* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #680 Date: Sunday 2nd August 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. FISM 2009 Winners 3. FISM For Blackpool! 4. FISM Beijing 2009 - Day 1 Competition 5. Column In Magic Magazine Called "Directions" 6. Remarkable Magic #3 - Nick Lewin 7. Father Knows Best? - #129 - Kyle Peron 8. Cruising With Paul Romhany #79 9. SAM’s Competition Results 10. 2009 It's Magic! Show 11. New “Paperless Option” For S.A.M, Members 12. 50 Years Since The Death Of Jean Hugard 13. S.A.M. Magic Center Foundation Update 14. Critiquing A Contestant Or Performer 15. John Carney’s 2009 Fall Lecture Tour 16. Magic Quotes... 17. Midwest Magic Jubilee Aug 13-15 18. Magic Week In Colon August 5-8th! 19. Tiger Escapes Magic Act, Ends Up On Vegas Streets 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Very Happy Birthday wishes to Johnny Thompson from all the Magic New Zealand readers!  Johnny celebrated his 75th birthday last Monday with a great party. Michele and I wish we could have been there to celebrate this very important magical milestone in your life Johnny. Congratulations to Bruce Kalver who was presented his MIMC with Gold Star by The Magic Circle (London) at the SAM Convention - well deserved. The Magic Circle elections are about to happen it’s very important the all members exercise their right to vote. Over the next few weeks Magic New Zealand will be publishing a full report on all the competitions at FISM. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. FISM 2009 Winners -------------------------------------------- Message by Peter Everson Comedy Magic 1st place - Not awarded 2nd place - Brynolf & Ljung - Sweden 3rd place - Cheff Magic - Denmark Mentalism 1st place - Not awarded 2nd place - Jount place - Nicolai Friedrich - Germany - and Rob & Emiel - Netherlands 3rd place - Tony Montana - Argentina Stage Illusions 1st place - Julius Franck - Germany 2nd place - Magic Sky Group - China 3rd place - Not awarded General Magic 1st place - Soma - Hungary 2nd place - Ma Yanyan - China 3rd place - Siebensinn - Austria Manipulation 1st place - Jount place - Yo Kato - Japan - and Han Seol-Hui - Korea 2nd place - Sebastian Nicolas - Germany 3rd place - An Ha Lim - Korea Invention Jorge Luengo - Spain Most Original Act Charming Choi - Korea Micro Magic 1st place - Not awarded 2nd place - Vittorio Belloni - Italy 3rd place - Jount place - Simon Coronel - Australia and Johan Stahl - Sweden Cards 1st place - Shawn Farquhar - Canada 2nd place - Kristian Nivala - Finland 3rd place - Olmac - France Parlour Magic 1st place - Marc Oberon - UK 2nd place - Charlie Caper - Sweden 3rd place - Latko - Argentina Grand Prix Winners Shawn Farquhar - Close-up Soma - Stage -------------------------------------------- 3. FISM For Blackpool! -------------------------------------------- Blackpool Magicians’ Club is pleased to announce that they have been awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the 2012 FISM World Magic Championships. A delegation from the Blackpool Magicians' Club including Derek Lever, David Plant and Andrew Green headed to Beijing to this year's FISM Conference to post the UK bid to host the championships in 2012. The comprehensive 50 page bid compiled by Derek Lever was presented to the FISM committee displaying the extensive convention achievements that Blackpool have stacked up over the past 57 years of record breaking conventions in Blackpool. The group was delighted to receive the news that they had been awarded the honour at a special event in Beijing and was overwhelmed with the support from fellow magicians to host this prestigious event in three years’ time. Work will now begin on developing an incredible line up of events for the UK conference in 2012. Derek Lever and the team will start to bring the many elements together to ensure that the next FISM conference puts the UK on the international map for being the capital for the creative magical arts and attract the best competitors and biggest stars in magic to its shores. -------------------------------------------- 4. FISM Beijing 2009 - Day 1 Competition -------------------------------------------- Message by Barry Khoo Day 1 Competition http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248918552038882 Simon Coronel http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248918830250880 Mago Emesto http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248918924312888 ????? http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248919028423884 ???? http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248919108462883 Jeremy Pei http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248919437134889 Olamc http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248920598480883 Shunya Okuno http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p2.html Rune http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248915417639889 Mayuko http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248915875676885 Serge