I Can't Stop Juggling

Transitions out of a 4 ball shower?

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Labels: Polls

4b Tricks from Dreamjuggler

There are some nice 4 ball tricks in these videos.

Labels: Video

Interesting Threads June 6, 2008

These are interesting threads from Rec.juggling. Click on the links above the quotes to read the entire threads. The quote is the original post or a condensed summary of mine if it is a really long post.

purpose of juggling

It seems to me like everyone is saying that you should juggle to do new tricks that no one has done before. I see a trick that i like and i want to learn it. Once you learn that trick there are endless variations on that trick and endless variations on those variations, so why do people say its so bad to learn tricks you have seen before. In the future when you have learned all of these tricks that hav the endless posibilities then you can use creativity around them. This is how new tricks are born! Then if you are throwing all of these backcrosses and decide "oh wat if i can throw them under my arm and a backcross at the same time a new trick is born." I think that becoming an amazing juggler and learning all of the tricks you see is exactly the key to unlocking new tricks. Any responses?

Hi there

Anybody knows any cool transitions out of a 4 ball full shower?

-Matias

1up 4up Variation

Hi rec.

I was playing around with 1up 4up variations [1] last week and I'd like to suggest a trick for someone to get on video because I am not up to the challenge as I suck at pirouettes.

The trick:

(starting from 5 ball cascade)
1. Throw one very high and collect two in each hand.
2. Throw synch _split_ duplexes so that one split is much higher than the other.
3. Do a pirouette under each of the throws (3-stage pirouette?) and go back into cascade.

Thanks to anyone who attempts this and kudos to anyone that actually gets it on video.

[1] www.freewebs.com/multiplex/blog.html

Vova Galchenko Article in NY Times

Link to the article

wikidiabolo.com now online

Interesting Threads May 28, 2008

These are interesting threads from Rec.juggling. Click on the links above the quotes to read the entire threads. The quote is the original post or a condensed summary of mine if it is a really long post.

Definitition of "Squeeze"

What is the definition of a "squeeze"? Are there different types of squeezes? Thanks.

Jason interviews Wes & Jason interviews Wes: Jason's Version should be mentioned at the same time. I won't add the original posts because they are really long. These are really interesting reads in many ways.

The Juggling Crib - Lube

THE JUGGLING CRIB is a juggling related comic strip featuring some local jugglers here in Stockholm, Sweden. In the main cast you can watch bad imitations of jugglers like Elias Hedlund, Wes Peden, Peter Åberg and Jay Gilligan amongst others.*

http://www.informatik.umu.se/~svph0214/index.php?page=projects&proj=tjc

Feel free to give feedback either here or at eliashedlund AT gmail DOT com

* The script and all characters in this comic are based and inspired by real life situations. The following strip contains coarse language and due to its content it should not be viewed by anyone. The truth is always nastier though.

/ Elias Hedlund

Druggling

I was curious how other jugglers feel about JUI (juggling under the influence). I used to be a pretty dedicated gamer and liked nothing more than to puff a bit on my magical hippy pipe of wonder and sit down to a few hours of Halo or Everquest or whathaveyou. Now, thought, since I started juggling, after an evening of typical hippy antics I usually spend that time juggling. It is interesting to think about if my drug-induced runs are more or less productive than sober-minded ones (i am still not sure, but i am selflessly continuing to experiment as often as i can).

Any thoughts?

Hey there,

Check out http://wikidiabolo.com - the only wiki site dedicated to diabolo.

Feel free to add, change and learn from the site.

Seeya

Rich

Gandini juggling commercial

Labels: Video

xylocybin

This is a really really cool video titled "xylocybin" by a juggler named Georg Pelzer. If you are surfing my blog for juggling videos, this is a must-see video. I can't say more. Just watch it.

Labels: Video

Neverending progress #1

This is an amazing video, full of insanely difficult siteswaps. The juggler says he's been practicing for 2 years and 1 month. The title of the video "Neverending progress" is exactly what a person needs in order to be able to do these kinds of tricks within 2 years. I think the juggler's name is Pawel Witczak.

This is all he wrote about the video:

The first video of a new series. Some nice siteswaps in there.

I'm looking forward to the next video.

Labels: Video

Juggling Research Survey

There are some jugglers who are trying to answer the question, "Which is the most interesting siteswap [juggling pattern]?" They've created an interesting online survey. When you go to the survey, simply create a user profile (1 minute) and select the more interesting pattern you see between the pairs of patterns presented. Click 'next' as many times as you want to continue the survey. There are 70 different patterns which can be combined in a VERY large number of ways, so just go as far as you are interested, in terms of 'next'. Below is the original post on rec.juggling. Or, if you want, read the entire rec.juggling thread about it.

