International Matchmaking Services: Once a Taboo Always a Taboo?

It’s no secret that society considers international matchmaking services taboo. However, who remembers that domestic matchmaking services were once considered taboo as well? Believe it or not, there was a time when society frowned upon online dating in any form, but those days have come and gone. So will the international matchmaking industry also enjoy widespread acceptance?


The Taboo Days of Domestic Dating Sites

Think back to the ‘90s and the rising popularity of the Internet. Online chat was exciting and new and people from around the world connected in ways that weren’t previously possible. Men and women met online and developed relationships. A few even went on to wed. Unlike today, however, society tended to view such couples as shocking or strange. It wasn’t uncommon to see these lovers on daytime talk shows, sharing their story with curious (and often judgmental) audiences.

Over the years, society’s views changed and online dating ceased to be a taboo. In fact, it’s common and widely accepted. Who doesn’t know someone who has a profile on one the many domestic dating sites out there? Unfortunately, international matchmaking sites have not enjoyed the same reception as their domestic counterparts.

Why are International Matchmaking Sites Still Taboo?

Most people are suspicious of international matchmaking sites because of the negative stereotypes that plague the industry. The most common stereotypes are as follows.


• Men who use international matchmaking sites want “subservient” women or “sex slaves.”
• The women on the sites are desperate to leave their home country and are only after a green card.
• The women are scammers who want money and gifts, not love and romance.
• The men on international dating sites are weird and can’t get a woman in their home country.
• The women are prostitutes that can be purchased for the right price

What to Do

If you face criticism from your family or friends for using an international matchmaking service, educate them about it! Let them know that you aren’t picking a woman from a catalog and having her shipped to your door. Explain that many foreign women seek Western husbands, not because they want money and a green card, but because they want a man with traditional family values. The more people know about international matchmaking sites, the more they are likely to accept the international dating industry as a whole. Perhaps one day international dating sites will enjoy the same measure of acceptance as domestic dating services.

5 Russian-Themed Halloween Costumes

With Halloween just around the corner, many Western men and women are searching for the perfect costume. While many will undoubtedly dress up as a witch, zombie, pirate, or monster, others will take a more unique approach and choose a Russian-themed costume. Are you curious about what kinds of Russian costumes are available? Read on to find out.

1. Russian Cossack

Based on the garb of early Russian adventurers, the Russian Cossack costume typically features a faux fur hat, a shirt with a decorated trim, a sash, and boots. Traditional Russian Cossack dancers also wear such ensembles.
















2. Russian Palace Guard

This self-explanatory guard costume features a faux fur hat, a long top coat, and a weapons belt. With a little skill and imagination, this is a Halloween costume you can make at home



















3. White Russian Women’s Costume

The White Russian Women’s Costume, though not based on any recognizable Russian ensemble, is one of many Halloween costumes designed to make a woman look sexy. This costume includes a white fur dress, fur trimmed stockings, and, of course, a faux fur hat.



















4. Matryoshka Doll

The matryoshka doll costume is based on traditional Russian matryoshka dolls, otherwise known as Russian nesting dolls, stacking dolls, or babushka dolls. This unique costume is perfect for children, but women can also wear it.



















5. Rasputin

Known for his bizarre behavior, the controversial Rasputin captivated the imagination of people worldwide.This bearded mask is sure to spark many interesting conversations.



















So, what will you be for Halloween? If you are looking for a unique costume you may want to consider going Russian. After all, there are sure to be more than enough ghosts, werewolves, and vampires this year.

The Faces of "Mail-Order" Brides

Nine women you won't believe are looking for love online! You can find them all here.



YULIAJKLP



















EKATERIN815




















ANGELLIDIA




















SWEET CANDY 19






















SWEETIEANNA





















OLIA-PEAR




















SINICINA




















ELENA2387




















SUNRISE 21

Russo-Baltique: The World’s Most Expensive Vodka

Aficionados from around the world flock to Russia to sample the country’s fine vodka. But while many may sample, only a privileged few may try Russo-Baltique, the world’s most expensive vodka.

