Digest for 96-02-01
Table of Contents
WHAT'S NEW . . .
#01-01 February 96 Russian Business Information Activity Web
#02-01 February 96 New issues of "Economics and Life"
#03-01 February 96 NIS Agribusiness Report:
"U.S.-Ukrainian Food Industry Trade and Investment
Mission to Ukraine."
RECENT EMAIL . . .
01-01 February 96 Sender: nate.lipsen@execnet.com (NATE LIPSEN)
Subject: Soros funding of Internet in Russia/NIS
02-01 February 96 Sender: "Straight, Earl" (STRAIGHTE@mhs3.MHS.MCS.K12.WV.US)
Subject: Spring Break Trip to Russia
03-01 February 96 Sender: dittmer.4@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu
(Edward P. Dittmer)
Subject: Russian language programs
04-01 February 96 Sender: "Jim Cashel" (jcashel@eurasia.org)
Subject: Job opportunity at Eurasia Foundation / DC
05-01 February 96 Sender: gallery@infotel.msk.su
Subject: Looking for someone
06-01 February 96 Sender: stevehar@solon.com (steve harrington)
Subject: Request
07-01 February 96 Sender: Eric Fenster (efenster@igc.apc.org)
Subject: Moscow study trips: Last chance
08-01 February 96 Sender: parinovs@mgmt.purdue.edu
Subject: New information source about Russian market economy
09-01 February 96 Sender: mac@MAINE.maine.edu
(Dennis McConnell - UMaine, U.S.A.)
Subject: U.S. Treasury Dept. - Economists for Moscow
Assignment
10-01 February 96 Sender: funding@solar.rtd.utk.edu
Subject: Russian Civic Education: Curricula and Teacher
Training
11-01 February 96 Sender: funding@solar.rtd.utk.edu
Subject: Summer Institute for Russian Social Scientists on
Approaches to Political Science
12-01 February 96 Sender: BeachNet (beachnet@emi.net)
Subject: 11 cents/minute long distance.
13-01 February 96 Sender: finsureh@avana.net
Subject: Discounted Long Distance Phone Rates, Expatriate
Health Insurance, Local Insurance Companies
APPENDIX: LISTSERV address & basic procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT'S NEW . . .
* Sergei Parinov (creator of the popular Siberia server on F&P) announces
the new Russian Business Information Activity Web page. This is a
content packed site which allows identification "of the commodity groups
most demanded on the Russian market, as well as determine the regional
differences in the intensity of business activity. It makes possible trend
analysis (starting in February 1995) and tracking other developments in the
entrepreneurial activities in the Russian marketplace." Please visit from
our Business and Economics page and at URL:
http://www.mgmt.purdue.edu/~parinovs
For additional information, please see Sergei's message #08 below.
* Two new issues of "Economics and Life" are available from our Economics
and Business page and at URL:
http://solar.rtd.utk.edu/friends/economics/el/Economics.html
This is a popular Russian language publication, with over 600,000
subscribers, which covers the Russian business and economic environment.
* Available from the Economics page you will find the new
BISNIS - NIS Agribusiness Report, January 96, concerning
"U.S.-Ukrainian Food Industry Trade and Investment
Mission to Ukraine."
http://solar.rtd.utk.edu/friends/economics/
nis.fis.bus.docs/bisnis.ukraine.food.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------
E-MAIL POSTINGS . . .
Please continue to send your e-mail to friends@solar.rtd.utk.edu.
** 01 **********************************************************************
Sender: nate.lipsen@execnet.com (NATE LIPSEN)
Subject: Soros funding of Internet in Russia/NIS
The Jan 22, 1996 issue of Information Week (p12) has a
little blurb indicating that financier and philanthropist George
Soros is funding projects to advance the development of the
Internet in Russia and the Ukraine in an effort to promote an open
society. He'll be spending $22 million in addition to the $800
million his International Science Foundation has already invested
in telecommunications systems to provide research and academic
communities in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yaroslavl and Kiev with
internet access.
Thought you might be interested.
.....Nate
** 02 **********************************************************************
Sender: "Straight, Earl" (STRAIGHTE@mhs3.MHS.MCS.K12.WV.US)
Subject: Spring Break Trip to Russia
We have several openings left in our spring trip to Russia from
March 29 to April 6. The cost for the educational trip is only $1,700
out of JFK in New York. This price covers everything but your
passport and spending money.