Fergini http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248916361865881 ??? http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248916605886881 Hugues Protat http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248916749102888 ?? http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248917350401888 Cheffmagic http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248917753834886 Latko http://space.tv.cctv.com/video/VIDE1248917817600885 Martino http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p27.html ??? http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p25.html ??? http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p23.html ??? http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p21.html Emesto http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p15.html Artyom Shchukin http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f3590102o1p12.html ??? -------------------------------------------- 5. Column In Magic Magazine Called "Directions" -------------------------------------------- Message by Joanie Spina Hello everyone I am currently writing a column in Magic Magazine called "Directions".  The premise is that as performers we all make similar mistakes as well as brilliant choices. We see ourselves in other people's work, and we can learn from observing what is pointed out in their material. I use videos submitted by brave individuals who allow me to use their material as a source for the column. I am very gentle in my commentary and make sure that I point out the positive aspects as well as areas that could be improved.  I would never embarrass anyone.  The upside is that you get free advice for your act and great exposure in Magic Magazine. Your fellow magicians will recognize your noble traits as well as your wonderful act.  I only use magicians that are at a certain level so as to assure their talents far outweigh any of the little details that could use a little fine-tuning. If you would like to submit your video for the column please email me and I will send you my mailing address.  I will be doing a lecture based on the "Directions" column at Magic Live.  If you plan to attend Magic Live and you would want to take part in that lecture, please send me a note at joanie@joaniespina.com Thank you to all, Joanie Spina -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #3 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Celebrations in the Neon City. On Monday I was pleased and delighted to be invited to a party here in Las Vegas. The occasion was Johnny Thompson’s 75th birthday. The party was beautifully planned and hosted by Fielding and Janice West in their home in Henderson. It was a blast. Another very special part of the celebration was the airing of Fielding’s comedy magic special ‘Hocus Pocus it’s Fielding West.’ The special was filmed live in the Lance Burton theatre in the ‘Monte Carlo Casino and Resort’ here in Las Vegas. The special was skillfully filmed with a six-camera shoot that covered all the action without missing a single beat of the fun or magic. It really showcased what a fine performer Fielding is. The special was as smooth as silk and the material that Fielding performed was offbeat, original and really funny. I don’t know where or when the special will air in your particular neck of the woods but it is really worth tracking down. I’m sure there will be more details on its availability at www.fieldingwest.com It is always a pleasure to spend some time with Johnny Thompson and his uniquely talented wife Pam. Just sitting around in the company of John and Pam is an automatic education in magic and showbiz. If there is a more knowledgeable man than John when it comes to the various aspects of magic, and it’s performance then I have yet to meet him. It doesn’t seem possible that John is really 75 years old as he has the enthusiasm and energy of a teenager. Lest anyone should think Johnny has slowed down in any way I would like to quash the idea. John is in non-stop demand as a magical adviser for TV and films, he told me with a gleam in his eyes that he was making more money and keeping busier than ever before. You really have to wonder how lucky you have to be to get a magical advisor like John. If I needed a magical ‘Ideas Man’ there are no five men in magic whose combined efforts I would trade for the know how and brain power of the great Tomsoni. It is very hard to believe that Criss Angel could have achieved the success he has without the Warsaw Wizard. However, we won’t hold that against Thompson! It was a wonderful group gathered at Fielding’s house for the celebrations. I was pleased to catch up with old friends; Mark Kornhauser, Luna Losander, Ayala, Peter Reveen, Earl Chaney, Amazing Johnathan, Gary Darwin and a host of other guests. I love our Vegas magic parties and the opportunities they present to catch up and share news with this eclectic bunch of characters. What a joy! Back in late 90s I produced and hosted 26 episodes of an interview show for ‘Fox Television.’ The show was called ‘The Entertainment Files’ and needless to say I managed to corner some of my very favorite magicians in our tiny Las Vegas studio. During the course of the evening I was able to obtain permission from Fielding, Luna and Ayala to post their interviews on my website. I will begin posting a clip every week on my website. Other great magic interviews we filmed were Lance Burton, Jeff McBride, Max Maven and Mac King. I hope to be able to post all of these interviews, as they are fascinating insights into some brilliant minds. Check out the videos and my ‘NowMagic’ blog at http://www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Father Knows Best? - #129 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com The more we perform as magical entertainers, the more stories we have to share with each other. That is why I enjoy talking with my fellow magicians. It is also why I always come back from conventions with wonderful stories to share. At conventions there are times where we sit around late at night telling funny stories that have happened to us. We usually always laugh hysterically because most of us have experienced the same situation before. One such topic that keeps coming up is a situation I simply like to call “Father Knows Best?” It obviously is based upon an old TV show of the same name. If you notice, mine ends in a form of a question and there is a reason for this. Allow me to explain it best as a scenario you may all have witnessed from time to time. You book a show over the phone or via email and have all the details worked out. It could be a birthday party or a family event honoring a special family member. You have talked with the client many times and everything is in order. You arrive at the event and ring the doorbell and sweat a bit waiting for that awkward moment where you meet the client for the very first time. As the door swings open, you are greeted by a gentleman who looks at you like you as if you were from another planet and stopped to ask for directions. The fact that you are dressed head to toe as a magician, or in your professional attire, does not seem to register to this fellow that you are obviously the entertainment for the event. You both stand there with this awkward feeling hoping that one of you will say something. This is when you suddenly realize this gentleman is your client’s husband. It just so appears to you that the poor lad had no clue you were coming or what you are to do or even the fact you do magic. You introduce yourself and ask where they would like you to set up. This is often followed by a “deer in headlights” stare as the poor man shouts out, “Mary can you come down here. The MUSICIAN is here.” I hope many of you are laughing right now. If you are, then rest assured that you are doing so because this has happened to you one too many times before. It happens to all of us. This is why I have called this scenario, “Father Knows Best?” It happens a lot but we can learn from even this awkward situation. In many cases it is just safe to say that a lot of family events you perform for are run and booked by the mother or a lady. I can safely say that 90% of all of these types of my own shows are booked this way. It is also safe to say that we cannot assume that the father (or man of the house) has any idea of what has been planned. In many cases they simply do not want to know and leave the details to the wife. This is OK if we realize this upfront. What I like to do is always ask for the client’s name and also a number where they can be reached on the day of the event. I do this so that if I am at a large banquet hall and I cannot locate the client, I always have a cell number that I can call so as to not waste any time. This helps a lot. I also never assume that the client I talked to on the phone will be the same person I meet when I get to the event. In some cases the client may be busy or may be coming or arriving later. If I am tuned into this, I can ask ahead of time if they will be my person to meet at the event or if they have someone else that can assist me when I arrive for set-up. In most cases they are very glad I ask as it often will be a backup person they assign me to. If I do get a backup person, I always will ask for their name and contact information so I can touch base with them if I need to. It just helps alleviate any awkwardness upon arrival. If you are like me, you want to get there and get set up without the wait. Now if the father answers the door, I am in a much better shape to handle the situation without making him feel awkward or uneasy. I am armed with the information I need and I can ask for the person who is my contact. I can also call the contact from the road as I approach the event. That also helps so that they are at the door when I arrive. Although sometimes the father may not know best, it is important that you treat him with respect. After all we are professionals and we must conduct ourselves that way at all times. Do not allow yourself to get angry or frustrated over the situation. Instead do your homework upfront and you can solve this situation with ease. 