Notes From Kiev

Be Careful What You Say

2006-07-27T06:11:00.000+03:00

Be Careful What You Sayby Masha GessenA wonderful example of pressuring a court in Russia, by the Chief Health Inspector of Russia.

Heritage Survives a Complicated Past in Lviv, Ukraine - New York Times

2006-07-23T02:13:00.000+03:00

Heritage Survives a Complicated Past in Lviv, Ukraine - New York TimesTouring Lviv.

A Foreign Affair

2006-07-22T03:17:00.000+03:00

A Foreign Affair (Harpers.org)A good article on the Foreign Men - Ukrainian Women trade in Kyiv. There is an underlying sadness to all of this. Both parties are trying to fill gaps in their lives but it seems they are not often successful

Positive Notes on Yalta and Odessa

2006-07-15T15:22:00.000+03:00

Guardian Unlimited Travel | Countries | Heaven and Hel

SovMusic.ru - Soviet Music

2006-06-25T16:29:00.000+03:00

For all of your Soviet Music needs. This is a great resource.SovMusic.ru - Soviet Music

Phone Seizure Seen as Example of Russian Corruption - New York Times

2006-06-14T13:18:00.000+03:00

Phone Seizure Seen as Example of Russian Corruption - New York Times On doing business in Russia.

From Soviet-Era Flea Market to a Giant Makeshift Mall - New York Times

2006-05-19T12:15:00.000+03:00

From Soviet-Era Flea Market to a Giant Makeshift Mall - New York Times

From Russia, With Dread - New York Times

2006-05-16T12:23:00.000+03:00

Promoting a good investment climate, Saratov Russiaby Andrew E. Kramer, NY Times.

Just keep it out of the hands of private drivers.

2006-04-30T02:05:00.000+03:00

news | dai continues battles with illegal light and siren car owners :.: 5 Kanal :.: First News Channel of UkraineThis is a sign that Ukraine is different than Russia.

Russia Called Too Reliant on Petroleum - New York Times

2006-04-18T14:01:00.000+03:00

Russia Called Too Reliant on Petroleum - New York TimesRussia is getting the "Dutch disease." The chances of Russia actually moving to the Norway model of investing the oil windfall is very low. The flow of funds is always headed into very unproductive pockets.

Phil H. Webber:50 years of photos.

2006-04-16T05:49:00.000+03:00

A rememberance of Phil WebberA wonderful collection of the work of Phil Webber, long-time photographer for the Seattle P-I. The photos are great history of the last 50 years of Seattle. They show the civil boosterism that has always been a part of Seattle plus they show some of the grime and reality that make up Seattle. This type of large-scale collection of photos is something the internet was

Poison and Power In Ukraine

2006-04-13T01:07:00.000+03:00

Poison and Power In Ukrainea fine column by Ann Applebaum in todays Washington Post.

Squirrels fighting back.

2006-04-13T01:01:00.000+03:00

from Foriegn Notes blog, Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov, and a newly-elected VR deputy, received an unpleasant surprise yesterday when the Donetsk oblast state court took away 145 hectares of his land that had once been part of the Donetsk botanical gardens. The Court anulled a decision taken by the Donetsk City Council to give Akhmetov, a.k.a. 'Botanik', the land on which,

news | kyiv: police identify real estate scammer :.: 5 Kanal :.: First News Channel of Ukraine

2006-04-11T16:12:00.000+03:00

Police identify real estate scammer :.: 5 Kanal :.: First News Channel of UkraineAs least some scams are being investigated in Kiev.

Room 12A: Truth to be told

2006-04-06T16:08:00.000+03:00

Room 12A: Truth to be toldA fine view on the recent Ukrainian election.

A Russian 'Wine Blockade' Against Georgia and Moldova - New York Times

2006-04-06T12:02:00.000+03:00

A Russian 'Wine Blockade' Against Georgia and Moldova - New York TimesRussia is taking giant strides to join the WTO.

EU Monitors Praise Ukraine's Election Conduct - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY

2006-03-28T15:40:00.000+03:00

EU Monitors Praise Ukraine's Election Conduct - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY..This is good news.

What's the Matter With Kiev? By Scott MacMillan

2006-03-28T06:50:00.000+03:00

What's the Matter With Kiev? By Scott MacMillanA very solid account of Sunday's election. The revolution was not about individuals but about openning the process, it did.

