|
March
Archives
Back to Blog Main Page
March 30, 2007
Guest Blog
Steve - Webmaster @ 10:12am
If you are a part of WorldVents, Ventmail or any of the other Yahoo
groups, you probably noticed the duplication of emails. On
WorldVents, it seemed to have affected Bob Albano more than anyone
else. The problem was NOT Bob’s, but Yahoo.
Yahoo decided to try and make their “Yahoo Groups” safer by changing
how the emails and certain other aspects of the functions worked (I
don’t want to get too techie and explain the details….you would just
fall asleep) and in the process ended up with some problems.
They (Yahoo) wanted to protect Yahoo Group Users from “phishing” and
other types of bad emails. They are to be commended for wanting to
do this, however, in many cases (involving computers and
technology), they had a few “bugs” which one result was the
duplicated posted emails.
I bring all this up because that is the EXACT reason why I chose NOT
to do an email based Forum (such as Yahoo Groups). When dealing with
emails on this scale, if you’re not careful, SPAM, phishing and
other types of “attacks” can happen. This is why Dan and I purposely
chose the Forum format that’s on Ventriloquist Central. You can post
your ideas directly on the Forum (website) and not worry about
“sending or receiving” any “bad” emails.
If you want to read the more about the Yahoo problems, click here:
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/y_groups_team
So, have fun with the Ventriloquist Central Group Forum….and post
away.
Thanks.
Steve - Webmaster
Comments
0 Comments
> > >
March 29, 2007
Sign Up!
Dan @ 6:29am
Unlike the Yahoo groups on
the Internet my web site you do not have to sign up to navigate and
look at everything we do have to offer except at this time the Frank
Marshall interviews. I decided when I put up the Marshall interviews
that we should make them something special and so after much
discussion with Steve *webmaster* Hurst the signing up to receive
our emails was the best way to make the interviews special.
We do not share our sign up list with anyone and we only send out
emails when we have added something very special that we want to
alert all our friends about. It is a simple step to receive the
emails. Just follow the steps to sign in and then confirm your name
and you are done. I think that once you have done this you will be
happy.
We are again in the next few days going to have some very, very rare
audio interviews that again we are going to require you to be signed
up for the emails to be able to have the opportunity to listen to
them. So, if you are not signed up at this time PLEASE make
sure you do so right away so that you will not miss these. You will
not be able to hear these interviews anywhere else. I am striving to
make Ventriloquist Central your one stop place for everything
related to the Art of Ventriloquism.
Please sign up now!!
Comments welcomed.......Thanks
~Dan
Comments
0 Comments
> > >
March 25, 2007
The
Ventriloquist Central Group Forum
Dan @ 6:55pm
As my web
site has grown I have been asked repeatedly why I do not have a
forum right here to which people can post and chat like the Google
forums. Well after consulting with my webmaster I have decided to go
ahead and make a public forum available to everyone who wants to
post here on Ventriloquist Central. I think this will be a wonderful
way for everyone who comes to my site to interact with each other
and with me. I hope it will become a favorite format for you all and
you will find it most enlightening.
When I listed the Marshall interviews for you all to listen to I
really thought it would bring a lot of comments to my blog but
instead it created a thread that lasted for almost a full week on
world vents. Not that that was bad. I enjoyed reading all the
terrific postings about who made the original Charlie McCarthy. I
guess we will never know.
Concerning this forum I am going to ask that it really be strictly
related to ventriloquism. The posting of Jokes should be for use
with ventriloquism. Stories should be vent related. Get the idea?
Anything is ok to talk about but please keep it related to this
wonderful art we are all involved in making better. I am sure
everyone will be happier if this parameter is followed. I think this
will be an easy thing to achieve and will keep everyone interested
and will not cause grief to anyone since we will all be talking
about one thing VENTRILOQUISM.
So you will find the link for the forum at the top on the "Home"
page, also listed in the "What's New" page and a link below. I think
it is simple enough to navigate but if you have any questions please
email me at
dan@ventriloquistcentral.com or contact the Webmaster at
webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com. So let the posting begin!!
