Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I'll be a monkey's wife
"I cannot believe this so called "Animal Rights Foundation of Florida" was hoping that this monkey who spent his life in captivity would remain in the wild with an uncertain future. Further more any animal expert will tell you the introduction to non native species can be disastrous to native wildlife"
MILLARD K. IVES
Staff Writer
FRUITLAND PARK -- He may really make a monkey out of himself this time, complete with a monkey suit.
Reggie, the horseback-riding spider money, plans to renew his vows with his "wife" Priscilla next week, after being on the run from the circus for more than five weeks and captured Monday.
Tom Liebel, the circus owner, hopes to make the wedding part of a welcome-back celebration for Reggie next week -- tuxedo, wedding dress and all.
"They have been hugging each other so much, I just felt it was a good thing to do," Liebel said.
Before the nuptials, however, Reggie will make his return to the big top this weekend to perform his usual acts, riding a horse in a cowboy suit and blowing kisses to the crowd.
"It's something the crowd loves," Liebel said.
Reggie apparently was spooked by a People for the Ethical Treatment official before a performance for the Leibling Brothers Circus in Fruitland Park on March 13, and broke from his leash and hopped into a nearby wooded area.
Liebel, of Polk County, had been trying to catch him since. His attempts were futile until Reggie was spotted at the Twin Palms Resort and Marina early Monday, hanging from a storage shelter.
An animal control officer was contacted, and then Liebel.
Liebel was able to coax the monkey with bananas, nachos and a Coke, which he sipped with Priscilla in front of Reggie in an effort to get him to come closer.
Priscilla allegedly slapped Reggie a few times before they started hugging. Liebel said with the monkey being domesticated, it couldn't have lived in the woods long.
"I guess he was tired of the dumpster surfing and cockroaches," Liebel said with a laugh.
But not everyone seems to be going bananas about Reggie's return. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida sent out a press release Tuesday expressing their disappointment with Reggie's capture.
"We knew that this day would come, but we were hoping Reggie could enjoy his freedom for a little longer," said ARFF coordinator Carla Wilson. "Sadly, Reggie will now rejoin the circus and his previous life of deprivation and confinement."
Wilson said there are a number of Pharaoh spider monkeys living in the Florida woods and Reggie shouldn't have had any big problems adapting. She called any wedding between the two monkeys a publicly stunt designed to throw the media and public's attention away from circuses' treatment of animals.
Minutes before Reggie broke away from the circus on March 13, a PETA official had led a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission official to the circus, where the FWC gave the Liebel family a warning for an expired permit that allows the show's elephant, Nosey, to give children rides.
They also cited the circus for the monkey escaping.
Liebel said Reggie had escaped one time during a circus stop in the Midwest. He was found a few days later -- riding a horse on a farm.
"We wish him luck in his future jail breaks," Wilson said.
MILLARD K. IVES
Staff Writer
FRUITLAND PARK -- He may really make a monkey out of himself this time, complete with a monkey suit.
Reggie, the horseback-riding spider money, plans to renew his vows with his "wife" Priscilla next week, after being on the run from the circus for more than five weeks and captured Monday.
Tom Liebel, the circus owner, hopes to make the wedding part of a welcome-back celebration for Reggie next week -- tuxedo, wedding dress and all.
"They have been hugging each other so much, I just felt it was a good thing to do," Liebel said.
Before the nuptials, however, Reggie will make his return to the big top this weekend to perform his usual acts, riding a horse in a cowboy suit and blowing kisses to the crowd.
"It's something the crowd loves," Liebel said.
Reggie apparently was spooked by a People for the Ethical Treatment official before a performance for the Leibling Brothers Circus in Fruitland Park on March 13, and broke from his leash and hopped into a nearby wooded area.
Liebel, of Polk County, had been trying to catch him since. His attempts were futile until Reggie was spotted at the Twin Palms Resort and Marina early Monday, hanging from a storage shelter.
An animal control officer was contacted, and then Liebel.
Liebel was able to coax the monkey with bananas, nachos and a Coke, which he sipped with Priscilla in front of Reggie in an effort to get him to come closer.
Priscilla allegedly slapped Reggie a few times before they started hugging. Liebel said with the monkey being domesticated, it couldn't have lived in the woods long.
"I guess he was tired of the dumpster surfing and cockroaches," Liebel said with a laugh.
But not everyone seems to be going bananas about Reggie's return. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida sent out a press release Tuesday expressing their disappointment with Reggie's capture.
"We knew that this day would come, but we were hoping Reggie could enjoy his freedom for a little longer," said ARFF coordinator Carla Wilson. "Sadly, Reggie will now rejoin the circus and his previous life of deprivation and confinement."
Wilson said there are a number of Pharaoh spider monkeys living in the Florida woods and Reggie shouldn't have had any big problems adapting. She called any wedding between the two monkeys a publicly stunt designed to throw the media and public's attention away from circuses' treatment of animals.
Minutes before Reggie broke away from the circus on March 13, a PETA official had led a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission official to the circus, where the FWC gave the Liebel family a warning for an expired permit that allows the show's elephant, Nosey, to give children rides.
They also cited the circus for the monkey escaping.
Liebel said Reggie had escaped one time during a circus stop in the Midwest. He was found a few days later -- riding a horse on a farm.
"We wish him luck in his future jail breaks," Wilson said.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Circus McGurkus Postponed Again
Franco Dragone's Circus McGurkus has been postponed yet again. Now it's not going to start production until 2010.
Logan
Logan
Irem Shrine’s annual circus under way in Kingston through Saturday
BY ANN MARIE WINTERS
STAFF WRITER
Published: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:13 AM EDT
The Irem Shrine Circus runs through Saturday at the 109th Artillery Armory, Kingston.
There will be two shows daily through Friday at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m., while Saturday will feature three shows at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 and 7:15 p.m.
