BABEL IN VILNIUS - Public comments

Red Statues – Position in Negotiations

Indre — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:25:00 +02:00

The 9th of May is the day of victory in the Second World War for Russia. For Lithuania, as well as for other Baltic countries, this date means something totally different. That is the beginning of the occupation. Occupation, which itself is a negative action, because the nation loses its sovereignty, the opportunity to rule its country, while it is taken by the government of other state.

We perfectly know about the widely spread myth of the Great War propagated by Russia. However the truth is that at that date one regime just changed the other. Talking about liberation is not only false, but would mean the disrespect for our parents and grand parents who suffered the Russian occupation.

Nationalists, who are trying to deny this absurd myth gathered near the Russian embassy and demanded that Moscow would recognize the crimes by the communist regime and would compensate this damage. Not only in Estonia, but also in Lithuania, the reaction to the victory day, which is celebrated in Russia, was cruel. This time it was expressed with the vandal act on the Green Bridge. The statues which are standing there and praising the soviet times were splashed with the red paint. The poster with the words “communist whore” and red swastikas was hanged on them. Finally the imitation of the bomb was left there, so the traffic through the bridge had to be closed down temporarily.

Such incident only proves that the past is not forgotten. Fascism and communism are not history described in the school books, but also have the potential to break in to our days. Obviously, that was the crime. However for me, as the conscious citizen it raises more questions. Why 18 years after regaining the independence these statues are still standing in the centre of Vilnius? Are they still there only because the lack of money? Did someone tried to please somebody? Usually, after the revolution or a war the images or symbols which gave a sense to a regime, are ruined on purpose to build the future of the state on new foundations. After all, these statues reflected the dominating ideology in the Soviet Union.

The ideology, as the standardized system, intended to manipulate the mindset and actions of people. After declaring the independence other sculptures were taken down and brought to the storehouses. So why these statues left untouched? The communist ideology is not propagated in Lithuania anymore, so they should not be exhibited, especially in the centre of the capital.

Maybe, one just tried to avoid the turmoil, which took place in Estonia in 2007, when the statue of Soviet soldier was taken down? If so, does this position mean that the easiest way was chosen? It leads us to other difficult topics, as the question of the compensation of the damage to the Baltic countries brought by Soviet Union.

What are Lithuanian diplomats doing in the negotiations on the compensation of this damage? The minister of Foreign affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas urged on the constuctive negotiation instead of ultimatums and legal intruments already in 2007. Also, he prompted Russia not to be identified with USSR, although it took all the rights and responsibilities of fallen empire. By then such tactics brough many doubts among the members of Lithuanian Parliament. Now they are trying to raise the question of compensation of the damage in international forums, looking for the attention of European states and going for higher flexibility of Russia when tackling this question.

As a result, the leaders of diplomatic bodies of four EU countries gathered in Lithuanian capital. Vilnius made a decision. The government withdrew its veto from the negotiations of Brussels and Moscow on EU-Russia cooperation agreement. It means that EU can start the negotiations with Russia. In this case Lithuania reached a settlement with some EU countries, that energy, the cases of 13th of January, and Medininkai, the compensation of the damage for individuals, who were deported from Baltic countries, and also solving frozen conflicts in Georgia and Moldova would be included into mandate. Maybe such decision and chosen strategy would move these questions and finally the negotiation will start.

However, these negotiations are not easy. Only Russia getting conscious and its growing ability to evaluate the past would make an impulse to the solving of these difficult questions possible.

Asta Grigalavičiūtė

Photos by Donatas Babenskas Fotogalerija

Translated by Dionizas Bajarūnas

Life Extention for Nuclear Plant

Indre — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:40:00 +02:00

In joining the European Union Lithuania signed the Treaty of Accession Protocol No. 4, according to which, our country commits itself to phase out the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) by 2009. However, it was suddenly realized, that closing the nuclear plant means leaving Lithuania without a sufficient nuclear power supply for about 6 to 9 years (until a new power station can be built). For this reason Lithuania will be forced to import gas from Russia, which is a far more expensive fuel. The Opposition has gradually demanded the Government to start negotiations to extend the term of use for INPP.

A. Abišala, the head of the INPP extension of lifespan negotiators, made it clear, that the likelihood of negotiating an extension is only 5%. This is true; the chances are small especially if he continues his negotiations in the same manner as before. Watching the Government bargaining for an extension of INPP service creates an impression that Lithuania could fail not because of EU legal requirements, but due to dire lack of professionalism. The price of electricity, after decommissioning the INPP, should rise from the recent 0.095 EUR/kWh to at least 0.17 EUR/kWh. Professor Antanas Kudzys believes that the price might shoot up to 0.29 EUR/kWh.

