Miscellaneous 2024, November

The girl who made the prince languish for 10 years: Alice, Duchess of Gloucester

The girl who made the prince languish for 10 years: Alice, Duchess of Gloucester

She was an amazing woman. Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott always knew exactly what she wanted from life and did not allow anyone to interfere with her plans. Even if it was about the prince himself. Almost dying as a teenager, she promised herself to help people. As an adult, she set herself a goal and confidently walked towards it, forcing Prince Henry to wait for their marriage for more than 10 years. Having reached a very venerable age, she became the oldest member of the British royal family

Our people in Hollywood: How Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev met Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe

Our people in Hollywood: How Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev met Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe

Today, foreign visits of Russian politicians, like the visits of leaders of other countries to us, are perceived as something commonplace. The news informs us about business trips of government officials almost every week. And just half a century ago, such a visit by the Soviet leader to the United States was a real event. Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev visited America in 1959, and the cameras of local journalists were happy to record the details of this trip

Raisa and Mikhail Gorbachev: love without politics

Raisa and Mikhail Gorbachev: love without politics

The couple Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev have been in full view of the whole world for many years. Hand in hand they walked through life, were together in poverty and wealth, decided human destinies and history. And few thought that behind the publicity shield were the souls of two loving people

From Evdokia Lopukhina to Lady Di: 7 princesses who were unhappy in marriage

From Evdokia Lopukhina to Lady Di: 7 princesses who were unhappy in marriage

Children's stories make many girls in the world believe that the life of a princess is one continuous holiday. Palace receptions, respectful subjects, and next to it - a real prince. But in fact, princesses are far from always happy, and bitter tears, loneliness and melancholy are often hidden behind external well-being. In our today's selection are the very princesses who could not find the long-awaited warmth and happiness in marriage

The Secret Life of the Windsors: How Prince George Gave Up Love to Please His Parents and Ruined His Life

The Secret Life of the Windsors: How Prince George Gave Up Love to Please His Parents and Ruined His Life

The most incredible rumors circulated about Prince George (George) in Great Britain, and his life resembled a famously twisted plot of not the best series. He fell in love with both women and men, did not hide his addiction to drugs, had illegitimate children, and his death in a plane crash still causes many rumors and speculation. His fate could have turned out differently if he had not once renounced his love at the insistence of his parents

Matches with sacrifices and the ball "hovering" in the air, or How different peoples of different eras played football

Matches with sacrifices and the ball "hovering" in the air, or How different peoples of different eras played football

The FIFA World Cup forced to follow this game even those who are usually indifferent to it and do not delve into the intricacies of the rules. What can we say about the fans who do not miss a single match of their favorite team - now they can not think of anything else at all. And in this we, people of the XXI century, are not too different from those who lived in earlier eras, including the most ancient ones. Ball games have been popular at all times, however, sometimes ancient football looked completely different

A double agent from the Abwehr, or Why intelligence agent Alexander Kozlov in the USSR was long considered a traitor

A double agent from the Abwehr, or Why intelligence agent Alexander Kozlov in the USSR was long considered a traitor

The risky combat path of Alexander Kozlov, who for a long time was considered a traitor to the Motherland, became known only years after the Victory. The scout Kozlov was never a coward, having managed to deceive the fascist intelligence Abwehr and brought a lot of benefits for the Soviet Union. On the account of the lieutenant - the Order of the Red Star, the Patriotic War, the Red Banner. And it just so happened on the duty of double service that, along with high Soviet awards, Kozlov had distinctions for services to the Reich

How a teacher from Kherson lured money from the NKVD to develop a farm in France

How a teacher from Kherson lured money from the NKVD to develop a farm in France

The turning point in history, burdened by war and chaos during the formation of the new government, along with numerous heroes, gives rise to no less number of traitors, swindlers and adventurers. The latter include Vasily Nedaykasha, who, fighting first against the Whites and Reds, later became an intelligence officer of the Ukrainian People's Republic, and then began to cooperate with the Bolsheviks, selling them long-obsolete intelligence information at a considerable price

