US officials urged to practice yoga
US officials urged to practice yoga
MOSCOW (AP) — A senior Russian diplomat says U.S. officials should do yoga and watch TV comedy series to ease what he calls their irrational fixation on punishing Russia over Ukraine.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov’s comments to the Interfax news agency Thursday reflected simmering tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The U.S. and the EU have slapped members of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s entourage with travel bans and asset freezes.
Ryabkov warned that Moscow may take retaliatory steps, but he didn’t elaborate.
Ryabkov said the U.S. got “fixated” on halting cooperation with Russia. He said his “advice to the U.S. partners is to spend more time outdoors, do yoga … and watch TV comedy series” instead of “childish whims, tears and hysterics that won’t help.”
Bush’s portraits to be exhibited
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President George W. Bush will talk with daughter Jenna Bush Hager about his first art exhibit on NBC’s “Today” show this morning.
His portraits of 24 world leaders include Tony Blair, Vladimir Putin and the Dalai Lama. The paintings will be shared with the “Today” audience.
Former first lady Laura Bush will join her husband for a portion of the interview inside the art studio in their Dallas home.
The exhibit, titled “The Art of Leadership: A President’s Personal Diplomacy,” goes on display Saturday at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas.
Bush, who left office in 2009, has taken up oil painting in recent years.
He says the subjects of his portraits have earned his admiration as leaders.