* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #464 Date: Sunday 26th November 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. Is Penguin Magic Ripping off Originators? 3. Cruise Ship Magicians To Appear At Convention In Dallas 4. Broken Wand - Marilyn Abbott 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 36 - Nick Lewin 6. Mr Escape Update - Nick Lewin 7. The Magic Circle Awards Banquet 8. Grand Re-opening with FREE postings! 9. Mad Men Of Magic 10. Las Vegas Fantasma Ring #257 To Honor Norm Nielsen 11. Science World, Vancouver, British Columbia 12. Las Vegas Magic - December, 2006 13. TV Series: Uri Geler - The Heir 14. Added A Few New Magic Clips To The Lineup At VSN 15. Dick Van Dyke Did A Little Sleight Of Hand 16. David Blaine Is Coming To NY! 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Joint IBM / SAM 2008 - Louisville, Kentucky July 21-26, 2008 John Apperson tells me that the joint IBM / SAM 2008 registrations are flooding into take advantage of the Early Bird registration rate. If you register before December 31st 2006 - Special rate $295 US As from January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007 - $395 January 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008 - $495 July 1, 2008 - to convention - $595 BOOK NOW for the special rate of only $295 Check out the conventions new website: http://www.ibmsam2008.com/ A 2008 Convention Registration form may be found at: http://www.ibmsam2008.com/registrationform.html Michele and I have registered and also booked our accommodation. Convention Headquarters The Galt House Hotel & Suites Fourth Street at the River Louisville, KY, 40202 Hotel Reservations Toll Free in the USA: 800-THE-GALT (800-843-4258) Overseas call: 502-589-5200 Fax: 502-568-3498 Use Booking Code: 422497 IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention Rates Guaranteed for 2008 600 Traditional Rooms West Tower $99.00 single or double occupancy* $109.00 triple* $119.00 quad* 300 Executive Suites East Tower $124.00 single or double occupancy* $134.00 triple* $144.00 quad* ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Is Penguin Magic Ripping off Originators? -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci (Aust) It has come to my attention that Penguin Magic in Las Vegas is selling my Houdini Card Mystery. I have never supplied them as Joe Stevens is my main dealer in the US. Have sent e-mails to 3 different e-mail addresses and have all bounced back. I have tried to ring them every day for the past three days and have never been able to talk to either of the two partners. I created the Houdini Card Mystery in 2001 and have sold over 2375 since then. Is any on else having problems with Penguin Magic? -------------------------------------------- 3. Cruise Ship Magicians To Appear At Convention In Dallas -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler - Dean - the Society of American Magicians Added to the great list of events at the S.A.M., America's "friendliest" Convention in Dallas (July 4-5-6-7) this coming year will be more sessions and lectures plus an accent on the Cruise Ship performer. Workshop and panel discussions will teach you how to get the bookings, the art of working this lucrative venue, life aboard the luxury liners and more inner secrets taught by the pros. All this in addition to the "OCEANS 7" theme show featuring the top cruise ship acts traveling the world today. Chris Mitchell will be our active cruise director and other seven seas celebs will show you what they do. Fred Becker, The Gleasons, John Shyrock & Mari Lynn, and Chip Romero are among the stars at the Friday Gala. Be there. Make your reservation early to get the best seats in the house. - All this and more at the historic Majestic Theater. Hear all about it at www.samconvention.blogspot.com- Or keep on top of the news at www.magicsam.com Society of American Magicians- Public Relations -------------------------------------------- 4. Broken Wand - Marilyn Abbott -------------------------------------------- Message from Rick Fisher (US) Broken Wand - Marilyn Abbott Age 67 - Kalamazoo, Michigan On November 12th Magic lost one of it's greatest supporters and I lost a dear friend and business partner. Marilyn Abbott was the youngest daughter of the legendary Percy Abbott. She worked side by side with her mom and dad and learned the magic business inside and out. She was a staunch supporter of the Australian Association of Magicians and the Percy Abbott Library. I learned so much from this grand lady. I will miss her so very much. Before her death she bequeathed to me hundreds and hundreds of documents and photographs of the countless magicians that visited the Abbott's over three decades along with Percy's own memorabilia. It was our intent to put them all together in a book - which we will do in the upcoming months. Sadly, she won't be able to see the finished copy but we think it will give a unique glimpse into one of magic's legendary figures and the personalities he knew. Marilyn is survived by her daughter Robin and son Scott along with a brother Sydney Abbott and Linda (Abbott) Huff. There was no service - just like she wished...Rest In Peace My Friend -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 36 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) The Funny Mr. Finney. If you have never seen Michael Finney perform then you should. If you perform comedy magic then I will go further and say that in my opinion you must. Not just for the magic; which is always strong and receives powerful audience response: not just for his comedy that is original and keeps his audiences in hysterics. The best reason to watch Michael work is to observe the way he blends the two elements together. I first met Finney at the Magic Castle where he was creating quite a buzz in the 'Palace of Mystery:' we were introduced by a mutual friend who told me I would love his sponge ball routine. I sat down with Michael and a small group in the area in front of the Palace with a slight dread in my heart: it had been a long time since I had enjoyed any sponge ball routine! Finney performed a short routine with a couple of sponge balls that left me somewhat less than overwhelmed but at least it was short. I couldn't think why he was creating such a buzz: this was before he handed me back the 'Apple Of My Eye' Rolex that resided with pride on my left wrist! I decided right then that there was more to Michael than met the eye. I started working in Comedy Clubs when they first appeared on the scene however I was performing in many other venues as well. Michael was one of the first performers I met who had turned these rooms into a fine living. Not only did he perform in clubs but along with his partner Paul Hopp he owned a gem of a club in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. A change of policy in my major clients booking policy (did I ever mention my 'Don't even put even most of your eggs in one basket' policy that I have since followed!) left me with weeks to fill and the Comedy Circuit started to beckon me. It proved to be one of the most rewarding and instructive periods of my career. One of the things that I especially appreciated about Finney was the way he faced comedy and comedians on their home turf. It was easy to get laughs at the Castle, you didn't really need to be funny as the audience was only expecting magic. It was a whole different story in the Comedy Circuit and you not only had to be funny but you had to learn the unwritten rules and codes that governed the professional comedian. There are no semi-professional comedians: you are either a Pro or just a person who got a few laughs from his friends. I truly believe a little more of this attitude would improve the magic world considerably-but don't get me started! Michael started his act with an opening monologue that made everyone in the room realize that he understood comedy and could truly deliver the goods. When he introduced some of his equally finely honed magic the audience realized they were watching a 'Jack of Two Trades' and master of both. Many magicians went into the circuit as opening or middle acts but could never become fully-fledged headliners because they didn't realize that the rules were different. Stock lines and stock tricks didn't take you very far and you needed to develop a strong performing persona just to make the grade. Merely fooling people didn't count for much. Only a handful of performers made it to become real headliners making serious money and Michael was way up there on the list. I miss the times on the road when my path would cross more frequently with Michael. We always had fun. Like any true friend it didn't much matter how long it had been since we last met; we would just effortlessly pick up the conversation where we left off. A gentleman and a craftsman Michael Finney is a one of a kind and a true credit to the magic world. Please send any 'bricks or bouquets' to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. Mr Escape Update - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) I would like to thank all the people who contacted me about my recent article about Steve 'Mr. Escape' Baker and got us back in touch again. In typical fashion Steve has 'escaped' from any hint of retirement and is still doing wonderful and exciting things. I heartily recommend checking out his website www.MrEscape.com and seeing the exciting new areas he is exploring. It has been a real pleasure for me while writing in Magic New Zealand to catch up with old friends and make some new ones! -------------------------------------------- 7. The Magic Circle Awards Banquet -------------------------------------------- Message from David Beckley (UK) Press Officer of The Magic Circle The Magic Circle Awards Banquet Outstanding Achievements in the World of Magic Recognised On November 18 at the glittering occasion of The Magic Circle Awards Banquet an elite list of recipients were recognised for their major contributions to The Magic Circle and/ or the world of magic in general. The Awards, presented by Alan Shaxon, President and Christopher Pratt, Secretary, were as follows:- The Cecil Lyle Award The Magic Circular is the official magazine of The Magic Circle and the longest continuous running magic periodical in Magic's history with well over one thousand issues to its credit. The Cecil Lyle Award, instituted