2012 and Windows to Russia and still sipping that (Coffee) Chicory…

Well it is 2012 in Russia and I am assuming if all went well it is 2012 where you are also. So I was doing some delicious chicory sipping and thinking’s this morning, while the snow falls deep. I was doing some thinking’s about what I plan on doing with Windows to Russia during the 2012 year…

You will have to pardon me over the next year while I always slip and call my chicory drink – coffee. I have truly stopped drinking coffee and that was something that I never thought I would be able to do. I now enjoy my chicory so much that I do not even want coffee. Coffee has the wrong taste to it now and when I drink a cup while traveling in Ukraine, it just taste wrong anymore. Kinda like when I switched from regular coke to diet coke years ago. Regular coke just has the wrong flavor now…

But coffee is not what I started to write about! So lets get on track here…

Windows to Russia has started to finally come into its own during 2011 and in 2012 I will continue to fine tune the website to enable it to withstand bigger and higher traffic peaks and spikes. 2011 was a year of flabbergasting numbers for me as far as statistics go. I still remember 5 years ago and was excited when we peaked at Christmas the first year with 200 actual page views. I remember it was that same Christmas that Google decided to let the world find Windows to Russia on a search engine. For a year or so search engine was the life blood of Windows to Russia. Then readership started to grow and I watched the search engine rankings grow but as a percent of total views decrease, due to readers regularly stopping by…

I have a long history with Windows to Russia now and one day I expect to have it syndicated. Or I should say I hope to live that long and see it happen. We already have several sources of original material and I am always looking for anyone who has a desire to have articles posted that go along with my feelings on things. We now have a Pakistan writer that I have seen that many of you have read his works already and he brings another whole side to the Eastern world that I can only attempt to equate to. I am looking for someone from China, India, South America, Iran and any other country that would like to express a political opinion about the state of the world and what is happening. My ultimate goal is to have a Windows to the World situation…

As far as the website of Windows to Russia is concerned the internal structure is stable and as I have said before it is based on a very light weight CSS structure. This has been a major issue solver to withstand website attacks and the last few times I was attacked. No one knew it happened. That is why I continue to work on the site all the time. Now I still struggle with the cosmetics of the site and I hope that one day I find the correct combination of colors and styles to satisfy me forever. That may be a hard thing to achomplish because I am always looking to make something look better. Yes I know many times I make it look worse… :) , But as I said the internals are stable and the whole site consists of only three php files in the template. If you know anything about WordPress then you will understand how compact and simplified I have made my template. It actually is much more a webpage than a blog anymore. I also have installed two compressions plugins and the site is delivered compressed over 70% to your door step (If your doorstep accepts it that way!) and that makes life a whole lot better on bad width. Just in the last two months I have cut bandwidth by 65% and seen a 20% increase in page views. I still have a whole lot to learn about making the site better and faster but that is part of the fun…

I have several plans for 2012 and will give you a hint about some of them! The hint is pod-casting and lets throw a touch of video-casting in to the fray. Not sure if I can do it but we will see what happens in this new year…

I also have a desire that may or may not happen and that is to get Windows to Russia in a Russian language form. Machine translation does not work for things like that and I seriously could not see myself with good enough translation skills to go from English to Russian. Maybe from Russian to English but not the other way…

I am going to end this long post and quit boring you to death today. If you are like all my friends whether in Russia, America, China or anywhere else in the world then you are hung over from too many drinks of champagne from News years eve and day…

I am so glad I do not drink alcohol. Sveta and I toasted the New Year with a mug of chicory. I remember Sveta giggled and said, “I have never brought the New Year in with chicory before!”

Maybe that is a good sign for 2012…

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

President Medvedev Gives 2012 New Years address to Russia…

Dear people of Russia,

Dear friends,

In a few moments the Kremlin tower chimes will strike and we will wish each other a Happy New Year. Now a festive mood and a very special atmosphere reign in every home across the country.

Traditionally, we use these moments to bid farewell to the outgoing year. It was not an easy year but its outcomes for our country have been positive. This was the result of our joint efforts, and what next year will bring also depends on us.

Exactly 20 years ago, we celebrated our first New Year in a country called Russia – a name glorified by the remarkable achievements of our great ancestors, who over the centuries have built a huge and mighty power, our great country. It is our duty to preserve it and to build a progressive state, where all of us have the opportunity lead comfortable lives and carry out stimulating and interesting work.

