While I was enjoying my last couple days with E before leaving him and the circus to finish my journey around the United States, I spent some time soaking up the natural beauty of southwest-central Arkansas. I discovered DeGrey Lake State Park and pitched up the tent—my own, not the circus tents this time. One afternoon I noticed there were mountain biking trails, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to get back on my beloved bicycle. In hindsight I probably should have paid more at...

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    Since June, every week is a new adventure for me. When I was attending college, there was a weekly routine; when I was working any job, despite the newish experiences in the environment, it was still close to a routine. This summer has been the opposite. Situations present themselves in such various shapes and sizes, even if they do resemble a past experience—it’s in a completely new environment, with unique characters. This week, I’ve been bashed with the choice between fear an...

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Is it ever justifiable to steal from the rich to give to the needy? Is it ethical to do something bad in order to do good? I’ve been faced with this question since I was old enough to understand the concept. In college, I did a big presentation on "The High Cost of Low Price" about Walmart's practices overseas. Is the quality of affordable life for an American worth more than the quality of life for a Chinese? Walmart isn't the only one either, obviously. Monsanto is attacked all the ti...

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    One of circuses’ missions is to play on the concept of novelty. “The1^st Official Aquatic Circus in U.S.” is plastered on a few of the Cirque Italia trucks and novelty items are sold by the dozens every show.  The performances are designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, and children especially swim in the ignorance during the clown acts and intermission activities.

    What is it with our brains and the addiction to novelty? Is it something that’s been around since humans ...

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