Dr Ivan Simic
@ivansimic.bsky.social
Edmontonian, amateur climber, knitter, cat lover, and then some other things.
Historian, Charles University, Prague | PhD in History, University College London. SSEES | he/him
Historian, Charles University, Prague | PhD in History, University College London. SSEES | he/him
Pinned
New Book: Sickle and Veil - Sickle and Veil
Communist gender policies were often violent, placing many people, particularly women, in difficult and marginalized positions. Targeted individuals were rarely consulted, yet their clothing and bodil...
sickle-and-veil.net
My second book is out 🎉
If you are interested in gender policies and Muslim minorities in Eastern Europe, it is on its way to libraries and can already be ordered online. Very excited to finally share this one.
sickle-and-veil.net
If you are interested in gender policies and Muslim minorities in Eastern Europe, it is on its way to libraries and can already be ordered online. Very excited to finally share this one.
sickle-and-veil.net
Vladyslav Heraskevych has already won these Olympics in the only discipline that matters! ❤️❤️
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
‘It’s emptiness’: banned Ukrainian athlete accuses IOC of fuelling Russia’s propaganda
The Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has been kicked out of the Winter Olympics after he refused to back down from wanting to wear a ‘helmet of memory’ in honour of Ukraine’s war dead
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Vladyslav Heraskevych has already won these Olympics in the only discipline that matters! ❤️❤️
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
Heraskevych's helmet depicts athletes who will never compete because they were killed by Russia.
The IOC has always been corrupt as hell, and the fact that many Russian athletes are competing under the AIN flag is disgusting.
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
The IOC has always been corrupt as hell, and the fact that many Russian athletes are competing under the AIN flag is disgusting.
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
Ukrainian skeleton athlete urged by IOC to ditch helmet protest or face Olympics ban
Vladyslav Heraskevych has been warned he faces disqualification from the Winter Olympics if he wears a ‘helmet of memory’ for his country’s war dead, but has hit back at the IOC for causing ‘a theater...
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Heraskevych's helmet depicts athletes who will never compete because they were killed by Russia.
The IOC has always been corrupt as hell, and the fact that many Russian athletes are competing under the AIN flag is disgusting.
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
The IOC has always been corrupt as hell, and the fact that many Russian athletes are competing under the AIN flag is disgusting.
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
As we watch Canadian Olympians, this is a biennial reminder that our athletes are poorly paid, without state stipends or state pensions (which they have in other countries).Providing a stipend while they are active and a lifelong pension after the Olympics would be a tiny drop in the federal budget🇨🇦
February 8, 2026 at 4:48 AM
As we watch Canadian Olympians, this is a biennial reminder that our athletes are poorly paid, without state stipends or state pensions (which they have in other countries).Providing a stipend while they are active and a lifelong pension after the Olympics would be a tiny drop in the federal budget🇨🇦
Rewatching the Olympic ceremony that CBC botched with ads, failing all of us in Canada, and drinking an Amaretto spritz in honour of Italy.
Amaretto should be everyone’s drink for the next couple of weeks. In coffee, in a spritz, or straight. 🇮🇹🥃
Amaretto should be everyone’s drink for the next couple of weeks. In coffee, in a spritz, or straight. 🇮🇹🥃
February 7, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Rewatching the Olympic ceremony that CBC botched with ads, failing all of us in Canada, and drinking an Amaretto spritz in honour of Italy.
Amaretto should be everyone’s drink for the next couple of weeks. In coffee, in a spritz, or straight. 🇮🇹🥃
Amaretto should be everyone’s drink for the next couple of weeks. In coffee, in a spritz, or straight. 🇮🇹🥃
I often defended CBC, but the way they are managing the Olympics opening ceremony is disgusting and embarrassing. Totally unwatchable. I am switching to the BBC, and I will have to catch up later on what I missed.
February 6, 2026 at 7:33 PM
I often defended CBC, but the way they are managing the Olympics opening ceremony is disgusting and embarrassing. Totally unwatchable. I am switching to the BBC, and I will have to catch up later on what I missed.