What is the main mistake made by negotiators? They do not question the claim of the European Commission (EC) that an Intergovernmental Conference (IC) must be convened in order to extend the term of active use of the INPP. Consequently, due to this procedure the extension initiative will collapse, if at least one country (i.e. an IC member-country) disagrees. Austria and Estonia are the countries, which will most likely block any Lithuanian actions in the aforementioned procedure.

EC acts unfairly toward Lithuania. They are demanding to convene an IC for prolongation of the term. However, the IC was not called to approve the inclusion of the decommission provision into the Treaty of Accession.

The competence of the EU in nuclear safety may only be increased through the Intergovernmental Conference. If IC did not provide for an extension of EU competence, naturally this competence remains as is. Nowhere in the Euratom Treaty (this document is passed by and can only be changed by the IC) is it written that the EU has the ability to demand that a nuclear power station be decommissioned. So it has no such ability. The same is confirmed by the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice.

When welcoming new EU members the IC is not convened. This means that new member-states are accepted within the present boundaries of EU competence.

A. Abišala does not see any difference between the Founding Treaties and the Treaties of Accession. The Founding treaties determine the limits of EU competence. They determine what EU is permitted to do. Everything, that is not included in those treaties, is outside the scope of EU competence. It cannot do something that it is not expressly allowed by the Founding Treaties. These treaties are changed during the IC.

New countries are accepted on the ground of Treaties of Accession. Whether the countries are accepted is determined by the Council of the European Union. The council is the same as the IC. That is why the Council cannot extend the present extent of its competence. Furthermore, according to this procedure the European Parliament may accept or reject the recommendations of the Council. The European Parliament is a supranational, but not a supragovernmental institution.

Accepting a new country and extending the competence of the EU are two different procedures.

Consequently the European Commission does not have the ability to demand closing of the INPP. Lithuanian negotiators could win more by stressing the differences between these two procedures, because then they would not need the agreement of the EC, Austria and Estonia for the extension of the term of service of the INPP.

Even the Lisbon Treaty does not allow this kind of competence. Incidentally the ratification of the aforementioned treaty should be postponed until the question of Ignalina is resolved.

Stanislovas Tomas, doctor in EU Law, Sorbonne, Paris

Caricaturist Ramūnas Vaitkus
www.mrcaricature.lt

Translation Aistė Juknaitė

Vilnius - the most friendly city for bicycles

Indre — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:55:00 +02:00

We should be happy to see that Vilnius is on the way on become the Europe’s friendliest city for bicyclists: the self government refused 3 million Euro for building new bicycle-tracks. We are also traffic so there is no need to be separated from cars traffic and drive in some narrow tracks. In purpose to make our trip safe, it was decided to ask us to wear special helmets and yellow light-reflecting vests.
But in my personal opinion, this is not enough and I have a few more suggestions how to make Vilnius more bicycle-friendly city (and, what is most important – safe for us!):

1.      To be sure it is safe to ride a bicycle, everyone should check its technical state. I suggest an annual compulsory bicycle technical check for the beginning of warm season: brakes, tires and the rate of vest light reflection (it is important to have a new one, isn’t it?). I think these criteria are enough to evaluate state of bicycle safety.

2.      Every two years everyone should pass an exam to check their theoretical knowledge and practical skills of riding this vehicle.

3.      Let’s reduce the price of getting the first car: government should fund the driving exam and there should be no taxes taken for driving lessons. As a result there will be more people driving a car. More cars – less bicycle drivers – less bicycle accidents!

4.      All few present bicycle tracks should be removed. Especially those which are on streets – they just take an unnecessary space!

5.      Each time when buying a bicycle, it should be registered in police and National Vehicle Registry so it is easier to find it after stealing.

6.      Every bicycle driver should have an accident insurance.

7.      It should be forbidden to ride a bicycle under 16. Younger than 18 years old should have additional wheels for making the vehicle more stable.

I think these implementations would help Vilnius to become even more bicycle-friendly city than ever!

By the way, there is an alternative:

Let’s take European Union money (and add some ours) and build a lot of bicycle tracks so there is no need drive surrounded by cars. Then neither helmet nor vest is needed.

Oh…but maybe not – everything is too complicated here…

A suggestion for discussion: what more can you add to these 7 suggestions to make Vilnius even more bicycle-friendly city than now?

Some information about current situation in Vilnius.

