* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #778 Date: Sunday 15th August 2010 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Charlotte Pendragon And Illusions For Sale, Part II 3. Johnny Thompson On The Live Of A Dove 4. Coming Up In The September 2010 M-U-M 5. September Issue Of Genii Magazine 6. More Remarkable Magic - Nick Lewin #50 7. Gathering A Crowd At Festivals - #175 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Doc Haliday (Part 4) 9. Update On Terry Seabrooke Health 10. Tony Clark New Show "Masters Of Magic" 11. TAOM 2010 Convention 12. John Calvert Buys New Rv Is On The Road Again 13. 50 Magicians Perform At The Same Time 14. Exhibit On Houdini And Jewish Magicians 15. The 14th Annual Motor City Convention 16. Re Launched Appearing Ladder From Anywhere 17. Marco Tempest Receives Merlin Award 2010 18. For Sale - The Stove (Chef's Nightmare) Illusion 19. British Ring Convention Eastbourne 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- We would like to thank Gene and Rose McCarthy (Directors), Bruce West (General Manager) of International Entertainment Pty Ltd for continuing their sponsorship of Magic New Zealand e-zine. Without their support we would not be able to continue this newsletter. For those who don't know of International Entertainment Pty Ltd it is a special events and professional fundraising company focused on the Australian and New Zealand markets. Established in 1987, the company operates offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, with over twenty representatives. International Entertainment currently produces, promotes and hosts four successful, entertaining events: World Festival of Magic - touring Australasia since 1988. Circus Quirkus - touring Australasia since 2002 Razzamatazz - touring Australia since 2008 and New Zealand for the first time this year. Children's Film Festival - screening in Australasia since 1992. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Charlotte Pendragon And Illusions For Sale, Part II -------------------------------------------- Message by Jack Browne (US) johnrbrowne@sbcglobal.net www.jbrownelaw.com Following publication last week in Magic New Zealand of the news that Chin-Chin had paid Charlotte Pendragon $4700 towards a $5000 purchase price for the Origami illusion designed by Jim Steinmeyer, built by John Gaughan and owned by The Pendragons, only to then be told by Charlotte that the illusion is in Trinidad and can't be delivered, I received an outpouring of email support for Chin-Chin, and also for Chip Romero, who paid Charlotte $11,000 for two Pendragons illusions which are also in Trinidad. One person sent me a series of his emails with Charlotte Pendragon showing that he paid her $3,000 towards a $7,000 purchase price for the Pole Levitation Illusion, only to learn that Charlotte had also sold and delivered this illusion to another party, but yet had refused to refund his $3000! This individual gave me permission to use his name and to tell his full story. However, he emailed me 3 days ago to report that $3000 had just been wired to his bank account, presumably by Charlotte, which closed the matter as far as he was concerned. Therefore I will not be using his name or including him in any legal action that may be filed. Charlotte, if you are out there, please send me the customs and shipping documents for the illusions you sold to Chin-Chin and to Chip Romero, so I can deliver these papers to Jonathan to assist him in trying to get Chin-Chin and Chip the illusions they purchased from you. In the alternative, please pay the storage and shipping charges yourself, and arrange for delivery of the illusions to Chin-Chin and to Chip. Thank you. -------------------------------------------- 3. Johnny Thompson on the Life of a Dove -------------------------------------------- Message by Johnny Thompson The Great Tomsoni With regard to the dove that has lived twenty-five years, this is not unusual. I've had most of my doves live to between twenty-two to twenty-five years old. The oldest that I ever had lived to be twenty-seven and one lived to be twenty-eight. My current set of doves are between twenty and twenty-four years old and they're still working.. I have been performing with doves for well over sixty years and during that entire time I've only had five sets of birds. If you treat your animals with love and respect they should easily reach their geriatric years. After all, if they're well taken care of there should not be a problem. The reason for them having a long life in captivity is fairly easy to understand as they do not have to forage for food, they do not have to be concerned with predators, they live (at least in our circumstances) in large flight cages and their diets are regimented so that they're well fed and given the correct vitamins. Lance Burton's birds are almost as old as ours and Amos Leftkovitch has had many birds live to twenty-five years or better and Channing Pollock and I discussed this and most of his birds live to a ripe old age, so I think for those of us that have been involved with doves and who also really care for them, twenty-five years is the expected normal life span for