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Reviews

JugglePro v. 2.1

Computer program. Runs on IBM PC's or compatibles. $20 (Specify 3.5" or 5.25" floppies. Upgrades are $10) Ed Carstens; Rolla, MO .

by David Pollock

JugglePro v.2.1 is one of many new computer juggling simulators to hit the market in the past few months. Unlike its predecessors, JugglePro uses a form of notation called Multi-Hand Notation (MHN) rather than the popular "site swap" notation.

MHN is represented in JugglePro by a matrix describing the number of hands used in the pattern and the time displacement of the objects in the pattern. It sounds difficult, and at first it is. The effort to learn the notation is worth it, but not necessary, since the program contains a built-in pattern generator by Jack Boyce which will generate a multitude of patterns that you can display with JugglePro.

If you have already learned "site swap" notation you can continue to enter patterns in that format, and convert them to MHN with a built-in notation converter. The program also comes with a host of preprogrammed patterns, including Mill's Mess, the Torture Chamber and a seven ball bounce.

JugglePro is also capable of displaying patterns requiring more than two hands. Not only is this good for science fictions buffs, but it means the program can display passing patterns. JugglePro lets you switch to an "overhead" view, letting you look down on passing patterns such as a three person feed, triangle patterns and even the "Torture Chamber." The program is also capable of both multiple throw and multiple catch patterns.

Jugglers who enjoy mathematics will take note of the permutation and translation functions which take "regular" patterns in their matrix form and twist them into freaks of nature such as the five ball box.

The program takes a while to get used to and the number of options can be a bit overwhelming, but the documentation is well written and geared towards the beginning user. Such juggling simulators provide a valuable tool to jugglers who want to learn some bizarre patterns since the display can be slowed down to a snail's pace and viewed one throw at a time.'

Juggling With Finesse

Video. Kit Summers / Finesse Press, San Diego CA Approx. 90 minutes, $35.

by Craig Turner

Only a few years ago, Kit Summers was generally regarded as one of the finest upand-coming young jugglers in the profession. He had created a strong nightclub routine and mastered a high level of technical skill, at one time juggling seven clubs. But tragically, all of that changed when he was hit by a truck while crossing the street. Badly injured, his career and life seemed ruined.

But Summers worked his way back up the hard road to a life as a well-known teacher of classes and workshops, as well as a motivational speaker.

His 'Juggling With Finesse Video" is an assortment of his former nightclub routine, excerpts from a speaking engagement, and numerous sections in one of his 'Juggling With Finesse" workshops. This video gives the impression, though, of having been filled out with random pieces of information, with long sections where we simply watch Summers lecture and demonstrate techniques. We hear him critique and suggest changes to students without ever seeing the student or problem.

Summers has good ideas for improving juggling, and extended sections on a small number of props or coaching tips would have made the tape more useful. More professional editing would have helped this.

Summers motivational speech to an afterlunch crowd has a number of excellent points, and clearly his audience is with him. But the viewer of the video would be more involved if the same speech had been presented to the camera rather than the audience. The context of the speech as it is doesn't directly advance the tape's purpose.

One delightful section is Summers' entire nightclub routine. Showing energy, good audience contact, a high level of smooth technical skill and humor, Summers demonstrates the very qualities he refers to in other parts of the tape.

Summers' experience in meeting the challenges of his life and in conquering apparent limitations is an inspiring story, and he clearly has much to offer jugglers at many levels. A more sophisticated and specific use of the various parts of his production would have resulted in a video with more to teach and with greater long-term use for jugglers.