* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #458 Date: Sunday 5th November 2006 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. 2008 IBM/SAM Combined Convention Hits New Registration High 3. First Lady Magician Ever To Win Top Magic Circle Award 4. Broken Wand - James Swoger 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 33 - Nick Lewin 6. My Houdini Halloween Escape 7. Consistency In Marketing 8. The Latest News From Bonnie Scotland 9. Bird Flu - A Virus (H5N2) 10. Movie 'The Prestige' 11. Broken Wand - Steve Black 12. 52nd Austrian Magician Congress 13. Indian Magician Performing At Federation Square In Melbourne 14. The Magic Circle Youth Initiative 15. Murray Hatfield's - Canadian Tour 16. Motor City Close-Up Convention Taylor, MI 17. ASM Centenary Convention 7-8-9 July 2007 18. A Tribute Night For Billy McComb 19. Cath Jamison's Hit Show Sells Out! 20. Houdini Lives! A Novel 21. e-zine Archives 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- I was quite overwhelmed to receive so many congratulatory messages from subscribers on being presented with the New Zealand Grandmaster of Magic Award and also the Golden Benny.  Thank you. ---------------------- I have just purchased an electronic Card Fountain which I would like to use in my family magic and illusion show. Does anyone have any innovative and entertaining ideas that I can use for this? Please drop me a line. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. 2008 IBM/SAM Combined Convention Hits New Registration High -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler - Dean - the Society of American Magicians It was announced today that registration for the IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention has reached 350 delegates including 50 from foreign countries. In addition, the Convention Committee reported that nearly 15% of the total allotment of rooms at the Galt House has already been booked. "We're on pace with our original target and it looks like we're starting to pick up steam", said Roger Miller, Co-Chair for the convention. "People seem to have gotten the message that by registering before the end of this December they will save $100. They know that on January 1, 2007, the discounted registration rate ends and the $395 rate applies. They also know they'll get better seats for the gala shows the earlier they register." The first convention of its kind ever staged in the United States will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, July 21-26, 2008 and will have up to 100 stage and close-up competitions by contestants on a worldwide basis. The convention has pledged a $20,000 cash purse and an equal amount in performing contracts from around the world has already been committed. In addition, the convention will feature a surprising stage opener, two gala stage shows, six never-seen-before-and-never-to-be-repeated lectures, a gala banquet with cabaret show and music for dancing, a gala close-up show where the best of the Far East meets the best of the West, over 60 magic dealers, special programs for young magicians and for spouses, convention gifts, souvenir program and much more - at one all inclusive price. Complete information and a 2008 Convention Registration form may be found on the website: http://www.ibmsam2008.com/, or by email to: IBMSAM2008@appsmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 3. First Lady Magician Ever To Win Top Magic Circle Award -------------------------------------------- Message from David Beckley MIMC Press Officer and P.R.O. for The Magic Circle Lady Magician Makes History - 'Romany' becomes first Lady Magician Ever to Win top Magic Circle Award. Last night at The Magic Circle's prestigious headquarters, 'Romany', a young lady magician from London, became the first woman in history to win The Stage Magician of the Year competition. In fact this was the first time a lady magician has won any top Magic Circle Award. Against very strong competition, 'Romany' beguiled the audience with a dazzling display of excellent magic combined with a perfect demonstration of brilliant comic timing during her portrayal of an extrovert Theatrical Diva who literally swooned at the feet of her male helpers plucked from the audience. The Judges, whose job it was to decide on a winner, were Jeremy Beadle, the well known television presenter, Melvyn Hayes the superb comic actor who has appeared in a number of Royal Variety Performances and John Kay Cooper whose name has appeared many times on the TV credits having himself produced three Royal Variety Performances as well as holding the post of Controller of Entertainment and Comedy at Weekend Television. What impressed these knowledgeable judges most about 'Romany' was her unique style and comic talent which kept The Magic Circle audience in stitches. 'Romany' is very much in demand on the international circuit having performed as far afield as Germany and Dubai and last week appeared before Johnny Depp at The Hollywood Magic Castle. She was once described in Time Out magazine as 'A Flamboyant Hybrid of Bette Midler and Mary Poppins'. Clearly a name to watch out for. Runner up in this 'close fought' competition was Keith Fields who has a very relaxed comedy style combined with excellent magic. His card in mouth routine was a riot and he received a well deserved tremendous round of applause. Third place went to James Freedman who presented a very slick and very funny pick pocket routine with two members of the audience. His 'cards across' routine gave him perfect misdirection and his surprise ending was finding the last card in the spectators wallet inside his own pocket. An excellent competition with outstanding winners. -------------------------------------------- 4. Broken Wand - James Swoger -------------------------------------------- Message from Gary Frank (US) Just a brief note to let your readers know that James Swoger, friend, husband, professional performer, inventor, and the owner of The House of Enchantment passed away quietly on Friday morning, November 3rd, 2006. He always had time to assist a fellow performer and was able to speak from real performing experience. In his several decades of performing (and life), he had several notable performers who called him friend including Theo Bamberg, Harry Blackstone Sr. and many others. In his younger days as a performer, his performance was classic magic.  