Fri, 6th November, 2015 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 20568(7) Comment2015-11-06+19%3A12%3A120df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D20568

How to access all our 18
sub-sections here in VilNews

Click on the links below to access each of VilNews' 18 sections. All our sections have their own distinct, different contents, as the headlines suggest. You can also scroll forward to new pages by clicking NEXT at the bottom of each page. We hope you have time to study our many articles!

1. FRONT PAGE	2. ABOUT VILNEWS	3. LITHUANIA TODAY
4. HISTORICAL LITHUANIA	5. PHOTOS FROM LITHUANIA	6. TRAVEL LITHUANIA!
7. LITHUANIA IN THE WORLD	8. THE WORLD IN LITHUANIUA	9. LITVAKFORUM
10. CULTURE & EVENTS	11. REAL ESTATE – ARCHITECTURE	12. BUSINESS, ECONOMY
13. EDUCATION – R&D	14, SPORT AND LEISURE	15. HEALTH AND WELLBEING
16. VISIT MARKETS, GO SHOPPING	17. LITHUANIAN FOOD & BEVERAGES	18. HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

…

Sat, 31st October, 2015 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 20372(5) Comment2015-10-31+19%3A51%3A070df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D20372

VilNews is back!

Our publication VilNews has been inactive over the past two years. But here we are again, ready with a fresh new issue. We wish old and new readers worldwide warmly welcome!

“New” VilNews consists of 18 sections that you can immerse yourself into by clicking on the link buttons at the top of each page.

If “old” VilNews had been printed on paper, it would become a book of more than 7,000 pages of totally unique reading material about historical and contemporary Lithuania. This huge material is still available. All old and new articles are sorted by topics, in our 18 sections.

The VilNews concept is a unique combination of informative articles, social media (blogs and commentaries) and background articles about Lithuanian people, history, culture, politics, tourism, economy and much more. We do very much appreciate feedback and comments from our readers. Good debate is always healthy!

I wish you some good reading, and please do not hesitate to contact us!

Say what you mean – mean what you say – don`t be mean

Aage Myhre
Editor-in-Chief
aage.myhre@VilNews.com

…

Sat, 31st October, 2015 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 20222(5) Comment2015-10-31+02%3A02%3A200df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D20222

unnamed

The term Fourth Estate refers to the press,
both in its explicit capacity of advocacy
and in its ability to frame political issues.

VilNews was several years ago established as a newsletter for Vilnius International Club (founded 2001). Over the years, the newsletter got attention and readers from a worldwide audience far beyond the spheres of the club, and grew over the last couple of years from having a few hundred readers to an estimated readership of more than 10 000 at the end of 2010.

Against this background, it was in September 2010 decided that VilNews should be separated from the club and established as a separate corporation and publisher, with the aim to turn the newsletter into an online e-magazine with a broad scope of issues and coverage.

Today's vision for VilNews is to develop and maintain an e-publication that should be viewed as a good, strong, independent, democratic and outspoken Fourth Estate media in and for Lithuania, founded on professional journalism and reflected comment articles.

VilNews as e-magazine shall continue the line of the newsletter, to be critical of the negative that is still going on in this country, while increasingly trying to find positive stories and interesting angles on events and characteristics from both past and present. Another goal is that VilNews shall builds bridges between Lithuania and its many extraordinary fine diasporas around the world. The global nation called Lithuania represents so much more than the country itself, and VilNews will always do its utmost to connect people with some sort of interest in Lithuanian affairs around the globe.

VilNews has got amazingly great support and response from readers around the world. This fact makes us confident that we will continue to develop VilNews' position as

a leading English-language e-publication from and about Lithuania!

…

Category : About VilNews

Sat, 31st October, 2015 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 20219(5) Comment2015-10-31+01%3A58%3A250df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D20219

VilNews code of ethics

Each of our editors and editorial staff members are required to be familiar with these ethical standards, and to base their practice on this code. The ethical practice comprehends the complete journalistic process from research to publication.

1. The Role of the Press in Society

1.1. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Information and Freedom of the Press are basic elements of a democracy. A free, independent press is among the most important institutions in a democratic society.

1.2. The press has important functions in that it carries information, debates and critical comments on current affairs. The press is particularly responsible for allowing different views to be expressed.

1.3. The press shall protect the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press and the principle of access to official documents. It cannot yield to any pressure from anybody who might want to prevent open debates, the free flow of information and free access to sources. Agreements concerning exclusive event reporting shall not preclude independent news reporting.

1.4. It is the right of the press to carry information on what goes on in society and to uncover and disclose matters, which ought to be subjected to criticism. It is a press obligation to shed critical light on how media themselves exercise their role.

1.5. It is the task of the press to protect individuals and groups against injustices or neglect, committed by public authorities and institutions, private enterprises, or others.

2. Integrity and Responsibility

2.1. The legally responsible editor carries personal and full responsibility for the material contained in the publication, no matter the form.

2.2. Each editorial desk and each employee must guard their own integrity and credibility in order to be free to act independently of any persons or groups who - for ideological, economic or other reasons - might want to exercise an influence over editorial matters.

2.3. Members of the editorial staff must not accept commissions or offices, financial support or dual roles creating conflicts of interest in relation to their editorial tasks. Be open on matters that could influence the credibility of editorial staff members.

2.4. Members of the editorial staff should not use their position to achieve personal gains.

2.5. A member of the editorial staff cannot be ordered to write or do anything, which is contrary to his or her convictions.

2.6. Reject any attempt to break down the clear distinction between advertisements and editorial copy. Advertisements intended to imitate or exploit an editorial product, should be turned down, as should advertisements undermining trust in the editorial integrity and the independence of the press.

2.7. Never promise editorial favours in return for advertisements. The material is published as a result of editorial considerations. See to it that the vital distinction between journalism and commercial communication is being maintained upon employment of web links and other connective means.

2.8. It is a breach of good press conduct to let sponsorship affect editorial activity, contents and presentation.

2.9. Members of the editorial staff may not accept assignments from anyone but the heads of the editorial staff.

3. Journalistic Conduct and Relations with the Sources

3.1. The source of information must, as a rule, be identified, unless this conflicts with source protection or consideration for a third party.

3.2. Be critical in the choice of sources, and make sure that the information provided is correct. It is good press practice to aim for diversity and relevance in the choice of sources. If anonymous sources are used, or the publication is offered exclusivity, especially stringent requirements must be imposed on the critical evaluation of the sources. Particular caution should be exercised when dealing with information from anonymous sources, information from sources offering exclusivity, and information provided from sources in return for payment.

3.3. Good press conduct requires clarification of the terms on which an interview is being carried out. This also pertains to adjacent research.

3.4. Protect the sources of the press. The protection of sources is a basic principle in a free society and is a prerequisite for the ability of the press to fulfil its duties towards society and ensure the access to essential information.

3.5. Do not divulge the name of a person who has provided information on a confidential basis, unless consent has been explicitly given by the person concerned.

3.6. In consideration of the sources and the independence of the press, unpublished material as a main rule should not be divulged to third parties.

3.7. It is the duty of the press to report the intended meaning in quotes from an interview. Direct quotes must be accurate.

3.8. Changes of a given statement should be limited to corrections of factual errors. No one without editorial authority may intervene in the editing or presentation of editorial material

3.9. Proceed tactfully in journalistic research. In particular show consideration for people who cannot be expected to be aware of the effect that their statements may have. Never abuse the emotions or feeling of other people, their ignorance or their lack of judgment. Remember that people in shock or grief are more vulnerable than others.

