Archive for February, 2009

Twin Birthday Invitations And Party Ideas

Saturday, February 14th, 2009
Amy Carter asked:


Whether you’re hosting your child’s twin birthday or an adult twin birthday, you need to take special care to make sure both birthday twins get a great celebration.  Begin with a great theme and awesome twin birthday invitations and you’ll have a great start to a dual celebration. 

 

Two Different Parties

Kids sometimes need to feel like they are one important person, not part of a set.  To make your twin kids feel special consider holding two separate parties.  Consider splitting your yard or home right down the middle and host two distinct parties with two themes, two separate invitations and two cakes.  Of if your budget permits host the parties on two different days.  You’ll obviously need to send two birthday invitations with different dates and themes.  This can be a big deal to twins who may feel they are treated like two different people.   

 

Your identical - or fraternal - twins may not have identical ideas for their party.  Be prepared for two totally different party ideas.  Make each party distinct with different décor, different birthday invitations, different entertainment and even different guests.  This two-party idea might not work every year, but will go a long way to make your twins feel like two equals celebrating their own birthdays.

 

Two Parties in One

If two separate parties are not in your budget, consider carry out the twin theme with two of everything.  Make ‘twins’ your party theme.  Get two cakes; sing two rounds of ‘Happy Birthday,’ hire two clowns, send out two birthday invitations, two of everything.  Make sure you let your guests know your theme on both of your birthday invitations.  Make sure your guests know that there are two guests of honor and if they choose to bring a gift, they should bring two.   This is a great idea for twin children, but can work just as well for older twins, twin teens and even twin adults.

 

‘Thing One and Thing Two’

While you’re birthday twins are not ‘things’ consider borrowing a page from Dr. Seuss and hosting a ‘Thing One and Thing Two’ party.  These two identical ‘things’ make a perfect twin theme.  Find Thing One and Thing two party decorations and birthday invitations to carry out your theme.  Thing One and Thing Two are dressed in bright read with bright blue hair - great colors to make a vibrant impact at your twin party.  This can be a fun party idea for kids and adults alike.  Let your guests know that they should come in costume on the birthday invitation and you’ll have a super fun twin birthday party in no time. 

 

  

Two-by-two

While you’re celebrating the twins in your life, why not celebrate famous pairs.  Send out your birthday invitation and let your guests know they should come dressed as ‘famous pairs.’  Even better, let your guests come dressed as twins.  You’ll have two of everyone if your party.  This is a great idea for older and adult twin parties. Your guests’ imagination is the only limitation.  Even the twin guests of honor can get in on the act by dressing alike or as their favorite pair. 

 

Celebrating your twin’s birthday should be double the fun for everyone.  Start with a fun theme and a great twin birthday invitation and you’ll soon have a fun party for your birthday duo.  Don’t be afraid to let your twins celebrate with their own party.  Since they’ll be twins for life, one day of the year that is all their own shouldn’t be too much to ask.

 

Check out MyExpression.com for great birthday invitations.  You’ll also find great party invitations for your birthday twins.



TREVOR

Circus Ringtone | Britney Spears

Saturday, February 14th, 2009
Daniel Sitar asked:


Download Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears. Circus Ringtone | Britney Spears

Click Here & Sign Up to Download the Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears

Circus is a great new single by Britney Spears and is currently one of the most popular songs in North America. It is getting lots of radio airplay and is one of the top downloads on iTunes. The music video is also very popular and can be seen on MTV or YouTube. The Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears is one of the hottest ringtones in the world right now and is an awesome choice for your cell phone. The Circus Realtone is one of the top ringtones in the world right now according to the Billboard Hot RingMasters Chart. The song has also performed well on the Billboard Hot 100 and is also rising up music charts around the world such as the Canadian Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.

