October 2012 Calendars of Activities

American Corner Bitola

American Corner Struga

American Corner Tetovo

American Corner Shtip

Monthly calendars -September 2012

American Corner Bitola

American Corner Shtip

American Corner Tetovo

American Corner Struga

Regional American Corners Workshop for Balkan American Corner Coordinators in Belgrade from August 7-9, 2012. 

Twenty six AC Coordinators from Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia had the opportunity to discuss expectations and agree on the requirements of the American Corners programming. The main objective for the American Corners Programs was to follow the update from the Office of American Spaces.
Topics such as ElibraryUSA, copyright and reference services, writing effective proposals, social media, marketing libraries were elaborated with the latest developments.
American Corners Macedonia were represented by Ardita Emush -American Corner Struga, Marija Gorgieva-American Corner Shtip and Ivana Angelkovska -American Corner Bitola.

*Invest in Your Future* Youth Retreat - American Corners Skopje, Stip and Struga 2012

The American Corners Skopje, Stip and Struga are looking for 30 of the country’s Top Young Leaders to further their development at the ACS ( Skopje, Stip & Struga) *Invest in Your Future* Youth Retreat from  June 29-July 2 at Hotel Solferino in Struga, Macedonia.
Attendance at the camp is completely  free of charge and includes all accommodation, workshops, meals and transportation.

***The application deadline is June 20th, 2012.***

What is the *Invest in Your Future” Youth Retreat 2012?

• The “Invest in Your Future“ Retreat will focus on youth empowerment through creative and versatile activities. The workshops will cover project design and management, leadership, organization of events, online activism & podcasting, creative expression and healthy living through physical activities.
• 30 young people from across the country will gather at the Solferino Resort in Struga for four action-packed days from June 29-July 2, 2012 (see more about the hotel here: www.skopje-redcross.org.mk/czer_struga.htm)

• 
• The camp will be entirely run in English and focuses on the development of leadership & life-skills through diverse workshops, sports, team building games, offering a good blend of practical and theory.

Who is eligible for the camp?
To be eligible, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in I-IV year high school in the Fall 2012
• Be open to new things and willing to work in multi-ethnic environment
• Be enthusiastic, motivated and committed to developing your leadership skills & life skills and experience
• Be proficient in English.

What happens during the four day camp?  

The Camp will be run by the staff from American Corners Skopje, Stip & Struga, U.S Peace Corps Volunteers and will include U.S. Diplomats as guest speakers. The programme itself offers a range of leadership & life-skill activities and workshops, as well as an opportunity for creative expression. There is also time built in for relaxation, games and evening social activities, co-ordinated by trained staff.

What you get out of this camp?  

• You will learn new skills and work in a multi-cultural environment,
• Be part of a project that will really make a difference,
• Meet new friends and broaden your horizons, and
• Spend 4 days in a great hotel in the beautiful Struga, with great people. ALL EXPENCES PAID!

To apply:

Find the application link on AC Skopje, AC Struga or AC Stip facebook page,   
Fill it & submit it  NO LATER THAN June 20, 2012.
Selected candidates will be announced on June 25. ( Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a brief interview (in English) either in person or by phone.)

Good Luck! :-)

Find the application on the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dFpyc05FWFp6dkMtNVpjMk5Dd1hWTXc6MQ

Chicago Quiz! - Your chance to win a Kindle!

Chicago quiz!

Did you watch the videos about Chicago?

As announced, we have created a short quiz about Chicago based on the videos posted in the last two weeks. Answer the most questions correctly and you will have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

Deadline for completing the quiz is June 10, 2012.

If you haven’t seen the videos please visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyMacedonia and watch the videos to find the answers to the questions.

Please open the quiz link and answer the 15 multiple choice questions. After receiving all submissions, a special Embassy committee will select the winners based on the correct answers of the questions. If there are multiple entries with the same number of correct answers, the final winners will be randomly selected.

The awards are as follows:

1st award: Brand-new Kindle

2nd award: Chicago tourism book and a U.S. Embassy mug

3rd award: Chicago tourism book

The winners of the awards will be informed by e-mail and there will be a small ceremony at the U.S. Embassy where the awards will be presented. 

The QUIZ

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! - final

Educational and Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Macedonia, Brian Bauer, speaks about Chicago and the videos posted during the last two weeks. In the following days we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle

The Art Institute of Chicago!

