Friday, October 31, 2008
Cheetahs on plane: Animal gets loose in cargo hold
Oct 31, 4:52 pm ETATLANTA – A Delta baggage worker got a bit of a fright before Halloween when she opened a jetliner's cargo door and found a cheetah running loose amid the luggage. Two cheetahs were being flown in the cargo area of a Boeing 757 passenger flight from Portland, Ore., to Atlanta on Thursday when one escaped from its cage, Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton said Friday.
"They told us a large animal had gotten out of a container in the cargo hold and they were having to send someone to tranquilize it," said one passenger, Lee Sentell of Montgomery, Ala.
He said luggage was delayed, but baggage handlers promised to send his bags to him in Alabama.
The good news for passengers: The escaped cheetah didn't damage any of their luggage.
The airline summoned help from Zoo Atlanta, and experts rushed to a closed airport hangar and tranquilized the escaped animal and took both big cats to the zoo.
Both 1-year-old female cheetahs were on their way from the Wildlife Safari Park in Winston, Ore., to the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Memphis Zoo spokesman Drew Smith said in an e-mail. He said the two cheetahs will stay a few days at the zoo in Atlanta until the Memphis Zoo gets a team together to fetch them.
The cheetahs are on loan to the Memphis Zoo, but Smith said he wasn't sure how long they would stay there.
"They told us a large animal had gotten out of a container in the cargo hold and they were having to send someone to tranquilize it," said one passenger, Lee Sentell of Montgomery, Ala.
He said luggage was delayed, but baggage handlers promised to send his bags to him in Alabama.
The good news for passengers: The escaped cheetah didn't damage any of their luggage.
The airline summoned help from Zoo Atlanta, and experts rushed to a closed airport hangar and tranquilized the escaped animal and took both big cats to the zoo.
Both 1-year-old female cheetahs were on their way from the Wildlife Safari Park in Winston, Ore., to the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Memphis Zoo spokesman Drew Smith said in an e-mail. He said the two cheetahs will stay a few days at the zoo in Atlanta until the Memphis Zoo gets a team together to fetch them.
The cheetahs are on loan to the Memphis Zoo, but Smith said he wasn't sure how long they would stay there.
The Crusade by Animal Special Interest Groups to Remove Elephants from Circuses
Animal special interest groups are on a crusade to remove elephants from circuses, zoos and wildlife parks, and they have made no secret about this aggressive and extreme agenda in their statements and in the legislation that they have been pushing in Congress and in states and cities across the country.
Plaintiffs and their Experts: In Their Own Words
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – National organization
"What we want from the court is to order the circus to stop using the elephants so they can be removed and live in peace." – Nancy Blaney, director of public policy for the national ASPCA.
- “ASPCA Joins Suits Against Circus,” The New York Daily News, March 30, 2001. http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2001/03/30/2001-03-30_aspca_joins_suit_against_cir.html
The Humane Society of the United States
“The Humane Society of the United States opposes the use of wild animals in circuses and other traveling acts because cruelty to animals is inherent in such displays. We are working to end such uses of wild animals by increasing public awareness and strengthening the federal, state, and local laws that protect captive, wild and exotic animals.”
- http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/circuses/
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)
Q – What relief is the Animal Welfare Institute seeking in this case?
A – Ultimately for the elephants to be taken away.
- Deposition of Cathy Liss, Executive Director, AWI, May 18, 2005
Amboseli Trust for Elephants
“Elephants should be removed from all free contact situations where they are expected to perform on demand; the use of elephants in circuses and for elephant back safaris should be outlawed.” – Joyce Poole, Trustee of Amboseli Trust for Elephants and an expert witness for the Plaintiffs, in a 2007 statement to the South African Department of Environment and Tourism.
- Posted at: http://www.elephanttrust.org/node/376
Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute (The Born Free Foundation is an international organization whose U.S. arm, Born Free USA, is part of the Animal Protection Institute (API), one of the plaintiffs in ASPCA, et al. v. Feld Entertainment.)
“Born Free’s ultimate goal is to see an end to the keeping of wild animals in captivity. Even in an imperfect world there should be no zoos.” - Daniel Turner, Born Free Foundation
- http://www.bornfree.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/files/zoo_check/zoo_debate.pdf
Pushing for National, State and Local Legislation to Ban Circuses and Impede
Accepted Elephant Handling Practices
Despite legislative defeats, the animal special interest groups persist year after year in seeking passage of legislation by Congress, state legislatures and city councils to ban circuses, prevent use of the guide or tethers, and/or prescribe specific space requirements. These efforts provide these groups with another venue for their publicity campaign. Pending legislation being promoted by these groups includes:
• Chicago – In May 2008, an ordinance was introduced to prohibit use of guides and tethers, which would effectively prevent the circus from operating in the city.
• New York City – The New York City Council is considering a bill that would regulate the treatment and display of elephants and make elephant cruelty a felony. The bill also specifies minimum hours of exercise.
• Massachusetts State Legislature – Proposed legislation in Massachusetts would outlaw the use of the guide.
Currently, none of these pending bills appears likely to move forward this year.
The never-ending legislative assault of animal special interest groups in past years included a highly publicized – but unsuccessful -- effort in 2000 to win passage of federal legislation to outlaw the presentation of elephants in circuses. Despite a well-orchestrated, tax payer funded hearing before a congressional subcommittee, the bill never made it out of the committee.
Other unsuccessful state and local efforts by animal special interest groups include: a Denver Circus Ban, an initiative in 2004 that was soundly defeated by more than a 2 to 1 margin. The initiative would have banned the exhibition of exotic animals in Denver but exempted other popular events such as the Denver Zoo and the rodeo. Denver newspapers opposed the initiative, supported the animal care record of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and agreed that residents should be able to select their own form of entertainment.
Additionally, the animal special interest groups have failed to gain passage of their extreme legislative proposals over the past few years in state legislatures in California, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Connecticut, and in municipalities such as New York City, Chicago, Buffalo and Minneapolis.
Plaintiffs and their Experts: In Their Own Words
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – National organization
"What we want from the court is to order the circus to stop using the elephants so they can be removed and live in peace." – Nancy Blaney, director of public policy for the national ASPCA.
- “ASPCA Joins Suits Against Circus,” The New York Daily News, March 30, 2001. http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2001/03/30/2001-03-30_aspca_joins_suit_against_cir.html
The Humane Society of the United States
“The Humane Society of the United States opposes the use of wild animals in circuses and other traveling acts because cruelty to animals is inherent in such displays. We are working to end such uses of wild animals by increasing public awareness and strengthening the federal, state, and local laws that protect captive, wild and exotic animals.”
- http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/circuses/
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)
Q – What relief is the Animal Welfare Institute seeking in this case?
A – Ultimately for the elephants to be taken away.
- Deposition of Cathy Liss, Executive Director, AWI, May 18, 2005
Amboseli Trust for Elephants
“Elephants should be removed from all free contact situations where they are expected to perform on demand; the use of elephants in circuses and for elephant back safaris should be outlawed.” – Joyce Poole, Trustee of Amboseli Trust for Elephants and an expert witness for the Plaintiffs, in a 2007 statement to the South African Department of Environment and Tourism.
- Posted at: http://www.elephanttrust.org/node/376
Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute (The Born Free Foundation is an international organization whose U.S. arm, Born Free USA, is part of the Animal Protection Institute (API), one of the plaintiffs in ASPCA, et al. v. Feld Entertainment.)
“Born Free’s ultimate goal is to see an end to the keeping of wild animals in captivity. Even in an imperfect world there should be no zoos.” - Daniel Turner, Born Free Foundation
- http://www.bornfree.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/files/zoo_check/zoo_debate.pdf
Pushing for National, State and Local Legislation to Ban Circuses and Impede
Accepted Elephant Handling Practices
Despite legislative defeats, the animal special interest groups persist year after year in seeking passage of legislation by Congress, state legislatures and city councils to ban circuses, prevent use of the guide or tethers, and/or prescribe specific space requirements. These efforts provide these groups with another venue for their publicity campaign. Pending legislation being promoted by these groups includes:
• Chicago – In May 2008, an ordinance was introduced to prohibit use of guides and tethers, which would effectively prevent the circus from operating in the city.
• New York City – The New York City Council is considering a bill that would regulate the treatment and display of elephants and make elephant cruelty a felony. The bill also specifies minimum hours of exercise.
• Massachusetts State Legislature – Proposed legislation in Massachusetts would outlaw the use of the guide.
Currently, none of these pending bills appears likely to move forward this year.
The never-ending legislative assault of animal special interest groups in past years included a highly publicized – but unsuccessful -- effort in 2000 to win passage of federal legislation to outlaw the presentation of elephants in circuses. Despite a well-orchestrated, tax payer funded hearing before a congressional subcommittee, the bill never made it out of the committee.
Other unsuccessful state and local efforts by animal special interest groups include: a Denver Circus Ban, an initiative in 2004 that was soundly defeated by more than a 2 to 1 margin. The initiative would have banned the exhibition of exotic animals in Denver but exempted other popular events such as the Denver Zoo and the rodeo. Denver newspapers opposed the initiative, supported the animal care record of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and agreed that residents should be able to select their own form of entertainment.
Additionally, the animal special interest groups have failed to gain passage of their extreme legislative proposals over the past few years in state legislatures in California, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Connecticut, and in municipalities such as New York City, Chicago, Buffalo and Minneapolis.
Feld Entertainment, Inc. Trial Update: Case Filed by Animal Special Interest Groups Delayed Until February 2009
Last update: 5:59 p.m. EDT Oct. 31, 2008
VIENNA, Va., Oct 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A lawsuit filed by animal special interest groups on the treatment of circus elephants that was scheduled to begin Oct. 27 in federal district court in Washington D.C., has been postponed until Feb. 3, 2009, after attorneys for the animal groups requested that the trial be rescheduled.
The case, ASPCA, et al. v. Feld Entertainment, Inc., had been brought by four animal special interest groups and a former employee against Feld Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R).
"Feld Entertainment was fully prepared to conduct a vigorous defense in this case," said Michelle Pardo, of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., which is representing Feld Entertainment in the case. "However, after having eight years to get ready, the animal special interest groups are not prepared to try this case on its merits at this time. Instead, plaintiffs requested that the Court re-schedule the trial. While the animal special interest groups were eager to try their case in the media last week through their publicity exploits, based on these events, it is obvious their case is not ready for prime time."
Feld Entertainment remains confident that the evidence will show that its elephants are healthy, alert, and thriving in its care. It also is prepared to refute the meritless allegations spread by those who do not own or know how to care for an elephant.
For more information on the case, go to http://www.ringlingbrostrialinfo.com.
Background of Case
The original complaint was filed in July, 2000. The case was dismissed in 2001, but was reinstated in 2003 after an appeal. The appeals court ruled that if Tom Rider, a former barn man, could prove that he was "aesthetically injured" by Ringling Bros.' treatment of the elephants, the case could proceed. Whether such an "injury" to Rider actually exists and can be remedied will be a major issue in the trial. So will the financial support that Rider receives from his co-plaintiffs -- a fact that was unknown to the appeals court in 2003.
In an important ruling in August, 2007, the U.S. District Court narrowed the scope of the case to only six of the 52 Ringling Bros. elephants. The judge granted partial summary judgment to Ringling Bros. and ruled that none of the Asian elephants of Ringling Bros. that were born in the United States were subject to the claims of the animal groups under the Endangered Species Act.
Ringling Bros. has filed a separate lawsuit against the animal groups under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and Conspiracy Counterclaim. That litigation is on hold and will proceed separately following completion of the current case.
Ringling Bros. Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. defense team is led by John M. Simpson and includes Lisa Joiner, Lance Shea, Kara Petteway and Pardo.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment that lifts the human spirit and creates indelible memories, with 25 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 55 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Feld Entertainment Motor Sports, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R).
SOURCE Feld Entertainment, Inc.
http://www.ringlingbrostrialinfo.com/
Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
VIENNA, Va., Oct 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A lawsuit filed by animal special interest groups on the treatment of circus elephants that was scheduled to begin Oct. 27 in federal district court in Washington D.C., has been postponed until Feb. 3, 2009, after attorneys for the animal groups requested that the trial be rescheduled.
The case, ASPCA, et al. v. Feld Entertainment, Inc., had been brought by four animal special interest groups and a former employee against Feld Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R).
"Feld Entertainment was fully prepared to conduct a vigorous defense in this case," said Michelle Pardo, of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., which is representing Feld Entertainment in the case. "However, after having eight years to get ready, the animal special interest groups are not prepared to try this case on its merits at this time. Instead, plaintiffs requested that the Court re-schedule the trial. While the animal special interest groups were eager to try their case in the media last week through their publicity exploits, based on these events, it is obvious their case is not ready for prime time."
Feld Entertainment remains confident that the evidence will show that its elephants are healthy, alert, and thriving in its care. It also is prepared to refute the meritless allegations spread by those who do not own or know how to care for an elephant.
For more information on the case, go to http://www.ringlingbrostrialinfo.com.
Background of Case
The original complaint was filed in July, 2000. The case was dismissed in 2001, but was reinstated in 2003 after an appeal. The appeals court ruled that if Tom Rider, a former barn man, could prove that he was "aesthetically injured" by Ringling Bros.' treatment of the elephants, the case could proceed. Whether such an "injury" to Rider actually exists and can be remedied will be a major issue in the trial. So will the financial support that Rider receives from his co-plaintiffs -- a fact that was unknown to the appeals court in 2003.
In an important ruling in August, 2007, the U.S. District Court narrowed the scope of the case to only six of the 52 Ringling Bros. elephants. The judge granted partial summary judgment to Ringling Bros. and ruled that none of the Asian elephants of Ringling Bros. that were born in the United States were subject to the claims of the animal groups under the Endangered Species Act.
Ringling Bros. has filed a separate lawsuit against the animal groups under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and Conspiracy Counterclaim. That litigation is on hold and will proceed separately following completion of the current case.
Ringling Bros. Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. defense team is led by John M. Simpson and includes Lisa Joiner, Lance Shea, Kara Petteway and Pardo.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment that lifts the human spirit and creates indelible memories, with 25 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 55 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Feld Entertainment Motor Sports, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R).
SOURCE Feld Entertainment, Inc.
http://www.ringlingbrostrialinfo.com/
Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
The show must go on: Cirque du Soleil’s recession-proof formula
As we brace ourselves for what threatens to be the worst economic slump since the Great Depression, one company seems to be relatively unscathed by the global financial meltdown.
According to Daniel Lamarre, president and chief executive officer of performance troupe Cirque du Soleil, whose shows still play to sell-out audiences, he is confident that his company will ride out the recession.
“In the past when there was an economic crisis, people are turning to entertainment because you just want to forget about your problem and you're looking for hope andyou're looking for distraction. And that's entertainment. So normally we are not touched as bad as the other sectors of the economy.”
He concedes, however, that forging partnerships with people who have deep pockets has helped cushion the business even in bad times.
“The good news for us, if we're talking about the business model, is that the financing comes from a third party. It's not ourselves who have to invest all that money … We’re very, very lucky. I should say we’re spoilt, because we have partners that are willing to invest a lot of money behind our brand. So financially it's great for us because they do finance those ventures by building for us the best theatres, by allowing us to develop huge productions, huge spectacles and because of that, we're in a huge growth mode.”
Growth spurt
Indeed, Cirque’s growth has been unstoppable. Its gross revenues climbed to $630 million in 2007 from $550 million in 2005, and they have continued to grow.
“The big change in our strategy is that we are really in a growth mode also in geographical diversification. So with our touring show we went from touring in 70 cities around the world to 250 cities around the world now. We went from having just permanent shows in Las Vegas. Now we're bringing permanent shows in Asia. And I wouldn't be surprised if within the next five to ten years, we don't end up having a permanent show in each major city around the world. So there is still a lot of potential for us.”
If Asia is the next frontier for Cirque, Lamarre says that China is most definitely on his radar, as well as Japan and Korea. “It's a huge potential in terms of numbers … and that's why I'm spending a lot of time and a lot of resources in Asia. This is our number one priority for Cirque du Soleil right now.”
In the meantime, Lamarre assures that the public should not expect anything less than leading-edge performances from Cirque, as artistic integrity will not in any way be compromised and it will always strive to be innovative.
“What we have done in order not to compromise the quality of our shows, is that we have creative teams which are totally dedicated to each show. No one at Cirque works on the development of more than one show … It will take (them) three years to develop that show and three years from now we find (them) a new challenge.”
According to Daniel Lamarre, president and chief executive officer of performance troupe Cirque du Soleil, whose shows still play to sell-out audiences, he is confident that his company will ride out the recession.
“In the past when there was an economic crisis, people are turning to entertainment because you just want to forget about your problem and you're looking for hope andyou're looking for distraction. And that's entertainment. So normally we are not touched as bad as the other sectors of the economy.”
He concedes, however, that forging partnerships with people who have deep pockets has helped cushion the business even in bad times.
“The good news for us, if we're talking about the business model, is that the financing comes from a third party. It's not ourselves who have to invest all that money … We’re very, very lucky. I should say we’re spoilt, because we have partners that are willing to invest a lot of money behind our brand. So financially it's great for us because they do finance those ventures by building for us the best theatres, by allowing us to develop huge productions, huge spectacles and because of that, we're in a huge growth mode.”
Growth spurt
Indeed, Cirque’s growth has been unstoppable. Its gross revenues climbed to $630 million in 2007 from $550 million in 2005, and they have continued to grow.
“The big change in our strategy is that we are really in a growth mode also in geographical diversification. So with our touring show we went from touring in 70 cities around the world to 250 cities around the world now. We went from having just permanent shows in Las Vegas. Now we're bringing permanent shows in Asia. And I wouldn't be surprised if within the next five to ten years, we don't end up having a permanent show in each major city around the world. So there is still a lot of potential for us.”
If Asia is the next frontier for Cirque, Lamarre says that China is most definitely on his radar, as well as Japan and Korea. “It's a huge potential in terms of numbers … and that's why I'm spending a lot of time and a lot of resources in Asia. This is our number one priority for Cirque du Soleil right now.”
In the meantime, Lamarre assures that the public should not expect anything less than leading-edge performances from Cirque, as artistic integrity will not in any way be compromised and it will always strive to be innovative.
“What we have done in order not to compromise the quality of our shows, is that we have creative teams which are totally dedicated to each show. No one at Cirque works on the development of more than one show … It will take (them) three years to develop that show and three years from now we find (them) a new challenge.”
Big Apple Circus' familiar ring delights its core fans - The Dailey News
Friday, October 31st 2008, 4:00 AM
BIG APPLE CIRCUS. Through Jan. 18, Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center Tickets: $28-$86; (212) 962-5471
Fun, fast-paced and kiddie-friendly to the core, the Big Apple Circus has pitched its tent at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center for another seasonal serving of acrobatics, grace and animal magnetism (the four-legged kind).
As it has for 31 years, the snug, one-ring spectacle wraps its acts in a theme. This time out, it's "Play On!" The creators pinched a line from the Bard (as in, "If music be the food of love, play on"). "Everyone has a soundtrack to their lives," explains artistic director Paul Binder in his welcome.
True enough. Once in a while, music is worked wonderfully into the evening, including a splashy version of "Singin' in the Rain" by the Big Apple's iconic, gray-wigged Grandma (Barry Lubin) and Mark Gindick, a clown who resembles "Entourage's" Kevin Connolly, only in geeky, goggle-sized glasses.
Music also is seamlessly woven into a scene with alluring tightrope queen Sarah Schwarz, who playfully plucks the taut cord while the sizzling circus band backs her up with some raucous guitar riffs. In most instances, however, tunes are just generic background notes that don't directly connect as men, women, horses and hounds strut their stuff.
Every act is polished to a high sheen, but, as always, some shine especially brightly. The LaSalle Brothers, all-American twin jugglers with GQ looks and awesome hand-eye coordination, make for oodles of ahhs. Belgian mime Olivier Taquin amazes as he redefines "living doll" with able assistance from Valdis Yanovskis (and an unsuspecting member of the audience).
The Rodion Troupe, a trio from Russia, impresses as two men send a woman soaring and somersaulting off a 5-inch-wide beam that the guys heft on their shoulders. Cool. But you'd think costume designer Austin K. Sanderson could have sprung for more cushiony shoulder pads in the fellas' flowy, Liberace-like getups.
The Nanjing Acrobats simultaneously wow and give you a migraine, as a dainty woman balances ballerina-style on tiptoe on her partner's head. (Don't try this at home, folks.)
While delightful trained rescue dogs make everyone in the audience sit up, acts just don't come more adorable than a mini-Clydesdale. That cutie could have played on all night.
jdziemianowicz@nydailynews.com
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Circus defies animal rights call
One of just half a dozen British circuses to still use animals has arrived in Lincolnshire to entertain youngsters during half term.
It was the first show at Heckington last night with Circus Mondao performing on the showground every day until Sunday.
And the family-run circus is proud to show off its exotic animals, including llamas, camels and zebras, which it regards as pets.
The show also sees horses, Shetland ponies and goats paraded around the ring.
In an act of defiance to the animal rights charity, the Captive Animals Protection Society, which is calling for Lincolnshire families to boycott the show, the cast say they are happy to prove their animals are healthy.
%3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/SITE%3DTHISISLINC/AREA%3DNEWS/SUBAREA%3D/ARTICLE%3D437902/acc_random%3D5511237342/pageid%3D/RS%3D%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3ERingmistress Petra Jackson (32), said: "I'd say to anyone with concerns, 'come and have a look'.
"The animal rights people have got outdated views of circuses.
"Thirty or so years ago horses were kept in stalls but our horses are kept in stables.
"If there was anything wrong with what we're doing we'd be closed down immediately.
"Our llamas do a bit of jumping during the show, but it is a natural movement that has been enhanced.
"We don't have them standing on one leg and pirouetting.
"I say don't judge us until you come and see us."
But Captive Animals Protection Society campaigns director, Craig Redmond, said that the days of transporting animals from town to town were in the past.
"It's time to end the outdated practice of forcing animals to perform for our amusement, particularly when there are lots of high-quality circuses that rely entirely on human skills," he said.
"In the 21st century there can be no excuse for continuing to allow the treatment of animals in this way."
It was the first show at Heckington last night with Circus Mondao performing on the showground every day until Sunday.
And the family-run circus is proud to show off its exotic animals, including llamas, camels and zebras, which it regards as pets.
