By Marty Clear, Times Correspondent
In print: Thursday, January 1, 2009
"Sadly there isn't any new information on the show released in this article."
Logan
By MARTY CLEAR
Times Correspondent
Just eight years ago, at age 15, Alex Ramon started performing as a magician, doing card tricks and sleight-of-hand in tiny venues around the San Francisco area.
For the next two years, he will make elephants disappear in front of thousands of people all across North America.
"I'm 23 years old and I'm the featured performer in the Greatest Show on Earth," Ramon said. "It's hard to imagine anything better."
Ramon has a dual role in the newly revamped Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which opens Wednesday at the St. Pete Times Forum. He serves as the emcee — the role traditionally performed by the ringmaster — and he is the featured performer. In that capacity, Ramon replaces Bello, one of the world's most famous clowns, who had been the featured performer for many years.
(Ringling Bros. has two different shows touring the country at any time. Each is on a two-year tour that starts in Tampa. It has been two years since local audiences saw the circus starring Bello.)
Ringling Bros. is calling this year's circus Zing Zang Zoom, and Ramon is billed as the "zingmaster."
"I'm the very first zingmaster in Ringling Bros. history," Ramon said. "So the first question is, 'What's the difference?' I am going to be doing the announcing, as a traditional ringmaster would, but I'm also going to be performing magic and illusions throughout the show. It's a very big change for the circus."
It's a challenging environment for a magician, Ramon said. The illusions have to be so spectacular that people can appreciate them from the cheap seats. And they're performed in the round, which limits what he can conceal from the audience.
Ramon will use circus performers, children picked from the audience and animals in a lot of his illusions. And he will make an elephant vanish.
In addition to the new features, the show still features all the quintessential circus elements: animal acts, high-wire acts, clowns and human cannonballs.
"Every year, Ringling Bros. tries to improve on the previous year's show," Ramon said. "This year they've come up with something that people have never seen before in a circus, and Tampa is the first place anyone will see it."
Marty Clear is a Tampa freelance writer. He can be reached at mclear@tampabay.rr.com.
IF YOU GO
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The circus is in town from Wednesday through Jan. 11 at the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. and 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. $15-$85. Ticketmaster, (727) 898-2100 or (813) 287-8844; ringling.com.
[Last modified: Dec 31, 2008 03:30 AM]
http://www.tampabay.com/features/events/article953707.ece
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Cirque Balagan
I don't understand this debate about traditional circus vs cirque. Traditionalists will tell you that Cirque is not circus. And cirque style show fans will tell you that traditional circus is just an outdated carny for of entertainment. For me both forms are equally entertaining. The heart of the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus is the same heart of Le Grand Cirque. They both want to entertain children of all ages through outstanding acrobatic performances. I believe that essentially there is no difference between a modern age cirque show and a traditional circus show because the core of the show is the same. They both feature amazing performers performing sensational feats. After all "cirque" means "circus" in French. If you stripped Carson & Barnes Circus and Cirque du Soleil Varekai of all of the extra features (the costumes, special effects, etc) the raw product would be the same. Maybe I am wrong but those are just my thoughts.
Give Blood, Go To The Circus
If you give blood, you could get a free ticket to the circus.
Florida's Blood Centers is giving one free ticket to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at Amway Arena next month if the person donates blood.
Donors have to go to a blood center branch in Orange, Seminole or Osceola counties from Jan. 12 through Jan. 14. Click here to find a location close to you.
A representative for Florida's Blood Centers said they are especially in need of O-negative blood and platelets for cancer patients.
Florida's Blood Centers is giving one free ticket to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at Amway Arena next month if the person donates blood.
Donors have to go to a blood center branch in Orange, Seminole or Osceola counties from Jan. 12 through Jan. 14. Click here to find a location close to you.
A representative for Florida's Blood Centers said they are especially in need of O-negative blood and platelets for cancer patients.