a dove. On the other hand, the performers who tend to use bare-hand dove harness birds they really don't have a long life expectancy. The birds in these instances are not protected as they are in dove bags and consequently, if a bird's beak gets caught on the pocket material when the bird is yanked out of the pocket its neck can be broken and if its claw gets caught it can be torn off or the toe itself can be broken. The stress factor alone is very hazardous for a bird being produced in this manner. So a dove's life span, when produced form bare-hand harnesses is much, much shorter. As you can see I'm not a big fan of these devices. I hope this information is useful and I'm most happy to hear that there are other people whose birds have attained the ripe old age that they should reach. -------------------------------------------- 4. Coming Up In The September 2010 M-U-M -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael Close, Editor The front cover of the September issue of M-U-M says it all; this issue focuses on the fun, activities, and shows at the S.A.M. national convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Our cover story features fourteen pages of reports and great photographs by Dale Farris. If you were at the Atlanta convention, this article will bring back a lot of great memories. If you weren't there, you'll get an idea of what you missed. Also in the September M-U-M: Steve Marshall profiles Australian Tim Ellis, who offers a simple and effective variation of the venerable Add-a-Number prop. Dennis Loomis tells the story behind Doug Henning getting his first network TV special. It is a remarkable tale. David Seebach discusses his search for a new venue for his annual Halloween show in his Illusions of Grandeur column. Ian Kendall gives you all the work on learning to classic palm a coin. If you've had problems mastering this essential move of coin magic, Ian's training will put you on the right path. Lupe Nielsen writes about Okito (with a beautiful accompanying poster) in the Nielsen Gallery. Bill Duncan and the staff of Informed Opinion give you the lowdown (nine pages worth) on the recent products released to the magic marketplace. Plus: Tech Tricks by Bruce Kalver, a great blowfish balloon model from The Balloon Guys, Christian Painter offers some thoughts on the Dangerous Monte effect, Larry Hass continues his exploration of Deep Method, Norman Beck comments on Tom Stone's book Vortex, Aldo Colombini showcases a great (but easy) trick from Richard Vollmer, Nathan Kranzo provides more information about Jimmy Wilson and the J.W. Grip, George Schindler reminisces about Willie "Mr. Lectures" Schneider, and Rod Danilewicz gives some practical advice to help your spouse know the value of your magic collection. All this and more is available to members of The Society of American Magicians in the September 2010 M-U-M. Membership information is available at www.magicsam.com. -------------------------------------------- 5. September Issue Of Genii Magazine -------------------------------------------- Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genni Magazine We're very pleased to announce a new premium for all subscribers--something that only Genii, with its rich history, can provide. Starting in the fall, all subscribers to Genii won't just get 12 issues for their $54, but access to every single back issue Genii has published from 1936 through December 2008. That's almost 1000 issues! Tens of thousands of columns, tricks, illusions, and articles. And it's all absolutely free to every Genii subscriber. Of course you will have to be on the internet for access, which will be through the Conjuring Arts Research Center. The issues are simple pdf documents which can be read on most electronic devices including newer Kindles, Sony eReaders, Nook, iPhone, iPad and of course any desktop or laptop computer. Every subscriber will have access to an electronic version of every issue for the duration of his or her subscription. If you are a subscriber and haven't sent us your e-mail address yet, please do so as soon as possible (to: genii@geniimagazine.com) so there's no delay in getting you access when we launch this new feature in a few months. If you want to access to all of this astounding material and you are not a subscriber, please join us as we make available to you untold magical riches at www.geniimagazine.com. The September issue of Genii, The Conjurors' Magazine, now in its 74th year of publication, is in the mail! Our cover story focuses on a magician who has performed for more people in the last two years than anyone else in the world: Alex Ramon, the ringmaster for Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus's production of Zing Zang Zoom, the first magic circus produced by The Greatest Show on Earth. Jim Steinmeyer, the creator of all the illusions for the show, is the perfect person to profile Alex Ramon, with whom he has worked very closely on not only this show, but also "Disney Live: Mickey's Magic Show" several years ago. We've had quite a bit of magic on TV in the USA lately, and Jamy Ian Swiss details the moment-by-moment experience of performing