#Moscow beautiful in autumn

[ravenpawraas]

Living in Russia is when it is almost impossible not to suffocate from autumn depression, greyness and dirt - to avoid this, you need to be either too optimistic or too rich not to pay attention to it

[noseysilverfox]

October 2021

Tsaritsyno Manor, Moscow, Russia

[ainohikari]

[welcomemoscowwalks]

Walking in nature. Golden autumn in the forest. Moscow.

[olgalofi]

[ivomagus]

Rostokino, September 2021

[tomorrowusa]

Executing your own troops must do wonders for morale. No wonder Russia is losing.

Those comparisons of Putin to Stalin and Hitler are not really hyperbole.

“We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders,” U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing in Washington on Thursday. “We also have information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units if they seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire,” he added. “It’s reprehensible to think … that you would execute your own soldiers because they didn’t want to follow orders,” Kirby said. “And now threatening to execute entire units. It’s barbaric.” [ ... ]

Kirby said Moscow appears to have resumed the “human wave tactics” of throwing hundreds of poorly trained soldiers at the Ukrainian lines, which the Kremlin first used in the winter offensive last year. “Russia’s renewed offensive is a sobering reminder that President Putin has not given up his aspirations to take all of Ukraine. As long as Russia continues its brutal assault, we have to support Ukraine,” Kirby said.

If Russian troops know that Putin's Mafia-style enforcers are probably going to shoot them, they have plenty of incentive to shoot the pro-régime henchmen first. 💡

It's Day 614 of Putin's 3-day "special operation" in Ukraine. It's getting increasingly difficult for Russia's dictator to find people who will voluntarily fight for his cherished goal of restoring the decrepit Soviet Union in all but name. Just yesterday you may have seen a post here about how kids in Russia are being militarized.

The best advice we can give to Russian males of military age is GET OUT.

Neighboring Mongolia and Kazakhstan are supposed to be beautiful in the autumn. It's the perfect time for a vacation.

Putin has ruined Russia for at least a generation; it's gradually turning into a large version of North Korea. Even if the war ends tomorrow there is little future for anybody in Russia – except maybe in Putin's secret police.

Leaving Russia may be difficult but staying there could become catastrophic.

[thepaleys]

Alexandra's death sent a shock wave through the European Courts. She was so young, and the tragedy so unexpected and so cruel. From Balmoral, Queen Victoria petitioned her granddaughter for the full details, and when no satisfactory answer came she turned to Elisabeth's elder sister: "What brought on the fits? As a usual thing - a wrong state of the kidneys produces these convulsions if not attended to; & the labour must then be brought on (wh. is quite easily done) but the danger is very great." Her heart went out to Pavel's children; Marie was only seventeen months old and Dmitri needed constant nursing for the first few months simply to keep him alive. The Queen hoped that Elisabeth and Sergei would be able to assume responsibility for them both. As the months passed, Elisabeth kept her grandmother in touch with the progress of her widowed brother-in-law and his family. They were all finding it hard to come to terms with what had happened: Pavel needed emotional support from his brother and sister-in-law but their own grief was still strong. Almost a year after the tragedy Elisabeth and Sergei travelled to St Petersburg to share Pavel's name day, and she told the Queen, "it is heart-rending to see him so resigned but so utterly broken down, his little boy was with us until now as we had heavenly weather at Moscow & Ilinskoie…. he is a sweet little fat healthy Baby with a merry character but the real beauty is his sister - I have rarely seen a lovelier child. Poor motherless Darlings, it is too sad…. how happy all were a year ago. .. What a year it has been for us all, wherever one looks sorrow.' Time brought no relief. Another year passed, and Elisabeth wrote, 'Paul comes from time to time to see us - he & the Babies are quite well but his poor aching heart cannot heal although he is in better spirits, yet he never for a moment forgets his sorrow poor, poor fellow." The Queen invited them all to Balmoral and in September 1893 they left Russia with Elisabeth's lady-in-waiting Princess Troubetskoy and the Grand Prince's gentlemen, Count Steinbock and Baron Schilling. The children remained in Russia with their nurses. The visit to Balmoral was a happy interlude that gave the brothers a rare chance to see their cousin Prince Henry of Battenberg, the Queen's son-in-law, who shared their memories of the childhood autumns at Heiligenberg. Pavel had the same birthday as Henry's youngest son Maurice, which was celebrated at Balmoral, and the Queen was careful to see that her Russian guest was not forgotten. While the two-year-old enjoyed his new toys, Pavel was given a posy of flowers, a wrapper (probably in good Scottish tartan and a cigarette case. With his brother and cousin he went hunting and visiting in the neighbourhood (...).

