* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #813 Date: Sunday 6th February 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. Jerry Andrus's Legacy 3. Magician David Blaine And His Pregnant Fiancée 4. Discounted Membership Rate For Active Military Members 5. Dallas 2011 I.B.M. Convention 6. Remarkable Magic #18 - Nick Lewin 7. Outside The Box - #196 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ariann Black - (Part 6) 9. 37th Annual Winter Carnival Of Magic 10. Kozmo Lecture - South Miami 11. The Melbourne Magic Festival 2011 12. Famous Unknown Magicians And Clowns 13. 59th Blackpool Magic Convention 14. Magic At The Beach 2011 15. The Amazing House 16. Throw-Out Cards 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- HELP NEEDED - Looking to make contact with Julian Butler who was the cruise ship magician who stayed behind to help save passages from the sinking cruise ship 'Oceanos' after the captain and his crew left the passengers to fend for themselves.   Check out the video clip below the courage of magician Julian Butler and guitarist Moss Hills is inspiring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BFux2AAMso   Please e-mail Julian's contact details to: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. Jerry Andrus's Legacy -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael S. Roth (US)   The initial effort to put Jerry Andrus's home in Albany, OR on National Register of Historic Places has been denied and an appeal is in process. There is a limited window for the appeal. We need people, especially magi and illusionists who knew Jerry and can attest to his place in the magic world, his creativity and genius. If you or anyone you know who knew Jerry or who knew of him could write and explain why he was such a great and wonderful person, it would be very helpful in substantiating the petition to place his home on the National Register. Use the following guidelines:   1. Show Jerry Andrus as influential in the field of magic and illusion as an inventor, lecturer and/or mentor.   2. Show he was well known within these fields and that his work and thought were unique, influenced others in these fields, and influenced their acts and/or how they thought about the craft.   3. Show there was a scholarly appreciation for Jerry's work and creativity.   4. Compare his contributions to others who were active and influential in the same fields.   Stating who you are will help, as well as personal stories about Jerry's impact on magic, his status and respect as a magician, mentor, illusionist and as a person will help. Send your comments to Jeanine DeNoma or Emma Eaton with your words and encourage others to do so at the Andrus Historic Research Committee, 1638 First Avenue East, Albany, Oregon 97321 or e-mail your input to andrusresearch@aceweb.com, it would be most appreciated.   -------------------------------------------- 3. Magician David Blaine And His Pregnant Fiancée -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)   How cold is it?   Plow's baby magic for Blaine   David Blaine and Alizee Guinochet Magician David Blaine and his pregnant fiancée, Alizee Guinochet, had to hitch a ride to the hospital on a snow plow after she went into labor and Blaine couldn't make a cab appear during the blizzard.   Guinochet, a 24-year-old French model, went into labor last Wednesday night, just as another heavy storm crippled the city with 19 inches of snow.   When Guinochet started to have contractions, illusionist Blaine, 37, jumped into action, heading out of his Village apartment, hoping to conjure up a cab. But none appeared. "The doorman and people on the street tried to help him flag down a taxi. But there were absolutely no cars on the road," said a source.   Then, an increasingly panicked Blaine tried calling several car services, but couldn't get any to come out in the storm, despite begging them and saying his baby was on the way, our source related.   Finally, a snow plow run by a private contractor came around the corner, and Blaine flagged it down. The driver scooped up the couple and gave them a ride to the hospital. By night's end, Guinochet had given birth to a healthy baby girl. The couple aren't ready yet to reveal their baby's name, but a rep for the lovebirds, who confirmed they had to ride to an unnamed Manhattan hospital on a snow plow, said, "Mom and baby are doing fine."   Blaine and Guinochet got engaged in 2009 after dating for less than a year. "They didn't date long, but they knew it was right," said a source. "It was an instant attraction." The couple, who announced in September that they were expecting, haven't announced a wedding date yet, but a source said, "they could not be more in love."   Blaine is known for his death-defying stunts, including being frozen inside a block of ice for 63 hours in 2000. In 2006, he submerged himself in a tank of water for seven days in a water-filled sphere in Lincoln Center, ending that trick by holding his breath for seven minutes.   