WEBVTT
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WBUR Podcasts, Boston.
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Think about someone you would call a friend. What's it
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like when you're with them? Do you feel connected, like
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the two of you are in sync? In today's story,
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we'll meet two friends who have always been in sync
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until an unexpected instrument disrupts their harmony. Whistling I'm Rebecca Shear,
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and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today,
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our story is called Python's Drum. It's adapted from an
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East African tale told by the Baganda-speaking people of Uganda.
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Some really great people came together to bring you our tale,
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including Gabe Kunda and Natasha Rothwell. Grammy-nominated actor and singer
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Gabe Kunda has lent his voice to Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends,
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Diablo 4, Valorant, and other action-packed video games. Two-time Emmy
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nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her performances in
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the HBO series The White Lotus and Insecure, and as
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the creator and star of the Hulu comedy How to
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Die Alone. You kids can hear her voice in Baby
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Shark's Big Movie, Baby Shark's Big Show, and Disney's Wish.
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So circle around, everyone. for Python's Drum. Lizard and Python
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were two best friends who lived in a village beside
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a big, sparkling lake. Lizard was a spectacular singer.
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.
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And Python was a dynamite dancer.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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Once each year, the animals in Python and Lizard's Village
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threw a party. A boisterous celebration with delicious food, festive drinks, and,
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best of all, marvelous music. Python was the proud owner
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of a drum. Drums weren't very common in those early days.
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Python's was a real beauty, carved from a hollowed-out log
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and covered with a tightly stretched hide. Every year, when
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the annual village party rolled around, Python would play her
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drum while Lizard sang.
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Beat the drum, let it ring, listen to old Lizard sing.
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Beat the drum, let it ring, listen to old Lizard sing.
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Then the friends would switch and Lizard would play the
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drum while Python danced.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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Lizard and Python put on quite a show and the
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animals loved it.
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Play another one, you two. We love hearing you sing.
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And watching you dance.
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You're such a dynamic duo.
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One year, a special guest attended the village party. It
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was Lion, chief of another village way across the lake.
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I am so pleased to attend the annual party of
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my esteemed neighbors. I've been hearing about two very talented
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musicians who call this place home.
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Lizard.
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Python, show me what you've got.
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You betcha, chief.
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Check this out.
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Lion was mesmerized as Lizard and Python sang, danced, and drummed.
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The visiting chief was especially enchanted by the drum. And
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hours later, when the party came to a close and
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the guests drifted home to get some sleep, Lion had
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a thought first.
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The animals of my village must experience that dynamite drum.
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I shall invite the drum's owner to come back with
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me across the lake and play for us.
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The only problem was, Lion wasn't sure who the drum's
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owner was. After all, both Lizard and Python had played
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it at the party.
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They both played equally well, though now that I think
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of it, Lizard seemed to have an easier time. After all,
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he could beat the drum with his two hands, while
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Python had to rely on her one tail. Therefore, the
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owner must be Lizard.
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It was a fair guess, even if you and I
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both know it was the wrong one. But Lion didn't
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know that. So, as the edge of the sky began
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growing rosy with dawn, Lion knocked at Lizard's door.
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Lizard!
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I'm sorry if I woke you. But I can't stop
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thinking about the party and the marvelous music you made.
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Thank you, Chief. Though I can't take all the credit.
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Python's quite the music maker as well. Sure she is. Sure.
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But it's you I'm interested in. I'd like you to
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come with me across the lake, Lizard, and perform for
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the animals in my village.
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Really?
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Really.
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All you have to bring is your beautiful voice... and
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your glorious drum.
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Lizard cocked his head.
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Uh, you want me to bring my drum? Of course.
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The rhythmic beats of that drum and the dulcet tones
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of your voice were simply captivating.
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Lizard paused. Lion's praise was wonderful, but worrisome. After all,
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the drum belonged to Python, not him. He couldn't take
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credit for his best friend's prized possession.
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Chief I appreciate the compliments. I really do. But as
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much as I'd love to join you across the lake
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and entertain your villagers, I'm afraid there's no way.
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That I can.
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Oh, I get it.
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A masterful musician like you doesn't entertain for free. Not
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a problem.
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I will reward you.
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Handsomely for your services. Silver, gold, jewels, whatever you wish,
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it's yours.
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So, you in?
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Now, if you were Lizard, what would you do? Would
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you confess to Lion that the drum was not yours?
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Or would you be so tempted by riches that you
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would fudge the facts and fib? Well, in this case.
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Count me in, chief.
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Lizard chose to fib.
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I would be honored to bring my drum to your village.
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Fantastic. Pack your things and come to the lake after breakfast.
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My boat and I will be waiting.
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The sun was already rising, so Lizard had little time
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to lose.
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His goal?
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To get the drum from Python without her knowing the
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real reason why. By the time he scuttled to her house,
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he had concocted a seemingly foolproof plan.
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Good morning, Lizard, old buddy. That was some party last night, huh?
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Lion really dug the music we made together. You and
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I are quite the team.
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Oh boy, oh boy. You are right, Python. You and
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I are quite the team. But to be honest, I
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can't help but feel like my drumming skills are slipping.
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Slipping?
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Yeah, since you own the drum, you always get to practice.
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And it shows. You're a real virtuoso. I feel like
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an amateur.
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Python gave her friend a sympathetic look.
