Tko se igra energetikom - Dr. Branimir Molak

Saljem Vam u prilogu popis mojih popularno pisanih tekstova iz podrucja energetike dostupnih na Internetu. Nuzno je u danasnje vrijeme imati nekoliko rezervnih Internet adresa za clanke, jer se neki portali gase ili mijenjaju nazive i adrese. Uz to zanimljiv je pristup - oprema teksta razlicitih urednistava u kojima su objavljeni.

Ako Vam se popis (tekstovi) dopada, posaljite ga u cilju informiranja, svima za koje smatrate da bi ih moglo zanimati sto se dogadja u energetici, da bolje razumiju zasto moraju placati preko svake mjere skupo energente. Dobro bi bilo da popis posaljete Vasim eventualnim znancima iz medija u Hrvatskoj, jer je informiranje o energetici posve povrsno i pod izravnim utjecajem je onih koji vec godinama izazivaju krupne stete.

Potrebno je siriti istinu o stanju u energetici i drugim djelatnostima kod nas jer npr.:

Raspravljanje o plinu danas se ne razlikuje od onog u proslosti:
Od pocetka koristenja plina u Hrvatskoj pa do danas o plinu se kontinuirano vrlo neutemeljeno raspravlja. cinjenice kao da nisu bitne. Vazna je samo masta. Tako se jos 1922. u jednim zagrebackim novinama moglo procitati:

"Nasa javnost obavjestavana je vec nekoliko puta o radu busotine Bujavice izmedju Lipika i Pakraca. Sada pak mozemo javiti poblize o uspjehu toga busenja te o predlozenoj projektovanoj osnovi, koja ima da se izvede uskoro. Poznato je javnosti, da su inicijatori te akcije Magjari i da je jedno budimpestansko dionicko drustvo pocelo prvo sa busenjem jos u vrijeme rata 1917. na polju pokraj sela Bujavice, ciji su stanovnici jos prije duljeg vremena opazili, da nesto buji neprestano iz zemlje.

Povodom ove ogromne pojave plina poslala je ovih dana uprava busotine Bujavica i financirajuce "Trgovacko dionicko drustvo Terra" opcinskom poglavarstvu u Lipiku dopis, u kom se obavezuju, da ce u kratkom vremenu izgraditi o svom trosku elektricni tramvaj izmedju kupalista Lipika i trgovista Pakraca, da ce podici elektricnu rasvjetu Pakracu, Lipiku i okolnim selima i davati struju za pogon industrijskih strojeva ovog kraja, sve uz vrlo jeftinu cijenu od 9 K po kilovatu. (Za sadasnju elektricnu rasvjetu ima da se placa od sada do 24 K po kilovatu). U tu svrhu podigli bi kraj samih izvora veliku elektricnu centralu, a izgradnju ovoga svega preuzelo bi i izvelo jedno becko tehnicko drustvo.

Na ovu vrlo interesantnu ponudu pristalo je odusevljeno opcinsko zastupstvo trgovista Pakraca i dalo drustvu predkoncesiju na 3 mjeseca s tim, da moze nakon dozvole vlade poceti sa radom. Nakon ovoga zakljucka izaslo je opcinsko zastupstvo pakracko sa kotarskim upraviteljem, upraviteljem opcine Lipik i pridruzenim zainteresiranim gradjanstvom do spomenutih vrela, da se na licu mjesta osvjedoci o vrijednosti njihovoj. Uprava busotine je misljenja, da bi se sa pojavljenim plinom, koji ima jakost 38 atmosfera, mogla opskrbljivati sva mjesta do Daruvara i Pozege, sta vise i do Zagreba, a i sam Zagreb, nadalje da bi se mogla podrzavati na tom prostoru elektricna zeljeznica i loziti donekle peci za kuhanje i grijanje soba. Kad se ostvari predlozena osnova vjerojatno je, da ce pohrliti u ovaj kraj mnogi tvornicari, da naprave u njem tvornice, kojima ce moci dovadjati gotovo besplatno plin za pogon svojih strojeva, pa ce tako doci na jeftin nacin do fabrikata. Nasa sirotinja naci ce tada ovdje dobru zaradu i ne ce morati ici u Ameriku, jer ce je i ovdje naci. U nasim gradjanskim krugovima je veliko interesovanje za ovu stvar. Ovo je jedno vrelo kakvoga nema vise u nasoj drzavi, a malo gdje ga ima i u svijetu, mozda jedino u Americi."

