90th Jubilee Year of Estonian Republic

About Lotte

2008-08-18T14:08:00.005+03:00

Picture by Arno Mikkor / http://epl.ee/artikkel/437537

August began with an exiting event for all the young and older Lotte fans. In the beginning of august the new Lotte book about Olympic games came out. I is written in somewhat encyclopedic form and gives really funny and smart definitions to different things and people who are related to Olympic sports. All this has been done through the familiar humor and the habitants of gadget ville. This Lotte's Olympic book came out as a co-project with Heiki Ernits, Janno Põldma, Estonian Olympic committee and newspaper Eesti Päevaleht. It is a perfect bedtime story book for children, but also great for adults.

But this is not all about Lotte news, on Friday 15th of August Eesti Päevaleht online had a news story that in the new living area what is planned to build instead the old Hippodrome complex will have a place for Lotte Land. I like this idea, because then would have Estonian children their very own theme park where to go, right know the only similar park is Pokumaa in South-Estonia, what is based on a popular Edgar Valter's book characters Poku's. Pokumaa and probably Lotte-land also are not big and famous theme parks like the Moominworld in Finland or Astrid Lindgren's World in Sweden, but they are also younger and maybe when they are started and developed through time, they will be something that children from abroad will know Estonia.

So good luck Lotte!

New month, with new events

2008-07-15T10:10:00.002+03:00

First, I'm very sorry that I have not posted for a while, but now on it will all go back to normal.
Now the more important information- we have new month going on- the month of local governments. This month's events are all over Estonia. So for those who like to have road trips July is the best month. Almost everyday in July is filled with events. There are theatrical performances with professional and also amateur actors all over Estonia.
This weekend in Põlva in Intsikurmu will take place open air theatrical performance "Estonia with Nine Zeros" where about 100 actors and singers perform. It is directed by Reeda Toots from the Estonian Puppet Theater. There will also be the Lake Music concert in Koogi village, Väike-Maarja Accordion, Folk Dance and Drama Days, festival: Two Cultures in the 90-Year Old Republic of Estonia in Mustvee and many more.
The best way how to keep yourself updated with all the events is to check the calendar on the eesti90 site.

Victory Day Parade

2008-06-22T21:08:00.003+03:00

Photo: www.postimees.ee

Tomorrow is the Victory Day in Estonia. So hoist your Estonian flags and celebrate. You can also go to Tallinn on Pirita tee and see the parade with your own eyes. This year's parade is the biggest parade what has ever been held on the Victory Day. You can see there our President Toomas Hendrik Ilves who will be welcoming our defense forces. And for those who will go and see the parade it is possible to see some staged military action. President will also send the victory fire for Midsummer day's bonfires to all over the country. So after the parade everyone will be preparing for the Midsummer's Day celebrations. But if you are already out of Tallinn in some nice countryside, then you can see the parade through TV. ETV is showing live reportage of the Victory Day parade 10.55 in the morning.

Estonians Making Music

2008-06-19T14:55:00.007+03:00

M.i.M.

Here I introduce you the new link list"Estonians Making Music" of this blog. I put links to some new, young or just interesting Estonian artists. They are not related to the jubilee year directly, but they fit to the concept of the page- action related to Estonia.
These artist are strictly chosen by my personal taste but if you know some cool Estonians making music, then let me know about them and the page where it is possible to listen their music. And there is a lot of good music out there in the spaces of the internet made by talented Estonians- we just have to discover them.
Enjoy the music & support the artists.

Reportage from Punk Song Festival

2008-06-15T19:56:00.002+03:00

Sorry for the late announcement, but for half an hour you can see the sum up of Punk Song Festival, what was held in Rakvere on 7th of June on the Estonian channel ETV.

Some memories from Flag Day in Pärnu

2008-06-10T19:56:00.007+03:00

90 flags were on the Rüütli square in Pärnu.

Punk from Tallinn to Rakvere

2008-06-06T12:41:00.003+03:00

Villu Tamme with red hair and Tõnu Trubetsky on the bicycle

Yesterday I was walking in the city center of Tallinn, when I suddenly noticed some interesting activity. There they were- Tõnu Trubetsky and Villu Tamme with some other people and with a torch of fire. This was the Punk Song festival fire what they will deliver it to Rakvere tomorrow. Also another fire will be delivered from Tartu.
Well as I was in a hurry and I could not stay there to observe them, but I managed to have a picture of Tõnu Trubetsky on the red bicycle.