Presented by the Nobles of the Uniformed Units of Irem Shrine, the Irem Shrine Circus will feature the artists and animal acts of Hamid Circus. The acts will include tigers, clowns, trapeze, Shrine Circus elephants, dogs, pigs, high aerial acts, the Wheel of Death and the Globe.
“The circus is family-oriented,” said Noel Conrad, chairman of the circus. He said approximately 30,000 are expected to attend this year.
Top job
Amy Oberst, Irem Shrine office manager, keeps tabs on the day-to-day operation of the organization and, according to Mr. Rhoads, “We all say Amy runs the circus.” That includes helping people who stop by the office for tickets, which have not increased in price this year.
Ms. Oberst said all proceeds from the circus fundraiser go to the Uniformed Units, which distribute the profits where they are needed in the community. She said all the men and women of the Irem Shrine organization serve as volunteers.
The circus personnel, trucks and equipment set up camp behind the armory, which somewhat resembles a village, noted Mr. Conrad.
It’s Mr. Conrad’s job to transform the armory into a three-ring circus. He is responsible for all aspects of the circus, including making sure the animals get in safely and the performers’ equipment is set up. The bleachers must be put in place and the concession stands stocked with goods and volunteers.
Mr. Rhoads pointed out that everyone in the Shrine organization helps with the circus, giving special recognition to all the women who help what is a men’s group. “We’d be nothing without the women behind us,” he said.
The Irem Temple Shriners or Nobles of the Uniformed Units of Irem Shrine are part of a national organization, a brotherhood of men, similar to the Knights of Columbus or Rotary.
“It’s a very affordable circus,” said David Warman Jr., Irem Shrine potentate. “As the potentate, I would like to see people come and have fun and enjoy our circus.”
Get yours
Tickets are available at the Irem Shrine Circus office, 22 E. Union St., Kingston, by calling 714-0783 or 714-1792, or at any Irem ticket box offices. Main-floor ticket prices are: $6, $11 and $18. Balcony ticket prices are: $10 and $14. Credit cards are accepted at the circus office only for tickets.
Circus programs are $1. Every program offers 17 chances to win a $50 U.S. savings bond, one chance to win a bicycle and various coupons.
There is a special offer for elementary school classes: free admission on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 10. Before each show, the DARE car will be displayed and the Luzerne County sheriff’s office will conduct a special safety program.
Free admission with group seating for certain shows will be available to all scouts, senior citizens, youth organizations and church groups. Showtimes for this offer are today at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Special-needs guests can be accommodated by contacting event organizers.
Contact the writer: amwinters@citizensvoice.com
If you go
What: Irem Shrine Circus
Where: 109th Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Kingston
When: Runs through Saturday, with two shows daily through Friday at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m., and three shows Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 and 7:15 p.m.
Details: Tickets are $6 to $18 and available at the Irem Shrine Circus office, 22 E. Union St., Kingston, or by calling 714-0783 or 714-1792.
STAFF WRITER
Published: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:13 AM EDT
The Irem Shrine Circus runs through Saturday at the 109th Artillery Armory, Kingston.
There will be two shows daily through Friday at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m., while Saturday will feature three shows at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 and 7:15 p.m.
Presented by the Nobles of the Uniformed Units of Irem Shrine, the Irem Shrine Circus will feature the artists and animal acts of Hamid Circus. The acts will include tigers, clowns, trapeze, Shrine Circus elephants, dogs, pigs, high aerial acts, the Wheel of Death and the Globe.
“The circus is family-oriented,” said Noel Conrad, chairman of the circus. He said approximately 30,000 are expected to attend this year.
Top job
Amy Oberst, Irem Shrine office manager, keeps tabs on the day-to-day operation of the organization and, according to Mr. Rhoads, “We all say Amy runs the circus.” That includes helping people who stop by the office for tickets, which have not increased in price this year.
Ms. Oberst said all proceeds from the circus fundraiser go to the Uniformed Units, which distribute the profits where they are needed in the community. She said all the men and women of the Irem Shrine organization serve as volunteers.
The circus personnel, trucks and equipment set up camp behind the armory, which somewhat resembles a village, noted Mr. Conrad.
It’s Mr. Conrad’s job to transform the armory into a three-ring circus. He is responsible for all aspects of the circus, including making sure the animals get in safely and the performers’ equipment is set up. The bleachers must be put in place and the concession stands stocked with goods and volunteers.
Mr. Rhoads pointed out that everyone in the Shrine organization helps with the circus, giving special recognition to all the women who help what is a men’s group. “We’d be nothing without the women behind us,” he said.
The Irem Temple Shriners or Nobles of the Uniformed Units of Irem Shrine are part of a national organization, a brotherhood of men, similar to the Knights of Columbus or Rotary.
“It’s a very affordable circus,” said David Warman Jr., Irem Shrine potentate. “As the potentate, I would like to see people come and have fun and enjoy our circus.”
Get yours
Tickets are available at the Irem Shrine Circus office, 22 E. Union St., Kingston, by calling 714-0783 or 714-1792, or at any Irem ticket box offices. Main-floor ticket prices are: $6, $11 and $18. Balcony ticket prices are: $10 and $14. Credit cards are accepted at the circus office only for tickets.
Circus programs are $1. Every program offers 17 chances to win a $50 U.S. savings bond, one chance to win a bicycle and various coupons.
There is a special offer for elementary school classes: free admission on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 10. Before each show, the DARE car will be displayed and the Luzerne County sheriff’s office will conduct a special safety program.
Free admission with group seating for certain shows will be available to all scouts, senior citizens, youth organizations and church groups. Showtimes for this offer are today at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Special-needs guests can be accommodated by contacting event organizers.
Contact the writer: amwinters@citizensvoice.com
If you go
What: Irem Shrine Circus
Where: 109th Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Kingston
When: Runs through Saturday, with two shows daily through Friday at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m., and three shows Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 and 7:15 p.m.