on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, while Steve Cohen takes us behind the scenes for his preparations to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman. Richard Kaufman contributes his editor's comments in Genii Speaks. Jon Racherbaumer discusses the latest appearances of magic in books and media in On the Slant. Roberto Giobbi explains several "No-Deck Switches" in his wonderful Genii Session. Al Cohen continues his Memoirs of a Magic Dealer. Eugene Burger talks with the inimitable Max Maven in The Showmanship Interviews. David Acer brings us a Magicana full of great tricks including a mystifying new coin plot by Yannick Lacroix. David Oliver reviews tricks; Dustin Stinett reviews videos; and Jamy Ian Swiss reviews books. Almost 100 pages of Genii every month: the best buy in magic. And we've got a great offer for anyone who wants to subscribe or renew: the three-DVD set "Houdini The Movie Star" from Kino is now available from us for a limited time for 50% off the retail price of $40. YOU pay only $20, postpaid anywhere in the US. (Add $5 postage for Canada and $11 postage anywhere else in the world.) This 3 DVD set includes most of the surviving films and footage of Houdini and is only marked down to $36 on amazon.com, so our price is a whopping $15 less. We don't sell it separately: subscribe today or renew your existing subscription for one year and you can receive this extraordinary value. Remember that the price of Genii drops from the $6 cover price to only $4.50 per issue when you subscribe for one year AND new subscribers get a free copy of the Harry Anderson/Jon Racherbaumer 32-page Jinx). Please visit the Genii website and subscribe today at www.geniimagazine.com. Visit The Genii Forum, the "smart" online discussion group: www.geniimagazine.com/forum Visit MagicPedia, the most complete online encyclopedia of magical information with almost 5,000 entries. It's a living encyclopedia to which you are welcome to contribute! www.magicpedia.net And if you want to buy a book from Kaufman and Company, time is running out to take advantage of the "Buy 2, Get 3" promotion which gives you a free book with every purchase of two: www.kaufman.geniimagazine.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #50 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) On the road again. First of all let me thank everyone who has written to me in response to my recent columns on Michael Finney and Milt Larsen. These are two of my favorite people in the magic world and judging from your reaction they are favorites throughout the entire community. I guess not that many people on a worldwide basis get to visit Iceland (and Greenland) but I have that thrill later this week. Actually I have visited both places before and they are rather pleasant. That pesky volcano, in Iceland, made my early part of the year rather miserable by scrambling my air travel to strangely convoluted forms. Now I'm quite excited to get a picture or two of the (still erupting) volcano. One thing you can't do on these kind of gigs is forget any key props! Your chances of finding Flash Paper in Iceland are about as slim as finding Ice Cubes in your garden in a Vegas summer day. Planning ahead is the key to world travel as a performing magician; that and a natural talent for intuition and on the spot creativity. Oh, and learning to dress in layers! I begin this run from Iceland to Boston, then go from New York to Bermuda and back and finally finish it off with a little hop through the Caribbean. Three different cruises through three different climates on three different cruise lines. Then home for a month to continue working on our house in Los Angeles. It never gets dull, this kind of lifestyle although the travel gets tedious. The alternative is to spend a long block on one ship -which is a very distant last resort to me. By the end of the year, I plan to radically change my work process, but much as I look forward to that, there is a little part of me that will miss trying to acquire mini rubber bands for my folding-half from orthodontist in Chile! You never quite know if you do that whether you will wake up with a front tooth replaced with a golden replica, a bad headache and a big bill in a currency you don't understand! Next year I plan to enter the crowded world of purveyors of magical routines, props and knowledge. Having spent 40 years on the road, it seems only fair to pass on some of the knowledge I have acquired. I see so many items being sold that while 'neat' and 'cute ideas' that I suspect a market exists for the more commercial items that can really keep you working and fend off the wolf that stands howling at the other side of the front door. After many years of consciously keeping an arm's length from my fellow magicians, I am booking lectures, setting up seminars and marketing routines that have been the lifeblood of my professional career. It is fun. I promised myself that I would be retired (more or less) by sixty and that looks like being the case. Of course, a true performer never really retires, but he does cut down to merely performing exactly what he wants to do. I am putting together a short list of performers I want to