* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #555 Date: Sunday 20th January 2008 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. The Real Hustle 3. Geoffrey Durham Introduced To America 4. Carney Lectures In Florida And Atlanta 5. An Opportunity To Help Linking Rings Performing Arts Group 6. Remarkable Magic #38 - Nick Lewin 7. Written Goals And Time Frames - Kyle Peron 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #17 - Paul Romhany 9. Ice: From Disaster To Rebound (Part 3) By Dan Stapleton 10. Close Up And In The Parlour - Minnesota Metro Area 11. Auckland Buskers Festival 12. Pending Contribution For Magic New Zealand 13. H. Claude Enslow Stage Magician - Banquet and Competition 14. Daytona Festival Of Magic 2008 15. Hello From Bibik 16. "Magicana" #329 for February/March 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- If you are attending the joint IBM / SAM Convention in Louisville in July this year have you made your reservation at the convention hotel yet? As of early this week The Galt Hotel is now 97% booked. To Make Hotel Reservations: 1-800-THE-GALT (800-843-4258) Overseas: 502-589-5200 Convention Registration: E-mail: IBMSAM2008@appsmagic.com Phone: (618) 451-9749 Convention website www.ibmsam2008.com This convention will be a SELL OUT very soon. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------- 2. The Real Hustle ----------------- Message from Stan Allen (US) The February issue of MAGIC hits the Post Office within a few days. There are, however, a couple of television items that we don't want you to miss. So, here's the latest "MAGIC eUpdate," plus a brief commercial message: The Real Hustle Starting Tuesday, January 22, 10 p.m., truTV Objective Productions/Crook Productions' new show, The Real Hustle, features a pickpocket/security consultant, a magician, and an actress hustling innocent passersby on television. Apollo Robbins, who made national news when he picked the pockets of Secret Service agents while performing for former President Jimmy Carter, heads up the team. New York City magician Ryan Oakes supplies the sleight-of-hand expertise, while Dani Marco is the actress onboard. Most of the scams being pulled on the eight-episode series involve identity theft, gaining credit cards and PIN numbers, and swindling people out of their money and possessions without them knowing it. Some well-known magic-related scams are also thrown into the mix, like the Three Card Monte and pickpocket techniques. Each episode promises to offer the viewer inside information into the mechanics and psychology of how the con is executed. The series premieres January 22 at 10 p.m. on truTV. If you've never heard of the network, rest assured that you probably already have the channel as part of your cable service. CourtTV changed its name to truTV on January 1. http://www.trutv.com/shows/real_hustle/ Wife Swap Wednesday, January 23, 8 p.m., ABC ABC Television's Wife Swap returned to the airwaves last month, and with it brought a swap of magical proportions. Featured on the January 23 episode, Ohio magician Andrew Martin swapped his wife, easy-going Melissa, for the micro-managing Jennifer Galvan from California. Melissa, in turn, was paired off with Jennifer's husband Richard, and both women had to live in the other's house for two weeks -- essentially exchanging lives. Andrew is a full-time magician for 25 years, and Melissa, his wife of eleven years, manages his career. Their children, Eli and Emma, also perform; Eli has an act that his sister Emma assists him with. Matches made in heaven, huh? Well maybe not quite. http://www.abcgo.com/primetime/wifeswap And now a word from our sponsors... We're still receiving regular orders for the 2008 MAGIC Calendar, featuring a year-full of amazing images from two highly acclaimed magic photographers: Richard Faverty (Las Vegas) and Zakary Belamy (Paris). This year, we've added important magical dates, past and present, to each month. So, if you still have a blank space on your wall, please visit http://www.magicmagazine.com to order 2008 MAGIC Calendar. ---------------- 3. Geoffrey Durham Introduced To America ----------------- Message from George Robinson Jr. Hi Alan; I would like your readers to know about a great new book being released in the UK and in America in Feb. It is the highly acclaimed Geoffrey Durham Professional Secrets, A life in Magic. Collectors' Workshop is proud to have been chosen the only U.S. distributor of this entrancing book. Filled with great Magic plus Geoffrey's innermost secrets of how to develop an award-winning act that is YOU. If there were 11 stars available instead of 10, I would give this 11! The wealth of information, the insight, the detail is staggering. Geoffrey Durham is certainly well known in the UK, his acting, comedy Magic, television work, cabaret and stage work of over 30 years speaks for itself. Now the U.S. magicians are in for a real treat; being exposed to Geoffrey is like finding gold in all the right places. This book is available at www.collectorsworkshop.com and a select group of fine