First Punk Song Festival

2008-06-03T12:52:00.003+03:00

So as the weekend is coming closer, we have to be prepared for it. After you have danced yourself wacky at the Bank Night, it is time to change the disco outfit to punk one. Find your rebel jeans and badges, do your hair- definitely color and then put them up and find the transport to Rakvere. In the theme of exploring the Estonia it would be wise to be in Rakvere on the Saturday morning to get to know the city, taste some Rakvere food and enjoy the Estonia. But if you are a busy person just be there at 6 o'clock in the evening, cause then starts the Punk procession what goes through the city and then ends up in the Vällimägi. And at 20.00 it should start- firstly some speeches e.g. from the President then an opening of a monument and the lighting of the song festival fire.

On the photo: Üllar Saaremäe

Then what makes it a song festival is that the punk songs are performed by choirs all over the Estonia, so it will be interesting. And 10 o'clock in the evening be ready for some good old and some good new punk bands.
About the entrance fees, children(age 7-12) and pensioners should give up 75 kroons and the grown up ticket is 100 kroons, well let's support the event then :)
The Punk Song Festival idea is from the art director of Rakvere Theater- Üllar Saaremäe and he is also the director of the song festival. The head choirmaster is Hirvo Surva, art director Hardi Volmer and host Peeter Volkonski.

Explore the Estonian Bank

2008-06-03T11:33:00.003+03:00

Estonian Bank museum

During June, every week from Wednesday to Friday at 1 o'clock you can go for an excursion to the Estonian Bank. This excursion does not need any preregistration and it is free for everybody. Also at the same time period from 12 o'clock to 5 o'clock in the evening it is possible to visit the exhibition "Tükid" (pieces) from Sirje Runge in the Bank gallery.
So as the Estonian bank is not the kind of place where you can go anytime- this is a great opportunity to see this building-as it has interesting architecture and history as well. From the Estonian Bank museum you can purchase coins and paper money- for collectors. Here are some examples of the selection.

Estonian Flag Day

2008-06-02T13:06:00.008+03:00

Picture of the cake:http://bounteous-bites.blogspot.com/2007/05/tricolor-cake-for-patriots-of-estonia.html

Tomorrow, on 4th of June you should hoist the Estonian tricolor!
It is the official flag day and the simplest way to participate in this day activities is to hoist your Estonian flag of your home. But if you are living in the flat then you might not be the person who deals with the flag- for you it is possible to go to Toompea at 7 o'clock in the morning and be part of the flag hoisting there. Or if you live near Pärnu, then at 6 o'clock in the evening there will be a flag ceremony, where they will bring out 90 Estonian flags. Afterwards there should be even an open air stage and some entertainment. As the weather is turned out so good it is a great way to have a little relaxation in Pärnu- see the flag ceremony and go to the beach or just walk on the evening beach promenade, as it is very beautiful at evenings.
And as I was looking from the web some Estonian flag pictures I stumbled on to a very nice blog- Bounteous bites . Here you can see all kinds of recipes for very interesting and also tasteful foods. How is this fitting into the flag day?-Well the host of the blog Evelin has made a very nice and patriotic cake there, what absolutely suits for the flag day. So check out the recipe and celebrate the flag day with inviting friends over to eat the Flag.

Estonian Bank month

2008-06-02T00:57:00.002+03:00

Hey!
Now it has begun, the month of bank. It is going to be full of events- starting from the Bank Night to theatrical shows.
On June 6 there will be the Bank Night on the roof of Viru Keskus, in Tallinn. As it is quite unique event I hope there will be lots of participants as it is mainly meant for youth it is also suitable for everyone- with the young fashion designers and silent disco.
But for those who want to get away from the city for the weekend- there is a Punk Song festival in Rakvere. There will be a somewhat parade walk through the Rakvere city and then the songs will start, so approx. 18.00 on Saturday- be in Rakvere.
And for those who like a bit smaller events- there will be many concerts from the program of " invite to the birthday", where many and very different artists and bands perform in different Estonian places e.g. on Muhu Island, on Vormsi Island and many more. it is a grat experience to enjoy the music and discover new places.
So see you in some of these events as I try to keep you informed about these events.

Gadgetville Bank

2008-05-30T23:39:00.002+03:00

Here is the cartoon about the bank month- you can see how the earth bank is handled by two moles in Gadgetville.

