* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #822 Date: Sunday 13th March 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. Nominees For 2010 Magic Castle Awards 3. Scheduled Live Global Interactive Magic Broadcast 4. The Famous Milbourne Christopher Collection Up For Auction 5. March 2010 Issue of the Linking Ring Magazine 6. Ron Wilson the Uncanny Scot Memorial Service 7. The Radio-Medicine Show Is On The Air! 8. Multiple Points of Contact - #200 - Kyle Peron 9. Tony Brook in Conversation with Vinny Grosso (Part 3) 10. Phenomenal Line-Up at IMX 11. 'Palladium Magic' Show 12. Professor Bob Friedhoffer Magician of the Year 2011 13. Mark Wilson on Illusions 14. Two North American Championships of Magic 15. Any Word on Gary Darwin Las Vegas? 16. Over 1000 Conventions - Bob Little Was There 17. Jeff McBride - Magic Unmasked 18. Romany Is One of the Brightest Shining Stars in Magic 19. Broken Wand - Eugene Gloye 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The people of Japan are in our thoughts after the recent devastating earthquake and we send our condolences to the families that have lost love ones. Pleased to report that Fukai and Steve Marshall are OK.   The highlight for the week for Michele & I was to spend yesterday with our good friends Paul Daniels and the lovely Debbie McGee before they joined cruise ship 'Saga Ruby'  in Auckland bound for Los Angeles.   Our congratulation goes to Kyle Peron for achieving his 200th column for the Magic New Zealand e-zine. From the large amount of e-mail I have received his column is very popular with our subscribers.   Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. Nominees for 2010 Magic Castle Awards -------------------------------------------- Published with the permission of Milt Larsen (US)   Below are the names of the final nominees for each showroom; listed in alphabetical order   Close Up Room Jon Armstrong Derek DelGaudio Andrew Goldenhersh Paul Green Suzanne   Parlour Of Prestidigitation Chris Capehart Mike Caveney Andrew Goldenhersh Handsome Jack (John Lovick) Johnny Ace Palmer Rob Zabrecky   Stage Magic Rich Bloch Rudy Coby Dana Daniels Whit "Pop" Haydn Rob Zabrecky   Lecture Series Jon Armstrong Coby, Kenner & Mayne Patrick Martin Shoot Ogawa David Regal Gregory Wilson   -------------------------------------------- 3. Scheduled Live Global Interactive Magic Broadcast -------------------------------------------- Message by Tobias Beckwith (US)   Mystery School Mondays - The Web's First Regularly Scheduled Live Global Interactive Magic Broadcast   Las Vegas, NV February 8, 2011 - Jeff McBride and the staff of his Magic and Mystery School rolled out the first edition of Mystery School Monday on January 17, on Murphy's Magic Community and McBridemagic.tv. Viewers tuned in from all over the US, Asia and Europe and interacted with Jeff, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith, Larry Hass and Bryce Kuhlman via the simultaneous chat system.   Mystery School Monday was originally planned as a once per month event, but given the enthusiastic response of its audience, is now slated to broadcast every Monday at 7:00pm (Pacific Time), at www.mcbridemagic.tv and via the Murphy's Magic community. The show is officially one hour long, but can run longer when the content warrants it. Guest correspondent Albert Tam tunes in from Hong Kong to provide an Asian Magic update, and, starting this month, Ferdinando Buscemi has consented to come on from his native Italy with a European magic update. Both Tam and Buscemi have hosted Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger for magic school events in their own countries, and are valued associates of the McBride Magic & Mystery School.   Jeff McBride created the idea for Mystery School Monday with his associates Jordan Wright and Leo Diaz, who produce and engineer each episode, as well as appearing from time to time to discuss street magic, magic on video and other subjects at which each is expert. Other Magic and Mystery School faculty will appear regularly as well. There are even plans to take the show on the road almost immediately: McBride, Burger and Lawrence Hass will host an episode from Austin College in Sherman Texas on Monday, February 14.   For further information, please go to the Magic & Mystery School section of the Murphy's Magic Community, click on the groups tab, and select Jeff McBride's Mystery School Monday's. Or simply go directly to www.mcbridemagic.tv. When the show isn't being streamed live, clips from McBride's performances and earlier episodes of Mystery School Monday can be viewed.   -------------------------------------------- 4. The Famous Milbourne Christopher Collection Up For Auction -------------------------------------------- Message by William V. Rauscher (US)   We have a few important announcements this time through.   Martinka is pleased to announce that by arrangement with Maurine Brooks Christopher we will be holding a unique and extensive auction of numerous rare and exciting items from the famous Christopher Collection. This collection has been a source of wonder for magicians and collectors that has spanned decades.   