* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #523 Date: Sunday 19th August 2007 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. Phenomenon - NBC Casting Call For Mentalist, Illusionist 3. The Young Magicians Club New Bi-monthly Magazine 4. There's A New Way To Communicate With Magicians 5. IBM/SAM Joint Convention 2008 Update 6. Magic #18 - Nick Lewin 7. Promotional Materials that Work - The T-shirt - by Kyle Peron 8. Australian "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2007 9. New Zealand "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2007 10. Merv Griffin's Death This Week 11. The Paul Royter Show (Spellbound) Route 12. Carney On The East Coast 13. British Ring Convention 14. Tom Craven.....Nothing Held Back! 15. Cath Jamison Appearing In "Hats Off" With Anthony Warlow 16. The Loch Ness Magic Challenge 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The registrations for the IBM/SAM Joint Convention 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA are flowing in on a daily basis. If you are planning to register I suggest you do it very soon as this convention will be a sellout. Refer item #5. ---------------------------------- Michele and I really enjoyed the internationally acclaimed Paul Royter family hypnotism Show (Spellbound) today. We hear that his New Zealand tour is a total sell out brought to New Zealand by International Entertainment. Paul hails from Vancouver, Canada. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Phenomenon Casting Call For Mentalist, Illusionist ----------------- Message from Alicia Good NBC announces deal with world-renowned mystifier Criss Angel and famed mentalist Uri Geller for 'phenomenon,' controversial new live competition series that will lead search for the next great mentalist. Burbank - July 16, 2007 - NBC has signed a series deal with mystifier/artist Criss Angel ("Criss Angel Mindfreak") and famed mentalist Uri Geller for "Phenomenon" (working title) -- a mysterious live competition series in which both men will conduct an intensive search for the next great mentalist. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "The match-up of two world-famous personalities, Uri Geller and Criss Angel -- who have demonstrated astounding skills -- makes for a riveting series format," said Silverman. "Factor in the mystery of the genre, the live competitive angle as the contestants attempt to follow in Criss and Uri's footsteps, and incredible interactive applications, and we think viewers will have many compelling reasons to watch." The series, based on a successful Israeli version judged and monitored by Geller which achieved a historical record-breaking viewing audience, tests 10 hopeful mentalists who must compete each week to demonstrate a wide spectrum of mystifying talents on a panel of weekly celebrity guests who participate along with a studio audience. Geller and Angel will assess the contestants and offer their unfiltered opinions. Ultimately, the winner's fate will be determined by the viewers at home. The visually arresting Angel is the creator, director and star of his self-titled, alternative cable series, "Criss Angel MINDFREAK" which is currently wrapping post production on its third remarkable and critically acclaimed season. In addition, Angel created and starred in two top-reviewed cable television specials, 2002's "Criss Angel MINDFREAK" and 2003's "Criss Angel: Supernatural." He has been the featured guest-star on both NBC's "Las Vegas" and "CSI: New York." Angel also has appeared on countless talk shows including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Larry King Live" and "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." In the summer of 2008, Angel will team up with Cirque du Soleil for a live magic experience at the Luxor Resort and Casino in Las Vegas that is slated to run for ten years and over 4600 shows. Geller soared to international fame by claiming extreme mind-over-matter abilities that aroused much controversy to this day in his hundreds of TV shows across the globe -- particularly the ability to bend spoons, among others. He was instrumental in creating the first interactive TV show worldwide when mysteriously objects bent in people's homes and broken watches came alive. "Phenomenon" is a Granada America/Keshet Broadcasting/Kuperman Productions co-production in association with SevenOne International. SevenOne International controls the worldwide rights to the program. Casting Deadline Is August 30th, 2007. Please submit Presskit and Videotapes to: Phenomenon Casting: 5800 Sunset Blvd. Bldg #11- Ste 104, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Alicia Good- Sr. Casting Producer, (323) 491-2009 -------------------------------------------- 3. The Young Magicians Club New Bi-monthly Magazine -------------------------------------------- Message from Mandy Davis (UK) The Young Magicians Club, the international society for junior magicians, is proud to announce that its bi-monthly magazine, Secrets, has gone full colour throughout! Members receive twenty-four pages of articles, tricks, news and views, theory and reviews with lots of photographic imagery as well as well-constructed articles from the famous and yet-to-be-famous. The current issue also includes rubber band magic and a full pictorial souvenir of the exciting Young Magician of the Year finals. Ian Adair and Kenton Knepper are fairly regular contributors and we always feature a Q & A session with one of YMC's members - next time it could be you! If you are over the age of ten but under eighteen this is the club for you - as well as the magazine we have a thriving on-line members' forum where you can chat and share ideas with likeminded magicians across the world. Visit www.youngmagiciansclub.com for our downloadable on-line membership form. If you are over age, then you can still subscribe to the magazine. Just email me at mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk for details. Don't miss out - October will bring you memories of our forthcoming IBM convention with David Williamson, Bill Malone and the Great Tomsoni to name just three of its host of stars. Read all about it, join us NOW! -------------------------------------------- 4. There's A New Way To Communicate With Magicians -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibâñez National President Society of American Magicians Greetings, There is a new, 21st century way to communicate with fellow magicians. This brand new newsgroup: Does not send you e-mails, Allows you to read about the specific type of magic or subject matter you are interested in, Permits you to read what you want at your leisure and when you have free time, Still permits for private messages which you will be notified you have when you log on, Offers messages for your regions and communications with your own RVPs and deputies as well as other areas to reach the National Council, the President, etc., Is administered by an expert in the field who has many years experience under this belt, he moderates another forum which has over 31,000 subscribers, Is just one more of the benefits that S.A.M. members can boast about....etc., etc., etc. Oh, by the way, it is all done in real time -- there's no time delay of any kind. It hasn't been quite 2 weeks since the all new SAMtalking was unveiled and already over 100 people have signed up and are making use of the forum. I would love to see that number increase at least 10 fold, so, if you are a member of the S.A.M., visit the site and sign up, I am sure you won't be disappointed. If you are not a member of the S.A.M. then consider joining, this is just one more of the benefits of membership. So visit www.samtalking.com today and please sign up. No, this will not be replacing SAMtalk, it is just another means of communicating with the membership for those who prefer to go there when they have a minute versus having e-mails in your in-box. Hoping to see you on the forum and please, as always, do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Keep a dream in the making, ----------------- 5. IBM/SAM Joint Convention 2008 Update ----------------- Message from Brad Jacobs & Roger Miller IBM/SAM 2008 Convention Co-Chairs The 2008 Combined Convention web site www.ibmsam2008.com has just completed a major update to include new Quick Links to performers booked, contest information, cash and contract awards, Six Never-To-Be-Repeated Lectures, the East Meets West close-up gala, the Business of Being Funny forum, flying times to Louisville, hotel reservation link, and a preliminary schedule of events. Currently, over 1300 have registered for the July 2008 international spectacular and 53% of the Galt House Hotel room allotment has been booked. -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #18 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic. Ted Salter the man with magic markers. If you have ever visited the Magic Castle in Hollywood you have admired this man's work even if you can't quite place the name. In fact I am fairly willing to bet that 95% of the visitors the Castle receives have never heard of Ted. I hope I captured your interest with my snappy opening paragraph because there isn't a lot that is flashy in my memories of Ted Salter. However in his quiet and unassuming manner Ted has left an indelible mark on the Castle with his wonderful portraits of magicians that grace the walls of our clubhouse. In fact quiet and unassuming isn't a bad way to begin describing Ted; then you could add kindly, gifted and multitalented. Ted was a successful freelance graphic artist who transplanted himself from England into a small friendly office on Highland Avenue in Hollywood. A lover of all things theatrical, Ted was as pleased as punch to contribute his talent to the Magic Castle. Every now and then an 8X10 was sent to his office and a short while later he delivered one of his drawings to the upstairs office at the Castle to be added to the impressive collection that he had previously donated. Ted was an artist in a wide variety of fields. His wife Eileen had accompanied Ted in many of his theatrical endeavors. They were the kind of couple who could not only create and write a musical production but they could build the scenery and perform it too. My favorite 'Salter Production' was their annual New Years Eve Party. I write that title in capitals advisedly as this was no small event. I suspect they began work on it by February or March at the latest each year. It consisted of games, entertainment and enough excitement to fill half a dozen regular parties. When you had the opportunity to visit the Salter's home on a less busy evening it would often end with Ted removing a picture (painted by him of course) from the wall and revealing a movie projector that lined up with the only blank wall in their home. You could then settle back and enjoy one of his collections of classic British and Hollywood movies. Ah, the joys of film in a pre-video era! After the birth of my second daughter Ted asked me to drop around to his house. To my amazement he had built an incredible miniature theater for them. It was a prototype and he was donating the full design and blueprints to the 'Mirth Maker' magazine but he wanted to make sure it really worked! Eventually Ted retired and they moved from Hollywood. Finally his original artwork ceased to arrive in the Castle office and one more special touch was missing from our unique clubhouse. Before he left Los Angeles though he had one more surprise for me. He built an amazingly intricate and beautiful dolls house for my daughters. It is still in our garage and every time I see it I remember with real affection Ted Salter. He was another of the unsung heroes that contributed to making the Magic Castle in its heyday such a special place. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Promotional Materials that Work - The T-shirt - by Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) Magic4u02@aol.com T-shirts are very nice as a give-away and also act as a walking advertisement for you and your services. A nice shirt could have the word magic assistant on the front over the pocket area and your logo or brand mark on the back of the shirt. Under the logo can be your website URL. Keep it simple as your shirt is always moving and it needs to register quickly. A couple things to remember about designs and printing of shirts: - Every additional color placed on a shirt cost you more money as it becomes a new screen that has to be prepared. This is for screen printing. There are now options and alternatives that allow you to be able to do unlimited amounts of colors on any shirt for a set price. This new format of printing is done by online companies such as cafepress.com. - Stick with doing shirts that are flat color and not photographic. Photographic can be done but the colors are never all that great and the initial cost is high. Flat color tends to work out the best. You can now do photographic shirts with the method mentioned above, but you have to be aware of quality and what can be done first. It is a best practice to ask the place to see samples beforehand. most will be able to show you samples so you get an idea of the quality ahead of time. - A nice two color shirt can work rather nicely and keeps your cost reasonable. - If you need to do limited runs on your shirts and do not meet the volume requirements of your silk screen place, try having a few shirts done at Kinkos or perhaps using a place like cafepress.com. It is a different process but is effective if you only need a few of them for a given event. - The smaller the area of color being placed on the shirt, the harder it is to register that color and get it to print right. This is why logos and flat art work best on shirt designs. You would want your art to be large enough to be easily seen as people are walking by. Keep this in mind when designing your shirt. - You will want to go to a silk screen shop to get your shirts done professionally. Keep in mind that silk screening is a lot cheaper route then having embroidery done. Save the embroidery for a jacket. - You can also get shirts done through specialty printers that specialize in printing and producing your logo onto various objects like shirts or mugs or key chains etc. Think outside of the box and think what items you can have your logo on that people will use time and again. Cafepress.com specializes in services like this and can place your logo or artwork on anything from a shirt to key chains to mugs etc. These are just a few of the many ideas and tips to consider and think about when having shirts made up for your many events. A great idea is to give the shirt to the person who books you for the event. You can get them on stage and say you have a special magic trick for them. You then have the entire audience say a big thank you and you present them with the gift. This makes for a great photo opportunity and can get a great picture for your promotional and marketing needs. Also, wearing your shirt is a great idea if you're doing a fair gig or event and will be in street clothes before and after the gig. This way people can easily spot you and know you are the entertainer. It helps brand you and get your name out in a fun way. I hope this is of help to many. If anyone would like further information in regards to shirts or specialty products, please feel free to e-mail me at magic4u02@aol.com. I would be happy to help you out and point you in the right direction. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com Chair Suspension Ebook Author http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 8. Australian "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Gene McCarthy David and Dania come on for 4 weeks in Australia, from Oct. 1st through all of Tasmania. Sam Powers will be on until they arrive. So it is Tony Laffan, Sam Powers, Chuck Jones. Then it's Chuck, Tony, David and Dania. Thursday 13th September 2006 - Cairns - 6:30pm Friday 14th September - Cairns - 6:30pm Cairns Civic Theatre Saturday 15th September - Travel Day Sunday 16th September - Townsville - 12:30pm - 3:00pm Upper Ross Community PCYC Monday 17th September - Mackay - 6:30pm Mackay Entertainment Centre Tuesday 18th September - Day Off Wednesday 19th September - Rockhampton - 1:00pm, 4:00pm & 7:00pm Pilbeam Theatre Thursday 20th September - Travel Friday 21st September - Bundaberg   6:30pm Moncrieff Theatre Saturday 22nd September - Off Sunday 23rd September - Brisbane - 12:00pm & 3:00pm Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Monday 24th September - Gold Coast - 1.00pm & 4.00pm Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Tuesday 25th September - Nambour - 12:30pm & 6:30pm Nambour Civic Centre Wednesday 26th September - Day Off Thursday 27th September - Toowoomba - 6:00pm USQ Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre Friday 28th September - Lismore - 6:30pm Trinity Catholic College Saturday 29th September - Travel Sunday 30th October - Newcastle - 12:30pm - 4:30pm & 7:00pm Civic Theatre Monday 1st October - Travel Tuesday 2nd October Penrith 12:30pm - 5:30pm Panthers World of Entertainment Wednesday 3rd October - Gosford - 3:00pm & 5:30pm Central Coast Leagues Club Thursday 4th October - Wollongong - 1:00pm - 4:30pm & 7:00pm Woonona Bulli RSL Friday 5th October - Bondi - 12:30pm - 4:00pm & 7:00pm Saturday 6th October - Bondi - 11am - 1:30pm & 4:30pm Sunday 7th October - Bondi - 11am - 1:30pm & 4:30pm SCEC Parkside Auditorium Monday 8th October - Off Tuesday 9th October - Hurstville - 12.00pm - 4.30pm & 7.30pm Marana Hall Wednesday 10th October - Off Thursday 11th October - Canberra - 12:30pm - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Llewellyn