Browder Barred as a Security Threat

2006-03-20T22:45:00.000+02:00

Browder Barred as a Security ThreatA major international investor has visa problems. Is being an active investor in Russia a cause to become a "security threat"?

Hedge Fund Chief Can't Get to Russia - New York Times

2006-03-18T13:06:00.000+02:00

Hedge Fund Chief Can't Get to Russia - New York TimesRussia, promoting a clear, open environment for international investors.

Restuarants in Kyiv

2006-03-06T20:59:00.000+02:00

Well the Kyiv Post featured restaurants in last week’s edition. They included a listing of restaurants but with a few notable missing restaurants. Apparently, Arizonas is no longer a restaurant, also missing was Sam’s Steakhouse and Tequila House. Now they did state that the list was not intended to be all-inclusive but why some and not others? A least one restaurant, Persia on Institutionska

Ukraine Sees Bright Future on Ski Slope - New York Times

2006-03-06T13:48:00.000+02:00

Ukraine Sees Bright Future on Ski Slope - New York Times:by Otto Pohl"'It's the sign of a good city. Good roads and a good symphony orchestra. When we have those things, you know Ukraine will have arrived.'"

Otis Chandler

2006-02-28T18:41:00.000+02:00

Otis Chandler has died. He was the last mythic Californian. Here is an article from the Los Angeles Times, it does a great job summing up his place in California history.A prince who earned his crownPATT MORRISON,February 28 2006Catching a glimpse of Otis Chandler striding through The Times' newsroom was like sighting a griffin: a creature of mythology, half-lion and half-eagle. In his person,

A Return

2006-02-27T17:37:00.000+02:00

Good news on the condiment front. Heinz Salsa (mild) has returned to Kiev’s store shelves after an absence of many years. Yes, I know that it is not true salsa and that is not the type of thing any self-respecting Texan or Mexican (or Tex-Mex) would place into their mouth but it is here, in Kiev, and reasonably priced.

Shuttle Traders Face Tough New Rules

2006-02-27T07:12:00.000+02:00

Shuttle Traders Face Tough New Rules: "But a way will be found to get around the new system" Moscow pressures shuttle traders. Little new government revenue will be produced, new avenues to avoid import fees will be created, new bribes will be paid. Notice no new oversight of customs officials.

The Kyiv Post opens it doors

2006-02-26T17:50:00.000+02:00

The Kyiv Post appears to have opened it web-content. The old law that says “information wants to be free” is still true. Real knowledge you can charge for, but information wants to be free. Often the Post is full of information but without much knowledge. One blog that is full of knowledge is Neeka's Backlog. On a daily basis it is full of knowledge. Her piece on the tendency of Ukrainian baby

JotSpot: enterprise and personal wiki hosting and free wiki software trial. Get a hosted wiki, no need to download wiki software.

2006-02-21T07:07:00.000+02:00

I have seen the future of SME systems, and it appears to be a lot like Jotspot. Simple, inexpensive systems that are adaptable yet offer a wide range of services. From collaboration services, project management, help desks, and forums, all under one service in a simple easy to use format.

Commercial Rents and Scams

2006-02-20T10:23:00.000+02:00

The Kyiv Post this week has two pieces of information on the Kyiv real estate marketplace. First is a table listing rental charges for commercial properties in Kyiv along with similar properties in various other Eastern European cities. In all cases, Kyiv rental fees are much higher that other cities in the region. My understanding of the situation is that it is a matter of a lack of supply

Real Estate scams in Kyiv.

2006-02-11T10:58:00.000+02:00

news | kyiv: real estate scam organizer flees country :.: 5 канал :.: Перший Iнформацiйний Канал України

The Three Little Ukrainian Pigs

2006-01-30T12:31:00.000+02:00

The Three Little Ukrainian PigsThere once were three little pigs that lived not far from Poltava. They had happy lives and had wonderful adventures. The state farm they lived on granted them three separate plots of lands to build dachas on. The first pig, Taras, built his dacha with straw. It was a fine dacha with a nice garden in the back. Of course it did not have running water but no other

