Being naughty for fun and profit

Russia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet. In fact, its population’s been shrinking since the early 1990s. But government leaders in the region of Ulyanovsk have got a “fix.” According to a story in today’s Denver Post, they’ve declared this coming September 12 the “Day of Conception” and for the third year in a row are giving couples time off from work to, well, screw their brains out and make babies.

Sound like fun? Well, it is! And not for just the obvious reason! Couples who “give birth to a patriot” exactly nine months later will win money, cars, washing machines, video cameras, and other prizes during June 12 festivities.

Is Russia a great country or what?