Croatianicity

Why Are Serbs So Anti-Angelina Jolie? (..And Why Does Serbian-Jesus Want To Rape & SkullfuckYou?)

2012-02-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Serb groups defaced a photograph of Angelina Jolie with the Srb letter 'H'.

This is sort of an UnValentines Day kind of story at first look, especially after my earlier post today about the "Heart Shaped Island". However, when you really think about, this may be the best day to post this actually. Totally apropos in retrospect. I've been reading here and there about Angelina Jolie's directorial debut offering over the last while, but didn't make any plans to include it on my blog. There's just way too many other Croatian topics I want to touch upon. But with the reaction the film has been getting lately from Serb groups, I thought I better put my 2 cents in, let it be known where I stand. Anyway, I'm not going to critique this movie, or add a bunch of trailers and discuss plot, imagery, suspension of disbelief, bad acting, good acting.. et all. (I'm not Siskel and Eibert) You'll have to clink onto the links I left, or head over to Youtube for that. There's plenty there, as well as lots of articles in internetland regarding this story.

"Raping Of 2 Women At Once By Every Serb Soldier Was In Style"

In a nutshell, it seems the Serbs are back to their protesting ways again these days. Last time it was because of some casual jokes on the Chelsea Handler show, and now it's Angelina Jolie. It seems Angelina's new film "In the Land of Blood and Honey" has many members of the Serb community up in arms. Angelina Jolie's sin? She made a film, a film that just happens to include some real historical events from the war in Bosnia in the 90's as part of the plot. Namely, that touches upon (but not dissects or focuses on) the mass raping, genocide, torture, ethnic cleansing, and other nice things that Serb soldiers were doing during the Yugoslav wars. (They were doing lots of similar stuff in Croatia back then too) The whole plot of the film revolves around that war, so I guess you have to include things like that. (You can't NOT include real events as a backdrop or plot, otherwise you may as well make a Walt Disney movie about some magical cat who is the Vice President) The telling of the story in the film requires some real time events and information, so as to let the viewer know what the hell is going on.

Angelina and husband Brad Pitt have been appearing together for the premieres of her new film. Her film was premiered in Berlin recently and is scheduled for Zagreb this week.

Well, Serb groups are now attempting to boycott the film, movie distributors in the Serb occupied part of B-H are not going to show it in theatres, and Serbs everywhere are rallying to point out that Angelina Jolie is anti-Serb. That the whole point of her film is to be anti-Serb and use her film as propoganda to spread more Anti-Serb sentiment the world over. Now, I know this isn't going to go away anytime soon. The Chelsea Handler thing is still sort of dragging around, and all because so many Serbs can tell good jokes, but can't seem to take them. Then I thought, "Just hold on a second here....I don't think I heard even a peep from Srbs anywhere when that controversial Serbian film, (that is coincidentally entitled "A Serbian Film"), came out." Not even one Serbian condemnation or protest against newborn porn, or accusations that the film makers were anti-Srb, trying to blacken the name of Serbdom and put Srbs in a bad light, if my memory serves me correctly. Maybe that there is the answer. Make it a 2 movie deal. Have a showing of "A Serbian Film" before the premier of her film. Serbians can't complain about, or see a more patriotic movie than watching a film called "A Serbian Film", can they now? That might make them happy.

Filming a feature length movie about a voilent war and time, requires staying true to facts and realities from that time to be in the films plot/backdrop. Watch very closely Angelina's lips and pay particular attention to the sounds they make.

I also find it odd, and very strange, how a Serb film distributor, Serb politicians and segments of the Serb public in the Serb occupied part of B-H can condemn this film and it's producer/director. I mean, the Serb controlled part of B-H was built on genocide, ethnic cleansing, rapes and torture. Those are the 4 pillars of Serbdom that the so-called "Srpska Republika" are truly built on. (And that's what Srbs tried to do in large parts of Croatia too, before they hightailed their drunken criminal chetnik asses back to Rascia or the ethnically cleansed part of Bosnia) They've always been very proud of that fact. So whats the big deal with including that fact as part of a plot or backdrop in a movie? I'm sure these Serb groups will find some lackeys, or go buy some beers and fries for guys like Joao Joao who will then agree that "The Serbs are gettin a bad rap yo", then go help their cause. These groups would like nothing better than to minimize to the extreme the bloodshed and beastiality Serb forces committed in the 90's all over the former Yugoland, or at least try to spread it around, by hook or by crook, as much as possible, so as to make it look like everyone was guilty in the same degree. So that Serbs are seen as no better or worse in the genocide and ethnic cleansing department. This tactic will proabably fool some people, but not me, or most people who have scruples in their head or at least know how to surf the web and read.

While Croatia was becoming a NATO member and was in the process of EU Accession Talks, Serbs in Serbia and in Bosnia were proud of supporting Serb war criminals and their ethnic cleansing policies So what's the problem now with including it in a film?

"Serbs Prefer 2 Soldiers Taking Turns Raping a Woman"

Anyway, thats as far as I'm going concerning this story. I've seen this kind of stuff from the Serb community plenty of times over the years, so it's really nothing new, or surprising. Even during the Serb aggression in Croatia in the 90's the same kind of mentality prevailed. Sort of like it was ok for Serb dominated Yugoslav forces and Serb paramilitary forces to shell and mortar schools, hospitals and unarmed civilian populated towns and cities for years, but when Croatian forces grew stronger better armed, and were able to defend, counter with fire power to reclaim ethnically cleansed areas, all of a sudden it was "Hey look everyone! It's an attack on Serbs" "The Croatians are attacking Serbs!" Pfff, saw it hundreds of times. Anyway, you can read the articles below and make up your own mind as to whether Angelina is anti-anything, or just a film maker.

Photo: Reuters

Jolie denies anti-Serb bias as distributors boycott film

Source: www.smh.com.au

Related: www.team-jolie.com

www.huffingtonpost.com

www.she.hr

www.24sata.hr

hot.net.hr

www.guide2croatia.net

srbs-protest-chelsea-handler

chelsey-handler-vacations-in-croatia-instead-of srb

serbians-protest-arrest-of-war-criminal

www.guardian.co.uk/angelina-jolie-threats-land-of-blood-and-honey

Angelina Jolie, whose directorial debut about the Bosnian war has screened in Sarajevo, says she will not attend a premiere in Belgrade but denies she is biased against Serbs.

While thousands in Sarajevo - a mostly Bosnian Muslim city - braved deep snow and freezing temperatures to attend the gala screening of In the Land of Blood and Honey on Tuesday night, distributors in the Serb region of Bosnia have decided not to show the film.

"I am absolutely not anti-Serbian," Jolie said, answering a question during a news conference in Sarajevo, where she arrived with partner Brad Pitt to present the movie in the city where many of the most brutal events of the 1992-95 conflict occurred.

Angelina speaking at the premier of the film in Sarajevo.

"I think it's sad that that question has to be asked today and I think that shows how divided this region still remains."

In the Land of Blood and Honey tells the story of the war through an ambiguous relationship between Danijel, a Bosnian Serb, and Ajla, a Bosnian Muslim woman, whose affection becomes hostage to their respective ethnic groups.

They attempt to maintain their relationship against a backdrop of war, killings and rapes, and pressure from their families, which proves impossible.

"I know this will bring back many painful memories because I know it's a difficult film to watch," Jolie, dressed in an elegant black dress, told the audience of 5,000 before the screening.

"But I hope when you do, it doesn't just remind you of what you've suffered but it also reminds you of all that you've survived," she said with tears in her eyes.

Some of the wartime rape victims, whose protests against the details of the plot halted the shooting of the film in Bosnia, praised the film as difficult, true and brave after it was shown during a one-week screening in Sarajevo in December.

However, some Bosnian Serbs say that Jolie has failed to show balance in presenting all sides of the Bosnian atrocities.

Life for non-Srbs has always been "interesting" when living in the same country as Serbs and Serbian Jeus. I guess it's that Srb mentality thing. Sort of explains why I'd respect the fly covered shit oozing out of a rotten mule carcass by the side of the road than a serbian jesus. (Click onto the image for all the juicy details)

'Offensive'

Vlado Ljevar, the private film distributer and owner of the main cinema in Banja Luka, the largest city in the Serb region of Bosnia, said he would not show the film.

"I am 100 per cent sure that nobody would want to see it in Republika Srpska. Another reason is political, because the audience here considers the content of the film as offensive for the Serb people," Mr Ljevar said.

Jolie said she would cancel her planned visit to Belgrade to attend a premiere screening there.

"It's not just a simple threat, it's not my safety I'm concerned about," she said.

"There is so much hostility in the press, there is so much hostility and aggression where I don't know if they are able to see the film clearly at this time."

She dismissed the criticism of any perceived bias.

"The war was not balanced so ... when we say balance we mean that it is not black and white, it's not pure good and pure evil, that there are layers to each character that shows their humanity, and their own pain and their own history and they are complex," Jolie said.

"The response from the region all the more shows the importance of bringing films like this to the forefront, and because the debate is all right as long as people are talking and discussing the past and using this as a tool in some way how ever they do to move forward."

While the audience in Bosnia's Serb region will not see the film in movie theatres, an activist has organised a private screening in her home, with Jolie's blessing.

"I don't want that someone speaks in my name and claims that it is the stance of the whole nation," Ana Vidovic, a Bosnian Serb woman from the north-western town of Prijedor, said.

Angelina Jolie's movie In the Land of Blood and Honey criticized by Serbians!

On location during filming.

Source: www.bolegaindia.com

It might be shocking to many but the directorial debut of actress Angelina Jolie; In the Land of Blood and Honey has received critical acclaim in the US!

The movie set during the 1992-95 Balkan war is about a love story between a Serbian policeman and his rape victim has met with sharp criticism among Bosnian Serbs who said that the work was biased and anti-Serb.

The film is slated to be premiered in Serbia and the Serb-populated part of Bosnia in May, and Jolie has said she would like to attend the screening. Authorities have turned down a request by some war veterans' organizations to ban the film.

Jolie, who is a goodwill ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has also been exposed to a barrage of criticism from the press and calls for a boycott to show her that she isn't welcomed in the country.

Serbian websites have been flooded with pictures allegedly showing Jolie in pornographic acts before she became a celebrity. The pictures are reportedly accompanied with comments like "once a prostitute - always a prostitute".

Internationally acclaimed Serbian film director Emir Kusturica has declined to comment on Jolie's film, calling her a propagandist not a filmmaker. Now let’s see finally what fate the movie meets!

Serbs Say: Boycott Angelina Jolie’s IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY?

Source: www.filmtrophy.com

Related: www.reuters.com

Angelina Jolie‘s directorial debut In The Land of Blood and Honey could become one of the most controversial movies this year. Ok, we all wrote so much about this movie, we all know the plot, we all know the story. But…do we really? In USA, In The Land of Blood and Honey opened in limited theaters on December 23, 2011. People in Serbia (yeah, imagine, humans live in Serbia, too!) will see it on February 16th, 2012.

And that’s where the story starts. I’m about to make this report a little bit personal, just by saying that normal people live in a little European country Serbia. Why am I writing this? Well, simply because I have a lot of friends there, and when we talked about Jolie’s movie I was quite surprised that – they’re about to boycott it. What the fuck? Shocked

But why, I asked, the movie stars some famous Serbian actors, you should be happy that a big star like Angelina Jolie is behind the whole thing! Happy with what – they asked – once again we’re the bad guys who rape and kill the poor Muslims. She did’nt even try to make a movie based on the historical facts, and you call that professionalism? You call that a big directorial debut of a big Hollywood star? It’s not even an original anti-Serbian propaganda and people out here are totally against this movie.

Soon, I received some quotes from the Serbian press (which I’m about to share with you below) as well as the official Facebook Page with over 6000 members, where Serbs share their feelings about Jolie’s movie. Can’t help but wonder if Angie even cares about this, but I think it’s fair enough to hear the other side too. So here it is…

From Serbian press:

Vecernje Novosti : Angelina arogantly refuses to even consider the real story about Romeo and Juliet from Sarajevo, the real couple murdered on May 19th, 1993. His name was Bosko Brkic, he was Serbian. Her name is Admira Ismic, she was Bosnian. They were both killed when they tried to escape from the muslim part of Sarajevo on Vrbanja bridge to the Serbian part of the city. They also add the movie In The Land of Blood and Honey states there was 300,000 Bosnians killed, and 50,000 Bosnian women raped, and that it shows only victims on Bosnian side.

Kurir : Emir Kusturica says that he would never invite Angelina Jolie to the festival Kustendorf, saying: She belongs to the cinematography which is actually a hidden propaganda. She came here to make a movie only about Bosnian victims, then the question is – why not about Serbs? That has nothing to do with the reality, she simply knows nothing about our problem.

The fact is that Angelina Jolie now tries to give the political context to the movie in american media, but she goes even further – right after the premiere of In the Land of Blood and Honey, in which Serbs were represented as killers and rapists, actress and director announced the action against the “genocidal creation” Republic Srpska!

Petar Djokic, Minister of Labour, Veterans and Disability Protection of Republika Srpska, says that it is clear the whole thing is the part of a new attack on RS. Only with a new approach!

Angelina continues an attack on us. Starting with the OHR and other international organizations, their aim was always to bust the RS, and even to abolish it. And now that they have not succeeded, they want to start another war – through art. Hollywood movie should be animated by the world public and that the Serbs are again on a pillar of shame. How is it possible that the Serbs in their own home are criminals and aggressors? It is obvious that Angelina has received a lot of money to do it, it’s all being orchestrated! All of this was commissioned by extreme Islamic policies, that the Serbs would be displayed, normally, like criminals, killers, murderers and rapists. And that it would be presented that the only victims are Muslims, which is a total lie.

Mercury Scriptum: Once again, I can’t help but wonder if Angelina Jolie even cares about this. Somehow, I feel that Serbs have every right to be pissed off about the whole thing, and that’s exactly why they have my support! Small one, but hope it counts:

Galešnjak- The Heart Shaped Island In Croatia

2012-02-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Since today is Valentine's Day, I noticed there are a lot of those romantic, Valentines Day-ish stories all over the place. (Some really dumb cheesy ones too) The adult sex toy and related paraphernalia businesses are doing brisk sales today as well. Lots of lingerie, lotions, whips, chains, strap-ons, latex catwoman masks, stilettos and wigs being sold. Usually busiest day of the year acutally. (Not this city however, beef jerky at the grocery store today was selling like hot cakes though, and that new beer with a buffalo or elk or something on it)

So anyway, I decided to add this one real quickly, since I came across it a few times today as well. The story about the island of Galešnjak, the heart shaped island off Croatia's coast. Since it's rediscovery on Google Earth in 2007, it's come to be known as "Lover's Island". The artlices below are from a few years ago and will do all the explaining...

Heart-shaped island highlighted by Google Earth becomes hit with lovers

Galesnjak: It seems many lovers from around the world consider it the ideal spot for a romantic Valentine's Day break Photo: EUROPICS

A tiny island in the Adriatic has become a holiday hit for lovers because it is shaped like a heart.

Source:www.telegraph.co.uk

Related: www.tocroatia.net

www.dailymail.co.uk

digitaljournal.com

www.uniline.hr

www.pearlsofcroatia.com

www.wayfaring.info

news.softpedia.com

9:40AM GMT 11 Feb 2009

The 130,000 square yard islet of Galesnjak came to prominence after its unusual shape was highlighted on Google Earth.

Even the owner of the uninhabited island - now known as Lovers' Island - didn't realise how perfectly heart-shaped the island off the Croatian coast was until he was swamped with requests from couples to stay there.

It seems many lovers from around the world consider it the ideal spot for a romantic Valentine's Day break.

Natuarally, the local tourism industry has jumped on the popularity of the island. Various getaways complete with transportation to and from, wine and food for those looking for a secluded ...something.

Vlado Juresko said: "It has been incredible. We think it is the most perfect heart-shaped island in the world. Nobody lives there so if lovers really do want to spend time alone it's the perfect desert island.

"We always thought it looked a bit like a heart but since it's been on Google Earth everyone else has seen it too and the whole world seems to want to stay here."

The island is located in Zadarski Kanal between Zadar and the Island of Pasman.

Croatia is ranked as the 18th most popular tourism destination in the world, proving especially busy during the summer months.

Galesnjak – Croatia's island of love

Sources: www.adriagate.com

secretdalmatia.wordpress.com

Galesnjak is a heart shaped Croatian islelet, which together with three other islands in different parts of the world make "the worlds love islelets“. The "Croatian island of love“ is uninhabited, that is why lovers who wish to spend quality time alone will have this island all to themselves.

The island is located in the Pasman canal between the town of Mrljane on the island of Pasman and the town of Turjan on the mainland. The area of the islet is 0.132 square kilometers, and the length of the coastal zone is 1545 meters with its highest peak at 36m above sea level. The island is privately owned by family Jureško. Galešnjak was “discovered” in 2008 by the web browser Google Earth, and the TV station CNN published an article about him as one of the several natural heart shaped phenomenas.

The tiny heart shaped island in the Pasman canal became a hit destination for Valentines Day, after being discovered on Google Earth the first engagement was recently celebrated on the island of love. Young Muscovites Sarukhanov Mikhail and Valentina Moros decided to do just that act on the beautiful Galešnjak.

The small island, bordered by golden sand, which was used by fishermen as a shelter from the storms will now gladly accept all couples who are looking to mark their love in a unique way.

View Larger Map

132 Amazing Digital Comics Artworks By Stjepan Šejić - (Nebezial)

2012-02-13T23:09:00.003-07:00

Stjepan Šejić (born November 27, 1981) is a Croatian comic book artist currently working as an illustrator for American comic book Witchblade, published by Top Cow Productions. Stjepan almost became a lawyer, but instead decided to draw comics.

He works comprehensively in the field of illustration and his chosen tools are Photoshop, zBrush and 3DSMax. Croatia Many of his works focus on comic book covers and illustrations, which you can see in his galleries, located on CGSociety and on deviantART.

