[Mersault]

(04-18-2013 05:39 PM)Lika Wrote:  

Roosh, I told you so when you were in Ukraine...

The only thing that prevents you is the fact that Russians, on the whole, are extremely racist and don't like dark skinned or "persian looking" people (that they brand "Caucasus").

You should perhaps go to Russia first, spend a few months and then decide if Russian is the language you really need.

If you look Georgian, Turkish, Azerbaijani or Chechnyan (plus other states from the Caucasus') and are in Russia, then yes, Lika, i agree, you are likely to often be on the negative end of negative discrimination - however, that can be manipulated in your favour. To be discussed after.

On the other hand, if you look Armenian, you are likely to be on the end of positive discrimination.

Know something? Armenians and Georgians and Turks and the rest look similar. Armenians receive positive discrimination. The others don't.
Ok, there are variations in the bridge of the nose, the eyes, the hue of the skin, etc, but, generally, if you take it individual by individual and not an aggregate face vs an aggregate face, then it is difficult to distinguish between the nationalities / ethnicities. So why are Armenians seen differently and in a better light?

Well, it's a Christian nation, and that is the root of it, however it is far more evolved than that. Ok, some of you will disagree. But i can swim further than you, so, let it be. Sure, Georgians are too, but, they are usually considered devious tramps with backward principles.
Even in the Balkans you can distinguish, generally, aggregate face vs aggregate face (not so easy with just individuals, although still often possible) between an Albanian Muslim and Bosnian Muslim or a Serbian Christian and Croatian Christian. Ok, the religion wasn't necessary there, sure, but, actually, it is, because, again, religion is the root of those slight differences here. Over time, tendencies and peculiarities within groups create certain behaviours and standards in appearances, etc etc etc.

Anyways, i am going off on a tangent. So, the point, somewhat connected to that point just loosely made a moment earlier, was that Armenians, in Russia, are seen positively (relatively), yet, in outward appearance, at first sight, to somebody who doesn't know better, it is difficult to tell the difference between an Armenian and the rest. Generally Armenians in Russia are seen as wealthy (or at least richer), with an exotic noble appeal. Even the less well off Armenians in Russia are considered to be 'cool' gangster types, as opposed to the 'bad' gangster types that other groups are considered. It's all abstracted bullshit (what isn't?) but it is the thinking of the herd and understanding it helps. Helps with what? Getting what you want from a given situation.
Well, there's some substance. Not much, but it should be enough to lead the conclusion and advice i will proffer below.

Guys, if you look like you are of the Turkish / Greek / Balkan yolk, or even of the Southern Italian variety, and want your look to work in your favour, then dress well enough, avoid mop hair styles, joke on the fact that you can pass for a Chechnyan mafioso, be comfortable with the sneering attitudes of some - you will encounter this - and you can work it in your favour, and, if they believe you to be Armenian, then it is already in your favour.
Alternatively, should you hang out in the wrong places (not wrong places per se, just wrong places for your look) , dress yourself in all black, wear a leather jacket and black leather shoes, fail to smile, and then they (those Russian girls) will think you to be a a part time mini cab driver who sleeps in your car, washes twice a week and is probably Azerbaijani. Don't do this if you want to bang Russian chicks.

In the Ukraine, however, being Armenian isn't really positive at all. It is mroe of a neutral thing. Being Greek there works well. But that's Ukraine, and that's the Dominican Republic, and this conversation was about Russia. Or Russian. Yep.

[Eddie Morra]

Roosh, Is Russia going to finally be the place where you "not just get your flag" but actually "plant your flag and create your own poosy paradise" as you had alluded to in your "King of Warsaw" posts?

[jimukr104]

Actually despite the war with Georgia you mention some silly stuff. If you watched Russian tv and saw what their sex symbols are you would see it's a guy with dark features and light skin. Basically a Georgian looking guy. They were the don Juans of fsu. They also like Greek and Italians looks better than others. They recently don't like the sex tourism of the southern Europeans but I don't think they will get discriminated against. Young girls I admit are being sold on shaved head thug like guys but I laugh whenever someone says they don't like Georgians or Italians. No other type stimulates them like they do. The blond blue eyed doe face Russian boy is what they refer to the peasant look.

[POHammer]

(04-18-2013 11:42 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

Young girls I admit are being sold on shaved head thug like guys

Agreed. Shave your head, wear dark colors-even all black, lift weights, and don't smile too much.

[iknowexactly]

(04-18-2013 05:39 PM)Lika Wrote:  

Roosh, I told you so when you were in Ukraine...

