Just for some people out there interested in how local authorities in Russia deal with the financial crisis.

Here is the briefing. Most of the politicians on local level do not recognize the world’s financial situation. I’d even say they’re purposefully ignoring (at least making it seem so) the obvious. You think I’m being mean? Sarcastic? Well, see for yourself.

Here is the recent (dated June 9th 2009) article from well-known Russian newpaper ‘Commercent’: ‘Noginsky County Has Brought the Financial Crisis to an End.’ Noginsk is a small town in Moscow region, the kind of place where local politicians do their best to jump into the big game.

While trying to be noticed all means are good! This time the Head of Noginsk county, Mr. Laptev, issued a decree, where words ‘financial crisis’ were literally banned from speech of all local authorities. Preambule states that ‘…all the nescessary steps were taken to create a financially prospective environment on the territory of Noginsk County…’ I live in Noginsk county, and I’d effectively argue this statement, still not going to.

Instead, let’s see what’s in the decree. The main idea is that financial hardships are only thoughts in some panicy heads, not the real situation around. Now not only I myself, but almost anyone in the whole interdependent world, would effectively argue this idea!

Apparently, Mr. Laptev doesn’t recognize the free speech right either, as the decree conflicts with it in the very essence by mentioning a possible punishment for using the ‘bad’ words. Some officials might even get fired! Mr. Laptev compares that to a ‘dress code’: ‘…I prohibit wearing short skirts at the department building, this is of the same sort…’ No comments.

One last thing to mention. Mr. Laptev reserves the right to supervise the implementation of the decree all to himself…

Here we go again. Hopefully, for the very last time!

It seems, I’ve finally found that very theme with the set of all the functions desired. Not more and not less. Let me introduce you to the Dyna Blue theme, which is free and distributed by WebDesignLessons.com.

It’s a visually appealing theme, with a feature I was searching for a long time. I’m talking about the ‘Featured’ section right at the top, where you can see some selected articles. Also, there is a block of ads (probably empty right now), where I can advertise with Google AdSense, or with any other program. There is also a banner space at the very top, it’s empty right now, but I’ll find a way to fill it with some appropriate information.

To say no more, I just also wanted to mention, that this shift was made possible by the newest 2.8 version of WordPress. One of the new functions is precisely the one, that allows to add new themes very easily, just like you’re installing a new plug-in!

Why is it always so hard to get yourself to stick to a particular visual presentation? Not a month has passed by since I’ve installed my current WP theme, and now I’m looking forward to a new theme!

To be honest, the current one, Erudit, is very nice done and has all the features I need. It is visually simple but stylish, and the posts’ organization is thought through quite well… The only ‘bug’ I’m very dissatisfied with is that on Mac’s Safari (both for Windows and Mac OS) the CSS is not correctly handling the first letter of the post (it supposed to be big and on a special background), and it’s a little bit skewed up. This doesn’t make it unreadable, it’s just not looking right.

Besides, a new theme is on horizon, and this time I’m going to make some changes to it. What theme, what changes? You’ll see. Soon.