What's On Issue 30 2011

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What’s Up

Tymoshenko

in Jail

Y

es, we know we’re late on this one, but we’ve been on vacation, so what do you expect? And it’s just such a good story, we couldn’t let it pass without commenting. It seems the cat and mouse game between Yulia and President Viktor Yanukovych is becoming more serious, the stakes are getting higher, and the game play is getting more and more idiotic.

Of course, Yanukovych denies the trial is politically motivated, claiming instead it is purely legitimate. But none of us are idiots like he is, and it is quite clear the charges would be dropped and the cases dismissed if she promised to step down from politics and never stand for president again.

Tymoshenko, in turn, ridicules (quite rightly) the court in which she is forced to sit every day. She’s refused to make the deal, and now she spends all her evenings in a prison cell. She’s asked to be allowed to see her private doctor, and her request has been refused. She refuses to stand down and seems prepared to go the distance, which could, for her, mean up to ten years in jail.

What seems incredible is that Yanukovych also seems prepared to go the distance, and keep her there. Of course, it could all be bluff and bluster. We know that the big ape’s powers of reason are on par with his lowly position on the evolutionary scale, but surely

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even he must realise the path he is going down is not good – for him!

Mr President, we have some questions! While you’re obviously not intending to execute the woman (at least we hope not), do you not see that putting Tymoshenko in jail is martyring her all the same? Do you want to make a martyr of her? Do you want her to be the Ukrainian Mandela? We know people in power are not good at learning lessons from the past (look at US and Vietnam versus Afghanistan and Iraq), but can you not see how damaging your actions could be, to yourself?

Of course, we know you do not care about the damage that you’re doing to the nation, to its international standing, its democratic future, and the hopes of the people you are supposed to be serving, but that aside, surely you must see you’re shooting yourself in the foot with this one!

Well okay, probably not, but don’t come crying to us when you’re hopping around on one foot, blood oozing out the other. You won’t be able to point in the other direction; you won’t be able to say she did it to herself; you won’t even be able to say “a big boy did it and ran away”. You’ll only have yourself to blame.

You think she can’t do any harm on the inside? Just take a look at South Africa.

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Child Seller Behind Bars A Ukrainian woman has been arrested in Cherkasy for trying to sell her daughter.

Rumours began circulating that a 25-year old woman was looking for people to buy her daughter for $5,000, and soon a buy-

An Egg for Kirkorov An interesting story appeared in UNIAN recently. Apparently, according to the site, the popular Ukrainian singer Kamaliya will donate her eggs to well-known Russian singer Kirkorov, to help him become a father (yes, that type of egg…). Kamaliya and Kirkorov often sing together and their professional co-operation has meant that they’ve developed a close friendship. How did the subject come up in conversation? During a dinner in Yalta last week, when Kirkorov told her about his dreams of having a child.

Kamaliya admits Kirkorov first asked her half a year ago, but initially she refused.

Undeterred, Kirkorov persisted, not least because he wanted a baby from a beautiful woman. Kamaliya is the wife of well-known businessman Mohammad Zahoor, and says her husband is not jealous, highlighting that “Philip and I are not going to make love.

I only want him to be happy and become a father.” Philip Kirkorov is now looking for a surrogate mother. So if you’re a woman of child-bearing age that happens to go for dinner with him in the next few weeks, be prepared.

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er appeared. After some negotiation, the woman agreed to $3,000 and went with her child to a pre-arranged location for the exchange to take place, where she was promptly arrested. She is now in custody and criminal proceedings are underway.

She is charged with human trafficking.

During questioning, the woman said she had no means of living, forcing her into

the decision to sell her child. Witnesses say she led a solitary life, drank too much and did not take care of her child. The girl now is in a local orphanage. The story has shocked the country and laid bare the extent to which desperate people will go. It has also reignited the debate about Ukraine’s economic inequality, and the divide between rich and poor.

Ukrainian City Becomes European

Super Seats at Olympic Stadium

As it celebrates its 926th year, the town of Lutsk has been given the European Council Flag of Honour. It is awarded by the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council and acknowledges towns that support European ideas. Among other things, Lutsk is credited for saving its original historical appearance, promoting European ideas and managing the international relationship between itself and other European cities. Last year Lutsk got a European Diploma, acknowledging the town as a tourist-friendly and comfortable place to live and visit. Other Ukrainian cities to have been given similar awards in the past include Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa and Kharkiv. Presenting the honour in Lutsk on 21 August, Parliamentary Assembly members underlined the social difficulties Ukraine was facing today. They also highlighted the expansion of the Russian language and oppression of Ukrainian language.

The Olympic Stadium in Kyiv is almost ready for the Euro 2012 football tournament. The final stage is to install the seats. And they won’t just be any old seats. The stadium claims that they will be the most comfortable seats in the world! They say they’ve covered every angle.

First, the dimension – at 46cm wide, they will certainly provide for the bigger bottom. There is of course the diversity angle, with 150 seats being equipped for those with disabilities. Then there is the aesthetic factor – the mosaic-like arrangement has been designed to showcase the national colours of yellow and blue. Finally, safety has been considered – the seats have been welded, chained, stapled, super-glued and set in concrete, so that they cannot be launched at rival fans. The stadium is expected to accommodate 70,000 fans. Given that the previous arena held 80,000, it seems quantity has been sacrificed for quality. The comfort of the seats can be put to the test in autumn, when the first match takes place on 11 November. At an average cost of 150 euros per ticket, What’s On will be expecting nothing short of a throne.

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Neil Campbell

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Diplomatic Dialogues

All the Way from the End of the World Many people associate Portugal with golf, Madeira wine, Jose Mourinho and the financial crisis. What’s On recently met with His Excellency the Ambassador of Portugal to Ukraine, Mario Jesus dos Santos, and found our perceptions changed. It turns out that what we should really associate it with is cement, medical fabric and liquid fuel containers…

What’s On Ambassador, can you give us a bit of background please. Where were you before Ukraine?

Mario Jesus dos Santos Before this I was Portuguese ambassador in Bulgaria, Principe (an old Portuguese colony) and Gabon. I came to Kyiv two and a half years ago.

WO What were your first impressions of the city?

MS I was positively surprised! I must confess that I was a little worried before I came. I didn’t know much about the country or the city, but it’s beautiful, especially in the spring and the summer. The people come outdoors, and I like the way there are people everywhere. It’s a living town, with good restaurants and a good cultural life, so yes, I’m very happy to be here.

WO Tell us about Portugal’s economic relationship with Ukraine. Is there a lot of Portuguese investment here?

MS No, not really, but the relationship is developing. During the last five to six years the Ukrainian community in Portugal has grown to be the second largest in the world. In the business sphere the two countries are a little far away from each other.

Portugal is a small economy that is now oriented firmly towards Europe and the EU. We’ve developed relations and have significant investments in EU countries, such as Poland. But investment here is limited. We have only three investments, the biggest of which is a cement factory in Odesa.

Another is based in Rivne, producing medical fabrics. Finally, we have a factory in Kharkiv that makes containers for transporting liquid fuel.

WO You mentioned the Ukrainian diaspora in Portugal. How has that come about?

MS There was a natural movement of Ukrainians into Europe over the past few years. Many went to Spain. Others went further. Those who have settled in Portugal are happy there. Even in the last few years, when the financial crisis hit, they

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have wanted to stay, because they have a good life there.

WO Is Portugal still happy to accept Ukrainians?

MS Yes, but the problem now is that the economy has little capacity to absorb them. People now find that they can’t find jobs and they face difficulties.

Unemployment is at more than 11% and the economy has slowed. It affects everybody. For now there are no social problems as a result of this.

WO How have Ukrainians arrived in such numbers over the past few years?

MS We tried to promote legal immigration, and tried to stop illegal immigration, but we cannot totally control this. Last year about 80,000 Ukrainians came to Portugal, of these just over 50,000 were legal. If people come to Portugal illegally they cannot expect to have the same rights. For example, some people apply for visas and say they are visiting family, but they do so expecting to stay.

Last year we tried to implement a new project with the Ukrainian authorities. We tried to find Ukrainian migrants jobs for six months, after which they came back to Ukraine with the skills they had gained. It worked well, in fact the Ukrainians are talking to us about re-launching it, but we need money for this project to continue.

WO Has Portugal gone through the process of a shrinking population?

MS Throughout our history we have always had people migrating into Portugal. I think about 40% of our population are immigrants. We have always had a big African community, and a small Indian community. And in recent years we’ve had lots of Brazilians and Ukrainians.

WO Has the Portuguese policy on immigration changed with the crisis?

MS No, the policy hasn’t changed, but the economic situation has. If there are no jobs, it affects immigration, because immigrants are like every-

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body – they need to work. We have found some Brazilians are returning home, because Brazil has developed and there are many opportunities across the Atlantic for them. Another problem we have is that young people leaving university are finding difficulties getting their first job, so if there is an opportunity elsewhere in the EU, they will go where the opportunities are.

WO Portugal has been hit hard by the crisis: what is your outlook for the future?

MS I have no crystal ball, but I believe Europe will find a solution. I think the current system is the best we have. To have so many countries living together in a community is a big achievement. Sure, the world is moving every day and we face problems, but trade within Europe remains important.

Our economy depends on trade. We are not selfsufficient, so we depend on exports.

WO What does Portugal export?

