BobF, Speaking at MARSH - 10/07/2007
Hi Bob,
<Kim>
That would be perfect if you can come in January. I would love to start the year off with a bang!
<Ah, good>
The talk sounds perfect.
<Yes... have been thinking for quite a while re... digestive and chemical dominance, overgrowing, Acontian fibers et al. mechanisms... means that hobbyists should be aware of, poss. employ to reduce the effects of...>
If you want, please pick your itinerary and airline so we can get your ticket purchased. Otherwise, we can reimburse you if you want to do that route. Also, can you please indicate your fees and such so we can have that ready for your as well? We can mail you your fees and airline reimbursement ahead of time if needed.
<Would be San Diego out and back... a day or two there if folks have patience, time to show me about... to see their tanks, stores...>
When you have a chance, please send us a summary or abstract so we can start promoting it on the website and calendar.
<Mmm, okay... how about: Allelopathy and the "Garden Reef"... Avoiding stinging, poisoning, promoting harmony in aggressive, untenable settings...? RMF will present, discuss methods, means of appropriate stocking, set-up, maintenance... to optimize the mixing of cnidarians and more in captive reefs...>
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me or call.
Regards,
Kim Lowe
<Be chatting! BobF out in the Bahamas>

BobF Speaking at MARSH - 10/07/2007
Hi Bob,
<Kim>
That topic and summary sounds great.  If you would like to come up on a Friday and leave on a Sunday, that would be perfect for us. Of course if you need to leave on a Monday, that could be arranged too. We can do a meeting on Saturday followed by some tank tours or store visits. The members always enjoy showing off their tanks.
<Ah, good>
Do you want to pick out the itinerary and we can purchase it? Or would you rather buy the ticket and we reimburse you? Also is there any other fees or requirements you have of the host club?
<No stipend... and the tickets can be worked either way. Do make it known how you'd like to proceed. Cheers, B>
Regards,
Kim

Re: Such audacity!!! Bier?  10/16/07
So then, did I read correctly that you will make an appearance in Houston???
Beer???
<Of a certainty, yes! BobF>
Thomas Roach

Maldives Dive Trip in Jan... Are you interested?  – 09/25/07
Di got a notice from Peter Hughes... their new ship in the Maldives had a sudden complete cancellation for a week... Am thinking some folks might want to do another week resort-based there... I think we will... And am going to ask PeterH for a further discount; split all out evenly as usual. Please contact Di at DiLagg@hotmail.com if you want to be further contacted re. Cheers, Bob Fenner.
Bob:
See if there is enough interest to fill a boat of 16 people? The base rate without taxes $2300pp. The trip is Jan 20-27.
I need to let them know by Oct. 6 to hold the boat. Diana Fenner

So, Bob, now that I'm certified out my ears, when do I get to go diving with you and/or the crew in CA? :-) – 08/26/07
-Sara
<Absolutely. I rarely sojourn off the coast... there are 72 coastal miles... but the water is rather dirty (polluted, not very clear most days)... The occasional off shore boat trips to our southerly Channel Islands (Catalina, Mexico's...) are okay... and have spent a couple of years in total time in the Mar de Cortez just south... but much more likely/akin to haul out to where the water is warm/er and clear/er... as in HI... You are welcome to come on out with us, the Crew to/on all trips... will add your email addy to the list for mail out re... Pete and I are chatting re when we'll haul out to HI in October if you'd like to come out then (do ask if you have friends that want to come along as well)... I don't know what is going to happen re Sept... looks like neither the Bahama/Blackbeard cruise nor the Curacao trip are going to happen (note: am reworking a new ed. of CMA)... the combined HHH outing and diving in Vietnam in late October... there is the CIPS show in China in mid Nov... so will have to leave or transit from there by then... Later on in the year (Feb?) there's going to be a hash and dive friends outing to the Maldives... expensive, but fab... Then the May trip to Interzoo/Germany followed by the Red Sea... am thinking somewhere safe like Sharm again... but Jack (friend, fellow traveler and hasher and our Mid-East guide par excellence) is talking Abu Dhabi, Dubai... ? And Di had mentioned Jordan after Egypt... but there is time to wiggle about here... Are there places in particular you'd like to go/see? B>

So, are all/many of the WWM crew going to Hawaii in October?  8/14/07
Sara
<Mmm, doubtful to the extreme. Will ask here who's interested... Pete and I will be out to hare the KCHHH Oct. run, volunteer for the Ironman... Others
are certainly welcome! BobF>

MACNA, WWM Crew   8/8/07
Do you know who will be representing WWM from the crew yet? You do have a booth and two free passes. -Steven Pro
<Mmm, do not... will ask here. BobF>

Re: NJ Visit  8/3/07
Bob,
<Phyllis>
How have you been? Hopefully all is well with you and yours! I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by us.
<Ah yes... tempus fugit... esp. more so with age>
Last time we talked, we said we'd touch base again in late July (where did that go?!), so I thought I'd check in with you and see if you'd firmed up your end of summer plans?
<I have and am thinking of skipping a/the visit this year to see my mum in law there>
We were hoping you'd be planning to head out this way at the end of the month and would be able to visit with us, if your schedule allows!
Cheers,
Phyllis
<Thank you for this offer. Perhaps next year. Cheers, BobF>

Re: NJ Visit  8/4/07
Sorry to hear you won't be out this way. We were looking forward to another round of beer and pizza! Hopefully we'll have a chance to get together next summer then.
Cheers!
Phyllis
<I look forward to this Phyllis. BobF>

Re: IMAC LV Status, spkr. issues period  – 07/26/07
Hi Bob;
I've been going over the Speakers List for next year's IMAC Chicago and it again looks like we have many of the same people.
<Yes... you and I have touched on this subject/issue before>
But I feel you guys are sort of "must haves" in order to bring in the attendees.
<I am not so sure here... Methinks it's imperative to at least bring in new blood, topics, ideas... every time... to circulate the old toads like me in/out>
IMAC has always been a testing ground for speakers new to the circuit and I want us to continue to do so. If you know of any people who have not spoken at a major conference and who you think would be good for IMAC, please send me their names and emails along with any references to their on-line publications.
<I will do so... Am thinking Dr. John Randall should come out and tell stories (perhaps the Banquet Speaker...), perhaps some of the folks in the industry itself... Like Eric Cohen of Sea Dwelling Creatures, Morgan Lidster of Inland Aquatics, Sven Fossa of the MCRA series and more, Terry Siegel re his many years in our interest... I personally think the science and industry parts/people of our interest are sorely underrepresented at such functions. Many fine folks, with much pertinent to share. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Dennis

NJ Frag Swap and Symposium  7/26/07
B
Anyplace appropriate to put this banner on WWM? Or any other ideas? Scott Fellman, Jake Adams and Richard Harker will be speaking at the NJ Frag Swap and Symposium. Scott called today, he also said he will be doing a pitch in Baltimore in Jan. perhaps this page need to get up and running...
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/upcoming.htm
M
<Yes... the .png file won't open, but can/will place the Banner... the link?
B>

