Joining the circus (2)

If you are a bit squeamish look away now.

There are a few different ways of joining the circus if you are a frog.

Apparently, one of them is to die.

In Holyoke, Massachussetts there's a Dead Frog Circus. 

Created by a man with an interest in taxidermy.

And possibly a very rich imaginary life.

Stuffed dead frogs doing circus tricks.

Every home should have some.

Running away to join the circus

Having helped the Red Arrow frog to overcome his stress problems, the Amphibiotherapist has a request to make.

"Can I join the circus?"

The frogs get into a huddle to discuss it.

Finally, they agree.

"Let's start with something easy. Leapfrog. All you have to do is leap over the frogs."

The Amphibiotherapist gets into position.

And...

... falls a little short.

She tries again.

But this time only manages to get as far as the back of the stack - not the front.

Finally the frogs hit on a synchronised move that they think the amphibiotherapist can handle.

A Conga line!

Seeking professional help

The stressed out perfroming frog seeks some professional help from an Amphibiotherapist.

"Frog-baby, you've got to relax.  Watch me."

"Now you try".

The Red Arrow gives it a go. 

"You're still looking a little strung out. I want you to try again.  This time I'll do it with you. Now, on the count of three...."

"Better!"

Love me tender

We've met Frog Jones.

Now meet Elvis Frog.

Thanks once again to Freakingnews for this.

Honestly, I just typed 'elvis frog' into google and it was there waiting for me. 

There is nothing new under the sun.

World of Frogs - Viet Nam

This is a vampire.

So is this.

These are tadpoles.

And the connection with Viet Nam?

Viet Nam is where they recently discovered the Vampire Flying Frog.

Which looks like this:

Check out the Australian Museum link for more info

including a somewhat icky picture of the fangs of the tadpole.

And stay tuned for more Vampire Frogs.

The power of Grandpa Frog

Grandpa Frog, it seems, can make frogs appear out of thin air.

They climb walls...

 Make rainbows...

 Play chasings.

 Even Fluffs is not immune to the charm of "a frog of one's own".

Grandpa Frog just smiles...

Grandpa Frog - interior decorator

Grandpa Frog has taken up temporary residence on the ward.

"This is all a bit sterile" he said. "Let there be frogs!"

And there were frogs.

Quite a lot of frogs, actually...

World of Frogs - PNG

The frog consultant arrives in Papua New Guinea and is delighted to receive the keys to her rental car.

Positively glowing with excitement, she rushes to the vehicle prepared to take on the mean streets of Port Moresby.

But what is this?  "Reverse" is in the top left hand corner. How weird.  

Frog consultant tries to engage reverse gear but to no avail.

She calls on a local frog to help, but he too struggles to make the car do anything other than hop forward.

Ah hah.

Frog spies a radio, and calls back to base for back-up.

"Bravo Delta Bravo 289 calling frog base, over".

Frog base says "you need to find the knob near the gear stick and push down on that. Over."

 The froggy helper tries - but to no avail.

Eventually the frogs determine that the funny ring on the gear stick itself might play a role.

They push and pull it up into position and Frog Consultant is on her way.



And, as all good consultants do, she makes a note of lessons learned:

In PNG, push means pull and knob means ring.

Make of that what you will.

Up, up and ...?

Frog is inspired.

And decides on a new career as a ballooonist.

If only ...

... she can ...

catch one.

Frog in the House

Frog has a dream in which she sees herself hovering...

.... above the Parliament.

It is a sign!

Pausing only to placate the waiting journalists with a quick doorstop interview,

she enters the House.

Getting herself a front bench seat in the Senate

representing The Greens, of course.

And makes her maiden speech.

The Hansard records commemorate this great day: Croak, Ribbit, Croak

Frog goes slalom kayaking

Frogs are amphibious. Which means they like water

(OK - so it actually means able to USE either land or water. Whatever).

But what about white water?

Let's find out as Frog goes slalom kayaking.

My adventure begins at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

(Hmm - a stadium made of water. Who knew?)

I sort out my equipment...

And cleverly blend in with my environment.

(Can you see me? Can you? Can you?)

I check out the white water

(it really is white)

And watch how it is done

(eyes in the back of my head)

And then I test the water.

This is fine! I don't know what the fuss is about.

Come on in... the water is lovely.

(Hey - Amphibious also means "able to swim", right?)

With thanks to Beth Ross and Sam Lyons.

You can find out more about white water and the people who slalom on it in canoes at http://samlyons.id.au