Tuesday 1/28

I had a meeting today with the economics department of the Institute. Here is how it took place....
I sat at the front of a medium sized lecture classroom in front of about 20 faculty. Room was similar to LW 118, I sat in the front with a nametag with the indefatiguable Masha as interpreter, with Valia taking notes, and Natalia of course directing things.

 I began with a simple "здравствуйте!" or hello and hoped that I did not butcher the pronunciation too badly. despite several months of studying this language I am woefully deficient in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. I introduced my self incorrectly, nerves and all, proceeded to tell them where I taught, and briefly mentioned my sojourn as the owner of the infamous Dingo bar in Albuquerque, NM. Apparently rcounting this does not add prestige in Russia---though I am trying to burnish my entrepreneurial chops----and there was a quick question regarding the seaminess of such an endeavor. I quickly assured them that it was a live music club, blues, jazz, rock, contry and such and that seemed to reassure folks that I was not a gangster or pimp.

I asked if anyone would like to ask me any questions to start things off and I got some good old fashioned silence. Communication in an academic setting here requires a bit of speechmaking to begin---however I bucked this trend again by stating that I would instead ask them some questions. I promptly began to request views on such things as bitcoins, Ukraine trade policy, Austrian vs. Keynsian economics and so forth. There were some very interested participants, some not so intrigued, and by the tone of some responses some irritation at my introducing politics. Natalia was a very good moderator and we soon got to the discussion of how things worked logistically(schedules, hours, costs and such of a community college). They were VERY curious about these details and I am not sure I explained things well.

I also stated my goal of inter institutional cooperation---professor swaps, student travel and so forth. This was met with a great deal of interest on the part of the crowd. I think we have a number of candidates for some guest teaching lectures at NVCC. How I manage to teach in the next few weeks will likely have some bearing upon whether any of my colleagues get the opportunity to come here and teach......Anyone game? It is -26 F today at 11 am. Brisk. Saps your will. Dulls the mind. Apparently it will get worse.

After the meeting, several of the Economics department higher ups met with Natalia(Dr. Bobarykina) and I whereupon some initiatives were launched regarding my march teaching load and so forth. I shall share those discussions later---I must now continue to prepare for my role at the local government conference today where I will speak briefly on the American dynamic between local government and business/citizen interests.
Apparently I will be on local TV for a brief spell. I shall try to be a good NVCC rep here and not cause any inadvertent international uproars. I'm a bit nervous but will soldier ahead---these things are not my strong suit---but i am here for some personal growth as well.....так.....

Monday 1/27

I just found out that I will meet with the members of the Department of Economics tomorrow at 11am. ECO colleagues, is there anything you'd like me to bring up? anybody else want to ask a Russian economist any questions....I'd be happy to report the responses!

доброе утра!

 I went to the circus last night with one of my colleagues from the office, Valia, who was kind enough to take time away from her family and studies. Very interesting and dramatic event. Lots of animals which for me as with many of my friends and family, gives me some pause. The bears are especially tragic figures......
More on the цирк later though.

My walk to the Institute this morning was especially cold, though I am getting used to it quickly. It is not unlike Grinnell, Iowa in the dead of winter---where I spent my college days. When you are young these things do not phase you, but now....
Anyway, I had been quietly ruminating on how, despite the dreadful iciness and such on the roads here, everyone seemed particularly adept at driving without incident. It is generally a pedestrian nightmare at times but if you cross with the Russians you tend to be OK. Dogs and cats know this---at least the ones who are living. Anyway----two traffic accidents in one block. Very minor but quite a bit of damage. Participants matter of factly----almost mellow---in the post event machinations. I did not stick around for the aftermath so I wonder how these things get resolved