If anyone would like additional information or is interested in
going, please contact me by February 9.
Earl Straight Jr.
Journalism Dept. Chairperson
Morgantown High School
109 Wilson Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-9260 (work)
(304) 296-3142 (home)
** 03 **********************************************************************
Sender: dittmer.4@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu (Edward P. Dittmer)
Subject: Russian language programs
Does anyone know if there are any program in Russian language for foreign
students at Russian universities? I know Moscow State has one, but a friend
who went last year said that they are really unorganized. He was pretty
dissatisfied. I prefer not to go to an American university program because
they're always pretty expensive. I don't think I can shell out $15000 to go
abraod.
Thanks
epd
Edward P. Dittmer
dittmer.4@osu.edu
** 04 **********************************************************************
Sender: "Jim Cashel" (jcashel@eurasia.org)
Subject: Job opportunity at Eurasia Foundation / DC
Please forward to appropriate individuals or lists. Thank you.
***************
Systems Operator. DC-based Foundation seeks experienced computer
professional. Primary responsibilities include: maintain 20 plus user
Novell Network, program and manage an Informix-based database;
establish internet capability; and provide technical support to DC and
field staff (based throughout the former Soviet Union). Requirements
- minimum two year?s experience with Novell network environment.
Experience with database programming and management essential. Salary:
high 20s to low 30s Please send resume and cover letter to: Director
of Administration, 1527 New Hampshire Ave, NW Washington, DC 20036, or
send via e-mail to kcarley@eurasia.org. No phone inquiries.
** 05 **********************************************************************
Sender: gallery@infotel.msk.su
Subject: Looking for someone
I have one problem. Maybe you can help me. I have a friend, his name
is John Petroff. He's from New York. He worked in Moscow until August
1995 for Fund for Democracy and Development as a director of bank
training. Then he left for Kazakhstan. He promised to write me but he
never did, maybe he is very busy or he moved somewhere else. So I
don't have his address. All I know is that he now works for an
organization or a company named Iris and I guess it's from USA and
it's dealing with banking or something financial. Maybe you could
find its address or address of this person. I think it's easier to do
from the United States. I would be very grateful.
Andrei
** 06 **********************************************************************
Sender: stevehar@solon.com (steve harrington)
Subject: Request
Dear Friends,
There was a wonderful radio story on Deutsche Welle (the German
international radio network) that was re-broadcast throughout the United
States on Public Radio International (a United States international radio
network) about a distance education project in Saratov sponssored by the
Sarotov Russian American Cultural Center.
It is so great to hear about creative Russia/American partnering!
The Saratov Distance Education Program is an email and video tape approach
to "MBA" -- Masters of Business Education type learning for business
students in Saratov. The program also involves (apparently) Penn State
University, the Universtiy of Minnesota and some foundation financial
support. Bravo to two students mentioned in the story:Olga and Serge and to
the Cultural Center Director Natalia Ulanova for good innovative partnering
and entrepreneuring!
Some question for the Friends network:
#1 Can anyone share the email address of Natalia Ulanova, the Saratov
Program Director or E. Harris a reporter who found the Saratov program and
wrote the radio story. She often files stories from Saratov and Russia with
international radio programs like Deutsche Welle.I would like to send Ms.
Harris and Ms. Ulanova a note of encouragement and also learn more about
how the program works. Can you send appropriate email addresses and/or web
sites?
#2 Does anyone know of other interesting distance education projects like
this one operating in other Russian cities -- especialy around the Rule of
Law Project or in business education?
Thanks in advance for your communication.
Steve Harrington
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
stevehar@solon.com
** 07 **********************************************************************
Sender: Eric Fenster (efenster@igc.apc.org)
Subject: Moscow study trips: Last chance
ATTN: PREVIOUS RESPONDENTS SEE NOTE AT BOTTOM
Concerning the 1996 study trips to Moscow:
14 May-14 June and 22 June-23 July ...
Anybody still deciding whether to participate (or who would like to
learn the detailed information) should contact me quickly as
certain deadlines are approaching. For example, by mid-February
I must back airplane seat reservations with deposits. The
accommodations for the 2-day stopover in Brussels must also be
confirmed.
