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August 8, 2000, Festival
of Fins
Today we are talking to Loanshark. We are still in New Orleans
at the Festival of Fins, but today's guest has a unique interest
in the cowparade exhibits going on in New York as well as those
planned for next year, including one in Honolulu. Isn't that right,
Loan?
"That's right Urban, I'm one of the financial backers behind
the newly formed CowParade Holding Corporation. It was an opportunity
that was just too good to pass up. I mean, these things are huge,
and they are going to get bigger before the fad dies down."
(See related story on the CowParade Holding Corp.-- http://www.ew.com/ew/archive/0,1798,1|29023|0|cow,00.html--Urban)
It does seem like it is a growing art movement, with more and
more cities getting in on the act. So do you see it as a good
way to help cities increase tourism and create art representative
of their communities?
"Uh, yeah, sure, Urban, that sounds great. I just bought
into cause my analysts told me it would be a good way to make
money. You did notice my name, didn't you?"
Yes, Loanshark. I was wondering if you thought that name was derogatory
in any way.
"Supposing you called me a loanhuman, now that I might find
offensive. I even suppose that if you called some of these other
fish down here that they might get upset. But in this case it's
purely descriptive, and I might ad, accurate, so why should I
complain. It makes it easy for people to find me. It's good for
business. There is always someone desperate for money. So they
come to me. They may not like me, but if I was here to be liked,
I'd call myself Brittney Spearfish. As it is, I make lots of dough,
and that's fine with me."
"I know some of the fish aren't too happy with being out
of the water all summer. But yet you don't seem to mind. You obviously
could afford to be elsewhere, yet you remain in the festival.
Some might say you are trying to soften your image."
Ha! That's a good one, Urban. I'm out here every day, cause it's
good for business. You got to be seen to get customers. And hey,
don't spread it around, but I'm not really out of the water. I'm
staying at the new Harrah's casino right outside the Quarter.
I get the whole pool to myself after they kick the hotel guests
out when the pool closes at ten o'clock. I get a good soak, then
get back out here early and go at it another day. A couple more
years of these public art things and I'll be able to buy my own
ocean, or at least gulf, and retire in style.
"What would you do then, in retirement?"
Can't think about that quite yet, Urban, my boy, I've got to concentrate
on making money. This may look easy, but it's work. Hard work."
I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of you in the coming years
then, Loanshark.
"I'll be right here when you need me, Urban. Can I do anything
for you now? I can't imagine you have much of an expense account."
I think I'll try and manage on my own, but thanks for the offer.
And thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy work day
to chat with us.
"Hey, free advertising. What, do you think I'm crazy? Come
back and talk any time. All publicity is good in my business.
It's like politics. All that matters is getting your name out
there more than the other guy."
Well, thanks again.
This is Urban Sinclair reporting.
