Will New Holland become even newer?

The idea put forward 30 year ago by the architect Veniamin Fabritsky of turning a military object into an international center for cultural and business interaction has not lost its relevance.

…8

The Poetry of Working Problems

In the 1830s Pluchart's printing-house was considered the best in St Petersburg – he did not spare expense in the development of his business, training workers and extending his pool of authors.

…16

"The Pavement of the Revolution" by Lebedev

Keen observation was the distinctive feature of his talent and his trained visual memory retained a great deal. Only occasionally did he feel the need to jot something down in a notebook.

…30

Finalists determined

The awards commission of the Alexander Nevsky Prize has already identified 12 finalists, from which seven winners will soon be chosen.

…40

The Light Touch of Watercolour

Now the works of this famous artist are to be exhibited in the atrium of the Eliseev Palace Hotel. One of them, specially created for the Taleon Club, superbly conveys an atmosphere of luxury and refined amusement.

…42

A Peak of Enjoyment

For many centuries, even millennia ice-cream was a treat for the social elite.

…50

A Lame Business

The jurymen's final speech ended with the high-flown sentiment: "Where heavenly justice has been done, nothing is left for earthly justice to do."

…58

No Alternative: "Stand and die!"

Ostermann-Tolstoi was in the very thick of the fight when a cannonball whistled past. The General's left arm hung lifeless, with blood spurting from the tattered sleeve. The Preobrazhentsy carried him from the field and soon the wounded commander was surrounded by the regimental surgeons…

…72

The Ataman of Hell

Like any true performer, his finest reward was a sense of power over his public when he evoked terror in some and admiration in others. For that he repeatedly risked his freedom and even his life.

…88

Dance without sparing your belly!

In general the name 'belly dance' doesn't reflect its essence very accurately. When dancing, you should talk to the audience with your whole body – heart, eyes, head, hands… Only in that way can you show your soul.

…108

The Fluffy Aristocrats of the Northern Palmyra

For thousands of years humanity dreamt of a cat that while possessing all the positive qualities of its species, would not display the animal's typical self-assurance and obstinacy. And breeders, producing more and more new kinds, get closer to that ideal.

…116

Riding the African Dragons

A dizzying snowboard descent down a 30-degree slope is the best reward for anyone who time after time climbs the gigantic ridge in the baking heat to ride the dragons of the Namib Desert.

…124