“They are different projects, but they have the same goal: to create a high-quality urban environment and new opportunities for recreation and sports close to home.”

– Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, announcing plans to improve Moscow’s public spaces.

In which we visit a rather unique store in the Karelian village of Vedlozero. Which of course is far more than a store.

A shawarma shop accidentally delves into urban agriculture, much to the delight of city residents. 

“Today, the city bath house needs support because, due to last year's lengthy six-month shutdown associated with the coronavirus, the banya cannot pull itself out of debt."

– Mikhail Valov, Mayor of Sayanogorsk, inviting citizens to save his city’s municipal bathhouse from the economic ravages of the Coronavirus on August 23.

Yandex.Maps has completed a surprising study of all the places in Russia, and they even figured out how to get from the Moon to Mars. 

Look out NFL – the Russian Super Bowl was held in the Moscow region last weekend.

“These people do not go to relax in other resorts, they settle in neighboring hotels: the more restrictions are imposed on legal business, the more it plays into the hands of those who work in the dark.”

– Natalia Stambulnikova, Chairman of the Association of Small Hotels of Crimea, warning of the ominous nature of coronavirus restrictions that impede tourism.

The St. Petersburg city government has threatened to prevent traditional celebrations of VDV Day by turning off its fountains. Such grinches.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, especially when it comes to one's name on a ballot.

A new village police station, unveiled with much pomp, occupies what appears to be a repurposed corrugated metal shed.

A Russian zoo will open its very first exhibit to allow the observation of hibernating bears, but will it allow the bears to get some good shut-eye? 

While most Russians aren't known to shy away from free shots (vaccine or otherwise), one administrator is under investigation for selling documents sans immunizations.