While I was gone...

*While I was gone Boris Yeltsin died. He was a very interesting man and was the first president of the Russian Federation serving from 1991-1999. His presidency was marked by many reforms and he is well worth the research if you like "bigger than Life" type characters.
*The Wednesday after Yeltsin's death was declared a day of mourning in Russia. Flags were flown at half mask and all Comedy's were removed for the television for that day.
*The Russian custom when people die is to have burial on the third day. This is followed by a reunion of family and friends. A picture of the deceased is placed at one of the table settings and a piece of bread and a glass of Vodka is set for them. This is repeated on the 9th and 40th day after death with a visit to the grave and then the reunion. Sometimes a glass of Vodka is also left at the grave. During the first 40 days only good things may be said about the deceased.