Vladimir Putin, the Most Interesting Man in the World

Last August, Vladimir Putin pulled two Greek vases out of the sea, making him look like he should be in commericials like this one.





My immediate reaction was "yeah, right." This week, my snap judgment was confirmed.

Associated Press via News 3 (New Zealand): Vladimir Putin's treasure find on dive was a hoax

The widely publicised incident in which Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin pulled up ancient Greek jug fragments from the seabed on a diving expedition was staged, his chief spokesman said.

The August dive in the Kerch Strait that connects the Black and Azov seas was reported extensively in Russian and overseas media. Putin is noted for his habit of appearing in vigorous and adventurous settings, including fishing while stripped to the waist and riding with leather-clad motorcyclists.

If a picture is worth 1000 words, then moving pictures speak volumes. Take it away, Senator Vreenak!




Thank you, Senator. Your opinion, Iago?




Thank you, Iago.

I have nothing more to add to the above, so here's Putin tying a balloon animal.





Above modified from a story included in Overnight News Digest: Science Saturday (2011 Nobel Prizes edition) on Daily Kos.