* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #487
Date: Sunday 25th March 2007
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. Martin Nash In A Car Accident
3. Ricki Dunn Tribute Website Up And Running
4. Ricky Dunn Story
5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians #53 - Nick Lewin
6. Creative Thought: The Art of "Outward Thinking" - Kyle Peron
7. Las Vegas Magic - April, 2007
8. IBM Convention Contests
9. Flea Market - Workshop - Auction -- Miami
10. Lounge Wizard In Castlemaine
11. Magi-Whirl 2007, Washington, D.C., USA
12. New Magicians Movie
13. Debbie Leifer To Speak At Special Session
14. Houdini Kin Wants Body Exhumed, Tested
15. TAOM 2007 In Corpus Christi
16. 13 Magical Milestones
17. Jay Fortune's New Book
18. Fetsching Magic
19. The Amazing Orchante Saga
20. e-zine Archives
21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
Paul Romhany has just finished a tribute website to the late Pick 
Pocket Ricki Dunn. I really got to know Ricki when I was on a 
three month tour with him and Chuck Jones & Company, of Australia 
and New Zealand. He's one of those special characters who lived 
life to his fullest and had a heart of gold.  Refer item 3.

-------------------------------
Caught up with Paul Zenon (UK) brought over for the Auckland Arts 
Festival where he performed in the famous Spiegeltent. Paul is 
known for his combined standup comedy and magic and he had the 
crowd with him all the way.

-----------------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a
line: AW@Alan-Watson.com

--------------------------------------------
2. Martin Nash In A Car Accident
--------------------------------------------
Message from Danny Archer (US)

I'm sorry to report that Martin Nash has been involved in a car 
accident in Canada. His car was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler 
during a snowstorm. Many other accidents occurred on that same 
stretch of highway around the same time.

Martin has suffered a concussion as has his lady friend Heather 
(she may also have a broken bone in her neck). His car is totaled 
and on the advice of his doctors he is not to travel, so he is 
forced to cancel his scheduled lecture tour.

Martin feels horrible that he won't be able to appear and share 
his magic with his many friends and fans. At this time we are 
unsure what the future will be in regard to his lecturing. I hope 
that you will all join me in wishing Martin and Heather a speedy 
and full recovery.

--------------------------------------------
3. Ricki Dunn Tribute Website Up And Running
--------------------------------------------
Message from Paul Romhany (NZ)

I have finally finished the tribute site to Ricki Dunn. Ricki was 
one of the most entertaining pickpockets both on and off stage. 
Thank you to Norm and Lupe Neilson for sending me the photos I 
used on the site and to David Avadon for allowing me to use some 
of his articles he has had published in several books and a 
magazine on Ricki Dunn. I know Ricki met so many magicians and 
other entertainers both on cruise ships and on land during his 
incredible career and many have a 'Ricki' Dunn story. If you 
would like to share that story then please contact me and I will 
include it on the site.

Please visit www.rickidunn.com and see why Ricki was considered 
one of THE BEST pickpocket acts in the world!

Paul Romhany
www.chaplinmagic.com

--------------------------------------------
3. Ricky Dunn Story
--------------------------------------------
Message from Brian Cotter (NZ)

What also caught my eye was the story on "dear old Ricky Dunn".

Ricky was always a show stopper on the "World Festival of Magic" 
with which Gene McCarthy was the prime driver and with which I 
was associated, marketing and managing on the road.

My first tour of New Zealand, Auckland to Invercargill was made 
in 1989. The tour included some real "HEADLINERS" Marvin, "Mr. 
Electric" and his lovely wife Carol, Chuck Jones & Company, the 
inimitable Ricky Dunn and one or two "lesser lights".

My first experience with Ricky was on the first morning out of 
Auckland when I put forward the departure time from 8.30 am to 
8.00 am in order to get on the road to Hamilton. Ricky "Blew up" 
because as he said it took him at "least 30 minutes to blow-wave 
my hair!!!! No God-Damn Road manager is going to move me". Dear 
Ricky we managed to get on the road OK.

Then later one of the stage hands broke a piece of his equipment. 
WOW!!!! We did all we could to fix it for him.

Much later after major and minor clashes, (this despite the fact 
that Ricky was proving to be one of the most popular acts) we 
left Timaru after the show to travel through the night to 
Dunedin.

I had phoned ahead on my old "brick" Uniden phone to arrange the 
rooms and found that I as usual would be sharing with the three 
"Roadies", Fine.

At around 3/4 in the morning we arrived and Ricky found that he 
was put onto the second floor, just up the stairs. "Why has that 
dame been put downstairs.....and I have to go up the stairs!!!!"

We were all tired and scratchy and Ricky finished up leaning 
against the door of his room with his luggage looking like a 
petulant spoilt child!!!

Exasperated I said to Ricky "Ricky, you can either stay up all 
night, or use the bedroom, BUT remember I have the air-tickets 
and if you are still outside your room in the morning you are on 
the first plane home, I'm off to bed!"

I then spent all night working up an eight minute act to fill the 
show next night. Ricky was on the job next day and we proclaimed a 
mutual truce and parted "almost" friends. (He wanted a favour and 
I was able to oblige).

A few years later we took our first two grandsons to Disneyland 
(luckily plus their mother, our daughter).

500 feet off landing at LAX, I suffered a lung collapse. As I 
say..."Nothing that four days in Marina Del Ray hospital and 
$50,000 wouldn't fix!". Later I was languishing in a motel in Los 
Angeles and there was a knock on the door. Here was dear old 
Ricky, whom I hadn't seen for years. "Red (Gene Mc Carthy) tells 
me you are sick and broke. Here's a Thousand cash to keep you 
going. Now when do you want to go to the Specialist and where do 
you want to go and stay?!!!"

