What's in it for me?

Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Serbia, this year also has given the competition "Young people are the law." Through this competition first, modest financial means to give Novi Kneževac the Youth Club are provided. After many years, the young will officially have a place in our place. After the joy of having the funds enabled the moment has come to implement the idea. And for the implementation volunteers are necessary. An important part of the whole chain. Unfortunately, the link is kind of weak. When I was first asked the question: "What's in it for me?" I admit I was caught and without an answer. And then I asked the same question to myself.

                                                  "What's in it for me?"

To be honest I don’t know. I don’t know, because I live in a capitalist society where the individual and material resources are in the first positions. And what about the other values​​, and what about the society, the community? What about altruistic and affinitive motive? Did that human needs extinct in us, because all of these problems and lack. It appears that we managed to mess up Uncle Darwin and instead of evolution occurs regression. First me, then ten places of none. Then who has its turn. The question is when it will bring change, not to say revolution. In a capitalist society that turns us into robots and greedy, what is the real meaning? How did we manage to let everything go to far. To neglect ourselves, family, friends, the planet earth for the sake of paper to which a man determinated value. When we forget that we are mortal and that one day we'll close our eyes forever? Do we ignore this knowledge because we are afraid of it, and to this flood ourselves with unnecessary material things and forget to pay attention to the sky, shiny sun rays and birds singing at dawn. Neglecting the laughter of family and the countless moments that we spend with friends. Simply disregard life.

Let's not fool ourselves, material resources are important because they allow us to meet the basic needs: food, water, the need for security. Society and young people are in trouble because we no longer guarantee a secure job, and therefore we are not even sure of the roof over our heads, health. Given that these foundations Maslovljevs hierarchy of needs, rather shaken it is clear to me that the further levels of the pyramid can at any moment break down. Striving to meet the basic needs we are neglecting the needs of the higher level: the need to belong, the need for recognition, and the need for self-actualization.

Of course one is slowly becoming frustrated and depressed.

A group of individuals = society.

So instead of an answer to the question I ask a huge array of new questions. I ask myself very often, if change is possible? Or is that an illusion fotomorgana?

"Why is this all happening, is a man solving anything or are just here for balance among the stars?"

Changing the world is too big deal, I could say it is impossible. Change the country - perhaps futile. Change a little place – is it a fight with windmills? However, to provide hope, inspiration, motivation to one person, only one. Is with that a purpose filled?

"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. "

Nelson Mandela

We constantly hear stories about how in Tito's time it was different. Everything was working, individuals had impact to their environment. I cant’ understand how they failed to convey to us the spirit of fellowship. Let the older generation ask themselves instead of judging. "These kids today do not know how to play a rubber band, they are all day on the street, as is to go to work action ..." Ok, it is likely that many are not familiar with this views of childhood and growing up, but then, who is to blame? We who have not had a chance to get to know all these or those who did not transfer that?

Although the point isn’t and I don’t want to waste time condemning the issue of who is to blame, I want to know how to correct the mistake. So that future generations have a chance for something better.

I do not like when our generation is called  "another lost generation". Why do not baptize as generation which will start the change? Why the doubt about our ability to choose the right path? Why do we kill the inspiration, motivation, desire that it can be different and better. And finally why do we allow them to persuade us to believe it will not be better. Why do we falter and turn into a crowd of zombies. Young and old, we are all eager of better. Although, I'm not quite sure if I know exactly what we mean by better.

"We started almost from nothing, carried with enthusiasm and a desire to fulfill the tasks, which is set before us by the society. We worked methodically, from the first day aware of what we want and what we can do. "

These words are written on one of the boards in the zoo at Palic (Serbia). Hypnotized by the sentence and echoes in my head for hours. Some great things are created because individuals decided to change something out of pure love. Many of these things have survived to the present day, even though the big Yuga fell apart. Let's just think well, we all know something that was created during Yugoslavia. And in case you do not know, ask your parents about the work actions. Just try to get the information what has been built. I understand that the goals aren’t accomplished overnight. Every great work that has been done over the night makes me suspicious. Ask the person that is running how long it took them to get fit to run 5 km. Or better yet, do not ask it, try it yourself.

