http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A letters@croatia.org Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:28:28 +0000 20 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/11366/1/Joginder-Singh-Nijjar-recipient-of-an-Indian-state-recognition-for-streghtening-links-with-Croatia.html Mr Joginder Singh Nijjar, Croatian citizen of Indian origin, received the presitigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 in recognition of his contribution in the field of Art & Culture/Education. Mr. Singh was awarded during the Valedictory Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 on 10 January 2023 by the President of India Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, also in the presence of Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, serving as the Minister of External Affairs of the Governement of India. The ceremony took place in the city of Indore, capital of the state of Mhadya Pradesh in central India. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 25 Jan 2023 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/11157/1/Drago-Stambuk-odlikovan-japanskim-Ordenom-izlazeceg-sunca-2019-g.html Dne 21. svibnja 2019. Vlada Japana je objavila da æe odlikovati dr. Dragu ©tambuka, biv¹eg veleposlanika Republike Hrvatske u Japanu, Ordenom izlazeæeg sunca sa zlatnom i srebrnom zvijezdom, a radi njegovog doprinosa jaèanju veza i prijateljskih odnosa izmeðu Japana i Republike Hrvatske. Kao veleposlanik Republike Hrvatske u Japanu, osim napora ulo¾enih u jaèanje veza izmeðu dvije zemlje, dr. ©tambuk je radio na razmjeni kroz pjesni¹tvo i haiku poeziju doprinoseæi time meðusobnom razumijevanju Japana i Hrvatske, ali i ¹irenju haiku poezije ne samo u Hrvatskoj nego u cijelom svijetu. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 09 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/11126/1/Peter-Tomich-1893-1941-recipient-of-the-Medal-of-Honor-for-his-courage-at-Pearl-Harbour-in-1941.html Peter Tomich, Croatian-American hero born in Bosnia and Herzegovina (town of Prolog), one of 15 men to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. Named for him were a destroyer escort ship in 1943, the USS Tomich, and Tomich Hall in 1989, where the Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, R.I., is housed. Medal of Honor is a film about double heroism. One hero, Peter Tomich, made an instant decision that cost him his life but saved hundreds of others. He won the Medal of Honor. Another man, Robert Lunney, worked for nine years and spent thousands of dollars to find a rightful home for the Medal. Solemn premiere of the film 'Heros are Not Forgotten' will be on 7th December, 6 pm, at the House of Military Forces of the Republic of Croatia 'Zvonimir', with Symphonic orchestra of Croatian TV under the baton of Olja De¹iæ which will play the original film music of Nenad Bach. The film (52 min) will be shown by HRT1 (Croatian TV), 8th Dec.at 13:15. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 02 Dec 2018 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/11051/1/Max-Emanuel-Cencic-distinguished-countertenor-recipent-of-the-Diapason-dOr-prize-in-France-2018.html The French opera magazine Diapason has awarded the newly released CD Germanico in Germania (opera by Nicola Porpora) with their prestigious Diapason d'or in their March issue. The CD honored in this way has been performed by Max Emanuel Cencic (Germanico), Julia Lezhneva (Ersinda), Dilyara Idrisova (Rosmonda), Mary-Ellen Nesi (Arminio), Juan Sancho (Segeste), Hasnaa Bennani (Cecina), with Capella Cracoviensis (orchestra), Jan Tomasz Adamus (conductor). This prestigious award will be resumed in December 2018. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 16 Mar 2018 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/11005/1/Sandra-Perkovic-wins-gold-in-London.html Sandra Perkovic (left) has won gold at the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Championships on Sunday, August 13, 2017. This is her second gold medal at the IAAF World Championships. She is also a two time Olympic gold medal winner, having won gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 13 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10997/1/Croatian-Mens-National-Water-Polo-team-reclaims-World-Champions-title.html The Croatian men's Water Polo team beat Hungary 8-6 in the finals of the 2017 FINA Water Polo championships on Saturday July 29th. It was the first time since 2007 that the Croatian Men's Water Polo team have won the championship. There will be a celebration for the world champion Croatian water polo team on Ban Jelacic Square in Zagreb on Sunday July 30, 2017 starting at 6:00 p.m. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 30 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10953/1/Bill-Belichick-Croatian-American-wins-5th-Super-Bowl-with-New-England-Patriots.html Congratulations to Croatian Americans Bill Belichick and Rob Ninkovich, and the New England Patriots on their amazing come-from-behind 5th Super Bowl victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Superbowl 51, played in Houston Texas. Belichick has a total of 7 Super Bowl wins including 2 as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants and linebacker Rob Ninkovich has Super Bowl two wins with the Patriots. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sun, 05 Feb 2017 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10931/1/NFCA-Announces-822040-Under-40quot-Winners-from-USA-.html The NFCA in Washington, D.C. is proud to announce the first ever group of “40 Under 40” Croatian Americans chosen for an award which celebrates the success and commitment of the next generation. These selections recognize the talent, the accomplishments, the potential and the pride in their Croatian heritage of these forty honorees under the age of forty. “We looked nationwide for forty Croatian Americans who have demonstrated leadership, career success and dedication to Croatian causes,"said Andrea Novak-Neumann, “40 Under 40” committee member and NFCA officer from Minnesota. On the photo Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011. ruksj@aol.com (Steve Rukavina) Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10911/1/Goran-Filipec-of-Croatia-awarded-by-the-prestigious-Grand-Prix-du-disque-F-Liszt-in-Budapest-in-2016.html The Ferenc Liszt Society from Budapest announced the results of the 39th International Grand Prix du Disque, awarded to the world best recordings of the music of Liszt. Goran Filipec is this year’s recipient of this prestigious award with his album Paganini Studies, published by Naxos. The Liszt Society inscribed his name in the illustrious line of past winners, such as Vladimir Horowitz, Claudio Arrau, Zoltan Kocsis or Alfred Brendel with the mention that "Liszt himself would have greatly appreciated his performance". The ceremony award took place on October 20th 2016 in the former Academy Liszt in Budapest, during which Goran played the Reminiscences of Norma. darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Fri, 21 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10881/1/Josip-Glasnovic-wins-Croatias-first-gold-of-the-2016-Olympics.html Croatian army officer Josip Glasnovic won Croatia's first gold of the 2016 Olympics in the trap-shooting, beating Italy's Giovanni Pellielo in a four-shot sudden death shootoff. Edward Ling of Great Britain took home bronze. Glasnovic, a 33-year-old who also competed in Beijing in 2008, hit a perfect 15 of 15 in the semi-final but missed two in the final. He then fired four of four in the sudden death round. Glasnovic succeeds Giovanni Cernogoraz who won gold for Croatia in London 4 years ago in the same event. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 08 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10874/1/Brenda-Brkusic-won-her-5th-and-6th-Emmy-Awards-at-the-Television-Academys-LA-Area-Emmy-Awards.html Croatian American Brenda Brkusic (left) won her 5th and 6th Emmy Awards  at the Television Academy's LA Area Emmy Awards held on July 23, 2016.  She was recognized as Executive Producer of "Variety Studio: Actors on Actors" and "China's Challenges: Can China Be Harmonious?" Last year she took home an Emmy for Producing "Mia: A Dancer's Journey" a film about Croatian-born ballerina Mia Corak Slavenska. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10793/1/Drago-Stambuk-promoting-global-haiku-consciousness-and-deepening-friendship-between-Brazil-and-Croatia.html When Dr Drago ©tambuk (on the photo) proposed the creation of a Haiku Award in memory of Professor Vladimir Devidé, Croatian mathematician and the pioneer of haiku in Croatia, he suggested that modern and traditional haiku should be treated as equals. This is especially crucial for international haiku composition and competition, since not all languages can reflect Japanese syllabic patterns, nor do all climates mirror the four clear seasons which find expression in classical haiku. We also illustrate interesting contacts with Brazililan poets, established by Dr Drago ©tambuk as a former Croatian ambassador in that country. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 20 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10788/1/Croatian-writer-Miro-Gavran-nominated-for-the-2016-Hans-Christian-Andersen-Award.html Croatian writer Miro Gavran has been nominated for the 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the most significant prize for children's literature in the world.  This prize has been awarded every two years to authors since 1956, and to illustrators since 1966. Works by Miro Gavran have been translated into 38 languages. Gavran has published ten books for children and teenagers, eagerly read by young and old alike: "How Dad Won Mum", "Try to Forget", "All Sorts Of Things In My Head", "Head Over Heels", "Happy Days", "The Teacher Of My Dreams", "A Summer To Remember" ... miro.gavran@zg.t-com.hr (Miro Gavran) Mon, 11 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10746/1/Marko-Bilic-wins-2015-Cigar-Trophy-Ambassador-Award.html Marko Bilic (left) won the 2015 Cigar Trophy Ambassador Award. It is awarded by Cigar Journal magazine and celebrates outstanding performances of cigar manufacturers and individuals in the cigar industry. It was first awarded in 1998 and winners were chosen in online voting. Marko is the founder of the Cigar Smoking World Championship, which is held annually at Club Mareva in Split, Croatia. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 30 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10733/1/Blanka-Vlasic-Wins-Silver-at-the-2015-IAAF-World-Championships-in-Beijing.html Congratulations to Blanka Vlasic for winning silver at the 2015 IAAF World Championships held in Beijing where she made her triumphant return after battling injuries. This is her second medal that she won in Beijing, the first being the silver medal she won at the 2008 Olympic Games. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 29 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10721/1/Brenda-Brkusic-wins-3rd-and-4th-Los-Angeles-Area-Emmy-.html Brenda Brkusic (left) and her production teams won two Los Angeles Emmys for the film "Mia, a dancer's journey" in the Arts and Culture/History category and "Variety Studio: Actors on Actors" in the Best Entertainment Program category. The winners were announced at the 67th Los Angeles Area Emmy(R) Awards presentation on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at The Skirball Cultural Center Guerin Pavilion in Herscher Hall. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10716/1/Adrian-Beker-winning-gold-at-the-International-Math-Olympiad-2015-and-Croatia-becoming-a-big-surprise.html The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the World Championship Mathematics Competition for High School students and is held annually in a different country. The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania, with 7 countries participating. Nowadays, there are over 100 countries participating from 5 continents. In 2015, the 56th IMO was held in Thailand. Croatia has won a gold medal - Adrian Beker on the photo, three silver medals - Petar Orliæ, Kristijan ©tefanec and Daniel Paleka, one bronze - Ivan Lazariæ, and Lukas Novak participated. This is a big success of Croatian team, and the overall ranking among 104 countries is surprisingly high 15th place. If we take into account countries of the EU only, Croatia is on the third place! darko@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach and Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 15 Jul 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10694/1/Gladne-ui-is-a-finalist-at-the-New-York-Festivals-International-Radio-Program-Awards-.html Gladne u¹i (Hungry Ears) is a weekly radio talk show on Croatian Radiotelevision HRT 2, hosted by Ljudevit Grguriæ-Grga (left). The show Gladne u¹i, has been nominated for an award and is a finalist in the category of Best Regularly Scheduled Talk Program at the New York Festival's International Radio Program Awards to be held on June 22, 2015 in New York City. The show chosen is titled Music and Tears and features an interview with sevdah singer Amira Medunjanin and is the only non-English speaking show nominated in its category. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Wed, 27 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10693/1/The-story-of-the-film-Zvizdan-The-High-Sun-the-first-Croatian-Cannes-Laureate.html Croatian film managed to achieve great success in Cannes. "Zvizdan" (The High Sun) directed by Dalibor Matanic (left) won the Jury Prize for Best Film in the "Un Certain Regard". It was screened on May 17 and immediately impressed the audience, and then, obviously, the jury. Croatia has also won its first Cannes laureate. This award gives a strong wind into the sails to all Croatian filmmakers wanting a breakthrough onto the international market. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 25 May 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10652/1/-Tena-Stivicic-Wins-Blackburn-Drama-Prize.html Tena Stivicic (left) was awarded the 37th annual Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play “3 Winters,” a dark, era-hopping drama about a Croatian family in post-World War II Zagreb. At a ceremony at Playwrights Horizons,The Blackburn, the oldest and largest prize awarded to female playwrights, is given annually to an English-language theater work of outstanding quality. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 03 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10650/1/Croatian-director-Tiha-K-Gudac-receives-CEI-Award-2015-at-Trieste-Film-Festival.html Tiha K. Gudac (left), born in Zagreb in 1982, was awarded for the documentary film Goli (Naked Island) which, as underlined by the jury, “denounces how a nation’s past can haunt its present”. The CEI Award (3.000 EUR) was presented by Alternate Secretary General, Amb. Margit Waestfelt, on the occasion of the awarding ceremony in Trieste on 22 January. Goli is an investigation built upon the ruins of the past, a mosaic made of clues, family photos and intimate testimonies of a tight-knit group of people who were brought together by the same place, a political prison in former Yugoslavia, also known as an “Island of broken souls” – and consequences this place has left on three generations. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Fri, 27 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10549/1/8216Everything-is-Forever8217-biographic-film-about-Nenad-Bach-wins-international-filmfest-top-awards-in-Houston.html   The journey of Croatian-American composer/singer and writer Nenad Bach through war and peace, and rock and roll captured in the documentary/feature film ‘Everything is Forever’ won top awards at the 47th Annual Worldfest Houston International Film Festival (April 4-13). The feature film garnered the prestigious Platinum Remi Award for Theatrical Feature Film & Video Award and the Special Jury Remi Award for Music Video Award – Stage Concert/ Performance. Written by Violi Calvert. On the photo Stehanie Silber, Victor Zimet and Nenad. violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Fri, 18 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/10521/1/-Ivica-Kosteliae-makes-history-in-the-Super-combined-event-at-the-2014-Sochi-Winter-Olympic-Games.html Ivica Kosteliæ wins the Silver for Croatia at Sochi on Valentine's Day 2014 becoming the first person to win three silver medals in three consecutive Winter Olympic Games. This is his fourth Silver medal in the Olympics.  Up until the present competition in Sochi, Ivica had won three Olympic medals, three medals in the World Championships, and 59 podium finishes in the World cup including 26 victories with 4 small crystal globes and one large globe in 2011. slavonac46@gmail.com (David Byler) Sun, 16 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10512/1/Croatians-Krist-Novoselic-and-Ella-Yelich-O8217Connor-aka-Lorde-take-home-Grammys.html Croatians score two wins at the 2014 Grammy awards. Croatian-American Krist Novoselic won as part of a collaboration with Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney and Pat Smear for best rock song. Ella Yelich O’Connor of New Zealand won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for “Royals.” stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10496/1/Arsen-Anton-Ostojic-wins-in-St-Louis-and-has-been-nominated-for-an-Oscar-for-a-third-time.html Both Arsen and his new Oscar nominated feature film "Halima’s Path" were awarded during the 22nd St. Louis International Film Festival, held from November 14th to 24th. Arsen received the Contemporary Cinema Award, which honors mid-career filmmakers doing challenging and innovative work. This is the third time that one of Arsen's films will represent Croatia for the Oscars; his previous two films - "A Wonderful Night in Split" and "No One's Son" were both Croatia's official entries for an Academy Award. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 12 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/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/10454/1/Josip-Hanjs-world-champion-in-Shorthand-Speech-Capturing-competition-organized-in-Ghent-in-Belgium-2013.html In 2013 Mr. Josip Hanj¹, representing Croatia, became the world champion in a Shorthand Speech Capturing international organized in Ghent, Belgium. Seven countries participated: except Croatia, also Hungary, Italy, Germany, Argentina, France and Turkey. Mr. Hanj¹ is the president of Croatian Shorthand Association, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1882 (five years before London). This is his secon world title in his career: the first title of the world champion has been won in Prague in 2007. It is interesting that here both female and male participants compete all together. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Sun, 18 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10446/1/Domagoj-Cevid-and-Borna-Vukorepa-won-2-golds-at-the-2013-International-Mathematical-Olympiad-in-Colombia.html Croatian national team of best young Croatian mathematicians participated at the 53rd International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in 2013 with 6 competitors, among 97 countries. Two of them,  Domagoj Æevid (on the photo) and Borna Vukorepa, won the highest prizes - gold medals. Furthermore, for Domagoj it was the second gold medal, since in 2012, he won the first gold medal for Croatia in history. It should be noted that some of our best former competitors are now distinguished scientists working in Croatia, like Marko Tadiæ, Andrej Dujella and Pavle Pand¾iæ, or abroad, like Mladen Bestvina and Ivan Mirkoviæ, to name just a few. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Wed, 31 Jul 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/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/10343/1/Nenad-Bach-dobitnik-prestizne-Fender-Mega-Muzika-nagrade-uoci-koncerta-u-dvorani-Lisinski-u-Zagrebu.html U Zagrebu je 27. studenog 2012. u klubu Sax dodjeljena presti¾na Fender-Mega Muzika nagrada na¹em poznatom hrvatskom kantautoru, producentu i mirovnom aktivistu s adresom u New Yorku, Nenadu Bachu. Bila je to deveta po redu dodjela nagrada MMFender koja se dodjeluje za izniman doprinos u glazbi posebice Rock glazbi u Hrvatskoj i to glazbenicima ali i istaknutim pojedincima, koji su iako nisu glazbenici svojim iznimnim radom doprinjeli znaèaju Rock glazbe u Hrvatskoj. Sveèana dodjela obavljena je uoèi koncerta Nenad Bach Banda i gostiju u koncertnoj dvorani V. Lisinskog u petak 30. studenog 2012. u 20 sati. darko.zubrinic@gmail.com (Darko �ubrini�) Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10276/1/Sasa-Casic-young-Croatian-winemaking-prodigy-of-Pakrac-and-his-teacher-Ivan-Enjingi.html Sa¹a Æasiæ is 28 year old professional wine maker from the town of Pakrac on Croatian north. He has been awarded as the most successful young entrepreneur in 2012 by the Ministry of Enterpreneurship and Crafts of the Republic of Croatia. This is a result of ten years of hard work and advices of his older colleague, another distinguished Croatian wine-maker Mr. Ivan Enjingi. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10272/1/Nikola-Knez-and-his-iFilms-LLC-has-received-11-Remi-Awards-at-the-45th-Annual-Worldfest-Houston-2012.html Nikola Knez directed all of the nominated entries. Nikola is an multi-award winning director who formed iFilms LLC in 2007. iFilms LLC is a multi-award winning full-service film company managing the production process from script to screen. The studio is equipped with state-of-the-art, leading edge technology and staffed with film industry professionals. They bring twenty years of international experience with specialization in 3D animation and visual effects to their work. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 03 Jun 2012 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10236/1/2nd-Vladimir-Devide-Haiku-Award---Open-Haiku-Competition---deadline-March-1-2012.html Despite a successful international academic career as a renowned mathematician, with professorships in Australia and the US, as well as his native Croatia at the University of Zagreb, it is primarily as a Japanologist and haiku poet that Vladimir Devide is now remembered. Please send your submission in Englihs by email to librasia@iafor.org with 'Haiku competition' in the subject heading. Please remember to include your name, address and contact details. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 28 Feb 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/10190/1/Srdjan-Bulat-and-Petrit-Ceku-take-two-top-spots-at-the-Maurizio-Biasini-International-Guitar-Competition.html   Petrit Ceku (right) and Srdjan Bulat (left) took first and third places respectively for Croatia at the inaugural International Guitar Competition Maurizio Biasini in Bologna, Italy. The competition was held from October 10-16, 2011 and was organized in memory of Maurizio Biasini, a physicist of international stature as well as an outstanding classical guitarist. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10106/1/Nikola-Knez-won-three-gold-Remi-Awards-at-the-WorldFest-Houston-2011.html  Nikola Knez was educated in Croatia where he produced a vast variety of films for various Croatian institutions. In 2011 he won three Gold Remi Awards at WorldFest Houston, and the Gold Pixie Award by American Pixel Academy for 3D computer animation. In 2010 he won two gold Remi Awards. He is the author of more than 300 documentaries, education and science programs, etc. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 25 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10069/1/Dr-Artur-R-Bagdasarov-promoter-of-Croatian-culture-and-language-in-Russia.html Dr. Artur Rafaeloviè Bagdasarov is a distinguished Russian linguist of Armenian origin, very active in promoting Croatian culture, in particular the Croatian language, in the Russian Federation. He is the author of numerous books, dictionaries and articles dealing with Croatian literary language. For his efforts he has been awarded with the 2010 INA Award in Zagreb. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 31 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/10058/1/Nelly-Auersperg-distinguished-Canadian-scientist-educated-also-in-Zagreb-Croatia.html Nelly Auersperg b. Gutmann (1928), born in Austria, and escaped before the WWII to Croatia, where she spent her youth in the town Beslice. She studied medicine at the University of Zagreb, and completed her studies at the University of  Washington. Her scientific work in Canada was focused on problems of early ovarian cancer detection. She is Professor Emerita in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10042/1/Ivan-Gligoras-Pag-Cheese-awarded-with-the-Superior-Taste-mark-in-Brussels-2010.html The famous Pag cheese produced in the cheese plant Sirena – Mala sirana in Kolan at Island Pag owned by Ivan Gligora, has recently been awarded two golden stars and the right to label this cheese with the Superior Taste mark at the international Superior Taste event in Brussels. This is the greatest award so far for this cheese that has thus been included in the circle of seventy top food products in the world. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 02 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10040/1/Nenad-Bans-scientific-work-is-regarded-as-a-milestone-in-biochemical-research.html The 2010 Wieland Prize went to Croatian scientist Professor Nenad Ban of the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biophysics of the ETH Zurich for his definition of the molecular structures of fatty acid synthases (FAS) in fungi and mammals, the molecular assembly lines for lipid production. His great achievement now allows a precise understanding of how these large, complex biological machines function. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10039/1/Blanka-Vlasic-of-Croatia-proclaimed-the-best-female-athlete-in-the-world-2010.html Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic has been named the world's best female athlete in 2010 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Blanka Vla¹iæ was all smiles on Sunday in Monaco, where she collected the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award, the first ever for a Croatian athlete. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/10033/1/Ashley-Colburn-and-WOW-Croatia-seen-by-10-million-families-in-the-USA.html WOW Croatia is a documentary created in 2009 which has brought  the prestigious Emmy Award in 2010 to Ashley Colburn. Here we present the second part of her series of documentaries about Croatia, and an interesting interview she gave to Goran Rotim of the Croatian TV. By the mid 2010 about 10 million families in the USA have seen WOW Croatia darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 14 Nov 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/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/9999/1/Brenda-Brkusic-and-Jack-Baric-won-Los-Angeles-Area-Emmy174-Award.html Bloody Thursday, a revealing documentary about the struggle of the West coast dockworkers during the Great Depression, produced by Brenda Brku¹iæ on the photo and Jack Bariæ, has won a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award. The onehour film that debuted on KOCE public television was one of three nominees in the category of Arts, Culture and History. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9998/1/Sandra-Perkovic-won-gold-for-Croatia-in-discus-throw-in-Barcelona-2010.html A new star has appeared on Croatia’s athletics horizon  - discus thrower Sandra Perkovic - only 19 years old and yet ready to climb the podium at this year’s most important event, the European Athletics Championships Barcelona 2010. She created history in becoming not only the youngest ever winner of discus throw gold medal, but also the first ever Croatian to win European Championship gold. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9989/1/Fifty-three-Croatian-wines-awarded-at-the-Decanter-World-Wine-Awards-2010.html Fifty three Croatian wines have won awards at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2010, one of the most prestigious and acclaimed competitions in the industry. In 2009 Croatia has been hailed as a major force in the wine world after the country won more gold medals than established rivals including the US, New Zealand and Portugal at a leading tasting competition. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9985/1/Emil-Milihram-Croatian-canoeist-wins-the-World-Cup-2010-in-Austria.html Croatian canoeist Emil Milihram is the overall winner of the Wildwater World Cup for 2010 after he won a classic race in Lofer, Austria. In the overall standings, Milihram is at the first place. He is followed by Yann Claudepierre of France and Norman Weber of Germany. Emil is already for three consecutive years the World Champion in canoeing! darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9984/1/Srdjan-Bulat-wins-in-Almeria.html Srdjan Bulat (left) a fifth year student at the Musical Academy in Split, under the tutelage of Professor Darko Petrinjak was the winner at the 11th annual Julian Arcas guitar competition, which was held from June 23-26 , 2010 in the Spanish town of Almeria. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9963/1/Greenwich-Trio-win-at-the-Beethoven-Society-of-Europe-Competition-.html The Greenwich Trio comprised of Stjepan Hauser from Croatia, Lana Trotovsek from Slovenia (both pictured left) and Yoko Misumi from Japan won at the Beethoven Chamber Music Competition 2010 held on April 22, 2010 at Steinway Hall in London and  sponsored by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe. stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Sat, 24 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/9934/1/Croatian-president-awards-lifetime-achievement-award-to-Hedvig-Hricak-MD.html Radiological Society of North America President Hedvig Hricak, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. h.c., an internationally recognized leader in radiology research and public education, received a lifetime achievement award from Croatian President Stjepan Mesic at a December ceremony in Croatia. Dr. Hricak is a native of Croatia. mijat.marko@gmail.com (Marko Mijat) Wed, 24 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/9897/1/Sanja-Jovanovic-Croatian-swimmer-with-a-new-world-record-in-2009.html  Sanja Jovanoviæ won her new gold medal at the European Swimming Championship held in Istanbul, Turkey, December 12th 2009. And not only this, she broke the world record on 50 m backstroke,  with 25.70 s. This is her fourth world record in swimming at international competitions. Duje Draganja won silver medal 100 m mixed style. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9894/1/Professors-Z-Drmac-and-K-Veselic-received-prestigeous-SIAM-math-prize.html Two distinguished Croatian mathematicians, professors Zlatko Drmaè, University of Zagreb, Croatia, and Kre¹imir Veseliæ on the  photo, professor emeritus of the University of Hagen, Germany, received a prestigeous 2009 Linear Algebra Prize from the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics - SIAM, for the best scientific work published in the preceding three years in the field of Linear Algebra. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 06 Dec 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/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/9828/1/A-Matter-of-Taste-wins-award-at-Heart-of-England-International-Film-Festival.html A Matter of Taste (Stvar Ukusa) won the best short film award at the Heart of England International Film Festival. In the film, directed by Costa Ipsa, a middle-aged man, unsatisfied with his life, is about to commit a suicide from a roof top and the only thing standing in his way is a simple handyman. marina@auxanotravel.com (Marina Varenina) Mon, 06 Jul 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/9788/1/Ivan-Kljakovic-Gaspic-overall-winner-of-the-World-Cup-Finn-Class-2009.html Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic (CRO) is the overall winner in the Finn class at the 41st Semaine Olympique Française in Hyeres Friday. This was his first Grade 1 win in the class. Another Croatian Marin Mi¹ura won the fifth place at the same competition. Croatia and GB are the only countries with two representatives among 10 most successful competitors. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 04 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/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/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/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/9690/1/Croatian-Cultural-Club-in-Zagreb.html The principal role of the Croatian Cultural Club in Zagreb is the advancement of Croatian culture at home and internationally. The Club provides incentives and works on implementation of various programmes related to creation of works of arts, organises lectures, recitals, exhibitions and conferences. The Club has been founded by ©ime ©imatoviæ on the photo. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Mon, 05 Jan 2009 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/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/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/9609/1/Blanka-Vlasic-wins-historic-Olympic-medal-for-Croatia-at-Beijing-2008.html Then comes a small "poof" when Vlasic lands in the thick pad, the bar undisturbed. Seven times she did this Saturday night, the obediently motionless bar a little higher each time. The noise inhaled by the gasp of 91,000 fans. The high-jump contest was advertised as the showcase of a legend in this sport, Blanka Vlasic's 14-month winning streak at 38. A true pride of Croatia. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 24 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9608/1/Marin-Cilic-beats-Mardy-Fish-at-Pilot-Pen-for-first-ATP-victory.html Marin Cilic of Croatia won his first ATP Tour event Saturday, beating American Mardy Fish 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 at the Pilot Pen, a U.S. Open tuneup. Despite having the crowd against him, the 19-year-old Cilic broke the hard-serving Fish five times, three times in the final set, to secure the win in his first finals appearance. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 24 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9565/1/Ivana-Zahiroviae-outstanding-Croatian-flutist-won-the-first-prize-in-Italy.html Ivana Zahirovic, outstanding Croatian flutist, has won the first prize at the 4th International Competition for woodwinds "AUDI Mozart 2008". The competition took place in Rovereto, Italy, from 9th to 24th May 2008. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 12 Jun 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/9524/1/Croatia-8211-Land-of-World-Swimming-Record-Holders.html Two world swimming records are an achievement not even larger and stronger countries, than our “little” Croatia, can afford. But at this moment Croatians are celebrating and bragging with such achievements, thanks to Duje Draganja and Sanja Jovanovic, young swimmers who brought the world’s swimming to its knees. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9462/1/David-Diehl-gets-the-Super-Bowl-42.html  Croatian American David Diehl in the light of glory, after wining 42nd Super Bowl for New York Giants.  In five NFL seasons, durable jack-of-all-trades David Diehl has started every game the Giants have played - 85, including playoffs. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9384/1/Croatias-Sanja-Jovanovic-sets-50m-backstroke-world-record-Dec-15th-2007.html Croatia's Sanja Jovanovic has set a new world record on her way to winning a short-course swimming race at the European Championships in Hungary. Jovanovic finished the 50-meter backstroke in 26.5 seconds, 0.33 seconds faster than the previous record set by China's Hui Li. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 15 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/9321/1/Toronto-Croatia-wins-Canadian-Soccer-League-championship-series-title-2007.html Toronto Croatia didn't score a goal in the second leg of their Canadian Soccer League championship series with the Serbian White Eagles. It turns out they didn't need one, meaning Croatia's 4-1 victory in Saturday's first leg was enough to give the Mississauga, Ont.-based team the title. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9314/1/Miro-Gavrans-great-international-success-Grand-Prix-in-Russia.html   Miro Gavran's plays have recently been performed in Russia, Austria and Poland with great success. His play "My Wife's Husband", performed under the direction of outstanding Russian artist Alexander Ogarjev, obtained three important prizes, among others the Grand-Prix for the best overall performance. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9292/1/President-Mesiae-decorated-the-US-Admiral-Lunney-with-the-Order-of-Trefoil.html The decoration was presented to Lunney at a ceremony in the Croatian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on Sept. 26th 2007. Admiral Lunney invested a lot of efforts, time and enthusiasm to find the family of Croat Peter Tomich, who was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, so as to present them with the Congressional Medal of Honor. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9304/1/Ace-king-Karlovic-pounds-out-third-title-of-season-in-Stockholm.html Croatian Ivo Karlovic fired 27 aces to lift his third title of the season on a different surface as he won the indoor Stockholm Open. Along with impeccable Roger Federer, Karlovic is the only other play in the ATP to own titles on three contrasting surfaces during the campaign. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9289/1/Opportunity-for-Croatian-Talent---RechargeIT-Request-for-Investment.html   Earlier this summer, Google.org launched its RechargeIT Initiative to accelerate the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technology through technical demonstrations, grant-making, advocacy and investments.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9259/1/PYRAMID-on-top-of-the-Pyramid---Monumental-success-of-Croatian-TV.html   The Pyramid is a unique combination of talk show and game show. Europroducciones has already optioned the format for Spain, Italy and Portugal, as has Gestion Avanti Cine Video for French speaking Canada. (photo) Dubravko Merlic and Zeljka Ogresta letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9247/1/Croatias-Blanka-Vlasic-wins-GOLD-at-the-World-Athletics-Championships-in-Osaka.html   Blanka Vlasic, Croatian high jumper, confirmed her status as the premier athlete in the women's event with an easy victory at the IAAF World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Croatia's Blanka Vlasic has won 12 out of the 13 outdoor competitions she has entered this year 2007. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 03 Sep 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/9202/1/Josip-Hanj---world-champion-in-stenography-in-Prague.html  Josip Hanj¹ won the title of world champion in stenography (in category shorthand / capturing, mothertongue; seniors), among 44 competitors from nine countries, during the 46th Intersteno Congress held in Prague. darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Sun, 12 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9183/1/Great-Success-and-almost-Gold-for-Croatian-Mens-Youth-Hanballers-in-Bahrain-2007.html  The crowd at the nearly complete Manama hall felt all ecstatic about the great performances of both youth teams. Danish Casper Ulrich Mortensen with 9 goals to his credit became the match winner. Manuel Strlek and Hrvoje Tojcic scoring 7 goals each made the Croatian side shining. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 04 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9182/1/Croatian-Karla-Fabrio-a--World-Champion-with-world-record-in-Jump-Blue-2007.html   Karla Fabrio, from Zagreb, Croatia establised a new world record in Jump Blue. Karla Fabrio, natjecateljica iz RK "Geronimo" iz Zagreba na natjecanju je postavila novi slu¾beni svjetski rekord u disciplini Jump Blue s rezultatom od 130,10 metara. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 04 Aug 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9172/1/Blanka-Vlasic-tops-206-in-Thessaloniki-for-a-new-Croatian-Record.html   Clearly the best athlete of the "Olympic Meeting 2007" held in Thessaloniki, Greece, was Croatia's Blanka Vlasic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9171/1/Fantela-and-Marenic-World-Champions.html  Croatian sailors Sime Fantela and Igor Marenic from Zadar have earned the title of world champions in the under 21 World Junior Championships. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9163/1/Croatian-accordion-players-at--60th-Coupe-Mondiale-Washington-DC.html Hrvatski  harmonika¹i sudjelovat æe na 60. Coupe Mondiale 13.-19. augusta 2007. u Alexandriiji, Washington DC. Za vrijeme odr¾avanja mondijala prof. Vjeri Odak-Jembrih bit æe uruèeno priznanje MERIT AWARD, koje joj dodjeljuje Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes.  vjera.odak-jembrih@email.t-com.hr (Vjera Odak-Jembrih) Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9159/1/Blanka-Vlasic-wins-again-in-Monte-Carlo-10-victories-in-2007.html  Croatia's best athlete, Blanka Vla¹iæ won her 10th victory of the season! At the Super Grand Prix meet "Herculis 2007" in Monte Carlo, she cleared 2.03 meters for victory. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 26 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9148/1/Danijela-Grgic-wins-Gold-at-the-European-Athletics-Junior-Championships-2007.html   Croatian 400m runner Danijela Grgic is making a habit of hitting top form when it matters most  a quality which will put her in good-stead for the future. Danijela wins gold again. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 22 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9147/1/Croatias-Blanka-Vlasic-cleared-205-metres-to-take-victory-in-Madrid-2007.html   Croatia's Blanka Vlasic beat her own leading mark of the year when she cleared 2.05 metres to take victory in the women's high jump at the IAAF Grand Prix in Madrid on Saturday July 21, 2007 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 22 Jul 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9090/1/TENNIS-Croatias-Ivan-Ljubicic-wins-the-mens-title-at-the-Ordina-Open-2007.html       letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9089/1/TENNIS-Karlovic-wins-Nottingham-Open-2007.html Ivo Karlovic claimed his second title of the season after coming from a set behind to defeat Arnaud Clement 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the Nottingham Open final. The big-serving Croatian took advantage of an increasingly weary-looking Clement to conclude his preparations for Wimbledon in style.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 23 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9040/1/Croatias-Stipe-Drews-World-Champion---wins-WBA-title-belt.html  Stipe Drews (32-1, 13 KO's) won a unanimous decision in 12 rounds against Silvio Branco (55-9-2, 34 KO's) to claim the light heavyweight title. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 01 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9038/1/Klapa-Dipet-wins-first-place-at-festival-for-choral-singing-in-Verona.html Klapa Di¹pet from Zagreb  placed first in the female folk group category at the Concorso Internazionale di canto corale festival in Verona, Italy.   jasna.ja@gmail.com (Dr. Jasna Jancic) Tue, 01 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9022/1/Croatias-Marin-Cilic-wins-Casablanca-Open-April-15th-2007.html   Croatian tennis player Marin Cilic defeated Italian Simone Bolelli in the final to win the Casablanca Open tournament on Sunday April 15th 2007 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9020/1/Karlovic-blasts-way-to-first-career-ATP-title.html Croatia's Ivo Karlovic (right) powered his way to his first career ATP title on Sunday, using his big serve to capture the U.S. Clay Court Championship with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Mariano Zabaleta.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9015/1/Croatia-wins-water-polo-gold-in-Melbourne-2007.html   Croatia made their first water polo medal in FINA world championship history a golden one, pulling off an upset overtime defeat of Hungary on a dramatic final day of the tournament in Melbourne today. Not an April Fools' Day joke. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 01 Apr 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9012/1/Croatia-dunks-Serbia-10-7-in-world-water-polo-rowdy-semi-final-in-Melbourne-2007.html   Miho Boskovic scored three goals Teo Dogas had two as Croatia dominated the Serbs, leading by as much as 8-3 heading into the final quarter. "We don't have a weak position in our team - we have strong defenders, strong shooters, strong center forwards, strong goalkeepers," said Croatia coach Radko Rudic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 30 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8986/1/Nenad-Bachs-music-helps-new-film-quotRandom-Lunacyquot-score-another-award.html     HmTmProd@aol.com (Vic Zimet & Stephanie Silber) Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8974/1/Marija-Grgurevic-a-Croatian-model-on-the-cover-of-Time-Magazin.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8961/1/Dubravka-Oraiae-Toliae---Croatian-Literature-Wins-Top-Translation-Prize.html Dubravka Oraiæ Toliæ goes beyond playing with language and textual contexts. Although reality and notions of home, country, people, nation, and life permeate her poetry, the thematic weight does not rest on the semantic deconstruction of concrete geographical-historical localities...   tchapek@pdx.edu (Terra Chapek) Fri, 23 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/8905/1/Amateur-Radio-Club-Koprivnica-Celebrates-60-Years.html    stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Pulji�) Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8898/1/Kastav-Croatia-on-the-World-map-thanks-to-Darko-Ivaneiae--ELCON----KEZIA-formed.html One of the most demanding businesses that ELCON Marine carried out was equipping the largest cruise ship in the world, Queen Mary II with the "heart" of  AV systems - audiovisual racks for local entertainment for the entire cruise ship. Numerous awards and acknowledgments followed.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8892/1/Ljubicic-beats-Murray-to-win-Qatar-Open-title.html Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia (right) beat Andy Murray of Britain 6-4 and 6-4 to take home the trophy from the one million U.S. dollars Qatar Open tennis tournament on Saturday.    letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 10 Jan 2007 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8872/1/Admiral-Lunney-continues-with-Peter-Tomichs-story-in-The-American-Legion.html   2.5 million copies sold. Story about Croatian American hero Peter Tomich. Thank you Admiral Lunney and The American Legion. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 17 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8865/1/Reclaiming-the-lost-harmony-of-the-world-CROWN-goes-behind-Golden-Karma-Awards-with-winner-Dino-Zonic.html Reclaiming the lost harmony of the world is our mission . We are presenting gala concerts worldwide, celebrating the spirit of life, which will symbolize a unique, magnificent and unifying message for the world. Music is our deepest connection and most powerful tool of unity and peace among all people. It gives a voice to our deepest sorrows while opening our hearts to forgiveness. www.UnityThroughMusic.org   edzonic@yahoo.com (Dino Zoni�) Sun, 10 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/8858/1/Pasionska-batina-u-Hrvatskoj.html UDRUGA PASIONSKA BA©TINA I DRU©TVO HRVATSKIH KNJI®EVNIKA raspisuju natjeèaj za knji¾evno djelo na temu Muke Kristove, ili na temu, ¹iroko shvaæene, opæeljudske muke. U ozbir dolaze do sada ne objavljena knji¾evna djela, i to: roman, veæa pripovijetka, drama, poema, te zbirka stihova.   darko_zubrinic@yahoo.com (Prof.Dr. Darko Zubrinic) Thu, 07 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/8824/1/Adolph-Lomb-Medal-2005-Marin-Soljacic.html   Adolph Lomb was OSA's treasurer from its founding until his death in 1932. In recognition of his devotion to OSA and the advancement of optics, the Adolph Lomb Medal, established in 1940, is presented to a person who has made a noteworthy contribution to optics at an early age. The candidate cannot be older than the age of 35. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 18 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8777/1/Australia-Croatia-win-reserves-league.html Croatia reserves came out league winners when they defeated Lions this weekend with Westlands coming third after a convincing win over Wanderers.   dalmatinac99@vip.hr (Ante Katalinic) Mon, 06 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8787/1/Croatian-Handball-Team-Wins-Statoil-World-Cup.html   violicalvert@optusnet.com.au (Violi Calvert) Sat, 04 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8768/1/Mario-Ancic-triumphs-in-St-Petersburg.html Croatia's Mario Ancic holds his trophy after defeating Sweden's Thomas Johansson in the final match at the St.Petersburg Open tennis tournament in St.Petersburg, October 29, 2006.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 29 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8756/1/A-brand-new-product-for-toothcare-toothbrushing-tablets-DENTAMETE.html BRONZE MEDAL FOR "DENTAMETE" ON ZAGREB AUTUMN TRADE FAIR 2006. I would like to introduce a brand new product for toothcare, toothbrushing tablets DENTAMETE. Dentamete are microbiologically and chemically tested and approved by Croatian public health institute. dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola�evi�) Sun, 22 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8752/1/OSJEEANKE-ODNIJELE-ZLATO-I-DVA-SREBRA-SA-EUROPSKOG-PRVENSTVA-MAORETKINJA-U-VICENZI-ITALIJA.html OSJEÈKE MA®ORETKINJE ODNIJELE ZLATO I DVA SREBRA SA EUROPSKOG PRVENSTVA MA®ORETKINJA U VICENZI, ITALIJA Europsko prvenstvo ma¾oretkinja 2006. odr¾ano je u Vincenzi, Italija, od 01. do 03. rujna 2006. godine. Na prvenstvu je nastupilo oko 1200 ma¾oretkinja u 39 timova, iz 12 dr¾ava.   dentamete@vip.hr (Goran Nikola�evi�) Sat, 21 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8769/1/Ivan-Ljubicic-of-Croatia-lifts-the-trophy-after-winning-his-Vienna-Open-2006.html   Ljubicic wins Vienna title. The lanky Croatian, who added to his championships in Chennai and Zagreb, is the first player since Roger Federer in 2002 and 2003 to successfully defend the title "It's great to (successfully) defend a title. It's the first time in my life," said Ljubicic. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 16 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8694/1/Mirko-quotCro-Copquot-Filipovic-wins-PRIDE-Open-Weight-Grand-Prix.html   On Sunday, September 10, 2006 Heavyweight Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic defeated two top-ranked opponents in one night to be crowned victor in PRIDE FC's Open Weight Grand Prix.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 12 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8600/1/E-Silver-went-to-Croatias-Duje-Draganja-at-the-European-Aquatic-Championships.html      Duje Draganja of Croatia is seen from underwater as he swims in the heats of the men's 50 m freestyle event at the European Aquatic Championships in Budapest August 5, 2006. Sergiy Breus, the European record holder from Ukraine, retained the 50m butterfly titles in a championship record of 23.41, just 0.03sec outside his best. Silver went to Croatia's Duje Draganja, on 23.62, with Jakob Andkjaer taking Denmark's first medal in the event, with 23.77 for third. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 07 Aug 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8515/1/H-Ivan-Dikic-dobitnik-godisnje-nagrade-za-biomedicinu-Zaklade-GlaxoSmithKline.html Ivan Diki dobitnik godisnje nagrade za biomedicinu Zaklade GlaxoSmithKline   11 srpnja 2006 Hrvatski lije nik i znanstvenik prof. Ivan Diki dobitnik je ovogodisnje nagrade Zaklade za bio letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8514/1/E-Vlasic-leaps-203m-to-equal-world-season-lead.html Vlasic leaps 2.03m to equal world season lead Sunday 2 July 2006 Somosko, Hungary - The 20th international High Jump meeting which was staged in the square of this Hungarian town on Saturday night (01), was re-christened this year as the ÀœIstvan Gyulai Memorial CompetitionÀ, paying respect to the late General Secretary of the IAAF, Istvan Gyulai ( letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 11 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8516/1/H-Ivan-Dikic-znanstvenik-godine-Europskog-udruzenja-za-istrazivanje-tumora.html Ivan Dikic znanstvenik godine Europskog udruzenja za istrazivanje tumora   Croatian researcher Ivan Dikic [EACR] Press Release: 03.07.2006 Ivan Dikic proglasen znanstvenikom godine Europskog udruzenja za istrazivanje tumora Prof. Ivan Dikic dobitnik je nagrade Europskog udruzenja za istrazivanje tumora (EACR) za istrazivaca 2006. godine. Nagrada mu je urucena na danasnjoj svecanoj ceremoniji tijekom EACR kongresa u Budimpesti. Prof. Dikic (40) nagraDen je za predani rad na otkrivanju poremecaja u prijenosu signala unutar stanice koji dovode do razvoja tumorskih oboljenja. Ovo je prvi put da je ova prestizna znanstvena nagrada dodijeljena jednom hrvatskom znanstveniku. Prof. Dikic novcani iznos nagrade donirao je za pomoc djeci oboljeloj od tumora i djeci s teskocama u razvoju u Hrvatskoj. http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/Dikic_EACR_Press_HR.doc Dodatne informacije: http://www.eacr.org/ http://molsig.biochem2.de Ivan.Dikic@biochem2.de   Related article: http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/roundup/2006/07/10/roundup-03 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8513/1/E-Croatias-Dikic-wins-cancer-research-award.html Science and Technology: Croatia's Dikic wins cancer research award   10/07/2006 Ivan Dikic is the winner of this year's Young Cancer Researcher Award, given by the European Association of Cancer Research. Also in science and tec letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 10 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8517/1/H-Odlikovanje-Nikola-Tesla-Prof-Dr-Davoru-Pavuna.html Odlikovanje 'Nikola Tesla' Prof. Dr. Davoru Pavuna     Sutra u srijedu 5. srpnja u 11h Predsjednik Republike Hrvatske ce uruciti odlikovanje 'Red Danice Hrvatske s likom Nikole Tesle' Prof. Dr. sc. Davoru Pavuna :za brojne inovacije i radove u podrucju ultrabrzo-kaljenih slitina i tankih elektronskih filmova, te za doprinose hrvatskoj medjunarodnoj znanstveno-tehnoloskoj suradnji. Davor Pavuna je profesor fizike i ravnatelj Laboratorija za fiziku funckionalne materije na Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne u Svicarskoj :http://ipmc.epfl.ch/page31440.html   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 04 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8512/1/E-Dva-hrvatska-branda-medju-najboljih-100---Boris-Ljubicic-opet-na-djelu.html Dva Hrvatska branda medju najboljih 100   Logo Hrvatske turisticke zajednice je 15. svibnja 2006. u Providence-u, SAD proglasena jednim od 10 pobjednika nagrade ReBrand 100 za 2006. godinu. Usporednim prikazom starog i novog Logo-a hrvatskog turizma medjunarodni ziri je odlucio nagraditi nas novi logo. Ovo je veliko priznanje hrvatskom brandu i turistickoj bransi kojom se hrvatska promovira u svijetu. ReBrand 100 se dodjeljuje stotini najdinamicnijih i najuspjesnije preoblikovanih (rebrendiranih) logo-a sa svih strana svijeta. Kriteriji prema kojima su izabrani pobjednici najboljih preoblikovanja logotipova su cista i jasna transformacija za poboljsanje strategijske objektivnosti, nadmasena ocekivanja i/ili uklopljen element iznenadjenja, naziranje emotivne veze sa ciljanom publikom i sposobnost za sire prepoznavanje i ostvarenje.     Novi logo Hrvatske turisticke zajednice dizajnera Borisa Ljubicica donio je svjezinu i prepoznatljivost Hrvatske na turistickom trzistu. Buduci je Hrvatska zemlja tisucu otoka i blistavog plavog mora, prostranih zitnih polja i gustih suma, logom Hrvatske turisticke zajednice ispreplicu se plava boja kao simbol mora, zuta kao simbol zita i zelena kao simbol suma a kao najvazniji detalj dva kvadrata (crveni i plavi) koji predstavljaju vizualni kod Republike Hrvatske. Posebnost rijesenja logoa je i njegova prevodivost na sve jezike svijeta, jer je autor oblikovao posebnu tipografiju kojom se naziv Hrvatska ispisuje s obvezna dva kvadrata i slovom "A" u onom plavom kao inicijal od Adriatic Sea (zapravo hrvatskog mora). Nagrada ReBrand 100 je jos jedna u nizu uspjeha ostvarenih suradnjom Hrvatske turisticke zajednice i dizajnera Borisa Ljubicica.       Hrvatska radiotelevizija ciji logo HRT ima dva crvena kvadrata na slovu T je rebrendirana tako da su slova objedinjena u cijelinu i da svako slovo ima jednu bocnu okomitu liniju koja ga vremenski odredjuje: slovo H naravno ima najduzu liniju, slovo R nesto kracu (upravo slavi 80 godina) i slovo T najkacu ( postoji vec 50 godina). Osnovna ideja sa dva crvena kvadrata koji odredjuju vizualni kod Hrvatske su nepromijenjana. Rebrendirani HRT kao i turizam su svijetski reprezenti uspjesnog rebrendiranja.     Zanimljivo je da je isti autor oblikovao i prva rijesenja i njihov redizajn. Zakljucak: radi se o sigurnim standardima koji jasno i nedvojbeno predstacvljaju Republiku Hrvatsku u svijetu i doma i svojim uzorom mogu biti naputak za uspjesnost hrvatskog branda, pa cak i njegova definicija. Linkovi: www.rebrand.com  winers www.rebrand100.com/page.php/id/361  Croatian National Tourist Board .   contact Boris Ljubicic: boris@studio-international.com   www.studio-international.com letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8511/1/E-Beyond-The-Call-won-the-Grand-Jury-Prize-at-the-Mountain-Film-Festival.html Beyond The Call won the Grand Jury Prize at the Mountain Film Festival 'Beyond the Call is an extremely inspiring film that is also hilarious, exciting and heartwrenching.'   