Andrei Kokoshin, head of the RD Gosduma committee on industry, construction, and high technology

Russia could be among the three leading producers of supercomputers after the US and Japan. In an interview with Voice of Russia, Andrei Kokoshin, the head of the RF Gosduma committee on industry, construction, and high-technology and the head of the centre for national security issues, said that experience gained by Russian scientists played a great role in promoting information technology although had not played down the significance of using advanced developments by most developed countries.

“Russia has its own rich experience, both Soviet and post-Soviet, gained in developing technology and sophisticated computing systems. The Soviet Union developed sophisticated computing systems for civil and military purposes. This technology became an integral part of Russia’s common IT system. Russia is not an underdeveloped country. It has very high scientific and technical potential, although it lost quite a bit in the 90s. But, much has been restored in the past years. For one, the local electronics industry was restored. Russia cannot claim superpower status without progress in this area. However, its share of this segment in the Russian economy is still small, but, it has lately grown stably. If this area is appropriately supported by the partnership of the government and private companies, Russia could be amongst the leaders. This concerns, first and foremost, supercomputing techniques. Consequently, Russia has a better opportunity be among the three countries that produce supercomputers. The US and Japan head this group. Japan has technologically surpassed the European Union. China and India are moving up to reach them. There is a great probability that Russia could surpass these two countries”.

The enterprise in Zelenograd on the outskirts of Moscow uses advanced local equipment and its own research and developments. Russia gives priority to upgrade its competitiveness, living standards, and quality of life in promoting an information-oriented society in our country. This also concerns the creation of equal possibilities in granting access to information and IT. In view of this, to be among the three leaders in the development of supercomputers is an urgent task for Russia.

23 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30032&cid=61&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

Minister of Communications Igor Shchegolev

Minister of Communications Igor Shchegolev does not exclude that in 7 years Russia can be among the 20 leading countries in high-tech. In an interview with Voice of Russia, he said, “Russia is a part of the information world. All information networks came to Russia at the same time they came to the United States. First, scientific communication networks appeared, that is, the members of scientific community were the first to communicate in such a way. Later, it turned out that gradually all of us began using those infrastructural elements. What this meant is that our life became more interesting, its quality improved. The first step to this is the opportunity of developing TV education, that is, Russian students will study in foreign educational establishments using computer networks. This is certainly a comprehensive way to develop our communication technologies. When we create an ‘electronic state’, our networks will also be available abroad. People abroad will be able to see what is happening in Russia, how we defend our rights, and in what directions we are advancing. In conditions of transparency, there will be greater confidence that any money invested in our economy will not be lost. Therefore, we hope that for our partners abroad and investors this will be a good opportunity of finding out more about Russia, of loving it, and investing in it”.

Mr Shchegolev gave this interview in the wake of a State Council session dealing with the strategy of information and communication technologies in Russia. He said that the country planed to preserve present rates of disseminating information technologies and planned to approach the rate of the world’s leaders. For this, he believes, the country’s intellectual, organisational, and financial resources should be mobilised and priorities of development specified. Asked about the creation of a coordinating body under the Russian president to promote the development of an information society, Mr Shchegolev said that the idea could only be hailed. He named among standing priorities a changeover to digital TV. There are plans to begin acting on the federal goal-oriented programme next year. In keeping with the president’s decree, reception of 20 TV programmes should be ensured on the country’s territory. This will require perfection of the communications-satellite system. So, in February 2009, another satellite will be launched. According to Mr Shchegolev, it would be proper to ensure government support for the design of new promising computers and telecommunications equipment. The process can be stepped up if the business community will take the responsibility for changes in the production of electronic equipment. 

22 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29988&cid=61&p=22.07.2008 (in English)

The UN calls the international community to observe a truce during the Beijing Olympiad to be held from 8 to 24 August. On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly approved a draft resolution on sport as a means of promoting education, health, development, and peace. Russia was a co-sponsor of the draft. The UN insists that a truce be observed during the forthcoming Olympic Games. In keeping with the tradition of the Games, just as in the days of the classical Greek Olympics, all participants should have the opportunity to come to the Games and to return home safe and sound. Today, the idea of the Olympic truce acquires a new meaning. First of all, it is a rejection of the use of force in religious conflicts and hostage-taking with a view to getting ransom or gaining certain political goals. The call for an Olympic truce is also addressed to those who resort to terror as a means of resolving geo-political problems. 

Gennady Shvets, the Press Secretary of the Russian National Olympic Committee, stated in an interview with Voice of Russia that he was convinced that the international community could properly hold the Olympic Games in Beijing, in an atmosphere of accord and honest competition. He said, “The Olympic Games is a possession of the whole of our civilisation, and, probably, it is the most fascinating invention of mankind. The gist of it is that one’s strength and superiority is proved not by means of lethal weapons, but, in an all-out struggle in the sports arena. Certainly, not all that one wishes becomes true in sports. Yet, sport, including the Olympic Games, is not only points and medals. This is a grand international event that must not be overshadowed by anything that has no direct connection with it.

In the run up to Olympic Games in Beijing, the organisers introduced greater security measures for the participants, coaches, guests of honour, and attendees. Clearly, they should be seen as a preventative measure against any attempts to cast a shadow on this holiday of sport. Russia and Central Asian states have given China much help in creating a reliable security shield along its borders. We have done so that the Beijing Olympic Games could become a shining chapter in sports history as well as one of the most well-organised and colourful. The Russian National Olympic Committee knows all too well what painstaking effort the Chinese leaders and people have put into the preparations for the forthcoming Olympiad and is convinced of their full success”. 

24 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30085&cid=63&p=24.07.2008 (in English)

Vsevolod Ovchinnikov (1926- ), Russian journalist and author

“The roots of different cultures and civilisations are tightly intertwined”. This is a central argument of the legendary Russian writer, internationalist, and journalist Vsevolod Ovchinnikov. His opinion is shared by thousands of readers. At 82, Mr Ovchinnikov enjoys so huge a popularity that a collection of his works saw a new edition this year. The books written by Mr Ovchinnikov are a rich collection of cross-cultural knowledge based on an equally-rich personal experience. He spent 25 years of his life working in China, Japan, and Britain as a journalist, and his books provide a profound insight into the nature of western and eastern civilisations. His most popular works about Japan and Britain, A Branch of Sakura and The Roots of an Oak-Tree, have been translated into many languages. Also, he published a collection of works under the title Eyewitness Account, which describes a round-the-world trip from New Zealand to South America, and a fabulous story about Tibet called Ascension to Shambhala. 

