* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #674 Date: Sunday 12th July 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. IBM 2009 Convention Contests Results 3. Great Online Source For Downloadable Magic Books 4. Remarkable Magic #102 - Nick Lewin 5. What Makes a Convention Great - #126 - Kyle Peron 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #76 7. Martin Breese Is Taking A Long Holiday In China 8. KIDabra KIDshow Magic Auction 9. British Ring Convention News 10. One Day Seminar - Julian Franklin - Melbourne Australia 11. New S.A.M. Magic Center Slated For Louisville 12. Ben Robinson's Performances Delighted The Audience 13. e-zine Archives 14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Delighted that Sue-Anne Webster (Australia) will be again reviewing all the FISM acts in Beijing for Magic New Zealand e-zine coming soon. Sad to report that I have received a large number of messages and links to articles about Jonathan Pendragon being arrested for allegedly firing a gun at the floor during an argument. Jonathan and Charlotte you in our thoughts are with while you are this very trying time. Actually right now I'm enjoying watching "The Magic of the Pendragons" presented by L & L Publishing DVDs - showing the real secrets of illusion and for those out there who perform stage magic they are a must! Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. IBM 2009 Convention Contests Results -------------------------------------------- Message by Don Greenberg forwarded on by MikeD: Close-up Contest: Adult Category: 1st Place Winner: Yoo Hyun Min 2nd Place Award of Merit: Ray "Magic" Adams Youth Category: 1st Place Winner: Micah Johnson 2nd Place Award of Merit: Shin Lim FFFF's: Atsushi Ono The I.B.M. Gold Cups International Award of Excellence in Close-up Performance was not awarded. ------------------------------- Stage Contest: Adult Category: 1st Place Winner: Richard Forget 2nd Place Award of Merit: Peter Pitchford Youth Category: 1st Place Winner: David Mlakar 2nd Place Award of Merit: Reuben Moreland I.B.M. People's Choice Award: Jei Min and Hanna Karrell Fox Comedy Award: Jeffrey Alan Sabra The I.B.M. Gold Medal International Award of Excellence in Stage Performance was not awarded. -------------------------------------- I.B.M. Originality Contest: Michael P. Lair, for shrinking soda can I.B.M. Strolling Olympics: Funniest: Andy Root Most Original: Loudini (Louis Malamed) Best Overall: Micah Johnson and Shin Lim (duo) ------------------------------ As a side note, this is the very first time that the Karrell Fox Comedy Award has been presented.  Hope to see many of you in San Diego next year and hope to have many of you judging as well. -------------------------------------------- 3. Great Online Source For Downloadable Magic Books -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeff Hobson (US) I've discovered a great online source for downloadable magic books. It's www.Lybrary.com. One of the many subjects available is magic. I've already purchased a number of selections that I read while I'm on the road. I encourage others to check out this site. I've just posted my, "Hobservations on Comedy Clubs" on Lybrary.com. This is the future of magic books. . . . today. -------------------------------------------- 4. Remarkable Magic #102 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic #100 memories of Michael, sort of. As I reflect on the recent excitement over the King of Pop and his ascension from this earthly abode I realize my perspectives might be a tad different to the average Joe. While I was never a huge fan of MJ it has certainly been impossible to not experience his impact. I want to try and think like the rest of the Jackson clan and put in some thoughts on the financial side of my dealings with the KOP. I do remember getting paid to perform magic at the World premiere of 'The Wiz' back in 1978. It was quite a spectacular event and using colored floodlights they transformed Century City in Los Angeles into the Emerald City. There was an outdoor party and several of us were chosen to perform during the ritzy event. We were performing in strange little raised stages positioned above and around the party zone. We were very much set decoration, as I'm not sure if we could be seen at all by the guests seated below us. As I remember I pretty much gave up the ghost 20 minutes into it and just kept repeating the Linking Rings. They were bright, noisy, brash and fairly mindless; not unlike the crowd we were performing for. I'm not sure what I was paid to perform this 'brain-numbing' event but it was very useful for the rent I suspect. In a fit of generosity they also gave each of us performers a set of limited edition posters of each of the characters in the movie. I have these posters still in their original container in my magic studio and I might think about e-baying them. Now, as in 1978, the money factor is still in the mix. I