Playland visitors in Simferopol can punch policeman for money

In Simferopol playland a new a attraction "Punch the policeman" which allows visitors to beat a policeman dummy for a moderate price. Automatic machine attracts visitors by the following phrases: "I'm an evil cop! I'm the one who penalizes you! Do you have the guts to prove that you are cool? Punch me!". The attraction is very popular among visitors, while police are outraged.

Alexander Miroshnichenko, the director of Simferopol ecological-cultural center for kids, was surprised to see the new attraction, however, he has no right to do anything about it. "Obviously, if this machine is popular, then people have such a need" – he says.

Anatoly Protsenko, the chief of police states that the existence of this attraction is the offence of all policemen, while businessmen, who rent the place in the playland are sure that attraction "Punch the policeman" is nothing but a joke and such machines popular around the world.

Lovers tram in Lvov

On February 14 one of the trams in Lvov (Lviv) works only for loving couples. To get the ticket lovers will need to kiss before stepping in. The tram will be decorated with balloons, passengers will enjoy music and conductor will share the sweets and pour champagne instead of the tickets. Also the passengers will take part in the excursion dedicated to Saint Valentine's Day.

Take a tram-restaurant in Vinnitsa

Tram-trolleybus department of Vinnitsa redesigned into a restaurant and brought into operation one of 14 trams which earlier were given to city for free by municipality of Zurich. The tram-restaurant is equipped with 4 tables, 25 chairs, music center and additional interior lighting.

"On the eve of new year we had an idea to redesign one of the Swiss trams into a tram-restaurant so that citizens and guests of Vinnitsa not only move around the city in a comfortable manner but also could enjoy the trip", the director of the department says.

Tram-restaurant will travel back and forth Vinnitsa only by advanced order. One hour rent costs 200 hryvnas (about $40 USD). Similar tram-restaurant runs around Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, for about a year.

Lard festival in Poltava

Lard festival was celebrated in Poltava on January 19, 2008. About 20 companies specialized in lard production organized tasting of best lard from smoked to steamed sorts.

In the beginning of the festival, Poltava mayor cut a roast pig and all people could taste it. The mayor said: "Poltava is not only the capital of Poltava Galushkas (dumplings), but the capital of Salo (lard) as well. First, in Poltava there is a pig-breeding research institute which is unique in Eastern Europe. Second, Poltava is the leader in producing and eating lard in Ukraine"

Scientists from Poltava pig-breeding research institute deny the dietitians' theory of lard harmfulness. They stated that lard contains arachidonic acid which belongs to unsaturated fat and is one of the indispensable acids for human organism. "Eating lard within measure is health-giving. According to folk medicine, lard cures toothache, joints pain, mastitis, eczema" –scientists said.

Together with lard selling there were a lot of contests during the festival. For example, five men should have some vodka with lard: the fastest is the winner. Also many folk groups entertained the public. The mayor promised that Lard Festival in Poltava will become traditional.

"Red Wine" festival in Mukachevo

Traditional wine festival was celebrated in Mukachevo within 3 days from 11th till 14th of January 2008. "Red Wine 2008" is thirteenth annual festival which is organized on the main square of Mukachevo before the old style New Year.

About 80 wine-makers from Transcarpathian region took part in the festival competition. A lot of local and foreign tourists could taste the variety of wines for free and buy bottles from 10 to 100 hrivnas (from $2 to 20 USD).

World famous Al Di Meola will take part in new Ukrainian festival "Our Christmas"

The first festival "Our Christmas" will take place in Kiev Sport Palace within two days (January 10-11, 2008). Many famous and unknown groups and performers from most of Ukraine regions will take part in the concert and Christmas Musical&Theatrical Show on Ice.

The highlight of the program is simultaneous performance of about 70-80 singers and musicians and participation of well-known around the world American guitarist Al Di Meola, who was charmed by Ukrainian folk musical instrument Pandora and Ukrainian Christmas songs Schedrivkas.

Festival organizer plan to turn the debut into an annual event. Next year "Our Christmas" will start with a gala-concert and continue with solo-concerts.