* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand® * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #911 Date: Sunday 8th April 2012 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Magic Store Owner Stole $500K from Customer, Officials Say 3. Plea Agreement, Information in 'Magic Factory' Case 4. Hank Lee Responds - "I Will Face the Consequences" 5. U.S. Magicians Headed To North Korea 6. I.B.M. Annual Convention - Your Passport to Magic! 7. Remarkable Magic. #28 - Nick Lewin 8. Deposits - #252 - Kyle Peron 9. In Conversation with John Palfreyman - Part 6 10. 2012 EMC Early Bird Registration Available Now! 11. Police Look Into Shooting Death Of Magician's Wife 12. CAMaraderie Convention, May 3-5 13. Check Out The Redesigned Magic Footnotes 14. Unpublished Magic Tutorials Project 15. Attention All Magic Contestants!!! 16. Convention for Young Magicians Announced 17. An Incredible Opportunity with Joanie Spina at IMX 2012 18. Huge Magic Liquidation 19. Vegas Magic Theatre Shows 20. Bill Thompson Tribute 21. Jarred Fell Presents "Freak Show" 22. e-zine Archives 23. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Just been speaking to Paul Romhany the editor for the new free digital magic magazine VANISH and he tells me that the first issue has exceeded all his expectations with more than 20,000 copies being downloaded. To download your copy VANISH magazine - copy and paste this link: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0104/8132/files/vanishmagazine.pdf?296 Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Magic Store Owner Stole $500K From Customer, Officials Say --------------------------------------------- Article forwarded by Peter Davies WCVB TV 5 - Boston abc Harry P. Levy Faces Credit Card Fraud Charge Medford, Mass. -- A Medford magic store owner was charged Friday with making more than $500,000 in unauthorized charges to the credit card of one of his long-time customers. Harry P. Levy, 61, of Lexington, was charged with credit card fraud, making false statements and false records in a federal investigation. Officials allege that from July 23, 2009 to May 5, 2011, Levy, owner of Hank Lee's Magic Factory, made about $561,927 in unauthorized charges to an American Express card of the victim, a wealthy long-time customer of Levy's from Texas. If convicted, Levy faces up to 15 years in prison for the credit card fraud and five years in prison for the false statements and records, to be followed by three years of supervised release, forfeiture, restitution and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is highest. Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/30805445/detail.html#ixzz1qvKMLlOu -------------------------------------------- 3. Plea Agreement, Information In 'Magic Factory' Case --------------------------------------------- Message by Peter Davies The PDFs are copies of the stipulated facts, plea agreement and information in the case of Harry Levy in U.S. District Court in Boston. The owner of Hank Lee's Magic Factory, Levy agreed to plead guilty Friday to charges of credit card fraud and making false statements stemming from allegedly making over $500,000 in unauthorized charges to a customer's credit cards, then misleading authorities during their investigation. The plea agreement and stipulation of facts are both signed by Levy, his attorney and federal prosecutors. http://medford.patch.com/articles/read-it-here-facts-plea-agreement-information-in-magic-factory-case#pdf-9464351 -------------------------------------------- 4. Hank Lee Responds - "I Will Face The Consequences" --------------------------------------------- Message by Hank Lee (US) Greetings from all of us at Hank Lee's Magic Factory. Another fine week here in New England. I suspect that by now you have read the reports of the government's charges against me. I have agreed to plead guilty to these charges. Although the charges allege misuse of a customer's credit card, I am writing to assure you that Hank Lee's Magic Factory has since adopted procedures to insure the safety and privacy of our customers' information. I was wrong in every way, and now I will face the consequences. I could not possibly be more sorry for my behavior. My actions have deeply impacted my family. And, I know that they have impacted you, our customers and friends. While we have tried to build a base of trust over the last 37 years, it has been seriously damaged, and must now be rebuilt. If there is a brighter side, Hank Lee's Magic Factory is not just about me. It is about our long time employees who are here every day and could not be more honest, forthright and knowledgeable. These people can be trusted, 100%. They have been with Hank Lee's for more than 20 years each and have impeccable records, both in life and in the workplace. In the past day, I have received many emails and