Guess I'd better start up my summer blog. I hope to return with our program to Kazan this summer. So far the political situation seems like it will allow us to do so. I'll update here anytime something significant goes on. more »

Last year our program started on June 23. At that time the ruble exchange rate was 34 rubles to the dollar. As of this writing the rate is 46.6 rubles to the dollar, a fall of 27%. Pretty tough on the Russian people. I worry about my friends in… more »

Damn. Now I begin to doubt our summer program will take place in Russia. Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30025138 (mirror) more »