Col. Herriott, here is a capriole I have been working on. It is not quite finished, but what do you think of it so far?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Capriole
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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A Blog designed for discussion of topics related to, but not limited to, Circus, Zoos, Animal Training, and Animal Welfare/Husbandry. Sometimes opening up the dialog is the best starting point of all. And if for nothing else when people who agree and don't agree, get together and start discussing it, it will open up a lot of peoples minds. Debate and discussion even amongst themselves opens a window where there wasn't one before.
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37 comments:
Wade, is that for real or a photoshop creation? While I don't know if it is a technically perfect capriole or not, it is a spectacular sight to my untrained eyes.
Not related to this photo, but thanks for the photos and information about Rene Glasser. On my last visit to France some years ago, the friend I was visiting tried to track him down so I could see his performance but was unable to do so. Apparently I misses something truly amazing.
Warren,
You need to step out of the 42 foot circle. Nothing looks real anymore. LOL Many hours, knowledge, and a phenomenal, well bred animal is what this is about. No photo shop deal necessary. Technically, as perfect a capriole as you will ever see.
Wade
Warren,
For my money the greatest "circus caprioles" I ever saw were done by Tony Smaha Sr.
Wade
Wade - I never saw Papa do a capriole, but Pluto Andantino was fantastic.
Jeannie
Jeannie,
Remember Tony's limp. He used to joke, and tell me that's how the horse could do such a fabulous capriole. He said, it was because the horse had to drag dead weight which slowed him down just right. Sr. was a wonderful man.
Wade
Stunning picture. Hard to see how anything could beat that. I also lover Tony Sr's capriole, his horse also from a full stand up rear would fall directly into a bow. Super strength required and smooth as silk.
Dianne,
I appreciate strength and smooth very much, but would it have been as effective in a heated Holy War as John Herriotts mini mule?
Wade
Wade, I guess I'm so jaded by all the cgi stuff used in place of real stunt performers and special effects everywhere that when I see something as remarkable as that photo, my reaction is that it is too beautiful to be real. If you say it is real then it must be and now I know what a perfect capriole should be. Even to me it was obvious that it was a magnificent animal and I cannot imagine the patience and hours required to achieve that. I only vaguely remember Mr. Smaha only seeing him a few times. I do remember the Smaha name always being spoken with respect.
Warren,
Speaking of real, what do you think of that racial/sex discrimination issue, I pondered in reference to UniverSoul Circus. Now that the Spanish Riding School has done the right thing, and permitted women into the academy, I was wondering what other's thought about UniverSoul's policy.
Wade
A quick sketch. A very wealthy man who owned the Temple Steel Co. imported some Halflingers and Lippizans and hired Arthur Konyot to train his Lippizaners. When some horsey set people advised him that his horses were not being properly trained for dressage competition with their circus type btraining Mr. Konyot was relieved of his job. He in turn did train two or three Lips for another per son [not finished] and Maybe due to health or death of Mr. Konyot this party put the horses up for sale. Enter the Smahas.
A side note the Temple Steel Magnate was Mr. Temple Smith. Originally his farm was not open to the public, but later that would change.
Tony Smaha would come here from Australia and the Wirth Circus following work with liberty horses for Betram Mills circus in England and would bring with him a Palomino Circus High School horse named Timmy to appear with the big King Bros. Tent Circus. The announcer Eqes. Dir. that year 1955 was Mr. "Curley" Miller who had a fine circus high school saddlebred trained by Capt. Heyer. The would ride at the same time in two separate rings. A very nice Presentation, but the show went broke and the Smahas would go to Howard Suesz Clyde Bros. where Tony would train two excellent acts. One of camels, llamas and zebra and the other three young baby elephants, plus his high school. Tony had Timmy do an excellent Capriole from the ground at the end of his riding presentation. Timmy would get severe Colic while appearing with Dobritch Circus in Toledo and die at that time. There are great pgotos of Timmy doing a high beautiful Capriole.