Estonian History Museum

2008-05-30T22:20:00.002+03:00

Last Thursday I went to the Estonian History museum to see the film "Eesti Vangla"(Estonian Prison) . The film was introduced by the author Indrek Kangur, who talked about the idea of the film and how he ended up doing this. Then Robert Nerman talked more about the history of Estonain prisons and how they were made. Very interesting fact is for almost all the prison buildings, that intentionally they were built for some other institutions, but when it occurred that the building is not suitable for living or working, they made a prison out of it. Of course this kind of behavior was mostly used in the past, about 16th-19th century. For the Patarei prison- what is under the discussion in the film, history has been rather "colorful". As Estonia has been under different occupations, big part of prisoners kept in Patarei have been political prisoners- who have acted against the state's power- or who had different world views. So there have been a lot of interesting and now famous writers, politicians and culture figures. Times in Patarei are always been hard, but for some people it was a home for a long time. Until year 2002 it was activly used as prison, but now for few years it is a reminder of difficult times in Estonia, on the shore of Tallinn.
But as I arrived to the museum a hour earlier I had the chance to visit the expositions in the museum. For me the exposition "Will to be free" gave a great impression. It is a mixture from the examples from different time periods in Estonia from the years 1917-1992, it is in some parts even interactive. There are lots of picture materials, letters, films and sound materials. The whole exposition is in different floors and needs time to really work this through.
Second expositions was about the Estonian Court and justice systems. This exposition introduces the former and present judges and the traditions of court in Estonia- there are a lot of pictures of the Estonian judges and information about their work.
I really loved the afternoon I spent in the museum and if you have time in the summer I recommend you to go and see these expositions.

2008-05-27T23:31:00.001+03:00

Technorati Profile

25 hammocks and 100 reflectors

2008-05-27T22:49:00.003+03:00

Photo:http://www.ev90.velvet.ee/index.php?cmd=All

Collectors, fans and patriots- this is for you.
With this massive event- like the Jubilee Year, there are usually some symbolic stuff. The advertising bureau "Velvet" in co-operation with the State Chancellery has worked out some nice stuff with using the Estonia 90 theme. Here you can see the selection of goodies. My personal favorites are the hammock, glasses and the pocketknife. So everything sounds perfect, but there is always a BUT and this time it is the fact that this page is mainly for organizations and companies and the minimal amount is around 25 to 300- depending on the product. It means that I have to wait until some nice shop orders these products from "Velvet" and then I can have my hammock, where I can enjoy seeing the Estonian sunsets.
If anyone has seen some of the stuff in shops, it would be nice if you inform me too in the comments section. Or if you know 24 other persons who are interested in purchasing a hammock ;)

So far, so good

2008-05-26T13:08:00.003+03:00

Well this is the perfect time to think a little bit about this Jubilee Year as we are basically in the middle of it. We have had the 24th of February Independence Day, then we have learned more about our parliament and the court system and much more. If I would evaluate the past six months then from 1 to 5 I would give 4. Those events what have been organized were fun, educative or just somewhat patriotic. Ideas of these events are even worth 5 points, maybe the participation from people is not enough. We can also think that it is their loss, who are not taking part of these events, but I'm a little sad that the interest is so small. And we can not blame it to poor promotion, because the monthly schedule of events is published in newspapers and online sites. It might be that people are disappointed in our politicians and the political games that they are forgetting the most important- people, ordinary people make our country the way it is, and behind the everyday politics, there is so much to see or discover. Parents should introduce to their children the country they are living in and this year is the perfect opportunity to do this. In our everyday rush, we should stop and take a look around us- have some time for ourselves and use this time to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Estonia.
So those who have not taken part in the jubilee year events, you will have another 6 months to do this. This summer is going to be the jubilee summer, starting with the next month- June as the Estonian Bank month

"Estonian Prison"

2008-05-21T15:55:00.004+03:00

Picture from: www.pbase.com/erki/patarei_vangla

For those movie lovers, specially Estonian movie lovers, on Thursday- 29th of may in the Estonian History Museum they will be presenting the film "Estonian Prison ". Because i have not seen this film I can only rely on the summary made by Arvo Pesti This film is made on the year 2003 by Indrek Kangur. It is not only about the prisons in Estonia, in some sense it is also about the near past of Estonia. Mainly it is concentrating on the Patarei prison, but they are not trying to shock the viewers with the horrifying acts from the past, but more about funny stories and happenings. The author is using many interviews with former political prisoners. The film is hosted by the popular Estonian actor Lembit Ulfsak.

