Disqus - Latest Comments for zhanng

Re: Americans Have Spoken. Why Doesn’t Anyone Listen?

zhanng — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:53:35 -0000

I'm convinced that there is an element to these tax cuts that we aren't being made aware of. It seems absolutely insane to think that any logical person would honestly think that during the worst depression in remembered history cutting taxes would help. I know full well that I will never get a social security check after retirement, but this is just driving the nail into the coffin.

I am curious, is it just me or does it seem that there is some hidden agenda here? If I didn't know better, and I don't, I would assume that this round of tax cuts is an intentional ploy to ensure the rich get richer so that after all hell breaks loose, and the US economy collapses completely, the rich can start to build again. I hate to put an optimistic spin on this, but this is my best guess at the current moment.

Re: Yes, Russia’s Backing of Iran Sanctions Starting to Collapse…

zhanng — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:34:24 -0000

If America led by example, what fun would that be? Where would all the drama go? Wars aren't easy to manipulate, you know.

Re: http://windowstorussia.com/1970.html

zhanng — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:08:19 -0000

I must say, I am a bit surprised. Regardless of how Sassy feels about the USA, this move will further alienate Georgia, making EU membership all the less likely. Maybe with the current state of EU, Georgia is pre-emptively switching sides to one more profitable ... a little back room dealing may also be a factor. Obviously, I have no clue what drove the decision in this direction, but it is surprising to me none the less.

Re: Windows to Russia Was Attacked…

zhanng — Sun, 23 May 2010 20:29:32 -0000

That is terrible. This is probably an email question, but how are you hosting your site? More importantly, how did they get in? Obviously, I am concerned about the same happening to my site. A DOS attack is hard to avoid, for small sites at least, but getting onto MySql could do some serious damage ... and I don't do regular backups, which is about to change.

So, how did they get in?

Re: Israel Sends Noam Chomsky Away…

zhanng — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:30:10 -0000

I agree, I downloaded about 10 Gigs of his lectures, and have listened to about half. Very intelligent man and, not so strangely, my views tend to align with his in 'almost' all significant areas ... I tend to be a slightly more cynical, it turns out.

However, with that said, I am not really sure why he was surprised ... this is something he should have expected sooner or later. He is extremely vocal about Israeli injustice. While there is no doubt that he has a very valid point in most of what he says, it isn't really that surprising that he isn't too welcomed in the Jewish parts of Israel.

Re: Iran, Turkey and Brazil Commitment to Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons…

zhanng — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:44:09 -0000

This is definitely an interesting situation. It turns out that Iran isn't quite as inept as America tries to make them out to be.

Re: Russia Has Never Changed Her Stance on Iran…

zhanng — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:18:02 -0000

If you want to properly portray your 'enemy' as weak, it is a good idea to convince your contingent that the 'enemy' is undecided. By first saying that Russia supports sanctions, and now saying the opposite, imagine how many Americans will now think that Russia simply can't make up its mind? This is the perfect brainwashing strategy ... remember the critique on John Kerry? He was "Flip Flopping" on the issues.

Re: Russian Tanker – Moscow University Freed…

zhanng — Thu, 06 May 2010 08:57:09 -0000

I like the fact that Russia wasn't scared to use force. The crew knew what to do, and the military responded quickly. Personally, I would have liked the story more if all Pirates were killed 'in combat', but one is better than none.

Re: Would You as an Expatriate Give Up Citizenship?

zhanng — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:44:20 -0000

My recommendation, don't do it. Regardless of how you feel about America, a US passport is extremely important for a number of reason. Traveling, for example, is substantially easier with a US passport.

Seeing as how both Russia and America accept dual citizenship, there is no reason why you should give up one for the other.

Re: 6 Countries – Vast Russia – What Do You Talk About?

zhanng — Tue, 04 May 2010 06:31:57 -0000

I love discussion philosophical subjects like that, especially with strangers. While I can't imagine doing so for 7 hours, I can only imagine how much fun that would be ... especially over a bottle or two.

One subject that I have found myself commonly discussing (along the same lines of American dominance) is conspiracy theory ... or, more specifically, a conspiracy theory claiming a single world ruler and the fact that this organization is the real 'man in charge'. I always found it interesting how fascinated Russians and Ukrainians were with this concept.

Re: Data Here, Data There, Data Everywhere... | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:15:15 -0000

I am trying to find some articles on why Google blocks pages (generally they claim that they don't do this, aside from Chinese articles mandated by the government). Why are your articles being blocked? Is there a reason? Do you have any info/links on what is going on?

... this is just the first time I have heard of Google blocking something

Re: One Little Boy Brings America to Her Knees! (Artyem) | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:38:55 -0000

Some quick points ...

Arten did in fact gain US citizenship once he crossed the border. But, he still maintains his Russian citizenship (both countries acknowledge dual citizenships). After adopting a foreign child, the US parents are automatically granted citizenship for their child once he crosses the border. The paperwork for this is, of course, filed well in advance, but this is indeed true.

Also, you know how business is done in Russia, and there is no dirtier business than child trafficking (sorry, although legal, this is a business). When an American tries to adopt in Russia, they do not have pick of the litter (again, sorry), but they are given a child to review one at a time. If they don't like the first one, they are given a second. Like I said, dirty business ... You know Russians, they will often try to 'push' the more problematic out the door first. While I am in no way saying that this is the case with Artem, you know I am right. (I have acquaintances that became very rich off this disgusting business in the USA)

Hence, the problem here isn't quite so black and white. There is no doubt that the 'mother?' in charge of Artem is skum, and should be prosecuted for treating a child like a dog, to use your analogy, but I get the feeling that we are not being told everything. When they found her, she probably had Sucker written in BOLD RED letters on her forehead, so they pushed a child that they wanted to get rid of ... just a theory, not necessarily my opinion of the boy.

