Summer Break

It's been a long time since my last post. This was my fault, a bizarre series of cirmcumstances brings me to where I am today! Between buying a new home, moving, work, and the fact that Google pulled the plug on my advertising, I haven't felt much like writing about Russia, or topics relating to Russia.

I started this blog with intentions of focusing on Russia, and I intend to. Rather than only spending time on what happens in Russia, I'd like to begin moving into the areas of Europe that Russia has had an impact on, good and bad. I would like to solicit any feedback, from you the readers on what you would like to see. I do hope to keep politics out of the discussion, as this always leads to a heated debate, but would like to point out how Russia has influenced its neighbors or how they have influenced Russia.

Back to Google. As most bloggers do, I posted a couple of adverts on my site hoping that the occasional clicker would help me generate a little spending cash. Some of my friends and family apparently tried to hook my up, by over clicking, drawing the attentions of Google's fraud division. Who in turn shut me down like an unlicensed VFW, and barring me from opening an adsense account for life! Oh well, I guess I'll go back to collecting aluminum cans!

So dear readers, please let me know what content you would like to see, and I shall deliver. I want to make this fun for everyone, and not just what I think is needed. I look forward to your comments.

Russian Security Services Homonize!

While some may disagree with this allocation of funds, I think it's a great idea. A well practiced symphony raises the morale of the employees, and will show the FSB in a positive light to the people of Russia. As the successors of the KGB, they've overcome some bad publicity, and have worked hard to gain the confidence of the population. I look forward to seeing the band perform for the next Russian holiday.

Russian security service tenders for $25,000 music accessories

17:45 29/06/2011 Russia’s Federal Protection Service, the FSO put out a $25,000 tender on Wednesday to buy accessories for musical instruments.>>

Other news of the day

Celebrate Summer with Baltika Beer

It's that time of year; mowing the lawn, backyard cookouts, washing the car in the driveway, what do they all have in common? There is a good chance that a cold beer is nearby. One of my other hobbies is brewing beer, well consuming it, but the brewing slows that down a bit! But when I want a beer, right now, I like to drink Baltika 7. Living in the DC area, I'm fortunate that many beer and wine stores carry this brand. It reminds me of picnics in Belarus, and a whirlwind vacation that I once took to St. Petersburg with my wife and brother in law.

Hovering around 5.4% ABV, it pours with a nice golden color and holds a head well. Since it comes in the larger 16oz can or bottle, it reduces the trips to the fridge, but I recommend that you sip it slowly in the hot sun, it may sneak up on you!

Peterhof celebrates season of fountains - 7 - English pravda.ru

Not everything in Russia is serious. Most of us grew up with images of a cold, grey country in mind. From experience, one trip to Peterhof will change your mind. If a term comes to mind, it's "Oppulance...they has it" A short ride from St. Petersburg will take you back to the lavish lives of Russia's Tsars. This palace is fantastic from entrance to exit; paintings, statues, fountains, intricate gardens, I was amazed. You can return to the city by taking the Hydofoil boats across the bay, sitting on the sundeck while that beast flew at 50 mph was fantastic!
Peterhof celebrates season of fountains - 7 - English pravda.ru

Russian Marine Corps TV Commercial

As the Russian military is spending the week commemerating the end of WWII in Europe, let's take a look at how the government is getting new recruits. There has been a push to get away from the mandatory draft that most Russian males experience, and become a volunteer, or contract service.

Not exactly the type of Marine Corps commercials that we're used to seeing in the US, but I like how this guy spends his time off! It sure beats hanging around Camp Lejuene, waiting for my laundry to dry.

Victory Day 2011 in Russia

Unfortunately my work took me out of town for a couple of days, and I was unable to post any new material on May 9, Victory Day in Europe. Russia, as well as most countries in the Former Soviet Union, hold this day very sacred. Whether you agree with Soviet or Russian politics, or not, the Russians lost nearly 26 million people during WWII. To this day, May 9 is celebrated as a day of victory and reflection. Much like a July 4th celbration in the US, Russian cities and town decorate, clean up, and put on grand parades and ceremonies. Veterans are revered by the young, and are often awarded additional medals and benefits by the state. It is not uncommon to see 80-90 year old men walking with the left sides of the jackets being pulled down by their war medals. No matter where you are from, it is a humbling experience.

To study WWII and its results will make a stong person's stomach turn. To visit a village that was burned or a memorial marking the location of a mass killing or burial is horrific. I can't imagine the horrors that the usally kind, warm, elderly have suffered. I've posted the link below to the Victory Day Parade that was held in Moscow on Monday, May 9. It comes in two sections, enjoy the show, and don't worry about not understanding Russian. Some thoughts transcend language. http://tv-zvezda.ru/schedule/specialprojects/content/201104271216-k4h3.htm/

Radio Dacha

I'll make this quick, as I'm trying to get out the door. I apologize for not doing this earlier. Many of you, with your interests in the Russian language, have probably spent time listening to streaming radio. Like me, you have come accross broken links, outdated sites, and frankly, some really crummy stations. When you do find one that you like, you listen to about 90% English music, with about one Russian song an hour, frustrating.

I spend my time listening to Radio Dacha www.radiodacha.ru this station plays only Russian pop music. I enjoy it, and hope that you do too.