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Britney Spears has released some amazing songs lately and Circus is one of the best. If you are looking for a new ringtone for your mobile phone, the Circus Ringtone is the perfect choice. Best of all, you can download the Circus Ringtone in seconds! Simply click on the link below and choose your mobile carrier. Then enter your phone number and confirm the PIN you receive as a text message. You will be able to download the Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears instantly. Also, if you live in the United States, you will get 10 bonus realtones of your choice just for signing up! Don’t wait, click on the link below and get the Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears on your cell phone now:

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ARRON

San Antonio, Texas Events : Enjoying the Biggest & Best of Everything

Monday, February 9th, 2009
Joe Deacon asked:


San Antonio, Texas events range from Texan to Tex-Mex and most of them are very family friendly. The weather is always warm in San Antonio and there is much for you to see and do in this historic Texas city. Some of the San Antonio, Texas events that you can enjoy when you visit the city include Alamo Days, the Tex-Mex Chili Cook Off, The San Antonio Rodeo and the Western Music Festival.

Alamo Days

Alamo Days are fun for the entire family as they take everyone back to the days of the Alamo. There are re-enactments as well as historic lessons, but this is a fun event and does not seem like a boring lesson in history. There is also food, games and rides that are great for the kids when visiting Alamo Days. If you want to learn about Texas history, you will enjoy visiting San Antonio for Alamo Days during the month of June each year.

The Tex-Mex Chili Cook Off

San Antonio is known for Tex-Mex cuisine and no where will you get better chili than at the Tex-Mex Chili Cook Off. Professional chefs as well as amateurs converge upon the city to participate in this event that takes place on Labor Day weekend every year. If you are a fan of chili and want to taste some very spicy chili, you will enjoy sampling the chili at the Tex-Mex Chili Cook Off. Also featured are other Tex-Mex delights to whet your appetite. This is an event that is fun for the entire family, but be sure to bring your appetite.

The San Antonio Rodeo

If you have never been to a rodeo, this is the one of the San Antonio, Texas events that you do not want to miss. The San Antonio Rodeo is filled with everything that you would want to see in a rodeo and more. There is bronco busting, bull riding, stunt riding and rodeo clowns galore. The San Antonio Rodeo takes place at the rodeo fair grounds on the second weekend of July.

Western Music Festival

Are you a fan of western music? If so, you will want to visit San Antonio for the Western Music Festival that takes place every year in October. You may be able to see some of the biggest names in Texas Country and Western Music at this festival. Western music is a bit different than standard country music. For a foot stomping, two stepping good ole time, visit the Western Music Festival that takes place at the civic center in October in San Antonio.

There is no reason to be bored when you visit San Antonio, Texas. There are many San Antonio, Texas events that you can enjoy when you are in this Texas city. As the weather is mild to hot all year long in San Antonio, you do not have to stay inside. You can head on over to the fair grounds, civic center or rodeo to find something happening every weekend in the city of San Antonio.



GUY

Upcoming Events and Festivals in Asia

Monday, February 9th, 2009
Archna Gupta asked:


Java Jazz Festival

When:6 - 8 Mar 2009 (annual)

Where:Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention

CenterCost:Daily entrance, multipass and special show tickets available

Opening Hours:Daily 12pm until after midnight

just for enthusiasts of jazz, jazz festival Java invite all lovers of music to hear various sounds at Convention Center Balai sidang Jakarta. Legendary acts and unknown performers to take the step of giving concert goers a real musical feast. First held in 2005, the festival has gone from strength to strength. In 2008 the tastes of the builder Harvey, King Ron of Dhafer Youssef, the Marc Anthony and the Marlene Del Rosario executed.

Mosaic Music Festival

When:13 - 22 Mar 2009 (annual)

Where:Esplanade

Cost:From S$38

mosaic s offers the best in jazz, world music, the soul, electroclash and hip-hop. International artists, country and regional musicians to join the future in a ten-day eclectic Esplanade.Highlights of Singapore ‘festival 2009 music mosaic s include the jazz quartet Yellojackets with Mike Stern , British-based orchestra and the New York ’s film naturally 7, a septet of gospel, jazz and soul. The facilities also include visual arts throughout the event. The venue hosting the music festival mosaic are located in the plaza and include a concert hall, the club music of Heineken and mosaic studio

Sankat Mochan Music Festival

When:Apr 2009 (annual)

Where:Varanasi (Benares)

The Sankat Mochan Music Festival is celebrated to mark the birth of the monkey God Hanuman. Festivities are held at the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi, one of India’s most ancient temples, continuing through the night until dawn.