As a reminder, the trips examine the political and economic changes
in Russia, have been organized for 16 years and are open to all adults.
Participants who are students and desire university credits may earn them.
No knowledge of Russian is necessary (though intensive language study
is also an option).
The first trip will occur during the Russian presidential
campaign and incorporate relevant activities. The second
will add a focus on education issues in Russia if the
makeup of the group is appropriate.
An anecdotal account from the June 1995 trip is available
by e-mail on request.
All replies should be sent directly to efenster@igc.apc.org
and not to the conference/list.
For the record...
Over the years hundreds of people examined the courses and vowed
to go "next year." I recently tallied things up and found that
of the last 268 participants only 2 went after the first year they
learned about the courses! Unless it was made the priority, there was
always another reason for postponement.
=======
NOTE: Because of a theft last week, records of respondents
from this and previous years have been lost. If you wish to restore
contact or to be sure of future notification in case you cannot
come this year, please write.
Thanks,
Eric
** 08 **********************************************************************
Sender: parinovs@mgmt.purdue.edu
Subject: New information source about Russian market economy.
New information source about Russian market economy.
The market economy of Russia is very heterogeneous, both in terms of
business attractiveness of various commodity categories, and the
degree of entrepreneurial activity in various regions of the country.
Official indicators of business activity are not well developed in
Russia. The new Web page offer several indirect indicators which can
be used to understand the type and the extent of commercial activity,
as well as the overall state of the market. One source of such data
is the Russian computer network RELCOM which, given the generally
poor quality of communications available in Russia, is an
indispensable source of information for the majority of Russian
business people. The source of information in this system is
represented by the daily data on a few indicators that characterize
the informational activity of businesses in the Russian market. The
analysis covers that portion of the information activity which takes
the form of messages sent by entrepreneurs through the commercial
newsgroups of the Russian national computer network RELCOM. The
indicators are based on the estimation of the intensity of the flows
of commercial messages within individual commodity categories and
across major economic regions whose entrepreneurs are active in the
Russian market. For each indicator, the information system allows to
obtain (within a given time range): 1)ratings of commodity groups or
economic regions: 2)graphical representation of the dynamics of the
indicators. The initial data is updated once every month and
available for outside users (in the ASCII format). When creating
ratings and time graphs of the changes in the indicators, the system
users can change the time range and select the list of commodity
groups and economic regions to appear on the graphs.
** 09 **********************************************************************
Sender: mac@MAINE.maine.edu (Dennis McConnell - UMaine, U.S.A.)
Subject: U.S. Treasury Dept. - Economists for Moscow Assignment
*****************************************************************
U.S. Treasury Department - Economists for Moscow Assignment
*****************************************************************
The current issue of The Economist has an announcement that may
be of interest to some U.S. members of the list.
The U.S. Treasury Department is recruiting two economists for
resident assignment (up to two years) to the Russian Federation,
to be posted in Moscow.
The first advisor (macroeconomist) will provide analysis and
policy advice on medium term macroeconomic issues facing the
Russian economy, and will help build a capacity to address such
issues within the Russian Ministry of Finance. Such advice will
inform decision makers in the budget process of the impact of the
economy on the budget process, and the impact of the budget on
the economy. Ideally, the Advisor will have a background in
balance-of-payments analysis. The Advisor may also assist in the
structuring and obtaining of valid and reliable data to support
decision systems.
The second advisor (budget Policy) will a assist the Russian
Ministry of Finance in developing and improving economic indica-
tors to be used by decision makers. The Advisor will define the
data needed by the Ministry to enhance its economic information,
and help develop new sources of economic information.
Applicants should be self-starters. Prior overseas work experi-
ence in challenging environments and knowledge of the Russian
language would be distinct advantages. While technical skills are
essential, the abilities to gain the confidence of host officials
and provide sound but realistic advice will determine ultimate
success. A Master's degree in economics or a related field is
required for both positions. U.S. citizenship is required.
