim stvarima ima zajednicki jezik.- Vase je stajaliste da bi Vlada trebala organizirano povezati nase strucnjake po svijetu. Mozete li konkretno reci kako bi to povezivanje trebalo izgledati?Za pocetak je dovoljno da postoji jedna osoba zaduzena za koordinaciju na razini Vlade ili u Ministarstvu znanosti. Ta bi nas osoba zatim povezivala odnosno kontaktirala s nama prema potrebi i dinamici Vladina rada. Nesto slicno vec je postojalo i u doba predsjednika Tudjmana, ali je problem bio u tome sto vecina ideja nije realizirana jer domace institucije i ljudi tad jos nisu bili spremni. Sada je stanje nesto bolje, svi postaju svjesni da nece izbjeci ni znanju ni otvaranju ni globalizaciji, trendu koji postoji u svijetu i u pozitivnom i u negativnom smislu. Svi smo u tome zajedno. Ponavljam, neke bih ljude vratio u Hrvatsku, Cak se usudim tvrditi kako ce na nasim strucnjacima iz dijaspore Hrvatska zaraditi ako ce ih znati koristiti!- Predlazete da se svi nasi strucnjaci i mediji, poglavito HTV, mobiliziraju kako bi se nacija bolje informirala o ulozi obrazovanja i znanosti u drustvu. To bi znacilo da bi mediji trebali dati puno vise prostora temama znanosti i obrazovanja, sto dosad nije bio slucaj. Kako biste vi promijenili tu sliku prioriteta?Po mom bi misljenju trebala postojati barem jedna emisija tjedno u kojoj bi brojni hrvatski strucnjaci i izumitelji mogli javno pokazivali svoja znanja, odnosno govorili o ulozi znanja i novih izuma te se tako javno predstavljali. U Hrvatskoj svi znaju za neke nogometase, a nitko nema pojma da su, primjerice, na Institutu za fiziku razvili najbolji septometar na svijetu i uveli metode koje su u stanju mjeriti kvalitetu najfinijih vina. Ili, pak, da su na IRB-u razvili nove metode proucavanja u medicini koje povezuju fiziku i medicinu na spektakularan nacin. U Hrvatskoj nitko, recimo, ne zna tko su dr. Dubravko Babic, dr. Ivica Kopriva, dr. Slaven Garaj, dr. Neven Matasovic, dr. Ivana Mrkonjic ili dr. Ante Bilusic - da spomenem samo neke, a sve su to ljudi koji su na svojim podrucjima svjetski relevantni strucnjaci. Osobno imam kontakte s mnostvom takvih strucnjaka, postoje i baze podataka koje smo stvorili - neke dragovoljno, a neke organizirano. Sve bi nas to trebalo spojiti, sto bi, za pocetak, mogla uciniti jedna sposobna osoba u Zagrebu. Uostalom, to vec dragovoljno radi Nenad Bach. Pogledajte web stranicu croatianworld.net  koja radi vec godinama i nitko ga u Hrvatskoj sluzbeno ne podrzava. - Kako biste tocno, preko jednog centra koordinacije na visokoj razini, povezali strucnost nasih znanstvenika iz inozemstva s domacim znalcima?Akademik Radman prihvatio je ulogu Vladina savjetnika za znanost te pozvao jos nas nekolicinu da takodjer pomognemo - sto je normalno. Detalji te suradnje ovise o Vladi i ministru. Uostalom, nismo mi jedini mudri i pametni, u Hrvatskoj na svakom podrucju znanosti ima odlicnih strucnjaka. Dakle, za pocetak nam je potrebna jedna sposobna osoba s racunalom i telefonom...- Naglasavate prioritet 'prirodnjaka' nad 'drustvenjacima' u znanosti, sto trebamaksimalno koristiti.Da, mislim da je jasno kako je fizika, primjerice, revolucionizirala ne samo elektroniku ili tehnologiju, vec doslovno i filozofiju pa cak religiju i nase ideje o svijetu i medicini. Imali ste kod nas one koji su se bavili ulogom marksisticke misli u razvoju radnickog pokreta ili ulogom radnicke klase u razvoju socijalistickog boljitka, sto je ocito bila kriva formula .Vecina nasih ljudi nije svjesna koliko su duboko takve ideje i floskule usle u svijest i srû nacije, pa vjerojatno osobe poput mene nekima zvuce kao ,desniCari, ili 'radikali', jer je nas narod zaboravio sto je u 21. stoljecu 'normalno'. U tom stoljecu integracije strucnosti nece biti moguce vjecno se snalaziti preko veza i poznanstava, vec ce vazna biti strucnost iz prirodnih znanosti i inzenjerstva. To ne ukida vaznost cijelog obrazovanja i kvalitetu u umjetnosti, literaturi ili jezicima, to samo znaci da sredista mjerodavnosti u Hrvatskoj treba vise pomaknuti prema znanstveno-inzenjerskom smjeru i smanjiti broj i utjecaj tzv. drustvenih intelektualaca. To, medjutim, nece biti lako.-Hrvatska znanstvena dijaspora, nasa znanstvena elita u svijetu, baza je koju naprosto treba poceti koristiti. Kako bi oni ubuduce mogli pomoci Hrvatskoj, pri cemu poglavito mislim na uklapanje znanosti u gospodarstvo kojem bas ne cvjetaju ruze?O toj sam temi drzao predavanja bivsoj vlasti jos 1994. i 1995. Karikirano, mi se uvijek salimo govoreci da bi bilo koji bolji americki menadzer supermarketa 'WallMart' jednostavno 'sredio' pet milijuna Hrvata u najljepsoj cistoj zemlji u Europi. Drugim rijecima, problem Hrvatske problem je jednog ocajno krivog obrasca menedzmenta bivseg socrealisticko-boljsevickog tipa u kojem se nista nije znalo o uspjesnom gospodarstvu. Istina je da oko 60 posto hrvatske ekonomije predstavlja petrokemija, da vecinu stanovnistva cine neaktivne osobe, umirovljenici, nezaposleni i studenti... Sve to slici na tanker prepun rupa koji kosta mnogo novca i strasan je teret za svakog zaposlenoga. To nijedna vlada nikad nece moci do kraja sama rijesiti, i zato joj je potrebna i pomoc Crkve, ali i aktiviranje svakog pojedinca. Nakon toga moguce je s preostalih 10 posto 'borbeno spremnih' pokretati male inicijative - nalik malim brodicama za brze operacije (dok tanker jedva prezivljava). S tom skupinom znalaca postupno se moze izgraditi nova Hrvatska, zemlja znanja koja sustavno i mudro slijedi jednu nacionalnu strategiju i viziju koja pojednostavljeno kaze: 'Stop crno-sivim tehnologijama'. Nasu buducnost cine kultura biotehnologije i ekoturizam, nova znanja u gospodarstvu te stvaranje velikih dohodaka s malo znalaca ('Microsoft' nema ni 300.000 zaposlenih) u najljepsoj i zadnjoj cistoj zemlji u Europi! Evo, na taj nacin mi u dijaspori pojednostavljeno vidimo Hrvatsku. I naglasavam, takva ce Hrvatska i biti jer bi u suprotnome mogla nestati, izmanipulirana najgorom vrstom tzv. eurokapitalista. Ponavljam, mi smo sve to detaljno razradili i dosad, samo sto nista od toga nije realiziralo. Cini se, naime, da je mnogima bilo bolje loviti u mutnome, u starom sustavu koji je samo promijenio ime i make-up. Ali, tako se vise nece moci dalje i zato ce promjene koje predlazemo - morati zazivjeti. Moji brojni prijatelji i ja imamo toliko znanja da cemo u svakom slucaju uspjeti- S obzirom da ste savjetnik korporacija iz raznih zemalja svijeta, od Engleske i Njemacke do Francuske, Japana i Koreje, koje biste konkretne mjere predlozili Vladi, odnosno ministru Primorcu? Koji su nasi prioriteti?Svaka zemlja ima svoje posebnosti i zato izravno ne treba primijeniti nijedan model, vec njihovu kombinaciju. Iz Svicarske bismo mogli kopirati ustroj i stabilnost institucija, iz Koreje restrukturiranje inzenjersko-proizvodnog sektora, iz Izraela stvaranje i infiltriranje elite u centre moci i odlucivanja, a iz Irske mozda integraciju, nazovimo to 'izvandomovinstva' i dodatnih strucnosti. Nase bismo studente, odabrane po kriterijima izvrsnosti, trebali sustavno slati u, primjerice, Harvard Business School i druge slicne centre moci, ne samo da steknu znanja, vec i veze i poznanstva, jer i to pomaze jednoj zemlji u globalnim svjetskim igrama mocnika, koje su, nazalost, neizbjezne. U igri moci i utjecaja bilo bi zanimljivo kopirati i tzv. centre publiciteta (PR centre) u New Yorku, Washingtonu, Bruxellesu ili Prizu. Na taj se nacin stjecu brojna iskustva. Ili, kako bi rekao moj kolega Nenad Bach 'idemo izvoziti i nase klape i obicaje', neka svi cuju za Hrvatsku! Uvjeravam vas da moji brojni prijatelji i ja imamo toliko znanja da cemo u svakom slucaju uspjeti, samo ako bude malo dobre volje, ne samo kod nove hrvatske Vlade, vec i opcenito, za dulje vrijeme. Iskreno receno, mi u inozemstvu ionako smo se dogovorili da sve to 'nametnemo' Hrvatskoj jer smo uvjereni da je vizija koju predlazemo gotovo optimalna. Mislim da se Sanaderova vlada i dr. Primorac s nama slazu. Davor.Pavuna@urbanet.ch (Prof.Dr. Davor Pavuna) Sun, 11 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7119/1/EIH-Lara-Oreskovic.html ÂLara Oreskoviclara oreskovic was born in zagreb in family of artists • english school atage of three • she went to classic ballet school, youth theatre • startedto paint with her uncle painter in his atelier (first mentor) • fine arts school,animation school at zagreb-film and studied languages • speak croatian,italian, english and spanish • after spain, denmark and canada she goes toItaly • she lives eleven years in bologna where she paints and do computerdesign • till 2001 she owned a gallery "i particolari" where bologna's artistsand fine arts students were exposing their works • her favorite materials arepaper, canvas and their combinations • she experimented various paintingtechniques, frequently applies materials one upon another or applies detailson painted surface.lara oreskovic è nata a zagabria nella famiglia degli artisti •ha frequen frequen--tato la scuola inglese all'età di tre anni• ha frequentato la scuola di danzaclassica, teatro dei giovani • iniziato a dipingere nell'atellier dello zio pittore(primo mentore) • frequentato la scuola delle belle arti, scuola di animazionea zagreb-film ed ha studiato lingue • parla croato, italiano, inglese e spag spag--nolo • dopo spagna, danimarca e canada arriva in italia • vive a bolognada undici anni bologna dove dipinge e si occupa del computer design • finoa 2001 aveva la galleria "i particolari" dove esponevano gli artisti bolognesi estudenti delle belle arti • suoi materiali preferiti sono la carta, la tela e le lorocombinazioni • ha sperimentato varie tecnoche di pittura, frequentementeapplica materiali sovrapposti oppure applica detagli sulla superfice dipintalara oreskovic je rodena u zagrebu u umjetnickoj familiji • pocela je ucitiengleski od trece godine• pohadala je skolu klasicnog baleta i kazalistemladih • pocela je slikati u ujakovom alellieru (prvi mentor) • pohadala jeskolu primjenjenih umjetnosti, skolu animacije u zagreb-filmu i studirala je jezike• govori hrvatski, talijanski, engleski i spanjolski • poslije spanjolske, danske icanade odlazi u italiju • zivi jedanaest godina u bologni gdje slika i bavi sekompjuterskim dizajnom • do 2001 imala je galeriju "i particolari" gdje su izl izl--agali slikari bologne i studenti akademije za likovnu umjetnost • njeni omiljenimaterijali su papir, platno i njihove kombinacije • eksperimentirala je razneslikarske tehnike, cesto primjenjuje slojevite materijale ili aplicira detalje naoslikanu podloguexibitions 1999 " tra arte e gioco" - paese dei balocchi - bologna (g)* 1999 " particolari" - lo scugnizzo - bologna (s)** 2000 " bologna città europea della cultura" - galleria interarte - bologna (g)2001 " senza titolo" - teatro del naville - bologna (s) 2001 " le ambivalenze del corpo" - villa mazzacurati - bologna (g) 2001 " lui&lei" - galleria dioscuri - Zagabria (s) 2002 " corpo della materia, materia del corpo" - villa mazzacurati - bologna (g)2003 " sognando" - ciacco - bologna (s) 2003 " paesaggi e altri paesaggi" - villa mazzacurati - bologna (g) 2003 " mostra annuale degli artisti" - galleria castiglione arte - bologna (g)2004 " divinations" - agora gallery - new york (g) annoucing exibition 2004 " l'arpa del ragno" - galleria castiglione arte - bologna (s) - 21. 02. 2004 (g) - group exibition ** (s) - solo exibition e-mail: lara_o@tin.it ÂRelated articles: (E) Lara Oreskovic - New York Exibition Jan 8, 2004 Jan 04, 04 Culture And Arts  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7120/1/E-Prof-Dr-Branko-Ladanyi.html ÂProf. Dr. Branko LadanyiHarold R. Peyton Award Winner Branko Ladanyi, who was born and educated in Zagreb, Croatia, is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering of Ecole Polytechnique, University of Montreal. After graduating in Civil Engineering at the University of Zagreb, and getting his Ph.D. degree at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, he came to Canada in 1962 to take a teaching post in geotechnical engineering first at the Laval University in Quebec City, and then in 1967 at Ecole Polytechnique, University of Montreal, where he has since then been teaching and doing research in geotechnical engineering, and in particular, in the fields of permafrost engineering and rock mechanics. Branko Ladanyi is one of the Canadian pioneers in northern engineering education and research, and in particular in the area of civil engineering. His northern engineering research work, which he started in the 1970-ties, has resulted in over 200 scientific publications, some of which have contributed significantly to the development and improvement of field investigation methods for frozen soils and ice, as well as to an improved design of civil engineering structures in permafrost regions. Several of these methods have found a wide application in practice, not only in Canada, but also in the U.S.A., and in Scandinavia, Russia and China. Since 1970, Branko Ladanyi has made with his students and collaborators several field research stages in Northern Québec, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Newfoundland, as well as in Alaska and on Spitsbergen. He is co author, with O.B. Andersland, of the book: "An Introduction to Frozen Ground Engineering" (Chapman & Hall, 1994), the Second Edition of which was published in 2003 by ASCE Press and John Wiley Sons. Dr. Ladanyi is a recipient of numerous scientific awards, such as: The Québec Scientific Award (1974), the R.F. Legget Award of the Canadian Geotechnical Society (1981), the E. E. De Beer Award of the Belgian Geotechnical Society (1987), the E.F. Rice Memorial Lectureship Award of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) (1991), and the R.J.E. Brown Memorial Award of the Canadian Geotechnical Society (1993). In 1995, he also received the Canadian-American Civil Engineering Amity Award from the ASCE, the Standards Development Award from the American Society for Testing and Materials, as well as the Canadian Northern Science Award from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Quite recently, In 2003, he received also from ASCE the Harold R. Peyton Award for his research contributions to the field of Cold Regions Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Science of the Royal Society of Canada, as well as of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.Branko Ladanyi is married, and has three children and three grandchildren.-- Branko Ladanyi, P.Eng., Ph.D. Professor Emeritus Dept. C.G.M. Ecole Polytechnique C.P.6079, Succ. Centre-ville Montreal, QC, H3C 3A7 Canada Phone: (514) 340-4711 #4804 Fax : (514) 340-5841 E-mail: bladanyi@polymtl.caÂÂDear Nenad, OK. Here it is: My brief CV and my relatively recent photo are attached. However, the really recent news about me in 2003 are: 1. The second edition of my book, with Prof. Andersland of Michigan State University, entitled: "An Introduction to Frozen Ground Engineering", was published last year simultaneously by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and by John Wiley & Sons. It took us a lot of time to write it, and I am happy that it is out now.The book is being used currently as principal handbook for graduate courses in Cold Regions Engineering by several universities in Canada, U.S. and Norway. 2. Quite surprisingly, I received last year from ASCE the Harold R. Peyton Award, for my continuous efforts in research and teaching in the area of Cold Regions Engineering. So, this is the real news. The rest is history. Sve o knjizi "Cold Regions Engineering" mozete saznati na adresi:www.pubs.asce.org/books2.htmlÂSto se tice tog problema, on je vazan za sve zemlje oko Sjevernog i Juznog Pola, kao: Kanada, Alaska, Rusija, Norveska, Swedska, Finska i Argentina. Na srecu, Hrvatska nema tog problema! Hvala na interesu! All the best, i hvala lijepa, Branko letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 06 Jan 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7122/1/E-Ana-Vidovic-Croatian-Classical-Guitar-Virtuoso.html ÂAna Vidovic Croatian Classical Guitar VirtuosoÂCroatian classical guitar virtuoso, Ana Vidovic, will be performing with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra at the Center for Performing Arts at Governor's State University, in University Park, Illinois on January 10, 2004. Come early at 7:15 p.m. for a free pre-concert discussion with a music expert. Main floor tickets are $35 and balcony tickets are $25. Reviews:"It is difficult to know where to begin when discussing the enormous talents of Ana Vidovic. Her dynamic range, beauty of sound, precision of articulation and virtuosity are such that listening becomes more of an absolute musical experience."- Stephen Griesgraber Guitar Review "Ana Vidovic produces so many moments of insight that you often feel you are listening to the music for the first time.This is very impressive indeed in one so young-she is only 20." - Colin Cooper Classical Guitar "Her virtuosity continues to astound...with no apparent technical limitation and a musical maturity that belies her age, Ms Vidovic is in a position to do great things with the classical guitar." - Stephen Griesgraber Guitar Review "It's truly a delight to discover Vidovic's talent...A fluid virtuosity which serves purely the expression! Supple phrasing, a particularly solid technique, totally at ease. It's all there, energy, intelligence, finesse...Striking!" - La Guitare Classique Review of Naxos CD Ms. Vidovic's website:www.anavidovic.com Concert details at Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra website:http://www.ipomusic.org/schedule_detail.cfm?concert_id=5 Venue information at Governors State University website:http://www.govst.edu/center/ipo.html Ana Vidovic is a bright young talent of formidable gifts destined for a major international career. Ana comes from the small town of Karlovac near Zagreb, Croatia and started playing guitar at the age of 5, and by 7 had given her first public performance. At the age of 11 she was performing internationally, and at 13 became the youngest student to attend the prestigious National Musical Academy in Zagreb where she studied with Professor Istvan Romer. Ana's reputation in Europe led to an invitation to study at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, USA, with Manuel Barrueco, from where she graduated in May 2003. At the age of only 22 Ana has won an impressive number of prizes and international competitions all over the world. These include first prizes in the Albert Augustine International Competition in Bath, England, the Fernando Sor competition in Rome, Italy and the Francisco Tarrega competition in Benicasim, Spain. Other top prizes include the Eurovision Competition for Young Artists, the Mauro Giuliani competition in Italy, the Printemps de la Guitare in Belgium and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York. Ana has given over one thousand public performances since first taking the stage in 1988. Her international performance career includes recitals in London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Rome, Budapest, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Oslo, Copenhagen, Toronto, Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Dallas and St. Louis. In Croatia she has performed with the Zagreb Soloists and the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and with Symphony Orchestra of the Croatian Radio and Television, as well as having been featured in three television documentaries by the eminent Croatian film director Petar Krelja. Ana continues to broaden her repertoire and maintains an ongoing performance schedule. Please refer to upcoming concerts for more details.Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Governors State University, Illinois, US, January 10, 2004 8pmMario Castelnuovo Tedesco Concerto for Guitar and OrchestraSteve Gray Love Songs Albuquerque,NM Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM, USJanuary 16, 2004 3pmMasterclass Albuquerque,NM Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM, USJanuary 17, 2004 7pmRecital Tennessee Guitar Festival Wright Music Hall, Murfreesboro, TN, USFebruary 24, 2004 8pmRecital and Masterclass Portland,OR Portland Guitar Festival, Portland, OR, USMarch 5, 2004 8pmRecital Malmoe,Sweden Malmoe Guitar Festival, Malmoe, Sweden, SwedenMarch 13, 2004 7:30pmRecital Salt Lake City Utah Classical Guitar Society, Salt Lake City, Utah, USMarch 22, 2004 7:30pmRecital Salt Lake City Utah Classical Guitar Society, Salt Lake City, Utah, USMarch 23, 2004 6pmMasterclass San Francisco,CA Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA, USApril 3, 2004 5pmMasterclass San Francisco,CA California Palace of Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA, USApril 3, 2004 8pmRecital Lake Tahoe,NV Parasol Community Foundation, Incline Village, NV, USApril 4, 2004 3pmRecital Sierra Nevada College Croom Theater, Incline Village, NV, USApril 5, 2004 1pmMasterclass Northwest Guitar Festival Boise State University Morrison Center Recital Hall, Boise, ID, USApril 9, 2004 8pmRecital and Masterclass Wichita,KS Wichita Art Museum, Wichita, KS, USApril 24, 2004 2pmRecital and Masterclass Zagreb,Croatia Croatian Music Institute, Zagreb, Croatia, June 1, 2004 8pmRecital Dundee,Scotland Dundee Guitar Festival, Dundee, Scotland, July 21, 2004 8pmRecital and Masterclass Nurtingen,Germany Nurtingen Guitar Festival, Nurtingen, Germany, July 31, 2004 8pmRecital Nurtingen,Germany Nurtingen Guitar Festival, Nurtingen, Germany, August 1, 2004 3pmMasterclass Arizona State University School of Music, Tempe, AZ, USOctober 7, 2004 7pmMasterclass Tempe,AZ Katzin Concert Hall, Tempe, AZ, USOctober 8, 2004 7:30pmRecital Tucson,AZ St.Phillips Foothills, Tucson, AZ, USOctober 9, 2004 7:30pmRecital Tokyo,Japan Musashino Civic Cultural Hall, Tokyo, Japan, February 19, 2005 8pmRecital Bloomington,IN Waldron Auditorium, Bloomington, IN, USMarch 5, 2005 8pmRecital Bloomington,IN Monroe County Historical Museum, Bloomington, IN, USMarch 5, 2005 2pmMasterclass Management Contact :Robin Bryson1 Moss ClosePinnerMiddxHA5 3AYUnited KingdomTel/Fax : (44)20 8429 4556e-mail: management@anavidovic.comÂBooking Agent :Luba Booking Agency3302 Clarks LaneSuite BBaltimore,MD 21215U S ATel : 410/358-2689e-mail: lubabooking@hotmail.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7121/1/E-Dipl-Ing-Mario-Juric-MAPSTER-OF-THE-UNIVERSE.html ÂMapster of the UniverseDipl. Ing. Mario JuricÂ"Warning! Time spent observing the heavens is not deducted from your lifespan" Korado KorlevicI've graduatedOn Thursday, 27th June, 2002, completed my undergraduate studies and attained a degree in Physics ("dipl. ing. fizike", (more than) equivalent to B.Sc.) at the University of Zagreb. My diploma thesis (in Croatian only) was on identifying asteroids imaged with the SDSS survey. The paper on which I've based it has been accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal (somewhere around September 2002).Newsflash !I've decided to accept the admission offer of Princeton University Graduate School to enter the Department of Astrophysical Sciences's graduate program this fall !!! Special thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially toKorado Korlevic ofVisnjan Observatory where I've learned what science is and how to do it in creative ways and toZeljko Ivezic, who gave me a chance to show what I know and can do in the "big league". Graduate student Mario Juric and his mentor J. Richard Gott III measured the largest structure in the Universe.(scroll down for the map)Postdiplomac Mario Juric i njegov mentor profesor J. Richard Gott III izmjerili su najvecu strukturu u Svemiru. (pogledaj na dnu)Op-ed Front Page of the New Scientist magazineMario Juric,Graduate Student, Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton UniversityWeb : http://astro.princeton.edu/~mjuric http://alumni.fizika.org/~majuric/cv.html Phone : +1 609 258 7936 PGP: ~mjuric/crypto/public.keyhttp://student.fizika.org/~majuric/ http://www.astro.princeton.edu/~mjuric/universe/ Forum Hrvatskih Astronoma je neformalno on-line okupljalište hrvatskih profesionalnih astronoma u cilju razmjene korisnih informacija i neformalnog povezivanja sve veceg broja hrvatskih astronoma u svijetu i domovini.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Forum of Croatian Astronomers is an informal on-line assembly of professional Croatian astronomers with the goal of exchanging useful professional information and connecting the growing number of Croatian astronomers around the world and in the country.http://connect.znanost.org/astro/ÂÂMario Juric - Curriculum Vitae Time of last modification : December 15, 2001. Location of this document : http://alumni.fizika.org/~majuric/cv.htmlPersonal information Name and surname: Mario Juric Date of birth: 9th Feb. 1979 Address: Nova cesta 142/1, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia Telephone: ++385 1 3095 649 ++385 98 736 550 E-mail: majuric@astro.hr Website: http://alumni.fizika.org/~majuric Marital status Single Citizenship: Croatian Native language: Croatian Education Elementary school: Julije Klovic, Zagreb, Croatia (1985-1993) Highschool: XV. Gimnazija, Zagreb, Croatia (1993-1997) University: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics (1997-) Current status: Undergraduate student of physics (theoretical physics and astrophysics), senior year GPA: 4.94 (on 1 to 5 scale) Languages Fluent in English, both in oral and written form. Studied English for 10 years Limited knowledge of Latin. Studied Latin for 6 years Computer skills Fluent in C/C++, FORTRAN and Java Administering and developing for Oracle8i (3 years) and MySQL (2 years) Practical knowledge of IRAF, Mathematica 4.0 and SuperMongo Knowledge of and experience with VRML 2.0 UNIX (Linux) and Windows NT/2000 administration Achievements/Awards 1st place in national astronomy contests in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996. The City of Zagreb Scholarship Award: 1996-2001 1st place in 1994-1995 ACSL (American Computer Science League) contests (intermediate-5 division) 1st team place in 1995 ACSL finals (Cypress Creek High, Houston, TX, USA), as a member of XV. Gimnazija's 5-member team (intermediate-5 division) Awarded, together with Korado Korlevic of Visnjan Observatory, the 1999 Edgar Wilson Award for the discovery of comet Korlevic-Juric (P/1999 DN3). In 1999 awarded the University of Zagreb Rector's Award for work on asteroid observation strategies at Visnjan Observatory entitled "Visnjan Observing Strategy - a new method for scheduling and optimization of astrometric observations of asteroids" In 2000 awarded the University of Zagreb Best Physics Student award for academic year 1999/2000 In November 2000 elected to a two-year term as the student body representative in the faculty council Work Member of the Editorial Board of the Croatian astronomical magazine Bolid (1994-1996) Founder and coordinator (1995-1997) of Virtual Reality Application and Development Group (VR ADG). VRADG was mainly involved in exploring the uses of VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) version 1.0, and cooperated on development of VRML 2.0 (now ISO-IEC 14772-11997 standard). VRADG was supported by CARNet (Croatian Academic and Research Network) throughout it's existence. Attended Visnjan School of Astronomy from 1993 to 1996 as a student, 1997 and subsequent years as an instructor Worked on the Visnjan Observatory's "Visnjan Automatic Telescope" project (1996-1997) Have been a part of joint Visnjan Observatory/ICSC-World Laboratory program "Education of students in basic sciences" (code T-1 A/I), first as a student, then as an instructor Designed and implemented an automated asteroid detection and measurement system at the Visnjan Observatory (1998). Authored the RINGS software package, VOID and VOID 2 databases for efficient automated acquisition, processing and storing of asteroid information. With Korado Korlevic, a discoverer of comet 'Korlevic-Juric' (P/1999 DN3), and over a thousand of other asteroids. Currently working on V2 Web , a web based system for 3D visualization and data mining of asteroid information. Also developing 3Xplorer, a general query/3D visualization tool for point source catalogues (2000-...) Project leader of AccessGrid Teleconferencing Sessions between the University of Zagreb, Physics department and Center for Computational Sciences, University of Kentucky (2001) Project leader of STUDNet project - physics student computer network at the Physics department, University of Zagreb (2001) Spent 30 days in September, 2001 with SDSS team at Princeton, working on identifying SDSS moving objects (2001) Conferences 3rd Science Meeting of the Croatian Physical Society, Zagreb, Croatia, December 5-7, 2001. Asteroids 2001, Palermo, Italy, June 11-15, 2001. 2nd Meeting for GAIA photometry, Asiago Observatory, Italy, October 8, 2000 CARNet Users Conference 2000, Zagreb, Croatia, September 24-26, 2000 Asteroids, Comets, Meteors, Cornell University, July 26-30, 1999. The Brijuni Conference '98 - End of century state of science, Brijuni, Croatia, September 7-11, 1998 MIPRO'96, Rijeka, Croatia, May 20-25, 1996 Publications Vucic R. et. al, VirtualMIOC - Applied VRML Technology, Proceedings of MIPRO'96, Multimedia and Hypermedia Systems, Rijeka, Croatia, 1996 Korlevic K., and Juric M., Visnjan Observatory NEO Followup , poster presentation, IAU Asteroids-Comets-Meteors Conference, Cornell University, Ithaca, 1999 Juric M., and Korlevic K., Visnjan Observatory Image Database 2 , Proceedings of CUC 2000 Conference, Zagreb, 2000 Korlevic K., and Juric M,, Visnjan Observatory Asteroids Followup Program 1995-2000, Asteroids 2001 Conference, Palermo, 2001 Juric M., et al., Comparison of Asteroids Observed in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with a Catalog of Known Asteroids, submitted to AJ Published a number of measurements in the Minor Planet Center's MPEC circulars Additional information Visnjan observatory: http://www.astro.hr V2 Web: http://void.astro.hr 3xplorer (experimental) http://void.astro.hr/3xplorer CARNet VRML (VRADG website): http://pubwww.srce.hr/vrml STUDNet http://fizika.