Za danasnju "energetsku strategiju" vrijedi ono isto sto sam za nju napisao 1999.:
"Strategija" neodoljivo podsjeca na poznati vic: Huso i Haso mukotrpno rade. Huso kopa jarak, a Haso odmah nakon njega ga zatrpava. Slucajni prolaznik ih upita: Sto to radite dobri ljudi, nema logike u vasem poslu. Obojica mu odgovorise: Ima itekako logike, ali nema Mehe da postavlja u jarak cijevi.

Stoga, informacija o mojim tekstovima iz podrucja energetike dobro ce doci svima onima koje to podrucje zanima, a pogotovo sada kada treba placati prekomjerno visoke racune za energente.

Pozdrav

Branimir Molak
tel. 385-1-376-00-54
nph i nph1

Popis mojih popularno pisanih tekstova vezanih uz energetiku koji su dostupni na Internetu

Dr. Branimir Molak

Cijene energenata u Hrvatskoj u odnosu na kupovnu moć stanovnika gotovo su najvise u Europi. To je posljedica nepostojanja suvisle politike i strategije razvitka te vazne grane gospodarstva. Nesto sto se naziva energetska strategija, sto je politika u jednom mandatu odbacila kao nevaljalo, promjenom vlasti je prihvaćeno. Spomenuto je neupotrebljivo i rezultat je samo odnosa snaga političara koji vladaju energetikom i nema nikakve veze sa realnosću i činjenicama. Jedini cilj te tzv. strategije je postizanje sto visih cijena energenata. U Hrvatskoj nema niti valjanih bilanci energetike, ni jasnih opće prihvatljivih ciljeva, pa ne moze biti ni strategije njihova dosizanja. Nedavni blagi poremećaji u opskrbi ruskim plinom (moze se očekivati mnogo veće) izazvali su čitav niz ÂŤidejaÂť od gradnje nuklearne elektrane, pa do izgradnje terminala za ukapljeni metan. Oni koji o tome sanjaju uopće nisu svjesni da li su ti potencijalno rizični objekti kod nas uopće potrebni i mogu li se graditi u jednom nerazvijenom drustvu, nalik ranom feudalizmu, u kojem se ne zna tko sto treba činiti i za sto odgovara. Ti objekti su kod nas igračke političara sto moze biti vrlo, vrlo opasno. Velik je problem neupućenost onih koji plasiraju takve ÂŤidejeÂť u medije. Takav pristup izazvat će niz problema kada jednom kod nas budu sazrijeli uvjeti za primjenu i izgradnju takvih objekata. Niz mojih popularno pisanih tekstova iz područja energetike moze pomoći onima koje zanima energetika ili koji zele objektivno informirati javnost o onome sto se u toj gospodarskoj grani kod nas događa.

Najsazetiji prikaz stanja u energetici Hrvatske je u:
Intervjuu: Tko se igra energetikom, Korijeni br.1, studeni 2005., Hrvatski radio- Chicago 1. i 8. 1. 2006. i portal u Chicagu: http://www.lijepanasadomovinahrvatska.com/folder/tretinjak_061205.htm

Tekstovi u nastavku objavljivani su u Vjesniku, Glasu Koncila, Hrvatskom slovu.....

Udio plina u energetskoj potrosnji u porastu 11.1.2006.

http://www.alertonline.org/full.php?aj_go=more&id=1136984881&archive=&start_from=&ucat=6&do=komentari

http://www.business.hr/?MOD=show&id=2492

http://www.business.hr/show.php?id=2611

HAZU i konj 25.11.2005.

http://www.alertonline.org/full.php?aj_go=more&id=1132906987&archive=&start_from=&ucat=6&do=komentari

http://www.hkz.hr/Hrvatsko_slovo/2005/552/jadikovka.htm

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2005/11/19/14A14.PDF


Zapisano u staklenoj kugli 11.10.2005. (pisano 23.1.2004.)

http://www.alertonline.org/full.php?aj_go=more&id=1132592585&archive=&start_from=&ucat=6&do=komentari

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2004/01/24/12A12.PDF


Formula u fokusu 21.9.2005.

http://www.alertonline.org/full.php?aj_go=more&id=1132579049&archive=&start_from=&ucat=6&do=komentari

http://www.glas-koncila.hr/rubrike_izdvojeno.html?news_ID=5110

http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2005/09/21/Clanak.asp?r=sta&c=1
http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2005/09/21/12A12.PDF


Energetska Kata potapa Hrvatsku 10.9.2005.

http://www.alertonline.org/full.php?aj_go=more&id=1132591889&archive=&start_from=&ucat=6&do=komentari

http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2005/09/10/Clanak.asp?r=sta&c=1
http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2005/09/10/14A14.PDF




Koliko vrijedi INA i zasto je prodavati 6.6.2005.