Hall Lions Club of Canberra City Inc Friday 12th October - Drive Saturday 13th October - Albury - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Albury Performing Arts Centre Sunday 14th October - Travel Monday 15th October - Wagga Wagga - 12:00pm - 6:30pm Civic Theatre Tuesday 16th October - Travel Wednesday 17th October - Off Thursday 18th October - Ballarat - 12:00pm - 4:00pm & 7:00pm 1870 Founders Theatre (University of Ballarat) Friday 19th October - Off Saturday 20th October - Melbourne - 12:00pm - 3:00pm & 6:00pm Sunday 21st October - Melbourne - 12:00pm - 3:00pm & 6:00pm Monday 22nd October - Melbourne - 12:00pm - 4:30pm & 7:00pm Melbourne Town Hall Tuesday 23rd October - Bendigo - 6:00pm Schweppes Centre Wednesday 24th October - Geelong - 6:00pm The Arena Thursday 25th October - Ferry Friday 26th October - Off Saturday 27th October - Hobart - 1:30pm, 4:30pm (& 7:00pm penciled) Wrest Point Hotel Casino Sunday 28th October  Launceston - 1:00pm & 5:00pm Princess Theatre Monday 29th October - Burnie - 6:30pm Burnie Civic Centre Tuesday 30th October - Devonport - 1:00pm & 5:30pm Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre Wednesday 31st October - Ferry Thursday 1st November - Travel Friday 2nd November Mildura - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Chaffey College Hall Saturday 3rd November - Travel Sunday 4th November - Adelaide - 12:00pm & 3:00pm Monday 5th November - Adelaide - 12:00pm & 6:30pm Thebarton Theatre Tuesday 6th November - Travel Wednesday 7th November - Travel Thursday 8th November - Kalgoorlie - 4:30pm & 7:00pm Town Hall Friday 9th November Saturday 10th November - Perth - 1:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday 11th November - Perth - 1:00pm - 4:00pm Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre -------------------------------------------- 9. New Zealand "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Gene McCarthy (NZ) On the New Zealand tour the performers are: Tony Laffan , Todd Charles, Chuck Jones and Chipper Lowell Monday 19 November - Taupo Great Lake Centre Tuesday 20 November - Tauranga Bay Court Theatre Wednesday 21 November - Gisborne War Memorial Theatre Thursday 22 November - Napier Napier Municipal Theatre Friday 23 November - Off Saturday 24 November - Rotorua Civic Theatre Sunday 25 November - drive Monday 26 November - Whangarei Forum North Tuesday 27 November - Hamilton Founders Theatre Wednesday 28 November - New Plymouth TSB Show Place Thursday 29 November - Wanganui Wanganui Collegiate High School Friday 30 November - Day Off Saturday 1 December - Wellington Queens Wharf Events Centre Sunday 2 December - Palmerston Nth College of Education Monday 3 December - Ferry Tuesday 4 December Wednesday 5 December - Travel Thursday 6 December - Christchurch Friday 7 December - Christchurch Theatre Royal Saturday 8 December - Off Sunday 9 December - Timaru Theatre Royal Monday 10 December - Dunedin Regent Theatre Tuesday 11 December - Invercargill Civic Theatre Wednesday 12 December - Travel Thursday 13 December - Travel Friday 14 December Saturday 15 December - Auckland Sunday 16 December - Auckland Logan Campbell Centre -------------------------------------------- 10. Merv Griffin's Death This Week -------------------------------------------- Message from Walter Blaney (US) When Merv Griffin died this week we lost one of the really savvy performers and entrepreneurs in show business. He was very kind to have so many magicians and other variety artists appear on his Merv Griffin TV show. I was lucky enough to get to appear with Merv in 1973. It was a most delightful experience, and Merv was cordial and friendly and funny. I got to do my Vanishing Birdcage routine and my Ladder Levitation. As in a number of TV shows the talent coordinator, the director, the script writers band together to tell an act what lines they must cut, and otherwise try to rearrange your act that you have been doing successfully for many years. During the commercial break just before I was to go on Merv came over to me and said how good it was to have me appear on his show. He said he knew that various assistants have tried to tell me what to do, and what changes to make in my act. He said to just ignore them and do what I do best. Merv said he was an act once upon a time and knew all about the confusing demands of the staff. But he was boss now he said, and he wanted me to "just go out and have fun on stage, and then we will all have fun." During my bows after the levitation Merv sneaked up behind me and pretended to try to examine my illusion . It got a good laugh. And then he chatted with me another minute on camera, and was just a friendly and gracious host. It's always nice when you learn a star can be just a regular guy who loves what he is doing. -------------------------------------------- 11. The Paul Royter Show (Spellbound) Route -------------------------------------------- Message from Gen McCarthy Tuesday 14th August - Whangarei - 6pm Forum North               Wednesday 15th August - Off Thursday 16th August - Off Friday 17th August - Travel Saturday 18th August - Taupo - 2pm Great Lake Centre Sunday 19th August - Auckland - 1pm & 4pm Logan Campbell Centre Monday 20th August - Hamilton - 6pm Founders Theatre Tuesday 21st August - Palmerston North - 6pm Massey University Wednesday 22nd August - Off Thursday 23rd August - Nelson - 6pm Trafalgar Centre Friday 24th August - Off Saturday 25th August - Christchurch - 1pm & 5pm Theatre Royal Sunday 26th August - Timaru - 2pm Timaru Theatre Royal Monday 27th August - Off Tuesday 28th August  Invercargill - 6pm Civic Theatre Wednesday 29th August - Off Thursday 30th August - Dunedin - 6pm Regent Theatre Friday 31st August - Travel Sat 1st September - Wanganui - 2pm Wanganui Collegiate Sunday 2nd September - Off Monday 3rd September - Wellington - 6pm TSB Event Centre Queens Wharf -------------------------------------------- 12. Carney On The East Coast -------------------------------------------- Message from John Carney (US) Carney on the East Coast John Carney is acclaimed as one of the finest magicians in the world. His books, Carneycopia and The Book of Secrets, are considered by many to be modern classics. His two hour lecture includes stage and close-up magic using cards, coins, cigars and a variety of everyday objects. Each routine is a lesson in itself, containing the insights and ingenuities that have made John one of the premier teachers of magic today. Topics include presentation, routining, misdirection and creativity. For more info, http://www.carneymagic.com/seminars/index.html Sept 25 Philadelphia 7:30 pm Marc DeSousa's place 106 Ivywood Lane Wayne, PA 19087 $25 at the door Sept 26 Washington D.C. 7:30 pm Barry's Magic Shop 5544 Nicholson Lane Rockville, MD 20852 $25 at the door Sept 27 Baltimore 7:30 pm Denny & Lee Magic Studio 325 South Marlyn Avenue Essex, Maryland 21221 $30 at the door Sept 29 New York City 1 pm City University Graduate Center 365 5th Ave (34th and 5th) New York, NY 10016-4309 4th floor, Science Center $30 at the door Oct. 2 Boston 7:30 pm Ray Goulet's Magic Art Studio 137 Spring Street Watertown, MA 02472 $30 at the door -------------------------------------------- 13. British Ring Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Convention News Here are profiles on a further three of this year's Convention performers/lecturers Robert Baxt, Rocco and Bill Marlone. Robert Baxt. After graduating with a B.A. in Film and Theatre Robert was offered dual opportunities of being accepted to both Ringling Brothers Circus College and Law School. He chose Law School. Having obtained a juris doctorate degree from an accredited New York City Law School Robert realised that no one ever applauded an attorney after a hard day of cheating people. So he turned to a full time career in show business forsaking a career in the judiciary. It was in 1988 that Robert entered his comedy routine in the International Brotherhood of Magicians competition in Norfolk Virginia taking top prize for the best magic act. The following year he did even better when he won the comedy trophy at the FISM Convention in Madrid. When it comes to performing comedy Robert has no equal. With his unique sense of humour and spectacular magical ability you will thrill and marvel to the hi-jinks and antics of this gifted performer. Robert Baxt can best be characterised by the description 'If all the world's a stage, he wants better lighting'. We are looking forward to meeting and seeing Robert Baxt. Rocco is a unique and original performer winning numerous awards from around the world. Having the ability to enchant and mesmerise audiences has placed him at the top of his profession. He is world renowned for his expertise in sleight of hand as well as his originality in conjuring. He studied with the Grand Master Slydini, who made him promise to 'make the world remember me and my magic.' It is a promise he has kept. From a humble beginning Rocco has created and perfected his own style of magic. Described by the late Harry Blackstone Jr. as 'the epitome of real magic' Rocco carries with him the elements so crucial for 'extraordinary magic': poise, wit, charisma, a European style of charm that is totally disarming, along with impeccable sleight of hand. Rocco is also regarded as one of the best performers of 'Street Magic'. Better than David Blaine? It is for you to decide for yourself. Bill Marlone was born and raised in Chicago and was bitten by the magic bug at 17. He was soon performing at Chicago's Little Bit of Magic, a comedy/magic club where he learned the fine art of entertaining an audience. Here is where he honed his style and character but Bill quickly realised that while people loved the magic, they loved to laugh even more. He stayed for 5 years making his next big move to the famous magic club The New York Lounge on Chicago's north side where he entertained people from around the world. After another 5 years Bill relocated to Fort Lauderdale where he owned and operated his own magic/comedy club called Houdini's Pub. Although busy with this venture he also found himself frequently performing outside Houdini's and quickly established himself as a premier entertainer not only in south Florida but also across the country. After appearing on NBC's network television special 'The World's Greatest Magic many other prime time television bookings followed for Bill. Realising his notoriety and talent the Boca Resort Hotel and Club formed a partnership with Bill and together they created Malone's Magic Bar, the premier entertainment outlet at the resort that operated for over a decade entertaining the elite. We look forward to enjoying the magic and humour of Bill Marlone at Southport. A disappointment. Because of family commitments that at the moment necessitate him not travelling outside the USA, Michael Close regretfully has had to take a rain check on being at Southport. The Convention organisers fully understand the reason but have assured Michael that they hope he would be available in future years. Michael you are always welcome and the British Ring will always be pleased to see you. One of the purposes of going to a Convention is to see 'go round the Dealers' and discover if there is anything new you can use. Jim Boyd, our Dealers Exhibition organiser reports he has had a splendid response from Dealers to his invitation to exhibit this year. As you will see from the list on the Dealers page on this website there is a wide and varied selection of those from whom you can purchase magical props both large and small, accessories for both stage, cabaret and close-up together with a wide range of books, videos and DVD's that you will find to be informative and instructional. As the majority of the lectures/workshops