* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #410 Date: Sunday 7th May 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. Gathering To Honor Billy McComb, At The Magic Castle 3. Channing Pollock - Memorial In Las Vegas 4. The Passing Of My Pal Billy McComb 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 9 - Nick Lewin 6. An Open Letter To Nick Lewin From Martin Breese 7. Marshall Brodien - New International Deputy 8. Celebrate The 200th Birthday - Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser 9. David Blaine Drowned Alive - News Items 10. Bags Searched With A Gun Pointed At My Head 11. Broken Wand - Jack Mannix 12. 36th 4F Convention 13. Grand Opening Of The Brand New Tannens 14. New Website Devoted To Larry Jennings 15. Broken Wand - Gerry McCreanor 16. Amazing Jonathan The Palms At Crown - Australia 17. Don Drake Moves To Lompoc California 18. Michael Ammar Lecture/Workshop 19. Mike Miller Standing For 2nd Vice President S.A.M. 20. Roger Keene Standing For 2nd Vice President S.A.M. 21. Phil Milstead Standing For National Treasurer S.A.M. 22. The Castle Of Magic Has Moved 23. 2006 FISM In Stockholm, Sweden 24. The Amazing Orchante Saga 25. e-zine Archives 26. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message -------------------------------------------- I received hundreds of messages when Billy McComb died as he touched the lives of magicians all over the world. After reading them all I decided to publish only Martin Breese's as it was very well written and caught the essence of Billy as I Knew him. Refer item 4. ----------------------- I'm a very proud granddad this week as my granddaughter Aleshia (6 years old and now a 4th generation magician) was initiated into the Shore City Magicians Club in Auckland, New Zealand.  Normally you are required to be 11 years or over to join the magic club. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Gathering To Honor Billy McComb, At The Magic Castle -------------------------------------------- Message from James G. Williams The Magic Community is saddened by the loss of a great Magician, Comedian and Ambassador of goodwill. A gathering will be held to honor of this legendary talent Dr. William (Billy) McComb, at the Magic Castle on Sunday May 21st at 4:30 p.m. in the Palace. Until then I am sure Billy is showing Vernon a few new double lifts and having a good laugh with Channing. -------------------------------------------- 3. Channing Pollock - Memorial In Las Vegas -------------------------------------------- Message from Norm and Lupe Nielsen (US) A Memorial for the late Channing Pollock will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The details are as follows: Date: Saturday, May 13, 2006 Time: 1:00 pm Place: The Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV - Go to the East Ballroom. Everyone is invited. It is meant to be a celebration of Channing's life. We want to make a joyful day in remembrance of Channing. Please bring good cheer and great memories. It will be an unforgettable event. See you there! Regards, Norm and Lupe Nielsen Nielsen Magic Website: http://www.nnmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 4. The Passing Of My Pal Billy McComb -------------------------------------------- Message from Martin Breese (UK) Dear Alan: Thank you for sending me an email about the passing of my pal Billy. I sat reading it with many a sad tear. I met Billy around 30 years ago when I was making my series of Magicassette audio cassettes. Those recordings granted me a passport to contact any of my magic heroes with the request that I make a recording of them. I visited him thereafter so many times that I will never remember how many it was. My girl friend at the time agreed to let me invite Billy and Jack Yates for dinner in her beautiful apartment in Kensington, London. It was an evening that I will never forget. It was a great culinary experience but deeply marred by the fact that my girl friend was not the centre of attraction and had to compete with three magical enthusiasts bent on talking magic and moves and all that goes on when magicians gather together. She thought that she was going to be the centre of attraction until our guests left. Unlike many magical wives or companions she didn't know that magic chat was all that magicians want when they get together. She didn't know how magicians are more passionate about magic than almost anything else when they get together. As soon as the meal was over and the magic talk started she retreated to the kitchen where it sounded as if she wasn't just washing the dirty plates but smashing them one by one to make her displeasure known. The next day Billy phoned to thank me for the evening and said: "You will always be welcome in my home but for XXXXXX sake don't ever bring that damn woman with you." Twenty five or thirty years later at the Magic Circle Centenary this lady saw Billy chatting to Terry Seabrooke who re-introduced her to Billy. Billy looked at her and said, "Oh yes, I remember you". That is all he said as he turned away and ignored her completely. Everyone will be claiming a deep and lasting friendship with Billy: probably even those who