"The Romanovs 1818-1959" - John van der Kiste

[servants-hall]

ACGAS S4 Press Release & Article Round Up

PBS: All Creatures Great and Small Season 4 New and Returning Cast

Radio Times: All Creatures Great and Small casts Shetland and Doctor Who star for season 4

TV Line: All Creatures Great and Small Season 4 Cast: Who’s Returning? Who’s Not? And Who’s New at Skeldale?

What to Watch: All Creatures drops huge hint major character isn't in new series

Deadline: ‘All Creatures Great And Small’ On Masterpiece Announces Return, New & Returning Cast Members

Yorkshire Post: All Creatures Great and Small Series 4: Star cast returns without Tristan actor Callum Woodhouse - but new vet Richard Carmody joins the team

Primetimer: All Creatures Great and Small Season 4: Everything We Know So Far

PBS’s press release is copied below:

PBS: All Creatures Great and Small Season 4 New and Returning Cast

Boston, MA; June 27, 2023: MASTERPIECE on PBS, Channel 5, and BAFTA and Golden Globe®-winning production company Playground (Howards End, Wolf Hall) today announce the casting of the much-loved drama All Creatures Great and Small as it gears up for its fourth season.

Based on the cherished collection of stories by best-selling author James Herriot, the critically acclaimed adaptation returns to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for a fourth season of timeless and heart-warming stories, picking up in 1940 as Churchill takes office and Europe is under serious threat. The seven new episodes (including a Christmas Special) will air on MASTERPIECE on PBS in early 2024 and Channel 5 this autumn with All3Media International as the global partner.

MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Susanne Simpson adds, “I can’t wait for our MASTERPIECE audience to see this new season of All Creatures Great and Small. It continues to be full of the warmth and humor that has made it one of our most successful series ever.” MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by GBH Boston.

Sir Colin Callender CBE, Executive Producer and CEO of Playground said: “We are thrilled to be back in the glorious Yorkshire Dales for a fourth season of family, community and, of course, animal hijinks. Our wonderful cast and crew are all delighted to be returning to adapt more of James Herriot’s joyful and life-affirming stories.”

Season 4 sees Nicholas Ralph reprise his role as young country vet James Herriot, now happily married to Helen Herriot, played by Rachel Shenton (White Gold, For Her Sins). Samuel West (Slow Horses, Small Axe) returns as James’ capricious and erratic mentor Siegfried Farnon while Anna Madeley (Time, Patrick Melrose) continues as Mrs. Hall, matriarch of Skeldale House. Patricia Hodge (Miranda, A Very English Scandal) also reprises her role as the wonderfully eccentric Mrs. Pumphrey, and Derek as her adored and pampered Pekingese Tricki.

With Tristan away serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Siegfried and James bring in some extra hands to help around the practice. Neve McIntosh (Shetland) joins the cast as highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle, alongside James Anthony-Rose (Slow Horses, Pennyworth) as studious undergraduate vet student Richard Carmody who arrives at Skeldale as part of his placement under the guidance of James.

A colorful ensemble of farmers, animals and townsfolk living in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1940s will also star, including Tony Pitts and Imogen Clawson as Helen’s father and sister, Richard and Jenny Alderson, Paul Copley as Ned Clough, Cleo Sylvestre MBE as Anne Chapman, James Bolam MBE as Mr. Dakin and Will Thorp as Gerald Hammond and Sam Retford as FO Woodham.

Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, commented: “Over three seasons All Creatures Great and Small has offered heartwarming, escapist viewing that has connected with audiences and become a firm fan favorite all around the world, and as Playground’s wonderful series enters its fourth season I am delighted to continue to build the brand globally.”

Returning for Season 4 is Executive Producer Ben Vanstone (A Gentleman in Moscow, The Last Kingdom) who will write the Christmas special. Writer Jamie Crichton (Three Pines, Grantchester) also returns, this time as lead writer and Executive Producer. Joining them for season four are writers Maxine Alderton (Emmerdale Farm, Doctor Who) and Helen Raynor (A Discovery of Witches, Call the Midwife).

Andy Hay (The Last Kingdom, Jamestown) is Lead Director and will direct episodes 1 and 2. Stewart Svaasand (Tin Star, Death in Paradise) will direct episodes 3, 4 and 6, while BAFTA winner Jordan Hogg (Ralph and Katie, Screw) will direct episode 5 and the Christmas Special.

All Creatures Great and Small is a timeless classic that continues to be much loved by generations. Never out of print, the books have sold 60 million copies internationally becoming a global cultural phenomenon with devoted fans around the world. With a sharp focus on community and its importance in our lives, Herriot’s world and spirit is a very much needed antidote to the challenges of modernity and reminds us all that belonging to a community makes us part of something greater than ourselves.

Season 4 is currently filming on location in Yorkshire.

All Creatures Great and Small is a Playground production for Channel 5 and MASTERPIECE in association with All3Media International. Executive Producers are: Colin Callender, Melissa Gallant, Jamie Crichton and Ben Vanstone for Playground, Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton for MASTERPIECE, and Louise Pedersen and David Swetman for All3Media International.

[lovelanaaaa]

Ruslana Korshunova 🇷🇺🇰🇿 for Elle UK 2005

Interview:

Name: Ruslana Korshunova

Age: 18

Provenance: Ruslana hails from Almaty the formal capital of Kazakhstan hence she speaks fluent Russian, German and English.

Vital Stats: She’s 5ft 8 with grey green eyes, a 32-23-34 bod to die for and the longest hair in the business.

Modelling highs: In the space of one year she has jumped from the catwalks of London, New York and Paris (sashaying for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, and Kenzo) to campaigns for Clarins and Ghost

What about that gorgeous hair? ‘It was a dream of my mothers, she always wanted me to have very long hair. It was down to my knee’s when I began modelling then my agency cut it upto my ***. Some people see me and say “Oh my god you cut your hair!”. It’s not easy to care for, I’d like to cut it off, but they won’t let me’

How were you discovered? ‘I was 15 and took some photo’s of me. The pictures were sent to an agent in Moscow and onto Models 1 in London. I did my very first shows in London last Autumn. I was afraid, because I just didn’t know how to walk. That’s why I look so serious in the pictures!’

Has modelling changed you life? ‘Of course. I do like having my picture taken – the way you can play with your expression on your face. And catwalk is quick and exciting – such a buzz!’

Your maddest modelling moment? ‘We were in the Alps shooting, high up in the snow, and I was wearing a tiny dress. We were so very cold and it was snowing so hard – we couldn’t see a thing. I thought I would not live to see another day’

Your current wardrobe essentials? My Gang jeans, flip flops, cotton tank tops, denim jacket and of course, hair bands’

What’s on your new season wish list? ‘Kenzo – I love the dress I wore in the show – and anything by Catherine Malandrino and Jil Stuart. And I need some heels. I don’t have a single high heel to wear!’

Beauty Must Have? ‘Just water. I’m very straightforward. I don’t really have any make-up bag staples’

Ambition: ��To Discover the world!’

[radioactiveshitstorm]

Sunflowers

The first time Vasya sees van Gogh's "Sunflowers", he is six years old.

The yellow calls out to him, bright and sunny, from the poster on the classroom wall. He stands in front of it and stares, young mind captivated by how warm it makes him feel, even as he lacks the words to describe the feeling. Silent until his teacher comes to find him, and he works up the courage to point and ask: who painted that?

