Robert Mocny the Director of the US Visit program stated that all foreign nationals departing from two airports in the United States will have have their finger prints and pictures taken. The pilot program will be launched in Atlanta Georgia and Detroit Michigan.

The procedure will become mandatory for everyone including USA citizens and foreigners from 2010 onward. American authorities say that the procedure will not make passengers stay at the airports any longer than normal.

The screening process will take up to 1.6 minutes US officials claim.

Until recently, fingerprints were taken only from foreigners holding US entry visas. They received special passport inlays indicating the dates of their stay in the country as a result of the procedure. Now the question is this BIG Brother going to far? It almost sounds like a science fiction movie.

“Once a visa is issued and tied with a biometric, and once a passport is issued and tied to a biometric, that passport or visa cannot be used by anybody else,” Mocny said. “There are tens of millions of lost or stolen passports that circulate the globe on the black market used by international criminals and terrorists. This (biometric verification) puts a stop to that,” Mocny said.

The holders of green cards and the US citizens holding biometric passports will have their prints taken too.

Many people from around the world feel this will bring more problems and harm the image of the USA. Are Americans simply misunderstood around the world?

Critics of the USA claim that Americans are militaristic arrogent bullies. What do you think?

Please email us you feedback and we may publish your comments.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Russian Defense spending will increase to 1.1 trillion rubles, or 8% said Sergey Ivanov - Vice Prime-Minister.

That is $365 billion USD, the United States of America spends $685 billion or 53% more per year than Russia does.

Russia is also starting to purchase military equipment from other countries, like France, and Israel. This will eliminate a monopoly that the Russian manufacturers have had for a very long time.
The Russian president Medvedev said “Russia would listen to the USA once the USA listened to Russia and he recently met with President Obama in New York city. I think the new missile defense plans will also be considered a threat by Russian leaders, the recent joy by Russian leaders may indeed be very short lived.

The following is from US Defense Secretary Robert Gates:

“In the first phase, to be completed by 2011, we will deploy proven, sea-based SM-3 interceptor missiles - weapons that are growing in capability - in the areas where we see the greatest threat to Europe,” Gates wrote in his essay.

“The second phase, which will become operational around 2015, will involve putting upgraded SM-3s on the ground in Southern and Central Europe. All told, every phase of this plan will include scores of SM-3 missiles, as opposed to the old plan of just 10 ground-based interceptors. This will be a far more effective defense should an enemy fire many missiles simultaneously - the kind of attack most likely to occur as Iran continues to build and deploy numerous short- and medium-range weapons,” he continued.

So we will see how this new plan plays out and how Russian leaders recact to it of the next several months. I think this will be a never ending story that will go on for a very long time.

Popularity: 8% [?]

When a person hears the word “Russia”, several stereotypes, controversial facts or rumors based on real and made-up events come to mind. These stereotypes, cultivated to a great extent by mass media, may even frighten foreigners. They may find Russia amazing and strange at the same time because a lot of things make their mind swell with questions and still remain incomprehensible. Some of these things may either frustrate or surprise you.

Russian culture is amazingly rich in history and tradition that’s why it has always been mysterious. It has a long history and tradition and Russians are very proud of it. When one attempts to search for answers to all the questions about Russia, he may be confronted with a lot of complexities. Russia is not behind the iron curtain anymore, nevertheless, people from other countries cannot fully understand the Russian means of living.

Russians consider themselves as a well-educated nation. They are fond of attending live performances at theatres: opera, musical, ballet, drama etc. Russian drinking traditions are very much of a cultural thing, and they drink with a reason. When a person drink and does not get drunk, he is respected. More friends will even respect you if you drink more and don’t get drunk while refusing to drink as much as the rest of the group is considered disrespect. Here are a few suggestions on how to get to know Russians in their own environment and avoid making the following social blunders:

- Conversing too loudly – it is important to keep your voice lower to a minimum either in a public place or at home. Unlike Americans, Russians dislike broadcasting their opinions for everyone else to hear. They prefer to be quiet, polite and not try to dominate a conversation.
- Smiling a lot: In contrary to the notion that everybody loves a nice, sunny smile, this is not applicable to Russians as they only smile when they feel there is a need to. They find constant smiling silly, but even though they do not smile as much as Americans do, they wish you well and are very kind.
- Dishonesty: Russians appreciate openness and value honesty.
- Making negative judgments: Never openly criticize. Think twice before making overly negative comments.
- Wearing your shoes inside the house: Take off your shoes in the entryway because most often, your hosts will have a set of slippers for you to wear during your visit. Furthermore, take off your coat in any building that has a coatroom which most building has.
- Expecting a Tour: Personal space is generally of great importance unlike Americans, who often greet guests by touring them around the house. Never venture off into areas of the house where you have not been invited. Russians are more secretive about their personal lives so, anticipate spending your time in the common areas of the house.
- Habitually making an apology: Only say “I’m sorry” when you’ve actually done something offensive.
- Talking Politics: Find other subjects to talk about aside from politics and avoid criticizing the Russian leadership. Avoid debates too. National pride is part of being a Russian.