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Gosh, I had no idea you felt that way, buddy.
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You know you can borrow my drum and practice anytime.
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Anytime at all.
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I can? But it's so important to you.
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You know what else is important to me?
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My best friend.
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And I would do anything for my best friend.
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Lizard felt a twinge of guilt, but he did his
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best to ignore it.
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That is so sweet of you, Python. I'd love to
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borrow the drum now, if I may. Say, for a
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day or two?
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How about a week? That'll give you plenty of time
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to polish your skills. Just promise you'll be careful with it, okay?
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Of course. I know how rare it is.
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You know what else is rare? A friend like you.
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I'm glad I could help you out, pal.
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Lizard felt another prick of guilt, then shooed it away,
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grabbed Python's drum, and hightailed it toward the lake.
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Okay, so I liked a python. A little bit. But, hey...
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It'll be worth it when I play this drum in
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Lion's Village and get all the glory. And all the riches, too.
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What will happen when Lizard brings Python's drum across the lake?
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Will his best buddy discover the truth? We'll find out
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after a quick break.
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100 years from now in a land far, far away...
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Hang on. It's not so far away at all, actually. Hey,
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Circle Round families. We're here to share a new listening
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experience from WBUR, The Midnight Rebellion. It's a climate podcast
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adventure for kids 8 and up. Time-traveling, problem-solving, laughs in danger,
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it's here. Follow the feed to listen. Oh, and bring
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your goggles and boots. That's The Midnight Rebellion, in your
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feed or wherever you get podcasts.
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The Midnight Rebellion.
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Back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear. Today, our story
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is called Python's Drum. Before the break. Lizard convinced his
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best pal, Python, to lend him her prized drum so
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that he could practice. But what he actually did was
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perform for the animals across the lake in Lion's Village.
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.
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.
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The animals went wild for Lizard's drumming, so wild that
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he wound up staying with them, playing every night for
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a week.
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Oh yeah, uh, check this out.
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With each performance, Lizard's pride inflated like a balloon. And
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to the memory of his promise to return, Python's drum
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deflated like a flat tire. Python, meanwhile, had no idea
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what was going on.
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It's been a week, and I haven't seen hide nor
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hair nor scale of Lizard.
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I'd better go to his house and see what's up.
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But when she slithered over and wrapped her tail on
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Lizard's door, nobody answered.
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Lizard?
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Are you there?
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I've come to get my drum back, just like we discussed.
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Lizard?
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Lizard?
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As Python knocked and knocked, a group of passing animals
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came scurrying over.
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You won't find Lizard at home, Python.
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You won't even find him in the village.
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He left town a week ago.
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And he took your drum with him.
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Python's jaw dropped.
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What?
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For real?
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Lizard skipped town with my drum? Where did he go?
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Across the lake.
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Lion asked him to play for the animals in his village.
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He promised Lizard he would be richly rewarded.
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So Lizard took your drum and left.
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Python was floored. And just as she was wondering how
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her best friend could lie to her like this, she
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heard a familiar sound and familiar voice. Python hurried to
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the lakeside, and what should she see but Lizard drifting
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to shore in a boat full of riches and playing
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her drum.
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Lizard!
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Hey, Lizard! Lizard put down the drum and paddled to shore.
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Hiya, Python. You called?
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Yes, I did.
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You told me you were practicing the drum, Lizard, not
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that you were performing for riches.
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To me like this.
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Lie?
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I did not lie. Not technically, anyway. Performing counts as practice,
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does it not? And boy, did those animals across the
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lake love my performance.
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I'm sure they did, lizard, judging by the riches in
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your boat. And look, since you're my friend, I'm happy
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for you. But Now it's time to make good on
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your promise and give me back my drum.
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Give it back?
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Lizard clutched the drum to his chest.
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Why should I give it back? Have you been showered
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with silver, gold, and jewels for your playing? I don't
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think so. And besides, it was me Lion invited to
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play in his village, not you. So, clearly, I am
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more deserving of this drum than you'll ever be.
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And with that, Lizard hopped out of the boat and
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began carrying the drum away. Now, you may know that
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snakes are cold-blooded creatures. But Python was so angry, her
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blood began to boil. She let out a hiss, then
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lunged at Lizard with teeth bared. Lizard was so startled,
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he bolted up a eucalyptus tree overlooking the lake.
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I'm not afraid of you, Python! And you'll never get
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this trunk back! Never!
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What a bet!
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Python coiled herself around the tree. Then, using her powerful muscles,
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she began shimmying up the trunk. Lizard scrambled away from her,
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climbing higher and higher until he reached the skinny, spindly
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branches that hung over the water. He knew they were
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too slender to support Python's weight.
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Let it go, Python! A drum this important and rare
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deserves an owner who's important and rare. And I am
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important and rare. You told me so yourself.
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I was talking about friendship, Lizard. Because you're so precious
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to me.
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Or you were.
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Well, you know what's actually precious? This drum. So, I'm
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keeping it for myself.
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For myself? Python was in tears as she wriggled back
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to the ground. As she made her way home, she
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heard a friendly voice.
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Hi there, Python.
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Python turned her head and there, perched atop a termite mound,
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was the termite queen. When the royal insect noticed Python's tears,
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she frowned.
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Oh dear, you.
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Look awfully blue.
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That's because I am blue, queen.
