russia

If Your Music Is Too Fast Or Too Slow, It’s Now Automatically Banned In The Russian Republic Of Chechnya

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DJ booth

Chechnya, a republic of Russia, just made an interesting legal move in terms of music: As NPR reports, Chechnya just announced a ban on music that is not within a certain tempo range. Artists will reportedly have until June 1 to re-write music that’s not in line with the new rule. It’s not currently clear how the new rules will be enforced.

The Chechen Ministry Of Culture announced the ban last week, by the order of Culture Minister Musa Dadayev and with the agreement of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Dadayev said that “musical, vocal and choreographic” works must be 80 to 116 beats per minute in order to “conform to the Chechen mentality and sense of rhythm.”

Dadayev also said, “Borrowing musical culture from other peoples is inadmissible. We must bring to the people and to the future of our children the cultural heritage of the Chechen people. This includes the entire spectrum of moral and ethical standards of life for Chechens.”

As NPR notes, songs that don’t fit within the specified BPM range include “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (68 BPM), “Imagine” by John Lennon (76 BPM), “Hello” by Adele (79 BPM), “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles (129 BPM), “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift (170 BPM), “16 Carriages” by Beyoncé (127 BPM), and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (117 BPM).

The publication also notes that this ban will have an impact on a number of genres: “Electronic styles of music like house, techno, and dubstep all tend to have BPMs of over 116, says the audio tech company Izotope, while the average tempo of 2020’s best-selling pop songs was 122 BPM, according to the BBC.”

Ukraine Used Busta Rhymes Lyrics To Troll Russia On Twitter Because This Is What War Looks Like Now

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busta rhymes
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In a truly wild twist this week, it turns out that Ukraine’s social media manager for their Defense account is a huge Busta Rhymes fan. The new update gave people a breakdown of how they’re handling the Russians in their ongoing war — taking down three new tanks, twelve armored combat vehicles, thirteen artillery, and 520 more “eliminated personnel.”

“‘Woo-hah, got you all in check!’ -Busta Rhymes,” the post read. “Total combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022, to May 16, 2023.”

While the majority of those in the replies were others from Ukraine following the updates, some scattered fans tagged Busta to get his attention for the reference to his 1996 song, also called “Woo-Hah!! Got You All In Check.” It was also the rapper’s debut solo single, which could possibly add to why the country chose that reference… Like, there’s more defense to come, or something?

Others pointed out that it was also interestingly timed. “Should have waited a few more days for @BustaRhymes birthday,” another user wrote.

Upon a deeper dive, the account usually accompanies their updates with some sort of pop culture quote. They’ve recently included everything from How I Met Your Mother‘s “Legendary” line to Babe Ruth. There’s even one of “Now I have a machine gun ho-ho-ho” from Die Hard.

Check out Ukraine’s Busta-themed post above.

Ukrainian And Russian Delegates Fight After Flag-Stealing Incident

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine is firmly in its second year. At the time of writing, Ukrainian forces are successfully holding a frontline in the far-eastern regions of the nation. After initial gains early in the war, Russian forces are currently limited to the regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia. However, fighting remains fierce, with Russian state media recently claiming Ukraine had launched a drone strike on the Kremlin. Ukraine denied the allegations, stating they only fought in their sovereign territory.

A key aspect of the way has been supplies. While foreign nations have been able to provide Ukraine with aid, it is still a dire situation for the nation’s 43.79 million inhabitants. Tangentially, there has also been the issue of what Ukraine supplies the world. Ukraine is a major grain exporter. The European Commission estimates that Ukraine accounts for 10% of the global wheat market, 15% of the global corn market, and 13% of the global barley market. They could be a global crisis in regard to grain supplies if exports from Ukraine were to falter.

Ukrainian And Russian Officials Clash At Grain Talks

To prevent said global grain crisis, talks have been underway to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian agriculture exports. The proposed solution would allow Ukrainian exports to cross the Black Sea. The Black Sea nations are currently meeting in Turkey to find a solution before the current grain agreement expires on May 18. While the main talks are occurring in Istanbul, the related Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization Parliamentary Assembly is happening in Ankara. During the summit, Ukrainian delegates had loudly protested as Olga Timofeeva, Deputy Head of the Russian Delegation and Deputy Head of the State Duma, spoke.

It was here that a physical altercation occurred between a Ukrainian and Russian official. Oleksandr Marikovskyi, a Ukrainian parliamentary member and economist, was posing for a photo while holding the Ukrainian flag. Valery Stavitskiy, the secretary of the Russian delegation, approached Marikovskyi and grabbed the flag out of his hands. Marikovskyi proceeded to chase Stavitskiy across the room, striking him several in the head and body before recovering the flag. Video of the altercation went public after being posted to Marikovskyi’s Facebook page. Additionally, the caption “Paws off our flag, paws off Ukraine…” was included along with the video. Beyond the viral fight, talks are expected to conclude positively next week.