My second book is out 🎉
If you are interested in gender policies and Muslim minorities in Eastern Europe, it is on its way to libraries and can already be ordered online. Very excited to finally share this one.
sickle-and-veil.net
If you are interested in gender policies and Muslim minorities in Eastern Europe, it is on its way to libraries and can already be ordered online. Very excited to finally share this one.
sickle-and-veil.net
New Book: Sickle and Veil - Sickle and Veil
Communist gender policies were often violent, placing many people, particularly women, in difficult and marginalized positions. Targeted individuals were rarely consulted, yet their clothing and bodil...
sickle-and-veil.net
February 6, 2026 at 4:39 PM
My second book is out 🎉
If you are interested in gender policies and Muslim minorities in Eastern Europe, it is on its way to libraries and can already be ordered online. Very excited to finally share this one.
sickle-and-veil.net
If you are interested in gender policies and Muslim minorities in Eastern Europe, it is on its way to libraries and can already be ordered online. Very excited to finally share this one.
sickle-and-veil.net
Remember, it was AUPE who botched the bargaining, lied to its members, and silenced those of us who tried to question their negotiation strategy.
February 2, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Remember, it was AUPE who botched the bargaining, lied to its members, and silenced those of us who tried to question their negotiation strategy.
I would never overestimate the intelligence of conservatives, but even they decided not to vote for PeePee. So his remaining as their leader is a good thing for the country.
January 31, 2026 at 9:09 PM
I would never overestimate the intelligence of conservatives, but even they decided not to vote for PeePee. So his remaining as their leader is a good thing for the country.
I am watching Honnold live, free soloing a skyscraper,and I have negative feelings about it.It is reckless and dumb, and Netflix is making a show of it.I have just returned from my climbing gym,for me safety comes first.How many people are going to try free soloing because they see it as cool on TV?
January 25, 2026 at 2:08 AM
I am watching Honnold live, free soloing a skyscraper,and I have negative feelings about it.It is reckless and dumb, and Netflix is making a show of it.I have just returned from my climbing gym,for me safety comes first.How many people are going to try free soloing because they see it as cool on TV?
I do not know whether PM Carney wrote this speech himself, but people around the world are talking about it, including some folks I know in the Balkans. I certainly did not expect the juxtaposition of Thucydides and Havel! It is very pleasing to see them both trending on social media.
“Principled and pragmatic: Canada’s path” Prime Minister Carney addresses the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
Thank you, Larry.It’s a pleasure – and a duty – to be with you at this turning point for Canada and for the world.Today, I’ll talk about the rupture in the world order, the end of a nice story, and th...
www.pm.gc.ca
January 21, 2026 at 2:31 AM
I do not know whether PM Carney wrote this speech himself, but people around the world are talking about it, including some folks I know in the Balkans. I certainly did not expect the juxtaposition of Thucydides and Havel! It is very pleasing to see them both trending on social media.
When they tell us to be more productive:
"By 9:23 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs had already earned what the average Canadian worker made in an entire year, according to a new report."
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
"By 9:23 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs had already earned what the average Canadian worker made in an entire year, according to a new report."
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
Here’s how long it took Canada’s top CEOs to earn what the average Canadian worker makes all year
By 9:23 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs had already earned what the average Canadian worker made in an entire year, according to a new report.
www.ctvnews.ca
January 3, 2026 at 2:14 AM
When they tell us to be more productive:
"By 9:23 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs had already earned what the average Canadian worker made in an entire year, according to a new report."
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
"By 9:23 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs had already earned what the average Canadian worker made in an entire year, according to a new report."
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
Considering how many people died because of fireworks last night in Europe (including two teenagers in Germany), I am glad that the Edmonton fireworks were mild and not loud.
January 1, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Considering how many people died because of fireworks last night in Europe (including two teenagers in Germany), I am glad that the Edmonton fireworks were mild and not loud.
$2.5 billion (1.6 as loan guarantees) of economic aid for Ukraine is good, and we should do more!
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Zelenskyy meets with Carney in Halifax before Ukraine president’s talks with Trump in Florida | CBC News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax on Saturday during a stopover before heading to the U.S. to meet with President Donald Trump for talks aimed at e...
www.cbc.ca
December 27, 2025 at 11:06 PM
$2.5 billion (1.6 as loan guarantees) of economic aid for Ukraine is good, and we should do more!
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
It would be very sad to live in a place with no snow and no winter.
December 27, 2025 at 4:50 PM
It would be very sad to live in a place with no snow and no winter.
Who is surprised that more than half of the 550 names to be inscribed on the Memorial to the Victims of Communism were Nazis?
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Government retreats on Victims of Communism memorial names in aftermath of Nazi controversy
Historians raised alarms years ago. Ottawa changed course only after the memorial opened.
ottawacitizen.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Who is surprised that more than half of the 550 names to be inscribed on the Memorial to the Victims of Communism were Nazis?
