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.
Denne historien er fra January 3-13 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra January 3-13 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
