Martisor Pins - Bring Good Luck: "For many American kids March the 1st is just another day on the calendar. For kids in Romania, Moldova and some other Eastern European countries, it is the time to make and give special gifts to friends and loved ones. The gifts are 'amulets', small decorative pins with red and white string bows attached to them. They are called 'Martisor' (pronounced Mar-tse-shor) and are meant to bring good luck. People usually wear them during the first week or two of March. Legend has it that hundreds of years ago an old woman by the name of Dochia had a daughter-in-law whom she hated. One cold day in late winter, Dochia gave her some black wool and told her to go to the river in the mountains and wash it until it was pure white. The young woman was afraid of her mother-in-law. So she went to the river and spent hours washing the wool in freezing water. For all her efforts the wool remained pitch black. The young woman began to cry. Suddenly, a man appeared before her. He told her his name was Martisor. "Why are you crying?" he asked the young woman. After hearing her story, Martisor said he had magic powers to help her. He gave the young woman a red and white flower. He told her to wash the wool one more time and then take it home. The young woman put the flower behind her ear, washed the wool and carried it home on her head. When she got home and looked at the wool, she was speechless. The wool was white as snow. Old Dochia couldn't believe her eyes either. She had been sure her daughter-in-law would never be able to wash the wool white. Suddenly, she noticed the flower in her daughter-in-law's hair. "Where did this come from?" she asked. "It's still winter." The young woman then explained how Martisor had helped her. Old Dochia started jeering at her daughter-in-law. She did not believe a single word of it but thought instead that spring had already come to the mountains. Old Dochia owned a herd of sheep and decided it was probably time to take the animals to the spring pasture in the mountains. She took a dozen sheepskin coats to keep herself warm on the way. It was a warm and sunny day when old Dochia set off, but freezing rain started in the mountains when she got there. Old Dochia changed her coats one by one as they got wet. When she had to take the last coat off, Martisor suddenly appeared before her. "How does it feel to be standing here in the freezing rain?" he asked. "You didn't think it was too cold for your daughter-in-law to wash wool in the river all day long, did you?" He then told old Dochia that he was responsible for the weather changes that had caused her so much trouble. Martisor disappeared. Old Dochia was left alone in the mountains. The sheep had wandered away. The old woman froze to death and turned into stone. All of this had been the work of Martisor. It was after old Dochia turned into stone that spring finally came. Since then the white and red Martisor has symbolized the struggle between the good and the evil, between winter and spring. " - Bogdan Ivanov

      Are some of us more equal ?: "We all know - women are not having the same rights as men. Oops, they do theoretically, because we could tell ourselves that they do; but, of course, it's a lie. Men are the first, they will always be prejudiced about the capacity of a woman. That is the way things work in the Balkans- I know it for sure. Who says: "The man of the family..." We all do, because, "you should be a man to do that or that..." In the men-women relationship - who makes the first move? Men! (Good for women who don't wait for that move - but it's possible that there will be some strange reactions if that happens - "Who knows what kind of girl she is?"). When a girl often changes partners, she is easy, and a guy who does the same -he is a big man, cool... And there are so many small and big (or bigger) things. For example, there aren't very many women who do politics in Yugoslavia. Actually, if there are some, they are kind of invisible, and you always hear that it is necessary for ambitious women like that, to have a model to look up to (or some similar stupid thoughts). But, of course, that is in Yugoslavia; even if no one likes to admit that or to do something to make it better (there's always so many things to do first, which is kind of true). But I 'm sure there are so many young people who think the same way I do. It's our obligation (or mission) to prove that men are not "the stronger sex", and to change things in so many ways - because it is possible." - Natasha Keljac