Created by Russian car maker Russo-Baltique, the premium vodka is priced at a whopping $1.3 million per bottle. The vodka, intended to “woo Russian royalty, tycoons, and wealthy aficionados worldwide,” premiered at the Top Marques at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco last year. Here, Russo-Baltique representatives presented Prince Albert of Monaco with the very first bottle. It’s not known whether the prince sampled the vodka or stored it on the shelf as artwork as company officials recommend.

Nearly all of the vodka’s value is in the packaging. The flask, a replica of the radiator guard used for the Russo-Baltique cars, is made from gold coins minted between 1908 and 1912. This is around the time the company manufactured its first car. The flask cap is made from white and yellow gold and contains a diamond-encrusted replica of the Russian Imperial Eagle. The bottle itself is made of bulletproof glass 30 centermeters thick, so not a single precious drop will escape.

According to a release, Russo-Baltique created Russo-Baltique Vodka to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the company’s factory. Princess Regina Abdurazakova of Kazakhstan helped finance the project and is even said to have offered suggestions about the vodka’s packaging and composition. Company officials said she needed to find something to do with her father’s money.

For more information about this extravagantly priced vodka, please visit the company’s website.

The Dog Days of Summer...

Not sure what's going on here. Click photo to see more pics of women with their pets.

She Was Just Beside Herself....

The opportunity for terrible puns is endless. Please share if you feel so inspired!

Russian Bad Girls Compete in Prison Beauty Pageant

If watching the Miss Universe pageant isn’t your thing, perhaps you should give Russia’s Miss Spring a try. This prison beauty competition is likely the only pageant in the world where contestants don’t say a thing about world peace.

Each year, a handful of female inmates compete for a chance at early release at UF 91/9, an all-women’s prison located deep in the heart of Siberia. Life is dull at the isolated women’s prison, and officials originally created the pageant to give the more than 1,000 inmates something to look forward to. While the competition was slow to catch on, today’s inmates spend several weeks planning and preparing for the popular pageant.

The rules of Miss Spring are simple. Women from each of the prison’s nine units elect one woman to represent the unit and then assist the nominee in creating costumes for the pageants three categories: “Greek Goddesses,” “Flower Gowns,” and “Imaginary Uniforms.” The inmates craft costumes from whatever materials they can find, resulting in some rather interesting creations. The first Miss Spring made her dress out of plastic bags. Several guards and unit chiefs judge the competition.

The pageant has drawn considerable national and international attention over the years. Local stations have broadcast the pageant on TV for some time. In 2007, producers Irina Vodar and Raphaela Neihausen released a documentary entitled Miss Gulag. Last year, US magazine Marie Claire published a feature article about the competition and BBC aired a special report.

It seems even in prison, Russian women are hot.

Curious? Watch a trailer of Miss Gulag here....

The Dartz Kombat T98: Now With Whale Penis!

Do you need an armored vehicle strong enough to withstand bullets? Something that will deflect those pesky grenades and allow you to reach your destination in style and comfort? Do you have €1 million, or approximately $1.5 million to spare? If so, then the Russian-made Dartz Kombat T98 is the armored vehicle for you!

Debuting at the Top Marques Monaco show last April, the Dartz Kombat T98 is a Russian-built, tank-style SUV that can withstand bullets and even rocket propelled grenades! It boasts heavy, steel-plated doors and windows that are 7cm thick.

As if the Kombat T98 wasn’t impressive enough, Dartz recently announced a new Monaco Red Diamond Edition. Impressive new features include gold-plated windows, extra Kevlar coating, three bottles of the mind-boggingly expensive Russo-Baltique Vodka, and perhaps most interesting of all, a leather interior made from whale penis!

The Red Diamond Edition, now in production, is scheduled to appear at next year’s Top Marques show with an estimated price tag of around €750,000 - €1 million, or approximately $1.1 million to $1.5 million dollars.

Recession be damned! I want one of these!

10 Common Russian Women Names

Russia is full of beautiful women with equally beautiful names. Just for fun, I've listed 10 common Russian women names below, complete with pronunciation guides and a few fun facts.