Announcing IMAC 2008  7/22/07
Hi Everybody;
Well, we had a fantastic IMAC this year, all booths were sold out months in advance for the first time and everyone seemed to have a great time. It is unfortunate that we had to cancel IMAC Las Vegas due to lack of interest (or probably it was the thought of temperatures in Vegas in August). But we are trying to reschedule it for later in the winter and we will see what happens.
But we are well on our way in planning for the International Marine Aquarium Conference 2008 to be held in Chicago on May 30, 31 and June 1 of 2008. We already have Dr. Ron Shimek (2 presentations), Frank Burr, Dr. Sanjay Joshi, Bob
Fenner and Anthony Calfo lined up with lots more to come. We will again have our popular "behind-the-scenes" tour of Shedd Aquarium on May 29th, and we will
have a tour of LFS on Monday June 2. We hope we will again sell out the booths early so we will once again have a Great Trade Show.
So get over to www.theimac.org to sign up for IMAC and take advantage of Early Bird Registration Rates now in effect..
Happy Reefkeeping,
Dennis

Re: SEASL invitation follow up – 07/19/07
Bob,
<Wittes!>
Been a hectic week around here...three little ones to keep out of trouble :)
I took a look at flights & want to present you with some options.
American Airlines has the only non stop flights between San Diego & St. Louis. Afternoon flight here & morning flight return. This would mean flying into St. Louis on Friday afternoon & back home Sunday morning. Non stop will be less than four hours air time & most convenient for you.
<Appreciate this>
There are several options if you have another preferred airline &/or can make a connection. Travel time would be 2-3 hours more than a non-stop flight. Southwest connects in Phoenix, Frontier connects in Denver and there are several other options. I just need to know your preferences on air & hotel arrangements.
<Prefer to stay at someone's home... if poss. to not impractical... There are too few pet-fish people at hotels>
Rates are similar for all three weekends in September. We will provide you with ground transportation while here or maybe Morgan can even be your "chauffeur" !
<Wot a deal! Unfortunately there is a recent development... Wife/Diana is wanting to sojourn down to Curacao for her b'day trip mid to late Sept... and there is a/the HHH dive/booze cruise in the Bahamas Oct. 6th on..., and back out to HI after that. Could we look at later dates/months?>
I will be most happy to make reservations for you, reimburse you for your own arrangements or any combination thereof. Let me know how you wish to proceed & I will try to make this visit most convenient & hassle free for you. Thanks.
Brad Witte
SEASL
<Be chatting, see you and MorganL! BobF>

Speaking Engagement  7/11/07
This message is for Bob Fenner :)I am the president of a reef club in middle Tennessee (the Middle Tennessee Reef Club -- http://www.mtrc.org/). Each year for the past 3 years we have had a Frag Swap in January, and each year it has grown a little. The club had been a little stagnant for the past few years, but has been slowly growing since I took over and started to have things a little more organized and a little more tangible benefit to reefers. Since the first few months of my being the president we have attracted 8 new members who are new to reefing, and have been steadily building on the foundation set before to encourage others in the hobby and grow awareness of responsible reefkeeping. To that end, I would love to further grow the swap this year, and interest in the hobby and would LOVE to have you come and speak. We can pay for your airfare and lodging, etc. I got your contact information from the MASNA speaker database. The Frag Swap date has not been set in stone, but likely will be January 19 (a Saturday). So on behalf of our Frag Swap organizing committee (a first for us :)) I would like to invite you to come and speak. Thanks for your consideration, and also for your excellent contribution to the hobby! Jack
<Mmm, maybe... Could we chat toward the end of the year? BobF>

Re: Speaking Engagement 7/11/07
Wow! A maybe! We've not had a speaker at our swap so this would be a great first!
<Mmm, might I suggest that friend Anthony Calfo might be a more appropriate choice... He lives closer, is redoing his coral prop. book...>
We're in Nashville TN,
<Have been to this fabulous town... Got to see Minnie Pearl at the old Grand Ole Opry, the mock up Parthenon...>
which has a direct from San Diego on Southwest,
<Mmm, peanuts... yes...>
I think (makes the travel a bit easier having a non-stop). Anyway, I can certainly contact you toward the end of the year, but I'd much prefer to lock things in sooner rather than later -- that way we can plan ahead and get the word out, etc. Thanks for considering this! Jack
<And thank you for this offer. I do understand re promotion... but am in the throes of determining dive/travel adventures for the upcoming year... and am thinking I'll be out of the country both Jan. and Feb. BobF>

Re: Speaking Engagement 7/11/07
That sounds fine. You were on the top of the list, but I'll look around at others and will get back to you later in the year if something doesn't work out on the off chance that you might be available. Thanks again.
<Real good. Thank you. BobF>

Re: Hello, JoeR in El Paso! IMAC LV – 7/10/07
Everything is going great and I'm doing fine thanks. The weather is killing us though, it's very hot right now, lol. Our tanks with the zebra eels, longnose butterflies, and longnose hawkfish are doing fine, thanks to your advice. We will be opening a new reptile house in about 8 months and a new Africa section in about a year and a half. We are all looking forward to these new exhibits. I'm really glad that you responded, thanks for taking the time. I'm also enjoying your new book very much. Well thanks again, it's been nice hearing from you. P.S. Are you going to the IMAC in Vegas?
Joe Reza>
<<Great to hear of the new exhibits... looks like IMAC LV has been cancelled due to lack of sign-ups... A shame. Cheers! Bob Fenner>

IMAC Las Vegas to be Cancelled <Likely> 6/29/07
Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:59:55 -0500
I'm afraid so Bob. So far we have fewer than 50 sign ups. And the same with the hotel (and the contract guarantees them 250). This is a last ditch
effort to bring in some more. Since my announcement there have been more sign ups. We'll see if it is enough.
I've already seen a lawyer to find out if I can save my house when the hotel sues me for cancelling the contract. Just maybe.
It's really disappointing. For years, Western hobbyists have been bugging us to have an IMAC closer to them. Now we do and nobody is coming. I can
see why MASNA doesn't have MACNAs out West.
Best,
Dennis
<I wonder what can still be done to drive the numbers up? Have you sent a notice to the "western" marine aquarium clubs? Asked the speakers to
announce to friends/associates?
BobF... who has not bought airline tickets yet...>

Re: Wakatobi et al. – 6/12/07
Hi Bob & Diana,
<Hey Dennis!>
We just returned from Sodwana / Aliwal late yesterday. Sorry you couldn't make it. We are off to the Southern Red Sea for 10 days on a live aboard.
<How nice!>
We leave South Africa 19th July and return on 29th July. We are going back to Wakatobi for 11 days in October this year. Before Wakatobi we are doing 6 days at Menjangan and I think a week on the Komodo Dancer.
<Have heard good things re this ship, cruise>
In December we will have be going back to Sodwana for a week or two. Those are our plans for this year. In August I may try to get to see Bill Eschmeyer in San
Francisco. What do your plans look like?
<Am asking Di to chime in here... Am back out to HI next month for about a month... and we're trying to arrange an early Sept. go to either Bonaire, Fiji... and late May back down to Egypt's Red Sea (likely Sharm, maybe Nuweiba), and perhaps Jordan... for a couple of weeks... Hopefully Di will know more>
Next year I am hoping to get to Lake Malawi to see some Cichlids. We look at putting a trip together.
<Am asking friend Chuck Rambo to chime in here... as he's been there diving... knows of folks who also have been>
I would also like to get to Fiji and then there are so many other places we have earmarked on our World map.
<Ah yes... tis a bigger world once you get on out to it a bit...>
Best Wishes to you both
Dennis
<Cheers to you and your wife. Bob Fenner>
------------------------------------
FishWise cc
Dennis Polack
Fish DataBase Manager
South Africa