The show also sees horses, Shetland ponies and goats paraded around the ring.
In an act of defiance to the animal rights charity, the Captive Animals Protection Society, which is calling for Lincolnshire families to boycott the show, the cast say they are happy to prove their animals are healthy.
%3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/SITE%3DTHISISLINC/AREA%3DNEWS/SUBAREA%3D/ARTICLE%3D437902/acc_random%3D5511237342/pageid%3D/RS%3D%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3ERingmistress Petra Jackson (32), said: "I'd say to anyone with concerns, 'come and have a look'.
"The animal rights people have got outdated views of circuses.
"Thirty or so years ago horses were kept in stalls but our horses are kept in stables.
"If there was anything wrong with what we're doing we'd be closed down immediately.
"Our llamas do a bit of jumping during the show, but it is a natural movement that has been enhanced.
"We don't have them standing on one leg and pirouetting.
"I say don't judge us until you come and see us."
But Captive Animals Protection Society campaigns director, Craig Redmond, said that the days of transporting animals from town to town were in the past.
"It's time to end the outdated practice of forcing animals to perform for our amusement, particularly when there are lots of high-quality circuses that rely entirely on human skills," he said.
"In the 21st century there can be no excuse for continuing to allow the treatment of animals in this way."
Spectacular 'stupidity'
How does Ringling's Justin Case do the amazing things he does? Patience, persistence, and practice.
BY DAVE RICHARDS
dave.richards@timesnews.com [more details]
Published: October 30. 2008 12:01AM
You've heard of stupid pet tricks?
Meet Justin Case. He does stupid bike tricks with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
"My specialty is acrobatics on a bicycle. I like to say it's stupidity on a bicycle," Case said. "I do a lot of headstands and handstands and standing on the handlebars and just a lot of ... well, stupidity describes it pretty well."
So does "spectacular." Just in case you think Justin Case is kidding, he performs amazing feats on assorted bicycles. One of them is straight out of "Honey, I Shrunk the Bicycle." He performs on a bike that fits in the palm of his hand.
"It's even smaller than Barbie's bicycle, which is the way I normally describe it to kids," Case said. "It's not often a guy gets to boast about having the smallest."
It's no miracle he doesn't crush the bike. It's engineering.
"I over-engineered it so it can hold my weight. It's quite a feat in the fabrication of it, let alone mastering being able to ride it," Case said. "All that fits on the pedal is the pad of my big toe."
Another feat may be more impressive. It's not a wheelie, though. Call it "wheel away."
"Probably the hardest thing I do is a trick I invented where the front wheel of the bicycle comes off while I'm riding," Case said. "It rolls around separately from me. I manage to grab it while I'm still riding and climb onto the top of the bicycle and put the front back on without touching my feet on the ground."
Mastering that trick took Case a year of practicing, two hours a day. In the process, he broke an ankle in three places, setting him back 12 weeks -- six while he was in a cast and another six to relearn everything he had previously mastered.
That shows, he said, the importance of the three Ps: patience, persistence, and practice.
That leaves out the "p" for paying attention in class. Case, a native of Melbourne, Australia, studied at the French National School of Circus and Belgium's Ecole Sans Filet clown school.
He discovered European-style circus while traveling abroad and realized that's where he belonged.
"It seemed to me to be the perfect mix of the things I was looking for in the world," Case said. "I always loved sports, and I always was very physical. I like drama, acting, and the arts.
"It incorporated the various different art forms in an engaging, exciting way. I fell in love with the circus and pursued it, and it ended up becoming my life."
Comedy plays a huge part in his cycling antics. He was inspired by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Jacques Tati. Case makes his cycling routine look so easy -- as do other Ringling performers, whether they're on a high wire or with dancing tigers -- that today's kids often don't believe what they're seeing.
"I heard a child one day, he turned to someone and said, 'Is that real?'" Case said. "We're so used to seeing things on TV that are digitally manipulated. There's nothing digitally manipulated in the circus."
And that includes his bikes -- small, large, and Barbie-sized.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Bigfoot sighting on Highway 101
By Linda Williams/TWN Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/29/2008 12:24:35 PM PDT
During the height of the smoke from Mendocino Lightning Complex fires, a Laytonville man had an encounter with an apelike creature while driving north of Willits on Highway 101 near Shimmins Ridge Road.
"This animal stepped onto the southbound lane near where the guardrail stops," says LoPinto. "It was very smoky and incredibly hot, at least 100 degrees but still daylight. It ran really fast, directly into the path of a small truck, which had pulled out to pass me, after the lanes had expanded from two lanes to four.
"The creature was completely black and looked all freaked out. I pointed at it so the other driver could see it and hit my brakes, hard. I didn't think I could stop in time and was sure I was going to hit it. Miraculously the passing truck missed the creature and sped out of sight.
"As the creature ran toward me, I saw it was least seven feet tall. The animal never slowed down as it ran on its hind legs like a man.
"I thought, 'it looks like a guy in a gorilla suit.' When it got to middle of the freeway, I could see it clearly. Its whole head was covered in black hair. I couldn't see any ears. As I was braking hard to make a panic stop the creature put its arms down and started running on four legs, bounding across the freeway. It had giant arms; they were very long and covered with fur.
"When my car finally stopped, I looked out the windshield and it stopped about 25 feet in front of me at the edge of the road. It was at eye level with me as I sat in the car.
"I had no idea what it was. It was covered with hair down to the ground. I looked at its face and it was completely flat without a nose. It turned his whole body toward me its neck was stiff. We made eye contact. Its face was yellow or gold like a ripe banana. It had holes for its nostrils and a smooth and shiny forehead with ridges instead of eyebrows. It had a simian face.
"I saw a red glow coming back from its eyes; it may have been a reflection from my headlights. Its mouth was closed and it had thin lips, it didn't show any teeth and made no sound, at all. Then it turned and leapt down into the ditch and up the hillside. I was freaked out."
At first, Chris LoPinto had no idea what he had seen; he thought it might have been an escaped zoo or circus animal. He called the Department of Fish and Game biologist and found there were no apelike animals native to North America and that no such creature had been reported lost in the area. LoPinto filed an incident report with them. LoPinto also filed a police report with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department.
After finding no help from official sources, LoPinto began researching the internet to find answers and found groups devoted to tracking big foot.
He contacted a Bigfoot Society group to report his sighting and was contacted by a Bigfoot field researcher Tom Yamarone.
"I've interviewed 40 eyewitnesses and spoken with at least a dozen others," says Yamarone. "Chris' account is consistent with other reports, and it was spotted in a likely area. The red glowing eyes are also consistent with others' observations. The unique aspects of Chris' account are the close proximity to the creature, that he had a good look the face and eyes and that the creature propelled itself with its front arms."
LoPinto still doesn't know what he saw, but he is sure of the details. He also thinks, whatever the creature was, it was obviously disturbed by the heavy smoke and fires throughout the area.
There have been a number of Bigfoot sightings in Mendocino and Humboldt counties according to various Bigfoot sighting lists.
A "paranormal" observer in December 2007 reported seeing a large animal standing on two legs at her car. She reported it patted the window of her car several times before running away at high speed.
In May 2004, a group of six hikers north of Highway 162 near Murry Range reported finding a series of unusual large tracks. One of the witnesses said, according to the report written by Yamarone, "a friend saw one [a Bigfoot] cross Highway 162 just outside of town as he was driving to work in Willits." Yamarone also notes there are many Bigfoot stories about extending across generations in the Round Valley area.
In 1961 and 1962, a series of Bigfoot tracks were reported by a Bob Titmus northeast of Covelo. In 1962 in a remote area near Fort Bragg, Robert Hatfield reported seeing a Bigfoot standing head and shoulders above a six foot fence. Hatfield later rounded the corner of a house and walked right into the creature. Hatfield was "knocked to the ground and scrambles to the house on all fours.
A neighbor in the house tries to close the door to prevent the creature from getting in. Bigfoot then runs off leaving a large muddy "handprint" on the door.
Article Launched: 10/29/2008 12:24:35 PM PDT
During the height of the smoke from Mendocino Lightning Complex fires, a Laytonville man had an encounter with an apelike creature while driving north of Willits on Highway 101 near Shimmins Ridge Road.
"This animal stepped onto the southbound lane near where the guardrail stops," says LoPinto. "It was very smoky and incredibly hot, at least 100 degrees but still daylight. It ran really fast, directly into the path of a small truck, which had pulled out to pass me, after the lanes had expanded from two lanes to four.
"The creature was completely black and looked all freaked out. I pointed at it so the other driver could see it and hit my brakes, hard. I didn't think I could stop in time and was sure I was going to hit it. Miraculously the passing truck missed the creature and sped out of sight.
"As the creature ran toward me, I saw it was least seven feet tall. The animal never slowed down as it ran on its hind legs like a man.
"I thought, 'it looks like a guy in a gorilla suit.' When it got to middle of the freeway, I could see it clearly. Its whole head was covered in black hair. I couldn't see any ears. As I was braking hard to make a panic stop the creature put its arms down and started running on four legs, bounding across the freeway. It had giant arms; they were very long and covered with fur.
"When my car finally stopped, I looked out the windshield and it stopped about 25 feet in front of me at the edge of the road. It was at eye level with me as I sat in the car.
"I had no idea what it was. It was covered with hair down to the ground. I looked at its face and it was completely flat without a nose. It turned his whole body toward me its neck was stiff. We made eye contact. Its face was yellow or gold like a ripe banana. It had holes for its nostrils and a smooth and shiny forehead with ridges instead of eyebrows. It had a simian face.
"I saw a red glow coming back from its eyes; it may have been a reflection from my headlights. Its mouth was closed and it had thin lips, it didn't show any teeth and made no sound, at all. Then it turned and leapt down into the ditch and up the hillside. I was freaked out."
At first, Chris LoPinto had no idea what he had seen; he thought it might have been an escaped zoo or circus animal. He called the Department of Fish and Game biologist and found there were no apelike animals native to North America and that no such creature had been reported lost in the area. LoPinto filed an incident report with them. LoPinto also filed a police report with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department.
After finding no help from official sources, LoPinto began researching the internet to find answers and found groups devoted to tracking big foot.
He contacted a Bigfoot Society group to report his sighting and was contacted by a Bigfoot field researcher Tom Yamarone.
"I've interviewed 40 eyewitnesses and spoken with at least a dozen others," says Yamarone. "Chris' account is consistent with other reports, and it was spotted in a likely area. The red glowing eyes are also consistent with others' observations. The unique aspects of Chris' account are the close proximity to the creature, that he had a good look the face and eyes and that the creature propelled itself with its front arms."
LoPinto still doesn't know what he saw, but he is sure of the details. He also thinks, whatever the creature was, it was obviously disturbed by the heavy smoke and fires throughout the area.
There have been a number of Bigfoot sightings in Mendocino and Humboldt counties according to various Bigfoot sighting lists.
A "paranormal" observer in December 2007 reported seeing a large animal standing on two legs at her car. She reported it patted the window of her car several times before running away at high speed.
In May 2004, a group of six hikers north of Highway 162 near Murry Range reported finding a series of unusual large tracks. One of the witnesses said, according to the report written by Yamarone, "a friend saw one [a Bigfoot] cross Highway 162 just outside of town as he was driving to work in Willits." Yamarone also notes there are many Bigfoot stories about extending across generations in the Round Valley area.
In 1961 and 1962, a series of Bigfoot tracks were reported by a Bob Titmus northeast of Covelo. In 1962 in a remote area near Fort Bragg, Robert Hatfield reported seeing a Bigfoot standing head and shoulders above a six foot fence. Hatfield later rounded the corner of a house and walked right into the creature. Hatfield was "knocked to the ground and scrambles to the house on all fours.
A neighbor in the house tries to close the door to prevent the creature from getting in. Bigfoot then runs off leaving a large muddy "handprint" on the door.
Abraham Lincoln Was Not An Animal Rights Activist
Animal rights nuts live in a world where the line between fact and fiction is blurry, at best. On Planet PETA, for instance, circus elephants aren't a source of family entertainment, or a fantastic mechanism to prevent the extinction of a vulnerable species. Nooo. Circus elephants are "slaves." And don't get us started about egg-laying chickens. The Humane Society of the United States believes keeping them in cages, where the odd sick bird can't infect a few thousand others, is a form of "cruelty." (actual experts at the American Veterinary Medical Association disagree.)
So we're used to animal rights groups distorting reality in the pursuit of legal "rights" for four-legged creatures. But when they exploit the ghosts of worthy human historical figures and put PETA-approved words in their mouths, they've crossed a different sort of line.
We've already debunked the animal rights movement's widespread use of an apocryphal quote misattributed to Leonardo Da Vinci -- it's a lie literally chiseled in stone at the office of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. We've also established that animal liberationists have twisted the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in order to create the illusion of sympathy for violent radicalism.
Now add Abraham Lincoln to the growing list of famous figures hijacked by the animal rights movement.
Beginning with the 1985 publication of The Extended Circle: A Dictionary of Humane Thought (below, the same book that first flubbed the Da Vinci quote), animal activists have been using and abusing this supposed utterance of Honest Abe -- proudly plastering it on shirts and coffee mugs, and citing it in letters to newspaper editors:
It would make a compelling story if the Great Emancipator had actually advocated extending his landmark freedom ethos to other species. But he never did. This week we called the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to see if their research staff could authenticate the "quote." Searching Lincoln’s near-comprehensive Collected Works, they found exactly zero mentions of “animal rights.”
We’re not the only ones who suspected post-mortem ventriloquism. The eminent Lincoln scholars Don and Virginia Fehrenbacher have written about it in their Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln. They cite this quote as one of the “undocumented quotations ... attaching themselves to Lincoln and gaining currency through repetition.” But they found “no credible evidence” that he ever uttered or wrote these words.
We understand why PETA, the Humane Society of the United States, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and all of their followers are a bit self-delusional about Honest Abe (who, by the way, ate meat) being with them under the tofu tent. Who wouldn’t want him on their team? But since Leonardo Dr. King, and Abe Lincoln are officially "normal" again, we're going to have a hard time from now on believing any famous historical figures were ever vegetarians. It's about time someone did some due-diligence on Thomas Edison, Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, and Mahatma Gandhi. And we're just the research team to do it.
From the Center for Consumer Freedom
So we're used to animal rights groups distorting reality in the pursuit of legal "rights" for four-legged creatures. But when they exploit the ghosts of worthy human historical figures and put PETA-approved words in their mouths, they've crossed a different sort of line.
We've already debunked the animal rights movement's widespread use of an apocryphal quote misattributed to Leonardo Da Vinci -- it's a lie literally chiseled in stone at the office of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. We've also established that animal liberationists have twisted the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in order to create the illusion of sympathy for violent radicalism.
Now add Abraham Lincoln to the growing list of famous figures hijacked by the animal rights movement.
Beginning with the 1985 publication of The Extended Circle: A Dictionary of Humane Thought (below, the same book that first flubbed the Da Vinci quote), animal activists have been using and abusing this supposed utterance of Honest Abe -- proudly plastering it on shirts and coffee mugs, and citing it in letters to newspaper editors:
It would make a compelling story if the Great Emancipator had actually advocated extending his landmark freedom ethos to other species. But he never did. This week we called the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to see if their research staff could authenticate the "quote." Searching Lincoln’s near-comprehensive Collected Works, they found exactly zero mentions of “animal rights.”
We’re not the only ones who suspected post-mortem ventriloquism. The eminent Lincoln scholars Don and Virginia Fehrenbacher have written about it in their Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln. They cite this quote as one of the “undocumented quotations ... attaching themselves to Lincoln and gaining currency through repetition.” But they found “no credible evidence” that he ever uttered or wrote these words.
We understand why PETA, the Humane Society of the United States, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and all of their followers are a bit self-delusional about Honest Abe (who, by the way, ate meat) being with them under the tofu tent. Who wouldn’t want him on their team? But since Leonardo Dr. King, and Abe Lincoln are officially "normal" again, we're going to have a hard time from now on believing any famous historical figures were ever vegetarians. It's about time someone did some due-diligence on Thomas Edison, Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, and Mahatma Gandhi. And we're just the research team to do it.
From the Center for Consumer Freedom
Tradition keeps Nikolas Wallenda on the high wire
10/31/2008
"Why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous? And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: Tradition!" — Like Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof," Nikolas Wallenda does what he does — crazy, heart-stopping stunts on the high-wire without a net — for one reason: tradition. — In his case, it's a seventh-generation circus tradition, started by his great-grandfather, Karl Wallenda.
Wallenda will perform on The Wheel of Steel with fellow daredevil and clown Bello Nock in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Scottrade Center, on Thursday through Nov. 9.
Wallenda, 28, set a world record for the longest (235 feet) and highest (more than 13 stories) bike ride on a wire. The ride, between two buildings in Newark, N.J., aired live on NBC's "Today" show Oct. 15 and is now all over YouTube.
We caught up with him by phone outside the tent at Big Apple Circus in New York, where extended family members were performing on the flying trapeze.
Q: So how do you prepare yourself physically and mentally for a record-breaking stunt like that?
A: A lot of physical training: biking, running, weight lifting, endurance and practicing on the wire. Mentally, you have to be confident, but not cocky. And I am extremely focused; it's hard not to be when you are risking your life.
Q: Are audiences jaded?
A: Absolutely. But what sets me apart from guys like Criss Angel and David Blaine is that what I do is real. Don't get me wrong, I respect them a lot, but they're showmen. I'm a daredevil.
Q: Where do you think that risk-loving thing comes from? Is it genetic?
A: It comes from being the seventh generation of a daredevil family. What my great-grandfather did inspires me to go further and push higher. I have no desire to outshine him, but to pay respect to him by walking in his footsteps.
Q: Are your three kids like that, too?
A: My son Yanni, who is 10, said "Daddy, I am jealous. I want my own world record." My kids play on the wheel (aka the Wheel of Death) and on the wire. But right now, it's just a game.
Q: What's next?
A: The Grand Canyon. I already have all the permits.
Q: Obviously, you're not afraid of heights. Is there anything you are afraid of — snakes, bugs, warm mayonnaise?
A: God.
Q: Do you think God keeps you safe up there?
A: Do I think God will catch me if I fall? Absolutely not. But absolutely, God is watching over me. And God
has blessed me with the talent to
do what I do.
By Christine Bertelson
Thursday—Nov. 9 (times
vary) — Scottrade Center
— $11—$75 — Ticketmaster
www.stltoday.com
"Why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous? And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: Tradition!" — Like Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof," Nikolas Wallenda does what he does — crazy, heart-stopping stunts on the high-wire without a net — for one reason: tradition. — In his case, it's a seventh-generation circus tradition, started by his great-grandfather, Karl Wallenda.
Wallenda will perform on The Wheel of Steel with fellow daredevil and clown Bello Nock in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Scottrade Center, on Thursday through Nov. 9.
Wallenda, 28, set a world record for the longest (235 feet) and highest (more than 13 stories) bike ride on a wire. The ride, between two buildings in Newark, N.J., aired live on NBC's "Today" show Oct. 15 and is now all over YouTube.
We caught up with him by phone outside the tent at Big Apple Circus in New York, where extended family members were performing on the flying trapeze.
Q: So how do you prepare yourself physically and mentally for a record-breaking stunt like that?
A: A lot of physical training: biking, running, weight lifting, endurance and practicing on the wire. Mentally, you have to be confident, but not cocky. And I am extremely focused; it's hard not to be when you are risking your life.
Q: Are audiences jaded?
A: Absolutely. But what sets me apart from guys like Criss Angel and David Blaine is that what I do is real. Don't get me wrong, I respect them a lot, but they're showmen. I'm a daredevil.
Q: Where do you think that risk-loving thing comes from? Is it genetic?
A: It comes from being the seventh generation of a daredevil family. What my great-grandfather did inspires me to go further and push higher. I have no desire to outshine him, but to pay respect to him by walking in his footsteps.
Q: Are your three kids like that, too?
A: My son Yanni, who is 10, said "Daddy, I am jealous. I want my own world record." My kids play on the wheel (aka the Wheel of Death) and on the wire. But right now, it's just a game.
Q: What's next?
A: The Grand Canyon. I already have all the permits.
Q: Obviously, you're not afraid of heights. Is there anything you are afraid of — snakes, bugs, warm mayonnaise?
A: God.
Q: Do you think God keeps you safe up there?
A: Do I think God will catch me if I fall? Absolutely not. But absolutely, God is watching over me. And God
has blessed me with the talent to
do what I do.
By Christine Bertelson
Thursday—Nov. 9 (times
vary) — Scottrade Center
— $11—$75 — Ticketmaster
www.stltoday.com
Moscow’s best under the big top in Tamworth
Moscow’s best under the big top in Tamworth
BY REBECCA BELT
30/10/2008 8:26:00 AM
THE magic of the Great Moscow Circus has opened in the big top with the first show in Tamworth last night.
The circus has visited Tamworth twice before but not since 1997 or 1998 with a new troupe of performers.
The Globe of Death hit the headlines last week when two riders were injured during an Armidale show but both were back on their bikes and performing at their best last night.
A twist on this performance is that there are four riders in the globe where previously there were three, meaning the act comes down to precision timing and many hours of practice.
The show also includes circus performers from across the world such as Leonid and Svetlana Gerontik, who are quick change artists and will leave you wondering how they do it.
There are also miniature ponies, high wire acts, contortionists, acrobats, illusionists and it wouldn’t be a circus without the clowns stumbling their way through the act.
The show wraps up with a heart-stopping finale that will leave crowds wanting more.
To run away with the circus, head to Bicentennial Park tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm, Saturday at 1pm, 4.30pm or 7.30pm or Sunday at noon.
BY REBECCA BELT
30/10/2008 8:26:00 AM
THE magic of the Great Moscow Circus has opened in the big top with the first show in Tamworth last night.
The circus has visited Tamworth twice before but not since 1997 or 1998 with a new troupe of performers.
The Globe of Death hit the headlines last week when two riders were injured during an Armidale show but both were back on their bikes and performing at their best last night.
A twist on this performance is that there are four riders in the globe where previously there were three, meaning the act comes down to precision timing and many hours of practice.
The show also includes circus performers from across the world such as Leonid and Svetlana Gerontik, who are quick change artists and will leave you wondering how they do it.
There are also miniature ponies, high wire acts, contortionists, acrobats, illusionists and it wouldn’t be a circus without the clowns stumbling their way through the act.