Story Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/plow_baby_magic_for_blaine_DGG19l2VOcMPyrc4Fm43gM   -------------------------------------------- 4. Discounted Membership Rate For Active Military Members -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   The Society of American announces a discounted membership rate for active military members.   Current S.A.M. National President, Mark Weidhaas, announced today that military members can join the world's oldest and most prestigious magic organization with a special military discount.   New members who are serving in the U.S. Military may now receive all the benefits of membership which includes a monthly subscription to the M-U-M e-zine edition, a downloadable magazine filled with tricks, advice, reviews and feature articles.   Weidhaas announced the annual rate for a paperless membership option will be only     $35.00.   For details see: www.magicsam.com   -------------------------------------------- 5. Dallas 2011 I.B.M. Convention -------------------------------------------- We're pulling back the curtain on the incredible line-up of talent appearing at the Dallas 2011 I.B.M. Convention.   If everything is bigger in Texas, you better believe that includes the stars at the I.B.M. Convention!   Rub shoulders with some legendary performers and get to know the hottest new talent everyone is raving about. With three shows at the beautiful Majestic Theatre, one Dinner Show spectacular, an exciting NEW Opening Ceremony Show, the YMX:Young Magicians Experience, the hysterically-funny though seldom-seen No Show starring Dana Daniels, Max Maven's intimate cabaret show, and a close-up showcase featuring more performers than have ever appeared together before...   This convention is chocked full of spectacularly produced magic shows. PLUS, you'll get to learn from all the great lectures, intimate Special Interest Groups, and personal sessions. This is an once-in-a-lifetime convention experience!   Make sure you register by March 31 to take advantage of $50 in savings.   Also, book your $99 room at the newly remodeled Sheraton in downtown Dallas.   You can do both online on our website: https://www.magician.org/portal/ibmconvention_signup   And stay on top of the latest news and information on the I.B.M. Portal, Facebook, and Twitter. www.magician.org/portal/en/node/6 www.facebook.com/ibmconvention www.twitter.com/ibmconvention   -------------------------------------------- 6. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 18 -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US)   Take a walk on the wild side.   As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago I wanted to give my readers a quick rundown of some of the great magic shows that are currently being featured in Las Vegas. I decided to start my journey by visiting two of my favorite magic events in Vegas.   On the third Thursday of each month Jeff McBride hosts his very special event 'Wonderground' at the Olive restaurant off strip in Las Vegas. It is a gloriously loose and funky affair and it definitely benefits from its new location. They don't let you have quite this much fun on the strip.   Aside from the great magic going on, there is music, dancing, body painting, drumming and everything else you would expect from McBride. Best of all is the camaraderie that exists within the room. Many of Vegas' top magicians stop by and enjoy the fun. Last Thursday Mac King, Jason Andrews, Luna Shimada and Amazing Johnathan were there to enjoy the action.   It is rather like a mix between a magic convention and a mini 'Burning Man' celebration. In the midst of it all is McBride, who besides performing his unique magic, Jeff seems intent on proving he is capable of being in several places at one time. With his top hat and funky attire he resembles a Goth Willy Wonka as he dashes around the event. His energy is very contagious and he seems to be everywhere welcoming, greeting and making sure everything moves with the crazed precision of a Whirling Dervish.   A nice addition to the event is the ticket price, as the entrance fee is only ten dollars, and that includes two drinks. If there is more fun and better value in Las Vegas I am yet to find it! If you have a chance to choose the timing of a Vegas visit I highly recommend making sure you include a time when you can catch the event. Details can be found on Jeff's website mcbridemagic.com   As you can tell from my enthusiasm, this is a tough act to follow in my book. However, I decided to follow up with a visit to my favorite strip magic show and see how it was progressing. Amazing Johnathan has been headlining his own show on the strip for many years now. He has found a great new home at the Harmon Theatre in the shadow of Planet Hollywood.   It is hard to explain the enormous appeal that A.J. has to audiences; he has them in the palm of his hand before the show even begins. It is sometimes easy to underestimate the various changes that he makes in his show because Johnathan is such a fully realized character onstage. If you haven't seen A.J. perform be prepared to be amazed, amused and sometimes outraged by his performance.   