The only thing that prevents you is the fact that Russians, on the whole, are extremely racist and don't like dark skinned or "persian looking" people (that they brand "Caucasus").

You should perhaps go to Russia first, spend a few months and then decide if Russian is the language you really need.

He's 6'3", under 40, has very good game. Can't miss. Also from his videos, he presents more like an American, more deferential if people are nice. Roosh doesn't have that hard, sort of arrogant demeanor of some Middle Easterners.

[POHammer]

I know a persian who is killing it in Ukraine. But the dude shaves his facial hair, lifts weights religiously, and speaks fluent Russian after living there for years. He also told me the anti-foreigner sentiment increased dramatically since he first arrived 6 years ago

[Atilla]

Turkey is the top tourist destination for Russians, mainly in Antalya, followed by Bodrum. There are even lots of Russian, German, and English girls who go because they like Turkish men. Some Russian girls go every summer, and I’ve met several Ukrainian girls who spoke Turkish.

Why not just go to the spot where your niche is most rewarded? I know Roosh went to Istanbul not so long ago, but some much better spots would be Antalya, Bodrum, and Marmaris. My cousin who lives in Turkey started going to Antalya every year because of all the love Russian girls would give him. He looks exactly like Roosh actually.

Istanbul is more expensive than these places, but there are also Istanbul districts like Laleli where Russian is spoken more than Turkish because of an influx of FSU immigrants. These aren't the better areas of Istanbul.

Also, I recommend Turkey for Russian-loving non-white guys who are concerned about racism. You won’t get shit for being black in Turkey. You might get stared at a lot, but it’s just a Turkish thing to stare out of curiosity. Instead of going to some freezing racist shithole, go where the people show you warmth and respect.

A lot of guys talk about cock-blocking by Turkish men, and I think Roosh even tweeted that, but if you consistently experience this, go to bars/clubs where it’s required of every group to include at least one girl. This is great because the ratios at these clubs tended to be very good, which is usually a big negative about Turkey.

I could have been there on lucky nights though, so don’t get too excited about ratios just yet because a country with a majority virgin female population can easily turn into a sausage field. The Greenhouse at 1:19 in the video below is a good example of a bar/club with a female requirement.

What I would sometimes do when there was just ask some girls outside to go in with us and they would leave or we would separate after a bit. Or you can bring a Russian girl you just met to these places and make your move from there. Most guys I saw in those female-required clubs were with their girlfriends. The single guys weren’t very impressive there either. I got a lot of attention from hot European chicks in these clubs. I had an incredible time and danced and flirted a lot, but I was there with family, so I had to forfeit a number of potential flags. It’ll be a different story next time because I’d like to go solo.

I like bar street in Marmaris. It’s right next to a beach where you can game topless chicks during the daytime

[Mersault]

The Russians who go to Turkey on holiday are the ones who didn't have enough time to organise a Schengen visa to Europe to go to Italy, Spain, France or Greece etc for the summer or who didn't have enough money to do a European vacation, so they do an all inclusive or half board trip to Turkey. Turkish visa restrictions are non existent. Sure, Russian women will bang the Turkish dudes in Turkey, but that isn't why they go there. The reasons are time (last minute bookings), visa issues or price (cheaper bookings). 95% of Russian chicks with an option between Europe or Turkey will choose Europe. Atilla, you're wrong.

And jimukr104. Read my post properly. Yes, dark features and light skinned are what Russians like. You are merely reiterating my point there, but, nevertheless, you're right. Ha. That was incidental. After all, dark featured, light skinned - that is what an Armenian looks like. Russian girls like that look.

Imagine two scenarios.

Scenario A.
If a dude who looks like that approaches a girl and says his name is Artak Harnoyan (typical Armenian type name) the girl will like him. She will have liked him from his look. She will have liked him even more when the hope that he was Armenian was confirmed. If he has a Russian sounding name like that, even better.

Scenario B.
Now, if a dude who looks like that approaches a girl and says his name is Joba Kobiashvili (typical Georgian type name) her initial high rating of him will have been diminished, even somewhat tarnished, by the fact he is Georgian. Yes, it is a shame. But yes, it is the way the Russian girl tends to think.

Now, will she still think the dude in scenario B better than looking than the Russian gopnik with his oversized trousers, pinched cheeks and strawberry picking haircut? Yes, she will. But Russians consider Georgians as 'eh'. Armenians, however, they consider as 'oh, really?' .

So even though the two dudes look similar, one of them is on the end of positive discrimination, the other on negative.