are being repeated on alternative days of the Convention there will be ample time for you to inspect what the dealers are offering enabling you to just find that effect you are looking for to enhance and strengthen your performance. The exhibition opens on Wednesday afternoon at 1.30pm and will be open on a daily basis until Saturday afternoon. Whatever are your magical needs you are sure to be able to find it within the Exhibition. Go and see what the Dealers have to offer and support them as they are supporting you. There will be a Melange of Mystery on Friday Afternoon when Eddie Dawes embraces the old and the new with the help of The Great Voltini with the assistance of Madame Electra, Su Jayne, Jon Marshall, Ben Hart and Daniel Hunt (Amethyst) assisted by Annette Claire. At the start of the 20th century the mysteries of electricity were a closed book to the majority of the populace enabling 'Dr' Walford Bodie to exploit them in his entertaining act. The Great Voltini will humorously recreate some of the fascinating effects of high voltage low amperage electricity. There were many female magicians who delighted audiences of the Edwardian era. In an enchanting cameo Su Jayne will capture the essence of the performances the lady magicians of that period. Epitomising the showmen of the fairground will be Jon Marshall, whose ebullient magic will be 'turning the tip, in characteristic fashion. What is 'turning the tip'? No doubt Eddie will be explaining when he introduces Jon. For the present day, The Magic Circle new Young Magician of the Year Ben Hart will present his splendid title-winning act. After winning the title in July, Ben travelled to Dallas Texas where he appeared in the Stars of Tomorrow Show at the S.A.M. Convention. And finally to span the past one hundred years from the first decade of the last century when Houdini was at the height of his career escaping from restraints and prison cells will be his modern counterpart David Hunt presenting his latest feats. You will probably remember it was David who escaped from Dick Turpin's cell at York Castle Museum. So be in the Southport Theatre on Friday afternoon, where you will enjoy magic of the past and present. Three interesting speakers will be delivering three interesting talks, on three interesting subjects, when Eddie Dawes introduces another session of the History of Mystery in the Arts Centre Studio on Saturday afternoon. The speakers are Roger Woods, Andrew Sherratt and Vanessa Toulmin, whose subjects will be Josephine Langley, the Lady Ventriloquist, the life of Dutch-born John Popjie and early Edwardian Variety and Magical Films. Josephine Langley worked the music halls and variety theatres during the period 1914 to 1922. Her married name was Annie Howarth and she was the mother of Maurice Mo Howarth famed for his own contribution to the art, who, in turn will bring 'Josephine, to life. John Popjie was a colourful showman who became a naturalised British citizen and in the 1920s toured the halls with a pseudo automaton he called Radiana, based upon the Golem illusion. Later he presented an animal act as Prince Mercado with Lemo the lioness, in both cases being assisted by his Glaswegian wife Helen. Vanessa Toulmin is the Director of the National Fairground Archive at Sheffield University. She will be presenting 'A Magical Mystery Tour' embracing some fascinating Edwardian Variety and Magical films and essentially providing an early Magic and variety Show. She will mention the work of Walter Booth, who worked with R.W. Paul, to show that there is more to early magic films than Georges Melies and project some freak show material including Kobelkoff, similar to Matthew Buchinger, the Little Man of Nuremberg. To those who want to learn more of the History of Mystery this seminar is a must. John "Sly" Smith has a top class bill for this year's Children's Showtime. Who better to host the show than that genial and experienced children's entertainer Richard Stupple. The strong first half features Percy Piecrust, Daniel Hochsteiner and Tony Rix, with the whole of the second half being occupied by America's Magic Al presenting his off Broadway show 'It's a Magic-Al World'. When Paul Stone asked him if he would like to include the acts of Daniel and Magic Al in his show, John was delighted to do so and jumped at an offer that allowed him to put together a well balanced and entertaining children's show that would be just as appealing to adults. Of course the IBM Clowns will be on hand before and after the show to ensure that everybody is entertained from the moment they arrive until the time comes for them to go home. Sadly Percy Piecrust has decided it is time for him to retire and will be making this his final personal performance. For decades this charismatic character has been entertaining children of all ages with his magic and spell binding story telling. So come along and bid farewell to this lovable, colourful personality. The experts classify Daniel Hochsteiner, in the midst of International Show Business as a World star, making him the King of Juggling. What he demonstrates when he juggles tennis balls, tennis racquets or clubs is taking the abilities of human reflexes to the very edge. Performing to a background of South American and Spanish music you must prepare yourself to be amazed by the skills and sparkling personality of Daniel Hochsteiner. Tony Rix is the Children's Entertainer and a favourite children's choice. He never fails to amaze or fails to entertain with his unique personality and individual style. His unlimited talents ensure the children are entertained - at his shows even the adults enjoy the experience. His magic show, from start to finish, is full of colour and audience participation and includes magic with a message eg. Follow the Green Cross Code, Say No to Strangers, Brush your Teeth. And to close the performance, the star of the