We had an amazing world premier at the Tribeca film festival and screened at the San Francisco International film festival. The film recently won the Grand Jury Prize at the Mountain Film Festival in Telluride, Colorado. I am off to Maui (Hawaii) Film Festival screening the film next week. Here is a review and quote about the film: Tribeca Review: Beyond the Call Another good title for Beyond the Call would be The Santa Claus 3, if only it didn't sound too similar to a very different movie scheduled for release later this year. Nonetheless, Beyond the Call is a perfeclty fine name for Adrian Belic's extraordinary documentary about three old men -- occasionally with white beards -- traveling the world with presents. Unlike Santa, they don't travel just once a year and they don't cover all of the earth in one mission. Also, instead of toys, they give out food, medical supplies, clothing and blankets. Sometimes, though, they bring something like a solar-powered oven, which certainly looks like a big toy. Meet Ed Artis, Jim Laws and Walt Ratterman, aka Knightsbridge, a three-man humanitarian organization that provides aid to needy people, one impoverished country at a time. In the Tribeca Film Festival guide, the film's synopsis describes them as "part Mother Teresa and part Indiana Jones," which earned a few rolled eyes from the Cinematical staff at first. Well, wouldn't you know their interpretation is spot-on? Sure, they don't recover artifacts or fight Nazis, but their role is just as much adventurous as it is altruistic. One of the big questions that went through my head first was, "Where does the money come from?" Some of the materials are donated, and the guys receive an 80-90% discount on medical supplies, but the expense of each trip appears to be high; at one point they pay for truckloads of food out of a pouch filled with wads of $100-bills. Later they hand $2,000 cash to an Afghan school that can't pay its teachers. The documentary isn't completely clear about how this cardiologist, construction company owner, and retired mortgage banker can work so rarely at home and devote so much time and money abroad, except to point out that while others are saving up for a boat or for retirement, they save up for the next mission. It is probably that simple, and of course, it doesn't really matter how they're able to do it -- they do it. Beyond the Call shows them doing it throughout Afghanistan, where they planned to go even before 9/11; in the southern Philippines, where they help the U.S. military acquire medical equiptment for cheap; it shows them trying to do it on the Burmese border of Thailand. They claim to have no fear of death, because, as Artis puts it, a spreadsheet of his life comes out far more positive than negative. Artis admits one fear, however: being kidnapped; the idea of someone telling his wife, "We've got him," is the worst-case scenario he can think of. Although Knightsbridge travels through a lot of dangerous territory, Belic doesn't capture anything too intense (see Shadow of Afghanistan for that kind of film), which is okay. It is hard enough viewing the people already affected by war and poverty. Beyond the Call is an extremely inspiring film that is also hilarious, exciting and heartwrenching. Not only are the three men unbelievably good willed, they are enjoyable characters filled with loveable quirks and wonderful stories to tell. I'd say someone should give them a reality show -- the film will leave you craving more -- except I respect that this is probably all the attention they could want or need. http://www.cinematical.com/2006/04/21/tribeca-review-beyond-the-call/ "This year there are a handful of films that I want to cite simply because they embody, in one way or another, something of the spirit that gave birth to the Tribeca Film Festival... [Films] about people who know that what they do as individuals can make a difference in the world: Beyond the Call." - Peter Scarlet, Executive Director, Tribeca Film Festival Looking forward to our paths crossing sometime this year. Thank you, Adrian Belic Filmmaker (415) 716-0660 mobile Op-ed We are proud of your extraordinary talent and can only imagine sacrifice that accompanies your missions. Just to remind other people who do not connect the dots. Belic brothers made Ghengis Blues a documentary that was nominated for an Oscar. I saw it in Dubrovnik and the film was simply amazing. My warmest recommendations for the film www.genghisblues.com  as well. Nenad letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8510/1/H-Design-Ambalaze-Hrvatske-Tvrtke-Ulola-Nagradjen-u-SAD.html Design Ambalaze Hrvatske Tvrtke Ulola Nagradjen u SAD Hrvatska - Ulola - nagrada - SAD - design - sapuni www.ulola.com  (Moja preporuka za pogledati. Website je izuzetan. My recommendation for you to see this website. Outstanding design. Nenad Bach) Zagreb (ots) - Na medjunarodnom natjecanju za design - The 2006 Summit Creative Awards (SAD) design ambalaze tvrtke Ulola iz Zagreba osvojio je nagradu "Silver Award". Nagrada je dodijeljena u kategoriji "Packaging--Series or Campaign" za ambalazu Ulola prirodnih sapuna i kupki.. Nagradjeni design rad je agencije Elevator iz Splita. The Summit Creative Awards dodjeljuje priznanje za izvanredna dostignuca marketinÃÂkih tvrtki, reklamnih agencija, tvrtki video-produkcije i multimedija te ostalih kreativnih studija s godiÃÂnjim prometom do 25 miljuna USD. Kao takav predstavlja jedinstvenu priliku za takav tip tvrtki da se natjece na globalnom nivou. Radovi u 13 kategorija su ocjenjivani prema najstrozim kriterijima na bazi inovativnosti i kreativnosti koncepta, kvaliteti izvedbe te uspjeÃÂnosti u komuniciranju ideje. Ulola je proizvodjac prirodne kozmetike sa sjediÃÂtem u Zagrebu. Osim atraktivnog designa nagradjena ambalaza karakteristicna je i po inovativnosti. Zbog potpuno prirodnih sastojaka proizvodi su pakirani u hermeticki zatvorenu ambalazu prehrambene kvalitete koja garantira mnogo bolje ocuvanje prirodnih svojstava. Proizvodi Ulola dostupni su u lancima drogerija DM i Kozmo. ViÃÂe informacija o proizvodima Ulola mozete vidjeti na web-adresi http://www.ulola.com  OvogodiÃÂnje natjecanje zaprimilo je oko 4000 radova iz 50 zemalja ukljucujuci Australiju, Austriju, Kanadu, Dansku, Indiju, Italiju, Kuvajt, Meksiko, Nepal, Novi Zeland, Rusiju, Singapur, Juznu Afriku, Nizozemsku, Ukrajinu, Ujedinjene Arapske Emirate, Veliku Britaniju, Sjedinjene Americke Drzave i Hrvatsku. Nagrade pobjednicima su dodijeljene u kategorijama: print, broadcast, online advertising, multimedia, printed material, direct mail, sales promotion, political, corporate video, public service, best idea never produced i self-promotion. ViÃÂe informacija o Summit Creative Awards-u moze se naci na Summit Awards web siteu na www.summitawards.com. NAPOMENA O IZVORU: Sapio - ULOLA Josipa Vogrinca 18 10 000 Zagreb Tel/Fax: 01 / 3833 193 web: www.ulola.com  , web: www.sapio.hr Marijan Tomljanovic e-mail: info@ulola.com  mobi: 091 8895303 Jocelyn Luciano - Executive Director Summit Creative Awards tel: ++1 (503) 297-9979 e-mail: JocelynLuciano@summitawards.com web: www.summitawards.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8509/1/E-Blanka-Vlasic-of-Croatia-wins-Golden-Spike-with-a-jump-of-200-meters.html Blanka Vlasic of Croatia wins Golden Spike with a jump of 2.00 meters   Blanka Vlasic of Croatia clears the bar to win the women's high jump at the Golden Spike athletic event in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Tuesday evening, May 30, 2006. (AP Photo/CTK, Dan Krzywon)   Croatia's Blanka Vlasic reacts during the women's high jump final at the Golden Spike IAAF World Athletics Tour Meeting in the north Moravian town of Ostrava, Czech Republic May 30, 2006. Vlasic won with a jump of 2.00 meters. REUTERS/David W Cerny letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8508/1/E-Croatia-storm-to-World-Team-title.html Croatia storm to World Team title   Saturday, May 27, 2006; Posted: 10:01 a.m. EDT (14:01 GMT) Stand-in Karlovic's win in the first singles proved vital for Croatia. DUSSELDORF, Germany -- Croatia dominated the hosts Germany 2-0 to win the 1.85 million euro (2.36 million dollar) ATP World Team Championship for the first time in their history on Saturday in Dusseldorf. Croatia added the team trophy to the Davis Cup they won last year after crushing holders Germany in a one-sided final. Singles victory for the giant Ivo Karlovic and tournament star Ivan Ljubicic sealed the victory. Karlovic, coming in for the injured Mario Ancic, defeated Alexander Waske 7-6 6-4 in the opening singles rubber. Nicolas Kiefer then had the task of keeping his country in the match but came up well short against Ljubicic. The 26-year-old Croat, ranked fourth in the world, hardly broke a sweat winning 6-4 6-4 to clinch the crown. The win meant the ensuing doubles match was irrelevant. The win will certainly boost Ljubicic ahead of his French Open bid at Roland Garros, which begins on Monday. http://www.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/05/27/tennis.team/index.html?section=cnn_latest Croatia clinch World Team title Karlovic won the opening singles rubber in straight sets Croatia beat defending champions and hosts Germany 2-0 to seal the ATP World Team Championship for the first time in Duesseldorf on Saturday. Ivo Karlovic, deputising for the injured Mario Ancic, defeated Alexander Waske 7-6 6-4 in the first singles. And Ivan Ljubicic eased past Germany's Nicolas Kiefer 6-4 6-4 in the second rubber to ensure the win. It was Croatia's first appearance in the final since 1985 when they reached that stage for the first time. Waske, who was also a last-minute replacement for Michael Kohlschreiber, was always in contention but was unable to gain the upper hand against Karlovic. Waske led 3-0 after breaking in the second game of the second set before Karlovic broke back in the fifth game. A superb backhand return that landed just inside the line earned him a second and decisive break for 4-3. Kiefer looked a little flat against Ljubicic, who played a steady match but rarely had to lift himself above the ordinary. A break for 2-1 in each set was enough to secure victory. Kiefer netted a backhand at 1-1 in the first set, and Ljubicic struck a cross-court winner on his fourth break point at 1-1 in the second. Kiefer earned just one break point in the match, and it came at a crucial stage with Ljubicic leading 4-3 in the second set. Ljubicic saved that with a forehand volley and went on to serve out the match. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/5023546.stm letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 27 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4273/1/E-Admiral-Henry-Ulrich-III-awards-the-Congressional-Medal-of-Honor-to-Srecko-Herzeg.html ÂCroatian World War Two hero Peter Tomichposthumously receives the Congressional Medal of Honor ÂÂAdmiral Henry Ulrich III, Commander of US Naval Forces Europe, awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to Srecko Herzeg (R), a descendant of World War Two hero Peter Tomich, on the USS Enterprise, in Split, Croatia, May 18, 2006. Chief Watertender Peter Tomich, a Croatian immigrant to the U.S., was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his outstanding courage in Pearl Harbor when he remained at his post onboard USS Utah when it was attacked in 1951 until he saw all the boilers were secured and all personnel had left their stations, and lost his own life. U.S. authorities had troubles locating his next of kin. REUTERS/Matko Biljak Reuters - May 18 10:56 AMSrecko Herzeg, a descendant of WW2 hero Peter Tomich, displays the medal at a Medal of Honor ceremony, Split, Croatia, Thursday May 18, 2006. Chief Watertender Peter Tomich, a Croatian immigrant to the U.S., was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his outstanding courage in Pearl Harbor when he remained at his post onboard USS Utah when it was attacked in 1951 until he saw all the boilers were secured and all personel had left their stations, and lost his own life. U.S. authorities had troubles locating his next of kin. Herzeg accepted the medal on Tomich's behalf from Adm. Harry Ulrich III, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe, aboard the USS Enterprise. (AP Photo/Bozidar Vukicevic) AP - May 18 9:39 AM letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4269/1/E-Medal-of-Honor-on-USS-Enterprise-during-port-call-in-Croatia.html ÂSpotlight on USS Enterprise during port call in CroatiaBy Sandra Jontz, Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Friday, May 19, 2006SPLIT, Croatia - It's one heck of a first port call for the sailors and Marines of the USS Enterprise, which is transiting the world's oceans, including a combat zone, over the next five months.Early Wednesday, the mammoth aircraft carrier pulled in to the resort town of Split on the Croatian coast and gave the crew a chance to look around.'This is amazing,' Marine Cpl. Joshua Cline said after returning to the carrier from a tour of the town. Although he was on a liberty patrol, making sure all went well as the sailors and Marines descended on Split, he and others visited various eateries and shopping spots in town.'I wanted to eat the local food, but we ended up getting pizza,' said Petty Officer 3rd Class Mathew Selph, 22. 'But it was goooood pizza.'Commissioned in 1961, the Enterprise is the Navy's oldest nuclear-powered carrier. It left its home port of Norfolk, Va., on May 2 on a six-month deployment with nearly 6,000 sailors and Marines and 60 aircraft aboard.Split is the first of about a dozen planned liberty calls.On Thursday, the carrier's crew hosts a much-anticipated ceremony in which the Navy will present, after 64 years in limbo, the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, to a distant relative of a World War II sailor who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.Lt. Col. Srecko Herceg Tonic will accept the decoration on behalf of his relative, Chief Watertender Peter Tomich, who was killed while manning the USS Utah.Croatia's Minister of Defense Berislav Roncevic visited the carrier Wednesday afternoon, touring the hangar bays, the flight deck and getting tutorials from Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, the carrier strike group's commanding officer, and Capt. Larry Rice, the ship's skipper.During their two-plus days in Split, crewmembers will be doing more than shopping and dining. The carrier and a Croatian ship exchanged 69 of each other's sailors for several hours Thursday to learn how the other carries out its respective jobs.On Friday, sailors and Marines will partake in two community relations projects in which they will refurbish the Jurabonci home for mentally handicapped children and the Marjan city park, said Chief Petty Officer Will Borrall, a ship spokesman.And the Americans will take on the Croatians in rugby, basketball and soccer matches for which the troops have equal amounts excitement and trepidation, Borrall joked. They know Enterprise players likely won't come home victorious, especially in soccer.The Enterprise's arrival made headlines, and while on a boat ferrying sailors and Marines between Split's pier and the carrier anchored a few miles off the coastline, Airmen Hillario Arreola and Joshua Dandrea watched Croatian news coverage of their visit.'It's pretty weird,' said Arreola, 20.'Yeah, we just don't think it's that big of a thing,' added Dandrea, also 20. 'I guess we're used to us.'http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=37297 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4271/1/E-US-Vice-President-and-the-Medal-of-Honor-for-Croatian.html ÂAmerican Vice President Cheney plans to award the Peter Tomich Medal of Honor to his next of kin during his visit to Croatia this month May 2006. TOMICH, PETER Medal of HonorTHE PETER TOMICH UNCLAIMED MEDAL OF HONORorPeter Tonic-Tomic-HercegBy Adam S. EterovichThere are only two Medals of Honor in American history that are not claimed because a next-of-kin could not be found, one in the Indian Wars and Peter Tomich at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. He died a hero on the battleship Utah.His next-of-kin, John Tomich in Los Angeles, could not be found and the Navy dropped the matter as his records simply stated born in Prolog, Austria. So, for 60 years the Navy, Medal of Honor Society and the Croatian community did nothing thru no fault of their own.Approximately 15 years ago (1985) I asked a journalist, Vjekoslav Krsnik, from Split, Croatia to visit Mali and Veli Prolog in Dalmatia and Prolog in Hercegovina and ask for the names Tonic and Tomic and since these were small places , we should turn up something. To our surprise no Tonic-Tomic originated in Mali or Veli Prolog, but at Prolog in Hercegovina Vjekoslav found that Tonic was the Clan Name for Herceg. We had found our hero, his birthplace and his Croatian nationality. We obtained birth and other records from Prolog which were extremely useful.Admiral J. Robert Lunney of New York has probably contributed more than anyone in his help, cooperation and labor to present to the proper Naval authorities adequate proof that we do have a next-of-kin. Last year he traveled to Prolog to view the original Church and Civil records. His first submission to the Navy was rejected and since then a second Legal Brief has been filed. We also wish to thank my good friend Don Chvarak, a Croatian American War Veteran, of Texas, Admiral Robert A. Rosen, Senators Robert G. Torricelli and Max Cleland. Also special thanks to Mato Herceg here in California and a Vietnam Veteran, a native of Prolog, who updated and uncovered new documentation and president Bernard Luketich of the Croatian Fraternal Union for graciously publishing material on Peter Tomich in the Zajednicar. The Navy is confused because of “Prolog, Austria”; Tonich changed to Tomich, then being advised that the name is really Herceg and that he is a Croatian from Hercegovina that had been Turkey in his father’s lifetime. It does get confusing.We are pleased to report to have found a direct relative of the next-of-kin, now deceased, his grandson, Srecko Herceg a Lt. Col. in the Croatian Army living in Split, Dalmatia. He received five medals for valor in battle against Serbian forces in the late war in Croatia. We also have a relative, Mato Herceg, living in California. Now we have two heroes, it must in their blood...Hercegovci are known for their stubborness, loyalty, honor and as superior warriors against all odds. Peter Tomich-Herceg beat the Japanese in the Pacific and Srecko Herceg beat the Serbs in Croatia and Hercegovina. We do hope to have Srecko Herceg brought to America or Mato Herceg to receive the Medal from the President of the United States.I would like this Medal to be deposited at the Croatian Fraternal Union Museum in Pittsburgh.TOMICH, PETER Peter Tonich was born in Prolog, Austria, on June 3. 1893. He enlisted in U. S. Army at Fort Solcum, New York, on June 6, 1917, and served with the 12ti- Company, 3rd Training Battalion, 154th Depot Brigade, Camp Greene, North Carolina, and also with Company L, 47th Infantry, Camp Greene, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged January l3, 1919.Tonich was naturalized at Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on October 10, 1918. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy at Newark, New Jersey, on January 23, 1919, at which time his name was recorded as Tonich. Later he used the name Tomich in signing official papers. Tonich (Tomich) served continuously in the Navy from the time of his enlistment and was advanced through the enlisted ratings to that of Chief Watertender on June 4, 1930.Tonich (Tomich) was serving aboard the USS UTAH at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked the Fleet on December 7, 1941, and was killed in that action. For his heroism on this historic occasion he was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, by the President of the United States, with the following citation:Medal of Honor"For distinguished conduct in line of his profession and extraordinary courace and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by the Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Although realizing that the ship was capsizing, as a result of enemy bombing and torpedoing, he remained at his post in the engineering plant of the USS UTAH, until he saw that all boilers were secured.and all fireroom personnel had left their stations, and by so doing he lost his own life."He was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal, posthumously.In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart Medal, Tonich (Tomich) was entitled to the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.A Destroyer Escort vessel, the USS TOMICH, DE-242, was named in his honor.OTHER MEDALS OF HONOR:BUCHA, PAUL WILLIAMRank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company D, 3d Battalion. 187th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Near Phuoc Vinh, Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16-19 March 1968. Entered service at., U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Born: I August 1943, Washington, D.C. Citation, For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Bucha distinguished himself while serving as commanding officer, Company D, on a reconnaissance-in force mission against enemy forces near Phuoc Vinh, The company was inserted by helicopter into the suspected enemy stronghold to locate and destroy the enemy, During this period Capt. Bucha aggressively and courageously led his men in the destruction of enemy fortifications and base areas and eliminated scattered resistance impeding the advance of the company. On 18 March while advancing to contact, the lead elements of the company became engaged by the heavy automatic weapon, heavy machinegun, rocket propelled grenade, claymore mine and small-arms fire of an estimated battalion-size force. Capt. Bucha, with complete disregard for his safety, moved to the threatened area to direct the defense and ordered reinforcements to the aid of the lead element. Seeing that his men were pinned down by heavy machinegun fire from a concealed bunker located some 40 meters to the front of the positions, Capt. Bucha crawled through the hail of fire to singlehandedly destroy the bunker with grenades.During this heroic action Capt. Bucha received a painful shrapnel wound. Returning to the perimeter, he observed that his unit could not hold its positions and repel the human wave assaults launched by the determined enemy. Capt. Bucha ordered the withdrawal of the unit elements and covered the withdrawal to positions of a company perimeter from which he could direct fire upon the charging enemy. When friendly element retrieving casualties was ambushed and cut off from the perimeter, Capt. Bucha ordered them to feign death and he directed artillery fire around them. During the night Capt. Bucha moved throughout the position, distributing ammunition, providing encouragement and insuring the integrity of the defense. He directed artillery, gunship and Air Force gunship fire on the enemy strong points and attacking forces, marking the positions with smokegrenades. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, he directed the medical evacuation of 3 air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel and the helicopter supply of his company. At daybreak Capt. Bucha led a rescue party to recover the dead and wounded members of the ambushed element. During the period of intensive combat, Capt. Bucha, by his extraordinary heroism, inspirational example, outstanding leadership and professional competence, led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield. His bravery and gallantry at the risk of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service, Capt. Bucha has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.The original name of Capt. Bucha was Buha. His people came from Slavonia in Croatia. He is now the President of the Medal of Honor Society in America.CUKELA, LOUIS (Army Medal)Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, 66th Company 5th Regiment. Place and date: Near Villers-Cotterets, France, 18 July 1918. Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minn. Born: I May 1888, Sebenes, Austria. G,O. No.: 34, W.D., 1919. (Also received Navy Medal of Honor.) Citation: When his company, advancing through a wood, met with strong resistance from an enemy strong point, Sgt. Cukela crawled out from the flank and made his way toward the German lines in the face of heavy fire, disregarding the warnings of his comrades. He succeeded in getting behind the enemy position and rushed a machinegun emplacement, killing or driving off the crew with his bayonet. With German handgrenades he then bombed out the remaining portion of the strong point, capturing 4 men and 2 damaged machine guns. Sgt. Cukela was born in Sibenik, Dalmatia and the origins of Cukela come from the Island of Solta. My good friend, Ante Jakovcevic, from Solta proved that he is a Croatian Catholic with origins in Solta. He is one of the few that received two Medals of Honor.CUKELA, LOUIS (Navy Medal)Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, 66th Company, 5th Regiment. Born: I May 1888, Sebenes, Austria. Accredited to: Minnesota. (Also received Army Medal of Honor.) Citation: For extraordi nary heroism while serving with the 66th Company, 5th Regiment, dur ing action in the Forest de Retz, near Viller-Cottertes, France, 18 July 1918. Sgt. Cukela advanced alone against an enemy strong point that was holding up his line. Disregarding the warnings of his comrades, he crawled out from the flank in the face of heavy fire and worked his way to the rear of the enemy position. Rushing a machinegun emplacement, he killed or drove off the crew with his bayonet, bombed out the remaining part of the strong point with German handgrenades and captured 2 machineguns and 4 men.NOVOSEL, MICHAEL J.Rank and organization: Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, 82d Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group. Place and date: Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 October 1969. Entered service at: Kenner, La. Born: 3 September 1922, Etna, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Novosel, 82d Medical Detachment, distinguished himself while serving as commander of a medical evacuation helicopter. He unhesitatingly maneuvered his helicopter into a heavily fortified and defended enemy training area where a group of wounded Vietnamese soldiers were pinned down by a large enemy force. Flying without gunship or other cover and exposed to intense machinegun fire, CWO Novosel was able to locate and rescue a wounded soldier. Since all communications with the beleaguered troops had been lost, he repeatedly circled the battle area, flying at low level under continuous heavy fire, to attract the attention of the scattered friendly troops. This display of courage visibly raised their morale, as they recognized this as a signal to assemble for evacuation. On 6 occasions he and his crew were forced out of the battle area by the intense enemy fire, only to circle and return from another direction to land and extract additional troops. Near the end of the mission, a wounded soldier was spotted close to an enemy bunker. Fully realizing that he would attract a hail of enemy fire, CWO Novosel nevertheless attempted the extraction by hovering the helicopter backward. As the man was pulled on aboard, enemy automatic weapons opened fire at close range, damaged the aircraft and wounded CWO Novosel. He momentarily lost control of the aircraft, but quickly recovered and departed under the withering enemy fire. In all, 15 extremely hazardous extractions were performed in order to remove wounded personnel. As a direct result of his selfless conduct, the lives of 29 soldiers were saved. The extraordinary heroism displayed by CWO Novosel was an inspiration to his comrades in arms and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.CWO Novosel’s people came from Ribnik in Croatia.GRBITCH, RADERank and organization: Seaman, U.S, Navy. Born: 24 December 1870, Austria. Accredited to: Illinois. G.O. No.: 13, 5 January 1906. Citation: On board the U.S. Bennington, for extraordinary heroism displayed at the time of the explosion of a boiler of that vessel at San Diego, Calif., 21 July 1905.Grbitch is Grbic and his origins are in Dalmatia, Croatia. He is buried at the Presidio of San Francisco.TOMINAC, JOHN J.Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company 1, 15th infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Saulx de Vesoul, France, 12 September 1944. Entered service at: Conemaugh, Pa. Birth: Conemaugh, Pa. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty an 12 September 1944, in an attack on Saulx de Vesoul, France. lst Lt. Tominac charged alone over 50 yards of exposed terrain onto an enemy roadblock to dispatch a 3-man crew of German machine gunners with a single burst from his Thompson machinegun. After smashing the enemy outpost, he led one of his squads in the annihilation of a second hostile group defended by mortar, machinegun, automatic pistol, rifle and grenade fire, killing about 30 of the enemy. Reaching the suburbs of the town, he advanced 50 yards ahead of his men to reconnoiter a third enemy position which commanded the road with a 77-mm. SP gun supported by infantry elements. The SP gun opened fire on his supporting tank, setting it afire with a direct hit. A fragment from the same shell painfully wounded Ist Lt. Tominac in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. As the crew abandoned the M-4 tank, which was rolling down hill toward the enemy, ist Lt. Tominac picked himself up and jumped onto the hull of the burning vehicle. Despite withering enemy machinegun, mortar, pistol, and sniper fire, which was ricocheting off the hull and turret of the M-4, Ist Lt. Tominac climbed to the turret and gripped the 50-caliber antiaircraft machinegun. Plainly silhouetted against the sky, painfully wounded, and with the tank burning beneath his feet, he directed bursts of machinegun fire on the roadblock, the SP gun, and the supporting German infantrymen, and forced the enemy to withdraw from his prepared position. Jumping off the tank before it exploded, Ist Lt. Tominac refused evacuation despite his painful wound. Calling upon a sergeant to extract the shell fragments from his shoulder with a pocketknife, he continued to direct the assault, led his squad in a handgrenade attack against a fortified position occupied by 32 of the enemy armed with machineguns, machine pistols, and rifles, and compelled them to surrender. His outstanding heroism and exemplary leadership resulted in the destruction of 4 successive enemy defensive positions, surrender of a vital sector of the city Saulx de Vesoul, and the death or capture of at least 60 of the enemy.His people are from Croatia.VADAS, ALBERTRank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. (Named changed to Wadas, Albert.) Born: 26 March 1876, Austria-Hungary. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, I I May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Vadas displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period. More detailed records stated he was from Fuma (Fiume), Fiume is Italian for Rijeka, Croatia. The name Vadas-Wadas was Vidas from the Rijeka district. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 17 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4272/1/E-Dutch-grown-tulips-named-after-Janica-Kostelic.html ÂDutch-grown tulips named after Janica KostelicÂÂCroatia's alpine skiing champion Janica Kostelic smells a brand new variety of Dutch-grown tulips named after her at a ceremony in Zagreb April 27,2006. A Dutch tulip grower named the red tulips Janica Kostelic in honour of the World Cup winner and Olympic champion. REUTERS/Nikola Solic  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4270/1/E-Ivan-Dikic-receives-Award-from-GlaxoSmithKline-Foundation.html  Medical Faculty Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt Press release from the Institute of Biochemistry IIApril 5th, 2006Professor Ivan Dikic receives the Scientific Award from GlaxoSmithKline FoundationÂProfessor Ivan Dikic receives the Scientific Award from GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and the Binder Innovation Prize from German Society for Cell Biology. The jury of the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation awarded Professor Ivan Dikic with the scientific award in medical basic research 2006. The prize will be awarded on July 11th at the ceremony in Munich. In addition, the German Society for Cell Biology awarded the annual Binder Innovation prize 2006 to Dr. Ivan DIkic on it annual meeting held on March 31, 2006 in Braunschweig, Germany.Professor Dikic (39) is heading the molecular signaling research group of the Institute of Biochemistry II at Frankfurt University Hospital. His team studies signaling pathways that control cell growth and differentiation and the reasons why they are deregulated in diseases such as cancer. Crucial for the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation juryÂs decision were Professor Dikics scientific contributions concerning the role of the ubiquitin system in biological cells: ubiquitin is a small protein that works as a molecular switch in cells. Tagged to other proteins it regulates various cellular processes such as gene activation, protein degradation or signal transduction. The research results of the Dikic-group concerning the ubiquitin system, including the discovery of novel binding domaines for ubiquitin, have been described in recent publications in the scientific journals SCIENCE (Dez 16th, 2005/ 310:1821-1824) and NATURE CELL BIOLOGY (February 2006/ 8:163-169). letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 10 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4268/1/E-Ivan-Dikic-receives-26th-AACR-Award-in-Cancer-Research.html  Medical Faculty Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt Press release from the Institute of Biochemistry IIApril 5th, 2006Ivan Dikic receives 26th AACR Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cancer ResearchÂDr. Ivan Dikic (39), professor at Goethe University Medical School received the 26th American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) award for Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research. Dr. Dikic is the first scientist from Europe who was honored by this prestigious recognition. This Award is given to a young investigator (under 40 years of age) on the basis of meritorious achievement in cancer research. The prize was awarded on April 4th, 2006 at the annual meeting of AACR in Washington DC where 17 000 scientists from around the world gathered.Dr. Dikic is honored for his groundbreaking contribution to the field of growth factor receptor signaling. Through this work, Dr. Dikic has propelled a major advancement of our current understanding of the molecular machinery, which along with the ubiquitylation, controls the intracellular trafficking of ligand-engaged and âactivated growth factor receptors. The AACR also credited Dr. Dikicâs dedication to the education of young scientists, through active participation in teaching programs and as a founder of the Dubrovnik signaling conferences.Ivan Dikic graduated at the Medical School University of Zagreb, Croatia in 1991. He next joined the laboratory of Dr. Joseph Schlessinger in New York, where he completed his Ph.D. and postdoctoral training (1992-1997). From 1997-2003 Dr. Dikic led a research group at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala, Sweden. In 2003, Dr. Dikic was appointed a professor at the Goethe University Medical School in Frankfurt, Germany. Prof. Dikic has published more than 70 scientific manuscripts in prestigious journals and has received a number of international distinctions for his research including the Binder Innovation prize (Braunschweig, 2006), elected a member of EMBO (2004), the Fernstrom Price (Lund, 2002), the Swedish Strategic Fund award (Stockholm, 2000), the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds award (Stuttgart, 1997). His current research interests are focused on the emerging role of ubiquitin and Ub-like modifiers as signalling devices controlling intracellular trafficking, gene transcription and DNA repair. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 07 May 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4274/1/E-Croatian-Chronicle-Filmmaker-Brenda-Brkusic-receives-CINE-award.html ÂThe Honors Keep ComingFilmmaker Brenda Brkusic receives prestigious CINE awardCroatia-American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic on April 18 at Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., received the prestigious CINE Special Jury Award in the student category for her 2004 documentary film "Freedom From Despair."By Frank Vinko MustacAdd yet another award to the bevy of honors already garnered by Croatian-American filmmaker Brenda Brkusic.On April 18, Brkusic was in Silver Spring, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., to receive the prestigious CINE Special Jury Award in the student category for her 2004 documentary film "Freedom From Despair."The award ceremony was held at Discovery Communications headquarters, the parent company of cable television's Discovery Channel.Last year the Chicago-born Brkusic, who is only in her mid 20s, received the CINE Golden Eagle Award making her eligible for both the CINE Special Jury Award and the CINE Masters Series Award, for which she was runner up.Past CINE award winners have included luminary filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns."Freedom From Despair" is a feature length documentary that explores the stories of the Croatian people's struggle to overcome oppression from Communist Yugoslavia and the fight during the 1990s to win a free and independent Croatian nation.The film, in part, chronicles the exodus from Yugoslavia of Brkusic's father Kruno Brkusic at age 17 from the village of Bogomolje on the Island of Hvar in Croatia to Italy and finally to the United States."This is a different sort of documentary. It's very personal," said Brkusic following the award ceremony. "It's an untold history. Nobody has every made a story about the dark side of Tito. I think the story is timeless.""Historically it's important for future generations This can be a document for the younger generation," she said."Rarely in the American media do you see or hear stories about Croatia," said Brkusic, who currently lives in Los Angeles and she works at public broadcasting TV station KOCE in Orange County, California, as an assistant editor and producer on the award-winning news program called "Real Orange."Those who have contacted her about purchasing copies of her film on DVD and VHS, she said, hopefully will be patient while she resolves issues with Croatian Television (HRT) for the official release of some stock footage she used in the documentary. When the film becomes available for purchase, it announced on her Web site www.freedomfromdespair.com .A graduate of Chapman University in Orange, California, where on scholarship she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree, Brkusic worked on the documentary as an undergraduate student, using primarily her own funds to finance the project."I borrowed a lot of money," she said adding that she has also received donations from many Croatians in the Untied States, Canada and Australia.Asked about the process of making "Freedom from Despair," Brkusic said it was no easy task. "It was so hard," she said. "I don't know if I could ever do it again. I basically wasn't sleeping for two years, but the momentum kept me going.""I could have probably made 10 different films from the images I captured," she said.Although she is intimate with ever scene, seeing excerpts from documentary, Brkusic said, still makes her emotional."Even though I've seen the film 300 times, every time I see it, I'm affected by it," she said.Brkusic said her immediate future plans include a trip in late April to Sydney, Australia, to screen "Freedom From Despair" at a venue called the Croatian Punchbowl.Her more long term plans include a return to film making."I'm also hoping to work on more documentaries on my own," she said.Brkusic was also insistent of acknowledging the many people who helped her with the film."I want to thank all of the Croatians," she said. "Without everyone's support, I couldn't do this." letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 25 Apr 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4275/1/EH-Prof-Dr-Ivan-Djikic-wins-Binder-Award---dobitnik-Binderove-nagrade.html ÂProfessor Doctor Ivan Djikic earnedBinder-Innovationspreis for 2006www.binder-world.com Prof.dr. Ivan Djikic dobitnik Binderove nagradeThe Prize is endowed by the Binder GmbH, Tuttlingen and awarded by the German Society for Cellular Biology Hrvatski znanstvenik dr. Ivan Djikic, profesor na Sveucilistu Goethe u Frankfurtu, dobitnik je Binderove nagrade za inovacije 2006. godine, koju dodjeljuje Njemacko udruzenje za stanicnu biologiju (DGZ).U obrazlozenju nagrade napominje se da je profesor Djikic nagradu zasluzio za predani rad na razumijevanje zivotnih procesa stanice te za otkrivanje poremecaja u prijenosu signala unutar stanice koji dovode do razvoja tumorskih oboljenja. Nedavne studije profesora Djikica i njegovih suradnika dovele su do novih i uzbudljivih otkrica kako stanice reagiraju na ostecenje nasljednog materijala. Ta otkrice predstavlja osnovu za razvoj efikasnijih i modernijih oblika dijagnostike i terapije. Nagrada je profesoru Djikicu urucena 29.03.2006. godine na godisnjem skupu Njemackog udruzenje za stanicnu biologiju u Braunschweigu.ÂDie Jury der Deutschen Gesellschaft fÃr Zellbiologie e.V. hat den Frankfurter Biochemiker Prof. Dr. Ivan Dikic als diesjÃhrigen TrÃger des Binder-Innovationspreises nominiert. Der Preis, der von der Firma Binder in Tuttlingen fÃr hervorragende Arbeiten auf dem Gebiet der Zellbiologie vergeben wird, und wird anlÃÃlich der DGZ-Jahrestagung am 29. MÃrz in Braunschweig verliehen.Professor Dikic (39) ist Leiter der Arbeitsgruppe 'Molecular Signaling' am Institut fÃr Biochemie II der UniversitÃtsklinik in Frankfurt am Main. Die Wissenschaftler der Arbeitsguppe erforschen molekulare Signalmechanismen, die Wachstum und Differenzierung von Zellen regulieren und die groÃe Bedeutung fÃr die Entstehung von Krebs und anderen Krankheiten haben. Die Dikic-Gruppe war insbesondere erfolgreich bei der AufklÃrung des Ubiquitin-Systems und der Entdeckung neuartiger Ubiquitin-BindungsdomÃnen (siehe auch Fachartikel in SCIENCE, 16. Dezember 2005/ 310:1821-1824 und NATURE CELL BIOLOGY, Februar 2006/ 8:163-169). Als kleines Protein wird Ubiquitin an andere Proteine angeheftet. Es funktioniert als molekularer Schalter und reguliert so eine Vielzahl von zellulÃren Prozessen wie etwa Genaktivierung, Proteinabbau oder Signaltransduktion. FÃr weitere Informationen:Dipl.-Biol. Stefan KieÃPresse- und ÃffentlichkeitsarbeitInstitut fÃr Biochemie IIUniversitÃtsklinikum FrankfurtTheodor-Stern-Kai 7Tel: (069) 63 01 - 54 50E-Mail kiess@em.uni-frankfurt.deÂInternet-Seite des Instituts: www.biochem2.deBINDER Innovation Prize 2006The Prize is endowed by the Binder GmbH, Tuttlingen and awarded by the German Society for Cellular Biology (DGZ). It is marked with EUR 4.000— and was announced for the first time in 1998.The prize is awarded for stand out works in the sector of biotechnology, which concern or are usefull to cell cultures. Applicants can propose themselves for the award. A membership in the DGZ in not necessary, but desirable. The application should be handed in by 15. January 2006, including six samples of the work and a curriculum vitae. The winner is selected by an independent jury of the German Society for Cellular Biology (DGZ). click for press release.1Â2 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4277/1/E-Janica-Kostelic-Champion-of-the-World-2006.html ÂJanica Kostelic champion of the World 2006ÂÂJanica Kostelic World Cup champion. Croatia's World Cup champion Janica Kostelic set a new single-season points record for women after winning the final Alpine skiing race of the season in the giant slalom. Croatia's Janica Kostelic, left, and Benjamin Raich of Austria hold their Alpine Ski World Cup Overall trophies, at the World Cup finals in Are, Sweden, Sunday, March 19, 2006. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4276/1/H-Hrvatske-kuglacice-na-ledu-osvojile-su-zlatno-odlicje.html ÂKUGLANJE NA LEDU, OTVORENO EP: HRVATSKE KUGLACICE OSVOJILE PRVO MJESTO Â10.03.2006 Hrvatske kuglačice na ledu osvojile su zlatno odličje na Otvorenome prvenstvu Europe u kuglanju na ledu, koje se odrzalo u zagrebačkome Domu sportova. To je prva zenska medalja za ovaj u nas mladi i nedovoljno poznati sport, do koje su nase kuglačice dosle na najuvjerliviji mogući način sa omjerom 20:0. Do zlatne medalje hrvatske su reprezentativke svladale po dva puta kuglačice Madjarske, Kanade, Finske, Rusije i Kenije i tako izborile da se sljedeće godine na EP-u u Poljskoj natječu u elitnom A razredu.Srebro su osvojile Madjarice s omjertom (12:8), broncu Kanadjanke s istim omjerom (12:8), a zatim slijede Finska (10:10), Rusija (4:16) i Kenija (2:18). Nasi seniori nisu obranili broncu u momčadskome dijelu natjecanja u B skupini. Nakon sto su dobili Poljsku i Izrael u drugome krugu su izgubili od Rusije, Kenije, Finske, Spanjolske, Danske i Brazila te su na kraju osvojili sesto mjesto s omjerom 14:18. Zlatnu medalju osvojili su Rusi (28:4), drugi su bili Danci (26:6), a treći Poljaci (18:14).Hina/HRTweb sport (vh) letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4278/1/E-Croatia-native-to-compete-in-spelling---Spahija-story.html ÂCroatia native to competeThe St. Charles pupil is one of more than 70 participants in the annual event.By HAROLD GWIN VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER Published: Sunday, March 12, 2006YOUNGSTOWN - Luka Spahija spoke no English when his family immigrated to the United States from Croatia when he was 4. He's come a long way since then. On Saturday, he will be the representative of St. Charles School in the 73rd annual Vindicator Spelling Bee to be held in Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University. Luka, 14, is an eighth-grader at St. Charles in Boardman and has come close to winning the school's spelling bee preliminary twice before, finishing as runner-up in fourth grade and again in sixth grade. He won this year's event by correctly spelling plagiarism. He is one of 73 individual school champions in this year's Vindicator-sponsored event. Learned English Luka said he spoke Croatian when he and his parents, Drs. Berislav (Berry) and Mirjana Spahija, came to the United States, but he learned English quickly. He picked up his first few English words within a week and could communicate relatively easily within a year, he said. Young people tend to be able to master a new language quicker than adults, he said, adding that, at 4, he really hadn't quite mastered Croatian yet. The fact that he spoke English every day at home with his parents and went to a daily preschool program where only English was spoken helped, Luka recalled. He learned to read and speak Croatian before English and that may have helped him to become a good speller, he said. Each letter has a singular sound in the Croatian language, unlike English where letters may have several different sounds. That Croatian background helps him to sound out a word, he said. Reading is the key The most important key to becoming a good speller, however, is to read a lot, Luka said. "That really introduces you to a variety of words," he said, adding that he finds it more productive than simply trying to memorize a list of spelling words. Anytime he comes across a new word in something he's reading, he takes the time to look it up in a dictionary. Seeing the word with its meaning and remembering how it was used in a story helps him to remember how it is spelled, he said. "He's a good boy. He can spell," said his father, adding that Luka's participation in the spelling bee is good for his self-esteem. His family is proud of him, his father said. Dr. Spahija is a neurologist, and his wife is a physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Luka has two younger brothers, Roko and Frane, and a younger sister, Marta, at home. The family first lived in Pittsburgh upon coming to this country. The Spahijas moved to the Mahoning Valley just five years ago, and Luka enrolled at St. Charles. The family now lives in Boardman. Other interests Spelling isn't Luka's only interest. He used to play tennis, basketball and soccer but is concentrating more on tennis now, playing for a local club. He hopes to play tennis for Cardinal Mooney High School, where he intends to enroll this fall. Luka is also a major fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and was elated when they won this year's Super Bowl. He's not particularly nervous about participating in Saturday's spelling bee. No one's putting any pressure on him, he said. The winner of the bee gets an all-expenses-paid trip (with a parent) to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., a trophy from The Vindicator, a grand champion certificate, a $100 U.S. Savings Bond from Rotary Club of Youngstown, a $100 savings bond from the Downtown Kiwanis Club, a copy of The Vindicator's "These Hundred Years - A Chronicle of the Twentieth Century," the $100 Savings Bond Samuel Sugarman Award, a Webster's Third New International Dictionary, and a floral arrangement from Burkland Flowers. gwin@vindy.com http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/330161307668137.php  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Mar 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4279/1/E-Iva-Gersic-is-this-weeks-MWC-Player-of-the-Week.html Iva Gersic Named MWC Women's Tennis Player Of The Week This is New Mexico's second weekly honor for the 2006 season Feb. 24, 2006Colorado Springs, Colo. - Junior Iva Gersic was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week announced yesterday by the league office yesterday Feb. 23. This is the second time a Lobo has received this award, the first being Ola Abou-Zekry Feb. 16. Gersic, a native of Koprivnica, Croatia, helped the No. 38 Lobos to victories against Oklahoma State University and rival New Mexico State University. On Friday Feb. 17, the 3rd ranked duo of Gersic and Maja Kovacek defeated NMSU 8-4. At the No. 2 singles spot she defeated NMSU's Edine van Beusekom (6-2, 6-2). Saturday Feb. 18, the 3rd ranked duo was the only team to defeat OSU in doubles action with an 8-3 victory. Gersic rallied her team in singles play to help New Mexico come back and win five of the six singles points. She played at the No. 1 singles spot defeating OSU's Iryna Tkachenko (6-3, 5-7, 6-4). New Mexico ended the weekend defeating NMSU 6-1 and OSU 5-2 giving them six consecutive wins. http://golobos.collegesports.com/sports/w-tennis/spec-rel/022406aac.htmlIva Gersic Class: Junior Hometown: Koprivnica, Croatia High School: Gimnazium Fran Galovic Height: 5-9 Experience: 2L 2004-05 - Sophomore Season Finished the season with an overall singles record of 29-5 and a doubles record of 33-8...voted "Most Valuable Player" for having a .853 winning percentage in singles and a .805 winning percentage in doubles...was named MWC Co-Player of the Year with Maja Kovacek...made all-MWC team selections for singles and doubles...was an NCAA participant in the doubles portion with Kovacek for the first time in her collegiate career... finished the season No. 75 in the nation as a singles player, No. 12 in the nation for doubles, No. 5 in the Central Region for singles and No. 1 in the Central Region for doubles...was a 2005 academic all-MWC honoree...(Fall 2004): Received a preseason national ranking of No. 62 in singles and No. 11 in doubles with partner Maja Kovacek...advanced past three qualifying rounds to become the first UNM women's tennis player to make it to the main singles draw at the ColemanVision Championships in Albuquerque...was part of the first doubles team in UNM tennis history to be invited to compete in the main doubles draw at the ITA/Riviera All-American Championships...played at the ITA National Individual Indoor Championships in doubles with Kovacek...made it to the singles semifinals at the Wilson/ITA Central Region Championships and the quarterfinals in doubles play...finished the fall season 11-2 in singles and 13-3 in doubles with Kovacek ...earned No. 1 ranking in doubles and No. 4 ranking in singles for the Central Region. 2003-04 - Freshman Season Standout newcomer for UNM ...tied for first on the team for most singles wins ...finished season with an overall singles record of 28-8 ...competed mainly at the No. 2 singles spot ...compiled a doubles record of 33-4 at the No. 2 position with teammate Maria Ruiz-Fabrega ... broke the record for most combined wins in one year with 61 ...ended the season at No. 111 in the nation for singles ...ranked No. 7 in the Central Region for singles and No. 9 in the region for doubles with Ruiz-Fabrega ...was awarded MWC Player of the Week two times (January 29 and April 7) ...made the all-MWC team selection for singles and doubles ...earned all-MWC academic honors. HIGH SCHOOL Graduated from Gimnazium Fran Galovic in Koprivnica, Croatia ... named Athlete of the Year in Koprivnica in 2001. PERSONAL Born September 19, 1983 ... daughter of Ljiljana and Igor Gersic ... has one sister, Janja ... enjoys drawing, playing other sports and spending time with family and friends at home...favorite athlete is Goran Ivanisevic ... favorite foods are fruit, vegetables and milkshakes and has to always have cereal in the morning...major is Marketing.   Formatted for CROWN by Ivo Bach  Distributed by CroatianWorld.net. This message is intended for Croatian Associations/Institutions and their Friends in Croatia and in the World. The opinions/articles expressed on this list do not reflect personal opinions of the moderator. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please delete or destroy all copies of this communication and please, let us know! Ivobach2@aol.com (Ivo Bach) Sat, 25 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4280/1/E-Vegeti-urucena-nagrada-Superbrand-Russia-u-Moskvi.html ÂVegeti urucena nagrada "Superbrand Russia" u MoskviÂU samom glavnom gradu Moskvi, Vegeta ima u svojoj kategoriji trzisni udjel od 65,5 %Koprivnica (ots) - Na prigodnoj svecanosti u Moskvi Podravka je primila priznanje za svoju najpoznatiju marku Vegetu. Naime, nakon statusa Superbranda u Madjarskoj i Poljskoj, Vegeta je primila i priznanje za "Superbrand Russia" za 2005. godinu u Rusiji. Ocjenu i klasifikaciju marki provodila je, na osnovi podataka istrazivackih kuca ACNielsen i COMCON, nezavisna ekspertna komisija sastavljena od meritornih strucnjaka s podrucja marketinga, brandinga te samih potrosaca. Ukupno su za nagradu i pravo nosenja znaka kandidirale 1033 robne marke, koje drze vodece pozicije na trzistu po obujmu prodaje te prepoznatljivosti branda na trzistu Rusije. Vegeta se nalazi u uskom krugu brandova koji su dobili pravo nosenja znaka Superbrand na vrlo zahtjevnom ruskom trzistu. Medju dobitnicima znaka prevladavaju brandovi poznatih multinacionalnih kompanija (Kodak, Goodyear, Knauf, Duracell, DHL, MasterCard...) te domacih ruskih (Aeroflot, Ruska gazeta...), tako da je Vegeta jedan od vrlo rijetkih brandova s podrucja ovog dijela Europe koji ima pravo nosenja statusa Superbrand. Inace, Superbrands International ima sjediste u Londonu, a Rusija je jedna od 45 zemalja u kojima dosad ima svoje filijale. U Podravkinoj delegaciji su bili clanovi Uprave Sasa Romac i Goran Markulin, direktor trzista istocne Europe Danko Martincevic, i category menadzer za Vegetu Marcel Janekovic koji je primivsi nagradu rekao: "Zahvaljujem ruskim potrosacima koji su prepoznali prave vrijednosti. To je jedno povijesno nasljedje nastalo tijekom cetrdesetak godina prisustva na ruskom trzistu. Puno nam znaci ovo priznanje jer simbolizira snagu i potencijal za daljnji razvoj marki i inovacija. Medjutim, s druge strane, Superbrand predstavlja i veliku odgovornost za kompaniju da novim proizvodima i marketinskim konceptima zaista opravdamo tako visoko povjerenje ruskih potrosaca. Naime, s obzirom na velicinu i zahtjevnost tog trzista, upravo je Rusija oznacena kao jedna od zemalja u kojima ce Podravka ubrzano razvijati i povecavati svoje poslovanje." Inace, Podravka je cetrdesetak godina na ruskom trzistu, a osime Vegete izvoze se i juhe, te djecja hrana. U kategoriji dodataka jelima u Rusiji je Vegeta lider i najjaca marka, a prodaje se na vise od 100 tisuca prodajnih mjesta diljem cijele Rusije, pa primjerice ima znacajan trzisni udjel i na udaljenim podrucjima poput Sibira ili Kamcatke. U samom glavnom gradu Moskvi, Vegeta ima u svojoj kategoriji trzisni udjel od 65,5 %, a slijede je Knorr s 18 %, te Maggi s 10 %.NAPOMENA O IZVORU:Podravka d.d.Sektor za korporativne komunikacijeA. Starcevica 3248000 Koprivnicatel. 048/651-845Mailto: mario.pintar@podravka.hrweb: www.podravka.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4281/1/H-U-istini-je-mir---Fra-Nikola-Mate-Roscic.html ÂU ISTINI JE MIRZA ISTINU, PRAVDU I MIRFra Nikola Mate RoscicSlovo prigodom dodjele priznanja 'Junak hrvatskog Domovinskog rata'General pukovniku Anti GotoviniZagreb, Hrvatski novinarski dom, 1. veljace 2006. u 11 satiPostovani predstavnici Udruga proizaslih iz Domovinskog rata!Ugledni casnici i duznosnici!Cijenjene gospodje i gospodo!Smatram prikladnim zapoceti ovaj govor obnavljanjem uspomene na proslavljenog spartanskog kralja i junaka Leonidu koji je 480. godine prije Krista sa svojim izabranim vojnicima iz Sparte i saveznicima iz Grcke htio obraniti svoju zemlju od najezde ratobornih i mnogobrojnih Perzijanaca. Htio ih je docekati u klancu Termopile. No, bili su izdani od Efijalta i svi su junaci izginuli. Leonidino ime i lik ostalo je do danas simbol junastva i domoljublja, a Efijaltovo ime simbol sramote i stravicnog grijeha izdaje protiv domovine. Kazu da jos uvijek i nakon gotovo 2500 godina postoji spomenik na kojem su uklesane rijeci: 'Putnice, ako ides u Grcku, reci njima dolje da smo ovdje svi mi pali za njihovu slobodu'.Postovani prijatelji! Kao katolicki svecenik i redovnik danas zacijelo ne bih bio na ovom mjestu, niti bih se odvazio progovoriti u ovoj prigodi, da se u svijesti i savjesti ne osjecam potaknut pismom novoizabranog rimskog pape Benedikta XVI., koji je za svjetski dan mira, dakle za Novu godinu 2006., uputio svijetu svoju poruku koja nosi naslov U ISTINI JE MIR. To je zapravo dubokoumno teolosko i duhovno razmisljanje o miru koji u svom ostvarenju na osobnoj i univerzalnoj razini mora biti utemeljen na istini. To je ponajprije istina o Bogu i Bozja istina o covjeku, istina o vrijednosti i dostojanstvu covjekovog zivota, istina o temeljnim vrjednotama, ali i istina o povijesnim dogadjajima, njihovim stvarnim uzrocima i posljedicama. Odnosno, to je osuda lazi i laznog pogleda na zivot, kako pojedinca tako i cijele ljudske zajednice. Jer, kako istice papa, 's lazju je povezana drama grijeha sa svojim perverznim izvedenicama koje su prouzrocile strahovite posljedice u zivotu pojedinaca i naroda i jos uvijek to prouzrocuju. Treba se samo sjetiti sto se dogodilo u proslom stoljecu – nastavlja papa – kad su nastrani ideoloski i politicki sustavi planski izvrtali istinu i tako doveli do izrabljivanja i potcinjavanja golemog broja ljudi, stovise, citavih obitelji i zajednica' Zbog povijesnih i politickih lazi i izokretanja istine mnogi narodi trpe nepravde i nasilja. Papa se pri tom poziva na vazni i velebni dokument II. vatikanskog sabora O Crkvi u suvremenom svijetu (Gaudium et spes). A tu je, izmedju ostalog, i rijec o miru i svemu onome sto stoji u sluzbi mira medju narodima. Papa navodi rijeci iz 5. poglavlja spomenutog saborskog dokumenta koji se odnosi na 'promicanje mira i izgradnju zajednice naroda'. Ne bez razloga u tom kontekstu Benedikt XVI. izrijekom citira rijeci o ulozi vojnika koje glase: 'Oni pak koji sluzeci domovini vrse vojnicku duznost neka se smatraju sluzbenicima sigurnosti i slobode naroda, i ako ispravno vrse tu duznost, istinski pridonose ucvrscenju mira' (GS, 79). Pomno citajuci papinu poruku nisam se mogao oteti dojmu da je pred njegovim ocima i u njegovim mislima bila i nasa aktualna hrvatska situacija koja se u svojoj najozbiljnijoj i najpresudnijoj komponenti upravo vrti oko pitanja istine o nasoj suverenosti i slobodi, nasem Domovinskom ratu, o glavnim akterima nase najnovije povijesti, ali i lazima i krivotvorinama koje se oko toga splicu i isplicu. Potrebno je utvrditi istinu o tome je li to bio Domovinski rat za slobodu i suverenu cjelovitost jednog naroda i drzave, ili pak 'zajednicki pothvat i plan zlocinacke organizacije', dakle djelo/nedjelo zlocinacke politike i generala zlocinaca, odnosno jesu li nasi branitelji zasluzni i casni hrvatski vojnici, casni duznosnici, junaci i heroji ili pak zlocinci, zlikovci/zlikavci. Bez te istine nema mira, bez te istine nema pravedne prosudbe, pa ma od kojeg suda, politicara ili povjesnicara bila proglasena. A istinu se ne trazi, istinu se ne priznaje, istinu se ne postuje. Istinu se, izgleda, zeli diktatom nametnuti. To je diktat 'medjunarodne zajednice', a ne pravorijek na temelju svih relevantnih cinjenica. Po tom diktatu neki tudjinci pisu nasu novu povjesnicu, ideoloski i politicki povijesni katekizam u reziji vladara svijeta. To je diktat orwellovskog 'Velikog brata' iz 'ministarstva istine'. Nazalost, u njemu sudjeluju i domaci koautori koji, kako primjecuje dr. Zdravko Tomac 'vrlo sustavno i agresivno provode novu titoizaciju, obnavljaju kult Tita i bratstva i jedinstva, idealiziraju Titovo vrijeme i bivsu