Circus Chimera
I believe this was from Chimera's 10th anniversary show. It looks like they had some great acts. Too bad they didn't have any animal acts :-(
Monday, December 29, 2008
Cirque, not Cirque
Plenty of punch in the 'David' stage show vs. 'Goliath' du Soleil
By JIM FARMER
DEC. 26, 2008
WHEN GAY PRODUCER NEIL GOLDBERG brings his “Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy” back to town next week, he does so shortly before Cirque du Soleil opens its “Kooza” in January. But Goldberg is confident in his production’s ability to please audiences despite a little competition.
Goldberg is the creator of Cirque Productions, the first company in America to produce European, theatrical and cirque-style shows for corporate events, theaters and tours. “Jungle Fantasy” is the 12th production from the company. After trial runs across the country, including Atlanta in 2006, the production debuted on the New York stage last summer to critical and commercial success.
As the name suggests, the show is indeed a journey through the jungle, led by The Adventurer, who leads us from act to act along with a tree that happens to play violin and Mother Nature herself, fond of singing show tunes. The cast of 26 international performers includes aerialists, contortionists, musicians, acrobats and jugglers.
Goldberg says the theatrical nature of his work is one of his signatures.
“‘Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy’ remains true to my original vision, which began with the company in 1993, to blend European artistry with circus and Broadway theatrics in a dramatic fashion that transcends imagination and leaves its narration to the eyes of the beholder,” he says.
ONE COMMON MISCONCEPTION is that “Cirque Dreams” is Cirque du Soleil on stage. It is not, and the two are not related to each other. Goldberg admits that there is competition between the two, laughingly calling it “David vs. Goliath.”
He says that his shows are for everyone, but he thinks gay audiences are amongst its most fervent supporters.
“There are lots of colorful costumes, great choreography and a cutting-edge quality to it,” he says. “This production does have a strong sensuality, seeing what these bodies can do.
"It was not my intention to do a show with such sensuality, but when you have contortionists wrapping themselves around each other, that’s an aspect of it," he adds.
Two acts in the production really stand out, Goldberg says. In one, a live percussionist plays the role of a frog and plays drums while also juggling. The second finds two performers playing giraffes and balancing themselves on a step-stool on top of a rolling cylinder.
“I still can’t believe it when I see it,” Goldberg admits.
GOLDBERG HAS HAD HIS HANDS in high-profile projects for the last few decades, working with the likes of Liza Minnelli, Joan Collins, Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as creating shows for two Super Bowls and working on two Miss Universe pageants
He is especially happy that the touring version of “Jungle Fantasy” has the exact same cast as the New York version, and that he has managed to keep ticket prices affordable.
“Not everyone can afford to pay $65 to see a show,” he says. "Jungle Fantasy" tickets are available for $13 to $61.
In 2009, Goldberg will launch a new production, and then his “Cirque Dreams Gershwin” will debut in 2010. Ironically, when he was six years old, he went to see “The Miracle Worker” on Broadway and went home and wrote a Tony Award acceptance speech.
His “Gershwin” show will be eligible for a Tony.
“I will probably edit my speech somewhat, but it will have the same essence,” he laughs, ”just in case!”
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Where is Daddy?
While this child's father is walking around protesting the circus in tiger costume who is babysitting his kid?
Hugo museum to capture thrill of the circus
ENTERTAINMENTHUGO SERVES AS WINTER HOME TO TRAVELING ACTS
By Bryan Painter
Published: December 28, 2008
HUGO — As a reward for serving as safety patrol, the suburban Chicago elementary school treated students to a Shrine Circus in the city.
The biggest cats Jim Royal had been around prior to that time were addressed with "here, kitty, kitty.”
That day, he was nearly face-to-face with lions.
Shortly thereafter, he was scanning the shelves of the local library.
"A book called ‘The Circus Kings’ by Henry Ringling North caught my eye,” he said of the experience that occurred about 1960. "I got that book down, read it, and was hooked.”
In 1966, Royal graduated from high school on a Thursday and by Saturday morning was in Wisconsin working with a circus.
Today, Royal is general manager of Kelly Miller Circus, one of three circuses that make their winter home in Hugo.
Because Hugo has been the off-season home of circuses for more than 65 years, an effort is under way to create the Circus City Museum and Park.
Royal is on the board of directors of a group in the process of buying property that includes a house. They have the money available but are waiting for 501(c)(3) approval. Once they receive that, they will begin fundraising for renovation of the house, which will serve as a museum and a home for artists in residence focusing on circus themes.