Dear old Ricky. I still get a tear in the eye when I think of 
him...AND WHAT A GREAT ARTIST!!!

Proud to have known you Ricky.

Brian P Cotter

--------------------------------------------
5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 53 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message from - Nick Lewin (US)

Remarkable Magicians and Remarkable Magic.

It seems incredible that I have been writing my weekly column in 
Magic New Zealand for over a year now. I have had a little plan 
going on in my writing that I would now like to reveal. The only 
person I shared my method with was Bruce Cervon and he deemed it 
'cool' so I thought I would share it.

When Alan first asked me to write a weekly column based on my 
personal blog I decided I had better have a master plan. With a 
weekly deadline I didn't want to run out of steam within a month 
or so.

I decided to think of the year as 52 cards instead of weeks. I 
then took a deck of cards and wrote down the names of the 
magicians I knew I wanted to write about on most of the cards. 
Then I shuffled the deck. Steve Jobs tells us life is random (I 
have my doubts) and I decided I definitely wanted my column to be 
so.

I actually just wanted to make sure I could fill an entire year 
of columns without being reduced to sentimentalizing the memory 
of Bob French performing in his 'Hot Pants' at the Magic Castle!

Well, of course no simple plan ever remains simple and direct. 
Before too long I would write an article that unexpectedly led 
right into another article. Sometimes I would find the need to 
revisit a magician and tell another story or two. There were also 
the occasional performers that I just couldn't capture. Hey, it 
didn't worry me I just reshuffled the deck.

Last week completed my deck of Remarkable Magicians in Magic New 
Zealand. Realistically the deck is just like any one of a hundred 
I could find in my closet. There weren't actually 52 cards in the 
deck. There were some duplicates and some missing from the pack 
and the cards weren't in any special order. I even threw in a 
joker or two. It was pretty much the way I planned it.

My idea in this series was to share a written snapshot of some of 
the people who have influenced me over the last 44 years and why. 
In this day and age you can buy amazing books and DVDs that 
contain every trick that a performer created in his lifetime. A 
lifetime's inspiration for under a hundred bucks: what a bargain! 
Or it would be if you could really capture the heart, mind and 
soul of a magician just by looking at a lifetimes worth of 
tricks. In truth you can't, and we need to remember much more 
than just the tricks or we are selling short the Master Magicians 
on whose shoulders we stand as we create the future.

Alan Watson and I have been joking with each other for months now 
about how the small print in our non-existent contract contained 
a secret hidden clause that committed me to a thousand extra 
columns. The only problem is that neither one of us can remember 
which of us was the one trying to pull a fast one!

It is such a pleasure working with Alan that I hope we will be 
working together for so long that I am eventually going to be 
reduced to that story about Bob French back in the 70s in his hot 
pants. They were bright red with a black tuxedo top and NO they 
did not contravene the Magic Castle dress code policy!

I am going to expand my sights a little in the next 52 
weeks/cards and change the focus of my writing to 'Remarkable 
Magic.' This will give me a chance to explore some different 
areas. Of course there will be plenty of Remarkable Magicians 
popping up in the stories because without them there would be 
very little 'Remarkable Magic.'

I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time and trouble 
to email me about my columns. I have made new friends and I have 
rediscovered old ones. Thank you one and all.

As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net 
and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com

--------------------------------------------
6. Creative Thought: The Art of "Outward Thinking" - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message from By Kyle Peron (US)
E-Mail: Magic4u02@aol.com

I wanted to share with you what I hope may be a series of 
articles all on the concept of creativity in magic. How can we 
become more creative with the magic that we do and how can we all 
learn to open our minds up to not only think creatively but allow 
ourselves to make it a habit. It is my intention in these 
articles to only provoke thought and if I can even get you 
thinking just a bit differently about how you do your magic, then 
I think that is only better for the magical arts.

I have created a term I that I often call "Outward Thinking". Now 
this term may not be new at all and I may not even be the first 
one to use it in context to the magical arts. But when I started 
thinking about writing this article, part of me started wondering 
what was the one biggest problem that hinders magicians from 
thinking and being more creative with their magic? What happens 
to us inside that prevents us from opening our minds to different 
ways of presenting our magic?

As I started to think more about it I realized that we come at 
our magic from the wrong direction. It sounds strange but allow 
me to indulge in this for a little bit. When we start to work on 
a magic routine or act we tend to start thinking in an "Inward" 
fashion. What usually happens is that you find yourself looking 
at props and apparatus with the intention of somehow combining 
these in some way to create an interesting piece of magic. This 
happens a lot and I must admit I have done this too in the past. 
To me this is inward thinking. You are forcing yourself to start 
at a particular place by narrowing your creative options.

But what I learned was that this only tends to hinder our 
creative thinking instead of allowing us to think fresh. If I 
start with certain props and apparatus first am I not already 
limiting my creativity by forcing it down a certain path? I would 
say yes it does. If I truly want to be creative with my magic I 
should learn to expand my thoughts and ideas and not allow the 
apparatus or props to dictate what I am going to present to my 
audience. But how many of us go about creating magic in this 
fashion? If you are honest with yourself, probably a lot of you 
reading this article will admit that you tend to create in this 
exact manner.

