K is for kaleidoscopes (ABC Wednesday)

The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope is not all that far from where I live!

There are certain things, such as fireworks and kaleidoscopes, that are never as impressive in graphic representation than they are in real life.

If you read the definition, you get no idea just how wonderful kaleidoscopes can be: “An optical instrument with two or more reflecting surfaces inclined to each other in an angle, so that one or more (parts of) objects on one end of the mirrors are seen as a regular symmetrical pattern when viewed from the other end, due to repeated reflection.

“The reflectors (or mirrors) are usually enclosed in a tube, often containing on one end a cell with loose, colored pieces of glass or other transparent (and/or opaque) materials to be reflected into the viewed pattern. Rotation of the cell causes motion of the materials, resulting in an ever changing viewed pattern.”

I was reminded of this when I was helping The Daughter clean out her room recently. I came across one of my old kaleidoscopes which I either lent her or she “borrowed.” It was so much fun looking through it that I borrowed it back.

NASA has provided instructions on making a kaleidoscope, appropriate, since its Hubble looked into a cosmic kaleidoscope last year.

I’ve just discovered that the Guinness-certified World’s Largest Kaleidoscope is not all that far from where I live, on Route 28 in Mount Tremper, Ulster County, New York. It stands 56 feet tall and is 38 feet in diameter. The family NEEDS to go this year!

Of course, my first thought involving the word is to the song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by some Liverpudlian band on their Sgt. Pepper album, featuring the line “The girl with kaleidoscope eyes.” Apparently the reference is to one Yoko Ono.

Listen to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds:
The Beatles, from the movie Yellow Submarine
Elton John, #1 in the US for 2 weeks in 1975, with the Reggae guitars of Dr. Winston O’Boogie.

Author: Roger

I'm a librarian. I hear music, even when it's not being played. I used to work at a comic book store, and it still informs my life. I won once on JEOPARDY! - ditto.

20 thoughts on “K is for kaleidoscopes (ABC Wednesday)”

  1. I live just down the road from Mt. Tremper’s kaledoscope, come on down!

  2. Oh my goodness! I had a kaleidoscope as a kid and got them for my girls. I think I looked in them more than they did! Love this…

    Leslie
    abcw team

    PS: Hope you are on the mend!

  3. Fascinating, kaleidoscopes….always had them around the house when the children were growing up. Liked the music….

  4. Hey Roger…’One certain Liverpool group’, you don’t actually mean The Beatles perchance….. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, ?
    Lucy in the sky with diamonds….’The girl with kaleidoscope eyes’. I’m singing along as I, and my Kittie Kat Chloe, tap away on the key board.
    Great choice for K Roger.
    I do hope you are looking after yourself and not back in work too soon !
    Love Di.
    ABCW team.

  5. Such an interesting write up on kaleidoscopes! You are so right, They are best experienced in person.

    (Can you tell Melody that I tried to post to her website, for koala, but got the warning that the form would not be submitted securely). I don’t understand all of the ramifications of that, but didn’t end up leaving a comment. Is that an issue?

    Janis
    GDP

  6. I’ve always been fascinated by kaleidoscopes. I’ve seen some gorgeous adult version made from fine woods and brass, but they’s expensive. Blessings!

  7. How did u know, My dad named me Anne, only there was a mistake. We also have a Elizabeth, Charles and Margaret. hehehhe

  8. My grandpa had à bleautiful one and I remember that I loved to play with it as à child !such beautiful patterns and colors !

  9. Kaleidoscopes are always amazing! But … you helped your daughter clean up her room?? What a n ice father you are!

  10. Ha! I listened to “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” 5 or so minutes ago. Enjoy seeing the world’s greatest kaleidoscope.

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