Popularity: 10% [?]

The President of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has been hit by the suicide bomber who is riding in a Toyota Camry, packed with explosives, veer off his car and set a colossal blast. It killed one assistant and the president was sent to the hospital with critical condition but already stable. People who saw the incident said the bomber evaded his car around the president’s police escort and barged into the convoy before setting off his bang. The persons wounded include the president’s younger brother.

Since coming to the office last October, Yevkurov, 45, had tried to fill down anger in the region, said Alexander Cherkasov, who has worked considerably in Ingushetia for the human rights group Memorial. The president extended forgiveness to militants, met with human rights groups and insisted upon the participation of local police in military operations.

“He tried to limit violence against the civilian population and to put back together the split between society and authorities, to show that the authorities in Ingushetia are not against the society,” Cherkasov said. “In this sense, he was much more dangerous for the underground fighters than his ancestor.”

The incident has been considered a terrorist attack by Russian president Dmitry Medvedev
According to him, “The president has done much recently to bring order and ensure peace in the republic. Bandits do not like these efforts.” Fresh backups would be sent to Caucasus according to the Russian security services.

Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov said during his meeting with Medvedev that: “Today’s incident was an attempt to destabilize the situation. The militants threatened Yevkurov many times. This is their response.”

Moscow has appeared ready to downplay violence in the disgracefully twitchy republics along its southern border, which lie close to Sochi, host city to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The government confirmed an official end to counter-terrorism operations in Chechnya two months ago, where Russia bled through two brutal wars in the last two decades.

However, the solid drop of violence in Ingushetia, where about half a million people live caught up in poverty, corruption and prejudice, remains to challenge Moscow’s control of the region. Today’s attempt on Yevkurov’s life was the latest in the increasing run of attacks on government officials in Ingushetia, which has edged out Chechnya as the epicenter of separatist Muslim militias in the Russian Caucasus.

Analysts say a Kremlin-backed crackdown on Chechnya itself has fueled an overflow of fighters into neighboring republics, especially Ingushetia. Ramzan Kadyrov, a onetime rebel fighter who rose to become a Kremlin-backed strongman president in Chechnya, taunted Yevkurov’s killers.

He told reporters in Chechnya that: “They have shown their true colors, and they want to start chaos in Ingushetia, to set free an endless armed conflict and to seed fear and ambiguity in the souls of civilians.”

Earlier this month, a judge and a former prime minister were gunned down in separate attacks. A senior Ingush investigator also lost his leg in a bombing attack in a separate attack today.

Popularity: 9% [?]

President Obama said the following:

“My task was not to negotiate with the Russians,” President Obama “The Russians don’t make determinations about what our defense posture is.”

Why is President Obama making such a big deal about making this point? Why not cooporate with the Russian’s if possible?

President Obama said it is merely a bonus if the Russians are less paraniod about the USA. A new system will rely on a network of senors and interceptor missiles based on land, at sea and in the air. Many experts have stated that Obama’s decision may have in part been made in order to appease Russia and to gain Russian support on other important issues.
In the CBS interview taped Friday, Obama was pressed on why he did not seek anything in exchange from Russia.

President Obama’s reply:
“If the byproduct of it is that the Russians feel a little less paranoid and are now willing to work more effectively with us to deal with threats like ballistic missiles from Iran or nuclear development in Iran, you know, then that’s a bonus.”
Russia has already stated they will cancel a plan to deploy missiles near Poland since Obama decided to cancel the planned missle shield in Eastern Europe.

Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin said Obama’s move made the deployment of short-range missiles in the Kaliningrad region unnecessary, and he called the U.S. president’s decision a “victory of reason over ambitions.”

“Russia’s attitude and possible reaction played no part in my recommendation to the president on this issue,” Gates wrote in an essay in The New York Times. He said he would be surprised if Russia likes the replacement European missile defense plan much better than the old plan.

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said Israeli officials have assured him that they are not planning a military strike against Iran.
The Russian leader says that an attack on Iran would create a humanitarian disaster, a vast number of refugees, and a desire by Iran to take its revenge on Israel and several other countries.

