Author Archives: Nick Kelly

Fyodor Dostoevsky in happier times

This morning.

Milan, Italy.

The University of Milano-Bicocca has reversed a decision to postpone a course by writer Paolo Nori about the work of Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky following a backlash.

Via Newsweek:

Last night, the university released a statement on its social media accounts confirming the course would go ahead.

“The University of Milano-Bicocca is a university open to dialogue and listening even in this very difficult period that sees us dismayed at the escalation of the conflict,” the statement said.

“The course of the writer Paolo Nori is part of the writing course aimed at students and citizens who aim to develop transversal skills through forms of writing. The university confirms that this course will take place in the established groups and will deal with the contents already agreed with the writer. In addition, the rector of the university will meet Paolo Nori next week for a moment of reflection,” it said.

College Backtracks on Banning Teaching Dostoevsky Because He’s Russian (Newsweek)

Image: Wikipedia

This morning.

Russian troops were in the centre of the southern Ukrainian port city of Kherson after  conflicting claims over whether Moscow had captured a major urban centre for the first time in its eight-day invasion.

Via Al Jazeera

The capture of Kherson, a strategic southern provincial capital where the Dnieper River flows into the Black Sea, is the first significant city to fall since Moscow launched its attack on February 24.

Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv continues to come under heavy Russian shelling, with police and university buildings among the latest struck.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) says a member of its observer mission died in the shelling.

Russia denies targeting civilians although there have been widespread reports of non-combatant casualties and the targeting of residential areas.

Russia on Wednesday reported its military casualties for the first time since the invasion began last week, saying nearly 500 of its troops had been killed and almost 1,600 wounded.

Shelling continues in Ukraine as Russian forces advance (Al Jazeera)

Meanwhile…

Graph via Sky News

Meanwhile…

Yesterday.

Independent, crowd-funded reporter Patrick Lancaster reports from the Russian advance in the Volnovakha area of Ukraine.

Dirty Dreamer – Piano 39

A song in the key of life.

Formed out of the ashes of Come On Live Long, Dirty Dreamer (top) fly the flag for ambient electro-folk on their new single. Their album The Everyday In Bloom is out on April 8.

The trio are Louise Gaffney, Daithi O’Connor and Ken McCabe.

Louise writes:

“Piano 39 was one of those tracks that almost wrote itself. Daithí started quietly humming a gorgeous melody while jamming a middle section. In between chords I managed to hit the mic so it swung around on the stand and just caught it as he was coming up with it. That little passing moment became the hook.

“The final verse is trying to describe one of those shiny moments of clarity you can have at random when you notice an everyday moment of beauty and you are completely pulled out of yourself.”

Nick says: Don’t shoot the keyboard player.

Dirty Dreamer

Dublin GAA star Noelle Healy with Lenten box stars

This morning.

Unidentified park, Dublin.

Dorothy writes:

The iconic Trócaire Box – which has been a firm Lent feature in Ireland for almost 50 years – will be rolled out to almost 700,000 homes, schools and churches this week.

This year’s appeal highlights how thousands of families in Zimbabwe are struggling with the triple challenges of Covid-19, climate change and a devastated economy. The Trócaire Box features a family – widow Thandekile and her two children – based in Matobo district in southern Zimbabwe who face massive daily challenges in their lives.

Trocaire ambassador and recently retired Dublin Gaelic football star and doctor, Noelle Healy (top left), said:

“Like so many people all over Ireland I grew up with the Trócaire box. It holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Ireland and represents hope for millions in our world who are struggling every day to survive.”

“Lent is the engine that keeps Trócaire’s programmes going throughout the year. The public’s donations this year will help Trócaire continue to work closely with the community in the Matobo district in Zimbabe to ensure they have access to food and other basic needs, as well as raising awareness about Covid-19 prevention and vaccinations. “

Order a box here.

Last night.this morning

Pfizer report here