Back to their home in Baraboo someway they heard of these Lippizaners for sale and went to the Chicago area and bought one. A small little Lippizaners they called Pluto. Then they went back a short timer later and bought another and the Smaha wonderful Lippizan horses came into being with a purchase and training of the third and would become a first clas three ring display with beautiful wife Inga in the center with Pluto on long rein and Tony Sr. and Jr. in each end and Pluto wxecuting a finale Capriole. Over the years they would have other Lips, but this was that beginning.
Perfect execution. What more needs to be "worked on". Exactly like the Smaha photos.
Tanglefoot,
Appreciate the "cover".
Sage Brush
Col. Herriott,
Wow. That's a great story. Thank you for sharing. On a side note, the first elephant act I had was the one you mention trained by Tony for Clyde Bros, minus one. The elephants in the original act were named Mary, Sue, and Ruth. Ruth did, and was replace by an elephant named Margie from Paul Kelly Circus. Mary in particular was a wonderful animal, that Tony thought the world of and in the mid 70's when the Smahas would do some of the bigger Clyde Bros. dates, each morning Sr. would bring her a piece of toast with jam on his way to the horse stable.
Where are those pictures of Timmy? He was a loud palomino with very high whites, wasn't he.
Wade
Wade - You posted a picture of Tony, Jr. on Timmy on 08/04/2008 and called him a Lipizzan.
Jeannie
Jeannie,
I recall that, that why I would be interested in photos of the capriole. All the Smahas had when I met them in 1975 was Lipizzans. I assumed the black and white photo was an oddly greying out horse. Dianne mentioned about it being a Palomino, but that photo doesn't show his true color. It almost looks like a roan coat. Was he a cross bred or pure bred? There were a lot of "high white" Sabino horses in the English circus back in the 50's that had Wentworth Arabian blood
Wade
Wade - I first met the Smahas in 1968 at the Shrine Circus in Indianapolis, so Timmy was before my time. I have seen pictures of him, but do not know his breeding. The next time I visit Inga I will try to remember to ask about him. Also, at that time Papa was riding an Andalusion named Manolito Pisador, not a Lipizzan. Tony rode Conversano Bona Sera and Inga performed on the long lines with Pluto. Conversano was their courbette horse. The capriole pictures that you see on the Royal Lipizzan Stallion Show programs and advertising are from a photo of Pluto. If I can, I will get that photo scanned and send to you. That image is also etched on Papa and Tony's headstone in Baraboo.
Jeannie
Wade, I am impressed that the Riding School has admitted women. I cannot see any reason that a woman would be unable to develop the same level of skill as a man. I always thought it had something to do with military traditions and such. If I am ever fortunate enough to see the performance in person, I hope to see women working with those magnificent animals. Why should this art form be any different from say, woment tiger trainers.
As for UniverSoul, when we took our students to the show, as guests of Mr. Cedrick Walker and Mr. Manuel Ruffin, The elephands were presented by George Hanneford, Jr. The others in the cast were Afro-American, Cuban, South Arican, and South American, and Oriental if I recall everyone. So, most of the cast were not white Americans but I thought the show had a good ethnic diversity and had no issues with it. The style of the show obviously caters to a specific niche market just as other forms of entertainment. The style of part tent revival and part circus was, to me, entertaining, exciting, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. We were all certainly welcomed by everyone and Riccardo Sousa (Cuban contortionist) and Wandi (aerialist and acrobat from South Africa's Zip Zap Circus) came to our school and spent an entire afternoon working with our ethnically and socially diverse students. If UniverSoul has attendance like it did here in St. Louis, everywhere, then Mr. Walker has found a market and knows how to tap it to the fullest. Is this really any different from when I saw Carson and Barnes back in April and the majority of the cast was South American and Mexican with a few Americans mixed in.
Curious as to why you asked?
