Free Republic

Arnaud had been performing in Cirque shows for 15 years and was considered one of the company's most experienced entertainers, President and Chief Executive Daniel Lamarre told Reuters in a telephone interview. "We were very surprised, considering his experience, that something like that happened," said Lamarre, speaking from Tampa, where he had flown to be with the show's cast. "I cannot describe to you how the people feel. It's terrible." The death is the third involving a Cirque performer in the company's 34 years, Lamarre said, adding that the aerial strap act was seen as a relatively safe number. Julian...

Cirque du Soleil said on Friday it was canceling shows in North Carolina over a new state law that it called discriminatory, the performance group said on Friday, becoming the latest entertainment act to take a stance against the measure. "The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all ... Cirque du Soleil believes in equality for all," the group said in an online statement. North Carolina last month became the first state to enact a measure requiring transgender people to use restrooms and locker rooms in schools and other public...

Tooling around Panoramio, I found the Creux-du-Van in Switzerland, near Lac de Neuchatel. My first thought when looking at this was: "I'll bet they lost a lot of sheep on this thing." What's the Creux-du-Van? From Magic Places of Switzerland: Creux-du-Van And from Wikipedia: Creux-du-Van It's a cirque. And an impressive one. You can find it with "Creux-du-Van, Switzerland" on Google Maps. This is a good area for Swiss cheese, I believe. Click for full size. Click for full size. Click for full size. Click for full size.

"Alpine scenery". 'Nuff said. Well, maybe better said: "Spectacular alpine scenery". First two are of La Corne de Chamois (second one's not clickable for bigger) Look for the two waterfalls. Classic reflection shot of snow-capped mountains Waterfalls in the cirque