And we? What will our generation  leave to our grandchildren? What is it that we all will be proud of? And recount some activity so many times, that our children will know by heart and tumble eyes at the opening sentence of the story. What is it that on it thought the bloodstream will run to make the heart skip, and put a smile on our face. What are the memories? I think it's the right time to create them. For us and for our descendants. That's why you should volunteer.

Each word is a subject of change. Not because I'm not consistent, but because I learn, grow and develop.

                              written by:

                      Aleksandra Borzaš (Novi Kneževac, Srbija)

Giving up

I never had any desire to write a blog, to play the hero. But now things I only dreamed about are happening to me. Dreaming and regretting that I’m not one of them.

Life does not play fair, it taught me that much this far. I had it all when he decided to change the pace and the rules of the game.  It pulled the ground under my feet ... I went like Wile E. Coyote when the Road Runner bird fools him, and he does not understand at that time that it is the end of the road, so he is hovering in the air and the edges are a meter away... But that's life... The water currents change, you either learn how to swim or you drown. 

However, there is a trick, life gives you an incredible gift. The choice is only yours! You choose to stay in a cramped corner of the room. You choose whether you whine and moan. You choose every day, every move, you determine your future. And as soon as possible you see it and stop doubting yourself, the better. Do yourself a favor and hush the demons inside you say it is not feasible. Do yourself a favor and do not listen to people who are afraid of change, and that's why they criticize. Listen to yourself, your heart ... What is it that moves the world, and currently is not attainable? Go on, dare to, split up. I know you know what it is. Now the time has come to admit it to yourself.

But remember, dreams do not come true so easily. A lot of work, effort, time, to suffera lot of downs and bad excuses is needed. As your own, as other people. I remember two years ago I had them as well. There were a lot of good excuses in shortage of financial resources, because I am an employee, I do not have an association through which I can participate in the realization of my own dreams. And basically all it was just fear. Fear of the new, fear of the unknown. I did not have anyone to whisper the secret of the success of the fight against the darkness called fear .. It's simple, just step into the darkness and unbelievable but fear will run away like a scared squirrel ... And so every day, move the border ... dreaming and start thinking, opportunity will come and it is on you to grab it. Every time challenge yourself, from which your legs will froze in fear ... That is the only way forward ... Now I still have no money, and still have obligations to the company, but I have the support, a mentor to help me focus and .

Maybe I'm just a crazy intoxicated with the current success and the feeling that you’re accepted and supported, but it feels good. After a few years of constant falling, I started to fight, for myself, for my future  for earning potential, pushing the limits .. Who knows what will it all bring me, good or bad .. But then again, some things I’ll  "think about tomorrow ".

I want to say, show and prove that dreams are achievable. That after the fall you shouldn’t give up, but stand up and wipe away the dust from bloody knees and move on. No stopping, no turning back. Because no person shall afford themselves to stop. Giving up is a luxury that is not acceptable, ever, to anyone! Continuous operation must make results, and which ones only depends on you. Would you be satisfied with the results and this also depends on you. The question is whether you'll be able 20 years from now to forgive yourself. Are you going to look in the mirror and say, at least you tried? Or are you going to pass a familiar face with some wrinkles and a look of disappointment? Can you afford yourself to disappoint the future you because the present you has no courage? 

writtes: 

Aleksandra Borzaš (Novi Kneževac, Serbia)

Lost in search

You've all heard, you had to hear it. Even if you do not watch TV or read the newspapers that your neighbor regularly browses with morning coffee, though you had to hear it. Everything buzzed about it for days, about the missing girl!

Days passed, old newspapers piled up at the same neighbor, and the TV program has followed its scheme, but still there was no progress in the search for her. As usual we counted days, the planet Earth, and we in it. Some usual day out of the sea of the same ones, I’d look or read, the breaking news, to find out what happened to her, but was left without the turn of events. And I thought about it ... Well actually I didn’t, I'm lying, because after all we all have our own demons with which we must deal. You might think I'm a bad person because of this. No worries!

Her lifeless body was found, the lifeless body of the child. I rub my eyes in disbelief, yet somehow I realize that it was an inevitable sequence of events. All that, wakes me from some kind of sleep and suddenly makes me restless. So many thoughts chaotically circling through my head like a moth that rushes toward the light source. I started up from sleep mode, I’m thinking.

