Miscellaneous 2024, November

8 celebrities who can be mistaken for homeless on the street: Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, and more

8 celebrities who can be mistaken for homeless on the street: Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, and more

We are accustomed to the fact that at social events the stars always look flawless, demonstrating a luxurious life, and it seems that in ordinary life they are always dressed upright. But in fact, many of them in everyday life, on the contrary, try to merge with the crowd, choosing outfits that do not correspond to their status. Perhaps they do this in order to get rid of the annoying attention of the paparazzi and fans. Or, tired of the spotlights, they make a choice in favor of comfort. Nevertheless, once again the

12 celebrities who were outcasts at school: Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Vera Brezhneva, etc

12 celebrities who were outcasts at school: Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Vera Brezhneva, etc

Not all stars can call their school years wonderful. It's hard to imagine, but many of them in childhood were considered outsiders, and their peers frankly did not like them (to put it mildly). But here are a few examples of how popularity and recognition at school don't mean anything yet. After all, these celebrities were able to prove that swans grow from ugly ducklings

28 celebrities who are still high school friends

28 celebrities who are still high school friends

Many stars love to tell how thorny and difficult was their path to fame and fortune. Born into simple families, they did not have support and achieved everything on their own. However, it often turns out that many of them know each other from school or have been friends since childhood. It seems that somewhere there is a stellar Disneyland, where future celebrities are being stamped

What Ivan Urgant reads: 9 authors whose books are recommended by a famous showman

What Ivan Urgant reads: 9 authors whose books are recommended by a famous showman

Ivan Urgant was born and raised in an intelligent family, where from childhood he was instilled in him a love for art in general and for literature in particular. New books appeared in the house constantly thanks to the mother of the future showman, who bought up all children's works published in Soviet times. Ivan Urgant even today, despite a very busy work schedule, tries to find time to read and gladly recommends his favorite works to his fans

How does "Cook" look today, which over 20 years of life has starred in more than 40 film projects

How does "Cook" look today, which over 20 years of life has starred in more than 40 film projects

Surely many remember how more than a dozen years ago a sentimental film drama with the intriguing title "Cook" appeared on the country's television screens. The audience was shocked by the fate of the main character, who was amazingly played by a little girl - Nastya Dobrynina. It was around this character that a touching story was twisted, forcing many to experience and sympathize with the orphan child. Good, Wisdom, Love and Justice seemed to look at the viewer through the eyes of a little girl, deprived

How a Jewish boy from a Ukrainian village became a lord, media mogul and spy of 5 countries

How a Jewish boy from a Ukrainian village became a lord, media mogul and spy of 5 countries

Robert Maxwell was called the "baron of the press", because in the middle of the XX century he created one of the world's largest media empires, which covered 125 states, and for the huge growth and tough temper, the billionaire was nicknamed "the killer whale". But this is only the outer side of his biography. Until now, many are convinced that the media mogul was the greatest spy of the twentieth century, and not one state, but 4 or 5 countries. Journalists like to say that the fate of Robert Maxwell is a modern fairy tale in which he played

Personal happiness of the storyteller: 3 women and 4 marriages of Eduard Uspensky

Personal happiness of the storyteller: 3 women and 4 marriages of Eduard Uspensky

The author of wonderful children's fairy tales, the creator of Cheburashka and the cat Matroskin, Eduard Uspensky, lived a bright life full of events and creative meetings. Cartoons based on his works have been watched with delight by more than one generation of children. He was a maximalist and could go to open conflict, defending his interests. And he constantly tried to find his happiness. Three women left a trace in his soul, one of whom became his wife twice

How the USSR secret services managed to deploy an agent network in the heart of Great Britain: "The Cambridge Five"

How the USSR secret services managed to deploy an agent network in the heart of Great Britain: "The Cambridge Five"

It was one of the most high-profile spy stories of the last century. British intelligence services have long had a reputation for being reliable, efficient, and virtually impeccable. But there are also crushing failures on their account. The most significant was the defeat in the confrontation with the USSR, when five British representatives of high society neglected such a concept as loyalty to the homeland and became agents of Soviet intelligence. Moreover, it was not blackmail or big money that prompted them to do this, but ideological considerations

Shops "Berezka" - oases of capitalist paradise in the Soviet Union

Shops "Berezka" - oases of capitalist paradise in the Soviet Union

The trading network with the patriotic name "Birch" was a unique phenomenon in the vastness of one-sixth of the land. Even during the period of total shortage, these stores had everything that your heart desires. The only problem with "Birch" was that they only accepted currency or checks, which meant that the way for ordinary citizens was closed. How much the USSR economy earned on the so-called Berezka stores is still a mystery

How Soviet residents first encountered Islamist terrorists: Special operation in Beirut

How Soviet residents first encountered Islamist terrorists: Special operation in Beirut

