Archive for the ‘Play’ Category

Obama Kendama Goes to Washington

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Dear Mr. President, I’m sure you have received many gifts during your campaign and presidency, but I bet this personalized kendama is unique! This toy is popular in Japan and one of the many skill toys that I teach to children. During your presidential campaign, I realized that “Obama Kendama” had ...

All Work and No Play…

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

For too long play has been neglected.  It has been outlawed, discouraged, and sanitized.  Well the winds of change are blowing my friends, and it's carrying kites!  A new book and move make the case for the importance of play. I for one am happy with this trend because all work ...

Skill Toys for the Mind

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Imagine a future time when you will be able to interact with and control toys with only your mind.  Nothing incredibly complex...maybe just move a ball through a maze.  Pretty cool I think. Well imagine no longer.  The time has come.  Mind controlled toys. The Mattel Mind Flex was unveiled at the ...

is it a puzzle it is

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Add the proper punctuation to make the following read correctly: that that is is that that is not is not that that is not is not that that is that that is is not that that is not is that not so it is

Vintage Paul

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

In 2000, I took a gig touring with a nationally touring juggling troupe promoting healthy eating habits for children.  FoodPlay provided me the opportunity to travel across the nation and work with my good friend Daniel Forlano.  To see some vintage footage of me with a ponytail, check out the ...

Skill Toy Club Members Meet, Teach and Play at Herbfest

Monday, April 28th, 2008

On April 26th, about 15 kids from two Skill Toys Clubs gathered at the Wake Forest Herbfest and played with skill toys and engaged and taught families and kids alike. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npbHq0QrM28[/youtube]

Variety Arts Directory

Sunday, April 27th, 2008

The Variety Arts Directory is a listing of all the art forms that require the manipulation of objects, usually for no practical reason, and tend to lend themselves to performance. Things like juggling, yo yo, and (hula) hooping. Also listed are the lesser known but rapidly rising art forms such ...

Toastmaster Speech #6 – Nature Deficit Disorder

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

More of a walk in the woods than a speech. Inspired by Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-deficit Disorder. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=filK7pafEws[/youtube]