In need of a proofreader- Desperately!

This past Thursday, October 26th 2009, we held our monthly NY Russian Speaking Journalists meetup in Russian Samovar, with the theme “Funny Media”. Victoria Belova, editor of Novoye Ruskoye Slova, and Ekaterina Bychkova, the newspaper’s journalist hosted the meetup. They organized a phenomenal presentation and kept the attendees rolling on the floor from laughter. http://picasaweb.google.com/via3pr/RussianSpeakingJournalistsMeetup#

Upon the guests’ arrival, everyone got a designer hat from the new Novoye Ruskoye Slova(NRS) line. Ekaterina and Victoria distributed hats that they made from NRS and each hat had a unique shape such as stars and lips.

Once all the quests arrived, they gave everyone clipped texts from newspapers to read and to find mistakes. The ladies then discussed grammatical mistakes that are made in journalism and especially in their newspaper. This was a very bold move on their part, for not everyone can admit such shameful mistakes and laugh about it. They also read excerpts from text advertisements in NRS. The texts were littered with beyond belief hilarious mistakes that make one wonder, “what were they thinking!”

The evening was followed by the Funniest Journalism Story Contest, in which everyone couldn’t wait to tell their story. Natalya Belaya won the contest, receiving the prestigious grand prize of a paint and brush from Home Depot to correct future typos and mistakes.

Another winner was Oleg Sulkin who’s got Novoye Ruskoye Slovo paper with a magnifying glass, subtly referring to their unreadable small print in articles. Vladimir Nuzov, a freelance writer was awarded a magnifying glass for future uses. Rashel Minevich has got an autographed copy of book “Roman S Samovarom.”

Toward the end of the evening, Roman Kaplan, owner of Russian Samovar, literature specialist and high critic came in to welcome the journalists. Being unaware of what was said earlier at the event, he said Novoye Ruskoye Slovo has become much more accurate and limited on their mistakes! Needless to say this statement elicited earth-shattering laughter from the audience.

Roman Kaplan treated the guests with Russian cuisine appetizers and the famous Russian Samovar house vodka. He then made a toast in my honor, singing praises of my intelligence, the passion which drives my work and great communications skills, making me blush to say the least.

This meetup was by far our funniest yet and certainly made the necessity of a good proofreader more evident than ever!

Join us for our next meetup with Michael Gutkin and Lydia Talai moderating next month (Thursday, December 3rd ).

Closed Showing: Channel One Russia Holds a Daring Event

October 20th leader of Russian TV networks, Channel One Russia (COR), held a discussion panel entitled Closed Showing, featuring all of the advertising agents and agencies which they work with. The event took place in a new trendy location in SOHO, New Museum.
Until recently, for four years COR partnered with Global Advertising Strategies for the placement of ads on their network. Now, they have raised their prices and ventured to work with numerous agents and agencies directly. This was certainly a smart move on their behalf, as COR is truly the most progressive and most highly rated among Russian TV and is now strategically expanding their presence in the world of advertising.
Although the commercial which they displayed advertising their network at the event was not reflective of their success, the infomercial they screened was outstanding. I was pleased to see that COR is staffed with mostly young professionals, indicating the progressive thinking of the network.
The panel was mediated by Alexander Gordon, who has his own show on COR, bearing the same name as the event. Gordon started his career on RTN in United States, and has by now become a well-known celebrity in the Russia.
The most interesting and shocking aspect of the event was that the panel consisted of two of COR executives on one side and three Advertising Directors from competing channels, NTV, RTVI and RTN, on the other side. What is even more shocking is that they all maintained their calm and didn’t beat each other over the head with clubs.
The discussion was however very intriguing, and the audience was far from shy. Some very “intelligent” questions were posed, especially by the owners of mid-size businesses: Tatyana Restaurant, St. Petersberg Book Store and Galina. The shrewd owners wanted to know why COR gives advertising agents 15% discounts on ad placement and does not do the same for the owners who, in their opinion, bring them a very significant amount of business. Hmm… aside from the fact that the agents bring them an exponential amount more of business, as Channel 1’s director replied, “Because they do the work.” When companies come to the channel for advertisement placement, then the network has to take the time to work with them, as opposed to agencies making all the necessary arrangements.
I was very pleased that CORwas very firm with the audience and defended their agents. They stand by the idea that they have the best quality programming, with the most elite viewership. Hence, they have the highest prices.
The event was nicely concluded with a cocktail party upstairs, with a phenomenal view from the balcony, where advertising agents and agencies were provided with plenty of alcohol to keep up their spirits and avoid World War III.

