Wishing upon a star

Sept 9 2020

FRIENDO'S ADVICE

We all have problems in our lives, spanning from the existential to the very mundane, and Friendo, the featureless sexless life-size puppet we use in many of our productions thinks friendo can help.

So we've compiled some of these deep questions in a column we're calling with no creativity whatsoever, "FRIENDO'S ADVICE".

Dear Friendo,

I watched a fascinating documentary the other day about a wizard who lives in a magical land called Oz. Have you seen it? It follows the story of a young girl who travels to Oz via a rainbow where she meets up with a group of friends who travel a golden road to meet a wizard. The wizard then grants all the wishes that they have. It was a remarkable story and testament to the human spirit.

I have been planning a trip to Oz ever since I saw this documentary. Apparently hot air balloons are the only way to get there, I have contacted many, many hot air balloon companies and none of them fly to Oz. So I have decided to build my own balloon , which is where you come in. I have never made anything before,  nevermind a hot air balloon

You seem like a very well put together person, any advice you can give me on this construction would be helpful.

Wishing upon a star

Topeka, Kansas.

Dear Wishing,

I suggest a French fell, or double lap seam, for the lifting envelope. Strengthen the seam with load tape. Many people use dacron for their material, but I prefer ripstop nylon because of its extreme durability. If you're traveling through space and time, you'll need durability!

Use silicone or polyurethane to seal the top one third of the balloon, and be generous. It's often the degradation of this coating that will shorten the effective life of the lifting envelope. And I recommend the standard inverted tear-drop shape - no reason to get fancy on your first go! Get the basics down, and then experiment.

Finally, woven rattan is best for the basket. It's lightweight and, again, durable enough to withstand your flight to a dream dimension.

I hope that helps, human! Until next time.

Friendo

Do you have a question you'd like to ask the featureless sexless life-size puppet we use in many of our productions?  Indeed, Friendo wishes to advise you.

Please write to spitnvigor@gmail.com.