Coney Island has been an icon in Brooklyn for over 40 years and I wanted to do something there in the final week, while it was still in its original form. My mind raced for something I could do there as one last fond memory (besides ride the cyclone twice which I did) that would raise my adrenaline level. Then it came to me...something that would fit perfectly. It involved sharp household utensils.

You see, one of my friends happens to be The Great Throwdini, the World's Fastest Knife Thrower...actually he holds seven world records for it...he is known as a world champion impalement artist. (That, of course, conjures up images of pain and torture. But if it's thrown at someone else...it's considered pure entertainment.)

Throwdini and I have worked together several times doing TV (ie: Good Morning America) and live shows, (ie: The Great Ini world record side show in Coney Island) (link to blog from April).

Throwdini and I hit it off really well (not to mention that we are also both ordained ministers).

I remember watching his show back in April and thinking that his assistant had to be one brave woman to just stand there and smile while someone threw knives at her. I mean, think about it...most people run away from things like that! Here she was not only standing there, but smiling (and of course getting paid- but still, that's one hell of a job!) Think about it, one argument or one miss and it wouldn't be so pretty.

I remember when Throwdini asked for a volunteer from the audience. The poor guy look petrified. Luckily they blindfolded him. Which is a good thing, cause I don't know about you...but my natural tendency is to hold up my hand when something is being flung at me.... unless of course it's a Frisbee.

That's when it hit me! Well it actually didn't hit me...but I thought, "Hey I could be one of his volunteers! I want to see how brave I could me. I betcha I could stand there and let him do that to me...after all, Throwdini was the best in the world! If I would trust anyone with knives, it would be him."

With that I made a phone call, "Hey Throw...would you be willing to meet me in Coney Island on Wednesday, set up your board and throw knives at me?"

He laughed, "Sure Fran, but I'd throw the knives around you. Not at you."
I smiled, "Actually that sounds a lot better... I wouldn't want to come out like one of those cartoon characters will holes all over the place, and water sprouting out me when I drink."
He laughed, "Some imagination there Capo."
"Yeah, you know us performers!"
I was about to hang up but just had to ask one more question, "Oh Throw, by the way, we would be doing this outside...if a strong wind happens to gush by, it's not going to throw off the knives and have them hurling at me will it?"
He laughed, "Mmmmm, we'll just have to see."
Dead silence. "Just kidding Fran, you'll be fine."
I laughed nervously.
"Mmmm. Last guy that told me that, I divorced."

With that the date was set. I called up Brian, my camera guy from rockmetv.com and told him my plan. He thought I was nuts but he was game.

Before I hung up I said, "Oh, and Brian, can we get a shot of what the knives look like from my perspective, you know coming at me?"
"Sure, but you hold the camera...standing in front of knives is not in my job description."
I laughed, "Yeah, I know. I'm the adventure girl...I hear ya...we'll work it out so we are all in one piece coming home."

Excited, I told my son, who at this point no longer even flinches at my escapades. "Okay mom. Just remember to stand still and not fling your hands all over the place when you talk. Remember this is not something a band aid can fix." With that he shook his head and muttered "Good thing I'm studying to be an EMS tech."
"I heard that!" But thanks for caring." I kissed him.

My boyfriend was not as enthusiastic, "Fran, I'm not thrilled with you getting knives thrown at you."
"They're not thrown AT me, they are thrown AROUND me."
"Whatever, he just needs to miss once."
"Okay, please don't put a damper on it...its not like he's in a gang, and I just stole his drugs, the guy doesn't want to hit me...bad for business I'm sure."
"Just don't think it's a good idea. Can't you just once tell me you are going clothes shopping, or getting your nails done...something normal!"
"NORMAL! Ah.... okay, we'll see, whatever..."
(Which translated in Fran's World means..."lets not discuss it anymore because you and I both know I'm going to do it anyway."

At 10:30 on Wednesday morning I arrived at Coney Island. I did an opening of one of my other shows and then went into the bathroom to change. I got stopped by an attendant.
"Lady you can't change in here. This is a bathroom. The changing room is three blocks down."
"It'll only take a second...come on."
"No, if I let you do it everyone else will want to do it, and it will clog up the line."
I looked around, "You're kidding right? There's only 2 people in here. "I can change in the stall."
"No Ma'am."
With that she put her arm up against the door. For a second I thought I was about to experience an unscheduled knife encounter.
We debated for a few minutes, but she was set in her ways.
I got permission though to pee...and of course figured once I was inside the stall I could change...but I decided I'd do the classier thing...I'd change in Throwdini's car. Kathy Griffin move over...you may be on the D list...but at this moment I was on the F list. Ah, the glamour of show business!

So there I am at 1am outside the side show theater entrance.
I say thanks to Throwdini for coming, told him what the hold up was, introduced him to Brian, and asked if I could change in his car.
"Why? You look fine in what you've got on."
"Yeah but I want to wear an assistant like outfit...jeans just doesn't cut it."
He shrugged, "Whatever you want Capo."
So I hoped into his car (luckily he had tinted windows) and I pulled out a long velvet gown with a slit down the front...you know one of those tight dresses that you need to suck your stomach in with...the type you paint on. I then proceeded to wiggle into it...it had been a few years.)

Meanwhile since his board was already set up on the sidewalk, he and Brian were just chatting away. I could hear them both joking about how no one bothered to question him as to why he had a giant cutting board set up on the sidewalk.

