Mini-skirted Russians urge better snow removal

[February 11, 2011]  ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) -- Too much snow and not enough beaus -- so says a squad of mini-skirted, high-heeled young women wielding snow shovels in Russia's second city.

Seven women dressed for maximum hotness came to the frigid square in front of St. Petersburg's Kazan Cathedral on Thursday to chip away at snow and ice and demand better city snow removal. They're affiliated with XZ, a local group that uses beautiful women to draw attention to social problems. Spokeswoman Eva Tornado claimed that tourism experts say foreign visitors avoid St. Petersburg in the winter because of the city's problems in dealing with its snow. She also proclaimed: "We'd like more foreign men to come to the city!" [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.