Details: Tickets are $6 to $18 and available at the Irem Shrine Circus office, 22 E. Union St., Kingston, or by calling 714-0783 or 714-1792.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Murderous hypocrisy of PETA revealed
Khloe Kardashian. Roselyn Sanchez. Pamela Anderson. Eva Mendez. Holly Madison. What do they all have in common?
If you answered, outta this world hotness, you’d be right. But since I am not compiling a Scoville scale on the female half of Hollywood and outlying regions (though, hmm, this isn’t a bad idea), it’d only be a part of the answer.
But if you said, they sizzled in PETA’s adventurous, “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign, Bing-B0ng-Bang, got it in one. They did, and it is, and whether it works for its publicly stated purpose, it does wonders for the ladies’ careers — and the libidos of men taking advantage of the photographers’ skills and the generosity of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Win-win.
Or it would be, had PETA, described as “by far the most successful radical organization in America”, proved as considerate to its 4-legged, winged, and otherwise non-human friends — and hadn’t slaughtered 95% of adoptable pets in their care in 2008. Notwithstanding years of public outrage, PETA euthanized 2,124 pets in its Norfolk, VA headquarters — and adopted out…wait for it…7. Not thousands, not hundreds — just 7. Throughout the year.
Per the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom’s (CCF) press release based on PETA’s own disclosures to the VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, since 1998, the group’s dog and cat death toll reached 21,339, not counting 2009’s. Another thing to become public at this time is that despite a $32 million annual budget, PETA has made no plans to start operating as an adoption shelter or had its workers make even a nominal effort to find homes for their “charges”. Not surprising then, considering its stand, that last year, CCF petitioned Virginia’s State Veterinarian to reclassify PETA as a slaughterhouse.
Said CCF Research Director David Martosko: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters building?”
Adds Martosko: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical research, or taking children to the circus?”
This isn’t just bitterness talking. Self-described “complete press sluts” [according to its president and co-founder, Ingrid Newkirk], PETA seeks “total animal liberation” — meaning no meat or dairy; no aquariums; no circuses; no hunting or fishing; no fur or leather; and no medical research using animals. PETA is even opposed to the use of seeing-eye dogs.
Commendable purity of thought — for an organization that is nonetheless perfectly all right with distributing $70K in grants to Rodney Coronado, a convicted animal-rights arsonist, or making cash donations to the terrorist Earth Liberation Front (ELF), responsible along with Animal Liberation Front (ALF), for more than 600 crimes since 1996, causing (by a very conservative FBI estimate) more than $43 million in damages. ALF’s “press office” brags that in 2002, the two groups, sometimes referred to as “black eyes”, committed “100 illegal direct actions” — like blowing up SUVs, destroying the brakes on seafood delivery trucks, and planting firebombs in restaurants.
The FBI calls ALF and ELF the nation’s “most serious domestic terrorism threat.” Bruce Friedrich, PETA’s “vegan campaign director” and third-in-command, didn’t seem to care when addressing the 1,000-strong crowd of Animal Rights activists at 2001 convention in Virginia, he said, “blowing stuff up and smashing windows” is “a great way to bring about animal liberation.”
“It would be great,” he added, “if all the fast-food outlets, slaughterhouses, these laboratories and the banks who fund them exploded tomorrow.”
Since then, some of them did. Nicely enough, during promotional interviews, the gorgeous girls serving as the public faces of the campaign steered very much clear of these issues.
And, perhaps, so they should have. It is said beauty will save the world. If it serves to save, at least, one cat or a dog — or a laboratory employee, as far as I am concerned, it will have served its purpose.
http://www.examiner.com/x-5270-Upstate-NY-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m4d12-Murderous-hypocrisy-of-PETA-revealed
If you answered, outta this world hotness, you’d be right. But since I am not compiling a Scoville scale on the female half of Hollywood and outlying regions (though, hmm, this isn’t a bad idea), it’d only be a part of the answer.
But if you said, they sizzled in PETA’s adventurous, “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign, Bing-B0ng-Bang, got it in one. They did, and it is, and whether it works for its publicly stated purpose, it does wonders for the ladies’ careers — and the libidos of men taking advantage of the photographers’ skills and the generosity of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Win-win.
Or it would be, had PETA, described as “by far the most successful radical organization in America”, proved as considerate to its 4-legged, winged, and otherwise non-human friends — and hadn’t slaughtered 95% of adoptable pets in their care in 2008. Notwithstanding years of public outrage, PETA euthanized 2,124 pets in its Norfolk, VA headquarters — and adopted out…wait for it…7. Not thousands, not hundreds — just 7. Throughout the year.
Per the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom’s (CCF) press release based on PETA’s own disclosures to the VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, since 1998, the group’s dog and cat death toll reached 21,339, not counting 2009’s. Another thing to become public at this time is that despite a $32 million annual budget, PETA has made no plans to start operating as an adoption shelter or had its workers make even a nominal effort to find homes for their “charges”. Not surprising then, considering its stand, that last year, CCF petitioned Virginia’s State Veterinarian to reclassify PETA as a slaughterhouse.
Said CCF Research Director David Martosko: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters building?”
Adds Martosko: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical research, or taking children to the circus?”
This isn’t just bitterness talking. Self-described “complete press sluts” [according to its president and co-founder, Ingrid Newkirk], PETA seeks “total animal liberation” — meaning no meat or dairy; no aquariums; no circuses; no hunting or fishing; no fur or leather; and no medical research using animals. PETA is even opposed to the use of seeing-eye dogs.
Commendable purity of thought — for an organization that is nonetheless perfectly all right with distributing $70K in grants to Rodney Coronado, a convicted animal-rights arsonist, or making cash donations to the terrorist Earth Liberation Front (ELF), responsible along with Animal Liberation Front (ALF), for more than 600 crimes since 1996, causing (by a very conservative FBI estimate) more than $43 million in damages. ALF’s “press office” brags that in 2002, the two groups, sometimes referred to as “black eyes”, committed “100 illegal direct actions” — like blowing up SUVs, destroying the brakes on seafood delivery trucks, and planting firebombs in restaurants.
