THE BALLOON MAN

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

No elephants, tigers in Ketchum?

Council shows support for limiting circus acts

from: mtexpress.com

By :GREGORY FOLEY

April 22nd, 2014

Ketchum,ID---It might soon be illegal to bring circus elephants, lions and tigers into the city of Ketchum.

Ketchum City Council members voted unanimously on Monday to take the first step in approving an amendment to city code to restrict in city limits the use of exotic and non-domesticated animals in traveling circuses and exhibitions. Council members approved a first reading of the amendment after a presentation in support of the change by five students from the Sage School in Hailey. The council typically adopts new legislation after three public readings.

The five students-symbolically bound together in rope that simulated circus chains-read a prepared statement to the council while a video played showing various species of exotic wildlife being abused by people. One by one, the students made statements that they said were "based on science and fact."

"There's no such thing as a domestic elephant," one said.

"[Baby elephants] are tied down with whips and chains," another said.

The group told the council that lions and tigers in circuses are confined in small cages 99 percent of the time. They said circus elephants-which are sometimes beaten and prodded with heavy bull hooks-live to be an average of 14 years old, while elephants in the wild live to be 70.

The initiative was put forth by Ketchum resident Maya Burrell, who said abuse of circus elephants is not just an issue of ethics, but of public safety. She said many captive elephants develop transmittable tuberculosis and have sometimes killed people in episodes of rage.

Councilman Jim Slanetz said he thinks residents would not be losing anything if the city adopted such a restriction.

"We're not hurting our community by doing this, in any shape or form," he said.

Councilman Baird Gourlay said he believes it is part of city leaders' mission to take a stand on important issues.

"If a small community like ours can't make a statement like this, then why are we elected officials?" he said.

City Attorney Stephanie Bonney noted that the state does a law against animal abuse, which provides for misdemeanor charges for the first two offenses and a felony charge for the third offense. She also noted that the proposed code amendment provides exemptions for camels, bison and llamas, and would not limit rodeos.

The proposed amendment will be reviewed a second time at a future meeting.

County fair vendor faces fine for unsafe rides

from: koin.com

By Jessica Morker

Updated: Tuesday, April 22, 2014,

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

World's Fair 1939 presented vision of 'World of Tomorrow,' with ominous signs of impending war

Those lucky enough to attend the World's Fairs in '39 and '64 say the earlier event was more memorable, since it gave a very real impression of what lay ahead in a world torn apart by conflict.

The 1939 World’s Fair's 700-foot Trylon obelisk and 18-story Perisphere were given over to the war effort after the fair.

From: nydailynews.com

BY TOBIAS SALINGER NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

April 17, 2014

The 1939 World’s Fair, which played out over 18 months on the former site of the Corona dumps, symbolized the new age that would rise from the Great Depression, an idea embodied by the fair’s iconic 700-foot Trylon obelisk and 18-story Perisphere structure.

The fair, which celebrates its 75th anniversary on April 30 — introduced the world to a host of futuristic inventions including television, the superhighway and even the fax machine.

But by the time the fair closed, in October 1940, the 40 million tons of steel from the Trylon and Perisphere would have to be given over to the war effort.

More than 44 million visitors flocked to the 1,200-acre site that living witnesses and souvenir collectors still recall with awe today.

As the Nazis began their spread across Europe, the war vied for headlines with frequent police raids on the fair’s nudie shows and a July 4, 1940, bombing that killed two city detectives.

Critics assailed the New York World’s Fair Corp. for the event’s high cost, but the 1939 fair could well be remembered long after the more widely celebrated 1964 Fair fades from consciousness.

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

The 1939 event had plenty of spectacle, like these elephants.

“Historically, the 1939 fair was more famous,” said Pierre Montiel, a historian and lecturer who will present a collection of photos of the ’39 fair at the Queens Historical Society on June 22. “It’s historic because it was the turning point of the 20th century.”

The fair became the bailiwick of publicity hound Grover Whalen, the president of the fair corporation, and city parks overlord Robert Moses.

The two pitched it as a fulcrum to help lift the city out of its economic doldrums and clean up a notorious dump strewn with stinking piles of garbage as tall as 15 stories high, said James Mauro, author of the 2010 book, “Twilight at the World of Tomorrow.”

