Read it and believe it ... or not!

The January 1, 2002 issue of Weekly World News carried the amazing headline about a ventriloquist in a coma whose dummy was still talking! It took place in Germany. It seems ventriloquist, Ernest Fleener, was rushed to the hospital as a result of an auto accident where he spent a month in a deep coma. But doctors and nurses reported that they heard a muffled voice coming from the patient's suitcase, requesting a "sponge bath", and "Hey girlie, carve your phone number into my arm!", or "Wooden you like to spend some time with me?"

Theories as to what caused such a highly unusual occurrence included the fact that there was an unstable ion storm passing over northern England at the time of the accident. Scientists conjecture the powerfully charged particles could have caused an event referred to as the "Pinocchio Syndrome," named for particular effects these ions have on wood.

Believe it ... OR NOT! But it is true that this report was actually published in the Weekly World News and George Boosey has provided a copy as a prize in today's drawing. The winner (depending upon how you view this unique prize) is: Gay Morgan

On display ...

Canon John Jordan's son was visiting Washington DC and the Smithsonian today. He sent this photo of the original Charlie McCarthy to his Father who forwarded the image to me. In the past I've received other photos of this display, and they do bring fond memories. But the ageless Charlie always strikes me as appearing a bit lonely, even with the hundreds of people who stop to gaze at him from the other side the glass.

Reader Writes ...

From James F. Elliott

"Hi, Clinton. I just finished reading your NV Giveaway so thought I would drag out the case that I have kept everything from Maher Studios over the years (Envelopes, Invoices, Letters, etc) until NAAV membership was no longer to be. The electronic age may be quicker but I miss the old days.

"I just went through my collection of Newsy Vents (1985-2005) and my Maher Messenger (1992-1997). Every edition that I received was read from cover to cover, Catalogs dating from 1983-2005, other mementos that I collected over the years and stored elsewhere until NAAV membership was terminated by Maher Studios.

"I don't remember my original membership number because I can't remember when I originally joined (could be that old age is creeping in?) because somewhere during my membership it was lost and your wife reassigned a new one (556).

"My most treasured are letters from your daughter, Dawn, when she was in China. An article written in the Rocky Mountain News (5 Mar 86) under Lifestyles entitled 'Pulling Strings' was a very interesting article about you and I have kept it with everything else that I save over the years.

"Although it has been many years since we have seen each other and the correspondence we have shared has been limited, I haven't forgotten how special you and your wife are and always will be. God bless you, your wife, and your entire family."
* * * * *
Reprinted by permission

Mark Wade Writes

DO YOU NEED MORE PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT?

In today's competitive market place, having a good appearance on stage can mean a lot. You not only have to personally look good, but your equipment should also say, "Hey, I know what I'm doing!" Like it or not, people make judgement calls about you and your show even before you start setting up your equipment, so it's necessary to take time to groom every element of your performance.

I say start with your car. That's right, people judge you by how well you take care of your car. Now, I am not saying go out and buy the newest, most expensive auto you can find ... far from that. But is your car presentable? Is the car clean? If not, run it through a car wash for a few dollars. Take a cloth and wipe off the dashboard, and for Pete's sake, don't litter your car with a lot of fast food wrappers and bags. I had a principal once tell me (about another act that visited his school), "I knew the guy wouldn't be any good ... his car was dirty and messy. It's probably how he will do the act!" A snap judgement by the principal, yes, but still, we have to live with those judgements as entertainers.

Take an inventory of your equipment. Does it need to be cleaned, repaired, repainted, or just thrown away? Taking a few moments to clean and touch up your equipment makes the show look better, and makes YOU feel better. Same thing with your puppets. Make sure you very gently wash their faces and hands, and clean the clothes as well, if you can. Get case covers made to cover your trunks and equipment so the weather doesn't age your show. And if you do use suitcases and bags to transport your items, make sure they look good as well. I try to match up all the covers by having them all made from black material, or I purchase suitcases and bags that are the same color, usually black.