The FBI calls ALF and ELF the nation’s “most serious domestic terrorism threat.” Bruce Friedrich, PETA’s “vegan campaign director” and third-in-command, didn’t seem to care when addressing the 1,000-strong crowd of Animal Rights activists at 2001 convention in Virginia, he said, “blowing stuff up and smashing windows” is “a great way to bring about animal liberation.”
“It would be great,” he added, “if all the fast-food outlets, slaughterhouses, these laboratories and the banks who fund them exploded tomorrow.”
Since then, some of them did. Nicely enough, during promotional interviews, the gorgeous girls serving as the public faces of the campaign steered very much clear of these issues.
And, perhaps, so they should have. It is said beauty will save the world. If it serves to save, at least, one cat or a dog — or a laboratory employee, as far as I am concerned, it will have served its purpose.
http://www.examiner.com/x-5270-Upstate-NY-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m4d12-Murderous-hypocrisy-of-PETA-revealed
2K Play and Feld Entertainment Announce Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) Circus Coming to Video Games
NEW YORK, Apr 13, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- TTWO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- From a dizzying height high above thousands of cheering circus fans in New York City's famous Madison Square Garden, 2K Play, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) and Feld Entertainment, Inc. revealed that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will be taking the excitement of "The Greatest Show on Earth(R)" to the next level by partnering to develop circus-themed video games.
For the first time in the near 140-year history of Ringling Bros.(R), the breathtaking thrills and timeless magic of this storied brand will be coming to the Wii(TM) home video game system from Nintendo and Nintendo DS(TM). The new Ringling Bros. themed games are scheduled to ship this holiday season as 2K Play further extends its portfolio of family friendly video game offerings.
"We are very excited to partner with 2K Play. These upcoming games add an entirely new interactive dimension to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey experience," said Nicole Feld, Ringling Bros. producer and Feld Entertainment Executive Vice President. "Now circus fans of all ages can continue to experience the thrills and excitement of Ringling Bros. when they play these new games at home."
During a recent Ringling Bros. performance at Madison Square Garden, and in celebration of this partnership with 2K Play, a Ringling Bros. high-wire artist took to the air and made a thrilling 25-foot walk across a tightrope while maintaining his balance with only a Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk(TM) in his hands, to the delight of upward-gazing onlookers. It no doubt was a precursor of what to expect in the upcoming video games.
More information on 2K Play's upcoming games for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will be available at the 2009 E3 Expo in Los Angeles this June.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment systems, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM). The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment productions have appeared in more than 60 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R), Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! More information on Feld Entertainment can be found online at www.feldentertainment.com.
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the realization of the anticipated benefits from our recent business reorganization, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our reliance on a primary distribution service provider for a significant portion of our products, our ability to raise capital if needed, risks associated with international operations, the matters relating to the Special Committee's investigation of the Company's stock option grants and the claims and proceedings relating thereto (including stockholder and derivative litigation, actions by governmental agencies and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors) and risks associated with the Company's concluded process to evaluate its strategic alternatives including stockholder litigation arising therefrom. Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, in the section entitled "Risk Factors," as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2009, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5938188&lang=en
SOURCE: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
2K Play
April M. Jones, 415-507-7712
april.jones@2kgames.com
or
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Meg Maise, 646-536-2932
meg.maise@take2games.com
or
Feld Entertainment
Stephen Payne, 703-749-5505
spayne@feldinc.com
For full details for ZZHQD click here.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2268568/
For the first time in the near 140-year history of Ringling Bros.(R), the breathtaking thrills and timeless magic of this storied brand will be coming to the Wii(TM) home video game system from Nintendo and Nintendo DS(TM). The new Ringling Bros. themed games are scheduled to ship this holiday season as 2K Play further extends its portfolio of family friendly video game offerings.
"We are very excited to partner with 2K Play. These upcoming games add an entirely new interactive dimension to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey experience," said Nicole Feld, Ringling Bros. producer and Feld Entertainment Executive Vice President. "Now circus fans of all ages can continue to experience the thrills and excitement of Ringling Bros. when they play these new games at home."
During a recent Ringling Bros. performance at Madison Square Garden, and in celebration of this partnership with 2K Play, a Ringling Bros. high-wire artist took to the air and made a thrilling 25-foot walk across a tightrope while maintaining his balance with only a Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk(TM) in his hands, to the delight of upward-gazing onlookers. It no doubt was a precursor of what to expect in the upcoming video games.
More information on 2K Play's upcoming games for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will be available at the 2009 E3 Expo in Los Angeles this June.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment systems, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM). The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment productions have appeared in more than 60 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R), Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! More information on Feld Entertainment can be found online at www.feldentertainment.com.
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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SOURCE: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
2K Play
April M. Jones, 415-507-7712
april.jones@2kgames.com
or
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Meg Maise, 646-536-2932
meg.maise@take2games.com
or
Feld Entertainment
Stephen Payne, 703-749-5505
spayne@feldinc.com
For full details for ZZHQD click here.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2268568/
Animal Agriculture
4/13/2009
It is time to sound the alarm. If the agriculture industry does not come together and aggressively defend our interests, we will see our ability to compete in the production of food diminish every year.
Animal agriculture is under attack. More laws and regulations are introduced every day to tie our hands. We need to understand, the ultimate objective of the animal rights activists is not ethical or humane treatment of animals. I know a lot of people give money to the Humane Society of the U.S. I don’t think they realize the real goal of that organization. According to J.P. Goodwin, Grassroots Coordinator: “My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.”