Artists from all over India congregate to perform music and drama. Maestrs of Indian classical music often play voluntarily, providing a rare chance for those who might not otherwise be able to afford to hear them play. Plays based on such works as Saraswati, Ram, Krishnalila and Hanuman haritra are included in the programme.Be warned, this temple has the most monkeys of any in Varanasi, although they are reported to be of a placid nature decide for yourself.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival

When:Jun 2009 (annual)

Where:Hua Hin

Jazz Festival Hua Hin draws thousands of visitors to enjoy local and international bands on four stages in a sunny arrangement mature sea Other activities available include jazz workshops, local food stalls, Product sales, games and lucky draws.

Singapore Arts Festival

When:15 May - 14 Jun 2009 (annual)

Where:Singapore

SingaporeThe arts for the performing arts in the Far East, the arts festival in Singapore juxtaposes dazzling names in dance, theater and Asian and Western music. More traditional artists prevail, but the types and experimental innovators are gaining more exposure each year. The festival offers an international program covering all possible areas of performing arts - many at the same time. Mergers are common, with Indian music embracing jazz, dance Asian curving upwards with contemporary and imaginative combinations of sound, light, music, text and movement. Devices based on the program only around 75 performances in many countries. Some are first in the world, others are commissioned works or works conceived by international collaborations. Each year there is a Spectacular impressive festival that marks the opening of the great festival. In 2008, the exhibition was stupid of water by the French troops Ilotopie, an extravaganza of characters and fireworks in costume boat Quay in Singapore.cultural events

French Festival of Arts

When:May - Jun 2009 (annual)

Where:Penang

The venue anywhere Penang open their doors for this cultural extravaganza of six weeks, which includes classical music performances, art exhibitions and music and traditional dance in Malaysia as well as live performances around the corner. Production confirmed for 2007 include Hors de Prix, a film directed by Pierre Salvadori, and although I am concerned, Ne t ‘not to do by Philippe Lioret.

Rainforest World Music Festival

When:10 - 12 Jul 2009 (annual)

Where:Sarawak Cultural Village

Cost:Day ticket RM90; concessions RM45

3-day ticket RM250; concessions RM100

Under 3s free

The festival has an interactive workshops in the afternoon, ethno-musical lectures, blocking sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage. It has been a coup with the assistance: an incongruous mixture of locals, expatriates and a number of increasingly important tourists. The village festival stalls of food and beverages, arts and opened the sector and a counter for memorable events, souvenirs and CDs by festival artists. There are also children of ’s workshops, dance workshops and fabulation.

Fuji Rock Festival

When:Jul 2009 (annual)

Where:Naeba Ski ResortCost:Day ticket ¥16,800

3-day ticket ¥39,800

Camping ticket ¥3000

Opening Hours:Gates open 9am;

Concert 11am-11pm

The Fuji Rock is the largest and best music festival of Japan ’s and takes place on the beautiful slopes of the ski resort of Naeba Niigata. The highlights of the 2008 line include Kasabian, hell, my Bloody Valentine and go! Team.

Other highlights include the main piercing cry, CSS, breeders, Ian Brown, Ozomatli and chests, as well as some of Japan ’s Artists of the most good. The performances are spread across three main stages: the green stage, the stage and the big white red, which hosts more intimate performances, and turns into a club still trying to hours ago. There are also smaller stages dotted around the site and when the music gets too much you can cool off in the sky or take the funicular Dragondola to the top of the mountain. There is a campground at the festival if you need sleep, but take a good sleeping bag as it can get quite cold.

World Drums Festival

When:Jul - Aug 2009 (annual)

Where:Kuala Lumpur

Cost:Free

The world of drums fills Kuala Lumpur Festival of ’s open spaces with percussion music and drumming from around the world, exploring the culture and history of Malaysia while providing entertainment for the energetic whole family.

