It is often said that something has to be changed for a good future of all human beings and our planet Earth!I present you the idea of biooctanic towers on positions of existing petrol stations in cities. The croatian architectural firm UPI-2M have designed ‘biooctanic‘ a series of crop production towers used for the production of bio fuel and city air recuperation.

Their  research led them to the conclusion that algae and bamboo would give best production results; max. amount of bio-fuels per unit of surface (or spatial unit), also considering other factors, like cost of technologies required for cultivation and processing, growth rate, annual input-to-yield ratio, etc.

After all they apply the system in their immediate environment, cities in croatia, however it is applicable to any urban area in the world.  By applying  such bio towers we would reduce the amount of valuable agricultural land used for production of bio-fuel plants, reduce transportation costs and related air pollution. This kind of crop production also has advantages over farming in open spaces, because it’s not weather-dependant, and you can create artificial conditions which enhance the plant growth.

It is well worth taking a tour off the conventional tourist route to visit this ancient island just 300 km offshore from the mainland town of Brodarica, Croatia. Karpanj is the smallest and lowest inhabited island of the Adriatic at only 7 m above sea level at its highest point. A nobleman by the name of Juric purchased the uninhabited island in 1436 and donated it to the Franciscans who built a monastery there. When the Turks started plundering the coastline, the monk sheltered refugees from the mainland and eventually allowed them to build a settlement on the island.

The settlers were originally farmers who had to turn to fishing to scrape a living. Their fortune changed at the beginning of the 18th century when a visiting friar from Crete taught them the art of sponge harvesting and processing. Individual sponges were harpooned from a boat and a skilled operator could spear one at a depth of 15 m. The market for sponges proved a highly lucrative one – the Venetians couldn’t get enough of them and buy the mid 19th century there were 40 boats operating from Krapanj exporting sponges to Venice. In 1893 the first diving equipment was introduced, which enabled the spongers to harvest at much greater depths and soon earned them a reputation as skilled divers.

Karpanj has awesome atmosphere – you can spend your time in one of the waterside coffee houses chatting to the locals, visit a monastery stuffed with antiquities and works of art or wander through the picturesque streets of the town. Above all, this is a terrific little place to learn about the underwater world and improve your diving skills under the guidance of friendly locals who are happy to share their generation of experience.

When to go: May to September. Population: 2,500. Getting there: Boat from Brodarica, 8km south of Sibenik, which is well connected by bus or train with Split, Zagreb and Zadar. Photos by: darkfloyd60

Cres is one of the largest 1,200 islands along the Croatian coast. It is situated in the Gulf of Kvarner to the east of Istria. It is long, narrow and mountainous, stretching 68 km from north to south and 12 km across at its widest point. The incredible sheer of astonishing cliffs are a habitat of the griffon vulture, the largest bird in Europe. Photo  by: Reinhard.Pantke

The northern hills are cloaked in woodland of oak, hornbeam, elm and chestnut, in stunning contrast to the gazing pastures, olive groves and pine thickets further south. In the middle of the island, there is the mysterious natural phenomenon of Lake Vrana. It is the main source of fresh water for both Cres and neighbouring islands, but geologists cannot explain where its 220 million cu m of water comes from. Photo  by: robby_kos

There is also an evidence of Neolithic habitation on the island: traces of cave dwellings and Bronze and Iron Age hill-forts and tumuli. For several hundred years it was ruled by Venice before falling under the sway of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, eventually becoming integrated into Croatia in 1945. The island cultural heritage can be seen in the picturesque villages and the enchanting main town, where there are plenty of remains of the Venetian era. Photo  by: Alessandro Marinai

Surrounded by a crystal, clear blue sea, with isolated bays and rocky coves, the wild, sparsely populated island is scenically dotted with old ruins, cemeteries and chapels and huge diversity of native plants. Cres is an eco-tourist delight. Photo  by: kvajo

When to go: April to October. Population: 3,184. Getting there: The nearest international airports are Trieste, Pula and Zagreb. Cres can only be reached by boat, either directly on the 12 times daily ferry from Brestova, on the Istrian peninsula, or via the islands of Losinj or Krk. You should know: The beaches are clean, uncrowded and excellent for swimming and scuba diving. Photo  by: sesom

In the southern coast of Croatia, rising out of the Adriatic is the island of Korcula. The island has beautiful low mountains, pine forests, olive groves and scent of wild herbs. At 47 km long and 6 to 7 km wide, it is one of the larger Croatian island. The main draw on this charming island is the town of Korcula, a medieval walled town on a promontory of land protruding out into the Paljesac Channel. Photo by: kamakaks

