Some thoughts on finally visiting the UK after four years in China. — I moved to China about a year before COVID started. When I said my goodbyes, I expected to be back for a holiday in a year. My signature goodbye had been, “See you next Christmas!” Back then, even that felt like a lifetime away. Who knew COVID would arrive and…

In 1967 a history teacher started a fascist movement in a classroom. It rapidly grew out of control. This is the story of a history professor who, over the space of a week, established a rapidly expanding student organization with designs on overthrowing democracy and ending the Vietnam war. Thankfully, his plan wasn’t world domination. He just wanted to teach the students a lesson they would never forget.

How the influence of authority can hack your brain. — The man tied to a chair is screaming. He’s screaming because of the powerful electric shocks intermittently passing through his body. Watching him convulse and shake, you feel your heart pounding in your chest. Although free from electric shocks yourself, the color has drained from your face, and you feel…

Why you need to read “Never Split the Difference.” — I was about to sign my life away for another year when a friend recommended this book to me. …

The story of the most successful pirate of all time. — One of the most feared pirates of all time was missing a few clichés details No wooden leg, parrot, or even a long dark beard. She was, in fact, unable to grow one. She went by a few different names. …

Mobilization and Annexation Won’t solve his issues. — Faced with more and more military setbacks, a deteriorating military situation, and growing unrest at home, shouldn’t Putin now be on his way to the negotiating table? It would have been the rational thing. Cut losses and try to save some face with a settlement while he still could. Turns…

Ideas, Trivia, and knowledge I picked up this month by binging articles. — Sharing is caring. I hope you can find something new or interesting by checking out this list. Each item on the list has a link to the original article so you can learn more Writing this is also a great way to review things I’ve read during the month and…

Plus, six methods to help boost your memory. — Learning new things is a wonderful habit. There is no better way to grow than by being a lifelong learner by adding new knowledge and skills daily to our repertoire. But… Is there an upper limit to what we can store up there? …

Putin hopes the coming Winter can break the spirit of western unity. Is he right? In recent weeks Ukrainian gains have been outstanding. Until very recently, there was skepticism that Ukraine would be able to push back meaningfully. In the end, that is precisely what happened. With a sudden unexpected push in the East, Ukrainian forces swept around Russian defenses, encircling troops and instigating a…