For a long time, the Kremlin skillfully maneuvered between numerous Islamist groups in the Middle East, but the fall of 1985 turned everything upside down. The terrorists took several hostages and made demands. In the ensuing confrontation, the KGB found out what is the price of Arab "friendship"

15 months of hope from Andropov, or Why the end of the KGB general secretary's rule is called the beginning of the collapse of the USSR

15 months of hope from Andropov, or Why the end of the KGB general secretary's rule is called the beginning of the collapse of the USSR

Yuri Andropov was at the helm of the Soviet Union for only 15 months. There is still controversy about his role in the formation of a new country. Some are convinced that the short-term leadership was a harbinger of collapse in 1991, others believe that the "Andropov course" of the USSR would have successfully avoided crisis and destruction. Historians do not agree on the way in which Andropov was going to lead the Land of the Soviets. Perhaps if this hidden democrat and supporter of radical reforms had lived a little longer, and the country would have changed

"Heroes" of the Holocaust: What Role Did Ukrainian Nationalists Play in the Persecution and Mass Destruction of Jews?

"Heroes" of the Holocaust: What Role Did Ukrainian Nationalists Play in the Persecution and Mass Destruction of Jews?

The greatest horror of the Second World War was not the bloody battles and the incessant roar of shelling, but the extermination of a huge number of defenseless people who fell into an organized system of destruction. For the massacres, a sufficiently large staff of performers was required, and in the conditions of total war, all soldiers were required at the front. Then the fascists decided to attract volunteer performers from the occupied territories for such a case. And subsequently they considered their work extremely effective

Why Stalin did not please the inhabitants of the Pskov region, or Another big deportation

Why Stalin did not please the inhabitants of the Pskov region, or Another big deportation

The end of the Great Patriotic War did not everywhere entail peace and quiet. In some regions, the war was only reformatted into an underground partisan struggle against everything Soviet. This is how the situation developed in the Baltic States, which became part of the USSR in 1940. Active resistance to the power of the Soviets prompted Stalin to take radical measures - the mass deportation of an unreliable element from the republics. Repressions also affected the neighboring Pskov region, or rather, its western regions, which had been

"Spy Bridge", or how the USSR returned home its scouts

"Spy Bridge", or how the USSR returned home its scouts

Filmmakers of the older generation will undoubtedly remember Savva Kulish's cult film Dead Season and its most dramatic episode - the exchange of a Soviet spy for an English agent. In fact, most of the exciting scene is the creative imagination of the authors: there was no stopping of these two against each other, there were no gazes that they exchanged. But there was a bridge on which everything happened. Before the reunification of Germany, the Glienik Bridge was located on the border between West Berlin and the GDR

10 of Quentin Tarantino's favorite films, for which he personally wrote reviews

10 of Quentin Tarantino's favorite films, for which he personally wrote reviews

Everyone knows Quentin Tarantino as a talented actor and brilliant director, capable of creating real masterpieces. Each new Tarantino film becomes an event in the world of cinema. The director himself is also the owner of the New Beverley cinema in Los Angeles, on the website of which he uploads his reviews of films. Quentin Tarantino carefully looks at the paintings, and then shares his impressions of them with the audience

Case number 21620: Why the legendary journalist Mikhail Koltsov was shot

Case number 21620: Why the legendary journalist Mikhail Koltsov was shot

He was a well-known journalist, his reports were popular among the inhabitants of the USSR, and Joseph Stalin personally favored him. The glory of Mikhail Koltsov was comparable to that of Papanin and Chkalov. He was favored by the authorities and had many awards. But in December 1938 he was arrested, and two years later he was shot. Why was the popular favorite, who from the very beginning supported the Soviet regime, executed?

7 most anticipated domestic TV series to be released in the fall of 2020

7 most anticipated domestic TV series to be released in the fall of 2020

The filmmaking industry is moving forward, and it has hardly been prevented by the coronavirus pandemic, which has changed the lives of people around the world. Filmmakers continue to work on new projects, and viewers can only wait for exciting new items to appear on the screens. In our today's review - series that can captivate viewers in the fall of 2020. But how successful these projects will be, only time will tell

10 little-known facts about Marilyn Monroe that explain a lot about her

10 little-known facts about Marilyn Monroe that explain a lot about her

Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926. She lived only 36 years, but during this time she managed to win fans around the world. And although sometimes it seems that everything is known about her, every now and then unexpected and very interesting facts from her life emerge

How Russian director Kantemir Balagov became an Oscar nominee at the age of 28

How Russian director Kantemir Balagov became an Oscar nominee at the age of 28

This director is still quite young, he is only 28 years old, and he already has several very prestigious international awards. The childhood passion for cinema grew into a profession, and at the age of 18 he was filming his first small videos. The films of Kantemir Balagov have already taken part in international competitions many times, and in 2019 his new picture "Dylda" was nominated for the Oscar in the nomination "Best Foreign Language Film"

What films did famous dictators like to watch?