only knew his name! My tears today for Billy also remind me of the fact that when Lewis Ganson passed on I felt as much loss as I did when my own father died. Billy nurtured me and my career. He was deeply involved and completely responsible for the fact that I was awarded a Special Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts a few years ago. He would often phone me from Hollywood and we would talk for hours and hours. If only I had recorded all that he told me. Each time I visited the Castle (usually travelling there with Terry Seabrooke) the highlight of the trip was the time I spent with the two of them together. Shortly after the death of Dai Vernon  we met in London and he gave me a box of audio cassettes. These are just for you to hear but when I have gone you can do what you like with them. The box contained cassettes with hours and hours of secret recordings made by Billy as he chatted about the past with Dai Vernon. I have heard them over and over again but when I go to where all magicians go one day I will leave instructions for them all to be destroyed. Magical history I know but so private that no one including me should ever really hear them. Billy was packed full of so much wisdom not just on magic but on life that he overflowed with facts and inspiration and encouragement. Amongst those I have met he certainly had more good sense about magic and magical history than anyone else. I am sure that everyone who had the pleasure to have been in touch with Billy will be feeling as I do now ... a total sense of loss. He was one of the greatest ever and changed my life in magic in so many wonderful ways. I feel as if a member of my family has gone. Thank you for everything Billy. Martin Breese -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 9 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Meeting the Uncanny Scot; Ron Wilson. If you never saw Ron Wilson perform you missed a treat. Ron is now content to book magicians at the Magic Castle and on cruise ships across the seven seas but I would give anything to watch him perform his classic stage and close-up shows again. I first met Ron when I was 21 years old and just starting to find my way around the Castle. I am half Scottish myself and found this as good a reason as any to introduce myself to him one evening. Ron was kind enough to forget the other half of me was English! As I say during my act, "I am half English and half Scottish so I grew up hating myself." I had been performing on cruise ships for several years and it made a nice talking point with Ron; who was one of the top cruise ship magicians in America. He was warm and friendly and treated me like an equal and I really appreciated it. Our friendship has continued over the years and one of my few regrets about visiting the Castle so seldom these days is that I miss meeting up with Ron. The astounding thing about Ron Wilson was that his close-up show was just as strong as his stand-up show. The sleight of hand that Ron performed in the close-up gallery was so smooth that it was impossible to catch a move even when you where watching for it. Nobody could put a card in a wallet the way he could! Ron's performance of Micro Macro was a lesson in misdirection that can't be topped. On stage, Ron performed classic magic to perfection; Color Change Silks, Jumbo Rising Card, Chinese Sticks (as bagpipes!) and the Alex Elmsley Torn/Restored Newspaper. I was so impressed with Ron's handling of the Elmsley paper tear that I studied it, perfected it and still close my act with it. When everyone in magic was performing Gene Anderson's classic Tear, Ron proved to me that fastest isn't always best. The attention to every detail was what made Ron's act so special. Once I commented to him what an amazing match his gimmick was to the genuine egg in his sucker silk routine. He explained why. Every week he would buy two dozen eggs and spray paint both the eggs and gimmick to be sure they were identical. Now that is a perfectionist! When Ron wanted a gimmicked wallet that actually fitted in the pocket he went out and hired an industrial sewing machine, learned how to use it and made his own wallet. He gave me one and I still use it. The good news is that Ron Wilson wrote a classic book filled with his classic routines. This book is called "The Uncanny Scot" and in my opinion if someone wants to put together a truly first rate act all they need is this book. I never saw Ron perform the Himber Linking Finger Rings, but when he worked on a cruise ship he had an ending that was the talk of the ship! Ron's book is probably out of print now but search it out if you want to learn his blockbuster finale to the Himber rings and the secret behind his perfect Micro Macro handling. Oh, and one last thing, if you see Ron at the Castle buy him a whiskey and milk for me. He is a perfectionist and a gentleman, and that is as good as it gets in my book. Please send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. An Open Letter To Nick Lewin From Martin Breese -------------------------------------------- Message from Martin Breese (UK) Nick: I have been enjoying your wonderful essays on the greats in magic