Anyone need another addictive online game? Here it is! Circle the cat, if you can.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
A Clown's Story
Until now, the most unusual query I've had was from the New York offices of a popular magazine. They wanted to know what brand of toothpaste Rosie the Clown favours. A recent email from a young author is now the leading contender in the category, I Can't Imagine Why You'd Be Interested.
The author explains, "My story is about a woman who falls in love with a man who is a clown by profession. I was wondering if I could interview you as research?" She sent the following questions.
1. How did you become a clown?
2. Why did you become a clown?
3. What is your favorite part about being a clown?
4. Have you ever been in love with another clown? If so, is there a story to tell?
5. Between specific groups of clowns, is there ever a rivalry?
6. Is there a clown that you look up to? Why?
7. What is your opinion on the movie/book It?
8. What is your opinion on people who are afraid of clowns?
My answers are,
1. How did you become a clown?
2. Why did you become a clown?
I became a clown by responding to an ad in the local paper. The company I had been working for changed hands, and my job was gone. The people at Employment Insurance and I agreed that there was no work in my field. Regular job searches turned up the expected nothing, and I had a nice, long holiday. From this, I discovered that 18 months is the optimal length for a vacation. I happily fulfilled my every whim for what it'd be fun to do with free time. Eventually, I noticed in the paper that a party store was looking for apprentice clowns. It sounded like fun. I tried it. It was a blast. I continued clowning, expanded my experience and began teaching the art of clowning to others.
3. What is your favorite part about being a clown?
My favourite thing about being a clown is how open people are to being happy. It's like they're waiting for someone to remind them how happy they are. The clown suit softens interpersonal barriers and lets people enjoy being themselves.
4. Have you ever been in love with another clown? If so, is there a story to tell?
No, I haven't been in love with another clown - yet. Such a relationship would pose special challenges, lol.
5. Between specific groups of clowns, is there ever a rivalry?
Clowns are like every other group - some are competitive, some are cooperative. To me, cooperation is the most beneficial approach, leading to increased skills and profits for all.
6. Is there a clown that you look up to? Why?
There are many great clowns whom I admire, male and female, ancient and modern. If I had to pick one, it'd be Buster Keaton. The "why" part of your question is best answered by watching him in action.
7. What is your opinion on the movie/book It?
I haven't read the book It or seen the movie, and will spare myself the experience. I recognize it only as the reason most cited by non-children about why they're afraid of clowns.
8. What is your opinion on people who are afraid of clowns?
In my experience, the fear of clowns is a pop-trend subscribed to mostly by teenagers and young adults. Small children are seldom afraid of Rosie, unless the parent freaks out on baby's behalf. Timid children generally watch from a distance, then edge closer until they're in the centre of the action.
It's an interesting cultural statement that lately clowns have been made into devils, or the devil into a clown, however you want to put it. I have no idea what it means. Possibly, it's the expression of extreme privilege. There are many places in the world in which people's fears attach to more substantial dangers.
When your book is done, send me a link to it so I can check it out!
The author explains, "My story is about a woman who falls in love with a man who is a clown by profession. I was wondering if I could interview you as research?" She sent the following questions.
1. How did you become a clown?
2. Why did you become a clown?
3. What is your favorite part about being a clown?
4. Have you ever been in love with another clown? If so, is there a story to tell?
5. Between specific groups of clowns, is there ever a rivalry?
6. Is there a clown that you look up to? Why?
7. What is your opinion on the movie/book It?
8. What is your opinion on people who are afraid of clowns?
My answers are,
1. How did you become a clown?
2. Why did you become a clown?
I became a clown by responding to an ad in the local paper. The company I had been working for changed hands, and my job was gone. The people at Employment Insurance and I agreed that there was no work in my field. Regular job searches turned up the expected nothing, and I had a nice, long holiday. From this, I discovered that 18 months is the optimal length for a vacation. I happily fulfilled my every whim for what it'd be fun to do with free time. Eventually, I noticed in the paper that a party store was looking for apprentice clowns. It sounded like fun. I tried it. It was a blast. I continued clowning, expanded my experience and began teaching the art of clowning to others.
3. What is your favorite part about being a clown?
My favourite thing about being a clown is how open people are to being happy. It's like they're waiting for someone to remind them how happy they are. The clown suit softens interpersonal barriers and lets people enjoy being themselves.
4. Have you ever been in love with another clown? If so, is there a story to tell?
No, I haven't been in love with another clown - yet. Such a relationship would pose special challenges, lol.
