tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294719282024-03-13T21:14:42.797-07:00Slovenia Road Ways. Two on the Loose. Dan with down travels anywhere.Two people, heading out. Improvised road trips no tours, no reservations. Cross borders: From Istria, Croatia; to Trieste, Italy; then Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Kranj. Back to Zagreb. Trips hub: See <a href="https://www.europeroadways.com">Europe Road Ways</a>. Dan with Down travels anywhere. Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-53504104175196545252017-11-06T03:46:00.000-08:002017-11-06T03:46:23.202-08:00Slovenia. History in linguistics, other markers.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Slovene History and Language. The Veneti? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weeding out political interference and other peoples' nationalism.</div>
<br />
<br />
There are fine explorations of Slovenian culture, including A Brief History of Slovenia at <a href="http://www2.arnes.si/~krsrd1/conference/Speeches/Granda_a_brief_history_of_slovenia.htm">http://www2.arnes.si/~krsrd1/conference/Speeches/Granda_a_brief_history_of_slovenia.htm</a>. Go back before the 700;s, for the strong identity of the Carinthians, for example. Germanic,indigenous, Carantania -- lives -- see <a href="http://www.slovenia.si/slovenia/history/">http://www.slovenia.si/slovenia/history/</a>. Timeline: another topic.<br />
<br />
Here: <br />
<br />
Linguistics. Examine connections between Sanskrit and Slovene, for example, and figure out when the two branches merged. Can it be done? Some sites claim that the Slovenes are South Slavic in language. See <a href="http://www.khazaria.com/genetics/slovenians.html">http://www.khazaria.com/genetics/slovenians.html</a>.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>For Slovenes, this is a disparagement. Slavs have been seen as somehow less than Indo-Europeans see the debate about origins, in the book, <i>Veneti: First Builders of European Community, Tracing the History and Language of Early Ancestors of Slovenes</i> by Dr. Jožko Šavli, Matej Bor, and Ivan Tomažič in 1988. Who are they? A professor, a linguist and a priest. <span style="text-align: justify;"> See thi</span>s review of <i>History of the Slovenes in Europe</i> by Anton Skerbinc, at <a href="http://www.dangel.net/SLOVENIA/Veneti.html">http://www.dangel.net/SLOVENIA/Veneti.html</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
The view at <i>History of the Slovenes in Europe</i> is different. The claim there is that the Slovenes are not South Slavs coming to the area in the 6th Century, thus mere interlopers and not indigenous, as had been argued (largely for reasons of nationalism?). As interlopers, they could be subject to forced assimilation.<br />
<br />
Instead, they are <i>West Slavs</i>, related to the Urnfield people of Central Europe, Venetic, descended from the earliest known people there, with a long, long history, see site. In 2000 BCE, the languages of the Slovenes (indigenous Slavic), and the language of the later-arriving Indo-Europeans merged.<br />
<br />
Now turn to <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=GNsyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA92&lpg=PA92&dq=who+were+the+Chuds&source=bl&ots=ap0UPPinIT&sig=DkTOFz5_jC28zZe3ebNxAfdWTjM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjky4ezi-7OAhWDFh4KHb5ACwoQ6AEISDAF#v=onepage&q=who%20were%20the%20Chuds&f=false">The Linguistic Roots of Europe, Origin and Development of European Languages</a>, ed. Robert Mailhammer<i> et al</i>, (2015), and find a resolution: There is a mix of influences despite the greater numbers of Slavs and others' adoption of their language. Meet the Finnic language speakers, and the Norse. The topic arises not only for Slovenia, but in what is now Russia. Find a "symbiotic relationship" among the Norse, who were the elite and spoke, yes, Norse; the Chuds in the Novgorod-Pskov area (who spoke Finnic, perhaps now South Estonian) and the Slovenes who both were the "people", spoke Slavic). See page 92. <br />
<br />
The traces of earlier languages remain. Language roots can indeed provide clues to history. The history of any people is impacted by later barrages of nationalism or other rewrites of history, however, to suit some self-image. So history as taught becomes one with ideology. What are students taught in Slovenia? There is a strong effort to Slavicize Russian history, apparently. Has it spread. Look at this video of expansion of the Slavs, at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgXnXm5xiW0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgXnXm5xiW0</a>. The assumption is that numbers and language mean dominant influence, and that is not so. Who made this video? It looks Slavic motivational, which would be fine if disclosed.<br />
<br />
1. Flaws in generalizing. A dominant influence can come from an elite group, not the masses who outnumber them; rulers from another group such as the Scandinavian Rurikids ruling the Slavs among the Rus from 862-1598, a matter not addressed by the pretty colors here. Slovenes were numerous but did not rule.<br />
<br />
2. Narratives are split on the origins and impact Slavs. The problem remains that these kinds of simplistic color-coordinated displays show none of the population-cultural mixes that shaped the larger group, even dominated it. Linguistics is not domination. The point: Evidence is out there, but it is twisted and turns with nationalism driving out history and inserting whatever. I think we knew that before. Some researching comes up with no vast conclusions, just an appreciation for scholarship.</div>
Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-82228577660663454032016-11-17T01:00:00.000-08:002016-11-17T13:14:11.268-08:00Melania Knavs Trump: Speechgate. Collegegate. Modelmoneygate. Amends Update. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes even a tourist who would love to go back to Slovenia, finds more contemporary issues on the mind. How do all of us present ourselves abroad, and is it ever appropriate to call out someone from another country for problems made by that person when they migrate. Here, initially, the response to early shortcuts was not a problem, but it has magnified. So, with great respect for Slovenia, consider scratched the earlier post giving some slack to Melania for plagiarized speech-gate. I think that is fair. Now we have more: false resume college-gate, and always did have the illegal earnings, payday-gate and the peasants are not happy.*<br />
<br />
No point in looking back at whether matters were addressed earlier or not. Now, is there a way for amends to be made.Here are two routes -- one clearly a pipedream, but one never knows. I will give consideration, something of value, if Melania and Donald will alsol give up something of value, even unbalanced on the scales,but money isn't everything. To those who have, much will be required..<br />
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1. How to make bygones be bygones? How do Trumps make amends for exploiting people's desire to believe, to get a fair shake.</div>
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This is hard. Melania's list of spin and falsification is not as heavy as his, but still. She should have known better. * What to do? I make an offer for amends. </div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Melania, this is what you get. On the table over there is an old volume, <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-VG-The-Republican-Party-A-Photographic-History-of-the-GOP-by-Adam-Smith-/222220415556?hash=item33bd5e7244:g:uNcAAOSwMtxXshPQ">The Republican Party</a>, a photographic history from 2003, by Adam Smith. Somebody on ebay wants to sell his/hers for $36.00 or so. </li>
<ul>
<li>In it, there is a two-page spread photograph of Donald Trump and wife in glamorous surroundings with uniformed men and women looking like butlers and maids lined up in a serious semicircle, not looking happy, with the twosome in the center, lolling back in a relaxed slouch, very satisfied. Inhale the mahogany, the leather. The section is called The Gilded Era, or some such. Collectible now. Bet those people on ebay up the price.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>You only get it, however, when you do <i>this</i>: Set up a -- no, that won't work. No profit in it. Try this. Melania sets up an after tax fund to pay -- what? Egad, this is hard. They won't want to do anything that does not add to the personal bottom line. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Donald, how about you substituting yourself for Melania. Donald Trump shall do all of the following to make up for years of spin and exploitation in the business and political world, and he gets the book. No electoral college vote yet. The Electoral College shall not meet to vote until</li>
<ul>
<li>You divest yourself of your assets, a true blind trust; and</li>
<li>All your pending lawsuits are <i>concluded</i> with any settlement terms to be made public, including the newest <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/trump-gearing-up-to-sue-dc-over-tax-bill-report-says/2016/06/30/95b178d2-3ebf-11e6-84e8-1580c7db5275_story.html">lawsuit you had filed in DC to lower your real estate taxes</a>, </li>
<li>All your sworn testimony and pleadings similarly to be made public, no sealing of files. </li>
<li>Your three most recent tax returns are made public. </li>
</ul>
<li>In addition, </li>
<ul>
<li>You resign if States and Parties do not free Electors to vote conscience where the popular vote goes the other way, and without civil or criminal penalty or fine</li>