MS Our biggest exports are wine, olive oil, cork, textiles, shoes and technology. We also build cars for large European car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen. We have invested in renewable energy, such as hydro-electric. But we now have to reduce our national debt considerably in the next two to three years, so exports will become even more important for us to pay off the loans and the interest. It’s a concern because the recession has meant cuts, and we are in negative growth.

WO Will making cuts at home not hurt growth?

MS It’s a balance, that’s why it’s important to address the structural aspects of the economy too. If you cut internal demand at a time when external demand drops, what do you have? All of Europe has the same problem. The economies are fragile in that way. But we must have faith that we can solve the problem.

WO Looking at Ukraine, the IMF wants the government to remove gas subsidies, but many people cannot afford market rate. How do you think this helps?

MS It’s a delicate situation. Technically speaking, this is one solution proposed, but we must be very careful about the social impact. My personal view is that a government must try to avoid imposing measures that hit the poorest, and they must try to distribute the impact of any cuts across society.

As I said, it’s a balance.

WO Ukraine has a small number of exceptionally wealthy people, and the rest are very poor.

But the IMF has not asked Ukraine to tax the wealthy. Can you understand that?

MS It’s something for the Ukrainian government to manage and negotiate, but at home in Portugal we believe that the government must try to balance the sacrifices. The IMF will always look at the macroeconomic figures, such as the cost to the government of gas subsidies. But the government

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will need time to introduce something like this, and I think they are trying to find ways to compensate people. But this is a big country, with huge resources, so I think they will find a solution.

WO We’ve spoken about the EU. What’s Portugal’s view on Ukraine’s membership?

MS We believe Ukraine is a European country and we want to be part of the solution. We want to help where we can, but the country needs to live by the rule of law and abide by the standards of the European Union first and foremost.

WO Do you see a change in commitment since the new administration came into power?

MS The new administration says it is committed and they know it will take time. The free-trade agreement is a natural step, but there is still a long way to go after this. To integrate Ukrainian society into European society will take many little changes. But I do believe the current government is committed to joining the EU. WO How do you think the current trials of opposition leaders will affect this?

MS They must be aware that the judiciary has to be independent, not selective. They need to demonstrate to Europe that the rule of law is healthy here, not only with words but actions. We must remember that Ukraine is still a very young country.

Twenty years for a society is nothing. They must develop their society themselves – Ukrainians must make Ukraine. If they look to Europe for help, we must be ready to help, but they must be ready to take action themselves.

WO How does Portugal view tourist visas for young people?

MS We abide by the rules of the Schengen Agreement. However, the refusal of visas is very rare, no more than 1-2%. If young people want to come, that’s no problem. It is only when there is a risk of illegal immigration, for example when people have fake documents.

WO With the huge Ukrainian diaspora, are you developing Portugal as a holiday destination for Ukrainians?

MS Yes, this is something that we need to develop further. There are other destinations like Greece and Turkey that are nearer to Ukraine, so the travel costs will always be less. But we have the opportunity to develop the industry for Ukrainians who are able to travel to Portugal, especially the luxury end.

WO And finally, what do you like to do in your free time, and where?

MS I take walks every day with my wife, it’s wonderful! In Lisbon it’s terrible because there are so many hills! But here it’s fine. Every weekend we like to get outside the city and enjoy the countryside and the restaurants. I like to play tennis too. I enjoy this quiet side of life. It gives a good balance to the busy social side of diplomatic life.

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This Week Festivals

26 August – 1 September 2011

Eco-City Acumulator: Eco-urban Festival, Kharkiv

26 – 28 August

Fly Up In the Sky Sky Adventures Festival, Vasylkiv, Kyiv region

24 – 28 August

Sounds of Argentina Summer Music Rays, National Philharmonic (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2), Kyiv

Until 29 August While all other theatres and classical music venues are still at vacation, Ukraine’s National Philharmonic is busy holding a festival of classical music presenting only the best Ukrainian performers and conductors.

The festival’s programme includes outstanding evenings of music by Argentinean composer Piazzolla; scores from whom are rarely performed in Ukraine. Staged by the Kyiv Soloists and other top Ukrainian guitarists and violinists, the incredible concert cycle The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires will be featured. El Gran Astor, as he is lovingly remembered in his native country, is the master of passionate and dramatic pieces so you’ll want to make sure you’ve got tickets every night of the week!

For more information visit www.filarmonia.com.ua

This is the second year Ukraine will hold this international festival of balloons attracting both professionals and curious spectators. Its aim is the promotion of a healthy way of life and that includes family members of all ages! With a programme featuring numerous competitions, night balloon shows, charity auctions and more, there is no way anyone will be going home disappointed.

In addition, anyone willing will have an opportunity to float up into the clouds so pray for good weather where this bird’s eye view is one you will surely remember for the rest of your life!

For more information visit www.airadventures.org

The Acumulator Festival is an event owing to the cooperation of Germany and Ukraine and hopes to attract the attention of the state to various Ukrainian cities.

This year we’ll be in Kharkiv, a place that lays claim to a significant history and current powerful industry. Despite this, the many architectural and historical buildings found here have not been well taken care of, creating a rather shabby and miserable metropolis. To assist in turning this unfortunate reality around, both German and Ukrainian artists will be presenting a weekend of art exhibitions, literature evenings, as well as an eco-cycle excursion throughout the historical part of Kharkiv and its industrial districts. It is hoped this may induce those with a little to give to do just that.

For more information visit www.accumulator-fest.com

Think-Act-Help-Reach!

Train to Yaremche Festival, Yaremche, Ivano-Frankivsk region

26 – 27 August The Train to Yaremche Festival is an event harmoniously combining modern Ukrainian music, art and literature along with a number of different master-classes. The slogan for this year’s festival is Think-Act-Help-Reach and is calling on every Ukrainian citizen to promote the best examples of Ukrainian culture and tradition in the globalised modern world. As a little bonus for those in attendance, the festival will have their cameras out and filming all weekend long where everyone will then be given the opportunity to take home a short musical roundup of the brilliant weekend spent in Yaremche.

For more information visit www.fest.if.ua

Ancient Kyiv Tells Stories Stories of Ancient Kyiv Festival, Kyiv Rus Park (Kopachiv Village), Kyiv region

27 – 28 August The Stories of Ancient Kyiv Festival promises to be one of the brightest events this summer, and as it takes place in the Kyiv Rus Park just outside of the capital, you need not bother yourself with travel! Professionals from all over Russia, Europe and of course Ukraine will be gathering in costume to recreate history! Massive ancient battles are planned as are traditional knights’ competitions. In addition, become a knight yourself all dressed up in armour, and then try to lift up a sword and shield!

Who knows, perhaps it will put you in the mood to conquer the heart of a beautiful princess! If you stick around come night fall, the area turns into an ethno disco dance hall! Don’t miss it!

For more information visit www.parkkyivrus.com

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Live Music

26 August – 1 September 2011

Pollock’s Abstract Expressionism Pollock (pop-rock), Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b)

31 August at 22.00 Having met each other by accident in 2006, band members of Pollock had no way of knowing that the music they would soon be playing together would bring them a piece of the popularity pie here in Ukraine. Invited to festivals of all kinds as well as being regular guests at numerous clubs, they took their name from the 20th century philosopher, Jackson Pollock, and are often compared to Cold Play and The Killers. Taking offense rather than the compliment, these guys say that their sound is their own and are always ready to take on anyone who makes such an unfair claim.

Admission is 30hrv. For more information call 279-4137.

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Friday VSI DOMA PARTY (DISCO) Time: 22.00 Admission: 50hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 CARTE BLANCHE (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Khreshchatyk 19a) 459-0551 MOTOR’ROLLA, HOT GUYS (POP-ROCK, COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: 70hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 LAMPASY, TRES DESEOS (POP-ROCK, COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: 70hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528 VASYA CLUB, ANIMALS’ SESSION (COVER BANDS) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865 GASTROLERY (BLUES) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Divan (Besarabska 2) 235-7366

TEX-MEX CO (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Mishuhy 3a) 536-9979 FOUR FROM LIVERPOOL (COVER BAND) Time: 20.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Kostelna 4) 278-0490 CHILL OUT (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545 JAZZ INSIDE (JAZZ) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (Chervonoarmiyska 76a) 289-5606

UKRAINSKA, PARTYZANSKI VYTIVKY (COVER BANDS) Time: 22.00 Admission: 70hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 MOTOR’ROLLA, MORE KHUANA (POP-ROCK, COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: 70hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528 THE BITCH (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

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Saturday

L.A. (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Mishuhy 3a) 536-9979

VSI DOMA PARTY (DISCO) Time: 22.00 Admission: 50hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

YUKHYM DYM (COVER BAND) Time: 20.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Kostelna 4) 278-0490

LUCKY BAND (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Bochka Khmilna (B Khmelnytskoho 3b) 390-6106

GOOD, BAD, EVIL (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

BEEFEATERS (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Bochka Pyvna (Khreshchatyk 19a) 459-0551

OLENA PUGACHEVA (JAZZ) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (Chervonoarmiyska 76a) 289-5606

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TRES DESEOS (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

WILD PEOPLES (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Mishuhy 3a) 536-9979

MAX TAVRICHESKIY (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Mishuhy 3a) 536-9979

DYADYA VASYA (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

PORTMEN (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Mishuhy 3a) 536-9979

IHOR BOHDANOV AND THE BELLS (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

