Общество

2009-05-07, 12:43

Voodoo magic gains more popularity because of decline of Christianity

There is apparently no place for pagan traditions in the 20th century, but this is far from being true. The examples are just near - there was a voodoo doll made after the prototype of the French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The French toy-maker organized the production of such exclusive souvenirs with the face of the French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Twenty thousand cardboard dolls with the face of the head of state came into the market with the pin set and the instruction for applying the voodoo magic. Nicolas Sarkozy began a legal action against the company, but all was in vain: the court of Paris considered the voodoo dolls to be "the manifestation of word and the French sense of humour" and did not honour the claim of the head of state.

2009-05-07, 09:37

Crisis of power or power of crisis?

The first weeks of March were dominated by the effects of the financial crisis as the Russian press struggled to gain a footing in how all the recent changes would affect the economic, political and social landscape. Another central topic was the first year of Dmitry Medvedev▓s presidency, and, indirectly set against the backdrop of the crisis, the new trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

2009-05-06, 16:51

Russia Extends Pork Ban to Britain

Russia has extended its import ban on live pigs and raw pork to include Britain because of fears about the spread of a deadly flu virus, the country`s chief veterinarian said Tuesday, drawing condemnation from the EU.

2009-05-06, 16:28

Medvedev Puts Foot Down on Gambling

Using uncharacteristically stern language, President Dmitry Medvedev told Federal Tax Service chief Mikhail Mokretsov on Tuesday that he would tolerate no delays in moving all gambling to special regional zones within two months.

2009-05-06, 16:27

Russia to start building naval pilot training center in 2010

Russia is planning to start construction of a naval pilot training facility on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia in 2010, the Kommersant business daily reported on Wednesday.

2009-05-05, 13:17

They need somebody

Growth in philanthropy in Russia in 2007-8 was among the highest in the world. But what has been the effect of the financial crisis? Will Russian charities disappear as quickly as they appeared? Experts say not. Private foundations will have to take a different approach, looking less to big business and more to individuals. Fundraisers have noted that private donations have not decreased, while contributions from big companies have.

2009-05-05, 12:08

It is Nice in the Far East

The next Russia-EU summit will be held in Khabarovsk, a city of unexpected wonders.

2009-05-05, 11:10

Russian theater denies shows canceled over ballerina`s mayor bid

An opera and ballet theater in south Russia dismissed on Tuesday Anastasia Volochkova`s allegations that it had canceled her contract over her failed bid to become Sochi mayor.

2009-05-04, 16:46

Tourist numbers to Moscow drop 19% in 1Q amid financial crisis

The number of foreign tourists visiting Moscow has dropped 19% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the same period last year as the financial crisis takes hold, the city`s tourist head said on Wednesday.

2009-05-04, 16:19

Swine flu vaccine may be available in 6 months - Russian expert

A Russian expert said on Tuesday a vaccine against swine flu that according to the latest reports has already killed more than 150 people in Mexico could be developed within six months.

2009-05-04, 16:15

Moscow spends some $6 million on Eurovision

Moscow has spent some 200 million rubles ($6 million) on organizing the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the capital May 10-16, Deputy Mayor Valery Vinogradov told journalists on Thursday.

2009-05-04, 13:10

Russia`s Kanaeva, Sesina grab all gold at World Cup gymnastics

Russia`s Yevgeniya Kanaeva and Vera Sesina took gold in all the four rhythmic gymnastics individual events at the 5th World Cup competition in Pesaro, Italy.

2009-05-04, 11:37

Russian police seize over 16 kg of heroin in southeast Urals

Police in Kurgan, in Russia`s southeast Urals, have seized more than 16 kilograms (35 lbs) of heroin from drug couriers, local prosecutors said on Monday.

2009-04-30, 14:18

Online gambling bill coming

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, said on Tuesday he would introduce a bill next week to overturn a three-year-old U.S. ban on Internet gambling.

2009-04-29, 11:16

Three charged in Russian rector `fake murder` case

Three people have been charged with planning to murder an academy rector, an investigation spokesman said on Wednesday as a complex and at times bizarre case neared its conclusion.

2009-04-29, 11:13

Medvedev gives go ahead for `curfew` law for under 18s

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has approved a law that could see minors effectively barred from leaving their homes without being accompanied by an adult after 10:00 p.m., the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

2009-04-29, 09:59

Russian destroyer detains about 30 Somali pirates

Russia`s Admiral Panteleyev missile destroyer has detained a boat carrying 29 suspected pirates off the Somali coast, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

2009-04-28, 15:37

Yeti originates from mentally unbalanced individuals

he phenomenon that we call yeti or bigfoot today was for the first time covered in the press in 1954 when the Daily Mail journalists organized a mission to the Himalayas. Locals said there was some humanlike tousled being lounging about the mountains; they called the being "an abominable snowman". The quick-witted British journalists borrowed the name and translated it into English.

2009-04-28, 15:30

Russian man orders 100,000-dollar worth tree house for his son

The most expensive house in a tree will be built in Britain. An unidentified Russian oligarch ordered the three storeyed house for his son. The 100,000-dollar worth dream house will be shipped to Moscow in May, The Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph reports.