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 -------------------------------------------- 8. Cruising With Paul Romhany #79 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) I am very pleased to be playing a small part in an amazing week of magic happening in Toronto mid August. This is such a wonderful event and to be part of the Tony Eng Youth Fund means a lot to me. Tony Eng was loved by magicians all over the world, he was so encouraging and I remember visiting his magic shop in Victoria, British Columbia Canada. He was so supportive to everybody in magic and many folks have wonderful memories and stories of Tony and his wonderful family. Following is information on Magicana and how it works. It is such an amazing organisation that helps promote magic to youths. Here is the link to my own lecture coming up which two young magicians will win tickets to plus a few prizes I am putting up. http://www.magicana.com/youth-romhany.php?vSec=you Free Magic! Magicana’s Tony Eng Youth Fund is sponsoring a record five lectures and workshops in August in Toronto, giving away seven free seats. Too good to be true? Well, Magicana is a Canadian charity dedicated to explore and advance the art of magic. We are wholly interested in providing services and programs that further this beautiful and mysterious art form. From publishing books, to staging public shows, to coordinating online and physical exhibitions, to community outreach programming, Magicana’s focus and goal is to expand the interest and knowledge of the greater community and public in the art of magic. We are very proud of the results and the Tony Eng Youth Fund is a perfect complement to the level of accessible programming we wish to provide. We are hoping to expand the program so that it reaches the entire country. For example, if a magic club in Victoria, Edmonton, Halifax - anywhere, really! - decide to host a magic lecture or workshop, then the Tony Eng Youth Fund would be interested to partner: the fund could potentially sponsor a young person (or even two!) to attend. And, we are only using lectures as an example. The fund could potentially fund a young person’s convention registration fee, magic lessons at a master class, or specialty training related to pursing magic as an art. It’s up the applicant to design and request. How did it all start? In 2008, Magicana created this program in memory of Tony Eng. Tony operated Tony's Trick and Joke Shop in Victoria, BC for almost 20 years and was responsible for many magicians getting their first start in magic. Tony Eng | 1946 - 2008 Tony Eng astounded and astonished audiences for more than a half-century. A diminutive and engaging performer, Tony practiced the venerable arts of hocus-pocus and legerdemain. He displayed a showman's verve and a craftsman's precision, whether as a stage performer, as a close-up magician or as a proprietor of a magic emporium in downtown Victoria, BC. The self-proclaimed "Ambassador of Magic" entertained audiences for five decades. Tony passed away in May 2008, at the age of 61, due to complications from cancer. For more information on Tony, visit his memorial site: www.tonyeng.com. What is the fund? The Tony Eng Youth Fund is to promote and support youths as they pursue the art of magic. Tony provided promising young magicians with an ongoing invitation into the local magic community. He coached, mentored and inspired many. Tony’s deep commitment to sharing with and supporting young people is the heart and soul of this funding program. Who is it for? The Tony Eng Youth Fund is a funding program for young magicians, with a particular focus for those thirteen to eighteen years of age. It is meant to share and support with the same generous spirit that Tony always gave. How does it work? The program is a granting fund that provides financial assistance to young magicians as they explore the art of magic. Examples of funding scenarios: perhaps there is magic club with dues that you require financial assistance for. Or, maybe, there is a convention near your area and your family can help with travel, but you need to raise funds for the convention fee. Maybe there is a lecturer that you really want to see. All of these are great scenarios that outline a young person’s eligibility for the Tony Eng Youth Fund. But, it doesn't end there; you can apply for books, DVDs, lecture fees, convention fees, even for magic tricks. Upon receipt, a review committee will evaluate your request, based on the information you submit and grant on a case by case basis. (Please note that the fund does not pay for travelling expenses.) We are giving away seven free seats this August! But you cannot get a seat unless you apply! Nothing to lose and magic to gain. Related Links Magicana - www.magicana.com Free Seats to FIVE lectures and workshops - http://www.magicana.com/youthpage.php?vSec=you Magicana’s Workshops - http://www.magicana.com/workshops.php?vSec=wor Morrissey’s Magic - http://www.morrisseymagic.com/frontdoor.htm#1 -------------------------------------------- 9. SAM’s Competition Results -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Critelli (US) Stage: Chairperson's High Score and Recipient of The Silver Award of Merit - Peter Pitchford 2nd Highest Score - Nathan Kepner Seabrooke Red Seal Comedy Award - Michael Tallon Mystic Craig Award for Professional Promise - Minsoo Choi (Korea) People's Choice Award - Michael Tallon Close-Up: Chairperson's High Score (no medal) - Shota Irieda (Japan) 2nd Highest Score - Atsushi Ono (Canada) People's Choice Award - Atsushi Ono -------------------------------------------- 10. 