Ask me, I've done it! and have been married for 3 years happily!

[Christian]

Unfortunately, the anti-christ has appeared on our boards again. Posting even less sanely than last time through.

Dude- cant you get on the Swaggart boards or something?

The Antichrist or the many antichrists (etym. prep. anti - instead of plus adj/noun Xristos Grk equivalent to Heb. Anointed One = Incarnate Deity in time/history) can in no way be sanely employed as referring to me.  Sorry, try again.

As far as trolling is concerned, why do you insist on following me around and playing the Devil's advocate, a heckler, and just plain nuscance?  Its your (fallen) nature, William3rd, getting the best of you.

Re: Your use of "dude."  Well I have been to Montana and have riden on a brood mare roundup a time or two, but those hundred pound western hay bales and shoveling horse dung and helping in the delivery of foals as well as having been a horse breeder years ago doesn't seem to suit me.  Yet, it is true - just like in a certain movie - I too once felt that my life was ruined.

Re: rumor: A cowgirl's quip: "Not everything is big in Texas." end quote?!!!!

Re: Jimmy Swaggart:  William3rd, see what God says about marriage in Hebrews being honorable for all, but .... Besides, his understanding and representation of Christianity is not mine.

Christian  
 

[William3rd]

Bye, bye, Christian- please try to control yourself and be an asset to these boards if you continue to post in the future.

[LiveFromUkraine]

I tend to think of corruption in FSU as "informal taxes".

If the cops sting you...  it's Road Tax;
If a government official stings you... it's a levy;
If a Doctor expects an "overpayment"... it's Private Health Insurance.

I mean come on... if people think the Wests method of skinning it's citizens is any more ethical than FSU's it's only because we've become resigned to the fact that we must pay tax.  We still don't get to decide where or how our taxes are spent... and generally the service we get from our governments is crap!

I think most people in FSU simply accept bribes are a part of the "system" and if they are like My Wife (who refuses to pay extra "informal taxes") they'll simply find a way around it.

I think the bribes actually hurts the country.  I am speaking from a Ukraine standpoint which is similar to the comments made by Eduard.  I, in fact, have witnessed a lot of what Eduard has said living here in Ukraine. 

For example: My wife graduated from college and had to wait almost a year to get her diploma.  She really needed it because she was filing for an AU migration visa.  She kept going back and the same answer was no paper for the diploma.  She asked how much the paper would cost, paid for the "paper" and had the diploma in hand the very next day.

She is now running into the same problems getting her new Ukraine passport switched over to her new surname. 

She has also commented before how bad it is to start your own business here which is the same as what Eduard said.

I think this hurts the country as a whole because of the snail like process it takes to get anything done.  I honestly don't know how people can take time all the time off from work to get anything done here.

I really think Shadow is really wrong in this case. 

Another example, my wife, her brother and I went out to the disco.  We drank a few drinks at dinner and then proceeded to the disco.  In the disco, we had one shot of vodka and all of us got really sick.  I am pretty sure someone slipped us some homemade poison they were passing for vodka.  I barely was able to walk outside and started to toss my cookies.  All of the sudden three cops were on top of me in seconds.  Coincidence?  Very doubtful from talking to the locals here about what goes on in those clubs.  They checked my passport and a huge grin came over their faces.  PAYDAY.

They took me into their offices, heck they had to pretty much carry me.  Empties all my money in my pockets and still wouldn't let me go.  My wife's brother had to give him his money and his $400 cell phone for  them to release me.  He was worried they would beat me like they do to so many others.  I have heard time and time again here how the police are really the criminals just like Eduard stated.

BTW, I am not just addressing this to you Kuna but to everyone else.  I just realized I quoted your post but added some comments in for Shadow.


If you think that type of behavior is ok because their salaries are low than you really need some ethics.   



Thomas

[Jumper]

i'm sure like all countries and there are vatiations in the levels of corruption in different region sor cities....?

but overall I see Ukraine with the same eyes as eduard ,
and thats looking thru friends and familty there and thier daily experience in life and business 

is it  so bleak? not  really !
as they are just accustomed to it.
eta ukrania

but if a western guy wants  a real wake up call.
start up a new business there,then get back to us in one year.



ahh and as a side note:
 The US of A is not a majority rules simple *democracy*
 and was never intended to be.
 It is,from its very foundation ,  a democratic republic
(sorry, one of my pet peeves is people not recognizing the difference  )

[Gator]

Any form of corruption is bad.  When it is insidious as in Russia, it undermines good government, justice, economic opportunity, personal integrity, progress, etc. 