Currently Vilnius bicycle riders got two happy news:

The first – on the 1st of July the new law will start working which tells that every bicycler have to wear a helmet all the riding time and a light reflecting vest during the dark time of day. Implementation was taken without any research (at least there is no information about that). Lithuania bicyclers are against it because this decision will reduce usage of this, already rarely used, vehicle popularity. What else can happen – there are already lots of people who refuse to ride a bicycle just because of being sweaty and winded. How will we look after wearing helmets?

The second happy new is that Vilnius refused to use 9,4 million Litas from European Union to build a bicycle track EuroVelo11 which should have crossed all Vilnius. It would have been a great bounce to the renovation of city bicycle track net. By the way, few politicians speak that it is possible to build the EuroVelo11 track for 3 million Litas and they plan to do that. But the reason why those 9,4 millions were not taken is that those money are not enough and government should have found much more. So where is the logic?..

We should be happy about the fact that government is trying to take care of bicyclists’ safety. And we really want to believe in promises to fix the situation of bicycle track net in Vilnius. But when starting to think sane, it becomes impossible. It even starts looking like politicians are trying to expel bicyclists form the city – they not only refuse to develop the infrastructure but are also trying to transform us to Christmas trees…

Domantas Širvinskas
EziukasVilniuje

Buildings – hostages of ideology

Indre — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:00:00 +02:00

After the collapse of Soviet Union the consequences of the social and ideological contradictions can still be sensed in different areas of life. Architecture is not an exception. Is Soviet modernism a gloomy heritage or an unique trace in history?

A specific social pressure at the beginning of XX century caused a discontinuity from the past. The fast growing population in Europe together with the industrial revolution has provoked the sudden emergence of a demand for buildings for living and other purposes. The destruction caused by the two world wars determined the need of rebuilding entire neighborhoods. These changes evoked development of new techniques and new materials, rendering a possibility to build structures of big scale using cheap and mass production methods. These were the preconditions of modern architecture appearance. The form in architecture became a reasonable function. New, practical buildings were perceived as beautiful – until then in all historical styles, especially in XIX century eclectics, the form of the building and interior were not specially interconnected. Modernism, which was earmarked by aesthetics of white, smooth walls, the usage of mass production and huge volume scales, undoubtedly was advantageous for the social situation at this time.

It is a paradox, but this new movement reached the peak of popularity after it was forbidden by the totalitarian regimes reigning in Europe. Many artists of modern architecture, distinguished by their original way of thinking and working, which had the courage to deny already established architectural traditions (W. Gropius, L.Mies van der Rohe), were born in Germany later dominated by totalitarian regime. The architects were exiled, imprisoned or forced to conform to the dictate of architectural committees. The Soviet Union was not an exception, where more than one avant-garde art movement has arisen.

The soviet modernism – unique phenomenon

How specific and distinctive is the architecture of Soviet modernism? First of all, by the contradictions of ideology and aesthetics. In 1955, when the Western Europe modernism started to be strongly criticized, the aesthetic attitudes towards the style started to change – the act “Regarding the Elimination of Surfeit in Designing and Building” had been enforced by the CC CPSU (Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union). It was an unprecedented case – the political will determined architectural style, causing revival of modernism. Under the social program delineated by the party a new massive typical construction began to establish in Soviet Union, and the complexes of massive living and social buildings were landscaped.

However, even at this point other essential differences from Western modernism appeared.
A smooth wall did not become beautiful in Soviet Union. Very often it was decorated with ornament or mosaic, horizontal lines were attempted to be spiced with new elements of architectural expression, which could not have been applied in the work of ideologically thinking modernists’. On the other hand, thanks to the professionalism of the architects of that time and professional foreign literature secretly brought into the country, we have original nuggets, reflecting the spirit of the time; astonishingly clean architectural aesthetics, harmony of proportions, which, as monuments of the recent history, unfortunately are disappearing unvalued.

Is the seal of ideology ruining the value?

The current state of modernism architecture is also related to ideological aspects. It is especially painful in the country where architectural monuments remind of recent totalitarian past. After the re-establishment of the Independence in Lithuania, everything, which was built in Soviet times, became unacceptable and vulgar. It was started to be considered as intruded upon others, dictated, and enforced. After the socio-economic situation changed, unnecessary and neglected pearls of Soviet modernist architecture turned into ghost buildings with massive grey walls, large scale and grey concrete as their distinctive feature…
Large scale buildings built in the centre of the city, in the meantime, often become especially attractive purchase with the value of land increasing. They are not protected by heritage regulations and therefore are being destroyed easily. However, when the building is ruined, not only „ugly“ piece of the time disappear, but its social or cultural designation is also being changed – instead of the demolished building are sprouting commercial and living objects. At this situation namely the Soviet modernism fall under the biggest cultural – memorial load. And the biggest threats.
The buildings itself are not past, and the way, how we interpret them today is not history. Historical buildings and the way they look today is a reflection of our present. Only our behavior models towards the Soviet architecture will determine if these buildings will become part of our architecture and culture, or just meaningless, speechless and collapsing past.