Yes, we are all different, but this is precisely where our strength lies. It also lies in our ability to hear, understand and respect each other, to overcome challenges together and achieve success.

Dear friends,

The New Year is approaching. It’s time to open the champagne and make wishes. Tonight I wish health and prosperity to you and your loved ones, for your lives to be full of love and all your dreams to come true.

Believe in yourself, and I believe in each one of you. We will succeed!

Happiness to all of you!

Happy Holiday! Happy New Year 2012!

Cup of Coffee and New Year Eve…

Sveta has gone to spend the day with her mother and son. Sveta will be back early because it is New Year and she does not like to be away from me on that night. I do not go with her because she spends so much time with me  that I feel that she needs time with her family on holidays and such. So I just wait quietly until she gets tired of family and comes home to the grouchy bear… :)

So I have a little time to do some thinking’s…

Today the thinking’s centered around this last year (2011). It was not a very good year. Oh – now it was a great year for me and my health is holding up, so what more do I want?

I guess I want people to wake up and see what is happening around them. Sometimes it seems that there are so few of us who see that people die needlessly and starve needlessly every second of everyday all year around. I guess that I am one of the few that care that we brutally bombed just since World War II: China 1945-46, Korea 1950-53, China 1950-53, Guatemala 1954, Indonesia 1958, Cuba 1959-60, Guatemala 1960, Belgian Congo 1964, Guatemala 1964, Dominican Republic 1965-66, Peru 1965, Laos 1964-73, Vietnam 1961-73, Cambodia 1969-70, Guatemala 1967-69, Lebanon 1982-84, Grenada 1983-84, Libya 1986, El Salvador 1981-92, Nicaragua 1981-90, Libya 1986, Iran 1987-88, Libya 1989, Panama 1989-90, Iraq 1991-still bombing, Kuwait 1991, Somalia 1992-94, Croatia 1994 (of Serbs at Krajina), Bosnia 1995, Iran 1998 (airliner), Sudan 1998, Afghanistan 1998, Yugoslavia 1999, Afghanistan 2001-still bombing, Libya 2011-still bombing. With a serious desire to start bombing Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and several other countries…

It really saddens me that we keep electing the same crap into office year after year. Politicians have got to rank with Lawyers as the top cockroaches on earth. They have been here forever and it seems to be, that they will be here forever…

But what really saddens me is that we all accept it and look the other way or we cheer it on. I guess your response will be, “But look at other countries and what they have done also! or Everyone we bombed deserved it! or etc…”

Sorry – That is a cop out and chicken crap way of looking at life. Maybe we as the leader of the free world, we should be trying harder than anyone else to promote peace and harmony on earth. Instead we promote death and chaos all over the planet…

Until you crawl out from under that rock you have been living under. Nothing will change…

2011 was a bad year and I feel that 2012 could be much worse. Optimism is wearing thin…

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

PS: Thank you readers! Windows to Russia is holding at 40,000+ views a day and after compressing the code on the site we have halved the bandwidth load. Which means that we can handle a whole bunch more! So keep on telling your friends and pass the word at the school systems. We are officially being recognized at 45 large school systems as a source for Russia and being grouchy at America at times. Maybe I will post a list of schools one day that regularly view Windows to Russia. Just wait until school is back in session. Windows to Russia should rock and roll… :)

Russian New Year – 2012…

Sveta and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year for 2012…

2011 has been an interesting year and we hope that 2012 calms down a whole bunch in comparison. The world needs peace and quiet instead of turmoil and war. So if wishes come true…

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men…

I hear that statement every year, but maybe it is time to make it happen.  The world can become a far better place…

Happy New Year, everyone…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

PS: Father Frost will make his rounds tonight and leave the gifts for all of us children young and old… :)

Geopolitics of Confusion: by Nadir Mir…

US – NATO attack on Pakistan

US – NATO attacked a non NATO Ally Pakistan!

The attack was unprovoked, wanton, cowardly and ruthless. It was open aggression and violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. US – NATO aggression was condemned or Pakistan received support and sympathy from China, Russia, Iran, OIC (Saudi Arabia) – Turkey. Even UK expressed regrets; France supports an inquiry into the issue. Germany was obviously disappointed by Pakistan’s cancellation of participation at Bonn Conference

US filled with hubris even refused to apologize, while Delhi was gloating over the death of Pakistani Soldiers and its predicament. The Pakistani Nation is livid with rage and united to defend Pakistan. The American sanctioned attack (no other power on the planet can dare to attack Pakistan at its own) is radicalizing Pakistan. The beleaguered (mini minority) corrupt and treacherous elite in Pakistan are finding excuses to explain American aggression.

