Eurythmics: The First Cut 1984-09-16 (Live)

While I am an 80s girl, and an Eurythmics fan, I was unfamiliar with this song (like most Canadians, I tended to buy compliations). I love this track. Yet, listening to it I am reminded of The Parachute Club and of The B52s.

What's next for Kristine Maitland?

My friend Tricia Postle (after responding to my question, "What are your upcoming projects?") turned that question to me. I told her that I had no idea. "If you made a list of everything that I had done to date you would cover a ream of paper," I said.

An exaggeration perhaps, but there is some truth to it. As it is, after my hypomanic breakdown back in 2006 I have withdrawn from all my activities (the SCA, West Coast Swing and social dance in general, anything "alternative").

But on my way home I had the proverbial "a-ha" moment.  Short of my GPR posts I have not created anything in years.  Is it no wonder that I have become world weary?  Have my medications slowed my brain so much that I cannot make anything anymore?

Hell, no.

I think the original problem was the fact that I used to attach income to creativity. Not that I object to that: indeed, I have a friend, Karen Augustine, who works with artists and healers in this very area. But I'm a regular pay cheque kind of gal.

But because I do get a regular pay cheque and I happen to be in a job that I like but does not tax my brain too much I can let my mind wander and create - and then work on things at home.  Lately I have been returning to childhood interests: like animation.  I adore animation, especially animated shorts (due to my short attention span).  And while I am not an artist, I have a gift for experimentation and collaboration.  What I would like to do is combine my love of "alternative Black history" (i.e. the stuff historians don't often explore) and NFB vignettes of old:



I would also love to explore choreography and filming of dance - mainly because much of what I see on youtube sucks royally unnecessarily.  If a kid can edit a video and put it on YouTube you can't tell me that I can't.

The last thing I want to do is redesign my own wardrobe.  I refuse have a colour palate of black, tan and gray.  Yeech.

Jordi Bertran Company

This was on the World of Comedy

Anyway, this puppet theatre - which hails from Spain - is great fun. The puppet here is not too complicated (reminding me of some of Jim Henson's early Muppets) and yet, effectively expressive.

Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra

Since Canada consistently cuts funding from tv and film I find myself turning to the UK for my programming.  Today, thanks to Graham Norton I came across a brilliant show called Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra.

The show is hilarious - an up to date version of Victor Borge.  Sections to look out for include the 70s cop show and the Belgian jazz Doctor Who.  

This is a wonderful way to spend an hour.

THE GOSPEL OF US Official Trailer - In UK cinemas 13th April

Michael Sheen promoted this on The Graham Norton show. This looks like a fascinating take on The Passion of Christ (I mean the actual walking through the passion in Catholic tradition, not that movie that nut Mel Gibson made).