Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, has resigned from his post, handing over power to the armed forces and ending a 30-year grip on the largest Arab nation.In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Omar Suleiman, the new vice-president, announced in a televised address on Friday evening that the president was “waiving” his office, and had handed over authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. (Link)
Al Jazeera is really the only true coverage of the issues in Egypt. Al Jazeera is being slammed by Mubarak and followers. I have even heard derogatory remarks from America and Israel. But the truth is this is the real situation and no cover up is intended and allowed…
Watch a few minutes of streaming live video. At least while we can still get such true pictures and coverage. If my site gets the video blocked try the link below. It leads to the main Al Jazeera site…
Makes you think doesn’t it? They are really down on America and it is getting worse. Our (American) involvement now and in the past has backfired hugely. This is a real example of why we need to keep our nose at home and take care of ourselves first and foremost…
Ron Paul said, “This is a typical example of what happens when we run on intervention-type foreign policies. We get in the middle of these fights. We’ve been in the middle of this for 30 years now. We’ve given Mubarak $60 billion. We’re responsible for a lot of the mess that is over there,” (Link)
Hummm… (Powder keg comes to mind as I watch this video streaming live…)
We lost our cars in the snow fall we just had the last few days. I was walking the dog tonight and realized that it had finally stopped snowing. Then I realized that all the cars everywhere were buried in tons of snow. You can see several rows of cars here and one row is totally buried with no sign of a car. Way in the back of the photos there are cars that have been dug out and they are parked in the middle of the road actually. It is not clear where roads are right now so everyone just drives and parks anywhere. I am really not sure how everyone is going to get their cars out. To top it all off as you can see a plow and tractor shoved piles of snow on the right side of the pictures. That is about a solid pack of snow just outside of the picture. They just dumped the snow on top of hundreds of cars all over the place. I know that I will just wait and take public transport…
The wind is blowing and it is reaching some dangerous cold levels. I tried to freeze my hands because I had to take them out of my gloves to take this picture. I took a total of 10 pictures and realized that I could no longer work the camera phone. Boza looked at me like, Lets get going I am freezing! So we got home and after warming up my hands I decided to post these two pictures…
For your information the car at the front of the pictures is a Mercedes and it was a very nice car… 🙂
These were all cars that were being driven several days ago…
Russia has a way of bringing back many memories from the old days in America. I have said many times and will most likely say a whole bunch more times, “Russia is just like America was 40 to 50 years ago…”
This is true in almost all aspects of life in Russia. Russia is strange in that way…
You can find the most advanced things on earth in Russia but when it comes to everyday life. The simpler things in life prevail. So as I was drinking that morning cup of coffee and trying to get some housework done and be quiet at the same time. (Sveta has the flu now…) I was thinking about the contrasts between Russia and America…
I grew from a dirt poor farmer type family with teachers for parents, to a very successful business man in America. I have had the world by the tail and have lost that tail several times. That is America! I see the same in Russia but with a major concession…
Russians for the most part have not let go of the old way of doing things. An example that comes to mind is, laundry. You will find Russians do have a washing machines. But a dryer is another story. Drying clothes by a machine is just not considered that good. Drying clothes outside is the best. So even though they can afford the dryer, you just do not see a lot of them around… (even for sale at the stores)
Now when I say a lot of Russians have washing machines that may be a lot of fallacy on my part. I should say that people in Moscow have washing machines. It is so common to do laundry by hand in the bathtub, that at a big shopping store, when you go to the detergent aisle, you will find, many times as much detergent for washing clothes by hand than with a machine. In fact in Auchan one of the biggest stores in Russia, they have a huge aisle that is full of nothing but laundry detergent. One side is all hand wash detergent and the opposite side is machine wash. The hand wash is cheaper detergent and I use it for machine washing also… 🙂
Now lets get back on the trail of this particular story. I was thinking more in line of that fact that Russians like to hang their clothes outside even in the winter. I have acquired that habit now and have strung clothes lines up in our small balcony area. It is as cold as the outside and I crack the window to it for ventilation. I am doing what 75-80% of the flat complex does and we dry our clothes as close to the outside that we can. If you live in an older part of the complex they have trees and such. You can find clothes lines strung between all the trees and frozen clothes are hanging everywhere. It is really a neat sight to see sheets frozen stiff and bent in the breeze…