The time has come to end the Geopolitics of Confusion!

Firstly why was this aggression launched?

A long list of answers can be compiled, some are presented here:

· A strategy of deflection to keep away from the ‘Memo’.

· Gunship raid, attack (live) rehearsal – against Pakistan’s nuclear sites. (Helicopters at night used even earlier for ‘snatch operations’ like the Abbotabad Raid).

· Daily Beast article which claims this as ‘Obama’s Foreign Policy Doctrine’ and terms it as ‘Off Shore Balancing’ (with money and bravado in short supply, avoid land battle. Use of heliborne/drone/air power for foreign policy ends of USA).

· Condition Pakistan to stay prostrate during expected ‘war against Iran’ by Israel / US (urgency of expected strike on Persia)

· Intimidate Pakistan before Bonn Conference. (Absurd but irrational Globalists can do anything)

· Pakistan’s (offensive) containment. Degrade, disgrace Pakistan Army and drive a wedge in the Pakistani Nation. (The opposite effects have been achieved. The Pakistani Nation stands united and supports the Army vehemently)

Secondly who is with and against Pakistan?

With Pakistan stand its brave plus patriotic Armed Forces, and the nationalistically motivated people of Pakistan. The soldiers and masses stand together against foreign threats. Externally to varying – degrees Pakistan is supported by China – Russia – Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia – OIC. Almost the entire region is against US sponsored wars, or longevity for its military presence. The Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan are already in a state of war with USA. Most of the world respects Pakistan (Pakistan’s nomination to Security Council seat was testament). India is of course completely untrustworthy. It can always launch ‘Cold Start’ offensive on any pretext in harmony with US MILITARY STRIKE – against Pakistan. (In December a major Indian Army Exercise is underway in the deserts against Pakistan). Still the regional Geopolitics would have to be viewed by Delhi, more than Pakistan’s offer of MFN.

Russian support can prove a game changer for Pakistan. It would tilt the scales, Russia – China and not only China supporting Pakistan. Deterring USA to an extent, while inhibiting India from joining US for an attack on Pakistan. (Besides Pakistan’s conventional forces and nuclear deterrent – tactical weapons included, could keep India at bay)

The British even as America’s most Allied Ally are not openly clashing with Pakistan. (Both due to British Policy and British vulnerability at home. More so, the fate of the British Embassy in Tehran clearly indicates an Iranian – British clash). In fact Pakistan’s relations with the British, French and Germans (major NATO members) have been good. They could even be better if NATO withdraws from Afghanistan. (There would be little to have friction on). Pakistan – German friendship should improve further. Germany is the true and future leader of Europe and respected by Pakistanis.

Now the question who is against Pakistan?

A brutally candid answer is:

Firstly, Pakistan’s own corrupt, treacherous and incompetent elite, a mini minority which wants to keep robbing and exploiting the Pakistani Nation. They seek solace and work for foreign powers (USA – India). The treacherous elite would sell the Motherland for a song. They want to serve as slave overseers for a shackled Nation. Selling it to the first bidder. Yesterday it was USA alone but now it is USA – India. This is the Pakistan Corruption – Treachery Nexus, who are more loyal to Washington – Delhi than many Americans and Indians and of course Anti Pakistan. (After all in USA, Americans are challenging the system – Occupy Wall Street, LA etc or Anna Hazara ‘Anti corruption Drive’ in India)

Secondly the cabal of America’s Globalists, military – industrial complex, left over Neo cons who still want to conquer the world. (Despite being chastened in Iraq – Afghanistan). On the contrary, the good hearted, charity giving and amiable people of America many of whom are now questioning this perpetual war quest. They seek jobs and living at home rather than wars abroad! The White House and State Department are confused in the Geopolitical labyrinth of Afghanistan.

The war lovers of course love war. They want to continue the war in Afghanistan and start new ones in Iran – Pakistan! (Not divining that the combined Geopolitical space of Afghanistan – Pakistan – Iran – Iraq will prove a Giant Black hole (even for Uncle Sam).

Thirdly, Delhi the serpent, is always bidding its time to strike Pakistan. Still the complex and multi faceted (Delhi does not want to lose Tehran / Moscow affinity) regional Geopolitics weighs heavy on Indian minds. As does the fear of nuclear holocaust from a Pakistani response.