<li>Meanwhile, There shall be no president at all (just like no ninth justice) in the interim; we welcome Joe Biden as acting President.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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2. What? No go? </div>
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So I take my offer back. I keep my dumb book. I also have <i>The Democratic Party</i>, by Dr. Peter J. Ling, also 2003. The Democratic photo book is not as collectible, no glam Trump photos inside, but it stands for less exploitation than the Republican one. </div>
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I also have ideas for party slogans. Republican party slogan as <i>More Exploitation!</i> Democratic party slogan as<i> Less Exploitation!</i> Are we happy yet? Will the peasants stop their revolting? They wanted basic things. And Trump is now suing DC to reduce his taxes??</div>
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.................................................................................<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yvv_1CKDFtLROCZZzUvj1b4XHeySjBnmGQu0FI9LF8ZKXIxPQKuwRgF9AnN88XE-2EeP4h8SthsB11u4_-KCsKr-m79fty1ObxLh5igNwAtb1YF8Y-CK7FxqKrghErhone0-Gg/s1600/Peas.Upr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yvv_1CKDFtLROCZZzUvj1b4XHeySjBnmGQu0FI9LF8ZKXIxPQKuwRgF9AnN88XE-2EeP4h8SthsB11u4_-KCsKr-m79fty1ObxLh5igNwAtb1YF8Y-CK7FxqKrghErhone0-Gg/s320/Peas.Upr.jpg" width="320" />Peasants' Revolt, Castle Hill, Memorial, Ljubljana, Slovenia</a><br />
<br />
See <a href="http://www.rtvslo.si/news-in-english/slovenia-s-peasant-revolts/363613">http://www.rtvslo.si/news-in-english/slovenia-s-peasant-revolts/363613</a>; and is this the specific Tolmin Revolt? See <a href="https://www.bsi.si/en/banknotes-and-coins.asp?MapaId=1548">https://www.bsi.si/en/banknotes-and-coins.asp?MapaId=1548</a><br />
<br />
Making amends for exploiting, disregarding.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The Trumps' steps are easy: strokes of pens to undo spin, undoing the exploiting of people seeking change, any change. Reputations restored. </li>
<li>Mine is hard. A real collectible Republican book. We couldn't find anything for <i>Melania</i> to do, so we turn to DJT to do things on her behalf. In return, I will give them, free of further charge, a fine Republican collectible. </li>
</ul>
<br /></div>
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....................................................................................</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
* A) The false entry on the resume, College-gate, see <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/melania-trump-s-bio-now-says-she-paused-her-studies-n685181" style="text-align: center;">http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/melania-trump-s-bio-now-says-she-paused-her-studies-n685181</a><span style="text-align: center;">. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">B) The plagiarized speech (surely someone with business smarts would check what is to be said on national news), Speech-gate here. and </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">C) Money-gate, see </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/melania-trump-visa-1.3838664" style="text-align: center;">http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/melania-trump-visa-1.3838664</a><span style="text-align: center;">. Enter the tabloids, always finding inconsistencies and drawing conclusions</span>, like a marriage green-card issued years before she married DJT, all that you can look up if you want. </div>
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<blockquote>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-71819012349985178262016-09-19T17:29:00.000-07:002016-09-19T17:29:20.661-07:00History of the Slovenes. Trace indigenous language, and later Indo-European.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slovene History and Language. The Veneti? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weeding out political interference and other peoples' nationalism.</div>
<br />
<br />
Linguistics. Examine connections between Sanskrit and Slovene, for example, and figure out when the two branches merged. Can it be done? Some sites claim that the Slovenes are South Slavic in language. See <a href="http://www.khazaria.com/genetics/slovenians.html">http://www.khazaria.com/genetics/slovenians.html</a>.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>For Slovenes, this is a disparagement. Slavs have been seen as somehow less than Indo-Europeans see the debate about origins, in the book, <i>Veneti: First Builders of European Community, Tracing the History and Language of Early Ancestors of Slovenes</i> by Dr. Jožko Šavli, Matej Bor, and Ivan Tomažič in 1988. Who are they? A professor, a linguist and a priest. <span style="text-align: justify;"> See thi</span>s review of <i>History of the Slovenes in Europe</i> by Anton Skerbinc, at <a href="http://www.dangel.net/SLOVENIA/Veneti.html">http://www.dangel.net/SLOVENIA/Veneti.html</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
The view at <i>History of the Slovenes in Europe</i> is different. The claim there is that the Slovenes are not South Slavs coming to the area in the 6th Century, thus mere interlopers and not indigenous, as had been argued (largely for reasons of nationalism?). As interlopers, they could be subject to forced assimilation.<br />
<br />
Instead, they are <i>West Slavs</i>, related to the Urnfield people of Central Europe, Venetic, descended from the earliest known people there, with a long, long history, see site. In 2000 BCE, the languages of the Slovenes (indigenous Slavic), and the language of the later-arriving Indo-Europeans merged.<br />
<br />
Now turn to <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=GNsyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA92&lpg=PA92&dq=who+were+the+Chuds&source=bl&ots=ap0UPPinIT&sig=DkTOFz5_jC28zZe3ebNxAfdWTjM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjky4ezi-7OAhWDFh4KHb5ACwoQ6AEISDAF#v=onepage&q=who%20were%20the%20Chuds&f=false">The Linguistic Roots of Europe, Origin and Development of European Languages</a>, ed. Robert Mailhammer<i> et al</i>, (2015), and find a resolution: There is a mix of influences despite the greater numbers of Slavs and others' adoption of their language. Meet the Finnic language speakers, and the Norse. The topic arises not only for Slovenia, but in what is now Russia. Find a "symbiotic relationship" among the Norse, who were the elite and spoke, yes, Norse; the Chuds in the Novgorod-Pskov area (who spoke Finnic, perhaps now South Estonian) and the Slovenes who both were the "people", spoke Slavic). See page 92. <br />
<br />
The traces of earlier languages remain. Language roots can indeed provide clues to history. The history of any people is impacted by later barrages of nationalism or other rewrites of history, however, to suit some self-image. So history as taught becomes one with ideology. What are students taught in Slovenia? There is a strong effort to Slavicize Russian history, apparently. Has it spread. Look at this video of expansion of the Slavs, at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgXnXm5xiW0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgXnXm5xiW0</a>. The assumption is that numbers and language mean dominant influence, and that is not so. Who made this video? It looks Slavic motivational, which would be fine if disclosed.<br />
<br />
1. Flaws in generalizing. A dominant influence can come from an elite group, not the masses who outnumber them; rulers from another group such as the Scandinavian Rurikids ruling the Slavs among the Rus from 862-1598, a matter not addressed by the pretty colors here. Slovenes were numerous but did not rule.<br />
<br />
2. Narratives are split on the origins and impact Slavs. The problem remains that these kinds of simplistic color-coordinated displays show none of the population-cultural mixes that shaped the larger group, even dominated it. Linguistics is not domination. The point: Evidence is out there, but it is twisted and turns with nationalism driving out history and inserting whatever. I think we knew that before. Some researching comes up with no vast conclusions, just an appreciation for scholarship.</div>
Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-303757656186276572013-02-25T15:55:00.000-08:002013-02-28T06:07:39.973-08:00Kranj: Cardinal in Trouble. Deja Vu? Franc Frantar. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finding the Story Behind the Statue<br />
Franc Frantar?<br />
Franj; or Ljubljana? </div>
<br />
Dan and I came across this watering trough with a drowning Cardinal (see the hat? or is that a bishop's hat? or perhaps just a priest?), watched over as he goes under by a sad lady who is not an angel, no wings, and no halo, and not really looking like a Mary, and a monster beneath the water. At first, seeing just the photo from the card, I thought it was Croatia. No luck locating it. Now I am looking at Dan's log, there at his feet, and the chronology of his nightly entries puts this in Kranj, Slovenia; or possibly Llubjlana. The location in the notes looks like Kranj. Or Ljubljana, not far. The Cathedral in Ljubljana dates from the mid-15th Century, but this is a new grouping.<br />
<br />
