Windows To Russia: Who Visits?

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and I told my Wife, I was not going to write today.

Well looks like I lied. (Sorry Sweetie)

I am cooking down apples and making apple sauce. So while I am doing that I am thinking of how many countries that I have missed on my post. Link, to the World: The other link to the World:

This is a very important subject to me. I find it exciting when a new country stops by. These are the countries in no certain order.

Russian Federation, United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, Romania, Bulgaria, France, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Taiwan, Philippines, Sweden, South Africa, Belgium, Finland, Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates, Norway, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Indonesia , Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, Greece, Switzerland, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Singapore, Egypt, Ireland, Denmark, Israel, Pakistan, Slovak Republic, Barbados, Austria, Belize, Kuwait, Czech Republic, Iran, Brazil, Jordan, Serbia and Montenegro, China, Panama, Ukraine, Cyprus, Croatia/Hrvatska, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, Senegal, Sudan, Palestinian Territories, Oman, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Mongolia, Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Morocco, Latvia, Lithuania, Kenya, Japan, Uruguay and Malta, Others!

76 countries including others, (I would like to know what other means).
When I started to track this we had 48 countries. So in one month we have really gained a lot. I am also proud of my Wife she has kept me on track with this project and we have not missed a single country!

Svet and I really appreciate everyone who stops by and has a look at the site. I will keep updating the site and we have a goal to have every country visit us.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

From Russia:

Hello,

Every so often I post Blogs that I consider a pretty good read. I am trying something new this time. I am taking a screen shot of their site and posting it. If you have a mind to, stop by and say hi to them. They really are a good read. Each one has a particular strength and it shows when you read the articles.
http://sebastians-soapbox.blogspot.com/
http://www.humabpost.com/
http://thesilverpeoplechronicle.blogspot.com/
http://kindliness.blogspot.com/
http://www.tsl8.blogspot.com/
http://abdoulayesadji.blogspot.com/

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Metro: Russian Subway!

(If you want to see pictures of Russian Metro - most beautiful subway system in the world, please, look at this article!)

Hello,

I have never talked about this subject, nor about the Metro in Russia. I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and was thinking about that my wife came home a little upset yesterday. Now Svet just does not get upset at the world, she is very calm and peaceful. So when she says that she saw something that upset her and she took pictures! I listened,(yes I actually listen).

So to help understand, lets look at the pictures first.
1st picture: Elder Babushka having to stand on metro.
2nd picture: First 3 of the 6 much younger men sitting and not offering their seat.
3rd picture: Second 3 of the 6 younger men in the same row.

As you can see they are trying to hide their faces and look the other way. Svet got a little bit peeved at this display of inconsideration.

In Russia, The children and elderly are to be given seats. The men and younger women should stand when possible. My wife says that she is a younger woman, so she will stand most times when Metro is crowded.

These men know that they should get up, but they really do not care! That is what upset my wife.

I thought about this this morning and decided to post an article about it.

I think that on public transport that men, if able should give their seat to older women(babushkas), children, Mothers and anyone else that seems to have problems standing. I was raised to be polite and considerate.

What makes this even more important is that young women in Russia will get up and give their seat to elderly and children much more than men.(That makes us men look really bad)

So are men becoming inconsiderate? Do you see this where you live?

Kyle

comments always welcome.
PS By this moment we have 3 big articles about Moscow Metro and it's history. Check them if you are interested:
1) Moscow Metro: Part 1 (What it is - Metro in Moscow)
2) Moscow Metro: Part 2 (History of Moscow Metro)
3) Moscow Metro: Part 3 (Beauty of Moscow Metro)
Kyle and Svet 16 February 2008

Russia: Day Of Moscow!

Hello,

I was thinking over my morning cup of coffee and was remembering what my wife said was going on this weekend.

Day Of Moscow! The first Sunday in September, this means lots of fun things going to be happening in Moscow this weekend. So my wife and I will be taking pictures of the happenings.

In preparation for this day, Moscow has painted all the trees along the sidewalks and along the roads. They are hanging flags all over the city. This is a big day for Russians in Moscow. My wife is excited and can't wait to use her new camera.

So this weekend is a huge festival and Muscovite's will be partying hardy. Many have already started! :))

So I will give you an update on Moscow day next week after I take some good pictures this weekend.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russia: Freedom!

Hello,

On my second cup of coffee today,(don't tell my Wife) I was thinking about freedom. The perception difference that countries have on freedom.

The USA says, freedom of press, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the Constitution protects freedom, these are just a few of the thinking's of Americans. The American feels that they are free, I felt that I was free when I lived in America. It is what I grew up with. It is what I fought for. It is what I believed. It is what I still believe! It is what works for America. The American has a lifelong set of rules that tell him what freedom is.

Russia has a different look at freedom, The Russian is really free. The Russian does not have a set of rules in his mind that defines freedom. They pretty much do what they want when they want. The mind of a Russian dislikes the rules and regulations that is pressed on them by society. This dislike extends all the way to the top of the Russian Federation. (I have noticed that Russia does not like the world telling them that they should follow these rules, to get these results.)

My Wife tries to explain to me what is freedom for Russians. Everyday that goes by I understand it a little more. We as people set what is freedom!

In America you know what makes you feel free, you know that you are free. You have a defined set of rules that tell you that you are free.

In Russia they have freedom, because they break the rules that say: "You are free!"

