Paul Krugman vs. the Baltic

Economist/commentator Krugman gets called on his antipathy to the Baltic nations, something that Estonia already did in magnificent fashion. Is Krugman seriously dumping on the successful Baltic states because they are successful (as opposed to the implosions in southern Europe)?

Teddy Bearborne Division Invades Belarus

Here's something odd, cute, and daring all at once:

After weeks of denial, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko admitted that a small Swedish plane entered his country's airspace July 4, dropping hundreds of teddy bears on tiny black parachutes, the Belta news agency reports. 

The teddy bears carried signs reading, "Belarus freedom" and "We support the Belarus struggle for free speech."

Cutest airborne division ever? Yet ... yet ... what if all the cuddly paratroopers turn out like Ted?  That could be the biggest psyop hilarity in a while.  More here, with video!  You can also go directly to the cheeky website of the folks behind the teddy bear drop.  Lukashenko is often called the last dictator in Europe.  Dictators, as you know, cannot bear (no pun intended) to be made ridiculous.  Oh, and look at this photo!  It's raining bears!  Subversive bears!

Quirky Euro Files: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Ummm ... what?   *giggle*