Mauro estimates the fair’s $160 million cost translates to $2.3 billion today, a princely sum that city leaders never could have afforded on their own.

“The thinking was that if you had a world’s fair, you’d get state money and federal money to pay for it,” said Mauro. “And that’s when people really came around to it.”

The fair opened with a speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which NBC teamed with RCA to beam across the city in the first large-scale display of television.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/world-fair-1939-presented-vision-world-tomorrow-omens-war-article-1.1759608#ixzz2zcE6MCwL

Circus life hard to top for Silvers Circus ringmaster Simon Tait

10/4/14. Silvers Circus - Ringmaster and Illusionist Simon Tait Pic Keryn Stevens Source: News Limited

from: heraldsun.com.au

HOLLY PETERSEN WEEKLY TIMES INNER CITY

APRIL 17, 2014

WHEN Simon Tait ran away to join the circus, he expected it to be a short stop on the way to an acting career.

But the then 21-year-old university drama student soon discovered life under the big top was his true calling.

“We’d been doing a lot of mime in the course and I saw an American clown at a circus incorporating mime into his act,” Tait explains.

“I thought what a wonderful way to increase my acting ability and experience a bit of life and travel before embarking on a fully-fledged acting career.

“But I just fell in love with the circus.”

When the circus comes to town.

Picture: Keryn Stevens. Source: News Limited

TELL US BELOW: What is the best circus act you’ve ever seen?

Now 53, Tait is a circus veteran and will be running proceedings for Silvers Circus throughout its month-long Bonython Park season.

The master of grand illusions will command the ring, overseeing highwire acts, motorbike stuntmen, acrobats and an Argentinian hula hoop artist who spins up to 100 hoops at once.

Tait says Silvers stands out from other circuses because it is sophisticated and designed to impress adults as well as children.

“I find it a bit embarrassing to say I’m working and that it’s a job,” he says.

“I’m just having fun play acting and having the time of my life. Every night I let that inner child escape and run riot and I try and inspire the inner child within every member of the audience to come out.”

Tait left the circus briefly but running a small business did not compare with working in the circus.

“I ran away for a couple of years and tried my hand at running a takeaway shop,” Tait says.

“If anyone is interested in that – don’t do it.”

He says being part of a close-knit circus family, living in a mobile home and constantly discovering new places makes for an interesting life.

READ AND SEE MORE AT>>>

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/circus-life-hard-to-top-for-silvers-circus-ringmaster-simon-tait/story-fnii5yv7-1226887652537

Fireworks, circus, and racing monkeys - Hudson Valley Fair returns

A 130-foot Giant Wheel is featured at the Hudson Valley Fair. / Courtesy photo

from: poughkeepsiejournal.com

By Suzy Berkowitz

Apr. 16, 2014

FISHKILL — This weekend marks the return of a family favorite — the Hudson Valley Fair.

Back for a sixth year, the annual spring event at Dutchess Stadium is set to open on Friday. It will run on weekends through May 4.

Rob Weber, the fair manager, said he and his fellow organizers spend the year putting the event together.

“We want people to come to the fair every day and every weekend and not have to save up to be able to come once,” Weber said. “We want to find the best forms of entertainment and present the best event possible. We want people to make memories.”

This year’s entertainment will include fireworks, a circus, a family of trapeze artists, a petting zoo, amusement rides, camel and pony rides, and for the first time, the Banana Derby.

The Banana Derby is a race where monkeys dressed in jockey outfits race trained dogs around a track. Courtesy photo

The Banana Derby involves three monkeys in jockey costumes atop three dogs, racing around a track. The Banana Derby’s Monkey’s Butler, Phillip Hendricks, said he is excited to finally travel up to the Hudson Valley after pedaling his act at state fairs and similar venues around the country. Weber said the Banana Derby is an event he has been trying to book for years.

“I enjoy going to different parts of the country and meeting different people,” Hendricks said. “Everywhere I go, people smile and laugh at me. People like seeing moneys up close and personal and I’m still amazed by how excited people are to see them. A lot of people have never had a chance to interact with a monkey before. After the races, we give people the opportunity to take a picture with the monkeys.”

read more at:

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20140416/NEWS01/304160027/Fireworks-circus-racing-monkeys-Hudson-Valley-Fair-returns

Arena home to circus two nights in May

Circus tickets go on sale Friday; tickets for Gaither Vocal Band now on sale

From:The Times-Tribune

By Jeff Noble / Staff Writer

April 16, 2014

CORBIN — It’s been said everyone loves a circus. With that being said, “The Greatest Show on Earth” is coming to Corbin next month.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will present their life-size Super Circus Heroes at the Corbin Arena for two nights — on Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, May 28.