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I lost my drum, and even worse, I lost my
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best friend.
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You mean lizard? I'm sorry to hear it, but you
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know what might cheer you up? It's my birthday, and
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the termites are throwing me a party tonight. Would you
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do us the honor of coming over and dancing for us?
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Your moves are so amazing.
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Python was in no mood for dancing, but as she
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considered the invitation, she was struck by an idea.
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You know what, Queen?
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I'd be delighted to dance for you tonight, if you'll
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do me a favor in return.
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Of course, Python.
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Anything.
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Python leaned down and whispered in the Queen's ear. The
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queen gave Python a grin, then let out a whistle.
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Fellow termites, come out of the mound.
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We have a mission to carry out.
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In no time flat, hundreds of thousands of termites came
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swarming into view. The queen gave some instructions, then they
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all lined up behind Python and followed her to the
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eucalyptus tree. Lizard was still perched in the branches over
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the water, drumming his heart out.
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Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Oh, uh, oh yeah.
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Hey, Lizard!
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Lizard!
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Lizard stopped drumming and shot Python an arrogant look. He
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was up so high he didn't see the army of
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termites behind her.
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Hey, look who's come slithering back. Are you going to
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demand that I give you back the drum, Python? Again? No, Lizard.
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I'm going to ask that you give me back the
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drum again. In the hope that somewhere in your heart
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you remember our.
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Friendship and how special it was.
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Lizard was quiet for a moment. The truth is, he
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did remember their friendship. But he was in too deep
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to turn back now.
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Friendship's menship. I'm a professional musician now, Python. I'm in
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show business now. I don't have time for friends. Yeah, yeah. Man,
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I'm good.
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Python took a deep breath. Then she turned to the termites.
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All right, everybody. Time to do your thing.
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The army of insects heeded the cue. Without missing a beat,
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they swarmed to the eucalyptus tree.
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And just like that, hundreds of thousands of voracious wood-eating
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critters went scuttling up and down the trunk, nibbling and
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devouring the delicious wood. Blizzard was so busy drumming, he
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didn't notice.
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Yeah, all right. I'm keeping it for myself.
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Uh-huh, uh-huh.
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At least he didn't notice at first. But with every
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termite nibble, The trunk grew thinner and weaker until the
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eucalyptus tree toppled into the lake, taking Lizard and the
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drum with it. Lizard thrashed and flailed in the water,
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struggling to stay afloat. The drum bobbed up and down
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beside him.
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Somebody help me! I can't swim!
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Python stared at Lizard. Then she stared at the drum.
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Then she slid her strong, streamlined body into the lake.
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Fixed Lizard with a steely look. and began streaking toward him.
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Python!
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Don't hurt me! What I did was wrong, and I'm
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so sorry, but I beg you, let me live.
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Python picked up speed, and when she reached Lizard and
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the drum, she dove forward and coiled her muscular body
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00:20:10.269 --> 00:20:12.269
around Lizard.
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Oh, no!
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You're going to crush me, aren't you? You're going to
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squeeze me.
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To a pulp!
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Python's answer caught Lizard by surprise.
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No!
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I'm going to save you.
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Save me? What about the drum?
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I'll come back for it later. It's hollow and made
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from wood, so it floats. But you don't.
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And even though the drum is important to me and rare,
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it's nothing compared with an old friend.
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Python tightened her grip and began carrying Lizard to shore.
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Ooh, uh, Python? Hi. Do you have to squeeze so tight?
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If you want me to save your life, I do.
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Just don't move. I can't breathe.
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00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:03.279
I'm so dizzy. I'm seeing stars.
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Then close your eyes.
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I can't.
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You're squeezing so tight.
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My eyes are bulging out of my head.
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Well, there's nothing I can do about that. Just hang on.
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After several of the longest seconds of Lizard's life, He
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and Python reached the shore and collapsed on the grass.
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Whew!
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Thanks for saving my life, Python. I'm sorry I was
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so dishonest about your drum. And I'm sorry I tried
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to steal it.
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That's okay, Lizard. I'm sorry, too.
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00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:44.559
About what? Oh, you know.
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She gave a sheepish look. Your eyes.
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My what?
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Lizard raced to the water and peered down at his reflection. Indeed,
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his eyes were now bulging out of his head like
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two golf balls. And that is why so many lizards
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have bulging eyes today. The reunited friends laughed and shared
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a hug. Python made sure not to squeeze too tight.
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And that night, Both she and Lizard showed up to
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perform at the termite queen's party. Python played her drum
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while Lizard sang.
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Play the drum, let it ring, listen to old Lizard sing.
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Then Lizard played the drum while Python danced.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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The two pals put on quite a show as they
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made enchanting, mesmerizing music Together. Now it's your turn. You
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can make your own tin can drum. First, get an
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empty tin can and please make sure a grown-up has
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00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:07.470
removed the lid safely. Second, find an uninflated balloon and
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cut off the narrow end. Then, stretch the balloon tightly
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over the can's open top. Hold the balloon in place
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with a rubber band. Next, use paper and glue, stickers,
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or anything else you have around to decorate your drum.
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After that, you can play your drum using a stick,
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a pencil, or your hands. This week's episode, Python's Drum,
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was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by
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Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by
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00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:48.400
Eric Shimalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week is the djembe.