He will be missed by so many. -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 33 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (us) Bad Boys of Magic #1: Billy McComb After spending time revamping my website (nicklewin.com) to include some of my recent writings about magic, I realized that I had painted a rather one-sided picture of Billy McComb. This wonderfully larger than life character emerged as a slightly saintly figure which is partially accurate doesn't cover the whole story by any means. A group of us were traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma to perform at the home of a wealthy oil magnate; or rather that was the plan. I was in charge of taking McComb to the airport to catch our flight. If you ever had the task of escorting Billy onto a plane you will know that it wasn't an easy job. The concept of cutting things close scarcely defined the way that things usually ran as Billy had a rather touching belief that a plane would wait until he arrived. Well they don't and this particular one certainly didn't. After we had booked the next available flight to Tulsa we found ourselves in an airport bar with time to kill. I would like to say that the rum and coke drinking finished at the airport bar but it didn't. Once onboard Billy used his formidable charm to get us upgraded to first class and the copious inhalation of Captain Morgan's finest continued unabated. Upon arrival in Tulsa a car took us directly to the palatial home in which the event was to take place. When we arrived at the party destination we joined our fellow performers and began our strolling magic. The host said, "By all means have a drink or two." We did. By the end of the party Billy was performing magic like there was no tomorrow. Towards the end of the evening he performed the cigarette, in thumb tip, in handkerchief and was somewhat surprised when there was no cigarette stub in his thumb tip, after noticing a smoldering butt on what looked like a very expensive Turkish rug we decided it was time to move outdoors. By this time the party was well and truly over and scarcely a guest remained but this certainly didn't affect McComb who was far from finished performing. Standing out on the veranda Billy insisted on showing a security guard how to put a coin into a bottle. The guard, who resembled a bit player in the movie 'Deliverance', was duly intrigued upon seeing his quarter inside a Pepsi bottle, but was less excited when Billy explained he was going to remove it. He said that he would rather keep the coin inside the bottle as a souvenir. Billy explained that this wasn't how the routine went however he failed to convince him on the point. Billy's eyes closed in a faintly dangerous manner as he said, "How would you like it, old chum, if I were to take something of yours?" I observed Billy eying his holstered gun and whispered; "Don't even think about it Billy." However it was too late and Billy made a clumsy attempt to snatch the firearm. "You weren't trying to get this were you?" Said the guard as he pulled out his firearm and shot it into the air. Soon after this we made our exit from the party. Waiting by the gate was the guard who glowered at Billy. As we exited Billy walked up to him and whispered something in his ear. As I followed Billy out the gate, the security guard followed me with an openly hostile manner and aggressive manner which somewhat surprised me as I had done nothing but try and keep the peace. After we left I asked Billy what he had whispered in ear. "Ahh." Said Billy, "I just told him that I forgave him but my friend Nick says he had better look to his right and his left when he leaves this f@X$ing place tonight!" Happy days; I miss you Billy! Please send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. My Houdini Halloween Escape -------------------------------------------- Message from Dean Gunnarson I thought I would forward some recent news links from my Houdini Halloween Escape. It made the front page of the papers, and lots of National TV, Radio, and newspapers as well as Entertainment Tonight and several talk show interviews in Canada and some in The USA, Australia, South Africa and others. http://news.google.com/nwshp?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF8&hl=en&tab=wn&q=%22Dean+Gunnarson%22&filter=0 Here is one National Station that covered with Video coverage as well. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061031/escape_artist_061031/20061031?hub=TopStories The escape was broadcast on live TV across Canada for 11 minutes interrupting the broadcast. Also live on 73 radio stations across Canada, and of course live on internet. http://www.cafe100fm.com/index.asp?ObjID=8288 Any questions please feel free to contact me any time. Thanks, Always escaping, Dean Gunnarson www.alwaysescaping.com (204) 255-6766 -------------------------------------------- 7. Consistency In Marketing -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com Being both a graphic designer and a magician, over the years I have had the privilege of designing many marketing materials for entertainers. Whenever I design anything for any client, it is important for me to see what they are currently using and sending out to their market. Usually, to my horror, I find out the main reason why their materials are not working for them as best as they could. This is from a lack of a consistent design image and message. This consistent image or message is what we refer to in the design world as creating a brand. But what is a brand and what does it mean for you the performer? Can this brand idea work for you and if so, how do you achieve consistency? Let me start by saying that a brand is a visual and emotional image or feeling that one person associates with a company or service. A magician who has a consistent brand message is one that people will remember when it comes time to make the important decision of who to hire for entertainment. The prospect associates good feelings with the magician and that can often influence their buying decisions. You can think of your own brand as an investment. It does not happen over night. The brand must be developed, used consistently and then matured in the minds of your customers before you can really reap the rewards. But is it worth it? YES! Many companies spend a lot of effort developing their brand and making sure that every marketing material conveys the same consistent look, impression and message. This consistent look in their materials helps build the perception of the brand in the minds of the individuals their services are trying to target. But why is having a consistent look (brand) important for the magician? The use of a consistent image helps to achieve an increase in public awareness of you and what services you are providing. The problem is that too many magicians have no consistency in their look or message from one material to the next. They either change their logo often or they have no logo at all. Their look and presentation of their materials also changes from piece to piece. This creates a very inconsistent image or impression and only acts to confuse the customer. One of the easiest ways to start achieving consistency in your brand is through the use of a logo that is used consistently in each of your marketing materials. Logos make up one of the most recognizable languages in the world. A good logo will communicate exactly who you are, what you have to offer and what you are all about. It will also do this in a matter of a few seconds. We call this brand recognition. A well branded magician will have a logo created and then use this logo consistently on each promotional material that goes out. The reason why this works is the fact that the more your prospects see your logo, the more recognizable it becomes to them. The minute they see your logo, they recognize you and this brings back important feelings and emotions that are associated with the services you provide. Having a consistent look is not only good from a marketing standpoint, but it also makes it a lot easier for you to prepare new materials that you want to send out. Because you have invested the time in developing a logo and a consistent look, creating new materials is as easy as following what you have already established. This not only saves you time, but also saves you money in the long run. But having a consistent look is only part of being a well branded magician. You also need to have a consistent brand message. This message tells, in a few words, what business the company is in, what benefits it provides and why it is better than the competition. Once this brand message is created, it should be used and referred to often. So with this said, we can say that every piece or promotional material you send out should meet 2 key criteria: 1) It should have a consistent look or image and should have your logo on it. It should follow your overall design plan and use consistent colors and imagery that you have already established. 2) It should convey a consistent message and reflect back on your brand message statement. If your piece does not meet these criteria set up for yourself, then your marketing material is not working properly and needs to be reworked. This helps you make sure that every piece or marketing material that you use to promote your services is consistent in its message to the consumer. Another easy way to have consistency in your marketing is to have stationary designed and use this for all your informational or sell sheets. Your stationary works great for this because it already has your logo on it as well as you contact information. You can then set up your sell sheets as a template in your favorite word processing application. You then only have to place your stationary in your printer's paper tray and you have a very polished and professional sell sheet. The power of doing it this way is that each sell sheet will have a consistent look and also have your contact information in their hands. If the sell sheets are set up for different topics, (such as client listings, quotes from customers, bio etc.) then each of them can also stand alone and still work. If a client pulls a sheet out to show a friend or another decision maker, then your information is still there and still branded effectively. Follow these simple steps for building a consistent brand, and you will certainly see a direct difference in the amount of business you generate. The increased awareness will make your services stand out from the others in your market, making it easier for people to use your services over someone else. If you would like to see samples of consistent branding, or would