[via]

Brittney Griner Set for 2023 Met Gala

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Brittney Griner Hits Mercury Practice Court After Signing New Deal for Upcoming Season

WNBA superstar Brittney Griner is headed to the Met Gala. According to Page Six, the Phoenix Mercury star will be a guest at the illustrious New York City-based Gala.

Griner is currently in training camp for the forthcoming WNBA season but will take time to attend the May 2023 celebration.

As of reporting, Griner’s fashion designer of choice is unknown for the event that will honor fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld. The theme for the event is Karl Lagerfield: A Line of Beauty.

Last month, Brittany Griner revealed she will let us in on what her “unfathomable” experience in a Russian prison was like. The AP notes Griner plans to release a memoir in the spring of 2024.

Griner was detained for 10 months in a Moscow prison after being arrested at an airport on drug-related charges. Her arrest came near the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She was released in a prisoner swap.

“That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share,” Griner said in a statement.

“The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was because I wanted to make my wife, family, and teammates proud. After an incredibly challenging 10 months in detainment, I am grateful to have been rescued and to be home. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.”

Earlier in April, Griner asked the Biden Administration to step in and work to free American reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, is facing 20 years in prison.

“Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Van’s detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home. We are grateful for President Biden and his administration’s deep commitment to rescue Americans. We celebrate their recent successful efforts to bring home Jeff Woodke and Paul Rusesabagina.”

You can see the full statement below.

The post Brittney Griner Set for 2023 Met Gala appeared first on The Source.

Brittney Griner Gets Emotional On WNBA Return

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Brittney Griner’s long road to returning to the WNBA has taken the next step. On Thursday, Griner spoke with the media about her return to the league. During the press conference, it was hard for Griner to keep her emotions in check. The WNBA star was detained in Russia in March of 2022 for possession of Marijuana. What followed was a very public demand for the release of the basketball star. After 10 long months, Griner was freed from Russia in a prisoner swap with Russia.

Griner has kept it no secret how she was treated during her time in detainment. However, Griner is done discussing the negatives. Now, she is thankful for the opportunity to have her life back. “Thank y’all for covering me and all the exposure that you gave me, my family to get me home… I expect to see the same coverage because we have a great product.” Many in the media made Griner’s freedom a top priority, as well as many celebrities.

Brittney Griner Is Thankful To Be Home

During her return press conference, Griner mentioned that she would not be going overseas again. Except for one condition. “I can say for me, I’m never going overseas to play again unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics… The whole reason a lot of us go overseas is the pay gap, to make an income, to support our families, to support ourselves.” Griner isn’t the first, or will she be the last, to take her talents overseas to make a livable wage playing the game she is passionate about. However, the United States has attempted to make a change with that issue.

The pay gap between female and male athletes has long been an issue in the United States. However, many professional leagues are taking the necessary steps to give women the same opportunities as men. Brittney Griner’s story will not soon be forgotten. The Phoenix star plans on releasing a memoir about her time in a Russian prison. For now, we all can celebrate that another American citizen has been brought home safely. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

Brittney Griner to Release Memoir on Her Experience in Russian Prison

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Brittney Griner Hits Mercury Practice Court After Signing New Deal for Upcoming Season

Brittany Griner will let us in on what her “unfathomable” experience in a Russian prison was like. The AP notes Griner plans to release a memoir in the spring of 2024.

Griner was detained for 10 months in a Moscow prison after being arrested at an airport on drug-related charges. Her arrest came near the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She was released in a prisoner swap.

“That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share,” Griner said in a statement.

“The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was because I wanted to make my wife, family, and teammates proud. After an incredibly challenging 10 months in detainment, I am grateful to have been rescued and to be home. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.”

Earlier this month, Griner asked the Biden Administration to step in and work to free American reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, is facing 20 years in prison.

“Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Van’s detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home. We are grateful for President Biden and his administration’s deep commitment to rescue Americans. We celebrate their recent successful efforts to bring home Jeff Woodke and Paul Rusesabagina.”

You can see the full statement below.

The post Brittney Griner to Release Memoir on Her Experience in Russian Prison appeared first on The Source.

Brittney Griner To Release Memoir On Russian Detainment

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WNBA star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir to recount her “unfathomable” experiences in Russia. She was detained in the country for just under 300 days last year. The former All-Star announced the book in a statement shared on Tuesday. It will release in the spring of 2024.

