The per capita alcohol consumption in Russia is lower than that of many other European nations. On the other hand, the number of alcohol poisoning deaths in Russia in 2002 was 40,121. The estimate for the US in the same year was 317-1,076. This statistic is exacerbated by the lack of quality control for "samogon" (strong homemade vodka) and the tendency among some to drink items not intended for internal consumption in Russia (see "Elektrougli--Kilometer 43" pages 67-70 for an exaggerated treatment of this tendency.).
Ivan Kozlovsky (See "Kursk Station Restaurant" pages 18-19) Note that, among other roles, Kozlovsky performed the role of Lohengrin (see Mitrich's "love story" in "Kilometer 65--Pavlovo-posad"). Youtube video of Kozlovsky singing a poem by Pushkin set to music by Mikhail Glinka.
Feodor Chaliapin (See "Karacharovo--Chukhlinka," page 28) (Chaliapin sings)
Maxim Gorky's "Song of the Stormy Petrel" in Russian. (See "Novogireevo--Reutovo," page 39) It is short and not too difficult to read. For information about Gorky in English click here.
Aivazovsky's Ninth Wave (See "Novogireevo--Reutovo," page 40)
"The crucifixion took place exactly thirty days after the ascension. There was but one month separating my Toulon from my Helene." (40-41, "Novogireevo--Reutovo")
Inconsolable Grief (See "Nikolskoe--Saltykovskaya," page 47 and "Kilometer 113--Omutishche," page 143)
Modest Mussorgsky (Mentioned in "Esino--Friazevo," pages 79-81) This is the famous portrait by Ilya Repin. For more information on Mussorgsky click here.
Flight of the Bumble Bee (See "Krutoe--Voinovo," page 123)
Vera Mukhina's sculpture (See "Petushki. The Platform" page 153) of the worker and peasant was originally created for the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne (1937). It was moved to the Peoples Exhibit of Economic Achievements in Moscow where it was restored and given a new base in 2009. The Big Soviet Encyclopedia called it the perfect example of socialist realism.