One thing I have noticed is how steadily Penny Wiggins has evolved in her role as Psychic Tanya. She has become a perfect foil and partner for Johnathan. Her timing just gets sharper and sharper every time I see the show. I have seen this show a lot and it always has me in hysterics and leaving the room proud to be a comedy magician and ready to see it again.   Now, I'm sure that I don't need to tell you that this is not a show for prudes and I love it all the more for that. For ticketing information contact http://www.harmontheater.comIn the same way McBride's 'Wonderground' may not be for everyone, but there is nothing I would want to change in either one. Do what I did and catch them both on consecutive nights and enjoy taking a walk on the (slightly) wild side.   Anyone else, feel free to give me a digital "Hi," at http://www.nicklewin.com   -------------------------------------------- 7. Outside The Box - #196 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron with Kelly Peron magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   I recently had an interesting conversation with a few magicians in a creativity discussion. We started getting into the topic of how magicians often cannot see past what a prop or object really is. We get locked into this notion that the prop has to look a certain way, be performed a certain way and routined a certain way.   In my opinion, this happens because we are too much inward thinkers. We tend to look towards magic for magic ideas. Whenever we start to work on any routine, we tend to go directly to the magic DVDs, YouTube, Magic books and fellow magicians for ideas and thoughts. The problem is that being influenced is fine however imitation is where the problem lies.   When one surrounds themselves so much with magic with no outside influences, it causes an entertainer to develop stuff that has already been done before. We tend to rehash the same stuff but maybe just in a different way.   If we learn to think outwardly an entire world of creativity opens up for us. Outward thinking is the concept of looking AWAY from magic for influences to what we perform and how we perform it. We do not always have to look inward at magic for ideas. An outward thinker can find creative ideas from things they see every day. These influences can come in the form of music they hear, shapes they see, nature that surrounds them or stories they hear or even a good book.   Let's take a look at a standard prop that you can buy and how this is often looked at from both an inward and outward approach. let us talk about the Wiz-Kote machine that many magicians have and utilize or have seen.   For those not familiar with this prop, the Wiz-Kote is a small box where by a child's shoe is placed in order to wash it and clean it. The prop malfunctions and smoke is seen. The lid is lifted up and all four sides fall down to reveal a burnt shoe. The child's shoe then ends up restored in a different location.   An Inward thinker would perform the effect exactly as described or as they have seen it performed on YouTube or in the instructions. This is fine and can work but is it really creative? Can you think outwardly and allow yourself to look past the obvious to come up with something unique and different?   As an outward thinker, I think it would be cool to take the prop and make it a time traveling machine. That would leave you open for all kinds of interesting and creative routines. It would also still give reason for a shoe to be burnt since it perhaps got lost or (aged) as it came back from the future etc.   You could also use other objects and have something (instead of being burnt) become old. For example a cell phone is placed in and the time traveler machine knob goes bonkers taking it back to the 1950s. You lift the lid off to try and stop the device and the cell phone turns into a funny rotary dial phone.   So many different ideas could spark from the time travel concept and can be used to theme a history or educational theme for school assemblies of library style shows. If it is a time machine, the fire element would not always have to be used. It could just be the sounds and the knobs and perhaps something malfunctions on the machine.   This opens the creative mind to numerous possibilities. Something modern day can go back in time. Even a question asked by a student could come back as an object that answers that question. It can also be used to advance time as well. A few years back the library theme was bugs. What if you placed in a picture or stuffed animal of a caterpillar and the machines forwards time and the end result is a butterfly.   I think if we think past what the object really is and open ourselves up to what it can become, we can create numerous situations, themes, stories and routines that are vastly interesting and unique. 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.   - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html .   -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ariann Black - (Part 6) -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA   TB: That's quite an accolade . a lady Magician as the House Magician .you had be not just good but as you said previously, exceptionally better .. .share a little of those times with us .   