Royal knows what it’s like on the road. For example, Kelly Miller Circus will start its season with 65 people and about 33 vehicles traveling to south Texas in February. Then they’ll work north through Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri and go up to Massachusetts and then swing toward Chicago before heading back south and finishing up just before Halloween. Last year, they drew about a quarter of a million people, up from about 190,000 the previous year.
Royal knows the circus road, and he knows Hugo as his home.
He’s also excited about sharing all of that through the museum.
Life on the road
I asked Royal to give me an example of the feeling he gets from bringing the circus to people.
Last season, the circus was in Pennsylvania.
It serves as a fundraiser for organizations, and on this particular day, it was working for a home for senior citizens.
"We did two shows, and they had all of the residents coming to the show,” he said. "We were right by the building, and we cleared things out so they were literally coming in beds; some of them in wheelchairs and watching that show and having such a great time. In talking with the staff, they said they hadn’t been this happy in years.”
At home in Hugo
Hugo is a good place for a circus to winter because it provides a convenient starting point, he said. If the circus wants to go north, south, east or west, that can be done.
"The weather generally is fairly mild here,” he said. "Today is a beautiful day. It’s like spring out there. So the animals are out enjoying the weather, and it gives us a chance to work on equipment.”
Plus, Hugo as a city has been very welcoming, Royal said.
"We’re made to feel very much a part of the community,” he said.
Planning a museum
Royal said the group planning the museum is in the process of buying a house and an adjacent lot opposite the library.
As for the house, the ground floor will be converted to a museum.
The upstairs will be a studio where organizers hope to have artists who could create things regarding the circus.
Plans are to frequently refresh the exhibits. The museum also will be a research center for circus history in Hugo.
Circus ‘never gets old’
The adjoining lot is going to be a park in which is planned a fountain with an elephant squirting water and a pool. Organizers also hope to include topiaries with circus animals, a play area and an outdoor structure where people can hold events and picnics.
For Royal, it’s just another way of carrying on a love for the circus that began as a student more than 45 years ago.
"The circus never gets old,” he said. "That sense of delight the circus brings never gets old.”
http://www.newsok.com/hugo-museum-to-capture-thrill-of-the-circus/article/3333518?custom_click=masthead_topten
Friday, December 26, 2008
Go to the circus, buy some socks and jewelry
Go to the circus, buy some socks and jewelry
In slow retail environment, Atlantic Station fills gaps with events
By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, December 26, 2008
When Cirque du Soleil sets up its “grand chapiteau” for the Jan. 2 opening of its show “Kooza,” Atlantic Station will be hosting three experiential events all at once: “Dialog in the Dark,” “Bodies” and the circus.
At a time when retail leasing is all but frozen, Atlantic Station is getting creative to fill its empty space.
For decades, malls have relied on events to get more people to come by and, hopefully, spend money with retailers. Lenox Square, for example, hosts an annual fireworks display and concert on the Fourth of July that attracts tens of thousands. Currently, it attracts crowds with its traditional Pink Pig holiday ride.
But for an exhibit such as “Bodies” to work at a shopping center, the venue must have a large urban population nearby.
It’s a strategy that has worked in other big cities, such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco, according to Dan Butler, vice president of merchandising and retail operations for the National Retail Federation in Washington.
“Bodies,” for instance, is currently in malls in New York, Hawaii and Indiana.
And Cirque du Soleil just finished a show at National Harbor, a mixed-use shopping and resort development in Washington.
The circus likes the ample parking and restaurants that malls offer, said Rachel Andrews, a Cirque spokeswoman.
The same is true for Atlanta-based Premier Exhibitions, the company staging “Bodies, the exhibit with real human bodies, and “Dialog,” which gives the experience of being blind.
The company’s first choice, said Katherine Morgenstern, a spokeswoman, is usually to open in museums, but malls are next in line.
“Malls are locations residents know well, frequent often and are always looking for something new to explore,” she said.
But it’s unusual to find places with that much room.
