THE SCENE:
My kitchen: Friday, June 15, 9:07 P.M.
The family is gathered in the kitchen – as per usual – each occupied with their own activities:
- Sarah is eating and working on her own literary masterpiece, The Misadventures of Misery.
- VampireLover is preparing evening snacks
- I’m… Well, you know.
But one thing has attracted drawn us together: television coverage of the circus that has overtaken our humble city… And street. Seriously, cars have lined our street and every nook and cranny in-between. Over 100,000 people have descended upon Niagara Falls to watch a man overcome a number of obstacles that would only have occurred in my little home. I’ll get to those in a minute.
For now, here’s the skinny: if all goes as planned Nik Wallenda will make history during a walk scheduled for 10:20 p.m. ET, as he crosses from the American side to the Canadian side of the falls on a 500-metre wire suspended 60 metres above one of God’s most awesome creations.
Next to my wife, that is.
At any rate, here’s a very brief breakdown of a few of the pitfalls Wallenda has already overcome:
- BUREAUCRACY: The Niagara Parks Commission, (the local government Gestapo) fought hard for years to block this event. By the way, the Commission has been mired in one corruption scandal after another for years, but they’ve always blocked “stunting” as they call it. Ironically, they’re benefiting huge in fees and tourism revenue. Go figure, right?
- IDIOCY: The same government goons who stuck to their guns for years, but now they’re singing Wallenda’s praises.
- NATURE: The power of the falls themselves, and believe it or not, peregrine falcons who may still attack Wallenda as he crosses. Seriously.
- FINANCIAL HARDSHIP: As of a few days ago, Wallenda was $500, 000 short of his estimated 1.3 million-dollar budget to cover this entire operation. Of course, its still going ahead, one way or another.
- GREED: Many have made plans to benefit from Wallenda’s achievement, but few have come forward to help fill his pockets.
I’ve barely scratched the surface, but you get the idea, I’m sure. Its 9:39 P.M and I have to sign-off; its been a looong day.
Regardless of what happens, Nik Wallenda has already earned himself a spot in history. know I’ll never forget all the hoopla he brought with him…
Related articles
- Tonight: Niagara Falls Tightrope Walk (newser.com)
- Nik Wallenda Is Set to Cross Niagara Falls Friday (nytimes.com)
Last time I went to Canada, I was riding in the back of my parents’ van. It was considerably less exciting. C’est la vie.
You said it!
This post was fun as an echo….
Thanks!
Jacob Two-Two?
I know!!!! “Next to my wife, that is.”
Did you do something bad?
Why do you keep asking that?
I had to be doubly sure it was not something bad!!!
I hear you…
Nothing so exciting happened when I lived in Niagara Falls. Rats!
Sorry, hon…
Which side of the border do you actually live on?
I’m a Canadian, born and bred, buddy!
>Regardless of what happens, Nik Wallenda has already earned himself a spot in history.
- And so did the other guy who attempted suicide there last month. He belongs to the, uh, elite survivors’ club.
>I know I’ll never forget all the hoopla he brought with him…
- In a way, I’m glad for the hoopla. I read about this stunt (event?) in the TO Star and I was quite surprised with his story. Very different from my life.
Off your topic, but onto a topic that’s relevant today.
If your young teen daughter,Sarah, was compassionate enough to recognise bullying and want to do something about, it means you and your wife have done yet another thing right.
For a job well done, have the wonderful Father’s Day you (both) deserve, Hook! Hoopla optional.
Kate
As always, thank you for visiting, Kate. I hope Father’s Day doesn’t prove too stressful for you.
>I hope Father’s Day doesn’t prove too stressful for you.
- Not at all, Hook. I told Daddy everything I think he needed to hear when he was around. He told me he was proud of whatever I had done several times. The last I heard him say that he was disappointed with me was when I was in school. I was about 9 and I had attempted sharpening a pencil …. with a knife!
So Daddy’s happy wherever I think he is. And so am I.
Thanks for the concern, Hook.
Kate
You’re most certainly welcome, Kate.