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Pochards should survive!

World’s rarest bird is being saved in Madagascar

Reading time 4 minutes

An international group of researchers released into wild artificially grown birds in the area of North Madagascar. Two dozen of Madagascan pochards should be a step towards recovery of the species believed to be extinct for 15 years. The pochard’s rescue can also be beneficial in protecting swamps of Madagascar.

Why is this species endangered?
The duck found a new home on a remote lake of Madagascar. Ph: WWT

Pochards were believed to be extinct for 15 years. But in 2006 a small flock of birds was found on one of the remote lakes of Madagascar. There were the last 25 Madagascan pochards on Earth. Their habitats were polluted, the remaining birds were found in a remote untouched swamp. Rob Shaw, the director of The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust company (WWT), explained on BBC News that these ducks tried to survive in the environment which was not suitable for them. Their shelter was too deep and cold for pochards’ vital activity. Rob Shaw underlined that other parts of Madagascar can be dangerous for these birds, because of accumulation of precipitation, pollution, thoughtless agricultural practices. This set of problems creates an unfavorable environment for Madagascan pochards.

How the species was saved
One of the key moments is raising in captivity. Ph: WWT

This painstaking work took more than a decade. An international team consisting of WWT, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and The Peregrine Fund members saved the eggs of Madagascan pochards and raised the birds in captivity.

To protect the ducks, on Lake Sofia were installed floating enclosures. Then the team investigated Madagascar’s territory on order to find a perfect place for pochards. The team worked closely with local communities living around the lake and using its water, fish, and plants.

To protect the ducks, on Lake Sofia were installed floating enclosures. Ph: WWT

Nigel Jarrett from WWT explained: «It takes a village to raise a child, so the old African proverb goes – but in this case it has taken a village to raise a duck. We have been preparing for this moment for over a decade. Working with local communities to solve the issues which were driving this bird to extinction has been essential to giving the pochard a chance of survival.»

The team believes that the return of a bird being on verge of extinction will serve as an example of how communities can preserve wildlife even in areas with the poorest populations.

 

10 hidden features of social networks

Facebook and Instagram features you might not know about

Reading time 6 minutes

We spend hours on the social networks, posting posts, viewing profiles of friends and acquaintances, editing photos and videos. Do we use all the features and functions of social networks?

We will tell you about the chips in Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

“Trusted contacts” is a function that ensures network security. Each user can designate from 3 to 5 friends as profile coordinators in case the account will be blocked or there will be problems with the entrance. Only selected users will be able to send an email with a URL to restore access. You can configure contacts in the “Security and Login Settings” section.

If you suddenly decide to clean your profile and delete publications, you can save copies of posts, photos and videos. The archive can also include a description of the current settings and personal information placed in your account. The button “Download Page” is available in the “Settings” section.

The function allows you to find a person on the network by mobile phone number if you do not know the nickname. You must enter the desired number in the search bar. Only users who allowed to see their contact information will be displayed in the results. The remaining Facebook profiles will be hidden.

You can play and compete with friends in the Messenger application. Users monitor the progress of the opponent and see the number of points scored on the “Hall of Fame”. More than 50 games are available on Facebook, including Cut the Rope 2, Basketball Against Friends and the Ball pool. You can find them in the Facebook Messenger search bar.

Facebook allows users to recall the history of their relationship with friends. If you added information to the “Marital Status and Relatives” section, you can view the history of friendship on this page. If the relationship is not indicated on the social network, the story will be available on the friend’s page. The “View Friendship” button is located on the cover of the profile.

 

 

 

Instagram users can create their own set of filters for processing from the collection. If you use certain filters in the editor and scroll the rest, select the ones you need in the “Management” section. Filters can be swapped in your set, and you can also create a personal rating from them.

Offensive and inappropriate comments Instagram automatically filters out and removes from publications and live broadcasts. Users can also control this process by making a list of stop words, phrases and emoji. The function “Hide offensive comments” is available in the settings.

Instagram users have the right to tag you on any publication. After that, a photo with a tag will be displayed in your profile. However, you can hide the publication in your account in the “Parameters”. The tag on the friend’s page will not be removed.

If you want to temporarily remove or hide part of publications in your profile, you can use the archiving function. Photos will not be displayed on the page, however you will have access to them. You can archive the publication in the “Parameters” section.

In the “Likes” section, users can follow the actions of the profiles to which they are subscribed. Here you can see your favorite posts, comments and subscriptions. You can find a lot of interesting among the content that users rate. Moreover, the section helps to more clearly define the profile and requests of your target audience. The function does not need to be customized.

Holidays in Europe!

Czech Republic, Hungary or Finland - what is better?

Reading time 5 minutes

Winter holidays is the best time for travelling around Europe. It is better to order a tour in October or November. Just at this time travel agencies give their clients suggestions on January, yet lessors haven’t increased Christmas prices on apartments in Airbnb service.