1. Elena

• Pronunciation: (eh LAY nah); (eh LEH nah); (yell YEH nah)
• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Bright, light, or torch
• Famous Elenas: Elena Yakovleva (film and stage actress), Elena Vesnina (tennis player),

2. Olga

• Pronunciation: (OL gah); (AWL gah)
• Origin: German, Polish
• Meaning: hale, hearty; blessed, holy
• Famous Olgas: Olga Knipper-Chekhova (stage actress), Olga Kurylenko (Ukrainian actress)

3. Anna

• Pronunciation: (AN ah)
• Origin: Hebrew, Latin
• Meaning: Grace, favor
• Famous Annas: Anna Kournikova (tennis player), Anna Anisimova (billionaire heiress)

4. Svetlana

• Pronunciation: (sveht LAH nah); (sfeet LAH nah)
• Origin: Russian

• Meaning: Light, clean, holy
• Famous Svetlanas: Svetlana Khorkina (Russian gymnast), Svetlana Lunkina (ballerina)

5. Natalia

• Pronunciation: (nah TAL yah)
• Origin: Italian
• Meaning: Christ’s birthday, Christmas
• Famous Natalias: Natalia Vodianova (Russian model), Natalia Makarova (ballerina)

Read more about the most common names for Russian women...

5 Hot Russian Women Who Dominate the Modeling Industry

Though it comes as no surprise, the modeling industry is full of beautiful Russian women. From high fashion spreads to sizzling swimsuit pictorials, Russian women grace the pages of major magazines worldwide. Want to know more? Below are 5 hot Russian women who have taken the modeling industry by storm.

1. Natalia Vodianova

Lovely Natalia Vodianova was born February 28, 1982 in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod. Born into a poor family, Natalia sold fruit on the streets to help support her troubled mother and two sisters. Things began looking up, however, after Natalia moved to Paris at the age of 17 to begin her modeling career. Natalia has since modeled for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, L'Oréal, David Yurman, Marc Jacobs, Miss Sixty, Pepe Jeans, Diane von Fürstenberg, Chanel, and others. Forbes magazine recently ranked Natalia as the seventh highest paid supermodel in the world.

2. Anne Vyalitsyna

Anne Vyalitsyna, also known as Anne V., was born March 19, 1986 in what is now Nizhny Novgorod (the same birth town as Russian beauty Natalia Vodianova). Discovered in Saint Petersburg at the tender age of 15, the 5’10” stunner has enjoyed a successful career, having worked for designers such as Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Givenchy, Gucci, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and many others. Anne V. is perhaps best known for her 5-year run in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The sexy Russian is rumored to be romantically involved with American actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

3. Natasha Poly

Born July 12, 1985, Natalia Polevshchikova, otherwise known as Natasha Poly, began her modeling career in 2000. Her career skyrocketed in 2004 when she worked 54 fashion shows in cities all over the world. Natasha has been featured in numerous advertising campaigns including Nine West, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and others. She has also worked the runway for several well-known brands, including Gucci, Versace, and Victoria’s Secret.

4. Eugenia Volodina

A gorgeous 5’10” brunette, Eugenia Volodina was born September 17, 1984 in the Russian city of Kazan. Eugenia’s illustrious career began in 1998, though things really didn’t start taking off until her 2002 feature in Italian Vogue. Eugenia has since appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, ID, Numero, and Elle, and has appeared in a number of catalogs and advertising campaigns. Rumors swirled in May 2009 after Eugene and Mickey Rourke were photographed in an intimate embrace.

5. Vlada Roslyakova

Vlada Roslyakova, a native of Omsk, Russia, was born July 8, 1987 and has been modeling since childhood. Although she was born Elena Roslyakova, Vlada changed her name early in her modeling career to avoid being confused with another Elena Roslyakova. Lovely Vlada almost quit modeling in 2004 due to stage fright, but she was able to overcome her fear and has since modeled for a number of popular designers. Although she has been criticized for her weight, Vlada says she is naturally thin and enjoys classic Russian food, sushi, and smoothies.