We need to wake up. They shut our horse slaughter plants down. They want to release the animals from the zoos. Let them run wild. No more elephants in the circus.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is just as bad or worse than the Humane Society. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services reports that PETA killed 2100 pets last year and placed only 7 in adoptive homes. Since 1998, more than 21,000 dogs and cats have died at the hands of PETA.
David Martosko, Research Director for the Center for Consumer Freedom, had this to say: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters building?” Martosko added: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical research, or taking children to the circus?
PETA attracts a lot of money. They have a 32 million dollar budget. The Humane Society has 200 million dollars in assets.
The animal rights groups are strong and well-financed. We need to be pro-active in defending our interests. Why? I don’t want to be a vegetarian.
Until next week, I am John Block from Washington, DC.
http://www.agweb.com/Blogs/BlogPost.aspx?src=JohnBlockReportsFromWashington&PID=c5077b37-7c41-4740-873e-8da258a175f2
It is time to sound the alarm. If the agriculture industry does not come together and aggressively defend our interests, we will see our ability to compete in the production of food diminish every year.
Animal agriculture is under attack. More laws and regulations are introduced every day to tie our hands. We need to understand, the ultimate objective of the animal rights activists is not ethical or humane treatment of animals. I know a lot of people give money to the Humane Society of the U.S. I don’t think they realize the real goal of that organization. According to J.P. Goodwin, Grassroots Coordinator: “My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.”
We need to wake up. They shut our horse slaughter plants down. They want to release the animals from the zoos. Let them run wild. No more elephants in the circus.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is just as bad or worse than the Humane Society. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services reports that PETA killed 2100 pets last year and placed only 7 in adoptive homes. Since 1998, more than 21,000 dogs and cats have died at the hands of PETA.
David Martosko, Research Director for the Center for Consumer Freedom, had this to say: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters building?” Martosko added: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical research, or taking children to the circus?
PETA attracts a lot of money. They have a 32 million dollar budget. The Humane Society has 200 million dollars in assets.
The animal rights groups are strong and well-financed. We need to be pro-active in defending our interests. Why? I don’t want to be a vegetarian.
Until next week, I am John Block from Washington, DC.
http://www.agweb.com/Blogs/BlogPost.aspx?src=JohnBlockReportsFromWashington&PID=c5077b37-7c41-4740-873e-8da258a175f2
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
I hope everybody has a wonderful Easter! I am spending my Easter with my family and some of the Circus Vera cast. Well I'm off to watch the kids look for Easter eggs!
Logan
Logan
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Star Family Circus draws big crowds in Leitchfield
by Missy Mudd Reporter mmudd@gcnewsgazette.com
04.01.09 - 07:27 am
Several kids wanted to join the circus after attending one of the two Star Family Circus shows held this week in Grayson County.
Over 700 kids attended the two-night event, which started on March 29 at the Church of Joy gymnasium in Leitchfield. The first show was at 3 p.m. on Sunday, and the second show took place at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Some of the performances during the show included 'Rocky' the boxing kangaroo, trained animals, acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns. The one and half hour consisted of 14 different performers.
Show owner Kathy Garcia was pleased with the audience turnout this year.
"The attendance was fantastic," explained Garcia. "It was what we call standing room only. There was not enough for everyone to have a seat. We continue to be overwhelmed with how much people enjoy the circus. Next year we plan to have two shows on Sunday and two on Monday to break up the large crowds. This will allow for more people to enjoy the show better."
This is the second year for the show to come to Grayson County, but the Star Family has actually been performing together for 10 years.
The circus offers kids live entertainment that is close to home at an affordable rate.
Garcia explained how they were able to keep the costs low for people to attend the show.
"Our performers also do setup, run the concession stands, tear everything down, and clean the building up afterwards," said Garcia. "It has been a very action-packed few years for everybody. Many hands make light work. This is the only way the show can function. This keeps things affordable. We have not increased ticket prices in six years."
The shows are in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The performers do 20 weeks of indoor shows until May.
"A lot of kids are into video games these days," mentioned Garcia. "They do not understand live entertainment anymore. We really cherish the kids. When you leave our show it makes you want to join the circus.
http://www.gcnewsgazette.com/printer_friendly/2220590
Circus Thief Goes to Court
LA PORTE - A La Porte man who allegedly took his son to the circus, then fled with money stolen from the ticket booth, was in court Wednesday to face a charge.
Shane Ransom, 28, was arraigned in La Porte Circuit Court on Class D felony theft. According to court documents, Ransom on March 4 took his 2-year-old son to the George Carden Circus at the La Porte Civic Auditorium with some friends. Everyone in the group had taken their seats when Ransom left and never returned.
Police said the investigation shows Ransom made his way behind the ticket booth and grabbed a stack of bills totalling $200. He then ran out the front doors.
According to police, his friends, concerned he never came back to his seat, kept the boy with them and stayed for the entire show. Police said Ransom, who has a drug history, later showed up at his friends' apartment where his son was present.
He was allowed to remain free to await the conclusion of the case on the $600 cash bond he posted prior to his initial court hearing.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=22360&TM=39955.48
Shane Ransom, 28, was arraigned in La Porte Circuit Court on Class D felony theft. According to court documents, Ransom on March 4 took his 2-year-old son to the George Carden Circus at the La Porte Civic Auditorium with some friends. Everyone in the group had taken their seats when Ransom left and never returned.
Police said the investigation shows Ransom made his way behind the ticket booth and grabbed a stack of bills totalling $200. He then ran out the front doors.
According to police, his friends, concerned he never came back to his seat, kept the boy with them and stayed for the entire show. Police said Ransom, who has a drug history, later showed up at his friends' apartment where his son was present.
He was allowed to remain free to await the conclusion of the case on the $600 cash bond he posted prior to his initial court hearing.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=22360&TM=39955.48
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Elephant bill dies in committee
By Ken Dixon
STAFF WRITER
Posted: 04/07/2009 07:14:05 PM EDT
Updated: 04/08/2009 07:24:08 AM EDT
HARTFORD -- A bill that would have discouraged the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from bringing elephants to Connecticut has died of neglect in a legislative committee.