Comics:

The Darkness vol.3 #1-2 (cover)
First Born. #1-4 (cover)
Witchblade #116-150 (Top Cow) (in progress)
Broken Trinity #1-3
Kade (comics)
Battlestar Galactica: Season Zero #1-5 (cover)
Terminator 2: Infinity #1-5 (cover)
Savage Tales #1-5 (cover) (Dynamite Entertainment)
Arcana Studio Presents

Below is just a very small sample of Stjepan's amazing artwork. Click onto the links below to view many more:

www.tutoriallounge.com

nebezial.cgsociety.org

nebezial.deviantart.com

Documentary Series About Medieval Croatia - "Hrvatski Kraljevi" / Ella Dvornik Goes Medieval

2012-02-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

Related: croatian-history-101

If you're into Croatian history, especially about the times of the first Croatian rulers, princes and kings leading right up to the first medieval "Kingdom of Croatia", then this is the one for you. "Hrvatski Kraljevi" (Croatian Kings) is a documentary series about the beginnings of the Croatian nation/state. As a kid I found this type of stuff interesting, I guess partly because I always found the medival times fascinating. All those cool looking coat of arms, armour, legends, wenches and witches. Even when I was around 10 yrs old, and my Croatian wasn't exactly the best when it came to reading fact filled history books with all those technical words, I still enjoyed grabbing one of the few that were tucked away on a shelf anyway, read the best I could, but still really enjoyed flipping through all those cool photos and paintings of historic Croatian places, monuments and people from long ago. Besides, especially for younger people of Croatian background, wouldn't it be a good idea to learn something about your own history, instead of always watching those done a million times documentaries or films about about other peoples histories ad nauseum? Like whens the last time you saw any Croatian history mentioned on the History Channel? Just usually about George Washington, WWII battles, Napoleon, Ceasar, etc. Or those cheesy made up religious films (especially ones featuring preachy Charleton Heston) that have no historical reality at all. Even sit-coms and episodes of Joao Joao Popsick (The Phantom Popsick)...get kind of boring and lame after a while. But this stuff, this stuff is documented historical events, interesting and has those cool medieval helmets, swords and chainmail armour......

Before it was only through paintings like these, or textbooks where one could visualize moments of early Croatian history.

hr.wikipedia.org

en.wikipedia.org

Now you can do the same, yet without having to waste time and energy by going down to hunt and peck for books at your local library. (This is the day and age of the internet afterall, everything is just a few taps on the keyboard away) This is a 7 part documentary series that aired on Croatian Television just this past November, and it's chock full of useful information with the added bonus of cool visuals. Just get your popcorn, sit back and watch all those historic places and people come alive before your very eyes. From the time of the arrival of the Croats as pagans to our present lands in the 6th and 7th centuries, to the time of King Tomislav and the first medieval Croatian Kingdom a few hundred years later. You will see that it took hundreds of years from their arrival to the Croatian realms, to official recognition as a unified Kingdom in 925 under Tomislav, that the Slavic pagan ways were never really stamped out, especially in the most rural parts and the hinterland. For them life went on as usual according to the old ways, and even most marriages did not involve any kind of christian religious customs. I touch upon this topic on a previous post HERE.

Croatian Television (HRT) has produced other documentary series' but this is a first time effort for a documentary series that deals with with this early time period of Croatian history. Not a bad first time effort either. When this series "Hrvatski Kraljevi" eventually gets to DVD, this will be the series to get to keep at home or for friends/family. The DVD release may even come with English subtitle options.

Interestingly, the exploits of Borna, who is discussed in the first video, has even made it's way into Croatian comic books these days. Illustrations are by Boris Talijancic

A scene from the documentary.

...Throughout the series there's also input from other European historians and experts as well, discussing even the ancient Croatian people and homelands that were located in present day Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine before arriving to where we are today. All done against the backdrop of CG visuals that reconstruct important ruins and buildings, that make you feel like you are actually there. It's not "Lord of the Rings", or "Game of Thorns", but there are some good special effects that make it seem realistic and one feels the ambience of the times. Not a dry boring series at all. As well as touching upon what they ate, how they lived, farmed and built their homes, buildings and castles/forts. This documentary series is in Croatian of course, but is still worth checking out even if your Croatian is subpar or even non-existent these days. Who knows? It may even inspire you to brush up on your "Hrvatski". Also, perhaps as a surprise to some, it will be shown that Croatia in those times had no dealings with Serbs or their activities across the Drina river. Right up through the centuries of union with Hungary and Austria even. Not until the beginning of the 20th century, and only then for 70 years were Croatians and Croatia, along with other peoples, in a common entity living with the Serbs. From the very beginning of the Croatian states and kingdom, we were always separate from the Serbs. That's a very interesting fact, which puts the short lived existence of the former-Yugoslavia into perspective.

Some scenes from eposide 1 of the documentary series "Hrvatski Kraljevi".(Croatian Kings)

A quick related mention, but still keeping this post on the "Medieval Times" theme. Croatian celebrity and daughter of former Croatian pop singer Dino Dvornik put out another music video recently. (So I had to add this, it's medieval people) More on her can be found on a post HERE.

Here is just some of the events that the documentary series "Croatian Kings" will touch upon:

From en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Croatia_medieval -

".....The Croats were a Slavic tribe, coming into the Balkans from an area in and around today's Poland or western Ukraine. Many modern scholars believe that the early Croat people, as well as other early Slavic groups, were agricultural populations that were ruled by the nomadic Iranian-speaking Alans. It is unclear whether the Alans contributed much more than a ruling caste or a class of warriors; the evidence on their contribution is mainly philological and etymological.

The book De Administrando Imperio, written in the 10th century, is the most referenced source on the migration of Slavic peoples into southeastern Europe. It states that they migrated first around or before year 600 from the region that is now (roughly) Galicia and areas of the Pannonian plain, led by the Avars, to the province of Dalmatia ruled by the Roman Empire. De Administrando Imperio reports a folk tradition that the Croats were led into the Roman province of Dalmatia by a group of five brothers, Klukas, Lobel, Kosenc, Muhlo and Hrvat, and their two sisters, Tuga and Buga.

The second wave of migration, possibly around year 620, began when the Croats were invited by the Emperor Heraclius to counter the Avar threat on the Byzantine Empire.

De Administrando Imperio also mentions an alternate version of the events, where the Croats weren't actually invited by Heraclius, but instead defeated the Avars and settled on their own accord after migrating from an area near today's Silesia. This record is supported by the writings of one Thomas the archdeacon, Historia Salonitana from the 13th century.

Archdeacon Thomas, as well as the Chronicle of the Priest of Duklja from the 12th century, state that the Croats remained after the Goths (under a leader referred to as "Totila") had occupied and pillaged the Roman province of Dalmatia. The Chronicle of Dioclea speaks of a Gothic invasion (under a leader referred to as "Svevlad", followed by his descendants "Selimir" and "Ostroilo")......

.....The Slavs arrived in the early 7th century in what is Croatia today. The first Croatian ruler recognized by the Pope was duke Branimir, whom Pope John VIII called dux Croatorum ("duke of Croats") in 879.^[3] Croatia was elevated to the status of Kingdom around 925, when King Tomislav received the crown from the Papal legate. He united the Slavs of Dalmatia and Pannonia into a single Kingdom in 925. Tomislav's state extended from the Adriatic Sea to the Drava river, and from the Raša river to the Drina river. Under his rule, Croatia became one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Balkans......"

A scene from the documentary.

Source: www.momentum-studio.com

Related: tvprofil.net

www.ezadar.hr

www.dnevno.hr

sajt.com.hr

www.novilist.hr

www.vecernji.hr

www.tportal.hr

Croatian Kings is the biggest Croatian documentary series. Shot in full 1080p HD, directed by Domagoj Buric and produced by Croatian National television (HRT). Our task was to create quite wide range of visual effects work. From crowd replication, digital wounds, historical building reconstruction, matte paintings to full 3D environments with CG soldiers and destruction. We are very proud to have been a part of this historical project and to work with such a great team of people.

The documentary series discusses and revolves around the centuries leading up to the formation of the "Kingdom of Croatia" under King Tomislav in 925, and afterwards.

1 - The series "Croatian kings" is a special documentary and educational project which consists of seven 50-minute episodes. This is the first time in Croatian film and media history that the earliest, and in many ways the most interesting period of Croatian history, will be presented on the screen - from their arrival at the beginning of the 7th century to the end of the native Croat Trpimirovic ruling dynasty and personal union with Hungary at about the year 1100. In this unique series of Croatian rulers, Trpimir, Tomislav, Držislav, Petar Kresimir IV, Zvonimir and many others will receive a face and character for the first time. Viewers will be able to see large early medieval battles of Croats against the Bulgarians, Byzantines, Saracens, and Hungarians as well as the coronation of Croatian kings. Croatian ruins, as well as churches and buildings destroyed by the Ottoman empire will be reconstructed using CG technology.

2 - The second episode starts with the first peak of the Croatian state - the time of the great ruler Prince Trpimir. We will see his struggles against Byzantium where he defeated a mighty empire, as well as his other victories, like the one against the Bulgarians. We will introduce Trpimir as a great patron of the Church and culture in general, the arrival of the great dissident theologian and philosopher Gottschalk, who spent some time at the court of Prince Trpimir. Trpimir was the first ruler to be called "Dux Chroatorum" - Duke of the Croats. Furthermore, we will also meet Duke Domagoj, who after his death, because of his stubborness and control of the Adriatic with his pirates, the Venetians had called "the worst leader of the Slavs." This willfull and aggressive, yet brave Croatian prince fought on all sides. He led Croatian soldiers even to participate in the Frankish siege of Italian Bari, which at that time was suffering at the hands of the Arabs. Pope John VIII refered to Domagoj in letters as his "Famous Duke". Viewers will be able to enjoy the spectacular scenes of the siege. In addition, Ljutiša. one of our seven travelling villagers in this episode, will fall into debt bondage, and his friends will save him from slave labor.

3 - The third episode begins with the alleged murder of Prince Zdeslav, the son of Trpimir who reigned only a few months. Prince Branimir then takes the throne as one of the most important rulers of this age. We will see the first cultural flowering of Croatian. Branimir left behind for us five stone inscriptions bearing Branimir's name, an extremely large number for that time which almost no other European monarch of that era can boast. During Branimir's time ruling in Croatia, many churches were built, some of them of very monumental proportions. In addition, Branimir also led a successful foreign policy. In Branimir's time Venetians had to pay taxes to the Croatian state for their ships traveling along the Croatian coast. Pope John VIII. sent him a letter blessing the Prince and the Croatian people, which is one of the most important documents in Croatian history. In this same episode we also learn about Prince Muncimir, who also led a vigorous foreign policy. He was even embroiled in the turmoils of the neighboring Servs, also known as Triballians, who were living in the Bulgarian Lands that were called Rascia. When their exiled leaders were searching for protection, the Triballians/Serbs were recieved at his court for their safety, before they took power again in Rascia. Our group of seven villagers in this episode will taste beans for the very first time, a relatively new food ingredient that did not penetrate into Europe until the 10th century, and seems to have affected even the architecture of that time. Through the adventures of our seven villagers, we will witness the drinking of alcohol and eating habits of medieval times, but also the propensity to violence, which was a common part of the political and daily culture of those times. Twice our villagers will even get into fisticuffs.

4 - In this 4th episode, we learn about the man who may be the most important Croatian icon and name from that era - King Tomislav. We will see his battle against the Bulgarians, in which he decisively defeated then made peace with, and his successful policy towards Byzantine ruled Dalmatian towns. King Tomislav it seems, was the first Croatian king who successfully administered all the Dalmatian towns within his realm. We will see the Split church councils of the years 925 and 928, where besides Tomislav, also Bishop Gregory of Nin participated. After Tomislav there was civil war around the throne of Croatia in the 10th century, which ended in the overthrow and execution of King Miroslav and then coming to power of his brother Michael Krešimir II, who during his military campaigns was helped by the famous Croatian ban Pribina. We will see the 7 villagers in this episode go on a pilgrimage to the North Italian city of Cividale. Through their stories we will find out all the important and interesting things about medieval pilgrimages.

5 - In this 5th episode, we will familiarize ourselves with the era of Stephen Držislav I, the first of the Croatian rulers who bore the title of king of Dalmatia and Croatia. After the long and stable reign of Držislav, his three sons, Svetoslav, Krešimir and Gojslav, clashed to become next to rule on the throne. Svetoslav was ousted from the throne and Petar Krešimir III ruled Croatia. In this episode we will also meet one of the greatest of Croatian rulers, Petar Krešimir IV. We will see his mighty fleet and the flourishing of arts and culture during his time. In this episode, we will again follow the adventures of the seven travelling Croatian peasants. They will travel from the the rural hinterlands near Kozjak, come across a pastor who was bothered by the pagan superstitions of his parishioners, and gave orders to them to cut down the nearby ancient sacred trees of the old Slavs. We will see them work as wage laborers in the reconstruction of the roof at the basilica in Solin, a town on the Adriatic coast. We will also see them in their free time to start fishing, which was a new experience for our travellers from the hinterland, but which will supply them and others with abundant sea food for tasty meals and a new staple in their daily diet.

6 - This sixth episode begins with a magnificent scene from the coronation of King Zvonimir in the seaside town of Solin, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Moses.(Hollow Church) This king is of one of the greatest monarchs in Croatian history. He made an agreement with Pope Gregory VII., who sent him a crown and scepter. He married a Hungarian princess Helen I (Jelena Lijepa), which connected him also to the royal families of Poland, Denmark, Byzantium and Bulgaria, and he led a very active foreign policy. Viewers will learn how much historical truth, and how much mythology is in the story about the murder of King Zvonimir. Also, we will see the last years of this Croatian ruling dynasty, as Croatia is joined to Hungary with the assenting of Croatian nobles in the "Pacta Conventa", as well as the death of King Petar Svačić during the legendary battle of Gvozd. This episode will see Žitimir, one of our travelling village heroes, get married. Through the story of his wedding, we will find out much about the position of women in the Middle Ages and about medieval views on sexuality. We will see how many marriages were performed without the involvement of the church, especially in rural areas, and that mortality rates were especially high for children in those times.

7 - In the final episode of this series we take a step back, going back several hundred years, to the time that preceded the creation of the Croatian state. After spectacular opening scenes of the siege of Constantinople in 626, we will show the time of the arrival of the Croats into this area. We will deal with the legend of the five brothers and two sisters, who according to the legend, led the Croats during their immigration all the way to the shores of the Adriatic. We'll find out all the important information about the origin of the Croats and of their religious conversions, with input from European historians discussing the arrival of the Croatian tribes. (Also discussed will be the less well known interesting fact that only Croatian history in that era and area, has the highly prized distinction of leaving behind monuments and written records in not only the early (Precursor to Cyrillic) Glagolitic script in the Croatian language, and even instances of early Croatian/Western Cyrillic script (Mainly among Croats in B-H and along some coastal areas during Byzantine times)... like some other nations, but historically most importantly Croatians have a long tradition using the Latin language and using Latin script simultaneously, with Latin taking the increasingly predominant role since the Middle Ages in literature and de jure in government. This de facto made Latin the official Croatian script of choice many centuries ago. (Croatians had been given special rights to use the Croatian language in religious services in Glagolitic script, but over time Latin script was chosen as the main script, in literature, government and all other vernacular writings) Finally, this episode will come to a close where the first episode begins - at the beginning of the 9th century, ie, the beginning of the time of the first Croatian rulers and Croatian state.

Nina Badrić Representing Croatia At Eurovision 2012

2012-02-09T22:08:00.002-07:00

Nina Badrić official website: www.ninabadric.com

OK, I'm adding this piece before I change my mind again. I already did a couple NFL related stories recently, which is totally unlike me these days, and now I'm going to do a post about the 2012 Eurovision song contest, I don't really follow the annual Eurovision song contest, but this one I'm doing for the following reason...

Backtracking a few months...Soon after the news came out that Croatian pop singer Nina Badrić was going to represent Croatia this year at the 2012 edition of the Eurovision song contest, I read how some Eurosvison official (I can't even recall her name now) was "explaining" how she felt about Nina being chosen as Croatia's representative. (This Eurovision official lady looked to be in her 50's or maybe 60's even, and kind of overweight sitting behind her desk btw)....She somehow felt that Nina was "too old" to be singing at Eurovision 2012. Yep, that's pretty well what she said. Her reasoning was something to the effect that "old" people singing will lower viewer ratings with the younger people. Reading what this lady was saying was like bizarro-world reasoning, especially when one saw who was doing the speaking.

Nina wasn't considered too old recently to be included in the US edition of Vogue magazine. Hmmm?

After reading that when it first came out, I kind of chuckled and thought, pfff, whatever lady. Then the next day I came across another couple of articles about it on some Croatian news portals, and I thought "F*** that s***! "Too old?"... to be representing in the Eurovision song contest? Who does this lady think she is? She's getting her pantyhose all tied in a knot (Again, behind her desk) because she thinks Nina Badrić is too old to be representing her country???

Shortly after this news piece came out, that I asked some fellers out in front of a local cocktail lounge/adult beverage emporium what they thought about all the commotion with Nina and the Eurovision contest lady. Bad timing though, seems one of the fellers had an oopsy in his dungarees and that......nevermind.

If anything, the Eurovision officials (or her anyway, she was the only person mentioned in all the articles)...should be honoured to have someone with Nina's track record and singing career taking part in the Eurovision song competition. (I don't own any of her cd's, but I've heard a few of songs and seen a few vids over the years, and it only took me about 5 minutes to look up her music career credentials) Like is she maybe overqualified to be singing in that lady's mind, and shouldn't even be considered? Perhaps. But it's a singing/music competition, and well, she's a singer/musician. It's not like she's competing for next top model, where many models are still in their teens.

....So recently I came across an article on the same theme again and I thought, Well, Nina and I are basically in the same age ball park, so in a way I found it laughable and also took it personally. (Especially when I can say without a doubt that I am better looking and in better shape now than when I was in the Canadian Army in the 90's. with a much cooler looking hair style besides) There were a couple of other gossip type innuendos, about who's the best Croatian singer, and bla bla bla, but this one's mainly about the "too old" thing. So on that note, (And on behalf of "old singers" everywhere) here is an introduction on this blog of Croatia's representative, Nina Badrić, for this years Eurovison song contest.