It's like my pal Sayed (Said actually, but i don't trust half of this forum to be able to get the point - for the other half, i included the correct English spelling. You decide which part you're on). He is Egyptian. He is good looking. He has adequate game. When he says his name is Massimo or Fabio, he gets 3x as much action. When he says his real name, well, he gets 3x less. Same dude. Same clothes. Same game. Same tendencies. Know what the difference is? The initial platform that he is working off. Some girls, when he pretends to be Italian, let him start from level 4 (easier to close). With others, when he is his Egyptian self, he begins from level 0 and so it is that much harder to pass each level succesfully.

So, yes. It makes a difference. And yes, Armenians, despite looking very similar to Georgians, are treated better. So jimukr104, i mentioned some silly stuff, indeed i did, but, none of the silly stuff i mentioned was that which you pulled me up on. Have a nice weekend.

[DVY]

@Mersault- haha. this story reminds me. People forget that in America we have no "clear cut classes" or "aristocracy". In much else of the world, the color of your skin IS who you are. A close 2nd is your nationality. 3rd is clothing/money.

I speak fluent Russian, but I look Asian/mixed-Asian. Kind of like a light-skinned tall Mongolian dude. Girls thought I was a uneducated savage or something, then it came out I was from Los Angeles (boom status boost!). It was hysterical as a 12 yr old who grew up in egalitarian society like USA.

@Roosh- you should always introduce yourself as from Washington DC. or as the russian say it---vashing-toooon DC. Say i used to live near the white house or some silly thing like that. Watch the girls eyes light up...

[Atilla]

(04-19-2013 01:36 PM)Mersault Wrote:  

The Russians who go to Turkey on holiday are the ones who didn't have enough time to organise a Schengen visa to Europe to go to Italy, Spain, France or Greece etc for the summer or who didn't have enough money to do a European vacation, so they do an all inclusive or half board trip to Turkey. Turkish visa restrictions are non existent. Sure, Russian women will bang the Turkish dudes in Turkey, but that isn't why they go there. The reasons are time (last minute bookings), visa issues or price (cheaper bookings). 95% of Russian chicks with an option between Europe or Turkey will choose Europe. Atilla, you're wrong.

I actually thought you gave valuable information and advice.
What am I wrong about though?

Quote:

Turkey is the top tourist destination for Russians, mainly in Antalya, followed by Bodrum.

This is a fact. It's the top tourist spot for Russians. #1.

Who cares whether the majority of hot Russian tourist girls would have preferred to be in Spain, France, Mexico, or Botswana? You won't find more Russians on vacation anywhere else but Turkey, specifically Antalya and Bodrum.

Quote:

There are even lots of Russian, German, and English girls who go because they like Turkish men. Some Russian girls go every summer, and I’ve met several Ukrainian girls who spoke Turkish.

These are also facts. I could have hyped it a bit, but what I wrote shouldn't have been misleading. I'm not saying most female European tourists choose Turkey because they like Turkish men - just like how most American women who travel to Jamaica aren't doing so to have sex with Jamaican men. I'm saying a lot of European girls do choose Turkey at least in large part for that reason, and sometimes specifically for that reason, as you can see in the map below.

The quality of men may be good for women living in Western Europe, but tourists may leave disappointed if they go there thinking men will swarm them for sex. Women can go an entire week in Germany and France without even being approached once. There are sizable numbers of women in Russia and Europe who meet a man in Turkey and end up getting married. The easiest places for a Turk to find Turk-loving Russian women are Antalya and Bodrum.

Do you honestly believe 30 million annual tourists to Turkey go there only because it's cheap? Only to see some historical sites?

Destination Map for Female Sex Tourism


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_sex_tourism

[Atilla]

Not trying to hype up Turkey, but this was on that same Wikipedia page...

[Tenerife]

One good weekend in Kiev is all it took to change Roosh's mind on the east.

I'm starting to think about studying russian as well. My recent trip to ukraine was pretty interesting. I can only imagine what Russia is like.

[jimukr104]

(04-19-2013 01:36 PM)Mersault Wrote:  

The Russians who go to Turkey on holiday are the ones who didn't have enough time to organise a Schengen visa to Europe to go to Italy, Spain, France or Greece etc for the summer or who didn't have enough money to do a European vacation, so they do an all inclusive or half board trip to Turkey. Turkish visa restrictions are non existent. Sure, Russian women will bang the Turkish dudes in Turkey, but that isn't why they go there. The reasons are time (last minute bookings), visa issues or price (cheaper bookings). 95% of Russian chicks with an option between Europe or Turkey will choose Europe. Atilla, you're wrong.

