An Assessment

Lithuania's President considers Putin.

Travel Clothes

Unknown Location, about 1949. My Dad's friend Casey sent this vacation memento.

"Over the fifteen years that Putin has ruled Russia, the story of the Great Patriotic War has acquired new meanings and symbols. Stalin’s name and likeness have gradually been reintroduced into the story–and into the streets of Russian cities."

A Russian examines the symbolism of Victory Day.

See also here.

Victory Day

Former Soviet republics reject symbols that celebrate the seventieth anniversary of Victory Day.

ADDED: Enjoy some humor.

"Femen activists show up at Vilnius Summit."

A member of the "scandalous organisation" popped out of a "car with 'Ukraine to EU' written on her bare chest. The police knew about the possible action and, therefore, was ready to react."

Lithuanian-language story and more (some probably NSFW) photos here.

Rankings: Education and Economies

A Study.

The Krampus and the Cerbul

Two of the pagan creatures walking the European countryside.

Bad Form

A pyramid in front of Lithuania's parliament ("Siemas") building celebrates Lithuania's presidency of the EU Council. The pyramid, however, superimposes the borders of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania over a contemporary map of Europe.

Today is big day in Lithuania.

It's July 1, and today Lithuania assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The country will hold that position for the next six months.

(By the way: the Lithuanian word for July, "Liepos," means "linden tree.")

Judo Lady?

"Get ready to hear more about the Judo-loving president of Lithuania dubbed the 'Iron Lady' for her harsh austerity measures used to yank the Baltic state out of economic disaster without any outside help."

"Hooliganism" Camp

Reports suggest "Russian oppositions received training in so-called ‘orange revolution’ tactics at a special camp in Lithuania."

And:

The newspaper found one participant who, on condition of anonymity, said the studies were a part of a larger cooperation program launched by the European Union for the Russian opposition.

Mon Dieu!

The EU contemplates banning the ingredients of Amber Reunion's favorite scent, Chanel No. 5.

Pee-EU.

Between Two Continents

Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey, April 23, 1976. Don't let smog cloud your vision of a place.