*A Night to Remember*
Friday; January 25, 2002-----Along with friends Adam, Jessica, Scott, and Scott, I attended the book signing party for James Taylor's new volume (#6) of 'Shocked and Amazed' held at Atomic Books. James Taylor is a co-owner of the American Dime Museum in Baltimore, MD. This thrilling museum also owned by Dick Horne, presents artifacts from early Dime Museum's and circus sideshows. Anything from stuffed unicorns, sea monsters, mummies, to hair artwork is on display.
The evening kicked off at 7:00 p.m. at Atomic Books in Baltimore, MD. The small, yet amazing bookstore (dedicated to comics and the bizarre) was packed with people waiting to buy Mr. Taylor's new book and have him autograph it. Joining him for autographs were Walt Hudson, author of 'Coney Island Baby' a short included the new book, and modern side show stuntman Harley Newman. All three were eager to sign, and share their expertise. Harley was even eager to share with us how to inset objects up your nose like a real side show blockhead. Afterwards the five of us presented James with a little gift--a tattered penguin lawn ornament.
After the signing, everyone headed to Frazier's on the Avenue, a local bar with a reception hall filled with enthusiastic onlookers awaiting for Harley's performance. Mr. Newman started off the show with jokes and a fire-eating act, then proceeded to swing a cup of beer from chains which were attached to fish hooks which he inserted into his eyelids; but the show didn't stop there! One of Harley's most famous acts came next, he lay on a bed of barbed wire and had audience members walk across him. More acts included Harley laying on a bed of only 4 spikes! Of course he couldn't finish the show without inserting the spike of a high heeled shoe up his nose, while Adam also inserted an awl up his. The last act consisted of audience members including Jessica and myself along with five others wrapping him with 7 rolls of cellophane. After his body was wrapped airtight with plastic wrap, we wrapped his head. A snorkel inserted in his mouth was then plugged with a cork and the audience watched, fingers crossed as he held his breath for close to 6 minutes. At the end of the show people left laughing, overjoyed, nauseous, or horrified by his stunts. Our little group of five left excited and wanting more, and totally satisfied with our evening.
Dick Horne and James Taylor holding Cover of James Taylor's Harley Newman (photo objects on display at the American new book. (photo taken taken from his personal Dime Museum. (photo taken from the the books website) website) museum website)
Photos from the Book Signing Party, taken from www.atomicbooks.com video cam
Fliee at the party (far right)
The American Dime Museum - for anything entertaining
The Harley Newman Official Website - for more information about the performer
www.atomicbooks.com - to purchase 'Shocked and Amazed' and other fine books