(As a probably politically incorrect afterthought, I'm actually more curious why more questions didn't arise concerning the location of venue for this years Eurovision Song Contest finals. Last time I checked, Azerbaijan wasn't even technically a part of Europe. Hmmm?)

Related: www.ninabadric.com

mojtv.hr

eurovoix.com

www.discogs.com

www.last.fm/music/Nina+Badric

www.myspace.com/ninabadric

www.jutarnji.hr

www.story.hr

www.gloria.com.hr

www.24sata.hr

dnevnik.hr

www.vecernji.hr

Nina Badrić to represent Croatia!

Source: www.eurovision.tv

Zagreb, Croatia -

For the first time in Eurovision Song Contest history, the Croatian representative has been internally selected: Nina Badrić will represent the country in Baku, and her song will be presented in a special TV show in the beginning of March.

Nina Badrić has tried already several times to win the honour of representing Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest: In 1994 and 1995, she competed in the DORA festival for the first time, and in 2003, she made her latest attempt, coming second in DORA with Čarobno Jutro.

Despite the internal selection, the DORA festival will still take place over two evenings in the beginning of March: The first one will feature a retrospective, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the competition, and on the second one, Nina Badrić will premiere her song for Baku.

Croatia: Nina Badrić to Baku!

Source: escxtra.com

escXtra has now received an official confirmation by Nina Badrić’s management that Nina will represent Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012.

It is true, Nina Badric will represent Croatia on Eurovision Song Contest

There were loads of speculations about how Croatia is going to choose its Eurovision entrant for Baku -- whether it will be internally or via a national final, how many participants will there be, if only one singer is going to be chosen who shall sing three songs, etc. As we reported yesterday, the lead singer of Colonia said in a radio interview that the band will take part in Dora. Today however, Nina Badrić wrote on her official Facebook page that she will be going to Baku.

Nina Badrić wrote on her official Facebook page:

My dear friends… I’m off to Eurovision this year. What do you think about that?

Nina is also a very famous Croatian singer, with most of her songs hitting the top of the charts in Croatia and abroad. She has released 10 albums up to date, the latest one in 2011. She took part in Dora four times -- in 1993, 1994, 1995, and then in 2003 when she came second.

HRT still hasn’t confirmed anything yet, and it is yet unknown if Nina has been selected internally, or if she is going to compete against Colonia and maybe some others in a national final. Stay tuned for more information to come.

Listen to two Nina’s songs -- “Čarobno jutro” (Magical morning) with which she finished second in Dora 2003, and one of her biggest hits “Da se opet tebi vratim” (To come back to you again).

Some more background about Nina as the choice for the Eurovision song contest from Croatian RTL Television.

Nina Badrić to represent Croatia at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.

Source: www.eurovisionary.com

Hrvatska radiotelevizija have put their faith in Nina Badrić. Thereby she becomes the fifth Balkan participants to be chosen internally this year. The Croatian Eurovision Song Contest entry will be presented at the second show of Dora to take place in March.
Hrvatska Radiotelevizija, the Croatian public broadcasting system has confirmed that Nina Badrić will represent the Balkan state in Baku. Nina Badrić was chosen internally just as some other Balkan representatives like Maya Sar (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Kaliopi (FYR Macedonia), Željko Joksimović (Serbia) and Rambo Amadeus (Montenegro).

The Croatian entry will be announced at Dora in March. This year's Dora will consist of two shows. At the first show, the previous Dora winners will perform their songs which they have represented the Balkan state at the previous Eurovision Song Contest editions. Also, at the first 2012 Dora show, the audience will decide which is the best winner song of the last nineteen editions. At the second gala, HRT will announce the entry that will be performed by Nina Badrić in Azerbaijan in May.

Before the official announcement of HRT, Nina Badrić commented on her Twitter account that she would be the Croatian voice for Eurovision Song Contest. Later on, the Croatian broadcasting system, confirmed this news.

Nina Badrić is well known e in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. She tried to win the ticket to Eurovision four times (1993, 1994, 1995, and 2003). Nowadays, Nina Badrić has ten albums behind her, NeBo being her latest one.

In 2011, Daria Kinzer represented Croatia with Celebrate, which ended 15th in the semi-final, a result that was not enough for qualifying to the final. Croatia have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1993, where Put sang Don't Ever Cry, to a 15th position. During these years, the Balkan state have ended in top10 a total of six times.

Below you can see Nina's entry from Dora in 2003 where she came second with this song; Čarobno Jutro.

Timelapse Photography Of Croatia That's Just A Bit Different

2012-02-08T09:09:00.002-07:00

The article below about "Timelapse Photography" in Croatia seemed pretty interesting after reading it and checking out the videos. I'm sure probably everybody has at one time or another seen examples of it somewhere. Sometimes the images look really cool and give a new perspective on our daily lives and surroundings. The 2nd video that I added at the end of the article is the one I wanted to draw peoples attention to though. It's made by Mario and Drazen, the same 2 of guys that this article is about. The reason I added it is because most times when one sees 'timelapse photography', the camera is usually stationary on it's tripod. Some very cool images usually, but the the panning, zooming and movement of the camera while performing the timelapse photography in the 2nd video to me looks so much better. Mixing landscapes and nature images with city life and even a music concert using those techniques really worked for me.

A very time consuming and complicated process, but in the end the short video of the city of Osijek leaves a lasting impression. I'd like to see down the road, similar, but longer timelapse photography videos of Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and other locations. One can see short vids of Croatia locations using T.P on Youtube that look very good, but not nearly as complicated and involved as the ones seen below. (I added one of the Youtube T.P vids at the very bottom that I thought deserved to be shown as well for it's creativity) I highly recommend clicking the full-screen option to get the full effect of the videos.

A moment from "Timelapse Croatia"

Timelapse Croatia: Short film made from 150,000 photos goes viral

Article source: www.digitaljournal.com

Video source: vimeo.com

The release of the Timelapse Croatia video by Mario Romulic and Drazen Stojcic has caused plenty of comment in the national press.

The uploading of a short video comprising solely of photographs to the Vimeo channel on February 6, 2012, is causing something of a sensation in Croatia, as the latest release from Mario Romulic and Drazen Stojcic presents the presents the country from a different angle. The film, edited by Antun Balog and called Timelapse Croatia, takes the view on a breathtaking tour of the country in less than five minutes, and while the video appears to be live film, it actually contains merely photographs, all 150,000 of them, which in turn were selected from 700,000 pictures. The project's creators explained on the Vimeo page:

Almost a full year of work went into this. Months and months of work and hundreds of thousands photographs for a few minutes of video. Sounds silly, but that's basically how it is. For example, we spent last 3 months literally sitting at our workstations editing and rendering frame after frame, shot after shot, location after location.

Timelapse Croatia - showreel / teaser from Romulic & Stojcic on Vimeo.

The video, using footage from many locations in the country, including Hvar, Osijek, Vesnjan, Plitvica, Rovinj, Kornati and Murter, has been welcomed by the mainstream media as an excellent promotion of the country as a whole, with Internet portal Net.hr echoing the general mood with its title: Finally a video about Croatia which has impressed us. The Croatian National Tourist Board invited its Facebook followers to "take a look at this breathtaking timelapse video about Croatia." The video, solely financed by its makers, shows off only a small fragment of Croatia, and they are keen to do more:

Of course, what we ended up putting in this video is merely a fragment of what Croatia has to offer. As photographers who have traveled across our country from one end to another, we are well aware that there is so much more to be filmed. And we are more than happy to do it - after all, we're two guys who really love their job. It's simply that the pace at which we can finish this project will depend mostly on if we can get financial support, or we'll have to figure out some other way to pull this off.

A scene from "Slowcity-Osijek-Timelapse. Video below.

Visitors to the island of Hvar will no doubt already be familiar with the work of Romulic, who produced a stunning portfolio of pictures about the island for leading hotel group Suncani Hvar (including the lead photograph in this article), many of which have been widely used by other Internet sites when promoting Hvar.

This vid of Osijek impressed me. Incorporating elements of panning, zooming, and movement of the camera through legs of statues even, which gives a very visual final effect. Full screen option is on the bottom.

SlowCity - Osijek - Timelapse from Romulic & Stojcic on Vimeo.

Time lapse walking in Split.

Snowy Split And Zadar After 2012 Snowstorm.

2012-02-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

There were big snowfalls, frost and frigid temperatures all across Europe these past few weeks. From Spain to Russia to Greece. I took some time and checked out some really cool photos from Croatia, people enjoying snow sports, skiing, tobogganing and even taking dips and playing the popular pastime of picigin in the water along the coast. Some really nice panorama photos of Zagreb too. I decided though to add these few photos from Split, nearby Marjan hill and the city of Zadar during this recent snowfall because it'something most people don't see or think of when they hear the names of those places.

When people hear "Croatian coast", "Split" or "Zadar", they usually think of palm trees, beaches, bikini babes, outdoor patios, water sports, summery stuff, etc. I think these photos look pretty cool though, they actually still look like romantic places even with snow and ice across the landscape. (Around here if you go downtown at night after a snowstorm, you'll be lucky if you see a drunken hobo peeing in some alley, a cowtown cowboy or drugged out sicko looking for some extra quarters. Not romantic at all, but that's just me. To each his own I guess)

I was in these 2 cities as recently as this past summer, when temperatures were hovering around mid 30's, packed with tourists, and beach/summer life was at it's peak. Call me crazy, but these pics still make me want to be able to experience a snow covered Split and Zadar sometime in the future. Jack Frost isn't done yet though, more snowfall and colder temperatures are forecasted for this weekend across greater parts of Europe again as well..

...

Sources: www.jutarnji.hr/split

www.jutarnji.hr/split-i-marjan

www.jutarnji.hr/splicani-gustaju-u-snijegu

www.jutarnji.hr/splicani-poludjeli-od-snijega

Related: yes-dorothy-snow-does-fall-in-croatia

Scenes of snow covered Split and nearby Marjan hill.

I also by chance came across this footage from the recent snowfall in Split. People having fun in the historic part of the city, not seeming to mind the snow and ice at all.

A satellite image of the Croatian coast taken after the snow storm.

Scenes in the city of Zadar.

Sources: www.jutarnji.hr/snijeg-nije-zaobisao-ni-zadar

www.jutarnji.hr/skije-i-picigin

www.jutarnji.hr/snijeg-prekrio-zadarske-orgulje

David Diehl And A Croatia Scarf At The Super Bowl

2012-02-06T16:34:00.001-07:00

David celebrating the Super Bowl win with his daughter and his Croatia scarf. Photo: Michael Conroy (AP)

Well, now we know which Croatian was going to be lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy this year as Super Bowl Champion. It was a close game that went down to the very last play. In the end it was the New York Giants who prevailed, which means David Diehl is the lucky one who gets another Super Bowl ring. If you're not familiar with this story, more background about David Diehl, hist tattoos and Bill Belichick can be found HERE.

Related: david-diehl-arrives-in-croatia

david-diehl-superbowl-champion-new

David Diehl Is The Croatian Connection To Super Bowl XLVI.

Source: www.croatiantimes.com

Related: www.24sata.hr

www.index.hr

www.vecernji.hr

www.jutarnji.hr

news.monstersandcritics.com

oxford-ct.patch.com

sports.yahoo.com

www.theage.com.au

news-tube.net

fuckyeahcroatians.tumblr.com

Wearing a scarf with Croatian coat of arms, New York Giant's David Diehl celebrated his team's Superbowl win against the Patriots. Diehl's mother is a Croatian and his father a German. The Giant's offensive guard was proudly showing off his Croatian heritage at the end of the game, displaying a scarf and a tattoo of the Croatian coat of arms.

This is Davids 2nd time being a Super Bowl champion.

Diehl was born in Chicago, Illinois. Fourth time in history, the players of New York Giants scored the Super Bowl title, this time winning against Patriots 21-17. Four years ago the two teams faced off for the trophy and again the Giants won in large part thanks to their Most Valuable Player, Eli Manning. Manning once again proved to be a nightmare for the New England Patriots and their star quarterback Tom Brady, daily 24 Sata writes.

David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants poses with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants defeated the Patriots by a score of 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (February 4, 2012 - Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

One Piece Puzzle - Industrial Pop Band From Rijeka, Croatia.

2012-02-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

One Piece Puzzle are: gospodin T./Bartol//Ratka Rural/Armageljon Espaljon

It seems almost like everytime I mention a band on this blog lately, that they come from the Croatian coastal city of Rijeka. This one is no exception. I guess like I mentioned on a previous post on this blog, Rijeka is known for being a center for arts and it's music scene. A bustling city that is a hub for very hip and creative people and fashion trends. I previously also touched upon the band "Father" and Croatian music legends "Let3", who also hail from Rijeka, which you can read about HERE and HERE.

As for this band, One Piece Puzzle, all I can say is that I've been a fan of theirs for the past few years, ever since hearing one of their songs, and that they kick ass. All their lyrics are in Croatian, and if you can understand Croatian, then you'll really like the "In your face bluntness" of their lyrics. Combined with the adrenalin filled music and singer Ratka Rural's vocals, it's an overall great music listening experience. They have saved me many a time when in a Starbucks that is suddenly taken over by the after church crowd, or the Srb chicks bragging about how Serbia has the best ethnic cleaners and Srbs can drink the most rakija while mortaring hospitals and schools, or when on a bus and it's filled with loudmouth cellphone talkers who think everyone else is interested in who they think is gay, sick or scared. I think they are pretty good to listen to when stuck on hot crowded elevators with people who don't change their undies regularly and have sauce stains on their polos, when stuck in traffic, if in a fucko filled coffee shop, as well as packed malls and foodcourts everywhere. Just the other day they saved the day again when I was in the express checkout line at the packed grocery store, people were telling life stories and spending excruciatingly vast amounts of time paying for their salad dressing and cheese slices with pennies and change that they were hunting for in their purses and back pockets, then complaining about why the toilet paper wasn't in that weeks flyer. Why Hell, OPP came to the rescue even just a few weeks ago when at the college, and they were having some big welcoming thing going on, handing out brochures and balloons, taking applications for credit cards and selling cell phone cases, all against the backdrop of blasting MC Hammer, and I mean blasting. My OPP and Sony headphones got me out of that jam pretty quick I'll tell you. whew!

On a few websites I've seen them categorized as everything from metal, to industrial, to rock, to alternative, to experimental rock, to pop with EBM influences. I guess depending on which song one is listening to, one or all of the above classifications are correct. In the end it's just music that gives you a jolt like a coffee that has 100 times more caffeine than usual. Almost makes you want to go bungee jumping or skiing while wearing a Batman cape or Spiderman mask. I guess Industrial-pop sounds about right. Personally, I really like some of their less heavier, experimental stuff with synthesizer elements, and those blatant lyrics. (I don't really classify my taste as anything in particular these days, if it sounds good and I like it, that's all that matters) Their lyrics really are unusual and down to earth. No cola commercial love songs or lyrics about bling or booty shaking here. (Although there are songs with sexual connotations) You can tell a lot of the lyrics have to do with their growing up and living in the city of Rijeka. Real life experience type of lyrics. They're the kind of band you can check out at a club after your work week, and just totally forget about your pencil pushing and obnoxious customer complaints to, then feel refreshed again on Monday morning. Like I said, you'll have to get your Croatian friend to translate the lyrics for you. (Some mature content)

Like the article below explains, OPP have toured all across the major cities of Croatia, and are popular no matter where they play. Even in the city of Zagreb. Anyway, this is just a brief introduction to the band......

The band performing at the INmusic Festival in 2010.

Source: www.last.fm/music/One+Piece+Puzzle

Related: www.groupie.hr

mojtv.hr

www.myspace.com/onepiecepuzzleband

www.spirit-of-metal.com

www.liburnija.net

www.muzika.hr

www.mtv.com.hr

dalje.com

www.groupie.hr

www.teklic.hr

www.inmusicfestival.com

One Puzzle Piece began their work in Rijeka, in 2001. One year after the breakup of the band Agartha.Members: Mr. T. (drums), Ratka Rural (singer), Bartol (bass guitar), Armageljon Espaljon (guitar) The style: hmmm? ... Here is a quote .."... sounds like some clown who got his butt kicked in a parking lot during a drunken rage." For those who do not get the band I'll forgive you, the dumbest description would probably be: Zappa + Melvins + Nomeansno, but they're not like that at all. However, just watch your ass! ... " Or abbreviated: med dethal (JMBTinturić)

During the first half of 2002 they worked on the project "Evil Yoga", which included nine original songs, and their next musical offering came in May of 2003, in the form of an experimental excursion into the world of improvisation and synthesizers under the name "Blitz Blub".

Photo: Kristijan Vučković

My copy of "13 Zlatnih Hitova" that I purchased in Rijeka on my trip there last summer. More on that HERE.

13 ZLATNIH HITOVA - ONE PIECE PUZZLE
Menart, 2009.

Song list:

1. Invokacija
2. Zelim Biti Seljak-veseljak
3. Tuc Tudju babu
4. Derem! Rokam! Guzim!
5. Paranoja
6. Mala Vocka
7. Ne jebi bez kurca
8. Znjiha
9. Princeza Polucija
10. OPP
11. LSD
12. Mala i Medo
13. Kanta Meda
14. Necu Stat

Up to this day, they have held concerts in all major cities in the country, as well as the most biggest and popular music festivals (Rokaj Fest, Art & Music Festival, Hartera, Events, Viva la Pola, In-Music Festival, RuR Festival...). The first official releases of OPP were achieved in 2006 on two compilations "Strašni Riječani" and "Hard Hitters From Croatia" on Dallas Records. That same year they won at the Art & Music Festival, and entered into negotiations with the recording producers Menart to work on their first independent album. In 2007 they recorded an album with Franci Blašković, Gori Ussi, Winnetou, Sirimmirissjeneboje eli postoperatorija.

Footage from the very popular INmusic Festival in Zagreb. The INmusic Fetival is regarded as one of the best music festivals in the world.

A sample of some of Ratkas' harder vocal work in a fan made video.

