Five Things: Snails, Xi, Russia, Four-Day Workweek, Mallrats

It's Sunday Morning and these are the most interesting five articles you'll read today.

Thanks for reading Five Things, the Sunday newsletter curated by me, Nico Lumma. I’m writing this newsletter because I read a lot of interesting articles online and hope that some people find those articles as interesting as I do. I pick those articles mostly from other sources who curate interesting articles for their readers. So in essence you read what I curate from others who curate articles. Enjoy.

This week I had the privilege to attend a fireside-chat by the Atlantik-Brücke and listen to Bill Browder and Norbert Röttgen discussing Russia under Putin, the widespread corruption in Russia, and why Putin invaded Ukraine in 2014 and again in 2022 and how the West’s and more specifically German policy towards Russia failed. It reminded me of my trips to Russia almost 20 years ago, when I was tasked with setting up a nearshoring unit and hiring Russian developers for that. It was a weird experience and everybody seemed to syphon off some of money that we payed for running this office. From what Bill Browder shared, the Russian society is based on corruption and there is no way this is going to change drastically once Russia loses the war in Ukraine, as the Russian cleptocracy will just get a new leader.

Talking about a real leader… you should see Caitlin Clark play. Go Hawkeyes!

The Mysterious Deep Time Movements of Snails

I know. Snails. But seriously, what an interesting article. Yes, it is about snails. But did you never think about how snails move around? It’s not that they are totally fast that you cannot see them move. It’s the opposite. And I think it is really interesting. (MIT Press Reader)

Xi Jinping Says He Is Preparing China for War

The Chinese Supreme Leader has drawn his conclusions from the outcome of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. I think this will ultimately lead to much more military spending in the West as well, as now everybody needs to be prepared and not just the Taiwanese. (Foreign Affairs)

How to flee house arrest in Russia: Escapees tell their secrets

After reading this story, I was so glad to be living in a free and liberal society with my family. Also, it amazes me that there are still people in Russia opposing the regime, risking their lives helping others. (Washington Post)

A Four-Day Workweek Reduces Stress without Hurting Productivity

This strikes me as obvious. I always that Sunday evening comes way too soon and that Friday really is an odd workday where everything seems to be a lot slower and less productive. Adding a little more time to the workday from Monday to Thursday won’t be that bad, but having another day off will make a little of difference. (Scientific American)

The Soul of the American Teen Can Be Found Next to the Sbarro

When I was a senior in highschool, the food court was the best place to be. Now it’s different, as malls have lost their appeal to a lot of people. Also, I find lots of stuff at the foodcourt less appealing compared to the good old times when I was 17… (Eater)

That’s it. Have an amazing Sunday!