There are some examples of modern architecture in Vilnius:

CINEMA THEATER "VILNIUS" (J.Kasperavičius, Č.Strimaitis, 1963). A good example of modern reconstructionizm, also called „fasadizm“ where the facade of the building is left in tact but the interior is completely changed. Currently the building is occupied by „United colors of Benetton.“ The previously valuable interior is gone – as it happened to most buildings. (Photo made by Giedrius Ilgūnas)

THE CENTRAL VILNIUS SUPERMARKET (1984)

This retail center architecturally can be classified as an example of functionalism. It is included in a architectural heritage list, however it is not protected. During the reconstruction the facade was changed in volume and new materials were used for its decoration. The historical value was further decreased by erection of multilevel parking lots near by. (The first photo is taken from "Vilnius mažasis vadovas", 1988; the second one made by Giedrius Ilgūnas)

BEER RESTAURANT "TAURO RAGAS" (E.Gūzas, A.Mačiulis, 1974)

During earlier days the building was held as the best example of Vilnius modern architecture. Its style reminds of Le Corbusier‘s late period and Mies van der Rohe‘s pavilion designs. Building was not included in the heritage protection register and therefore its faith is in hands of its new owners. (Photo made by Giedrius Ilgūnas)

CINEMA "LIETUVA", VILNIUS (1959-1965)

In 2002 privatized theater primarily was important not as the example of modern architecture, but as the cultural center for most citizens of Vilnius. The current plans are to build a multistory apartment building. However Vilnius citizens community is putting constant resistance and two separate law cases are being held in the courts. Therefore the license for demolition is still pending. (Photo made by Giedrius Ilgūnas)

VILNIUS CONCERTS AND SPORTS PALACE (E. Chlomauskas, J. Kriukelis, Z.Liandzbergis, 1971)

In 2006 the palace was enrolled in heritage protection registry and it is advised to protect this building on the regional level. Unique architecture and the construct of this building is a renound world wide invention. Even though the building is a long lived symbol of modern architecture in Vilnius its fate is clouded. The municipal authorities claim that they will buy back the building from its current owners, however no real steps are being made. (Photo made by Giedrius Ilgūnas)

Julija Kšivickaitė

Translated by Margarita Gedvilaitė and Jurgis Vėgėlė

Out with the Winter? (photo gallery)

Indre — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:28:00 +01:00

There was no real winter in Lithuania this year, but the ceremony called "Užgavėnės" was performed loudly. Similar events sacred to sending the winter off can be seen in Poland, Germany, Austria, Ukraine and Russia.

Like every year Užgavėnės was celebrated in Lithuanian national open air museum of culture. Many people from different cities or small towns gathered.

A Fair was a part of this event. Guests could buy multiplicity hand made things – from ceramics to different styles dotted linen fabrics. Wooden goats could be bought too.

Guests could compete in different events like making pancakes or guess riddles. The winner could taste cereal called „Šiupynis“. Witches, devils, goats, horses and itinerants were flitting between. A stork was chattering. Joyful doctor was offering drugs from laziness or from toothache. A bull was singing and playing squeeze-box.

Ensemble in masks of animals was entertaining participants.

Then all guests were shooing away winter and chanting: “winter, winter shoo away!” Everybody was encouraged to dance, to sing and trample as much as he can because it’s the only way to make winter disappear.

Everyone who was able to was dancing in the yard of museum.

The bagel is a dainty of Užgavėnės. Everyone had at least one such kind of choker on his neck.

Knights from the middle ages were also participating

If a mask was somehow related to face of man, it is grotesque: hooked big nose, few buckteeth, big ears, and different eyes, long and shabby beard. Animal masks were very popular. If it was a mask of a pig, it should be pink. This is a salutary humor of populace. Masks were made from wood, bark of birch, oakum, sheepskin.

Soup was boiled in this pot

The most impressive was a fight of Kanapinis (The Hemper - he symbolizes the poor) and Lašininis (The Porker - he is a representative of rich). Kanapinis has won.

After the fight everybody moved to burn Morė, which was standing on the highest hill. When you burn Morė, you burn all maladies of the world.

This is a burning of Morė. Morė is made from branches of fir, tatters and oakum. It is also the end of festival.