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You can learn more about this goblet-shaped hand drum and
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00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:55.849
see a photo of Eric playing one on our website, wbur.org
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00:23:55.869 --> 00:24:00.009
slash circleround. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Han. Sabina has
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created a black and white coloring page for every single
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00:24:02.670 --> 00:24:04.809
Circle Round story, and you can print them out and
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color them in. Grown-ups, you can download all of our
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00:24:07.410 --> 00:24:12.109
coloring pages at wbur.org slash circleround. Special thanks to this
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00:24:12.170 --> 00:24:24.880
week's actors. Grammy-nominated actor and singer Gabe Kunda has lent
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00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:28.089
his voice to animation, movie trailers, and video games like
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00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:32.730
Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends, Diablo 4, and Valorant. He's also
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00:24:32.769 --> 00:24:36.170
a member of the a cappella group King's Return. Two-time
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00:24:36.230 --> 00:24:39.049
Emmy nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her roles
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00:24:39.089 --> 00:24:41.809
in The White Lotus and Insecure. And as the creator
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00:24:41.849 --> 00:24:44.490
and star of the Hulu comedy How to Die Alone,
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00:24:45.009 --> 00:24:48.369
she continues to champion authentic storytelling through her film and
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00:24:48.450 --> 00:24:53.130
television company, Big Hattie Productions. Love Circle Round and want
406
00:24:53.170 --> 00:24:56.009
to circle round with us in even more ways? Join
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00:24:56.029 --> 00:24:58.690
the Circle Round Club. And as thanks for your support
408
00:24:58.710 --> 00:25:01.769
of our public media podcast, we'll shower you with all
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00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:06.109
sorts of goodies, including an ad-free feed, bonus bedtime stories,
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00:25:06.569 --> 00:25:10.009
audio features about the musical instruments we use, and an
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00:25:10.049 --> 00:25:13.450
invitation to meet me and Eric Shimalonis after our live shows.
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Sign up for the Circle Round Club and show your
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00:25:16.269 --> 00:25:21.569
love for public media at wbur.org slash circle round. Grownups,
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00:25:21.730 --> 00:25:24.190
if you have a moment, please leave us a five-star
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00:25:24.230 --> 00:25:27.319
rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now.
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00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:30.339
It helps other listeners find the show so we can
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00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:33.940
keep circling round with you for years to come. Circle
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Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR. I'm Rebecca Shear.
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Thanks for circling around with us. Now that you've made
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it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we
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want to know, what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands
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00:25:53.890 --> 00:25:56.079
of fans just like you have been telling us about
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00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:58.000
the Circle Round stories they like best.
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Take a listen.
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Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours, too.
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00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:08.039
My name is Talis. I live in Asheville, North Carolina.
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00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:12.599
And my favorite circle round story is Friends in High Places.
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00:26:13.119 --> 00:26:17.259
My favorite part is when Rhino says, ah! My name
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00:26:17.369 --> 00:26:22.410
is Isla, and I live in California. My favorite story
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00:26:23.150 --> 00:26:26.930
is the first cuckoo call, because my favorite part is
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00:26:26.990 --> 00:26:31.190
when you say, no way, the real cuckoo call. My
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00:26:31.250 --> 00:26:34.309
name is Claire, and I live in New York. And
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my favorite story is Salmon Famine, and I like the
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part when Coyote turns into a baby and teaches the
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giants a lesson.
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I'm Kevin, and I'm from Iowa, and my favorite soccer
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00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:53.500
round is a parkour. My name is Peter. I live
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00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:59.029
in Bettendorf, Iowa. My favorite circle around story is all
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00:26:59.150 --> 00:27:00.150
the stories.
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00:27:01.150 --> 00:27:04.920
My name is Anderson. I live in Nashville, Tennessee. My
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00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:09.980
favorite story is the Price Master. My favorite part is
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00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:13.839
when the Price Master says, one doggy bag of rice.
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My name is Naomi. I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And
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my favorite Circle Round story is the bee in the bush.
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00:27:23.390 --> 00:27:26.980
And my favorite part is when the landlord brings his
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00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:31.380
hands and makes a fit. And the mom and Rose
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00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:32.220
do not.
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Did someone mention a story you've missed?
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Not to worry.
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Grownups, you can find all of our Circle Round stories,
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00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:42.700
plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages,
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00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:47.529
and oh so much more on our website, wbur.org slash circleround.
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WBUR Podcasts, Boston.
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00:00:09.039 --> 00:00:13.449
Think about someone you would call a friend. What's it
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00:00:13.509 --> 00:00:16.769
like when you're with them? Do you feel connected, like
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00:00:16.809 --> 00:00:19.829
the two of you are in sync? In today's story,
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00:00:19.949 --> 00:00:22.730
we'll meet two friends who have always been in sync
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00:00:23.339 --> 00:00:35.039
until an unexpected instrument disrupts their harmony. Whistling I'm Rebecca Shear,
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00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:39.920
and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today,
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00:00:40.020 --> 00:00:44.100
our story is called Python's Drum. It's adapted from an
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00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:48.500
East African tale told by the Baganda-speaking people of Uganda.