MORE KHUANA (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

ANOTHER WORLD (POP-ROCK) Time: 21.00 Admission: 50hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

DRUM PARTY (COVER BANDS) Time: 18.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

ALL RIGHT (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

MUDDY JEWELS (POP-ROCK) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Route 66 (Zhylyanska 87/30) 239-3865

MOJO JO JO (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: free Ciro’s Pomodoro (S Rustaveli 12) 221-4545

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Sunday MICHAEL JACKSON’S BIRTHDAY PARTY (COVER BANDS) Time: 22.00 Admission: 50hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137 CHILL OUT (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717

GERA AND SECOND BREATH (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717 ANGIE NEARS (COVER BAND) Time: 21.00 Admission: 50hrv Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

Wednesday

OLEKSANDR MARCHENKO (JAZZ) Time: 20.30 Admission: free Jazz Do It (Chervonoarmiyska 76a) 289-5606

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Thursday

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POLLOCK, TSYRK (POP-ROCK) Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

KARL FRIERSON (DE PHAZZ), ACOUSTIC QUARTET (JAZZ) Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

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Monday

VZROSLIY BAND (BLUES) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

ROCKING WOLVES (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717

YOUNG PAPERBOYZ, XL DELUXE, ANGELIYA (POP, R’N’B) Time: 20.00 Admission: free Star Pub (Popudenka 1a) 292-2900

44 BIRTHDAY PARTY W/ ANDRIY ARNAUTOV (POP-ROCK) Time: 22.00 Admission: free Art Club 44 (Khreshchatyk 44b) 279-4137

ANIMALS’ SESSION (COVER BAND) Time: 22.00 Admission: 20hrv Docker’s ABC (KhreshchatykZankovetskoi 15/4) 278-1717

ROCK FEST (ROCK) Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Porter (Mishuhy 3a) 536-9979

Tuesday

THE MAGMA (COVER BAND) Time: 21.30 Admission: free Docker Pub (Bohatyrska 25) 451-8528

Three Covers, One Birthday Zemfira Birthday Party (cover bands), Bochka Khmilna (B Khmelnytskoho 3b)

26 August at 21.00 Russian singer Zemfira is one many a former USSR citizen will recognise.

Playing Russian rock that goes back to the 1990s, she is loved by all, which is why her birthday this month is one that could not go unnoticed. To celebrate, Ukrainian bands – PLB, the eccentric Nana, and DJ47 – will be getting together to play all of the enigmatic singer’s songs. If you know anything about Russian rock, you should know this is an evening that will be well attended.

Admission is 50hrv. For more information call 390-6106. : What's On Recommended

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8/23/11 5:24:20 PM

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This Week Art

26 August – 1 September 2011

INDEPENDENT Exhibition of works by Ukrainian artists Mystetsky Arsenal (Lavrska 12-14) Until 11 September 288-5225

20 YEARS OF PRESENCE Exhibition of works by Ukrainian artists Institute of Issues Concerning Contemporary Art (Shchorsa 18d) Until 13 September 529-2051

Village Glam Exhibition of Ukrainian kitsch art of 1930-1960 from the personal collection of Antin Mukharsky and Snizhana Ehorova, Museum of Modern Art (Hlybochytska 17)

From 26 August Antin Mukharsky and Snizhana Ehorova are a well known duo these days for their primitive collection of kitsch Ukrainian art, which they parade around in the form of shows, exhibitions and the like as often as you please. Amateur, naïve, primitive but charming, touching and often ironic, these canvases demonstrate the true essence of folk art at a time when plots and ideas for visual ideas were strictly regulated. Created in villages by local and often uneducated masters, these pieces show another side of Ukrainian life during those wild and crazy days of the Soviets.

For more information call 201-4945.

ALLEGORIES OF THE STATUS Exhibition of works by Olena Hordievych Wunjo-Art Gallery (Heroiv Stalinhrada 10a) Until 9 September 228-6620

A FAIR TALE AFTER THE FAIRYTALE Exhibition of Dolls Parsuna Gallery (Khoryva 43) Until 1 September 425-2415

PERSONAL EXHIBITION Exhibition of photographic works by Roman Zherdytsky Ra Gallery (B Khmelnytskoho 32) Until 1 September 235-3619 INTIME Exhibition of works by Borys Firtsak Tryptykh Art Gallery (Desyatynna 13) Until 30 August 279-0949

BREATH OF THE EARTH Exhibition by Ukrainian contemporary artists M17 (Antonovycha 102-104) Until 5 September 596-2030

KYIV AND ITS ARTISTS Exhibition of Ukrainian paintings National Art Museum (Hrushevskoho 6) Until 4 September 278-7454

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8/23/11 5:24:23 PM

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Nightlife

26 August – 1 September 2011

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Friday DJ IRA CHAMPION Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Maximym (Dekabristov 12/37) 562-6262

BATTLE SCHOOL 2011 – INTERNATIONAL BREAKDANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS, DJ BEN (FRANCE), DJ SMIRNOFF (RUSSIA), DJ SHKED, DJ KID FUNK, MC TRIX (UK), MC VLADEE Time: 14.00 Admission: call and check Home Concept Night Club (Perova 2) 558-2545 A NIGHT IN DELUXE STYLE – DJ ELDAR, TOMMY LEE, JAY FOKIN, MC RYZHIY, D’LUX PJS Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.00-free, after call and check D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009 LOVE MEXICAN-STYLE Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Sugar Party Bar (Dekabrystov 12/37) 563-9662 WET T-SHIRTS – DJ JUMPER, DJ SERG, DJ ALEX AMEGA, DJ DATSKAYA, MC RAZVESELIY Time: 21.00 Admission: before 23.00 L-free, after L-50hrv, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 DJ PASHA ITALYANEC Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Arena (Baseina 2a) 093-947-7476 PROGRESSIVE TUNES PROJECT – DJ ANDRIY BALNKONSKY, DJ CHIEF MC, DJ IVAN IONOV, DJ UNDERHILL, DJ SAYLEX, MC MALYSHEFF, MC YURI LYUBIMOFF Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780 SPECIAL GUEST: DJ SERHIY SANCHES Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Mantra (Basseina 2a) 050-336-2848 RAVE ON – DJ JOSEPH, DJ SUHAR, DJ VERONIKA, DJ D SPIELER, DJ HORSY, DJ CLUBER, MC ROMAN Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Saxon (Trutenko 4) 257-4070 LATIN AMERICAN LIVE MUSIC Time: 22.00 Admission: L-100hrv, G-150hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 PARTY IN BED – DIAMOND DJS, AZURE SHOW GIRLS, Time: 20.00 Admission: L-free, G-150hrv Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494

YO-HO-HO AND A BOTTLE OF RUM! Time: 22.00 Admission: free Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024

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LADIES NIGHT – DJ MAROCCO Time: 22.00 Admission: free D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009

DJ DIMA GERMAN Time: 22.00 Admission: free Strelka Disco-bar (Sergineka 1) 292-7043

DISCOTHEQUE OF THE 80S – DJ VELSKIY Time: 21.00 Admission: free Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494

Sunday

DAVID DJ, DJ ANDREW WOLF, MC BELKA Time: 22.00 Admission: L-30hrv, G-40hrv Strelka Disco-bar (Sergineka 1) 292-7043 GIRLS NIGHT DISCO FRIDAY – NIKOLAI NICK, KARIBSKY, DRIVER Time: 22.00 Admission: before 00.00 L-free, G-35hrv, after L-30hrv, G-50hrv Prime (Nauki 8) 524-2209

DJ ALIGHIERY &ANDRIY DJEDJULA SHOW Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Dante Park (Parkovaya Doroga 16) 221-4433

PROGRESSIVE NIGHTS PARTY – DJ ANDRIY BALKONSKY, DJ SHELESTOFF, DJ UNDERHILL, DJ OR-BEAT Time: 22.00 Admission: 30hrv Maximym (Dekabristov 12/37) 562-6262

Another Round New Season Opening, Prime (Nauki 8)

27 August at 22.00 The new club season is finally here! And getting a good head start is one of Kyiv’s busiest party hotspots – Prime! Entertainment this evening will be provided by the current number one ranking DJ in Ukraine – Spartaque!

But that’s not all! Neo, Lady Beautiful, David DJ and MC Tay D will also be hot to trot for all those in attendance. Not only that but Prime is promising prizes and surprises… Best get your butts in for a good time!

Get in before 24.00 L-25hrv, G-35hrv, after L-40hrv, G-50hrv. For more information call 524-2209.

