Russian Kafe

May 9th, 2008

Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the victory over Germany in World War II. In Russia, the war is known as the Great Patriotic War, and May 9th is still one of the biggest holidays of the year. Russia today has English language coverage of this morning’s Victory Day parade on Red Square. Watch the full video with English commentary and read about the event on the Russia Today website.

Military parade on Red Square - full version (68 min)

Update: Russia Today has posted a lot of great video covering this year’s Victory Day and the history of the Great Patriotic War. Here are some highlights.
History of Great Patriotic War

Russia celebrates WW2 victory

U.S. uncertain about WW2 history
A Victory Day report from America with a Russian perspective.

• history , holidays , moscow , news , video

April 26th, 2008

More than 80 years after his death, Russians are still divided about the legacy of Vladimir Lenin. Last week saw the 138th anniversary of Lenin’s birth.  In the past, his home town was renamed in his honor, but now there’s talk of returning the city’s original name.  Here’s an interesting piece from Russia Today covering the controversy.

Russia split over Lenin’s legacy

• Lenin , communism , history , news

August 10th, 2007

In a search for alternative energy sources, Russia and other countries are once again looking to the moon. Russia is planning a new set of flights to the moon and possibly even a moon base. This all sounds very similar to the Cold War space race, but this time it’s less of a race and at least some international cooperation is expected. Here’s a report on the subject from Russia Today.

Video on Youtube

Related articles: Soviet Cities on the Moon?, China and Russia to Explore Mars Together, New Russian Space Shuttles

• news , space , video

July 12th, 2007

A baby mammoth was recently found in nearly perfect condition, frozen in the Russian permafrost. The mammoth was discovered by a reindeer breeder in the Yamalo-Nenetsk region. The mammoth has been named “Lyuba” after the wife of the man who found her. Click here to view video of the mammoth from BBC.

Link: Baby mammoth find promises breakthrough

• history , news , video

June 16th, 2007

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

• architecture , news , st. petersburg , video