Was in Saint-Petersburg recently. Flew in closer to late afternoon. Of course, almost immediately I went to my favorite book store. Literally at first sight noticed this book «Loneliness in web» by J.L. Wisniewski. I never heard anything about the book, nor about Wisniewski. But, desire to buy it occurred instantly. Why? Maybe, the name was intriguing, maybe… Don’t know. At that time the phone rang. Partners came for negotiations. Had to return to the hotel. And closer to midnight, after the meeting, I returned to the book store and bought the book. Read it. It’s a very Slavic novel… «And from everything, that is infinite, love has the shortest term…»

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

I was observing our compatriots at the Saint-Petersburg International Economic Forum, and at Moscow Venture Forum and Russia-Canada Business Summit, which I participated in recently, and was thinking. There are so many of our «ex» scientists and businessmen worry about Russia, think about it, help out, and however can. And how many of our «today’s» officials, who can be found only on welcoming speeches, lunches and dinners…. Then question arises: who is our «ex», and how is our «today»?

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

Have you ever been to a Show of Japanese drummers TAIKOZA? Have you heard the soundtrack to «The Last Samurai» movie? That is TAIKOZA! Lots of drums, from tiny to huge, three Japanese men, three Japanese women and a European – multi-instrumentalist, nerve and leader of the group.

Powerful rhythms. Although in the beginning performers were a bit shy. Or just adjusting? Thought about Japanese restraints in character. Especially because just finished reading «Art of business communication with Japanese partners», where in detail it was described how different Japanese, European and North American people are. Russians are not Japanese. So the auditorium actively and friendly was supporting the group. And on the faces of «restricted» citizens of a country of rising sun smiles occurred, dances have begun, entering the auditorium and communication with people. Drummers partially got rid of their clothes. :) All action began to remind very much Russian performances. Melodies of shakuhachi and fue (bamboo flutes) were very similar to Russian motives, and koto sounded as habitual to us harp. And duel from two parties on one drum of a Japanese woman and the European? It was not duel, it was an erotic suite! At the end of the performance familiar tunes of «Podmoskovnie vechera», «Kalinka’ and applauses were endless! Good job! With full soul, incredible energy, with changing costumes, with respect to the viewers and country! TAIKOZA-YES!!!

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

Have spent several hours for business in Altay region in a five star sanatorium «Crown of Altay», located on two islands, interconnected with a capital bridge and surrounded with azure waters from the beauty-river Katun. Caucasian hospitality! Fascinating nature! Delicious home made Armenian cuisine! I RE-COM-MEND!

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

I flew to cold and rainy St.-Petersburg, have participated in World Grain Forum, carried out within the limits of St.-Petersburg International Economic Forum 2009. Some say, they even showed me on television. Well, what can you do when you’re famous :). From impressions: obviously, helpful event. However, it was more political than economic. What else have I noted with my captious sight of a business consultant, was management, brightly shown on the level of first persons of government and government business. I shall explain. The first one to present on the Forum was the President of Russia D. Medvedev. Moreover, despite his busy schedule, he stayed in the auditorium during the entire plenary session. Good job! You can’t say the same about some Russian heads of authorities and government business structures. Even their speeches reminded of reports at Congresses of the CPSU, followed by fast disappearance from the stage, «English-like», without waiting for questions and further discussion, forced to blush those who were in auditorium for «motherland» in front of foreigners. That was the brightly shown «management». It is not enough to say good and right words, it is necessary for subordinates to be motivated to carry out assigned actions from the heads. And bare in advance understood responsibility otherwise. So, if the President turns to me, I will help out with management. How can I resist – it is my profession. Maybe then life of people will start getting better? ;)

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

On the weekend went to Le Meridienne Moscow Country Club for 14^th President’s Cup of Russia golf championship. There were a lot of people: diplomats, businessmen, deputies, security, beautiful women, mass media… Didn’t present, it was too hot ;))

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com