What developments! My consciousness is not able to accept such an epilogue. It's like watching "True Detective" and not a regular news broadcast. You will say that the perpetrator was mentally ill- you will give him amnesty with it. No, the last what he could be is a vagarious person. He's an evil seed of death that began its development. Man do not allow to develop into a black flower, mow it while you still have time.

Anger is the ruler of our hearts. Before our eyes looms a dark curtain of hatred towards the one who took one youth in this world. The worst is when the animal is awoken in man. You do not want to identify yourself with a cold-blooded killer. No, we do not need to think how to punish him. Let it be done by those who are responsible for the condemnation and punishment. Still we do not stay mute and useless after all! The real battle yet awaits us, each one of us. Rest in peace!

Whoever thinks this murder is an isolated event, I would call them irresponsible and reckless. This act is only a confirmation of a deep crisis of morality and consciousness in which we are, and from which we need to pull out, or break away from it. How?

How to change the social consciousness? What to do in order to save our lives from the evil that surrounds us? (Rhetorical question)

We need a radical change of the condition in which the society is as a whole. Yet it is not easy to change the system. It doesn’t go overnight. Every individual should be changed, every free ME, so we could even think about the general changes in the community. And everyone must agree to first change themselves in order to continue to provide assistance in achieving a higher purpose. Everything actually depends only on us and on our approach to life. It depends on how we treat the world around us.

We live in a strange time, in the time of storm. I assume that there was no generation that felt different, but it seems to me, never has a man been so close and similar to that "monkey" as they are today. I'd rather have that monkey called hyena ... And a drama is played on the stage of society. Hopefully it will not turn into a tragedy as it is in the case of the sad girl.

                                          

I wanted to tell you with this text, dear reader, how the spears about your and my world break, in about our lives. I wanted to tell you to continue, or if you have not already to start to fight for yourself and your peace, because only when we all find peace in ourselves, the peace will be created around us.

Profit first, the rest later.

The appearance of Boka bay leaves an unforgettable impression on everyone who has visited this area at least once. Unique Freud on the Adriatic Sea combines steep mountain, emerald slopes and the deep-blue sea, creating a pleasing atmosphere to an eye. On the western side of the bay Herceg Novi is located, a city rich in cultural heritage and Mediterranean vegetation presents the perfect place for a holiday during the whole year

The beginning of tourism in the municipality of Herceg Novi is linked to the name of Dr. Antal Mađar who has back in 1902. built the first modern hotel in Zelenika. Hotel, “plaža”, is by no means lagged behind other tourist resorts in Europe, dr. Mađar along with other staff, has truly worked hard to provide our guests a pleasant stay. Guests, mostly coming from Serbia, Austria-Hungary and Germany, had the opportunity to use a decorated beach hotel, to enjoy multi-day cruises through the Bay, also for them trips were organized around Montenegro and Shkodra. Hotel printed tourist brochures where they could find information about the history, traditions and lifestyle of Herceg Novi and Boka. The war in the Balkans have not bypassed the hotel, “Plaža”, several times it has been destroyed, but the family Mađar every time succeded to restore and regain it former glory. Yet the communist government in 1948. nationalized the hotel and turned it into a children's resort, thus ending a successful chapter of the Novi tourism.

Herceg Novi has welcomed this year's season with two serious and functional hotels that are owned by foreigners. These hotels are doing quite well in large part due to the cheap local labor. The former backbone of the Novi tourism hotel and catering company Boka no longer exists, the tribute to the bad privatization was paid. The company Vektra-Jakic that bought under favorable conditions most of the property of HTP Boka, did not meet any of the promised, the old hotels aren’t renovated, and there is no trace of new facilities.The collapse of the hotel deals opened up the possibility for the growth in apartment tourism or private accommodation. Guests who arrive in Herceg Novi do not have much of a choice if they want to stay there, hence opt for private accommodation despite the accommodation fees are often beyond the limits of good taste. As each year the tourist season is getting shorter everyone is trying to gain profit in that period. Parking is charged, parasols and sun loungers are charged, prices in restaurants and nightclubs do not match the quality of the services offered.