5. Between specific groups of clowns, is there ever a rivalry?
Clowns are like every other group - some are competitive, some are cooperative. To me, cooperation is the most beneficial approach, leading to increased skills and profits for all.
6. Is there a clown that you look up to? Why?
There are many great clowns whom I admire, male and female, ancient and modern. If I had to pick one, it'd be Buster Keaton. The "why" part of your question is best answered by watching him in action.
7. What is your opinion on the movie/book It?
I haven't read the book It or seen the movie, and will spare myself the experience. I recognize it only as the reason most cited by non-children about why they're afraid of clowns.
8. What is your opinion on people who are afraid of clowns?
In my experience, the fear of clowns is a pop-trend subscribed to mostly by teenagers and young adults. Small children are seldom afraid of Rosie, unless the parent freaks out on baby's behalf. Timid children generally watch from a distance, then edge closer until they're in the centre of the action.
It's an interesting cultural statement that lately clowns have been made into devils, or the devil into a clown, however you want to put it. I have no idea what it means. Possibly, it's the expression of extreme privilege. There are many places in the world in which people's fears attach to more substantial dangers.
When your book is done, send me a link to it so I can check it out!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Imagine the cost of a robot that could replace mom. One that could do everything she does for us and love us, too. Mom is priceless.
Some children think that their Moms are clowns. Not so. Clowns aren't allowed to have children because they're irresponsible.
Some Moms think that their children are clowns. Again, not so. Clowns aren't born, they're stitched together full-size and don't grow up. Clowns don't have their own birthdays or birthday parties. If your child has ever had a birthday party, rest assured that he or she is a real child.
Some children think that their Moms are clowns. Not so. Clowns aren't allowed to have children because they're irresponsible.
Some Moms think that their children are clowns. Again, not so. Clowns aren't born, they're stitched together full-size and don't grow up. Clowns don't have their own birthdays or birthday parties. If your child has ever had a birthday party, rest assured that he or she is a real child.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Emergency Preparedness Kits
May 3 - 9 is Emergency Preparedness Week. The Government of Canada asks, "Do you know the 3 steps?" They are, 1. Know the risks. 2. Make a plan. 3. Get a kit.
Here are three emergency kits we need immediately.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1 - A Special Day for New Clowns
In the world of big, red noses, a rookie clown is called a First of May. Traditionally on May 1, circuses leave their winter quarters to begin their summer tours. Many novice clowns are hired on this day. Full of excitement, they head out into the grand adventure.
Anyone can be a clown. The most important step is to begin. Be brave! Walk on stage, and you'll quickly become addicted to the bright smiles and the waves of laughter.
The second most important step is to fall down. Pratfalls were funny in ancient days and will be funny when people migrate to distant planets. Laughter soothes the soul as nothing else can. Step out, fall down, get up, and do it again. All the rest, as they say, is commentary.
Congratulations to all of this year's First of Mays. Have a fabulous season!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Inspirational Acts in Music and Movement
What do a group of young, black males and a dowdy, middle-aged woman have in common? They are members of perennially disadvantaged social groups, and they burst out of their confinement by means of guts, drive and talent.
Flawless is a dance group of young men. I can't imagine how much practicing went into their amazing steps. Susan Boyle is the surprise diva who gave us a moment of grace in which to look at our prejudices. Together, they provide ten minutes of full-on inspiration.
Flawless - Dance Group
Performer quote: Chase the dream, not the competition.
(Source: Britain's Got Talent)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEoIC_hRfUM
Susan Boyle - Singer
Performer quote: I saw people laughing and I knew they were laughing at me. But I thought, well, they’ll soon shut up when they hear me sing. And they did.
(Source: Times Online)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk
Flawless is a dance group of young men. I can't imagine how much practicing went into their amazing steps. Susan Boyle is the surprise diva who gave us a moment of grace in which to look at our prejudices. Together, they provide ten minutes of full-on inspiration.
Flawless - Dance Group
Performer quote: Chase the dream, not the competition.
(Source: Britain's Got Talent)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEoIC_hRfUM
Susan Boyle - Singer
Performer quote: I saw people laughing and I knew they were laughing at me. But I thought, well, they’ll soon shut up when they hear me sing. And they did.
(Source: Times Online)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rosie's Inbox - Colours and Shades
When I hear the word chameleon, the first thing I think of is politicians. They change colour quickly, depending on what they're up against.
I enjoyed watching this real chameleon change colours to match his sunglasses.
Chameleon Sunglasses - Watch more Funny Videos
I enjoyed watching this real chameleon change colours to match his sunglasses.
Chameleon Sunglasses - Watch more Funny Videos
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