RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД

MOSCOW - The Russian foreign minister says a new deal allowing the United States to use a Russian air base for transit of troops and military cargo to Afghanistan will help ensure Russia's own security.

AP Interview: Ukraine links Tymoshenko to murder

A top Ukrainian prosecutor charged Wednesday that a firm controlled by jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko paid for the contract-style killing of a lawmaker and two others in 1996, adding to a slew of accusations and charges against the country's top opposition leader.

US Asks Russia to Warn Iran of 'Last Chance,' Kommersant Says - Bloomberg

via Russia - Google News on 3/14/12

Haaretz

US Asks Russia to Warn Iran of 'Last Chance,' Kommersant Says
Bloomberg
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has asked her Russian counterpart to warn Iran that it has one “last chance” to reach a negotiated settlement over its nuclear program and avoid military action, Kommersant said. Clinton delivered the message at a ...
Report: US asked Russia to warn Iran of 'last chance' to avoid military strikeHaaretz
Russia told to warn Iran of 'last chance' before war: reportAsiaOne
Diplomats: US issued ultimatum to Iran via RussiaYnetnews
RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty -Tehran Times
all 51 news articles »

Azerbaijan Arrests 22 For Allegedly Plotting U.S., Israeli Attacks

via Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty on 3/14/12

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of National Security has announced the arrests of 22 people on suspicion of plotting attacks on the U.S. and Israeli embassies in Baku.

Secret Data Offered for Missile Shield Approval

via The Moscow Times Top Stories by Reuters <moscowtimes@themoscowtimes.com> on 3/13/12

The Obama administration is leaving open the possibility of giving Moscow certain secret data on U.S. interceptor missiles due to help protect Europe from any Iranian missile strike.

Lavrov Says Russia Defending 'Justice' in Syria Conflict, Not Assad

via The Moscow Times Top Stories by The Moscow Times <moscowtimes@themoscowtimes.com> on 3/13/12

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Russia aims to defend not the regime of Bashar Assad but the right of Syrians to choose their own leader and stability in the Middle East.

Doctor Arrested After Demanding Bribe for Care

via The Moscow Times Top Stories by The Moscow Times <moscowtimes@themoscowtimes.com> on 3/13/12

A Kaliningrad doctor has been arrested after forbidding his staff to provide medical care to a patient whose daughter refused to pay a bribe.

Russia Could Provide Air Base To U.S.-Led Coalition

via Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty on 3/14/12

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Russian government will discuss a proposal that for the first time would permit the U.S.-led coalition to use a Russian air base to transit troops and military cargo from Afghanistan.

Mike Nova's starred items

Russia to offer air base to US for Afghan transit

A new deal allowing the United States and its NATO allies to use a Russian air base for transit of troops and military cargo to Afghanistan would help ensure Russia's own security, Russia's foreign minister said Wednesday.

U.S. asks Russia to warn Iran ahead of new talks-paper

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The United States has asked Russia to inform Iran's leadership that forthcoming talks with six world powers over its nuclear program represents Tehran's "last chance", a Russian daily reported on Wednesday. "The Israelis are de-facto blackmailing (President Barack) Obama. They put him into an interesting position: either he backs the war or loses the support (of the U.S. Jewish lobby)," the well-connected Kommersant newspaper quoted a Russian diplomatic source as saying. Speculation has been growing in recent months that Israel, with or without U.S. ...

Russia refuses to release anti-Putin punks

Russia on Wednesday refused to free from pre-trial detention two members of female opposition punk rock group Pussy Riot who face up to seven years in jail for performing in a church.

Assad must leave to halt civil war: top dissident

AMMAN (Reuters) - Syria has plunged into civil war and only the departure of President Bashar al-Assad can prevent the country from being torn apart, a veteran opposition figure said. Najati Tayyara, 67, is a Sunni Muslim liberal who fled Syria to Jordan last month after the authorities bowed to pressure from Arab neighbors and released him from prison. One of Syria's most respected human rights campaigners, Tayyara was jailed in May 2011 after warning that the crackdown against protesters and the recruitment of minority Alawites into government militia was a recipe for sectarian disaster. ...

Russia's Vekselberg may sue RUSAL in oligarch row - Reuters

via Russia - Google News on 3/14/12

Independent Online

Russia's Vekselberg may sue RUSAL in oligarch row
Reuters
RUSAL's shares slide in Hong Kong * Fight escalates with lawsuit threatened * RUSAL says its claims are accurate * Board member says there's no crisis at RUSAL By Polina Devitt and Megan Davies MOSCOW, March 14 (Reuters) - Russian billionaire Viktor ...
Russia's Vekselberg may sue RusalIndependent Online
Bitter war of words breaks out between two of Russia's richest men as ...Washington Post
Vekselberg slammed over resignation from RusalThe Seattle Times
Reuters India
all 349 news articles »

Pop musik: the sound of the charts in … Russia

via World news: Russia | guardian.co.uk by on 3/14/12

Andrew Khan explores the gangster aspirations and gay culture references of the Russian pop music scene

Pussy Riot's anti-Putin agit-punk may have temporarily made them international stars, but explicit political messages are a rarity in the Russian charts, irrespective of whether they're aimed at the ruling party or country's powerful business elite. That may not be entirely unconnected to the fact that most of the major outlets for music, including the ubiquitous Muz–TV television station, are owned by oligarchs. Emulation is far more common than confrontation, with the luxurious lifestyle of the nation's rich a constant source of material for aspirational music videos.

