Made in Russia: Soviet Design Oddities and Masterpieces

Long before the green-minded hip began toting these fishnet shopping sacks whilst touring organic foodmarts, the USSR had developed the archetype — the amazing avoska. Extremely long lines were commonplace and a score of good groceries was rare, so avoskas were essential, with their magical capability to collapse, unfold, and hold stockpile-bound bounties. Image Courtesy Michael Idov.

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[...] Soviet design oddities and masterpieces. [...]

Growing up in '80s India, I owned both a Nevalashka and a Misha doll. Thanks for reviving fond memories! :)

As for gaming the public fountain machines: there a story of an old woman who lived in Chicago back when people had coin operated gas metering/dispensing, for cooking, in their apartments. A guy from the gas company regularly collected the money. This old woman's coin box was always empty. Apparently, he open the coin box one day and found water in the bottom. She had made a coin mold and would freeze water in it to game the system.

@Marina I was told that it was customary for a guy to stand on the side of the road with his hand up and one finger extended, as a sort of 'come on'. Invariably, he was joined by a second guy and would then hold up two fingers. When a third guy joined them they then had enough to purchase a bottle of vodka. Paid for 3 ways and consumed 3 ways. ”hence the expression “Третьим будешь?” or “Want to be the third?”?

Even the colorful paper-packaged sugarcubes were really nifty.

@Stalin 750 grams in the Soviet days, hence the expression "Третьим будешь?" or "Want to be the third?"

Stakan (= glass) and it holds half a bottle. standart bottle is half liter of vodka.

@Phyllis. Nope, grams.

> The twelve-sided glass is a true masterpiece, holding exactly 250 grams I can only assume you mean milliliters.

Uhhh.. the Soviets did not invent string market bags. They're common in Europe.

these glasses are called "Estekan" (spelling)

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