Dear ChatGPT… Tell me how Eastern and Central European organized crime is linked to Russian organized crime and espionage

This morning I woke up thinking about the possibility of Central/Eastern European criminals undermining Canada. With so much focus on the Chinese spy balloon and Chinese economic competition with the US, it seems that the dire threat of Russian operatives in North America has almost taken a backseat in the media. But that doesn’t make… Read More Dear ChatGPT… Tell me how Eastern and Central European organized crime is linked to Russian organized crime and espionage

The Russian Spy in My Econ Class | WIRED | Opinion

Johns Hopkins’ long history with student-spies suggests this most recent incident will not lead to much change—but maybe that’s OK. Source: The Russian Spy in My Econ Class | WIRED “Maybe that’s okay,” the article concludes. If this isn’t a sign of a messed up, guilt-ridden America in decline, I don’t what is. The passing… Read More The Russian Spy in My Econ Class | WIRED | Opinion

WNBA’s Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russian court | Opinion

MOSCOW (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner went on trial Friday, 4 1/2 months after her arrest on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for a Russian team, in a case that has unfolded amid tense relations between Moscow and Washington. Source: WNBA’s Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russian court… Read More WNBA’s Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russian court | Opinion

When you’ve got that melody in your head but not in your headphones…

Last night as I was finishing up “The Wife Reimagined” I wanted to put this famous piece by Sergei Prokofiev behind the animation. It was going through my head as we had the tape when I was a kid. But I couldn’t remember the composer. I was almost sure he was Russian, so went thru… Read More When you’ve got that melody in your head but not in your headphones…

BBC Panorama Roman Abramovich’s Dirty Money – YouTube | Opinion

I watched part of this last night on BBC, enough to get the idea. Seems what I have been saying about Russia carrying some kind of societal ‘disease’ for decades wasn’t too far off. This doc fleshes out some of the details – obviously not all – of my general impression. Mind you, some of… Read More BBC Panorama Roman Abramovich’s Dirty Money – YouTube | Opinion

How I, a strong, confident woman, became the victim of intimate partner violence | CBC News | Opinion

Even when she knew things would get worse, Jen Rollins writes that she held onto the hope that the caring and loving man of their early relationship would return. Source: How I, a strong, confident woman, became the victim of intimate partner violence | CBC News Opinion: Normally I don’t post stories like this but… Read More How I, a strong, confident woman, became the victim of intimate partner violence | CBC News | Opinion

China’s Xi hails virtual summit with ‘old friend’ Biden, but warns U.S. not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan – The Globe and Mail | Opinion

Cordial conversation may give ammunition to Biden’s critics, who want a tougher stance on China, ahead of crucial midterm elections next year Source: China’s Xi hails virtual summit with ‘old friend’ Biden, but warns U.S. not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan – The Globe and Mail Opinion: Some writers are asking if these recent… Read More China’s Xi hails virtual summit with ‘old friend’ Biden, but warns U.S. not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan – The Globe and Mail | Opinion