The performances will start at 7 p.m. both nights.

The circus promises to be filled with “superhuman athleticism, power and pageantry that will have children of all ages discovering their own superhuman strength.” It will also feature “Amazing Asian elephants, horses, camels and more, alongside astonishing acrobats, awe-inspiring aerialists and some over-the-top clowns that will have audience in stitches…of laughter, of course.”

In addition, Ringling Bros will offer real face-time with the performers, starting at the interactive “All Access Pre-Show,” which will take place on the Corbin Arena floor one hour before the show starts. The pre-show is free to all ticket holders.

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes will go on sale this Friday.

The tickets start at $20, with all seats reserved. They’re available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. If you need group rates or other information, you can contact the Corbin Arena Box Office.

The Corbin Arena will also be the site of “An Evening with the Gaither Vocal Band,” which will take place Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m.

The inspiring evening of entrainment and music will feature Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles, along with special guests to be announced onstage.

Last month, Corbin Arena officials announced the Gaither Tour would make a return visit, adding the tour was one of most requested acts to play at the facility.

A special pre-sale of tickets for the Gaither Vocal Band concert was held last Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets went on sale to the public Monday morning, and can be also be purchased at the Corbin Arena Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster locations, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or at Ticketmaster.com.

If you need more information about the Gaither Tour, or Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes, call the Corbin Arena at (606) 258-2020, email them at info@thecorbinarena.com, or visit their website at www.thecorbinarena.com. - See more at: http://www.thetimestribune.com/entertainment/x360403658/Arena-home-to-circus-two-nights-in-May#sthash.UJIcDgdB.dpuf

Circus Flora brings the game of chess to life with “The Pawn”

The Flying Wallendas return to Circus Flora in “The Pawn”

from: newsmagazinenetwork.com

By: Sheila Frayne Rhoades

04/21/14

Every year Circus Flora presents St. Louis with a great performance captured within a story. This year is no exception. The 2014 production, entitled “The Pawn,” literally brings the game of chess to life. It’s a clever basis for a circus theme.

The show’s storyline is based on the history of chess, steeped in the myths of Persia and India. Circus Flora performers take audiences on a journey back in time to these ancient lands where the game began. The entire cast transforms themselves into chess pieces, wearing elaborate masks and dressing in geometric costumes.

With true Circus Flora flair, the pawn (a clown) confronts an imaginative world of curious creatures. Those creatures include knights mounted on steeds (horse and camel riders), rooks tumbling across a checkered board and other chess pieces soaring through the air.

The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF), the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis partnered with Circus Flora in developing the exciting new show.

Jack Marsh, artist director of Circus Flora, explained the chess theme choice.

“When we first viewed the ‘Chess Masterpieces’ exhibition at the WCHOF, we were struck by numerous dramatic possibilities,” he said. “Chess artfully blends the physical elements of battle with mental acumen.

“This blend of performance and strategy resonated with us as circus artists and became the inspiration for this year’s production. Through working with our terrific partners at WCHOF, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, we learned more about the rich history of the game and how we can best use circus to interpret the vast world of chess.”

Susan Barrett, WCHOF executive director, was equally enthusiastic.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Circus Flora using chess as the inspiration for their 2014 show.,” she said. “Our mission is to explore the creativity that art and chess share.

“We truly believe these performances will expose the fun and excitement of chess to new audiences.”

Beyond the on-stage collaboration, the WCHOF features displays of artifacts from the permanent collection, and temporary exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games, and rich cultural history of chess. It is the only institution of its kind to explore the dynamic relationship between art and chess.

Founded in 1984, it is run by the United States Chess Trust, a charitable arm of the United States Chess Federation. Formerly located in New York, Washington D.C., and Florida, it relocated to Saint Louis’ Central West End in September, 2011. Saint Louis is now known as the Chess Capital of the U.S. and labeled as one of the top chess cities in the world.