      Women in society - then and now: "In the middle of the 19th century many women's rights movements started. More than 70 years ago, the British Parliament passed an important law- this law gave women in Britain the right to vote. Women demanded not only the right to vote, but also better education for girls. Many women became "victims" of this movement, and some even for it. Gradually, the public opinion changed. During the First World War women had to do men's jobs, and they did them well. In Jugoslavia women got the right to vote after the Second World War. There was a strong resistance. Meny men argued that women were less intelligent and more emotional than men, and therefore couldn't make important decisions. This opinion is a product of the patriarchal way of life in the past which is present even today. Women are suffering the consequences of men's abuse of power. Men's domination has made the world full of acid rains, arms and has coused the disappearance of many species. Women are embittered because of constant wars, big or small ones, and also the wars that are against them. We, women, do not want to be treated like objects in modern society, to listen silently, to make bread and weave bedspreads like we used to. We should share, be together, women and men. Opposing each other is destroying us and leading to frustrations which are felt both by men and women. Women's labor isn't valued enough, although with their paid and unpaid labor, they are contributing to national economy more then men. It is necessary to demand women's employment in workplaces adequate to their education. There is little concern about unemployed women, self-supporting mothers, and women living in the country. Social security is what is demanded not its making less important. Self- supporting mothers should get higher and regular children's allowance, and bonus for the third child. Stop violence upon women, by passing and obeying laws concerning protection of abused women (keeping violent persons away, denying them the right to aproach the victims, and adequate punishment). Also, abortion and birthcontrol are first health services that have stopped to be financially supported by health insurance funds and that have become commercial. As it is well-known, women have a great role in bringing up children and in their coming into this world, in the first place. They are essential in the process of mankind's survival and its beginning itself. Therefore, more money should be taken out of national budget for the necessary medical care for women. Women's engagement in political life, both in Jugoslavia and Romania, is under 10%. That fact puts us together with some other countries (Iran, Sudan...). Since women can recognize their own problems, they can represent women's interests in the best possible way, and that's why they should take an active part in making decisions, on the political scene, 30% at least. We want a life without prejudices and stereotypes, and a real picture of women in their lives, in public. Equality of rights for men and women and tolerance are what has been needed for centuries. We should keep the pace with the rest of the world and that way make the first steps towards the European Community. " - Slavica Damjanovic

      Man's best friend: "Women: man's best friend, source of happiness and sorrow, man's source of inspiration and companion, but also enemy, servant and slave. The fight for equal rights with man, women started hundreds of years ago with great figures like Cleopatra, Jeanne D'Arc, Marie Curie and Margaret Thacher. Still, nowadays, having the same rights with men, there are titles that women can not obtain. Women are equal to men (or so they say). But when will a woman be elected as president? When will people trust a woman surgeon as much as they trust men surgeon now? When will women preside meetings, conferences, city councils, governments or parliaments? Men and women have the same rights, but they are seen differently. Is this prejudice? Sexist opinion? No! They are different. How? Men are more methodical, more ambitious, better organized and, from the physical point of view, stronger. Women, on the other hand are more sensitive, sociable, warm and understanding. Thus, more men are scientists, business people and inventors (that, and adding the fact that women, until recently did not have access to a proper education). This is why women are inclined to study psychology, sociology, public relations and philosophy, because they feel the need to communicate. Now the battle is won. Women are equal with men, not being , to some extent, inferior to them. What is the next step? Women taking over? " - Cristina Tomin

      Women's Accession: "Generally, the condition of women in society tends to be better. Concerning the economical level, things are also changing, but slowly. In our country, evolution stumbled especially on a traditional mentality! So we can't speak about equality between man and women yet. Women's chances to get a job are high in domains like education, psychology, culture (theatre, music), tourism, medicine, law, economy, marketing and media. It's very hard for a woman to obtain an important position in government, parliament or policy. We rarely see a woman working in constructions, electricity, transport, police, army, and aviation (except for stewardesses!). The actual legislation seems to encourage those women who want to enter the work market as a wageworker, employer, political person etc. Another encouragement comes from special institutions and associations for development of women's status, but these are not enough talked about in the media. In conclusion there is a chance! Anyway the ambitious women continue to fight for their social and economic rights. The women's accession in society is about to take place. " - Amalia Toma