Loving New York I Love You!

Having attended the red carpet movie premier of New York I Love You on Wednesday, October 13th, I was truly mesmerized by the stellar performances of the actors. A truly phenomenal film, filled with an even more phenomenal cast, including Natalie Portman, Ethan Hawk, Shia LaBeouf, Julie Kristie, among other renowned actors.

The movie is a collection of the great love stories that occur in New York City. Favorite story: the tale of an engaged orthodox Jewish woman, who one day befoe te wedding is fallling in love with an Indian man. Favorite scene: the close-up shot of Natalie Portman as her eyes light up with exuberant sensuality when her true love kisses her on the forehead as she removes her wig.

Though the wait in line to enter the premier was long and cold, the experience was truly heart-warming. The collection of the tales penetrates all the stone-hearted New Yorkers, reminding one of the beauty of love and the beauty of New York.

The premier was followed by an after party at Mansion, where we met with Emmanuel Benbihy, Writer and the main Producer of New York I Love You. Benbihy produced Paris, je t'aime in 2006 and informed us that on his list of “I love you” movies that he is planning to produce is "Rio, I love you," "Jerusalim. I love you" and may be Moscow, I love You. I regretted having to be the bearer of bad news, and inform Benbihy that this movie is already scheduled to be released in Russia in Spring 2010. Fortunately for Benbihy, there are many cities in the world to love.

NY Russian Speaking Journalists

Last Thursday September 24, 2009 the NY Russian Speaking Journalist group come together again for our monthly NY Russian Speaking Journalists meetup and this time we were privileged to gather at the UJA Federation of New York, a beautifully set up venue with a very professional and official atmosphere with more than forty people there. The UJA Federation’s mission is offer care for those in need, rescue those in harm’s way, and renew and strengthen the Jewish people in New York, in Israel, and around the world (http://www.ujafedny.org/).

We were honored to have Human Rights Leader Alexander Goldfarb who started his active work in the Soviet Union and was invited by well know journalist Vladimir Kozlovsky to the meetup to speak with us about his book “Death of a Dissident: The Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and the Return of the KGB.” http://www.amazon.com/Death-Dissident-Poisoning-Alexander-Litvinenko/dp/1416551654

Marina Dayneko, Media Coordinator of the UJA Federation introduced Vladimir Kozlovsky who with a great sense of humor told us about how he had been mistaken as being Alexander Goldfarb after he let his beard grow when KGB was chasing Alexander Goldfarb who shaved his bear at this time. He then went on to ask the group if any of them had read the book where only one member raised her hand. Goldfarb introduced the contents of his novel, the details of the poisoning of former KGB agent, Alexander Litvinenko. He described his efforts to bring Litvinenko to safety as he defected and provided insight into the murder from his own perspective, and that of Litvinenko.
Goldfarb’s comments were followed by a lengthily discussion of politics, evoked by some of the journalists’ questions. His comments were applied not only to the Russian Federation, but to governments worldwide, as he asserted that governments never have a heart, nor understanding, only interests.
Though the leaders of the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation have always been among the harshest in their treatment towards their people and officials, one begins to wonder: what implications does Litvinenko’s murder bear on the actions of our government, which refused to afford him refuge?
Towards the end of the conversation Goldfarb mentioned that after America and Russia have been trying to restore their ties and bridge the gap of their indifferences it is difficult to fight for Human Rights because everything is always about politics ever since the Cold War when if some Human Rights issue would come up you could immediately find American support and resources

We had a very interesting and intellectual night and my gratitude goes out to Lidia Wainberg, Head of Russian Division and Marina Dayneko, Media Coordinator of UJA Federation who offered their help in making the meetup a success. If you want to be part of this success feel free to join our meetup group and offer suggestions and ideas. Thanks to all those who are faithful and always make time to come out once a month to share with one another.