The show wraps up with a heart-stopping finale that will leave crowds wanting more.
To run away with the circus, head to Bicentennial Park tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm, Saturday at 1pm, 4.30pm or 7.30pm or Sunday at noon.
MGM Mirage Casino Revenue Dropping Along With The Economy
"This could be bad news for Cirque du Soleil who has is heavily involved with MGM."
MGM Mirage announced their third quarter revenue numbers on Wednesday and if the rend they are following continues, they could be in financial trouble. The numbers declined once again, a sign that the economy is triggering less gambling in Las Vegas.
Other casino companies have already known what MGM found out on Wednesday, that consumers simply do not have the money to keep pumping into slot machines in Las Vegas. Gambling numbers for the city have been declining, and are now at a point of no return.
The net income of MGM from the same time last year is down sixty seven percent. Their net income dropped from $183.9 million to $61.3 million. That decrease was one of the worst of any company that has casinos in Sin City.
Table game betting at MGM's Las Vegas properties was down thirteen percent and slots betting on the Vegas Strip was equally unimpressive, dropping thirteen percent also. Hotel stays were down as well.
The casino industry has been among the hardest hit by the economic problems of the country. It used to be that Las Vegas did not have to worry about the state of the American economy. They had people coming in from overseas. Macau has put an end to that, however, causing the city to start feeling the same pain as others are experiencing.
October 29, 2008
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!
MGM Mirage announced their third quarter revenue numbers on Wednesday and if the rend they are following continues, they could be in financial trouble. The numbers declined once again, a sign that the economy is triggering less gambling in Las Vegas.
Other casino companies have already known what MGM found out on Wednesday, that consumers simply do not have the money to keep pumping into slot machines in Las Vegas. Gambling numbers for the city have been declining, and are now at a point of no return.
The net income of MGM from the same time last year is down sixty seven percent. Their net income dropped from $183.9 million to $61.3 million. That decrease was one of the worst of any company that has casinos in Sin City.
Table game betting at MGM's Las Vegas properties was down thirteen percent and slots betting on the Vegas Strip was equally unimpressive, dropping thirteen percent also. Hotel stays were down as well.
The casino industry has been among the hardest hit by the economic problems of the country. It used to be that Las Vegas did not have to worry about the state of the American economy. They had people coming in from overseas. Macau has put an end to that, however, causing the city to start feeling the same pain as others are experiencing.
October 29, 2008
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!
Clown Confession: Cirque du Soleil's David Shiner
IN CIRCUS SHOWS, it's usually the clowns making the funny and the acrobats bringing the oohs and aahs. But Cirque du Soleil is no typical circus, and with its new touring show, "Kooza," the roles have changed a little. Merging the two circus traditions, acrobatic performance and clowning, the show explores identity and power.
While David Shiner spent part of his youth in D.C. (no comment on whether he was class clown at Suitland Junior High School), he took his passion for humor global. With a resume that includes being a street mime in Paris, a clown with international renown, a movie and Broadway performer, Shiner tells us what inspired him to develop this show.
» EXPRESS: How is "Kooza" different from other Cirque du Soleil shows?
» SHINER: This is an art form of a one-ring circus that has elements, with great acrobatics and great comedy. It's simple in its form, but complex in its structure. We chose some of the best artistic acts in the world, and the skill level is just mind-boggling. It focuses on the connection with the audience.
» EXPRESS: Your career has spanned quite a spectrum. What do you consider your personal highlights?
» SHINER: I loved working with Cirque du Soleil in 1990. Also, when I worked with Bill Irwin on Broadway on the production "Fool Moon." Now I'm excited about "Kooza." I'm the first American director of Cirque du Soleil. This is all my own.
» EXPRESS: As a clown with Cirque du Soleil, you were known to incorporate the audience -- including stepping on or over them.
» SHINER: I've been a clown for 25 years, and I've infused a lot of that into the show. Everyone is fair game.
» EXPRESS: How does this circus use humor?
» SHINER: Every artist wants to have some great message, but the more you think about the message and its creativity, the more confusing it becomes. We need to have humor in our lives every day.
» EXPRESS: What do you want the audience to walk away with?
» SHINER: The main theme of the show is how I can connect to the audience more intimately and have them walk out of the show feeling like a kid again.
» EXPRESS: Do you think D.C. could benefit from a little more humor? Or is politics funny enough?
» SHINER: No great comic writer could imagine anything that's going on today. It's great comedy itself.
» The Plateau at National Harbor; through Dec. 14, $49.50-$125.
Written by Express contributor Robyn Mincher
Photo courtesy Cirque du Soleil
Posted By Express at 12:00 AM on October 30, 2008 Tagged in Arts & Events , Maryland , Prince George's County , Stage , Weekend Pass
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Circus tigers leap to safety through wall of fire - Thank God they were ok
The Associated Press
Monday, October 27, 2008
BERLIN: Three Siberian tigers leapt through a wall of fire to safety from a burning truck Monday on the orders of their circus ringmaster.
The tigers drew on their experiences of leaping through fiery rings during performances to escape a fire on the truck taking them between shows in northwestern Germany, said circus owner Daniel Renz.
Circus workers were on hand to round up the tigers from the highway after Renz ordered them to leap to safety early Monday and police closed the road to traffic.
"The three tigers used to jump through rings of fire in the ring, and that saved their lives," said Renz.
Rescue workers saved three other tigers left behind in the 43-foot wagon during the 15-minute fire.
One tiger appeared to have suffered some smoke inhalation, but the other five were in good condition, Renz said.
Renz said his show would go on, as planned on Oct. 30. But the six tigers involved in Monday's blaze — Queeni, Aschima, Lena, Sonja, Sibi and Goldi — will be given a break and some of the circus' seven other tigers will perform in their place.
The suspected cause was an overheated suspension system on the truck, said Renz
Monday, October 27, 2008
BERLIN: Three Siberian tigers leapt through a wall of fire to safety from a burning truck Monday on the orders of their circus ringmaster.
The tigers drew on their experiences of leaping through fiery rings during performances to escape a fire on the truck taking them between shows in northwestern Germany, said circus owner Daniel Renz.
Circus workers were on hand to round up the tigers from the highway after Renz ordered them to leap to safety early Monday and police closed the road to traffic.
"The three tigers used to jump through rings of fire in the ring, and that saved their lives," said Renz.
Rescue workers saved three other tigers left behind in the 43-foot wagon during the 15-minute fire.
One tiger appeared to have suffered some smoke inhalation, but the other five were in good condition, Renz said.
Renz said his show would go on, as planned on Oct. 30. But the six tigers involved in Monday's blaze — Queeni, Aschima, Lena, Sonja, Sibi and Goldi — will be given a break and some of the circus' seven other tigers will perform in their place.
The suspected cause was an overheated suspension system on the truck, said Renz
Sawdust Nights Statistics
I always find this very interesting.
The top five search terms that people use to get here:
1 - Ringling Trial
2 - Ringling Bros. Zing Zang Zoom
3 - Zing Zang Zoom
4 - Lewis and Clark Circus
5 - Lewis and Clark Circus People
The most popular pages within Sawdust Nights are:
1 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/protesters-but-no-circus-outside-of.html
2 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/peta-offers-to-buy-ringling-bros-circus.html
3 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/feld-entertainment-inc-trial-update.html
4 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/carson-barnes-last-day-zing-zang-zoom.html
5 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus.html
Interesting Fact: 9.6% of my visitors stay for more than one hour.
Top five nations that visit:
1 - United States of America
2 - United Kingdom
3 - Spain
4 - Canada
5 - Australia
Top five states that visit:
1 - California
2 - Connecticut
3 - Ohio
4 - Florida
5 - New York
Top five cities that visit:
1 - Bowling Green, Ohio
2 - Naugatuck, Connecticut
3 - Moorpark, California
4 - New York, New York
5- Washington D.C.
Take care,
Logan
The top five search terms that people use to get here:
1 - Ringling Trial
2 - Ringling Bros. Zing Zang Zoom
3 - Zing Zang Zoom
4 - Lewis and Clark Circus
5 - Lewis and Clark Circus People
The most popular pages within Sawdust Nights are:
1 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/protesters-but-no-circus-outside-of.html
2 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/peta-offers-to-buy-ringling-bros-circus.html
3 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/feld-entertainment-inc-trial-update.html
4 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/carson-barnes-last-day-zing-zang-zoom.html
5 - sawdustnights.blogspot.com/2008/10/ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-circus.html
Interesting Fact: 9.6% of my visitors stay for more than one hour.
Top five nations that visit:
1 - United States of America
2 - United Kingdom
3 - Spain
4 - Canada
5 - Australia
Top five states that visit:
1 - California
2 - Connecticut
3 - Ohio
4 - Florida
5 - New York
Top five cities that visit:
1 - Bowling Green, Ohio
2 - Naugatuck, Connecticut
3 - Moorpark, California
4 - New York, New York
5- Washington D.C.
Take care,
Logan
Update.............................. Is finally here!
The Ride To Over the Top
On Friday I left Bowling Green with Kyle to head to Cleveland to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Over the Top. It was a miracle that I even got there. I forgot to check the directions to see if we were going on any toll roads, and of course we did so as we were driving down the turnpike I was turning my car inside and out looking for $3.25, luckily I found it. So after that we head to the first parking garage and soon realize that parking garages only take cash which sounded like a foreign concept to us because the small town we are from plastic is the only way to go. So after searching through the city we find a little parking lot that has a machine where you insert coins into. So after finding a few more coins we park the car.
After a short walk we get to the Quicken Loans Arena. when we get up to the ticket window ticket lady started telling me how the show had three rings again. So I explained to her to that this unit just had one open space and at various times throughout the show there maybe multiple things going on but the show was not a three ring show anymore. I wonder how many people went into the show expecting a three ring show now.
Circus Protestors
About forty minutes before showtime I see that PETA protestors had arrived. I was going to ignore them like I usually do but this time they were yelling such outlandish lies I found myself crossing the road and approaching them. I broke the rules and actually confronted them. I started asking them questions about how they knew what they claimed they knew. My first question was "How many of you have actually spent time with a circus?" I was amazed that the majority of the protestors said that "this is my very first circus I have ever been to." I then proceed on asking them "If this is the first circus you have ever been to, and you are standing across the road from it, how do you know what goes on back stage?" Their responce "PETA's website circuses.com." This once again proves my point that we need to have a PRO CIRCUS ANIMAL website that shows the true side of the circus. Anyways before it was all said and done one protestor threatened to hit me and another one told me that she was going to have to re-evaluate her beliefs because I poked a lot of holes in her theories which proves it is never too let to educate.
Over the Top
Overall I enjoyed Over the Top. Of course it was different then the Ringling shows that must of us grew up with and once we accept that is different we can then enjoy the show for what it is. This edition of the blue unit filled out the arena much nicer then the Circus of Dreams did. The circus played to a sold out crowd when I was there and overall the crowd really seemed to enjoy it. I would say judging by crowd reactions the globe of death was the audience favorite followed by Super Silva on the upside down walk, elephants, and then the tigers.
I loved the opening production number as well as the jungle scene. I also really enjoyed the contortion/hand balancing display. The flying trapeze act is probably the most enjoybale flying act I have seen in a really long time, I generally dislike them. And Tom without a doubt is one of the best clowns in the buisness today. I'm going back to see the show again this Saturday and then I might swing over and catch the Red unit which is in Pittsburgh right now.
After the show Kyle and I were leaving and heading to our car when we were aproached by two men who proceed to ask us if we had any money because they were "homeless." When we said no they started to follow us thankfully we are quick on our feet and our car was close or else God knows what might have happened.
The Ringling Trial
The plantiff has requested the trial to be pushed back another year until 2009. The animal rights activists have had EIGHT years to gather their "evidence" against Ringling Bros. but this clearly shows that they do not have any hard proof evidence against Ringling Bros. for if they truly did they would be in trial today. I'm praying that this witch hunt ends soon.
In other news
I just picked up a copy of The Contemporary Circus Art of the Spectacular by Ernest Albrecht, so far it is an interesting read. There is a line in there about costumes which really has caused me to do a lot of thinking about the differences between the costumes of traditional circus verse the new circus. I think that may have to be a post later on this week.
I was also interviewed this past week by an Ohio newspaper about my experiences with the circus and sideshow. I'll post a link when the article comes out which should either be Tuesday or Wednesday.
Take care,
Logan Jacot
On Friday I left Bowling Green with Kyle to head to Cleveland to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Over the Top. It was a miracle that I even got there. I forgot to check the directions to see if we were going on any toll roads, and of course we did so as we were driving down the turnpike I was turning my car inside and out looking for $3.25, luckily I found it. So after that we head to the first parking garage and soon realize that parking garages only take cash which sounded like a foreign concept to us because the small town we are from plastic is the only way to go. So after searching through the city we find a little parking lot that has a machine where you insert coins into. So after finding a few more coins we park the car.
After a short walk we get to the Quicken Loans Arena. when we get up to the ticket window ticket lady started telling me how the show had three rings again. So I explained to her to that this unit just had one open space and at various times throughout the show there maybe multiple things going on but the show was not a three ring show anymore. I wonder how many people went into the show expecting a three ring show now.
Circus Protestors
About forty minutes before showtime I see that PETA protestors had arrived. I was going to ignore them like I usually do but this time they were yelling such outlandish lies I found myself crossing the road and approaching them. I broke the rules and actually confronted them. I started asking them questions about how they knew what they claimed they knew. My first question was "How many of you have actually spent time with a circus?" I was amazed that the majority of the protestors said that "this is my very first circus I have ever been to." I then proceed on asking them "If this is the first circus you have ever been to, and you are standing across the road from it, how do you know what goes on back stage?" Their responce "PETA's website circuses.com." This once again proves my point that we need to have a PRO CIRCUS ANIMAL website that shows the true side of the circus. Anyways before it was all said and done one protestor threatened to hit me and another one told me that she was going to have to re-evaluate her beliefs because I poked a lot of holes in her theories which proves it is never too let to educate.
Over the Top
Overall I enjoyed Over the Top. Of course it was different then the Ringling shows that must of us grew up with and once we accept that is different we can then enjoy the show for what it is. This edition of the blue unit filled out the arena much nicer then the Circus of Dreams did. The circus played to a sold out crowd when I was there and overall the crowd really seemed to enjoy it. I would say judging by crowd reactions the globe of death was the audience favorite followed by Super Silva on the upside down walk, elephants, and then the tigers.
I loved the opening production number as well as the jungle scene. I also really enjoyed the contortion/hand balancing display. The flying trapeze act is probably the most enjoybale flying act I have seen in a really long time, I generally dislike them. And Tom without a doubt is one of the best clowns in the buisness today. I'm going back to see the show again this Saturday and then I might swing over and catch the Red unit which is in Pittsburgh right now.
After the show Kyle and I were leaving and heading to our car when we were aproached by two men who proceed to ask us if we had any money because they were "homeless." When we said no they started to follow us thankfully we are quick on our feet and our car was close or else God knows what might have happened.
The Ringling Trial
The plantiff has requested the trial to be pushed back another year until 2009. The animal rights activists have had EIGHT years to gather their "evidence" against Ringling Bros. but this clearly shows that they do not have any hard proof evidence against Ringling Bros. for if they truly did they would be in trial today. I'm praying that this witch hunt ends soon.
In other news
I just picked up a copy of The Contemporary Circus Art of the Spectacular by Ernest Albrecht, so far it is an interesting read. There is a line in there about costumes which really has caused me to do a lot of thinking about the differences between the costumes of traditional circus verse the new circus. I think that may have to be a post later on this week.
I was also interviewed this past week by an Ohio newspaper about my experiences with the circus and sideshow. I'll post a link when the article comes out which should either be Tuesday or Wednesday.
Take care,
Logan Jacot
Update on it's way but in the mean time.... Monterey County law would protect circus animals
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 10/27/2008 05:31:18 AM PDT
SALINAS, Calif.—Circus lions, tigers, elephants and other animals visiting Monterey County will be protected under a proposed law.
The Board of Supervisors has asked the county's Animal Control Advisory Committee to review a proposed ordinance aimed at ensuring basic protections for animals in entertainment venues.
The law would make sure animal handlers have no criminal history of animal abuse, among other things. The ordinance also makes sure visiting animal acts have plans to safely recapture an escaped animal.
Traveling animal shows would have to satisfy all conditions and requirements at least two weeks in advance to receive a county permit.
———
Information from: The Monterey County Herald, http://www.montereyherald.com
Article Launched: 10/27/2008 05:31:18 AM PDT
SALINAS, Calif.—Circus lions, tigers, elephants and other animals visiting Monterey County will be protected under a proposed law.
The Board of Supervisors has asked the county's Animal Control Advisory Committee to review a proposed ordinance aimed at ensuring basic protections for animals in entertainment venues.
The law would make sure animal handlers have no criminal history of animal abuse, among other things. The ordinance also makes sure visiting animal acts have plans to safely recapture an escaped animal.
Traveling animal shows would have to satisfy all conditions and requirements at least two weeks in advance to receive a county permit.
———
Information from: The Monterey County Herald, http://www.montereyherald.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Update Tonight
Hey I guys I have to go to an appointment really soon so I don't have time to give an update right now but I'm going to post one tonight on my weekend. It was full of adventure peta protestors, an almost mugging, and Ringling Bros. Over the Top, what more could somebody ask for? lol
Friday, October 24, 2008
Protesters, but no circus, outside of the circus
By AARON LEO
Staff writer
BRIDGEPORT -- The lines of ticketholders waiting to get into the Arena at Harbor Yard for the seventh installment of the Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus here stretched to the street Thursday night.
Also waiting in the autumn chill were the anti-circus protesters, who had a captive audience reading their pro-animal rights signs. And pro-circus "protesters" from the Circus Fans of America, established in 1926, also joined in the mix.
However, the voices of barkers keeping the lines moving and selling programs boomed over everyone.
One first-time ticketholder from New Haven engaged animal rights activist Allison Rivera, of Clinton.
"Without the animals, what would we do?" asked Ibrahim Shareef, while holding his 1-year old son, Azim.
"How they train animals, it's not natural," Rivera replied. "Do you think elephants born in Africa want to be here in Harbor Yard?"
Referring to one anti-circus sign, Shareef said it was Azim's first time at the circus and "he was going to see the 'saddest' show on earth."
Shareef wasn't convinced by Rivera's argument. "I'm going to have to examine this some more," Shareef said. "I've seen the circus on TV and I liked it."
He added that more attention should be paid to human issues.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the circus defended itself. "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey animals are healthy and well cared for by a team of full-time veterinarians. Protesters make false and distorted allegations about Ringling Bros. animal care and we invite people to come see for themselves that our animals are healthy and thriving in our care," said Paulina Piekarski, regional public relations manager-Northeast, for Feld Entertainment, Inc., which produces the circus.
Behind Shareef, anti-circus protesters apparently clashed with the Circus Fans. One ticketholder said there was cursing in the exchange.
"The protesters are here and they have their opinion. You can read their signs. Have your opinions, don't curse," said Bob Craybas, of Bethel, holding his son, Evan, 5.
"If I didn't think it was right, I wouldn't be here," he said.
Evan had been to the circus at the arena once before, and couldn't say which part was his favorite. But he did like the animals.
The circus fans said the animals like the circus, too.
"The elephants get better health care than me," stated a sign held by Doug Cole, of Bethel.
Cole said he's been going to the circus since 1956, for more than 50 years, and refutes the animal activists' argument that the circus' training methods are cruel to the animals.
"If an 8,000-pound elephant was abused, how long do you think the trainer would last? Would you buy a $75,000 animal and beat it?" he said.
But for Rivera, there's another issue. She has visited Botswana and Tanzania and observed elephants in the wild.
The herds were "absolutely amazing," she said. "You see a herd of 150 mommies and babies." The adult elephants watch out for each other's children, she added.
Nancy Rice, of Darien, a coordinator for the Friends of Animals, said elephants in captivity develop arthritis from being in cramped quarters for hours. In the wild, they roam and can live up to 70 years, she said.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Feld Entertainment, Inc. Trial Update: Statement on Upcoming Trial Filed by Animal Special Interest Groups
Last update: 3:39 p.m. EDT Oct. 23, 2008
VIENNA, Va.,, Oct 23, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Feld Entertainment is conducting a vigorous defense in the lawsuit, ASPCA, et al. v. Feld Entertainment, Inc. which is scheduled to go to trial on October 27, 2008 in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. The case, which began more than eight years ago, is being pursued by four animal special interest groups against Feld Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) Circus.
"Animal special interest groups are distorting the facts by making false allegations about the treatment of Ringling Bros.(R) elephants as part of a long-running crusade to eliminate animals from circuses, zoos and wildlife parks," said Michelle Pardo of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., which is representing Feld Entertainment in the case. "Feld Entertainment will show during the trial that its elephants are healthy, alert, and thriving, and it intends to debunk the misinformation that has been spread by those who do not own or know how to care for an elephant."
Ringling Bros. meets and often exceeds federal requirements on the care of circus animals, and its animal care practices are commonly accepted and well-known to the government. In fact, Ringling Bros. is inspected repeatedly by federal, state, and local authorities in virtually every city the circus performs, and Ringling Bros. has never been found in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, the federal law that regulates the treatment of animals by circuses, zoos and other exhibitors.
The complaint, which will be heard by federal District Court Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, was filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); the Animal Welfare Institute, the Fund for Animals, the Animal Protection Institute and Tom Rider, who is a former Ringling Bros. employee. The complaint alleges that Ringling Bros. has violated the Endangered Species Act by harming the elephants through the use of guides and tethers. The animal groups claim this is an illegal "taking" of the elephants under the law.
The commitment of Ringling Bros. to animal care and the well-being of the elephants is evidenced by its three full-time accredited veterinarians, and two accredited consultant veterinarians who offer 24/7 coverage. Ringling Bros. animal care staff works to ensure that the animals have an enriching and safe environment while veterinarians rotate in and out of the circus locations and other Ringling Bros. facilities to check on and care for the elephants.
Ringling Bros. is a world leader in the care and conservation of the endangered Asian elephant. We are especially proud of our 200-acre Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation(R) in Florida, which is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the reproduction, research and retirement of Asian elephants.
Ringling Bros. spends $6 million annually on its animal care with more than $60,000 a year dedicated to each of our 52 elephants. Our focus remains on the proper care of our elephants, and we will continue to be an industry leader in the public education about the endangered Asian elephant and the ongoing evolution in the care and survival of this species.