3.10. Hidden cameras/microphones or false identity may only be used under special circumstances. The condition must be that such a method is the only possible way to uncover cases of essential importance to society.

3.11. The press shall as a rule not pay sources or interviewees for information. Exercise moderation when paying a consideration for news tips. It is incompatible with good press practice to employ payment schemes designed to tempt people, without due cause, to invade the privacy of others or to disclose sensitive personal information.

4. Publication Rules

4.1.Make a point of fairness and thoughtfulness in contents and presentation.

4.2. Make plain what is factual information and what is comment.

4.3. Always respect a person's character and identity, privacy, race, nationality and belief. Never draw attention to personal or private aspects if they are irrelevant.

4.4. Make sure that headlines, introductions and leads do not go beyond what is being related in the text. It is considered good press conduct to reveal your source when the information is quoted from other media.

4.5. In particular avoid presumption of guilt in crime and court reporting. Make it evident that the question of guilt, whether relating to somebody under suspicion, reported, accused or charged, has not been decided until the sentence has legal efficacy. It is a part of good press conduct to report the final result of court proceedings, which have been reported earlier.

4.6. Always consider how reports on accidents and crime may affect the victims and next-of-kin. Do not identify victims or missing persons unless next-of-kin have been informed. Show consideration towards people in grief or at times of shock.

4.7. Be cautious in the use of names and photographs and other clear identifiers of persons in referring to contentious or punishable matters. Special caution should be exercised when reporting cases at the early stage of investigation, cases concerning young offenders and cases in which an identifying report may place an unreasonable burden on a third party. Identification must be founded on a legitimate need for information. It may, for instance, be legitimate to identify someone where there is imminent danger of assault on defenceless individuals, in the case of serious and repeated crimes, if the identity or social position of the subject is patently relevant to the case being reported on, or where identification protects the innocent from exposure to unjustified suspicion.

4.8. Reporting on children, it is considered good press conduct to assess the implications that media focusing could cause in each case. This also pertains when the person in charge or parent, has agreed to exposure. As a general rule the identity of children should not be disclosed in reports on family disputes or cases under consideration by the childcare authorities or by the courts.

4.9. Be cautious when reporting on suicide and attempted suicide. Avoid reporting that is not necessary for meeting a general need for information. Avoid description of methods or other matters that may contribute to provoking further suicidal actions.

4.10. Exercise caution when using photos in any other context than the original.

4.11. Protect the credibility of the journalistic photograph. Photos used as documentation must not be altered in a way that creates a false impression. Manipulated photos can only be accepted as illustrations if it is evident that it in actual fact is a picture collage.

4.12. The use of pictures must comply with the same requirements of caution as for a written or oral presentation.

4.13. Incorrect information must be corrected and, when called for, an apology given, as soon as possible.

4.14. Those who have been subjected to strong accusations shall, if possible, have the opportunity to simultaneous reply as regards factual information. Debates, criticism and dissemination of news must not be hampered by parties being unwilling to make comments or take part in the debate.

4.15. Those who have been the subject of an attack shall have the chance to reply at the earliest opportunity, unless the attack and criticism are part of a running exchange of views. Any reply should be of reasonable length, be pertinent to the matter and seemly in its form. The reply can be refused if the party in question has rejected, without an objective reason, an offer of presenting a contemporaneous rejoinder on the same issue. Replies and contributions to the debate should not be accompanied by polemic editorial comment.

4.16. Beware that digital publication pointers and links could bring you to other electronic media that do not comply with the Ethical Code. See to it that links to other media or publications are clearly marked. It is considered good press conduct to inform the users of interactive services on how the publication registers you, and possibly exploits your use of the services.

4.17. Should the editorial staff choose not to pre-edit digital chatting, this has to be announced in a clear manner for those accessing the pages. The editorial staff has a particular responsibility, instantly to remove inserts that are not in compliance with the Ethical Code.

The VilNews Code of Ethics are identical with the:

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE NORWEGIAN PRESS

Ethical Code of Practice for the Press (printed press, radio, television and net publications). Adopted by the Norwegian Press Association November 23th, 2007.

…

Category : About VilNews

Fri, 30th October, 2015 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 20225(7) Comment2015-10-30+16%3A04%3A030df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D20225

As long as VilNews exists,

unnamed (1)

DR. IRENA VEISAITE, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE VILNEWS HONORARY COUNCIL

Professor Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of our Honorary Council, has asked us to convey her heartfelt greetings to the other Council Members and to all readers of VilNews.

“My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,” she writes.

Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows. You can read our interview with her HERE.

…

Category : About VilNews

Wed, 15th May, 2013 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 19172(13) Comment2013-05-15+15%3A17%3A380df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D19172

Aage Myhre is
leaving Lithuania

Architect Aage Myhre, VilNews editor-in-chief,
interviewed by Ramunas Kontrimas, news2biz
www.news2biz.com
ramunas@news2biz.com

Some of architect Aage Myhre’s projects in Lithuania
over the last 20 years.

Aage Myhre, 60, is the Norwegian architect, journalist, publisher whose community building skills have made him a small expat phenomenon in Vilnius. He is about to return to his home country after twenty two years in Vilnius, taking along his Lithuanian spouse and two daughters, but leaving his other object of admiration, Vilnius' Old Town, behind.

news2biz met Aage to ask him to reflect on his Lithuanian stay that lasted much long than he expected.

Category : About VilNews / Featured black

Wed, 15th May, 2013 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 19158(7) Comment2013-05-15+14%3A55%3A490df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D19158

**Two new VilNews editors!**

Today, we are pleased to announce that VilNews has got two new skilled Associate Editors, Dalia Cidzikaite and Daiva Repečkaitė. We can say with certainty that they are going to mean a lot for our worldwide, online e-publication and the accompanying wonderful network of global readers with Lithuania in their hearts. Please welcome them! See also our Section 2 and Section 3.

Associate Editor
DALIA CIDZIKAITE

Dalia is the former editor in chief of the Chicago-based Lithuanian newspaper Draugas. She holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is the board member of the journal Lituanus, Santara-Šviesa Federation, also the member of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc. Archives Committee and Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies. Dalia is the author of a book The Other in Lithuanian Prose (Vilnius: Lietuvių literatūros ir tautosakos institutas, 2007). She was born and grew up in Vilnius.
dalia.cidzikaite@VilNews.com

Associate Editor
DAIVA REPEČKAITĖ

Daiva is a former journalist of Atgimimas weekly, the Baltic correspondent of the Equal Times, and a freelance reporter. She has published articles in IQ magazine, news sites Delfi, lrytas.lt and Bernardinai.lt, as well as Cafe Babel, Göteborgske Spionen and Grads.co.uk. In 2008 she won the European Young Journalist Award "Enlarge your vision" in the Lithuanian language category and later was awarded a Japan Foundation grant for young researchers and journalists. In addition to Lithuanian and English, she speaks German, Russian and Hebrew, as well as some Swedish, French and Japanese.
daiva.repeckaite@VilNews.com

Category : About VilNews / Featured / Front page

Sun, 12th August, 2012 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 14807(4) Comment2012-08-12+13%3A31%3A460df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D14807

Help us make VilNews
even more successful!