But the chief proponent of the legislation said Monday that she's waiting for a federal lawsuit to play out in Washington before she pushes the issue further in the General Assembly.
The issue is animal cruelty and whether circus workers who use pointed metal prods to train the circus's Asian elephants and who chain the social animals for hours, are abusing the creatures.
At 5 p.m. last Friday, the Judiciary Committee's deadline for the legislative session arrived, with the bill that would have banned the prods -- called bullhooks by animal rights activists and elephant husbandry tools by circus officials -- was among those that were left dead from inaction on its agenda.
State Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington, who has led the legislative battle for elephants' rights, said Monday that since the court case is pending in U.S. District Court in Washington, it makes sense to see what the judge will rule in September.
"Ringling Bros. kept them in discovery for eight years," Urban said in a phone interview, detailing evidence of elephants dripping blood from wounds during performances, being systematically intimidated and chained for hours.
She said a longtime Ringling Bros. contract employee who was seen attacking elephants was later arrested on chargesof beating his daughter.
"For me that's what this elephant issue is all about: the circle of violence," Urban said. "They are basically being beaten in order to perform. That's no way to entertain children." Urban said it was a victory this year for the bill to gain an 18-10 vote in the Environment Committee. She praised the Big Apple Circus and Cirque de Soleil for having popular, profitable shows without using pachyderms.
Thomas Albert, vice president of governmental relations and animal policy for the Tampa-based Feld Entertainment, owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, said in a phone interview Monday that the company tried to make its case to state lawmakers.
"When people come to see us, be it in Hartford next month or Bridgeport in October, they'll see some of the most well-cared for elephants on the planet," Albert said. "We're proud of our elephant care. Appropriate husbandry tools are part of good elephant care."
In the court case, which featured six weeks of testimony and argument before U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan, Ringling Bros. denied that its elephants have been abused.
The suit was filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Fund for Animals, the Animal Protection Institute and a former Ringling Bros. employee.
The animal rights groups said that Ringling Bros. violated the federal Endangered Species Act by harming the elephants, of which about 35,000 remain in the world.
"Those kinds of allegations are just wrong," Albert said. "We stand by the top-notch quality of our animal care. The elephants are historical and cultural keystone of the circus."
-- Ken Dixon writes for the Connecticut Post.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/localnews/ci_12092366
STAFF WRITER
Posted: 04/07/2009 07:14:05 PM EDT
Updated: 04/08/2009 07:24:08 AM EDT
HARTFORD -- A bill that would have discouraged the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from bringing elephants to Connecticut has died of neglect in a legislative committee.
But the chief proponent of the legislation said Monday that she's waiting for a federal lawsuit to play out in Washington before she pushes the issue further in the General Assembly.
The issue is animal cruelty and whether circus workers who use pointed metal prods to train the circus's Asian elephants and who chain the social animals for hours, are abusing the creatures.
At 5 p.m. last Friday, the Judiciary Committee's deadline for the legislative session arrived, with the bill that would have banned the prods -- called bullhooks by animal rights activists and elephant husbandry tools by circus officials -- was among those that were left dead from inaction on its agenda.
State Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington, who has led the legislative battle for elephants' rights, said Monday that since the court case is pending in U.S. District Court in Washington, it makes sense to see what the judge will rule in September.
"Ringling Bros. kept them in discovery for eight years," Urban said in a phone interview, detailing evidence of elephants dripping blood from wounds during performances, being systematically intimidated and chained for hours.
She said a longtime Ringling Bros. contract employee who was seen attacking elephants was later arrested on chargesof beating his daughter.
"For me that's what this elephant issue is all about: the circle of violence," Urban said. "They are basically being beaten in order to perform. That's no way to entertain children." Urban said it was a victory this year for the bill to gain an 18-10 vote in the Environment Committee. She praised the Big Apple Circus and Cirque de Soleil for having popular, profitable shows without using pachyderms.
Thomas Albert, vice president of governmental relations and animal policy for the Tampa-based Feld Entertainment, owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, said in a phone interview Monday that the company tried to make its case to state lawmakers.
"When people come to see us, be it in Hartford next month or Bridgeport in October, they'll see some of the most well-cared for elephants on the planet," Albert said. "We're proud of our elephant care. Appropriate husbandry tools are part of good elephant care."
In the court case, which featured six weeks of testimony and argument before U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan, Ringling Bros. denied that its elephants have been abused.
The suit was filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Fund for Animals, the Animal Protection Institute and a former Ringling Bros. employee.
The animal rights groups said that Ringling Bros. violated the federal Endangered Species Act by harming the elephants, of which about 35,000 remain in the world.
"Those kinds of allegations are just wrong," Albert said. "We stand by the top-notch quality of our animal care. The elephants are historical and cultural keystone of the circus."
-- Ken Dixon writes for the Connecticut Post.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/localnews/ci_12092366
Small Swiss circus wows the Big Apple
On 42nd street, in the heart of New York's theatre district, La Famiglia Dimitri performs to the delight of both children and adults.
In an area famed for its bright lights, the audience at the New Victory Theater took a 90-minute timeout to watch a circus that could have taken place a hundred plus years ago.
"I love the low tech aspect of it and the timeliness of the music, and the performances," said Lars Hanson, 45, who had taken his young son and wife to the show.
The Dimitri family - father "clown" Dimitri, and children Masha, David and Nina, along with son-in-law Kai Leclerc – cycle, juggle, sing, dance, and perform acrobatics, along with a bit of magic, in a show devoid of microphones, video or recorded music.
The audience was captivated nonetheless - no small feat considering there were well over 100 small children watching.
Something different
"This is not your traditional American circus," said Cheryl Krieg, 39, who attended with her husband and their two children, aged three and five.
