June 28 2007

Sochi 2014 Advertisement

Russia continues its bid to have the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. Here’s an English language promotional video we found online.


Video on YouTube

June 20 2007

Cheburashka

CheburashkaCheburashka is a famous character from the Russian children’s books by Eduard Uspenskiy. He was also featured in Soviet cartoons and became very popular in the Russia and around the world. Cheburashka’s popularity continues today and he is even the official mascot for the Russian Olympic team.

Link: Cheburashka at Wikipedia

Here are some photos of Cheburashka dolls found around the internet. It seems that Cheburashka is quite a world traveler!

Cheburashka

Cheburashka at the Golden Gate Bridge

Cheburashka in Japan
Cheburashka visits Japan

Cheburashka in the Taipei subway
Cheburashka in the Taipei subway

Cheburashka at a Japanese flower show
Cheburashka at a Japanese flower show


Cheburashka visiting Loch Ness, Scotland

Cheburashka visiting Loch Ness, Scotland


Cheburashka visiting the Taj Mahal in India

June 16 2007

Controversy Continues Over St. Petersburg Skyscraper

Controversy continues over the skyscraper project proposed by Russian energy giant Gazprom. The project is a frequent topic for St. Petersburg newspapers and television. This video from Russia Today takes a look at the controversial plans to drastically change the St. Petersburg skyline.


Video on YouTube

June 11 2007

Found Photo: Vacation!

Soviet school children hurry from school on vacation
“Vacation!” Photo from Soviet Photo magazine 1976. Via Soviet Photo Daily.

June 9 2007

Found Footage: Sputnik launch in 1956

This Universal International News reel from 1956 takes an interesting look at the launch of Sputnik by the Soviets. The clip includes an animation showing how Sputnik was believed to have been launched. This news piece was most likely shown in movie theaters around America.