In order to travel on one’s own It is necessary to find the company, choose the direction, buy tickets, engage the place for living and apply for a visa. Online services is a comfortable way to organize travelling (Aviasales, OneTwoTrip, etc). They will find you the most optimal flight in terms of time and prices. Be careful with buying the cheapest vouchers – avia companies frequently impose restrictions on baggage allowance. In order to avoid troubles with the ticket seeking and processing you can appeal to travel agencies where you will be selected the country, hotel, plane. However, that would have great costs. For the decisive and economic travellers we collected three inexpensive and atmospheric European countries.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic is included in top 10 the cheapest countries of the European union. On Christmas Prague opens numerous fairs with hand-crafted products, unique souvenirs and all possible treats. This place is a paradise for lovers to eat budgetly and yummy. In January, besides traditional knuckle of pork and goulash, trdelnics are being sold on every street corner. This is a pastry in the form of roll with sugar and different toppings, the sweet smell of which is spread over the whole historic center.

If you choose cozy and gotic Czech Republic, the flight will be approximately 10000-15000 rubles. The price for living will directly depend on your demands to comfort – every person decides whether to live in hostel or separated apartment. On average, 25000 rubles will be enough for the flight, hotel and visa fee.

Historical Prague center on New Year’s Eve
Hungary

In Budapest Christmas decorations are taken off in early January, that’s why you hardly will be able to feel the holiday atmosphere deeply. However, you will be able to research both sides of the capital – Budu and Pest, warm up in the legendary bathing areas and look at all sightseeings from the hilltop where the statue «Motherland» is situated. Free excursions on English called «Free Walking Tours» are widely spread in Budapest – if you know a little bit more than «London is the capital of Great Britain» you will be able to both attend city tour and learn street-art hidden in the narrow city’s alleyways.

The travelling price to Hungary will be approximately the same as to Czech Republic, yet you will have a possibility to gorge in Hungarian restaurants wasting little money.

Christmas market in Budapest
Finland

The third direction is not so budget as previous ones, but it is, probably, the most atmospheric. If you want to attend Scandinavia, but you have a little money, you can plan a moderate trip to Helsinki.

Hardly anyone believes in stories about Santa Claus living in Lapland. However, it is worth to visit this place in winter at least once in life. Astonishing north sceneries with the aurora borealis, wild deers running along the roads, forests blanketed with snow, and the yummiest fish are anticipating tourists in Finland. You can reach this country not only by plane but also by ground transportation. As an option you can go to Saint-Petersburg by train, and to catch the bus there to Helsinki.

North affluent countries pamper travellers with convenient renovated hostels which give you an excellent possibility to economize on accomodation fee. If you crave to be found yourself in the winter fairytale and ready to accept several inconveniences, definitely visit this European Father Christmas and be ready to spend 30000-35000 rubles on your dream.

“I hope, my last word will not be the last”

Блогеру Соколовскому грозит три с половиной года колонии за ловлю покемонов в храме

Reading time 12 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

The prosecution demanded to sentence the new Ruslan Sokolovsky to three and a half years in a penal colony. This statement in the judicial debates in the Ekaterinburg district court gave the Prosecutor Ekaterina Kalinina. In her speech, she also noted that a blogger accused of extremism and insulting the feelings of believers, expresses a negative attitude not only to the Church but to the state as a whole. “The information in the video “Anus itself block, Roskomnadzor”, shows how Sokolowski refers to the state, the President, the citizens. Expression of disrespect to the state is unacceptable, and suspended sentence will only breed a sense of impunity,” – said Kalinin. Ruslan Sokolovsky, in turn, is not guilty. The final verdict will be announced on 11 may at 11 o’clock.

what judge Sokolowski?

In early August of 2016 blogger filmed a prank video about how he plays the popular mobile game Pokemon Go in the Temple-on-Blood in Ekaterinburg. A video posted on the Youtube channel Sokolowski, attracted the attention of both media and the Ministry of internal Affairs. A few weeks later the blogger was arrested on charges of offending religious feelings (article 148 of the criminal code) and inciting hatred or enmity, and humiliation of human dignity (article 282 of the criminal code). First, Sokolovsky was placed in jail, but the defense appealed this decision, and he was transferred under house arrest.

During the investigation it became known that since may 2013 to September 2016 Sokolowski posted on his channel nine videos that, according to experts, contain signs of extremism and insults the feelings of believers. In addition, after searching the apartment of blogger, the investigation found a ballpoint pen with a hidden camera in the housing. This finding has led to the fact that Sokolovsky, among other things, accused in one episode according to the article 138 of the criminal code (trafficking of special technical means for secret obtaining of information) – use hidden camera.

At the time of trial Sokolovsky accused of committing 17 criminal episodes.

What is the reaction of the accused?

During the meeting on April 28 Ruslan Sokolovsky made the last word. The blogger admitted that he was shocked by the requested time: “I was in jail and realize that this is only a prelude to hell.”

