Modified Progress cargo spacecraft docks with ISS.

KOROLEV, the Moscow region, October 18 (Itar-Tass) - The third Russian
modified spacecraft Progress with a digital control system docked with the
International Space Station (ISS) at 05:41 (Moscow time) on Sunday
morning, a source at the Flight Control Centre in Korolev told Itar-Tass.

The spacecraft had delivered about 2.5 tons of various cargoes,
including food, water, health aids, fuel, various equipment and gifts for
the crew.
The 21st main expedition is now working at the ISS. It comprises
Russians Roman Romanenkov and Maxim Surayev, Americans Nicole Scott and
Geoffrey Williams, Belgian Franco de Vinn and Canadian Robert Thirsk.
Fuel, water, oxygen and standard food ratios were not the only things,
which the ISS crew received from the Earth. Experts from the Institute of
Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences had
sent four kilograms of apples, 2.5 kilograms of oranges, 3.5 kilograms of
grapefruit, two kilograms of lemons, two kilograms of onions and one
kilogram of garlic. All fruit and vegetables are packed in special
containers, which keep them fresh for several months.
A group of psychologists had sent a box of chocolates and other
sweeties to the ISS as well as the fresh issues of automobile magazines
"Top Gear", "Avtomir" and "Klakson" and also photos from the MAKS-2009 air
show that was held in Zhukovsky near Moscow this year.
Space designers had sent new suits and clothes for the members of the
21st expedition and those who would replace them late in December.
Russians Romanenko and Surayev who arrived at the station only two
weeks ago have received parcels and letters from their loving families.


. The Choir of Kuban Cossacks to open new season in Moscow.

MOSCOW, October 18 (Itar-Tass) - The State Academic Choir of the Kuban
Cossacks will on Sunday open a new season in Moscow. The concert will be
held in hall of church congresses at the Christ the Savior's Cathedral.
The program includes pieces by Viktor Gavrilovich who has been working
with the choir for 35 years.
Moscow has always given a warm reception to the choir. On October 19
it will give the second concert at the Tchaikovsky concert hall. The
program will include Russian folk songs, Cossack dances and lyrical pieces
by Viktor Zakharchenko, the People's Artist of Russia and Ukraine and the
choir's director.
The State Academic Choir of Kuban Cossacks has 250 artists. Its
history dates back to the 19th century.

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