      DKMT / DCMT Euroregion: "On the 23rd of march, the Euroregional Center for Democracy and the Foundation "The 3rd Europe" organized a NGO's confrence who's main pourpose was to build a "coalition"of the NGOs from the Danube -Kris -Mures -Tisa Euroregion and to initiate discutions about the procedures necessary for the modification of the Regional Cooperation Protocol . Almost 30 NGOs from Arad, Caras-Severin, Hunedoara and Timis were invited. Special guests were: Ilona Mihaies, president of CED, Mihaela Lambru director at America's Development Foundation , Dorian Branea , program manager, The 3rd Europe Foundation, J.Randall Tift, senior political advisor USAID and Dan Ioan Sipos, president of the DKMT Euroregional Forum. GLAS also took part at this meeting.The conclusions were that the cross border coopreation is a stimulating factor of regional development and sustains the efforts of Romania, Hungary, and Serbia for European integration. To achieve this aim of Euroregional cooperation it is necessary to promote and strengthen the partnership between public administration and non-governmental organizations in the DKMT Euroregion and to increase the contribution of the civil sector in the cross border decision making. So, a resolution was adopted, where the modification of the Protocol of regional cooperation was requested: non-governamental organizations, as representatives of the civil sector, should take part in the decision making process of the DKMT Euroregion. A DKMT Euroregional fund to support cross-border cooperation, including civic organizations initiatives is to be made. At this point, because similar meetings took place in Novi Sad and Szeget, this NGO "coalition" is groing stronger. Almost 100 NGOs from Voievodina and Hungary subscribed to this resolution which is in accordance with the objectives of the Timisoara Declaration of Cross-Border Cooperation in South-Eastern Europe adopted at the 19th Conference Europe of Regions, held under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe " - Lavinia Cioaric & Cristina Berneanu

      Something about luck: "Have you ever thought how deep your happiness is? Have you ever thought if life is playing with you? Many times in your life you have certainly said or just thought to yourself why has all this misfortune happed to you. First at all, nothing is by chance and everything that happens, happens for some reason. Second, one usually feels that his problem is the biggest one. Someone once said: "If a man knew how little it takes him to be happy, he would avoid the worst days in his life ". After all, it is necessary to reject thousands of little happy things just to get the real happiness. And sometimes when we can't get what we want, it could be considered an amazing blow of luck, though it doesen't seem to be so. In a moment of sadness, it's important just to think "Who knows what good it might bring?". Therefore, throughout your life walk with an open mind and with a smile on your face and then you'll be satisfied. Of course, man is a specific creature and he always wants more. And that is a good thing. One should long for something higher and better, but stay on the ground, don't lose your head. " - Milica Jelic

      COM - PAR Exhibition 2002: "The COM-PAR exhibition took place in the precincts of the Banat Museum. Communication was the theme of this event. Many young people had the opportunity to show off their talent as part of the exposition. The exhibition contained masterpieces by the little men from Yugoslavia and their team workers from Romania. The show was inaugurated by the young teacher Eugenia Banciu, who briefly introduced the public in the dreamy atmosphere of the event. At the risk of repeating myself (although I'm doing it anyway), I have to underline the fact that the communication theme was extremely well interpreted by the "juniors". They presented an interesting variety of techniques, including graphics, easel graphics, mixt techniques, photography and so on. These works tickled the eyes of the viewers in a very pleasant way. The exhibition was classified from two points of view, as expected: the creations of the little men from Yugoslavia were considered more optimistic, while the Romanian artists were said to be able to see only the empty half of the glass (quoting our contemporary art lovers). On the other hand, although their works are better taken care of, and have a nicer appearance, the themes that they approached were said to be "smoked". Older and more experienced opinions say that the accuracy and the presentation of the Serbian works go hand in hand with the colourfulness and diversity of the Romanian ones. In other words, this event had a great impact on everybody, and we would like to call it an absolute moment of inspiration. Although there is always room for better (artists' favourite self-believe phrase), let's just hope that things will go just as smoothly at the exhibition in Yugoslavia. " - Adriana Stoica & Andra Rosu.

            