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 Dec 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7123/1/EH-Michael-Mile-Milkovich-Ambasador-of-Croatian-Culture.html ÂMichael Mile Milkovich "Ambasador of Croatian Culture"ÂBy donating five individual medals created by our great artist, Ivan Mestrovic, Michael (Mile) Milkovich (Director Emeritus of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida) again showed his great love for his homeland. Mr. Milkovich became famous when he organized the magnificent display of Croatian Naive Art here in St. Petersburg, Florida under the title "The Fantastical World of Croatian Naive Art". This exhibit lasted from February 13th through May 28; over 60,000 visitors came to see this exhibit.Continuing this "ambassadorial" and selfless work of promoting Croatian culture, Milkovich transported to Croatia from America a unique set of medals, which were the work of the great master, Ivan Mestrovic, while he lived in America. These medals were donated to the Zagreb Archeological Museum, to the Mestrovic Foundation in Zagreb and Split and to the Vukovar City Museum.During the festive reception of these medals, Ante Rendic-Miocevic, director of the Zagreb Archeological Museum, Guido Quien, director of the Mestrovic Foundation and Ruza Maric, director of the Vukovar City Museum, thanked Milkovich for these gifts so important and significant for our cultural institutions. Croatian television and newspapers were on hand to cover this event.In the special edition of this exhibit's catalog, the above mentioned director's stated:"On this occasion we would like to express our special gratitude that this portion of Mestrovic's work were recently donated to Croatia, thanks to selfless action of Milkovich, retired director of St. Petersburg Fine Arts Museum in Florida. Having expressed his desire to give a donation to our museums, Milkovich acted upon our suggestion that these "American Mestrovic medals", practically unknown in Croatia, be purchased and taken to Croatia."In this special catalog edition, Milkovich concluded his remarks by saying:"I am both honored and happy to have been able to give these gifts to the Zagreb Archeological Museum, to the Mestrovic Foundation (in Zagreb and Split) and to the Museum of our heroic city of Vukovar, so that they might become the owners of such important set of medals."I consider myself to be particularly honored to have Michael Milkovich as a friend. He has tirelessly worked for his homeland during all of our get-togethers and has exhibited extraordinary attachment to his native land, a land he had to leave early in his life. Because of his devotion to his homeland, Milkovich made many friends in the "Croatian-American Club of Florida", of which he was one of its founders.Croatia truly needs to have "ambasadors' like Michael Milkovich if it wishes to show the world the beauties and values of its thousand-year-old culture.Dr Frank Z. BeluhanÂMile Michael Milkovich "AmbasadorHrvatske Kulture"ÂMile (Michael) Milkovich (Director Emeritus, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida) ponovno je pokazao ljubav prema svojoj Domaji poklonom petjedinih medalja, koje je izradio nas majstor Ivan Mestrovic ovdje u Americi. Gosp. Milkovich se je proslavio velicanstvenom izlozbom hrvatske Naive ovdje uSt. Petersburgu, Florida "The Fantastical World of Croatian Naive Art" (13togVeljace do 28og Svibnja 2000g), a koju je posjetilo vise od sesdeset tisuca posjetilaca.Nastavljajuci taj "ambasadorski" posao propagiranja i nesebicnog rada za hrvatsku kulturu, ovaj puta je odnio iz Amerike u Hrvatsku jedinstvenu zbirkusvih medalja, koje je izradio nas majstor Ivan Mestrovic u Americi. Medalje subile poklonjene Arheoloskom Muzeju u Zagrebu, Fundaciji Mestrovic u Zagrebu iSplitu, te Gradskom muzeju u Vukovaru.O znacaju ovog poklona nasim ustanovama ravnatelj Arheoloskog Muzeja u ZagrebuAnte Rendic-Miocevic, Guido Quien, ravnatelj Fundacije Ivana Mestrovica, te RuzaMaric, ravnateljica Gradskog Muzeja Vukovar, zahvalili su gosp. Milkovichu prilikom svecanog primanja medalja. Ovu svecanost su pratile hrvatske novinskeagencije, a i hrvatska televizija.U prigodnom izdanju izlozbenog kataloga, gore spomenuti ravnatelji izjavili su:"Zelja nam je u ovoj prigodi izraziti osobito zadovoljstvo sto je taj dio Mestroviceva opusa nedavno poklonjen Hrvatskoj, zahvaljujuci nesebicnoj gestigosp. Michaela Milkovicha, umirovljenog ravnatelja Muzeja lijepih umjetnosti (Museum of Fine Arts) u St. Petersburgu u Floridi. Izrazivsi svojedobno zelju zadonacijom hrvatskim muzejskim ustanovama prihvatio je nasu sugestiju da se njegovom pomoci otkupi skupina u nas gotovo nepoznatih Mestrovicevih "americkih"medalja."I na kraju svojeg izlaganja prilikom izdavanja prigodnog kataloga, gosp. Milkovich je izjavio:"Sretan sam i pocascen sto sam omogucio da ovom donacijomArheoloski muzej u Zagrebu, Fundacija Ivana Mestrovica (Zagreb i Split) i Gradski muzej naseg herojskog grada Vukovara postanu vlasnici ove vazne skupinemedalja".Ja sam osobno pocascen biti prijatelj naseg cijenjenog Michaela Milkovicha, kojiprilikom svakog naseg susreta nema dovoljno rijeci i ljubavi prema svojem rodnomkraju, kojeg je morao napustiti jos u ranoj mladosti. Kao takav nasao je ovdjemnogo prijatelja i u "Croatian-American Club of Florida", ciji je jedan od osnivaca kluba."Ambasadore" takovog kapaciteta kao sto je Michael Milkovich, zaista treba nasaHrvatska, da bi se pokazale svijetu ljepote i vrijednosti nase tisucljetne kulture.Dr Frank Z. Beluhan letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 23 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7125/1/E-Akademski-Kipar-Sculptor-Vesna-Osojnicki.html Âwww.olr-plemenitas.hr BiographyVESNA OSOJNICKIVesna Osojnicki was born on August 31,1960 in Moravice, the city of Vrbovsko, in Gorski kotar, Croatia. She completed her schooling in Slavonski Brod, specializing in teaching. Meanwhile, she also completed legal studies.She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, specializing in sculpture, under Dr. Damir Matausic, in small plastics and medal making.She began her artistic work with ceramics in the Center for Culture and Education, Zagreb, under Mirjana Rajkovic.At the Agora school, she attended sculpting classes under academic sculptor Ivan Kozaric, for two years.MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS since 1996 HDLU Croatian Association of Artists;since 2002 HZSU Croatian Freelance Artists Association.ARTISTIC CREATIONS:In her work today, she has appeared publicly in both independent and joint exhibitions, and participated in art colonies. She is also the founder of the art project: "Sculpting workshop Plemenita1" in Gorski Kotar. She is part of the art project in small plastics and has public sculptures.Independent Exhibits: 1994 - "Exhibition of ceramics", ZAP Gallery, Zagreb1994 - "Form of the circle", Gallery of the Croatian Historical Museum Lukovdol1996 "Ties" Gallery of the Sculpting artistic workshop Plemenita12000 "Gorski Kotar", Kurija Gallery, Prigorje MuseumJoint Exhibits:1993 - Zagreb IV World triennial of small ceramics (judged exhibition)1994 - Zagreb, Gro njan, "Modern ceramics in Croatia" 1994 - Ljubljana, "Modern Croatian ceramics"1995 - Lisabon, "Modern Croatian ceramics" 1996 - Canada, "International Miniature Art Biennial" (judged) Ville-Marie, Quebec, Canada1996 - Hungary, Budapest, 4th International biennale of sculpting drawings 1997 - Vara din, Homage to Baroque, (judged)1998 - Omi1alj, "Exhibition" Lapidarij Gallery1998 - Osijek, "Sixth Memorial to Ivo Kerdic" 1999 - Zagreb, 3rd festival, University of Zagreb2000 - Switzerland, Art and Sport, Lausanne, International Olympic Museum (judged)2000 - Canada "International Miniature Art Biennial" (judged), Ville Marie, Quebec2000 - Zagreb, "My cross still burns" Passion heritage, Mimara Museum, (judged)2000 - Velika Gorica, Kordic Gallery, ALU Exhibition2001 - Delnice "Mountain dawn" 2001 - Osijek,"Seventh memorial to Ivo Kerdic" 2002 - Zagreb, "Seventh memorial to Ivo Kerdic"2002 - Canada, " International Miniature Art Biennial" Ville Marie, QuebecArtistic Colonies:1993 - "Clay as expression", BedekovÃina1996 - I and II Raku international gathering, Plemenita11997 - Internationale Rakufachtagug Freistaat Burgstein, Austria- Tirol1997 - III and IV Raku international gathering, Plemenita11998 - " Fulfinum", Omi1alj- Njivice1998 - V Raku international gathering, Plemenita11999 - VI Raku international gathering, Plemenita12000 - VII Raku international gathering, Plemenita12001 - VIII Raku international gathering, Plemenita1ARTISTIC PROJECTS:Founder and director of the sculpture workshop Plemenita1, an artistic non-profit organization, registered with the Ministry of Culture. Each year, the workshop hosts international artistic colonies, with artist, sculptors and potters from around the world participating.This workshop has signed contract with:- Academy of Fine Arts, Zagreb, sculpture division- Delgado Community College, New Orleans, USA.ARTISTIC PROJECTS IN SMALL SCULPTURE1999 - medal "University race of eights"1999 - trophy "Otokar" for HRT "My first film and video journal"2000 - medal "University race of eights", Zagreb2000 - medal "Benefits of olive oil" Omi1alj2000 - medal "Recreational fishing club Bream" Jelsa2001 - medal "Benefits of olive oil" KrkPUBLIC SCULPTURES 2001 - Italy, Brixen, oak sculpture, “Pulsations of time from history to today” ( international competition) 2001 - China, Changchun, stainless steel sculpture, “Wind “ 5th International Sculpture Symposium, (international competition)www.olr-plemenitas.hrMoj sadasnji College:http://www.dcc.edu/old/briefs.htm www.dcc.edu. je Delgado Community College, New OrleansPuno hvala, i najljepsi pozdrav ak. kipar Vesna Osojnickiplemenit@net4u.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7124/1/E-Sanya-Mateyas.html ÂSanya Mateyas "all the way from Croatia"ÂLos Angeles ( 2000 and up)Trans - Siberian Orchestra's member for two years as a singer and flutist.Awarded with platinum record for 1 million copies.Every tour sings for about 250.000 TSO fans with a solo singing act and on every concert is specially introduced as "Sanya - all the way from Croatia"Other members - Al Pitrelli ( Megadeth , Alice Cooper , Asia)Paul o'Neill (producer)Johnny Lee Middleton (Sabotage)Carmine Giglio ( Ritchie Blackmore)Â"Holes" feature movie directed by Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Red Dragon etc.) produced by Disney. Plays a role of "Myra Menke". Cast: Jon Voight, Sigourney Weaver, Patricia Arquette and Shia La Buff.Hrvatska:Clan Zagrebackog kazalista mladihClan djecjeg zbora "Zvjezdice"Voditelj humoristicne serije "Jel me netko trazio"Uloga u zagrebackoj cult predstavi "Kabaret"Stalni clan ansambla gradskog kazalista 'Tresnja" sa odigranih oko 300 predstavaJaguar - igrani filmNe zaboravi me - igrani film by Jakov SedlarÂCD-iS tobom il' bez tebe - Croatia recordsSanja Matejas 2 - Croatia records Pitanja bez odgovora - Croatia recordsMi smo andjeli - Croatia records (dobrotvorni CD za sirotiste u Zagrebu)ÂTrans - Siberian Orchestra's Tour dates. Go and see Sanya !!!www.trans-siberian.com • 11/18: Des Moines, IA (Civic Center Theater) • 11/19: Omaha, NE (Music Hall) • 11/20: Wichita, KS (Kansas Coliseum) • 11/21: Kansas City, KS (Memorial Auditorium) • 11/22: Colorado Springs, CO (World Arena) • 11/23: Denver, CO (Pepsi Arena) • 11/25: Salt Lake City, UT (E-Center) • 11/26: Nampa, ID (Idaho Center) • 11/28: Spokane, WA (Opera House) • 11/29: Portland, OR (Rose Garden) • 11/30: Seattle, WA (Key Arena) • 12/02: Sacramento, CA (ARCO Arena) • 12/03: Cupertino, CA (Flint Performing Arts Center) • 12/04: San Diego, CA (Cox Arena) • 12/05: Los Angeles, CA (Universal Amphitheater) • 12/06: Las Vegas, NV (Alladin Theater) • 12/07: Phoenix, AZ (Dodge Theater) • 12/09: El Paso, TX (Haskins Center UTEP) • 12/10: Amarillo, TX (Civic Center) • 12/11: Austin, TX (Erwin Center) • 12/12: San Antonio, TX (SBC Center) • 12/13: Dallas, TX (Next Stage Theater)- 2 Shows • 12/14: Houston, TX (Houston Rockets Arena) • 12/17: Moline, IL (Mark Of The Quad Cities) • 12/18: Chicago, IL (Allstate Arena-Theater Set Up) • 12/19: St. Louis, MO (Saviss Center) • 12/20: Madison, WI (Alliant Energy Center) • 12/21: Milwaukee, WI (Bradley Center) • 12/22: Minneapolis, MN (Target Center) • 12/23: Green Bay, WI (Resch Center) • 12/26: Tampa, FL (St. Pete Arena) • 12/27: Orlando, FL (Bob Carr Theater)- 2 Shows • 12/28: Atlanta, GA (Gwinnet Center) • 12/29: Nashville, TN (Ryman Auditorium) • 12/30: Indianapolis, IN (Murat TheaterOp-edI met Sanya today in front of the Croatian Church in Manhattan (New York), knowing her from Los Angeles. She is a modest star in progress. Check the film "Holes" with a small but impressive role and if you can, Trans Siberian concerts. Good luck and congratulations on all the success so far.Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7127/1/H-BRUNO-BJELINSKI-skladatelj-1909---1992.html ÂBRUNO BJELINSKI BRUNO BJELINSKI Roden: 1. studenoga 1909. u TrstuUmro: 3. rujna 1992. u ZagrebuMalo je skladatelja u XX. stoljecu s tako raznolikim i bogatim glazbenim opusom kakav je ostvario hrvatski skladatelj Bruno Bjelinski.U ranom stvaralackom razdoblju Bjelinski se zanima iskljucivo za glasovir i komornu glazbu, da bi kasnije napisao golem broj orkestralnih djela, od koncerata za glazbalo i orkestar, petnaest simfonija i sinfonieta, više opera, nekoliko djecjih scensko-glazbenih djela i baleta do velikog broja drugih glazbenih ostvarenja. Nema gotovo niti jednog glazbala kojemu Bjelinski nije posvetio barem jedan koncert. Jednako je važan opus njegovih pjesama, dua, tria, kvarteta i kvinteta posvecenih gudackim, puhackim i kombiniranim komornim sastavima. Bruno Bjelinski roden je 1. studenoga 1909. u Trstu. U Zagrebu je završio studij prava s doktoratom, te radi kao sudski i odvjetnicki pripravnik. Medutim, od gradanski uglednoga i poželjnog zanimanja pravnika i odvjetnika Bjelinskom je važnija glazba pa tijekom studija upisuje i Glazbenu akademiju, gdje ce uciti u klasi poznatih pedagoga i umjetnika Blagoja Berse i Franje Dugana. Zatim pocinje bogat skladateljski rad. Bjelinski je još kao djecak svirao violinu, potom i glasovir, pa je bilježio i glazbene teme, koje poslije koristi u svojim prvim skladateljskim ostvarenjima. Nastaje niz sonata, tokata i suita, no stvaralacki rad prekinuo je svjetski rat tijekom kojeg je Bjelinski interniran na Vis. Poslije Drugoga svjetskog rata Bjelinski predaje kontrapunkt i polifoniju u splitskim i zagrebackim školama, a potom i na Glazbenoj akademiji u Zagrebu. U to doba nastaju velika djela poput Koncerta za klarinet, Koncerta za flautu, Serenade za trublju, klavir, gudace i udaraljke i Koncertne simfonije za klavir. Pedesetih godina Bjelinski takoder stvara velik opus za djecu u kojem se isticu Sedam bagatela za klavir, opere Pcelica Maja, Heraklo i Ružno pace, te baleti Pinokio, Petar Pan i Macak u cizmama. U svom kasnom stvaralackom razdoblju Bjelinski sklada operu Orfej XX. stoljeca, Koncert za Romea i Juliju te nekoliko simfonija. Umro je u Zagrebu 3. rujna 1992. Stalna osobina u opusu Brune Bjelinskog je neoklasicisticka forma i glazbeni izraz. Bjelinski se krece u granicama tonalnosti i nije sklon avangardnom eksperimentiranju. Njegova je glazba pjevna, ritmicki raznolika i polifona, a u najvecem broju njegovih djela prepoznaje se mediteranska vedrina i otvorenost. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7126/1/H-Lindjo-Zenska-Klapa-iz-Dubrovnika.html ŽENSKA KLAPA FOLKLORNOG ANSAMBLA LINÃODUBROVNIKHRVATSKAÂFolklorni ansambl Lindo u gradu Dubrovniku djeluje vec dugih 37 godina njegujuci vrijednu kulturnu baštinu ne samo dubrovackog, vec i hrvatskog podneblja. Njegova posebnost obogacuje turisticku ponudu Hrvatske i cini ju originalnom, što je razlog da je danas FA Lindo poznat i u svijetu. U veljaci 2000. godine rodila se ideja kod nekolicine plesacica Linda o osnivanju ženske klape pri Folklornom ansamblu, što im je i pošlo za rukom uz pomoc Vedrana Ivankovica, glazbenika u Lindu, koji je preuzeo vodenje klape. Prvi put se ova klapa predstavila javnosti u kolovozu 2000. godine kada je FA Lindo slavio svoju trideset petu obljetnicu postojanja i djelovanja. Klapa je nastupila na brojnim znacajnim susretima klapa, od Omiša, Bola, Korcule, Blata, Stona i Mlina do Cavtata na najjužnijoj hrvatskoj obali, gdje je pokazala neskriveni entuzijazam i veliku volju za unaprjedivanjem kulturne baštine. Klapa sudjeluje na Festivalu dalmatinskih klapa Omiš zadnje tri godine (2001., 2002., 2003.). Ove, 2003. godine, ulazi u finalnu vecer i osvaja Broncanog leuta – 3. nagradu publike, što predstavlja veliki uspjeh. “Intonativnom stabilnošcu, glasovnom snagom i svježinom, uigranošcu i rafiniranošcu interpretacije, te izborom repertoara ženska klapa FA Lindo zavrjeduje svaku pohvalu”*. (*Ivana Tomic – Feric) .Klapa je sudjelovala i na Festivalu klapa Dubrovacko-neretvanske županije 2002. i 2003., koji se održava u Blatu na Korculi, gdje je 2002. osvojila srebrenu plaketu, a 2003. zlatnu plaketu prema ocjenama strucnog ocjenjivackog suda.U travnju 2002. godine klapa je sudjelovala na 13. Medunarodnom festivalu zborskog pjevanja u Veroni. Na tom svjetski poznatom festivalu klapa je ostvarila takoder veliki uspjeh – zlatno odlicje u kategoriji ženskih folklornih skupina, što je uvelike doprinijelo promidžbi same klape u klapskom svijetu, ali i promidžbi Dubrovnika i Hrvatske.U listopadu 2002. godine klapa je imala svoj prvi samostalni koncert u Kazalištu Marina Držica u Dubrovniku.U listopadu 2003. klapa je snimila svoj prvi nosac zvuka u suradnji sa svjetski poznatim glazbenikom i producentom Nenadom Bachom.U klapi pjevaju dugogodišnje Lindove plesacice u dobi od 18 do 24 godine, pjevaju izvorne i autorske dalmatinske klapske pjesme, ali i obrade domacih zabavnih skladbi. Klapa djeluje u sastavu:Ana Bacic, I. sopranPaula Kusalic, II. sopranJelena Jozovic, II. sopranLuci Vierda, II. sopranLidija Jerosimic, I. altMargarita Stražicic, I. altFani Favro, II. altIvana Butigan, II. altIvela Raguž, II. altVedran Ivankovic, voditelj klape letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7130/1/H-Zeljko-Ivezic-Ph-D-Astrofizicar---Mapiranje-neba.html ÂZeljko Ivezic, Ph. D.ÂÂÂZeljko Ivezic: Curriculum VitaeAddress:Department of Astrophysical SciencesPeyton Hall, Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ 08544-1001e-mail: ivezic@astro.princeton.edutel: (609) 258-1692Positions:2003- Assistant Professor, University of Washington2002-04 H.N. Russell Research Fellow, Princeton University1999-02 Research Staff, Princeton University1998-02 Adjunct Assistant Professor, CUNY, York College1997-99 Postdoctoral Researcher, Princeton University1995-96 Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Kentucky1991-95 Teaching & Research Assistant, University of Kentucky1990-91 Teaching & Research Assistant, University of ZagrebEducation:1995 Ph.D., Physics & Astronomy, University of Kentucky1991 B.Sc., Physics, University of Zagreb1990 B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, University of Zagreb--------------------------------------------------------------------------------What is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey?Simply put, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey is the most ambitious astronomical survey project ever undertaken. The survey will map in detail one-quarter of the entire sky, determining the positions and absolute brightness's of more than 100 million celestial objects. It will also measure the distances to more than a million galaxies and quasars. Apache Point Observatory, site of the SDSS telescopes, is operated by the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC).The SDSS addresses fascinating, fundamental questions about the universe. With the survey, astronomers will be able to see the large-scale patterns of galactic sheets and voids in the universe. Scientists have varying ideas about the evolution of the universe, and different patterns of large-scale structure point to different theories of how the universe evolved. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey will tell us which theories are right -- or whether we have to come up with entirely new ideas.The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) is a joint project of The University of Chicago, Fermilab, the Institute for Advanced Study, the Japan Participation Group, The Johns Hopkins University, the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), the Max-Planck-Institute for Astrophysics (MPA), New Mexico State University, University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University, the United States Naval Observatory, and the University of Washington. Funding for the project has been provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Participating Institutions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Japanese Monbukagakusho, and the Max Planck Society.http://www.sdss.org/ http://www.astro.princeton.edu/ÂNGC 2068 (M78), a star forming region in OrionÂBok Nenad,ÂEvo par odgovora na Tvoja pitanja:> * Postoje li mogucnosti suradnje sa astronomima u Hrvatskoj?Gdje ima volje i sposobnosti, uvijek se pronadju mogucnosti.Posebno sam ponosan i sretan sto sam uspio uspostaviti jakusuradnju izmedju nase SDSS grupe na Princetonu i istrazivackegrupe na celu s prof. Kresimirom Pavlovskim na PMFu u Zagrebu.U poslijednje dvije godine u istrazivacke posjete nam je doslopet apsolutno izvanrednih studenata (Mario Juric, Branimir Sesar,Vernesa Smolcic, Marko Gacesa, Mirela Obric). Svi su postiglivrhunske rezultate koristeci SDSS promatranja. Premda jePrinceton prema mnogim istrazivanjima najbolje americko sveuciliste,a astrofizicki odjel se posebno istice, nasim studentima nije dugotrebalo da se dokazu cak i u tako prestiznoj okolini. Cesto mepitaju kako je moguce da tako mala zemlja moze proizvesti tolikotalentiranih mladih astrofizicara u samo dvije godine. Ta iskustvasu naravno prekrasan dokaz kvalitete astrofizickog programau Zagrebu.> O SDSS-u> * Sto je Sloan Digital Sky Survey ?Sloan-ov Digitalni Pregled Neba je jedan od do sada najambicioznijihastronomskih poduhvata. Cilj projekta je napraviti dvo-dimenzionalnumapu neba koja ce ukljuciti oko 100 milijuna zvijezda i oko 100 milijunagalaksija, i tri-dimenzionalnu mapu dijela svemira sa oko milijun galaksija.Osim sto ce te mape biti od deset do sto puta vece od dosadasnjih, imatice daleko vecu tocnost i detaljnost informacija. Glavni razlog tako velikognapretka je koristenje CCD osjetnika (ista tehnologija kao u video kameramai digitalnim fotoaparatima), umjesto starih mapa koje se bile bazirane nafotografskom filmu. Jos jedna velika prednost digitalnih slika je sto suvrlo pogodne za koristenje racunala u analizi, sto omogucava efikasnu analizutako velikoga broja objekata.Projekt ukljucuje stotinjak ljudi sa nekoliko sveucilista i znanstvenih institutaiz SAD, Japana i Njemacke. Ukupni trosak ce biti oko sto milijuna dolara, uglavnomfinaciranih od NASA-e i americke National Science Foundation. Prvih desetak milijunaje dala Sloan fondacija, po kojoj je projekt nazvan.> * Sto vi radite u sklopu SDSS-a, koliko dugo ?Poceo sam raditi na SDSSu 1997. godine, u sklopu grupe sa Princetona. Mi smozaduzeni za konstrukciju kamere i razvijanje softvera za analizu slika. Softverukljucuje oko milijun linija koda (C i Tcl), i sposoban je potpuno samostalnoanalizirati oko 20 TB podataka koje cemo sakupiti u pet godina snimanja.> * Koja su dosadasnja postignuca SDSS projekta ?Do sada najpoznatija postignuca su otkrice desetak kvazara koji su sada najdaljipoznati objekti u svemiru, dokaz da je nasa galaksija Mljecni Put imala"kanibalsku" proslost jer je "prozdirala" obliznje manje galaksije i takorasla - postoji zgodan clanak iz NY Timesa nahttp://www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/041100sci-cannibal-galaxies.htmli otkrice da u Suncevom sustavu ima znatno manje asteroida nego sto se mislilo. (vidi clankehttp://www.er.doe.gov/Science_News/feature_articles_2002/January/Sky_survey/Sky_survey2.htmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1644899.stm )Uz te "sexy" rezultate, postoji puno znanstveno vrijednih rezultata koji su do sadaobjavljeni u oko stotinjak clanaka.> * Imate li vi (tj. SDSS) jos iznenadjenja za nas u buducnosti ?Carolija znanosti je sto se rezultat nikada ne zna unaprijed. No, uzevsi u obzir da imamooko 10 puta vise podataka nego sto je do sada prikupljeno, i da su novi podaci punodetaljniji i tocniji, vjerojatno ce biti jos iznenadjenja i uzbudjenja.> * Zasto je SDSS vazan za Sixpack Joe-a (prosjecnog covjeka)Ovo je tesko pitanje, pogotovo bez six pack-a pri ruci :)SDSS je sada najveci projekt u astronomiji, i svojom digitalnom mapom nagovijestavasto ce sve biti moguce u 21. stoljecu. Vec smo pokazali kako su mnoge teorije bile netocne,pa se moze realno ocekivati kako ce SDSS znatno unaprijediti nase razumijevanje kakodalekog, tako i obliznjeg svemira. SDSS je vazan ne samo za astronomiju, nego i zaznanost opcenito. 20 TB podataka koje cemo sakupiti, i obraditi svaki bit, je puno putavise informacije nego u cijeloj Library of Congress. Jedini sadasnji projekt koji barata saslicnom velicinom podataka je Human Genome Project koji ima za cilj napravitidetaljnu mapu ljudskih gena.> O Zeljku Ivezicu ?> * Vec dugo ste u USA ?Nakon diplomiranja strojarstva i fizike na zagrebackom sveucilistu, u USAsam otisao 1991. na postdiplomski studij fizike i astronomije. Nakon doktoratana University of Kentucky 1995. ostao sam jos godinu dana tamo, a onda presaou Princeton raditi na SDSS projektu. Jos uvijek sam fizicki u Princetonu, premdasam od ove godine profesor astronomije na University of Washington u Seattle-u.> * Princeton je jedno od najboljih sveucilista u USA, kako vam se svidja ?Mogucnost svakodnevnog suradjivanja sa ovdasnjim znanstvenicima je za astronoma slicnokao kosarkasu igrati za Chicago Bulls-e. Sveuciliste i gradic su ljepsi nego americkiprosjek, i blizina New Yorka ima svoje ocigledne prednosti.> * Jednog dana povratak u Hrvatsku ?Sunce tudjeg neba ne grije kao nase... Salim se, astronomi znaju zasto Sunce ne grijesvugdje jednako. No bez obzira na "toplije" Sunce, svakako bih se zelio vratiti kuci(u stvari, mama me uvijek podsjeca kako sam obecao vratiti se odmah nakon doktorata).Recimo, parafrazirajuci moju analogiju sa kosarkom, bilo bi krasno jednog dana procitatiintervju sa nekim americkim znanstvenikom koji kaze kako mu je raditi na zagrebackomsveucilistu bilo kao nogometasu igrati za novog svjetskog prvaka iz Maksimira...> * Zasto sam se i kako poceo baviti znanoscu?Poceo sam u skoli "Sestre Bakovic" gdje je prof. Ana Kovacicek sa puno entuzijazma vodilaastronomsku grupu. Kasnije sam nastavio redovno odlaziti na Zvjezdarnicu na Gornjemgradu, gdje sam pod utjecajem Dr. Hrvoja Bozica, i drugih zaljubljenika u astronomijuokupljenih oko Pokreta "Znanost mladima", definitivno odlucio postati astronom.U stvari, vecina prednosti americkog sistema obrazovanja u usporedbi s nasim semogu jednostavno sazeti u cinjenicu da je ovdasnje cjelokupno obrazovanje slicnoidejama naseg, jos uvijek ne dovoljno prosirenog, Pokreta "Znanost mladima".A to znaci manje strebanja cinjenica i kojekakvih brojeva, te ploca-kreda predavanja,a vise samostalnog i zabavnog rada.   Â Srdacni pozdravi citaocima Crowna,      Zeljko letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7129/1/EH-Prof-dr-sc-Ante-Simonic-Deputy-Prime-Minister.html ÂProf. dr. sc. Ante SimonicPotpredsjednik Vlade Republike HrvatskeDeputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatiahttp://www.vlada.hr 2001 - 2004CURRICULUM VITAEProf. Ante Simonic, Sc.D., was born in Rijeka on 19 September 1949. He graduated from grammar school in Rijeka in 1968, and from the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka in 1973.In 1975 he became assistant lecturer at the Pharmacology Institute of the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, where he still works. He won his master’s degree in 1977, and his doctor’s degree in 1980.He has been Director of the Pharmacology Institute since 1985 and Head of the Pharmacology Chair since 1991. He was appointed senior-lecturer in 1981, reader in 1987 and professor in 1990. He has organized and run a number of graduate and post-graduate courses, and lectured at various institutions in Croatia and abroad. He has also frequently supervised master’s and doctor’s theses.Prof. Simonic has attended advanced training sessions in a number of national and foreign institutions, e.g., at the Institute of Pharmacology of the Nobel Prize winner C. Heymans at the Faculty of Medicine in Gent (Belgium) in 1978. In 1995 he also spent two months at the same Institute. In 1981 he completed the course in clinical and preclinical pharmacology at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, University of London (United Kingdom). In 1982 and 1983 he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for scientific advancement with Prof. E.F. Domino, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (United States).He has for years reviewed articles in national and foreign scientific journals. He has also been on the editorial board of journals such as Acta Facultatis Medicinae Fluminensis, Medicina, Croatian Medical Journal, Pharmaca and Medicus. He has reviewed a number of books, and authored and coauthored seven books. Prof. Simonic has supervised a number of scientific projects, and produced many expert opinions for the pharmaceutical industry. He is also an expert witness. He has taken active part in many national and international scientific and professional meetings as invited lecturer, and member and chairman of conference committees. He has published about 300 scientific and technical publications, some of which are cited in leading international journals and 7 books.Prof. Simonic has been involved in the activities of many bodies of the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka and of the University of Rijeka, as well as of various educational, scientific and health institutions of the Republic. Thus, he was twice President of the Croatian Pharmacological Society, President of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Croatia, member of the commission for the drafting of the Law on Institutions of Higher Learning of the Republic of Croatia, Chairman of the Board of the Rijeka Clinical Centre, and Chairman of the Board of the Lovran Orthopedic Clinic. Between 1990 and 1994 he was Dean and Administrative Director of the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka. In 1990 and 1991 he served as advisor at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia, member of the Drug Commission of the Republic of Croatia, and founder and member of the Executive Committee of Academicus.For more than thirty years he has been very actively involved in the work of various public and sports organizations of Rijeka, the region and the Republic. He won several national rowing championships and was for a number of years member of the national rowing team. He was member of the Presidency of the Rijeka Sports Association, President of the Jadran Rowing Club in Rijeka (for years the most successful and exemplary rowing club of the former state), and vice-president of Panathlon, the international association of successful sportsmen and friends of sport. He is a member of Medicinar, the doctors’ football team which appears as the team of the Republic of Croatia and is the world and European champion.He is a member of many professional and scientific national and international associations, e.g., the Croatian Medical Society, the World Pharmacological Association (IUPHAR), the International Toxicological Society, the Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum (CINP), the European College of Neuropsycho-pharmacology (ECNP), the Calcium Club. etc.He acted as president of initiative committees for the foundation of many friendship societies in Rijeka, e.g., Croato-Turkish, Croato-German, Croato-Slovenian, Croato-Polish, Croato-Chinese, etc. He is a member of the Presidency of the Coordination of Croatian Friendship Societies in Zagreb, and also served as councillor of the City of Rijeka. He has organized and supervised many international economic, political, culturological, scientific, professional and sports events. He was vice-president of the Rijeka Lions Club. He is a member of the Croatian Peasant Party, he was the member of Parliament and President of the Parliamentary Committee for Education, Science and Culture. He is actual Departy Prime Minister of Croatia.Prof. Simonic has received several awards from the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, the City of Rijeka, and various scientific, sports and other organizations.But, ŽIVOTOPISProf. dr. Ante Simonic roden je 19. rujna 1949. godine u Rijeci, gdje je polazio i završio osnovnu školu i gimnaziju. Maturirao je 1968. godine, te diplomirao na Medicinskom fakultetu u Rijeci 1973. godine.Godine 1975. zapošljava se na Medicinskom fakultetu u Rijeci kao asistent na Zavodu za farmakologiju na kome je radio do 2001. godine. Magistrirao je 1977. godine te doktorirao 1980. godine.Od 1985. godine je predstojnik Zavoda za farmakologiju, a od 1991. godine i predstojnik istoimene katedre. Docent je postao 1981. godine, izvanredni profesor 1987. godine, a redovni profesor 1990. godine.Organizirao je i vodio dodiplomsku i poslijediplomsku nastavu veceg broja kolegija, te predavao u razlicitim institucijama u Hrvatskoj i inozemstvu, a bio je dvadesetak puta mentor tijekom izrade magistarskih i doktorskih disertacija.U nekoliko navrata boravio je na kracem ili dužem usavršavanju u razlicitim institucijama u zemlji i inozemstvu. Primjerice 1978. godine boravio je na farmakološkom institutu nobelovca C. Heymansa, na Medicinskom fakultetu u Gentu (Belgija). U istom institutu je opet boravio dva mjeseca 1995. godine. Tijekom 1981. godine je završio tecaj iz klinicke i predklinicke farmakologije u Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, University of London (Velika Britanija). Tijekom 1982. i 1983. godine boravio je kao Fulbrightov stipendista na znanstvenom usavršavanju kod prof. dr. E. F. Domina, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Sjedinjene Americke Države), i td.Godinama recenzira clanke u domacim i inozemnim znanstvenim casopisima. Bio je ili je još clan uredništva veer broja casopisa: “Acta Facultatis Mediceae Fluminensis”, “Medicina”, “Croatian Medical Journal”, “Archives internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapie”, “Pharmaca” i “Medicus”. Recenzent je veer broja knjiga.Bio je voditelj niza znanstvenih projekata, ucinio je brojne strucne ekspertize farmaceutskoj industriji i sudski je vještak. Aktivno je sudjelovao u radu mnogih nacionalnih i internacionalnih znanstvenih i strucnih sastanaka. Bio je pozvani predavac, te clan i predsjednik kongresnih odbora u vecem broju zemalja.Autor je tristotinjak znanstvenih i strucnih radova te 7 knjiga ili dijelova knjiga.Prof. Simonic je sudjelovao u radu mnogih tijela Medicinskog fakulteta u Rijeci, Sveucilišta u Rijeci i republickih obrazovnih, znanstvenih i zdravstvenih institucija. Primjerice: bio je dva puta predsjednik Hrvatskog farmakološkog društva, bio je predsjednik Zajednice zdravstvenih fakulteta Hrvatske, clan komisije za izradu Zakona o visokim ucilištima Republike Hrvatske, clan Znanstvenog podrucnog vijeca biomedicinskih znanosti Republike Hrvatske, predsjednik Upravnog odbora Klinickog bolnickog centra Rijeka i presjednik Upravnog vijeca Klinike za ortopediju Lovran. U dva mandata (od 1990. do 1994. godine) bio je dekan i ravnatelj Medicinskog fakulteta u Rijeci. 