Russia's Economy Plummeting -- Will it Stop?

This image is showing how the Russian economy was severely affected when the sanctions for the United States and other countries went into effect. The sanctions against Russia were following Russia's military action in and around Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. Putin commented on the sanctions saying they damage all concerned and and reflect badly on who impose them. "Overall they are harmful for everyone, they destroy the global economy (and) are dishonorable on the part of those who use those types of tools," Putin said. On April 24, while in Korea, President Obama warned Putin it would be a matter of days, not weeks until more sanctions would be imposed on Russia, unless Russia takes significant steps to reduce the tension in eastern Ukraine. The goal of these sanctions is not to hurt Russian civilians, but hurt the banks Putin does business and the big businesses that are important to Putin. Obama wants to get other nations on board so it seems less of the US forcing these sanctions on Russia, but rather nations united together working to save Ukraine. The Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that Russia is expressing actions similar to those  in World War II and those horrible years haven't been forgotten and a “World War III” is not an option. I have been following the situation in Ukraine, and from what I know, I find it hard to believe Russia will avoid these added pending sanctions.

Breaking Stalin's Nose Book Reveiw

Written by: Stuart McKnight

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin , is a short chapter book targeting younger readers, while still containing an interesting and entertaining plot. The book follows a young Russian boy on his two day adventure in Stalin-dictated Russia. The way Yelchin describes the brutality and ruthless government of the Soviet Union, yet makes it appropriate for younger readers gives it a lighthearted feel. We found an interesting aspects of the book is that it's in the perspective of a little boy. He views Stalin in a godly manner in which Stalin is watching over everyone and where Stalin is always right. He believes every half truth he is told and when he loses his father to the Secret Police, he begins to question his friends, and his loyalty to Stalin. Sasha, the protagonist, lives with his father in a community apartment building. They are well off, and everything seems to be going well for them, at least through Sasha’s eyes. His father working for the Government and Sasha soon to be a Pioneer, both living loyal to Stalin’s rule. However, one night a unmarked black car, with tinted windows arrived to take Sasha’s father away. Shortly after, one of the neighboring families takes Sasha’s house and leaves her homeless and fatherless. Sasha visits his aunt looking for someplace to sleep. He doesn't want him to stay with them, concerned the secret police will suspect his family of being against Stalin’s rule, much like Sasha’s father was suspected of. We found this an interesting and entertaining read and highly recommend this book to any audience, young readers or older kids looking for a quick read.

Awesome Wordle

Here is a Wordle that we made using the most used words our movie review. The most used words are Biggest of course.

How to become a Dictator - Stalin edition

"Inside the Terror" Documentary Review

"Inside the Terror" Documentary Review
Written by: Stuart McKnight

The film Stalin: Inside the Terror, produced by the BBC, gives insight to the years Stalin was in power and the hardship and danger of Russian life. The film was created for the 50th anniversary of Stalin’s death, showing how his life was led both in the early days of his life, all the way through until he died. The film tells of how Stalin studied to be a priest, but when he saw the opportunities of being a revolutionary, he stopped studying to be a priest and became a large figure in the revolution.  He was exiled from Russia for 3 years leaving his life in Russia. The film also covers his role in the revolution and the aggressive and ruthless style of his ruling. The film is created from the combination of historical film clips, and also re-enactments done by professional actors. The re-enactments are well done and look historically realistic. It shows what a terrible man Stalin really was. How he was ruthless and would do whatever he had to do to stay ahead of his opponents. We found this documentary interesting and would recommend it to people interested in learning more about Stalin's route to power and his years of controlling the country. This film did have some potentially visually disturbing scenes so we wouldn't recommend it to children. It was a very factual film, but I didn't find it dry but rather it kept my interest. We are reading the book "Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin, which is a book about a little boy growing up admiring and wanting to be like Stalin. Sasha, the main character, is very loyal to Stalin, but when he accidentally breaks his nose off a statue is school, he faces a personal struggle of letting Stalin down and also everyone feeling he is a traitor. The book also shows Stalin's ruthless and unfair punishment. Sasha's dad was taken off to Lubyanka, the headquarter of the secret police and where Sasha's dad was put in jail, for suspected spy activity while his mom supposedly died in hospital, but is implied later in the story that she was actually killed by the secret police. It was interesting to learn how the kids respected and admired him so much, but when you research into him more, it becomes apparent that the kids had a false idea of Stalin's true personality.Sasha is greatly looking forward to becoming a Pioneer, and becoming closer to being like Stalin. This Pioneer group reminded me of the Hitler Youth group that the children of Germany were in during the time of Hitler’s dictatorship. The children in both Germany and Russia took pride in trying to achieve a higher level in the Hitler Youth program or becoming a pioneer, and after my studies of both Germany and Russia this was another connection I made.