We ourselves have frozen clothes (just more hidden) and they sublime the ice away over several days and finally become dry. They also always smell so fresh and not like dryer perfume scented sheets…
Oh and on our floor there is 5 flats and only two of us have washers. No dryers! That seems to be a pretty good example of what I see elsewhere in the city…
Why do they not have washing machines and dryers when you can afford them? Simple, they feel that the clothes are better washed by hand and dried in the open air. It is better for you and the clothes… (And they are not a lazy people on top of it. Why not do it by hand? It falls into the way they clean rugs: Take them outside and beat the dirt out of them. Forget vacuum cleaners! But that is another story…)
I am writing this from the cell phone. It is snowing like crazy here in Moscow. The last two days have been wonderful and taking the dog for a walk or going to the store is like a winter wonder land every step. I have been getting better at this mobile blogging and even though it is hard with big thumbs and fingers, it is fun…
The snow has buried everything under a beautiful blanket of white. Nothing is dirty or nasty looking from all the old snow full of grime. Everything is just white and more white. The world is about three feet under all the snow…
The kids have been out of school because of the flu and since very few kids are really sick, they are all (millions it seems) out playing in the incredible snow…
It also looks like the temperature is going to drop drastically in the next day or so. We are looking at days of negative 20 to 30 below zero. It may last a week or so of those temperatures. Now that is what I call good weather…
I find that the super cold brings a freshness to the air. It seems to super charge the air and give it energy. By the temperature dropping we will also get a break from more snow and maybe we will see some sunshine…
Sveta says, “Now this is a Russian Winter!”
Windows to Russia!
{Published From Mobile}
Indian Coffee and Russian Ramblings… (windowstorussia.com)
Russian President Medvedev has announced the ending of daylight saving time starting in the autumn of 2011. Medvedev has argued that switching clocks twice a year is harmful for people’s health and triggers stress…
“Every fall and every spring we are swearing at this system,” Medvedev said. “Our biorhythms are damaged. We are all angry. We either oversleep and turn up late for work or wake up too early and don’t know what to do with this free time. Let alone poor cows and other animals that can’t understand why they should have their meals or be milked earlier or later.”
That is really a smart move and I am amazed by this. I have always been against “Day Light Savings Time” and nothing will change my mind that it is anything but a stupid idea…
That is why I love Russia..
Now my clocks will be the correct time year around. Instead of being an hour off, half a year… 🙂
Windows to Russia!
Time stops: Russia abolishes daylight saving time (rt.com)
No more daylight: Russia to quit changing clocks (rt.com)
I smiled to myself yesterday when I heard the whining and crying over the refusal by the border patrol of Russia to allow one of the trash talking Gunge of the Western press to cross back into Russia. One of the many, that write many false and fake allegations about Russia. Then even when they have a semblance of truth in their article, they have to spin it into a hate device and mar the real truth into a crusade of some type. I have always had issues with the Western press dirt bags that they allow to live in Moscow and report under the pretense that they are Journalists…
Luke Harding, a journalist working for the Moscow branch of the British newspaper Guardian, has been denied entry to Russia. (Link)
Now the reason is actually unknown as of this writing as to why they refused him entrance. But the press has made up their minds and “that is that”. I will not even speculate as to why…
I myself have requested several times to have a communication with Luke Harding. For that matter I have requested communication with many many other so called Journalists in Moscow. I am trying to see who are these people that have no love for Russia, yet they live here as Journalist’s and post falsities on Russia. Seems that if you have an craving desire to hate Russia, you could get a job with the Western press as a Journalist and live in Moscow…
Yet, I never get any form of response to my desire to meet and have a talk. Seems that their emails and contacts are just a black hole to steer you in the wrong direction. Or maybe they are skittish of meeting an American that cares about Russia…
I am sincere in my endeavors. But it looks like I will have to scratch Luke off my request list…
He may not be back and he will not be missed…
Update:
The Guardian correspondent Luke Harding was expelled from Russia for violating regulations governing the work of foreign correspondents in the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Harding, 42, was refused reentry to Russia at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport on Saturday after a two-month absence from the country.
“This is explained by the fact that he violated a number of rules governing the work of foreign correspondents, which were approved by the Russian government in 1994 and which all journalists are familiar with,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said Harding was refused entry because he failed to obtain a new accreditation card before leaving Russia in November.
“If Harding obeys these rules, common for all foreign correspondents, he will have no problems entering the Russian Federation,” the statement said.
