Clearing the Backlog - May 11, 2021

  • The Computer Game That Led to Enlightenment 
    • Author:  Peter Bebergal
    • Site: New Yorker
    • Summary: Short article about the video game Ultima IV and it's moral framework
  • In Mali
    • Author: Rahmane Idrissa
    • Site: London Review of Books
    • Summary: a travelogue/history of Mali.  A bit meandering but an interesting jumping-off point.
  • Lionel Barber’s diaries — encounters with Merkel, Fuld and a piano-playing Putin
    • Author: Lionel Barber
    • Site: Financial Times
    • Summary: Excerpt's from the author's memoirs of his time as Editor of the FT: ‘The Powerful and the Damned: Private Diaries in Turbulent Times’ by Lionel Barber
    • Quote:  "Merkel is impressed, if puzzled, by Barack Obama’s rock star status. 'Who is he? What does he stand for?'” 
    • Impression: an interesting and entertaining series of short vignettes.  I'd be interested in reading the entire book.

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