A NEW CAR!

Everyone in Russia knows that there are shortages for consumer items and services that pre-date sanctions. In fact, Russians have been living like this for decades or more, and it’s not unusual for potential buyers to have to wait months, sometimes years, for that key purchase opportunity to present itself. That is if they’ve got the rubles.

One morning, the phone rings in a Russian man’s apartment. He answers.

“Comrade, wonderful news,” gushes the voice at the other end. “We have a car for you.”

The man is delighted, in fact he can’t wait to receive the car and the status that goes along with it. “When can I take delivery?” he asks, knowing perfectly well that he’ll likely have to wait a bit.

“Comrade, the system shows that you will receive your new car on September 12, 2027.”

“Morning or afternoon?” asks the man, thinking.

This question caught the car guy a little off-guard. “Does it matter?” he asks the man.

“Well,” said the man. “It might be a little tight because I’ve got the plumber coming in the morning.”