Updated Bus Routes
In which some things are explained. (The Bus 4.51)
Welcome aboard The Bus!
The Stop
Last Thursday’s Bus was Volume 4’s 50th issue - the 200th Stop since The Bus first left the station on 7 April 2022.1 Amongst other topics, we’ve stopped for a glance at artists, albums, philosophies, mythologies, drugs, colours, religions, space, authors, words, Simpsons episodes and various classic films. It’s been a varied - and uninterrupted - journey, but I’ve decided it’s time for a change.2
As it’s almost Easter break here in England, I’m pulling The Bus into the garage for the duration of the school holidays. Service will resume on Monday 15 April, but in the meantime the Stops will explore selections from the archive.
Volume 5 is going to be different. The Bus will still publish twice-weekly, but while the Monday Stop will be a new topic, the Thursday Stop will be selected from the archive. This decision isn’t due to lack of material or interest; I just don’t have the time to maintain the current schedule!
Thank you all for riding The Bus. It’s an honour and a pleasure to know you’re aboard (though it might be getting a bit cramped back there in the cool kid seats). The Bus is and has always been a labour of love - and I’m looking forward to being in the driver’s seat for a long, long time.
The Index
The Sounds
Today’s playlist is - of course - Volume 4’s megamix musical extravaganza. Clocking in at just over 18 hours, I’d suggest putting this playlist on shuffle and letting it flow! Enjoy!3
The Thought
Today’s Thought is from Ken Kesey, author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962) and Sometimes a Great Notion (1964). He’s also the subject of The Bus Issue 4.43 - and this quote is the source of the name of this publication:4
‘There are going to be times when we can't wait for somebody. Now, you're either on the bus or off the bus. If you're on the bus, and you get left behind, then you'll find it again. If you're off the bus in the first place — then it won't make a damn.’
I think it’s rather obvious: you need to get on The Bus.
If you have a thought on this Thought - or any part of today’s issue - please leave a comment below:
And that’s the end of this Stop - I hope you enjoyed the diversion!
Thanks to everyone who subscribes - your interest and support is truly appreciated. If you like The Bus, please SHARE it with a friend or two.
If you haven’t climbed aboard The Bus, please do!
If you like The Bus, why not check out other newsletters?
The Sample sends out articles from blogs and newsletters across the web that match your interests. If you like one, you can subscribe with one click.
Until the next Stop …
Actually, it was the 203rd issue - due to my decision to follow each volume of 50 Stops with a separate summary. But, hey, who’s counting?
I’m not 100% sure how, but I’ve not missed a single issue: new job, travel, holidays, illness, life’s crazy sudden things, etc. - it’s been a combination of luck, planning and an appreciation of being able to schedule publications in advance which have allowed this to work.
Just be warned … there are a few Christmas tracks in there, so if (like me) you hate that music outside of the season, you might want to hide a few!
Quoted in Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (1968).
A principal are a college I lectured at got confused during his motivational new academic year speech. “You’re either on the bus or of the bus, there’s no room for passengers.” My colleague whispered loudly: “That’s what buses are for, isn’t it, carrying passengers?”
I’m currently pondering changes to my Substack, too, also for reasons of time. All the best with your plans.
Have a restorative break — the bus always needs to be serviced and get new spark plugs and oil filters. Does it show that I know nothing about buses? I think the plan for season 5 is a smart one. I had to go to once a week as my business has taken off to where I can no longer write during the day.
As I hopped on the bus half way along the journey, I look forward to catching up in the archives.