The Tony-Montana-meets-Donald-Trump aesthetic has always had a home in American hip-hop, and it's unsurprising to see it replicated in the music of a country where billionaire gangsters are a reality, rather than a romantic fiction. Leading the pack is Timati who has become the first Russian act since Tatu to make the top 10 across Europe.

His single Welcome to St Tropez features Kalenna Harper of Diddy Dirty Money and is the latest in a series of releases to have seen the rapper lining up with heavyweights from the US, including Snoop, Busta Rhymes and Diddy himself. It's difficult not to wonder whether, as with Arnold Schwarzenegger and his Japanese energy drink commercials, the participants expected the results to remain an embarrassing secret only to be viewed by a domestic audience.

Party politics may be off the agenda, but Russian pop has long been engaged in a war of attrition with social conservatism. As in many other countries in central and eastern Europe, a sexually liberal youth culture butts heads with the church and sections of the older generation. The faux lesbianism of Tatu may have prompted eye-rolling in some parts of the world but it's easy to underestimate how transgressive it could appear in a nation where the battle for recognition of gay rights has further to go.

Irrespective of the orientation of the singers, disco and high-camp techno pop have done more to shape the Russian charts than any other influences – a situation that hasn't changed significantly since the mid-1990s. Openly gay stars may be thin on the ground but, from Ruki Vverh's video for On Tebya Tseluet to Mitya Fomin parading around Havana to the backing of Pet Shop Boys' Paninaro, gay culture is central to Russian music.

The exuberant bounce of 2011's biggest hit, Mama Luba by Serebro, whose gleefully silly zero-budget video has become the most parodied clip in recent memory, showcases one side of that debt. It is, perhaps, the marriage of wistful Russian lyricism and melancholy Italo-disco that has traditionally been responsible for the most distinctive and compelling singles, however.

The reigning queen of the darker side of dance-pop is Moscow's Nyusha – a 21-year-old singer-songwriter who, like Taylor Swift in the US, has won the grudging respect of curmudgeonly critics. Her hits Vibirat Chudo and Vishe have been hailed as a return to the spirit of a putative turn-of-the-millennium "golden age" when the tear-stained electro of stars such as Tatiana Bulanova ruled the airwaves.

An even more striking exploration of similar territory is the superb Derevya by Vintazh, which swaps synths for Eastern instrumentation and boasts an extravagant video decried by bonkers internet site The Vigilant Citizen as occult propaganda for the new world order. It's not necessary to subscribe to outlandish conspiracy theories to find either the single, with its lyrics about being beaten by satyrs, or the visuals unsettling. As attempts to wind up the religious right go, it's more interesting than anything Lady Gaga has been up to recently.

There may be little appetite to take on President Vladimir Putin, who remains far more popular than most of his foreign critics are willing to accept, but there's too much independence within Russian youth culture to cede ground on the social battles. With cities across Russia following St Petersburg's lead in introducing laws to censor "immoral" content, primarily relating to homosexuality, it's a fight that's likely to intensify in the immediate future. Not for the first time, the old capital's lawmakers might find themselves on the wrong side of history.

Azerbaijan arrests alleged Iran-hired terrorists

Security services in Azerbaijan have arrested 22 people they say were hired by Iran to carry out terrorist attacks against the U.S. and Israeli embassies as well as Western-linked groups and companies.

Russia and U.S. Spar Over Syria

The ongoing violence by Syrian forces against its citizens is threatening to cause a serious diplomatic rift between Russia and the U.S., according to AFP. The ongoing disagreement at the United Nations has seen China and Russia twice veto resolutions on Syria.

Kobzon Ready to Take One Last Crack At the U.S.

via The Moscow Times Top Stories by By Alexander Bratersky <moscowtimes@themoscowtimes.com> on 3/13/12

A crooner adored by millions around the former Soviet Union, seasoned politician Iosif Kobzon was once called "Russia's Frank Sinatra."

Антон Крапивенски

фото дня от Адагамова .)))) Председатель комитета Государственной Думы РФ по культуре Станислав Говорухин, член комитета Госдумы по культуре Мария Максакова-Игенбергс и первый заместитель председателя комитета Государственной Думы РФ по культуре Иосиф Кобзон (слева направо) на пленарном заседании Государственной Думы.