Enter Atlantic Station, which has the space for a show like Cirque and the other exhibits, in part, because it’s a relatively new project that is only 45 percent done with its master plan.
That leaves the 130,000 square feet of completely flat land required by Cirque’s tents and equipment, said Brian Leary, vice president of AIG Global Investment Group, which heads Atlantic Station.
Some other area malls just don’t have that kind of room.
“We don’t have the space at these malls,” to host an attraction such as Cirque or “Bodies,” said Dewayne Herbert, who was recently promoted to mall manager at Phipps Plaza after being marketing director for Lenox and Phipps.
“Traditionally, it’s not our core business.” But if the malls had the space, he added, he’s sure they would host the attractions.
Because it has the room, Atlantic Station has leased 20,000 square feet of second- floor retail space for three years to Premier Exhibitions.
“We had this upstairs space,” Leary said. “Instead of giving up on it, we got creative.”
Leary also has penned a 10-year agreement with Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, the circus with the big blue and yellow top that’s visible off I-75-85.
This will be Cirque’s second whirl at the mall. The circus sold 150,000 tickets last time Cirque was here.
For Atlantic Station, the concentration of cultural events also serves as a reminder of the tough economic times.
As restaurants and retailers see 20 percent to 30 percent declines in sales, Leary’s tenants, especially restaurants, such as the Geisha House, can’t wait to serve up dinner and theater.
“I’m looking forward to the boost from Cirque, especially now with this economy. We could use it,” said Lonnie Moore, a partner with the Dolce Group, in a phone interview from his Los Angeles office. His company operates Geisha House, Dolce and Ten Pin Alley at Atlantic Station.
Investors in the Dolce Group include Hollywood actors such as Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama. Dolce at Atlantic Station opened with much fanfare two years ago, the same week that Cirque started its run there, Moore said. “It was amazing,” he added. “We were doing crazy numbers.”
The Cirque crowd — folks who would pay $215 for VIP treatment and a circus ticket — will be a welcome boost. “People who spend that kind of money to go to an adult circus will spend money with us,” Moore said.
Cirque du Soleil will run from Jan. 2 to Feb. 22 — and the timing couldn’t be better for retailers.
“It creates an incredible amount of traffic and energy at the slowest retail time,” said Sam Latone, president and co-CEO of Atlanta-based Shopping Center Group, the firm handling leasing for Atlantic Station.
Already, 2008 has proved to be a trying year for retailers. The International Council of Shopping Centers is predicting that more than 148,000 shops could close by the end of the year, and another 73,000 could be shuttered in the first half of 2009.
Retailers have seen boosts from other events at the center, from the pro volleyball tournament AVP to Taste of Atlanta.
They are preparing deals for Cirque ticketholders, such as 20 percent off at women’s clothier White House Black Market and free drinks and desserts at restaurants.
Still, Leary built an escape clause in the Cirque deal.
In his offices, a model of Atlantic Station shows a tall building on the Cirque tent site.
If he gets a development deal for a hotel or more offices, Cirque would have to move.)
In slow retail environment, Atlantic Station fills gaps with events
By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, December 26, 2008
When Cirque du Soleil sets up its “grand chapiteau” for the Jan. 2 opening of its show “Kooza,” Atlantic Station will be hosting three experiential events all at once: “Dialog in the Dark,” “Bodies” and the circus.
At a time when retail leasing is all but frozen, Atlantic Station is getting creative to fill its empty space.
For decades, malls have relied on events to get more people to come by and, hopefully, spend money with retailers. Lenox Square, for example, hosts an annual fireworks display and concert on the Fourth of July that attracts tens of thousands. Currently, it attracts crowds with its traditional Pink Pig holiday ride.
But for an exhibit such as “Bodies” to work at a shopping center, the venue must have a large urban population nearby.
It’s a strategy that has worked in other big cities, such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco, according to Dan Butler, vice president of merchandising and retail operations for the National Retail Federation in Washington.
“Bodies,” for instance, is currently in malls in New York, Hawaii and Indiana.
And Cirque du Soleil just finished a show at National Harbor, a mixed-use shopping and resort development in Washington.
The circus likes the ample parking and restaurants that malls offer, said Rachel Andrews, a Cirque spokeswoman.