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Comments: Windows To Russia!

Hello,

I am drinking my morning cup of coffee. Today, I feel like this picture of the Bear.

Now I will tell you what I am thinking of today. I was thinking of a comment that was left for us yesterday. Now we get lots of very good comments, but the honesty in this one stood out. It was unexpected and from someone who has been reading our Blog but has never said anything.

This comment struck home with me and I saw that there is hope that our Blog might actually be a Blog that someone would like to read.

===================================
Comment:

"John said...

I don't always agree with you, but I see that you are objective in your
postings. Despite the differences I still enjoy reading your posts and I

often learn even when our viewpoints are different. :-)

27 August 2007 16:25

My Reply:

Kyle & Svet Keeton said...

Hey John,

Glad you left a message. I really like it when people will tell me what they think. I took your comment as a real compliment. I do not expect you to agree with everything I say. But I write what I see, good or Bad.

I believe as long as we are willing to learn, we always come out ahead in life.

I read many Blogs, that I do not agree in what they say. But I find that, like you. I learn, even when view points are different.

This Blog and I moving to Russia has opened my eyes. I use to be the typical American that had blinders on. I only saw one way the American way.

Now I believe in the USA and I fought for her in my past. But I have learned that the World is very large, and very small at the same time.

Thank You for stopping by. Sounds like you have read some of my Blog. That made my day, come back and let me know what you think of any article I have posted.

I am looking your Site over, as of now, I like what I see. I will let you know what I think.

Kyle Keeton "
====================================

I was thinking of this through out the night. I liked what this Man had to say! John is right, He does not have to agree with all I say. The fact that he learns from what he disagrees with, means he has an open mind. If the world would have more open minds we would have a better world!

It then struck me that all comments are just this special. Each comment, is from an individual that gives a little of them self. All these comments are what makes the Blog worth it.

By the way: I like his website, It is about vacations. The site was a very good read and there were many people who had posts on it.

I could not leave a comment on his site. So I am letting him know here that His site is good! :) link to his site:

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Kyle

comments always welcome.

White Birch: The National Tree Of Russia!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and thought to my self how many of you know that the National tree in Russia is the White Birch?

My path yesterday took me into a beautiful White Birch forest. It was peaceful and the breeze whispered through the leaves. I had my camera so I stopped and took a picture. The Russians Love their White Birch!

The Russians drink the sap from the Birch at certain times of the year. You can find the sap being sold along the byways. The trees also produce a fruit and these fruit have been once used as the major food of the Incas. I have never had the sap yet but my Wife says that it is delicious.

So this is the main tree in Russia. I can tell you that they are everywhere. When we take a trip the byways are lined with these trees.

I enjoyed my time amongst the talking Birch trees.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russia, They Shop Till They Drop!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and was thinking about Russians and Shopping!

Last night my Wife and I went to the local Walmart type store in Moscow. Ашан: pronounced Auchong, for Americans.

My wife took pictures with her new camera that we just bought her. (no one is safe any more) They are good pictures. It shows how Moscow, Russia people look. It shows the typical cigarette ads that are everywhere. It shows the volume of people that you find everywhere. It shows the two of the most favorite eating out places. It also shows the largest retail dealer in Russia.

That mass of humanity extends all the way to the back of the store. I know because we just left there.

Now I will not say we, because my Wife is petite in structure and she is Russian! So, she evades the attacking Babushkas with no problem. Not me, I am a big bear and ill trained at cart fighting. I was hit by no less than 100 shopping carts, I was pushed out of the way by the same 100 Babushkas. I also, made the mistake of venturing off alone and was trapped for 10 minutes by a wall of carts and Ladies speeding faster than a Nascar race on the street outside. I was not safe and I did not have my Wife to protect me. :))

I did an article months ago. Link: Babushkas!

A shopping trip to Aшан, is an experience you will never forget. I know that it is my favorite store and have fun when we go, beside I always get to eat at McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken, inside the mall. Yummy!

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Expat Blog: Online Expatriate Community!

Hello,

I wanted to tell you about the best Expat community.


The one Blog community that We feel is the best for Expats, is the Expat-Blog. Now an Expat is someone like me, an American living in Russia.

This is one of the best run Blogs and forums that I have found. If you are from one country but living in another country give it a try. (Even if you are not, still stop by.) You will find the community is friendly and inviting.

My Wife loves this community and thinks that I should only be signed up to Expat-Blog!

So if you want to go look at the site click on the Luggage Bag above! Or click right here: BLOG

You will not be sorry, the stories are fantastic.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Blame Me: For The Russian Weather!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and I was thinking about the weather.

I wrote an article not long ago, this article was about how nice the weather is in Russia. Much cooler and no humidity.

Well it looks like I jinxed the weather. It has been so hot, that you could fry eggs on the asphalt! The humidity is so high that the fish can swim in the air instead of the lakes and ponds!

You need to understand what this means in a city like Moscow. About 90 % of the city does not have air conditioning. The Flats have windows only on one side and they do not have screen doors, to help circulate air. The concept of fans is not a Russian concept. (though, I think my Wife is glad that we bought two fans)

So once again the weather is almost the same as what I left in Kentucky, USA. Hot, humid, and horrendous.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russia: Grass Carp is a Delicacy!

Hello,

I was drinking my cup of coffee and was thinking about the favorite Russian fish to eat. The Grass Carp!