1990. i 1991. godine je bio savjetnik u Ministarstvu zdravstva Republike Hrvatske i clan Komisije za lijekove Republike Hrvatske. Utemeljitelj je i clan izvršnog odbora “Academicus-a” i nekoliko humanitarnih udruga.Tridesetak godina vrlo aktivno radi u razlicitim društveno-športskim organizacijama grada, regije i Republike. Višestruki je prvak države i godinama je bio clan državne veslacke reprezentacije. Bio je clan Predsjedništva Rijeckog športskog saveza, predsjednik npr. Veslackog kluba “Jadran” u Rijeci koji je godinama bio najuspješniji veslacki klub bivše države i najuspješniji športski kolektiv Rijeke, podpredsjednik je “Panathlona” - medunarodne udruge uspješnih sportaša i prijatelja športa. Clan je “Medicinara” - nogometne ekipe lijecnika koja nastupa kao reprezentacija Republike Hrvatske s kojim je bio prvak Europe isvijeta i td.Clan suradnik je Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti, clan je i brojnih strucnih i znanstvenih udruženja u zemlji i inozemstvu. Primjerice: Hrvatskog lijecnickog zbora, Svjetskog farmakološkog društva (IUPHAR), Hrvatskog društva za pomorsku, podvodnu i hiperbaricku medicinu, Internacionalnog toksikološkog društva, Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum; (CINP); European College of Neuropsycho-pharmacology (ECNP), Federation of European Pharmalogical Societies (EPHAR), Calcium Club i td.Bio je predsjednik inicijativnih odbora za osnivanje mnogih društava prijateljstva u Rijeci: Hrvatsko-Turskog,Hrvatsko-Austrijskog, Hrvatsko-Njemackog, Hrvatsko-Slovenskog, Hrvatsko-Poljskog, Hrvatsko-Kineskog i td. Clan je njihovih uprava, a bio je predsjednik ponekih. Clan je Predsjedništva Koordinacije Hrvatskih društava prijateljstva u Zagrebu, bio je vijecnik grada Rijeke, i td. Organizirao je i rukovodio brojnim medunarodnim manifestacijama gospodarskog, politickog i opce kulturološkoga, te znanstvenog, strucnog i športskog karaktera. Bio je potpredsjednik “Lions Club-a” Rijeka, bio je potpredsjednik je Hrvatske seljacke stranke, bio je saborski zastupnik i predsjednik saborskog “Odbora za obrazovanje, znanost i kulturu”, clan je odbora za dodjelu Državne nagrade za znanost, clan je Hrvatskog povjerenstva za suradnju s UNESCO-om, bio predsjednik je Odbora Nagrade “Ivan Filipovic”, predsjednik manifestacije “Nazorovi dani”.Predsjednik je Nacionalnog povjerenstva za suzbijanje HIV/AIDS-a, te Savjeta za mlade Vlade Republike Hrvatske.Medicinski fakultet, grad Rijeka, te razlicite znanstvene, športske i druge organizacije dodijelili su mu nekoliko priznanja, medu kojima se istice Godišnja nagrada Grada Rijeke 2002. godine za izuzetan doprinos spoznaji, unaprjedenju i popularizaciji znanosti. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7128/1/E-Quo-Vadis-Scientia---Ante-Simonic---Autor.html ÂProf. dr. sc. Ante Simonic - AutorÂKad netko kaze "sveobuhvatno", vjerojatno i povjeruje samom sebi da je obuhvatio sve sto je naumio. Prof. Ante Simonic je postavio toliko pitanja da koju god stranicu otvorite doznati cete nesto sto do sada niste ili nikad culi ili nikad razmisljali ili nikad povezali, da samog sebe parafraziram SVE "od sarme do zvijezda". Ove knjige su sveobuhvatne koliko i sama definicija rijeci.Predgovor knjige Civilizacijske Razmedje Znanja ( Dvije Knjige) pocinje citatom Sv. Toma Akvinskog: "Covjeku je urodjena teznja za kreposcu... Svi ljudi po prirodi teze za znanjem"Slijedi tekst:"Medju svim igrama intelekta, kao jedan od najvecih civilizacijskih izazova, napora, odusevljenja i inspiracije, izdvaja se znanost. Uz Vjeru, filozofiju i umjetnost - pomazuci otklonu od sirove borbe za materijalnu nadmoc - ona omogucava spoznavanje predjela koje covjek moze dohvatiti samo svojim duhom" Ante SimonicSami uvod kao i prvih pet minuta u dobrom filmu otkriva intelektualnu avanturu kroz koju nas provodi Simonic. Trebalo bi procitati sve knjige i sve stranice da bi se ista pisalo, cak ni meritorno, ali nemir duse uzima svoje. Od Mezopotamije pa i puno prije pa do Suocenje sa sadasnjoscu.Etika: "Najblizi smo velicini kada smo veliki u skromnosti" R. TagoreHrabrost: "Hrabrost je dostojanstvo u nevolji" E HemingwayI sami citati koji su dio trece knjige "Znanost, najveca avantura i izazov ljdskog roda" a pocinju poglavlja na temu etike, hrabrosti etc govore dovoljno o polaznoj tocki razmisljanja."Quo Vadis Scientia? Tragovima Znanja u Buducnost" otvaraju i ove rijeci samog autora: "... I ja sam naucio dvije stvari:- postoji veza koju ne moze prekinuti niti jedan rastanak- ucenjem postajemo veci, ali razumijevanjem spoznajemo kako smo mali." Fasciniran sam neobicnoscu obicnih tema koje su sve obradjene u ove cetri knjige.Preporucio bih svima da kupe ove knjige i da ih citaju kao kad listas enciklopediju. SVE je zanimljivo i ne-obicno. Otkud, Ante, sva ta energija i znanje i hrabrost i ufanje upustiti se u sklisku kalu intelektualne pasivnosti koja nas guta ovih dana? Svaka cast,Nenad Bach.Ovo je nacin kako mozete naruciti knjige:Knjizara Tamaris: www.tamaris.hr Knjižara, Trg bana J. Jelacica 3, Zagreb Hrvatska telefon 01/4882-680 fax 01/4882-681 bookshop@tamaris.hr Ukoliko želite naruciti neku od knjiga koju ste našli na našim web stranicama pošaljite e-mail na adresu narudzbe@tamaris.hr. Možemo Vam je poslati poštom, a možete je preuzeti i osobno u našoj knjižari na Trgu bana Jelacica 3. Ako Vas zanima neka strana ili hrvatska knjiga koju niste našli na našim web stranicama, uštedite vrijeme i pošaljite nam upit e-mailom na adresu books@tamaris.hr. U najkracem roku javit cemo Vam imamo li tu knjigu u knjižari, a ukoliko knjigu u ponudi nemamo - može li se nabaviti, u kojem vremenskom roku i po kojoj cijeni. Ako zelite stupiti u kontakt s autorom radi intervjua, kontaktirajte Ljerku Ivankovic: ljerka.ivankovic@vlada.hr letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7131/1/E-ANTE-BEZIC-ARCHITECT-AND-PROFESSOR-1849---1906.html ÂHOMMAGE TO ANTE BEZIC, ARCHITECT AND PROFESSOR - AN EXHIBITIONÂAnte Bezic was my Great grand father who was born in Grohote, island of Solta, in 1849.He finished grammar school in Split in 1869. As a child he was showing a special interest in science and had a talent for drawing and technical designing. At the beginning of 1870s he studied at The Polytechnic Unversity ,Graz, Austria and attended a course for firemen. He, later continued his education at the University in Vienna, where he graduated as an architect. At the beginning of 1880s he returned to Split, where was enthusiastically involved in social, cultural and political life of Split , as an architect and a teacher, thus leaving rich heritage to the future generations. He designed, independently or as a cooperator, several buildings in Split, such as the building of the Municipal theatre, fish market and a number of mansions and villas. Besides, he was an excellent draughtsman of archeological remains and a close assistant to Father Frane Bulic. As a teacher, taught drawing and calligraphy inHigh grammar school and he was one of the founders of the Voluntary Fire Brigade in Split and it's President and Captain for many years. He died of stroke in 1906, at the age of 57, in Split.As this year we celebrate the 120 anniversary of the Voluntary Fire Brigade and the 110 anniversary of the Municipal theatre, it was a great occasion that an exhibition about the life and work of Ante Bezic would be done and inaugurated at the Day of the City of Split. The authors of the exhibitionwere the curator of the City Museum, professor Helga Zglav Martinac and an architect Stanko Piplovic. It was inaugurated by the member of the City Council, professor Ivo Simunovic.After Split the exhibiton was shown in Trogir and finally on August the 3rd 2003 in Grohote at the island of Solta, inaugurated by Mr Piplovic, the captain of the Fire Brigade and the Mayor. So, almost 100 years after his death, Ante Bezic was brought to the place of his birth, with the story of his life and work with which all of us can be proud of. Branka Bezic Filipovic, Split letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7132/1/E-Croatian-American-Donates-His-Liver.html ÂGift From a Loving Husband: Part of HimselfCroatian American Donates His Liver to his wifeÂTeddy and Elena MocibobThe New York TimesAugust 2, 2003Gift From a Loving Husband: Part of HimselfBy RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑAIn the annals of selfless devotion and far-fetched coincidence, no cheappaperback, no opera, no daytime soap has anything on the tale of Elenaand Teddy Mocibob.They don't quite look the part of the romantic leading lady and manright now, what with the tubes in their arms and the groggy, painedexpressions, but they can be forgiven that. On Tuesday, surgeons atWestchester Medical Center in Valhalla removed Ms. Mocibob's diseasedliver, cut out 60 percent of Mr. Mocibob's healthy one, and transplantedit into her. Without a new liver, doctors say, she had no more than twoor three years to live.To make the donation, Mr. Mocibob (pronounced MOH-chee-bob), 50,accepted a serious risk of illness and a slim chance of death from thesurgery, and the certain knowledge that he would emerge from surgerywith great pain from a foot-wide wound shaped like an upside-down "y"across his belly. Those were not his only sacrifices; he had to give upthe cherished vices he acquired in his native Croatia: the cigarettes hehad smoked for 35 years and the firewater he made, a home-brewed drinkthat he calls "Crazy H."Yet sitting in his hospital bed Thursday, hoping to see his wife for thefirst time since the morning before the surgery, he dismissed the notionthat he is any kind of hero. He did the best he could for her "because Ilove her," he said. "I would not go through this pain for fun. But whatelse could I do? I could not just lose her."A minute later, Mr. Mocibob, a handyman and a landscaper who has livedin the United States for 21 years, tried to insist that he was merelybeing practical. "She can't work; she can't even wash the dishes," hesaid. "I work seven days a week. I'm poor. Maybe someday she can work."Mrs. Mocibob, 43, took a different view. She was very weak even beforethe operation, and she underwent more than nine hours of surgery, twicethe time her husband's operation took.Her speech was barely audible, punctuated by long pauses as she caughther breath and hunted for words through a narcotic fog.On a few topics, however, she was absolutely clear. A nurse's aide, sheintends to work again after years of being too exhausted to leave home.She wants, more than anything, to have the energy to play with hergrandchildren, ages 5 and 2, and to take them to the zoo. And sheunderstands what her husband has done for her."He could have just thrown in the towel any time - a lot of men would,"she said. "I know enough to know I don't want to live with a man who'sgoing to have regrets afterwards. But it was his idea. He wanted to doit."He wanted to, but it seemed unlikely at first that he could. When theMocibobs, who live in Pleasant Valley, near Poughkeepsie, first exploredthe idea early this year, doctors said the odds were against his being asuitable donor.There was only a one-in-four chance that their blood types would match,and there were other reasons his liver might not have been right forher: it could have been too fatty, for example, or too large, or therisk to him might have been too great.Live donor liver transplants are relatively uncommon. There are about300 to 400 a year nationally, compared with about 5,000 from cadavers.Spouse-to-spouse transplants are rarer still, accounting for about 1 inevery 300 live donations.As it turned out, this was that one, but the Mocibobs were no strangersto long odds. Mrs. Mocibob suffers from primary biliary cirrhosis, anautoimmune disorder that slowly destroys the liver, and afflicts 1 inevery 20,000 people.She was one of thousands of people on transplant lists, waiting for theright organ to become available. About one in six people who need a newliver dies while waiting for one.Most liver transplants involve whole organs taken from people who havedied, and, in fact, the sickest patients need the entire liver. But thechronic shortage of dead donors has steadily increased the use of livetransplants since the 1980's.A living donor gives up one of the liver's two lobes. Unlike otherinternal organs, a liver can regenerate, so in most live transplantcases, each lobe grows enough after surgery to give both donor andrecipient full-sized, fully functioning livers.But the surgery is trickier, for both patients, than most organtransplants and comes with serious risks, a fact made clear last year,when a man died at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan afterdonating part of his liver to his brother."The risk of death to the donor is about 1 in 350, and there's about a10 percent risk of complications" like bile leaks, bleeding andinfections, said Dr. Patricia Sheiner, director of the liver transplantprogram at Westchester Medical, who took part in the operations on theMocibobs. "And we tell them, `Don't expect to feel yourself for a fewmonths.' "This is the sort of complex, highly specialized care that used to bedone almost exclusively by major urban hospitals, but that a growingnumber of suburban and small-city hospitals have taken up.Westchester Medical began doing kidney transplants in the late 1980's -it now performs more than any other hospital in the state - livertransplants in 1997, and heart transplants in 2001.Teddy Mocibob, whose first name is Tarcizio, and his wife met in 1992.She was divorced, working in a supermarket and supporting four children,aged 3 to 14. She did not seem sick most of the time, but even then, sheknew she was not quite right.Mr. Mocibob likes to tease his wife by claiming that she knew she wassick when they met, and won his love under false pretenses. "She trickedme," he said. They lived in Yonkers. He did not drive then, so she drovehim to and from work. (He has since learned.) Then came the days whenshe was too fatigued to drive.In 1994, doctors found that her immune system was attacking her liver asif it were a foreign invader. If she did not have a transplant, shelearned, the disease would lead to other ailments like osteoporosis andthyroid disease and, potentially, a host of autoimmune disorders likearthritis and diabetes. Eventually, it would kill her.She worked as long as she could, and took classes to become a certifiednurse's aide, determined to work with the elderly. But by 1997, familymembers said, she barely had the energy to move around the house. In1999, she and Mr. Mocibob married."I always believed I'd get my liver," she said. "The Lord has too muchwork for me to do."As Mrs. Mocibob's condition worsened, she entered a paradoxical phase ofthe disease. She would soon be sick enough to be placed near the top ofthe list to receive a liver from a dead donor, but she would also runthe risk that no matching organ would become available in time to saveher. She would also soon be too sick to be helped by a partial liverfrom a live donor.Then Mr. Mocibob suggested that he give part of his own liver. Doctorstold him that a blood test showed that he might be a compatible donor,but that they would not even consider him as a donor until he hadstopped smoking for three months, and stopped drinking.He went cold turkey that day, Feb. 5, he said, quitting the Crazy H, thebeer and the generic cigarettes he ordered by the carton over theInternet. He cannot swear that he will not want them back some day.Mrs. Mocibob knows what she wants. "My grandson, he goes, `Grandma, comeplay with me outside,' and I always have to say `No, I can't,' " shesaid. "I really want to play with my grandkids. I don't even know whatit's going to feel like to be normal. I can't wait."The Mocibobs hoped to see each other Thursday for the first time sincethe surgery, but they had to wait. Mr. Mocibob had a slight fever, anddoctors could not take the chance that he might give some new illness tohis wife.But by yesterday morning, his temperature was down, and he was bundledinto a wheelchair to go to Mrs. Mocibob's room.He wept when he saw her, unable to speak for a few minutes. He grippedher delicate hands in his thick ones and kissed them, and stroked herface. "It's been three whole days," he said when he finally found hisvoice. "So much has happened. I have so much to tell you."http://www.nytimes.com/ads/secureie720x300nytimes10.htm Op-edThis hospital is very close to where I live. If you want to send a letter to Mocibob family, I can deliver it to them either by mail or in person.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 02 Aug 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7133/1/E-Mara-Kerum-Croatian-caterer-to-the-stars.html ÂMara Kerum is a star at feeding starsLights! Camera! Food!Chef-caterer Mara Kerum is a star at feeding movie crews. In her latest role,she cooked for the cast and crew of 'Ladder 49.' By Francine HalvorsenSpecial To The SunOriginally published July 9, 2003For the last three months, some of the best food in this city was not served ina restaurant but from the sides of catering trucks.Grilled swordfish and mango salsa, fillet of beef with bearnaise sauce, pastaprimavera, Caesar salads, Key lime pie, fresh fruit tarts and chocolate brownies were among the tempting dishes prepared for the stars, cast and crewof Ladder 49, the action movie starring John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix, which wrapped up shooting last week.The chef behind these creations was Mara Kerum, 34, who has been feeding actorsand production crews on location for 15 years.Kerum, a native of Croatia who attended culinary school at France's Le CordonBleu, oversaw a team of five chefs feeding 200 to 300 people a day, five days aweek."I have the perfect job in the food business. I love what I do. I get to makecreative food for people who really appreciate it," said Kerum, who works forTony's Catering, a company her uncle, Tony Kerum, started in California 20 years ago.Her credits include catering movies starring Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis andRobert De Niro.Cooking for movie stars isn't all glamour and glitz, however. Extremes of rainand cold, heat and humidity, surprising delays and changes of location are constants. But Kerum is never frazzled, always the quiet center in the middleof the daily whirlwind.Ten days before the movie about firefighters started filming in mid-March, Kerum and her crew drove a caravan of trucks across the country from Chatsworth, Calif., to Baltimore.One truck was equipped for cooking, another was refrigerated and the third transported and stored equipment, including the biggest and best portable grills available. Wood-grilled fish, poultry and meat are the company's specialties.After arriving, Kerum lined up her purveyors and was happy to find that she could get all the supplies she needed in Baltimore."It is a pleasure working here because I can accommodate everyone," she said. "It makes it much easier when you have good resources."Within a couple of weeks, she and her crew had learned everyone's name and foodpreferences. On this set, there were no personal chefs, so while the stars mayhave eaten in their trailers, they ate the same food as the rest of the cast and crew."Hands down, she is the best in the business," said Ladder 49 publicist PeterSilbermann. "The meals are always delicious and if you aren't in the mood forone thing, there is always something else that's perfect -- an embarrassment ofriches."Kerum was given a standing ovation by 200 people at the wrap party given at RedTapas last week. Her fans included director Jay Russell and Travolta who, shesaid, is fond of her beef Wellington.The caterers usually began work three hours before the actors were on the set.That meant starting anywhere from 4 a.m. until noon, and often working 16-hourdays serving two meals.When their day was done, they drove the trucks to the back lot of a large hotelwhere a hired crew washed the dishes so everything was ready for the next day.As daunting as Maryland summers may be, Kerum said her worst catering experience was with the film Six Days, Seven Nights in Hawaii several years ago."We would load the trucks and start going down a single-lane road to the beachwhere Harrison Ford and Anne Heche were working," she said. "If we met a truckcoming up, we had to back up and let them get to the top before we could go down and feed the crew. That was rough. There are places that are physically hard but I don't take obstacles seriously anymore."Kerum said she isn't star-struck. "I treat them all the same, Clint Eastwood,Bruce Willis, Robert De Niro. ... " Her voice dropped; clearly, she didn't wantto be name-dropping.So what does John Travolta like to eat? She smiled, "John, Mr. Travolta, willeat a little bit of everything. Beef Wellington, crab cakes with remoulade, chicken cordon bleu. I have cooked for him before. He is very good-natured. Hedoesn't like garlic and neither do I, so I don't use it." Phoenix is a vegan who liked the steamed vegetables, salads and pasta dishes, she said.Daily breakfast was early, fresh and eye-opening. She served coffee and tea, Danish, bagels, muffins, toast, cereal, various spreads, eggs and meat, cheese,fruit and yogurt. The main meal was always served five hours after breakfast,whatever the hour.One day, the steam table was set up with ravioli and pesto, steamed vegetables,stewed tomatoes, roasted potatoes and rice, shrimp and vegetable kebabs and roast beef.Hiro Fan, a Japanese-Vietnamese chef with 12 years of experience, served sushiand sashimi on iced trays. Yellowtail, tuna, salmon, eel, crab, shrimp, egg andavocado and all sorts of authentic goodies were served in traditional forms, rolled in seaweed and rice and served with pickled ginger and wasabi mustard.Adjacent to this food station was an enormous cold buffet table with a chilledassortment of Mediterranean pasta salad, Greek salad, fresh tossed green salad,jellied fruit salad and plates of fresh tomatoes, cheeses and olives.For dessert there were chocolate-dipped strawberries, coconut flan, pecan pieand fresh fruit salad -- all made from scratch.On another day, it was 95 degrees out and very humid. Two wood-burning grillswere being stoked in front of the trucks.Kerum was making lamb and vegetable kebabs and grilling polenta squares, whichshe served with a thick portobello-mushroom sauce. Another chef was grilling halibut fillets, dressed with a sweet and spicy pepper jelly.The crowds lined up and took their trays inside the set where they sat eatingat large round tables. Soon they would move on to their next project, some together, most individually, but at the moment, the camaraderie was palpable.Now that the filming has ended, Karem and the culinary crew are taking a few weeks off and then they will drive the truck caravan to Tampa Bay, Fla., wherethey will prepare meals for the movie The Punisher, starring Travolta and Baltimore native Thomas Jane.Perhaps if the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ever adds cateringto its list of award categories, an Oscar should go to Tony's Catering, with aspecial recognition to Mara Kerum, star chef.She surely lent a creative hand when it came to the making of so many major motion pictures.Copyright © 2003, The Baltimore Sunhttp://www.sunspot.net/entertainment/dining/bal-fo.ladder09jul09,0,6745922.story?coll=bal-pe-alacarte letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7134/1/E-Leo-Sternbach-Inventor-of-Valium-Born-in-Croatia.html ÂCroatian Invented ValiumThe following Associated Press article concerns Leo Sternbach, aCroatian Jew who discovered Valium.John KraljicAt 95, inventor of Valium, other drugs finally slowing downBy LINDA A. JOHNSONAP Business WriterJuly 1, 2003, 2:25 PM EDTNUTLEY, N.J. -- But for his stubborn streak, chemist Leo Sternbach mightnot have discovered Valium, the drug that 40 years ago revolutionizedtreatment of anxiety and became a household name.A top researcher at drug maker Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Sternbach hadspent much of the 1950s trying to make a tranquilizer to compete with arival's popular new drug, Miltown. He was tinkering with chemicalcompounds, attaching various atom groups and testing the new compoundson animals, when his boss ended the project.But Sternbach tested one last version anyway. In just a day, he got theresults: The compound made animals relaxed and limp.Sternbach, now 95, had created a better drug, Librium _ and an entirenew class of tranquilizers named benzodiazepines. They were safer andmore effective than previous treatments: barbiturates, opiates, alcoholand herbs.He soon simplified Librium's structure into one three times more potent,Valium. Approved in May 1963, it became a cultural icon _ the country'smost prescribed drug from 1969 to 1982."It had no unpleasant side effects. It gave you a feeling ofwell-being," Sternbach said recently at Hoffmann-LaRoche's Nutleyheadquarters. "Only when the sales figures came in, then I realized howimportant it was."The company sold nearly 2.3 billion pills stamped with the trademark "V"at its 1978 peak."Sternbach profoundly changed the nature of pharmacology because thenthe standard became that you have to be at least as safe as thesedrugs," said Dr. Norman Sussman, professor of psychiatry at New YorkUniversity School of Medicine.Unlike earlier drugs, Valium did not slow breathing, so patientscouldn't use it to commit suicide. But it was overused, Sternbach said;some patients became addicted, so a doctor's visit was required forrefills.Still, benzodiazepines remain the most prescribed anxiety drugs, partlybecause they start working as fast as one hour, slowing brain activity.They also are used for treating panic and phobia disorders and insomnia,calming patients before surgery and relaxing muscles."They were the first weapons in our arsenal for fighting anxietydisorders," helping people to function, said Jerilyn Ross, president ofthe Anxiety Disorders Association of America. "It was a huge leap."HLR still researches other uses for them, said Louis Renzetti, who headsits efforts to speed up discovery of new compounds.Valium was the first blockbuster for corporate parent Roche, the Swissdrug maker, said George Abercrombie, president and chief executiveofficer of Hoffmann-La Roche."It put us on the map," he said, and funded development of other keydrugs.Sternbach, who says he "loved chemistry" from an early age, was born inwhat's now Croatia. He began working at Roche's Basel headquarters in1940 after earning a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at University of Krakowin Poland and working as a research assistant.Fearing Nazis would occupy Switzerland, the company sent its Jewishscientists to the United States. Sternbach fled on June 22, 1941, withhis new bride Herta, his landlady's daughter."We came with only our clothes," she recalled.When they reached Nutley, Roche's U.S. headquarters had just onebuilding. Sternbach helped organize its new chemical laboratory.The couple soon bought a modest home in Upper Montclair, where theyraised two sons and still live.Sternbach's first big success was synthesizing biotin, a B vitamin thatbreaks down fatty acids and carbohydrates. Vitamins previously were madefrom plant extracts, but Sternbach found an efficient way to synthesizethe complex molecule, said Jeff Tilley, who joined Sternbach's researchgroup in 1972.Sternbach officially retired in 1973, but worked most days untilrecently. He mentored young scientists, corresponded and consulted withothers, and worked on his biography, due out this fall under the title,"Good Chemistry: The Life and Times of Valium Inventor Leo Sternbach."His other breakthroughs include the sleeping pills Dalmane and Mogadon,Klonopin for epileptic seizures and Arfonad, for limiting bleedingduring brain surgery.Named one of the 25 most influential Americans of the 20th century byU.S. News & World Report, his credits include 241 patents, 122publications, honorary degrees and other awards."Leo was a game changer, really. It's quite inspiring to be on a campuswith someone with that impact," Renzetti said.Until a decade ago, one-fourth of Roche's sales came from Sternbach discoveries."He's an inventor's inventor," said CEO Abercrombie. "Within everycompany, there is a person or two whose legacy becomes the hallmark ofwhat the company is about, and for Roche, it is Dr. Sternbach." