`* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #758 Date: Sunday 23rd May 2010 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Latest Technology To Embrace Magic 3. Announcing Massive Illusion Sale 4. Nick Lewin Having A Short Break 5. June issue of Genii - Richard Kaufman 6. Inside The Mind Of Paul Daniels Tour 7. Why Do Kids Love Magic? - #167 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Murray SawChuck (Part 3) 9. The Society of American Magicians - YouTube Commercial 10. Paris 2010 - French Annual Convention 11. Kyle Peron Challenging Article In Magic New Zealand 12. Iraq War Veteran, Magician, And Medic 13. Jeff McBride - Fake It Till You Make It 14. Greg Chapman Featured In Josh Jay's Column 15. VLVS - On Sale Monday 24th May 16. Magic Items For Sale 17. News From Around The KIDabra World 18. Buy Two Get One Free 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- STOP THE PRESS! : Breaking news! For the Incredible 30th New Zealand International Magicians Convention, Mick Peck Convention President tells me that they have been graciously donated door prizes worth more than $1,000 to give away during the banquet. What are they? Again, be there on the night and all will be revealed. If you would like to purchase a banquet ticket contact Mick Peck: mick@mickpeckmagic.com ------------------- Congratulation to Jarred Fell, who was this year's runner up for the 2010 Billy T Comedy Awards this year here in New Zealand. This young magician has a great future ahead of him. -------------------------------------------- 2. Latest Technology To Embrace Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Chris Wasshuber Got iPhone, iPad, Kindle or perhaps Txtr? My guess is that most of you have some kind of mobile device, most likely a phone such as a Blackberry, Android or iPhone, or perhaps even a SonyReader, Kindle, Nook or a Txtr from Germany (the one ebook reader I like most). Others will prefer their iPod-Touch, iPad or run around with some other netbook computer as I do when I am traveling. Be prepared to see a lot of new gadgets being offered over the next few months. Everybody expects an iPad-2 from Apple with a few fixes like a camera to Skype, Flash support and a flash memory slot. There is also quite a bit of chatter that Google and Verizon are working on some iPad similar device. We can also expect that other giants such as Microsoft and HP will not sit idle. We will therefore see quite a few small tablet netbook type of computers hit the shelves. I also have good intelligence on a really good e-ink based ebook reader, the Txtr from Germany, that will be introduced around November this year in the US. It is essentially a better Kindle with WiFi and mobile access but a lot better designed at a $200 price point. And potentially we will see earlier a WiFi only version at ~$170 later this summer. Newspaper and magazine publishers are feverishly working on larger screen e-readers to support anything from newspapers to magazines and textbooks. I am eagerly awaiting the first truly flexible screen e-reader/netbook computer. Something that I can roll up to cigar-size and unroll to have a nice large screen. Despite all of the new devices slated for release there is already a lot one can do with today's available technology. Here are a few things I found are quite convenient: If you want to read PDFs on your iPhone or iPad then take a look at the GoodReader app. It is in my opinion the best PDF reader there is for the iPhone. It's primary advantage is that it can extract all the text from a PDF and display it without the necessity to scroll left/right. With most other PDF readers you will have to do a lot of left/right scrolling or in- and out-zooming to read your typical PDF. The GoodReader avoids all of this. And since this capability is built right into the app there is no offline PDF-to-text conversion necessary. GoodReader is really a great PDF reader and it is the one I use on my iPhone. It also connects nicely to the Lybrary.com digital shelf and one can quickly load all the PDFs you have purchased at the Lybrary into the GoodReader. If you are more the visual and audiophile person then your iPhone is also great to play back MP3 audios and MP4 videos. Here again your Lybrary.com digital shelf gives you streaming access to your video and audio purchases. Of course, you can also sync these files directly onto your iPhone and play them back without connecting wirelessly to the Internet. And if you want to use your iPhone to perform some magic tricks then you will find a range on effects in the iTunes app store, Premier App Shop, or check out the three iPhone tricks I am offering directly at the Lybrary http://www.lybrary.com/magic-iphone-apps-etricks-c-21_94.html (My favorite is the Dracula ebook test by Alan Rorrison.) When you buy ebooks try to stick with unsecured ebooks (non-DRM), because these you can read on any modern reader (Kindle, Nook, Txtr, computers, phones, ...) Otherwise a protected ebook for the Kindle will only work on the Kindle or Kindle-apps running on other devices, but you can't directly move them to say a Nook or any other future non-Kindle device. That makes buying DRM ebooks a risky proposition. A word to the various e-ink based ebook readers like Kindle, Nook, SonyReader, Txtr, ... Prices are slowly coming down. Partly because the monopoly of E-ink has been broken by SiPix which produces essentially an identical product - even slightly better - but without infringing on any E-ink patents. And with the