Warren,
I was just curious because of your applauding the SRS on breaking tradition. What if their market and they tapped it, as they have done for hundreds of years was men only, would that be acceptable.
George Hannaford was not there because he was white, he was there because his act was available, and he would not permit, a black or Hispanic individual to present them. He was the only option if they wanted a elephant act, not a choice. Other rare white performers will confirm that. My son's act was asked about, "could a black girl work it? If not he would be all right." Why no Russian, Bulgarian, Polish, etc. Are we to assume not dark enough?
That is historically what is done with so rare of exceptions that they are hardly noticeable. The use of Hispanics, Cubans was not the original intent. After a few years of not finding African American/Black performers the other nationalities were used. That is a well documented fact. In reference to an earlier statement I asked about, "we are looking for someone to present a liberty act, no guys only a young women preferably Black but Mexican would be all right, and it doesn't matter how good they are, the act is easy" sounds racist/sexist to me. I wonder what problems other business's would have with that policy?
Carson and Barnes has traditionally used Hispanics Mexican as any show uses any nationality. The don't specifically seek them at the exclusion of other nationalitys.
Wade
Wade, I have little tolerance for racism or sexism. I believe, however, that a show producer such as Mr. Walker or Kenneth Feld does have the right to hire whomever they choose for their shows. If I do not like those choices, I can choose not to attend the show. This, in a way, does however lead to refering to the recent discussion of wages and such. I know, as you do, that producers often base talent decisions on what an act will take in the way of wages. I always admire acts who do not take crap for wages when they are worth far more. If Cedrick Walker wants non-white performers and can find them, that's okay with me. I respect Gerorge's decision not to allow an amature to present the elephants but Mr. Walker could have chosen to not have elephants, possibly found another act, but accepted the Hanneford act with George. It may have not been what he wanted but he made a choice for his show.
Do you think I am wrong to believe that women should not attend the SRS if they can do the work just because of tradition?
I was not putting Carson and Barnes down because of their cast demographics. I thought the show, with a couple of exceptions, was very good and enjoyed it immensely.
I attended a rigging conference in the mid 90's with about 80 of America's top arena riggers and there were only two women there. Is there some reason that women should not be riggers - at Universal, when I was rigging supervisor there, my best rigger was a woman from a circus background.
Discremination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or any other arbitrary basis is wrong in any society. However, when you are marketing a product, it often requires a specific target audience. To reach that audience, you often have to use specific people with certain characteristics. When I went to Saudi Arabia, we were prohibited from using women in the show so I worked my aerial perch with a black man. The illusionist used a Siri Lankian man as the box jumper because he would fit in the props. In our school, we teach web to youn men, use women as understanders for acrobatics, and have a male that does an aerial contortion using a lyra - not typical circus stuff at all. Of course, our primary goal is social change, not producing professional acts, but is is nice to know that there is a place, UniverSoul, that offers a somewhat easier path for our non-caucasian students if they are willing to work hard enough and achieve a level of quality that we would assist them in going professional.
Warren
Warren,
"I believe, however, that a show producer such as Mr. Walker or Kenneth Feld does have the right to hire whomever they choose for their shows." Does not the Spanish riding school have that same choice. Or do they need to admit females regardless of qualifications at the expense of a more qualified male?
Should the owner of McDonalds not have the same choice in deciding that African American workers are hurting his white customer base and hire only whites. Or that the white workers are hurting his black customer base and hire only African Americans
Is reverse discrimination not as unholy as discrimination.
The elephants were retained as many acts because that was available. Does that speak to quality if there had been a lesser act available with a Cuban girl?
Is a Miss America pageant with all ethnic Americans competing racist. Or is the Miss Black America pageant racist.
Speaking of Kenneth Feld, would ad All White UniverCracker edition be met with cheers or jeers? Sorry Ameria, you are more qualified but we were looking for a white chick or a white guy if we have to.