Milbourne Christopher, a name synonymous with magic the world over, began collecting when he was a boy. At the time of his death on June 17, 1984 he amassed one of the most complete and extensive historical collections on conjuring in the world. Posters, etchings, photos, scrapbooks, memorabilia and artifacts beyond belief, plus a great variety of the rarest of books resulted from a lifelong effort to build and assemble one of the great treasure troves of magic in existence.   This auction will take place on April 20th with a viewing of all items on the evening of April 19th at the NY Hotel Pennsylvania. We have retained expert Magic Auctioneer, David Goodman to call the live sale. Online bidding will also be available.   The NY Hotel Pennsylvania is located at 401 Seventh Ave (at 33rd St.), NY, NY 10001-2062 and can be reached at 1-800-223-8585.   Mark your calendar so you don't miss this once in a lifetime chance to share in this great auction event.   We will have a preview of some of the items posted soon at martinka.com and a catalog will also be available, please watch your inbox for further updates.   And lastly, we currently have Auction 47 online with a nice selection of magical apparatus and more. Please visit the site as we will be adding many fine items over the next 10 days. www.martinka.com/auction   Best Regards,   Ted Martinka & Co. - "America's Oldest Magic Company"   www.martinka.com   201-444-7576   -------------------------------------------- 5. March 2010 Issue of the Linking Ring Magazine -------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis   March 2010 issue of The Linking Ring magazine, Vol. 90, No. 10:   Editor: Samuel Patrick Smith   The Linking Ring boasts the world's largest circulation of any printed magic magazine and has now launched a beautiful digital edition. I.B.M. membership is required to receive this monthly magazine. Members can access The Linking Ring at www.magician.org. This site allows one, portal entry into the world of magic!   Each month in The Linking Ring, the Ring Events provide readers with the "scoop" on what is happening in different Rings around the world.   Brett Sherwood graces this month's cover of The Linking Ring as he relates his amazing life in magic. Brett is the creator of the Sherwood Cups & Balls and his beautifully engraved Silver Cups will succeed the Paul Fox Cups as the trophy for the coveted I.B.M. Gold Cups International Award of Excellence for Close-Up performance!   Brett's article inside is a beautifully written account of his life and love of magic. Many will see him/herself in his magical life!   This month's One-Man Parade, features, Brett Sherwood and some fantastic card magic and some sleights that will interest every magician!   Below is what's happening in the world of magic:   The Dallas I.B.M. Convention (June 28 - July2) at the downtown Dallas Sheraton is slated for some great magic and great values for 2011!   In memoriam, Past International President, Jack Browne pays tribute to his friend and magician, Dr. Robert J. Albo.   In part 3 of "In Search of Eugene Hellman", Dr. William Spooner brings even more fascinating information about the illustrious career of the longest-performing African-American magician!   International Secretary Don Wiberg, shares the "secret" celebration and documentation of your Ring's history.   Terrific magic taught this month: Vani Pule's Classics Revisited   Mike Power's Card Corner   Tom Craven's Havenly Close-Up   Peter Marucci's Showtime   Storytelling Magic by Ed Solomon   The Linking Ring has a team of experts who review many new items of magic so that the magicians of the world may purchase wisely!   There are too many articles and too much magic in this issue of The Linking Ring for me to list, but everyone is world class!   Advertisers -- your products will enjoy unsurpassed worldwide promotion in The Linking Ring through the beautiful printed magazine, the dazzling digital edition, and links from the I.B.M. Web Portal.   For details about advertising in The Linking Ring, contact BJ Hickman at advertising@magician.org.   -------------------------------------------- 6. Ron Wilson the Uncanny Scot Memorial Service -------------------------------------------- Message by Joe Herzer   Ron Wilson the Uncanny Scot will have a memorial service at the Magic Castle April 3 at 4:00pm and anyone not attending who knew Ron is asked to send a brief statement about him to Mark Haslam at mh@msrkhaslem..net so it can be included in the program.   -------------------------------------------- 7. The Radio-Medicine Show Is On The Air! -------------------------------------------- Message by Pop Haydn (US)   Just wanted to let you know that our first show is finished, and you can hear the whole thing at our new Facebook fan page here: www.facebook.com/RadioMedShow   The Radio-Medicine Show is a weekly for-broadcast syndicated radio show, distributed by Jagger Peyton Entertainment Group, www.jaggerpeyton.com   We have music, comedy and fun with Pop Haydn, Professor Dave Bourne and the Medicine Show Band, Judge Nelson, Nancy Magill and our special guests.   