Sokolovsky also said he still considers himself an atheist, a cosmopolitan and libertarian without any religion and nationality. According to videoblogger in prison, he met many believers and realized how vulnerable and sensitive they really are. Despite this blogger about religion have not changed. Some of the offended believers threatened Sokolowski rape. The reasons for this hate blogger doesn’t understand.

“I am not an extremist. I may be an idiot, but I am in no way an extremist. As told by the experts, is not my fault that I denied God, and that I denied God using math. And I don’t know since when the Mat is considered to be extremism”, – said Sokolowski, before thanking the public for their support.

Also, the blogger admitted that he knows, if he survives in prison and released after three and a half years, you will lose everything that he has now: work, school, girls.

“I hope, my last word will not be the last,” added Sokolowski.

Why Sokolovsky generally hunted in the temple?

In the summer of 2016, when the scandalous video Sokolovsky only beginning to gain popularity, many YouTube viewers were convinced that the main goal of the blogger is to cause as much “hype” (hype) around his person. In response to this, Sokolowski recorded another video, which explained his position: “Many people are accusing me that I pursue HYIP. But, you know, first, all bloggers are chasing the hype because it is the work of blogger. And secondly, if I really was chasing a HYIP, I would now filmed DIY (stands for Do It Yourself – “do it with your hands.” Sokolowski says on the popular online video-lessons hand-made approx.ed.), but not video, which I could go to jail. It just has a more difficult path”.Also, the blogger added that catching pokemon in the temple is, first and foremost, a protest against the law on insulting the feelings of believers: “We don’t have to live in a country where we are bound hand and foot because of some sectarians. Why do they come to schools and teach some “Word of God”, and we teach the theory of evolution in the churches have no right?”.

In addition, Sokolovsky assured his audience that to insult or humiliate any he was not going: “I wanted to draw attention to the problem of obscurantism, but not to insult any specific people. I, in fact, did nothing wrong – was in the temple with the phone. All”.

How to relate to the ongoing social network users?

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Leonid Volkov, head of the election headquarters of Alexei Navalny tweeted:

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Alexey Navalny, commenting on the severity of the sentence, wrote the following:

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Sports journalist Vasily Utkin and does put forward his own theory, which explains the drop in popularity of Pokemon Go:

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What is the “law on insulting the feelings of believers”?

Blasphemy laws exist in many countries. Their main task is to protect the citizens belonging to a particular faith from harassment. The attitude of legislators to the defamation of religion varies greatly from sentence to death for insulting Islam (Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia), or long imprisonment (Indonesia, Algeria, India) to complete absence of structure of a crime (European Union, USA).

In Russia up to 2013, the insult of feelings of believers was considered only an administrative offence. Under the ban got the deliberate desecration of the liturgical books and religious documents and ritual objects of special veneration: signs, emblems, slogans and symbols.

In early June 2013 the State Duma adopted the amendment to increase liability “for insulting the feelings of believers.” On 29 June, the law approved by the Federation Council entered into force. The most significant change was the establishment of criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for “public actions expressing clear disrespect for society and committed to insult the religious feelings of believers”.

expert Comments specifically for HIT.MEDIA:

Gleb Bogush

Gleb Bogush, PhD, associate Professor, faculty of law, HSE:

— I believe that this whole process is the unjustified use of criminal law and misappropriation of state resources needed for more important and useful purposes. For example, the fight against terrorism.

In Russia up to 2013, the insult of feelings of believers was considered only an administrative offence. Under the ban got the deliberate desecration of the liturgical books and religious documents and ritual objects of special veneration: signs, emblems, slogans and symbols.

In early June 2013 the State Duma adopted the amendment to increase liability “for insulting the feelings of believers.” On 29 June, the law approved by the Federation Council entered into force. The most significant change was the establishment of criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for “public actions expressing clear disrespect for society and committed to insult the religious feelings of believers”.

expert Comments specifically for HIT.MEDIA:

Gleb Bogush

Gleb Bogush, PhD, associate Professor, faculty of law, HSE:

— I believe that this whole process is the unjustified use of criminal law and misappropriation of state resources needed for more important and useful purposes. For example, the fight against terrorism.

Punishment Sokolowski requested by the representative of the state prosecution, is not only an act of extraordinary cruelty, but demand not in accordance with the law. In accordance with the Criminal code (article 60), the sentence must reflect the public danger of the crime and the identity of the perpetrator, take into account the influence of the appointed punishment on correction of the perpetrator and the living conditions of his family. Even if we agree that the actions Sokolowski contain structure of the crime to imprison a young person for a non – violent act- the measure is unjustified. Isolation from society is the exclusive means, especially in relation to persons not previously convicted. It is obvious that she is beyond any reasonable court of coercive measures. We should not forget that the requested sentence Sokolowski exceeds the maximum term of punishment for some kinds of murder (intentional killing of another person).

