Russians Claim Their Drinking Prowess is a 'Myth'

The Telegraph ^ | 03 Jan 2009 | Miriam Elder

[FormerLib]

This article could only have been written by someone who never had a few drinks with some Russians!

[FormerLib]

No wonder Russians are so damn smart. They need a Masters degree to know how to drink!

Adm. Painter: "Russians don't take a dump, son, without a plan."

[TChad]

Bryun said the image of the average Russian man as a vodka-swilling beer lover was simply a myth.

In fact, he prefers to ignore beer and concentrate entirely on vodka.

While this piece says that the average Russian male life expectancy is 61, I have read that it is currently 57 and declining. So much for the golden years.

[Vaduz]

Every time I buy a woman a drink at a bar I think they show up with hollow legs.

[laotzu]

"Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers."
Cliff Clavin - sage

[AU72]

immediately after taking a shot – two slices of lemon;
- then some salted cucumbers, pickles, marinated tomatoes or caviar.
- then something with a lot of oil: herring (traditionally with cold boiled potatoes and onion), sardines, or shproty (small smoked sprats in olive oil);
- then traditional Russian salads, like Oliviye or Herring with boiled beet and mayonnaise.
Almost all Russian salads come under heavy mayonnaise dressing. Remember – acid, salt, eggs and oil.
Ukrainians and Southern Russians prefer smoked lard with garlic but it’s a zakuska for professionals.

It's not the alcohol thats killing them. It's the food.

[Centurion2000]

Ukrainians and Southern Russians prefer smoked lard with garlic but it’s a zakuska for professionals.

Tried that when I went back in 2004. It's actually not that bad. Not something I'd want to eat on a regular basis but it was interesting.

[SomeCallMeTim]

You didn’t answer my questions though.

Oh.. sorry, I thought the questions were rhetorical...

There is no doubt that Russia is suffering mightily due to their excessive drinking. Your questions hit at the main issues.

I can say this though... they do seem to be drinking slightly less now than in past years. At least, now.. vodka has become illegal to possess inside the chemical complexes I visit. 8 years ago, I had vodka toasts in the plant manager's office.

Still though, just 6 months ago, a random man sitting next to me on an airplane became angry with me when I wouldn't share a morning brandy with him at 8 am. yuk...