Russian TV Shows Putin and Medvedev Cartoon

This video is pretty funny. A video of the actual cartoon is available if you click the link. I like the idea that they're apparently not afraid to show this kind of stuff on Russian TV. Though I question whether it actually is a sign that the government is getting more tolerant of free speech. I wonder if there is some hidden political motive behind their letting this one through. In any case, it's fun to watch.


Putin, Medvedev Featured in Russian Cartoon Show
For years the Russian media have shied away from making fun of the country’s leaders out of fear that the government would crack down on such criticism. But as the new year began, a Russian cartoon show left some wondering if times had changed.

President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin appeared on New Year’s Eve as cartoon figures on “Mult Lichnosti,” or “Animated Personality,” a humor show on Russia’s Channel One, which frequently pokes fun at top officials.

In a 2 and 1/2-minute clip, Medvedev and Putin dance around Moscow’s Red Square while singing a satirical number about Russian foreign relations and other political issues. Medvedev is seen playing an accordion while Putin shakes a tambourine and periodically slaps it against his backside.

Read the full story and watch the video here.

Ukraine is Against All in Presidential Race

There is some mighty interesting stuff going on in Ukraine as of late. All of it has to do with the lead up to the presidential election this coming Sunday. It's not hard to see that the Ukrainian people are not too thrilled with the choices they have in the contest to determine their next leader. And it's also not hard to see why - given the thinly-veiled corruption and political grandstanding that goes on there. Still, it's mighty fun to watch it all go down.

"Against All" Runs in Ukrainian Presidential Election
With the first round of voting in Ukraine's presidential election less than a week away, many in the country have expressed dissatisfaction with all of the election's candidates. And that disenchantment is what one candidate hopes might improve his chances.

Rather than cast a vote for Viktor Yanukovych or Yulia Tymoshenko or any of the more than 10 candidates in the race, voters have the option of marking their ballot with a cross symbol – indicating that they are against all of the candidates.

Vasyl Humeniuk, who is among the lesser known candidates in the presidential race, is officially running under the name Vasyl Protyvsikh – which in Ukrainian means Vasyl “Against All.” Read the full story here ...

Siberia's Musical Hottie

I've heard this lady play before. It is the sound of angels.

Oksana Kolesnikova - A Russian Music Goddess
In the lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, a well-known talent plays piano five days a week, moving audiences with heartfelt melodies. The talent is Oksana Kolesnikova, a renowned Russian-born pianist and musical composer.

As a performer, Kolesnikova has entertained U.S. troops as well as U.N. officials. She has recorded seven CDs and collaborated with many international musical artists. Additionally, Kolesnikova is the founder of a music school in Los Angeles, CA, which teaches students of all ages how to play the piano and other instruments.

Read the full story here ...

I Could Use a Fur Coat ... or One of These Women

I enjoyed this little piece about the popularity of fur coats among women in Russia. Would love to hear what PETA thinks of that. Fur or no fur, Russian women are always fine with me.

Russian Women Can't Do Without Fur Coats
Fur is in among the Russian ladies. Despite criticism from animal rights groups and a financial crisis that discourages purchase of such luxuries, Russia Today reports that fur is still all the rage with Russian women as they bundle up for the winter.

The fun video that accompanied the piece:

Read the full story here.

Ukraine Gets to Ready to Rock the Vote ... Well, Sort of ...

An interesting and educational look at the Ukrainian presidential election - though a little dumbed down. From what I've heard, nobody in Ukraine is particularly excited about this election - more of the same no matter who wins. But it's still a momentous occasion. I'm inclined to think neither Tymoshenko or Yanukovych will do much to improve the country's situation. If I had a voice, my support would go to Yatsenyuk - the only man who doesn't seem to have hidden motives. But I don't have a voice. All I can do is sit back and watch it all go down.

The Ukrainian Presidential Election of 2010
It's election season in Ukraine. On Jan. 17, voters in the country will take to the polls to have their say about who should guide the country through the economic crisis and represent the country's interests to both the west and Russia. Here is an overview of the election and some of the candidates.

Background and the Orange Revolution

Current President Viktor Yushchenko rose to power in the wake of a tumultuous election in 2004. Considered to be the main opposition candidate in that election, Yushchenko competed against the government-supported and Russian-favored candidate Viktor Yanukovych.

Read the full story here ...

Ukraine Bans Poker - Talk About a Royal Flush

This is silly, if you ask me. But Ukrainian and Russian politics never ceases to amaze me in its silliness. Keep in mind that this is the same country whose government intentionally threw the citizenry into a panic over the virtually non-existent threat of swine flu. Is it any wonder that the same government bans gambling just because there's a fire in a casino? Stuff like this makes me glad I live in America.

Ukraine Adds Poker to Gambling Ban
The Ukrainian Justice Ministry announced last week that they will no longer treat the game of poker as a sport. The decision was made in order to strengthen a ban on most forms of gambling in the country, which was instituted last summer.

Protests erupted in both Russia and Ukraine last summer after both countries issued bans on most forms of gambling, with employees of the gaming industry arguing that thousands of jobs would be lost.

Read the full story here ...

Travel Tips from One Man's Love Journey

Here's a riveting tale of one man's desperate search for love. Apparently there's much of it to be found in Ukraine. This brilliant work of literature is full of fun travel tips. Makes me feel like packing a bag.

Rob's Trip to Ukraine: Tips for Travelers and Russian Bride Seekers
The following article comes from one of our members who went to Ukraine this past summer. Rob H. wanted to share with you his lessons learned with the hopes of giving all our members a more realistic understanding of what to expect on a similar trip. Rob’s destination was Sevastopol, on the Crimean Peninsula, home to some of Ukraine’s more exotic tourist hotspots and world-famous beaches. Enjoy!

Long Airplane Ride from Canada

On August 6th, I flew overnight from Toronto to Frankfurt, Germany (7 hours), then after a 90 minute layover, flew 3 hours to Istanbul, Turkey. Then after a 2 hour layover, flew 1.5 hours across the Black Sea to Simferopol, Ukraine. This is the only airport in the entire Crimean peninsula, which sticks out from the southernmost tip of Ukraine into the Black Sea.

Read the full story here ...