A night in with Wordsworth

This year, in light of Covid-19, the annual Hay Literature festival which normally takes place in the early summer in Wales, remodelled itself to fit the digital requirements of the current global pandemic. Thousands joined a live-stream each evening to take part in the events. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Wordsworth’s birth, a stellar cast including the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Jones, Stephen Fry and Tom Hollander came together to recite a selection of his most famous works.

A night in with Wordsworth

The problem with podcasts

Quarantine has got us all trying to find all the home-hobbies possible. I’ve dabbled in painting, drawing, baking, cycling, running, reality TV and spending hours watching every youtube clip of Dance Moms there is. However, the one I thought would be easiest to commit to is the one I’ve been most unloyal to: podcasts.

The problem with podcasts

How to be scared of death in style

So, you’re scared of dying? Which part scares you the most? Some people fear the lack of legacy they will leave behind, or rather their inflated perfectionist ego is petrified that they, destined for greatness, will only amount to a simple pile of ash and dust? Others fear the tragic loss of those around them, or perhaps the fact that they will have to leave someone else behind. Or, if you’re like me, you fear the more biological implications of death; you won’t exist, won’t feel, and worst of all, you won’t be conscious. People attempt to comfort you with the fact that you won’t know, because you’re dead, of course, but this just makes it worse. You would literally rather there be no life at all except yourself than you not existing, because the idea of not being is that terrifying to you… (It’s times like this I wish I was raised in an incredibly religious family that gave me some sort of hope for after I pull the plug). Exciting stuff, right? Well, wherever you fall, if it’s 3 am and you can’t sleep because you’re contemplating the elasticity of time and realise that your existence will be over faster than you can scream any outburst of profanity on your mind, continue reading, and channel that energy into being scared of death *in style*.

How to be scared of death in style