Teaching Shostakovich's 1st cello concerto today, it was impossible to ignore the grim relevance of the opening: a harsh, machine-like phrase first heard softly, menacingly - and then approaching with startling speed to a screaming fortissimo. Music of (about?) brutal power...
Russia’s stock market has lost nearly 40% of its value today — and at one point was down nearly 45%. It’s one of the biggest single-day meltdowns in modern market history.
(thread) So a basic summary of my (unprofessional) thoughts of the first six(ish) hours of the Russian ground assault.
1. This isn't the US in Iraq circa 91 or 03, Russia is using some cruise missiles and PGMs to hit targets but they are not conducting comprehensive strikes
@Reuters Donetsk leader translated: Ukraine won’t let me rob her house. So I’m going to ask Don Vito Corleone to help make her a deal she cannot refuse.