Solarium Chat: June 12-13, 1996

Chat session of June 12-13, 1996

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:05AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hello all! Is Alan Boyle out and about?

anon: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:05AM EST (-0200 GMT)
hello?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:06AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hi, my name's Alan Boyle... I've been involved with Friends & Partners for about two and a half years (I think?) and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for almost 12 years (I'm sure of that!). I'm waiting for a P-I free-lancer in Moscow, Stephanie Griest, to tune in here and give us the latest scoop on Russia.....

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:08AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Wow, we're here already! Stephanie, kak vy pozhivaete. I faxed you copies of articles, don't know if you've been able to pick them up. Stephanie, would you like to introduce yourself?

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:08AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Dobrie ytra! It's a hot summer morning in Moscow and the city is alive with election fever. Yeltsin is plastered to every wall in this city.

anon: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:08AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Alan, what is "refresh"?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Here in Seattle, Sonics posters are plastered to every wall .... Sonics won tonight, at least staving off the Bulls victory. Speaking of that, I just read the latest poll results -- Yeltsin in the lead with 40, Zyuganov with about 30, Yavlinsky and Lebed with about 10 each, Zhirinovsky and Fyodorov with about 5 each.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I spent all of last night on Red Square, along with at least 500,000 drunken Russians. Yeltsin threw an incredible rally disguised as a celebration of the June 12 Independence Holiday. Time Machine, among other pop and rock groups, played.

anon: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
hello

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hi, this is anon.Alan, how are you? What is this place? I found it in the paper.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Refresh tells the computer how many secs to wait before it automatically updates your screen. Should be set to about 300 secs. To read new comments, just hit the chat button without writing anything new.

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:12AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hello?

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:13AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Thanks, Alan...helpful..was wondering why screen was changing every second! :)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:13AM EST (-0200 GMT)
This is a Webchat program, enables people like Stephanie to talk with us real-time from Moscow (virtually). Steph, were there lots of twentysomething rockers there, or were they apparatchiki?

anonymous: . . cust46.max11.seattle.wa.ms.uu.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:13AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hello! My name is Michael! How are you doing?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:13AM EST (-0200 GMT)
We read you loud and clear, Entrop! Welcome!

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:14AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Alan: was that a Moscow poll, or did it also include all regions and provinces of Russia? That seems to be the prominent fear: Yeltsin will win big in Moscow, but Zyganov might make a strong showing in the small towns that have not been polled.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:14AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hi, Michael! If y'all have any questions for Stephanie in Moscow, fire away. Today (June 12) was Independence Day there, it's already June 13 in Moscow.

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:15AM EST (-0200 GMT)
And to what effect has the Metro bombing had on the election?

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:15AM EST (-0200 GMT)
alan, who is Stephanie?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:16AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Steph, that was a poll from the Institute of Sociology of Parliamentarianism, a clunky name - but it supposedly has a wider base for its surveys and has been closest to on target in its polling during past campaigns. Have you found any Communist voters there in Moscow?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:17AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie Griest: Generation X journalist par excellance (sp?), University of Texas student getting degree in journalism and post-Soviet studies, has written for Washington Post and Seattle Post-Intelligencer and weekly Austin Chronicle in Texas, among other publications.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:18AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Red Square audience: girls in high heels and hose; young boys in well pressed trousers. It's so easy to spot the Americans (i.e. we're the ones in jeans and Birkenstocks). Overall, it was a very young audience (especially the armed guardsmen that created human barricades. We had to slip under their interlocked elbows to get our prized seats!)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:19AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie wrote a couple of articles about life in Moscow for the Post-Intelligencer (hereafter known as P-I), including a really gripping tale about a sister reflecting on the disappearance and likely death of her brother, thought to have mafia ties. I had hoped to post the articles on the Web today, but ran into a bit of a bureaucratic snag at the P-I.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:20AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Steph, do you think those young people will turn out at the polls? Are they taking it seriously, or are they taking post-Soviet freedoms somewhat for granted?

anonymous: . . cust46.max11.seattle.wa.ms.uu.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:20AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Step. Who'll win election in your opinion?

