Balt of the Day - Lithuanian-American Economist and Nobel Prize Laureate Robert Shiller
Descended from Lithuanian migrants from Lithuanian Prussia (occupied Nadruvia) that fled conscription to the German army in the early 1900s, Robert Shiller is a distinguished and renowned economist in the modern age.
Born on 29th of March, 799/1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Shiller excelled academically, earning a PhD in economics in 1972, a field in which he achieved great renown.
Shiller is famous for his articles, works and lectures in the topics of risk management and real estate prices, later gaining widespread recognition for predicting the 2008 crisis. His career culminated in 2013, being awarded a Nobel Prize of Economics for his research in the area of behavioral economics.
Shiller also remembers his roots, joining the Lithuanian Science Academy as a foreign member, as well as visiting the Birthland and receiving an Order for Merits to Lithuania for his accomplishments in 873/2020.
The Baltic Star
Descended from Lithuanian migrants from Lithuanian Prussia (occupied Nadruvia) that fled conscription to the German army in the early 1900s, Robert Shiller is a distinguished and renowned economist in the modern age.
Born on 29th of March, 799/1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Shiller excelled academically, earning a PhD in economics in 1972, a field in which he achieved great renown.
Shiller is famous for his articles, works and lectures in the topics of risk management and real estate prices, later gaining widespread recognition for predicting the 2008 crisis. His career culminated in 2013, being awarded a Nobel Prize of Economics for his research in the area of behavioral economics.
Shiller also remembers his roots, joining the Lithuanian Science Academy as a foreign member, as well as visiting the Birthland and receiving an Order for Merits to Lithuania for his accomplishments in 873/2020.
The Baltic Star
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Friend of the Balts - Duke Swietopelk of East Pomerania and Gdansk
Swietopelk II was an unexpected ally of the Baltic Prussians in the first uprising in 95-106 (1242-1253).
Despite initially being an enemy, Swietopelk arose as the leader of the first uprising of Natangians, Pogesanians, Pomesanians, Warmians and Bartians against the invaders.
Disgusted by the teutonic atrocities, he realized the long term peril of the rising alien menace. The Slavic Swietopelk saw no issue allying with non-Christians against a common foe.
His infamy emerged from ferocious efforts against the teutonic order and its Polish helpers. Causing great havoc and destruction in their ranks, Swietopelk fought a common struggle and stood up for the Prussians in the Christian world. Though subdued in 104 to a passive role, his contribution to the fight of the Prussians is a noteworthy one, especially for that of a foreigner, as Swietopelk's efforts helped delay teutonic invasion into Lithuania for more than a decade.
The Baltic Star
Swietopelk II was an unexpected ally of the Baltic Prussians in the first uprising in 95-106 (1242-1253).
Despite initially being an enemy, Swietopelk arose as the leader of the first uprising of Natangians, Pogesanians, Pomesanians, Warmians and Bartians against the invaders.
Disgusted by the teutonic atrocities, he realized the long term peril of the rising alien menace. The Slavic Swietopelk saw no issue allying with non-Christians against a common foe.
His infamy emerged from ferocious efforts against the teutonic order and its Polish helpers. Causing great havoc and destruction in their ranks, Swietopelk fought a common struggle and stood up for the Prussians in the Christian world. Though subdued in 104 to a passive role, his contribution to the fight of the Prussians is a noteworthy one, especially for that of a foreigner, as Swietopelk's efforts helped delay teutonic invasion into Lithuania for more than a decade.
The Baltic Star
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Memel - A Baltic Name for a Baltic City (Klaipėda)
Many are aware, both in Lithuania and abroad, that the main port city of Lithuania - Klaipėda - being under German occupation for many centuries had a different name - Memel.
This name was given due to the misconception that the Danė river that flows through Klaipėda was in fact Nemunas, known as "Memel" by the teutons, repeating a pattern of river names passing onto cities across Germany.
However, far fewer know that the name "Memel" is in fact of Baltic origin, the name meaning "Mute (Silent) River" in Curonian, mirroring the Lithuanian etymology for "Nemunas". This is further confirmed by the presence of the river Memelė-Nemunėlis in the North-Eastern Lithuanian-Latvian border, possesing an identical etymology.