Background of Case
The original complaint was filed in July, 2000. The case was dismissed in 2001 but was reinstated in 2003 after an appeal. The appeals court ruled that if Tom Rider could prove that he was "aesthetically injured" by Ringling Bros.' treatment of the elephants, the case could proceed. Whether such an "injury" to Rider actually exists and can be remedied will be a major issue in the trial. So will the financial support that Rider receives from his co-plaintiffs - a fact that was unknown to the appeals court in 2003.
In an important ruling in August, 2007, the U.S. District Court narrowed the scope of the case to only six of the 52 Ringling Bros. elephants. The judge granted partial summary judgment to Ringling Bros. and ruled that none of the Ringling Bros. Asian elephants that were born in the United States were subject to the claims of the animal groups under the Endangered Species Act.
Ringling Bros. has filed a separate lawsuit against the animal groups under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and Conspiracy Counterclaim. That litigation is on hold and will proceed separately following completion of the current case.
Ringling Bros. Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. defense team is led by John M. Simpson and includes Lisa Joiner, Lance Shea, Michelle Pardo and Kara Petteway.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment that lifts the human spirit and creates indelible memories, with 25 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 55 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Feld Entertainment Motor Sports, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R).
SOURCE Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
VIENNA, Va.,, Oct 23, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Feld Entertainment is conducting a vigorous defense in the lawsuit, ASPCA, et al. v. Feld Entertainment, Inc. which is scheduled to go to trial on October 27, 2008 in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. The case, which began more than eight years ago, is being pursued by four animal special interest groups against Feld Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) Circus.
"Animal special interest groups are distorting the facts by making false allegations about the treatment of Ringling Bros.(R) elephants as part of a long-running crusade to eliminate animals from circuses, zoos and wildlife parks," said Michelle Pardo of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., which is representing Feld Entertainment in the case. "Feld Entertainment will show during the trial that its elephants are healthy, alert, and thriving, and it intends to debunk the misinformation that has been spread by those who do not own or know how to care for an elephant."
Ringling Bros. meets and often exceeds federal requirements on the care of circus animals, and its animal care practices are commonly accepted and well-known to the government. In fact, Ringling Bros. is inspected repeatedly by federal, state, and local authorities in virtually every city the circus performs, and Ringling Bros. has never been found in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, the federal law that regulates the treatment of animals by circuses, zoos and other exhibitors.
The complaint, which will be heard by federal District Court Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, was filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); the Animal Welfare Institute, the Fund for Animals, the Animal Protection Institute and Tom Rider, who is a former Ringling Bros. employee. The complaint alleges that Ringling Bros. has violated the Endangered Species Act by harming the elephants through the use of guides and tethers. The animal groups claim this is an illegal "taking" of the elephants under the law.
The commitment of Ringling Bros. to animal care and the well-being of the elephants is evidenced by its three full-time accredited veterinarians, and two accredited consultant veterinarians who offer 24/7 coverage. Ringling Bros. animal care staff works to ensure that the animals have an enriching and safe environment while veterinarians rotate in and out of the circus locations and other Ringling Bros. facilities to check on and care for the elephants.
Ringling Bros. is a world leader in the care and conservation of the endangered Asian elephant. We are especially proud of our 200-acre Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation(R) in Florida, which is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the reproduction, research and retirement of Asian elephants.
Ringling Bros. spends $6 million annually on its animal care with more than $60,000 a year dedicated to each of our 52 elephants. Our focus remains on the proper care of our elephants, and we will continue to be an industry leader in the public education about the endangered Asian elephant and the ongoing evolution in the care and survival of this species.
Background of Case
The original complaint was filed in July, 2000. The case was dismissed in 2001 but was reinstated in 2003 after an appeal. The appeals court ruled that if Tom Rider could prove that he was "aesthetically injured" by Ringling Bros.' treatment of the elephants, the case could proceed. Whether such an "injury" to Rider actually exists and can be remedied will be a major issue in the trial. So will the financial support that Rider receives from his co-plaintiffs - a fact that was unknown to the appeals court in 2003.
In an important ruling in August, 2007, the U.S. District Court narrowed the scope of the case to only six of the 52 Ringling Bros. elephants. The judge granted partial summary judgment to Ringling Bros. and ruled that none of the Ringling Bros. Asian elephants that were born in the United States were subject to the claims of the animal groups under the Endangered Species Act.
Ringling Bros. has filed a separate lawsuit against the animal groups under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and Conspiracy Counterclaim. That litigation is on hold and will proceed separately following completion of the current case.
Ringling Bros. Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. defense team is led by John M. Simpson and includes Lisa Joiner, Lance Shea, Michelle Pardo and Kara Petteway.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment that lifts the human spirit and creates indelible memories, with 25 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 55 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Feld Entertainment Motor Sports, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R).
SOURCE Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
PETA Offers To Buy Ringling Bros. Circus Electronic Elephants
or Immediate Release:
October 22, 2008
Contact:
RaeLeann Smith 757-622-7382
Vienna, Va. -- This morning, PETA sent an offer to Nicole Feld of Vienna, Va.-based Feld Entertainment, which owns Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The group is offering to buy a state-of-the art, high-tech animatronic elephant to give to Ringling if Feld retires the circus's current elephants from servitude. PETA has long been at odds with Ringling over the circus's abusive treatment of elephants, tigers, and other animals. Ringling has been fined, warned, and cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for elephant deaths and other incidents. The animatronic elephant that PETA offers to buy for Ringling would be similar to the animatronic dinosaurs currently in use in the popular "Walking With Dinosaurs, the Live Experience" show, which is touring the U.S. PETA points out that substituting Ringling's live elephants with animatronic ones would provide all the thrills that kids love while at the same time getting PETA off Feld's back.
"The days of hauling elephants and other animals across the country in chains and cramped cages and forcing them to perform under threat of punishment are fading," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "PETA's offer gives Ringling the perfect opportunity to prove its tired claim that it cares by switching to animatronic elephants and retiring the old, ailing live elephants that it currently uses."
For more information, please visit PETA's Web site Circuses.com.
PETA's letter to Nicole Feld follows.
October 22, 2008
Nicole Feld, Executive Vice President
Feld Entertainment Inc.
Dear Ms. Feld:
I am writing on behalf of PETA and our more than 2 million members and supporters. As the person responsible for creative development for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, we would like to present you with what I hope you will see as an exciting, innovative proposal, one that would benefit the circus and the elephants used in its shows. We would be willing to purchase an animatronic elephant--similar to the animatronic dinosaur featured in the highly popular show "Walking With Dinosaurs, the Live Experience," which is currently touring the U.S.--to take the place of live elephants in Ringling Bros. performances.
As this video footage shows, the size, dimensions, and movements of the dinosaur are comparable to those of an elephant during a circus performance. With a few wardrobe additions and simple programming changes, we think that this "elephant" would mesmerize an audience full of curious children. With the rising number of technologically advanced performances and the rising costs of maintaining and transporting real elephants, this option seems to be a truly futuristic solution that would also keep animal rights activists off Ringling's back.
The use of animatronics would also guarantee a successful performance every night and eliminate any dangers or surprises that come with training powerful animals. The real elephants would, of course, be spared tiring, uncomfortable, and even painful lives in chains and perpetual servitude.
I hope to hear from you that this idea is appealing and that you will give it a try. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kristie Phelps, Assistant Director
Animals in Entertainment Campaign
October 22, 2008
Contact:
RaeLeann Smith 757-622-7382
Vienna, Va. -- This morning, PETA sent an offer to Nicole Feld of Vienna, Va.-based Feld Entertainment, which owns Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The group is offering to buy a state-of-the art, high-tech animatronic elephant to give to Ringling if Feld retires the circus's current elephants from servitude. PETA has long been at odds with Ringling over the circus's abusive treatment of elephants, tigers, and other animals. Ringling has been fined, warned, and cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for elephant deaths and other incidents. The animatronic elephant that PETA offers to buy for Ringling would be similar to the animatronic dinosaurs currently in use in the popular "Walking With Dinosaurs, the Live Experience" show, which is touring the U.S. PETA points out that substituting Ringling's live elephants with animatronic ones would provide all the thrills that kids love while at the same time getting PETA off Feld's back.
"The days of hauling elephants and other animals across the country in chains and cramped cages and forcing them to perform under threat of punishment are fading," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "PETA's offer gives Ringling the perfect opportunity to prove its tired claim that it cares by switching to animatronic elephants and retiring the old, ailing live elephants that it currently uses."
For more information, please visit PETA's Web site Circuses.com.
PETA's letter to Nicole Feld follows.
October 22, 2008
Nicole Feld, Executive Vice President
Feld Entertainment Inc.
Dear Ms. Feld:
I am writing on behalf of PETA and our more than 2 million members and supporters. As the person responsible for creative development for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, we would like to present you with what I hope you will see as an exciting, innovative proposal, one that would benefit the circus and the elephants used in its shows. We would be willing to purchase an animatronic elephant--similar to the animatronic dinosaur featured in the highly popular show "Walking With Dinosaurs, the Live Experience," which is currently touring the U.S.--to take the place of live elephants in Ringling Bros. performances.
As this video footage shows, the size, dimensions, and movements of the dinosaur are comparable to those of an elephant during a circus performance. With a few wardrobe additions and simple programming changes, we think that this "elephant" would mesmerize an audience full of curious children. With the rising number of technologically advanced performances and the rising costs of maintaining and transporting real elephants, this option seems to be a truly futuristic solution that would also keep animal rights activists off Ringling's back.
The use of animatronics would also guarantee a successful performance every night and eliminate any dangers or surprises that come with training powerful animals. The real elephants would, of course, be spared tiring, uncomfortable, and even painful lives in chains and perpetual servitude.
I hope to hear from you that this idea is appealing and that you will give it a try. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kristie Phelps, Assistant Director
Animals in Entertainment Campaign
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Elephants parade through Cleveland
You can always tell when the circus comes to town.
By Greg Saber, Newsradio WTAM 1100
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
(Cleveland) - Not your usual downtown Cleveland commuters...elephants walked their way up East 9th Street to Quicken Loans Arena, fresh off a train near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The elephants and their handlers are in town for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Downtowners were delighted with to see the fast stepping pachyderms, and many brought their kids to view the event.
Scores of people lined East 9th to see the animals as they departed from South Marginal Road and headed several blocks south.
The circus, which this year is themed “Over The Top” runs through November 2 at “The Q”.
(Copyright © 2008 Clear Channel. All rights reserved.)
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Trial Information
For those of you who are interested especially the media because I have had a lot newspapers look at my blog recently check out http://www.ringlingbrostrialinfo.com/ for more information on the Ringling trial so you can get a fair and balanced perspective on it. There is a media info page on it.
Take care,
Logan
Take care,
Logan
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Did The Luxor Make a $100 Million Mistake With Criss Angel's "Believe"?
In these troubled times, a hotel -- even a casino -- probably can't afford to throw down $100 million on something with the potential to fail. Unfortunately, it's really starting to look like the Luxor has made a colossal mistake by giving the star of its new Cirque du Soleil show, one Criss Angel, 100 mill, creative control and a 10-year contract.
We've been over this a couple of times before. When we first mentioned that the show, Believe, was headed into its official "preview period," our comment threads caught fire with pretty harsh reviews from the first audiences. We rounded some of them up here, and we wondered whether the angry rants were just courtesy of some CA haters or if the show really did epically suck.
Yeah. Well. Turns out, it indeed really does suck as much as all our sources say it does -- at least if Page Six is to be believed.
Per Page Six:
Guy Laliberté, the head of Cirque [du Soleil], is even said to have walked out of one preview.
And he wouldn't be the first one. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the show, which opens officially on Halloween, "is a possibly unsalvageable waste of time and a dead end that literally bored some audience members to sleep."
Yikes. Oh wait -- it gets better. A hate party even went down in the bathroom, with reports of public restrooms full of people "chanting 'bull----' from the urinals."
Other folks complained about the lack of actual magic in the show and the fact that wires holding people in the air were clearly visible. Awkward. We actually heard this too from our commenters so Luxor and Cirque are going to need to fix that pronto.
As usual, a rep for Mr. Angel said the show was only in its preview period and the media should be respecting this and not publishing reviews. Yet if "Believe" is still on track for its official Halloween debut, Criss Angel will have to do some serious Mindfreak tricks to hold off the tide of discontent.
Circus animals on parade
By JOHN BURGESON
Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 10/21/2008 07:49:24 PM EDT
What: The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Where: The Arena at Harbor Yard
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1 and 5 p.m.
Tickets: $90, $50, $45, $25, $20 and $15
Information: www.arenaatharboryard.com
BRIDGEPORT -- Along a route of astonished motorists and enraptured children, 10 elephants made their way from the East End rail yard to downtown Tuesday, the heavyweight attractions of the circus that made Bridgeport famous.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus opens at the Arena at Harbor Yard Thursday night for a four-day, eight-show engagement.
The pachyderms were accompanied on the 1.5-mile walk across town by 10 high-spirited horses and about 30 animal handlers. At the rear were three miniature ponies, their dainty hoofs not much larger than silver dollars.
The animals emerged from their rail cars about 2 p.m. just as a cold front pushed through, turning the sky battleship gray and dampening the streets with a brief shower. The menagerie, accompanied by a police detail, was preceded and followed by a contingent of street sweepers -- two in front and one at the rear.
"The one behind is there to pick up the poop!" said one circus worker.
"Most definitely I'll see the circus -- with 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, I have no choice," said Millie Moore, who watched the elephants lumber by from the corner of Central and Connecticut avenues, her white Bichon Frisé barking like the world was coming to an end. "I don't think Dakota ever saw an elephant before."
"We actually got lucky because we were going to visit the Barnum Museum," said Beth Segal, a tourist from Philadelphia. "And what better day to see the Barnum Museum than the day the elephants come to town?"
Leo Acton, a clown and circus spokesman, said that other animals in the performances include a "small herd of zebras," 25 dogs and 13 Bengal tigers.
"We always have a great time in Bridgeport," Acton said, adding that this is the farewell tour of Bello, the circus' "comic daredevil."
"Bridgeport is a Mecca for all of us. We always like going over to the Barnum Museum so we can keep track of our roots," he said, referring to the local legacy of P.T. Barnum, the circus founder and one-time Bridgeport mayor."
Big Tent is back in town - Kelly Miller Circus
Brenda Jensen, News reporter
10-20-2008
By 8 a.m. this morning, the circus animals were enjoying their breakfast and workers were laying out the heavy tents of the big top.
Chris Beckett, of Washington, Ind., is the “24-hour man” for Kelly Miller Circus. Beckett’s job is to precede the circus by a day to verify services the circus will need to do their show. He meets with local representatives to ensure they have proper services including water, trash and manure removal, feed, and anything the animals or personnel might need, including doctors, dentists and mechanic. He also verifies precisely where the circus is to set up their tents and park their trucks.
“I set up red arrows that guide the convoy into town,” Beckett said. “The arrows indicate whether there is a steep grade, or other problems with bringing the convoy in.”
Beckett said he sets up about 14-16,000 little red arrows in a season.
“We have about 70 people with the show, seven tractor trailers and about 38 units (vehicles), including support vehicles,” Beckett explained.
Santiago Olmos is in charge of caring for the three Asian elephants. This is Olmos’ seventh season with Kelly Miller and he enjoys his girls.
With a wide grin, Olmos introduces Lisa, age 32, and Becky and Tracy, both aged 38. He said they understand about 80 commands – and they enjoy goodies, like bread and granola.
“We got them all together,” Beckett said. “We lease the elephants. You can’t own them.”
The elephants are leased from Carson Barnes Circus. “The USDA inspects our animals four times a year and every 30 days a local veterinarian inspects them,” said Beckett. The veterinarian pays particular attention to their feet and nails.
As the tents began to rise, Beckett went on to say that the circus is like its own community. They have their own cooks/kitchen, mechanic and even a teacher.“You can run away to the circus, but you’d still have to go to school,” laughed Beckett.
There are about nine children with the group, however only one of them is a performer. The boy is 10 years old and is in an act that includes his father. The little guy is fearless.
“He climbs to the top of the perch pole,” said Beckett, referring to a long pole held vertically by his father as he scales it to stand at the top.
The Kelly Miller Circus was started in 1938 and is still going strong. Its big top is 120 feet by 130 feet and is 40 feet high. It has the capacity to seat 1,500 people. With over 25 acts, there will be something to thrill each person that attends.
The circus has only three weeks remaining this season before it returns to its winter quarters in Hugo, Okla. Beckett said the Ark Foundation is there and takes care of retired circus animals. They also have a special elephant program there. Tourists are welcome.The Richmond Kiwanis have brought the circus to town to help raise money for their various community projects. Proceeds from ticket sales will aid in assisting with these programs.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Right reasons needed for ban
Published: October 17, 2008 4:00 PM
Updated: October 17, 2008 4:43 PM One has to wonder if the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee is truly interested in the welfare of animals when it considers banning circuses, or if it's just reacting to a few vocal residents?
And if there is to be a prohibition, why would it be limited just to exotic animals? Why wouldn't all animal acts be banned, including rodeos and horse races? But a broader ban won't occur because it's easier to stop something that periodically travels to town than to question our own cultural use of horses, cattle and other domestic animals.
The bottom line, in all cases, should be how the animals are treated while performing, and that their living environment — both on the road and at home base — is adequate to meet their specific needs. In B.C., as in other provinces, there are regulations that govern the humane treatment of animals and GVAC should ensure all rules are being enforced in its facilities.
Part of the problem is the Disney factor — attributing human feelings and attributes to animals. An elephant at a circus may look sad, but unless you are familiar with elephant biology, how do you know what he is feeling?
It's been suggested there is no educational benefit to circuses, but such acts do allow urban children to see exotic animals up close and hopefully those kids will go home and think more about protecting habitat, especially for species at risk. It could also be said that agricultural fairs and petting zoos are unnatural, but many people in the North Okanagan consider them to be a great opportunity for youth to learn about farm life.
In the end, there is nothing wrong with GVAC looking into the matter of exotic animals, but hopefully the decision is made for the right reason
Updated: October 17, 2008 4:43 PM One has to wonder if the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee is truly interested in the welfare of animals when it considers banning circuses, or if it's just reacting to a few vocal residents?
And if there is to be a prohibition, why would it be limited just to exotic animals? Why wouldn't all animal acts be banned, including rodeos and horse races? But a broader ban won't occur because it's easier to stop something that periodically travels to town than to question our own cultural use of horses, cattle and other domestic animals.
The bottom line, in all cases, should be how the animals are treated while performing, and that their living environment — both on the road and at home base — is adequate to meet their specific needs. In B.C., as in other provinces, there are regulations that govern the humane treatment of animals and GVAC should ensure all rules are being enforced in its facilities.
Part of the problem is the Disney factor — attributing human feelings and attributes to animals. An elephant at a circus may look sad, but unless you are familiar with elephant biology, how do you know what he is feeling?
It's been suggested there is no educational benefit to circuses, but such acts do allow urban children to see exotic animals up close and hopefully those kids will go home and think more about protecting habitat, especially for species at risk. It could also be said that agricultural fairs and petting zoos are unnatural, but many people in the North Okanagan consider them to be a great opportunity for youth to learn about farm life.
In the end, there is nothing wrong with GVAC looking into the matter of exotic animals, but hopefully the decision is made for the right reason
Barnum & Bailey return to Huntington
Taylor Kuykendall/Herald-Dispatch
For the first time in eight years "The Greatest Show on Earth" has returned to Huntington. The famous Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey one-ring circus show, "Boom A Ring" is live at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. The show includes stunning feats of acrobatics, exotic animals and over-the-top displays of balance
October 17, 2008 @ 10:55 PM
TAYLOR KUYKENDALL
The Herald-Dispatch
For the first time in eight years "The Greatest Show on Earth" has returned to Huntington.
The famous Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey one-ring circus show, "Boom A Ring," is live at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. The show includes stunning feats of acrobatics, exotic animals and over-the-top displays of balance.
Friday night included a special all access pre-show where guests were given a chance to interact with the performers. A few kids were even lucky enough to participate in the show.
Kalli McCleese, 6, said her favorite part was the dogs and the tricks they did at the show. Shane Adams, 7, said his favorite part was when the tight rope walker nearly fell off the ropes.
Some parents said bringing their kids back was an experience that reminded them of when they were a kid. Lee Adams brought his 7-year-old son Shane Adams and his friend Joey Perkins, 7, from Cannonsburg, Ky., to Friday's show.
"I just really love the whole circus," Lee Adams said. "It hardly ever comes to Huntington, it's always in Charleston."
For some parents, the circus may have been a little more sentimental. Josh and Carrie Roland brought three of their children along: Brooklyn, Bentley and Bailey.
"We named her Bailey because this is where my husband and I met eight years ago," Carrie Roland said.
Josh Roland added, "Let's hope we don't come back with a Barnum next time."
Family bringing its circus act to town next week
Friday, October 17, 2008
GINA CHEN
FAMILY LIFE NOTEBOOK
Jasmin Castro's family life isn't typical.
The 30-year-old's grandparents and parents were in the circus, and she has been performing on the high wire since age 8.
She's part of Los Scolas, a high wire-double wheel act that comes to Syracuse next week as part of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. She and her husband, Javier, perform together and have a daughter, Jayleen, 3.
"Mom wants her to go to school, but Dad wants her to go in the circus," Jasmin Castro says. "She's like a little monkey."
You can watch the Castros and the rest of the circus at 7 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Onondaga County War Memorial. Call 472-0700 or go to www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.
GINA CHEN
FAMILY LIFE NOTEBOOK
Jasmin Castro's family life isn't typical.
The 30-year-old's grandparents and parents were in the circus, and she has been performing on the high wire since age 8.
She's part of Los Scolas, a high wire-double wheel act that comes to Syracuse next week as part of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. She and her husband, Javier, perform together and have a daughter, Jayleen, 3.
"Mom wants her to go to school, but Dad wants her to go in the circus," Jasmin Castro says. "She's like a little monkey."
You can watch the Castros and the rest of the circus at 7 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Onondaga County War Memorial. Call 472-0700 or go to www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.
Circus opens at arena on Oct. 23
'The Greatest Show on Earth' brings its aerial acrobats and other performers to Bridgeport for 8 shows
By PHYLLIS A.S. BOROS
Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 10/17/2008 06:08:54 PM EDT
Hearts will be pounding when the 137th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's "Greatest Show on Earth" comes to Bridgeport on Thursday.