Dear VilNews Readers,

First of all, thanks to all of you for your kind words, suggestions, comments and support for VilNews. We have always felt very strongly about the wonderful potential of Lithuania in the world. It is a country of much beauty and fascinating multicultural history – a nation now represented in all corners of the world. We have been very pleased to provide a forum for a free, open and respectful dialogue about the past, present and future of Lithuania. The Staff and I have taken your advice to heart and decided to continue publishing VilNews and possibly also publishing a Lithuanian version of it. For this to occur we will need additional financial support.

We cannot continue to carry the full financial cost of publishing and disseminating VilNews on our own. We feel that all of us have a vested interest in the success of VilNews. In order to continue and expand this great publication we need your help.

If you can, please make a financial contribution to VilNews. At the present time we can only accept checks or money orders made out to UAB VilNews. Please write me if you consider contributing.

If you know of any business that should or could advertise in VilNews, please contact them. We are looking for sponsors and advertisers.

Please check your e-mail contact lists and suggest www.VilNews.com to all your friends who are interested in Lithuania. You would be surprised, how many of them have not heard of us. VilNews has also two different pages on Facebook, so go in and "like" us and participate in our ongoing debates.

I am sure that all of us working together can make VilNews even more successful than it already is.

Sincerely,
Kestutis J. Eidukonis
CEO VilNews
kestutis.eidukonis@VilNews.com

Category : About VilNews / Featured black

Thu, 9th August, 2012 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 14757(6) Comment2012-08-09+17%3A02%3A200df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D14757

New CEO of VilNews

Kestutis J. Eidukonis

Dear readers,

I am today pleased to announce that Mr. Kestutis J. Eidukonis has accepted the position as CEO (Chief Executive Officer), of VilNews. As his family name suggests, Kestutis is of Lithuanian origin, though he has lived most of his life in the USA. Kestutis replaces Mr. Torben Pedersen as CEO for VilNews.

As CEO Kestutis will be responsible for the business aspects of VilNews, whereas I will continue to be responsible for all editorial aspects, as Editor-in-Chief.

Kestutis brings a wealth of experience from his life-long career(s). He can proudly look back at a brilliant career at the US Armed Forces, which brought him to work in many countries and in many roles, including being primary adviser in political and military affairs to the Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Southern Command (Latin and Central America). His successful military career can best be illustrated by the numerous decorations for outstanding performance he has received over the years.

Kestutis’ civil career is not less impressive. He has successfully managed the improvement or turn-around of over 500 small to medium size businesses ranging in annual revenue from $500,000 - $60 million. He has successfully advised several Russian and Eastern European firms endeavoring to do business with Western Countries, and he has worked extensively in Russia, the Baltics and Scandinavia. He has been teaching Entrepreneurship, Audio Video Technology, Electronic Journalism and Media communications, and lectured at AT&T's Global Business Program, East Stroudsburg University, School of the Americas, and the Air Force War College, as well as he has presented seminars on various business topics.

It’s without any doubt that Kestutis’ achievements, credentials, skills and experiences are outstanding and impressive. However, maybe most importantly, during the last couple of months, where I have learned to know Kestutis (also) as a person, I have noticed his strong feelings for Lithuania and Lithuanians, which I’m convinced has played an important role in his decision of accepting the position as CEO of VilNews.

He shares the vision of VilNews, to develop and maintain an e-publication that should be viewed as a good, strong, independent, democratic and outspoken Fourth Estate media in and for Lithuania, be critical of the negative that is still going on in this country, while increasingly trying to find positive stories and interesting angles on events and characteristics from both past and present, and to build bridges between Lithuania and its many extraordinary fine diasporas around the world.

You might claim that his decision was made by his heart rather than by his brain, however, as long as the brain is not completely disconnected, this is not a bad combination.

Let me also take the opportunity to thank Torben Pedersen for all the efforts he has put into VilNews…so far. Torben accepted the role as CEO in connection with the establishment of VilNews, as a temporary measure, however we all know that temporary arrangements, in the worst case, tend to become permanent, and in the best case, take longer than anticipated. I know that Torben is happy that Kestutis has accepted to take over as CEO, not for his own sake, but for the sake of VilNews. Torben is also a character that doesn’t care about titles or positions, however, I am convinced that Torben will work closely together with Kestutis in the future, that they will greatly supplement each other and constitute a great management team.

Please extend a hand and help Kestutis, Torben and I make VilNews a truly successful and wonderful reading experience for all lovers of Lithuania.

Aage Myhre
Editor-in-Chief

Category : About VilNews / Featured black / Front page

Thu, 7th June, 2012 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 14151(20) Comment2012-06-07+12%3A32%3A140df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D14151

Is there a future
for VilNews?


www.VilNews.com	www.VilNews.eu	www.VilNews.lt

There will be no updates of VilNews e-magazine for
the period 9 – 22 June 2012.

By Aage Myhre, VilNews Editor-in-Chief
aage.myhre@VilNews.com

It seems, unfortunately, that we may have to stop publishing VilNews later this summerdue to lack of economic support and advertising from Lithuanian State, businesses and organizations, this despite the tremendous success we have had when it comes to worldwide readership and general interest.

Ideas and suggestions from you, dear readers who wouldn’t like to see this happen, would be very much appreciated.

When we went online with VilNews 16 months ago, the internet experts predicted that a ‘niche product’ like ours would probably attract no more than 10-15,000 readers per year. Today this is the number of readers we have per week (!), and we have till now welcomed close to 400,000 visitors from 181 countries; a tremendous success both with regards to readership and the great response we have had from Lithuanians and others from literally every corner of the globe. As far as I know, we are now the largest online publication from and about Lithuania in the world…

I have been told that we have more readers than all Lithuanian tourist brochures and presentations altogether.

I have been told that we have been doing more to connect global Lithuanians than all governmental institutions together…

If VilNews was printed on paper it would become a book of 7,000 pages, thicker than the Bible, making it the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of, and source for, historical and contemporary information about the nation called Lithuania. This does, however, not impress the country’s State leaders or businesses.

When we have asked companies and the State authorities for economic support, the answer is either NO, or we get no answer at all (which is the most common ‘response’).

So far, we, the owners/shareholders, have subsidized the publishing, but I’m afraid our general meeting later this summer will be negative to do this much longer.

I think it would be sad if this enormous collection of Lithuania-related information would be lost, and I think it would be a sad day for our many readers who no longer will be getting their daily manna and access to a freestanding, democratic communication platform for good debates and the sharing of thoughts, memories and much more.

It would almost be like burning down a national library, wouldn’t it?

Category : About VilNews / Featured black

Mon, 9th April, 2012 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 12990(6) Comment2012-04-09+12%3A11%3A490df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D12990

Dr. Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of the
VilNews Honorary Council
(see SECTION 2)

**As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future**

Professor Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of our Honorary Council, has asked us to convey her heartfelt greetings to the other Council Members and to all readers of VilNews.

“My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,” she writes.

Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows. You can read our interview with her HERE.

Category : About VilNews / Featured black / Front page

Tue, 14th February, 2012 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 11638(0) Comment2012-02-14+12%3A06%3A470df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D11638

ONE YEAR ONLINE!

VilNews Honorary Council!

By: Aage Myhre, Editor-in-Chief
aage.myhre@VilNews.com

Dear VilNews readers,

We are today proud to present you to our ‘Honorary Council’ – composed of distinguished individuals, all born in Lithuania before World War II, all having extraordinary lives and careers – some in Lithuania, some in exile due to the Soviet occupation of their motherland.

