lifepace

Friday, June 20, 2014

ISIS Has Moved Back To Iraq, But On Their Own Terms

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Fighting Back Against ISIS: The Battle for Iraq (Dispatch 1)

Iraq: Has the US-UK War for Oil Detonated the 'New Iraq'?? - English pravda.ru

Map: ISIL's path through Iraq - Interactive - Al Jazeera English

Battle rages for Iraq's largest oil refinery - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Indian nationals in Iraq kidnapped - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Shakira - Hips Don't Lie ft. Wyclef Jean

Monday, June 16, 2014

ISIL jihadists execute dozens of captives: Iraq, Genocides in making

As reported in 'People's Daily Online' : ISIL jihadists execute dozens of captives (China.org.cn) 08:46, June 17, 2014

Out of many images published in 'People's Daily Online' only few being posted in this blog these were uploaded on June 14, 2014 on the jihadist website Welayat Salahuddin allegedly shows militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. A major offensive spearheaded by ISIL but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others since it was launched on June 9. [Photo/Cnr.cn]

The Editorial of 'People's Daily Online' on visit of Premier Li to Britain

China, Britain on "winning course": Premier Li (Xinhua) 07:24, June 17, 2014

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) and his wife Cheng Hong (R) arrive in London, Britain, June 16, 2014. Li arrived here Monday for an official visit to Britain. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) LONDON, June 16 -- Britain is an "important partner" of China and the two countries boast many areas for win win cooperation, says Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. "The United Kingdom is a great country and an important partner of China," Li said in an articlepublished in British newspaper The Times on Monday. The premier is to arrive here later in the day for an official visit, which he said has a threefold purpose,with the first being "to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in various fields and thus spur the growth of our respective economies." "Second, to present the real China so as to change misperceptions and ease misgivings; and third, to draw on British perspectives and experience," Li added. Britain, he noted, has a strong economy, a dynamic financial sector and advanced science and technologies, and leads the world in energy conservation and environmental protection. China, for its part, has a huge market, large foreign exchange reserves and a competitive Manufacturing sector, Li said, pointing out that the complementary strengths of the two countries mean they have manyareas for collaboration. "We look forward to stronger cooperation in finance, infrastructure construction, among others, and more robust exchanges in research, education, and culture," Li said. "We look forward to win-win engagements." Noting that war-weary humankind has realized the paramount value of peace and that in today's globalized environment nations can develop together in a peaceful manner, he stressed that the world needs to be steadfast in addressing challenges and differences through dialogue and consultation. "Nothing can make us turn our back on peace," said the Chinese premier. As a beneficiary and a contributor to peace and as a major country on the world stage, China will"dedicate itself to securing peace and cooperation," he pledged. In the article, Li also shared his insights on China's development, saying that although China has indeedachieved "a quantum leap" in its development, it remains "far from achieving its development goals." The premier listed out three pressing tasks in China's urbanization process: to help 100 million Rural migrants enjoy resident status in cities and towns in eastern China; to accommodate 100 million rural people as local residents in cities and towns in central and western China; and to provide 100 million people living in rundown urban areas with decent housing. China's "quest for modernization remains a long and arduous one," he said. "As premier, my highestpriority is to pursue modernization through urbanization and industrialization." China's economy needs to grow at a proper rate, and the 7.5-percent growth expected this year "is slower than the past, but normal," said the Chinese leader. "Despite considerable downward pressure, China's economy is moving on a steady course. We Will continue to make anticipatory and moderate adjustments when necessary. We are well prepared to defuse various risks. We are confident that this year's growth target will be met," he added. Noting that reform and opening up remain key to China's modernization, he said "we need to stay the course on market-oriented reform ... and open China still wider to the outside world." The premier also pledged to encourage the development of the private sector and impose tougher penalties on intellectual property rights infringement, environmental pollution and unfair competition. "This will give foreign investors the same level playing field and greater space for development, just like their Chinese counterparts," Li said. (Editor:Liang Jun、Huang Jin)

U.S. Sanctions Backfire as China, Russia Bypass New World Order

As reported in 'American Free Press Newspaper'

