Photo credit: Stephane Mignon
Things fall apart; I am of course referring to British society in a snowstorm. Up here in Durham at the epicenter of the ‘Beast from the East’ and its advance across the UK, minute scenes of chaos have been visible to all. No, I’m not talking about the collapse of government or paralysis of the national grid; I’m talking about the small but significant disruptions caused by people nationwide collectively looking out of their snow-encrusted windows in the morning and just thinking; ‘nah’.
I’ll admit I’ve barely left the house in several days, but when I have, its been like iconic scenes from The Walking Dead. I step into the street, and not a soul can be heard except for the howling wind, with road and path indistinguishable under a foot of snow. A quick trip to the supermarket, and the usually busy aisles are empty except for an abandoned shopping cart, and shelves are stripped bare. Essential goods like bread, fruit and mince have been panic bought as if under apocalyptic conditions, and supply lines have broken down. Institutions have shut down, public transport has ceased, red alerts have been broadcast and emails have been circulated instructing to take cover and help the less able in society. We’re just a soundtrack away from becoming the next set of an environmental disaster film.
However, time is passing and the Beast of the East’s jaws are loosening. Soon we will wake up from this artificial hibernation and this will all be a frosty daydream, and Spring will return. Until then, enjoy it – it’s not everyday society not only permits a temporary shut-down, but endorses it. The Bubble has your entertainment covered as you lie around in bed.
This week in The Bubble
Zoe Tongue presents why we need to support our striking lecturers, at a time when university paralysis spreads far and wide from both protests and snow.
Natasha Livingstone tells us five facts we didn’t know about sex from the tomes of history – food for thought on a day trapped inside.
Lauren Woodhead shares with us her inspirational story on how exercise is helping her recovery from a devastating eating disorder, as well as advice and recommendations on how those affected can find help.
Charlotte Hartley informs us how we’re all descended from royalty – but this isn’t as exciting news as we think, exposing the pseudoscience of ancestry companies.
And Jason Dougenis continues the debate on the controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson, in the first part of his new series on why Peterson is dangerous and wrong.
Best bits and heated out-takes of The Bubble’s Student Question Time event can also be found here, and one of my favourite Question Time clips below:
Wishing you all a comfortable passage through the snowstorm,