What issue is being addressed? Who is the Cardinal, or Bishhop? Or priest? Spoiler: We now think this is Franc Frantar. And he was just a priest, but how did he manage to escape temporarily to Malawi with prosecution pending for child abuse, except for collaboration with a Bishop? See FN 1<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkVhPnrrT3r80sIAF0jfVB2djSRr1cNZoGcPQfrzJ7NXKKaoxFkIWYtTgTjmonbP6_NmPRheHfd9ulP7TLu2EMw-fSDHy3Inbb3SCIKwS1TInxP9YnpAk98ZIQdUp3DGCNBnQ/s1600/DSCN3202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkVhPnrrT3r80sIAF0jfVB2djSRr1cNZoGcPQfrzJ7NXKKaoxFkIWYtTgTjmonbP6_NmPRheHfd9ulP7TLu2EMw-fSDHy3Inbb3SCIKwS1TInxP9YnpAk98ZIQdUp3DGCNBnQ/s400/DSCN3202.JPG" width="300" />Franc Frantar? Cardinal hat on drowning cleric, Kranj, Diocese of Ljubljana, Slovenia, we believe. </a></div>
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Our research: Who knows more? Why is this Cardinal-Bishop-Priest drowning? What other scenario fits. </div>
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I. First I did a search for Cardinal-drowning-monster.</div>
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That brought up a site for survivors of sexual abuse by priests, see <a href="http://nationalsurvivoradvocatescoalition.wordpress.com/vinnie-nauheimer/">http://nationalsurvivoradvocatescoalition.wordpress.com/vinnie-nauheimer/</a>. So is this statuary scene part of the</div>
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drumbeat of scandal, or merely happenstance, and a local story we haven't found yet? </div>
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In the National Survivor Advocates site are Biblical references to the manner of death shown here, but the wording does not definitely tie in with child sexual abuse. The wording is "offend" children -- with warnings that anyone who does so should have millstones cast around their necks and drowned. </div>
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Without taking a position on the religious interpretation, that the manner of <i>offending</i> referenced here is abuse. FYI -- here is the reference, with our emphases and comment that at the least, the meaning of the original Greek was to <i>ensnare</i> not just "offend":</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall <i>offend</i> one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [Offend is not the transliterated word; ensnare is, see Strong's word numbering G4624, with Greek letters phonetically like skandallsE (scandal?), see <a href="http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/mat18.pdf"> http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/mat18.pdf/] </a></li>
</ul>
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<li>Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall<i> offend</i> one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. [Offend? Merely offend? Again, the word in transliteration is not "offend" but "ensnare", see G4624, <a href="http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/mar9.pdf"> http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/mar9.pdf/</a>] </li>
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<li>Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should <i>offend</i> one of these little ones. Again, ensnare, see above, and <a href="http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/luk17.pdf">http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/luk17.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
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Research continuing, and it appears that the Catholic Latin Vulgate and Douay Rheims come close to the Greek snare and scandalize, but that the King James and other Protestant versions use the washy "offense" and ambiguity more. See <a href="http://greeknewtestament.com/B40C018.htm">http://greeknewtestament.com/B40C018.htm/; http://greeknewtestament.com/B41C009.htm#V42/; http://greeknewtestament.com/B42C017.htm#V2</a>. Protestants: your wording softpedals the snare. See: says not to cause the little ones to stumble, or make trouble for them, cause a little one to sin. Is the act of ensnaring, scandalizing, merely that?</div>
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II. Second, I went back to Dan's entry in the green log at his feet in the picture. Dan has Down syndrome, but that does not hold him back. He writes down details that I do not, and then regret omitting.</div>
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<li>Dan's entry: "stature of man drown with octopois stature the lady folding her hands and looking at man I am beside her with tree ...." This is located as the sentence after another statue we saw, of Slovenia's paramount poet, the 19th Century Dr. France Preseren 1800-1849. And the next entry showed Kranj to Zagreb, Croatia. The preceding entry is for Ljubljana and Lake Bled.</li>
</ul>
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III. Moving on with Dan's information - search for cleric, sexual abuse, Slovenia this time, not Croatia.</div>
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I found Wikipedia, a good starting point, but vet it yourself. </div>
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<li>Information: Archdiocese of Ljubljana, Franc Frantar, who was detained (it says) in 2006 for "sexual abuse of up to 16 minors." He was sentenced to prison 5 years, after having escaped to Malawi to be a missionary there, then returned to Slovenia once an Interpol warrant issued. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_sex_abuse_cases_by_country#Slovenia">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_sex_abuse_cases_by_country#Slovenia. </a>Problem: Wiki ran into a dead end in finding more about that name. </li>
<li>Do a search for it, however, and a <i>Franc Frantar</i> appears in Slovenian articles. </li>
</ul>
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Franc Frantar: A/k/a Franci Frantar, spellings always can vary with translation.</div>
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Search those articles, click on translate, and the first link found does indicate in translation that he was convicted of child abuse and served some time and has been paroled, see <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sl&u=http://www.rtvslo.si/crna-kronika/zupnik-franc-frantar-pogojno-na-prostosti/299056&prev=/search%3Fq%3DFranc%2BFrantar%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1077%26bih%3D655&sa=X&ei=-PgrUeiYFKW10AGl8YGAAQ&ved=0CEkQ7gEwBQ">Franc Frantar. </a></div>
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Will want to check the others. Where is he now? On parole with no restrictions? Sixteen convictions, or just one? </div>
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Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-51977386687157718202013-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:002013-01-18T08:09:22.239-08:00Vends. The Expunged, Ancient Dynasty of Carantania. Propaganda in Identify Theft. The denied Slavica Lex. Beatrice, of Charlemagne's Line, Denied.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Vendic, Carantanian Peoples Largely Expunged by History</b></div>
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<b>But Very Alive. </b><br />
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<b>Update NYT on Swabians, male-supremacist culture, who conquered Slovenia, where Vends, and power to women as well as men, had prevailed:</b><br />
<b> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/world/europe/swabian-separatists-fling-spatzle-to-make-a-point.html?_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/world/europe/swabian-separatists-fling-spatzle-to-make-a-point.html?_r=0</a> </b></div>
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<b>Carantania. Long gone. </b></div>
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<b>Vends. Long gone. But with traces.</b></div>
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And Swabians. One may prevail over the other, but in the long term, which brings stability, growth for all aspects of the culture.<br />
<br />
Why pay attention to history, especially in a country like Slovenia, small in size, not <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span> a major power, which once was Carantania. What do the Slovenians, as a currently undervalued population in terms of military and commercial control, know of the heritage that once was. Great topic. Go from there to others - indigenous Mexicans - some day we will go there and do a Mexico Road Ways that highlights the glories of any people later taken over, used.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Good reason to look at History: Women in Power.</span> In some Western countries, it is considered unusual for a woman to exert political power. Look back. Old Carantania rising! As Hillary Clinton's supporters express dismay and anger, that the Democratic party rejected her candidacy for President of the United States, look back at the broader (!) view of history. How culturally-imposed is a perception that women do not belong in leadership positions; and if culture, not "nature", can be be juggled. If founded in genetics, by what proof. We know that the X gene is large and stable, and the y gene is little and squiggy and diminishing. Does that count? Or does it explain.<br />
<img height="125" id="il_fi" src="http://www.exitmundi.nl/xy.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="125" /><br />