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! Ten different Chicago residents introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. Today we are visiting the Art Institute of Chicago!

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

Wicker Park and Big Star Restaurant in Chicago!

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! Ten different Chicago residents introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. Today we are visiting Wicker Park and Big Star Restaurant and we will learn more about tacos! 

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

Millennium Park -- Chicago!

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! Ten different Chicago residents introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. Today we are visiting Millennium Park and we will have the chance to see the famous sculptures in the Millennium Park; Cloud Gate or "The Bean" and Crown Fountain. We will also see the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States.

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

Chicago Blues!

 The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! Ten different Chicago residents introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. Today we are visiting Kingston Mines and we will hear about the Chicago Blues.

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago!

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You!

Chicago's Old Town and The Second City.

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You!

Oak Street Beach -- Chicago! Video # 3

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You!  Today we are visiting Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan.

Oak Street Beach -- Chicago!

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! Video #2

Neighborhoods in Chicago!

Ten different Chicago residents introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. Today we are hearing about the Chicago skyline, different neighborhoods of Chicago etc. 

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! - The Loop!

Video #1

Exploring the heart of Chicago -- The Loop! 

 

Today we are visiting The Loop, Chicago business district, Marshall Field building etc.

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

 

 

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You!

The World Comes to Chicago, Chicago Comes to You! Ten different Chicago residents introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. Today we are hearing about the Chicago skyline, different neighborhoods of Chicago etc.

Watch the videos closely! At the end of the ten days, we will be posting a quiz about Chicago online, using the information that was in all of the videos. If you answer the most questions correctly, you have the chance to win a Chicago tourism book with some beautiful photos of the city, or our top prize, a brand-new Kindle.

Intro:

Educational and Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Macedonia, Brian Bauer, speaks about Chicago and the video project of the U.S. Embassy Macedonia. In the following days we will post videos of ten different Chicago residents that will introduce you to their favorite spots in the city and share insider's advice on the best places to visit. The upcoming NATO Summit will be held in Chicago on May 20th and May 21st.

*May Calendars for our American Corners*

American Corner Struga

American Corner Stip

American Corner Bitola

For updates about the American Corner Skopje during the relocation period, please go to facebook.com/acskopje

Relocation of American Corner Skopje

We would like to inform you that the American Corner is the process of relocation, and we have moved out of our former premisses at the City Library "Brakja Miladinovci".

Until we move into our new space, our temporary location is:

Interim location:  

Youth Education Forum
Vodnjanska 35/1-1    

American Corner March Calendars!

American Corner Stip

American Corner Struga

American Corner Tetovo

American Corner Bitola

Super Tuesday! - The U.S. Presidential Elections

Today is Super Tuesday, a big primary voting day in key US states!

Super Tuesday is the unofficial name given to the single day in a presidential election year on which many states hold primaries and caucuses.

To learn how the U.S. Presidential Elections work, take a look a this video:

Primary Schedule 2012

January 3,  Iowa (caucus)
January 10,  New Hampshire (primary)
January 21,  South Carolina (primary)
January 31,  Florida (primary)
February 4,  Nevada (caucus)

February 4–11,  Maine (caucus)

February 7,  Colorado (caucus)
                   Minnesota (caucus)
                   Missouri (primary)

February 28,  Arizona (primary)
                     Michigan (primary)

March 3,  Washington (caucus)

March 6,  (Super Tuesday)
                   Alaska (caucus)
                   Georgia (primary)
                   Idaho (caucus)
                   Massachusetts (primary)
                   North Dakota (caucus)
                   Ohio (primary)
                   Oklahoma (primary)
                   Tennessee (primary)
                   Texas (primary)
                   Vermont (primary)
                   Virginia (primary)

March 6-10,  Wyoming (caucus)

March 10,  Kansas (caucus)
                   U.S. Virgin Islands (caucus)

March 13,  Alabama (primary)
                   Hawaii (caucus)
                   Mississippi (primary)

March 17,  Missouri (GOP caucus)

March 20,  Illinois (primary)

March 24,  Louisiana (primary)

April 3,  District of Columbia (primary)
                   Maryland (primary)
                   Wisconsin (primary)

