* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #789 Date: Sunday 3rd October 2010 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. The Magicians Come To BBC One On Saturday Nights 3. Terry Seabrooke Isn't Doing Too Well 4. Zarrow Magic Auction Catalog Now Online 5. National Magic Week Proclaimed 6. Remarkable Magic #2 - Nick Lewin 7. Scout Shows: Easy Lead Generation #182 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Jay Scott Berry - Part 2 9. 'Illusionist Of The Decade' Merlin Award? 10. Researching The History Of The Merlin Awards 11. "Magicana" Magazine Volume 57 Number 345 12. America's First Native-Born Magician 13. John Calvert Show - Lecture - Q&A 14. Kerala University - Magic Academy's Courses 15. Warning From SAM Hall Of Fame 16. The Latest From The New England Area 17. IBM Online Registration Is Now Open 16. e-zine Archives 17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The highlight this week for Michele and I was viewing a DVD that Andrew Van Buren sent to us from the UK to view. It was a full family history starting with his parents, Fred Van Buren and Greta (Connie). "One of the World's finest & most original illusionists". Fred Van Buren the man whose spectacular illusions have been described as "a 21st Century Miracle". It showed an in-depth history of their association with the circus and with magic. The whole DVD was put together very professionally. Andrew now presents the illusion show, touring the world, as well as performing his juggling plate spinning act, thus keeping the family tradition going into the 21st century. For a full history of this remarkable family go to: http://www.vanburen.org.uk/ Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. The Magicians Come To BBC One On Saturday Nights -------------------------------------------- Message by Ari Phillips (UK) Category: TV Entertainment; BBC One It was announced today that BBC One will put magic back on Saturday nights for the first time in nearly two decades* and at a scale never seen before, with the commission of a new entertainment spectacular from Shine TV. The Magicians sees three of the magic world's most currently successful practitioners, both critically and at the box office, do battle for across five weeks in early 2011 in the world of magic's first competitive competition on UK screens. Against the stunning backdrop of a specially-created set on Pinewood Studios, each Magician will perform with a different celebrity partner each week; with the three pairs performing illusions from the classic to the never-attempted-before and adapting their respective roles as the challenge or trick dictates. The Magicians will be pushed to excel beyond their own favoured speciality, be it escapology, illusion or sleight of hand card tricks, as the tournament will throw weekly challenges and themes designed to best test the competitors' originality, ingenuity and ambition with many large scale stunts set to be attempted. Just as audiences in theatres have shown their approval or otherwise for the art of illusion through the centuries, only the studio audience will determine which magician is victorious each week and ultimately triumphs across the weeks. There are no judges and no phone lines. The same three magicians battle each week - those that amaze the audience most will win, whereas the pair that receive the least applause will be asked to close the show with an uncomfortable, dangerous or impossible forfeit of a trick that no-one will want to tackle. Commissioned by BBC Controller of Entertainment Commissioning, Mark Linsey, The Magicians will be produced by Shine TV, makers of BBC One hits Merlin and MasterChef, and executive produced by Karen Smith, joint Managing Director of Shine TV, and launch producer of Strictly Come Dancing. Host and further format details will be revealed at a later date. In addition, viewers at home will be able to both enjoy and learn interactively via a series of exclusive tricks and step-by-step guides to give budding magicians an introduction to the art . Mark Linsey said: "The Magicians is a bold, big scale entertainment show that will bring the best of the latest crop of amazing illusionists to a wide audience for the first time, in a head-to-head contest. It is family viewing at its best and we're delighted to be bringing it to the BBC and to Saturday nights." Karen Smith said: "The Magicians will astound, amaze and amuse. It will look like nothing seen before it, a truly spectacular Spectacular." -------------------------------------------- 3. Terry Seabrooke Isn't Doing Too Well -------------------------------------------- Message by Julie Carpenter forwarded on by Ari Phillips: Hi all I went to see Terry Seabrooke today. He isn't doing too well and was very depressed. Clinically, he is improving but he can't find the motivation to try to get up and walk. He finds it so hard to change his position in bed that I don't see how he can even start to try to walk at the moment. He has been out of action for 3 months now, and feels that he has lost touch with the magic community. Please could everyone find a few minutes write him a letter. You can email it to me and I'll print it off for him. He would also like some VISITORS. He is on Flaunden Ward WATFORD GENERAL HOSPITAL (park by the football ground, I think it's cheaper on the meter than the hospital car park). Visiting hours are 2-4pm and 6.30 -7.30pm. Julie Carpenter email: crazywoman1969@hotmail.