May 31, 2021

A Necessary Inspection


A Necessary Inspection
A Simple-Dimple AndLikeThings, Wikimedia commons

On May 21, Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, also known as Rospotrebnadzor, ordered research on the effect of “Squishies” and “Simple-Dimples” on Russian children.

Children have taken a liking to this type of toy, made to be squeezed or pressed with a finger, which is also used in therapy for people with neurological disorders. When in a state of stress, patients make clicking sounds and repetitive movements with the toys in response to a stimulus.

In 2017 Rospotrebnadzor also sought to understand the impact of fidget spinners, another knickknack that gained wild popularity among youth of various ages. The organization found that spinners have no effect on the youth psyche, although they can be dangerous due to their small parts.

One wonders whether officials at Rospotrebnadzor have had time to get to the bottom of the matryoshka.

 

 

 

 

You Might Also Like

Matryoshka - Soul of Russia
  • October 17, 2006

Matryoshka - Soul of Russia

The history and traditions surrounding matryoshka; Russian nesting dolls; Russia's most sought after folkart souvenir.
Royal(ish) Weddings and Toys for the Opposition
  • July 20, 2017

Royal(ish) Weddings and Toys for the Opposition

Getting flak for getting hitched, how fidget spinners foster political dissidence, and a new set of wheels around Russia. Plus dandy pigeons and the best totalitarian tourism. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

About Us

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.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955