Hey, I’m in a book!
September 17, 2009 – 1:44 pmI recently was referred to in the book Choose a Better Life by Stephanie Hester . Preview ‘my’ chapter below and go buy the book at Amazon!
Obama Kendama Goes to Washington
September 17, 2009 – 1:38 pm
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 a nice ring to it. I sent it to artist Christopher Bordenca to paint your face on it and thus the Obama Kendama was born. To my knowledge it is the only one like it. During your campaign it traveled to Washington, D.C. and to one of your campaign rallies in North Carolina (there are videos of its travels on YouTube).
I have decided to send the Obama Kendama to you now because playing with the kendama exercises and develops the important 21st century skills that you outlined in your September 8th Back to School speech to students. At the same time, it draws attention to an important aspect of education that should not be overlooked – the critical hours between 3-6pm.
Corporate Promo Video
May 12, 2009 – 11:10 pmFilmed live at Holly Springs Cultural Center on May 8, 2009.
Upcoming Performance
April 27, 2009 – 11:47 pmI don’t perform locally a whole lot so wanted to let everyone in the triangle that I will be doing a 15-minute set in Holly Springs on May 8th. Come see me on stage…
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 West Ballentine Street
Holly Springs, NC
Friday, May 8, 2009
7:30-9:00
(I will be filming so if you do come, laugh extra loudly)
Lectrosonics Long Ranger II for sale
March 28, 2009 – 5:18 pmFor Sale:
Lectrosonics Long Ranger II PA – I have used it for years and it has been a very reliable piece of equipment. It operates like new and the battery lasts through at least 3-45 minute performances. It can also run off AC with the included power cord/recharger.
The receiver is built into the unit and the transmitter has a belt clip. I have a relatively new mic. for the transmitter that has been used maybe 20 times, only indoors.
The Long Ranger can be expanded to run a second receiver. You may be able to get one from ebay if you ever wish to expand.
The unit comes with a back pack for easy travel to your gigs. This is an awesome system for voice. Works with music too, but weak on base for sure.
You can view the manual online here: http://www.lectrosonics.com/manuals/lr2man.pdf
I am selling it for $500. If you are interested, shoot me an email at paul <at> flowcircus.com.
All Work and No Play…
February 23, 2009 – 12:43 amFor 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 and no play makes jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy.
PLAY AGAIN is a documentary about the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds in childhood today
Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
Not So Slow Season
February 7, 2009 – 3:35 pmMany people we meet think that the winter months are the slow months for Flow Circus. This is not true.
Although our contact time with kids through workshops and performances is less than other seasons, we are busy developing programs, presenting at conferences and showcases, researching grants, and booking our spring, summer, and fall programs. In addition to investing in the future, the winter allows us some space to analyze the successes of the 2008.
2009 is going to prove a challenging time for many organizations and Flow Circus is certainly no different. But in this downturned economy we see opportunity.
Opportunity to grow leaner and more effective. An opportunity to create partnerships with organizations with common goals. An opportunity to identify and maximize our individual and organizational value.
Stand Up and Be Accounted
January 24, 2009 – 2:20 amI just watched American Library Association Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels discuss making a case for libraries in bad economic times. I found it uplifting — despite the topic.
Fiels identifies education, democracy, and driving force in economy as 3 main public services that libraries deliver. He also points out that attendance and circulation has grown significantly during this economic downturn.
The irony: as libraries become more valuable to the community, their budgets are increasingly jeopardized.