      The power of a laugh: "Many people suggest that laughing is one of the best things that we as human beings have. It is well known, and proved in theoretical and practical sense, that laugh improves us psychically and phsycologically. It's a fact established by medicine that while man is laughing body parts from eyebrows to stomach muscles are in intensive move, and that particular situation is similar as some heavy exercises. That improves our condition and has positive effect on our entire health. But more important, laughing is a "cure for soul", our way to show good mood, something that removes negative things from our head. Laughing is an international language, something that all people understand, and it has the same meaning for all. When we see a man that laughs sincerely, from the bottom of his soul, loudly (some people like it that way), that leaves us with no suspicion; something funny is going in (or maybe he is just mad like a dodo and he laughs without reason, but let's presume that you will not be in this situation… too many times). The laugh is surely the fastest way for people to create friendship. Nothing brings people together better than a few good jokes or funny situations (or both, the best option) told in relaxed atmosphere. The first impression is very important when we talk with someone for the first time, and many people base their opinion about certain person on that. To act funny, that is the easiest option (you can simply put your fingers in ears and nose, make some strange face with the eyes and face or walk funny). To be funny, that requires more effort, but you will surely produce better effect on someone (in every case better than in the first case, believe me). But to be witty, now that's something. To act completely naturally, to make someone laugh without using anything that other people have manufactured before, to be original, and all that without making yourself to look silly or like a "case", that is achievement. Even people who are serious, who don't like to laugh will respect that and create a positive picture about you. Of course, you should know when to stop, for even good things have border lines and not everything is funny. Laughing is good. And we should do good things to feel good. It's positive, it's healthy, and it looks nice (if you have perfect white teeth and a good breath, otherwise you will just have to improvise). It's like therapy for a good and happy life, and we should stick to it in every proper situation. I don't think that we should go around like a pack of mad hyenas and laugh like a mad man on the flour, but to do it in an adult way and to share it with others, because a laugh is best when more people participate. And to start right now, here is a good one: "What is the difference between a suicidal man and a virgin? The suicidal man is trying to die, and the virgin is dying to try!" " - Djordje Nedeljkovic

            

      Someone's story: "I woke up in sweat. I had dreamt the same thing again. For several nights I had been dreaming something I thought I had forgotten a long time ago, something I thought I had gotten over. Yet, I hadn't; the phantom of the past had returned the phantom known by everyone, but who had never been spoken about. Mum woke up my sister and me and told us to come down to the living room. It was still dark. We went down in our pajamas. Daddy was very serious, he explained to us that we had to go away from home and that we could take whatever we wanted. Mum had already packed our necessary things. My sister and I got dressed quickly, I brought my puppets and she got her favorite books. I had some strange feeling inside me- daddy was too serious and mum was worried and she was trying to hide it. What was going on there? Why were we leaving the house in the middle of the night? Everything was so mysterious and very confusing for a seven-year-old girl. We left the house. It was a warm summer night but I was cold, I shivered. Everything was quiet, too quiet, strangely peaceful, deserted, seemed abandoned. I was petrified, frightened. I looked at my sister; her eyes were wide open, scared. The sky was watching us ominous; it seemed like the air was starting to condense, squeezing me. Everything was somehow bending over me like it wanted to crush me. I couldn't wait to get into the car; I would feel safer there. The pressure had decreased. We set off; I turned around to see the house. I'm looking at the big yard and the swing, the spacious porch, the terrace and my room's window. Right behind it there is my bed, my toys and the desk that my daddy had made for me when I started going to school. The red roof with the turning-rooster on it. I didn't know that I was watching it for the last time. We were driving down empty streets, with no light; everything looking abandoned and dead. There was a dreadful silence in the car. The fear rose inside me, my eyes filled with tears. I was holding tight to my teddy bear, and had closed my eyes hoping that these threatening buildings would vanish when I opened them again. It was only a bad dream; everything would disappear when I would wake up in the morning. It's morning, I wake up and I feel that I'm moving. I open my eyes, I'm in the car, and last night's experience wasn't a dream. I look through the window; we aren't alone any more. We are standing in a line of people, who are all going the same way. Some of them are in cars or in tractors, some go on foot. There are worried faces all around me. Mothers and grandmothers who cry holding their children and grandchildren, fathers and grandfathers trying to look firm but in their eyes you could see anxiety and insecurity. Most of the children are crying, they are following their parents confused, eyes wide open, looking around but not understanding a thing. Some of them are playing carelessly; thinking that this is some kind of adventure. People with dirty faces, their clothes torn, are rushing forwards. Some of them can barely walk, like that crooked old man who is being helped by his grandson; but they are walking as if they are trying to run away from something or someone. Now and then they turn around to see if someone is following them and then they hastily keep going. It is still silent in the car; daddy is still very serious. We travel for hours, to me it seems for weeks. Finally we stop some city; the uneasiness and fear are leaving me, even my daddy smiled. A new life begins. I thought I had forgotten all this; but no. It was only hidden somewhere, waiting for the right moment to come out again and to hurt even more. Because nothing is forgotten, neither the house, nor the meadow, nor the river, nor my grandmother, nor my uncle, who remained back in my hometown, there in Croatia. Although ten years have passed, nothing has faded from my memory, particularly the journey they all experienced but never talk about it. " - Jovana Misic