This truth serves to further highlight the Baltic history of the area and the rightful ownership of the Memel name as heritage to be reclaimed as our own, instead of being shunned due to its initially non-Baltic associations.
The Baltic Star
Many are aware, both in Lithuania and abroad, that the main port city of Lithuania - Klaipėda - being under German occupation for many centuries had a different name - Memel.
This name was given due to the misconception that the Danė river that flows through Klaipėda was in fact Nemunas, known as "Memel" by the teutons, repeating a pattern of river names passing onto cities across Germany.
However, far fewer know that the name "Memel" is in fact of Baltic origin, the name meaning "Mute (Silent) River" in Curonian, mirroring the Lithuanian etymology for "Nemunas". This is further confirmed by the presence of the river Memelė-Nemunėlis in the North-Eastern Lithuanian-Latvian border, possesing an identical etymology.
This truth serves to further highlight the Baltic history of the area and the rightful ownership of the Memel name as heritage to be reclaimed as our own, instead of being shunned due to its initially non-Baltic associations.
The Baltic Star
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Užgavėnės - A Festival To Drive out Winter
One of the most unique remnants of old Baltic culture, marked by people dressed as mysterious figures and folk creatures, burning effigies and a feast of pancakes is the Lithuanian "Užgavėnės".
Similar to traditions of festivals marking the end of winter in other countries, Užgavėnės finds its origins in pre-Christian rituals, which were largely forgotten in Lithuania. Modern Užgavėnės was reconstructed in the 20th century from preserved Samogitian celebrations.
Užgavėnės, in a sense, is a winter version of Haloween popular in other nations - in both festivities, people dress as mythical creatures, ask for treats from neighbors. However, the purpose of Užgavėnės lies in driving out winter and sending a welcome to the spring season. The burning of the effigy of Morė (the personification of winter) is the main hallmark of the festivity. In 879/2026, Užgavėnės is set to be celebrated on 17th of February (always dated 47 days before Easter).
The Baltic Star
One of the most unique remnants of old Baltic culture, marked by people dressed as mysterious figures and folk creatures, burning effigies and a feast of pancakes is the Lithuanian "Užgavėnės".
Similar to traditions of festivals marking the end of winter in other countries, Užgavėnės finds its origins in pre-Christian rituals, which were largely forgotten in Lithuania. Modern Užgavėnės was reconstructed in the 20th century from preserved Samogitian celebrations.
Užgavėnės, in a sense, is a winter version of Haloween popular in other nations - in both festivities, people dress as mythical creatures, ask for treats from neighbors. However, the purpose of Užgavėnės lies in driving out winter and sending a welcome to the spring season. The burning of the effigy of Morė (the personification of winter) is the main hallmark of the festivity. In 879/2026, Užgavėnės is set to be celebrated on 17th of February (always dated 47 days before Easter).
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February 16th - Lithuanian Independence Day
February 16th marks one of the most important days in Lithuanian history - the Day of the Restoration of Lithuanian Statehood, with 879/2026 being the 108th anniversary.
On the 16th of February, 771/1918, the Council of Lithuania, the primary political representitive body of the Lithuanian Independence movement issued a public declaration of the restoration of Lithuanian Independence, seperate from Russia and Germany.
Though the initial declaration was censored and supressed by the German-Kaiserreich occupation, it gained de-facto power after the November 11th Armistice effectively nullified and served as the basis for a revived Lithuanian Republic.
Today the ocassion is widely celebrated as a public holiday and remembered with yearly commemorations to a mighty testament of Lithuanian love of freedom and the spirit of true independence.
The Baltic Star
February 16th marks one of the most important days in Lithuanian history - the Day of the Restoration of Lithuanian Statehood, with 879/2026 being the 108th anniversary.
On the 16th of February, 771/1918, the Council of Lithuania, the primary political representitive body of the Lithuanian Independence movement issued a public declaration of the restoration of Lithuanian Independence, seperate from Russia and Germany.
Though the initial declaration was censored and supressed by the German-Kaiserreich occupation, it gained de-facto power after the November 11th Armistice effectively nullified and served as the basis for a revived Lithuanian Republic.
