Y'know, Steve's right. We should get to work right away to help Wanlu and Colin get here NEXT year.

-Philip

Thanks Philip

You know what, I just got an email from a Ms Allisa Kelly setting an appointment so she can help me meet up with Mr Terry Fator at VentHaven. That is of course if I made it this year. Wow, another reason to be sorry I was not granted a visa. Anyway, does anybody know her? I would love to meet up with Mr Fator next year.


Wanlu

My story is very long and boring. I'd paid for every thing months ago, including a Selberg figure I was going to pick up while I was there, before I realised that I was not intittled to the standard visa waiver.
I've not been refused a visa, it's just been moved to the next level of processing, I was told that might take a month, that would have been enough time, although I have now been told it's more likely to be 16-18 weeks, maybe intime for next year.
Because of various issues with children at University etc, this year would be the best for me to have gone but it's not the end of the world and I'm sure I'll make it one day.

I am looking forward to performing in the Senior Open Mic. A question for the veterans: Do I need to schlepp my own puppet table to KY, or is one provided, or could I borrow one? I use a simple Al Good stand.

Thanks.

Bob

Bob,
One will be available!
Tom

Hey Bob..I thought I wrote you an answer. Jeesh..sorry! As Tom said we do have a stand for puppets that you can use, so don' worry about bringing yours. See you soon!
Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

Mark,

I don't know if you noticed, one of our veteran family members, Mr. Salzman (wife Suzanne) was taken off of life support yesterday.
Don't know how long he will last, but our thoughts and prayers need to be with them in their hour of need. They are a very sweet couple, devoted to both each other and the art of ventriloquism and will be sorely missed this year.

Also, one of our "Newbies" from last year, "Capt. Joe" Joseph Radle and I had gotten to be buddies. In mid June I notice that I had not been getting my daily doses of cartoon email from Joseph. I called his house and spoke with his wife Anne to see if they had been out of town. She informed me that on June 3rd, Capt. Joe had had a massive heart attack and had passed. I will sure miss the almost daily dose of silliness from Joseph.

As much as we have come to look forward to the annual festival of craziness at VHC (our personal family vacation) it is hard when you get close to folks and realize that some of your "family" are not with us anymore.

That said, we are ready for the fun to begin and to spend time with the rest of the family and to welcome many new family members into our hearts.

Steve

http://www.thedummyshoppe.com

I am sorry for our loss.

-Philip

Maybe each year we could take a minute to remember those we lost in each previous year.

Great idea Neale.

Looking forward to seeing you again next week. Maybe this year we can spend a little more time getting acquainted.

Steve

http://www.thedummyshoppe.com

I hate looking in this thread, but I can't help it.
I hope I can attend next year.

Sorry to hear Wanlu & Colin are unable to attend this year. I was looking forward to meeting both of you.

Troy

Hi Steve..I knew about Sue Saltzman serious situation and have been in contact with her a couple of times. I didn't know about Captain Joe though. That's too bad! I feel for his family.

Sorry all this sadness comes out at any time, but especially now with the ConVENTion upon us. We will celebrate their lives by doing a great job at the ConVENTion this year.

Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

PS- Sorry I haven't checked in and posted more on the Café. I've been tied up with last minute details for the ConVENTion.

Hey Guys.......Keep us posted on the ConVention at WORLDVENTS.

Have a grand time...........(:o)

Conrad

Conrad is on Magic Café'. Welcome, welcome!!

Oh, welcome here, Uncle Conrad!

Final update:

VentHaven is now over. Super glad I came. My favorite part was watching other people perform. You learn so much that way and get ideas.

So it was asked of Terry Fator how he got his material early on his career and he said that he just stole the material from someone else. Then he said that everyone steals material from other people. Everyone laughed. There really is a lot of truth to this. Of course we should strive to be original.

I also enjoyed Sarah Jones from Australias performance. She is really funny. Mark Merchants Noseworthy was awesome too

So Jeff Dunham signed tons of autographs. There was still a long line even after an hour. For those of you who don't know jeff mentioned when he was 13 he came to his first VentHaven and though some might have brushed him off as a kid Jimmy Nelson was approachable and that was very affirming.

On another note I think I will seek out a voice coach to help me with my voice. Us vents use our voice so much that I think it only makes sense.

Welcome to the Magic Café sir

Welcome, Conrad! I've got one of your children!

-Philip

Noseworthy is Don Bryan's character