many years ago by a distinguished past member of the society is for the best trick or illusion to be printed in The Magic Circular during the current year. Having considered carefully all the tricks and illusions submitted during 2005/6, it was decided that the award should be presented to Tom Gagnon. The Silver Wand This prestigious award is presented to members who have made an outstanding contribution to The Magic Circle. This year three people were recognised for their valuable work on our behalf. The first of these was Diane O'Brien who for the past ten years has been Business Manager organising the bookings for 'Meet The Magic Circle' evenings. These events require meticulous planning in dealing with a large number of Groups and individuals ensuring that that all their requirements are met. In so doing she has contributed greatly to the success of the evenings which represent a valuable source of income for The Magic Circle Next to be recognised was Peter Lane. One of the most valuable assets of The Magic Circle is its Library which comprises The Antiquarian Library, The Reference Library and The Lending Library. Since 1988, in his role as Executive Librarian, Peter ensured that the library has been fully maintained, catalogued and meticulously transferred on to a computer database. A particularly difficult period was our exodus from Chenies Mews, subsequent storage and finally the unpacking and installation into our current magnificent premises. All these challenges were successfully overcome thanks to Peter and his dedicated team of helpers. The third Silver Wand was presented to David Baldwin. David is a very distinguished American member of our society and has, over the years, given tremendous support in helping us to achieve our objectives. In 1989, when we launched the appeal to buy our own premises, David became our major benefactor but, not only that, he also persuaded a number of his personal friends to make contributions and some of them were not even Magicians! His generosity also extended further - he presented us with the beautiful stained glass Circle logo placed in our entrance hall. He also gave us the magnificent life-sized bust of David Devant which revolves in The Devant Room. When making this presentation Alan Shaxon, President of The Magic Circle, said "without David's outstanding generosity through The David and Barbara Baldwin Foundation, it is very doubtful whether The Magic Circle would now have the wonderful HQ we now call home. In thanking The Magic Circle for The Sliver Wand, David presented the Society with magnificent example of a Robert Houdin 'two handed' puzzle clock built by the master himself. A rare and beautiful object which will shortly go on display in the superb Magic Circle headquarters. Alan Shaxon again thanked David and his wife Barbara for their incredible generosity. The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize The John Nevil Maskelyne prize is a monetary prize for noteworthy contributions by members or non-members of The Magic Circle to the art of literature of Magic. For the first time The awards committee decided it should go to a form of literature available on the world wide web. The winner of that prize was Duncan Trillo. His creation, Magicweek, is an electronic magic magazine that was first published in the year 2000. Since then Duncan has produced articles about Magic News, What's on Where, TV Magic, reviews of books and tricks and lectures as well as advertising by magic dealers and more. It is thoroughly professional and currently attracts a world wide audience of devotees. The Maskelyne The Maskelyne is The Magic Circle's coveted award for "Services to British Magic". This year it was presented to Alan Alan. Alan achieved world wide fame and respect for his sensational and daring escapes. He made headline news around 1949 when he did a daring 'buried alive' stunt for Pathe News and things nearly went wrong. He was rescued within an inch of his life. On many other occasions he was suspended upside down, strapped in a straight jacket and attached to a rope which was set alight. With three minutes to escape he held the audiences spellbound whilst he risked his life. In later years he opened up a Magic Shop in Southampton Row London, "The Magic Spot" which acted as a meeting place for visiting magicians from all over the world. He would occasionally step out of retirement when more recently he performed his burning rope straightjacket escape suspended over Tower Bridge. Again he made the headlines. The Magic Circle benefited greatly from his generosity when we opened our new HQ in 1998 and many of our young magicians have gained enormously from the advice and encouragement he has given them. He is, truly a worthy winner of this award. The Devant Award This award was named after the first President of The Magic Circle, David Devant, who was at the time a leading figure in British Magic. It was presented to John Fisher. John is himself a leading figure in British Magic having taken our art to millions of people around the globe. As a leading television producer of light entertainment his shows included 'Parkinson', 'Wogan', 'Joan Rivers' Ken Dodd, The Bob Monkhouse