Culture & Customs

In this week's Odder News, report yourself to the police for easy snow removal, watch out for poison in your sofa, and don't forget to wipe your feet on the rug on the way in.

A Russian gamer was forced to forfeit a cash prize of $16,000 after his dad turned off the internet.

Aeroflot is offering a short excursion flight for those interested in getting a quick taste of air travel— and wine. 

News and readings of note from all around Russia.

The Russia vaccine seems top-notch, but low public trust and a botched rollout remain formidable barriers to returning to normalcy.

Just over a decade ago in Moscow, I interviewed Alexey Navalny, who was then only beginning to carve out his profile as a blogger, activist, and politician. It was May of 2008.

A severe, remote valley in Ossetia inters the remains of one of Russia’s most revered film stars... and the mingled bones of countless ancients.

Digging back through memories, and unearthing a cream puff.

Just outside St. Petersburg, a small, ancient ethnos comes to terms with its history, its language, and with its inevitable end.

Work in the mines, play on the slopes. This is the life of some sun-starved youth in the Arctic. Oh, and they also ski/snowboard off buildings.

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.