is any of that relevant. Here, fair use thumbnail from http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst24668_Y-chromosome-.aspx: Big X, squig of a y for men; correlate two Big X's for women. Who is powerful?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMWwbk042eZMciDuE3hHWUxgXkTuIjMhZ3Td6PQGC1XW8yFNKMdlrEUmHblDrbQHHV7Eq_b9znPLbLYcCO628GtGpL31woO_8efeufjBsI4ukbFCDyuR26dFKFQtXsNQglgBmQw/s1600-h/girlstwenties.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209666628631168210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMWwbk042eZMciDuE3hHWUxgXkTuIjMhZ3Td6PQGC1XW8yFNKMdlrEUmHblDrbQHHV7Eq_b9znPLbLYcCO628GtGpL31woO_8efeufjBsI4ukbFCDyuR26dFKFQtXsNQglgBmQw/s320/girlstwenties.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" />Girls look back</a><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Are any of us totally bound by our history, or the history others impose on us. Can we, by education and perspective, change current cultural values -- as not etched in stone at all. Just cultural, and flawed as serving the interests in power at the time they imposed their power.<br />
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SLOVENIA: VENDIC CULTURE</div>
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WOMEN IN POWER IN OLDER CULTURES </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Identity theft gives a clue:</span> What was there once here, was stolen. See the theft at work here in Slovenia, of female place in power with full capacity to act, in the Vendic culture, the peoples known as the Vends, in broad areas of the now-Germany, and Slovenia, with similarities to the Celts.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Best site so far:</span> See Vendic culture at<a href="http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst24668_Y-chromosome-.aspx"> http://www.carantha.net/the_vends_and_the_germans.htm</a>, we suggest, by the macho Germanic types, Swabians; and later the Habsburgs (Austria); and specifically, loss of the grand tradition of the ancient Slavica Lex in establishing succession rights for both male and female. Is this right? Follow along. The Carantanian dynasties are also known as "Medieval Slovenian Vendic (Slovenian) State." See the carantha.net site above.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Start with history and the place of men and women.</span><br />
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In Slovenia, political change was forced, as usual. Go to your map and see where we are. We are looking at the old Carantanian dynasties of Slovenia, that were overcome by the German Swabians.<br />
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German Swabian invaders. They are still on the move, see NYT (this an update 2013) <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/world/europe/swabian-separatists-fling-spatzle-to-make-a-point.html?_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/world/europe/swabian-separatists-fling-spatzle-to-make-a-point.html?_r=0</a>. There, Swabians in Berlin are throwing around their tasty spaetzle or spatzle as the Times spells it, seeking autonomous districts for their identity.<br />
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Swabians: No wonder they push so hard. Their buildings, even in the middle ages, were huge. See their town, Schwabisch Hall, town named for the Swabians of old, at <a href="http://germanyroadways.blogspot.com/2006/09/schwaebisch-hall-and-on-to-swabians.html">Germany Road Ways Schwabisch Hall, Swabians</a>.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Swabian history: Swabians made their mark in many places, including Sicily, the Crusades. The Swabians were different from another group living in Germany and Slovenia at the time, the Vends. TheVendic laws and customs were nothing like the Swabians. So: from which group do present Germans derive, the Swabians or the Vends.</li>
</ul>
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But it was the Swabians that took over Slovenia, and in so doing, the Swabians cast aside a basic tenet of the old Lex Slavica, the Slavic law, that did not differentiate between succession by a female or a male. And this change, this barring of female succession and legal rights to act, affected every land that the Germans took over after that. Scroll down the left-side margin at the carantha.net site, for all the topics.<br />
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To the Germans from the North, no. No woman could take the throne. And so it went. And this was also true for the Jewish cultures. Capacity to act, juridical capacity, was a male prerogative. See carantha.net site. Vends also lived in Eastern and Central Germany (not the same borders then) and there are Vendic names of people and towns. See carantha.net site. Near the Elbe River is "Vendland." [do they make square burgers at Vendy's?] Bavaria used to be Vendelicia. Carantha.net site.<br />
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Read ://www.theslovenian.com/articles/savli.htm. We were looking up the geneology of Premysl Ottokar II, father of the good Wenceslas, and found this chronology, roughly. Who has time to do all the research on a topic like this, so we lay this one out to encourage replies:<br />
<br />
Rough chronology:<br />
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1. Tenth Century Slovenia was comprised of a combination of Franks and Slovenians, based on the old "Carantanian" social structure, with leaders from the villages elected to a general assembly. Lords, however, were hereditary. There were three major dynasties or "houses." The people were "Vends" - a population that spread through much also of eastern and central Germany. See the German maypoles today, and traces of the custom to the Vends. See <a href="http://germanyroadways.blogspot.com/2006/07/maypoles-advantage-of-early-spring.html">Germany Road Ways, Maypoles</a>; and <a href="http://germanyroadways.blogspot.com/2008/06/vends-ancient-culture-subserved-but.html">Germany Road Ways, Vends</a>.<br />
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2. One "house" connected to the Swabians in Germany (currently in Germany) through Beatrice; this "house" produced the dynasty of Carantania. Not entirely clear on details, this is only so far.<br />
<br />
3. This dynasty is significant because Carantanian law permitted succession to any child, male or female. The last duke of this line was Ulric III in 1269, and he appointed our research subject, Otokar II, to the throne - Otokar was King of Bohemia, in the current Czech Republic. See <a href="http://czechrepublicroadways.blogspot.com/2008/03/hluboka-nad-vltavou-cesky-budejovice.html">Czech Republic Road Ways - Hluboka nad Vltavou</a>. Otokar was a maternal cousin.<br />
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Then, in time, the Swabians from Germany, who also went to Sicily, see a Schwabian town at <a 01="" 2005="" com="" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=29471928" html="">Germany Road Ways, Schwabisch Hall</a>. the Habsburgs from Austria took over, and - stay with us here - the German and Habsburg line refused to recognize the Carantanian dynasty or its laws, and imposed instead, the German.<br />
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4. The old Carantanian law was known as the "Slavica Lex" and soon diminished in influence, and understanding. This means no more female succession in the Carantanian lands. Yet, even today, the Swabian coat of arms in Germany bears the reference to Beatrice, and the female succession from the Carantanian and Slavica lex, law of the Slavs.<br />
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5. And it is Beatrice who is of Carolingian descent - from Charlemagne. She is considered the "mother" of the two houses of Carantania.<br />
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6. In the 14th Century, the Habsburgs from Austria took over Slovenia. More Germanic roots. See ://www.slovenia.si/history/habsburgs/<br />
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Soon the Carantanian culture was so downtrodden that the Slovenian people were referred to by the rulers only as "historical serfs." See theslovenian.com site.<br />
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In the 15th and 16th Centuries, in came Turkish influence. See ://www.slovenia.si/history/habsburgs/. And in 1572-73, the peasants' revolt. One system of laws followed by another with each cultural overrun, and none serving the needs of the Slovenes. Uprisings continued until the mid 18th century.<br />
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In current times, according to theslovenian.com site, this attitude followed through to Serbia and the old Yugoslavia, of which Slovenia was a part, in imposing from Belgrade a "cheap instrument for their ideological and political manipulation."<br />
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Other devalued populations today. Probably not "inherently" so - who did what to them when.</div>
Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-74989783672301347962012-06-06T16:29:00.002-07:002012-06-06T16:29:33.950-07:00Kranj. Slovene origins, Slovakian myths: Carantania. The Flood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How the earth was created, by whom, what elements of life are to be valued and pursued, are part of any culture's traditions. In Slovenia, the contemporary Austrian "look" of the country, from its long association with the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its medieval castles and the peasants' revolts that surged also elsewhere, distract from older traditions. Go beyond Jason and the Golden Fleece, to origins.<br />
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A good source site is <a href="http://www.thezaurus.com/?/webzine/when_the_world_was_created/">http://www.thezaurus.com/?/webzine/when_the_world_was_created/</a>. There are elements of Genesis, pre-Genesis, references to the beings in existence that Genesis also notes, and the Flood. Jakob Kelemina has collected stories, and many are summarized at Thezaurus, also known as Webzine Sloveniana.<br />