“That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share,” Griner said in the statement released by Alfred A. Knopf. Authorities arrested Griner on smuggling charges as she passed through customs in Moscow. She was carrying cartridges containing less than a gram of medically prescribed hash oil at the time.

Brittney Griner During Her Imprisonment In Russia

US basketball player Brittney Griner (C) is escorted by police before a hearing during her trial on charges of drug smuggling, in Khimki, outside Moscow on August 2, 2022. – Griner was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in February 2022 just days before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine. Speaking at the trial on July 27, Griner said she still did not know how the cartridges ended up in her bag. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP) (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Griner continued in her statement: “The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was because I wanted to make my wife, family, and teammates proud. After an incredibly challenging 10 months in detainment, I am grateful to have been rescued and to be home. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.” Knopf noted that the book will be “intimate and moving” and that Griner will disclose “in vivid detail her harrowing experience of her wrongful detainment (as classified by the State Department) and the difficulty of navigating the byzantine Russian legal system in a language she did not speak.”

Russia eventually released Griner from captivity in December 2022. She was freed in a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. In February, she re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury and plans to play in the team’s upcoming season. The regular season will begin in May.

[Via]

Brittney Griner Calls for Biden Administration to Work to Free Detained WSJ Reporter in Russia

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Brittney Griner Hits Mercury Practice Court After Signing New Deal for Upcoming Season

WNBA Star Brittney Griner is asking for the Biden Administration to step in and work to free American reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, is facing 20 years in prison.

“Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Van’s detainment in Russia. We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home. We are grateful for President Biden and his administration’s deep commitment to rescue Americans. We celebrate their recent successful efforts to bring home Jeff Woodke and Paul Rusesabagina.”

You can see the full statement below.

The post Brittney Griner Calls for Biden Administration to Work to Free Detained WSJ Reporter in Russia appeared first on The Source.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Delivers Speech to Congress, Requests More Help to Combat Russia

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Delivers Speech to Congress, Requests More Help to Combat Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a speech to Congress at the United States Capitol. Introduced by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Zelenskyy provided an update on the battle in Ukraine and thanked America for their support while asking for more assistance.

“I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart,” Zelensky said. He later added, “Against all odds, and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

According to CNN, while the Ukrainian Army is putting up a valiant effort, they are still outmanned. They have fewer weapons than their invading Russian counterparts, openly noting they don’t have enough guns.

Zelenskyy also stated the support of America is necessary to combat “the frontline of tranny” and aim for a win.

“Your money is not charity,” Zelenskyy said. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”

Throughout the 300-plus day war, Zelenskyy has been on hand, fighting with his troops. He spoke about visiting Bakhmut in Donbas, which he described as a blood-soaked land with a nonstop sound of guns. He delivered a Ukrainian flag from soldiers in that spot as a gift to Congress.

Zelenskyy also noted that Russia has teamed with Iran, who has offered drones to President Vladimir Putin, citing the union could lead to a strike against other allies.

Before speaking to Congress, Zelenskyy spoke to President Joe Biden at the White House, detailing a union to tackle the war. Following their meeting, both Presidents spoke to Russians, critical of Putin’s efforts. Biden cited the war “could end today if Putin had any dignity at all and did the right thing and just … pulled out. But that’s not gonna happen.”

You can view the entire speech from Zelenskyy below or read the transcript here.

The post Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Delivers Speech to Congress, Requests More Help to Combat Russia appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner

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'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner

Viktor Bout, the man dubbed the “Merchant of Death” and was half of a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States for Brittney Griner, has spoken for the first time since his release from U.S. custody.

According to ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner, Bout stated during his 14 years in U.S. prison, he read and realized, “The whole world, basically, is a game.” In addition, Bout stated he would wake up in the mornings and get his day going by “laughing hysterically.”

Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and extradited to the U.S. in 2010. He was charged with conspiracy to kill Americans as he attempted to sell weapons to Columbia.s When asked about the charges, he replied, “There was nothing.” Bout was also accused of selling weapons to The Taliban.

The interview was aired on Russian networks and was conducted by Russian Spy Maria Butina. Aside from laughing, Bout stated his time in solitary was “very difficult” and spoke against American prison food.

Reflecting on President Putin and his attack on Ukraine, Bout stated, “I am proud that I am Russian, and that Putin is our president. I honestly don’t understand why we didn’t do this earlier.”

The interview in full is available below

The post [WATCH] ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout Speaks For First Time Since Griner Swap, Says Russia Should Have Attacked Ukraine Sooner appeared first on The Source.