"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Puppet Karaoke Time!; or, Let Your Fingers Do the Talking

I must tell you, dear reader, that I cannot hear the words of the title of this post without hearing them sung to the tune of that maddeningly endearing peanut-butter-jelly-time banana.

Can't you hear it also?

Puppet karaoke time, puppet karaoke time!

Puppet karaoke, puppet karaoke, puppet karaoke with a baseball bat!

Dear reader, we were in Philadelphia yesterday to see the King Tut exhibit at the Franklin Institute. I learned of the existence of puppet karaoke when reading the Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer this weekend.

It is most disappointing that one may only enjoy puppet karaoke on Thursday nights. You know me, dear reader: I would have been there with the proverbial bells on my toes (although not as an Oobi-style puppet: modesty forbids, for the point is for the puppet to do the work, yes?)!

http://phillyist.com/2005/08/19/puppets.php

http://www.uwishunu.com/2007/02/15/let-the-puppet-do-the-work/

http://www.puppetkaraoke.com/

And if the possibility exists that you want to view the dear banana:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8MDNFaGfT4

5 comments:

I have lots of neckties said...

I have been marveling at the quality of your postings on this blog. You may believe that writing is not a strong suit of yours, but I would beg to differ. Your writing reveals wisdom, insight, and obvious skill. It possesses a lyrical quality that I find enjoyable to read. Keep doing what you're doing, because it works.

Anonymous said...

I agree with neckties. Beautiful writing...and now...puppets too!! Don't tell anyone, but I'm going to "try this at home"!!

neroli said...

Dear Lots Of,
Thank you for your generousity. I am glad to know that this little exercise of mine is working, and that there are so many excellent people helping me along the way.

neroli said...

Dear Min,
Thank you as well for your kind words, and for your help---just by virtue of your reading---keeping me on track.
I'm glad to see you are among the ranks of those who find the idea of puppet karaoke a great one---and see, I've not yet tried it at home!
I hear the "Safety Dance!"

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so relieved. I thought those voices were in my head. Now, I know the puppets in the guests room are singing karaoke. Whew!