Home Care In Ladoga, IN

Russia plans to deploy missile ships in a lake near the Baltic Sea in response to NATO’s expansion in the region.

A Moscow-commissioned study recently found the deployment and combat missions feasible in Lake Ladoga, Izvestia revealed, citing sources.

Located in northwest Russia, the freshwater lake’s relative unfamiliarity by NATO intelligence is another reason for the assessment, according to the Moscow-based outlet.

Russia is considering deploying Karakurt and Buyan-M classes of corvettes (small missile ships) in the lake. However, a final decision has yet to be issued.

A ‘NATO Lake’

Lake Ladoga’s northern shore lies barely 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Finnish border, while the Baltic Sea is roughly 650 to 700 kilometers (404 to 435 miles) away.

Finland joining NATO and the imminent inclusion of Sweden into the alliance has tightened NATO’s grip over the Baltic Sea, a vital transit route for the Russian Navy with bases near Saint Petersburg and in the Kaliningrad exclave.

The sea’s importance is also tied to its proximity to the Arctic, a region with growing strategic importance due to its untapped mineral wealth.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened military activities in the region, with naval drills performed by both NATO and the Russian military.

Research Work

The Russian Ministry of Defense study analyzed the water body’s hydrographic details and possible threats posed by adversaries.

“This is a completely sound military-technical response to the entry of Finland and Sweden into NATO,” Izvestia quoted military historian Dmitry Boltenkov as saying.

“Lake Ladoga is quite large. During the Great Patriotic War, the Ladoga Flotilla operated there, and after the war various forces were stationed. It is a good idea to ensure that Buyans and Karakurts fire at NATO targets.”

Warships Planned for Deployment

Three Karakurt-class warships are operational, while 15 more are planned.

The corvette will be armed with the Kalibr class of anti-ship cruise missiles with an estimated range of 1,400 to 2,000 kilometers (870 to 1,200 miles).

Starting from the third ship of the class Odintsovo, it is being equipped with the naval variant of the Pantsir-M air defense system, according to Izvestia.

Additionally, the ship’s smaller size, contours, and the use of radio-absorbing material make it less noticeable to adversary radars than the previous generation of naval vessels.

The Buyan-M has been specially designed for inland waterway navigation and can fire the Kalibr missile.

The circumnavigation of the world on the yacht "Elizaveta" has ended in Krasnoyarsk. The journey on a 17-meter motor-powered sailing vessel under the Russian flag, which began on July 9, 2017, took more than six years. The project, which was called "Retracing the Routes of Great Expeditions", was implemented with the support of the interregional public organization "Association of Polar Explorers" and the Krasnoyarsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society.

The results of the circumnavigation were summed up at a briefing at the Krasnoyarsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society. The head of the expedition, Alexey Loginov, told reporters that during the voyage the yacht had passed more than 35,000 nautical miles along the most difficult route. The journey was divided into five stages: European – Transatlantic – American – Antarctic – Pacific – Eastern-Arctic. The ship's crew changed regularly, two people were present for the entire journey – Alexey Loginov and his senior assistant Pavel Pavlov.

The crew of the circumnavigation. Photo: Alexey Loginov

At the first stage, the “Elizaveta” passed the Yenisei, the Kara Sea, the Barents Sea, the White Sea, the lake and the river Vyg, the White Sea-Baltic Canal, Lake Onega, the Svir River, Lake Ladoga, and then, along the Neva, arrived in St. Petersburg in August 2017.

In August 2019, the yacht left St. Petersburg to go through the next stage. It bypassed Europe, made the transatlantic crossing, passed along the coast of Latin America, and, in February 2020, reached Antarctica.

The way to the home shores from the southernmost continent of the planet ran through the Pacific Ocean. The television company RT made a documentary called "Pandemic Odyssey" about this journey in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After returning to Russia, the “Elizaveta” stopped for the winter in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. From there, through the Arctic Ocean, the yacht returned to Dudinka and reached Krasnoyarsk along the Yenisei. Now the ship has been sent for repair to a local shipyard.

