August 17 2010
Storms, Heatwaves and Fires Continue to Hit Russia
Severe thunderstorms have hit Russia as a heatwave and fires continue to torment the Moscow region.
Severe hurricane hits Russia after deadly heatwave – Youtube.
Severe thunderstorms have hit Russia as a heatwave and fires continue to torment the Moscow region.
Severe hurricane hits Russia after deadly heatwave – Youtube.
Cirque du Soleil founder, Guy Laliberte, became the 7th space tourist to be launched into space aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. As the US Space Shuttle nears the end of its working life, the Russian Soyuz rockets will be working overtime, that means Guy Laliberte may be one of the last space tourists for a while. Here are photos and video from NASA as well as an RT report from the launch.
Soyuz rocket launches into space LIVE on RT
The Soyuz TMA-16 launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, carrying Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams, Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The Soyuz rocket is seen shortly after arrival to the launch pad Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz is scheduled to launch the crew of Expedition 21 and a spaceflight participant on Sept. 30, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Russian security officers walk along the railroad tracks as the Soyuz rocket is rolled out to the launch pad Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz is scheduled to launch the crew of Expedition 21 and a spaceflight participant on Sept. 30, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Soyuz rocket is rolled out to the launch pad Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz is scheduled to launch the crew of Expedition 21 and a spaceflight participant on Sept. 30, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The controversial Okhta Center has received approval from the St. Petersburg government to start construction. St. Petersburg governor, Valentina Matviyenko, signed a document allowing for an exemption to the long-standing rule that limits buildings in the St. Petersburg center to a height of 100 meters. The building, when completed, will be the tallest in Europe. Plans call for the tower to be finished in 2013.
Links:
Okhta Center official site
BBC: Architects reach for Russian sky
Inhabitant: Gazprom Tower Gets Green Light and Will Be Tallest Building in Europe
Wikipedia entry on the Okhta Tower
Every summer, the fluff from poplar trees floats around Moscow and other Russian cities, often covering the ground and giving the appearance of a recent snowfall. But where did all these poplar trees come from, and who is to blame? RT gives an interesting and entertaining insight into these pesky poplars in this report.
The Russian cartoon series “Smeshariki” is a huge success inside Russia, and now it has gone global. Here is more information from Russia Today.
Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the victory over Germany in World War II. In Russia, the war is known as the Great Patriotic War, and May 9th is still one of the biggest holidays of the year. Russia today has English language coverage of this morning’s Victory Day parade on Red Square. Watch the full video with English commentary and read about the event on the Russia Today website.
Military parade on Red Square – full version (68 min)
Update: Russia Today has posted a lot of great video covering this year’s Victory Day and the history of the Great Patriotic War. Here are some highlights.
History of Great Patriotic War
Russia celebrates WW2 victory
U.S. uncertain about WW2 history
A Victory Day report from America with a Russian perspective.
More than 80 years after his death, Russians are still divided about the legacy of Vladimir Lenin. Last week saw the 138th anniversary of Lenin’s birth. In the past, his home town was renamed in his honor, but now there’s talk of returning the city’s original name. Here’s an interesting piece from Russia Today covering the controversy.
In a search for alternative energy sources, Russia and other countries are once again looking to the moon. Russia is planning a new set of flights to the moon and possibly even a moon base. This all sounds very similar to the Cold War space race, but this time it’s less of a race and at least some international cooperation is expected. Here’s a report on the subject from Russia Today.
Related articles: Soviet Cities on the Moon?, China and Russia to Explore Mars Together, New Russian Space Shuttles
A baby mammoth was recently found in nearly perfect condition, frozen in the Russian permafrost. The mammoth was discovered by a reindeer breeder in the Yamalo-Nenetsk region. The mammoth has been named “Lyuba” after the wife of the man who found her. Click here to view video of the mammoth from BBC.
Controversy continues over the skyscraper project proposed by Russian energy giant Gazprom. The project is a frequent topic for St. Petersburg newspapers and television. This video from Russia Today takes a look at the controversial plans to drastically change the St. Petersburg skyline.