"a somewhat easier path for our non-caucasian students" That reeks of reverse discrimination. Would you stand by in your union if they said Warren you have to lift the heavy stuff but Joe and Bob don't have to.
Would you say nothing if they said Warren and the rest of guys have to rig everything over 50 ft. and the girls will do everything up to 25 ft.
What is "a level of quality". Doesn't there need to be a standard, in order to gauge at what level the quality is?
Just trying to figure out why the circus went from the largest form of live entertainment to just barely staying afloat. Without alibi movies, tv, video, economy, and the other things that everyone other live entertainment has had to deal with. I wonder if no standard/rules and everybody doing what they wanted had anything to do with it.
Wade
I think if Universoul was really about all that, they would really embrace tolerance with a true multi racial cast.Capable of performing the acts with skill and excellence instead of training amateurs to perform them, doing a pathetic job and perhaps
getting hurt and put another nail in the coffin of the circus.Teach "tolerance" by
living it.
Lead by example.
I had two friends Sugar and Spice,Chris and Ron Pace they were on Universoul in the "early days"
and were coming back the next season, then got "let go". WHY? she was white , he was black.They did a sweet excellent cradle act and perch pole.WTF is that about?
Oh yes and this dynamic act worked for years on small American tent and fabulous building shows.Shows that played rednecky rascist towns.The public loved that duo!!!In the true spirit of what I believe the circus is about, bringing new things to the masses,from electric lights to Ron and Chris ,a tall powerful dynamic man of color with his petite sprite athetic partner.
That is some harmony and love right there.
Rebecca,
What makes an act sweet, and does that make it a better act then it is?
In an effort not to be "racist" or "stereotype", what the heck is a redneck and a redneck racist town?
Wade
Wade,
Welcome to my vocabulary.Sweet to me means a great act, it was perfect .it had a beginning ,middle ,end.Music, wardrobe, tricks , presentation,public loved it .
Redneck, rascist.White towns in the south that supported and still believed in slavery. I can't believe I am writing this to defend myself !!!
Rebecca,
I wasn't asking you to defend yourself. Please don't be defensive. I was just asking for clarification, because it is suggested that redneck is a racist term used to stereotype someone. I was just wondering if you had a different meaning for it.
Wade
Wade,
In my vocabulary vernacular descriptive words such as redneck,hillbilly,inbred,son of satan,goof,jag,yahoo, first of may,showbroad, animal guy,producer,agent,working man ,toy man, balloon girl,hick,are not racist.For me racist is a derogatory word pertaining to a particular race.
Rebecca
Rebecca,
Isn't one of the terrible affects of of racism the stereotyping of people, by their belief, dress, where they live, what they do?
Wade
Wade,
Perhaps,but I grew up in a time where races were denounced for just being that race.In 8th grade a follow classmate wanted to end my race/religion.I lived in fear.I have heard persons brag about being a "redneck".If someone calls me a "kike" I cringe and I would never use that word to brag about my identity
Rebecca
Rebecca,
That's the point you used it as a negative connotation, which is what racisim/stereotyping is. I have a great number of friends who laugh about being a Kraut, a wop. I don't object to being called a Norski, and I also know many women who object to being called a broad as much as the "C" word. The context in which and to whom it is spoken. And when terms like redneck are used it stereotypes all who may be the same, forgetting that they may all be the same color, religious background, nationality or live in the same are, but they are all very different individuals.
Wade
Wade
Wade,
No No No.I am not going to agree with you.Norski oh please!You made that up just to have a counterpoint!!check!
Rebecca
Well, I didn't do a very good job of stating my opinion, did I? Actually, I did a pretty good job of stuffing both feet in my mouth.
Of course, if the SRS wants only men, they have that right. I'm pleased that they are willing to admit women to those hallowed ranks - provided they are required to meet the same standards of excellence as has been established over the past few hundred years.