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:22AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Tedde: News of the bombing was quite a shock, especially since it was a Metro stop I myself use often. I have been in Moscow since February 1, and in that time, numerous bombs have been confiscated off buses, a fire started in one heavily frequented Metro, and there have been numerous threats. Last semester, my university (Moscow State Linguistics University) received about a bomb threat every 9 days and class was always cancelled. From what I hear, it was more businessman/Mafia related than anything else.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:25AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I can only hope that the youth will vote. Apathy is just incredible here. One hypothesis I have heard often is that the weather (of all things!) will be the major determining factor of this election. If it is hot and sunny, most upper class (pro-Yeltsin) Russians will probably choose to spend their Sunday at their dacha, whereas Zyuganov's supporters will vote rain, sleet or snow.

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:25AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie - has Yelstin made use of the bombing for gains in the polls though (through possible possible connections)- or has it been down played as a mafia/businessman connection as you have stated?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:26AM EST (-0200 GMT)
(Background on bombing: Four people were killed and several wounded on Tuesday when a bomb exploded in a subway car at the Tulskaya metro station in southern Moscow. Authorities believe TNT was placed beneath a seat in one of the cars. All sides in the presidential election are accusing each other of complicity and stirring up trouble in the days before election. Some think it was the Chechens, who in the past have threatened to strike in Moscow itself)

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:26AM EST (-0200 GMT)
sorry for the typo - "possible political connections"

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:28AM EST (-0200 GMT)
That report about the weather rings true! We had an item about the "second round" of voting, which will be held in July if no one gets 50 percent this time around. Yeltsin's aides are talking about having the second round of voting midweek instead of on Sunday so that they aren'w working against the "dacha" factor.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:30AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I caught a Zhirinovsky rally yesterday as well. The first hour was ridiculous: there were a grand total of 30 in attendance, of which 27 were bored journalists. The stage consisted of the back of an army truck, and we were poorly entertained by an accordian player. But an hour into it, we heard some old gypsy music blaring from afar, and there he was (in a canary yellow suit) with an incredible entourage of youth. He climbed on stage and slammed America for half an hour, then left to manic applause.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:31AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie, please tell us more about your impression of Zhirinovsky! Is he a Rasputin-like figure? Charismatic? Supposedly he has some sex appeal about him - or at least he fancies that he does!

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:35AM EST (-0200 GMT)
It seems that the immediate reaction of the press, the government and the Russians themselves is Chechnya. I have never seen such overt racism in my life. Every man with a tan and moustache is physically singled out from crowds and often hauled into jail for further questioning. The Metros are just teeming with police and soldiers, armed with sharp shooters. I've also noticed that at the end of every Metro route, a policeman runs through every car and opens each Metro seat to make sure no bombs are tucked away.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:39AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Funny you ask that Alan! I went to Zhirinovsky expecting to be wowed, but he's really just a portly old man in a bad suit. A team of young boys took turns holding a bright blue umbrella with little yellow stars over his head so he wouldn't get too hot. He is actually fairly monotone, but he says the most outrageous things. I wouldn't call him sexy, but I'd say there were other women out there who would!!!

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:42AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie - he sounds like a character from "Yellow Submarine" - LOL

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:42AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hmmm. Maybe the Russian women's taste in men runs in a slightly different course. I can imagine the sorts of things he says - the West is holding Russia down, Yeltsin is a lapdog of Western bankers, it's time for Russia to take back what's rightfully hers.... What's the most outrageous thing you heard today? And is he a good orator? A Barbara Jordan or a Ross Perot?

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:44AM EST (-0200 GMT)
As far as the election is concerned, I don't know what happened to Zyuganov. He just dropped off the face of the planet. I know many expats who were so concerned about the election, they bought June 15th tickets out of Moscow, but now the fear seems to have subsided. Zyuganov was such a hot contender in March, but then Yeltsin made a remarkable recovery. I myself was for Yavlinsky, and I don't think we've seen the last of him yet! I imagine he will join Yeltsin's team in the second round.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:47AM EST (-0200 GMT)
More Zhirinovsky: the man is no orator, but he'd pass for a comedian if he didn't actually mean the things that he said. His Russian was a little rough, but I caught something about how Russia needs to stop prostituting itself to the pimp of America!

