Hope you’re all doing ok. It’s ok if you’re not. These are atypical times. Treat yourself and everyone else as kindly as you can, and we’ll get through the crazyness.
Here’s another midweek selection of nice things to watch, personally chosen by yours truly.
Before we start - a quick reminder than over on my youtube channel, I’m posting a series of short videos in which I will, if you so desire, teach you how to juggle. You can watch them right here.
If you’re enjoying the things I’m making, curating and posting during this period of isolation, and if your income hasn’t been adversely affected by the pandemic, I’d ask you to consider donating me the price of a cup of coffee by clicking here. For the last 33 years, I’ve made my living as a live performer, and I’m looking at my entire year of international shows, tours and festivals being completely cancelled, which is scary, both emotionally and, to be frank, financially. So I’m approaching this in the same way I used to approach being a street performer - if you’ve enjoyed what I put in front of you, and can afford to, then pay what you can, but if you can’t afford to, or are a member of the wonderful front line services, then it’s free - my gift to you.
before we start with the silly stuff, something a little more serious, and hopefully helpful. I like John Green very much, he seems like a decent human, and makes thoughtful work. He’s also, like me, a sufferer of OCD and anxiety disorder, and in this video, offers some good tips - for everyone - on how to take care of yourself during the odd situation we’re all in.
Let’s begin properly now, with a study in the foolishness of messing with Michelle Yeoh’s tofu
Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update has become increasingly toothless in recent years, but whenever Cecily Strong makes an appearance, things get fun.
If the words “Kristen Schaal is a horse” mean nothing to you, then buckle up.
Here’s this weeks obligatory tap dance clip. Gregory Hines, and some bona-fide legends.
I still miss Stella Street. In our house, there’s still the semi regular nasal yelling of “ERE KEITH”. (Warning on this one - there’s some swears)
Learn to count with Bruce Springsteen. Obviously.
A more perfect paring, would be hard to fathom.
A few years ago I interviewed Al Murray live on stage, and cajoled him into doing some bits from his old speciality act. What a damn delight.
OK, now turn your speakers up and dance like Louise, Tina and Gene.
We’re ending on an interesting one this week. Jesse Thorn is a friend, and a bit of a hero. Whenever I sink into a funk and find myself believing the lie that success means you have to be a dull, crass person who sells out their values, I say to myself “Ahh. No. But Jesse”. Here, he talks for half an hour about how to be an entrepreneurial maker, stay true to yourself, and be a good, moral person. I watch it, sometimes, when I need to hear it. maybe it’ll inspire you, too.
Oh wait - I lied! BONUS CLIP! Here’s The Muppets doing a tiny desk concert! Enjoy the happy crying!
Hope my picks entertained and distracted you. If this is your first time here, then scroll down and you’ll find another four and a half hours worth of content to enjoy.
One final time - and please forgive me for this - but if you enjoyed this stuff, please do consider donating me the price of a cup of coffee here, to help me keep the lights on, while all of my live work gets cancelled.
Thanks, love you.