Many believe that tourists should be satisfied with just being in a Herceg Novi, that they can enjoy the sea and the Mediterranean ambience. In other words, we offer them sea and sun and in return expect euros, of course, they do not need anything else. If you find yourself in mid-July (once the peak season) in the Novi you can easily spot results this notion of tourism. Half empty beaches, few guests in bars that seem to be competing who’ll longer sip one drink, an indispensable part of the bleak picture are dissatisfied locals who moan over a failed season. The question is where did all these tourists disapear, why don’t they come to our sea that once they perceived as their own. True, feature of a successful tourist season is not only in the number of tourists, but also generated income. In recent years, Herceg Novi is largely bypassed by tourists and said euri, for a moment we need to stop and think about where we are as a country and as individuals made ​​a mistake.

Logic dictates that we go where we have been offered better conditions, where we get more for less money. Guided by that many citizens of Serbia replaced the Montenegrin coast with Halkidiki, Crete, Kusadasi, Antalya. While in Montenegro ruled a farytale about elite tourism and big spenders from the West, tourism officials in Greece and Turkey have treated all visitors in same way. In this way, they respected one of the golden rules of tourism, make sure your guest comes by next year. We forgot that, we observed the visitors as disposable items from which we should draw the last cent. Some actions of the political leadership also influenced the attitude of Serbian tourists to vacation in Montenegro, creating in them a sense of disappointment and anger.

However limitations of the offer is the biggest flaw of Herceg Novi, guests are destined to concrete beach, bars and a few nightclubs. There is a lack of cultural and musical events, contents that would interrupt the daily routine of he guests which is composed of swimming, sunbathing, barbecues and a little walk. Why shouldn’t tourists be allowed to visit the natural beauty endowed Orjen peaks, mountain situated 20 minutes drive from the city center. How come no beach in Herceg Novi Riviera has no grounds for volleyball and football on the sand, where did the goals for water polo in the city from which are many representatives of Montenegro and Serbia dissaper. Beaches are we covered with plastic chairs and umbrellas that do not leave room for those who do not want to rent the mentioned requisites.

Domestic guests (today we call them, guests from the region ") for years neglected the obvious shortcomings of the tourist offer of Herceg Novi, again returning justifying the fact that their other summer destinations are unavailable for them. But above all there was the main argument (of course wiht kinship, friendship ties) that didn’t allowe them to change the place, the thought of not going to someone elses sea but on “our common". In recent years, in a combination of circumstances, we lost many of them, and elite guests from the rich West don’t seem to arrive in greater numbers, perhaps because they are not willing to so easily forgive us our tourism and hospitality disadvantages. The condition is improved somewhat by Russian tourists, but they are not exactly on everyones page. Some find them too loud, the others they drink and fight too much, and some criticize them for spending a little. We forget that the town without them, and guests from Serbia and B&H would look like some deserted-town, it's time to realize that every visitor requers a decent treatment if you want to be a serious tourist destination.

 It is naive to think of prosperity if we allow our flagship of tourism to continue to be incompetent politicians, arrogant and semi-literate tenants of beach, street room retailers and greedy restaurateurs. You need something to change or we will continue to sink faster and faster, and when we touch the bottom there is no turning back.

Dr Antal Mađar, had a vision more than a century of how to develop tourism in Herceg Novi, in spite of many difficulties he has for years successfully implemented his ideas. The visitors were satisfied with the offered and they returned again, the staff was trained and properly rewarded for their work. Hotel has successfully operated which allowed new investments and improving the offer, always raising new goals.

Today we have none of the above, the reason might be the fact that Dr. Mađar unlike today's tourism workers in every guest saw a man and not an open wallet.

 Photo of Herceg Novi. And a postcard and photo of hotel "Plaža" Photos taken from: Pobjeda.me and Gdenamore.com

Who guards them?

Summer in Podgorica. How long have we waited for the Sun to shine upon out capital after long months of winter rain. To breadth in some sultry summer air that smells of hot asphalt and  burning grass and trees from some of the surrounding hills or Ćemovsko field, but this year was different. Arriving in Podgorica after a brief excursion abroad, what I encountered arriving home was the smell of moisture in the air and some melancholy. As if the air itself regrets that it’s not warmer, and that it could not provide us with enough sun to save our tourist season, but instead it began to rain. And so in the midst of a very unusual summer for Podgorica they arrived. Conceived as guardians, those who watch over us, with shining eyes and an unbeatable attitude, I have to correct myself, when in contact with us everything is breakable, so their attitude was obviously unsatisfactory. Maybe we do not need and guardians. Who knows?

