Svensky Monastery

Svensky Monastery is a Russian Orthodox monastery. It's in Russia, near the city of Bryansk. When I was little, I was scared that Russia was going to hit me with a nuclear bomb. My dad suggested I write a letter to Ronald Reagan about my fears. I never got around to it.

Russia is where my grandfather was born. His name was Grandpa Eddie. But they didn't call him that in Russia, because he was not yet a grandpa. Grandpa Eddie came to the United States with his family when he was 8 years old. They came on a boat. I'm glad they did. Otherwise I wouldn't exist or have anything to bloog about. Thanks, Grandpa Eddie.


The birth of Grandpa Eddie.
Photo: backpackphotography via Flickr (CC)

Aluminium. Thirteenth element (Encyclopedia)

Aluminium. Thirteenth element (Encyclopedia) is a Russian encyclopedia devoted entirely to aluminum. I think. The Wikipedia article is confusing.

The encyclopedia has nine chapters about aluminum, including "Chapter 5. The Modern aluminium smelter" and "Chapter 6. A Metal Resembling Tin in Color and Luster." There's also a bonus chapter called "Threshold of the Aluminium Age," which was probably written by a deluded aluminum enthusiast.


Chapter 23. Wrapping tuna sandwiches.
Photo: monodot via Flickr (CC)