Wall Photos

Mike Nova's starred items

Obama warns Iran window of diplomacy 'shrinking'

US President Barack Obama on Wednesday warned Iran that the window for diplomacy to solve a nuclear showdown was "shrinking," stiffening his rhetoric ahead of looming talks on the issue.

Moscow says ally Assad too slow at reforms

Путин и тигрица. Кого поймал премьер-министр?

Russia's foreign minister on Wednesday showed irritation with its longtime ally Syria, saying Bashar Assad has been slow to implement long-needed reforms and warning that the conflict in the Arab state could spiral out of control.

Russia says Syria's Assad too slow on reforms, warns of spreading conflict - Washington Post

via Russia - Google News on 3/14/12

Russia says Syria's Assad too slow on reforms, warns of spreading conflict
Washington Post
MOSCOW — Russia's foreign minister on Wednesday showed irritation with Moscow's longtime ally Syria, saying Syrian President Bashar Assad has been slow to implement long-needed reforms and warning that the conflict in the Arab state could spiral out ...
and more »

Путин и тигрица. Кого поймал премьер-министр?

via Радио Свобода by Анастасия Кириленко on 3/14/12

Блогеры заподозрили, что мистификации с амфорами предшествовала мистификация с "дикой" тигрицей.

Mike Nova shared a link.

www.svobodanews.ru

Блогеры заподозрили, что мистификации с амфорами, которые Путин извлек со дна моря, предшествовала мистификация с "дикой" тигрицей.

Monday, March 12, 2012

5:28 PM 3/12/2012 - Mike Nova's starred items

Mike Nova's starred items

mikenov: 10:41 AM 3/12/2012: Liberty and free thinking is in your genes! http://t.co/0K3c76ER

via Twitter / mikenov on 3/12/12

mikenov: 10:41 AM 3/12/2012: Liberty and free thinking is in your genes! http://t.co/0K3c76ER

mikenov: 12:51 PM 3/12/2012: Deception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the West by Edward Lucas - Эдвард Лук... http://t.co/7kybwXUe

via Twitter / mikenov on 3/12/12

mikenov: 12:51 PM 3/12/2012: Deception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the West by Edward Lucas - Эдвард Лук... http://t.co/7kybwXUe

mikenov: Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ruling United Russia Party http://t.co/iBEDXpJ6

via Twitter / mikenov on 3/12/12

mikenov: Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ruling United Russia Party http://t.co/iBEDXpJ6

What do you think of Putin's new foreign policy? Will a shift eastward be pr...

via Russia Blogs's Facebook Wall by Russia Blogs on 3/12/12

What do you think of Putin's new foreign policy? Will a shift eastward be produc...
What do you think of Putin's new foreign policy? Will a shift eastward be produc...
What do you think of Putin's new foreign policy? Will a shift eastward be productive?Putin puts forward a realistic foreign policyrbth.ruA shift eastward and policies based on economic cooperation and pragmatism will be the focus of Russia's relationship with its international partners during Vladimir Putin's third term.

12:51 PM 3/12/2012: Deception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the West by Edwa...

via Russia Blogs's Facebook Wall by Russia Blogs on 3/12/12

12:51 PM 3/12/2012: Deception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the West by Edward Lucas - Эдвард Лукас | Daily Mail: Ваши соседи - шпионы: как Путин наводнил Запад тайными агентами под маской обывателей
12:51 PM 3/12/2012: Deception: Spies, Lies and How Russia Dupes the West by Edward Lucas - Эдвард Лукас | Daily Mail: Ваши соседи - шпионы: как Путин наводнил Запад тайными агентами под маской обывателей
Read the book description http://www.amazon.com/Deception-Spies-Russia-Dupes-ebook/dp/B00746TV4O Эдвард Лукас | Daily Mail Ваши соседи - шпионы: как Путин наводнил Запад тайными агентами под маской обывателей Молодая, дерзкая, идущая напролом Анна Чапман символизирует образ современной России, который хотел бы популяризировать Путин, утверждает в своей новой книге, отрывки из которой опубликованы Daily Mail, обозреватель Эдвард Лукас....

Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ru...

via Russia Blogs's Facebook Wall by Russia Blogs on 3/12/12

Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ruling United Russia Party

Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ruling United Russia Party
Activists stage a protest against the law prohibiting the "propaganda of homosexuality" in St. Petersburg in November. March 12, 2012 Russian Orthodox Church Backs 'Homosexuality Propaganda' Ban by RFE/RL's Russian Service A leading official in the Russian Orthodox Church has called on Russian lawmakers to adopt a national law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality among minors.Father Dmitry Pershin, head of the church's youth council, has called for the State Duma to...

