Update

Interesting links, a little thoughts for Monday, May 23, 2022.

On Vladimir Putin

Some interesting writing on Putin in Der Spiegel on Vladimir Putin. An interview with political scientist Ivan Krastev on Putin’s motivators and his psychological state and worldviews.

“In 2008, during the war against Georgia, he [Putin] met with Alexei Venediktov, the editor-in-chief of the Ekho Moskvy radio station, which was one of the last critical media outlets in the country until it was shut down last week. Putin asked if Venediktov knew what he, Putin, had done in his previous job. Mr. President, Venediktov replied, we all know where you come from. Do you know, Putin said, what we did with traitors in my previous job? Yes, we know, said Venediktov. And do you know why I am speaking with you? Because you are an enemy and not a traitor!”

Soviet maps of UK and North America

This is from an interesting collection of maps of the UK and North American cities produced by the Soviet Union. You can search for maps of particular locations.

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What we learned about each other

What I hate most about the past half decade is what we learned about each other. Call me naive, but I never imagined that uncles, cousins and friends I loved and respected would so effortlessly embrace Fascism. I never imagined they would elevate some TV conman to a deity.

I’ve decided to post monthly updates to give myself a little accountability and to remind myself that progress is still possible during these long weird months of isolation - now over a year.

Physical activity

Empirically I keep noticing a connection between mental health and physical activity, so why do I not consistently act on it? So I set up a 3 month goal around commitment to exercise. As of the end of March 2021, I’m on-track to meet those goals.