also acquired a prop from the Michael Jackson 'Victory' tour when I hired Franz Harary to work with me in 1985. I was set to produce a 30-foot diesel truck during a sales meeting for Western Star Trucks. Franz had recently made the move from head of the Michael Jackson Fan Club to magical advisor on the 'Victory' tour. In order to produce the truck we needed to begin by producing two female assistants and that is how the deceptive base that had once housed the 'single-gloved' One ended up in my garage. It was the biggest prop I have ever seen. We could practically have produced the truck from it! I lost touch with the deceptive base when I sold it with the rest of my illusion show. I don't remember what we got paid for it but there could now well be a family of five living in it. There may even have been a single glove left inside the prop--I never really checked. However the prop, just like MJ, is now gone and hopefully in a better place. This wouldn't be tough for the deceptive base as my garage in the heat of a Vegas summer is no picnic but the posters though............ hmmm, they may be worth a bit and I still own them. If you're interested check e-bay! Check out the new blog on my website www.nicklewin.com I am adding some nifty bells and whistles to the site Or email me at nicklewin1@me.com -------------------------------------------- 5. What Makes a Convention Great - #126 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com As the I.B.M convention draws to a close and I prepare for the S.A.M convention in Buffalo, I cannot help but to wonder what draws me to these events? What is it that makes me want to go and excites the inner child in me? What is it about a magic convention that makes it great? Some may say it is an easy question to answer although I am sure all of our answers would be vastly different. Some would say it is the talent while others may talk about the lectures. Maybe it is the opportunity to buy more magic we can put in that drawer that we never open or use. Could it also be the workshops, shows or contests? However, could it be something else entirely? Could there be something else that is at the heart of what makes magic conventions great? Maybe we are missing out on what seems to be in plain view but we are often blind to see. As I think about this further, it dawns on me that what I enjoy the most about conventions are the people. It is kind of silly to think of it that way. But everything boils down to the people. It is the old friends I get to see again and the news ones I get to have a chance to know. Behind every aspect of the convention, it is ultimately the people that are making it great. Sure the performers inspire me and the lectures get me thinking. But I can honestly say that many conventions I would go to regardless of who was headlining or what the lecture was about. I would still go because of the people I get to hang out with and spend a few days with. I get to laugh and joke and share the love of our art with others. That to me is a special thing. If we are brothers and sisters of the art, then shouldn't this be what it is all about? Shouldn't we get the most excitement out of simply being around people who share the same love for magic as we do ourselves? However, I think a lot of us forget about this when we attend conventions. I think we become blinded by other things we see. We tend to complain more then we complement. How many times have you been at a convention only to hear folks complaining about this or that? Too many I would be safe to say. We have to realize that we have the ability to get out of the convention what we want to get out of it. But in order to do that you have to put something into it as well. By this, I simply mean you have to have the right attitude about it. What I see too often is folks simply not realizing that this is an opportunity to share and make a difference. We get too locked up into our own needs and wants that we miss opportunities to share the art. When you see a kid in the lobby trying to learn a move, instead of laughing and walking on, go over and sit down and teach him how to do it. Extend a hand of friendship. This is an opportunity to show that as a magician we can help each other. You can make a difference in a positive way to that kid. If you see folks having a late night jam session, do not feel awkward by joining in. Do not feel afraid if you do not know as much. This is your chance to learn and to grow in the art. If you are part of the jam session and you see someone come over, allow them to join in and do not criticize them based on what they do not know. If you see someone in the dealer's room that is obviously confused about something you know about, help them out. Offer the advice and help them to make a wise purchase. They will thank you for it. Instead of laughing at bad contest acts, realize they first had the guts to get up there in the first place. That is not an easy