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Zarrow Magic Auction Catalog Now Online -------------------------------------------- Message by Potter & Potter Auctions On October 23rd at 10:00 am (CST), Potter & Potter will conduct an auction of the magic collection of legendary card magician Herb Zarrow. The sale will also feature rarities from the collections of Paul Fox and Dai Vernon, and a host of rarities from other consignors. Zarrow's collection was composed primarily of rare and collectible books, but included posters, apparatus and ephemera, as well. The Paul Fox material includes many of the props this legendary magician used in his performances, his dress tuxedo (specially tailored for various magic effects), and numerous association items. Among the Dai Vernon items in the auction are original artwork by "The Professor," photographs, and personal ephemera. The auction will also include several rare Thurston posters, automata, and archives of correspondence. Printed copies of the catalog ship this week - on or before October 1st. But don't wait - go to: http://potterauctions.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=875574c47a99767fdc579a024&id=5f1e92bf47&e=9c2b84756a -------------------------------------------- 5. National Magic Week Proclaimed -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler S A M Public Relations Mark Weidhaas, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than eighty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year. Houdini died at 1:26 pm on October 31 in 1926 and was president of the Society for the previous nine years. His grave is in New York City. During the year the members of the S.A.M. perform for senior citizens in nursing homes, plus in VA Hospitals and for schools and libraries for children who cannot afford the luxury of live entertainment. The free shows are part of the service programs by its members. "Magic Week" is when the magicians can take their bows. Public magic events and exhibits will be taking place all over the country. For more information see - www.magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic # 1 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) "Your mission, if you choose to accept it, Mr. Lewin." I sat across the green felt covered desk, bathed in the light from a single brass lamp. I looked into the gray eyes of the man sitting there as he finished filling his pipe from a leather pouch on the desk. I felt a swell of affection for this man who had sent me all over the world on adventures that had taken me into moments of great joy and even greater danger. He looked up from his pipe filling activities and smiled a smile that never quite reached his eyes. "Well." He said, in a mild voice; "That's the job. If you want to take it you will need to be in Jamaica by Friday." I returned his smile and said; "I'll be there, what do I need to know?" I suddenly abandoned my well-worn fantasy and reluctantly acknowledged that I wasn't James Bond receiving a mission from M that would save the world. It was just me, Nick, on the phone with my agent Barry accepting another gig on a cruise ship. No saving the world, just two 45-minute shows. Darn. Let me explain. Unlike many magicians I didn't become a magician to become another Harry Houdini. It wasn't like that for me at all. When I was eleven years old I went to the local cinema and caught 'Dr. No' the first James Bond. It changed my life. After seeing the movie, I found most of Ian Fleming's 007 novels in my brother's bookshelf and read them with the same intensity that Ricky Jay must have studied 'A magician at the card table.' I loved the gadgets and elegant tuxedos that were such a large part of Mr. Bond's world. I craved those exotic locations scattered across the globe that Bond visited with a nonchalance that I began to practice on a daily basis. Nonchalance is hard to carry off at such an early age and my school friends just thought I was a little crazy-hey, I also performed elaborate card tricks. That is an even surer sign of craziness than talking to yourself. When the second Bond movie 'From Russia with Love' was released I was sitting in the cinema for the very first showing. For me the most exciting part of the movie wasn't the action scenes or the fighting. It was the incredible