The View from Sennaya Ploschad

Cheburashka's got the goods in Japan

2011-09-23T21:24:00.001+04:00

A few years ago most Cheburashka items were in the form of Russian collectibles. Now there seems to be a never-ending variety of new Cheburashka items coming out of Japan.

These small glasses with a white Cheburashka are reminiscent of the white Cheburashka plush toys of the Torino Olympics used by the Russian Olympic team.

But indeed, they are from Japan.

http://www.sennaya.com/forum/

Moonlight and Vodka - Лунный свет и водка

2011-04-11T08:47:00.004+04:00

Moonlight, Vodka and song

Chris de Burgh is an Irish singer born in Argentina who has written and performed all over the world. He is surprisingly popular in Russia, especially since he does not speak or sing in Russian.
He proves that heartfelt songs of love, war, patriotism can be popular everywhere.

This first song is almost and ex-pat anthem, the lonely feelings of a foreigner in Moscow. Moscow is a long way from L.A. Written during the cold war it speaks to the loneliness when you cannot know who to trust. Even without the cold war, a foreigner is often alone. Drinking vodka in the moonlight.

Moonlight and Vodka - Chris de Burgh - Clip from Dangerous Lady - Опасная леди

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45FO14BORFU
Lyrics at the bottom of page.

And sometimes love strikes, even in a foreign land. Falling in love with the dance and the dancer.

Natasha Dance - Наташа танца - Chris de Burgh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1aQWy1FKKM

In 2007 Chris de Burgh performed in Moscow a song of Leningrad and its struggle in WWII. The German army laid siege to Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, for 3 years and a million people starved. Yet Leningrad did not fall and the Russian army prevailed.

Leningrad Memories - Ленинградская избранное

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoiS3RNjQa0

Many were lost in WWII and this song of soldiers lost under the snow has universal appeal.

Snow is Falling - выпавшего снега - Chris de Burgh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTtZ11LAxUE

Snow is falling
Snow is falling, snow is falling on the ground,
In the forest, in the forest there's no sound;
A shallow grave is where we lie,
The boys and men who died,
And snow is falling on the ground,
And we are calling to be found;

And the seasons, and the seasons come and go,
In the springtime, birds will sing and flowers grow,
At summer's end, the autumn breeze,
Will whisper through the trees,
And leaves are falling on the ground,
And we are calling to be found;

And in our homes, so many tears,
They don't know where we have gone,
And snow is falling on the ground,
And we are calling to be found,
We are calling to be found......
---

A beautiful instrumental version of "When Winter Comes."
When Winter Comes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2H6yz55gWY

Moonlight and Vodka
Fix me a drink, make it a strong one,
Hey comrade, a drink, make it a long one,
My hands are shaking and my feet are numb,
My head is aching and the bar's going round,
And I'm so down, in this foreign town;

Tonight there's a band, it ain't such a bad one,
Play me a song, don't make it a sad one,
I can't even talk to these Russian girls,
The beer is lousy and the food is worse,
And it's so damn cold, yes it's so damn cold,
I know it's hard to believe,
But I haven't been warm for a week;

Moonlight and vodka, takes me away,
Midnight in Moscow is lunchtime in L.A.,
Ooh play boys, play...

Espionage is a serious business,
Well I've had enough of this serious business,
That dancing girl is making eyes at me,
I'm sure she's working for the K.G.B.
In this paradise, ah cold as ice;

Moonlight and vodka, takes me away,
Midnight in Moscow is sunshine in L.A.,
Yes, in the good old U.S.A.
---

Natasha Dance
Natasha brings me kisses in the moonlight,
She kneels above me, silk upon my skin,
I reach for her, and I can feel her heartbeat,
Beneath her breast so heavy in my hand;

The rain is running rivers on my window,
And shimmers on the streetlights down below,
She's happy when I hold her in the shadows,
And whispers of a life I've never known;

And will you dance, Natasha dance for me,
Because I want to feel the passion in your soul,
And when you dance, will you tell me in a story,
The joy and pain of living in your world;

La la la, la la la, la la la la.......

