The Russian Space Program has enjoyed a remarkable string of successes and firsts over the past half-century. But, since the fall of the USSR, it has been forced to adapt to new, more commercial realities. We sent Nick Allen to Baikonur, the main Russian launch site, to report back on how the program is fairing.
A huge expanse of desert and grassy plains, this southern Russian republic has an austere beauty all its own. Of course there is also Chess City and the horse races...
Over the last century, Russia has created a system of preserves -- zapovedniki -- where wilderness holds sway and humans are rarely allowed. It is the world's largest system of strict nature preserves. We meet some of the heroes quietly working to preserve these zapovedniki, despite miserly allocations from the government.
Nikita Khrushchev once said, "Politicians are the same everywhre: they promise to build a bridge even where there is no river." As political observer Natasha Yefimova shows, there have been surprisingly few promises made or platforms pronounced in the run-up to this December's Duma election. The reasons for this are quite interesting.
Russia can truly be proud of the wilderness areas it has preserved. But cordoning off these areas is one thing. Securing them for the future is another thing altogether.
Readers comment and correct.
All the news that fits from all across Russia.
The latest from the travel front.
A biography of Alexander Galich, noted writer, poet and bard.
Short takes on some historical dates with anniversaries during this issue's publication period.
Venidict Erofeev is one of the most brilliant figures in contemporary Russian literature.
On September 30, celebrated violinist David Oistrakh, one of the founders of the Russian violin school, would have turned 95.
A veritable salad of linguistic phrases based on vegetables to spice up your Russian.
Pickled Garlic is our featured recipe in this issue.
Last year, we sent St. Petersburg writer Ilya Stogoff to the opposite end of Russia in the dead of winter. It did not improve his mood. But he did have some interesting experiences. This, his first of four installments on his travels throughout Russia's Far East, is a fun read.
In this issue, we review a book on the history of matryoshkas, a revised travel guide, a book on dachas, on Putin, some fiction and much more!
A color-coded map of the US, showing which states have the highest percentage of Russian immigrants.
Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.
Russian Life 73 Main Street, Suite 402 Montpelier VT 05602
802-223-4955
[email protected]