While you're at it, take a look at your performance clothes. Do they need cleaning? Or, do they need replacing? I hope you don't think I am going overboard, but it's the attention to the little things that contribute to a great act. Make sure you are not working against yourself ... take time to be picky!

markwade@kishowvent.com

#3 N/V Give Away

Today's Newsy Vents set is made up of four issues from the year 1981. I believe a total of seven issues were published in 1981. It was the year I decided to try monthly publication of Newsy Vents, mailed by USPS Second Class Rate. The cost savings on postage pretty much covered the additional cost of printing. But it only took about a year of monthly publication for me to decide the extra labor required was a cost too great to bear - not to mention the nuisance interruptions we were required to endure as a result of quarterly office inspections by a postal official to check our mailing and subscription lists to be certain we continued to meet rigid postal regulations. It was an interesting education. I'm awarding the set of back issues to: Ken Howell.

"Tact" is the art of crtiquing

a ventriloquist friend without

making an enemy.

Newsy Vents, Volume 39, Isuue No. 3, Nov. 1981

Final Dialogue Give Away

This, the final Dialogue magazine giveaway, the Fall 1991 issue, features a lengthy report of the 17th annual Ventriloquist ConVENTion (1991). Marsha Hjulstrom and her Talking Tree were open mike performers and are pictured on the front cover of this issue.

One of the many pictures on the inner pages was a group shot of the 1991 contest winners:

(Left to Right) Senior contestant, Bob Mager; Originality Award Winner, Nick Pawlow; Senior Contestant, Yvette Campbell; And Junior Contestants, Joey Brunstetter and Denny Baker. (Photo by Bob Ladd)

I'm awarding this Dialogue issue via today's drawing to Nina Cooper.

My thanks again to Bob Abdou for providing these rare back issues for our daily prize drawings this week!

Banquet Performing (NEW)

Read what Ian Varella has to say about Dale Brown's, Banquet Performing:

"If you are looking for a way to make your banquet shows more fun and memorable, look no further than this book.

"In 1987 I was performing a magic show that included one ventriloquist routine. As a recent college graduate, I was young and single and wanted to see the world. I began applying to various cruise ship companies to gain employment and quickly learned that it was much easier to get booked on a ship as a ventriloquist than as a magician. I quickly began reading every dialogue book I could get my hands on to build a necessary repertoire of routines. One of my main sources was Maher Studios, and one of the books I ordered was the book you are about to read (Dale Brown's, Banquet Performing).

"Today, no matter where I go to perform banquets, I hear the same comment, 'That was great the way you worked our names into your show. You really got Fred good!'

"If you really want to learn how to 'get Fred' in a good natured, memorable and professional manner ... read this book."

* * * * * *

From Mr. D: And now it gets even better - Dale Brown has rewritten, updated, and expanded his original Banquet Performing book. He more than doubled the content with expanded tips, ideas, and examples, including the part about "How to Customize Your Show" which Ian refers to above. Even if you own the original book published by Maher Studios, I recommend you purchase the revised edition from Dale. You will be glad you did. Just go to http://www.dale-brown.com/ and click on "Store".

Now, thanks to Dale, I have two copies of his new book in hand to award in today's drawing. They go to: Scott Hawkins and Tom Woznaik.

Day 2 (NV Give-away)

Today's vintage Newsy Vents give away set is from the year 1981 (Volume 37). Issue No. 2's cover was Dave Winchell (no relation to Paul Winchell) and LeRoy. Leroy was one of the early Storyteller living mouth figures by Lovik. Dave was/is an outstanding vent, an expert in both technical skill and presentation performance. I've lost contact with Dave and would love to connect again. If someone reading this can help me reconnect, I sincerely would appreciate it. I have another "Leroy" from that same era in my inventory and before I offer it for public sale, I would like to see if Dave has need of a backup for Leroy.

Today's set of three 1981 NV issues goes to Bob LaBelle.

Another prize

Does anyone know the whereabouts today of Dick Wightman? (Try: www.treadleon.net ) Capt. Dick came onto the ventriloquist scene in 1984 as a dealer of vent figures, new and used, which were bought, sold, and traded for at his "Dummy Depot", Seattle, Washington. His ad, featuring the above photo, was displayed on the back cover of the 1993 Summer issue of Dialogue. The front cover introduced the issue's spotlight ventriloquist, Howard M. Olson.