notes. Most are from people hoping that the present situation resolves itself quickly and wishing me the best in this difficult time. Some are from people who do not exactly wish me well. This is to be expected. I appreciate all correspondence. This is what I can tell you right now. Hank Lee's Magic Factory is not in danger of closing. We will continue to accept your orders, process them and ship them as always. I hope that you will continue to place orders with the Magic Factory, and allow me to rebuild your trust in us. That having been said, let's move on to this week's excitement. It is one of my favorites! -------------------------------------------- 5. U.S. Magicians Headed To North Korea -------------------------------------------- Message by Dale Salwak (US) In April a delegation of prominent American magicians will visit North Korea, the first group of U.S. performers invited to that country since the New York Philharmonic performed in Pyongyang, the capital, in January, 2008. In reciprocity, a North Korean delegation is expected to visit the United States later this year, an historic first in cultural exchange between the two nations. Led by Dale Salwak of Southern California, the delegation includes Rich Bloch of Washington, D.C., Danny Cole of Southern California, and their assistants Ryan Salwak and Stacey Cole. The group is scheduled to depart from Beijing on April 10 and arrive in Pyongyang the same day for performances in North Korea's capital over the following week. The groundwork for this exchange was laid by Salwak during two previous visits to North Korea: In 2009 when he was the only American magician to perform at the national birthday celebration for the country's revered founder, Kim il-Sung, and in 2011 when he was invited to view and meet North Korea's lead magicians in their spectacular "Grand Magic" show in the 150,000 seat Rungrado May Day Stadium. Salwak described these experiences in articles for MAGIC magazine and the Linking Ring. ------------------------------------------- 6. I.B.M. Annual Convention - Your Passport To Magic! -------------------------------------------- Message by I.B.M. Norfolk Convention Committee There is a very special magic happening this July that we want to be sure you know about. There are lots of magic conventions but there is only one I.B.M. Annual Convention each year and it is in Norfolk, Virginia this year. The I.B.M. held the world's first magic convention in Kenton, Ohio in 1922 and the Norfolk Convention will be the 84th I.B.M. Annual Convention - that's every year except the four years during World War II! The I.B.M. is the World's largest magic organization and its annual conventions are the world's best magic conventions. The I.B.M. knows how to produce a magic convention. The I.B.M. convention committee has the most successful convention experience of any group in magic. The I.B.M. "reinvented" the convention last year in Dallas and will upgrade its convention this year in Norfolk to a new edition that is bigger and better than ever before. Here are a few of the things in store for those lucky enough to attend the Norfolk convention: Each attendee gets a special passport to magic. Not only does this passport gain you entry to all the events at the convention and the Schedule of Events - it also has a space for each dealer to stamp when you visit their booth. These dealer stamps will be your passport to special magic gifts and drawings for other magic prizes. This Passport gains you entry to the Dealer's Room which opens at 2 pm on Tuesday afternoon and a special first night Welcome Party and Show plus the first of 10 Lectures at 10 PM on Tuesday evening. That is more than a year's worth of magic lectures at one convention! Your passport takes you to a unique I.B.M. event - the ever popular Big Three Event - Three different events repeated on three consecutive days for a third of the attendees each event to enhance your enjoyment and viewing of the event. The Norfolk Big Three events include Paul Gertner and his one man show - Ten Fingers; A special lecture by Wayne Houchin; and a Close-Up show by six of magic's best close up masters including - David Acer, John Bannon, Hannibal, Dani DaOrtiz, Master Payne, & Geoff Williams. The close-up rooms will have elevated seating to improve the viewing angles for the audience. The optional Grand Banquet (and extra charge event) will feature the incomparable Chris Capehart - a magic performance who simply has no equal! A special Youth Showcase Show featuring a lineup of specially invited young magic talents will give attendee a very special look at the stars of tomorrow. The Gold Medal Finals will feature not only the finalist competition but also Magic Master of the magical m.c.s - Rich Bloch and special guest star George Saterial reprising his own Gold Medal winning performance. Already