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2005/06/06/18A18.PDF
http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2005/06/06/Clanak.asp?r=sta&c=1

http://alert.zeleni.hr/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1117707436&archive=1118243571&start_from=&ucat=&do=archives


Plinski vasar 19.3. 2005., te 2. i 8.4.2004.

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2005/03/19/14A14.PDF
http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2005/03/19/Clanak.asp?r=sta&c=2

http://www.glas-koncila.hr/rubrike_prigovor_znanosti.html?news_ID=3497

http://alert.zeleni.hr/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1110145399&archive=1111884978&start_from=&ucat=&do=archives

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2004/04/08/13A13.PDF

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2004/04/02/14A14.PDF


Energija i siromastvo 6.11.2004.

http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2004/11/06/Clanak.asp?r=sta&c=1
http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2004/11/06/12A12.PDF

cijeli tekst:
http://www.croinfo.com/3Gospodr/Siromastvo/osiromasenje041105sve.pdf

http://alert.zeleni.hr/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1100604953&archive=1102462819&start_from=&ucat=&do=archives


Tajna NE Krsko usla u Sabor 18.8.2004.

http://www.vjesnik.hr/pdf/2004/08/18/10A10.PDF

http://alert.zeleni.hr/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1099656617&archive=1100105954&start_from=&ucat=&do=archives


Napomena: tekstovi objavljeni na adresi Alerta najvećim dijelom su najvjerniji prikazi originalnih tekstova. Zbog promjene imena i adrese portala neki tekstovi s adrese alert.zeleni.hr mozda vise nisu dostupni na Internetu. Za te tekstove zainteresirani trebaju upitati vlasnika portala alertonline.org. Nazivi tekstova u popisu su oni koristeni u Alertu, a u drugim publikacijama tekstovi su bili naziva, opreme, duljine (skraćivanja), jezičnih zahvata... koje su im odredile redakcije.

Dr. Branimir Molak, dipl. inz. - Osnovni podaci o autoru:
Energetika je područje mojeg interesa već dulje od trideset godina. Doktorat mi je bio prvi obranjeni doktorat na zagrebačkom sveučilistu i u bivsoj Jugoslaviji iz naftnog rudarstva – razrada lezista (plin), a tada sam bio i najmlađi doktor znanosti iz područja naftnog rudarstva. Prije toga sam obranio magisterij iz nuklearne i atomske fizike. Bio sam zaposlen u Institutu "R.Bosković". Vise od jedanaest godina radio sam u INA Naftaplinu (istrazivanje nafte i plina), a od početka rada NE Krsko do slovensko-srpskog moratorija na gradnju nuklearne elektrane u Hrvatskoj bio sam inspektor RH za njenu sigurnost, zatim u Urbanističkom institutu Hrvatske (energetika u prostornom planiranju) i honorarno na fakultetima (PMF i RGN). Od početka rata 1991. angazirao sam se u obrani Hrvatske.
Bio sam na brojnim specijalizacijama iz područja istrazivanja i proizvodnje, te planiranja nafte i plina, nuklearne energetike, analize rizika, nuklearne sigurnosti i planiranja za slučaj kriza u mnogim zemljama. Sve boravke financirale su znanstvene i stručne ustanove iz svijeta (SAD, Francuska, Njemačka, UN...). Za svoje znanstvene projekte i stručne ili znanstvene radove nikada nisam u Hrvatskoj dobio (a niti trazio) materijalnu potporu. Sudjelovao sam kao od Europske zajednice pozvan ekspert (s izlaganjima) na najznačajnijim skupovima o energetici na Mediteranu (prirodni plin u Antibesu, električna energija u Rabatu) u organizaciji Mediteranskog centra za energetiku iz Sophie Antipolis (Francuska) i ECC (iz svake mediteranske zemlje po dva pozvana eksperta). U nekoliko navrata Shellov Razvojni institut nudio mi je zaposlenje. Godinu 1990. većim dijelom proveo sam u arapskom svijetu radeći na razvoju proizvodnje nafte.
Osnovao sam Hrvatsko drustvo za prosudbu rizika i bio njegov predsjednik. U godinama 1991., 1992., 1994. 1995. i 2001. sudjelovao sam (na poziv i trosak organizatora ili inozemnih znanstvenih ustanova) referatima na konferencijama Society for Risk Analysis (najznačajnija svjetska organizacija za pitanja rizika) u SAD i Njemačkoj.
Godine 1991. boravio sam u Washingtonu, gdje sam u Federal Emergency Management Agency (američko ministarstvo za izvanredna stanja) odrzao predavanje o ratu u Hrvatskoj i prikupio brojne informacije za uspostavu sto djelotvornijeg sustava zastite i spasavanja u Hrvatskoj, koji je bio uspostavljen za rata u Hrvatskoj. Prilikom triju boravaka u Americi za vrijeme Domovinskog rata (1991., 1992., 1994.) zauzimao sam se za sirenje istine o agresiji na Hrvatsku (izlaganja: u UN (New York), agenciji za zastitu okolisa EPA (Cincinnati), Baltimoreu, San Diegu, novinski članci u SAD....). Poslije u tekstovima pripremljenim za Boston, Seattle i New Orleans zalagao sam se uz stručne teme i za iznosenje istine o Hrvatskoj.
Do sada sam objavio vise od 150 znanstvenih i stručnih radova iz područja: energetike, istrazivanja i proizvodnje nafte i plina, nuklearne energetike, zastite okolisa, analize rizika, upravljanja u krizama, nuklearne fizike, organizacije i primjene znanosti i rezultata istrazivanja, te nekoliko knjiga samostalno ili u suradnji (lezista plina, upravljanje u krizama, prilozi za Hrvatski nacionalni program Matice Hrvatske). Za neke od radova zainteresirali su se Shellov Razvojni institut, Američki ured za standarde, Oak Ridge NL (SAD), neki njemački instituti itd. Član sam mnogih međunarodnih stručnih udruga.