Onion Domes and Cellphones in Uzhgorod - New York Times

2006-01-28T19:16:00.000+02:00

Uzhgorod is on the tourism map.Onion Domes and Cellphones in Uzhgorod - New York Times

On haircuts

2006-01-28T12:22:00.000+02:00

I have been going to the same barbershop for over ten years. It is on Plosha Slavy. I first started going to it because we lived very close by. The most I have ever paid for a haircut is 20 UAH, including tip. I continue to use it because I am very use to it. It offers, for me, an acceptable bargain in hair-care. I am limited in my ability to communicate my hair-care wishes to the barber but I

Marks and Spencer to open store in Ukraine

2006-01-24T11:56:00.000+02:00

From the Financial Times, Jan. 24, 2006. by Sophy Buckley. Found on Action Ukraine Report, #647 LONDON -Marks and Spencer, the high street retailer, will shortly have more than 200 international franchise stores, five years after it said it was withdrawing from its lossmaking European operations.This year it expects to open its first store in Ukraine and at least one more in Moscow,

Russian gas cuts - why there is no need to worry

2006-01-03T10:08:00.000+02:00

European Tribune - Community, Politics & Progress.by Jerome a ParisThis is a very detailed analysis of the Russian/Ukrainian gas problem. It contains information that general news services are missing.

What Not to Watch

2005-12-25T18:32:00.000+02:00

One of my favorite TV programs is the British version of “What Not to Wear”. Its premise is that two fashion journalists critically advise a typical British woman on how to look presentable. The show really is not about fashion but achieving a certain style for the person. The two presenters are critical but also helpful. There are often hidden issues of self-worth and self-image involved. The

HP hits Ukraine

2005-12-18T15:49:00.000+02:00

Hewlett-Packard took over the Palace of Sport metro station this weekend. They filled it with advertising for their new line of PCs that have been manufactured in Ukraine. HP is the first major electronics producer to manufacture their products in Ukraine. The promotion was tied to the annual Intel/Samsung exhibition at the Palace of Sport. It was a good piece of promotion. Thousands of consumers

Kiev or Kyiv?

2005-12-16T10:02:00.000+02:00

Kiev or Kyiv? A solid account of how to spell the name of the capital of Ukraine. I will try to use Kiev from now on.

For John Root

2005-12-08T13:25:00.000+02:00

A friend sent along a note. Yesterday morning John Root died of bladder cancer. He had been ill for a while and longed for peace. He died within the peace of his family in Boca Raton. He will be missed.I first met John in 1992, when we were both part of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers in Ukraine. What caught your attention with John was that he was fun, wise, very unpretentious, and

Viacheslav Khavrus: "Where’s the money?” or about the dividends on Ukrnafta | Maidan

2005-12-06T08:41:00.000+02:00

Viacheslav Khavrus: "Where’s the money?” or about the dividends on Ukrnafta | Maidan Ukrnafta actually pays dividends.

Agnitio est prosperitas

2005-11-29T08:44:00.000+02:00

Agnitio est prosperitas A long blog post on Ukraine's international economic relations and the WTO.

Bankova Street

2005-11-26T16:12:00.000+02:00

The temporary closing of Bankova St. caused a minor scandal. The city authorities (or was it the presidential authorities?) had closed the street last spring to some repairs. It was closed for all of the summer and most of this fall. Bankova is a short street where the presidential administrative offices sit. During the Orange Revolution it was a chief site of protests. It was a bad sign, when

Freedom Day for Ukraine and Russia - COMMENTARY - MOSNEWS.COM

2005-11-23T08:55:00.000+02:00

Freedom Day for Ukraine and Russia - COMMENTARY - MOSNEWS.COM A very good commentary by Stanislav Belkovski. I found it through the http://room12a.com/ blog.

Software Marketing Today and Yesterday

2005-11-18T17:24:00.000+02:00

Today I attended a software presentation put on by the Robertson and Blums Company. They presented the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne business system. The presentation was co-sponsored by Oracle and IBM. It was fine presentation that showed a high degree of marketing skill and actually provided some useful information. The presentation reminded me of one of the first professional activities I was

Room 12A

2005-11-17T08:56:00.000+02:00

A great blog by Ethan Wallison. His understanding of the Harfouch brothers is great.

Is this a lifting of the shadows?

