• Welcome to OGBoards 10.0, keep in mind that we will be making LOTS of changes to smooth out the experience here and make it as close as possible functionally to the old software, but feel free to drop suggestions or requests in the Tech Support subforum!

Ask me about Eastern Europe

I watched this earlier today. He seemed confused and didn't realize what was in store for him.
 
vadimivich said:
Well, it's historically been colder, darker and poorer ... so that's one reason. And also, it's a culture that for close to a thousand years was ruled by one form or despotic rule or another, each of which built huge systems of informants and spies to stay in power.
Click to expand...

And yet Buffalo is known as the City of Good Neighbors! :plos:

Makes sense, though. Especially the spy networks, which I hadn't thought about as a reason for it.
 
rawarr said:
What would the Average Joe in Russia (Average Vladimir?) say about Obama? Do they even care about America?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure the Average Russian could tell you much about Obama, but they care enormously about America, and about being viewed as an equal. It can come off as misplaced arrogance or severe little brother syndrom, depending on the conversation.

The most terrible thing you can say at a dinner party is that Americans don't really care about what's happening in Russia, and don't really pay attention. Being relevant on the world stage is enormously important.

Russia has always had a concept of "their" sphere of influence (covering most of eastern europe, the Caucasus and a good chunk of central asia) and the fact that much of eastern europe is falling into the EU or NATO is a huge blow to the national ego - and they view it at least a little bit as western europe / USA trying to "cut Russia down to size" instead of just recognizing they really screwed those places up a lot throughout parts of history.
 
BobStackFan4Life said:
I watched this earlier today. He seemed confused and didn't realize what was in store for him.
Click to expand...

That was one insane man, and he absolutely ruined that country. Romania is one of the saddest countries on earth, because you can see the natural resources and beauty that are there - but every day life is just horrible still.
 
vadimivich said:
I'm not sure the Average Russian could tell you much about Obama, but they care enormously about America, and about being viewed as an equal. It can come off as misplaced arrogance or severe little brother syndrom, depending on the conversation.

The most terrible thing you can say at a dinner party is that Americans don't really care about what's happening in Russia, and don't really pay attention. Being relevant on the world stage is enormously important.

Russia has always had a concept of "their" sphere of influence (covering most of eastern europe, the Caucasus and a good chunk of central asia) and the fact that much of eastern europe is falling into the EU or NATO is a huge blow to the national ego - and they view it at least a little bit as western europe / USA trying to "cut Russia down to size" instead of just recognizing they really screwed those places up a lot throughout parts of history.
Click to expand...

so you havent told them the truth right? or have you stopped being invited to dinner parties?
 
vadimivich said:
Um, they're the government?

The reality is that Russia doesn't have a high level of petty crime, but that the difference between organized crime and the government is a very blurry line that can be hard to tell. I mean, is it really crime if the "elected" government approves of the behavior?
Click to expand...


I wish to urge caution for Mr. Vadimivich.
 
Very informative thread Vad

Here's my question: How do I become a Russian oil baron? Who do I need to kill?
 
vadimivich said:
Shouldn't you be preparing for your showdown with Medvedev in the 2012 elections?
Click to expand...


Medveded является киску. Почему я должен иметь дело с ним. Продолжить, как это и вы будете тратить свои дни в Сибири только с одного литра водки в день. И только Khazak женщин и овец.
 
PM Putin said:
Medveded является киску. Почему я должен иметь дело с ним. Продолжить, как это и вы будете тратить свои дни в Сибири только с одного литра водки в день. И только Khazak женщин и овец.
Click to expand...

Sorry I don't speak Defeated Society, can you translate?
 
Казахский женщин и водки? Это хорошая жизнь. Пока есть трахадром и стакан я буду счастлив.
 
Вы дразнить меня на свой страх и риск. Ли имя Ходорковского значат для вас? Я теперь к охлаждения с моим мальчиком римского на мои пятьсот футовую яхту Берлускони купил для меня!
 
The best part of Google Translate when it comes to Russian is that it always picks the formal "вы" for the word "you" - which is used when you are talking to someone older than you, or in a higher position you are showing respect too (i.e - your boss, etc). "ты" is the more informal version.

There's something pretty hilarious about Putin throwing insults at me, but using "вы".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top