dealers. Sincerely, George Robinson Jr. VMCW, LLC -------------------------------------------- 4. Carney Lectures In Florida And Atlanta -------------------------------------------- Message from John Carney Jan 28 - Feb 4 John Carney is acclaimed as one of the finest magicians in the world. His books, Carneycopia and The Book of Secrets, are considered by many to be modern classics. John now offers a brand new program, available in a few select cities. His two hour lecture includes stage and close-up magic using cards, coins, cigars and a variety of everyday objects. Each routine is a lesson in itself, containing the insights and ingenuities that have made John one of the premier teachers of magic today. Topics include presentation, routining, misdirection and creativity. Some You Tube Clips http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=carneymagic General lecture info and schedule http://www.carneymagic.com/seminars/index.html Jan 28th Hollywood, Florida  7:30 Wizard's Apprentice Magic Shop 2051 Hollywood Blvd Florida - Hollywood (33020) 1-888-920-1475 Map to Wizards's Apprentice http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2051+Hollywood+Blvd,+Hollywood,+FL+33020,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title $25-No advance sales Jan 29th Miami, Florida 7:30 Home of Fantasio 1002 Country Club Prado Coral Gables, 33134 Entrance is on 57th Ave (Red Road) and 8th 305 264 3321 Map to Fantasio's home http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=1002+Country+Club+Prado&ci $25-No advance sales Jan 31st Sarasota, Florida 7pm Beth Shalom Temple 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota, Fla 34233 Map to lecture at Beth Shalom http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1050+S+Tuttle+Ave,+Sarasota,+FL+34237,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title $25-No advance sales Feb 1st Orlando 7:30 pm. I-Hop 5203 Kirkman Rd Orlando, Fl 32819 407-370-0597. Map to lecture at I-Hop http://maps.google.com/maps?q=5203+S+Kirkman+Rd,+Orlando,+FL+32819,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title $25-No advance sales Feb 2nd Jacksonville, Florida 7:30 Wolf Creek Townhomes (note; NOT Wolf Creek Condos, on same street) Beach Blvd between Hodges Boulevard and Kernan Boulevard Jacksonville, 32246 Info and map to lecture http://ibmring130.com/Lecture2.htm 1/4 mile west of Brougham Ave To enter the property, right before the gate, you need to veer to the right of the island in the road. There is a keypad there Enter #1957, the gates will open. The Clubhouse is just a short distance ahead on the left. You can park in any of the parking spots in the neighborhood that don't have a house number printed on them. $25-No advance sales Feb 4th Atlanta 6pm-Come early and have dinner with John Lecture starts at 7 Steak and Ale 2150 Northlake Pkwy Tucker, GA 30084 in the back "80's" room Map to lecture at Steak & Ale http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&q=STEAK+%26+ALE,+2150+NORTHLAKE+PARKWAY,&near=Atlanta,+GA&fb=1&cid=0,0,13001419052717895413&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image $25-No advance sales ----------------- 5. An Opportunity To Help Linking Rings Performing Arts Group ----------------- Message from Tamaka Dear Friends and Fellow Magicians I'm sending you this letter to give you an opportunity to help Linking Rings Performing Arts Group with a project they are getting involved with. Tamaka, our Executive Director, was given a notice from the National Congress of American Indians dated November 2006, that states among the Native Americans and Alaskan Natives that 2.2% of them are methamphetamines users. This is the highest among any other ethnicities. Some Reservation and rural Native communities has seen as high as 30% because of their secluded area. 74% of Tribal Police Forces rank meth as the greatest drug threat. The Native police forces have seen a 40% rise in violent crime and a 64% increase in domestic violence and assaults attribute to meth use. 90% of the Tribal police said they needed additional drug investigation training. This is intervention where our programs are geared for prevention. We have received many requests from different tribes around the United States, to come and do our Native American storytelling programs that teach how to have a strong self-esteem. We use our magic talents to make the stories come alive. In our School shows we have been praised for our assemblies. We know that if you have a strong self esteem you will make good choices and in this case choose not to do meth. It has been called to our attention that many of the Native Elders have seen a lack of respect for their culture and a moving away our culture from the youth. Some of the youth have a sense of wishing they were not Natives because of the lack of opportunities for them. Because of the structure of our performances we take part of Tamaka's culture, Storytelling , and show that you can blend both our culture and performing arts to make a living for one's self. This format then has Tamaka as a mentor to his people, something