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The Last of Us: why we should all think like preppers – and how to do it
The acclaimed post-apocalyptic TV series The Last of Us, based on a hugely popular video game, featured a character – Bill – who has managed to live through the nightmare because he has prepared for such an eventuality – he is what he calls a “survivalist”. “Prepping” – as itContinue Reading
Data bombing and dead cats – how PR uses practices of secrecy to influence media and society
Microgen/Shutterstock More than 100 years ago, sociologist Georg Simmel wrote that secrecy is a core part of all human relationships. The ratio of secrecy to openness in a society, he argued, can tell us much about that society. I explore this in my new book, examining how public relations secrecyContinue Reading
Despite the Taliban’s pledge to eradicate opium, the poppy trade still flourishes in Afghanistan
The Taliban have always had a complicated relationship with the opium trade. As a narcotic, opium is haram, or forbidden under Islamic law. But at the same time opium production has tended to increase in areas they have controlled, where local leaders reportedly raise money to fund their operations byContinue Reading
Turkey-Syria earthquake: how disaster diplomacy can bring warring countries together to save lives
The death toll of the massive earthquakes that have rocked the Turkey-Syria border region has now exceeded 5,000 people and the World Health Organization has suggested it could rise as high as 20,000. The catastrophe has led to an international outpouring of support. Numerous international rescue, medical, and other teamsContinue Reading
Human challenge studies: what we’ve learned from intentionally infecting people with COVID
neative/Shutterstock When COVID began to spread rapidly in 2020, sending the UK and other countries into lockdowns, many people asked what they could do to help. While millions of people found novel ways to help others in their communities, a large number became interested in volunteering for medical research. ThisContinue Reading
Faeces, urine and sweat – just how gross are hot tubs? A microbiologist explains
Communal bathing can get pretty disgusting. monic zrivoic/Shutterstock For many centuries we have bathed in communal waters. Sometimes for cleanliness but more often for pleasure. Indeed, in ancient Greece, baths were taken in freshwater, or sometimes the sea – which was thought of as a sacred place dedicated to localContinue Reading
David Bowie’s handwritten lyrics for The Jean Genie make £57,000 at auction
A set of David Bowie’s handwritten lyrics for his track The Jean Genie have sold for £57,000 at auction. The lyrics, dated 1972, were originally given by Bowie to superfan and founder of the David Bowie fan club Neal Peters. The song, which was released in 1972 as the leadContinue Reading
Chelsea look blunt up front but Kepa Arrizabalaga and Thiago Silva continue to provide impressive Dream Team returns
CHELSEA’S transfer dealings may have excited their fans recently but the Stamford Bridge faithful have been struggling to stay awake on match days. The Blues have won just twice since the turn of the year, scoring only three goals in their last seven fixtures. After two 0-0 draws in aContinue Reading
Kate Garraway sparks fresh fears for Derek as she opens up on tough ‘48 hours’
KATE Garraway has sparked fears for her seriously-ill husband Derek Draper after she admitted to a “tricky” 48 hours. The Good Morning Britain anchor, 55, referenced “love” and “hope” in her latest poignant picture-post on Instagram. ITV Kate Garraway sparked worry after opening up on a ‘tricky’ 48 hours[/caption] ITVContinue Reading
Turkey earthquake: Ambassador says all help accepted as Ireland gives €2m aid
The Turkish ambassador to Ireland has said his country will accept all forms of international aid following the devastating earthquakes. Mehmet Hakan Olcay said the number of casualties was likely to rise in the coming days as he warned the harsh winter conditions will hamper rescue efforts. Offers from volunteersContinue Reading