work with, in fact a very short list of performers I want to represent in this wacky world we call entertainment. Let me know if you are interested in knowing more about my future plans as I really don't plan on making a big 'Ta Da' or becoming a magical fountainhead of knowledge and advice. I am a firm believer that one of the things we learn in magic is that the more you share the secrets, the more diluted the message becomes. My next two columns in Magic New Zealand will express some of my thoughts on the two parts of the phrase 'Comedy Magic.' I think you will find them of interest and helpful to anyone else walking that same tightrope. Let me know if you would like more of this kind of writing in the future. Drop me an email at nicklewin1@me.com if you want more information on my plans. My only stipulation, I hate and refuse to deal with rude people: life is just too short. -------------------------------------------- 7. Gathering A Crowd At Festivals - #175 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com The other day I had a nice discussion with several folks on the topic of working festivals and fairs. The question that kept coming up was something like this: "Most entertainers working a fair do something that draws the crowd in. Since people who are already in motion walking by tend to stay in motion, you have to do something that gets them to stop and take notice. What kinds of things have you tried that have been successful in drawing a crowd? Just as important, what doesn't work?" It was a great question and one I am sure many of us face not only in the fair and festival markets but also in other various markets as well. First off, in every festival I am working, I get paid to be an entertainer there. I am not busking so this does make a huge difference for me in my approach and style of how I draw crowds. As a paid entertainer, one can work with the fair or festival in getting them to market you effectively. Do not ever assume they are going to do it for you. YOU must be proactive and make it easy for them. I do this through an advertising and marketing kit I send out the client when the event is booked. It has posters, web images for their site, bio text written down, press releases they can use, 8.5 by 11 photos that can be reproduced, my logo etc. I also tell them how this information can be used and why it benefits them and their event. By doing so, I already am drawing interest in my show before I am ever at the event. I also make sure my show is listed in the program, on the website and any signage that may be at the festival event. By taking an active approach and assisting them with the process, you can do this easily and it works wonders for marketing as well as generating interest in your show. Now I also use a Show Time clock sign. I have this posted on the stage and it clearly will state when the next show start time is as well as it is branded for my show and performance. This gets placed on or near the stage when I get to the event and so folks walking by know exactly what is going on and when. Now the big key for me is to always make sure the festival gives ample time for set up between acts. In most fairs and festivals, you will NOT have the luxury of having the stage area to yourself. You usually will be sharing with other acts. You want to be sure you have enough time for the act in front to load off and for you to load on. I make sure this is in my contract so there is plenty of time without me being rushed. Now what this does is that my equipment being out there on stage starts to draw attention. I mean illusions and magic props are just eye candy for people and I get my props out there quickly so it starts to work for me immediately. I then always have full control over my music (also in my contract). I use an iPod and have play lists set up for preshow music. I start this about 15 minutes prior to the show itself and the music is music that builds each show. Music draws attention and people are curious about it. At a festival, music cues lay people that something is about to happen. I then also will have the playlist set up with a professional voice over tracks stating "show will start in 5 mins" and another that gets played at the 2 minute time. Before these tracks play, I can always interrupt my preshow music by turning the volume down and starting a classic ballyhoo. The ballyhoo is an art form derived from side show folks. It is the patter and banter that gets spoken that gets interest and lets people become curious as to what is taking place and draws them inwards. If I feel I need to, I will do a ballyhoo on the stage. it is a simple patter script I have done for years but can be changed on the fly based on who is in the audience or whom is walking by. It works great but you have to work at it. What I also do a lot is I book a pro level package that offers them strolling magic. They end up paying for it, but I make it so easy for them to say yes. I always will stroll before my shows and this works as a wonderful way in which to advertise my stage performances. I also always remember that 95% of the time, I know how to run a festival and fair better than the folks running it. Nothing against them at all. it is just a fact that most folks trying to run the festival may be volunteers or have not been and worked at as many festivals as I have over the years. I utilize this information to 1) help them out and 2) educate them along in the process to provide solutions that meet their needs and help me in the long run. The bottom line is that I get a lot figured out, planned and agreed upon ahead of time so that there is no worry and I minimize unpleasant surprises on the day of the event. With these tips, you can generate and draw a huge crowd without having to do so much work. 