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Google to close engineering office in Russia

reuters.com

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Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#261

Post by adventured »

notjackma wrote: post #231
a_c_s wrote: post #203

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Russia has neither free speech nor free elections. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25299116 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/30/russia.politics

China has none of the above and is now the world's largest economy. Doesn't seem to be an impediment to doing business, does it? http://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-official-america-is-now...

The US is the world's largest economy, roughly 70% larger than China in fact.

That's a bogus article, that is more link-bait than substance - which is why nobody has taken it seriously. The author is patting their self on the back for forecasting an event they then self-proclaim to have taken place.

"So a Starbucks venti Frappucino served in Beijing counts the same as a venti Frappucino served in Minneapolis, regardless of what happens to be going on among foreign-exchange traders."

If a person in China making 10% of my income can buy as many Starbucks coffees as I can, that does not mean we have the same economic power or scale. I can buy a BMW, and they cannot, and that tells you the real story.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#262

Post by _random_ »

at-fates-hands wrote: post #219
tonfa wrote: post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

At least in term of compensation, Zurich is hard to beat.

You can also throw in: - One of the best health care systems in the world - Incredible educational system - Technology and innovation - Compact, well run government - Some of the lowest crime rates in the world - Ski much? Some of the best ski resorts in the world are in the Swiss Alps. If you don't, then you still have some breath taking scenery to look at. Not sure you could find a better place to live than Switzer…

Better check how long/difficult is the settlement/citizenship process. Is it even achievable? There are fairer places to go, it should be a strategic decision not an opportunistic one.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#263

Post by EC1 »

Yizahi wrote: post #238
mc32 wrote: post #191

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Kaspersky is interesting. I like their security labs but I am always aware their founder was FSB (KGB-trained) and has good relations with senior personnel (nomenklatura) there, so, while I don't think it's automatic that Kaspersky would do the Russ gov 'favors' it's not out of the question either however Wired has reported as such.

Kaspersky proposed to government to implement a kind of internet-passport, and to allow internet usage only for people verified by government. I wouldn't trust such a person with anything.

What is wrong with that? Internet shouldn't be a basic human right, it should be a privilege, like driving.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#264

Post by dreamweapon »

osipov wrote: post #134
unprepare wrote: post #110

Earlier quoted context omitted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Russia#Propagand... No, it isnt. key point from the text: Under the statute it is effectively illegal to hold any gay pride events, speak in favor of gay rights, or say that gay relationships are equal to heterosexual relationships in presence of minors.[5][57][60][64][65]

You are not parsing the text correctly. It is legal to "hold any gay pride events, speak in favor of gay rights, or say that gay relationships are equal to heterosexual relationships" It is illegal "illegal to hold any gay pride events, speak in favor of gay rights, or say that gay relationships are equal to heterosexual relationships _in presence of minors_."

It is illegal "illegal to hold any gay pride events, speak in favor of gay rights, or say that gay relationships are equal to heterosexual relationships _in presence of minors_."

For example, in a public square.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#265

Post by a-priori »

notjackma wrote: post #195
colinbartlett wrote: post #177

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And why choose Zurich over Moscow as the place to center its engineers? Maybe because the business climate is not as conducive and that's very much because of the political situation in Russia.

Zurich = Central location in Europe, natives speak multiple languages, science and R&D already there (pharmaceutical).

Also, Switzerland being in the Schengen area means they can recruit from any other Schengen country -- more-or-less the EU minus Britain and Ireland, plus Iceland, Switzerland and Norway -- without needing to get work visas or any other right-to-work documentation.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#266

Post by capisce »

bad_user wrote: post #174
osipov wrote: post #141

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>>So spare me rhetoric about every government or country being the same. Don't twist my words. I said governments are becoming more authoritarian. I stand by this statement.

Judging by your other comments, your intent is pretty clear but I'll bite. I strongly disagree that governments are becoming more authoritarian, it's quite the opposite, governments are becoming more liberal and democratic, with the situation improving even in countries such as Libya, Egypt and Morocco. The only reason for why the situation seems bleak to some people is because access to information has become unhind…

Democracy seems to be struggling in some African countries: http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-return-of-africas-strongmen-...

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#267

Post by NARKOZ »

It’s time to recognize the Internet as a basic human right. That means guaranteeing affordable access for all, ensuring Internet packets are delivered without commercial or political discrimination, and protecting the privacy and freedom of Web users regardless of where they live.

http://time.com/3631377/internet-cia-putin-berners-lee/

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#268

Post by adventured »

supergirl wrote: post #246
bad_user wrote: post #133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm a Romanian, a country that's pretty close to Russia and I am one that suffers for what the Ukrainians are going through with Russia, because I can see how the same thing could happen in Basarabia (Moldova) and there are already signs of that. Russia historically has been occupying territories, getting rid of any political dissent by effectively killing or deporting people, while crushing their national identity.…

And what makes you think US would have treated Romania better? Please read more about history. Your ignorance is common. For every bad thing Russia did there is an equally bad thing US did. Same goes for any other 2 countries. It's everyone for himself.

When did the US annex 1/3 of Latin America?

There's no sane comparison to be made between the US and its neighbors, and what the Soviet Union did to Europe.

The US - Canadian border for a century was the largest, basically unguarded border in world history.

Wake me up when the US invades Canada and starts annexing territory.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#269

Post by at-fates-hands »

_random_ wrote: post #262
at-fates-hands wrote: post #219

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can also throw in: - One of the best health care systems in the world - Incredible educational system - Technology and innovation - Compact, well run government - Some of the lowest crime rates in the world - Ski much? Some of the best ski resorts in the world are in the Swiss Alps. If you don't, then you still have some breath taking scenery to look at. Not sure you could find a better place to live than Switzer…

Better check how long/difficult is the settlement/citizenship process. Is it even achievable? There are fairer places to go, it should be a strategic decision not an opportunistic one.

I've done some checking and if you're going to settle there on a perm basis, I think it would be worth it.

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/becoming-a-citizen/29288376

Foreigners with no direct blood ties to Switzerland through either birth or marriage must live in the country for at least 10 years (reduced from 12 years by a new law passed in June 2014) before they can apply for citizenship. (Years spent in the country between age ten and 20 count double). The person must be well integrated, familiar with customs and traditions, law abiding, and pose no threat to internal or external security. The Federal Migration Office will then “green light” an applicant’s request to begin the naturalisation process but that does not mean citizenship is certain. Rather, cantons and municipalities have their own requirements that must be met. One canton, for example, might require applicants to live for two years in the region while another might require a decade. For more on the process, please visit the Federal Migration Office.

The other interesting thing is being born in the country doesn't mean you're granted citizenship.

Re: Google to close engineering office in Russia

#270

Post by adventured »

bad_user wrote: post #174
osipov wrote: post #141

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>>So spare me rhetoric about every government or country being the same. Don't twist my words. I said governments are becoming more authoritarian. I stand by this statement.

Judging by your other comments, your intent is pretty clear but I'll bite. I strongly disagree that governments are becoming more authoritarian, it's quite the opposite, governments are becoming more liberal and democratic, with the situation improving even in countries such as Libya, Egypt and Morocco. The only reason for why the situation seems bleak to some people is because access to information has become unhind…

This is mostly accurate.

Europe pre-WW2 was overrun with all variations of fascism and authoritarianism. Prior to that, it was still ruled by Kings, Queens, and Imperial rule ala Napoleon.

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