Author: Rob

We are autumnising. Cut Central is slowly transforming, becoming more of a snug nest in which we can hunker down and shelter against the change in the weather. The soft furnishings are coming to the fore. There are many cushions. Comfort is the key, a protective layer between us and the sharp edges of the world. We might even build a fort.

This week—1001 albums, the Tiktokification of mental health and the most inappropriate place to put a soup advert.

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

And we’re back. The first break in transmission for 16 months. Life finally, delightfully, got in the way of our business. Hope you didn’t all find the abrupt swerve towards slightly soulful introspection too much of a neck-breaker. Anyway, we’re back to it, even if we are still finding sand in our socks and shells in our pockets.

This week: haptic cartooning, some Monster Fun and yes, ok, something about James Bond.

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

Packing for a cottage getaway is an exercise in logistics above and beyond your average holiday prep. It’s an opportunity to clear the fridge and take the food which would otherwise collapse to mush—the likelihood of that happening in somebody else’s kitchen is one we don’t talk about. You need to pack clothes for every eventuality rain to shine, you often need to take your own bedding and towels, and maybe bring board games or a stack of books in case the weather closes in. In short, the Cut Carrier is so full of stuff we’re starting to worry whether we’ll fit the staff in. Going on holiday is haaard.

And yet we’ve still pulled together an episode of our usual foolishness while tucked in a corner by the suitcases. This week—all of the marvels! Pre-MTV music videos! And the honky-tonk nun of Ethiopia!

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

This time next week we shall be on a scheduled team get-away, somewhere in the wilds of Norfolk. Don’t be surprised if episode 38 comprises of a postcard of Blakeney beach and a recipe for a decent crab sandwich. We badly need the break. Our brains are mush, our souls are weary. We need time by the sea and the solace of old friends.

But today we can still offer up some treats. Racing samurai, the biggest potato hotel in the world and the musical stylings of Brushy One-string await.

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

We lost Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Texas turned into Gilead. The New York subway system turned into a sewer. Look at the world a certain way and you can feel it slipping out from under you. But then witness the triumphs of the Paralympics or the return of Abba and know there’s good news out there. You just have to see with the right eyes.

This week: how caffeine lit the spark to the fuse that blew up the future, the logical endpoint of the square meal and the Rainbow Connection between Miss Piggy and Yoda.

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

A tough month for rock ‘n’roll, with the passing of both Dusty Hill and Charlie Watts. Both guys knew how to get the funk and grind into their music, and both understood the essential ridiculousness of the life. Charlie in particular offered up a ‘don’t give a fuck’ attitude that was no affectation. For the most part, he knew there were better things to be doing. We could all use a little more of that perspective on the life/work balance.

Anyhoo. Join us this week as we thumb through cookbooks, consider the most influential band ever and yes alright talk a bit more about Ted Lasso.

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

The year continues to flap around in unexpected and bewildering ways like an uninvited squid in the bathtub. The Great Game in Afghanistan moves into a new, ugly phase. A beloved comedian dies, leaving us in fits of giggles at his legacy while calling for the revival of his long-forgotten sitcom. The nation realises just how dire the supply chain problem is as the unthinkable happens and Nando’s runs out of chicken. Boy howdy, it’s been a week.

We’re here to offer some respite, with more base level comics instruction, an admiration of The Madonna With The Long Neck and a chat to the guy who brings the good vibes to the ball game.

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