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00:00:50.679 --> 00:00:53.640
Some really great people came together to bring you our tale,
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00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:59.539
including Gabe Kunda and Natasha Rothwell. Grammy-nominated actor and singer
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00:00:59.619 --> 00:01:03.909
Gabe Kunda has lent his voice to Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends,
13
00:01:04.069 --> 00:01:08.810
Diablo 4, Valorant, and other action-packed video games. Two-time Emmy
14
00:01:08.849 --> 00:01:12.090
nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her performances in
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00:01:12.109 --> 00:01:15.530
the HBO series The White Lotus and Insecure, and as
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00:01:15.549 --> 00:01:18.159
the creator and star of the Hulu comedy How to
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00:01:18.200 --> 00:01:20.939
Die Alone. You kids can hear her voice in Baby
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00:01:20.959 --> 00:01:24.680
Shark's Big Movie, Baby Shark's Big Show, and Disney's Wish.
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So circle around, everyone. for Python's Drum. Lizard and Python
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were two best friends who lived in a village beside
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a big, sparkling lake. Lizard was a spectacular singer.
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.
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And Python was a dynamite dancer.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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Once each year, the animals in Python and Lizard's Village
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threw a party. A boisterous celebration with delicious food, festive drinks, and,
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best of all, marvelous music. Python was the proud owner
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of a drum. Drums weren't very common in those early days.
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Python's was a real beauty, carved from a hollowed-out log
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and covered with a tightly stretched hide. Every year, when
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the annual village party rolled around, Python would play her
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drum while Lizard sang.
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Beat the drum, let it ring, listen to old Lizard sing.
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Beat the drum, let it ring, listen to old Lizard sing.
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Then the friends would switch and Lizard would play the
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drum while Python danced.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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Lizard and Python put on quite a show and the
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animals loved it.
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Play another one, you two. We love hearing you sing.
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And watching you dance.
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You're such a dynamic duo.
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One year, a special guest attended the village party. It
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was Lion, chief of another village way across the lake.
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I am so pleased to attend the annual party of
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my esteemed neighbors. I've been hearing about two very talented
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musicians who call this place home.
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Lizard.
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Python, show me what you've got.
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You betcha, chief.
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Check this out.
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Lion was mesmerized as Lizard and Python sang, danced, and drummed.
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The visiting chief was especially enchanted by the drum. And
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hours later, when the party came to a close and
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the guests drifted home to get some sleep, Lion had
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a thought first.
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The animals of my village must experience that dynamite drum.
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I shall invite the drum's owner to come back with
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me across the lake and play for us.
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The only problem was, Lion wasn't sure who the drum's
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owner was. After all, both Lizard and Python had played
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it at the party.
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They both played equally well, though now that I think
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of it, Lizard seemed to have an easier time. After all,
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he could beat the drum with his two hands, while
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Python had to rely on her one tail. Therefore, the
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owner must be Lizard.
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It was a fair guess, even if you and I
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both know it was the wrong one. But Lion didn't
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know that. So, as the edge of the sky began
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growing rosy with dawn, Lion knocked at Lizard's door.
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Lizard!
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I'm sorry if I woke you. But I can't stop
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thinking about the party and the marvelous music you made.
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Thank you, Chief. Though I can't take all the credit.
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Python's quite the music maker as well. Sure she is. Sure.
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But it's you I'm interested in. I'd like you to
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come with me across the lake, Lizard, and perform for
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the animals in my village.
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Really?
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Really.
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All you have to bring is your beautiful voice... and
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your glorious drum.
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Lizard cocked his head.
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Uh, you want me to bring my drum? Of course.
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The rhythmic beats of that drum and the dulcet tones
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of your voice were simply captivating.
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Lizard paused. Lion's praise was wonderful, but worrisome. After all,
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the drum belonged to Python, not him. He couldn't take
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credit for his best friend's prized possession.
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Chief I appreciate the compliments. I really do. But as
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much as I'd love to join you across the lake
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and entertain your villagers, I'm afraid there's no way.
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That I can.
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Oh, I get it.
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A masterful musician like you doesn't entertain for free. Not
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a problem.
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I will reward you.
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Handsomely for your services. Silver, gold, jewels, whatever you wish,
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it's yours.
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So, you in?
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Now, if you were Lizard, what would you do? Would
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you confess to Lion that the drum was not yours?
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Or would you be so tempted by riches that you
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would fudge the facts and fib? Well, in this case.
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Count me in, chief.
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Lizard chose to fib.
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I would be honored to bring my drum to your village.
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Fantastic. Pack your things and come to the lake after breakfast.
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My boat and I will be waiting.
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The sun was already rising, so Lizard had little time
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to lose.
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His goal?
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To get the drum from Python without her knowing the
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real reason why. By the time he scuttled to her house,
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he had concocted a seemingly foolproof plan.
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Good morning, Lizard, old buddy. That was some party last night, huh?
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Lion really dug the music we made together. You and
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I are quite the team.
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Oh boy, oh boy. You are right, Python. You and
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I are quite the team. But to be honest, I
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can't help but feel like my drumming skills are slipping.
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Slipping?
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Yeah, since you own the drum, you always get to practice.
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And it shows. You're a real virtuoso. I feel like
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an amateur.
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Python gave her friend a sympathetic look.
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Gosh, I had no idea you felt that way, buddy.
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You know you can borrow my drum and practice anytime.
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Anytime at all.
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I can? But it's so important to you.
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You know what else is important to me?
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My best friend.
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And I would do anything for my best friend.
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Lizard felt a twinge of guilt, but he did his
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best to ignore it.
