“Suddenly” is a word used often by the Russians. I remember being told once in a writing workshop never to use the word “suddenly.” Only Dostoevsky can use that word, the teacher said. Writing instructors often say that nothing in fiction happens … [Continue reading]
Coco Chanel and WHO? Rasputin??
Things “happen.” As an “unintended consequence” of the murder of Gregori Rasputin by Prince Felix Yusupov in December 1916 in St. Petersburg, Grand Duke Dimitri Pavlovich, first cousin of Czar Nicolas II, one of the handful of conspirators, was sent … [Continue reading]
Shirt or No Shirt, it’s Putin.
It is amazing to an American to read the Russian news and hear all the varied opinions about Putin’s decision to run for the Presidency—as if there has already been a campaign and an election. But that’s the way it is in Russia—for now. And it will … [Continue reading]
After 9/11~How We’ve Changed
The first phone call I received was from Russia. After witnessing on TV the catastrophes of September 11, 2001, my friends and business partners were calling to share their shock and advising me to “stay inside.” New York, and certainly Moscow, … [Continue reading]
Tchaikovsky Spectacular!
It is the time of year for the “Tchaikovsky Spectacular,” which means the end of the summer outdoor concert season with the 1812 Overture with cannons and fireworks. Here in Southern California that means The Hollywood Bowl and many other regional … [Continue reading]
Writing for the Russian Media
For almost a year now I have been writing for the respected Russian news media RIA Novosti. I and about six others write weekly columns on various subjects. My column is called “Musings of a Russophile” and comes out each Friday. The subject may be … [Continue reading]
Dr. Zhivago Lives…
Peredelkino it was a magic feeling looking out from Boris Pasternak’s tall windows into the red and golden woods on that autumn day and to know he saw the same thing when he looked up from his small desk as he wrote “Doctor Zhivago.” It is a village … [Continue reading]
THE PRICE OF IMMORTALITY!
What makes a man murder innocent people and claim a victory for himself? For instance, the recent Oslo bombing and mass murder of young men and women at a camp in Norway by the right-wing political extremist Anders Behring Breivik who called himself … [Continue reading]
Nothing of Importance since 1812?
Russians can come out with the most amazing opinions. There was a large gathering in Moscow’s Red Square for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War (aka WWII) and I was listening to the National Symphony Orchestra from … [Continue reading]
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