International Arts Carnival

When:3 Jul - 9 Aug 2009 (annual)

Where:Hong Kong

Partial to children and families but open to all, Hong Kong ‘Carnival of six weeks of arts s covers a huge range of performance and visual arts. Approximately 200,000 people attended 400 performances at a venue of important deadlines throughout the city. International arts companies, specializing amusement that children can absorb and be inspired about, martial arts supply, dance, drama, music-making, making the clown, the pantomime, puppetry and the acrobatics in executions and workshops.



JORDAN

Two Ring Political Experience

Saturday, February 7th, 2009
melvin polatnick asked:


 

I have never witnessed such an interesting presidential election. I am comparing it to a two ringed circus and the greatest show on earth. All the complex issues have finally been dropped. Imagery is all that is counts. Now we can just sit back and enjoy the show without over taxing our brains. Let us now enter the circus tent and watch the greatest entertainers on earth perform.

 

In one circus ring there is a handsome and captivating orator entertaining us with inspirational words. His poetry is soothing and hypnotizing. Cleverly It is directed at those of us that are weary of life’s upward struggle. He is speaking about a land of milk and honey and the faith to lead us across the river Jordan to that promised land. His magnetism is so powerful that those of us that hear his words will even follow him through the gates of hell. Thoughts of the Pied Piper of Hamelin comes to my mind but this speaker does not need a flute.

 

In the second ring there sits a woman on a snowmobile surrounded by her large family. In front of them stands an old man waving a pistol and shouting. His words were hard to understand but it was about something that happened to him fifty years ago. The display was so interesting to look at that I stopped listening to the inspirational orator and wanted to find out what was going on. The woman on the snowmobile got up to speak. She spoke about building an oil pipeline that would keep me warm in the winter. All she wanted was my vote to get the oil flowing. She also introduced the audience to her interesting family. I loved the whole show.

 

On my way home I thought about the great circus show and the two rings. They were both entertaining and it was hard to pick which one I enjoyed the most. I liked the lady on the snowmobile because of her offer to build a pipeline to keep me warm. But being a person who has an upward struggle in life the inspiration of the orator was also important and more enjoyable. I thought he was the most eloquent speaker in the circus.  The old guy waving the gun should not be left out, he deserves an honorable mention.

melpol

 



MILTON

Monaco, Capital of Circus and Magic ?

Friday, February 6th, 2009
Magicircus asked:


Monaco has been known for years for its glamorous and luxury side that attracts visitors around the world.

Nevertheless, Monaco can also be considered has the capital of performing arts when we get a closer look at its high quality shows in various performing art disciplines such as opera, ballet and foremost the circus and magic.

First of all, the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival created in 1974 by Prince Rainier, rapidly became the leading circus festival in the world. It can be explained by the fact that it is the first of its kind created in the world with every year upscale international performers and acts. It can also be explained by the fact that it is internationally broadcasted through television and that winners get their prizes directly from the Prince which with no doubt add something to this event!

The other main event is the Monte-Carlo Magic Stars. This magic festival is also one of the oldest of the magic festivals in the world.

It happens every year in October and usually last for 5 years. Each show is made in two different parts. In the first one, you have magicians competing to get the golden magic wand as in the second part, you have well-known international magicians performing.

This magic festival rapidly became of the best as it always gathers original magicians and the jury is often composed of famous people from the show business such as:  Sean Connery, Ziegfried and Roy, Ringo Star, … More info on: http://www.show-agency.com



FREDERICK

Circus Ringtone | Circus Ringtone - Britney Spears | Circus

Friday, February 6th, 2009
Jim McEwan asked:


Click Here & Sign Up to Download the Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears

Circus is the latest single released by Britney Spears and has become one of the most popular songs in the world. The track is getting frequent radio airplay and is a top online download. The Circus Ringtone is the hottest ringtone in the USA right now. Britney Spears has released many great songs over the past few years, but Circus is definitely the best one yet. The Circus Ringtone is one of the most popular ringtones of the year and might end up being one of the hottest ringtones of all time! Get the Circus Ringtone or other Britney Spears Ringtones for your cell phone by clicking on the link below:

Click Here to Get Bonus Britney Spears Ringtones for Your Phone!