e-ink screen module being the most expensive component in these readers (cost is ~$80) any reduction will also mean noticeable reductions in the prices of these readers. Currently the cheapest such reader is the Sony Pocket edition at $199 list price. And we can expect such readers to sell in the $150 price range this year. Ultimately I expect them to sell below $100 or perhaps be even given away for free in combination with a multi-year subscription to a newspaper or magazine. Other screen technologies will claim their turf, particularly those that can offer color and video playback, two things E-ink screens can't do now and probably will never do very well. LCD screens are getting cheaper and lower cost. And OLED screens are bound to be used for mobile ebook readers very soon. My argument has always been that color and video is really not needed for reading. Even though this is mostly true we should not forget a young generation that has been nursed on YouTube videos and glitzy Flash websites. I think they will demand color and video playback. I personally like the Txtr reader most because it is based on an open design concept and it is very well designed. Why does the Kindle have a keyboard when the primary use is reading? Why does Sony mess around with touch screens that introduce glare when the primary use is reading? The folks at Txtr clearly understand that not every feature needs to be added. Often less is more. Later this year we should see the first Txtr readers pop up in the US, branded by different players who are likely to license this reader. Among those selling it could be Verizon, Borders, even Barnes & Noble, and large electronics retail chains. If you are in the market for a dedicated mobile ebook reading device wait for this one to become available. I think it will convince many that it is the best so far. A word to the iPad. Well, I don't have one so I guess I am just jealous, but I was a bit underwhelmed when I saw the various presentations on TV and online. It is a nice netbook computer but it is not necessarily the best reading device. The price is much higher and the battery life lower. And the fact that it doesn't support Flash doesn't even make it a good mobile Internet device with so many websites built on Flash. On the other hand it is from Apple and that is for some enough reason to get it :-) It certainly gives you bragging rights. Here is something a bit unusual that you might be interested to try out: automatic translation. Say you always wanted to read this one German ebook but you don't speak German and there is no English translation available. You could now start to copy and past text from the ebook into one of the online translation engines like Babelfish. However, much more convenient is what I have implemented in the Lybrary.com digital shelf. One click and you can get an automatic translation into any of 52 languages. Of course, this is an automatic translation and not necessarily always correct and perfect. But if I have the choice between no translation at all, and a so-so automatic translation, I will go for the so-so automatic translation. If you disagree with some I wrote please email me at wasshuber@lybrary.com. I like to learn from different points of view. And if you agree with me, then you can write me, too. Or better yet, stop by at http://www.lybrary.com and see what we have in store for you. It is the largest magic download website in the world and growing. And with more than 10 years in operation it is also the oldest. On average we add a new magic download product each and every day. -------------------------------------------- 3. Announcing Massive Illusion Sale -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany (NZ) Announcing Massive Illusion Sale - Once In A Lifetime Opportunity Dear fellow magicians I have been given access to offer the magic community a very unique chance to get some amazing deals on illusions. The list I have contains close to SIXTY illusions. Everything is original - no copies or knock offs - all built by the best in the business including Dream Concepts, Walt Blaney, Gaughan, Bill Smith and Owens. A few things on the list include, Blaney Suspension, a 360 Levitation built by Bill Smit, Elevator illusion by Gaughan, Champagne bucket illusion by Owens, Impale by Owen, Origami by Gaughan, Suspended Animation by Bill Smith, Table of Terror by Gaughan, Windshear Illusion by Bill Smith, Buzz Saw Illusion just to name a few. I will only be sending the list out to serious magicians who are interested in purchasing. Please note that the owner is offering these at an incredible price so if you have wanted some of the best illusions in the world and at an amazing price then email me. Regards Paul Romhany email: paul@chaplinmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Nick Lewin Having A Short Break -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) Message by Nick Lewin "I am still on a non-stop, whirlwind final phase of my never-ending tour. Lots of great stories and information to pass on, however after 4 1/2 years I'm taking a short break to refresh my creative juices. I will be appearing next Tuesday May 25th at the Mystery Lounge in Cambridge, MA (Harvard Square) with my dear friend Jon Stetson. It should be a total blast, so if you live in the Boston area book up and come on by." Remember [first name] if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 5. June issue of Genii - Richard Kaufman -------------------------------------------- Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genii