Asta Grigalavičiūtė
Photos: Donatas Babenskas Fotogalerija

Marketing showing faces

Indre — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:30:00 +01:00

From the beginning of the New Year in San Paulo, the fourth most populated city in the world, the municipal authorities are dismantling all public advertisement screens and panels. This is the unprecedented war against „visual pollution“. I cannot but wonder about this outbreak of political will in Latin America, therefore I decided to take a better look at the situation in Lithuanian capital.

They say that Vilnius is one of the better examples in Eastern Europe where public advertisement is rigorously controlled. We must admit that due to municipal legislation Vilnius old town is not polluted by visual advertisement. According to these legal acts introduced in 2003, the city is divided into four regions with variable advertisement restrictions. Even though the old town looks clean as soon as one passes to the other zone just across the bridge, the advertisement chaos begins as advertisement banners pile on top of each other.

I will not elaborate on philosophical contemplations of marketing and will limit my remarks only on several new and dangerous advertisement examples that are threatening the city.

Most of us have noticed the sound of speakers near newly opened and "prestigious" shopping center "Gedimino 9", as they loudly invite the "right" people to the "right" place. The impossibility to communicate while walking by has become the new cultural attribute of the area. The fact that the new revolutionary municipal authorities have not taken any measures proves that some businessmen can do anything they please. It is true that recently these speakers disappeared, most probably because of the bad weather. Or maybe some unhappy citizen broke them?

The other big problem is the advertisement in educational facilities. Just a decade ago such issues were mentioned only in anecdotes as the peculiarities of capitalist countries, however now they are common in many schools and dormitories across Vilnius as the flyers are now replaced by solid advertisement graffiti’s and other means like „Ezys lifts“ (advertisements made like wallpapers and sticked up in lifts).

Of course this is not Latin America and marketing will not be outlawed. However, the discussion about the visual advertisement and its benefits to every citizen is still necessary. Such discussion should be public and not go on behind the closed doors as it happens in most cases.

Gediminas Kordušas

Photos: Gediminas Kordušas and Erika Lastovskytė

Translation: Jurgis Vėgėlė

A blog about playful society

Dionizas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:40:00 +01:00

‚From the very moment that I play: I exists’. The way one plays reveals the entity, shows the unique face of every community and confirms its right to be different. Show me how you play and I will tell who you are. The author of the blog footballprovince invites you to take a closer look to the society through the football prism.

Has football, which is the only cultural phenomenon uniting people of all religious, linguistic and ethnic groups, said anything about globalization?

Will the national state prevail, or maybe the world will be ruled by the corporations, which will be free from any traditions and territories? What football says about equality, or integration of ethnic groups? Does everything go really smoothly? What about racist assaults in the stadiums? Is there a relation between football and politics? On one hand, sport could be used as a tool by various totalitarian, or authoritarian regimes, reaching for their goals. On the other hand, football can serve for the minority groups with complicated political participation, as the instrument to express their identity. Glasgow „Celtic“, or Bilbao „Athletic“ are only examples.

I will deal with these and many other questions in footballprovince.cafebabel.com. While I am waiting for the translator to join me, please give me more comments and offers As the legendary coach Bill Shankly from „Liverpool“ said, football is more significant than life and death.

Donatas

Photo: Petras Velička 'Our Toys' 1947

Lithuanian Euro

Indre — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:53:00 +01:00

“I hope that the Vytis, riding through the stars with his head raised high, on our new money will not be shameful for Lithuania” says Antanas Žukauskas, the author of the Lithuanian Euro coins.

Lithuania was not able to adopt euro in 2007. High inflation rates and coming Parliamentary and Presidential elections are the factors, which won't be favourable for euro till 2010. But model of Lithuanian euro already exists and waits for the day when it will settle in the pockets of every Lithuanian.

Almost everyone has run into Antanas Žukauskas’ creations in Lithuania, both the president and the homeless man. Of course the later might not have heard that the sculptor has been recognized in a large number of local and international expositions, has received awards in dozens of international competitions and is the author of more than 50 works (monuments, memorial and decorative sculptures, among others) spread throughout Lithuanian and foreign public spaces. Might have not seen the famous ensembles created by the artist, however he holds coins created by A. Žukauskas in his hand everyday. That is because all valid and commemorative Lithuanian coins were designed by him, he also won the competition to design the Lithuanian Euro coins. He has been a nominated for the National culture and art award a number of times, but has as yet to receive it. However he has received the Grand Lithuanian duke Gediminas cross of the knight (in 2004) for achievements in the name of Lithuania and spreading its fame worldwide. In 2006 he was awarded the top strategic state stipend.