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Another good source site is Slovenian Mythology, <a href="http://www.carantha.net/slovenian_mythology__slovensko_bajeslovje_.htm">http://www.carantha.net/slovenian_mythology__slovensko_bajeslovje_.htm </a>, with multi-media contents. The ancient ways of Carantania. Go deeper. Animals with golden horns, holy animals with horns (unicorn?) battles of light and darkness, all with echoes in other cultures including our own. The Slavs are a linguistic group, not ethnic, see site at <a href="http://www.carantha.net/the_mythology_of_ancient_carantania.htm">http://www.carantha.net/the_mythology_of_ancient_carantania.htm</a>, but the idea of Slovenes as Alpine Slavs, the Vends as Elbe Slaves, etc. is entrenched. This is a new area and I am no expert, but point out the issues for the professional culture-watchers.<br />
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The mythology, in small part: <br />
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The earliest inhabitants of earth were the giant Ajdi. See Studies in Slavic Myth, at <a href="http://sms.zrc-sazu.si/En/SMS8/Hrobat_8.html">http://sms.zrc-sazu.si/En/SMS8/Hrobat_8.html</a>. The lived singly, one family each, each on a mountaintop. They were big, but had no tools. They did have fire.<br />
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A download produces a PDF document in Slovenian, but the concept of original giants seems clear. Their ancient Slovene (same as Carantanian?) God was one of many gods. <br />
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God (who apparently had not himself created the Ajdi) slept and slept, and upon waking, his glance created the earth (that was nothing but barren rock), sun, moon and the stars. Setting out to examine the creation more closely, he tired eventually and, on returning, a grain of sand from the sea bottom fell from his nail and became earth. A drop of sweat fell from his brow into the earth, and it became the first man. Lesson: from his creation, man must earn by the sweat of his brow. God lived with the men and fed them manna, but the men did not enjoy themselves because they feared God and trembled. So God left his body behind, which became fertile ground, and went to Heaven to reside. Men did not need manna, and grew their own food now, and were happy.<br />
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However, man soon became corrupt despite good bread and grain, so the gods decided to do away with them: here comes the rain, the deluge, the rising waters. There were four survivors, but we only know of the fate of one survivor, the one who had grasped a vine on top of a hill, and climbed, beanstalk style, later described as a buckwheat stalk.<br />
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Kurent, a particular god beloved by the Slovenes, saw the effort and was pleased and took pity on the surviving man. In exchange for a promise that the man would forever honor the vine and the buckwheat plants. The saved man settles on the Adriatic. He made a switch from the vine, and stuck it in the ground and there is still fine wine in that region. He also, sowed the buckwheat in Kranjci (Kranj area, Kranj now is a prosperous city, commerce). Kurent the benefactor, remembered. </div>Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-26802261104276791122008-06-09T17:11:00.001-07:002011-11-19T16:11:43.961-08:00Old Yugoslavia. Slovenes in Trieste. The Three-Sided Cooker: Changing rule, and minorities.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Slovenia's Setting</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Straddling of Cultures, Wars</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Slovenes in Trieste</b></div><br />
Small countries at the crossroads of great powers, such as Slovenia, may lose identity temporarily as the great powers and their wars sort themselves out. Trieste was caught in that crossfire, once part of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, now, after two world wars, Trieste is part of Italy. Discussions of Trieste straddle two of our own sites as we travel on our own in the region: 1) see <a href="http://muse.jhu.edu/login?uri=/journals/spiritus/v001/1.1hollywood.html">Trieste Road Ways</a>, and 2) <a href="http://muse.jhu.edu/login?uri=/journals/spiritus/v001/1.1hollywood.html">Croatia Road Ways;</a> and 3) <a href="http://muse.jhu.edu/login?uri=/journals/spiritus/v001/1.1hollywood.html">Austria Road Ways</a>,<br />
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A casual traveler will be confused at the outset, and remain confused about who was part of Slovenia history, and when, and why. Our own visit was a quick in-and-out, consisting<br />
of two basic site in Slovenia, just because we happened to be nearby: Lake Bled, with less expensive overnight accommodations are at nearby Kranj; and then the capital, Ljubljana. There are also parks and Alps. We wish we had had more time. Take that time.<br />
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Take much more time. The bucolic views of the castles and lake are only one aspect of this area. This is a vibrant culture, where conquerors marched and divided, and the consequences are still being felt.<br />
.<br />
And appreciate the history of this region. See timelines. This one starts, however, at the close of WWI, in 1918, with the downfall of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, see <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1097340.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1097340.stm</a><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>After WWI. Slovenia becomes part of a new conglomerate of nations, Yugoslavia -- Croatians, Slovenes, and Serbians. Nazi Germany and Italy then occupy it at WWII.</li>
<li>After WWII. In the years following, Slovenia becomes part of a socialist conglomerate "Yugoslavia" -- adding more nations. In 1989, Slovenia seeks to secede, and does so. 2002: Slovenia joins NATO, and in 2003, is supported in its quest to become part of the EU. </li>
<li>If you or your children are lacking in this basic history before going to this or any overseas area, you are shortchanging yourself if you do not plan to research it, before or after. </li>
</ul>Seek more than a mere WWI-WWII Timeline. Find this timeline going far behind WWI: to 43,000 BC -- see <a href="http://timelines.ws/countries/SLOVENIA.HTML">http://timelines.ws/countries/SLOVENIA.HTML </a>That gives a realistic sense of the reach of these cultures, these issues.<br />
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Slovenia, Trieste, Italy, Balkans - Croatia, Austria. Interwoven. <br />
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1. Triangle of three nations.<br />
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Slovenia and Trieste presents the crossroads of three nations, Slovenia, Italy and Croatia that join at the tip of the Istrian peninsula.<br />
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Prepare to cross several boundaries in a short time and have your car insurance forms in order. If you rent your car in Croatia, as we did, you have open access to Slovenia and Italy. If you rent in Italy, however (Trieste), you cannot cross over into Croatia. <br />
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2. Population shows history. All is not Italian.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Trieste. Trieste now is part of Italy, but the population of Slovenes remains substantial in Trieste and the region. See Trieste at <a href="http://triesteroadways.blogspot.com/2006/10/crossroads-and-minorities-who-is.html">Trieste Road Ways, Crossroads and Minorities</a>. In 1911, a third of the population of Trieste was Slovene. And in the rural areas surrounding, at least 90% were Slovene. See <a href="http://www.ce-review.org/01/6/pozun6.html">http://www.ce-review.org/01/6/pozun6.html</a> No wonder Trieste had so many suitors. Look at the location. Admire and envy the Trieste urban kayakers downtown - port and dock area now includes recreation. But then see the mountain areas surrounding, like a bowl, and remember the atrocities of WWII there.</li>
</ul>3. Crises.<br />
<br />
After WWII, Slovenia wanted Trieste, as did Croatia and Italy.<br />
<br />
Italy got Trieste, fully in 1954; see its tactics to get Trieste after WWI at <a href-"http://www.triesteroadways.blogspot,com">Trieste Road Ways</a>.<br />
.<br />
But a declaration does not a solution make.<br />
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Slovenia, as part of Yugoslavia, had some leverage against territorial incursions of Italy and Rome. Slovenia has long been a crossroads of trade, culture and conquests, see <a href="http://www.15years.gov.si/backround-information/carantania/">http://www.15years.gov.si/backround-information/carantania</a><br />
<br />
Look at the history.<br />
<br />
Celts, Romans, invasions by Huns and Germanic tribes, dominance by the Germanic Langobards, Slavs, formation of the Duchy of Carantania by Slavic peoples after severing ties with others now in the Czech Republic, Bavarians, Franks, Magyars who then cut off Slovenian Slavs from other Slavs, enabling variations in culture and identity, and on to modern times -- see the 15-years site.<br />
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4. Fast forward to basic Chronology of interweavings. Pre WWI, modern. Slovenia was governed by Austria, the Habsburgs.<br />
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After 1918 - Trieste was given to Italy.<br />