But if we are not to inwardly think, then what is a different 
approach we can take? This is where the term "outward thinking" 
came to me. I think to start thinking creatively with your magic 
you need to not limit yourself or your ideas. To many of us fall 
in the realm of looking inwards towards magic for our ideas and 
creative concepts instead of looking outwards away from magic. 
When you constantly are looking inward at magic for ideas, then 
it already starts limiting your imagination. Instead of being and 
allowing yourself to be truly creative, you are forcing yourself 
to recreate what has already been done before. In a sense inward 
thinking leads to magic clones.

So what about outward thinking? How can we take this approach and 
apply it to magic and to the new way we can think about the magic 
we create? Well for starters when you are working on a new 
routine or act, withstand the urge to go immediately to your 
magic books and magic videos. Get away from your props and 
apparatus in your magic den. Get away from it all and allow 
yourself to think.

Instead of taking a prop and wondering what to do with it, go the 
opposite direction. Allow yourself to first come up with the 
entertainment idea first and build the routine or act around 
that. What I mean is creative thinking should not be limited by 
what props you own or what videos you have or any of that. True 
creativity has no boundaries. Imagine how creative your magic can 
be if you stop limiting yourself from the start.

If a magician is all about entertaining his or her audience, then 
let us start being creative by first teaching ourselves to think 
of the creative and entertainment idea first. Ask yourself what 
would you like to see on that stage? What would be entertaining 
to an audience? Is there a character on stage doing something? If 
so who is this character and what would he do? If you start to 
ask yourself these questions then you start thinking in an 
outward motion. You are coming at your magic from a totally 
different angle. You will find yourself starting with the 
entertainment value of the routine and then building the rest of 
the routine around that. To me this is a much more creative way 
of thinking about magic. It allows you to open your mind up and 
to know that what you work on from that point on has to reflect 
back on the initial entertainment idea.

I think starting with the entertainment concept of the act is a 
much better way to be creative than forcing yourself to figure 
out what to do with these 4 props you have in your drawer. You 
start opening your mind up and start creating interesting ideas.

A perfect example of this type of thinking is from a show I saw 
Topas do at the SAM National Convention a few years ago. I got a 
chance to talk with him briefly after his lecture and he really 
opened my eyes. Here is a magician whose entire show is made up 
of routines that are so different and so creative that they 
appear fresh and fascinating. His thinking does not derive from 
an inward motion. It derives from looking away from magic for 
ideas.

If you have ever seen his "Time in a Bottle" routine you will 
know what I am talking about. Now I cannot be 100% sure on this, 
but I can almost guarantee that the idea and creativity for the 
routine did not come from magic itself. Instead it came from an 
outward source. That source was simply song he had heard. By 
hearing the song, this creative and entertainment idea comes into 
your head. In a way the song creates the entertainment and 
dictates what can be done with it. But now you have a creative 
idea that comes from an outward source and to me that is a much 
more powerful way to think about your magic. It makes it fresh 
and new and inspires us to think in different ways we may not 
have been ready to think before.

So I will leave you with these few thoughts. Next time you start 
working on a new routine or a new act, put away the magic books 
and lock the videos away in a drawer. Force yourself not to go to 
them. Instead put on music, take a walk in nature or watch a good 
movie. This is the essence of what I refer to as outward 
thinking. Allow outside sources to inspire you and your magic. I 
think if you do, you will be shocked at what creative ideas will 
come from it.

As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your 
thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or 
suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly 
at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you.

Kyle Peron
Magician and Illusionist
Graphic Designer and Illustrator
(Specializing in Logo creation)
www.kyleandkellymagic.com

--------------------------------------------
7. Las Vegas Magic - April, 2007
--------------------------------------------
Compiled by David Neubauer (http://www.dnmagic.com)

Production Shows:
Amazing Johnathan
10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara.
Final Year
http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html

Beacher's Madhouse
Christopher Karpiak, Chuck Lane, Tyas Frantz
9 pm pre-show. Last Saturday of each month.
Hard Rock.

Bite (Vampire Strip Revue)
Antonio Restivo
10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere.
www.bitelasvegas.com

Crazy Horse Paris
Stephan Vanel
8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand.
http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx

Criss Angel - Cirque du Soleil
Luxor Hotel and Casino.
(Scheduled to open February, 2008)

David Copperfield
7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand.
March 22- April 19.
http://mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN

Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
8:00 pm (Dark Fri. & Sat.) - Addison's Lounge, Rampart Casino.
http://www.rampartcasino.com/nightlife.htm#

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. to 8:15 pm. - Free.

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.)
Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater.
http://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

Phenomenon
Hans Klok (with Carmen Electra) Aladdin.
(Scheduled to open May 12th for a 13 week run - preview 
performances April 18-22).

Steve Wyrick
7 & 9 pm. Desert Passage, Aladdin.

The Magic of Rick Thomas
2 & 4 & 7 pm, (Dark various days), Orleans.
http://www.orleanscasino.com/entertainment/index.html

The Ultimate Variety Showcase
8 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free.
Magicians: Christopher Karpiak and "S".
http://www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332
Roxy's Live - Sam's Town

V, The Ultimate Variety Show
Jason Byrne, Nathan Burton - www.vtheshow.com
7:30 & 9 pm, Aladdin.
2 for 1 coupon:
http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html

World's Greatest Magic Show
Kevin James, Kozak, Roy Shank, Losander, Shimshi.
Billy Fergeson (pre-show).
6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle.
http://www.greatestmagicshow.com
Guest Stars:
March 25 - April 8: Jeff McBride. April 2 - 15: Eung-Gyeol Lee.

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.
http://www.ring257.com
Darwin's Magic Club meets every Wednesday.
Both meet at: Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave.