Magazine The June issue of Genii, the greatest magazine devoted to magic and magicians on the planet (no need for modesty here) is now starting to arrive in mailboxes. Jump to the bottom to find out how to get the three DVD set "Houdini The Movie Star" for 50% when you subscribe or renew. Our cover story this month is on the fabulously funny John Archer, ex policeman (!), and ukulele-playing magician. Everybody loves his award-winning performances, and he's a great guy, too. Dustin Stinett has taken my rambling interview and done it up nicely. Craig Dickens is one of those guys behind the scenes whom you haven't heard much about, but is busy creating and building illusions used by the stars. Jim Steinmeyer visited Craig in his shop and reveals some of the secrets behind the curtain. Craig's a cool guy, and he's got that pirate thing going. There's been a lot of talk and writing within the past year about the "science of magic," with articles in the New York Times and other periodicals and books that illustrate how scientists are starting to study magic and force it to fit their preconceived notions. Hooey says Dr. Peter Lamont, and he tells you why in his essay "Where Science and Magic Meet." Our columnists include Tom Stone, who writes about what you need to add to your "Thespian Toolbox". Paul Osborne, who explains a way to whisk someone far away in "The Great Escape". David Britland teaches a superb bit of mentalism in "The Chalice from the Palace". Jim Steinmeyer's "Vampire Crossing" revives the old compass trick into something new that you can actually perform without feeling silly. David Acer presents a "Magicana" of terrific close-up magic including routines from Harry Lorayne, Jim Swain, Scott Strange, and Peter Lamont. Jon Racherbaumer and I prattle on in our usual columns "On the Slant" and "Genii Speaks". Books, tricks, and videos get the once over from David Britland, David Oliver, and Joe M. Turner. And we've got a new offer for anyone who wants to subscribe or renew: the three-DVD set "Houdini The Movie Star" from Kino is now available from us for a limited time for 50% off the retail price of $40. YOU pay only $20, postpaid anywhere in the US. (Add $5 postage for Canada and $11 postage anywhere else in the world.) This 3 DVD set includes most of the surviving films and footage of Houdini and is only marked down to $36 on amazon.com, so our price is a whopping $15 less. We don't sell it separately: subscribe today or renew your existing subscription for one year and you can receive this extraordinary value. Remember that the price of Genii drops from the $6 cover price to only $4.50 per issue when you subscribe for one year AND you get a free copy of the Harry Anderson/Jon Racherbaumer 32-page Jinx). Please visit the Genii website and subscribe today at www.geniimagazine.com. Visit The Genii Forum, the "smart" online discussion group: www.geniimagazine.com/forum Visit MagicPedia, the most complete online encyclopedia of magical information with almost 5,000 entries. It's a living encyclopedia to which you are welcome to contribute! www.magicpedia.net And if you want to buy a book from Kaufman and Company, time is running out to take advantage of the "Buy 2, Get 3" promotion which gives you a free book with every purchase of two: www.kaufman.geniimagazine.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Inside The Mind Of Paul Daniels Tour -------------------------------------------- Message by Les Williams (UK) All new Masterclass and Performance Tour Hong Kong - Auckland, New Zealand - LA, USA - 2010 Following on from Paul's successful Masterclasses of 2009. . . . Watch Paul Daniels on any stage and you somehow know nothing can go wrong. It all looks so easy, so casual, and each effect flows with entertainment. For years Paul has turned down request after request to reveal his methods of arriving at this level of perfection. Magicians around the world had the opportunity a few years ago to learn from his business methods with the astonishingly detailed disk titled 'How to Make Money by Magic' but Paul's own performance methods were held back. Many have tried to copy his style and have even copied his methods and routines but there is a very, very good reason why they have failed to have the same audience appeal. Now, for the first time, Paul is going to reveal HOW AND WHY his routines were developed by taking a small group through not only the methods but also the psychological thinking that creates that deceptively simple appearance. The Paul Daniels' Technique for routines like the Chop Cup, the Linking Rings and other classics are revealed with ALL the details laid bare. You will not believe HOW much detailed thinking goes into his handling of 'obvious' tricks like Professor's Nightmare, the Toss Vanish, the Classic Card Force, the Thumb Tip, making them utterly impossible to audiences large and small because, to them, nothing seems to happen, only the magic. At this Very Special Happening you will have the opportunity to ask about the tricks that YOU want help with and to get the Daniels Touch added to YOUR routines. Do not hesitate if you want to get the greatest knowledge from the greatest magical entertainer of the last 50 years Many of the Biggest names in magic today credit Paul not only for their first big break (as a guest on his TV show), but also as their inspiration for getting started in the business! HONG KONG Eddy's Magic proudly presents.. World Famous Magician Paul