that the Native people need more of. The format of the shows are; we would have our 35 minute performance, break for lunch, or as they say in some part of the United States dinner, and then have a Q & A session in which Tamaka has a panel with Medical staff from their hospitals, clients, and rehab centers to share strategies that each person in the room can do to better themselves, and be educated on the problems that Methamphetamines has on people. Tamaka will share what he did to get to where he is as a performer to make a living at what he loves. The tribal counsel leaders will be there as well since many of the tribes have programs within their tribes to help their people to better themselves. With the counselors from the rehab centers and Doctors and Tribal councilpersons there taking part, then the problem of follow-up is taken care of, so when we leave we know that what was shared at the community Center, which is where we would perform at, will be on going. By clicking on the link: http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=109504 you will be taken to our Charity button. Clicking on to that will allow you to make your pledge to help us raise funds for this project. It will go towards the travel expenses as well as our performer's fee. Just a minimum donation of $20.00 will help a long way and be a tax deduction for you. If you can give more that would be great as well. Linking Rings Performing Arts is a 501c3 organization. With the timing of this fundraising letter we wanted to let you know that if we are one of the top fundraisers for our cause, then parade.org, who supplied the charity button, will donate $50,000.00 to Linking Rings. This has to be done within this month. (January) Since you are fellow magicians we wanted to give you the opportunity to be apart of our cause. Because of the stories we tell in our magic, I focused the story to having a strong self-esteem. We were featured in the SAM's MUM magazine, Novembers 2007 issue, pg 65. If you could copy and paste this to send out to people you might know of on your address book who might be interested, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support and may you have a great New Year. Sincerely, Tamaka Executive Director -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #38 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic. Fooling yourself. I recently wrote a column about my old friend Terri Rogers and her amazing mind with which she could 'think around corners' and find something new under the sun. In my writing I referred to her outstanding skills as a ventriloquist rather more than her ability to come up with truly outstanding new principles in magic. Allow me to set the record straight on that front. Shortly after publication of my piece I received an email from Martin Breese who was a close friend of Terri, released many of her effects and published her books. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Martin but have been aware of him for many years. I have particularly enjoyed his series of magical cassettes that allowed the magic world a wonderful keepsake of some remarkable performers who are no longer with us. It was especially delighted by the way Martin captured the wisdom and charm of Billy McComb and they partially inspired me to record my own three and a half hour 'Secrets behind the Secrets' McCombathon extravaganza. Tricks go on forever it is the quirks and charms of the tricksters we have to be careful to preserve. In his email Breese told me about a new effect of Terri Rogers that he was releasing called 'Blockbuster' and he was kind enough to send me a pre-release of the effect. I do remember hearing Terri talk about this particular trick and describing it as the greatest thing she had ever invented. There was however one tiny caveat to her pride of invention. The trick didn't always work! This failure to deliver the goods on each and every outing was definitely a strong negative when Martin first marketed the effect. He has now perfected it and has re-released it in a version that works every time. What an amazing visual and mental delight 'Blockbuster' is. When you see the effect performed it will blow you away and when you perform it yourself the effect still seems like pure magic. It is a remarkable piece of magic and discriminating close-up workers should definitely check it out. I am looking forward to meeting Martin Breese during my trip to England this fall when I lecture and perform at the IBM British Ring convention in Eastbourne. It is high time we finally get to meet each other in person. I am writing this column in the Las Vegas airport waiting for the first flight on a tour that will eventually take me to New Zealand and Australia where I am looking forward to meeting new friends and renewing my friendship with all the wonderful people I met on my 2006 visit. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.com Check out my website at www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Written Goals And Time Frames - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com With the New Year now here, it is a time for making resolutions for yourself and for your magic business. It is also about asking yourself directly, "where do you want to be at the end of 2008?" If you want success for yourself this year then it must start with knowing where you want to go. Like every journey, you must have a destination and an end result in your mind. This helps you stay focused and on course. But what is your destination for your magic? This is something you must think about before any success is ever achieved. This is the art of setting long terms goals for yourself. Once a goal has been set in your mind, then you have a destination for which you can concentrate on getting to. That destination becomes a driving force that influences what you do and how you do it. But a goal that exists in the mind is never as good as a goal that is written down. There is simply power in the process of writing. It has often been proven that people learn more and remember more when things are written down on paper. When something is written down, the mind is forced to think about it longer and harder. It also then becomes a very tangible thing. That goal can now be seen and now exists in a format other then a mere thought. There is power here. Take your long term goal and write it down. This is the goal or goals in which you hope to achieve for your magic by year's end. There is no right or wrong answer here. They are goals that you alone are deciding for yourself. Just keep in mind that you always want your goals to be based upon the notion that you feel you can realistically achieve them. A goal that is so far off the chart, will not serve you any good but cause frustration. Be realistic when you set your goals. But, a long term goal is only a starting point. A long term goal, even when written down, can be very daunting. It is so far off and might be such a huge change for you that you may not see how you can ever achieve reaching it. Every long term goal needs to then be broken down into short term ones. These are goals you hope to set for yourself throughout the year that will help you to get to where you want to be. This brings me to a very important point about goal setting. One of the key components to any written goal (short or long) is that there needs to be a time frame associated with it. Without a time frame you cannot 1) gauge your progress and 2) know exactly where to start and when to finish. A time frame associated to your long and short term goals helps you establish a good plan to achieve the goals you set out. It helps you to know if you are on track and if you are making progress. If I decide that I want to increase my yearly income by $2,400 this year (long term goal) then I can set short term goals for every month. By setting up a time frame associated with these goals, I can know that I will need to achieve an increase each month of $200. By adding a time to the goals I set, it allows me to gauge progress, stay on course and determine how I am doing. So what happens if we leave our goals too "open ended"? Well for starters, it often times causes people to get very frustrated and annoyed. The reason is quite simple. If I have no time frame associated with any goal I set, then how can I realistically measure it? How can I know if I am even doing well? It is easy to get annoyed this way and simply give up altogether. So this year set your long term goal for yourself. Write it down and determine short term goals that will help you get there. Then assign a time frame to each of these goals and print the thing out and place it where you can see it every day. You will be amazed at just how much ability you have of obtaining your goals. Suddenly things seem reachable. Remember that a goal without a time frame never gets done. But a goal with a time frame is certainly a key to your own success. 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 / Illusionist Graphic Designer / Illustrator http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #17 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) This week I would like to introduce Chris Michaels. I met Chris while performing on Holland America, he is a very unique entertainer who includes playing the Turkey Baster in his show. Chris just celebrated his first year working on a ship and has some fantastic advice for everybody who wants to get in the business. This will be a two week story. Chris Michaels is a veteran theme park entertainer having worked at Disney World, Knott's Berry Farm, Great America and Cypress Gardens. Chris worked Sea World for 14 years performing over 10,000 shows for 25 million people. Currently he performs a 10 instrument musical comedy act on the Holland America Cruise line. Visit Chris' website at www.chrismichaels.20m.c Observations After My First Year Entertaining on Cruise Ships All mainland entertainers are facing fewer venues and less opportunities to play an actual "showroom". Cruise Lines offer beautiful theaters, bands, lighting, and audiences that come to be entertained. While it can be a tough market