She tells him the story of a suffering artist, a man consumed by pain and misery, who painted in yellow because it made him happy, and ate the yellow paint because he wanted that happiness inside of him. Vasya drinks up the story like someone dying of thirst and, when the teacher finally persuades him to come outside with the rest of the children, the painting sticks in his mind.

It stays there for a long time. Bright yellow. Warm yellow. Happy yellow. Yellow crayons and coloured-pencils used up long before any other colour. Sunflowers in the margins of his workbooks. Sunflowers on scraps of paper hidden in his room. Sunflowers in his mind when his father gets loud, when the basement door slams shut, when his mother tells him that crying will get him nowhere.

He thinks of the man who ate yellow paint because he wanted to be happy, and considers following in his footsteps.

Years pass. He grows up, switches schools. In the posters absence, the sunflowers fade.

Vasya finds them again when he's 14, being lead around the Kolorit exhibition in Mayakovskoho Square, Rustem's hand comforting and solid in his. A flash of warm, sunny yellow in the corner of his eye. He's a child again. Still hopeful. Still dreaming. It's as beautiful as he remembers.

The woman at the stall smiles at him, warm like the sun and the sunflowers and his best friend's hand. Asks if he likes the picture, draws a shy nod from him. Asks if he knows the story behind it, and he nods again. Drags up the energy to talk about the sad man who painted it, the yellow he consumed... and is shocked when the woman shakes he head.

No no, she says. Van Gogh didn't paint the sunflowers because he was sad - he painted them because he was happy. Vasya listens as she describes a man who was sad and hurting, yes, but also loved and cherished. A man who ate paint because he was unwell, not because he thought it would make him happy. A man with family and friends who wrote to and visited and helped him, for whom he painted the sunflowers in gratitude.

Once again, Vasya absorbs this story. When he returns to his parents' house, the people in question absent as usual, he stashes a postcard copy of the Sunflowers under his pillow. Temporarily, of course. He decides he'll find a better place for it tomorrow.

That night, his dreams are full of bright warm yellow.

The next morning, his parents are back early. His father's hands drag him out of bed ("Do you have any fucking idea what time it is?"), sheets pulled into disarray. The postcards hiding place revealed in the blink of an eye. He owns it for less than a full day. It turns to ash in front of him, in the main room fireplace. His father makes him watch until there's nothing left. This time, he doesn't have the strength to cry.

More years. No more sunflowers. What point is there in holding onto them, when the world seems hell-bent on tearing them away?

And then.

And then he's 18. Stood in an art supply store in Moscow, shaking like an autumn leaf. A big grey dog on one side, a small grey man on the other. "Pick anything you'd like, Vasyenka", his uncle says, meaning every word. "Anything at all." A far cry from what he's used to. Filled with uncertainty as he walks down the aisles, wide grey eyes scanning over everything until he's overwhelmed by the choice. It threatens to get too much, until two things happen in perfect tandem.

One: Rosie, bless her, presses her cold wet nose into his hand, bringing him back down to earth Two: a familiar glint of warm, sunny yellow catches the corner of his eye.

That evening, he slips a postcard under his pillow, and fastens a poster to his new wall. Surrounded by the Sunflowers he loves, and the people who love him, he sleeps.

At last, his dreams are filled with yellow, and this time it doesn't fade.

[aroacemisha]

pancake, seedling, maple leaf! For any character-

🥞 PANCAKE - what is their comfort breakfast?

This ask game is the first time I've heard the term "comfort breakfast" and I don't get why it'd be different from regular breakfast, most of the stuff I eat normally I'd also eat if I needed a "comfort breakfast"-

Anyways, normally Zhenya kinda eats whatever he feels like for breakfast out of what he has, but I can see him preferring some specific food if he had a bad dream or has just been having some bad days and wants to feel better. It'd definitely be something that needs minimal cooking (if any), he's not into cooking even when he's in a good mood.

🍁 MAPLE LEAF - what is their favorite season? why?

Zhenya loves winter for the snow and New Year, though a specific day in early December (and probably the days around it) is not as fun for him, since that's when he got kicked out of home by his parents.