In a grocery store in Russia you can go to the fresh fish area and you will find in many cases, live Grass Carp in a big tank. This fish is a delicacy to Russians.

When we go to the Village, we drive by hundreds of acres of Ponds or lakes as you will call them. The lakes are man made and they are full of Carp. These lakes were built 50 plus years ago in the era of the CCCP. Every lake has a guard shed, that people live in year around.

Now I know that most Americans are making faces at the thought that Grass Carp is the fish of choice. America loves its Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Bluegill, Trout, anything but Grass Carp!!!

But it makes sense: The Grass Carp is a fast growing, easy to care for fish. It can in a short time create a lot of food for the masses. So when introduced and farmed by the Soviet Union, It was the ideal fish. Besides the way Russians fix it, It Is Good!

Everyday that I live in Russia: I learn something new. Everyday that I am in Russia: I realize that just because I grew up doing things a certain way, does not mean that it is the only way!

Kyle

comments always welcome.

PS:
1st picture: Pond near the village.
2nd picture: Water being pumped to pond from river near by.
3rd picture: Village on the pond bank.
4th picture: Big pond on road to Village.
5th picture: Looks like a good place for Bass to me!!!

Russia: Doctors and Health Care!

Hello,

I was thinking and was not, having my cup of coffee (Grumble). I was at the doctors getting blood tests run. I was thinking about what health care costs me in Russia.

For 10,000 Rubles or 400 dollars, I get one years worth of health care. This includes, my Cardiologist, my regular Doctor, my Dentist, my Neurologist, and any lab work or any tests. (My Cardiologist in America Charged 500 dollars just to say "hi" too me.)

The health care that I am receiving is second to none in the USA. A little known fact to America is that in Russia, the Women are the Doctors not the Men. Another little known fact is that the Medical standards are very high in Russia.

I had to make a decision a year ago, as to which health care that I would purchase in Russia. I had a choice, I could sign up for an American Health Care unit in Moscow for 10,000 dollars (250,000 Rubles). Or I could pick a Russian health care service.

I picked, (after my Wife explained all services that all of them offered to me), one that cost 10,000 Rubles (400 dollars). I have never been sorry!

I am their, "American patient". That means, most likely the only American patient they have ever had and probably ever will have. They even like me. :)

My Wife asked me, "Are we going to sign up again for the same insurance"?

I thought for a couple of seconds, I thought about how nice the staff has treated me. I thought about the Doctors that have always cared. I thought about how much better I feel under their care. I thought about the 400 dollars that I pay. I thought about the fact that these ladies are not Doctors, because they want to get rich! They are Doctors, because they want to help people get well! My answer:

"Yes", I said.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russian: Railways reports Profits!

Hello,

This is probably as my wife says: "That is not an exciting type of article."

But to me it is great, I love trains of all types and in all countries. I watched the railroad system in America go down hill and take second place to the Trucking Industry. Now in Russia the Railroad system is King. The Railroad is why the road system is not very extensive in Russia. Russia has Railroad tracks all the way across the country but not roads. (or what you could call a road)

I will always love Trains, If we had the room in Russia we could build a scale model set, with all the trees, houses, bridges, and you name it!

How about you, Do you Love Trains?

Kyle

comments always welcome.

========================================

"Russian Railways said its net profit more than doubled in the first half of this year compared to the same period of 2006, to about RUR 25.32 billion (approx. $984m) under Russian accounting standards. Revenue was up 18.9 percent at RUR 469.1 billion (approx. $18.2bn).

Freight traffic climbed 19.2 percent to RUR 371.87 billion (approx. $14.5bn) from January to June 2007, long-distance passenger traffic was up 23.9 percent to RUR 45.491 billion (approx. $1.77bn), and local passenger traffic dropped 4.9 percent to RUR 10.167 billion (approx. $395m).

Russian Railways’ gross profit doubled to RUR 58.673 billion (approx. $2.3bn) in the first six months of this year, while pre-tax profit increased 1.7-fold to RUR 50.341 billion (approx. $1.96bn).

In 2006, Russian Railways’ net profit increased 2.6-fold to RUR 26.4 billion (approx. $1.03bn), under Russian accounting standards. Revenue was up 13.38 percent at RUR 848.9 billion (approx. $33bn).

Russian Railways is Russia’s largest transportation company, accounting for 39 percent of the country’s freight traffic (including pipeline transportation) and for more than 41 percent of passenger traffic. It is also one of the world’s largest transportation systems. Russian Railways’ authorized capital is worth RUR 1.5452 trillion, or over $50 billion. The company is wholly owned by the government."(RBC)

========================================
link to article:

Ukraine: Stone People!

Hello,

I was drinking my second cup of coffee and I thought about how old civilization is in this part of the world.

I really do not know how old it is, I was just thinking about it. :)

In our travels we came upon a sign that said turn here and go to Stone People. So we turned and saw the remains of a civilization that carved statues from sandstone. All I can show you is some of the statues and the big pile of sandstone that they used to carve figures from.

You hear about the whole world and how old the remains of man are in areas. Very little is said about how old are the people in Russia and surrounding areas. I can tell you that mankind is old, in these here parts.

Man has been carving statues in Ukraine and Russia, long before man was creating stone effigy's in the Americas.

