Statue of Peter the Great in St. Petersburg, representing a history of Russian antisemitism

An A-Z of Russian hospitality to Jews: A history of Russian antisemitism

Soviet Life, Soviet-Jewish History /

You might have heard something about Israeli President Shimon Peres and the Jewish museum in Moscow? It’s just opened and Peres was among the important so-and-so’s in attendance. At some point in the proceedings, overcome with emotions dredged up from childhood, he opened his mouth and and the following came out: “My mother sang to me in Russian, and at the entrance to this museum, memories of […]

An A-Z of Russian hospitality to Jews: A history of Russian antisemitism Continue Reading

walmart, retail, store-4054031.jpg

The social media revolution, World War II, Syria, and oh, Walmart

Tech Meets History & Totalitarianism /

I’ve been thinking a lot about social media – mostly Twitter – and whether the increased speed and availability of global communicating is really going to make the world a better place (see: every Twitter revolution, everywhere). But Twitter just reflects ourselves back to us – the good and the bad. It’s not going to save us and it’s not going to be our doom.

The social media revolution, World War II, Syria, and oh, Walmart Continue Reading

Illustration of a mother and daughter holding an umbrella in the rain.

The mommy wars vs the reality of working motherhood

Gender & Parenting /

Here’s something: the US Bureau of Labour Statistics says that in 2011 only 16% of US households skewed 1950s, with a breadwinner dad and stay-at-home mom (SAHM). In Canada in 2010*, 20% of families had one parent at home – 90% of those were moms. In other words, MOST OF US WORK. (Sorry for the all-caps; I couldn’t help myself.) To which I have to

The mommy wars vs the reality of working motherhood Continue Reading

Cover of Swimming in Daylight by Lisa Paul, with quote from our interview.

A hunger strike and friendships with Soviet dissidents: Interview with Swimming in Daylight author Lisa Paul

Interviews /

I am really excited about today’s post — an interview with Lisa Paul, whose memoir, Swimming in the Daylight, is about her time in Moscow and friendship with Soviet refusenik and dissident Inna Meiman. In 1985, after returning from her trip, Lisa went on a hunger strike to bring attention to her friend’s plight and need for an exit visa so she could get cancer

A hunger strike and friendships with Soviet dissidents: Interview with Swimming in Daylight author Lisa Paul Continue Reading

Soviet citizens listen in Moscow as Molotov announces German invasion of USSR on June 22, 1941. Photo taken by Soviet-Jewish photograher, Yevgeny Khaldei.

Public and private during war: YouTube vs Soviet street announcements

Tech Meets History & Totalitarianism /

Found: Surprise soldier homecoming videos, an entire YouTube phenomenon I never knew existed. Basically, American soldiers who plan to surprise their families with an unexpected homecoming. Usually in public, with a videographer in tow, often from a local TV station. There is an endless reel of these videos, and you can watch them for hours without repeating the same clip. I thought I’d share a few

Public and private during war: YouTube vs Soviet street announcements Continue Reading

A joke to die for: Old communists telling Soviet jokes

Books & Movies, Soviet Life /

Every time you tell a joke, a dictator gets a little weaker. If you grew up in any household of former eastern European emigres, then you’re probably familiar with the very particular form of Soviet black humour. There is no North American equivalent to the anekdot. Aside from the jokes that periodically make the rounds in elementary schools (and, I suppose, knock-knock jokes), there isn’t the

A joke to die for: Old communists telling Soviet jokes Continue Reading

Vyertolyet - or wooden helicopter toy - a word I often forget in English

Apparently, there are words I still don’t know in English. Like apron.

Immigrant Experience, Personal Essay /

I forgot the word for helicopter the other day. For the rotor, actually. And I didn’t forget so much as remember it in the wrong language. My brain froze up and then offered me nothing but a very Russian “vyertolyot“. The end result is that I have a toddler who will never know what those non-airplane things in the sky are called. I actually have

Apparently, there are words I still don’t know in English. Like apron. Continue Reading

building, ruin, kgb-701008.jpg

My KGB file – Yes, there was probably a file with my name on it

Immigrant Experience, Personal Essay /

*Updated at bottom Excuse me while I continue to geek out on Soviet government memos… As I flip through, I’m continually amazed at the level of specificity in these memos, and to realize that “Big Brother” genuinely read all letters received from North American activists and government officials. (Paging Amnesty International.) We like to complain that the government doesn’t listen to us (even as we

My KGB file – Yes, there was probably a file with my name on it Continue Reading

Scroll to Top