booked for the Gala Finale Show are Justin Flom, Vlad Kryvonogov, Chip Romero, and Arthur Trace with more acts to be named. Long time magic show producer and star in his own right - Dale Salwak - is producing an I.B.M. exclusive - Stars of Asia Gala Stage Show - which will open the three nights of shows in the beautiful Chrysler Hall Theatre at the Norfolk Scope. Already announced for this special show are the FISM award winning acts of the beautiful Juliana Chen from China, Yuji Yasuda from Korea, and Ma YanYan from China. Also on this show is Hou Kai, an absolutely unbelievable juggler, and the Butterfly Lovers with their aerolistic artistry. Continuing in the theme of the S.I.G. sessions at the Dallas Convention, the Norfolk Convention will offer its own streamlined version The Magic Six Pack which will provide a small group special focus on a selected magic topic. Your Norfolk Passport to magic will permit you to choose from David Acer - Making of the TV show Mystery Hunter; Rich Bloch - Being a better MC; Hannibal - Theater and Magic; Master Payne - Theming of Magic; T. J. Shimeld - Walter B. Gibson and The Shadow and Geoff Williams - Comedy in Magic. In addition to all these lectures, shows, and special events are the preliminary competitions for the stage and close-up prizes and the right to compete in the finals for the Gold Medal, the Gold Cups and the over $17,000 in cash and other prizes bringing the total value of awards to over $20,000. In view of continuing economic conditions, the convention registration fee has been lowered to $250 which is much lower than other major magic conventions this year. A special convention room rate of $99 is available at the Norfolk Marriott, our host hotel and also at the nearby Sheraton Waterside Hotel if you prefer a waterside room. Very reasonable restaurants for breakfast and lunch are available directly across the street from the convention and a host of excellent restaurants are available very nearby for dinner. Finally, Norfolk is an ideal convention location for a family vacation. If driving to this convention across the Commonwealth of Virginia families will be able to visit historic sites where America began including three major sites within an hour of Norfolk - Jamestown - the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, Yorktown - where American independence was won, and Williamsburg - where Colonial America still exists. Attractions such as Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and Virginia Beach are also nearby. Within an easy walk of the hotels are the Nauticus Museum, USS Wisconsin, and the Douglas MacArthur Memorial. The nearby MacArthur Mall hosts a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Simply put, the Norfolk I.B.M. Convention is The Magic Convention to attend in 2012! It is the sleeper convention of the year. Come to Norfolk where we know how to produce a magic convention just for you. Norfolk is your passport to magic in 2012! See you there! I.B.M. Norfolk Convention Committee. -------------------------------------------- 7. Remarkable Magic. #27 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) Sleazy dealings and some better ideas. I suspect most people in the magic world are familiar with the charges that have been leveled against magic dealer Hank Lee and his New England based 'Magic Factory'. He pleaded guilty to the charges, which include (amongst other things) over 500,000 dollar's worth of illegal credit card charges. It is hard to believe from reports of the incident that this isn't a tip of the iceberg to his dishonest dealings. Somehow he is being allowed to keep his store open and running while waiting for the sentencing of his case. Sweet deal. I don't plan to go into great details about the case (or peoples reactions to it) other than to suggest you Google and research it for yourself, it is a shabby and sickening business. I dealt with Hank for many years with no problem but a couple of years ago I was at the short end of a business transaction that made me decide to refrain from doing so in the future. It wasn't a grand, concerted, criminal case such as Lee just pleaded guilty too. It was just a $125 transaction that I really didn't bother pursuing. Life is too short. I just decided not to continue my dealings with Hank. I want to make it VERY clear that this problem was with Hank Lee alone, and not with his staff in any way. Now, Lee is apologizing and saying that he has instigated new policies to ensure the safety of his customer's orders. Hard for me to buy that one! You were the problem Hank, and have pleaded guilty to unacceptable and dishonest behavior. Having read the published details of the case, I don't think you deserve any renewal of trust within the magic world as a businessman. An apology from someone who has allegedly (is it still alleged, when