872 days or What is 'The Siege of Leningrad' - блокада Ленинграда

In the history of Russia there were many wars... Sounds too simple and too banal.
Let's change a bit.

The Russian history is a golden book of deeds acts of bravery, fine collection of brave personalities, outstanding people.

The other day we remembered one of these pages, from the chapter 'The 20 century'. On the 27 of January we remember the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, which happened exactly on this day in 1944. This is a great example of people's bravery, courage, strong will and unity...

***

• The Siege of Leningrad, also known as the Leningrad Blockade (блокада Ленинграда) was a prolonged military operation undertaken by the German Army Group North against Leningrad-historically and currently known as Saint Petersburg-in the Eastern Front theatre of World War II. The siege started on 8 September 1941, when the last land connection to the city was severed. Although the Soviets managed to open a narrow land corridor to the city on 18 January 1943, lifting of the siege took place on 27 January 1944, 872 days after it began. It was one of the longest and most destructive sieges in history and overwhelmingly the most costly in terms of casualties.

• From the In the vortex of congealed time By Oleg Yuriev
  

According to Hitler's secret orders No. Ia 1601/41 from 22 September 1941 on "The Future of the city of Petersburg": 
1."The Führer has decided to erase the city of Petersburgfrom the face of the earth. After victory over the Soviet Union there will not be the least reason for the continued existence of this large city. Finland has also announced that it has no interest in the continued existence of this city, which lies on its new borders. (…)
3. It has been suggested that the city be surrounded securely and levelled with continual air raids and artillery of every calibre. If this results in the city's capitulation, should it be rejected?" On 8 November 1941 Hitler explained in a speech that the enemy would be "starved out" in Leningrad. The report registers "thundering applause". 

• Just figures and facts from RIA-novosti

• 'Road of life'

"Road of Life" - the name of the road over ice across Lake Ladoga in winters of 1941-42 and 1942-43, after the ice became thick enough, allowing the transport bring the goods of any weight. The road of life has actually been the only means of communication for Leningrad with the 'mainland'.

Totally, the Navy provided the functioning of "Road of Life" and the water communication with the Ladoga Flotilla. In autumn 1941, the navigation delivered 60 tons of cargo, including 45 tons of food, the city had evacuated over 30,000 people; In the navigation of 1942 (May 20, 1942 - January 8, 1943) was delivered to the city of 790 thousand tons (almost half of the cargo was food),  540 thousand people and 310 thousand tons of cargo were taken from Leningrad. In the navigation in 1943 was transported 208 thousand tons and 93 thousand people.

• The Siege from the German documents 

• 35 (!!!!) volumes of 'The Book of memory' with the names of those who passed away during these days, find at Returned names 

• Tania Savicheva

Tanya was a Soviet child diarist who endured the Siege of Leningrad during World War II. Tanya and her diary have become an iconic image of the victims of the siege of Leningrad in the postwar Soviet Union.

The diary's display (from Wiki) 

Visit the panoramic memorial 'The diary of Tanya Savicheva' to get a wider idea of it at the Panorami

• Watch the program about the Blockade

Weekly digest

1. The DATE 

The anniversary of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad.

The Siege of Leningrad, also known as the Leningrad Blockade (блокада Ленинграда) was a prolonged military operation undertaken by the German Army Group North against Leningrad—historically and currently known as Saint Petersburg—in the Eastern Front theatre of World War II. The siege started on 8 September 1941, when the last land connection to the city was severed. Although the Soviets managed to open a narrow land corridor to the city on 18 January 1943, lifting of the siege took place on 27 January 1944, 872 days after it began. It was one of the longest and most destructive sieges in history and overwhelmingly the most costly in terms of casualties. (from wikipedia) 

poster from RIA-novosti

more detailed information see in our next post 

2. Interesting personality.

Not many Russian still do not know Ivan Okhlobystin. Film director, writer, actor, politician, priest, father of a big family, creative director in 'Evroset', person of sharp mind and sharp tongue ...that is all about him. This week we had a chance to see him on a film of 1991 'The Leg' based on W.Faulker's story. In that far 1991 he appeared so young and energetic, that's interesting to see how he learnt to manage his energy - it's not  even a joke that he had a plan to participate in president's election on 2012, but not long before the due date he changed his mind. Well, honestly, why not??