The “Elizaveta” sailing. Photos of the expedition participants

“I’ve done two circumnavigations before, but short ones. One on an ice floe around the North Pole, on the drifting Komsomol-youth station ‘North Pole – 28’. We went around the pole in a year; I wintered there for a whole year. I was very young, still an employee at the Arctic and Antarctic Institute. Almost 40 years ago. The second circumnavigation was also short. That one was around the South Pole – during the Soviet Antarctic Expedition on the icebreaker ‘Akademik Fedorov’, it was in 1989. But even then there were plans to go on a classic round-the-world expedition – under sails, like in the good old days, like our great ancestors.

When the opportunity arose, we came up with a plan with friends and organized it. That is why it is called "Retracing the Routes of Great Expeditions", repeating, at different stages, those same sea routes of our great ancestors.

What was the hardest part? The difficult thing is always human relationships. These are crews, new people all the time, people don’t always get along with each other. And there is a difficult situation around, the ocean, sometimes ice, sometimes the tropics, and, of course, it is not easy for people to work together in a confined space and the powerful elements surrounding us. But the most impressive thing is also people. How they change. I see that they come being one way and leave transformed. And their life will never be the same again, because no one will take away from them the extraordinary things they have done.

There are many beautiful places on the planet: fantastically beautiful Antarctica, inhumanly impressive Patagonia, where everything seems to be in the first days of creation – rocks, fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls. Amazing beauty of Russia: Kamchatka and Chukotka are stunning. There, not only the nature is wonderful, but also the animal world is incredibly rich – I have never seen so many whales, walruses, seals at the same time in my life. And of course, our native Yenisei is beautiful and powerful. We saw a huge aurora over the Yenisei when we were returning home. It will be impossible to forget all this," Alexey Loginov, the head of the expedition, shared his impressions of the circumnavigation.

At the briefing. Photo: Krasnoyarsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society

Igor Spiridenko, Chairman of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, stressed at a briefing that the "Retracing the Routes of Great Expeditions" circumnavigation of the world has also become a serious project of comprehensive research within the framework of the priority state program for the development of the Arctic zone of Russia.

“It is difficult to overestimate the courage of the expedition participants. As in the days of great expeditions, the seas and oceans remain a huge risk to humans. And it is very important that we have preserved that great spirit. Scientific research based on the results of this long voyage is still ahead, but already now we can say that we have gained a wealth of experience for Russia and Russian science, as well as for reaching the new heights in the development of the Arctic," Igor Spiridenko noted.

According to the long-standing president of Russia’s Ladoga Group, companies need resilient attitudes to win in the competitive game of spirits.

Veniamin Grabar, Ladoga Group

*This interview was first published in the June 2017 issue of The Spirits Business magazine

How did you start your career in the spirits industry?

I got into this field in 1992 and two years later I created the first spirits distribution company in Saint Petersburg. From 1996 to 1998 I was CEO at Russian spirits trading company RosalkoNeva, and in 1998 I continued my activity in the spirits industry, but in government services. As a governor’s counsellor I dealt with alcohol market regulations. At the same time in Saint Petersburg I created a unique system of accounting and control over the trade in alcoholic beverages. Two years later I decided to dedicate myself to business and in 2000 I became the head of Ladoga Group. As its president I have seen the company go through many hardships, crises, and legislative limitations, as well as prosperity. There were good times as well as less successful years, but all this instilled in me and my team a resistance to almost any disadvantage. As the saying goes, that which does not kill us makes us stronger.

Which brands were particularly successful for Ladoga in 2016?

There were three leaders in our portfolio: Tsarskaya/Imperial Collection Gold, which hit one million nine-litre case sales; the FrukoSchulz liqueurs range has taken first place in Russia for the past two years; and products of Bodegas el Cidacos – a wine from Rioja – are number one here.

Why was Tsarskaya so successful in 2016?

In comparison with 2015, sales of Tsarskaya throughout the world grew by 51% in 2016. This explosive growth is the result of a variety of efforts. In particular, volume export sales of the brand increased by 37%, although, of course, Russia remains the largest market for Tsarskaya. Direct distribution starting in the largest Russian market for vodka sales – Moscow – was an important stage. Essential growth was also achieved with an aggressive price policy throughout the year in our main distribution channel – retail chains.

Which markets have been important to the development of the brand?

Our strongest market is Russia: in 2016 we achieved the leading position in the premium vodka segment. The largest export countries are China, Germany, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. In 2016, shipments to China increased five times in comparison with 2015 thanks to joint efforts with our new local distributor. In 2016 we developed some new export destinations, such as Japan, Portugal, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. One of our most crucial tasks is to secure these markets.