Images from their INmusic Festival appearance, again with Ratkas' indestructible vocals.

One of their first official videos for "Derem! Rokam! Guzim! from their CD "13 Zlatnih Hitova" (13 Golden Hits)

Another official OPP funny video that was all done in animation.

Another fan made video, where you can hear EBM influences.

Dubrovnik Honours Kathy Wilkes & Hosts Filming Of HBO Series 'Game Of Thorns'

2012-02-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

The walled city of Dubrovnik on the Croatian Adriatic coast.

Source: digitaljournal.com

Related: www.dubrovacki.hr

www.croatiantimes.com

storyful.com

www.iuc.hr

www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk

Kathy Wilkes: a plaque for an honorary citizen of Dubrovnik

Kathy Wilkes' Croatian issued ID card. She was already pronounced Dubrovnik's first honorary citizen in 1993.

Dubrovnik - As Arctic conditions sweep through Croatia, Dubrovnik's mayor unveils a plaque to an honorary citizen from England, Dr. Kathleen V. Wilkes.

As temperatures plummeted along the Adriatic, bringing the rare sight of snow in Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar, a small group congregated in Dubrovnik on February 1, 2012 for the unveiling of a plaque by the city's mayor, Andro Vlahušić and the City Council president Olga Muratti, in honour of Dubrovnik's first honorary citizen, Kathy Wilkes, according to a report in the Dubrovnik Times.

The plaque, in front of the church of St. George in Pile, paid tribute to a courageous woman from Oxford for her efforts for Dubrovnik in the war in former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and the inscription, in both English and Croatian, reads as follows:

Dr. Kathleen V. Wiilkes (1946 - 2003)

Oxford Professor

Our Honorary Citizen

In memory of her longstanding friendship and courageous support during the 1991-5 aggression.

Grad Dubrovnik, 2011.

“Above all she was humane, an intellectual, and of course a great friend of Dubrovnik” said Mayor Vlahušić. “Through Kathleen’s efforts and the efforts of the defenders of the city, the people who died during the war and all friends of Dubrovnik, this city got the most precious thing a society can have – freedom.”

The initiative for the plaque came from a group of Dubrovnik citizens, including Bert Dragicević and former Mayor of Dubrovnik Pero Poljanić , with the support of the Dubrovnik City Council, and was attended by, among others, Flora Turner, President of the British-Croatian Society.

Dr. Kathy Wilkes with Ivan Supek, a founder of the Inter-University Centre (IUC) in Dubrovnik. (Photo: Nada Bruer Ljubišić of the IUC Dubrovnik)

Wilkes was a noted academic and philosopher, became a fellow of St. Hilda's in Oxford in 1973, and lectured at Oxford University for the rest of her career. Passionate about the importance of freedom of thought and mind, Wilkes played a significant role in her efforts behind the Iron Curtain in Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe, which led to the establishment of underground universities and academic establishments, work which was recognised by Czech President Vaclav Havel, with the awarding of Commemorative Medal of the President of the Czech Republic in October 1998.

Her close association with Dubrovnik included becoming chairman of the executive committee of the International University Centre in the city in 1986, and during her tenure, she addressed the lack of opportunity for a voice for philosophers in the east by founding the Dubrovnik Journal, which later changed to International Studies in the Philosophy of Science.

Images from the bombardment of Dubrovnik in 1991. Even though Dubrovnik had been de-militarized since 1972 and was not militarily significant, it's citizens were subjected to months of terror, indiscriminate shelling and mortar fire from Serb led Yugoslav army troops. The seige of Dubrovnik lasted to May of 1992 until the city and surrounding area was liberated by the Croatian Army. Dubrovnik has been the literature centre of the Croatian language dating back to the 14th century.

Wilkes refused to leave the city when it was under attack from the Yugoslav army in 1991-2, seeing it as her duty to provide what comfort she could to its citizens, while informing the world about the city's plight. She worked tirelessly to help Dubrovnik's residents, and is fondly remembered for her various humanitarian acts, including driving a right-hand drive ambulance all the way from the UK.

Wilkes died in 2003 at the age of 58, and her remains were scattered in the sea near Dubrovnik, according to her wishes. The unveiling of the plaque is a reminder of her courage to all from a grateful city, and the Dubrovnik Times encouraged people to remember her contribution: Never forget this brave woman and her efforts for Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik today.

New Game of Thrones Video Takes

Us to King’s Landing (OK, Croatia)

Filming a scene in Dubrovnik for the HBO series "Game of Thorns".

Sources: spinoff.comicbookresources.com

www.comicbookmovie.com

www.mynewsdesk.com

www.dubrovacki.hr

While fans eagerly await the April 1 return of Game of Thrones, HBO has released a new production video spotlighting the Croatia locations used for Season 2 — most notably the medieval city of Dubrovnik, which doubles as King’s Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

Cast and crew discussing about filming in Croatia for the HBO series "Game of Thorns".

“King’s Landing might be the most important single location in the entire show, and it has to look right,” says Executive Producer David Benioff. “The minute we started walking around in the walled city, we knew it was it. You read the descriptions in the book and then you come to Dubrovnik, and it’s what the actual series is.”

Along with some lovely behind-the-scenes footage, and quotes from Emilia Clarke and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, there are also brief comments from director Alan Taylor, who of course will be helming Marvel’s Thor sequel.

A sneak peak at the upcoming season 2 of "Game of Thorns".

Slovakia Is First E.U. Country To Ratify Croatian Membership

2012-02-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

The news update was first published on the Croatian Government official Twitter page "@VladaRH"

Wasn't planning on doing a Croatia-EU related peice for quite some time. Like not until maybe next summer, when all the fireworks and pageantry starts on July 1st when they are officially a EU member. I did a post recently that was centered around the Croatian referendum for European Union membership HERE anyway. But I'll quickly add this short article because A) It was passed by the Slovak parliament so easily, and B) It sort of ties in with my previous post regarding Croatian surnames, which you can read HERE. Namely, I serendipitously found out that Slovak President, Ivan Gasparovic has Croatian background as well. How about that, you learn something new everyday.

(I also don't mind touching upon topics like this once in a while because it disproves the belief that to be knowledgeable in world political events, one must A) Be tattoo free B) Not listen to alternative or dark-ambient eletronic music C) Must have derpy buzz cuts D) Must wear generic unisex eye glasses and ill fitting pleated pant suits at all times)

Vesna Pusic, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, announced the news shortly after it was first released on the Croatian Government Twitter page.

Source: www.jutarnji.hr

Related: www.24sata.hr

www.vecernji.hr

croatians-back-eu-membership

www.tasr.sk

ZAGREB / BRATISLAVA - The Slovak parliament on Wednesday ratified the Croatian accession treaty with the European Union, which made Slovakia the first country to accept Croatia into the EU. In addition to giving Croatia the nod to join, it has now officially started the ratification process of Croatian membership among EU member states, the Slovak news agency TASR reported.

145 MP's from the Slovak Parliament supported the accession of Croatia into the European Union, although only 76 hands were needed to be raised to confirm Croatian continuation of membership agreements with all 27 states.

Remember, the accession of Croatia to the EU agreement was signed on December 9th last year in Brussels. The process of Slovakian ratification will be complete when it is endorsed with the signature of Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic.

The process of ratification by all member states should be completed by 30 June 2013. and only a day after this, on July 1st, Croatia will become a full EU member.

A couple countries over in Serbia, the Serbian race weren't too interested in Croatia's future EU membership and prefered to just keep singing the praises of Serdbom....

......while some Serbs decided to go on some fashion show parade or something, to celebrate the great news that Novak Djokovic Signs Endorsement Deal With Serbia's Top Brand Of Luxury Goats

Why Do Croatians Have Lots Of Names End With "ICH" & "OVICH"?

2012-01-30T19:58:00.003-07:00

Surnames ending in "ICH " and "OVICH" are very common amongst Croatians. However they are just one of many surname suffixes that are in use. Depending on whether written the Croatian way or English version, sometimes a "CH" suffix can sound like a "K". Read on to find out why...

Now, for the interesting topic of Croatian last names, and why a great many of them (or seem to at first) end in ovich, ich, itch and similar endings. (This is not the rule of thumb though. There are a wide variety of surnames in Croatian that do not end in this form. Just as not every Scottish name starts with " Mc ", every Irish name with " O' ", every Italian name ending with " RELLI ", (The Fonz from 'Happy Days" may have something to do with that), every Polish name end in " SKI ", every Ukranian name end in " CHUK " and on and on. There are very many similarities between various Croatian and other Slavic last names. Sometimes surnames from different Slavic countries have the same spelling and pronunciation even. There are even numerous cases, because of the movement of various empires through the centuries, of some Slavic surnames being introduced into non-Slavic countries and vice versa. Or a hybrid surname coming into form and then shared by the Slavic and non-Slavic nations. (There are various examples of this regarding Poland and Germany even, Russia and Baltic countries and Switzerland especially)

To help explain all this, I added this video below about Hot Russian Tennis Players. Among some other informative tidbits, she will get around to very simply explaining also why many Croatian, and other Slavic surnames, (In this case Russian last names) have the very common OVICH (OVIĆ), VICH (VIĆ) and ICH (IĆ) ending in their last names. I guess this can partly be explained by the fact that around 2000 yrs ago there was (more of less) 1 commonly used proto-Slavic language and people (Again, more or less) from which all the Slavic nations evolved from through the centuries. Then around medieval times, as different tribes/peoples migrated to other parts of Europe to form kingdoms and nations, they still kept a lot of the same naming customs.

Also, Croatian/Slavic surnames with such endings do not originally include the letter "H". The adding of "H" at the end is sort of an anglicized version, a common occurence since emmigration started to English speaking countries. The adding of the letter "H" in English speaking countries was common so as to keep the "CH" sound, usually added by immigration officials at the time of arrival. In less frequent cases a "T" was sometimes added giving the English version an "ITCH" ending. Many Croatian/Slavic surnames in English speaking countries that did not have the "H" added, have the "C" pronounced as a "K".

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Croatian family names

Family names started to appear among Croats in the 12th century. Since the Council of Trent, both the given and family names would be written down.

Origins

Croatian family names have five different origins:

Given names, matronymics and patronymics

Anić, Blažević, Ivanec, Marić, Stipanov...

Professional names

Kovač (blacksmith), Klobučar (hatmaker), Lončar (potter), Tkalčić (weaver), Stolar (carpenter)...

Nicknames

Debeljak, Crnić, Obad..

Toponyms

Duvnjak (from Duvno), Kuprešak (from Kupres) , Bosanac (Bosnian), Posavec (from Posavina), Zagorec (from Hrvatsko Zagorje), ...

Ethnic designation

Hrvat, Horvat, Hrvatin, Horvatinčić... (Croat), Čerkez (Circassians), Čeh (Czech), Mađar (Hungarians)...

Frequency

Most frequent Croatian family names are Horvat, Kovačević and Babić.

Sources: lastname.com/slavic-last-names

www.croatian-genealogy.com/cro-news/-the-oldest-croatian-names

www.croatian-genealogy.com/cro-news/-croatian-female-names-as-surnames

www.rodoslovlje.hr

winterheart-zombieboy.blogspot.com

www.croatian-genealogy.com/cro-surnames-directory

www.croatian-genealogy.com/-differences-in-naming-among-croats-and-serbs

documentary-series-about-croatian-kings

Croatian given names

Since their 7th century arrival in today's homeland, Croats have used Slavic names. Through the following centuries, foreign names were also accepted, especially those that mark Christian faith. However, Slavic names remained dominant until the Council of Trent (1545–63) when the Catholic church decided that every Christian should have Christian name instead of native one. This lasted until the 19th century, when Croats again started to use neglected traditional names—especially those of mediæval Croatian kings and dukes. More recently, as a result of globalization, unusual and exotic names of various cultures have also gained in popularity.

Frequency

The most frequently occurring Croatian given names are Ivan (John), Josip (Joseph), Marija (Mary) and Ana (Anne).

In newborns, the trend is to use short names, with some foreign names being more popular than native ones. In Zagreb in 2006, the most common were Luka (Luke), Ivan, Lana and Lucija (Lucy). In 2009, Zagreb birth registrar listed Luka, Marko (Mark), Lana and Petra (feminine form of Petar—Peter) as the most common for newborns. In Dubrovnik in 2008, the most common were Ivan, Luka, Ana, Petra. In Zadar in 2008, the most common were Roko (Roch), Luka, Lana, Petra.

Well known former Croatian tennis player Goran Ivanišević. Photo courtesy of www.thesun.co.uk

Traditional Croatian names are mostly Slavic names

Croatian names have considerable similarities with most other European name systems, and with those of other Slavic peoples in particular. Croatian names usually consist of a given name, followed by a family name.

Some common Croatian names of Slavic origin include:

Feminine:

Berislava, Biserka, Blaga, Blagica, Blaženka, Bogdana, Bogomila, Bogumila, Borka, Borislava, Božena, Božica, Božidarka, Branimira, Branka, Buga, Cvita, Cvijeta, Danica, Davorka, Divna, Dragana, Dragica, Draženka, Dubravka, Dunja, Hrvoja, Hrvojka, Jasenka, Jasna, Ljuba, Ljubica, Mila, Milica, Miljenka, Mislava, Mira, Mirka, Mirna, Mojmira, Morana, Nada, Neda, Nediljka, Nevenka, Nives, Ognjenka, Ranka, Rašeljka, Ratka, Ruža, Ružica, Sanja, Slava, Slavica, Slavenka, Smiljana, Spomenka, Srebrenka, Stanislava, Stana, Stanka, Snješka, Snježana, Sunčana, Sunčica, Svitlana, Svjetlana, Tjeha, Tihana, Tihomila, Tuga, Vedrana, Vera, Verica, Vjera, Vesna, Vjekoslava, Vlasta, Vlatka, Zdenka, Zlata, Zora, Zorica, Zorka, Zrinka, Zrina, Zvjezdana, Zvonimira, Zvonka, Željka, Živka

Masculine:

Berislav, Berivoj, Blago, Bogdan, Bogumil, Bogoljub, Bogomil, Boris, Borislav, Borna, Božetjeh, Božidar, Božo, Bratislav, Budimir, Branimir, Brajko, Branko, Braslav, Bratoljub, Cvitko, Cvjetko, Časlav, Častimir, Čedomir, Dalibor, Damir, Darko, Davor, Desimir, Dobroslav, Dobrovit, Domagoj, Dragan, Drago, Dragoslav, Dragutin, Dražan, Dražen, Držiha, Držislav, Godemir, Gojko, Gojislav, Gojslav, Goran, Grubiša, Hrvatin, Hrvoj, Hrvoje, Hrvoslav, Kazimir, Kažimir, Jasenko, Klonimir, Krešimir, Krševan, Lavoslav, Ljubomir, Ljudevit, Milan, Mile, Milivoj, Milovan, Miljenko, Mirko, Miroslav, Miroš, Mislav, Mladen, Mojmir, Mutimir, Nediljko, Nedjeljko, Nenad, Ognjen, Ostoja, Ozren, Predrag, Pribislav, Prvan, Prvoslav, Prvoš, Radimir, Radomir, Radoš, Rajko, Ranko, Ratimir, Ratko, Rato, Radovan, Radoslav, Siniša, Slaven, Slaviša, Slavoljub, Slavomir, Smiljan, Spomenko, Srebrenko, Srećko, Stanislav, Stanko, Strahimir, Svetoslav, Tihomil, Tihomir, Tješimir, Tomislav, Tomo, Tvrtko, Trpimir, Vatroslav, Većeslav, Vedran, Velimir, Veselko, Vidoslav, Vjekoslav, Vjenceslav, Višeslav, Vitomir, Vjeran, Vladimir, Vlado, Vlatko, Vojmil, Vojnomir, Vuk, Zdenko, Zdeslav, Zdravko, Zorislav, Zoran, Zrinko, Zrinoslav, Zlatko, Zvonimir, Zvonko, Žarko, Želimir, Željko, Živko

General Christian names widely used by Croats (mainly Greek, Latin or Hebrew by origin)

Ana (Anna), Ante (Anthony), Antun (Anthony), Andrija (Andrew), David, Dominik, Grgur (Gregory), Ilija (Elijah), Ivan (John), Jakov (Jacob), Josip (Joseph), Juraj (George), Katarina (Catherine), Luka, Marko (Mark), Marija (Mary), Matej (Matthew), Luka (Luke), Pavao (Paul) , Petar (Peter), Pero (Peter), Silvestar, Šimun (Simon), Stjepan (Stephen)...

Croatian borrowed or foreign names.

Dora, Denis, Karlo (Charles), Mario, Nataša, Robert, Vanja, Viktor...

Popular modern Croatian names.

Popular unconventional Croatian names are generally not declined in the Croatian language, but include: Dolores, Ines, Nives, Doris...

A prime example of the above mentioned "C" pronounced as a "K" scenario. Hockey legend

Joe Sakic if he was living in Croatia would have his surname pronounced as "SHak-ICH". The letter "C" and "S" would be written in the Croatian versions as "Ć" and "Š"(Šakić) which gives that "CH" and "SH" sound. However since his surname didn't undergo the adding of "H" by immigration officials when his parents arrived in Canada, (And there being no such letter as "Š" in the English alphabet, in English speaking countries the suffix eventually comes to sound like a "K". Get it? Got it? Good.

Cause of the change in naming paradigm among South Slavic nations...

Differences between
Croatian and Serbian names:

Although South Slavic names to a foreginer look and sound indiscernible in terms of nationality, that perception isn't quite correct.

Members of South Slavic nations can often at glance discern whether someone's first (given) name, as well as their surname is of particular's national origin.

Scholars agree that the Great Schism in 1054 which divided medieval Christianity into two opposing branches (which later became known as Roman Catholic Church & Eastern Orthodox Church) played a major role in the development of different naming formulas among Croats and Serbs.

Before the Schism, the pool of names from which newborns were named had been pretty much the same for both nations. But the separation of two Christian branches caused greater Roman and Frankish influences among Croats, whereas Serbs were more influenced by Old Greek & Hebrew cultures.

