Russian Snow Angels (18 Pics!)

As everyone knows, it's cold in Russia. However, that doesn't mean everyone hides away indoors. Here 18 Russian women who aren't afraid to play in the snow and look good doing it.

Don't Fall for Russian Stereotypes

Every country is plagued by inaccurate stereotypes. Outsiders view Americans as gun-toting hamburger lovers, the English as fish and chip eating polo players, and Canadians as passionate hockey fans with a penchant for maple syrup. So what do you picture when you imagine Russia? Vodka? Matryoshka dolls? Bears wandering down snow-covered streets? Russia is no stranger to misconceptions and chances are you have been guilty of associating Russians with one of the stereotypes listed below. Don't fall for them!

Stereotype #1: Everybody Loves to Drink Vodka

As one of the largest producers of vodka, it’s probably safe to say that Russians enjoy a good drink. However, contrary to popular imagination, most Russians do not guzzle vodka every day. Russians, like citizens of any other country, have jobs to hold and family commitments to meet. This would be very difficult to do if they quaffed vodka day in and day out. While Russia is known for its vodka just like Japan is known for its sake and Germany for its beer, the majority of Russians do not get drunk on vodka on a regular basis.

Stereotype #2: Russia is Always Cold and Everyone Wears Fur Coats

While it’s true that Russia is one of the coldest countries on earth, it is also a huge nation with a large variety of temperatures. In fact, the summers are as warm as Florida in some places and Russia’s Southern beaches draw many visitors. Don't believe me? Check out these photos of hot Russian women in bikinis.

As for fur coats, they are popular, but one can hardly claim that all Russians wear them. The idea that all Russians wear fur coats is just as inaccurate as the notion that all English people wear rain coats or that all Americans sport jeans and tennis shoes.

Stereotype #3: Russian Women Are Mail-Order Brides

Despite what some may think, Russian women are not desperate to marry foreigners. Many women enjoy happy, satisfying lives in Russia and even those who join Russian dating sites do not do so with immigration papers in mind. One of the quickest ways to insult a Russian woman is to call her a mail-order bride, so think before you speak.

Many other Russian stereotypes exist, but none are 100 % accurate. If you wish to impress a Russian lover, educate yourself about him or her home country rather than just relying on common myths. Shatter stereotypes about your own country as well. Intercultural relationships provide an excellent opportunity to learn about other nations and cultures. Take advantage of it!

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!

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?