2005-11-14T14:09:00.000+02:00

There was a fine article in the Kyiv Post last week. “New policies give tax boost”, by Roman Olearchyk. It covered the variance between the 2004 and 2005 profits made by certain large corporations. In many cases, the 2005 profits and sales were notably higherthan 2004, even with the slowdown in the Ukrainian economy and the slowdown in the international metals market. The reason given for this

Interview: Kyiv Post editor Andrey Slivka

2005-11-08T15:21:00.000+02:00

Interview: Kyiv Post editor Andrey Slivka By Peter Lavelle This is a fine, nuanced, interview with Andriy Slivka, editor of the Kyiv Post written by Peter Lavelle. It shows an understanding of the political dynamics of Ukraine. It is the type of material that could appear regularly in the Post, but is often missing.

A world becoming more peaceful?

2005-11-06T09:26:00.000+02:00

by Paul Rogers, www.opendemocracy The world is becoming more peaceful. Imagine that.

Gorenje comes to Kharkiv

2005-11-04T08:28:00.000+02:00

Major appliance manufacturer to set up plant in Kharkiv oblast. This is a step to utiltize Ukraine's skills and its geographic position. That a Slovenia manufacturer is doing this points to the growing wage variance between Western, Central, and Eastern Europe

Kiev Ukraine News Blog

2005-10-30T08:31:00.000+02:00

From the Kiev Ukraine News Bog. The move by XXI Century real estate developer to issue stock on the London Stock Exchange, ING is managing the placement. ING is targeting Ukrainian start-ups rather than older, larger former-Soviet enterprises.

Hotel Turf Wars

2005-10-28T08:29:00.000+03:00

From Gridskipper. Competition for hotel rooms in Kyiv

Thanks, Tim

2005-10-26T14:59:00.000+03:00

The best piece of writing to find its way into the Kyiv Post in a long time was a remembrance by the legendary Tim Vickery. His recap was both funny but also spirited when it came to the lost chances of the Orange Revolution. Kyiv and Ukraine misses having such an informed and talented writer as Tim working in the country.

The Kyiv Post 10th anniversary

2005-10-26T14:42:00.000+03:00

The Kyiv Post had its 10th anniversary last week. It published a very good recap of its history. Missing from its history was a mention of individual writers whom had work on the paper in the past. The work of Greg Bloom, writing on business topics, always was informative and knowledgeable without being overly familiar with individual business people. Also missing was Jake Rudnitsky, his antic

Sweepstakes mania

2005-10-19T14:44:00.000+03:00

The Readers Digest sweepstakes has come to Ukraine. We received a sweepstakes letter yesterday stating that soon we will receive another letter with information on how to enter the sweepstakes. It is one of the first pieces of junk-mail we have received. I am not even certain that Reader Digest, the magazine not the sweepstakes, is even available in Ukraine. Any sweepstakes or promotional contest

The heating season begins

2005-10-16T15:45:00.000+03:00

The winter heating season has begun right on time. Our radiators started to heat up on October 15, just as they should. We only had a few cold days before the heat came on. Of course, tradition has it that the weather will improve soon and the radiator heat will be wasted for a few days. It has been a fine autumn in Kiev with sunny weather and many chances to get out and see the leaves turn. Of

The Observer | Travel | A short history of tracking down my family in Ukraine

2005-10-16T08:56:00.000+03:00

This is a great travel article by Marina Lewycka, author of "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian".

He Doesn't Make Coffee, but He Controls 'Starbucks' in Russia - New York Times

2005-10-12T07:20:00.000+03:00

Trademark squatting in Russia, and why tougher enforcement of intellectual rights creates an environment where brandnames have value that can be enforced by the courts, but the brandnames may not be held by the worldwide, traditional owners.

The finer things of life

2005-10-03T16:55:00.000+03:00

News on the Kyiv consumer front. There are now Ukrainian made and reasonably priced chocolate chip cookies available. The good old Roshen company now packages reasonably made chocolate chip cookies that are equal to the “Chips Ahoy” brand. They also have a raisin variety available.

