January/February 2011

By any measure, Russia has a lot coming down the pike that would seem to augur better ties with the West.

Readers comment and correct.

Russia nabbed the World Cup in 2018. Will it be ready in time? How much will it all cost?

All the news that fits from all across Russia.

It seems like every week there are new, jaw-dropping events related to the infamous "migalka" - those flashing blue lights atop official vehicles that allow their drivers to flaunt all driving rules. We look at the phenomenon, plus consider two new Russian car lines.

The latest from the travel front.

150 years ago, everyone knew the serfs had to be freed, but no one knew how to do it without provoking unrest or revolution. But Alexander II went ahead anyway. Sort of...

We know comparatively little about the relationship between Akhmatova and Modigliani, but sometimes a few pictures can speak volumes.

In the winter of 1921, conditions could hardly have been worse in St. Petersburg, which may be why local intelligentsia turned to Pushkin and literature for consolation.

Where columnist Mikhail Ivanov considers the influence of Japanese on Russian language and slang.

Winter offers unique travel opportunities to Russia, particularly when it comes to Siberia. For instance, how about a trek across the world’s largest freshwater lake? Or ice skating atop crystal clear waters, then enjoying a searing banya...?

An excerpt from George Kennan's famous diary of his travels across Siberia, Tent Life in Siberia, in which he finds out he is not so fluent in Russian as he thought he was.

One hundred years ago, one of America’s most popular novelists was Gertrude Atherton, a widow from San Francisco. And she had an enduring fascination with Russians and Russian America...

Anyone visiting Moscow knows about the city’s famous “Seven Sisters.” But few know that there were supposed to be eight. That is just one little-known aspect of their fascinating architectural history. We asked a noted urban historian to tell us more

If the artists themselves are to be believed, Russian animation is in its death throes. After barely surviving the turmoil of the Soviet breakup, this beloved art form can no longer count on state support, nor can it embrace advertising, making its future uncertain at best.

Our series in the Cuisine section about the interaction of the culinary and visual arts continues with columnist Darra Goldstein's consideration of Pavel Filonov's "Angels by the Stove." And the recipe? Black bread!

Reviews of: Stalina, by Emily Rubin; Travels in Siberia, by Ian Frazier; Childhood, by Maksim Gorky; Balancing Act, by Natasha Borzilova; and the film Russian Lessons.

The beating of journalist Oleg Kashin in November has led many to once again focus on the state of Russian journalism. Guest columnist Alexey Kovalev considers another side of the issue.

This issue's language insert, sponsored by the Russkiy Mir Foundation, uses the Calendar piece on Akhmatova and Modigliani as its take-off point. The insert can be downloaded as a PDF at the Uchites page on our website.