Veteran Indian Diplomat MK Bhadrakumar had predicted a ‘Persian Response’ by Pakistan for this attack, (asymmetrical plus Strategic Defiance). Simon Tisdall warning in ‘Pakistan has had enough’ had opinioned that an Iranian type Revolution in Pakistan could be one outcome in future.

‘A hot flash in the Cold War with Pakistan’ is how the Atlantic titled its article. The only people who still think in terms of an alliance in the Global War on terror are Pakistan’s dimwitted, thieving, treacherous elite! The rest of the world is quite clear on the real issues, which are:

· Pakistan’s Denuclearization (through ‘Memo of Treachery’ or American Geo strategy)

· America’s partial withdrawal from Afghanistan

From the MemoGate to Gunship attack etc, are all tactics of one supreme over arching strategy to denuke Pakistan. (War hawks controlled, Indian influenced).

Washington wants to keep its ‘Strike or Nuclear Grab Option’ open against Pakistan (before or after war with Iran). For this herculean task there are three pre requisites.

· Treacherous elite support within Pakistan. (Memo and related kind)

· Prepositioning, maintaining secret – clandestine forces, Special Forces in Pakistan in disguise. (To act as path finders, initial strike force)

· Afghanistan Bases (operations for denuking strike)

Without these three pre requisites any Strategic Denuclearization Scenario remains fiction and outside the realm of feasibility. (Any attempt against Pakistan’s nuclear sites will have catastrophic consequences any way).

Strategic logic dictates that all three pre requisites (for denuclearization attempt) be denied to foreign forces.

· The treacherous elite have to be marginalized.

· Secretly positioned clandestine foreign forces eliminated or expelled.

· Afghan Bases Denied. (Complete pull out of all foreign forces from Afghanistan has to be Pakistan’s avowed policy)

Besides Pakistan’s brave soldiers, the Nation stands united. China, Russia and Iran at the very least seek Pakistan’s strategic autonomy from NATO. EU – NATO can be divided more so with Turkish support. British are cautious, French non hostile, Germans Peace Seeking. In America, the Afghan war has divided them, even as they unite for the war against Iran.

Pakistan should lobby for:

· An immediate ceasefire in Afghanistan and Pakistan – Afghanistan border.

· The political face of Taliban for talks.

· Early resolution of Baluch problem, where Empire (US – NATO) will strike back in Pakistan. (The next front being attacked by western – Indian Geo-strategy – Charter of Freedom for Baluchistan etc)

· Complete and early withdrawal of all US – NATO forces from Afghanistan and Pakistan. (Disagree to any stay behind NATO forces in Afghanistan).

· Moscow – Islamabad synergism can prove a game changer. Supply routes to NATO in Afghanistan should be jointly blocked by Pakistan and Russia as part of a Peace Policy.

(‘Next War – Iran’ written by this scribe for Opinion Maker has been published by Pravda Ru and Windows to Russia. A view in Moscow is that Pakistan and Russia can together choke NATO in Afghanistan!)

· Pakistan needs to muster more tangible support from China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey on Afghanistan while keeping it cool with India for the present (through diplomacy – deterrence).

The problem in Afghanistan is very simple.

The Americans lost the war, but do not want to admit it.

There is still time for them to declare victory and go home today. Tomorrow may be a different day!

Geopolitics of Peace: by Nadir Mir. Author of the book “Gwadar on the Global Chessboard” Blog: Pakistan and Geopolitics wwwpakistangeopolitics.blogspot.com/ The author is a retired Brigadier of the Pakistan Army.

Windows to Russia!

The views of the above author are not strictly only the views of Windows to Russia. They are an independent view from an outside source that brings a better light on the world in general and Windows to Russia is pleased to have Nadir Mir’s thoughts on its pages today and in the future. So take a look at his site and read a few articles. – Kyle Keeton

Stop Internet Censorship…

This week, a bill that would create America’s first Internet censorship system is going to a full committee for a vote, and is likely to pass. This week, millions of us will protest censorship, censoring our own posts and asking you to call Congress. We need your help – please make a call right now.

Windows to Russia Supports Internet Freedom! This is not a trivial thing…

Kyle Keeton

How About Some Photos From Sveta and I, as we run around Russia and Ukraine…

These are just some of the hundreds of photos that we take. I find these interesting and they all have a story. Just read under each one to help understand. These were taken over the last few months…

The power cords are one of my favorites because the woman was dragging her machine to clean floors all around. She was very mad because there was shoppers everywhere trying to shop! Can you believe that anyone has a right to shop in a mall? Well we all bothered this woman as she tried to do her job and it was clear that:

1. She could care less if you tripped and fell from her cord…
2. She would have been happy if we had all left…
3. She gets paid whether we are there or not…
4. She was a grouch…

Kyle and Sveta
Windows to Russia!