I’d like to remind the Prosecutor that the provisions of the Criminal code for him as required, both for the court and other state bodies. Of course, far beyond the powers of the Prosecutor are heard in the debate Sokolowski wishes to leave the state because he supposedly negatively related to it. A negative attitude to the state, not to mention the individual institutions, if it is not manifested in illegal actions, is not subject to criminal-legal assessment. Freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and international law. Not the Prosecutor to decide where and how must the citizens of the Russian Federation.

The use of deprivation of liberty in the fight against free speech is futile and harmful.

The blog is in prison not jail. Unlike blogger, unfortunately.

read more:

“Well, what happened while I was gone?”

Барак Обама выступил с речью впервые после того, как покинул Белый дом

Reading time 10 minutes

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What happened?

During the first public appearances after stepping down as President Barack Obama spoke about the intention to work with young people and to prepare politicians of the new generation. At the meeting with students of the University of Chicago, the former President spoke about America, leadership, appropriate behavior in social networks and even marriage. “What he is not touched, so it’s his successor,” the otmechaet by the Associated Press.

Return to home

His speech, the politician decided to start with a joke: “Well, what happened while I was gone?” After a short introduction-story of a native city and the University of Chicago, where he led constitutional and electoral law before he was elected to the Senate, Obama admitted that this stage of life wants to work with young professionals.

“Despite the fact that there are many issues that need attention, the most important thing I can do to help prepare the next generation of leaders to take our relay in this changing world”.

Post to Twitter the University of Chicago
Post to Twitter the University of Chicago

Obama stated with confidence that to get rid of the rift that formed between parties after elections in November 2016, I can only young Americans. For this reason, it will work with those who are planning to take seats in the government.

“In whatever state I may be, I always meet a witty, insightful, patient, thoughtful and enterprising guys. They are the reason I remain optimistic, even when things don’t go the way I want”.

Most of the time, Obama asked the students, while talking about their own way to the head of the United States. Topics raised at the forum was the transformation of the judicial system, the influence of money on politics, ecology and citizenship of young people.

“It’s something that prevents us to face the problems and to achieve success in political and public life,” said the ex-President.

Obama gave the students some advice. For example, to watch what they post in social networks, to be closer to family, “listening to understand, not to reply”, and, most importantly, “to worry less about who they want to be, but more about what you want to do.”

Press Reaction

For half an hour, during which lasted the forum, Barack Obama never mentioned the name of the current President of the United States Donald trump, and has also avoided direct criticism of his actions, notes CNN.

Obama has made it clear he was not going to become a “mouthpiece of the Democratic party” and to participate in the current political struggle. “He prefers to play the role of a counselor and stay in the shade. However, at the right time, when needed, he will go out from there,” quotes CNN.

Yuri Rogulev on radio Sputnik
Yuri Rogulev on radio Sputnik

“the American presidency directly after the withdrawal from his post did not interfere in politics. So the current policy it to intervene will not. Obama chose the path of public activities — work with young people. I think that’s what he will do,” noted the Director of Fund of studying of the USA Franklin Roosevelt MSU Yuri Rogalev on radio Sputnik.

Another point which attracted the attention of the American media, is the level of the speech of the former and present owners of the White house. American journalist and comedian Andy Borowitz in The New Yorker magazine prokomentiroval it’s the 44th President of the United States: “In his speech at the University of Chicago, former President Barack Obama unleashed on the listener merciless barrage of complete sentences, which was perceived as a brutal attack on his successor”.

Column by Andy Borowitz at the New Yorker
Column by Andy Borowitz in the New Yorker

On Obama’s speech and reacted to in social networks, Twitter and Instagram was full of posts with the hashtag #IMissObama.

post with the hashtag #IMissObama
Posts with the hashtag #IMissObama

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Reaction to Obama's speech in Instagram
American Reaction to Obama’s speech in Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up to this point, the former head of US tried not to appear in public. In March the Washington Post soosaluthat Obama moved to the island of Tetiaroa in the Pacific ocean, to begin work on his memoirs. But after Chicago, ex-President of the performances in the major cities of America and Europe. In addition, turned out that Obama is bound by a contract with the Bank Cantor Fitzgerald, who arranges a meeting on health issues for the largest companies on wall street. For the show, which will take place in September this year, he will pay $400 thousand, which is twice the amount received for lectures Hilary Clinton, former Secretary of state and candidate for U.S. President in 2016, notes TASS reported.

What was remembered in Russia for eight years of the reign of Barack Obama?

From the statements of Obama on the “Russian theme”.

“Russia is a regional power”

In March 2014, the meeting with mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Obama was asked to comment on remarks Republican MITT Romney that Russia is the biggest geopolitical enemy of America.

“Russia is a regional power, and not because of strength, but its weakness is a threat to some of its neighbors, Obama said. — Russia’s actions do not represent the number one threat to the national security of the United States. I remain much more concerned about the question of our security in connection with threat of distribution of nuclear weapons”.