Daniels Date: 23rd May 2010 (Sunday) Time 8.00pm to 10.00pm Venue: Sha Tin Town Hall (Cultural Activities Hall) Fee: HKD 300 per person Organiser: Eddy's Magic & Co Co Organiser: International Magicians Society Production: Eddy Entertainment Production Co Acknowledgement: Hong Kong Magic Industry Association Official Website: www.eddysmagic.com (Hong Kong), www.emw360.com (China) Ticket Sales: Eddy's Magic Shop (Level 12, Mega Box, Kowloon Bay) Enquiry: 2697 6916 Email: info@eddysmagic.com Date: 25th May, 2010 (Lecture) 27th May 2010 (Master Class Workshop) Time 8.00pm to 9.30pm (Lecture) 7.00pm to 10.00pm (Master Class Workshop) Venue: Eddy's Magic Club Address: Room 903, CCT Telecom Bldg, No.11 Wo Shing St, Fo Tan, Hong Kong Fee: HKD 300 per person / HKD 500per person Organiser: Eddy International Academy of Magic Enquiry: 2697 6916 Email: info@eddysmagic.com ------------------------------- AUCKLAND - NEW ZEALAND Friday 4th June 2010. The Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre 58 Waipuna Road Mt. Wellington Auckland 1060 Friday 4th June 10:00am - 4:00pm "Inside the Mind of Paul Daniels" Masterclass (ticket required) Fee: $250 NZ For more information: http://www.scmc.co.nz/masterclass.html And the tickets contact: Mick Peck mick@mickpeckmagic.com International calls +64 (09) 2385167 ------------------------------- LOS ANGELES - USA 11th June 2010 - 1418 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 for more information and tickets contact Ralf Weber ralfweber@wizardhq.com For more details go to: http://www.wizardhq.com/servlet/the-10506/paul-daniels-master-class-los-angeles-2010/Detail 12th 13th June 2010.The Magic Castle / Academy of Magical Arts 7001 Franklin Avenue Hollywood, CA 90028-8600 for more information and tickets contact Ralf Weber ralfweber@wizardhq.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Why Do Kids Love Magic? - #167 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com poofersgrl@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com Why do some kids love magic so much? Well one could look at oneself for the answer. What was it that captivated you to love magic so much? What was it about magic that inspired you to want to learn more or crave more? Each of us have our own reasoning and our own stories. We often can also recall the moment when the "magic bug bit" us. It was that moment in time when magic stopped becoming something we wanted to do and changed to something we HAD to do. But what is it that captivates us as a child and motivates our senses and instills within us the thirst and desire to want more? It is safe to say that some kids hate magic, some could care less either way and some really are fascinated by it. One may never know the reasons behind why any of these take place, but we certainly can rationalize some possible ideas. Perhaps it relates to the first experience/s that the child has of magic. In many cases a child learns to "like" things based on positive situations and experiences they have while growing up. A fear as an adult may stem simply from something that happened as a child. So in essence, the first exposure the child has to magic can and often does shape their whole perspective of the art. This is why it is so critically essential that we never forget how important it is to be a professional every show we do. It is NOT OK to just "call it in" just because you are tired or not feeling energized that day. We must remember that WE have the ability to make magic something special for a child that is watching magic for the first time. WE are setting the example and creating the impression that child will have of magic. Another aspect for why some kids love magic so much is the sheer fact that magic can take them to a world that is beyond what they can physically do. It transcends barriers and makes the impossible suddenly possible. As a child you are in a world of constant learning. You crave and want to do things but physically can't do what the adults do even though you may want to. You see an older brother riding a bike and so you want to try as well. Magic is an escape for the child from the world of "I can't" to a world of "I can". Suddenly there are things they can do that older kids cannot. This can instill a sense of empowerment that drives a child to want to learn more. The sense of being able to do something amazing and to create wonderment is also an amazing feeling. As a child we also are always seeing and looking for acceptance. At school we seek to get a good grade from a teacher for something we do. At home we seek encouragement from our parents for doing something right or succeeding at a task. Magic can help make a child feel instantly more accepted in the world around him or her. The child can make friends more easily or can feel more important around grownups simply from the ability to "amaze" them. Whatever the reason may be for a child to enjoy magic, we must encourage them for our art to thrive. The next time a child shows a real interest in magic, take the time to talk to them and set them along a path to a hobby they may really enjoy. Take time before every show to realize you need to always deliver every time out. There just may be a future star of magic in the audience just waiting for you to light the spark within them. 