Anyway, 7 Transformers sculptures are set in the center of Podgorica with its heavy bodies, which seem like transferred from the big screen and onto our streets to rule them. It's nice to see confused faces of people who are unconsciously smiling and looking at giants that rise above mere mortals like ancient statues in temples, giving the city a note of modernity and uniqueness.

Last Transformer was placed today on the main square. At the point where everything intersects, the square from which everything begins, where people meet, and part where we witness the changes and celebrations ... and they are there to remind us to, beautify our city and put a smile to our children faces. After a decade and a half that’s behind us, in which flourished construction and occupation of each green space that exists in Podgorica, subtraction of parking space for the construction of another building that will meet the needs of the growing population of Podgorica. Now that finally guards have emerged, we do not need them.

Yes they were late. They should have been placed at the time when concrete Podgorica replaced green Podgorica, but then the artist was still too young. Instead they depict ecological consciousness of an  ECOLOGICAL STATE, made ​​from recycled parts of vintage cars, trucks, etc. ... in fact they are the targets for attacks of local vandals. How else can we name people who are able to knock down Transformer that weights a tone, chop off his head and walk away calmly like nothing happened. I still do not understand why people are so evil, what drives them to destroy what they have not created themselves, and certainly in the company of his friends he must be praised as great hero because it takes courage, but not the kind they think they showed. You needed the courage to show our true colors. You needed the courage to touch something that is finally so unlike Podgorica, that stands out like all those interesting places that we  admire in big cities, but not ours. You needed the courage to prove that  Podgorica lacks in cosmopolitan attitude, and that in our city there is no room for new, fresh and progressive. You needed the courage to put a stamp on our society that marks us as a society of limited capabilities.

I guess it is so.

How is it possible that we as citizens are not affected by such rudeness? Has Podgorica grown into such a city in which everything has to be judged and condemned? How should the other artists who would like their artwork to adorn Podgorica understand this? While millions of thoughts and questions run trough my head, the only consolation is that Transformers will soon start to visit other countries in the Balkans where they will, I sincerely hope, find more understanding and respect, to teach us that we must respect the work of our artists in order to be respected by others. In the end, I just need to say – Congratulations to the artist!

         pictures taken from www.pobjeda.me

The right path

Looking at one side of the world we forget everything else that is happening around us, we are stable in our pursuit to become like them. Perhaps we can never achieve it, but we hope they will at least allow us to socialize with them. It’s them, that embody the ideals of modern civilization and mankind, there where is no violation of human rights, freedom of speech is inviolable, human dignity is above all.

Why should there be any doubt, why the voices of disgruntled would be heard, our officials know to which ‘empire to bow’. Russia is a country that does not respect international agreements, constantly trying to split neighboring Ukraine. Of course the Russians have no business there; the identity and history of Ukraine are not of such importance since Kiev is on the way to Europe. Even though they headed that road with carts full of problems they know that redemption will be waiting there.

According to all of the above the Government's decision to join the sanctions to the Russian Federation is completely understandable, as we show our devotion to democratic and above all principles of humanity. Honestly, except ideal there is a bit of opportunism, but only indications. Everyone enjoys praise, not to mention the ones that come from our friends in the European Union and transatlantic ones.  After the sanctions we are one step closer to the European family of nations, at least our rulers think so. Implement the reform of the legal system, to prevent the influence of organized crime in politics are some of the requirements of the European Union, but they are not as easily accomplishable. So we should start from simple things, boldly and confidently say to Russia, “because of your shady business in Ukraine we bring you sanctions.”On top of everything Montenegro respects international law and one’s inalienable territory; it has been shown in the year 2008 in the case of Kosovo.