Confequences of the Great Schism

Croats, because of their Catholic confession, often used names of Catholic saints for naming their children, either in the original Latin form (Benedikt, Dominik, Katarina, Donat, Klement, Lovro, Martin, Urban, Valentin etc) or through a mediating language like Italian (Alfonso, Bernardo, Bruno, Paško, Renata, Roman), French (Rolando, Agneza, Francisko, Leonora), German (Marta, Adalbert, Karlo, Leopold, Vilim) and others. Names in those forms are rare or nonexisting among Serbs.

On the other hand, Serbs accepted names derived from Old Hebrew and Greek: Atanas, Akcentije, Filotije, Arkadije, Nikifor, Jevrem, Timotej, Todosije, Konstantin/Koča etc.

Surnames reflected those differences accordingly. Thus surnames like Valentić, Lovrić, Bernardić, Frančić, Karlović can be considered typically Croatian, whereas surnames like Tanasković, Jevremović, Kočić, Jeftić, Aćimović, Aleksić are typically Serbian.

Slavic

Slavic countries names

Source: lastname.com/slavic-last-names

Slavic countries are noted for having masculine and feminine versions for many (but not all) of their names. Most of their surnames have suffixes which are found in varying degrees over the different nations. (Of course, many other names do not have suffixes at all.)

Note: the following list does not take regional spelling variations into account.

* -ov / -ev (-ova/-eva): Russia, Bulgaria (sometimes as -iv), Serbia, Croatia (sometimes as -iv); this has been adopted by many non-Slavic peoples of Central Asia who are or have been under Russian rule, such as the Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, etc. Note that -ev is the soft form of -ov, found after palatalized consonants or sibilants. In English, -ev is also erroneously written after ch, even though it is pronounced -ov (Gorbachev, Khrushchev, etc.)

* -sky (-ska), -ski (-ska), -skiy (-skaya): Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Macedonia.

* Note that these first two can be combined: -ovsky (-ovska): Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine.

* -ich, -vich, -vych, -ovich: Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Macedonia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, occasionally Bulgaria.: Petrović, means Petar’s son. In Russia, where patronyms are used, a person would have two -(ov)ich names in a row; first the patronym, then the family name (see Shostakovich).

Image of the Baška tablet (Bašćanska ploča) in Croatian Glagolitic script, circa 1100. The historic writing on the historic tablet mentions the Croatian King Zvonimir. It was shortly after this time that surnames came into use.

* -in (-ina): Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria

* -ko, -nko, -enko: Ukraine, -enkov (-enkova): Russified of Ukrainian origin

* -ak/-ek/-ik (-akova/-ekova/-ikova): Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Belarus, Slovenia, Croatia

* -uk, -yuk: Ukraine

* -ski: Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria

If the name has no suffix, it may or may not have a feminine version. Sometimes it has the ending changed (such as the addition of -a). In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, suffixless names, such as those of German origin, are feminized by adding -ová (for example, Schusterová), but this is not done in neighboring Poland, where feminine versions are used only for -ski (-ska) names (this includes -cki and -dzki, which are phonetically -ski preceded by a t or d respectively) and for other adjectival surnames.

Russia Names

A full Russian name consists of personal (given) name, patronymic, and family name (surname).

Most Russian family names originated from patronymics, that is, father’s name usually formed by adding the adjective suffix -ov(a) or -ev(a)). Contemporary patronymics, however, have a substantive suffix -ich for masculine and the adjective suffix -na for feminine.

For example, the proverbial triad of most common Russian surnames follows:

* Ivanov (son of Ivan),

* Petrov (son of Petr),

* Sidorov (son of Sidor).

Feminine forms of these surnames have the ending -a:

* Ivanova (daughter of Ivan),

* Petrova (daughter of Petr),

* Sidorova (daughter of Sidor).

Such a pattern of name formation is not unique to Russia or even to the Eastern and Southern Slavs in general; quite common are also names derived from professions, places of origin, and personal characteristics, with various suffixes (e.g. -in(a) and -sky (-skaia)

Professions:

* kuznets (smith) → Kuznetsov—Kuznetsova

* portnoi (tailor) → Portnov—Portnova

* pastukh (shepherd) → Pastukhov—Pastukhova.

Places of origin:

* Moskva (Moscow) → Moskvin—Moskvina, Moskovsky—Moskovskaia,

* Smolensk → Smolensky—Smolenskaia,

* Riazan → Riazanov—Riazanova.

Personal characteristics:

* tolsty (stout, fat) → Tolstov—Tolstova, Tolstoy—Tolstaya,

* nos (nose) → Nosov—Nosova,

* sedoi (grey-haired or -headed) → Sedov—Sedova.

A considerable number of “artificial” names exists, for example, those given to seminary graduates; such names were based on Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church or Christian virtues.

Great Orthodox Feasts:

* rozhdestvo (Christmas) → Rozhdestvensky—Rozhdestvenskaia,

* voskresenie (Resurrection) → Voskresensky—Voskresenskaia,

* uspenie (Assumption) → Uspensky—Uspenskaia.

Christian virtues:

* philagathos (one who loves goodness) → Dobrolubov—Dobrolubova, Dobrolubsky—Dobrolubskaia,

* philosophos (one who loves wisdom) → Lubomudrov—Lubomudrova,

* theophilos (one who loves God) → Bogolubov—Bogolubova.

Many freed serfs were given surnames after those of their former owners. For example, a serf of the Demidov family might be named Demidovsky, which translates roughly as “belonging to Demidov” or “one of Demidov’s bunch”.

Grammatically, Russian family names follow the same rules as other nouns or adjectives (names ending with -oy, -aya are grammatically adjectives), with exceptions: some names do not change in different cases and have the same form in both genders (for example, Sedykh, Lata).

Polish Names

Main articles: Polish surnames and Polish name

In Poland and most of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, surnames first appeared during the late Middle Ages. They initially denoted the differences between various people living in the same town or village and bearing the same name. The conventions were similar to those of English surnames, using occupations, patronymic descent, geographic origins, or personal characteristics. Thus, early surnames indicating occupation include Karczmarz (“innkeeper”), Kowal (“blacksmith”), “Złotnik” (“gold smith”) and Bednarczyk (“young cooper”), while those indicating patronymic descent include Szczepaniak (“Son of Szczepan), Józefowicz (“Son of Józef), and Kaźmirkiewicz (“Son of Kazimierz”). Similarly, early surnames like Mazur (“the one from Mazury”) indicated geographic origin, while ones like Nowak (“the new one”), Biały (“the pale one”), and Wielgus (“the big one”) indicated personal characteristics.

In the early 16th century, ( the Polish Renaissance), toponymic names became common, especially among the nobility. Initially, the surnames were in a form of “[first name] z (“de”, “of”) [location]“. Later, most surnames were changed to adjective forms, e.g. Jakub Wiślicki (“James of Wiślica”) and Zbigniew Oleśnicki (“Zbigniew of Oleśnica”), with masculine suffixes -ski, -cki, -dzki and -icz or respective feminine suffixes -ska, -cka, -dzka and -icz on the east of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Names formed this way are adjectives grammatically, and therefore change their form depending on gender; for example, Jan Kowalski and Maria Kowalska collectively use the plural Kowalscy.

Names with masculine suffixes -ski, -cki, and -dzki, and corresponding feminine suffixes -ska, -cka, and -dzka became associated with noble origin. Many people from lower classes successively changed their surnames to fit this pattern. This produced many Kowalskis, Bednarskis, Kaczmarskis and so on. Today, although most Polish speakers do not know about noble associations of -ski, -cki, -dzki and -icz endings, such names still somehow sound better to them.

A separate class of surnames derive from the names of noble clans. These are used either as separate names or the first part of a double-barrelled name. Thus, persons named Jan Nieczuja and Krzysztof Nieczuja-Machocki might be related. Similarly, after World War I and World War II, many members of Polish underground organizations adopted their war-time pseudonyms as the first part of their surnames. Edward Rydz thus became Marshal of Poland Edward Śmigły-Rydz and Zdzisław Jeziorański became Jan Nowak-Jeziorański.

An example taken from the Croatian on-line telphone book at: imenik.tportal.hr

Bill Belichick & David Diehl: A Croatian Connection For Super Bow XLVI

2012-01-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Bill Belichick and David Diehl both photographed celebrating after their Super Bowl victories. Next Sunday their respective teams, The New England Patriots and New York Giants will lock horns in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI.

(For those unfamiliar with the outcome of this years Super Bowl, and who got the privilege to hoist the Vince Lomardi trophy again, after reading the articles below, you can click onto the updated post of this story HERE.)

I'm not sure if I'm going to watch this years 42nd edition of the NFL Super Bowl. I haven't particularly followed the CFL or NFL for many years. (Although I did a stint playing high school football as Tight End at one time.) If one is a regular reader of this blog, you may be scratching your head about this one. Me posting a football piece again. But this one is a bit different again. There's a little known "Croatian connection" in all of this. So this one I just might watch next Sunday. Pretty interesting post if you're Croatian background and didn't know the following info.

Who am I going to root for if anyone? Ancient Chinese secret. Either way it's actually a win-win from this blogs point of view. Next Sunday for those not in the know, both the New York Giants and New England Patriots will include people of Croatian background taking part in this years sports spectacular extravaganza and cheesy half-time show. (And anticipated commercials, musn't forget those pesky, annoying commercials) Perhaps unknown to many, Bill Belichick who is the head coach of the New England Patriots, has Croatian roots. And joining him on the other side of the field, Offensive Guard of the New York Giants, David Diehl, also has Croatian background.

I did a couple of posts previously about David, mainly regarding his tattoos and his first trip to Croatia to explore his roots. You can read those HERE and HERE.. I also mentioned the name of 3 time NFL "Coach of ther Year" Bill Belichick on a post HERE.. (Bill isn't the only NFL head coach of Croatian background either btw.. Surprise again. A former assistant coach under Belichick during his time with the Cleveland Browns, Nick Saban, also went on to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins)

Anyway, not much more for me to add here. I'm not going to get into their life biographies here, you'll have to click onto the links for more information. If one follows the NFL, then I'm pretty sure both names are already familiar to you. Just as an interesting sidenote though after reading one of the articles. Bill Belichick was discussing how his grandfather used to always talk about Croatia to him when Bill was a kid, and that unfortunately he hasn't hasn't had an opportunity to visit there yet. That's too bad. He should definitely chat with David after the Super Bowl to get some inside info and make plans to go sometime soon. He doesn't know what he's missing....

Bill Belichick makes history in the NFL.

Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (January 9, 2010 - Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

Source: www.24sata.hr

Related: www.nacional.hr

youve-never-heard-of-big-m

wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Croatian_Americans

www.jutarnji.hr

wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Belichick

www.croatianhistory.net

A Croatian-American took the New England Patriots to a record sixteen wins without a loss in the NFL season, a first in the history of American football.

Utorak 1 Siječnja 2008

Ratko Rudic, Ante Kostelic, Josko Vlasic, Lino Červar ... and Bill Belichick. All of these have created world champions, however in the case of Kostelic and Belichick ... Kostelic created ski champions in a country without 2 major mountains, and Belichick made NFL football history, history in a sport which has had a tradition in Croatia of only a few years. The New England Patriots entered football history last Saturday as the first team with a perfect record of 16-0 since the time they started including 16 regular season games, and they are coached by a Croat.

Bill Belichick, who is the coach of the record holding team, is a second generation Croatian-American. His grandfather's name was John (Ivan) Beličić and he lived in the town of Karlovac. (Belichick is an Americanization of his surname, his grandmother changed it when his father's 1st grade teacher couldn't pronounce his last name ) His father emmigrated to the United States near the end of the 19th century. Bill inherited his love of American Football from his father, Steve (Stephen). His father played for the Detroit Lions and was an assistant coach and scout with the United States Naval Academy football team for 33 years. Not only has Belichick led his team to perfection in the regular season however, he also led them to Super Bowl victory 3 times. (2001., 2003., 2004)..,which has made them the most successful NFL team in the 21st century.

Photo:( Jim Davis/Globe Staff)

Last year they were hoping to build on that success, but unfortunately lost to the Indianapolis Colts 38-34. In addition to his success with the Patriots, Bill has also had success with the education and training of coaches under his supervision. Coaches working under Bill Belichick have gone on to coach two NFL teams and five universities in the NCAA First Division. Not one active coach in American football has such a successful "coaching lineage". All in all, it almost seems like everything Bill Belichick touches turns to gold. A man who's origins are from a soccer country where American football is almost an enigma. In the end it seems possesing great leadership genes is what matters most.

Being received by President George W. Bush after his 3rd Super Bowl victory in 2005.

(January 12, 2008 - Photo by Elsa/Getty Images Sport)

BEGAN WITH EARNINGS OF $25 PER WEEK

Shortly after graduating college, Bill Belichick got his first offer for a coaching job in the NFL, and he accepted it. He became assistant head coach for the Baltimore Colts, and received a measly $25 a week. His first opportunity to become a head coach was not until 1991, when he took charge of the Cleveland Browns.

For more information about Bill Belichick's early life history, scroll to page 5 HERE.

Insight into Bill Belichicks life and behind the scenes work.

Hajduk Split fan David Diehl in the Super Bowl again.

David Diehl official website: www.davediehl66.com

Source: hajduk.hr

Related: david-diehl-superbowl-champion-new

www.24sata.hr

david-diehl-arrives-in-croatia-for

www.vecernji.hr

www.index.hr

www.croatiancharities.com

wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Diehl

www.jutarnji.hr

www.nbcchicago.com

In this years Super Bowl the heart of a Hajduk will be beating! David Diehl, an American star of this popular American sport and a fanatical Hajduk Split supporter, battled with his New York Giants to reach the Super Bowl again and celebrated in his own way. David celebrated the Giants victory with the scarf of his favorite soccer team, Hajduk Split. And we proudly celebrated the triumph with our "indestructible" David ...(That's what his tattoo "Neuništiv"on his left arm means in Croatian)

A brief behind the scenes look at David doing some training.

Article: Giants' Diehl Rmembers Chicago Roots

His New York Giants will play against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl next Sunday, and there will be no doubt as to which side Hajduk Split will be rooting for.

Best wishes, David!

Photos from the celebration arrived from Diehl to his friend Fredi Fiorentini in Split. The photograph was taken by Anthony Causi.

Photo from Davids first trip to Croatia last year.

I have the same 100th Anniversary jersey which I bought in Split last summer. Some of my Cro soccer jerseys are numbered 66, but for this one I opted for number 13 in the traditional blue.

Croatians Back EU Membership In Referendum

2012-01-26T16:52:00.001-07:00

Photo: EPA/BGNES

A short time ago, a week before voting booths were scheduled to open, I posted about the Croatian E.U. Referendum. You can read that one HERE.. No big surprise to me really. I had a strong feeling it was going to go with the "YES" side getting the majority of the votes. Just like Hungary prior to their E.U. membership referendum, voter turnout was on the low side, but regardless, that's understandable with the lustre of the E.U, going through growing pains and hiccups the last little while. Some bad economic decisions by a few of the member states added more complications for the overall EU economy. In the end though, a simple majority of the votes is all that mattered. There were a few protestors arrested for being a bit too unruly in the capital of Zagreb, but otherwise the referendum went ahead as planned and by midnight the results were almost all counted. Contrary to the rigmarole of some of the protestors which included a number of anarchists (and American televangelist opinions) No foreign army will come marching in to tear down flags and monuments, force us to speak another language, hand over the keys to their homes and worship 7 times a day the great image of that 666 Euro-whore beast thing and spread Euro-whore love) I was surprised to find even that a wikipedia article was almost immediatley posted after results were in, complete with all the statistics.

Scene from a voting center. (Photo: Reuters)

Croatia's new Foreign and European Affairs Minister, Vesna Pusić, explaining a bit more about the nuts and bolts of Croatia in the E.U. From an interview in English before the referendum.

Even though according to polls from a few years ago public opinion for joining was reaching 80%, I still think the 66% that voted YES from the total of votes cast is a positive thing. Meaning if even with the world economic crisis and Euro debt crisis taking it's toll recently on the E.U., the majority of Croatian voters still realized it's still the way to go and best option for the future. It's still the best alternative, leaving the remnants of ex-Yugo politics and history in the dust bin of history where it belongs. This is one of the reasons why this referendum is so historic as well. Aside from the referendum for independence in 1991, (Where 94% opted for "YES"), this will be the first union where Croatian voters will have the last say in joining or not. Nobody is forcing rules on anybody. It's all out in the open, all the information is there for voters to read and base their vote upon. Unlike the 2 previous Yugoslavia's, unlike the union with the Hungarians, Habsburgs and Austro-Hungarian empire. A lot of people don't realize that important, historical fact.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking on behalf of E.U. leaders extended congratulations and delight at the results of the referendum.

One of the first congratulations were sent on Twitter from the leaders of Montenegro. Montenegro is hoping to join the E.U. in the near future.

The leaders of the European nations were very happy that voters chose membership. A big sigh of relief even. EU nation leaders knew that a "NO" vote would have had immediate repurcussions for the whole of the E.U. as well as for Croatia. Along with Croatia's credit rating probably plunging, the functioning and future growth of the E.U. would have been in doubt too. Any hope for E.U membership of any other nations would have been dashed because E.U. leaders would have been in damage control. Probably future E.U. membership talks with other countries would be on hold indefenitely. Like I mentioned before, E.U. membership is not going to be an instant winfall for Croatia, but it is definitely going to solidify Croatia's future and stability which will be a model for the other E.U. hopefulls. The E.U. flag will now officially be flown alongside the Croatian flag, not replacing it. Croatian language, culture and history will be protected and elevated. Croatia will have a say in E.U. policy decisions. After affirmation by the E.U. nation governments, Croatia will officially be it's 28th member on July 1st of 2013. Then the real work will begin. This will most likely be my last political piece for quite some time. I'll be back with my usual stuff down the road.

Leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda, welcomed the results of the referendum in Croatia to approve future EU membership. 66% of the Croatian people voted in favour of EU membership in 2013. Interview with the Leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the EP, Hannes Swoboda, commenting on the outcome of the referendum.

For a breakdown of the numbers in each district, click onto the interactive map HERE.

