Scientists have identified the likely culprit of mass obesity Americans have found a new excuse for obese people. Researchers from the University of California have suggested that people gain weight not of their own free will, but because of a hormone called ghrelin. It is produced by the cells of the stomach walls and signals the brain that the time has come when it is time to eat.

Militants take revenge on America for Iraqi sovereignty The United States has transferred power in Iraq to the Iraqi interim government, but American soldiers continue to die in that country. Yesterday three Marines were blown up by a mine in Baghdad. But another tragedy shocked America much more: militants shot and killed an American hostage, Junior Sergeant Keith Maupin.

The corporation consolidates communication assets In 2003, the joint-stock financial corporation Sistema tripled its revenue and doubled its net profit. As AFK management announced at yesterday's press conference, the main contribution to these achievements was made by the telecommunications segment of Sistema. This is where the corporation intends to concentrate its efforts in the future.

Lyubov Kezina wants to make vocational schools prestigious The head of the capital's education department, Lyubov Kezina, proposes to radically change the system of the capital's vocational schools, most of which are now proudly called colleges, although they still train car mechanics and cooks. Yesterday, at a meeting of the city government, she presented her colleagues with a new vocational education program, the most notable point of which is the “estimate” for its implementation.

Opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila" on CD Before the ambitious premiere of Glinka’s opera Ruslan and Lyudmila, which took place at the Bolshoi Theater last year, its musical director and chief conductor of the theater, Alexander Vedernikov, explained: “We want to convey to the public, first of all, the music - corrected and supplemented, with its spirit, style and edgy modernity." Meanwhile, this promising idea then turned out to be burdened with a somewhat controversial stage decision, the first

Johannes Rau gave up the chair to Horst Köhler This week in Germany is marked by a change of presidents. Social Democrat Johannes Rau solemnly resigned as president last night in Berlin. This popular politician was called “Brother John” for his selfless devotion to the Bible and its spiritual values. After his election as president in May 1999, he promised to become a spokesman for the interests of not only Germans, but also all foreigners living in Germany.

Sheremetyevo reduces charters Sheremetyevo Airport decided to punish two airlines for non-compliance with flight schedules. From July 1, charter flights of the Yakutia and Kavminvodyavia companies from Sheremetyevo will be reduced or moved to inconvenient night times.

Moscow schoolchildren do not want to get involved in politics Schoolchildren, who are now 15-17 years old, will have to vote in the next presidential elections. Special correspondent for the Vremya Novostey newspaper Yaroslav GOLOTYUK decided to ask Moscow high school students about their attitude to politics and electoral law. And at the same time, understand what today’s youth policy is at the level of existing parties.

Political scientists have figured out how to make Russia great and fair The leaders of the National Strategy Council (SNS), Joseph Diskin and Valery Khomyakov, managed to harness the horse of paternalism to the same cart with the tremulous doe of liberalism. Yesterday they presented to journalists an improved and expanded version of the SNA report entitled “National Agenda and National Strategy.” As Mr. Diskin explained, the initial version of this document was analyzed by regional experts.

Lawyers may lose arbitration privileges Last Tuesday was marked by the legal profession. All day the Constitutional Court considered cases related to the activities of defense lawyers. Moreover, for now, lawyers can consider themselves winners in the old dispute with investigators about whether it is necessary to take into account evidence of the innocence of those suspected of committing a crime.

The market is active not only for pilots, but also for potential sponsors After a month's absence, Formula 1 returns to Europe. The time of overseas tours is behind us, and next weekend the French Grand Prix awaits us, where we will again look for the slightest signs of intrigue. Or once again admire the skill of Michael Schumacher and the speed and reliability of his Ferrari.

CLUBS Skalpel (Poland). The duo of DJs Marcin Sichy and Igor Pudlo compile electro-jazz and video avant-garde. Skalpel's performances go back forty years - to the era of cinema of the 60s, which had a strong influence on musicians. We can say that the duet’s music is the comprehension and expression in sound of that legendary time, mixed with Polish jazz traditions. In April, the band debuted on the legendary electronic label Ninja Tune. “16 tons” , 22.00.

The Orthodox Church has taken up the task of saving youth Yesterday in Saratov a two-day congress of Orthodox youth ended, held under the motto “Youth for the spiritual health of Russia.” The congress was held on the initiative of Bishop Longin of Saratov and Volsk, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus' and with the support of the government of the Saratov region.

The speaker of the Moscow City Duma talks about taxes, roads, land and housing The work that has begun on the state budget has once again aggravated the contradictions between the federal center and the constituent entities of the federation. Moscow once again became the mouthpiece of the offended donor regions. Yuri Luzhkov, who has long never missed an opportunity to publicly criticize the state’s fiscal policy, this year was even forced to postpone the consideration of the city budget.

Since June 27, the Young Drama Festival 2004 has been held in Moscow. The festival is a continuation of the seminar of young playwrights that existed since 1990 in Lyubimovka. After ten years of registration in Stanislavsky's former estate near Moscow, the seminar moved to Moscow for a banal reason - it turned out that it was cheaper to hold it in the capital.