Where to learn more about him?
In English and even more in Russian

Where to see now?
tv-series 'Interns' about the everyday life of young doctors. Okhlobystin plays a role of severe but loving mentor of interns.

Интерны, Серия №96

После долгих уговоров Купитмана Быков согласился сделать себе маску для лица. Люба все это увидела и теперь требует за молчание сопроводить себя на танцы. Романенко решил, что Лобанов должен вернуть ему все долги.

3. Workshop with Russian mums.

Drawing a sheep with Kira Salimova

Step by step and comments (in Russian) 

4. Learning Russian. Introductory words to 'decorate' your Russian (words from here).

1) to express certainty or uncertainty (Уверенность или неуверенность)

• конечно, of course,  
• несомненно, no doubt 
• очевидно, it's obvious 
• безусловно, of course,  
• разумеется, of course,  
• само собой разумеется, it goes without saying 
• бесспорно, no doubt (='no need to argue') 
• действительно, really 
• наверное, perhaps 
• возможно, possibly
• вероятно, probably 
• может, may be 
• может быть,,,
• кажется, it seems that  
• видимо, it seems that ('it is seen that') 
• пожалуй, perhaps 
• в самом деле, indeed
• думаю, I think 
• надеюсь, I hope
• полагаю, I suppose

Examples,

• Совсем скоро, безусловно, птицы улетят на юг.
• В это воскресенье мы, возможно, пойдем на рыбалку.

Go here for more detailed information and exercises with keys

Russian-speaking world in 52 weeks. 3/52

In Septebmer 2012 Englishman Michael Charles Ware, born in Somerset County celebrated fifteen years anniversary as he has been living in a Siberian village.

His children were born in Russia, and they do not know a word in English. Michael himself forgot a lot of  his native traditions . He swears in pure Russian, walks in a quilted jacket, makes cabbage pickles, and sometimes plays cards with the households.

via BIGPICTURE.ru 

Ten Things Never to Say or Do in Russia

Interesting and quite reasonable article from For Dummies Mind it! =) 

Ten Things Never to Say or Do in Russia

Sometimes, knowing what NOT to do is even more important if you want to fit in or at least produce a good impression. Read on to find out about ten Russian social taboos.

Don't come to visit empty-handed

If you're invited over for dinner, or just for a visit, don't come to a Russian house with nothing. What you bring doesn't really matter — a box of chocolates, flowers, or a small toy for a child. Russian hosts prepare for company by cooking their best dishes and buying delicacies that they normally wouldn't for themselves. If, after all this effort, a guest shows up without even a flower, Russians believe he doesn't care.

Don't leave your shoes on in someone's home

Russian apartments are covered in rugs. Often, they're expensive Persian rugs with intricate designs, which aren't cleaned as easily as traditional American carpeting. Besides, Russians walk a lot through dusty streets, instead of just stepping from the car directly into the home. For these reasons, and also because this tradition has gone on for centuries, Russians take off their street shoes when they enter private residencies. The host usually offers a pair of tapochki (tah-puhch-kee; slippers); if you go to a party, women usually bring a pair of nice shoes to wear inside. And again, if you fail to take your shoes off, nobody will say anything. But sneak a peek: Are you the only person wearing your snow-covered boots at the dinner table?

Don't joke about the parents

Russians aren't politically correct. Go ahead and tell an anyekdot (uh-neek-doht; joke) based on ethnicity, appearance, or gender stereotypes; just steer clear of jokes about somebody's mother or father. You won't be understood.

Don't toast with "Na Zdorov'ye!"