Croatia builds first certified WiMAX network
Telecoms.com News
20 January 2006
James Middleton, james.middleton@informa.com

U.S. vendor Redline Communications today announced that its WiMAX offering has been selected by Croatian systems integrator MICRO-LINK to establish what it claims to be the first certified WiMAX broadband network in Europe.

HT, a Croatian service provider owned by Deutsche Telekom, has initiated deployment of Redline's RedMAX products in the Cakovec area in the northern part of Croatia. The system will be a part of a larger broadband wireless access network enabling HT to broaden its services and offer wireless broadband data, voice and video services for residential and business users nationwide.

Just yesterday the WiMAX Forum today announced the first fixed wireless broadband network products to be WiMAX Forum Certified, including Redline Communications' offering.

http://www.telecoms.com/marlin/30000000461/ARTICLEVIEW/mp_articleid/20017330818/mp_

pubcode/MTEL?welcome=true&proceed=true&MarEntityId=1137712222133&entHash=10271d166c7&UType=true

Croatia - the Most Desirable Destination in 2006 for American Travelers
 

Jan 17, 06 | 7:47 am
According to the recent survey of the USTOA, the hottest new tourist destination for 2006 is Croatia! National Geographic Adventure also awarded Croatia as The Best Destination for this year. Followed by the last year’s great success after it was proclaimed No. 1 destination by the Lonely Planet, this year should definitely bring new record numbers for the Croatian tourism. For more info visit www.ustoa.com 

2006 the Year of Croatian Inventors
One of Croatia’s most well-known and world-renowned scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla,
was born on July 10, 1856 in Smiljan, a small village near Gospic, in the region of Lika. Croatia will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of his birth with numerous manifestations, scientific meetings, lectures and other festivities. Slavoljub Penkala was holder of over 70 patents among which in 1906 he created the first mechanical pencil, which became known as ballpoint pen; 2006 is a 100 year anniversary of this invention.

City of Rijeka – January and February Reserved for the Carnival
Rijeka is all the more affirming itself as a city of culture, Carnivals and fun. The 3rd biggest international Carnival in the world takes place every year in Rijeka with over 10,000 masqueraders and carnival groups. They all come to follow the Carnival events, characterized by a particular blend of Europe’s urban and rural carnival traditions. The jam packed program starts at the beginning of January and lasts up to the end of February.
Many hotel facilities in Rijeka, like completely renovated Hotel Jadran, await its guests. The hotel now offers 66 rooms and three suites with the vast majority of which have seafront views. The hotel is located directly adjacent to the sea, its foundations being in fact dug deep underwater and its view extends to the neighboring Kvarner Bay. Four star rating placed Hotel Jadran at the head of Rijeka’s hotels. This is one of the oldest hotels in the city that opened back in 1914. Reconstructed façade and the walls look exactly the same as they did decades ago, so hotel again looks truly luxurious outside as well as inside.
For those who enjoy good maritime cuisine and appreciate a great view, Arca Fiumana ship anchored in Rijeka city harbor is the place to go. This will in near future be Croatia’s first floating hotel. For now it features restaurant and a pub that became a guarantee of good time in Rijeka.
For more info visit www.tz-rijeka.hr