briefcase that Q had created for Bond. The attaché case was rigged to the hilt with tear gas canisters, hidden gold coins, special locks and best of all a secret knife that popped out from the side of the case. I lusted after that case with all my heart. After returning from the cinema, I went up in the attic and retrieved an old discarded briefcase that had previously accompanied my father to his office in the City. Since I didn't have a folding rifle or bug-detecting equipment I decided to put the magic props from my fledgling magic show inside the case. They looked pretty darn good in there. Forty-five years later I am still carrying the latest version of that prototype case with me as I jet around the world. The case is now filled with very cool magic props and every amazing electronic item that has an Apple on it. James Bond would have killed for an iPhone in those Fleming books from the fifties. Even Q wouldn't have believed what it could do. My case is heavily gimmicked and contains 34 tricks inside it, as well as the electronics and it still passes as hand baggage. This case goes onstage with me every single show and even houses a concealed butterfly knife with which I slice a lemon in half on a twice nightly basis. There are no golden coins hidden in the lining of the case but there is a secret pocket that contains several $100 bills. Just in case. I left school and became a full time magician and began the endless traveling that has so far characterized my life. I have managed to visit all those exotic backdrops featured in the Bond books and films. In fact I'm pretty sure I've been to scads of places that 007 never even knew existed. I am now truly as at home in Jamaica and Russia as I am at home in Las Vegas--- maybe more so. While I do sincerely love magic and the business of its performance, it is the vision of elegant espionage that has really fueled my life and lifestyles. Like all guiding influences, the memories that ignited my passion have faded over the years. I have finally realized, but steadfastly refuse to acknowledge, that I will never be James Bond. Just as other magicians have realized that they will never be Houdini or Dai Vernon. Life is tough. The good news is that I do have a black leather case filled with cool gimmicks and gadgets that accompanies me as I travel. However I have reluctantly realized that I will probably never be asked to smuggle microfilm across enemy lines, concealed inside my 'Devils Hank.' I have never lost the desire to be asked to do so though. Without a dream you become an act instead of an artiste. So that's my story: if you bump into me in Rome or Venice walk up to me and introduce yourself. I will look you directly in the eyes and say; "My name is Lewin. Nick Lewin." -------------------------------------------- 7. Scout Shows: Easy Lead Generation #182 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com Believe it or not, but the scout season for banquets is right around the corner. NOW is the time to get your materials together and to start gathering up leads for the sub packs you want to directly market to. But how do you start to acquire a master leads list so that you have contact information from which to start your marketing? Let's talk a bit about an easy process that can work well for anyone. In order to market effectively to cub packs you first must gather the right contact information for the cub packs you want to market to. You simply cannot send anything out unless you know who to send it to and where. The easiest method to start off with is internet research. There is a wealth of information that can be obtained about cub packs and locations and contact information just by spending some time up front to do some serious website searching. When you begin your searching you are mainly interested in: - Cub pack number - Cub pack location - Cub pack master's name - Cub pack master's e-mail address - Alternative names and contact's e-mail address - Any possible mailing address - Council for which the pack belongs to This is a good generalized list of what you want to be looking for and recording as you begin your internet research. Keep in mind that you may not always find all of this. That is ok though. The idea is to find and plug in as much information as you can find. The main goal is to start generating your "leads list". So where do you begin? You have google.com up and what do you do from there? Are there websites you can check out and start with? Let us explore this next and give you valuable information and resources that will directly help you get started. The first website you may want to directly check out is the actual national scouting website. The link for this is: http://www.scouting.org/media/lcl.aspx If this does not work for you, go to http://www.scouting.org and then click on the "Local Councils" button on the top navigational area. They