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
In ancient times, there were heroes like Achilles and Hector. Today, humanity has Zelensky. Except that he is real, and he is in Kupyansk.
Zelensky arrived in Kupyansk, which Putin claims is "under Russian control."
December 13, 2025 at 12:06 AM
In ancient times, there were heroes like Achilles and Hector. Today, humanity has Zelensky. Except that he is real, and he is in Kupyansk.
Not sure why the City of Edmonton site is not updated, but as of yesterday Victoria Park Oval is open for skating.
December 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Not sure why the City of Edmonton site is not updated, but as of yesterday Victoria Park Oval is open for skating.
There is an adoption event for these two kittens tomorrow (I mentioned them last week).
7 December, 12-14h
10838 124 St NW
I wish I have space for two more.
7 December, 12-14h
10838 124 St NW
I wish I have space for two more.
December 6, 2025 at 2:03 PM
There is an adoption event for these two kittens tomorrow (I mentioned them last week).
7 December, 12-14h
10838 124 St NW
I wish I have space for two more.
7 December, 12-14h
10838 124 St NW
I wish I have space for two more.
It saddens me that the World Cup partly held in Canada will be the worst World Cup ever.
December 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
It saddens me that the World Cup partly held in Canada will be the worst World Cup ever.
First winter tyres, so of course I had to add some festive lights of my own
December 2, 2025 at 4:30 AM
First winter tyres, so of course I had to add some festive lights of my own
#YEG, there is a new pet shop on 124 and they foster two kittens, or perhaps the two kittens foster them. One of them takes the job very seriously. They follow and chat with the customers, and they make sure everyone pays. I even saw them guarding the shop once when it was closed.
November 29, 2025 at 7:12 PM
#YEG, there is a new pet shop on 124 and they foster two kittens, or perhaps the two kittens foster them. One of them takes the job very seriously. They follow and chat with the customers, and they make sure everyone pays. I even saw them guarding the shop once when it was closed.
🇺🇦 Every day is a good day to donate to Ukraine, whether to support the army or medical aid. However, these days it is particularly important. As always, U24 is a proven and safe way to do so from Canada and elsewhere
u24.gov.ua
u24.gov.ua
UNITED24 - The initiative of the President of Ukraine
UNITED24 was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of...
u24.gov.ua
November 22, 2025 at 2:02 AM
🇺🇦 Every day is a good day to donate to Ukraine, whether to support the army or medical aid. However, these days it is particularly important. As always, U24 is a proven and safe way to do so from Canada and elsewhere
u24.gov.ua
u24.gov.ua
Last night I dreamt that there was a train between Milano and Zagreb, not an ordinary train but a LIBRARY TRAIN. You could read their books while sitting in something like armchairs. Posting this here so that someone brings this brilliant dream idea to fruition.
November 20, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Last night I dreamt that there was a train between Milano and Zagreb, not an ordinary train but a LIBRARY TRAIN. You could read their books while sitting in something like armchairs. Posting this here so that someone brings this brilliant dream idea to fruition.
If you have nothing better to do tomorrow afternoon, UMichigan is organising a talk about my forthcoming book (hybrid via Zoom). Everyone is welcome!
The series is titled "Can ‘Slavic’ Speak for Minorities?" and I will talk about communist gender policies and Muslim communities.
shorturl.at/vpt8o
The series is titled "Can ‘Slavic’ Speak for Minorities?" and I will talk about communist gender policies and Muslim communities.
shorturl.at/vpt8o
All Events | U-M LSA Slavic Languages and Literatures
lsa.umich.edu
November 13, 2025 at 7:56 PM
If you have nothing better to do tomorrow afternoon, UMichigan is organising a talk about my forthcoming book (hybrid via Zoom). Everyone is welcome!
The series is titled "Can ‘Slavic’ Speak for Minorities?" and I will talk about communist gender policies and Muslim communities.
shorturl.at/vpt8o
The series is titled "Can ‘Slavic’ Speak for Minorities?" and I will talk about communist gender policies and Muslim communities.
shorturl.at/vpt8o
One great thing about Edmonton is that there are small family restaurants for pretty much any cuisine in the world. Today Persian, tomorrow Ethiopian, the day after whatever I please...
November 7, 2025 at 3:12 AM
One great thing about Edmonton is that there are small family restaurants for pretty much any cuisine in the world. Today Persian, tomorrow Ethiopian, the day after whatever I please...