Picture 1:, 2: @ 3: stone figures that have been found and moved to help preserve from theft and destruction.
Picture 4: My beautiful Wife on top of the sandstone used to carve from.
Picture 5: What we had to climb through to get to top of the sandstone mound.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russia: Her Traffic Cops!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and I came across this article that made me laugh until I had tears in my eyes, then I got serious about what happened.

You have to live in Russia and experience the Traffic Cops, to fully appreciate this article.

The typical driving Russian has a run in with these Traffic Cops on a regular bases. Then you fork out about 500 Rubles to keep the Traffic Cop happy and drive away.

I have a saying: "The traffic cop in Russia looks not for who is breaking the law, They look for who they can get money out of ." {We (my Wife and I) surprise many cops, with an old Volga and a American driving :)) }

Now on a serious note:

I wish I could have been at this scene, I would have helped the cop who was being beat up. (Osipov).

Why? The Traffic Cop, Osipov refused to bend the law. He should be commended for the action. I wonder why the other Traffic Cop with him did not help him fight the Senior Police Officer?

Many unanswered questions.

One thing I will say, The average Traffic Cop in Russia is changing. He is become more respected by me as I live here longer. I have seen a change in the Traffic Cop. I hope the change continues.

=============================================

(The Moscow Times)
The article:

A senior police officer who caused a crash by veering into oncoming traffic in southern Moscow beat up a traffic policeman who refused to overlook the violation.

Prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry into the incident, which, Interfax sources said, left the traffic policeman hospitalized with facial injuries and a concussion.

The assailant, Alexei Shornikov, is a senior lieutenant of the Central Federal District branch of the Interior Ministry, the Southwest Administrative District Prosecutor's Office said in a statement. Calls to the branch went unanswered Thursday.

The incident took place Wednesday afternoon when traffic police were alerted to an accident on Ulitsa Miklukho-Maklaya in southern Moscow.

Two traffic policemen -- identified by the prosecutor's office as A. Osipov and Y. Kamyshnikov -- arrived at the scene and asked Shornikov for his license to drive his Mercedes. Interfax reported that Shornikov had steered into oncoming traffic and hit a GAZel van.

Shornikov refused to show his documents and tried to persuade Osipov not to register the accident, which would have resulted in his license being suspended for one year. Osipov refused, and Shornikov attacked him.

Osipov was admitted to the Botkinskaya Hospital with a concussion and facial injuries. Shornikov was detained and taken to the prosecutor's office.

If tried and convicted, Shornikov faces up to five years in prison for assaulting an officer."

=============================================

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russian Tunnel: What A Great Idea!

Russia has a proposition for the USA. Russia has the plans drawn up for the longest tunnel in the world a whopping 64 miles long. To be built in the Bering Strait, between Russia and Alaska. Not for the faint of heart, the tunnel will take from 10-15 years to build at a cost of $10-12 billion.

It's a Russian plan, and they'll be presenting their project to the U.S. approval to connect to Alaska. The tunnel will be huge, it will containing a highway, railroad, and pipeline for transporting oil.

I feel that this is a very important issue. If the USA wants to better the relationship with Russia then this is one way to realize future harmony with Russia.

The interesting fact is, that with the completion of this tunnel, you could literally drive around the world by car!

Now we just need a tunnel to Australia! :)))

What do you think?

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Another Old Soviet Playground!!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee. I was thinking about the trip that my Wife and I made to Ukraine and Moldova. I was thinking about the little playground we found in a tiny Village. they had the neatest little Fair type rides. The rides were permanently attached.
This was (as I could tell) from the Soviet Union Days and had been kept in good shape.

I wish my town when I grew up had a playground like this.

My Wife loved it and made sure that I took pictures of this beautiful Playground. I am glad She did now, I can look back and remember the look in her eyes as they sparkled with joy.

link to first SovietPlayground:

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

The Countries That Visit: Windows To Russia!

Hello,
(This is an update Post, We are really proud of the countries that come to visit us at, Windows to Russia. We want you to know that all are welcome to see a touch of Russia you may not know about!!)

Link: To Previous Article.

I was having my morning cup of coffee. I got thinking about the new program I got that tells me what counties visit me. It is not fool proof, because I get a listing called others. So that means that I am not getting all countries. If I have left out your country and you have been to Windows to Russia, then leave me a comment and I will add your country.

Russian Federation, United States of America, Australia, India, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Germany, Romania, Philippines, Turkey, New Zealand, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Israel, Italy, Bulgaria, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, South Africa, Vietnam, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Norway, Finland, Kuwait, Brazil, Slovak Republic, Singapore, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Poland, Northern Mariana Islands, Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Korea, Iran, Switzerland, Barbados, Croatia/Hrvatska, Greece, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Cyprus.
(48 Counties and 3704 separate sites)
========================================
I will keep adding the new additions as they come in:
New Additions: Denmark, Egypt, Oman, Latvia, Panama, Jordan, Palestinian Territories, Mexico, Sudan, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro, Lithuania, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Senegal, Morocco, Brazil, Taiwan, Venezuela, Belize, Columbia, Mongolia, :)))
(73 Countries and climbing)
========================================
This is really neat, We care about who visits and when We see a new county show up, We look up the country in a encyclopedia and see what they are all about.

We want everyone to know that We appreciate all visitors and wish you to come back to keep updated.