And with the light I wake up in the morning,
And she has gone, it must have been a dream,
And then I see the roses on my pillow,
And now I know that she will come again;

And she will dance, Natasha dance for me,
Again I want to feel the passion in your soul,
And when you move, will you show me in a story,
The joy and pain of living in your world;

Natasha dance for me.........
---

Leningrad
There she stood in an empty room, heard a voice from another time,
And the memories came rolling back of Leningrad in the war;

For the girl in the photograph, much had changed in the years that passed,
But her longing for the boy she loved was still the same since the war;

It was a moonless night upon the road of life, when he'd held her to say goodbye,
Many more would survive, for he stayed behind to help them live again;

When they met at the garden gate, tears would fall from a deep embrace,
For she never knew what happened to the boy she loved in the war;

Back in those happy days, before the soldiers came,
To break down the ones who remained,
And they only survived, who could learn to die, and live to fight again;

There they stood in an empty room, heard a voice from another time,
And their memories came rolling back of Leningrad in the war.

http://www.cdeb.com/cdebnew/biography.html

Kitka and the Rogue World Ensemble - Bringing Eastern Europe to America

2011-04-01T04:03:00.001+04:00

Music for all - - Kitka and the Rogue World Ensemble

One of the joys of traveling is the chance to hear music of all flavors from distant places.
I do have the good fortune to spend time in Russia and be exposed to all kinds of folk and regional music. Sometimes impromptu as the strains of voices rise from the subway where a some grandmothers sing songs from their childhood. Or festive occasions as the "Day of Russian Birch Tree" to hear some traditional music from small villlages. And often accompanied with some moves or folk dances. The vocal tradition is rich in Russia and goes all the way from Europe to China. Even the Orthodox Church only allows voices, no instruments to interrupt the voice of true faith. A concert in St. Issac's Cathedral is not to be forgotten. And Russian folk music is just the beginning.

Kitka

Fortunately, a few groups in the USA have traveled for us and brought a large selection of exotic from traditional and folk traditions from Eastern Europe for our enjoyment.
It is an ancient music that hearkens back to the earliest musical experiences that traveled our of Africa to Siberia and the whole of Europe and Asia.

It is an innate music very mother knows and is passed on for generations. I can't help but feeling very spiritual when listening to this music and feel a few waves of goosebumps as the emotion of expression makes itself known.

There is a special opportunity to hear two wonderful groups, Kitka, of international reputation and a fledgling group rapidly rising in stature, the Rogue World Ensemble. And even a voice workshop the next day to continue the experience.

Getting to this concert is a lot easier than traveling to Eastern Europe for those on the West Coast. They are bringing this spirit right to America! Most the singers have roots in Eastern Europe and bring a rel cross-cultural understanding to their music.

More music videos from Kitka
http://www.youtube.com/kitka

“Kitka’s music: Beautiful, primal women's songs steeped in ancient traditions and inspiration that ring fresh like Spring air after a long Winter.” - David Owens

Kitka vocal arts ensemble

Kitka and their beautiful Eastern European vocal music

http://www.kitka.org

In their words, "Kitka is an American women's vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe. Dedicated to developing new audiences for music rooted in Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian women's vocal traditions, Kitka also strives to expand the boundaries of folk song as a living and evolving expressive art form. "

Kitka's outreach activities include a California-based series of concerts and vocal workshops; regional, national, and international touring; programs in the schools; recording, publication, and broadcast projects; master artist residencies.

Kitka: Cradle Songs

Kitka has released eleven critically acclaimed recordings, nine on its own Diaphonica label.

Cradle Songs has been named "One of the Top Ten CDs of 2009" by NPR, and one of the "Most Memorable Internationally-Flavored CDs of 2009" by the Los Angeles Times.

The World of Eastern European Lullabies

Kitka’s Cradle Songs

The mother, the cradle, the voice, and the universe. Melodies born on dry slopes and in deep boreal forests to the joys and sorrows of families from villages in the Russian Far North to Armenia and Greece.

Rogue World Ensemble

http://www.rogueworldensemble.org

A fairly new group in the Rogue Valley, the Rogue World Ensemble is gaining a lot of fans as their repertoire grows. They have an infectious good spirit and a strong vocal harmony that would make them a great concert all by themselves.

