Recently I’ve found myself reevaluating and rededicating myself to what I believe really matters. To that extend I have to understand exactly who I am as a person. To evaluate oneself one must use outside modes of analysis, such as other people’s tests. This is not only true for me but for others as well. The other way to evaluate oneself is to take a step back and think about what one enjoys, finds meaning in, and drives him to accomplish things. Though for many of you this would seem like a first step, I began with the analysis using other’s modes of testing. The first was that of the Carl Jung and Isabel Briggs Myers Personality Test.

When taking this evaluation it was divulged to me that I am an ENFP. This, for those of you who do not know, means that I am Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. When broken down, the idea is that I think outside of myself, I look for answers in my common knowledge as opposed to facts, I perceive the world through feelings, and I watch the world and those in it rather than judging them on facts. But that’s not really what is interesting to me about the analysis on myself. The interesting part is what this means about me. First of all, the career goals that I have already set for myself that are performance based are right on the money for what I should actually be doing according to the very helpful book, Do What You Are by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger. Second is that it explains why it is that I tend to dabble and become so good at so many different skills, however I am so bad at things that just require me to understand facts and use them. This is why some test scores of mine have been so low and I didn’t care, and why I’m so good at anything that includes a performance end to it. This got me interested in even more talents which I plan on writing about later in this article.

The next test I have found myself taking is the Love Language Test built by Gary Chapman who wrote the book The 5 Love Languages. Now, I know some of you must be wondering why I would take such a test. Well, it is another mode of self-discovery to understand how one feels love, so rationally it’s the right choice. Well a strange thing happened for me when taking this test. Typically when you analyze something like this you tend to get one answer. However, I got more than one. I rated top on the Words of Affirmation, which makes complete sense since I tend to need to hear when someone cares for me. I also tested quite high as a Physical Touch person. This also makes perfect sense given that I am quite attracted to hugs. But what doesn’t make much sense to me is that I also tested high in another category, Quality Time. Though I understand that social interaction is important to me, I wouldn’t think that simply being around someone would make me feel loved by them. After all, when you’re stuck in a cell with someone for 20 years, you don’t feel love… maybe a little bit of soreness in the rear, but other than that… So this test was very interesting to me. I discovered something new for me.

Now that these discoveries have been made about me, I can move on to what really interests me, and even more, what I despise. But first for the positive.

My interests as of late have become quite extensive. Beyond the typical acting, comedy, communication thing I have found myself interested in abnormal skills. The first of which was a very practical decision. I have been interested in alcohol for a long time. Almost on an esoteric level. I have been interested for a long time attracted to what alcohol does to the human body and what feelings it can arouse or dilute. But also what the truths are behind it. From a very young age we have been manipulated into believing that alcohol will kill us as soon as it’s used and that one drink can cause you to get drunk and that drunk people are stumbling idiots. These cause many bad things to happen. First, it makes kids unhealthily scarred when they see their parents drinking. Second it exemplifies the judging christian influence. And finally it causes really bad acting. No one who is drunk actually acts as drunk as people faking it. Instead they try to hide it. People need to realize this. I grew up in a home that my dad would drink beer every time he worked outdoors in the summer, when he would rest, etc. Never to excess, simply to enjoy the taste. I have also developed the taste for alcoholic beverages. This makes it even more important for the information that I gather and the drinks that I memorize recipes for to be right. I have done much research and have been instructed by professionals in the field. This interest is strong.

The second interest I developed came from the auditions for my college’s most recent musical, Carnival. I didn’t get to audition because of my auditions for Orchesis, our fall dance show, however, the audition for Carnival said that if you had any sort of special talents that we should audition with them. This got me to thinking about the Italian traditions of Carnival and the street performers. Though the musical is actually about France, I didn’t know this at the time. Then it sparked in my head just like that. I want to eat fire. So I did my research and found every source I could get a hold of for free to learn the art of fire eating. This let me to the best source that I could have possibly found. I found The Professional’s Guide to Fire Eating by Brian Brushwood. This book taught me in theory how to do what I desired. And even more, how to build what I needed. I did not do any of the tricks in the book alone. Safety is the number one rule of the fire eater. I have noticed recently that I like to put myself in danger. However, the danger I enjoy is only danger of a controlled type. I like Motorcycles, Fire Eating, and I even one day if I can afford and can get around to it would love to sky dive. However, I am not the type to run out and play frogger with real traffic. That’s just dumb.