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That is so sweet of you, Python. I'd love to
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borrow the drum now, if I may. Say, for a
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day or two?
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How about a week? That'll give you plenty of time
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to polish your skills. Just promise you'll be careful with it, okay?
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Of course. I know how rare it is.
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You know what else is rare? A friend like you.
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I'm glad I could help you out, pal.
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Lizard felt another prick of guilt, then shooed it away,
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grabbed Python's drum, and hightailed it toward the lake.
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Okay, so I liked a python. A little bit. But, hey...
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It'll be worth it when I play this drum in
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Lion's Village and get all the glory. And all the riches, too.
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What will happen when Lizard brings Python's drum across the lake?
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Will his best buddy discover the truth? We'll find out
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after a quick break.
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100 years from now in a land far, far away...
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Hang on. It's not so far away at all, actually. Hey,
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Circle Round families. We're here to share a new listening
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00:09:37.090 --> 00:09:41.990
experience from WBUR, The Midnight Rebellion. It's a climate podcast
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00:09:42.029 --> 00:09:46.120
adventure for kids 8 and up. Time-traveling, problem-solving, laughs in danger,
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00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:49.860
it's here. Follow the feed to listen. Oh, and bring
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00:09:49.899 --> 00:09:53.179
your goggles and boots. That's The Midnight Rebellion, in your
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00:09:53.220 --> 00:09:55.259
feed or wherever you get podcasts.
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00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:59.320
The Midnight Rebellion.
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Back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear. Today, our story
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is called Python's Drum. Before the break. Lizard convinced his
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best pal, Python, to lend him her prized drum so
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that he could practice. But what he actually did was
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perform for the animals across the lake in Lion's Village.
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.
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.
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The animals went wild for Lizard's drumming, so wild that
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he wound up staying with them, playing every night for
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a week.
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Oh yeah, uh, check this out.
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With each performance, Lizard's pride inflated like a balloon. And
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to the memory of his promise to return, Python's drum
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deflated like a flat tire. Python, meanwhile, had no idea
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what was going on.
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It's been a week, and I haven't seen hide nor
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hair nor scale of Lizard.
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I'd better go to his house and see what's up.
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But when she slithered over and wrapped her tail on
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Lizard's door, nobody answered.
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Lizard?
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Are you there?
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I've come to get my drum back, just like we discussed.
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Lizard?
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Lizard?
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As Python knocked and knocked, a group of passing animals
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came scurrying over.
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You won't find Lizard at home, Python.
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You won't even find him in the village.
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He left town a week ago.
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And he took your drum with him.
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Python's jaw dropped.
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What?
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For real?
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Lizard skipped town with my drum? Where did he go?
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Across the lake.
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Lion asked him to play for the animals in his village.
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He promised Lizard he would be richly rewarded.
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So Lizard took your drum and left.
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Python was floored. And just as she was wondering how
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her best friend could lie to her like this, she
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heard a familiar sound and familiar voice. Python hurried to
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the lakeside, and what should she see but Lizard drifting
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to shore in a boat full of riches and playing
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her drum.
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Lizard!
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Hey, Lizard! Lizard put down the drum and paddled to shore.
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Hiya, Python. You called?
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Yes, I did.
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You told me you were practicing the drum, Lizard, not
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that you were performing for riches.
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To me like this.
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Lie?
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I did not lie. Not technically, anyway. Performing counts as practice,
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does it not? And boy, did those animals across the
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lake love my performance.
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I'm sure they did, lizard, judging by the riches in
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your boat. And look, since you're my friend, I'm happy
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for you. But Now it's time to make good on
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your promise and give me back my drum.
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Give it back?
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Lizard clutched the drum to his chest.
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Why should I give it back? Have you been showered
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with silver, gold, and jewels for your playing? I don't
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think so. And besides, it was me Lion invited to
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play in his village, not you. So, clearly, I am
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more deserving of this drum than you'll ever be.
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And with that, Lizard hopped out of the boat and
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began carrying the drum away. Now, you may know that
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snakes are cold-blooded creatures. But Python was so angry, her
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blood began to boil. She let out a hiss, then
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lunged at Lizard with teeth bared. Lizard was so startled,
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he bolted up a eucalyptus tree overlooking the lake.
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I'm not afraid of you, Python! And you'll never get
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this trunk back! Never!
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What a bet!
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Python coiled herself around the tree. Then, using her powerful muscles,
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she began shimmying up the trunk. Lizard scrambled away from her,
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climbing higher and higher until he reached the skinny, spindly
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branches that hung over the water. He knew they were
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too slender to support Python's weight.
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Let it go, Python! A drum this important and rare
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deserves an owner who's important and rare. And I am
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important and rare. You told me so yourself.
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I was talking about friendship, Lizard. Because you're so precious
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to me.
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Or you were.
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Well, you know what's actually precious? This drum. So, I'm
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keeping it for myself.
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For myself? Python was in tears as she wriggled back
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to the ground. As she made her way home, she
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heard a friendly voice.
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Hi there, Python.
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Python turned her head and there, perched atop a termite mound,
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was the termite queen. When the royal insect noticed Python's tears,
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she frowned.
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Oh dear, you.
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Look awfully blue.
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That's because I am blue, queen.
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I lost my drum, and even worse, I lost my
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best friend.