The members of the Honorary Council, wish to contribute, embody, and set standards that enhance the progress and development of Lithuania as a great nation based on dignity, wisdom, tolerance, multiculturalism, and respect for each other.

Lithuania is today a free and independent nation with norms, values, and visions that are deeply rooted in our country’s long and proud history, and it is these outstanding qualities that define the country and our people as the nation called Lithuania. These are the traits that have made Lithuania a great, progressive, and prosperous force in human history.

Now our nation needs to pull together so that we can confront boldly the challenges we face and take responsibility for our own future again.

The dignitaries participation in the Honorary Council does not imply that they, either as a group or as individuals, necessarily agree with all of the opinions the publication’s editorial staff, readers, and other parties may express in articles, comments, or other published content, but they do affirm and advocate freedom of the press, speech, and other forms of legitimate expression as among the inviolable rights of a democratic Lithuania, based on the ethical standards outlined in the publication’s own “Code of Ethics” (ref VilNews Section 3).

They encourage Lithuanians and readers around the world to express their opinions and views through VilNews with the common goal of contributing to a better and more prosperous future for the worldwide Lithuanian community and the nation called “Lithuania!”

Irena Veisaite – Valdas Adamkus – Jonas Kronkaitis – Stasys Backaitis
Vytautas Slliupas – Tomas Venclova – Romas Katilius – Siminoas Alperavicius – Vytas Gruodis

TO READ MORE, GO TO OUR SECTION 2

* * *

VilNews became an online e-publication
15th of February 2011

* * *

Today: 250.000 readers in 175 countries
in absolutely all world corners!

* * *

If VilNews was printed on paper, it would become
a book of more than 6.000 pages

* * *

Coronation of King Mindaugas, Lithuania’s first and only king, 6 July 1253.
“The Coronation of King Mindaugas” is the only historical picture out of half a
thousand works that were painted by Adomas Varnas (1879-1979). Varnas was
Lithuanian, a graduate of the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts and the Geneva
High School of Painting, and lived abroad most of his life. He worked on
the painting of King Mindaugas in Chicago, USA. The size of the picture is
1,65 m x 1,3 m. It portrays the climactic scene of the King’s coronation.
Varnas painted the canvas when he was over 70 years of age, in 1952.
He consulted several scientists to avoid historical mistakes.

VilNews went online 15 February 2011. Our goal was to get 100,000 visitors in one year. This target was reached already after six months, and now, after one year, we are very pleased to announce that we have reached 250,000 visitors – one quart million readers in no less than 175 countries! Around 1,000 persons are now reading VilNews every single day, a new reader every 1,5 minute in other words…

Experts told us in advance that a ‘niche product’ like this could expect a readership of 10,000 – 15,000 per year. Skeptics said that we were too optimistic. They were thoroughly wrong …

VilNews is a unique combination of blogs, news, historical articles, etc – a news media and social media under same umbrella, including a huge information base providing background articles on history, politics, economy and much more.

As far as we know VilNews is now the world’s most comprehensive online presentation of Lithuania and Lithuanian topics, be it with regard to history, politics, economy, culture, tourism and more. Had VilNews been printed on paper it would be a book of more than 6,000 pages, thicker than the Bible, Old and New Testament together.

To make reading easier, we have divided VilNews into 24 specialty sections. Below we have described them all. To get to the sections you can now today simply press the LEARN MORE buttons to the right, but normally you have to use the buttons on top of the front page of VilNews.

Note also the search box at the top of the front page. Enter any keyword and click SEARCH to find articles from our very extensive archive.

…

Category : About VilNews / Featured black / Front page

Sat, 26th November, 2011 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 10392(3) Comment2011-11-26+15%3A04%3A030df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D10392

Welcome to readers in
20 new countries!

VilNews keeps getting new readers in ever more countries. Since October, twenty new countries have ‘signed up’. It's incredibly exciting to see that Lithuania and ‘the Lithuanian’ is becoming increasingly better known in all corners of the world. We wish all our new readers welcome!

You are all invited to send us news and other matters that are related to Lithuania in the country or region where you live!

	CAYMAN ISLANDS		MALI
	EL SALVADOR		GAMBIA
	TOGO		MAURITIUS
	YEMEN		ARUBA
	ANTIGUA & BARBUDA		BARBADOS
	MACAU		NAMIBIA
	BURKINA FASO		VIRGIN ISLANDS
	DOMINICAN REPUBLIC		BERMUDA
	JAMAICA		GUAM (USA)
	BAHRAIN		ZAMBIA

…

Category : About VilNews / Front page

Fri, 18th November, 2011 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 10199(6) Comment2011-11-18+12%3A48%3A280df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D10199

The power of words
This short film illustrates the power of words to radically change your message and your effect upon the world.

Homage to Historia de un letrero, The Story of a Sign by Alonso Alvarez Barreda Music by: Giles Lamb http://www.gileslamb.com Filmed by www.redsnappa.com Director Seth Gardner. Cast: Bill Thompson, Beth Miller http://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/view.php?uid=217905

VilNews: Almost 200,000 visitors in only nine months!

Speaking of the word power: Our VilNews e-magazine has now been online for nine months. When we started the experts said that we probably would reach a readership of around 10 to 15,000 per year. It is therefore with great pleasure we can reveal that we already are approaching 200,000 visits, an incredibly large and gratifying number! We thank you, dear readers, for the enormous interest you are showing VilNews every single day!

Category : About VilNews / Featured black / Front page

Pulling extraordinary minds & brains together for the purpose of ‘rescuing’ Lithuania

Wed, 2nd November, 2011 - Posted by 0df53x21 - 9735(6) Comment2011-11-02+15%3A39%3A050df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D9735

I have been reading some of the most interesting articles since the VilNews launch.

There was one, in particular, that touched and impressed me deeply, it was an Oxfordian view on Lithuania's education.

However, what has impressed me the most is the fact that you have been able to pull extraordinary 'minds & brains' together from all over the world for the purpose of 'rescuing' Lithuania as a nation, and fundamentally improve its current practices with respect to economic and political justice, business practices, educational sustainability and resilience and much, much more.

Just wanted to say one more time THANK YOU!!!

Barbara Rapaport, Australia
(originally from Vilnius, Lithuania)

“What has impressed me the most is the fact that you have been able to pull extraordinary 'minds & brains' together from all over the world for the purpose of 'rescuing' Lithuania as a nation, and fundamentally improve its current practices with respect to economic and political justice, business practices, educational sustainability and resilience and much, much more.”

Category : About VilNews / Featured black

VilNews e-magazine has now
3 web addresses


www.VilNews.com	www.VilNews.eu	www.VilNews.lt

VilNews e-magazine is now registered with web addresses on global, European and Lithuanian level.

It is almost ten years since VilNews was established as a newsletter for VIC (Vilnius International Club – founded 2001). Over the years, the newsletter got attention and readers from a worldwide audience far beyond the spheres of the club, and grew from having a few hundred readers to an estimated readership of more than 10.000 by the end of 2010.

Against this background, it was in September 2010 decided that VilNews should be separated from the club and established as a separate corporation and publisher, with the aim to turn the newsletter into an online e-magazine with a broad scope of issues and coverage.

VilNews e-magazine went online 15 February this year, and has, during the almost six months that have passed since then achieved a very solid, global success, now with readers in no less than 114 countries!

