* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #375 Date: Sunday 1st January 2006 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Magicians In The News This Week Links 3. Las Vegas Magic - January, 2006 4. John Mohering New Editor M-U-M - Review 5. Magician Grifter May Have Stolen $100,000 Dollars 6. Katrina Kids Christmas Party 7. Update On FISM 2006 8. Third Annual Magic Show Conference - Branson, Missouri 9. Covington Royal Academy Of Prestidigitation (C.R.A.P.) 10. The Amazing Orchanté Saga 11. e-zine Archives 12. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Congratulation to John Mohering, the new editor for the Society of American Magicians magazine M-U-M on his first issue - it's AWESOME. The M-U-M magazine is now a major benefit in belonging or for joining the Society of American Magicians. The magazine is VERY professionally produced with modern layout and great content. To find out more about the new magazine and the benefits of belonging to the Society of American Magicians go to: http://www.magicsam.com/membershipbenefits.html --------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Magicians In The News This Week Links ----------------- Stars Make Sweet Music http://www.sky.com/showbiz/article/0,,50001-1207026,00.html Sky News - United Kingdom Claire Sweeney, Vanessa Feltz and Paul Daniels are just some who'll be singing in the Christmas special of Stars In Their Eyes. ... Colin and Justin will be Star turn http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/5047193.shtml Glasgow Evening Times - Glasgow,Scotland,UK ... Paul Daniels and wife Debbie McGee will impersonate Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, while TV presenters Vanessa Feltz and Matthew Wright will be Renee and Renato ... Magician brings show to Striar JCC http://www2.townonline.com/easton/artsLifestyle/view.bg?articleid=400265 Easton Journal - Milford,MA,USA Renowned Boston magician David Hall will bring his bag of amazing illusions and tricks to Striar Jewish Community Center on Monday, Jan. ... Stand-up magician bringing act to First Fridays for Families http://www.therepublic.com/main.asp?SectionID=72&SubSectionID=308&ArticleID=91995&TM=23944.12 The Republic.com (subscription) - Columbus,IN,USA ... He calls himself a stand-up magician, performing eye-catching special effects and double take close-up acts with a bit of humor. ... More talk, less rock on the radio http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzNTkmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY4NDc1NzImeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz NorthJersey.com - Hackensack,NJ,USA ... (Other announced hosts include Penn Jillete, the larger, louder half of magic duo Penn & Teller; and Leslie Gold, the former WNEW personality better known as ... THIS WEEK: DEC. 30 to JAN. 5 http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/entertainment/13513549.htm Wilkes Barre Times-Leader - Wilkes Barre,PA,USA ... Feb. 4, 8 pm $20. 610-330-5009. An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion with David Copperfield and his state-of-the-art wizardry. ... Billboard Bits: Rose Parade, Janis Ian, Jason Miles http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001772543 Billboard - New York,NY,USA ... The 117th annual event, which carries the theme "It's Magical," will also feature performances by Lance Burton and a Disney youth chorus. ... If only they could all be like Illinois http://www.pjstar.com/stories/123005/KIR_B8I5DHT8.073.shtml Peoria Journal Star - Peoria,IL,USA ... Parade. I can see LeAnn Rimes sing at least 20 times a day on country-music cable. If I want Lance Burton, I can go to Vegas. The ... THE TIP SHEET http://www.calgarysun.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=75717&x=articles&s=showbiz Calgary Sun - Canada ... extravaganza will be jazzed up further by mid-parade performances --  yes, the parade will roll to a pause -- by singer Toni Braxton and magician Lance Burton ... Theater, Kids, Festivals, Recreation, Sports (12/29 - 01/05/06) http://www.jdnews.com/SiteProcessor.cfm?Template=/GlobalTemplates/Details.cfm&StoryID=37627&Section=Max Jacksonville Daily News - Jacksonville,NC,USA ... 3-8, "Sex and the Second City"; Jan. 22, "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion" with David Copperfield; Jan. 24-29, "Chicago"; Jan. 31-Feb. ... Entertainer John dies in santa role http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0150swarksnews/tm_objectid=16526652&method=full&siteid=50003&headline=entertainer-john-dies-in-santa-role-name_page.html ic Coventry - Coventry,UK ... was a magician and master of ceremonies, and his entertainment skills gained him entry to the Guild of Punch and Judy Professors and the Magic Circle in London ... SUB TITLES : '60s footage of Garland, variety of guests charms http://www.ardemgaz.com/ShowStoryTemplate.asp?Path=ArDemocrat/2005/12/29&ID=Ar03901&Section=Features Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (subscription) - Little Rock,AR,USA ... The Battle History of the United States Military (five discs, $59.95), also from the History Channel, with bonus film; and Criss Angel: Mindfreak (two discs ...  