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You mean lizard? I'm sorry to hear it, but you
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know what might cheer you up? It's my birthday, and
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the termites are throwing me a party tonight. Would you
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do us the honor of coming over and dancing for us?
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Your moves are so amazing.
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Python was in no mood for dancing, but as she
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considered the invitation, she was struck by an idea.
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You know what, Queen?
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I'd be delighted to dance for you tonight, if you'll
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do me a favor in return.
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Of course, Python.
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Anything.
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Python leaned down and whispered in the Queen's ear. The
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queen gave Python a grin, then let out a whistle.
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Fellow termites, come out of the mound.
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We have a mission to carry out.
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In no time flat, hundreds of thousands of termites came
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swarming into view. The queen gave some instructions, then they
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all lined up behind Python and followed her to the
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eucalyptus tree. Lizard was still perched in the branches over
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the water, drumming his heart out.
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Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Oh, uh, oh yeah.
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Hey, Lizard!
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Lizard!
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Lizard stopped drumming and shot Python an arrogant look. He
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was up so high he didn't see the army of
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termites behind her.
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Hey, look who's come slithering back. Are you going to
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demand that I give you back the drum, Python? Again? No, Lizard.
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I'm going to ask that you give me back the
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drum again. In the hope that somewhere in your heart
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you remember our.
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Friendship and how special it was.
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Lizard was quiet for a moment. The truth is, he
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did remember their friendship. But he was in too deep
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to turn back now.
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Friendship's menship. I'm a professional musician now, Python. I'm in
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00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:24.970
show business now. I don't have time for friends. Yeah, yeah. Man,
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I'm good.
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Python took a deep breath. Then she turned to the termites.
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All right, everybody. Time to do your thing.
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The army of insects heeded the cue. Without missing a beat,
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they swarmed to the eucalyptus tree.
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And just like that, hundreds of thousands of voracious wood-eating
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critters went scuttling up and down the trunk, nibbling and
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devouring the delicious wood. Blizzard was so busy drumming, he
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00:18:58.119 --> 00:18:58.740
didn't notice.
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Yeah, all right. I'm keeping it for myself.
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Uh-huh, uh-huh.
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At least he didn't notice at first. But with every
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termite nibble, The trunk grew thinner and weaker until the
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eucalyptus tree toppled into the lake, taking Lizard and the
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drum with it. Lizard thrashed and flailed in the water,
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struggling to stay afloat. The drum bobbed up and down
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beside him.
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Somebody help me! I can't swim!
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Python stared at Lizard. Then she stared at the drum.
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Then she slid her strong, streamlined body into the lake.
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Fixed Lizard with a steely look. and began streaking toward him.
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Python!
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Don't hurt me! What I did was wrong, and I'm
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so sorry, but I beg you, let me live.
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Python picked up speed, and when she reached Lizard and
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the drum, she dove forward and coiled her muscular body
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around Lizard.
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00:20:13.869 --> 00:20:14.069
Oh, no!
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You're going to crush me, aren't you? You're going to
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squeeze me.
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To a pulp!
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Python's answer caught Lizard by surprise.
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No!
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I'm going to save you.
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Save me? What about the drum?
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I'll come back for it later. It's hollow and made
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from wood, so it floats. But you don't.
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And even though the drum is important to me and rare,
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it's nothing compared with an old friend.
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Python tightened her grip and began carrying Lizard to shore.
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Ooh, uh, Python? Hi. Do you have to squeeze so tight?
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If you want me to save your life, I do.
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Just don't move. I can't breathe.
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00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:03.279
I'm so dizzy. I'm seeing stars.
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Then close your eyes.
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I can't.
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You're squeezing so tight.
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My eyes are bulging out of my head.
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Well, there's nothing I can do about that. Just hang on.
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After several of the longest seconds of Lizard's life, He
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00:21:20.910 --> 00:21:24.759
and Python reached the shore and collapsed on the grass.
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Whew!
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Thanks for saving my life, Python. I'm sorry I was
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00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:34.140
so dishonest about your drum. And I'm sorry I tried
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to steal it.
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That's okay, Lizard. I'm sorry, too.
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00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:44.559
About what? Oh, you know.
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She gave a sheepish look. Your eyes.
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My what?
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Lizard raced to the water and peered down at his reflection. Indeed,
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00:21:56.829 --> 00:22:01.160
his eyes were now bulging out of his head like
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00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:06.000
two golf balls. And that is why so many lizards
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00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:11.589
have bulging eyes today. The reunited friends laughed and shared
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a hug. Python made sure not to squeeze too tight.
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00:22:15.190 --> 00:22:18.160
And that night, Both she and Lizard showed up to
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perform at the termite queen's party. Python played her drum
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00:22:22.509 --> 00:22:23.650
while Lizard sang.
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Play the drum, let it ring, listen to old Lizard sing.
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Then Lizard played the drum while Python danced.
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00:22:34.130 --> 00:22:37.839
Slither and slide, put your tail in the air and glide.
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00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:42.619
The two pals put on quite a show as they
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00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:56.180
made enchanting, mesmerizing music Together. Now it's your turn. You
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can make your own tin can drum. First, get an
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empty tin can and please make sure a grown-up has
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00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:07.470
removed the lid safely. Second, find an uninflated balloon and
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00:23:07.549 --> 00:23:11.309
cut off the narrow end. Then, stretch the balloon tightly
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00:23:11.410 --> 00:23:14.490
over the can's open top. Hold the balloon in place
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with a rubber band. Next, use paper and glue, stickers,
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or anything else you have around to decorate your drum.