Museums and collectors in Lithuania, U.K., Czech Republic, Georgia, USA, Poland, Russia, Finland, Ukraine, Vatican and Germany have obtained his works. Presently the sculptor is working on an international project “Lithuania in Europe through form”, which is supported by the European Parliament ant the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania. Several personal expositions were opened for this project. One in the gallery of the permanent EU delegation and in the Belliard str. square in Brussels (Belgium), in a private gallery in Dresden (Germany), in September an exposition of the artists’ sculptural assemblages took place in the Lithuanian national library, in the months of October through to December his exposition “Intersections of Visions and Reality” opened it’s doors in the Lithuanian art museums’ Radvilų residence. More than two hundred pieces by the author are on display here: sculptures, bass relief’s, assemblages, regular and collectors coins as well as graphic projects. Expositions in Rome and London are planned after this one. This will be the biggest worry of the sculptor’s muse, wife, friend and finally manager Elena Žukauskienė.

So there will be a lot more excitement, well-wishing, flowers, toasting. While the artist himself says that he values solitude the most. “I live at peace with myself, this is why I am not afraid to stay alone with Žukauskas. When someone asks whether I ever tire of working I don’t even know what to answer. After all I don’t work, but live my creations. I am happy that I have became what I wanted to be from childhood” says the man who received almost completely used up pieces of pencils from a distant relative – Antanas Vienuolis-Žukauskas (the famous Lithuanian poet).

The sculptor is not attached to any particular piece or genre. “In this sense I am a father of many children and I love them all equally” jokes the writer who always feels the thirst for knowledge “I like to use real materials – bronze, silver, gold, copper. Lately I feel wood especially well. I have distanced myself from coins somewhat, because I felt longing for a... wider stroke”.

A. Žukauskas, now 68 says he is afraid of being caught in a mold, of becoming repetitive. That is why he is constantly looking for new thoughts, enjoys exciting everyday life and is fond of running water. These are not just grand words – the thoughts, ahead of time, embodied in his works are witness to that. “I loathe swamps” shivers the man marked by creative will, a multitude of interests and exceptional talent “I am not exceptional and journalists tend to get bored with me. I don’t have any good luck charms or superstitions. I ask nothing of god, because I believe that he is having a difficult time as it is – so much is asked and begged of him every moment”.

He has a piece of advice to anyone wishing to bury a treasure of coins created by the sculptor – to add a note to the coins with the words “Lithuania – the most beautiful state in the world”. The sculptor does not hide the fact that he receives very lucrative offers to work abroad, but says that he cannot understand why he should go somewhere. “This is my country” he stresses and cannot contain his excitement about being born during the most interesting times.

Caught aback by questions regarding the common EU currency and the fact that people are afraid that by giving up our currency we will give away a part of ourselves he thought for a long while. “Every country has a different picture on one side of the Euro coin, which is a compromise between better economic conditions and national identity” said the artist, “When creating the Euros I wanted to retain our national spirit and our national symbol – the Vytis. I hope that the Vytis, riding through the stars with his head raised high, on our new money will not be shameful for Lithuania”.

Aurelija Arlauskienė

Translation: Vytautas Jurgaitis

Photos: A.Arlauskienė and Central Bank of the Republic of Lithuania

Cars braking action

Indre — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:00:00 +02:00

A car is not always faster then a bicycle. Anti-car movements are trying to reveal the truth for those, who haven’t understood it yet or haven’t even tried.

I will tell you one truth: the number of cars in Lithuania is growing. Those streets in Vilnius, which have until recently been low on traffic, today become one noisy swarm of cars, ending somewhere over horizon during peak hours.

Recently I’ve faced another interesting phenomenon. It seems that there is a chance to be stuck in a traffic jam in Vilnius even on a Sunday. The newly established No Car Day hasn’t received much notice in Lithuania.

Generally I think that after so many years the car is finally loosing its reputation. For decades it meant freedom and prosperity to Westerners. For non-romantics it was an everyday necessity. We can’t imagine our landscapes without wiggly byways or highways. OK, highways are not very picturesque, but think how fast we can go from A to B! It is mobility! However, talking about cars is becoming less and less pleasant. What is happening?

We have to begin with the fact that a car is the biggest polluter of our planet. To be more precise, it is these 600 mln. cars (more than one third registered in the EU), that drive into the streets and roads daily. Cars and their factories are responsible for 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. When the ecosystem of the planet is almost destroyed these 25 percent mean much – our chances to live will be over anyway. I don’t exaggerate. And what about other numbers? More than a million car accident victims every year, for example. Statistics would be even more horrific if we counted those, who suffer from breathing diseases.