The third and most recent interest that has sparked my attention came from actually seeing the show Carnival itself. Within this musical there was a character that I found very inspiring and familiar. I connected with him, identified with him. This was the character of Jacob. He was a juggler. Thus, I decided to learn to juggle. Within a week I could do it. Due to my personality type, this is a totally normal thing for me to pick up on a physical talent so easily.

The fourth thing that I have been drawn to is also a performance related issue, and that is Magic. Obviously not Harry Potter magic, but tricks. I love deception. I love messing with people who will get frustrated. Since I personally am pretty much an open book, it’s safe to say that I should like to have something where I can hide. I have been learning many different tricks from a source that I do not wish to divulge here, but it is an interest of mine, and so here it is.

Next comes to the things I despise. I have a deep seeded loathing for certain things. They tend to have been started by a pet peeve that evolved into another until it was an issue that I couldn’t tolerate anymore. The first has to do with dance, a topic that I have a wealth of knowledge in. When it comes to the understanding of Ballroom dance one is driven to analogies to explain what it is like. Well first let me tell you what it is NOT. It is NOT like a relationship. A relationship requires a give and take, a mutual understanding of what is going on, a partnership. Ballroom is a lead and follow thing in which the man leads and the woman follows. If anyone tells you that it is a relationship they are a sexist pig. Now since that is the only grievance I have currently on my mind, I will hold off my other hatreds for another time, since it is not healthy to hold on to a grievance long.

Speaking of long, I have just realized that I have analyzed myself onto about 2 pages. For that I am sorry. However, it does give anyone who wants help a deeper understanding of who I am and what I do.

During the awards banquet, Anderson rolled back his sleeves and got down to some serious magic. He performed incredible card tricks, did some over-the-telephone magic, and even had foster parents join in on some of his act. And that’s when it happened … One of our LSS foster parents, Gil Leija—he and his wife, Angela were nominees for the “Foster Parents of the Year Award”—showed he was a man of true courage. No one is sure if it was prompted by the pecan pie he ate for dessert, the sheer excitement of finally having a night out on the town, or if his wool was steeled from the years of excellent foster parenting he has under his belt, but whatever the reason, when Anderson asked for volunteers to eat fire with him, Gil proudly stood up and courageously walked toward the stage. As if hypnotized, and completely ignoring his wife Angela’s desperate pleas to “Sit down at once!” Leija found himself staring eye-to-eye with Anderson who was demonstrating how to safely eat fire.

The unflappable Leija bent his head back, closed his eyes and, as we all watched in amazement, Anderson forced the flaming torch into his open mouth. Cheers erupted for Leija when he made his way back to his seat, grinning faintly as he thought of how his kids were never going to believe him when he told them the story. A relieved Angela was there at the table to greet him as she was hanging up her cell phone with their insurance provider to see if they were covered for fire-eating.

Lancelot hugged his Guinevere and became a hero for the evening. And so it is with all our foster parents: You may not be eating fire, but you are demonstrating your courage and resilience every time you take a child in need into your care. Perhaps we can all take a page out of Gil’s book and boldly walk up to the stage to perform a bit of magic when we are asked to.

I’ve been working for the past few weeks on a the creation of a new prop retreat and festival in Alberta. This year’s event will include 3 days and 2 nights of events, workshops, performances, music and more! Food and cabins provided! For more information visit the Spin Out website.

What a delightful and soul satisfying find this has been!!

Gorgeous humans, gorgeous textiles and topping all that – gorgeous performance art!

Bamboo dance, fire dance – in which they dance amidst sticks on fire, and fire-eating and fire-breathing in its original form – a stunning visual treat!

And add to it the beaded loin cloths that are different from anything else I have seen before! (click here to see the wovensouls collection for antique loin cloths from the same region)

A few pictures from my portfolio…..