Mr Ovchinnikov said, “I investigate the ‘living grammar’ of foreign peoples. For example, look at the Chinese in contrast to the Japanese; they believe they are the masters of creation, who rule everything material. Conditionally speaking, Chinese consider that it is possible to carve out a living doll from a log, whilst the Japanese are certain that they must preserve a log as it is, to protect its created nature. The Japanese will trim a tree a bit, he will touch it up, but, it must be as close as possible to the tree in its natural growth. Likewise, a city, in his opinion, it must grow as naturally as the forest grows. Tokyo and, for example, London, these are precisely such cities; they grew, ‘like the forest’. But, let us say, Peking, Paris, and St Petersburg, these are cities created entirely on another concept”. He once remarked, “We often tend to think that people from other countries think and react as we do, but, this is not so. In order to avoid mistakes, you ought to investigate ‘the soul of a people’, and on peoples’ souls, I build my travel guide”.

Studying the world outlook and psychology of different civilisations and cultures, Mr Ovchinnikov reveals their differences and similarities, take, for instance, China and Russia. “The basic teachings of Confucius start with a phrase that calls for continuous learning and application of the material learned as a supreme joy. Confucianism in China led to a cult of knowledge, which was seen as a main route of social mobility. In feudal China, for 2,000 years, government posts were distributed through open competitions in the knowledge of Confucian texts and the ability to apply them to settle everyday problems. The winners were assigned posts that could be as high as ministers in the imperial court. The cult of knowledge is equally relevant for present-day Russia. We are faced with a similar task, to, as a Confucian would say, ‘transform a quantitative jump into a qualitative improvement to create a knowledge-based economy’, which is the very innovation-based transformation currently developing in our country”. 

One of the conclusions Mr Ovchinnikov draws from years of professional and life experience is that “it’s wrong to measure other people by your own yardstick and lean on your own values, because no values are universal, like the grammar rules of a language”. He argues, “That for supreme harmony, the present-day world should follow a symphonic pattern in its development, when every nation, like a musical instrument in a symphony orchestra, plays its own part”. A guide to national souls, Vsevolod Ovchinnikov sees an ideal future in unity in diversity. 

24 July 2008

Olga Bugrova

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=77996&cid=24&p=24.07.2008 (in Russian)

   

Kievo-Pecherskogo Lavra in Kiev, the seat of the canonical UAOC (MP)

Official celebrations to mark the 1,020th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia began in the Ukraine on 24 July. The current jubilee is of great importance not only for the Russian people as a whole, but, also for the Russian Orthodox Church. The MP hopes that the events to mark the 1,020th anniversary since the Baptism of Russia will become a holiday celebrating the unity of all world Orthodoxy. 

The policy pursued in recent years by the Ukrainian government of trying to drive a wedge between the MP and the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church (MP) and their attempt to create an independent “Local Church” in the Ukraine created discord amongst believers in both countries. At present, there are three Orthodox bodies in the Ukraine, but, only one of them, the UAOC (MP), is unanimously recognised as canonical by all autocephalous Local Orthodox Churches of the world, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul to the most ancient body, the Church of Antioch. The festivities to mark the jubilee must become a factor in uniting the entire Orthodox people, strengthening them and renewing their bonds. “For this very reason, Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia shall take part in the divine services marking this celebration”, said Bishop Mark of Yegoryevsk, a spokesman for the MP.

Bishop Mark said, “With God’s help, the forthcoming visit of Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia to the Ukraine will strengthen the position of the Orthodox Church and canonical Orthodoxy in that country. Today, the Ukrainian government pursues a policy of supporting all existing religious confessions in the country, including bodies that place themselves in opposition to the Orthodox Church and canonical Orthodoxy. We see them as nothing but schismatics. Unfortunately, the state gives them support, and this causes our concern. His Holiness, together with the First Hierarchs of other Orthodox churches shall take part in the festivities. This shall be a clear sign [to Ukrainian politicians] that church life in the Ukraine cannot be resolved by political interference. Kiev is of special and unique importance in the history of Russian Orthodox Church. This is our common Baptismal font, this is the place where Russian monasticism originated, it is the cradle of our great Christian culture, and the ideas of Orthodox statehood were formed here”. 

In spite of the convoluted church situation in the Ukraine, the forthcoming events promise to be a large-scale and colourful holiday. Over 15 heads of all Orthodox churches of the world shall come to the Ukraine. The delegation will be headed by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. On 27 July, on Vladimirskoi Hill, near the monument to Prince Vladimir who baptised Russia in 988, making it a Christian nation, a historical event shall take place. Two Patriarchs, of Moscow and Istanbul, will jointly serve the Divine Liturgy in honour of the anniversary. As a part of the festivities, the heads of the Orthodox churches shall meet with the country’s political élite, greet ordinary believers, and visit historical sites and Orthodox shrines and churches. To conclude the festivities, an all-Orthodox procession with the relics of Saint Price Vladimir will be held. 

Festivities to mark the Baptism of Russia will continue in Ukraine till July 30. Patriarch Aleksei plans to visit several Ukrainian cities in those days, including Donetsk and Svyatogorsk. 

24 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=77980&cid=22&p=24.07.2008 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

I cannot get over a sense of foreboding over this affair. Yushchenko is unbalanced, as are his paymasters Bush and Rice (their plans for attacking Iran are prima facie proof of that). Yushchenko, I believe, is going to try to manoeuvre Bartholomew into a public action supporting his schismatical proposal for “church unity”. This is very dangerous for the Church.

I should add here that I have seen many scandals in the Church (remember young Grabbe in Jerusalem?); none of them has given me the misgivings that I feel today. A civil ruler wishes to pervert the Church for his own ends; he is known to be a man lacking in scruples and common decency. He even lacks the simple prudence of a Vladimir Putin or Dmitri Medvedev. I shall not rest easy until this affair is put to bed. There is too much that can go wrong with Viktor Yushchenko’s hand in the pot…  

The Rt Rev Rowan Williams (1950- ), Archbishop of Canterbury, titular head of the Anglican Communion

The Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion now being held in England is considered by the Moscow Patriarchate to be a historic event. This decennial Anglican conclave shall be in session from 16 July to 4 August, and some 1,000 Anglican bishops from all over the world are attending it as voting delegates. The Lambeth Conference is a kind of ecumenical assembly for the Anglican Communion, an influential branch of world Protestantism. The conference is held regularly every 10 years and discusses the most vital issues facing the contemporary Protestant and Christian world. “In the last decade, since numerous changes took place in the understanding of Christian values everywhere in the world, the importance of the current assembly of Anglican bishops can hardly be overestimated”, according to Fr Igor Vyzhanov, a spokesman for the MP.