Mr. Feld, the producers of Carson and Barnes, Cirque, or any other show has the right to hire whomever they choose. Unfortunately, I feel that way too often, acts are chosen based upon how much they will work for, not the quality of the act. By the same token, I have seen acts overpaid because of their name. Big name, poor quality or heat merchants. I'm not going to go into details or specifics because I do not feel that appropriate.
Within the case of Mr. Cedrick Walker and UniverSoul, there is a case to be made for determiningm developing, and marketing to a very specific niche market. Mr. Walker is free to choose whom he hires to create his product and since he chose to hire a Caucasian elephant act and a Chineese acrobatic troupe, for whatever reason (are there any Afro-American elephant trainers, owners, or presenters in this country?)
As far as our students who might want to go pro, I'm glad that there is someone who might give them a hand. Most of our kids have never been out of St. Louis, had never seen any live show until they came to us, and many had never had friends of different race, religion, or economic status before coming to us. Rest assured that we would never expect them to be hired by anyone, not Cedrick, not Kenneth, not anyone if they were not performing at top quality standards in my and my faculty's well experienced and highly critical eyes. I would do everything possible to stop any of our kids from accepting a job of presenting someone else's elephants, cats, or liberty horses because they have no experience with this type of work and I know the risks and also have high standards of what I see - even through untrained eyes. I do know that on UniverSoul, they would be in an environment sensitive to their background that would allow them to mature and learn the ropes so to speak so that they could progress.
I remeber Sugar and Spice and it was a very good cradle act. I also remember and worked with Satin, a female Afro-American cradle act featured on RBBB that was quite strong as far as cradle acts go. It is sad that the circus industry is still as sexist and raciest as it was in my youth. I didn't come from generations of circus, I was a kid who grew up on a beef ranch. It took a long time to be considered more than just a gadjo or townie because of my background - but finally I gained a little respect as people realized I had some ability and would produce what I was asked to do and more. At least with Cedrick, I know if I ever place an act there they won't be shved off to the side of the backdoor by the famous German bear trainer saying "out of my way, I am J...Al..., and you are nothing".
I'm ranting again and only making matters worse. I should be working on my lesson plans and rehearsals for Saturday so I had better shut up and hope this clarifies my thinking.
Warren
Rebecca,
With respect, I grew up in an area in North Dakota, which is predominantly Norwegian. They term Norski is one of the kinder used to define that Norwegian ancestry. Heard any good Norwegian jokes? Let's change to ancestry to Jewish, and see if they are as funny? The movie Fargo, did much to stereotype North Dakotans and Brainard, Minn area people. You are as wrong as wrong can be, to use redneck or show broad. Do me a favor never refer to me as a "show bum", lest you damage my pride and integrity.
Wade
Wade,
You are an "animal guy".LOL
I would never refer you as a "show bum"!!I didn't even list that term!!
Norweigan jokes ! there are none just pretty people ,great sweaters , tasty fish things oh yeah and good moisturizer ...I am stereotyping so you can be a little be correct , for once.
Rebecca
Warren,
Now you are getting it. They are not required to meet "any" standard. Heat merchants. That is another circus term. In other show business en devours they are called temperamental stars, justified because of their brilliance. Divas is another one. In typical circus fashion what is revered is given a bad name. If the circus has a knock they knock something else as worse, instead of looking at them selfs. Look at what we have discover about "the real circus" read the slam at zoos on Show biz daves site. Read the knocks at the rodeo and others on the "history channel"
I have told it in the past, but in case you didn't see it, I never thought about a circus or saw one until 1994, with the exception of a little dirty ripped up tent show that came to my town of 200 when I was 7. Beat up campers, one elephant in a truck, some ponies and a camel tied to a truck. My folks forbid me to go near it. After leaving school, where I was hoping to be a veterinarian I went to work for the summer at a zoo. I wanted to work with animals, and had no idea of what a circus was. I saw the GSOE and was so struck I chose to do it with my life. What today will have that same impact on a child, Warren. How I was "taken in and treated as one of their own" has been documented earlier in the blog. Remember when we first met. Did you know I was brought in to do that gig, because the tiger act had collapsed and two others couldn't fix it, and it had to be restored so it could be sold to Mexico, which is a death sentence for any animal. When that deal fell through the animals were sold, to get them off the food bill, to an individual who was shut down a few years later for a number of things, including breeding and fighting dogs. Did you know that Warren? You look at it from the air, I have looked at it from knee deep in shit. If anything begged to be regulated or shut down it was the circus animal industry, 30 years ago. It has changed, but it has a long way to go.
