Miniskirted Russian women urge better snow removal

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- Too much snow and not enough beaus -- so says a squad of miniskirted, high-heeled young women wielding snow shovels in Russia's second city.

Seven women 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!"