Russian word of the day: коробка (karo'bka: box) f.noun

via Russia Blogs's Facebook Wall by Russia Blogs on 3/12/12

Russian word of the day: коробка (karo'bka: box) f.noun
Russian word of the day: коробка (karo'bka: box) f.noun
Russian word of the day: коробка (karo'bka: box) f.noun

http://www.livejournal.ru/themes/id/47455

via LiveJournal Russia's Facebook Wall by LiveJournal Russia on 3/12/12

http://www.livejournal.ru/themes/id/47455

Церковь отчитала дьякона Кураева
www.livejournal.ru
Профессура Московской духовной академии не согласилась с позицией протодиакона Андрея diak-kuraev Кураева по поводу "панк-молебна" женской группы Pussy Riot в храме Христа Спасителя. Мы не должны вести дискуссию так, чтобы это хоть чем-то напоминало наше недавнее советское прошлое

The West Is the Opposition's Albatross - The Moscow Times

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

The West Is the Opposition's Albatross - The Moscow Times
The West Is the Opposition's Albatross - The Moscow Times
The West Is the Opposition's AlbatrossThe Moscow TimesBy Michael Marder It would be halfhearted to blame the authorities alone for the impasse in Russian politics, which after the March 4 election looks, more than ever like a repeat of Leonid Brezhnev's era of stagnation. The problem with the opposition ...

Mike Nova's starred items

Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ru...

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

Путинизм, путинофилия и путинофобия - детские болезни взрослых людей - http://ww...

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

Путинизм, путинофилия и путинофобия - детские болезни взрослых людей - http://www.komikz.ru/

Путинизм, путинофилия и путинофобия - детские болезни взрослых людей - http://www.komikz.ru/
http://www.komikz.ru/Путинизм, путинофилия и путинофобия - детские болезни взрослых людейhttp://www.komikz.ru/И ведь ни одна наша «оппозиционная» партия ни разу не выступила с протестом против откровенного подкупа избирателей. Не говоря уж о том, чтобы вывести людей на митинг. А – зачем? Да и не пойдут. Всех все устраивает. Путинизм , путинофилия и путинофобия ...

новости идеологии

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

новости идеологии
новости идеологии
http://www.izvestia.ru/news/518157Дробницкий стартует очень хорошо. Он окажется в результате чадаевым, только гораздо более зрелым. Это новое и гораздо более продвинутое "пропагандонство", поэтому Дробницкого надо читать. У Дробницкого вообще нет никакого литературного нарциссизма, он целиком развернут на читателя.

Уволены "тупым предметом"

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

Уволены "тупым предметом"

Уволены "тупым предметом"
Судмедэксперты подтвердили, что смертельные травмы скончавшемуся в Казани задержанному были нанесены "твердым тупым предметом". Пятеро сотрудников отделения полиции уволены из органов, глава МВД Татарстана потребовал взять их под стражу. Имена подозреваемых пока не называются. В МВД России считают, что должны быть наказаны не только издевавшиеся над задержанным, но и те, кто допустил их до службы.

Главред "Коммерсант FM" и главный московский полицейский обсудили избиение журна...

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

Главред "Коммерсант FM" и главный московский полицейский обсудили избиение журналистки Малашенко
Главред "Коммерсант FM" и главный московский полицейский обсудили избиение журналистки Малашенко
Как выяснилось, достоверных подтверждений того, что Ульяну Малашенко действительно ударили по голове дубинкой полицейские, нет. Тем не менее, главный редактор Солопов встречей доволен: Колокольцев считает недопустимым препятствовать журналистам во время работы на митингах.

Виктор Вексельберг пошел на конфликт с менеджментом UC Rusal

via Russian Politics - Российская Политика's Facebook Wall by Russian Politics - Российская Политика on 3/12/12

Виктор Вексельберг пошел на конфликт с менеджментом UC Rusal

Виктор Вексельберг пошел на конфликт с менеджментом UC Rusal
Бизнесмен ушел с поста руководителя совета директоров компании, объяснив отставку несогласием с действиями ее менеджмента

«Единая Россия» распадется на три части

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

«Единая Россия» распадется на три части

«Единая Россия» распадется на три части
«Единая Россия» распадется на три части«Единая Россия» распадется на три части. Как стало известно телеканалу ДОЖДЬ, уже в конце этой недели партия объявит о созданииFrom: tvrainru Views: 180 18 ratings Time: 02:48 More in News & Politics...

Политзаключенных могут выпустить. Но не всех

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

Политзаключенных могут выпустить. Но не всех

Политзаключенных могут выпустить. Но не всех
Политзаключенных могут выпустить. Но не всех В ближайшее время из тюрьмы могут выйти несколько фигурантов списка политзаключенных, составленного оппозицией и переданного преFrom: tvrainru Views: 129 4 ratings Time: 04:45 More in News & Politics...