'Women at IIT an endangered species' http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1351736.cms Times of India - India ... Magician PC Sorcar performs to a packed convocation hall audience. ... IIT students, the magician says to cheers at show's end, are "the real magicians. ... Mangalore: Magician Kudroli Ganesh to Perform Dangerous Stunts http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=17379&n_tit=Mangalore%3A+Magician+Kudroli+Ganesh+to+Perform+Dangerous+Stunts+ Daijiworld.com - Mangalore,India Mangalore, Dec 29: Magician Kudroli Ganesh will demonstrate dangerous stunts blindfolded on Thursday in front of the DC's office at 3.30 pm. Bay Area Comedy Magician Honored for Entertaining Army Post in ... http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/12/prweb326051.htm PR Web (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA Entertainer Robert Strong receives two military coins of distinction for magical Christmas gift to 6,000 soldiers after airline loses his luggage. --------------------------------------------- 3. Las Vegas Magic - January, 2006 -------------------------------------------- Message Compiled by David Neubauer (www.dnmagic.com) Wishing all of you the very best this Holiday season and throughout 2006! David PRODUCTION SHOWS: Adrenaline: Magic that Rocks Curtis Adams - Plaza Hotel and Casino 8 pm (Dark Mon.) until March 24, 2006 www.plazahotelcasino.com Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. Beacher's Madhouse Tyas Frantz & Chris Karpiak - 10 pm - Hard Rock. Check the website for dates: www.beachersmadhouse.com Buck Wild Nathan Burton (as a redneck magician) 7 pm covered shows Mon.-Wed. & Sat. 9 pm Topless shows (Over 18) - Sahara (Dark Fri.) www.saharavegas.com/shows/buckwild.html Collin Foster - Quicker than the Eye 4 & 6 pm (Dark Mon.), Comedy Zone, Plaza. $6.95 admission includes a drink coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponcollinfoster.html David Copperfield 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. November 17-30, December 22-January 4. Haunted Vegas Tour & Show Robert Allen & Jac Hayden - Greek Isle. 9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Wed. -Thurs.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas 2 & 4 pm, Stardust. (Dark Wed.) Jason Bird The Shops in Desert Passage - Aladdin. Main stage, near the "V" Theater, Thursday - Monday Various times from 1:15 pm. - 8:15 pm. - Free. La Femme Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues-Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. www.mackingshow.com Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jeff Hobson, Nathan & Sarah -www.vtheshow.com 7 & 9 pm, Aladdin. 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Kevin James, Joseph Gabriel, The Majestix, Kozak. Derek Roberts, Billy Fergueson & Chris Randall (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. Guest Star through the end of the year: Arden James. Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana_dirk.html Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. RESTAURANTS: Eric Allan Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. BREAKING NEWS: World's Greatest CHRISTMAS Magic Show at the Greek Isle 2 shows a night at 6 and 8:15 pm. The show is heavily Christmas themed. The show line up is ... Billy Ferguson - Pre-show warm up. Kozak - Emcee. Dan Sperry - Dove act from Chicago. Joseph Gabriel - Illusions. Kat - Female magician from Hungary. Arden James - Mime magic. Kevin James - with Antonio Hoyos as the magic elf. DECEMBER, 2005 Through December 31: Arden James, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. December 22-January 4: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. JANUARY, 2006 Through January 4: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. January 21-26: McBride Magic and Mystery School Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.MagicalWisdom.com FEBRUARY, 2006 February 19-22: World Magic Seminar, Orleans. www.worldmagicseminar.com. Jeff Hobson, David Roth, Les Arnold and Dazzle, Ali Bongo, Dick Koornwinder, Geoff Latta, Mike Gallo, Michael Rubinstein, Jon Armstrong. February 24-26: McBride Magic and Mystery School Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.MagicalWisdom.com JUNE, 2006 June 11-June 13: Las Vegas Magic Invitational (LVMI) - Palace Station. Guest of Honor: J.C. Wagner. Featuring Lee Asher, Mark Mason, Bob Sheets, The J Team (John Born and Jason Dean), John Carney. www.lvmi.net June 14: CoinCon. Featuring: Rune Klan, John Born, Mickey Silver and Kainoa Harbottle. - Palace Station www.lvmi.net --------------------------------------------- 4. John Mohering New Editor M-U-M - Review -------------------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (USA) I received my first issue of the new M-U-M today and to say that I was impressed is not saying enough, I was overwhelmed! John Mohering has done one hell of a job in re-formatting this magazine, I liked it before, I love it now. It definitely has that 'magic' look to it, and the features are very impressive. It looks like everyone who is anyone wanted to be the first contributor. Allan Ackerman's column is going to be a real 'gem' to cardworkers everywhere, as not everyone gets to come to Las Vegas and see Allan perform at the Darwin magic club. Instead of assembly reports there is a great assembly news page, and well what can I say? You've all probably got your copies by now. But I am sending this review on to others, so perhaps we'll pick up some new membership? The Astonishments section by Steve Marshall was very impressive, and I've never seen so many