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 13 Jul 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7135/1/H-Joza-Vrljicak---Studia-Croatica.html ÂJozaVrljičakPOVIJEST I AKTUALNOSTREVIJE STUDIA CROATICAStudiaCroatica već 43 godine izlazi u Buenos Airesu i do sada je na španjolskomjeziku objavila tisuće stranica o hrvatskoj književnosti, povijesti,kulturi i politici. Uredništvo, kojem je na čelu neumorni Joza Vrljičak,izdaje tradicionalna izdanja na papiru, te elektronička izdanja na CD-ROM iInternet.Godine 1959 u vrlo neizvjesnoj međunarodnoj situacijijedna skupina hrvatskih intelektualaca državotvornih političkih emigranatau Buenos Airesu, Republika Argentina, odlučuje promijeniti svoju dotadašnjupolitičku djelatnost prema unutra i okrenuti je prema vani, prema svijetukoji nas okružuje. U tom krugu hrvatskih nacionalista počela je sazrijevatispoznaja o potrebi glasila koje bi se na jednom svjetskom jeziku suprotstavilobrojnim srbokomunističkim dezinformacijama i promicala autentičnusliku o hrvatskom narodu, njegovom povijesti, kulturi i legitimnim težnjama daživi u vlastitoj nezavisnoj državi.Inicijativom g. Ive Rojnice počeli su se sastajati uuredu doktora Radovana Latkovića. Nakon temeljitoga ispitivanja mogućnosti,odlučili su pokrenuti tromjesečnu reviju na španjolskom jeziku,najpogodnijem s obzirom na svoje boravište i na okolnost, da španjolski jeziknije samo jezik Argentine i velikoga dijela Južne Amerike, nego i jedan od raširenihsvjetskih jezika preko kojega bi mogli postići zacrtani cilj.Izabrano ime, StudiaCroatica, imalo je označiti izdavački program koji bi, nadilazećipolitičku propagandu, stručno i dokumentarno obradivaopovijesno-političke, kulturne, socijalne i ekonomske aspekte Hrvatske ihrvatskoga naroda.Ujedno, bilo je odlučeno iosnivanje jedne hrvatske kulturne ustanove, koja će biti ujedno ipokrovitelj časopisa, Hrvatskoga-LatinoameričkogaKulturnoga Instituta (Instituto Croata-Latinoamericano de Cultura) kaopokrovitelja revije. Prvipredsjednik Instituta bio je dr. BožidarLatković. Financijsko pitanje bilo je brzo riješeno, s obzirom da suurednici i pisci radili bez ikakve naplate, ad honores, a troškove tiskare iodpreme časopisa preuzeo je g. Ivo Rojnica i djelomično, u početku,i dr. Mate Luketa.G. Rojnica nastavio je i nadalje,ne samo svojim novčanim doprinosima, nego je i kao osnivač i članprvoga i slijedećih uredničkih odbora, djelotvorno sudjelovao u raduRevije i Instituta.Dao je, također, naraspolaganje obadvjema ustanovama uredske prostorije u središtu Buenos Airesa(u ulici Carlos Pellegrini 743, treći kat). Naknadno se je priključiopomaganju Revije SC i g. Miro Kovačić i još neki sporadičnidoprinosnici.Osnivači revije ustrojili su ujedno i prvi uredničkiodbor, sastavljen od slijedećih osoba (abecednim redom): dr. AnđelkoBelić, dr. Milan Blažeković, Ivo Bogdan, dr. Ivo Hühn, Branko Kadić,Srećko Karaman, braća dr. Božidar i dr. Radovan Latković, dr.Mate Luketa, dr. Franjo Nevistić, prof. Vinko Nikolić, Ivo Rojnica,dr. Pero Vukota i naknadno, prof. Daniel Crljen, Milan Rakovac i LjeposlavPerinić.Prvi glavni urednik bio je IvoBogdan, poznati hrvatski publicist, a prvi tajnik uredništva Branko Kadić,koji je ujedno bio i prevoditelj, jer je dobro vladao španjolskim jezikom kaonovinar koji je za vrijeme Nezavisne Države Hrvatske bio dopisnik"Hrvatskoga naroda" u Madridu.U mjesecu rujnu 1960 godinepojavio se je prvi svezak tromjesečnika StudiaCroatica na 96 stranica u čijem uvodniku je bilo istaknuto slijedeće:"Ova je publikacijanamijenjena javnom mnijenju iberoameričkih zemalja, a posebice onima, kojise radi svojega poziva ili svoje dužnosti bave proučavanjem stanja kojevlada u Srednjoj i Južnoj Europi, područjima sada podvrgnutim komunističkomnasilju. Ova publikacija predstavlja autentični izraz prognanih Hrvata, međukojima se nalazi ne maleni broj intelektualaca, žrtava komunističkihprogona. Želja je inicijatora ove publikacije, da obavijesti slobodni svijet opovijesno-kulturnoj baštini svoje stare domovine, o njezinim patnjama,zbivanjima i borbi koju vodi za slobodu i nezavisnost. U isto vrijemeinicijatore potiće i osjećaj zahvalnosti prema američkimrepublikama u kojima su našli svoju novu gostoljubivu domovinu."Osim redovitog izlaženja revije StudiaCroatica, Hrvatsko-Latinoamerički Kulturni Institut i uredništvo StudijeCroatice su objavili na španjolskom jeziku još i sljedeće tematskepublikacije, odnosno prave knjige: Bleiburškatragedija - Dokumenti o masovnom ubijanju Hrvata u komunističkojJugoslaviji godine 1945. (na400 stranica), Bosna i Hercegovina - Doprinosi za osvjetljavanje uzroka Prvogsvjetskog rata (na 344 stranice), Hrvatskai sadašnja kriza u Jugoslaviji (publikaciju je napisao dr. Franjo Nevistić,a izdana je za vrijeme hrvatskog proljeća 1971. godine), Hrvatska i njezinasudbina (izdana 1977. godine), Poljičkistatut (knjiga izdana godine 1995., koju je preveo na španjolski jezik ikomentirao dr. Božidar Latković), DubrovačkiStatut - Sedma knjiga, koju je isto tako preveo i komentiraodr. Božidar Latković.Urednički odbor sastajao se je svake srijede,analizirajući političke događaje i suradnju za slijedećibroj revije. "Ne zaboravan mi je sklad i prijateljsko osjećanje kojeje vladalo u tom krugu 'u srijedu'. Podsjeća me na vrijeme, koje sam doživiou pododborima Matice Hrvatske u domovini", piše Radovan Latković usvojoj knjigi Živjeli smo i borili se za Hrvatsku, (Naklada Jurčić,Zagreb, 2001),Krug ljudi oko revije StudiaCroatica i Instituta postao jeprimjer hrvatskoga nacionalnoga zajedništva, koje već prvih godinaemigracije osjećao kao temeljnu potrebu učinkovitoga hrvatskoga političkogadjelovanja.Prvibroj Studia Croatica objavljen je zatromjesečje srpanj-rujan 1960., godine mučeničke smrti KardinalaStepinca. Broj je posvećen herojskom liku zagrebačkoga Nadbiskupa sdva priloga uglednih inozemnih pisaca, Francuza Ernest-a Pezet-a i ArgentincaMartin-a Aberg-a Cobo, uz političku razčlanbu glavnoga urednika IveBogdana.Odposebnoga značenja bilo je izdanje cijeloga godišta 1963., na 390 stranicau obliku knjige pod naslovom La Tragediade Bleiburg - Bleiburška tragedija, s obsežnim povijesno-političkimanalizama događaja koji su predhodili ovoj tragediji i dokumentima zločinapočinjenih u Bleiburgu i na "putovima smrti".Potrebnoje istaknuti, da je to bila prva dokumentarna knjiga o kolektivnom pokoljuHrvata u komunističkoj Jugoslaviji 1945. na jednom stranom jeziku, španjolskom,sa sažetcima na španjolskom, njemačkom, francuskom, engleskom ihrvatskom. Zanimljivoje spomenuti, da je naslov ove knjige, LaTragedia de Bleiburg - Bleiburška tragedija - bio prihvaćen naknadnou hrvatskoj publicistici kao opći naziv tih tragičnih događajasvibnja 1945.Drugovažno izdanje predstavljaju četiri broja SC godine 1965., objavljena kaoknjiga na 344 stranica pod naslovom Bosniay Herzegovina - Aportes al esclarecimiento del origen de la Primera GuerraMundial (Bosna i Hercegovina - Prilozi za objašnjenje uzroka Prvogasvjetskoga rata), povodom pedesete godišnjice atentata u Sarajevu naaustrijskoga prijestoljonasljednika Franju Ferdinanda i njegovu suprugu Sofiju(1914.- 1964.). Knjigaobuhvaća tri velike studije: PitanjeBosne i Prvi svjetski rat Ive Bogdana; Bosnai Hercegovina - hrvatske pokrajine o. Dominika Mandića (s opsežnim sažetkomna engleskom) i Politička povijestBosne Pere Vukote, uz radove Franje Nevistića, Milana Blažekovićai jednoga suradnika iz Hrvatske pod pseudonimom (J. G. Fratija).U okviru tematske raspodjele StudiaCroatica je objavljivala i sve djelatnosti Hrvatskog-Latinoameričkog Kulturnog Instituta, kao i njegova sudjelovanja, naprimjer, na Svehrvatskom kongresu u New Yorku 1962. godine i u Hrvatskomnarodnom vijeću od 1975. godine do obnove suvremene hrvatske države.Institut je osim istraživanja Bleiburške tragedije istraživao isudbinu američkih zrakoplovaca zarobljenih u NDH za vrijeme rata 1941-1945godine. Rezultati toga istraživanja potakli su američkog povjesnicaraMichaela McAdamsa da istraživanje dovrši i 1980 godine objavi knjigu podnaslovom Allied Prisoners of War inCroatia 1941 - 1945, koja je poslužila hrvatskim državnim vlastima u svomodnosu sa Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama.Nedugo iza ovih prvih uspjeha StudiaCroatica je doživjela teški udarac, smrt Ive Bogdana, uzrokovane okrutnimatentatom agenata Ozne 1971. u Buenos Airesu.Alinisu se dali pokolebati.Glavno uredništvo preuzeo je dr.Franjo Nevistić, a nakon njegove neočekivane prerane smrti, 1984., bioizabran dr. Radovan Latković za glavnoga urednika Studia-eCroatica-e i predsjednika Hrvatskoga-LatinoameričkogaKulturnoga Instituta, dužnosti koje vršio do kraja 1994. Istodobno, došlo je i dopromjene tajnika uredništva. Za novoga tajnika bio izabran Ljeposlav Perinić,koji je vrlo učinkovito obavljao tu dužnost također do kraja 1994.Kao glavni urednik, dr RadovanLatković uspio je proširiti krug suradnika i s piscima iz Domovine (DubravkoHorvatić i drugi).Napose je bila zapažena suradnja dra. Franje Tuđmana,esej "Stjepan Radić i hrvatska povijest" (SC 1988., vol. 4, S.291.), suradnja za koju je osobno dobio privolu prigodom susreta s drom Tuđmanomu Torontu.Povodom 33. obljetnice neprekinutoga objavljivanja revije StudiaCroatica, objavilo se izvanredni svezak s raznim podatcima o djelovanjurevije tijekom toga razdoblja. Prema ustanovljenim podatcima, u razdoblju 1960.-1992. proširilose preko revije poznavanje hrvatske kulturne baštine i težnje hrvatskoganaroda za samoodređenjem u neovisnoj suverenoj državi besplatnim slanjem Studia-eCroatica-e na 134 ustanova (sveučilišta, knjižnice) po kojima jerevija postala pristupačnom širokom krugu čitatelja u 37 država:Argentina, Australija, Austrija, Belgija, Bolivija,Bosna-Hercegovina, Brazil, Bugarska, Costa Rica, Čile, Ekvador, Engleska,Francuska, Guatemala, Honduras, Hrvatska, Izrael, Italija, Japan, Kanada,Kolombia, Mađarska, Mexico, Njemačka, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, PuertoRico, Rumunjska, Rusija, Santo Domingo, Sjeverne Američke Države, Španjolska,Švedska, Švicarska, Urugvaj, Venezuela.Šestero južnoameričkih predsjednika, koji su sa svojimpristankom primali Studiju Croaticu, među prvima su priznali RepublikuHrvatsku.Kako je već spomenuto, prva tri glavna urednika Studia-eCroatica-e bili su Ivo Bogdan, dr. Franjo Nevistić i dr. RadovanLatković. Koncem godine 1994 uredništvo preuzimlje magisterJoza Vrljičak, a u uredničkom odboru se nalaze escribanaJasna Bulat, Mira Dugački, dr. Maja Lukač-Stier, dr. Silvio Rajman, inž.Ante Turica, dr. Marija Vrljičak-Sutter, lic. Carmen Vrljičak, dr. IvaVidić i dr. Jadranka Smajić, a dopisnici su dr. Mateo MartinićBeroš (Chile), Ksenija Horvat (Venezuela), dr. Vinko Grubišic (Kanada), dr.Francisco Javier Juez Galvez (Španjolska), te magisterMate Marčinko, dr. Vladimir Dugački, prof. Domagoj Ante Petrić,Darko Mažuranić (Hrvatska) i prof. Christophe Dolbeau (Francuska).Krug čitatelja Studia-eCroatica-e se znatno proširio i internacionalizirao, uključenjem Studia-eCroatica-e u Internet (http://www.studiacroatica.com), što je ostvario aktualni glavni urednik u prosincu 1996. Studia Croaticaima na svom Web site 60.0 Megabytes (to znači 60.000.000 slova i to jenajveći Hrvatski Web site na hrvatskoj dijaspori. Ima nekih 6.000 stranica revije (polovica od onih koji su seizdale kroz ovih 43 godine), plus nekih 2.000 stranica s raznim knjiga na španjolskom,engleskom, francuskom, i hrvatskom. Naj noviji material što se jestavio na Internet je Sveto Pismo na hrvatskom (prijevod od Tomislav-a Dretar-a)Mjesečnose čitaju oko 100.000 stranica, tako da StudiaCroatica je danas jednog od najčitanijih hrvatskih časopisa naInternetu. Web site dobiva posjeta od svih zemalja na svjetu, a naj ceščijeposijetitelji su iz Španjolske, Meksika, Argentine, Hrvatske, Chile i Kolombia.God.2000, povodom 40. obljetnice neprekinutoga objavljivanja revije Studia Croatica, objavio se je jedan CD-ROM sa materialom koje tegodine se je već bio stavio na elektroničku formu.Dodanas je izdano na papiru145 brojeva revije StudiaCroatica na više od 12.000 stranica.Zavrijeme sadašnje redakcije broj onih osoba i Institucija, koji besplatnoprimaju Studia-u Croatica-u krećese oko 500. Tu su Narodne i Sveučilišne Biblioteke, diplomati, novinari,znantvenici i ugledne osobe.Upravonaj noviji broj revije je posvečen Marku Maruliću. Najnoviji "španjolskiMarulić" pojavio se zahvaljujući istaknutom španjolskom klasičnomfilologu, slavistu i kroatistu, profesoru na Komplutskom Sveučilištu uMadridu, Francisco-u Javier-u Juez-u Galvez-u, jedan od najpoznatijih marulologaizvan Hrvatske, te argentinskom nakladniku da bi pripremio "ediciónespecial" buenosaireskoga časopisa, Galvez je preuzeo višestruke zadaćeurednika, priređivača, autora i prevoditelja s drevne Marulićevečakavice, s njegova humanističkoga latinskog i mletačkogatalijanskog i francuskog jezika. Mnogičestitaju Reviji, pa i sam Nadvojvoda dr Otto von Habsburg čestitao Studia-u Croatica-u i pokazuje svoju ljubav za Hrvatsku.Znakovitoje, da Studia Croatica nije samo važnosredstvo informiranja međunarodne zajednice, nego da obavlja važnuinformativnu djelatnost i unutar one generacije hrvatskih emigranata Argentine,Chile-a i Latinske Amerike općenito, koja slabo, ili nikako, poznajehrvatski, pa im je poznavanje hrvatske povijesti, kulture i nacionalnih težnjahrvatskoga naroda postalo pristupnim tek preko revije StudiaCroatica, na španjolskom jeziku.Časopisodigra važnu ulogu u životu Hrvata na južnoameričkom kontinentu. Samomčinjenicom da izlazi na jednom od svjetskih jezika njegovo se značenjeproširilo i na ostali dio svijeta. Tome su pridonijeli i kvalitetni prilozi izpera hrvatskih intelektualaca koji su se poslije 1945. zatekli u svojevrsnojmetropoli hrvatske političke emigracije Buenos Airesu. Argentinski Hrvat Joza Vrljičak (Buenos Aires, 1947) jeekonomski stručnjak, prevoditelj i dobro pozna informatiku. Čestoposjećuje Hrvatsku, gdje prijateljuje s nizom intelektualaca i kulturnihdjelatnika. Vrljičak je studirao na Université de Montréal - LoyolaCollege, te Concordia University, u Kanadi. Govori španjolski, hrvatski,engleski I francuski. Potpredsjednik je Međudruštvenog odbora hrvatskihudruga i ustanova u Argentini. Vlada Republike Hrvatske odlikovala ga je Redomhrvatskog pletera.Vrljičak dobro poznaje povijest i aktualnost hrvatskezajednice u Argentini i sudijeluje u raznim hrvatskim udrugama.Joza Vrljičak - Our Croatian Pride (op -ed) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 21 Jun 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7136/1/E-Croatian-Presidents-in-the-Americas.html ÂCroatian Presidents in the Americas Nestor Kirchner & Francisco Orlich BolmarcichJust this month we were treated to the news that Nestor Kirchner, whowill soon be inaugurated as Argentina's next President, is of Croatiandescent. A recent article in The New York Times noted that Kirchner'smother was a Croatian born in Chile which, like Argentina, has a largeCroatian community.Kirchner is not the first Croatian to lead an American country. Thathonor belongs to a son of Punat and Cres, Francisco Orlich, who servedas President of Costa Rica from 1962 to 1966.Francisco's grandfather, Franjo Orlic-Ladic, was born to a poor familyin Punat. He left Punat as a 16 year old lad and become a seaman. Heended up in Costa Rica where he became a wealthy man.Franjo did not cut his ties to his hometown - to the contrary, he, likemany people in our community today, invested in his homeland. In Punat,Franjo built a villa called "Villa Costa Rica" and a hydraulic mill, andopened a pasta factory which continued to operate until the Second WorldWar. Afterwards, the factory was converted into Punat's Park Hotel. Healso gave money to restore Punat's Holy Trinity parish church and to thehospital in Krk and served as the first president of the"Austrian-Croatian Steamship Association," established in Punat in 1906.Francisco Orlich was born in Costa Rica the next year. His father Josiphad been born on Krk while his mother Georgina Bolmarcic Kamcic camefrom Cres. Orlich visited Croatia twice, coming to Cres as a child andvisiting Rijeka and Punat in 1962 after being elected Costa Ricanpresident. Orlich died in 1969 and is buried in San Jose, Costa Rica'scapital.Here in the United States, we are still waiting for our firstCroatian-American President. In 2000, Ohio Congressman John Kasich (nowa commentator with the Fox News Channel) made the attempt against GeorgeW. Bush in the Republican primaries. For 2004, Dennis Kucinich, aCongressman from Cleveland, is one of the candidates running in theDemocratic race.John KraljicThis is also being submitted for publication to Korijen, the newsletterof the Croatian Apostolate in Astoria, New York. John KraljicOp-edAdding this Spanish text on Francisco OrlichNenad BachFrancisco Orlich Bolmarcich1907-1969Nació en San Ramón el 10 de marzo de 1907. Muy joven se trasladó a los E.U.A., donde estudió contabilidad y administración de negocios. Al regresar a Costa Rica, administró las actividades agrícolas, comerciales e industriales de su familia. Trabajador franco, llano, inteligente, su actitud afable, campechana, despojada de hipocresía le atrajeron el afecto del campesino y el obrero. Hombre práctico y de gran acción.Inició su carrera pública en San Ramón donde sirvió como presidente municipal de 1938 a 1940. Fue diputado durante tres períodos. Combatió durante la Guerra Civil de 1948 como comandante del Ejército de Liberación Nacional en el frente norte. En 1955, sirvió como comandante supremo de la fuerza pública contra la invasión destinada a derrocar al presidente Figueres. Ministro de Obras Públicas. Candidato a la presidencia para el periodo 1958-1962, fue derrotado por Mario Echandi al dividirse el Partido Liberación que lo postuló. Presentándose de nuevo como candidato, salió electo presidente en elecciones verificadas el 4 de febrero de 1962.Sencillo, humilde y gran demócrata, se recuerdan con cariño sus ejemplares palabras: "Como presidente soy el primer servidor y es mi deber atender a todos los ciudadanos cumplidamente".Murió el 29 de octubre de 1969 en San José. Sus restos reposan en los Jardines de la Catedral de San Ramón, de Alajuela.Nombrado Benemérito de la Patria, por acuerdo Nº 1735 del 25 de abril de 1977. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 24 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7137/1/EH-Ante-Gotovina.html ÂAnte Gotovina letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 11 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7138/1/H-Filip-Malaric.html  Filip MalaricPobjednik Djecijeg Festivalau New Yorku 2003ÂBok Gosp. Bach, Ja sam rodjen 22.05.1992.godine,u Zaboku. Sa pune cetiri godine dosao samu Ameriku. Sada zivim u Queens-u. Idem u peti razred. Odlican sam ucenik. Gotovosve predmete volim u skoli, ali odvajam matematiku i povijest. Pjevam u skolskomzboru. Volim igrati tenis. U slobodno vrijeme citam knjige i pisem price. Volimcrtati, ali kao i svaki moj vrsnjak, volim provoditi vrijeme istrazivajuci nakompjuteru. Bio sam ucesnik na djecjem festivalu svake godine. Puno hvala svimakoji su omogucili da se ta manifestacija odrzi. Ja volim sve sto me okruzuje.Evo, to bi bilo sve za sada. Puno pozdrava. Bog i Hrvati, Filip Malaricf_m@net.hrÂÂCroatian Children's and Youth FestivalCroatian Children FestivalSunday March 23, 2003Photos available at:www.penatur.com/festival letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 04 May 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7139/1/E-Johnny-Pesky---John-Michael-Paveskovich.html  JohnnyPesky - PaveskovichThis month's Vanity Fair (Hugh Grant on cover) features a story on TedWilliams and mentions his deep friendship with Johnny Pesky, whoseparents were from Croatia. Pesky's formal name (which he signs his checksand autographs with) is Paveskovich.ÂJudy FeldworthJohnny PeskyJohn Michael Peskyborn John Michael PaveskovichA slick fielder, Pesky is best remembered for plays he didn't make, the mainone in the seventh game of the 1946 WorldSeries. The Cardinals and the Red Sox were tied 3-3 in St. Louis, with EnosSlaughter on first with two out. Harry Walker blooped a double intocenterfield, and Slaughter was running with the pitch. Pesky took the cutoffthrow with his back to the plate, checked Walker at first, then saw too latethat Slaughter was racing home. Pesky's throw was late, and the Cardinals wonthe game and the Series. Seven years later in 1952, while Pesky was playing withDetroit, came another memorable nonplay. VirgilTrucks, who had pitched a no-hitter earlier in the season for the Tigers,was mowing down the Yankees. In the third inning, Phil Rizzuto hit a grounder toshort that Pesky had trouble getting out of his glove. The scorer originallycalled the play a hit. But as the game wore on and Trucks looked as if he couldget another no-hitter save for Rizzuto's hit, the scorer called the Tiger dugoutin the seventh inning. Pesky admitted he had misplayed the ball, the play wasscored an error, and Trucks had his second no-hitter.These famous plays tend to cloud Pesky's otherwise distinguished career. Inhis rookie season, the lefthanded-hitting Pesky collected 205 hits (a Red Soxrookie record) to lead the league, and finished second in the batting race toteammate TedWilliams with a .331 average. After spending the next three years in theservice, he came back in 1946 to lead the Red Sox to their first pennant since1918 with another league-leading 208 hits, including 11 in a row at one stretch,for a .335 average. On May 8, he set an AL record by scoring six times in onegame, later tied by another Red Sox shortstop, SpikeOwen. In 1947, after getting married and gaining 30 pounds in theoff-season, he had an AL-high 207 hits to lead the league for the third straightyear, compiling a .324 average. He also had a 27-game hit streak during theseason. In 1948, with the acquisition of VernStephens, new manager JoeMcCarthy moved Pesky to third, and Pesky hit only .281, but led the majorsin double plays. After switching him back to shortstop in 1951, the Red Soxtraded him to Detroit during the 1952 season in a nine-player deal, where heplayed mainly second base. He ended his career with the Senators in 1954. Acontact hitter, he struck out just 218 times, never striking out more than 36times in a season.After ending his playing career, he managed in the Tiger minor league systemfrom 1956 to 1960 and in the Red Sox' system in 1961 and 1962. He was brought upto manage the big club in 1963, but was fired with two games to go in the 1964season. He coached with the Pirates in 1965 and 1966, then moved back to Bostonand into the broadcast booth from 1969 to 1974. In 1980 he was interim managerat the end of the season after DonZimmer was fired. (SEW/EC)Judy FeldworthDepartment of SurgerySaint Louis Universityurl:surgery.slu.edufeldwoj2@slu.edu letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 24 Apr 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7140/1/E-Zdenko-Uzorinac.html ÂZdenko UzorinacZdenko Uzorinac was born 7.7.1929 in Zagreb, Croatia.He was top-grade table tennis player:Â- have won several national championships with his club and in doubles,Â- with his club GSTK Zagreb he won Europe Club of Champions (1962),- with national team he won bronze medal in Swaythling Cup (1951) on World Championship in Vienna.Since 1948 he has followed international table tennis continuously (26 world Championships).He has written 13 books and monographs on table tennis, as well as many articles and commentaries published in Croatian and foreign magazines and journals.He is a member of the International Associations of Sports Journalists (AIPS) and since Calcutta 1975of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Media Committee.He has received the ITTF Aword of Merit (Tianjin 1995), as well as highest Croatian sport award; the Dr. Franjo Bucar Prize. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7141/1/E-Nenad-Ban.html ÂNenad BanNenad Ban has been Assistant Professor of structural molecular biology sinceSeptember 1, 2000.He was born in Zagreb, Croatia and educated at the University of Zagreb wherehe obtained a BS degree in Molecular Biology. His main research interest at thattime was the evolution of the components of the protein synthesis machinery. Bythe end of his studies, he received an award of the University of Zagreb foracademic achievements.Dr. Ban s research interests during his Ph.D. study (1990-1994), at theUniversity of California at Riverside, focused on structural immunology andvirology. His continuing interest in the process of protein synthesis led him tothe Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University wherehe joined the group of Dr. Thomas Steitz as a Damon Runyon - Walter Winchellfund fellow and initiated the structural work on the large ribosomal subunit inthe fall of 1995. The structure was completed by spring 2000, and during thelast year of Dr. Ban s stay at Yale University he was appointed in anindependent position and established a small research group upon receiving aBurroughs Wellcome Career Award. The structure of the large ribosomal subunitprovided first glimpses into the architecture of all cellular ribonucleoproteinparticles and revealed that its active site is formed out of RNA making theribosome a ribozyme. In 2002 Dr. Ban was a co-recipient of the Newcomb-Clevelandprize, awarded by the American Association for Advancement of Science, for thisdiscovery. Since many clinically available antibacterial drugs inhibit theribosome, the structure of the large ribosomal subunit has importantimplications on the development of new and improvement of existing antibioticsand in efforts to overcome bacterial drug resistance.Soon after the discovery was published, in the fall of 2000, Dr. Ban moved asan Assistant Professor of structural molecular biology to the Swiss FederalInstitute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) where he expanded his group whilemaintaining the focus of his research interest towards better understanding ofthe protein synthesis process. At ETH, Dr. Ban is involved in directing researchand teaching undergraduate and graduate level classes. Dr. Ban is married to Dr.Eilika Weber-Ban and they have a son, Arvid, who was born at the end of 2000 inZürich.Institute of Molecular Biology and BiophysicsETH Hönggerberg, HPK D 9.2CH-8093 ZürichTel. + 41 1 633 27 85 , Fax + 41 1 633 12 46 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 16 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7142/1/E-Know-Your-Neigbor---Fr-Steve-Loncar.html  Know Your Neigbor - Fr. Steve Loncar ÂKnow your NeighborThe Post-Tribune Neighbors section introduces you to different people who live or work in your community.By Kass StonePost-Tribune correspondent Doing what he always wanted to do.From agricultural school in Yugoslavia, to pastor of St. Joseph the WorkerDave Bartman/Post-Tribune Who: Fr. Stephen LoncarAge: 40Home: Gary, INOccupation: Pastor at St. Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic ChurchGary - "I always wanted to be a priest," said the Rev. Stephen Loncar, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church."I went to church every Sunday and was an altar boy as long as I knew myself. It is what I always wanted to do."Loncar was born and raised in a devout Roman Catholic family, with four brothers and one sister, who is now a nun. They lived in what is now the Podravina region of Croatia, along the Hungarian border, in communist Yugoslavia. His father was a blacksmith and, as a child Loncar assisted his father by hammering away on the hot anvil.Following his eighth-grade year, Loncar was assigned to an agricultural school, even though he wanted to enter a seminary. After two months of attempting to make a go of it at the agricultural school, Loncar left, determined to enter the priesthood."I was there for two months and as I was listening to the teacher talk about weeds I thought, 'I don't want to talk about weeds! I'm into weeding out evil and helping people get their lives straight,'" Loncar said.After finishing the tour of duty demanded of all young men in Yugoslavia, Loncar served his time as a novice on the island of Cres, located off the Croatian coast in the Adriatic Sea, where he and other young men worked to rebuild Cres's Franciscan monastery.Soon after, Loncar was arrested by the Yugoslavian government and held as a political prisoner - a common occurrence for Catholic priests in those days - for possessing a Croatian flag.After serving his sentence, Loncar was given the opportunity to study English and, in 1984, traveled to Lackawanna, N.Y., where he continued his seminarian studies. In 1988, he was ordained in Albany, N.Y., and returned to Yugoslavia, where he was made the associate pastor of St. Joseph Church in the Croatian city of Pula.In 1993, he enlisted in the Croatian army and served as a chaplain of a division stationed high in the mountains, where they waited on the front lines to repeal any Serbian incursion into independent Croatia.In 1994, Loncar was sent by his Franciscan order to serve as the associate pastor of St. Joseph the Worker. In the fall of 2000, he was made pastor of the church, and he has since been working actively to invigorate the church and the community that surrounds it."It's different, but it's all in the language," Loncar said about adjusting to the American life. "It's the same religion, You're preaching the salvation of Jesus Christ. If they want to get it they'll get it. It's the same message."Dave Bartman/Post-TribuneFr. Stephen Loncar with CCD students and teacher Mrs. Dolores Bianchi inside St. Joseph the Worker Church.Do you know a Neighbor we should know? Call Tara Wilson at (219) 648-3099 or e-mail her at twilson@post-trib.comSource:Post-Tribune, South Lake County Edition, Neighbors Section B, page 2 Monday, February 24 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 08 Mar 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7143/1/E-Eric-Bana.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂEric BanaEric Bana had become a star in his native Australia with his stand-up routines and his appearances on various TVseries including "Full Frontal" and his own eponymous show.ÂThe compact, handsome performer of Croatian and German ancestry began performing comedy in 1991 at a local bar inMelbourne. Within two years, Bana had progressed to being featured on television. Although his sharp wit and skills asa sketch comic had some calling him the next breakout Australian star, he was relegated to a supporting role in hisfeature film debut in The Castle (1997) and a featured part in the Australian drama series "Something in the Air"beginning in 2000.ÂThen came Chopper, the somewhat fanciful biography of one of Australia's most notorious figures. Bana gained some 30pounds, shaved his head and underwent extensive makeup daily to cover his body in tattoos to transform into MarkRead, a cult celebrity thanks to a best-selling memoir. In addition, the actor did extensive research for the role, includinginterviewing the subject.ÂWhile the resultant feature divided critics and audiences -- some felt it was an intelligent and thought-provokingportrait of the criminal mind, while others decried the depiction of such a charismatic killer-- few could dispute thepower and skill of Bana's central performance. He earned near unanimous praise for his skillful, compelling work andpicked up several accolades, including the Best Actor citation from the Australian Film Institute.ÂEven before the international release of Chopper, Bana had determined to leave "Something in the Air" and concentrateon an international career. Ridley Scott tapped him to portray an American sergeant in the contemporary war dramaBlack Hawk Down (2001), about the conflict between US forces and Somalis during a humanitarian mission.ÂThose who had scoffed at the late 90s prediction that Bana would be the next big thing from Down Under perhapswould come to regret their derision, particularly in light of his being cast in the coveted role of Dr. Bruce Banner in theAng Lee-directed adaptation of The Incredible Hulk (2003).Â--Hollywood.comFollowing in the tradition of Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman, Eric Bana crossed the Pacific Ocean to try totranslate his Aussie popularity into Hollywood megastardom. An unknown to American audiences, Bana dominatedthe screen in 2001's war epic Black Hawk Down, stealing the spotlight from established Hollywood stars like EwanMcGregor and Josh Hartnett.ÂThis stellar performance led to his casting in the big screen adaptation of comic-book hero The Hulk as well as the epicIlliad adaptation Troy as Hector.ÂWith these blockbuster in his future, Bana appears to be headed for great things.Our Croatian pride ! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Feb 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7144/1/E-John-Peter-Kraljic.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂJohn Peter KraljicJohn Peter Kraljic s parents hail from the area ofRijeka, Croatia. Mr. Kraljic completed Georgetown University Law Center inWashington, D.C. in 1987. He has been active in a number of Croatian Americanorganizations and his activities included volunteer work for the Missions ofCroatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations. Mr. Kraljic sinterests include the study of Croatian and Croatian-American history. He hasserved as President of the National Federation ofCroatian Americans since 2001. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 19 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7145/1/E-Arsen-Anton-Ostojic.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂArsen Anton OstojicE-Mail:arsen@post.com ÂDear All,Professional 35mm short film "Life Drawing", which our Croatian-American colleague Arsen Anton Ostojic produced and directed in New York in 2001, has been awarded the Honorable Mention as the Best Dramatic Short Film at the New York International Independent Film and VideoFestival at the end of the last year. This Award has been presented at the special screening in Las Vegas.ÂThis was the 5th international festival - in the last half a year - at which this film participated, from Croatia, Morocco, Hungary and the States. In February it will be shown at an International Film Festival in Los Angeles and in March at Tiburon Film Festival near San Francisco.