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:47AM EST (-0200 GMT)
are you guys there, I'm following you with interest

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:47AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I guess most of the Russian media got on Yeltsin's bandwagon - there was a story about the media I saw on the wire... Reporters being told by the home office not to file anything on Zyuganov unless there was something momentous, while being asked to report every minutia about Yeltsin on the campaign trail. Yes, Yavlinsky sounds like a sensible choice, untainted. But I've read that he's rather full of himself and unwilling to bend... that he's asking a high price for joining Yeltsin's team.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:48AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Yes, Entrop - we're plugging right along. Just jump in if you have a question. It's great that Stephanie is here to dish the latest from Moscow!

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:51AM EST (-0200 GMT)
What I like about Yavlinsky is that he's unwilling to bend on issues that are unbendable (like ending the war in Chechnya). A lot of Russians have become disenchanted with him, however. Originally he said that under no circumstance would he join Yeltsin's team. Now, I'd bet a million (rubles!) he'll be high on Yeltsin's new cabinet.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:51AM EST (-0200 GMT)
The funny thing about chat is that you don't really know how many people are out there listening. We published this URL in the paper and on the wire... so there's a high potential audience. But I don't know if people are being shut out by the system.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:52AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hmm. A million rubles is 200 dollars. That's still a pretty steep bet.

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:54AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Excuse me, folks..uh, Stepth? Alan? How do I get a read on how many people are in this channel at present?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:54AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie, we heard so much about Lebed in December during the parliamentary elections - but he now seems to have dropped from the radar screen, too. (Lebed: gruff military man who has hinted he wants to bring ex-Soviet republics back into Moscow's orbit)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:55AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Entrop, that info about channel is something I don't know about. Some chat channels (including Webchat) allow you to get a reading on other users, even silent ones. I don't think this one does. We could have an experiment here, asking people just to send a quick message saying "I'm here" or something. I wouldn't want to jam up things for Stephanie though! (more....)

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:57AM EST (-0200 GMT)
what are the chances of Lebed suceeding in his republik policy?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:58AM EST (-0200 GMT)
By the way, I'd like to post a transcript of this session at this URL: button (For the benefit of Stephanie's mom, among others). Stephanie, your mom says hello, this time is rather late for her. Note that when I type a complete URL, it comes out as a clickable "button."

anonymous: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:58AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Just in the past week, I have noticed some Lebed paraphernelia tacked on walls. My favorite is a glossy pamphlet full of his baby pictures. Two months ago, I attended an anti war demonstration on Pushkin Square and saw Lebed, Yavlinsky and Gorbachev in the flesh. Gorbachev had a near rock god status on stage.

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 1:59AM EST (-0200 GMT)
alan, do you have this type of chat on a regular basis?

anonymous: . . sea-ts6-p35.wolfenet.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:00AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hi, Alan, and others. I'm following the conversation with interest. _ Jonathan

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:01AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Questions, comments anyone?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:01AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Entrop, I'll let Stephanie respond to your Lebed question... I'll just say that his feeling about returning to a "Greater Russia" - or a rebuilt Soviet Union of some sort - is shared by many in Russia. They don't like to see ethnic Russians get kicked around in what are now foreign countries, just as we wouldn't want to see Americans kicked around in Mexico or Canada or Singapore for that matter. The feeling is much stronger, of course, in Russia because of that historical thing. Of course, the chances of rebuilding a Soviet superpower are approximately nil. But you could have a more nationalist, assertive Russia.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:01AM EST (-0200 GMT)
What is the election coverage like in the West?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:02AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Steph, Jonathan Nesvig from the Tacoma News Tribune is tuned in here. I'm surprised by your comment about Gorbachev - I've heard so much about how he's disliked in Russia nowadays. But he still has some gravity about him?