Today the ocassion is widely celebrated as a public holiday and remembered with yearly commemorations to a mighty testament of Lithuanian love of freedom and the spirit of true independence.
The Baltic Star
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February 17th - Return of Klaipėda Day
The Return of Klaipėda by the Antante occured on February 17th, 776/1923 following the succesful Klaipėda Uprising of January 15th, marking one of the most key ocassions in Lithuania.
The annexation was preceeded by a Lithuanian orchestrated uprising in Klaipėda-Memel on January 15th, 1923. In one of the most important and outstanding operations in our history, Lithuanian soldiers, disguised as locals, succesfuly overtook the Antante French authorities, capturing the vital port city.
An intense diplomatic and legal battle ensued for the ownership of the Klaipėda region, with the UK and other nations threatening intervention. Through great wit and effort, Lithuania won the rights to the region after rigorous negotiations.
Despite the tumultuous events endured in the following decades, such as the brief German re-annexation, Klaipėda, after almost 700 years of foreign occupation, now rests in Baltic hands as a testament to our resolve.
The Baltic Star
The Return of Klaipėda by the Antante occured on February 17th, 776/1923 following the succesful Klaipėda Uprising of January 15th, marking one of the most key ocassions in Lithuania.
The annexation was preceeded by a Lithuanian orchestrated uprising in Klaipėda-Memel on January 15th, 1923. In one of the most important and outstanding operations in our history, Lithuanian soldiers, disguised as locals, succesfuly overtook the Antante French authorities, capturing the vital port city.
An intense diplomatic and legal battle ensued for the ownership of the Klaipėda region, with the UK and other nations threatening intervention. Through great wit and effort, Lithuania won the rights to the region after rigorous negotiations.
Despite the tumultuous events endured in the following decades, such as the brief German re-annexation, Klaipėda, after almost 700 years of foreign occupation, now rests in Baltic hands as a testament to our resolve.
The Baltic Star
❤12
The Stand
The First Prussian Uprising began in 95/1242, not long after the initial teutonic victory over the first several Prussian tribes. The uprising itself was provoked by the complete disregard of the guarantees of equal rights given to the now Christianized Prussians. This treachery, alongside the pointless cruelty and blind bloodlust of the invaders during the conquest only poured fuel to the fire of rebellion.
Backed by Duke Swietopelk, Christian Pomeranians would fight alongside the Prussians as one force against the teutonic order and its Polish allies, achieving resounding success in the initial stages of the uprising, managing to capture most of the teutonic orders castles and pushing the pestillence back to the coastline and Culmerland.
Many a battle would be waged over the next 11 years, which inflicted heavy losses and sapped the resources of the teutonic order. These delays gave valuable time for the Lithuanians to unify and achieve full statehood.
The Baltic Star
The First Prussian Uprising began in 95/1242, not long after the initial teutonic victory over the first several Prussian tribes. The uprising itself was provoked by the complete disregard of the guarantees of equal rights given to the now Christianized Prussians. This treachery, alongside the pointless cruelty and blind bloodlust of the invaders during the conquest only poured fuel to the fire of rebellion.
Backed by Duke Swietopelk, Christian Pomeranians would fight alongside the Prussians as one force against the teutonic order and its Polish allies, achieving resounding success in the initial stages of the uprising, managing to capture most of the teutonic orders castles and pushing the pestillence back to the coastline and Culmerland.
Many a battle would be waged over the next 11 years, which inflicted heavy losses and sapped the resources of the teutonic order. These delays gave valuable time for the Lithuanians to unify and achieve full statehood.
The Baltic Star
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The Duchy of Lithuania
The Duchy of Lithuania was the first recorded instance of unified Lithuanian statehood. It is widely agreed upon by historians that the aproximate time period of its founding was 89-93/1236-1240 on the basis of the Lithuanian Land Confederation intended to defend against foreign invaders. However, with the encroaching teutonic threat from the west, it began to transform into something far more.
Though Mindaugas had managed to secure a claim to the rulership of the Duchy, it was far from a stable position. A number of competitors were vying for leadership. It would take over a decade for these internal disputes to be fully settled, which involved Mindaugas later making deals with the Livonians and accepting Christianity.