show.Snowy the Magic rabbit who the children make to appear by magic and who actually waves to them, how incredible this may seem. In 2000 when Magic Al wrote a theatre show for children he teamed up with a producer and director and put the show on in one of New York City's many off Broadway theatres. In Southport it will be presented for the first time since its initial successful run. Magic Al is the King of Long Island Kid shows maintaining a performing schedule of 300 to 400 shows a year of which 75% are kid shows with the remainder family and adult shows. This is your chance to see what is possibly the first theatre show devised especially for children. Children's Showtime this year moves from its usual time on Saturday morning to Saturday afternoon at 2.30 pm and is at the Arts Centre Theatre. It is felt that the change of time will be more beneficial for the children of Southport and their parents. There is still time to register for this exceptional Convention by going online to www.britishring.org.uk and downloading a registration form and where if you wish you have the facility of paying by Paypal. Alternatively you can contact the Registration Officer Neville Johnson by telephone on 01202 843234 or by e.mail at nevillejohnson25@aol.com. -------------------------------------------- 14. Tom Craven.....Nothing Held Back! -------------------------------------------- Message from Barron & Athena Stringfellow Tom Craven has been a magician for over 38 years. He Has performed a number of times at the famous Hollywood Magic Castle. He has taught magic at Akron University, Polk Community College and Maplewood Joint Vocational School. He has written numerous articles for magic magazines and even has his own monthly column in the Linking Ring "Craven Haven". Tom also lectures all over the United States and Canada to the magic fraternity. Tom shows us how to "Bottle Air", by inflating a balloon in a coke bottle, where it stayed inflated until he decided to pour it like water. It is a visual, fun effect - great for a MC bit. "Jailbird Jack" - a card counting effect with clever patter, of course, and ending with an unexpected (secret ending omitted!). One of his classic effects where a large a small steel ring are tied on a hank, and a spectator pulls free whichever one they name. A spectator acts as a psychic in the "6 Glasses" routine. 3 spectators rearrange 2 glasses each as they wish, then The Psychic , with back turned, gives a series of instructions righting all 6. This Could be a great effect to do even over the phone as the coding is simple. A card with 16 numbered squares, and 4 dice randomly moved, generate a number which matches a batch of coins on the table. In conclusion, all coins 'tails' up are gradually removed leaving a nickel with a predicted date. This is a clever multiphase close-up routine. "Glass Backwards": 2 glasses are shown with a face down card in each. A spectator shuffles the deck, and then places the top 2 cards in the 2 glasses. They match the cards already there. Stunned silence, then applause. As usual, the secret is easy. "Glasses, Silks and Orange" is a stage effect where 2 screens are used to hide the color changes of several silks, the transposition of 2 glasses, and finally an orange silk changes to a (I don't want to ruin the surprise). The lecture, and it's reasonably priced bag of goodies, includes some of Tom's effects previously marketed, such as "Blue Collar Aces" (a deceptive and easy Ace assembly with no sleight of hand), "Houdini Deck" and a great finish with "Naked Poker" - a comedy poker demonstration with a kicker ending. This is a great lecture, entertaining, and everything is useful. Also By, With or Starring Tom Craven: Card Magic of John Quine - Tom Craven Tom Craven's Homing Card Semi-Automatic Card Tricks Vol.2 GROBY prediction The Second 16th Card Book by Tom Craven & Paul Gordon Regular Columns in Linking Ring and Genii, to mention only a two! Crowd Pleasers - The Tom Craven Video T.I.P.S. Tom Craven's Message Prediction Saturday, October 27th, 2007 Fairmount Community Center 7-9 pm Gen. Admission Only $15.00; Under 18: $10.00 608 Ash, Independence, Mo. (24 hwy & Ash, just west off Sterling) Contact Athena Stringfellow @ Flaming Hat Productions for Info: (785) 741-0767 or (785) 486-2253 -------------------------------------------- 15. Cath Jamison Appearing In "Hats Off" With Anthony Warlow -------------------------------------------- Message from Cath Jamison (Aust) Cath has been busy performing a 4 week season in Katie Underwood's (Popstars /Bardot fame) musical, "Dark Angels" and has now been invited to perform along side showbiz greats such as Anthony Warlow, Silvie Paladino , Julia Zemiro, and the cast of "Phantom of the Opera" in Oz Showbiz Cares hit concert with a difference, " Hats Off " . Cath is also featured in the September issue of a worldwide magazine , Adore animals. www.adoreanimals.com.au. A lifestyle based magazine centered around animals. The theme is on our history of relationships with animals, and is focused on her 'pet' doves and how she incorporates them into her show and everyday life.  