U.S. Sanctions Backfire as China, Russia Bypass New World Order

Genocide, great wars and other human depravity - English pravda.ru

For Russia and China, American dream is worthless - English pravda.ru

The way Russia think the relationship with China as reported in English pravda.ru :

For Russia and China, American dream is worthless - English pravda.ru

World day to combat desertification and drought - Euro Weekly News Spain

Jun 17

Cementing already close ties

Sunday, June 15, 2014

College-student-turned nun becomes famous on Internet

As reported in the 'People's Daily Online' 14:37, June 13, 2014 edition a young college student has become nun :

A nun from Xinlong Dongzhi temple in southwest China’s Sichuan province has won public attentions after posting her poem and diary on Weibo.com, a Twitter-like blog, and now she has nearly 200 thousands followers on Internet. Many netizens leave their blessings on her blog, saying “Although I don’t know you, I wish you happy.” ”Your decision is brave! What have you experienced?”

The nun,26, has a Buddhist name “Cai Zhen Wang Mu”. She started to practice Buddhism when she was a sophomore in 2009. In 2012, she took the tonsure and moved to thetemple on the snow-covered plateau 4,200 meters above sea level.

She said nothing happened to force her to become a nun, it just happened. She believes that Buddha says right things, which is her only answer to the question why she wants to be a nun. She said her grandmother is a Buddhism believer, which let her have a touch withBuddhism when she was little girl. And she had some special feelings when she first read aBuddhism book in university. Photo credit: / Cai Zheng Wang Mu's Weibo

Fathers Day : A modern trend

Yes, as we celebrate 'Happy Fathers Day' by paying regards & respect to our fathers & fore fathers, which is becoming a status style in India by copying the superficial shows. How ever in long run its hardly matter to our modern single family whose parents are languishing in Old age homes or looked after by their relatives in villages.

Also being a father & a son to my father we were taught to respect the ethics of humanity irrespective of cast, creed or religion. Though to day being a 'Fathers Day' my mind is restless as the truth of hundreds of children who are rendered homeless & helpless in ragging ethnic war of religion & territory for supremacy where their fathers are either dead or missing world over. Who are responsible for them or how they will celebrate 'Fathers Day'...????

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Luhansk self-defense forces down Ukrainian transport aircraft with at least 49 on board - English pravda.ru

World Oceans in Trouble!

UMAYLAM - Middle Way Approach

Bohag Bihu 2014, Goroimari, Tezpur

2014 FIFA World Cup: Small facts

Side line facts: Top Chinese product which are being used in 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Courtesy 'People's Daily' on line news paper edition 12 Jun 14. Adidas Brazuca Official match ball was developed by a Chinese company in Shenzhen, with its testingtaking place worldwide by several football clubs and associations ahead of its launch for the2014 FIFA World Cup.

Solar panels China's Yingli Green Energy Holding Co has become one of the eight sponsors - and theonly Chinese company - of the world's most widely watched sporting event. Yingli hasprovided 27 sets of solar panels to power all stadium lighting masts in the host cities of theWorld Cup. It has also installed solar power stations in the media centers.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Sad Demise of Khagen Mahanta: Exponent of Assamese folk music

Khagen Mahanta no more, To day he left for heavenly abode at around 03: 40 PM IST at his residence in Guwahati, Assam. He left behind his singer wife Archana Mahanta, most popular singer son Angaraag Mahanta(popularly known as Pappon), daughter Kinkini Mahanta & grand son & grand daughter along with host of his music lovers & followers world over. Khagen Mahanta (Assamese: খগেন মহন্ত) was an exponent in folk and traditional music of Assam. He was a notable person in Assamese folk music and known as the "King of Bihu". His Bihu songs, Borgeet and other folk songs are ever green to the assamese society. The artist along with his wife Archana Mahanta and son Angaraag Mahanta had represented one of the most influential families in Assamese music.

Khagen Mahanta was born to Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Deviin in Nagaon, Assam . He showed his musical talent from his childhood. At the age of fifteen he started performing in the music concerts in Shillong. His voice was very much accepted by the audience. In 1958, he gained attention from Delhi doordarshan (television) center which was established the very year and got the opportunity to perform During the "language movement" in 1960, Khagen Mahanta got actively involved in it under the leadership of personalities like Bishnuprasad Rabha, Hemanga Biswas, Jugal Das.In 1961 his first gramophone recorded song was broadcast from Guwahati All India radio center. He also participated in the "World Peace" festival in Calcutta.