Jugoslaviju, a destruiraju i kriminaliziraju Hrvatsku nastalu u Domovinskom ratu' (usp.: Z. TOMAC, Predsjednik protiv predsjednika, str. 173).Na tragu pisma pape Benedikta XVI. treba podsjetiti da je iz laznih postavki proizasla nacisticka 'istina', komunisticka 'istina', a odatle i druge 'istine' koje sluze za opravdanje nemilih ratova, ugnjetavanje naroda i krojidbu planova 'novog svjetskog poretka'. Te lazne ideoloske i politicke 'istine' izrodile su uzasne zakone u pojedinim rezimima, koji su upravo u tijeku XX. vijeka, koji je bio 'stoljeca ratova', prouzrocile stravicne zlocine. Po nacistickoj i Hitlerovoj 'istini' svi Slaveni, Zidovi, Romi i brojni drugi, proglaseni su nearijevcima i potom brutalno tretirani kao neljudi. Na osnovi neistine i lazi trebalo ih je pokoriti, istrijebiti, unistiti. Po lenjinisticko-staljinistickoj ideoloskoj 'istini' vodjeni su procesi nad milijunima ljudi, kad je cuveni drzavni tuzitelj Visinski fabricirao i iznudjivao dokaze. Te zrtve ideoloske mrznje napunile su Sibirske zatvore i rudnike, to je Solzenjicinov Arhipelag Gulag, to su svi nacisticki logori, to je Bleiburg, Krizni putovi, Jazovke i Maceljske sume, to je Stara Gradiska, Lepoglava, Goli otok i sva druga mjesta Titovih komunistickih progona, osuda. To je stravicni smrtopis izopacene ideoloske mrznje, povijesne lazi protiv Boga i covjeka, protiv brojnih naroda i vjera. Stoga dr. Tomac pise: 'Borba za istinu jest presudna. Istina je jedna od temeljnih vrijednosti demokratskog drustva. Zato ce narod koji dopusti krivotvorenje svoje povijesti, prije ili kasnije, izgubiti sposobnost suvereno odlucivati o svojoj buducnosti' (usp.: Z. TOMAC, Predsjednik protiv predsjednika, str. 162).U medjunarodnoj literaturi i vojno-politickom pojmovniku, kad je rijec o dogadjajima na nasim prostorima obicno se govori o sukobima na Balkanu. To je preblag izraz za brutalne dogadjaje, za sve poginule i usmrcene, prognane, nestale, silovane, zatvorene, ranjene, za sve porobljene i ponizene ljude, za sve ono sto je poruseno i spaljeno, za sva etnicka ciscenja, za sve bombe, mine, bojna kola i oruzja koja su upotrebljavana. To je preblag izraz za toliki naboj mrznje, za masovne grobnice i sabirne logore, za Vukovar, Srebrenicu, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik i Pristinu i sva druga mjesta i gradove, za toliko krvi, smrti i pepela!Kroz minule godine trazilo se, nalazilo i rabilo razlicite sintagme za opis i izricanje dogadjanja na Balkanu. Zabiljezeni su nazivi: bratoubilacki ratovi, etnicki sukobi, gradjanski rat, plemenski rat (tribalizam), nacionalisticki sukobi, osvajacki rat, revansizam, vjerski fundamentalizam, balkanska posla, drevne etnicke razmirice, plemenske osvete, stara neprijateljstva (atavizam), krizarski ratovi, humanitarna intervencija, janjicarski ratovi, treci balkanski rat, itd. A Samuel P. Huntington tvrdi: ÂRat u Bosni bio je rat civilizacijaÂ, pa pokusava tu svoju hipotezu opisati i dokazati (usp.: The Clash of Civilisations, hrv. prijevod, str. 353 i 356). Nasuprot tome filozof Alain Finkielkraut kaze: ÂTeza o ratu civilizacija je potpuna glupost (usp.: intervju u Novom listu, 5. X. 1997., str. 28).Povijest poznaje mnoge i razlicite ratove: osvajacke i obrambene, kolonijalne, svjetske, ideoloske, bratske, plemenske, gradjanske, revolucionarne, partizanske, vjerske, stogodisnje, tridesetogodisnje, sedmogodisnje i brze ratove (Blitzkrieg), pustinjske, morske, atomske i nuklearne ratove, ratove zvijezda, psiholoske, hladne, diplomatske, spijunske, mafijaske ratove, pa konacno i rat protiv rata. Âto se je od svega toga dogodilo na Balkanu? Jesu li to bili sukobi ili ratovi? Tko je to zapoceo, tko prouzrocio, tko vodio, proveo, sudjelovao i dovrsio?cini se da jedno ipak stoji: naime, sve sto se na Balkanu dogadjalo, nikada nije bilo proglaseno (definirano) pravim ratom te sluzbeno i pravno od medjunarodnih instancija tako nazvano i kategorizirano. Jer, ÂZapad je, kao vrhovni krizni manager, sebi pridrzao vlast definicije nad konfliktima (usp.: Zborno djelo koje je uredila Dunja MELcIc, Der Jugoslawien – Krieg. Handbuch zu Vorgeschichte, Verlauf und Konsequenzen, Westdeutscher Verlag, 1999., str. 11). A upravo su zbog toga nastali ociti propusti i prouzrocene posljedice tog propusta. Ujedno, upravo stoga, sva ta pomutnja u govoru, s velikim zlim posljedicama koje su otuda proizasle. Svjetska je politika najprije zakazala jezicno, nije se znalo kako nazvati te dogadjaje, i stoga Hans Magnus Enzesberger u jednom clanku pise: ÂVjerojatno se radi o jednoj povijesnoj novosti (usp.: Franz SCHIRRMACHER, Der westliche Kreuzzug. 41 Positionen zum Kosovo-Krieg, DVA – Stuttgart 1999., str. 28). Ili se pak s Robertom Spaemannom moze govoriti o semantickom triku, jer se ne govori o ratu, nego o sukobu, a Ârat je, kao i mir, jedno pravno stanje, iako manje radosno (usp.: Der westliche Kreuzzug, str. 151). A buduci da po toj semantici nije bilo nikakva rata, nema ni ratnog prava, nema agresora, nema ratnog pobjednika, nema ratne stete, a nazalost, naposljetku ni pravog zavrsetka rata, niti pravednog mirovnog sporazuma. Sve se strpalo u jedan te isti kos, sve strane i sudionici bili su podjednako proglaseni krivima, a to znaci i podjednako neduznima, svi jednako zlocesti i jednako odgovorni. Otuda, i stoga, zbunjenost, pomutnja, neistina, nepravda. Ovo je za Europu bila prigoda, ali ona je izabrala jednaku distancu prema svim zaracenim stranama. Stoga je reakcija i akcija Europe tijekom citavog trajanja konflikta bila preslaba i stizala je prekasno (usp.: Der Jugoslawien - Krieg, str. 464). Medjutim, moze se, a i treba drukcije misliti. Stravicni sukobi na Balkanu nose i imaju u sebi sve vidljive znakove rata, stovise jednog svjetskog rata, iako geografski ogranicenoga, u minijaturi. Napadnuti su samostojni narodi i neovisne, suverene drzave, okupirani su teritoriji, postojao je agresor, a na drugoj strani branitelj, bili su poznati ratni ciljevi, ratni stroj je bio u punom pogonu, sa svim sto u to spada i sto to znaci. Nikakav slucajan sukob, nego jedan pravi pravcati rat! Mnoge svjetske organizacije i drzave sudjelovale su u tome: UNO, NATO, EU, OSCE, pravoslavni blok drzava, Islamska liga. U Hrvatskoj, BiH, Albaniji, Makedoniji i Kosovu bili su i jos se uvijek nalaze vojnici iz raznih drzava. Bio je to fragmentarni i ogledni predlozak Treceg svjetskog rata u globalnoj strategiji determiniranog kaosa. A taj se rat ne vodi vise po prirucniku austrijskog generala Karla von Clausewitza (1780 -1831), nego po novim strateskim smjernicama velikih sila koje ratove izazivaju, vode i njima upravljaju. Odbaceni su i prekrojeni klasicni pojmovi jus ad bellum, bellum justum, jus in bello, jus post bellum (pravo na rat, pravedni rat, pravo u ratu, pravo nakon rata), pa oni danas imaju posve novo i sasvim drukcije znacenje, tumacenje, zagovornike i nositelje.Nakon nemilih i tragicnih dogadjaja na nasim prostorima koji su se zbivali pred ocima svjetske javnosti i uz veliku izravnu ukljucenost brojnih drzava i svjetskih organizacija, nastupilo je vrijeme redefiniranja onoga sto se i kako se dogodilo. Na visokim razinama, nama cesto nepoznatima i nedostupnima, stvorene su i diktirane politicke i pravne odrednice po kojima se dogadjaji u ovoj regiji trebaju prikazati i kategorizirati kao svojevrsni gradjanski sukob u kojem su suprotstavljene strane podjednako odgovorne. Stoga se brise pojam 'agresija i agresor' kao i 'obrana i branitelj'. Sukladno tome uspostavljeno je medjunarodno sudiste koje ce procesuirati 'zlocince' s jedne i druge sukobljene strane. Po tom diktatu odbacuje se naziv 'branitelji Domovinskog rata', a uspostavlja kategorija 'sudionici u zlocinackom pothvatu'. Slijedom toga i nije bilo 'Domovinskog rata', a vojni i politicki duznosnici se nisu borili za obranu, slobodu i suverenitet svoje drzave, nego su bili zdruzena 'zlocinacka skupina' koja je smislila, planirala i izvrsila 'zlocinacki cin'. Ona je to ucinila posebno na podrucju 'Srpske krajine' te na prostorima druge drzave, to jest Bosne i Hercegovine. Sudskom presudom, koja bi usvojila ove kvalifikacije Haaskog tuziteljstva, definitivno bi se iz povjesnice hrvatskog naroda i kolektivne svijesti nacije trebala brisati sintagma 'Domovinski rat', a na politicko-pravnom planu uslijedile bi sankcije i reparacije za izvrseni 'zlocinacki pothvat'. Kao posljedica i ovjekovjecenje te presude jamacno bi u dogledno vrijeme u Kninu mogao niknuti memorijalni muzej i spomenik o 'srpskom holokaustu'. Sukladno tome u sredisnjoj BiH bi mogao nastati drugi memorijalni spomenik o 'bosnjackom holokaustu'. U tom kontekstu, kao posljedica nametnute i lazne krivnje, hrvatski bi entitet u BiH, odbacen i zaboravljen od svoje maticne zemlje, naroda i drzave, bio sveden na etnicku i vjersku manjinu, postao bi 'hrvatsko-katolicki milet', koji bi doduse uzivao pravo 'zasticenih gradjana – sticenika' (zimije) medju islamskim Bosnjacima, placao bi podanicki porez (dziziju) i pokorno zivio u svom getu kao gradjani drugog reda.Postovani branitelji!1. Hvala vam na pozivu i mogucnosti da kao covjek i svecenik smijem i mogu pozdraviti suglasnu odluku Udruga proizaslih iz Domovinskog rata, da se general-pukovniku Anti Gotovini, sada uzniku Haaskog tribunala, dodijeli casni naslov 'Junak Domovinskog rata'. To je zasluzeno i pravicno priznanje za njegovo zivotno vojnicko djelo. Neka mu bude na ponos i utjehu, na poticaj da se casno i muzevno drzi i odrzi u nemilom sudskom okrsaju u kojem treba braniti i obraniti sebe i svoju Domovinu. Podrska njemu osobno ujedno je i podrska svim visokim duznosnicima i casnicima Hrvatske vojske i Hrvatskog vijeca obrane koji su u procesu sudjenja, bilo da se brane sa slobode ili kao uznici. 2. Smatram da je posve razvidno kako se kroz sudjenje pojedincima smisljeno i ciljano smjera na osudu cjelovitog politickog i vojnog vrha Hrvatske tijekom Domovinskog rata, napose kroz vojno-redarstvene pothvate 'Bljesak' i 'Oluja'. To dokazuje toliko puta ponavljana sintagma 'zlocinacka organizacija'. Stoga je to ustvari sudski proces i tuzba PROTIV HRVATSKE. Zalosna je cinjenica da je takva tuzba dobrim dijelom satkana od iskaza i optuzbi iz Hrvatske, od prodanih dusa i antihrvatskih revansista. Zacudjuje preslaba obavijestenost i svijest o cemu se zapravo radi i koje su sve moguce posljedice toga.3. U teskim i zamrsenim narodnim i medjunarodnim sudjenjima, tuzba i presuda nikada nisu lisene snaznog politickog utjecaja. Stoga je ovo politicko, a to hoce reci i ideolosko sudjenje, jer su cinjenice podvrgnute diktatu svjetskih politickih, vojnih i gospodarskih mocnika. Vec su davno Rimljani rekli Summum jus summa injuria, i time dali do znanja da pozitivno pravo i pravednost nisu jedno te isto, da se ponekad istjerivanje vrhunskog prava pretvara u vrhunsku nepravdu. Povijesno iskustvo svjedoci da su ljudski sudovi i sudista, pozitivno pravo i zakonske presude, bezbroj puta bile neistinite, pogresne. Samo je Bozji pravorijek istinit i vjecan.4. Institucija svjedoka i svjedocenja stara je koliko i institucija suda i sudaca. Biti svjedokom je casna i odgovorna duznost u sluzbi istine. To zacijelo vrijedi i za svjedocenje pred Haaskim sudom. No, oduvijek je bilo presudno je li svjedok pouzdan, vjerodostojan, istinit. Nazalost povijest poznaje i brojne lazne svjedoke i lazna svjedocenja, poznaje svjedoke dodvorice i izdajice, placene svjedoke, osvetoljubive svjedoke. Najtragicnije je kad se izdaja pretvara u optuznicu. Kako se ne sjetiti biblijskih krivokletnika i tuzitelja iz knjige proroka Danijela (Dn, 13,42-64) ili pak Jude koji je poljupcem izdao Isusa (Lk 22,48), ili laznih svjedoka u procesu protiv Isusa pred Velikim svecenickim vijecem (Mk 14,55-59; Mt 26,60), a napose rimskih vojnika koji su bili potkupljeni od starjesina da daju lazno svjedocanstvo – i 'oni uzese novac i ucinise kako bijahu pouceni' (Mt 28,11-15).5. Pod svodom ove dvorane Hrvatskog novinarskog doma, nije moguce zaobici i cinjenicu da je uz Haaske optuznice protiv Hrvatskih generala i visokih casnika HVO podignuta optuznica i protiv nekolicine hrvatskih novinara. No, iz ovog se doma nije cula zauzeta rijec i prosvjed u njihovu obranu i zastitu. Uzalud novinarski eticki kodeks, utaman pozivanje na slobodu pisane i govorne rijeci, uzalud priziv na demokratska prava gradjana, uzalud smrt Sinise Glavasevica i Gordana Lederera. Izgleda kao da se ovdje brani samo lijevo krilo medijskih poslenika koji dodvornicki i sluznicki ubojitim medijskim streljivom i prepoznatljivom jakobinskom gorljivoscu promicu i podupiru tzv. proces 'detudjmanizacije', odnosno, tocnije receno, 'dekroatizacije'. Ne sluzi im na cast!6. Sudske procese i osude koji nose pecat politicke i ideoloske obojenosti treba promatrati u velikom povijesnom kontekstu, jer povijesni pravorijek nadvladava pristrane i jednostrane zakone i osude. To pokazuju neki primjeri iz nase hrvatske i vjerske proslosti:  Godine 1391. u Jeruzalemu je na okrutnu smrt po islamskom zakonu osudjen Âibencanin Nikola Tavilic – a Crkva ga proglasila blazenim i svetim. Godine 1616. po zakonima kalvinisticke antikatolicke osvete u Kosicama je podnio mucenicku smrt Marko Krizevcanin – a Crkva ga proglasila blazenikom i svecem. Godine 1671., 30. travnja, po zakonima Habsburske Monarhije u Beckom Novom Mjestu pogubljeni su hrvatski rodoljubi ban Petar Zrinski i markiz Franjo Krsto Frankopan – a Hrvati ih postuju kao simbol rodoljublja i kosti su im prenijete u zagrebacku katedralu. Godine 1946. na komunistickom procesu i sudistu kao ratni zlocinac i klerofasist osudjen je Alojzije Stepinac – a Crkva ga proglasila blazenikom i nadamo se uskoro svecem.7. Duboko boli i zabrinjava cinjenica da se Domovinski rat, a narocito hrvatski branitelji i hrvatska vojska sustavno prikazuju u negativnom svjetlu, da se u tako kratkom vremenskom roku urusio domoljubni etos. Treba njegovati nacionalni ponos, raditi na sveopcoj nacionalnoj konsolidaciji i strategiji, promicati nacionalne vrjednote kako bi Hrvatska, kao relativno mala nacija, uzmogla sacuvati svoj prepoznatljivi identitet u globalnim bespucima svjetske moci. Stoga jos jednom citiram rijec dr. Tomca koji kaze: 'Bolje je sacuvati obraz i dostojanstvo, sacuvati istinu o Domovinskom ratu, suprotstaviti se politici koja zasluzne ljude krivotvorinama pretvara u zlocince, nego uci u Europsku uniju u kojoj cemo biti tretirani kao zlocinacki balkanski narod' (usp.: Z. TOMAC, Predsjednik protiv predsjednika, str. 196).8. U svemu tome smatram da Crkva u Hrvatskoj ima svoju posebnu zadacu i poslanje. Oslobodjena od bilo kakvih politickih i klerikalnih pretenzija, u duhu Evandjelja mira i ljubavi Isusa Krista te smjernica koje su izrecene na II. vatikanskom saboru, kao i u duhu enciklika papa XX. stoljeca (kao sto su Populorum progressio, Pacem in terris, Mater et Magistra, Gaudium et spes i brojnih drugih), u duhu netom objavljene enciklike pape Benedikta XVI. Bog je ljubav, Crkva je pozvana da se angazira na svim podrucjima od zivotne vaznosti za konkretnog covjeka, a to znaci i za covjeka koji pripada i tvori odredjeni narod, naciju, drzavu. Ponekad se stjece dojam kao da se Crkva odvec povlaci u bontonsku sutnju, da je iznenadjena ili zastrasena pred trendovima neoliberalizma, antikonfesionalizma, prerusenog ateistickog i komunistickog revivala, koji u nekim segmentima dominiraju hrvatskom kulturnom, medijskom i politickom javnom scenom. Podrucja gdje se narocito uocavaju trendovi neokomunisticke ideologije, anarholiberalne gradjanske opcije i jugonostalgije upravo je odnos prema naciji, prema vojnickom pozivu, prema Crkvi. Uspostava suverene i neovisne Hrvatske, Domovinski rat i branitelji, uloga Katolicke crkve u narodu i drzavi, to je ono sto se vec godinama sustavno napada i razara, kritizira i kriminalizira. Poznato je da je Katolicka Crkva stalna meta jurisnika determinizma, kako pise Davor Domazet-Loso u knjizi Gospodari kaosa (str. 448sl.). No, valja postaviti pitanje: sto je narod bez svoje nacionalne suverene drzave, sto je drzava bez svoje vojska nadahnute i vodjene domoljubnim etosom, sto je Crkva bez zivotodajne vjere svojih vjernika? U traganju za istinom o Bogu i covjeku, o narodu i povijesnim dogadjajima, o nasilnim ideologijama i tvorcima laznih i pogubnih krivotvorenja - Crkva ne smije sutjeti ! Dragi prijatelji, postovani branitelji!Ovaj danasnji cin dodjele priznanja, odnosno casnog naslova Junak Domovinskog Rata generalu Anti Gotovini, sada uzniku Haaskog suda, veoma je znakovit, vrijedan i vazan dogadjaj. On u sebi nosi poruku, ali je u isto vrijeme i prosvjed protiv krivotvoritelja istine o nasem Domovinskom obrambenom ratu, prosvjed protiv neprijatelja nase slobode i suvereniteta, protiv zatiraca hrvatskog domoljubnog etosa, protiv podloznika i pokornih slugana koji pod formulom 'detudjmanizacije' ustvari sustavno provode 'dekroatizaciju'. Ima u tom nesto sto je domoljubna romantika i nostalgija, ali to je daleko uzvisenije od izdaje i nehaja. Stoga mi se cini prikladnim i u ovoj prigodi istaknuti vaznost i potrebu vjere u domoljubne ideale i u ovim sadasnjim okolnostima, pa zavrsavam ovo moje slovo poznatim stihovima S. S. Kranjcevica iz pjesme Mojsije, iz daleke 1893. godine:'I tebi bas, sto goris plamenomOd ideala silnih, vjecitih,Ta sjajna vatra crna bit ce smrt,Mrijeti ti ces, kada pocnes samU ideale svoje sumnjati.'  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Feb 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4282/1/E-Snow-Queen-Crown.html ÂSnow Queen Crown established inCroatiaÂZAGREB, Croatia Jan. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Austrian skier Marlies Schild won the "Snow Queen" World Cup slalom held on Mount Sljeme overlooking the Croatian capital of Zagreb on Thursday evening. Schild finished the race with a time of 1:53.63, securing here second straight World Cup slalom success and 60,000 euros (some 72,000 U.S. dollars) of prize.Schild was followed by her teammate, Kathrin Zettel, who had a time of 1:54.07.Croatia's best woman skier, the triple Olympic champion Janica Kostelic won the third with 1:55.08 despite finishing the second run without a pole and a glove, which she lost before the first gate. The Zagreb event, which was put in place last year, was renamed the Snow Queen Trophy this year after Kostelic's nickname of Snow Queen in her homeland. Enditem letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 05 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4980/1/E-A-WONDERFUL-NIGHT-IN-SPLIT-in-ballot-for-OSCAR.html   A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT in ballot for OSCAR   The official Croatian candidate for this year's 78th Annual Academy Awards is a successful film A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT, directed by Arsen Anton Ostojic and produced by Jozo Patljak. The film, among other awards, was nominated for the European Film Award last year and is the winner of the Best Director Award at the Queens Film Festival in New York a month ago. There will be a total of 6 screenings on the West Coast in January, one of which is the closed screening for the members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Saturday, January 7th in Los Angeles.   Other screenings, open for the public, are:Friday, January 6 at 9:15 PM, at Regal Theater, Palm Springs(the director & the producer will both attend)Sunday, January 8 at 2:30 PM at Beverly Hills Fine Arts Theater,8556 Wilshire Blvd. (west of La Cienega), Los Angeles(star Coolio together with the director and the producer will attend)Tuesday, January 10 at 1:30 PM at Regal Theater, Palm SpringsFriday, January 13 at 9:00 PM at Smith Rafael Film Center, SanRafael, Marin County, north of San Francisco (phone: 415 454-1222)Sunday January 15 at 8:30 PM at Smith Rafael Film Center, SanRafael, Marin County, north of Francisco (phone: 415 454-1222)For any additional questions please contact arsen@post.com www.arsenantonostojic.com   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4284/1/E-Nenad-Bach-composed-the-score-for-two-nominated-films.html ÂNenad Bach composed the score for two of the nominated films, Danny Schechter's Weapons of Mass Deception &Brenda Brkusic's Freedom from Despair All nominated films, by virtue of its selection as a nominee, become a part of the IDA/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Film Archive. ÂLOS ANGELES, December 14, 2005â Finalists in the 21st Annual International Documentary Association (IDA) Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards competition were announced in September, among them, a feature documentary Freedom from Despair by 24 year old filmmaker Brenda Brkusic. The winners were feted here at the IDA Awards Benefit Gala on December 9, 2005, at the Directors Guild of America Theatre. 'All of these films tell compelling stories about an important subject in a memorable way,' says IDA Executive Director Sandra Ruch. 'They were chosen by a jury of peers out of hundreds of artfully crafted films from every part of the world. The purpose of the IDA Awards is to celebrate and recognize their successful quests for excellence, and also to inspire other filmmakers to strive to fulfill their dreams.'The IDA Awards selection process began with peer group juries who viewed all submissions to select nominees in each category for final review by a blue-ribbon panel. All nominated films, by virtue of its selection as a nominee, become a part of the IDA/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Film Archive. 'It is a great honor to be nominated by this most respected organization,' said Brkusic of her nomination for a David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement Award. Brkusic was also invited by the IDA board of directors to be considered for a Jacqueline Donnet Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award. She said, 'in 2004 I met Michael Moore at the IDA Awards when he was nominated for Fahrenheit 9/11. I never imagined that the following year I would be nominated. The IDA receives so many compelling, professionally crafted films, and I am grateful that they offered one of the coveted nominee slots to Freedom from Despair. I am also excited that the film will now become a part of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences Film Archive.' Freedom from Despair, which has won a myriad of international awards, including the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award, was showcased along side films by top industry professionals and films by produced by CNN, the Discovery Channel and PBS. 'The teams that make up these films are amazing' said Brkusic, "I was lucky to work with actors Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak and music composer Nenad Bach on Freedom from Despair." Nenad Bach composed the score for two of the films that we nominated this year, Brkusic's Freedom from Despair and Weapons of Mass Deception by Danny Schecter. "Freedom from Despair is a story about my father's escape from the tyranny of Communist Yugoslavia and his people's struggle to attain freedom and human rights. It is a story which represents millions of Croatians." Eastman Kodak Company has sponsored the IDA Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards Gala since its inception in 1984. IDA is a nonprofit, public interest organization. For more information on the IDA, visit www.documentary.org or call 213-534-3600.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4283/1/E-Freedom-From-Despair-Nominated-as-Top-Documentary-of-2005.html Top Documentaries of 2005 Nominated for 21st AnnualInternational Documentary Association AwardsIDA NOMINATES 'FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR'ÂIDA Award NomineesLOS ANGELES, December 14, 2005â Finalists in the 21st Annual International Documentary Association (IDA) Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards competition were announced in September, among them, a feature documentary Freedom from Despair by 24 year old filmmaker Brenda Brkusic. The winners were feted here at the IDA Awards Benefit Gala on December 9, 2005, at the Directors Guild of America Theatre. 'All of these films tell compelling stories about an important subject in a memorable way,' says IDA Executive Director Sandra Ruch. 'They were chosen by a jury of peers out of hundreds of artfully crafted films from every part of the world. The purpose of the IDA Awards is to celebrate and recognize their successful quests for excellence, and also to inspire other filmmakers to strive to fulfill their dreams.'The IDA Awards selection process began with peer group juries who viewed all submissions to select nominees in each category for final review by a blue-ribbon panel. All nominated films, by virtue of its selection as a nominee, become a part of the IDA/Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Film Archive. 'It is a great honor to be nominated by this most respected organization,' said Brkusic of her nomination for a David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement Award. Brkusic was also invited by the IDA board of directors to be considered for a Jacqueline Donnet Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award. She said, 'in 2004 I met Michael Moore at the IDA Awards when he was nominated for Fahrenheit 9/11. I never imagined that the following year I would be nominated. The IDA receives so many compelling, professionally crafted films, and I am grateful that they offered one of the coveted nominee slots to Freedom from Despair. I am also excited that the film will now become a part of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences Film Archive.' Freedom from Despair, which has won a myriad of international awards, including the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award, was showcased along side films by top industry professionals and films by produced by CNN, the Discovery Channel and PBS. 'The teams that make up these films are amazing' said Brkusic, "I was lucky to work with actors Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak and music composer Nenad Bach on Freedom from Despair." Nenad Bach composed the score for two of the films that we nominated this year, Brkusic's Freedom from Despair and Weapons of Mass Deception by Danny Schecter. "Freedom from Despair is a story about my father's escape from the tyranny of Communist Yugoslavia and his people's struggle to attain freedom and human rights. It is a story which represents millions of Croatians." Eastman Kodak Company has sponsored the IDA Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards Gala since its inception in 1984. IDA is a nonprofit, public interest organization. For more information on the IDA, visitwww.documentary.org or call 213-534-3600. Media Contact: Brenda Brkusicfreedomfromdespair@yahoo.com www.freedomfromdespair.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4286/1/E-HE-Ms-Mirjana-Mladineo-to-receive-the-Women-Who-Make-the-Difference-Award.html ÂHE Ms. Mirjana Mladineo to receive the Women Who Make the Difference AwardÂThursday, 3 November 2005NGO Committee on the Status of Women will honor the recent women ambassadors, heads of UN missions at the United Nations in New York. The attached flyer gives more information. There are 9 new ambassadors.It is my understanding that the President of the General Assembly, the President of ECOSOC and the spouse of Mr. Annan (Mrs. Annan ) will be in attendance.Our own HE Ms. Mirjana Mladineo will receive the "Women Who Make the Difference Award" ." Croatian World Congress UN Representative, Dr. Gilda Glasinovich is coordinating tickets and table arrangements. Please contact her at 718.468.1292. or send an e-mail to cslw.gilda@juno.com" Come and celebrate this prestigious event.Congratulation HE Ms. Mirjana Mladineo.prof. dr. Mario ViscovichCroatian World CongressInternational Representative to the United NationsNGO Committee on the Status of Women, NYA Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the UN (CONGO)PO Box 3571, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 Phone: 212-209 3961 Fax: 212-209 7161Email: ngo_csw_ny@hotmail.com The NGO Committee on the Status of Women, NY cordially invites you toThe 5th Women Who Make a Difference Awards Luncheonhonoring the women ambassadors, heads of Mission at the United Nations in New YorkKeynote Speaker: Barbara Crossette, Former UN Bureau Chief, New York TimesThursday, 3 November 200512:30 pmThe Delegates Dining Room, West TerraceHonored this year areH. E. Mrs. MarÃa Ã?ngela HolguÃn of Colombia; H.E. Ms. Mirjana Mladineo of Croatia; H.E. Tiina Intelmann of Estonia; H.E. Ms. Kirsti Lintonen of Finland; H.E. Ms. Ruth Elizabeth Rouse of Grenada; H.E. Ms. Solveiga Silkalna of Latvia; H.E. Ms. Marlene Moses of Nauru; H.E. Ms. Rosemary Banks of New Zealand; and H.E. Mrs. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu of Tonga. Past awardees are also invited.Tickets: $75.00 for individual $200 organizational Sponsor (includes 1 ticket to the luncheon, ambassador sponsor ticket and invitation to the honoree reception)$1,000 Supporter table of 10 (includes Sponsor package and gift)________________________________________________________________________Please return by October 29, 2005. Tickets are held at the door. Thank you.Name(s) attending:Organization:Contact email or phone:□ I would like ______ tickets @ $75 each. Total: $____________□ My organization would like to be a sponsor of one of the awardees. Please contact me. Enclosed is our check for $200.□ My organization would like to be a supporter. Please contact us about a table. Enclosed is our check for $1000.Please return form and check to NGO CSW NY, PO Box 3571 Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163. Checks should be made out to NGO CSW NY. The NGO CSW NY is a tax exempt organization. The tax deductible portion of the luncheon is $30. For further information contact by email: ngowork-vgif@yahoo.