9 great readings from topwatchbest this week: technology in Ukraine, airline design, “9 to 5” and more

In a war zone, the highest priority for many people is finding safety and caring for loved ones. For some, there is also a need to communicate with the outside world. It was especially noticeable in Ukraine since the invasion of Russia in late February.

In Ukraine, they have smartphones and communicators helped ordinary citizens share videos about their plight. Social media enabled the formation of the Ukrainian government, embodied by President Volodymyr Zelensky how the world sees war. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency gave some people way to survive when other financial systems were shut down.

Our stories on these topics, by David Lumb, Imad Khan, and Dan Van Boom, are some of the many in-depth articles and thought-provoking commentaries to hit topwatchbest this week. So there you go. These are the stories you don’t want to miss.

From making contacts with loved ones to distributing tapes of the war, Ukrainians use their phones as an indispensable tool.

Before it could fly, the new Northern Pacific Airways needed the name, color and visual identity of its aircraft. Brand designer Edmond Huot explains how it’s done.

After forty years, there is still taking and no giving.

The country uses social media to expose Russia’s invasion and build support for Ukraine’s defense.

The late 2000s were a golden age of social media and MySpace was king. This is why.

Comment: Life events have disrupted my exercise routine, but I am positive when I get back up again.

Many Ukrainians and Russians lost access to their bank accounts in the days following the Russian invasion.

Comment: When it works, Universal Control feels like a mind connection for its devices. It could and should go on.

Join me as I document my journey through the In-Between.