Khagen Mahanta has been felicitated numerous times nationally, internationally for his contributions. He was also awarded Sangeet Natak Academy award for folk and traditional music in 1992

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Sad Demise of 'Shamar Ringpoche': Bodhi Path Founder

As stated in CTA news & internet: CTA condoles the demise of Shamar Rinpoche June 11, 2014 5:48 pm DHARAMSHALA: The International Bodhi Path Organisation announced that “our founder and spiritual leader Shamar Rinpoche, passed away on 11 June 2014 in Renchen-Ulm, Germany, of a sudden heart attack.” The Central Tibetan Administration condoles the passing away of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche. Shamar Rinpoche is a senior religious leader of Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. “We are deeply saddened to hear the sudden demise of Shamar Rinpoche and offer our prayers,” said Kalon Pema Chhinjor of the Department of Religion and Culture.

About this great Spiritual leader of Buddhism from Tibet: In 1979, Shamarpa visited Singapore and Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche is the 14th Shamarpa, or Red Crown Lama of Tibet. He was a lineage holder of the Karma Kagyud school of Tibetan Buddhism and the mind manifestation of Amitabha Buddha. The first Shamarpa, Khedrup Drakpa Sengge (1283–1349), was the principal disciple of the third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. Rangjung Dorje gave this disciple a ruby-red crown and the title Shamarpa, establishing the second line of reincarnate lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, Karmapa being the first. The crown was a symbol of their identicalness, as Shamarpa was in every respect the equal of Karmapa, being as unsurpassed in realisation as he was in accomplishments. Shamarpa is often referred to as the “Red Crown Karmapa”, especially in early Kagyud texts. As stated in the Good Kalpa Sutra, “…in future, a maha-bodhisattva with a ruby-red crown shall come to the suffering multitude, leading them out of their cyclic bewilderment and misery.” In the Shamarpa, Sakyamuni Buddha’s prediction was fulfilled. The present 14th Shamarpa is Mipham Chokyi Lodro, born in Derge, Tibet in 1952. At age four, he was recognized by his uncle the 16th Karmapa to be the reincarnation of the 13th Shamar Rinpoche. laid the foundation for the establishing of Karma Kagyud Buddhist Centre. After the death of the 16th Karmapa, Shamarpa recognised Trinley Thaye Dorje as the17th Karmapa in 1994.

Monday, June 9, 2014

South Sudan: The people who have nothing - English pravda.ru

Nevadas most beautiful girl crowned Miss USA - English pravda.ru

Russia to support expulsion of the dollar from the East - English pravda.ru

How much will they succeed ....

Russia to support expulsion of the dollar from the East - English pravda.ru

Chinese Blogger Terminated After Meeting With Secretary Kerry

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Supershow Victorias Secret-2013 - English pravda.ru

RUSSIA LIFTS EMBARGO ON WEAPONS SALES TO PAKISTAN

Will this be a new foreign policy challenges to Indian government on Arms purchase : As reported in 'The St. Petersburg times: RUSSIA LIFTS EMBARGO ON WEAPONS SALES TO PAKISTAN The St. Petersburg Times Published: June 6, 2014 (Issue # 1814)

Russia has lifted an embargo on weapons deliveries to Pakistan and is negotiating the sale of a number of Mi-35 attack helicopters to Islamabad, Sergei Chemezov, head of state-owned technology corporation Rostec, told Itar-Tass on Monday. The potential delivery of weapons and military hardware to Pakistan from Moscow could create tension between Russia and India, which has a long-standing rivalry with neighboring Pakistan. Historically, Russia has sold more weaponry to India — Russia delivered just 70 Mi-17 transport helicopters to Pakistan from 1996 to 2010. In 2012, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the defense industry, seemingly took offense to Indian journalists asking him whether Moscow could supply Pakistan with weapons in future. Russia "always cooperates with India to ensure safety in the region. We have never created problems for India, unlike other countries. If someone says differently, spit in their face," Rogozin said, Vedomosti reported. Boris Volkhonsky, head of the Asian sector of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, said Monday that although India has always tended to react badly to the idea of arms being supplied to Pakistan, he doesn't expect collaboration between Moscow and Islamabad to cause problems. "I do not think that India will have any objections. After all, India and Pakistan both buy weapons from the U.S., and this has not bothered them," Volkhonsky told RIA Novosti.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Execution of Iranian Political Prisoner Draws Condemnation