He continued, “The conference is discussing issues that provoke heated discussion in the Anglican Communion and in the Christian world as a whole. Today, the Anglican Communion, indeed, the Protestant world in general, is on the verge of a serious split. In particular, the question causing the most heated debate is the one concerning the church’s attitude to homosexuality. Unfortunately, at present, an extremely liberal trend is prevailing in Protestantism. Notably, this is manifested in a tolerant attitude to vices that are unambiguously condemned in the Holy Scriptures. The debate centres on the ordination of openly-declared homosexuals to the episcopal dignity, the blessing of homosexual unions by the Church, and the tolerance of other actions that Church teachings have always called sinful. Those Christians who desire to follow the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and follow traditional Christian teachings on such things, naturally, must reject such ‘tolerance’”. 

The decisions adopted at the Lambeth Conference are extremely important for the MP. The history of relations between Russian Orthodoxy and Anglicanism goes back to the 16th century. In the intervening period, warm and mutually-respectful relations formed between these two Christian churches. Yet, in recent years, when Anglican bishops began to deviate more and more from traditional Christian values, and approved of sins and supported vices, the MP virtually severed relations with this Christian confession.

This year, not only Anglican bishops, but, also representatives of other Christian churches, were invited to take part in this Anglican conference. The MP is represented by Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev of Vienna and Austria. Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia also forwarded an address to the Anglican conclave. “The participants bear an enormous historical responsibility, for they must decide between a traditional and Biblical interpretation of Christian morals and a tendency that mistakes sin and permissiveness for demonstrations of love and tolerance. The decisions of the Lambeth conference are extremely important not only for the future of this confession, but, for the entire Christian world, as well”. In conclusion, Patriarch Aleksei said, “All of us, Orthodox Christians, those of other Christian confessions, together with those from all other religions, must restore the moral and spiritual awareness concerning the life of every person in the world. The future of the entire earth depends upon this”. 

24 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=77976&cid=22&p=24.07.2008 (in Russian) 

I have never felt so apprehensive about an event in the Church as I do concerning Saturday in Kiev. Mind you, I would be extremely pleased if "nothing happened". Please, God, let that be the result. Unfortunately, I fear that is not going to be so. If Bart does anything as silly as recognising the schismatic Ukrainian bodies, it shall toss a match onto a standing pool of petrol. All this week, he has been playing with matches, pretending to be the "universal patriarch" (how bloody silly, the Church has NEVER had such an office, it's why we kicked the Pope of Rome out!), and puffing himself up silly.

If Bart recognises the schismatics Kudryakov and Denisenko, the end result shall be a rupture in communion with the MP. Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev would demand such, and Patriarch Aleksei would defer to him. Vladyki Vladimir, speaking through his aide Archimandrite Kirill Govorun, has made it clear that ANYTHING concerning the Ukrainian Church MUST pass through his hands, as he is the only canonical First Hierarch in the country, and Bart does not have the authority to change that. The Ukraine is not the canonical territory of the EP, it is under the omophor of the MP.

In short, we have a horrific situation facing us. I repeat, I fervently hope that Black Bart retreats from the precipice. I sincerely pray that nothing happens. However, the signs are there for those of us who know the church situation all too well. If Black Bart stabs the Holy Church of Moscow in the back, if he spits in the faces of Metropolitan Vladimir Sabodan and Patriarch Aleksei Rediger, there shall be hell to pay. The MP has put up with much from this Vatican and American sock-puppet, and this would be the end of it, I think.

Interestingly, I think the Pope of Rome is innocent in this particular potboiler, for I believe that Benedict sincerely wishes good relations with us. He knows that such an event would smear him, so, I think that he has actually been trying to restrain Bart. I fear that he is going to fail, because there are people in the US State Department who have encouraged Bart into thinking that he can have an extraterritorial enclave in Istanbul, just as the Pope has an enclave in Rome. Of course, the Turks would nix it. However, we all know that people have the capacity to believe the most foolish things. After all, aren't there those who believe in Mormonism? I rest my case (magical spectacles and "Reformed Egyptian", indeed!).

I fear that there is going to be a noxious brew cooked up by Bart, Viktor Yushchenko, and Condoleeza Rice. All of us are going to gag upon it. In conclusion, I would pray that Bart pulls back. I am praying for the best and preparing for the worst. I fear that is the only thing that any of us can do. Dear Lord, save Thy Church from this, if Thou willest. If not, send us the strength to endure what we must.

These are the saddest words I have ever written... why did we live to see such?

Vara Drezhlo

Thursday 24 July 2008

Addendum:

I should, perhaps, make clear that what worries is not so much Bart's posturing, for Orthodox are well-used to his hubristic antics, but, the actions of Viktor Yushchenko and his American puppeteer, Condoleeza Rice. Yushchenko invited Bart without asking His Holiness, as protocol demands, and posters with Yushchenko and Bart are plastered all over Kiev, whilst those of His Holiness are banned. Bart may indeed have the good-sense to try to keep his mouth shut, but Yushchenko may very well commit him to an action in public. This is what is so worrisome, because Yushchenko is an unbalanced individual who believes his own propaganda. In this lies the danger...

My first flight was with an Air Creation Trike Ultralite 582 SL, and I felt I flew OK, considering it was the first time I'd ever played a flight sim. The tutorial mission was to fly through some hoops placed in a straight line. The controls were easy to learn on this aircraft and I only had to worry about throttle and steering. I actually managed to make a decent landing, something I've yet to do in GTA San Andreas. The next tutorial mission was to fly through some more hoops, placed a little less linear this time. It went even better than the first flight, where I was a bit wobbly. I got all the bonus rings, and I'm getting used to the very sensitive analogue controls.

I don't think I could play this with keyboard controls, so thank Joe Pesci my old Saitek P880 worked. The last time I used it, I got so infuriated with a game that I chucked it into the wall. A couple of buttons are pushed in, but they all still work.