with whom you have had the opportunity to share time and magical discussions. When I was a young magical punter I used to delight in visiting Ken's magic place. I used to save up my money so that I could buy at least one item and then have a right (so I thought) to hang around in the studio. I had lessons with Ken and the first I ever had was on the Malini egg bag. He showed me a few of the basic moves but didn't remember to tell me that the egg used was a real but blown egg. The moment I touched the egg it collapsed in my hand. I just assumed that it was a solid but feke egg. What a surprise. What a wonderful routine and what a great teacher. I had lessons on the Chinese Bit and then moved on to the linking rings and we concentrated on his great ring count. I was battling away on this and so deeply working on the routine that when a voice seemed to appear from nowhere, I was quite puzzled. I looked up and into the mirror and there was Tommy Cooper standing at the door. "Keep it up son," he said, "you are doing great". Years later when I opened my first and only studio "The Magic Lounge" located underneath a greengrocers' shop in Shepherds Bush I was warned by Ken: "It is all great fun now but you will find that some magicians will bleed you dry and rob you blind". I just didn't believe him until I realised that MY the studio had hanger's-on who loved the action and the chance to meet other magicians but ... never had any intention of ever purchasing a thing. The first time the realization really hit home was when I spotted a well-known magician in the glass sliding doors of my Lounge area. This guy was sliding books and tricks into and under his coat and even the one book that he held in his hand to purchase was in fact two books (the smaller ostensibly concealed by the larger). I wrote out an invoice and listed everything else that I knew he had concealed under his coat and he paid the bill without question. I will never forget the day when a top magician and close friend as well, engaged the two guys (working on an hourly basis for me) in deep conversation. His two hour magical seminar (that is what it seemed to be) was costing me Ł60 in salary and he was completely unaware of that fact. We had great days in the studio but the final straw was when a guy knocked on the door at lunch time one Monday and told me clearly that he had no intention of ever purchasing anything but that he enjoyed passing the time each Monday afternoon with good magical discussions prior to his trip to the Magic Circle later each Monday evening! I didn't even like him. It was the end of the studio in reality as I passed it on to an employee/friend? (who was also robbing me not of time but of my mailing list photocopied when I was out or when he arrived early). I took my work to my home and doubled my output and my turnover. A sad fact but Ken was a shrewd and accurate observer of the magic scene and knew of what he spoke. Just to be able to hang around in Ken's studio was the weekly treat for me. I met so many greats there including Fred Kaps, Slydini, Eric Mason, Fred Robinson, Jay Marshall, Alex Elmsley and many more. Unlike most who hung around I paid my dues by making a small purchase each week. Your article brought back so many happy memories of my early days in magic at The Magic Place. I look forward to the next article in the series. Kind regards, Martin Breese www.abracadabra.co.uk or www.MartinBreese.com PS Did you know that Scotty York used the ultimate misdirection on Ken when he was about to sell him the rights to the Scotty York bulb effect? He told Ken that he needed a bulb of a certain size and shape to be able to dem the effect for Ken. They set off to an electrical supplier not far from the studio and Scotty made great show of searching through shelves of bulbs just to find the one that he needed. Back to the studio and Scotty switched bulbs and performed his effect for Ken. "I want that" said Ken, "I have never been fooled so badly. I know the bulb is unfeked because we bought it together." -------------------------------------------- 7. Marshall Brodien - New International Deputy -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - Dean - Society of American Magicians Marshall Brodien Appointed S.A.M. International Deputy - United States The Society of American Magicians National President, Richard Dooley, has appointed magic legend Marshall Brodien as International Deputy - United States. Marshall joins the following other International Deputies in the S.A.M.'s continuing effort to build bridges across the globe by promoting membership in the S.A.M. throughout the world. Alan Watson - New Zealand Terry Seabrooke - England Yosi Notkovitz - Israel Domenico Dante - Continental Europe Tony Brooke - Portugal Shintaro Fujiyama - Japan Andreas Swatosh - Austria Clem Kinnicutt - At-Large -------------------------------------------- 8. Celebrate The 200th Birthday - Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser (1806 - 1875) -------------------------------------------- Message from Magic Christian (Austria) Dear Friends of Magic, To celebrate the 200th birthday of Austria's probably most famous magician, Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser (1806 - 1875), Magic Christian and the Magic Club of Vienna will hold a matinee show in his honour at the Kammerspiele Theatre in Vienna on 18th June 2006 at 11:00. Additionally a celebratory brunch will be held at the Hotel Stephanie, followed by an afternoon of seminars given by well-known magicians. Details regarding the artists which are taking part and a registration form will follow shortly. Since the theatre can only accommodates 500, and the hotel restaurant can only seat 120, you are recommended to register early. The price is Euro 95.