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Operation RYAN: The Man Without a Face in an Elusive Program

During the early 80s, the world was again on the brink. The diplomatic relations between the East and the West were very unstable. There were a few factors. The Soviets believed the United States was going to start a nuclear attack. A personal element was present, too. Yury Andropov was haunted by the events in Hungary in the 1950s and how the once powerful Communist state began to crumble. Therefore, he justified operation RYAN, or Raketno Yadernoe Napadenie (Nuclear Missile Attack). The whole purpose of the operation was to collect intelligence to prevent a possible attack. In other words, the project was a sort of intelligence operation among the countries of the Iron Curtain, primarily the (former) Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic as their close ally. The program was initiated in May 1981.

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The Art of Flower Gardening – Few Tips from 1889

“A beautiful garden, tastefully laid out, and well kept, is a certain evidence of taste, refinement and culture. It makes a lowly cottage attractive, and lends a charm to the stateliest palace,” wrote Sophia Orne Johnson in 1889, in her manual about flower gardening for the ladies. Here are her tips for mastering this skill and building a good image in the society…

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How did Nikita Khruschev Maintain His Control Behind the Iron Curtain?

Nikita Khruschev held a meeting on November 4, 1956, with CPSU party activists. He considered it very important to brief his comrades about the situation. Therefore, describing thoroughly all the events that happened recently was a natural solution.

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Personality Cult Behind Cameo Jewelry

How can a cameo help to build a personality cult? How can you use this specific form of engraving to send a message about your divine powers or extraordinary strength? These three Roman emperors knew. They used this rare form of luxury art to make their message have a special look and feel. Divine. If you want to say you’re divine, your “message” needs to look divine. And unique.

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Pandora’s Box: How a Notorious Jar Became Divine?

Sickness, famine, war, death and other evils aren’t beautiful. That fact made the artist question the mystery of Pandora’s box.

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