I was born in Chkalovsk, USSR, on August 15th, 1983. Family moved to Moscow, Russia when I was very young. Learned how to play soccer and developed personality from a close friendship. Moved to Chicago at the age of 13. Struggled with language, and turned to 20th century philosophical classics for understanding of the world and the self.

I read a lot of history, philosophy, and general nonfiction, and that’s what fuels most of the stuff on this blog. I also keep a blog about techy programming stuff and a blog on my journey in the martial arts world.