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4285/1/E-Jerry-Grcevich-received-highest-honor-for-traditional-artists.html ÂJerry GrcevichTambura Musician Honored in Washington, D.C.Photo: Courtesy of Cedric Studios. Op-ed: Please put the future tense into the past tense.September 14, 2005 Western Pennsylvania tambura musician Jerry Grcevich (Lodge 146) will receive the United States’ highest honor for traditional artists—the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellowship. Grcevich will travel to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 for a four-day celebration. The festivities start with an orientation and welcoming ceremony. On Wednesday morning, Grcevich will be visiting the White House and attending a banquet with other NEA Fellowship recipients at the Library of Congress. On Thursday, the official presentation of the award will take place at the Cannon House Office Building, and Grcevich will meet with Pennsylvania Senators and Congressmen. On Friday, Grcevich, along with other NEA Fellows, will perform in a concert, free and open to the public, at 7:30 PM at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium. Grcevich says, “When I am receiving this award and performing, I will be representing the Croatian Fraternal Union and all of the people who love tamburitza music. I am very proud of this. I would like to thank all of the people who have inspired me throughout the years—my parents, grandparents, and uncle.” Grcevich is also extremely grateful of the musicians that will be traveling to Washington D.C. with him: Vjeko Dimter of Philadelphia (Lodge 354), Robi Sestili of Chicago (Lodge 354), Steve Wagner of Pittsburgh (Lodge 1), Ken Kosovec of Detroit (Lodge 351), and Bob Sestili of Carnegie (Lodge 354). “I would like to thank them and all of the other musicians I have played with throughout the years,” says Grcevich. To reserve tickets for the National Heritage Fellows concert, contact the National Council on Traditional Arts at 301-565-0654 ext. 14. Also, you can find out more information about the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship at:http://www.nea.gov/honors/heritage/Heritage05/Grcevich.html Sincerely,JulieJulie Throckmorton-MeunierCultural Resources SpecialistRivers of Steel National Heritage AreaThe Bost Building623 East Eighth AvenueHomestead, PA 15120phone: 412-464-4020 ext. 45fax: 412-464-4417www.riversofsteel.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 31 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4287/1/E-Freedom-from-Despair-wins-another-award.html ÂFreedom from Despair wins another award!Dear All,Last night Freedom from Despair won the Best Student Film Award at the Westwood International Film Festival in Los Angeles. This award included a statue and a $2,500 cash prize! That cash prize will definitely go to help pay for the production expenses and to the news stations for the costly rights to the stock footage in the film. To all of you who put your personal interest and heart into the film with me - thank you! I am off to work on raising money for the film in Australia for the next few weeks. Thank you again for your help and support,Brendawww.freedomfrindespair.comÂStarring Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak, and Dennis Kucinich, with original score by Nenad BachÂAWARDSInternational Documentary Association (IDA) David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement Award Nominee (Award Ceremony- 12/9/05 at the DGA)CINE Golden Eagle AwardViewer's Voice Award â Cinequest Film FestivalBest Documentary â New York International Independent Film and Video FestivalBest Documentary â International Student Film Festival HollywoodBest Documentary â Chapman Studios Cecil AwardsGolden Reel Award, Best Student Film â Tiburon International Film FestivalBest Student Film - Westwood International Film FestivalBronze Remi Award, World Peace and Understanding â WorldFest Houston International Film FestivalSpecial Recognition â Dubrovnik International Film FestivalFinalist â The Anti-Defamation League Dore Schary AwardsSemi-Finalist â The Angelus Awards letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 19 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4289/1/E-Croatias-Ljubicic-Wins-Tourney-in-France.html ÂCroatia's Ljubicic Wins Tourney in FranceSunday, October 9, 2005METZ, France Third-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia beat sixth-seeded Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (7), 6-0 to win the Open de Moselle on Sunday. Ljubicic won his first final of the year after losing his previous four — three to Roger Federer at Doha, Rotterdam and Dubai, and one to Joachim Johansson at Marseille. The 19-year-old Monfils missed the chance to clinch his second title of the year after winning on clay in Sopot, Poland. The pair had never previously met on the ATP Tour, and Ljubicic's win improved him to 42-18 overall this season.http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/10/09/sports/s075159D17.DTLLjubicic ends four-year title drought in MetzSun Oct 9, 2005 3:41 PM BST METZ, France, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic beat local favourite Gael Monfils 7-6 6-0 in the Metz Open final on Sunday to clinch his first ATP title in four years.The towering Ljubicic, whose last tour success came in Lyon in 2001, stepped up a gear after a tight first set, relying on his trademark booming serves to take control.The 19-year-old Monfils, the former junior number one, failed to claim the second title of his career after winning in August in Sopot, Poland.The powerful Frenchman held his nerve at first but collapsed after losing the first set in a tie break.Ljubicic, who will be one of Croatia's trump cards in their Davis Cup final against Slovakia in December, was playing his fifth final of the season. http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=tennisNews&storyID=URI:urn:newsml:reuters.com:20051009:MTFH13890_2005-10-09_14-41-34_L09270724:1  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4288/1/E-Freedom-form-Despair--Weapons-of-Mass-Deception-in-IDA-Awards.html ÂFreedom form Despair & Weapons of Mass Deception in International Documentary Association AwardsFreedom form Despair: Directed by Brenda Brkusic, Music by Nenad BachWeapons of Mass Deception: Directed by Danny Schechter, Music by Nenad BachThe 21 Annual IDA Awards Gala BenefitEastman Kodak Friday, December 9th, 2005Where: Directors Guild of America--West7920 Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90046Doors open at 6:30 pmProgram begins at 8:00 pmAward Categories Include:- Career Achievement Award- Preservation & Scholarship Award- Donnet Award- IDA'S Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards in the categories of Feature, Short, Limited Series, Continuing Series, the IDA/ABCNEWS VideoSource Award, the IDA/Pare Lorentz Award and the IDA/David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement AwardSee the IDA Award winning films at DocuFest on Saturday, December 10, 2005,at theEastman Kodak Building6700 Santa Monica BlvdHollywood, CA9:00 am to MidnightThe IDA Awards, presented annually to recognize and honor distinguished achievement in documentary production.http://www.documentary.org/programs/awards.phpÂDear Nenad, Good news! A list of International Documentary Association Award nominees at the following link includes Freedom form Despair, March of the Penguins, Murderball, Weapons of Mass Deception, among others.http://www.documentary.org/programs/awards.php Freedom from Despair is nominated for a David L. Wolper Student Documentary Achievement Award and is being considered for a Donnet Award by invitation from the IDA Board of Directors. I hope you can save the date (December 9th, 2005) and maybe attend the awards gala at the Director's Guild with the Freedom from Despair team! The film is also playing this Saturday in the Westwood Int'l Film Festival at 4:30 pm. www.freedomfromdespair.com or www.westwoodfilmfestival.com for more info.I hope all is well for you. Thanks for your help!Brenda  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 09 Oct 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4290/1/E-Boris-Ljubicic-Wins-Best-Show-Award-from-How-Design.html ÂBoris Ljubicic wins 'Best of Show' award from the 'How Design' magazineÂ'You think of a poster as a flat and static. Now see one that's dimensional and interactive. It's our Best of Show winner - all the way from Croatia' - Bryn MoothÂÂBryn Mooth and Boris LjubicicÂop-edPhotos - Courtesy of Boris LjubicicNBÂ'The Croatian American' July 26, 2005Osoba Tjedna Person of the Week(Translared by Hilda M. Foley)Boris LjubicicAfter receiving over the last ten years many awards in many parts of the world, the best known Croatian designer with a world wide reputation, Boris Ljubicic from Sinj, has been rewarded also with a prestigious American award. In a competition of more then 500 works in all categories from 40 countries Boris Ljubicic has received in Chicago the top 'Best of Show' award from the 'How Design' magazine. What enthused the members of the jury most was Ljubicic's original idea in presenting the advertising poster, whose photographs were made by the well known Croatian master of photography Ivo Pervan. They are presented in a new three-dimensional version, which leaves the viewer with a strong impression, in contrast to the classic posters with a flat surface. In order to view the poster, one has to walk around it, much like a tourist who is visiting a place or viewing an object. The award in Chicago was given for a series of posters that were ordered from the Ljubicic design studio by the Croatian Tourist Association for their worldwide promotional campaign this Fall. The whole series are not yet finished as only 22 posters have been presented in Chicago from the 40 in the series. Even though,this was enough for the jury to reward the inventiveness of Ljubicic's work, presenting him in such competition with the most prestigious award. Member of the jury Steff Geissbuchler remarked about Ljubicic's work that it is exceptionally impressive, while another member of the jury, Kelly Kofron appraised the originality of these posters as being indeed outside of the existing borders.Even Boris Ljubicic said that this project was for him a challenge of the new medium for the old message.He explained his idea thus: 'Turists are nomads and searchers. Their curiosity leads them to travel and discover new horizons, people and customs. These posters attract with their complexity and originality and because of it they are more successful than the current classic posters. These series have already been rewarded in Germany and are in competition of designers in New York for the 'Gold Medal' for which 80 top designers of the world will make the decision this Fall. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4291/1/E-10-Awards-for-Freedom-from-Despair-plus-Tour-in-US-Canada-Australia.html ÂFREEDOM FROM DESPAIR PLAYING IN VANCOUVER, ANACORTES, SAN JOSE, SACRAMENTO, SAN FRANCISCO, DETROIT and EVEN MORE CITIES in the NEXT 2 MONTHS!You've heard about it all over the place....now you have a chance to see it on the big screen and take part in helping the film succeed! Freedom from Despair, the critically acclaimed film by Brenda Brkusic is playing in many cities around the US, Canada and Australia this fall. Our tour begins August 20, 2005. These screenings are much needed fundraisers for the film and they are made possible by the Croatian National Association of Los Angeles. The filmmaker and the generous volunteers in each city would appreciate your attendance and support of this film. No other film tells the Croatian struggle for freedom to an English speaking audience. Preserve our true history and support the work of others who do good for all of us. Please see below for information on some of the cities where the film will be playing.Croatian Cultural Centre screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Vancouver, British ColumbiaSaturday, September 10, 2005 / reception at 6:00pm, film screening at 7:00 pm Post screening entertainment by popular band Grah i Jecam$10 donation per person at the door 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC (Auditorium I)Contact: Marko Dekovic 604-837-8394 or Zlatko Jelinic 778-837-7497 This is a Radio VRH, Croatian Cultural Centre and CNA (Udruga) sponsored event!Croatian American Club screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Anacortes, WashingtonSunday, September 11, 2005 / lunch reception at 1:00 pm, film screening at 2:00 pm $10 tax-deductible donation per person at the door 1202 7th St. Anacortes, WA 98221 Contact: Anka Kolega ankakolega@hotmail.com or Bret Lunsfordinfo@knw-yrown.com This is a Radio VRH, Croatian Cultural Centre and CNA (Udruga) sponsored event!Croatian Cultural Centre screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Sacramento, CAThursday, September 15, 2005 / 7:00 pm dinner and film screeningTax-deductible donation per person TBA 3730 Auburn Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95821Contact: Mike Zupan (916) 489-0339 or (916) 214-0339 orinfo@cacc.com This is a Croatian Cultural Center and Croatian National Association sponsored event!Croatian Cultural Centre screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, San Francisco, CAFriday, September 16, 2005 / 6:00pm film screening Tax deductible donations welcome. Corner of Alemany and Onondaga, San Francisco, CAContact: Cultural Center 510-649-0941 This is a Croatian Cultural Center and Croatian National Association sponsored event!Assumption of Mary Croatian Church screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, San Jose, CASunday, September 18, 2005 / 1:00pm film screeningTax deductible donations welcome. 901 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA Contact: Aldo Stemberga 650-714-3032 or stemberga@msn.com This is an Assumption of Mary Croatian Church and Croatian National Association sponsored event! St. Lucy Croatian Catholic Church screening, Troy, MichiganSaturday, November 5, 2005 / reception at 6:00pm pre-glow party, 7:30 pm film screening$20 tax-deductible donation per person at the door for the film only / $100 tax deductible donation for pre-glow party and film (includes two tickets to the party and the film)200 East Wattles Road, Troy, Michigan 48098Contact: Mariann Zander 810-231-3300 or zanderind@chartermi.net This is a St. Lucy Croatian Catholic Church and Croatian National Association sponsored event! Greater Toronto Area - A second tour is being organized due to overwhelming demand - Coming late September, 2005!Cleveland - We want YOU! Email us! Australian Tour – Coming late October, 2005!The film will be playing in even more cities - right now we are gathering volunteers to organize screenings for their communities. To volunteer, please email freedomfromdespair@yahoo.com ormilanvukovic@sbcglobal.netÂFor more information please visit www.freedomfromdespair.com FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR A young man's journey from despair, a nation’s struggle for freedom.This award winning film is a celebration of culture, democracy and the abiding strength of the human spirit. Freedom from Despair has inspired and touched audiences everywhere it has played. With music by acclaimed composer Nenad Bach.ÂAWARDSCINE Golden Eagle AwardBest Documentary — New York International Independent Film and Video FestivalBest Documentary — International Student Film Festival HollywoodBest Documentary — Chapman Studios Cecil AwardsViewer's Voice Award — Cinequest Film FestivalGolden Reel Award — Tiburon International Film FestivalBronze Remi Award, World Peace and Understanding — WorldFest Houston International Film FestivalSpecial Recognition — Dubrovnik International Film FestivalFinalist — The Anti-Defamation League Dore Schary AwardsSemi-Finalist — The Angelus Awards letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 20 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4293/1/E-Remi-Award-for-Freedom-from-Despair---WorldFest-Houston.html ÂRemi Award for Freedom from Despair - WorldFest HoustonÂatthe WorldFest Houston Film FestivalTo our suprise we were just notified today that Freedom from Despair won a Bronze Remi Award at the 2005 WorldFest Houston Film Festival. Out of 4,500 entries Freedom from Despair was selected by an international Jury to receive a competitive Bronze Remi Award for the film's achievement in film and video production. Congratulations to the entire Freedom from Despair team for this achievement and to all the people who have supported the film!ÂThank you,Brendawww.freedomfromdespair.comwww.worldfest.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4292/1/E-Brenda-Brkusic-Honored-by-US-House-of-Representatives.html ÂBrenda Brkusic Honored by US House of RepresentativesÂÂBRENDA BRKUSIC AND HER FILM FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR RECOGNIZED ON THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORDIN HONOR OF ACCLAIMED FILMMAKER BRENDA BRKUSIC -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 24, 2005)SPEECH OF HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH OF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2005 Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of filmmaker Brenda Brkusic. Brenda is a courageous and hard working young woman who has been identified as a visionary in the Croatian community. At the age of twenty-one, Brenda started working on the film Freedom From Despair as her student thesis at Chapman University in Los Angeles, California.ÂFreedom From Despair explores one man's arduous journey from his homeland of Yugoslavia to the United States, and his fight for human rights and Croatian independence. It also scrutinizes the relationship between ruthless dictators, the slaughter of 250,000 people, and the silence of the mainstream media. It creatively portrays the power of the human spirit and the tenets of democracy, without preaching or the use of propaganda.ÂHer film has been met with critical acclaim, and has garnered countless awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle award, which has previously been awarded to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Her peers have recognized her as an emerging talent in the film industry, and a remarkable human being.ÂMr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Ms. Brenda Brkusic, the writer, producer and editor of Freedom From Despair for her hard work encouraging human rights and personal triumph over evil. ENDhttp://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2005_record&page=E1346&position=all letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4294/1/E-Steven-Spielberg-George-Lucas-and-now-Brenda-Brkusic-wins-CINE.html Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and now firstCroatian,Brenda Brkusic wins CINE GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD24-Year-Old Local Filmmaker Wins PrestigiousCINE GOLDEN EAGLE AWARDFrom CINEFor Immediate Release6/21/05Contact: Brenda Brkusic310-541-0714freedomfromdespair@yahoo.comLos Angeles: CINE is pleased to announce that FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR, a film produced, directed, and edited by 24-year-old BRENDA BRKUSIC has won a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. The CINE Golden Eagle Awards, distinguishing excellence in professional and amateur works, are recognized internationally as symbols of the highest production standards in filmmaking and videography. CINE has, since its founding in 1957, been dedicated to discovering, rewarding, educating, and supporting established and emerging talent in film and video. Among great talents whose first major awards included the CINE Golden Eagle, are Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas, and such great documentarians as Ken Burns, Charles Guggenheim, Stanley Nelson, and Frederick Wiseman. In the Spring 2005 Competition, over 300 judges viewed and evaluated hundreds of distinguished entries. Experienced professionals in the field of film and video production, as well as subject matter experts, serve in a volunteer capacity. They judge the entries using standards of overall excellence, evaluating such criteria as writing, sound, editing, creativity, visuals, insights, and the extent to which the film meets its stated goals and communicates with its intended audience. CINE conducts two competitions each year, and the current one began in February 2005. In addition to the Golden Eagle awards, CINE has established two levels of competitive awards. All of the competitive awards will be presented at the Annual CINE Awards Ceremony, to be held in Washington, DC in April 2006. Prizes and awards worth over $25,000 are associated with these awards. BRENDA BRKUSIC started creating her award winning film FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR when she was just 21 years old and a full time college student attending Chapman University. Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the New York International Independent Film Festival, the Viewerâs Voice Award at the Cinequest Film Festival, the Golden Reel Award at the Tiburon International Film Festival, and now the CINE Golden Eagle Award, FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR is a riveting, feature-length documentary that introduces us to a 20th Century freedom fighter â who happens to be Brkusicâs father.Having risked his life to flee on foot to Italy from a Yugoslav regime that punished independent thought and suppressed Croatian culture, Kruno Brkusic made his way to America in 1957 to make his dream of a free life a reality. However, almost forty years later, as he sees his homeland ravaged by war during the dissolution of Yugoslavia, he raises his voice to defend his peopleâs freedom. His courageous journey takes him from street demonstrations to the bastions of mainstream media and to the halls of Congress, to challenge a President and alert the world to the massacre allowed to take place while the world looked the other way; and America, his adopted land of freedom, supported the tyranny of two of the worldâs bloodiest dictators, Josip Broz Tito and Slobodan Milosevic. Through testimonies from expert eye-witnesses, the film examines the role the Communist government of Yugoslavia and their foreign allies had in allowing the slaughter of more than 250,000 people in the Croatia and later Bosnia-Herzegovina. By revealing that which was never shown in the American mainstream media, the filmmaker pieces together a shocking world that lay silenced with a generation of survivors for the past 50 years. In this celebration of culture, democracy, and the strength of the human spirit, we see Kruno Brkusicâs work help heal a nation, with courage, faith, and an overwhelming desire to fight for FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR.With stirring archival footage, narrative recreations, moving interviews including 2004 Presidential Candidate Congressman Dennis Kucinich, narration by actor John Savage (CANRIVALE, THE DEER HUNTER), voice-overs by Michael York (AUSTIN POWERS, CABARET) and Beata Pozniak (JAG, Oliver Stoneâs JFK), Brenda Brkusic has made a film that has won awards at many film festivals as it touches and inspire audiences everywhere it plays.www.freedomfromdespair.comwww.cine.org letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sat, 25 Jun 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4295/1/E-60-Years-of-Victory-Medal-to-president-Mesic.html Â60 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic WarMedals to political figures who fought against fascismÂPresident of Croatia, Stepan Mesic, received the medalMAIN WWII VICTORY FESTIVITIES START IN MOSCOW 11:36 MOSCOW, May 8 (RIA Novosti) - This Sunday main festivities devoted to Victory Day (60th anniversary of the end of WWII) are commencing in Moscow. The CIS summit, which is to start its work at noon Moscow time in the form of a working meeting, will be the first event. After that, the heads of the CIS states will meet in the square in front of the Bolshoi Theater with the veterans of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) from Russia and other CIS countries. The square is famous as the place where war veterans traditionally gather every year on the eve of the Victory Day celebrations. After that, the CIS leaders will attend a festive concert to be held for war veterans on the new stage of the Bolshoi. This Sunday most foreign guests are arriving in Moscow, including Chairman of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao, Germany's Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, President of France Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, and also US President George Bush whom President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet this evening. A Victory Parade will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Red Square on May 9, the main day of the celebrations. After the parade, the invited leaders of foreign states will lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall together with the Russian leadership. At noon, a festive reception will be held on behalf of Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin in the State Kremlin Palace on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Both war veterans and the leaders of foreign delegations have been invited to this reception. During the reception, a ceremony will be held to award the medals "60 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War" to war veterans, foreign guests, and also to political figures who fought against fascism. Thus, the medals will be given to President of Greece Karolos Papoulias (who participated in the resistance movement in Greece in 1943-1944), President of Albania Alfred Moisiu, President of Croatia Stepan Mesic, Wojciech Jaruzelski (former President of Poland, a participant in the Great Patriotic War), Glafkos Kliridis (former President of Cyprus, a war participant and military pilot), and former king of Romania Mihai I Hohenzollern. The heads and members of foreign delegations are planned to hold numerous meetings within different formats on May 9. The leaders of various countries will hold bilateral meetings. The President of Russia will hold a series of tete-a-tete meetings with his colleagues from other states. Also, a Middle East quartet (UN, Russia, U.S. and EU) meeting is scheduled for May 9. Despite that, all foreign guests and war veterans will gather again in Red Square in the evening. At 20:00 Moscow time, a minute of silence will be held to commemorate the war victims. After that, an impressive show will be held to reproduce the history of the Great Patriotic War and its main episodes. The festivity will end with a concert of pop stars and big fireworks. On Tuesday, May 10, a Russia-EU summit will be held in the Grand Kremlin Palace.http://en.rian.ru/russia/20050508/39949427.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 May 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4296/1/E-Three-Titles-For-Croatian-Sanja-Paukovic.html ÂThree Titles For Croatian ÂPhoto by: Raul CalinÂRaul Calin, Ian MarshallCroatiaâs Sanja PAUKOVIC proved to be the most successful player on duty at the ITTF World Junior Circuit event in Morocco (24th-29th March 2005); she won the Junior Girlsâ Team event and the Junior Girlsâ Doubles with her compatriot Suncica VUGRINEC and completed the tournament unbeaten by overcoming the latter to capture the Junior Girlsâ Singles title.The Croatian was naturally delighted with her success and was clearly determined from the onset to book a place in the World Junior Circuit Finals in Santo Domingo later in the year.Sanja PAUKOVIC, winner of three titles in Morocco âThe World Junior Circuit event in Ãrebro, Sweden was a stronger tournament, there were many European players there and the competition was really hardâ€?, said PAUKOVIC. âHere I had a good chance to gain points on the ITTF World Junior Circuit and this was important for me in order to try to qualify for the Grand Finals; also I intend to play in Spain and Poland and I hope to play well to be in Santo Domingoâ€?.PAUKOVIC and VUGRINEC beat Brazilâs Mariany NONAKA and Jordanâs Zeina SHABAN in the Junior Girlsâ Doubles final but having to face each other in the singles final must have been a difficult experience. âIt was a mental contest, we know each other very well, we are very good friendsâ€?, said PAUKOVIC. âWe have played doubles together for two years, we practise with each other and we are good friends.â€?Meanwhile, Germanyâs Patrick BAUM captured the Junior Boysâ Singles title beating colleague Alexander KRIEGER in the final whilst in the Junior Boysâ Doubles event, victory went to the Russians Stanislav GOLAVANOV and Kirill SKACHIKOV; the duo overcoming the Croatians Tomislav KOLAREK and Domagoj MAGLIC at the final hurdle.It was for BAUM his second title of the tournament; earlier in the proceedings he had won the Junior Boysâ Team event with Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and was understandably pleased to have won a further title. âI felt very good here in Casablancaâ€?, he said. âI played well and I âm happy with my results.