If you are looking for a new ringtone for your mobile phone, the Circus Ringtone is an awesome choice. Circus is one of the hottest songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and has also become a hit single in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Circus Ringtone is one of the most popular ringtones in North America right now. Circus is also near the top of the iTunes Top Songs Chart and the Circus music video is one of the most viewed videos on YouTube over the last month. To download the Circus Ringtone by Britney Spears, click on the link below and sign up. You will be able to download the Circus Ringtone instantly - don’t wait, get the Circus Ringtone now by clicking on the link below and signing up:

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BILLY

Vacation With Kids in Hawaii

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Dee Adams asked:


You think Hawaii is for romantic vacations only? Think again. Hawaii is actually a great place for a family vacation, especially the main Island of Oahu and the Waikiki Beach area. There are many cool and fun things to do, nature and marine life to see, and great places for rest and relaxation. More than likely, your greatest worry is going to be how to squeeze in so many great places into your short vacation time…

Here are some cool places that you can enjoy with your kids:

Atlantis Submarine

This popular adventure takes you more than 100 feet below the surface for a 45 minutes underwater tour of Marine life in Waikiki. The submarine passes by coral riffs, sunken shipwrecks and airplanes, sea turtles, and countless fish and other sea creatures. The 64-passenger submarine is air-conditioned and has large view ports and comfortable seating.

Bishop Museum

The new Science Adventure Center feature Over 16,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and high-tech displays that let kids discover the volcanoes, oceans and diverse environment of Hawaii and the Pacific. Other exhibits of the museum include live hula performances, planetarium shows, garden tours, dramatic storytelling, Hawai’i Sports Hall of Fame and exciting traveling exhibits in the Castle Memorial Building.

Cirque Hawaii

Cirque Hawaii is a multi million dollar state of the art theatrical extravaganza in the heart of Waikiki. The show is an exotic blend of strength, balance, humor, skill, beauty and grace, and features aerial, dance and acrobatic acts, including Trapeze, Flying Silk, Skip Rope, Bungee, Clown, and Polynesian Warriors. This awe-inspiring 1 hour and 15 minutes show is a great entertainment for the whole family, and can be combined with dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation is a popular Hawaii attraction. It has “The world’s largest maze” (2001 Guinness Book of World Records), two-mile, 20-minute “Pineapple Express” train ride, and a Plantation Garden tour.

Hawaii’s Children’s Discovery Center

The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is a world-class interactive center. Kids are invited to explore, experiment and play with interactive exhibits, using their senses of touch, sight, hearing, and smell to better understand themselves and the world around them.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park

Hawaii’s only water park offers many fun rides and adventures, including inner tube rides, free-fall six stories down speed slides, mega wavepool, body surf or inner tube ride on 2 to 4 foot waves, tube cruise down an 800-foot long continuous river, interactive children’s playground filled with waterfalls, mini-slides and water cannons, multi-level activity pool with seven family slides, lily pad walks and other water attractions.

Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo features over 1,230 animals in specially designed habitats. You can get a glimpse of the endangered nene which is the Hawai’i state bird, visit the African Savanna, native Hawaiian forest birds, Pacific Islands and the Children’s Zoo. The zoo also features family programs such as Twilight tours, Snooze in the Zoo, Breakfast with a keeper, birthday Parties, and day camps.

Luau

A luau is a Hawaiian party and feast. Most Luaus feature native Hawaiian food and entertainment, such as Hawaiian music and hula dancing. Many Luaus greet you with the traditional lei, and feature the traditional imu ceremony, in which the roast Kalua Pig will be dug up from the rock-filled underground oven (imu) where it has been slow-roasting all day. Dinner buffet usually includes multi-course Polynesian delicacies as well as American favorites. After dinner it’s show time - a Polynesian revue featuring songs and dances from Hawaii and other Polynesian islands.

