books – Page 3 – EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS

The Cut Season 3 Christmas Wrapup

So, this is (nearly) Christmas. Are you ready? It’s a complicated time of year. The general pressure is on family, peace, gift-giving and happiness. But that may not be how things are for you. Family relations can be difficult. Money’s tight. Peace? Well, Putin’s still on his bullshit. All told, you could be excused for turning your back on the whole charade.

But the day can be an excuse to make your own sort of merry. After all, we celebrate in late December as the winter slowly begins to retreat and the darkest day is over our shoulder. It can be a time to reflect, take a breath, and make plans for the year ahead. Above all, it can be a moment where you gather the people you love and show them you care, in whatever way you can.

If nothing else, take comfort in a tiny chink of regularity and sweet routine.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 46

How’s your festive countdown running, if you do such a thing? Tree up? Deccoes strung? Cards posted? If not, too late! Oh well, probably better for the environment not to send so much paper around just to have it go in the recycling. To us, it feels like we’ve almost forgotten what to do after two lockdown Christmases. Still, even if plans are askew, there are always mince pies. Whatever your belief system, you can always have faith in them.

And of course, in your regular Saturday visit from your pals at The Cut. This week: lies! Viking detectives! A recipe! And an anti-Christmas anthem.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 45

Editor Rob notes:

I woke this morning to do the construction, polish and delivery of this here missive, which has become a very pleasing way to start the weekend. It clears the mind and focusses me on the day ahead while TLC snoozes upstairs. Quiet time. My time with ten links, a song and The Readership.

Today the garden is coated in a thick layer of frost. The heavenly sky-daddy has shaken out a tub of decorative icing sugar, and everything is twinkling. The light is soft, pearlescent. Everything is peaceful. It’s a clear signal we’re coming to the end of another tumultuous year. This time next week I will be 56. This time next month we will be living in the twenty-third year of the twenty-first century, a phrase which feels wildly science-fictional to me. Who knows what 2023 holds? It seems crazy to try and make any predictions. Perhaps next year this blog will be entirely written by a chat bot with art by Dall-E, and I will be surplus to requirements.

I like to hope not. For one thing I’d miss the Saturday mornings, and this quiet time with you, Readership.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 44

December! Holy macaroni, it’s December! We’ve been a bit turned around what with the Nanowrimo and the family bereavements and all the hey hey hey but even so! Who pulled down the big switch and turned winter on without us noticing? X minus 22 days, Readership. You better not pout…

This week: marmalade, food which may not be food and a momento mori just to stop things getting too jolly.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 43

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Gwendolyn Sampson (1921-2022), Editor Rob’s maternal grandmother. A force for good in this world and sadly missed. So long, Party Nan.

In the face of this sad event and ongoing Nanowrimo responsibilities, we will again be running a reduced service this week. Please adjust your expectations accordingly.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 42

A slightly truncated ep this week. Editor Rob is deep into the annual assault course/self-inflicted torture that is Nanowrimo, and is lost in wordcount. We dedicate our November output to the brave souls, dreamers and fools who take on the challenge every year. We salute you.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 41

November has arrived. it has brought storms along just to add to that authentic winter apocalyptic vibe. Yuk, no fun. Why not huddle up under a blankie with something sweet and someone warm, and enjoy this week’s cavalcade of curiousity?

AC/DC! Witchcraft! Ragging on Elon Musk! And several other links!

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 40

Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.

This week: two Andys, white tigers and EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE.

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

The Cut Season 3 Episode 39

Whatever drugs the Conservative Party are on need to be shared around, that’s all we’ll say. There is no way they’re riding the wild rocket that will lead to a third Prime Minister imposed on the British public in six weeks without chemical help. No fair. We want some of that sweet sweet loony juice.

There, that’s the politics out of the way. This week, we’re keeping it as real as locally possible, reading the cue cards and rocking out with Count Crowley!

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

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.