Taxman

This is the entrance to the tax inspectorate on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg, photographed on December 23. A witty writer has inscribed the words "We spend your money" below the organization's dignified plaque. In Russian, the word for "to spend" - tratit' - can also mean "to waste."

Of course, the implicit accusation is not true, strictly speaking; the tax inspectors only collect the public's money, and they don't spend very much of it at all. But, as with most bumper-sticker-type slogans - or allegations in black PR campaigns - this one doesn't have to be true for it to be effective.

The sign on the trash can says, "Citizens for a clean city."