http://www.russiatoday.ru/sports/news/22122

As currently posted, the above linked commentary is substandard. Non-nations Palestine, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands are full fledged members in the IOC.

While not supporting Kosovo’s independence, I do support the idea of it having full IOC and UN representation as an irrevocably autonomus part of Serbia. In addition to the mentioned non-nations in the IOC, Soviet era Ukraine and Belarus had such in the UN.

I stated all this on my own. No rehashing of what someone else said. This is indicative of an originally well thought out overview.

Forgive me for not being so impressed with some of the regularly propped experts. I’m not the only one feeling this way.

Excerpt:

Yes it is great to see this faith in the country. I am a transplanted Canadian who with my Russian wife helped to contribute to this baby boom when my daughter was born here in SPB last Oct. I am using my skills to help Russians improve their English in the State University and I am very happy that these students plan on staying in Russia because they are confident in their country.

Posted by: Frank Godon | February 9, 2008 11:46 PM

The Bavarian lads I worked with got up at about 6 am and had a huge breakfast. From 9.30 to 10.00 AM they had their first “Brotzeit” which included a pair of “Weisswuerstl” with sweet mustard and a “Mass” (a 1 ltr mug of beer). At noon they went to lunch, had another “Brotzeit” at 4 PM and went to supper at 6 PM. With each meal they had beer, only the 6 AM breakfast came with coffee.

In Bavaria beer isn’t considered being alcohol … its “basic food”.

2nd breakfast? Well for some! In old Ireland years ago you’d be lucky to get one breakfast, never mind two:-)

By George ! Indeed, old chap ! Tea anybody ?

But it isn’t teatime yet, I suppose.

Anyway … may God save the Viceroy of Sakhalin, the civilized world’s hope and glory !

Gentlemen, you would make top class Englishmen!

Indeed.

Yes, Heribert, someone like that!:-) Everything jolly good!

Someone like “Phileas Fogg” ?

Oim a prahper yokel, oi am.

This is great, but unfortunately the vast majority of Englishmen do not speak like that! But I’m sure Andy does. No doubt he’s Eton educated and worn out from debutant balls in Chelsea:-)

At any rate, Happy Paddies day everyone!:-)

Indeed old chap, I do believe I’ve understood you. I’ve been to several blogs (jolly nice places), and understood the lingo there. And I also recognize the importance of tea.

So, dear Mr. Newman, Sir, would you like a cup of tea?

As a comparison, it doesn’t apply anywhere near as much to me.

If someone constantly sticks it, it’s not unreasonable for that person to get it right nack.

The English lost that obsession years ago. We now seem to excel at, and even pride ourselves on, pig-ignorant boorishness.

Of the people who I work around in Sakhalin, the most polite by far are the Americans from the southern states, especially Texans. When discussing business with them, they refer to me as “sir” throughout, which is quaintly unusual.

Something I always admired about Dubya Bush was that he is always unfailingly polite, something his detractors are generally incapable of, and something that some of his fellow presidents (Putin and Chavez spring to mind) would do well to learn. I have read an account of Bush when he ran for governor of Texas against the incumbent Anne Richards, who marred her campaign with barrages of personal abuse against Bush and his family. Bush, by contrast, simply referred to his opponent as “Governor Richards” throughout his own campaign, and won easily.

Politeness is a very effective instrument, and a desirable one to wield. Would be nice to see more of it online.

After awhile one can be justifiably aghast at such cranking.

As for “industrial base”, Russia seems to be getting its share of new factories.

“Sorry old chap, I do believe you’ve misunderstood me. I’ve been to Russia (jolly nice place), but don’t speak the local lingo.

Would you like a cup of tea?”

We might be talking about Russia, but this is an English blog, after all. Some decorum and rules must be observed – not least, the English obsession with politeness!