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. http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "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. Tony Brook In Conversation With Doc Haliday (Part 4) ------------------------------------------ Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA TB: I have the greatest admiration for anyone who can entertain children. You've had a wealth of experience in this area. Based on your experience from all the hundreds of shows what do you consider to be the most important things in this type of show? What inside tips would you give to a young Magician starting out? DH: You have to play to your audience, play to their level. I take a lot of effects into a birthday party and I'll decide on the spot which ones to show a particular audience as I'm looking them in their little eyes. Their response to an effect is feedback and I use that to decide what to show them next. I don't know anyone else who works exactly this way, but it works for me. Each party and event is a little unique, I'm not sure there's such a thing as a "typical party". My only tip is to get out there and find out what works for you and then run with it. Someone starting out will need confidence and the only way to build that confidence is by doing. TB: Does that mean you have a special performing philosophy? DH: Truthfully Tony, no. I don't have any deep philosophy about performing and I don't want to over analyze what's worked well for me. I do what I do because it feels instinctively right to me and I've had a heck of a good time for many years. It's been a good run. Do I need more than that? Hopefully, my spine and legs will heal up real soon and in time & I'll be up and performing again. I trust it will be so, because I miss it greatly. TB: I don't think it's time to hang up your spurs just yet. I'm sure you will be up and performing real soon. Look at this way, all this resting, gives you a chance to practice more sleights. Just kidding Doc. However, to be serious for a moment, I can, in a way empathize with you. A few years back, I also had to take it easy for a few weeks; by the fifth day of the first week, I had enough and was totally fed up with sleights and passes. But I know what you mean .we miss the rush of performing and the interplay with audiences. I know you've had more than just a few weeks , you've had almost a whole year of resting up and healing but pretty soon, like I said, you'll be back .. DH: That I will, but I know it will take some time and effort. I am very aware that many magicians work diligently to market themselves, I consider myself lucky in that I was known and appreciated by most of the party planners and agents in North Texas and that, through them, I had more than enough work to keep me busy for the past 17 years. That will flow again. TB: That it most certainly will. Thanks Doc. I appreciate you taking time out to converse a while. DH: My pleasure Tony.. So long Pard. See you down the trail sometime soon. And remember "Always drink upstream from the herd." ----------------------------------------------------- (Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling mistakes. My proofreader & I have included these to please those who enjoy finding them.) Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Update On Terry Seabrooke Health -------------------------------------------- Message by Annabel Gray (US) I spoke to Terry today and he sounded in good spirits though admits to feeling impatient at the lengthy process of recovery, and of course is particularly disappointed that he won't be well enough to fly so he can perform for his old mate at Billy McComb's tribute week to be held at the Magic Castle on August 23rd. However, he says he is on the mend and is currently in rehab and hopes to be back home soon. He sends heartfelt thanks for all the good wishes and cards. -------------------------------------------- 10. Tony Clark New Show "Masters Of Magic" -------------------------------------------- Message by Tony Clark (US) Tony Clark opened his new show "Masters of Magic" in at the Montbleu Casino in south Lake Tahoe, Nevada on August 4th. The show runs until Sept 2nd, 2010. Starring magicians - Tony Clark, Danny Cole, Juggler - Bryson Lang and illusionist Joel Ward and Stacey. In the last 8 years, Tony Clark has produced 11 long running successful magic shows in Laughlin, NV, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe. For these amazing accomplishments, on opening night, Tony Hassini the world President of the International Magician's