The same is true for Atlanta-based Premier Exhibitions, the company staging “Bodies, the exhibit with real human bodies, and “Dialog,” which gives the experience of being blind.
The company’s first choice, said Katherine Morgenstern, a spokeswoman, is usually to open in museums, but malls are next in line.
“Malls are locations residents know well, frequent often and are always looking for something new to explore,” she said.
But it’s unusual to find places with that much room.
Enter Atlantic Station, which has the space for a show like Cirque and the other exhibits, in part, because it’s a relatively new project that is only 45 percent done with its master plan.
That leaves the 130,000 square feet of completely flat land required by Cirque’s tents and equipment, said Brian Leary, vice president of AIG Global Investment Group, which heads Atlantic Station.
Some other area malls just don’t have that kind of room.
“We don’t have the space at these malls,” to host an attraction such as Cirque or “Bodies,” said Dewayne Herbert, who was recently promoted to mall manager at Phipps Plaza after being marketing director for Lenox and Phipps.
“Traditionally, it’s not our core business.” But if the malls had the space, he added, he’s sure they would host the attractions.
Because it has the room, Atlantic Station has leased 20,000 square feet of second- floor retail space for three years to Premier Exhibitions.
“We had this upstairs space,” Leary said. “Instead of giving up on it, we got creative.”
Leary also has penned a 10-year agreement with Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, the circus with the big blue and yellow top that’s visible off I-75-85.
This will be Cirque’s second whirl at the mall. The circus sold 150,000 tickets last time Cirque was here.
For Atlantic Station, the concentration of cultural events also serves as a reminder of the tough economic times.
As restaurants and retailers see 20 percent to 30 percent declines in sales, Leary’s tenants, especially restaurants, such as the Geisha House, can’t wait to serve up dinner and theater.
“I’m looking forward to the boost from Cirque, especially now with this economy. We could use it,” said Lonnie Moore, a partner with the Dolce Group, in a phone interview from his Los Angeles office. His company operates Geisha House, Dolce and Ten Pin Alley at Atlantic Station.
Investors in the Dolce Group include Hollywood actors such as Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama. Dolce at Atlantic Station opened with much fanfare two years ago, the same week that Cirque started its run there, Moore said. “It was amazing,” he added. “We were doing crazy numbers.”
The Cirque crowd — folks who would pay $215 for VIP treatment and a circus ticket — will be a welcome boost. “People who spend that kind of money to go to an adult circus will spend money with us,” Moore said.
Cirque du Soleil will run from Jan. 2 to Feb. 22 — and the timing couldn’t be better for retailers.
“It creates an incredible amount of traffic and energy at the slowest retail time,” said Sam Latone, president and co-CEO of Atlanta-based Shopping Center Group, the firm handling leasing for Atlantic Station.
Already, 2008 has proved to be a trying year for retailers. The International Council of Shopping Centers is predicting that more than 148,000 shops could close by the end of the year, and another 73,000 could be shuttered in the first half of 2009.
Retailers have seen boosts from other events at the center, from the pro volleyball tournament AVP to Taste of Atlanta.
They are preparing deals for Cirque ticketholders, such as 20 percent off at women’s clothier White House Black Market and free drinks and desserts at restaurants.
Still, Leary built an escape clause in the Cirque deal.
In his offices, a model of Atlantic Station shows a tall building on the Cirque tent site.
If he gets a development deal for a hotel or more offices, Cirque would have to move.)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Me Eating Fire
This video is from one of my very first performances as a fire eater. The act is now about two minutes longer. I've learned several new tricks. I believe my current presentation is much better too. Before this past season I had performed fire eating several times but it was always as a filer act and it there was usually several months in between each performance so I hadn't had a lot of practice. I performed this act for about 3 months straight, twice a day so my presentation has improved. I don't look as awkward anymore. I was hoping that you guys could critique me on this act as you see it. I will then post my current act next week sometime and ask that you guys also critique that one so I can figure what I did better then and what I do better now, and of course what I can improve on upon.
Thanks a million!
Logan
Thanks a million!