HARD WAVE: LAST OPEN AIR – LADY KATE, MINDFREAK, A FALLEN, UKRAINIAN HARDSTYLERZ, ALEX HENKER, SPAMMER, STARDUST Time: 22.00 Admission: 40hrv The Most Open Air (Moskovskiy Bridge, Druzhby Narodiv Park) www.topclub.ua/afisha/item/hard-wavelast-summer-open-air BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD PARTY – MISHA KATSURIN, KARASI, BODYA, BARSKIH, MISHA POZNYAKOV, BODYA BEREZNYAKOV Time: 22.00 Admission: 50hrv Green Theatre (Parkovaya Doroga 2) 469-2677 AFTER WORK PARTY – DJ BRO, DJ KOVALEVSKY, MC GRANT, DANTE PJS Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Dante Park (Parkovaya Doroga 16) 221-4433

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Saturday DJ SASHA SKY, DJ PITCH, MC FRANKO Time: 22.00 Admission: L-30hrv, G-40hrv Strelka Disco-bar (Sergineka 1) 292-7043 PARTY! – MATILDA, OR-BEAT Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Sugar Party Bar (Dekabrystov 12/37) 563-9662 BATTLE SCHOOL 2011 – INTERNATIONAL BREAKDANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Time: 19.3.00 Admission: call and check Home Concept Night Club (Perova 2) 558-2545

MC PIBYK BIRTHDAY NIGHT – MONROE, DJ FASHION (MOSCOW), JAY FOKIN, DANCER YURA (MOSCOW), D’LUX DANCERS Time: 22.00 Admission: before 23.00-free, after call and check D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009 SEXY PAJAMA PARTY – DJ ROMA RIO, DJ SERG, DJ JUMPER, DJ DATSKAYA, MC ALEX AMEGA Time: 21.00 Admission: before 23.00 L-free, after L-50hrv, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 ELECTRONIC ART – DJ JALSOMINO, DJ MIKEY, DJ MARKA POLA, DJ UNDERHILL, DJ ID CRASH, DJ CLUBER, MC MALYSHEFF Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Saxon (Trutenko 4) 257-4070 KAZANTIPA Z-E AND! – DJ OLEKSANDR GALICKY, DJ JOSS, DJ EGOR BOSS, DJ NIGHT Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780 HITS OF THE 80S, 90S AND 2000S Time: 23.00 Admission: call and check Sky Hall (Malinovskoho 24/10) 502-0088 LATIN AMERICAN LIVE MUSIC Time: 22.00 Admission: L-100hrv, G-150hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 RADIO AZURE PARTY – DIAMOND DJS, AZURE GO-GO DANCE GIRLS Time: 21.00 Admission: call and check Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494

DRINK? DRINK! DRINK!!! – DJ ROMA RIO, DJ VOVA BLACKS, DJ BODROV, MC CLUBNICHKA Ladies only before 00.00 Time: 22.00 Admission: L-free, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 R’NB’BOOM: AFRICANA PARTY – DJ LADY, DJ MISHA MEKHANIK, DJ MUKVIK, MC GIGA Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Forsage (Harmatna 51a) 232-6780 TECHNOLOGY MADNESS: LAST SUMMER ATTACK – DJ D SPIELER, DJ TAPOLSKY, DJ DANY PREACHER, DJ PURPLE UNIT, DJ ROCKS, DJ SEMENOFF, MC MALYSHEFF Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Saxon (Trutenko 4) 257-4070 DISCOMANIA PARTY – DJ VELSKIY Time: 21.00 Admission: free Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494 SALSATEQUA Time: 21.00 Admission: before 23.00-free, after L-20hrv, G-50hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290

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Monday CLAN MARENGO Time: 22.00 Admission: free Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024

LATINO DISCO Time: 22.00 Admission: L-40hrv, G-60hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290

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Wednesday LADIES NIGHT – DJ MAROCCO Time: 22.00 Admission: free D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009 MEN’S DAY! Time: 22.00 Admission: L-50hrv, G-free Sorry Babushka (Dmytrivskaya 18/24) 486-0300 LATINA FIESTA PARTY – DJ STALKERA, MC ADAMA, GO-GO SHOW Time: 21.00 Admission: free Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494

GIRLS NIGHT – MC CLUBNICHKA Time: 22.00 Ladies only before 00.00 Admission: before 00.00 L-free, after L-50hrv, G-90hrv Shooters (Moskovska 22) 254-2024 ISLAND OF THE AMAZONS Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290

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Thursday LADIES NIGHT! Time: 22.00 Admission: L-free, G-50hrv Sorry Babushka (Dmytrivskaya 18/24) 486-0300 DJEJULA & THE GIRLS Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Vodka Bar (Globus-2nd line, Maidan Nezalezhnosti) 371-1102 LATINO DISCO Time: 22.00 Admission: L-40hrv, G-60hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 LADIES NIGHT Time: 23.00 Admission: L-free, G-100hrv Azure (Leontovycha 3) 234-7494 UNLIMITED THURSDAYS – DJ BUMER, DJ ZOITS Time: 22.00 Admission: L-50hrv, G-100hrv BabyFace (Shchorsa 44) 286-0777

Rounding Up Sex Party 2, Arena (Baseina 2a)

27 August at 22.00 Just as one club is getting their groove on for the fall, another is winding up their hot summer season, and what better way to do that than take off your clothes?! The tantalising Topless DJ Euphoria will be in the house tonight, and teasing you with more than just top hits, she’s going to guarantee a good time!

Helping her out tonight will be DJ Shatyrko, DJ Archi and Gin-n-Juice. Stretch summer out as much as you can – get in to catch Miss Euphoria tonight!

For admission prices or more information call 093-947-7476.

RELAX IN DELUXE STYLE – DJ MAROCCO Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check D’Lux (Hrushevskoho 3) 200-9009 SALSATEQUA Time: 21.00 Admission: before 23.00-free, after L-20hrv, G-50hrv Caribbean Club (Kominternu 4) 288-1290 GIRLS NIGHT WITH MONRO – DJ MOLOTOV, MC KUPIDON Time: 22.00 Admission: call and check Kalinka Malinka (Mayakovskoho 47) 515-0322

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Tuesday STUDDANCE – DJ ROBOT, DJ NEO, DJ OLIFUN, MC TAY D Time: 23.00 Admission: before 00.00-free, after L-20hrv, G-30hrv Prime (Nauki 8) 524-2209 : What's On Recommended

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8/23/11 5:24:36 PM

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8/23/11 5:24:39 PM

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Realistic Statistics Women in this country are treated with a certain sort of clemency. It’s not because they are incapable, incompetent or inept – far from it. Many, in fact, are quite the opposite, something demonstrated by a certain proverb found in this and many other parts of the Slavic world: Man may be the head of the family, but woman is the neck. And, as everyone knows, the neck controls the head.

On the other hand, the number of cases of domestic abuse that occur in Ukraine is astounding. According to the the UN there were 80,000 reported cases of domestic abuse in 2010. And when you combine this with the statistic that only ten percent of cases are reported, you end up with a terrifying number. However, with a growing network of centres that provide shelter, as well as legal and psychological counselling, the stigma attached is lessening and victims are speaking out more and more.

Considering that women in most countries, including this one, have been given the same equal constitutional rights as men in the economic, political, cultural and social fields, that last statistic is an interesting one; especially if you consider that Ukraine’s population consists of more women than men. With far more estrogen sauntering around in five inch heels, you’d think we might be a much more peaceful society. The reality, however, is that what men lack in numbers, they make up for in their presence in the work force. And while there is a significant number of girls (up to 60%) with higher education, 80% of the unemployed are women, regardless of whether they possess an educational background equal to that of men. Let’s not even talk about the discrimination in terms of salary. Or let’s! That comparison is always a fun debate!

Regardless, in a country for which business is so overwhelmingly important, women are starting to get it, and have begun establishing their own businesses in various spheres. At the moment, only 2% of large companies are headed by women. However, since over half of the population was registered as full-time housewives in 2005, that stat is certainly optimistic. Not that there is anything wrong with staying at home to do what some call the most important job in the world. The point is that gals these days have a choice as to what they want to do with their lives – good in and of itself.

Slightly Up-Side-Down Another thing women can rejoice over is the fact that their government (the only government in Europe without a sinlge woman) considers them responsible enough to vote. Bearing in mind that Yanukovych is the one

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sitting in the driver’s seat at the moment, however, this perhaps might be a right that is reconsidered come future elections. We jest of course, because if you pay any sort of attention at all, you’ll know that the last election kicked Yulia, the only women-led party to have ever made it into parliament, right to the curb, which should demonstrate that women in this country can and do think for themselves without allowing solidarity to get in the way. At least in terms of politics.

The vote has definitely given women the boost they were looking for in terms of elevation in society. And yet some would argue that there are still things in the modern woman’s way. In particular, a piece of clothing used to modify, alter and restrain that part of women’s bodies men seem so enamoured with: the brassier. While our aforementioned ladies of FEMEN may forget to throw on this particular piece of clothing (among others) when they are demonstrating, bras have come to be a standard inclusion in the daily dressing routine. But that’s not to say they are necessary for all.

Recalling those lazy hazy days of the 60s when it was cool to go about burning bras and any other item that may have inextricably intertwined itself

WITH MORE FAR MORE ESTROGEN SAUNTERING AROUND IN FIVE INCH HEELS, YOU’D THINK WE MIGHT BE A MUCH MORE PEACEFUL SOCIETY within the social history of the status of women, the brassier, according to the omnipotent Wikipedia, has often been looked at as nothing more than an oppressive tool. This may be a slight over exaggeration. What can be said about this at times rather uncomfortable piece of torture is that some women, and some men it should be noted, have been so well endowed that a corset of some sort is an absolute necessity. What’s fair, however, would mean men in need of a little pick-me-up should have to wear them too.

Which is your cue to say, “Men wearing bras? You’ll have them carrying handbags next!” Which is where we say, “Have you ever been to Ukraine?”

In addition to their own very sporty little leather bags, men carrying their ladies’ purses seems to be an absolutely normal occurrence in this country. It is something few foreigners, both men and women, can get their head around. Whether fair or not, we shall leave you to decide!

And ladies, you do have to be admired for your gallant effort in even attempting to prance around in heels all day. There are not many men, Verka being the one exception, who would be able to keep up with you on that front.