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. -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Murray SawChuck (Part 3) ------------------------------------------ Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA TB: Well, we are laughing now .but at the time I bet you weren' ..and obviously, you solved the problem ...anyway, enough of Props and baggage..Let's talk about happy memories .. It is great feeling to be on the cover of a Magic magazine, I was very honored to be on the cover of M-U-M back in January 2001 and if my memory serves me right, you were on the cover of M-U-M back in December 2000. Dave Goodsell ( Editor at that time) told me you ordered 500 extra copies as promo material. Was that your first cover? MS: Yes M-U-M was my first magazine cover and it was GREAT! That's right. The December 2000 issue. The one just before you. Such a thrill and I have to thank David Goodsell for believing in me and doing such a great job on the story! Yes I did order 500 copies as I am a HUGE promoter and so work hard on getting the WORD out! Actually the cover photo was taken especially for that cover and now is my 'signature' Magic headshot photo and poster photo. I have redone the photo, as my black framed Armani glasses have become a fixture of my LOOK now. At that time, and I remember it well, I was performing at The Magic Castle and in LA at the time but I wanted my photographer in Orlando, FL to take the photo so I flew back to Michael Cairn's photo studio in Orlando to take the photo. my original idea was to have a blow dryer on my hair in front of a dressing room mirror and a comb and out of the dryer FLAMES would be coming out. well I don't like Photoshop much. especially FIRE. it never looks REAL. so when I arrived in Orlando, I went to Home Depot to buy a blow torch. TB: A blowtorch? You're kidding right? MS: No, really, I did buy a blow torch..that way he could take the pic with the dryer by my hair. then take a pic of the blowtorch FLAME and drop the REAL flame onto the dryer. Well as soon as I picked up the blowtorch. I knew THAT WAS THE PHOTO. NO dryer. I'll use the whole blow torch as MY DRYER. and that's how my 'signature' photo happened! Always take a RISK it usually turns out better than you planned! TB: That's for sure .! Now , I've been saving the best for last, I want to talk to you about your CD act and your image. Share with us some of the background story on how all that came about. MS: I had been doing fairly well but still in the back of my mind, I knew there was an unfulfilled need for me to go that extra mile. I had always loved horses and riding. I even rode in the rodeo for a couple of years. So not surprisingly, the idea of a western act appealed a great deal .I thought it would interesting to produce horseshoes, riding gear, and then end with a big saddle. I built a folding horseshoe that fitted into the bend of my hand, with a spring hinge for easy production. I was also, at that time, working at The Hudson's Bay Company department store in Burnaby in the electronics section, helping people choose cameras, radios, tapes and CDs. This is when cassette tapes were going out of fashion, being replaced by CDs. One slow night, I picked up a returned CD and held it in the same grip as I held the horseshoes. BINGO! That was it! I vanished it. I then did it again for a colleague and completely fooled him! From that moment on, including the rest of the workday, I wrote down the classics of magic and figured out a way to create an act with a CD. By the end of the day, I had about 15 different ideas! Goodbye horseshoe act. Hello CD act! As I mentioned earlier, Juliana Chen's card manipulation was also inspirational. The look.well, I decided to add a costume change. I had seen Rudy Colby's costume change in Japan, and loved it, so I phoned Colby to ask if he could buy the idea from him. Naturally, he wanted his to be unique to his act, so I had to come up with an idea of my own. In Japan, an idea clicked. I wrote it down for later. Fortunately, my Mom is an 'at home seamstress'. I showed her my costume change designs and during the next month, often with the costume material draped over me, my Mom worked on a trial and error basis to perfect my idea. Four nights a week for four weeks. Then one night, it worked, the costume change I still use was born. Back to the CDs. I made some drastic changes. I colored the CDs and changed the color of my suit. I was inspired to change the suit to blue by the Jim Carey's movie Mask in which Carey wore a yellow one. The hair! I was watching the MTV music awards and saw Rod Stewart come on stage to accept an award. I loved his hairstyle and realized no one in magic wore a similar style. I changed my hairstyle for a Halloween Party and people thought it was cool. Then a few months later when I still COMBED my hair. I went camping with a couple of guys and girls from my school. I woke up in the morning out of the tent to make coffee on the fireplace and one of the girls said 'Your hair looks cute!' So I thought well if my hair looks cute at 8 am in the morning it probably would look cute at 8 at night. I decided to keep the look as my HOOK. Thanks to Rod Stewart, it is now my trademark and is copied by other magicians.. TB: There was something else that propelled the CD act.I'm referring to some comments made by Marvyn and Carol Roy.. MS: I was in the fall of 1998, asked by the Roys to work on The Lawrence Welk Christmas show in Escondido, CA. I remembered watching the show with my parents when I was young. This would be such a nostalgic thing to do. But, as a Canadian, I needed a Visa and in order to get an American work visa, I had to prove that my act was unique, and that there wasn't an American who