IS EUROVISION THE NEW STALINGRAD?

For whatever reason, in Russia this contest is taken very seriously… people feel that the Eurovision Song Contest is like an annual Stalingrad battle.”

THE RUSSIA-GEORGIA SPLIT AS PLAYGROUND POLITICS:

Saakashvili supposedly lost track of time while doing laps in his hotel pool, arriving at the Kremlin half an hour late and leaving Mr. Putin seething, according to three Georgians who were there.

“I hope that you had a good time swimming,” Mr. Putin told Mr. Saakashvili.

RUSSIA’S OWN ‘MISSION ACCOMPLISHED’ IN CHECHNYA:

Harsh Ruler Wears Track Suit, Keeps Pet Tiger, Urges Men to Take Second Wives