The Tunguska Event

On June 30, 1908, at approximately 7:14 a.m., a huge explosion rocked the area near the Podkamennaya (Lower Stony) Tunguska River in what is now Krasnoyarsk Krai of Russia. This explosion, known as The Tunguska Event, has fascinated scientists for a hundred years.

Though no one has been able to fully explain the cause, most scientists agree that the Tunguska Event was the explosion of a meteor or comet 3-6 miles above the Earth’s surface. Witnesses report seeing a bright, bluish light streaking across the sky followed by a blinding flash and deep booming sounds similar to thunder or artillery fire. Shock waves and hot winds knocked people off their feet and broke windows for hundreds of miles. For several days, the night skies over Europe and Asia glowed so brightly that residents were able to read by the eerie light.

Strangely, scientists did little to investigate the explosion, possibly because of the extreme isolation of the Tunguska region. The first expedition didn’t take place until 1927, nearly a decade after the event. Scientists on this expedition, and several others that followed determined that the Tunguska explosion was about 1,000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. The Tunguska blast flattened 80 million trees over an area of 830 square miles, killing thousands of reindeer but only two people.

Top 10 Turn Offs for Russian Women

When courting a Russian woman, it’s helpful to know what things she’s looking for and what things she’s not. A recent survey of 580 Russian women revealed 22 common behaviors that turn Russian women off. For your convenience, below are the top ten biggest turnoffs and some tips to help you avoid these off-putting traits.

10. Cheats

If you’re lucky enough to win a sexy Russian lady’s heart, the last thing you want to do is cheat on her. Not only will you lose her trust, but she may just kick you the curb forever. Cheating, by definition, is the act of being sexually or emotionally unfaithful. While there may be a few gray areas as to what constitutes cheating, it’s best to abstain from any borderline behavior. Trust your gut when it comes to determining what’s appropriate and what’s not.

9. Men with Sex on the Brain

Almost anyone will agree that men think about sex more frequently than women. But while this may be true, most women don’t want a man who constantly expresses his sexual desires. This is particularly true in new relationships. When corresponding with a Russian lady, don’t even think about mentioning sex in the first few emails! Don’t send her nude photos or ask her to do the same. If you do, she might think you’re a creepy pervert.

8. Disrespectful Behavior

There are many forms of disrespect, but one easy way to avoid this offense is to treat others how you would like to be treated. Some common disrespectful behavior includes lying, cheating, name calling, talking about a woman behind her back, sending crude or suggestive messages, and treating women like sexual objects.

7. Arrogance

Even if you are the richest, most handsome man in the world, bragging about it will only make you sound like an obnoxious jerk. While everyone tends to broadcast their best qualities, keep the boasting to a minimum if you want to score a hot Russian lady.

6. Laziness

Women like enthusiastic, ambitious men. They don’t like men who are content to sit on the couch all day, watching reruns and eating pork rinds. Exercise, visit friends, throw yourself into a hobby, or work on bettering your career. Any passion is better than none.

5. A Dirty Appearance

No woman likes a dirty, unkempt man. Take a little initiative and put your best face forward. Take a shower; shave; put on a clean, nicely pressed outfit. Posting a photo of you in your rumpled pajamas or showing up for a date in torn clothing isn’t going to impress any woman, especially a hot Russian one.

4. Rudeness

Disrespect and rudeness go hand in hand, so the old saying “treat others as you’d like to be treated” applies here as well. You can never go wrong by taking other people’s feelings into consideration.

3. Self-Centered Behavior

Believe it or not, the whole world shouldn’t cater to your wants and needs. There’s little that annoys a woman more than a man who behaves as if he is the center of the universe. Make an effort to consider a lady’s preferences as well your own and you’ll sure to do much better with the fairer sex.

2. Liars

This big turn off is easy to avoid. Don’t lie! While it’s tempting to exaggerate certain aspects of your life, try to resist the urge to tell your beautiful Russian women you’re a brain surgeon when you’re actually a hospital janitor. If you’re open and sincere she’s much more likely to respond well to your advances.