Neeka's story of the inter-connections of Soviet-Post Soviet-Ukrainian business circles

2005-09-28T09:06:00.000+03:00

Neeka's Backlog

Океан Ельзи new CD

2005-09-27T17:04:00.000+03:00

The Ukrainian music group, “Океан Ельзи” has a new CD out. It is receiving a big marketing push with street posters and heavy in-store promotion. It is good to see that Ukrainian popular music is actually being marketed and supported. The legal music industry is small and most music is sold via privated CDs. The recent changes in Ukrainian intellectual property laws and more direct enforcement

The old Nika Store

2005-09-19T09:24:00.000+03:00

The Kyiv Post had a article on Falk Nebiger last week. He mentioned the “Nika” store and it brought back memories of the shopping wonders of Kyiv in 1992-1993. The Nika store was one of the few “hard currency” stores in the city at the time. It featured imported food products at very inflated prices. If you stayed in the store long enough, you would see every foreigner living in Kyiv at the time.

No change in rail ticket prices in spite of large losses

2005-09-16T08:59:00.000+03:00

firsthand / ArticlesSo Ukrainians prefer to have low-cost train travel that is sub-standard than a more expensive, better managed system. The quality of services on trains have improved but Ukrainian trains are still uncomfortable. What is not directly stated in the newsclip is that the central government is subsidizing the railroad's financial losses and yet has no ability to improve the

The Summer of Lavash

2005-09-11T12:40:00.000+03:00

The food item of the summer has been Lavash, the Armenia-Georgian bread. I saw it back in my old Cherkassy days, in 1993. Then it was sold on the street by an Armenian family. It was the highlight of the Cherkassy food scene. Lavash is now available in most Kyiv’s supermarkets, both the thick version and the very thin, soft version. It has hit the main stream, McDonalds is now featuring a “

Credit History Steps Into Future

2005-09-02T08:30:00.000+03:00

Credit History Steps Into Future This is a big step in Russia to build a consumer credit marketplace. Banks need to have reliable credit information to make consumer credit loans at reasonable rates of interest.

Ukraine's Jig-Saw

2005-08-29T15:34:00.000+03:00

One of the ways of viewing the difference in Ukraine’s business climate pre and post the Orange Revolution is to see it as a very large, uncompleted jig-saw puzzle. In the days of Kuchma, there were thousands of pieces available to place on the table, but there were many more not quite visible. Every once in a while, on an irregular basis, more pieces were placed on the table and some pieces were

Kyiv Weekly

2005-08-29T14:56:00.000+03:00

Kyiv Weekly A news source in English that I have forgotten about. Translated from Ukrainian, it is a broad news source that full of news and insight.

Wedding Party Viewing

2005-08-28T09:31:00.000+03:00

Last Saturday afternoon was prime wedding party viewing time at Mariyinskiy Park. The park and the palace are central points on the Kyiv wedding trip circuit. The park offers the Mariyinksy Palace for photos along with two large fountains and a few Soviet memorials. The trend for stretch limos has continued. Currently, a bus for your wedding party is also seen as an important must have. A large

Berdyanks a GoGo

2005-08-22T16:08:00.000+03:00

Just got back from two weeks in Berdyansk. There is a growing up-market resort sector in the area, with more beach front hotels/motels going up. The town and resort area (the split of sand the forms the main beach area) still needs to be cleaned up but the beach remains over 10 km of good sand and nice waves. One of our twilight adventures was a visit to a closed Pioneer camp. It must have

UKRAINE REVENUE UP AS TAX DODGING FALLS, PREMIER SAYS

2005-08-22T14:54:00.000+03:00

This is from Bloomberg, by way of the Action Ukraine Report (AUR). The impact of the breaking down of the former Ukrainian government's practices shows the impact of corruption on the economy. Here are some excepts:"All of the tax rates are exactly the same, yet the revenue received is 11/2 times greater,'' Timoshenko, 44, said yesterday in an interview in Kiev."This is simply the legalization of

Cabinet to revoke resolutions inhibiting entrepreneurship.

2005-08-19T17:29:00.000+03:00

FirsTnews / Articles More positve movements by the government to break down barriers to small business. The exact nature of these regulations is not discussed.