NJ Visit   6/5/07
Hi all! This message is for Bob Fenner!
<Howdy!>
Bob, NJRC is having a major Frag Swap in October (27th) and we were wondering if we could drag you back out this way to come and speak for us again? We would be most honored to have you (and your wife) out for another visit.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Phyllis
<Thank you for this offer... but we'll be out in China with friend Pablo Tepoot for a big tradeshow and dragging our feet (and gear) diving to/from at this time. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Re: NJ Visit 6/6/07
Well certainly if I had to pick one or the other I'd be there in China diving with the lot of you! Take lots of great pictures and hopefully we'll find a time to get you out here again in the not too distant!
Cheers!
<Thank you Phyllis... Will do and am hoping to haul out near August end (to Belmar) again to see my mum-in-law for her bday. BobF>

Re: NJ Visit 6/6/07
Oh I was wondering if you were going to be out this way again around then.
Care to speak at our August meeting again? We'd LOVE that if you're interested!
<Let's chat as the time draws nearer... perhaps late July... as I still don't have firm plans. Cheers, BobF>
 

Thank You from Toronto – 04/30/07 Hi Bob, <Hey Bri!> I just wanted to send you a quick email to say Thank You for taking the time to visit Toronto. <A great pleasure my friend. Good to finally meet you in person... firm up future dive-travel, pet-fish plans> I know Linda and I are looking forward to seeing you again in Las Vegas, and hope that we will be able to treat you to a dinner while we are there. <Good> I am defiantly looking forward to doing some diving with you in the future and hope that we are able to do this sooner then later. <Very good> If there is anything I could assist you with, please do not hesitate to ask. Additionally if you are ever in the Toronto area we would be more willing to show you and your wife around town. <Again, thank you for this kind offer> Your company as always is great to have. I will be in touch to let you know when I will be arriving at LAX on my way to Tahiti, and hope that Linda and I will be able to make the trip down for a quick visit. <Yes... Our phone number in San Diego is 858 XXX.. Do keep in touch as the Vegas, Polynesia/LA times draw closer... Bob Fenner> Thanks again Brian Burgener http://www.ReefCrew.com

Thank you for speaking at MAST – 04/30/07 Hi Bob, <Steve!> I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talk to MAST this last Saturday I enjoyed getting a chance to speak to you at Bob James's house. <Twas very enjoyable for sure> I've attached four pics. Two taken Saturday by Ron Beleno, the other of my son Danny and his(12 gallon) tank taken about two years ago, one of mine (recent). Again, it was a pleasure to meet you. Steve <A pleasure. And hello to your son Daniel. Bob Fenner>

At the fab after talk din din party!

Re: SaltwaterU Information   4/19/07
I would like to personally thank all of you for accepting our invitation to speak at this year's SaltwaterU coming up in a few weeks.  I wanted to give you some more information about what the plans are for the weekend.
Those of you whom are arriving from out of town, one of our volunteers will meet you at the airport and transport you to the Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Atlanta.
<Ah, good... please do send along their name, phone number...>
From there, we will be driving to the house of our
Treasurer, Sharon Warning for an evening gathering/reception.
<How nice!>
The address for this reception is:
Sharon Warning
3140 West Andrews Drive
Atlanta, GA 30305
There will be talks both Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday's events will end around 6 PM, and we are planning on walking over to the Atlanta Civic Center to view the Titanic Exhibit (it is the last weekend).  If for some reason you cannot attend Saturday's event, please let me know before I purchase tickets.
Thank you again, if you have any questions, I can be reached via email or my cell phone at 404-542-2351.
--
Kevin Jessop
2007 Atlanta Reef Club Vice President (www.atlantareefclub.org)
SaltwaterU Committee Chair (www.saltwateru.com) a 501(c)3 organization
<Thanks Kev. Bob Fenner>

Speaking at the May NCRMAS meeting – 4/13/07
Mr. Bob Fenner,
<Mike>
My name is Mike Moore and I started a new Marine Aquarium club located in Northern San Diego County (which I consider anything north of La Jolla).
We have met before at different events run by SCMAS (club meetings and RAP) and you even sent me a video of your dive trip to the Red Sea (which I still enjoy watching).
<Ah, good>
I'm writing this to invite you to speak at our May meeting on the 11th (2nd Friday of the month) at 7:00pm.  We are a fairly new club and are always looking for new and interesting topics so if there is one you are particularly fond of and want to speak on, please let me know.
<Mmm...>
Anyway, I moved down to Oceanside, set up a tank, and started looking for a club to support once again (SCMAS is a long drive north...and even longer drive home as was riving south to SDMAS on Tuesdays).  None were around me, so I started one.  Our first meeting was in January and I crammed 25+ people into my house and showed off my 180g that I put together using used parts acquired from many different people (frugality is a teacher's motto after all) and ran a demonstration on how to frag soft corals.  February's turn out topped off at 33 people (again in my house) talking about flow in marine aquariums.  March attendance dropped to about 18 but the topic once again was beneficial (how to photograph aquariums and their inhabitants).  My April meeting (tonight at 7pm at the IHOP on Oceanside Blvd. if you are looking for something to do) will focus on Quarantine Tanks and their purpose.
<Sounds good>
Thanks again for your time and all you continue to do for the hobby.  If May doesn't work, please let me know when a good time for you is and I will adjust to your schedule.
Mike Moore
NCRMAS president
ncrmas.com
<Thank you for the offer... but am out of time for this year. Perhaps I can make a meeting, or give a pitch in the future. BobF>
No problem...thanks for getting back to me.  The club is open to anyone that wants to attend so you are welcome anytime.
Mike
<Thank you my friend. BobF>

IMAC  - 4/6/07
Hey BOB, how have you been? Its been a while since we last spoke. The last time we were together was with Walt and Debbie Smith at Fogo de Chou in Chicago. That was a fun night.
<Ah, yes>
Are you going to IMAC this year? If so, when do you arrive and what are your dinner plans when you are here? I would like to get together if you have the time. Let me know.
<Am going... but don't know re itinerary... Haven't bought air tickets as yet... may come in Thurs. out Sunday... Usually go out with WWM crowd first night... Do stay in touch... BobF>

Re: IMAC & Alcyoniid pred.  - 4/6/07
Great. If you have time, let me know. I'm trying to change some things in my schedule in order to attend the show. Look forward to seeing you there.
<Hope to see you there as well>
Hey quick question. In my reef tank one morning, I woke up to find that the base of my Kenya Tree was half eaten. The only culprit I could think of was a large Mithrax crab I recently found in the tank. It must have been introduced a long time ago in some rock and must have been tiny at the time. The body is about the size of a silver dollar. The only fish I have are clown fish, anthias and yellow tangs. Any ideas?
<Of those listed the Mithraculus is the more likely candidate. I'd remove it/this. BobF>

Re: SWU pres. abstract... topic of talk  3/28/07
Bob... you said you would talk about Reef Safe Fish and SCUBA.  if you want to talk about your diving experiences and things you have observed when you have dove, that is fine with me
<Okay... but tying these subjects together? Likely better to discuss just the issue of the first... or some aspect of SCUBA as it relates to pet-fishing... e.g. collection... Would this do? BobF.
Resp:
That would work awesome!  We are trying to HOOK the scuba geeks into reef
keeping
<Ahh! Easy to do... Will make the pitch on Urging Folks to Take Up Scuba... and Modes of Marine Life Collection if you'd like... Or... Photography? BobF.>