And the #1 turn off for Russian women is……

1. Bad Manners

Saying please, thank you, and you’re welcome are common courtesies that too many people have neglected. Many Russian women view chivalrous behavior as indications of good manners, so be sure to open doors, carry her bags, pull out her chair, and generally treat her like a lady. Act like a gentleman and a lady is sure to look upon you favorably.

Top 10 Classic Russian Novels

Russia’s rich literary tradition spans many centuries, but it is the 19th century (1800-1900) that many scholars refer to as “The Golden Era.” The following ten novels are classic works that emerged during this prominent period.

1. Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin
Written entirely in verse, Eugene Onegin is the story of a disillusioned young aristocrat who moves to the country and rejects the love of a besotted maiden. With themes covering the relationship between fiction and real life and the shaping power of art, Pushkin’s work has been adapted for the stage and film.

2. A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov
A Hero of Our Time, written in five linked episodes, tells the shocking history of a cynical man who embarks upon a series of adventures to stave off the boredom of life. Lermontov’s novel, with its archetypical Byronic hero, was a source of inspiration for many later Russian authors, including Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy.

3. Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol
One of the most well-known works in 19th-century Russian literature, Dead Souls follows the adventures of a Chichiko, a middle class man eager to gain wealth and prestige by any means. This well-received novel has been made into a play, opera, television miniseries, and a two-part radio program.

4. Notes From Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
This short novel relays the struggles of an anonymous narrator, later known as the Underground Man, who is plagued by feelings of alienation and bitterness. Notes From Underground contains political, moral, social, and religious themes and has been adapted for the stage.

5. The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Gambler follows the life of a young gambler and his difficult relationship with the woman he loves. Fyodor Dostoevsky, a gambler himself, was forced to write The Gambler under and an extremely tight deadline in order to pay off extensive gambling tests.

Want to know what 5 other Russian novels made the list? Click here to find out!

Celebrities and Their Hot Russian Women (and Men!)

I knew that a lot of Western were hot for Russian women, but I didn't realize Russian men were popular with Western ladies as well, including D.J. Tanner from Full House! I guess I was too distracted by Jodi Sweetin's meth habit to keep up with the wholesome Candace Cameron.

5 Well-Known Celebrities and Their Russian Sweethearts

As many Americans are aware, Russians are a hot commodity these days. Here are five examples of well-known celebrities and their hot Russian lovers. Read more....

Baba Yaga

A witch, with her black, pointy hat, wart-ridden nose, and perquisite broom is perhaps one of the most recognizable folk characters in Western culture. Every year, legions of women and girls don the popular witch costume for Halloween. But while many people have heard of The Wicked Witch of the West, arguably America’s most famous witch, how many people have heard of Baba Yaga, Russia’s infamous counterpart?

Unlike traditional Western witches, Baba Yaga doesn’t bother with pointy hats, black cats, or levitating brooms. The old crone instead chooses to zoom around on a mortar. The only use she has for a broom is to sweep away her tracks, a crucial task considering she is fond of kidnapping and eating children.

In typical witch fashion, Baba Yaga resides in an isolated cabin deep in the woods. However, unlike other witches, Baba Yaga’s log cabin is mounted on chicken legs. As if that weren’t creepy enough, this cabin has a life of its own, often moving about the woods on its own volition. When at rest, the cabin is surrounded by a fence made of human skulls and assorted bones. Those who dare approach the door might see a gaping keyhole filled with sharp, vicious teeth.

Though Baba Yaga is usually viewed as dangerous and antagonistic, a few courageous individuals occasionally seek her out for help or guidance. While she might reluctantly offer advice or aid heroes with their quests, Baba Yaga is only willing to help those who are pure of heart. A few of these brave souls question Baba Yaga about her three mysterious servants: the White Horseman, the Red Horseman, and the Black Horseman. This is a serious mistake as Baba Yaga despises inquiries about her servants and will often kill those who ask.

As Halloween approaches, Westerners are sure to hear many spooky tales about ghosts and vampires, zombies and werewolves. Instead of rehashing the same old tales this season, why not share the legend of Baba Yaga, the cannibalistic witch who lives in a house on chicken legs?