Rusalka - Rogue World Ensemble

Rogue World Ensemble celebrates the folk singing traditions of cultures from throughout the globe. The unique vocal qualities and intricate harmonies of the world’s many diverse cultures conveys the complexity of the human heart as uniquely expressed through music.

"We believe that music is a universal language that transcends borders. Sharing the folk singing traditions of our world brings forth the potential for transformation, connection, and peace."

Rusalka is a women's vocal quartet related to the rogue World Ensemble that celebrates the musical traditions of Eastern Europe, Israel, Russia and its neighbors.

To have Kitka and the Rogue World Ensemble together is a real treat!

Kitka and Rogue World Ensemble

In Concert April 8, 2011 in Ashland, OR

Friday, April 8, 2011 • 8pm
Tickets: $20/advance, $22/door, $10/teens 12-17,
children under 12 are free with paying adult.
Unitarian Fellowship, 4th and C Streets, Ashland

Tickets
http://www.stclairevents.com/tickets_20110408.htm

Happy First Day of Spring! Let the thaw begin!

2011-03-21T04:18:00.000+03:00

Cheburashka is ready for Spring!

Cheburashka just wanted to take a bath and the water turned to ice!

Photograph by Alexander Kadnikov
http://www.yagallery.com.ua/autors/22/

G-G-G-Get me out of this bathtub!

Bring Spring weather now! It's time for a thaw.

http://sennaya.com/forum/index.php?topic=779.0

Happy 100th Women's Day!

2011-03-08T19:48:00.002+03:00

http://bit.ly/e1IcvO

100 years building women's rights! But don't forget the basic idea that women should be appreciated and respected for all reasons.

In Russia Women's Day is very important to 96% of the population and is universally celebrated. The remaining 4% better make themselves scarce.
It is bigger than Valentine's Day!

Mothers, wives, daughters, relatives, friends and babies, Happy Women's Day! Thank you for being YOU!

http://bit.ly/e1IcvO

The Amazing Towers of Tatlin and Bawher

2011-01-17T23:34:00.003+03:00

Constructionist Towers of Tatlin and Bawher

One of the ironies of Soviet time in Russia was the creativity in the art community. As long as the message supported the party view creativity could be expressed.

St. Petersburg was a flourishing center for the Avant garde before the 1918 revolution. many artists stayed on and even found support from the government when their message fit their goals, or be adjusted to do so.

The first great movement in Soviet Russian art was Constructivism, an artistic and architectural movement that originated in Russia from 1919 onward which rejected the idea of "art for art's sake" in favor of art as a practice directed towards social purposes. Constructivism as an active force lasted until around 1934, having a great deal of effect on developments in the art in Germany and elsewhere, before being replaced by Socialist Realism. Its motifs have recurred in art movements since.

Artists Kazimir Malevich, Alexander Rodchenko, Liubov Popova, Alexander Vesnin, Varvara Stepanova became the early leaders of the movement.

Enter Vladimir Tatlin and his proposal for the Monument to the Third International in 1919 which combined a machine aesthetic with dynamic components celebrating technology such as searchlights and projection screens. The Tatlin Tower, a grandiose monument, never to be built.

The Tatlin Tower - A video representation

http://www.youtube.com/v/lwuPCDhpcfY

Tatlin's work was immediately hailed by artists in Germany as a revolution in art: a 1920 photo shows George Grosz and John Heartfield holding a placard saying 'Art is Dead – Long Live Tatlin's Machine Art', while the designs for the tower were published in Bruno Taut's magazine Fruhlicht.

Tatlin's tower started a period of exchange of ideas between Moscow and Berlin, something reinforced by El Lissitzky and Ilya Ehrenburg's Soviet-German magazine Veshch-Gegenstand-Objet which spread the idea of 'Construction art', as did the Constructivist exhibits at the 1922 Russische Ausstellung in Berlin, organised by Lissitzky.

A 'Constructivist international' was formed, which met with Dadaists and De Stijl artists in Germany in 1922. Participants in this short-lived international included Lissitzky, Hans Richter, and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy.

However the idea of "art for teh sake of Art" was wrong to the Russian Constructivists: which wanted direct participation in industry and an end to easel painting.

Tatlin was one of the first to answer this and attempt to transfer his talents to industrial production, with his designs for an economical stove, for workers' overalls and for furniture. The Utopian element in Constructivism was maintained by his 'letatlin', a flying machine which he worked on until the 1930s.

