Alina Simone

Kovner family photo

A story on Russian immigrants in Hawaii prompts a reader's tale

Reporter Alina Simone's story on Russian immigrants in Hawaii caught the eye of one of our readers, who recognized her great-grandmother in one of the photos.

A story on Russian immigrants in Hawaii prompts a reader's tale
The founder of Torah Animal World in Borough Park, Brooklyn, says the museum gets 3,000 visitors a week.

This museum is devoted only to animals mentioned in the Bible

This museum is devoted only to animals mentioned in the Bible
At Meow Parlour in New York, you can hang out with cats while you drink your coffee. But you have to make a reservation.

At New York's cat café, you can drink coffee and commune with cats — as long as you have a reservation

At New York's cat café, you can drink coffee and commune with cats — as long as you have a reservation
A tense moment during a game of "Mafia" in Kiev, Ukraine.

Entrepreneurs around the world love this Soviet-era storytelling game

Entrepreneurs around the world love this Soviet-era storytelling game
The World

Music heard on the air for August 19, 2014

Music heard on the air for August 19, 2014

In search of the perfect email sign-off

Are you mildly dissatisfied with your choice of sign-off, whether it's "Best,""Cheers" or "XO"? Help is on the way.

In search of the perfect email sign-off
The World

Music heard on the air for March 21, 2014

These are the tunes played between segments on The World for March 21, 2014.

Music heard on the air for March 21, 2014
Alina Simone's Russian grandmother. When congratulated on becoming 90, she declared that she was disappointed that she was still alive.

Do you answer 'How are you?' the American or the Russian way?

Alina Simone's Russian family and American friends aren't on the same page — not even close — when it comes to responding to this simple question.

Do you answer 'How are you?' the American or the Russian way?
Crimea

Are you Ukrainian or Russian? It's complicated...

Russian-speaking, Ukrainian-born writer Alina Simone says no map can really depict the mixed ethnicities and identities that many Ukrainians have.

Are you Ukrainian or Russian? It's complicated...

McDonald's bows to Spain's schedule and serves breakfast until 1pm

McDonald's in Spain has been stumped by the Spanish culture of skipping breakfast in favor of a late dinner. So the company is trying something new with its menu. In the UK, a series of powerful storms have uncovered an ancient coastal forest. And if you are looking for a new vacation spot, you really should consider Siberia. That, plus more, in today's Global Scan.

McDonald's bows to Spain's schedule and serves breakfast until 1pm

What does Russian punk band Pussy Riot owe to Yanka Dyagileva?

Pussy Riot is known around the world for being a feminist protest group. But before Pussy Riot, there was Siberian punk rocker Yanka Dyagileva.

What does Russian punk band Pussy Riot owe to Yanka Dyagileva?
Singer Alina Simone in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia

When Alina Simone (not her real name) met Alina Simone (not her real name either...)

Writer and musician Alina Simone loved the comforting anonymity of her adopted name — until she met another woman with the same name.

When Alina Simone (not her real name) met Alina Simone (not her real name either...)

Why International Support for Pussy Riot Could Backfire

Russian-American musician and writer Alina Simone says she thinks this international attention could end up alienating ordinary Russians and create more support for the Kremlin.

Why International Support for Pussy Riot Could Backfire