Show and Des O'Connor To-night plus many others for both the BBC and ITV. He rose to become Head of Variety with Thames TV and of particular interest to us was his work with Tommy Cooper and the long running Paul Daniels Magic Show, with which he won the coveted Golden Rose of Montreux award. He was also responsible for many TV Magic Specials including 'Best of Magic', transmitted to over fifty countries, 'Heroes of Magic' and his 'Disney's Night of Magic' which probably had the largest overall audience for a one-off show of television magic. He is a prolific author having written 'The John Fisher Book of Magic', 'The Magic of Lewis Carrol', 'Never give a Sucker an Even Break', 'Body Magic', A Funny Way to be a Hero and has only just released the highly acclaimed biography of Tommy Cooper. This follows his writing of the successful West End hit show about the life of 'Tommy', 'Jus' like That'. At last years Centenary Celebrations John was our Executive Producer and brought to London the greatest list of the worlds top Magicians ever gathered together for a memorable week of magic. It was also John's initiative that resulted in The Royal Mail publishing a set of 'magical stamps' to celebrate the occasion. Having already been Curator of The Magic Circle Museum and A Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle, also a recipient of The Maskelyne Award and an Award of Merit from the Academy of Magic Arts, John Fisher is now a very worthy recipient of The Devant Award. In addition to the above awards Derrick Speight was presented with an engraved pewter bowl following his retirement from Council having served for an unprecedented forty six years. David Beckley Press Officer of The Magic Circle -------------------------------------------- 8. Grand Re-opening with FREE postings! -------------------------------------------- Announcing the Grand Re-Opening of IllusionTrader.com! Due to some unforeseen circumstances we had taken down IllusionTrader.com earlier this year; but we are back and ready to serve you with uninterrupted service! As a way to thank you for your loyalty to IllusionTrader.com we are giving everyone UNLIMITED FREE POSTINGS until February 2007. Please visit us at www.IllusionTrader.com! We look forward to serving all your magic auction needs. IllusionTrader.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Mad Men Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message from Michael Finney (US) Mad Men Of Magic, Being Shot in Vegas Nov. 20, 21, Amazing Johnathan, Mac King, Paul Kozak, and Michael Finney. -------------------------------------------- 10. Las Vegas Fantasma Ring #257 To Honor Norm Nielsen -------------------------------------------- Message from Al Jensen (US) VIP Tickets Still Available Las Vegas Fantasma Ring #257 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians is pleased to announce that Las Vegas resident Norm Nielsen will be honored as the Ring's Magician of the Year for 2006. A Gala event will be held on Monday evening December 4, 2006 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino honoring Norm for a lifetime of achievement and contribution to the art of magic. In addition to a light buffet dinner, a star-studded magical tribute to Norm will be presented to all in attendance. Featured performers (as of this date) include last years award winner Carl Ballantine along with Johnny Thompson, Goldfinger and Dove, Aye Jaye, Simon Lovell, Jeff Hobson, The Amazing Johnathan, Kevin James and more to come. Tickets are $40 for Ring #257 IBM members and $65 for non ring members. A limited number of VIP tickets are available at $100 each which insure priority seating for the show along with a surprise from Norm himself. If the event is not a sell out, general admission tickets will be available at the door for $85. Contact local IBM volunteer Al Jensen at alj@lvmagical.com or 702-336-2039 for tickets or for more information. -------------------------------------------- 11. Science World, Vancouver, British Columbia -------------------------------------------- Message from Lon Mandrake (Canada) The Society of American Magicians Assembly # 95 are going to dazzle Vancouver again for "winter magic" at Science World, Vancouver, British Columbia between December 27 and January3, 2007. There are over 20 performers doing many different varieties and styles of magic over the 8 day period and it has proved very popular with the attendees of the Science Museum drawing several thousand people. We have been performing there since 1989 when they first opened. -------------------------------------------- 12. Las Vegas Magic - December, 2006 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer (www.dnmagic.com) Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html Beacher's Madhouse Tyas Frantz, Chris Karpiak & Seth Grabel - 10 pm - Hard Rock. Check www.beachersmadhouse.com for dates. Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere www.bitelasvegas.com David Copperfield 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. Nov 18-29, Dec 21-31: http://mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Haunted Vegas Tour & Show Robert Allen, Jac Hayden & Zamora - Greek Isle. 9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html 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. http://www.mgmgrand.com/pages_html/entertainment_lafemme_lafemme.asp Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues-Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. http://www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Nick Lewin covers for Mac - Dec. 19-23 Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. www.mackingshow.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 2 pm, (Dark Fri. & Sun.) V Theater in the Desert Passage - Aladdin. Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Steve Wyrick Real Magic Opening December 15 7 & 9 pm, (Dark Fri.) Aladdin. Xmas: 20th - 30th also at 5 pm, (not dark) The Magic of Rick Thomas Opening December 18 2, 4 & 7 pm, Orleans. Starting January 6th: 2 & 4 pm, (Dark various days) http://www.orleanscasino.com/entertainment/index.html The Ultimate Variety Showcase 8 pm - Midnight every Tuesday.  Free. A different live show every week. Check the website for performance details. http://www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 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, Kozak and guest stars. Billy Fergueson (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. www.greatestmagicshow.com 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. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday of each month. www.ring257.com Darwin's Magic Club meets every Wednesday. Both meet at: Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. November, 2006 November 6-26: Losander, Roy Shank, Mike Micheals. World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. November 9-29: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. November 27-30: Mike Micheals, Roy Shank, Shimshi. World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. December, 2006 December 1-17: Mike Michaels, Roy Shank, Shimshi. World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. December 4: Las Vegas Fantasma Ring #257 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians is honoring Norm Nielsen at the Orleans Hotel. A star-studded magical tribute to Norm will include last years award winner Carl Ballantine along with Johnny Thompson, Kevin James, Amazing Johnathan, Goldfinger and Dove, Aye Jaye, Simon Lovell, Jeff Hobson, and more to come. Tickets are $40 for Ring #257 IBM members and $65 for non ring members.  A limited number of VIP tickets are available at $100 each which insure priority seating for the show along with a surprise from Norm himself.  If the event is not a sell out, general admission tickets will be available at the door for $85. Contact Al Jensen at alj@lvmagical.com or 702-336-2039 for tickets or for more information. December 12-25: Holiday show added (7 pm). Xtreme Magic, Tropicana. December 15: Steve Wyrick Real Magic opens 7 & 9 pm, (Dark Fri.) Aladdin. December 18: The Magic of Rick Thomas opens 2, 4 & 7 pm, (Dark various days), Orleans. http://www.orleanscasino.com/entertainment/index.html December 18-31: Mike Micheals, Roy Shank, Shimshi, Losander. World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. December 19-23: Nick Lewin subs at the Mac King Comedy Magic Show - Harrah's. December 20-30: Steve Wyrick Real Magic Holiday Schedule 5, 7 & 9 pm, (Not Dark) Aladdin. December 21-31: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. January, 2007 January 6th: The Magic of Rick Thomas 2 & 4 pm, (Dark various days), Orleans. January 26-28: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com February, 2007 February 15-17: The Ultimate Performers Workshop, Mac King, Jeff Hobson, Charlie Frye, Peter Reveen, Joanie Spina, Shep Hyken, Paul Stone. www.ultimateperformersopportunity.com February 18-21: The World Magic Seminar - 30th Anniversary Blowout. Orleans Hotel. www.worldmagicseminar.com February 23-25: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com March, 2007 March 20-22: Worker's Mid-Week Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com April, 2007 April 23-29:  Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com June, 2007 June 10-12: The Las Vegas Magic Invitational - Palace Station www.LVMI.net July, 2007 July 16-22:  Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com August, 2007 August 16-22: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com August 19-22: MAGIC Live! - The Orleans. www.magicmagazine.com September, 2007 September 14-16: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2007 October 23-26: Magic & Meaning Conference; MAGIC AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Special Guest: Robert Neale. www.magicalwisdom.com -------------------------------------------- 13. TV Series: Uri Geler - The Heir -------------------------------------------- Message from Yosi Notkowitz (Israel) On Israel TV started today a new TV series: Uri Geler - the heir. Uri Geler is looking for his heir during a life transmission program. During the first program 5 candidates performed with mental and telepathy effects: Roei Zaltzman, Yoni Gersin, Lior Sosard, Meni Lindenfild and Simhon Nacman. All candidates are known magicians and members at the Israeli magic club - a fact which is