Year: 2008

The new government appears to be the strongest in Russia’s modern history, State Duma Deputy Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin told journalists today, commenting on today’s new cabinet appointments. The new ministers are efficient and well-known for their work, which means that the government will tackle the problems faced by Russia and its society, Volodin said. He noted that the Industry and Energy Ministry’s split into two separate bodies proved that the development of Russia’s industrial potential was among the government’s priorities.

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RBC, 13.05.2008, Moscow 15:54:30.Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has approved the division of responsibilities between his deputies, the government’s press office reported today. specifically, First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov is to deal with the matters of agriculture and the agribusiness sector. First Deputy PM Igor Shuvalov will oversee the government’s international economic policy, talks on Russia’s accession to the WTO, support for small businesses, and state property governance, among other things. Deputy PM and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin will be responsible for Russia’s social and economic development and monetary policy. Deputy PM Alexander Zhukov is expected to work on top priority national projects, Deputy PM Igor Sechin will deal with industry and energy issues, and Deputy PM, the government’s chief of staff Sergei Sobyanin is to oversee the efficiency of Russia’s executive bodies. Finally, Deputy PM Sergei Ivanov will be in charge of the government’s industry, defense, transportation, communications, and innovation policies.

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Hello,

Russia has had full ban on Polar Bear hunting for a long time. Looks like the USA needs to follow suit……
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MOSCOW, May 13 (RIA Novosti) – The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is urging the U.S. to follow Russia’s conservation efforts to save the polar bear, the regional program director for WWF Russia said on Tuesday.

This Thursday is a deadline set by a federal judge in Alaska for George Bush’s administration to decide whether polar bears should be given the status of a species endangered by global warming.

“Over 50 years ago a full ban on polar bear hunting was introduced in Russia, which has approximately 30% of the global polar bear population,” Viktor Nikifirov, said.
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If we don’t we will not have Polar Bears one day. Just a thought…..

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

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Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee & thinking about the hard drive situation. My wife has taken the hard drive that I kicked off the table and broke to computer shop that saves data. Link to Article!

We are going to try to salvage the data. When the drive hit the floor it knocked the arm sensor loose. Kinda hard to work with a broken actuator arm.

So maybe we will get our pictures yet. I just hope that the storage platters are ok!

Kyle & Svet

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Hello,

The Mayor of Moscow. Yury Luzhkov. Has been barred from Ukraine. Seems he thinks that the ownership of a Russian naval base on Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula needs to be transferred back to Russia.
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“Russian citizen Yury Luzhkov has been barred from entering Ukraine, starting on May 12, because, despite warnings he continued to call for actions that threaten Ukraine’s national interests and territorial integrity,” Ukraine’s Security Service said in a statement.
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I am not sure that Yury Luzhkov really cares what Ukraine thinks about this. I understand that The Crimea wants to be a separate country from the Ukraine anyway.

So Yury can still enjoy the Crimean sunshine!

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

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Hello,

Just saw this about rules for the Champions League in Moscow!
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UK fans warned against Moscow antics

Ahead of the all-English final of the football Champions League in Moscow on May 21, Britain’s Foreign Office has published a set of guidelines for the 40,000 fans flocking to Moscow.

The guidelines show Chelsea and Man United supporters how to behave in a foreign country and draw a picture of a dangerous environment.

“Don’t smoke or drink in Red Square – it’s illegal and you will be arrested! Don’t commit acts of theft – the local authorities will lock you up rather than deport or fine you. Do not do drugs during your visit – the Russian authorities have zero tolerance towards drugs, both hard and soft. Penalties are severe and can result in long-term jail sentences,” say the guidelines.
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They forgot one rule:

Do not bring Ammunition for your hunting friends…….

http://kylekeeton.com/2008/05/pastor-phillip-miles-appeal-has-been.html

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

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Hello,

Svet & I decided to try to record the Parade. In Russia, this is the biggest Holiday.

Russia has been paying tribute to its heroes every year on May, 9 since 1945 when the Soviet Union defeated the forces of Nazi Germany. World War Two cost the country about 30 Million people.

Kyle & Svet
PS We just published the full professional version of Military Parade on Red Square here! Find time to watch the video – it’s worth it!

comments always welcome.

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Hello,

My wife and I were walking to the store! I looked down as we were walking and stopped in my tracks.

Growing up through the asphalt just like it was supposed to be grow there, was a brand new plant. I asked my wife did she have her camera & as you can see she did. 🙂

You can even see the cap of asphalt that it popped up. It is amazing how powerful the plant is yet so delicate at the same time.

Just thought you might be interested…..

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

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The Russian State Duma, has endorsed Vladimir Putin as the country’s prime minister today, May 8. Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev proposed Putin’s candidacy to the parliament members yesterday.
Of 448 present at the sitting, 392 (87.1 процента) backed up Vladimir Putin by the open vote. Of State Duma’s four factions, only the Communist Party of the RF (CPRF) opposed this authority of the former president.

Putin held the Prime Minister office in 1999 and was the Russian Federation President in 2000 to 2008.

His cabinet will pay particular attention to financial and tax policy and to lowering bureaucratic pressure on the business, Putin said when presenting his program to the State Duma.

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Hello,

My Wife & I traveled once again to the center of Moscow. The center was quiet due to the inauguration for Medvedev. The Police force was out in full glory! I think that is a smart move on Moscow’s part, in this day & age of people who have no morals when it comes to blowing up public places & things. Over the years Moscow has had its share of Metro, buses and other public buildings bombed by scrupulous people. (So better safe than sorry!)

Once again the Tourists were everywhere. I know that many would be disappointed because Red Square was closed for inauguration.

My wife & I went to a wonderful classical music concert in the Mirror Hall of the Institute of Art Criticism . It was made up of 3 violins, 1 cello and piano. The music was fantastic & suit our tastes perfect. We found this place the last time that we traveled to Moscow Center. The price was free and the music was priceless.
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Festival “Paying Homage to the Master”. To the 90th birthday of Tatyana Gaidamovitch

The events of the festival “Paying Homage to the Master”, dedicated to the 90th birthday of Tatyana Gaidamovitch (1918-2005) begin on May, 3, and last till May, 15, 2008. They will take place in the Moscow Conservatory halls, in the Stanislavsky music theatre and in the Mirror Hall of the Institute of Art Criticism.
http://www.mosconsv.ru/english/news.phtml?id=112
Link to Moscow Conservatory!
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Svet & I are talking about going this Saturday the 10th, to see another concert by the same men. They were that good!

Tomorrow is the 9th of May. (Victory Day) That means the biggest Holiday of all is going to happen in Russia. Russians have not forgotten about those who fought in WWII. This holiday commemorates that time in history.

This year Russia is going to revitalize the tradition of displaying military might at the Red Square. I wish that I could be there for this parade. Once again the center of Moscow will be quiet and peaceful. (except when the military jets fly over head.) Maybe my wife & I will sneak downtown to try to catch a glimpse of a Tank!

That would be cool! 🙂

Kyle & Svet

comments always welcome.

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