Las Vegas Children's and Family Entertainers Association
7 pm every 3rd Monday,
Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo.
YMS (Young Magicians Society)
7 pm every 2nd Monday, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy.

March, 2007
March 25-April 8: Jeff McBride Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic 
Show - Greek Isle.

April, 2007
Through April 8: Jeff McBride Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic 
Show - Greek Isle.
April 2-5: Eung-Gyeol Lee Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic 
Show - Greek Isle.
April 23-29: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery 
School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com

June, 2007
June 10-12: The Las Vegas Magic Invitational - Palace Station
Jason England, Jon Armstrong, Jeff McBride, Wayne Dobson, Gaston 
Quieto, Gregory Wilson and more.
www.LVMI.net

July, 2007
July 16-22: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery 
School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com

August, 2007
August 16-22: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery 
School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com

August 19-22: MAGIC Live! - The Orleans.
http://www.magicmagazine.com

September, 2007
 Eugene Burger.
http://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.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com

--------------------------------------------
8. IBM Convention Contests
--------------------------------------------
Message from Mel Kientz (US)

The I.B.M. Contests have been accepted worldwide as the benchmark 
for well-organized, quality, non-political convention contests. 
Over the last 25 years, the I.B.M. Contests have continued to 
attract more contestants, and the quality of the field has 
steadily climbed. Our Friday Night Gold Medal Contest Show has 
consistently been one of the high points of the convention. The 
I.B.M. Gold Medal International Award of Excellence in Stage 
Performance, and The I.B.M. Gold Cups International Award of 
Excellence in Close-up Performance are largely considered to be 
the most prestigious prizes in the magic world.

Convention Contests General Information

Thank you for your interest in participating in the I.B.M. 
Contests at the 79th Annual I.B.M. Convention. This year's 
contests will be held at The Grand Sierra Resort Hotel in Reno, 
Nevada. Applications for the Stage Contest must be postmarked, or 
received via e-mail no later than June 12, 2007.

The I.B.M. Stage Contest is a preliminary/finals event. If you're 
selected following the preliminaries to be one of the finalists 
in the I.B.M. Stage Contest, you'll have the opportunity to 
showcase your talents on the Friday evening Gold Medal Show.

The I.B.M. Close-up Contest is also a preliminary/finals event. 
This gives the top close-up contestants the chance to perform in 
the prestigious Gold Cups Finals before a larger, very 
appreciative audience.

The facilities for this year's Contests are top-notch. The I.B.M. 
Stage Contest will be held on a large stage, with curtains, 
theatre lighting, sound, and ease for set-up, move-on and strike. 
The I.B.M. Close-up Contest will take place in spacious rooms 
with elevated seating.

The Gold Medal International Award of Excellence in Stage 
Performance and a cash prize of $5,000 is the top prize for the 
I.B.M. Stage Contest. The Gold Cups International Award of 
Excellence in Close-up Performance and a cash prize of $5,000 is 
the top prize for the I.B.M. Close-up Contest. Learn more under 
Convention Contest Awards and Prizes .

The Youth category awards in Stage and Close-Up are supported and 
funded by the I.B.M. Endowment Fund to encourage our youth in 
magic. It's interesting to note that since the inception of the 
preliminary/finals format, nearly half of the Finalists have been 
Youth members. In fact, the only recipient of The Gold Cups since 
the change has been a Youth member! The Foundation awards a $500 
US Savings Bond to the Junior first place winner of the I.B.M. 
Stage Contest and Junior first place winner of the I.B.M. 
Close-up contest.

A confirmation letter with information and contest details (times 
and places) will be sent you upon receipt of your application.

All contest materials are available on this I.B.M. Website and 
are downloadable.

Convention Contests Awards And Prizes

The I.B.M. Stage Contest and the I.B.M. Close-up Contest are held 
each year at the Annual International Convention, and 
presentation of the following seven awards are considered:

Outstanding Stage performance by a Youth Member age 10 through 
17, and a $500 (U.S. currency) Savings Bond prize.

2. Outstanding Stage performance by an Adult Member age 18 years 
or greater, and a $1,000 (U.S. currency) cash prize.

3. The Gold Medal International Award of Excellence in Stage 
Performance, and a $5,000 (U.S. currency) cash prize (winner must 
have entered the Stage Contest as either an Adult or Youth 
member.)

Outstanding Close-up performance by a Youth Member age 10 through 
17, and a $500 (U.S. currency) Savings Bond prize.

Outstanding Close-up performance by an Adult Member age 18 years 
or greater, and a $500 (U.S. currency) cash prize.

The Gold Cups International Award of Excellence in Close-up 
Performance, and a $5,000 (U.S. currency) cash prize (winner must 
have entered the Close-up Contest as either an Adult or Youth 
member.)

7. The Karrell Fox Comedy Award (winner must have entered the 
Stage Contest as either an Adult or Youth member.)

In addition, the Board of Trustees has approved the establishment 
of a "People's Choice Award" for the Friday-Night-Finalist's 
Show. A $500 cash award and plaque will be awarded to the 
contestant the audience selects as its favorite entertainer. The 
audience ballots will be counted during the intermission and 
feature act, and the People's Choice Award will be presented 
during the Awards Ceremony near the end of the evening show.

Stage performers will be considered for the Karrell Fox Comedy 
Award. This is only awarded when the judges in the Stage Contest 
Preliminaries deem an act worthy. The standards are intentionally 
very high. A recipient of the Karrell Fox Comedy Award will not 
necessarily be selected to progress to the Gold Medal Finals.