Nontheless, the new fledgling state encompassed Samogitia and the Highlands, whilst also being in the process of absorbing Jotvingia-Sudovia, nominally controlling other territories and at the same time annexing Slavic lands in the East.
The Baltic Star
The Duchy of Lithuania was the first recorded instance of unified Lithuanian statehood. It is widely agreed upon by historians that the aproximate time period of its founding was 89-93/1236-1240 on the basis of the Lithuanian Land Confederation intended to defend against foreign invaders. However, with the encroaching teutonic threat from the west, it began to transform into something far more.
Though Mindaugas had managed to secure a claim to the rulership of the Duchy, it was far from a stable position. A number of competitors were vying for leadership. It would take over a decade for these internal disputes to be fully settled, which involved Mindaugas later making deals with the Livonians and accepting Christianity.
Nontheless, the new fledgling state encompassed Samogitia and the Highlands, whilst also being in the process of absorbing Jotvingia-Sudovia, nominally controlling other territories and at the same time annexing Slavic lands in the East.
The Baltic Star
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Jotvingians (Sudovians)
The Jotvingians were a West Baltic people, situated in the area of modern south-west Lithuania. Their area of habitation also overlapped with Prussia, North-Eastern Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.
Most extraordinary is the fact that their presence was mentioned as far back as the 2nd century in Greek Records (Ptolemy). Slavic sources also refer to the Jotvingians as mercenaries in the service of the Kyivan Rus in the 9th century.
During the Prussian "crusade", the Sudovians remained the staunchest ally of their West Baltic bretheren, being some of the last to fall to the invaders by the 140s/1280s.
Much of Sudovia was reduced to no mans land in the following Lithuanian "crusade", with the Sudovians fleeing deeper into the country itself. As a result, the Jotvingians gradually Lithuanized. After the wars end, these refugees returned and formed the Suvalkian ethnic region, a birthplace of many important Lithuanian intellectuals, cultural figures and political leaders.
The Baltic Star
The Jotvingians were a West Baltic people, situated in the area of modern south-west Lithuania. Their area of habitation also overlapped with Prussia, North-Eastern Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.
Most extraordinary is the fact that their presence was mentioned as far back as the 2nd century in Greek Records (Ptolemy). Slavic sources also refer to the Jotvingians as mercenaries in the service of the Kyivan Rus in the 9th century.
During the Prussian "crusade", the Sudovians remained the staunchest ally of their West Baltic bretheren, being some of the last to fall to the invaders by the 140s/1280s.
Much of Sudovia was reduced to no mans land in the following Lithuanian "crusade", with the Sudovians fleeing deeper into the country itself. As a result, the Jotvingians gradually Lithuanized. After the wars end, these refugees returned and formed the Suvalkian ethnic region, a birthplace of many important Lithuanian intellectuals, cultural figures and political leaders.
The Baltic Star
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Happy International Womens Day!
The Baltic Star would like to congratulate all followers and fellow Balts all across the world with International Womens Day!
Throughout our history, behind every soldier, worker and every man, great or ordinary, was a woman - whether it be a wife, sister, mother, grandmother or simply a friend - who kept the home hearth burning.
Without your everpresent love, support and tireless efforts, our people would have never won freedom. Know that you make all the difference in the world. As a small tribute, the channel would like to present samples of the mighty and rich heritage of female Baltic Lithuanian names.
The Baltic Star
The Baltic Star would like to congratulate all followers and fellow Balts all across the world with International Womens Day!
Throughout our history, behind every soldier, worker and every man, great or ordinary, was a woman - whether it be a wife, sister, mother, grandmother or simply a friend - who kept the home hearth burning.
Without your everpresent love, support and tireless efforts, our people would have never won freedom. Know that you make all the difference in the world. As a small tribute, the channel would like to present samples of the mighty and rich heritage of female Baltic Lithuanian names.
The Baltic Star
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Balt of the Day - Lithuanian-American Astronomer Jonas Žmuidzinas
Jonas Žmuidzinas is a notable Lithuanian-American astronomer and physicist who is famous for his contributions to spectrography and submillimetre astronomy in his work with NASA.