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1920 or so - This was a time of increasing Italian assaults and violence against Slovenes in Trieste, an attempt at forcing assimilation. Banks shut down, Slavic or German languages could not be spoken, priests were arrested and sent into exile. Slovenes even had to take on Italian last names.<br />
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Enter an era of atrocity, as WWII ended. See <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE5D9163EF933A15757C0A961958260&n=Top/News/World/Countries%20and%20Territories/Serbia%20and%20Montenegro">http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE5D9163EF933A15757C0A961958260&n=Top/News/World/Countries%20and%20Territories/Serbia%20and%20Montenegro</a>. A long-sought investigation was commenced into the perhaps hundreds and even thousands killed, and left or buried in the mountain ravines surrounding Trieste. But it was soon blocked. Italians and Slovenes both have reasons to avoid exhuming bodies. Read about the foibas - potholes, some large, like mines, where things and people were thrown. <a href="http://miran.pecenik.com/ts/balkan/balkan6.htm">http://miran.pecenik.com/ts/balkan/balkan6.htm</a><br />
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WWII to 1954 - Trieste was administered by British and Americans. There was supposed to be a free city of Trieste, but instead it ended up with the Italians, a sore point to Slovenes who felt betrayed. A 1949 election clearly showed rejection of the idea of secession to the Italians.<br />
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1957 - Belgrade (capital of Yugoslavia) built up a rival port, Koper. It thrived. Trieste lost ground.<br />
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Minority status of Slovenes in Trieste - precarious.<br />
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For nations whose history includes invasions and take-overs, there are broad swings. In Slovenia, there was Rome in ancient times, to self-governing, to medieval Swabian Germans to Habsburg Austrians to WWII Hitlerian nightmares, to multi-nation administration, then a Division regardless. In the United States, we are isolated -- or have been --and our isolation makes our judgments on other people's tumultuous lives look juvenile. As we are, with our 250 years.</div>Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-71853647022160313752008-01-22T00:10:00.000-08:002008-01-22T00:22:20.707-08:00European Union - Slovenia Holds Current PresidencyThe value or membership in the European Union to a small nation - here, small-sized Slovenia enjoys its turn at the rotating presidency trio of the EU: Slovenia, Germany and Portugal this time. Jose Manuel Barroso lays out his priorities at ://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/president/focus/slovenian-presidency/index_en.htm. See ://www.eu2007.de/en/The_Council_Presidency/trio/index.html (German perspective) and ://www.mzz.gov.si/fileadmin/pageuploads/Novinarsko_sredisce/sta/maj-ang.pdf (Slovenian perspective). Slovenia presides beginning 2008.<br /><br />Particular interest: the issue of Kosovo's independence arises in 2008, see topic already in headlines, at ://eux.tv/article.aspx?articleId=19700. Meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, already held in January 2008. See Ljubljana posts here for photos.<br /><br />However, Russia and the United States apparently are not attending. Great, guys. Slovenia is a neighbor in the Balkans, was part of the old Yugoslavia, as was Serbia and Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia and Montenegro - it has unique knowledge and perspective. Listen up, someone, please.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-50536942366963042512007-10-13T16:53:00.000-07:002007-10-13T16:54:43.804-07:00Ljubljana, capitol - French. Austrian and Jewish connectionsIn the city, there are canals and other waterways, markets, and this Square commemorating the French. The French occupied Ljubljana from 1809-1813; then the area came under Austrian control. See www.ljubljana.si/en/ljubljana/history/18th-19th/default. There you will find more on Ljubljana in the 18th-19th Centuries.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/FrSq.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/FrSq.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Napoleon is well respected here, and the French are seen as less exploitative than other occupiers. See www.ijs.si/slo/ljubljana/ for more on Ljubljana.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/FrSqobelisk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/FrSqobelisk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Jewish population was small by 1919, and they joined with the Jewish community in Zagreb, Croatia. Their history in Slovenia dates from Roman days. See www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/slovenia. Do look up Jewish history and culture in Slovenia and the other Balkan countries. The populations were decimated in World War II in many places. Renewals are happening, though, and the European Jewish Press cited a specific annual day of celebration of Jewish culture, held in Ljubljana this year. See www.ejpress.org/article/news/10772.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-28777212418461371002007-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:002007-10-13T07:19:36.164-07:00Beats US in education, despite our disregard - Can we learn from that?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_aUPEAkFcFb56-vfaCLNFitG53ti4PCovqtQtxcyvY2CHoFnXmDR32csdHorUJCXzDNQiCS3psflMHuho6ueFq6ze7d6P7z7rIOE72Ps7BPUm5HGHgmO_EoMuqbgArkauZTeWQ/s1600-h/DSCN3200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_aUPEAkFcFb56-vfaCLNFitG53ti4PCovqtQtxcyvY2CHoFnXmDR32csdHorUJCXzDNQiCS3psflMHuho6ueFq6ze7d6P7z7rIOE72Ps7BPUm5HGHgmO_EoMuqbgArkauZTeWQ/s320/DSCN3200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120822068587543794" border="0" /></a><br />Slovenia. Beautiful, and cultured. It enjoys another side of the Alps. See //www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/slovenia/. As far as most of us are concerned, however, we are in the dark about it. Slovenia used to be part of the countries comprising the old Yugoslavia, and there were many of them: Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Slovakia, Montenegro.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. We don't know where it is.</span> It's just that more people don't have maps in their houses. See //www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57327. Slovenia variously borders Italy and Austria and Croatia - look at a map and find Trieste, Italy - that is a handy reference. It sometimes gets mixed up, by the more mainstream (self-selecting) West with <span style="font-style: italic;">Slovakia</span>, the country that used to be united with the Czech Republic as Czechoslovakia, see //www.slovakia.com/; or with <span style="font-style: italic;">Slavonia</span>, an eastern region of Croatia. See //www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-slavonia-slovakia-and-slovenia.htm<br />Silly us. Our lack of education is showing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. We are very behind it in education.</span> See where the years tested were grades 4, 8, and 12 as follows: Slovenia surpasses the US in Math grades 4 and 12, Science grades 8 and 12, Advanced Science and Advanced Math (both) in Grade 12, See //www.4brevard.com/choice/international-test-scores.htm. This is a site with an ax to grind, in promoting a school voucher program, but their figures may well be fine. You check. You will also find all the other countries we may disparage in our separate ways, that surpass us.<br /><br />The point is that a major international power is failing its children, while those we sometimes look down upon are succeeding.<br /><br />Earlier post, 9/06, referred to President Janez Denovsek and his book on leading a life not bound by consumerism or power, but mutual responsibilities, a common good.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We may be seeing more leaders lead in new ways</span>. High time. See the film/book complex by Al Gore - now a Nobel Prize winner, see //nobelpeaceprize.org/; and his film won an Oscar, for "An Inconvenient Truth." Time for a statesman with vision and ability to implement for the common good? Maybe. Who can fit the slipper. Put the wrong foot forward again and everything shatters.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-37198125280222023872007-10-12T06:36:00.000-07:002011-04-07T09:13:18.919-07:00Ljubljana - Peasant Uprising 1515 - Ordinary people, independence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Slovenian Peasants' Revolt 1515</b><br />
<b>See look-back at <a href="http://plainmeaning.blogspot.com/2011/04/are-royalty-funded-peasants-tools-or.html">Contemporary Peasants Uprisings: Issues</a> </b></div><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOqUt-WlWnSaOQTHlKxpVb38hxBCBFehsHAQnof6h0KZGIczgtnkikSyqI4vcROtAXw3dNcybr1EYmQYhzGFsrUtYDSaMvSkg0vNYLc8NsoiRvz4SAJ0yjOhlfCozBkv2oq2DUQ/s1600-h/Peas.Upr.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="372" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120444850199870386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOqUt-WlWnSaOQTHlKxpVb38hxBCBFehsHAQnof6h0KZGIczgtnkikSyqI4vcROtAXw3dNcybr1EYmQYhzGFsrUtYDSaMvSkg0vNYLc8NsoiRvz4SAJ0yjOhlfCozBkv2oq2DUQ/s640/Peas.Upr.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="640" />Peasants' Revolt 1515, Memorial, Ljubljana, Slovenia</a><br />