- which includes the following: * One admission ticket to the matinee show * One admission ticket to the special brunch, including a welcoming aperitif (other drinks are extra) * Admission to two seminars * One bottle of a special "Hofzinser Edition" Souvignon Blanc white wine from the * One Vienna folder. Further activities, including a wreath laying ceremony at Hofzinser's grave on Monday 19th June 2006, and some surprise activities are also planned. We will be happy to help you with your hotel reservations. You can also email Hotel Stephanie directly at: stefanie@schick-hotels.com Maybe you are wondering why the celebrations are not taking place in the evening? Well since the football world championships will be taking place in Germany, many people who we would otherwise have expected to come, would probably prefer to be at home watching TV. Best regards, Your Magic Christian and the Magic Club of Vienna Contact: magicchristian@chello.at -------------------------------------------- 9. David Blaine Drowned Alive - News Items -------------------------------------------- David Blaine Drowned Alive http://www.outdoornewswire.com/v/current/htdocs/etc/sa.php/63617465676f72794e616d653d53637562612663617465676f72794c6162656c3d5363756261266c6f636174696f6e3d323030362f30352f313134363637353137332672737349643d33353133 OUTDOORNEWSWIRE - Seattle,WA,USA PerformanceFreediving.com - New York Magician David Blaine to enter 8' diameter 'sphere' aquarium for seven days underwater and then end with an amazing breath ... Behind the scenes of David Blaine's latest stunt http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=4118707 7Online.com - New York,NY,USA (New York -WABC, April 26, 2006) - Illusionist David Blaine is at it again, this time trying ... David Blaine has done some pretty rigorous things in his 33 years. ... Blaine trains for 'hardest stunt I've ever done' http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/story.asp?j=3847140&p=3847y55&n=3847232&x= Irish Examiner - Cork,Ireland American illusionist David Blaine is undergoing a gruelling training schedule to prepare for his most difficult stunt ever. Blaine ... David Blaine, Sopranos, John Ventimiglia, Jennifer Aniston, Kim ... http://www.bayoubuzz.com/articles.aspx?aid=6959 Bayou Buzz - Metairie,LA,USA I´m totally freaked out by magician, David Blaine´s latest stunt. As of Monday at 1pm, Blaine has been in a water filled tank ... David Blaine to be submerged in aquarium for a weekhttp://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=4129604 7Online.com - New York,NY,USA (Upper West Side-WABC, April 30, 2006) - Dare-devil illusionist David Blaine is preparing to once again put his life on the line for a stunt. ... Gawkers Flock to See Blaine http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1917416 ABC News - USA By ANNE KEANE-ROSS. NEW YORK, May 3, 2006 - As illusionist David Blaine sits in a glass sphere filled with water, spectators pass by at Lincoln Center.... David Blaine Inhales, But It's Shelley Ross Who's Holding ... http://www.observer.com/20060508/20060508_Rebecca_Dana_media_nytv.asp New York Observer - New York,NY,USA Before ABC producer Shelley Ross and stunt-magician David Blaine settled on having Mr. Blaine "drown himself alive" at Lincoln Center in a two-hour prime ... David Blaine dives Cayman http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1013008 Cay Compass - Grand Cayman,Cayman Islands Famous US magician and illusionist David Blaine spent a few days under the waters of Grand Cayman recently doing a film shoot for an underwater TV magic show ... -------------------------------------------- 10. Bags Searched With A Gun Pointed At My Head -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Hi all, What an adventure. Who ever said Cruising is all FUN obviously hasn't travelled to Columbia. I am in the middle of a long contract where I am transhipping for a week between ships all around the world. Yesterday I got off in Columbia and had been warned by other entertainers to be very careful, even on the ride to the airport. They told me all sorts of stories and I thought they were having me on. However,I found out they weren't. I left the ship and arrived at the airport only to have my bags searched inside and out with a gun pointed at my head!! Not the most pleasant experience. I have never experienced anything like it in any country. Talk about tight security. The funny side was that they had no idea what a 'snowstorm' machine was .. go figure!! So I ended up performing snowstorm at the customs with a gun pointed at me! A friend who had been through this before and was on the ship with me told me to take some of my DVDs with me as he went through all this and ended up handing out his music CDs. I gave away MOST of my DVDs that I was to sell on ships (only 20 left) and had a crowd of security guards around me. I think it was more curiosity than anything and I ended up performing card tricks as well. The only English they spoke was David Copperfield.  