Russian Life

Potap & Nastya Kamenskih Na RaYOne video

2011-12-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

After watching the 2011 Zolotoi Grammofon Music Awards, I took a look through some good Russian videos that have been made over the past few years. Some would say that they aren't impressive, or that they lack culture, I disagree, they're fun, point out the trends seen in modern Russian and other Russian speaking areas, and are keeping pace, if not surpassing the music produced in the west. Keep up the good work, I'll be listening.

Medvedev Rules out Confrontation with Putin

2011-09-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

While many in the west did not care for the style of Vladimir Putin, I thought him to be a fine leader. Giving Russia the strong guidance to pull itself out of the turulent 1990's and into the 21st century. When his second term ended and Medvedev as approached to become the President, I too was skeptical. Would Medvedev be just a place holder until Putin can legally run again? Or would he develop his own style of Russian politics and move Russia forward. In the beginning it appeared that he deferred power to Putin, as he became Prime Minister. Then, as we saw from time to time, he asserted himself and made bold decisions, occasionally chatising the PM and looking like a strong leader.

Sadly, I am not impressed by the Russian system in the past couple of weeks. Not so much as a debate or strong stance. It seems the the United Russia Party has picked their man again, and in the tradition of Russian politics, the outgoing President taps someone to replace him. It looks like it will be President Puting for the next four years.

Don't get me wrong, he's done incedible work for Russia and I do support him. But I also believe that it is time for Russia to move away from the traditional politicians that we've seen in the last century, and move towards a more European and democratic system. What ever the case may be, the next four years in Russia will be very interesting, and if history is any source, a little nerve wracking!

Medvedev rules out confrontation with Putin

18:59 30/09/2011 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday there would never be any disputes between him and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.>>

Other news of the day

Summer Break

2011-08-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post. This was my fault, a bizarre series of cirmcumstances brings me to where I am today! Between buying a new home, moving, work, and the fact that Google pulled the plug on my advertising, I haven't felt much like writing about Russia, or topics relating to Russia.

I started this blog with intentions of focusing on Russia, and I intend to. Rather than only spending time on what happens in Russia, I'd like to begin moving into the areas of Europe that Russia has had an impact on, good and bad. I would like to solicit any feedback, from you the readers on what you would like to see. I do hope to keep politics out of the discussion, as this always leads to a heated debate, but would like to point out how Russia has influenced its neighbors or how they have influenced Russia.

Back to Google. As most bloggers do, I posted a couple of adverts on my site hoping that the occasional clicker would help me generate a little spending cash. Some of my friends and family apparently tried to hook my up, by over clicking, drawing the attentions of Google's fraud division. Who in turn shut me down like an unlicensed VFW, and barring me from opening an adsense account for life! Oh well, I guess I'll go back to collecting aluminum cans!

So dear readers, please let me know what content you would like to see, and I shall deliver. I want to make this fun for everyone, and not just what I think is needed. I look forward to your comments.

Russian Security Services Homonize!

2011-06-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

While some may disagree with this allocation of funds, I think it's a great idea. A well practiced symphony raises the morale of the employees, and will show the FSB in a positive light to the people of Russia. As the successors of the KGB, they've overcome some bad publicity, and have worked hard to gain the confidence of the population. I look forward to seeing the band perform for the next Russian holiday.

Russian security service tenders for $25,000 music accessories

17:45 29/06/2011 Russia’s Federal Protection Service, the FSO put out a $25,000 tender on Wednesday to buy accessories for musical instruments.>>

Other news of the day

Celebrate Summer with Baltika Beer

2011-05-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year; mowing the lawn, backyard cookouts, washing the car in the driveway, what do they all have in common? There is a good chance that a cold beer is nearby. One of my other hobbies is brewing beer, well consuming it, but the brewing slows that down a bit! But when I want a beer, right now, I like to drink Baltika 7. Living in the DC area, I'm fortunate that many beer and wine stores carry this brand. It reminds me of picnics in Belarus, and a whirlwind vacation that I once took to St. Petersburg with my wife and brother in law.

Hovering around 5.4% ABV, it pours with a nice golden color and holds a head well. Since it comes in the larger 16oz can or bottle, it reduces the trips to the fridge, but I recommend that you sip it slowly in the hot sun, it may sneak up on you!