Полиция не знает, кто избил журналистку "Коммерсант FM"

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

Полиция не знает, кто избил журналистку "Коммерсант FM"
Полиция не знает, кто избил журналистку "Коммерсант FM"
Главный редактор радиостанции "Коммерсант-FM" Дмитрий Солопов в понедельник встретился с начальником московской полиции Владимиром Колокольцевым и обсудил обстоятельства избиения полицией 5 марта на Лубянке журналистки "Коммерсант-FM" Ульяны Малашенко.

Why individualism and free-thinking may be in the genes for British people

Mike Nova's starred items

12.03.2012 22:05 Полный Альбац : Молодые берут местную власть в Москве...

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

12.03.2012 22:05
Полный Альбац
: Молодые берут местную власть в Москве: зачем?

12.03.2012 22:05
Полный Альбац
: Молодые берут местную власть в Москве: зачем?
Гости: Вера Кичанова , Максим Кац , Максим Мотин Ведущие: Евгения Альбац...

Протодиакон Андрей Кураев о том, как Pussy Riot раскололи

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

Протодиакон Андрей Кураев о том, как Pussy Riot раскололи

Протодиакон Андрей Кураев о том, как Pussy Riot раскололи
Протодиакон Андрей Кураев о том, как Pussy Riot раскололи Отголоски выступления группы Pussy Riot в Храме Христа Спасителя слышны до сих пор. Сегодня Московская духовная академия провелаFrom: tvrainru Views: 29 2 ratings Time: 11:18 More in News & Politics...

Андрей Кураев: Гей-клубы нужно запретить

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

Андрей Кураев: Гей-клубы нужно запретить

Андрей Кураев: Гей-клубы нужно запретить
Андрей Кураев: Гей-клубы нужно запретить Православная церковь сегодня отреагировала на закон о запрете пропаганды гомосексуализма и педофилии среди несовершеннолетних. ЭFrom: tvrainru Views: 23 0 ratings Time: 08:25 More in News & Politics...

В регионах начались гонения на независимые СМИ

via Новости's Facebook Wall by Новости on 3/12/12

В регионах начались гонения на независимые СМИ

В регионах начались гонения на независимые СМИ
В регионах начались гонения на независимые СМИ«Лига избирателей Азова», региональное подразделение общественного движения, обратилось с открытым письмом. Как утверждают его уFrom: tvrainru Views: 21 1 ratings Time: 07:35 More in News & Politics...

10:41 AM 3/12/2012: Liberty and free thinking is in your genes! Mike Nova shared a link: “Culture–gene coevolution of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene” - rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org: “Culture–gene coevolutionary theory posits that cultural values have evolved, are adaptive and influence the social and physical environments under which genetic selection operates. Here, we examined the association between cultural values of individualism–collectivism ...”

via Mike Nova - 3 by Mike Nova on 3/12/12

Mike Nova

Liberty and free thinking is in your genes!
Spread them around, for the true victory of Democracy!

Cultural stereotypes may be deep rooted in our genetic makeup, say scientists.
Common traits like British individualism and Chinese conformity could be attributed to genetic differences between races according to a new study.
The study, by the department of psychology at Northwestern University in Illinois, suggests that the individualism seen in western nations, and the higher levels of collect...ivism and family loyalty found in Asian cultures, are caused by differences in the prevalence of particular genes.
'We demonstrate for the first time a robust association between cultural values of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene,' said Joan Chiao, from the department of psychology at Northwestern University.
Chiao and her colleagues combined data from global genetic surveys, looking at variations in the prevalence of various genes. The findings were matched with other research which ranked nations by levels of individualism and collectivism.
The team focused their attentions on the gene that controls levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which regulates mood and emotions.
Their studies found that one version of the gene was far more common in western populations which, they said, was associated with individualistic and free-thinking behaviour.
Another version of the same gene, which was prevalent in Asian populations, they said was associated with collectivism and a greater willingness to put the common good first.
People with this gene appeared to have a different response to serotonin.
If they are confirmed, the findings made by Chiao and her colleagues would suggest that races may have a number of inherent psychological differences — just as they differ in physical appearances.
Chiao suggests that the version of the gene predominating in Asian populations is associated with heightened anxiety levels and increased risk of depression.
She adds that such populations respond by structuring their society to ward off those negative effects.
The success of such social structures would then ensure that the gene would spread.
She added the findings showed how culture could exert a powerful influence on human genetics and evolution.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2113350/Why-individualism-free-thinking-genes-British-people.html#ixzz1oudNyUfy

www.dailymail.co.uk

Common traits like British individualism and Chinese conformity could be attributed to genetic differences between races according to a new study.

Cultural traits or genetic ones?

by: Dominic Tobin, The Sunday Times

THEY may seem like cultural stereotypes, but the traits of rugged British individualism compared with Chinese conformity may be rooted in genetic differences between races, say scientists.

