I can’t resist the urge to shoot pictures of every geckos I find around.
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Aww. This just reminded me of my pet hedghog when I was a kid. Her name was Sonica and she was such a sweet girl that surprisingly LOVED to swim. Man I haven’t thought about her in a while but this picture just took me on a stroll down memory lane lol
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I remember tuning in to that game after the 7th inning. That’s awesome you were there!!
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When I was young I went to a Seattle Mariners game and they were giving out a free card. I walked up to the old man and asked him may I have a card (and included please.) He looked at me, bent down, and said these words:
"Here’s the card you asked for, but because you said please, here are some more cards. Politeness goes a long way)
He then proceeded to give me a bunch of 1970s-1980s vintage Seattle Mariners cards. I was apparently the only one to say please all day.
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I’m a circus performer, and I’m mostly retired these days. My main act was spinning 2-foot braided Kevlar ropes called fire snakes. The sound of the fire rushing past was incredible.
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Whoa that’s crazy unique! If you don’t mind me asking, what was/is your favorite part about circus life and what’s your least favorite?
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Glad you asked @Mr.Garrison no problem at all!
My favorite part was that in each city, we’d usually showcase local talent and connect with a different act or performance troupe, often meeting up to share skills—which was always awesome. Least favorite part was that even though we were constantly traveling, there was rarely time to actually see the places we were in.
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Nice! Being such a niche profession I have to imagine it would be super interesting to share skills with your peers and talk shop!
You’ve really piqued my interest now so I have a couple more for ya 
How does one get started in circus performance? Is it like a family trade or is there a system in place to work your way up to the (touring?) level?
What was the most impressive circus act you’ve ever seen? Like who’s the Michael Jordan of circus performers in your opinion and what do they do?
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@Mr.Garrison My apologies for the length 
I got discovered while street performing as a busker. I connected with another performer who helped me get a few ensemble slots, and that eventually led to steady work with others in the industry and training at the National Circus Academy. From there, I auditioned for a family-run circus. Many are multi-generational, but there are also plenty of people who decide to get into it and start their circuses from the ground up.**
As for the Michael Jordan of circus performers, I honestly think we all have to be. You need to perform your skills with absolute confidence and consistency, and the amount of practice behind that is hard to measure. I’ve repeated my movements more times than I could ever count, which in a way feels similar to MJ and his relentless practice. I know that’s not the most satisfying answer, so I’ll give you a few names of performers I admire &/or have worked with.
Shade Flamewater is a fire-eating specialist with incredible stage presence.
Wes Peden is one of the most innovative jugglers out there.
Dante Ashton, a seventh-generation circus artist, is a truly mesmerizing aerialist.
Gasya is one of the best handbalancers in the world. If you’ve seen Cirque du Soleil, chances are you’ve seen her.
I could go on, but those are the names that come to mind first.
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No apologies needed!
Honestly, this might actually get me to sign up for instagram just to see the videos you’re referencing.
I Youtube’d ‘fire snake’ and all I got was the lame ass fireworks that nobody wanted as a kid 
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!
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I linked their accounts, but you should be able to search for everyone on YouTube, I believe.
As for the fire snakes, my snakes usually have a titanium powder coating on isopar G fuel for a very fireworks-y effect when spun if you have ever seen people lighting steel wool on fire, it is very similar.
I’ll share a video of my friend Lily spinning similar fire snakes, these are smaller than mine but very similar otherwise.
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I consistently since 2021 after a huge lifestyle shift, have 2-3 days a week completely offline. Got so fascinated by the topic of digital minimalism and our relationship to the Internet that Im writing a book on it (whether it will be published or not remains to be seen. Heard its really difficult)
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This is just fascinating. Thanks so much for sharing. I am really curious, does doing like this on a constant basis have any long term health issues? I can imagine working so close to fire and smoke (including the long practise sessions) might be taxing on the body correct. I know you mentioned in a different thread regarding some health issues, is it somehow related to what you do? Again, thanks for sharing, it is turly amazing and not certainly something anyone can do.
Cheers!
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You are very much welcome @mrbubbles
It depends on how well you take care of yourself. I wore a respirator for extended fire acts, and aside from the tech run, we practiced with unlit props. The fuels I used, paraffin or Isopar G, are quite safe and have low smoke. I avoided inhaling anything and sprayed down my flame-retardant outfits before performing.
My injury isn’t related to performing. I’ve been active in different disciplines since childhood, but this was a freak accident that caused serious internal damage. Nothing I could’ve done differently. I’m just grateful for everything I got to do.
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I am what is called a natural or true male soprano. This means that I can achieve soprano range with my natural voice without using falsetto and without lacking master balls. 
Back when I was a member of the Norwegian Broadcasting Boys Choir, I was the only one of my kind out of the five 1st sopranos. I haven’t practiced for many years and I have definitely lost some range but I reckon you’d still classify it the same way.
You wouldn’t be able to tell from my talking voice. Although I have a very booming, powerful voice (frequently described as a “natural echo” and I probably have the world record in “can you talk a little quieter?”) it isn’t particularly bright.
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I am a collector oh many things, one of which are Vinyl Records. I have a collection near 700 records that I listen to on a regular basis on my stereo set up. I very much adore 1970-80’s silver faced stereo components.
My favorite era of music I listen to is Psychedelic Rock (I love the creativeness and experimental era of that time) and my fav band is the Doors. I have 2 signed records of the Doors with 3/4 signatures on Morrison Hotel and Doors LIVE.
Someone inside of my Family Tree played Major League Baseball and won a World Series in the 90’s. It was neat growing up hearing stories from family members and fans alike about himself playing during that time. Once retired, he sought after many businesses, but years later ended up at the same organization now running the Alumni Relations Department. Pretty cool to be related to him and being able to go to any game I want is a neat side perk.
I am currently serving in the US Army and have been for the past 10 years. Working state-side, but have been deployed a few times. Went down to the Arizona border for 15 months in 2022-23. Pay is good, food was great, and weather was HOT. Overall I enjoyed my time there. For the future, I will more than likely serve 20 years, “I’m already half-way there!”.
While deployed and away from the wife, I try to make one piece of art for her to hang up.
This is what I made in 2021:
Titled: “Frog Alone in the Big City”
This is what I made in 2023:
Titled: “Reunited”
[My Wife is the frog with the purple bow]
That is all I have to share right now :]
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Have you heard the album Moon Blood by Fraction? Definitely has a whole vibe to it.
The art is really sweet.
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I got a black belt in Tae Kwon do at 12 years old. Without doxxing myself, my most minor claim to fame imaginable is one of the 2020 Olympic gold medalists and I used to train at the same studio in 2xxx
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You can always self-publish on Amazon!
And then a piece of you will be permanently online
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No I have not,
I will give it a listen
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