We had set for ourselves the goal of achieving 100.000 visits from readers around the world within one year after the start, and it does of course please us very much to see that these are visitor numbers we will achieve already after only six months online!

We are also delighted to see that not only do we have a large readership, but also that very many write to us with comments, questions, poetry or simply thoughts and ideas about one thing or another. Please keep doing exactly that!

A good debate is always healthy….

Another factor is that VilNews is not only a world leading online e-publication from and about Lithuania, but also the most extensive. If all the articles you may access through VilNews had been printed on paper, this would become a book of more than 5.000 pages.

This provides everyone with an interest in Lithuania an invaluable source of information about the country's history, demography, culture, economy, politics and much, much more.

Not least, we believe this is of great importance to the diasporas and young people who may not be as well informed about what this country represents, both historically and in the present.

Today's vision for VilNews is to develop and maintain it as an e-publication that will be viewed as a good, strong, independent, democratic and outspoken Fourth Estate media in and for Lithuania, founded on professional journalism and reflected comment articles.

VilNews is changing the image of Lithuania!

Aage Myhre
Editor-in-Chief

The woman I talked to at today's National Day reception at the Norwegian Embassy in Vilnius had much good to say about our VilNews e-magazine, and I will not hide that it is good to hear such words – that what we have tried to address and achieve understanding for, in and about this country, is so well received, perceived and understood by one of our readers.

It gives inspiration to continue and an even stronger belief in the power of a free, democratic and outspoken press.

Here is what she said:

"Your VilNews e-magazine contributes more to Lithuania's international reputation than any political leader or advertising campaign has done over the latest twenty years!"

"The Soviet Union's attack on Lithuania in January 1991 led naturally to an enormous press coverage worldwide but the attention was soon gone and Lithuania did nothing to exploit the 'commercial value' of the great interest that the country was exposed to at the time. And since then, most of the international press coverage of Lithuania has been negative, marked by crimes carried out by individuals and gangs from here."

"Then comes VilNews, and suddenly we have access to a unique publication that explains Lithuania to the world in a completely different and smart way that makes the country sound and look very interesting again. Even those times when you criticize various aspects one understands that the criticism is based on well founded thoughts, fairness and a balanced approach. You are simply changing the image and perception of Lithuania!"

"I am also very impressed with the unusual combination you present of news, blogs, comments, and the enormous background material - not least that of historical character. It's also very good to see that so many of your readers actually write and communicate actively through the channel you offer them with VilNews. I've actually never seen anything like this anywhere in the world."

"I am now recommending VilNews to all my contacts around the world, and I wish this nation's leaders would study your publication very carefully and pay close attention to and follow up much of what you write and suggest."

Below some other comments we have received over the latest months. We are very grateful for all the good words, but would also like to emphasize that we very much welcome criticism, suggestions and comments of all kinds...

	Great job with VilNews, actually a unique one globally! Valdas Samonis PhD, CPC The Web Professor of Global Management(SM) Institute for New Economic Thinking, New York City, USA and Royal Roads University, Canada. Knowledge Management Editor, Transnational Corporations Review (TNCR)
I got the address of VilNews from my American friend. Best congratulations. You are again doing something that Lithuanian officials ought to do. Vilius Kavaliauskas, advisor of former PM Algirdas Brazauskas
	It is unbelievable what you have accomplished – created the best English language news forum about Lithuania and Lithuanians. Simply amazing!! Vytautas Sliupas, P.E. Burlingame, California, USA
Congratulations with VilNews! Far away from home, we need a publication different from the mainstream news portals, which are often permeated with negative attitude and serving narrow, short-term interests. Your interest to history and the international dimension of Lithuania has made your previous publications a very engaging reading. I trust VilNews will remain enthusiastic, honest and insightful. Please rest assured that you have a dedicated reader in Africa. Paulius Kulikauskas, Nairobi, Kenya
	Your critical comments on, and wishes for, Lithuania in this issue are excellent. I agree with every word, and can only hope that more Lithuanians would take your very informed, friendly, and insightful message to heart! Mykolas J. Drunga, Broadcaster at Lithuanian State Radio
I try to follow all the English "press" from the Baltic Times to alfa.lt "English". FINALLY I discover you! AND..... you place an article on Feb 16th Lithuanian Independence on the FRONT PAGE and feature an absolutely marvellous "historical" section. BRAVO! It's about time! All too often "historical" news and commemorations in Lithuania seem to be taken for granted - as if everyone there wasn't interested or already knew about it. The fact is most of us are STARVED for this kind of information and even regular English speaking tourists need historical perspective to truly appreciate Lithuanian culture - if only to help understand a tragic and fragmented history. I will read you much and often. Edward Kestas Reivydas, M&R Americana Insurance Service Inc Santa Monica, California, USA

VilNews is a success – so now what?

"Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great."
- Mark Twain

We publish below five letters to the editor as they all tell something about what makes our e-magazine differ from most other publications from and about Lithuania. We think these letters also tell something about why VilNews so quickly has become a tremendous success.

We think it would be correct to say that VilNews is more than a news media or a standard blog. It's more like a broad, human 'movement' where everyone with ties to Lithuania can participate, wherever in the world they live.

A rather unique combination between blogs, news media and social media, where all readers are given a mouthpiece to speak out about what they feel and think about Lithuania and Lithuanian matters around the globe.

We hope it also is clearly understood and perceived that VilNews is not controlled by any special interests in politics, economics or otherwise. That we simply seek truth and balance in our articles. That common sense is our most important clue. That we seek the GOOD and do not follow the more standard path of searching for scandals, intrigues and other, similar fields that our media of today unfortunately so often go after in order to get more readers.

We are critical of a lot of what goes on in this country, and will continue to bring our comments and criticism, but not with criticism as an objective in itself. We want changes and improvements, therefore, we speak out when we feel it is necessary. But always on a basis of constructivism.

We think VilNews and all who read and participate in the 'movement,' that our publication now represents, believe Lithuania should change for the better. Searchlight on fraud, corruption, injustice and lack of concern for fellow citizens – in politics, administration, business, judiciary and organizations – are some of the most important thing that will be characterising VilNews over the years to come.

We want cleanliness back, and we wish that the people of this once proud country once again shall know joy and pride when they refer to their own homeland.

Thank you very much for reading and following us!

Barbara Rapaport Australia

Extraordinary minds to 'rescue' Lithuania as a nation
I have been reading some of the most interesting articles sine the Vilnews launch. There was one, in particular, that touched and impressed me deeply, it was an Oxford's view on Lithuania's education. However, what has impressed me the most is the fact that you have been able to pull extraordinary 'minds & brains' together from all over the world for the purpose of 'rescuing' Lithuania as a nation, and fundamentally improve its current practices with respect to economic and political justice, business practices, educational sustainability and resilience and much much more. Just wanted to say one more time THANK YOU!!!
Barbara Rapaport, Australia

You're doing an important, noble thing for the country Congratulations on the VilNews debut in this new, expanded format. It looks very good indeed, is highly informative, and I wish you much success with it. The sheer amount of effort and dedication that must have gone into getting this undertaking off the ground is quite awe-inspiring. You are doing an important, noble thing for the beautiful country you love. It is indeed an exceptionally interesting, genuinely fascinating country, with a turbulent past and difficult present -- a place that, despite (and in part, due to) the many still-unresolved issues of history, never is not-interesting, where "the past is not dead. It isn't even past," to quote Faulkner -- and as someone who also has been held under its thrall for many years, I share your desire to see as many people as possible the world over to discover it, come visit -- and fall in love with it, too, and keep coming back. My very best wishes to VilNews.
Mikhail Iossel, Professor, Montreal, Canada