For those acknowledging the need for police to supplement their salaries, corruption influences policemen to not patrol the places where needed by society but instead set up shop in places where it is easier to collect bribes.

I once spoke to a vacationing police chief from a city in Ukraine.  His primary interest was not fighting crime.

[Eduard]

well, we are back from having dinner and drinks with Simoni and his lovely wife
Great people! Thanks for having us over guys!
Just finished reading some more opinions on the corruption in Russia and Ukraine and I'm happy to see that there are some intelligent people with morals and sense here...
I wish though that we'd get off the subject already, let shadow think whatever he wants, but I bet you anything that he is not moving to Russia or Ukraine to be with his fiance...
can we talk about something pleasant for a change...like women???

[Lit_1nce]

Lithuania has these guys ..  http://www.stt.lt/?lang=en

I read an article a few years ago on them.. (can't find it now), but they recruit these guys, and they are very seriously investigated, and supposedly un-corruptible... kinda early FBI I guess... So it can be done.. (they now beat mexico) in this index ...  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_Perceptions_Index  US is 20th least corrupt !

[Misha]

I tend to think of corruption in FSU as "informal taxes".

If the cops sting you...  it's Road Tax;
If a government official stings you... it's a levy;
If a Doctor expects an "overpayment"... it's Private Health Insurance.

I mean come on... if people think the Wests method of skinning it's citizens is any more ethical than FSU's it's only because we've become resigned to the fact that we must pay tax.  We still don't get to decide where or how our taxes are spent... and generally the service we get from our governments is crap!

I think most people in FSU simply accept bribes are a part of the "system" and if they are like My Wife (who refuses to pay extra "informal taxes") they'll simply find a way around it.

Kuna, you certainly have never driven across much of Russia. I went from one regional capital to another in Russia. Distance roughly 350 kilometers. It took us 10 hours!!!!! There were huge potholes and the maximum speed we could drive was 50-60 kilometers on nice stretches of road. It is nice to say that paying a bribe to a police officer is a "road tax" but the police won't use their bribes to resurface and pave roads. The lack of infrastructure then hinders business: it takes you twice as long to deliver goods as it should and you will be stuck with horrible roads and the "road tax" that your drivers will have to pay. This in the long run will sap your productivity and will leave everybody poorer. I for one prefer to to pay real road taxes and have decent roads.

[Makkin]

Ed,

  Could you please put up a link to the "You Tube" series you did for the readers here as I cannot find it. I accidentally ran into it a fewweeks ago and watched the whole thing.


  Thanks,

Makkin

[Makkin]

Hi,

  Is the production that I viewed on "You Tube" called Russian Women,The Real Deal? It has six episodes and was made recently in 2007? Total viewing time is about 30 mintes in a six part series?

Makkin

[acrzybear]

The Antichrist or the many antichrists (etym. prep. anti - instead of plus adj/noun Xristos Grk equivalent to Heb. Anointed One = Incarnate Deity in time/history) can in no way be sanely employed as referring to me.  Sorry, try again.

As far as trolling is concerned, why do you insist on following me around and playing the Devil's advocate, a heckler, and just plain nuscance?  Its your (fallen) nature, William3rd, getting the best of you.

Re: Your use of "dude."  Well I have been to Montana and have riden on a brood mare roundup a time or two, but those hundred pound western hay bales and shoveling horse dung and helping in the delivery of foals as well as having been a horse breeder years ago doesn't seem to suit me.  Yet, it is true - just like in a certain movie - I too once felt that my life was ruined.

Re: rumor: A cowgirl's quip: "Not everything is big in Texas." end quote?!!!!

Re: Jimmy Swaggart:  William3rd, see what God says about marriage in Hebrews being honorable for all, but .... Besides, his understanding and representation of Christianity is not mine.

Christian  
 

     ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

I was wondering why this bozo went back into "Moderated" status, so I peeked-Stupid me.  Criminy isn't there anything this guy hasn't done?  He'd probably tell you that he is the personal confident to the Pope, the Dali Lama, and O.J Simpson.  It looks like his doc needs to up the dosage.  Back to ignore.