He says that although Russia does not have a defense agreement with Iran, it would not be indifferent to such an attack.
President Obama’s decision to cancel an antimissile defense system in Eastern Europe earned strong support from Russian leaders on Saturday. The question is whether Russia will do more to help prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, who had repeatedly attacked the antimissile system as a grave danger to Russia’s security, called Mr. Obama’s decision “correct and brave.”

However neither Russian leader offered any immediate indication that Russia would make any specific concessions, especially on Iran, which has become a huge stumbling block in relations between the Russia and the USA. If Russia does not toughen its opposition to Iran’s nuclear program, President Obama may receive criticism that he yielded to Russian complaints on the antimissile plan but received little or nothing in return.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Not all flowers are “friendly” to people. Although it is a known fact that flowers have therapeutic magic in lifting one’s spirit, there are just some flowers that can be fatal to humans and animals. These kinds of flowers contain toxic substance that is considered harmful if inhaled or eaten. Animals, particularly cats and dogs, are the most prone victims of these “poisonous” flowers because animals do not think while eating. It should also be put into mind, however, that aside from animals, children (especially those in their early toddler years) are also susceptible to these “poisonous” flowers since kids have no control yet on the things they impulsively put into their mouths.

The following are some of the flowers considered by experts as poisonous or dangerous if consumed by humans and animals. It is important to know these kinds of flowers so that people will have an idea what flowers to avoid – especially on the thought that these are scientifically proven deadly.

1. Brugmansia

This is actually the tree that produces the flower known as Angel’s Trumpet. It is called Angel’s Trumpet because of its largely dramatic and trumpet look-alike petals. Brugmansia are just short trees (ranging from three to eleven meters in height). According to experts, all parts of the Brugmansia tree have toxic substance or poison that, if taken, is deadly among animals and human beings. Furthermore, it can cause mydriasis and anisocoria (both eye problems) if directly make contact with eyes.

2. Nightshade flowers

Also called Bittersweet Nightshade, this kind of flower is considered as wildflower since it grows on any ground and makes its way up towards trees that are high as eight feet. As the flower of a twisting and climbing vine, nightshade can be easily found in the forest or in the wilds. Accordingly, nightshades contain alkaloids, which make it poisonous. Also, the fruit of nightshades contains the most level of steroid alkaloid that, if taken, is toxic to humans and anamis. The most adverse effect of its poison is paralysis.
Two excellent flower delivery sites art wesleyberryflowers, he is an old family friend and my Mother really likes his flowers and another good site to send flowers is flowerdeliveryexpress, my wife prefers them over proflowers.

3. Poison Ivy flowers

Living up to its name, poison ivy flowers contain poisonous substance that can cause allergies to who have touched it or have inhaled its smoke if burned. Poison ivy flower ranges from color green to yellow and can easily be found in the shrubs and seacoasts. If one inhales the smoke of a burning poison ivy, it can be dangerous to the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. Hence, the best advice of getting rid of poison ivy plants is not by burning it, but by simply uprooting it. The poisonous substance found in poison ivy flowers is the yellowish oily substance uroshiol.

4. Lily of the Valley

Flowers of the lily of the valley plants are also said to have contained poisonous substance, which can lead to skin itchiness. Another wildflower, lily of the valley plants are usually found on the ground and its stem can reach as high as 30-cm. The flowers of the lily of the valley are colored white. Accordingly, if touched, one should wash his/her hands immediately in order to avoid skin itchiness and irritations.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Link to Michael Jackson Video

Will Michael Jackson’s Doctor be charged with any crime?

Many Attorney’s we ask about this say that the case may be weak and difficult to prove or formal charges would have been filed already. Also what about a civil case against Michael Jackson’s Doctor?

The fact that the officail report from the coroner states that the cause of death is homicide, would lead one to beleive someone needs to be charged for this homicide. Someone it seems must be responsible?

Even Pravda has an article about this.

From 1912 until 1991 Pravda was a publication of the Communist Party, and was a state owned newspaper. Today PRAVDA On-line takes a pro-Russian approach to forming its policy. It is also ranked #1 by Google for “Russian News” so many people read it world wide including us. The following is an article from Pravda that we think you will find interesting.

Other legal experts say the decision to bring formal charges against Dr. Conrad Murry may still be months away. Dr. Murray is the target of what the police state is a manslaughter investigation, also many other doctors who have treated Jackson in the past are also being investigated.

“There’s no reason for anyone to jump the gun on this,” said Greg D. Lee, a retired supervising DEA agent. “Time is on their side. There’s no imminent danger to the public from Dr. Murray.”

Dr. Murray has not spoken publicly except for a short YouTube video he made, Dr. Murray claims to have told the truth and hope that the truth will prevail.

In American a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However if Dr. Murray is not responsable for this homicide than who is?

Popularity: 3% [?]