In an age where artificial intelligence is being promoted as the next big thing, we're incessantly told about how robots will soon replace humans and everyone will be out of a job. That hasn't ...

When Rob Lok puts on his clown makeup and costume and steps into his size 18 shoes, he becomes Rob Ringling, goodwill ambassador for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He's an advance man.

First, some history. The circus swelled in popularity in the 19th century, thanks in large part to showmen P. T. Barnum, James A. Bailey and the Ringling Brothers. Irvin Feld acquired the combined ...