Their study suggests that the individualism seen in western nations, and the higher levels of collectivism and family loyalty found in Asian cultures, are caused by differences in the prevalence of particular genes.

The scientists looked at a gene that controls levels of serotonin, the brain chemical which regulates mood and emotions. They found one version of the gene was far more common in western populations where, they said, it was associated with individualistic and free-thinking behaviour.

The other version, which was prevalent in Asian populations, was associated with collectivism and a greater willingness to put the common good first. People with this gene appeared to have a different response to serotonin.

If confirmed, the findings would suggest that races may have a number of inherent psychological differences — just as they differ in physique and appearance. “We demonstrate for the first time a robust association between cultural values of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene,” said Joan Chiao, from the department of psychology at Northwestern University, in Illinois.

Chiao and her colleagues combined data from global genetic surveys, looking at variations in the prevalence of various genes. The findings were matched with other research which ranked nations by levels of individualism and collectivism.

The findings, published in a paper, and in a new book called Pathological Altruism, found that Asian nations, including China, Japan and Korea tended to have higher proportions of the “collectivist” gene in their population.

Such findings will need further confirmation but could provide a tentative explanation of why the Japanese economy, for example, tends to be based around large companies showing high levels of loyalty between managers and employees. Economists often contrast such enterprises with the hire-and-fire culture of the West.

The key questions are: how can one gene have such an effect? And why should it spread in some populations and not others?

Chiao suggests that the version predominating in Asian populations is associated with heightened anxiety levels and increased risk of depression. She adds that such populations respond by structuring their society to ward off those negative effects. The success of such social structures would then ensure that the gene would spread.

Chiao said the findings showed how culture could exert a powerful influence on human genetics and evolution.

Reported with: Jonathan Leake

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/genes-and-character/story-e6frgcjx-1226296914206

Американские ученые обнаружили у людей ген либерализма и свободомыслия, сообщает The Daily Mail.

Открытие принадлежит специалистам американского Северо-западного Университета штата Иллинойс (the Northwestern University in Illinois). Обнаруженный ген регулирует активность серотонина - химического вещества, осуществляющего передачу электрических импульсов в головном мозге. Известно, что именно серотонин отвечает за эмоции и настроение человека.

"Мы впервые продемонстрировали наличие тесной взаимосвязи между социально-культурными ценностями либерального общества с тем, как "работает" ген, отвечающий за скорость и характер действия серотонина", - заявила руководитель работ Джоан Чиао. (Joan Chiao).

Примечательно, что ученые обнаружили, что данный ген ведет себя по-разному у представителей западных и восточных народов. Так, активность гена более характерна для представителей народов, создавших современные демократические общества в Европе и Северной Америке. В результате исследователи сделали вывод о "генетической природе" свободомыслия. Таким образом, данный ген способен объяснить такие культурные различия, как стремление западных людей к либерализму и приверженность восточных народов к традициям.
Why the British are free-thinking and the Chinese love conformity: It's all in the genes claim scientists - The Daily Mail, 11.03.2012
http://vesti.kz/progress/98700/

Ген либерализма и свободомыслия обнаружили специалисты из американского Северо-западного Университета штата Иллинойс. Об этом сообщает в понедельник британская телерадиокорпорация BBC.
В ходе исследований научная группа установила, что существует особый ген, регулирующий активность серотонина - химического вещества, осуществляющего в головном мозге передачу электрических импульсов. Именно серото...нин, как передает ИТАР-ТАСС, влияет на эмоции и настроение человека.
Американские ученые обнаружили, что данный ген характерен для представителей народов, которые создали современные демократические общества в Европе и в Северной Америке. В результате они сделали вывод о "генетической природе" либерализма и свободомыслия.
"Мы впервые продемонстрировали наличие тесной взаимосвязи между социально-культурными ценностями либерального общества с тем, как "работает" ген, отвечающий за скорость и характер действия серотонина", - заявила руководитель работ Джоан Чиао
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Американские ученые открыли ген, объясняющий стремление людей к демократии

www.newsru.com

‎"Ген либерализма и свободомыслия" регулирует активность серотонина в головном мозге и влияет на эмоции и настроение человека. Он присущ народам, создавшим современные демократические общества, утверждают специалисты из штата Иллинойс.

Joan Chiao - Cultural Neuroscience: Bridging Cultural and Biological Sciences

Uploaded by UBC on Feb 3, 2011 Webcast sponsored by the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. Chiao is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University. She studies how cultural and biological forces give rise to everyday emotion and social interaction. Research in her lab also examines how high-level factors, such as race, gender and age, affect basic cognitive, perceptual and emotional processes.