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After that, you can play your drum using a stick,
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a pencil, or your hands. This week's episode, Python's Drum,
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was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by
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00:23:40.609 --> 00:23:44.490
Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by
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00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:48.400
Eric Shimalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week is the djembe.
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You can learn more about this goblet-shaped hand drum and
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00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:55.849
see a photo of Eric playing one on our website, wbur.org
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00:23:55.869 --> 00:24:00.009
slash circleround. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Han. Sabina has
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created a black and white coloring page for every single
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00:24:02.670 --> 00:24:04.809
Circle Round story, and you can print them out and
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00:24:04.910 --> 00:24:07.390
color them in. Grown-ups, you can download all of our
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00:24:07.410 --> 00:24:12.109
coloring pages at wbur.org slash circleround. Special thanks to this
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00:24:12.170 --> 00:24:24.880
week's actors. Grammy-nominated actor and singer Gabe Kunda has lent
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00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:28.089
his voice to animation, movie trailers, and video games like
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00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:32.730
Marvel Rivals, Apex Legends, Diablo 4, and Valorant. He's also
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00:24:32.769 --> 00:24:36.170
a member of the a cappella group King's Return. Two-time
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00:24:36.230 --> 00:24:39.049
Emmy nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her roles
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00:24:39.089 --> 00:24:41.809
in The White Lotus and Insecure. And as the creator
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00:24:41.849 --> 00:24:44.490
and star of the Hulu comedy How to Die Alone,
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00:24:45.009 --> 00:24:48.369
she continues to champion authentic storytelling through her film and
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00:24:48.450 --> 00:24:53.130
television company, Big Hattie Productions. Love Circle Round and want
406
00:24:53.170 --> 00:24:56.009
to circle round with us in even more ways? Join
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00:24:56.029 --> 00:24:58.690
the Circle Round Club. And as thanks for your support
408
00:24:58.710 --> 00:25:01.769
of our public media podcast, we'll shower you with all
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00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:06.109
sorts of goodies, including an ad-free feed, bonus bedtime stories,
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00:25:06.569 --> 00:25:10.009
audio features about the musical instruments we use, and an
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00:25:10.049 --> 00:25:13.450
invitation to meet me and Eric Shimalonis after our live shows.
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Sign up for the Circle Round Club and show your
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00:25:16.269 --> 00:25:21.569
love for public media at wbur.org slash circle round. Grownups,
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00:25:21.730 --> 00:25:24.190
if you have a moment, please leave us a five-star
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00:25:24.230 --> 00:25:27.319
rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now.
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00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:30.339
It helps other listeners find the show so we can
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00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:33.940
keep circling round with you for years to come. Circle
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00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:40.569
Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR. I'm Rebecca Shear.
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00:25:40.950 --> 00:25:46.569
Thanks for circling around with us. Now that you've made
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00:25:46.589 --> 00:25:49.150
it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we
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00:25:49.190 --> 00:25:53.839
want to know, what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands
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00:25:53.890 --> 00:25:56.079
of fans just like you have been telling us about
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00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:58.000
the Circle Round stories they like best.
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00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:59.059
Take a listen.
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Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours, too.
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00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:08.039
My name is Talis. I live in Asheville, North Carolina.
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00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:12.599
And my favorite circle round story is Friends in High Places.
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00:26:13.119 --> 00:26:17.259
My favorite part is when Rhino says, ah! My name
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00:26:17.369 --> 00:26:22.410
is Isla, and I live in California. My favorite story
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00:26:23.150 --> 00:26:26.930
is the first cuckoo call, because my favorite part is
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00:26:26.990 --> 00:26:31.190
when you say, no way, the real cuckoo call. My
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00:26:31.250 --> 00:26:34.309
name is Claire, and I live in New York. And
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00:26:34.369 --> 00:26:38.529
my favorite story is Salmon Famine, and I like the
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00:26:38.549 --> 00:26:42.190
part when Coyote turns into a baby and teaches the
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00:26:42.230 --> 00:26:43.519
giants a lesson.
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00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:48.839
I'm Kevin, and I'm from Iowa, and my favorite soccer
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00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:53.500
round is a parkour. My name is Peter. I live
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00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:59.029
in Bettendorf, Iowa. My favorite circle around story is all
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00:26:59.150 --> 00:27:00.150
the stories.
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00:27:01.150 --> 00:27:04.920
My name is Anderson. I live in Nashville, Tennessee. My
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00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:09.980
favorite story is the Price Master. My favorite part is
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00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:13.839
when the Price Master says, one doggy bag of rice.
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00:27:14.509 --> 00:27:18.930
My name is Naomi. I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And
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00:27:18.970 --> 00:27:23.359
my favorite Circle Round story is the bee in the bush.
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00:27:23.390 --> 00:27:26.980
And my favorite part is when the landlord brings his
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00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:31.380
hands and makes a fit. And the mom and Rose
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00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:32.220
do not.
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Did someone mention a story you've missed?
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Not to worry.
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00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:39.079
Grownups, you can find all of our Circle Round stories,
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00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:42.700
plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages,
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00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:47.529
and oh so much more on our website, wbur.org slash circleround.