“The Pawn” runs May 29 – June 22 under the big top next to Powell Hall. Call 314-289-4040 or visit www.circusflora.org for tickets and more information.

Insurance Dispute Becomes a Real Circus

from: courthousenews.com

By RYAN ABBOTT

April 21, 2014

WASHINGTON (CN) - A federal judge ruled that circus heir Kenneth Feld won't have to produce any more documents to his insurance company, and is entitled to attorney's fees for their latest battle.

Karen Feld sued her brother Kenneth in 2008 for $110 million, claiming he had lackeys beat her and her service dog while their family was sitting shiva at an aunt's memorial service in 2007. She claimed Kenneth had "large, aggressive men" grab her and her dog and toss them out of the service.

Fullbright Jaworski helped Kenneth beat the lawsuit, but Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. covered less than half of the nearly $4.5 million tab that the circus heir racked up in fees.

Feld sued the insurance company in 2012 for the rest, but his case took a hit in discovery when U.S. District Judge John Bates ordered Feld to produce all nonprivileged materials relating to any discussion of hourly rates and the reasonableness of fees and expenses. Feld also had to produce draft invoices, fee agreements and documents reflecting evaluations of coverage under the Fireman's policy.

Fireman's Fund filed its second motion to compel documents withheld by Feld, and the judge granted the motion in part last year, nearly a year after discovery in the case began.

"The parties to this insurance coverage action are just a few weeks away from reaching an unfortunate milestone: the one-year anniversary of an active discovery dispute," Judge Bates wrote in his latest ruling. "After two status conferences, three rounds of briefing, two written opinions, and in camera review of a random sampling of the documents at issue, the time has finally come to put this dispute to rest."

After examining a sample of the documents withheld by Feld, the judge determined on April 16 that the records are indeed protected by attorney client privilege.

"After this review, the matter is settled: Feld's privilege assertions appear to have been made carefully and in good faith," the judge wrote.

Bates also ruled that Feld is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Discovery now will continue.

In the complaint against her brother, Karen Feld claimed that "two, large, aggressive men violently twisted the arms and legs of plaintiff, Karen Feld, pushed her into a corner of the floor of the elevator, ripped her right ear lobe until it bled, and repeatedly violently banged her head against the elevator rail."

Kenneth Feld had countersued his sister, claiming she desecrated their aunt's memorial and trespassed.

According to Karen Feld's complaint, her brother runs Disney on Ice, Disney Life!, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the Greatest Show on Earth, among many other family-oriented shows. He took over from their father, Irvin, who died in 1984.

She said Kenneth's company, Feld Entertainment, pulls in $1 billion annually.

The siblings' relationship apparently became unsalvageable after freelance journalist Jan Pottker ran an expose on the Felds that quoted Karen Feld discussing her father's affairs with men and other family scandals.

Eight years later, Pottker learned that Kenneth had hired Clair George, the former deputy director of operations for the CIA and head of covert operations, to keep tabs on her as part of an alleged plot to ensure she stopped writing about the Felds and shelved her plans for a book deal.

Pottker said she obtained proof about the scheme through an affidavit from George on file with a court where Kenneth Feld faced an employment dispute.

PETA buys Groupon shares to pressure circus deals

from: chicagotribune.com

By Ellen Jean Hirst--Tribune reporter

April 21, 2014

Animal rights activist group PETA said Monday that it has purchased 359 Groupon shares for more than $2,000 in hopes that it can influence what circus companies are allowed to run deals on the site.

PETA said it planned to address Groupon at its annual meeting next month about setting strict standards for what circuses and roadside zoos are allowed to advertise deals on Groupon. But a PETA spokeswoman said the organization bought the stock on April 15. The deadline to buy stock to attend Groupon's annual meeting was March 31, a Groupon spokesman said.

PETA also can’t submit a formal shareholder resolution until the company’s 2016 meeting, said Delcianna Winders, PETA’s deputy general counsel.

“We’re hoping to not have to do that,” Winders said, adding that she hopes Groupon makes changes before it comes to that.

A Groupon spokesperson said the company requires animal-focused events and experiences to have clear inspection reports for animal cruelty from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for at least two years prior to their feature on our site.

