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In 1953 a student of the Gnessin State Institute of Music and Pedagogy, Kogan, wrote a sinfonietta as his diploma piece, and on examination it emerged that it was built upon the national anthem of Israel. This became the occasion for a further investigation, in the course of which it
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In fairness, it should be said that at the time of this libel the State Symphony Orchestra of the USSR had 112 players, of whom 66 were Russians, 40 Jews and 6 others. In 1951-52 fourteen people were admitted to the orchestra, eleven of them Russians and three Jews.
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This hideous dwarf with his tongue lolling out and his legs bowed is the Egyptian deity Bes, patron of house, home and hearth. The cult is believed to derive from the cat, though possibly from a shrewish mother-in-law
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The foreskin of Jesus is one of the mysterious relics of the Catholic world. The product of Christ's circumcision is otherwise known as the Holy Prepuce. One subtlety: the modern Church knows of no fewer than 18 prepuces
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Are you familiar with the works of the Holy Prepuce? anonymous poll. No – 537 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 71% Not yet, but I'd like to be – 170 👍👍 22% Yes, and I am impressed – 36 ▫️ 5% Yes, but not enthused – 15 ▫️ 2% 👥 758 people voted so far.
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Bronze plaques telling the stories of houses and lanes have been installed on Prechistenka. At least some use has been found for all that paving
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A Victorian device for the discreet fitting of shoes. The salesman sees only the ankle; he cannot peer up the skirt or meet the lady's eye, and is obliged to gaze at nothing but the royal coat of arms
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