Alexander Calder loved to paint, draw and create.

Alexander Calder loved to paint, draw and create.

Union says NYC firefighters had to shut firehouse to bathe a circus elephant on city orders. A firefighters union says a New York City engine company had to close its firehouse for 30 minutes to bathe a circus elephant on city orders.

Union: NYC firefighters were ordered to shut firehouse to bathe circus elephant in photo op. A firefighters union says a New York City engine company had to close its firehouse for 30 minutes to bathe a circus elephant on city orders.

Circus comes to town: Brett Favre's arrival in Minnesota brings much fanfare, helicopter chase. The Ringling Brothers have nothing on Brett Favre when it comes to making an entrance.

NYC council votes to turn Coney Island beachfront area into year-round entertainment complex. Summer on Coney Island was sweetness by the sea for generations who reveled in the tacky splendor of the Brooklyn beachfront.

PETA: Video shows Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey trainers abusing animals backstage. An animal-rights group has released a video showing what it says is the abuse of Ringling Bros. circus elephants.

It was a memorial service, but for Michael Jackson fans his final send-off on Tuesday was one last extravaganza.

Central Los Angeles was transformed Tuesday into a Michael Jackson-only zone where fans, helicopters and even circus animals converged in a fittingly surreal send-off for the pop legend.

Circus elephant parade through downtown Los Angeles before Jackson memorial. Hours before a public memorial for Michael Jackson, a herd of elephants were on the march through downtown Los Angeles in a fitting start to a circus-like day.

Performers for Michael Jackson memorial announced as LA braces for fallen star's final act. The stage was set Monday for Michael Jackson's final act as the world capital of make-believe braced for what could be the biggest, most spectacular celebrity send-off of all time.

Pachyderms outperform people in NYC cross-species eating contest, 505 hot dog buns to 143. In the fight of pachyderms vs. people ? the pachyderms now have the upper trunk.

Pachyderms outperform people in NYC cross-species eating contest, 505 hot dog buns to 143. In the fight of pachyderms vs. people ? the pachyderms now have the upper trunk.

Sarasota's rich circus history always on display at Ringling museum. Sarasota and the circus became forever linked more than 70 years ago when John Ringling decided to move the headquarters of his "Greatest Show on Earth" to the lovely Gulf Coast city where he spent his winters.

Sarasota's rich circus history always on display at Ringling museum. Sarasota and the circus became forever linked more than 70 years ago when John Ringling decided to move the headquarters of his "Greatest Show on Earth" to the lovely Gulf Coast city where he spent his winters.

Circus Parade returns to Milwaukee after 6 years. The Great Circus Parade is returning to the streets of Milwaukee July 12 after a six-year hiatus.

Today in History. Today is Monday, July 6, the 187th day of 2009. There are 178 days left in the year.

Animal rights groups say larger elephant displays invite more captivity, not better conditions. Seven lumbering elephants ? four of them newcomers ? are the star attractions in the San Diego Zoo's biggest, most costly expansion in its 90-plus years.