“Russia is isolated and its economy in tatters”

In January 2015, the traditional state of the Union address Barack Obama said that sanctions have completely destroyed the Russian economy:

“Last year, on the background of the aggression of Mr Putin, we, together with allies carried out the hard work of imposing sanctions, strengthened our presence in the frontline States. Some said that Putin’s actions workshop was a demonstration of strategy and power. But today, that America is strong and United with our allies, while Russia is isolated and its economy in tatters”.

“will he (Putin) is to destroy the economy of his country?”

From the speech at the G7 summit in June 2015:

“Will he (Putin) is to destroy the economy of the country, worsen the position of Russia in its quest to restore the glory of the Soviet Empire? Or recognizes, finally, that the glory of Russia not to violate the territorial integrity of neighboring countries?”

“Ronald Reagan in a coffin would be turned over”

At a press conference at the White house December 16, 2016 on the choice of the Republicans:

“37 % of Republican voters approve of Vladimir Putin, the former head of the KGB. Ronald Reagan in a coffin would be turned over”, — said the President of the United States.

“Russia is smaller and weaker country, they do not produce anything that others want to buy”

16 December 2016 at a press conference in the White house Barack Obama is constantly talking about Russia. Particularly striking was the comparison of Russia with the United States:

“Russia is smaller and weaker from the point of view of Economics, they do not produce anything that others want to buy, with the exception of oil, gas and weapons. They do not innovate”.

What else to read?

Step to the Elysee Palace

Макрон победил в первом туре выборов президента Франции

Reading time 8 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

In France on 23 April, the first round of the presidential election. The leader of movement “Forward!” and former economy Minister Emmanuel macron scored 23.75% of the votes. Next is the head of “National front” marine Le Pen – 21,53%.

results of the first round
Source ria.ru

In Paris for the Makron vote 34% of the vote, while Le Pen in the capital supported for 4.99%. The macron has become a leader in Lyon, in the Department of Gironde (capital Bordeaux), Toulouse and several other cities. Turnout made 78,23%.

the Distribution of candidates-leaders of departments of France
the Distribution of candidates-leaders in the departments of France
Who maintains the Rules?

The current President of France Francois Hollande congratulated Emmanuel Macron with a victory in the first stage of the presidential election and officially said that will vote for the founder of the movement “Forward!”.

Loser “Republican” Francois Fillon (he third place, 19,91%) urged his supporters to vote in the second round of the Macron. He added that the victory of marine Le Pen may lead the country to collapse.

The candidate of the Socialist party, Benoit Hamon, the Prime Minister of France Bernard Cazeneuve, Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also made in support of the Macron.

What do the winners of the first round?

After the results of Makron made in front of supporters and journalists at the exhibition complex of Porte de Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. He said that he was going to become President of France in 15 days, “President of the patriots vs nationalists”, “a President who protects, changes and builds.”

“We got a chance to turn the page in French political history. The French expressed the desire for renewal”.

Marine Le Pen meeting with supporters in Henin-beaumont in the Pas-de-Calais called the result of the first round of “historic”. In her view, at stake is “frightening globalization” that threatens the nation.

“it is Time to liberate the French people from the shackles of the arrogant elite who dictates his will. And Yes, I’m the people’s candidate“.

protest

During the vote to a precinct in the town of Henin-beaumont, where the votes of marine Le Pen, here Nude Femen activists wearing masks itself Le Pen, her father Jean-Marie, Bashar al-Assad, Vladimir Putin and Donald trump. They were detained by the police.

Detention of activists

After the publication of the first results of the elections in Paris on Bastille square was held a rally “anti-fascists and anti-capitalists” who were against Le Pen, and Emmanuel Macron. About 300 protesters chanted: “We still, marine Le Pen or macron! We do not recognize the election results!”. The police used against the demonstrators with tear gas. 143 people arrested in clashes with police injured three protesters and six police officers.

Emmanuel macron and his program

Macron studied in National school of administration and Institute for policy studies. In 2007 he served as Deputy Rapporteur for the Commission on the improvement of French growth led by Jacques Attali. Then he met with the influential Rothschild family, became an investment banker at Rothschild &Cie Banque. From 2012 to 2014 he was Deputy Secretary-General of the Elysee Palace with President Francois Hollande.

Since August 2014, he occupied the post of Minister of economy, Finance and industry, but two years later resigned.

In April 2016, macron has created a movement of “Go!“, declaring it “neither right nor left”. In November 2016, macron said about his participation in the presidential election and published a book-the “Revolution”.

The candidate refers the project “the economy of the future” and identifies six priority areas: education, employment, modernization of the economy, security, restoration of democracy and participation in international life.

offers?
Education
  • reducing the number of students in classes
  • independent schools
  • increase the number of teachers four or five thousand people
  • wage increases
  • extension of unemployment benefits
  • development of training programs to employees
  • enhancement of agreements between enterprises and the industry
Security
  • creation of a domestic intelligence for counter-terrorism
  • increase defense spending to 2% of GDP
  • the introduction of compulsory military service for boys and girls
  • additional employment of 10 thousand policemen and gendarmes
  • reduce state spending by 60 billion euros over five years
  • introduction of a luxury tax (real estate)
  • the introduction of a fixed tax of 30 % on capital income
  • abolition of this tax from the voters for 80% of families
Democracy
  • permit hijabs in universities
  • support for gender equality
International relations

Earlier macron stressed that “doesn’t want to compromise with Putin.”