And jimukr104. Read my post properly. Yes, dark features and light skinned are what Russians like. You are merely reiterating my point there, but, nevertheless, you're right. Ha. That was incidental. After all, dark featured, light skinned - that is what an Armenian looks like. Russian girls like that look.

Imagine two scenarios.

Scenario A.
If a dude who looks like that approaches a girl and says his name is Artak Harnoyan (typical Armenian type name) the girl will like him. She will have liked him from his look. She will have liked him even more when the hope that he was Armenian was confirmed. If he has a Russian sounding name like that, even better.

Scenario B.
Now, if a dude who looks like that approaches a girl and says his name is Joba Kobiashvili (typical Georgian type name) her initial high rating of him will have been diminished, even somewhat tarnished, by the fact he is Georgian. Yes, it is a shame. But yes, it is the way the Russian girl tends to think.

Now, will she still think the dude in scenario B better than looking than the Russian gopnik with his oversized trousers, pinched cheeks and strawberry picking haircut? Yes, she will. But Russians consider Georgians as 'eh'. Armenians, however, they consider as 'oh, really?' .

So even though the two dudes look similar, one of them is on the end of positive discrimination, the other on negative.

It's like my pal Sayed (Said actually, but i don't trust half of this forum to be able to get the point - for the other half, i included the correct English spelling. You decide which part you're on). He is Egyptian. He is good looking. He has adequate game. When he says his name is Massimo or Fabio, he gets 3x as much action. When he says his real name, well, he gets 3x less. Same dude. Same clothes. Same game. Same tendencies. Know what the difference is? The initial platform that he is working off. Some girls, when he pretends to be Italian, let him start from level 4 (easier to close). With others, when he is his Egyptian self, he begins from level 0 and so it is that much harder to pass each level succesfully.

So, yes. It makes a difference. And yes, Armenians, despite looking very similar to Georgians, are treated better. So jimukr104, i mentioned some silly stuff, indeed i did, but, none of the silly stuff i mentioned was that which you pulled me up on. Have a nice weekend.

well isn't that due to the WAR?Georgians tend to be no darker skin wise than Italians. I have dated a few Georgian gals in my life,we have loads in Brooklyn. Andy Garcia resembles their president even. So I have to assume its politics influencing their dislike??. But I am telling you those guys were the Don Juan's during Soviet times. Things are changing. If you ask me I think most FSU girls don't even like foreigners any more.I saw this trend starting way back in 2002 when i lived in Kiev. The college age gals were being brainwashed in school by their underpaid teachers that they NEED to date only local native guys. I met a few women who got angry when friends would flock to us.

I just asked my wife. Shes Ukrainian but Odessan. Means she is Russian basically. She says the Georgians were often considered sexy ,attractive,manly,etc. Armenian guys were famous their funny dancing ,etc. Both admired for different things. They also like Bulgarians but hated Romanians since they are similar to Moldovans. Moldovans are considered STUPID.She thinks that after the political tensions between Russia and Georgia views can /have gotten worst.But Ukrainians support Georgia so there will be mixed views in Ukraine depending if the Ukrainian is Western vs Russian patriot. Some peasant Ukrainians might hate Georgia simply because Stalin was Georgian.
Conclusion:
1. FSU people are FUCKED in the head and irrational(Wolverine use to say that)
2. They change tastes faster and more often than you guys change underwear.
3. Because of #2 women will conform and have tastes that are different based on how old they are.Example, women over 30 might like and be attracted to an ethnic group that women 25-30 won't. It is similar in the west where women of different generations are attracted to different looking media stars depending on who was popular when they were growing up.
4. Asians and Blacks will always have an uphill battle. But like in any country there will be a niche that will tolerate them and might even want to experiment with them.Can make them temp. celebrities behind closed doors
5.having the RIGHT game, style and mannerisms can conquer #1-4

[Mersault]

(04-19-2013 09:16 PM)Atilla Wrote:  

(04-19-2013 01:36 PM)Mersault Wrote:  

The Russians who go to Turkey on holiday are the ones who didn't have enough time to organise a Schengen visa to Europe to go to Italy, Spain, France or Greece etc for the summer or who didn't have enough money to do a European vacation, so they do an all inclusive or half board trip to Turkey. Turkish visa restrictions are non existent. Sure, Russian women will bang the Turkish dudes in Turkey, but that isn't why they go there. The reasons are time (last minute bookings), visa issues or price (cheaper bookings). 95% of Russian chicks with an option between Europe or Turkey will choose Europe. Atilla, you're wrong.