simply like to comment on this column, please e-mail Kyle at magic4u02@aol.com. -------------------------------------------- 8. The Latest News From Bonnie Scotland -------------------------------------------- Message from Jay Scott Berry Greetings from Bonnie Scotland. Just cleaning up after our Halloween haunt. Ahhh, the fun of scaring the living bejesus out of the wee lads and lassies. Does it get any better than this? Lots of magic news to report. So, where to begin? OK, first off, I'm very happy to announce the official launch of VSN - Vigil Studios Network. www.vigilstudios.com/vsn/ This is a state-of-the-art, Internet TV station dedicated to Magic, Music and Wonder. The initial line-up features a number of my performance clips. I will be adding new programming regularly, including exclusive footage from this year's Palace of Magic festival (see below) as well as footage from my recent TV specials. I'm also making an open call for magic (and magical) video footage. This will be a great place to see magic and, perhaps, be seen as well. We will be showcasing top established talent, up-and-coming performers plus exclusive interviews and special events. So, bookmark the site and please spread the word! If you would like to be part of this, please contact me at jsb@jayscottberry.com. Moving on, we celebrated our 5th annual Palace of Magic Festival in September. This event is now the largest magic festival ever held in the UK as well as being one of the largest in the world. This year, we moved to a fantastic new venue, Stirling Castle. What an amazing place! Home of Braveheart and steeped in history, it's also a great venue for magic. This year's all-star line-up included grandmasters Ali Bongo and Patrick Page. It is always a pleasure seeing both of these gentlemen. Each is shining examples of how you can grow old gracefully in magic while staying young at heart. Ali topped the bill, emceeing the shows in the Great Hall. He's as sharp as ever. I had a chance to sit down and tape an interview with him, which will air later this month on VSN. Besides being a consummate creator and performer, he is truly one of the most incredible people I have ever known, a literal walking encyclopedia of magic ideas and history. Patrick and I performed together in the Royal Chapel. He is one of the guys in magic who I respect the most. Like Ali, he is a true original who has inspired a whole generation of magicians, me included. His shows were, as always, impeccable. The bill also featured three young performers who are just making their mark on the international stage, Paul Dabek, David Goldrake and Paul Cunningham. We brought in Paul Dabek 4 years ago, just after he won The Magic Circle's "Young Magician of the Year" award. We were so pleased with his shows and his general demeanor that we've had him back every year. He continues to polish his act which, a few days after our festival, took top honors at the British IBM convention. David Goldrake is fast becoming recognized as one of Europe's most talented magicians. From Luxembourg, he has been seen recently as far away as The Magic Castle, where he has become one of their favorite acts. He performs everything from close-up to stage and is currently on tour with his full illusion show. From Scotland, Paul Cunningham is another promising talent who just won the top prize at a recent Scottish convention. He was a delight in our "Realm of Enchantment" with his kids show as well as entertaining the crowds in the Great Hall with his award-winning illusion act. In additional to these guest stars were the usual suspects including Mark Fisken as Kramus Nexifius, our 2500 year old wizard. Lisa Richards as Colombine, her colorful character, a perennial favorite. Alex Proctor, one of Scotland's finest, is a stalwart performer who has been a valued member of the team for the last 4 years. Rounding off the bill was Helmut and Doris Kautz from Germany. Helmut has become another one of our favourites artists. He is a consummate children's entertainer and balloon artist. His wife, Doris is an outstanding face painter. All in all, the weekend was a fantastic celebration of magic and wonder. Whew! The dust had hardly settled from the festival when I was flying off to a magic convention in Poland. This was their 28th annual gathering and it was a good one. Patrick Page and I were the guest stars and the organizer, Jerzy Stanek, pulled out all the stops to make sure we were treated well. This is no exaggeration. I'm talking a white stretch limo at the airport which took us to the top hotel in the city. There, we got a red carpet reception attended by TV cameras, paparazzi plus flowers from Miss Poland. This was followed by a full news conference. Needless to say, Patrick and I were utterly astonished! However, I must say, I learned a lot from Jerzy about how to stage a successful event. Over the next few days he had all of the top media in the country focused on magic. The convention itself was excellent. The shows and contests were very well produced. Magicians came from 11 different countries, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, Hungary and Latvia. In short, I can only say that it was one of the best conventions I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Bravo, Jerzy! While I was out gallivanting about, Lisa has kept busy as well. After the Palace of Magic, she spent the month of October working at Edinburgh Castle. Along with ol' Kramus Nexifius again, they were a big hit for this year's Halloween Ghostfest. Last weekend, I had a chance to see Kramus, that is, Mark Fisken, perform in the Great Hall. What a spectacular room. Just where you would imagine a wizard would