The most stubborn samurai who did not give up and fought for another 30 years after 1945

The most stubborn samurai who did not give up and fought for another 30 years after 1945

The war ends only when all its participants remove their weapons and stop fighting. If so, then the Second World War lasted almost thirty years after the signing of the peace treaty. In any case, for a few Japanese soldiers and officers who remained in the jungle and could not believe that everything was already over. Because during their preparation they were warned that the enemy would try to misinform the valiant partisan detachments in this way. There are several such stories, but sa

15 star couples who are so similar that they could play each other in a movie

15 star couples who are so similar that they could play each other in a movie

We often marvel at how our favorite actors and actresses are alike, meeting them on various TV shows or even within the framework of the same movie project. However, we never think about the fact that the world is full of clones that could replace our beloved and adored. Your attention - 15 clones of popular stars that could replace them so that we would not notice the substitution

How wolves reconciled German and Russian soldiers during WWI

How wolves reconciled German and Russian soldiers during WWI

In the winter of 1917, Russian and German soldiers who fought in the frozen trenches of the Eastern Front clearly had something to fear: enemy bullets, "trench feet" (damage to the feet), frostbite, countless diseases, shrapnel, bayonets, tanks, sniper fire. And, oh yeah, wolves

Attack of the "dead", or How the poisoned Russian soldiers fought back the Germans and held the Osovets fortress

Attack of the "dead", or How the poisoned Russian soldiers fought back the Germans and held the Osovets fortress

During the First World War, the German siege of the Osovets fortress near the border with East Prussia lasted for about a year. The most striking in the history of the defense of this fortress was the episode of the battle between the Germans and the Russian soldiers who survived the gas attack. Military historians name a number of reasons for the victory, but the main one is the courage, fortitude and fortitude of the defenders of the fortress

9 fatal Soviet intelligence officers, before the cunning and charm of which Einstein, Hitler and other powerful of this world could not resist

9 fatal Soviet intelligence officers, before the cunning and charm of which Einstein, Hitler and other powerful of this world could not resist

Beautiful, intelligent, selfless - these were the women who, by the will of fate, embarked on the path of espionage. Each of them led their own arranged life until the moment when the state made it clear that it needed their work. Spy women are a combination of cold prudence, courage, willpower, visual appeal and seductiveness. Scouts do not have the right to fame, their names and deeds become known only after they officially cease to fulfill their duties

11 mysterious sights of Rome that few people know about

11 mysterious sights of Rome that few people know about

Rome is an eternal city with a history spanning millennia, and it will take forever to understand and get to know this place better. And while some tourists diligently run with cameras along the previously trodden paths, taking pictures against the background of famous sights, others go in search of something new and unknown, discovering amazing places that even local residents do not suspect, simply ignoring them by virtue of their eternal problems and fatigue

Eight children, a truck, Hitler's occupation and the rest of the life of the kindest writer Anne-Katharina Westly

Eight children, a truck, Hitler's occupation and the rest of the life of the kindest writer Anne-Katharina Westly

Among the five main Scandinavian storytellers - Lindgren, Andersen, Westley, Janssen, Lagerlöf - Westley stands alone. Each of her books changed the view of large and small readers on people who were usually made fun of. And the most famous of them are a series of novellas about a family with eight children fed by my father's truck

Romance "White Acacia": a song that has become at the same time the unofficial anthem of the "whites" and "reds"

Romance "White Acacia": a song that has become at the same time the unofficial anthem of the "whites" and "reds"

The history of the famous Russian romance "White Acacia" can be called absolutely fantastic. It was never possible to establish its authors, and the romance has been living for more than 100 years. It seems incredible, but during the Civil War, this romance was at the same time the unofficial anthem of the warring parties

How tourists were attracted to the USSR, and why foreigners were unhappy with the trip

How tourists were attracted to the USSR, and why foreigners were unhappy with the trip

