18 Photos Putin pushback: Russian pres faces backlash over photo ops, anti-gay laws Though Stolichnaya is an historic Russian brand and some of its ingredients come from Russia, virtually all of the Stoli sold in the west is made in Latvia, a former Soviet republic that is now part of NATO and the European Union. It's the perception that it's Russian that's prompted the boycott Russia recently introduced a law that bans so-called "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" and imposes hefty fines on those holding gay pride rallies . The vodka view is produced in Latvia by Latvijas Balzams, which has 600 employees and is one of the nation's biggest exporters. However, Latvijas Balzams is nearly 90 percent owned by Luxembourg-based http://archiedghy.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/brad-pitt-really-really-loves-his-monochromatic-outfits-photos/ SPI Group, which in turn is controlled by Yury Shefler, a Russian-born billionaire who left Russia a decade ago after falling out with the Kremlin over his support of opposition political parties. Latvijas Balzams spokeswoman Dana Hasana said Friday that SPI is "continuing a dialogue with the (gay and lesbian) community" to dispel confusion about the origin of Stolichnaya vodka. The Stoli.com website also proclaims it stands "strong & proud" with the global gay community "against the attitude & actions of the Russian government." And Mozaika, Latvia's homosexual rights group, appealed to organizers of the "Dump Stoli!
More: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57596815/stolichnaya-vodka-distiller-tries-to-defuse-boycott-over-russias-anti-gay-laws/
"We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardize this principle." "To that end, the IOC has received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or http://yourtrainings.com/jaeodqa/trainings/701887/ taking part in the Games." But rights groups aren't assuaged, especially after the country's sports minister countered Kozak's statements. "An athlete of nontraditional sexual orientation isn't banned from coming to Sochi," said Vitaly Mutko. "But if he goes out into the streets and starts to propagandize, then of course he will be held accountable." "Instead of listening to Russia's hollow assurances, IOC president Jacques Rogge should stand up for the Olympic charter's commitment to promoting human dignity and insist that the Russian government immediately takes steps to repeal the law and, in the meantime, refrains from implementing it," Human Rights Watch wrote on its website. Calls to protest and boycott Russia and the games have gained steam, often in the form of "vodka dumping" and bars refusing to serve Russian alcohol. Meanwhile, Solichnaya has spoken out to defend its brand and offer support to the gay community.
More: http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/08/02/Russia-anti-gay-law-wont-be-enforced-at-Olympics/5101375459185/

How Russia Is Targeting Smartphones, And What You Can Do About It
Russia recently passed a law that will block any Web site aiding copyright infringement (which might be as simple as a user linking to a place where pirated material is available) if it doesnt respond within three days. Many Internet activists are calling it the Russian SOPA after the controversial anti-piracy legislation that failed in the United States after online outrage. It was enacted on Thursday, the same day Russia granted temporary asylum to Snowden. The offline response has been subdued, blog with around 300 people protesting the law in the flesh outside the Kremlin, but the online response has been more aggressive. Thousands of Russian Web sites went on a web strike displaying the word blackout on their front pagein protest.
More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2013/08/02/russia-enacted-its-own-sopa-the-day-it-granted-snowden-asylum/
Russia's Big Gay Olympic Problem
Remember this expose ?) Pressed a little further, the executive elaborated during a Television Critics Association press tour last weekend: Right now they have a law that is the law of their land, and governments across the world have different laws, but as long as it doesnt affect us or the athletes, we will again acknowledge that it exists, but I dont know what its going to mean to us yet. In other words, Bob Costas would note, disapprovingly, that the host country considers many of the Games' athletes -- not to mention attendees -- criminals by virtue of their sexual orientation. Then: "And now, Jim, back to the Iceberg Skating Palace!" It turns out that the IOC doesnt have it covered. Russias sports minister said this week in an interview with the state news agency that gay Olympic athletes will not be exempt from Russian law: If he goes out into the streets and starts to propagandize, then of course he will be held accountable. In this case, "propagandize" seems akin to "exist." Which also suggests the controversy is just getting started. A bill is being introduced in the U.S. Senate calling on the IOC to press Russia on the issue.
More: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-02/russia-s-big-gay-olympic-problem.html
Russia enacted its own SOPA the day it granted Snowden asylum
For extra protection, make sure your security app can also protect from unsafe websites. 4. Be alert for unusual behaviors on http://www.23hq.com/maxboed/story/12312400 your phone, which could be a sign that it is infected. These behaviors may include unusual text messages, strange charges to the phone bill, and suddenly decreased battery life. 5. Make sure to download firmware updates as soon as they are available for your device.
More: http://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/2013/08/02/how-russia-is-targeting-smartphones-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/