Prof Mikhail Iossel
Canada

Wyman Brent Vilnius

One can spend hours going through all the fascinating stories

VilNews has just started and already it is fantastic. The website looks professional and easy to use. There are so many interesting sections. One can spend hours going through all the fascinating stories and information related to everything Lithuanian. Congratulations to Aage for making a dream come true.
Wyman Brent, Vilnius Jewish Library

Far away from home, we need a publication different from the mainstream news portals

Congratulations with VilNews! Far away from home, we need a publication different from the mainstream news portals, which are often permeated with negative attitude and serving narrow, short-term interests. Your interest to history and the international dimension of Lithuania has made your previous publications a very engaging reading. I trust VilNews will remain enthusiastic, honest and insightful. Please rest assured that you have a dedicated reader in Africa.
Paulius Kulikauskas, Nairobi, Kenya

Paulius Kulikauskas
Kenya

Most of us are STARVED for this kind of information

I try to follow all the English "press" from the Baltic Times to alfa.lt "English". FINALLY I discover you! AND..... you place an article on Feb 16th Lithuanian Independence on the FRONT PAGE and feature an absolutely marvellous "historical" section. BRAVO! Its about time! All too often "historical" news and commemorations in Lithuania seem to be taken for granted - as if everyone there wasn't interested or already knew about it. The fact is most of us are STARVED for this kind of information and even regular English speaking tourists need historical perspective to truly appreciate Lithuanian culture - if only to help understand a tragic and fragmented history. I will read you much and often.
Edward Kestas Reivydas,
M&R Americana Insurance Service Inc Santa Monica, California, USA

The term Fourth Estate refers to the press,
both in its explicit capacity of advocacy
and in its ability to frame political issues.

VilNews has got amazingly great support and response from readers around the world. This fact makes us confident that we will continue to develop VilNews' position as the world's leading English-language e-publication from and about Lithuania!

Aage Myhre

Editor in Chief

VilNews code of ethics

1. The Role of the Press in Society 1.1. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Information and Freedom of the Press are basic elements of a democracy. A free, independent press is among the most important institutions in a democratic society.

1.5. It is the task of the press to protect individuals and groups against injustices or neglect, committed by public authorities and institutions, private enterprises, or others.

2. Integrity and Responsibility 2.1. The legally responsible editor carries personal and full responsibility for the material contained in the publication, no matter the form.

2.4. Members of the editorial staff should not use their position to achieve personal gains.

2.5. A member of the editorial staff cannot be ordered to write or do anything, which is contrary to his or her convictions.

2.8. It is a breach of good press conduct to let sponsorship affect editorial activity, contents and presentation.

2.9. Members of the editorial staff may not accept assignments from anyone but the heads of the editorial staff.

3. Journalistic Conduct and Relations with the Sources 3.1. The source of information must, as a rule, be identified, unless this conflicts with source protection or consideration for a third party.

3.3. Good press conduct requires clarification of the terms on which an interview is being carried out. This also pertains to adjacent research.

3.5. Do not divulge the name of a person who has provided information on a confidential basis, unless consent has been explicitly given by the person concerned.

3.6. In consideration of the sources and the independence of the press, unpublished material as a main rule should not be divulged to third parties.

3.7. It is the duty of the press to report the intended meaning in quotes from an interview. Direct quotes must be accurate.

3.8. Changes of a given statement should be limited to corrections of factual errors. No one without editorial authority may intervene in the editing or presentation of editorial material

4. Publication Rules 4.1.Make a point of fairness and thoughtfulness in contents and presentation.

4.2. Make plain what is factual information and what is comment.

4.3. Always respect a person's character and identity, privacy, race, nationality and belief. Never draw attention to personal or private aspects if they are irrelevant.

4.10. Exercise caution when using photos in any other context than the original.

4.12. The use of pictures must comply with the same requirements of caution as for a written or oral presentation.

4.13. Incorrect information must be corrected and, when called for, an apology given, as soon as possible.

The VilNews Code of Ethics are identical with the:

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE NORWEGIAN PRESS

Ethical Code of Practice for the Press (printed press, radio, television and net publications). Adopted by the Norwegian Press Association November 23th, 2007.

OPINIONS
Have your say. Send to:
editor@VilNews.com

As long as VilNews exists,
there is hope for the future

Professor Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of our Honorary Council, asked us to convey her heartfelt greetings to the other Council Members and to all readers of VilNews.

"My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,"" she writes.

Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows.

You can read our interview with her

HERE.

* * *

Welcome back VilNews!
Greetings from the Lithuanian
community in Venezuela

By Vytenis Folkmanas,

Architect, Cracas, Venezuela

With great joy and enthusiasm I have just received the news that Vilnews will be restarted - now in its second stage. I've been for many years an avid reader of all items on the web page and on the VilNews Facebook pages.

I am constantly sharing the articles with the Lithuanian Community of Venezuela, from where I'm writing and from where I send Aage and his team my best wishes and success in this new release of VilNews

Our community is very small, unfortunately, and it has been greatly reduced over the latest years, but we refuse to disappear and have therefore been maintaining the traditions and customs that our grandparents and parents taught us through all the activities organized by our Community.

These are some of our activities:
Commemoration of the Independence celebration of Easter, Christmas, Boy Scout groups, theater, basketball teams, folk dance groups, exchanges with other communities, language training, etc.

VilNews has helped us with Lithuania related articles, to continue to feel proud of having Lithuanian blood in our veins, and keep teaching our youth of its magnificent history, of its people around the world and the mark that it has left in all of us Lithuanians scattered around the world.

Greetings to all Lithuanians around the world:
From Venezuela we send many greetings to all our countrymen around the world and we are sure and confident that through VilNews we will always be connected, joined and updated on all matters relating to our country, so we thank Aage and his team for their wonderful work and we hope you never get tired!

In whatever collaboration you need from us, the Lithuanian Community of Venezuela, within its limits, will always be happy and eager to help and support you ... lots of SUCCESS !!

Kindest regards, wishing you the best!

Vytenis Folkmanas

* * *

Michigan loves VilNews!

An avid reader of VilNews in Michigan, USA, bought a new car not long ago. This is what his new license plates look like ...

Democrat or Republican does not matter, Lithuanians in Michigan simply love VilNews!...
There are lots of Lithuanians in Michigan
Frank Passic
There are lots of Lithuanians here in Michigan. My maternal grandfather was Nikodemas Kulikauskas and they were from Lietuva (he was born in Nevardenai near Varniai in 1890, died 1975 here in Albion). 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of my grandfather coming to the US.