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

Ukraine: This is a Ukraine Squirrel!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and was remembering the pictures that I took of one crazy looking Squirrel. A Ukraine Squirrel.

Now in America you have Squirrels, but they do not have these ears. This is one wild looking Squirrel.

Just thought I would share this with you.

Don't you wish that you had a Squirrel like this?

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Crimea: Village Nestled Near The Mountains!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and I thought maybe you would like to see a large village. With half unfinished homes. These homes basically have been left unfinished from the Soviet Era.

The Village is located in The Crimea . The Crimea, is the most fantastic place to visit in the World. It was a true treasure of the Soviet union.

Many of these homes have people living in them. Some it is very obvious that no one has worked on them in a long time.

I treasured the chance to go through these homes and my Wife was a good sport, She climbed in and out of windows and crossed ditches and climbed walls with me to have a look at these treasures.

The one picture that has my Wife looking out the window of a half finished home is my favorite: The Village nestled at the foot of the mountains!

One day I will get to live in a Village:

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russia: Train Derails from Bomb Blast!

Casualty count in Russia train wreck up to almost 30

Published:

08.14.07, 01:43 / Israel News

An emergency official said at least 27 people were injured, three of them critically, after an explosion derailed a dozen cars on a Russian passenger train traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg late Monday. Original estimates reported ten casualties.

The derailment occurred around 9:30 pm local time, near the city of Novgorod, about 500 kilometers (300 miles) northwest of Moscow. (AP)

Hello,

The Russians were lucky on this one, Could have been much worse, Now they just need to find who did this and give them some Russian Justice.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russian: Church Rising From The Ruins!

Hello,

In the Village that we go to: There is a church that I have mentioned that is being rebuilt. I was skeptical at first but I see that the church is really being rebuilt. It is a slow process and moving 50 years of rubble is not easy.

The church holds service once a week now and the village people are ecstatic. The fact that God is coming back to their Village gives them hope.

The Church that was there was blown up during the Revolution Time. I think many felt that God left them.

I am glad to see that God did not forget this little Village called: Sunrise To Freedom!

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

From Russia: To Sebastian!

Hello,

My Wife came to me and gave me this link: http://junglebook2007.narod.ru/Sebastian2.html

She was acting very strange, very unlike her. So after I looked at the link, I decided to share with the World, the web page that my Wife made.

It is Sebastians Birthday on the August 14th and Svet kinda likes Sebastian a little bit :))).

This is Sebastians Website: http://sebastians-soapbox.blogspot.com/

Kyle

comments definitely needed on this post.

Windows To Russia: Bear Loves All Countries!

Hello,

I was having my morning cup of coffee. I got thinking about the new program I got that tells me what counties visit me. It is not fool proof, because I get a listing called others. So that means that I am not getting all countries. If I have left out your country and you have been to Windows to Russia, then leave me a comment and I will add your country.

Russian Federation, United States of America, Australia, India, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Germany, Romania, Philippines, Turkey, New Zealand, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Israel, Italy, Bulgaria, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, South Africa, Vietnam, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Norway, Finland, Kuwait, Brazil, Slovak Republic, Singapore, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Poland, Northern Mariana Islands, Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Korea, Iran, Switzerland, Barbados, Croatia/Hrvatska, Greece, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Cyprus.
(48 Counties and 3704 separate sites)

This is only what I have after about a week and a half of stats. I hope the lists grows to all countries in the World.

I will keep adding the new additions as they come in:
New Additions: Denmark, Egypt, Oman, Latvia, Panama, Jordan, Palestinian Territories, :)))
(55 Countries and climbing)

This is really neat, I care about who visits and when I see a new county show up, I look up the country in a encyclopedia and see what they are all about.

I want everyone to know that I appreciate all visitors and wish you to come back to keep updated.

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

Georgia: Playing Games With Russia?

Hello,

I was drinking my cup of coffee today and heard a report about a missile falling to earth in Georgia. It never exploded!

So, if you want my two Rubles worth, The Georgians are full of Bologna! You really think that the missile would not have gone off?

Also the USA has to stick their nose into the situation and say, "A U.S. official familiar with the case says the Georgians' evidence is credible and that there is no evidence to support the Russians' story." Here we go again, The unsaid USA official, solves all problems. (I know that it makes me feel better.)

========================================
article:
New Tensions Arise Among Neighbors
The Washington Post

On Monday, a missile crashed into the ground near a village in Georgia. The weapon failed to detonate, but the event has nevertheless sparked new tensions between the small, democratic country and Russia, its former overlord to the north.

Details are still emerging, but the Georgian government says radar records prove that a Russian Su-24 jet entered Georgian airspace from the northeast, dropped the missile and then returned home. Georgian officials also claim that the recovered weapon was a Russian anti-radar missile designed for use with the Su-24, an aircraft not in Georgia's arsenal.

There is speculation that the target was a nearby Georgian radar installation. Moscow has insisted that the Georgians attacked themselves -- a Kremlin defense that has become unsettlingly familiar and no more convincing. A U.S. official familiar with the case says the Georgians' evidence is credible and that there is no evidence to support the Russians' story.

The missile incident resembles in a disturbing way a March incident in which a missile was fired at a government building in Abkhazia, a small territory in northwestern Georgia that is home to pro-Russian rebels. Then, too, the evidence pointed to Russian aggression, but a United Nations report stopped short of blaming Russia -- probably because Moscow had to sign off on the document.


