December 23, 2020 A Blog for Babushka A recent survey of the elderly finds that one-fifth of pensioners hope to supplement their income with a blog. Economy Internet Social Issues
December 17, 2020 Oksana and Her "Jewish" Zakuska In which we meet Oksana, Russian millennial and cook. She shares childhood memories of a surprisingly abundant 90s, and her favorite snack: the "Jewish" zakuska. Food & Drink History Science Food Stories
December 17, 2020 Putin, Forest Work, and Gender Changes This week, politicians are caught red-handed; surrogate motherhood and gambling are (apparently) the same; and Putin isn't as hip with the youth as you'd think. Government History Military Politics Social Issues Women
December 15, 2020 Tsargrad the Litmus Tester The “Orthodox oligarch” is starting a political organization to promote politicians who share his views. Politics Religion Social Issues
December 11, 2020 Yes, Dumplings are Still Bribes A police chief in Novosibirsk has been convicted of corruption charges after accepting Caucasian dumplings as brides. Food & Drink Government Law Social Issues
December 10, 2020 Bovines, Berries, and Bros This week, Lada outdoes itself; emergency services fall short; and cows (and men) finally get the appreciation they're due. Business Cities & Towns Government Internet Men Moscow Rural Life Social Issues
December 09, 2020 Rospotrebnadzor, Explained What’s the deal with this governmental agency with the weird name? Government Social Issues
December 09, 2020 Don't Try This at Home “If questions arise as to whether demons should be driven out of this or that person, first of all, you need to turn to the priests. Any [personal] initiative in this is completely unacceptable.” – Metropolitan Hilarion, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Department of External Relations, in response to a video showing parents attempting an exorcism on their son Customs Religion
December 08, 2020 Spotify: Popular Music in Russia The world-wide music-playing platform recently ranked the most popular music in Russia. Culture Music
December 07, 2020 Soviet Disneyland: Exploring VDNKh One of our favorite spots in Moscow is a surreal blend of theme park, museum, and Stalinist kitsch. Architecture History Moscow Travel
December 07, 2020 Tank Does its Job, Too Well A birthday party turned deadly when a man was run over by a tank. Men Military St. Petersburg War
December 03, 2020 Flamethrowers, Video Games, and New Nobility This week, the Russian army gets new toys; a university administrator doesn't quit while he's ahead; and Lukashenko keeps doing his thing, much to our chagrin. Education Government Health Internet Military Pop Culture Social Issues War