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.

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

The Chelyabinsk region of Russia is located in both Europe and Asia. It is a place where East meats West. The region’s capital is traditionally known for its industry which grew rapidly in the Soviet era. However, there are still vast parts of the Chelyabinsk region that are still very far from the industrialized world. In some areas of Chelyabinsk there is a new tourism industry trying to get started. Here’s a fascinating report from Russia Today about the Chelyabinsk region and the beauties you can see there.

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Link: Chelyabinsk Region (Oblast) at Wikipedia
Link: Chelyabinsk (capital city) at Wikipedia

Kvass is a fermented, mildly alcoholic, beverage made from rye bread that is popular in Russia. Sometimes called “Russian cola”, kvass is popular with people of all ages. The alcohol content in kvass is very low and considered acceptable for children. Kvass is often sold right on the street from mobile tanks. Here’s some photos of traditional kvass tanks.

Kvass is so popular that Coca-Cola is trying to get in on the market. Here’s a video from Russia Today about the soft drink giant’s attempt to start selling kvass.

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Link: Kvass on Wikipedia
Shop: Gold Malt Kvas – 6 pack

Elena Marus, a student at the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow, gets lots of questions about Russia when talking with foreigners. As part of her graduate work, she decided to make a website to cover some of the most famous Russian symbols and stereotypes. The site takes a fun look at all the Russian classics such as samovars, vodka, matrioshka dolls, and even Russian brides. Elena’s site is fun and a great example of modern web design.

Russia Today recently interviewed Elena about her site.

Video at YouTube

Link: WOW Russia!

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

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

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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.

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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.

Here’s a small collection of videos and photos posted by internet users on Victory Day 2007.

Russian National Anthem sung by soldiers during the official Victory Day celebrations on Red Square. You can follow along with the lyrics.

Video from inside the cockpits of the jets that flew over the Red Square ceremony.

Veteran. Originally posted by Encinar.

Veteran. Originally posted by Leonid V. Kroujkov.

Veterans marching in Victory Day parade. Originally posted by Leonid V. Kroujkov.

Victory Day parade, Moscow, 9 May 2007. Originally posted by urbanpostings.

Stalin poster in Victory Day parade. Originally posted by Leonid V. Kroujkov.

Marchers in Victory Day parade. Originally posted by Leonid V. Kroujkov.

Fire in the Sky. Originally posted by stranger in moskva.

Here is a short American news clip from 1961 covering the May 1st celebrations in both the Soviet Union and Cuba. While the clip shows little about the actual May Day events, it does provide examples of both American and Soviet Cold War propaganda.