Author Archives: stenicopla

About stenicopla

russia! photography! exploring! SCUBA! ice water swimming! vegetarianism! vladivostok!

Voting for Marriage Equality in Russia

Posted on September 28, 2012 by stenicopla

Well, actually I’ve voted against a discriminatory definition of marriage for Minnesota, while I happen to be sitting in Russia… And this utilization of my U.S. constitutional right to vote, possible due to the overseas absentee voter process, is pretty awesome. Back … Continue reading →

Posted in law, Minnesota, politics, russia, travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The constant calculations of living abroad

Posted on September 26, 2012 by stenicopla

Last year, results of a study crediting bilingualism with delaying the onset of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s were published in several prominent newspapers. Learning and speaking multiple languages, the results suggest, improves cognitive skills and boosts brain performance. … Continue reading →

Posted in russia, travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Rooting for the Ruble

Posted on September 26, 2012 by stenicopla

One of the biggest identity (and loyalty) shifts I’ve had since moving to Russia regards currency. Though many western foreigners negotiate their salaries to be pegged to the Euro or the USD, this has never been an option for me, … Continue reading →

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Putin on the Ritz

Posted on April 8, 2012 by stenicopla

A favored Internet meme of Russophiles has forver colored the way I will think of Irving Berlin’s classic song “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” You see, when you have a stoic figurehead named Putin and such a deliciously tasty snack like Ritz crackers, … Continue reading →

Posted in leisure, music, politics, russia, vladivostok | Tagged , | 1 Comment