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Candy Magnate Petro Poroshenko Wins Ukraine's Presidential Poll

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dry Spell : Assam

Yes, what ever science or weather boys says about monsoon or timely rain, however our farmers in remote villages never understand it till date. They only knows that a good rain in Bohag month (Apr-May) will usher a good harvest. Alas, this season rain god over Assam is not happy & a dry spell hang from the sky. They are hoping for good rice sapling before first wave of flood in & around Jun-July...but will they will be lucky enough...

Farmers working for seeding of rice sapling a very rare sight in Assam.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Is US Successful in Empowering The 'New' Afghanistan?

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Passing The Higher Secondary (CBSE) Exam 2014: My daughter

To day after eagerly waiting for the result for class 12th board exam conducted by CBSE myself & my wife were relieved as my elder daughter Shivangi passed securing 85 percent marks in Arts (Humanities) group. We were happy that unlike others she never took any Tuition and relied on her own intelligence. She is interested to pursue her degree course with major in Geography. I congratulate her & wish her all the best for future.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

US Helps Nigeria Search For 250 Young Girl Hostages

Ukraine : As reported in The St Petersburg Times

An excerpts published in The St Petersburg Times :- DOZENS KILLED IN DONETSK FIGHTING Combined Reports The Associated Press Published: May 28, 2014 (Issue # 1813)

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — At least 30 bodies of killed fighters have been brought to a hospital following a day of heavy fighting in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, in which the government forces used combat jets against pro-Russia rebels, an insurgent said Tuesday. The rebel fighter, who wouldn’t give his name because of security concerns, said outside the hospital in Donetsk that 30 bodies of his fellow insurgents were delivered there. He said the truck carrying the bodies was still parked outside the hospital, waiting for explosives experts to check it for any unexploded ordnance. Early Tuesday, a group of unidentified men stormed Donetsk’s main ice-hockey arena, which was to host the 2015 world championships and set it ablaze, according to the mayor’s office. In the neighboring Luhansk region, the Ukrainian Border Guards Service said that its officers engaged in a gunbattle with a group of gunmen who were trying to break through the border from Russia. It said one intruder was wounded and the border guards seized several vehicles loaded with Kalashnikov assault rifles, rocket grenade launchers and explosives. Donetsk, a city of 1 million, was engulfed by heavy fighting Monday, when rebels moved to seize the airport, Ukraine’s second largest, and were repelled by government forces using combat jets and helicopter gunships. Associated Press journalists witnessed sustained intensive gun fire throughout the day and into the night. Plumes of black smoke rose in the air. Officials closed the airport, and police shut nearby streets for traffic. The city mayor went on television advising residents to stay at home. The battles in Donetsk came just as billionaire candy magnate Petro Poroshenko claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential vote. Poroshenko has vowed to negotiate a peaceful end to the insurgency in the east, where rebels have seized government offices and fought Ukrainian troops for more than a month. Poroshenko described the separatists as “Somali pirates,” saying that arms should be used against “killers and terrorists,” but he also indicated that he wants a quick end to the military operation in the east. “The anti-terrorist operation cannot and should not last two or three months,” he said. “It should and will last hours.” Poroshenko, known for his pragmatism, supports building strong ties with Europe but also has stressed the importance of mending relations with Moscow. Upon claiming victory, he said his first step as president would be to visit the east.

Military Imposes Martial Law in Turmoil-Hit Thailand

Monday, May 26, 2014

A strange, soulless man and his utterly failed presidency - English pravda.ru

As reported in Pravda News paper in Russia on dated 06 May 2014:

A strange, soulless man and his utterly failed presidency - English pravda.ru

Why are Americans So Unhappy? - And What to Do About It

New Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi Brings Hope

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur & My Son

On 22 May 14, at around 05 AM my 3 years old son Bhargav had convulsions & fits due to running high fever. So we rushed him to Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur Causality Unit. And surprised was that the emergency team of doctors & nursing staff took no time to take on the case immediately.