Frank Passic, Albion, Michigan...
It’s really great that people are sharing this informationMakaila...
BELOW: Reader comments
* * * Congratulations :) Awesome publication

Richard Vitkauskas
Congratulations :) Awesome publication.
Richard Vitkauskas,
New York

* * * Great contributions to understanding the fragmented history of Lithuania

Lars Persen
Congratulations to Aage Myhre and Vilnews for 1 year online and great contributions to understanding the fragmented history of Lithuania.
Lars Persen,
Norway

* * * Rarely do I find publications whose major goals match my own as closely as VilNews

Boris Bakunas
Rarely do I find publications whose major goals match my own as closely as VilNews, an e-magazine that strives to encourage understanding and mutual cooperation among people around the globe while preserving what is best in a country's national identity. VilNews is such a publication.
Boris Bakunas,
Chicago

* * * Aciu, yes thank you for VilNews and any and every picture as I may never have the chance to get there
Aciu, yes thank you for VilNews and any and every picture as I may never have the chance to get there.
Cheryle Prakop-Good

* * * I'd love to visit some day from Australia
Yes gorgeous pic....my Grandmother now 88 was born in Vilnius I'd love to visit some day from Australia :D
Anthea Poskus

* * * ACIU!!!!!!!!!
ACIU!!!!!!!!! Gorgeous...Must return soon....
Jenifer C. Dillis

* * * Pulling extraordinary minds & brains together for the purpose of “rescuing” Lithuania

Barbara Rapaport
I have been reading some of the most interesting articles since the VilNews launch.

What has impressed me the most is the fact that you have been able to pull extraordinary ‘minds & brains’ together from all over the world for the purpose of ‘rescuing’ Lithuania as a nation, and fundamentally improve its current practices with respect to economic and political justice, business practices, educational sustainability and resilience and much, much more.
Just wanted to say one more time THANK YOU!!!
Barbara Rapaport
Adelaide, Australia
- originally from Vilnius.

* * * I’m a huge fan now

Giedrė Jotautaitė
I read your e-magazine every morning and I think it’s great

I’m a huge fan now.

I was born in Vilnius, studied at Vilnius University, but moved to Milan to work. Now I’m saving money to buy a beautiful flat in the centre of Vilnius, because one day I will surely come back home!

>From my point of view Lithuania is doing quite good, if to compare with Italy where one now can feel the crisis more.

Best wishes and kiss,
Giedrė Jotautaitė
Milan, Italy
- originally from Vilnius.

* * * "VilNews changes the world’s perception of Lithuania!"
The woman I spoke with at the national day celebration at the Norwegian Embassy in Vilnius on 17 May had much good to say about our VilNews e-magazine, and I do not deny that it felt good to hear such words – confirming that what we have tried to describe and gain an understanding of, in and about the 'Lithuanian', has been so well received, perceived and understood by one of our readers. This is what she said:
"VilNews contributes more to Lithuania's international reputation than any political leader or advertising campaign has done for this country over the last twenty years. Soviet Union's attack on Lithuania in January 1991 led naturally to an enormous press coverage all over the world, but attention was soon gone and Lithuania did nothing to exploit 'the commercial value' of the great interest that we were exposed to by then. And since then, most of the international press coverage of Lithuania has been negative, characterized by the crimes carried out by individuals and gangs here.

Then VilNews appears and suddenly we have access to a unique publication that explains Lithuania to the world in a completely different, clever way that makes the country sound and look very interesting again. Even those times when you criticize various aspects it is understood that the criticism is based on well-founded ideas, fairness and a balanced approach.

You've just changed the image and perception of Lithuania. I am also very impressed with the unusual combination you present the news, blogs, comments, debates and a vast background material - not least that of historical character.

It is also very good to see so many of your readers actually write and communicate actively through the channel you offer them through VilNews. I've actually never seen anything like it anywhere in the world. I recommend now VilNews to all my contacts around the world. I wish fervently that the nation's leaders would study the publication very carefully, and follow up much of what you write and propose."

* * * We of Lithuanian descent truly
appreciate this publication.
Aciu dar karta!

Irene Petkaitis
Please continue with the delightful photos and thank you for them.

Congratulations also on Anniversary of VilNews...

We of Lithuanian descent
truly appreciate this publication. Aciu dar karta!
Irene Petkaitis.
USA

* * * Loved your trip with the family and all the great photos

Felicia Dalia Prekeris Brown
Loved your trip with the family and all the great photos.
Felicia Dalia Prekeris Brown,
California, USA.

* * * The VilNews "Culture and Events" section serves as a model for others to follow
In the information age, each nation has an opportunity contribute and to learn from all others, thus helping to create what may become a world culture that shares and respects diversity in a true global community. A worthy goal indeed! And one that the online publication VilNews pursues. The VilNews "Culture and Events" section serves as a model for others to follow.
National Lithuanian American
Hall of Fame
Chicago, USA.

* * *What makes VilNews unique is its sincere effort to transcend the disputes that have divided nations
What makes VilNews unique is its sincere effort to transcend the disputes that have divided nations. After reading an article in VilNews that matches your interests, please write a comment. Creativity flourishes when people are willing to share their ideas in a helpful, positive way. Never before in history have we had an opportunity to foster understanding and respect among people -- and to learn from them.

I’ve heard that Aage Myhre, the Editor-in-Chief, is terrific guy. He goes out of his way to publish both comments and articles from new contributors.

Also, never hesitate to post on my Wall. For many years, I felt like I was living in an intellectual and spiritual vacuum, but now I find new interests, thoughts, and opportunities coming my way like never before.
Boris Bakunas
Chicago, USA.

* * *Amazing growth and success!

Wyman Brent
Congratulations on one year of amazing growth and success!
Wyman Brent,
Vilnius Jewish Library

* * * VilNews is the best online publication I've seen about Lithuania's history, culture, geography, and its resurgence on the world stage

Boris Bakunas
Two hundred years of oppression have scattered Lithuanians among all parts of the world. You will find Lithuanian communities in North and South America, in South Africa, in Australia, and Asia. VilNews is the best online publication I've seen about Lithuania's history, culture, geography, and its resurgence on the world stage. VilNews seeks to bring Lithuanians, their descendants, and people interested in Lithuania together in a cooperative manner, fostering good relations among Lithuania, its neighbors in the European community as well as the rest of the world.
Boris Bakunas
Chicago, USA.

* * * Congratulations from Tasmania!

(Dr) Al Taškūnas, OAM
Dear Aage and all workers at VilNews,

Congratulations on your first Anniversary.

And by the way: By not resorting to 6, 000 pages, you have certainly saved many lovely trees.

Keep up the good work and all the best.
(Dr) Al Taškūnas, OAM
Honorary Research Professor, School of Government, University of Tasmania
and Editor, Lithuanian Papers.

* * * Great reporting, interesting topics, and knowledgeable human resources

Neringa Zamani
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Great reporting, interesting topics, and knowledgeable human resources. May it continue to flourish and expand. Thank you VilNews!
Neringa Zamani,
Washington D.C., USA.

* * * I always enjoy reading your publication

Amos Eiran
Warm congratulations for the anniversary of VilNews On-Line. I always enjoy reading your publication and learn a lot from them and always look forward for the new publications.
Amos Eiran,
Tel Aviv, Israel.

* * * All it took was a vision and lots of hard work...

Jurate Kutkus Burns
A great achievement! All it took was a vision and lots of hard work...thank you for both.
Jurate Kutkus Burns,
Florida, USA.

* * * Great job! Press freedom!

William Adan Pahl
Great job! Press freedom!
William Adan Pahl,
Vilnius, Lithuania.
...
Congratulations on a monumental maiden year

Tony Mazeika
Congratulations on a monumental maiden year. May you double your readership in 2012. Always keep it relevant and balanced.

There is a major issue: for those who were born in Lithuania, including WWII refugees, should they have received US, Canadian, Australian, UK, etc. citizenship, they lose Lithuania citizenship. Those who earlier called themselves "diaspora" no longer do so. The current government will not consider dual citizenship. Lithuania could lose contact with a majority of émigrés over time because an important link is severed.