An original copy of this 44 page newsletter is awarded today to James (J.D.) Haile.

Today - Three (plus two) winners!

284 pages of facts and photos! Ventriloquists past and present. The Yorick Yodelsap* History of Ventriloquism by Bob Albano is a potpourri of ventriloquist information and fun. Even my first $5 Ventriloquist Collectible Coin was included in this book along with a section that pictures the rare 18th century (1796) copper halfpenny token by ventriloquist Joseph Askins. Four coins by magicians are also pictured. I have to wonder if 200 plus years from now if any of my collector coins will still exist...I'd be curious how the 500 $5 and $7 Collector Coins I had minted compare with the number Joseph Askins produced?

Thanks to Bob Albano I have three new copies of this book to award today. I'm doing something a bit different with these. I've drawn the names of SEVEN persons and the FIRST THREE from this group to contact me via email will receive one book each: Tod Erickson, Dean Atkinson, Rodney McVey, David Nakasone, Doug Pries, William Passmore, and Jay Cooper. Ready, set, go! :)

*Yorick Yodelsap is the name of the ventriloquist figure on the book's cover. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of one or more of Bob's ventriloquist history books, you can email him for details: aaafonsy@gmail.com

15 Day Newsy Vents Give-Away - Day 1

Thanks to Bob Abdou, I have an eclectic collection of used Newsy Vents/Maher Messengers published between 1980 and 2002 to give away via blog drawings. I've compiled them loosely into sets by year published, and will give away a set a day from now through the last day of the month.

FYI: Newsy Vents was published continually in the printed version from 1969-2006. In 2006 I ceased mailing a printed paper newsletter and switched to the on-line daily blog.)

Today's set of three vintage (and slightly worn) issues come from the year 1980, and include the issue devoted to Script Writing which was eventually published as a booklet by Maher Studios.

The winner of today's set of Newsy Vents is John Conte.

Build Your Own?

Do-It-Yourself Figure You Can Make With Things Around The House

(Condensed from the 1989 Winter issue of Dialogue.)

Tim Selberg recently thumbed through an old scrapbook and came upon a sketch he did at the age of 12. It was intended to be a joke at the time, but looking back now, Tim says, "It's even more ridiculous!

"Don't ask me why it says 'Drink ... Stroh's Beer' and 'PS Lamps' on the the lamp shade, because I have no idea (and I certainly wasn't hitting the bottle at 12 and I don't recall ever seeing a shade quite like that even though my childhood was a little abnormal!)

"Since looking at this I've thought of some nice updates...I think ping pong paddles attached by the handles to the pop bottles would make better feet. I would also replace the arms and legs with Slinkys so that figure could convincingly walk down stairs with just a simple shove! What a show stopper!

A comical spitting device could be installed utilizing a household fire extinguisher hidden within the body for loads of fun! A garden hose would work nicely if the act were done outdoors and near a faucet, and there would be the added benefit of an endless supply of water!

"...I'm disturbed by the fact that I'm beginning to like these ideas ...."

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Me, too! The rest of the story and much more, including a spotlight article on Jean deMerry (cover), was included in this 1989 issue of Dialogue. I have one original copy to award today, and the winner is: Steve Barry (MD).

Lord Alfred

I'm sending the Ray Alan items (see yesterday's post) to George Boosey. Alan's figure, Lord Charles, was an inspiration for George's own Lord Alfred, i.e., Alfred Lord Wingrove Worcestershire (above), a one-of-a-kind Chuck Jackson-Bill Nelson figure. Lord Alfred is a member of the House of Lords in search of his fourth trophy wife!

George Boosey has provided a number of collectibles for my prize drawings and with the above in mind, it seems only appropriate I take this opportunity to return the favor.

Elmer and Peggy?

From the May 6, 1938 issue of The Family Circle:

Besides Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen has two other dummies - Elmer and Peggy, Both were created about a year and a half ago.