you plead guilty? I'm no lawyer so I will use the word) broken the law, doesn't seem to amount to very much. Shame on you Harry P. Levy, I personally don't accept your apologies and promises of a change of heart, after you have skidded away from this current situation so lightly. There has been a vast change in the way buying and selling of magic is taking place, and I think most of it is a healthy thing. I deeply regret the extreme difficulties and expenses that face an old fashioned 'brick and mortar' magic store. They are becoming an endangered species and that is a loss to magicians everywhere. Magic Shops were a wonderful place to meet and mix with other magicians and improve your knowledge and skills as a performer. However, as in so much retail purchasing, the Internet has changed the game forever, there are pros and cons involved but it is just the way things are moving. The good news is, there are wonderful people selling magic on the Internet now and doing so in a fast, efficient and honest manner. Better still, is the fact that, individual magicians are selling individual and limited amounts of prized routines that are hand tested and real finds. Merely as an example, I recently bought 'Restored Credit' from David Regal over the Internet and it was a dream transaction. A great trick, at a fair price, paid for by the very secure PayPal system and dispatched quicker than a scaled card by Jeff McBride! The new Facebook page, 'Surplus Magic Exchange'' is dedicated to magicians seeking to buy, sell and trade magic props, and is another wonderful asset to the magic world. It is like a glorified digital swap meet! If you haven't checked it out yet you should do so. Is the Internet medium open to fraud too? In the words of Sarah Palin, "You betcha'." but individuals can be held responsible and banished accordingly as incidents occur. I admire and respect all the legitimate magic dealers around the world who sell us the tools of our trade in an authentic and honest manner. However, when we discover the bad apples in the pile, let's expose and put out of business, those that are thieves---whether by barefacedly stealing our cash or by stealing other peoples intellectual property and making money from it dishonestly. For me, this last statement includes revealing marketed routines for free on YouTube. Email me at nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Deposits - #252 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com When one brings up the topic of deposits there are often times a lot of various opinions as well as means in which to handle it. So how do you handle deposits and how do you enforce them with your clients? Interesting question and one that does come up from time to time for anyone who runs their magic as a business. You will always get that client that is a first timer or simply does not have the experience or knowledge base to understand about deposits, payment or contracts. In many cases you will get the person avoiding paying a deposit simply because they do not have the money yet and are hoping by not bringing it up, it will not be an issue or you will not press it on them. Even more have the thinking that deposits are listed in your agreement or website but is not a necessity. They do not take it seriously thinking it is something you like but not something you demand. The first thing anyone needs to do about taking deposits is making absolutely clear that it is spelled out to them in advance. This means all of your marketing materials and communications need to have this on it and clearly stated. Whether it is via phone, email, website or promotional printed materials, always make sure the deposit is listed and is consistent and easy to understand. The biggest key is making sure you spell out the terms and conditions of the deposit. Stating a deposit is necessary is not good enough. It doesn't give clear instructions to the client. You want to make sure you state: The reason for the deposit. What date or time frame the deposit is due. Why the deposit is needed and what it ensures. What the terms are of the deposit if it is not sent by stated due date. These key issues must be a part of your write up any time deposits are mentioned. This information then gives all details to the client and there can be no excuse for misinformation or them telling you they did not know. Everything is spelled out clearly and easily. The most important of the items listed above is the due date and what happens if the deposit is not sent in. The client needs to know that you run a business and like any business, your time is worth money. The deposit ensures that the date is held for them and their event. If the deposit is not sent, then essentially the event is not booked. It is as simple as that. Receiving of the deposit completes the booking process and ensures the date