Contrary to some misconceptions, the USSR was not a closed country. Foreigners could visit the country as part of a creative team or come to conferences at the invitation of Soviet colleagues. But the most common reason for visiting the Land of the Soviets was tourist trips. With the aim of developing commercial tourism in the USSR and attracting foreign currency, the Intourist company was established in 1929, which received a monopoly on escorting and servicing all foreign guests

How Peter I fought against thieves in Russia and why he could not defeat corruption

How Peter I fought against thieves in Russia and why he could not defeat corruption

It would seem that Peter I was able to carry out any conceived plans. He built a fleet, cut a window to Europe, defeated the all-powerful Swedes, raised Russian industry, and did many great things. And only corruption remained a disease that even he could not overcome. The same local successful reforms, which at least reduced the severity of the problem, were canceled by the rulers who replaced the emperor

Disgraced officer, friend of the emperor and rival of Kutuzov: How one mistake crossed out the life of Admiral Pavel Chichagov

Disgraced officer, friend of the emperor and rival of Kutuzov: How one mistake crossed out the life of Admiral Pavel Chichagov

Pavel Vasilyevich Chichagov was lucky and unlucky at the same time. His father - a renowned admiral - had great influence in the highest circles of society. But he helped his son, who also decided to become a naval commander, only at the beginning of the journey. Chichagov Jr. went his own way, relying only on himself. The war with Napoleon was supposed to be the "finest hour" of Pavel Vasilyevich, but it became his main failure

Up to the Seventh Knee: Stories of Famous Families Hunted by Fate

Up to the Seventh Knee: Stories of Famous Families Hunted by Fate

It is believed that famous people, when they become idols of millions, receive a huge charge of negative energy from ill-wishers and envious people. And sometimes a curse falls on their families, otherwise how can one explain that the relatives of a great man, one after another, are sent to the next world? In our selection - 5 famous families with whom something unimaginable happened

Valentin and Zoya Gagarin: How was the fate of Yuri Gagarin's older brother and sister, whom the Germans hijacked during the war

Valentin and Zoya Gagarin: How was the fate of Yuri Gagarin's older brother and sister, whom the Germans hijacked during the war

A lot was written about the family of Yuri Gagarin at one time, but in fact, the first cosmonaut himself aroused keen interest. Although the fate of his older brother Valentine and sister Zoe was very difficult. Before the occupation of the village by fascist troops, the Gagarin family did not manage to evacuate due to the illness of their father, Valentin and Zoya were among those whom the Germans sent to work in Germany

What are the 15 greatest warriors who changed the course of history?

What are the 15 greatest warriors who changed the course of history?

Throughout history, there have been many great people in various fields of human endeavor - from science to art, from philosophy to politics, from business to technology, but none of these greats have shed more blood than the greatest warriors in history. So take a deep breath and get ready to learn about 15 of the most brutal and talented warriors of all time

Oleg Dal and Elizaveta Apraksina: 10 years of painful happiness

Oleg Dal and Elizaveta Apraksina: 10 years of painful happiness

He was full of contradictions, and behind the ostentatious recklessness he hid his own complexes and fears. In his life there was a place for great feelings, but having experienced betrayal once, Oleg Dal began to be wary of women. And yet he met the one who accepted him as a whole, with his shortcomings, contradictions and complexes. Elizaveta Eikhenbaum (Apraksina) became his guardian angel and guiding star for 10 years. It was to her that he promised incredible torment from himself

Why Einstein's wife regretted meeting him all her life: The theory of relativity of feelings

Why Einstein's wife regretted meeting him all her life: The theory of relativity of feelings

In his student years, Albert Einstein had such fervent feelings for his classmate Mileva Marich that he even decided to marry her against the will of his parents. But family life was not at all what they both imagined. The great scientist did not know how to make his loved ones happy, and Mileva Marich managed to repeatedly regret the day when she drew attention to her classmate at the Zurich Polytechnic

Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan: love escaping

Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan: love escaping

This love story began at the Parisian "Club of Five". Edith Piaf was introduced to the "Moroccan bombardier" and Marcel Cerdan was introduced to the Great Edith Piaf. After they met, they did not see each other for a while, but met in New York. Piaf was there on tour and felt immensely lonely. It was at this time that a soft male voice sounded in the telephone receiver, which was in no way associated with the image of a desperate fighter