While I was in my swanky dressing room, my belly-dancing sister, Shahira, stopped by with my seven-year-old niece, Athena. (She obviously wasn't in outfit, but I had told her I was having knives thrown at me and she wanted to see it. Hopefully not some younger sister revenge type of thing.)

So there I am in the car changing (behind tinted windows) and who do I see walk by but Wolf Boy from the Ripley's Odditorium opening night. Apparently he works for the sideshow there in Coney Island. Not wanting to lose an opportunity, I yell out the front window of the car,
"Hey Sharhira, the guy speaks Spanish...ask him if I can take a picture with him, or if he wants to be in the shoot."
"Frannie, I feel funny asking him."
"Just ask, believe me we are all used to it."

So she goes over and strikes up a conversation. At one point the whole thing struck me funny thinking how this all must look to my niece, the seven year old. Yeah, just another normal day in the Capo family.

While all this thinking is going on, I'm still trying to struggle into this tight dress in the car, changing stockings, shoes, and jewelry... the works.

I finally pop out of the car. Brian gives me this look, "Wow I never seen you so dressed up." I'm not sure if the way he said it was, "You look great, or Capo that is way too tight, remember the TV adds ten pounds." Either way I smiled...what the hell, it's was too late now.

I walk over to Wolf Boy and take the picture. I thank him, and my sister translates.

Now we are ready to do the shoot. But since I have no full-length mirror, I have no clue if the dress looks okay. I can't see what I look like. My sister is trying to straighten the dress on me. Throwdini is trying to be discreet but hints that my boobs are lopsided...my sister and I give the dress a final tug, and adjust it as best we can. I am finally ready to begin.

Brian gives me the cue, and I do my intro.
I introduce Throwdini and he explains what is about to happen.
"I will proceed then to throw eight knives around Fran."

"Eight! Wait! I thought it was one! That's what I saw you do with your volunteer."
"Nope, eight, four on each side." He smiles.
"Wow, that increases the odds, I mean not that you are going to miss or anything." (Just in case I hold my finger up and check the wind.)
"Okay, well at least I'm going to be blindfolded right?"
"Nope. Wrong again"
"No! Ah, Listen Throwdini, with all due respect, cause I sure as hell do not want to get on your bad side now...I don't think I want to watch them coming at me."
"You'll be fine. Trust me."
"Great, there's that trust thing again."
"Okay, back up against the board." He smiles.
I lean against the board, microphone in one hand, the other extended over my head, trying to add a touch of glamour to this... besides, I'll look thinner on camera if I stretch out my body.

"Ready?"
"NO."
"Aim"
"Ahhhh."

(At that moment I see this big woman crossing the street. She stops in her tracks. She has the expression of, "Honey, Is that man going to throw a knife at you...you better not stand there...run!"

While the woman distracts my thoughts for a millisecond, I am quickly brought back to reality and I hear the thump of the first knife hit the board.

Then within seconds the others were hurled in my direction.

With precision accuracy four landed on my left and then on my right...before I could react...it was over. I had survived in one piece.

Click To Play

Yeah!

Then Throwdini, smiled again...I could see the mischief in his eyes...
"Now for our second act!"
"Second!"
He says, ‘Turn side ways." He starts to turn me.
I start to argue..."Fran, just trust me."
"Again with the trust."

He then places a straw in my mouth. "I'm going to cut this straw while it's in your mouth."
"Really! Nah, don't think so. I fast talk for a living...I need my mouth."
"Just do it. You wanted adventure right?"
"Oh brother...he really knew how to get to me."
So I put the straw in my mouth, sucked in my stomach for the camera and stood sideways. I tried to say something, but the straw almost fell out...I realized, "Capo now would be a good time to shut up."

Then before I could flinch, in seconds I see knives in front of my face, getting closer and closer as the straw gets smaller and smaller.

Talk about a close shave! I look at the straw incredulously.
Throwdini had one of those Cheshire cat grins on, from Alice in Wonderland.

But as with all good tricks...comes payback.
"Okay Throwdini you gave me something unexpected, its only fair I return the favor....sooooo how do you throw these knives again?"

I now lean him against the board...I go to throw it...but stand backwards...when I turn around he is gone.

Smart guy that Throwdini. We both laugh.

We close the show, mentioning that Throwdini travels around the world performing...he is available for conventions, hell maybe even divorce parties (perfect to hire if you are mad at your spouse)...and if you don't want to leave the comfort of your home, he even has a DVD..."Fundamentals" where you can learn how to throw knives, hawks and axes like a pro! Hey, never say I don't provide you the reader with unique information.

We end the segment by giving his website, www.throwdini.com.

We shake hands; I change back into civilian clothes in his car. He packs up the knives and boards and he is on his way.

Meanwhile, my sister and niece have been standing by all along watching and taking pictures. My niece, smiles..."Was that fun Frannie?"

"Yes, Athena but remember, he's a professional...this is not something you can do at home."

She smiles, "Frannie, I know that! All of the things you do can't be done at home."

"True!"
I laugh realizing, that my niece as well as my son have not been raised by the typical parents. She sees her mom doing belly dancing shows and balancing swords on her head. My son has been raised around a mom who jumps out of planes, tells jokes for a living and thinks nothing of going down to the bottom of the ocean to see the Titanic.

Life is all in what you make of it...and in my world...anything and everything is possible...just the way I like it!

DARE TO DREAM!