Comments......put it on the forum!! LOL
~Dan
Forum Link - Click Here
Comments
0 Comments
> > >
March 23, 2007
Keeping Up
At Ventriloquist Central
Dan @ 5:37am
One of the questions I get
constantly from your emails is “How in the world can I keep up
with everything you keep adding to the website?”
That is a very good question and sometimes it’s hard for me to keep
up with all the new additions. In fact, let me take this opportunity
to thank each and every one of you in the ventriloquist community.
You are the ones that are making this website possible. Between my
webmaster and myself, we keep getting lots contributions from
you….the readers and we appreciate it very much (and keep them
coming, we love it).
Now, back to how to keep up with all this information. Here’s my
suggestion for navigating Ventriloquist Central. First off,
check out the home page to see if anything new is there.
Next, check out the “What’s
New” page. We try to post all our new additions there and it could
be anything….from new articles, one of my dummies… to anything we
think you will find interesting. In fact, you may want to scroll
down and double check in case you’ve miss anything.
Then, it’s always good to check out the “Ventriloquist in the News”
page. Whenever we find anything in the news or if someone sends us a
link about someone in the news, we try to add the as soon as we can.
After that, click on the Ventriloquist Marketplace link and see if
any new items have been posted for sell or if anyone is looking for
anything in the classified “Wanted” section. When you have the time,
check out any new items in the Ventriloquist Marketplace store.
And last, but certainly not least….check here….my Blog. I try to add
something every few days.
I hope you are enjoying the site and I welcome all your comments and
suggestions.
Thanks for being a part of this community.
Comments are encouraged and always welcomed.
~Dan
Comments
0 Comments
> > >
March 21, 2007
Dead
Silence....Movie Review
Dan @ 5:45am
I went to see "Dead
Silence" last night and I have to say I am very happy that I did.
This film was in my opinion one of the better horror movies I have
seen in many years. First of all it is not a slasher movie with
blood and guts all over the place to gross you out. Instead this
film grabs you and keeps you on the edge of your seat almost through
the entire film. I can only compare it to a Hitchcock type film.
The ventriloquist figures in this film are also very very well done
and make you think of the great figure makers of the past but you do
see quite a few redone Juro toys. The final vent figure is a clown
and once upon a time I had a great Col. Bill Boley Clown figure
which I would swear ( almost ) was this figure with some new paint.
The film has nothing to do with evil ventriloquist figures and you
find that out almost immediately. This is a real ghost story of the
highest caliber and I do not see this film impacting ventriloquist
or ventriloquism in a negative way at all. I think it is a must for
everyone to see and it is wonderful entertainment. I take my hat off
to the 2 young fellows that put this excellent film together.
Please take a look at the "What's New"
page and you can see a great interview with these two chaps. Again
all I can say is GREAT MOVIE !!!
Comments please.......
~Dan
Comments
0 Comments > > >
March 17, 2007
Frank
Marshall Comments
Dan @ 8:27am
The audio interviews have
been up for a couple days and we have had quite a number of people
sign up to listen but I was hoping it would have cause a bit more on
the comments to the blog. His attitude on a few things is so over
the top that I could hardly believe my ears. Also he quotes some
incredible numbers for his work output that you MUST listen to.
Could it possibly be true??
I myself figured that if Frank Marshall carved and completed 1
figure every week for his entire career which spanned 4 decades plus
his total output would be in the 2500 area . This would mean never
taking any time off and working tirelessly for 45 years. Figure it
out. His statement is an amazing one if it were true.
Again I ask you all who come to read my blog sign up for the email
list so that you can get the link to listen to this audio from the
Master of ventriloquist dummy building himself. You will love what
you hear. It is great.
On another note I have been asked by quite a number of people about
my web site so after talking with Steve my webmaster we have come up
with a wonderful idea for anyone who may want to have a website.
Here's a link for you to see what I got Steve to give on this
matter.