We would like to inform you that our next meetup will be on Thursday, October 29th. Since it is close to Halloween we would like to celebrate it. Viktoria Belova, Editor, Novoe Russkoe Slovo and Ekaterina Bychkova, reporter of the same paper have volunteered to organize it and will be dedicated to the best “typo” and “slip of the tongue” in media. If you’d like to participate in it please let us know so that we can out you on the list. For your convenience and stay informed about what is happening we have created a closed group for journalists only on Facebook, Russian Speaking Journalists or Журналсты, говорящие по русски.

Russian American Media Lacks Information

I’m very familiar with the Russian American media market as I have closely worked with them on many occasions. You can find a list of more than 40 print media that include newspapers and magazines within the Russian American media. Most of these papers and magazines are made outside of the U.S. like Russia, Ukraine and Israel. Only a few have mre coverage of local news such as Russian Bazaar, Russkaya Reklama, Jewish World, Vicherny New York and few others. Those papers that are made outside have one or two reporters who cover NYC news.
A lot of these papers do not have enough man power to create their own materials so they rely on other resources and research performed on the internet for their news. It is upsetting for the Russian speaking community to receive, let’s say “recycled news” as many of the people who are in their late 40s and up depend on these papers to keep up with what goes on around them because they can’t really read English so they look for Russian media sources to inform them. Because of the lack of local news printed in them, they miss out on a lot of information that may be found on American media about their community and surroundings. The same problem occurs with Russian American TV networks and radio; they don’t have enough local content except for RTN and NTV America who tries to include local tailored programs. As for the most viewed Russian channel, Channel 1, the network is arrogant in providing local coverage; all of the programs they air come straight from Moscow.
I have recently been informed that Davidzon Radio bought a mini van to provide coverage for local events in the Brooklyn area. That;s great news! On the other hand, it is almost impossible to call the radio station to ask to cover a local event and show up because the reporters hosting the event need a permission from the owner of the radio station therefore the event cannot be covered. And this s true for most of the Russian American media....
Some websites like Facebook, Meetup and Twitter are helpful in promoting and informing audiences about Russian local happenings but Russian American media should as well. Speaking on my behalf, I like to know what happens in my neighborhood and community so I feel that they should provide more local news.
We are now noticing how Americans are paying more attention to the Russian community not only because of crime involvement but it all evolved ever since the signing of the bill by Gov. David Patterson that allowed translation of voting materials for those New Yorkers who don’t speak English.http://www.wptz.com/news/20810337/detail.html So what the Russian speaking media is not doing American media is doing.

Nothing Stops the NY Russian Speaking Journalists from Meeting

Picture by Boris Tenzer

After not getting together for two months, the NY Russian Speaking Journalists group was able to hold a meetup last night which turned out to be terrific. Reporters and journalists showed up eager to share information. We had two speakers familiar with the group which gave them the freedom to ask questions and comment on the topics presented. They came together to speak about Obama’s visit to Moscow and about the Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF). I’m sorry I can only give you a summary of what went on because so much was said but I hope that the next time you can be part of the group. We already have Alex Goldfarb (Death of a Dissident: The Poisoning of Alexander Letvinenko and Return of the KGB” http://www.amazon.com/Death-Dissident-Poisoning-Alexander-Litvinenko/dp/1416551654 coming to our next meetup on Thursday, September 24th and Vladimir Kozlobsky will moderate the discussion.

The conversation began with Misha Gutkin who visited Moscow after 20 years, and gave his insight on Obama’s visit. Gutkin was not expecting much from Russia because of how American media portrayed the country. On the contrary, it turned out pretty well. Even though Obama and Russian President Medvedev did not show much charisma they spoke very well. All Russian politicians and oppositions liked Obama even though you could not see much excitement or dissatisfaction from the people. There were only two protestors who paraded in front of cameras holding up a poster that read “You Cannot Set up a New Relationship with KGB” meaning that Putin was the head of KGB and is still in power. They were not stopped by police right away bur after a while they were lifted from the ground and taken away. Gutkin also told the group about some MSNBC members who were sitting next to him who were debating whether or not to contact and inform NY about the press conference being delayed where someone then said that there was no point in doing that since they were focusing on Michael Jackson’s death. The group had a million questions for Gutkin after his discussion which he answered.