[Eduard]

sure Makkin, I know what it is...I made it  how did you figure out it was me??? You are very perseptive, Mr. holmes 
here you go:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YWKc7RWwYT4   part 1

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gPiyAUQ6L4Q     part 2

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1HgYPClhWkY     part 3

http://youtube.com/watch?v=a66xugUEeVs     part 4

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k0AtdcD3ZXI     part 5

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rRnP1OSj6-A      part 6

[Makkin]

Hello Ed,

  I think it was all a timing issue and somehow in the back of my mind I read your writing and also heard your voice from the "You Tube" series and it all made up the third voice or package..lol

  In simple terms it seemed as if your voice fits very well with your written words and that's rare in my book but also a good thing too.

Makkin

[Shadow]

Eduard and others. Corruption is everywhere, even in our 'high moral' Western countries. It is just hidden better and not reachable for the lower paid individuals.
And I do not at all deny its existence. However I do object to people making it a problem while they contribute to it by paying. Either accept that it is there or fight it. If you choose to fight it, accept the consequences.
Perhaps the fact that my documents are in order and that I do not come out of a bar drunk in the middle of the night contribute to my experience. Perhaps my knowledge of business would lead me to take a 'roof' if I ever opened a business there, and that would solve most of the problems.

And for those who are not informed... my fiancee is living with me since August 2006. No need to take trains, slip in anywhere.
If circumstances made it more logical, I would move to Russia or Ukraine without any doubt. And knowing very well that I should be part of the system and accept it, or fight it.

[Bruce]

Thomas, that was a miserable day for sure.  Sorry to hear you had to go through that - yikes!  

The FSU is the FSU - a land of contradictions and puzzlement to the Westerner.  It is a place we've probably experienced some of our highest highs and lowest lows.  Its a land of vast extremes: cruelty, grea architecture, natural wonders, corruption, honesty, dishonesty, misery, disease etc. and the beautiful women we have entrusted our future with..................

A master is someone who found out - not that I am one.  The FSU is not a place I would advocate living in for any length of time.  Best to get in, get what you want and get out!

[Simoni]

     ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

I was wondering why this bozo went back into "Moderated" status, so I peeked-Stupid me.  Criminy isn't there anything this guy hasn't done?  He'd probably tell you that he is the personal confident to the Pope, the Dali Lama, and O.J Simpson.  It looks like his doc needs to up the dosage.  Back to ignore.

Nah, it ws much worse than that, Bear.  Our "Christian" friend is a racist, and used the "N" word.  I'm sure that is what got him back on moderated status.  I happened to see that post before it was deleted by moderators.

[William3rd]

Yeah- it was the other ones that cost Christian his sainthood. Abusing me is like abusing an inflatable.

Use of the N word even in its Shakespearian forms is strictly verbotten in modern society. . . and the Christian one was not thinking Shakespeare.

He posted about a half dozen totally inane and moderately offensive posts that were off topic on various threads before this one.

[BC]

He came with agenda instead of ear.

[LiveFromUkraine]

And for those who are not informed... my fiancee is living with me since August 2006. No need to take trains, slip in anywhere.
If circumstances made it more logical, I would move to Russia or Ukraine without any doubt. And knowing very well that I should be part of the system and accept it, or fight it.

 

Yeah you are right, when the cops are known the beat people and pin other crimes on the people they beat, you will fight the good fight and tell them no.  I was lucky for my BIL.  He was pretty worried I would be beaten and possibly worst.  I am sure you wouldn't pay up and just allow them to do whatever they wanted.  That is the truth, they can and will do anything they want to you.

As for the other types of bribes.  Lets just wait and see you live in this type of atmosphere before you start shooting off your mouth about how you would fight or just accept the low salaries.  Wait in line for hours to be told come back tomorrow.  Try that for weeks.



Thomas

[Eduard]

Thomas, that was a miserable day for sure.  Sorry to hear you had to go through that - yikes!  

The FSU is the FSU - a land of contradictions and puzzlement to the Westerner.  It is a place we've probably experienced some of our highest highs and lowest lows.  Its a land of vast extremes: cruelty, grea architecture, natural wonders, corruption, honesty, dishonesty, misery, disease etc. and the beautiful women we have entrusted our future with..................