Lev loves autumn. He loves rain, and he thinks the yellow, orange and red trees are beautiful. And the skies during autumn tend to not be as bright as during summer (in part due to shorter daytime), which he appreciates.

Luna's favorite is probably summer or spring (or both), owing to their love of flowers. Late spring/early summer I guess. They like when it's warm, but not too hot, and there's flowers around, and they can stargaze at night without it being too cold outside.

Cyrus's favorite is autumn. He has similar reasons to Lev for enjoying the season, as well as liking that it's not too warm but also isn't too cold, and probably liking the clothes he can wear during it.

Steven's favorite is summer. He likes going to the beach and is also a sports and workout guy, which he feels the summer is best for.

Sam and Howie love winter, in part for the ability to throw snowballs at each other (as well as other people).

Viv loves spring, she enjoys watching everything becoming green again.

🌱 SEEDLING - what is their most vivid memory from childhood?

(Does childhood have to be early childhood or can it be anything under 18- Idk I guess I'll just do either one or both)

Zhenya's most vivid teenage memory is definitely being kicked out of home.

Lev definitely has some vivid memories of WWII, and some of that would fall under childhood/teenage memories, since he was around 16 when the Soviet Union was invaded, and the first time he joined the fight was during the Battle of Moscow (he was around 16-17).

I can see one of Marco's most vivid memories being his mother's death. She died when he was around 10-13 years old.

Luna's vivid memory from early childhood would probably be their parents' divorce. It was a quiet divorce on friendly terms, so it wasn't traumatic, but it would've still been a significant event.

[thiagosrussianlitblog]

Five Interesting Russian Nonfiction Books

Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia - History on a grand scale--an enchanting masterpiece that explores the making of one of the world's most vibrant civilizations. A People's Tragedy, wrote Eric Hobsbawm, did "more to help us understand the Russian Revolution than any other book I know." Now, in Natasha's Dance, internationally renowned historian Orlando Figes does the same for Russian culture, summoning the myriad elements that formed a nation and held it together. (GoodReads)

Romanov Autumn: Stories from the Last Century of Imperial Russia - The Romanov dynasty ruled Russia for a little over 300 years. The story of the dynasty's dramatic end has exerted a lasting fascination. This book seeks to widen the picture, looking at the lives of members of the family during the last century of imperial rule, and setting this into the context of the grand palaces in which they lived. It was a time of contrasts, a period in which the Tsars reached the peak of their wealth, prestige and power, yet also faced the growth of forces which would destroy them. In 1817, 100 years before the Revolution, the first Nicholas and Alexander were married in the Winter Palace. This book tells their story, and the stories of their successors, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II, each trying to steer their own course. It also looks at the lives of their sisters and brothers, and other members of the large Russian royal family, detailing their daily lives. (GoodReads)

Tent Life in Siberia: An Incredible Account of Siberian Adventure, Travel, and Survival - In the 1860s, the Russo-American Telegraph Company set out to telegraphically connect the United States and Europe using lines running through the Bering Straits and Siberia. The failed expedition marked one of the first explorations of the vast Siberian wilderness, and George Kennan’s tale of a seemingly endless land filled with wildlife and nomadic tribes is as entertaining today as it was 140 years ago. With biting humor and poignant insight, Kennan details his years fighting to survive a doomed mission. He depicts the quiet loneliness of the desolate landscape, the eerie glow of the sun at midnight, and the refusal to give in to one of the harshest places man has ever tried to conquer. His book is a testament to our planet’s beauty and danger, as well as to the tireless will of the human spirit. (GoodReads)

