Iron Felix

The Mad Muscle behind the Mad Mind December 20, 1998, Reuters Russia’s secret policemen celebrate anniversary By Alastair Macdonald MOSCOW – Russia’s secret police and spy agencies, marking the 81st anniversary on Sunday of their founding during the Bolshevik revolution, lamented what they called past tragedies and pledged to defend…

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You Can Buy (Almost) Anything in a Market

Where the best (and cheapest) produce in Russia is for sale There are three types of places to buy food and such in Russia, “Western” stores, Russian stores, and open air markets. The cost drops significantly as you move away from the white tile floors and polite staff of the…

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Education Makes Elections Happen

The fun of molding young Russian minds Russia Today January 29, 1999 The Politics of Education By Rod Pounsett Russian politicians know that education and the future of the younger generation will be a key factor in country’s next elections — both parliamentary and presidential. For instance, it will be…

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Ice Cream in Winter

You ain’t close to Russian until you eat ice cream in Winter! My favorite! On the way home this afternoon, while the -8C wind blew past me, I got the urge to participate in a strange Russian custom, eating ice cream on the street, year around. When I first arrived…

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Superstitions Are Sneaky

Never set and empty bottle on the table! One rainy morning, I walked into the office and was shocked to see a secretary opening her umbrella inside. I am not that superstitious of a man, but I do not open an umbrella inside, walk under a ladder, or forget to…

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