CSM EDITORIAL What a strange world we live in! Who would have thought that we’d be laid low by a flu-like virus in 2020? These are extraordinary times and – although some think there has been an overreaction – we need now to look out for each other to get through this tunnel and into the light. Those who wondered how the country might unite … Continue reading Unity at Last?
Rural internet: a slower pace of life, but not in a good way Part of the joy of living in the countryside is remaining a few steps out of sync with the modern world, in splendid isolation. While they whizz busily head, we’re usually content to trot along at a slower pace, enjoying time-honoured traditions and basking in the glory of nature. But there are … Continue reading Rural Internet
BY JIM WEBSTER Whatever humanity is up to, the seasons continue to roll forward. The contractor arrived to put on the nitrogen. He made far less mark than I thought he would, the last few days have dried out our higher land nicely. Sal supervised him from a safe distance. Mind you that is as close as I got to him because the foot-trimmer was … Continue reading Splendid Isolation
BY JAMES BEMBRIDGE COVID-19 has revealed the tragic futility of contemporary politics. Spirited efforts by sections of the Left to undermine each and every government response to the virus wearies even those who would ordinarily take an interest in Westminster proceedings. How is Parliament to be taken seriously if £330 billion of spending is to be criticised by the opposition as ‘not going far enough’? … Continue reading Hush, Cretins
BY DOMINIC WIGHTMAN The philosopher Bertrand Russell once wrote that “fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” These are valuable words which should ring in our ears over coming weeks and months as we club together to attempt to defeat COVID-19 and its many deleterious effects. Of course Coronavirus … Continue reading Near Death Club
Ingredients: 4 large egg yolks 70g granulated sugar, plus more for brûlée topping 60ml passion fruit juice (from 4-5 fresh passion fruit) or concentrate 480ml heavy double cream Method: Preheat oven to Gas 3 / 165C /325F Arrange five 6 oz / 3.5inch ramekins (or equivalent) in a baking pan. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil (this will be used for the … Continue reading Passion Fruit Créme Brûlée
BY EFFIE DEANS The problem with Scottish politics is that we have a devolved parliament that is uninterested in devolution. Scottish politicians of all political parties pretend to be interested in those areas of life that the Scottish Parliament actually controls, but campaign primarily on issues that we don’t control. The same goes for supporters. What areas are controlled by the Scottish Government. Well here … Continue reading The SNP Whelk Stall
BY ANDREW MOODY Charles Bukowski, the poet laureate of skid row and the mad old sleazebag of American letters, was often regarded as an honorary member of the Beat Generation. Whilst it’s certain he would have been familiar with their work, he never hung with Ginsberg or Burroughs or Kerouac and probably didn’t think much of them. To quote Hot Water Music: “What is your … Continue reading On Bukowski
BY FRANK HAVILAND In the wake of last December’s UK General Election, resulting in Labour’s worst drubbing at the polls since 1935, Jeremy Corbyn confidently claimed ‘We won the argument’. At the time he was met with ridicule; on reflection, he may have a point. With the Left increasingly willing to simply cancel those it disagrees with, it’s not a stretch to conclude it was … Continue reading Circular Firing Squad Must be Heard