Hi,

I was talking to a friend of mine and this question came out of nowhere: Which is the most interesting siteswap? (Well, actually it came out of a couple of beers)

After that question, we found another: is there a "most interesting siteswap" for everyone or everyone has a different opinion?

We were so curious about this question that we created a web site to find out. The url is http://frodo.matcom.uh.cu/Juggling and we will need as many opinions as possible.

In the web site, you will be asked to compare several pairs of juggling animations and in each pair you should select the one which is more interesting to you.

When we have enough information we will try to find out if it is possible to "guess" how interesting is a siteswap using only the numbers in the siteswap, without looking at the animation.

Comments, suggestions and beers are welcome.

Fernando.

Poll: Artisitic or Technical Juggler

The Juggling Crib - laura

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Labels: Polls

Interesting Threads May 23, 2008

These are interesting threads from Rec.juggling. Click on the links above the quotes to read the entire threads. The quote is the original post or a condensed summary of mine if it is a really long post.

I like the idea of posting links to threads I find interesting, if for no other reason than I can find them easily when I'm bored. :-) So here are a few more that I've enjoyed reading.

Are there juggling-videos of historic value?

Imagine someone who doesn't know anything about juggling and its cultural conditions asks you for some juggling videos in order to get an overview about juggling and its development (18xx - today). Which videos would you show that person?

As there are tons of good juggling videos out there, I'm interested in finding out if there are any that one should have seen absolutely. You know, which ones are the essentials that still will be watched in 50 years or so because of their content. I know it's hard, but please try to mention up to 20 videos (not more!) that you think are important. Let's see where it gets us... have fun, thank you Jo

What the Duck!?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb7Qq8yHuKk

so let's see something happen. show me some action. make something new!

please and thank you.

/wes

THE JUGGLING CRIB is a juggling related comic strip featuring some local jugglers here in Stockholm, Sweden. In the main cast you can watch bad imitations of jugglers like Elias Hedlund, Wes Peden, Peter Åberg and Jay Gilligan amongst others.*

THE JUGGLING CRIB
http://www.informatik.umu.se/~svph0214/index.php?page=projects&proj=tjc
New strip every monday

Feel free to give feedback either here or at eliashedlund AT gmail DOT com

* The script and all characters in this comic are based and inspired by real life situations. The following strip contains coarse language and due to its content it should not be viewed by anyone. The truth is always nastier though.

/ Elias Hedlund

social desire

What do you all think about performers being valued or devalued based on gender presentation? I was prompted to write this after reading the new 'Juggling Crib' comic, but i hope this to be a seperate discussion on what perspective or experiences some of you might have on this topic. I have a few things to share that I'm sure are very limited so I really hope to open it up to everybody (particullarly those who may have unique experiences or perspectives to share).

Just a recently I saw a show where I woman performer got a super great reception. She had a nice routine, but I think people were really celebrating her in terms of her sexyness. Maybe I was jealous, but I realy felt that If I had done her routine, in the way she had done it, that it would not have been very well liked at all (by the same audience). I am not saying it was a bad routine, or that there is anything wrong with any one acting sexy on stage. But I wonder if audiences are missing out on women who may not to play it up.

Fun fact: I have been called 'a faggot' more times when I have been juggling than when I have not (even if you count junior high-school [that's 11 to 13 yrs or grades 7-8 in the u.s.])!

Sorry this is conceptually messy and probably full of typos. -brian

Four ball videos

I`ve seen quite a lot of really good and impressing four ball videos which I found on rec. juggling.

Whar are the best four ball juggling videos or four ball parts in juggling videos that you know?

All suggestions are welcome!

Best wishes and sunny spring greetings from Austria

Elisabeth

The Juggling Crib - language

Whatever you want

Here is a new and interesting juggling video by Sean Blue and Marcus Monre. Apparently this is a concept they are exploring for use in the IJA teams competition this summer. It's titled "Whatever you want".

Labels: Video

Interesting Threads

I'm going to start posting links to the interesting threads I read on rec.juggling which is an online juggling discussion group. These are from the last couple months. There are more recent threads which I will post soon. Click on the links above the quotes to read the entire threads. The quote is the original post or a condensed summary of mine if it is a really long post.

Combined halfshower-fullshower siteswap?

Hi there. Anybody knows the siteswap for a combined 4 ball halfshower - fullshower? Not a transition from one to the other, but a continuously pattern. -Matias

The Juggling Crib - Pilot

THE JUGGLING CRIB is a juggling related comic strip featuring some local jugglers here in Stockholm, Sweden. In the main cast you can watch bad imitations of jugglers like Elias Hedlund, Wes Peden, Peter Åberg and Jay Gilligan amongst others.*

I will be releasing a new episode every monday starting on the 28th of April.