have a nice and powerful database and application called the council locator. Every cub pack must belong to a council. Because of this, you can get direct council information by simply going to this link and plugging in your zip code or zip codes in surrounding areas. As you can see, you already just landed on some killer and valuable information and it only took you a few minutes. This information is very valuable to you. It will give you a council that packs belongs to for each area or zip code. It also give you their phone number, direct address and their website. The website can then lead you to more direct contact information. Another tip you can do is to go back to Google.com and type in the pack number and location in Google. I might type in "Cub Pack 249 in Pottstown, PA. What this often does is brings up a link of that cub pack's website. So you can clearly see that with a little time and internet research, you can generate a GREAT leads list rather quickly. This will be your master guide for which to go forward with your marketing. It takes just a little bit of time, but by using the links and ideas above, you can find a wealth of information at your fingertips. If you would like more detailed information about scout shows and how to market to them, I cover off on a lot of this and more in my book "Blue and Gold: The Complete Guide to Working Scout Markets". It can be ordered by going directly to: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html If you have any questions about working the scout market, please feel free to email me directly. I would be happy to help you out in any way I can. So get busy and start getting your materials ready for a successful scout season ahead. 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. - "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 Jay Scott Berry - Part 2 ------------------------------------------ Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA TB: Interesting. Magic kit at 5. OK, let me do the Math. That's 45 years of Magic. You are one of those lucky people who never seem to age. I used to tease a very good friend of ours, the late Pat Page and call him Dorian Grey. He never seemed to grow older. He always looked the same, as did another great friend of ours, the late Ali Bongo. You and I have great stories of the time we shared with them in Scotland, but we shall chat about that later. For now, I'd like to focus on a topic that you and I love to revel in and that is Lateral Thinking. As I stated in my introduction you blew me away the first time I saw you. Your capacity for lateral thinking is beyond brilliance. What you have done to the simple thumb-tip and Sanada is Gold Medal thinking. You didn't just transform them, but metamorphized them. Your methodology for getting a ring off a ribbon is beyond superlatives. Don't reveal any secrets here .save that for your lectures . but for now please share with us the process behind that kind of thinking. JSB: Yes, I'm just about to turn 50, as I write this. What's interesting is that I don't feel any older in spirit. In fact, I am more at ease with myself and my simple ability to create and perform that ever before. Certainly there is some sense of achievement, but I don't ever rest on past glories. On the contrary, I feel like a seasoned climber who is always looking for another mountain to climb. I look at it this way: One of the greatest things we can experience in life is a true sense of accomplishment. But the thing is, you can't get that unless you get out and accomplish something. It's like the best natural high. Furthermore, the amount of accomplishment that one feels is directly relative to the challenges that you overcome. With that in mind, I set my sights ever higher, always seeking a new plateau. Yes, dear Pat and Ali, both were great friends and constant inspirations. To address your comments on Lateral Thinking, I think it's actually quite simple. Continuing on from what I was discussing earlier, in order to create the "perfect" illusion, I just create whatever means or tools necessary. Along the way, if I feel that a gimmick is somehow limiting the process, I simply modify it until it works for me. The same goes with any sleights. The simple truth is that a sleight of hand move must be imperceptible. If it looks like I'm doing something unnatural, the illusion is diminished. TB: How very true. He! He! I wasn't aging you but in a way your unique style of classic magic with a futuristic flair has become iconic and continues to be in demand, quite literally, world-wide. As you know, earlier this year, I lectured and did a work-shop in Singapore and I can tell you that you have a huge fan base out there in that region of Asia. You will be back there in October. Tell us about some of the places you've been... JSB: Well Tony, it is always rewarding to have one's hard work appreciated. I