Coming to La Jolla!  2/28/07
Hello Bob, Hope all is well with you.  Tank is doing great!  We  are coming to La Jolla March 18-22. We'd love to meet you over at the Birch  Aquarium.  Is
there a better day that week for you?
<Mmm, no... all are about the same for me>
  Oh by the  way I'd love an all you can eat seafood buffet or someplace that has good crab  legs.
<Yikes... crab legs... in San Diego? Almost all are imported... except for some of the Cancer crabs caught off the shore and points north...>
Any recommendations?
<Yes... the "Fish Market" if it's not too crowded... Whereabouts (which town) are you staying?>
After 6 years I haven't found a  restaurant that I'm crazy about.  Thanks  
Donielle
<Not for crab legs here... though there are some nice take out (Sea Forth, Islandia...) sorts of places... and some (too high end for me usually) sit-down restaurants with good seafood (am perhaps too picky from studying fisheries for so long)... Do send me an email when you're closer to town, or your cell number. Bob Fenner>

Re: coming to La Jolla!  2/28/07
Hi Bob, we are going to stay at the Sea Lodge that is right beside Kellogg park.
<Oh, how nice! Right there in La Jolla... near the Cove... and Shores... In a previous life I sold the restaurant there Abalone...>
I love that park and the tide pools.  I plan my whole day  around low tide!!  I'll email you a day or so before we leave so we can  exchange cell numbers.  Thanks again, Donielle
<Real good... And do "pencil in" my fave Pizza places... Carino's (in La Jolla as well) and Pizza Port... up the 101 a bit... There is a "Fish Market" Restaurant in Del Mar... not too far away as well... BobF>

NERAC III, Your Last Chance To Join Your Competitors  2/12/07
About a month ago, the Long Island Reef Association (LIRA) which is hosting the NERAC III Conference sent you an email inviting your company to join. The email was giving your company the opportunity to either purchase a booth or if unable to attend, the ability to donate in order to be listed both on the NERAC website (www.neracli.com) and in the program guide.
   <Mmm, didn't see before... But, no thanks>
  Unfortunately we have not heard from you, either it may have been caught by your spam filter (hence the duplicate that has been sent via a standard yahoo email) or that you may have missed reading it.  
<A possibility>   
  As an event organizer I hope to encourage you to further think about joining this great conference.  Last year we had over 100 attendees for the two day conference and 100 for the dinner.  This year the response has been overwhelming with an anticipation of 150 people for the conference.  The postings on Reef Central.com along with individual clubs’ websites indicates that the conference which is located on Long Island, New York will be far reaching.  Expected fish enthusiasts will be coming from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Upstate New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even Toronto.     
  If a booth is not your choice of advertisement, then think about donating your product(s).  These donations will be used for the raffle event held on Sunday afternoon.  We are talking about 150 people along with the thousands that pass by that day, as we display your product with a quick description.  Product discussion did not end after the conference but was carried into our monthly meetings along with numerous postings not only on our discussion board but on reef central’s.   
  A few companies responded in asking about an alternative to a product since they wanted to make livestock available or the ability to offer an upcoming product.  Well, I suggested that a gift certificate be made available, which they concurred with excitement. In addition, some of these companies accompanied their donation along with a discount to all attendees of the conference between 10-30% off products/livestock found on their website.   
  Now you may be thinking, who are my competitors that you make mention of?  Well, if you follow this link http://neracli.com/Donations.htm  you will see who has signed up in the past week alone. (last year over 20 companies were listed)  Not only do they receive advertisement on the webpage, they are included on the program guide http://neracli.com/NERAC%20III%20Flyer%201.0.pdf, and again on www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=156.
   <Good spiel>
  Time is running out for your company in order to be listed and printed.  Please contact me at ejenkins@lireef.org with your intentions.  I can then give you further instructions on how best to present your company at this tremendous event.   
  On behalf of the event organizers and that of the association, I thank your for taking the time to read this and of any donations that are made.
  Eric Jenkins
  Public Relations Officer (516) 236-3615   
  http://lireef.org/  (Our organization)
  http://neracli.com/index.htm (NERAC info)
  http://www.atlantismarineworld.com/ (Host aquarium)
<Hello to all the Atlantis. BobF>

MCMAC Conference  2/7/07
Dear Mr. Bob Fenner,
<Rick>
The Midcolumbia Saltwater Aquarium Club is holding our third "Mid Columbia Marine Aquarium Conference" (MCMAC) this summer and we are looking for one or two speakers who are experts in the field for our two day summer event in Kennewick WA.  
Our past two conferences we were fortunate to have Anthony Calfo, Terry Bartelme, Steve Tyree and Dr Adelaide Rhodes along with a few local experts presenting on excellent topics that entertained a gathering of approximately 100 at each event.  We are able to secure a professional auditorium with excellent video, sound and lighting equipment.  Typically we draw people from the Seattle, Spokane, Portland OR and Boise ID clubs to this event.  It is well known in the Pacific Northwest as an excellent event to attend and has been well supported by many vendors contributing to our silent auction and raffle.  We also have a local tank tour of our club member's tanks and the last event we had over 30 cars of people caravanning around town on the tour.
This is a thread on www.reeffrontiers.com about our last MCMAC event
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8511&page=8&highlight=mcmac
We have not yet selected a weekend to hold this event as the date is dependent on the availability of our speakers.  We would like to hold the conference on a weekend (Fri & Sat) within the following date ranges.  From June 9, 2007 thru August 26, 2007 except for July 28/29 and August 18/19.
If you are available during this time frame and would like to visit the beautiful Pacific Northwest and hang out with a bunch of people who are crazy about their reef tanks, we would really enjoy hearing from you.
<Maybe... won't know re any of these general dates likely till the beginning of summer>
Please send a reply to:
Rick Berg
<I'd ask other folks. Bob Fenner>

RMF visiting PNWMAS  1/25/07
Hello Mr. Fenner,
    I know its not April but I have another idea.
<Okay>
    Is the month of Feb. 2008 better for your schedule?
<Maybe>
We still want you to come and give a speech.
Just trying to make sure we have a speaker lined up ASAP for the August 19th, 2007 date.
Since speakers fill up their calendars so quickly. If the 2008 date works for you,
let's put it in the books and I'll begin looking for someone else to take over the August date.
<"Never put off till tomorrow what you can put off till the day after tomorrow"... A BenF mis-quote methinks>
     Don't mean to sound pushy or come across that way, just trying to fill in our calendar.
Please let me know what you think of this idea. If it is still better to wait and check back with you in April,
I'll do that. Just thought this might make things easier.
Thanks for your time and patience, Mike Wilson - PNWMAS Public Relations Officer and member
<Let's push this date back then. RMF>

& SWU  1/25/07
Bob,
I need to know where to book your flight from for SWU May 4-6, 2007.
<Mmm, San Diego's Lindbergh Field>
Also, when are you gonna travel back west... to the lovely rainbow state?
<Am coming over just north of you I believe (S.C.) in a couple of weeks. BobF>
--
Kevin Jessop