MOSCOW, February 8 (RIA Novosti)
Poor Luke he cut his own throat. So he is the cause of all his issues. Something that a proper Journalist would know…
So I guess he will be back in the future. I will put him back on my list. But he is still a Gunge… 🙂
United States, Russian Federation, Germany, France, South Korea, Great Britain, Netherlands, Canada, Slovenia, European country, Romania, Spain, Australia, Czech Republic, India, Belgium, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Japan…
This is the top twenty countries that visit Windows to Russia since the first of the year…
Germany and France have knocked South Korea out of the number 3 spot which it held at the end of 2010 and China has fallen off the list to the 100th spot. Looks like Windows to Russia is being blocked by China. Because China use to be in the top 5, all the time…
Mayor Leonid Chernovetskyy is back on the job after a 6 month or more absence. Other words they lost him and did not know where he was for at least 6 months…
Read More here of that absence on Windows to Russia >>>> (Link)
Well it seems that he came back. No worse for the wear…
Mayor of the Ukrainian capital Leonid Chernovitsky who vanished into thin air many months ago, has appeared at his workplace, the townhall spokesman told reporters on Tuesday. The mayor’s press secretary Marta Grimskaya said that Chernovitsky would make a statement on this point on Tuesday. Secretary of the Kiev Council Oles Dovgy, the mayor’s deputy, also said that Chernovitsky returned to Kiev. At the same time, he refuted information of Chernovitsky’s resignation, which appeared after an appropriate statement by vice-speaker of the Ukrainian parliament Nikolai Tomenko. “These rumours are spread by those who want to destabilise the situation in Kiev,” the secretary emphasised. Read more >>>
Glad he is back, now Kiev can worry about other things… 🙂
As promised an update on getting a visa for Russia from Ukraine. As the status is right now for me in Russia, I get a new visa to Russia every 3 months. The total process changes like the wind but the basics are stable. But many times, my last update has become obsolete by the time 3 months come around again. So lets do a post on getting a visa for Russia from Kiev, Ukraine… (as of January 2011)
Remember I am an American and this applies to Americans. All other countries have to deal with the rules and regulations associated with your country. The rules at times change as fast as the train trip from Moscow to Kiev. This is also only for a 3 month double entry business visa for Russia and only from Kiev, Ukraine…
So lets start with what items you need:
1. Two Russian style (size) passport photos… (3.5cms X 4.5cms and No Smile on your passport photos. Only Americans smile for a passport photo…)
2. Two completed (filled out) visa applications… (Link to download)
3. Letter of Invitation… (in Telex format preferred by the Kiev consulate)
4. Copy of Migration paper the you received at border for Ukraine…
5. Your American (USA) passport and a copy of that passport… (Color or black and white, does not matter.)
6. $335.00 American dollars! (Not pesos, pounds, hryvnia, euro and or anything else) Make sure that the money is crisp and clean. Torn, wrinkled and trashy looking dollars will be frowned upon and most likely rejected. Did I say dollars… (There is a nice bank nearby that has wonderful hundred dollar bills. The consulate loves those bills…)
Next prepare data before entering consulate in Kiev:
1. Make sure applications are filled out in full… (hand written in blue or black ink or typed and signed by you!)
2. Make sure photos are pasted to appropriate spot on back of applications…
3. Make sure you have the migration card copied before you enter the consulate…
4. Letter of Invitation in telex form should be at the consulate, (verify before going to Kiev) but bring your confirmation letter in case they have to hunt it down. The process of speed is involved with telex…
5. Make sure that you have two copies of your passport. Yes two copies, one for the consulate and one for you to carry until you get your passport back with a new visa…
6. Have everything in a file folder to be able to easily keep track of all papers…
7. Other words, dot all I’s and cross all T’s, before even thinking about crossing the threshold of the consulate doorway…
Process to enter the consulate and get visa:
Be patient and polite and do not express your desire at the fact that you are an American and deserve special treatment. I have watched to the detriment of several fellow Americans get in a rough situation when they try to push their way ahead of the rest of the crowd. I stand in line like the rest of the Russians do and allow what happens to happen…
Since the bombing of the Airport in Moscow certain carry bags are not allowed inside. They will simply not care that all your life is in that bag and it will stay out side off the premises, to be possibly stolen… (mine was, so call ahead of time and verify what you can carry in or not carry in)
Once given the go ahead to enter the consulate by the guard. You must proceed straight to the desk on the right in the lobby and show your passport to the man in charge. So do not put away your passport after the guard at the main door looks at it because you still need it and they seem to be in a big hurry to get you signed in…
Now is where having all your paperwork done pays off. Once signed in they will take you literally straight to have your visa done. If you blink at this point and say, “I need an application! Please…” They frown and you most likely have been set aside and could spend an extra hour getting everything done…
Then with paperwork in hand you get to proceed to the office where the nice lady who never smiles (she is Russian) takes your paperwork and processes it. Please remember to have your paperwork in order because this nice lady controls your life at this point and please make sure that the office door is closed after you enter…
Then after the nice lady is done, she tells you to go to the cashier and pay. She also asks you when you want the visa (I tell next day) and makes sure that you know how much and if it is different from the last time you were there. Don’t ask questions. (Shut up and have your money ready. Do not, I repeat do not say, “Oh I have to go to the bank…”) Also make sure the door to the office is closed as you leave…
Knock on the door of the cashier (right across the hall) first and try to open the door. If someone is in there paying, you will know by the remark of what kind of idiot you are to barge in. Please do not sit on the chair next to the door. It is to block the exit door farther down the hall way. If you sit on this chair someone will tell you to get your butt up. They have cameras and they will see you sitting there. So just stand there and stare at a nice chair while you wait 20 minutes sometimes…
When it is your turn to pay. Make sure that the door is closed behind you and stay quiet and pay what ever sum was told to you in the other office. The cashier will give you two very important pieces of paper. Do not loose them. They are a receipt for what you pay and a paper stating when you can pick up your passport. Anyone with that paper of passport pickup can get your passport no questions asked. So do not loose them! It is appropriate after paying, to comment on the picture behind the cashier of her and Jean-Claude Van Damme. She is proud of it and you will get one of those rare Russian smiles when you do…
When you are done with all the above. Leave the building quickly and quietly with your receipts for your passport and visa. Then go back the next day at the appropriate time frame and wait in line again to get your passport back with your new visa. Much of the above information is appropriate for the second day entry into the consulate. Other words get in and get out quickly and quietly… 🙂
Some notes:
I am in Kiev 4 times a year just to get a visa, so I know what I am doing. Even if you don’t think I do. The list of items to gather is always the same. With the exception of the amount you pay. It was $450 for years, then became $250 and now has become $335. I see no rhyme or reason in the price. What I do know is that prices vary from where your home country is… (I have seen people pay over a thousand dollars at times…)
Remember Telex. Remember politeness. Remember cold hard American dollars. Remember to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. Remember to be flexible…
What has very much changed is the process to enter the building to obtain your visa. That is why I went into detail. The staff of the Kiev Russian consulate has had a huge change over in the last year. Looks like a new boss. So of course things change, just as when terrorists attacks happen in Moscow, they affect the rules at all the embassies and consulates associated with Russia…
Unbelievable: This is an interview with an American (Paul Eng) that came to Russia and has now lived here 5 years. I can associate with 90% of what he says, “to a tee”…
Moscow is a city which lives day to day:
Paul Eng grew up in Chinatown, New York, where his parents – both Chinese immigrants – ran a store. He wanted to be a photographer but had been told there was no money in it. He did his degree in architecture, worked in office design, music, and then creative visual design before turning to photography full time. He has lived in Moscow for 5 years and is a successful photographer here…
Of course you already know that I think Moscow and Russia is a fantastic place. But after I listened to his interview and found so much real honest information that it was amazing. I realized that Paul has the same feelings about Russia that I do. The interviewer did a great job and of course Paul is a typical American from the look to the accent…
Take a break and listen to the interview. You will hear what Russia is really about…
From: Russia is like America in the 50’s, to My Russian’s really bad, to my Russian wife has no fear of speaking English and touching on why people in America live in a dream state…
The clincher in the whole interview was the end when he said, “Don’t come here (to Russia)!” because well, “You will muck it up…” 🙂
I have grown to understand that statement very well…
Windows to Russia!
Russian Video From Russia: Check this out on the bombing at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport… (windowstorussia.com)
![Front-loading washing machine](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/LGwashingmachine.jpg/300px-LGwashingmachine.jpg" "Front-loading washing machine")
Russian President Medvedev has announced the ending of daylight saving time starting in the autumn of 2011. Medvedev has argued that switching clocks twice a year is harmful for people’s health and triggers stress… 
![Russian Visa...](http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp90/peppy200/visanew.jpg" "Russian Visa....")
