Search by tag «culture» 115 results

• On the Origin of Memes: Meme Scientist Explains Post-Irony and Future of Internet Culture

  Is memeology a science? This was the question posed by Taras Sychev, an editor for the online news aggregator Lentach and a “memeologist”. On December 10, he gave a lecture at ITMO University, organized by the Center for Science Communication, during which he talked about the origin of memes, the history of Russian online culture and memeplexes. ITMO.NEWS provides a rundown of Mr. Sychev’s lecture.

  13.12.2018

• The Hermitage: Getting the Full Picture

  Art is never boring. You just need to approach it right to fall under its spell. What you’ll be rewarded with is a whole new (but at the same time, wonderfully age-old) world of beauty, nuance, character, and history, as well as a potentially great new hobby and topic for small talk when the weather just doesn’t cut it anymore. How do I find that approach, you ask then? Here's how to make museum-going less of a yawn and more of a yay, through the example of Russia’s (no hard feelings) best museum, the State Hermitage.

  07.12.2018

• Getting to Know Russian Literature: Part 1

  Remember the Lord of War movie? I really liked the joke about suicide novelists being a Russian export on par with caviar and vodka, and only slightly losing to the ever popular Kalashnikovs. Suicide part aside, we are very proud of our literature, and you don’t get  to really experience Russia unless you’ve read some. Still, there’s one thing that can discourage you from trying, and it’s the “notorious wordiness” of Russian authors – in fact, many school students get terrified by the mere prospect of having to read War and Peace as the book itself is something that you can kill with. For that reason, we’ve decided to come up with a quick overview – and give you some advice on the shorter titles to start with.

  27.11.2018

• Dobby, Russian-Style

  Have you fed your house elf today? If not, you might wake up to someone doing Morse code inside your fridge. Or your coffeemaker would refuse to cooperate. And when you’re late, you might be looking for your cell phone for a long, long time…

  26.11.2018

• Travel Tips: Exploring Riga

  With its incredible mix of medieval, gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Soviet and contemporary architecture, Riga can be rightfully called the city of contrasts.

  06.11.2018

• Spooky, Scary, and Bizarre: Villains and Miscreants of Russian Folklore

  It’s the spooky time of the year, and although Halloween is still far from being a massive phenomenon in Russia like it is in the rest of the world, our country also has its fair share of scary, creepy and unsettling folklore. We invite you to learn about some of the Russian culture’s most beloved (and feared) villains, boogeymen and mischief makers.

  30.10.2018

• All St. Petersburg's a Stage: Must-Visit Unusual Theaters

  Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Russia, St. Petersburg is all about galleries, exhibitions, art spaces, museums, concerts, creative meetings, poetry readings and street art. But its main attraction is theater, “a true temple of art”. Classic or modern, royally chic or hidden in dark cellars, with a rich history or brand new, innovative, social or bold, you can find whatever you like! Stop, you don’t like theater at all? You just haven’t found the right one for you yet! You're just starting to learn Russian? You don't have to understand everything to enjoy the atmosphere and the experience. Here we have several modern and unpretentious theaters you can start your search with…

  16.10.2018

• Culture Calling: Where to Enjoy Classical Music in St. Petersburg

  Can there be any perks in summer’s ending? A resolute yes, if you live in St. Petersburg. Here the beginning of fall marks the start of yet another cultural season and all the theaters, galleries and museums beam up with shiny new programs that awaken an avid theater-goer and art connoisseur even in the most indifferent inhabitant of the city on Neva. If you yourself ever feel that tug of culture luring you away from your comfortable couch into the St. Petersburg’s theatrical and musical unknown, we’re introducing a series of articles with our top recommendations on where to go and what to see, starting with the best classical music destinations. 

  21.08.2018

• Secret Rules of Russian Public Transport

  Recently, an Indian student who came to study at ITMO commented on how organized the transit system is in St. Petersburg. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. Maybe he was impressed by how everything comes on time or the fact that you can take public transport to the most obscure parts of the city. Now, I think he was talking about all the unwritten rules that every local knows… how to navigate the mysterious world of public transportation.

  14.08.2018

• Drink (Soda) Like a Russian

  Ever sipped tarragon? Or poured liquid bread? Summer is a perfect time to try refreshingly unique Russian soft drinks. 

  16.07.2018