Contact Information

I.B.M. Stage Contest Chairman:
Jerry Schnepp
P.O. Box 443
Buffalo, IN 47925
home: 1(574) 822-1122
cell: 1(765) 404-2507
e-mail: JCSCHNEPP@aol.com

I.B.M. Close-up Contest Chairman:
Don Greenberg
4450 Peace Valley Road
New Waterford, OH 44445
cell: 1(330) 519-6699
home: 1(330) 457-2345
e-mail: d.greenberg@worldnet.att.net

--------------------------------------------
9. Flea Market - Workshop - Auction -- Miami
--------------------------------------------
Message from Maria Ibáñez, President Elect of the Society of
American Magicians

Fellow Magicians, You're invited to;

Ring 45 & SAM 280 Flea Market, Workshop & More! 10am-7pm

When: Saturday, April 14th from 10:00am - 7:00pm (Table set up 
9:00am -10:00am) at;

Don Davis Steakhouse
1200 NW 78 Ave. #116
Miami, Florida

Directions:
Take Palmetto to 836 West to NW 87th Ave exit North. Turn right 
on 12th Street
And go to NW 78th Ave. Turn left into shopping center.

Come Sell your old magic, Buy someone's old magic, bring coins or 
cards for the workshops and see exciting videos of European 
Magicians on the BIG SCREEN!!!!
All this Plus LUNCH: Your Choice of Flank Steak, Chicken Caprese 
(Cream & mushroom sauce) or Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken. 
Desert: Flan or Pound Cake

Admission fee $25.00 per person - includes lunch

Vendor tables $10.00 each

Must RSVP by April 10th

To: rickydee@aol.com

Or call: 305.992.0703

--------------------------------------------
10. Lounge Wizard In Castlemaine
--------------------------------------------
Message from Ross Skiffington (Aust)

I am performing my show "Lounge Wizard" at the Castlemaine State 
Festival on 31st March 2007.

Presently, I am deep in the forest of rehearsals. I have created 
a new character and added some new routines and material. A lot 
of new stuff to remember! All very scary, especially at my age 
when I am wondering if I put my underpants on in the morning! 
But, I am rather looking forward to doing it.

Castlemaine is about a 2 hour drive north of Melbourne. It is a 
small, thriving, country town with a vibrant arts community. This 
year the Festival is bringing in artists from all over the world 
to celebrate music, opera, cabaret, theatre etc. It's quite a 
programme of performances.

Being able to present "Lounge Wizard" in this environment makes 
for a great start in the celebration of 100 years of magic in 
Australia.

So often magic shows are placed at the bottom of a selection list 
and in reality how many actually get to be presented under an 
Arts umbrella? Not many I suspect, which says something about 
either, the presentation of magic or the way it is perceived by 
arts administrators. So, it is particularly thrilling that 
"Lounge Wizard" is included in this "g" event.

Here is a link to the Castlemaine Festival Website:

http://www.castlemainefestival.com.au/07/loungewizard.html

--------------------------------------------
11. Magi-Whirl 2007, Washington, D.C., USA
--------------------------------------------
Message from Eric Henning

Magi-Whirl 2007, Washington, D.C., USA April 13-14,2007
"The best little convention in the National Capital Area"

Don't miss International Brotherhood of Magicians, National 
Capital Ring 50, Magi-Whirl 2007 April 13 & 14. Four lectures, 
two close-up performances, plus a Gala evening show. Magi-Whirl 
is being held at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd, 
Alexandria VA.

Only US$45 until April 1st. After April 1st it's US$50 for 
everyone. You can register and pay via PayPal on our website: 
http://www.Magi-Whirl.org. or find the printable form on the 
website, print it, complete it and mail it in.

Come to IBM Ring 50's Magi-Whirl 2007, and hang out with other 
magicians and people devoted to magic. You may learn new tricks, 
ideas, presentations, and of course see some great performances. 
You won't want to miss these great lecturers: Stand-Up Magic by 
Michael Lair, Grab bag - Something For Everyone by Tim Sonefelt, 
Restaurant Magic lecture by Eric Henning, A Question and Answer 
Session with Barry Taylor (prop. of Washington DC's only Magic 
Shop), and close-up magic with Scott Correll and Larsen 
Eisenberg.

For details go to: http://www.Magi-Whirl.org.

The Saturday night Gala Evening Show includes: The Magic of 
Krendl & Company, the Amazing Humorist Tim Sonefelt, Magic by Bob 
Sanders, the Magic of Michael Lair, Magician Extraordinaire 
Michael Taggert, DC Magician of the Year Dwight Redman, and 
Magical Master of Ceremonies - Bob Carnathan.

We have lots of dealers scheduled for the dealer room. You can 
see and talk to professional magicians and look at new magic 
items for sale. On Friday night, April 13, there will be a 
dealer's show with the dealers demonstrating the latest magical 
items, silks, accessories, and supplies. The dealers are: Silk 
King Studio - Ruth Rice Crone (Rice Silks), Bob Little's 
Guaranteed Magic, Fred Mitchell's Magic Books, DoveLite - Bob 
Sanders, Hughes Magic, Inc - Richard Hughes, Magic Goods - Pravin 
Ponnuri, Wonder Imagery - Tim Sonefelt, Sorcery with Class - 
Scott Correll, Magic by M.P. Lair and Wayne Alan with some 
pre-owned Magic & Books.

For details go to: http://www.Magi-Whirl.org.

-----------------
12. New Magicians Movie
-----------------
Message from Pat Darienzo forwarded on by Tony Wilson

Another year, another movie about warring magicians, although 
this time it's a bit more contemporary and not a 19th century 
period piece.

And it's a comedy.

