The cover story of a recent Economist magazine, read “The beginning of the end of Putin.” The deeper meaning of those well chosen words might be “The beginning of the end of autocracy.” As always in Russia, there is a third side of the coin. Putin … [Read more...]
SUDDENLY!
“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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Now it’s Russian art at the auctions!
One of my favorite Russian artists is Ilya Repin. The painting above is called “They did not expect him.” It is in Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery. I always enjoy seeing it. Repin was one of the “Peredvizhniki” or “The Wanderers.” These famous artists in … [Read more...]
Artist’s across the Water~ LA and St. Petersburg
It’s a wonderful start in understanding the world, when children can paint for friends across the sea, and learn about the world and its different people. One thing learned is that we are not so different. For the second year the Los Angeles-St. … [Read more...]
Art Across the Ocean
The Los Angeles-St. Petersburg Sister City Committee again in 2011 has sponsored a Children’s Art Exchange Exhibition between the students of our sister cities. The LA exhibit opened May 12 and will close June 4. About 200 paintings from LA Unified … [Read more...]
St. Petersburg~A Favorite City of Mine
As usual in Russia, it is a place of mixed meaning and effect. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703 as his “Window on the West” it is still that and for that reason a place at arm’s length from the rest of Russia. And for that reason, one of the most … [Read more...]
What is it about Russian Women?~ Part 4, the “Barbies” and the “beaten.”
This is the Part 4 of my weekly series about Russian women. It’s about those I call the “Barbies” and the “beaten.” There is another kind of woman in Russia today, which, unfortunately, is nothing to brag about--the Barbies. Out of the same age … [Read more...]