As for where the boy should stay, USA or Russia, Russia is the natural choice. America is likely just trying to give the impression that they care, but in the end I don't foresee any resistance. With Artem's international attention, I am sure there are dozens of Russian families willing to take him in ... His life is in good hands now.

Re: Lets Meet The Man That Picked Artem Justin Hansen - Arthur Lookyan!ov | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:45:10 -0000

Thanks for the info ... that was definitely worth the read.

Re: American Parents Just Shipped Adopted Child Back To Russia Alone, With Note! | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:21:03 -0000

You have some colorful commenters again ... anyway, here is a link to a US story, in case you have missed it:

http://www.huffingtonpost.c...

Re: American Parents Just Shipped Adopted Child Back To Russia Alone, With Note! | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:53:48 -0000

Holy Shit ... I have heard of crazy kids that are uncontrollable, and I can even understand a parent entertaining a thought like that, but going out to buy a ticket, driving the kid to the airport, writing a note and putting him on a plane goes FAR beyond entertaining a thought. How were these people allowed to adopt a child?

I think it is time for Russia to put far more restrictions on foreigners that want to adopt ... at least a heavy psychological exam. I know that the orphanages are heavily over burdened, but this is becoming ridiculous. I wonder what the US authorities will do with the parents? ... this goes far beyond reasonable punishment even for the most psychopathic children.

Re: May 9th, 2010 is Victory day Parade, with a couple of surprises! | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:29:00 -0000

My memory often plays tricks on me, but I could have sworn that last year the USA made a big deal about the negative impact of the Victory Day Parade in Russia. Who made the decision this year to participate? I am not complaining, but I am curious what led to such a difference of opinion.

Re: The Therapy for Moscow Russia! | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:59:07 -0000

Good job. Personally, I found the video very touching.

Re: Chronological Tracking of the Metro Bombers in Russia! | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:28:07 -0000

Somehow I knew that I would find this information here long before I could find it online elsewhere ... thanks.

Re: Russia and Her Traumatic Pistols! | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:38:19 -0000

I first saw these guns in Ukraine as well. My cousin had one of these and a gas pistol. This is definitely substantially more damaging. He owned an auto body shop, so we took it out and shot at some of his old hoods. The dents it left far surpassed my childhood BB Gun days.

The Gas pistols are also interesting. I have never actually seen its effects, but I hear that at close range they are also debilitating ... not so sure about permanent damage, however.

Re: Does the world really need leaders like Sassy? (Saakashvili) | Windows to Russia!

zhanng — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:51:47 -0000

Government sponsored programming is now so standard that it defies logic. The concept of a 'free press' is long gone, you either support your local government by preaching its propaganda, gaining acceptance into the inner circle, or you simply comment from afar. Of course, being bought and paid for by the local government also has its place.

Re: Is Ukraine Seeing a Light at the End of the Tunnel?

zhanng — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:16:11 -0000

While the Navy thing is interesting, I think Standard and Poor are jumping the gun a bit. Maybe they are trying to boost Ukraine artificially, but simply changing the guard is no reason to get excited ... Yanukovich is equally as corrupt, if not more so, than his predecessor. The fact that he now controls more of the country simply means more will go in his pocket, not necessarily more to the people.

Re: This Is Why I Love Russia! (Stop That Car At Any Expense!)

zhanng — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:40:06 -0000

Only in Russia can an Interior Minister make a statement like this and NOT get fired:

he advised ordinary citizens to "give as good as they get" if they are attacked for no reason by officers.

But, this incident is abhorent. I can't imagine being in one of those vehicles and watching some lunatic driving into my car, then having the police tell me to screw. Thats terrible. Honestly, the people should at the very least be compensated for their loss, but it would even be better if they were brought into public light and rewarded. Just a thought ...

Re: Nord Stream Found Treasure Better Than Gas! (At Least I Think So...)

zhanng — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:24:57 -0000

Wrecked ships? ... 12 of them? That means Treasure, and LOTS of it!!! Time to dust off the diving suit ;)

Re: Watching the Case of Adopted Boy's Death! (Ivan Skorobogatov / Nathaniel Craver)

zhanng — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:12:44 -0000

I found a local Fox and local CBS article on the subject, but the most entertaining would have to be the American coverage of Russia's coverage on York Daily.

Don't forget, America sees this kind of crap daily. The amount of child abuse that goes on here, even with children dying from the abuse, is extraordinarily high in the states. Russia is far more peaceful, in that respect. I am not sure if it is simply because the news isn't reported (which is where I am leaning). In the US, child abuse is so common that it has become a non-issue.

Re: Russia is Buying 4 Mistral-class Amphibious Assault Ships!

zhanng — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:34:54 -0000

The deal is yet to be signed, so don't get your hopes up too quickly. Likewise, it seems that these warships are being sold without the 'war' aspect, according to Guardian NZ:

The Mistrals would be sold to Russia "without military equipment".

I am not exactly sure how this will translate in military terms, because obviously some degree of military equipment will be required, however considering Russia is also a major arms manufacturer, the lack of missiles or heavy artillery will not pose much of a problem.

Lets see how this all plays out before getting too excited.