Oleg Sulkin then carried on to speaking about the Moscow International Film Festival who expressed that his main priority at the festival is to watch as many Russian movies as he can since there are never good foreign films in the competition the reason being because of the timing. Most of the best films are given to the Cannes Film Festival and Vienna Film Festival which come one before and the other after the MIFF. The government provides the MIFF with money 3 weeks before which makes it chaotic and they are not able to invite famous celebrities to be part of the event because they already have other engagements. This year Adrian Brody attended and Hannah Schygulla. This last festival was remarkable because there were three Russian motion pictures in the competition. One of the films “Petya po Doroge v Tsarstvie Nebesnoe” won the prize of the festival, the other, “Ward #6” won for the category of best actor and the third, Special Jury Award went to “Chudo”. Sulkin also mentioned how today in Russian filmmaking there is a change in generations where young directors are rising and taking the lead in the industry and are very harsh.

I, Irina Shmeleva was also asked to take a few minutes to speak about my experience in filming the Russian movie “Podkydish” in Chas Volkova series where I mentioned that both the crew and young director Alexander Grabar were very professional and wasted no time in creating such a beautiful and mystic film. It was a fantastic experience for me.

Even though the group was crammed up in the via3pr conference room everyone enjoyed themselves. We are looking for new locations to hold our meetings so if anyone has any suggestions and ideas on making our meetups entertaining you are welcome to do so. Before the night came to an end eight of us went out to a new Russian restaurant Mari Vanna on Park Ave. and 20th Street where we ate in a beautiful decorated setting very symbolic to us because of the wall paper that had old soviet papers glued to it . Those who went to the restroom encouraged the others to check them out. Again, because of the Russian theme that included (you should check it out for yourself). The manager of the place was very hospitable and we had a wonderful time.

Russians Are Everywhere

It seems like where ever you go lately, you are confronted with Russians. My friend was complaining to me about this and said that when you go for example, to Short Hills Mall in New Jersey where you have brands like Cartier, Channel, Dolce and Gabana, it seems like most of the visitors are Russian speaking. Another example of this is when you go shopping at Woodbury Common Outlets where you can find discounted prices on brands like Channel, Armani etc. you also find these stores filled with Russians. Not only in these places but when you stroll through NYC, not even Brooklyn, you encounter many Russian speaking people, which for me is not a surprise anymore.

There’s no doubt about it that Russians are becoming more and more visible. There are many Russians living in the tri-state area who are living successful lives, they have great homes, good cars, and almost the best in everything. But we still have to deal with some of the negativity that is portrayed about Russians that most of the time is loud and resonant. Today I read an article in section A1 of the NY Times titled “Trading Software Illuminates Wall St. Secret” by: Alex Berenson (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/business/24trading.html?_r=1&hp) where Sergey Aleynikov was arrested by an FBI agent without yet knowing if what he did was wrong and needs to be criminally prosecuted or just a subject of a civil suit. It looks like they arrested him because of his nationality.

It is unfortunate to see that even though we are talented and gifted people, the world around us cannot see us as anything more than criminals, prostitutes, thieves, abusive doctors, or builders of criminal ventures. I don’t think the Russian Speaking community understands the importance of coming together to stand up against all opposition so that we can show those around us that some of us are successful and doing positive things in our lives. I hope that we can have leaders who will come to our defense just like John Lisyanskiy who stood up for us when the Daily News wanted to put a label on us. We need more leaders like him that will help us break this negative chain.

Everyone should know that Russians are very well known for their creativity, their ballets and movies. Not too long ago the International Youth Film Festival (http://www.amritsa.com/IYFF/index.htm) took place in the UK where my dear friend Anton Dorin, 30 received the award in the Carte Blanche category for his film The Fog, among 34 films. While he didn’t get recognition in Russia for his 14 min. film, his talent was noticed in the UK and hopefully he will gain some credibility for his new project and monetary reward from Moscow.

So while the world may think of us Russians as “bad” people, to us we are wild and gifted and everyone should respect us for it. We are not all the same, as proven, we have become people with vision and determination to be something positive in society. I cannot stress enough the importance of uniting as a community to prove to NYC and America that we have something to be proud of.