January/February 2007

From the Editor

Readers comment and correct.

The latest from the travel front.

All the news that fits from all across Russia.

Russia is banning gambling in the cities. What is next? Apparently a Las Vegas in Siberia...

Seventy years ago, Russia was on the verge of a horrific bloodletting, a purge of society so monumental that its effects are still felt.

Looking at the place of Pushkin in the Russian psyche, on the anniversary of the poet's tragic death.

A great explorer and reformist politician, Pyotr Semyonov-Tyanshansky was one of the last of his breed.

Mastering the fine are of remembering and pronouncing patronymics.

Fifteen years ago, Russia had the makings of a free press for the first time in its history. Nine years later, the winds began to change.

Solikamsk was once a rich mining town, full of architectural gems. Today it is withering, yet some still hope to turn it into the next Suzdal.

Descended from Scots, she was once Tsar Peter’s mistress. But her life ended on a scaffold.

Well over half of all Russians smoke, and a third of the country’s deaths are smoking-related. And you thought vodka was a problem.

Nearly two centuries after discovering Antarctica’s frigid frontiers, Russia is hoping its oil-forged riches can help it reclaim its position as the southern continent’s leading explorer.

A survey of online purveyors of Russian foods yields a diverse repast with varying levels of service.

A review of Michael Occleshaw's "Dances in Deep Shadows" and Denise Youngblood's "Russian War Films."

A round up of the top contenders (at present) for the presidential race of 2008, including bookie ratings.