Newly Refurbished Westin Hotel in Zagreb
City of Zagreb welcomed 2006 with a newly renovated Westin Hotel. This luxurious five star landmark hotel is a part of the world-renown Starwood Hotels & Resorts chain. Its 378 rooms are all equipped with legendary “Heavenly Beds and Showers” and a total of 13 congress halls in the city core will provide memorable experiences for both business and leisure travelers. For more info visit www.westin.com/zagreb

Small and Family Run Hotels
Over the past few years Croatia has seen especially intense growth in the Small and Family Hotels sector. Some 150 of these hotels, most gathered under the umbrella of the Association of Family and Small Hotels of Croatia, offer an atmosphere, comfort and quality that reflects the local color and blends tradition with family setting. Given the dynamics of their growth over the past few years, estimates say their number in Croatia may grow by 50 to 100 small hotels a year. For more info visit www.omh.hr

Zagreb - Romance in the City of Hearts
The Regent Esplanade Zagreb brings back tradition spiced with contemporary luxury with its special “Romance in the City of Hearts” package. The package consists of: Two-nights in a luxurious double room, breakfast served in the room, bottle of champagne, bouquet of roses, welcoming relaxing bubble bath, sightseeing tour of Zagreb by limousine and a romantic candlelit dinner. For more info visit www.regenthotels.com

Substantial Capital Investment in Cultural Heritage
Croatian Ministry of Culture announced large capital investments in order to increase the number of cultural facilities in the country. Three new museums will open this year and another five will be constructed. Many of the existing museums, public libraries, theatres and castles will get capital investments that will improve the overall appearance of the Croatian cultural treasures. For more info visit www.min-kulture.hr

Moderna Galerija Zagreb
The Moderna Galerija Zagreb (Modern Gallery Zagreb) is open once more after the 11 year closing and its total reconstruction. It reopened on December 29, 2005 with the slogan “100 years of Modern Gallery, 200 years of Croatian Art”. This slogan was chosen because up to now nowhere in Croatia was there an exhibit which covered 200 years of Croatian art. The new exhibition celebrates the Croatian Art with 153 paintings, sculptures, photography and videos. It is a must see Gallery in Zagreb. For more info contact cntony@earthlink.net

Croatia a Growing Destination for Cruise Ships
The appeal of Croatia as a tourist destination has found further confirmation in the growing number of cruise ships making stops here. There were more than 450 ships in 2005, which is up around 11% over figures from the last year. Total of around 500,000 passengers sailed on these ships. Top destinations was Dubrovnik, followed by Korcula, Hvar, Split and Sibenik. For more info contact cntony@earthlink.net

British Airways - Top Recognition for Dubrovnik Airport
British Airways has recently awarded Dubrovnik Airport a special recognition for top results in flight and passenger arrival and departure services. Out of 65 international airports to which British Airways flies, Dubrovnik Airport got top marks. The airport was monitored over an 18 month period during which time Dubrovnik Airport recorded top marks deservedly winning the recognition. For more info visit www.visitdubrovnik.hr

Sljeme for Skiers and Hikers
Sljeme, the highest peak on Zagreb’s Medvednica highlands will this coming February see the re-opening of the Old Scouts House now completely redesigned and converted into a four star apartment facility that will operate under the name of Snjezna kraljica (The Snow Queen). It will feature one eight-bed and 16 four-bed suites catering to skiers and hikers. Besides its lodgings the building will have a large restaurant featuring traditional local cuisine, as well as small wellness center with sauna and whirlpool. With the runs outfitted with snow canons, ski season on Sljeme lasts at least to the end of March. For more info visit www.sljeme.hr

http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=7812_0_1_0_M

Croatia improves tourism infrastructure
 

Jul 07, 05
More than eight million foreign tourists visited Croatia last year and the Croatian government is expecting more than 10 million in the next
years. Thanks to the country’s supportive tourism private sector in tourism for efforts in improving the industry’s infrastructure.

Hotels
Private and state investors spent 400 million euro last winter for hotel modernization older and construction. New small hotels,
summerhouses, camping sites and restaurants infrastructure were established as a result. Previously state-owned hotels have also been
revamped to meet international standards. Melia Sol and Thomas Cook are two examples.

Airports
The government announced it will bring financial support for the construction of six new airfields, a 800-meter runway of 800 meters private
airplanes, air taxi and rescue flights to the mainland and for short commuter air traffic to existing international airports.

