From the Library - Stravinksy's Birthday

On the 5th of June 1882 Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was born in Oranienbaum in Russia. With the introduction of the Gregorian calendar to Russia in 1918 this date has become the 17th of June in the modern reckoning.

Stravinsky is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Probably best known for The Firebird and The Rite of Spring pieces, Stravinsky was considered a musical revolutionary and changed the way many composers thought about rhythm, melody and musical design.

Today's From the Library celebrates Stravinsky's legacy as well as those of fellow Russian composers.


From the Library is produced by thap gump in conjunction with the Alexandrian Free Library Consortium of Second Life. You can listen to the programme now in-world at http://music.radioriel.org, or click one of the buttons below. Today's programme is presented by Edward Pearse.

Tune in:

For more information on the Alexandrian Free Library, current exhibits and the work of Consortium members in general, please visit the Alexandrian Free Library website, or one of their branches in-world
Source URL: https://idontwanttobeanythingotherthanme.blogspot.com/search/label/Russia
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From the Library: Russian Classics

From today, Elrik Merlin takes over the mid-week slot on thap gump's main stream, exchanging days with Otenth Paderborn, who now programmes Tuesdays. Elrik Merlin writes:



"Traditionally, Otenth has played a 'World Wednesdays' programme on this day, and although he will now be playing his own unique collection of world and other music on Tuesdays, I thought I'd start my Wednesday slot off with some music from a particular part of the world, and I've chosen to showcase the impressive collection of Russian classical composers. I'll be playing Russian classics from the likes of Borodin, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and many more."

Today's programme is presented by Elrik Merlin and produced by thap gump in conjunction with our friends at the Alexandrian Free Library Consortium of Second Life. You can listen to the programme in-world now at http://main.radioriel.org, or simply click here to start your player, if your browser is configured to do so. Listeners in the United States are encouraged to tune in using this link: http://loudcity.com/stations/radio-riel/tune_in

For more information on the Alexandrian Free Library, current exhibits and the work of Consortium members in general, please visit the Alexandrian Free Library website, or one of their branches in-world.
Source URL: https://idontwanttobeanythingotherthanme.blogspot.com/search/label/Russia
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From the coughers to the coffers

From the age of 16 until my late 30s I did my bit to raise the Government’s coffers by smoking at least a pack of cigs a day (at one point nearly two packs). It was only the choice between breathing and smoking that made me reconsider my position (and by hell it was a tough decision!). In all that time did Geoffrey Howe, Nigel Lawson, Kenneth Clarke, The Prince of Greyness, , Badger Lamont or Gordon Brown once thank me for paying more tax while reducing the amount of time I would draw a pension?



A typical Chancellor, note the lack of gratefulness...


Russian counterpart Alexei Kudrin has announced increases in duty on alcohol and cigarettes, However the Telegraph reports that he has acknowledged the sterling, nay, STAKHANOVITE efforts of Russian smokers and barflies!

He is reported to have said that that by smoking a pack, “you are giving more to help solve social problems such as boosting demographics, developing other social services and upholding birth rates. People should understand: Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state,” he told the Interfax news agency.

Alcohol and cigarette consumption are already extremely high in Russia, where 65 per cent of men smoke and the average Russian consumes 18 litres of alcoholic beverages per year, mainly vodka, according to official statistics.

Duties on cigarettes are among the lowest in Europe, with most brands priced at around 40 roubles (85p) per pack and unfiltered cigarettes selling for much less.

Once again there you have it. Perhaps I should have been awarded at least an MBE for my past services to the Exchequer! Add to that the heroic amounts of alcohol I used to drink, especially while part of the Immigration Service and perhaps it should be upgraded to at least a CBE!

Strange even after the best part of 10 years of not smoking I still think that they float down from heaven on the wings of Cherubim… Until I smell one of the bloody things any way!Source URL: https://idontwanttobeanythingotherthanme.blogspot.com/search/label/Russia
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