THE JUGGLING CRIB
http://www.informatik.umu.se/~svph0214/index.php?page=projects&proj=tjc

Feel free to give feedback either here or at eliashedlund AT gmail DOT com

* The script and all characters in this comic are based and inspired by real life situations. The following strip contains coarse language and due to its content it should not be viewed by anyone. The truth is always nastier though.

/ Elias Hedlund

THE JUGGLING CRIB is a juggling related comic strip featuring some local jugglers here in Stockholm, Sweden. In the main cast you can watch bad imitations of jugglers like Elias Hedlund, Wes Peden, Peter Åberg and Jay Gilligan amongst others.*

THE JUGGLING CRIB
http://www.informatik.umu.se/~svph0214/index.php?page=projects&proj=tjc

New strip every monday

Feel free to give feedback either here or at eliashedlund AT gmail DOT com

* The script and all characters in this comic are based and inspired by real life situations. The following strip contains coarse language and due to its content it should not be viewed by anyone. The truth is always nastier though.

/ Elias Hedlund

Multiplex terminology

Hi rec.
I was chatting to Tiff a couple of weeks back and he mentioned a duplex (I forget what he called it) and wondered what terminology everyone uses or has heard being used to describe the first 2 of the following 5 duplex throws. I've labeled them using the terminology I use or have heard of from others but I want to know what others use.

(1) Martin Duplex Taken from the trick with the same name. Throw a ball with a ball held in the hand. Siteswap [?2]

(2) Slice Duplex Throw both balls but one ball goes straight to the other hand as a pass while the other ball is caught on a later beat. Usually thrown so the catching hand is directly above the throwing hand and claws the 1. Siteswap [?1]

(3) Split Duplex Throw both balls and catch them in separate hands. Common siteswaps [43], [54], [65] etc.

(4) Stack Duplex Throw both balls to the same or other hand treating both balls as if they were one. Common siteswaps [33], [44], [55]

(5) Cut Duplex Throw both balls to the same or other hand like a stacked duplex but in a staggered fashion so the bottom ball of the duplex is caught and re-thrown before the top ball is caught. Commonly used in Shower Explosions with the siteswaps [53], [64], [75] etc.

Thanks in advance to everyone who replies.

Danny

High patterns

I've been practicing 744 recently and I think I'm in love with high throws...

Any suggestions for some nice 5 ball siteswaps or tricks that involve high throws? It doesn't matter how hard they are (as long as they are possible), I'll start easy and work up to the harder ones or something like that, so long as they are prettyful.

Thus far I've only got 744, 94444, 5 ball box and d151.

-Thanks guys and gals :)

What is the value of juggling?

What is the value of artistic juggling or of sport juggling?

What are the practical benefits for individuals or society by having us jugglers around?

To Workshop Teachers: Re: Siteswap Workshop Handouts

If you don't mind, could you send me the files of the Siteswap Workshop Handouts you have used to teach workshops? That is, of course, you used one. I'm really curious to see what people have used in terms of handouts.

5b [53] and [64] Multiplex Lists

I have been using 3x5 cards with siteswaps listed on them during my practice sessions since last spring when I got serious about 4b multiplex patterns. The most recent card I made has 5b [53] and [64] multiplex patterns listed. Up until now, the only 5b [53] trick I've done is [53]25.

In order to make the list, I used a multiplex generator and then selected the patterns I felt were within my reach of ability or looked interesting enough to engage my focus.

*I have edited this post. The information below is updated.

I took my list to practice and realized I had no clue how to enter the patterns. So I brought my list home, plugged the patterns into a transition generator, wrote the 'In' and 'Out' numbers, and noted which patterns appeared to have a squeeze. I think that an 'In' of a 1 is like a squeeze, but it is easy to get around... just throw three high 5s before you throw the 1 to enter the pattern. Also, some of the patterns have more than one 'In' and/or 'Out' but I chose to put one of them in most cases (the one I thought looked easiest for me in the animator). The patterns where there are more than one 'Out' I used a / to seperate them. 'sq' = squeeze in the pattern, in case you want to avoid squeezes altogether. Cut and paste. Create your own practice cards!

Transition generator: is called ulbox; Danny Marden shared it with me

The actual siteswaps are big. The numbers before the bold ones are the 'In' and the numbers after the bold are the 'Out'.