Event visit, IL in Feb./07   1/24/07
Bob,
  Just wondering what it takes to get you and the WWM crew out to an event. The time frame is short, and I apologies on that. I had no idea that this was going to explode like it has. This is the 1st event a new club is hosting, but already we have major vendor support, guest speakers, and people talking about making driving over 300 miles to attend. I has hoping for 250 to attend, some are putting that number closer to 1000. If is isn't possible to get you and or crew members out is it possible to get a banner for the event up?
  Thanks for your time
  http://www.rockfordreefers.org/Feb2007.html
     Rob Topping
        Rockford Reef Club
  www.Rockfordreefers.org
<Nice advert... I try to get out once every couple months to give a free pitch... and strongly encourage other friends here to do so... Illinois in Feb. 07? Will post your note in the hope that others will see, chime in... Am all full up for next year myself. Bob Fenner>

MAST - Toronto - April 28- arrangements   1/19/07
Hi Bob   (and Diana):
We have finally been able to sign a contract with the local college for a good Theatre Room, for Saturday, April 28.
Topic: Our last two or three 'big' presentations have been focused on SPS corals. We wondered if you could do something a bit more broadly based. We would be happy with a fairly generic title, along the lines of 'Successful Reef Keeping'. If possible we would like something on a successful approach to decision making, how to choose equipment and specimens, attitudes of the aquarist, compatibility issues for various kinds of reef - a bit more philosophical, rather than a list of specific equipment and a 'to do' list. Hope you can make sense of that. Do you have anything along those lines available ?
<Yes... perhaps a pitch on Reef Livestock Selection>
We note your policy of catering to all skill levels, but we had some mild criticism that a couple of past talks were not challenging enough. It is usually our more skilled aquarists that attend our special events.
<Mmm, if the word and I can be mentioned in juxtaposition... "pride" myself on being the "Betty Boop"/Homer Simpson of providing a broad-enough range of interest to ability levels...>
Publicity: For our publicity posters, we would like a title (not necessarily exactly as suggested above). Also, do you have a brief bio and a photo you could send us ?
<Mmm, my extant bio. is here: http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/bobfbio.htm
Will work on placing, linking some more modern pix... do look there for links to same in the next few days>
Books: Not sure what books you have in print or your usual arrangements for selling them. We have found quite a few participants like to buy the speaker's latest book(s), especially if they can get them signed. Is that something we should talk about ?
<Yes... and asking Diana (wife) to chime in here... She's thinking of accompanying me (unusual! But likes your town)... and has a bunch of our titles... Otherwise you can ask to buy them from her, other distributors... and re-sell>
Air Tickets: Just a reminder that you suggested Diana was a hot-shot at booking flights. Since we don't know your preferred arrangements, we are leaving that to her. We don't expect you to make inconvenient arrangement to save a few bucks, but I understand one generally gets a better price if booking isn't left too close to departure date. As previously noted, as soon as we know the cost of your flight, we will put money in the mail.
Best regards, Bob.
<Di is excellent at these arrangements. Am leaving this up to her as well. Cheers, Bob Fenner, not quite warm-enough in HI>

Re: IMAC 2007   1/19/07
Hi Bob;
I just got back from Las Vegas where I did a site survey (Boy, the Riviera is a BIG hotel!). The dates got changed. The Vegas IMAC will be on August 9 - 12.  Can you still make it?
<Mmm, I guess so>
There won't be any more changes.  I signed  a contract.
Best,
Dennis
<I didn't realize the IMAC was moving from Chicago... Hey, your website hasn't been changed to reflect the date, location changes.... Bob Fenner>

Re: 2 IMACs 2007   1/19/07
Hey Bob;
IMAC isn't moving from Chicago.  We're still having it in Chicago June 1, 2 and 3.  The Vegas IMAC is a second one for the West Coast people who have been complaining for years about not having a major conference out their way for about 9 years.
Can you come up with another topic for Vegas?
<Oh, and yes... BobF>
Best,
Dennis
 

Re: SEASL invitation to St. Louis
Graham,
<BobF here>
Thanks so much for passing along the reply from Bob.  I was most surprised when the e-mail showed up on RC.
<? Me too...>
  One of our members found it & posted it there.  I assume it was posted somewhere on WetWebMedia's site or message board?
<Oh! Most likely so>
Now the general membership of SEASL keeps asking, "when's Bob coming?"  I spend little time on the internet so am not familiar with your protocols.  I guess it's good to generate interest :)  Onward!...
<Oh yes>
We have historically hosted speakers in the fall.  Our regularly scheduled meeting is the second Saturday of the month.  May I propose the following dates for Bob to visit SEASL?
Sept. 8, 2007
Oct. 13, 2007
Nov. 10, 2007
<Mmm... likely the last two might work... could we re-visit toward summer's end?>
Please advise if these dates are open.  We can certainly move the meeting to another weekend or even a weekday if necessary.   Walt Smith spoke on a weekday evening in 2004.  Anthony Calfo spent the whole weekend with us in 2005 and Eric Borneman came in for one day in Nov. 2006.  We are certainly very flexible on dates.   Thanks again!
Brad Witte
SEASL Executive officer
<Thank you for your interest. Bob Fenner>

SaltwaterU & HI    1/10/07
Bob,
Have you been able to check your schedule to see if you are available for the following?
1. SaltwaterU May 4-6, 2007 in Atlanta, GA
<Have not, but this should be fine>
2. A visit to dive sometime in Feb (Kona)
<May well be back out here (am in Kona presently), but have a pitch in SC in the near mid-Feb., and may haul out to Bonaire later>
Thanks in advance, you are great.  Hope your new years was wonderful
<And yours, BobF>
--
Kevin Jessop

SaltwaterU & Bonaire    1/10/07
The Atlanta Reef club is looking at doing a trip to Bonaire in late may or early June....
Kevin
<Oh! Which resort/condo group? Is there a listing, URL that I might see re? Is the public at large able to join in? BobF>

Where in SC will you be?    1/10/07
<Mmm, here: http://www.columbiamac.org/
BobF>

Re: SaltwaterU & Bonaire   1/10/07
The resort that we are looking into is the sand dollar.  I will find the url and email it to you later.
<Ahh, I/we've stayed there... very nice... and the new restaurant to the left side of the pier is a winner... and free wi-fi outside the coffee shop near the road...>
  You are more than welcome to come join us for this trip.  This will be our SaltwaterU Dive trip this year.
Kevin
<Oh! Let's do try and get some more folks involved here... A very nice, calm, warm, clear water place to go... I'll gladly volunteer to pitch in... with an ID series of presentations, perhaps UW photography. BobF>

Re: RMF giving a pitch in Portland   1/7/07
Bob,
    Contacting you to see if the possibility of you coming out and talking to us in the month of Aug. 2007 is still there? It would be the weekend of the 18th and 19th. This would be for our BBQ/party. trying to nail down a date before the year gets to far planned out for you. Please let me know if this works or if we should try something else.
<Mmm, don't know at this point Mike... might be going east about this time of year... Can we re-visit toward summer? BobF>
Thanks for your time and patience, Mike Wilson - PNWMAS Public Relations Officer and member

