Viktor Tsoi

Main features of Soviet telephones Rotary dial: To dial a number, you inserted your finger into the number slot and turned the dial clockwise until it stopped, after which it returned to its original position. The dialing principle was based on a pulse-breaking circuit. Materials and Durability: Early models (such as the TA-65) were often made of Carbolite, a durable black plastic. These were later replaced by impact-resistant plastic housings in various colors (beige, gray, red, cherry). Loud Bell: Instead of electronic melodies, it contained a mechanical hammer striking two metal cups. The sound was very loud and distinctive, sometimes frightening to children. Hook switch: The handset rested on two protrusions that, when pressed, disconnected the line. Lifting the handset took the device off hold and signaled the line to make a call. Lack of display and memory: The devices did not have the ability to store numbers or identify the caller's number.

Economy and everyday life. The planned distribution system often led to shortages of basic foodstuffs, clothing, and household appliances. Meanwhile, prices for essential goods were fixed (for example, the famous GOST-compliant ice cream for 20 kopecks or a loaf of bread for 16 kopecks). Real estate. Housing was distributed free of charge by the state on a first-come, first-served basis. Private ownership of apartments did not exist—people received them for state use (by order). Ideology. Society was permeated with party morality. Almost every child went through stages: first, they became an Octobrist, then a Pioneer, and finally, a Komsomol member. Traditions. Specific habits became firmly entrenched, such as storing formal dinnerware and crystal "for guests" in sideboards or collecting waste paper. Due to difficulties in acquiring furniture, Soviet apartments often looked identical: a wall unit, a wall hanging, and a polished dressing table were considered essential.

Household appliances: Refrigerators of the ZIL, Minsk, and Biryusa brands, Vyatka-avtomat washing machines, Saturn vacuum cleaners, Record and Electron televisions, and the iconic Zenit-E cameras were in use in citizens' homes. Cars: Personal transport included VAZ (Zhiguli), GAZ (Volga), Moskvich and Zaporozhets passenger cars, while IZH, Ural and Voskhod motorcycles were available to almost everyone. Telephones: There were Soviet telephones for home use. Home telephones in the USSR were massive corded devices, mostly with rotary dialers, operating on an analog telephone exchange network. They were distinguished by exceptional mechanical reliability, a heavy plastic or carbolite case, and a loud electromechanical ringing sound.

Reserved and introverted: He disliked empty talk, rarely gave interviews, and preferred to express his thoughts through songs rather than long conversations. Calmness and composure: Tsoi was distinguished by his “iron” self-control, did not give in to panic and remained cool even in tense moments or during the time of fame that fell upon him. Creative perfectionism: The musician took every detail seriously, from arrangements to his paintings and film roles (for example, in the film "Needle"). Friendliness: In his close circle and with his fans, he was a simple, open and not at all a “star” person.

He had striking Asian features, dark skin, slanted eyes, high cheekbones, and thick black hair. Standing between 183 and 184 cm tall, he had a lean, toned build and a distinctive brown gaze.

Face: Expressive, deep-set eyes, soft oval face and neat nose. Image: His image as a "brutal romantic" was shaped by his idol, Bruce Lee. Choi favored a minimalist yet daring style: black leather jackets, loose pants, white "Two Balls" sneakers, and neat accessories (such as mono-earrings or a bolo tie). Facial expressions and delivery: He had a recognizable piercing gaze, and during his performances he held himself on stage with restraint, but with a characteristic proud turn of his head.