“Russia has great people, great culture and history. We were often allies, including during the Soviet era. However, to date there is no reason to allow Russia to violate international law,” said macron interview the magazine Jeune Afrique.

Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is committed to building a “good and mutually beneficial relations” with Paris.

“as for the elections, we respect the choice of the French people. The French must decide who will be their President.”

What experts say

Doctor of historical Sciences, Deputy Dean of the faculty of World economy and world politics HSE Igor Kovalyov specifically for HIT. MEDIA:

Igor Kovalyov Program of Macron is an attempt to maintain the course that France was preaching and implemented. Given the contemporary challenges of migration crisis and the crisis in the European Union and against the background of a British exit from the EU, I think it is unlikely that this policy will seriously improve the situation of France and strengthen its status in Europe.

If it does the script, which at one time worked against Jean-Marie Le pen, when all candidates and all political forces United only in order not to let the right front, the Makron could become President. Another thing is that since that time has been quite a dramatic change, changed France, changed the party “national front”, marine Le Pen is not such an unusual candidate, like her father. Let’s see how events will develop. After the first round there are still two weeks will be a continuation of the campaign, with a new composition – not eleven, but two candidates.

Second round of presidential elections will be held on 7 may.

It time to merge “the deadly soda?”

Что на самом деле установили ученые из Бостонского университета Тафтса

Reading time 6 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

Scientists from Boston’s tufts University argue that “high consumption of sugary drinks and fruit juice associated with a decrease in total brain volume and lower performance on tests of episodic memory”. Article was published in the medical journal “Alzheimer’s &Dementia”.

On the same day, the Internet exploded with headlines: “Soda kills annually to 184 thousand people, researchers found”, “Soda admitted killer”, “Scientists have linked the consumption of soda and atrophy of the brain”. How justified are these fears? Edition Hit.Media appealed to the original text, available by subscription, as well as an expert from the HSE Vasily Vlasov.

According studies Matthew Landsca, those who consume more than a certain number of drinks with sweeteners, juices, and soda, a brain volume was on average 1% less than other study participants. The volume of the hippocampus, responsible for memory, decreased by 2%. Fans of sweet drinks could remember 6% less of the stories that were told them by the doctors during the experiment. In addition, patients with addiction to soda was more difficult to remember and retell these stories through the day.

The authors of the research interpret their results as a basis for further research and conclusion about a possible connection to the high consumption of sugary drinks with the studied diagnostic markers as a cause for scientific debate.

expert Comments specifically for hit.media

Vasily Vlasov, doctor of medical Sciences, Professor of the faculty of social Sciences at the HSE:

– For decades thousands of scientists and activists under the guise of scientists are trying to find something harmful in the food that you eat millions, but to detect the damage by scientific means is not possible. Are you surprised? Yes! The quality of the food chains, like McDonald’s, is all because of evil interest good, and the food in them are harmless.

But such research is carried out again and again, including the fact that the results of these studies attracted the attention of the press, readers, give clicks – the circle closes. So this study caught the attention. It is made on materials of world-famous Remengesau research. This is an unprecedented study now three generations of Americans living in Framingham outside of Boston. This study accessible to scientists around the world and analyzed to check the most fanciful hypotheses.

In this analysis compared people who reported drinking sodas with those who say that it consumes little or no drinking. Found that consuming soda, the brain is smaller, and the poorer the results of one test on the memory.

Commentators in the press, including Russian, was handing out these modest results a lot. In fact correlation, but the causal nature of the relationship no question. It is quite a common mistake: as if the researchers found that among sailors more than men, and commentators said that the penis is the cause of the choice of profession.

Research “cross design” does not allow to identify the causes, they can only indicate possible directions for further research. The title “brain atrophy” indicates that the brain was, and then atrophied. The study only found that people have different brain size, and the connection of the small size of the brain with drinking soda.

Is false and the statement that “diabetes and other consequences from the abuse of soda kill approximately 184 thousand people a year.” Although diabetes called “diabetes disease”, this is because in the urine contains glucose. But there is no evidence that increased use of sucrose (regular sugar) leads to diabetes.

The title “Soda kills annually to 184 thousand people,” – a vivid example of irresponsible journalism.

How to drink soda in different countries

Most sweet drinks like in South America and on nearby Islands. In the Dominican Republic, Barbados and Cuba consume more than one bottle a day, in the U.S. on an average day drink 250 ml. least of all lovers of sugary drinks in East Asia. Most soda buy young people, and least likely to drink it of an elderly woman. Statistics show that the global average every person drinks 133 ml of soda per day.

