Trial, Triumph, and the Art of the Possible: The Remarkable Story Behind Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’

By Maria Popova “Day by day I am approaching the goal which I apprehend but cannot describe,” Ludwig van Beethoven (December 16, 1770–March 26, 1827) wrote to his boyhood friend, rallying his own resilience as he began losing his hearing. A year later, shortly after completing his Second Symphony, he sent his brothers a stunning letter about the joy of suffering… Read More Trial, Triumph, and the Art of the Possible: The Remarkable Story Behind Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’

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The Real American War Is Between Trump and This Holy Warrior / Pope says ‘enough of war’ and decries ‘delusion of omnipotence’ at peace vigil

There is only person who is really battling for the soul of the nation. He chose the name Leo for a reason: Saint Leo stood up for laborers, and this Leo has shown a similar instinct, from his missionary work in Peru to his criticisms of immigration crackdowns Pope says ‘enough of war’ and decries ‘delusion… Read More The Real American War Is Between Trump and This Holy Warrior / Pope says ‘enough of war’ and decries ‘delusion of omnipotence’ at peace vigil

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Filmmakers, Activists, Israelis, Indians Condemn ‘Unlawful’ Ban on ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’

NB: Our RSS/BJP rulers, who trumpet their greatness to the whole world, who have given us a VishwaGuru leader; do not want us to hear the last voice of a six year old Palestinian girl, pleading for help, murdered by a genocidal regime to which they have now come to owe allegiance. By so doing,… Read More Filmmakers, Activists, Israelis, Indians Condemn ‘Unlawful’ Ban on ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’

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Bertold Brecht: To Posterity (1938) / Pablo Neruda: Nuevo Canto de Amor a Stalingrado (1942) / Victory: Ilya Ehrenburg, 9 May 1945

Bertold Brecht (1898-1956) I came into the cities in a time of disorderAs hunger reigned.I came among men in a time of turmoilAnd I rose up with them.And so passedThe time given to me on earth. I ate my food between slaughters.I lay down to sleep among murderers.I tended to love with abandon.I looked upon… Read More Bertold Brecht: To Posterity (1938) / Pablo Neruda: Nuevo Canto de Amor a Stalingrado (1942) / Victory: Ilya Ehrenburg, 9 May 1945

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Dear Parents: Everything You Need to Know About Your Son and Daughter’s University But Don’t

Ron Srigley Universities, in the interest of increasing enrollments (= money), are willing to flatter you and your children so shamelessly … “During one class a couple of years ago, I dimmed the lights in order to show a clip of an interview. The moment the lights went down I saw dozens and dozens of… Read More Dear Parents: Everything You Need to Know About Your Son and Daughter’s University But Don’t

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Capitalism’s endgame: private equity – it has captured our everyday lives

These companies now own everything from nurseries to care homes, squeezing vital services for profit while we foot the bill… As a style of ownership, private equity resembles the opposite of democracy. It concentrates power among a small group of exceptionally wealthy dealmakers who reap the benefits of society’s failure to hold them accountable. It’s no surprise… Read More Capitalism’s endgame: private equity – it has captured our everyday lives

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‘I see it as trafficking’: the brutal reality of life as a foreign student in the UK

Universities in Britain rely on overseas applicants paying full fees, which has given rise to some unscrupulous recruiters and left many hopefuls and their families deep in debt Samira Shackle hen Sam started looking into studying abroad, it didn’t take long for his phone to start ringing. At 24, he was living with his parents… Read More ‘I see it as trafficking’: the brutal reality of life as a foreign student in the UK

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We need to be honest about Iran – and how our rampant greed for oil is causing mayhem

Oil has empowered capitalism, and some of the world’s most exploitative regimes. Move away from it and we can solve some of the key issues we face George Monbiot Irealise this is a serious breach of etiquette. But could we perhaps abandon good manners and contextualise Donald Trump’s attack on Iran? The intense western interest in… Read More We need to be honest about Iran – and how our rampant greed for oil is causing mayhem

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Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers

Laura Paddison The vast data centers that power artificial intelligence guzzle huge amounts of energy but they also have another alarming impact, according to new research. They are creating “heat islands,” warming the land around them by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit, and making life hotter for more than 340 million people. There are still… Read More Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers

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