ANOTHER INSTITUTION BASTARDIZED:

In a Daring Leap, Ringling Loses Its Three Rings (GLENN COLLINS, 12/31/05, NY Times)

And now, ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, step right up and meet the no-ring circus.

For the first time in its history, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will present a new show to its audiences without three rings, or two - or even one.

When the 136th edition of the circus opens on Wednesday at the St. Pete Times Forum here in Tampa, where Ringling maintains its winter quarters, the elephants, clowns, aerialists and acrobats will roam an arena floor. In as big a departure, the show will have a story line instead of being simply a cavalcade of acts.

Next they'll get rid of the little flashlights you twirl around over your head.

Posted by Orrin Judd at December 31, 2005 11:29 AM