Citizens of the Soviet Union amassed many things, but of all the collectibles, perhaps the most popular was the badge (znachok).

The non-doping "Russia" won three out of four events at the recent world figure skating championships and swept the ladies' podium.

In this week's Odder News, Russia goes wild for Yuri Gagarin, a new law against potty mouths backfires, and a four-day workweek may be imminent.

St. Petersburg's Grand Maket Rossiya presents a droll and humorous self-reflection of Russian life.

In this week's Odder News: the Play-Doh version of Moscow, the Russian version of Irish whiskey, and the Red Bull version of ice skating.

In the Soviet period, artists were treated with esteem and lived comfortably, but their privileged position also required sacrifice.

In this week's Odder News, a new Russian Barbie, Russians need to work on their dental hygiene, and squirrels attack in Vyborg.

Some little-known art from a civilian eyewitness to the Siege of Leningrad is public both at one of the blockade museums in St. Petersburg and in a new book.

One person’s problem becomes another person’s easel. An artist takes on his city’s sidewalk problems with a bit of porcelain creativity. One person can make a difference.

The thematic arc that unites our features in this issue is that of creativity in the face of neglect, persistence in the face of oppression, resilience in the face of difficulty.

In this week's Odder News, one of Russia's most unconventional actors and an ice dancer get married (again), polar bears take over Russian trucks, and the Hermitage is faking it.

Hooligans struck a collection of over 200 snowmen in the town of Kaluga, an act of gruesome vandalism.