Logan
Merry Christmas
I hope everybody has the greatest Christmas of all time! Please be safe on your journeys throughout this week.
God bless,
Logan
God bless,
Logan
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wicked Japan Trailer
I love Wicked and I love Japan but somethings should just not be mixed. The Japanese translation destroys Wicked, to my ears at least. I'm sure it sounds great over there, but it's just a little bit more then I can handle. lol
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
URGENT!! Petition would ban circus animals
GREEN BAY — I'm writing this letter to help bring awareness to the abuse and overall negative treatment that happens to animals that perform in circuses.
This petition is not about stopping the spirit of the circus; it's about the animals that are in the circus. Let me first start by saying that I was one of "those" people who drove by circus protestors years ago and shook my head.
I know that we, as a country, are facing many obstacles, and animal neglect/abuse is perhaps one of the furthest things from the minds of many. But, after doing quite a bit of research, I made a promise to myself that when the circus was scheduled to come to our area, I would bring awareness to the public about the inhumane treatment of performing circus animals.
Green Bay has an ordinance that does not allow exotic animals into their city limits. Ashwaubenon, unfortunately, doesn't follow suit. I have created a petition which I will present at an Ashwaubenon village meeting that asks the council to create a new ordinance, similar to Green Bay's, which will also prohibit exotic animals.
Tony Lee
This petition is not about stopping the spirit of the circus; it's about the animals that are in the circus. Let me first start by saying that I was one of "those" people who drove by circus protestors years ago and shook my head.
I know that we, as a country, are facing many obstacles, and animal neglect/abuse is perhaps one of the furthest things from the minds of many. But, after doing quite a bit of research, I made a promise to myself that when the circus was scheduled to come to our area, I would bring awareness to the public about the inhumane treatment of performing circus animals.
Green Bay has an ordinance that does not allow exotic animals into their city limits. Ashwaubenon, unfortunately, doesn't follow suit. I have created a petition which I will present at an Ashwaubenon village meeting that asks the council to create a new ordinance, similar to Green Bay's, which will also prohibit exotic animals.
Tony Lee
Monday, December 22, 2008
Comment Moderation
I am now approving all comments. I am tired of people posting comments with out names. I resepct everybody's views on any topic and I will be PROUD to post them even if I don't agree with them. But if you can't put your name with it, you must not believe it enough yourself, so the comment will be rejected.
Logan
Logan
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Britney Spears Being Attacked by PETA
"This doesn't come to a suprise to me since she used lions and elephants in her music video. Tommorow I am going to go on a college campus and ask how college students are reacting to the attacks from PETA."
Britney Spears' 'Circus' Video Taken To Task By PETA, But Trainers Insist Animals Were Treated WellKari Johnson tells MTV News that everyone on set was 'respectful of the elephants' needs and comfort.'
By James Montgomery
On Monday, People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued a press release condemning Britney Spears for featuring "cruelly trained lions and elephants" in her just-released "Circus" video and demanded that the pop star "stop using exotic animals in her videos and concerts once and for all."
"Britney may think her life is a circus, but for the animals who are whipped, chained and beaten to perform under the real big top, the cruelty is very real," PETA director Debbie Leahy said in the release. "She may be headed for a comeback, but when it comes to animals, she still can't get her act together."
In the press release, PETA says it contacted Spears prior to the filming of her "Circus" video and "explained in graphic detail how trainers shock, whip and beat exotic animals into performing." The release also singles out the trainers of the elephants in the video — Gari and Kari Johnson, owners of California-based Have Trunk Will Travel — as having "long histories of exploiting animals."
"In order to force elephants to perform silly tricks like those in the music video, trainers shock the animals with electric prods or gouge sharp, steel-tipped bull hooks into the most sensitive parts of the elephants' bodies," PETA's press release reads. "Gary and Kari Johnson ... have gone so far as to defend the use of cruel electric prods on elephants."
On Tuesday, the Johnsons responded to MTV News' request for comment on PETA's charges, saying they have never condoned the use of electric training prods and that the animal-rights organization is using something they had said out of context.