Peterhof celebrates season of fountains - 7 - English pravda.ru

2011-05-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Not everything in Russia is serious. Most of us grew up with images of a cold, grey country in mind. From experience, one trip to Peterhof will change your mind. If a term comes to mind, it's "Oppulance...they has it" A short ride from St. Petersburg will take you back to the lavish lives of Russia's Tsars. This palace is fantastic from entrance to exit; paintings, statues, fountains, intricate gardens, I was amazed. You can return to the city by taking the Hydofoil boats across the bay, sitting on the sundeck while that beast flew at 50 mph was fantastic!
Peterhof celebrates season of fountains - 7 - English pravda.ru

Russian Marine Corps TV Commercial

2011-05-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

As the Russian military is spending the week commemerating the end of WWII in Europe, let's take a look at how the government is getting new recruits. There has been a push to get away from the mandatory draft that most Russian males experience, and become a volunteer, or contract service.

Not exactly the type of Marine Corps commercials that we're used to seeing in the US, but I like how this guy spends his time off! It sure beats hanging around Camp Lejuene, waiting for my laundry to dry.

Victory Day 2011 in Russia

2011-05-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately my work took me out of town for a couple of days, and I was unable to post any new material on May 9, Victory Day in Europe. Russia, as well as most countries in the Former Soviet Union, hold this day very sacred. Whether you agree with Soviet or Russian politics, or not, the Russians lost nearly 26 million people during WWII. To this day, May 9 is celebrated as a day of victory and reflection. Much like a July 4th celbration in the US, Russian cities and town decorate, clean up, and put on grand parades and ceremonies. Veterans are revered by the young, and are often awarded additional medals and benefits by the state. It is not uncommon to see 80-90 year old men walking with the left sides of the jackets being pulled down by their war medals. No matter where you are from, it is a humbling experience.

To study WWII and its results will make a stong person's stomach turn. To visit a village that was burned or a memorial marking the location of a mass killing or burial is horrific. I can't imagine the horrors that the usally kind, warm, elderly have suffered. I've posted the link below to the Victory Day Parade that was held in Moscow on Monday, May 9. It comes in two sections, enjoy the show, and don't worry about not understanding Russian. Some thoughts transcend language. http://tv-zvezda.ru/schedule/specialprojects/content/201104271216-k4h3.htm/

Radio Dacha

2011-05-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'll make this quick, as I'm trying to get out the door. I apologize for not doing this earlier. Many of you, with your interests in the Russian language, have probably spent time listening to streaming radio. Like me, you have come accross broken links, outdated sites, and frankly, some really crummy stations. When you do find one that you like, you listen to about 90% English music, with about one Russian song an hour, frustrating.

I spend my time listening to Radio Dacha www.radiodacha.ru this station plays only Russian pop music. I enjoy it, and hope that you do too.

Imperial Russian Porcelain

2011-05-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

In the past week the world watched the British Monarchy in all of its glory. Certainly, at least among the English speaking world, the British crown is the undisputed champion of what "Royal" means.

Many have forgotten, that less than 100 years ago, the Kings and Queens of Europe were related from Britain to Russia. Each war, territorial dispute, and coup was just one big family fued. The Romanov family of Russia was no exception to the grand lifetyles enjoyed by other European ruling families. Nestled in Petersburg Russia, a little further out than their cousins in Western Europe, they epitomized what Imperial living is all about. Unfortunately, a series of bad decsions, world war, and an unhappy working class brought the family to an end.

All we have reamining are some fine monuments, country residences and artifacts of a bygone era. I would encourage anyone interested in the British Royal history to learn more about the Royal history of Russia and how it all ties in with the shaping of modern day Europe. Paying a visit to the Hermitage museum, in St. Petersburg, would be a great start to any historian, but if time and expenses are an issue, I would hope that a visit to The Museum of Russian Art, in Minneapolis, MN would be a good start!

Dinner with the Tsars: Russian Imperial Porcelain

03/31/2011

Russian Beer on the Go

2011-05-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Say it ain't so! One of the relaxing aspects of my vacations in Russia is drinking beer outside, in a consequence free environment! Living in the US, consuming beer outside, in public view, is frowned upon. I love the idea of buying a beer at a kiosk or shop and being able to sip it while sitting in a park, or walking down the sidewalk.

I understand the premise, Russia does have an alcohol problem, but this is another case of punishing all, for the actions of a few. I can imagine that buying beer or wine in Russia will be like it is in the US in a couple of years.

I suppose that I'll have to rely on my memories of fishing on grassy shores, swigging a Yarpivo beer, to get me throught the rest of the day.

Cheap plastic beer bottles to go

22/04/201111:36

Russian cosmonauts never had sex in space: Expert - World News, 195015

2011-04-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

As if we haven't thought of enough positions or ways to do it, now we speculate what sex would be like in zero gravity. Would a member of the "Mile High Club" be upgraded to the next level for getting off in outer space?

