Happy New Year from us at Lush Places, though I can’t help worrying that it won’t be. It’s fair to say that recent new years have let themselves down on the happiness front. Although I’m writing this before 2023 arrives, it might be safer if it gave up on the ropey promise of happiness and punted instead for a more achievable New Year’s resolution, such as being a little less grim than much of 2022.
I’m sure the new, new year will give it a go; the desire for self-improvement is strong after the festive season. Christmas, a feast day that fattens us up, empties our bank accounts and occasions family fallings-out over disappointing lunches, inevitably leads, like a drunken night out, to guilty morning-after vows to lose weight, live within our means, mend broken fences and other such appealing chimeras.
I blame Christmas, but actually the business of recognising one’s shortcomings and making pledges to be a better person in the new year far outdates Christianity.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 3-13 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 3-13 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