â€?It was the first ITTF World Junior Circuit event to be held in Morocco and everyone left pleased with the organisation; the tournament finished in with traditional Moroccan dancing being the highlight of the closing ceremony.http://www.ittf.com/Protour_new/Stories_detail.asp?ID=7021&PT_Title=&Year1= letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4297/1/E-The-Golden-Reel-Award-to-Freedom-From-Despair.html ÂI was not prepared for FREEDOM FROM DESPAIRBay Area Casting Newsby Nina Hauptman FREEDOM FROM DESPAIRBrenda BrkusicCINEQUEST Film Festival I was not prepared for FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR. Honestly, I'm not sure it is possible to prepare one's self for documentaries such as these. Like most Americans, I was unaware of the full extent of terror that has plagued Croatia for the past 50 years or so, and certainly had never heard detailed personal accounts of living through it. Whether or not the Yugoslavian government was torturing and murdering Croatians in the name of Communism or Democracy (obviously skewering both ideologies), the stories of torture and concentration camps rival those of the Holocaust in their atrocity, if not in their numbers.FREEDOM tells many tales of horror experienced in Yugoslavia-controlled Croatia, using interviews as well as stock footage and recreations to paint a picture of the oppressive lifestyle endured by the native people. While giving a broad picture, the film also closely follows the life of a man named Kruno Brkusic. After being repeatedly abused and persecuted by the government (he was imprisoned at the age of five!), Kruno finally made it to Italy where he was recruited from his refugee camp into the US army. Although he had managed to escape physically, his thoughts never strayed from his homeland and thus Kruno has spent his life fighting for the freedom of his people. He never thought that the battle would last as long as it did, but is now thankful that things are finally improving over there.Almost as shocking as the carnage is the seeming indifference of the rest of the world. Though the Yugoslavian government tried its best to present a humanitarian front by hiding it's actions from the media, neither America nor the rest of the world can claim that it was unaware of what was happening. In fact, tens of thousands of Croatian refugees protested in front of the White House, receiving no media coverage whatsoever. As President Bush was invading Iraq on the pretense of preserving freedom in Kuwait, Croatians continued to suffer a fate even worse than those in the Middle East. However, there was no monetary incentive for the United States to place sanctions on the Yugoslavian government, so nothing was done.This documentary is exceptionally well-crafted, giving a detailed account of both the situation in Croatia and the political mood in the U.S. at the time. Several American political figures were interviewed, including Congressman Dennis Kucinich. I strongly recommend this film to anyone who is ignorant of the full extent of the "ethnic cleansing" in Croatia, and I have a feeling that includes the majority of U.S. citizens.The Viewer's Voice Award at the Cinequest Film Festival &The Golden Reel Award for Best Student Film at the Tiburon International Film Festival. I am grateful to the Freedom from Despair team and to these festivals for honoring the film. Pasted at the end of this email is a great review of the film that was done by the Bay Area News after Cinequest. The film was also mentioned on Film Threat for being a Viewer's Voice Winner -http://www.filmthreat.com/FilmFestivals.asp?Id=1697 . Thanks for your continuous hard work and hope you are all well. Brenda www.freedomfromdespair.com - update in progress! letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 23 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4298/1/E-Freedom-from-Despair-Wins-Cinequest-Viewer-Voice-Award.html ÂFreedom from Despair wins another AwardThe Cinequest Film Festival's Prestigious Online Viewer's Voice Award!ÂThe votes were counted and it was announced on Tuesday March 1st, 2005 that Brenda Brkusic's feature documentary Freedom from Despair won the Cinequest Film Festival's prestigious Online Viewer's Voice Award. Cinequest was named one of the top ten film festivals in the USA by author and film festival guru, Chris Gore. During February, 8,000 registered voters watched and voted on the 35 feature films that were in competition for 3 slots in the Cinequest Film Festival this March. Freedom from Despair was named one of the top three films in demand by voters according to the average number of downloads combined with average number of star ratings given to the film. Cinequest will be screening Freedom from Despair on Monday, March 7, 2005 at 5:00pm at the Camera 12 in San Jose. For more information and to purchase tickets for the screening or the awards ceremony, please visit www.cinequest.org . -----My sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone who took the time to download and vote for the film. Your efforts are proof that we can accomplish anything when we work together!Brenda Brkusic, filmmakerTo reserve a personal, high quality copy of the film, visitwww.freedomfromdespair.com for more information. Freedom from Despair - A young man's journey from despair, a nation's struggle for freedom. Winner of three Best Documentary Awards. StarringMichael York, John Savage,Beata Pozniak and Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Music composed by Nenad Bach.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 04 Mar 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4300/1/E-10-year-Taylor-Guitar-Endorsment-of-Nenad-Bach.html Performers who play Taylor guitars Recording ArtistsPerformers who play Taylor guitars are not paid to endorse our instruments, nor do we give free guitars to high-profile entertainers to gain "exposure." Like any customers, recording artists purchase Taylors for all the right reasons â because they meet or surpass the most discriminating musical requirements; inspire them to achieve the highest standards in playing, writing, and performing; and excite the senses with their aesthetic beauty. Considering the multitude of exceptional acoustic guitars currently available, it is gratifying that many of the world's top recording artists (and "civilians") choose Taylor. Taylor Guitars gave life time warranty to these artists: 311Will AckermanTrace AdkinsAerosmithAir SupplyAlabamaGregg AllmanAmbrosiaAmericaTrey AnastasioJann ArdenCarolyn ArendsBabyfaceNenad BachBacon BrothersBarenaked LadiesBeach BoysBeckDavid BeldockAdrian BelewJohn BerryBetter Than EzraStephen BishopClint BlackMary BlackBlackhawkArthur Blanchblink-182Blues TravelerSuzy BoggussKarla BonoffEdie BrickellMichelle BranchGarth BrooksMeredith BrooksJackson BrowneJimmy Buffett (Baby)Jeannie Burns (Burns Sisters)Kenny BurrellJon ButcherRyan CabreraGlen CampbellJerry CantrellMichael CardMary Chapin CarpenterPaul CarrackLionel CartwrightCartwright BrothersJohn CephasGary ChapmanSteven Curtis ChapmanCheap TrickKenny ChesneyChicagoChip and Donnie (Enuff Znuff)Chronic FutureStanley Clarke (bass)Phil CodyMarc CohnLloyd ColeJudy CollinsShawn ColvinBilly CorganThe CorrsCourse of NatureThe CranberriesDan CraryA.J. CroceDavid CrosbyChristopher CrossCharlie DanielsClay DavidsonGail DaviesBilly Deandel AmitriTom DeLonge (Blink 182)Iris DeMentNeil DiamondChris DiffordDixie ChicksAnne DodsonDogwood MoonMickey DolenzPat DonohueRanger Doug (Baby)Roby DukeHolly DunnDuran DuranDoyle DykesElliot EastonDuane Eddy (Baby)The EdgeDave EdmundsDon Edwards (Baby)Jonathan EdwardsEverclearRicky FataarFerronTim FinnTim FlanneryFlea (bass)Fleetwood MacRosie FloresJohn FogertyFoo FightersPeter FramptonRuss FreemanFriday's ChildRichie FurayBeppe GambettaGenesisPaul GilbertVince GillDavid GilmourAndrew GoldGolden EarringGraham GouldmanAmy GrantPat GreenAdie GreyPatty GriffinGrace GriffithNanci GriffithSammy HagarMerle HaggardHall & OatesJim HallJohnny HallydayAli HandalJack & Lon Hannah (Sons of the San Joaquin)HansonRoy HarperCorey HarrisJerome Harris (bass)John HiattFaith HillLauryn HillChris HillmanSusanna HoffsHoobastankHootie & The BlowfishBuck HowdyBilly IdolTony IommiAlan JacksonMick JaggerBrett JamesRick JamesJars of ClayJewelBuddy JewellCarolyn Dawn Johnson Richard Leo JohnsonBilly JonasRickie Lee JonesLaurence JuberRichard JulianLed KaapanaGeorge Kahumoku Jr.Dennis KamakahiKeith Kane (Vertical Horizon)Mary KarlzenMike KeneallyThe KillersSteven KingThe KinleysPat KirtleyT.J. Klay (Western Flyer)Jennifer KnappMark KnopflerPeter Koppes (The Church)Ozzie KotaniLeo KottkeLenny KravitzGreg Lakek.d. langPeter LangMarit Larsen (M2M)Max LasserSteve LauryGeddy LeeJulian LennonMichael LewisLifehouseAlex LifesonLisa LoebKenny LogginsPatty LovelessJeff LynneShelby LynneDougie MacLeanDoug MacLeodMadonnaEric MantelMaroon 5Richard MarxKathy MatteaDave MatthewsZoe McCullochGerry McGee (Ventures)Tim McGrawSarah McLachlanZan McLeodTravis MeeksTim MensyJim MessinaRaul MidonSteve MillerRonnie MontroseMoody BrothersZak MorganAlanis MorissetteFranco MoroneJason MrazNative VibeNelsonMike NessCarrie NewcomerNew St. GeorgeNick Nguyen (Bonepony)Nils (Jiptner)Heather NovaMaura O'ConnellKristina OlsenRoland Orzabal (Tears for Fears)O-TownGregory PagePearl JamJeff Pevar (CPR)Liz PhairKelly Joe PhelpsMike Pinder (Moody Blues)Steve PoltzThe PretendersTristan PrettymanPrinceChris ProctorGary PuckettQueensrycheJoel RafaelBonnie RaittToshi ReagonHarvey ReidVernon ReidR.E.M.Tim ReynoldsMarc Roberge (O.A.R.)The RochesJim RooneyEugene RuffoloKate RusbyRichie SamboraJoe SatrianiMatt Scannell(Vertical Horizon)The ScorpionsDarrell ScottSeal (Baby)Eve Selis BandRon SexsmithChristopher ShawJules ShearBilly SheehanMichelle ShockedCarly SimonMark SlaughterMichael W. SmithStuart SmithJill SobuleSomething CorporateSonic YouthSorayaJ.D. SoutherTim SparksRick SpringfieldBilly SquierJames Lee StanleyPaul StanleyMichael Steele (The Bangles)Leni Stern (Baby)Steve StevensAl StewartJohn StewartStephen StillsSting (bass)Doug StoneStory of the YearLarry StuartPeter StuartStyxSum 41Andy SummersSweetSwitchfootJames Taylor (Baby)Livingston TaylorSally TaylorJack TempchinTenacious DTerrellJohn TeshGlenn TilbrookPam TillisMichael TomlinsonTonicTraptArtie TraumHappy TraumTravisTravis TrittMark TremontiTrixterJoe Lynn TurnerShania TwainUncle HarrySteve VaiSuzanne VegaJulieta VenegasWendy WaldmanBilly Joe Walker, Jr.Clay WalkerJoe WalshWayne WatsonPaul WesterbergRoger WhittakerDavid WilcoxJett WilliamsLucinda WilliamsRobin and Linda WilliamsRobin WilliamsonNancy WilsonVictor Wooten (bass)Peter YarrowYellowcardJesse Colin YoungNeil Young "Civilians"Bobby Bonilla, former baseball proChastity BonoRussell Branyan, Cincinnati RedsJeff Bridges, actor (bass)Dana Carvey, actor/comedianDavid Charvet, actorBill ClintonKerry Collins, NFLRonny Cox, actorCarson Daly, MTV Shannen Doherty, actressMinnie Driver, actressBobbie Eakes, actressMick Garris, TV/film writer-producer-directorTony Geary, actorGreg Giraldo, actorShawn Green, L.A. DodgersMichael Gogin, actorOscar Hijuelos, author (Mambo Kings)John Hurt, actorEric Idle, actor (Monty Python)Don Johnson, actorJohn Kerry, U.S. SenatorStephen King, authorChristian Riese Lassen, artistTaryn Manning, actressCheech Marin, actorRob Morrow, actorConan O'Brien, NBCMike Piazza, N.Y. MetsBrad Pitt, actorJeremy Piven, actorTim Robbins, actorRene Russo, actressMarla Sokoloff, actressScott Tinley, triathleteBill Todman, Jr., TV/film producerRobby Unser, race car driverRobert James Waller, author (The Bridges of Madison County)Robb Webb, actor (the "voice" of 60 Minutes)Rusty Wilcoxen, producer/director (Grand Ole Opry Live)Steve Young, former San Francisco 49erBarry Zito, Oakland A'shttp://www.taylorguitars.com/artists/awp/recording.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4299/1/E-Nenad-Bach-picks-up-the-Grand-Prize-in-New-York.html ÂNenad Bach picks up the Grand Prize in New YorkÂat the New York International Independent Film and Video Festivalon behalf of Brenda Brkusic and Freedom from Despair Film. ÂIn front of the red carpet New York City December 18, 2004Award was presented by Bradley Balfour, a man who wrote a great review in 1993 for Can we Go Higher? in The New York CD ReviewsÂÂDear surprise. Nenad Bach, Bob Foucault and his daughter Margaret. Bob approached me when he heard that I am Croatian. He is as well. Second generation. His grandmother came from Croatia. Bob picked upThe Best Cinematography Award. In this photo on Dec 18, 2004, these are three generations of Croatian-Americans. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, in that order. Check Bob's website and contact.ÂContact for BobProducer/DirectorWork (800) 346-9487Fax (612) 821-6498Mobile bob@aurorapictures.com Work Address5249 Chicago Ave SouthMinneapolis, MN 55417United Stateswww.aurorapictures.com ÂNew York International Independent Film and Video FestivalIt was announced yesterday that Brenda Brkusic's feature film Freedom from Despair won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival where it played at the Village East Cinema on November 21, 2004 as a part of the festival. The festival screened and judged over 350 films during its ten day run, making the competition tough for Freedom from Despair which took home the highest documentary honor. A list of winners can be seen on the festivalâs website athttp://www.nyfilmvideo.com/2004/ny2004/nyawardsnov04.htm Shawn Kittelsen, a staff member for the New York International Independent Film Festival wrote before the festival: âit's quite honestly one of my favorite selections for the festival year. As a former NYU film student I must say you have quite an impressive work here, in terms of both technique and content, something that you should rightfully be very proud of. This film is important in so many ways and I want to make sure it gets the reception that it deserves. On a personal note, I'm looking forward to meeting you and hopefully getting the chance to hear about your experiences shooting this and what you're up to next. Thanks for making such a great film to celebrate at this Festival.â€?Â"Freedom from Despair"Directed by Brenda BrkusicMusic by Nenad BachÂAll Photos: Dino Rulli letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 02 Jan 2005 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4301/1/E-Tajana-Raukar-Croaitan-ICEART-World-Champion.html Ice World 2004/2005 - World Championship in Luebeck ÂTajana Raukar from Croatia and her team partner Steve Price won the title in Bokrijk/Belgien in 2003LUEBECK, GERMANY.- A winter dream from glittering ice will enchant Lübeck until January 23rd 2005. The 2nd International Festival of Ice Sculptures "Ice World" is dedicated to a "Fantasy in Ice". Both the Festival of Ice Sculptures and the ice-skating rink in front of the famous Holstentor will turn the place into a magical winter scenery amidst the medieval brick stone architecture. A special highlight of this year's Ice World: the World Championship of Ice Carvers will take place in Lübeck from December 7th until 9th 2004. In 2004 the ICEART World Championship team competition will take place in Germany for the first time and only for the third time in Europe since it was started more than 20 years ago. The official title of the event is "ICEART World Championship 2004". The World Championship is ruled by the regulations of the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) and will take place before the official opening of Ice World for the public. The organiser of the World Championship and the artistic director of Ice World is Mr. Gert J. Hödl, Ice Artist and threefold Champion from Austria. The results of the championship will be presented to the public during "Ice World" from December 10th on. Teams from 15 nations consisting of two ice carvers each will compete in Lübeck. Participants are teams from Armenia, Australia, China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, Croata, the Netherlands, Austria, Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic and the US. Each team creates one ice sculpture, which represents the respective home country, and a second sculpture for the competition which will be dedicated to a motto to be chosen by the artists. The participants must create and finish their "master piece" with a minimum height of 3 metres from 16 ice blocks (25x50x100cm) within a fixed period of time of only 30 hours. The drafts of the sculptors go from the fabulous "Balancing Dragon" from Australia and "Hercules and the Hydra" from Sweden to "The ride to Lübeck" with a mermaid and dolphins from Austria to "Motocross" from Canada and the bizarre "Medival Jet" from the Czech Republic. With the help of chain saws, drills, cutters and special ice carving tools from Japan and even fire impressive works of ice emerge from the ice blocks. Tajana Raukar from Croatia and her team partner Steve Price won the title in Bokrijk/Belgien in 2003. The jury consists of five world renowned ice carvers, representatives of NICA and also representatives from the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. The official prize giving ceremony will take place on December 9th directly in front of the Holstentor. Afterwards all visitors of the festival in Lübeck have the chance to vote for the most beautiful work of art. The most popular ice sculpture or rather the team will be awarded with the public prize."With this year's Ice World in Lübeck we will set new standards of ice carving and the presentation of ice sculptures", comments Lübeck's Director of Tourism Johann W. Wagner on the attractiveness of Ice World in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck for tourists, "Nowhere in the world ice sculptures of this outstanding quality, made from 400 kg of ice are presented indoor." Last year nearly 250 000 visitors came to see the premiere of Ice World. The Festival of Ice Sculptures takes place on an area of 1.750 square metres in a special thermal tent with a constant temperature of -10° just in front of the Holstentorhalle. This temperature is required to keep the frosty works of art in shape. Some of them have a height of up to 6 metres. A combination of special lighting and the reflection from the ice will present the works of art in a stunning colourful splendour Tip: When visiting ICE World do not forget to bring warm clothes. The unique ice bar inside the tent will offer cool drinks and cocktails. And after your visit to the amazing world of ice sculptures the cosy winter cafeteria awaits you inside the Holstentorhalle. For children ICE WORLD offers a particular amusement: An ice-slide on the winter playground in the thermal tent guarantees a cold enjoyment for the kids. And in the kids' corner in the cosy and warm, tangerine-scented Holstentorhalle the little ice-friends can warm up again quickly. Equipped with playthings and toys the kids' corner is real fun to visit. Or would you like to leave your tracks in the ice after having enjoyed so much masterly ice art? Then you are welcome on the ice-skating rink in front of the historic Holstentor. The large ice-skating rink with a surface of approximately 700 square metres offers fun on ice, while a separate ice-skating rink for children guarantees a cheerful slide for the small ice-skaters. http://www.artdaily.com/section/news/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=11974  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4302/1/E-FFD-Wins-Best-Documentary-in-NY-Film-Fest.html ÂFreedom from Despair Wins Best Documentary at the New York International Independent Film FestivalÂIt was announced yesterday that Brenda Brkusic's feature film Freedom from Despair won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival where it played at the Village East Cinema on November 21, 2004 as a part of the festival. The festival screened and judged over 350 films during its ten day run, making the competition tough for Freedom from Despair which took home the highest documentary honor. A list of winners can be seen on the festival's website at http://www.nyfilmvideo.com/2004/ny2004/nyawardsnov04.htm Shawn Kittelsen, a staff member for the New York International Independent Film Festival wrote before the festival: "it's quite honestly one of my favorite selections for the festival year. As a former NYU film student I must say you have quite an impressive work here, in terms of both technique and content, something that you should rightfully be very proud of. This film is important in so many ways and I want to make sure it gets the reception that it deserves. On a personal note, I'm looking forward to meeting you and hopefully getting the chance to hear about your experiences shooting this and what you're up to next. Thanks for making such a great film to celebrate at this Festival."ÂKrasnic, Dizdar, Brkusic, BachÂBrenda Brkusic was in attendance at the festival screening due to her arrival in New York for an earlier screening of the film at St. Rafael's Croatian Catholic Church in Manhattan. The screening was a fundraiser to help Brenda with the film and was sponsored by the Croatian National Association, a non-profit organization that has set up a way for Brenda to receive tax-deductible donations for the film. Brenda would like to thank all the beautiful people in New York who volunteered to help organize the screening, especially event coordinator Nick Krasnic, the Priests and volunteers at St. Rafael's Parish, Michael Kustra and all those who gave kind words of support and donations after the film. Also in attendance at both screenings that day was the film's music composer Nenad Bach who happened to be celebrating his birthday. Both Brenda Brkusic and Nenad Bach were interviewed after the New York International Independent Film Festival about the making and importance of Freedom from Despair for the New Zeland TV and local New York TV channel. The New York International Independent Film Festival marked the third Best Documentary award for the film since its release in May. The next screening of Freedom from Despair is set for Sunday, December 12, 2004 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor, Ontario with an approximate start time at 3pm. For more information or to find out how to get involved, please visit www.freedomfromdespair.com . The Croatian National Association is currently working together with Brenda and volunteers from various cities to organize their 2005 screening line up.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 07 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4303/1/E-36-awards-for-Croatians-World-Exhibition-of-Innovation.html ÂCroatian inventors won 36 awardsÂCroatian inventors won 36 awards at the World Exhibition of Innovation, Research and New Technology in Brussels. The Croatian team won four gold, 10 silver and 22 bronze medals in competition with 800 participants from 40 countries. The World Exhibition of Innovation, Research and New Technologies at Brussels Expo, more snappily described as the Eureka Fair, appeals to the mad professor within all of us.The fair brings together around 800 participants from 40 countries and showcases more than 1200 innovations and inventions. The world's most renowned researchers, inventors and official bodies that register applications for patents are in attendance. Hot on the trail of new technology and nutty inventors, the world's media always make a beeline for the event too.Op-edIf someone knows more about the names and inventions of these Croatian winners, please send it to Letters@CroatianWorld.net Nenad BachContact DetailsName:CPE Exhibitions sa (Orienta)Email:orienta@cpexpo.comFax:+32 (0) 2 732 05 09Phone:+32 (0) 2 741 61 62Address:Brusselsesteenweg, 539 B-3090 OverijseVenue Information: Brussels ExpoName:Brussels Expo, Brussels, BelgiumDirectionsAbout 15 minutes from Brussels International Airport by car or taxi (exit 7bis Expo).From central Brussels, take the metro or tram 23 or 81 to the Heysel stop.Nearest AirportThe nearest airport is in BrusselsContact Details: Brussels ExpoEmail: sales@bruexpo.be Phone:+32 (0) 2 474 82 63Fax:+32 (0) 2 474 83 90 letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4305/1/E-Luka-Milas-Receives-ASTRO-Gold-Medal-Award.html ÂLuka Milas Receives ASTRO Gold Medal Award for Life-Long AchievementsÂLuka Milas, M.D., Ph.D.Professor and Deputy Division Head for Translational ResearchDivision of Radiation Oncologytel. 713 792-3263fax 713 794-5369email lmilas@mdanderson.org October 28, 2004Milas Receives ASTRO Gold Medal Award for Life-Long Achievements in Fieldof Radiation OncologyLuka Milas, M.D., professor of experimental radiation oncologyand deputy head for translational research in the Division of RadiationOncology at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, is one ofthree scientists this year to receive the Gold Medal, the highest honor thesociety bestows, from the American Society for Therapeutic RadiationOncology (ASTRO). ASTRO is the world's largest society of radiationoncologists.The award honors members who have made outstanding contributions in thefield of radiation oncology, including research, clinical care, teachingand service. Milas was recognized earlier this month at the society's 46thannual meeting in Atlanta."Receiving the Gold Medal award is an honor and I am deeply moved," Milassaid. "I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with somany dedicated scientists and physicians in moving our research from thelab to the clinic where patients can benefit from this translationalresearch."Devoting much of his career to researching basic tumor biology and refiningclinical radiation oncology, Milas has made significant contributions tounderstanding the interactions between tumor and hosts for both primarytumors and metastasis. He greatly contributed to treatment strategies thatincrease therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy, notably combined treatmentmodalities. Many of his research findings have been extended to clinicaltrials both at M. D. Anderson and worldwide. He has been a leader indefining the effect of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase enzyme) inhibitors on tumorgrowth and treatment response. He was among the first to demonstrateimprovement in tumor response to radiotherapy by an antibody to theepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)."Luka has served as a wonderful mentor to young people in medicine - manyfaculty have benefited, but the most important evidence is that all threeof his children chose medicine as a career," said James Cox, M.D., divisionhead and professor of radiation oncology at M. D. Anderson.According to Milas, Lela, his wife of 42 years, and his children have beenhis biggest supporters. His family of physicians includes his twodaughters, Mira, and Dubravka, an endocrine surgeon and familypractitioner, respectively, and his son, Zvoninir, a surgery resident.Milas earned his medical degree from the University of Zagreb in Croatia in1963 and joined the M. D. Anderson faculty in 1967 as a postdoctoral fellowin the section of experimental radiotherapy where he served until 1969.During the 1970s, he moved between Zagreb and Houston, and in 1980 returnedpermanently to M. D. Anderson as the chairman of the department ofexperimental radiation oncology, a position he held until 2002.Milas has served on a number of committees, including the Tumor BiologyCommittee and the Finance Committee of ASTRO. From 1992 until 2002, heserved as vice chairman of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group TumorBiology Committee. He has received a number of awards, including electionto the Croatian Academy of Science and Art, the Miles Fellowship and since1986 has held the United Energy Resources, Inc., professorship.XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxVesna J. Tomazic-Jezic, Ph.D.FDA, Center for Devices and Radiological HealthOffice of Science & Engineering Laboratories, Division of Biologicals , HFZ-120Tel: (301) 796-0259Fax: (301) 796-9826Email: vesna.tomazic@fda.hhs.govÂFailla Lecturer H. Thames along with current and past colleagues just after his lecture: J. Kummermehr, L. Milas, Thames, K. Ang, A. van der Kogel, and R. Withers. letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4304/1/E-Freedom-From-Despair-Wins-an-Award-in-Hollywood.html Â"FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR" WINS BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD IN HOLLYWOODÂOn November 3, 2004, "Freedom From Despair" the feature length documentary by Brenda Brkusic played in the International Student Film Festival Hollywood at the El Portal Theatre to a wide-eyed audience of various ages and ethnicities. "People laughed at exactly the right moments" Brenda commented, "sometimes I wonder if people will recognize the subtle sarcasm and irony in certain parts of the film, and they did! They also cried at the right moments. One woman of Mexican American decent told Brenda that she was very moved by the film: "it doesn't matter what ethnic group you come from, your heart does not grow immune to feeling the sadness and hurt that comes from seeing other people suffer." Brenda was especially touched when understanding that there were four Croatians present in the audience whom she had never met. "I thought it was very kind of them to come out and support the film. It really gave me a sense of how important and far reaching this film has become to everyone in our community."The film, which tackles the untold history of Communist Yugoslavia and the Balkan War of the 1990's, stars famous actors Michael York (Austin Powers), John Savage (The Deerhunter), Beata Pozniak (JFK), and Congressman Dennis Kucinich. The film's score is composed by renowned musician Nenad Bach. Brenda went to Croatia last year to shoot the film, coming back with a mixture of interviews, stock footage and narrative recreations, then editing all of that together to form a captivating and personal historical drama. Kevin McKenna, juror for the film festival and Director of IDEAS - Investigative Documentaries Educating American Society, said "I absolutely loved the film. The quality was leaps and bounds above any other film we've ever received for the International Student Film Festival Hollywood." As a result, Freedom From Despair won the award for Best Documentary at the International Student Film Festival Hollywood. Actor John Savage, the film's narrator, was at the festival's closing ceremony in support of the film and both he and Brenda were overjoyed when Freedom From Despair won the award for Best Documentary. "It was an honor to have some of my cast and crew present and to share this experience with them," said Brenda. "John Savage has been an enormous champion of the film, openly advocating attention for it, and he has become one of my best friends. I couldn't keep up with all the work it takes to promote the film if it wasn't for the support of friends and family."Since the film's release six months ago, Brenda has received positive feedback from people around the world, including rave reviews from international media. In addition to winning the award for Best Documentary at the ISFFH, the film was premiered in the Amnesty International Film Festival in Hollywood, received a "Special Recognition" at the Dubrovnik International Film Festival, won "Best Documentary" at the Chapman University Filmmaker Awards, and is currently a "Finalist" in the Anti-Defamation League Dore Schary Awards. A non-profit group, the Croatian National Foundation, is sponsoring Brenda in her current efforts to produce fund raiser screenings for the film. For more information www.freedomfromdespair.com  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 11 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4306/1/E-Croatian-Owned-horse-Divas-double-makes-Cup-history.html ÂCroatian owned horse Diva's double makes Cup historyÂCroatian Owned horse becomes the first mare to win the Melbourne Cup twice in its 143-year history in the race that stops a nation.Diva's double makes Cup historyNovember 2, 2004 - 3:16PMMakybe Diva has made history, winning her second consecutive Melbourne Cup.The mare ridden again by Glen Boss and trained by Lee Freedman, stormed home on the inside in the final straight to snatch the race from Vinnie Roe. In wet, squally conditions, the two giants of the race battled it out to the end, with Zazzman coming in third in the $4.5 million race. Makybe Diva, originally trained by David Hall before being taken over by Lee Freedman, also won the race last year.Speaking after the race, Boss said he wasn't a legend - the legend was Makybe Diva."I'm just the lucky bastard who's sitting on her back."Clearly emotional, the star jockey is normally one to joke and shrug off the pressure but he said he was feeling it this time. "That was just amazing. I've never felt anything like that before."