In Russia, the consumption of carbonated drinks is also at the level of 133 ml per day, which gives about 20% of the daily value of sugar for a healthy adult. Half-liter bottle – that’s 75%, but drinking a liter or more of coke or juice a day, we are one and a half times the searched normal.

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Musical and a political show

Организаторы «Евровидения» не смогли урегулировать российско-украинский конфликт

Reading time 8 minutes

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What happened?

This year the song contest “Eurovision” will take place without participant from Russia, and Russian TV channels will not broadcast this popular show. On 13 April, the European broadcasting Union in his letter, the First channel reported inability to resolve the question of the participation of Yulia Samoilova in the competition.

After that, the leadership of the First channel said that it is not going to broadcast the event. First consider the decision of the host country of the competition are unfounded and see it as Ukraine’s attempt to give political character to the contest, “whose goal throughout its 62-year history was the unification of the people.” Media holding VGTRK has expressed solidarity with the First channel and also boycotted the stream.

the Positions of the parties

The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko at the briefing in Latvia stated that the main goal for Russia was not the participation in “Eurovision”, and provocation, which manifested itself in the direction of the contest of the person that violated Ukrainian legislation. Poroshenko expressed his attitude to the incident:

“I am happy that thanks to the effective actions of the Ukrainian authorities that provocation was avoided”.

The official representative of EMU David Goodman said that the organization condemns the decision by Ukrainian authorities to allow Yulia Samoylova is an attack on “non-political character and mission” of the competition.

The CEO of the Eurovision song contest Ingrid Deltenre expressed regret that the contest is used as a means of political games, and recalled that Eurovision is supposed to unite people, not “to pit them together”.

Your opinion with the community shared the national actress of the USSR Alla Pugacheva:

“I know Julia, you know her dream to perform at Eurovision. Everything else is so hectic for such nonsense, because, when singing a person with a disability needs to calm all strife”.

The following year, Julia Samoylova, regardless of the venue of the competition will represent him and Russia. This agreement with the EBU, on 14 April, announced the General Director of channel Konstantin Ernst.

However, as reports Lenta.ru, EBU will consider the suspension of Russia from participation in 2018 on the basis of rules, according to which the country refused to broadcast the show, deprived of the right to send its representative to next year. Final decision will be taken after the contest in Kiev.

As the events unfolded?

That the security Service of Ukraine has forbidden Yulia Samoilova entry into the country for a period of 3 years, it became known in late March. The reason for this was not agreed with the Ukrainian authorities, the performance of Julia in Kerch in 2015. Then began the search for variants in which the girl could participate.

The compromise proposed by the EBU did not satisfy the Russian side. Julia was invited to speak remotely with broadcast satellite communications. Remote performance of the participant in the competition is not provided by the rules, however, EMU has agreed to make an exception.

The leadership of the First channel was strongly opposed, on the grounds that it contradicts the sense of the competition. The main producer of music and entertainment programs of the First channel Yuri Aksyuta said that a mandatory rule of the contest is a live performance of actors on stage.

The second option was the replacement of the Russian party. Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Vyacheslav Kirilenko said that Russia will be able to participate in the competition, if a new delegate will have no problems with Ukrainian legislation. Russia to change the party refused.

Financial and reputational consequences

The failure of the First channel to broadcast “Eurovision”, according to preliminary estimates, special advertising losses will not bring, as the stream can be replaced by other content. In 2015 on advertising during the “Eurovision” channel has earned 100 million rubles. This year, the numbers could reach 130 million Loss could be around 30 million Audience of “Eurovision” in the world will decrease by more than 12 million people, reports “Komsomolskaya Pravda”.

How will the lack of broadcasting in Russia, the European broadcasting Union, said music producer Valentyn Koval:

“the Number of viewers who watch the “Eurovision” in Russia or any other country, is unlikely to affect the financial condition of the organising Committee. Typically, the member pays contributions for the right to show “Eurovision”, and for the opportunity to send the competition participant. If one of the forty participating countries will refuse to broadcast or participate, it is unlikely it will seriously affect the financial picture of the inside of the European broadcasting Union. From year to year in different countries refuse to participate in “Eurovision” for various reasons, but the EMU neither cold nor hot”.

The leader of group “the time Machine” Andrei Makarevich sure that those who prepared Julia to participate, could not know the laws of Ukraine and what it could be. But he stressed that for the sake of events, “which depends on the prestige of the state”, it was possible to make an exception: “It is nonsense on both sides”.

expert Opinions Hit.Media

Associate Professor, faculty of social Sciences, Mikhail Mironyuk appreciated the “Eurovision conflict” between Russia and Ukraine.

“it is an adequate choice of women from Russia, absolutely inadequate reaction of neighboring States and logical conclusion – failure of the First channel and “Russia”. But I think it will not affect relations between the two countries – they are already at the lowest level. Next only possible step is simply the rupture of relations”.