This little account is of course inconclusive where the topic of equality and gender are concerned in this country of contradictions. Could it be that the western world has had it wrong all this time? Should women be taking their clothes off to protest while men carry around their handbags? It’s worth a little debate at the very least, perhaps over a couple of pieces of pie, equally cut of course.

8/23/11 5:24:49 PM

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Coming Soon World-Famous Pianist Opens New Season Eliso Bolkvadze (Georgia-France, piano), National Philharmonic of Ukraine (Volodymyrskiy Uzviz 2)

15 September at 19.00 Eliso Bolkvadze is one of the most talented piano masters the world has ever seen. Beginning her musical path almost as soon as she could sit at the piano by herself, she was taking lessons by the age of four and by seven she was giving concerts and playing with orchestras. But real fame didn’t come along until she came into contact with Michael Sony and his SOS Talents fund. Their creative cooperation has led to several successful recordings and concerts worldwide.

The same company is bringing the well-known pianist to Kyiv this autumn to open the new concert season, and accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic, Bolkvadze will please classical music lovers with works by Beethoven, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky.

Tickets are 70 – 150hrv. For more information call 278-1697.

A Hnylytsky Retrospective Exhibition of works by Oleksandr Hnylytsky, National Art Museum (Hrushevskoho 6)

From 9 September Oleksandr Hnylytsky is a meaningful figure in Ukrainian contemporary art. Having worked in various forms of art media including painting, video-art, photography and object-art, he was once a part of the so-called New Wave movement where his works were sometimes meditative, often shocking and always provoking thought, analysis and evaluation. Since the artist’s passing in 2009, Ukraine has lost one of its most intense and strict critics. However, this next exhibition represents him in all of his preferred techniques, including self portraits, and allows visitors an enduring look at the artist and his works.

For more information call 2787454.

Dream Book Sonya Sotnik (pop-rock), Bingo Club (Pr Peremohy 112)

23 September at 20.00 Famous Ukrainian Radio Host and top rocker Sonya Sotnik is inviting all of Kyiv out to her first ever solo concert called Dream Book Number 1. Accompanied by friends Serhiy Kuzin, Papa Sony Theatre and others, Sonya is on the verge of stardom, or at the very least a great gig in the city’s famous Bingo club. It’s not often you get to see a true premiere in the capital – take it in! She may be the next Courtney Love!

Tickets TBA. For more information call 424-2555

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Art Habitat Exhibition of works by young Ukrainian artists, Bottega Gallery (Mykhaylivska 22b)

From 8 September Habitat is a new exhibition at the Bottega Gallery which will introduce Kyiv art lovers to a group of young Ukrainian artists. Showcasing their different techniques, Zoya Orlova, Maria Kulykovska, Maksym Chatsky and others have each built their own habitat – a shell of one’s ideas, habits and values. What’s interesting, however, is that when we as human beings come together, our worlds, habitats and shells collapse, combine and often become one. As proves significant to those working on this project, this can lead to invisible psychological violence of one upon another, and revolting against such violence, they look for another way to find one’s own individual way in life.

For more information call 279-5353.

The King of Crocodile Rock Elton John (UK, pop), Palace Sport (Sportyvna Pl 1)

8 November at 19.00 Elton has a special relationship with Ukraine, not only where music is concerned but also with regards to a very special little boy he had at one time wanted to adopt. Denied because of his age, many thought that we would never see the likes of his purple coat tails round these parts again. While sorry might just be the hardest word, no one here is sorry he’ll be here this November, where all of his best songs will be part of the show.

Tickets are 600 – 7900hrv. For more information call 246-7406.

The Quintessential Ballet Composer Tchaikovsky Gala Ballet performance, National Opera Theatre of Ukraine (Volodymyrska 50)

1 October at 19.00 The late Petro Tchaikovsky is recognised as one of the best composers of all time. Often inspired by the Ukrainian land and its people, his accomplishments will be celebrated this fall on the anniversary of his birth 170 years ago. Helped along by the Stars of the Russian Ballet, one of the leading dancers in Russia with accolades both at home and abroad, prima ballerina Ulyana Lopatkina will be among them where a number of pieces from the great composer’s repertoire will be brought to you tonight.

Tickets are 350 – 2000hrv. For more information call 279-1169.

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And the Winner Is… Top DJ Awards, Forsage (Harmatna 51a)

9 September at 21.00

Georgian Legends Erisioni Ensemble (Georgia), Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103)

23 October at 19.00 To get to know the true Georgian culture one has to hear their songs and see their dances, which is where the legendary Erisioni ensemble comes in. Reaching back as far as 1885, the group became a professional state ensemble at the turn of the century and has been collecting, reviving, and promoting the unique folk culture of Georgia ever since. Performing for charmed audiences all over the world, Kyiv often plays host to this incredible ensemble, and this autumn will be no different.

Tickets are 60 – 650hrv. For more information call 247-2316.

Every year, Top DJ holds an awards ceremony acknowledging the work and achievements of some of our local talent. This year the voting has already begun, but you still have time! Until 29 August you too can have your say! Then, make sure you’ve got your ticket for the award ceremonies where one lucky winner will be named the best Ukrainian DJ for 2010-2011! Stay on after the formalities and party with all of our DJing rock stars!

For admission or more information visit www.prodj2011.topdj.ua

Sinatra Incarnate Kurt Elling (USA, jazz), October Palace (Instytutska 1)

6 October at 19.30 Because of his marvellous voice, which follows the traditional jazz school, Kurt Elling is typically called the unofficial heir of Frank Sinatra. In 2009, he won a Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album called Dedicated to You Down Beat magazine has also named him Best Male Vocal of the Year twelve times, and lucky for us, Elling will be headlining the Do#Djo Festival in Kyiv accompanied by the beautiful Ukrainian violinist Assia Ahhatt and talented bass guitarist Ihor Zakus.

Tickets are 150 – 1500hrv. For more information call 279-1582.

Make an Appointment Therapy Sessions, Home Concept Night Club (Perova 2)

A Woman and a Man The Famous Berghain Comes to Kyiv Berghain 05 CD Release Party with Marcel Fengler (Berlin), The Most Open Air (Moskovskiy Bridge, Druzhby Narodiv Park)

2 September at 23.00 Addicted is a series of club events that first got started in May 2010 here in Kyiv, and via a number of different parties, a monthly residency has developed. With its own invariable cast and some huge international acts, this next gig will unveil the great Berghain 05 record, brought to you by the inimitable Marcel Fengler, himself a resident DJ of the famous club in the bright and beautiful Berlin. Helping him out tonight you will also hear the musical mixes of Mays, Veronika, Stan Laev, Skaz, and Igor Glushko.

Tickets are 80hrv. For more information visit www.addicted.com.ua

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2 September at 22.00

Michel Legrand (France) w/ National Symphony Orchestra, Palace Ukraine (V Vasylkivska 103)

23 December at 19.00 Michel Legrand is a legendary French pianist and composer who became an even bigger name once he started writing scores for Hollywood. More than 200 movies have been touched by his musical hand, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Thomas Crown Affair and Wuthering Heights being but a few. Having worked with such eminent musicians as Edith Piaf, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand, he has five Grammys and three Oscars to his name, and is surely one of the most noble and awarded composers anywhere in the world. His upcoming concert A Woman and a Man is a selection of Legrand’s most famous and romantic tunes and is an opportunity to immerse yourself in French charm.

Tickets are 150 – 1750hrv. For more information call 247-2316

Maybe Yes Maybe No Maybeshewill (UK, instrumental rock), Xlib (Frunze 12)

16 September at 19.00 Over the past five years, this instrumental British band had been wondering whether in fact their music would be making miracles happen, and by miracles we mean money. It took a little while, but their experimental melodies have in fact brought them concert halls full of fans. Over the last three years in particular, during an endless touring schedule that has taken them around the world, the three studio albums Maybeshewill has produced has flicked them onto the world stage and there is no way they can do anything but succeed now.

Admission is 120hrv. For more information call 067-538-8175.

For the tenth year in a row, the legendary Therapy Sessions is headed our way, bringing only the top DJs to set your head spinning! Specifically, check out the stylings of Technical Itch, Audio, Pixel Fist, Tapolsy, Zloy, Jike, Katwon, Miss Sue, Meatkid & Soft DJ. But actually no matter where these evenings of rehabilitation take place – whether here, London, Berlin or New York – know that this funked up atmosphere of drum’n’bass is never duplicated.

Rather, it is an ideological subculture of music like no other!

Tickets are 144hrv. For more information call 558-2545.

8/23/11 5:25:01 PM

Vadym Mishkoriz

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Ukraine History

Pride

of the Nation The last Saturday of the last month of summer is the day Ukrainians lift up their eyes and give thanks to the gods of aviation for smiling down on them. What would certainly add to the enthusiasm raised by such a holiday is if the gods on the ground might permit an air show in celebration. As that is an unlikely prospect for various reasons (they’re cheap and light-fingered), let us here at What’s On expose the incredible accomplishments achieved by our own National Air Force of Ukraine.

T

he fall of the Soviet Union had a dramatic impact on the Ukrainian aircraft industry. However, the great potential she showed in the years leading up to the crisis proved that Ukraine would indeed rise again. With a mere 20 years behind her now, this country has one of the most developed full cycle aircraft industries in the world, not just developing but exporting aircraft and hardware to all four corners of the world.

he flew. The event lasted just 12 seconds, but it proved that such a thing could in fact happen.