How competitive is the vodka category at the moment?

The alcohol market has always been extremely competitive. Customers’ ability to reconsider their choice in favour of legal premium vodka was one of the most pertinent consumer trends in Russia in 2016. It was partly caused by the introduction of EGAIS (Unified State Automated Information System), which helped to decrease counterfeit spirits in the market. But the biggest impact was the price policies of premium brands in federal and local retail chains. The difference in cost between economy vodka and the promotional prices of premium vodka is not so great, and customers tend to buy higher quality drinks.

Are you targeting new markets?

We will expand our footprint in emerging markets. The first phase will target Middle Eastern countries and Sub-Saharan Africa. The focus of our marketing strategy is to establish Tsarskaya in duty free and travel retail, enhancing visibility in the channel starting with Dubai Duty Free. The second phase will target Southeast Asia.

Would you like to enter any new spirits categories via acquisitions?

As for categories, no. At the moment our company’s portfolio is well balanced. However, within categories we constantly follow consumer preferences, enter new positions and discontinue less in-demand expressions.

Are you targeting aggressive growth for any other spirit brands?

This year we plan not only to repeat last year’s results with the Tsarskaya/Imperial Collection Gold brand, but also to improve it. Even now we have grown 20% compared with the same time last year.

Vodohod Cruise and Travel is a Russian owned and operated company that was founded in 2004. It has grown into the country's largest river cruise operator with a fleet of 12 international English-speaking ships and a new-build on the way for 2020. Ships are branded as three-, four- and five-star vessels and the line offers seven- to 11-night sailings between Moscow and Saint Petersburg along the Moscow Canal, Volga River and its tributaries plus sailing across Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega -- the two biggest lakes in Europe.

Vodohod will float your boat if you like…

Vodohod offers affordable cruises that are considerably less expensive than similar itineraries along the same rivers. Its vacation partners include value-for-money companies such as U.S.-based Gate 1 Travel. There are reasons why the fares can be $1,000 or so lower than others, but you certainly won't feel short-changed when it comes to the overall experience of cruising through Russia.

On most river cruise lines all ships are exactly the same, with few differences between vessels run by the same company when it comes to onboard amenities. Vodohod offers travelers a choice with its fleet of vessels that the company ranks between three and five stars. Four-star ships might not have elevators and balconies, for example, so if these facilities are not important you can enjoy exactly the same cruise for less money.

A regular gripe on river cruises is there isn't enough entertainment, particularly when the sun goes down. Not so with Vodohod. In addition to the onboard pianist that is a mainstay on most cruises, you can also expect to find a talented resident folk band -- usually comprising a vocalist, accordionist and balalaika (Russian stringed instrument) player -- along with a musical duo. There are shows after dinner on most nights and night owls can dance the after hours away with live music from around 10:30 a.m., plus, the bars stay open until midnight.

For the majority of travellers, Russia is an intriguing and fascinating country. Vodohod enables passengers to get under the skin of this vast nation with a comprehensive and well thought out cultural program that includes language, song and dance lessons, poetry recitals and talks on subjects including art and fairy tales. Outstanding lectures on history and politics are delivered by speakers, including university professors, who are happy to tackle any questions in roundtable sessions.

Traditional Slavic dinner served on Rostropovich (Photo: Jeannine Williamson)

Serious sessions aside, Vodohod offers a packed daily program to fill daytime sailing hours. These include Russian doll painting classes (with a prize for the best one), an onboard treasure hunt, bingo, quizzes and a pirates' night.

Vodohod is constantly updating and refurbishing its fleet. The four-star MS Konstantin Fedin emerged from a six-month dry dock for the 2018 season and boasts new-look cabins with a fresh nautical color scheme, a bright Russian-themed restaurant and airy Conference Hall on the Sun Deck that is used for various shows and entertainment. MS Nizhny Novgorod will be refurbished for the 2019 season and new-build Prince Vladimir launches in 2020.

Walkout balcony cabins are still a relative rarity on river ships, especially those that sail in countries, including Germany, Austria and France, where the size of vessels is limited by low bridges and narrow locks. In Russia, things are very different and riverboats are much bigger. Some ships in the Vodohod fleet, such as MS Rostropovich, offer verandas in virtually every cabin across three passenger decks. On other ships, there is room for a table and chairs outside the cabin on the public deck, along with full promenade decks circling the entire vessel so passengers can stretch their legs.