Nobody Would Know I Was Defeated by Russia…

Once upon a time: Attila the Hun, Napoleon of France and Alexander the Great were having a deep meaningful discussion. They were talking about what could have been…

Attila the Hun said, shaking his head sadly: “If I had machine guns, I would have conquered all of Europe!”

Alexander the Great said: “That is nothing. If I had tanks, I would have conquered all of India!”

Napoleon of France said, “Who cares about weapons?” as a tear fell from his eye, “If I had the MSM*, nobody in the world would know I was defeated by Russia!” he sniffled…

* (MSM – Mainstream Media – generic for any American/Western media)

I heard this today and really liked it. I am not much on jokes but this one just seems so possibly true… :)

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

Russian Trains and Tea…

A train in Russia is not a train with out steaming hot water and a constant supply of tea. I have seen Russians tolerate trains that are -30 below zero, +40 above zero and they tolerate drunks, smokers and loud mouths, but when the car we ride in does not have hot water for hot tea! Then that is riot time and Sveta will lead the riot… :)

Russian Railways report that their passengers drank nearly 3 million liters of tea this year. This most vital passenger drink was served in over 14 million classical 200ml glasses. This volume is enough to satisfy the population of 3 cities the size of St. Petersburg or one larger city like Moscow. Over 20 million sugar packets with a complete weight of over two hundred tons were emptied into this quantity of tea. All in all, Russian long-distance trains can carry over 54 million passengers a year…

This picture to the left is where you get hot water on a train (samovar) and the picture on the top right is how it is served. Classical Russian tea glass…

Something that the world just does not talk enough about is Russians and tea. The world likes to mention Russians and vodka, but what the world ignores is that Russians drink more tea than vodka any day. In fact I see Russians show mood change and actually get ill from not enough hot tea to drink. Russians drink hot tea like we in America drink hot coffee, plus add the way we (Americans) drink cold beverages on top of the coffee. Russians do not hardly drink any cold beverages at all. It is considered bad for you and your health to drink a beverage with ice in it…

Even after 5 years in Russia I still miss ice, once in a while. The other day I had a diet coke (called cola light) from McDonald’s and it had ice in it. I enjoyed crunching the ice (?) except there was only two small cubes of ice in the cup. That is Russia for you…

So if you travel a train in Russia and you do not like hot tea or hot coffee then you could be in trouble, because that is just about all they serve…

Or do as we do and bring your own cups, tea, coffee, chicory, water and diet cola… :)

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

PS: The last train ride we took, I watched a young guy about 25 years old get up every hour and a half and get a cup of hot tea. He even had his alarm set on his phone to wake him up. This went on the complete 15 hour trip. Unless he ate a meal and then he drank two or three glasses of hot tea…

PSS: I think of the  of the 20 million sugar packets that are used on the trains, I found 1 million of them in Sveta’s purse. Her purse is stuffed with sugar packets from all the train rides… :)

Worlds Deepest Metro Station (Subway Station) in Russia…

A new metro station, the world’s deepest, will be opened in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. (?) The new station is called Admiralteiskaya and lies over 100 meters (330ft) below the surface…

Looks like this has been a long and hard project that had many obstacles in its way to completion. So for three decades this station, even though the need was great for its existence, was delayed time and time again for reasons of cash flow to old museums located on the surface…

Finally all that has become the past and now the deepest station in the world will open its doors this week… (Dec. 28th, 2011)

Of course several places claim the deepest metro station in the world…

Ukraine claims deepest station in the world (105.5 metres) is “Arsenalnaya” (“Arsenal”) in Kiev (1960). “Arsenalnaya” (“Arsenalna”, “Arsenal”) is a station on Kiev Metro’s Line 1. The station was opened along with the first stage and is currently the deepest station in the world (105.5 metres). This attributed to Kiev’s geography where the high bank of the Dnieper River rises above the rest of the city…

or

According to the unofficial information, the depth of the station “Puhung” (“Revitalization”) in the Pyongyang Metro is 120 meters. However, as you can understand, it’s very difficult to verify this information…

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

PS: Now I can vouch that the Ukraine station is really deep, since I use that station all the time…