Next, dancing amidst fire

Next – fire breathing…

The men take a large swig of kerosene in their mouths,

spit out a bit in a shower, light that shower up with a torch they carry,

and then keep that fire burning by taking more swigs and spitting out more kerosene.

Each performer manipulates his own ball of fire.

In a more difficult part of the performance, the whole group gets together to manage a single ball in the centre, and this ball is made to move around, by the individual performers taking turns in fuelling it from different spots……Watching that ball of fire move along the line of men is quite amazing – it’s almost as if the fire is a creature and is moving from one person to another.

The best set of pro quality images  are on display  at jainamishra.com

jm

]]> http://renfairepictorial.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/25-for-25paolo-garbanzo/ Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:03:24 +0000 Chris http://renfairepictorial.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/25-for-25paolo-garbanzo/ Photo #23 ❖ 2 days till opening gate.

From 2006 ❖ Paolo Garbanzo
Paolo Garbanzo: Winner 2007 Jester Tournament! Paul Garbanzo beat five other competitors in the International Jester Tournament to become the Fool of Muncaster Castle. Watch Paolo juggle fire on the Ball of Death!

Paolo Garbanzo
Video of his tournament show

I love magic.  Seriously, I’m like a five year old kid trapped in the body of a responsible adult… sit me down at the bar and you can amuse me for hours on end with simple slight of hand or card tricks.  Hell I even geek out to thumb tip tricks… (If you know what that is you’re as big a nerd as I am.)  I get so trapped in the illusion it’s slightly ridiculous.  Even though I have known (and dated) my fair share of magicians who showed me the skills behind the tricks, I am still that sucker who buys into the “magic…”

There is a difference between “magic” and “geek,” though – it’s slight and only really performers know the difference… it’s all mystical to the audience, it’s all the same.

Which is not the case: Magic is the art of tricking someone into believing you have mystical powers… hence “magic trick.”  It’s fake, it’s an illusion.

Sideshow geek, however, involves skill.  And, real danger.  Trust me, I know, I used to be a professional fire eater.

Princeton.edu defines the word “geek” as: A carnival performer who performs disgusting acts.

Yes… sword swallowing, razor blade swallowing, needle through the arm, nail up the nose, lifting cinder blocks via hooks in your skin, fire walking, glass walking, laying on a bed of nails, fire eating and other assorted geek tricks are all kind of disgusting.

But, they are also very beautiful and amazing once you understand the why and how of the act.  Geeks really hurt themselves a little bit each time they perform — for your amusement.  It’s true… twisted, beautiful and true.

I thought that I would share with you two videos by two very different geek performers… Harry the Hat Anderson (known for his role on Night Court) and Penn Jillette… Watching these two individuals perform are among the varied reasons I got interested in sideshow geek… And, no matter how many times I watch their old and new videos/shows, I am just as much in love with their individual styles of performance as I was when I was a rebellious 20-something sticking fire down my throat…

Harry Anderson Talks Geek

Penn & Teller: Don’t Try This at Home

(In fact, it was seeing the show in which Penn gave his “fire eating speech” that really sealed the deal for me as far as trying geek tricks…  And, Harry Anderson lives in New Orleans – he lived down the street from me when I lived there back in the day… I at various times dated a guy who was good friends with The Hat and bartended at a joint Harry liked to hang out in… I have met my fair share of famous people, but I used to get completely star-struck whenever I’d see Harry out and about… In fact my friend Kevin introduced me to him first – in 2001 – and, I literally stuttered over my words and got all ga-ga when he shook my hand…  That story still amuses people who know me to this day.  Harry the Hat and David Bowie are the only two people to render me speechless… I digress.)

And… yes, I can also stick a needle through my arm.  And a nail up my nose.  I’ve walked glass and fire, I’ve laid on a bed of nails – I can escape from a straightjacket in 30 seconds, impressive I know… And, I can perform some other random geek tricks… though I can’t eat a live mouse… yet.

Don’t try these acts at home, kiddies.  Happy Monday…

How about Master of All?

Sounds powerful.  Sounds like a challenge.

Dream big, and more importantly, do big.  Right?