So, the circus--
Quite an affair. A permanent structure, quite old but very sturdy. We had seats up about 20 rows and had a very good view of everything. Brief comedy sketches, some very funny. Clowns. Amazing acrobatics and feats of strength, tap dancing, many dance routines, juggling. Very professional and efficient. Quick set changes---some involving intricate safety nets and such. I shall endeavor to post some video this evening. Right. The check is in the mail.
So the animals: My wife, Janet and I, along with many of our friends are animal lovers. All of them seemed well fed, coats glossy, peppy, and relatively happy---NOT what you see in American outfits---mangy, unhappy, subjected to loud noises etc. I shall list the actors: cats, dogs(mutts and poodles), leopards, monkeys, horses, parrots, cockatoos, bears, horses, and snakes. The bears seemed especially sad. ...walking around on their hind legs, muzzled, going through the motions. Valia echoed my sentiments when she said..."they should be free!"Leopards were affectionate and seemed sort of happy, rolling around for belly rubbing etc. The monkeys did a lot of horseback riding, dressed up in little outfits, but there is a sense that this is beneath them, and that they should not be there either. Cats and dogs have evolved over millenia to please humans in this way and are not tragic, but....
Birds looked a little like all captives.....missing some feathers, but seemingly healthy.
Lastly the snakes---huge white boa and another normally colored constrictor. How they fare in this cold is beyond me----though the arena was nice and warm. They were handled quite a bit, swung around a little, and a bit sluggish as any snake would be. But god I ache for their lot in life...can't describe it really.
All of these animals were extremely docile, smart, and very entertaining. The handlers seemed to love them and were kind at all times. No yelling really, no whips, lots of little treats.

We checked our coats and this became an interesting proposition at the conclusion. Lots of jostling, long lines. The elderly ladies in charge of this operation did some hustling at the end I must say. Many old people in this country work very hard---old fellas shoveling snow and chipping ice in apartment complexes, бабушкаs doing all sorts of things. Children must be quite the saving grace for some.

All for now; I am procrastinating preparing for my conference presentation on Wednesday. I have no idea what to expect, though everyone tells me to relax. I miss you all.

Sunday, 1/26.


Spent yesterday mostly inside. Very cold. Lot of work preparing for the conference coming up but played the guitar for a while as well.
I am going to the circus this evening! I have no idea what to expect. A narrative to follow.


 SKyped with my beautiful wife yesterday evening--awesome. Then with my sister Marya, husband Tom, my nephew Ciran in Durango, CO. Technology has really helped with the transition here. Happy Birthday Tom!


Saratov also has a very good professional basketball team that plays very near to my apartment. I will soon investigate that. Couple of Americans on the team! Courtney Fortson being the point guard---anyone know who this is?

Friday 1/24, 2:45pm


I've spent much of the day preparing for a short presentation at a conference at Congress Hall here in Saratov. I am told there will be a huge roundtable; microphones, local press---and that I will have an interpreter(This will be the incredibly proficient Masha from our office here at the Institute).
The roundatble will be on: "The Interaction of Business and Local Authorities: Positive Experiences and Risks". My plan is to present a microcosm of the local government/business dynamic here in the Washington Area---specifically focusing on the Tyson's/Fairfax Economic Development Partnership, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Arts District Non-profit in my own town of Hyattsville MD, and perhaps the Silver Spring renaissance. I am busy figuring out how local government works in these places, tracking down the non-governmental interest goups and business organizations, and perhaps presenting some of the positive and negative personal narratives involved...

If anyone has any insight on any of this---with any perspective---please feel free to contact and engage!

These are all success stories if considered from certain perspectives---why? What worked?

I also met this morning, along with Natalia(Who is actually Dr. Natalia A. Bobarykina, Head of the International Relations Office here), Masha(who did most of the interpreting), my friend from the train---Dr. Viktor Leonidevich Cheplyaev, the Director of the Institute, and deputy director Dr. Vladimir Chernishev.
This meeting was a serious discussion of how NVCC and the Stolypin Volga region Institute of Mangement could broaden ties, establish partnerships, and in general enhance the educational experiences of our student bodies, faculty, and administrative staff.
Friday 1/24, 2:45pm


I've spent much of the day preparing for a short presentation at a conference at Congress Hall here in Saratov. I am told there will be a huge roundtable; microphones, local press---and that I will have an interpreter(This will be the incredibly proficient Masha from our office here at the Institute).
The roundatble will be on: "The Interaction of Business and Local Authorities: Positive Experiences and Risks". My plan is to present a microcosm of the local government/business dynamic here in the Washington Area---specifically focusing on the Tyson's/Fairfax Economic Development Partnership, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Arts District Non-profit in my own town of Hyattsville MD, and perhaps the Silver Spring renaissance. I am busy figurung out how local government works in these places, tracking down the non-governmental interest goups and business organizations, and perhaps presenting some of the positive and negative personal narratives involved...