could perform it. The first visa was denied because of improper paperwork and I was unable to perform for the Welk show that year. It took another two years to have my visa application accepted. So to be totally unique, I kept working on the original CD act and winning awards. I had to have an original act that was above standard. Eventually, I flew to San Diego, CA for my engagement at the Lawrence Welk Show. Marv and Carol who were living 2 hours away in Palm Springs and came down to see my CD act. I was ecstatic that my mentors Marv and Carol were coming to see me. By then, we had a friendship spanning 8 years and the CD act was developing well. I had put in larger productions, had a custom suit designed and had some quality effects with CDs. Naturally, Marv and Carol were given the best seats in the theatre. After the show, the Roys critiqued the act. Although they knew it was good, they were equally aware that improvements could be made. Marv encouraged me to talk more during my FULL show; he said people liked to listen to me because I had charm. And one more thing he added was, "During the act, HOLD your BOW LONGER" !!! Carol suggested stage make-up, then added, "and Murray, comb your hair. It's a mess!" 'You must wear make-up. you look like you're in a rehearsal, a good rehearsal, but the white lights wash you out. You just need a base, some eyeliner and you're set." Marv then gave me some advice that all magicians should heed. "You have so much potential. You have the personality, you look great, you have this great idea, but it is still only a great idea. It's not an act yet. Your music has to flow like a movie with high and low points. You are using modern music with no flow or build up. You must build up to your applause or the audience won't know when to clap. You have to re-organize your effects. Take your closing effect and make it your opening, then make a better closing. Once you've done that, make the closing effect your opening again, and build an act of miracles. Don't fluff around. Get to the point and kill'em! If the buyer hears the applause you will be rebooked and that's what it's about! Tighten it up. Take all the magic effects in the act, write them down and take the ones out that just are getting only a weak applause, and find music that crescendos." I was honored to be critiqued so honestly, yet shocked at the same time! Then, he really scared me completely. "Look," said Marv, "you have the skill and personality to be a name in the business, but you have to get it together. 'YOU ONLY HAVE ANOTHER FEW YEARS TO MAKE IT, OR YOU ARE JUST GOING TO BE ANOTHER MAGICIAN' Nothing is wrong with being another magician and you can make great money, but you've got what it takes to be better than that. You just have to home in on it." TB: Tough but honest words and given to help you unleash your true potential .what did you do? MS: I had the good sense to understand that although it scared me, I was being honestly shown how to bring out my real potential and so I went back to the hotel room, found a pen, grabbed some hotel notepaper and wrote the whole act out. I eliminated tricks I loved, but for which I got no response - tricks that took me half a year to learn! I didn't sleep that night. I stayed up, re working the act. I kept working on the act until show time. I completed my contract at the Lawrence Welk Theatre in January, 1999. I was committed to living in the States with my future wife, and began thinking ahead to competing in some of the serious competitions offered in the US. The timing was right. I couldn't get a work permit for another six months to work in the States and competitions would provide a venue to show off my new improved act to a good cross section of magicians. End of Part 3 - (Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling mistakes. After much hard work, my proofreader & I have included these to please those who enjoy finding them.) Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 9. The Society of American Magicians - YouTube Commercial -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - S A M Public Relations The Society of American Magicians has a YouTube commercial promoting the 2010 convention in Atlanta Georgia (June 30 - July 3) - Host hotel is the Atlanta Hilton. More details at www.magicsam,com Here is a link to follow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aJ8F7eFVUI -------------------------------------------- 10. Paris 2010 - French Annual Convention ------------------------------------------- Message by Gilles & Valerie (France) We would like to remind you about our next French Annual Convention that will be held October 21 - 24 at Disneyland Paris - France. Full information including registration forms is available on www.paris2010.magie-ffap.com Are expecting more than 1200 magicians, register as soon as possible. Some of Talent confirmed : Stage: Paul Daniels (GB) Soma (H) Flip (NL) Sebastian Nicolas (D) Jerome Helfenstein (LUX) Willy Monroe (E) Julius Frack (D) Close-Up : Bernard Bilis (F) Shawn Farquhar (C) Axel Hicklau (D) Marc Decoux (B) Michael Chatelain (F) Personality Show with Paul Daniels. Gala shows, lectures, workshops, more than 100 international dealer displays, etc. Banquet at the « Lido de Paris ». If any further questions, don't hesitate to ask, I will be glad to help artistes44@magic-ffap.com Gilles Mageux -------------------------------------------- 11. Kyle Peron Challenging Article In Magic New Zealand -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Steiner, PNP