have never really stopped to count but I've certainly performed many thousands of shows over the years, from close-up to large illusions. I've been fortunate to travel the world, many times over, from Las Vegas to Monte Carlo, New York to Paris; from the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton to the historic Theatre-an-der-Wien in Vienna. I've been featured on dozens of national and international television shows including a recent series of TV specials in Indonesia. I'm told that those TV Specials attracted tens of millions of viewers. Places I've been .that may take too long to list them all. In general terms, pretty much all the main cities in the US , Canada, Africa, most of Europe, various countries in Asia and of course, Australia. It seems like I'm always on a tour somewhere or planning one. I've just literally finished performing music and recording a new album in Branson, Missouri. Next stop is LA, where I'll be presenting my new lecture. End of Part 2 (Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling mistakes. After much hard work, my proofreader & I have included these to please those who enjoy finding them.) Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 9. 'Illusionist Of The Decade' Merlin Award? -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Aust) Congratulations to Luis de Matos on his 'Illusionist of the Decade' Merlin Award from the IMS. Perhaps Tony Hassini can explain the implications this has on the other 'Illusionist of the Decade' Merlin Awards he presented earlier this decade? Joe Labero - 2009 Franz Harary - 2004 -------------------------------------------- 10. Researching The History Of The Merlin Awards ------------------------------------------ Message by Tim Ellis (Aust) I'm currently researching the history of The Merlin Awards and I'm trying to find some information. The IMS doesn't keep an accurate listing of all of the Merlin Awards they have presented over the years, but so far I have discovered: 10 pre 1998, 7 in 1998, 20 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 3 in 2001, 4 in 2002, 3 in 2003, 6 in 2004, 6 in 2005, 4 in 2006, 4 in 2007, 19 in 2008, 30 in 2009, 27 in 2010. I am missing quite a few though so I was hoping readers of the NZ Ezine might be able to help fill in the gaps. If you can, please email me at Tim@MagicUnlimited.com Thanks! I need to know the year and the title of the Merlin Awards presented to the following magicians: David Copperfield Siegfried & Roy Doug Henning Harry Blackstone Jr Shimada Tabary Luis DeMatos Gary Darwin Peter Reveen Harry Lorrayne John Gaughan Greg Gleason Robin Channing Oli Raymond Iong Stan Allen Max Maven Pepsi The Clown Hkari Ha Sung Chung Joe Stevens David Mendoza Charles Reynolds Stephen Zadrick (Melinda's TV producer) Gay Blackstone Asi Wind Jean Pierre Kraft Paul Osborne Sonny Fontana Penn & Teller Ha Sung Chung Jonathan David Bass Tom Mullica Tony Spina Michael V. Lewis (Producer of 'The Magic Box') Brett Leonard (Director of 'The Magic Box') Terry Evanswood Ken Klosterman Fielding West Allen Ravine Liong Ket Foei Leow Fee Loong I need to know the year the following Merlin Awards were presented: Joaquin Ayala (Most Original Magic) Steve Wyrick (Magician of the Year) Greg Frewin (Magician of the Year) I need to know the title of the Merlin received: Silvan (1998) P C Sorcar (1998) Juliana Chen (1998) David & Dania (1998) Channing Pollock (1999) Gary Oullet (1999) Rene Lavand (1999) Jay Marshall (1999) Kenneth Feld (1999) Bernie Yuman (1999) Jeff McBride (1999) Kirby Van Burch (1999) Devlin (1999) Rocco (1999) Franz Harary (1999) David Mendoza (1999) William H McIlnahy (1999) Charles Reynolds (1999) Don Wayne (1999) Marshall Brodien (1999) Lennart Green (1999) Ed Alonzo (2000) Ayala & Tanya (2001) Devlin (2003) Jan Rouven (2004) Christian Farla (2005) The Great Cahyo (2009) Cris Castro (2009) Lu Chen (2010) Jorinn Chee Ka Yee(2010) Ernesto Planas (2010) Jia Feng (2010) Mamada (2010) Jeff Lee (2010) Richard Yuh (2010) -------------------------------------------- 11. "Magicana" Magazine Volume 57 Number 345 ------------------------------------------ Message by Michael Woolf "Magicana" Magazine Volume 57 Number 345 is in the mail to subscribers. In this issue are regular columns from Bernard Reid, David Ginn, Ken Ring, Richard Webster and Roderick Mulgan. An Indian report from Arun Bonerjee, book reviews from Joel Moskowitz and Andrew Wilson. The Editor reports on the SAM and IBM Conventions. Michael Woolf interviews Wayne Dobson, also Mark Wilson and The Lovely Nani Darnell. A nostalgia piece about Stewarts' Studio of Magic and coverage of the touring "Razzamatazz" show and dinner with the stars. Read about the ceremony performed at the rededication of the grave site of Thomas Driver ("Robert Kudarz".) "Magicana" is now in full colour, 36 glossy pages two-monthly. "Magicana" Magazine