Russia Closes Down Newspaper

After posting a politcal cartoon that provoked "a controversy with echoes of the Islamic anger over Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad", the newspaper Gorodskiye Vesti or City News was shut down. Members of the Russian government stated that it was desirable to avoid ethnic battles over the issue and that shutting down the newspaper was the safe way out. This demonstrates the governments power to control the propaganda and political insight that the citizens of Russia see.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/02/17/news/russia.php

Kino And Its Battle With Censorship

Kino formed in 1981 in Leningrad. Their songs focus on issues of freedom and tell of the beauty and mediocrity that permeated everyday soviet life. Due to censorship, early songs were heard only by small, private audiences, and thier tapes were copied and circulated illegally by fans. After 1988, as censorship fell, they had two years of unbridled fame until lead singer Victor Tsoi died in a car accident.

Modern Art

While searching for some more modern russian art pieces, we discovered a website that hosted several pieces that are currently up for sale. When compared to the art of past people such as Kandinsky, it seems as though the art has taken a less abstract step forward into reality. Perhaps this is a sign of the maturity of Russia's culture...or perhaps a new fad. Although, a large amount of abstract references remain with certain artists. You can also find several religious referecnes in the art which is a recurring trend for most of russian culture.

http://www.modernrussianart.com/

Uma 2erman found their lady

Yes!, they are actually named for the actress Uma Thurman. They say that as huge fans of the actress, they hoped producing music dedicated to her would mean they would some day meet her, which they did, when Kill Bill 2 made its Moscow primer. Apparently Uma even likes the music. The band, composed of brothers Vova and Sergei Kristovsky, is known for lyrical Caribbean-influenced songs about love and modern culture. According to one Russian critic, "some songs amaze as peals of a thunder, some bewitch as a flight of leaves." (SRA music magazine)

Sonya Golden Hands

A new 12 part mini series which recently debuted in Russia called Sonka Golden Hands will follow the exploits of famed 19th century Russian theif Sonya Golden Hands. The miniseries depicts one of Golden Hand's most famous robberies in particular, in which she cons both a jeweler and a psychiatrist at the same time in order to get a large amount of jewelery. The pilot episode aired last Monday at the same time that Russian citizens learned of the death of former Russian Leader Boris Yeltsin. Still, Kommersant reported that 29% of Russian's using their television sets during this time frame still managed to watch Sonka Golden Hands.

Director Viktor Merezhko admitted in a phone interview that the script for the series was infact "97 percent made up". "You've got to understand that no one followed [Sonya] around writing her biography". Merezhko also noted that the remaining 3 percent was based on filed police reports.

Merezhko said that the Sonya miniseries has taken hold of him and that he hopes to find basis for a second miniseries. "Of course, the life of this amazing woman can't at all fit into 12 episodes."

"The Power of One"

This political cartoon shows Russian President Vladimir Putin standing top of Russia in a king's robe wearing a crown. This is significant because it demonstrates Putins' dictator like rule over the country and his all-powerful governing methods. He possess more control over Russia than a leader should in a democracy should and this picture shows just that.

Perspectives of Russian Youth

When Russia comes to mind, one cannot help but think of the former attitude of the Soviet Union. This established system of beliefs is still held in high regard by many citizens, and with the introduction of democracy into the country many middle-aged Russians are finding it difficult to adjust to a more modern way of thinking. But what about the next generation of Russians? What will the future hold for them? And what do they think about all that is going on around them? In "The New Russia," this point is debated.

"The New Russia." (elibrary)
http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum/do/document?set=search&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standard&resultid=26&edition=&ts=489C792E1A2FEAA60D7C7609C7642D0C_1179158169018&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B91026053

The article begins by discussing the school lives of Russian teenagers. They attend a grade 1-11 school with about 1200 students total. Due to increased security because of war and terrorist threats, it would not be uncommon to find guards near the school. However, despite this, education remains to be a top priority in Russia. The students are intelligent, have individual hopes and dreams, and seem to live in a manner typical of any other young adult. "Alex, who plays in a rock band with friends, has written his own song lyrics-in English. Some day he wants to travel the world as a foreign correspondent."

Although the previous aims of the Soviet Union were to restrict the amount of influence Russian recieves from the outside world, at this point in time it seems to be the complete opposite. Many Russian teenagers, such as Alex and Anya from the article, are perfectly aware of the possibilities their future has. "They are not shy at all about showing off their English skills. Anya and Alex know that speaking a foreign language will give them opportunities of which their parents could only have dreamed."

Based on "A New Russia," by Lucian Kim, it is apparent that Russia may soon be drastically different from what it once was in the Soviet Union. With Russian youth being more highly educated, it is doubtful that they haven't the slightest idea about where the country is headed. With this knowledge, it is hopeful that Russian teenagers will be able to put an end to the negative aspects of the current government and ensure a positive future for the next generation of their people.
(A.H)