The Helikon is a Moscow opera theatre, an elegant, pastel-green mansion dating back to the 18th century in the very heart of the city. As might be expected of an opera house, it exudes dignity and grandeur – or at least it did until it was covered up in green tarpaulin, and major renovation work started. It is these renovations that have made the theatre the centre of a bitter battle that has divided the Russian capital's artistic community and led the two sides to accuse each other of being vandals and extremists.


After a changing of the guard in Moscow's political scene, the row over the reconstruction has suddenly become a political and cultural test for the city's aesthetes – as well as for its new mayor, who faces a decision that will shape his cultural agenda barely three months into the job.

On one side of the battle lines is the Helikon, a young dynamic opera company that is regarded as one of the best in Russia. On the other side is Arkhnadzor, a group of architectural preservationists who have often been seen as the lone voices of protest as some of Moscow's heritage has been destroyed in recent years.

The Helikon company had planned for years to renovate its theatre complex, adding a big stage to the tiny 200-seat theatre it had previously used. Work finally got underway on the project two years ago, but in September, the Kremlin fired Yuri Luzhkov, Moscow's controversial mayor of 18 years. Almost immediately, the interim government suspended the work along with other Luzhkov-era projects, saying it needed time to decide on the objections.

IDEA # 31

When you and your partner are in a shopping center or airport, stop at one of those booths that allow you to take an instant photo and print them out as stickers. Choose a romantic background and kiss your partner while the photo is being taken.

IDEA # 32

If your partner has voice mail at work or on her mobile, leave a message saying "Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you." She will appreciate this anytime but especially when she is going through a rough period.

One of the hardest things for most men to grasp is that the feminist cultural norms they were indoctrinated into are absolutely destructive towards their dream of having a happy marriage with a beautiful and traditional lady.

And the core factor which determines success or failure for them depends on which of the following paths they choose:

Hello, First I would like to compliment you on a great web site. My question to you is, I have been contacted by a Russian girl from my yahoo personals. I am not sure if she is for real. She has not asked for money, only my address and phone number. I only gave...

Well, I stumbled on this wonderful Natasha again, who I mentioned in a previous post.

Unfortunately, it was not so happy, this time she asked me for advice.

"The U.S. embassy rejected my application for a second visa to the United States."

"I'm very sorry to hear that Natasha .. What was their reason?"

"This is my last year at the university, and they just let the 2 nd and 3 rd year students in."

She looked at me with sad eyes and asked.

"What do I do now?"

"I do not know Natasha .. I do not know .."

As the weight of the severe restrictions on their future sank in..

I remembered reading the latest news about the latest push the U.S. government for the provision of more "amnesty" to millions of illegal immigrants from Mexico.

By some estimates 12 to 30 million illegally entered the United States over the past 30 years. And in addition to this there is a proposed program of guest workers, allowing them to work for up to 3 years, legally that ultimately only a phase transition for them to get a green card down the road.

Thus, while all this is happening to my friend Natasha was given only 1 trip to the U.S. for a period of 4 months and then closed it out back.

And this disparity just pissed me off because of the following realizations:

    * Here we have a bright young, traditional and beautiful Russian girl, who speaks perfect English and has studied it, and American culture for over 10 years.

    * At age 22, she already knows what she wants to get married, have children and work when she can earn extra income for themselves and their future family.

    * It does not violate U.S. law, to enter the country, and instead worked very hard to stick them in the first place to qualify for her first Visa.

    * She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity that it should have been in the U.S. compared with the previous summer, and dreamed of another visit.

    * There is a high probability that this young woman is intended to make an American man was very lucky guy, who will share their joy with other men, who frankly could use all the help they can get in finding a great woman.

    * If so, then someone like Natasha, of course, for his part in a dramatic reverse the downward trend in marriage that we see in the U.S..

    * But on top of it all ... It is natural enthusiasm and open girl who would like to share almost anything with it around her. It just kind of optimistic person, which will create numerous positive ripple with the people she meets, and it is incredibly valuable thing.

So basically my question is this ..

Why the hell are we not giving her and more Russian women like her in the U.S.?

This incredible girl is completely at the opposite end of the spectrum when you look at the thousands if not millions of illiterate illegal immigrants who are in the country. Illegals who all too often reduced anchor babies or trying to collect some form of state handouts from the larger system of public administration that loves the word "welfare".

Now I can not blame people for wanting to find a better life for themselves.

But I can certainly criticize the messed up priorities of our government in terms of who they are and who they let him stay away.

So, now I'm in a tough position because I care about this wonderful young lady, and I have no answer to it.

But I'll do what I can find.

I just came across this article from the New York Post about the stunning Russian supermodel Ruslana Korshunova name from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

MODEL SUICIDE
    KAZAKH BEAUTY transition to death in financial district
    JANE Melissa Kronfeld, T. DELIGIANNAKIS and Tom Liddy

    A stunning supermodel leaped from her swank apartment in the city for her death today in the apparent suicide, officials said.

If you read my previous stories about the meeting Inessa and her lovely family ..

You might recall that I was very impressed by the level of warmth and hospitality that I received from them when I arrived in Siberia.

In short, I was incredibly moved ..

I had a feeling that something special, as it had to happen, so I decided to be prepared.

Previously, before my arrival, I took it upon myself to take a collection of photos I Inessa was combined them into a collage for her and her mother.

I created a nice 8 x 10 glossy .. framed it nicely .. And then embellished it with some decent wrapping paper.

Hello beautiful Miss Kate.

Kate bright and "charming" young lady from Central Kazakshtan.

She enjoys learning English and has a great desire to use their knowledge and prepare for a future trip to Europe and the United States, that she often dreams about.

I met her last week in a friendly game of Texas Hold'em, which I was invited. She was there as a friend girl friend .. or something like that ..

Kate Major Sweetheart.

Her parents loved the previous image so that she asked me if it would be nice to make some more ..

"Oh .. yes .."

(How does she really need to twist my arm, right?)