How to explain the feeling of sadness and loss that overcame me, as it did many others at hearing the new of Steve Job's death? I think it is simply that we have lost a visionary, a modern prophet, someone who changed the way we see the world. And when the world loses someone like that, especially when they are so young, it feels like the world has lost a bit of its future...

Saw an entry from Stanislav Mishin's Mat Rodina Blog, when it was posted to Johnson's List. A superb and well-argued summary of several things Russian business people need to attent to if they want to do business with the West. 

The tentacles of Russian software outsourcing are everywhere. Even in tiny Montpelier, Vermont, where Russian Life has its publishing offices.

A look at the astonishing rise in cell phone use in Russia. One report indicates that over 60% of Russians now have cell phones, versus just 25% two years ago.

Why is it that Russians don't answer email? We explore this conundrum, and whether it has some roots in Russian business or personal culture.

The revival of interest in kvas.

A few weeks ago our company, Russian Information Services, agreed to take over as publisher of Russian Life.

A look at no-frills debutante in the Russian aero market, Transaero.

Foreign workers, vodka decline, what Russians think of perestroika, and, of course, a Last Word.

All sorts of recruiters, from “local authorities” to women on maternity leave – not all of them in Russia – are convincing people to sign contracts to fight in Russia’s War on Ukraine. Russians are making money by sending other Russians off to war.