And we're not just talking about members of the audience as they watch the circus' 21 acts, 84 performers and 350 costume changes.
The performers, too, will experience their own version of heart pounding -- as it pertains to romance.
Ringling Bros. -- which will present eight performances through Sunday at the Arena at Harbor Yard -- has a storyline running through its new production, called "Bellobration."
The plot: It seems that the show's star, Bello Nock, billed as the "comic daredevil" with "tall orange hair," falls in love with aerialist Erendira Wallenda.
And every time he sees the beautiful performer -- including when she's doing handstands 68 feet in the air on a sway pole -- his heart throbs so loudly that the entire audience will hear the booms.
"Everyone likes things that are different -- and this show has a storyline," which is something unusual for the circus, explained the aerialist in a recent telephone interview from a Boston tour stop.
Will the boy get the girl?
Only circus-goers will be privy to the answer. In Erendira's real life, however, the boy most certainly got the girl.
Erendira is married to another Ringling performer, aerialist Nikolas Wallenda, whose great-grandfather, Karl, was the founder of the renowned Great Wallendas
high-wire troupe.
Nikolas was in the news last Wednesday when he set a new Guinness World Record at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., when he traveled the longest distance (235 feet) and greatest height (128 feet) by bicycle on a high wire, which in this case was 12 stories above Mulberry Street -- without a net.
That both spend their working hours in very precarious situations doesn't seem to frighten Erendira in the least.
"When Nik's performing, I might be a little nervous. But it's normal for us. He's more than capable" on the high wire.
"Usually," Erendira, added, laughing, "I'm a little envious" when he's doing something spectacular like last week's New Jersey stunt. "I would like to be up there with him."
As for herself, Erendira said that she has been a performer since age 5 -- and is descended from generations of circus performers on both her mother's and father's side of the family.
"I think you can say that I have sawdust in my veins. I love what I do so much. I have so much passion for what I do: I love performing, and the way the audience reacts. I love it all."
The performer said she is always working to improve her strength and flexibility -- which are key for an aerialist.
"When I'm up in the air, I'm so focused on what I'm doing, I'm so conscious of every move that I have no time to be fearful."
Erendira said that having Nik in the same profession is essential for their successful family life.
"As the story goes, I first met Nik when I was two weeks old" and he was 3. Erendira's parents and Wallenda's parents have been friends for decades.
The couple started dating when she was 16.
"Now look at me, I'm 27, married and have three kids," ages 5, 7 and 10, who accompany their parents on the road. When not on tour, the family resides in Sarasota, Fla.
Sharing the bill with Bello and the Wallendas are Ringmaster Tyron Stucks McFarland Jr., a veteran of musical theater and a former captain in the Army National Guard; Human Cannonballs Tina and Brian Miser (who reportedly fly together out of a duel-barrelled cannon at about 65 miles per hour; and the Aguilar Brothers high-wire act.
Chilean Tabayara Maluenda will entertain with her tigers and Friesian horses; the Flying Poemas focus on the trapeze, while the Palazovi Troupe from Sofia, Bulgaria, perform on teeterboard. The hand-balancing, foot juggling contortionists known as the Zunyi Acrobatic Troupe features 19 performers from the People's Republic of China.
Dancers, clowns, Asian elephants and exotic animals round out the show. An "All Access Pre-show," at which circus-goers are invited to the arena floor to meet performers and animals, takes place one hour prior to each performance (except for Friday morning's show for schools).
The 137th edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey "Greatest Show on Earth" performs at the Arena at Harbor Yard, 600 Main St. in Bridgeport, Thursday though Sunday.
Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 10:30 a.m. (for schools) and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15, $20, $25, $45 and $50 (front row); a limited number of "Circus Celebrity" seats also are available for $90. They may be reserved at the box office or ordered by calling Ticketmaster at 368-1000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or www.ringling.com.
By PHYLLIS A.S. BOROS
Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 10/17/2008 06:08:54 PM EDT
Hearts will be pounding when the 137th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's "Greatest Show on Earth" comes to Bridgeport on Thursday.
And we're not just talking about members of the audience as they watch the circus' 21 acts, 84 performers and 350 costume changes.
The performers, too, will experience their own version of heart pounding -- as it pertains to romance.
Ringling Bros. -- which will present eight performances through Sunday at the Arena at Harbor Yard -- has a storyline running through its new production, called "Bellobration."
The plot: It seems that the show's star, Bello Nock, billed as the "comic daredevil" with "tall orange hair," falls in love with aerialist Erendira Wallenda.
And every time he sees the beautiful performer -- including when she's doing handstands 68 feet in the air on a sway pole -- his heart throbs so loudly that the entire audience will hear the booms.
"Everyone likes things that are different -- and this show has a storyline," which is something unusual for the circus, explained the aerialist in a recent telephone interview from a Boston tour stop.
Will the boy get the girl?
Only circus-goers will be privy to the answer. In Erendira's real life, however, the boy most certainly got the girl.
Erendira is married to another Ringling performer, aerialist Nikolas Wallenda, whose great-grandfather, Karl, was the founder of the renowned Great Wallendas
high-wire troupe.
Nikolas was in the news last Wednesday when he set a new Guinness World Record at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., when he traveled the longest distance (235 feet) and greatest height (128 feet) by bicycle on a high wire, which in this case was 12 stories above Mulberry Street -- without a net.
That both spend their working hours in very precarious situations doesn't seem to frighten Erendira in the least.
"When Nik's performing, I might be a little nervous. But it's normal for us. He's more than capable" on the high wire.
"Usually," Erendira, added, laughing, "I'm a little envious" when he's doing something spectacular like last week's New Jersey stunt. "I would like to be up there with him."
As for herself, Erendira said that she has been a performer since age 5 -- and is descended from generations of circus performers on both her mother's and father's side of the family.
"I think you can say that I have sawdust in my veins. I love what I do so much. I have so much passion for what I do: I love performing, and the way the audience reacts. I love it all."
The performer said she is always working to improve her strength and flexibility -- which are key for an aerialist.
"When I'm up in the air, I'm so focused on what I'm doing, I'm so conscious of every move that I have no time to be fearful."
Erendira said that having Nik in the same profession is essential for their successful family life.
"As the story goes, I first met Nik when I was two weeks old" and he was 3. Erendira's parents and Wallenda's parents have been friends for decades.
The couple started dating when she was 16.
"Now look at me, I'm 27, married and have three kids," ages 5, 7 and 10, who accompany their parents on the road. When not on tour, the family resides in Sarasota, Fla.
Sharing the bill with Bello and the Wallendas are Ringmaster Tyron Stucks McFarland Jr., a veteran of musical theater and a former captain in the Army National Guard; Human Cannonballs Tina and Brian Miser (who reportedly fly together out of a duel-barrelled cannon at about 65 miles per hour; and the Aguilar Brothers high-wire act.
Chilean Tabayara Maluenda will entertain with her tigers and Friesian horses; the Flying Poemas focus on the trapeze, while the Palazovi Troupe from Sofia, Bulgaria, perform on teeterboard. The hand-balancing, foot juggling contortionists known as the Zunyi Acrobatic Troupe features 19 performers from the People's Republic of China.
Dancers, clowns, Asian elephants and exotic animals round out the show. An "All Access Pre-show," at which circus-goers are invited to the arena floor to meet performers and animals, takes place one hour prior to each performance (except for Friday morning's show for schools).
The 137th edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey "Greatest Show on Earth" performs at the Arena at Harbor Yard, 600 Main St. in Bridgeport, Thursday though Sunday.
Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 10:30 a.m. (for schools) and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15, $20, $25, $45 and $50 (front row); a limited number of "Circus Celebrity" seats also are available for $90. They may be reserved at the box office or ordered by calling Ticketmaster at 368-1000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or www.ringling.com.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday's Performance
I just realized that I never did update you guys on Monday's show. The show went great. Oddly my fire act was the best fire act I have ever performed in my life. My contortion act also went good. It was soo nice to be back at it again. The crowd favorite though was glass walking. The crowd which was completely made up of college students were great. It reassured my belief that circus can still be exciting to children of all ages. I believe there is a whole untapt market of high school and college students that would love the circus. The problem is getting them there though. Perhaps more circuses should come into the digital age?
Logan
Logan
Circus Smirkus Found Receives Prestigious Award
Montpelier, Vermont - October 17, 2008
A circus arts performer and founder of Circus Smirkus will receive Vermont's highest arts award today.
Rob Mermin will receive the 40th annual Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.
When he first founded the circus school for kids, the Circus Smirkus "Big Top Tour" was one week long. This year, the seven-week tour included 71 performances in five states. The program has welcomed young performers from 28 different countries.
This is the first time the Circus Arts have been recognized with the honor.
The Arts Council and Governor Douglas will present the award to Mermin this afternoon at the statehouse.
A circus arts performer and founder of Circus Smirkus will receive Vermont's highest arts award today.
Rob Mermin will receive the 40th annual Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.
When he first founded the circus school for kids, the Circus Smirkus "Big Top Tour" was one week long. This year, the seven-week tour included 71 performances in five states. The program has welcomed young performers from 28 different countries.
This is the first time the Circus Arts have been recognized with the honor.
The Arts Council and Governor Douglas will present the award to Mermin this afternoon at the statehouse.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Over the Top
"I'll be seein this show at end the month. I can't wait!"
By MIKE AVERILL World Staff Writer
10/16/2008
Last Modified: 10/16/2008 2:18 AM
Why parents will love it as much as their kids will
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Over the Top Circus is rolling into town this weekend with its high-flying acrobatics, exotic animals and of course, clowns.
Ringmaster Chuck Wagner makes a strong argument for those parents who are uncertain whether to take their children to the circus this year.
"Beyond the fact it's a grand tradition that as everyone knows is for children of all ages, today's economy is falling apart. The circus is one of the great entertainment values left," Wagner said. "It's an affordable ticket for a two-hour show." (Tickets start at $15 before service charges.)
It's an even better value if ticket holders take advantage of the free all-access pre-show, Wagner added.
"You can come and see how the animals are cared for. It's so beautiful. The elephants, horses, alpacas and pot-bellied pigs are great for the kids to see," he said. "That's tremendous value for your money. Three hours of entertainment, that's great value.
"It's an old P.T. Barnum philosophy: The best way to have customers come back is to give them a little more than their money's worth, and that's a tradition that's still alive in the circus."
In addition to the stunts, clowns and animals, there's a live band that gives Wagner, a Broadway veteran, the chance to show off his pipes.
"It's worth coming for the concert alone. I kind of bring a little Broadway to the show," he said. "We live in such a pre-recorded world that people don't understand; it's a real treat. Not only are the stunts done live and the risk is real, everything is done for you live. That's a great tradition of the circus. This is all real."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Circus of 100 years ago similar today
The circus is a true reminder of how things change, yet stay the same.
Many of the attractions advertised in a 1908 Tulsa World (right) are quite similar.
Then as now, animals were a large part of the event and included “tremendous herds of acting elephants, comedian bears, trained horses, dogs, pigs, goats, monkey actors and comedy-playing wild and domestic animals.”
This year, the animals include tigers, miniature horses, goats riding horses, the lovable elephants and high-flying trained dogs.
And that tradition continues.
Back then, the circus boasted acrobatic troupes from far-away countries, such as Italy’s Equestrian Acrobats, the Fredianis, and the Petrof’s Great Russian Animal Circus.
This year, there are acts such as the Cossack Troupe from Eastern Europe, the Flying Caceres from Colombia and the Bombastic Bouncers from Ukraine.
Even death-defying motor racing is a long-standing tradition.
The circus 100 years ago featured the Sisters La Roque “in their Mad Auto Race, passing each other in separate cars while flying and somersaulting in the air.” Not be outdone, this year’s circus features the Torr es Family, a group of eight men and women from Paraguay who race motorcycles at 65 mph inside a 16-foot steel globe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY OVER THE TOP CIRCUS
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: BOK Center
Cost: Tickets are $15 and $20 before service charges and can be purchased online at tulsaworld.com/bok.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Averill 581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com
By MIKE AVERILL World Staff Writer
10/16/2008
Last Modified: 10/16/2008 2:18 AM
Why parents will love it as much as their kids will
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Over the Top Circus is rolling into town this weekend with its high-flying acrobatics, exotic animals and of course, clowns.
Ringmaster Chuck Wagner makes a strong argument for those parents who are uncertain whether to take their children to the circus this year.
"Beyond the fact it's a grand tradition that as everyone knows is for children of all ages, today's economy is falling apart. The circus is one of the great entertainment values left," Wagner said. "It's an affordable ticket for a two-hour show." (Tickets start at $15 before service charges.)
It's an even better value if ticket holders take advantage of the free all-access pre-show, Wagner added.
"You can come and see how the animals are cared for. It's so beautiful. The elephants, horses, alpacas and pot-bellied pigs are great for the kids to see," he said. "That's tremendous value for your money. Three hours of entertainment, that's great value.
"It's an old P.T. Barnum philosophy: The best way to have customers come back is to give them a little more than their money's worth, and that's a tradition that's still alive in the circus."
In addition to the stunts, clowns and animals, there's a live band that gives Wagner, a Broadway veteran, the chance to show off his pipes.
"It's worth coming for the concert alone. I kind of bring a little Broadway to the show," he said. "We live in such a pre-recorded world that people don't understand; it's a real treat. Not only are the stunts done live and the risk is real, everything is done for you live. That's a great tradition of the circus. This is all real."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Circus of 100 years ago similar today
The circus is a true reminder of how things change, yet stay the same.
Many of the attractions advertised in a 1908 Tulsa World (right) are quite similar.
Then as now, animals were a large part of the event and included “tremendous herds of acting elephants, comedian bears, trained horses, dogs, pigs, goats, monkey actors and comedy-playing wild and domestic animals.”
This year, the animals include tigers, miniature horses, goats riding horses, the lovable elephants and high-flying trained dogs.
And that tradition continues.
Back then, the circus boasted acrobatic troupes from far-away countries, such as Italy’s Equestrian Acrobats, the Fredianis, and the Petrof’s Great Russian Animal Circus.
This year, there are acts such as the Cossack Troupe from Eastern Europe, the Flying Caceres from Colombia and the Bombastic Bouncers from Ukraine.
Even death-defying motor racing is a long-standing tradition.
The circus 100 years ago featured the Sisters La Roque “in their Mad Auto Race, passing each other in separate cars while flying and somersaulting in the air.” Not be outdone, this year’s circus features the Torr es Family, a group of eight men and women from Paraguay who race motorcycles at 65 mph inside a 16-foot steel globe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY OVER THE TOP CIRCUS
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: BOK Center
Cost: Tickets are $15 and $20 before service charges and can be purchased online at tulsaworld.com/bok.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Averill 581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com
Circus Daredevil Rides Bike on High-Wire Over New Jersey
NEWARK, N.J. — There were moments that drew gasps from spectators.
Nik Wallenda sat down and called NBC's "Today" show at one point, saying the wind was stronger than he had thought.
He gave the crowd a scare when he rebalanced on the wire during the 235 foot walk across the wire, which was suspended between two cranes next to the Prudential Center arena.
He then rode the bike back.
Wallenda wants a place in Guinness World Records for the longest distance and greatest height ever traveled by a bike on the wire.
The stunt coincided with the return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus to Newark after a 52-year absence.
Wallenda is the seventh generation of the Flying Wallendas act.
He's the daredevil in the circus' Bellobration show, which stars Bello the clown.
Nik Wallenda sat down and called NBC's "Today" show at one point, saying the wind was stronger than he had thought.
He gave the crowd a scare when he rebalanced on the wire during the 235 foot walk across the wire, which was suspended between two cranes next to the Prudential Center arena.
He then rode the bike back.
Wallenda wants a place in Guinness World Records for the longest distance and greatest height ever traveled by a bike on the wire.
The stunt coincided with the return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus to Newark after a 52-year absence.
Wallenda is the seventh generation of the Flying Wallendas act.
He's the daredevil in the circus' Bellobration show, which stars Bello the clown.
"New" Age Circus Promo
Here is a theatrical circus trailer. I'm not sure the name of the troupe but I did enjoy it which is odd because I am not usually a fan of this type of show.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Greatest Show on Earth® Goes Digital with DiGiCo
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Long Beach, CA, United States, 10/13/2008 - Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus plays host to millions of families in over 90 North American cities each year. With complex audio requirement, its multiple touring units are now all-digital with DiGiCo D5 live sound consoles at the helm.
From its humble beginnings in 1871, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus has evolved into more than merely a three-ring circus. The contemporary circus of 2008 (under the direction of Feld Entertainment since 1967) has retained many of the traditional elements that have made it a family favorite for over 138 years—unusual animal performances, captivating clown escapades and daring high-wire acts—while adding a modern twist replete with contemporary music and progressive choreography.
Three independent touring units, Red, Blue and Gold, host millions of visitors and travels to more than 90 cities in North America each year. Each of the shows tour a two-year schedule that is done in the fashion of first-year markets followed by second-year markets, followed by a two-year wrap at the Winter Quarters in Florida where the show is redesigned and rehearsed for its future debut. Thus, every market gets a brand new show each year.
With complex audio requirement notwithstanding, its no wonder Head of Audio at Feld Entertainment, Charles Garza, chose to outfit each of the touring units with DiGiCo D5 live sound consoles. Each unit’s audio footprint is identical, with two DiGiCo D5s’ handling both FOH and monitor duties. Reliability, small footprint and transparent sound were the main factors in his decision.
“The flexibility of the system allows for future change and growth of the productions. The intuitive interface allows virtually any engineer to step up and feel at home and, ultimately, the great sound that it delivers made it a natural for us,” Garza explains. “The systems have performed brilliantly and the support from DiGiCo is always as if you are the most important customer the company could possibly have. I couldn’t ask for better than that!”
Monitor and FOH consoles share 56 analog inputs to run 32 monitor mixes for both the wireless in-ears and wired in-ear and wedge monitor mixes with 16 analog outputs at the stage rack (optically enabled). The monitor consoles have an additional 8 analog inputs, 32 analog outputs and 4 digital I/Os at its local rack (MADI connection), and the FOH console has an additional 40 analog inputs, 40 analog outputs and 8 digital I/Os at its local rack (optically enabled).
“I am often asked why we would have an optically enabled rack at FOH,” Garza adds. “What happens is that in addition to the show itself, we have to be able to accommodate a myriad of styles of PR or pre and post show events that may take place. This necessitates the extra inputs and outputs located at FOH, plus it allows us to include those inputs when needed to the usual monitor mixes.”
Currently traversing the globe are the "The Red Unit" and “The Blue Unit”. Daniel Pelaez is the Head of the Sound Department for the Red Unit, along with Josh "Cheese" Hashbarger (FOH engineer and lead technician), Jeremy "J-Lo" Robertson (Lead Monitor Engineer and RF Tech), and Donnie Gothard (Monitor Assistant). The Blue Unit is spearheaded by Eli Howell along with Jeffrey A. Linn (FOH Engineer #2), Mark “Buddha” Nichols (Monitors), and Michael Moore (Monitor Assistant).
Each of the guys was able to cite a different set of features and functions that topped their list of favorites. “This is gonna sound silly,” Pelaez confesses, “but I'm in love with the touch recognition on the faders. There's been a time or two when a fader has gotten bumped by a radio or something and it would have been quite a noticeable mistake had it not been for the touch sensitive fader recognizing it as not being an intended movement and therefore not registering the movement. I also love the ability to move individual channels on the fly without interrupting the audio.”
Harshberger raves about the input channel overview screens. “Being able to see 8 inputs at a glance is great. Anything that I want to manipulate is only one touch away—EQ's, comps and gates, input/output routing… Also, with the multiple onboard FX and EQ options I have been able to tailor the sounds exactly how I want, no matter what the room sounds like. Being able to slap a graphic EQ onto any channel at anytime is invaluable.”
The biggest plus for Linn is the sheer number of options and flexibility with all of the channels, whether it be routing, patching, or insert sends—they’re all easily accomplished within quick reach of a stage/local I/O rack as opposed to digging in the back of a large scale analog console. And the ability to handle total recall is a lifesaver in case of a major disaster.
“The rack setup and design by using the optically enabled cables makes pairing up a FOH and monitor board amazingly simple,” Linn adds. “All of the consoles can see and/or control channels from the racks, which eliminate splitting signals and eliminating potential sound degradation. The overall layout of the board is much like an analog console which I enjoy as it made learning how to use the board very quick and easy. Having on board EQ, compression, gate and FX for individual channels keeps things easily within reach and reduces the amount of necessary outboard gear. And probably a largely underrated feature I'd said I enjoy is the LED strip at the top...it helps to see what you're doing especially when in a pitch-black back stage!”
As far as the intricacies involved with navigating the monitoring specifications of performers and band alike, the D5’s ease of routing was a boon for Mark “Buddha” Nichols. “We have it set up so all you have to do is hit a button and you're in someone's mix,” explains Buddha. “Sometimes we get band guys calling in at the same time, or one right after the other requesting mix changes. Just being able to hit a button and be in someone's mix makes handling this a lot easier. Making a digital "Y" has also come in handy. The ease of routing and using it to be able to locate something quickly in the stage rack is also quite convenient. Also, when something goes down on the bandstand, being able to quickly pull up the location in the stage rack is great.”
“I think moving the I/O out from behind the board is one of my favorite features,” adds monitor A2 Michael Moore, “because I can have it right there next to me when I have to make a last minute change. That saves me having to run behind the board and turning my back on the show. It also helps with its maintenance. Also, moving away from analog allows me to do so much more. I no longer need racks and racks of out board gear just to run monitors, let alone FOH. With other digital boards I don’t get the ease of controls. The faders are so smooth on the D5 and the motors never get in the way. The touch screens for every fader section allows me to have more then one view and see what is going on not only in my master section but, the fader bank I have selected. The less work I have to do setting it up, the more time I have to mix and with the D5 I can be up and ready in minutes. At RBBB, it allows me to be able to have several mixes going on at a touch of a LCD fader, which gives me all the info I need rather then just a name or db level. When I need to raise the drums in the sax player's in-ears mix, I build a gang. The D5 make it so simple, I just push a button and mix without missing a thing.”