Court Month

2008-05-13T21:09:00.003+03:00

Now is the time to see what has happened in May and what is about to happen.
On the 9th of may 90 judges in 90 places all around Estonia were giving lectures on subject: "Person and Court or Court and Person?" I visited the lecture in Tallinn, in Rahvusraamatukogu, where the head judge of Harju Maakohus spoke about the most common false understandings towards court and court system and also about some myths about courts and judges. There were not a huge audience, but there were lots of questions. Of course when it is a matter of justice, people get very emotional, specially when they do not understand the system. The lecturer Helve Särgava tried to answer all the questions, but there were also issues, that need more thorough discussion.
During the next weeks in May there will be many open doors days in Estonian courts. More information can be found on the web page eesti90

Summary of the Riigikogu month

2008-05-05T15:28:00.006+03:00

Yes, now it is over, the fabulous month of the Riigikogu. It can be said, that at least the end of the month was busy with many fun events, like the open doors day in Riigikogu, Peda Folk and also an exclusive concert of Ultima Thule in the court of Riigikogu's castle. So what can I say about these events, as I was visiting all of them.

Firstly the Peda Folk 2008 in Kultuurikatel. As the spring in Estonia isn't very warm, all those who plan some sort of event in the spring, I would suggest to consider is the place warm enough. As in the Peda Folk it was rather cold to fully enjoy the event. But despite the low temperature, there were a lot of young or in heart young people over there, who all wanted to see and hear our young artists. I must say that we have really talented people among us and I am glad that they found their way to the Peda Folk. For me the best impression was given by the Student band 2007- "Groundhog Day" and also by "Kognito". And I have to say that the hosts of the concert were really great, as I am usually a bit skeptical towards the capability of two people who are normally not performing together, to professionally host the evening, but the partnership between Kristiina Rein and Venno Loosar, actually worked out very well. Kristiina Rein and Venno Loosaar

Secondly the Open Doors day in the Riigikogu. It was a fun but also interesting event, as I have been in the Riigikogu some years ago, when we visited it as a school field trip. Now I had the chance to look around with a different perspective. Specially interesting was the info-hour with the Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, Minister of Justice Jüri Pihl and the Minister of Education and Research Tõnis Lukas, where they held a meeting with ordinary people in form of the usual Riigikogu meeting. All the seats of the parliament hall were taken, so the interest for this event was big. People asked all kind of different questions related to popular issues on these days. Of course like it is always with this kind of events, there were people who came there to express their feelings, unfortunately those who want to do this, are usually with negative feelings. But not less important is that, many of the participants where giving their support and were thanking the present government of Estonian Republic. And I think people need this kind of opportunity to communicate with the representatives of the government, but only if it is productive and not held too often, to people and the government for having a better understanding. And it is definitely better to participate in the info-hour than just come on some random day and have a demonstration in front of the Riigikogu.
There were a lot of people from kindergarten children to pensioners, who all enjoyed the day in Riigikogu as myself, so I warmly recommend you to participate in the open doors day next year.

Kerstin at the open doors day in the Riigikogu

And last, but not least the Ultima Thule concert. This ended the birthday week of Riigikogu and was a pleasant and calm start for the feared weekend of the so called "anniversary" of the bronze night. It was luckily quite warm evening and those who knew about it and came there got a lovely concert experience. Maybe if it would have been more promoted, then there have been more people, but this time we had a nice and even a little bit intimate concert, what is really rear to happen. So those who were there can say that they are lucky. And I want to say "thank you" for Ultima Thule.Ultima Thule

So this was the end of the Riigikogu month, hopefully you had a chance to participate in some of the events and if you have any comments on them, then do not hesitate to add them.

Important!

2008-04-23T09:16:00.002+03:00

Today is the good opportunity to visit the Riigikogu, because it is open doors day in there. As you know it is the Riigikogu theme month going on and therefore it is possible to see the work closely in there.
The whole event starts at 10.00 in the morning and ends around five. For early arrivals Ene Ergmaa will have welcome speech. People have the opportunity to ask questions from prime minister and some other ministries representatives will be there. You can also participate in the info hour of Riigikogu and later see the real work of the Riigikogu as today there will be under discussion issues of Georgia.
It is nice and sunny spring day, so come and see how important decisions are made for Estonia.
See you there!

Tonight: Peda Folk!