I actually thought you gave valuable information and advice.
What am I wrong about though?

Quote:

Turkey is the top tourist destination for Russians, mainly in Antalya, followed by Bodrum.

This is a fact. It's the top tourist spot for Russians. #1.

Who cares whether the majority of hot Russian tourist girls would have preferred to be in Spain, France, Mexico, or Botswana? You won't find more Russians on vacation anywhere else but Turkey, specifically Antalya and Bodrum.

Quote:

There are even lots of Russian, German, and English girls who go because they like Turkish men. Some Russian girls go every summer, and I’ve met several Ukrainian girls who spoke Turkish.

These are also facts. I could have hyped it a bit, but what I wrote shouldn't have been misleading. I'm not saying most female European tourists choose Turkey because they like Turkish men - just like how most American women who travel to Jamaica aren't doing so to have sex with Jamaican men. I'm saying a lot of European girls do choose Turkey at least in large part for that reason, and sometimes specifically for that reason, as you can see in the map below.

The quality of men may be good for women living in Western Europe, but tourists may leave disappointed if they go there thinking men will swarm them for sex. Women can go an entire week in Germany and France without even being approached once. There are sizable numbers of women in Russia and Europe who meet a man in Turkey and end up getting married. The easiest places for a Turk to find Turk-loving Russian women are Antalya and Bodrum.

Do you honestly believe 30 million annual tourists to Turkey go there only because it's cheap? Only to see some historical sites?

Destination Map for Female Sex Tourism


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_sex_tourism

Firstly, i don't think all of the 30 million odd tourists who visit Turkey every year go because it's cheap. But i think a large percentage of them do. In fact, once the relative safety, relative cost and relative distance are considered i can easily understand why Turkey is such a popular tourist destination. It isn't sex tourism. It's SAFE CHEAP sun that is NOT FAR AWAY from Europeans / Russians, and Turkey has decent infrastructure. That's pretty much what Turkey's attraction to most Europeans / Russians mounts up to. To Russians there is also the Schengen visa issue vs no issue. Sex tourism (sex with native Turks) has little to do with their choice. The tone of your post implied this (''there are even lots of Russian, German, English girls who go because they like Turkish men'') was a large part of the sell. I'm stating it isn't. Next to no British or Russian girl goes to lastminute.com and books a holiday to Turkey because they like Turkish men. Yes, they might like Turkish men, and yes, many will have sex with Turkish men, but that isn't why they are going. If that holiday to Bodrum for 7 days all inclusive for £299 was available to Italy by the sea, they'd all go there instead. So, all in, what i am saying is that when they get to Turkey, yes, they will like Turkish men - after all, many are fine looking guys - and many of them will bang Turkish guys. But it is misleading to suggest or infer that is WHY they booked to go to Turkey. A half consequence of being there isn't a cause for going there. Anyhow, since that initial post you have acknowledged that you hyped it a bit and it's a waste of time continuing this.

I'll conclude. Many Russian women go to Turkey on holiday. Many of them bang Turkish guys. But almost all didn't book to go there to bang Turkish guys - ie. that wasn't their reason for going. Rather, the reason was cheap, safe, local, visa friendly sun. Those are reasons. Ha. I just thought of an example.

Russians in the $1200 monthly salary save up and go to Turkey in the summer. Russians in the $1800 monthly salary save up and go to Thailand. See what i'm getting at? They aren't going to Thailand for the native men. It's just that for their economic profile it's a relatively suitable holiday. Ok, this example wasn't the best, but the Champions League semi final starts soon and i'm hungover and writing like an Iranian who has spent 4 years cleaning dishes. Take care sir.

[Atilla]

(04-23-2013 12:41 PM)Mersault Wrote:  

