Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion (and Other Uncommon Tales from the Founder of the Big Apple Circus) is a celebration of Paul Binder's life in and around the circus. Drawing on thirty-five years with the show he created, the Big Apple Circus' founder and founding Artistic Director invites us inside the fence every kid peers through for an intimate look at the uncommon life of circus artists, their animal partners, and the roustabouts who spend their days in a world that is both close-knit and international, high-minded and low comedy, death-defying and ludicrous. Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion balances the weird and the workaday, the curious and the commonplace, the exhilaration and the exhaustion of life in the circus, with simple portrayals of ordinary people going about the business of achieving the extraordinary. "Rather than a traditional autobiography, Binder's Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion is a series of anecdotes spanning his circus career. Some are as short as one-paragraph jokes, while others detail meetings with celebrities, examples of how to deal with mid-act disasters, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into circus logistics. It makes for a fast and fun read, enhanced by photos from the circus and cute cartoons that accompany each chapter." - Jeff Fleischer, Clarion Review "... these stories make it easy to see why Binder is a beloved, respected figure in the world of the circus. A thoroughly amusing collection that takes readers beyond the big top." - Kirkus Reviews "... a memoir sure to appeal to children of all ages. - Blueink Review "... a fun mix of the sublime and the everyday and should entertain circus fans of all ages. Binder's love of his work comes through in each conversational chapter that reads like a friend sharing stories over dinner." - Clarion Review Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion And Other Uncommon Tales from the Founder of the Big Apple Circus By Paul Binder, Eliza Kingsbury AuthorHouse Copyright © 2013 Paul Binder All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4817-3190-4 Contents Acknowledgments............................................................ixForeword: Yes, Even You Can Juggle By Glenn Close.........................xiOpening Remarks: Paul on 34th Street.......................................1Drumroll, Please...........................................................5Part 1: The Road to the Big Apple Circus...................................Where's the War?...........................................................9Man on Back of Man on Wire.................................................13Law and Order: Europe......................................................17Southbound.................................................................21The Road East..............................................................25Istanbul...................................................................27Culture Shock..............................................................31The Buyout.................................................................33Zizi Je T'aime.............................................................35Nouveau Cirque.............................................................39Cold Water.................................................................45Mario's Sports Car.........................................................47Part 2: Tales from the Ring................................................Raising a Ruckus, Then a Tent..............................................51Law and Order: Comedic Intent..............................................59Lead a Band................................................................61Katja, Katherine, and Max..................................................65Gypsy Wagon................................................................71Rios Trio..................................................................75The Kid on Jackie Robinson's Back..........................................79Queen of the Air...........................................................83An Oaf's Errand............................................................87Mondo Cane.................................................................91Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion......................................93A Message from Grandma.....................................................101Elephant Man...............................................................103Howard and Bobby...........................................................107Triple Whammy..............................................................111Occupying Staten Island....................................................115Crime of the Century.......................................................119Two Mayors, One Ring.......................................................121No Ordinary Joe............................................................125Sidewall..........................................................