Source: www.novinite.com

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has welcomed the results of Sunday's Croatian referendum in which approximately 66% of the voters supported the country's EU membership.

"This positive outcome of the referendum is a result of the efforts put by the Croatian society and political leaders on the country's way to join the EU," Borisov said on Monday.

"I am glad that our European family will reach 28 members in 2013, with one more of them being from Southeastern Europe. Croatia's EU membership is an encouraging signal for the countries from the Western Balkans," Borisov declared.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic (C), Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic (L) and the Parliament speaker Boris Sprem (R) make a toast upon hearing unofficial results of the referendum, at the Croatian Parliament in Zagreb, 22 January 2012. EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria will work to ratify Croatia's accession agreement as soon as possible, the Bulgarian Prime Minister added.

Bulgaria's former Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev also welcomed the Croatian referendum results.

"This is a historical moment for Croatia, as well as good news for Bulgaria and the EU enlargement process," the interim leader of the Party of European Socialists stated. Stanishev added that "it is now up to EU to answer the Croatian expectations." The accession treaty was signed at the European Council last December and mandates that if it is ratified by all parties, Croatia will become a EU member in July 2013.

A cautious yes

Croats’ yes vote may encourage the rest of the western Balkans

Source: www.economist.com

NO FIREWORKS, no flag-waving crowds: just a champagne toast and a sigh of relief. That was the response on January 22nd, when Croats voted to join the European Union. The “yes” camp won a two-thirds majority, far more convincing than anyone had expected. True, the reported turnout of 43% was low. But Croatia’s voting rolls are out of date. Guessing at the real number of eligible voters and subtracting the diaspora, especially Bosnian Croats, the turnout may have been a respectable 60%, says Vesna Pusic, the foreign minister.

Croatia’s EU accession was negotiated by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) government, which was thrashed in December’s election. But it was backed by its left-leaning successor and by all main political figures, academics, institutions and the Catholic church. Parts of the nationalist right were against but the wind was knocked from their sails last week when a hero, Ante Gotovina, who was convicted last year by the UN war-crimes tribunal in The Hague, said the EU was where Croatia belonged.

Opponents had argued that Croatia, which fought a war of independence against Yugoslavia two decades ago, should not now bind itself in a “Euroslavia”. They were backed by the likes of Marine Le Pen, leader of the French National Front, and Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party. A demonstration by “no” campaigners the day before the referendum ended in clashes with the police. Mrs Pusic thinks that this prodded complacent pro-Europeans to turn out. They realised who was against, she says—and what was the alternative.

Ines Sabalic, a Croatian journalist in Brussels, notes that Croats have always argued that they are part of “Europe”, not the Balkans. Now, despite all the bad news across Europe, “they have made a strategic choice.” Mrs Pusic agrees. Croats are betting that membership will be good for stability at home and that the economic situation will improve. The EU, she concludes, is a long-term project.

The vote was greeted with relief in the rest of the western Balkans. A “no” would have been catastrophic for the hopes of other countries. There is still gloomy talk about how long the whole process will take, but this may be overdone. Serbia, which failed to gain candidate status in December, could do so in March. Montenegro is set to begin talks on accession in June. And Bosnia’s new government may apply later this year. Slowly but surely the western Balkans is moving towards European integration.

How Croatians felt the day after the referendum. There were no fireworks or parades just yet, only a calm reservation and desire that down the road E.U. membership will pay off

Some important Croatian EU accession talk milestones, superimposed with images of the simultaneous Serbian EU accession talk movement.

You Mean You've Never Heard Of Doris Vrečko?

2012-01-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

I had to change my frame of mind real quick, (The local bar & grills are having grubbo smegma-face fucko night as usual, and now this hockey play by play announcer is having an orgasm every time some players touch the puck, It was getting on my nerves),...so I decided to add this article I came across on this side of the pond about Croatian model Doris Vrecko. Well, actually she does more than just modelling and spend time on the catwalk. She's also an athlete, TV presenter, actress, and all around sex symbol/celebrity in Croatia. I heard of her a few years ago after her athletic accomplishments. She disproves the long held belief that Fencing Champions are nerdy geeks and/or homely. You'll have to Google her to find out more, and see the really juicy pics. (And I mean juicy) The source link has the full photogallery of this particular photoshoot. If you like what you see, then hurry and put on your socks, let go of your clocks and get your free Doris Vrečko wallpaper HERE, Or click onto the other few links I left for more tidbits.....

10-Time Croatian Fencing Champion Doris Vrecko Challenges Your Attention To Be En Garde!

Source/Photogallery: heymanhustle.craveonline.com

Related: www.zirdum.net

dalje.com

www.vecernji.hr

www.index.hr

dalje.com/tv

www.fashion.hr

www.vecernji.hr

www.net.hr

www.jutarnji.hr

www.story.hr

www.klik.hr

Central Europe's Hottest Athlete Brings The Links For Monday, April 18, 2011!

Doris Vrecko is a ten-time national champion in fencing, a model and a TV host with two university degrees. She is one of the biggest stars in all of Croatia, a respected athlete and a sex symbol at the very same time.

Think of a bad ass Anna Kournikova!

On the cover for the Croatian edition of FHM Magazine in 2009.

"I did tennis, horseback riding and played the piano when I was younger," Doris told the media in Croatia, "I gave musical education and my piano teacher would always treat me as her princess with royal hobbies. She said I only had to take up fencing. After that, I started training it. Even though my parents thought I would soon lose interest, they patiently drove me to practice.

On the catwalk

However, I stuck with this sport, which I have been training since the age of 10 ... It gave me order, work and discipline. I have a certain biorhythm ... I get us early, go to bed early. I have discipline. It also includes certain sacrifices, but I never complained and if I were born again, I would choose the same."

A short excerpt from filming one of her television episodes.

Now this is my kind of Catwoman.

We're HustleTweeting about this extraordinary woman, and you're more than welcome to join the conversation! Follow THE HEYMAN HUSTLE on Twitter HERE or write to us at hustleoncrave@gmail.com

Behind the scenes footage from her FHM Magazine photoshoot a few years ago.

Croatian E.U. Referendum Takes Place January 22, 2012

2012-01-15T02:18:00.001-07:00

January 22 Croatian voters will decide Yes or No to European Union membership. (Image: Guliver/ThinkStock/Pixsell)

I touched upon the campaign for the upcoming EU referendum in Croatia previously. You can read that one HERE. I'm not going to get into all my views, and reasons why I think the vote will go in favour of joining and why I think that's a good thing. (There are a few issues I'm not crazy about, but overall I still think it's the way to go for a better) Recent polls still give the 'Yes" camp about 58-60% of the vote. (It's been as high as 80% in the past, before the recent world economic crisis) There are still a lot of voters who will decide on voting day though. Some recent online polls at Croatian news sites even has the No vote slightly in the lead. Joining the E.U. isn't instant Valhala, with unlimited Euros being thrown at the country, and instant economic change, that's for sure.

However, I think joining is the right choice because, well, put it this way. Aside from more indepth economic and cultural reasons...Croatia is afterall a European country. Also, this will be historic because it will be the first union that Croatia will "willingly" join based on the votes of the Croatian people. First time ever. (Aside from the Croatian referendum for independence) Unlike the 2 previous Yugoslavias, and unlike being part of the Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian Empires. This time there will be no backroom closed door decisions and arm twisting, or secret deals involvement in internal affairs by major world or regional powers. This makes it a very historic moment. Voters with the power to choose our way and voice their concerns instead of doing it other peoples way without any choice .

Croatian historians have fresh memories of the repurcussions and what happened when trying to become part of a regional union with certain nations as well. Croatia will be a member with rights and privelages that will make it an equal player when it comes to decision making processes that concern the whole of the E.U. There is a bit more more to it than that, and may seem an oversimplification, but I think you get my point. Maybe one of the best ways of putting it also is this way. To paraphrase Croatian government personel, "Yes" side supporters, even opposition party leaders....This is the time to leave the history of regional politics, the status quo and the relics of archaic failed political wisdom in the dust where it belongs. Croatia will still be our country, language, culture and language, but also Europe now will officially be our continental home. Better to have the backing of all Europe behind us than going it alone. Just like right up till now, the the EU flag is not going to replace the Croatian flag, but rather it will always be flying alongside with it. This vote is also very important for that part of Europe, and Europe knows that. If Croatians were to reject EU membership, that would have tremendous repercussions in the area. Croatia's credit rating would fall, some neighbouring countries could basically kiss their chance good bye at joining, and also the EU would be on damage control, with the future goals of expansion and functioning of the EU in doubt and probably having even more negative impact on the Euro. Croatia is already a part of NATO, of the Council of Europe, is part of numerous European organizations and abides by European protocol and standards in numerous ways. EU membership is only the next logical step.

Now there are some people who think Croatia should go the way of Switzerland and Norway and vote No. I can understand that reasoning, but then again, those 2 countries haven't had the recent bloody history we have had, and didn't have to spend masive amounts of capital to rebuild it's infrastructure, support hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and refugees (Not only Croatians either) to make the transition to a full market economy. Their economy wasn't affected at all in the last 2 decades. So they may not be as interested in the Euro funds carrot being dangled in front of them. Switzerland has a very long history of neutrality and didn't even join the United Nations until 2002.

The Croatian flag in front the the Council of Europe building in Strasbourg

Norway, who has a population very similar to Croata, is almost always at the top in GDP per capita, is a net external creditor of debt, and is first in the world according to the UNDP Human Developement Index. Norway is also ranked as the 2nd wealthiest country in the world and has the highest capital reserve of any nation in the world. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. (However they are part of NATO like Croatia, being a founding member.) However, even when Norway did have it's referendum for EU membership, the No side won by a slim margin.

To me it's not so much about joining a political union, but rather staying on a course that will ensure Croatia's future. Our culture, language and security will not be affected, but rather promoted and prtotected, all within the framework of multi-nation member organization. We would already be in the E.U. like neighbouring Slovenia if not for the aggression on Croatia in the 90's. Economically I think Croatia will also benefit. (Again, too much detailed info to cover here) Perhaps one very good reason to join though, may simply be to distance ourselves as much as possible from people like THIS and THIS. (Picture says a thousand words) It's time for Croatia to take it's rightful place as a player in the greater European picture and it's framework. Croatian history has been a part of European culture and history dating back to over a thousand years. Besides, I'm pretty sure Croatia's tourism industry and economy would much rather see European Euro's flowing into the country instead of Serbian Dinars. Just ask Montenegro.

A scene from dowtown Zagreb

Which brings me to the topic of Serbia a couple countries over, and the potential problem of non-EU Serbs trying to sneak over the border into Croatian/EU territory, especially after one of their drunken pistol shooting Chetnik parties. Trying to make some quick Euros, waving their 3 fingers around, getting into arguements with each other over "Who stole my rakija?!", some more pistol shooting, then sneaking back to Serbia again. A scenario that may be attempted over and over again. (See video at bottom for example) There will most likely be many cases of trying to marry as many women as they can find also, to get social benefits, better tasting and quality food, access to more fashionable clothes, better quality footwear as well as buying up all the copies of KL!K magazine that they can fill up their pockets with and stuff into their backpacks, as well as stuffing livestock into oversized suitcases. It's been done before and this isn't the answer to Croatia's future.

Now there are some heavy duty naysayers out there, people like David Icke and the army of American televangelists led by the illustrious John Hagee. (But their bizarre wacked out views don't really count though. They believe in wacky things like Reptilian Shapeshifters, that the E.U. is the work of a war-mongering anti-christ who goes by the name of 666 or Harry. That Wal-Mart and Dunkin Donuts will be the saviour of mankind, that the latest Inter Milan jersey has an image of a devil-serpent on it which will cause women to grow penises, and that only people who wear stupid looking suits, Jews and pork eating Muslims will be saved in the rapture to the planet Saturn. Crazy stuff like that. (Some of these religious "experts" have even gone so far as to proseletyze that the Starbucks logo is a symbol for that "Ol' sneaky and tempting Anti-Christ 666 Euro-whore, as well as claim biblical proof that the 666 Euro Antichrist Union will be led by his 2 false prophets, The Pope and Bill Gates, who will recieve evil instructions from the long dead spirit of Buddy Ebsen who will be resurrected into the form of a 7'-7" Herve Villechaize. These 2 prophets will speak vociferous blasphemies and unholy unmentionables, boasting even that swimwear should be sold in department stores, that people should sing in the shower while washing their nook and crannies and that they will smite their foes by causing them to have a libido, cravings for soccer stadium sex and start listening to Rick Astley)

A scene in front of the Croatian Parliament building. (Sabor)

Anyway, the Yes and No camps are trying to reach the voters in a series of television commercials and in newspapers and magazines before the dead line of January 22nd. If the votes go as expected, (But then again, nothing is to be taken for granted) Croatia would then become the 28th member of the European Union on July 1st, 2013. Here's just a few of the commercials I threw in from the governments recent awareness campaign....

Sources: www.youtube.com/user/MVPEIRH

www.mvep.hr/MVP

wikipedia.org/wiki/Accession_of_Croatia_to_the_European_Union

poles-make-welcome-croatia-video

croatian-to-become-24th-official

www.delhrv.ec.europa.eu

euobserver.com

dnevnik.hr

tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu

These are from the commercial campaign by the Croatian Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs. Each one touching upon a different topic revolving around E.U. membership.

You'll have to get your Croatian friend to translate the lyrics for you:)

Rijeka Carnival 2012 Just Around The Corner

2012-01-12T16:39:00.002-07:00

Not much more for me to add here. This isn't a tourism post to get people to drop their things and travel to Croatia for the Rijeka Karneval' in a few weeks. However, the 2012 edition of the Rijeka Carnival is just around the corner, and I came across this one by chance looking for something else. (It's great when someone does your work for you) Just a few days ago I used the same source for an amusing story about a fail geography map used on Fox News Network which you can read HERE. It's kind of refreshing when someone not Croatian does an informative article that dispels preconceived notions about what's going on in Croatia these days. The Rijeka Carnival also isn't just the main parade and procession that takes place at the conclusion of festivities. There are numerous events, party's, balls, pagaents, celebrations and the children's parade going on in the weeks preceeding the main Carnival procession. If this isn't your kind of thing however, you can easily head on a couple countries over and enjoy the exciting celebrations of Serbfest or the Serbian Carnival. Or one can catch a flight and head on down to the very popular Calgary Derpfest, I mean Derpfest...I mean Derpfest. Anyway, all the information is pretty well found at the article below, so there's not much more for me to elaborate on. Just lots of fun for young and old, with lots of activities to choose from. You can click onto the links for more information and to previous posts on this blog about the Rijeka Carnival. Or visit the official Rijeka Carnival website at www.ri-karneval.com.hr

The Rijeka Karneval procession taking place in downtown Rijeka.

Source: www.digitaljournal.com

Related: www.rijeka.hr

croatiaexclusive.com

over-100000-people-enjoyed-2011-rijeka

rijeka-carnival-starts-its-27th

rijeka-carnival-snowboard-session-2009

rijekas-kantrida-stadium-unusual

www.ri-karneval.com.hr

Winter tourism in Croatia: Rijeka Carnival's month of festivities

While Croatian tourism is better known for its beaches and summer nightlife, it has plenty to offer throughout the year, including one of the world's biggest carnivals in Rijeka.

The diverse nature of Croatia's year-round tourism potential will be on display in the northern coastal city of Rijeka from January 20, 2012, with the opening festivities of a one-month celebration which comprises the Rijeka Carnival. Less famous than its Venetian neighbour, the Rijeka Carnival is, however, one of the biggest carnivals in the world, and was attended last year by more than 600,000 people throughout the month.

Carnival Rijeka from spiro.pro on Vimeo. A short video of some images from last years 'Rijeka Karneval'

Croatia as a 12-month destination

The Rijeka Carnival is one example of a popular and traditional festival taking place out of the main summer season. The summer season has been the backbone of Croatian tourism in recent years, as the country has successfully rebuilt its tourism sector under the slogan The Mediterranean as it Once Was after the devastating conflict in former Yugoslavia.

Rijeka Carnival, one of the largest in the world

The festivities will get underway on the evening of January 20, as the Mayor of Rijeka performs his traditional ceremonial duty of handing the keys of the city to the meštar od karnevala (Master of the Carnival) and includes a Carnival Queen Pageant. An impressively diverse calender of events, including a snowboard school, Paris-Bakar masked rally, children's parade and the main international parade will culminate in the traditional Burning of the Pust on February 19. Far from being a domestic affair, the Rijeka Carnival is attracting a growing international reputation, both in tourist visitors and participating floats. The increasing popularity of the event led to Rijeka obtaining full membership of the Federation of European Carnival Cities in 1995, and the event was listed by the Sunday Times as one of the top 24 most exotic events in the world in 2007.

Croatia as a 12-month destination

The Rijeka Carnival is one example of a popular and traditional festival taking place out of the main summer season. The summer season has been the backbone of Croatian tourism in recent years, as the country has successfully rebuilt its tourism sector under the slogan The Mediterranean as it Once Was after the devastating conflict in former Yugoslavia.

The Croatian government's campaign was highly effective, and official figures reported another record year in 2011 - 1.2 million visitors up from 2009 - as tourists are attracted by the country's stunning Adriatic coastline and beaches, walled towns such as Dubrovnik, and picturesque islands such as Hvar, which was named by Lonely Planet as its number 5 destination for 2012.

Unique processions: Za Krizem on Hvar

The history of tourism has its roots away from the beach, and the founding of the Hvar Health Society in 1868 is credited as the oldest organised tourism in Europe, with a focus on the recuperative powers of the Hvar climate in the winter months, as is evidenced by this 1905 postcard. The Rijeka carnival is one of many traditional festivals which provide considerable depth to Croatia's tourism attractions, many of which are highly unique. On Hvar, for example, the 500 year-old Za Krizem (Behind the Cross) Easter Procession, under UNESCO protection since 2009, is one of the most important events of the year. The religious event is a 22km procession through the night from six villages behind a cross-bearer who carries a heavy wooden cross barefoot accompanied by his acolytes, religious faithful and an increasing number of tourists.