Firstly, i don't think all of the 30 million odd tourists who visit Turkey every year go because it's cheap. But i think a large percentage of them do. In fact, once the relative safety, relative cost and relative distance are considered i can easily understand why Turkey is such a popular tourist destination. It isn't sex tourism. It's SAFE CHEAP sun that is NOT FAR AWAY from Europeans / Russians, and Turkey has decent infrastructure. That's pretty much what Turkey's attraction to most Europeans / Russians mounts up to. To Russians there is also the Schengen visa issue vs no issue. Sex tourism (sex with native Turks) has little to do with their choice. The tone of your post implied this (''there are even lots of Russian, German, English girls who go because they like Turkish men'') was a large part of the sell. I'm stating it isn't. Next to no British or Russian girl goes to lastminute.com and books a holiday to Turkey because they like Turkish men. Yes, they might like Turkish men, and yes, many will have sex with Turkish men, but that isn't why they are going. If that holiday to Bodrum for 7 days all inclusive for £299 was available to Italy by the sea, they'd all go there instead. So, all in, what i am saying is that when they get to Turkey, yes, they will like Turkish men - after all, many are fine looking guys - and many of them will bang Turkish guys. But it is misleading to suggest or infer that is WHY they booked to go to Turkey. A half consequence of being there isn't a cause for going there. Anyhow, since that initial post you have acknowledged that you hyped it a bit and it's a waste of time continuing this.

I'll conclude. Many Russian women go to Turkey on holiday. Many of them bang Turkish guys. But almost all didn't book to go there to bang Turkish guys - ie. that wasn't their reason for going. Rather, the reason was cheap, safe, local, visa friendly sun. Those are reasons. Ha. I just thought of an example.

Russians in the $1200 monthly salary save up and go to Turkey in the summer. Russians in the $1800 monthly salary save up and go to Thailand. See what i'm getting at? They aren't going to Thailand for the native men. It's just that for their economic profile it's a relatively suitable holiday. Ok, this example wasn't the best, but the Champions League semi final starts soon and i'm hungover and writing like an Iranian who has spent 4 years cleaning dishes. Take care sir.

I would have missed the match if I didn't read this post. Caught the first goal.

No, you're right about all that. I'm Turkish, so maybe that's why I'm leaning toward recommending Turkey.

I'm usually asked if I'm Greek or Armenian since there aren't many other Turks where I live, so your posts are definitely appreciated and I'll keep your advice in mind when I visit Moscow this year. I chose Moscow largely because that's where the cheapest flights are

[Roosh]

I wanted to drop a note that I'm still on this. My study is up to 2 hours a day, sometimes slightly more. I'll have another update soon.

[slubu]

That's some dedication. I'm at about 3/hours a week sadly.

For anyone that's doing Pimsleur, that girl sounds very bangable. Or maybe I'm just attracted to that Russian accent...

[Volk]

How many hours of practice a day?

[Tenerife]

I'm starting to do russian now as well.

[Tenerife]

Learning languages is definitely fun. It gets you in that "flow" state, where you are totally absorbed in something new.

Russian is cool because its so different from germanic and romance languages. The sounds are totally new. While its difficult, it feels like a totally different language.

[Roosh]

Two months update:

I finished all three units of Pimsleur (for a second time). I breezed through unit 1 and most of unit 2, only having to do each lesson once, but then things got hard again where I felt like I was learning some of the words for the first time.

Pimsleur is mentally taxing, but it gives you a large vocabulary and enough confidence to make sentences. Its biggest flaw is it doesn't tell you rules, so there are some weird constructions and you have no idea why, making you frustrated.

I'm halfway through Michel Thomas Foundations. It has eight CDs total. The pace is much slower than Pimsleur with less vocabulary, but it gives you more of the logic behind the language. It's probably better to do Michel Thomas before Pimsleur, but I think both are helpful in their own right. After Foundations, I will try the Vocabulary Builder and then Advanced.

Italki language teachers. A growing problem I have is my pronunciation. I'm saying the Russian words and people don't understand about 33% of the time, or they ask me to repeat. It was time to get some instructors to help me, so I went to Italki and now have two teachers. One costs $10/hour and the other is $8/hour. They complement each other because one forces me to do a lot of speaking while the other is heavy on grammar. The lessons are done on skype, and are comparable to what you would get at a language school.

The downside is that you don't get paper materials (they send you scans) and you also don't get the benefit of community (meeting people at your language school). The plus is that it's incredibly convenient, especially if you're not staying in one city for a long time. Your learning is not interrupted if you're traveling.

If you're interested in Italki, hit this link to check it out so I get a credit if you sign up:

http://www.italki.com/?ref=1084914

Progress is slow, but it's coming. One day at a time...

[presidentcarter]

This must mean Russia is on deck...

[ms224]

If you hear a joke in Russian, that does not translate to English (ie idiomatic), does it make you laugh?

Serious question.

[Volk]

I've been speaking English for 10 years and I still don't find any jokes in English funny at all. So for Russian it must be pretty similar.

[ms224]

Volk, Really? Do you live in an English speaking country?

Roosh, try this with out the subtitles tell me if you laugh