Lately, the literary conversation that the old Countess Anna Fedotovna and her grandson Tomsky have in “The Queen of Spades” has constantly come to mind. “--Paul! - the countess shouted from behind the screens, - send me some new novel, but please, not one of the current ones. - How is it, grand'maman? - That is, a novel where the hero does not crush either his father or his mother and where there are no drowned bodies. I'm terribly afraid of drowned people!..

CLUBS Anna Koroleva (vocals, saxophone) and Jump . Forte , 21.00. Big band of Igor Butman . “Igor Butman Club” , 20.00. CONCERTS The New Russia Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Teodor Currentzis , and soloist Alexander Melnikov (piano) perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Mahler's Symphony No. 1. Great Hall of the Conservatory , 19.00. "Piano Masterpieces" . Stanislav Igolinsky (piano) plays “Morning Songs”, Sonata No. 1, “Kreisleriana” by Schumann.

Prime Minister Putin can again move towards the goals of nine years ago Nine years ago, in August 1999, Vladimir Putin was confirmed as Prime Minister for the first time. Much has changed, but if you take a closer look, not everything - the dollar exchange rate is again less than 25 rubles. (in August 1999 it fluctuated around 24.8), we will fight to increase pensions and living standards, and we will help business by reducing taxes.

Global economic slowdown not enough to stop inflation The wave of rising inflation sweeping the world may require the International Monetary Fund to revive its lending activities. As the first deputy head of the IMF, John Lipsky, said recently, the fund is now actively negotiating with 10-15 low-income countries about the possibility of financing gaps in the balance of payments associated with rising prices.

The fate of GRU Colonel Oleg Penkovsky still raises questions 45 years ago, on May 11, 1963, an unusual trial took place in Moscow - against Colonel of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Soviet Army Oleg Penkovsky. After some time, according to the official report, the fate of the exposed spy was put to rest - with a bullet to the head. However, is this so? Volumes have been written about Penkovsky, who worked for the British and Americans for less than two years.

Snowfalls at the end of January can compensate for the lack of snow in the first half of winter Before meteorologists had time to record the fifth record in the history of meteorological observations since 1879 for an unusually low amount of January precipitation for Moscow, snow began to fall in the capital. And quite strong.

The program of the student festival “Your Chance” has been announced The Moscow International Festival of Graduation and Postgraduate Performances “Your Chance” will be held at the Theater Center on Strastnoy for a whole month, from May 15 to June 15, non-stop. The festival is being held for the fourth time, but never before has its program looked so impressive: in addition to theater universities in Moscow, St.

AvtoVAZ will help the republic organize a new industry On the eve of Victory Day, the Volga Automobile Plant made a gift to the Chechen Republic: together with Russian specialists, the State Unitary Enterprise Argun Plant Pishchemash began producing VAZ-21074 cars.

The Italian government will be saved by beauty This week, both houses of the Italian parliament are likely to pass a vote of confidence in the country's new government. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom party has such a solid majority that there are no surprises. Berlusconi, 71, who won the snap elections on April 13-14 , is seeking to create an impression of efficiency and efficiency.

Losers of the start take revenge There is a revolution in the Russian Championship. All those who suffered at the start of the season finally realized that their tournament fate is in their hands. All those who until recently were successful were unprepared for the uprising of former losers.

Chronicle of sporting events At the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Russian men's team won gold medals. Nikolai Kryukov, Maxim Devyatovsky, Yuri Ryazanov, Sergei Khorokhordin and Anton Golotsutskov scored a total of 272.450 points and were ahead of their closest pursuers from Germany. Romanian athletes won bronze medals.

The Russian Prime Minister made his first appointments Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin presented proposals on the structure of the new government to President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday in the Kremlin. “Dear Dmitry Anatolyevich, as we agreed, the necessary documents have been prepared regarding the structure of the government and personal appointments, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers,” Putin said.

The Brazilian won in Istanbul for the third time in a row Ferrari driver Felipe Massa won another, third in a row, victory in the Turkish Grand Prix. McLaren's Lewis Hamilton finished second, while another Ferrari driver, Kimi Raikkonen, finished third. The fifth stage of the Formula 1 World Championship had several features even before the start. Firstly, Rubens Barrichello became the new record holder for the number of participation in the Grand Prix.

Vladimir Putin again headed the Russian government On the eve of one of the most significant holidays for Russia - Victory Day, May 8, the State Duma approved Vladimir Putin as Prime Minister. After leaving the presidency, he was unemployed for no more than a day. Moreover, the deputies did not just vote for a certain candidate, some average politician nominated for the post, but rather “confirmed Vladimir Vladimirovich as Prime Minister” without an alternative or much thought.

The evacuation of Russians was successful Tomorrow three dozen Russians will fly to Moscow from Damascus, where they were taken by buses from Beirut yesterday. There, since Thursday , clashes between supporters of the pro-Western government and the armed formations of the Shiite movements Hezbollah , Amal and their Christian ally General Michel Aoun have taken place, claiming at least 40 lives.