Thus began a new era in the history of flight which opened up possibilities for intercontinental aircraft and supersonic fighters. It was even due to this short 12 seconds in the air that man made it into space, and it’s all thanks to the tal-

From Seconds to Years The first piloted flight in the history of the human race took place in 1903. The Wright Brothers were the boys that built the first vehicle thrusting those brave enough into the great beyond. This was not just any passive ride in the sky, however. This was the first flight that allowed the pilot to operate the direction and speed with which

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The cradle of Ukrainian Aviation: KPI University

ented Wright Brothers.

Scientists in Ukraine at the turn of the century were not wasting any time either. In fact, the first Ukrainian science laboratory, the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), opened in 1899, four years prior to this first man-made flight, where young enthusiastic students gathered to study the mechanics of flying. The desire to conquer the sky was more than they could bear! It would, however, take the students and professors 11 years to construct anything remotely close to being able to sustain prolonged time in the air. The date was 5 June, 1910 when they finally did it, masterminded, designed and built right here on home soil. Oleksandr Kudashov was the man to pilot the first fully functional airplane in all of the Russian Empire.

Turning Dreams into Reality Rich not only in soil and agriculture, intelligent and creative minds were also a hot commodity here in Ukraine during this era. Aviation and aeronautical science kept hundreds of citizens busy at the turn of the 20th century, paving the way for innovation and discoveries of all sorts.

One such individual who was truly instrumental in this area was Igor Sikorsky. Having graduated from KPI in 1911, those first designs generated at university would later revolutionise the entire world. Moving to St Petersburg, France and finally the United States, the most popular helicopter configurations would soon be attributed to this man from Kyiv.

8/23/11 5:25:08 PM

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An-124 Ruslan

Igor Sikorsky

AS OF 2011, UKRAINE BOASTS 40 HIGH-TECH ORGANISATIONS WITH FIVE UNIVERSITIES ALL PREPARING FUTURE EXPERTS IN AVIATION AND AEROSPACE successful flight in 1922. His colleague Serhiy Korolev, the future founder of the Soviet Space Programme, was also in the process of finding a way to ensure his engine would later make the first ever flight over the North Pole. His wish came true in 1936 with Valeriy Chkalov at the helm.

The Second World War too gave Ukrainian pilots and engineers an opportunity to apply their knowledge. But keeping aircraft in the air was not their only goal: Awarded Hero of the Soviet Union on three separate occasions, Ukrainian pilot Ivan Kozhedub is recognised as the most effective Soviet fighter to date, taking down 62 enemy aircraft.

Here and Now

While Sikorsky was busy trying to get his first helicopter off the ground, war was taking over the country. This was a time of constant evolution from which the aircraft industry benefitted more than most. Recruitment from the military helped speed up the process, and following close on the heels and traditions set forth by Sikorsky, Konstyantyn Kalinin was designing the world’s first serial heavy airliner, K-1, taking his first

Ivan Kozhedub

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With the end of WWII, other battles ensued, but Ukraine always continued along its path of aeronautical excellence. Proclaiming independence in 1991, the new country quickly became a powerful aviation competitor at an international level, and as of 2011, boasts 40 high-tech organisations with five universities all preparing future experts in aviation and aerospace.

Designing and manufacturing over 20 types of civil, military and cargo aircraft, used all over the

world, the Antonov Company is now at the centre of the Ukrainian aviation community. Their engineers have patented over 100 modifications/ innovations, out of which two in particular directly affect the world today. The first came about because of the Soviet dream to be “Faster, Bigger, Stronger”. In 1982 they achieved this with the introduction of the Antonov An-124 Ruslan – a strategic airlift jet aircraft, the world’s largest ever serially-manufactured cargo airplane and second largest operating cargo aircraft.

The second came about six years later when the company introduced the world’s heaviest ever aircraft, the Antonov An-225 Mriya. Mriya, which means dream, was designed to transport the Buran orbiter (shuttle carrier aircraft). When the Soviet Space Programme faced its fall, the aircraft found its place in the heavy weight transportation category as it is capable of carrying up to an incredible 250 tonnes of weight!

The country is still quite young, but there is no doubt that Ukraine’s heritage of aviation and aeronautics will continue to rival that of even the top aerodynamic companies all over the world. To all those who have contributed to this country’s success in the air, we salute you!

An-225 Mriya

8/23/11 5:25:12 PM

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8/23/11 5:25:16 PM

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Take Me Out! Listings RESTAURANTS AMERICAN ARIZONA BBQ 25 Naberezhno Khreshchatytska st.

425-2438 Open: 08.00 – 24.00 The only American run restaurant in Kyiv, open since 1995.

Free Wifi, drinks, food, parking, satellite TV, credit cards, live music

SAM’S STEAK HOUSE 37 Zhylyanskaya st.

287 20 00 Open: 08 a.m. – 12 a.m. www.karta.ua Steak House. Grill restaurant. Breakfast.

Wide choice. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., weekdays WI-FI

KAZBEK 30a L. Ukrainky blvd.

285-4805 Open: 11.00 - 24.00 Restaurant with original interior and traditional Tone stove for baking bread.

KUVSHYN 10 Fedorova st.

592-6363 Open: 12.00 - 24.00 Caucasian cuisine. Every dish served in its own original and unique manner.

MIMINO 10a Spasskaya st. (Podol) 417 35 45 Open: 12.00 – 00.00 www.karta.ua Authentic Georgian cuisine WI-FI

ASIAN TERRACE Mezhigirska 87 B str. +380932673630 +380443511572 Оpen: 18 00 – 06 00 Asian style, comfortable room karaoke with beauties.

PUSHISTIY SUSHI-BAR 23-a Velyka Vasylkivska st.

234-3101 Open: 12.00 ‘til the last visitor leaves Original mix of styles in the interior, fuzzy fur on the walls. 30 kinds of sushi and sashimi.

SAFFRON 3 Vorovskogo st.

569 10 10 Open: Sun – Wed: 12.00 – 00.00 Thu – Sat: 12.00 – 05.00 www.karta.ua Oriental cuisine, Karaoke-lounge WI-FI NOBU 12 Shota Rustaveli st.

246-7734 Open: 12.00 - 24.00 Sushi bar in central location.

Great decor and service, wide menu of authentic sushi.

TUBITEYKA 29/50 Tarasivska st.

287-0242 Open: 8.00 – 23.00 Asian and home made cuisine, delicious breakfasts, kalian. Oriental atmosphere – and decoration.

WI-FI

CAUCASIAN ANI 72 Chervonoarmiyska st. 4th floor 590-2565 Open: 11.00-23.00 An open show-case kitchen will let you watch the respected Chef cook traditional dishes on the chargrill for you.

HINKALI 4, Shota Rustaveli st.

234-0692 Open: 24 hours Real Caucasian culture reproduced in its best meals. Cuisine with an accent.

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EUROPEAN BACCHUS CLASS Chapaeva 2/16 (I.Franka)St. 234-6506 Open: 09.00 – till the last visitor leaves www.bacchusclass.com The one and the only Wine restaurant in Ukraine.

WI-FI 7FRIDAYS CITY-CAFE B Khmelnytskoho 29 278-1187 www.7fridays.kiev.ua Situated in the very heart of Kyiv, the 7Fridays cafe is bursting with city life while striving to preserve a homelike atmosphere. Offering a peaceful corner to forget about city rush, stop for delicious European cuisine for breakfast, business-lunch or dinner. Internet available.

WI-FI STORY CAFE 17/18 Naberezhno-Kreschatitskaya st.

467 78 97 Open: 11.00 – 00.00 www.karta.ua French, Italian & Japanese cuisine WI-FI RAZGULYAEVO 70 Stolichnoe highway (to Koncha-Zaspa) 259 17 00 Open: 11.00 – to the last client www.karta.ua Entertainment complex (restaurant, hotel, sauna, paintball) WI-FI

FRENCH COMME IL FAUT Velyka Zhytomyrska St. 2A 219-1919 Open: Daily from 11.00 - 24.00 French Brasserie style in the heard of Kiev.

Lovely and cosy summer terrace.

Come and try our new menu and summer business lunch...

CREP DE CHINE 25 Hoholivska st.

537-7070 Open: 08.00 – 23.00 A culinary expirience you won’t forget!

MEDITERRANEAN

INTERNATIONAL

OLIVERA 2A Velyka Zhytomyrska Street 219-1919 Open: 06.30 - 23.00 All day Mediterranean restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch and dinner! Try the probably best breakfast in town. Every Sunday - Family brunch from of 13.00 This coming Sunday, the 5th of June, we are having last brunch for summer, which will again come back in September.

ARENA ENTERTAINMENT 2-a Baseyna st.

492-0000 Open: 9.00 ‘til the last visitor leaves Spacious and cozy restaurant with European cuisine and micro brewery.

TEATRO RESTAURANT OPERA HOTEL 53 B. Khmelnitskogo st.

581 70 70 Open: 06.30 – 23.00 Mediterranean cuisine. Exquisite selection of the best dishes around the Mediterranean Sea Flavors & Tastes at their best!

TERRACOTTA 5-7/29 Pushkinska st.

537-4535 Open: 07.00 - 23.00 Mediterranean restaurant of superior cuisine.