thing to do and they deserve our respect no matter how you feel they did. Encourage them. Empower them and offer some helpful advice in a friendly manner that shows them that you care about who they are and what they did. Conventions should never be about showing off how great you are. It should not be about how many people you personally can fool or how much you bought in the dealer's room. It should be about sharing this art called magic. It is about extending the hand of friendship to other magicians you do not know. It is about the love of our art and the people who share that same love with us. So the next time you go to a convention, remember these simple thoughts. Take the time to make a difference. You will feel better and our art will thank you for it. If you are going to Buffalo, look for me in the hallways and extend a handshake. I will be certain to not only shake your hand. but to also smile and say "thank you" as well. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic Community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #76 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Romhany's Eastern Canadian Lecture Tour In August I continue my World Lecture tour and find myself in Eastern Canada. I will be in Montreal and Toronto so if you are around those Cities then it would be great to see you at the lecture. This is the lecture that I have presented in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It is filled with practical magic for all levels of magicians and includes stand-up magic, close-up magic, walk-about magic and mentalism. There is definitely something for everybody. I will also have my new DVDs with me as well as my books and a range of magic products. Here are the dates and times. Montreal - Thursday, August 13th at 7.30pm. It will be held at the Montreal Chinese Community & Cultural Center, 1088 Clark, Montreal. $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information visit www.cammontreal.org/romhany or call Grant McSorley at 514-571-0325 Toronto - Saturday August 15th at 2pm and will be held at Morrissey's Magic Shop, 2477 Durrerin Street, Toronto. Contact Dan at 416-782-1393. Looking forward to meeting all my friends from this part of the world. Paul Romhany www.paulromhany.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Martin Breese Is Taking A Long Holiday In China -------------------------------------------- Message by Martin Breese (UK) Martin Breese is taking a long holiday in China culminating in a visit to FISM Martin Breese writes to tell us that he is taking a long break in China and will be touring around for several weeks and hopes to end up at the FISM convention later this month. His business will operate as usual and is in the capable hands of his PA John Hinchliffe who will be replying to any emails to Martin and taking orders and sending out goods each day when required. In the event of a really urgent need to contact Martin just mark your email urgent and it will be forwarded to Martin in China for a response. He hopes to walk over the Wall of China and not as many of his friends have suggested through the Wall of China. Martin's new website is now fully operational and as his business has moved from the North of England to the house right next door to Martin all orders are now despatched virtually on the day received and the new improved service seems to be just what the magical doctors have ordered. Orders in by lunchtime go out on the same day! www.abracadabra.co.uk or www.martinbreese.com. -------------------------------------------- 8. KIDabra KIDshow Magic Auction -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Daniel KIDabra Conference Wednesday, August 12th The Biggest, Best KIDshow Magic Auction in the world just got better! This year we've added, for the first time, a pre-auction flea market for items valued under $20.  Then join us for the 15th annual KIDshow auction with the funny, fast paced and knowledgeable auctioneer Gary Shelton on his 15th consecutive tour of duty. The hardest day he works all year! At an auction that has become a haven for collectors, bargain hunters, buyers and sellers, the world over you just never know what may happen during the course of an entire evening! From props to books, DVD's, illusions and trash to Supreme treasure, bids start at $20.00 with Gary deftly at the helm, the bargains flow. For instance, two years ago Terry Herbert got into a friendly bidding war over a genuine Fraidy Cat Rabbit and won it. Last year, David Kaye walked away after hard bargaining with a Jack Hughes card duck named FiFi. A few years ago my sons discovered a rare and valuable Williams metal hand chopper in a bin of assorted props that Tami bought for them. Oh and there was some junk bought and sold too, Ken Scott several years ago purchased the beat up botania (for an outrageous fee) that has since opened every KIDabra Conference! You just never know! Well, actually you can! Come experience this crazy evening for yourself, the Internet auctions can't come close to the fun of the Annual KIDabra KIDshow Auction It's one of the many incredible events that happen at KIDabra Conference August 12-15th in the resort town of Pigeon Forge, TN. Please join us for the KIDshow event of the year, full info at kidabra.org -------------------------------------------- 9. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring It has just been confirmed that John Lenahan is joining the long list of headline magical performers at this year's British Ring convention in Southport. John came to Britain in 1984 from his native Philadelphia for a short trip and has never quite made it back. From an inauspicious beginning (it was a summer season with Little & Large) John has become a successful corporate entertainer. He grabbed the headlines in1994 when he was the first person in 85 years to be expelled from The Magic Circle. This came about following an appearance on the BBC 1 Show 'How Do They Do That?' during which he explained a sleight of hand known as the Three Card Monte. He considered it to be, as did many others, to be more of a gambling con than a trick. John did not appeal against the decision, took the rap and enjoyed the publicity. His subsequent TV appearance in his own 1997 series for BBC 2 'Stuff the White Rabbit' drew rapturous praise from the press. This series achieved record ratings for the slot and was responsible for influencing a number of youngsters to become magicians.  2004 saw him starring in a primetime BBC 1 Show 'Secrets of Magic'. Aside from magic other TV credits include presenting a travelogue factual series on BBC 2 called 'The Open Road' which featured John travelling across the UK finding out about the lives and traditions of the British people. He has played the voice of the Talkie Toaster in the first series of Red Dwarf and made guest appearances on everything from TFI Friday to Celebrity Squares and has regularly compered and topped the bill at London's Comedy Store. He has also fronted Hoax Busters an ITV network show lifting the lid on scams and hoaxes. He has guested on numerous chat shows with Terry Wogan, Gloria Hunniford, Jonathon Ross, Danny Baker and most recently Jack Docherty. John has performed all over the world from Beijing and Hong Kong to Dubai and Dublin and has toured alongside such luminaries as Jack Dee, Victoria Wood, Lenny Henry and Michael Ball. Besides all this, John is one of the most successful corporate entertainers and presenters in the country. Apart from his regular show stealing cabaret he has linked numerous conferences, made kitchens appear for Neff, taught Bank of England staff to juggle, read thousands of minds and levitate a 20 pound Toblerone bar. He was the first person on record to perform magic live over the Internet for BT. He has the rare talent of making any audience laugh at a magic act, young or old, north or south, televised or live, alternative or mainstream. He was described in The Guardian as 'The mascot of magical renaissance' and by Jackie Collins as 'extremely good looking' John Lenahan lives in Cricklewood North London with his son and a collection of computers and gadgetry. In a world dominated with awards he is proud to have once been voted Time Out's 'Street Magician of the Year'. John's first novel 'Shadowmagic' was published last year. 'Shadowmagic' is a rip roaring fun fantasy adventure novel very loosely based on Irish mythology where every chapter ends on the edge of a cliff (or at least on a high curb). In it you are invited to join Conor as he grapples with typical problems like how to deal with a father's high expectations, how to survive in the world on your own and how to woo a girl - that wants you dead. 'Shadowmagic' is a podcast for young adults from 12 to 112. It has been widely recommended. You will have noticed that among the photographs in the brochure is that of Aonghus McAnally. Unless you have attended magical Conventions in Ireland or can receive Irish RTE Television or listen to RTE Radio the chances are you that you may not know of Aonghus. He is one of Ireland's best known faces and voices in entertainment. So how did this TV and Radio Presenter become involved with magic? It was during his early television career as presenter of 'Anything Goes', a Saturday morning children's show when he performed the Houdini Sub Trunk live. He describes it as the scariest thing he has ever done on live television but through this introduction, his love of magic began. What will Aonghus be doing at Southport? He's hosting the headline International Magic Show on Saturday night. Aonghus will not only be a fresh face but will be bringing a fresh approach to this most important responsibility. His experience in hosting everything from variety shows to quizzes to debates makes him the ideal person to follow in the footsteps of Jeff Hobson, Rich Bloch and Ali Bongo. He