In May 2004, the government-controlled website "Turkmenistan: The Golden Age" released a statement announcing the phasing out of "several educational and scientific directions and subjects of minor importance". The teaching of algebra, physics and physical education effectively ended in Turkmenistan. In place, students were encouraged to memorize the "Ruhnama" and chant slogans praising President Niyazov. A 30-year-old engineer reported that "all son learns is passages from the "Ruhnama", and he has started telling me off because he has memorised more of the book than me".