About DiGiCo
DiGiCo (digico.org) is a UK-based manufacturer of some of the world’s most popular, successful and ground-breaking digital mixing consoles for the live, theatre, broadcast and post production industries and is exclusively distributed in the U.S. by Group One Ltd. of Farmingdale, New York.
From its humble beginnings in 1871, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus has evolved into more than merely a three-ring circus. The contemporary circus of 2008 (under the direction of Feld Entertainment since 1967) has retained many of the traditional elements that have made it a family favorite for over 138 years—unusual animal performances, captivating clown escapades and daring high-wire acts—while adding a modern twist replete with contemporary music and progressive choreography.
Three independent touring units, Red, Blue and Gold, host millions of visitors and travels to more than 90 cities in North America each year. Each of the shows tour a two-year schedule that is done in the fashion of first-year markets followed by second-year markets, followed by a two-year wrap at the Winter Quarters in Florida where the show is redesigned and rehearsed for its future debut. Thus, every market gets a brand new show each year.
With complex audio requirement notwithstanding, its no wonder Head of Audio at Feld Entertainment, Charles Garza, chose to outfit each of the touring units with DiGiCo D5 live sound consoles. Each unit’s audio footprint is identical, with two DiGiCo D5s’ handling both FOH and monitor duties. Reliability, small footprint and transparent sound were the main factors in his decision.
“The flexibility of the system allows for future change and growth of the productions. The intuitive interface allows virtually any engineer to step up and feel at home and, ultimately, the great sound that it delivers made it a natural for us,” Garza explains. “The systems have performed brilliantly and the support from DiGiCo is always as if you are the most important customer the company could possibly have. I couldn’t ask for better than that!”
Monitor and FOH consoles share 56 analog inputs to run 32 monitor mixes for both the wireless in-ears and wired in-ear and wedge monitor mixes with 16 analog outputs at the stage rack (optically enabled). The monitor consoles have an additional 8 analog inputs, 32 analog outputs and 4 digital I/Os at its local rack (MADI connection), and the FOH console has an additional 40 analog inputs, 40 analog outputs and 8 digital I/Os at its local rack (optically enabled).
“I am often asked why we would have an optically enabled rack at FOH,” Garza adds. “What happens is that in addition to the show itself, we have to be able to accommodate a myriad of styles of PR or pre and post show events that may take place. This necessitates the extra inputs and outputs located at FOH, plus it allows us to include those inputs when needed to the usual monitor mixes.”
Currently traversing the globe are the "The Red Unit" and “The Blue Unit”. Daniel Pelaez is the Head of the Sound Department for the Red Unit, along with Josh "Cheese" Hashbarger (FOH engineer and lead technician), Jeremy "J-Lo" Robertson (Lead Monitor Engineer and RF Tech), and Donnie Gothard (Monitor Assistant). The Blue Unit is spearheaded by Eli Howell along with Jeffrey A. Linn (FOH Engineer #2), Mark “Buddha” Nichols (Monitors), and Michael Moore (Monitor Assistant).
Each of the guys was able to cite a different set of features and functions that topped their list of favorites. “This is gonna sound silly,” Pelaez confesses, “but I'm in love with the touch recognition on the faders. There's been a time or two when a fader has gotten bumped by a radio or something and it would have been quite a noticeable mistake had it not been for the touch sensitive fader recognizing it as not being an intended movement and therefore not registering the movement. I also love the ability to move individual channels on the fly without interrupting the audio.”
Harshberger raves about the input channel overview screens. “Being able to see 8 inputs at a glance is great. Anything that I want to manipulate is only one touch away—EQ's, comps and gates, input/output routing… Also, with the multiple onboard FX and EQ options I have been able to tailor the sounds exactly how I want, no matter what the room sounds like. Being able to slap a graphic EQ onto any channel at anytime is invaluable.”
The biggest plus for Linn is the sheer number of options and flexibility with all of the channels, whether it be routing, patching, or insert sends—they’re all easily accomplished within quick reach of a stage/local I/O rack as opposed to digging in the back of a large scale analog console. And the ability to handle total recall is a lifesaver in case of a major disaster.
“The rack setup and design by using the optically enabled cables makes pairing up a FOH and monitor board amazingly simple,” Linn adds. “All of the consoles can see and/or control channels from the racks, which eliminate splitting signals and eliminating potential sound degradation. The overall layout of the board is much like an analog console which I enjoy as it made learning how to use the board very quick and easy. Having on board EQ, compression, gate and FX for individual channels keeps things easily within reach and reduces the amount of necessary outboard gear. And probably a largely underrated feature I'd said I enjoy is the LED strip at the top...it helps to see what you're doing especially when in a pitch-black back stage!”
As far as the intricacies involved with navigating the monitoring specifications of performers and band alike, the D5’s ease of routing was a boon for Mark “Buddha” Nichols. “We have it set up so all you have to do is hit a button and you're in someone's mix,” explains Buddha. “Sometimes we get band guys calling in at the same time, or one right after the other requesting mix changes. Just being able to hit a button and be in someone's mix makes handling this a lot easier. Making a digital "Y" has also come in handy. The ease of routing and using it to be able to locate something quickly in the stage rack is also quite convenient. Also, when something goes down on the bandstand, being able to quickly pull up the location in the stage rack is great.”
“I think moving the I/O out from behind the board is one of my favorite features,” adds monitor A2 Michael Moore, “because I can have it right there next to me when I have to make a last minute change. That saves me having to run behind the board and turning my back on the show. It also helps with its maintenance. Also, moving away from analog allows me to do so much more. I no longer need racks and racks of out board gear just to run monitors, let alone FOH. With other digital boards I don’t get the ease of controls. The faders are so smooth on the D5 and the motors never get in the way. The touch screens for every fader section allows me to have more then one view and see what is going on not only in my master section but, the fader bank I have selected. The less work I have to do setting it up, the more time I have to mix and with the D5 I can be up and ready in minutes. At RBBB, it allows me to be able to have several mixes going on at a touch of a LCD fader, which gives me all the info I need rather then just a name or db level. When I need to raise the drums in the sax player's in-ears mix, I build a gang. The D5 make it so simple, I just push a button and mix without missing a thing.”
About DiGiCo
DiGiCo (digico.org) is a UK-based manufacturer of some of the world’s most popular, successful and ground-breaking digital mixing consoles for the live, theatre, broadcast and post production industries and is exclusively distributed in the U.S. by Group One Ltd. of Farmingdale, New York.
Activists demand circus ban
Rachel de Lazzer
Torstar News Service
HAMILTON–Animal welfare activists want the city to ban circuses and other events that use animals for entertainment.
A recommendation to study the feasibility of a ban goes before the committee of the whole today.
But Damon Smith, president of the Shriners in Hamilton says banning the group's circus, "would take away approximately $15,000 we raise for our kids."
Smith says the money helps send a sick child and his or her parents to the appropriate hospital, as well as pay for the parents hotel stay. The Shriners Hospitals for Children health care system operates 22 hospitals in North America.
Nancy Jardine-Leygraaf, with the group Compassion for Animals, says other municipalities such as Burlington and Guelph already has bans on animals being used for entertainment.
She says trainers at some circuses use bull hooks on sensitive parts of the elephants skin, often wounding them.
"They're forced to spend most of their lives in cramped cages with no room to stand or turn around," she says about how the elephants must travel for the shows, adding an elephant in the wild may travel up to 80 kilometres a day.
Brian Davenport, potentate of Rameses Shrine Centre in Toronto, one of three regional Shriners divisions in Ontario, says the animals enter the trailers without showing anxiety or discomfort.
While a goad instrument called a bull hook is used in the Shriners' Circus, recorder for the Shrine Centre Bob McGregor says, "its basically a wand that's used to just guide the animal much like a person uses a walking stick."
Davenport says the Shriners do not run the circus but rather buy a package from a circus agency, U.S.-based TZ Productions.
Alison Cross, spokesperson for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says any bylaw change is up to the city, but the SPCA does not agree with wild animals being kept in a non-natural environment.
The SPCA regularly inspects conditions for animals in circuses and rodeos of its own initiative.
A city bylaw already bans rodeos in city facilities.
Torstar News Service
HAMILTON–Animal welfare activists want the city to ban circuses and other events that use animals for entertainment.
A recommendation to study the feasibility of a ban goes before the committee of the whole today.
But Damon Smith, president of the Shriners in Hamilton says banning the group's circus, "would take away approximately $15,000 we raise for our kids."
Smith says the money helps send a sick child and his or her parents to the appropriate hospital, as well as pay for the parents hotel stay. The Shriners Hospitals for Children health care system operates 22 hospitals in North America.
Nancy Jardine-Leygraaf, with the group Compassion for Animals, says other municipalities such as Burlington and Guelph already has bans on animals being used for entertainment.
She says trainers at some circuses use bull hooks on sensitive parts of the elephants skin, often wounding them.
"They're forced to spend most of their lives in cramped cages with no room to stand or turn around," she says about how the elephants must travel for the shows, adding an elephant in the wild may travel up to 80 kilometres a day.
Brian Davenport, potentate of Rameses Shrine Centre in Toronto, one of three regional Shriners divisions in Ontario, says the animals enter the trailers without showing anxiety or discomfort.
While a goad instrument called a bull hook is used in the Shriners' Circus, recorder for the Shrine Centre Bob McGregor says, "its basically a wand that's used to just guide the animal much like a person uses a walking stick."
Davenport says the Shriners do not run the circus but rather buy a package from a circus agency, U.S.-based TZ Productions.
Alison Cross, spokesperson for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says any bylaw change is up to the city, but the SPCA does not agree with wild animals being kept in a non-natural environment.
The SPCA regularly inspects conditions for animals in circuses and rodeos of its own initiative.
A city bylaw already bans rodeos in city facilities.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Odds and Ends
I just got back from a full day of rehearsal for the Nutcracker. It was great to be back in the studio. It amazes me how closely circus is connected with all of the other artforms. But at the same time they are sooo different.
Tommorow I will be performing contortion for the first time in over a year because of my car accident. I can't wait to get back to it. I'll be doing a show for a university.
On a sadder note though I found out that I might have to have another surgery.
Take care,
Logan
Tommorow I will be performing contortion for the first time in over a year because of my car accident. I can't wait to get back to it. I'll be doing a show for a university.
On a sadder note though I found out that I might have to have another surgery.
Take care,
Logan
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Carson & Barnes Circus
Showbiz David just confirmed that Carson & Barnes did in fact close on October 5. A very sad day in circus history. I'll be praying all winter that something happens this winter and they Byrd family brings out three full rings next year if not I guess our last three ring show are the two units of Gopher Davenports show.
Logan
Logan
Winter Guard International (WGI) and the Nutcracker Ballet
I was looking through old videos today and I got thinking about how I got where I am today and oddly I got started through Kaleidoscope which was an internationally award winning winter guard. I had a love hate relationship with it but I learned valuable performance and life skills there that I'll be thankful for. For those of you who don't know what winter guard is here is a brief clip.
For those of you who are interested in Soleil. Soleil is now recruiting some of their performers from WGI. The guy that is shown around 45 seconds into the clip was just cast in Cirque du Soleil: Zed.
I'll be rejoining the cast of The Nutcracker Ballet this winter. I'll be performing as Drosselmeier this year. It should be fun.
Take care,
Logan
For those of you who are interested in Soleil. Soleil is now recruiting some of their performers from WGI. The guy that is shown around 45 seconds into the clip was just cast in Cirque du Soleil: Zed.
I'll be rejoining the cast of The Nutcracker Ballet this winter. I'll be performing as Drosselmeier this year. It should be fun.
Take care,
Logan
Friday, October 10, 2008
2 arrested in Circus World Museum fire
Associated Press — 10/10/2008 7:30 am
BARABOO -- A 20-year-old man and a juvenile have been arrested in connection with a fire and vandalism at the state Historical Society's Circus World Museum in Baraboo.
Police Lt. Rob Sinden says a fire Monday burned a corner of the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Building.
Circus World Museum Executive Director Steve Freese says someone apparently dumped gasoline on garbage cans and lit them. The blaze did not get inside, where antique wagons are being restored for the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee.
Freese says someone also got access to a trailer and spray-painted a swastika and the words "Mein Kampf," the anti-Semitic, racist political treatise by Adolf Hitler.
Freese says vandals have hit the museum other times since June.
Associated Press — 10/10/2008 7:30 am
BARABOO -- A 20-year-old man and a juvenile have been arrested in connection with a fire and vandalism at the state Historical Society's Circus World Museum in Baraboo.
Police Lt. Rob Sinden says a fire Monday burned a corner of the C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Building.
Circus World Museum Executive Director Steve Freese says someone apparently dumped gasoline on garbage cans and lit them. The blaze did not get inside, where antique wagons are being restored for the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee.
Freese says someone also got access to a trailer and spray-painted a swastika and the words "Mein Kampf," the anti-Semitic, racist political treatise by Adolf Hitler.
Freese says vandals have hit the museum other times since June.
Associated Press — 10/10/2008 7:30 am
Clown auditions set for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Posted by John Gonzalez | The Grand Rapids Press October 09, 2008 13:01PM
I get so many e-mails every day that it's nearly impossible to track everything down, like a recent message about clown auditions for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Every once in a while, I need a little help from my friends, so I enlist guest bloggers. Local author Lorilee Craker, for example, does a great job of providing an immediate update after each "Dancing with the Stars" show. And my buddy Gerry Barnaby lends a hand when I'm tracking down something off the wall or unusual, like "Walking with the Dinosaurs."
This time I asked my Twitter buddy Beth Heinen Bell to check out clown auditions for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. (Although I could have asked radio and TV reporter Colleen Pierson, who really thinks she is a clown.)
Here is Beth's report on clown auditions:
Press File Photo
Colleen Pierson gets ready for her circus debut. The next time someone tells you to stop clowning around, you don't have to listen.
You could run off and join the circus instead.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Clown College has announced plans for a casting call in Chicago next month -- the first time the college has held open auditions anywhere in the Midwest in more than a decade.
Those who make the cut -- if any -- will be offered two-year contracts to perform with the circus as clown apprentices, learning from the show's current clowns.
"Basically, we're telling people -- leave your inhibitions at home and bring your funny bone, " said Ringling Bros. spokeswoman Bonni Pear. "Put it all out there on the line."
Sound intimidating? It shouldn't. Previous clowning experience isn't required -- and neither are costumes or props. But those of you with "specialty skills" (the circus suggested juggling, unicycle riding or playing the ukulele with a spoon) should bring your own tools to the audition.
"I don't think there's really a typical kind of person who tries out to be a clown," said Pear. "We'll get everything from serious theater students to birthday party clowns. But what we look for is an intangible quality -- an ability to play to the back row in a 10,000-seat arena."
Pear said the chance to be a circus clown is actually pretty rare. Ringling Bros. currently has just 24 clowns on staff -- 12 on each of its two touring shows -- meaning the new apprentices will get pretty personalized instruction.
Of course, the gig isn't all fun and games. Ringling Bros. clowns live on the circus train, traveling 50 weeks per year, so a desire to see the country from the rails is a must.
"Clowns are very special types of people," said Pear. "They come from all walks of life, and they all have really, really big hearts. They love to make a child smile."
Auditions for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College will take place at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. Advance registration is requested. Only those 18 and older will be eligible to perform with a nationally touring show, although younger would-be clowns are welcome to attend.
For more information or to register, call (773) 250-3203.
FYI: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is scheduled to appear Nov. 6-16 at the Allstate Arena, and Nov. 18-30 at Chicago's United Center.
-- Beth Heinen Bell
Thanks, Beth, for that report. Maybe we can send Colleen Pierson to Chicago. Make sure to check out her photos from the Circus' recent stop at Van Andel Arena.
E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com
I get so many e-mails every day that it's nearly impossible to track everything down, like a recent message about clown auditions for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Every once in a while, I need a little help from my friends, so I enlist guest bloggers. Local author Lorilee Craker, for example, does a great job of providing an immediate update after each "Dancing with the Stars" show. And my buddy Gerry Barnaby lends a hand when I'm tracking down something off the wall or unusual, like "Walking with the Dinosaurs."
This time I asked my Twitter buddy Beth Heinen Bell to check out clown auditions for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. (Although I could have asked radio and TV reporter Colleen Pierson, who really thinks she is a clown.)
Here is Beth's report on clown auditions:
Press File Photo
Colleen Pierson gets ready for her circus debut. The next time someone tells you to stop clowning around, you don't have to listen.
You could run off and join the circus instead.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Clown College has announced plans for a casting call in Chicago next month -- the first time the college has held open auditions anywhere in the Midwest in more than a decade.
Those who make the cut -- if any -- will be offered two-year contracts to perform with the circus as clown apprentices, learning from the show's current clowns.
"Basically, we're telling people -- leave your inhibitions at home and bring your funny bone, " said Ringling Bros. spokeswoman Bonni Pear. "Put it all out there on the line."
Sound intimidating? It shouldn't. Previous clowning experience isn't required -- and neither are costumes or props. But those of you with "specialty skills" (the circus suggested juggling, unicycle riding or playing the ukulele with a spoon) should bring your own tools to the audition.
"I don't think there's really a typical kind of person who tries out to be a clown," said Pear. "We'll get everything from serious theater students to birthday party clowns. But what we look for is an intangible quality -- an ability to play to the back row in a 10,000-seat arena."
Pear said the chance to be a circus clown is actually pretty rare. Ringling Bros. currently has just 24 clowns on staff -- 12 on each of its two touring shows -- meaning the new apprentices will get pretty personalized instruction.
Of course, the gig isn't all fun and games. Ringling Bros. clowns live on the circus train, traveling 50 weeks per year, so a desire to see the country from the rails is a must.
"Clowns are very special types of people," said Pear. "They come from all walks of life, and they all have really, really big hearts. They love to make a child smile."
Auditions for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College will take place at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. Advance registration is requested. Only those 18 and older will be eligible to perform with a nationally touring show, although younger would-be clowns are welcome to attend.
For more information or to register, call (773) 250-3203.
FYI: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is scheduled to appear Nov. 6-16 at the Allstate Arena, and Nov. 18-30 at Chicago's United Center.
-- Beth Heinen Bell
Thanks, Beth, for that report. Maybe we can send Colleen Pierson to Chicago. Make sure to check out her photos from the Circus' recent stop at Van Andel Arena.
E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Another video from The Banana Derby
I miss working with these guys. It's a great fair show, if you haven't seen it, check it out!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
And my momma said I'd never get anywhere...
No not really BUT LOOK here yours truly with Loni Love and Clowd Swing Extradonaire Kyle Gale after a show. For those of you don't know Loni Love she is a comedian from VH1, Comedy Central, and Chelsea Lately. Look her up she is hilarious.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Carson & Barnes Last Day? Zing Zang Zoom
I heard a rumour today that Carson & Barnes Circus closed today for the last time under canvas with a three ring show.. Is this true?
And if you didn't know next year's Ringling show's entitled Zing Zang Zoom.
And if you didn't know next year's Ringling show's entitled Zing Zang Zoom.
Summer circus
Summer, by the calendar, is slipping away, but the heat persists and the crops continue to grow in this later than normal year of 2008. I’ve attended every agricultural show in the area and seen the flash of new paint and the allure of emerging technology. Quite frankly, I’m numb from the glitz of the exhibits and the extreme measures taken to capture the attention of the target audience. Last night, Gail and I attended an old-fashioned tent circus and it brought me back to how little it took to sweep our ancestors into a fantasy world.
The trucks and trailers arrived sometime early in the day and the laborers sized up the recently mowed field where they popped up the big top in romantic fashion with the help of two elephants. I didn’t actually see the elephants do the work but I couldn’t find a Bobcat (loader) on the grounds so I assume the task was done by pachyderm power.
This is the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus based at Hugo, Okla., per the truck registration. I’d always heard of a circus that wintered in Oklahoma’s tropical southeast but I’d never seen it. Good reason, they needed to go where people have money to spend! However, the back lot of the Catholic Church is not the best venue in town. That didn’t seem to be an issue as the signs had been out for a couple of weeks and the local people buzzed a bit about this quaint form of entertainment coming to town.
There was a time in rural America when the arrival of the circus was anticipated all summer and, when it came to town, the excitement was at fever pitch. Arriving by train or by truck the animals, acrobats and clowns were shown in a parade down Main Street with a huge “band wagon” urging everyone to “jump on” and follow them to watch the setup or come down for the evening performance.
My father told us stories of how the circus would dupe people by offering free tickets to boys who would help them set up the tent and get things ready for the show. Many would jump in and work for hours until they realized the job would never be done. Only a few hearty souls would work until after the performance started, when they were finally given a ticket to see the rest of the show.
This circus harkened back to those days as I think they had the same tent. It must have been 50 years old and had more area that was repaired than was original. Near dusk, looking up through it to a bright sky, there was the sparkle of a thousand holes and worn spots. It would not have been a good place to be in a rainstorm.
The performers were few, but versatile. A clown led off and showed up two more times. A father with four daughters had a unicycle act followed by the oldest daughter being the trapeze artist and later the ring mistress. The second daughter had a bird act and dad did duty in all of them as the spotter for the flying trapeze, throwing pigeons in the air and moving apparatus. One lion and two aging tigers put on their show in a cage that was little more than livestock panels stood on end. It came down a little too easily for comfort after the animals had been put back in their trailer. All the music was recorded and the lighting was four halogen stands that glared from every angle.
There was an intermission for elephant rides, refreshments and marketing of toys and T-shirts. Finally, a balancing and juggling duo tossed rings, Indian clubs and swords into the air, and to each other, with the ring mistress adding glamour and “ta-da” to each exhibition of skill. Then it was over and the roustabouts had half the items loaded with their eye on the tent once it was empty. They departed in a few hours and will repeat the show, in similar surroundings, two hundred times during the season.
This circus appears to be a small family enterprise that requires a lot of sweat and repetition to bring a show to small audiences (there were 60 of us) in dirt floored venues. The performers must be people who love the life and the workers must be trapped with nothing better available than daily performances and weekly paychecks. The thing that amazed me was that I enjoyed it. I’ve watched the Olympics on television and been up and down every aisle at the Farm Progress show, but I still found that sitting on rickety bleachers under an ancient big top was satisfying and even a little bit exciting.
Every life needs some excitement and a break from monotony of work and sameness of place. Like everything else, we take it to the extreme in how far we will go to capture attention. Yet, a simple pleasure of civilization, the circus, can make us realize it doesn’t take that much to satisfy our needs.