Airlines
Croatia is celebrating the creation of two new air carriers. Sun Adria Airlines, based in the Croatian capital Zagreb, started the scheduled
flights to several European destinations, including Germany, using two Fokker 100 in the fleet. Dubrovnik Airline, based in Dubrovnik and
jointly founded by the Croatian Atlantic Shipping Company and Dubrovnik Airport Authority, is providing summer charters and scheduled
using MD-83s.
A third carrier, named European Coastal Airlines, is expected to be established within the next few weeks.

Highways
The 380 kilometers long highway across mountain terrains between capital Zagreb and Split, the most important tourism center, finally opened
June 29. Work is set to begin on Dubrovnik highway.

Croatia is a relatively small (56,500 square kilometers and 4.49 million inhabitants) independent post communist country (former a part of
Yugoslavia) in southeast Europe at Adriatic Sea. Tourism contribution to the country’s GDP is approximately 20 percent. Picturesque fishing
villages, old antique and medieval towns with unique architecture are among its tourist attractions.

By Jan Blazej

Zagreb, Croatia (eTurboNews)

http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=5842_0_1_0_M136

Six destinations to keep on your radar for 2006

By Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com
The new year brings with it up-and-coming destinations worth keeping on your travel radar as you begin to plan your vacations for 2006. From destinations in the U.S. to those in Europe and even farther afield, several factors influenced our choices, including cultural events, political changes, increasing popularity and major rebuilding. Our picks for the top six destinations to watch for 2006 are Albuquerque, China, Croatia, Thailand, The Netherlands and Turkey.

Croatia

Croatia is the latest country in Europe with "hidden gem" status. However, according to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Croatia began experiencing a boom in tourism in 2005, one that is likely to increase even more over the next few years. This Mediterranean country has plenty of things to offer visitors, from its capital city, Zagreb, to the islands scattered along the Dalmatian Coast,
and the old city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At the time of publication, mainstream vacation-package providers had not yet begun offering many Croatia packages. However, booking airfare and accommodations separately allows for greater freedom in traveling the country and selecting hotels. As an added benefit, Croatia is not in the European Union, so prices in the Croatian kuna may not be as expensive the prices listed in euros in other European countries.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is celebrating its tricentennial on April 23 and will host a series of special events January through October. Each month has a
theme, including Theatre Arts Month in March, History and Education Month in April, and Cuisine Specialties and Albuquerque's Future Path
in August.

In addition, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is hosting three exhibitions of Spanish art featuring artists that include Dali, Miro and
Picasso. The exhibits run through April 23.

Albuquerque will also host its 34th annual International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 6-15, the largest balloon event in the world. This nine-day festival
features a 400- to 500-balloon nighttime "Balloon Glow," "Balloon-Shape Rodeo," and balloon race.

Albuquerque is always a relatively affordable destination, with most of the major airlines, as well as low-fare carriers Frontier and Southwest,
offering service to its airport.

China

China has long been a popular travel destination, with more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Great Wall. In coming
years, however, tourism is expected to rapidly increase, with the 2008 Summer Olympics and several other factors.

The Olympics will be held in and around Beijing, and will attract thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe. In addition, business travel
to China has been rapidly increasing for several years, with major hotel chains constructing huge new hotels catering to business travelers. As
China emerges as an economic powerhouse, tourism is expected to keep up with the pace.

The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that tourism spending in China will increase about 3.5 times by 2014, from $87 billion to
more than $300 billion. And a New York Times report stated that Internet sites offering bilingual searches will begin to make planning travel
inside China less daunting.

Planning a vacation to China can be as easy as planning one to Europe or the Caribbean. U.S.-based package tour providers including
Go-today, Gate1Travel and Pleasant Holidays have begun offering a wide variety of China vacations, giving travelers plenty of package
options from which to choose.

Thailand

A little more than a year after the tsunami disaster, Thailand is continuing to encourage visitors to return. Not surprisingly, tourism in 2005 was
sluggish but began increasing toward the end of the year. Tourism in 2006 is expected to compete with pre-tsunami levels by November
2006. Therefore, visiting Thailand before November will give tourists the advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices, particularly at beach
resorts.

Thailand is still rebuilding, however, as inhabitants re-create what was destroyed in December 2004. Fewer hotel rooms are available to
tourists in some areas, and evidence of the devastation leaves a reminder of the tsunami. One of the most important ways to help Thailand is to
visit, helping to pump dollars into its tourist infrastructure so it can successfully rebuild sooner rather than later.