perform. After a few days to recover, we're both gearing up with new projects: a new DVD out next week, some new effects and then come the holiday shows. We'll keep you posted. -------------------------------------------- 9. Bird Flu - A Virus (H5N2) -------------------------------------------- Message from Amos Levkovitch My magical friend, Help please: Due to the H5N1 virus spread, USDA has issued new rule: 30 days quarantine for performing doves coming back to the US. Experiments with doves show that doves cannot carry the virus. (Enclosed) This is another senseless USDA rule, similar to the hundreds of dollars inspection fee we pay for doves returning to US. The doves are never inspected and most of the times not even being looked at. The USDA agent only collects your money at the airport. Usually they do not even uncover the cage to see what is inside. Enclosed please find my correspondence with USDA Dr. Merrill who says that "Until APHIS has more scientifically sound evidence that doves cannot be considered to be carriers of or susceptible to avian influenza, the regulations would remain as they are." He did not find any proof that doves can carry the virus. All the articles say that doves can not carry the virus. (Enclosed) My personal feeling is that they received a budget to do act against the problem, they can not control the thousands of migrating infected wild birds so they spend money on controlling doves. It is like the young boy who has lost a coin in the dark and is searching to find it under a street light, because in the dark he could not see. I hope USDA find other creative and Effective ways to fight the virus with beneficial and useful results. I hope to get your help, sending Dr. Merrill an email peter.merrill@aphis.usda.gov telling him what you think about this unreasonable rule. Thank you, All the best, Amos Levkovitch Tel:(818) 340-4040 www.AmosMagic.com www.TrainedDoves.com PS. If you have not seen the movie Rumor Has It, Please watch a few seconds of my magic there: www.amosmagic.com/drumorhasit.html I will be lecturing at the Magic Castle October 29 at 03:00 PM. "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Doves But Were Afraid to Ask." I will be playing the Magic Castle the week of November 27th through December the 3rd (three shows nightly), at Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium on December 18 at 8:00 PM and at President Reagan Library Auditorium in Simi Valley on December 19 at 7PM. These shows are open to the public and allow children. Please be my guest. *First Letter: 10/17/2006 03:37 PM To peter.merrill@aphis.usda.gov Subject Quarantine regulations Hello Dr. Peter, Thank you for returning my call. Due to the H5N1 virus spread, USDA has issued new rule: 30 days quarantine for performing doves coming back to the US. > From USDA articles (Enclosed) I learned that H5N1 is spread by > migrating wild birds which come in direct contact with outdoors > domestic birds, mostly poultry, ducks, etc. very few articles > about pigeons, and none about doves found infected by the > virus. I have inquired about this subject with several > authorities. The answers I received confirm that Domestic Doves > do not carry H5N1. In addition to that, white magician's doves > do not and cannot live in the wild. They need our help to survive. The doves live indoors and do not come in contact with other birds or animals. When traveling, the doves stay in traveling cages, in hotel rooms and again, do not come in contact with any other birds or animals. This is another reason why it is not possible for performing doves to transfer the virus. Could you please let me know who should I contact regarding changing irrelevant quarantine regulations? Thank you very much for your help, All the best, Amos Levkovitch 7928 Rudnick Ave. Canoga Park, CA 91304 Tel (818) 340-4040 Fax (818) 340-2432 www.AmosMagic.com www.TrainedDoves.com *From: www.whitedovesociety.org :* White Dove Society 3800 N. Homestead Ave Tucson, AZ 85749 520-749-1813 There have been several studies on Avian Flu in pigeons. In 1983-83, a type of Avian Influenza was recorded in the USA. Over 500 wild pigeons and doves were examined and all were negative for the virus. In 1993, a type A virus (H5N2) was discovered in turkeys in north-eastern USA. It caused a great deal of concern and spawned a lot of investigation into the virus. Many flocks of pigeons were examined, representing a sampling of up to 50,000 individual birds. None of the pigeons were infected. In 1996, a group of pigeons were actually inoculated with two strains of deadly virus, and none of them developed the disease. In 2000-2001 in Hong Kong, pigeons were again experimentally infected with Type A (H5N1) bird flu and did not develop the disease although some did develop antibodies. This means that they may have caught the flu, but their bodies easily overcame the infection. From these studies, we can conclude that pigeons are not highly susceptible to Avian Influenza. I heard about some pigeons in Australia that had Avian Influenza? In the fall of 2005, 3 of 102 racing pigeons imported to Australia from Canada tested positive for influenza antibodies and this caused an immediate import ban. The international press picked up the story, and there was a lot of publicity involved. However, with further testing, it was discovered that the antibodies were to another form of virus and the birds were not infected with H5N1 virus. The import ban that was imposed was lifted. * From: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm* Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated secretions or excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. *From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB/.cmd/ad/.ar/sa.retrievecontent/.c/6_2_1UH/.ce/7_2_5JM/.p/5_2_4TQ/.d/0/_th/J_2_9D/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?PC_7_2_5JM_contentid=2005%2F10%2F0458.xml&PC_7_2_5JM_parentnav=AI_FACTSHEETS&PC_7_2_5JM_navid=AI_FACTSHT#7_2_5JM* Q. How is the disease spread? A. AI is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds, and through indirect contact with contaminated equipment and materials. The virus is excreted through the faeces of infected birds and through secretions from the nose, mouth and eyes. Contact with infected fecal material is the most common of bird-to-bird transmission. Wild ducks often introduce low pathogencicity into domestic flocks raised on range or in open flight pens through faecal contamination. Within a poultry house, transfer of the HPAI virus between birds can also occur via airborne secretions. The spread of avian influenza between poultry premises almost always follows the movement of contaminated people and equipment. AI also can be found on the outer surfaces of egg shells. Transfer of eggs is a potential means of AI transmission. Airborne transmission of virus from farm to farm is highly unlikely under usual circumstances. **USDA REPLY*:* .Merrill@aphis.usda.gov wrote: Dear Mr. Levkovitch: Thanks for the information links regarding avian influenza. There is a difference between information that is available on the internet, even through such portals as the CDC or APHIS websites which have synopses of that information, and the scientific literature. To date, nothing has been published in peer-reviewed journals of which I am aware that would support the idea that white doves are not capable of being infected with or diseased by avian influenza strains. Please remember that information dealing with 'avian influenza' or AI is very complicated scientifically, and that there are many versions of the virus and disease. In all, there are 144 possible combinations of the H and N components of AI; some of these cause the 'low pathogenic' form of AI, while others cause the 'highly pathogenic' form. There are variations for most viral strains of H and N combinations. Many of the potential combinations have shifted dramatically and swiftly over time into strains that cause more (or less) disease at any given moment. This overall adaptability is one reason that avian influenza is of such concern to the US, since avian viruses have time and again demonstrated the ability to mutate into forms that can cause human illness. Until APHIS has more scientifically sound evidence that doves cannot be considered to be carriers of or susceptible to avian influenza, the regulations would remain as they are. Currently those regs call for a 30 day home-quarantine of US origin performing birds that have been out of the US for 60 days or less. Thanks for the email and if you have additional questions, please contact me. Peter L. Merrill, DVM Senior Staff Veterinarian/Aquaculture Specialist USDA APHIS VS National Center for Import and Export 301-734-0649 peter.merrill@aphis.usda.gov **Response To USDA*:* Dear Dr. Merrill, Thank you for your quick reply. I appreciate your informative and comprehensive answer. The quarantine of US origin performing birds that have been out of the US for 60 days or less, is not a home quarantine. Not only I will not be able to work for 30 days, Mrs. Nora at USDA LAX Tel: (310) 725-1970 informed me that the charge for the procedure is over $1500.00. This is on top of the increased fees of the usual permit forms, and the inspection of the doves upon returning to the US. The quarantine prevents me and other magicians, lecturers, exhibits, competitions, etc. to work and to provide for our families. Please let's assume that in the enclosed article, the scientists that made the test on pigeon were mistaken and doves might get infected with the virus. I understand that we know very little about the virus mutations and we do not want to take a risk. From the little we know about the virus (From USDA enclosed articles) we know that the virus is spread by direct contact with infected birds. Reasonably, we do not ban tourists from infected countries that the chance that they stepped on infected feces and carry the virus in their shoes is much higher then the doves stepping on faeces. White domestic doves (Streptopelia Risonio Columbiforms) can not survive outdoors, they never fly outdoors. The doves cannot step on faeces. The doves cannot come in contact with any other birds or animals. They stay in their cage in hotel rooms or at home in a closed cage. Not only the doves can not physically get infected they also cannot transmit the virus to any other animals. The probability that they can transmit the virus is close to zero, if not zero. Airborne transmission of virus from farm to farm is highly unlikely under usual circumstances. (USDA enclosed.) I would like to add that my doves as other traveling doves are checked regularly by my avian DVM for every trip's Health Certificate, as well as USDA lab. tests, NPIP check and whatever required by USDA and the destination country's authorities. I hope you agree that the new quarantine rule concerning White Domestic Doves is unreasonable. If you are not the person authorized to change this decision, could you please let me know who is? Thank you, All the best, Amos Levkovitch -------------------------------------------- 10. Movie 'The Prestige' -------------------------------------------- Message from John Wade (UK) I was amused to read about the new movie 'The Prestige' which is currently being heavily hyped here right now. Anyone reading the original book by Christopher Priest published in 1995 will notice a fulsome credit given to me for magical advice. The time lag between the writing of the book in 1994 to the film finally coming out in 2006 shows just how long the gestation process can take. It looks as though the wait will be worth it. http://www.john-wade.org -------------------------------------------- 11. Broken Wand - Steve Black -------------------------------------------- Message from Peter J. Shield I presume you have been informed of the Death in Las Vegas of Magician Steve Black. He was a friend but I have yet to get any details of his untimely death. http://blacksmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 12. 