In this situation anti-car movements are very timely. I will examine just a few of them, the most influential or interesting.

The most popular form of the anti-car movement, known even in Lithuania, is Critical Mass. On the last Friday of every month, a crowd of cyclists and other human powered vehicles flows into the streets of cities all around the world and drive a certain course as one unit. This movement was born in San Francisco fifteen years ago. Its primary aim is to show the dominating unfriendly view to the participation of cyclists in traffic. Fast growing, this monthly action also propagates alternative vehicles and brings depressing climate change issues to society’s notice. An interesting quality of this movement is the lack of organizing bodies within it. Actions are arranged semi-spontaneously, through the Internet, with no coordination. There is no doubt that Critical Mass receives much criticism – a few thousand cyclists moving close to each other often completely paralyze car traffic. The answer that Critical Mass has to this complaint has become the slogan of the movement: ‘we don’t disturb traffic, we are traffic’.

Another, slightly more marginal movement is called the World Naked Bike Ride. During it courageous cyclists dressed as their imagination sees fit ride out onto the streets. Many of them are completely nude. Participants in such events describe this ‘as a protest against dependence on oil and an expression of the joy of power of an individual body’. The first naked bike ride took place in Saragosa (Spain) in 2001. World Bike Rides have taken place in 2004. These actions have developed into big festivals, in which political protest is mixed with street performances.

The most interesting for myself is probably the New Pedestrianism movement, one could call it a philosophy. It was born as more radical form of the New Urbanism and occupies itself with a constant ideological criticism of the car culture. The father of this movement, Michael E. Arth, states that a car is responsible for many problems, which confront our (post)modern society. According to him urban areas should be planed with consideration for pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, but not for cars. If this came true the society’s dependence on dwindling energy resources would decrease, just as the pollution of the environment would. At the moment there are seven such urban areas – so called Pedestrian Villages. Except for one in Kenya, all villages are American.

It is not clear whether the aforementioned movements will remain marginalized exclamations or will they finally start waking up the consciousness of our society. I’d like to be optimistic.

Gediminas Kordušas

Ready, steady, science promotion!

Indre — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:32:00 +02:00

This year has been especially successful for Lithuanian youths – school kids, who do much to for the fame of Lithuania every year in various science competitions. Kids well versed in the fields of mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics and IT have brought back medals with them.

Unfortunately, our Ministry of Science and Education launched a programme for the development of talented children only in 2006 and only this year has the media begun to show interest in our kids’ victories.

However the general public is still not sufficiently informed and only a small part of the population knows how such children are educated, who works with them, how they get picked for the competitions and how the competitions themselves are carried out – such contest are usually compared to sporting events.

Even in those messages that are presented in mass media are often marred by gross mistakes, false facts, which all confuse the audience. Often, when media outlets carry news about their triumphs, the public opinion is threefold. First, quite a few people are happy for the children and their achievements in the international arena. Second, some think that a gold metal won when a child is not an absolute winner, like in a sporting event, is not valuable and there is no point in being proud of such an achievement.

Of course there is also an opinion that such students are social rejects, who are talented only because they have not seen anything except for books in their entire lives. The same situation concerns the teachers and lecturers who prepare the children: people often think that they get thousands for work with such students, however in fact they are genuine altruists, often not only working for free, but also contributing their own savings when need arises. Often the only pay, which the teachers receive for helping such youngsters, is a thank you note…

Few people, who comment on the achievements of talented children, doubt that those students will stay and continue studies in Lithuanian universities. Unfortunately such an opinion reflects the truth: a fairly large part of young people, who graduate from school, leave the country to continue studies in foreign universities, which are attractive due to the quality of education and a perspective future.

The school curricula are prepared for students of average ability, who is being prepared for graduation exams in under the established programmes. Of course there are schools in Lithuania, which concentrate on a certain subject and teach their students that subject in more detail and breadth. However there are plenty of talented youths in regular schools. Thus the work of the teachers is especially important for the kids in question.

Such schools are not only open in Vilnius and Kaunas, but also in smaller cities. The assistance that teachers provide to such youths varies greatly: some teachers try to find kids of exceptional mental talent and provide them with space for improvement, by constantly working with them, others might simply provide direction when searching for information. It is important that the educators create an environment, which encourages the development of a young person, at least in the early stages. But it is not only the teacher that determines a students’ interest in science: often talented children take an active interest in themes that interest them. Thus we can be happy that there are more than ten extracurricular schools where children can improve and expand their knowledge more than in their own schools. This year a remote studies program for biologists was tested. Many university students worked on it voluntarily and significantly assisted in biology achievements of this year’s young biologist team. We have to hope that this will be an excellent incentive for the creation of new programmes of a similar character.