Click Here For More Information
Comments wanted.......
~Dan
Comments
2 Comments > > >
-
Dan thanks for posting those.
Was very interesting. Frank seemed to be kind of bitter toward Paul
Winchell..or is it just how I heard it? Its always fun to hear
things from so long ago to hear the views and opinions. Thanks
again.
Comments by Chris Johnson - March 17,
2007 @8:56pm
-
It was great to hear the two
interviews recorded so far apart. I do believe the second interview
was done by our friend, the late Johnny Main. It was not the same
one I heard earlier that Johnny had sent to Peter Rich. There is an
interesting video clip available that shows Frank Marshall appearing
on television during What's My Line. He signed in the an X and the
panelists, including Paul Winchell, had to put on the blindfolds.
They guessed fairly quickly what he did and from that it was just a
quick thought to going to who the guest was. Paul then brought out
Jerry as Frank shook hands with the panelists on his way out. The
same video available at the ConVENTion also features Edgar Bergen
and Mortimer Snerd on What's My Line, again with Paul and Jerry on
the panel.
Comments by George Boosey -
March 17, 2007 @ 1:39PM
March 15, 2007
Frank
Marshall...In His Own Words
Dan @ 6:28am
For those of you that check
out my blog to see what I will be talking about, today I am asking
that you sign up for our email list. I was so lucky to be donated
this wonderful recording of two interviews with the legendary
ventriloquist dummy builder Frank Marshall that I could not believe
it. It is such a great thing to listen to the man himself. He really
knows how to pat himself on the back so to speak. You will hear him
give you some stats and statements that will astound you. I want to
talk all about what he says in these recordings but that would ruin
it for you so PLEASE PLEASE treat yourself to this long lost
interview by signing up for the link. It is a must.
Click Here For More Information
Comments always welcome........
~Dan
Comments
5 Comments > > >
-
Dan, I wanted to put this out
to the folks commenting on this blog. Did Frank Marshall carve
Charlie McCarthy or did he not? There seems to be a lot of debate
over the years. As the only Jewish Ventriloquist in Maryland with a
pig puppet called "Pickles Goldberg" "The Kosher Ham," I often
wonder as Jerry Seinfeld might say "Did Frank Marshall really carve
Charlie McCarthy? We must know for sure?" Kelly Asbury's book seems
to say that it was a joke that Frank Marshall tried to pull off. I
think Frank did carve Charlie. The look is too Marshallesque.
Regarding Frank Marshall being bitter. I guess so. He charged very
little and in many cases, his clients went on to make a lot of
money. I wonder what Marshall would charge for one of his figures
today if he were still alive and carving? In carved figures today
the closet has to be Conrad Hartz and in a molded figure, Dan Payes.
Cheers.
Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent-The
Jewish Ventrilquist of Maryland - March 15, 2007 @ 7:52pm
-
Dan, Thanks for the recordings
of Frank Marshall. I have heard different stories as to if he was
the one that carved Charlie McCarthy. From his own words it sounds
like he did, but then again we will never know. Charlie looks to
much like Frank's work. It was a wonderful piece of ventriloquist
history. Cheers
Comments by Larry Harris - ComicVent -
March 15, 2007 @ 11:23am
-
Dan, Nice acquisition! I would
guess that the two interviews were made 15 to 20 years apart. The
references to Paul Winchell and Shari Lewis in the first one help
establish a date. Shari Lewis was given her own program in 1960. I
believe that interview is definitely after that year. Marshall
sounds much different -- older -- in this interview as well. He also
sounds a bit bitter (Winchell can't sharpen a pencil!"). References
to pictures also give the impression that this interview originally
occurred on television. In the older interview, the references are
made to Edgar Bergen and Harry Lester. There is also a comment that
Marshall had been in business for 20 years (although that could have
been said in error -- 30 years seems more likely). The sound quality
seems too good for a 1930s radio program. I would guess
somewhere around 1945.