Lonely old age of stars: Why celebrities of the first magnitude were left completely alone at the end of their lives

Lonely old age of stars: Why celebrities of the first magnitude were left completely alone at the end of their lives

They had interesting roles in their lives, adoration of fans, vivid novels, fame and prosperity. They were admired by millions of spectators, they were applauded by the first persons of the country, they were presented with awards and prizes. Their faces did not leave the screens and the front pages of magazines and newspapers. It seemed that in the life of celebrities everything was going well, and even over the years their fame and popularity did not fade. Why did famous artists remain lonely at the end of their lives?

How does the famous actress Vera Vasilyeva live 9 years after the death of her husband

How does the famous actress Vera Vasilyeva live 9 years after the death of her husband

In the life of this wonderful actress there was a brilliant career, unrequited love and a husband whom she married, desperate to become the wife of Boris Ravensky. Vera Vasilyeva lived with actor Vladimir Ushakov for 55 happy years. But in 2011 he was gone, and the actress was left all alone, the spouses had no children. What helped the actress cope with the pain of loss and how is she living today, nine years after he left?

Why the star of the movie "Amelie" always has his hand in his pocket: Jamel Debbouz

Why the star of the movie "Amelie" always has his hand in his pocket: Jamel Debbouz

This actor, known to the Russian audience, mainly for the role of the architect Nernabis from the films about Asterix and Obelix, and even for the film "Amelie", is one of the most beloved and famous artists and showmen in France. And his hand, damaged in childhood, has nothing to do with it: Jamel Debbouz is appreciated for his inexhaustible optimism, talent as an improviser and ability to constantly radiate energy, as a true star should

Forgotten Russian professions: why children were afraid of chimney sweeps, and adults were distrustful of women

Forgotten Russian professions: why children were afraid of chimney sweeps, and adults were distrustful of women

Scientific development and the emergence of machines send many of the once popular professions and crafts into oblivion. The progress of modern society is aimed at eliminating manual labor and reducing physical activity in the name of accelerating productivity. But professions from the past are experience and history, so many of them are not only not forgotten, but also revived

Nikita besogon - holy martyr Nikita, casting out the demon, on crosses and icons from Tver

Nikita besogon - holy martyr Nikita, casting out the demon, on crosses and icons from Tver

Among the finds collected in the city of Tver on the eroded banks of the Volga, Tvertsa, and Tmaka rivers, a significant group is made up of crosses depicting the holy martyr Nikita the besogon. Similar finds are known in Staritsa and its surroundings, as well as in Rzhev, Torzhok and Beliy Gorodok. This plot has long attracted the attention of researchers

Cult actress from the Cote d'Azur who never takes off her sunglasses: Emmanuelle Bear

Cult actress from the Cote d'Azur who never takes off her sunglasses: Emmanuelle Bear

Her main trump cards are beauty and sensuality. And they would have been enough to build a film career - after all, tens and hundreds of actresses manage to hold out on this for a decade or two in the glory. But this Frenchwoman is not striving at all for the ovation of the public - or, at least, not only for them. Because, perhaps, Emmanuelle Bear and became a cult figure in France

Why the marriage of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith fell apart: an enduring passion that led to divorce

Why the marriage of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith fell apart: an enduring passion that led to divorce

Sometimes it seemed that they were just made for each other, handsome Antonio Banderas and incredible Melanie Griffith. Rich, famous and happy, for 18 years they have destroyed all stereotypes and constantly talked about their unquenchable passion, which allowed them to overcome all problems and find a way out of the most difficult situations. However, 18 years later, this star marriage ended in divorce