Journalistic rivalry

2005-07-28T11:28:00.000+03:00

One of the fun competitions in Kyiv is the rivalry between the Kyiv Post and Whats-On. For a long time the competition took the form of how often could they include a photo of Walid Harfouch in each issue. Currently, the Post is leading this competition with a hard-hitting interview with Mr. Harfouch in the last issue. The Post is aiming directly at Whats On with advertising asking Do

The Boardening Retail Scene

2005-07-28T11:08:00.000+03:00

I have been meaning to write about JYSK. It is a large home-furnishings store that features inexpensive Scandinavian furniture (which the English call flat-packed). It was features a very wide selection of bedding (possibly the largest in Kyiv) and other home furnishing. As a promotional gimmick, it uses

Kyiv's retail growth still amazes

2005-07-17T20:29:00.000+03:00

The new Harry Potter book was available, in large quanities, in Kyiv on the day of publication. Which suggests two things, that the promotional activity for the book was truly worldwide, and secondary, Kyiv's retailers are starting to reflect international market trends. How many of the books, at $29 each, will be sold in Kyiv is another matter. Also new in Kyiv, is a GNC nutritional center.

Ukraine: would hike in Russian gas prices prove a blessing in disguise?

2005-07-14T09:07:00.000+03:00

RADIO FREE EUROPE/ RADIO LIBERTY That Ukraine must broaden its energy supplies is oblivous, that Russia might actually spur this development is not.

manybooks.net - Free eBooks for your PDA

2005-07-11T21:51:00.000+03:00

manybooks.net - Free eBooks for your PDA Completely off the subject. This is a downloadable library that is full of wonderful books. There is no cost but a donation is requested. This effort is assocation with the Project Guntherberg.

Nostalgia TV

2005-07-08T16:21:00.000+03:00

The Russian cable TV channel, Nostalgia, (on Voliacable Digital Service) is an interesting service. It features TV programs from the 1980’s and before. It broadcasts a range of programs, from newscasts to movies to musical concerts. The newscasts and documentaries are full of Soviet propaganda but it is expected that you will be able to see thorough the crap. The popular musical programs feature

Google Maps - Kiev, Ukraine

2005-06-26T16:49:00.000+03:00

Google Maps - Kiev, Ukraine This is a nice aerial map service from Google Maps, it covers Ukraine but with limited resolution.

Ukraine IT Outsourcing Myths Dispersed

2005-06-22T08:50:00.000+03:00

i-Newswire.com - Press Release And News Distribution - Ukraine IT Outsourcing Myths Dispersed Promoting the Ukrainian software development industry.

In EUrope, they did not want to talk to us

2005-06-22T08:42:00.000+03:00

In EUrope, they did not want to talk to us Â. Oleksandr ROZHEN. Zerkalo Nedeli On The WEBAn interview with Dmytry Melnychnuk, Rector of the Ukrainian National Agrarian University. While it covers academic issues, it does present ways that Ukrainian universities are moving towards a western basis of operation. The work of an extension service is covered and how important it is to building a

Regal rocked by ex-chairman's secret sale of Ukrainian assets

2005-06-21T07:27:00.000+03:00

News The international business community giving Ukrainian businesses a lesson in transparent practices.

Ukraine leading in developing democracy, Freedom House.

2005-06-17T15:15:00.000+03:00

FirsTnews / Articles The important item to note is that this is a measurement of improvement. Any movement from the elections of 2004 could be seen as an improvement.

New Sight in Chernobyl's Dead Zone: Tourists - New York Times

2005-06-15T07:13:00.000+03:00

New Sight in Chernobyl's Dead Zone: Tourists - New York Times A article on tourism and Chernobyl, by C.J. Chivers.

The Baby Name Wizard: NameVoyager

2005-06-11T09:51:00.000+03:00

The Baby Name Wizard: NameVoyager Completely off the subject, this is a great thing!

Port of Odesa Opens One-Stop Customs Service to Curb Corruption "ДЕНЬ"

2005-05-26T08:39:00.000+03:00

Port of Odesa Opens One-Stop Customs Service to Curb Corruption "ДЕНЬ" By Olena Astraknovych, The Day Weekly Digest The use of "One Stop Shop" to improve and speed up the Odessa Port. One of the first, practical moves by the government to improve Ukraine's regulatory environment. I liked this quote. “Containers are the cargo of the future. Cargo flows are like water: they will bypass any

Notes on Eurovision

2005-05-23T10:52:00.000+03:00

With all of the enthusiasm that Kyiv greeted the Eurovision Song Contest 2005, it is great to report that it seem a great success. There were many people who thought that it was going to be a fiasco, highlighting Ukraines inability to hold a major an event of its size. There is an illusion Ukraine is

A song for Europe in the wake of revolution

2005-05-15T09:08:00.000+03:00

The Observer | Travel | A song for Europe in the wake of revolution Kiev travel by Andrei Kurkov

Freeing the Books From Bureaucrats

2005-05-13T09:36:00.000+03:00

Freeing the Books From Bureaucrats While there is nothing as boring as Accounting Standards, it is a very important area of reform. This article is about Russian regulations but it also reflects the situation in Ukraine.