Moving on to March 20th.  Today is the first day of spring.  It feels fresh – full of kites, cheap beer, burnt hot dogs, and rosy new sunburn.  Yearly aspirations should start today rather than the bleak of winter, January 1st.

I am 27 today.  Rather than listing the things I want to do this year, I’d rather list the hats I want to wear.  It’s open-ended.  Direct paths prohibited.  Figure it out as you go but just get there.

The Different Hats of The 27-Year-Old Kira:

1. Bee Charmer – It’s been my vision ever since I watched Fried Green Tomatoes.

2. Vixen – I received my first astrology reading from my new friend, Ophira of the Astrotwins.  Without revealing details, I apparently have an inner-stripper that is clawing to be unleashed.  Hmm… 

3.  Zebra Philanthropist - Striped cocktail event in the works for May!  Hyenas prohibited.  Cheetahs will be given case-by-case consideration.

***I assure you that I am picky with my bonnet and beret collection.  To prove it, I will share another list.

Beanies Kira Will Not Wear This 27th Year:

1. Troll Collector – Been there, done that.

2. Fire Eater – Maybe next year?

3. Mayonnaise Enthusiast

If you feel inspired on this lovely spring day, please share some of your new seasonal hats.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly, specialization is for insects.”  – Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

• Follow Kira on Twitter • Follow Kira on Facebook

I started entertaining when I was about 14. It all began with my fascination with magic. I saw tricks performed and I HAD to know how it was done. …so I thought and I thought and I thought until I discovered a way to do that same trick.  So I began studying magic and all the art that it entailed.

Next I wanted to try physical feats. Dangerous feats. I’ve done multiple chain water escapes and I love the expression and emotion that it draws from my audience. So it was only a matter of time before I introduced myself to the wonderful world of fire. Eye candy!

I began juggling out of boredom. After I had mastered three balls I learned how to unicycle. After that I learned how to juggle clubs. Next was fire torches, then 4 balls, then last year I went to South America and learned how to breathe fire.

These days I’m practicing the fire breathing and studying my new favorite toy “fire poi”. I’ve been doing fire poi for a little over 6 months and I’m confident when I say it’s been my favorite fire toy so far.

I’ll have some fire pictures up soon.

…Fire Time…

I mean, seriously! Just the thought of eating fire made me cringed when it was first suggested to me. 

At around 2:30 p.m., I was outside for a quick break when I mentioned to a couple of co-workers I would be doing a video on fire eating.

“What did you say, you get fired?” she asked me quite concerned.

“Nope, I was going to get lessons on how to safely eat fire,” I said laughing.

“Oh I thought you said you get fired,” she said. “Are you nervous?”

I admitted I was concerned I might burn myself in the process, but I committed to doing the video and although I knew I could back out the last minute, I was still stressed over the thought of putting something fiery on my skin, let alone my mouth.

“Think of it this way, you will do it because I won’t. And since I want to know what it’s like and I’m sure others too, you have to let us know what the experience is like,” she said.

That’s a good way to put it. There are so many things that people are curious about, but they’re too chicken to try it themselves. So I get to do them so I can share what the experience was like.

“But do I really have to burn myself, so I can tell others it’s not good to play with fire?” I asked myself as I went back to my desk, still stressed.

Just after 6 p.m. the tension I was feeling was heightened as my instructor, Carisa Hendrix arrived.

She was extremely apologetic for being late, but it actually worked out because the videographer had to quickly check out a potentially explosive story that ended up to be a big nothing.

Carisa was a real trouper. She carried all her fire-eating paraphernalia in a wooden box and a bag and I didn’t realize she had to take the public transit to get to the Sun building. Had I known I would have picked her up.

After a quick private lesson on how to properly handle fire, I was all set to try it.

Something was strikingly calming about her demeanour. She chatted me up and put me in a relax mood.

I almost forgot I was actually going to play with fire, and not figuratively, quite literally.

“Your eyes should focus on the flame and your ears on my instructions,” she told me.

“You have to follow where the flame goes because then you know it’s not going to burn anything,” she said.

First, she asked me to touch the fire with my fingers. 