of the S.A.M. Kyle Peron posted a challenging article in Magic New Zealand #756, warning magicians not to allow our egos to get out of hand and run away with us. Although his warning is worth considering, it is important to evaluate whether we are getting into over-warning people of perhaps a slight imperfection in the character or business judgment of a few members of our group. Kyle's summary opinion was: "As magicians we tend to have the most inflated egos of any group of folks I know." Kyle, are you familiar with the word "politician"? Bob Steiner, PNP of the S.A.M. -------------------------------------------- 12. Iraq War Veteran, Magician, And Medic -------------------------------------------- Message by Joanie Spina Iraq war veteran, magician, and medic William Scott Anderson, recently featured on NBC Nightly News' Making A Difference Segment and in Magic Magazine, took charge during a performance of the V show Thursday Night at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. When an audience member suffered an attack. The show immediately was stopped and Scott took charge of the situation at the victim's side until an ambulance arrived. Scott was in the show to watch fellow magician Jason Byrne. -------------------------------------------- 13. Jeff McBride - Fake It Till You Make It -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeff McBride (US) Greetings magical friends, I learned years ago that sometimes I had to create the ILLUSION of confidence in order to generate it within myself. I had to develop sort of a "fake it till you make it" mindset. I can tell you this...it worked for me, and might for you! Never let the competition see you sweat. By projecting an air of confidence you can often trick yourself into really feeling it! Perhaps that is why I started working with masks years ago. Like many performers I had stage fright. I did not have a coach or magic teacher back then so came up with a "coping" device...the mask. Underneath the mask I was often shivering with fear, but I was also building courage... a confident persona that was projected on the surface of the mask. It took me many years before I could take that mask off and "be me" on stage. The mask was like a cocoon for me. The masks protected me until I grew strong enough to shed them. When we begin a new venture we need help. Help often comes in the form of a teacher; someone who can help us on the road to achieving our dreams. One of the most important guides on my path is Eugene Burger. Eugene is often heard to say, "The goal of the teacher is to create students that transcend the teacher." And so today we are delighted to feature some of our students... two of the hottest rising stars in the world of magic. The Faculty at the Magic and Mystery School is proud to be a small part of their success. Student Winners Micke Askernas came to our Master Class, and then he attended the Master Class for Mentalists...twice! Micke was facing a career challenge. He was switching over for "normal magic" to the world of mentalism. In two short years he achieved his dream...take a look at what Micke is creating in Sweden! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DSVVUo7JQk Paul Brown came to our classes in the UK a few years back. He paid his dues by working at a magic shop for many years perfecting his skills...that hard work is paying off now. Watch Paul win the Magic Circle ORIGINALITY AWARD! (photo of Paul by Arto Airaksinen) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbWrciNO4gU What does it take to be a winner? Listen to what some of the hottest new acts in the business have to say about success and winning! http://www.magicalwisdom.com/winners Robert Schuller once said, "What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" One of my answers to this question was "to have my own show in Las Vegas." I have had the good fortune to do that many times. Now I help many of our magic students get a "shot in Vegas." Take a look at some of our magical friends and magic students on stage this week. You can watch from the comfort of your own home! Just hop on your computer and watch: Jeff McBride's WONDERGROUND Live in Las Vegas! We go live @ 9pm (PST) http://www.streetofcards.tv, this Thursday, direct from The Olive. You can even participate via live chat. You can watch an ALL NEW show this Thursday at WONDERGROUND. Go to www.vegaswonderground.com to see this week's line up of great talent. What other Las Vegas shows lets you have a complimentary front row seat? And if you're in Vegas this week, be sure and drop by to The Olive to say hello and join in the fun! See you in Las Vegas! Jeff -------------------------------------------- 14. Greg Chapman Featured In Josh Jay's Column -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Easterbrook (NZ) Just thought I'd let you know that I was sent a preview of the June issue of M A G I C magazine and see that Greg Chapman will be featured in Josh Jay's column This is fantastic for a young NZ magician who really thinks about the magic he performs. I had the pleasure of his company up here last Friday and can say that he is making great strides with his card and coin magic. As you know Greg used to come around here when he was 11 or 12 and I would show him some stuff. He has retained his love of the art and congratulations are in order. -------------------------------------------- 15. VLVS - On Sale Monday 24th May -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael Boyd - M2 Tickets