to break into, the rewards are great. This last October 9, I celebrated my first year anniversary as a guest entertainer with the Holland America cruise line. It's been a learning experience for me, after this first year I have made (and corrected) mistakes. Paul Rohmany has asked for my input and tips for first time cruise entertainers. Getting That First Job! You really have to ask yourself: "Am I Ready?" There are many bases to cover before that first cruise. What does your resume have that is going to set you far above all other DVD packages the cruise office receives every day? If you are not a graphic artist, have an professional help prepare your presentation for you. Years ago, I went to a local county fair and asked to look over the entertainment promotional materials they had received. I made notes of which packages caught my eye, which ones I would open first. Look successful from the onset and you will be successful. Ask yourself: What is going to set your act above any other out there? What is yours and yours alone? What are the guests going to be talking about at breakfast the next morning? After your first cruise, entertainer friends might be asking for your help. How do they get your job on your ship! While many of my (musician) friends are great players, they don't have an act! A comedic (entertainer) juggler will be remembered over a technical juggler. Too many jugglers do the same jokes, too many magicians do linking rings and too many singers do "My Way". An audience will talk about the things they haven't seen or heard before. After getting the initial booking: First Things First! If the ship sails at 5:00 p.m. don't arrive at 4:55 p.m.! Get there with extra time for everybody. Check in at the front desk then drop off your suitcases to your room. Second, check in and meet your Cruise Director. He or she is your "boss", let them know you are on board. They should have your performance schedule and onboard phone numbers of the Stage Manager and Musical Director. Third - find your show equipment and props. If they have been sent ahead, be sure they are on the ship before you set sail! On this very cruise, I was walking up the gangway and noticed my five cases sitting on the dock, NOT ON BOARD! The cruise director made a few frantic calls and made sure everything was loaded just 20 minutes before we were to set sail. After you have played a cruise line a few times, you might offer to the C.D. (Cruise Director) that you would be available for other duties. This is at your discretion. Some smaller cruise lines have been known to take advantage of a guest entertainer's time. Days at sea can seem long, sometimes it's fun to take an hour and be a guest on a "Game Show" or do a "Coffee Chat". A "Coffee Chat", is an informal question and answer session. It's a great chance to talk one on one with your audience and even "plug" your CD, DVD or items for sale. I usually bring a few small instruments and even give a quick lesson to those interested. Dress up, a little nicer than the guests. Remember you are representing the cruise line, your agency and yourself! I've only had a few occasions where I was called to do extra duties. Once a singer was sick and I was asked to change ships and do a short variety show. Moving equipment, charts and costumes was a pain, but made my act more valuable to the main office. Today I was asked to dress up as Frankenstein for Halloween. Why not? The CD's weekly report to the head office could include you being as a "team player", going above and beyond your contract show duties. Rehearsals I try to meet the musical director the day before rehearsal and talk over any concerns in the show. I bring a pad of paper to write down the band members names. I'll try to memorize them before rehearsal. Experience has shown me the band appreciates that small effort and that I start my rehearsal on time. Typically I get to rehearsal an hour before the band is to arrive. I try to preset as much as possible. I don't want to take up the band's time while they are waiting for me to tune up instruments. Be flexible. Just because you're ready, it doesn't mean everything will be in place for you. Take any extra minutes and quietly warm-up. Before rehearsal, meet with the stage manager and run down your technical requirements. Will you need extra microphones, a direct box or power on stage? Make all your equipment and props "mobile". Typically after rehearsal you will have to strike your props to the wings and clear the stage for bingo, game shows or lectures. Ask the stage crew to mark (or spike) your equipment floor locations with tape. Moments before your show, everything will be in place just as you had it at the rehearsal. -------------------------------------------- 9. Ice: From Disaster To Rebound (Part 3) By Dan Stapleton -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan Stapleton A few years ago Jon Racherbaumer ask me to contribute to one of his columns dealing with "tricks that go wrong...only to end successfully". In that case, it was a mental effect in which a smart-ass "helper" miscalled