On our first show, our featured guest is the wonderful and lovely psychic ukelele lady, Madame Pamita.   As you know, I am not originally from the 21st Century myself, but have been stranded here with my wife Nancy Magill along with a bunch of fellow expatriates from another time.   Don't get us wrong--we love it here in the 21st Century.   We love the Internet, and the toilet paper, and the fact that you can sell people in this century plain water by the bottle, for real money!   But frankly, the music and entertainment leave a lot to be desired...   We want to provide an alternative to the noise and electro-magnetic bio-wave frequency distortions of this very noisy time.   Everything that goes in your ear stays in your head forever, So listen carefully...   We have just what you need, folks!   It's the cure for the 21st Century!   The music on the show is eclectic Americana, with Old Time music, cowboy, blues, jazz, jug band, string band, ukelele and eccentric music from the 1890's to the 1930's.   Each selection is chosen for its medicinal qualities, creating a perfect prescription for healing the stress and purging the infelicities of the 21st Century.   It'll make you feel better!   We can use your help. Please check out our page (www.facebook.com/RadioMedShow), and LIKE us. It will help a lot as we are seeking affiliates.   I hope you enjoy our show. Let me know what you think!   There is no place I would rather be than right here in the 21st Century with you. I really mean it.   Thank you so much!   Pop Haydn   -------------------------------------------- 8. Multiple Points of Contact - #200 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   200!! Thank You - #200 - Kyle Peron   Well here I am writing this week's column and I am actually shaking. I'm not scared or nervous. I'm really more in a state of shock. This column marks the 200th article I have written to date for the Magic New Zealand e-zine!  200!  The number alone is staggering to me.  I can't fathom the fact that I have done an article almost every single week for the past 4 years now.   I do not say this to brag but as a sense of major accomplishment. When Alan asked if he could run one of my Magic Café posts as an article (over 4 years ago), I was amazed simply that anyone thought my ideas were worthy enough of anyone reading them. After all they were simply my opinions and nothing else. I figured it would be a one and done sort of deal and I was honored to be asked.   After the first column ran, I received more emails than I can remember. My In Box lit up from people wanting to say thanks, people sharing their ideas and opinions and others just wanting to let me know they enjoyed my writing. What was to be a on-time only situation turned into 4 years of weekly columns covering a huge range of ideas and topics.   Over the months and years of writing, I have had the chance to meet so many of you at conventions or on the phone. I have enjoyed every one of you and I have to say the friends I have made from my writings are what I cherish the most about doing this weekly for as long as I have.   Why is this so amazing to me? Why am I still shaking and in shock over the number 200? Well because I was told as a child that I wouldn't be able to write or write well and that English would be very hard for me. As many of you know, I lost a majority of my hearing when I was 9 years old. I am proud to say I am a deaf entertainer and I do not feel sorry for myself. Being deaf is a gift or at least the way I see it. It allows me to look at the world in a different way than most.   But because I lost my hearing so early on, English and writing and speaking were very difficult for me. I never understood any of it and it is a big reason why I am a visual artist and why I got a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. Even though I couldn't write well, I could at least share my thoughts visually.   So maybe you can see why this number 200 means so much to me. For someone who was told they would not be able to write or understand English well, 200 weekly articles (and the praise and thanks from all of you) has proven to me that I can pretty much accomplish ANYTHING I put my mind to. Your words of advice and thanks over these 4 years are what has carried me on and drives me to write more each week.   Never in a million years did I ever think I would write this much or put out books or create a lecture series based on my writings. Never did I ever think I would last to see the number 200! But here it is. 4 years and 200 articles and I can say I DID IT!   However, the biggest thanks do not go to me. It does not go to any one person. The thanks go to each and every one of YOU!  YOU are the reason I write each week. YOU are the reason why I share my love for magic in written word. YOU are the reason why I will continue to write as long as people want me to.   So for the past 200 articles I simply say THANK YOU! For the next 200 I simply say there is plenty more ahead.   Just you wait.   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 am VERY proud to announce the launch of my new product website: http://www.kpmagicproducts.com. I hope you find it of help to you. Please stay tuned to the site for sales, news and upcoming product launches.   - "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://kpmagicproducts.com/Blue_and_Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Chairs.html   -------------------------------------------- 9. Tony Brook in Conversation With Vinny Grosso (Part 3) -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA   TB: Before you go any further with details share with us some of the history of the S.A.M contests and some of the people who helped create the standard over the recent past decades.   VG: Well, as you know Tony we are all very proud of the great history of the S.A.M and the wonderful names that have been our President over the years. The contests are an integral part of that rich history. Here's a brief time capsule version. The contest has attained the status of a world class artistic event thanks to the pioneering efforts of past president Father Cyprian Murray. More than 25 years ago, Father Cyp, as he is more commonly known, developed scoring criteria that combined both the objectivity of a mathematical system and the insight that is only available to people who have seen decades of our art and have a way to convey that wisdom to others.   It has been hailed by performers, creators, historians, and enthusiasts as an unbiased and apolitical experience, Father Cyprian's gift to the magic community has been an inspiration and incentive to hundreds of Magicians. Paul Critelli took over chairing the contest about 20 years ago and has ensured that the spirit of the contest remains intact. You will notice that it is always referred to as a contest, not a competition.   The goal is to showcase talent and encourage them to be the best they can be, not to beat the other act. It is very much a positive and family like atmosphere for all those involved and it's constantly evolving. A couple of years ago we had a judge, Steve Marshall, participate from Japan via Skype. Last year Mike Miller introduced the President's Award. This is an award where the contestants vote to select a fellow contestant who best exemplifies the camaraderie expected of the contestants.   The contest is such a great experience for all those involved because it brings together so many folks from such diverse backgrounds with the common love of the art of magic.   TB: Let me take you back to some of the events and indeed Contest happenings for 2011. Please share some of the details ..   VG: So how are we going to merge the S.A.M. Contest with a FISM formatted North American Championships of Magic? Simple, we'll have both. There will be 6 contest shows from Wednesday through Friday. All of the contestants will present their acts and the judging will be done in FISM style by judges with FISM experience. There will be three stage categories and three close-up categories.   The top three scoring contestants in each stage category and top two in each close-up category, provided they meet the minimum score requirement, will gain entrance into FISM 2012 in Blackpool. FISM is waiving the contest entrance fee. The top performers with representatives from each category will have a chance to contend for the title North American Champion of Magic.   There will be a second round of performance and judging for these contestants on Friday night. In addition to the NACM prize, S.A.M. Prizes such as gold and silver medals, people's choice, etc. will be in play. S.A.M. contest rules and style will govern this round with the highest scoring stage contestant and highest scoring close-up contestant named North American Champion of Magic. As an extra incentive, the two NACMs will have FISM registration paid for too!   End of Part 3  tbrook47@gmail.com   -------------------------------------------- 10. Phenomenal Line-Up At IMX -------------------------------------------- We've added one of the most incredible nail biting acts that you will ever see live to the already phenomenal line-up at IMX - the mind blowing Hayashi!   This is an act that defies belief, a breathtaking combination of mentalism and Samurai swordsmanship which has thrilled audiences across the globe. It's a rollercoaster ride of pure adrenalin !   http://imx2011.com/web/all-star-team/hayashi/   Adept not only on stage - but in the close-up arena, too, Hayashi's competition history is one of the most international and extensive in the magic industry. He was the 2005 SAM European Champion of Magic in Close-Up. 1st place Winner at the MacMillan International Magic Championships in London, as well as the French, German, Italian, Swiss, and Austrian National Championships with his card performance. He has competed in 24 major competitions around the world, been featured on national primetime television in five countries, performed in seven languages, and lectured in fifteen countries spanning three continents.   We are in the process of finalising the schedule & WOW - is there a lot on the go - over 50 scheduled items in 72 hours ... 