I have held off on putting a name to this. This morning, I called Circus World, and Deb took my call.
She confirmed that, yes, Julie Parkinson is out.
Our anonymous informant had written me that Parkinson "has been fired due to internal mismanagement by the historical society."
Why,? Having owned a Dell Vostro XP since 2008, the one I still use to write drafts on, horror of horrors yesterday the cursor started jumping around, up or down while I was typing. This is what happens on my Dell Latitude, but I blame myself for buying it reconditioned. Never again.
As for my most recently acquired laptop, another Dell, it is so damn stiff and resistant to my touch, but has no problem allowing torrents of pop ups and roll bys and screen-hording BILL GATES GARBAGE to rampage freely. Is there an AI version of this founding MS shark? Yes it is time to try HP or X.
So this morning on my pet PC, I composed the draft of a press release. NOT ONE CURSOR RUNAWAY. All keys landed safely in place.
And so I kissed My Vostro,and touched it lovingly and told it I would never fire it up so many times during the day, as I had yesterday.
We type in the shadows
No going on line
As long as it works
you'll always be mine.
FROM SHOWBIZ DAVID SHOCK THERAPY DIVISION
You’re on your way to THE CIRCUS. Like all the times before, your expectations are high. This could be another Big One. This might get it right, might run the acts in a steady confident flow. Might offer a few Big Moments. You’re hoping to be thrilled. You’d settle for GOOD. that too much to ask for? Not GREAT but simply good.
Or worse? How not to be let down on the other side of the canvas? How not to end up nit picking away, pitting every act on the bill against Francis Brunn (OK, Anthony Gatto?). La Norma or the Hannefords.
Here is my advisory for fans who suffer from Chronic Circus Comparison Syndrome (CCCS), to blot out the past in order to take on the present. Do a clean sweep of your brain. You want the show you are abut to see to be as magical as the the first circus you saw. So the exercise is to clear your mind of all that has gone before.
No, I do not advise a pre-performance lobotomy. There are some less destruct measures you can take to achieve a better outcome. Are you ready?
* BAN YOUR MEMORIES FOR THE DAY Think anything else. Think the many ways in which I’ve made a fool of myself on this blog. In this way, you may enjoy acts you have long dismissed out of hand as garden variety fodder. Even this takes conning yourself into the mind set of a five year old.
* START WITH A CLEAN SLATE Let the acts color it their way, not yours. Your biggest challenge is pretending you have never seen any of them or their like before.
* BUY THE BEST SEAT IN THE TENT If you are about to endure schlock showmanship, at lest suffer it in maximum comfort by investing in a chair close to to the ring.
* DO NOT READ THE PROGRAM before or during the show If there is one. I want you to be surprised by the unfolding parade of wonders — not affected by any advance grudges against anything you're about to see -- until after the show.
* BRING EAR PHONES as a backup soundtrack, in the event the first notes from the band (or, CD player) put you in a funk. No, No, not that crap! Nothing can affect our attitude towards an act as much as the music.
* LET THE FUNDAMENTALS SHINE Okay, the show is on! If there is an opening ensemble splash, these almost always please. Let the performers entertain for you, let them show you what they can do, not what you want them to do. These feel good openings will give you a fair idea of the talent level ahead. Doubts already? You might try shifing your mood into gratuitously grateful.
* LOOK TO THE CHILDREN Look and listen to them, let their reactions be yours. You were one of them once, just as tickled watching the clowns stage a slap happy boxing match. How you marveled at the cleverness of it all!
* BRING A DATE Preferably, the one you are hoping to have your own circus with, some time after the show — if not during intermission. Dare you tarnish your chances by coming off as either a hopelessly infatuated circus fan — or uppity critic who can’t shut up? No, No! Keep the ghosts of circus days past in lock down.
* WITHHOLD ALL OPINIONS Express yourself in applause and smiles, hold the date above the show. In Virginia several seasons ago, with my sister, two nieces and one grand nephew, we took a chance on a show I’d never heard of, Do Circus Portugal. After the show, I first asked them what they thought? They had little to say other than pointing out some flubs over a few carping laughs --- being more critical than I. Now my turn. I praised a young man on the bill for two outstanding turns — marvelous juggling and dazzling rapid fire two-person quick costume changes. Below, an act with Do Portugal I do not recall seeing.
* IF ALL ELSE FAILS Try this killer exercise. Close your eyes for ten seconds. Imagine the worst circus you ever saw. I will kindly refrain from making known mine. Okay, now open your eyes and resume watching. Better?
Heck, I can't wait for the next circus I see in person, I’m going to try taking my own advice Already, I’m trying it against my phobia for an act fit for the Gong Show: You will stop trashing hula hoops. ... I will stop trashing hula hoops ...
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