Peggy is a girl of New York's lower East Side, with all the language and looks of a child of that section. She has red hair, wears a calico dress, is greatly animated, and really tough. Yet, for all her rough talk, she is a lovable character.

Elmer is a country goof. He is cross-eyed and has buck teeth and straw-blond hair. He is stolid and dumb, mentally. Bergen uses Elmer and Peggy in night clubs exclusively, and usually for encore numbers, for he doesn't think either is suitable for radio or screen. Peggy's language is a bit too outspoken, and Elmer's voice lacks distinction - it's too much like hundreds of country voices.

So Elmer and Peggy appear destined never to rise above the ranks of bit players. Unlike Charlie, they will never become stars.

* * * * *

From Mr. D: Well, the above was written 73 years ago, and Bergen's prediction was half right. "Elmer" quickly evolved into the lovable Mortimer who was, indeed, a star in the eyes of his admiring public. Thanks to George Boosey, I do have a vintage copy of this issue of Family Circle magazine and it is being awarded in today's drawing to: Jeff Pennell.

The inside back cover was always one of my favorite pages. That's where Cartoonsville, featuring the clever art of fellow ventriloquists, was found and always added smiles to my day. Dialogue was a publication of Bob Ladd, Editor. Most of you will recognize Bob Rumba as the cover featured ventriloquist on this issue from the Summer of 1998.

Today's drawing winner for this prize is Bob Steininger.

Today's prize

This centerfold picture from Dialogue (Spring Issue 1991), was taken at Vent Haven Museum in 1950 and shows Finis Robinson (left) holding a Shaw figure that was the first "boy" of his Pal, Doc. George Boyce. On the right stands W. S. Berger, founder of the Museum.

Bob Abdou has provided several back issues of Dialogue to be given away. I will award one each day this week. This copy, featuring Mary Ann Taylor on the front cover, goes to: Rene Wallschlaeger.

Att: Ray Alan Fans

Britain By Jove is a DVD that features 4 travelogues of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland presented by Ray Alan with comments by his very well known companion, Lord Charles. Produced in the 1960s to promote holidays in Great Britain. Also included with this give away is a Vintage Vent DVD, "The Ventriloquist's Inspiration", a documentary about the Great Ray Alan.

"Is my face red!"

Thanks to Ted Nunes for sharing these photos of tomato puppets he created for a local tomato-themed Art Fest. (Their faces may be red, but there's no embarrassment with these creative characters!)

Ted used Crayola Model Magic to sculpt the faces so they have dimension. Then he cut out the jaw and rigged the movement using popsicle sticks. He says the Model Magic is handy because you can work with it right out of the package. It air cures with no oven bake needed. And it accepts acrylic paint well. The downside, according to Ted, is that it is a bit fragile.

When the puppets were dropped off at the gallery, a small boy who saw them was fascinated. The gallery owner asked the young visitor which puppet he liked best. He pointed to the one modeled after Charlie McCarthy. (I'm sure Charlie would agree - better to be a tomato than a devil!)

"Little devil"

Charlie never looked so evil as this one has been made up to appear. (No, I did not do this "conversion" - I've never made a devil puppet or figure.)

The owner of this figure contacted me to inquire about a possible upgrade of this doll into a standard model (with hollow body, head on headpost and lever control for the mouth). His desire was to be able to use it in church to tell Bible stories.

Okay, while it would be possible to do the upgrade, I had to say, "Never, never, NEVER attempt to use such a character to tell Bible stories! Not only will it NOT be accepted by your audience, and end your career before it starts, but I believe it is totally inappropriate use of such a character. There may be a time and place for an acceptable use of a devil puppet in church, but one has to be very, very VERY careful."

Pin Heads

Thanks to Jimmy Eisenberg I have this very unique item to award in today's drawing. "Billy" is one of four PinHead characters Jimmy creates. The mouth opens and closes and it has those unique (and bit eerie) "follow-you-everywhere" eyes. I understand they were a hot sales item at this year's convention.

The lucky winner of this Pinhead is Ed Van Meter.

If you would like to get information on how you could purchase PinHeads, contact Jimmy at james@ventriloquistsideshow.com