ÂIn addition Arsen Anton Ostojic is preparing a feature film to be shot in Split, Croatia this Spring. He is also teaching at the University of Applied Science and Technology in Salzburg, Austria.Dragicitatelji CROWNa,ÂSa zadovoljstvom vam zelim reci kako je moj 15-minutni, 35mm kratkometrazni igrani film "Life Drawing" ("Slikanje akta"), koji sam producirao i rezirao u New Yorku proslegodine, nagradjen kao najbolji kratkometrazni dramski igrani film na New York International Independent Film and Video Festivalu. Taj se festival, s vise od nekoliko stotina prikazanih radova, odrzao krajem rujna u New Yorku, a tijekom svecane projekcije proslog tjedna u Las Vegasu, nagrada je i sluzbeno urucena mom glumcu koji je u ime citave ekipe prisustvovao dodjelinagrada. (nazalost ja nisam bio tamo :-)Takodjer me veseli reci vam da ce film biti prikazan na festivalu u Los Angelesu u veljaci (nadam se dacu tamo i osobno prisustvovati), te je pozvan na Tiburonski filmski festival pored San Francisca u ozujku. Pored toga ITN Distribution iz New Yorka uzela je film za medjunarodnu filmsku distribuciju.Do sada je, unatoc svom relativno kratkom "zivotu", ovaj film sudjelovao u konkurenciji na 5 filmskih festivala, u Madjarskoj, Hrvatskoj, SAD-u i Maroku. Nadam se da ce i u buducnosti biti prilike za lijepevijesti.VasArsen Anton OstojicOp-edArsenOstojic is one of the most talented young Croatian directors. He mastered a filmlanguage and needs an opportunity to prove it to the rest of the world. Hissensibility and timing is unique and at the same time when you watch his filmsit feels like a classic film.SupportCroatian talent !NenadBachCREATIVE FILMOGRAPHY:Â(as writer, producer &director)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLifeDrawingÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ15-min, 35mm short filmÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ2001ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShot in New York City,ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAwarded Best Dramatic Short Film at New York Independent ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂInternational Film and Videofestival; until 11/02 participated inÂÂÂÂÂcompetitionat 4 other international film festivalsTheBird LoverÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ14-min. 16mm short film, shot in New York CityÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1993 awarded several awards (see below)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂfrom 1993 to 1995 it participated in competition programs ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂat 15 international film festivals around the world; sold toÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂseveral TV stations including Canal Plus, shown on PBS.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTheShadow of a Cross Croatian TV production, video project, 25 minutes.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1989Decorations 20 minutes documentary, 35mmÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1988 Awarded Gold Medal for Direction at Short andDocumentary ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFilm Festival, Belgrade (1991),ÂÂÂparticipated at 3 other international film festivals,Âshown on TV,ÂThe Day the SocksDriedÂÂÂÂÂÂ12 minutes, 16mm short filmÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1987  participated at the International Student FilmFestival, Munich ÂTheLute 12 minutes, 16 mm documenatryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1987  Shown on Croatian TVÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Chase 5 minutes, 16mm short filmÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1987ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Trip  10 minutes, 16mm short filmÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1986Zoran 11 minutes, 16mm short filmÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1986The Stone MasonÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ5 minutes documentary, shot on Super 8 1979 Shown on TV in prime time, participated at juniorfilm festivals AWARDS:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ2002ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAwarded Best Dramatic Short Film at New York Independent ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂInternational Film and Video festival;2001ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂHartley-Merrill International Screenwriting Award by RKO Pictures1994ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAward for Excellence in Screenwriting - New York University1993ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAudience Award for "The Bird Lover", Hamburg Short Film FestivalÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1993ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂJury Award for "The Bird Lover", Schwenningen Film Festival1993ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂThe Warner Bros. Pictures Film Production Award for "The Bird Lover"ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1992 ÂÂÂÂW.T.C, Johnson Scholarship, New York University awarded to the best student for "superior academic record and exceptionalcreative ability",ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1991  Gold Medal for Direction, "Decorations",ÂShort andDocumentaryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂFilm Festival, Belgrade1987ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAnnual Award for the Best Student, University of Zagreb, CroatiaÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂpage 2PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE AS PRODUCER:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShortCutsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂProducerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMarch - May 1999Â(TV show)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ9 half-hour episodes for PBS Shot in New York on 16mm ÂHost: Louis CK, Guests: Ted Demme, Billy Bob ThorthonÂTimesSquare TransferÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂProducerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMay - Aug. 1998 (ShortFilm)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂVision Entertainment production ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShot in New York City subways, budget $250.000ÂPROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE AS LINE PRODUCER/PRODUCTION MANAGER:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTransAtlanticÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLine producerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂAug. - Nov. 1997(feature film)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂJadranFilm production, budget 2 millionÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShot in Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls, New York CityÂÂÂÂWestSide StoryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLine ProducerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMay - June 1997ÂÂ(Music video) N2K Production; budget $40.000 Shot in New York PeppermintÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLine ProducerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂMarch 1997(commercial) Shot in New York, budget $25.000ÂShampooHornsÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂProduction ManagerÂÂJan. - April 1996(featurefilm)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂEsicma Productions (Spanish-US co-production)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShot in New York City, budget $ 500.000ÂMinotaurÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂProduction ManagerÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂSep. - Dec. 1995ÂÂ(featurefilm)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂTop Line Communications (US-Israel co-production)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂStarring: George Corraface, Mili AvitalÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShot in New York and Israel; budget $1.5 millionÂTheFindÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂLine Producer May - July 1995(featurefilm)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂShot in New York City, budget $ 250.000 Starring: David Patrick Kelly, Frank WhaleyÂPROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE AS CASTING DIRECTOR:ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ&nb letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7146/1/EH-Anton-Cetin---A-Universe-of-Flow-Through.html Distributed by CroatianWorldÂAnton Cetinmore art on:Âwww.antoncetin.comÂScroll down for English versionUniverzum odredjen protokom Anton Cetin je zaokruzivsi planetarni opus, Zagreb-Pariz-Toronto, ostavio ujednacen umjetnicki trag. Ishodiste ovome opusu je u klasi Alberta Kinerta i Marijana Detonija na Akadmiji likovnih umjetnosti u Zagrebu. Upijajuci na izvorima umjetnost druge polovice XX stoljeca umjetnik je u Parizu 1966, u skladu sa svojim izricajem, modificirao informacije o enformelu, modificirao je svojevrsnu klaustrofobiju enformela, unoseci u kadar nesto od simbolicke prostornosti nadrealizma, i strukturalnosti art-bruta. Potom je na novom odredistu u Kanadi, u Torontu gdje zivi od 1968. godine, na autorskoj podlozi definiranoj u Zagrebu i Parizu razvijao samosvojne simbolicke inacice srcolikih glava, graficki odredjenih jednostavnim gotovo piktografski citljivim simbolicnim elementima reda ili nereda. Te su inacice ili sheme u raznim fazama ovoga umjetnickog trajanja prociscene do apstrktne forme koja potresa promatraca dubokim i tananim znacenjem linearne seizmografije. Upotrebili smo izraz seizmografija jer osebujna linearnost Cetinovog crteza govori o tektonici jednog snaznog likovnoga autorstva sa davnim korjenima u cvrsto i gusto odredjenome kadru. Kasnije ce umjetnik opsesivno varirajuci motiv glave zene sa pticom perpetuirati mogucnosti linearnog protoka zapisanog u motivu sto je postalo zastitnim znakom ne samo Cetinovog opusa nego Cetinovog univerzuma. Slikar je tako slijedeci «tajni znak» ugradjen u prvu sliku, tada jos tesko uocljivi znak autenticnosti, svojom interpretacijom simbola hrabro oslobadjao do banalnosti istroseni motiv. Tako je i vlastiti rukopis oslobodio tajne. Ako je u vizualno savrsenstvo dorskoga ili jonskoga stupa kao tajna ugradjena nepravilnost, takozvani enthasis, mozemo kazati da se Cetin, gotovo cijeloga umjetnickog zivota bavi ponajvecma enthasisom, cineci vidljivim nevidljiva mjesta nepravilnosti. Tako povecavajuci mali nepravilni autenticni pomak, onu apstraktnu liniju koja, na tocno odredjenom mjestu nesavrsenoscu ispravlja dovrseno Cetin gradi medjuprostor kao vlasiti Univerzum. I na tom tragu njegovi simboli postaju piktogrami sto uocavamo i u najnovijim ciklusima crteza podastrtih prvi put ovdje u Galeriji DAR u Rijeci. Mjesto tajneWalter Benjamin ce u malim proznim zapisima pod nazivom Sjene podneva, otkriti mjesto tajne, tajnu autorstva, mjesto koje izdvaja umjetnicko djelo od proizvodnje, i dalje, koje ga izdvaja od ostatka svijeta. Dakle pod naslovom Tajni znak Benjamin prica pricu, na sloju druge price, slaze kratku proznu formu: Prepricavaju se ove Schulerove rijeci, kaze Benjamin, Svaka spoznaja u sebi sadrzi i trunak apsurda. Anticki motivi na tepisima ili ornamenti na frizu uvijek pomalo otstupaju od jednoobraznoga savrsenstva. I to nam govori kako kretanje u potrazi za spoznajom, kretanje od velike spoznaje do jos vece spoznaje, nijeuvijek presudno za umjetnicka istrazivanja i nalazenja. Presudna moze biti nekakva tanana napuklina, nepravilnost. Ona je neprimjetan znak autenticnosti. Promatram rane slike Antona Cetina: «Macke» iz 1955, ulje na platnu, «Mladence» iz 1958, vodena boja, i «Djevojku sa pticom» iz 1959. takodjer ulje na platnu, i primjecujem rane znakove autenticnosti. Nije pretjerano kazati, svi motivi, svi karakteristicni obrisi, sva simbolicka mjesta ovoga opusa izvedena su iz tri spomenute slike. Srcolika glava macke kao srcolika glava Eve, nepravilna srcolika forma dviju glava sljubljenih u profilu i anfasu, nadalje, sa tockama dodira u krivuljama koje teku prema buketu cvijeca. Napokon, treca Cetinova slika sa ranim znakovima autenticnosti odredjena je lijepim, naizgled konvencionalnim, motivom djevojke i ptice koji u nepravilnosti haljine, u tamnom toku ruba te halje navjescuje sva buduca linearna pretakanja Cetinovih likovnih inacica. Najavljuje sve one zakrivljene tako prirodne, tako glatke tokove koji iz kadra u kadar Cetinov opus otvaraju uvijek novoj «nepravilnosti» uvijek novom tajnom mjestu. Zaista sve je izvedeno iz spomenutih slika koje sa velikom prciznoscu navodi i monografija Antona Cetina uz tekst Davida Burnetta iz 1986. godine. David Burnett o Cetinovom zagrebackom razdoblju 1955-66, o vremenu umjetnikovog formiranja, njegovim ranim crtezima i slikama pise: Vecina crteza iz toga razdoblja sadrze ono nesto sto mogu opisati jedino kao vizualiziranu klaustrofobiju: figure se hitno zele osloboditi ali sputava ih prostor u kojem egzistiraju. Potom Burnett izdvaja upravo «Djevojku s pticom» iz 1959. koja je kompozicijski izgradjena na kontrastu djevojcine glave i ptice dok se u donjoj, drugoj polovici slike dogadja dijagonalno otvaranje prostora slike k drukcijem apstraktnom poimanju prostora. I sve ce to: oprostorenost u beskraju, otvorenost linearnome toku, uz motiv zene i ptice, Eve i ptice-cvijeta (p)ostati trajnim simbolima Cetinovog slikarstva. Otuda tako prirodan odnos djevojke i ptice, kompozicijska i dijaloska otvorenost o kojoj pise David Burnett. Cetin je u «nepravilnosti» toka djevojcine haljine, u otstupanju od klaustrofobne zadanosti enformela otkiro «tajno mjesto», autenticno mjesto svojega autorstva koje traje i onda kada u vlastiti Univerzum unosi signalizaciju kao elemente nereda. «Universe Disturbed» ciklus crteza nastalih u razdoblju od 1999-2000 odredjen je novim inacicama, novim piktogramima koji simboliziraju upravo elemente nereda i na tom tragu umjetnik autorstvo prosiruje na nova autenticna mjesta primjerena uhodanoj, gotovo spacijalno glatkoj liniji.O simboluCetinova je slika svedena na cetiri simbola. Tu su tri uocljiva simbola - zena, ptica i cvijet a cetvrto simbolicko mjesto je doslovce mjesto: to je neograniceni prostor slike u kojem levitiraju i zena i ptica i cvijet. Ovaj je prostor tesko definirati rijecnikom likovne umjetnosti, jer nije pozadina, nije perspektiva, nije iluzija. Ipak, definira ga podloga, povrsina papira ili platna koja takvom i ostaje: neogranicena, bez ovako ili onako zacrtane dubine, bez pokusaja simulacije beskraja, cak bez elemenata koji odredjuju dole i gore desno i lijevo. Prostor u Cetina ostaje neogranicen kao Univerzum, ostaje definiran onom samo Cetinovskom linearnoscu koja je, eto, postala pojam i koja oslobadja simbol., prati ga do pretvorbe u piktogram. Osebujan izraz Antona Cetina odredjen je, kazali smo, linearno koncipiranim pikturalnim sazecima, kozmickim sazecima sabranim u simbolima koji nose lapidarnu vedrinu. Stoga ih u planetarnom korpusu suvremene umjetnosti prepoznajemo kao - Cetinovu simbolicku sintaksu. Bit njegovoga opusa mozda mozemo odrediti naslovom jednog Cetinovog antologijskog rada koji navodi Hrvatska likovna enciklopedija: Eva u crvenom sa svojim duhovnim simbolom. A Evini duhovni simboli su u, Cetinovoj interpretaciji, i cvijet i ptica, nerijetko spojeni u jedno, u pticu-cvijet. To su mjesta prepoznavanja savrsenstva, prepoznavanja duhovne veze neba i zemlje. Cvijet je svojom pojavnoscu otslik savrsenstva, geometrijski, on je u progresivnoj simetriji ona tocka u prostoru koja sublimira i projicira savrsenstvo. Dakle cvijet mozemo tumaciti i kao umanjenicu rajskoga vrta, kao hortus conclusus. U Cetinovom slikarstvu on je simbol duse i zasigurno projicira sklad koji je vladao u praiskonu, u Rajskome vrtu. Uz stilizaciju cvijeta u ovom isjecku univerzuma, kako jos mozemo nazvati Cetinove kadrove, cesto nalazimo pticu koja posreduje izmedju neba i zemlje sabire naravno i nadnaravno. Cvijet - Anima i ptica- Animus doslovce levitiraju u Unoverzumu slike bez okvira. Lilijana DomicA Universe of Flow -ThroughBy rounding up his artistic opus on a planetary voyage from Zagreb to Paris to Toronto, Anton Cetin has left us an even artistic trail in his wake. At the root of this opus are classes with Albert Kinert and Marijan Detoni at the Art Academy in Zagreb. Drinking from the sources of the second half of the 20th century art in Paris in 1966, Cetin, in harmony with his means of expression, modified information on informel, certain claustrophobia of informel, introducing some of the space symbolism of surrealism, and structural features of art-brut. Then, at his new quarters in Canada, in Toronto, where he has been living ever since 1968, and by using the artistic background defined in Zagreb and Paris, he has kept developing symbolic variations of the heart-shaped heads, graphically defined by almost pictographic symbolical elements of order or disorder. Those varieties or schemes have been purged, at various stages of his career, to an abstract form which shocks the viewer with its deep and rarified communication of linear seismography. The word seismography has been used on purpose, as the quaint linearity of Cetin's drawing speaks of tectonic force of a powerful visual authorship with roots planted far back in a firm and densely defined cadre. Later, while obsessively varying the motif of a female head with a bird, the artist would perpetuate a possibility of a linear flow-through written into the motif which has become a hallmark of both Cetin's artistic opus, and of his Universe. By pursuing the "secret sign" written into the first painting, yet not quite obviously a sign of authenticity, the painter would, thorough his reinterpretation of the symbol, boldly deliver the apparently used up motif from banality. Delivering, at the same time, his own handwriting from secrets. If the visual perfection of a Doric or an Ionic column is based on the enthasis, we may say that Cetin has spent his entire life dealing in enthasis, making invisible spots of irregularity visible. By enlarging small irregular and yet authentic shifts, that abstract line which at a precisely determined spot corrects, through its own irregularity, the finished forms, Cetin keeps building the in-between space as his Universe. On that path his symbols turn into pictograms, so evident in the newest drawings shown for the first time in the DAR Gallery exhibition in Rijeka.The Locus of SecretWalter Benjamin has discovered, in small prose notes entitled The Noon Shadows, the locus of secret, the secret of authorship; briefly, the point which separates art work from industry, and, further on, from the rest of the world. Thus under the title of A Secret Sign Benjamin tells a story overlaying another story, putting together a brief prose sketch: We retell the words by Schuler, Benjamin says. Every insight contains a bit of absurd. Ancient motifs on carpets or frieze ornaments always step just a little bit away from uniform perfection. And this informs us that a move in search of understanding or a move from a simple to a more complex insight is not always essential in the process of artistic searching and founding. A thin crack, a tiny irregularity may prove crucial, as an imperceptible sign of authenticity.I view early Cetin's works, such as "The Cats" (oil on canvass, 1955), "The Newlyweds" (watercolor, 1958), and "The Girl with a Bird" (oil on canvass, 1959), and I notice early signs of authenticity. It is no exaggeration to say that all motifs, all characteristic outlines, and all symbolic places of this opus derive from those three paintings. The heart-shaped head of Eve, an irregular heart shape of two heads joined in profile and en face, as well as the curves which from the juncture points flow toward the bouquet of flowers. And the third Cetin's painting listed above, also bearing signs of early authenticity is defined first of all by a handsome, apparently unconventional motif of a girl and a bird announcing in the irregularities of the dress, in the dark flow of its hem, all future linear cross-flows of Cetin's visual repertoire. It announces those entire curving but so natural, so smooth flows which from frame to frame open up Cetin's work to ever novel "irregularities", to a newly found Locus of Secret. Indeed, everything derives from those three paintings which have been, keenly, singled out by Cetin's monograph from 1986 (text by David Burnett). Writing about Cetin's Zagreb Period (1955-1966), his formative years, and his early paintings and drawings, Burnett says: Most of the drawings from that time contain something I can only describe as visual claustrophobia; figures are looking for a quick delivery but they are bound by space in which they exist. And Burnett quotes exactly "The Girl with the Bird" from 1959, built upon a compositional contrast of the girl's head and the bird, while in the lower section we witness a diagonal opening up of space toward a different abstract spatial conception. All this - spatiality of the infinite, openness to linear flow-through, along with the motifs of woman and bird, of Eve and bird-flower, would become and remain permanent symbolic material of Cetin's painting. This is the source of the ever so natural relationship of the girl and the bird, and the compositional openness as well as an openness of dialogue emphasized by Burnett. In the "irregularity" of the girl's dress, in stepping away from the claustrophobic determination of informel, Cetin has discovered the "secret place," the authentic place of his art which continues even when he introduces signals of disorder. "The Universe Disturbed," a cycle of drawings created in 1999-2000, is determined by new variations, new pictograms symbolizing disorder expending his art toward new places of authenticity compatible with well-oiled, almost spatially smooth line.About SymbolsA Cetin painting can be reduced to four symbols. Three of them obvious - woman, bird, flower, whereas the fourth symbolic place is literally a place, i.e., the unlimited picture space in which the woman, the bird, and the flower levitate. This space can hardly be defined by the language of visual arts, as it is neither background, nor perspective, nor illusion. Still, it is defined by a background, the surface of paper or canvass which remains what it was: endless, without any indication of depth, without any attempt to simulate infinity, even without elements which distinguish the left from the right, above from beneath. Cetin's space remains unlimited, just like the Universe, or it is defined only by Cetin's linearity, which has become a concept liberating the symbol in this process accompanying it until it turns into a pictogram.Anton Cetin's peculiar expression is defined, as we have stated, by summing up the symbols, cosmic summaries conveying lapidary serenity. Therefore, within the planetary corpus of contemporary art we recognize them as Cetin's symbolic syntax. The essence of his opus may be defined by an anthological work listed by the Croatian Encyclopedia of Visual Arts: Eve in red with her spiritual symbol. Eve's spiritual symbols are, in Cetin's interpretation, both flower and bird, not infrequently joined in one as a flower-bird. These are the points of recognition of perfection, of spiritual links between the land and the sky. The flower is, formally, a reflection of perfection, geometrically speaking it is in terms of progressive symmetry that point in space which sublimates and projects perfection. Therefore a flower could be interpreted as a diminutive Garden of Paradise, or Hortus Conclusus. In Cetin's art it is a symbol of the soul, and it undoubtedly projects the harmony which existed in the primordial Garden - of Eden. Along with stylized flowers in this Cutout from Paradise, another name we may attach to Cetin's work, we often find a bird mediating between Heaven and Earth, summing up both the natural and the supernatural. The Flower - the Anima, and the Bird - the Animus, literally levitate within a Universe of a frameless picture.Lilijana DomicÂIndeks i karika Antona CetinaPisuci o djelu hrvatsko-kanadskog slikara Antona Cetina, jedan od doajena hrvatske umjetnicke kritike 20. stoljeca, Josip Depolo, primijetio je da je "Cetinova emigrantska sudbina" mozda "povremeno i odalecila autora od 'old countryja'", ali Cetin nije "brisan iz indeksa hrvatskih umjetnika... On ostaje neodvojivi suputnik ove povijesti. Cetinovi ce sazeti poetski simboli u poglavlju purizma hrvatske figuracije predstavljati kariku koja je nedostajala u europskom kontinuitetu (novije) hrvatske umjetnosti". U drugoj godini treceg milenija, nakon gotovo nezamislivih drustvenih i politickih promjena u Europi poslije pada Berlinskog zida, a posebice na ovim nasim prostorima, vrijedi u casu najnovijeg pogleda na pola stoljeca umjetnickog djelovanja Antona Cetina barem ukratko razmisliti o tim indeksima i karikama koje nam nudi lucidni Depolov uvid.Rodjen u Bojani kraj Cazme 1936. Cetin, nakon umjetnickog skolovanja u Zagrebu, odlazi u Francusku 1966., dakle kao zreo covjek, tridesetgodisnjak, da bi se dvije godine kasnije upustio u veliku avanturu odlaska "zauvijek" na drugi planet koji se zove Sjeverna Amerika (Kanada). Sto covjeka, a posebice stvaratelja, navodi da napusti vlastiti kraj, gdje su boje, kako u vezi Cetina pise Milan Ivanisevic, ipak najljepse? Neki nedostatak - slobode, prostora, kretanja - ili pak neko negativno obilje drustvenih, politickih, ekonomskih i kulturnih ogranicenja? I, nakon odlaska i dugotrajnog odsustva da li je takav umjetnik "izgubljen za Hrvatsku" kako je u slucaju Maksimilijana Vanke mislio Grgo Gamulin, ili ipak pripada tom nasem "indeksu" kako to vjeruje Depolo?Odlicja, casti i pohvale koje Cetin stjece u Kanadi jasno pokazuju da je on umjetnik kanadskog "mainstreama", koji koristi jezik razumljiv publici tog "mainstreamea", odnosno univerzalini jezik umjetnosti ("Cetinovo djelo je slavljenje - svemira i beskonacnosti, ljubavi i mita, nadahnuca i sjecanja", pise kanadski kriticar, Gordon McLennan), ili, ako se zelimo izraziti kroz negaciju, nije umjetnik koji barata nekim uskim, etnickim, "hrvatskim" vokabularom, ukratko jezikom kica. Dakle, prvi indeks koji prepoznajemo je jezik univerzalne umjetnosti, opceljudskih tema, "duhovne istine" (McLennan). I upravo taj univerzalni indeks omogucuje da se Cetina sa zanimanjem, uzitkom i veseljem "cita" kako u Kanadi, tako u Hrvatskoj i u desecima drugih zemalja u kojima je izlagao - od Tokija do Bruxellesa, od Melbourna do New Yorka.Stvaranje suvremene suverene Republike Hrvatske otvorilo je mogucnost novih pogleda na onu drugu polovicu hrvatskog narodnog bica koje se vec vise od dva stoljeca iseljava, uglavnom u zemlje Prekomorja. Iako te mogucnosti jos nisu niti izbliza sagledane (a manifestacije poput ove izlozbe skromni su koraci prema njihovom postepenom sagledavanju), jasno je da se unutar tog opce-hrvatskog globala namece novi indeks koji je bio nemoguc u casu kad se Depolo zagledao u Cetinovo djelo. A to je indeks Globalne Hvatske i njene kulture. Kako bi preciznije odredili mjesto Cetina u tom indeksu, pozabavimo se i drugom kategorijom koju sugerira Josip Depolo, karikom u lancu. Cetin stize u sjvernoamericko ozracje u casu dok se jos osjecaju zracenja velikog "prodora" americke umjetnosti u vidu apstraktnog ekspresionizma i njegovih istaknutih teoreticara Clementa Greenberga i Meyera Schapira. Cetin dolazi u casu kad se taj svijet americke moderne pocinje urusavti pod pritiskom postmoderne u vidu Pop-Arta (kako ukazuje Francis Frascina). No dali se u slucaju Antona Cetina uopce smije zazivati pojave i pojmove koje smo upravo izustili? I nije li Cetin usao u taj svijet naizgled kao slijeditelj u Sjevernoj Americi javno osumnjicenog nadrealizma? No asocijacije na Miroa i Kleea su izrazito povrsne. I ustvari je zacudjujuce koliko Greenbergova temeljna postavka (jos 1940 u anticipaciji Pollocka et co. u klasicnom tekstu "Toward a Newer Laocoon") vazi i za Cetina u jednom kasnijem razdoblju i potpuno (?) drugacijem jeziku oblika, t.j. da "cista" poezija tezi k beskonacnoj sugestiji, a "cista" likovnost minimalnoj. Odnosno, da se u likovnoj umjetnosti nema sta citati u smislu literarnog sadrzaja, vec se "sve treba osjetiti". Greenberg bi u tom kontekstu zacijelo zapljeskao Cetinovom konceptu prostora, jer za velikog americkog teoreticara, slika postaje sve to vise slikom sto odbacuje pokusaje da se prostor "produbi". A Cetin stvara ples oblika u prostoru koji to nije, odnosno koji je i beskrajna praznina, i ploha i svjetlo. Kapa dolje Depolu i njegovoj opasci o "purizmu".Desetak godina prije Cetinovog prispjeca u Sjevernu Ameriku, Meyer Schapiro je upozorio u seminalnom tekstu "The Liberating Quality of Avant-Garde Art", da je umjetnost kao rijetko koja ljudska djelatnost ostala u domeni rucne proizvodnje pojedinacnog izradjivaca. Stvorivsi lik Eve u Parizu 1967. Cetin krece na put jedne fascinantne "industrije" oblika. To je zaista jedinstvena "karika" kako primijecje Depolo. No ona mozda i nije toliko fascinantna u uskom formalnom smislu, vec po svojoj slobodi - slobodi od "proslosti" (sto bi takodjer izazvalo pohvale Greenberga i Schapira). Iako se tesko u Cetinov opus moze ucitati postojanje - paralelno - Pop Arta, ipak mi se cini da je Cetin na neki nacin, u svojoj suptilnoj i vrlo konzekventnoj logici, jasno izrazio slobodu post-moderne, koju smo vec prozvali "slobodom od proslosti". Cetinova vizija je i "fragmentirana" vizija post-moderne, no stjece visoku koherentnost jer se, da se vratimo McLennanu, "bavi duhovnom istinom,", i jer Cetin "stvara jer nema izbora".Cetin, dakle, presjeca nekoliko "indeksa" - hrvatski, sjevnernoamericki, svjetski te -- od posebnog znacenja za nas -- globalno-hrvatski, posebnu inacicu indeksa vrijednosti koje pripadaju (i) nama, a koje jos cekaju sustavnu kriticko-povijesnu obradu. U tom lancu koji se polako kuje pred nasim ocima, slikarstvo Antona Cetina predstavljati ce zacijelo jednu od vrlo vaznih karika. Vladimir P. GossÂAnton Cetin: Index and LinkÂContemplating the oeuvre of Anton Cetin, a doyen of Croatian art criticism of the 20th century, Josip Depolo, wrote: "Cetin's emigrant fate may have severed him from the old country from time to time," but "in no case has he been erased from the index of Croatian artists and from the history of contemporary Croatian art. He remains its inseparable companion. Cetin's concentrated poetic symbols are going to represent a link in the chapter on purism in Croatian figuration, which has been lacking in the European continuity of (recent) Croatian art." In the second year of the third millennium, after almost unthinkable political and social change in the Post-Berlin Wall Europe, and in particular in our region, it may be worth one's while, at the moment of this new look at Cetin's art, to at least briefly consider the categories of "index" and "link" lucidly singled out by Mr. Depolo.Born at Bojana near Cazma in 1936, Cetin, after art school in Zagreb, leaves for France in 1966, a mature man of thirty, to make another move, two years later, by crossing the Ocean to "another planet" called North America (Canada). What makes a man, or, in particular, an artist, leave his homeland where "colors are most beautiful" as in the case of Cetin wrote Milan Ivanisevic? A lack of freedom, space, movement? Or some negative abundance of social, political, economic, and cultural limitations? And, after this departure and a prolonged absence is such an artist "lost to Croatia", as Grgo Gamulin maintained in the case of Maksimilijan Vanka; or does he after all belong to "our index" as Depolo believed? Awards, prizes, and honors Cetin has received in Canada clearly show him as an artist of the Canadian mainstream, using a language understood by the mainstream public, i.e., the universal language of art ("Cetin's work is a celebration - of the universe and infinity, of love and myth, of inspiration and memory", as Gordon McLennan, a Canadian art critic, has stated); or, if we wish to put this in negative terms, Cetin does not operate within an ethnic, "Croatian" vocabulary, briefly a vocabulary of kitsch. The first index we thus identify is that of universal art, of universal themes, of "spiritual truth" (McLennan). And it is exactly that index that makes it possible to "read" Cetin with joy, interest, and pleasure in Canada, in Croatia, and in a dozen other countries where he has exhibited - from Tokyo to Brussels, from Melbourne to New York.The creation of the new, sovereign Republic of Croatia has opened a possibility of new insights into that other half of Croatian national being which has been moving, for over two centuries, abroad, primarily overseas. Although this possibility has not yet been fully realized (and exhibitions such as this one are a step toward its gradual realization), it is quite clear that within this new concept of Croatian global presence, a new index, unthinkable at the time of Depolo's writing, has been imposing itself. The index of a Global Croatia and its culture. In order to more precisely determine Cetin's place on that index, we should consider the other category offered by Depolo - the link in a chain.Cetin arrived at the North American art scene at the moment when one still felt the radiation of the powerful breakthrough of American art in the form of Abstract Expressionism, and its august theoreticians, Clement Greenberg and Meyer Schapiro. He arrives, however, when this world starts to crumble under the pressure of Post-Modernism in the form of Pop-Art (as observed by Francis Frascina). But may we in the case of Anton Cetin invoke such phenomena and concepts at all? And did not Cetin enter that world as, apparently, a follower of surrealism, proscribed in North America? But associations to Miro and Klee are clearly superficial. And it is truly amazing to what extent Greenberg's basic tenet (adopted in anticipation of Pollock and co. already in 1940 in his classic text "Toward a Newer Laocoon") applies also to Cetin, namely, that "'pure' poetry strives for infinite suggestion, 'pure' plastic art for the minimum." Or, that in plastic arts there is nothing to "read" in a sense of literary content, but "everything (is) to feel." In that context, Greenberg would surely applaud Cetin's concept of space, as for the great American theoretician, a painting becomes more of a painting as it resists attempts to "hole through" it. Cetin creates a dance of forms in a space which is no space at all in a traditional sense of the word, but both a void, a plane, and light. One is bound to bow to Depolo's insight on "purism."Some ten years before Cetin's arrival at North America, Meyer Schapiro warned, in his seminal text "The Liberating Quality of Avant-Garde Art," that art, as opposed to most other human activities, has remained within the domain of hand-made production of an individual maker. Having created the image of "Eve" in Paris in 1967, Cetin has embarked on a fascinating "industry" of forms. This is truly a very specific "link," as stated by Depolo. Maybe not so fascinating in a narrow formal sense, but in its freedom, a freedom "from the past" (which would have also pleased both Greenberg and Schapiro). Although it would be difficult to read into Cetin's opus a parallel existence of Pop-Art, it still seems to me that Cetin, following his subtle but consistent logic, has clearly declared the freedom of Post-Modernism, which we have already called "a freedom from the past." Cetin's vision may be also a "fragmentary," Post-Modernist vision, but it is marked by a high degree of coherence as it deals, to return to McLennan, "in spiritual truth," and as Cetin creates "because he has no choice."Cetin thus cuts across several indexes - Croatian, North American, Universal, and, which is of a special importance for ourselves - a Global Croatian index, a special version of an index of values which are (also) ours, and which are awaiting a more thorough historical and critical review. In that chain which is slowly being put together in front of our eyes, the art of Anton Cetin will surely represent a link of great importance.Vladimir P. GossANTON CETIN je rodjen u Bojani kraj Cazme 18.rujna, 1936. Interest za umjetnost pokazuje od ranih dana, te u Zagrebu polazi Skolu primijenjene umjetnosti gdje diplomira slikarstvo u klasi prof. Ivana Sebalja 1959. Nstavlja studij na Akademiji likovnih umjetnosti u Zagrebu (1959-64) te diplomira grafiku u klasi Marijana Detonija. Po prvi put posjecuje Pariz 1964, gdje se i nastanjuje 1966. Lik Eve nastaje u Parizu 1967., a 1968. Cetin se upusta u novu pustolovinu, prijelaz preko Ocena i trajni smjestaj u Kanadi (Toronto). 