International annual subscription $US40 (includes air post) by PayPal to: mail@michaelw.co.nz -------------------------------------------- 12. America's First Native-Born Magician -------------------------------------------- Message by Dan Maplecroft You may want to refer your readers to a new article about Richard Potter (America's first native-born magician) in the current issue of Kearsarge Magazine: http://www.kearsargemagazine.com/images/pdf/potter.pdf It contains some rare images. -------------------------------------------- 13. John Calvert Show - Lecture - Q&A -------------------------------------------- Message by Penny Wilkes Annual Halloween Houdini Seance and John Calvert Day at Scranton's Houdini Museum John Calvert Day Schedule Doors open at 12:30 1 PM. Houdini Seance by reservation. With snacks & refreshments. 2 PM. John Calvert show. 3:30 PM. John Calvert Lecture (for magicians only) 5 PM. Q&A with John & Tammy (for magicians only) Reservations suggested. All admissions for the day will go to John Calvert. Schedule and times subject to change. Pricing. Seance $15.00 With snacks & refreshments. With spouse or child under 18 years of age $5.00 additional each. Show. $10.00. With spouse or child under 18 years of age $5.00 additional each. Lecture and Q&A. (for magicians only) $15.00. With spouse or child under 18 years of age $5.00 additional each. Combination prices... $20.00 Seance & Show. Available to both magicians and non magicians ($25.00 value) With spouse or child under 18 years of age $10.00 additional each. $20.00 for show, lecture and Q&A (for magicians only) ($25.00 value) With spouse or child under 18 years of age $10.00 additional each. $30.00 for the entire day. Houdini seance, show, lecture and Q&A. (for magicians only) ($40.00 value) With spouse or child under 18 years of age $15.00 additional each. You can pay at paypal to magicus@comcast.net or by credit card by calling (570) 342-5555. Mail checks to Houdini Museum, 1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508. No checks accepted after October 15, 2010. Mayor Doherty of Scranton, Pennsylvania, has proclaimed October 31, 2010 to be John Calvert Day at the Houdini Museum. In addition tickets to the annual Halloween Houdini Seance at the Houdini Museum will be available to the public for for the first time in 20 years. Houdini died on Halloween. Houdini's wife held a seance tribute to Houdini for ten years and then passed on the annual seance to famous writer of the Shadow series, Walter B. Gibson. Before he died, Mr. Gibson passed on the legacy and the tradition of the seance tradition to world renowned magician Dorothy Dietrich. Ms. Dietrich has appeared in many television specials, was named "one of the most noted magicians of the late 20th century" by Columbia Encyclopedia and is the first and only woman in history to do the catching of a bullet in the mouth, "the stunt that scared Houdini." She is a Director of the Houdini Museum. World famous movie star and master magician John Calvert will not only be attending the séance, but will be performing and lecturing along with his beautiful wife Tammy. This will all be followed by a chat session with John and Tammy who will talk about their adventurous life as world traveling performers. John Calvert is a legendary magician who has traveled the world, made many movies including three of the famous "The Falcon" series. He has starred in films with actors such as David Carradine and Ann Cornell as co-stars. His successful television special "Tribute To Houdini" played around the world and featured as a special guest star comedian Red Skelton, who he sawed in half in a hilarious version of the illusion. The special also featured a sequence with famed western movie star Lash La Rue. In 1987 a 305 page hardcover book "John Calvert: Magic and Adventures Around the World" was published about his life. by This year a new documentary DVD tribute to his life was released entitled "John Calvert- His Magic and Adventures" to critical acclaim. This event is completely different from the regularly scheduled Houdini Tour & Magic Show or the psychic-séance event "Hainted!, Mind Mysteries & THE Beyond, featuring paranormalist Dick Brookz. For further info call Penny Wilkes at (570) 342-5555. More can be found at http://Houdini.org Email address is magicus@comcast.net -------------------------------------------- 14. Kerala University Recognition For Magic Academy's Courses -------------------------------------------- Message by "Kakinada" Sreenivas (India) University recognition for a magic teaching course is first time in the world. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University (KU) has recognised the courses in the art and science of magic offered by the Magic Academy led by ace illusionist Gopinath Muthukad. Kerala University's Centre for Adult Continuing Education Extension (CACEE) will conduct examinations and issue certificates for the Certificate and Diploma courses of the Academy. A recognition of this sort for courses in the art of magic is for the first time in the world. Today morning in the presence of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. A. Jayakrishnan, a memorandum of understanding in this regards was signed between the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad and Registrar of the university, K.A. Hashim. Director of the CACEE, Dr. Supriya, Honorary Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy and General Manager of the Academy, K.P. Sivakumar were present. Milestone: Kerala University Vice Chancellor, Dr. A.Jayakrishnan (second right) hands over the MoU recognising the Magic Academy's certificate and diploma courses to the Academy's Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad. Registrar of the university, K.A. Hashim; Director of the Centre for Adult Continuing Education Extension, Dr. Supriya; Academy's Honorary Director, R. Raja Moorthy, General Manager, K.P. Sivakumar and Manager (Coordination), Deepak M. are also seen. In the initial stage a 100 hour certificate course and a diploma course having 200 learning hours will be conducted. The Academy will invite application forms and conduct the classes. In turn, the CACEE will conduct examinations. The 3-month-long Certificate course in Magical Art and Science will comprise of the history of magic, science of magic, showmanship, Close-up magic and Conjuring magic. The Diploma course in the art and science of magic, a 6-month-long one will have in its syllabus, illusion magic, too. Those who have passed SSLC or equivalent examination are eligible for an admission to the certificate course. Only those who pass the certificate course or those who have started performing magic on stage can join for the diploma course. The 14-year-old Academy, popular as the Asia's first one of its kind, was established by Mr. Muthukad as per the foresighted guidances obtained from the late Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, who was a bureaucrat turned novelist. Since then the Academy has been offering a plethora of service to the magicians. This include, free accident insurance cover, educational scholarships for the wards of magic families and free magic gadgets for financially poor magicians. The Academy has pioneered the idea of using magic as an efficient medium for spreading virtuous messages including national integration, Gandhian thoughts and communal harmony. Currently, the Academy is led by Jnanpith laureate poet, O.N.V. Kurup as Patron. To the latest, Mr. Muthukad has embarked on 'Mission India', a 60-day voyage through the heart of India spreading messages of peace and harmony to battle terrorism and violence. Classes are slated to begin by the end of this year. Application forms will be available in the month of October. For more information contact either Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 Kerala or Centre for Adult Continuing Education Extension, Kerala University, PMG, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Tel: 0471 2358910, 9446078535. courtesy: http://magicweekly.blogspot.com/ reported by "Kakinada" Sreenivas -------------------------------------------- 15. Warnng From SAM Hall Of Fame -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler S A M Public Relations Hall Of Fame Important Announcement From John Engman, President Hall Of Fame And Magic Museum WARNING: PLEASE BE WARY of items for sale purportedly once belonging to the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc. It has come to the attention of the officers of the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc. that a company in Los Angeles is listing a purported magical item for sale on e-Bay. This is a false claim. This item is a heavily damaged old trunk, disposed of along with other furniture items that have no significance to a magic collector. All magic and any magician-owned or related items and all Museum and Hall of Fame items are now in secure storage. Some decorative items, such as furniture and costumes, were disposed of; they were period pieces collected by the museum for display purposes only and are not magic related and were not previously owned by any magician; they are not magic collectibles. Any claim to have letters of authenticity for this or any future items for sale by any seller that purports to relate to a magic collectible from the Hall of Fame is disputed and denied by the officers of the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc. All such claims are false and misleading. No magic or magic collectibles or any item of historical value has been disposed of by the museum. The S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc., its Board Members, and Volunteers are proud of its magical collection obtained honestly and legally