The trailer for "Magicians" looks very funny, but of course I'm 
not sure if I can be trusted to be the most objective critic.

The premise is that two magician partners have a falling out when 
one of them accidentally decapitates the other's wife. That's the 
comedy part.

Years later they end up competing against each other in a magic 
competition.

If nothing else, it might make those old guillotine tricks a 
little more exciting for anyone who sees the film.

You can view the first full trailer at...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYlBaQl9EuI

Pat Darienzo

-----------------
13. Debbie Leifer To Speak At Special Session
-----------------
Message from George Schindler - Dean - the Society of American 
Magicians

Debbie Leifer, a funny, bright, creative, and powerful 
entertainer is a Corporate Magician and Motivational Speaker has 
been added to the roster of great Sessions at the S.A.M. 
convention in Dallas. (July 4-5-6-7)

Debbie specializes in customized presentations for meetings and 
conferences nationwide.

You won't want to miss her "Motivational Magic! - Making Magic 
Relevant in the 21st Century" presentation. Debbie will share her 
secrets of developing routines that not only entertain, but also 
enlighten and inspire through a creative mix of magic and 
messaging.

In a two part presentation she will explain the process of 
developing both corporate presentations and how to bring 
effective motivational magic to elementary school programs.

Debbie was recently named 2006 Greater Atlanta Magician of the 
Year.

Visit www.magicam.com for a complete list of the performers who 
will be in Dallas.

-----------------
14. Houdini Kin Wants Body Exhumed, Tested
-----------------
Message from Paul Royter forwarded on by Guy Cater

By Larry McShane, Associated Press Writer

New York - For all his death-defying stunts, Harry Houdini 
couldn't escape the Grim Reaper: He died on Halloween 1926, 
apparently from a punch to the stomach that ruptured his 
appendix. But rumors that he was murdered have persisted for 
decades. Eighty-one years after Houdini's death, his great-nephew 
wants the escape artist's body exhumed to determine if enemies 
poisoned him for debunking their bogus claims of contact with the 
dead.

"It needs to be looked at," George Hardeen told The Associated 
Press. "His death shocked the entire nation, if not the world. 
Now, maybe it's time to take a second look."
Houdini's family scheduled a news conference for Friday to give 
details on the plans. Prominent New York lawyer Joseph Tacopina 
is helping clear any legal hurdles to the exhumation.

A team of top forensic investigators would conduct new tests on 
Houdini's body, said Hardeen, whose grandfather was Houdini's 
brother.

The circumstances surrounding Houdini's sudden death are as murky 
as the rivers where he often escaped from chains, locks and 
wooden boxes.

The generally accepted version was that Houdini, 52, suffered a 
ruptured appendix from a punch in the stomach, leading to a fatal 
case of peritonitis. But no autopsy was performed.

When the death certificate was filed on Nov. 20, 1926, Houdini's 
body - brought by train from Detroit to Manhattan - had already 
been buried in Queens, along with any evidence of a possible 
death plot.

Within days, a newspaper headline wondered, "Was Houdini 
Murdered?"

A 2006 biography, "The Secret Life of Houdini," raised the issue 
again and convinced some that he might have been poisoned, 
including George Hardeen, who lives in Arizona and is the chief 
spokesman for the president of the Navajo Nation.

The likeliest murder suspects were members of a group known as 
the Spiritualists. The magician devoted large portions of his 
stage show to exposing the group's fraudulent seances. The 
movement's devotees included Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan 
Doyle.

In the Houdini biography, authors William Kalush and Larry Sloman 
detail a November 1924 letter in which Doyle said Houdini would 
"get his just desserts very exactly meted out ... I think there 
is a general payday coming soon."

Two years later, Houdini - by all accounts a man in extraordinary 
physical shape - was dead. Kalush and Sloman say that "the 
Spiritualist underworld's modus operandi in cases like this was 
often poisoning" - possibly arsenic, which could be detected 
decades later.
The authors also suggest that Houdini might have been poisoned by 
"an experimental serum" injected by one of his doctors at 
Detroit's Grace Hospital.

Houdini took the Spiritualists' death threats seriously, but he 
traveled without security, often accompanied only by his wife, 
Bess.

"If someone were hell-bent on poisoning Houdini," the authors 
wrote, "it wouldn't have been very difficult."

The team working on the exhumation includes internationally known 
forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden and professor James 
Starrs, a forensic pathologist who has studied the disinterred 
remains of gunslinger Jesse James and "Boston Strangler" Albert 
DeSalvo.

Baden, who chaired panels reinvestigating the deaths of President 
John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., 
pointed out a pair of oddities in Houdini's death certificate: It 
noted his appendix was on the left side, rather than the right. 
And the diagnosis of appendicitis caused by a punch was "very 
unusual."

Starrs said he was long familiar with the story of Houdini's 
death, and believed the fatal injury was the result of an 
accident until he read the Houdini biography.

"My eyebrows went up when I read this book," Starrs said. "I 
thought, `This is really startling, surprising and unsettling, 
and at bottom, suspicious in nature.'

The exhumation plan received support from a surprising source: 
Anna Thurlow, the great-granddaughter of "medium" Margery, whose 
husband Dr. Le Roi Crandon was one of the Spiritualist movement's 
biggest proponents - and one of Houdini's enemies.
During a 1924 "seance," Margery channeled a "spirit" named Walter 
who greeted Houdini with a threat: "I put a curse on you now that 
will follow you every day for the rest of your short life."

"With people that delusional, you have to question what they're 
capable of,'" Thurlow said. "If there's any circumstantial 
evidence that Houdini was poisoned, we have to explore that."