My son Bhargav at Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur The high degree of professionalism shown by the medical team was second to non. Even such dedicated professionalism is not seen in Government Hospitals, Medical Colleges & in private Nursing Homes in Assam even after paying hefty sum of money by the patients.

Late Dr.Charles C Merchant, founder doctor served since 1949 to 1962 at Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur. I have observed that all patients arriving at Causality Unit of the Hospital were treated alike irrespective of cast, creed, religion or economic back ground. An atmosphere of neat & clean ambiance is present in the Hospital.

My son with his mother taking release from the hospital on 24 May 14,with the smart & smiling staff. Its also true that even after 66 years of Independence of India, only Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur have a well oiled Causality /Emergency Treatment Unit & ICU in entire Sonitpur district of Assam.

The wide and airy, clean Children Ward. I thank all Doctors, Nursing Staff & other supporting staff of this hospital for their dedication & professionalism for bringing quality health services at affordable cost to poor & marginalized.

Morning Sunrise seen from the veranda of the Hospital.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sudanese Pregnant Woman Faces Death Sentence for Apostasy Case

Monday, May 19, 2014

This Also Happens in Russia : Forest Fire

As reported in 'The St. Petersburg Times of Russia' : State of Emergency Declared in Irkutsk Region Due to Fires The St. Petersburg Times Published: May 19, 2014 (Issue # 1810)

The administration of the Siberian Irkutsk region has declared a state of emergency after forest fires spread to local villages, prompting large-scale evacuations. More than 39,000 hectares of land in the Irkutsk region had been engulfed by 77 forest fires by Monday, the regional forestry department said, Interfax reported. Irkutsk Governor Sergei Yeroschenko issued orders Sunday night to declare the state of emergency, banning all commercial activity in forests and dispatching additional resources to fight the fires, the local branch of the Emergency Situations Ministry said in an online statement. About 300 people were evacuated Sunday from the village of Dalny, where fires have destroyed two dozen homes, the ministry said, Interfax reported. Local news website NewsBabr.com also cited the ministry as saying that fires at a sawmill in the village of Bratsk and in the Usolsky region had been extinguished by Sunday night. But a reader on the news portal denounced the ministry's statement as a "lie." "I don't know what it's like in Bratsk, but in Usolye everything was covered by thick smoke yesterday from the morning until late night," the reader said in a comment Monday.

Bharatiya Janata Party Sweeps India's Lok Sabha Elections: Photostory

US Slams Illegal Referenda in Eastern Ukraine

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Ukraine Crisis : Affect inside Russia

How its inside Russia as Ukraine crisis deepens. A sample from News report as published in The St. Petersburg Times CRISIS HITS RUSSIAN TOURISM By Diana Kulchitskaya and Anna Dolgov The St. Petersburg Times Published: May 14, 2014 (Issue # 1810)

