Eastern Europe is the eastern region of Europe variably defined. It can denote:

1. the region lying between the variously and vaguely defined areas of Central Europe and Russia. This contemporary delineation is more commonly used to identify the region since the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact
2. a diverse area of land stretching from east to west as follows:

- its eastern limit is either the Ural Mountains within Russia or from the Pacific coast of the Russian Far East

- its western limit is the boundary between the European Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States (sometimes excluding Kaliningrad).

Politically, "Eastern Europe" may in fact cover all of northeastern Eurasia, since Russia is one single transcontinental geopolitical entity. Cyprus is also frequently taken to be a European state, although geographically it is in Asia. The same approach is also sometimes taken with the post-Soviet states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus.

The boundaries of Eastern Europe can be subject to considerable overlap and fluctuation depending on the context they are used in, which makes differentiation difficult. As is also true of continents, regions are only social constructs and should not be understood as physical features defined by abstract, neutral criteria.

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L.A. Times - Food & Dining

The story behind Philippe's and its famous French dip
Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The Los Angeles landmark will celebrate its centennial Monday with dignitaries, the founder's grandson and slashed prices. Philippe's, home of the French dip sandwich, turns 100 this year, and for much of the last century local historians and foodies have been arguing over one question: How was the dish created?
A movable feast day
Wed, 19 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800
As the end of Ramadam -- Islam's holiest month -- is celebrated around the world, this week's Encore recipe from 2005 takes a look at other festive dishes that are traditional to the Muslim table. Tomorrow night is the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday corresponding to the final day of the Mecca pilgrimage. Non-Muslims are probably more familiar with Eid al-Fitr, which ends the Ramadan fast, but Eid al-Adha -- the Feast of the Sacrifice -- is actually the more important celebration. It's also known as the Great Feast (Eid al-Kabir).
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Clubs, websites and blogs are springing up as enthusiasts experiment with new brews and share what they've learned along the way. IT'S ONE of the many home brew competitions that take place around the country each year. There's the panel of certified judges, the international entrants in 28 categories of beer and mead -- and there's the hops-filled afternoon of sipping and scribbling until a winner is crowned.

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