-----------------
15. TAOM 2007 In Corpus Christi
-----------------
Message from Joe Douglas
TAOM 2007 Entertainment Chairman

Thanks for publishing my TAOM article. Somewhere Dale Salwak's 
name became misspelled (Dale Salsa).

Please let me emphasize that Dale Salwak will be one of our 
featured performers and will also present his lecture at the 
Texas Association of Magicians Convention in Corpus Christi, 
Texas, August 31 to September 3, 2007. Here is his bio:

Dale Salwak is known as "The Gentleman of Magic." Skilled in the 
classics of magic, his elegant style has made him a favorite for 
many years in the finest clubs, showrooms, and theaters 
throughout the world. As director since 1978 of the 
California-based Chavez Studio of Magic (founded in 1941 by Ben 
Chavez), he has led hundreds of magicians in pursuit of these 
same values. A London reviewer says it best: "Dale Salwak doesn't 
just do magic; he is magic!"

Dale Salwak offers for your enjoyment a fast-moving, elegant 
presentation of the classics of magic, performed to a full 
orchestral background and appropriate for any venue - from the 
largest of theaters to the most intimate of settings. He performs 
smooth-as-silk magic with an easy skill and grace that testifies 
to a drive for absolute perfection. Twice-nominated Stage 
Magician of the Year as well as Lecturer of the Year at the 
Hollywood Magic Castle and recipient of the prestigious Jack 
Gwynne Award for Excellence in Magic and the Chavez Memorial 
Trophy for Excellence in Manipulation - he has been a featured 
performer at top showrooms around the world and on numerous 
television shows including Merv Griffin from Caesar's Palace, Las 
Vegas.

Dale Salwak's real association with magic began at the age of 
five when he met Mr. White, a magician who happened to be living 
close to his Massachusetts home. One day (after Dale's repeated 
pleas), he showed him two tricks: how to"vanish" a half-dollar 
and how to "change" a scarf from green to yellow just by pulling 
it through his fist. The thrill of discovery he experienced that 
afternoon has stayed with him all of his life, and there's never 
a time as a performer or as a spectator when he doesn't 
re-experience it.

Dale's father had a copy of G. S. Ripley's Magic for Boys (a 
title which, in our enlightened era, would have to be altered!). 
Each evening Dale and his mother learned how to put together the 
materials for one of the tricks and then how to perform it. At 
age ten he debuted his act and was paid two dollars plus a 
twenty-five cents tip. His parents had hired him for his own 
birthday!

A classified advertisement in the local newspaper - "Magician for 
All Occasions, Call Dale Salwak" along with his telephone 
number - brought him additional work, and slowly his reputation, 
and confidence, grew.

Later his family moved from Massachusetts to Indiana. There he 
founded the Magic Club of America and published for eight years 
Magic Carpet - a magazine devoted to the Art of Magic and 
subscribed to by magicians all over the world. He also wrote and
published three books on magic, and his writings began to appear 
in international journals.

Dale went on to earn his B.A. degree in English (with a minor in 
science and mathematics) at Purdue University; and his M.A. and 
Ph.D. degrees in English literature at the University of Southern 
California. He is the author of twenty-three books on literary or 
inspirational subjects and numerous scholarly essays.

In 1987 Purdue University awarded him its coveted Distinguished 
Alumni Award.

But Dale's education did not start or stop there. He studied 
piano, both classical and popular, as early as 1953, and from 
1963-70 he studied tap dancing and modern jazz. The call of magic 
lured him to the Chavez Studio of Manual Dexterity and 
Prestidigitation in 1963-65. Later he assisted at the studio as 
an instructor and since 1978 he has been the owner and director 
of the studio's West Coast division. To round out his education, 
he also trained with Ron Carver at the Hollywood School of Comedy 
Writing in 1970.

During those early years he kept polishing his act by appearing 
in showrooms, hotels, theaters and on television. With a company 
of other performers his travels have taken him across America and 
Canada, to Europe (eight tours), to Asia (six tours), and the
Hawaiian Islands (two tours). In addition, he has performed 
countless times for the Motion Picture Home benefit show and with 
the Bob Hope USO Clubs. He has appeared at every magician's convention 
in the country, and most in Europe and Asia, including Abbott's 
Magic Get-Together (twenty- three times), where he was awarded the 
prestigious Jack Gwynne Award for Excellence in Magic; at the 
Hollywood Magic  Castle (regularly since 1970) where he has been 
twice-nominated Stage Magician of the Year and has received the 
Lecturer of the Year Award; at the Magic Island in Newport Beach 
(1978-88) and Houston (1984-91); at the Pasadena Ice House (regularly 
since 1971); at Wizardz, Universal CityWalk (regularly since its 
opening in 1993 until its closing in 2003); and in three Las Vegas 
showrooms - Caesar's Palace, the Riviera, and Bally's.

For two consecutive years he was featured in the "Magic of 
Fashion" production in the Celebrity Room, Bally's. And ever 
since 1974 he has appeared in and produced for college and 
university audiences across the country his annual "Stars of 
Magic" - an elegant, enchanting, all-new stage production 
featuring internationally recognized magicians. For this he 
received an Award of Merit from the Academy of Magical
Arts. He is also Talent Chairman/Executive Producer of Shows for 
the International Brotherhood of Magicians annual convention - a 
position he has held since 1995.