great tricks in one magazine before. Norm Nielsen put in one his great posters in his Nielsen's Gallery, and Jon Rauchermaumer's article on Milbourne Christopher is a peal. Bruce Kalver did one heck of a job on the SAM TALK section (this is not just flattery Bruce, good job) and the SYMBOL was put in this issue also as an eight page newsletter. The "Flashback on Young Magicians" by Hope Anderson, was especially interesting to me, because they featured Ashley Adams from TX who won first prize in a TAOM using my black art card routine, although he and his dad did re-build the original Wizard's Window to better specs. Congrats Ashley and thanks. Also it contained the magic of a great young magician and a good friend, Darren Romeo, who uses some of my equipment. Also contributing some great stuff Max Maven's Puddle Jumper was a real treasure, and Danny Archer's Playing It By Ear was great!, The REMIX page was absolutely fantastic, they showed an article "The Chinese Classic, by Dai Vernon, along with Martin's Departure, by good old Jon Racherbaumer a Martin Lewis addition to the effect. This is definitely a really nice NEW type of feature, and I hope it continues. I can't begin (but will try) to list the new features, there are just so many of them: The Dean's List by (who else) George Schindler, the Dean of Magic, Basil and Chloe are still with us by that great cartoonist Alan Wassilak (hey I was in one of those too), Between Acts by Barrie Richardson, "I've Benn Thinking, by Norman Beck.--The Ostrich Factor by Gerald Edmundson, a very different article, The Mental Detective, from the casebooks of Charlie Buckner--Where Are They Now you won't want to miss this one folks. Finally "How A Cabala became a magazine, a history of M-U-M itself. Once again WOW> The review pages are called What's Behind the Curtain, compiled and edited by Richard Hatch. Some really excellent reviews. In the Review section on the 9th Los Angeles conference on Magic History was sensational, as they showed a great pic of Polygenesis illusion playlet, with Jonathan Levit, and Neil Patrick Harris (again black art, a little bizarre but I loved it). The other feature was Speaking Out which was a Q & A spread on Paul Critelli, Chairperson of SAM contest of Magic. WOW REMEMBER FOLKS, YOU HAVE TO JOIN SAM TO GET THIS MAGAZINE. DD I consider it an honor to have appeared on the cover of M-U-M (june2001) but I'd sure like to be in this one in the future. Congratulations John and staff, great job. Keep up the good work. I think people will be joining SAM just to get the magazine. --------------------------------------------- 5. Magician Grifter May Have Stolen $100,000 Dollars -------------------------------------------- Message from Jack Straw From Jacksonhole Wyoming: New details on the magician whom Jackson Police say conned 237 people out of more than $100,000, before vanishing last month, portray a reputed impostor, fugitive and heartless grifter at work for more than a decade. Many in Jackson Hole knew the 5-foot, 8-inch, 130-pound, 34-year-old man with the inconsistent Irish brogue as the "Declan McManus" who worked briefly in town this fall as an actor, box office clerk, stagehand and occasional magician at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. For others, the alias reveals his allegedly brazen deceitfulness, for Declan MacManus is also the birth name of British rocker Elvis Costello. Authorities believe McManus the illusionist served in the military before going AWOL, has a criminal history dating to 1994, and did five years at a federal penitentiary for fraud after leaving a fiancée and cashing a phony $27,000 check at a South Carolina military base. Investigators also suspect McManus was behind a string of rip-offs in Aspen, Colorado dating to 1994. Last month, police report that a Declan McManus convinced an unsuspecting local man to front and bankroll a shell company pretending to arrange ski vacations. McManus' "partner" reportedly deposited $12,000 in a Jackson bank and opened the business account "Emerald Isle Excursions" in his own name. Around Nov. 14, investigators say the magician produced an e-mail from an "Irish uncle" with approximately 300 credit cards numbers, supposedly from Irish tourists wishing to ski in Jackson Hole. After charging $550 on 236 of the credit cards, McManus allegedly connived his "partner" into withdrawing $98,000 in cash and $12,000 in cashier's checks so the magician could "book" accommodations with vendors; however, investigators say, names on the cashier's checks matched a series of fake ID cards the magician had created to launder and cash the checks through various banks during his escape. Police have confirmed that the credit card numbers were stolen from American tourists. Investigators believe many patronized the Jackson Playhouse where McManus worked. But credit card holders weren't the only victims of McManus's alleged crimes. One of the magician's former Jackson roommates said the coolly charming McManus skipped town owing her and another roommate over $2,100. The same woman alleged that a friend had booked the magician for her husband's 30th birthday party, but McManus never showed or called to cancel. A prospective roommate was reportedly hustled out of his savings after McManus persuaded him to write the magician a check to sublet a room. The magician allegedly cashed the check before splitting town