Editor’s Note: This is Ken Root’s 34th year as an agricultural reporter
The trucks and trailers arrived sometime early in the day and the laborers sized up the recently mowed field where they popped up the big top in romantic fashion with the help of two elephants. I didn’t actually see the elephants do the work but I couldn’t find a Bobcat (loader) on the grounds so I assume the task was done by pachyderm power.
This is the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus based at Hugo, Okla., per the truck registration. I’d always heard of a circus that wintered in Oklahoma’s tropical southeast but I’d never seen it. Good reason, they needed to go where people have money to spend! However, the back lot of the Catholic Church is not the best venue in town. That didn’t seem to be an issue as the signs had been out for a couple of weeks and the local people buzzed a bit about this quaint form of entertainment coming to town.
There was a time in rural America when the arrival of the circus was anticipated all summer and, when it came to town, the excitement was at fever pitch. Arriving by train or by truck the animals, acrobats and clowns were shown in a parade down Main Street with a huge “band wagon” urging everyone to “jump on” and follow them to watch the setup or come down for the evening performance.
My father told us stories of how the circus would dupe people by offering free tickets to boys who would help them set up the tent and get things ready for the show. Many would jump in and work for hours until they realized the job would never be done. Only a few hearty souls would work until after the performance started, when they were finally given a ticket to see the rest of the show.
This circus harkened back to those days as I think they had the same tent. It must have been 50 years old and had more area that was repaired than was original. Near dusk, looking up through it to a bright sky, there was the sparkle of a thousand holes and worn spots. It would not have been a good place to be in a rainstorm.
The performers were few, but versatile. A clown led off and showed up two more times. A father with four daughters had a unicycle act followed by the oldest daughter being the trapeze artist and later the ring mistress. The second daughter had a bird act and dad did duty in all of them as the spotter for the flying trapeze, throwing pigeons in the air and moving apparatus. One lion and two aging tigers put on their show in a cage that was little more than livestock panels stood on end. It came down a little too easily for comfort after the animals had been put back in their trailer. All the music was recorded and the lighting was four halogen stands that glared from every angle.
There was an intermission for elephant rides, refreshments and marketing of toys and T-shirts. Finally, a balancing and juggling duo tossed rings, Indian clubs and swords into the air, and to each other, with the ring mistress adding glamour and “ta-da” to each exhibition of skill. Then it was over and the roustabouts had half the items loaded with their eye on the tent once it was empty. They departed in a few hours and will repeat the show, in similar surroundings, two hundred times during the season.
This circus appears to be a small family enterprise that requires a lot of sweat and repetition to bring a show to small audiences (there were 60 of us) in dirt floored venues. The performers must be people who love the life and the workers must be trapped with nothing better available than daily performances and weekly paychecks. The thing that amazed me was that I enjoyed it. I’ve watched the Olympics on television and been up and down every aisle at the Farm Progress show, but I still found that sitting on rickety bleachers under an ancient big top was satisfying and even a little bit exciting.
Every life needs some excitement and a break from monotony of work and sameness of place. Like everything else, we take it to the extreme in how far we will go to capture attention. Yet, a simple pleasure of civilization, the circus, can make us realize it doesn’t take that much to satisfy our needs.
Editor’s Note: This is Ken Root’s 34th year as an agricultural reporter
‘Everybody loves an elephant’: Circus features more animals despite continued objections
By Tony Gonzalez
Published: September 10, 2008
Two elephants weighing in at nearly 10,000 pounds each — Nina and Viola — curled feed into their mouths while greeting circus goers at the big top entrance at Augusta Expoland on Wednesday.
“Everybody loves an elephant,” said Chris Connors, ringmaster of the Cole Bros. Circus. “It’s not a real circus without the animals.”
But animal rights groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals oppose the use of animals in circus.
“An elephant in the circus spends most of her time shackled,” said RaeLeann Smith, PETA circus and government affairs specialist. “If people really saw what went on behind the scenes, you’d have to drag them kicking and screaming to the circus”
Unlike recent summer tours, Cole organizers are reporting better business and fewer animal rights protesters as they trek across the country.
Not even a public service announcement about circus animal abuse released this week by PETA has fazed the circus, which this year features more animals than ever. Cole, which bills itself as “the world’s largest circus under the big top,” has added camels, horses and ponies to its acts.
Despite its popularity, Cole has been dogged for decades by animal-rights groups.
Between 1983 and 2007, the United States Department of Agriculture cited and fined Cole Bros. dozens of times, according to a fact sheet published online by PETA. Inspections found insufficient elephant security, hook marks in elephants, inadequate veterinary care (including malnourishment) and failure to provide adequately trained employees.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which inspects circus animals, fined Cole $10,000 in 2000 and $2,750 in 2003. The USDA temporarily barred two Cole elephants, Tina and Jewel, from traveling last year because of a lack of veterinary care. That ban was lifted after the animals received care.
Activists don’t have sufficient information about elephant care, which is a 24-hour-a-day job, said third-generation trainer Del Moral.
“I see them out my window when I wake up,” said Moral, who has 30 years of experience with elephants and is a contract trainer with Cole. “I know they’re well-cared for.”
Moral also described another side of the animal cruelty debate, one in which activists become “terrorists.” Moral said his truck has been spray-painted, his tires have been slashed and his life has been threatened.
But there have been fewer protesters this year, said Elvin Bale, Cole’s vice president of operations.
“It’s kind of weird that we haven’t seen as many,” Bale said. “I think they’re bored with coming out here and never finding anything.”
Connors said Cole Bros. toured without animals four years ago, but that attendee surveys called for the return of animals.
“If [protest] groups had their way, [children] would never get a chance to see this. It’d be a shame,” Connors said, pointing to a young boy marveling at Viola. “I think the people should judge on their own.”
Danielle and Cliff Kardell brought their children Carter and Kaden to their first big top show this week.
The main attraction? No hesitation: “the elephants,” Danielle Kardell
A circus full of numbers
A circus full of numbers
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has set up for business in the Sprint Center, and as you might imagine this is no small production. Here’s a circus-by-the-numbers roll sheet provided by the Ringling media site.
•The 137th edition of the show contains 21 acts.
•It takes 12 hours to assemble the new stage and rigging.
•It takes 5 hours to tear down the stage and rigging.
•Three miles of cable are used to power the 137th edition.
•4,335 tons of equipment are moved from city to city (4,135 by train, 200 over land).
•There are 350 costume changes per show.
•60 pounds of confetti are used in each city.
Train and travel
•The average distance the Ringling Bros. circus train travels between cities is 350 miles.
•There are 58 cars on the Red Unit Train: 19 flat bed cars, 4 stock cars, 2 concession stock cars, 1 shop car, 2 generator cars, 1 pie car (restaurant) and 29 coaches (living quarters).
•Each year an average of 1,000 hours are spent traveling by train from city to city.
Animal facts
•There are 53 animals with the 137th edition: 10 Asian elephants, 21 horses, 12 tigers, 6 zebras and 4 goats.
•An average of 160 pounds of food are eaten by each Asian elephant per day.
•The elephants’ ages range from 23 to 50 years old.
•The total weight of the elephants is about 85,000 pounds.
•Total number of tiger teeth is 360.
Performer/act facts
•There are 98 performers, 9 musicians, 21 management/staff, 70 crew and 5 pie car staff traveling with this edition.
•There are 44 first-time performers.
•Eleven countries are represented, not counting crew members.
•The Aguilar brothers perform 25 feet above the arena floor on the high wire.
•The Wheel spins at 15 mph while Bello performs his acrobatic antics.
•Brian and Tina Miser, the human cannonballs, are launched from a double-barreled cannon to fly across the arena at 65 mph.
•The Bellobration act has 81 total “Bellos.”
Clowns
•The average size of a pair of clown shoes is 28EEEEE.
•Each Ringling Bros. clown uses more than 2 pounds of greasepaint for makeup a year.
•A Ringling Bros. clown performing in a pie gag will get 1,120 pies in the face in one year.
•“Clown Alley” is the name for the clowns’ dressing room.
•This year celebrates 40 years since Irvin Feld established Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
Concessions
•1,000 pounds of popcorn are consumed in each city Ringling Bros. visits.
•At each performance, 15,000 pounds of ice are produced to make snow cones.
•750 pounds of sugar are used to spin cotton candy in each city.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has set up for business in the Sprint Center, and as you might imagine this is no small production. Here’s a circus-by-the-numbers roll sheet provided by the Ringling media site.
•The 137th edition of the show contains 21 acts.
•It takes 12 hours to assemble the new stage and rigging.
•It takes 5 hours to tear down the stage and rigging.
•Three miles of cable are used to power the 137th edition.
•4,335 tons of equipment are moved from city to city (4,135 by train, 200 over land).
•There are 350 costume changes per show.
•60 pounds of confetti are used in each city.
Train and travel
•The average distance the Ringling Bros. circus train travels between cities is 350 miles.
•There are 58 cars on the Red Unit Train: 19 flat bed cars, 4 stock cars, 2 concession stock cars, 1 shop car, 2 generator cars, 1 pie car (restaurant) and 29 coaches (living quarters).
•Each year an average of 1,000 hours are spent traveling by train from city to city.
Animal facts
•There are 53 animals with the 137th edition: 10 Asian elephants, 21 horses, 12 tigers, 6 zebras and 4 goats.
•An average of 160 pounds of food are eaten by each Asian elephant per day.
•The elephants’ ages range from 23 to 50 years old.
•The total weight of the elephants is about 85,000 pounds.
•Total number of tiger teeth is 360.
Performer/act facts
•There are 98 performers, 9 musicians, 21 management/staff, 70 crew and 5 pie car staff traveling with this edition.
•There are 44 first-time performers.
•Eleven countries are represented, not counting crew members.
•The Aguilar brothers perform 25 feet above the arena floor on the high wire.
•The Wheel spins at 15 mph while Bello performs his acrobatic antics.
•Brian and Tina Miser, the human cannonballs, are launched from a double-barreled cannon to fly across the arena at 65 mph.
•The Bellobration act has 81 total “Bellos.”
Clowns
•The average size of a pair of clown shoes is 28EEEEE.
•Each Ringling Bros. clown uses more than 2 pounds of greasepaint for makeup a year.
•A Ringling Bros. clown performing in a pie gag will get 1,120 pies in the face in one year.
•“Clown Alley” is the name for the clowns’ dressing room.
•This year celebrates 40 years since Irvin Feld established Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
Concessions
•1,000 pounds of popcorn are consumed in each city Ringling Bros. visits.
•At each performance, 15,000 pounds of ice are produced to make snow cones.
•750 pounds of sugar are used to spin cotton candy in each city.
The school must go on
Circus performers' kids attend classes that roll with the show, whether the youths like it or not. Their teachers juggle across grade levels.
By Jeremy P. Meyer
The Denver Post
Juan Torres 12, looking deep for the answer to a question during Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus school for the children of the performer's and staff on Thursday the 2nd. The school is curtained off in the lower outer ring of the Denver Coliseum. (Joe Amon | The Denver
Beneath the bleachers in a backstage hallway of the Denver Coliseum, past clown cars and occasional jugglers, is a set of tables and chairs that serves as a makeshift school for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Thirteen students from first through 11th grade take classes from two teachers.
"This is probably one of the last one-room schoolhouses left," said teacher Jonathan Leiss. In reality, there is neither a room nor a house for this school that brings a sense of normalcy to the hectic traveling world.
Students are children of performers, managers or concessionaires, many of whom come from third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation circus people.
"I have students from Ukraine, France, Russia, and students who have grown up in European circuses, Cuban circuses," Leiss said.
In his first year, Leiss got the job by answering an ad on Craigslist.org — deciding he wanted to take his teaching career on the road.
The circus' 300-person unit is in Denver through Oct. 13. The group travels by train and truck and will visit 42 North American cities this year, racking up 16,000 rail miles.
Denver's two-week stint is one of the longer stays.
"We are truly seeing the country," said Leiss, who uses travel to aid his instruction. "Part of my job is to expose them to things outside of the circus." He takes students camping in Colorado, to the zoo in San Diego and to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
Students are in school three hours a day, five days a week for 11 months of the year and study from the Calvert home-school curriculum. High schoolers learn from the American School of Correspondence.
They hit the three Rs, learn art, sing and dance. Many will likely stay in the circus profession, like generations before them. Some have gotten higher degrees, say circus officials.
Richard Labady, 11, whose father is a juggler and works with the circus animals, said he wants to be a veterinarian.
But he also likes juggling.
The school began in the 1970s as a way to teach the ever-expanding circus family.
The circus unit in Denver features 102 performers and workers from 20 countries who speak 11 different languages.
"I think when they graduate, they will have a greater sense of the world than students who are stationary," Leiss said.
It's not easy, however, holding class backstage at a circus.
Often school is in session while rehearsals are underway a few feet away. Even in quieter times, technicians work on equipment, and performers constantly practice their routines.
"I tell them to block it out," said Sister Dorothy Fabritze, who teaches first through third grade.
"(The teachers) are doing a marvelous job, considering the circumstances," said Maria Garcia, mother of two and the show's comedic trapeze artist, "Queen of the Clouds."
Garcia, from Ireland, was born into the circus and says her children are getting a fine education — nearly one-on-one attention from their teachers.
Her elder daughter, 12-year-old Shannon, is not too happy about it. In fact, most of the adolescents said circus life is wearing.
The teens miss traditional school experiences such as football games, homecoming dances and proms.
"We learn the same things (kids learn) in public schools," said Julissa Segrera, 14. "There's no difference in the school, just the fact that we move around a lot."
"I don't like it," said
Teacher Jonathan Leiss holds an outdoor science class Thursday. "I think when they graduate, they will have a greater sense of the world than students who are stationary," Leiss says of his charges. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post )Daniella Diaz, 11, whose parents work in concessions. "I'm not getting used to the circus, the moving around."
Leiss, like teachers everywhere, works to keep his students engaged and happy.
"Being a teen is hard wherever you are," he said. "They are struggling because they are different. They don't have experiences that other teens have. But this is home for them. It's home for all of us."
It's a juggling act, he said — working with kids across all grade levels.
"I guess I'm like the master of ceremonies," he said.
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
By Jeremy P. Meyer
The Denver Post
Juan Torres 12, looking deep for the answer to a question during Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus school for the children of the performer's and staff on Thursday the 2nd. The school is curtained off in the lower outer ring of the Denver Coliseum. (Joe Amon | The Denver
Beneath the bleachers in a backstage hallway of the Denver Coliseum, past clown cars and occasional jugglers, is a set of tables and chairs that serves as a makeshift school for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Thirteen students from first through 11th grade take classes from two teachers.
"This is probably one of the last one-room schoolhouses left," said teacher Jonathan Leiss. In reality, there is neither a room nor a house for this school that brings a sense of normalcy to the hectic traveling world.
Students are children of performers, managers or concessionaires, many of whom come from third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation circus people.
"I have students from Ukraine, France, Russia, and students who have grown up in European circuses, Cuban circuses," Leiss said.
In his first year, Leiss got the job by answering an ad on Craigslist.org — deciding he wanted to take his teaching career on the road.
The circus' 300-person unit is in Denver through Oct. 13. The group travels by train and truck and will visit 42 North American cities this year, racking up 16,000 rail miles.
Denver's two-week stint is one of the longer stays.
"We are truly seeing the country," said Leiss, who uses travel to aid his instruction. "Part of my job is to expose them to things outside of the circus." He takes students camping in Colorado, to the zoo in San Diego and to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
Students are in school three hours a day, five days a week for 11 months of the year and study from the Calvert home-school curriculum. High schoolers learn from the American School of Correspondence.
They hit the three Rs, learn art, sing and dance. Many will likely stay in the circus profession, like generations before them. Some have gotten higher degrees, say circus officials.
Richard Labady, 11, whose father is a juggler and works with the circus animals, said he wants to be a veterinarian.
But he also likes juggling.
The school began in the 1970s as a way to teach the ever-expanding circus family.
The circus unit in Denver features 102 performers and workers from 20 countries who speak 11 different languages.
"I think when they graduate, they will have a greater sense of the world than students who are stationary," Leiss said.
It's not easy, however, holding class backstage at a circus.
Often school is in session while rehearsals are underway a few feet away. Even in quieter times, technicians work on equipment, and performers constantly practice their routines.
"I tell them to block it out," said Sister Dorothy Fabritze, who teaches first through third grade.
"(The teachers) are doing a marvelous job, considering the circumstances," said Maria Garcia, mother of two and the show's comedic trapeze artist, "Queen of the Clouds."
Garcia, from Ireland, was born into the circus and says her children are getting a fine education — nearly one-on-one attention from their teachers.
Her elder daughter, 12-year-old Shannon, is not too happy about it. In fact, most of the adolescents said circus life is wearing.
The teens miss traditional school experiences such as football games, homecoming dances and proms.
"We learn the same things (kids learn) in public schools," said Julissa Segrera, 14. "There's no difference in the school, just the fact that we move around a lot."
"I don't like it," said
Teacher Jonathan Leiss holds an outdoor science class Thursday. "I think when they graduate, they will have a greater sense of the world than students who are stationary," Leiss says of his charges. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post )Daniella Diaz, 11, whose parents work in concessions. "I'm not getting used to the circus, the moving around."
Leiss, like teachers everywhere, works to keep his students engaged and happy.
"Being a teen is hard wherever you are," he said. "They are struggling because they are different. They don't have experiences that other teens have. But this is home for them. It's home for all of us."
It's a juggling act, he said — working with kids across all grade levels.
"I guess I'm like the master of ceremonies," he said.
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
Feld really has some clowns working for him
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's business has been growing as struggling consumers look for affordable entertainment options
Kenneth Feld was a sophomore at Boston University when his father, entertainment guru Irvin Feld, purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1967. After earning a degree in business management in 1970, Feld joined the circus. The 59-year-old now serves as chief executive of Feld Entertainment Inc., an entertainment giant with over 2,000 employees (not counting the elephants) that produces other high-power performances, including 'Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour Disney on Ice.' Feld recently spoke with Globe reporter Jenn Abelson.
What did you think when you received the call from your dad that he planned to buy the circus?
I got a call from my father who told me we were buying the circus and we were going to Rome for the weekend to sign the deal at the Colosseum. I went 'wow.' This is like the coolest thing ever. It was obviously a turning point of my life - it cemented the fact that I would run away and join the circus.
Before your dad bought the circus, what other careers were you considering?
I had always wanted to be in business with my father. He was a rock 'n' roll promoter. I figured I would promote rock 'n' roll. I had been promoting while I was at BU. The biggest coup ever was when I booked The Who about a week or two weeks before the 'Tommy' album came out. By the time they came to BU, they were probably the hottest act in the world.
Your two daughters work with you now. What lessons did you learn from working with your father?
I never had a job. I graduated from BU in 1970 and right away the next day went to work for Ringling Brothers. I thought it was important that my daughters had the opportunity to work elsewhere. It was a rule that they could not even come into the family business unless they worked elsewhere for two years first. I wanted to alleviate much of that pressure of being the boss's kids. When they came to the company, they were able to bring something to the table.
So what do they bring to the table? I always thought I would be cool and hip and would know what was happening today and top 10 songs. And I have to tell you I don't. Having them - they bring a contemporary sensibility to what we do which is really important in understanding the customer today.
Why are you here in Boston? I come to Boston whenever there is a BU Board of Trustees meeting, which I sit on, and then when 'The Greatest Show on Earth' comes to TD Banknorth [Garden].
How has the downturn in the economy affected ticket sales?
We've been quite fortunate and our business has been growing at a very rapid pace this year. Part of it is that in tough economic times, people spend money on entertainment if they know they can count on it. They know they can count on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. People are forgoing more expensive vacations and we're the beneficiary of a lot of that. We are affordable - our tickets cost $15 up to $75 for VIP.
What's the fastest-growing part of the business?
Disney on Ice's international business. Three years ago, we had one tour in Europe. This year we have five. The economic times are much better. We're now playing in Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.
What's the biggest perk of having a circus?
Something that's most near and dear to my heart is the commitment to the survival of the Asian elephant. We started an elephant conservation that is strictly for research, reproduction, and survival. It's the only sustainable herd of Asian elephants. We have 21 elephants on the circus tour, and 35 elephants at the conservation on over 200 acres.
When you're at the circus, what's your favorite part about the event?
Watching the audience watch the circus.
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
Kenneth Feld was a sophomore at Boston University when his father, entertainment guru Irvin Feld, purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1967. After earning a degree in business management in 1970, Feld joined the circus. The 59-year-old now serves as chief executive of Feld Entertainment Inc., an entertainment giant with over 2,000 employees (not counting the elephants) that produces other high-power performances, including 'Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour Disney on Ice.' Feld recently spoke with Globe reporter Jenn Abelson.
What did you think when you received the call from your dad that he planned to buy the circus?
I got a call from my father who told me we were buying the circus and we were going to Rome for the weekend to sign the deal at the Colosseum. I went 'wow.' This is like the coolest thing ever. It was obviously a turning point of my life - it cemented the fact that I would run away and join the circus.
Before your dad bought the circus, what other careers were you considering?
I had always wanted to be in business with my father. He was a rock 'n' roll promoter. I figured I would promote rock 'n' roll. I had been promoting while I was at BU. The biggest coup ever was when I booked The Who about a week or two weeks before the 'Tommy' album came out. By the time they came to BU, they were probably the hottest act in the world.
Your two daughters work with you now. What lessons did you learn from working with your father?
I never had a job. I graduated from BU in 1970 and right away the next day went to work for Ringling Brothers. I thought it was important that my daughters had the opportunity to work elsewhere. It was a rule that they could not even come into the family business unless they worked elsewhere for two years first. I wanted to alleviate much of that pressure of being the boss's kids. When they came to the company, they were able to bring something to the table.
So what do they bring to the table? I always thought I would be cool and hip and would know what was happening today and top 10 songs. And I have to tell you I don't. Having them - they bring a contemporary sensibility to what we do which is really important in understanding the customer today.
Why are you here in Boston? I come to Boston whenever there is a BU Board of Trustees meeting, which I sit on, and then when 'The Greatest Show on Earth' comes to TD Banknorth [Garden].
How has the downturn in the economy affected ticket sales?
We've been quite fortunate and our business has been growing at a very rapid pace this year. Part of it is that in tough economic times, people spend money on entertainment if they know they can count on it. They know they can count on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. People are forgoing more expensive vacations and we're the beneficiary of a lot of that. We are affordable - our tickets cost $15 up to $75 for VIP.