I tried a free flight mission with the Ultralight and chose the airport by my home town as location. The scenery was a bit disappointing. They had used the old airport building instead of the new, and the landscape consisted of 99% pine trees (which doesn't grow naturally here), and 1% road. My home town was missing, and the big suspension bridge further north was grossly misrepresented. But I guess when there are 24,000 airports in the game, some of them are gonna be less detailed.

Next, I started a free flight from Kennedy International in New York, flying the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. It took off smoothly, but didn't know how to raise the landing gear. I looked all over the extremely buttonous cockpit and tried several of them -- which I guess isn't the brightest of ideas mid flght -- but before I could find the correct button I found myself submerged in water. A $41 million mistake.

New attempt, this time I checked the control menu for the key to raise the gears.

The jet feels very powerful as it reaches speeds of 1500 km/h, and it was extremely easy to do barrel rolls and loops. I flew up to 2000 feet and started fiddling with the controls. None of the buttons seemed to do much of anything that was disscernable to me. I found the gear raise/lower switch and wondered how I had missed it before. Also, the eject handle didn't work, disappointingly.

I did some more loops and U-turns, then concluded by crashing into the ground at 1000 km/h. An enjoyable flight, except for the gruesome death at the end. I can imagine the inside of that cockpit was akin to a jar of tomato sauce.

Yuri Shevchuk (1950- ), front-man of the Russian rock band DDT

Kiev, 24 July 2008 (Interfax):

Yuri Shevchuk, the front-man of the rock-band DDT, is confident that the final concert of the rock tour in honour of the 1,020^th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia shall take place as planned, despite all the obstacles placed in its path. “That is how the millennium-long battle between good and evil goes”, he said in an interview in the Ukrainian edition of Komsomolskaya Pravda (Komsomol Truth), commenting on attempts of the pro-Western government to transfer or even ban the rock concert. Mr Shevchuk explained other attempts “to place a spoke between the wheels” of the rock tour by the fact that “some political factions do not wish this to go on” because the tour centres on “the love and harmony shared by Russians and Ukrainians”.

He has no doubts whatsoever that the concert in Kiev shall take on 26 July, just as it was planned from the very beginning. “The concert shall take place, if not at the original venue, then, somewhere else. That’s normal. Why shouldn’t it take place? All we are doing is calling for love and harmony”, Mr Shevchuk said. He showed no reaction when asked about the rumours that Yushchenko is an enemy of Russian rock music. “Well, God go with him (Yushchenko: Interfax). I can tell you that thousands of cultured Kievans love Russian rock”, Mr Shevchuk noted.

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=25658 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

The choice of Yuri Shevchuk as the main rocker in the tour was an inspired choice. He is not a supporter of Vladimir Putin, but, as Fr Andrei Kuraev said, Russia is a powerful and confident country, and Yuri Shevchuk’s political opinions do not harm her. In any case, Fr Andrei was certain that he is a patriot. Events have borne this out. Russia is not afraid of differing opinions, but, the Orangies are afraid of such, so, all things being equal, if Russia is strong and confident, then, the Orangies are weak and fearful. Somewhat different from the CNN propaganda line, no?

If the Orangies DO ban the concert, it shall prove to the world what totalitarians they truly are. Bush and Rice support such… they implicate YOU in their crime if you stay silent. SPEAK OUT. What has happened to free speech in America?

Do not forget that the Orangies in the Ukraine are the spiritual descendants of those who said,"All Jews to the gallows". Never again. Never forget the role of the OUN and UPA in all of this. 

Kiev, 23 July 2008 (Interfax):

Representatives of the Odessa Jewish community asked Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko to stop construction work on a site in Tolbukhin Street because traces of a mass grave were discovered. Boleslav Kapulkin, the Jewish community press secretary, said on Wednesday that the remains discovered during the construction work are from a mass grave of Jews shot during the Nazi occupation in autumn 1941. The police are not confirming this information; they have not yet received the results of forensic examinations on the remains. 

“To construct a building on a site where you disturb the bones [of those killed by the Nazis] wherever you dig cannot not be anything other than a blasphemy and an insult to the memory of the victims”, according to an open letter of the local Chabad Jewish community. Rav Avraam Wolf, the Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine, is amongst the signers. “Nevertheless, it is an evident and obvious truth that there are those who know, in fact, that this land is a mass grave. This does not stop them, they wish to build on all sites that they believe are idle”, the letter said. “To demonstrate to the world that the Ukraine is a truly civilised state, only a few things are required. We must find the wrongfully-removed remains, then, the Jewish community can give them dignified burial. Finally, we must forbid any future construction on this site and give it the status of a mass grave”, the letter noted. 

In October 1941, artillery ordnance dumps were located in the Tolbukhin Square area in Odessa. Over several days, German and Romanian soldiers shot over 25,000 people near their barracks. The overwhelming majority of victims were Jews, both from Odessa and refugees from Bessarabia. Furthermore, Russian POWs were killed there as well. 

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/judaism/?act=news&div=25623 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

This would not have happened in Russia, as it is an overtly Orthodox state. Yushchenko has sold out to American corporate interests, and he apes their godless “pragmatism”. Note well that the Jewish community did not address themselves to Yushchenko, for they know that he only listens to Americans, Uniates, and western corporate interests. Interesting, no? 

At 6pm to Dark, we had our Evening Photo Shoot Workshop, then at 10pm, a Fireside Dinner & Dessert right on the beach.  What a day!  I'll add some of the Evening Photo Shoot shots with tomorrow's post. 

I have to tell you that this beach house where Jim is hosting this private workshop is just outside of Seattle on Puget Sound and it is beautiful. It has 130 feet of low bank waterfront and is walking distance from the beautiful Deception Pass Bridge and State Park.  Westerly views from the house are of the Olympic Mountain Range and San Juan Islands. You can see it is a gorgeous place by taking a photo tour here -  www.surfcrestbeachhouse.com . 

Today has just been loaded with tons of information, with Jim's wife Katarina also teaching on her part of the business, so needless to say it's been busy and lots of fun! This is a total luxury, 1st class workshop and just a great experience all the way around.  I highly recommend it.

Stay tuned for those Evening Photo Shoot photo's and more from Day 3 tomorrow!

