Archive for 'Soviet Union'
Information Equals Power? Posted by Jenya on Jan 20, 2015
It was reported a while ago in the Business Insider that in America, six corporations control about 90 percent of everything Americans read, watch, and listen to. The news they get from television, radio, and print all come through these six corporation. Even movies and music that they love pass through the six giants. These…
Heart of Russia? Posted by Jenya on Jan 13, 2015
What’s shaped like a triangle, considered by many to be the largest medieval structure ever built, is located in Moscow, and houses the largest bell in the world? Another hint, in Russian the word means “fortress.” We could only be talking about the Kremlin. Arguably the Kremlin is Russia’s most famous structure – perhaps on…
World War I and Russia Posted by Jenya on Nov 4, 2014
We are nearing the 96th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended World War One – the Great War. World War I began after Arch Duke, Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was assassinated on 28 June, 1914, in Sarajevo by Yugoslav nationalist, Gavrilo Princip. Prior to the…
What You Didn’t Know About Ethnic Heritage in Russia Posted by Maria on Feb 27, 2014
Talking about identity and ethnicity is probably a can of worms for every country. Russia is no different in that respect, and национальный вопрос (ethnic question) is a very щекотливый вопрос (touchy subject). However, the dynamics of ethnic relations in Russia may differ from how they work in your country, and I’d like to point…
Oldies, but Goodies – Love Songs Edition Posted by yelena on Feb 14, 2013
Yay, it’s Valentine’s Day today! Love it or make fun of it, there’s no escape from dozens of red roses, pounds of chocolate candy, piles of cheesy postcards and other holiday hoopla. Either way, let’s make the most out of the occasion and listen to some love songs that you have probably not heard before and get…
Could I get a volunteer from the audience? Posted by Rob on Sep 5, 2012
A couple months ago, I agreed to do some volunteer work for my sister’s church. I’m not religious, but my sister and her husband are католики (“Roman Catholics”), and they requested some help making art for “Vacation Bible School” — i.e., a week-long summer program of religious education for children at the church, including my…
Лгун (“The Liar”) — a VERY short fairy tale! Posted by Rob on Aug 6, 2012
I’ve mentioned before that I’m captivated by сказки (fairytales). So, let’s start out this week with a “short and sweet” example of Armenian origin. I chose this one not only because it’s so short, but also because it features an unexpected twist. The plot involves a poor person outwitting a rich and powerful person, which…