2009 It's Magic! Show -------------------------------------------- Message by Milt Larsen (US) The 2009 It's Magic! show will once again be at the Kodak Theater In Hollywood (home of the Academy Awards) The date is November 8, 2009. Details to come. www.itsmagic.org. This will be the 53rd year for Milt Larsen's annual all-star revue. -------------------------------------------- 11. New “Paperless Option” For S.A.M, Members -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - S A M Public Relations New “Paperless Option” for S.A.M, Members At the annual meeting of the Society of American Magicians, the S.A.M. National Council unveiled a new, eco-friendly option to new and renewing members. Members may choose to go “paperless”. For many months, M-U-M, the official magazine of the S.A.M., has been available on-line. The e-edition continues to be available as one of the many benefits the S.A.M. offers to its members. In an effort to save paper, trees and mailing expenses both in the U.S. and abroad, the council voted a special savings to those who choose not to receive the printed version of M-U-M. All other full membership benefits will not change, and printed copies will be made available when requested. See a FAQ list and all the details allowing new and renewing members to pay only $45.00 of the usual; $65.00 fee. www. magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 12. 50 Years Since The Death Of Jean Hugard -------------------------------------------- Message by Ian Baxter (Aust) This scrap of info just might be of interest to magicians here and there: Coming up Friday fortnight, 14th August, marks 50 years since the death of Jean Hugard. I am not sure such a milestone deserves any special commemoration, but I believe it should be at least recognized by the fraternity.  Jean was a towering influence on 20th century magic and the majority of his more memorable texts are still in print. Where would magicians be today were it not for the authorative presence of Expert Card Technique, The Royal Road To Card Magic, Modern Magic Manual, and other such literature? Throw in his crucial behind-the-scenes contributions towards Greater Magic and other essential books and his genius becomes very apparent. And of course there was the expansive, hugely enjoyable journal Hugard's Magic Monthly. So yes, we should all salute the memory of Queensland born John Gerard Rodney Boyce, known to every magician under the sun as Jean Hugard. -------------------------------------------- 13. S.A.M. Magic Center Foundation Update -------------------------------------------- Message by Dan Rodriguez (US) The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) held its annual Convention last week in Buffalo, New York.  The Convention created a lot of new excitement for the magic center project. The following are a few highlights: We received many contributions including a $5000 grant from the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund.  Thanks to Brad Jacobs and the Endowment Fund Board for their support. We also received a contribution that was 'out of this world' thanks to Richard Garriott, Hull Youngblood, and the Charter Members of the Richard Garriott Space Station S.A.M. Assembly # 17210. This assembly contributed $2,180, with more money to come. This donation is much appreciated.  Thank you! More information on these and other contributions will be posted soon on our website at: www.sammagiccenter.com You Can Own A Piece Of The Magic Center Within the next 60 days, we need a minimum of $300,000 to secure the acquisition of the Magic Center facility located in Louisville, Kentucky. Until sufficient grants and donations are received we need short-term funding to complete the purchase of the property. Some creative minds came together at the S.A.M. convention and as a result, we are announcing a unique opportunity that will let you participate as an investor/owner of the magic center on a short-term basis. This is a very exciting proposal. So, look for an email early next week explaining the program. If you, or your company, are in a position to consider securing $300,000 (up to $1.2 million) for an equity position in the property, please contact Executive Director, Dan Rodriguez at (702) 610-1050, or email: dan@sammagiccenter.com. We Need