My reluctance was all consumed, I simply followed her instruction.

I didn’t burn my fingers. I was ecstatic. It also didn’t feel hot at all, but I could see a flicker of flame dancing between my thumb, index and middle fingers.

She then taught me how to transfer the flame from one torch to another using my fingers. 

I did it successfully and by that time I was howling in a pleasurable joy that I could actually do what she demonstrated to me.

The tricks were getting more complicated and daring.

I passed touching the fire, and was about to move to teasing my tongue with the lit torch.

At that point, I thought, What exactly do I have to gain if I continue. What do I have to lose? Perhaps my playing with fire should end with my finger because I really didn’t want to suffer from facial burns.

But the flame was extremely tempting and I knew I’d be forever guessing what it must have been like if I were to bail out.

I felt like a moth that was ready to die and plunged into the flame.

Carefully following Carisa’s lead I tentatively placed the blazing torch on my tongue. 

There was no tingling, just a tad of heat. Rubbing a freshly cut red Thai pepper on my tongue would produce more heat, I thought.

And just as Carisa had cautioned me earlier, once I get the hang of it, it would be difficult to stop.

So the next trick was to transfer the flame from a lit torch to my tongue to another torch.

I was getting cocky at this point and felt like I’m a fanless and gigless rock star.

I just transferred the flame from a torch to my tongue to another torch, when the joy of such fiery success was rudely interrupted by the activated fire alarm.

Yes, my fire-eating adventure triggered the alarm in the whole building and halted people from their busy work.

My co-workers came down and checked on what was happening. 

Carisa was extremely apologetic. She said it has not happened to her before. 

I also felt bad.

It was awkward and noisy.

The annoying bell went on for at least 30 minutes, before somebody from maintenance was able to come to the building and shut off the alarm.

But the show must go on or at least must be finished.

Having regained composure, I asked Carisa if we could continue the video shoot outdoors.

She obliged. After showing me more tricks we concluded playing with fire, like nothing happened.

Eating fire is for adults only and if you’re interested check out LearnFireEating

Yes, on Tuesday, I’d be taking personal lessons from a professional fire-eating instructor.

I can already imagine what my fellow journalists would say, because often they laugh at me for the whacky things I’ve done for my weekly online column called Adventures with Renato.

Most of them think I’m ruining my credibility and integrity by doing these videos.

I often shrug off such comments because I simply disagree.

Having fun while doing stuff doesn’t necessarily mean one can’t be a serious journalist at the same time. 

I guess they don’t necessarily watch each video with a critical eye.

Yes, I sometimes look goofy when I present the subject matter, but what they fail to see is that each piece is actually informative.

Although it’s done in a light-hearted manner, every single episode attempts at bringing information to viewers, but in a fun way.

It’s meant not only to entertain but also to inform viewers of subject matters that don’t get covered in a day-to-day grind of news gathering.

Yes eating fire sounds circusy.

But haven’t you wondered what it feels like to actually do it, to blow fire out of your mouth, or at least create the illusion you’re doing such a thing?

I know I will be doing other silly things on camera in the hope of providing information in an entertaining way.

“Let’s do it in such a way that you don’t look stupid,” is a constant refrain I hear from one of the videographers who regularly shoot the video.

I usually don’t respond to that comment. I just do what I know my viewers would appreciate.

I may look stupid at some of the videos and that’s fine as long as the viewers get some information or at the very least a smile.

At least for 90 seconds, some people gets a good laugh.

A colleague asked me Monday, how long I think this adventure is going to last.

I really don’t know. 

For now, I’m readying my tongue to play with fire on Tuesday.

Feb. 1, 2010

fire eating display from Carisa Hendrix

Does it burn the throat?- No not when done correctly

Can you teach me?- No

Is that fire real?- Yes

Does it hurt?- No unless you do it wrong in which case yes it can burn your lips very badly.

Why are you facing that way?- The direction I face is always with the wind so that I don’t get fire in the face.

Where do you practice?- In my House. Fire eating is an excellent fire art for in doors it is small and contained.