her info. In the end...all turned out for the better. In (50's & 60's female star of magic) Celeste Evans forthcoming book "Has This Happened To You?", I write a chapter on things that have gone wrong with my Head Chopper (6000 (?) performances...things are bound to happen). Here we go on the "ICE" thing: As you recall from my last chapter, when it came time to collect the business cards from the spectators, my co-worker, Steve, was horrified to find out that "Mr. Smith" did not bring any cards with him to this show. The first clue that something was wrong was when Steve handed me some of the cards that were in his stack, all he said (whispered) to me was "Your Screwed!" All at once my thoughts were (as Steve was walking away...and I'm sure he was thinking "You're on your own!"), "What do you mean?", What happened?" and..."Thanks Pal!" As I looked through the ten or twelve cards, I too noticed that Mr. Smiths card was not present. As I looked over at Steve, all he did was shrugged his shoulders. All I knew is that I had no card from Mr. Smith. Luckily, Steve knew what the routine was supposed to be. I was supposed to now force the "duplicate (borrowed) card to a female helper. I had to think fast. What happened next is complete adlibbing and praying that I can get out of this jam, save the trick, and make it appear as though it is as successful as planned. After having the cards shuffled by the volunteered helper, I had her spread all the cards face down onto the table. I had her freely point to one. It didn't matter at this point, which one she pointed to. I picked this card up and walked over to Steve (remember...no one really associated him with me since I didn't know anyone at the show...and hardly anyone knew Steve either). As I approached him I gave him a wink. With a loud voice I said (and I even held the card upside down to confuse him) "And what name is on this business card?" He took the cue and said "Joe Smith". One weight was lifted from one of my shoulders. I asked "Joe Smith" to come over to the table. As he approached me I whispered to him "Just play along". He whispered back..."No problem". At that moment I knew a miracle was about to take place. I asked him to shuffle "his card" back into the pile, wrap the rubber band around the stack, place the stack onto the block of ice and hit it hard enough to break the ice...which he did. I now asked the female helper to step forward and look through the stack of cards to find "Mr. Smith's" card (which of course was not there...it never was). You know the rest....I then called attention to the clear "baggy" frozen within the broken pieces of ice. She removed the bag, opened it up and in a big (and proud) voice I asked her to read whose card this belonged to. "Joe Smith" she proclaimed...and the audience went wild (as they say). I couldn't run to the bathroom fast enough! ---------------- 10. Close Up And In The Parlour - Minnesota Metro Area ----------------- Message from Raj Madhok (US) June 27, 28, and 29th, 2008. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota metro area Featuring the sophisticated sleight of hand and stand up magic of Gregory Wilson, David Regal, John Bannon, Franics Menotti, Dan Fleshman and George Tovar. See details at: http://closeupandintheparlour.com/ ---------------- 11. Auckland Buskers Festival ----------------- Message from Nick Nickolas (NZ) Hello Alan Just a note to let you know that the Auckland Buskers Festival new website is up and live at www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz The 8th Annual event features buskers feature top class acts from all corners of the world and is excellent family entertainment. It runs from 1 to 6 Feb and is in locations all over the city as well as night shows outside OHagens Bar in the Waterfront and a cabaret at the Classic Comedy venue on the 31st Jan. -------------------------------------------- 12. Pending Contribution For Magic New Zealand -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Lewis (US) Dear fellow magic enthusiasts, Before I get to the main topic of this article, I would like to say a few words about writing for an ezine such as this. Some time ago, I contributed a series of 25 articles on dice to this publication. My friend and publisher of this ezine, Alan Watson, told me that they had been very well received. It certainly did not seem that way to me. I always included my email address with each installment, but I received a total of less than ten responses throughout the entire series from what is purported to be over 13,000 readers. I found this to be so discouraging that when the series was completed I went into "lurk mode," where I have since remained for a considerable amount of time. I now feel I have found a new topic that will be of much interest to many of you. It is a detailed critique of "The Heiny 500," a very impressive effect that you can see performed by its originator, Karl Hein, on You.tube.com. I highly recommend that you do so. Although you may not choose to master this challenging routine, I believe that many of you will still