October 6, 2002

10:19 AM

So you want to join the circus.Well, it helps to have a speciality. Learn how to swallow swords, twist balloon animals, crack a bullwhip, ride a unicycle, spin plates, breathe fire, go to circus school, throw knives, or get started by street performing. You may make it to the big time, but beware of the consequences, and careers gone awry.
posted by Stan Chin (10 comments total)

Heh heh heh.. Clown porn.

"Who's your daddy?"
*Honk* *Honk*
"WHO'S YOUR DADDY?!"
*HONK!*

Great collection of links, Stan. Check out the History of Sword-Swallowing page.. Did you know there was a 1900 year lull between the fakirs of India inventing sword swallowing and the western world catching up to them? That's just inexcusable.
posted by Hildago at 10:31 AM on October 6, 2002

I was going to follow the sword swallowing and clown porn link with a "How to Deep Throat Cocks" faq I found, but I decided against it.
posted by Stan Chin at 10:36 AM on October 6, 2002

Did you know there was a 1900 year lull between the fakirs of India inventing sword swallowing and the western world catching up to them? That's just inexcusable.

Yeah, Hildago. I guess they were all too busy forming modernized civilization to ram sharp weaponry into their throats. : )
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 10:38 AM on October 6, 2002

I love the internet; where else are you likely to stumble across sword-swallowing poems? This is hilarious (and not that far off from your proposed fusion link, Stan!).
posted by taz at 10:41 AM on October 6, 2002

"Kill wealthy dowager..."
posted by davidmsc at 11:20 AM on October 6, 2002

Some of us have already met Ouchy the Clown. Those of you who haven't should step right up and meet the man who can faciliate meetings, spin discs, and produce the closest shave you'll ever see.

(This is *so* not safe for work. Be warned.)

On the other hand, there's a gentle, family-friendly show running on Canadian tv about circus performers that seems pretty light on clowns and heavy on gymnasts and contortionists, if you're into that kind of thing.
posted by maudlin at 11:26 AM on October 6, 2002

Recreational knife throwing:In just a few days, you'll be learning the same power method that John has taught to thousands of people around the world, from Army Rangers to Christian boy's clubs. (!)
posted by the cuban at 11:27 AM on October 6, 2002

But where do I go to learn how to run the Guess Your Weight booth?
posted by MrBaliHai at 12:37 PM on October 6, 2002

Can't help you with Guess Your Weight, but this page describes how a lot of carnival games are stacked against you and includes a hint on how to beat the Guess Your Birth Month game.
posted by maudlin at 12:48 PM on October 6, 2002

Great post Stan Chin.
Just wanted to let people know there are some current job openings at the Cirque du Soleil. That's a pretty cool circus.
posted by madamjujujive at 3:23 PM on October 6, 2002