Constructionist art is both idealistic and impractical. A period of intense creativity and clash of ideals and aesthetics. Thought Tatlin's Tower was never built, it spawned countless debates and inspired and offended.

This film inpsired from a Vladimir Mayakovsky Film is one interesting results of these times.

http://www.youtube.com/v/vo1qGR5DDw8

In 2005, Theodore Ushev made a short ani8mate film that revisits the themses of teh Constructionists set to the musical composition "Time, Forward!" by Russian composer Georgy Sviridov.

Drawing on the tower's design, the film seems to build toward a utopian goal, until the grandiose, futuristic forms abruptly tumble. In Tower Bawher, Ushev celebrates constructivist art while also critiquing the use of art in the service of ideology.

http://www.youtube.com/v/zap6AlCQsQk

The film makes fresh the creative ideas of the Constructionists, both their allure and foolishness.

More Films by Theodore ushev:
http://www.nfb.ca/explore-by/director/Theodore-Ushev/

Cheburashka Bento - Have your Cheby and eat it too!

2011-01-08T01:10:00.002+03:00

One of the newest characters to appear in Japanese animation is the Russian cartoon classic "Cheburashka."
The popularity of Espensky's creation ca be seen by his inclusion in popular home art forms such as Bento Kyaraben, the lunch box prepared artistically with Japanese cartoon characters made of food.

Bento (弁当) is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container.

Although bento are readily available in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops (弁当屋), train stations, and department stores, it is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend time and energy for their spouse, child, or themselves producing a carefully prepared lunch box.

Bento can be very elaborately arranged in a style called kyaraben or "character bento". Kyaraben is typically decorated to look like popular Japanese cartoon characters (anime), characters from comic books (manga), or video game characters. Contests are often held where bento arrangers compete for the most aesthetically pleasing arrangements.

Miko "LuckySundae" is a very fine Bento artist who has the pleasure of eating her creations.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cuteobento/sets/72157602921501238/

She has a book coming out and does this professionally.

http://cuteobento.blog43.fc2.com/

The World's Smalllest Cheburashka and Gena!

2011-01-06T00:33:00.000+03:00

This Cheburasha and Gena by Vladimir Aniskin are amazing.

Take a poppy seed from a muffin, cut it in half, now place two figures on it!

the World's Smallest Crocodile Gena and Cheburachka

How does he do it?

All my works are hand-made without any micro manipulators. Aniskin works with the help of a microscope. My microscope is MBS-9, a binocular microscope (that is, you look with both eyes), with linear magnification up to 100 power. Aniskin made two little self-made machine units - a lathe and a sharpening unit. Each of them can fit in the palm of a hand.

Aniskin invents and makes tools on of his own. While working he holds his creation in his fingers. Even one's heartbeat disturbs such minute work, so particularly delicate work has to be done between heartbeats.

How to make a miniature Easter Egg!

What are Crocodile Gena and Cheburashka made of?

Aniskin says, "These works are very complicated since they are three-dimensional, volumetric, and it is very, very hard to make a 3D object. These figurines were not made of something and then painted. No. They are entirely made of painting pigment which was processed in a way that it becomes sturdy enough to "hold" small plastic objects."

Crocodile Gena and Cheburashka

are placed on a cut poppy seed.

The height of Cheburashka is 0.6 mm, the height of Gena is 1.4 mm.

http://aniskin.ru/en/galery.html

101 ways to have a great day in Russia

2011-01-05T02:03:00.000+03:00

Super Ideas for a Great Day in Russia

From start to finish, 101 ways!