The Dog of the Phanar hears His Master's Voice. Bartholomew wishes to crush us under the papal boot. Il's ne paserant pas! They shall not pass! 

Moscow, 24 July 2008 (Interfax):

EP Patriarch Bartholomew recently held a meeting with the leaders of the two main schismatic bodies in the Ukraine, Philaret Denisenko of the so-called “Patriarchate of Kiev” (UOC-KP) and Mefody Kudryakov of the so-called “Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church” (UAOC). Archimandrite Kirill Govorun, the head of the Department of External Church Relations of the UAOC (MP), stated to our Interfax-Religion correspondent, “According to information that has not been widely-disseminated, Bartholomew met with [Denisenko and Kudryakov] in his residence in Istanbul in mid-July”. He reminded us that several days after the alleged meeting, a so-called “Archpastoral Council of the self-proclaimed UOC-KP stated that the “canonical” status of this schismatic body had been accepted by the EP, and that Istanbul would assist it.

Fr Kirill also told us one additional remarkable detail. On the eve of the 1,020^th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia, Bartholomew (without consulting the UAOC (MP) or the MP: editor’s note) sent invitations (!) to the heads of all the Local Orthodox Churches to participate in the coming festivities. In addition, he gave a “press conference” in Istanbul, claiming to give the details of the forthcoming celebration in the Ukraine. This is interesting, given the fact that both the MP and other Local Orthodox Churches repeatedly asked Bartholomew to end his interference in Ukrainian church affairs, as it is the recognised canonical territory of the MP.

In turn, Oleg Sheludchenko, the deputy chairman of the Union of Orthodox Citizens of the Ukraine, told our correspondent that the present meddling by the EP in the internal matters of the Orthodox Church in the Ukraine is precisely the same as its actions in the 1920s. “It recognised the Bolshevik-inspired Renovationist schism, but the MP, headed by Patriarch St Tikhon, even though it was in a weaker position than it is today, gathered its forces and prevailed. The contrived Renovationist schism, in spite of its ‘recognition’ by the EP, was defeated within six months, mainly because the Reds lost interest in it. The same shall happen with the Ukrainian schismatics because they exist only because of political support. If they lose such support, they shall disperse just as rapidly. When the government interference in church life ends, the schism shall dissipate without any separation of the UAOC (MP) from the MP”, he said.

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=25646 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

Bartholomew is taking stupid pills. Or, is he is smokin’ some “bad-ass weed” (who’s your supplier, and what’s the price, Bart?)? Bart was not intended to be part of this festival. He was invited by the khokhol Yushchenko, not by any church figure. He “invited” the heads of the churches to Kiev? Anyone who believes that is a lunatic. I would say to all Roman Catholics, if you believe a word that issues from the dog in the Phanar (or from his cur, Ioannis Zizoulas), you are fools, and I say so openly. Church union is not near; it has been pushed back even further by the antics of Black Bart. If you value the friendship of Russian Orthodox people, you shall condemn this popinjay. If not, you made your own bed. Do NOT complain to me of the lumpy mattress.

Metropolitan Vladimir Sabodan of Kiev and all the Ukraine (1935- ), the First Hierarch of the UAOC (MP), the only canonical First Hierarch in the Ukraine, a TRUE CONFESSOR of Church Unity

Moscow, 24 July 2008 (Interfax):

The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church (MP) asked Patriarch Bartholomew of Istanbul to stop interfering in its affairs. “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is capable of resolving its internal problems on its own. Moreover, ‘assistance’ from other Local Churches should not become interference in the inner life of our Church”, according to an address to Patriarch Bartholomew adopted at an extraordinary session of the UAOC (MP) Holy Synod and cited on the MP official website. 

The Holy Synod states that all proposals on overcoming the church schism in the country must be coordinated with the UAOC (MP) as it is the “only recognised Orthodox Church in the Ukraine” that is a canonical part of a Local Church. Furthermore, the UAOC (MP) Synod states that interference by the government and various political and public forces is also undesirable as it always results in “serious conflicts that may take many years to overcome”.

The address to Patriarch Bartholomew stressed that the history of the EP over the last few centuries “showed how political interference in church matters resulted in harmful church divisions. The present situation in the Ukraine is not an exception. Specifically, interference by political forces [in the inner life of the church] led to the current schism”, the UAOC (MP) Holy Synod noted. Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, the head of the MP Department for External Church Relations, also participated in the Synod session at the express invitation of Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev. 

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=25634 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

This is shaping up as the “story of the year”, if not the decade. If left unchecked, the actions of the EP shall result in a church-wide schism with the MP and all loyal Orthodox on the one hand and the EP and all disloyal Uniate-leaning “Orthodox” on the other. This bids fair not to be pretty at all, and I, for one, do not wish to see it. However, there are things “not for sale”, and those who believe in “peace at any price” are fools. There are ignorant Anglo-Saxon converts who reproach me for reporting the news. Reporters do not cause events, they merely report them. “If you talk about it, it will happen!” they wail. All mature people can see that as juvenile carping.

However, the main result of this split in the US and Canada shall be to illustrate that, despite all the noise, there has been no progress towards “pan-Orthodox unity”. The coming schism shall, at least, allow us to bury this disgusting fiction, which is believed only by a few pseudo-intellectuals and airy-fairy converts. What DOES exist is good-will amongst clergy and laity of various groups, no small item, indeed, but, it is NOT incipient Church Unity (that is some centuries in the distance, I fear). 

Tonight Katee drew a real surprise…Twitch. Now I know the show hinted on their prior friendship but what they didn’t tell you people is that they went to the same university. Chapman University. Now, I am not sure how amazing our dance program is but they managed to help train these two very talented folks.

For their first routine they drew contemporary with Mia Micheals. Nigel made a comment about having to keep out some ladies that may or may not be named Mary. I would like to think that they both got liquored up and had thier with each other that ended in them embracing one another while crying and talking about how much they enjoyed one another. Then Mary got pregnant and wanted to keep the baby but couldn't. Then years later they were both reunited by So You Think You Can Dance.  There you go, Fox brining people together. 

Here is the video. Please don’t replace Twitch and Katee with Nigel and Mary. If you do then you may have to replace your eyes and the part of your brain that conjured that thought.

My bad.

For their second dance they drew Broadway. This was Katee’s third Broadway dance so she has been well versed in the ways of Tice and dancing/acting while making it look natural, and boy did she ever.