In this case, the parties have put to side economic interests, shared past, and forgotten the words of Montenegrin prince –bishops, the Golgotha of Montenegrin communists. It is needed to make the cut sooner or later, get rid of the burden that is holding you back in achieving the objectives. Undeniably, today Montenegro has two objectives that cannot be questioned, membership in the European Union and NATO. Because of this the power holder must have free hands, they have the right to make mistakes because those are the mistakes made ​​in good faith. Evil tongues will say that there is no difference between the relations between Montenegro and the EU on the one hand, and relations with the former colonial metropolis on the other, they do not realize that it is not a shame to learn from the better. We have enlightened European community that fights for the rights of Ukrainian citizens, who wants to help them in achieving European standards. How to succeed in that, it takes years and years, also there is a need to achieve unity between quarrelling population in Ukraine, but Europe is ready as always to help. Support is shown in the warm words and sweet promises that heat better than Russian gas.

Sure Montenegro is rightfully condemned desire Putin of Russia to protect its strategic interests in the region, to save fellow rage Galician Ukrainians, deeds to stir in other people's affairs by any state having a democratic and freedom-loving country. Therefore Montenegro should not be of the Russian capital (which is never destroyed profitable KAP) of Russian tourists of the Russian flag. Negligible is  the fact that without Russian and Serbian tourists our beaches would be empty, that the great economic growth of the middle of last decade was caused by the Russian purchase of real estate on the coast. Such things should not be mention because rubles cannot buy people's freedom and democracy.

State-building elites chose the path we walk in the future; the question is if we will ever get to do it. There are two ways, dignified as humans, not forgetting who we are and where we are from or will we crawl on all fours like some.

It's up to us.

And what is the measure of value in your society?

An open student forum was recently organized in Podgorica, where students had the opportunity to debate with guests, answer some questions, reflect on the past, talk about the present and with a dose of  undefined anticipation imagine future. The guests were Prof. Dr. Đorđije Blazić, dean of the FAES, Dr. Branislav Radulović professor at the University of the Mediterranean and a member of the Senate of the State Audit Agency, Božana Jelusić professor of literature and Neđeljko Rudović, an independent journalist of the daily newspaper Vijesti.

In transition the biggest ethic value was lost and a new one was set - privatization, and it was said 'If God does not exist everything is allowed’. So we come to the  base of success 'connections', which means who you know, who is  who, who owes someone a favor etc... and in such a system real values are getting lost.

Certainly schools should be the ones to provide more, and give predispositions to further progress, enabling individuals not to get lost in such a system and to give them an equal chance. But what is the quality of education and how big is the role of the state in it? 

The primary function of the school is upbringing and educating, but the school has deprived the upbringing function, and a question mark is placed on education. And with all that we come to Bologna. 

No doubt the idea of Bologna can not be implemented in Montenegrin faculties, where on each year per class we can find 700 or more students. Thus we come to lack of communication between students and professors, we lose the quality of education, the question is how much students actually learn from professors, and how much by reading the book just to pass the exam? This leads to failing to value real knowledge in this 'mechanical' system, where students are just numbers 154/13, 201/12, 03/11, ...106/03. 

A lot of criticism is addressed to the Bologna system, although real student movement as bearers of change isn't there. Students as a class are not united, among students themselves there is a gap between the ones that study at state university and the ones that study at private ones, but history of university existence goes only 40 years back. (1974)

But there is a rule of ‘institute of fear’, which sets a barrage on every desire to change something. In Montenegro the authority hasn't changed since the '90s, although some will equalize this with totalitarianism, the situation in Montenegro is enviable comparing to other countries. Montenegro has the most developed civil society in the region, also almost nowhere in the region we can’t find a free media, and they are controlled by the government. Media in Montenegro are often the target of pressure, attacks and influence of political parties, but above all that they retain their freedom.

The question is whether they are aware of their power and what is it that they should represent?

Since there is the freedom of the media, although not so seldom  limited by certain impacts of threats, attacks, pressures. Thus it isn't rare that the media, aware of it’s power leads to abuses of the freedom and the power they have.

The media should represent the voice of the citizens, and serve as an example that does not hesitate to ask questions and demand answers. Rights guaranteed to citizens bound only to legal documents, but not the reality, and the media should be mediator that will allow citizens to fight and have those rights and indicate to existing irregularities.

These are just some of the questions that students asked and some of the topics discussed at the student forum, which is certainly a step in a positive direction and that means that there are young people willing to start something, thirsty for change, and with a list of questions that they want answered.

 And when you ask the right questions change begins.

And what is the measure of value in your society?

                                                                                                                                                                 picture taken from: arts.stanford.edu