Get enough sleep the night before for your awesome day!
Clean your room the night before so that you wake up to a clean home to enjoy!
Have a refreshing shower or a nice warm bubble bath.
Pick your favorite outfit or one that make you look super good!
Eat a healthy breakfast. Blini!
Go for an early morning walk.
Read the newspaper.
Have a cup of tea or coffee.
Have pirogi or muffins with jam and cream.
Let someone else drive. Hitch a ride for little money!
Spend your day with friends or your family or your loved ones.
Go to the beach. finland Gulf and feel your spirit on the wind!
Go shopping and spoil yourself. Sennaya Ploschad is great for that!
Get a haircut. If you are a woman, get highlights too.
Take your phone with you in case you need it. Call a friend!
or find peace, leave your phone in the car while you walk on the beach.
Put your toes into the lake or gulf!
Wear suncreen with a good SPF.
Be around people that make you feel good about yourself.
Say a prayer, meditate or have a moment of silence.. . . .
Do something that you have been meaning to do for a long time.
Spend some time on your favorite website. (sennaya.com)
Look good wherever you go. That will help you to feel good.
Smile!
Tell a joke to make other people laugh.
Do something for someone who needs help..
Eat your favorite food.
Watch your favorite TV show.
Do some gardening. Dacha!
Spend some time with kids.
Wear a cool hat.
If it is winter, go for a walk in your new coat.
If you don't have a new coat, buy one!
Go onto your favorite social networks and ping a lot of people.
Read a book. http://www.ipacific.com/samoa/stevenson/
Paint a picture.
Don't think about things that make you stressed or angry.
Express your feelings in art or poetry, or by talking with an understanding person.
Spend some time with your pet. Animals love attention from their owners.
Jump in puddles if it is raining.
Go to a park with a group of friends. Krestovsky Ostrov!
Have a picnic. Go berry or mushroom hunting!
Sing a song.
Cook something tasty. Shashliki?
Pick a flower in your garden or bring one home.
Read a joke book.
Write inspirations in your diary.
Go for a walk or to the gym.
Relax in your home slippers.
Avoid arguments and be nice to other people.
Go on a boat. White Nights on the Neva!
Page through a magazine. Snob?
Have more tea or coffee. With chocolate.
Wear a wacky outfit.
Gossip (but not too much).
Laugh
Bake with your mom or favorite friend.
Go to your favorite restaurant.
Drink sparkling water.
Have a power nap. Especially after some power food!
Buy someone a gift.
Go to the zoo park.
Go dancing. At home is fine, just do it!
Brush your teeth and floss!
Go to a game reserve.
Get a letter or send a letter.
Play with stickers.
Make a social media page.
Play Pac Man Online.
Watch the news. Or maybe don't watch the news!
Make new goals.
Use a nice cream or beauty product. Perfume! Cologne!
Look at something shiny
Go star gazing. Make a wish to the brightest star!
Watch the clouds.
Go fishing. eat fish!
Go for a hike.
Go roller blading. at
Make a toast for health and good friends!
Facepaint your face. Get a temporary tattoo.
Kiss your sweetheart.
Fill the refridgerator.
Walk to Palace Square!
Text SMS or tweet your friends
Make a snowman. Or snow woman. Give 'em a hug!
Swim, Polar Bear dip in winter?
Play a sport.
Sit in the sun. At Peter and Paul fortress!
Eat a pie on a bench.
Give yourself a makeover
Get a cool DVD.
Roast marshmallows on a stove or candle.
Tell your friend a secret.
Have tea in a high rise restaurant. Skybar?
Learn a new word
Do a crossword puzzle.
Wear something crazy.
Paint your nails. eat your snails, look at whales. Make a poem!
Buy some Swiss chocolates.
Wash your hair
Enjoy Life! Give yourself a break! Be yourself and happy!

Health, Happiness and Peace!

And to all a Great Day!

David and Maria
St.Petersburg, Russia
http://www.sennaya.com/forum/

Happy New Year! C Novim godom!

2010-12-31T00:46:00.001+03:00

Happy New Year! C Novim Godom!

From Ded Morose, Cheburashka, and the folks at Sennaya.com

http://sennaya.com/forum/index.php?topic=603.0

The Best View of the Lunar Eclipse 2010

2010-12-29T22:14:00.001+03:00

The Best view of the December 21 Lunar Eclipse 2010

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse 2010 from William Castleman.
Time lapse video of Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse on December 21, 2010 from 1:10 AM EST (6:10 GMT) to 5:03 AM EST (10:03 GMT) from Gainesville Florida. The music is Claude Debussy’s Nocturnes: Sirènes.

