Via Siberian Light and Tim Worstall, I have read about the new TV reality show called Space Cadets in which a bunch of dimwitted Brit wannabes are being hoodwinked into thinking that they are training for a space mission. To add a dose of believability lest our unsuspecting heroes start to get question why a previously unheard of space program should be based in the UK, the organisers have plonked them in a former RAF base near Ipswich and told them they are in Russia:

No expense has been spared by Channel 4 to complete the illusion. They have employed some of Hollywood’s best special effects experts as well as dozens of Russian actors and a former KGB trainer.

…

The old buildings have been carefully redecorated in Russian style and filled with Russian products and computers and old James Bond props. There is even a full colour portrait of Vladimir Putin hanging on one of the walls.

The cars parked outside have been given Russian number plates but the contestants, all under 30 and including a PE teacher, a student, a call centre worker, an electrician and a semi-professional footballer, may wonder why they are right-hand drive.

Here’s what I’d do. Go up to one of the “Russian” staff who is behaving differently from all the others, i.e. is not always sulking, wearing pointy shoes, and smoking too much. Stand directly in front of him and give the Pioneer salute “Bud’ gotov!”, ensuring your face is deadly serious.

Any true Russian over the age of 28 would be able to give you the correct response.