>>> Nick Demos <[log in to unmask]> 06/10/99 04:17PM >>>
Wirt Atmar wrote:
>
> Completing Boris' story:
>

> > When Peter the Great introduced potatoes to Russia, no one thought to tell
> > the serfs that the tuber was edible and the leaves were not; until a few
> too
> > many serfs died.
>
Well, this one is supposed to be true, but who knows?

Some of the Soviet troops that captured Berlin in W.W.II were
from the
very primitive Eastern republics.  They thought modern toilets
<snip>

Having used some of the modern soviet toilets (hole in floor, two feet etched on floor, no TP) I can understand the confusion.

Reminds me of story...

Soviet citizen is traveling to west for first time.  Before departure he is warned that agents of CIA, MI5, and others will try to turn him into a spy.  "Beware at all times," they say.  "You never know where, when or how they will try to get to you."  Being suitably frightened, this citizen gets on the plane and arrives in Germany.  Goes into the airport and feels the need to answers natures call.  Goes to the bathroom, uses a stall and when he tries to leave, the stall door won't open.  Thinking, "now they are trying to get me," he begins to shout, "I will not become a spy," repeatedly.  Eventually someone who understands Russian comes by and explains to the citizen that the stall will only open after flushing the toilet.

B