Spring has sprung, and with it, our latest episode bursts into bloom, weaving the often-overlooked comic genius of Tom Lehrer into a whimsical tapestry that celebrates the season's playful spirit. Lehrer's satirical melodies have long tickled the funny bone, and it's a mystery why his Mark Twain Prize-worthy humor isn't more widely recognized. Meanwhile, Ted and I set out on an adventure that takes us to the Philadelphia Zoo, where we're greeted by the towering presence of Thomas Dambo's recycled wood troll statues — silent sentinels of sustainability that stir the imagination. Our journey doesn't stop there; we traverse the wild above, thanks to the zoo's overhead mesh bridges, giving us a jaguar's-eye view that's as exhilarating as it is humbling. And as if our day couldn't get any more inspired, we step into the vibrant world of Nathan Sawaya's Art of the Brick exhibit at the Franklin Institute, where the humble Lego brick ascends to new heights of creativity.
In Autism news, The Eagles Autism Challenge is coming up in May. We tell you all about how you can get involved in the Philadelphia Eagles' Annual fundraiser for autism programs and research.
As we draw this episode to a close, I can't help but feel a wave of gratitude for you, our listeners, who share in these explorations and bring your own sparkle to our community. Your stories, your laughter, and your perspectives truly make this journey worthwhile. So go ahead, tell everyone you meet about our podcast adventures — whether they're die-hard fans or just discovering the magic of Lehrer's tongue-in-cheek tunes. And don't be shy with your feedback; head over to Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and let us know your thoughts. For those who crave a visual feast, my YouTube channel, Ted Harris Puppets, awaits with open arms, ready to whisk you away on even more whimsical exploits. Here's to high spirits, boundless curiosity, and the shared joy of discovery as we march forward into the season together.
RESOURCES:
https://www.eaglesautismchallenge.org/
https://fi.edu/en
https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/
https://www.thomasdambo.com/
May your life be filled with magic!