Built in the 15th century, Revelin Tower forms the present day Land Gate which is the main entrance into the Old Town. There was once a drawbridge, but it was replaced by stairs when the threat of invasion was reduced. The symbol of Venice, the winged lion of St Mark, can be seen above the arch. The view from the top of the tower is lovely and offers 360 panorama of the town and its attractive rooftops. Photo by: MacArtist

Probably the most important building in the Old Town, the Sveti Marko Cathedral was built in the 15thcentury in the Gothic-Renaissance style. The main portal built by Bonino of Milan in 1412 features Adam and Eve on either side, and St Mark above. There is a beautiful fluted rose window in the centre of the facade. The Renaissance interior was carved by a famous local stone mason, Marko Andijic and contains treasures such as an early Tintoretto. Photo by: Monica_T

The Venetian architecture is most obvious in the streets around the Cathedral of St Mark, where there are various Gothic Renaissance and Baroque places built for Korcula aristocrats. Opposite the cathedral is Arneri Palace, with its lovely Cothic facade and Renaissance-Baroque cloister. The town of Korcula is also popular with Moreska, a traditional sword dance which was common throughout the Mediterranean in the 12th and 13th centuries and become popular in Korcula in 16th century. The dance probably originated in Spain, inspired by the conflict between Moors and Christians. Photo by: dai oni

When to go: April to July, or September to October. Population: 16,182. How to get there: Fly to Dubrovnik or Split, then take a ferry to the island. You should know: There is only a handful of hotels on the island, so make sure you book before you go. Photo by: rokster

The island of Ciovo is an extension of the magnificent medieval UNESCO World Heritage coastal town of Trogir to which it is connected by a drawbridge. In the past Ciovo was known as the barn of ‘Trogir’ because so much of the town’s food was grown to the island’s fertile soil. Today, it has become a popular summer retreat for residents of the nearby city of Split. Photo by: premus

The island has hilly landscape, just less than 30 sq km in area, with lush and varied scenery. The northern coat is covered in a profusion of pine and cypress forest, and along the south there are cliffs up to 150 m high. There, near the church Prizidnice of there is a famous 460 year-old  hermit’s sanctuary built into the rocky cliffside. It is an extraordinarily atmospheric pilgrimage with wonderful views over the blue waters of Adriatic. The inland scenery is a picturesque cultivated landscape of olives, figs, almonds and vines. There are many coves along the coast, with sand or shingle beaches. Photo by: premus

There are signs of habitation on the island dating from prehistoric times. Ciovo is a rare combination of unspoilt seashore side by side with stunning historic urban architecture and with the bonus that the island has not been yet run by the tourism. Photo by: Hans Inge

When to go: early June to early September. Population: 6,071. How to get there: Fly to Split, then by a road to Trogir.You should know: Ciovo is a perfect place for families, with houses to rent, save sea shallows, a lot of activities and entertainments in the historic town of Trogir. Photo by: pietrosb1

Hvar boasts of a dazing nightlife and has many bars and clubs that are located on its waterfront. In the month of August, the population of the town actually swells from 5000 to 30,000 visitors a day. With comfortable chairs, sofas and a large deck area with ocean views, the “Carpe Diem” is one of the hottest social scenes in Croatia.

Summer features weekly theme parties with the events overflowing into the street. The summer season of 2009 start in the Carpe Diem Beach mid-May and have until the end of September open daily. Anytime after 2am the bass of techno music can be heard almost anywhere along the harbor.

The Galesnjak Island is located in the Adriatic Sea, between Zadar and the Island of Pasman. Because it has absolutely particular heart shape, the island is also known as Lovers Island. It is just 130,000 sq. yards and it’s the popular romantic destination of Croatia. The island is uninhabited, so lovers who wish to visit the island will have the entire island for themselves. All of this making the Galesnjak Island one favorite location for a Valentine’s Day.

Zadar is located on the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia and has a rich architectural history and a non-euro economy that's easier on the dollar.

The Old Town is a breathtaking place situated on a 1- acre peninsula with pedestrian only fishbone layout. The ninth-century Church of St. Donat is also located there among the many historical artifacts of three millenniums.

Nonchalantly tucked in the back of Cafe Lovre, for anyone to stroll into with their cup of kava is the Romanesque 11th-century St. Lawrence Church.

As well as the old town id famous for its market filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and is seeking heritage-site for its historic center from Unesco.

I hope you enjoy!