Is that a marshmallow?- No although my fire eating wands look like burning marshmallows they don’t taste like it

Fire eating at the British Council

The MOU was the memorandum of understanding which I witnessed this afternoon between Universities Scotland and the Association of Indian Universities .  Witnessing along with me was Mr Thakur, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, who made a most interesting speech, talking about the educational reforms which the current newly elected Indian Government intends to introduce in the next session of Parliament.   The challenge is massive but so are the resources being applied to the task – some 16 new Universities to be built, to continue to support the output of 2.5 million graduates a year.   Half the population of Scotland !

In an interview with the Times of India after the ceremony I likened a MOU to an engagement – a declaration of serious intent which needs to be followed up by further action. Both sides intend to do so.

Late afternoon I met a leading Indian company which  is in discussion with SDI about investment in Scotland.   The omens are good and the deal is almost closed.   Hopefully there will be a positive announcement within the next few months.

Then this evening we had the fire eaters.  And the been players (who used to be snake charmers, we were told from the platform).   And the piper.   And India Alba, a wonderful combination of traditional musicians from both Scotland and India.

The reception was held in the British Council building  in New Delhi, an inspirational modern construction  with a wonderful courtyard, which was hung with Scottish banners and which formed a great natural theatre.    The drink sponsors were Bowmore, but alas their product was involved in a car accident on the way, and had to be replaced sometime after we had started.  They made it though, and the peaty, sea-weedy aroma (the distillery sits right on the rocks by the shore in the village – I can see it clearly in my mind’s eye)  overcame the meths which the amazing fire eater used in his performance.

"Should auld acquaintance ?"

The lone piper had greeted us on our entrance from a balcony way above the invited guests and after the speeches the been players and India Alba provided the perfect backdrop to meetings and conversation.   I was lucky enough to join then at the end for the most unusual rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” I have ever heard.

Tomorrow includes an orphanage visit, and conversations with companies who are investing in India from Scotland, and in Scotland from India.

But it has been a long day.  And the mouser…in case you have been paying attention.  A lovely black cat, a little like my own, crept across the courtyard and under the stage whilst the Director of the British Council in India , Ruth Gee was speaking.   A most auspicious start to a great evening.

The October 2009 SCDI Trade Delegation

The dinner for the SCDI delegation was an enjoyable event, and we had a good question and answer session at the end, which included contributions from a range of delegates.  Topics covered ranged from educational collaboration with India to the production of counterfeit goods (there is  allegedly more whisky labelled “Scottish” drunk in India than the entire production of every distillery in Scotland !)   The Commonwealth Games was also a major issue for discussion with the handover being of particular importance.   But there may also be opportunities for Scottish companies at the Delhi Games, and contracts for tender will shortly be advertised in key areas.

Pre and post dinner conversation took place on a roof terrrace and it was still warm when we concluded.   And it was warm again as the Scottish Government group set out for the British High  Commission and breakfast with the High Commissioner, Sir Dickie Stagg.

The High Commissioner was very helpful and informative, drawing out a detailed portrait of Indian politics and Indian opportunities.  The relationship between his office, the UKTI  Director in India Jane Owen and the SDI officials in India, led by Mark Hallan seems to be very positive and mutually beneficial.

Then it was off to the Culture Ministry for a conversation with Jawhar Sircar , the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture which lies within the Prime Minister’s department, just as Scotland’s Cultural Ministry lies within the First Minister’s portfolio.

Jawhar Sircar at the Indian Cultural Ministry.

We discussed a range of topics including digitisation of monuments (the “Scottish 10″ project), literary exchanges and translations, the Scots influence in Kolkata and performers from both countries featuring at each other’s festivals.   There were, at the end, plenty of points for further action and the beginning of a framework for longer term co-operation.

Later today I will be meeting the Minister for Human Resources Development, witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding about Education and meeting a major investor in Scotland as well as being part of fire-eating, bagpipe music and been playing.    More about that later !

The Fire-Breathing Ant of North Bay

Stay tuned for more inspiration at work …

Like to travel? Have a taste for adventure? You too can work at the sideshow that stars the fire-eating legend Poobah (shown here).

Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State Fair)

Louis Armstrong – Whistle While You Work