A master is someone who found out - not that I am one.  The FSU is not a place I would advocate living in for any length of time.  Best to get in, get what you want and get out!

Very well put, bruce!!!

[Eduard]

Eduard and others. Corruption is everywhere, even in our 'high moral' Western countries. It is just hidden better and not reachable for the lower paid individuals.
And I do not at all deny its existence. However I do object to people making it a problem while they contribute to it by paying. Either accept that it is there or fight it. If you choose to fight it, accept the consequences.
Perhaps the fact that my documents are in order and that I do not come out of a bar drunk in the middle of the night contribute to my experience. Perhaps my knowledge of business would lead me to take a 'roof' if I ever opened a business there, and that would solve most of the problems.

And for those who are not informed... my fiancee is living with me since August 2006. No need to take trains, slip in anywhere.
If circumstances made it more logical, I would move to Russia or Ukraine without any doubt. And knowing very well that I should be part of the system and accept it, or fight it.

Shadow,
we all know that corruption exists anywhere you go in the world. There is a big difference though when a certain contractor gets a contract to rebuild infrastructure in Iraq because he has political connections to the administration in the White House or what's going on in Russia on a daily level with some very ordinary people.
For your information I don't drink (other than a glass of wine with dinner occasionally, usualy at a friend's dinner party like last night with Simoni...the 2 bottles thing was a definite exaduration!!!
And I don't go to bars. nevertheless I've been stopped every time I've been to Russia. most of the time they just check my and my client's passports and let us go when they see that we are Americans. But my wife actually spent a day in jail once because she refused to pay a bribe when she was stopped trying to get to work.
Please do me a favor and move to Russia, get your "Roof" (for those of you who don't know "Roof" is Mafia protection) and open your business. Just know that it's a common practice when your business becomes very successful your roof might tell you to get lost and take your business away from you. You'll be lucky if you stay alive. It's not a rule, but it does happen...happened to 2 people I personally know.
Shadow, I really don't understand why we are still arguing this point. All I said initially that I prefer living in the USA. Am I not entitled to an opinion?
Go live in Russia for a few years, then argue your point. Your 3d party knowledge doesn't impress me. can we please stop???

[Lit_1nce]

Eduard,

Very nice videos !

In watching the whole thing, The phrase "bull in a china shop" comes to mind for some reason.

I could not see myself allowing first meetings to be filmed like that. First meetings are full of anxiety as it is. You had good sports in both him and his dates. I can also see where you had your hands full in interpreting for him, as some of the things he said would be difficult to translate and explain from english to english !

I do see positive things in the way you handled everything, and wish you much success.

[Shadow]

Eduard I agree to stop the discussion. It is just that I do not like that people try to refer to Russia as kind of a third wold country, while not being shy of making money from there. I know a lot about the way business works in Russia, and the pitfalls. It is all about being greedy. The comments about drinking were not directed at you.

I have found a lot of good and bad things in every country I have visited, and have discovered that it is very easy to judge the inhabitants because of some minor issues. Mostly I have met more good than bad people anywhere.

I recently read somewhere that it are immigrants who are most supportive of a country, and most vocal about the deficits of their former. Not being an immigrant, I see good and bad things from government and societies everywhere.

[Eduard]

Eduard,

Very nice videos !

In watching the whole thing, The phrase "bull in a china shop" comes to mind for some reason.

I could not see myself allowing first meetings to be filmed like that. First meetings are full of anxiety as it is. You had good sports in both him and his dates. I can also see where you had your hands full in interpreting for him, as some of the things he said would be difficult to translate and explain from english to english !

I do see positive things in the way you handled everything, and wish you much success.

Thank you! and yes John was perfect for this and not camera shy at all. There were a couple of very emotional moments that he didn't want me to film though.
It did take me a bit to get used to his heavy Irish accent and he talks very fast!
He is a great guy and we actually became good friends. He was just in Florida on business and we had him over for dinner. He is still with Natasha (2nd girl on the video) and they are going to Egypt together Dec.29th After that he's planning to do the K-1 visa for her (he is American actually...well dual citizenship...

[William3rd]

Hey Eduard- I got a couple of questions for you-

How did you end up coming to this country and staying here? Professional interest awakens my curiosity.

How often do you return to your old country? Again, professional interest speaks.