What's the fastest-growing part of the business?
Disney on Ice's international business. Three years ago, we had one tour in Europe. This year we have five. The economic times are much better. We're now playing in Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.
What's the biggest perk of having a circus?
Something that's most near and dear to my heart is the commitment to the survival of the Asian elephant. We started an elephant conservation that is strictly for research, reproduction, and survival. It's the only sustainable herd of Asian elephants. We have 21 elephants on the circus tour, and 35 elephants at the conservation on over 200 acres.
When you're at the circus, what's your favorite part about the event?
Watching the audience watch the circus.
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
DOUG ELFMAN: Angel's 'Believe' magic: Miffed fans disappear
Criss Angel fans flew in from as far away as London to see his new Cirque du Soleil show open at the Luxor on Friday. The verdict by many? Creatively, "Believe" is a possibly unsalvageable "waste of time" and a "dead end" that literally bored some audience members to sleep.
On Saturday night, reaction was even worse.
Everyone in the bathroom was chanting 'bull----'" from the urinals, Damon Ranger of Chicago told me Saturday. "It was absolutely awful. You can 'Believe' how bad it is -- because it's terrible!"
People streamed out of the theater on Saturday screaming about how poor it was. A group of six women was led by a woman yelling furiously, demanding their money back.
"Dude, it's a train wreck," Ranger said. On a scale of 1 to 10, he declared "Believe" a zero.
I didn't see the show, which stars the TV illusionist in a Cirque performance, because I wanted to purely chronicle fan reaction to one of the most anticipated new shows on the Strip in some time, a show that is said to have cost in the ballpark of $85 million.
So I interviewed more than a dozen people after Friday's and Saturday's shows, and I listened to groups chat after they exited the theater. They weren't just disappointed. Some were enraged.
Walter Huertas lives in Las Vegas and has seen every Cirque show here. On a scale of 1 to 10, he gave it a 1. He coaxed a friend to go. They left 20 minutes before the end of Friday's debut.
"There's no magic in it," Huertas said.
Huertas knows Angel for his "antics" and death-defying stunts from his "Mindfreak" show on A&E. But he said "Believe" has no compelling storyline, and it's more about dancing and unimpressive tricks, like pulling doves from a sleeve.
"It's something that should be in a variety show," he said. "It's about a bunch of 'rabbits' dancing around in costume."
Huertas equated the quality of "Believe" to that of Mandalay Bay's disastrous old "Storm" show. If you ever saw "Storm," you realize how dismal that comparison is.
Two other Angel fans, Steve Moffett and Jordan Wilson, flew in from London for Friday's debut.
"We were hysterical about coming. We came. It was a waste of time," Wilson said. "The magic's not even magic."
They complained they could see wires and stage holes used in unconvincing acts.
"Belief was not suspended once," said Moffett, who called the show a "dead end." "They fake an accident at the beginning, and it sets the tone of the rest of the show -- fake."
"David Copperfield is better, and he's a boring old" guy, Moffett said.
Wilson said it should be called "Criss Angel -- Don't Believe."
Moffett and Wilson walked out before the ending, because Angel started singing the finale, a cover of his "Mindfreak" TV theme song.
"He broke into song. I said, 'He's singing. Now we're leaving,'" Wilson said.
They thought he was lip-syncing. Ranger did, too: "I'm a musician. It's lip-syncing. The audio wasn't matching the video."
On a scale of 1 to 10, Moffett gave it a 4; Wilson a 3.
Like most people I interviewed, they thought Cirque's background elements were great. Wilson said the red-motif set design is "phenomenal," costumes are "good," the dancers are fine, and the proscenium arches are "elegant."
Kevin Saum of Chicago added, "The Cirque music is awesome."
But despite the best elements, Angel's show is appalling, Saum said. On a scale of 1 to 10, Saum deemed it a 3.
"It's embarrassing to put the Cirque name on it," Saum said. "He walks around the whole time and doesn't do anything. It's not his TV show. It's just really bad."
Saum and his friend Ranger flew in for a "bro's" weekend, specifically to see "Believe" plus Foo Fighters at the Hard Rock. They loved Foo Fighters. They hated "Believe" so much Ranger exited the theater by calling out to random people in the Luxor to not see it.
"They were drawing people in with the Criss Angel (fan base), and they drew us in, and we were very disappointed," said Saum, who usually loves Cirque shows. "The whole storyline is dumb."
There are caveats. Some planned elements weren't ready by Friday. And all Vegas shows get tweaked in the months after they open.
A few theatergoers said "Believe" doesn't appear to be salvageable to them, though. Others said it might be OK if changed in coming months. Saum wasn't so sure.
"We understand there are kinks to work out. But this is about more than kinks," Saum said.
Saum and Ranger were in the cheap seats, in the back, and even from there they could see through illusionlike performances.
"Usually in a Cirque show, you don't see wires. You see the wires all the time," Saum said.
Julie Schmidt went to see Friday's show with her daughter, Caitlin, and with Joe Sposato. All three of the Coloradoans deemed it a 4 or 5 out of 10. That's the highest praise I heard.
"The guy next to me was sound asleep," Julie Schmidt said.
She said "Believe" is "artistic and creative," "but it was like there were five shows, and they couldn't decide which one to do."
The five subshows were, she said: Cirque performances; good dancers; poor magic; "him off doing something else behind the scenes"; and the go-nowhere storyline.
"You can see the openings on the floor" for the illusion-esque acts, Julie complained.
"The magic he did do was basic," Sposato said.
"I thought it was going to be more like his show" on TV, Caitlin said.
John and Gail Michalak came from Los Angeles to see "Believe" with Karla Delemos. On the 1-to-10 scale, John gave it a 1; Gail a 3; and Delemos didn't rate it -- she fell asleep.
"I just got screwed," John said. "He pulled three doves out of his hat. Go to the Magic Castle in L.A. if you want to see magic. But don't come here."
John said fans were also upset they had to turn in their cell phones before entering the theater.
"Everybody said the biggest 'Mindfreak' is you're gonna get your phone back," he griped. "Never have I wanted to get my money back. I want my money back."
Hearing him say that, Gail warned him about Angel's tough-guy image: "John, you're gonna have him knocking on your door!"
"They need to know if it's not good," John insisted.
But Gail said the show is salvageable if the magic acts are perfected.
And Ranger was glad about one thing. After spending $55 for cheap seats -- tickets are discounted by 25 percent during these first run of "ticketed previews" -- he was given a free drink coupon.
"The best thing was getting this free drink coupon - the worst $55 Bud Light I'll ever have."
Doug Elfman's column appears on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 383-0391 or e-mail him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He also blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.
On Saturday night, reaction was even worse.
Everyone in the bathroom was chanting 'bull----'" from the urinals, Damon Ranger of Chicago told me Saturday. "It was absolutely awful. You can 'Believe' how bad it is -- because it's terrible!"
People streamed out of the theater on Saturday screaming about how poor it was. A group of six women was led by a woman yelling furiously, demanding their money back.
"Dude, it's a train wreck," Ranger said. On a scale of 1 to 10, he declared "Believe" a zero.
I didn't see the show, which stars the TV illusionist in a Cirque performance, because I wanted to purely chronicle fan reaction to one of the most anticipated new shows on the Strip in some time, a show that is said to have cost in the ballpark of $85 million.
So I interviewed more than a dozen people after Friday's and Saturday's shows, and I listened to groups chat after they exited the theater. They weren't just disappointed. Some were enraged.
Walter Huertas lives in Las Vegas and has seen every Cirque show here. On a scale of 1 to 10, he gave it a 1. He coaxed a friend to go. They left 20 minutes before the end of Friday's debut.
"There's no magic in it," Huertas said.
Huertas knows Angel for his "antics" and death-defying stunts from his "Mindfreak" show on A&E. But he said "Believe" has no compelling storyline, and it's more about dancing and unimpressive tricks, like pulling doves from a sleeve.
"It's something that should be in a variety show," he said. "It's about a bunch of 'rabbits' dancing around in costume."
Huertas equated the quality of "Believe" to that of Mandalay Bay's disastrous old "Storm" show. If you ever saw "Storm," you realize how dismal that comparison is.
Two other Angel fans, Steve Moffett and Jordan Wilson, flew in from London for Friday's debut.
"We were hysterical about coming. We came. It was a waste of time," Wilson said. "The magic's not even magic."
They complained they could see wires and stage holes used in unconvincing acts.
"Belief was not suspended once," said Moffett, who called the show a "dead end." "They fake an accident at the beginning, and it sets the tone of the rest of the show -- fake."
"David Copperfield is better, and he's a boring old" guy, Moffett said.
Wilson said it should be called "Criss Angel -- Don't Believe."
Moffett and Wilson walked out before the ending, because Angel started singing the finale, a cover of his "Mindfreak" TV theme song.
"He broke into song. I said, 'He's singing. Now we're leaving,'" Wilson said.
They thought he was lip-syncing. Ranger did, too: "I'm a musician. It's lip-syncing. The audio wasn't matching the video."
On a scale of 1 to 10, Moffett gave it a 4; Wilson a 3.
Like most people I interviewed, they thought Cirque's background elements were great. Wilson said the red-motif set design is "phenomenal," costumes are "good," the dancers are fine, and the proscenium arches are "elegant."
Kevin Saum of Chicago added, "The Cirque music is awesome."
But despite the best elements, Angel's show is appalling, Saum said. On a scale of 1 to 10, Saum deemed it a 3.
"It's embarrassing to put the Cirque name on it," Saum said. "He walks around the whole time and doesn't do anything. It's not his TV show. It's just really bad."
Saum and his friend Ranger flew in for a "bro's" weekend, specifically to see "Believe" plus Foo Fighters at the Hard Rock. They loved Foo Fighters. They hated "Believe" so much Ranger exited the theater by calling out to random people in the Luxor to not see it.
"They were drawing people in with the Criss Angel (fan base), and they drew us in, and we were very disappointed," said Saum, who usually loves Cirque shows. "The whole storyline is dumb."
There are caveats. Some planned elements weren't ready by Friday. And all Vegas shows get tweaked in the months after they open.
A few theatergoers said "Believe" doesn't appear to be salvageable to them, though. Others said it might be OK if changed in coming months. Saum wasn't so sure.
"We understand there are kinks to work out. But this is about more than kinks," Saum said.
Saum and Ranger were in the cheap seats, in the back, and even from there they could see through illusionlike performances.
"Usually in a Cirque show, you don't see wires. You see the wires all the time," Saum said.
Julie Schmidt went to see Friday's show with her daughter, Caitlin, and with Joe Sposato. All three of the Coloradoans deemed it a 4 or 5 out of 10. That's the highest praise I heard.
"The guy next to me was sound asleep," Julie Schmidt said.
She said "Believe" is "artistic and creative," "but it was like there were five shows, and they couldn't decide which one to do."
The five subshows were, she said: Cirque performances; good dancers; poor magic; "him off doing something else behind the scenes"; and the go-nowhere storyline.
"You can see the openings on the floor" for the illusion-esque acts, Julie complained.
"The magic he did do was basic," Sposato said.
"I thought it was going to be more like his show" on TV, Caitlin said.
John and Gail Michalak came from Los Angeles to see "Believe" with Karla Delemos. On the 1-to-10 scale, John gave it a 1; Gail a 3; and Delemos didn't rate it -- she fell asleep.
"I just got screwed," John said. "He pulled three doves out of his hat. Go to the Magic Castle in L.A. if you want to see magic. But don't come here."
John said fans were also upset they had to turn in their cell phones before entering the theater.
"Everybody said the biggest 'Mindfreak' is you're gonna get your phone back," he griped. "Never have I wanted to get my money back. I want my money back."
Hearing him say that, Gail warned him about Angel's tough-guy image: "John, you're gonna have him knocking on your door!"
"They need to know if it's not good," John insisted.
But Gail said the show is salvageable if the magic acts are perfected.
And Ranger was glad about one thing. After spending $55 for cheap seats -- tickets are discounted by 25 percent during these first run of "ticketed previews" -- he was given a free drink coupon.
"The best thing was getting this free drink coupon - the worst $55 Bud Light I'll ever have."
Doug Elfman's column appears on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 383-0391 or e-mail him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He also blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
PETA Campaign Angers Autism Groups
N.J. Billboard Ad Purports Link Between Milk and Autism Risk
By LARA SALAHI
ABC News Medical Unit
Oct. 1, 2008
The latest public anti-milk campaign by animal rights group PETA has stirred up controversy between doctors, parents and activists in the autism community.
A new PETA-sponsored "go vegan" campaign billboard in Newark, N.J., includes the phrase "Studies have shown a link between cow's milk and autism."
The animal rights group cites two studies by researchers at the University of Rome as reason for the purported "link," even though the studies themselves do not prove any connection between milk and autism.
Dr. Susan McGrew, associate professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt University, said the billboard looks more like a scare tactic rather than an evidence-based statement.
"I'm concerned more about the people who don't have autism," McGrew said. "They will be scared that they'll get autism if they drink milk."
By LARA SALAHI
ABC News Medical Unit
Oct. 1, 2008
The latest public anti-milk campaign by animal rights group PETA has stirred up controversy between doctors, parents and activists in the autism community.
A new PETA-sponsored "go vegan" campaign billboard in Newark, N.J., includes the phrase "Studies have shown a link between cow's milk and autism."
The animal rights group cites two studies by researchers at the University of Rome as reason for the purported "link," even though the studies themselves do not prove any connection between milk and autism.
Dr. Susan McGrew, associate professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt University, said the billboard looks more like a scare tactic rather than an evidence-based statement.
"I'm concerned more about the people who don't have autism," McGrew said. "They will be scared that they'll get autism if they drink milk."
Spice Up Your Life: PETA motion violates ‘ethical treatment of humans’
Published: Thursday, October 2, 2008
Last Modified: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 1:10:43am
Stefanie Toth / Staff Writer / st135906@ohiou.edu
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has made headlines once again. This time, it has sent a letter to Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream suggesting they use human milk instead of cow milk to make their cold treats. PETA’s message of humane treatment for animals in my opinion has turned into a barrage of publicity stunts that generate stories found only in tabloid magazines.
Breast milk over cow milk? While I am not a culinary expert or an economist, there would be many issues surrounding the production of human breast milk for ice cream. The most obvious problem here would be the amount of milk needed to make a gallon of ice cream, 1 ½ gallons, according to The Associated Press. Now, multiply that by the average six gallons of ice cream each American eats per year. Do you see the volume in this?
It would be an extremely capital-intense enterprise, and the capital I am talking about is human breasts. In other words, it would require more women to produce the same amount of milk that fewer cows would, and that would result in the inhumane treatment of human women. Would PETA then have to change its name from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to People for the Ethical Treatment of Humans?
In addition, the price of Neapolitan Dynamite and other ice cream flavors would skyrocket. Human breast milk is sold at milk banks for $4 to $5 an ounce, according to various sources. At that rate, where would Ben & Jerry’s profit margins be?
Even then, this milk is supposed to be used for mothers who have premature babies. Is mass-production appropriate for a simple indulgence? I think not. It’s pretty much impossible.
A viable replacement for cow milk would be soy. While it is more expensive, some brands of soymilk are fortified with calcium, according to the U.S. Soyfoods Directory Web site. I’m pretty sure PETA knows what soy is, unless it’s more concerned with getting its names in a paper than providing reasonable solutions.
PETA says in its mission statement that it “focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time.” Today, PETA, you have lost the little respect that I had for your organization. Go back to your roots and focus on Fido, who is sitting in the shelter with no food at all.
Stefanie Toth is a junior studying journalism. Feed her some comments at st135906@ohiou.edu
Last Modified: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 1:10:43am
Stefanie Toth / Staff Writer / st135906@ohiou.edu
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has made headlines once again. This time, it has sent a letter to Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream suggesting they use human milk instead of cow milk to make their cold treats. PETA’s message of humane treatment for animals in my opinion has turned into a barrage of publicity stunts that generate stories found only in tabloid magazines.
Breast milk over cow milk? While I am not a culinary expert or an economist, there would be many issues surrounding the production of human breast milk for ice cream. The most obvious problem here would be the amount of milk needed to make a gallon of ice cream, 1 ½ gallons, according to The Associated Press. Now, multiply that by the average six gallons of ice cream each American eats per year. Do you see the volume in this?
It would be an extremely capital-intense enterprise, and the capital I am talking about is human breasts. In other words, it would require more women to produce the same amount of milk that fewer cows would, and that would result in the inhumane treatment of human women. Would PETA then have to change its name from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to People for the Ethical Treatment of Humans?
In addition, the price of Neapolitan Dynamite and other ice cream flavors would skyrocket. Human breast milk is sold at milk banks for $4 to $5 an ounce, according to various sources. At that rate, where would Ben & Jerry’s profit margins be?
Even then, this milk is supposed to be used for mothers who have premature babies. Is mass-production appropriate for a simple indulgence? I think not. It’s pretty much impossible.
A viable replacement for cow milk would be soy. While it is more expensive, some brands of soymilk are fortified with calcium, according to the U.S. Soyfoods Directory Web site. I’m pretty sure PETA knows what soy is, unless it’s more concerned with getting its names in a paper than providing reasonable solutions.
PETA says in its mission statement that it “focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time.” Today, PETA, you have lost the little respect that I had for your organization. Go back to your roots and focus on Fido, who is sitting in the shelter with no food at all.
Stefanie Toth is a junior studying journalism. Feed her some comments at st135906@ohiou.edu
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ring of fun | Circus to deliver thrills, laughter
By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
Circus lovers get excited when they hear the words: The Greatest Show on Earth.
The phrase is synonymous with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which for the past 139 years has delivered excitement, thrills and laughs to audiences around the world.
The show comes to Johnstown’s Cambria County War Memorial Arena for one performance only at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.
Patrons will see traditional as well as contemporary acts including six magnificent white Bengal tigers presented by fifth-generation circus performer Vicenta Pages, who is one of the youngest female tiger trainers in the world, and miniature dachshunds performing in a style similar to a liberty act with horses.
From the daring high wire nearly 25 feet in the air to the Wheel of Steel, the Los Scolas Troupes keep the audience on the edge of their seats with tests of balance and gravity.
“Boom A Ring is a European-style show with seats as close as 8 to 10 feet from the ring so those audience members can actually hear the tigers purr,” said Paulina Piekarski, the circus’ public relations director the Northeast.
“The European-style is a one-ring show that allows a more intimate setting.”
The single ring was created for performances in buildings such as the War Memorial arena because it is not large enough for three-ring shows. It provides smaller markets a chance to host a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The performance lasts about two hours with a 15-minute intermission. An hour before the show, audience members are invited to an all-access preshow in which they can join the performers in the ring.
“There, our guests can get autographs and photographs with the performers, try on authentic circus costumes, test their circus skills on the low wire, trapeze rig, learn to juggle, jump rope and hoola hoop, as well as be a part of acts in the ring that aren’t in the big part of the show,” Piekarski said.
Patrons will see a fast-paced show that features the circus’ most popular attraction: The animals.
“We have six white Bengal tigers, five dachshund dogs and three beautiful Asian elephants,” Piekarski said. “But our two-legged performers win the hearts of the audience instantly, and every act is amazing, thrilling, hysterical and entertaining for children of all ages.”
No circus would be complete without some laughs, and those are provided by the comedy team of Vas and Stas along with Justin Case, who does a hysterical interactive bicycle routine.
Piekarski said Feld Entertainment, producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, is committed to the caring and research of Asian elephants and is a world leader in breeding this endangered species as well as helping to preserve and protect the species.
Animal attractions
What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 15.
Where: Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., downtown Johnstown.
Tickets: Arena box office (536-5156), Ebensburg Music Mart, Barnesboro Music Mart in Northern Cambria, Back Street Records in Indiana, Mary Lee Travel in Bedford and Ricche Music Store in Altoona.
Cost: $18 and $10; limited number of $30 VIP floor seats.
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
Circus lovers get excited when they hear the words: The Greatest Show on Earth.
The phrase is synonymous with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which for the past 139 years has delivered excitement, thrills and laughs to audiences around the world.
The show comes to Johnstown’s Cambria County War Memorial Arena for one performance only at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.
Patrons will see traditional as well as contemporary acts including six magnificent white Bengal tigers presented by fifth-generation circus performer Vicenta Pages, who is one of the youngest female tiger trainers in the world, and miniature dachshunds performing in a style similar to a liberty act with horses.
From the daring high wire nearly 25 feet in the air to the Wheel of Steel, the Los Scolas Troupes keep the audience on the edge of their seats with tests of balance and gravity.
“Boom A Ring is a European-style show with seats as close as 8 to 10 feet from the ring so those audience members can actually hear the tigers purr,” said Paulina Piekarski, the circus’ public relations director the Northeast.
“The European-style is a one-ring show that allows a more intimate setting.”
The single ring was created for performances in buildings such as the War Memorial arena because it is not large enough for three-ring shows. It provides smaller markets a chance to host a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The performance lasts about two hours with a 15-minute intermission. An hour before the show, audience members are invited to an all-access preshow in which they can join the performers in the ring.
“There, our guests can get autographs and photographs with the performers, try on authentic circus costumes, test their circus skills on the low wire, trapeze rig, learn to juggle, jump rope and hoola hoop, as well as be a part of acts in the ring that aren’t in the big part of the show,” Piekarski said.
Patrons will see a fast-paced show that features the circus’ most popular attraction: The animals.
“We have six white Bengal tigers, five dachshund dogs and three beautiful Asian elephants,” Piekarski said. “But our two-legged performers win the hearts of the audience instantly, and every act is amazing, thrilling, hysterical and entertaining for children of all ages.”
No circus would be complete without some laughs, and those are provided by the comedy team of Vas and Stas along with Justin Case, who does a hysterical interactive bicycle routine.
Piekarski said Feld Entertainment, producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, is committed to the caring and research of Asian elephants and is a world leader in breeding this endangered species as well as helping to preserve and protect the species.
Animal attractions
What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 15.
Where: Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., downtown Johnstown.
Tickets: Arena box office (536-5156), Ebensburg Music Mart, Barnesboro Music Mart in Northern Cambria, Back Street Records in Indiana, Mary Lee Travel in Bedford and Ricche Music Store in Altoona.
Cost: $18 and $10; limited number of $30 VIP floor seats.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