SEASL invitation to St. Louis    1/5/07
Bob,
<Brad>
I am one of the executive officers of SEASL (Saltwater Enthusiasts Association of St. Louis).  We would like to invite you to visit us for a speaking engagement later in 2007.  We hosted Anthony Calfo in 2005 and Eric Borneman in Nov 2006.  Check us out at www.seasl.org !  I think we showed them a good time & we had nice crowds at their events here.  Drop Anthony & Eric a note, I think they would agree.  We would love to have you visit & speak and learn from you.  Could you check your schedule & let us know if you are available to come to St. Louis?  That would be most wonderful.  Thanks.
Brad Witte
SEASL Executive officer
<Mmm, thank you for the invite... Please do write me back a few months closer to the prospective dates. Don't know at all well what I'll be doing travel-wise during this time frame. Bob Fenner>

Speaking engagements?    1/5/07
Hello Bob,
<Hey Keith!>
My name is Keith MacNeil.  I am a member of the Connecticut Area Reef Society (www.ctars.org) and we are hoping you might be free sometime this summer to come speak to our club.  We are looking to have a BBQ type meeting
<Whoa, got my attn.>
in August and thought this might be the perfect meeting time for you.
<So far...>
I have been told by a source that you do not like cold weather.
<Dat's right>
I am in agreement with you about this and am still wondering why I agreed to move from Sunny SoCal to Connecticut, LOL.
<Am out in HI now... too cold even in S. Cal.>
This source also mentioned that I should let you know we will have plenty of good pizza,
<Whoa times two!>
a good selection of beers
<Am getting on the plane right now...>
and a high number of females in attendance.  Well, the first two will be true but I must admit maybe I was spoiled while living in SoCal, but the women of CT just don't seem to stack up to CA.
<Oooh, watch this... the "bear effect" seems to be positively correlated with thermal regimes>
But we will also advertise the meeting to other nearby clubs (such as Boston and NY) in hopes of increasing attendance.
<Sounds good>
Well you may have guessed who the source is, it is Anthony Calfo.  I should also let you know I am employed by Marine Depot and am an administrator (username argi) on the Marine Depot Forums, www.marinedepot.com/forums/ where Anthony has his own forum.  I lived in SoCal for 7 years, where I was employed by Marine Depot for the last 2 years before moving to CT.  Luckily Ben allowed me to continue to work from Marine Depot from home.
<Sounds good. BenR is a fine fellow>
While in SoCal I was also a very active member of SCMAS (www.scmas.org)
<Oh yeah, MarcT and many other good people>
where I was able to hear you speak a couple of times (most notably at our holiday party at the Long Beach Aquarium).
If this is something that might be of interest to you and you are available, please let me know and we can start working out the details.  If it is something that is not possible at this time but maybe in the future or simply isn't going to be feasible at all please let me know and it is fully understandable.
Hopefully you might be able to make the trek to Connecticut, but if not I am looking forward to seeing you at MACNA in Pittsburgh.
<Mmm, probably won't be attending... I only go to these pitches if I'm presenting... usually folks can only stand me every other year or so...>
Thank you for your time,
Keith MacNeil
<Mmm, thank you for the invite... Please do write me back a few months closer to the prospective dates. Don't know at all well what I'll be doing travel-wise during this time frame. Bob Fenner>

RMF Speaking Schedule   12/27/06
Hey Bob,
Would you be interested in coming back to Houston to talk to our group?
<Oh! Was just in your airport last night... transiting back from FLA>
  I am not sure what you would like to talk about to a smaller crowd, but your presence has been requested so I wanted to check.
What are your thoughts?
Kim
<Will, would gladly come out... don't have much planned for 07 thus far... but am going to be out for some longer times... the month of Jan. in HI for instance... When did you have in mind? BobF>

Re: Speaking Schedule  12/27/06
Hiya Bob!
<Kim-ster>
That is crazy, if I would have known you were in Houston at the airport, I would have bought you a beer if your layover was long enough.  
<Man!>
Oh well, maybe next time.  I am not sure when you would want to speak to our group, but we are pretty open for next year since we don't have any solid plans of yet, except for a few things...
Feb has a Coral ID workshop
<Mmm... could do this... but... there are others that are more popular>
Mar frag swap and garage sale
April 21st we are doing a crawfish boil and collection, then we are planning a dive trip to the Flower Gardens that leaves on the 22nd for the Hammerhead migration and comes back on the 25th.
<Sphyrna lewini solamente? If so, nah>
  You could always come in and talk for that Friday or Saturday morning.  Too bad I can't just fly you out here to hang out since everyone seems to enjoy your company.
<Can, could... don't have a day job... Just need fast Net access>
May and June we have member tank tours
<Always like these>
July we have a Port A collection trip and weekend hangout event, which involves all three TX clubs.  You could even be a part of that if you wanted.
<Sounds like a blast...>
The rest of the year has nothing planned.   
<Mostly me neither>
I guess it really doesn't matter to us.  We are pretty flexible since there is not too much set in stone as of yet.
Let me know what your thoughts are or when you would like to be in TX, and I can try to work around that.  Once I know when you are available I will let my BOD know so we can decide who and when.
Talk with you soon!
Kim
<Mmm, let's keep chatting... maybe you can/should fill in the rest, majority of your calendar... then make it known where I might fit in... Can/will chat re most any topic. Cheers, Bob F>

Re: Speaking Schedule   12/28/06
Hello Bob,
<Kim-o-vitch!>
Yes I do have a day job.  My email is up, so I am constantly checking it when I am not in the lab.  ;)
I guess I forgot to mention, Eric is doing the Coral ID workshop in Feb, so don't worry about that.  Too bad you don't want to swim with the sharks, I am sure it will be fun.  I hear there is an occasional whale shark that comes thru about that time of year too.
<Mmm, have pix of all these... but still want to dive the "gardens" there>
The Port A trip is always a good time.  Friday night we do a beach bon fire and just hang out with everyone.  Saturday in the morning and afternoon, people do whatever, but usually it includes searching the Sargassum and jetties for critters.
<Oh!>
Last year one of our members found a seahorse, of which he is still doing well from what I hear.  Later Saturday we do a BBQ and then head to the end of the jetties just before sunset for a peppermint shrimp collection.  100s of peps are caught, let alone the many other fun critters.
<Sounds great>
The tank tours are cool too, especially since we have to split it up into two different regions because Houston is big enough.  You are more than welcome to join us on that excursion.  I am sure the members would love it.
<I know I would>
Well anyway.  We will keep in touch about next year's schedule.  
Talk with you soon!
Kim
<Real good hon. BobF>

Re: Can we schedule Mr. Fenner in 2007?
Hi Bob,
There are four Saturdays in August 2007: the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th.
Would the 25th work well for you?
<Mmm.. the 18th would/will likely be better
It fits the bill as being near the 23rd.
We could also go with Sunday the 26th if that would better for you.
I'm CC'ing Greg Hiller on this message. Can/would you please send us your phone number so we can make arrangements with you for travel & lodging?
<Ah, yes. 858 XXXX>
That would be most excellent.
Thanks for your time,
Moe
<Let's make this a tentative date... and touch base re May or June of next year. BobF>