Even though the Lithuanian Ministry of Science and Education expressed the wish to solve the problems related to talented youths, interest in the topic from government institutions is still lacking. The situation is different with private capital: financing from the private sector has increased several times over; furthermore, some companies reorient their aid policy toward the growing of socially responsible individuals and donate funds toward olympics, student scholarships or camps. During the past few years several funds have been established, which reward students and their teachers for their achievements. Some camps have also appeared, where students can study in their field and expand their horizons by conversing with various well known individuals and develop their selves. Such events attract more and more talented students each year.

We can be happy that some schools and municipalities find opportunities to show attention themselves to children they educate: award scholarships, organise parties to celebrate achievements with such students, provide various prizes.

It would be wrong to state that the situation in Lithuania is bad as compared to foreign countries. By far not all states are very attentive to talented youths: they receive most attention in Asian countries, where students-winners receive large scholarships, however in other countries financing is lacking for organising national competitions and little attention is paid to the participation of children in international competitions. In any case there is plenty of room for improvement, Lithuanians should be happy with the high achievements of young people not only by providing funding for the education of such children and the work of their teachers, but also by encouraging more young people to be interested in science and to work for the benefit of Lithuania.

Aistė Jurčytė
Translation Vytautas Jurgaitis

Shall Vilnius green its face? [photos]

Dionizas — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:22:00 +02:00

“Communities had no opportunities for constructive cooperation with the former city government. Thus the initiative shown by the new council evokes the positive feelings.” The author of the text representating the newspaper “Green Lithuania” indicates they are waiting what comes next.

In the middle of July the first meeting of the new city government and the most active city dwellers – the members of communities and public movements – took place in Vilnius.

For the meantime, the newly elected city mayor Juozas Imbrasas and other officials are willingly communicating with the representatives of the public organizations. They are discussing how to cope with the problems, which people living in Vilnius are facing, in order to improve their welfare.

On the 12^th of July the chairman of the Health and Environmental Security Committee of the municipality Audrius Butkevicius invited NGO’s representatives, entitled to be the public experts, and discussed the main environmental issues of the city.

First of all, the suggestion to draw the attention to the summer topic – the city beaches, was made. The beach near Pilaite district, which is in the lack for garbage containers and bio-WC’s, was recalled.

An expert representing UNESCO ICOMOS Jurate Markeviciene has submitted an idea to establish a park in the valley of the river Neris. “We are watching the investors perpetually encroaching on the banks of the river, which are not totally built up yet. It was not always this way. As far back as in the beginning of the last century the conservation area of the slope of Neris existed. It preserved the larger part of the valley, which has also the value of historical monumental”, - J.Markeviciene said.

Furthermore, the participants of the meeting pointed out that the western wind domination makes the air flow in to the city centre along the river Neris. Thus, if the banks of Neris will be used for recreation purposes, but not built up, the better air quality will be ensured together with the good looking.

A baseball stadium on one side and various buildings on the other side of Neris valley was meant to be developed. Because the Zirmunai residents resisted the territory was preserved then. Unfortunately, the investors, not satisfied with what they have, are trying again to build the terrain up. Therefore, it is once again very important to discuss the preservation of the territory, which is essential for the river.

The authorities of the city suggested drawing attention to the general city plan. The fact, that only the detailed plans are submitted for public discussion was noticed by politicians. In the meantime, the majority of planning maladies are reflected in the documents, which are not weighted publicly.

The brief and concrete discussion showed that the new city council is willing to define the problems and to solve them together with the most active part of the society. It was agreed upon the continuous and more active cooperation between the committee and the representatives of various communities.

Will the city face change? Will Vilnius become greener? Will the historical heritage be preserved? These questions ought to be answered by the present Vilnius city council. And the society watching the steps reserves the right to criticize and admonish, or struggle.

Green Lithuania

Janina Gadliauskienė

People ≠ convictions

Indre — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:01:00 +02:00

Do we really imagine each other like this? The organization Baltic Sea Unit based in Sweden surveyd the national attitudes on the neighbouring countries.

Denmark and Finland were associatied with democracy 63%, development 39% and growth 30%. < >

Baltic States and Poland were evaluated negatively: Four out of ten Swedish people named poverty and crime as the main qualities and 35 % – stressed the pollution.

Here is their impression, which I have brought from the meeting of journalists from 5 countries in Stockholm.

Indrė Kumpikevičiūtė

Translation Dionizas Bajarūnas