"When we receive reports of potential violations, we check the merchant against our policies and -- when warranted -- remove the offer from our site," said Bill Roberts, Groupon's director of North America communications.

The animal rights group said that some circus companies that offer deals through Groupon have recently violated the Animal Welfare Act by acts such as failing to provide quality veterinary care.

One of the companies Groupon has worked with in the past, G.W. Exotic, is currently under federal investigation for the deaths of 23 tigers at its Oklahoma zoo, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) said in the release. Handlers for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus have also been caught on video beating and jabbing elephants with bullhooks, PETA said.

PETA has bought shares in companies it believes have a hand in the unethical treatment of animals for the past 27 years. It currently owns stock in dozens of companies, Winders said. Last year, PETA bought shares in SeaWorld to pressure the company to release its captive whales and dolphins.

Daily RFT Tests Out Circus Harmony's New Flying Trapeze Rig (Video)

The view from the top.

from: blogs.riverfronttimes.com

By Danny Wicentowski

Apr. 21 2014

Give Matt Viverito a flying trapeze rig and 25 feet of air, and he'll make it look good. His moves look effortless as he releases into somersault after somersault. His fall becomes a weightless dance -- bouncing once off the net, throwing his limbs to the other side of his body, stabilizing in air -- before landing safely on his back.

But put an out-of-shape Daily RFT reporter in the same spot, and you'll get something infinitely less elegant and with 100 percent more hyperventilating and cursing.

Last week, Circus Harmony invited us to try out its brand-new Trapeze Center under the Union Station train shed, where the public can take trapeze lessons for the length of the summer. So after I strapped a Go-Pro camera to my chest and Viverito, the Trapeze Center's 23-year-old manager, tethered a safety harness on my waist, I ascended the 25-foot ladder to meet my high-flying fate.

The Flying Wicentowski! from Voice Media Group on Vimeo.

Circus Harmony has been around since 2001, when Jessica Hentoff, founder the youth circus troupe St. Louis Arches, sought to create a "social circus school." She says the proceeds from the spot at Union Station will help fund shuttle buses for underserved kids who want to take classes at Hentoff's main circus school in the basement of the City Museum.

"This rig is recreational," she says, pointing out its features, the brand-new ropes and cables, the ones Viverito uses to fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Hentoff herself has been performing and teaching trapeze for nearly 40 years. "It's fun, but it's also fitness." She laughs, adding, "You'll see."

She was right. Even with the safety harness' rope and pulley system to steady me, my flailing attempts to swing my legs over the bar, hang upside down and dismount -- all while swinging to and fro -- was much harder exercise than what my pizza-nourished body is used to.

"Trapeze is also about personal empowerment," Hentoff tells me after I extract myself from the net and wriggle out of the safety harness. "Since time in memorial, humans want to fly. And this is it."

Though I suspect that I won't be getting any calls from the Ringling Brothers over my trapeze "performance," I can't deny the sheer adrenaline rush -- especially that triumphant moment when I finally hooked my knees over the bar and dangled my arms for a few seconds before dropping in a satisfied, sore heap on the net. It may not have been pretty, but I felt great.

You can find more information about Circus Harmony's events, including classes and shows, at their website and Facebook page.

Marvel Universe Live: A First Look at the Traveling Superhero Circus

from: mashable.com

By Josh Dickey

April 21, 2014

You'll probably never see a comic book-style meet-up of Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Avengers on the big screen, but we’ll do you one better: on a live stage near you, starting this summer.

Beginning in July, Feld Entertainment, the live-show wizards behind the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus and Disney On Ice, are bringing their biggest traveling production yet to cities across North America with Marvel Universe LIVE!. And Mashable has an exclusive first look at some video from the upcoming production.

Though development and engineering for the show has been taking place over the course of more than a year, cast rehearsals and training just got underway in earnest about a week ago at Feld Entertainment in Ellenton, Fla.

“We’re just starting our workshop, period,” director Shanda Sawyer told Mashable. “We did about six months of casting, and we’ve got acrobats, gymnasts, aerialists, motorcycle stunt people, marital artists, Parkour experts — and we really looked for people with the highest degree of skill.”

Feld worked with Marvel brass, including Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, who can be see in the video above, to develop an original story that will play out over roughly 90 minutes in large arenas around North America for the next three years. After that, the show goes global.