Re: Hi from Caracas   9/22/06
Hi Bob
<Claudio>
I am working on ³OUR PROJECT² for your visit to Caracas
<Ah, good>
I am trying to ³sign up ³ up to 6 no more than 8 persons to share the expense
I already have 4, so far so good...
<Half way there...>
The Plan is coordinating the ³House VISITS² so you can evaluate how are we doing here, what is out ³LIVE STOCK², some of us are starting small fragging projects because imported coral are extraordinarily expensive ( we pay as much as 4 times US retail price)
<Yikes... Macanudo!>
and we have some local corals zoanthids that are ³legally protected² so it ends up expensive because is not completely legal to obtain (sort of a grey area depending where, when and who collects them...  Latin America style)
<I see>
In this visit the idea is to discuss on a case by case basis and at the end of each  day (1,2 or 3 days) have a meeting, may be with some digital pictures to openly discus strategies en special topics.
Think as a Club in formation.
<Good>
I am trying also to figure out expenses, your plane ticket, your hotel, meals and trying to set up a ice dive if there is any thing else please do not hesitate to contact me...
About timing, we are still thinking end of November because early December (Dec, 3) is the Presidential election and We really do not know if it is going to be any trouble...
Any other thought??
Regards
Claudio
<I do... there is a young/er friend, Anthony Calfo, who might actually be a better visitor here... He is the author of "The Book of Coral Propagation" and knows much more than I re this field. I am going to cc him here for your introduction. I will gladly come visit you if he can't make it, but his background is much more current in what it appears you're looking for. Bob Fenner>

Can we schedule Mr. Fenner in 2007?  9/20/06
Hi Bob,
<Hey Moe! Sorry, am sure you've heard this before...>
Shall we try scheduling a speaking visit for 2007?
I know from past experience you don't like the cold.
<Brrrrr!>
I also remember that in the past you've preferred leaf season - autumn.
Do you want to try for September or October of 2007?
Would an earlier month in 2007 work for you? You pick the month, we'll arrange things. :)
We'd love to have you out here - I'm hoping we can work something out soon.
Thank you, sir.
Warm regards,
Moe
Boston Reefers Society
<Am wondering if I might come out in August of next year... in conjunction with visiting my mum in law in NJ. BobF>

Hello from Caracas   9/19/06
Hi Mr. Fenner
<Salud Claudio>
I was talking with some friend here in Caracas (Venezuela) all aquarium enthusiast about how we were doing things here,
I thought about the possibility of having a very qualified expert, like yourself, visit us, review our tanks and have something like an open class.
<A possibility>
Our situation in the reef aquarium hobby is very ³empirical² , mostly trial and error (very expensive btw..) and our local stores really are no help.
Internet is our main way of learning and importing books...
<Thank goodness for the Net>
There is really nobody with enough experience to jump to a better level in the hobby.
Of course we would arrange for expenses and possible some nice diving!!!
<Ahh! Muy bueno... me gusto bucear>
I really do not your availability and I really would like your input about this IDEA
Regards
Claudio Dioguardi
Caracas, Venezuela
<Please make known your time frame/s... My wife would like to come along for the diving adventure, and I'll gladly pay for her travel. Bob Fenner>

Post MACNA Dive Trip Hotel Options  9/3/06

Re: MACNA Post Dive Trip Hotel Options  - 09/02/06
<Thank you Kim. Done. BobF>
Oops...
I am a goof.  Here is the link for the info on the MACNA site...
http://www.macnaxviii.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10  It includes the link
for PayPal.
Kim Lowe

Re: Post-MACNA dive trip   9/2/06
Date:  Thu, 31 Aug 2006 21:28:15 -0500
Hello all,
I just wanted to get you a list of hotels that are near by the Bush International Airport and Hobby Airport so you can decide where you are going to stay.  I have attached a couple sites with various listings, of which most have complimentary shuttles.
Bush - http://houstonbush.airporthotelservice.com/houston_bush_airport.html
Hobby - http://www.airporthotelsasap.com/houston-texas-hobby-airport-hotels.html
I am going to help get you guys to the hotel after the dive trip, but let me know if you need my assistance, otherwise I will assume you have figure other transportation.
Also, for all who haven't figure out their dive equipment, if you aren't bringing your own, there is a dive shop across from the Gulf Diving (www.gulf-diving.com) for convenience called Aquatic Excursions (979-233-8800).  You can contact them for help in regards to this.  Remember, there will be some weights available for your use, but feel free to bring your own if you can manage the additional weight on the plane.  80" tanks will be provided by the dive company, so don't worry about bringing those either.
If there is anything you need, please email me or call me ASAP.  Sharon at Gulf Diving would be happy to answer you questions about the dive, or you can email me about it.
We still have several spots available on the boat, so please make sure you let all your buddies know.
See you all in a few weeks!!
Kim Lowe
Vice President, MARSH
www.marshreef.com
www.macnaxviii.com
<Kim! I should have made up my mind by now... and with the list of other folks going... Am convinced. Please make it known how I should get you the 450 for this go... I'll haul my BC, reg... BobF> <Kim-ster, I do need a ride... to and fro. Am hoping to stay in the same hotel as John Dawe and co. He's emailing re what/where this might be. Danke, BobF>

Re: Post MACNA Dive Trip   8/23/06
Hi Bob,
We definitely have a few spots open if you two would like to go.
Let me know.
Regards,
Kim Lowe
Vice President, MARSH
www.marshreef.com
www.macnaxviii.com
<Am still cogitating furiously re... who might give/share transport to/from the MACNA do to the port? Is it really a hundred miles away? Could I make a flight back on the 24th at 9:00... Weds. or? BobF>

Bob Fenner in the GWN!   7/31/06
Mr. Fenner,
    Can we pencil you in for the summer of 2007? We would like you to be in town for the weekend of 8-18/19-07. Hopefully this wouldn't be to close to your birthday and we can make this happen.
<This time should work fine>
Could you send us a list of items you would need for your trip up here,
<Mmm, just a laptop projector and screen>
like what you would need to have for your speech/lecture and what we would need to reimburse you for, ( flight and so on ).
<Just this... and a place to stay please. Can/could be (preferably) someone's place rather than a hotel, but this would work>
Really hoping that this time frame will work for you and not cause any problems with your birthday plans. Please let us know if we can plan on having you as our guest next year.
Thanks for your time and patience, Mike Wilson - PNWMAS Public Relations Officer and member
<And did mention to my other "Mike Wilson" friend, fellow-hasher in San Diego re your commonality of nomens! Cheers, Bob Fenner, still out in HI>

Re: NJ Visit   7/11/06
I'd like to shoot for the 27th of August if that works for you. Let me know if you can plan to be here and what you need from us.
Thanks,
Phyllis
<Will come out, visit you folks, give a pitch... Need the addy, time frame, a laptop projector and screen, the topic or choice of topics you'd like to hear. BobF>

Re: NJ Visit   7/13/06
Already have the projector lined up, working on the screen and the exact location. Hopefully I'll have the location details all firmed up by the end
of the day today. I'll let you know as soon as I've got the place booked.
<Real good>
Do you have a list of your favorite topics? I'd love to pick from topics that are near and dear to you.
<Mmm, many travelogues... disease/health issues... On my laptop... a pres. on "Algae Can Be Your Friend" and Marine Livestock Selection... BobF>
Thanks!
Phyllis

