• Stalin-bration’09

    Every year an ever-expanding group of morons gathers to celebrate Stalin’s birthday and reminisce  about the greatness of the Stalin’s years in the Russian history. Considering that a person born in 1953 when Stalin died is quickly approaching  the age of 60, not too many people in the crowd actually remember the life under Stalin but that doesn’t stop them from marching around, dreaming about going back in time. The irony is in the fact that during Stalin’s times marching around or expressing disregard for the current regime would be a sure-fire way to get shot or be sent to labor camps.

    Russian communists stand in line in Red square to attend a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin marking the 130th anniversary of his birthday at the Kremlin wall in Moscow, December 21, 2009.

    And here we see a group kids whose parents could use a few months of labor camps themselves.

    Members of the youth wing of the Russian Communist party march along Red Square to lay flowers at Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's grave to mark the 130th anniversary of his birth in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.
    Russian Communists hold red flags as they queue to lay flowers at the grave of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to mark the 130th anniversary of his birth, as they walk along the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. St Basil's Cathedral is seen at left and Lenin's mausoleum is at right.
    Russian communists attend a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, marking the 130th anniversary of his birthday, at the Kremlin wall in Moscow December 21, 2009.
    A Russian communist walks along Red Square after attending a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin marking the 130th anniversary of his birthday at the Kremlin wall in Moscow, December 21, 2009.
    Russian Communists leader Gennady Zyuganov, 2nd left, smiles as others hold portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin after laying flowers at his grave to mark the 130th anniversary of Stalin's birth Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.
    Russian communists laugh in front of a McDonald's restaurant after attending a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, marking the 130th anniversary of his birthday, at the Kremlin wall in Moscow December 21, 2009.

    Few photos from Gori, Georgia where Stalin was born.

    With a statue, background, and portrait, foreground, of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, Georgians attend a rally marking his 130th birthday anniversary in Stalin's home town of Gori, 80 km (50 miles) west of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.
    Georgians carry portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin during a rally marking his 130th birthday anniversary in Stalin's home town of Gori, 80 km (50 miles) west of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.
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  • Behind The Iron Curtain: How To Recognize a Foreign Spy

    Recently an old Soviet spy-identification aid has come to my attention. I don’t know if it’s authentic, but it looks, feels and reads as such. The surprising part is that according to this memo I would now be easily outed as a spy. Not because of quality work (god forbid!), good posture and neat clothes, but mostly due to the habit of putting my feet up and love of cocktails. If you read carefully, the text is not of the highest opinion about an average Soviet citizen – a slouchy impolite slob, with simple food tastes, who eats a lot of bread, slams his drinks and has inferior work ethic.

    Free translation mine.

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  • Your Wife, Now With Skills

    Your wife who was just hot last year, now comes back improved with skills.

    Using the same gimmick twice is pretty lame.

    Speaking of lame: if you are tired of your puny kids, go get yourself some giant ones.

    Located in Olathe, KS.

    The sign seems to be missing an apostrophe or something, but what do I know, check your grammar with a pro.

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  • Singing With the Russian Accent

    Ivan Rebroff who was neither “Ivan” nor “Rebroff”, became world-famous for singing Russian Folk Songs. My Father always cherished an old “contraband” record of Rebroff’s incredible voice.

    httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep3h-2r_q98

    httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky_3YZQRNtE

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  • Old Photos: A Day In Life of a Ford Dealer

    Berl Berry automobile dealership organization, founded by Berl Berry in 1940 with Ford and Lincoln-Mercury automobiles, moved to two locations in 1950 at 19th and McGee Streets and 1818 Independence Boulevard.
    Leaving for work:

    Ford dealer Berl Berry leaving his house.
    Ford dealer Berl Berry leaving his house. © Time Inc. Ed Clark

    At work:

    Ford dealer Berl Berry and his secretary, in his ornate office.© Time Inc. Ed Clark

    Midday break:

    Ford dealer Berl Berry and his wife (R) eating brunch at Saddle and Sirloin Club.© Time Inc. Ed Clark

    Checking out his ranch:

    Ford dealer Berl Berry, visiting his ranch outside Kansas City.
    Ford dealer Berl Berry, visiting his ranch outside Kansas City.© Time Inc. Ed Clark

    Relaxing at home after the long day on a giant bed:

    Ford dealer Berl Berry and children lounging on giant 10 x 11 bed, in his home.© Time Inc. Ed Clark
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