People who don't speak Russian usually think that they know one Russian phrase: a toast, Na Zdorov'ye! Little do they know that Na Zdorov'ye! (nuh zdah-rohv'-ee; for health) is what Russians say when somebody thanks them for a meal. In Polish, indeed, Na Zdorov'ye! or something close to it, is a traditional toast. Russians, on the other hand, like to make up something long and complex, such as, Za druzhbu myezhdu narodami! (zah droozh-boo myezh-doo nuh-roh-duh-mee; To friendship between nations!) If you want a more generic Russian toast, go with Za Vas! (zuh vahs; To you!)

Don't take the last shirt

A Russian saying, otdat' poslyednyuyu rubashku (aht-daht' pahs-lyed-nyu-yu roo-bahsh-koo; to give away one's last shirt), makes the point that you have to be giving, no matter what the expense for yourself. In Russia, offering guests whatever they want is considered polite. Those wants don't just include food or accommodations; old-school Russians offer you whatever possessions you comment on, like a picture on the wall, a vase, or a sweater.

Now, being offered something doesn't necessarily mean you should take it. Russians aren't offering something because they want to get rid of it; they're offering because they want to do something nice for you. So, unless you feel that plundering their home is a good idea, don't just take things offered to you and leave. Refuse first, and do so a couple of times, because your hosts will insist. And only accept the gift if you really want this special something, but then return the favor and give your hosts something nice, as well.

Don't underdress

Russians dress up on more occasions than Americans do. Even to go for a casual walk, a Russian woman may wear high heels and a nice dress. A hardcore feminist may say women do this because they're victimized and oppressed. But Russian women themselves explain it this way, "We only live once; I want to look and feel my best."

On some occasions, all foreigners, regardless of gender, run the risk of being the most underdressed person in the room. These occasions include dinner parties and trips to the theater. Going to a restaurant is also considered a festive occasion, and you don't want to show up in your jeans and T-shirt, no matter how informal you think the restaurant may be. In any case, checking on the dress code before going out somewhere is a good idea.

Don't go dutch

Here's where Russians differ strikingly from Western Europeans. They don't go Dutch. So, if you ask a lady out, don't expect her to pay for herself, not at a restaurant or anywhere else. You can, of course, suggest that she pay, but that usually rules out the possibility of seeing her again. She may not even have money on her. Unless they expect to run into a maniac and have to escape through the back exit, Russian women wouldn't think of bringing money when going out with a man.

Don't let a woman carry something heavy

This rule may make politically correct people cringe, but Russians believe that a man is physically stronger than a woman. Therefore, they believe a man who watches a woman carry something heavy without helping her is impolite.

Don't overlook the elderly on public transportation

When Russians come to America and ride public transportation, they're very confused to see young people sitting when an elderly person is standing nearby. They don't understand that in America, an elderly person may be offended when offered a seat. In Russia, if you don't offer the elderly and pregnant women a seat on a bus, the entire bus looks at you as if you're a criminal. Women, even (or especially) young ones, are also offered seats on public transportation. But that's optional. Getting up and offering a seat to an elderly person, on the other hand, is a must.

Don't burp in public

Bodily functions are considered extremely impolite in public, even if the sound is especially long and expressive, and the author is proud of it.

Moreover, if the incident happens (we're all human), don't apologize. By apologizing, you acknowledge your authorship, and attract more attention to the fact. Meanwhile, Russians, terrified by what just happened, pretend they didn't notice, or silently blame it on the dog. Obviously, these people are in denial. But if you don't want to be remembered predominantly for this incident, steer clear of natural bodily functions in public.

Weekly digest

What to see and what to read about Russia and the Russian language?  