I truly have to agree with Nigel when he said that Katee has yet to give a bad performance. She has been the model of consistency, and entertainment.  At a girl. I truly showed her everything shes knows as a tiny freshman at Chapman U.

Yet, again she was a girl pining after her Twitch. What is up with the lack of Women empowerment on this show? I mean have they never seen Rosie the riveter tossing men around with the utmost ease? Well here is the video evidence to support.

This week on So You Think You Can Write (Write…Write…) I think I am going to move on though it will be close because Tolstoy took WAY to long to write Anna Karenina part 2. Revenge of the Anna, Haunting your life. So, I think I can hang on due to the sheer awesome-ness of my piece, Kickin’ it with Carlton, The Real Fresh Prince.

I hope everybody understands the lack of articles the past 2 weeks due to us getting ready for Comic-Con. It is hopefully going to be awesome. If you are going to be there shoot us a email and come get a free novel of The Fetus Adventures.

Vote for Katee, and Love, Peace, and Soulllllllllll The Middlest Child Family style. 

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Cadet schools in present-day Russia began to re-appear 15 years ago, in the early 1990s. The first such school was set up in the city of Novocherkassk in Russia’s south which is believed to be the capital of Cossacks on the River Don. Later, the first cadet school appeared in Moscow. At present there are over 100 cadet schools in the country, and an ever greater number of children dream of becoming cadets. A prototype of the cadet schools was the Mathematics and Navigation School opened by Russian Tsar Pyotr I in the 18th century. The tsar, when he founded the Russian navy, realised it needed well-trained engineers and experts in navigation. That school gave rise to specialised engineer and artillery educational establishments. Those were the beginning of the cadet system of Russian education.

After the 1917 October Revolution, all cadet schools were closed down, and many of their students and graduates, who were mostly opposed to Soviet rule, emigrated abroad. In 1922, the number of cadets residing abroad was some 2,000. The president of the Russian Cadet Foundation, Boris Iordan, whose father was a cadet, believed that the cadets of the old school were guided by their instinct in their wish to return home without losing their traditions; the most important being honour and dignity in service to the Motherland. Finally, their dream came true.

Mr Iordan said, “At present, there are more than 100 cadet schools in Russia, more than in 1917. More children attend such schools, so, this undertaking is supported by the Federal authorities, by the president and governors. Earlier, we thought that cadet schools are an insignificant movement. Yet, it grew into a full-blooded independent part of the Russian system of education, part of the Russian culture, and part of the up-bringing of the younger generation”.

According to Mr Iordan, today, the Russian system of cadet education is one of the best in the world. Young people receive an excellent education. This summer, the best students from the Russian cadet schools made a trip to the city of Belaya Tserkov in Serbia. The cadets gathered here after the 1917 Revolution and the advent to power of the Bolsheviks. It is thought that a majority of the cadets emigrated there. Together with Serb teenagers, Russian cadets contributed to the restoration of the Russian cadet cemetery and made improvements to the Russian Cadets Square. This was not a one-time action.

Colonel-General Valery Manilov, the chairman of the Russian Cadet Society, said, “We maintain close relations with cadet organisations in 7 countries, including Byelorussia, the United States, France, and Israel. We cooperate with all serious cadet organisations everywhere; we take part in congresses and various cultural events”. With every passing year, the prestige of cadet schools in Russia is growing. At present the competition ratio is very high for cadet schools in Moscow, there are 25 applicants for every open slot.

22 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29927&cid=59&p=21.07.2008 (in English)

The Russia Tower, one of the building projects currently underway in Moscow

The right sorts of preconditions exist for the transformation of Moscow into a centre of the global financial system. But, some things remain to be done for the creation of the proper infrastructure and the development of financial instruments. Moscow is quite capable of turning into a marketplace where sellers of money meet with their customers, those who need money and sell securities. The level of the infrastructure is advancing faster than ever, new business centres are being built, the quality of services is improving, and business is brisk when it comes to hotels. Capital investors will flock to Moscow once the Russian rouble starta to play a bigger role in international financial operations.

Sergei Vasiliyev, a board member of the Russian bank for foreign trade, the Vneshekonombank, sees some progress in this field. “The rouble is now a highly-trusted currency unit; it is about to turn into an international currency unit. It became convertible about two years ago, and, although it was unable to turn into a reserve currency unit immediately, it became an internationally-accepted currency. It is used in international trade. If a Russian bank gets a Euro or dollar loan abroad, a western bank can easily convert it into roubles. This is what happens now, but, could never happen before. In other words, western banks keep their books in roubles, meaning that the rouble is turning into an instrument of the global financial system”.

As a centre of the global financial system, Moscow will start attracting foreign, as well as domestic, business companies. There will be no need for the domestic companies to trade at foreign stock exchanges, and foreigners will appreciate its offer of money, not Russian money, but, money that comes from the world marketplace. Mr Vasiliyev said that the sale of Russian securities in London does not mean that Russian businesses buy British money. It is money from the world marketplace. The same holds true with regard to Moscow.

If this city turns into an international centre, it will play host to those who buy foreign currency. For a city to be a centre of the global financial system, it has to broker business deals. Foreign investors and emitters alike come here. If this is where they meet, the brokering fees would be pocketed by Moscow. This is what it is all about, the acquisition of money. But, image-making makes an equally important aspect of this venture. A centre of the global financial system raises confidence in the financial system, and it puts the limelight on its prowess and potential. 

22 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29987&cid=57&p=22.07.2008 (in English)

The foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will meet in Dushanbe on 25 July ahead of an SCO summit, due in August at the same venue. Briefing reporters on the Dushanbe meeting’s agenda, Andrei Nesterennko, the Foreign Ministry’s official spokesman, said the ministers would discuss international contacts and the expansion of the SCO, proceeding from its openness to broad and mutually profitable cooperation with other countries and international structures. The Afghan issue will receive special attention since Afghanistan remains the main source of drug and terrorist threats to the SCO member-states. Also, the ministers will exchange views on various aspects of the situation in the region and in the world.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a multi-functional non-bloc regional association comprising Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It’s not a military alliance and doesn’t threaten anyone. The SCO is open to cooperation with all international structures that share its goals, namely maintaining regional peace and stability; expanding mutual trade, economic, humanitarian, and cultural ties; the mutual enrichment of national cultures and traditions; and coordinated efforts in answering new challenges and threats such as international terrorism, religious fanaticism, ethnic separatism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling… goals that are worthy of respect and have earned the SCO worldwide recognition. It has observer status in the United Nations and established close business contacts with the ASEAN, the European Union, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and other international organizations. Mongolia, India, Iran, and Pakistan are associate members in the SCO. Accession criteria are currently being reviewed to provide for the admission of new members.