Russian cosmonauts never had sex in space: Expert - World News, 195015

Increasing the Russian Workweek

2011-04-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Increase the work week to 60 hours?! Egads man, what are you thinking? Most countries spent the better part of the 20th century reducing the work week, and now some tycoon who's never swung a hammer or lifted a shovel wants to increase it?! Allowing business owner to personally manage their workforce sounds like a good idea, by reducing government involvment, but will not work in reality.

The French must be beside themselves, with their 35 hour week! Thankfully, Prime Minister Putin has other thoughts on this matter.

Putin against longer working week

16:34 20/04/2011 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he did not support the idea of increasing the working week recently suggested by a local oligarch.>>

Other news of the day

Subway bombing suspects confess: Belarus president - World - CBC News

2011-04-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

Subway bombing suspects confess: Belarus president - World - CBC News

Yuri Gagarin: 50 Years in Space!

2011-04-13T05:37:00.000-07:00

I would be remiss if I did not mention that yesterday, April 12, was the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic flight into space. Celebrations were held throughout Russia as well at Space exloration centers worldwide. Fifty years on Yuri continues to be a motivational ambassador for future space explorers. It was often said that Yuri had a smile that could warm up the cold war.

Cosmonautics Day Concludes with Fireworks Displays throughout Moscow
Apr 13, 2011

Russia's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Yury Gagarin's 108 minute journey into space finished on Tuesday evening in Moscow with coordinated fireworks displays across the capital, RIA Novosti. The massive salute to the Soviet hero involved sending up 50 fireworks at each of 13 locations, including Sparrow Hills overlooking the center of the city.

The celebrations were ordered by President Dmitry Medvedev and a Defense Ministry spokesman said they included two completely new fireworks – the bracelet and Tatyana's Day. All the fireworks were made in Russia, the spokesman added.

The first manned spaceflight took place on April 12, 1961, when Gagarin blasted off from Baikonur in the Soviet republic of Kazakhstan in the Vostok spacecraft. He parachuted to Earth less than two hours later in Russia's Saratov Region.

Events marking the anniversary were held in Baikonur and Saratov, as well as other Russian cities and 70 countries around the world.

Russkiy Mir Foundation Information Service

The St. Petersburg Times - Russia’s Next Top Model?

2011-04-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

The St. Petersburg Times - Russia’s Next Top Model?

**Sigh**It would appear that even Russia is not immune to mind numbing silliness of reality TV. Not to be outdone by the US version of Top Model, now we have Top Model po-Russki, hosted by Russian socialite Ksenia Sobchak. Well if anything, it will certainly be racier and prettier women. Why not, I'll check it out.

Tragedy at Minsk Subway

2011-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Following the bomb blast of April 12, 2011, in the Minsk Metro stations, Belarus is changed forever. News sources report that this is the first terror event in modern Belarus history, and hopefully the last. Neighboring Russia has a long history of terror attacks, and their people have come to expect this as a normal event. Belarus has enjoyed a relative quiet twenty years, since the Soviet Union broke up, and has often viewed terror as something that happens elsewhere. It is sad to see a countries emotions completely change overnight. It reminds me of how the US felt the day after the Sept 11 attacks in 2001. I don't wish those emotions on anyone.

Many of the elderly of Belarus remember the horrors of World War II, and thankfully, the subsequent generations have been spared needing to deal with fears such as this. It's almost as if the country has lost its innocence. The video I've posted below tells the story. It is in Russian, but the emotions are the same. Makeshift memorials have been erected, masses and services are being held, all to remember and pay respects to those who have died or have been injured. The second lady in the interview says that you can see the sorrow on the faces of the people in the city. I could see the sorrow in my wife's face as she saw the news clips on the Internet, of the horror that occurred in the same Metro station that I would buy her flowers before I picked her up from work. I'll never be able to think of it in the same way.

Tragedy at Minsk Subway » Belteleradiocompany

Minsk Metro Blast

2011-04-11T09:11:00.001-07:00

You could not have hit me any closer to home. Minsk is my home away from home, and I've been through this station countless of times and will be there again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dead, wounded in Minsk metro blast - emergencies ministry

19:59 11/04/2011 An as yet unspecified number of people were killed in a blast that hit Minsk's Oktyabrskaya metro station on Monday, an emergencies ministry official said.>>

Other news of the day

Russian Street Art

2011-04-11T04:53:00.001-07:00

Russian street art (literally) takes prize! I love this story, it is a perfect example of the sense of humor I spoke of.