Born to a Lithuanian father and Canadian mother, Žmuidzinas followed in his fathers footsteps, pursuing research in theoretical physics, intertwining with astronomy.
His first contributions included work with Caltech in spectrography devices of the Voyager missions, as well as for NASA Kuiper airborn laboratories. Such work later expanded to the ESA and contributions to the Herschel Space Observatory, alongside the development of MKID, a technology used in facilities such as the CCAT observatory in Chile. These technologies have led to numerous valuable insights into the formation of galaxies and other stellar phenomena.
Today Žmuidzinas stands as an accomplished scientist, whose inventions further the science of astronomy to new frontiers.
The Baltic Star
Jonas Žmuidzinas is a notable Lithuanian-American astronomer and physicist who is famous for his contributions to spectrography and submillimetre astronomy in his work with NASA.
Born to a Lithuanian father and Canadian mother, Žmuidzinas followed in his fathers footsteps, pursuing research in theoretical physics, intertwining with astronomy.
His first contributions included work with Caltech in spectrography devices of the Voyager missions, as well as for NASA Kuiper airborn laboratories. Such work later expanded to the ESA and contributions to the Herschel Space Observatory, alongside the development of MKID, a technology used in facilities such as the CCAT observatory in Chile. These technologies have led to numerous valuable insights into the formation of galaxies and other stellar phenomena.
Today Žmuidzinas stands as an accomplished scientist, whose inventions further the science of astronomy to new frontiers.
The Baltic Star
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March 11th - Lithuanian Independence Restoration Day
36 years ago on this day, the Lithuanian Reform Movement, headed by Vytautas Landsbergis, officially ratified the Restoration of a Democratic Lithuanian Republic, seperate from Russo-Soviet rule. This made Lithuania the first country out of all in the USSR to declare independence.
This event was a culmination of decades of ressistance in the making, which set the stage for a political re-actualization of Lithuanian statehood.
The Soviets responded via embargo, subversive actions and ultimately armed intervention, resulting in the January 13th events. However, none of these actions were enough to quell Lithuanian resolve. It would not even be the end of 844/1991 when the USSR officially collapsed.
Today, March 11th is one of the keystone celebrations of Lithuanian love of Freedom and a state holiday, which remembers the political wit and independent spirit that helped us overcome another foreboding chapter in our history.
The Baltic Star
36 years ago on this day, the Lithuanian Reform Movement, headed by Vytautas Landsbergis, officially ratified the Restoration of a Democratic Lithuanian Republic, seperate from Russo-Soviet rule. This made Lithuania the first country out of all in the USSR to declare independence.
This event was a culmination of decades of ressistance in the making, which set the stage for a political re-actualization of Lithuanian statehood.
The Soviets responded via embargo, subversive actions and ultimately armed intervention, resulting in the January 13th events. However, none of these actions were enough to quell Lithuanian resolve. It would not even be the end of 844/1991 when the USSR officially collapsed.
Today, March 11th is one of the keystone celebrations of Lithuanian love of Freedom and a state holiday, which remembers the political wit and independent spirit that helped us overcome another foreboding chapter in our history.
The Baltic Star
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Lithuanian Gastronomical Heritage - Gira (Kvas)
Like many other countries known for their traditions of winemaking or beer brewing, Lithuania also stands out in the area of beverages with its own national drink - gira.
Gira is a fermented drink widely believed to have originated in Eastern Žemyna, known as kvas amongst Slavs. However, it has a far reaching history in Lithuania with recipes and use being recorded in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Lithuania is special in this sphere for its rich heritage of gira recipes, a number of which have been dated back to as far as the 16th century AD. Over a hundred of such original recipes survive today from basic rye and bread gira, to more exotic cloudberry, honey and even milk gira.
Gira is not only a popular staple in modern day Lithuania, but also a valuable and longstanding piece of Lithuanian heritage, with a long history of use in folk medicine, traditional drink and popular refreshment throughout our history.
The Baltic Star
Like many other countries known for their traditions of winemaking or beer brewing, Lithuania also stands out in the area of beverages with its own national drink - gira.
