May 31, 2007

The London Russianistas
posted by some wander by mistake 17 years ago
  • Nice FPP. Useless faked-pic, but nice FPP. I always enjoyed watching the Russian girls on the 5-train into Manhattan, clearly primping themselves up for that day's hunt. Since we were all riding in from the Bronx together, they wouldn't pay anyone on the train the least notice. Fascinating, in a way. If they're in London now, maybe that settles the New York vs. London 'world financial capital' debate...
  • 'Round these parts we call 'em "Mail Order Natashas." Yes, it's prejudice. But everyone has a story of some dude they know who got mixed up with one of these ladies. Mind you, I'm not saying all Russain women who come to America fall into that category. I've known some very nice ones. My last tango instructor was one. Absolute drill sergeant on the dance floor, but sweet as heck off of it.
  • Intriguing, but not really informative. A better journalist would've introduced us at least somewhat to what's going on in these girls' lives and minds. And yes, London seems to be winning the race with NYC for title of world financial capital.
  • After reading the article, the term "fembots" popped into my head.
  • I don't know, I can't help but look at this as an example of supply arising to meet demand. Plenty of RichCityGuyBots out there...
  • I walked past a Russian lady yesterday in Liverpool. She was not like anyone in that article. We must be getting the bargain basement Mail Order Natashas up here. However, linked on that article page...hubba hubba
  • The Daily Mail: proudly hating immigrants since Noah washed up in Armenia.
  • Which is understandable, of course. Their houses smell funny, especially nearer the kitchen.
  • What it doesn't say is that Nottingham is full of sultry Ecuadorians looking to sleep with penniless artists and Bolton has stately girls from Mali who go for bullshit pub philosophy. Book your tickets accordingly, gentlemen.
  • You know, the article didn't inspire me with any sympathy for the British men. They are the ones choosing to go for a woman who demands such things - they could be looking for dates among the many women who automatically assume that, since they are intelligent, self-sufficient people, that they can pay for their own dinner and drinks.
  • Word.
  • An interesting article on the mail-order bride/bride tour business. It looks sad from all angles, for all involved.
  • I think that for many if not most of u, save those lucky enough to get hit by the thunderbolt, there are things we’re willing to give in exchange for love and things we’re not. It could be respect, money, acceptance of flaws in looks or behavior, vulnerability, kindness, obedience… any number of things. It seems like the people on both sides of this business don’t believe they can find someone willing to accept what they’re willing to give through the usual channels.
  • "Give me money. That's what I waa-aa-aa-aa-nt. That's what I want."
  • What's this "ista" suffix mean, anyway? I know it exists in Italian (e.g. comunista), Spanish (Sandinista - follower of Sandino), pop culture (fashionista - dedicated follower), but I don't see the relevance here. How are these women "Russianistas" in any meaningful sense? Or is it just that the term sounds interesting or exotic?
  • Oh, and then there's kitfista.
  • What are you, some kind of god-damned linguista or something? See, Sandinistas want sand everywhere, fashionistas want fashion, and Russianistas want Russians everywhere. Jeez, sometimes you people don't know from nothing, I'm telling ya.
  • Igotchocolateeggslastista.
  • OK. I have a plan. Everybody listen up. 1. We each knit at least one (1) of those monkeys. 2. We wind up with a lot of monkeys. 3. We find someplace to dump all the monkeys at once, making either an artistic or political statement. 4. 5. PROFIT!
  • 4. Trademark the use of monkeys as artistic or political statements. I don't know how to knit.
  • Sister Renault just started her mat leave -- she can knit mine, and I can probably guilt her into knitting a few more. Her past rate has been 'free', excluding yarn costs.
  • I guess it's better than eating corgis.
  • Tracey Chapman's had a career change then...
  • Don't you know, talking about knitting monkeys (sounds like a clicker) Don't you know, talking about knitting monkeys (sounds like a clicker) While we're standing in the welfare line Sitting in the doorstep of those armies of Salvation Wasting time, in the unemployment line Searching around, looking for our door keys Don't know know, talking about knitting monkeys (sounds like a whisper) Nimble fingered gonna cast-on, purl and knit Nimble fingered gonna cast-on, purl and knit Don't you know you better knit knit knit knit knit knit knit knit All of a sudden you better knit knit knit knit knit knit knit knit 'Cos finally the needles are starting to stitch, Talking about knitting monkeys And finally the needles are starting to stitch Talking about knitting monkeys Talking about knitting monkeys
  • Hooray!