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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
On my way to present the Feejee Mermaid show at the Sugar Grove Convention in Warren, PA, last June, my car was completely packed with my tent, busker's table, sideshow banner, display case, costume, and other baggage. The only place to put The Wonder of 1842 was the passenger seat of the car.
As I neared the site of the convention (an 800-mile drive), I saw traffic on the interstate come to almost a complete stop. All traffic formed a single lane. I inched along until I saw what was going on. It was a roadblock. State troopers were sticking their heads into every car, jumping up on the running boards to stick their heads in the windows of big trucks. I tried to calm down and put on my most innocent, compliant, law-abiding face. This isn't easy for a guy who plays Fast & Loose as a draw to the exhibit. As I neared the roadblock, I noticed that besides the many state troopers, there was a guy in black body armor with an M-16. When it was my turn, I was asked where I was going, and replied politely. I was relieved to discover that all this was provoked by an escaped convict. The trooper showed me the photo and told me to call the police immediately if I saw anyone like this. I agreed, enthusiastically. Then he asked, "What's all this?" I imagined being asked to get out of the car, and to submit to a search. I tried to think of the words to describe what was in the case on the passenger seat. I have had people scream when they saw it. Once, a teenager threw up. A woman broke into tears. I do enjoy all of these reactions in their proper time and place, but didn't like the concept of an armed audience by the side of the road. I slammed the emergency brake on my imagination and replied, "It's a show." "OK," the trooper said. "You can go on. Have a safe trip." Yours, Paul |
Patrick Differ Inner circle 1540 Posts |
That's like being able to say "lollapalooza" in a foreign country.
Good thing you weren't wearing prison stripes...
Will you walk into my parlour? said the Spider to the Fly,
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I've a many curious things to show when you are there. Oh no, no, said the little Fly, to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair -can ne'er come down again. |
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