Victory Day at 60

2005-05-11T16:16:00.000+03:00

Kyiv Post. Victory Day at 60From the Kyiv Post. This might be the best piece of writing I have encountered on Victory Day, 2005. It shows an understanding of the complexity of the holiday and its meaning to the veterans.

Kyiv Post. From Odessa, Texas to Kyiv, Ukraine...

2005-05-11T07:07:00.000+03:00

Kyiv Post. From Odessa, Texas to Kyiv, Ukraine... By Viktoria Braychenko Tony Smith, for a small group of people in Kyiv, part of the history of the city in 1995. It is nice to see him back.

From Our Own Correspondent | Odessa looks back on wayward past

2005-05-10T09:23:00.000+03:00

BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own Correspondent | Odessa looks back on wayward past Misha Glenny of the BBC writes about the "charm" of Odessa.

Expat: life in Ukraine

2005-05-07T08:35:00.000+03:00

Telegraph | Expat From telegraph.co.uk by Pactricia Joy Basic information on living in Ukraine

Lviv firm developing bond market for medium-sizec firms.

2005-05-06T08:36:00.000+03:00

FirsTnews / Articles By Alla Vetrovcova SME funding through the use of bonds. Banks should be doing this type of lending but bonds will work to.

If pirating grows, it may not be the end of music world

2005-05-05T16:59:00.000+03:00

USATODAY.com - If pirating grows, it may not be the end of music world From USA Today, by Kevin Maney While this covers China, the role of pirating of music is the same as in Ukraine. Musicians use CDs as promotion devices and don't expect to earn income from them. Perhaps the entire RIAA crusade is mistaken from the point of view of the musicians.

Some thoughts on economic changes

2005-04-28T18:16:00.000+03:00

The changes in the simplified tax regime have caught many businesses off guard. A great many organizations were using a loop-hole in the tax regulations to hired employees as individual contractors. This allowed the employees to pay a much reduced social and income tax amount. It also allowed the organizations to avoid paying social taxes for the employees. Many organizations, including many

English Language Ukrainian newsources

2005-04-21T14:55:00.000+03:00

For a while I have wanted to collect reliable news services on Ukraine. Here is a start. It is not complete and I will be adding more as time goes on. I will say that currently there is not one single information resource that is truly great. It is interesting to note that many are fee based. While the Kyiv Post is readily available in Kyiv for free, it charges a fee for its online content. It is

FirsTnews - a new source of Ukrainian economic news

2005-04-21T08:54:00.000+03:00

FirsTnews / Start page

abdymok: good wine

2005-04-20T16:54:00.000+03:00

abdymok: good wineAn interesting description of the business information marketplace in Ukraine. From abdymok, an interview with Mikhail Kukhar.

The Wild, Wild East.

2005-04-15T09:39:00.000+03:00

by Steve Miller.A good article on David Sweere and Kiev-Atlantic Group. Mr. Sweere one of the great success stories in Ukraine.

Beating the Blues, Keeping the Orange Faith

2005-04-13T09:06:00.000+03:00

Beating the Blues, Keeping the Orange Faith Echos from the recent past.

Software Developers Want to Go Legal: time for the government to take notice of them

2005-04-07T08:51:00.000+03:00

by Petro Izhyk, The DayA solid article about the current state of the Ukrainian outsourcing market. The need for promotional activities is covered.

The New York Times > Travel > Is Newly Liberated Kiev the Next Prague?

2005-04-02T17:51:00.000+03:00

The New York Times > Travel > Is Newly Liberated Kiev the Next Prague? It had to happen, NY Times Travel section has found Kiev. "a city that has all the makings of a new Prague." I thought Krakow was the new Prague?