Comments by Bob Albano - March
15, 2007 @ 6:57am
-
Good morning
Dan......The interviewer on the 2nd tape (about Winchell & Nelson)
was by a caustic sort named Jack Eigen. Jack used to interview Stars
at the old nightclub in Chicago called the Chez Paree. I'm pretty
sure this was Jack interview Frank in the early 50's. Hope this
helps. You really gave the folks a treat with the interviews. The
folks will be amazed to actually hear Frank speak......congrats!
Comments by Bob Isaacson - March 15, 2007 @ 6:48am
-
Not sure about the first
recording, but the second one, I believe is done by
Johnny Main. He was noted for doing interviews like that. And the
voice
is familiar.
Comments by Bill DeMar - March 14, 2007 @10:11pm
March 2, 2007
A Sincere
Thanks!
Dan @ 3:04pm
I am stepping off of the
collecting aspect that I have been writing about because, at this
moment , I thought it would only be right for me to put out a big
THANKS to all those who have both contributed thus far to my site
and all the wonderful comments that have come in since the start.
Comments like these:
Your site is magical, it
inspires, it informs, it entertains. It pays tribute, those lives
lived and the laughter personified forever in sculptured mask, the
puppet, craftsmanship, the voice of spirit at play, the art and
craft of ventriloquism. Thanks for your dedication, and all your
hard work.
Keep M Smilin'
Russo Louis
What a great service. You should
be very proud. You keep the art of venting alive. I am happy to
support such a wonderful idea. You have my support 100%! God Bless,
Albert Alfaro
You are going to take over the vent world with your site and set the
standard for the art. Cheers,
Larry Harris-ComicVent
I'm looking forward to everything you're doing for the vent
community.
Robert Anthony
Dan I enjoy your newsletter very much! Keep up the good work!
You are doing a great job!
Doc Lowery
Good work on the website! Very interesting info! You have a
fantastic collection. Excellent website! I'll be looking for a
Marshall figure later in the year. Hope to find one as nice as one
of yours.
Troy Moss
Hi Dan, Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your web site. You did
a great job on it, and your collection all I can say is WOW.
JD Haile
Simply awesome! You guys are great! Looking forward to more great
things on in this newsletter.
Ventriloquially, Gary Freeman
Very nice and informative web site you have there. CONGRATULATIONS
on your collection and much success in the future.
Bill Richert
Thanks a lot. I appreciate the help, and the opportunity to see your
extraordinary collection.
Bill Bingham
Dan, This is just a note to the luckiest guy in the world (you) to
say how much I enjoy and appreciate your web site and your email
updates. The site is a gold mine. Please keep collecting, sharing,
and blogging, and know that I admire your work and appreciate what
you are doing.
Gerry Snelson
Hey, Dan, the newsletters and stuff is fantastic. Insights to
figures, Dummies as you call them is something else. I have learned
more from this new feature in the past few weeks than years
elsewhere. Keep up the good and wonderful work.
John Hopman
You are doing a fantastic job, and so valuable to our profession.
John Stallknecht in California
The website is great and gets better
every day. Within days of it going up, it was one of my bookmarked
favorites.
George Boosey
I am truly happy to have been able to get this rolling and offer
everyone a look at all the aspects of ventriloquism. I hope you all
will continue to visit often and give input for me to share with
everyone else. This so far has been a great joy for me so again
Thanks to everyone!!
~Dan
Comments
2 Comments
> > >
-
Dan I look
forward to reading all the different news and information you have
to offer on your site. Though we haven't met I feel as though I know
you. I like my coffee with your articles. Thanks Ed
Comments by Ed " Tink" Howland -
March 2, 2007 @ 6:39pm
-
Dan, Your site
is an inspiration to me and I feel I want to do more with the art as
a result. You have gone where no one else has gone since my dear
Friend's Bob Abdou and Bob Ladd graced the vent world with their
fine publications. Cheers.
Comments by Larry Harris -
ComicVent - March 2, 2007 @ 8:04pm
Back to Blog Main Page |