AB: It was fun but also very hard work. But I loved it. During the four years as the House Magician, I managed to save some money and began purchasing illusions in preparation for my own show. The first illusion I ever purchased was a sword basket, which I used in my act in Japan. My very first one hour show was booked in Koriyamma, Japan. The show lasted three months, but they asked me to return for a six month contract in Minakami, Japan for another one hour show. The experience that I gained from these helped me hone my skills and because of these successful shows I was asked to meet an influential agent in Las Vegas. Through this agent, I began to travel Internationally performing magic. Chile, Japan, France, Italy and China were some of the many places I performed my full show.   TB: You now live in Las Vegas, well have lived, for many years..you are well known here .and I for one, always feel wonderful when together with other Vegas friends we go to a Restaurant or hang out ..or walk in to a theater that you kindly arrange comps for me.everywhere we go people recognize you, .obviously, you like Vegas.and Vegas likes you .   AB: OH WOW! I don't see it that way. Yes I know some people, but I really don't see myself as famous. I am just a performer who knows a lot of really nice people. I would love to one day be a famous magician, but for now that is one of my goals. I do love this town and I am honored that I have many good friends here in the business and we all get along socially and workwise .I like it here because I am surrounded by resorts and major performers.   As you yourself know Tony, this town has an energy and special quality about it that is magical .. you and I have many mutual friends here and as we all know this town is special .. that is why several years ago, I made a conscious decision to begin to create my own Vegas magic shows. In 2004, I achieved another goal and began my own show at Fitzgerald's called "Secrets". This show ran for almost one year before the casino was sold. "Splash" at the Rivera was the site of my second Las Vegas resort experience as I was the featured magician. In May 2010, I opened, with my own show "Ariann Black - Secrets" at The Westin.   End of Part 6   -------------------------------------------- 9. 37th Annual Winter Carnival Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Stratman (US)   Join us for the 37 Annual Winter Carnival of Magic. More magic for your buck. Check it out.   10 Lectures, 18 Performers, 12 Dealers, Close-up and stage contests, Close up and stage shows, Saturday night Pizza party, Souvenir Goody Bags.   Performers include, Michael Finney, Doc Eason, Rick Merrill, Banachek, Scott Wells, David Acer, Tom Craven, Bryson Lang, Dennis Alm, Troy Hooser, Carroll Baker, Ricky Boon, T.J. Shimeld, Lance Johnson, Aldo & Rachel Colombini, The Rhythm of Magic, Kyle Jarrard, Sandy Marshall.   Lodging under $50.00, Registration only $135.00 for Magician, $70.00 for Spouse, $70.00 Children, $25.00 under 10 years of age.   Performances held in the beautiful Country Tonite Theatre, Pigeon Forge,TN Go to our website for registration and lodging details.   www.wintercarnivalofmagic.com   Hosted by Ring 58 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. See you in Pigeon Forge. Mike Stratman   -------------------------------------------- 10. Kozmo Lecture - South Miami -------------------------------------------- Message by Rick Del Vecchio President, Ring 45   Come see one of the best Street Performers in the world perform and lecture.   Thursday, Feb. 10th, 2011 at the; Elks Lodge 1676 6304 SW 78th Street South Miami, FL 33143   Lecture will start at 8:30pm The Elks lodge has a full bar and restaurant, so come early and have dinner.   The food is great and moderately priced.   The show and lecture is $5.00 for Ring 45 and MCC/SAM 280 members. $10.00 for non-members.   Admission price includes the show and lecture PLUS 3 Raffle tickets! Three prizes will be raffled off that evening. What a DEAL !!!   So spread the word, we have plenty of room!   Magically Yours,   Rick Del Vecchio President, Ring 45   -------------------------------------------- 11. The Melbourne Magic Festival 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Aust)   The Melbourne Magic Festival 2011 will be taking place between July 4 and July 16 this year at the Northcote Town Hall.   This year we have 130 performances over two weeks and, for those interesting in submitting a show for the Festival, we have 7 spaces still remaining.   Studio 1 Saturday Night, July 9 - 9pm   Studio 2 Monday Night, July 4 - 9.30pm Tuesday Night, July 5 - 9.30pm Sunday Night, July 10 - 7.30pm Sunday Night, July 10 - 9.30pm Tuesday Night, July 12 - 7.30pm Tuesday Night, July 12 - 9.30pm   If you'd like to produce a show in one or more of these time slots, please contact Tim Ellis at Tim@MagicUnlimited.com or by calling (03) 9486 4445 asap.   -------------------------------------------- 12. Famous Unknown Magicians And Clowns -------------------------------------------- Message by Charlie Zuis (US)   The Annual Parlour Foray for The Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns is on for Saturday June 4th, 2011 at Schuyler Lake NY, Hosted by Chazoo and the magic kings.   Mark your calendar.   Night before at the Tally Ho Restaurant in Richfield Springs.   More details on Website-www.unknownmagiciansandclowns.com/ (or Google Chazoo)   Special. Lecture in A.M.Parlour magic and Auction of artifacts in afternoon and big show (you're on!) at 5:00Ppm Only $35.00 up to May 1st- $40.00 at door.   Reports of my demise are grossly exagerated (W.C.Fields) CHAZOO   For more information call Chazoo @315-360-7585; Ray Eyler @ 410-798-1677; Alan Drew 207-244-0538; Phil Messina @607-427-7241.   -------------------------------------------- 13. 59th Blackpool Magic Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by Derek Lever (UK)   Preliminary Programme for The 59th Blackpool Magic Convention   Thursday 17th February   9.00 am Registration Desk opens 1.00 pm Mammoth Auction opens for viewing of goods in Spanish Hall 2.00 pm Mammoth Auction commences with Derek Lever and Mike Shepherd 6.00 pm Registration Desk closes Friday 18th February   8.30 am Registration Desk opens 10.00 am Dealers Super Showcase opens 10.00 am to 12.30pm FISM European Close-Up Magical Championships in the Pavilion Theatre 2.00 pm to 5.30pm FISM European Close-Up Magical Championships in the Pavilion Theatre 7.00 pm to 10.30pm FISM European Stage Magical Championships in the Opera House 8.00 pm to 9.15pm Wayne Dobson Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 8.00 pm Dealers Super Showcase closes 10.00 pm Registration Desk closes 10.15 pm to 11.15pm Joe Mogar Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre Saturday 19th February   8.30 am Registration Desk opens 9.00 am Dealers Super showcase opens 9.00 am to 1.00pm FISM European Stage Magical Championships in the Opera House 9.30 am to 10.30am Salvano Jnr. Lecture in the Spanish Hall 10.00 am to 11.00am Jimmy Tamley as Jungle Jim in the Pavilion Theatre 11.00 am to 12.00pm James Dimmare Lecture in the Spanish Hall 1.00 pm to 2.00pm Jay Sankey Lecture in the Spanish Hall 2.00 pm to 5:30pm FISM European Stage Magical Championships in the Opera House 2.00 pm to 3.00pm David Ginn Lecture in the Ice Room 2.30 pm to 3.30pm Richard Sanders Lecture in the Spanish hall 4.00 pm to 5.00pm Craig Dickson Lecture in the Spanish Hall 5.30 pm Registration Desk closes 7.30 pm FISM European Magical Championships - Award Ceremony plus Prize Winners Performances in the following categories: Card Magic, Micro Magic, Parlour Magic, Manipulation, General Magic, Stage Illusions, Mental Magic and Comedy Magic plus Guest Artistes including Richard Osterlind & Tom Anders. Compere: George King 11.00 pm Andrew James and Magic Sam present the "Beat The Wand" Competition in the Theatre Bar of the Winter Gardens Sunday 20th February   8.30 am Registration Desk opens 9.00 am Dealers Super Showcase opens 10.00 am Richard Osterlind Lecture in the Spanish Hall 10.45 am to 12.45pm Two "Kidz R Uz" Lectures in the Ice Room, (Hank Moorehouse, David Tomkins) 11.00 am International Close Up Show - in the Pavilion Theatre - First Session starring: - Michel - Argentina, Jay Sankey - Canada, Michael Rubinstein - USA, Bernard Bilis - France 12.30 pm Michel Lecture in the Spanish Hall 2.00 pm Bernard Bilis Lecture in the Spanish Hall 3.00 pm International Close-Up Show - Pavilion Theatre - Second Session - starring:- Craig Dickson - USA, Richard Osterlind - USA, Jupiter - Hungary, Richard Sanders - Canada 3.30 pm Michael Rubinstein Lecture in the Spanish Hall 5.00 pm Registration Desk closes 5.30 pm Dealers Super Showcase closes 7.00 pm International Gala Show in the Opera House Comperes: Clive Webb & Danny Adams 10.45 pm After Gala Show Party in the Spanish Hall Jupiter - Hungary, Andrei & Ruslan Fomenko - Russia, Andy Eastwood - United Kingdom, Compere: Karl K The above may subject to change and the official schedule will be in the convention booklet.   Tickets are still available from the Registration Officer Arthur Casson. You can write to him at 44 Bryan Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, England FY3 9BE or telephone him on 44 (0) 1253 393688. A registration form is also available on the Blackpool Magicians' Club website www.blackpoolmagic.com.   -------------------------------------------- 14. Magic At The Beach 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Heidtman (US)   Magic At The Beach 2011, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA.   The second annual Magic At The Beach convention was held January 20 - 22, 2011 in Myrtle Beach, SC, USA at the Ocean Dunes Resort & Conference Center. Hosted by Dave Tanner who owns Broadway Magic and Roman LePree owner of Trickmaster, this small convention has set a high standard in the short time of its existence. All registrants receive an awesome premium swag bag upon arrival and are treated to a lavish Welcome Reception opening night. The theme for the reception this year was the Seaside Sideshow and offered ambiance, entertainment and enough food to keep everyone happy. John Tudor and Delirium Tribal presented a beautiful sword basket routine and Coney Island Chris was the featured act with his humorous lampoon of the sideshow.   