Movie Moments: 'Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away'

Do you like Cirque du Soleil? I sure do. In fact, I've seen about 3 of their LIVE touring shows as well as this here beautiful movie. I know that's not really very much, but, then again, I didn't say I was a full-on Cirque FANATIC. I guess that you'd say I'm more of an average, casual fan. At any rate, the bottom line is I really enjoy their shows. I mean, talk about your eye-candy! Cirque has it in spades! However, if you're not very familiar with this mystical world of colorful theatrics and extraordinary talents, 'Worlds Away' is just the perfect place for you to start.

You see, the story simply begins with a pretty young lady who's entranced by an aerialist at the circus. Then, just when she has seemingly befriended the flying young man, they suddenly fall into the dreamlike universe of Cirque du Soleil and are separated. Then they must travel through the many different tent worlds to try and find each other. And that's how the viewer gets a perfect sampling of what Cirque is all about because each tent represents a different one of their themed LIVE shows. But by no means are ALL of their shows displayed because, to date, they've expanded to more than 19! And about 5 of them, alone, are currently showing in different places around Las Vegas. It's really quite a phenomenon, if you ask me.

Did I happen to mention that there are NO animal acts involved? None in the movie and none in ANY of their shows. It's nice and refreshing, not to mention a lot more humane. Anyway, I enjoyed 'Worlds Away' quite a lot. It really captures the wonder and spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil. However, just know that seeing it on screen (or your TV) is NOTHING at all like the excitement you get seeing it LIVE. Even though when it was being shown in theatres it was presented in 3D, it just couldn't possibly compare to the LIVE experience. So if you ever get the opportunity to see one of the shows, grab it! You won't be sorry. But in the meantime, check out this film; it's absolutely magnificent.

Long time... No blog.

It was officially 2 years, last month, since I last posted ANYTHING at all here. Can you believe that?! Well, I'm sure that you can if you happened to pop into the tent at all in the last 24 months only to find that the circus was dark. So, "Why?" you ask. I wish I knew an easy answer to that. But I guess the simplest answer would have to be that I pretty much just burned-out on the whole blogging thing. And if I don't feel a passion for something, I really DON'T want to do it. You know? Plus, I'm sure that my clinical depression hasn't helped either. However, now I am happy to report that the passion I once had HAS returned! And I'm ready to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! (Cher?)

So know that if you're reading this here lil' post, and you haven't completely given up on me, there'll be MANY, MANY more to follow. See you soon...


Sincerely,
Ringmaster Anthony


P.S. - Like the NEW light-up sign? I had it made custom for me, and I must say it really is helping with motivation! It just makes me HAPPY whenever I see it. Thanks again, Anjanette at American Vintage Designs!

On the Dark Side: A clown's notice of departure

Hello, friends! I must inform you that, today, the tent is dark. But not in the traditional way. No, the tent is definitely open for business. Er, uh, SHOW BUSINESS, that is! And we certainly have something to show you. It's just that what we have to show you is a bit on the darker side of things, especially compared to our usual fare. But remember, this is Pop Circus. Even dark things seem lighter here, somehow... That having been said, I also want to strongly preface this next presentation with the fact that NO ONE here at the circus finds the subject of suicide to be funny. This is simply an experiment in absurdity. I mean, who takes the time to write out their suicide note AND illustrate it rebus-style?! As far as I know, only one very sad clown named Happy.


Just click on each page to enlarge...

My BIG 40th BIRTHDAY circus celebration!

August 22nd, 2010 is a date that won't soon be forgotten (not by me, anyway). My dear mother-in-law, aunt-in-law (?), and husband all threw a fantastic circus-themed 40th birthday party for me that just about blew my socks off! They thought of everything, and they did it all perfectly. The food, the decorations, the cake, the music (circus band, natch)... It was all totally wonderful! Even the pinata (yes, I had a pinata for my adult 40th b-day party) was incredibly circus-y.

An intimate gathering of 15, everyone was either close family or friends. A good, fun time was had by all, and people kept saying how impressed they were by everything.





I was told this is the latest and greatest
pinata available on the market, today... Well,
of course. Would I rate anything less??







Here's a good shot of some fun party favors: Barnum's
Animal Crackers, various noisemakers, and peanuts
(masquerading as popcorn).







This was my wonderful birthday cake! It not only
looked festive, it was delicious, too!







"Smile, you're on Candid Camera!"
This is my good friend, Matt, amused by something, as
other party guests march into the kitchen to get their
fair share of lunch.







Being that I was the piggy, err, I mean guest of honor,
I was given the first spot in line for grub. And, boy, was
it good grub! Barbara and Wanda really know how
to prepare a tasty spread!







Okay... How cute is this??







Many colorful circus posters, like
this one, were hung up as decorations
throughout.







My bff, Lisa, and me.
F.Y.I. - In case you happen to be
familiar with the blog, Atomic Tea
Party, you might find it interesting
to know this is the same Lisa who
hosts that wonderfully kitsch soiree.







Me, my mom, and my husband... ready to eat!







Gift time!
I absolutely dug all of my gifts, but
some did stand out from the rest. Like
this one, for example. It's a vintage,
Fisher-Price cow named, "Bossy Bell",
and both her tail wags and bell rings
when you roll/pull her across the floor.







Meanwhile, back in the kitchen...
It looks like Wanda and Barbara are finally getting
to fill up a few plates of their own. Thank goodness!
I'd swear I didn't see either one of them sitting down
during the party, they were so busy being such
excellent hosts.







Pinata time!
Here, my mother-in-law, Barbara, is blindfolding me
so I can take the first few "whacks!"







"Alright... Now, what?"
I swear, I wasn't really that clueless.
But it sure looks like I was, huh?







Many tried before him, but only he knew the sweet
taste of victory! Yep, that's my husband bangin' the
bejesus (and all the goodies) out of my beautiful birthday
pinata... Oh, well. Someone had to do it!




The birthday photo gallery could go on, and on, and on... but I think I've tortured you long enough, now. Thanks, if you managed to stick it out this far! Also, "Thank you, again!" to Mom, Aunt Wanda, and Tommy for all of your hard work and dedication which made the difference between a regular old party and a fantastically fabulous 40th! I love you all!



~ Birthday Clown via Google Images. All photos property of Anthony See. ~