Professor of the theory and practice of interaction of business and government Leonid Polyakov projects the situation in relations with Europe:

“From our side a choice Samoilova was not so much political as humanitarian. Girl with alternative opportunities, and with a great vocal talent had the right to represent Russia. It is a kind of test for Europe of how she would be sensitive to discrimination against such participant. Test Europe has not passed – despite talk of “inadmissibility”, boycotting, and even some sanctions against Ukraine, all ultimately ended as it did: the competition will be held as usual. Europe will support special “regime of tolerance” for Ukraine, no matter what she did.”

What else to read?

Material Hit.Media about the way Yulia Samoilova to Eurovision

 

“Baby box is an alternative to the death!”

Интервью с участницей феминистского движения Анастасией Якубовской

Reading time 7 minutes

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The Deputy Elena Mizulina in the beginning of June 2016 in the state Duma introduced a bill to ban the baby boxes. The author of the bill proposes to prohibit “activities focused on the organization of anonymous abandonment of children” and to punish a legal person by a fine in the installation boxes. On September 27 of 2016, according to Agency “Interfax”, the Russian government supported the initiative of Mizulina. To understand the pros and cons of baby boxes, I turned to the bright representative of the feminist movement Anastasia Jakubowski.

– Baby-boxes – a rather controversial phenomenon. Some experts call them the disgrace of society, others say that the baby boxes is an alternative to death. What point of view you hold and why?

– I am of the view that it is an alternative to death. Statistics show that in the year, dozens of babies found dead were women kill them, hammer a hammer, strangled, thrown in the trash. Basically they’re doing it out of panic, fear that they will condemn the society, from a sense of despair because they have no material means to raise a child. The reasons for infanticide can be a lot of out of this situation only two: put the baby in the baby box, or abandon it in the hospital. However, to leave the baby in the hospital is very difficult: you want to write a statement to indicate the reason for the failure, then within six months to wait for the decision of the court. This is a very long and unpleasant paperwork, when almost every day on every piece of paper you sign highlighted that you abandoned the child. And this method is never resorted to women suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism. Some girls decide to murder your baby because you’re afraid that at the hospital they just will not give up the baby: he will try to push the doctors and to condemn relatives. And baby-boxes exclude this situation: nobody knows when you put the baby in a box as it looks. In other words, no one can affect voluntary or forced because of the circumstances a woman’s decision to abandon the child.

– Is the statement that the baby boxes are forcing women to abandon their children?

– Of course not. Personally, I have never seen social advertising like “you Have no choice? Put baby in the baby box!”. No shares, no propaganda. If a woman is caught in such a predicament, she will find a way. About the baby boxes, almost no one knew, not yet broke this scandal. Many people forget or don’t even know what baby-boxes is not just a box in which to leave children. Next to them there are huge booths, which call to call hotlines, talk about raising a child, if you do not have enough funds. As the stands with the headlines “Call the hotline”, “you can help” can provoke the abandonment of children?

– What other arguments brought by the opponents of baby boxes?

– The main argument of most public institutions, for example, Fund “Volunteers in aid to children-orphans” is the lack of statistics, according to which infant mortality rate is declining. I met a showgirl, but to argue on this subject – it is like saying that the Earth is not round because you didn’t see it. Statesmen, such as former children’s Ombudsman Pavel Astakhov and Yelena Mizulina, sure that the baby boxes violate a child’s right to know about my parents. However, it seems to me that when faced with a choice between death and life without being acquainted with their parents will choose life. Also the opponents of baby boxes believe that the woman relinquishing the child is not in the best point in my life. Maybe she’s depressed or she just seems that there is no way – in this state, she can’t make informed decisions. The deliberation of decisions can be assessed in each individual case, but clearly these women don’t just decide to kill her child. If you look at this subject this way, then the problem is not baby boxes, and social security in our country.

– Then there is the problem of infanticide can be solved by improving social conditions across the country?

– Yes, but no means for it. And all the baby boxes installed at the expense of personal funds, crowdfunding, charity is not a government initiative. For example, the first baby box was installed the head of the charitable Foundation “Cradle of hope” Elena Kotova. She heard stories about the murder of babies by their mothers, which is almost on the brink of survival, and began to raise money. It is impossible to say with 100 percent certainty that the number of infanticide declined, but over the past five years has saved dozens of babies. I think it’s a small victory.

– What will happen if the bill Mizulina to ban the baby boxes will still accept? How will this affect our society?

– In General society this will be reflected slightly. Will only increase the number of cases where child will be left on the doorstep of a hospital or kindergarten. This can be done in winter, when the baby may simply freeze. When children will be throw in the trash – the number of such accidents will also increase. A striking example of the consequences of this bill was the action of feminists in St. Petersburg: they took to the streets wearing masks with the face Mizulina wrote on dumpsters “This will replace the baby-boxes” or “baby box cannot be – in the trash can” and threw there toy babies. And it really is true. Of course, we can’t say for sure, but it is obvious that several dozen children who could have saved thanks to baby-boxes will die.