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:04AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Of the election coverage - seems to be of lttle importance in Los Angeles - people are more interested in seeing Yeltsin dancing in Rostov (I guess, doing a Clinton thang)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:04AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Well, Stephanie, we here at the P-I have had (harumph) a little extra coverage about the election. Cover of Newsweek this week is an *extreme* closeup of Zyuganov (just his eyes and forehead) with the headline "Red Scare." Most reports are playing up the Communist vs. democrats theme, saying the Communists are a real threat. Cover stories in Time (2 weeks ago) and The New Republic as well. (more...)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:06AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Tedde: Funny that you mention that "twisting Yeltsin" picture - we played that big! It really is something reminiscent of "Clinton with the sax" - though Yeltsin looks even more like "Dad trying to fit in with those crazy young people"!

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:07AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Re: Greater Russia. A friend of mine just returned from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, and met many Russian pensioners caught in a dire situation. For 70 years, they lived as one under the Soviet Union, but after the fall, Estonians turned their aggression of the Russians who still live there. They now require Estonian language tests and constitution/history exams for citizenship. This is an impossible task for many of the old age Russian pensioners there, who spoke Russian their whole lives. There are silent civil wars mounting in many former Soviet republics, particularly in the Baltics. Tensions run deep. And I agree with Alan, Zhirinovsky's and Lebed's dream of rebuilding the empire are just that: dreams.

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:08AM EST (-0200 GMT)
is this over? or it will be indefinitely:}

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:08AM EST (-0200 GMT)
The New Republic had a really good piece by Masha Geffen (I believe of Izvestia?) - complaining about how people were being forced to accept Yeltsin when there were perfectly good alternatives, such as Yavlinsky.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:09AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Entrop, it's really up to Stephanie. We can go on as long as anyone likes. This is a 24-hour operation. But I would guess if Stephanie can hang around for another 15 minutes or so, that would be wonderful. Any questions from the audience?

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I do wonder if I'm not getting a twisted perception of the election by living in Moscow. Yeltsin is clearly the winner here in the big city, but the true pollsters are elsewhere. Who knows how the farmers out in the shticks will vote?

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie - how are these "tensions" towards America and Americans - I ask since I will be leaving for Moscow next week

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:11AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I did want to mention that I've put together a page of other resources: button ... Also, this chat area is always available for chewing the fat about Russia (though sometimes it's rather empty). Starting in July I hope to have more regular sessions, with extra- special guests like Stephanie!

Michael Baehr: . . sea-ts3-p06.wolfenet.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:12AM EST (-0200 GMT)
My webpage contains a biography of the Grand Duke Alexandrovich Romanov "tsar for a day". It contains previously unpublished letters written by Mikhail from the war front in 1915. mfbaehr@wolfenet button

anonymous: . . sea-ts6-p35.wolfenet.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:12AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie: Many people believe Yeltsin can only win in the first round if there is voter fraud. Do you expect a first round win? _ Jonathan

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:13AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Yes, Stephanie, the New York Times had a big story about the rural voters a couple of days ago. As you would expect, they are more in favor of Zyuganov and the old collective ways. Many of the farmers don't have the wherewithal or the will to operate their own farms and want the security of the collective farm - they hope Zyuganov can get that system back in operation.

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:13AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I do have to comment - as I related Yeltsin to Clinton - in my mind I can almost relate Yavlinsky to Perot

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:14AM EST (-0200 GMT)
That New Republic article sounds fascinating. I know that one of the main problems candidates like Yavlinsky had was limited cash flow. They simply couldn't campaign like Yeltsin.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:14AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Thanks for the pointer, Michael... I will definitely check it out!

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:14AM EST (-0200 GMT)
anyone has a comment about an American general hoping that the communitst would win ... i think I hear d this comment on nightline ... according to the american general the communists are the only ones who could stop nuclear proliferation any commnet?