Moscow Nights: The Van Cliburn Story-How One Man and His Piano Transformed the Cold War - Gripping narrative nonfiction that tells the dramatic story of a remarkable young Texan pianist, Van Cliburn, who played his way through the wall of fear built by the Cold War, won the hearts of the American and Russian people, and eased tensions between two superpowers on the brink of nuclear war. In 1958, an unheralded twenty-three-year-old piano prodigy from Texas named Van Cliburn traveled to Moscow to compete in the First International Tchaikovsky Competition. The Soviets had no intention of bestowing their coveted prize on an unknown American; a Russian pianist had already been chosen to win. Yet when the gangly Texan with the shy grin began to play, he instantly captivated an entire nation. The Soviet people were charmed by Van Cliburn’s extraordinary talent and fresh-faced innocence, but it was his palpable love for the music that earned their devotion; for many, he played more like a Russian than their own musicians. As enraptured crowds mobbed Cliburn’s performances, pressure mounted to award him the competition prize. "Is he the best?" Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev demanded of the judges. "In that case . . . give him the prize!" Adored by millions in the USSR, Cliburn returned to a thunderous hero’s welcome in the USA and became, for a time, an ambassador of hope for two dangerously hostile superpowers. In this thrilling, impeccably researched account, Nigel Cliff recreates the drama and tension of the Cold War era, and brings into focus the gifted musician and deeply compelling figure whose music would temporarily bridge the divide between two dangerously hostile powers. (GoodReads)

On a warm July evening in 1985, a middle-aged man stood on the pavement of a busy avenue in the heart of Moscow, holding a plastic carrier bag. In his grey suit and tie, he looked like any other Soviet citizen. The bag alone was mildly conspicuous, printed with the red logo of Safeway, the British supermarket. The man was a spy for MI6. A senior KGB officer, for more than a decade he had supplied his British spymasters with a stream of priceless secrets from deep within the Soviet intelligence machine. No spy had done more to damage the KGB. The Safeway bag was a signal: to activate his escape plan to be smuggled out of Soviet Russia. So began one of the boldest and most extraordinary episodes in the history of spying. Ben Macintyre reveals a tale of espionage, betrayal and raw courage that changed the course of the Cold War forever... (GoodReads)

[welcomemoscowwalks]

Beautiful autumn in Moscow.

[besttimetogo2]

When is the Best Time to Go to Moscow? A Seasonal Guide

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern sophistication. Whether you are drawn to its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, or cultural landmarks, timing your visit can greatly impact your experience. Moscow’s climate is as diverse as its offerings, with each season providing a distinct atmosphere. If you're wondering when the best time to go to Moscow is, here’s a guide to help you plan your trip according to your preferences.

Moscow in the Summer: June to August

If you are wondering when is the best time to go to Moscow, here’s the answer. Summer in Moscow is considered the best time to visit for most travelers. From June to August, the city enjoys pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This is ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring Moscow’s beautiful parks, gardens, and riverside areas. The long daylight hours—sometimes up to 18 hours—allow you to make the most of your days, and the city's outdoor cafes and terraces come to life with locals and tourists alike.

Summer is also the time for festivals, open-air concerts, and cultural events, making it an exciting period for visitors. The Moscow International Film Festival and various art exhibitions add a special touch to the summer experience. However, it’s important to note that summer is also peak tourist season, so the city's popular attractions can be crowded. If you prefer to avoid long lines, booking tours and tickets in advance is recommended.

Autumn in Moscow: September to November

If you are questioning yourself when is the best time to go to Moscow, here’s the answer to your question. Autumn is another wonderful time to visit Moscow, especially for those who enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. From September to November, the city experiences crisp air and colorful foliage, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and enjoying Moscow’s parks and gardens. Temperatures during this period are comfortable, with highs ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), though it can get chilly later in the season.

The fall also offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the busy summer months, as many tourists have returned home. For those who appreciate art and history, autumn in Moscow is perfect, as the cultural venues are less crowded and events such as the Moscow Art Fair and the Golden Mask Theatre Festival take place.

Conclusion

If you are asking yourself when is the best time to go to Moscow, consider your preferences and what you hope to experience. Summer offers pleasant weather and vibrant events, while autumn provides a quieter, scenic atmosphere. Winter, with its snow-covered streets and festive spirit, attracts those who embrace the cold, while spring offers a refreshing, peaceful time to visit as the city begins to bloom. No matter when you choose to visit, Moscow’s rich culture, history, and beauty promise an unforgettable experience.

[ivomagus]

Rostokino, September 2021