Moscow’s interference in Ukraine has caused a sharp drop in foreign tourism to Russia, with scores of travel cancelations for political and security reasons coming ahead of the summer holiday season, an industry newsletter said. Most Russian tour operators have reported a significant drop in sales, with cancellations coming in from around the world, including regions that were traditionally considered “loyal” to Russia, RATA News tourism industry newsletter reported last week. According to the report, approximately 10 to 15 percent of tour bookings have been canceled. Tour operators from Poland have canceled most of their reservations, and operators from Finland, a country that is traditionally viewed in Russia as a “loyal” tourist market, have also put through a number of “unexpected” cancellations, the report said. While most Europeans cite their objections to Russia’s actions in Ukraine as reasons for canceling travel reservations, some are also concerned about security in Russia. A group from Albania has agreed to visit Russia only after it received guarantees that all losses and damages would be compensated in case of a war, the report said. Americans are also “actively canceling” their travel reservations to Russia, the report said, blaming the cancellations by U.S. and Latin America travelers on Washington’s criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The report also said that tourists from Southeast Asia, who are usually undeterred by political upheavals, have also canceled a number of their tours, and a handful of cancellations have also been received from China — a country that has largely maintained a relative neutrality throughout the crisis in Ukraine. However, Yury Borzykin, vice president of RATA, predicted that in June or July the number of tourists would return to normal. “We cannot speak of a significant fall right now, the trend is set, however, it will not have a strong effect on the economy in the tourism sector,” Borzykin added. He said that the overall tourism statistics for 2014 may be even higher then in 2013, as the figures could be boosted by the tourists who came to the Olympic Games in Sochi. Other analysts are also optimistic. “The decline is a temporary trend, which will be over in a couple of months,” said Vadim Prasov, vice president of the Federation for Restaurateurs and Hoteliers. He added that the Russian tourism market was small and has the potential to grow. Domestic tourism may also expand, he added. Official data show that Russia hosts about 2 million tourists annually, while the number of foreigners coming to the country for non-tourist purposes is about nine times higher. ________________________________________ The Russian government will pump 7 billion rubles ($196 million) into subsidizing transport links and infrastructure between Crimea and the Russian mainland, in an attempt to save a tourist season that is likely to be ruined by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Federal budget funds will go toward overhauling existing transportation hubs such as the Simferopol airport in Crimea’s capital and the ferry terminal in the Russian Black Sea port city of Kerch, as well as subsidizing ferry and air fares, according to a government order signed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and posted on the government’s website last week.

Is US Hammering Russia Wth Sanctions?

Friday, May 16, 2014

Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process over?

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Iran's Infuence Expands to The Mediterranean

Friday, May 9, 2014

Top 10 Hottest Models - New Faces; Kate Upton

The Ukraine : As Reported in The St. Petersburg Times

A part of news as reported in The St Petersburg Times, regarding turmoil in Ukraine : HUNDREDS MARCH DOWN NEVSKY IN PROTEST By Sergey Chernov The St. Petersburg Times Published: May 7, 2014 (Issue # 1809) • 1

• 2 • LGBT marchers joined the parade down Nevsky Prospekt on May 1. Photo: Sergey Chernov / SPT • The LGBT contingent was led by a man in a red dress wearing a large papier-mache head of Putin with a crown. Photo: Sergey Chernov / SPT Hundreds of protesters marched along St. Petersburg’s main street, Nevsky Prospekt, on May 1, to protest against the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine. The protest was held as part of the May Day demonstrations — which traditionally features a broad political spectrum of protests from animal rights activists to neo-Nazis, but most were pro-Kremlin parties and movements such as United Russia, Just Russia and the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. Police estimate that up to 37,000 people participated in the various marches along Nevsky, mostly from parties and movements loyal to the Kremlin. The different political groups marched at a distance from each other, separated by police and then went on to hold stationary rallies at different sites in central St. Petersburg. The main slogan written on the Anti-War Democratic March’s banner, which was carried by the front row of the protesters, said “For Friendship with Ukraine and the European Integration of Russia. No to U.S.S.R. 2.0.” Protesters carried placards proclaiming “For Democracy in Russia and Ukraine,” “War Is Madness,” “Putin. God Sees Everything. Stop,” “Ukraine, God Is on Your Side” and “Putin, Leave Ukraine Alone, Better Feed Our Old People and Children.” Organized by the Democratic St. Petersburg coalition, the Anti-War Democratic March drew between 1,000 and 1,500 protesters, organizer Natalya Tsymbalova said. Protesters included those from the Yabloko Democratic Party, human rights groups, Free Ingria group and LGBT rights groups. The protesters also carried small Russian, Ukrainian and European Union flags. Tsymbalova considered the number to be large for St. Petersburg. “I think it’s a lot, because fewer people have attended in previous years,” she told The St. Petersburg Times. The protesters also marched to music blared from a vehicle in front of the group. The musical pieces included the national anthem of Ukraine, the “Patriotic Song” by Russian composer Mikhail Glinka, which served as the national anthem of Russia until it was abolished by President Vladimir Putin in 2000, and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” the national anthem of the European Union and the Council of Europe. According to Tsymbalova, city authorities did not object to the slogans used during the march and the subsequent stationary rally, even after City Hall had twice refused to authorize the rally ahead of May 1. “However, this happens every time. They just want to show who’s the boss, who’s the one who issues permits,” she said.