and their time are locked in. Until the deposit is sent, other shows can and will be booked if they get their deposit in first. Once again, time is money in our line of work. With this stated, I always do everything I can to make sure the deposit is sent in. If it is approaching, I will send out an email reminder to them a week or two prior to the deposit due date. This reminds them of it and the terms they agreed upon. I also send out a contract for every show I do the moment the person expresses interest to book. On this contract it clearly states about the deposit and about the terms of it. I do this so that it becomes a legal document they agreed upon and signed. This can be used if I need to use it and it also pushes them towards sending deposits simply because they take contracts more seriously. It is always understood that I do not leave my house unless the deposit has been sent or an agreement has been meant between both parties. I will always try and work with them as best as I can and ensure customer relationships are being dealt with. However, it is not my responsibility if they are putting up posters, doing ads or even selling tickets and still have not sent a deposit or come to an agreement. If this situation happens, they are reminded of the contract they signed and I simply will not leave until they pay or we agree to a solution. This is not about me being a bad guy. It is about treating and running my business as a business. If you handle it correctly, then people will treat you right and see the value in what you do. Their perception goes up because they know they are working with a professional. 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. Please check out my many ebooks and books at my product site at http://www.kpmagicproducts.com. It would be most appreciated. Thank you. -------------------------------------------- 9. Anthony Darkstone Brook in Conversation with John Palfreyman - Part 6 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA ADB: Excellent. A sad fact of our times that so many Magicians ignore this important part of our Art. We all, stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. If we don't know who they are or what they did and why .we don't know where & how to stand and as a result, the Art is diminished. So, I for one applaud all your efforts over the years to teach and impart Magic History. JP: Thank you Tony. You are right. I agree. That is why I talk about the History of our Art. And furthermore look at my own history and experiences to make me a better performer, lecturer and Prop builder. Throughout the war the B.T.H. was heavily involved in a diversity of work from "Gun Controls, Range Finders, Torpedo Mountings, and an early form of Radar" so I was in what was known as a Reserved Occupation and thus never served in the fighting forces. However, this enabled me to participate in a variety of activities together with Scouting, I got involved in Drama, Operetta, Dancing, and of course Magic; some nights were set aside doing turns as a Fire Watcher, (This involved keeping a watch for incendiary bombs, and we only had one attack) becoming a Police Messenger, and an A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions) messenger. Men were being conscripted into the fighting forces, and as a result Leaders of the various Youth Organisations became scarce, and in some cases non existent, so several senior members of the Scouts such as myself helped to run other Scout Troops and Cub Packs. As most evenings were out of the question due to Technical College it this involved many Saturday and Sunday meetings, eventually helping to run on a regular basis Three Scout Groups and Cub Packs. ADB: Soon you were to experience the thrill of a lifetime . JP: Oh yes indeed! My Apprenticeship finished in 1946, and in 1947 I moved to Bromley in Kent, near to where I went to work for The Ministry of Supply at Chislehurst. So 1947 was an event !!! My first visit to a Magic Shop. It was "Davenports" which was then in New Oxford Street. ADB: I recall with great clarity and fondness the awe and wonder I personally felt when I first walked into it many years ago. It was already established in Great Russell Street opposite The British Museum. I bought an appearing cane. Still use it today. The man who sold it to me became a great friend and Mentor and I had the joy of working with him several times. It was the one and only Pat Page. God Rest his Soul. JP: Most definitely Tony. I know exactly what you mean. He was very much a part of Britain's Magical History. ADB: Indeed. We could spend quite literally hours talking about that remarkable genius. But let us return to your History .and the many great names that featured in it . JP: Yes I agree .we could talk about Pat for hours ..days even .anyway, Scouting came back into my life .. then during 1948 