Welcome to Monday’s News on the March – The week that was in my digital world.
Some history possibly related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Blog post by Self Aware Patterns
‘…The history here is interesting. The beginnings of the Rus’ people seem to be in early Varangian (Viking) migrations into the relevant regions. In the early centuries Rus’ was actually centered on medieval Kiev (modern day Kyiv). But Kievan Rus’ was cut short by the Mongol invasions and occupied for centuries.
Moscow managed to stay outside of that occupation, although they had to pay tribute to the Mongols and their successor state, the Golden Horde. Muscovite Russians later felt like Ukrainians were lost brethren being brought back into the fold. But the two groups had been separated for centuries, and the Ukrainians never subsequently felt like part of the family. Russia’s often brutal treatment of Ukraine throughout its history hasn’t helped….‘(Read full article here)
Mark Knopfler – Shows how to play guitar finger picking style Skavlan 2015
Video excerpt at TierpRocks
This is a fascinating little instructional video by one of the greatest guitarists Mark Knopfler on Skavlan TV. Knopfler is so articulate. (Watch video excerpt here)
David Wolpe – Judaism – Lex Fridmen Podcast
Video podcast at Lex Fridmen
Lex Fridmen’s guest in this podcast is David Wolpe who is a Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. I recall years ago seeing David debating members of the 4 Horsemen atheists such as Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris. His remarks here about his interactions with them are intriguing. More over, I was captivated by this podcast from start to finish. Lex and David discuss a wide range of topics including the Holocaust, the Torah, consciousness and the meaning of life. I can say I am better for having heard David Wolpe’s insights into these subjects. (Watch full video podcast here)
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Mark Knopfler is amazing…you cannot get his sound without finger picking. I know one guy who learned the solo to Sultans of Swing with a pick and he finally gave up and done it with his fingers…it was dead on that way.
That’s so interesting Max about your friend and the finger-picking which Knopfler alluded to.