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The Glass Quarter - A gripping detective thriller set in modern Moscow

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  Genre:  Crime Fiction/Political Thriller Setting:  Contemporary Moscow, Russia Length:  Full-length novel (6 chapters) Synopsis When prominent Moscow developer Maxim Lavrov is found dead in his office with a gun in his hand and a suicide note on his desk, detective Captain Elena Svetlova initially assumes it's another wealthy businessman who couldn't handle the pressure. But something doesn't add up - the absence of gunpowder residue on Lavrov's hands, the staged positioning of his body, and a missing three million rubles from his office safe. As Elena delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of corruption that reaches back to Stalin's purges of the 1930s. Lavrov wasn't just any developer - he was the key figure in the "Moscow Heritage" project, a massive urban renovation scheme that threatened to expose dark secrets buried in the archives of a former NKVD building. The investigation becomes personal when Elena's historian husband...

The Secret Archives of the NKVD: What Moscow's Basements Hide (based on the novel “The Glass Quarter”

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  Secret NKVD Archives: What Lies Hidden in Moscow's Basements Beneath Moscow's modern streets and gleaming skyscrapers lies a network of archives containing the darkest secrets of the Soviet era. These repositories, created by the NKVD (the predecessor of the KGB), hold documents that continue to shape Russia's present and influence the lives of countless people. What truths remain sealed in these yellowed files, and what will happen when they see the light of day again? The creation of the NKVD archives: documenting terror In the 1930s, when Stalin's repressions reached their terrifying peak, the NKVD created special archive repositories throughout Moscow. These were not ordinary document storage facilities, but fortified bunkers in which all aspects of the activities of the state security services were carefully catalogued. The most important NKVD archives were located in inconspicuous buildings scattered throughout the city center, often disguised as ordinary admini...

How to Save and Spend Money Wisely in the USA

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 Life in the United States opens up numerous financial opportunities, but it also requires a smart approach to personal finance management. In this article, we'll explore how to properly plan a budget, save, and invest money in the American reality. Creating and Maintaining a Personal Budget Effective financial management begins with creating a budget. Here's a step-by-step approach: Determine your after-tax income . In the US, taxes are often withheld by employers, but it's important to know the exact amount that reaches your account.  Divide expenses into fixed and variable . Fixed expenses include housing rent, loan payments, and insurance. Variable expenses include food, entertainment, and shopping.  Follow the 50/30/20 rule :  50% of income for necessary expenses 30% for wants and entertainment 20% for savings and investments  Regularly review and adjust your budget . Financial situations change, and your budget should reflect these changes.  Real-life...

During times of economic uncertainty

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  In today's fast-paced world, where economic uncertainty has become the norm, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. Job insecurity, inflation, and financial problems can increase feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout, creating a breeding ground for mental health issues. This article provides practical strategies to help you cope with these challenges and maintain your well-being, even when external circumstances seem overwhelming. Understanding the impact of economic stress Financial uncertainty affects more than just our bank accounts — it also has a profound impact on our mental health. According to the 2023 Stress in America survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, money remains the number one stressor for Americans: 65% of respondents say money is a significant source of stress in their lives. When 34-year-old marketing professional Sarah was furloughed during a company restructuring, she described the experience as ‘living wi...


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US Stock Market Update: Key Events and Trends (May 13, 2025)

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  Market Overview The US stock market closed yesterday with robust gains following positive news about tariff reductions between the United States and China. The S&P 500 index surged by 3.26%, reaching 5,844.19 points – its highest level since the beginning of the year. The Dow Jones added 2.81%, while the NASDAQ Composite demonstrated an impressive increase of 4.35%. The primary growth driver was an agreement between Washington and Beijing on a temporary 90-day mutual tariff reduction, which alleviated concerns about recession and trade wars. Sector Performance and Shifting Investor Sentiment Since the beginning of 2025, the S&P 500 had shown a decline of 3.7% due to concerns surrounding US tariff policies. During this period of uncertainty, defensive sectors demonstrated notable resilience: Consumer Staples : Companies producing food, beverages, and household essentials grew by 5%. Stocks like Coca-Cola, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble typically remain stable even ...

The art of balancing: the Fed, Congress and the US economy in spring 2025

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  The world of finance is anything but calm today. Like a stormy sea, the American market is shaken by waves of change, and the horizon is clouded with uncertainty. Spring 2025 has brought a whole bouquet of economic challenges that could reshape the financial landscape not only of the United States but of the entire world. Let’s take a look at the main trends defining the economic reality of this spring. Dancing on the Edge: The Specter of a Government Default Like the sword of Damocles, the threat of reaching the U.S. government debt ceiling hangs over the American economy. The U.S. Treasury is sounding the alarm, though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assures the public: “The U.S. government will never allow a default. We will raise the debt ceiling. The Treasury will not perform any tricks; we will ensure the debt ceiling is increased.” ( Izvestia, May 6, 2025 ) U.S. government debt has already surpassed $36 trillion—a staggering figure ( Lenta.ru, May 6, 2025 ). If Congress d...

Official trailer of the book "Song of Shadows"

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 https://youtu.be/_pPEdJYDBOU Official book trailer for "Song of Shadows" — a gripping thriller about secrets, guilt, and the shadows of the past. Watch the trailer and discover the full story on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZDCMDCH


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