and 1949 I took part in a show called "Boy Scout" at The Royal Albert Hall, and made friends with Ralph Reader. During my other leisure hours I took up once again Drama, and as I was proficient in Old Time and Sequence Dancing, together with Scottish Country Dancing, I was also teaching Dancing, as well as running a Youth Club at Holy Trinity Church on Bromley Common. At one of the exchange meetings between Youth Clubs I met a young lady. Her name was Joan Coltham. Fast forward to July 5th. 1952 when Joan and I were married at St. Augustine's Church Bromley. I moved Monsanto Chemicals Ltd. in Maddox Street, London just off Regent Street, (Later we were located in "Monsanto House" in Victoria Street.) My lunch hours afforded me time to visit the many Magical Dealers in the area. Hamleys in Regent Street was my main haunt where I met Vic Fabian, Max Andrews in Archer Street, Harry Stanley`s Unique Studio, Tony Corinda`s for whom I took the photographs of him for his series "Thirteen Steps to Mentalism", and of course not forgetting Davenports and Ken Brooke. On many occasions whilst at Monsanto I was sent to inspect equipment that we had purchased, and it was through these trips to different towns and cities, I was able to visit many of the Magical Societies. At the Leicester Magic Circle I first met, Roy Johnson, Gordon Collin, Rex Reader, Ray King and many others. Whilst attending one of their conventions I met Johnny Geddes who insisted on calling me Pontefract Cake; we became good friends and he gave me a lot of "Summer Season" work in parks and community centres in and around Dundee. In Glasgow I met the late Duncan Fletcher whose warmth and hospitality were second to none, and at The Scottish Conjurers Association he introduced me to De Vega, and Tommy Fredericks. Through the Late Alfred Gabriel the first Magic Society I joined was The London Society of Magicians, where I met Teddy Love, Frank Boynett, Hugh Parish, and Secretary Frank Ruffell, who on resigning the post I took over. When I decided to resign John Field a young and up and coming Solicitor took on the job. We were to meet later on again in our magical careers. After Claude Manley died I took on the organising of the L.S.M.`s concerts at Conway Hall, where many of the present day and a lot of the now legendary artists came and performed, with - "No Thought Of What Was In It For Them" Some of the names who entertained - Val Andrews, Tom Angus, Annabelle, Jeffery Atkins, Michael Bailey, Roy Baker, Fred Barlow, Harry Baron, David Berglas, Bobby Bernard, Ali Bongo, Ken Brooke, Terry Burgess, Geoffrey Buckingham, Stanton Carlisle, Gordon Collin & Ann, Keith Cooper, Tony Crabbe, Clifford Davis, Jack Delvin, Freddie Firth, Harry Fletcher, Maurice Fogel, Johnny Geddes, Robert Harbin, Johnny Hart, Francis Haxton, Terry Herbert, Graham Jolley, Finn Jon, Horace King, Al Koran, Ron Langhorn, Lenz, Ron MacMillan, Billy McComb, Johnny Maire, Barry Miller, The Great Masoni & Shan, Brian Miller & Audrey, Malcolm Nunn, Patrick Page, Dennis Patten, Percy Press, Don (yoyo) Robertson, Geoffrey Robinson, Terri Rogers, Colin Rose, John Salisse, Richard Sanders, Terry Seabrooke, Peter Scarlett, Solly, Alan Shaxon & Anne, Bob & Valerie Swadling, Tony Shelley & Elizabeth, Harold Taylor, John Wade, George Wallman, Peter Warlock, Christopher Woodward, and many others. End of Part 6 -------------------------------------------- 10. 2012 EMC Early Bird Registration Available Now! -------------------------------------------- Message by Luis de Matos The Essential Magic Conference is back. Join us on the 27th, 28th and 29th of July for the third and final event in the Essential Magic Conference Trilogy. 33 Magicians, 3 Days of Magic. The Essential Magic Conference is the world's first digital conference for magic and magicians. Watch live via the internet. Watch all sessions online and on demand for one year. And receive an 8 DVD Box Set of all the sessions once the conference is over. DVDs mailed post free to anywhere in the world. Register for the EMC2012 and get a 25% Discount on all Essential Magic Collection products. This includes the highly praised DVDs of Dani DaOrtiz, Lennart Green, René Lavand and many other great magicians. Register before May 31st for the Essential Magic Conference to receive your 25% Discount. Discount applied on any order for single or multiple items. You could save hundreds of dollars! REGISTER NOW! By going to: http://essentialmagicconference.