Russian radical art group snatches state prize for FSB phallus

13:29 08/04/2011 The controversial Russian art collective Voina (War) has won a state prize for contemporary art, in a massive embarrassment for the Federal Security Service (FSB), the powerful successor to the KGB.>>

Other news of the day

The Russian Soul

2011-04-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

One of the best attributes of the Russian people is their sense of humor. Having lived through some of the most horrific events in history, they still smile, and enjoy laughing more than any I've ever met. The television and movie programs that are produced there are second to none and deserve worldwide attention. One of my favorite programs is "Nasha Russia", or "Our Russia". A product of some of the most talented comics in Russia, I've watched this show for years. In December 2010 they produced the movie "Nasha Russia: Balls of Fate". The trailer is in Russian, but you can see, that it is funny, and a joy for any person studying Russian.

Russian Life: The Russian in me

2011-04-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Russian Life: The Russian in me: "The Russian culture has been a part of me for a long time. I grew up in a house that celebrated some Russian traditions, based on my mother'..."

Long Live Belarus

2011-04-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

Long Live Belarus

When we read a travel magazine we are taken to exotic locations, often near turquoise water with white sand, or to Alpine ski resorts that cater to the rich and famous. I think that sometimes, In this day and age of competition, we take for granted, the natural beauty of wheat field or undisturbed forest, the silence of agricultural village at dawn, or the smell of chimney smoke in the air at dinner time. These may conjure up memories of old times, for some, but in one corner of Europe it is the way life goes on. Welcome to Belarus.

I am not a sentimental person, by any means. And it takes a lot to move me, but for some reason, when I leave Belarus each time, I choke up a little. Perhaps I should start from the beginning. My relationship with Belarus began in late 1996 when I received orders to the US Embassy as a Marine Guard. From then on, Belarus has been a part of my life. I lived there for 16 months, and married a wonderful woman, with whom I have two gorgeous daughters. If you had told me at the age of twenty-one, that I’d be as connected to Belarus as I am, I’d have called a damned fool and walked away.

Sadly, what most people know of Belarus is what they read, hear from others or see what’s on the TV after a demonstration. Politics seem to overshadow anyone’s positive impressions of any location. This holds true in Belarus as well, but if you’re smart and can put the seriousness of the current situation behind you, I would encourage you to get out and enjoy the scenery. The people of Belarus are warm and giving and you’ll never leave a table hungry.

For the art lovers we have the birthplace of Marc Chagall, military historians would be interested in seeing the birthplace of General Tadeusz Kościuszko, there’s something for everyone. Occupying the crossroads of the geographic center of Europe, Belarus is a door from east to west. Sharing its western and northern borders with the European Union nations of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and its southern and eastern borders with Ukraine and Russia, Belarus could not be any more centric if it tried. When I visit, I often take short trips to nearby countries, and it’s as simple as buying a train of short plane ride. In a matter of minutes you can change between three languages, and hear at least three more from travelers coming from the far corners of the old Soviet Union.

I am often impressed by the amount of goods that I can buy when I visit Minsk. Fruits from and vegetables from Uzbekistan, wine from Georgia, fish from the Baltic Sea, caviar from Siberia, and to wash it all down, fresh beer from local Belarusian breweries. A trip to the local market, and parting with ten dollars and you and three friends can have a nice picnic in the forest. Hell, who needs a market? During the summer, the intersections of any road become small farmers markets, with villagers peddling fruits and veggies, fresh sour cream, and catch of the day from the nearest lake.

I’ve spent many hours sitting outside of my in-laws house, at a makeshift table, eating slow cooked meats, fish, and salads, while talking, arguing, laughing, crying, but never walking away upset. No rush, no problem, this is the mantra that I hear again and again, and that I wish I could replicate in my hectic life in the States. I’m often asked whether it’s worth it, to work each day from morning until night, to put your kids in a daycare, and to rush home to cook dinner, so that I can repeat the process the next day. I haven’t been able to answer that yet. I’m impressed, jealous actually, that I visit other countries and see people who have far less than I do, and even less opportunity, and they are more content and happier than I am, why? I hope that I find the answer some day. In the meantime, I have my respite in knowing that my version of heaven is only a day away by flight. I think I’ll call home now.

The Russian in me

2011-04-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Russian culture has been a part of me for a long time. I grew up in a house that celebrated some Russian traditions, based on my mother's heritage. I didn't always know why we gave gifts in January, or HAD to have a Kielbasa on Easter, but I figured it out later in life. As a Marine I was fortunate to be posted at the US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus. While not a part of Russia proper, Belarus has been significantly influence by Russia for nearly all of its history. It was there that I learned to speak Russian, and have a greater appreciation of the culture and people.

I am starting this blog to bring to life some of the interesting cultural aspects of the Russian speaking people, which will include many parts of the Former Soviet Union. What this blog will not be, is an outlet for political ranting, there is too much of that as it is. Instead, here, you'll hear of the lighter side of the Russian people; how the live, eat, play, and think. You'll also here of my strange, long road and assimilation into the culture. More on that later.