Wednesday, August 27, 2008

For Neil Cockerline--I hope I answered your question

" In Lubbock, Texas, I saw this act load out, and studied its system.
Look closely. There is no way to get to the cages. Once loaded, the props and arena were positioned surrounding the cages in an arrangement which prevented cleaning, feeding, or watering of the animals in transit." Comment one

"I believe that Buckles will be an important source for research for future circus historians, so I feel it important to be accurate in our comments, so I must come to the defense of Mr. Kellar.
I believe Kellar one an early cat act that had a disinfectant spray program, so that you could barely tell they were in a building. As for loading and traveling I am very sure that his cats received the finest care, however it would be administered." Comment two

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Wade: Thank you very much! When I was teaching Art History at the University level using a standard accepted text, I always told my students not to ever believe a single word that the author wrote, since she wasn't there and all of her comments were strictly her opinion! I would think you probably would agree with that approach. When talking about term papers I challenged my classes to write a paper convincing me that the abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock could have actually painted the Mona Lisa... None ever took me up on it, but if they had, I would have given them an A+, as it would have proven they were basing their analysis on their own observations and research and not on someone else's!
Neil Cockerline

Wade G. Burck said...

Neil,
Look at all the questions left unanswered on this blog and other Circus blogs. I wonder why your students did not want to take the challenge publicly, but I wonder how many discussed it in private with a select group and came to a conclusion. Look at the anonymous responses, and cute names that are offered. I will say again, if you want to look at great old pictures, and speculate and cut up jackpots the "History Channel" is for you. If you want facts, and a valid learning discussion on various circus matters, go to Show Biz Davids. For Clowns it is surely Pat Cashins. Offer thoughts and opinions, but leave the ax at home. Dave has an honor system.
Wade Burck