The Mary Sue

Edward Snowden Reportedly Meeting With Human Rights Groups In Moscow Airport Today

The NSA leaker has reportedly requested a meeting with human rights advocates this afternoon, but whether he'll show -- or whether he even wrote the request -- is anyone's guess.

by Ian Chant Jul 12th

It appears that NSA leaker Edward Snowden is getting rather tired of his weeks long layover in Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. Not that anyone could blame him -- I'm hard-pressed to stay chipper through a pint at Chili's when I fly. But reports today indicate that Snowden is angling for a meeting with representatives from human rights groups around the world later this afternoon. What the purpose of that meeting is -- or if Snowden himself actually wrote the letter -- remains unclear, but one way or another it looks like we'll have an update on Snowden's situation later on today.

Edward Snowden Reportedly Not on Plane to Cuba

Everyone's favorite game -- Where in the World is Edward Snowden? -- continues this morning.

by Ian Chant Jun 24th

Former CIA contractor turned infamous NSA leaker Edward Snowden is a much sought after guy right now. All reports indicated that at this moment, Snowden would be on a flight from Moscow -- where he reportedly arrived yesterday from Hong Kong -- bound for Havana, Cuba, which would get him that much closer to his final destination -- likely either Venezuela or Ecuador. The flight was a popular ticket for the small legion of journalists currently dedicated to keeping track of Snowden, all of whom were treated to a rude awakening today when it became clear as the flight finished boarding that Snowden himself was not on board.

Apocalypse No: The World Will End When Only The Russian Government Allows It To

by Steven Romano Dec 3rd

With the purported 2012 Apocalypse only a mere 18 days away, many folks are more on edge than ever. Russia in particular has its hands full trying to calm the public's anxieties over the Mayan feathered serpent god Kukulkan's return. Facing widespread panic and erratic behavior among the populace, Moscow's Ministry of Emergency Situations has come forward and declared that, no, there will not be a world-ending cataclysm come December 21st. Leaving us to ask, fine, but says who?

Garry Kasparov Arrested, Beaten at Pussy Riot Sentencing

by Ian Chant Aug 17th

In what has to be the most foregone of conclusions, all three members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot have been found guilty of hooliganism this morning, stemming from an impromptu guerilla performance in a Russian Orthodox church. To anyone who's been following the story -- or just has cliched ideas about the Russian justice system functioning only as the arm of a corrupt authoritarian state -- this comes as no big surprise. One unexpected twist to this morning's story, though, is the apparent arrest of Chess Grand Master Garry Kasparov outside of the Moscow courthouse where sentencing took place. Kasparov has been an outspoken member of the Russian political opposition, which is a pretty good way to get beaten and thrown into a police van on charges of "Meh, it's Russia, we'll figure out what we're arresting you for later."

From Space, Moscow Looks Like a Giant Glowing Starfish

by Max Eddy Apr 10th

It's probably a given that any photo from the International Space Station, however mundane, looks pretty spectacular. This picture, snapped from the space station late last month, is no different. Just past the dark blue solar panel is the snaking, glowing tendrils of Moscow, with dawn rapidly approaching the city and a slim, distant aurora. Just a quick look at a city unfamiliar to most of our readers, from the best seat in the house.

Time Lapse View of a Bustling, Beautiful, Busy Moscow

by Max Eddy Dec 30th

If you're like me and have lived your entire life in the United States, odds are most of your impressions of Russia come from Cold War-era movies: A bleak sky with people huddling about while some kind of droning chant plays in the background, endless military parades in front of harsh leaders, general dreariness. This amazing little time lapse video from zweizwei completely shatters that image, showing a colorful and bustling metropolis of Moscow. Go on and take a watch if you think your view of Russia could use a bit of a refresher. See the video, after the break.

Russian Dude Climbs Moscow Skyscraper With Headcam, No Safety Devices [Video]

by Eric Limer Sep 21st

Check out this video of an intrepid, fearless Russian dude climbing on something really high and terrifying as intrepid, fearless Russian dudes are wont to do. In this case, he's climbing what appears to be the tallest skyscraper in sight in the great city of Moscow. For those of you thinking "but isn't that illegal and dangerous?" you're right, it is both. That being said, this Russian guy is way more awesome than you, so that pretty much invalidates all your arguments. Try not to let your palms sweat too much and enjoy the finest Russian brand of vicarious thrills.

(via reddit)

LOST’s Jack Bender in Line to Direct Jack Ryan Film

by Michael Suen Aug 2nd

This just in: LOST director Jack Bender is reportedly the frontrunner for helming Moscow, the reboot of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan spy franchise. Chris Pine will be playing the newest Ryan incarnation, starting afresh as a U.S. Marine graduate working under a Russian billionaire, before being embroiled in a terrorist plot. Bender hasn't directed a feature since 1991's Child's Play 3, so it will be interesting to see what results. This comes on the heels of the announcement that LOST co-creator Damon Lindelof is attached to write the Alien prequel. (Vulture)