December 01, 2021

New Moo


New Moo
Thanks, Putin.  Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann via Unsplash

When thirteen-year-old Alexei called Putin's annual televised direct phone line, he didn't think much of it. It was only when someone answered the call that the boy, who lives in Yakutia, was really surprised at all. Having planned out his actions very little, the boy asked for the first thing that came to his mind; a few days prior, his family's best milk-producing cow had passed and they could really use another cow to take her place.

While his actual call was never televised (like many of the other calls from the program), Alexei's request had been pushed forward to the Ministry of Agriculture, who agreed to honor the boy's request, albeit in a very roundabout sort of way. Months later in October, the boy received a letter from regional authorities advising him to partake in an agricultural economic support program that would allow him to earn a grant and buy himself a brand new cow.

The problem with this solution is that in order to participate in such a program, one must be at least of legal age and already own and operate their own business, none of which are possible for a thirteen-year-old child.

When word got out about how this arrangement, social media users were rightfully mad at how this kid was being screwed over. Finally, at long last (and perhaps not entirely out of the goodness of their hearts but in a case of some bad PR management), the Yakutia Ministry of Agriculture has publicly announced that it will be buying the boy his very own cow. A dairy happy ending after all.

You Might Also Like

Bovine Brassieres
  • December 30, 2020

Bovine Brassieres

A dairy farmer in Russia's coldest village has found a way to keep his cow's udders warm in the dead of winter.
Bovines, Berries, and Bros
  • 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.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

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.

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.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

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