I just nodded and said yes. If they wanted to think I was Copperfield I wasn't going to stop them!! Anyway, finally get to the check in counter to find the plane had not arrived and wouldn't be coming at all to take me to Panama. So I had to go back in to Columbia (not the safest place in the world) and get a hotel, then make my way again this morning at 5am to the airport and would you believe it ... ended up going through my bags again with a gun! Luckily most of the police were here yesterday so they all had my DVD ... don't think they had watched it yet however! ... and it wasn't as bad. I learnt a long time ago that you just have to go with the flow and try not to let these things worry you, otherwise you will never travel and work and you'll be a wreck. That's my story and I'm sticking to it .. about to board the plane to Panama in 30 minutes so must dash. Cheers Paul -------------------------------------------- 11. Broken Wand - Jack Mannix -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáńez Society of American Magicians First National Vice President It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Jack Mannix of Glenns Falls, New York, after a brief illness. A member of over 50 years of The Society of American Magicians and The International Brotherhood of Magicians. A broken wand ceremony will be conducted Thursday evening at the Sullivan Minahan & Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury, New York. All magicians in the area are invited to attend the broken wand ceremony. -------------------------------------------- 12. 36th 4F Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Obie Obrien The Head Forker at 4F Just got home from my 36th 4F convention and thought I would let the magicians of the world know that the "Flicking Fingers" were the stars of the convention. I think they got 4 standing ovations. Helge Thun and Joerg Alexander really out did themselves. Their show as a group was super on Friday afternoon and their finale to close the convention was hilarious. If you can get to NY on Sat. May 13 and 14th I can tell you that it will be one of your best experiences in magic. -------------------------------------------- 13. Grand Opening Of The Brand New Tannens -------------------------------------------- Message from Lee Asher (US) As you all know, a little while ago Aaron Fisher, Nathan Kranzo, Doug Edwards, and I lectured at the Grand Opening of the brand new Tannen's location in New York City. It was a first-class time, and we all had a blast! It was great to see old friends, and make new ones. Aaron Shields, an old buddy who showed up, was kind enough to write-up his experience of this fun-filled long weekend. Combined with some personal photos, hopefully this article will make you feel like you were hanging out with us. To read this article, please click on the link below (copy and paste into your URL if not clickable): http://www.leeasher.com/tannens_weekend.htm Enjoy. -------------------------------------------- 14. New Website Devoted To Larry Jennings -------------------------------------------- Message from Lee Asher (US) Hey everyone, After one year of hard work, I am proud to finally announce - It is finished. The excited is so overwhelming, I can hardly contain myself. I give Bill Goodwin the honor of telling you. His exact words are below... Lee Asher and I would like to announce a new website devoted to the magic of Larry Jennings. LarryJennings.com offers a look at the life of a man widely considered to be one of the finest card magicians of his time. On the site you will find a biography of Larry as well as unpublished photos, a meticulous bibliography and much more. Also, hidden somewhere on the website is a free previously unpublished Larry Jennings effect in PDF format. We invite you to please spend a few minutes looking around, and hope you enjoy your time spent on LarryJennings.com. Bill Goodwin ------------- Enough chat, go now. (Cut and paste if not clickable): http://www.larryjennings.com Have fun and enjoy. Cheers, Lee Asher -------------------------------------------- 15. Broken Wand - Gerry McCreanor -------------------------------------------- Message from Graham Etherington (Aust) Gerry McCreanor passed away on the morning of Thursday 4th May 2006. Gerry was one of nature's gentlemen, most popular with the magic fraternity and always ready to talk magic or help another magician. As a leading light and organiser of many Adelaide conventions he was a staunch member of the IBM and ASM in Adelaide. He was well known as Merlin the Magician with his long flowing costume and long flowing beard. Whether he was performing as Merlin or as himself he was exceptionally popular with the children gaining many repeat