23 July 2008

Albert Papoyan

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30044&cid=56&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

Russian scuttlebutt has it that Russia wishes to give full-member status to Iran, then, Russia and the PRC can give overt security guarantees to prevent threatened US and Israeli strikes there. Such military action is foolhardy in the extreme and pointless, and proposed strikes have been criticised by such responsible US figures as former UN Ambassador John Bolton and Admiral Michael Mullen (the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). Neither one of these men is a rad-lib wussy (for their bravery in speaking out, they deserve to be called MEN, in all-caps).

Bush and Rice must be restrained from juvenile bomb-tossing here. The consequences are too horrific to contemplate…  

Former President of Srpska Bosna, Radovan Karadžić (1945- ), Christian hero against the Bosnian terrorists

Moscow again urged the International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia to renounce its double standards and bias. The call came in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry following the arrest in Serbia of the former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžić. 13 years ago, the tribunal indicted him in absentia for “war crimes” during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the early 90s. It is no secret that neither Serbs, nor Bosniaks (Muslims), nor Croats spared each other during that war. Nevertheless, despite the evidence of crimes committed by all of the sides, there is only one defendant, Radovan Karadžić. The tribunal is notorious for its bias against Serbs. Over more than a decade, about 100 Serbs and just 25 Croatians, 9 Bosnian Muslims, and 8 Albanians have stood trial on charges of war crimes in an obvious attempt to hold the Serbs responsible for the events in the Balkans.

While the Serbian government is receiving congratulations from Washington and European capitals on Mr Karadžić’s arrest, the majority of Serbs, most of whom treat Mr Karadžić as a hero, suspect Belgrade of political bargaining. Borislav Milosevich, the brother of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, who died in prison during a trial in the Hague, said, “For a large part of the Serbian population, Radovan Karadžić is a national hero and the Hague tribunal is an anti-Serb court convicting Serbs only. As the Russian Foreign Ministry said recently, this tribunal must be abolished. It’s used as a tool to exert pressure on Belgrade and our people”.

The tribunal’s former chief prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, in her book entitled The Hunt: Me and My War Criminals, published after her resignation, acknowledged that evidence of severe crimes was often ignored if those crimes were committed by Bosnian Muslims, Croats, or Kosovo Albanians. For one, the tribunal turned a blind eye to the abduction and killing of more than 300 Serbs by Albanian militants in Kosovo and the subsequent sale of their organs for transplant surgery. No investigation into these facts was launched.

23 July 2008

Vyacheslav Solovyov

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30041&cid=56&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

The truest words on this were spoken by Russia's permanent representative in NATO, Dmitri Rogozin. He said, “If the Karadžić case deserves to be considered in the Hague, then those people who took the decision to bomb innocent civilians, who were dying by the hundreds during the 'democratisation' of the Balkans by the West, should be sitting in the dock next to him”.

Amen, Mr Rogozin. William Jefferson Clinton, Tony Blair, Madeleine Albright, Wesley Clarke, and Strobe Talbot all deserve to be put into prison jumpsuits to stand trial at The Hague. They brought Muslim terrorists into the heart of Europe and they bombed Belgrade on Holy Easter, but, had a smarmy “PC” bombing halt in Iraq at the start of Ramadan. Have you had your democracy today? If not, America shall be glad to provide it… it comes on the bomb-racks of a Buff, and don’t you forget it!

To think that America once brought good to others… I fervently hope that those more humble (and better!) days can return.   

President Vladimir Putin (1952- ), with US President George Bush the younger (1946- )

Dana Perino, the press secretary at the White House, reacting to news about possibility of Russian long-range bombers returning to Cuba in response to US plans to build elements of its ABM defence system in Poland and Czech Republic, said that America wants to work with Russia in that regard and is anxious to have strategic partnership with Moscow. Ms Perino is correct in calling the news hypothetical and that no Kremlin official made such a statement. She is also correct in saying that US president Bush repeatedly assured first, Vladimir Putin and, now, Dmitri Medvedev about his desire to work with the Russian leadership. The Kremlin shares those sentiments.

However, she failed to disclose what has hindered the establishment of a strategic partnership between Russia and the United States. Long before the current incumbent sat in the White House, President George Bush Sr and late Russian President Boris Yeltsin also spoke about a strategic partnership. But, establishing a strategic partnership between both countries has not gone beyond words; what’s more, American attitude toward the new democratic Russia remains unchanged, even after Moscow had offered a helping hand to Washington in the war on terror after the frightening attacks on America in 2001.

The US and NATO embarked on an eastwards enlargement of the military alliance, coming ever closer to Russian border, reneging on earlier promises not to do so. Moscow’s opposition was crudely brushed aside; now, America plans to build a radar base in the Czech Republic and site ten silos for ABM interceptors in Poland, again, contemptuous of Russian protests. Every alternative proposed by Russia in this matter was rejected out of hand.

Russia is not infallible. But, what has it done wrong to preclude a genuine strategic tie with America? Nothing prevents both nations from becoming real collaborators internationally, but, there is simple reason why all the good intentions of the US have not borne fruit. A few days ago, an American political scientist, Harvard University professor Stephen Cowen, put his finger on the reason. In an interview for C-Span, he said that America regards itself the winner of the cold war and pursues a high-hat imperial policy toward Russia. It’s hard to disagree with Professor Cowen’s conclusions. If it is to have a normal dialogue with Moscow, America should change its tone and talk to Russia as an equal and as the great power that it is, halt NATO enlargement, and work out an agreement on a common ABM defence system. Some people abroad might not like the professor’s words, but, such people should understand that strategic cooperation between Russia and America cannot be possible without mutual trust and taking into account each other’s national interests.

23 July 2008

Viktor Yenikeyev

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30031&cid=56&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

The US is near the end of its rope, both militarily and financially, due to the inane adventurism of George Bush. Ironically, the policy being followed is straight out of the playbook of Woodrow Wilson, with an interventionist and paternal attitude towards all foreign states.

