(no subject)

[clownshoes.livejournal.com]

2 questions:
I have a penpal in Russia for class; her email adress is maria@, but she signs her letter as Mаша; I thought that Maria was short for something else, or am I wrong?

2nd question: Anyone here know some simplish fencing calls in Russian? Just basics like on guard, ready, fence, attack from the right/left, parry, reposte, counterattack, and remise would be enough :P

The News in Russian

[jadore-vin.livejournal.com]

http://www.gwu.edu/~slavic/webcast/

Follow the above link to listen to the news in Russian, there are links to transcripts at the site and lists of pertinent vocab. The webcasts are adapted a bit for the non native ear.