The Netherlands

The year 2006 is being dubbed "Rembrandt 400" in the Netherlands. This year marks the anniversary of the Dutch artist's 400th birthday, and
year-long celebrations will take place around the country. The exhibitions are expected to draw about 1.5 million visitors from around the
Netherlands and abroad.

Amsterdam is hosting the bulk of the exhibitions, with special shows featuring Rembrandt at the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the
Rembrandt House Museum and others; a Rembrandt musical at the Royal Theatre Carre; and a Rembrandt walking route.

Leiden, Rembrandt's childhood hometown, is also partaking in the events with several major exhibitions and another Rembrandt walking
route. The Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague is also featuring a Rembrandt exhibit that boasts 10 of the artist's most famous works.

Several vacation providers are currently offering deals on Amsterdam vacations, including EuropeASAP, Gate1Travel and Go-today.
Gate1Travel is also offering a special Rembrandt 400 package that includes airfare, accommodations and admission to the Rijksmuseum.

Turkey

As Turkey's attempts to join the European Union are met with resistance by some Europeans, its leaders are planning to strengthen the
country's image by increasing the promotion of tourism in 2006. Although Turkey is already popular with European visitors (out of the 22
million visitors to Turkey in 2005, 12 million were Europeans), Americans have been slower in their eagerness to visit (more than 334,000
visitors in 2005).

However, Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism reports approximately 555,000 Americans are expected to visit the country in 2006, and
it's not hard to imagine the numbers will climb in the years to come.

Turkey's location gives it a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences making it appealing to tourists. It is home to no less than nine
UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the cavetowns of Cappodocia and the archeological site of Troy. To meet
the increased demand from tourists, a new international airport terminal is being planned, along with 10 new resorts in key tourist areas.

If you decide to visit Turkey, it's smart to strike while the iron is hot. Because tourism is just now beginning to significantly increase, you're still
likely to find relatively inexpensive in-country rates for accommodations and activities. However, it's conceivable that Turkey's relatively
undiscovered status will be fleeting, and the country will experience an increase in both tourism and prices.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2006-01-10-inside-the-deals_x.htm 
 

Make love not war

http://www.shepsplace.net/croatia/index.htm

Here is another opportunity for talented actors,

theatre teaching artists for this summer.

Spread the word and good luck!
 

Deadline for applications: May 1st

Program Coordinator/Director for Summer Youth Program –
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, a $4M LORT theatre seeks a director for its summer classical acting program for 11-17 year olds, The Junior & Senior Corps.
Program is comprised of 2-3 week sessions focused on Shakespeare and classical training. Each session culminates in a final performance adapted from the works of Shakespeare or other classic writers.
Candidate must have a strong background in classical training and directing for young actors. Contract runs from June 12 to September 1. Housing assistance provided.
Send cover letter and resume to Brian Crowe, Director of Education, THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. Email:bcrowe@shakespeareNJ.org .

 

Naklada Stih released the above titled book by Vitomir Miles Raguz, in bilingual Croatian-English format. It is available in Zagreb and Sarajevo bookstores and via Internet worldwide.

You can order the book with personal check viaSTIHBOOKS@AOL.COM . Shiping is free from Amazon.com and StihBooks.

Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9536959283/qid=1137520686/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-8552018-7754205?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Another possibility to order the book:
http://bookshop.pontes.com/index.asp?link=pop&idi=23063


Naklada Stih ANNOUNCEMENT: 12 December 2005

CONTACT: Dr. Marijan Borsic, +385-91-788-3014,naklada.stih@net.hr

New Book: Da nije bilo Oluje / Who Saved Bosnia

Naklada Stih last week released the above titled book by Vitomir Miles Raguz, in bilingual Croatian-English format. It is available in Zagreb and Sarajevo bookstores. In the US it will be available at the book presentation in the Cleveland area, on December 18th at World CafĂŠ in Chesterland, at 6PM, or via mail order.

Mr. Raguz, former Ambassador of Bosnia-Herzegovina  to the EU and NATO and adviser to Croatian diplomats at the UN in New York, writes often in leading English language media, such as the Wall Street Journal Europe, commenting on contemporaneous policy issues and addressing recent history of the region.

Naklada Stih wanted to bring his excellent writing to the regional audiences by translating a collection of previous and new essays. The English speaking audience will appreciate the new essays, published for the first time, as well as essays that were published in Zagreb media.