1 dealers expo, 2 international stage gala shows, 3 close-up encounters, 4 one-man shows, over 20+ incredible lectures, "an evening with David Berglas" and more inspiration than you can possibly imagine! No rest for the wicked, indeed ;-)   If you haven't done so already - be sure to spread the word amongst your friends and have them join you for what is undoubtedly going to be one of the highlights of 2011. With only a limited number of registrations remaining at just $149 - you don't want them to miss out!   See you in Vegas !   P.S. Be sure to book your hotel room at The Orleans now using the special group booking code on the website - www.imx2011.com - they're being snapped up fast!   P.P.S. Call for Volunteers: we have a limited number of volunteer positions open at IMX ... if you know of someone dedicated and passionate about the art of magic who is wanting to be a part of the event ... from stewards to roving photographers to production assistants or something special in between ... have them email us info@imx2011.com Those who are successful in the selection process will get a unique insight from behind-the-scenes and get to be a part of something truly special.   -------------------- IMX 2011 brings together 20+ of the world's greatest performers in 3 days of non-stop magic - incredible performances, unrivalled training and mindblowing skill.   Rudy Coby, An Halim, Helder Guimares, Jason Bishop, Michael Ammar, Juliana Chen, David Acer, Daniel Garcia, Wayne Houchin, Ivan Pecel, Ellis & Webster, Banachek, Chris Capehart, Boris Wild, Morgan Strebler, Luke Jermay, Richard Sanders, Lee Young Woo, Pit Hartling, Ponta the Smith, Oz Pearlman, Shoot Ogawa, Paul Vigil, David Berglas (via video conference) plus many more ...   23 - 25 May 2011, The Orleans Hotel www.imx2011.com   -------------------------------------------- 11. 'Palladium Magic' Show -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone   We are now very close to finalising the line-up for the 'Palladium Magic' Show at the world famous London Palladium Theatre on Monday 19th September. It will be a spectacular show starring Mac King, Marko Karvo, The Great Tomsoni & Co, Silvan, Michael Finney, Erix Logan, Jeff Hobson, Kris Kremo, Nathalie Enterline, and Hans Clock.   'Palladium Magic' will also pay tribute to the 'magic greats' who have played the Palladium during the last 100 years, and a few of these legends will be introduced on stage during the show.   And of course if all goes to plan there will be a special cameo appearance by movie star, and master magician, the one and only John Calvert, who will have just celebrated his 100th Birthday.   'Palladium Magic' will be a totally unique and memorable occasion and an experience that any magician will want to be a part of. And there is still an opportunity to do so. If you would like to apply to be one of the 100 Close-up magicians to perform in the audience before the show and during the interval, email a current promo photo and a short Bio to producer@palladiummagic.com   Don't forget that your photo and contact details will appear in the superb Souvenir Programme and you will actually get the chance to walk on this famous stage in front of an audience of over 2000 to receive your applause. It doesn't get much better than that!   -------------------------------------------- 12. Professor Bob Friedhoffer Magician of the Year 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US)   Congratulations to Professor Bob Friedhoffer, the "magical scientist." who was just named by New York's Parent Assembly #1 of the Society of American Magicians as their "Magician of the Year 2011".  He is the author of over 30 children's books on magic and science. Friedhoffer uses his exciting and unique shows to astound, mystify, edify and entertain, bringing magic and science together. Bob's home base is the Center for advanced Study in Education at the City University of New York's Graduate Center.   Professor Friedhoffer receives his award on May 14 at the 102nd annual "Salute to Magic Show". This year's show features award winning "American Escape Artist" Thomas Solomon performing a combination of death-defying escapes, dazzling magic and many exciting illusions. Tickets go on sale March 21 at www. sampa1   -------------------------------------------- 13. Mark Wilson on Illusions -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Wilson (US)   I was just thinking how the love of magic has dominated my entire life. and a large part of my career has been built around illusions. Early on I discovered there were many books on close-up magic and sleight of hand, but there was very little instructional information on illusions. Often those instructions were either impractical or poorly explained. Learning about illusions has been a trial and error affair for me and, more often than not, quite expensive.   Nani's knowledge and experience has played an important part in the development of our illusions. What any beautiful assistant does, often unseen by the audience, is vital to almost all illusion effects. Over the years, Nani and I have produced and performed hundreds of different illusions. Fortunately, almost all of these were visually recorded and are now in our video library; which includes television series and specials, corporate, theme park, and international productions.   