forbidden to be said and known in the program... During the program TV spectators called and told about electrical breakout, moving watches and spoons bending which happened to them during the TV transmission. ESP figure which was chosen by Uri Geler was elected by the spectators voting. Next week will be the second part of Uri Geler's heir competition. -------------------------------------------- 14. Added A Few New Magic Clips To The Lineup At VSN -------------------------------------------- Message from Jay Scott Berry Hey everyone, I've added a few new magic clips to the lineup at VSN - www.vigilstudios.com/vsn/ I am also happy (and somewhat relieved) to announce the release of my new Silk Magic DVD. For a number of years, I've been performing two silk effects, the Chameleon Knots and the Diamond Silk Fountain. It has gotten to where I rarely do a show without one or even both of them. A while back, I began marketing these and they are now best-sellers. However, since then, I've been fielding requests for a DVD which explains their intricate handling. Well, now you know why I'm relieved; I can finally report that the new Silken Dreams DVD is finished. In addition to performance and explanation of these two effects, the DVD includes a number of new routines and ideas. I've also produced a new music soundtrack for this DVD which will form the basis of a forthcoming CD. For more information, please visit: www.jayscottberry.com/usspecials.html -------------------------------------------- 15. Dick Van Dyke Did A Little Sleight Of Hand -------------------------------------------- Message from Kim Sweeney (Hawaii) Aloha, My Magical Brethren and Sistern, This isn't an announcement, just an interesting discovery. While waiting in line at a certain Discount Outlet, there were a stack of DVD's of Vintage Television Shows, and how can you lose at a Dollar per DVD? Well, first off, the Episodes of Dragnet had a different theme, evidently they could not get the music rights from the original. It just wasn't the same....Dum de dum dum Dummmmmmm. But here was the winner! One DVD that I got was 3 episodes of the Mary Tyler Moore Show with Dick Van Dyke, and much to my delight, there was one episode with Vito Scotti as an interior decorator! I hope you all remember Vito Scotti, he used to delight Magicians everywhere with his mime act as "The Ambassador of Magic". This MTM episode was a charming story, Vito ended up moving in with the Petries, and as his decorator contract came to an end, he performed a magic show for the kids, and even Dick Van Dyke did a little slight of hand. It was a delightful surprise seeing Vito Scotti once again, casting his magical charms. Aloha, Kim Sweeney In Hawaii -------------------------------------------- 16. David Blaine Is Coming To NY! -------------------------------------------- Message from Marty Steinberg (US) David Blaine Hangs Out by Josh Grossberg Things are starting to look up for David Blaine...or down, depending on his point of view. For his next feat, the illusionist/performance artist/masochist will dangle from a hook five stories above Times Square while shackled to a spinning gyroscope. He has three days to escape. The challenge, sponsored by Target to kick off the holiday shopping season, will get underway at 10 a.m. Tuesday, when Blaine is slated to be hoisted by crane to his destination, 40 feet above West 46th Street near Eighth Avenue. There, he will be strapped in to a giant three-ringed gyroscope-said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's famous "Vitruvian Man" drawing and akin to the crazy carnival contraptions that make people sick on sight-and spin continuously, without protection from the elements. (Blaine has apparently lucked out, weather-wise: The extended forecast calls for mostly sunny days with temperatures in the low 50s, before rain moves in at week's end.) His task: to make it safely out of the gyroscope by 6 a.m. on Nov. 24, aka Black Friday. Should he make it out in one piece and be able to stand upright, Blaine will then escort 100 children and their families-chosen by the Salvation Army-on a shopping spree at the Times Square Target store. "This is my chance to give back to the Salvation Army and to [help] benefit other families," Blaine said in a statement, giving a nod to the organization that helped clothe him as a child. "It's my goal not only to successfully complete this challenge, but to help give others an extraordinary holiday season." And an extraordinary sight. The last time the 33-year-old performer cheated death was during a seven-night stint last May in a water-filled acrylic ball outside Manhattan's Lincoln Center. The stunt was capped with an unsuccessful bid at breaking the world record for holding his breath underwater. Blaine's previous endurance tests include encasing himself in a block of ice for 61 hours, fasting for 44 days in an acrylic box, being buried alive for seven days and perching himself on a tiny platform overlooking the Big Apple's Bryant Park for 35 hours. -------------------------------------------- 17. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 18. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2006 Alan Watson