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=314b1a1d90a2e1f90871fa6ff&id=bf7455540a&e=654db8c36d Free $1000 Prize Draw Every Early Bird Member will be automatically entered into a Prize Draw. $1000 in prizes has been sponsored by Murphy's Magic Supplies. Register before 31st May for free entry. Essential Magic Conference 2012 Watch live via the Internet. View on your computer, your iPad or even your iPhone. Watch all sessions online and on-demand for one year. And receive an 8 DVD Box Set of all the sessions once the conference is over. DVDs mailed post free to anywhere in the world. Speakers for 2012 will be announced shortly. Conference package is US $99 or EUR ?75 for access live and on-demand plus DVD set. www.essentialmagicconference.com ------------------------------------------- 11. Police Look Into Shooting Death of Magician's Wife -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Peter Williams By Niña Calleja Philippine Daily Inquirer Manila, Philippines-A few hours after she surprised her husband with a birthday bash, she surprised him again by putting a bullet in her heart, at least that is what the husband told the police. The Marikina police are now investigating if foul play was involved in the death of Maricar de Paz, 34, wife of celebrity magician Allan de Paz, popularly known as Alakim. Alakim, a grand finalist in the popular television show Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1, appears in some of ABS-CBN's television shows. Initial police findings showed Maricar shot herself in the right side of her chest at the height of an argument with her husband around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. It happened while they were inside their Honda CRV parked in front of their house in Lamar Village in Barangay Parang, Marikina City, police said. The bullet that pierced her heart exited through the window glass at the back of the vehicle. Alakim drove her to the Marikina Valley Hospital but doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. Senior Superintendent Gabriel Lopez, Marikina police chief, said Alakim sustained a wound on his hand in his attempt to stop his wife. "We are waiting for the results of the paraffin test and ballistic exams to check if there are inconsistencies in Allan's statement," Lopez said. He noted that it was unlikely that the woman, who had arranged a surprise birthday party for her husband in Quezon City earlier, would decide to commit suicide afterwards. "She's a successful woman working as a manager for St. Luke's Medical Center. It's really unlikely," he said. According to their friends and relatives, the couple was still happy during the party, Lopez said. But the argument turned sour when they reached their home. According to Alakim Maricar suddenly searched for the gun at the back seat and then shot herself, Lopez said. "Perhaps, she had acted on impulse," Lopez added. Lopez said Alakim refused to give them details about the couple's argument but investigators suspected that extreme jealousy prompted it. The gun used in the shooting was the .38-caliber Super pistol reportedly owned by Alakim. Lopez noted that Alakim and Maricar both own guns which they used for target shooting. ------------------------------------------- 12. CAMaraderie Convention, May 3-5 -------------------------------------------- Message by Joan Caesar (Canada) CAMaraderie Convention, May 3-5 in Hamilton Ontario (just 2 hours north of Buffalo, NY) Only one month left until Canada's National convention. If you haven't booked a room at the Crowne Plaza hotel, let me know because I still have a few held at the convention rate. John Talbot has offered a draw for a $250.00 Wendy's gift certificate from the next 50 people who register, and another $250.00 gift certificate for all CAMaraderie registrants. The draws will be held at the convention. Don't forget, An Auction Of Sid Lorraine Paintings will be held for registrants of the CAMaraderie. This will be your last opportunity to own a piece of Canadian magic history. We have a stellar line-up of performers including Stephen Bargatze, Mike Chao (Taiwan), David and Dania, Michael Finney, FISM winner Paul Gertner, Doug Hunt, Hyunjoon Kim (South Korea) Duane Laflin, Grand Prix FISM winner Rich Merrill, Richard Turner, plus balloon artists Tom Vorjohan and Daniel Herron. Along with our 7 lectures, Gala show, close-up and stage competitions, and banquet we have our annual one-handed Charlier competition, which is open to all registrants. This year's winner of the one-handed Charlier competition will walk away with bragging rights and the book, A Cut Above generously donated by Magicana. Details about the convention can be found at: www.CAMmagic.org -------------------------------------------- 13. Check Out The Redesigned Magic Footnotes -------------------------------------------- Message by Gary Hunt Check out the redesigned Magic Footnotes. The site has been simplified and refocused. I plan on regularly posting bits of information I have run across while looking for something else. Much will be taken from historical newspapers and publications. I will also be posting information and tips on conducting on-line research. Do check out the updated article on historical