Russia: Vladimir Zhirinovsky Beat

Russia's top ultranationalist, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, celebrated his 48th birthday in expansionist style:

Monday: Performed a traditional dance and sampled a new libation, Zhirinovsky vodka, at his Moscow birthday party, attended by 500 admirers. The new brand features on its label a map of the 19th century Russian empire's borders, for which Zhirinovsky has an oft-stated fondness. Also Monday: A British newspaper reported that he had gathered a group of psychics to help find Prince Charles' missing Jack Russell terrier, Pooh; they failed. Wednesday: Demanded that the entire Russian Cabinet resign in the wake of a parliamentary Deputy's murder, possibly by gangsters. When other Deputies called for the firing of the Interior Minister, who is responsible for state security, the Premier asked if they had a replacement in mind. "Me, me!" Zhirinovsky shouted. He also demanded that Deputies be allowed to carry guns and that gangsters be summarily executed. Thursday: Turned down an invite to Saddam Hussein's 57th birthday in Iraq, pleading a busy schedule.