...When I got within 600m she just moved inside them and I was in a little world of my own; it was a walk in the park."The mare gets her name from the first two letters of the women who work in the owners' office: Marie, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa.http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Makybe-Diva-makes-it-a-double/2004/11/02/1099362129601.htmlÂOp-ed:More on Croatian Diva coming soon. Thank you Robert Brizar.Nenad Bach letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 05 Nov 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4307/1/E-Weapons-of-Mass-Deception-Win-an-Award.html ÂÂDenver Film Fest Honors "WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception" Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for Zrinko Ogresta's "Here."by Brian BrooksÂOp-ed: Music credit for WMD: Nenad Bach"WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception" director Danny Schechter with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in a scene from his movie, which took The Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary at the 27th Starz Denver International Film Festival. Image courtesy of the festival. Debut feature "Brooklyn Bound" by Rich Devaney received the first annual juried Best Emerging Filmmaker award at the 27th Starz Denver International Film Festival, which showcased 189 films from around the world in the Mile High City from October 14-24. Set in inner-city Brooklyn, the film, co-written with lead actor Thomas Guiffre, follows "two brothers who attempt to navigate the drug and violence infused streets." Honorable mention in the category was given to Ferenc Toth's feature focusing on a man's journey through despair, "Unknown Soldier."Writer/director Danny Schechter's film "WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception" won the Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary. The film, investigates the onset of the American invasion of Iraq and how it received an "uncritical" view by the American commercial media. The film also delves into what it views as the "Bush Administration's premeditated and controlled shaping of public opinion." Acclaimed documentarian Albert Maysles presented the award to Schechter at the festival.Two films won Denver's Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for best film. Latvian filmmaker, Laila Pakalnina's feature about a group of pranksters antagonizing a school's headmistress in, "Python," shared the prize with Zrinko Ogresta's "Here." The film is described by the event as "a series of mini-stories depicting contemporary life in morally adrift Croatia."In audience prizes, actor/director Jerry Stuhr's "Tomorrow's Weather," the story of a monk who emerges from a monastery after a 17-year self-exile to find himself confronted with his former self, won the prize in the best feature category, while Leslie Sullivan's "A Touch of Greatness" received the nod in the documentary category. "Greatness" centers on educator Albert Cullum, considered a pioneer in his field, who utilizes unorthodox educational practices to teach his elementary school classes about literary notables including Shakespeare, Sophocles and George Bernard Shaw.In other honors, SDIFF presented actor Morgan Freeman with its Mayor's Lifetime Achievement Award, while actor Kevin Bacon received the John Cassavetes Award. Next year, the Starz Denver International Film Festival will move its dates to November 10-20, 2005.http://www.indiewire.com/onthescene/onthescene_041028dff.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 28 Oct 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4309/1/E-Mira-Topic-earned-tournament-MVP-honors.html ÂSenior Mira Topic (Kastela Kambelovac, Croatia) earned tournament MVP honors ÂTexas 3, Liberty 09/11/04Tournament MVP Mira Topic AUSTIN, Texas - A pair of Texas volleyball players - senior Bethany Howden (Austin, Texas) and sophomore Brandy Magee (Mission Viejo, Calif.) - recorded double-figure kills as the Longhorns defeated Liberty, 3-0 (30-14, 30-11, 30-19), to win the Time Warner Cable Texas Invitational. With the victory, UT improved to 7-0 on the season and set the school record for consecutive games won to start a season (21), as the squad has yet to surrender a game in 2004. Additionally, the team's 7-0 record is the best season start since the 1990 NCAA Elite Eight squad opened its season 26-0. Liberty fell to 0-6 on the season with the loss. LSU finished second in the Time Warner Cable Texas Invitational, going 2-1, while Louisiana Tech (1-2) and Liberty rounded out the final standings. Senior Mira Topic (Kastela Kambelovac, Croatia) earned tournament MVP honors and was joined on the all-tournament team by teammates Magee, Howden and freshman libero Alyson Jennings (Costa Mesa, Calif.), who was also named the tournament's Best Libero. LSU's Ivana Kuzmic and Regan Hood, Louisiana Tech's Joy Opka and Liberty's Rebecca Rudnick rounded out the all-tournament team. "We had an excellent weekend and we played very well in all three matches," Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott said. "We had the opportunity to play everyone and get everyone some experience. We played well in the middle transitions, but we can be a lot better. This weekend was a great stepping stone to start Big 12 play this week (at Baylor on Wednesday, Sept. 15)."Howden's 12 kills led the match as she finished with a .688 hitting percentage. Magee added 11 kills and a .600 hitting percentage, as well as two blocks. Topic had nine kills, six digs, one ace and four blocks (including three solos) in the winning effort. Liberty's Jennifer Belk led the Flames with nine kills. Texas jumped out to a 16-4 lead in the first game, buoyed by a six-point run on freshman Michelle Moriarty's (Houston, Texas) serve. The second game was much of the same as UT pulled out a 12-3 advantage, courtesy of five-straight points on Moriarty's serve. The 11 points surrendered by UT in the second game was the lowest point total by an opponent in a game this season. In the final game, Liberty stayed close until 18-12, when UT went on a 7-3 run to put the game out of reach. A final Liberty attack error closed out the game, the match and the Time Warner Cable Texas Invitational title for the Horns. The Horns continue the season on Wednesday, Sept. 15, when they travel to Waco to face Baylor in a 7 p.m. match. Live stats will be available at TexasSports.com. Final Tournament ResultsFriday, September 10 Louisiana Tech 3, Liberty 0 Texas 3, LSU 0Saturday, September 11 LSU 3, Liberty 1 Texas 3, Louisiana Tech 0 LSU 3, Louisiana Tech 0 Texas 3, Liberty 0All-Tournament Team Mira Topic, Texas (MVP) Bethany Howden, Texas Brandy Magee, Texas Alyson Jennings, Texas (Best Libero) Ivana Kuzmic, LSU Regan Hood, LSU Joy Opka, Louisiana Tech Rebecca Rudnick, Libertyhttp://www.texassports.com/mainpages/vb_pages/2004_05/003/091109_10.html  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 12 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4310/1/E-Indiana-Governor-Joe-Kernan-Honors-Croatian-Olympian.html ÂGovernor Honors Thrower Nedzad MulabegovicMulabegovic presented with Sagamore of the Wabash AwardNedzad Mulabegovic received the Sagamore of the Wabash award Tuesday. He begins training for next season on Monday.An Olympic-Sized ExperienceSept. 9, 2004WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - 2004 Olympian Nedzad Mulabegovic was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award Tuesday in ceremonies hosted by Indiana Governor Joe Kernan. "The Governor's office sent me a notice after I competed at the Olympics, saying they wanted to honor me," said Nedzad. "I was one of over 30 athletes to receive this award, and it's an accolade I'm very honored to receive." According to the Indiana State Information Center web site, the award is highest honor, which the Governor of Indiana bestows. Among these who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage. "This is quite an honor for Nedzad," said Purdue assistant coach John Zera. "He is more than deserving of this award, which is Indiana's highest civilian honor. The state's recognition of his accomplishments not only benefits him, but the entire university." Mulabegovic recently returned to Purdue after competing in the shot put at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The Boilermakers' record holder in both the indoor and outdoor shot put placed 29th with a launch of 19.07 meters (62 feet, 6 3/4 inches). A native of Zagreb, Croatia, Mulabegovic automatically qualified for the Olympic Games last summer, winning the Croatian National Championship with a then-career best launch of 20.15 (66-1 1/2). Mulabegovic's current lifetime best mark stands at 20.31 (66-7 3/4), which he registered at a Croatia-based meet prior to the Olympics. Nedzad's indoor record stands at 19.64 (64-5 1/4), which was registered last January against Indiana State. http://purduesports.collegesports.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/090904aaa.html2004: (Outdoor) Finished runner-up in the shot put at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships with a season-best launch of 64-4.75 ... placed fourth in the discus at the conference championships with another season-best throw of 178-9 ... earned victories in the shot put at the Purdue Invitational, Indy Relays and against Indiana ... recorded a second-place showing in the discus against the Hoosiers with a launch of 173-1. 2004: (Indoor) All-American ... placed fourth at the NCAA Championships in Fayetteville, Ark., with a throw of 63-10 1/2 in the shot put ... placed first in the shot put in three of six chances ... finshed as the runner-up in the shot put at the Ohio State Triangular and Big Ten Championships, both times placing behind Ohio State's Dan Taylor ... recorded a varsity record and NCAA automatic qualifying mark of 64-5 1/4 in the shot put against Indiana State ... won shot put titles at the New York Armory Collegiate Invitational and Purdue Invitational. 2003: (Outdoor) Received first All-America citation after placing fourth in the shot put at the NCAA Championships ... shot put throw landed at the 64-8 mark, then a school record ... improved on his school record by nearly two feet at the Croatian National Championships in August ... his winning throw at the national championship meet was measured at 66-1 1/2 ... competed in the shot put at the World University Games in Daegu, South Korea ... his third-place throw traveled 65-7 ... missed most of season due to injury ... returned to action at the Penn Relays and placed third in the shot put, recording a launch of 61-9 1/2 ... broke his own school record in the shot put three times during the season ... broke record a first time with a toss of 63-11 1/2 against Indiana ... improved on this mark by a centimeter for second-place honors at the Big Ten Championships ... again improved on his school record by a centimeter at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships, where he placed third with a toss of 64- 1/4 ... recorded a personal record of 176-4 in his lone discus attempt against Indiana ... qualified for regionals in the discus ... (Indoor) Just missed becoming All-American after placing 10th in the shot put (61-5 1/2) at the NCAA Championships ... finished runner up in the shot put at the Big Ten Championships launching a season-best effort of 62-10 1/2 ... won shot put titles at the Indiana State dual meet and at the N.Y. Armory Invitational ... earned second place honors in the shot at the Indiana/Ohio State triangular. 2002: (Outdoor) Threw the shot put at the NCAA Championships, finishing 11th with a throw of 61-11 3/4 … runner-up in the shot put and third in the discus at the Big Ten Championships with throws of 60-8 1/2 and 169-3 respectively … won five straight shot put competitions leading up to the Big Ten meet … top shot put mark of the season was an automatic qualifying and school record toss of 63-3 1/4 at the Hurricane Invitational … won the shot put title at the Boilermaker Open, Indiana Quad and Clemson and Purdue invitationals … best discus throw of the season (171-10) came in winning performance at Purdue Invitational … (Indoor) Broke school record in the indoor shot put by nearly two feet with an automatic qualifying mark of 64-1 to win the event at the Armory Invitational … was runner-up in the shot at the Ohio State Invitational… finished ninth in the event at the NCAA Championships … earned Big Ten Athlete of the Week honors on Feb. 12 after breaking the school record at the Armory Invitational … named Freshman of the Year. High School: Won the national high school championships in the shot put during sophomore, junior and senior years … threw 66-2 1/2 in the 5 Kg. shot as a senior, earning Athlete of the Year honors … finished first at the national high school meet with tosses of 63-11 and 61-6 1/4 in sophomore and junior seasons respectively … was runner-up in the shot at the high school championships with a heave of 57-5 as a freshman. Personal: Given name Nedzad Mulabegovic … born Feb. 4, 1980 … parents are Fazila and Sulejman Mulabegovic … has one sister, Amra … majoring in communication.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4308/1/E-CUKELA-LOUIS-Croatian-American-Hero.html ÂThe President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor toCUKELA, LOUIS Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, 66th Company, 5th Regiment. Place and date: Near Villers-Cotterets, France, 18 July 1918. Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minn. Born: 1 May 1888, Sebenes, Austria.(Sibenik ?, Croatia) G.O. No.: 34, W.D., 1919. Citation: ARMYWhen his company, advancing through a wood, met with strong resistance from an enemy strong point, Sgt. Cukela crawled out from the flank and made his way toward the German lines in the face of heavy fire, disregarding the warnings of his comrades. He succeeded in getting behind the enemy position and rushed a machinegun emplacement, killing or driving off the crew with his bayonet. With German handgrenades he then bombed out the remaining portion of the strong point, capturing 4 men and 2 damaged machineguns.NAVYFor extraordinary heroism while serving with the 66th Company, 5th Regiment, during aciton in Forest de Retz, near Viller-Cottertes, France, 18 July 1918. Sgt. Cukela advanced alone against an enemy strong point that was holding up his line. Disregarding the warnings of his comrades, he crawled out from the flank in the face of heavy fire and worked his way to the rear of the enemy position. Rushing a machine-gun emplacement, he killed or drove off the crew with his bayonet, bombed out the remaining part of the strong point with German hand grenades, and captured two machineguns and four men. Received BOTH the Army and Navy Medal of Honor for the same actionhttp://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/citations_1918_wwi/cukela_louis.html Dobri vojak Lujo U Spomen-knjizi americkih nacionalnih junaka na istaknutom je mjestu upisano i ime jednog Hrvata: SpliÃanin Vjekoslav (Louis) Lujo Cukela u Prvom se svjetskom ratu borio pod americkom zastavom i bio odlikovan cak dvjema medaljama castiKoliko je veliko i ugledno to priznanje najbolje govori podatak da je u americkoj povijesti dosad bilo dodijeljeno svega 19 dvostrukih dobitnika toga najvišeg odlicja u SAD-u. Premda je Cukela u Sjedinjenim Americkim Državama slavljen kao nacionalni junak, on je u vlastitoj domovini ostao gotovo nepoznat.RoÃen je 1888. u Splitu. Otac Ãuro je iz sela Koljane kraj Vrlike, a majka Ivanica (roÃena BubriÃ) iz Kaštel LukšiÃa. Osim najstarijeg sina Luje imali su još tri kÃeri: Maricu, Zorku i Ružu. Neko su vrijeme živjeli u Šibeniku, gdje je Ãuro Cukela imao malu trgovinu delikatesnom robom. Mladi Lujo služio je cetverogodišnji vojni rok u austrijskoj vojsci. Nakon toga, 1911. otišao je u SAD, gdje je ubrzo po dolasku stupio u americku vojsku u kojoj je ostao do kraja života. Pocetak Prvog svjetskog rata zatekao ga je kao americkog narednika na Filipinima. Kad je i Amerika zaratila prebacio se na europsko ratište i prijavio u pomorsku pješadiju 1917. Istakao se posebno na ratištu u Francuskoj pa su ispisane cijele legende o njegovoj hrabrosti. Cukela je 1919. i 1920. bio na Haitiju gdje je zaslužio Medalju Haitija, a potom je od 1921. do 1923. u Dominikanskoj Republici, odakle takoÃer donosi jednu medalju. IzmeÃu 1927. i 1929. Cukela je kao americki marinac u Kini, odakle donosi dvije medalje. Bogatu je zbirku nastavio popunjavati i za Drugog svjetskog rata. U tom je razdoblju zaslužio još tri americke medalje. Cukela je u dva navrata 1925. i 1931. posjetio svoj zavicaj. Živio je u Bethesdi u Marylandu, državi Washington D.C. Vjekoslav (Louis) Lujo Cukela umro je 19. ožujka 1956. godine. Pokopan je na groblju za americke nacionalne heroje, na Nacionalnom groblju Arlington u Washingtonu.  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 09 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/5206/1/E-Arsen-Anton-Ostojic-Winner-of-the-10th-Sarajevo-Film-Festival.html   Arsen Anton Ostojic Winner of the 10th Sarajevo Film Festival   Winners of the 10th Sarajevo Film Festival, Bulgarian director Zornitsa Sophia, left, Arsen Anton Ostojic, director from Croatia, second left, best actress Croatian Marija Skaricic, third left, and Macedonian director Teona Strugar, right, hold their awards at the Bosnian National Theatre during a closing ceremony of festival in Sarajevo, on Saturday, Aug 28, 2004. The best film artists, were awarded with a 'Heart of Sarajevo' award.(AP Photo/Hidajet Delic)   See Crown's letter from Jan 15, 2003   (E) Arsen Anton Ostojic Jan 15,2003 People   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 03 Sep 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4311/1/H-Osjecki-ansambl-Brevis-osvojio-nagradu-u-Svedskoj.html ÂVELIKI USPJEH VOKALNOG ANSAMBLA "BREVIS"ÂOsjecki vokalni ansambl "Brevis" koji je vec nekoliko godina najbolji zenski pjevacki zbor u Hrvatskoj, proslog tjedna dobio je i medjunarodno priznanje.Vise nego uspjesno nastupile su na Svjetskon natjecanju zborova u Svedskoj, a u kategoriji djevojackih zborova do 19 godina. "Imali smo priliku nastupiti sa vrhunskim zborovima i s tog velikog natjecanja vratiti s velikom nagradom zlatnom plaketom i zlatnim bodovima i posbenom titulom najboljeg zbora jer smo u rangu tih svojih djevojackih zborova bili najbolji" - kaze Antoaneta Radocaj, dirigentica i voditeljica zbora. Uz Antaoanetu i klavirskog suradnika Davora Dedica "Brevisice" su bile jedine predstavnice Hrvatske te svojim uspjehom postale jedini nas zbor s pobjedom na tako prestiznom natjecanju. Osvojenu nagradu "Brevisice" su posvetile svojoj clanici, nedavno preminuloj Dunji Kolb. Uz veselje zbog uspjeha zbora dirigentica Antoantea je imala jos jedan razlog za slavlje. Izmedju 84 dirigneta jedina je dobila specijalnu nagradu - stipendiju za sudjelovanje na 5. internacionalnom seminaru zborskih dirigenta u Njemackog slijedece godine.http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:xxhULy4ZtqIJ:www.stv.hr/vijesti/svibanj04.htm+%22brevis%22&hl=hr&lr=lang_hrNisam siguran da ste imali ovu informaciju.S postovanjemDarko Vargadarko.varga@os.htnet.hrOsjecki ansambl ÂBrevis osvojio nagradu u ŠvedskojOSIJEK – Osjecki Vokalni ansambl ÂBrevis osvojio je svjetskom natjecanju zborova u švedskom gradu Helsingborgu prvo mjesto i zlatnu plaketu u kategoriji djevojackih zborova do 19 godina, izvijestilo je vodstvo toga ansambla. Umjetnicka voditeljica Ansambla Antoaneta Radocaj kazala je na konferenciji za novinare da su na natjecanju od 19. do 23. svibnja nastupila 83 zbora iz 24 zemlje s oko 2000 sudionika te da je pobjeda u toj kategoriji ÂBrevisu omogucila nastup na završnoj veceri na kojoj su nastupili pobjednici svih kategorija. Dodala je kako je kao jedini dirigent na natjecanju nagradena potpunom stipendijom za sudjelovanje na Musica Mundi Choral Academy – 5. medunardonom seminaru za zborske dirigente, koji ce se iduce godine održati u Njemackoj. – Željeli smo nakon brojnih nastupa na hrvatskim natjecanjima provjeriti svoju vrijednost i po medunarodnim mjerilima, jer je rijec o jednom od najjacih svjetskih festivala, ocijenila je Radocaj. Vokalni ansambl ÂBrevis osnovan je 1995. i okuplja pjevacice u dobi od 16 do 19 godina. Ansambl je do sada dobio nekoliko domacih i inozemnih priznanja, a njegove clanice nastupaju i u opernim predstavama osjeckoga Hrvatskog narodnog kazališta. (Hina)  letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Sun, 08 Aug 2004 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4312/1/E-Jure-Sola-Master-Entrepreneur-of-the-Year.html   Jure Sola Master Entrepreneur of the YearSanmina-SCI CO-Founder and CEO Named Master Entrepreneur of the Year By Northern California Ernst & Young Award Recognizes Jure Sola's Historic Role in Establishing Sanmina-SCI as the Global Leader in Electronics Contract Manufacturing SAN JOSE, Calif. - June 21, 2004 - Sanmina-SCI Corporation (Nasdaq NM: SANM), a leading global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company, today announced its Chairman and CEO Jure Sola has received the prestigious 2004 Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Northern California. The Master category awards entrepreneurs whose management excellence has proven to withstand rigorous obstacles over time. These entrepreneurs have found unique solutions to difficult problems, have vastly contributed to the organization's success and have succeeded for decades. The special honor was given to Mr. Sola in recognition of his 24-year leadership in building Sanmina-SCI from a small, two-employee high-end printed circuit board (PCB) fabricator and backplane manufacturer to a $10 billion, full-service global EMS provider with over 45,000 employees. Mr. Sola, who was selected by an independent panel of judges comprised of local Silicon Valley and Northern California community and business leaders, was honored June 18, 2004, at the 18th annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards banquet.Commenting on the award, Jure Sola said, "I believe this recognition reflects the hard work and passionate dedication of our world-class team of employees. I am proud to share this achievement with the people who have played such an integral role in driving Sanmina-SCI's long-time success. Sanmina-SCI is a customer-focused, service organization and we are committed to providing our customers with leading-edge technology and world-class manufacturing. The E&Y honor is due to our enthusiasm and results-driven culture."Sanmina-SCI, which was co-founded in 1980 by Jure Sola, was initially a PCB fabricator and backplane manufacturer, supporting the telecommunications and high-end computing markets. Today, the company is the most fully integrated, customer-focused electronics manufacturer in the world. The company provides customers with end-to-end manufacturing solutions that include design and engineering, PCB fabrication, PCB assembly, backplane assembly, cable assembly, enclosures, memory modules, optical modules, logistics and installation. Sanmina-SCI has nearly 100 manufacturing sites on five continents and services eight primary markets: communications, high-end computing, personal computing, defense and aerospace, medical, industrial/semiconductor and automotive. The company also provides custom-design manufacturing as well as original design manufacturing (ODM).Sola further stated, "Sanmina-SCI will always strive to be the leader in the EMS market. Our job is never done. We will continue to focus on the fundamentals that drive our success through superb customer service and best-in-class engineering and manufacturing. Furthermore, we are committed to being flexible and responsive to our customers, understanding that is what got this company where it is today and, I believe, that is what will take this company forward."About the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards ProgramThe Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in over 100 cities and 35 countries.About Ernst & YoungErnst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to restoring the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 103,000 people in more than 140 countries around the globe pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism to provide clients with solutions based on financial, transactional, and risk-management knowledge in Ernst & Young's core services of audit, tax, and transaction services. Ernst & Young practices also provide legal services in those parts of the world where permitted. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at http://www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to all the members of the global Ernst & Young organization.About Sanmina-SCISanmina-SCI Corporation is a leading electronics contract manufacturer serving the fastest-growing segments of the global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina-SCI provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering unsurpassed quality and support to OEMs primarily in the communications, defense and aerospace, industrial and medical instrumentation, computer technology, and multimedia sectors. Sanmina-SCI has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world. More information regarding the company is available atwww.sanmina-sci.com .www.sanmina-sci.com/Info/PR/current_news/pr_06_21a_04.html   More about Sanmina   Sanmina-SCI, the world's Premier Electronics Contract Manufacturer (EMS), provides its customers with the following strategic advantages: Most comprehensive service offering available, providing a total manufacturing solution  Flexible, world-class manufacturing facilities in more than 20 countries on 5 continents  Leading-edge supplier of integrated design, fabrication and manufacturing technology  Expertise in new product introduction (NPI)  Customer-centric focus, results-driven culture. Total Manufacturing Solution Sanmina-SCI provides a full spectrum of integrated, value-added services that include design and engineering, multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCBs), complex printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), custom-designed backplane assemblies, memory modules, optical modules, electronic enclosure systems, cabling/wiring harness assemblies, subsystem and system-level assembly and final system test and distribution. The company's fully integrated model brings together all facets of the supply chain, providing customers with flexibility, scalability and responsiveness. World-Class Manufacturing Sanmina-SCI is the first EMS Company in the world to achieve ISO 9001:2000 and TL 9000 Release 3.0 certifications for the communications focused enclosure facilities. All of Sanmina-SCI's global manufacturing facilities are ISO Registered. Many facilities have specialized pertinent advanced certifications such as MIL-PRF-31032. Because of its global presence, Sanmina-SCI delivers products to customers in the most cost-effective manner, with the fastest time-to-market. In addition, the company's global footprint provides the necessary resources to meet customer demands for superior local service and support. Leading-edge Technology Sanmina-SCI offers the most advanced design and manufacturing technology available. Its Global Technology Solutions Group (GTS) is considered one of the largest and best technical design and engineering teams in the EMS industry. The company's continuous improvement processes and focus on research and development ensure usage of the most advanced and cost-effective materials. Expertise in NPI Sanmina-SCI has created strategic design and manufacturing Centers of Excellence focused on NPI, medical, fiber optics, assembly, fabrication, and defense/aerospace needs. Its comprehensive NPI services, which help accelerate product time-to-market, are highly valued by customers. Commitment to Customers Sanmina-SCI's mission is to consistently meet and exceed customer requirements. The EMS market continues to move toward a customer-centric model with customers demanding best-of-breed technologies, efficient supply chain management, faster product time-to-market and customer service and support. With the industry's most comprehensive end-to-end EMS solutions, Sanmina-SCI is well positioned to capitalize on this market trend and expand its customer relationships. Sanmina-SCI's focus is the customer and its culture is results-driven.   Op-ed Mr. Sola will be featured speaker at the Cleveland Business meeting June 25-27, 2004. Congratulations ! nb   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 21 Jun 2004 07:00:00 +0000