Gira is a fermented drink widely believed to have originated in Eastern Žemyna, known as kvas amongst Slavs. However, it has a far reaching history in Lithuania with recipes and use being recorded in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Lithuania is special in this sphere for its rich heritage of gira recipes, a number of which have been dated back to as far as the 16th century AD. Over a hundred of such original recipes survive today from basic rye and bread gira, to more exotic cloudberry, honey and even milk gira.
Gira is not only a popular staple in modern day Lithuania, but also a valuable and longstanding piece of Lithuanian heritage, with a long history of use in folk medicine, traditional drink and popular refreshment throughout our history.
The Baltic Star
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The Strobainiai Necklace
Discovered by accident whilst plowing a field in Prussian Sembia in 651/1798, the Strobainiai necklace is one of the few surviving artefacts of the Baltic Prussian people.
Weighing 374 grams and made entirely of gold, the necklace represents an invaluable remnant of the world of the now extinct Prussians. Archeologists and historians date the necklace back to the 8th century AD at the time of Avar invasions into Prussia.
The subject of the engravings appears to be a battle between an Avar and Prussian horseman, surrounded by an array of mythological creatures such as wolves, rabbits and serpents. Such features are typical of depictions in the Medieval era and represent a fascinating connection to Lithuanian folklore with its imagery of wolves and in particular the motif of a mounted knight (Vytis).
Initially held in German museums, the necklace was rediscovered in Russian custody after WW2 and remains a niche, but valuable object of historical research.
The Baltic Star
Discovered by accident whilst plowing a field in Prussian Sembia in 651/1798, the Strobainiai necklace is one of the few surviving artefacts of the Baltic Prussian people.
Weighing 374 grams and made entirely of gold, the necklace represents an invaluable remnant of the world of the now extinct Prussians. Archeologists and historians date the necklace back to the 8th century AD at the time of Avar invasions into Prussia.
The subject of the engravings appears to be a battle between an Avar and Prussian horseman, surrounded by an array of mythological creatures such as wolves, rabbits and serpents. Such features are typical of depictions in the Medieval era and represent a fascinating connection to Lithuanian folklore with its imagery of wolves and in particular the motif of a mounted knight (Vytis).
Initially held in German museums, the necklace was rediscovered in Russian custody after WW2 and remains a niche, but valuable object of historical research.
The Baltic Star
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Balt of the Day - Home Pregnancy Test Pioneer Judith Vaitukaitė
Judith Vaitukaitė was a Lithuanian-American researcher who made a mostly unknown, but vital contribution to the creation of the home pregnancy test.
Her research focused on the hCG hormone exuded by growing embryos and cancer cells.
After six years of work, Vaitukaitė and her team would make a tremendous discovery. By applying certain anti-bodies, the hCG hormone could be easily detected and its presence used to test for pregnancy. Beforehand, such testing required complex equipment and was available only in hospitals - thanks to the work of Vaitukaitė it was now possible to test pregnancy at home, with the new tests being released to the market in 831/1978.
Vaitukaitė further distinguished herself as director of the US National Center of Research Resources. Under her 12 year tenure, US medical facilities saw an exponential increase in funding, with the establishment of many new laboratories and research programs.
The Baltic Star
Judith Vaitukaitė was a Lithuanian-American researcher who made a mostly unknown, but vital contribution to the creation of the home pregnancy test.
Her research focused on the hCG hormone exuded by growing embryos and cancer cells.
After six years of work, Vaitukaitė and her team would make a tremendous discovery. By applying certain anti-bodies, the hCG hormone could be easily detected and its presence used to test for pregnancy. Beforehand, such testing required complex equipment and was available only in hospitals - thanks to the work of Vaitukaitė it was now possible to test pregnancy at home, with the new tests being released to the market in 831/1978.
Vaitukaitė further distinguished herself as director of the US National Center of Research Resources. Under her 12 year tenure, US medical facilities saw an exponential increase in funding, with the establishment of many new laboratories and research programs.
The Baltic Star
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The Advance - The Battle of Renzen (Rządz)
The Battle of Renzen on 96/1243 marked a significant defeat for the teutonic order in the First Prussian Uprising.