Some of the illusions we performed were classics, others were based on new principles. Many were from the fertile mind of Alan Wakeling, who was my creative director for 22 years. A major point, all of our illusions had to be totally practical. They were designed for actual performance, not merely wonderful effects described in a book sold to magicians.   Now we have decided it is time to pass along our knowledge and experience with illusions in the Magic University (which I will tell you about in an upcoming newsletter) and in Mark Wilson on Illusions DVD. Our goal is to present to today's magicians, comprehensive instructions, analysis and evaluation of all types of illusions. We hope this knowledge will be helpful in the presentation of our art for many years to come.   Mark Wilson on Illusions DVD is available at: http://www.markwilsonmagic.com/illusions.htm Happy Magic, Mark Wilson   -------------------------------------------- 14. Two North American Championships of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US)   This year, at the S.A.M. Convention in Pittsburgh, Magic history will be made. For the first time, there will be two North American Champion of Magic contests. One in Stage Magic and one in Close-up Magic.   These two winner Magicians will go to FISM in Blackpool, England in 2012 to compete against the best Magicians in the world. The gloves will be off, and the organizations who are to be represented (The International Brotherhood of Magicians, The Academy of Magical Arts, The Canadian Association of Magicians, and The Society of American Magicians) want to win it all.   I am not a competitive person generally, and my tenure as Chairperson of The Contest of Magic has been characterized by cooperation above all else - the performers helped each other, and the spirit of Family pervaded the event.   It still will. But only as far as our fellow North Americans are concerned.   Our Brothers and Sisters will help select The Best to send to win against The Best. Blackpool will be the first FISM to have the various Champions of Magic from the various geographical regions and continents competing against each other. We want the two most coveted awards to be brought to OUR home.   There will be others who will be "FISM eligible," and they, too, will be taking the best North American Magic and Creativity to Blackpool. So, it is essential that the best Magicians submit their acts to Vinny Grosso as described in the information on the S.A.M. website and other places.   Who are the best of our Brothers and Sisters? Well, it may be someone about whom we have heard a great deal. Or nothing at all. It will be someone who is world class and has proven himself or herself to have the dedication, talent, and perseverance to be in a very select group of performers.     This is history being made. This is - whether the winners make it to The North American Champions of Magic - S.A.M. Contest of Magic or are in the slightly larger group of winners who will be eligible to go to FISM to represents us - for all of us in North America.   This is a chance to become THE World's Greatest.   I know you will NOT disappoint your Brothers and Sisters in OUR neighborhood.   Paul Critelli Chairperson   -------------------------------------------- 15. Any Word on Gary Darwin Las Vegas? -------------------------------------------- Message by Marty Steinberg   Any Word on Gary Darwin Las Vegas?   -------------------------------------------- 16. Over 1000 Conventions - Bob Little Was There -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US)   Since 1956 Bob Little has attended over 1000 magic conventions. Average 30 per year or more.  Nowadays he averages only 15 per year which includes one-day events, in Europe, Japan and the US.   He will be at the S A M convention as always, (Pittsburgh July 13 - 16).   Be sure to say Hello to Bob and the 22 dealers already booked.   Details at www.magicsam.com   -------------------------------------------- 17. Jeff McBride - Magic Unmasked -------------------------------------------- Message from Jeff McBride (US)   When: Saturday March 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm   Where: Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89121   What: Magician Jeff McBride brings his show, "Magic Unmasked," to Winchester Cultural Center for two performances Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m. Admission is $10.   McBride earned his place in the Guinness Book of World Records for three different feats. He is a world-renowned teacher and founder of the McBride Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas. He was named Magician of the Year by The Magic Castle in Los Angeles and headlined at Caesars Magical Empire, when he was voted critics' choice as Best Magician in Las Vegas. He was recently featured in the MyNetworkTV series "Masters of Illusion."   In addition to his work as a performer, McBride is a much sought-after lecturer and workshop leader for such diverse groups as The Smithsonian, The Disney Institute, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Center for Symbolic Studies and others. His video-taped series teaching "The Art of Card Manipulation" is among the bestselling magic teaching videos of all time.   