By violating Georgian sovereignty, the Kremlin may hope to bait Georgia into responding with force of its own near an already tense border.

Added conflict in the region could make Western governments nervous about Georgia's suitability to join NATO, membership being a key goal of pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili. So far, however, Georgia has wisely limited itself to releasing information and lodging diplomatic protests.

The United States and Europe should help Georgia bring the issue before the UN Security Council. And if, after a full vetting of the facts, it remains clear that the Russians are at fault, Georgia's aspirations for NATO membership should not be hampered. Indeed, stemming this sort of aggression is what NATO was set up to do.

This comment appeared as an editorial in The Washington Post.

========================================

What do you think, Russia shooting missles at Georgia? Georgia playing games?

Kyle

comments always welcome.

The Dollar Going Down! THUMP!

Dollar slumps vs. ruble to 8-year low:

Hello,

I have been communicating about this the last month. Well, The dollar has hit the eight year low against the Ruble. I hope that Russia can keep the slide at a controlled pace. If Russia can not then inflation could go sky high.

The dollar will continue to decline for 5 years until the Ruble and the Dollar are 1 to 1. Just like Canada and the USA are now.

That is my prediction, or as they say, My Two Rubles Worth.
==============================================

"During today’s special dollar trading session for tomorrow deals, the lowest deals were made at 25.34 RUR/USD. The last time such an unfavorable exchange rate for the US currency was registered occurred in the early fall of 1999, almost eight years ago.

On January 10, 2003, one US dollar officially bought the largest amount of rubles in Russia's history, i.e. RUR31.88. In other words, the US currency gained 26 percent against the Russian ruble in over a little less than three years.

However, since the beginning of January 2003 and up until today, a period of almost four and a half years, the exact opposite development has occurred. The ruble has strengthened against the US dollar by 26 percent, or almost by a third. Since the beginning of 2007, little more than a half year, the US currency has lost RUR1.27, or 5 percent.

At the same time, during the first seven months of 2006, the real effective ruble rate had strengthened by 3.9 percent,according to information released by the Central Bank of Russia. Only in July 2007 did the ruble manage to add as much as 0.6 percent. Since the beginning of 2007, the ruble's strengthening against the US dollar reached 6.1 percent, and against the Euro – 4.3 percent. The nominal ruble rate against foreign currencies dropped by 0.3 percent.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank’s head, Sergei Ignatyev, has made several statements that the bank’s forecast regarding the real effective ruble's strengthening would be no more than 4-5 percent by the end of 2007. It is worth mentioning that in 2006, it strengthened by 7.6 percent."(RBC)

==============================================

Kyle

comments as always welcome.

Russian: Cars and Trucks!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and I thought maybe you would like to see Russian made cars and trucks.

Not what you would see in the USA. These were, home grown and they still make them today in Russia, like they made them yesterday in the USSR.

1st picture: Russian pickup truck.
2nd picture: Russian compact car. (Lada)
3rd picture: Russian van. (4X4)
4th picture: Russian Volga. (big car)

These are just some of the ones made. They are not the most modern looking cars. You will not see them running down the freeway in America. But they last on the byways of Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and any other country that is lucky enough to have them.

My favorite is the Volga and picture #4 is our Volga. We have many trips planned for her and China is one of those places that this Volga will travel.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Presidents of Russia and China to meet!

Hello,

"Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao twice in August, the republic's Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang told a press conference in Moscow today. The two leaders will meet in Chelyabinsk during joint anti-terrorism military exercises Peace Mission 2007 organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The second meeting will take place in Bishkek during SCO's summit." (RBC)

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

ONE HUNDRED POSTS!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and I realized that I have done a hundred posts.

So today all I am going to post, is the best (10) ten of the 100 Posts.

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/05/sunrise-to-freedom-russian-village.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/05/old-soviet-union-cccp.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/06/moldova.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/06/1908-video-of-moscow-russia-from.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/06/who-wants-to-be-president.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/07/weather-whispers.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/07/queue-of-russia.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/07/old-soviet-playground.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/07/paths-russian-tradition.html

http://kylekeeton.com/2007/08/russian-watermelons.html

Now this is just my opinion and is based only on posts related to Russia, not on any personal posts of mine like family. (The grand baby, Svet, and Sweetie posts would be my favorite). :)))

I am taking off today and let my posting fingers, take a break!

Kyle Keeton

comments always welcome.

Russian: Dentist, root canal time!

Hello,

My Wife took these pictures of me having a root canal done and being fitted with a gold cap on one of my Molars. These pictures were taken without my knowledge, but I am glad she did. They give me an excuse to write about Dental cost in Russia compared to America.

1st thing: No Dental work is fun!
2nd thing: Dentists in Russia exactly the same as Dentist in America.
3rd thing: It helped that I could not understand half of what they say.
4th thing: Cost for Dental work in Russia one half of the cost in America. (Even in Moscow)
5th thing: If you do not want pictures taken of you being tortured, don't let your Wife go with you! :)))))))

The truth is that I got a root canal done, was fitted for a gold molar cap, with just 4 visits to the Dentist and got out the door alive for $400 and some change.

In America this would have cost $1000. (if you were lucky)

I want to say the Dentist was very very good. He was the best Dentist that I have ever been too.

Kyle
comments welcome as always.