throughout the years through the generous donation of magicians, their relatives, magic organizations and other lovers of the art of Magic. As a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Magical Arts, the Museum or any of its representatives will never sell or dispose of any true magical collectible or piece of magic history by any means. The Board is currently looking for a new permanent home for the Museum and its precious collections. -------------------------------------------- 16. The Latest From The New England Area -------------------------------------------- Message by General Grant November 11 - 13, 2010 - Yankee Gathering XIII hosted by NEMCA (New England Magic Collectors' Association) - Double Tree Hotel, Westborough, Massachusetts. We were not going to travel away from Vegas during the Fall, however, we did change our mind and will be attending NEMCA. The friendship and camaraderie at this convention is exceptional, not to mention all the lectures, performances and other activities. This is one of those rare collector's convention that does schedule an auction and a full evening banquet. For more information go to: http://www.nemca.com/yg13.htm Have A Great Magical Day General Grant -------------------------------------------- 17. IBM Online Registration Is Now Open -------------------------------------------- This is not your Father's Magic Convention News Release - Dallas, Texas - The I.B.M. is changing everything! You say all conventions are stale? With the same format? Same events? Same ol' everything? YOU want something new? Something exciting? Something truly different? We've listened to you... we know what you're thinking and we feel the same way. After two years of planning, 2011 is the beginning of an I.B.M. Convention experience unlike any you've ever had before. What's SO different, you ask? Well, starting on Day One of the convention we are "building the convention" from the ground up. Assume nothing! Everything is packaged and presented in a brand new way. What does your registration get you? For one great price you get FOUR big evening stage shows! And these shows are being produced in a very unique way! We'll tell you more as the time approaches. You also get a fun and exciting banquet INCLUDED with your registration that's unlike any we've ever had before. Special Interest Groups will be customized to your magical interests so you can learn things that are useful to you! Some of the world's greatest thinkers, performers and teachers will share as a part of our stellar line-up of lectures. You'll see great close-up shows, cabaret shows, fantastic new youth activities and other events that are too exciting to mention in one newsletter. Oops, we almost forgot, be sure to bring your spouse because we've got some great new events especially designed for them. In addition there will be a special Order of Merlin event. We are redefining the 'dealer room' experience! And you'll see the Gold Medal and Gold Cups Contests - often regarded as the best-run contest in magic! But, you want to book it before the end of the year to take advantage of the special discount registration! So go ahead! Book now! It's as easy as by going to: http://www.magician.org/portal/ibmconvention_signup Do you want to risk missing this? Go ahead. register today. save up to $145 on registration, and have the magical time of your life! And let's talk about the hotel... It's the newly renovated Sheraton Dallas. They just spent $90 million upgrading and improving this stellar downtown property. All of our meeting space is centrally located a minute from the elevators. The guest rooms are newly remodeled, modern, and priced at a special I.B.M.-only nightly rate of $99 - the LOWEST convention rate in years! And the hotel is literally a walk-through-the-park from the beautiful and historic Majestic Theatre. Facebook? Twitter? We want you to keep in touch with us for all of the latest news, information, pictures, and contests. 'Like' our page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ibmconvention) and 'follow us' on Twitter ( www.twitter.com/ibmconvention). We also want to hear what you have to say. Things you like, things you don't like, things you want to see. It's your convention! This is also a great way to network with others who are attending the convention. So, we're working really hard to make this THE best I.B.M. Convention you've ever been to, and you NEED to be there! Register today and save. www.magician.org/portal/ibmconvention_signup The International Brotherhood of Magicians held the world's first magic convention in 1926, in 2011 we're hosting the world's freshest convention. -------------------------------------------- Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. E.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 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 2010 Alan Watson