bookings. His personality won the day with his restaurant magic gaining him a contract to entertain in Singapore. He was also well known as Mr Matches after he developed a complete act around red head matches after researching far and wide. His family all lived close by and were always dropping in to say hello and help in any way they could. During his last few years his spirit never waned, he had such a positive attitude insisting that with a little more exercise he would soon be over his problems and back performing soon. He will be sorely missed by his friends in the magic fraternity and remembered by even those who only had a fleeting moment with him. Thank you for being my friend Gerry. Graham Etherington -------------------------- Message from Roy J Hopwood Proprietor Endeavour Entertainment Check updates at Web Site http://www.magician.org/member/ring148 The funeral arrangements are as follows: Date: Tuesday 9 May 2006-05-05 10:00am Mass St, Ignatius Church, Queen Street, Norwood 1:45pm Commemorative Service, Heysen Chapel, Centennial Park, Pasadena -------------------------------------------- 16. Amazing Jonathan The Palms At Crown - Australia -------------------------------------------- Direct from the Sahara Hotel & Casino, The Amazing Jonathan makes his long overdue return to Australia after a six year season in Las Vegas. Don't miss this night of eccentric comedy magic, bizarre humour and unscripted antics that have earned him widespread International acclaim. 12 shows only! "The faces of the audience said it all.unbelievable!" New York Times DATES & TIMES: UNTIL- Sunday, 7 May 2006 Tuesday - Saturday 9.30pm Sunday 8.30pm (No Monday performances) PRICES: Adult $39.50* (incl. booking fee & GST) Concession $36.50* (incl. booking fee & GST) Groups of 8 or more $34.50* (incl. booking fee & GST) Crown Club Members $34.50* (incl. booking fee & GST) TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: Ticketek Regional & Metropolitan - 132 849 Ticketek Interstate (all states) - (03) 9299 9012 Ticketek website - www.ticketek.com.au -------------------------------------------- 17. Don Drake Moves To Lompoc California -------------------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) On July 30, 2006 I will be moving from Las Vegas to Lompoc California. If there is any SAM or IBM or other clubs in the area, I would love to have you contact me. The reason for the move is that my wife is getting a free house (yep that's what I said, FREE) Of course we will have to pay some parts of it, and I believe Lompoc is a beautiful area, close to the beach so I can't pass up the opportunity. Would you? I'll be looking forward to meeting any of the Magi from that area. Thanks for your time, I now return you to your storytelling, lurking, or whatever. -:) Visit my website: http://blackartsecrets.com -------------------------------------------- 18. Michael Ammar Lecture/Workshop -------------------------------------------- Message from Darlene F. Bull forwarded on by Sam Martin (US) May 8, 2006 7:00 P.M. Conjuror's Corner Magic Club Four Seasons Golf Center 1350 Lake Street Roselle, Il You Will Always Remember!! Don't miss your opportunity to experience Michael Ammar - World Champion performer, award-winning lecturer, and one of magic's most influential thinkers! Featured on the Worlds Greatest Magic, twice on the Tonight Show, three times on the International Magic Awards, and the first ever 6-time winner from the Academy of Magical Arts. The BBC documentary "The Greatest Tricks in the Universe - EVER!" ranked Ammar's Cups and Balls routine as the 7th greatest affect of all time! No wonder MAGIC magazine listed Michael as one of the "Most Influential Magicians of the Twentieth Century." The Magic Of Michael Ammar is now in its 18th printing, and his dozens of instructional DVD's, which have out sold all others worldwide, have forever changed magic instructions for future generations. You will be entertained by his wit and enlightened by his wisdom as he teaches in complete detail many signature routines from his professional repertoire - as well as new favorites never featured in his lectures. Prepare to learn, laugh, and be inspired! Lecture fee is $25 for non-members and is payable at the door. ------------------------ Michael Ammar Workshop May 8, 2006 4:00 P.M. Conjuror's Corner Magic Club Four Seasons Golf Center 1350 Lake Street Roselle, Il Michael has a 90 minute workshop he likes to schedule before the lecture. He covers 3 things not in the lecture - and gives each participant hands-on instruction. Workshop fee is $35 per person. Space is limited to 12 participants so please reserve your seat NOW! Please call Jeff Brandon at 630-842-5309 to reserve your seat. ---------------------- Conjuror's Corner meets on the 4th Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fore Seasons Golf, 1350 Lake Street, Roselle, IL. 630-980-8882 One block east of Gary Ave on Lake Street Thank you Jim Jensen http://www.conjurorscorner.com/ -------------------------------------------- 19. Mike Miller Standing For 2nd Vice President S.A.M. -------------------------------------------- Message from Mike Miller (US) I am writing