July 24, 2020

Pushups for the Poor


Pushups for the Poor
This picture gives us middle-school dodgeball flashbacks. Not good ones. Jorge Royan, Wikimedia Commons

As Russia reopens its economy following the novel coronavirus quarantine, new legislation put forward in the State Duma seeks to stimulate the economy, and also newly doughy, homebound Russians.

Russian legislators are currently working on a plan to provide vouchers for fitness centers and workout classes to people of low socioeconomic status. The hope is that not only would Russians be encouraged to get in shape, but also fitness clubs, many of which are small- or medium-sized businesses hit hard by the virus lockdown, would also see increased cashflow from state support.

At this stage, the legislation is still in its infancy, but has already received support from many lawmakers.

Seems like a win-win to us.

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The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.
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