Additional Seed Money The S.A.M. Magic Center Foundation is requesting a donation of $100,000 for administration costs and expenses relating to our current fundraising efforts. History will show that this contribution will be the seed money that solidified the magic center project. Exclusive Naming Rights will be considered for this special donor. If you, or your company, are in a position to consider this request, contact Executive Director, Dan Rodriguez at (702) 610-1050, or email: dan@sammagiccenter.com. Thank you for your continued support of the S.A.M. Magic Center Foundation. To make a contribution, visit: www.sammagiccenter.com -------------------------------------------- 14. Critiquing A Contestant Or Performer -------------------------------------------- Message by Dan Stapleton President Florida Magicians Association (FMA) From local talent shows to America's Got Talent, magicians "go for the gold", sometimes with success and sometimes not. But I promise you that the pluses outweigh the minuses. You or a club member have a "golden" opportunity in advancing your magic act by listening to your peers, what went right, wrong, or just what it might take to create a stronger act. But you must LISTEN. Even though I have performed certain routines hundreds of times, a magician might give me an improved way of performing that same routine. At a recent meeting, Bev Bergeron gave three excellent examples of advice when performing close-up. Two minutes later a couple of the magicians performed during their turn, and did exactly what Bev instructed one should not do! Did they not understand or did they not agree? A few years ago Stan Allen, in MAGIC, wrote of an incident, where he offered advice to a young performer, only to hear back that he (Stan) should have kept his opinion to himself. Stan was taken quite aback to this reaction. Same thing happened to me. I was asked to critique a show, and every comment that I offered was rejected as an "insult". Oh well, we try to help. One does not have to take all what they hear as correct wisdom, keeping in mind that we all have our own opinion, not all is "the right way" do our act. However, by competing in a magic contest, if you are fortunate, you will hear the opinion of others as to what worked and what didn't. But most of the time you will already know what worked when hearing the reaction of the audience. How many times have we seen a poor performance at a magic meeting, yet the club members politely applaud, and the performer sits down thinking he did a nice job. And because the club members don't want to hurt anyone's feeling, they opt not to tell the performer what they did wrong or give them advice on how to improve the act. And that's a shame because the act might not ever improve, therefore, hurting the performer in the long run. It is always best to give corrective guidance rather than a simple "Well that sucked!" Here is my challenge to you, and in turn, might just make your club stronger. Take one stage performer and one close-up performer from your club and, as a club, mold and shape that club member into an act that you will want to sponsor at the next convention. The act only need be six or seven minutes, but if the whole club stands with their member and guides him or her, then attends the convention and cheer them on, think how proud the whole club will be as well as that club member. So many times I have seen horrible contests, so bad that even a mediocre performer could win. To win is really easier than you might think especially if you have the whole club behind you. In 1971 I entered the stage contest at the first magic convention I ever attended.  I had no teacher, no mentor.  I only presented two effects, two tricks that were as far from "relation" as possible.  Absolutely made no sense.  I opened with Bob Mason's great Predict-A-Total and closed with Abbott's Shooting a Ribbon Thru a Girl. Both effects worked flawlessly in presentation and I think, only because I took drama and speech classes, my presentation of these two odd effects won the judges over. I came in second!  And I was happy about that and still have that trophy, and proudly. But had I been in the audience, I would have taken myself aside and kindly said, "What does one have to do with the other?"  