Maybe if people weren't so afraid of this warm and cuddly world they would talk about the racism,sexism, and other things that other industries have address. Please don't point to others as being worse, I am real sick of that after 35 years. I am only worried about this thing of ours being better then everybody, not everybody being worse.
I also am against reverse discrimination, and don't feel that any race need more of an advantage or help than another. Equal ground, each for his own, and the best man/women wins. Change that flaw in the circus, and there will be now need for anybody getting an advantage. The quarterback of a football team doesn't have the job because of his color. He can be any color as long as he is the best. I don't think Denzel Washington needs an advantage over Brad Pitt. He and others have done pretty well on their merits.
There is my my rant, Warren. You are one of the best debaters I think I have had the pleasure of conversing with in quite some time. Honest/intelligent enough to admit the mouth is full of feet without animosity. Nobody puts feet there but ourselves, when we speak with emotion instead of reality/facts. Let's change whats wrong,instead of pointing to other things as worse. Pointing is easy, changing takes courage. Which action will save this thing we love?
With respect,
Wade
Wade,
I hope there is a typo in your post, for which I thank you. I believe we met in 1984 or so and you were well established at that time. Otherwise, I'm lost in the Twilight Zone.
While I knew why you were brought to try to salvage the act that was collapsed by someone we both know, I was not privy as to what the goal of bringing you in was to be. I thought it was to recover the damage and return the act to functionality.
I actually think we are on the same page to be trite in my use of words with the need for change in our industry (I still feel a part of the circus even though all I do now is teach young people). I would like the circus industry to respect all, for people to earn their pay through quality, for the animals who are in our care to be provided for with respect and concern for their needs which they successfully or unsuccessfully meet in the wild but can, in cpativity, be met only through the intervention of their caregivers.
I would like to believe that having this forum as well as the others where matters such as this are making a difference. At least issues are brought out for discussion by those trying to learn (me) and experts such as yourself, Col. Herriott, and others who post here.
I hope that I succeeded in making a positive contribution back in the day by never complaining when the animal folks got prefered parking, required extra help, and I did what I could to help. When my rigging didn not need to eat, I bought hay and grain or meat with the hope that I might be reimbursed later when a promotor failed to produce. I shoveled far more shit than my rigging ever produced, and I still do today when I visit a show - most of my friends still in the business have animals.
Discussions and debates on this forum are continuing my education and I hope that I continue to learn what is really happening today, I can offer somthing to help the process move forward to where it should be. And I think you and I both agree on what that is.
Warren
Warren,
I thought I first met you on the Hannaford show. Correct me if I am wrong. The act was to be restored to be sold. It wasn't one responsible for the decline. It was a progression of three, Warren.
Discussion and debate is healthy and yes, Warren I love it as you do. The animals, the circus is a place to show them. Some of the young ones don't understand how it got to the point it was at. They weren't there. They arrived latter after the damage was done, and now think they understand. When news shows talk about the steroids in baseball does anybody suggest they hate baseball? Things will change if we understand what happened.