1) Epiphany swimming

See the photo report on the Epiphany swimming on the 19th of January. Traditionally people to te reivers or lakes on the Epiphany Eve in order to swim in the water which is blessed on the night of Epiphany and becomes holy. 
Read more about Holy days - СВЯТКИ  - here

2) Festival of 'Nativity scenes' - ВЕРТЕП

See the program about one of the performances

 

3) The Romanovs today

For those who are interested in the history of the Russian tsar dynasty - the Romanovs - may follow the blog which writes about the events of the family and posts the latest photos of the representatives of the tsar clan. Blog is here 

On the photo taken from the blog, is the president of the Romanov Family Assocation, Nicholas Romanovich Romanov, the Prince of Russia 

4) For film lovers 

For film lovers - try to see the detective film 'Liquidation' (2007). A very talented and extremely interesting miniseries (includes 14 episodes, around 40 minutes each) with chief of criminal investigations David Gotsman's (played by Vladimir Mashkov) 

The year is 1946. World War II is over, but it doesn't mean that there is no one to fight with. The post-war city of Odessa is ruled by serial killer prison-escapees and former Nazi collaborators. Fallen into disfavor, Marshal Zhoukov is sent to Odessa by Joseph Stalin to handle the situation. Together with the head of the local criminal investigation unit, David Gottsman, Zhoukov begins a special operation under the code name "Liquidation" (plot summary from wiki). 

From the point of view of the language the film is also interesting because the action takes place in Odessa, where people speak very special Russian - such a juicy combination of Russian language, Ukrainian words and speed of the speech and Jewish accent

The video with best episodes and jokes 

5) Learning Russian 

From www.urya.ru - learning Accusative case ( Винительный падеж, 4) and cooking borsch!
On the worksheet please choose the ingredients that we need to cook borsch

Russian-speaking world in 52 weeks. 2\52

a dog standing on the bank of the river Yenisei in 40 km from Krasnoyarsk (Ilya Naymushin/Reuters)

See it on the map 

Yenisei is the great river in Russian, the largest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. It is the central of the three great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean (the other two being the Ob River and the Lena River). Rising in Mongolia, it follows a northerly course to the Yenisei Gulf in the Kara Sea, draining a large part of central Siberia, the longest stream following the Yenisei-Angara-Selenga-Ider river system. 

One of the largest rivers in the world: the length of the river from the confluence of the Big and Little Yenisei Yenisei - 3487 km, from the effluent of the Lesser Yenisei - 4287 km, from the effluent of the Big Yenisey - 4092 (4123) [7] km. The length of the waterway: Ider - Selenge - Lake Baikal - Angara - Yenisei River is 5075 km. On the area of ​​the basin (2580 thousand km ²) Yenisei in 2nd place among the rivers of Russia (after Obi) and 7 th among the world's rivers. The Yenisei basin is characterized by sharp asymmetry: its right-bank part is 5.6 times higher than the left bank.

Святки - Christmas Days

Svyatki - Святки (saints, holidays, winter holidays, holy days) - twelve days of Christmas - Рождество (Christmas tide) to Epiphany - Крещение. All the days are filled with amazing joy of Christmas.

picture from the animation 'Christmas Eve' (1951) based on the story of N.Gogol

From the interview with priest Alexander Ilyashenko, (father of 12 children and grandfather of 31 grandchildren) These days are ideal for devoting it to friends, family, children and parents, and those lonely people who have no family. "Behold what is good or what is nice, but let brothers live in peace" - says the prophet David.

Christmas - is a children's holiday, and the joy of these days will pass on to children. How subtly noticed Dostoevsky, even if life unfold person in the other direction, in a difficult moment, as an inspiration, it will stir childhood impression and it turns out to be life-saving - it will help to make the right decision.

«Знайте же, что ничего нет выше, и сильнее, и здоровее, и полезнее впредь для жизни, как хорошее какое-нибудь воспоминание, и особенно вынесенное еще из детства, из родительского дома. Вам много говорят про воспитание ваше, а вот какое-нибудь этакое прекрасное, святое воспоминание, сохраненное с детства, может быть, самое лучшее воспитание и есть. Если много набрать таких воспоминаний с собою в жизнь, то спасен человек на всю жизнь». (Ф.М. Достоевский «Братья Карамазовы»).

Orthodox Christians at Christmas have always tried to find time for charity. These days, are perfect for sharing the joy of Christmas with the people of Christ, making them something good. Many people attend these days hospitals, orphanages, organize Christmas concerts, congratulations.

Traditionally, looking back to ancient times, we learn that this holiday had a lot of entertainments, not all of them are still popular.