for "Viva Las Spectacular" go on sale 9.00am - Monday 24th of May - get in early for great seats because last time this show was a sell-out! Its Back!!! Journey to Vegas without the expensive airfare. See the gorgeous Vegas Showgirls in spectacular costumes and dazzling choreography and witness the remarkable Illusions of Magic2. Experience the best celebrity impersonators, Tom Jones tribute artist Tony Jones and world class Elvis impersonator Rick Charles performing together with a live band. Don't miss the Viva Las Vegas Spectacular one show only - 7 August 2010 at the Palms. Book Now: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=VIVALASV10 or Call Tickatek on 1300 785 012 For more information visit: www.crowncasino.com.au Web: www.vivalasvegasspectacular.com TVC: http://www.youtube.com/user/magic2productions#p/u/5/PZaDaK9SPPs YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHohlpF4rUY -------------------------------------------- 16. Magic Items For Sale -------------------------------------------- Message by George Stas (Australia) I have a few items for sale and most are new. Please email me with "MAGIC LIST" in the subject bar for the revised list. Thanks George -------------------------------------------- 17. News From Around The KIDabra World -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Daniel KIDabra Conference Must See Youtube Promos As we prepare for KIDabra conference in August enjoy new videos throughout www.kidabra.org from Niels Duinker, Doug Scheer, and Steve Axtell talking about their appearances with us this year. And don't miss David Farr and Brad Ross in a video for their Biz Builder Internet Seminar, plus the likable Shabum with some very funny insight into children's TV production. There's more fun KIDabra 2010 Promo Videos coming, please keep checking! KIDabra Conference takes place August 11-14, 2010. We'd love to have you with us, and your audiences will love you for it! For full info go to kidabra.org KIDabra Journal News Currently in the mail, the latest issue of The KIDabra Journal: The Voice of The KIDshow World features the hard working Chris Weed on the cover and in a feature interview with Skip Way, Plus it contains terrific articles, columns routines and more including: Todd McKinney's KIDshow Product Reviews, Jozo Bozo- Milking, Dean Allen Carnegie- Conjuring with Kids, Tommy Johns- Crowd Control, The Daycare Dilemma - Bruce Amato, The Tax Magician- Steve Snyder, Cover Feature with Skip Way: Master of (Show) Business: An Interview with Christopher Weed, Using Technology to Turbocharge Your Office- Chris Weed, The Magician is Here- Scott Trip, Jolly Good Shows- Roger Blakiston, Water Tricks- Jim Kleefeld, Web of Resources- Tim Sonefelt, Thinking Outside The Magic Bag- Julie Varhlodt, Toby's Clown Foundation Grand Opening- Jim "Dune Buggy" Russell, Dollar Store Creativity- Barry Mitchell, Something to Think About- Todd McKinney, Magical Marketing School- Brad Ross, and Mark Wade's Kid Bits. Plus, KI Performer of the Year Competition Guidelines, and more! Issue 5.5 featuring performer, writer, artist, inventor Dean Allen Carnegie on the cover is in design and proofing and much great stuff coming with it! And The 2010 KIDabra Yearbook is in active preparation and shaping up to be the best Yearbook yet! The KIDabra Journal is the official publication of KIDabra International and goes out to members worldwide. Discover more info at kidabra.org Thoughts and Prayers Update On Well Known Birthday Party Magician: Bruce Bray Bruce Bray, suffered head trauma from a fall down his basement steps at his Toms River, NJ home on Monday May 10th. He has been in the Trauma Unit ICU at Jersey Shore Medical Center since then. He underwent the same procedure Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy had, to relieve brain swelling after his accident. His vitals are good and doctors are working to bring him out of induced coma as of this writing. One of the top Birthday Party performers in the US and perhaps the world, he has served since the early days of KIDabra largely behind the scenes as consultant and policy shaper. Many folks know Bruce from his terrific Peanut Butter and Jelly routine published in David Kaye's column in Magic Magazine. He has appeared throughout the years at KIDabra Conference with lectures and performances and hosted The KIDabra Birthday Party Session DVD. Along with David Kaye he is co-founder of the KGB brainstorming conference consisting of a small invited group of the world's best KIDshow magicians. Frequent updates on his condition, well wishes and a donation fund set up for Bruce can be found at brucebrayfund.com As always you can find all things KIDabra at kidabra.org -------------------------------------------- 18. Buy Two Get One Free -------------------------------------------- Message by James Just a quick note that we have released our new I-Boss Ultimate Levitation ITR's in an effort to bring a high quality ITR at a very affordable price for your list subscribers we are offering a buy two get one free special. Your members should just mention Alan Watson when ordering. These are a $40.00 value ITR for only $15.00 ea. These are now available at http://MyITR.com Kind Regards, James -------------------------------------------- 19. 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) -------------------------------------------- 20. 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.Alan-Watson.com 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 2010 Alan Watson