Here are the results of the 5b [53] list:

Period 3

4647 [53]07 [54]0 sq
25 [53]25 [53]
1 [53]34 [54] sq
1 [53]52 [54] sq
25 [53]61 [53] sq

Period 4

725 [53]165 [75]500[54] sq
27 [53]327 [43]4/[53]3/[54]2
25 [53]345 [53] sq
25 [53]363 [53] sq
25 [53]525 [53]
25 [53]561 [53] sq
725 [53]705 [75]500[54] sq
25 [53]723 [53]
25 [53]741 [53] sq

Period 5

27 [53]3527 [43]4/[53]3/[54]2
25 [53]5525 [53]
25 [53]5561 [53] sq
25 [53]5723 [53]
27 [53]6227 [43]4/[53]3/[54]2
25 [53]6425 [53]
25 [53]6461 [53]
25 [53]6722 [53]
25 [53]6731 [53] sq

Here are the results of the 5b [64] list:

Period 3

624 [64]14 [54]50[54] sq
1 [64]23 [54]
1 [64]41 [54] sq
624 [64]50 [54]50[54] sq

Period 4

26 [64]271 [43] sq
1 [64]424 [54] sq
1 [64]451 [54] sq

Period 5

626 [64]1626 [42]
626 [64]1671 [42] sq
26 [64]2526 [43] sq
26 [64]2571 [43] sq
1 [64]4344 [54] sq
1 [64]4524 [54]
1 [64]4551 [54] sq
1 [64]4623 [54]
1 [64]6324 [54]
1 [64]6351 [54] sq
1 [64]6621 [54]
626 [64]7026 [42]
1 [64]7323 [54]
1 [64]7521 [54]

Let me know if you see one in there you have done or tried, should be on the list, etc. Thanks.

Labels: Learning

New Rueben Video

Here is the newest video from a young and talented juggler named Rueben. He style is fast and crazy. If you can't figure out what his hands are doing, just try to enjoy his skills.

Here is his Juggling TV video page with a bunch of videos.

Labels: Video

Great Michael Moschen Video

Link to the video.

Labels: Learning, Video

Poll: How often do you visit?

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Labels: Polls

Siteswap Workshop Handouts

Do you have any siteswap workshop handouts? I am collecting them out of curiousity. I want to see what kinds of information workshop instructors are putting on their handouts (if they use them). I'd also like to learn from them.

If you have an electronic file of the handout, could you email it to me?

eddie_provencher at hot mail

Labels: Learning

Portland Clowns Without Borders Benefit Show

From Leapin' Louie, Don't miss it!

Dear friends and lovers of laughter,

The 11th annual Portland Clowns Without Borders Benefit Show is just around the corner! Come on out for an evening of fantastic vaudevillian entertainment, and support this wonderful cause. And please help us pack the house by forwarding this on to your friends in the area.

When: Saturday, May 3, 7:30pm

Where: Da Vinci Middle School Auditorium (2508 NE Everett)

Tickets: RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW, online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/33371, or buy them at the door. Pre-purchased ticket holders will have priority seating. $10-25 adults, $5-10 youth 12 and under.

THE SHOW: The 11th annual Portland Clowns Without Borders Benefit show promises to be a wonder-full evening of laughter for all ages. Live music will accompany clowns, jugglers, comic ninjas, acrobats, and more.

Some of Portland's finest and funniest vaudevillian performers have come together in support of this great cause, including Nanda, Henrik Bothe, Stevie G, Charlie Brown, Zephyr, the Shoehorn VonTap Quartet, Fist of Dishonor, members and affiliates of Do Jump!, members of Kazum, Curt Carlyle, Barnaby King, the Nomadic Theatre Co, and Michael O'Neill of The Other Brothers.

ABOUT CLOWNS WITHOUT BORDERS (CWB): Clowns Without Borders is an international organization which offers laughter to relieve the suffering of all persons, especially children, who live in areas of crisis around the world, including refugee camps, conflict zones and territories in situations of emergency. We bring levity and contemporary clown/circus oriented performances and workshops into communities so that they can celebrate together and forget for a moment the tensions that darken their daily lives. In the past year alone, Clowns Without Borders-USA sent expeditions to areas of crisis across the globe including Indonesia, Guatemala, Southern Africa, Haiti, and Egypt. Portland is a hub of active CWB volunteers, and this annual benefit is their main source of funding. We are currently fundraising to send a group of Portland performers to bring shows and workshops to refugee camps in Liberia. Read more about CWB, our mission, and past expeditions at www.clownswithoutborders.org.

If you are unable to attend but would like to support local CWB volunteers in spreading laughter and joy in areas of crisis around the world, you can make a tax-deductible donation online through the Clowns Without Borders-USA web site, www.clownswithoutborders.org. Put "Portland CWB" in the item line.

Definitely not going to EJC

So my summer vacation dates were announced by my employer today. I will not be able to go to EJC.

Labels: Festivals

Re: Karas on the Duck!?

I can't figure out how to post comments on The Karasel of Progress, so I'll post them here.

Michael said:

In many ways, I think "what the duck" is really an argument that wes is having with himself. Many people felt like wes was unfairly chastising jugglers for not coming up with new material when in fact, my belief is that the video, just like the graffiti of "make something real" on the wall on the way to circus school, is a reminder to wes. Some people think Wes comes off as cocky in the video. I don't really see this. In fact, I see the opposite. I see a lot of selflessness and admission of failure and shortcoming. Wes admits that he is scared, that he has fear, that he has made videos strictly to please an invisible audience or WJF judges, etc.
In other words, "what the duck" is wes sharing an internal scolding that he has already had with himself.