McBride's signature fusion of mask, myth, drama and illusion reflects his lifelong study of magic's multi-cultural roots. In "Magic Unmasked," McBride's magic moves beyond mere tricks and illusions, engaging all the senses and the imagination to transport audiences into an enchanted realm.   From his appearance in a shower of fireflies through the rapid-fire production of a multitude of masks and personas, the drama of McBride's dynamic struggles with unseen powers keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. His whimsical and hilarious interactions with mysterious forces of nature and select audience members add the spice of comedy. Through it all, McBride's electrifying sleight of hand and spectacular grand illusions convey an uplifting and inspirational message.   Winchester Cultural Center is located at 3130 S. McLeod Drive. More information may be found on line at www.clarkcountynv.gov or by calling the center at (702)455-7340.   $10 - Register - Register: https://secure2.co.clark.nv.us/adet.sdi?activity_id=211507   Irma Varela-Wynants Cultural Specialist, Winchester Cultural Center | Clark County, Nevada | 3130 S. McLeod Dr. Las Vegas, NV | Tel 702-455-7029 | Fax 702-455-7344   -------------------------------------------- 18. Romany Is One of the Brightest Shining Stars in Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeff McBride (US)   Question: How many years does it take to become a world champion?   Answer: 14 years.That's how long I have been working with Romany, Diva of Magic. When she first arrived at Mystery School, she had a big dream and plenty of enthusiasm. Now, fourteen years later, she has won many of the world's top honors, including The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year, the International Brotherhood of Magicians "British Shield" and most recently, first place at the World Magic Seminar International Stage Competition. The world is watching Romany. She is one of the brightest shining stars in magic. Below is a picture of Abbi and Romany with me, taken backstage at the World Magic Seminar last week.   In addition, two of my students, Eric Gilliam and Reuben Moreland, won top honors in the teen competitions. It takes years of hard work and dedication. It is good to see our students succeed.   Asia Tour   I will be returning to Japan as part of a "Magic Castle  All-Stars" show with many top performers from around the world, sponsored by Hollywood's Magic Castle. I have been performing in Japan for thirty years and have a fascination with their magical culture that is reflected in my work.   "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential ... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." -- Baseball great, Eddie Robinson   Greetings friends,   McBride's Mystery School Monday TV   Our new program is a hit and we are building a larger audience every week. Don't miss an episode!   Tune in for LIVE magic, reviews, celebrity interviews & news reports from around the world with Jeff McBride and the Mystery School faculty every Monday at 7pm Pacific Time:   http://murphysmagiccommunity.com/group/jeffmcbridesmysteryschoolmondays   You can go right now to see a re-broadcast of any of our previous shows:   www.mcbridemagic.tv   (Click the 'videos' tab at the right for rebroadcasts and other free streaming videos from McBride Magic.)   Questions:   Have a question for Jeff or any of our other Mystery School faculty? Please videotape your question, post it on YouTube, and email the link to Jeff@mcbridemagic.com.   The questions must be under 30 seconds long. Here are some samples:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h76aKRURcoQ   -------------------------------------------- 19. Broken Wand - Eugene Gloye -------------------------------------------- Message by Joyce Basch (US)   I'll miss my good Friend, Magician, Eugene Gloye.   Dr. Eugene Gloye, 83, of Grover Beach, California, passed away peacefully, February 17, 2011.  He held I.B.M. number 9343 and had been a member since 1947.  He held the Order of Merlin, Excelsior.  Gene was a past President of Ring 96 and a member of the Magic Castle and Pasadena Magicians Guild.   During his college years, Gene performed with Bill Morton's "Houdini Mystery Show" sometimes appearing alongside Johnny Carson.  He mentored Dick Cavett.   Gene authored the monthly "Our Magical Heritage" column in the "Linking Ring magazine from 1976-2002 and was featured on the cover of the Nov. 1978 issue.  His articles also appeared in "Dragon", New Phoenix", "New Tops" and "Genie".   He is survived by his wife, Rebanis, (Frankie) and two sons and their families.   -------------------------------------------- 20. 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)   -------------------------------------------- 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.   You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at: www.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. 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