has toured Ireland with his own show 'A Song and a Laugh' and is always in great demand for his after dinner comedy act. What is the background of Aonghus McAnnaly? He grew up in a family that was steeped in a tradition of theatre, film and television. He is the son of the late Ray McAnnaly a film and theatre actor and a Bafta winner. He is remembered for playing the part of the father in 'My Left Foot' starring also in 'Force Protocol', 'The Mission', 'A Very British Coup', We're No Angles' and 'Cal'. His mother Ronnie Masterson was also an actress one of her roles being the Granny in 'Angela's Ashes'. His parents allowed him to decide what he wanted to be. As a child he had the ambition of being a truck driver at Dublin Airport an ambition that changed when he discovered music. Then all he wanted to be was in a rock band so don't be surprised if we have a brief musical interlude among his unique blend of blarney humour and chat as he introduces the terrific line-up of David & Dania, Nechporenko, Hayashi, Timo Marc, Dania, and Sean Taylor. These are just another two of the people you will be seeing at Southport. If you haven't already registered for this great Convention do it now and get in touch with the Registration Officer Neville Johnson on 01202 873234, by E.mail: nevillejohnson25@aol.com or via this website. Do it today. -------------------------------------------- 10. One Day Seminar - Julian Franklin - Melbourne Australia -------------------------------------------- Message by Graham Etherington (Aust) Julian Franklin will be giving a one-day Seminar, in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday 8th August 2009. "KID-BIZ" Professional Performing for Children lecture, commencing at 10.00 am. If you perform for children in ANY capacity (magic, clowning, fairy parties, etc.) you MUST attend this event! In addition to writing a regular column in "The Funny Paper" for the past 4 years, Julian Franklin has made his living for the past ten years performing exclusively for children doing birthday parties, library shows, and school assembly programs. "Business Of Magic" The secrets to successful marketing of your show commencing at 1.00 pm. Julian Franklin has been writing the 'Business of Magic' column in The Linking Ring going on seven years now and has a pretty loyal following of people who appreciate his business and marketing advice. A rock solid repertoire Close-Up Lecture commencing at 3.30 pm. Julian Franklin has a simple set of criteria for putting magic into his strolling repertoire: The effect must be very simple to perform (no difficult sleights, preferably none at all) It must work 100% of the time It must be examinable before, during, and after the trick, even if the spectator grabs at unexpected times. It must be completely inexplicable to the lay audience.  It must be entertaining. It must reset instantly or very quickly, and... it must fit in his pocket. Full details at http://www.mrtricks.com.au/events Afternoon tea and lunch is provided all for $70 Registrations essential to Graham Etherington +61 3 9786 5481 or Email mrtricks@ozemail.com.au -------------------------------------------- 11. New S.A.M. Magic Center Slated For Louisville -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - S A M Public Relations Here is your chance to become part of the exciting new Magic Center slated for Louisville, Kentucky.  Please go to http://www.sammagiccenter.com/ to watch a short film and get details on the facilities and the location. You may also wish to donate funds to speed the process. -------------------------------------------- 12. Ben Robinson's Performances Delighted The Audience -------------------------------------------- Message by Ben Robinson (US0 Evening Cabaret: Ben Robinson Saturday, August 8, 2009 $25 "Ben Robinson's performances delighted the audience." (New York Times) Best known for catching bullets in his teeth, Ben Robinson isn't your run-of-the-mill magician. He claims to have "expert knowledge of how people perceive reality," and with that comes the "ability to chart and change people's perceptions." New York-based Robinson has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, at Lincoln Center, and as the entertainer at events large and small, from birthday parties to corporate retreats to the base camp of Mt. Everest. See a master illusionist in action! Click here to view Ben's demo reel. Time: 8:30 pm Location: Fisher Center, Spiegeltent Sponsor: Bard SummerScape Phone: 845-758-7900 Website: http://fishercenter.bard.edu/summerscape/ If you would like to see more events please visit the following URL: http://fishercenter.bard.edu/calendar/ -------------------------------------------- 13. 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) -------------------------------------------- 14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.Alan-Watson.com Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2009 Alan Watson