2008-04-22T17:55:00.002+03:00

Tonight in Kultuurikatel there will be the 36th Peda Folk.
What is Peda Folk?
It is a music festival where artists are mainly young people ( students) and it is about to show how our young people are interpreting todays music. But it is not only FOR young people, it for everybody, who feel that they are interested in our young artists. There is also a possibility to take your own music instrument along and use the free stage.
Peda Folk was originally founded in 1975 by students of Tallinn Pedagocical Institute, to express themselves. It is also part of Estonian Jubilee year.
At Kultuurikatel( near to the Linnahall) starting 19:30 tonight.
Tickets to the festival cost 75.-, with ISIC card 60.-

Hopefully tomorrow I can post my pictures and comments of the festival.

Gadgetville

2008-04-16T10:28:00.006+03:00

Hey you all, who love cartoons.

Hopefully you have seen Estonia's popular and nice cartoons about Lotte from Gadgetville done by Heiki Ernits and Janno Põldma. You can find out more about them and the cartoon here. Now for the 90th jubilee year theme months there are short cartoons of Gadgetville, e.g. for Riigikogu month they are introducing the parliament of Gadgetville and for the President month they showed the work of the Gadgetville president.

These cartoons are only in Estonian, because they are mainly made for Estonians. Still the content is funny and childish in a good way. So watch them with children or alone- they are suitable for everyone.
You can see these cartoons on the site eesti90 and also in youtube

Let's Do It !/ Teeme Ära!

2008-03-27T19:37:00.005+02:00

Photo:http://nagi.ee/photos/Teeme/4600127/

Hey you all Estonian loving people, now is our chance to do something good to our country. Let's clean it up from illegal waste, that's lying all over the Estonia.
Some nice people like Rainer Nõlvak as the main coordinator are organizing a cleaning day on 3rd of May. It is a non-profit event, so they are seeking for volunteers. The plan is to get nearly 40 000 people to come and clean up the Estonia, all on one day.

So what can you do? You have to create a team with at least 3
persons (preferably with car, because you have to have your own transport) and register on the site Teeme Ära 2008 Then you will have the more specifically instructions.
But if you can not participate, there is also a chance to support the event financially, because cleaning this big mess definitely could use this support to buy cloves, tools ETC.
And if you have some photographs or experiences on this subject matter do not hesitate to send them to e-mail info@teeme2008.ee
And as only the clean Estonia would be enough for motivating all the cleaners, there is also planned to have a Clean Estonia concert in Tallinn, Tartu and Narva on 4th of May as a thank you for all of those who helped and to celebrate the clean Estonia.
So what are you waiting for, just register your team and see you on the field!

Oh, and I wanted to add, that I don't see any point in those who are starting to talk, like "It's not their garbage and why should they clean this and bla bla bla" Those who don't want to help- stay home and those who are cool enough to help our environment and nature- SEE YOU ON THE FIELD!

Riigikogu month

2008-03-25T19:01:00.002+02:00

As you all should know April will be dedicated to the Estonian parliament Riigikogu.
Or you did not know that?
Well let me explain you this, during next 8 months we will be having theme months. Every month is dedicated to some important aspect for Estonian Republic. In April we can learn more about Riigikogu because on 23rd of April Riigikogu celebrates its birthday and for those who have not visited our flag tower Pikk Hermann, can do that during Fridays in April. They will organize tours to the Pikk Herman in every hour.
I am planning to go also on that tour, so later I will post my comments and photos about that.

Jubilee in your phone

2008-03-23T13:15:00.000+02:00

When you really want to be on the mood of 90th jubilee, there is an opportunity on the site www.eesti90.ee to have some stuff for your mobile phone.
If you are willing to pay 3 eek you can order a ringtone. There are 3 different tones:

The theme of the 90th jubilee year
"Sind surmani"
"Sind surmani" Gadgetville edition

Also you can have a mobile wallpaper for 3 eek. Sounds good?
Well the idea is good, BUT after you have sent the ordering sms, then they will send you the wap link where you have to download this to your phone and also pay for the downloaded bites to your phone operator. So the 3 eek is not the real price. And what is also annoying- if you see the site eesti90.ee in English version, then there is no sign of this mobile stuff.
So the idea is 10 points but the reality- well 5 points.

Introduction

2008-03-20T18:33:00.000+02:00

Hello dear Visitor!

I live in the fabulous country called Estonia and right now we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of our country. We already had our Independence day celebration on 23rd and 24th of February and many people are not aware that the celebrations are continuing during the year, because the jubilee year is ending in November 2008. So there will be lots of events during these 8 months, and here you can read about some of them.
But as I am also a media student, I will look at these events from more critical point of view and try to analyze how this massive campaign is managed.

So take part of the events and don't hesitate to comment how do you feel about the events of 90th jubilee year of Estonian Republic.

Have a happy jubilee year!