Prussian forces, supported by the Lithuanians and Jotvingians, advanced into occupied Kulmerland and managed to corner and destroy the main teutonic forces, wiping out their entire reserve. Following this, a devastating assault ravaged the settlements and cities.
So horrendous were the losses incurred by the Prussians, that the Bishop of Culmerland, in a most hypocritical show of depravity and hollow virtue, commanded local widows and women to breed with their servants, as "so the matter of the faith (?) would not die".
These gains encouraged Swietopelk to further his assistance to the Prussians. However, the uprising was still far from won - due to the lack of siege equipment, the main alien castles could not be taken and reinforcements would begin to arrive in droves from Germany and Poland, relieving the teutons.
The Baltic Star
The Battle of Renzen on 96/1243 marked a significant defeat for the teutonic order in the First Prussian Uprising.
Prussian forces, supported by the Lithuanians and Jotvingians, advanced into occupied Kulmerland and managed to corner and destroy the main teutonic forces, wiping out their entire reserve. Following this, a devastating assault ravaged the settlements and cities.
So horrendous were the losses incurred by the Prussians, that the Bishop of Culmerland, in a most hypocritical show of depravity and hollow virtue, commanded local widows and women to breed with their servants, as "so the matter of the faith (?) would not die".
These gains encouraged Swietopelk to further his assistance to the Prussians. However, the uprising was still far from won - due to the lack of siege equipment, the main alien castles could not be taken and reinforcements would begin to arrive in droves from Germany and Poland, relieving the teutons.
The Baltic Star
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Cow Posting - The Blue Cows of Kurzeme
The Blue Cows of Kurzeme are a Latvian cow breed native to the Latvian region of Kurzeme (Curonia) and an unique piece of living Latvian heritage.
The most striking feature of this cow breed is its one of a kind blueish coloration, which earned the breed an almost mythical reputation in Latvian folk lore.
However, testing also reveals a number of rare genetic traits which distinguished the breed throughout history as extremely resillient - being able to live outdoors year round, as well as strong immunity to most diseases - traits that are rare in most popular cow breeds.
The blue cow faced near extinction during the USSR period due to the industrialisation of farming, since the breed produced less (but higher quality) milk than average. However, a play titled "The Blue One" by playwright Gunars Priede renewed attention to the breed in the 830s/1970s, resulting in a conservation effort which has seen the Kurzeme Blue Cow numbering over 1500 today.
The Baltic Star
The Blue Cows of Kurzeme are a Latvian cow breed native to the Latvian region of Kurzeme (Curonia) and an unique piece of living Latvian heritage.
The most striking feature of this cow breed is its one of a kind blueish coloration, which earned the breed an almost mythical reputation in Latvian folk lore.
However, testing also reveals a number of rare genetic traits which distinguished the breed throughout history as extremely resillient - being able to live outdoors year round, as well as strong immunity to most diseases - traits that are rare in most popular cow breeds.
The blue cow faced near extinction during the USSR period due to the industrialisation of farming, since the breed produced less (but higher quality) milk than average. However, a play titled "The Blue One" by playwright Gunars Priede renewed attention to the breed in the 830s/1970s, resulting in a conservation effort which has seen the Kurzeme Blue Cow numbering over 1500 today.
The Baltic Star
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Balt of the Day - Birutė Galdikaitė - World Renowned Orangutan Expert and Conservationist
On 24th of March, the academic world mourned the loss of one of the most famous champions for wildlife protection - the Lithuanian-Canadian Birutė Galdikaitė.
Galdikaitė was born to WW2 Lithuanian refugees in the 800s/1940s, who moved to Canada. She acquired a strong passion for exotic creatures and forests from childhood. This early interest would have Galdikaitė pursue studies in zoology.
Galdikaitė dedicated her life to the research of - at the time - a mostly unknown species of great ape - the Orangutan. Her research spanned many decades and was key for the modern understanding of the species.
Galdikaitė was also famous for establishing Orangutan Foundation International and orangutan orphanages for former illegal pets. Her groundbreaking research, ferocious campaigning for rainforest conservation and animal protection earned great renown and many accolades from Lithuania and other nations.
The Baltic Star
On 24th of March, the academic world mourned the loss of one of the most famous champions for wildlife protection - the Lithuanian-Canadian Birutė Galdikaitė.