Wade
Wade, it was on the Hanneford show but in the 80's not the 90's, And I did not mean to imply that you were responsible for the collapse of that tiger act but that finally Tommy brought in someone who could fix a collapsed act and restore it to workable conditions. You probably know more about the history of that act than I do. That was very early in my 10 year adventure with the Hannefords and I was not privy at that time to all of the business dealings. I was to create aerial acts with the resident show girls, build and create props, trying to learn how to ride, and run the crew. I didn't spend a lot of time with the cats but did see you working to try to fix the mess others had left you. I only wish I knew at the time or had the time to spend with you how much I could have learned. Many a morning, though, we walked across the field to breakfast. I did become a pretty decent horse groom and even got some praise from famous riders for my vaults and fork jumps. Later got good at running cat chutes and had a good relationship with Sabu, the leopard, and could even work his simple leash routine. Never had a problem with Ina or that nasty Tina in the elephant barn either but always was careful. Had a special place in my heart for Chandra, who even after eight years chirpped at me when I last saw her and reached out to me when Struppi told me to call her.
I never knew much about the Hanneford tigers and had limited, much more so than now, knowledge of circus cats in general. I was a friend of Jewel New at Circus World, was tormented by Pat Anthony when he would intentionally keep that big globe inside the arena so I would have to come inside the cage under that male lion seated directly above the door to get the globe so he could laugh at my reluctance,learned to hate Horton's bears,loved Albert and Jennette Rix's polar bears, even though I have a huge scar on my hand from a battle with a cage door, and the list could go on and on about my experiences with animals as an aerialists. When I think about my career, it is strange that my most vivid memories are not with the aerialists, although I will forever treasure the mentoring of Faye Alexander, Gene Mendez, and Victor Gaona who helped me have a career, it is with the animal people who really taught me lessons of life. Were they all right, probably not. But I learned a bit, and now appreciate the opportunity to learn even more through these discussions to see what was right, what was wrong, and what is up for debate with others when all I have is memories.
Warren
Warren,
I thought when you said you met me on Ringling, that you had forgotten the winter of 81-82 when I met you at Hannafords, sorry.
Lets see how your memory is. Who cooked the best ox tail in the world at lunch time?
The tiger act need to be restored as the Giona family from Mexico wanted to buy it if it was a complete act again, thats why I was brought in that winter.
I am going to cut some jackpots with you, Warren Probably won't be of interest to anybody else, but it's not supposed to be of interest to anybody else but show folks. LOL
If you know Tommy you'll know I am not lying. Before he died he told what I am going to tell to a couple of dozen people about me. So I am just relaying it. What a one of kind man he was. The tigers had matured and had become a bit of a handful for Struppie. He called me in the middle of the Vargas season and wanted me to come immediately and offered me a small amount of money. I told him the money was no good, plus I was contracted to finish the season with Vargas. I gave him the number of someone who would do it for the money he offered and thanked him. 3 months later he calls again, and says I guy I recommended isn't working out. I said, I didn't recommend him, I said he would work for what you are offering." He offered me 200 more then his original offer making it 600.00 if I would come now. I said, I am still with Vargas so I can't come anyway, and I would need 900.00 if I could. But heres the number of somebody who will come for your money. Tommy said, "is he any good?" I said, "I don't know but he will come for your money." So Tommy hired him. 2 months later, I'm finished with Vargas and Tommy calls in a panic. "This guys no good, theres less tigers in the act then before. You are finished with Vargas, I think it's too much but I will give you the 900.00 you want." I said I can be in Osprey next week but I need 1200.00. Tommy blew a gasket!!! "You arrogant prick, you SOB, you young punk you told me you would do it for 900.00." Just as calm as I could I said, "that's before two other people mucked it up. Now it is going to be harder" Tommy started laughing and said, "you had this planned all along didn't you." I said, "no you wanted somebody cheap, you planned it." He said, "how do I know you can do it. You only have 6 weeks." I said, that's why you are paying me 1200.00. If I don't restore it, I will give you your money back." Now it was a Tommy Hannaford deal and that he liked and I had a great time. LOL
Wade
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