I was just followed back to my apartment/probably very narrowly escaped being mugged/beaten up
I’ve lived in Tomsk for seven months now without any problems but I have always been warned to be wary of certain types of Russians. Actually, more like one type, the gopnik (гопник). Basically a gopnik is your low-class young/petty criminal in Russia, they usually come from lower socio-economic strata, and as a result develop into minor sociopaths.
I knew I had something to worry about as soon as I entered the store; I was just there getting a frozen pizza for dinner. Immediately behind me was a group of gopniks, instantly recognizable from their dress (black shirt, black pants, black shoes, black Russian style cabbie cap) and their demeanor (inflection, curse words I understood, words I didn’t understand that were probably also curse words). Even the security guard in the the store knew to follow them around. They bought something, checked out, left. I was next in line with my pizza. Then in came one of the group, stood behind me in line, pretended to be interested in gum. Then he just sorta, left, without a word, right after I had pulled out the 1000 ruble ($30) bill I was paying with. Living in Philly has most certainly taught me to be aware/suspicious, so I took note.
I walked outside, and they were still commiserating, as such groups often do loiter and drink their beer outside of the shop where they bought it. ‘Вот он.’ (there he is) I heard, decided to quicken my pace slightly, I was only two blocks from home.
I heard them singing behind me, getting quieter with each step. I figured I was in the clear. Then a streetlight behind revealed the elongated shadows of three figures behind me, also walking quickly/silently. I glanced around in front of me to make sure there were other people nearby. No bystanders usually means that’s when they get down to business, a rabbit punch followed by demanding your money/cell phone. There was a couple walking the opposite direction.
I had one more street to cross in order to get home. The light was green, I walked faster. They were still behind me as I approached my building. They were very close. Luckily the shop on the first floor of my building always has similar loiterers. The only thing I was worried about was the ten seconds I would spend in the driveway leading up to the door to the apartments. I turned into the driveway, and made my way as quickly as possible to the door. I opened it, and quickly glanced behind me as I opened the door. They had stopped at the entrance to the driveway, looked slightly confused.
I closed the outside door behind me and dashed up the steps to my apartment. I locked the metal gate door I usually hate behind me. I was glad that door was there this time. I stole into my apartment and locked the door. I tried to see out the window if they were still waiting there, I couldn’t. Then I head noise in the stairway, they apparently had made it into the apartment building, although I thought I locked the door behind me. I guess they came inside so that they could see if I was just using that stairwell as a hiding place. Maybe they’re waiting to see if I will come out. I’m not comfortable with the fact that they know I live here. I can still hear them babbling in the stairwell.
Now that I got back safe/nothing happened, I’m beginning to question my judgement. Would have it been better to look back/let them know I was there? Guess it doesn’t really make a difference at this point.
Interesting how I was ‘cased’ first. Pretty well planned. Now I think half the group was singing in order to mask the footsteps of those following me in the beginning. If that’s the case, it’s not a bad tactic at all. .
Link: When I Use a Beard - Special International Edition- Keith Birthday!
Today I am featured on (Guts & Glitter) for being a guy with a beard who lives in Russia. All of my answers are 100% true.
Had to take/send the photos myself and it made me really nervous. Worried about the lighting/what plaid I should wear. Took a shower so I would look ‘not dirty’. Think it turned out okay-pretty good.
Sometimes I read G&G in order to try and understand women, not sure if it’s working. You should too. (read it here)
A Starburn Hurts More Than A Sunburn
Do yourself a favor and go listen to The Armchairs’ Deep Sea/Frogs in the Bogs
Always Sunny Season Five Preview: Kitten Mittens
I seriously am:
1. excited for this season
2. pissed that I’m not going to be around to watch it.
3. Wish I was Charlie
José Díaz & The Niñas - Darling
So I just finished mixing and mastering this song with loads of help from Dad Chadwick. To be released on the probably posthumous Chadwick EP, (thanks dad).
This song is most certainly one of José’s finest, haunting and earnest, with a Sonic Youthy breakdown.
It was nothing short of a pleasure to play with José and have the opportunity to record him. Never in my life have I had a better excuse to wear facepaint and drink a 40.
Soon he’ll be up and moving to Seattle, and I’m sure many will miss him.
City Paper: Biketopia - How to Make Philadelphia a Cyclists' Paradise
interesting semi-thought provoking article from this past week’s philly Citypaper about what actions the city could take in order to promote biking to reduce the congestion caused by traffic around the city.
While many of the ideas seem feasible and possibly helpful, I personally feel that the decision to turn Spruce and Pine streets into half bike streets is a good idea, but for anyone who’s ever biked there, I’m sure you’re well aware that they are probably the most pothole-ridden streets in center city, to the point where I know that bikers avoid them (via casual conversation eg: “I was an idiot and took spruce today”. Obviously steps would have to be taken to change that.
Drink Up Buttercup - Farewell Captain
Philly locals Drink Up Buttercup have been gaining attention from shore to shore for their unique brand of loud and raucous pop coupled with their energetic live shows that involve the beating of trash cans and plenty of operatic screaming. To be honest, up until recently I always felt that their recordings fell somewhat short of their live show, but with the track “Farewell Captain” all of this has changed.
Not only is their energy well reproduced in this recorded version of the song, but the song is nothing short of fantastic, with slick fuzzy guitars, plenty of booms and bangs, and a lovely shift into a Gogol Bordelloesque gypsy breakdown.
Catch these kids now so you’ll have “I knew them before they really blew up” street cred. You won’t be disappointed.
The Armchairs Interview on Phrequency
“Uhhh, we bought you a watermelon,” says Harkness, carrying a fruit as big as his head. He also has a giant knife, wrapped in paper, which he unwraps and uses to cut the watermelon into giant slabs.
Instructions for Philadelphia Driving Part One
When blatently going the wrong way down a one way street and encountering a cyclist going the right way, upon seeing his disapproving look, don’t shy away and apologize or even be amiable. Instead, roll down the window and yell “shut the fuck up!” If it came down to it, you could just run him over.