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:16AM EST (-0200 GMT)
And of course Zyuganov to Buccanhan (sorry 'bout the spelling)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:16AM EST (-0200 GMT)
It's interesting that there are a couple of millionaires running for president - Bryntsalev and Fyodorov - but they haven't made a dent in the polls. Stephanie, I hope you're collecting posters and other paraphernalia from the campaigns. That should make for interesting stuff!

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:19AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hmm, Entrop, I haven't heard that one. I'm surprised that an American general would say that, considering how much support the Clinton admin has given to Yeltsin. I do remember some officials - mostly unnamed in the press - yearning for the good old days when you had stability in the world (even though it was buttressed by mutually assured destruction). Those days are gone, though, no matter who wins. In fact, the general thinking among analysts is that because of current realities (economic and geopolitical), even the Communists can't veer too much from Russia's current course.

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:21AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Tedde: there is an interesting love/hate relationship with America here. I actually had a really bad experience one, on the Metro. I stopped and asked one of the babushki for directions (keep in mind, this woman worked there!), and she looked at me sharply and demanded, "Where are you from?" I ignored the question and again asked for directions, but the woman didn't give up. "Where are you from? Are you American?" I said, "Well, yes, I am from Texas." And then she just went insane. She jumped out of her little Metro box, grabbed me by the shoulders, shook me, and told me to leave her country. It was quite a scene: a little old lady trying to take down a tall foreigner. I have since learned to say I'm from Mexico initially, particularly to men (luckily with my dark skin, I can pass). I would say this particular incident is really extraordinary, however. Most people gawk when they hear it; I think it was just a freak incident. I simply wanted to mention it because the tension IS there, particularly among the elderly. I learned a lot that day, and if the woman felt better after releasing her aggression on me, I don't regret it happening.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:21AM EST (-0200 GMT)
From what I hear, Buchanan is more charismatic than Zyuganov....

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:22AM EST (-0200 GMT)
That's pretty bad - Alan

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:24AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Actually, I would say Zhirinovsky is Buchanan!

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:24AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Wow, Stephanie, that metro story is really something! Can hardly believe the antipathy runs so deep. I remember a couple of years ago, waiting to meet someone at a metro stop, and some guy comes up to me and asks if I was lost or needed help - I was pretty worried cuz I thought he was either a homosexual on the make or after my American wallet or both. But when I explained haltingly that I was just waiting for something, everything was OK, we had a nice little chat and he withdrew. People can really tell a foreigner in the metro, I guess! It's body language, or perhaps dress.

Michael: . . sea-ts3-p06.wolfenet.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:26AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Alexander Kerensky escaped and disappeared from Russia wearing the uniform of a Danish sailor and driving behind a car with American flags flying. mfbaehr@wolfenet

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:26AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Tedde: How long will you be in Moscow? Are you coming for the second round? It should be quite exciting! Yeltsin seems very confident that he will win majority in the first round, but not even his cabinet agrees!

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:27AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie - I am curious - I am sure the experience with the older lady was shocking - how is it with the younger generations though? In general, are they more open to America and also a democratic government?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:28AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie, have you felt any concern about your personal safety? When I was in Russia a couple of years ago, my Russian friend was very loath to let me go out at night...

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:30AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I am immediately spotted as a foreigner. My Russian friends say that my little wire framed glasses are a dead giveaway, along with the way I dress. For the curious, Russian dress code is as follows: WOMEN: tight skirt, hose, heels, lots of make up (blue eyeshadow is a must). MEN: khakhis or an Adidas sports suit, with a cellular phone.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:30AM EST (-0200 GMT)
LOL, Steph, LOL!

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:30AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie - I will only be in Moscow from the 20th to the 30th - so I will miss the second round - the tour was planned a while back (was not aware of the elections at that time) - here's the kicker, going there to meet Russian women (that's what the tour is for)

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:33AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Tedde, have you gotten the info on the women you are to meet, or will this be one big blind date? Is it on your own, or is someone putting it together for you?