For most other descendants of former immigrants (largest group who emigrated to the US from 1880- 1939, numbering approx. 1.5 million, non-speaking Lithuanian language, Lithuanian-American heritage), tourism promotion and availability of English language print material, newspapers, websites, films, and ads are vital. Among that group, once they recognize their roots, there appears to be a sense of pride for many, notice the availability of tourism and access, they become motivated. Great example is Ruta Sepetys, writer, best seller, Shades of Grey. Marius Markevicius, filmmaker, Sundance festival, The Other Dream Team. Fr. David O'Rourke, documentary, Terror on the Amber Coast, among other developing media in English.

This could be a productive dialogue.
Tony Mazeika,
California, USA

PS:
Click on the film titles marked blue to see the trailers…

* * * Good job with VilNews, actually a unique one globally!

Valdas Samonis
Good job with VilNews, actually a unique one globally!
Valdas Samonis PhD,
CPC (USA - Canada),
The Web Professor of Global Management (SM) Institute for New Economic Thinking, New York City, USA and Royal Roads University, Canada. Knowledge Management Editor, Transnational Corporations Review (TNCR).

* * * An important, noble thing for the country

Professor
Mikhail Iossel
Congratulations on the VilNews debut in this new, expanded format. It looks very good indeed, is highly informative, and I wish you much success with it. The sheer amount of effort and dedication that must have gone into getting this undertaking off the ground is quite awe-inspiring. You are doing an important, noble thing for the beautiful country you love. It is indeed an exceptionally interesting, genuinely fascinating country, with a turbulent past and difficult present -- a place that, despite (and in part, due to) the many still-unresolved issues of history, never is not-interesting, where "the past is not dead. It isn't even past," to quote Faulkner -- and as someone who also has been held under its thrall for many years, I share your desire to see as many people as possible the world over to discover it, come visit -- and fall in love with it, too, and keep coming back. My very best wishes to VilNews.
Mikhail Iossel, Professor,
Montreal, Canada

* * * We really needed something like this long ago

Kristina Lukošiūtė
Let me express my warmest greetings for such a wonderful job. I’m sure it will contribute a lot to creating a better image of Lithuania in the world. We really needed something like this long ago.
Kristina Lukošiūtė,
Lithuanian Business Confederation | ICC Lithuania Director of Corporate Affairs

* * * Maintaining the pride of being Lithuanian

Jon Platakis
We, at the National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame, are extremely appreciative of the superb job you did in prominently displaying our articles in your publication.
Your publication is one of the few remaining publications, where our English speaking Lithuanians can keep abreast of events and maintain their pride of being Lithuanian.
Jon Platakis,
Chairman, National, Lithuanian American Hall of Fame, Chicago

* * * Very well produced

John Burrows
Thank you for sending me VILNEWS. It is very well produced, informative and a very good read for me as I wish to stay in touch with Lithuania life and business. I receive the daily Baltic News but it is inferior to VILNEWS as it is always biased towards Latvia and has many mistakes in the English. VILNEWS is much more professional and absorbing.
John Burrows,
London, OBE HonRCM

* * * Far away from home, we need a publication different from the mainstream news portals

Paulius Kulikauskas
Congratulations with VilNews! Far away from home, we need a publication different from the mainstream news portals, which are often permeated with negative attitude and serving narrow, short-term interests. Your interest to history and the international dimension of Lithuania has made your publication a very engaging reading. I trust VilNews will remain enthusiastic, honest and insightful. Please rest assured that you have a dedicated reader in Africa.
Paulius Kulikauskas,
Nairobi, Kenya

* * * Your critical comments on, and wishes for, Lithuania in this issue are excellent

Professor Mykolas J. Drunga
I agree with every word, and can only hope that more Lithuanians would take your very informed, friendly, and insightful message to heart! I intend to translate most of your remarks, published in VilNews, into Lithuanian as part of my international press review this Wednesday. As I said before, I think your remarks are very valuable and reflect an enlightened attitude that should be broadcast as widely as possible to a Lithuanian audience.
Professor Mykolas J. Drunga,
Broadcaster at Lithuanian State Radio

* * * Fundamental, personal values, sharp vision, continuous commitment, and hard work
Some world leaders loud the phrases "yes we can" and "change you can trust (what change: good or bad?)"... However, what they fail to understand is that to achieve great results it takes fundamental, personal values, sharp vision, continuous commitment, and hard work. That is why they fail and You succeed!
Romas Brickus,
Cape Cod Island, USA

* * * Professional looking site and highly informative publication
Very many congratulations on a fantastic achievement with producing such a very professional looking site and highly informative publication.
Peter Swanson,
(British-Lithuanian Society), UK

...
BRAVO! It’s about time! All too often “historical” news and commemorations in Lithuania seem to be taken for granted – as if everyone there wasn’t interested or already knew about it… I try to follow all the English "press" from the Baltic Times to alfa.lt "English".

FINALLY I discover you! AND..... you place an article on Feb 16th Lithuanian Independence on the FRONT PAGE and feature an absolutely marvellous "historical" section.

BRAVO! It's about time! All too often "historical" news and commemorations in Lithuania seem to be taken for granted - as if everyone there wasn't interested or already knew about it.

The fact is most of us are STARVED for this kind of information and even regular English speaking tourists need historical perspective to truly appreciate Lithuanian culture - if only to help understand a tragic and fragmented history. I will read you much and often.

Edward Kestas Reivydas,
M&R Americana Insurance Service Inc Santa Monica, California, USA...
Your publication is one of the few remaining publications, where our English speaking Lithuanians can keep abreast of events and maintain their pride of being Lithuanian
Jon Platakis.
We, at the National Lithuanian American Hall of Fame, are extremely appreciative of the superb job you did in prominently displaying our articles in your publication.

Your publication is one of the few remaining publications, where our English speaking Lithuanians can keep abreast of events and maintain their pride of being Lithuanian.

Sincerely,
Jon Platakis, Chairman, National
Lithuanian American Hall of Fame...
Creating a better image of Lithuania in the world Let me express my warmest greetings for such a wonderful job. I’m sure it will contribute a lot to creating a better image of Lithuania in the world. We really needed something like this long ago.
Kristina Lukošiūtė, Lithuanian Business Confederation | ICC Lithuania
Director of Corporate Affairs...

Section 2: ABOUT VILNEWS

VilNews code of ethics

Aage Myhre is leaving Lithuania

Two new VilNews editors!

Help us make VilNews even more successful!

New CEO of VilNews

Is there a future for VilNews?

As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future

VilNews Honorary Council!

Welcome to readers in 20 new countries!

The power of words This short film illustrates the power of words to radically change your message and your effect upon the world.

Pulling extraordinary minds & brains together for the purpose of ‘rescuing’ Lithuania

VilNews e-magazine has now 3 web addresses

VilNews is changing the image of Lithuania!

VilNews is a success – so now what?

VilNews code of ethics

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE NORWEGIAN PRESS

OPINIONS Have your say. Send to: editor@VilNews.com

Aage Myhre is
leaving Lithuania

**Two new VilNews editors!**

Help us make VilNews
even more successful!

Is there a future
for VilNews?

**As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future**

Welcome to readers in
20 new countries!

The power of words
This short film illustrates the power of words to radically change your message and your effect upon the world.

VilNews e-magazine has now
3 web addresses

OPINIONS
Have your say. Send to:
editor@VilNews.com