I can understand this view. Wes has recently been at an elite circus school where, no doubt, he has been bombarded with ideas about creativity. The video was probably the culmination of his indoctrination into the elite sector of the creative class of jugglers in the world. It reminds me of my buddies in college who joined fraternities. They would be pledges for a time, learning about the organization, their culture, beliefs, ceremonies, etc., and then finally be made into brothers when they had shown their loyalty to these things. The same psychological process applies to joining a major religion, cult, or military. When you enter these groups, you must reject a part of your old self and put on your new self. Wes was rejecting his fearful, conformist self and putting on his new brave, creative self.

The problem with this is that Wes scolded his peers at the same time. Did he really need to say to the world that most jugglers bore him because they are afraid to try something new? Couldn't he have made his point by simply talking about his own shortcomings? I think this was Wes' crucial mistake in his speech. He should have kept his rant directed at himself.

Michael said:

"What the duck" is a call to change and a call to think.

I can see that.

Michael said:

Wes is clearly a lifer. There is little doubt in my mind that wes's life will be dominated entirely by the study, practice, and questioning of juggling. So I think we should encourage the fact that he is putting down his props for five minutes to think about why he spends so much time doing what he does. And luckily for us, he has shared these frustrations with others. Notice that he doesn't offer a solution. Nor does he say that he is following his own example. He admits that he falls short of his own expectations.

I agree, but with the reservation that he should have stuck with talking about his own perceived shortcomings.

Michael said:

If you are a hobby juggler with no intentions of performing ever, then I wouldn't worry too much about the video. If you are a hardcore sports juggler who really only cares at this point about perfecting juggling technique and execution, I wouldn't even put this video on your radar screen.

That's probably good advice.

Labels: Philosophy

Poll: Wes Peden's Rant

View the video I am referring to here.

Labels: Polls

3 Ball Juggling Video

Here is a simple 3b video. There are some good combinations in there. Cool style.

Labels: Video

Wes Peden's Rant

Just the other day, prodigy juggler Wes Peden posted a video of himself urging the juggling community to be more creative. Wes is currently studying at an elite circus school in Sweden. I think he is 18 or 19 years old.

The video has been received with mixed results. Many people are saying Wes came off a bit condescending or that his tone was a little harsh. You can read all the comments here.

This next video is a response to Wes Peden's video. I am looking forward to more response videos like this one.

Labels: Philosophy, Video

Juggling's value to one's self

In this post I will try to share some brief thoughts about the value of juggling to one's self. The value to one's self can be divided into two simple categories: physical/mental health, and social health.

(1) the value of juggling to one's self
(a) physical/mental health
(b) social health

If you juggle consistently for 30 minutes or more, you can increase your heart rate and work up a sweat. I think this kind of juggling could count as exercise. Everyone knows exercise is good for you

In terms of mental health, you could say juggling invigorates one's spirit. I know it does that for me, especially when I have had a particularly good practice session. Juggling can simply be good fun. A life with no time for immersing one's self into a pastime is sad. Writing this makes me think of the millions of people who are in that situation

Now I will make some points about the social health benefits of juggling.

If juggling is done in a public location, passersby have a chance to enjoy your pastime with you. The simple fact that you are playing where others can see you creates a good social vibe.

If people organize clubs for jugglers, you get to meet people whom you can share part of your life with, and maybe create lifelong friendships. Humans need social bonds.

Labels: Philosophy

4.25 years of juggling

I have been juggling for 4.25 years. There have been ups and downs in the learning process. At times I've wondered if I was learning anything, since I was clearly unable to do the tricks I was working diligently on. It must be true that learning occurs far beneath the surface of visible progress.

Out of nowhere, it seems, my last few juggling sessions have been on a whole new level. My 5 ball pattern is more stable than ever before and I'm consistently hitting new 5b siteswaps. My 4b stuff is going for longer and longer runs without drops and lots of variety of tricks.

With this new level of stability in my patterns, I am set to learn a lot of tricks this summer. This is one really happy juggler.

Labels: Learning

What is the value of juggling?

I posted this to rec.juggling yesterday:

What is the value of artistic juggling or of sport juggling?
What are the practical benefits for individuals or society by having us jugglers around?

My goal was to spark a discussion around these questions, however the responses were mostly sarcastic with the notable exception of the reply from "Mats1". Read them yourself by clicking here.

I've often wondered about questions such as these. I find they are difficult to answer. Regardless of their difficulty, I think they are deserving a try however lacking our answers may be.

Each one of us has a limited amount of time on Earth. How we decide to employ our time is completely up to ourselves. Of course this freedom to choose is limited by the social, economic, and political environments we are in. My own such environment is one of privilege and wealth. I have never been in need of something as simple as food, clothing, shelter, and medicine.

