NPR
: News
It makes sense that in Russia, where it's cold and dark for much of the year, summer would be a magical time. An article in National Geographic's July issue explains the cultural significance — and ubiquity — of dachas, or summer cottages: One in three Russians, the article reads, owns one.
According to writer Cathy Newman, Vladmir Putin swoops into his by helicopter; Boris Pasternak wrote Doctor Zhivago at his dacha; and Joseph Stalin had about 20 dachas scattered around the Soviet Union.
"The dacha has threaded its way through Russian culture ever since Peter the Great handed out land on the outskirts of St. Petersburg to courtiers," Newman writes. "The dacha is the stage upon which the drama (or comedy) of Russian summer unfolds." Everyone in Russia, she says, has a dacha story.
And photographer Jonas Bendiksen has beautifully captured that fleeting, lyrical quality of life.
Where do you spend your summers?
9(MDAxNzk1MDc4MDEyMTU0NTY4ODBlNmE3Yw001))
The Art And Science Of Motivation
Graduation season is upon us and that means a slew of uplifting commencement speeches trying to motivate young adults to greatness. Science and experience tell us that everyone is motivated differently, so how do speakers, coaches and business managers inspire people?Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.
-
Deals For Developers
WAMU investigates city subsidies to developers and campaign contributions from the companies. more >> -
Spring Campaign
The Spring Membership Campaign is off and running! Donate today! more >> -
Have A Child With Special Needs?
The Kojo Nnamdi Show is exploring the challenges faced by parents and would like to hear from you. more >> -
Aging and Abuse
With an aging population, elder abuse is expected to increase. We look at the complexities of elder abuse in... more >> -
Half The Battle
A project, produced by journalism students at American University, about young veterans transitioning from... more >> -
Volunteer Recognition
The volunteer of the year award and special projects award are given to a WAMU 88.5 volunteer each year for... more >> -
Yesterday's Dropouts
This series examines the struggles adults face after they leave school without a diploma. more >> -
New Bible
Bill Cain isn't just an award-winning playwright; he's also a Jesuit priest. And he brings the two together... more >> -
Public Insight
Share your knowledge and insights about timely issues with journalists from WAMU 88.5 more >> -
In-Kind Donation Program
By providing an in-kind donation, you may be eligible for a tax deduction, without a cash commitment, and... more >> -
Follow Us On Twitter
To get the latest local stories from WAMU 88.5 News, follow us on Twitter. more >>
