The Writer

While America was fighting its Revolution, this is what Pierre Jaquet-Droz was doing. Even if you don't speak French, listen with the sound on. They've installed a microphone by the gears.

[Update: The whole the wiki page on automata is interesting.]

Quote of the Day

"His exhibitions do not seem, however, to have been of a pleasing character, consisting chiefly in the imitation of every kind of human deformity. He could produce at will, and in a moment, without padding, the semblance of a Quasimodo or a Tichborne Claimant, his 'fair round belly, with good capon lined,' shift his temporary hump from one side to the other, project either hip, and twist his limbs into every conceivable complication. He could change his form so much as to defy a tailor to measure him, and imposed so completely on Molins, a famous surgeon of that time, as to be regarded by him as an incurable cripple."

Regarding Joseph Clark, 17th century "posturer."

Shadow Puppets

Hands down most amazing clip of the week. If you're not immediately impressed, skip to the mid-point, when he sets sail.

Until the equestrians and antipodists set up their own portals, the beautifully produced Juggling TV will probably stay the dumping ground for this kind of random footage.

For a taste, browse the most recent. (Try anything that doesn't look like a teenager in his backyard.) The historical section is also fantastic.

(Hat Tip to Little Paul for the clip.)

Novog Cirkus

The Zagreb Festival of New Circus is on! And the line up is astounding. Highlights include Australia's acrobat and Slava's company, Licedei, based in St. Petersburg.

Nassib El Khoury, Zagreb's adopted Lebonese son, has volunteered for the festival and will be giving reports from the ground. (God bless you, Nassib!) I'd be there myself if I hadn't already booked tix to Helsinki, where I'll be harassing jugglers with my dictaphone at the 531 Festival of New Juggling Festival.

Real Work

Booty Juggler is animated crack. Point are awarded for objects juggled and tentacle retention. Dead fish count double.

My current personal best is 15,100. I really hope I never beat that.

[Update: 36,700!]

(Via Drawn. Thanks JR!)

Truzzi on Rastelli

A fascinating interview with legendary juggler Massimiliano Truzzi, who trained under Enrico Rastelli (a.k.a. the greatest juggler in history) and talks about him at length.

(All roads lead back to the JIS.)

"No, that's a jester"

It's called coulrophobia. And shame on you for laughing.