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A theme of traveling is finding monuments to people casting off shackles of one kind or another.<br />
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In Slovenia, Croatia, elsewhere, it takes the form of peasants rebelling. See //www.posavski-muzej.si/puntarijaang.htm. Here is the 1974 statue on the grounds of Ljubljana Castle commemorating the revolt here in 1515.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Peasants' revolt. </span><br />
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Read Slovenian history at ://www.slovenia.si/history/habsburgs/.<br />
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The peasants' revolts continued from the 1500's until the mid-19th Century. Invaders took over the ancient Carantania as it was known, and I understand that the people were 'Vends' or Vendic, in Germany known as Wends, a group that also stretched into large areas of what is now northern Germany.<br />
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Among the Carantanians, female succession was considered normal. Women enjoyed full rights of action, protection by law, as any man - the Slavica Lex. No wonder the Roman tradition of Christianity could not stand them.<br />
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Then came the German Swabians, with a male culture and stamped out the Slavica Lex, then came the Austrian Habsburgs, and on and on.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ireland</span>: Another peasants' revolt. See Vinegar Hill., near Wexford, and the farm boys getting out their pikes from the haystacks where they had hidden them, and holding out - not long - against the English Cromwell and his cannons. See <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=10267753&postID=110736247499548087">Ireland Road Ways, Wexford</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH5v8-7HbqBlmPr3YI2TLYYAUSfsYESiVQQSduPMuudwMXWvE8tlOGL5CrnPX7YUEIe4wre4vlw4XK8CynQvPJHg7KL5WQZOHBB5DfI7sbH48S1XVyP1wmUfM-DcqCifMUwm5Hw/s1600-h/civilcivilian.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120521270552968338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH5v8-7HbqBlmPr3YI2TLYYAUSfsYESiVQQSduPMuudwMXWvE8tlOGL5CrnPX7YUEIe4wre4vlw4XK8CynQvPJHg7KL5WQZOHBB5DfI7sbH48S1XVyP1wmUfM-DcqCifMUwm5Hw/s320/civilcivilian.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" />Everyman as Peasant. Ordinary people worldwide. </a><br />
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Put your own face on ordinary people doing these brave things. Look in your own family albums or second-hand shops for those unnamed faces.<br />
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This is not a Slovenian, to my knowledge; it came from a dear elderly friend's trunk, long forgotten after her death many years ago; but he could have been in the ranks anywhere of people trying to get out from under.</div></div>Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1158342036432960042006-12-19T10:38:00.000-08:002006-12-30T07:42:00.305-08:00Ljubljana and Jason - Golden FleeceThis is Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. A kind of Venice. Many squares, canals, waterways. Wonderful for walking, with canals coming together with bridges all over.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/DSCN3196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/DSCN3196.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We are told that Ljubljana was founded by the Greek hero, Jason, who arrived with his Argonauts seeking the Golden Fleece. More at www.ljubljana.si/en/ljubljana/history/default. Find the Ljubljana -Jason connection.<br /><br />There is more on Ljubljana's past also at that site. Slovenia is a Western Balkan country, but its connections flow strongly to France and Austria.<br /><br /><br /><br />More blogs about <a href="http://technorati.com/blogs/sloveniaroadways.blogspot.com" rel="tag directory">Slovenia Road Ways</a>.<br /><a href="http://technorati.com/blogs/"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/tbf.gif" /></a>Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1151158050475310232006-12-18T07:04:00.000-08:002007-10-13T16:55:49.848-07:00Ljubljana Castle - Ljubljana (city) Austrian-French influence; Jewish history<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/DSCN3195.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/DSCN3195.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/ljubcastle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/ljubcastle.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ljubljana Castle. Two cameras, slightly different angles, looks like two different seasons - one shows a tree with the leaves all out, another shows a neighbor just budding. We were there in early May. Travel with a buddy.<br /><br />Lubljana dominates the view of the capitol city, Ljubljana, as it should. Still, finding the way up is not simple. Go through a park drive, leave the car, and then walk. Detail to check out, next trip: What is the history of using angular towers instead of round? Which came first? The square tower in the background was built in the 1800's. The earliest beginnings of the castle area: 1100's. See www.ljubljana-calling.com/ENG/inCallingZnGrad.<br /><br />The castle has a cafe, and reception halls - used for many cultural events. See www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Slovenia/Mestna_Obcina_Ljubljana/Ljubljana-688015/Things_To_Do-Ljubljana-Ljubljana_Castle-BR-1.<br />Wear good walking shoes - parking on the way up the hillside is limited, and the road hairpins.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-23452207087519197042006-12-10T09:32:00.000-08:002007-01-15T20:08:25.697-08:00Links, postsReferences to third-part sites here are in written form, not the direct quick-click link in the familiar blue underlining. This appears prudent, see www.bitlaw.com and other sites on the convoluted area of copyright, internet and the like. A loss. Writing out web addresses instead of linking defeats the speed-access, hop-around exhilaration, of the web. Surely somebody smart can work out reasonable copyright protections for the internet setting in a better way.<br /><br />Posts: These are laid out in the itinerary order, not necessarily by actual date. This made more sense in a travel-site. A new post may appear at the beginning, but will probably be incorporated elsewhere later on.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.technorati.com/claim/88bzigvtyn" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-20745925900915399262006-12-06T18:36:00.000-08:002006-12-30T08:08:51.628-08:00People conflicts; Gypsies (Roma) - And MusicGypsies. Beautiful music, background still misty. Here is some of the music: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6077876602430937809". This particular bit is Russian, but you can search for gypsy music and get many nationalities, and there are broad similarities.<br /><br />The most beautiful, neat settings can foster deep-rooted prejudices, people against people, like anywhere. Here is a New York Times article, nytimesagency.com/preview/NTA2006112674803, that reports on one particular Slovenia Roma family forced out of home.<br /><br />A simple search of news for "Slovenia gypsies" produces many more articles on the overall topic. We saw gypsies (known as Roma) mostly in Romania, and Croatia, but we were also looking for them more there. There is a wide variety of economic situations among them, as with any group, and some are in traditional costume, others blend. <br /><br />Here is a site to remember: www.politicalgateway.com/news/read/47348. This site lets you click on the different countries for overviews on Roma and progress (or not) and learn about the history.<br /><br />Also see our country-blog, <a href="http://www.romaniaroadways.blogspot.com/">Romania Road Ways</a>.<br /><br />Here is a site where you can scroll down to the <span>music </span>part - click, and enjoy. Go to www. worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic [the rest of the address would be /view/page.basic/genre/content.genre/roma__gypsy__music_778]. One of my favorits is this traditional Balkan singer - sounded very familiar after hearing radios and groups in pubs. Excellent.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1158340009786537622006-09-15T09:58:00.000-07:002007-10-13T07:03:11.109-07:00New thinking- President Janez Drnovsek<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLY47hwDKVQ2EVsX2QFKVgGBPq5dg7Wkoq4N9zq0JHYJ8e90aAI8Kx5Pq7-HgdSOClpbmEaTpcQiDzLtAQnXWpPmj3e7gEYOEG4I-ZcF_vpakTqfVzOUtzZZFfK7ZjkeTorf89Q/s1600-h/scan0012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLY47hwDKVQ2EVsX2QFKVgGBPq5dg7Wkoq4N9zq0JHYJ8e90aAI8Kx5Pq7-HgdSOClpbmEaTpcQiDzLtAQnXWpPmj3e7gEYOEG4I-ZcF_vpakTqfVzOUtzZZFfK7ZjkeTorf89Q/s320/scan0012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120816613979077858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A government's leaders can set the tone and priorities that citizens value. </span> See and compare the tone of this country through an interview with Mr. Denovsek when he was Prime Minister: at www.nekdanji-pv.gov.si/2000-2002/en/elementi/vsebina.php?&v1=../&v2=vsebina/&amp;amp;v3=mediji/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;v4=clanki/&v5=el-mundo.php.<br />See his book, below. Not that all his ideas are implemented, but he spearheads more than consumerism.<br /><br />The President of Slovenia, Janez Drnovsek, joins the many in Slovenia's history, and those of other countries, who periodically emerge to change the Powers. People like him may lose ultimately when they go against the power-finance tides, but keep watching.