Tony Sarg was a remarkable commercial artist and entrepreneur who invented the first mechanical puppets, known as marionettes, and revolutionized the field of puppetry. His innovative designs and techniques led to the creation of the iconic balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which he designed and produced from 1924 to 1942. Sarg's legacy extends beyond his work on the parade, as he also popularized folktales and stories that became classics, influencing the work of Walt Disney and other notable artists. [... more]

Nikita Koloff shares his favorite Thanksgiving memories, including playing football in the snow and catching a football in the snowbanks. He also talks about the history of Thanksgiving, including the first official Thanksgiving in 1621 and how it was celebrated by individual colonies and states for about two centuries. He also discusses the importance of meeting people where they are and looking at them through the lens of God, as taught by his uncle, a former parole officer and warden who helped many people in prison reform. [... more]

The president of Ukraine showed up at today's peace talks wearing a t-shirt We've sent this guy billions of dollars You're telling me he can't afford to buy a suit from Macy's See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Tony Sarg, a self-taught commercial artist and entrepreneur, invented a new controller for marionettes and went on to create the iconic puppets for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. His innovative approach to puppetry and his ability to blend technical and creative skills made him a pioneer in his field. [... more]

Tony Sarg's remarkable life and career as a commercial artist, puppeteer, and inventor are explored in this story. From his early days as a German-born artist to his creation of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons, Sarg's innovative spirit and creativity left a lasting impact on American culture. [... more]

Tony Sarg, a commercial artist and entrepreneur, invented a new controller for marionettes that could hold up to 24 strings, revolutionizing the art of puppetry. He went on to design animated holiday window displays for Macy's and create the first balloon characters for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which would become a beloved American tradition. [... more]

Florida Man stories continue to amaze, including a man who used a leaf blower to attack another driver after a fender bender. Meanwhile, protests at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and other events have drawn attention, with some groups using confusing and ineffective tactics. The Redskins name change controversy also continues, with some Native American groups pushing back against the decision. And, as always, Thanksgiving leftovers are a topic of discussion, including the best ways to use up leftover turkey and the merits of chocolate gravy. [... more]

The podcast discusses the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, including the recent ceasefire deal and the release of hostages. The conversation also touches on the Biden administration's handling of the situation, including the appointment of a great aunt of a released hostage to a prestigious position, and the potential for corruption. Additionally, the podcast explores the growing trend of gun ownership in the US, the spread of communism, and the increasing influence of China in global trade and maritime affairs. The hosts also discuss their personal experiences with Thanksgiving and the importance of gravy in their holiday meals. [... more]

A Florida Man was arrested for trying to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a homemade hamster truck, while a new dating phenomenon suggests women are pushing back against traditional relationships. Meanwhile, a libertarian president-elect in Argentina has been making headlines for his unconventional views and practices, including using a medium to communicate with his dead dog. [... more]

Dana Lash discusses various topics including the conflict between Israel and Hamas, government surveillance and free speech, climate change, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, Florida Man, crime, and school violence. [... more]

The 2008 financial crisis still casts a long shadow, with repercussions felt to this day. The housing boom, fueled by risky mortgages and lax regulations, led to a devastating crash that wiped out $19 trillion in household wealth and nearly 9 million jobs. Meanwhile, the history of blackface in American entertainment is complex and deeply ingrained, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The classic novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, explores themes of science, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. In other news, a British explorer's solo trek across Antarctica ended in tragedy, and actor Jonah Hill makes his directorial debut with the film Mid 90s. [... more]