People used to say about this period:

• At Christmastime wolves marry. На Святках волки женятся 
• From Christmas to Epiphany to hunt animals and birds sin - the hunter misfortune happens. От Рождества до Крещения охотиться на зверей и птиц грех — с охотником несчастье случится  
• Christmas passed, sorry to separate, Shrovetide comes  - tie to ride" - «Прашли Святки, жаль расстаться, пришла Маслина — кататься» (воронеж.).

Mythological significance  of Christmastide determined their "borderline" character - this time the sun turns from winter to summer, daylight moves from darkness to light, the old ends and a new year is born the Savior of the world, and chaos followed by divine ordering.

These days are also perfect for caroling - колядование

Carol ( Kalyada, Koleda,- Коляда) - traditional celebration of the Slavic people, associated with the winter solstice, and later dedicated to Christmas and Christmas time. Inherent attributes of the holiday is changing - ряжение (mummers using skins, masks and horns), caroling, Christmas carols songs, bestowing, youth games, fortune telling.

Here is a nice episode of caroling on Christmas Eve of the famous story by Nicholay Gogol 'Christmas Eve' - "Ночь перед Рождеством"

Here is one of the most famous carols, 


And in Jerusalem early ringing
Rejoice, rejoice  earth, the Son of God's was born

Come marvel at the star of the Miraculous
Rejoice, rejoice but earth, the Son of God's was born 

How to sing it

Text is below 

А в Иерусалиме рано звонили, 

 А в Иерусалиме рано зазвонили
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Выйди подивися на звезду чудесну
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Звезда возсия над вертепом ста
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Трём царям дорогу в вертеп показа
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Цари приидоша дари принесоша
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Имут бо приити три праздника в гости
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Первый убо праздник - Рождество Христово
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
А вторый же праздник - святого Василия
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
А третий же праздник - святое Крещение
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
И на этом слове бывайте здоровы
Радуйся, да радуйся земле, Сын Божий народися
Христос Бог народися 

Cinema: premieres of January 2013

1. Toy Seller \ "Продавец игрушек"

Россия (2011)
Жанр: комедия, мелодрама
Актеры: Шамиль Хаматов, Агния Дитковските, Татьяна Лютаева, Пьер Ришар, Вениамин Смехов, Андрей Барило, Ольга Волкова, Тифани Давио, Евгений Шиманович, Александр Соловьев

Синопсис: 
Николя Берсен — француз с русскими корнями. Живет в Париже и работает продавцом игрушек. Ни мама, ни французская невеста — дочь Парижского кондитерского «короля» — не одобряют чудачества Николя, ведь сорбонское образование позволяет ему сделать прекрасную карьеру в бизнесе. Перед Рождеством Николя отправляется в Россию, чтобы больше узнать о своем происхождении. Кто мог предположить, что эта поездка изменит его жизнь? В России его ждут приключения, фамильные сокровища, и… настоящая любовь.

Nicolas Bercent - is French but his ancestors were Russian. He lives in Paris and works as the seller of toys. Neither the mother nor his French girl - the daughter of Parisian pastry "king" -  disapprove his eccentricities as Sorbonne education allows him to make a great career in business. Before Christmas Nicolas goes to Russia to learn more about his background. Who could have imagined that this trip would change his life? In Russia he meets adventures, family treasures, and ... true love.

2. Understudy / "Дублер"

Россия (2013)
Жанр: комедия
Актеры: Александр Ревва, Кристина Асмус, Ксения Буравская, Варвара Малкова, Людмила Артемьева, Дмитрий Хрусталев, Татьяна Орлова, Александра Кимаева
Режиссер: Евгений Абызов

Синопсис:

Главный герой нашей истории — успешный актер, звезда шоу-бизнеса Игорь Успенский. Его жизнь — сплошные съемки, концерты, презентации, корпоративы, интервью и светские тусовки. Он вынужден «крутиться» день и ночь, у него нет выходных и праздников. А его очаровательная жена и прекрасная дочка видят его в лучшем случае поздно ночью, когда он приезжает домой, чтобы поспать хотя бы пару часов. Но все труды не проходят даром. Игорь очень популярен и однажды его кандидатуру выдвигают на премию «Человек года» — теперь ему нужно еще больше времени, чтобы победить главного конкурента — певца Михаил Стасов, главные хиты которого свели с ума всех женщин России…

В подмосковном горде живет Сева, человек, чрезвычайно похожий на Игоря Успенского. Он работает массажистом в салоне красоты, живет вдвоем с собакой по имени Сергей Валерьевич, абсолютно доволен своей жизнью и не признает сходства со звездой. Однажды директор салона убеждает Севу сняться в рекламном ролике, где САМ Игорь Успенский (конечно, изображаемый Севой) делает массаж клиентам салона. Ролик оказывается в интернете — так о своем двойнике узнает Успенский. Понимая, что времени ни на что не хватает, Успенский решает не подавать в суд на салон, а предложить Севе стать своим Дублером. Тому лишь нужно посетить несколько корпоративов и светских тусовок в образе Игоря Успенского. Сева принимает предложение и… попадает в незнакомый мир шоу-бизнеса, где его ждут невероятные приключения…

Synopsis:
The protagonist of the history - a successful actor, star of show business Igor Uspensky. His life - continuous shooting, concerts, presentations, corporate events, interviews, and secular parties. He has to "cool" day and night, it does not have weekends and holidays. And his lovely wife and beautiful daughter see him, at best, late at night when he comes home to sleep at least a couple of hours. But all efforts were not in vain. Igor is very popular and one day hi is nominated for the award "Man of the Year" - now he needs more time to defeat its main rival - the singer Michael Stasov

In suburban lives a guy Seva, very similar to Igor Uspensky. He works as a massage therapist in a beauty salon, lives alone with a dog named Sergei V., is absolutely content with his life and does not recognize the similarities with the star. One salon director convinces Seva star in commercials, where  Igor Uspensky himself (of course, represented by Seva) does massage to the salon customers. Movie is on the internet. Realizing that he is lack of time for him Yspensky decides to offer the therapist to be his understudy. He had just to visit a few corporate events and social gatherings in the image of Igor Uspensky. Seva accepts the offer and ... gets into the unknown world of show business, where he faces an incredible adventure

3. Icon of the  season / "Икона сезона"

Россия (2013)
Жанр: комедия, драма
Актеры: Екатерина Климова, Евгений Цыганов, Павел Баршак, Александр Ратников, Евгения Осипова, Алексей Барабаш, Юлия Маврина, Кристина Романец, Родион Юрин, Дарья Сазонова

Синопсис:

В основе фильма — пьеса Ольги Мухиной. Действие происходит в вымышленном городе, который очень напоминает Москву. Герои фильма, среди которых продюсеры, телеведущие, диджеи, много говорят о любви, но не способны почувствовать ее. Они рассуждают о том, чего не понимают. Они обаятельны, успешны и живут в удобном и мягком мире, который качественно соответствует счету на их кредитной карте.

Они ведут активный, но пустой и праздный образ жизни. И в какой-то момент героя начинает одолевать страх, что его скоро не станет. Его уютный мир начинает рушится, обнажая окружающую реальность, которая несет расплату за ошибки прошлого и вместе с тем — новое будущее. И каким оно будет, зависит только от того, сможет ли герой разобраться в себе.

Synopsis:
The film is based on the play by Olga Mukhina. The action takes place in a fictional town that is very similar to Moscow. Characters of the film, including producers, presenters, DJs, talk a lot about love, but can not feel it. They talk about what they do not understand. They are charming, successful and live in a comfortable and gentle world that qualitatively fits the bill on their credit card.They are active, but their lives are empty and idle. Once the hero got the fear that soon he would pass away. His comfortable world begins to collapse, exposing the environmental reality that brings atonement for the mistakes of the past and at the same time - a new future. And what it will be , it depends  only on the ability of the hero to understand himself.


via www.bigpicture.ru