April 05, 2021 Tripping on Tolkien If you’re a fan of hairy fairy folk with a hint of пошлость (crass banality), look no further! Russia’s Channel Five recently published two episodes of a supposedly “lost” television show based on “The Lord of the Rings” that was filmed in 1991. Film & TV History Literature Media Pop Culture Russia File
April 05, 2021 The Soviet Creative In the Soviet period, artists were treated with esteem and lived comfortably, but their privileged position also required sacrifice. Art Culture History Literature Russia File
April 02, 2021 Seeking a Sniper Looking for work? Moscow authorities have posted an opening for a police sniper on the aptly-named HeadHunter.ru. Internet Law Military Moscow Russia File
April 01, 2021 Earth Hour, Eurovision, and Eggs In this week's Odder News, the lights go out for Earth Hour; egg sandwiches get their due; and a huge crack opens up in a St. Petersburg apartment building. Environment Food & Drink Health Pop Culture Odder News
April 01, 2021 The Little Classic That Could The Fighting Classic Club (Боевая классика) is an informal group of teens who love old Zhigulis. They purchase the aged (often non-functioning) cars for kopeks, restore them, souping them up in their lilliputian garages, and then improvise nighttime races and rallies through city streets, in shopping complex parking lots, or on frozen lakes just outside the city. Cities & Towns Pop Culture Regions
March 31, 2021 Malfeasance! “I want to note that corruption is an important component of our work. It is far from the only offense, but at the same time it is an evil that we are doing alongside the prosecutor's office, the Investigative Committee, and the FSB. The Rosgvardia is also providing support.” – In November 2020, Vladislav Tolkunov, head of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Bryansk Region, speculated about corruption live on the Bryansk Governorate television channel. Apparently, he had muddled his words, and while attempting to decry corruption he admitted to malfeasance. Government Humor Politics Quote
March 31, 2021 Tram Takes on a Life of Its Own A viral video documents an out-of-control tram in Barnaul, and its hapless driver. Cities & Towns Internet Transportation Russia File
March 30, 2021 Mines from Aluminum to Crypto A dying Soviet "monotown" in the Arctic is saved by cryptocurrency mining and online pie stores. Business Economy Regions Russia File
March 30, 2021 Heavily Taxed While some countries are considering doing away with coin money, this Russian citizen is still making the most out of their rubles and kopeks. Cities & Towns Economy Russia File
March 29, 2021 Who's Not Done With Quarantine? Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs was caught with his mask up while on a work trip to China. Government Int'l Relations Politics Russia File
March 28, 2021 Change Your Default Mouth Position Dr. Kimberly DiMattia, known to her Russian students as Kira, has a range of offerings for anyone who wants to "move the needle" on their pronunciation. Education Interview Language Russia File
March 26, 2021 Putin's Siberian Adventure Putin headed to Siberia for a snowy, sheepskin-clad spring break with Sergei Shoigu. Government Men Politics Russia File