I used a 4 inch telescope (Takahashi TSA-102 with TOA-35 field flattener) on an equatorial mount (Losmandy GM-8) that was polar aligned and following the Moon at a lunar tracking rate. Photographs were taken every 20 seconds with a dslr camera (Canon EOS-40D) using EOS Utility software at ISO 100 or ISO 200 in aperture priority mode with variable exposure compensation. Spot metering was used. The tracking was manually corrected every 20 to 30 minutes to keep the Moon centered in the field. Photos were assembled in Quicktime Pro software to make the time lapse video. The video was stabilized in After Effects CS5. Sony Vegas 9 merged the video, music and text.

Jingle Rocking from Russia!

2010-12-14T22:02:00.000+03:00

Happy Holidays from Jingle Rockin'

Sax from St. Petersburg!

Jingle Rock Sax from Russia by David Owens.

Soprano Saxophone rocks popular holiday tune, Jingle Bell Rock. Enjoy Winter holiday scenes from St. Petersburg, Russia!

Happy Holidays from Jingle Rockin' Sax from St. Petersburg!

http://vimeo.com/17801487

Travels in Siberia by Ian Frazier

2010-12-07T02:42:00.001+03:00

Travels in Siberia

Ian Frazier is a well known writer, and he is also an avid reader.
His "Travels in Siberis" is a collection produced over a dozen years of visits and reading about Siberia.
The first line of his book reads, "Travels in Siberia' Conjures a Place That Doesn't Really Exist."
And truthfully trying to describe a region this large as any kind of cohesive place is impossible.

Excerpt:s:

“What I have to say next concerns the Omsk airport men’s room. I regret this. I’ve noticed that in books by Siberian travelers of the past they don’t talk about bathrooms, and that’s probably good. I reluctantly break with this tradition for two reasons. First, I am an American, and Americans pay attention to and care about bathrooms … The men’s room at the Omsk airport was unbelievably disgusting. Stepping through the door, or even near the door, was like receiving a blow to the face from the flat of a hand… The floor was strewn with filth of a wide and eye-catching variety.”

And another:

“Avvakum and the other exiles eventually are marching back to Moscow, and the months of journeying drag on and on, Avvakum records a conversation between himself and his wife that is a Russian moment for the ages. The two are among a group walking along on ice, unable to keep up with the horses, and Avvakum says, “My poor old woman tramped along, tramped along, and at last she fell, and another weary soul stumbled over her, and he fell too, and they both screamed, and were not able to get up… And I came up, and she, poor soul, began to complain to me, saying, ‘How long, archpriest, are these sufferings to last? And I said, ‘Markovna! till our death.” And she, with a sigh, answered, ‘So be it, Petrovich; let us be getting on our way.’”

Travels in Siberia

Saving Tigers in World and Russia

2010-11-30T20:30:00.001+03:00

At the International Forum on Tiger Conservation hosted in St. Petersburg and championed by Vladimir Putin in November to support efforts to save the world's tigers.

Agreements were signed by a dozen countries.to help in the conservation effort.

Vladimir Putin and Leonardo DiCaprio in St. Petersburg

Over 200 million dollars were pledged including $1 million from activist actor Leonardo DiCaprio. "Here, in Russia, we call such a person a 'real man," spoke Putin regarding DiCaprio difficult journey to attend teh conference.

The Amur tiger in Putin's Russia has made an impressive recovery from fewer than 30 in 1945 to about 500 today. It is evidence that the animal can recover if supported by political will and public awareness.
http://sennaya.com/forum/index.php?topic=719.0

Siberian Amur Tigers in snow

I never wanted to be a porn star

2010-11-19T02:29:00.001+03:00

Traveling by airplane is getting just crazy.

American security TSA is about to expand the full-body scanners across the USA.

Would you like to walk naked through the airport? Does flying mean you have agreed to appear naked before TSA officials. The same guys who terrorize their own employees with their scanimages?

During training TSA hooligans made fun of a scan of a fellow employee that showed his male prowess:

"In May, Transportation Security Administration screener Rolando Negrin pummeled a co-worker with his government-issued baton. The feud began, according to a Miami-Dade Police Department report, after Mr. Negrin’s training session with one of the agency’s whole-body imagers. The scan “revealed [Mr. Negrin] had a small penis,” the disgruntled co-worker told police. After a few months, he “could not take the jokes any more and lost his mind.” Source: The Danger Room

That guy ought to sue the socks of the TSA for allowing that harassment. It is the same as photolab personnel that used to keep risque photos of customers tht passed through their printers. Yuck!