Sadly, if the US forces were to meet a peer-force on the ground (i.e., Russia, China, or India) in a large-scale action on a continental scale, they would be defeated because they lack the training and the numbers necessary for such an operation (there are not enough "boots on the ground" to pacify Afghanistan, let alone a larger theatre). The US has not fought a large-scale war against a peer since 1945. It had best watch itself. The US Navy can only influence so much. I fervently hope that it shall not require a bloody defeat for the US to learn good-sense. No American boy deserves to die for “a bridge too far”.

The 29th Olympic Games start in Beijing shortly. They will be held from 8 to 24 August. Russia plans to confirm that it remains a leading nation in sports. In an interview with our correspondent, Russian Olympic Committee spokesman Gennady Shvets expressed the hope that the Russian team would win about 30 gold medals and altogether 80 medals. Reportedly, the US, Russia, and China will be the main contenders for first place in the unofficial team count of Olympic medals. Experts say that Russia has every reason not to lose. “Russia is traditionally strong in boxing, free-style and Greco-Roman wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronous swimming, athletics, shooting sports, and diving. There are chances in trampoline tumbling and cycling”.

Russian sportsmen have had the necessary conditioning to prepare for the games. The head of the federal agency for culture and sport, Vyacheslav Fetisov, said that a working group of the Russian sports agency has controlled the preparations for the Olympics over the past two years. Moreover, the success achieved by Russian sportsmen in recent competitions could stimulate the national team. Mr Fetisov emphasised that successful performances at the Olympic Games will be highly honoured by the state. Currently, the Russian President and the government pay special attention to sport. The success of the sportsmen will be marked by both federal and local authorities. Russia’s Olympic delegation, headed by the president of the national Olympic Committee, Leonid Tyagachev will leave for Beijing on 3 August.

Concerning the possible place that Russia could win, Mr Shvets said, “Unquestionably, the US is in the first place, since it won 45 gold medals in world championships last year. China is in second place. Russia surpasses China in the number of medals, but, China has more gold medals. In short, the three countries will fight for the first three places”.

According to Mr Tyagachev, “The role of sports has significantly grown over the past years in uniting nations and creating a favourable image of Russia in the eyes of the international community”. “Russia’s national team shall compete in 28 out of 32 events. Experts of the Olympic committee forecast that Russian sportsmen will lag behind in the first half of the games, but, display their potential in the next half and achieve results no worse than that of the Athens Olympics”, Mr Shvets said.

23 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30040&cid=63&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

Beijing is hosting the 29th Summer Olympic Games from 8 to 24 August. More than 16,000 athletes are expected to take part in the event. They will compete for 302 medals in 28 sports. The Russian team is very likely to be successful in achieving the one of the upper positions in the competitions… The national team comprises 470 athletes.

Gennady Shvetz, Head of the Press-Service of the Russian Olympic Committee, commented, “Reserve players, coaches, massage therapists, and officials will accompany our national team to China. The Russian team is one of the most numerous at the Beijing Olympics. Russian athletes will take part in 28 competitions (out of 32). Taking into consideration Russia’s recent sports victories, we may expect gold medals in boxing, free-style and Greco-Roman wrestling, in artistic gymnastics, and in most team sports. Experts say the teams of Russia, the US, and China will be the main competitors”.

A few weeks left before the start of the Games, Russian athletes will train in Irkutsk, Chita, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok to adjust to the different climate conditions. The national team will be seen off during a solemn ceremony in the Kremlin, where President Dmitri Medvedev is expected to deliver a speech. Mr Shvets continued, “The country’s top officials traditionally attend the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies. This time, Russian Premier Vladimir Putin will head the Russian delegation of supporters”. The Russian Olympic Committee gave 26,000 tickets to Russian fans, who are ready to provide active support to our athletes in Beijing. 

22 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29986&cid=63&p=22.07.2008 (in English)

Morihiro Ivata, Japanese-born dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow

The Japanese-born ballet star, Morihiro Ivata, is the first full-time foreign dancer in the history of the Bolshoi ballet company. After 18 years in Russia, he sees the country as his home, and, this summer, Moscow audiences saw his début as a choreographer. By the time he joined the Bolshoi company 12 years ago, Morihiro Ivata graduated from the Moscow School of Choreography and the choreography department of the Russian Theatrical Academy, and he danced lead parts with the Russian Ballet Theatre. Born in Yokohama, Morihiro Ivata is now well-rooted in Moscow, where he made his career and has a family, his wife Olga, also a ballet dancer, and two daughters. His compatriots see him as very-Russified, something all his friends in Moscow fully agree with, saying that he has soaked up the Russian mentality.

Indeed, in an exclusive interview with Voice of Russia, Morihiro Ivata reflected, in the first place, on Russia, Russian culture, and Russian ballet. “Classical ballet is one of the most valuable treasures of Russian culture. Russian classical ballet differs from other national ballets by its strong tradition, which was inspired by the masters and is passed from generation to generation. This masterful art makes people happy. Ballet in Russia receives substantial support from the state, and this is a great advantage because classical ballet needs a lot of investment for further development and is doomed to die without financial backing from the government. The Russian authorities are fully aware of that, that’s why Russian ballet art is flourishing and is popular all over the world”. 

Morihiro Ivata has good reason to regard himself as Japanese with Russian cultural roots. His parents learned from Moscow teachers at the Pyotr Chaikovsky Ballet School in Tokyo. His father, mother, and sister went on to set up their own school of ballet, a family business, and young Morihiro learned dancing using Russian methods at an early age. He is now using this method to teach a ballet school at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow. One of his students entered the Moscow Academy of Choreography and the most gifted graduated from the Academy and is dancing with the Moskva Ballet. Who knows, they might choose to follow in their teacher’s footsteps and settle in Russia. 

Morihiro Ivata enjoys huge popularity on Russian Internet blogs, where he is often the hit of the discussions. Morihiro has fans far and wide, from Moscow to Perm in the Urals, where he won the Grand-Prix of the all-Russian (!) Competition of Ballet Dancers 16 years ago and choreographed the ballet Virtual Lady last spring. At a Moscow gala that closed this season, he débuted as a choreographer of ballets in the Japanese tradition. There can be no doubt then that high art does obliterate borders. 

23 July 2008

Olga Bugrova

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29991&cid=62&p=22.07.2008 (in English)