Then there are the television appearances. In Indiana he appeared 
weekly on a Saturday morning children's program broadcast from 
Indianapolis. Since then his television appearances include 
"Matlock," "MacMillan," "The Merv Griffin Show" (six 
appearances), "Hollywood Squares," "To Tell the Truth," "We've 
Got Each Other" (a comedy series that ran eleven weeks starring 
Tom Poston and Beverly Archer), "Masters of Illusion," as well 
as variety programs in Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Great 
Britain, Holland, and the People's Republic of China plus numerous 
charity telethons.

Today as performer and teacher, Dale Salwak is a leader and one 
of the most popular men in the field of magic. He mirrors the 
professionalism of working the entire spectrum of show business. 
He is a celebrated entertainer and an entertainer of celebrities.

(From Biography at www.dalesalwak.com)

Please check out www.taom2007.com and www.taom.org for 
information on the Texas Association of Magicians and the Corpus 
Christi convention on August 31 to September 3, 2007.

Magically yours,

Joe Douglas
TAOM 2007 Entertainment Chairman

-----------------
16. 13 Magical Milestones
-----------------
Message from Craig Mitchell (South Africa)

We are very excited to announce that famed British performer and 
International Man of Mystery - David Berglas - has once again 
shown his continued dedication and support of the future young 
stars of magic in Africa.

David was one of the very first to fill his 13 Magical Milestones 
envelope in support of the College of Magic's capital fundraising 
campaign ... with an unbelievable 5000 Pounds!

While all donations are a secret between you and the auditors 
with no one knowing the total raised until December 13th 2007 - 
David thought that this would be one secret worth sharing!

Find out how you, too, can make a difference in the lives of so 
many young people by visiting www.13magicalmilestones.com

The "13 Magical Milestones" capital fundraising campaign aims to 
raise 1.3 million South African Rand ( approx. $186 000 US 
Dollars ) during 2007 to permanently secure South Africa's home 
of magic ... the College of Magic!

-----------------
17. Jay Fortune's New Book
-----------------
Message from Jay Fortune (UK)

One big bit of info I forgot to include though (!) is where it 
can be purchased from!!!

Would you mind adding into the next newsletter that the book is 
available exclusively from www.tvmagic.co.uk and full details are 
also on www.radiomagic.co.uk.

-----------------
18. Fetsching Magic
-----------------
Message from Charlie Fenn

Robert Kirkwood Spencer has finally just published his remarkable 
book "Fetsching Magic", a wonderful account of the life and magic 
of Hen Fetsch and his long time association with Gene Gordon who 
published and sold some of Fetsch's products.

The book is a large format, 206 page slick, hardbound, 
beautifully created work. Everything is of the highest quality. I 
supplied Bob with some of the information of Hen's Original five 
Rope Repeat (which I still manufacture, with permission) and he 
sent me one of the first copies. This is a wonderful compilation 
of one of our greatest performers and magic minds of the 20th 
Century.

A true collector's item and worth every penny of the $50 price 
tag. Check your favorite dealer for more information. I do not 
normally stock books.

-----------------
19. The Amazing Orchante Saga
-----------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Page 148

Over the years Richard Webster has ghost written 21 books for 
other people. When one of these books sold more than 80,000 
copies, Richard realised it was time to start writing more books 
under his own name. The first of these was a book on ghost 
writing (Secrets of Ghost Writing) which was published by Breese 
Books Ltd, London, 1987. It is still in print. Richard wrote two 
more books for this publisher, and then found a new home with 
Llewellyn Books in the United States. Since 1994 they have 
published thirty-six of his books. Being a full-time entertainer 
gave him the necessary time and freedom to do this, but his 
income from performing slowly declined because he no longer had 
the time to promote himself.

Although most of Richard's books are for the general public, I 
did mention earlier on that Richard has worked as a magician, 
mentalist/palm reader, stage hypnotist and hypnotherapist (among 
other talents) and has written books on all of these subjects. 
Brookfield Press published twenty five of his books on magic, as 
well as a book for Hypnotherapists on how to conduct past life 
regressions. Flora and Company in the United States published his 
video course, 'The Richard Webster Hypnotism Show', the first 
instructional video in the world on how to become a stage 
Hypnotist. Here are some of his books for magicians and psychic 
entertainers:

Quick And Effective Cold Reading
Quick Readings With Numerology
Psychometry From A To Z
Pendulum Power For The Psychic Entertainer
Good Luck From Beijing
Home Psychic Parties For Fun And Profit
Cold Reading For The Magician
You Are A Rainbow
Pitch Books
Plan For Success
How To Make Money Giving Free Talks
Astrology For The Psychic Entertainer
Ladies' Nights
Entertaining Mentalism
Using Your Intuitive Edge For Fun And Profit
Cold Reading The Future With Numerology
Cold Reading Variations
King Of The Small Towns
Riccardo On Children's Magic

Including the nineteen ghost written books, Richard has published 
91 books since 1972, and fifty-one of these are currently in 
print. By the end of 2007, the total will be 92. His books have 
been translated into twenty -two languages and have sold more 
than three million copies around the world!

Unlike most magic authors, Richard has done absolutely everything 
that is covered in these books. Richard says, "I guess you become 
versatile when you live in a small market, so what I used to 
consider a handicap ultimately became a blessing. I have also, 
always offered a money-back guarantee throughout have my 
performing career". In more than a quarter century of performing, 
only one person refused to pay me, and that was many years ago. 
On a couple of occasions I declined payment when I felt I had not 
done a good enough job. Most magicians I have spoken to about 
offering a guarantee are scared that people will take advantage 
of it but, that has not been my experience".

Continues Next Week

--------------------------------------------
20. 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)

--------------------------------------------
21. 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
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Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or
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Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items
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All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely
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entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above
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© Copyright 2007 Alan Watson