"We've seen Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil and this is much smaller and of course there are no elephants or any other animals. This show combines theater, music and art and we loved it."
One of the most popular acts with the children was the whimsical and enormous "fat man" who danced across the stage while practising his pirouettes. "When he was wearing the fat suit, I laughed a lot," said Ava Krieg, aged five.
At many points in the show, there were enormous roars of laughter in the theatre, with the white-faced clown Dimitri charming the audience with his physical comedy as he chased a butterfly attached to a pole on his back.
At other times, you could practically hear a pin drop. Adults and children alike were clearly focused when David walked the high wire above the audience's heads. And they held their breath when he performed backward and forward flips on the tight rope.
Most people who came to the show didn't realize they were seeing a Swiss circus beforehand. And besides a brief blowing of the alphorn, there were few tell-tale signs that the show was imported from Switzerland.
Dimitri the clown
One who did know, Alex Schibli, 69, originally from Chur in eastern Switzerland, came specifically to see the renowned Dimitri. "I have seen Dimitri on television in Switzerland and had heard a lot about him," Schibli said.
"The way he made the children in the audience spontaneously laugh was wonderful," Schibli said.
Dimitri first performed with his children back in 1973. Since then, his three children who perform in La Famiglia Dimitri have developed solo careers working in a variety of circuses including Cirque du Soleil, Big Apple Circus and Swiss National Circus Knie.
For the past two and a half years the family has been touring together.
"We do a mixture of theater and circus, and each of us has our own speciality. To put these five soloists together is quite exciting" Dimitri told swissinfo. "It's fantastic to work together with my children."
Perfect timing
The timing for La Famiglia Dimitri was perfect, according to Masha, because she and her siblings were able to develop their reputations individually before working together as a family.
"I think we all had to go our own way to find ourselves and not just be our father's children, which was not easy, and is still not easy," she said.
"My father said to us: 'I just want to be your prop master for the show.' That would not have been possible a few years ago. Now he just wants to serve us in a way."
Backstage, the family helps the patriarch Dimitri, who is 74. "We put props in his hands when he forgets, and we push him in," Masha said.
The family will perform in New York until April 19, before returning to Switzerland for shows in Basel in late May.
Dimitri, who continues to make 100 solo performances each year in addition to touring with his family, has no plans to retire.
"I just want to end my life being on stage. If destiny allows me, I will continue to perform," he said.
And we will continue to laugh.
swissinfo, Karin Kamp in New York
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/Small_Swiss_circus_wows_the_Big_Apple.html?siteSect=107&sid=10552255&cKey=1239183839000&ty=st
In an area famed for its bright lights, the audience at the New Victory Theater took a 90-minute timeout to watch a circus that could have taken place a hundred plus years ago.
"I love the low tech aspect of it and the timeliness of the music, and the performances," said Lars Hanson, 45, who had taken his young son and wife to the show.
The Dimitri family - father "clown" Dimitri, and children Masha, David and Nina, along with son-in-law Kai Leclerc – cycle, juggle, sing, dance, and perform acrobatics, along with a bit of magic, in a show devoid of microphones, video or recorded music.
The audience was captivated nonetheless - no small feat considering there were well over 100 small children watching.
Something different
"This is not your traditional American circus," said Cheryl Krieg, 39, who attended with her husband and their two children, aged three and five.
"We've seen Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil and this is much smaller and of course there are no elephants or any other animals. This show combines theater, music and art and we loved it."
One of the most popular acts with the children was the whimsical and enormous "fat man" who danced across the stage while practising his pirouettes. "When he was wearing the fat suit, I laughed a lot," said Ava Krieg, aged five.
At many points in the show, there were enormous roars of laughter in the theatre, with the white-faced clown Dimitri charming the audience with his physical comedy as he chased a butterfly attached to a pole on his back.
At other times, you could practically hear a pin drop. Adults and children alike were clearly focused when David walked the high wire above the audience's heads. And they held their breath when he performed backward and forward flips on the tight rope.
Most people who came to the show didn't realize they were seeing a Swiss circus beforehand. And besides a brief blowing of the alphorn, there were few tell-tale signs that the show was imported from Switzerland.
Dimitri the clown
One who did know, Alex Schibli, 69, originally from Chur in eastern Switzerland, came specifically to see the renowned Dimitri. "I have seen Dimitri on television in Switzerland and had heard a lot about him," Schibli said.
"The way he made the children in the audience spontaneously laugh was wonderful," Schibli said.
Dimitri first performed with his children back in 1973. Since then, his three children who perform in La Famiglia Dimitri have developed solo careers working in a variety of circuses including Cirque du Soleil, Big Apple Circus and Swiss National Circus Knie.
For the past two and a half years the family has been touring together.
"We do a mixture of theater and circus, and each of us has our own speciality. To put these five soloists together is quite exciting" Dimitri told swissinfo. "It's fantastic to work together with my children."
Perfect timing
The timing for La Famiglia Dimitri was perfect, according to Masha, because she and her siblings were able to develop their reputations individually before working together as a family.
"I think we all had to go our own way to find ourselves and not just be our father's children, which was not easy, and is still not easy," she said.
"My father said to us: 'I just want to be your prop master for the show.' That would not have been possible a few years ago. Now he just wants to serve us in a way."
Backstage, the family helps the patriarch Dimitri, who is 74. "We put props in his hands when he forgets, and we push him in," Masha said.
The family will perform in New York until April 19, before returning to Switzerland for shows in Basel in late May.
Dimitri, who continues to make 100 solo performances each year in addition to touring with his family, has no plans to retire.
"I just want to end my life being on stage. If destiny allows me, I will continue to perform," he said.
And we will continue to laugh.
swissinfo, Karin Kamp in New York
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/Small_Swiss_circus_wows_the_Big_Apple.html?siteSect=107&sid=10552255&cKey=1239183839000&ty=st
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Garden Bros. Goes Without Animals
No lions, tigers and bears, oh my
Garden's visit takes a 'new path,' without animals
April 07, 2009
SCOTT TRACEY
MERCURY STAFF
GUELPH
The circus is coming back to town.