What caused the conflict between Christian Lomonosov and the church

What caused the conflict between Christian Lomonosov and the church

The name of Mikhail Lomonosov is associated today with a loud historical figure, but his real scientific merits are not known to everyone. For a quarter of a century, this man worked as two scientific institutes - natural sciences and humanitarian. The volume of his scientific developments is amazing. Considering the chemical scientific specialization as the basis of his vocation, he became famous in the circles of physicists, astronomers, historians, and had a reputation as a talented poet. But one more side of Lomonosov's personality is also known - anti-churches

For which Kevin Costner was nominated 13 times for the Golden Raspberry anti-award

For which Kevin Costner was nominated 13 times for the Golden Raspberry anti-award

The charismatic bodyguard in the tape of the same name, the brave and fair Robin Hood, the "pale-faced" lieutenant are the most famous and beloved by the audience the roles of Kevin Costner, who turned 65 this January. Throughout his creative career, the popular actor invariably wore the image of a romantic hero, an example of strength, masculinity, courage and charisma, and not only in films, but also in life. By the way, Kevin, who is ready to do anything for love, is still called the last romantic of Hollywood

8 Disney cartoons accused of racism and restricted

8 Disney cartoons accused of racism and restricted

The Disney company, after criticism, hung an age limit on some of its cartoons, and cut out several episodes from other films. Racism and disrespect for different cultures - these are the main complaints of modern viewers to the classic Disney cartoons. And in childhood almost no one thought about these scenes

Maxim Gorky and Maria Andreeva: the story of an idealist writer and actress who was worshiped by bohemians

Maxim Gorky and Maria Andreeva: the story of an idealist writer and actress who was worshiped by bohemians

A long-haired country man with a duck nose and huge arms, in boots, a blouse and an absurd wide-brimmed hat. But these eyes, overshadowing even the blue of the sky, - what woman can stand here … One glance of Maxim Gorky was enough for the first beauty of Moscow to surrender to his charm

Why Soviet cartoons are not for modern children, and How to choose the right ones among them

Why Soviet cartoons are not for modern children, and How to choose the right ones among them

For most modern parents, Soviet cartoons (read cartoons from their childhood) are associated exclusively with warm memories and eternal values. Many mothers and fathers are sure that only children's cinema, originally from the USSR, is able to give children the necessary baggage of moral values and knowledge. The fruits of labor of children's animators have long become almost an object of national pride, but do modern children need such a morality and can they generally share the delight of their parents?

What really was Nestor Makhno - one of the odious heroes of the Civil War

What really was Nestor Makhno - one of the odious heroes of the Civil War

In the memory of the people, the life of the dashing ataman Nestor Makhno, an iconic figure of the early 20th century, was embodied in a whole cycle of mystical legends, in which it is already very difficult to distinguish truth from fiction. Having gone down in history as a military leader during the Civil War, he was the banner of the anarchists and a symbol of the people's love for freedom. Fascinating details from the life of Nestor Ivanovich, who was deliberately demonized by the Soviet regime, and popular rumor raised him to the rank of a national hero further, in the review

Why the "king of laughter" Arkady Arkanov was unlucky in love

Why the "king of laughter" Arkady Arkanov was unlucky in love

The owner of an incredibly creative sense of humor and charisma, Arkady Mikhailovich Arkanov, has been an adornment of any concert, holiday, as well as a feast for more than half a century. He was so contagiously able to improvise and joke, despite his imperturbable appearance, that his phrases, dropped as if by chance, immediately went to the people. But the brilliant career of a satirist, built thanks to a sparkling sense of humor, did not affect his personal life in any way. Broken relationships remained behind the artist

What did the scandalous anarchist dad Makhno remember: Legendary Muse, treasures of gold and poetic talent and not only

What did the scandalous anarchist dad Makhno remember: Legendary Muse, treasures of gold and poetic talent and not only

Considering the incredible destinies of politicians and the military, we often learn that they, like famous artists and poets, also had Muses who inspired them to state affairs and feats of arms. The infamous anarchist dad Makhno also had such a Muse, and even so, that into the fire, into the water and into prison after him. About the last love, about the treasures with gold buried all over Ukraine, about the poetic talent of Nestor Makhno and about many other things further, in the review