"My husband, Gary, and I do indeed have a long history with elephants. Our love of and infatuation with elephants started for both of us in our teens, 37 years ago. To say we care about elephant welfare is an understatement," Kari Johnson wrote in a statement to MTV News. "Have Trunk Will Travel has never issued a written endorsement, nor does it condone using electrical devices to discipline and control elephants except in situations where elephant or human safety is at risk. PETA very conveniently used a sentence out of context from a USDA request for public comments regarding policies on elephants in 2000."
Johnson went on to write that the elephants used in Spears' "Circus" video were supervised by a representative from the American Humane Association the entire time they were on set and that the elephants were treated kindly.
"The American Humane Association monitors animal action in film and television. A representative was on the set of the Britney Spears 'Circus' video with our elephants, Tai and Kitty, to ensure their safety and welfare," Johnson wrote. "Britney, the director, producers and the entire crew were respectful of the elephants' needs and comfort and a pleasure to work with."
This is not the first time Spears has drawn the ire of PETA. In 2001, the organization scrapped plans to feature her on an anti-fur billboard after she used an albino python and a caged tiger in her performance at the Video Music Awards. And in subsequent years, they've targeted Spears for everything from wearing fur to buying a caged parakeet from a Petco in Hollywood. A spokesperson for Spears could not be reached for comment on the situation surrounding the "Circus" video.
Here are some of the comments that are already appearing on MTV's webpage.
"eka_lynn (12.09.08 | 7:56 PM)
seriously.. this is crazy. Back off PETA."
"TriniBrent (12.09.08 | 7:53 PM)
Peta needs to **** off."
"Miss Lauren If You're Nasty (12.09.08 | 6:45 PM)
PETA goes way too far with these things. Animal safety is always an important issue, but say a child buys their first fish at a pet store, is PETA going to go after the kid? Of course not. Because they only exploit and latch on to celebrities. I don't think anyone would keep their mouths shut on a music video set if animals, or anyone for that matter, were being mistreated."
"J2thB4u (12.09.08 | 6:35 PM)
To PETA its not about the animals its about the press Britney brings and they really need to get on with it theyre a joke now and have been for a while!! I hardly think thats gonna stop someone at the top of that chart, Britneys #1 so nice try PETA!"
"joe-lo (12.09.08 | 6:31 PM)
omg this is stupied its not like she harmed them"
"mcsurfer15 (12.09.08 | 5:34 PM)
Britney would never harm any animals. PETA needs to focus their resources on real acts of animal cruelty. Love you Britney. Circus is Amazing, Best Album of the Year!"
At the time of posting this article there was not a single pro PETA comment on the page.
Britney Spears' 'Circus' Video Taken To Task By PETA, But Trainers Insist Animals Were Treated WellKari Johnson tells MTV News that everyone on set was 'respectful of the elephants' needs and comfort.'
By James Montgomery
On Monday, People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued a press release condemning Britney Spears for featuring "cruelly trained lions and elephants" in her just-released "Circus" video and demanded that the pop star "stop using exotic animals in her videos and concerts once and for all."
"Britney may think her life is a circus, but for the animals who are whipped, chained and beaten to perform under the real big top, the cruelty is very real," PETA director Debbie Leahy said in the release. "She may be headed for a comeback, but when it comes to animals, she still can't get her act together."
In the press release, PETA says it contacted Spears prior to the filming of her "Circus" video and "explained in graphic detail how trainers shock, whip and beat exotic animals into performing." The release also singles out the trainers of the elephants in the video — Gari and Kari Johnson, owners of California-based Have Trunk Will Travel — as having "long histories of exploiting animals."
"In order to force elephants to perform silly tricks like those in the music video, trainers shock the animals with electric prods or gouge sharp, steel-tipped bull hooks into the most sensitive parts of the elephants' bodies," PETA's press release reads. "Gary and Kari Johnson ... have gone so far as to defend the use of cruel electric prods on elephants."
On Tuesday, the Johnsons responded to MTV News' request for comment on PETA's charges, saying they have never condoned the use of electric training prods and that the animal-rights organization is using something they had said out of context.