“At first, we thought this collection would primarily attract historians and policy peopleâ€?, said Coach Ante Kostelic, Biblioteka editor, “but the reader quickly realizes that this book will have a much wider audience, given the author’s style and the perspectives he brings forth regarding some key events of the 1990s.â€? He added: “the book may be exactly what Santa would think for that very smart nephew who is still confused about what really happened in the region in the 1990s, and that righteous colleague at the office who knows exactly what happened since she reads the internet edition of the New York Times religiously.â€?

An early reader of the book, Visnja Staresina, writer and former foreign affairs editor of Vecernji List comments: “Ambassador Raguz challenges the mainstream thinking about what Washington was preparing for BiH immediately prior to operation Storm in 1995, and why and
how it aided the Storm. As a participant in many behind the scenes events, he provides details that shed new light on common wisdom regarding the Croatian Army withdrew from Posavina, source of the Muslim-Croat conflict, Tudjman’s role in Herzegovina, and Croatia’s recognition and later early EU candidate status,â€? among others.

Given the recent arrest of general Gotovina, the reader may be especially interested in the essay on the origin and purpose of the Storm, which contradict the charges from the Tribunal, in the essays about his role in the Storm, as well as those on reasons why the US should be involved in his defense.
Croatian readers may enjoy comparing Mr. Raguz’s views, for instance, on relations between Zagreb and Washington in regard of the Storm, to those of Croatia’s former foreign minister Mate Granic in his recently published book “Vanjski poslovi: iza kulisa politike.â€?

Bret Stephens, Member of the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal notes: “The essays on the interplay between international politics and international law are among the most thought-provoking to be found anywhere; those on the shortfalls of western policy in the Balkans written over past four years are especially relevant today when the debate on the issue is picking up in advance of the 10th anniversary of the Dayton accords at year end.â€?

Igor Alborghetti, Editor-in-Chief of weekly Globus, says Ambassador Raguz writes from a unique perspective. On Euro-Atlantic integration issues, he sees him as a Euro-realist, who believes that Zagreb “should focus its energies on market reforms and on finding ways to minimize the costs of those associations,â€? instead of being preoccupied with dates of membership.

Book has 363 Pages.
 

Zdenka Vuckovic na Floridi
 

"Christmas Party" for Croatian-American Club of Florida
 

Mnogi od nas clanova malog hrvatskog kluba ovdje u St. Petersburgu, Florida ("Croatian-American Club of Florida"), slusali smo Zdenku Vuckovic onda, kad su nam se djeca rodila tamo u Hrvatskoj, a danas su oni odrasli ljudi. "Tata kupi mi auto", Kucica u cvijecu" i mnoge druge poznate melodije, koje su proslavile Zdenku na festivalima zabavne muzike (Opatija, Split, Krapina), imali smo priliku slusati u zivo ovdje u St. Petersburgu na Floridi na nasoj "Christmas Party". Uz klavirsku pratnju supruga, gospodina Kresimira Oblak, bio je pravi uzitak vratiti se nasoj mladosti. Rodaci Zdenke, koji zive u Sarasoti (50 milja juzno od St Petersburga), svi imaju genetske kvalitete za muziku ili kako mi kazemo "muzicki su navudreni". Tako uz sudjelovanje rodaka, a narocito gospodina Slavka Manestar, bilo nam je priredeno ugodno muzicko vecer. Gospodin Manestar je veoma lijepo otpjevao "Ave Maria", a i neke druge omiljele melodije.
Kad sam, svojevremeno, pisao mojem rodaku u Zagreb, koji je i sam muzicar, te mu javio da Zdenka Vuckovic dolazi na nasu "Christmas Party", odgovorio mi je: "Zdenka ce vas dobro zabaviti i vratiti u vase mladenacke dane"! Tako je i bilo!
Svima je poznato, da smo mi narod, koji se voli dobro zabaviti, da volimo pjesmu, pa je tako i nasa "Christmas Party" zavrsila tako, da smo mnogi od nas dosli na podium pjevati zajedno sa Zdenkom nase i americke Bozicne pjesme, a i druge nase stare i novije melodije. Pjesma se je orila, glasnice mozda nisu bile najbolje, ali je srce nas iseljenika bilo veliko!
Lijepe su bile rijeci nase Zdenke, kad je prilikom posjete mojem domu rekla: "Sretna sam, kad vidim nase ljude daleko u svijetu, da se preko mene sjete svoje drage Kroacije"!

Dr. Zeljko Beluhan
7979 Sailboat Key Blvd.#107
South Pasadena, Fl.33707
U.S.A.
ph# (727) 360-9549
e-mai: frank13zb@aol.com
 

Weekly Bulletin from Croatian Embassy in Washington DC

Dec 31- Jan 5, 2005

Jan 6-12, 2006