Russia – Page 5 – Natalia A.

On the death of Solzhenitsyn

I started writing an obituary, but realized that I couldn’t discuss this death without mentioning the recent passings of Pugovkin and Mordyukova. So here is the somewhat-more-complicated-than-intended Solzhenitsyn obituary.

I see you baby! Going to the semi-final!

It’s 3 a.m. in the Holy Land, and I am quietly celebrating Russia’s victory over Holland. I’ve got no one to high-five and no one to knock back the shots with, but I am high-fiving and knocking back shots in spirit, on the astral plane, where the stars shine red tonight. I must admit thatContinue reading “I see you baby! Going to the semi-final!”

Rape, Prevention, and Victimhood: Inspired by our Russian colleagues

A male member of the Russian LJ community – Feministki – recently tried to establish a line between victim-blaming and victim-advising. He said he was disturbed by discussions surrounding basic safety, and how they either degenerated into either victim-blaming or accusations thereof. Of course, he later admitted that stereotypes got the best of him: hisContinue reading “Rape, Prevention, and Victimhood: Inspired by our Russian colleagues”

Mikhalkov’s “12”: One of the most glorious moments in modern Russian cinema

Lezginka! I don’t think you even need to like this movie in order to feel goosebumps crawling up your arms as you watch this one. If you can’t read the Russian subtitles and don’t understand Chechen, the kid expresses admiration for the knife, and the man gives it to him. After the dance, the kid’sContinue reading “Mikhalkov’s “12”: One of the most glorious moments in modern Russian cinema”

Congratulations to Russia AND Ukraine

Thank you for a fun Eurovision. It’s not cool to care about these contests, but whatever. Screw you, stiff-upper-lippy types, and screw everyone nattering on about “we need to have a contest just for Western countries! Why I was livid that these creatures, who ought to be hoovering my living room or performing a differentContinue reading “Congratulations to Russia AND Ukraine”