L.A. and Proud

One week since the Denver convention and I'm just returning to normal. This is my third convention and I must say it has become the most interesting week of the entire year for me.

I didn't take up juggling until three years ago at the age of 64. I only wish I had started sooner. I've met and become friends with some of the nicest young people one could hope to meet. The majority are extremely well-educated, and almost all are involved in highly technical fields.

At the conventions I've spoken with many from small towns and cities where they are the only juggler in town. I now realize how fortunate I am to live in Los Angeles , where our Thursday night sessions are really like a mini-convention. Anywhere from 35-45 participants every week, including some of the best in the business - Owen Morse, Barry Friedman and Dan Holzman (The Raspynis), Bob Mendelsohn, John Wee, Tyler Linkin, Bruce Tiemann, Dan Bennett, Bengt Magnusson and David Deeble, plus many more (including some cute gals).

Frankly, I doubt if there is any affiliate that could actually compare with this group. If only there was a way to compete - perhaps by showing how many seven ball or tive club jugglers in any affiliate. Can any other affiliate claim to have won nine gold medals and one silver at the Denver convention!?

I'm looking forward to Baltimore already. My friend, Jerry Raitzyk, the president of the Baltimore Jugglers, swears the Loyola facilities are completely air conditioned!

Bud Markowitz - Los Angeles, California