Society presented the Merlin award to Tony Clark for "Best Magic Show Producer of the Year 2010". For more information about the Masters of Magic, you can: - find Tony Clark on Facebook - go to the Montbleu Casino Resort website: www.montbleuresort.com/entertainment.php - To see a TV commercial for the show go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMWi9rWSOG8 -------------------------------------------- 11. TAOM 2010 Convention ------------------------------------------ Message by Kent Cummins (US) Austin Street Magic Festival to Kick Off TAOM 2010 Convention! The Inaugural Austin Street Magic Festival is being sponsored by the Society of American Magicians, Austin Assembly 206, on Thursday, September 2, the day before the Texas Association of Magicians (TAOM) convention begins. Nearly a hundred out-of town (and many out of state) magicians have already committed to coming to Austin one day early to participate. Half a dozen world-class street performers have been brought in from around the country to complement the dozens of professional magicians from the Austin area. The festival begins at 6:00 pm Thursday with family-friendly entertainment, including kid's activities from The Kent Cummins Magic Camp (www.MagicCamp.com). There will be street closings in Austin's famous 6th Street entertainment district to accommodate the festival, which will include magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns, puppeteers, ventriloquists, balloon twisters, and a hula hoop contest with prizes. Magicians will also work in more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and other venues in the entertainment district. Ray Anderson, the famous Esther's Follies magician, will host and MC a "Magicians Only" open mic show after the regular Esther's show on Thursday night. More information on the festival is at http://austinstreetmagic.com. The Texas Association of Magicians annual convention is in Austin this year, over Labor Day weekend, and it will likely continue the tradition of being a regional convention that is often bigger (and sometimes better) than the national conventions. The convention is already almost sold out...more information is at www.TAOM2010.com. -------------------------------------------- 12. John Calvert Buys New Rv Is On The Road Again -------------------------------------------- Message by Eddy Lester, John Calvert Personal Representative eddylester@gmail.com 1 + 239-774-0106 Aug. 5th John Calvert turned 99! He bought a new RV for his birthday present. Now he is on his way to perform at the Mid-West Magic Convention. The end of the month he and Tammy will fly to Spain to headline a magic convention. Oct. 16th John and Tammy will appear at the Strand Theater, Shelbyville, Indiana. The theater is presenting a "John Calvert Film Festival" the full week, he will perform in person the last night of the event. He and Tammy are planning to tour the East Coast of the USA during the end of Oct. and Nov. for magic lectures and shows. Tie-in dates are available, contact: Eddy Lester, Personal Representative, eddylester@gmail.com Plans are now being made for John's 100th birthday Aug.5, 2011! Details to be announced soon. -------------------------------------------- 13. 50 Magicians Perform At The Same Time -------------------------------------------- Message by Roy Zaltsman When was the last time that you saw 50 magicians perform at the same time in a shopping mall? A week ago it happened in the Renanim Mall, Ra'anana Israel. It was the first ever Magic LipDub clip for You tube. A LipDub clip is a one-shot video clip. It is done by one camera man who switches from performer to performer every few seconds. Each performer sings a line from a song which is playing in the background. The end result is a fun and unique clip performed by the general public. You can see many LipDub clips in You tube that have been viewed hundreds of thousands and even millions of times, but none is as unique as what Roy Zaltsman has done. Roy Zaltsman is a professional mentalist and the organizer of the annual Magic At the Red Sea convention. He also released 'The Roy DVD' this year. When he saw the LipDub concept he decided to make one of his own. Making the clip was far from easy. It turned out to be far more complicated than could have been expected. If one of the participants made a mistake, you have to start filming all over again. Add to the fact that there are hundreds of customers in the shopping mall and you get literally pure mayhem . The first time Roy did it, it just didn't work. There were just too many obstacles and unknowns that could not be predicted beforehand. When Roy realized that it's all a waste of time, he called it a day and came back to the shopping mall on another day. This time he planned the entire film script from scratch, thinking and planning ahead about all possible scenarios. Once again about 50 magicians came from all over Israel to make the clip with Roy and here is the result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqCYmxuj0V0 The participants in his LipDub clip are all professional and amateur magicians. This fun clip was created as a non-profitable art form for