Applicants must submit a cover letter specifying the preferred
Advisor position, and U.S. Government Standard Form SF-171 (or
Optional Form OF-612) within 21 days of the appearance of this
notice to:
Department of the Treasury
Procurement Services Division, Room 1438
Attn: WTB/Debt
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20220
** 10 **********************************************************************
Sender: "Funding Opportunity System" (funding@solar.rtd.utk.edu)
Subject: Russian Civic Education: Curricula and Teacher Training
Russian Civic Education: Curricula and Teacher Training
SPONSOR: United States Information Agency
SYNOPSIS: The U.S. Information Agency is inviting applications to
plan and implement curriculum development and teacher training
projects for civic education in Russia.
DEADLINES: 1996-04-01
OBJECTIVES: The project will involve preliminary assessment and
preparation of materials; a U.S.-based curriculum development workshop
for a Russian materials development team; and post-workshop review and
field-testing of materials.
RESTRICTIONS: Public and private nonprofit organizations with expert
knowledge of Russia and Russian education, and significant experience
in civic education and curriculum development as practiced in the
United States.
MONETARY: $225,000 for each of two projects.
CONTACT INFO: Sally Kux; 301 Fourth Street, SW; E/AS; Room 349;
Washsington, DC 20547
_________________________
Telephone: 202-619-6038
FAX: 202-619-6970
Email Address: skux@usia.gov
Miscellaneous Information
Program Number: 200927
Source of Information: Federal Register; 1996-01-26; 2574
** 11 **********************************************************************
Sender: "Funding Opportunity System" (funding@solar.rtd.utk.edu)
Subject: Summer Institute for Russian Social Scientists on Approaches
to Political Science
Summer Institute for Russian Social Scientists on Approaches to
Political Science as a Scholarly Discipline
SPONSOR: United States Information Agency
SYNOPSIS: The U.S. Information Agency is inviting applications to
develop a program for a summer institute for Russian social scientists
on approaches to political science as a scholarly discipline.
DEADLINES: 1996-02-26
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the Institute is to enhance participants'
ability to teach political science at their home institutions by
engaging them in a multifaceted discussion of political science as
currently practiced in the United States.
RESTRICTIONS: Public and private nonprofit organizations.
MONETARY: The maximum award is $125,000 and only $60,000 for
organizations with fewer than four years' experience conducting
international exchange programs.
CONTACT INFO: Sherry Hayman; 301 Fourth Street, SW; E/AS; Room 349;
Washington, DC 20547
_________________________
Telephone: 202-619-6038
Email Address: shayman@usia.gov
Miscellaneous Information
Program Number: 200925
Source of Information: Federal Register; 1996-01-25; 2330
** 12 **********************************************************************
Sender: BeachNet (beachnet@emi.net)
Subject: 11 cents/minute long distance.
We offer 11c/min ... 24 hr/day ... 7 days/week .... please check us out on:
http://wm.emi.net/unitel
Also ... great rates to Russia.
Thank you!
Bev.
** 13 **********************************************************************
Sender: finsureh@avana.net
Subject: Discounted Long Distance Phone Rates, Expatriate Health Insurance,
Local Insurance Companies
Greetings from Stone Mountain (near Atlanta, home of the 1996 Olympics)
Georgia. We would like to place the following posting with you.Thank you.
POSTING
DISCOUNTED LONG DISTANCE PHONE RATES
1)INTERSTATE USA.
Flat Rate 13 cents PEAK, 10.4 cents off PEAK.
Lower rates available if your monthly bill exceeds $1,000.00
2)INTERNATIONAL CALLS ORIGINATING IN USA
Flat Rates 24 Hours 7Days per week.Minimum 30 seconds then 6 second bands
Country Rate Special Rate In Conjunction With #1
Russia $1.05 $0.85
Taiwan $0.56 $0.46
Australia $0.48 $0.35
Canada $0.21 $0.20
UK $0.34 $0.24
China $1.20 $1.07
Italy $0.61 $0.49
Poland $0.81 $0.54
Bulgaria $0.83 $0.61
This is only a small selection of similar savings. Check them out!