52nd Austrian Magician Congress -------------------------------------------- Message from Kurt Freitag From August 13th until August 18th 2007, the 52nd Austrian Magician Congress takes place in Vienna. Please check the website for more information (available in English and German): www.zauberkongress2007.at -------------------------------------------- 13. Indian Magician Performing At Federation Square In Melbourne -------------------------------------------- Message from Lawrence Kelly If you happened to see an Indian Magician performing at Federation Square in Melbourne on 21st October before an audience of 30,000 people plus, it was none other than Laurie Kelly in disguise, the function was celebrating India. -------------------------------------------- 14. The Magic Circle Youth Initiative -------------------------------------------- Message from Mandy Davis Diva of Deception Chairman - Young Magicians Club www.youngmagiciansclub.com History was created this week when not one but two female magicians won top awards from The Magic Circle - a society which, until 1992, didn't allow women members. The Young Magicians Club, part of The Magic Circle Youth Initiative, was proud to award their top stage performance prize to 14 year old Megan Knowles-Bacon whose love of magic and dance proved to be a winning combination against stiff competition. Meanwhile professional magician Romany beat seven top male performers to win the coveted adult title Stage Magician of the Year as well as £1000 in prize money. Immediately after the awards ceremony Romany flew to Dubai for a month-long engagement there. Megan - went back to school! -------------------------------------------- 15. Murray Hatfield's - Canadian Tour -------------------------------------------- Message from Murray Hatfield Murray Hatfield, Canada's Magician of the Year, is pleased to announce the lineup for his annual touring show - Magic 'n Miracles. This year's show will feature comedy magician Tom Burgoon, physical comedian/juggler/vaudevillian Nels Cremean, and SAM First Place Winner - Danny Alan. As well Murray Hatfield & Teresa, along with their company of wonder workers, will present an entirely new show of illusions, dance, sleight of hand and magic. The show will encompass 76 shows in 26 cities across Canada in 5 and a half weeks. The production includes a cast and crew of 15 people, 5 tons of equipment, a truck, a bus, several doves, two budgies and Cody the Wonderdog. The schedule is as follows; Mississauga Sun Nov 19. Windsor Mon Nov 20. London Tue Nov 21. Kitchener Wed Nov 22. Oshawa Thurs.Nov 23. St Catharines Fri Nov 24. Etobicoke Sat Nov 25. Etobicoke Sun Nov 26. Markham Mon Nov 27. North York Thurs Nov 30. Brampton Fri Dec 01. Hamilton Sat Dec 02. Burlington Sun Dec 03. Burlington Mon Dec 04. Toronto Tue Dec 05. Kingston Thurs Dec 07. Ottawa Sat Dec 09. Ottawa Sun Dec 10. Edmonton Thurs Dec 28. Calgary Fri Dec 29. Calgary Sat Dec 30. Kelowna Tue Jan 02. Abbotsford Wed Jan 03. Vancouver Thurs Jan 04. New Westminster FriJ an 05. Surrey Sat Jan 06. Burnaby Sun Jan 07. Nanaimo Tue Jan 09. Victoria Wed Jan 10. WinnipegSat Jan 13. For further information www.MurrayHatfield.com -------------------------------------------- 16. Motor City Close-Up Convention Taylor, MI -------------------------------------------- Message from John Luker John Luka's 10th Annual Motor City Close-Up Convention takes place the weekend of November 10th - 12th, 2006. This year's convention features Max Maven, Chad Long, Steve Draun and Rick Merrill. There will be three close-up shows, four lectures, and two optional workshops. Enjoy the dealers as well as informal sessions. Max Maven will be conducting an optional workshop on Sunday morning, November 12th. Chad Long will conduct an optional workshop on Saturday, November 11th. There is an additional charge for workshops. Registration is $75 per person, after October 10th $80, at the door $90. All events take place at the Ramada Inn of Taylor, Michigan, located four miles east of Detroit Metropolitan Airport at I-75 and Eureka Road. Phone 1-734-283-2200 for room reservations and hotel information. There is a special room rate for the convention. To qualify, make your reservations by October 10, 2006 and mention John Luka Magic. For further information email JohnLukaMagic@aol.com or visit www.hometown.aol.com/johnlukamagic. -------------------------------------------- 17. ASM Centenary Convention 7-8-9 July 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci President ASM Melbourne We are extremely pleased with the initial registration response for what we believe will be the biggest ever Magic Convention ever to be held in Australasia. The five lucky winners from our first raffle of the early registrants are: Richard Wibberly, Ray Kelly, Simon Coronel, Tom Stevens and Alan Watson. Congratulations and thank you for supporting us so early. It is our intention to attract as many local and overseas participants as possible. Therefore, for those who register and pay a deposit of $100 and the balance of $180 to be paid in two further payments of $90 each due on the 1st of March and 1st of May. There will be a further raffle conducted at our 11th Dec meeting and 3 lucky registrants will get to come to the convention for the $100 deposit paid. The cost of the Banquet is $100 per person and is an additional charge. The Banquet will be held in the magneficient ANZ Pavillion room at the Melbourne Arts Centre with 180 degree views of Melbourne. The line-up so far is Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Shoot Ogawa, Gaetan Bloom Sean Farqahar and Lennart Green. If we can exceed our budgeted registration numbers, we have two more top international guests who are very keen to participate. So come on folks, do your part and let us know your intentions ASAP. You are the ones who will benefit because we intend to reinvest your registration monies in booking more guests. I want to clarify one very important point. There will be no freebees. This is one convention that is not going to run at a loss. What I mean by this is that I and all my committee will be paying to attend the convention also. I want to understand that all monies will be re-invested in the convention to try and put on a great occasion. Finally, next month we will be listing the competition rules on our website. In the meantime we welcome competitors for both the close-up and stage competitions. Numbers will be limited to ten competitors in each catagory. So the earlier you apply the better chance you have of competing. There is one reservation however, all competitors must be of professional standards. The honour of placing in both the competitions let alone the chance of winning some prizemoney should be enough incentive for you to enter. It will look good on your CV. All competitors however will be given a certificate to show that at least they had the honour of competing in this very special historic event. There will be five judges of very high calibre who will allocate points on Originality, Skilfullness, Innovation and Entertainment Value. Please do us a favour a pass this message to as many magical friends as possible If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me. Our website is www.magicians.org.au We hope to bring the website up to date with photographs in the next few weeks as the person who maintains the site is overseas at present. ----------------- 18. A Tribute Night For Billy McComb ----------------- Message from Terry Seabrooke Just finished some shows with British TV star Graham Norton and Sid Little one half of Little and Large act. The Magic Circle are planning a tribute night for Billy McComb which will probably be on the Monday after the Blackpool Convention finishes. -------------------------------------------- 19. Cath Jamison's Hit Show Sells Out! -------------------------------------------- Message from Cath Jamison (Aust) Cath Jamison's cabaret show, Secret Life of a Woman, was a huge success - selling out, during the Melbourne Fringe Festival last month. After this year and last year both selling out fast you can catch the show again at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2007. To find out more about Cath and her successful show see the following review from Australian Theatre, and a full page article seen in the Age. She was also spotted trying to chop off Mike Larkin's head on the channel 10 weather report - its ok - he survived!! http://www.aussietheatre.net/revcath.htm http://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/winging-it/2006/09/27/1159337211834.html For more details - www.cathjamison.com Thanks to all the magicians who came and supported the show - it to great to see you there! -------------------------------------------- 20. Houdini Lives! A Novel -------------------------------------------- Message from Adam Steinfeld Link to Publication: www.lulu.com/magiclive Link to book cover http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/MagicLive/1houdinilivesjustthefrontcovernew.jpg Houdini Lives! Is it True? Can it Be? Alive and well in 1966.Only 40 years ago! FT. Lauderdale, FL - October 31, 2006 ---It's 1966, and world famous magician, escape artist, Harry Houdini, did not die 40 years ago as people thought. He's has been in hiding from his political enemies and is planning a dramatic comeback. Who are these enemies from the 1920's, and why are they still trying to kill him? Can Stanford, the young, hip, up-and-coming magician, and his sultry assistant, Solea, save his life? A magician creates a world of wonder and asks people to believe in that world. It is the highest form of entertainment. What is Houdini's secret identity? Will this be his final illusion? Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare for a tall tale of murder, mystery, romance, and political drama. Houdini lives or dies is only a matter of time. www.HOUDINILIVES.com Link to Publication: www.lulu.com/magiclive Link To Authors Photo http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/MagicLive/AuthorsofHoudiniLives.jpg PHOTO: Renowned magician, comedian, writer, filmmaker Adam Steinfeld (L) joined by magic dancer Debby Breaux (R), and writer, Al Blanchard (C) , author of the Steve Asher Mystery series, the James Callahan Mysteries, and a collection of short stories called 'the Stalker and other Tales of Love & Murder' celebrate the completion of their novel Houdini Lives! produced magically on stage by Steinfeld at his MagicLive! casino show. -------------------------------------------- 21. 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) -------------------------------------------- 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2006 Alan Watson