If anyone has any insight on any of this---with any perspective---please feel free to contact and engage!
We disucssed the prospect of  SVRIM's student's attending ELI and /or exchanging physically with our NVCC students; short or long term faculty exchanges, research exchanges, internships, and the establishment of some kind of utilization of our combined BUS ADMIN/ECO faculties in consulting with local businesses. Viktor is an incredibly thoughtful, forward thinking, optimistic leader---lots of ideas---very serious---and listens intently. I came away from the encounter very impressed. he reminded me in a way of Dr. Blois, our former NVCC-Loudoun Humanities Dean---the person who gave me my first taste of international academic cooperation when he included me on a Va CIES exchange with Jadavpur University in Kolkata India in 2008. More to follow on this stuff. Comments and ideas are welcome! This includes students please! My mind is racing but it is Friday afternoon and i am going back to my little apartment on the Volga to listen to a little Tony Kornheiser via Washington sports radio, have a little dinner, play the guitar for a bit, work some, and relax. I miss you all and I hope you are well.

Friends,

If any of you have any insight into how to effectively upload photos to blogger, your input would be very welcome. The old man Luddite Professor still can't get it done. In the interim I shall wear you all out with prose.

THUR 1/23

Good morning. I have now settled into a little routine for the week. I have a nice little space in the International Studies Division office, computer access, and a group of extremely helpful and kind office mates....I usually arrive around 10am and leave in the early afternoon. My classes start on Tuesday Feb. 4  and I am busy trying to cobble together a series of lesson plans that do not utilize a textbook. One issue I have with the Fulbright program in general is that there is little or no advice, little support, and minimal funding for obtaining and shipping ancillary materials such as on-line texts/ physical textbooks, etc. Textbook companies have little or no interest in any sort of support either, other than charging exhorbitant prices for products that cost them little or nothing to produce. This experience will be good for my overall teaching ability and bad for textbook companies because it will allow me to move away from dependency on the racket that is the textbok industry. I will also say that the folks who actually work for these companies, especially in on-the-ground marketing are wonderful, hard working, underpaid people and I would never disparage the difficult job they do...I may get a shipment of MY OWN books for use here, utilizing DHL from the Moscow Embassy, but It will cost a pretty penny. Enough ranting. The present business model will not last---even now, there is on-line access to almost anything, for free. Somehow, I do not have the sympathy for textbook authors and publishers in the new world that I have for my numerous friends who are musicians---whose livelihood has been disrupted permanently by the music industry's inability to plan for the digital age.

On a lighter note---I've bought a guitar( I hadn't practiced in over a week and was getting withdrawal pangs)---it is an inexpensive Fender acoustic so as no to bother my соседи(neighbors).

Funny story: I did a couple of loads of laundry last night in my little apartment provided, kitchen located washing machine. When the spin cycle began on the first load, all hell broke loose---like trying to calm down my dog Thurman when he sees another living thing he'd like to befriend. I thought perhaps I'd overloaded it, but no---same thing the second time....shelves shedding items, counters bucking, floor pounding. My friends here advise me to simply hold it tight during the spin. We'll see. All for now. Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with the Director of the entire University, my guardian angel from the train, Viktor Leonidevich. It will be good to see this extraordinarily kind man again. He and his administrative staff have been absolutely fabulous in making my arrival and subsequent settling completely stress free.

I also spoke for over an hour with my wonderful wife Janet this morning. For various technical and logistical reasons we had not spoken in person for 5 days. Her voice was like the most beautiful music in the world.

All for now. It is snowing here. Beautiful