be interested in what is involved in doing so. Only the number of emails that I receive concerning this article will let me know whether or not you like it. My email address can be found at the end of the piece. Please drop me a line if you like the piece. If I do not receive a reasonable number of responses, I can only infer that I have somehow missed the mark. This will result in my returning to "lurk mode" for another extended period. -------------------------------------------- 13. H. Claude Enslow Stage Magician - Banquet and Competition -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Steiner (US) This past Saturday evening our local I.B.M Ring, #129, held its 29th annual H. Claude Enslow Stage Magician of the Year Banquet and Competition. Our ring boasts of over 140 members, serves the Greater Kansas City, Missouri area, and is known among the magic community as the Heart of America ring. Nine contestants, all of which qualified for the event by winning one of the monthly contests, competed for the coveted prize. When the evening concluded, Kyle Scheel was named the 2008 Stage Magician of the Year winner. This is the third time that Kyle, who is now only 18 years of age, has won the event. His presentation included a very moving version of the Shadow Theater Illusion. Finishing 1st Runner Up was long-time ring member, Rod Sipe. Rod's entertaining performance included a variety of comedy magic. Taking the 2nd Runner Up award was former I.B.M. International President and long-time ring member, Roger Miller. Roger's act also included several comedy routines and gags. The show was organized and chaired by Duane Fields, produced by Terry Magelssen, and Larry Warshaw served as the Master of Ceremonies. Our congratulations and thanks to everyone that helped make the evening a truly magical one! Thank you, Steve Steiner Blue Springs, Missouri IBM Ring #129 Newsletter Editor -------------------------------------------- 14. Daytona Festival Of Magic 2008 -------------------------------------------- Message from Harry Allen (US) After a sell out in 2007 the Florida State combined Daytona Festival of Magic 2008 (November 7,8,9 ) has an awesome line-up: Gaetan Bloom David Roth Joshua Jay Juan Mayoral T.C. Tahoe Nathan Kranzo Dave Womach Steve Kissell Howard Mincone Scott Humpston Harry Allen More to come!!!!!! All Details on www.daytonamagic.com -------------------------------------------- 15. Hello From Bibik -------------------------------------------- Message from Jeff Bibik "Chicago's Comedy Conjurer" Well another year is in the history books, and I must say 2007 was an unbeleivable year. More shows and more travel, and a near death experience (ask me later) have certainly made it memorable. Looking ahead to '08, I'm excited about the prospects and plans I have made. Lots of people have been asking when I can be seen at a public event, and I do have a few things coming up-- Neighborhood Show On Monday Jan 28th I'll be performing for the Oriole Park Community Club at their annual Family Night. It starts at 7 PM at the Oriole Park School, 5424 N Oketo Ave in Chicago. This Family show is FREE and open to the public. Theatre Show On Wednesday Feb 6 2008 I'll be performing at Magic Chicago, a long running monthly magic show at City Lit Theater, 1020 West Bryn Mawr, Chicago (773) 984-3817. This is always a great show hosted by 2 fine performers, Benjamin Barnes and Robert Charles. Show time is 7:30 and tickets are $20 per person. www.magicchicagoshow.com for more info and their dinner/show package. Finally, a PUBLIC LECTURE on Tuesday Feb 12 2008. As many of you know, I have been performing Stage Hypnotism for the past 2 years, and this lecture is entitled "The Magic of The Mind". It will be presented to the Association for the Advancement of Ethical Hypnosis. This organization has been involved for many years in the promotion of theraputic and medical hypnosis. It is a meeting of Hypnotic consultants, hypnotists, and anyone interested in the science and art of Hypnotism. It is held at the Leaning Tower YMCA, 9th Floor meeting room, 6300 W. Touhy Ave Niles, IL 60714 and starts promptly at 8 PM and it too is FREE of charge. So there are a couple of things to fill your new calendar, I hope to see you there! In the meanwhile, keep me in mind for great comedy magic entertainment and now my exciting Hyppnotism show for all of corporate and social entertainment needs! Jeff Bibik "Chicago's Comedy Conjurer" Chicago Magic Network 5870 N Harlem Ave Chicago IL 60631 773 467-4488 www.Bibik.com -------------------------------------------- 16. "Magicana" #329 for February/March -------------------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolf - Editor Magicana "Magicana" #329 for February/March contains a rare interview with Carole Cardini, daughter of the great magician. Editor Michael Woolf interviewed her in Las Vegas during "Magic Live" last year. For further details about "Magicana" go to www.magicana.co.nz -------------------------------------------- 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 2008 Alan Watson