April 24,  Connecticut (primary)
                   Delaware (primary)
                   New York (primary)
                   Pennsylvania (primary)
                   Rhode Island (primary)

May 8,  Indiana (primary)
                   North Carolina (primary)
                   West Virginia (primary)

May 15,  Nebraska (primary)
                   Oregon (primary)

May 22,  Arkansas (primary)
                   Kentucky (primary)

June 5,   California (primary)
                   Montana (primary)
                   New Jersey (primary)
                   New Mexico (primary)
                   South Dakota (primary)

June 26,  Utah (primary)

Washington's Birthday Holiday Honors First President

On February 21, 2012, Americans celebrate the holiday PRESIDENTS' DAY, observed on the third Monday of February. This holiday is also known as WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY because it honors George Washington, the first President of the United States, as well as the legacies of all American presidents. 

 

Read more on IIP Digital !

Super Bowl 2012: Giants Beat the Patriots 21-17

SUPER BOWL Sunday is America's biggest sports holiday! The Super Bowl is the final of the NFL league Play Offs, and is the most watched annual television program in the United States. This year's matchup was between the New England Patriots and the the New York Giants. 

Super Bowl 2012: Giants beat Patriots 21-17 in a heartstopping repeat of 2008 title game

Read more and see the images from yesterday's game HERE

 Many Americans who are not typically football fans will still gather and watch the game with family and friends. Everyone loves the famous Super Bowl commercials! Each year, advertisers are rushing to buy as much airtime as possible, spending an average of $3.5 million for a 30 second television ad. And everyone loves the traditional halftime show, which this year, was Madonna's spectacular performance! Watch it below:

And you don't have to miss out on the commercials either. A full list of every ad aired during the Super Bowl is available ON THIS LINK. Happy watching!

 

February Calendars for our American Corners

American Corner Skopje

American Corner Tetovo

American Corner Bitola

American Corner Struga

American Corner Stip

Wetlands Photo Celebration 2012 fan favorites

Happy World Wetlands Day 2012!! Please join us in congratulating our Wetlands Photo Celebration fan favorites—with images and photographers from around the globe in the four categories of favorites for the Wetlands and Tourism theme: Plants, Landscape, Tourists and Wildlife. Check out the lush stilt village in Ghana, a peaceful river in West Virginia, a snorkeler in the gorgeous coastal wetlands of Mexico, and a beautiful damselfly in Cambodia. Many thanks to all who participated – The US State Department received nearly 900 hundred photo submissions. We salute the world’s wetlands for their many critical benefits to humankind and their incredible beauty. See the wonderful photos submitted through the State Department's Flickr site!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/wwd2012photocelebration/pool/with/6633558673/


Fan favorites:

The fan favorite in the WILDLIFE category (damselfly):

Wetland: Tonle Sap lake Wetland, Phur Sat province

Photographer: SAR Monyrath from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The fan favorite in the PLANTS category (water and vegetation):

Wetland: Nzulezo Stilt Village in Jomoro district, western Ghana

Photograph: Francis Kwame Paintsil from Accra, Ghana

The fan favorite in the TOURISM category (snorkeler):

Wetland: Gran Cenote in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Photographer: Seth Patterson from Brownsville, Texas - USA

And the fan favorite in the LANDSCAPE category (open water with trees):

Wetland: Tomlinson Run State Park (Tomlinson Run Lake) in West Virginia, United States

Photographer: Nadya Stoyanova Dzhevizova from Plovdiv, Bulgaria

 

*Chinese New Year*

The Chinese year 4710 begins TODAY, on Jan. 23, 2012.
The zodiac sign for 2012 is the Dragon! For the Chinese, the dragon is the luckiest and most auspicious of all the animal signs. Chinese parents want their kids to get married in the Year of the Dragon and babies to be born in the Year of the Dragon because they're supposed to be lucky. 

Happy Year of the Dragon!

image source http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/images/Chinese%20New%20Year%202012%20Dragon.jpg

World Wetlands Day Photo celebration, January 3-20, 2012

See the Flickr stream for World Wetland Day Photo Celebration

http://www.flickr.com/groups/WWD2012PhotoCelebration

January 2012 monthly programs at our American Corners!

American Corner Struga

American Corner Tetovo

American Corner Stip

American Corner Bitola

American Corner Skopje