Canada/ Russia World Juniors Gold Medal Game

How can you ignore the fact that Canada lost to Russia at the world juniors hockey game?? As terrible as an upset it was for Canada, here are some highlights from that game.

Interesting fact: The top two hockey players in the NHL are Russian and Canadian. Alex Ovechkin (Russia) and Sidney Crosby (Canada) are the two most well liked and top point placing players currently in the NHL.

Investigation into the Corruption of the Russian Government

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/medvedev-expands-corruption-fight/428839.html

I really liked this article because I found it linked nicely with the ending of my Soviet Union presentation. In the past, the government as always been known for being corrupt. The hiding/ stealing of money was a dominant issue as government officials took more than their allotted pay. Medvedev has now proven that the Russian government is truly becoming more democratic in their thinking; they have adopted the ideology as more than just a title. Medvedev wants to audit all government officials, particularly their income declarations.

Orphaned Russian Children

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/money-for-abandoned-kids/428550.html

This article from the Moscow times highlights the life orphans in Russia live. They recieve no income from their families and up till this point, they recieved no income from the state either. Historically in the Soviet Union, orphans were given compensation because they were the future of the country. President Medvedev plans to reinstall this belief in that all children are important but unlike the ideology of the Soviet Union, they should be able to provide for themselves.

Youtube video of the Soviet Union

Here is a funny video about life in the Soviet Union. It focuses on the working class...it is funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTFG3J1CP8

Music Has No Borders

Russian musicians have been nominated for four Grammy Awards this year. The awards are presented by the American Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. This just shows how well recognized Russian classical music is. It bonds countries and all societies together even in times when Russia is struggling politically with the United States (NATO). Music has no boundaries.

They nominees are:
Marlinsky Theatre-Rodion Shchedrin's Opera, "The Enchanted Wanderer"
     Finalist in two categories: Best Opera, Best Work by a Contemporary Classical Composer
Mariss Jansons-conductor of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic
     Finalist: Best Classical Album, Best Orchestral Performance
James Mallinson-Producer of "The Enchanted Wanderer"
     Finalist: Producer of the Year in Classical Music


The grand prizes will be awarded in LA on February 13 2011. 


http://www.themoscowtimes.com/arts_n_ideas/article/mariinsky-is-grammy-nominated/425871.html

History of St. Petersburg

Founded in 1703 by Peter I (Peter the Great), it was Russia's capital for around 200 years until the end of the Russia revolution. Peter the Great was the Tsar of Russia from 1682-1725. He was credited with dragging Russia out of Medieval times. He centralized the government, created a navy and modernized the army. By the time of his death in 1725, Russia was the leading European power. He wanted to build St. Petersburg to be his European paradise. After conquering the Northern War with Sweden, Russia had access to the Baltic coast which therefore made St. Petersburg one of Europe's major sea ports. Being a man who appreciated physical labour, he wanted to showcase the quality of craftsmanship the Russian workers had to offer. Palaces of the grandest scale were built for all to see, especially to show sailors traveling from over countries just how wealthy and powerful the Russian empire truly was. 

Until April 1914, St. Petersburg was one of the most stable cities in all of Russia. But in 1914 after World War I, the Russian people found its name too "German" as Russia and Germany were now enemies. St. Petersburg would now be known as Petrograd. All efforts changed from building up the city to industries to aid war efforts, particularly military ammunition factories and hospitals. The war didn't go so well for Russia though. Their government was collapsing, political tensions were rising and there was a massive food shortage in the capital.  

In 1918, Lenin proposed that the capital be moved to Moscow because the German army was advancing quickly and they were coming close to Petrograd. The population also dropped from 2.3 million people to 722 thousand by the end of the Civil War. In 1924 once Lenin was fully in power, the name changed again to Leningrad to symbolize the transition to a socialist society. When Leningrad collapsed in 1941 (start of World War II), it was a devastating time for those who lived there. Germany had the city surrounded and for 900 days, people were unable to have access to food or any other necessities that lied outside of the cities borders. 

After the war, Leningrad was restored to its former beauty. The 70's and 80's were a period of stability for the Soviet Union but at the collapse of the Soviet Union, hardship became prevalent again. But with all this change, the city was given back its former name, St. Petersburg. Economically, St. Petersburg is still far behind Moscow but they were making a slow and steady recovery. The younger generations are starting to restore St. Petersburg to its glory in hopes to attract more tourism which will help a faster economic recovery. 

Troubles with NATO??

Can Russia distinguish its enemies from its friends?? Read the article to find out how Russia is concerning its NATO allies. Can the past be coming back to haunt them?? 

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/11/30/russian-warheads-near-nato-allies-fuel-worry/