But those attending the two shows at the Sleeman Centre later this month should not expect to see elephants, tigers or other non-human performers.
For the first time in its 73-year history, Garden Entertainment Inc. will not include any animals in its act.
But while Garden, and other circus operators, have often found themselves at odds with animal rights groups in the past, a company spokesperson said that is not the reason for the change in approach this time around.
"We've kind of taken the show on a new path," Ian Garden said from his Toronto office. "It's not really for any particular reason."
He noted, though, some cities have bylaws banning circus animals, so staging a human-only show opens up new opportunities.
Guelph city councillors passed an exotic animal bylaw in 1988 but exempted circuses that get approval of the city.
Nonetheless, in recent years efforts have been made by some groups to have the city reject shows involving animals.
Rich Grau, manager of the Sleeman Centre, said his staff have sought circuses that are not animal-based.
He said when city officials met recently with Garden Entertainment they expressed the city's preference not to have animal acts, but circus officials were already putting together the people-only show.
"The trend has been to move away from animal-based circuses, but that's not specifically a Guelph issue," Grau said, adding when the city has hosted animal acts in the past it has received some negative feedback.
Elizabeth Bonkink, executive director of the Guelph Humane Society, said when circuses come to town her staff always inspects the conditions in which animals are being kept and have never felt they had the grounds to lay charges.
She would not comment generally on whether it is a positive step to have animals left out of the circus. "It really does just depend on how well the animals are being cared for," Bonkink said.
"Some (entertainers) treat their animals extremely well, so I don't want to paint them all with the same brush. Generally, if an animal's welfare is at stake to entertain humans, obviously that's a bad thing."
IF YOU'RE GOING
What: Circus Garden -- Zoom Street
Where: Sleeman Centre, Guelph
When: April 22, 4 and 7 p.m.
Cost: $18.50 adult general admission, $33.50 VIP floor seating, children free with an adult, available from the Storm box office at Old Quebec Street Mall
Info: www.circusgarden.com
stracey@guelphmercury.com
http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/article/463548
Garden's visit takes a 'new path,' without animals
April 07, 2009
SCOTT TRACEY
MERCURY STAFF
GUELPH
The circus is coming back to town.
But those attending the two shows at the Sleeman Centre later this month should not expect to see elephants, tigers or other non-human performers.
For the first time in its 73-year history, Garden Entertainment Inc. will not include any animals in its act.
But while Garden, and other circus operators, have often found themselves at odds with animal rights groups in the past, a company spokesperson said that is not the reason for the change in approach this time around.
"We've kind of taken the show on a new path," Ian Garden said from his Toronto office. "It's not really for any particular reason."
He noted, though, some cities have bylaws banning circus animals, so staging a human-only show opens up new opportunities.
Guelph city councillors passed an exotic animal bylaw in 1988 but exempted circuses that get approval of the city.
Nonetheless, in recent years efforts have been made by some groups to have the city reject shows involving animals.
Rich Grau, manager of the Sleeman Centre, said his staff have sought circuses that are not animal-based.
He said when city officials met recently with Garden Entertainment they expressed the city's preference not to have animal acts, but circus officials were already putting together the people-only show.
"The trend has been to move away from animal-based circuses, but that's not specifically a Guelph issue," Grau said, adding when the city has hosted animal acts in the past it has received some negative feedback.
Elizabeth Bonkink, executive director of the Guelph Humane Society, said when circuses come to town her staff always inspects the conditions in which animals are being kept and have never felt they had the grounds to lay charges.
She would not comment generally on whether it is a positive step to have animals left out of the circus. "It really does just depend on how well the animals are being cared for," Bonkink said.
"Some (entertainers) treat their animals extremely well, so I don't want to paint them all with the same brush. Generally, if an animal's welfare is at stake to entertain humans, obviously that's a bad thing."
IF YOU'RE GOING
What: Circus Garden -- Zoom Street
Where: Sleeman Centre, Guelph
When: April 22, 4 and 7 p.m.
Cost: $18.50 adult general admission, $33.50 VIP floor seating, children free with an adult, available from the Storm box office at Old Quebec Street Mall
Info: www.circusgarden.com
stracey@guelphmercury.com
http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/article/463548
Circus goes ahead in Skegness without major protests
Published Date: 07 April 2009
By Patrick O'Kane
A VISIT to Skegness by The Great British Circus, the first to use an elephant in its show in 10 years, passed peacefully this week.
Animal rights groups campaigned for people to protest at the circus shows in Burgh Road, Skegness, between Wednesday and Saturday, but there were few protests.
Animal Defenders International (ADi) and Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) called for people to protest against the use of animals in circuses before the circus visit.
Groups of up to four or five gathered outside the circus and handed out leaflets on animal cruelty but the shows went ahead without any major incidents or demonstrations.
By Patrick O'Kane
A VISIT to Skegness by The Great British Circus, the first to use an elephant in its show in 10 years, passed peacefully this week.
Animal rights groups campaigned for people to protest at the circus shows in Burgh Road, Skegness, between Wednesday and Saturday, but there were few protests.
Animal Defenders International (ADi) and Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) called for people to protest against the use of animals in circuses before the circus visit.
Groups of up to four or five gathered outside the circus and handed out leaflets on animal cruelty but the shows went ahead without any major incidents or demonstrations.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Over the Top Spanish Web - Swinging Chinese Pole
I've seen Over the Top in Cleveland, Chicago, and Cincinnati and multiple times in each city and each time I am amazed on how good the boys that do Spanish Web are. When I first heard that they had a 4 web display with two guys I was a bit cautious because I had only ever known girls to do web but these boys kick a lot of girls butts on the web. There is one guy in particular I forget his name but I would dare to say that his web performance was better than any other I've seen before.
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