Polynesian Cultural Center

This popular attraction is located about an hour from Waikiki. This 42-acre open-air park has seven native villages that are designed to immerse the visitors in the Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Natives will be demonstrating the arts of dancing with fire, making jewelry from plants, and climbing 50-foot trees in bare feet. There are also native arts and crafts demonstrations such as carving tiki statues, canoe pageant, reenactment of war dances and wedding ceremonies, an IMAX theater, an authentic luau and a Polynesian night show.

Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction located 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu’s beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point. The park features a 300,000-gallon aquarium, housing sea lions, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, turtles and other marine mammals in a variety of entertaining and educational attractions such as dolphins dancing, sea lions singing, and penguins performing. Other attractions are the Sea Lion Feeding Pool, Sea Turtle Lagoon, Sea Bird Sanctuary, Hawaiian Reef Exhibit and Pirate’s Lagoon. There are also some interactive programs for swimming with dolphins and snorkeling by the stingray’s side.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is located along the East Oahu coastline, and is a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. This bay, which is all that remains from an ancient volcano, is one of Hawaii’s favorite places for snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming among turtles and tropical fish. There are over 450 species of colorful tropical fish in Hanauma Bay, many of them are indigenous to Hawaii.

Waikiki Aquarium

This great family attraction features an amazing variety of marine life from the tropical Pacific and Hawaii. It has a wonderful collection of bright and colorful exotic tropical fish, as well as sharks, living corals, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, graceful sea jellies, and many more unique and fascinating marine creatures.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the best known beaches in the world. It is usually crowded but is a very nice area for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, surfboarding, sun tanning, sand castle building, and outrigger canoe riding.

Waikiki Trolley

The Waikiki Trolley is a popular means of transportation in Oahu, and is fun and convenient. The Trolley’s four lines routes cover almost all tourist attractions and stops at most major shopping malls in Oahu.

For more details and photo gallery please visit the Kids Vacations section of our web site: http://www.cool-kids-places.com/kids-vacations-hawaii.html



ARRON

Magicians and Their Illusions

Monday, February 2nd, 2009
David Marc Fishman asked:


Elaborate stunts and illusions. Beautiful assistants. A crew of well trained exotic animals. You are intrigued by the magician’s life and have decided to give it a shot. Well, don’t be fooled by the magicians you see on T.V. There is more to the profession than that, and you need to learn it from all different perspectives in order to be a true success.

In addition to stunts and illusions, you need to understand the basics. Palming techniques. Small tricks. Not all of your shows will require you to use your big tricks. A true magician knows a combination of both, and knows them all well.

Here is what you need to know to become a magician.

Learn the Basics. Learning the basic techniques is very important. Simple card tricks, coin tricks, and small tricks with props like ropes and hats are good to learn. You can learn from a book, take a class, or learn from a DVD or instruction online. The methods you choose will depend largely on your learning style. Keep in mind that it can be very helpful to have an expert show you how to do it and critique your technique.

Get a Mentor. In your road to becoming a magician, getting a mentor can be a tremendous help. A mentor will not only teach you how to perform tricks and illusions, but will also assist you on the business side of being a magician. Most are self employed and are responsible for booking their own engagements. It can be a big help to also learn things such as marketing, etc from your mentor.

Go to School. Yes, there are magic schools. Some are part of clown school. Others are designed as enrichment programs in middle school and high schools. Attending a school that focuses completely on magic can help you learn quickly and put you on a schedule for success.

What Kind of Magician? What kind of magician do you want to be? Each successful magician out there has some kind of niche. Do you want to be a clown/magician? Would you like to do elaborate stunts? Or maybe you want to focus entirely on card tricks. It’s up to you. Once you define exactly how you envision your future career, you can take the steps necessary to achieve it.

Your Tricks. Each performing magician has not only a broad knowledge of their field, they also have a select amount of tricks that they master. Granted, depending on the performance, you will want to vary your lineup. However, if you have a few tricks you can depend on, it will make your job a lot easier.