RMF giving a pitch in Portland  7/10/06
Hello Bob,
     Would the summer of 2007 be open for you to speak to us? August would be great as that is our BBQ, (big fiesta), if not we would like to try and set up a date to work on and start to get the ball rolling.
<This sounds great. If possible, not involving a date too close to 8/23... is my bday...>
Let me know what works best for you. We are working with a club in Seattle, WA.
<Oh! I think I've been to this>
to try and bring speakers to the Northwest. We are trying to get speakers to speak at both clubs meetings in one weekend (1 Sat. and 1 Sun.). Are you interested in this also? Please let me know what will work for you.
Thanks Mike Wilson - Pacific Northwest Marine Aquarium Society Public Relations Officer and member
<Man! That's a long title! Bob Fenner>

Invite to MAST - Toronto    7/1/06
Hi Bob:
<Bob>
I am writing to see if you have any interest in speaking to the Marine Aquarium Society of Toronto (MAST) in Toronto, Canada.
<Mmm, sure>
I was in touch with you a couple of years ago, but you were pretty well fully booked at the time You recommended Anthony Calfo, and we did manage to get him up here last April. We much enjoyed his talk, and generally had a great time.
<Ah good... a fine person, asset to our interest>
We realize it is a significant trip for you but, in our program planning, your name inevitably arises as a 'must have' speaker. So here I am trying again.
<"Must have...?" That's something I rarely hear, 'cept if I'm late serving dinner, or vacuuming on Sundays>
We have arranged for a U.S. speaker for this fall, so would like to see if spring or fall of 2007 might interest you. (MAST takes a summer break in July and August.)
For out-of-town speakers, we usually have a special event on a Saturday afternoon. We have found a great lecture hall (banked seating and first-class audio-visual facilities). We also have a good reputation for making sure our guests are well cared for.
<How nice>
Looking forward to hearing if this might fit your schedule and be of interest.
Regards, Bob James   (President, MAST)
<Thank you for the invite. Am totally open for 2007 thus far... please make it known what time frame, topics will fit your group. Bob Fenner>

Re: Invite to MAST - Toronto   7/2/06
Hi Bob:
<Bob>
I have just been in touch with Charles Delbeek (an ex-Torontonian) at the Waikiki Aquarium. Charles was encouraging me to visit - and quite out of the blue - he mentioned some of the prominent reef types who now live on the 'Big Island' - including yourself. The MASNA speakers database has you listed as being in San Diego. I have no idea what the airfare from HI to Toronto is likely to be, but obviously a fair bit more than from San Diego.
<Mmm, do live in San Diego about half the year. Am in HI a couple months per>
I will investigate the airfare and discuss the budget with the rest of the MAST Exec. In the meantime, I thought I should let you know right away that it may be a bit of a problem.
I don't suppose you might be over on the mainland sometime for other purposes, so that we might share the cost with another sponsor?
Regards, Bob.
<No worries. Will wait for cheap airfares from S. Cal. BobF>

Re: Invite to MAST - Toronto   7/2/06
Hi Bob:
<Bob>
Thanks for such a quick and positive reply.
<Welcome!>
Spring 2007 works best for us - we are flexible, but a Saturday in April would probably be best - the bad weather is over, and no scheduling
complications with school spring break.
<Should work out fine>
We could contact you in the fall to establish details or, if you prefer to establish an exact date right away, would you like to suggest one?
<We can wait...>
Are you OK with staying in a home? My wife, Debbie, and I have a comfortable place and would be pleased to entertain you, feed you well, show you the
city, or just leave you to do your own thing - if any of that was of interest, and you had time to stay an extra day or so.
<Ah, I do appreciate this. I vastly prefer to stay with you than a hotel, thank you>
MAST (as name implies) is an all-marine club - all of us have reef tanks, rather than fish-only - and we would prefer your presentation to be pitched
to a reasonably knowledgeable audience - as against newcomers. There would likely be less interest in the business side, more on husbandry techniques
and/or a bit of science thrown in. I dare say that if you have standard presentations prepared that would be fine, because not too many of our
members will have heard it before.
Regards, Bob.
<Please make it known what topics you're interested in, or have not heard much re in recent history. I have many pitches... BobF>

Are you guys not going diving on the field trip after MACNA?
<Mmm... not as yet...>
It would be nice to have you guys along, especially since some people would benefit from your expertise on species.  We are 8 short right  
now, and would so much rather have MACNA people along than having to fill the spaces with strangers from the area dive shops.
Thanks
Eric
<Thank you for the reminder though. BobF>

Re: Flower Garden trip
Bob, please!  We need your humor.  We need your company. We need to go diving already.
E
<Mmm... how much is this go? Have already bought the ding dang plane tickets... Why not come out with us where the water is a bit clearer? Not so dang ding hard to get to the dive sites? BobF, crankier than usual>

Re: Flower Garden trip
Uh, the water is clearer at the FG than just about anywhere I have ever been. Because the fish life is better than anywhere in the  
Caribbean. Because its a MACNA event and a first field trip.  Because you'll have fun and there are drinks on board. Because I am begging.  
Because I don't want to disappoint the attendees who have signed up and are stoked to go out - especially to go diving with the likes of  
Bob Fenner and Eric Borneman.
E
<Thanks for the prodding Eric. Will check with Di (schedules tickets) re time frame, poss. Eric... don't see the info. for this dive trip associated with the MACNA XVIII site. Do you have the URL? BobF>

Re: Flower Garden trip
<Thanks Eric. Di, what would be involved in changing, extending my time (and yours if you want to haul out) to include the days below? BobF>
We are happy to announce that the dive trip to the Flower Gardens is scheduled and ready to accept reservation for a spot on the boat.  The dive trip is scheduled for following MACNA.  The boat will begin loading at 8pm in Freeport, Sunday, Sept 24th.  Our charter is with Gulf Giving out of Freeport, TX, you can see more info about them at their website www.gulf-diving.com.  The boat we are scheduled to go out on is the Fling.  There will be approximately 25 divers plus 3 divemasters.
The cost of the trip will be $450 for the entire weekend, of which food will be provided, as well as your 80" tanks.  You are required to bring your own dive equipment.  If you are an out-of-towner and don't want to lug around your equipment, you can rent equipment at any local dive shop here in Houston, or you can contact Aquatic Excursions (979-233-8800), which is across the street from Gulf- Diving.  Weight belts can be provided by Gulf Diving for those flying in with their equipment, otherwise they ask if you local to bring your own weight belts since there are a limited amount.  If you would like to dive with Nitrox, there is a $75 charge for the three days in addition to the $450, which is a total of $525 for the weekend.  Payments can me made via PayPal thru our MACNA site at this link..  http://www.macnaxviii.com/registration/dive_trip.php .  If you would prefer to mail your deposit or full payment, please contact me when you payment is sent so I can reserve your spot until the check is received.  Final payment MUST be received by August 1st.  If you would like to bring a bottle of wine on the trip, you can, but it must stay in the galley.  Beers and sodas will be sold for those who would like one after they are done diving for the day, they are strict about your first (alcoholic) drink is your last dive of the day.
The trip will be a total of 11 dives starting Monday.  There will be 5 dives Monday, 4 dives Tuesday and the remaining 2 dives on Wednesday morning.  Also, from what I understand, there should be a night dive in there as well.  We will return to the dock around 5-6pm that Wednesday for those that need to schedule overnight stay and flights.
We are also in need of a few dive masters, so if you would like to be a part of this trip, please contact me.  You must be certified and   insured at the time of the trip.
If you have any questions about the trip, please feel free to contact   me or Sharon at Gulf Diving.
Kim
Kim Price
Vice President, MARSH
MACNA Houston 2006 Committee