Keith Rickert, Jr.'s Profile

This new generation of parents, raised on constant reminders of their own individual uniqueness, refuses to see themselves as merely the latest in a long line of people who have reared children. Because they have so little perspective beyond their own limited experience, their search for authenticity and meaning quickly deteriorates into an orgy of exposure and self-regard. Children are relegated to the role of stagehands in their parents' dramatic transformation from boy to man, girl to woman. The result, as a recent crop of parenting memoirs and magazines reveal, is a turn from stoicism to solipsism.

Russians enjoy toasting throughout meals, especially
where guests are present. It is obligatory to respond by downing a shot of
vodka. Vodka is typically consumed neat or straight and not diluted with
mixers. The shot is followed by eating something salty such as a pickle,
herring or bit of sausage. While this routine is a treat for the pallet, the
guest who is unaccustomed to this manner of drinking will soon find himself
under the table!

drink what is served to you in one gulp. Nobody measures the quantity of alcohol poured, this is left to the discretion of the pourer.