Stage presence. Being a technical magician won’t get you far. You need to develop a stage presence. Each trick and illusion you learn needs to have a routine attached to it that will captivate the audience. You can be a mediocre magician and still entertain the crowd with your jokes and anecdotes. What truly matters is that your audience has a good time.



CEDRIC

The Circus Brings us Memories of a Lifetime.

Monday, February 2nd, 2009
Bob Cline asked:


Ah, the Circus, that magical spell that casts over us at the sights of the huge and colorful Circus Posters on Billboards, TV spots and Commercials of the daring young circus performers on the Flying trapeze followed by tons of thundering performing circus elephants and the wafting smells of freshly cooked popcorn, sawdust, and the circus tents.

The arrival of the circus meant the opportunity for many a child to work for their free circus tickets by helping the circus get ready. Maybe they hauled a bucket of water for the circus animals or helped carry parts to the circus tent. Whatever the task, these lucky souls were going to see the circus acrobats, circus animals, those funny old circus clowns, and circus performers under the circus tent for a once in a lifetime experience.

Nothing brought more pleasure to the families across this great land than the Circus in America. For over 200 years the general public has been awestruck at the sounds of the first steam engine pulling the circus train into town until the lights finally went out late that night. No where else could you find the rhythm of eight strong backs swinging a sixteen pound sledge hammer in a sequential unison to drive the five inch round wooden tent stakes in the ground in just a short amount of time.

Teams of horses, elephants, tractors, and trucks all pulled wagon after wagon off of the circus trains which were so large it took steam and diesel Locomotives to pull four separate sections of the Circus train into your town. The Vintage circus brought 1500 workers, circus performers, musicians, circus animals, and management staff to make that one day in your town the most fantastic day to remember for a very long time.

The Circus was a world of wonder as it arrived, unloaded, started to unfold, and slowly created an entire new town of its own complete with a fulltime restaurant staff, generators to create their own electricity, physicians and veterinarians, Postal services, Legal Counsel, Press Departments, Blacksmiths, mechanics, Wardrobe personnel, designers and choreographers. The circus world was completely self sufficient and even included a circus school for the children on the show to keep up with their education.

The advance crew for the circus had been here almost two weeks ago now. They had their very own circus train car that was highly decorated like a giant circus poster. Large circuses such as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus would have as many as four advance cars in front of the circus to promote the arrival of the circus. The circus poster came in many sizes showing circus animals, circus performers, different featured circus acts, circus tents, and the circus train sometimes all on the same poster. A daub of Circus posters covered large areas of a barn or fence making the circus billboards throughout the town.

Inside the massive flapping tents of canvas, was found the mysteries of the world that only had been read about in books or magazines but never seen in person before. The strange, odd, and curious from around the world were there for all to see. People with rubber skin, girls allowing electricity to pass right through their bodies, sword swallowers, fire eaters, natural oddities, and magical illusions were here for one glorious day and one day only.

Inside the huge travelling zoo or menagerie were animals from the exotic parts of the world as well as right here at home. Lions, Tigers, Zebras, Giraffes, and the circus Elephants were practically expected when the Circus came to town. So they brought more than you expected like the rare and unusual Burmese White elephants, or the most terrifying creatures ever known like Gorillas, Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Sea Elephants, or Water Buffalo.

The early morning activities usually included a fine circus parade through the streets of downtown with glamorous Show girls finely costumed, Horsemanship, magnificently carved parade wagons with bands on top, the limber circus acrobats, a display of many of the circus animals, including a line of elephants and the screeching of the boisterous Steam Calliope acting as the Pied Piper to the world to come see the Circus.

Once the performance began, the thrill and pure terror of seeing one man facing twenty lions and tigers was amazing but the three ring circus that was full of fun, action, and excitement at the same time was too much to see all at one. The beautiful spectacles as the paraded around the tent showed many finely costumed circus performers and Circus themes. The daring aerialists and the incredibly loud cannon as it shot a person across the circus tent all remained with us for a lifetime of memories.



ADRIAN