Dove House: Nicer Than What Most People Live In!

Hello,

I was walking to day, (I must walk, because of heart attacks). So I now take my camera. This time I went a different way and stumbled upon a beautiful Dove House. Now I have talked about this before in this link: DOVES.

I would live in this house, This was a beautiful,well built and solid home. The Doves living in this place are treated like Royalty.

If You believe in Reincarnation, then coming back as a Dove in Russia would not be a bad life!

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

The Russian Ruble!

Hello,

This is a chart of what the Russian Ruble is worth against the dollar for the past 30 days.

Because of the drop in value of the Dollar, Russia is struggling with controlling inflation.

The Ruble is so much stronger than it shows. The Government of Russia forces the controlled devaluation of the Dollar. To keep the Dollar from collapsing.

Just showing facts, you have to make your own decisions.

Kyle
comments always welcome.

Russia: Plants flag under Santa's Home!

Hello,

I was drinking my morning cup of coffee and decided to see what was up with Russia and the North Pole.

Well it seems that Russia has without a doubt planted a flag under Santa's house. Now Russia lays claim to all the mineral rights that Santa has been keeping for himself. (Now you know how Santa makes all those presents).

I think that this is neat, But now we see what the other countries do. Who will be next to plant a flag and claim their chunk of the North Pole? (link)

I guess, USA or Canada!

Even though Canada is talking trash about the expedition from Russia. Canada is saying that the "Russians are 15th Century" acting.

At least the Russians are doing something different to irate the World!!!

There has not been a good competition to the unknown in a long time. Canada is just jealous that they did not do it first.

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

Americans! Russians!

Hello,

I was thinking as I was drinking my morning cup of coffee, (Yes, I only think when I drink coffee).

I was thinking about friends. Friends in America and new friends in Russia.

The Friends I had in America, are gone! They are too busy to stop long enough to say Hi! That is America. If you are not standing right in front of their nose, they forget you are alive. Oh, They stop to watch TV, drink beer, eat BBQ, surf the Internet, and go to Football games. But they don't take time to write emails, smell the roses, look at the sky, hug their kid and about a thousand other things. In America the job and push of everyday life is first! I have come to discover that life is not, Job, Football, Apple Pie and Chevrolet. I have discovered that life is not, 16 hour work days, take work home, miss your kids recital and never kiss your Family! I realize that not all Americans fall into this category. But I know as fact, that the Middle Class of America falls into this category.

I was the classic Middle Class American!!!!

Now the friend in Russia, will call everyday, will give all their food to you (when you visit), will not put his job over friendship or family, buys flowers for any occasion, has one kid and spoils that kid to no end and might work 16 hours in one week. In Russia they think life is, Tea time, break time, discussion time, walking time, chatting time and coming up with a good excuse not to work time! The Russian takes time for what they want to do, not what the world thinks they should do!

It dawned on me today: The American worries about what people think about them, The Russian could care less what people think about them!

Kyle
comments always welcome.

Russian Public School!

Hello,

I took my dog Boza for a walk and came upon a school. I thought you just might want to see a public school in Russia.

Sometimes I feel that I am in the days of my childhood. I went to a school just like this.

Except these halls echo Russian language, not English.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russian Thoughts!

I call these reflecting thoughts!

Hello,

I was drinking my early morning cup of coffee. I was thinking about several things. First I was thinking about the difference in weather right now, between where I lived in Kentucky, USA and Moscow, Russia.

Many times at the peak of the seasons the two are very are close in weather. It is the switching season times that are so different.

In Moscow, the Fall is here. No Indian Summer as we call it in the USA. The temperature has already made the people wear coats day and night. The rains are constant, everyday it rains 2 to 3 hours. The Watermelons are in season a month behind what I remember in the USA. Everything is off pattern for me. So at times my senses are messed up. I use to be able to tell time by looking at the sun or moon, Not now!

Next, I was thinking about that in a few months will be my one year anniversary in Russia. So I am working on paper work to get my Visa renewed. This is always a fun process in any country and Russia is no different. The bureaucratic paper work is incredible.

Last but not least, I want to get a really nice camera. I have found that I enjoy taking pictures. The camera I have (canon power shot) is wonderful for everyday shootings. What I want to be able to do is get the great close ups and catch that Hedgehog from a long way away.(So he does not cuss at me, in Russian) I am not sure what camera to get and my Wife discusses and I grumble over what to get. :))

I do have other things I think of, like what to post in my Weblog, do I need a new Van, how to lay parquet floor in a Flat and trying to remember how to hang wallpaper.

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Death Penalty!

I think that China is serious about getting things under control with their export business! What do you think?

"Death penalty for China official

China has sentenced the former head of the State Food and Drug Administration to death after he was convicted of corruption, state media has reported.

Zheng Xiaoyu was convicted on charges of taking bribes and of dereliction of duty, Xinhua news agency reported.

The sentence is unusually harsh for a senior figure, but Zheng could have his sentence reduced to life on appeal.

The verdict came as the government announced plans for the first ever recall system of unsafe food products.

Beijing has been under pressure to act over increasing concern both at home and abroad about the poor standards of Chinese-produced food and medicines.

Name poisoned

State television showed footage of a grey-haired Zheng - who was expelled from the Communist Party earlier this year - appearing in court in Beijing flanked by police officers.