A fantastic magazine for anyone who loves animals, from companion animals to wildlife. "Hats Off" (2nd Sept.2007) info and bookings OzShowbiz www.oscefa.org.au ----------------- 16. The Loch Ness Magic Challenge ----------------- Message from Ricky McLeod Ricky McLeod, Gary James And Congo (AKA Max Marshall) were the Edinburgh Magic Circle Team which won the Loch Ness Magic Challenge at Fort Augustus last weekend. Magical Societies from all over Scotland took part in the hard fought competition where the general public cast their votes. During the five hour event, over 1800 votes were cast in total and the Edinburgh boys received a handsome trophy and cheque for £1500. In second place was Perth Magic Circle and third place was awarded to the Glasgow Magic Circle. A special thanks must go to Jan Culshaw for his tremendous organisation and hard work, making the event a resounding success. ----------------- 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 10 Z - Special Unit The operation, jointly planned by Australian and British Commandos and Intelligence Officers, was to take place at the same time when the Salamaua, Lae and Finschafen operations were taking place against the Japanese in New Guinea. Creating total upheaval and chaotic disruption to Japanese shipping was determined to be an essential factor in the success of these operations. So great was the secrecy of 'Operation Jaywick', that Major Bob Page of GRAFTON, New South Wales, Australia, died in a later operation without knowing he had been decorated for his part in it. For nine months the party trained at a secret camp on the Queensland coast. The three canoes with their six raiders apiece, reached Dongas at 8:30 on September 22nd. The gruelling and perilous long paddle necessitated a day of rest for the canoeists; the next day Singapore Harbour was reconnoitred for likely targets, and during their five-day surveillance, there was never less than 100,000 tons of shipping present in the harbour. On September 24th the three canoes attempted infiltration of the harbour but unfavourable tides forced them to reject the mission. During this entire period the raiders were under the constant threat of being detected by the numerous and active Japanese water and shore patrols. The next night the base of operations was altered to Palau Sambu where the tides were more favourable and on the night of the 26th September the successful raid was launched. Canoe No.1 reached a 10,000-ton tanker and two limpet mines were attached to her hull, one at the place of the engine room and another on her propeller shaft. Canoe No.2 twice crossed the boom of the harbour in search of worthy targets, finally selecting three of the most tempting - two 5,000 ton freighters, and the 6,000 ton 'Taisyo Maru'. Canoe No.3 stealthily examined ships and sentries along the lighted wharves before selecting the modern freighters - 'Nasusan Maru' and 'Yamataga Maru'. The attacks began soon after 8:00 pm. At dawn, the canoes were back at their operations base camp and there the crews settled back to watch the forthcoming fireworks. Seven separate explosions were heard between 5:15 am and 5:50 am and both sea and air patrols were observed setting out searching for the attackers. At dusk on 27th September the raiders set out for their rendezvous with Krait, which was cruising in the vicinity of Pompong Island and, despite the frantic and exhaustive air and sea searches by the enraged Japanese, the canoeists slipped through the net and made their rendezvous. Lieutenant Carse and the seven-member crew of Krait had been waiting and playing cat and mouse with Japanese patrols for 16 anxious days when all of the raiders were picked up safely. The Krait then stole away unnoticed bound for Australia where there were one or two close calls along the way - such as being interrogated by an inquisitive enemy destroyer, but she reached Australia without the loss of a single man (a remarkable achievement for such a hazardous mission); the seemingly impossible 'Operation Jaywick' had been a resounding success. After the Singapore raid Krait was sent to Darwin to join the Lugger Maintenance Patrol of the famous Z Special Unit. At the end of WWII she was taken over by the occupation authorities at Labuan Island (Victoria) off British North Borneo (Sabah) and sold to a local trading company, which for the next twenty years used her to haul timber down the Jungle Rivers of Borneo. In 1963 The 'Krait Committee' was formed in Sydney, with the intention of bringing her back to Australia for permanent preservation. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) donated to the fund and, with the aid of newspaper appeals etc. money was raised; so it was that in March 1964 a rather battered Krait arrived in Brisbane aboard the P&O ship Nellore. ANZAC Day 1964, Krait sailed unpretentiously into Sydney Harbour, escorted down Port Jackson by an armada of small craft. Received by the State Governor at historic Farm Cove, she was dedicated as a - 'Floating War Memorial', and then presented to the Volunteer Coastal Patrol to use in training and rescue work. She is now settled serenely at the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney. The plucky little fishing boat is home to stay. Page 11 Epilogue As I mentioned at the beginning of this epoch, we had a four day booking at the Ex Services Club in Grafton, and that the club had previously arranged, in conjunction the Jacaranda Festival Committee, for the 'KRAIT' to be sailed up from Sydney to be 'In Attendance' on the Clarence River: 'To Honour The Memory Of The Late - Major Bob Page', see Page 8 - first paragraph. It is through Bob Page's heroic activities in collusion with the Krait (along with the rest of the brave men who were part of Top Secret 'Operation Jaywick'), that Grafton will forever be a part of Australia's naval history. I had the privilege to been personally invited aboard this legendary craft by two of the original members of 'Operation Jaywick', whom I had met after a show one night at the Ex Services Club (whose names I am ashamed to say, I have long forgotten), who took me for a 'sail'; and as we chugged down the river, regaled me with tales of some of their hair- raising exploits, as we downed a few cans of - 'The Amber liquor'! That is why the Krait is special to me. To this day, I feel humbled to have been invited by two of the heroes of the Krait, to tread on the same teak planking as the late major bob page of Grafton, and the rest of their companions had, as they valiantly fought the Japanese - sixty years ago! -------------------------------------------- 18. 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