1975. objavljuje prvu graficku mapu, Eva i mjesec, a 1988. zajedno s hrvatskim pjesnikom Stjepanom Seseljem pjesnicko-graficku mapu Amerika Croatan America. Zajedno su primljeni u audijenciju kod Svetog Oca Pape Ivana Pavla II 1989. O Cetinovom slikarstvu snimljena su dva filma, u Njemackoj 1990. i u Torontu 1993. Njegova je djela izbarao 2001. ugledni Circulo del Arte u Barceloni.Medju castima koje su mu ukazane navodimo susret s kanadskim premijerom, Pierre Eliott Trudeauom (1976.) i proglasenje umjetnikom godine Kanadsko-hrvatskog drustva umjetnika (1987.). Opsezna monografija izdana je u Zagrebu 1986. Nositelj je hrvatskih drzavnih odlicja Reda Danice Hrvatske s likom Marka Marulica i Reda Hrvatskog Pletera. Do sada je odrzao vise od 80 samostalnih izlozbi, te sudjelovao u vise od 150 skupnih. Djela mu se nalaze u istaknutim muzejsko-galerijskim ustanovama sirom svijeta. Galerija Antona Cetina otvorena je u Cazmi 2001.ANTON CETIN was born in Bojana near Cazma in Northwestern Croatia on September 18, 1936. From an early age on he displayed an interest in art, and he enrolled in the Arts and Crafts School in Zagreb where he took his degree in the class of Professor Ivan Sebalj in 1959. He continued his studies at the Art Academy of Zagreb (1959-1964), and graduated in graphic arts in the class of Professor Marijan Detoni. Cetin visited Paris for the first time in 1964, and he settled there in 1966. The image of "Eve" was born in Paris in 1967. Cetin embarked on a new adventure in 1968 when he crossed the Ocean and settled in Canada (Toronto). He published his first graphic series, Eve and the Moon in 1975, and in 1988, in cooperation with the Croatian poet, Stjepan Seselj, he produced a map Amerika Croatan America. Both authors were received by the Holy Father Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1989. Cetin's paintings were the topic of two movies, one in Germany (1990), another one in Toronto (1993). His works were selected by the prestigious Circulo del Arte in Barcelona in 2001.Among honors Cetin has received we single out his meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Eliott Trudeau in 1976, and his selection as the Artist of the Year of the Croatian-Canadian Art Association in 1987. A comprehensive monograph was published in Zagreb in 1986. Cetin has received two Croatian state decorations - the Order of the Croatian Danica with the Image of Marko Marulic, and the Order of Croatian Interlace.So far he has had more than 80 one-man exhibitions, and he has also participated in more than 150 group exhibitions. The Anton Cetin Gallery was opened in his native Cazma in 2001.Odabrane samostalne izlozbe / Selected One-Man Exhibitions1968. Paris, Atelier E. Noel1974. Tokyo, Isetan Gallery Bruxelles, Galerie Le Creuset Toronto, The Hart House Art Gallery1975. Zürich, Galerie Krause1977. Los Angeles, Canadian Consulate General1979. Mexico, D.F., Galeria Juan Martin1981. Mannheim, Mannheimer Abendakademie Bogotà, Salon XX1982. New York, Art Expo NY1983. Chicago, Gilman Galleries1986. Zagreb, Muzej za umjetnost i obrt Frankfurt, Frankfurter Buch Messe Toronto, Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery1987. Toronto, Galerie Evan Bonn, St. Johan und Petrus1988. Zagreb, Nacionalna i sveucilisna biblioteka1989. Dubrovnik, Galerija Dubrava1990. Passau, Oberhausmuseum Hamburg, Kunst Hamburg '901991. Tokyo, Sony Plaza Art Gallery1992. Tokyo, Sony Building Art Gallery Stuttgart, Galerie Experiment Seattle, Michael Pierce Gallery1993. Hong Kong, Gallery 7 Mexico, D. F., Canadian Embassy Mexico, D. F., Museo del Chopo Mexico, D. F., Academia de San Carlos1994. Buenos Aires, Salas Nacionales de Cultura-Palais de Glace1995. Mar del Plata, Museo Municipal de Arte Juan Carlos Castagnino1996. Zagreb, Muzejsko-galerijski centar Gradec1997. Capetown, Peter Wisser Gallery1998. Varazdin, Galerija starih i novih majstora Split, Galerija umjetnina Siroki brijeg, Franjevacka galerija Mostar, Umjetnicka galerija kraljice Katarine Kosace1999. Karlovac, Galerija Vjekoslav Karas i Galerija Doma oruzanih snaga RH2000. Osijek, Galerija likovnih umjetnosti i galerija Waldinger Calw, Hermann Hesse MuseumOdabrane zbirke/Selected CollectionsZagreb, Muzej za umjetnost i obrtZagreb, MGC Klovicevi dvoriZagreb, Nacionalna i sveucilisna bibliotekaSplit, Galerija umjetninaVarazdin, Gradski muzejOttawa, National Library of CanadaToronto, Ontario CollectionToronto, Council for Business and Arts in CanadaCalgary, Esso Resources CanadaDearborn, University of MichiganPrinceton, Princeton UniversityMexico City, Museo del ChopoMexico City, Academia de San CarlosBogotà, Salon XXBuenos Aires, Salas Nacionales-Palais de GlaceVatican, Vatican CollectionsParis, Bibliothèque NationalePassau, OberhausmuseumLodz, Bureau of Art Exhibition CollectionTokyo, UNESCO Art Educational LeagueTokyo, Sony PlazaBarcelona, Circulo del ArteTo purchase Anton Cetin's art log on:Âwww.antoncetin.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7147/1/HE-Meri-Cetinic.html Distributed by CroatianWorldMeri CetinicSvim citateljima Crown-a sretnu i uspjesnu Novu 2003 godinu zelim.Nesto vise o meni mozete naci na mojim Web stranicamahttp://www.mericetinic.com/ , gdje je medju ostalog i moj zadnji album "Malo mora na mom dlanu",za koji sam dobila nagradu "Porin" kao najbolji album zabavne glazbe u 2001.godini.Gdje god bili saljem vam moje najiskrenije cestitke i veliki pozdrav iz nase lijepe Hrvatske MeriCetinic.Hello to the readers of Crown, wishing you a happy and successful New year!If you wish, you can visit my web site http://www.mericetinic.com/Âwhere you can find more information about me, including my newest album '' A Bit of Sea on the Palm of my Hand '' that won a Porin award - best Croatian album for the year 2001.Wherever you are, I send you sincerest greetings from Croatia! MeriOp-edMeri is one of our Croatian's DIVA. Consistent in her musical carrier andadmired all over the world by her Croatian fans. I am one of them. Genuine andstrong Dalmatinka. Support her !Nenad BachMeri Cetinic' was born June 15 1953 in Split, Croatia. Her family background is from Blato on the island ofKorcula, where her parents were born, moving later to Split at the beginning of the 1950s, when Meri wasborn. Growing up in a humble albeit harmonic family atmosphere, alongside a father who was an electrician, mother housekeeper and two older brothers - Ante and Boris - she began to show signs of exceptional musical talent, singing in particular, at a very early age. As a child she began to perform in public, and during elementary school took all the lead roles in schoolperformances. Meri completed her secondary school education at the Music High School and graduated from the Teacher's Academy in Split with a major in Music.Her brother Ante, 5 years older than Meri, proved to be an influential and respected musician inSplit. All the greatest musical talents in Split at the time would get together in their apartment, and Meri, still a child, would stand aside absorbing them all.At an early age she began to listen to Black American musicians, loving both Blues and Gospel music. At 14 she won 1st place with the song "Warm and Tender Love" by Percy Sledge, at the "Raspjevanom proljecu" (Springtime) Festival in Split. At 15 she became a member of the CHE band as an organist. Meri, at that time, played the first Hammond organ in thecity. When she was 17 she stopped with CHE and began to sing in the group Delfini (Dolphins) as a solo vocal singer, touring for the first time across the former USSR. Her repertoire consisted mainly of songs by Janis Joplin, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and similar groups and singers.ÂSoon after she began to sing with the Delfini she broke with the group in order to enroll into the Teacher's Academy in Split, and studied voice with Prof. Branka Ristic'. At the Academy she meets Slobodan M.Kovacevic' with whom she forms the group More (The Sea), wherein Meri plays piano and is the solo vocalist. Alongside S. M.Kovacevic', Meri becomes a composer and arranges music for the band. They release several singles and the album "More" which made great success, as did its cover song "More". Furthermore, at the "Splitski festival", (Split Festival) the group achieves two more successes with the hit songs "Gdje god dapodjes?" (Wherever You May Go) and "Samo simpatija" (Just a Sweetheart). After several successful and flourishing years with More, Meri begins here own solo musical career.ÂHer main partner was her brother Ante, who at the time was already living in the Netherlands, and with his assistance she recorded a number of albums:Â"Meri" (1979), recorded in Zagreb with leading studio musicians and the "Zagreb Soloists"Â"Ja sam zena" (I'm a Woman) (1980), recorded in Arnhem, Netherlands, is Meri's first complete author's work. A number of Dutch musicians play a part in the recording of the album, which went diamond and as such became the first diamond album in Croatian pop music.Â"U prolazu" (In Passing) (1981), Arnhem"As" (Ace) (1982), ArnhemÂ"Pras?ina s puta" (Dust on the Road) (1983), ArnhemÂMeri composed her own songs on all of these albums, with lyrics by Ivica Flesch,Jaksa Fiamengo, Krsto Juras and Momcilo Popadic. Meri sang all the backup vocals and played the piano, while the entire production and arrangement of the music, and all other instruments were played by her brother Ante Cetinic'.ÂParallel to this author's album, in cooperation with the composer Zdenko Runjic', Meri performs mainly at recurring Split Festivals, and year after year wins with songs such as "Lastavica" (Swallow),"Cetiri stadjuna" (Four Seasons), "U prolazu" (In Passing), and later with songs "Konoba" (Tavern) (S. M.Kovacevic' - Sunjic'), "Zemlja dide mog" (My Homeland) (V. Barc?ot - I. Cetinic'), and others.ÂRemaining albums:Â1 "Meri VI"2 "Zlatni snovi" (Golden Dreams) in cooperation with Z. Runjic' - M.Dosen3 "Potrazi me" (Look for Me) (1988) in cooperation with Ivo Lesic'4 "Zasto te volim" (1992) (Why do I Love You?) in cooperation with Remi KazinottiAfter her move to Zagreb in 1996, Meri records another complete author's album entitled "Putovanja" (Journeys) (1998). She records most of it in Zagreb (a small part of the album is recorded in Split) with studio musicians from the popular group Song Killers. Meri herself arranged all the songs and co-produced the album with Ante Pecotic' and Jos?ko Banov. It is on this album that Ivana, Meri's daughter, makes her debut performance, and the two of them work together.ÂHer most recent album "Malo mora na mom dlanu" (A Bit of Sea in the Palm of My Hand), a live concert recording from the National Theatre in Split, Meri works together with her long-standing friends (Banov, Brodaric',Siriscevic'…), and singing with her as her guests and friends are Oliver,Kondza, Tedi, klapa Kumpanja and other klape.The album received the Porin award for best pop album in 2001.ÂOther than studio recordings and festivals, Meri has been touring across Croatia and performing at concerts.She often visits the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries.ÂAlbums:1. "More" - (pianist and solo vocal singer in the group More)Solo albums:2. "Meri" - gold3. "Ja sam zena" - diamond (I'm a Woman)4. "U prolazu" - platinum (In Passing)5. "As" - gold (Ace)6. "Pras?ina s puta" - gold (Dust on the Road)7. "Meri VI"Â8. "Potrazi me" - platinum (Look for Me)9. "Zlatni snovi" (Golden Dreams)10. "Zasto te volim" (Why Do I Love You?)11. "Putovanja" (Journeys)12. "Malo mora na mom dlanu" - (A Bit of Sea on the Palm of My Hand) PORIN (award for best pop album in 2001)Compilations:1. "Najvec'i uspjesi" (Greatest Hits)2. "Sve najbolje - More, more" (Best of - the Sea, the Sea) (1994) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 06 Jan 2003 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7148/1/E-Catherine-Kapphahn---Croatian-American-Writer.html   Where Do You Come From?I come from the stories my mother never told meand the black-and-white photographs buried deep in drawersI come from the grandparents and great-grandmotherI never knewfrom Croatian names, Katica, Antun, MarijaI never heard my mother saysoft Croatian wordsI learned from strangersI come from unspoken memories that flew to her in the nightfrom mornings she sat at our Colorado kitchen table, counting, starting with her thumb, jedan, dva, tri, etiri, pet, šest… I come from her olive skinfrom her despair and deep laughfrom the village beside the Sava River where I have never walkedwhere she was bornin a house I have never seen from the mornings she awoke thinking of her parents lying beneath the Mirogoj earth.I come from the hospital on the hill where she spent a teenage winter with TB that wouldn’t leave her lungsalone, lingering for years. I come from her green eyes, warm handsand strong legs, which carried her up steep stepsbeside the blue funicular upto Gornji Grad, up to school, breathless. I come from the mornings she turned around and stared at her city Zagreb. --Catherine Kapphahn Catherine Kapphahn Bio:Catherine Victoria Kapphahn was born to a Croatian mother and American father. She spent her early childhood in Alaska, Peru, Singapore, Spain, and Indonesia. Eventually her parents settled down along the Front Range Mountains of Colorado. At twenty she packed her bags and moved to New York City. Less than two years later her mother died of cancer, and Catherine lost the last woman in her family and her last connection to Croatia. Afterward, she attended Hunter College, where she began writing about her mother. Presently she is finishing her MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Columbia University, where she is writing the story of her mother’s death and the story of her life. She continues to explore the relationship between writing and healing, and is a strong believer that stories can help people through unbearable times. She has taught writing workshops at Hunter College, The Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Globe Institute of Technology, and Double Discovery Center at Columbia University. She teaches inner city high school students and immigrants from all over the world. Catherine is a founder of Six Degrees, a writing group of six women working on their first books. She lives in New York City with her husband Renà Georg Vasicek, also a writer, and their dog, Sonja.If you would like to help Catherine with her research, she would be delighted to hear from you. She is searching for Zagreb-specifics from the1941-1954 period, and would also like to correspond with people who have any memories or experience with tuberculosis. Her e-mail address:cvkapphahn@aol.com . If you e-mail her, she promises to send you a small list of her Zagreb questions.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 18 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7149/1/E-Eck-Spahich-Croatian-American-serves-country-homeland.html Croatian-American servescountryÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂEck SpahichEck Spahich as a combat correspondent inVietnam.Contact Eck Spahich: ou812@arn.netCroatian-American serves country, homelandEck Spahich is proud of his Croatian heritage. The Vietnam veteran, former journalist, and current Realtor also is proud to be a United States citizen, Texan, human rights activist, humanitarian, andKiwanian."I enjoy Kiwanis because of the fellowship, the opportunity to visit other clubs and meet new people, and because of the many ways we support children in our community," says Eck, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Borger, Texas. "Our club is the largest fund-raising organization in a rural community of about 18,000 people. We do an annual pancake day and use the money to support the local library, sponsor a Boy Scout troop, fund outstanding student programs in the county's three high schools, award scholarships, and undertake other child-related projects."Like many Kiwanians, Eck's first exposure to the organization was as a guest speaker. Born in Tuzla, Bosnia, Eck left his homeland as a 15-year-old in 1960 to join his father in Dumas, Texas. (His parents were separated during World War II, and he had stayed in Bosnia with his mother and grandmother.) Though he embraced his new country, Eck never forsook his homeland, speaking, writing, researching, supporting, and defending the Croatian nation's right to self-determination as a free democracy.In the late 1980s and early 1990s, about the time of the collapse of Yugoslavia, Eck was in much demand as a guest speaker, reporting on current conditions in his homeland at meetings of civic groups and clubs, including local Kiwanis clubs."In 1991," he recalls, "I was asked to speak at a meeting of the Pampa (Texas) Kiwanis club. Four members of the Borger club went along with me as an inter-club. When we got back to Borger, they talked to me about the work of Kiwanis and asked me if I would be interested in joining, and I did."Elected vice-president of his club a year after joining, Eck became president the following year. During his tenure as a club leader, he helped boost its membership from 17 to 35 people."We zeroed in on any possible prospect," he says. "We met with them and shared with them the benefits of being a Kiwanian. We stressed that it is a privilege to be a Kiwanian and to have opportunities to do good things for the community that you might not otherwise have."Eck's fervor for Kiwanis is typical of the enthusiasm he has shown in other aspects of his life. After graduation from Dumas, Texas, High School, he went on to West Texas State University-now West Texas A&M-in Canyon. He received his military draft notice a week before his college graduation in 1969 and joined the US Army a week after commencement exercises.A year later, he was sent to Vietnam, where he served as a combat correspondent with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. While in the military, Eck was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the US Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and 18 other military commendations."Serving in the military during the Vietnam War was not a popular thing to do in those days," Eck notes. "But I was proud to be serving my country even if we weren't considered heroes."After his discharge, Eck settled in the Borger-Fritch, Texas, area, where he lives today with his wife, Helen, son, Michael, and daughter, Holly. Through the years, he's filled a variety of roles, including managing editor of the Borger News-Herald, the Balkan News Service, and The Trumpeter, the journal of the Croatian Philatelic Society. He's written and lectured extensively in the US and Canada on the recent crisis in the former Yugoslavia, and has penned numerous columns and conducted dozens of radio and television interviews.Fluent in Croatian, Slovenian, and Bulgarian, Eck also speaks German and Russian and serves as a volunteer interpreter/translator for the Catholic Family Service refugee division in Amarillo, and as an ethnic consultant for several institutions and firms.Eck has yet to make it back to his homeland, though he did get close in the summer of 1998. He inherited his mother's home in Tuzla after her death in 1990 and a huge backlog of court cases from the communist era delayed probating the will for several years. The will finally was probated and Eck sold the home, but because of continuing hostilities he had to complete the deal in the neighboring county of Croatia."I regret not going to Bosnia, but it's still a combat zone," he said at the time.Since then, Eck has kept in touch with cousins and other relatives via e-mail and does what he can to advance the cause for freedom from his home in Texas. He says his efforts complement his work as a Kiwanian."It's all about giving of yourself to make the world a better place," he says.Kiwanis: Serving the Children of the WorldContact Eck Spahich: ou812@arn.nethttp://www.kiwanis.org/magazine/02august/portraits.html letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 06 Dec 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7151/1/E-Steve-Mladen-Renko---Croatian-Artist.html ÂSteve MladenRenkorukav1@yahoo.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7150/1/E-Marina-Jurica---our-Croatian-pride-on-Kentucky-TV.html "She was first runner-up to Miss California in 1998, studied opera at UCLA, and in addition to her TV stationjob in Palm Springs, has worked covering war in the Balkans."Marina JuricaGreetings Kentucky! When I first came to visit the Bluegrass state I knew that it would be a perfect home away fromÂhome for me and it has become just that. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada and have always loved the four seasons, andÂhave missed those living in Southern California for the past decade. I am a first generation American, my ENTIRE familyÂis Croatian. Growing up in a Croatian home and French immersion school, I became tri-lingual quickly.ÂÂÂOUR CROATIAN PRIDEI received a music scholarship to attend UCLA, and since Bruin blood runs deep in my family I decided it was the schoolÂfor me. In my four years at UCLA, I worked on the school newspaper "The Bruin" and had the opportunity to intern atÂCNN, the Los Angeles Times, and the Vancouver Sun. Half way through my music major, I became very interested inÂbroadcast journalism so I added a second major in Sociology, with an emphasis on mass communications. During thisÂtime I also won the title of Miss Los Angeles in 1998 and was first runner-up in the Miss California Pageant.ÂUpon graduation I signed a contract at Channel One News in Los Angeles as a reporter. One of my first stories at theÂstation was to go to the Balkans and cover the war in '99, focusing on the liberation of Kosovo, the aftermath of the NATOÂair strikes on Yugoslavia, and the re-building of Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina. I then moved on to KMIR-TV in PalmÂSprings, California where I was a general assignment reporter. I had the opportunity to cover many political events,Âinterviewing former presidents George Bush and Gerald Ford, Senator John McCain, and Congresswoman Mary Bono.ÂAfter almost a decade in California, my husband and I wanted a change. Lexington was the change we were looking forÂand God blessed us in ways we did not expect. I became very interested in becoming a meteorologist and when theÂopportunity arose, I was thrilled to take the morning show weather position here and begin the process of going back toÂschool to get my meteorology degree. I look forward to waking you up every morning!WKYT-TV2851 Winchester Rd.Lexington, Ky 40509http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=1000006&nav=4CAMCCVFrtsÂBrian Collins updateWith WKYT's Brian Collins missing from the air over the past week, viewers have started wondering where the veteranÂmeteorologist has been."Brian has taken some personal leave time, and we expect him back soon," said WKYT news director Jim Ogle. HeÂdeclined to elaborate.Meanwhile, filling in for Collins is Marina Jurica, a journalist with an interesting background. She was first runner-up toÂMiss California in 1998, studied opera at UCLA, and in addition to her TV station job in Palm Springs, has workedÂcovering war in the Balkans."She can sing in three languages" (English, French and Italian), Ogle laughed, "and I can barely say hello in two." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 25 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7152/1/E-Lorence-Ferich---Photography.html ÂLorence Ferich If you don't believe your dreams then why are you dreaming them. Art is like an iceberg in the ocean only 1/10 comes above the surface.  When you start being afraid of going under it means that you have reached your top. Every move in life is just another bet, it's only the odds that are different. It is not a madness that turns this world upside down, it is ordinary mind.  Lorence Ferich, New York Lorence Ferich was born in 1954, in Split, Croatia. After classic high school he moved to Paris where he studied Photography and Film (1973 - 76). Since 1976 he has lived in New York where he works as a Freelance Artist and Photographer, specializing in "night life" photography with a unique point of view. Stock photography available from Studio 54 era till "last night party." ÂThose who come to understand the truth, becomea part of it.Op-edRecently, Photo Agency Corbis/Sygma acknowledged Lorence's work. Mr.Ferich is aunique man and the words that you just read are his philosophy. Pay attention tohis talent and success. If you want get in tuch with Lorence this is his email: LorencFeric@cs.comNenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 04 Nov 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8207/1/E-Rudy-Tomjanovich.html Required Reading for N.B.A. Fighters By DAVE ANDERSONREADING a book is seldom associated with the leisure activities of a National Basketball Association player, or any professional athlete for that matter. Some surely curl up with a good book occasionally, but for too many others, the only thing they ever seem to read is a stat sheet, a road-trip itinerary or instructions on how to play a new video game.But before their season begins in 10 days, every N.B.A. player, if not every pro athlete, should be required to read "The Punch" (Little Brown, $29.95), John Feinstein's chilling book about how a 1977 fight in a Lakers-Rockets game changed the lives of Kermit Washington and Rudy Tomjanovich.If current N.B.A. players read this book, maybe they'll realize the potential physical and psychological consequences of the fights that occur in N.B.A. games every so often between these huge, powerful athletes. Maybe they'll realize that they could be haunted for the rest of their lives by one punch, as Washington and Tomjanovich have been."I began to think," Washington said, "my actual name was Kermit Washington, who in December of 1977 threw the punch that almost killed Rudy Tomjanovich."Tomjanovich's face was so disfigured that he wasn't allowed to look at himself in a mirror until three days after he arrived in Centinela Hospital in Los Angeles."I really did look like the Elephant Man," Tomjanovich said, referring to a motion picture character. "My face was swollen like a melon, about twice its normal size."In the N.B.A. last season, eight fights prompted fines and suspensions. Eight too many. In one, Shaquille O'Neal, the 7-foot-1 center who is listed by the Lakers at 325 pounds, swung at 7-foot, 261-pound Brad Miller, now with the Pacers. Fortunately, Shaq missed. Even so, he was fined $15,000 and suspended for three games.But suppose Shaq had connected? Suppose any of the huge players in those fights had connected as solidly as Washington did with Tomjanovich?On Dec. 9, 1977, the 6-8, 220-pound All-Star forward known as Rudy T, who is now the Rockets' coach, wasn't even part of the original scuffle between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Rockets' 7-foot center, Kevin Kunnert. As the Lakers' enforcer, the 6-8, 222-pound Washington threw a punch at Kunnert while Tomjanovich, who had been upcourt on a fast break, turned and hurried to break up the fight, his hands at his side."I saw a blur of red," Washington said, alluding to Tomjanovich's uniform. "I grew up in the streets. You learn there that if you're in a fight and someone is coming up behind you, you swing first and ask questions later."Washington's straight right hand crashed under Tomjanovich's nose. Falling backward, his head bounced off the Forum's hardwood floor. He was unconscious for two to three minutes. Walking off the court, he remembered seeing Jerry West, then the Lakers coach, staring at his bloodied face."It was the kind of look you see when someone can't believe what they're seeing," Tomjanovich recalled. "I remember thinking I must look pretty bad, but I had no idea how bad."At Centinela Hospital, Dr. Paul Toffel, a head-trauma specialist, realized that the top of Tomjanovich's skull was actually an inch off-line from the lower portion. Tomjanovich also had a bitter taste in his mouth."Spinal fluid," Toffel told him. "You're leaking spinal fluid from your brain. We're going to get you up to the intensive care unit and we're going to hope your brain capsule seals very soon."It did, but Tomjanovich didn't play again until the next season. Washington was fined $10,000, then the maximum, and suspended for 60 days. Traded to Boston, he moved on to San Diego and Portland, where he thrived as a popular rebounder. He retired with career averages of 9.3 points and 8.4 rebounds.Washington has tried coaching, done a sports radio talk show, opened and closed a restaurant, and created Project Contact to help African youngsters, but he lost some $500,000. And his marriage broke up. "He needed so much reinforcement," his ex-wife, Pat Carter, said. "He needed to know he was someone, that he wasn't the little kid who grew up homeless in his own home. Then later he needed to know that he wasn't just the guy who threw the awful punch."Tomjanovich stopped playing with career averages of 17.4 points and 8 rebounds. As a coach, he guided the Rockets to both the 1994 and 1995 N.B.A. titles; he also coached the gold-medal United States Olympic team at the 2000 Summer Games in Australia.He collected $2 million from the Lakers in a lawsuit settlement. But soon after the punch, he began having the same nightmare every so often: in the gradual darkness of trying to go to sleep, he felt he was dying, then he would wake up with a start.Almost always, his wife, Sophie, realized, the nightmare occurred after he had been drinking. In 1997, he entered an alcohol-abuse treatment center in Arizona. Now in his 12th season as the Rockets' coach, he's a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.But every so often, a stranger will look at Rudy T and say, "You're the guy that got nailed with the punch."Maybe if enough N.B.A. players read "The Punch," there won't be another punch like it. Maybe there won't be a little girl somewhere saying what 4-year-old Nichole Tomjanovich did in 1977 when her father finally got home from the hospital."Daddy," she asked, "why did the man do that to your face?" letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 25 Oct 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7153/1/E-Mihai-Radan.html Mihai Radanmirad@cdep.roÂChamber of DeputiesLegislature 2000 - presentEducation:ÂUniversitate, Facultatea de Filologie.