Last year 72 year groups, including 6,000 children from all over Croatia took part in the preceeding 'Childrens Karneval'

Eclectical Artistry, Curiosities, Queriful Unexplainable Unusualities & Comical Oddity Mosaic Interlude. Part II

2012-01-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

Kind of busy again for a while. Since my last non-Croatian interlude post, I've disussed quite a few different topics. Gonna take a break for a while though and concentrate on some other more important projects. I came across this yesterday, so in the meantime enjoy the antics of the "Portuguese João João Popsick: Episode One The Phantom Popsick" and sing along to the Portuguese flag with Joao Francisco. For those interested, Part I can be found HERE. As for these visual additions, make of them what you will....(I found it makes more sense if you play all 9 of the videos at once with the volume on high, you may, so I've been told, even miraculously begin to understand and speak Portuguese, as well as posses the uncanny ability to flatulate the aromas of cozido a Portuguesa and arroz de sarrabulho on command. Yum.)

Related: croatian-to-become-24th-official

'Croatia Is Not A Country Anymore' - Fox News Network

2012-01-09T21:53:00.001-07:00

I'm gonna quickly throw this amusing one here. It's stories like this that sort of inspired me to start this blog in the first place. Putting it out there as to where, who and what Croatia is, and isn't. Get rid of any misconceptions or untruths. As for this piece, one comes across lots of similar stories on the internet regarding fail geographical maps from American news broadcasts. (I added just a few at the bottom as examples) Even just recently at school, (Before deciding to go to another college) when talking about our backgrounds, one female student sitting beside me asked (I think she was Indian or Pakistani background,)....Croatian? Is that a religion?

That just about sums it up. Like I said, I decided to start this blog after my trip to Croatia in 2009. There was things about Croatia even people of Croatian descent didn't know. And that's how this hobby came into fruition and has reached this point. The number of visitors that read my stuff is nothing to sneeze at, so I must be doing something right. I just keep going with it. It seems I'm filling some kind of niche if people from all over the world find my posts interesting and useful or at least as something new. Even if one person discovers something about Croatia that they didn't know before, then my job is done. I have to inform people that Croatia has electricity, malls and cars, (With even IKEA on the horizon), that we sell bikinis in the department stores, we have nude "Girl of the Day" in newspapers, that we have a long history, language, great food, good beers and wines, beaches, that Petra Ecclestone does NOT support heart disease, and maybe most importantly of all....that Croatians don't or never have worn the pointy/horned toe Serbian opanci.

To paraphrase from that Kevin Costner film 'Field of Dreams'... "If they come, I will build it."I guess.

I can also see on the failed map that the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Slovakia are even out of the picture in this one, as well as some other countries. In regards to the below article and it's mentioning of former U.S. President Bush and Africa. Well, at least I can say with assuredness that former U.S. Presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (As well as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper) can point out Croatia on a map at least. Whew!

Overall though, this one is a pretty awful example of knowledge in geography. Can someone working at a major U.S. news broadcaster be this bad at geography? Is someone maybe working at Fox really ticked off at the verdict of former Governor Rod Blagojevich? Does someone at Fox News subliminally want the Serbs to attack Austria and Hungary now as well? Was the person putting the map together high on weed? Bad shrooms? Who knows? These error filled geographical map type news stories won't be going away anytime soon I'm sure. I've even seen failed geography maps concerning U.S. states in the past. (Those "Fail" type website blogs are all over the internet these days and growing daily)

Op-Ed: Croatia does not exist, according to Fox News

Sources: www.digitaljournal.com

www.jutarnji.hr

World geography has always presented a challenge to some Americans, from the President down. Part of the problem could be the maps supplied by Fox News. Being such a vast country and with less than half of its citizens owning a passport (37% according to the latest figures), it is perhaps not surprising that world geography is not the strongest subject for many Americans. There are numerous instances of American public figures getting confused on the location of distant places, including the President himself. George W. Bush's declaration that Africa was a nation is one of the better known examples (listen to the clip here).

The map of Europe, according to Fox News

Part of the problem for geographical ignorance, however, is perhaps due to media misrepresentation. Leading Croatian daily Jutarnji List ran an article on January 5, 2012, about a map of Europe used by Fox News during its coverage of the recent Iowa caucuses, which portrayed a map of the Balkans that has no bearing to reality whatsoever, with countries such as Croatia omitted entirely. Greater Bulgaria stretched to the Italian border and was portrayed as being within the borders of former Yugoslavia, while the only former Yugoslav republic to make the map (Serbia) had been relocated north to Hungary and Austria. The geography of the Balkans - and former Yugoslavia - is tricky at the best of times, and maps such as the one aired by Fox News only add to the confusion.

Hvar is not in Bulgaria

Island of Hvar on the Adriatic coast.

Fortunately, not all Americans study world geography via Fox News, and U.S. tourists are coming to Croatia in increasing numbers. On Croatia's premier island - Hvar, named by Lonely Planet as its number 5 destination in 2012, for example, American tourists to the main town of the same name are among the most common tourists. According to official statistics, 6,886 American tourists visited Hvar Town in 2011 - which made global headlines as the place where a British prince jumped fully clothed into a nightclub swimming pool, and where Beyonce revealed her baby bump to the world. Only Italian and British tourists visited in greater numbers. To clear up any potential confusion, the territory of former Yugoslavia now comprises:

Slovenia - capital Ljubljana, member of the EU
Croatia - capital Zagreb, set to join the EU in 2013
Bosnia and Herzegovina - capital Sarajevo
Montenegro - capital Podgorica
Serbia - capital Belgrade
Macedonia - capital Skopje
Kosovo - capital Pristina (the latest independent country in the region, Kosovo's independence has not been universally recognised).

Well, at least nobody thought the U.S. should invade Croatia.

Just a few more examples of failed maps used on major U.S. networks.

The Case Of The Fake Croatian Latin Alphabet......Was Ljudevit Gaj A Reptilian Shapeshifter?

2012-01-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

An unfaked Image of Ljudevit Gaj on a Croatian postal stamp. (There were rumours that Serb linguists slipped some Serbian onions into his čevapčiće and therefore he was Srb)

This one is kind of funny. I decided to switch schools recently to a much better college, and with less Serb shitfuckery, so I have a bit of spare time to add this. A little step back into history again, but unlike my previous Let3 addition, this one is a bit more on the non-musical side. For the whole history and story behind the standard Croatian language and alphabet, (and alphabets used in the past including Glagolitic) , one will have to click onto the links. Theres too much information about the history of the Croatian language and it's dialects, going back to over a thousand years, to include into one short post. This topic reminds me of that funny Serbian media 2008 Beijing Olympic story which I added below as well. Ties in perfectly I think. One can also view this post within a more in-depth context HERE.

Below are 2 contadictory images. The first one is from the Serbian Cyrillic website. (This one that makes no mention of Ljudevit Gaj but has a faked Croatian alphabet script. In turn, the Croatian alphabet is moved over to a Serb column. The image below that is a photo of something that looks like an original from the same "page".. But wait a second, here there is no faked Croatian alphabets. Ljudevits Gaj's Latin alphabet IS the proper and correct Croatian latin alphabet. So why the discrepency? Hmmm?

A reader of Croatian will notice the errors immediately, so I circled the points of interest and omissions to compare the real and fake Croatian alphabet versions for the novice.

The proper Croatian latin alphabet based on Ljudevit Gaj's initial standardization work.

Now, most people taking a brief look at these images may not have noticed any discrepency, or if looking at just the fake Croatian version, may have just took it at face value, and true. That may be the whole premise behind it. However, I'm good at noticing these types of things. For instance, when some guy in front of me leaves after purchasing or paying for something at some counter or desk, I see and hear the chick whisper "He's stupid" or "He's gay" after he leaves. That's because he's too busy feeling good about himself thinking he's hot and she wants him, as he's tucking his receipt back into his wallet. That's about the time he turns around to wave bye, then she quickly flashes the smile and again and addds a cutesy wave too. (He 's thinking the girl liked him because she was so polite and friendly to him) Seen it lots of times around here.

Now back to the conundrum of the faked Croatian alphabet script, (and faked Serbian for that matter by historic logic, and non-existent Bosnian using further logic. The Croatian alphabet is based upon the work of Croatian linguist Ljudevit Gaj (Lyoo-da-vit Guy) and to this day is commonly referred to as Gaj's Latin alphabet. It was designed by him in 1835. (Serbs never used Latin script, at that time, or before) Now, there were attempts by Srb linguists and politicians (I'll call them the "Srb camp") in the years after his work, to change up to 4 of his Latin script characters to their revised alternative characters. However, Croatian linguists refused these attempts to revise his original design to appease the "Srb camp's" arm twisting. There was no need to. The "Serb camp" wasn't to thrilled with being told "Live with it", so to speak. This isn't really surprising at all though, right from the start of Vuk's work, he was trying to find a way (with prodding from Srb politicians and writers of Greater Serbia pamphlets) to magically turn all peoples inhabiting that part of Europe into some mystical esoteric "Srb race". Where they all walk on Serbian grass, drinking Serbian milk by the Serbian sea telling Serbian jokes

Statue of Ljudevit Gaj that I took in Zagreb on my trip to Croatia this past summer. His image is found all over Croatia, especially as statues in cities and towns. Many schools, cultural societies buildings, squares and streets as well. (Not surprisingly, Gaj's name is being stricken in Serbia. Streets formerly named in his honour because of his Stokavski standard work, have been renamed. Streets also previously named after Slovenian writers France Prešeren and Ivan Cankar have been renamed at the urging of Serbian Church leaders. Click image for more detail.

The Latin character Ljudevit devised, basing it closely to Czech as well, suited him and the Croatian language just fine, and had already been in use for hundreds of years anyway practically. All he did was some fine tuning and standardize a final complete Standard Croatian latin script alphabet. Croatia's literary history had already stretched back hundreds of years using solely latin script. So about 6 years later in this case it seems (But even before that actually like I said) in an attempt to totally obliterate his work and existence, and in effect Croatian history and Croatian literary history, written material was being used by the "Serb camp" that in effect attempted to do just that. The images used above of this supposed scholarly historical work of European scripts are contradictory and worth 2 looks I recommend. It is being used as subterfuge these days on the Wikipedia Serbian Cyrilic alphabet site.

Serbian self taught linguist Vuk Karadzic. Did he really write David Nabokov's "Lolita"?

No mention of Ljudevit Gaj whatsoever. Rather, his work (And the standard Croatian alphabet's script) is erroneously and with blatant subterfuge portrayed as some other version. A faked standard Croatian alphabet. (With 'Y' replacing Ljudevit's 'J', omitting his 'Š', replacing the "S" with the Hungarian 'SZ' characters, a few other strange editions. But possibly most interesting of all in all this , accepting the letter 'H' as part of a Srb alphabet, because according to Vuk Karadzic's rules, the letter "H" was to be replaced with an 'X when spelled by a Srb. Why an "X" you may ask? Simple, because according to Vuk Karadzic, Srbs don't use or acknowledge the letter 'H', because they don't aknowledge the "H" sound.) Karadzic's recommendation was that wherever the voiceless pharyngeal fricative "H" was supposed to be written in Croatian, (A sound similar to the ending in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic word "Loch") a Srb will write an "X" instead. (Example: Xrvatska instead of Hrvatska, or the name of the Croatian island of Hvar) Yeah, a confusing set of rules it seems at first, and out of thin air fake Croatian alphabets if one is not familiar with this topic. They could have wrote a Klingon script and made a dozen faked alphabets for all I care actually. Croatia only needed and needs 1 script to read and write in.. The script Ljudevit Gaj standardized and that's that.

Detail from a publication for the Society "Ljudevit Gaj" in Rijeka and Susak in 1910

What does all this mean in the end though? Quite simple, and obvious. That because Ljudevit Gaj refused to revise the Croatian Latin script based alphabet to their whims and edits, Serb politicians and scholars (Srb camp) decided to take it anyway, publish it and call it Serbian, and credit Ljudevit Gaj and Croatians with some fake made up standardized version that was not Ljudevit's version. (Or in this case, not credit Ljudevit at all) Ipso facto. Sound familiar? (See Serbian Olympic team related video below for a humorous analogy)

Ljudevit Gaj's standardized Latin script Croatian alphabet.

It wasn't long after this work that Ljudevit abondaned his political work and vision of a greater Slavic confederation of nations, (Which would also have included Bulgaria btw.) to include Serbia. He realized that his mistake was stating that he was a non-Serb to begin with and had no desire to be part of some fanciful dreamed up Greater Serbia. That got the "Serb camp" ball rolling. They realized finally that, to put it into the vernacular, that Ljudevit didn't come into town on the Pumpkin Express, from Pumpkinville to sell Pumpkin Pies. He was already a politician, writer, linguist and journalist. It was around this time that steam was reportedly shooting out of their ears like in those Yosemite Sam cartoons. A non-Serb dared to refuse the demands of representatives of Serbdom?

Realities are real. To believe the the above page out of some book, or it's implied insinuations would be like believeing that in Croatia, (In cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, Dubrovnik or Osijek) Croatians wear the famous horned/pointy toe Serbian opanci. Or that they wear them in Poland, Russia, or the Ukraine or even other less well known places like Bavaria, Muscovia, Lubuskie, Puglia, Murcia, Galicia, Moravia, Styria and Wallachia. I don't know if this rubbish is being espoused by Serbs because the Greater Serbia dreamers dream hasn't panned out for them, because Croatia is independent now and in NATO, and other republics have gone their own way, because Croatia will most likely to vote in favour of being in the European Union next year, or because Ljudevit had a better looking moustache, but to me this is just another one of those Serb attempts to negate non-Serbs on the history scene. (Not just Croatians)

After the controversy regarding President Tadic displaying the Serb nationalistic and fascist 3 fingered salute at the Olympic opening ceremonies, Serbian media tried to downplay and legitimize the topic by posting photos of former American President, George Bush, also proudly displaying the fascist 'Serb 3 finger salute'. The photo as reported on Croatian news portal 'Jutarnji List' however, as seen in the video, turned out laughably to be a cropped and edited fake. (Sound familiar?)

In 1848, Gaj was part of the early provisional nationalist triumverate of Croatia. As one of the leaders of the newly created National Assembly, he helped to write their "National Demands" which included:

The union of all Croatian provinces (Croatian-Slavonian Kingdom, Istria and Dalmatia).
Separation from the Kingdom of Hungary.
Abolition of serfdom.
Full civil rights.
Affirmation of the equality of nations.

A close advisor of the Croatian Ban (Viceroy) Josip Jelacic, he headed the political section of the Ban's Council. Ljudevit Gaj's political career ended on June 7, 1848. At the time it was a much talked about political move for regional politics. Gaj arrested the Serbian Prince Milos Obrenovic as a matter of foreign policy talks with Serbia. It was known as the Milos affair. After this he stayed out of politics altogether until his eventual retirement and death in Zagreb in 1872 at the age of 62.

Dobrica Cosic - "Father of the Srb Nation" (His /their words, not mine)

Why this fake version of Ljudevits Gaj's Latin script alphabet is being used can probably be explained with another analogy. Sort of like the problem of fake Rolex's. As most of you already know, only an unacquainted and foolish person would believe that a Rolex made in stainless steal has a day and date feature on it. Those are only made in 18 kt gold and platinum. Period.

As for the above article, at the end of the day, it really doesn't surprise me in the least. I've come across articles how children in Serb schools are actually being taught an alternate history where the wars of Serb agression all throughout the former-Yugoslavia, the shelling and mortaring of towns, cities, schoools, homes, hospitals etc, were being taught as Serbia being attacked. So not surprising at all. I could go and delve even deeper into the wacky beliefs that this Vuk Karadzic and his lackeys had in those days, and what and where he got his sources for his supposed Serbian language stories, and out of the blue presto-magiko Serb language, but I'll leave that for another time. However if there is one sidenote lesson that can be learned from all this, and one fact that can be verified, it is this.

1- Glagolitic script is the precursor and root of Cyrillic script. ipso facto.

2- Because of temporary border shifts during the times of the Byzantine and Western Roman empires, Croatians at different times were writing in Glagolitic, Latin and Cyrillic script, sometimes even simultaneously in different areas of Croatian lands, however Serbs have no history of writing in Latin script, especially in regards to historic monuments and inscriptions until Ljudevit Gaj came along. ipso facto.

Comments even related to the conspiracy driven hot topics of "Was Ljudevit Gaj a reptilian shapeshifter?, "Are Russians really from Planet Serbitron X-7?" "Are Serbs really just Triballi? Why on earth do drunken Srbs think Sclavenia was Serbia, or Rascia, Servia or Triballia?, Whats up with the Serb pointy/horned toe opanci?" and "Why do so many Serb songs suck?" are welcome.

*As an interesting sidenote, Dasha Zhukova, girlfriend of Roman Abramovich would be familiar with this kind of stuff. She graduated university with a degree in Slavic Studies and Literature. You learn something new everyday.

Related posts: croatia-slovenia-and-eu-celebrating-20

croatian-ambassador-becomes-nato

google-wishes-croatia-happy-indepence

croatian-to-become-24th-official.

montenegro-ends-longstanding-language

recognizing-slovenia-croatia-brought

A Croatian Opera Lesson From......"Let 3"?

2011-12-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

Let 3 (Gotta get me one of those fake moustaches one of these days)

Sources: www.muzika.hr

Related sources: everything-you-wanted-to-know-about

www.rirock.com

www.ufo.com.hr

www.zlatnakoogla.com

www.jutarnji.hr

www.slobodnadalmacija.hr

www.nacional.hr

www.groupie.hr

vijesti.gorila.hr

www.tportal.hr

wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_3

http://www.myspace.com/let3

www.last.fm/music/Let+3

Ok, this one is gonna be a good post, some history mixed with modern music. My next on was going to be about the New Years celebrations in different cities in Croatia, like a previous one I did HERE. But this one is going to touch upon a few subjects. I was just thinking how I would love to be at this Let3 tonight in Zagreb, where they will be playing at the 'Tvornica Kulture'. (Heard on the news here they're having some typical politically correct, multi-faith, free hat and whistle, ho-hum musical acts that I've never heard of playing dowtown tonight. I have a strong feeling they're going to sound something like THIS.)....:/

Their CD "Jedina" (Only One) from 2000.

