Shifty = appearing deceitful or evasive
Welcome to 'Why It's Shifty' - the anxiety-ridden cousin of 'Why It's a Masterpiece' in which we are known to do deep dives into some of the great books of the 20th century (I might be open to other centuries once I run out of books to analyse). I would like to introduce you to what will become the 'Why It's Shifty' series before I actually start giving it to you.
'Why It's Shifty' deals with weird theories and events from history which have some seriously strange backstories and happenings. These can include people, actual events, probable events, ideas and so much more. I don't really want to limit myself but what this won't be is a discussion about modern day internet conspiracy theories. I think we've all had enough of that. To qualify for 'Why It's Shifty', the event cannot be from the 21st century. Let's have a look at how this is going to be structured and when you can expect to see 'Why It's Shifty' on your feed.
'Why It's Shifty' will be published every Sunday from this Sunday onwards, so you can consider this Week 1 of the series. It will take a fun form and perhaps be shorter than what you're used to if you're a fan of 'Why It's a Masterpiece'. I will also try to make it a bit more fun, which is why the title is 'Why It's Shifty' rather than something more serious. It will follow this structure which I think is the closest I could make it to 'Why It's a Masterpiece'...
The piece will start with an introduction which will provide us with information about the what, who, where and when of the situation. It will be a brief overview based on my own research of what's going on or who we are covering. Of course, if we are covering a large idea or a historical theory, this could include secondary reading but I will try to keep it as readable as possible.
It will then move on to the plot in which we will cover in vastly more detail: the what. This will expand on the introduction, going into different ideas and reactions, important people from the time that are related to the item and hopefully, any important reading I can point you towards as long as it isn't dry. I will of course, read it myself first. These readings may or may not be featured in the weekday book review schedule, depending on how good I found them.
The next section will be entitled Into the Theories just like in 'Why it's a Masterpiece' where we go 'Into the Book'. I'll explore three different ideas relative to the item. This could be what might have happened if an event is covered, where the idea went if it has disappeared or morphed over time, or even who the person really was if not who history says they are. This will sometimes be followed by reading as well, but I will limit myself (I can assure you I will try, but really you should know me by now. When I get hyper-fixated you will have to deal with it).
Of course, the penultimate section is called 'Why It's Shifty' in which we deal with what makes the topic of conversation so controversial. This will be where I try to rationalise why it's such a famous/infamous topic. I hope to keep this to approximately the same length it is in 'Why it's a Masterpiece' and with not too much secondary reading.
Finally, there will be the conclusion where I turn to you, asking you what you think of the possibilities and providing the most likely conclusion. I'm not a sonpiracy theorist though I like them quite a lot because I find them interesting for storytelling purposes. Hopefully, we can come to a mutual understanding and you might enjoy the random topics you find within the article enough to make it to the end of each one.
At the very end of each article you will find the same thing you find at the end of 'Why it's a Masterpiece' in which I tell you what's coming up next week so you can prepare.
I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoy writing them. This is going to be so much fun and I am so glad you've chosen to come on this journey with me.
- Annie
Next Week: Who Killed God's Banker?
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Annie Kapur
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Book Review: "Out of the Past" ed. by Aaron Worth
I wanted to read more British Library Tales of the Weird and so, I downloaded tons of them that I had not read yet. The problem is that when I finish them, I'm not sure that I will have to wait for the next one or, whether it will already be out. I'm not going to lie to you though - I was thinking about this book perhaps two or three days before writing the review. One of the reasons was because I waited quite a while for this book and now, I have mixed opinions about it. Is it because I over-hyped it in my head or was it because the selection os stories are pretty standard and only a few really stand out? Let's take a look...
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Freezing Rain and Ice Disrupt Travel Across Central and Eastern Europe
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Instead of freezing mid-air like snow, the rain remains liquid until it hits a cold surface, where it instantly turns to ice. The result is black ice — a thin, transparent layer that covers roads, sidewalks, power lines, aircraft wings, and railway tracks. Unlike snow, it offers no traction and is extremely difficult to remove. Experts describe freezing rain as one of winter’s most dangerous hazards, capable of crippling transport networks within hours. Travel Chaos Across the Region Across central and eastern Europe, the effects have been swift and severe. Major highways have reported multi-vehicle accidents, while local roads have become impassable in rural and mountainous areas. In several countries, authorities temporarily closed sections of motorways after trucks jackknifed on ice-slick surfaces. Rail networks were also hit hard. Ice accumulation on overhead lines caused power failures and signal disruptions, forcing trains to run at reduced speeds or be canceled altogether. Thousands of passengers were stranded at stations as operators struggled to keep services running safely. Air travel faced similar challenges. Airports in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic reported delays and cancellations as aircraft required repeated de-icing. Even a thin layer of ice can dramatically affect an aircraft’s lift, making safety checks essential but time-consuming. Emergency Services Under Pressure Emergency responders across the region were stretched thin as calls surged. Ambulances struggled to reach patients on icy streets, while fire brigades responded to accidents, fallen trees, and damaged power lines. Hospitals also reported a rise in slip-and-fall injuries, particularly among older residents. Broken bones, head injuries, and hypothermia cases increased as people attempted to navigate frozen sidewalks. Authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and to remain indoors whenever possible. Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage Beyond transport, the ice storm also affected energy infrastructure. Ice-laden power lines sagged and snapped under the weight, leading to localized power outages in several regions. In rural areas, repair crews faced dangerous conditions as they worked to restore electricity. Icy roads slowed response times, leaving some communities without power for extended periods during freezing temperatures. Telecommunications networks also experienced disruptions, further complicating emergency response efforts. Economic Impact and Business Disruptions The freezing rain has had an immediate economic impact. Delivery services were delayed, factories reduced shifts due to staff shortages, and retailers reported lower foot traffic as customers stayed home. Logistics companies warned that prolonged icy conditions could disrupt supply chains, particularly for food and medical supplies that rely on just-in-time delivery systems. 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Pedestrians were encouraged to wear non-slip footwear and use handrails whenever possible. Schools in several areas shifted to remote learning to reduce travel risks. Officials emphasized that patience and caution save lives, reminding citizens that even experienced drivers cannot control a vehicle on black ice. Looking Ahead Forecasts suggest that temperatures may gradually rise in some areas, easing icy conditions, while others could face additional freezing rain before the system moves on. Cleanup and repairs are expected to continue for days, even after the weather improves. The freezing rain sweeping across central and eastern Europe serves as a stark reminder that winter’s most dangerous storms are not always the most visible. As climate patterns continue to change, authorities and citizens alike may need to rethink how they prepare for — and respond to — ice, not just snow.
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