Wine and cigar rooms offer the perfect touch to Terracotta’s delicious dining experience

FUSION BEEF MEAT & WINE Shota Rustaveli 11 225-0035 Open: 12.00-24.00 Meet cuisine with no ethnic equivalent. Only the best meat from top suppliers and a wide choice of wine match.

WI-FI BUDDHA-BAR KIEV 14 Kreschatik st. (near Khreshchatyk hotel) 270- 7676 Open: Mo – Wed: 13.00 – 02.00 Thu – Sat: 13.00 – 04.00 Sun: 14.00 – 02.00 www.buddhabar.com.ua Restaurant lounge-bar WI-FI MARRAKESH 24 Sagaydachnogo st. (Podol) 494 0 494 Open: Sun – Thu: 12.00 – 01.00 Fri – Sat: 12.00 – 04.00 www.karta.ua Oriental restaurant. Moroccan, French & Japanese cuisine. Hookah menu.

WI-FI MAROCANA 24 Lesi Ukrainky blvd.

254-4999 Open: 11.00 - 02.00 This popular beau monde hang-out bills itself as a fashion TV cafe.

BIER PLATZ (NEW!) Maidan Nezalezhnosti – 7 Khreshchatyk 067-407-5544 From 11.00 until the last client Delicious Czech, German and Ukrainian cuisine. 11 sorts of draft beer. 7 plasma screeens and 1 huge wall screen, offering various sports channels.

Wi-Fi B-HUSH Velyka Zhytomyrska St. 2A 11th floor, InterContinental Kyiv 219-1919 Open: Tuesday till Thursday 18.00 - 02.00 / Friday and Saturday 18.00 - 04.00 Rooftop panoramic bar - summer terrace with stunning view of Kiev. b-hush... b-cool... b-there...

GRILL ASIA RESTAURANT 5 Alla Tarasova st.

581-12-34 Open: 6:00 - 24:00 Two open kitchens, European and Asian cuisine in luxurious surroundings.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

INTERCONTINENTAL KYIV LOBBY LOUNGE BAR Velyka Zhytomyrska St. 2A 1 st floor, InterContinental Kyiv 219-1919 Open: 08.00 - 02.00 Enjoy the best coffee in town with home made pastries in a unique atmosphere. Great selection of whiskies, wine and comfort food at your choice - Lobby lounge the place to meet in Kiev.

MYKA RESTAURANT Khreshchatyk 46a 227 8943 Open: 12-24 Delicious international cuisine in the heart of Kyiv

HUNTER 147/5 Saksahanskoho st.

236-3735 Open: 12.00 - 24.00 There is no need to go hunting – just visit this special originally decorated grill-restaurant, try excellent grilled meat and fish!

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Kyiv Life Mark Senyk, Atlantic Group, Courtney Zukoski of Microsoft and ACC member Yaroslav Voitko

On Top of the World ALEKSANDROVSKIY SKYSCRAPER On 18 August ACC got together for one of their famous business networking cocktail hours, featuring Asian Spice as its theme. Adding a bit of flavour to the event, the Chamber and its members took their event up to the rooftop of one of the tallest buildings in Kyiv where sights and sounds of the city kept all enthralled. Making new contacts and discussing summer happenings with old ones, the evening was a pleasurable one, made all the more so by the picturesque panorama and tasty treats offered.

Andriy Mishin of the Kiev-City Rotary Club with the Chamber’s President Jorge Zukoski Vyacheslav Sarandi, Elena Shilina and Yana Amelchits of Alfa Strakhuvannya

PZU Ukraine’s Oksana Pryndiuk, Sergiy Ocheretianyy and Andriy Kirmach from Chadbourne & Parke, and ACC’s Anastasia Politiuk

Director of Rodovid Lidiya Lykhach with Pavlo Gudimov

Exhibition curator Natalya Filonenko

Cult YA GALLERY As far back as the ancients, various cults have gained and lost popularity. In trying to develop this topic further, Albina Yaloza decided to put her own vision of what a cult looks like onto canvas, and bringing people into the gallery to take a gander at her works on 29 July, she was able to demonstrate the idea that thoughts and beliefs are up for grabs if their owners aren’t careful in sheltering them. It was an interesting approach which those in attendance seemed quite taken with. You too can take in this exhibition until the end of August.

Cult initiator Albina Yaloza

Photographers Kostya Chernichkin and Oleksandr Lyapin chatting away

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Boy band Duke Time

Best Duet Vremya i Steklo

Best Pop Band Para Normalnykh

Best Female Singer Erika

Director Stepan Sibiryakov, Singer Vlad Darvin and Anastasia Gordienko, General Producer of RadioGroup

The rain didn’t spoil Jaklin’s mood, especially after winning Remix of the Year Award

Ukraine’s Ace of Base BYBLOS With everyone out of the country on long-awaited vacations, the community of Ukrainian celebrities gathered on 9 August for this year’s Crystal Microphone Awards. For the third year in a row, Music Drive has been awarding celebs for their contribution to the development of show business in Ukraine. Among a large list of those most deserving, the jury awarded Male Singer of the Year 2011 to Max Barskikh while Best Female Singer went to Erika. Kirill Turichenko was awarded Best Album and Alyosha got Best Song, and with so many other awards presented, everyone was acknowledged in some way or another for their contributions this year.

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Top rapper XL Deluxe with a lovely lady

Best New Act Oleksandr Kryvoshapko with his wife Tetyana

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Kyiv Life

Jorge Intriago with a lovely female friend

Alyona Myakotenko, Rob Shantz, Sonia Pantskhava and Nigel Thwaites

Dmytro Kovalenko and Patrick O’Neill both from Citibank with Oksana Borys of Slavutych

Svetlana Pisarkenko, Hrish and Masha closing up for a group shot

Jared Grubb, Luca Ponzellini, Tore Emanuelsson, Katya Koval and Wes Gleeson

Gustav Hultgren with Elena Gubska

Seamus and Oli Holmes

Bankers and Friends

Svetlana, Olga, Natalia, Anna and Evgeniya all wanted there photo taken with host of the evening, Steven Fisher of Citibank

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SOMEWHERE IN PECHERSK Steven Fisher of Citibank opened up his house to colleagues and friends on Friday 19 August for a little party so that all those who didn’t already know each other could get to do so. There was a Japanese theme throughout, giving you the option to dress in costume if you should so desire, and partake of some fine cuisine from that part of the world. Like the man himself, it was a fun and laid back evening, which everyone present thoroughly enjoyed.

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Victoria Govorova of L’Oreal with Iryna Onikienko and Ingrid Spiess both of UEFA

Elena Karnaushenko, Iryna Tymrakevych and Katya Komarova

International Camaraderie MANTRA Internations, the website that pulls people together from all nations in a community, held another one of their networking parties on Friday 19 August, and as always it was worthwhile. While there are more networking parties going on in town these days than you can shake a stick at, Internations keeps things a little more exclusive (and therefore a little more valuable) by having a cover charge. This makes for an interesting evening, with many interesting people to chat with.

Srinivas Polavarapu of Mega Life Sciences with Ivan from Lutsk

Loneliness is the Reason

Director of Ann Gallery Anna Lavrekha

Popular Artist Andriy OleksandrovychDochevskiy Borys Firtsak with fellow artist Olena Pryduvalova

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Dave Young of INS with Wolfram Rehbock of Arzinger

TRYPTIKH GALLERY On 17 August Ukrainian artist Borys Firtsak invited guests out to his personal exhibition, Intime.

Over the last two years, Firtsak has been uniting works on canvas to illustrate the topic of loneliness, where images portray rooms full of items that have been forsaken.

Attracting the attention of Ukrainian society to his cause, the artist held an evening of discussion and debate. The exhibition is available to the public until 30 August.

Masters of the brush Lev Markosyan, Borys Egiazaryan and Akhra Adzhindzhal

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Essential Kyiv Fitness Centres GOLF CENTRE Obolonska Naberezhna 20 230-9436 www.golf-center.com.ua The Golf Centre offers 36 stations, a 2-level floodlit driving range, 7-hole golf course, Golf Academy, Pro Shop and restaurant.

No membership required!

Plenty of free parking on site

Premier Palace Hotel Blvd T. Shevchenka / Pushkinska 5-7/29 537-45-00 279-87-72 Reservation: 244-12-11 info@premier-palace.com www.premier-palace.com

• Dentistry • Eye Treatment • Cosmetic Surgery • General Medical Treatment Medical treatment made easy with English speaking Doctors FREE Membership Card FREE Advice and FREE Appointment booking service +38093 583 6767 info@medicare-europe.com

Language Courses Club Olympus Alla Tarasova 5 581-1234 Cyber Gym B. Khmelnytskoho 50 465-3171 Kiev Sport Club Blvd Druzhby Narodiv 5 522-8866

Lybid Hotel Peremohy Square 1 +380 239 76 00 +380 236 63 36 reception@hotellybid.com.ua

www.hotellybid.com.ua

Premier Palace Fitness Center Blvd T. Shevchenka 5-7/29 537-453

Hotels

InterContinental Velyka Zhytomyrska Str 2A 219-1919 hotel.kiev@ihg.com http://intercontinental-kiev.com

Airlines

Ukraine International Airlines ticket office in Kiev 4, Lysenka Street (044) 581-50-50 www.flyUIA.com

Austrian Airlines Kyiv City Office Velyka Vasylkivska 9/2, Reservation: 8-800-3000-492 office.ukraine@austrian.com www.austrian.com More than 60 flights per week from 6 biggest cities in Ukraine to the whole World!