KRK is the largest Croatian island of the Adriatic Sea with area 409 sq km and population 16,402. In town KRK live almost 6000 people. Located rather near the mainland and has been connected to it via a 1,430 meter two-arch concrete bridge since 1980, one of the longest concrete bridges in the world. KRK is a popular tourist destination, because of the situation and proximity to Slovenia, Germany, Austria and Italy.

North of the narrow part at the line Vrbnik – Punat spreads the lower, forested, more fertile and populated part of the island. The higher, southern part, is predominantly bare, interspersed with thick forests. The Baska Cove cuts through the limestone plain, ending in the Gulf of Baska.

With many restaurants and bars city is today center of the island night-life. During the day it is easy to find many excursion boats in the port. Of all the summer recreation sports, the most interesting ones are water sports. Those particularly attractive are paragliding, water skiing and jet skis.

Elan Yachts is one of the greatest company in production of gorgeous yachts in the whole world. The company is located in Obrovac, Croatia since 2003, when Elan changed its philosophy, to approve and insure highest standarts, Elan built modern shipyard with covered area of 6, 000 square meters and more than 90 high-skilled employees.

The new yard was situated in Begunje, a small village in Slovenia and the production include: lamination plant, joinery, carpentry and assembly lines.

Elan has been in close cooperation with world’s most rated yacht designers. This ensure to the customers satisfaction, which make them very motivated and passionate.

Here I present the model Elan Power 42, a very luxury and stylish yacht. The interior of this yacht is 2 or 3 cabin vision and is maximum for 10 passengers.

Some of the technical specifications are: lenght overall(13,10m), hull lenght(12,80m), beam overall(3,90m), dry weight(9500kg), fuel capacity(1000l), fresh water capacity(330l), waste water capacity(100l)

This yacht is superb way to free your soul…!

More than 10,000 dogs from around the world participated Saturday at this year’s Euro Dog Show in several categories, including that for Europe’s top beauty.
“It’s the biggest Euro Dog show so far in the number of foreign participants. We will host over 10,400 dogs, including some 1,000 from Croatia,” said Damir Skok, head of Croatia’s kennel federation (HKS). The previous event which took place in Helsinki in 2006 drew some 10,000 dogs, half of them from Finland, he added.

The first international dog show in Zagreb was held in 1932 – more than 70 years of tradition are also one guarantee more of the experience and expertise. At the three-day event in Zagreb which opened on Friday the largest contingent of some 2,000 dogs comes from Italy, followed by 1,300 Russian and 900 Hungarian pets. Today, this modern cynological organisation, located in the heart of the city, has about 130 cynological clubs under its patronage and organises 9 international and 7 national dog shows every year. Besides these activities the clubs organise special dog shows for all dog breeds represented in the Croatian Kennel Club.

Some 50 countries are represented at the contest. Since Eastern Europe has opened its borders its judges have become very popular, its native breeds have conquered the west and its exhibitors have found the way to western areas. The quality is high and their wins very frequent. No wonder that the FCI has started to grant permission to organize European and World Shows as they guarantee lots of entries.

To be allowed to enter the country, dogs need identifications according to the regulations. Dogs coming from EU-countries have to possess a pet passport according to the EU-regulations, while dogs coming from other countries need a veterinarian certificate issued by the competent institution of the country in question.
Categories / Classes
Baby Class – 3 to under 6 months
Puppy Class – 6 to under 9 months
Youth Class – 9 to under 18 months
Intermediate Class – 15 to under 24 months
Open Class – 15 months and older
Working Class – 15 months and older (with FCI Working certificate)
Champion Class – 15 months and older (only national or the international champions will be admitted)
Veteran Class – dogs of 8 years and older (excellent I competes for the BOB title).

In the Baby Class, the Puppy Class and the Veteran Class no titles will be awarded. The first 4 dogs of the each class will be ranked as long as they were evaluated at least as “promising” or “very good”. In the Veteran Class the dog evaluated as “excellent l” may be awarded the title of “European Veteran Winner”. In the Youth Class the dog evaluated as “excellent l” may be awarded the title of “Youth Winner” = “European Youth Winner” and “Croatian Youth Winner”.

Organisers expected several thousand visitors at Zagreb’s fair exhibition halls to watch contests in obedience, beauty and agility that will be evaluated by 115 international referees. The event is sponsored by Pedigree. The organization was managed by Mr.Damir Skok, a young veterinarian working for Pedigree and thus well trained and PR minded. The degree of professionalism was high and there are no negative comments from the exhibitors. Whether you’ve been showing real dogs for years, have never shown a dog in your life, or even have never owned a real animal, this game is fun, challenging, and a unique experience.