Catching up on films:

2012-Is like biting into a plastic burger
Sex and the City 2-A gigantic commercial for Abu Dhabi

Number 1

For the first time in years Russian intellegensia has to stood up to the country's de facto number 1 Vladimir Putin. During a charity event in support of the children cancer foundation that took place in Putin's native Saint Petersburg a number of famous actors and musicians not only looked grim, sitting at the table with the PM, but did the unthinkable- spoke out. Musicians Yuri Shevchyk for a few minutes talked about the terrifying state that the country is in, the lack of basic freedoms and independent media, and asked if the opposition demonstration, planned for the 31st of May, will once again be repressed. The demonstration was organised to bring attention to article 31 of the Russian constitution which stands for the human rights, freedom of speech and expression. Putin, barely able to cover his contempt, responded with a number of ridiculous statements, abruptly cutting Yuri off every time he tried to say something. 'If people go on the demonstrations not for their own PR but to point out our sore problems, i welcome that' Putin said. At the end Yuri, very smartly, asked if he can say a toast in which he proposed to drink to the children and their future in a country that will be free and a country of goodness, kindness and light ,and not the country we live in today. Putin, noticing that the glasses are filled with water, said that the drink in front of us is the same as the toast that was said. He hated that conversation and it was visible.
During today's demonstration people were beaten and over a hundred were arrested.

Conclusions to date:
Putin is the country's number 1. As well as a monster.
Intellegensia has finally reached the boiling point.
Opposition will continue to be prosecuted.
Every time someone speaks out publicly on the true state of Russia, it is shocking.
Government controlled channels showed their own edited version of this conversation.

My personal belief is that the government does not believe the opposition can truly make people rise against the current state of things, because the Russian people are once again in a state of numbness and passive indifference.

A whole year without Oleg...

Time heals nothing.

Открытое обращение Союза жителей Кузбасса к Президенту, народу России и жителям Кузбасса

Открытое обращение Союза жителей Кузбасса к Президенту, народу России и жителям Кузбасса

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9th of May, 65 years on

At an event at the UN few weeks back i met this charming man Vladimir Edelman, who is a Vice President of the American Association of WW2 veterans. During the war he was a soldier of the Soviet Army and survived some of the most brutal battles near Moscow. When we met he was wearing his Soviet Army uniform, his chest on both sides covered in medals. There are also 2 red and 3 yellow stripes sewn on, which stand for 3 serious and 2 minor wounds. At his insistence we left the event together, I am more than happy to oblige this charismatic and fascinating man. As we walked down the 34th street a number of men, including some security guards, saluted Vladimir. Many stopped to take a closer look. He, so full of grace and dignity, simply smiled back. I was extremely proud to be walking to be walking in Central Manhattan with this man.

My sad thought is that today's Russia, the corrupt, vulgur, heartless place, is not worthy of the sacrifices made by the people in the Second World War.

Many have since said that it is surprising this article was published.

I do live with much pain and the sorrow of the injustices and the losses. Yet trying not to become bitter, angry or cynical. When a friend recently said i am an idealist I was actually glad. Because it is a constant struggle to preserve some light and purity in all that's happening.