Education · Society
The President has signed a law on entry to university from college without the Unified State Exam, a possibility that is now retained only for applicants to a related specialism. Until now, universities had the right to admit college graduates on the strength of their own internal entrance tests, regardless
Faith · Society · Rome
Usually a conclave to elect a new Pope is convened 15–20 days after a death or abdication, as was the case with Benedict XVI, the previous pontiff. But in 2013 Benedict XVI granted the right to hold a conclave immediately after his abdication, without waiting the 15 days. The
Faith · Society · People · Rome
Pope Francis has died. As of today, 21 April 2025, he had reached the age of 88 years and 4 months. Pope Francis was elected on 13 March 2013. As of 21 April 2025, he had occupied the papal throne for 12 years, 1 month and 12 days.
Books · Observations · Mores · Society
Khlestakov, at least, lied and lied, yet still had a tiny fear, even as he lied, that he might be seized and thrown out on his ear. The Khlestakovs of today have no such fear and lie with perfect composure. All are composed, all are immeasurably vain, and surely that
Faith · Geography · Maps · London · Observations · Society
The Religious Affiliation of Europe's Largest Cities as of 1900. Some interesting observations: London's population at that time was 6.4 million. An incredible figure for the period. Today London's population is 9.6 million, and no fewer than 15-20% of them are
Faith · Moscow · Observations · Mores · Society
I have a question, addressed perhaps not even to the rectors of Moscow's churches so much as to observant citizens at large. What, exactly, is so difficult about bringing in pussy willow for parishioners and setting up stalls with it on the grounds near the church? Candles are
Archive · Monarchies · Society · People
Sire, give freedom to the Russian word. Our intellect is cramped, our thought poisons our breast for want of space, it groans in the stocks of the censorship. Give us free speech... we have something to say to the world and to our own people. < > Wash from Russia
NB! · Mores · Society
NB! · Observations · Society
NB! · Observations · Society · Humour
The emblem of the Russian Craft Board of the Hairdressers' and Barbers' Guild, established on 26 April 1785. Tell me, am I the only one who finds it faintly ghoulish that the hairdresser's dummy is rendered as a living body, which looks lopped off and stuck
Art · Society · People
The artist Vyacheslav Sysoyev (1937-2006)
NB! · Archive · Faith · Society · Ethnography