"My husband, Gary, and I do indeed have a long history with elephants. Our love of and infatuation with elephants started for both of us in our teens, 37 years ago. To say we care about elephant welfare is an understatement," Kari Johnson wrote in a statement to MTV News. "Have Trunk Will Travel has never issued a written endorsement, nor does it condone using electrical devices to discipline and control elephants except in situations where elephant or human safety is at risk. PETA very conveniently used a sentence out of context from a USDA request for public comments regarding policies on elephants in 2000."
Johnson went on to write that the elephants used in Spears' "Circus" video were supervised by a representative from the American Humane Association the entire time they were on set and that the elephants were treated kindly.
"The American Humane Association monitors animal action in film and television. A representative was on the set of the Britney Spears 'Circus' video with our elephants, Tai and Kitty, to ensure their safety and welfare," Johnson wrote. "Britney, the director, producers and the entire crew were respectful of the elephants' needs and comfort and a pleasure to work with."
This is not the first time Spears has drawn the ire of PETA. In 2001, the organization scrapped plans to feature her on an anti-fur billboard after she used an albino python and a caged tiger in her performance at the Video Music Awards. And in subsequent years, they've targeted Spears for everything from wearing fur to buying a caged parakeet from a Petco in Hollywood. A spokesperson for Spears could not be reached for comment on the situation surrounding the "Circus" video.
Here are some of the comments that are already appearing on MTV's webpage.
"eka_lynn (12.09.08 | 7:56 PM)
seriously.. this is crazy. Back off PETA."
"TriniBrent (12.09.08 | 7:53 PM)
Peta needs to **** off."
"Miss Lauren If You're Nasty (12.09.08 | 6:45 PM)
PETA goes way too far with these things. Animal safety is always an important issue, but say a child buys their first fish at a pet store, is PETA going to go after the kid? Of course not. Because they only exploit and latch on to celebrities. I don't think anyone would keep their mouths shut on a music video set if animals, or anyone for that matter, were being mistreated."
"J2thB4u (12.09.08 | 6:35 PM)
To PETA its not about the animals its about the press Britney brings and they really need to get on with it theyre a joke now and have been for a while!! I hardly think thats gonna stop someone at the top of that chart, Britneys #1 so nice try PETA!"
"joe-lo (12.09.08 | 6:31 PM)
omg this is stupied its not like she harmed them"
"mcsurfer15 (12.09.08 | 5:34 PM)
Britney would never harm any animals. PETA needs to focus their resources on real acts of animal cruelty. Love you Britney. Circus is Amazing, Best Album of the Year!"
At the time of posting this article there was not a single pro PETA comment on the page.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Support Animals in Circuses! VOTE!
There is a poll up asking whether or not it is humane to exhibit animals in circuses. Click on the link and vote! Governments DO look at these kinds of polls when the animal liberationists propose anti animal legislation.
http://tristatehomepage.com/
Here is the current results. Let's try to get it even more in our favor!
rcus Animals
Should animal acts be banned at circuses?
No. There's nothing wrong with animal acts at circuses. This is a well regulated industry, and few of the animals are abused, despite what some animal rights groups may say. If animals were banned from circuses, there wouldn't be a point in going. (43.7%)
I don't think they should be banned, but there should be more regulations and oversight to make sure the animals are treated humanely. (30.2%)
Wild animals such as elephants and tigers should be banned. Acts using more domesticated animals like dogs and horses are OK. (6.6%)
Of course they should be banned! This is cruel, inhumane, unnatural, and mean. Animals shouldn't suffer for our enjoyment. (19.5%)
http://tristatehomepage.com/
Here is the current results. Let's try to get it even more in our favor!
rcus Animals
Should animal acts be banned at circuses?
No. There's nothing wrong with animal acts at circuses. This is a well regulated industry, and few of the animals are abused, despite what some animal rights groups may say. If animals were banned from circuses, there wouldn't be a point in going. (43.7%)
I don't think they should be banned, but there should be more regulations and oversight to make sure the animals are treated humanely. (30.2%)
Wild animals such as elephants and tigers should be banned. Acts using more domesticated animals like dogs and horses are OK. (6.6%)
Of course they should be banned! This is cruel, inhumane, unnatural, and mean. Animals shouldn't suffer for our enjoyment. (19.5%)
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