With increasing privilege and wealth comes increasing social responsibility. It is out of this reasoning that I find myself examining my own actions and their consequences.

So what is the value of juggling? One rec.jer replied with the question... to whom? A good question because the value stated will be different according to whom it applies.

I'd like to divide the question into parts:

(1) the value to one's self

(a) physical/mental health
(b) social health

(2) the value to society

I'd like to examine the possible negatives as well as the positives in order to get a complete perspective. I will begin with the positive... in my next post.

For now, if you want to read about another juggler's answers to the question "How can my juggling positively affect the world?", go to The Karasel of Progress and read the first three posts.

Labels: Philosophy

EJC 2008 August 2-10

Will I make it to the EJC 2008 in Karlsruhe?

I found out at work today that the Korean government has not decided when the summer vacation will be for public schools. I don't work for a public school, but my private school follows their schedule.

The possible dates are July 26 - August 3 or August 2 - 10.

If the dates are August 2-10, I am definitely going to seriously consider attending the EJC.

Currently the best price from Seoul to Berlin is $1155. That includes a 5 hour layover in Russia.

Going into Frankfurt would cost $1171.

Going into Stuttgart would cost $1461.

I'm liking the Frankfurt option.

Labels: Festivals

Korea Juggling Festival

Today I discovered the place where I want to hold the first ever Korea Juggling Festival. There is an outdoor amphitheater nearby the Lotte World amusement park that is perfect for juggling. It has high ceilings, a large round juggling space, rubber mat flooring, a stage, and seating.

Check out some pictures:

The thing to do now is talk to the local juggling store owner and get him to inquire about reserving the site.

Labels: Festivals

Poll: Learning Difficulty

Labels: Polls

Pumpkineater 3b Juggling

These are both rad videos. If you like 3b juggling, you will like these videos uploaded to YouTube by pumpkineater23.

Labels: Video

5 Ball Tutorial

Part 1: Getting started

Part 2: getting past the flash

Labels: Learning, Video, Yomay Tutorial

Yomay Juggling Tutorials

A juggler by the name of Yomay has been putting together juggling tutorials. You can find these videos on his YouTube page. I will post the videos on this blog also.

Labels: Learning, Yomay Tutorial

Mills Mess Variations

A guy named Reuben has been putting out some nice 3 ball videos. He uses a lot of loopy throws and quick hands while seemlessly changing from one pattern to the next. It's a very interesting style because it is very difficult to pin down exactly what he is doing.

Labels: Video

Poll: Choose One Prop

Labels: Polls

5b Multiplex

On the practice list yesterday were these tricks:

25[53]
26[43]
71[43]
21[65]6
24[54]5
24[65]3
26[43]5
25[65]61
24[22]3[543]

The easier patterns for me were:

26[43]
25[54]5
24[65]3
26[43]5

I couldn't get 21[65]6 because it is an "excited state" siteswap and I was unaware at the time. Excited state refers to a pattern that requires particular set up throws in order to enter into the pattern. I've since put the 21[65]6 into a siteswaps transition generator (which I think is extremely important to use if you are serious about learning siteswaps) and found several entries into the pattern and a single exit:

666 21[65]6 2
675 21[65]6 2
756 21[65]6 2
774 21[65]6 2
855 21[65]6 2
864 21[65]6 2

There's bound to be one of those I can manage to do, so I'll give them a try next time out.

Up until recently, the only 5b multiplex pattern I have really tried was 24[54], also known as the Gattoplex. So, there is a lot for me to learn in this area of juggling.

Labels: Learning, Siteswaps

Juggling Blog: The Karasel

Michael Karas, a juggler popular for things like Karas Kwikies (videos), and Whee-los (a juggling contraption?), has created a juggling blog called The Karasel. His first few posts are interesing.

If you have the time, I recommend watching these three Kick-ass Karas videos. They are really well made and have a ton of rad tricks.

"Heart of a Champion"

"Kineticut"

"Normal Like You"

Labels: Video

Juggling Pacific Northwest Style

During the month of February 2008 I returned to the US to obtain a criminal background check for my new job in South Korea. Going from a juggling wasteland (S. Korea) to a juggling superculture (Oregon) was a huge breath of fresh air for me.

While on this trip I was able to watch the OSU Jugglers perform for a local kids group, practice with the OSU Jugglers, practice with the Corvallis Jugglers, practice with the Portland Jugglers, practice with the University of Oregon Jugglers, and visit the new Serious Juggling store in Portland.

This is a photo of a carpet being used at the Serious Juggling store. I asked if it was for sale, but it was not.

Here is a short clip of a Portland Jugglers club meeting I attended. The number of people here would make a great small festival anywhere. And these lucky jugglers get to experience this every Wednesday night!

