I actually found the writer's style annoying, but the stories were great.
That one about the Siberian woman waking up and asking for a cigarett is hilarious but not suprising.
I saw this video of a Russian fighter pilot collide with another comrad in mid air during a flight exhibition. He ejected in time and right after he landed he nonchalantly reached for a cigarette in his jacket and lit up while looking around calmly. Russian military men are total bad asses.