POKLON VISITOR CENTER

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LECTURE:
Zoran Vakula – On Weather, Climate, and a Few Other Things…

On Thursday, October 23, at 6 p.m., the third season of the popular science series “Science as a Gift” continues at the Poklon Visitor Centre. The second lecture in the new cycle will be delivered by meteorologist and HRT editor Zoran Vakula, who will present an engaging talk titled On Weather, Climate, and a Few Other Things…

Is the band Hladno pivo right when they sing “It’s not all that grey,” or is the situation with our weather and climate even “greyer,” so that TBF is justified in concluding “Oh, there’s no helping us,” while Rundek wonders, “What does the weather do to a person…” And a certain traveller — a modern-day successor to Preradović’s well-known wanderer — might very well look at Earth’s climate and ask once again, “Good Lord, where have I ended up…”

Weather (or lack thereof), forecasts, meteo-alerts, global warming and climate change have been filling the media space for years. Justifiably? Some say “Yes!”, others insist “No!”, and some confidently reply, “Maybe…”

Although meteorology too confirms the saying “Truth is a deep well,” it’s undeniable that unusual weather events — sudden cold snaps, heat waves, hail (both street hail and hail from the sky), gale-force winds and more — existed before. Yet the subjective impression of many, confirmed by objective long-term statistical analyses, is that meteorological extremes are becoming more frequent and more intense. Will this trend continue? Is the climate “shaking”? Is there anything we can do?

The lecture will offer a brief overview of the importance and potential of meteorology, especially forecasting and warnings. It will address climate change and global warming, outline possible scenarios and consequences, and present actions that may help reduce the problem, at least to some extent. Along the way, it will emphasize not just Donne’s “No man is an island, entire of itself,” but also Lorca’s “Green, how I love you green…”

Zoran Vakula (born 1970), a graduate electrical engineer in physics, completed primary school in Pitomača, secondary school in Virovitica, and his studies at the Faculty of Science in Zagreb. After nearly 19 years working simultaneously at the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service and Croatian Radiotelevision, he has, since 2013, worked “only” as an editor and meteorologist at HRT. Meteorology — especially weather forecasting — is both his profession and his passion. He created the HRT METEO smartphone app, unique in the world for its subjective weather forecasts, has written hundreds of science-popular articles, and delivered almost as many lectures in Croatia and abroad. He promotes meteorology through meteograms, meteo-comics, meteo-caricatures, picture books, films, TV series, and lately even theatre productions — and once, even through dance! He is the owner of Naklada Vakula. He is married and the father of a daughter.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LECTURE:
Kornelija Benyovsky Šoštarić – The Impact of Organic Gardening on Biodiversity

The first lecture in the new series of science-popular talks “Science as a Gift” will be given by Kornelija Benyovsky Šoštarić, widely known to the public for the TV series Vrtlarica, which has been airing on HRT for 15 years. The lecture, titled “The Impact of Organic Gardening on Biodiversity,” will take place at the Poklon Visitor Centre on Thursday, October 16, at 6 p.m.

The decline of plant and animal species, quietly taking place in our environment, calls for greater awareness and education. In this context, homeowners and family gardeners play an important role, as their everyday habits can significantly contribute to preserving species, especially various insects, small mammals and birds. In this lecture, led by agronomist Kornelija Benyovsky Šoštarić, you will learn how different organic gardening techniques can help maintain biodiversity not only in your own garden, but also in its wider surroundings.

Kornelija Benyovsky Šoštarić, a graduate horticultural engineer and garden designer, is the author of several books on organic gardening (Green Square, Plants That Care, Little Gardener) as well as the series Vrtlarica, which has been broadcast on HRT for the past 15 years. Her work and interests focus on sustainable, organic plant cultivation, as well as a lifestyle centred on respecting nature and preserving the environment. Through her articles, scripts and lectures held throughout Croatia, she educates the public on organic gardening and environmental conservation.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LECTURE:
Milan Majerović Stilinović – What I Learned on the Mountain

The third lecture in the series of science-popular lectures “Science as a Gift” will be delivered by journalist and writer Milan Majerović Stilinović. The lecture, based on his book What I Learned on the Mountain (How Your Trail Can Become a Book), will take place at the Poklon Visitor Centre on Thursday, October 30, at 6 p.m.

In this interactive talk, journalist and writer Milan Majerović-Stilinović will invite visitors to explore the paths and trails that lead to something new: a new state of mind, a feeling, a story, a book, or a personal transformation. Along with presenting the process behind his first book, a collection of short stories What I Learned on the Mountain (Libricon, Zagreb, 2020), Milan will share his experiences and offer advice on creativity, all through the lens of mountain landscapes.

The book has been described as an introspective, spiritual and simple, yet profound journey toward self-discovery and peace. It is a partly autobiographical blend of mountaineering experiences and life philosophy — relaxed, often playfully humorous, and thought-provoking. It encourages readers to reflect on the impact of nature on inner balance and, of course, to head into the mountains — including Učka!

Milan will guide visitors through the key stages of his creative process — from the idea for the first story to a printed book in a shop window or an audiobook in a digital app. What mattered most in creating his “manifesto,” which has found new readers for several years now, especially among mountain lovers? And what should those who wish to leave a similar creative mark keep in mind?

Together with the audience, he will start a few new stories on the spot and see where they might lead — as he knows from experience that small, unexpected moments often take him to the most surprising places. All it takes is the first step.

Milan Majerović-Stilinović (born 1972), journalist and writer, has worked for HRT, daily newspapers, radio stations, web portals and online TV programs. Although still widely recognized as a TV reporter, editor, and host, he has spent the past 15 years working independently as a communications and public relations consultant.

In his free time, he is a recreational mountaineer. In early 2019, he launched the Facebook blog What I Learned on the Mountain, which became the foundation for his first book of the same name, published in 2020 by Libricon, featuring 50 short “stories on the move.” Inspired by time spent in nature, encounters with people, living creatures and the phenomena he encounters while hiking, these notes carry a strong autobiographical tone yet still evoke a sense of recognition in readers’ own experiences.

Three years later, in 2023, he published a new novel, The Heart of My Bear — inspired by Gorski kotar and the life of a real historical figure, the “forest hermit” after whom the location Markov brlog in Risnjak National Park is named.

He is actively involved in organizing the “Brdo knjiga” mountain-and-book festival, and he recently returned to his television roots through the last two seasons of HRT’s documentary series Planine, appearing as the host of the “Risnjak” episode in the first season and the special holiday episode Planine: White Christmas in the second. He lives and works in Zagreb.