Psychology Faculty Profiles

Joan Y. Chiao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Brain, Behavior, and Cognition; Social Psychology
Office: Swift 113
Phone: (847) 467-0481
E-mail: jchiao@northwestern.edu

Links

Curriculum Vitae

Lab

Courses

Research Interests

How do cultural and biological forces give rise to everyday emotion and social interaction? I use a 'cultural neuroscience' framework to investigate how cultural factors influence basic psychological and neural processes underlying social behavior and emotion processing, using functional neuroimaging (fMRI), event-related potentials (ERP), genotyping and behavioral paradigms. Research in my lab also examines how high-level factors, such as race, gender and age, affect basic cognitive, perceptual and emotional processes. At a broader level, I'm interested in integrating psychology and neuroscience research with public policy and population health issues.

Selected Publications

Chiao, J.Y. (in press). Cultural neuroscience: A once and future discipline. Progress in Brain Research.

Chiao, J.Y. & Blizinsky, K.D. (in press). Culture-gene coevolution of individualism-collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

Harada, T., Li, Z., Chiao, J.Y. (in press). Differential dorsal and ventral medial prefrontal representations of the implicit self modulated by individualism and collectivism: an fMRI study. Social Neuroscience.

Chiao, J.Y. (Ed). (in press). Cultural neuroscience: Cultural influences on brain function. Progress in Brain Research, Elsevier Press.

Chiao, J.Y., Mathur, V.A., Harada, T., Lipke, T. (2009). Neural basis of preference for human social hierarchy versus egalitarianism. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Kuhnen, C.M. & Chiao, J.Y. (2009). Genetic determinants of financial risk-taking. PLoS ONE.

Chiao, J.Y., Harada, T., Komeda, H., Li, Z., Mano, Y., Saito, D.N., Parrish, T.B., Sadato, N., Iidaka, T. (2009). Dynamic cultural influences on neural representations of the self. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.

Chiao, J.Y., Harada, T., Komeda, H., Li, Z., Mano, Y., Saito, D.N., Parrish, T.B., Sadato, N., Iidaka, T. (2009). Neural basis of individualistic and collectivistic views of self. Human Brain Mapping.

Chiao, J.Y. (forthcoming). Cultural neuroscience: Visualizing culture-gene influences on brain function. In Decety, J. and Cacioppo, J. (Eds.) Handbook of Social Neuroscience, Oxford University Press, UK.

Chiao, J.Y., Bowman, N.E., Gill, H. (2009). The political gender gap: Gender bias in facial inferences that predict voting behavior. PLoS One.

Chiao, J.Y., Harada, T., Oby, E.R. Li, Z., Parrish, T.B., Bridge, D.J. (2008). Neural representations of social status hierarchy in human inferior parietal cortex. Neuropsychologia.
Chiao, J.Y., Li, Z., Harada, T. (2008). Cultural neuroscience of consciousness: From visual perception to self-awareness. Journal of Consciousness Studies.
Chiao, J.Y., Iidaka, T., Gordon, H.L., Nogawa, J., Bar, M., Aminoff, E., Sadato, N., Ambady, N. (2008). Cultural specificity in amygdala response to fear faces. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.

http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/psych/people/faculty/faculty_individual_pages/chiao.htm

Mike Nova shared a link.

Culture–gene coevolution of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene

rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org

Culture–gene coevolution of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene

http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/277/1681/529.full

Joan Y. Chiao 1,2,* and
Katherine D. Blizinsky 2

+ Author Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
² Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

*Author for correspondence (jchiao@northwestern.edu).

Next Section

Abstract

Culture–gene coevolutionary theory posits that cultural values have evolved, are adaptive and influence the social and physical environments under which genetic selection operates. Here, we examined the association between cultural values of individualism–collectivism and allelic frequency of the serotonin transporter functional polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) as well as the role this culture–gene association may play in explaining global variability in prevalence of pathogens and affective disorders. We found evidence that collectivistic cultures were significantly more likely to comprise individuals carrying the short (S) allele of the 5-HTTLPR across 29 nations. Results further show that historical pathogen prevalence predicts cultural variability in individualism–collectivism owing to genetic selection of the S allele. Additionally, cultural values and frequency of S allele carriers negatively predict global prevalence of anxiety and mood disorder. Finally, mediation analyses further indicate that increased frequency of S allele carriers predicted decreased anxiety and mood disorder prevalence owing to increased collectivistic cultural values. Taken together, our findings suggest culture–gene coevolution between allelic frequency of 5-HTTLPR and cultural values of individualism–collectivism and support the notion that cultural values buffer genetically susceptible populations from increased prevalence of affective disorders. Implications of the current findings for understanding culture–gene coevolution of human brain and behaviour as well as how this coevolutionary process may contribute to global variation in pathogen prevalence and epidemiology of affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are discussed.

Figure 2.

Results from correlation analysis between Hofstede's individualism–collectivism index (reverse scored) and frequency of S allele carriers of the 5-HTTLPR across 29 nations. Collectivistic nations showed higher prevalence of S allele carriers (r(29) = 0.70, p < 0.0001).