your enjoyment. The making of the LipDub was taken up by the Israeli national news (Channel 2) and was aired on the 8th August. -------------------------------------------- 14. Exhibit On Houdini And Jewish Magicians -------------------------------------------- Message by Burton Sperber I am helping the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles Calif. on an exhibit on Houdini and Jewish magicians of the Golden Ara it will run for 3 months starting 4/2011 They are looking for information and memorabilia. They are in good shape on Houdini from great local people and getting the exhibit from the NY Jewish museum, if anyone would like to help contact me at bsperber@valleycrest.com This is a great opportunity for the first large exhibit of its kind ever done. -------------------------------------------- 15. The 14th Annual Motor City Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by John Luka Convention Organizer The 14th Annual Motor City Convention will take place the weekend of November 12, 2010 at the Ramada Inn of Taylor, Michigan (Metro Detroit Area). The Motor City Convention will feature Danny Archer, Michael Vincent, Caleb Wiles, and Steven Youell. This year's line-up is awesome. Go to johnlukamagic.com and click on the "Convention" button then on the "Previous Performers" link for a list of previous performers. The standard of performers for this year's convention remains high. As usual, you will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with the performers, ask questions, and share some of your ideas with them. You can find more convention information, including the schedule of events, by going to the convention website: johnlukamagic.com There will be four lectures, two optional workshops, three close-up shows, and plenty of sessioning. You can also register quickly and easily on line via PayPal. Or, you can snail mail your registration to the address shown on the convention website. -------------------------------------------- 16. Re-Launched Appearing Ladder from Anywhere -------------------------------------------- Message by Wayne Rogers (NZ) Here is a little background to the new, about to be re-launched Appearing Ladder from Anywhere. Back in 1998 I was continuing my experiments with Appearing Pole Technology, having already created my original Appearing Shovel, Missing Spade and Appearing Broom. I designed the first 8 ft Appearing Ladder (a Kiwi invention!) and found it fitted into a standard expanding briefcase. A special roller system and side masking was added to each case and the Appearing Ladder from Briefcase has been one of my best selling items ever since. The Appearing Ladder concept was eventually copied by another manufacturer and placed in a heavy tool box. The whole concept of bringing the Ladder out of an item that was actually associated with tools seemed to me to be a strange way of doing things until I saw the opposition's product and realized why they needed the weight. I only mention the copycat product because in some ways its very existence has helped me strive to improve my own original Appearing Ladder. In 2009 there was a period when I was unable to purchase suitable plastic materials to make my Ladders to the original standards. Remember, I live in New Zealand and all the materials are imported. I can't simply jump in my car and drive over town and buy a box of 8 ft plastic polycarbonate tubing. For 12 years I had been purchasing my briefcases from a company who imported them from Indonesia or possibly China. Suddenly this supply dried up too, and they now sell mainly soft satchels for laptop computers. When briefcases are available to me they are more expensive. Over the years several magicians have asked if my Appearing Ladder could be produced from a container other than a briefcase. The answer was, of course, "Yes". The briefcase system was very convenient for the production as well as shipping and storage, and the bolt system I used was very secure. But it was not the only way to do it. My friend Paul Romhany used a "newspaper" Appearing Ladder I made for him during the early days of his Charlie Chaplin magic act, and Paul pulled the Ladder from a carpet bag. I had occasionally performed a "Fire Sale" routine and produced the Ladder from a paper carry bag. In March this year I decided to seriously look at re-inventing the presentation and providing a means of making the Ladder appear from ANY suitable container. The result is the appearing ladder from anywhere. Naturally there are some size restrictions with the container you choose. My personal favourite production item is a simple paper carry bag or large gift bag. The new instructions also include my Fire Sale Routine. For those magicians who still prefer the briefcase as a production item, they can use their own case and a new gimmick is included with the kit that will fit most standard briefcases and can be fitted out in 5 minutes. Details of the Ladder from Anywhere and a new lower pricing will be on the Magicians Only section of my website as soon as I can get them up there. http://www.nzmagic.com Wayne Rogers Auckland, New Zealand August 2010 -------------------------------------------- 