Now, if youre not Croatian, then I know you've never heard of this band. If you are of Croatian background, living on this side of the pond especially, chances are that only a few have heard of them either. (Again, depending on which city/area you live in.) But in Croatia, and other neighbouring countries, they have developed a cult following over the years that has made them extremely popular, especially with the young people. There's something about the lyrics, that if you don't understand Croatian, you just wont get it. Might as well go back to your local mix station with messages brought to you by the makers of ..whatever, or just go hang around a fucko mall food court. Let3 are definitely not the kind of act to bring your grandparents to see. That's a given. But then again, I've come across some very unusual, eccentric grandparents in my time.

An interesting article that goes along with this photo from www.jutarnji.hr

Surprisingly to some though, they've won a number of awards over the years, including Best album of the year, Best performance of the year, Best video of the year, Band of the year, to name just a few. So I guess they must be doing something right. I went excitedly to a couple concerts around here that were supposed to be awesome, really hyped up, but they were yawnfests. As a single guy, I think this is the band I'd pay to see on a New Years Eve in Croatia. These guys are already legends, and I'm sure down the road will be remembered as one of the best, original, and entertaining acts to come out of the Croatian music scene. One is always guaranteed to have a memorable time for the price of their ticket. Very memorable.

There was talk in the past about a UK tour, but it didn't get off the ground and the tour was cancelled. There were protests that there is no room in the UK for crazy acting people.

There was talk of Let3 touring in Calgary, Canada, however most of the coffee shop crowd was more interested in Justin Beiber's leaked penis photos, the new mint chocolate chip muffins and that new line of polo shirts with the embroidered horsey's on it.

The downtown Calgary gang though was more interested about the new mall food court rumoured to be refurbished soon with the all you can eat egg foo yung store, and the penis on that new guy who worked at the nearby samba dancing lesson school as well.

When rumours surfaced of a possible summer Mid-East and Afghanistan tour in 2002, protestors immediatley went out to let their feelings be shown in the streets.

Just talk of a 90 minute set in Jerusalem was enough to ruffle many peoples feathers.

In 2008 Let3 had plans to do a mini U.S. tour. Here protestors in Salt Lake City were demanding an end to tour plans, dubbing Let3 as agents of Beelzebub.

An American Televangelist movement, led by Peter Popoff, promised that for a faith seed gift they would use divine power to have a swarm of bee's attack Let3. Each donator was also promised a free prayer cloth with the likeness of St. Esmachiah of Ramath-gilead on it, a photo to hang in the bedroom and phone numbers to good local hookers.

Protestors in other U.S. cities were letting it be known that they were just plain fucking angry.

Their CD "El Dorado" from 1991.

Best way to describe them in my opinion, is that they are like a hybrid of a Croatian Monty Python comedy act meets Rammstein meets Red Hot Chilli Peppers meets Turbonegro meets zany Croatian Kids In The Hall comedy act, but stepped up a notch or 2. That's about the best I can do to describe them. Over the years they have gone through different looks, incorporating different elements into their music and stage presentation, holding shocking and controversial concerts, releasing controversial videos and CD covers, sexuallly explicit lyrics, concerts and politically tounge in cheek political innuendos. They've even performed on stage with other more popular mainstream Croatian pop singers on national television. But the fans just keep on coming to their shows no matter what. Getting a ticket to one of their shows is sometimes like gold because you never know what zaniness Let3 will come up with next.

Some of the artwork from the CD booklet for "Bombardiranje Srbije i Čačka" (Bombardment of Serbia and Čačak) with the city of Dubrovnik in the background for sarcastic effect. (For those not in the know, Dubrovnik was shelled by Serb led Yugoslav troops after the declaration of Slovenian and Croatian independence) The left side features a Serb and Albanian kissing each other. (Serbs and Albanians are protoganists in the Kosovo drama, even to this day. Very provocative) The first single of the album was "Rado ide Srbin u vojnike (Pička)..English- "Gladly will the Serb enlist (Cunt) The portrayals of the Albanian and especially Serb in no way supports the wearing of Srb garb or Srb pointy/horned toe opanci or their foreign policies.

To paraphrase Forrest Gump.."a Let3 concert is like a box of chocolates, you never know what youre gonna get" (No gerbils or quadrupeds have ever been harmed during the filming of any of their videos)

They frequently use sexuality to outrage the public. They often perform naked except for muzzles on their penises. The video for their first single "Rado ide Srbin u vojnike (Pička)" (trans. Gladly will the Serb enlist (Cunt) a play on Josif Runjanin's song "Rado Srbin ide u vojnike") for the 2005 album Bombardiranje Srbije i Čačka ( Bombardment of Serbia and Čačak) features extras dressed in Serbian and Albanian national costume - masturbating) Mostly they sing a lot of songs dealing with issues or subjects a lot of their fans can relate to, real life stuff, but all their songs are sung in Croatian. They're not really interested in going on world tours or hitting Top 40 charts around the world. That's not why they formed the band years ago. There's lots of stuff about them in Croatian media and music circles, but you will have to learn Croatian to read them. However, you can find them on iTunes, Myspace, LastFM and other places. I wanted to buy some of their cd's, but they were sold out, so I bought one of their Live DVD's when I was in Rijeka this past summer. Next best thing to being at one of their shows.....

"Živa Pička" (Live Cunt) For English only speakers this title and some of the songs may at first glance seem misogynistic, but they're not. Let 3 have a large female fan base also.

But it's not all out of ordinary costumes, fake moustaches and zaniness. Let3 over the years have taken part in numerous humanitarian projects. Here is just one poster for a concert they took part in with proceeds going to help children with cerebral palsy.

There's too much to get into here with regards to their entire history and discography, so I'll just add some basic information from Wikipedia and a few of their videos. Getting back to the Let3/history part for a moment, this first video is hilarious, and a history lesson as well. (Here's a history lesson for Croatians worldwide. Yes, you are going to get a Croatian history lesson about opera that you may otherwise not have known, surprisingly all thanks to Let3) The video is based on a comic opera by Croatian composer and writer Jakov Gotovac.

Postal stamp from Croatia commemorating the life of the composer/writer Jakov Gotovac. (I added the moustache to keep the Let3 theme)

An opera that many have heard at Croatian events and music festivals on this side of the pond I'm sure. As part of an entire opera orchestra, or part of a Kolo dance event, but may never have known really much about the music, the name of the piece, who wrote it, what it's about. The opera "Ero s onoga svijeta" (Ero the Joker) is just one of his opera's that is written around Croatian folk themes. He also wrote opera's themed around the Croatian King Petar Svacic and Mila Gojsalic, a famous Croatian heroine. However "Eros s onoga svijeta" has been a particularly popular favorite of the Croatian National Theatre in Croatia, as well as performed in other theatres and countries abroad. Here's a kolo folk dance version of the opera from the coastal city of Split last year. I'm sure the main catchy chorus may ring a bell with some Croatians out there....

This is an orchestral version of the opera song from Croatian television.

Now, here is Let 3's video of the same opera song, from their album "Bombardiranje Srbije i Čačka" (Bombardment of Serbia and Čačak) At the time a provocative release with tounge in cheek humour regarding Serbia. Complete with a couple of the members even prankingly dressed in Serb and Albanian national costume. (Serbs are also not on best of terms with Albanians) The footage of the gigantic Serbian horned toe opanci shoe is hilarious.

So there you have it folks. A little opera/history lesson compliments from the most least likely of sources, the Croatian act "Let3". Their songs, videos, eccentricity and energy may partly explain the groups popularity even outside of Croatia. Like I said, I'm sure their name will go down in music history as one of the most original and entertaining acts to come out of Croatia. The rest of these few videos I added are just of the band from various times over the years.

Let 3 - "Omađijaj me" from 2010 dressed as then Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor.

"Dijete u vremenu" (Child In Time) live performance on Slovenian Television

The comical "Professor Jakov" video from 2001.

Let 3 - Riječke Pičke (Rijeka's Cunts/Vaginas of Rijeka) A complimentary song themed about...well...self expalanatory. This footage is from their live DVD "Živa Pička" which was performed in their hometown of Rijeka. This one is popular with the female fans from Rijeka believe it or not. Like I said before, one has to understand the lyrics and realize it's a complimentary song. For the uncensored version click HERE.

Another video from their recent Live DVD "Živa Pička" performing "Kurcem U Čelo" (Dick in the forehead/Penis In The Forehead/Member in the Occipitofrontal..take your pick)

Secret Zagreb Walks.....The Ghost Of Ljerka Šram?

2011-12-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

This will be the last addition to this blog for 2011. I was just surfing around for a story about the countdown to New Years eve celebrations in Croatia. (and my own personal countdown until I leave cowtown after my studies. Too many Srb fuckos and cowtard shitfuckery for my taste) and came across this blog totally by chance. A cool blog that is oriented around little unknown facts and history of Zagreb, written by a young lady who lives there. Some of her topics regarding the less well known history of holidays and beliefs in Zagreb and Croatia were very interesting, and related to some of the things I touched upon previously regarding Croatian/Slavic Pagan Beliefs and History.

Anyway, her blog is definitely worth checking out if one is interested in things Zagreb, I mean apart from the usual sports, shopping mall, concerts, fashion and gastronomy type subjects. Lots of cool photos and posts about a variety of Zagreb topics to browse, and other links to check out. Quite a few of her photographs are of places I've visited.

I picked this story because it's one I've never heard of before, and it sounded like the makings for some kind of movie, à la some Kate Winslet or Ralph Fiennes film, with maybe some supernatural ghost story thrown into the mix. Ljerka Sram even has a restaurant in Zagreb named after her, complete with old photographs of her and the surrounding area. ( After checking out their menu, it's going on my list for the next time I'm in Zagreb, it's the kind of food I grew up on as a kid)

Then I thought I'd throw in a pic from my recent stay in Zagreb just this past summer. Really wierd it up. A photo of a friend from Spain, which I took on my first night in Zagreb. It was taken at the Ivan Mestrovic sculpture "Well of Life", which is found in front of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. I took it just before we went to meet up with her Spanish friends at the local Klub Purgeraj. (Great place) Anyway, when I got back to Canada though, and was going through my photos, I noticed a strange blur in the corner. (I always use a UV filter and clean my lens every time my lens cap comes off) An image that looks uncanily like a womans face and hair. Was it a light distortion? A smudge? Just one of those strange unexplainable anomalies?...or is it.....the haunting image and ghost of......Ljerka Šram? buhuhahaha.

Till death do us part... in Brestovac

Source: www.secret-zagreb.com

Related: www.zagreb.hr

tetamina.bloger.hr

www.visitcroatia.com.hr

www.ladysram.com

The city of Zagreb lies beneath the mountain Medvenica. The lives and lore of the city and its 'green lungs' have been interwoven in many ways. The forests of Medvednica have crawled into the city making it a curiously woody urban area. Likewise, the citizens have been influencing the mountain for centuries. One of the examples of this connection is the story of the Brestovac sanatorium. It started more than a century ago in the very center of Zagreb, and it ended on the mountain that rises above the city. It’s a true tale of love, success, philanthropy, war… and death. Ghastly events that actually took place there make a fine fit for the rumors that the sanatorium ground is haunted. Read on, and you too will wonder if there's more to these rumors.

The love story I'm about to tell you lasted an entire lifetime, so I'm forced to keep it short. It all begun at the end of 19th century. The adored one was lovely Ljerka Šram, also known as Lady Sram. She was a story herself, for the whole city loved this beautiful actress with divine voice. Even the greatest cynics had nothing but praises when it came to Lady Sram. For a quarter of century, she ruled the stage enchanting the public, the directors and the critics. It seems that her sparkling charisma was so strong that she would gain everyone’s attention as soon as she'd walk into a room. They say that even the monarch Franz Joseph I of Austria fell in love with her when he was attending the Croatian National Theater opening ceremony in Zagreb.

And then, there was poor Milivoj Dezman who gave away his heart to unconditional love for Ljerka. Although it seemed that they had a romance going on when they were young, it turned out that the most intimate moment with his beloved one would be laying her in her coffin. He made it as a journalist, a theater reviewer, father of Croatian modernist movement and, above all, as a doctor. He showed immense altruism when leaving the surgery behind, in favor of specializing in tuberculosis treatment. But despite his remarkable and diversified carrier, and although he's far more deserving a citizen then his beloved one, Lady Sram keeps getting all the attention of this tale, just as she used to draw all the attention when she walked the streets of Zagreb.

All of his achievements seemed to be guided by his never ending and unrequited love for Ljerka Sram. He fell in love long before she was famous, as a kid, for they lived only few houses away. He was certain in marrying her when he would return from studies abroad. Flirty Ljerka had done nothing to discourage his dreams, but nevertheless ended up marrying another man before he got back. Not only did Milivoj suffer from sever heartbreak, but since he was a notable citizen, the entire city mocked him behind his back. And although he was overwhelmed with anger and despair, he didn't give up on her for a moment. Instead, he did everything in his power to get closer to her. He became a theater critic and even wrote a few scripts for her to lead. And when she got sick, he turned his doctor career upside down dedicating it to care for those infected by tuberculosis. He went as far as to passionately convince the city authorities that a sanatorium for the sick workers is needed. That's the story behind the founding of Brestovac.

The construction of the respiratory hospital Brestovac on the mountain Medvednica lasted a few years. First patients were admitted in 1909. Among them was Ljerka Sram. In the meantime, her husband got involved in a major financial scandal and disappeared from Zagreb leaving her behind. Dezman looked after her and her child, completely disregarding the rumors and ridicules he was exposed to all over Zagreb. As a doctor, he must have had known that she was facing unrelenting death, but he took over the chessboard and made every move he could to intercept the Reaper and make her live longer. He had been waiting for her for decades, never giving up on hope that she might be hiding some gentle love for him in a distant corner of her heart. He didn't hesitate to take her in even when all he got was a dying woman with a criminal's child.

Some called Lady Sram the soul of the hospital, for she selflessly offered her time and company to other patients, both working class and high society ones. She managed to take their minds off the illness giving them many moments of joy and laughter. But just as her charm and good vibes were not eroded even when her health was drawn deep into the claws of consumption, she was often caught looking down at the valley of her home town with a tear in her eye. Even though the feelings of sadness and despair were familiar to her when she was on stage, they had been strangers to her real self until those lonely moments arrived. She questioned the fairness of it all, when she, who had something to offer to the world, she was captured by the disease, while there were lowlifes who were to be executed by the hand of law. Wouldn't it be better if the infection got those people, thus stopping them from doing harm? They were bound to die young anyway.

She was right about one thing - she really had something to offer and she did leave a trace in this town’s history. Her life tale has grown to be known as Lady of the Camellias of Zagreb. The roles were being written with her in mind, she had the honor to play at the gala opening of Croatian National Theater, and it was almost impossible to force her to leave the stage. She left it only months before she passed away, when the sickness got her so badly, that she couldn't stop coughing and spitting blood. She died in Brestovac in 1913, at the age of 39. The lethal sickness just choked her to death. They say that she died in Dezman's arms and that he was the one to place her inanimate body in the coffin. However, it seems that he wasn’t among the thousands to attend her funeral. Local newspapers were mentioning many distinguished citizens who escorted the deceased Lady Sram to her burial ground, but his name was not on those lists. It seems that he fled on a lonely journey to ease his soul from suffering and get away from the mean gossips.

So, when they're talking about strange noises or shadowy apparitions in the halls of the abandoned Sanatorium, the first thing that comes to mind is the sad image of long haired Lady Sram imprisoned by her aspiration to reach the stars again. But, she is not the only candidate unwilling to pass the foggy river Styx, eager to hang on to this life. There were, of course, others who lost the battle to tuberculosis on that very spot. They even say that in the basement of the main building there is a passage that leads to a) catacombs where they buried some of the patients, or b) somewhere in the city of Zagreb. Supposedly, there's something like a quarantine tunnel used for transporting the sickest patients, which wouldn’t be unusual at all. It was in fact a common practice in such facilities. This way, the remaining patients wouldn’t know how many of them had fallen by the sword of so-called ‘white death’ which was a good way to at least preserve their mental health.

Oh, and another painful fact. In the early days of Brestovac, while Dezman was still running the sanatorium, it was thought that the best treatment for the infection was nutritious food and relaxation in fresh air with plenty of sun. The patients were lying there under a long porch and the benevolent climate is what made Brestovac a sanatorium widely known. But, later on, as the medicine moved forward, surgical practices were taking place in Brestovac. These included surgical ways to expand the lungs to allow more oxygen in. Needless to say, experimental era of removing the ribs or blowing balloons into the chest was soon abandoned. As for the patients, some succumbed instantly to the procedures, and many others found themselves disabled with severe lung damages years later.

If this amount of pain, suffering and death isn’t creepy enough for you, I'm sure that the fact of at least 200 bodies buried somewhere around the hospital ground will convince you that this place bears a heavy burden of its past days. 200 is the approximate number of the wounded soldiers that were executed to make room for others during the WWII. There's no doubt they must have been buried somewhere in the area.

After the war, the sanatorium continued its work up until late 1960's. After that, the medicine moved on again and there was no need for such treatment of tuberculosis anymore. For more than four decades now, all of the buildings stand empty. The time joined its forces with the elements of nature to destroy the facility as much as possible. It pretty much succeeded in doing so, and what’s left today is a dangerous set of ruins used as nothing more than a paintball playground. Still, even after 40 years of neglect, the traces of the past combined with the way that nature has usurped this peace of man's work, make a visit to Brestovac a unique experience. Impressions of the place remain with you days after. Seeing traces of dark blue wall coloring, lively opened window frame or the benches on the terrace make you imagine subconsciously what the scenery must have looked like at the beginning of the past century. Stumbling upon a half-a-century-old shaving cream, a glass syringe or a hospital plate someone had actually eaten off once, it all makes you visualize the place in its most vivid days and makes you wonder what's left behind. What else is left beneath the ground of the woods that surround it, below the buildings down in the cellars, and even behind the time gate? What else is left behind from those days when Brestovac still had reasons to live?