Galdikaitė was born to WW2 Lithuanian refugees in the 800s/1940s, who moved to Canada. She acquired a strong passion for exotic creatures and forests from childhood. This early interest would have Galdikaitė pursue studies in zoology.
Galdikaitė dedicated her life to the research of - at the time - a mostly unknown species of great ape - the Orangutan. Her research spanned many decades and was key for the modern understanding of the species.
Galdikaitė was also famous for establishing Orangutan Foundation International and orangutan orphanages for former illegal pets. Her groundbreaking research, ferocious campaigning for rainforest conservation and animal protection earned great renown and many accolades from Lithuania and other nations.
The Baltic Star
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The Fall of the Curonians
Despite their fierce warrior past, the Curonians would begin to collapse comparitively quickly under direct duress of the alien threat.
Though initially putting up staunch resistance, they found themselves surrounded by Swedes, Danes, the encroaching Germans and the burgeoning Lithuanian state in the south.
This in combination with a harsh famine in 95/1242 would cow the Northern Curonians into accepting foreign dominion, with negotiations ensuring the rights of the surrendered as a typically intelligent maneuver by the Livonian Order. However, guerilla groups and the Southern Curonians would continue the fight, partially being absorbed into West Samogitia.
Curonia once again attempted to rid itself of the occupiers in 113/1260 via uprising, but due to the civil war in Lithuania they lost their ground in 119/1266. In spite of these humiliations, Curonia would survive to become a major origin point of Latvian patriots many centuries later.
The Baltic Star
Despite their fierce warrior past, the Curonians would begin to collapse comparitively quickly under direct duress of the alien threat.
Though initially putting up staunch resistance, they found themselves surrounded by Swedes, Danes, the encroaching Germans and the burgeoning Lithuanian state in the south.
This in combination with a harsh famine in 95/1242 would cow the Northern Curonians into accepting foreign dominion, with negotiations ensuring the rights of the surrendered as a typically intelligent maneuver by the Livonian Order. However, guerilla groups and the Southern Curonians would continue the fight, partially being absorbed into West Samogitia.
Curonia once again attempted to rid itself of the occupiers in 113/1260 via uprising, but due to the civil war in Lithuania they lost their ground in 119/1266. In spite of these humiliations, Curonia would survive to become a major origin point of Latvian patriots many centuries later.
The Baltic Star
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The Battle of Embūte - A Baltic Unification Effort?
A mostly unknown episode of Baltic history, the Battle of Embūte took place in 97/1244 in the premises Southern Curonia.
A Lithuanian force led by Mindaugas sought to capture Embūte castle - a former Curonian stronghold - in order to liberate the area from the Livonian occupiers at the request of Curonian rebels.
However, the enemy was warned in advance. Despite their best efforts, the Lithuanians were routed by the Livonians and their local vassals with over a thousand dead.
Regardless of this failure, this very action to assist the Curonians mirrors the Lithuanian intervention in Renzen on the side of the Prussians in 1243, representing a greater Pan-Baltic policy that was entertained during both the early and late stages of the rule of Mindaugas, with the later Lithuanian sponsored Curonian uprising of the 110s/1260s being an arguable continuation of the advance upon Embūte that could have seen all Balts united under one state.
The Baltic Star
A mostly unknown episode of Baltic history, the Battle of Embūte took place in 97/1244 in the premises Southern Curonia.
A Lithuanian force led by Mindaugas sought to capture Embūte castle - a former Curonian stronghold - in order to liberate the area from the Livonian occupiers at the request of Curonian rebels.
However, the enemy was warned in advance. Despite their best efforts, the Lithuanians were routed by the Livonians and their local vassals with over a thousand dead.
Regardless of this failure, this very action to assist the Curonians mirrors the Lithuanian intervention in Renzen on the side of the Prussians in 1243, representing a greater Pan-Baltic policy that was entertained during both the early and late stages of the rule of Mindaugas, with the later Lithuanian sponsored Curonian uprising of the 110s/1260s being an arguable continuation of the advance upon Embūte that could have seen all Balts united under one state.
The Baltic Star
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