17. Marco Tempest Receives Merlin Award 2010 -------------------------------------------- Message by Tobias Beckwith (US) Marco Tempest receives Merlin Award 2010 for Best Contemporary Magician New York, August 11, 2010 -- The International Magicians Society named Marco Tempest, New York's favorite Virtual Magician, for its prestigious Merlin Award 2010 in the category of Best Contemporary Magician. IMS founder Tony Hassini presented the award to Tempest in a special ceremony held on Times Square. Tempest, best known for his unique blend of cutting edge technology, live performance and illusion, is the creator of The Virtual Magician television series, seen for two seasons in over 50 markets worldwide. He is one of the world's premiere performers for corporate and special events, and has one of the 20 largest internet UCC video viewerships (as tracked by Tubemogul.com). Earlier this year, Tempest was also singled out for his futuristic take on the illusion arts on The World Magic Awards, broadcast on the MyTV network. The Merlin Award is to magic what the Oscar is to the movies. In winning the Merlin Awards, Tempest joins a prestigious group, including Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, Channing Pollack, Siegfried & Roy, Penn & Teller, David Copperfield and Criss Angel. More on the IMS Merlin Award: The International Magicians Society was founded in 1968 with the fundamental purpose of promoting and preserving the art of magic. The IMS helps to create new magicians, passing the torch to the next generation of magicians. The IMS has over 37'000 members worldwide. Every three years, the International Magicians Society hosts a banquet dinner, where those magicians who have achieved the highest level in their craft are awarded the coveted Merlin Award. The voting members begin with approximately one hundred names and narrows down to a handful. The criteria that the voting members consider are talent, showmanship, originality, skills, and above all the rare ability to entertain under any conditions. Contact: Newmagic Communications, Inc. 636 Broadway, Suite 1002 New York, NY 10012 T: 212-625-1205 virtualmagician@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 18. For Sale - The Stove (Chef's Nightmare) Illusion -------------------------------------------- Message by Mr Wiz It is available for local pick up at Murfreesboro, Tennessee or to be shipped. Buyer pays shipping charge. The Stove (Chef's Nightmare) Illusion The Stove (Chef's Nightmare) is the perfect illusion. It's small, can be done surrounded, and can feature a nice story line. On the stage sits an ordinary looking stove. You can see in the front door at all times. There's clearly nothing in the stove. A cooking pot is shown empty and placed on the burner. Now the strange stuff starts. Things go in and fly out of the pot, spoons stir themselves and, of course, sooner or later, out steps your lovely assistant out of that tiny pot. A good way to have your assistant appear! Dimensions: 31" X 33" X 39" It is in good condition. Buyer pays shipping charges. Can be arranged to be picked up locally. Asking $500. Pictures Available Upon Request MagicJavi@aol.com -------------------------------------------- 19. British Ring Convention Eastbourne -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden (UK) Here is the Programme of Events in the British Ring Convention Eastbourne 22nd - 26th September 2010 Wednesday 22nd September 10.30 Registration opens 14.00 Official Opening and Opening Show 15.00 Dealers open 15.30 Lecture: Flip 16.45 Marketing Lecture 20.00 Micro Magic Marathon 21.30 Cabaret Night Thursday 23rd September 09.30 Dealer Demonstration 10.30 Dealers open 11.00 Lecture: Charlie Frye 13.30 Close-up Competition 14.00 Ladies Afternoon 14.00 Special School and Convalescent Homes Shows 14.15 Lecture: Matt Johnson 16.00 Lecture: Manuel Muerte 20.00 Stage Competition Friday 24th September 09.15 Annual General Meeting 09.30 Dealers open 10.30 Atkins Memorial Lecture: Derek Lever 12.00 Lecture: Rich Bloch 14.00 Lecture: Wayne Dobson 15.15 Seminar: History of Mystery 15.30 Workshops: Mike Stokes -Balloonology Danny Hunt - Escapology 18.30 for 19.00 Gala Dinner 20.00 Films 22.00 Awards and Late Gala Saturday 25th September 09.30 Dealers Open 10.00 Lecture: Cyril Harvey 10.30 Children's Showtime 11.30 International Close-up 12.45 Charity Auction 14.30 Lecture: Jimmy Carlo 14.45 Lecture: Ian Keable 15.30 Junior Workshop 16.00 Lecture: Martin Eisle 20.00 International Magic Show Sunday 26th September 09.45 Church Service 11.00 Stars of the Future Show followed by Close of Convention Have you made your registration yet for this extravaganza of top class magic? If not why don't you do it today. The registration Officer Neville Johnson is awaiting your call. You can contact him by telephone on 01202 873234 or by e.mail: nevillejohnson25@aol.com Alternatively you can go to the British Ring website www.britishring.org.uk and register on line. We are looking forward to seeing and meeting you in Eastbourne. -------------------------------------------- 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. 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