ÂOcupation:ÂProfesor de limba şi literatura croată şi sârbă, secundar limba şi literatura română;ÂDirector şcolar;ÂDirector cămin cultural;ÂRedactor pentru manuale şcolare;ÂPrimar;ÂRedactor publicaţie croată.ÂPolitical activity:ÂPreşedintele Uniunii Croaţilor din România;ÂSecretar General al Uniunii Croaţilor din România. Legislature 2000 - presentÂMember of the Chamber of DeputiesÂConstituency: BUCURESTIÂPolitical Party:Union of Croatians in RomaniaParliamentary group:Parliamentary Group of the National MinoritiesStanding committeesÂCommittee for Education, Science, Youth, and SportParliamentary friendship groups:ÂFriendship parliamentary group with United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandFriendship parliamentary group with Republic of Austria 4 speeches in the plenumÂInitiator of the draft laws:1. P.L.502/2001 pentru modificarea şi completarea Legii nr.70/1991 privind alegerile locale.Â2. P.L.417/2002 pentru modificarea şi completarea art.37 al Legii nr.53/1991 privind indemnizaţiile şi celelalte drepturi ale senatorilor şi deputaţilor, precum şi salarizarea personalului din aparatul Parlamentului României, republicată. Legislature: 1990-1992 | 1992-1996 | 1996-2000 | 2000-2004ÂMonday , 30 september 2002, 04:55 Legislature: 1990-1992 | 1992-1996 | 1996-2000 | 2000-2004 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7154/1/E-Croatian-Jazz-Singer-in-New-York---Support-her--see-the-show.html An exotically beautiful and gifted young jazz singer from CroatiaDANIELLAÂ"…every Sunday night for the past few months, an exotically beautiful and gifted young jazz singer from Croatia has been holding court..." D.Drake/Playbill, NYÂ"…performance of this young and talented singer was the culmination…Daniella's fantastic vocal abilities and skills to interact with the public make her special indeed…" R. Gorov/Novi List, CroatiaÂ"…Daniella has natural vocal talent…Her unique style of jazz interpretation sets her apart from many struggling artists…" R.VanIstendal/Euphoria Park Studios, NJÂ"…we need more people like Daniella…to catch the wave and discover the treasure before it all fades from memory..." Dr.N.E.HarrisonÂBorn in Croatia, Daniella is now living and performing in New York City as a Jazz Singer. Her influences include Sarah Vaughan, Carmen Mc Rae, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Sheila Jordan, Louis Armstrong, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hartman, and the entire lineage of jazz singers and instrumentalists. Long before she could even understand or speak English, six years old Daniella would swing along with Satchmo and Ella and other jazz greats every Friday night in front of her TV set. Later at the age of 17, while she was already singing with r'n'r bands, her interest in Jazz grew and she wrote "The Jazz Music" as her High School Graduation Thesis. After exploring the blues form, Jazz was the following step on her musical path where ,she says, she found freedom to express herself. In this field of joy, as she usually describes jazz, Daniella has been developing her vocal "chops", and growing both as a singer and a persona. Daniella's unique improvisation skills and fine-tuned ear allow her to expand the vocalist's role beyond just interpreting a song into the realm of instrumental improvisation. A decision to move to New York City represents her strong desire to become a recognized part of the jazz scene. Daniella studied with Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, attended Berklee Summer School in Italy (Donna McElroy's class) and recently completed The Vocal Performance Class at The New School. She sang with Bosko Petrovic, Ratko Divjak, Elvis Stanic, Domagoy Ralasic, Miles Griffith, Lee Andrew Davidson, Miles Jaye and and many others.ÂDaniella appears every Sunday with guitarist Dan Adler, 7 - 11pm (no cover charge) at: Tagine Dining Gallery located at 537 9th Avenue 40th St. Tel:212-564-7191.Web: www.tajine-nyc.comÂÂÂContact info: phone: (917) 293-7795, e-mail: daniella_jazz@hotmail.com, web site: http://soundclick.com/bands/daniella letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 07 Sep 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7155/1/H-DrSc-Bozidar-Jerkovic.html ÂÂdr. sc.Božidar JerkovićRAZGOVOR SA dr. sc. Božidarom JERKOVIĆEM, DOKTOROMMOLEKULARNE BIOFIZIKE NA ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY U NEW YORKU I DOBITNIKOM PRESTIŽNENAGRADE PETERSON FELLOWSHIP ZA NAJBOLJI DOKTORATStvaramo antibiotik BUDUĆNOSTI!Riječ je o institutu u kojemu rade uistinu vrhunski stručnjaci spodručja biokemije i biofizike, među kojima je u ovom trenutku sedamnobelovaca. Kad mi se pružila prilika da se nastavim usavršavati na jednomtakvom mjestu, nisam dvojio ni trenutka!On se zove Božidar Jerković i 29 mu je godina tek! Tek, jer je doktormolekularne biofizike već! I to već godinu dana. Kao takav, živi umalenoj garsonijeri, ali na Manhattanu, za koju mu 2000 dolara mjesečnoganajma plaća prestižni newyorški "Rockefeller University", gdjeBožidar marno radi na, pučki rečeno, "programima ubrzavanjastvaranja i testiranja lijekova budućnosti" koji bi se, naime, trebalikonačno ciljano boriti protiv točno određenog virusa ilibakterije, bez nuspojava. Zanimanje na američkom farmaceutskom tržištu zanjegov rad je iznimno. Božidara smo "uhvatili" u Splitu, u koji jestigao što zrakoplovom, što moćnim motociklom, kako bi svoje prezime,koje Amerikanci i ostali stranci godinama čitaju "Džerković",preimenovao u Yerkovich, da bi konačno u izgovoru i u bijelome svijetu zvučalokako zvuči doma, u njegovoj rodnoj Žrnovnici.SKROMNA ULAGANJA U ZNANOSTNije da je Božidar po svaku cijenu htio "pobjeći" vani, alije već na drugoj godini Prirodoslovno-matematičkoga fakulteta uZagrebu shvatio da ulaganja u znanost, kojoj se svim srcem želio posvetiti, nadomaćem terenu naprosto - nema.- Stvari u Hrvatskoj, na žalost, ovako funkcioniraju: Ministarstvo znanostiinvestira na određenom fakultetu u deset novih računala i smatra da jeučinilo mnogo. I da najmanje idućih deset godina ne treba napraviti ništa!Nas trinaestero, koliko nas zajedno radi u istraživačkoj ekipi, raspolažemos tisuću računala koja se obnavljaju svake dvije godine. Znanost idenaprijed i naprosto je morate hvatati ako mislite bilo što napraviti. A ja bihrado napravio nešto, razmišlja mladi znanstvenik.Vi, zapravo, niste morali dugo kucati na američka vrata nakon završetkastudija u Zagrebu 1995. godine. Wesleyan University iz Middletowna uConnecticutu tražio je kandidate za doktorat iz biofizike, a Vi ste se, kaodiplomirani inženjer molekularne biologije, prijavili s Nagradom rektoraZagrebačkog sveučilišta za znanstveni rad iz elektroničkemikroskopije dvolančane DNA, te sa stipendijom Grada Zagreba i preporukomsvoje profesorice?- Kao što veliki i moćni košarkaški klubovi, posredstvom svojih menadžera,svuda po svijetu traže talentirane igrače za svoju momčad, tako iprivatna sveučilišta u Americi, preko svojih veza i poznanstava, tražeperspektivne znanstvenike iz Europe, Azije, odsvuda, kako bi uložili u njihovodaljnje obrazovanje, nadajući se, dakako, koristi na domaćem terenu.Ja sam, eto, bio izabran između 32 kandidata i u siječnju 1996.,mjesec dana nakon diplome, stigao sam u Middletown.BRŽE OTKRIVANJE RAKA KOŽEOno što ste radili po dolasku na Wesleyan University bilo je istraživanjestrukture oštećene DNA koja se nalazi u stanicama zahvaćenimamelanomom, dakle karcinomom kože?- Da, u tom je trenutku istraživanje na području raka kože bilo u tojfazi da se znalo da je vrlo mali poremećaj rasporeda atoma u molekuli DNAuzrok karcinoma kože. Tek se naslućivalo da kemijska modifikacija DNAdovodi i do strukturalne modifikacije DNA, međutim to još nije biloznanstveno dokazano i mene je dočekao zadatak rada na dokazivanju tepretpostavke. Problem je bio u tome što je DNA molekule u tom stadiju vrlo teškoizolirati iz stanica, budući da organizam posjeduje mehanizme "popravkaoštećenja". Nas dvoje, naime, sada sjedimo na suncu, izloženi UVzrakama koje djeluju na nas, neprekidno izazivajući kemijsku modifikacijuDNA naše kože. U organizmu, međutim, stalno rade i mehanizmi koji "popravljaju"tu modifikaciju, održavajući DNA u regularnom stanju. Ako mi, međutim,ovako sjedimo na suncu svakoga dana, sva tri ljetna mjeseca, i sunce našu DNA oštećujeviše nego što organizam može popraviti, to može u konačnici rezultiratistrukturalnom modifikacijom DNA, koja će izazvati rak kože. Kao što samrekao, zbog samooporavka DNA bilo je teško uhvatiti i izdvojiti segment oštećenemolekule, koja se kao takva sama brzo raspada, te nam je trebao paralelno iuzorak zdrave molekule kako bismo imali stabilnu strukturu za vrlo agresivneeksperimente.Kada je u konačnici dobiven stabilni uzorak, otkrili smo da zbogpretjeranog izlaganja štetnim zrakama dolazi do oštećenja strukture, alii do poremećaja hidrodinamike DNA, koja mijenja svoja svojstva u staničnomemiljeu. Već u tom trenutku enzimi i proteini koji popravljaju staničnaoštećenja počinju reagirati, kao što bi reagirao čuvar na plažikada bi vidio da jedan plivač osjetno zaostaje za grupom s kojom je zajednokrenuo plivati. To je bio sasvim novi pokazatelj funkcije enzima i proteina, zakoje se dotad smatralo kako oni, bez posebne reakcije na neku malformaciju, s"jednakom pažnjom" obilaze i provjeravaju sve molekule u stanici.Nakon naših dokaza, svi su uzorci proslijeđeni kalifornijskoj tvrtki kojaje angažirana na kliničkim istraživanjima u svrhu razvoja metode brže iučinkovitije dijagnostike karcinoma kože.U DRUŠTVU S NOBELOVCIMASa završetkom istraživačkog rada na Wesleyanu i stjecanjem tituledoktora molekularne biofizike, ali i dobivanja nagrade Peterson Fellowship zanajbolji doktorat, stigle su Vam i mnoge ponude za rad. Zašto ste izabrali bašRockfeller University u New Yorku i istraživanja na području staničnihmalformacija zamijenili izradom programa za unaprjeđenje testiranjalijekova?- Za Rockefeller University za biomedicinska istraživanja, koji je 1901. godineosnovao imućni David Rockefeller, potaknut sudbinom svoje sestre, koja jebolovala od virusne infekcije leđne moždine, čuo sam vrlo brzo nakondolaska u Ameriku. Riječ je o institutu u kojemu rade uistinu vrhunski stručnjacis područja biokemije i biofizike, među kojima je u ovome trenutkusedam nobelovaca. Kad mi se pružila prilika da se nastavim usavršavati najednome takvome mjestu, nisam dvojio ni trenutka! Nakon doktorata mladom jeznanstveniku ustvari jako bitno da nastavi rad na nekom elitnom institutu, jersutra, ako želiš raditi na akademiji, kao što ja želim, preporuka s jednogtakvog mjesta neizmjerno je važna. Rockefeller je jako povezan s američkomfarmaceutskom industrijom, koja njega najvećim dijelom i financira. Kad samondje stigao, dobio sam ekipu od trinaestero ljudi s kojom sam počeo raditina izradi softverskog paketa za ubrzanje testiranja lijekova, čime sam ušaou sferu bioinformatike, koju trenutno specijaliziram. U njoj zapravo vidim isvoju budućnost, u kojoj bih volio, otvaranjem vlastite bioinformatičketvrtke, kombinirati taj komercijalni, financijski jako isplativi dio, s onimakademskim, ako bih uspio dobiti posao kao profesor.Bioinformatika je očito jako isplativa djelatnost jer su, kako shvaćam,njezini "proizvodi" vrlo širokoga spektra, posebice zanimljivimedicini i farmaciji. Vaš softverski paket "MODELLER", međuostalim, farmaceutima nudi mogućnost znatno lakšeg i bržeg svladavanjaputa od ideje do realizacije nekog lijeka?- Upravo tako. Farmaceutska se industrija današnjice polako ali sigurno "šalta"iz tipične kemijske industrije u bioindustriju. Antibiotici sutrašnjice,dakle, neće više biti širokoga spektra, već lijekovi koji ćeciljano djelovati isključivo na jednu vrstu ili podvrstu bakterije. E, tusmo mi u igri! S pomoću našeg programa atome unutar molekule postavljamo utočno određeni prostorni raspored kako bismo ciljano blokirali ili uništiliodređenog nametnika, virus, bakteriju, gljivicu, što već je. Američkifarmaceutski divovi, koji imaju i nekoliko puta veći proračun odRepublike Hrvatske, naprosto vrebaju svaku dobru ideju na tržištu iz područjabioinformatike, jer uviđaju da su lijekovi sutrašnjice proizvod biofizike,a ne kemije. Kemija je, uostalom, prespora i preskupa, jer je za testiranjedeset milijuna komponenti u jednom, primjerice, antialergentu potrebno tri dopet godina rada i milijarde dolara. A u bioinformatici je moguće u startutaj 100-postotni posao smanjiti na samo deset posto. Svakako, u konačnicito rezultira znanošću dostupnoj masama, a ne samo klasama, što je meniosobno veliki poticaj. Da se takvim paketima u svome radu koristi Oceanografskiinstitut u Splitu ili bolnica na Firulama, to bi za mene bio uspjeh.FOTOGRAFIJA - PRVA LJUBAVVezanost uz Split i Dalmaciju, američkim adresama usprkos, ipak je jakoprisutna. To se posebno vidi na Vašim fotografijama kojima dominiraju motiviDalmacije, a čije su izložbe pobudile veliko zanimanje međuAmerikancima. Fotografiranje je, pretpostavljam, i ispušni ventil u stankamaizmeđu znanstvenog rada?- Fotografija je moja prva ljubav, za koju sam se "zalijepio" u 13.godini, puno prije znanosti, laboratorija i kompjutora. Tada sam pohađaofototečaj zajedno s vašim fotoreporterom Božom Vukičevićem,koji je toj ljubavi dopustio da mu postane i profesija, a mene je biologija, kaonova, malo zrelija ljubav, ipak uspjela odvući u neka druga područja.Ali fotografiju, kao što to s prvim ljubavima obično biva, nikad nisamzaboravio. Snimao sam, dakle, od 13. bez prestanka, no to je ipak najviše doizražaja došlo u Americi. Kad sam ondje stigao, donio sam sa sobom hrvatskemotive na fotografijama, koji su "progovorili" novim jezikom. Tako jepočela moja "opsesivna" faza fotografiranja hrvatske obale, štoje rezultiralo prvom samostalnom i jako posjećenom izložbom u Middletownu,gdje sam kasnije imao još dvije samostalne izložbe, kao i u New Yorku, ukojemu sam dosad izlagao tri puta. Sve je to opet imalo za posljedicu kontakte snekim glazbenicima koji su poželjeli da ih snimam za omote njihovih albuma, pasu tako počeli moji "rani radovi" s ljudima u glavnoj ulozi (smijeh).Nakon kolor faze, kako ste nazvali svoje godine snimanja detalja dalmatinskogakraja, okrenuli ste se crno-bijeloj i angažiranoj fotografiji. Upravo te radoveiduće bi godine mogli vidjeti i Splićani?- Ja se iskreno nadam da će tako biti! Imao sam veliko zadovoljstvoupoznati gospodina Feđu Klarića, koji se zainteresirao za moj rad inajavio mogućnost postavljanja moje izložbe u splitskom Fotoklubu. Riječje o fotografijama koje snimam posljednje dvije godine, a koje prikazuju NewYork kakav je većini ljudi apsolutno nepoznat. Fotografije Dalmacije sumilovale dušu i oči punile ljepotom, a fotografije New Yorka postavljajubrojna pitanja pred promatrača. Nadam se da ćete vidjeti o čemusam govorio! Marijana KASALO Snimio Duje KLARIĆhttp://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20020707/zdravlje01.aspOp-edMoje osobno i kratko iskustvo. Visoka inteligencija, kao i stas.Izuzetno prijatan, i pošten u komunikaciji. Ponos svima nama. Nitko Hrvatskubolje ne predstavlja u svijetu, do nas samih.Nenad BachEditor in Chief letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7156/1/E-New-Orleans-Uglesichs-Restaurant.html ÂUglesich's Restauranthttp://www.nola.com/dining/reviews.ssf?2237?2237ÂÂAn Urban LegendFor a neighborhood seafood joint, it doesn't get any better than Uglesich's05/03/02By Brett Anderson, The Times-PicayuneWarchester! Come on! Help me out!"Meet Anthony Uglesich: Second-generation restaurateur, local seafoodevangelist ("I don't buy Chinese crawfish. It's against my religion"),darling of foodies from Martha Stewart to Paul Varisco, a local regularafter whom Uglesich named a glorious dish of pan-fried trout topped withgrilled shrimp and new potatoes. Many consider Uglesich brilliant."Get me some Warchester!"OK, so he struggles to pronounce Worcestershire. He's also a bit of a crank.But can you blame him? He's at work at 4 a.m. and often doesn't leave untilit's dark again. Yet still people rib him for only keeping Uglesich's openfor lunch."I'm in here every day of the week," Uglesich recently told me over thephone. "In 47 years, I think I've missed two days."He wasn't griping so much as trying to explain the almost freakish nature ofUglesich's national renown. He traces his success to hands-on commitment:Both he and his wife, Gail, stage-manage a daily "lunch" rush that can lastmore than five hours. In their downtime, the couple take turns thinking upnew dishes such as Muddy Water, an unexplainably delicious concoctioninvolving trout sauced with a reduction of chicken stock, anchovies, garlicand gutted jalapenos.The restaurant was opened in 1927 by Sam Uglesich, Anthony's Croatianimmigrant father. For decades, Uglesich's chugged along like so many othersmall New Orleans restaurants. It was family run. Its customers were peoplein the neighborhood. Its menu contained little more than fried seafoodpo-boys and plate dinners.When Anthony took over the restaurant in the late '60s, the central-cityneighborhood was in decline. In the '70s he started to tinker with the menu.The neighborhood went into further decline. By the '90s, Anthony and Gailwere the only Uglesiches interested in the family business and theneighborhood was a paragon of urban decay. At the same time, Uglesich'sfound its way onto the to-do list of just about anyone who came to NewOrleans hoping to experience something real.This improbable series of events led to Uglesich's ascension fromneighborhood institution to a kind of temple. It's where people go to payhomage to the city's warts-and-all splendor, an activity that almost alwaysinvolves eating something fried.In a city that will never run short of restaurants claiming po-boysupremacy, Uglesich's stand-apart. The extra degrees of greatness are earnedin the fryer. Order the fried softshell crab -- in sandwich form or alonewith some of the house slaw and tartar sauce -- and what emerges is acreature with a distinctly darker shell than one normally finds, cooked notquite brown but to a savage, Coppertone tan.There's no arguing that the food gains something from Uglesich's singularenvironment. New Orleanians like their neighborhood joints to be worse forthe wear -- think Domilise's and Franky & Johnny's -- and Uglesich'sheralded ramshackleness is, if anything, undersung.Judging from the cases of beer in the corner and the sacks of potatoes andonions clogging the entryway, the place is lacking storage space. The flooris straight-up concrete, and the lighting has the look of being filteredthrough soot. This time of year, count on it being busy, which means waitingfor your table on the uneven sidewalk and breathing in a hot bisque ofhumidity, car exhaust, street dust and, one hopes, oxygen. Gripe all youwant about tourists adopting the restaurant (Uglesich figures 80 percent ofhis customers are out-of-towners).The beauty of the setting is that it underscores Uglesich's greatestaccomplishment, which is proving that culinary ambition is not exclusive tohigh-brows. Enjoyed with a glass from a list of surprisingly high-qualitywines (or, if you prefer, a bottle of Chimay beer), dishes like the hotpesto-swathed oysters and trout Anthony, an exquisitely prepared filet ofbutter-grilled fish set under a tangle of sweet onions, are as refined asanything you'll find in, say, one of Emeril's places.That said, the real appeal here isn't that the food is only a nice plate anda fancy garnish away from costing twice as much someplace else. Uglesichinnovates unlike any other neighborhood restaurant proprietor I know of, buthis food is far from precious. Shrimp Uggie, for example, is a devilishconcoction of head-on crustaceans slicked in an oil so spicy that it couldonly be red.The crunchy shrimp-and-sausage patty and the fried block of grits under acloak of shrimp in cream sauce further demonstrate the kitchen's fryingexpertise, but Uglesich's affection for oil extends beyond the stuff foundin bubbling vats. The house versions of barbecue shrimp and oysters aretestaments to the grandeur of olive oil infused with herbs as well as thesublimity of fresh seafood.It's rare that you find food this intensely flavored without it beingbrutish. The remoulade, best enjoyed over shrimp and fried green tomatoes, adish Uglesich admits he copied from Upperline, carried the bright citrusynotes of good wine vinegar. The flavor of firm, sweetly juicy white corncame through clearly with every bite of crawfish maque choux. The secret ofUglesich's improbably light pan-fried fish? "Egg Beaters," Anthony says. "Itholds bread crumbs. Plus, it's healthy and it's pretty."While Uglesich's menu should certainly be bronzed for inclusion in someyet-to-be-created restaurant hall of fame, not everything on it isfantastic. A recent order of crab au gratin amounted to a glob offish-flavored cheese. I have yet to try an Uglesich pasta dish that I'dorder again. And while the best plate of raw oysters I've ever eaten wasenjoyed at one of the plastic tables outside, I've also had a batch thatsuggested the quality can wane.One of the oyster shuckers runs a side hustle selling his mother-in-law'ssweet potato pies, a stash of which he keeps in a box atop a stack ofHeineken cases. But dessert is not an "official" course at Uglesich's.Anthony has enough trouble turning over tables without giving people licenseto linger longer.And with none of his offspring interested in getting into the familybusiness, the time is near when he'll serve nothing at all. Curating whatamounts to the finest hole-in-the-wall restaurant you're ever likely tovisit could turn any Teddy into a bear. This June, Uglesich will close forthe summer. Next June, or maybe the June after that, Anthony could close forgood."You get to a point where you can't do it anymore," he said.http://www.yatcom.com/neworl/dining/uglesich/uglesichreview_rod.htmlÂUglesich's Restaurant1238 Baronne St. (at Erato), New OrleansÂ(504) 525-4925Open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11:00-4:00; no credit cards.Click on the photo or here to receive a 237K JPEG version of the photo.One of the great things about New Orleans cooking is that we treat not only our haute cuisine, but also our everyday, with total seriousness. Take for example the poor boy. 'Nuff said. But when you take your poor boy, by all means take it at Uglesich's - by far the funkiest and the best poor boy joint in New Orleans.Anthony Uglesich's parents opened in 1924. In Louisiana, Yugoslavians (as we once called them) are the heart and soul of the seafood industry. For one thing they make up 90% of the oyster fishermen at the mouth of the Mississippi River where, as we all know, the most succulent and the saltiest oysters in the world are farmed. So when a Yugoslavian opens those dozen raw oysters you're slurping, or confects that oyster loaf (that is, poor boy) you're crunching, you know you're in good hands. Now situated just outside the business district, Uglesich's was once on the other side of Canal on Rampart Street. When Anthony's mother told me that, it occurred to me that that was the time and that was the place where jazz came into its own. "Sure," she said, "there were plenty musicians around. Once my husband was watching TV and ol' Louis Armstrong came on. 'Look,' he said, 'There's a man I've shucked a lot of oysters for.'" Once Satchmo's favorite oyster bar, Uglesich now often serves the musical elite of New York and LA who, haivng "discovered" it now often throw as large a party as you can imagine is such a little place. Those parties are private of course; but if he's in town you're quite likely to see Aaron Neville who grew up nearby. Maybe it's the oysters that give Aaron that lovely voice. . . .Be forewarned however, Uglesich's locale and decor are part of the reason we call it funky. Obviously Anthony has used his profits to send his kids to college rather than to renovate. But locally we think the look - with cases of Barq's root beer stacked on the concrete floor of the 10 table dining room - is just right. Too, be warned to come early or late. After 11:30 and until 2:00 you will wait to be seated, or even to stand at the tiny oyster bar - there's room maybe for three if you don't mind an elbow in your ribs. But come expecting to see the political and business elite of New Orleans. What to order? Well, or course expect nothing but seafood, most of it fried (though all fried in canola oil), and all of it with generous caloric counts. The only menu is on the back wall which includes this classic placard, a favorite of many New Orleanians:Grilled and Spicey!Trout Anthony $ 8. 75ÂShrimp Gail $ 8. 75ÂAnthony and Gail $10. 75ÂBy the way, don't believe a word of it: Gail and Anthony are not the spiciest, but rather the sweetest couple you'll ever meet. The poor boys are hard to get around because they are so outstanding, and hard to get through because they are so large. Still, it would be a shame to miss their appetizers. Anthony's shrimp remoulade, rich in Creole mustard, paprika, and minced green onions, rivals - dare I say it - the remoulade at Ruth's Chris. And Anthony and his wife Gail have added some incredible and extremely creative tidbits on the appetizer menu. If your pockets are deep ask for an appetizer platter which might include some or all of the following: fried green tomatoes topped with grilled shrimp and their exquisite remoulade; fried mirliton (a favorite local squash) covered with crawfish sauce; or toasted French bread rounds with shrimp and black olives in a vinaigrette. You may not get to your main course!But their new plate lunches are exquisite, too. Paul's Fantasy - named after a local businessman who eats there daily with his extended family - is delicious: grilled shrimp over speckled trout with brabant potatoes. Their soft-shelled crab is truly the most succulent you will ever put in your mouth. But your best bet is to put yourself in Anthony's hands: give him the general directions your tastes go in and he'll send out what just came in off the truck from down the river that morning.ÂAt some point, however, the point here is to eat some oysters, raw, fried, or sauteed. After all, who could pass up the opportunity to eat oysters where Baronne meets Erato - the muse of love poetry.http://www.yatcom.com/neworl/dining/uglesich/uglesichreview_ed.htmlÂUglesich's1238 Baronne St. (corner Erato)New Orleans, LA USA+1.504.523.8571Click on the photo or here to receive a 237K JPEG version of the photo.My favorite story about Uglesich's sums up the classic impressions of the place very quickly. A nice older lady called up food critic Tom Fitzmorris' radio program and told him she wanted to take a couple of friends from out of town to some place in New Orleans that would be a bit of an adventure. Tom suggested Uglesich's. I chuckled as I drove along, thinking what a group of unsuspecting senior citizens would think of the place when they got there.You see, Uglesich's is a dump. Now, here in New Orleans, there are dumps and then there are dumps. Uglesich's is the standard by which all other dumps in town are measured. Located on the corner of Baronne and Erato (1238 Baronne), the Uglesich family has been making some of the best seafood sandwiches and plates here since 1924. Uglesich's has some great food, but it's still a dump. The neighborhood around the place has really gone down the drain. Time and the expressway leading up to the Crescent City Connection bridge (over the Mississippi River) have separated the "central city" section of town from the Central Business District (CBD), and the housing projects around the neighborhood have encroached to the point where this is really not a very safe area to be in at night. Daytime's no big deal, however, as the crowds at lunch time at Uglesich's will testify. The restaurant fits into the dilapidated neighborhood quite nicely. The exterior hasn't been painted in 24 years, and it looks it. We New Orleanians pride ourselves on preferring less atmosphere in favor of better food and lower prices, but Uglesich's carries this to an extreme.The bar runs down the left-hand side of the building from the door, long enough for about 6 or 7 people to stand at it. It then turns right for another eight feet or so, which is the oyster bar. The station for the oyster shucker is very important at Uglesich's, since freshness is very important to making this work. I stopped in relatively late (1:15), and the place was still pretty crowded. There were three parties ahead of me waiting to get one of the ten tables, all of which were occupied. Mrs. Gail Uglesich was working the bar with her husband, Mr. Anthony, and she took my order for an oyster po-boy, full sized. I also ordered a Barq's to drink. The menu is relatively easy to read, since it consists of a bunch of signs on the wall. There's a bit of a system to ordering and getting seated at Uglesich's when the place is crowded (and it always is): you place your order at the bar, then move up along the bar as tables clear and the people in line sit down. When you hit the end of the bar, you're up for a table. Since everything is cooked to order here, there's not much chance that your food will be ready before you sit down. This leaves you plenty of time to contemplate the decor behind the bar, which consists mainly of old plastic Falstaff beer trays mounted on the wall. This is a great place to listen in and absorb some New Orleans culture. Uglesich's is so small that there's no way you're going to have a private conversation. After about twenty minutes or so, a few tables cleared out, and I was able to sit down. My sandwich was about another twenty minutes in coming out from the kitchen after that. Most of the delay was because the place is small and it was crowded, but some of it was from some out-of-town woman who ordered a plate and what came out of the kitchen wasn't what she expected. It was a broiled fish dish, perhaps Trout Anthony (I was curious, but not so nosy that I was going to stick my nose in the plate!) I have no idea what she thought was wrong, but the chef actually came out from the kitchen to talk to her about it. The food looked OK to me. Anyway, once that was settled and the people who ordered ahead of me were served, my oyster po-boy came out.I'm a firm believer that life is too short to wait long periods of time for food. That's one of the reasons I refused to eat at K-Paul's until he started taking reservations. I'm particularly fussy about this at lunch time, and am downright irascible if the lunch in question is a po- boy. With the exception of Uglesich's, of course. Oysters for a po-boy at Uglesich's are all but shucked to order. They don't leave the oyster bar until they're ready to cook your food. When the plate is set down in front of you, steam rises from the sandwich because it's that hot. There's ketchup on the table, but it would be a sin to cover oysters so perfectly breaded with such a condiment. Uglesich's puts out both Tabasco and Crystal hot sauces on the tables. This gives it a special place in my heart, because I don't care at all for Tabasco on prepared food. I prefer Crystal on sandwiches, red beans, etc., leaving Tabasco as a spice for cooking. Like any good po-boy place in town, Uglesich's uses high-quality french bread for their sandwiches, warmed just a bit. Chased with a cold Barq's and you get a truly platonic meal.And it better be, because there surely isn't any ambiance. The floor's concrete, the bar is covered with sheet metal, the tables and chairs are all old wood, and the plates are low-rent. So what. The food rivals Galatoire's. Since I was by myself, I passed on extras such as onion rings (large, beer-battered) or french fries (big, fresh-cut). The portions are just too large for one person and are best enjoyed split among two or three.Service at Uglesich's is haphazard. There's only one waiter/bus- boy/jack-of-all-trades working the tables. He gets a bit of help from the guy behind the oyster bar, but the oyster shucker's got duties of his own. Miss Gail is behind the bar taking orders, and Mr. Anthony rotates in-between the front and the back. I paid Mrs. Uglesich when I ordered, so I didn't have to wait for the check when I was finished. I'd advise you to do the same, since trying to get back through to the bar to settle up can be difficult. My sandwich and drink, plus tax, came to $8.77, and I left a buck-fifty for a tip. As po-boy lunches go, this is on the high side, but not out of bounds. Mother's sandwiches are in the $6-$7 range these days. Plates at Uglesich's run around $10 (Trout Anthony and Shrimp Gail, the house specialties are $9.75 each). Many uninitiated visitors are shocked by the prices, mainly because they don't expect that level in such a dump.Uglesich's is open for lunch (the posted hours are 11:00am-4:00pm) Monday through Friday. I overheard Mr. Anthony saying that they were going to experiment with opening up on the first Saturday of each month, to accommodate the requests from regulars to open on weekends. If you're in town on the first Saturday of the month, give a call and they might be open. Dress is casual, of course, in typical New Orleans fashion. Cash only, no credit cards.Getting to Uglesich's: From the Quarter, Baronne St. is what Dauphine St. turns into when it crosses Canal (just like Bourbon turns into Carondelet and Royal into St. Charles). While twelve blocks off of Canal doesn't sound all that far away, the neighborhood is really pretty seedy. It's not a twelve-block walk you'd do for a mid-morning stroll. Catch the St. Charles streetcar to Erato, then walk the three blocks down, or better still, take a car or cab straight to the restaurant. If you're a seafood lover, or just an admirer of things that are completely New Orleans, you'll enjoy Uglesich's. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 03 Jul 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7157/1/E-Martin-Hrgovcic-MD-PhD.html Martin Hrgovcic, M.D., Ph.D.Prominent Oncologist,Combats Cancer,Fights For Croatian FreedomÂBy Ekrem "Eck" SpahichCROATIAN NEWSSERVICE ou812@arn.netÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂCancer specialist, physician,humanitarian, freedom- promoter, organizer, cancerresearcher, family man, dedicatedCatholic, Croatian-American, Texan, Dr. Martin J. Hrgovcic has been many things during the course of his life.ÂDr. Hrgovcic, Ph.D., F.A.C.N., consultant inÂinternalmedicine and oncology, senior partner of the Diagnostic Clinic of Houston,Texas, came to the United States in l969 at the age of 43 because he was not allowed to advance as a physician inCroatia. He was not a Communist Party member, but a Croat and a church-going, God-fearing man -- both considered undesirable bythose runninghis homeland at the time.A fellow colleaguefrom Croatia, Dr. Marko Turic, president of the University Hospital for Tumors in Zagreb, once said, "Dr. Hrgovcic's lifetime goals have been fighting cancer and the enemies of Croatia."ÂÂTuric spoke of highly of Hrgovcic at the 25th anniversaryof medical oncology in Croatia, Dec. 15, 1994, in Zagreb, where Hrgovcic, wasawarded with a Diploma, a Medal, and a beautifully illustrated book "OurCountry, Croatia," in recognition of his role in founding and development ofmedical oncology in Croatia.Dr. Hrgovic is aformer clinical associate internist in the Department of Internal Medicine, theUniversity of Texas System Cancer Center at the M. D. Anderson Hospital andTumor Institute, Houston, and a former clinical associate at theDepartment of InternalMedicine, University of Texas Medical School, Houston. Anative of Dubrave, a small Croatian village, nestledÂhalfwaybetween the towns of Tuzla and Brcko, in Bosnia, Dr.Hrgovcicwas born June 22, 1926 to Jozoand Janja Hrgovcic, a poor farming couple. During his first 27 years of life,he was often hungry, without sufficient clothing and shoes to wear.ÂAs a youngster, he helped his parents by taking care of livestock.After completingelementary school, at the age of ten, he was sent to Franciscan ClassicalGymnasium (High School) in Visoko, near Sarajevo, where he studied to be apriest, he reminisced. However, hecompleted Tuzla High School (matura)in l947. As a middle schoolstudent, he was called by the Communistauthorities from the nearby City of Brcko to join the city'sÂÂCommunist Party committee. Areasregional leadership attempted torecruit him into theCommunist Party. They had hoped ifa son of a well-known familyfrom Dubrave joined, others would follow his example and recruitment of othersin the region would be much easier. Needlessto say, he declined the invitation.ÂOn two other occasions, while a medical schoolstudent, Dr. Hrgovcic was once again invited to becomea member of the Yugoslav Communist Party. Onceagain, the declined for "personal"reasons. He received his medicaltraining at the UniversityÂof Zagreb, where he was awarded his M.D. degree in l953. Hebecame a Diplomate at the Board of Internal Medicine in 1961, earning his degreeof Doctor of Medical Sciences from the university in 1968 for hisdissertation "ClinicalSignificance of Serum Copper Levels in Hemoblastoses,"Â(cancers of the blood forming organs).ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDr. Hrgovcic served as an instructor of medicine at the Universityof Zagreb Medical School, l961-65. Aftera friend, Dr. Robert Lange, a medical specialist ofKnoxvillle, Tenn., helped him to get a scholarship with the Institute For Tumorsat the University of Texas, Dr.Hrgovcic arrived for the first time in the UnitedStates in 1965. Hesaid, at the time, his English was rather limited, and with a with a "brokenaccent." Shortly after his arrival in Texas, he became a clinical fellow inthe Department of Developmental Therapeutics,University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D.Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, l965-67. From l967-69, heserved as chairman of Chemotherapy in the Institutefor Malignant Diseases, Zagreb.His well-knownpatriotism for Croatia and his Catholic upbringing did not help hissituation in the homeland.. He realized his predicament that his future wasfutile, without hope. Dr. Hrgovcic saidhe took into account the future of hischildren, that the enslaved Croatia was getting weaker, and the homeland waslosing hope of regaining its freedom and independence. Unable to conductscientific work and publicize his research in Communist Yugoslavia, anduncertain of any future advancement in his field, Dr. Hrgovcic decided toimmigrate to the United States in l969. Shortlyafter coming to Texas for the second time, from 1970-73,he was research and faculty associate in the Department of Medicine, HematologySection, University of Texas System Cancer Center M.D. Anderson Hospital andTumor Institute in Houston. Since1973, he has been in private practice, joining the DiagnosticClinic of Houston as a consultant in the fields of oncology/hematology andinternal medicine. His patients come from all walks of life and from anumber of states and territories inNorth America. Before the devaluation of foreign currencies in relation to theU.S. dollar, various high-ranking foreign leaders, diplomats and their familymembers were his frequent patients.He vividly recalled when a 15-year-old boyfrom Honduras came to his office after being diagnosed with an acute leukemia,an extremely fatal disease that kills within three to six months. Dr. Hrgovcicwas of the opinion the youngster had infectious mononucleosis, an abnormaldisease caused by a virus, spontaneously treatable within four to six weeks.The boy's father, who happened to have been a children's doctorin their homeland, was relieved to learn the disease was not fatal, but rathertreatable. Approximately 10years later, Houston's office of the FederalBureau of Investigation called the doctor's office, posing Dr. Hrgovcic's nurse several questions. Half an hour later, agents of the FBI blocked the doors of the Diagnostic Clinic and Hospital. Long columns of black government limousines stopped infront of the clinic. The agents looked closely at his office, even though hestill did not know the reason of their visit, Dr. Hrgovcicoffered them coffee. The agents declined his offer. He noticed they weresporting fully-loaded automatic weapons under their coats. About ten minuteslater, the father of the youngster came in with his son who was now a grown upyoung man. They were accompanied with several bodyguards.The young man's father, a pediatric doctor, had becomePresident of the Republic of Honduras. He introduced his son to Dr. Hrgovcic,who became pleasantly surprised with the visit of a president of a SouthAmerican country, who came to see him and personally thank him for a correctdiagnosis of his son. FBI officials gave the host permission to take thePresident of Honduras to lunch, only after the agents were assured that one wingof the clinic could be blocked off as a safety precaution.Abottle of presidential liqueur, presented as a gift to Dr. Hrgovcic by the Honduranvisitor, remains as a special memento in the Hrgovcic home.Dr.Hrgovcic has much admiration for the Honduran President,who remained calm during the lunch at the clinic, even though earlier that daythe Honduran leader learned that guerrillas kidnapped his daughter.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIn addition to his busy professional career as an internist andcancer specialist, Dr. Hrgovcic finds time for family and his sufferinghomeland. He was actively engagedin Croatia's struggle for freedom andindependence in the early 1990's. It wassecond time during his lifetime he saw cruelty and genocidedirected against his homeland.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDr. Hrgovcic recalls that it was painful to see his village churchof Dubrave bombed and heavily damaged in the spring of l992 by Serb aggressors.Some children and their mothers escaped to Croatia before theSerb forces completely demolishedbridges and isolated the entire Bosnia-Herzegovina region. Young men from hisvillage stayed behind to defend what was left of their families and their homes,initially fighting with hunting rifles against Serb tanks, artillery andmilitary aircraft. They were able to fend off the aggressors, and Dubrave stayedout of Serb hands, Dr. Hrgovcic proudly says.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂDuring the war years in Croatia and Bosnia, Dr. Hrgovcic and his family were at theforefront of Croatian-American activity Houston, the largestCroatian-American community in the Southwest. The Hrgovcic family, with the helpof other Houston'sCroatians collected food, clothing, medicines, medicalsupplies and money. They also organized demonstrations, to inform world andnational leaders, as well as the local and national news media concerning thegenocide against the people in Croatia andÂÂBosnia-Herzegovina. In August 1991, Dr. Hrgovcic established Croatian Fraternal Union Bluebonnet Lodge 1836 in Houston, the first inTexas.ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂIn August 1992, during the Republican National convention,Dr. Hrgovcic organized the Croatian-American community in Houston for a rally to protest the Bush administration's inaction in the face of continued Serb aggression and ethniccleansing held one block west of Houston's Astrodome. Croatian-Americansand their friends braved 90-degree-plus temperatures to take part in the demonstration. It was at this rally that Dr. Hrgovcic proudlyshowed his love for thesuffering people in the "OldCountry." He told the crowdthe U.S. leadership at the time was attempting to mislead ÂtheAmerican public by suggesting "anotherVietnam" in case of theAmerican involvement in the conflict would be another Vietnam. "Bosniaand Croatia are not another Vietnam," he told the crowdat the rally. "Our people will fight their own war. We don't want Americansoldiers dying for our freedom." Dr.Hrgovcic urged President Bush to lift the arms embargoagainst Croatia and Bosnia so they can defend themselves. The dignified rally andspeeches were admired byHouston's and national news media. Inadditon to organizing several rallies in the Houston area, heactively participated in humanitarian relief efforts, through concerts, picnicsof Houston's Lone Star Croatian Club and the activities at the SlavicHeritage Festival. He was activelyÂinvolved in combating theSerb propaganda by writing letters to editors of regional and nationalpublications, in an attempt to stop the Serb campaign of lies andmisinformation. He has served in various local and national Croatian-Americanorganizations in the U.S., and was on the advisory council of the Republic ofCroatia Embassy in Washington, D.C. Forhis contribution in public health, social care and promotionof moral values, he was honored with the "Danica Hrvatska"Â(Catherine Zrinski) Medal by the late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. Heholds membership in the American Society of Internal Medicine,the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology,the Texas Society of Internal Medicine, the Texas Medical Association and theHarris County Medical Society and the Houston Society of Internal Medicine. Heis a fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He received the Mike HoggScientific Paper Award for his research in "Serum Copper Levels inHematologic Malignant Diseases" from the University of Texas Graduate Schoolof Biomedical Sciences, Houston, l966.ÂDr. Hrgovcic isthe author or co-author of more than 30 publicationsand three chapters in medical text books, and one book entitled, "Copper andLymphomas." His major research interests have been in trace elements inpatients with cancer with particular attention to copper. Heis happily married for 41 years to the former Ruzica "Seka"Loncarec of Josipdol, near Ogulin, Croatia. The couple has been blessed withthree children and one grandson. Their older daughter, Dubravka Hrgovcic Romanowho lives in Austin, Texas, is the associate executive director for the TexasAssociation of School Boards. Dubravka is the mother of their grandson, JohnJoseph Romano.Their younger daughter, Mirjana Hrgovcic, also lives in Austin,and has been employed by Southwest Airlines since l987 as a flight attendant.Their son, Hrvoje J. Hrgovcic, has a doctorate in physics from MassachusettsInstitute of Technology. He is employed by the Enron Corp., in Houston, as headof its research of weather risk management.ÂIn his limited spare time, Dr. Hrgovcic enjoys gardening andworks on his ranch outside Houston. He also frequentlyvisits Croatia and hisnative village in the Posavina region of northeastBosnia, where a number of his relatives still remain at their ancestral homes.Location:ÂDiagnostic Clinic of Houston6448 Fannin St.Houston, Texas 77030ÂOffice Phone:713-797-9191Office Fax:713 797-6617 Primary Specialty HematologistsÂSecondary Specialty OncologistsÂMedical School University of Zagreb,ÂZagreb, Croatia 1953ÂResidency Hospitals of University of Zagreb,ÂZagreb, Croatia 1961ÂFellowshipsÂUniversity of Texas 1965-1967; MD Anderson Cancer Center 1970-1973ÂBoard Certification Internal MedicineHealth Plans Current list of insurance plans. Languages* English, CroatianÂOutside Interests RanchingÂSpecial Interests Diagnosing and treatment of Cancer and Blood DiseasesÂPersonal Notes Practicing Medicine is what I enjoy doing most. My patients are like family to me. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jun 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7158/1/E-Tony-Stimac.html TONY ŠTIMAC Tony Štimac Executive Producer Founder/ExecutiveProducerHelen HayesTheatre Company   Â ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1 Tappan Zee Terrace Nyack,NY 10960(845)-353-7595Âtony@hhtco.org6/02-6/95Producedthe first 7 seasons at the HHTC. Responsible for supervising all aspects of a$3.2 million nonprofit theatre company, including play selection, fundraising,budget, and staffing. In its first 7 years, the HHTC produced 46 mainstageproductions, and presented 450 special events, concerts, dance events,children's shows and Youth Theatre events. Artists who appeared at the theatreinclude: Julie Harris, Elaine Stritch, Bea Arthur, Gwen Verdon, Jean Stapleton,Pat Carroll, Jackie Mason, Marvin Hamlisch, Charles Strouse, Jason Robert Brown,Rupert Holmes, Kathie Lee Gifford to name just a few.Founder/Executive DirectorMusical Theatre Works5/95-1/83Musicaltheatre Works was devoted exclusively to developing new musicals and new writersfor the musical theatre. Responsible for supervising all aspects of a $1.4million nonprofit theatre company, including play selection, fundraising,budget, and staffing. In addition,MTW operated the largest rehearsal facility in Manhattan and was one of NYU'sStudios for 5 years.Producedand developed 51 productions and 275 staged readings of new musicals.ÂProduced work by John Kander, Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally, Sheldon Harnick,Charles Strouse, Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt, and George Abbott, as well as a hostof new writers. Oneof MTW's development efforts went on to Broadway (Starmites), three to off-Broadway including Ruthless (the winner of the 92/93 Outer Critics Circle Award forBest off-Broadway Musical), and twelveto regional theatres across the country, including Sisterella which went on to the Pasadena Playhouse, and Europe.ProducingDirectorJohn Drew Theatre East Hampton9/82-7/76Producedand presented over 700 events in six years with some of the foremost artists inthe American Theatre, including Gwen Verdon, Geraldine Page, James Coco, CliffRobertson, Chita Rivera, Eartha Kitt, Ann Reinking, Irene Worth, Eli Wallach,and Anne Jackson. In addition to theatre events, responsibilities includedpresenting concerts, dance events, film series and film festivals, children'stheatre, chamber music and benefits. (List Available on request)Writer/DirectorOff-Broadway 9/75-7/72Wrotethe book for, and directed, four musicals which appeared off-Broadway, two ofwhich are published by Samuel French. Twice nominated for Drama Desk Awards forBest Director and in 1993 won the Outer Critics Circle Award for BestOff-Broadway Musical. Director4/72-9/66Directedover 125 productions at theatres such as the McCarter Theatre, CincinnatiPlayhouse in the Park, the Manhattan Theatre Club, the Roundabout, CSC, theAlliance Theatre, the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the Goodspeed Opera House, andthe Meadow Brook Repertory Co. (Listavailable on request)OTHERAFFILIATIONSFoundingBoard Member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and, for the Alliance,founded the Festival of New Musicals that is held annually in New York City on42nd Street. Served onthe Challenge Panel for the Opera/Musical Theatre Program at the NationalEndowment for the Arts and regularly serves as an On-Site visitor.ÂMember of SSD&C since 1966. EDUCATIONTheRoyal Academy of Dramatic Arts-Fulltwo-year program, graduated in 1966MarquetteUniversity-B.A.Awarded May 1964Tonyis married with three children and lives in Nyack NY.TonyStimac ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ1 Tappan Zee Terrace845-353-7595 Nyack,NY 10960ÂTeaching andEducational Experience5/95-5/94PasadenaPlayhouse (The State Theatre of California) Deviseda concept for a professional theatre training school with campuses on twocoasts. The Pasadena Playhouse with a long history of theatre training in their Conservatoryof Theatre Arts approached MTW to duplicate our success with NYU and torevive their dormant Conservatory. We negotiated a contract, wrote a curriculum,engaged teachers and marketed the program. 5/94-6/89Founded Musical Theatre Works Studio - New York University's MusicalTheatre StudioMTWcreated a studio to teach the musical theatre arts to performers. The programthat began in the summer of 1989 quickly came to the attention of NYU. Theyinvited MTW to become one of their Studios. At its peak, the MTW Studio wastraining 100 NYU students per semester three days per week. In 1994 they tookthe program in-house and renamed it Collaborative Arts Project 21. While at MTW,I supervised planning the curriculum, hiring the teachers, and theadministrative staff of the program.August 2001Wroteand Directed an original musical with students from the Edwin Gould Academy.TheEdwin Gould Academy is a residential high school program for at-risk inner citystudents. They have for various reasons been court ordered out of their homes. Iapproached the school with the idea to work with the students to tell theirstories in an original musical much as A Chorus Line was created. The result wasextraordinary for the students and audience alike.ÂThroughoutmy career as a director I was often called on to teach. Usually this took theform of directing in an academic situation and teaching Master Classes.DirectedProductions at: Eugene O'Neil Theatre Center's National Theatre Institute University of Washington Princeton University Harvard University TeachingWorkshopsat: New York University Master Classes at the MTW Studio Musical Theatre Works taught a Librettist's Workshop - other teachers in the program were: Tom Jones, Joseph Stein, Hugh Wheeler, Peter Stone, and James Kirkwood. Forthree years I taught private classes in New York which emphasized the kind ofclassical training I received at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. TONY STIMAC Director (845) 353-7595  Off-Broadway *FASHION (M) McAlpin Theatre *SEE AMERICA FIRSTÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂJimmy's *THE CONTRAST (M)ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂEastside Playhouse *PAPERS Provincetown Theatre *SHE WOULD BE A SOLDIER (M) Cherry Lane Theatre BERKELEY SQUARE Manhattan Theatre Club THE REHEARSAL Roundabout Theatre *T. DIAMOND, SUPERSPY (M) The Wonderhorse Theatre *KISS ME QUICK BEFORE THE LAVA REACHES THE VILLAGE (M) Theatre St. Peter's Church  Off-Off Broadway THE NEW YORKERS (M) Town Hall HAMLET Classical Stage Company SENOR DISCRETION (M) Musical Theatre Works BACHELOR'S WIFE Musical Theatre Works *CRADLE SONG (M) Musical Theatre Works  Regional *TOPPER (M) Helen Hayes Theatre Co. SCHOOL FOR WIVES Helen Hayes Theatre Co. CHRISTMAS CAROL Helen Hayes Theatre Co. THE NEW YORKERS (M) Lincolnshire Marriott *INTERNAL COMBUSTION (M) Papermill Playhouse DRACULA Coconut Grove Playhouse 45 MINUTES FROM BROADWAY (M) Goodspeed Opera House *GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY P.A.F. Playhouse *KISS ME QUICK…(M) North Shore Music Theater *THE CASTAWAYS (M) Cohoes Music Hall ONCE IN A LIFETIME McCarter Theatre AGAMEMNON McCarter Theatre THE TEMPEST McCarter Theatre THE AMERICAN DREAM Meadow Brook Theatre THE NIGHT THOREAU SPENT IN JAIL Alliance Theatre *THE FOLLIES OF IT ALL (Revue) Alliance Theatre *THIS WAY TO THE ROSE GARDEN (M) Alliance Theatre *BROWN PELICAN Alliance Theatre *SOMETHING'S AFOOT (M) Alliance Theatre *ANTHONY BURNS Alliance Theatre ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Cincinnati Playhouse  *FASHION (M) Pasadena Playhouse  London SCHOOL FOR WIVES VanBrough Theatre JULIUS CAESAR Unity Theatre *POP FASHION (M) J Corchrane Theatre THE FANTASTICKS (M) LAMDA Theatre Club Stock *THE MYTHS OF AMERICA SMITH (M) John Drew Theatre CLARI OR THE MAID OF MILAN (M) John Drew Theatre *VS THE IRS John Drew Theatre *THERE MUST BE A PONY John Drew Theatre *THE CASTAWAYS (M) John Drew Theatre  Other Stock TheatresPLAYIT AGAIN SAM CACTUSFLOWERAGIRL COULD GET LUCKY ANYWEDNESDAYTUNNELOF LOVEBUSSTOPMRROBERTSBAREFOOTIN THE PARK STARSPANGLED GIRL CATCHME IF YOU CAN THETAVERNJULIUSCAESARUniversityTHEMAASTRICHT EASTER PLAY PrincetonJB- Princeton*FUTURESCHLOCK - PrincetonSTREETSCENE University of WashingtonACZAR IS BORNHastyPudding Club - HarvardÂ*Original Play(M)Musical *GOODBYE TOMORROW (M)THEMUSIC MAN (M)DEARLIARTHETAMING OF THE SHREW *FLIGHTINTO CHINA THEMISER (M)HATFULOF RAINMRAND MRSMEAND THEEANGELSTREET letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 30 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7159/1/E-Dr-Tomislav-Sunic.html http://www.watermark.hu/doctorsunic/Welcome to watermark.huÂÂDr Thomas (Tomislav) SUNICÂwriter, translator, author, former US professor in political science,former CroatiandiplomatEDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND1977 : B.A. English Language and Literature, School of Humanities, University of Zagreb, Croatia1978 : B.A. French Language and Literature, School of Humanities, University of Zagreb, Croatia1985 : M.A. International Affairs, California State University, Sacramento;1988 : Ph.D.Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara.PROFESSIONAL CAREERLOBBYIST1980-1982 : Algeria, multinational company Sequipag - Ingra1983-1988 : USA, free lance, lobbying for different organizations.PROFESSOR1988-1989 : University of California USA1989-1990 : Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach, USA1990-1993 : Juniata College, Pennsylvania USA.DIPLOMAT1993-1995 : Zagreb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of Service Lobbying and Press1995-1996 : Copenhagen, high diplomat at the Croatian Embassy ;1996-2000 : Brussels, high diplomat at the Croatian Embassy ;2001 - : Zagreb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Press and LobbyingEXTRA PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIESJournalist- For foreign editors : Le Monde, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde diplomatique, Frankfurter Allgemeine, etc.Media (TV and Radio)- Interview with the CNN, Mc Neil Lehrer, Toronto TV, Zagreb TV, many local radio stations in the USA and Europe.Speaker- Annually over 50 speeches for different social organizations, i.e. The Rotary, Caritas, Lions, universities on the topics of international (economics) politics, etc.LANGUAGES:ÂEnglish (fluent), Croatian (fluent), French (fluent), GermanÂ(fluent), Italian (reading), Latin (some reading).http://www.watermark.hu/doctorsunic/ letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 May 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7160/1/E-Paul-J-Yacich---Emmy-winner.html Paul J Yacich Â American Radio Relay League Naval Cryptologic Veterans Assn.ÂEmail address:pyacich@wave.tcs.tulane.eduAffiliated with PAUL YACICH PRODUCTIONS7364 Beryl St. Phone: 504-283-4714 New Orleans, LA Fax:504-283-4714I am an AMERICAN of Croatian descent. Mypaternal grandfather came to New Orleans around 1875 from Supetar (Saint Peter)on the Dalmatian island of Brac in the Adriatic Sea. He operated an oysterlugger in the Gulf waters of Louisiana. My father became the dative executor ofa large estate.I am a retired TV Producer/Director, having spent the better part of my careerat WDSU-TV where I started in the broadcasting field as a technician in theengineering department. I joined WDSU in 1947 after serving two years duringWWII as a Radio Officer in the Merchant Marine aboard T2 tankers and Libertyships. In 1950, during the Korean Conflict, I served in the U. S. Navy, in abranch of the Office of Naval Intelligence, stationed at Wahiawa, Oahu, TH. Ireturned to WDSU-TV in 1952.ÂI have had the honor and pleasure ofdirecting two Emmy winning TV documentaries and many award winning commercials.In February of 1999 I was honored by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasterswho awarded me their Lifetime Achievement Award. In July of 1999 I was inductedinto the Greater New Orleans Broadcaster's Association's Hall of Fame. I wasawarded my first Amateur Radio license in 1946 and have held the call W5LLJcontinuously since then.Admitted to The Order ofThe Iron Test Pattern with the dignity of BRIGADIERI am also a hopelessly incurable netsurfing addict! HELP! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 28 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/7161/1/E-A-Rich-Croatian-of-the-World.html Andrónico Luksic: "A rich Croatian of the world" What makes the Luksics different is that still they are proud of its origins, that in anything are looked like those of some families of santiagueñas. Grandfathers Policarpio Luksic arrived from Croatia to Antofagasta at the beginning of century. He was an emigrant like many others who arrived to America fleeing from hunger. One married a woman of good family of Bolivian origin, Elena Abaroa. Of that marriage two children were born: Vladimir and Andrónico. They are completely different men: one Bohemian, the other an empreneur. Andrónico marched to France after II the World war and worked negotiating in the black market currency exchange. Upon his return, he shared his earnings with his brother and his mother, Juan Abaroa, the owner of a concessionaire of Ford automobiles. But it was not until he turned 50 when Andrónico found his calling. Lost in the desert of the north of Chile, he discovered what would be the fundamental business of the family: mining. His skill to detect copper veins was allied, like no, to its good star. At the end of the decade of the 1950s, the Japanese company Nippon Mines did a supply to him by one of its deposits. Andrónico Luksic I answered immediately requesting 500,000 pesos by the deposit. Weeks later, the Japanese answered accepting the supply by 500,000 dollars. This confusion (the Nippon Mines always thought that Luksic spoke in dollars) suddenly made Luksic rich to which until, then they were only modest industralists of the province of Antofagasta. From then, Andrónico Luksic I began to buy small participation in Stock market of diverse companies in the copper sector, banking, and fishing. Andrónico Luksic I, the creator of one of the most important empires of Latin America, did not wage the war to the Socialists. The sale decided with the Government some its main companies (mainly of the mining sector) in exchange for which it was allowed to maintain the property him of other companies in the agricultural sector and of feeding. When the coup d'etat of September of 1973 took place, Luksic I Beyond paid expensive its deal with the devil. During five years, Pinochet fixed them so that the Luksic did not gain nor only an aid of the privatizador process that started up. Nevertheless, that hostile act towards the Luksic became with the passage of time a great favor. Most of the great families chose privatization when they became indebted in dollars. When the crisis from principles of the 80 arrived and the weight sank, many of which santo and the alms of the dictator had raised themselves with had to request aid. The Luksic, which they had stayed in discreet background, had liquidity and could buy much more to a price under the companies to which they could not decide on political reasons. Pinochet, without wanting it, had contributed to make more fort to the only private group that him had not rendered pleitesía. It was the good star of the Luksic. The office of Andrónico Luksic II, first-born son of Andrónico Luksic and president of the Bank of Santiago, is as small as the one of any medium executive of a great company. There are no pictures, neither carpets, nor movable expensive. A small statuette of Napoleón is the unique one I ornament in a full table of papers. "I like Napoleón because of him I learned an important thing: one cannot be believed invincible ". But the great jump did not take place until the first years of the decade of the 80, with the crisis and the devaluation of the weight. Luksic then bought Higgins Bank. The Luksic has grown of flashing form, always accompanied by their good star, until becoming the first group of the country. With its aggressive and agile style.  Source:http://www.croacia.com.ar/inicio.htm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Apr 2002 07:00:00 +0000