... That’s how David Remnick described Gorbachev speaking in 1993 on CSPAN about his then new book, “Lenin’s Tomb.”  My parents gave me that book when I was 15-ish. When the invasion of Ukraine flared up, I began re-reading the book, this time with new eyes. It’s a fascinating read to understand a view of the old regime, which we understand today is a pinion for Putin’s own world view. 

I’ve found myself hungrily digesting many tidbit stories about Gorbachev since his passing earlier this week. There’s the Pizza Hut ad, “Gorby” singing while a BBC producer plays the piano with him, and of course his personal story. It’s a true era ending passage of man and moment: the impact of which still reverberates today on the global stage.

This week our local batch includes a Q&A about what you need to know on student loan forgiveness, a look at trying to bring Afghans still in Afghanistan to the U.S, whether or not you should feed backyard birds, and encouragement for younger farmers.

What are you reading this holiday weekend? Last gasps of summer can bring inspiration and I hope they land with you!

 

Mark