The University of Oregon Juggling Club has a great practice facility with high ceilings, sound system, and warm temperatures. I'm not sure what the name of the trick is that this guy is doing, but it looks cool.

My next trip back to Oregon may be in March 2009 for the Pacific Northwest Juggling Convention. This all depends on my work situation and so on. The University of Oregon has a MA degree program for teaching English as a foreign language, so it's possible that I may find my way to that region again.

Labels: Video

5b Period 4

Yesterday I had a great time practicing some 5b Period 4 patterns. Here's what I had on my notecard for the practice session:

7742
6752
7463
7562
6662
6734
7445
7 5681 44
6 6671 4
6 8246 4

I was able to get two rounds of half of the list. It blew my mind as I was doing them because, well, they're five ball tricks with lots of variability in throw heights, trajectory, and timing.

I think the easy ones were:

7463
7445

Labels: Learning

Nice siteswap video (balls)

Lot's of rad juggling in this video.

Quote of the Day

I am an old man, but in many senses a very young man. And this is what I want you to be, young, young all your life. ~Pablo Casals (1876 - 1973)

Labels: Video

Tossaball Hybrid Juggle Balls

In mid January I got a hold of some new balls (pictured above) called the Tossaball Hybrid Juggle Balls made by Jim at the Flying Clipper in Oregon, USA. To start off my review of these, I'll post information about them that come from the maker.

These balls are constructed with two layers of cover material with crushed quartz trapped in between the layers. They should prove to be stronger than all other handmade balls. Because of the “composite” layers of material, these balls will also hold there shape better than any other ball in its class. The crushed quartz filler trapped on the outside of the ball gives this ball some unique qualities. It should stall very well and also roll very well. The physics of heavy filler on the outside rim of the ball also give this ball very true and predictable flight. We use plastic pellets for the interior filler of the ball, which insures that most of the weight will remain on the outside portion of the ball. Another great attribute to these balls is that they are machine washable and dryable.

On to the review.

I can't speak about the specific process of manufacturing or of the physics of flight involved with this kind of ball because I don't know anything about the two aspects, but I can speak about my experiences juggling it over the last 2.5 months.

These balls are 2.8" and 130 grams and have 12 panels. Cost is $15 a ball. Out of the box, you will recognize their excellent craftsmanship, even if like me, you know nothing about making juggling balls. The balls are packed tight, giving them a solid feel in the hand.

I prefer a less tightly packed ball as it makes it easier for me to catch. So I immediately began using the heal of my foot on top of the ball while on the floor so I could stretch the material to my satisfaction.

I had been strictly using my Juggling Thingies by John Nord for a couple of years up to this point, so I think it's important to talk about them. These balls are supposed to be 2.75" and 130 grams, but I think they are closer to 3" and 120 grams. Anyways, they are a little bigger and lighter than the Hybrids.

Changing to the Hybrids has had a huge benefit to my juggling. I have found that I prefer the smaller and heavier ball. I am having much fewer collisions and more success throwing multiplexes and making catches.

Just yesterday, I washed them for the first time and they came out of the wash looking good.

In summary, I recommend these balls to anyone looking for a durable, handmade, machine washable, juggling bag.

CouchSurfing.com

I have just become a verified member of the online travel network called CouchSurfing.com. CouchSurfing.com is a place where people can offer their couch/floor space to people travelling in there neighborhood.

There are over 300 members in Seoul making it very likely that one could stay in Seoul for a very long time while surfing couches.

The discovery of this network is very exciting to me as I continue to plan my Do What You Love World Tour and North American Tour.

Labels: Do What You Love - North American Tour, Do What You Love - World Tour

Suggest a Poll

Do you have a juggling question you want to see in a Poll? Let me know and I will create a Poll for you like the ones here.

Labels: Polls

84717113

From rec.juggling, here is a post by Will Pennman on an interesting siteswap he discovered:

Is fun to juggle. I'm a big fan of 6451, and this feels like an extension of it to me. You throw the first one as an 8 instead of a 6, and it gives you room to start two of the balls in a shower instead of just one, then do something fun with the extra 1, and add a small 3 to make the pattern work out right. And voila, 84717113. If you add a 4 at the end you make it symmetric, of course.

Does anyone else like this pattern?

Will Penman

So far, just one reply:

Just tried it in my room, but didnt have the ceiling to do see what could be done with the 1 1 3. Seems like a fun pattern though. I guess 845151 is an intermediate pattern between 6451 and 84717113.

Louis

I just plugged 84??? and 84???? and 84????? into the siteswap generator to see what other kinds of 4b "84" siteswaps are out there. It's not an area I have explored much. I have tended to stay away from throwing 8's, but I think I'm ready to see what interests me with "84" stuff.