What films did famous dictators like to watch?

History knows many examples of tough government. Their cruelty and omnipotence led to the tragedies of entire nations and the death of many people. But they were not alien to simple human weaknesses. They fell in love, got married, raised children, were fond of art and watched films. In our today's review, we invite you to get acquainted with those films that the most famous dictators loved and watched

15 little-known facts about the epic crime drama The Godfather

15 little-known facts about the epic crime drama The Godfather

The epic gangster saga The Godfather is considered one of the best films of all time. This film has been quoted, imitated and admired. Excellent, vivid plot, brilliant direction of Coppola, magnificent performance of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando, great music - all this made the film "The Godfather" unforgettable

Happiness on the third attempt of Milla Jovovich: the secret of a strong marriage of a famous actress

Happiness on the third attempt of Milla Jovovich: the secret of a strong marriage of a famous actress

The daughter of the famous Soviet actress Galina Loginova and the Serbian doctor Bogdan Jovovich was born in Kiev, grew up in the United States and from childhood connected her life with show business. She very early went into the modeling business and her participation in photo shoots caused a flurry of criticism and controversy. But Milla Jovovich stubbornly pursued her goal: she wanted to become a famous actress. She has played many roles in films, but she has had no luck with her personal life ever since she ran away from home to get married for the first time

Prisons of dissidents: How religious apostates were dealt with in the Russian Empire

Prisons of dissidents: How religious apostates were dealt with in the Russian Empire

It was customary to punish for insulting the feelings of the faithful (Orthodox) in the Russian Empire. And this happened with no less enthusiasm than during the repressions of the 1930s. Dissent in Russia was not only political, but religious until 1917. And the methods of persecution in some cases, even in the enlightened 20th century, were not inferior to the medieval European Inquisition

Turkestan uprising: Why did the Russian pogroms begin, and how the government solved the situation

Turkestan uprising: Why did the Russian pogroms begin, and how the government solved the situation

In the summer of 1916, a bloody popular uprising broke out in Turkestan. At the height of the First World War, this revolt became a very powerful anti-government attack in the rear. The official reason for the revolt was the imperial decree on the compulsory conscription of foreigners from the male population to rear work in the front-line areas

How Soviet sailors and builders created the Soviet republic in Nargen, and what came of it

How Soviet sailors and builders created the Soviet republic in Nargen, and what came of it

After the 1917 revolution in Russia, in the wake of general confusion, many "Soviet" republics emerged. However, the names of most of them have sunk into oblivion due to the short duration of their existence, and only a few "independent states" have preserved historical facts. One of such revolutionary formations is known to historians as the Nargen Republic. Created in the winter of 1917, it existed for less than three months, leaving behind zero fulfilled promises and disgusting among life

Why did the sailors of Kronstadt oppose the Bolsheviks, and the Red Army could not stop the mutiny on the first try

Why did the sailors of Kronstadt oppose the Bolsheviks, and the Red Army could not stop the mutiny on the first try

The Kronstadt mutiny can be attributed to an episode of the Civil War, since the people of one country opposed here, as in the case of the White Guards. However, the rebels were not counter-revolutionaries, but, on the contrary, many of them beat the "bourgeois" and supported the Soviet regime at the beginning of the formation of the new system. They were forced into an uprising by protracted internal problems of the economic plan, as well as ideological differences that flourished in those days in the Bolshevik party

How the bride of the King of England became his sister: Anna of Cleves

How the bride of the King of England became his sister: Anna of Cleves

King Henry VIII managed to marry for love several times in his life, but not in this case: Anna of Cleves disgusted the groom. “She is not as beautiful as she is said to be,” he complained. The artist got it for embellishing the image of the bride, the first adviser ended up paying with his life for an unsuccessful matchmaking, and Anna herself was threatened with the fate of the king's previous wives - to go into exile or to be agreed and end up on the block. But it turned out differently - and ugly, unwanted by the king

How a girl from the Russian Empire conquered the heart of the Siamese prince Chakrabon: Katya Desnitskaya

How a girl from the Russian Empire conquered the heart of the Siamese prince Chakrabon: Katya Desnitskaya

The story of a charming girl from the Volyn region Yekaterina Desnitskaya is, without a doubt, an incredible mixture of adventure, romance and thrills that could easily be turned into a bestseller

All life in one book: 7 atypical literary autobiographies

All life in one book: 7 atypical literary autobiographies

Surely the memoirs of famous people can be called one of the most fascinating and informative genres of literature. It is always useful to study someone else's experience in achieving success, and if it is also an autobiography written in an unusual and exciting way, then the pleasure of reading is also added to the benefit. In our today's review, seven atypical literary autobiographies that can hardly leave anyone indifferent

