Page 4 Winter 1986
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LETTERS Yes
to Zero-G Juggling Apropos
the Renegade's letter on zerog juggling in the last
issue, I propose that zero-g juggling is a new species of ball
game, not to be confused with the primitive earthbound variety.
Just
as water polo without water becomes another order of polo, juggling
without gravity becomes another creature altogether. It is, however,
still "juggling," as Webster defines it. There is no mention
in his definition of a necessity for gravity - nor drops, by the way.
Modern
technology has freed us from hassle, pain, whooping cough, the plague
and gravity. Boldly juggling where no juggler has juggled before, the
artist is able to explore strange new moves, to seek out new tricks
and new manipulations. Chaining any artform, sport or science to
gravity or definitions is archaic, conservative, fatuous and
repressive.
In
addition, the space shuttle is merely a tool, as is a sword or a pen.
Whether the shuttle is used to enhance or destroy this tiny planet is
a question best left for forums other than a juggling magazine. I
believe the lJA embraces and honors jugglers and their
accomplishments, however and wheresoever they may fly. Laura
Dirksen Green Baltimore, Maryland
To
be young and talented... I
thought Juggler's World would be interested in one of its youngest
jugglers. Tony is my son and today is his 8th birthday. We went to
the IJA convention in Las Vegas and it was such an inspiration to him.
When
we were there he could do a good three ball cascade. Now he is working
on a five ball routine, has mastered three clubs, and is juggling on a
unicycle! He plans on competing at the '87 convention... Anthony Gatto
look out! David
Palomino - Gresham, Oregon Kid
talk on juggling These
letters are from a group of 5th grade English reading students. Their
first language is Spanish here in Puerto Rico. The students read
"The Clown of God, " and a whole unit on juggling bloomed from
it: news articles, letter writing, a time line of clown history and
juggling lessons.
"Where
can I get a book on jugglers? Can you
send someone down to P.R?"
"Why
did you learn to juggle? I don't like
to. I can not hold two balls."
"How
can juggler ten balls or stand on your head?" Sandy
Switzer - Puerto Rico
Dear
old dad juggles Here
is my dad, Rick Viladesau, who has taken up juggling at 64 years of
age. I would appreciate it if you could find room in your next issue
for him! Chris
Viladesau - N. Massapequa, New York A
superlative for sure I
would be interested in hearing from other jugglers who have learned
exceptionally awkward objects. I am proud to say that, to the best of my
knowledge, I was the first person to juggle an open lawn chair, and with
my partner Matt "Zeephyr" Petchel, we became the first people
to actually juggle a kitchen sink, complete with faucets! Dave
Pawson Lawrenceville, NJ (Others
interested in staking claim to offbeat juggling accomplishments may register
them with the IJA Chronicler of Juggling Superlatives, Billy Gillen,
Brooklyn. NY.)
PRODUCTS Spinning
plates Jenack
Circus Corporation announces spinning plates. These 10-inch diameter,
.064 spec. spun-aluminum spinning plates are hand-lathed, using a
slow-draw process to promote uniform wall thickness and weight balance.
Polished to a silver mirrorlike finish, their substantial weight, 9
oz., increases the duration and stability of the spin. The turned, outer
rim gives additional strength to the plate, keeping it in round after
repeated use as well as eliminating any sharp edges. The 7/16-inch inner
ridge on the underside and 1/2-inch rise to the center crown make for
nearimmediate success and ease of spinning. A 24-inch varnished
hardwood spinning stick is also provided. $14 per unit from Jenack
Circus Corporation, Westbury, NY. |