Author’s note: Inside Out is a column to help you sift through Ukraine’s cultural peculiarities, dip into the arcane Slavic soul and basically keep you out of trouble.

DONETSK, UKRAINE – When Ukraine played England in Dnipropetrovsk in October, the intimidating atmosphere was an important factor in their 1-0 victory. But, in the 1-0 loss to Greece in Donetsk on Nov. 18, the half-empty stands generated little of the noise and support normally forthcoming from the team’s “12th man.” The loss ended Ukraine’s hopes of playing in the World Cup finals.

Already a November tradition, a festival of new outstanding British films is taking place in Kyiv. This year’s program includes six movies: “Looking...

The Mungolian Jet Set project that performed in Kyiv’s Khlib Club last June is now back with a vengeance at the same location, to play at one of...

PARIS, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Roman Polanski will not agree voluntarily to being extradited to the United States over a 1970s child sex case, the film director's lawyer said in an interview with French daily Le Figaro published on Nov. 20.

LOS ANGELES, Nov 19 (Reuters Life!) - Hollywood watchers think vampire romance "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" could take a nearly $100 million bite from movie theater box offices when it debuts this weekend, and score one of the biggest openings ever for a non-summer film.

Numerous coffee shop chains have already become a characteristic feature of Kyiv’s restaurant scene. Judging by their growing number, it’s possible to deduce that the business is going well. The question is: are they any good?

“Where are you going to celebrate New Year’s Eve?” is a common question you may hear from a Ukrainian friend or colleague any time starting in December. It’s considered really “uncool” to have nothing planned, so even if you haven’t got anything special lined up, say that you do.

Probably the most recognized brand name in fashion and luxury goods, symbolizing Parisian couture at its best, Chanel has found its way to Kyiv. The official retailer boutique opened in the city a few weeks ago.

Mango Men

Even before the inhabitants of Kyiv started walking around with gauze masks on their faces to avoid catching the flu, the city seemed to suffer from a lack of oxygen. Not long ago praised as one of Europe’s greenest urban centers, the medieval town is now besieged by cars and their aggressive drivers, who sometimes recall ancient steppe warriors in their contempt for civilized pedestrians. The sidewalk is often no safer than the side street.

The Waste Museum belongs to those lesser-known museums of Kyiv, not listed in most tourist guides, but is an interesting place to visit for almost anybody.

Israeli jazz musician Avishai Cohen is only 38 years old. But he’s a fast-rising star in his profession.

MTV Ukraine has a new face. Blue-eyed and nearly two meters tall, he could as well work on Fashion TV.

If you want to test your physical fitness, strength and coordination, visit Sky Quest Rope Park – the first indoor ropes course in Kyiv. You can conquer its challenging obstacles or relax, relieving stress from the office.

The only place in Kyiv where you can already see the “real” winter deal is Protasiv Yar ski complex, located in a 20-minute walking distance from the Respublikanskiy Stadium metro station.

After years of hardship, the gourmets of our city can rejoice at last. They will be able to satisfy their hunger for exquisite delicacies without having to go out to a restaurant or taking a trip abroad, as the first proper gourmet shop in Kyiv, Delight, opens its doors.

While the Kyiv Post food section no longer exists (along with most of the entertainment and culture Guide), a temporary casualty of the economy, it’s certainly no reason to stop reporting the latest news from the city’s ever-growing restaurant scene.