In Russia, each woman gives birth to an average of 1.7 children. This birth rate does not please President Vladimir Putin, who in addition to banning the adoption of Russian children by Americans, has encouraged Russian families (sometimes with material incentives), to strengthen the country by having at least three kids.
Groups of three seem to be to Putin’s liking, as he plans to utilize the services of R&B group Boyz II Men in his mission to up reproduction numbers. The Moscow Times reports that, just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Boyz will “perform a selection of their classic and new romantic ballads, hopefully giving Russian men some inspiration.”
One may think the president’s own personal virility campaign, what with its very bareback horseback riding, tiger hunting, judo fights, not blinking, and so forth, would be inspiration enough. But Putin knows a little outdated, soulful, American Motown, with classic hits like “Uhh Ahh,” can’t hurt.
