books – Page 15 – EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS

The Cut Season 3 Episode 38

Brrr. There was nothing else for it this week. After five months of inactivity, we got out the spanners and wrenches and gently persuaded the crotchety old boiler* running the even older heating system back to life. Even in austerical times there comes a point where you can only have so many layers on. And typing in gloves is hard. The office smells of burning dust and hot metal, but at least we’re warm enough to put this issue to bed.

Mmm, bed. Lovely snuggly bed.

Before we all decide to give up completely and hibernate under a duvet, check out a guide to autumnal films, a couple of new ventures worth your attention and an invitation to get the Camparty started.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 37

Guardian columnist Marina Hyde has a new book out, and is doing press to promote it. She is, to our mind at least, the funniest and sharpest political commentator out there and the book, a collection of her best columns, should be on your Christmas list. She makes one point in interviews extremely well—how the pace of events seems to have escalated to such a point and level of absurdity that her job and that of her peers has been made almost impossible. There’s just too much going on all at once. It’s like trying to drink out of a hosepipe.

We, by comparison, are like the dog at her feet, catching the odd drip. Frankly, we wouldn’t want Marina’s job—although we’re very happy she’s around. No thanks, we’ll stick with being the funny distraction away from the chaos and horror.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 36

It’s been a week where everything feels—off. Monday’s weird spectacle of pomp, circumstance and forced mourning set the tone for five days when routine was disturbed, plans went askew and life in general seemed to be vibrating in the wrong modulation. The word we’re reaching for is discombobulated. We’re through it now, hopefully. A little less drama going into the beginning of Spooky Season.

We’re off on retreat from today, so look out for something different from Excuses And Half Truths next week. Possibly archive, maybe a fresh piece. The road trip leads us up a gravel path to a very inspiring place, so who knows what you’ll get?

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 35

Leave the park. OK, stay in the park but don’t leave your lodge. Prepare to be judged if you hold hands in public. See that queue? The really big one? Join it. And for goodness’ sake, whatever you do, do not hold up a blank piece of paper in view of the police. It’s a breach of the peace, apparently.

One thing’s for sure. When we Britons drop our usual reserve and lose our marbles, we really go for it. We could all do with a good long sit down and a think about what we’re doing. Not in the queue, of course. The queue must always be moving.

This week, in the place which feels increasingly like a rare refuge for the sane on this loony-balls planet: Ducks! Swordfighting! Uncle Roger! Anal beads!

See? Sanity.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 34

Well. That was a week.

In this episode, which chooses to stay waaay clear of anything resembling an editorial opinion, witness the birth of one of Britain’s greatest comics, the power of curiosity and The Chicago Hot Dog Negroni.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 33

It’s like a switch has been flicked. We get past the August Bank Holiday and suddenly autumn is at our shoulder. The mornings are mistier, the evenings cooler. Welcome to the last quarter of the year. A season of mellow fruitfulness or the precursor to a winter of discontent? Right now, we’re just enjoying the change and starting our engines for Spooky Season. Let’s face the darkness together, shall we?

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 32

There was rain, which was good. The tomatoes and chilis in The Cut’s vegetable patch were grateful. A drink of water that hadn’t been used for the washing-up was very pleasant. Similarly, most of the staff have been happy for a couple of nights sleep undisturbed by the sweats and gnats. They’re small things but frankly, we take our positives where we can get them.

Onto business! This week—a night at The Lighterman, considerations on lunch and travel and the return of Garth Merenghi!

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 31

Phew, what a scorchio and other such meaningless phrases tossed out in cheerful denial of a looming global heatocalypse! Here at The Cut we are sensible, believing strongly in the importance of staying inside, the only light available coming from the screens of our devices. How else could we provide the endless stream of content for you, beloved Readership, to while away your weekend?

This week—a mechanical owl! Science cakes! How to build a crow army! And several more items!

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 30

We’re pulling up the drawbridge and dropping the portcullis. The world can crash and bang about on the other side of the walls for a while. It’s safe here and if you’re quick, we’ll hold the gate for you. Welcome, brave traveller. Cuppa tea, or something a little stronger?

This week, a feast in the air and from the sea, a hit of romance and a rough guide to The Sandman. Take a pew, pilgrim. We’ve got this.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 3 Episode 29

Hang on, wasn’t it the weekend like, three days ago? Is time speeding up? Is an etheric energy, formed from our collective desire to have done with the week, somehow having a dilatory effect on time itself? Or are we just really busy?

Regardless of how we got to this point, here we are. Thanks for joining us. We celebrate the life of a British comics great, talk burgers with Bob and enjoy not one but two burrito-themed links. Sink your teeth into this!

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.