He had been accused by an official investigation last month of accepting more than 6.5m yuan ($850,000) in bribes to approve hundreds of drugs.

One company, Kongliyuan Group, allegedly paid Zheng bribes in return for approving 277 drugs, mostly antibiotics.

Zheng's former secretary, Cao Wenzhuang, also faced trial, accused of accepting bribes.

Thirty-one other people were also alleged to have been involved in the scandal, including Zheng's wife, Liu Naixue, and his son, Zheng Hairong.

Following Zheng's sacking in 2005, the Chinese government announced a review of about 170,000 medical licences that were awarded during his tenure at the agency.

Dozens of people have died in China because of poor quality or fake drugs.

Last year, a sub-standard antibiotic, Xinfu, which was not properly sterilised, caused the deaths of 11 people.

Thirteen babies died of malnutrition in 2005 after being fed powdered milk that contained no nutritional value.

The Chinese government recently announced an urgent review of industry food standards after public alarm over a recent spate of cases.

US inspectors blamed exported Chinese pet food ingredients, contaminated with melamine, for the deaths of cats and dogs in North America.

And they recently halted shipments of toothpaste from China to investigate reports that they may be contaminated with toxic chemicals.

On Tuesday, as Zheng was sentenced, the government said a new recall process targeting "potentially dangerous and unapproved food products" would be brought in by the end of the year.

"All domestic and foreign food producers and distributors will be obliged to follow the system," Wu Jianping, of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, was quoted as saying."(Xinhua news agency)

They don't play around, do they!

Update: The Chinese have executed Zheng! Not much of an appeal process in China. Word of warning, do not mess up in business in China. (like taking bribes). Could lose your head over it.

Kyle

comments welcome as always.

Russian's Claim To The North Pole!

Hello,

It seems that I have posted about this earlier in my Blog. This is going to be interesting to see what decisions come out of Russia's actions.

"Russian explorers have planted their country's flag on the seabed 4,200m (14,000ft) below the North Pole to further Moscow's claims to the Arctic." (Moscow Times)

link:
http://kylekeeton.com/2007/07/russia-north-pole-ice-station-zebra.html

I think that this is cool, Go, any country that can lay claim to uncharted territory.

America got the Moon but Russia got Santa Clauses home.(at least under it!) Now we are going to have to call him Grand Dad Frost, just like the Russians do. :))))

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Soviet Union: CCCP!

Except for the Russian signs this could be Americans standing there, with all their strollers!


Hello,

I found this link today. If it was not for the Russian words, I would have thought that I was looking at pictures of my growing up in America. These are great pictures and someone went to allot of trouble to put them all together. The site is in Russian, but do not let that stop you. The pictures are worth their weight in gold.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO 100 SOVIET PHOTOS!

I keep saying: "Small World we live in."

There, I just said it again. :))

Kyle Keeton

comments always welcome.

The American Dollar! $$$$

	USD cash	14:40	25.437	25.529
	EUR cash	14:40	34.938	35.102
	USD/TOD_UTS	13:59	25.607	25.6075
	EUR/USD	14:35	1.3663	1.3668
			mean.	chan.
	USD CB RF	03/08	25.5945	-0.0063
	EUR CB RF	03/08	34.9774	0.0246
	DJIA	01/08	13362.37	1.14%
	NASD	01/08	2553.87	0.30%
	RTS	14:28	1951.49	0.26%
	Spb Brent Oil	09/12	56.69	1.65%
	IPE Brent Oil	14:33	74.5	-1.13%
	Meteo	02/08	13 ...15	Moscow

14:52 02/08/2007	customize

Hello,

I look at charts like this all the time. I try to study in my own way the value of the dollar against other world currency's. I am not a finance person but I see things that bother me. I see the eroding value of the dollar against the Ruble and the Euro. I also see that the Canadian dollar is almost equal to the American dollar.

So in my simple Bear mind, I think that the American dollar is going for a big fall. It is at mid 1970's levels now. (against other currency's of the times)

Maybe I should think about other types of investments?

Kyle

comments always welcome.

Russian Watermelons!

Hello,

Once again I was having my morning cup of coffee and I was thinking of watermelons.

They come to mind because on the way back from our trip this weekend, We saw watermelon trucks. Actually we passed, followed, cussed at, yelled at, fell asleep waiting for, and got run over by, watermelon trucks.

I have never seen so many trucks full of watermelons. Beer trucks, furniture trucks, yogurt trucks, trailers being towed by trucks and even baby food trucks. All were stuffed with watermelons.

Being that Moscow has 10 million people waiting for watermelons and those 10 million people, do not like squished and broken watermelons. The trucks went at a very slow speed. Like 20 Km per hour. that is 15 miles per hour for an American.

A Russian byway is busy, traffic will line up behind a train of watermelon trucks for about 5 Km. I said once in a article that Russian drivers hate to wait in traffic. So Russian drivers become deadly drivers. They do not care how they will get by this watermelon truck, but they will get by.

Now all problems would be solved, if the watermelon trucks would pull over and let traffic by. But you see the driver has to get these watermelons to Moscow, no matter how many people he kills!

So you have the idea, Russian Roulette!

The byway becomes a deadly game of chicken, who will pull over first as you go head on into each other! In Russia, Audi and Mercedes drivers seem to have the highest level of non intelligence.

God gave them money but he forgot to hand them their brains!

Kyle

comments always welcome.