to advise you that I have accepted the nomination for Second Vice President of the Society of American Magicians. My background is as follows:  S.A.M. Regional Vice President Mid-Atlantic States 1993, 1994, 1995  S.A.M. Regional Deputy for Pennsylvania 1996 to present  Member of Assembly #4 (Philadelphia) and National for 23 years  Past President of Assembly #4 (Philadelphia)  Past President of Magician's Alliance of Eastern States 1994-95  Convention chairman past 3 years & stage manager - 10 years  Past President of IBM Ring #165 (Collingswood, NJ) - 4 terms  Member of IBM #6 (Philadelphia)  Convention chairman of Bob Little's Super Sunday - 10 years  Partner in East Coast Magic Convention (NJ) - 5 years  Member of Delaware Knights of Magic  Stage Manager of Salute to Magic Show (NY) - 8 years  Stage Manager of Canadian Association of Magicians  Assistant Stage Manager to Bruce Chadwick at National SAM conventions - 10 years  Stage Manager of The Amazing World of Magic for Dick & Joan Gustafson - 5 years I have performed my bird act at numerous conventions throughout the years. I also perform stage shows, close up and children's magic. I try to be a mentor to those who have asked for guidance, especially people new to magic. I have been taken under many magicians' wings over the years, and each one has enriched my magic and my life. I look forward to see what the future holds. I am open to any advice or suggestions you may have. Thanks for your time, and enjoy the holiday season! Sincerely, Mike Miller 4751 Weldon Avenue Trevose, PA 19053 miracles@magicmiller.com 215-364-8132 -------------------------------------------- 20. Roger Keene Standing For 2nd Vice President S.A.M. -------------------------------------------- Message from Roger Keene (US) I'm also running for 2nd Vice President of the Society of American Magicians. I started the only SYM in the greater Chicago area Life Member SAM 4 time President of 106 Joliet, Il. 2 time Vice President of 106. Taught magic for 6 years at Joliet Jr. College for ages 6 to 12. Regional Vice President. Roger Keene thekteam@webtv.net -------------------------------------------- 21. Phil Milstead Standing For National Treasurer S.A.M. -------------------------------------------- Message from Phil Milstead (US) Assembly #23 in Washington, DC, has nominated me for the position of National Treasurer of our Society. With the encouragement of several on the National Council, I have accepted that nomination. You may not know much about me, so let me offer this brief summary as it pertains to the position: Professionally, I have authored several major ($billions) supplements to the US President's budget affecting many Federal agencies, with all supplements funded. I have managed and maintained annual budgets exceeding $500 million to much acclaim. These budgets represented work performed at many locations throughout the country, but managed out of our headquarters. Outside of my professional life, I manage a successful portfolio larger than the portfolio for S.A.M. Those who are familiar with my work supporting magic within our Society or through the Magicians Alliance of the Eastern States know me well. They know the thoroughness of my work and know of my dedication to the art of magic. I see a bright future for our Society and look forward to working with everyone to ensure it. As National Treasurer, I would like your Assembly's support in accomplishing the following: * Maintain auditable records at all times. * Disburse funds in a timely manner. * Ensure each person is aware of his or her account balance. * Establish a small committee to oversee my work and accomplish the following: * Ensure constant integrity of the books. * Seek council from other budget experts. * Train potential new treasurers. * Ensure the confidence of the Society. Your voice in selecting the Society's leadership is through the ballot mailed to your Assembly. Please ensure that your Assembly casts its vote. As you cast that ballot, I hope you will join with me in achieving a new future for our Society. I welcome your suggestions, guidance, and support. Thank you, Phil Milstead -------------------------------------------- 22. The Castle Of Magic Has Moved -------------------------------------------- Message from Mike (NZ) The Castle of Magic is pleased to announce that it has opened its doors once again following its relocation to the new, bigger and better premises at 636 Colombo Street in the heart of Christchurch. Easier access and greater product range make this an exciting new development-we hope to see you there some time. Photos will be following shortly. Contact details remain the same: Ph: (03) 379 4468 Postal: PO Box 27 287 Shirley, Christchurch Website: www.themagicshop.co.nz If you have any queries or comments please feel free to contact us. All the best, Mike and the team at the Castle of Magic. -------------------------------------------- 23. 2006 FISM In Stockholm, Sweden -------------------------------------------- Message from M Don Wiberg (US) The 2006 FISM in Stockholm, Sweden is rapidly approaching. There is still room on my Post-FISM tour of Scandinavia. Interested parties may contact me at magicdon36@comcast.net for more information. Don Wiberg, Frankfort, Illinois ----------------- 24. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 99 Nursing a 'sick' car over the mighty 'Arthur's Pass' to Timaru I mentioned that we had left our 1958 'Humber Hawk' car (Page 96) in Greymouth, which is on the West coast of the South Island, after 'Bloody Murphy' (you've got to blame someone) had tinkered with the oil rings - they blew - in bits-and-pieces, out the exhaust pipe! When we got back to Timaru after the ('Unspectacular' according to one lousy critic) . Spectacular '74 had finished, we borrowed a friend's car and returned to Greymouth to pick up the now 'oil guzzling' Humber. Filling it up with oil, with a couple of extra gallons in the boot, I headed back to Timaru with Veronica following. Sometime ago David J O'Connor (South Africa) an ex pat Kiwi like myself said, via the Magic New Zealand - e Zine, some nice words about my writings which have quote -".brought back tremendous memories, not only geographically.." unquote. Well, here is some more New Zealand geography, which perhaps will also be of interest to overseas magicians who might be visiting my home country in the future, and who may wish to take time out to visit/experience some of New Zealand's beautiful, world famous scenery. The quickest way back to Timaru from Greymouth is to head south for 18 miles on Highway 6, then turn left at the Kamara junction onto Highway 73. From there, where you start the long climb up through Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge, to the village at the peak (3,032-ft) at which point you begin the long descent back down again to Christchurch, around 96 miles away to the East. When we were touring Switzerland with our show we were often reminded of the village at the peak of Arthur's Pass - the area is renowned for its ski slopes, and it sports a chalet style restaurant, much like you'll find all over Switzerland. Driving through the Otira Gorge is not for the faint hearted (caravans are banned), especially in bad weather. With towering mountains on one side and a sheer drop down the other, the Otira River far below looks more like a thin watery, thread. The narrow road (with passing bays) is very steep with a series of 'scary' hairpin bends that are reminiscent of some of the roads around Monaco and across the Pyrenees thro to the tiny principality of Andorra. The five miles long, Otira tunnel is the only rail link through the mountains that is covered daily between Christchurch and Greymouth by the Trans - Alpine Express, and is renowned as the most scenic trip, by rail, in New Zealand. It took 15 years of construction before it was completed in 1923, and was by necessity, the first ELECTRIFIED line (in what was then the British Empire) - because a normal steam locomotive, whilst going through the tunnel, would have choked the passengers to death with sulphurous smoke! Talking about smoke, looking out of the rear vision mirror as I roared up the mountain pass, all I could see behind me was what looked like a massive, black cumulonimbus thundercloud - the bloody oil was burning faster than a sheet of flash paper! Although the oil rings were gone there wasn't much wrong with the engine itself - it still had plenty of power. Veronica was amazed to see me pass a brand-new Toyota van going up the steep incline - she was a couple of S-bends back so was looking at my car more or less side on as I zipped past and witnessed the Toyota being enveloped and vanishing within the oily cloud. Once we had got over the other side of Arthur's Pass we turned off Highway 73 and onto number 72, which would then take us south across country to Geraldine & Winchester, where we would join Highway 1 for Timaru. However, we turned off for the town of Methven, to get some more oil. We found this small garage and I couldn't believe my eyes; parked outside the workshop was a car with a 'For Sale' sign on its window. It was a beautiful, gleaming, 1957 Humber Super Snipe, in 'Absolute Mint Condition'. I just dribbled and drooled all over the place! It turns out that the car belonged to the garage owner who was an A-grade mechanic and had owned the car from new. We were both dumbfounded when he opened up the car bonnet - he had CHROME PLATED ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that could be plated, it was a 'poetic vision' of loveliness - the entire engine was so clean you could have eaten a gourmet chef's meal off it. The interior of the car, in fact the whole vehicle looked like it had just been released from a Show Room. When he started the engine you couldn't be too sure if it was actually running or not, it was so quiet and when he revved it up it simply purred with unbridled power! Then he took us for run in it. Sheer luxury! This car was solid - they don't build them like that these days. When you closed the doors, they shut with that nice, satisfying 'THUWUUNK' sound that you just don't hear any more. RIGHT THERE AND THEN, WE SAID GOODBYE TO THE 'HAWK' and - BOUGHT THE 'SUPER SNIPE' -------------------------------------------- 25. 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