Workshops, lectures and in-house shows were presented by the invited performers which included Topas, Shoot Ogawa, Charlie Frye, Jay Sankey, Nathan Kranzo, Christian & Katalina, Levent, and Chris Capehart. The Dealer's Room was quite diverse with Losander, Bob Little, Kozmo, Chastain Criswell, Madhatter, Hughes Magic, Ron Conley, John Brooks, Fred's Books, Chris Smith, Joe Mogar and Shoot Ogawa.   The Close-up Contest resulted in Joe Jesse of Myrtle Beach, SC taking the First Place Award and Ron Conley of Myrtle Beach, SC placed second. The Stage Contest was also won by Joe Jesse with Steve Owens out of Torrance, CA placing second.   Saturday night was the public Gala Show, Champions Of Magic, which was produced at the Gilmore Auditorium, home of the Carolina Opry. Brandon Wagster & Hannah opened with their illusion act, Chris Capehart was Master of Ceremonies, Christian & Katalina performed mentalism, and Charlie Frye & Co. closed the first half of the show with his flawless juggling routine.   Charlie and wife, Sherry, returned to the stage to open the second half of the show with Charlie's strong magic routine. Chris Capehart took his turn entertaining the audience then introduced Levent who was very funny and had a great routine. Topas closed the show performing the act that has won him international acclaim and awards.   After the show all convention guests returned to the resort for a Farewell Party with lots of food and drinks and a last chance to socialize with friends and the invited performers. It was another great weekend and yet none of it would have been possible without Dave Tanner and Roman LePree's vision and support.   As Co-Chairmen for this event they work hard towards ensuring that all the little details are taken care of. Assisting them is Michelle Householder as Marketing Manager and Corporate Liaison, Matt McCoy who does an incredible job as Talent Liaison and Stage Manager for all productions, and Mike Heidtman as Director and Event Coordinator.   This event is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the best conventions around and rightfully so. If you get a chance, strongly consider visiting Myrtle Beach, SC in January 2012 and see what the buzz is all about.   -------------------------------------------- 15. The Amazing House -------------------------------------------- Message by Rob Bremner   The Amazing House is a new 13 episode series designed for children that will start airing in Los Angeles on 7 February on station KLCS 58.2 at 9.30am and 5pm. The show will run for13 weeks.   Imagine a really cool place where you go to visit your friends and have lots of fun, but some unexpected things happen . and along the way you get to learn some stuff.   The concept of The Amazing House was created by Alexandra Bremner while daydreaming in her university education lectures. She combined her passion for magic and ventriloquism with that also of teaching children to read into what is now The Amazing House.   The Amazing House has been independently produced in Australia and it is exciting that we have broken through and onto the Los Angeles market for our world premier. A feature of each episode is when the characters go out of The Amazing House and visit some icon of Australia and perform a magic trick.   Each episode is an adventure around words starting with particular sounds and is designed to help children to learn that reading can be fun. Along the way, there is a lot of fun with puppets and magic tricks too. There are original music and songs in each episode.   The puppets were made by top Los Angeles puppet maker who is known for making all the puppets for Sharri Lewis (of Lamb Chop fame) and being the puppeteer for the gopher in the movie Caddy Shack.   Like so many shows these days, The Amazing House is complemented with a website (www.theamazinghouse.com) with online video and several iPhone apps.   When asked about her opinion of appearing on TV in LA, Fi-Be, the (puppet) star said "It is Fi-Be-tastic".   -------------------------------------------- 16. Throw-Out Cards -------------------------------------------- Message by Burton S. Sperber   I am trying to write a checklist on throw-out cards. You may know of my recent publication: "A Checklist of Conjuring Catalogs", 2007 with over 3,000 catalogs in English. I would like to get more recent cards done by you in the last 25 years. If you would mail me your throw-out cards in any variants I will list your name and try and do a picture. Send to: Burt Sperber 23858 Malibu Road, Malibu CA 90265.   Or send list of your card for sale with name and price and scan a picture if you can. Send email to: Burt.Sperber@gmail.com   -------------------------------------------- 17. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html   When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are Coded, e.g. 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.magicnewzealand.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 2011 Alan Watson