3)INTERNATIONAL CALL BACK RATES
FLAT (PER MINUTE) RATES 24 HOURS 7 DAYS PER WEEK
Russia-USA $1.232
Hong Kong-Russia $1.641
Russia-UK $1.372
Russia-Canada $1.291 Canada-Russia
Canada-Ukraine $1.152 Ukraine-Canada
Bulgaria-USA $0.99
Netherlands-Turkey$1.26
Hungary-USA $0.64
Poland-USA $0.79
Small selection of multiple variations.Check out YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS
Contact
Geoff Waterhouse
The Finsure House Inc.,
5302-E, Memorial Drive, #1407,
Stone Mountain,
Georgia 30083
USA.
Phone 404-297-1952/1638
Fax. 404-297-0915
E Mail finsureh@avana.net
Sender: finsureh@avana.net
Subject: Expatriate Health Insurance
--------------------------------------------
Expatriate Health Insurance
The policy is underwritten by GAN Insurance Company Ltd. which is a British
based subsidiary of GAN (Groupe Assurance National) a huge French Insurance
group which has its headquarters in Paris.
The policy has a US$100.00 Deductible per claim and then pays 100%.It
includes Prescription Drugs and also covers Emergency Evacuation to another
country, other than the one where the injury or sickness occurred, when a
Physician considers the situation to be life threatening. In the event of
death, the cost of transporting the body or ashes to the country of
residence ia also covered. The policy also provides coverage for up to 90
days in the home country during any 12 month policy period and is valid
worldwide on a 24 hour basis. The maximum benefit per person per cause per
year in respect of annual policies is US$250,000.00 and the individual
Lifetime Maximum is US$1,000,000.00.I am setting out below full details of
premiums,territories etc.
WORLDWIDE INCLUDING WORLDWIDE EXCLUDING MAINLAND
EUROPE
USA/CANADA USA/CANADA
$100.00 DED. $100.00 DED. $100.00 DED.
PER CLAIM PER CLAIM PER CLAIM
AGE ANNUAL PREMIUMS
30 $1,300.00 $ 975.00 $ 844.50
31-40 $1,400.00 $1,050.00 $ 910.00
41-50 $1,750.00 $1,312.50 $1,137.50
51-60 $2,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,300.00
61-65 $3,000.00 $2,250.00 $1,950.00
I do hope that you will find this information of interest and if you wish
to proceed I will send you a specimen policy and an application form.
Regards,
G. Waterhouse
---------------------------------------------
LOCAL INSURANCE COMPANIES
We have Reinsurance facilities for insurance companies that would like to
write LARGER risks, especially Hard Currency Risks, but are short of
capacity. Reinsurance can be either on Quota Share or Excess Of Loss basis.
We can also help companies that would like to START writing Hard Currency
Risks but do not have any Hard Currency Reserves for Claim Payment.
Contact
Geoff Waterhouse
The Finsure House Inc.
Your One Stop Insurance Shop,
5302-E,Memorial Drive #1407,
Stone Mountain,
Georgia 30083,
USA.
Phone 404-297-1952/1638
Fax. 404-297-0915
E Mail finsureh@avana.net
*****************************************************************************
----------------------- END FRIENDS February 01, 1996 -------------------------
APPENDIX
FRIENDS is a free service started by friends in Russia and the United
States. This Listserv is one element of that service.
To subscribe to FRIENDS (if someone has passed you a copy of this
announcement), just send an email message to:
listproc@solar.rtd.utk.edu
consisting of *one line* of the following format:
SUBSCRIBE FRIENDS firstname lastname
and substitute your first and last names for 'firstname lastname'
To unsubscribe from FRIENDS, send the message UNSUBSCRIBE FRIENDS to:
listproc@solar.rtd.utk.edu
To post a message to FRIENDS, send it to: friends@solar.rtd.utk.edu.
To visit the FRIENDS WWW server, use the following URLs if you have
a World Wide Web browser: http://solar.rtd.utk.edu/friends/home.html
http://alice.ibpm.serpukhov.su/friends/home.html
If you don't have a WWW browser, just telnet to solar.rtd.utk.edu
and enter 'friends' (in lower case and without the quotes) at the
login prompt.
or those who need it, the IP address of our computers are 198.78.202.11
193.124.128.211
Please address any comments, questions, or suggestions to your
moderators:
Natasha Bulashova, natasha@alice.ibpm.serpukhov.su
Greg Cole, gcole@solar.rtd.utk.edu