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mr. Drnovsek's book</span>. Janez Drnovsek, in taking on the Powers, takes a different tack - he has written a new age-type book, "Thoughts on Life and Awareness," that references his survival of kidney cancer and that he attributes to a vegetarian diet, positive thought processes, natural remedies and other means, including fasting. The book is reviewed in the New York Times 9/9/06, in "the Saturday Profile" section. This includes human interest stories including his discovery that he has a 19 year old daughter, and their now close relationship. He seeks to apply his new vision to world affairs.<br /><br />Read the review on line at that author's blog, try the long form first, then keep shortening it until you get it. How much easier a direct link would be. www.mojavas.blogspot.com/2006/09/drnovek-profiled-in-new-york-times.<br /><br />Rethinking leaders? Yes.<br /><br />An interview with Mr. Denovsek when he was Prime Minister, his articles and speeches, are at www.phnekdanji-pv.gov.si/2000-2002/en/elementi/vsebina.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1156665218032865472006-08-27T00:53:00.000-07:002006-12-31T02:16:21.983-08:00Slovenia, history overview, and the old Yugoslavia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFOyqVeYJ_1WcMw7TnGO7f9CuAT6ZbDKNqGxi8KkVNyTQz0BDivDB3_-yjjcoxVa_cWAm9cWW2gmdPeyynYW0X5Wumz0O8NeHFXRRIqZIqPMr5DGRx4t43psjYA_Tqw7Y02sNtQ/s1600-h/bearyard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFOyqVeYJ_1WcMw7TnGO7f9CuAT6ZbDKNqGxi8KkVNyTQz0BDivDB3_-yjjcoxVa_cWAm9cWW2gmdPeyynYW0X5Wumz0O8NeHFXRRIqZIqPMr5DGRx4t43psjYA_Tqw7Y02sNtQ/s320/bearyard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5014626474506889026" border="0" /></a>This black bear was in our yard in US (tagged B-4 and later sedated and moved 10 miles away, to bigger woods). We thought of him as we read of the bears in Slovenia mostly brown bears, I understand. Slovenia is bear-friendly. See www.slonews.sta.si/index.<br /><br />Slovenia is a beautiful and very tidy-looking country. Strong alpine influence, efforts to improve and restore habitats for wildlife. Do a search for walking tours, natural history tours, and the photos and accounts are splendid.<br /><br />Slovenia was part of the Austrio-Hungarian Empire until WWI. The country then joined the Serbs and Croats as part of Yugoslavia in 1929. There is a good historical overview, a photo gallery and easy-to-read map at www.uvi.si/eng/. Click on the presentation and photos sections especially. This is the government Public Relations and Media Office.<br /><br />Slovenia consists of varied cultures, related to a broad range of geographic features. For an overview, see www.rtd.si/sycp/documents/discoverSlovenia/area_by_area. If you cannot get that site, then try just the "rtd.si/sycp." There also is a beautiful poster under a search for "rtd." Alps, skiing, all beautiful and mostly prosperous-looking.<br /><br />Groups have struggled for centuries with invaders and internal ruler issues, as did the rest of Europe. The Balkans were at a particularly divisive crossroads, and now part of the Balkans, like Slovenia, and Croatia seem to look north, to France and Austria-Hungary; and other parts of the Balkans seem to look south, to Turkey, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Serbia, Albania.<br /><br />Recommendation: Find a copy of the old <span style="font-weight: bold;">Baedeker's Yugoslavia</span> (Jarrold&Sons Ltd., Norwich, Great Britain 1987-89) complete with old map. Baedeker's alphabetical list and pictures of all the main places for all the countries, not by separate country, and excellent understandable history, make for easy reading. Roads different, of course, but cultural descriptions remain.<br /><br />The listing of previously separate ethnic groups/countries there are: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Vojvodina (now part of Croatia), Beograd (as its own listing), Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia. Baedeker at page 9.<br /><br />After WWII, Yugoslavia began to identify less with Russia, but remained communist. In 1991, it declared its independence from Yugoslavia, after a brief war; and by now - 2006 - all the former Yugoslavian states (Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Slovenia) are independent. There have been horrific wars and ethnic-religious killing in those other areas.<br /><br />Some regions within the original Yugoslavian states are also in process of determining whether to be independent (such as Kosovo, from Serbia). See CIA informational website, with map and factbook, at www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/si. From the map, you see a small port access area south of Trieste (part of Italy), but the rest of the country is landlocked, much within sight of the Alps.<br /><br />The tourist board has set up several recommended tourist routes -- as in Germany, taking themes and showing you where to go for those theme. Those sound good if you are focusing on Slovenia for a larger part of your trip. See map and info at www.slovenia.info/?stranske_poti=0.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1149866735376279322006-06-09T08:22:00.000-07:002006-12-31T01:49:14.308-08:00Kranj - for a local overnight instead of crowded Lake BledThis is an old industrial town, now revitalizing itself by renovating the old area. See www.randburg.com/si/kranj. It is a "regular" business center and residential town, close to the touristy Lake Bled - so it is good for the overnight. It has a lovely old pedestrianized square, and - as we have found each time no matter where we were, a good hotel. The earliest settlements there date from the 1st Century BC, says the site.<br /><br />Although Slovenia is part of the EU, there had not been the full shift to the euro. Be prepared to have to use local currency, with the exchange rates, etc. Check it out first. You will lose out with each exchange.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1149866482516464792006-06-09T08:15:00.000-07:002006-12-31T01:44:34.097-08:00Lake Bled<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/scan0014.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/scan0014.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is picture postcard - holiday card country. It has long been a resort, with walks and drives all around. There are other fine photos at websites from a search for <span style="font-style: italic;">photos Lake Bled</span>. The site also gives the historical overview. The country has a shorter history as an independent land, but its roots go back to Roman times, and before. A search for <span style="font-style: italic;">history Lake Bled</span> should show a site identified as "Bled Through History." That leads to a large information place - back to the Ice Age when the lake was formed.<br /><br /><br />See also www.resort-bled.com. For logistics - where necessities are in the Lake Bled area, see www.itisnet.com. Festivals, hotels, bus and stations, police, prices for tickets.<br /><br />Our photo is the required view of Lake Bled, with the Church of the Assumption on the island. It www.uvi.si/eng/slovenia/photos/tourism/. The Church is 17th century, and the bell rings often. Each time, the wish of the ringer will be granted. Yes. Other tourist sites are listed at www.itisnet.com, under "Sight" as you scroll down.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1149859244249511232006-06-09T06:17:00.000-07:002006-12-31T01:23:56.869-08:00More Lake Bled - you can't help it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/1600/DSCN3198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6805/772/320/DSCN3198.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lake Bled. Pictures, pictures. We did not spend the night, because of all the touristy hotels, but moved on to our preference for less-pricey places. We found Kranj instead, and it had a real-town feel to it.<br /><br />Slovenia is the ultimate Christmas card country, with the tidy villages and onion dome churches. For us, it was visually much like other parts of Europe, so we focused on other Balkan states. For more photos of the area, you may want to visit this website: community.webshots.com. Plug in Slovenia in the Europe category. People post pictures on that site from all over the world. There are also other album-type sites, but we liked the Slovenia photos on this one.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29471928.post-1149859019866357272006-06-09T06:11:00.000-07:002007-01-07T10:48:26.305-08:00Itinerary After the FactWe incorporated parts of Slovenia into our Croatia trip. First, we landed in Zagreb, Croatia, and headed to Rijeke, Croatia; and further east to the Istrian Peninsula, where Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy (Trieste) share boundaries. From Croatia's Istria we went on to Trieste; then back to Slovenia across and south, again to Rijeke, Croatia. This makes sense if you look at a map - just search for Istria.<br /><br />Then, after being a length of time in Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro, we drove from the crossroads at Karlovac, Croatia, back to Slovenia, through Ribnik, Metlika, Toplice, Novo Mesto, and Trebnje. There we got on the motorway to to Llubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and on to Lake Bled. Return trip: another way, back through Kranj for the night, and then the motorway to Zagreb, Croatia.Carol Widinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11331887976767892283noreply@blogger.com0