9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: Tech in Ukraine, Airline Design, ‘9 to 5’ and More

In a war zone, the highest priority for many people is finding safety and taking care of loved ones. For some, there’s also a need to communicate with the outside world. That’s been especially apparent in Ukraine since Russia invaded in late February.

In Ukraine, smartphones and messaging apps have helped ordinary citizens share videos of their plight. Social media has enabled the Ukrainian government, personified by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shape how world sees the war. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency has given some people the means to get by when other financial systems have closed down.

Our stories on those topics, by David Lumb, Imad Khan and Dan Van Boom, are among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don’t want to miss.

How Ukrainian Civilians Are Using Phones to Share the Invasion With the World

From connecting with loved ones to spreading footage of the war, Ukrainians use their phones as an essential tool.  

A woman uses a cellphone with a Ukrainian flag hanging on a wall behind her.

Alexey Furman / Getty Images

Designing an Airline From the Name Up 

Before it can start flying, the new Northern Pacific Airways needed a name, a color and visual identity for its planes. Brand designer Edmond Huot explains how it’s done.  

Northern Pacific Airways aircraftNorthern Pacific Airways aircraft

Forward Media

‘Still Working 9 to 5’ Follows Dolly Parton’s Breakout Movie Through Feminist History

 Forty years on, it’s still all taking and no giving.  

Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5.Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5.

Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5.


20th Century Studios

Ukraine Is Rallying the World With Videos, Tweets, Charisma

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

Ukraine's President Volodymyr ZelenskyyUkraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Presidency of Ukraine/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Early MySpace Was the Peak of Social Media

The late 2000s were a golden age of social media, and MySpace was king. Here’s why. 

Myspace logoMyspace logo

Igor Golovniov via Getty Images

Pausing My At-Home Exercise Plan Didn’t Mean Giving Up

Commentary: Life events disrupted my exercise routine, but I’m staying positive as I pick things up again. 

Man holding a pair of dumbbellsMan holding a pair of dumbbells

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Surviving Off Crypto When Cash Fails

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

Bitcoin symbolBitcoin symbol

NurPhoto/Getty

Universal Control From Apple Builds a Deeper iOS-MacOS Relationship

Commentary: When it works, Universal Control feels like a mind meld for its devices. It could and should go further.  

A pair of iPadsA pair of iPads

Screenshot/Apple

Elden Ring Diary: Crushed by Caelid  

Join me as I document my journey through the Lands Between. 

Scene from Elden RingScene from Elden Ring

Screenshot by Andrew Gebhart/CNET

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