Hi Paddy,

Don't own that dvd but will be getting it next year thanks,

Some interesting points I've distilled from this debate. First, as a newcomer to this forum I am reading a lot of old messages. Most of the old ones which are unanswered deal with tricks or gimmicks while most reasonable magic discussion messages are responded to.
Secondly, I find it different from my vent site because most of the topics are about equipment not writing or performing skills. Thus, I believe the spirit of Paddy's comments can be viewed in a kinder light.
We vents are yapping about our own technology. The newest innovation is remote controlled vent figures which are programmed for all kinds of recorded voices and sounds. The degree to which they move is eerie..which is why they'll cost about 5 thousand dollars each Of course, I have argued we shall lose the purity of belly talking with the new voice-synched machines. Generally, most of the vent world disagrees with me. No problem, we all still talk and they regard my stand as antiquated. Regardless, I really enjoy the ideas which are exchanged here. Thanks all. ron0

At the 2006 SUMA convention (I'm a town councillor), the entertainment for the banquet was ventiloquist Don Bryan. From his promo material, I got the impression that much of his current rep is built on the technology you are talking about -- that of having one of his puppets on a table a few feet away from him as it talks and moves "on its own" while he holds another. Frankly, I agree with you; I found that to be the least enjoyable aspect of his act. I couldn't shake off the thought that it was all about technology... that it was more of a robot he programmed than a puppet he "brought to life."

Actually, the part I enjoyed the most was when he made a puppet "on the spot" by cutting a slit in a tennis ball and sticking on some buttons for eyes while explaining how he salvaged a gig when his puppets became lost luggage.

KISS... eh?

I agree with Rono, I never use dubbed in voices for my Vent figures. What's so special about that?
I enjoy the bantering back and forth between Vent and figure and using the art of Ventriloquism over some sound track. Ugh!

That's it.. geriatric problems.
At yesterday's show the magic funnel didn't fill properly and no liquid from the funnel. Now my Canadian magic guru on Dufferin Street in Toronto suggested using a cork for the fill. I did but yesterday it discompoopulated and no liquid. Beautiful cover up for an idiotic boo boo, but how do other people do the fill? Also am I right in thinking the fill maxes out at six ounces? Merci, ron0