Air France-KLM Kiev, 34/33, Ivana Franka str.

490-24-90, 496-35-75 www.airfrance.ua, www.klm.ua

Airports Boryspil International Airport 490-4777 www.boryspilairport.kiev.ua

British Council Teaching Centre Skovorody 4/12 490-5600

Kyiv-Zhulyany International airport Povitroflotsky 92 242-2309/08 www.airport.kiev.ua

Educational Program LEGO Education Borysa Hmyri 6 Klovskiy Uzviz 8 Heroiv Stalingradu 18 383-5150, 383-5152, 577-2900 www.vynahidnyk.org

Beauty Salons Favorit V.I.P. Club Muzeyny 6 278-3338

Education Delta Air Lines General Sales Agent SIA "ContinAt" Chervonoarmiyska 9/2, #17 287-3595 www.delta.com Now fly Kiev-New York Non-stop

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Language school Nota Bene - Russian and Ukrainian for foreigners - Business English - German, French, Spanish, Italian 8(097) 400-9699 8(067) 738-1691 278-8036 Volodymyrska 7, #17 notabene.school@gmail.com

American Academy of Foreign Languages Dymytrova 16, #16 230-2608 A.B.C. P. Lumumby 23/35, #13 239-1091

Dnipro Hotel Khreschatyk 1/2 254-6777 254-6737

Hyatt Regency Kyiv Alla Tarasova 5 581-12-34 581-12-35 info.hrkyiv@hyatt.com www.kyiv.regency.hyatt.com

DTelite School Sahaydachnoho 20/2 417-5770 Business English Center Lesi Ukrainky 3, #114 234-0871 Greenwich Prorizna 22-b 592-7843

Center of Spanish Language and Culture Obolonska 7, 1st Floor 239-2418 www.spanish.com.ua Ez English Blvd Lesi Ukrainki 16, #18 235-5926

Radisson BLU Hotel Yaroslaviv Val 22 Reservations: 492-2200 492-2210 info.kiev@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-kiev

Marriage Agencies Want to meet a lady who is looking for a man like you ?

Save your time and energy and visit www.marriagebynatali.com or call Natali personally at +38-067-232-0803.

Our reputation speaks for itself.

Recruitment

reservation@dniprohotel.kiev.ua

www.dniprohotel.kiev.ua

SMARTFOX Language school, Translation’s agency Vandy Vasylevskoi 7 502-6290 www.baziscenter.com

Diamond Recruiters Moskovska 43/11, 3rd floor, office 8 332-3100 www.diamondrecruiters.net kyiv@diamondrecruiters.net Diamond Recruiters helps you attract, retain and motivate Ukrainian and foreign talent. Our specialties include finance, administration, change management, and IT. Middle to senior management positions.

International House Vandy Vasylevskoi 7 238-9870 Oxford Klass School of English English for adults and children, Cinema club 34 Ivana Mazepa St. Kiev, 01015, Ukraine 594-10-64 594-10-62

Translation Services 100 MOV Nahirna 24/1 489-5856 Alliance-profi Mechnikova 6, #33 235-6643, 592-4588 On Time Translation Agency Maiakovskoho Pr 10, 2nd floor 228 02 91 www.ontime.in.ua Anakonda-translate 529-3302

Internet Cafes Bunker Artema 11-a 272-4860 Cyber Cafe Prorizna 21 278-0548 Orki Khmelnitskoho 29/2 228-1187

Medical Centers

Opera Hotel B. Khmelnitskoho 53 581-70-70 537-73-73 reservations@opera-hotel.com www.opera-hotel.com

American Medical Centers Emergency Phone: +38 (044) 490 7600 Berdychivska, 1 +38 (044) 490 7600 +38 (044) 490 7600 patientservices@amc.com.ua

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Frishberg & Partners 10 Gorky Street, Suite 8 01004 Kyiv, Ukraine Tel: (38044) 585-8464 Fax: (38044) 235-6342

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www.frishberg.com

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work for a new English-language TV news channel by Klovska metro. It’s not broadcasting yet but we now have a full team of journalists, including English, Americans, Australians and Dutch.

Some of us have not been here long and speak neither Ukrainian nor Russian.

The Klovska crowd are bewildered by all these foreigners appearing from nowhere.

The crowd includes the coffee seller, the kiosk woman (whose enormous breasts fill the view when she opens the window), the guys selling phone credit, the drunks who ask for money and the babushkas who sit on stools selling cigarettes and cloth. And then there is the Klovska dog.

He (or she) is black and shaped like a barrel. He hates anything on two wheels, barking and chasing them away. He goes to sleep in the shade of the babushkas and patrols the car park when he’s awake. He looks old but seems fairly cheerful. The two babushkas that look after him, however, are as grumpy as you get, even by babushka standards.

The English like dogs, and I miss having one. Whilst it’s great to people-watch on Klovska square, I find myself dog-watching more. I’ve even started to get angry on the dog’s behalf, snarling and swearing at kids on bikes or skateboards who come too close.

I’ve wanted to buy the dog a sausage for a while now, but hadn’t done, because he’s the babushkas’ dog, and I didn’t want to

offend them. They seem to be at the centre of the Klovksa ecosystem, and by feeding him I’d be crossing the Klovska borderline between Ukrainians and foreigners that currently exists in a state of uneasy peace.

Bugger it. I’ll buy the dog a sausage and see what happens.

I went to the shop and asked for a sausage (by pointing to the sausages and raising a single finger to signal quantity). The woman looked at me like I was mad, before showing me the cost on a calculator. I took the sausage to the babushka and gave it to her, pointing to the dog.

She looked confused. I again pointed to the sausage, then to the dog, this time making a “woof woof” noise, to clarify. Bewildered, she turned to the phone credit guy. He said “normalno”. She turned back, nodded and said thank you. As I walked away, I saw that the entire square had come to a stop to watch this exchange between crazy-woof-man-foreigner and babushka, involving a sausage.

I watched to see if the dog even liked the sausage. The babushka bit the twisted top off and gave him some. He looked at it, sniffed it, nudged it around with his nose, and finally ate it. As he did, the whole square started moving again. The dog had eaten the sausage. The foreigners had made contact. The invisible border had disappeared in a mouthful. And all because of a sausage.

Yulia The country’s angelic opposition figure is being dragged through the courts for reasons that have nothing to do with the law.

Images of her surrounded by burly police and puppet judges are being beamed all over the world. She is eloquently pointing out that this is bare-faced political persecution, and winning the PR battle hands down.

Old Women with Dyed Hair Red, purple, orange, blonde and even blue – the old women of Kyiv seem to be going overboard with the hair dye this summer, giving the city a flash of colour in the most unexpected places. What’s On are fully behind this craze. Who says that seniority and standing should be an obstacle to having purple hair.

Cocktails For some reason, they’ve become very popular in Kyiv this summer. We’re not sure whether it’s the natural progression of western influence, decades of dull vodka, the arrival of some funky cocktail bars, or the recent What’s On edition that showed how to make the perfect drink. Either way, Kyivites are going mad for their Mai Tai’s and pining for their Pina Coladas.

The Weather It just isn’t.

Ukraine’s Reputation Hi Stephen, I want to ask you about the foreign guys who will come to Kyiv next summer for the football. I hear many bad things about football fans, but I think there will also be nice guys I can meet. What advice do you have about this? – Nadia, 24.

Hello Nadia, In general, football fans want to drink beer and watch football. Many will try the vodka and it will probably kill them. Some get into fights, but there won’t be a problem if locals are relaxed and the police don’t try to extrort bribes them.

98% of the fans will be visiting Ukraine for the first time, so they’ll be seeing Ukrainian women for the first time too. I can only assume they’ll be very interested in this particular cultural perspective. You won’t have to try hard to get their attention, but you may have difficulty sifting the ‘nice’ guys from the idiots. It’s not because nice guys don’t come to watch football, but with groups of men drinking beer and vodka all day, the ‘nice’ bit goes out of the window.

I suggest you distinguish by nationality. For philosophical philanderers, go with the French. If you want someone who is technically top but amorously anonymous, go German. If you prefer clichéd (and rather base) compliments, choose Mediterranean (Spanish, Italian, Greek etc). For shaven-headed hedonism, opt for the English. If none of the above appeals, go for a Scandinavian. I’ve never heard anything bad said about them, and have never met one who wasn’t ‘nice’. Good luck!

What’s Hot

It’s amazing what a sausage can do...

Combine the Tymoshenko trial with the recent decision not to grant independent TV channel TVi a new licence and suddenly Ukraine’s international reputation is going down the toilet. The country is now being compared to Belarus as an oddball autocratic fiefdom. Images of hundreds of police muscling elderly protesters simply fan the flames. The President’s lust for power has set the country back years.

Mosquitoes Kyiv is plagued with hundreds of little parasites feeding off the masses, seemingly greedier than ever. And for once we’re not talking about corrupt officials.

We want to be gently woken in the middle of the night by our partner whispering sweet nothings in our ear. Instead we are being awoken by that unmistakeable buzz, as if the little bugger’s boasting that he’s just had a nice snack on your bottom.

What’s Not

What’s Wrong

What’s What

All Things Considered

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