"Now the TSA is rolling out these ultra-revealing imagers across the country in an attempt to uncover hidden threats like the so-called underwear bomb found on a Detroit-bound flight last Christmas."

Walking naked- the new airport scanners

Add caption

Fishing a favorite sport for Russians and Americans

2010-11-16T20:27:00.000+03:00

Rogue River Drifters Trailer, coming to a screen near you!

Humorous History of the C.C.C.R. - U.S.S.R. for all ages

2010-11-05T18:58:00.001+03:00

The History of the USSR for children and all ages.

If the world was made of Legos, it would happen this way.

Lenin asked the Russian people, "Why are you living poor under the Czar?"
"Let you live poor under my rule!"

The back lot tour of McDonalds - where the meat comes from

2010-09-24T00:50:00.003+04:00

Marr Russia- Hamburger kings

The busiest McDonald's restaurant in the world is on Pushkin Square, Moscow. The store serves 30,000 customers a day, as busy as on theri opening day, January 31, 1990.

The menu is similar as in the United States, with the addition of cabbage pie and a few other traditional Russian food items.

The Pushkin Square restaurant is important as well because it is the jewel in a growing real estate empire that ranks McDonald's among the largest corporate landowners in Russia.

Ever wonder how Russia can get hamburger paddies for such a large scale business?
One source is Italian company Marr Russia operating in Russia where they produce beef paddies for McDonalds's hamburgers in Russia.



Here's the beef

The ground beef ...

20 years ago the opening of the Pushkin Square McDonalds. Over 30,000 burgers were served.

Cheburashka spotted at Peter and Paul Fortress!

2010-08-06T19:44:00.002+04:00

A sand castle festival was held at the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg this summer in 2010 on the theme :World Cinema." Cheburashka, Gena and others Russian animation stars are in this sculpture.

Scarlet Sails Holiday June 19, 2010

2010-05-25T01:20:00.003+04:00

June 19, 2010 is the huge graduation holiday "Scarlet Sails" in St. Petersburg.
A million people line the Neva and palace square to celebrate graduation and the coming of everyone's Scarlet Sails.

The Scarlet Sails celebration in St. Petersburg has spectacular fireworks launched from Peter and Paul Fortress and is touted as the largest holiday event in Russia with an estimated attendance of one million people comprised of students, military cadets, teachers and families.

The Scarlet Sails tradition began after World War II when several Leningrad (Now St. Petersburg) schools united to celebrate the end of the school year with symbolism from Alexander Grin's
popular children’s book, “Scarlet Sails.”

At that time, a boat with scarlet sails would float along the Neva River's English and Admiralty Embankments, heading toward the Winter Palace. The celebration gained much popularity following the release of the 1961 movie titled “Alye Parusa.”

The Scarlet Sails celebration includes large-scale events on the Neva River, such as rowing and motorboat races and massive pirate battles. Appearing at the finale is the Schtandardt, Peter the Great's tall sailing ship, with scarlet sails.
The city's fountains with their colored lights make a spectacular backdrop to the music and fireworks.
The St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and popular stars often provide live concerts during the event.

Cheburahska Pins

2010-05-07T23:10:00.005+04:00

In addition to videos, stuffed toys and nested dolls, there are many many pins, especially from the soviet times.

Here is one I like, a Cheburashka cartoon character.

http://sennaya.com/forum/index.php?topic=603.0

Who should be The Olympic Mascot in 2014?

2010-03-03T00:16:00.002+03:00

Polls

Blue Cheburashka in Vancouver Olympics

2010-02-23T01:55:00.004+03:00

Big Blue Cheburashka spotted in Vancouver Olympics!

On the walls a new blue Olympic Mascot from Bosco Sports- the Blue Cheburashka!

Shopping for blue cheburashkas, the little ones inteh back are for sale.

This giant blue Cheburashka is cute, but its arms are hanging down like a gorilla!

Here is the4 blue cheburshka mascot carried by the Russian Olympians inteh Vancouver Olympics.

