"An Unsolicited Testimonial..."

Well...I must say daughter Megan and I were impressed! This year's edition of The Greatest Show On Earth" was indeed spectacular. The two plus hours that the spectacle required flew by and we were, for the most part, thoroughly entertained throughout.

In recent years Megan and I have observed that Mr. Barnum and Mr. Bailey have been making a concerted attempt to mimic admittedly the far more spectacular CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, doing so, thankfully, without sacrificing its roots of still appealing animal acts. A circus is hardly a traditional circus without performing lions, tigers and elephants, and this edition of the show had plenty of each. There was even a spotlighted porcupine...although its role was understandably limited to strolling around the edge of the elevated ring to bump into a soon to be deflated balloon being gingerly held in a clown's outstretched hand. Lets face it...just how many tricks could one teach a pincushion on stumpy legs?

As a continuing concession to our more modern view of the world, there was once again a steel cage globe in which seven...count 'em...seven motorbike riders roar around in a blur of color for, in my opinion, five minutes longer than was necessary. The many children, however, who were seated all around us seemed to take gleeful enjoyment in this act. Different strokes for different folks...

And my favorite...those daring, darling and flying artisans of the high trapeze. As anticipated the finale was the expected but the never certain attempt to perform a triple somersault. I don't care how many times this trick is performed, it is still breath-taking to see. You try climbing fifty feet in the air to hurl oneself into space head over feet three times and see how many times you firmly grasp the catcher you hope shows up to meet you with outstretched sweaty hands. I get lightheaded when I have to climb an eight foot ladder every spring to clean out my gutters. They nailed it on the first attempt! Good show guys.

Here's my recommendation. If the circus comes to your town this year, go take it in. And by all means, if you've got children...your little ones or your grandchildren...take them with you. It will be an experience that will thrill them memorably and in turn will delight your heart as well. If indeed apple pie is a slice of Americana, so too is the circus. Enjoy the show.