Fares include daily excursions and any entry fees to all the "must see" sights including Moscow's Red Square, the Kremlin and Tretyakov State Gallery, which houses the leading collection of Russian icons. In Saint Petersburg, the agenda includes the world-famous Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace and the Catherine Palace and park.

Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood in Uglich, Russia (Photo: Jeannine Williamson)

If you prefer not to travel in a horde with your fellow countrymen -- and like to broaden your horizons chatting to folks from other countries -- you are guaranteed to meet a cosmopolitan bunch aboard a Vodohod ship. The company sells cruises around the world to nations including the U.S., U.K. mainland Europe, Hong Kong, Brazil and beyond. This makes for an interesting onboard vibe.

While many river cruises are adult-only -- or only attract adults -- kids are welcome on Vodohod. Although there are no specific facilities for youngsters, the ships are large enough for children to play without disturbing others and crew members make a big fuss of any mini-passengers. Some ships offer single to three-person cabins, which are ideal for parents with children and solo travelers in multigenerational groups.

Vodohod is probably not the line for you if you like…

Each evening you have to tick a form to make you dining choices from a menu of three appetizers, two soups, three entrees and three desserts for the next night's dinner. So, if you like the spontaneity of deciding on your meal when you sit down at the table, it isn't the company for you.

On embarkation you are allocated a restaurant table with fellow English-speakers for the duration of the cruise, in particular dinner, which won't suit those who enjoy the freedom of open seating and getting to know new passengers -- and in a worst case scenario escaping from folks they don't get along with. There is some flexibility to join other English tables for breakfast or lunch but nobody did this on our cruise, which probably shows the system works and everyone gets along just fine.

On many river cruise lines it is the norm to include free-flowing wine, beer and soda with lunch and dinner, but naturally there are reasons that Vodohod cruises cost less than some of its competitors and this is one of them. If you like an alcoholic beverage with your lunch, you will have to pay for it. Dinner does include one glass of red or white wine, beer or soda but if you want a refill, you'll have to add it to the onboard account.

Breakfast and lunch are buffet meals with no a la carte menus or made-to-order options. If you're a fan of self-serve, you'll be fine, but if you prefer to sit down and have wait staff bring food to the table, then it won't go down so well.

Posted Thursday, July 20, 2023 1:00 am

For the Journal Review

Comcast has started construction that will provide families and businesses in unserved portions of Montgomery County access to the Xfinity 10 G Network.

Under Indiana’s Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, Comcast is partnering with state and local officials to build and deliver fast, reliable broadband service to more than 1,200 homes and businesses in unserved portions of Waveland, Waynetown and Ladoga, and the entire town of New Market. Work will also be conducted in underserved areas in southern Crawfordsville. This project will deploy more than 90 miles of fiber in Montgomery County.

Comcast is investing millions in the Montgomery County expansion project, which falls under the third phase of NLC. A customizable map from OCRA is available here and reflects all three finalized rounds of NLC agreements with all internet service providers.

“More than ever, people are relying on e-learning and telemedicine, which can be difficult in rural areas if there isn’t a strong internet provider,” said Jeremy Burton, Government Affairs manager for Comcast in Indiana. “Partnering with Montgomery County to bridge the digital divide will economically pay huge dividends for rural Hoosiers.”

Comcast is already activating some residents within the Montgomery County expansion project and anticipates having its gigabit-ready, fiber-to-the-home network completed early next year. As each phase of the build is complete, residential customers will be able to take advantage of the Xfinity 10G Network, including:

• Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices annually across the company’s network. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways delivers the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to simultaneously power streaming, telehealth, videoconferencing, gaming and more.

• Gigabit Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products.

• Home Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with an Xfinity WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year.

• Reliable Network: Comcast’s Xfinity 10G Network passes 60 million homes and businesses and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm-ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out.

• Ultra-Low Lag: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency, also known as low lag, for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home.

This expansion also provides families access to Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest broadband adoption initiative for low-income families. Internet Essentials provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month, digital literacy training and discounted computers. This, along with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), gives income-constrained families support on their internet and mobile data plans. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 440,000 students, parents, veterans and seniors in Indiana.