Cheburashka fans
http://sennaya.com/forum/index.php?topic=256.0

Obama gets help from Cheburashka

2009-12-22T21:11:00.003+03:00

President Medvedev was seen consulting with Cheburashka in an earlier post. Now Cheburashka has embarked on international diplomacy as he takes the hand of US President Barack Obama. Once only known for his agricultural expertise with orange shipments, Cheburashka's influence can be felt worldwide.

Cheburashka humor

2009-12-09T20:56:00.005+03:00

Crocodile Gena, where are you?

1612 - Movie Trailer

2009-11-15T08:42:00.002+03:00

That's how Russian holidays get created.

Unity Day, the holiday to celebrate on 4 November 1612 the liberation of Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian occupation!

There is another significant event that took place on this date in Russian history. Following the victory in the Northern War against Sweden, which resulted in Russia gaining control of the Baltic region and present-day Finland, the St. Petersburg Senate voted on 4 November 1721 (22 October according to the Julian calendar) to grant Peter the Great the status of "Father of the Nation and Emperor" -- effectively creating the Russian Empire.

Feel yourself Russian on November 4th!

Chebrashka-san, Russian cartoon a hit in Japan

2009-10-22T22:56:00.002+04:00

Cheburashka-san to air on Japan TV and joins Pokeman in popularity contest. Japanese television channel TV Tokyo began airing a show about Cheburashka, the popular Soviet cartoon character. Cheburashka in Japan is as popular as Pokemon in Russia, writer Eduard Uspensky, authors of "Cheburashka," agreed. It will air in 26 three-minute episodes.

In July 2009 Cheburashka was given to President Medvedev as he gave the official send-off to the Russian Olympic Team.

David and Maria http://sennaya.com/forum/index.php?topic=256.msg266#msg266

Russia Traveler Forum

2009-03-25T20:45:00.003+03:00

We compile a lot of news and tourist information in our forum on Sennaya.com.
Check it out!

David and Maria
http://www.sennaya.com/forum/

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-30T18:57:00.003+03:00

Happy New Year of the Ox and year of change.
Maybe it be Out of this World!

Vintage new year cards from Soviet times before the Russian Federation.
David and Maria
http://www.sennaya.com/forum

Happy New Year!

2007-02-19T10:38:00.000+03:00

It is the year of the pig, so eat well!

David and Maria
http://www.sennaya.com

Read the Treasure island story

2007-02-19T10:17:00.002+03:00

"Treasure Island" by Robert Luis Stevenson
I love that story.
Maria

How do I get from the airport to an apartment?

2007-02-19T10:14:00.000+03:00

Easily, but it takes some time.
The international flights come into St. Petersburg Pulkovo II airport.
You can get your own taxi there, but it is expensive, often they ask $50, or even 1,500 rubles.
If you have only a carry-on you can catch a minibus to Sennaya ploschad or to the Moskovsky Metro station and ride metro.
But it is difficult to carry large bags on public transportation.
The best way is to get a private car. It will take about an hour in the afternoon to reach the center and cost about $15-20 or 500 rubles.
If you stay at one of our apartments we will be happy to arrange to meet you at the airport and settle you in your apartment.
David and Maria, www.sennaya.com

Is Russia safe?

2007-02-19T10:13:00.000+03:00

Yes. You are safe in Russia.
Take the same precaution you take in any urban area. Keep your money in a front pocket, your back pockets can be targeted by pickpockets, especially in a crowded area frequented by tourists. Keep a hand on purses and cameras and use your shoulder strap. Keep aware of anyone getting too close or bumping into you. Be aware of your surroundings.
Thieves everywhere watch for who is not watching their belongings and strike the easy target. Just be careful and you will be fine.
David and Maria, www.sennaya.com

Why do some people pay less to get into the museums?

2007-02-19T10:11:00.000+03:00

It depends on your passport.
Many museums and concerts have two prices, the local Russian price and the foreigner price. The government tries to make things affordable for local residents but also charge a fair price for foreigners.
There is passport control at big museums like the Hermitage and it is very difficult to get lucky to be allowed to pay a lower price.
Usually the price is clearly market in English for the tourist price and in Russian for the local price. Fortunately, even the foreign price is a good value.
Here is a great tip: The Hermitage Museum has free entrance on teh first Thursday of every month!
David and Maria, www.sennaya.com