That is the kind of advice I needed to hear. And as a club, shouldn't we elevate our art and "class it up" a bit by giving kids AND adults some corrective advice on how to present the act? At last year’s Louisville SAM/IBM convention, there was one contestant who received more invitations (for future conventions) to perform (for pay) than all other acts. And...HE DIDN'T EVEN WIN! Dave Kaplan was different and original, but his act did not happen overnight. Last year I appeared on television's America's Got Talent. I did not get to the next round but I apparently did something that caught the eye of at least two people who book acts. I received two contracts that paid very well and this December I will repeat one of those engagements. Every helpful comment is a step forward. That is why you, as a club, must help your fellow member by giving them advice on how to improve. Some won't want or like advice given. But the next superstar might be around the corner because you helped them understand presentation, timing, projection, articulation and "how to dress for the performance". When I was contest chairman many years ago, I developed what I called, The ATSOE rule of contests. Appearance, Technique, Showmanship, Originality, Entertainment Value. We all win when we help one another strive for (not perfection) but ... improvement. So, how about it, take just one club member for stage and one for close-up and work with him or her on a six or seven minute routine that your entire club can be proud of, then come to cheer them on at that upcoming contest. -------------------------------------------- 15. John Carney’s 2009 Fall Lecture Tour -------------------------------------------- Message by John Carney John Carney will be embarking on a monster cross-country lecture tour in September and October. He will be covering a variety of material for stage and close up, from his books Carneycopia, The Book of Secrets, and his Master Sessions DVDs. All seats are $25 each, no advance sales. For locations, maps, and other details, visit: http://www.carneymagic.com/seminars/index.html Click on “Seminar Schedule” Sorry, he won’t be able to do any other cities on this run! Sept 14 - Phoenix, AZ Sept 15 - Tucson, AZ Sept 17 - Austin, TX Sept 19 - Houston, TX Sept 20 - Dallas, TX Sept 21 - Oklahoma City, OK Sept 23 - Little Rock, AR Sept 24 - St. Louis, MO Sept 25 - Louisville, KY Sept 26 - Columbus, OH Sept 28 - Richmond, VA Sept 29 - Baltimore, MD Sept 30 - Willmington, DE Oct 6 - Buffalo, NY Oct 7 - Cleveland, OH Oct 8 - Detroit, MI Oct 9 - Grand Rapids, MI Oct 10 - Chicago, IL Oct 14 - Omaha, NE Oct 15 - Kansas City, MO Oct 17 - Denver, CO Oct 21 - Alburquerque, NM For locations, maps, and other details, visit: http://www.carneymagic.com/seminars/index.html Click on “Seminar Schedule” -------------------------------------------- 16. Magic Quotes... -------------------------------------------- Message by Barry Khoo “The Real Secret Of Magic Lies In The Performance.” David Copperfield "The magic isn't in the box. The magic is you." Al Goshman “Every boy wants to be a magician. Those of us who don't grow up, become magicians.” Blackstone Sr “If you have a stand up act, show up on time, and  look and act like a gentleman.  You will get work.” Karl Fulves "Remember, the secret is only a tool; the presentation is the magic!" Jonathan Pendragon "Don't run if you are not being chased." Al Baker -------------------------------------------- 17. Midwest Magic Jubilee Aug 13-15 -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Buczkowski We just wanted to remind you that the Midwest Magic Jubilee is just around the corner. Aug 13-15, 2009, St Louis, MO at the St Louis Airport Hilton Hotel.  If you have already registered, then we will see you there.  If you have not or have a friend that has not registered, have them go to www.MMJubilee.com to get registered before the price goes up! Look who is coming: The incomparable, David Regal - Mastermind John Mendoza, FISM Winner - Arthur Trace, The one and only Aldo Colombini, the witty and lovely Rachel Wild, Las Vegas’ Murray, Las Vegas Illusionist Arian Black, Japan’s Hide Kimoto, Past SAM Maria Ibanez, seriously hilarious Terry Elton, one of the best emcees in the business, Tom Burgoon and many more. Stage Contests - Close-up Contests - 10 Lectures - 15 Dealers Everything you want at a Magic Convention. If you have already registered go check out the schedule at www. MMJubilee.com. If you haven’t already registered, go to www.MMJubilee.com. Either way go to www.MMJubilee.com. Hope to see you in August at the Midwest Magic Jubilee! -------------------------------------------- 18. Magic Week In Colon August 5-8th! -------------------------------------------- Message by Rick Fisher (US) Lots of great stuff in the Magic Capital of The World next week! FREE lectures by Ian Garrison, Troy Hooser, Al Bach, Bob Sanders, Al Angelo FREE Close up Show FREE Late, Late shows on Wednesday and Thursday! Busking Competition! FREE daily shows at the FAB Theater...and so much more....no cover charge! Come see the MAGIC! Complete listings at www.fabmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 19. Tiger Escapes Magic Act, Ends Up On Vegas Streets -------------------------------------------- Message by Brad Zinn (US) Las Vegas - Police in Las Vegas say a tamed tiger that escaped from a magic act has been captured. For the full article go to: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,535824,00.html?test=latestnews -------------------------------------------- 20. 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) -------------------------------------------- 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.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