Here is some of what I found that looked like it would help build "84" pattern throwing skills or looked like it would be plain old fun:

84??? Period 5

57/84 84017 440/530
57/84 84017 440/530
84233
84242
84413
84440
84512
84530

84???? Period 6

845124
845151
847131

84????? (exclude 0;11) Period 7

8413345
8413363
8413525
8413561

I only pulled siteswaps off the top of the list in the Period 7 group. There is a ton more and I'd like to see all of them in the generator.

If you are into siteswaps, the siteswap generator and transitions generator is essential for your learning. The basic fuctions are quite easy to use. You can find the generators here.

Another useful tool is JugglingLab. JugglingLab can be used offline to animate patterns you are working on in practice sessions.

Labels: Learning

Juggling Subculture Blog

I just discovered the Juggling Subculture Blog today. I've added it to my side bar links because the posts have come out fairly regularly, the blog looks nice, and the content is interesting.

One feature of the blog is the "Store" where this blogger sells an 'I Juggle' t-shirt, sticker, and poster.

No Man Is An Island

Only 4 days back in Korea and I already feel the isolation of being a juggler in this country. It is quite dissapointing to not have easy access to a gymnasium/indoor facility to practice juggling. I did have a place to practice when I was going to Yonsei University during January, but I will not be going back to the Korean classes because I signed a new contract to work on the other side of the city.

Anyways, I'll be taking a walk around the new neighborhood I'll be working in to see if there is a suitable facility nearby. There is a small park outside my new apartment, so when the weather is dry and not cold, I'll have a place to practice. The task is to find an indoor facility.

Sweet Juggling Vacation

I'm at the airport in Portland, Oregon surfing on the free wireless internet at this moment. If Oregonians know one thing, it's the importance of free wireless internet.

My journey back to Seoul, Korea began this morning at 6:30 and will take me about 21 hours door-to-door. I've ended a 21 day trip to Oregon to get a Criminal Background Check for work as an English teacher in Korea. In those 21 days, I did a lot of fun things including juggling.

Just about everyday I went to McAlexander Fieldhouse, pictured below.

McA, as it is referred to, is where I juggled when I was on my own or with the OSU Jugglers Club. I've mentioned it before... Korea does not have very many indoor facilities that are open to jugglers, so McA was a treat.

I visited the Portland Jugglers Club twice, and the University of Oregon Jugglers Club once during my visit to Oregon. I stopped by the new Serious Juggling shop in Portland to chat with Ben and Ivette, and contacted Jim, owner of The Flying Clipper, about some balls I am reviewing for him.

I picked up some Dube wood cigar boxes, small flair bottles, and sent a Nils Poll Bowler hat to be modified by a hat restoration company.

During my practice sessions, I really got into using Juggling Lab, the siteswap generator. I'm beginning to explore more of the '4b multiplex families' I used in my 4b video.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip in many ways, but particularly with respect to juggling.

Wicked Cool Diabolo Video

Two brothers rock 1, 2, and 3 diabolos like I've never seen. High energy and really neato tricks.

Labels: Video

615714 is better than 534

I've decided that I like the combination of 615 and 714 is much more enjoyable than 534 which was for a long time my favorite pattern to juggle. It was my favorite because it is a mildly complex pattern with a very nice rhythm. After playing around with 615714 during this afternoon's practice session, I think it is a little more complex yet retains a nice rhythm.

You can transition with 55 or 64.

The combination can be started with 615 or 714 giving you:

55/64 615714

55/64 714615

Another fun transition is 734.

Labels: Learning

Multiplex Juggling Facebook Group

Danny Marden has created a Multiplex Juggling Facebook Group. Check it out.

HeatBands for Raynaud's Syndrome?

I found a website that sells special bands for people to wear on their wrists to help keep the blood vessels in that area warm and thus keep the hands warm. This product was designed, it seems, for people like me who have Raynaud's Syndrome (Disease), but is marketed to everyone.

http://www.heatbands.com/

The bands strike me as a fancy 'medical' wrist band. I think you can buy sporting wristbands at any sports store, use them, wash them, and reuse them as many times as you like and get the same effect of warming the area around your wrists. So I won't be purchasing the HeatBands, but I will give regular wristbands a try.

Labels: Learning

2008 Goals

My 2007 goal achievement wasn't great, so I'm a little weary of what to set my sights on this year. Instead of making a long list of specific tricks to learn, I will simply put general areas I want to improve upon.

I'm going to focus some of my time learning (no particular order):

Hat manipulation

Box manipulation

Flair

4b multiplex siteswaps

4b non-multiplex siteswaps

Insane 4b combinations

5b non-multiplex and multiplex siteswaps

It would be nice to:

Develop 2 stage act ideas I have.

Go to the Japan Juggling Festival.

Go to the 4th Ansan International Busking Art Festival.

Labels: Goals, Learning

Poll: Siteswap Generator