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:35AM EST (-0200 GMT)
The youth seem mildly curious at foreigners. I have been bought more drinks my five months in Russia than in the past five years in America! As far as safety goes, I have friends who won't walk outside alone past dark, and friends who reel the streets at all hours of the night. I decided I didn't want to spend my Russian experience locked up in the dormitory, so I too tend to prowl. Fortunately, my Metro stop is about five minutes away from my dormitory and the path is well lit.

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:38AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Stephanie, I know the day is young there and you may need to get on with your Thursday, so I don't want to hold you back... I do recall you saying that it was sometimes hard for men to take you seriously as a journalist ... are these generally unreconstructed middle-agers? Do younger people give you a little more respect?

anonymous: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:39AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I have about five minutes left. Any last questions/comments?

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:42AM EST (-0200 GMT)
The only comment I would have is a *Bolshoe Spasibo* for your time and energy, during this chat and during your work on your excellent stories. We have gotten lots of good comments about your work. Dusty Harvey was fairly busting his buttons bragging about how well "his" reporter was doing! Robert says hi, too. He is working the "Sonic Buzz" beat so is probably pretty busy right now reporting on the hijinks of Dennis Rodman and Cindy Crawford (they have been a definite item in Seattle!). So thanks again, Stephanie. You are a star!

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:43AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Alan: to make a long story short - the tour is hosted by Europen Connections (their 18th tour) - there will be 3-4 "socials" with 600-800 women looking for American husbands - reputable company that has been covered by CNN and Dateline in the past - check out my homepage => button - I do not have much time to go out "looking" here and haven't taken a vacation in a long time - what's nicer than a vacation with the assurance of meeting women? (I'm divorced with custody of my 3 1/2 year old daughter and work 12 hour days as a plumber)

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:44AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Russian men in general seem mildly bemused by me. Whether that is because I am a journalist or a foreigner or a woman, I know not. I must admit in spite of my feminist self, I have gotten rather used to men doing things like opening doors for me, carrying my back pack, and helping me in and out of buses (which tend to never come to a complete stop). But for the most part, the Russians were very receptive and more than willing to talk when I accosted them on the streets with a, "Mozhno pogovorim?"

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:45AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Thank-you Stephanie for your currents "insights" of Moscow and the upcoming election

Stephanie Griest: . . ppp59.glas.apc.org . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:47AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Alright. Do svidania everyone! Good night Alan! I will be taking off to Prague next week for 10 days, but I can always be reached by my fax account. Thanks for everything!

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:48AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Well, Tedde, I wish you good fortune on your trip. It will definitely be exciting - just walking down the street you see a lot of exotic-looking women, very sophisticated. Take some time to study a phrasebook and enjoy the culture there - I think learning as much as you can about the land and the people will endear you to the folks there. It'll be an adventure!

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:48AM EST (-0200 GMT)
POKA - Stephanie

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:48AM EST (-0200 GMT)
steph, thank you for filling us in on russian election facts

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:49AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Hanging around on F&P also helps too - logging off for now - Spasibo, Alan

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:50AM EST (-0200 GMT)
What a great chat! I hope we'll be able to do this again... Tedde, if anything comes of your trip, you *must* let us know all the details! My e-mail is [email protected].

Tedde: . . pool021.maxc.los_angeles.ca.us.dynip.earthlink.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:52AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I'll have "lots" of pictures that I'll be posting on my homepage - if I didn't Elaine and Diane would probably kill me - POKA

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:52AM EST (-0200 GMT)
I hereby declare this meeting of the Midnight Society adjourned - feel free to talk amongst yourselves. Here's a topic: The Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire. ;-) Spokoinoi nochi! Jonathan, I'll call you tomorrow.

Entrop: . . pool025.max4.seattle.wa.dynip.alter.net . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:53AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Yea, alan, we should meet again! I thoroughly enjoyed the chat, very educational

Alan: . . atboyle.accessone.com . . . . Thu, Jun 13, 2:54AM EST (-0200 GMT)
Just keep checking this chat area for news of further special sessions... As I said, probably starting in July. POKA!