This Article

Published online before print October 28, 2009, doi: 10.1098/rspb.2009.1650 22 February 2010 vol. 277 no. 1681 529-537

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4. Discussion

Here, we demonstrate for the first time a robust association between cultural values of individualism–collectivism and allelic frequency of the serotonin transporter gene, controlling for associated economic and disease factors. Geographical regions characterized by cultural collectivism exhibit a greater prevalence of S allele carriers of the serotonin transporter gene, even when cultural regions rather than nations served as the unit of analysis. Additionally, we show that global variability in historical pathogen prevalence predicts global variability in individualism–collectivism owing to genetic selection of the S allele of the serotonin transporter gene in regions characterized by high collectivism. Importantly, we also reveal a novel and surprising negative association between individualism–collectivism, frequency of S allele carriers of the serotonin transporter gene and global prevalence of anxiety and mood disorder. Across nations, both collectivism and allelic frequency of the S allele negatively predict global prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders. Critically, our results further indicate that greater population frequency of S allele carriers is associated with decreased prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders due to increased cultural collectivism.

…

* * *

Mike Nova: Russian Orthodox Church became the Ideology Department for Putin’s ruling United Russia Party

via RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД by Mike Nova on 3/12/12

Activists stage a protest against the law prohibiting the "propaganda of homosexuality" in St. Petersburg in November.

March 12, 2012

Russian Orthodox Church Backs 'Homosexuality Propaganda' Ban

by RFE/RL's Russian Service

A leading official in the Russian Orthodox Church has called on Russian lawmakers to adopt a national law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality among minors.
Father Dmitry Pershin, head of the church's youth council, has called for the State Duma to approve "without delay" a law that would make it a crime to promote homosexuality to people younger than 16.
His statement came after the governor of Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, signed into law a new measure calling for fines of up to $33,000 for propagating "homosexuality among minors."
Gay rights activists have protested, saying the law could be used to ban public demonstrations by Russia's embattled gay and transgender community.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, but antigay sentiments among many Russians remain strong.

With AP and Interfax reports

Mike Nova

‎"Второе нарушение предписанной чекистской инструкции «Поменьше шума!», Георгий Полтавченко совершил 11 марта, подписав так называемый «Закон о запрете пропаганды мужеложства, лесбиянства, бисексуализма, трансгендерности и педофилии среди несовершеннолетних». Здесь, конечно, чувствуется влияние на петербургского губернатора патриарха РПЦ. Недаром на следующий день, 12 марта эксперт комитета Госдум...ы РФ по вопросам семьи, женщин и детей иеромонах Димитрий заявил, что «в РПЦ считают, что этот закон должен действовать по всей России, а не только в Петербурге… Согласно церковному учению, для подобных людей путь в рай закрыт.»
Трудно сказать со всей определенностью, закрыт ли для представителей сексуальных меньшинств путь в рай. Зато теперь, похоже, можно сказать, что в случае выборов Георгию Полтавченко определенно закрыт путь в губернаторское кресло Петербурга.
Оппозиция не простит.
Надо было соблюдать инструкцию."

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Две роковых ошибки губернатора Петербурга.

www.svobodanews.ru

Губернаторы - люди подневольные. Им прикажут, они выполнят. Но за последствия ответят. Так и живем...

* * *

Russian Orthodox Church Backs 'Homosexuality Propaganda' Ban

via News's Facebook Wall by News on 3/12/12

Russian Orthodox Church Backs 'Homosexuality Propaganda' Ban

Russian Orthodox Church Backs 'Homosexuality Propaganda' Ban
A leading official in the Russian Orthodox Church has called on lawmakers to adopt a national law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality among minors.

What Putin's Latest Win Means for Russia

via YouTube Videos matching query: PBS NewsHour Russia by PBSNewsHour on 3/5/12

What Putin's Latest Win Means for Russia

With a 64 percent landslide, Vladimir Putin claimed his third term as Russia's president Sunday, prompting celebrations, protests and accusations of voting fraud. Protesters vowed to continue demonstrating until their demands for democracy are met. Margaret Warner reports from Moscow on Russia's varying reactions to the vote.

From:PBSNewsHour

10ratings

Time:09:25
More inNews & Politics

Dissident Blogger: 'Ghosts of Gadhafi Are Haunting' Putin

via YouTube Videos matching query: PBS Russia by PBSNewsHour on 2/29/12

Dissident Blogger: 'Ghosts of Gadhafi Are Haunting' Putin

Ahead of Sunday's presidential election, Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused his enemies of planning dirty tricks, including ballot stuffing and even murder, in an attempt to mar the vote's outcome. Reporting in Moscow, Margaret Warner spoke with Russia's Alexei Navalny, a leading reformer and anti-corruption blogger.

From:PBSNewsHour

13ratings

Time:08:39
More inNews & Politics