The history of matryoshka - the most positive Russian souvenir

The history of matryoshka - the most positive Russian souvenir

When foreigners are asked about their first associations with Russia, they usually think of caps with earflaps, bears with balalaikas walking along city streets, and nesting dolls. If the first became obsolete over time, then matryoshka dolls continue to be in trend to this day. A positive and original souvenir is a real display of the Russian spirit and is readily bought up not only by tourists, but also by lovers of bright figurines

35 years without an idol: 10 movie heroes of Vladimir Vysotsky

35 years without an idol: 10 movie heroes of Vladimir Vysotsky

A talented theater and film actor, poet, author-performer of his own songs, legendary man Vladimir Vysotsky on the movie screen won the hearts of the audience with his frankness, sincerity, honesty. Always expressive, hysterical, with a keen perception of the world around him. On July 25, 1980, the idol of a whole generation died. We remember 10 film roles of Vladimir Semyonovich Vysotsky

Samovars, which have seen a few: The largest, the oldest, "Goblin" and others

Samovars, which have seen a few: The largest, the oldest, "Goblin" and others

Interestingly, the two main Russian souvenirs, the samovar and the matryoshka, are not from Russia at all. The history of the samovar goes back more than one thousand years. Before the era of electricity, these convenient devices for heating water existed in many forms, in different countries and eras. Displaced by modern household appliances, they have almost disappeared from everyday life, so it is worth remembering what they were. In our review, the most unusual and famous, the most expensive and beautiful samovars

Nikolay Rybnikov and Alla Larionova: A woman needs to be won

Nikolay Rybnikov and Alla Larionova: A woman needs to be won

They were one of the most beautiful couples in the Soviet Union and completely different people: Nikolai Rybnikov was reserved, sometimes even unsociable, and Alla Larionova was open and sociable. But this did not stop them from living for 33 years together

Glory and loneliness: 10 celebrities who took their own lives

Glory and loneliness: 10 celebrities who took their own lives

It seems that the stars have absolutely everything for happiness: fame, wealth, fans. However, creative people who are constantly under scrutiny from viewers and the press are too often depressed. They are dissatisfied with themselves, lose their meaning in life, feel lonely in the crowd. And they make a fatal decision: to commit suicide

Dizzying installations by illusionist artist Peter Kogler

Dizzying installations by illusionist artist Peter Kogler

"The illusionist artist" is what you can say about Peter Kogler, who throughout his life is not afraid to experiment, creating confusing psychedelic installations. His works are reminiscent of a string of motifs, repeating over and over again, from which dazzle and dizzy. Thus, he achieves the desired effect, immersing the viewer in a space on the verge of fiction and reality

What male professions were originally purely female, and why then everything changed

What male professions were originally purely female, and why then everything changed

There is a big and very popular modern myth: all professions were originally male. In fact, the professional activities of women both in Europe and in Muslim Asia began to be limited rather late, and men literally took away some professions from women - they were traditionally only female and were considered

Famous Soviet families in which domestic violence flourished

Famous Soviet families in which domestic violence flourished

Domestic violence is a topic that, until recently, it was not customary to talk about openly. And even now, if this topic is discussed, they do it carefully. Moreover, even in families of celebrities, tragedies occur behind closed doors: happy couples smiling at the cameras turn into tormentors and victims at home. What can we say about the Soviet period, when "bringing up" wives with fists was considered almost the norm, and the phrase "beats means he loves" was considered the main justification for assault. And even

9 alcohol scandals in which Mikhail Efremov was implicated

9 alcohol scandals in which Mikhail Efremov was implicated

Actor Mikhail Efremov is living proof that great talent and many negative qualities can well coexist in one person. True, in this case, most often the cause of the scandals in which the son of the famous actor and director Oleg Efremov was involved was Efremov Jr.'s irrepressible craving for alcohol. Mikhail Efremov has repeatedly become the hero of the scandalous chronicle after his "heroes" committed while intoxicated

10 Forgotten Soviet Mosfilm Masterpieces You Should See Today

10 Forgotten Soviet Mosfilm Masterpieces You Should See Today

The history of the Mosfilm film concern began almost a hundred years ago with the First State Film Factory. Over the long history of Mosfilm, more than two thousand full-length films have been produced here, many of which are watched by viewers many times. Today we invite you to remember the amazing pictures created at the Mosfilm film studio, which were undeservedly forgotten

Modern actors with famous "doubles" from the past

Modern actors with famous "doubles" from the past

The Internet, as a huge array of information, allows you to come up with very unusual entertainment, almost impossible in the past. So, for example, lately netizens are enthusiastically looking for similarities between famous actors of our time and popular personalities of past centuries. Surprisingly, the sheer number of "hits" suggests that matches happen more often than we think