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The
Mailbox
Our
Mini Circus Marko does shows mainly at schools. We are only four
performers (George Kozak, his wife and daughter and myself) but we do a
two-hour show of 20 numbers. Aside from my clowning, magic and
fire-eating, I do quite a bit of juggling, both comedy and serious.
A
present in the biggest South African circus, Boswell-Wilkie, the juggler
is 16year old Serge Percelly. His relatives are the Chicky' s Clowns,
one of Europe's top clown acts. He also does a brilliant juggling act
on, a tennis theme. Since it is, as I heard, his first season as a solo
performer, I think he has the scope to become one of the real top names
in juggling.
Also
on the same program is one of world's largest flying trapeze troupe, the
Star Lords ( 12 members). They are all South Africans who have worked
all over Europe for the past three years. One of the three catchers,
Charles, is also a very fine juggler, and is continuously practicing
because, as he says, "One doesn't know when one has to do a solo
act one day!" Even the drummer of the circus, Peter Cieslack, is
doing some lovely juggling.
Jacques
Marais Germiston, South Africa
Here's
an idea I got while reading the Bible! I came across a verse that said,
"for we walk by faith, not by sight. " So I readily applied that
to juggling... hence, "I juggle by faith and not by sight."
During my shows I've juggled blindfolded up to 105 seconds.
Ernie Nolen Corvallis. OR
"The
Magic Is Here. Come See It!" On the Whitestone Expressway, Mets
fan(atics) usually view this sign while entering and exiting their
favorite ball park.
Then
came the baseball strike this year. . .
I
was thinking that the magic word, "juggling," may rescue the
hungry spectator. What if we held a convention in Shea Stadium?! There's
certainly room!
I
suppose I'm exaggerating. but perhaps in the future millions of people
will be watching juggling with a beer in the right hand and Jugglers
World in their left!
While
the number one sport in America was on strike, hidden sports had a chance to
show off. We all know that juggling is on the brink of popularity. Spread
it by doing and teaching. Jugglers on strike? No way!
Demetrius Alcarese East
Elmhurst. NY
On
a somber note, I enclose this news clipping on Mark Hutchinson, an IJA
member from 1977-79 and juggler and clown in the Austin area. He will be
missed very much by the jugglers who knew him and people he entertained
over the last years.
Mark
Hutchinson, the clown, loved to make people laugh. With pantomime.
juggling and face painting. he could turn a frown into a smile and sad
tears into happy ones.
But
while others were laughing, Hutchinson.
the man, was secretly crying. On May 27 while his wife and daughter
napped in the house he hanged
himself on the front porch.
Going
to clown school was a longtime dream that Hutchinson never achieved
because of financial difficulties. He was a self-taught jester who became
interested in clowning when he was a student at the University of Texas.
He learned how to juggle lemons while working in the kitchen of a
restaurant.
Jim
Bayliss Austin, TX
Just
recently I had the honor and privilege of serving as a security officer
for the 34th Annual Convention of the IJA. I had never in all my 12 years
in security come in contact with a more happy and friendly group of
people.
It
was a very happy experience for me and I shall never forget you all. I
have made some very wonderful new friends. I would like to take this
opportunity to thank all those who helped me to start juggling, especially
Bill Borus.
I
also thank you all for accepting me and making me feel as one of you. I
shall be looking forward to seeing you in California and am making plans
to that end.
Ronald E. Prather RiveredgeTwp.,
OR
Lament
of A Beginning Juggler
One
day * my grandson said to me,
"It's time you learn to juggle,"
And
patiently assured me that
It would be worth the trouble.
He
took me to the experts**
So I'd learn to do it right,
And
now I practice faithfully
Each morning, noon, and night.
For
stooping and for bending,
This exercise is great,
But
it would really help if I
Could learn to throw them straight.
I
watch my pretty beanbags
In all directions fly.
They
hit me in the shoulder
And they hit me in the eye.
As
I am scrambling down below
Upon my hands and knees,
And
leaping up to catch the one
That's heading for the trees.
My
grandson sits up quietly
Upon his unicycle.
Juggling
rings and balls and clubs,
Efficient, never idle.
Alas
if I could learn three balls
I'd gladly demonstrate.
But
for that great accomplishment
You're going to have to wait.
I
know by now I'll never make
A living wage this way.
You
want to see the experts?
Go join the IJA.
*
July 18, 1981,
Cleveland
,
OH
.
**
At the Juggle Bug table, where my first efforts were guided and
encouraged.
Louise
Koszalka, East Lansdowne, PA
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