newspaper databases. So please stop by: www.magicfootnotes.com Please let me know if you run into any problems or have suggestions on how the site can be improved. Gary Hunt www.magicfootnotes.com garyehunt@gmail.com ------------------------------------------- 14. Unpublished Magic Tutorials Project -------------------------------------------- Message by Roy Zaltsman Unpublished Magic Tutorials project is growing fast. Over 1,200 magicians and mentalists from all over the world receive free video clips with a magic tutorial done by top notch magicians such as: Aaron Fisher, Joshua Jay, Thom Peterson, Flip Hallema, Manuel Muerte, Gregory Wilson and many more. If you want to join us and receive these tutorials too, simply sign-up here: http://www.telepathy.co.il/unpublished Thanks in advance, Roy Zaltsman -------------------------------------------- 15. Attention All Magic Contestants!!! -------------------------------------------- Message by Becki Wells (US) The dates are getting closer and the anticipation and excitement is growing! Everyone on the Convention Committee is working hard to put the final touches on what will be an awesome event. The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) convention is four days filled with surprises, fellowship, entertainment, contests and most of all MAGIC!!! What do Lance Burton, Howard Hale, James Cielen, Fanny Tjin (Jade), Greg Frewin, George Saterial, Keiko Muto, Arthur Trace, David Williamson, Johnny Ace Palmer, Joe Given, Giovanni Livera, Steve Bedwell, Oscar Munoz and Chase Curtis all have in common? All of them won the Gold Medal or Gold Cups at a past I.B.M. Convention, and look at where they are today! We invite you to put the finishing touches on your performance and enter the 2012 I.B.M. contests. The I.B.M. conducts annual contests in both Close-Up and Stage magic - with both adult and youth categories. This year we are very excited to have Gold Cups winner Oscar Munoz, and his wife Melody, to organize and administer the contests in Norfolk. Both Oscar and Melody have a theatrical background and understand what it takes to be successful in the entertainment industry. Oscar and Melody will continue the tradition of producing one of the top international magic contests in the world with over $20,000 in prizes. Special room setups are being created to enhance your viewing of the Close-Up contests. In Norfolk, the contests are being moved into a prime time slot in the afternoon so that the contestants can be at their best when they perform. For more information on the contest and to sign up for the contest, please go to http://www.magician.org/node/423 or contact Oscar Munoz via email at oscanmunoz@mac.com. BUT don't wait long; all applications for the contests must be received no later than May 30, 2012. Who will be next? You want it? Come and TAKE it! We don't just give it away! -------------------------------------------- 16. Convention for Young Magicians Announced -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) The Society of Young Magicians will present the "Weekend of Wonder" (WOW) on August 10, 11, 12, 2012 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick Rhode Island . This highly successful total immersion weekend event, presented in 2008 and 2010 is being repeated, and will bring young magicians from around the country, under one roof, for a weekend of magic studies. In addition to the training, friendships are made and social activities, gifts and special attention are offered by experts in all fields of magic. For details see the brochure at http://www.magicsym.com/wow.asp ------------------------------------------- 17. An Incredible Opportunity with Joanie Spina at IMX 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by Craig Mitchell An incredible opportunity awaits! Joanie Spina is looking for a performer who will be the feature of her upcoming lecture at IMX taking place in Las Vegas from the 21-23 May 2012. If selected - you will get the opportunity of working first hand with this master director who will help you take your act to a whole new level - at no charge! You will, however, need to be available for rehearsals in Las Vegas at least 7 days before IMX ... At IMX itself - your original performance video will be shown and thereafter you would perform your act live along with the changes suggested by Joanie. Such a process is truly invaluable and to be able to work with someone as accomplished as Joanie Spina, a rare privilege indeed. If you are looking to further develop your act - and wish to apply to be selected for this opportunity - please email your full details as well as a YouTube preview of your existing act to info@imxlasvegas.com. Please feel free to share the news with friends and colleagues ... applications will be closing soon ! 20+ of the world's finest performers . 3 days of nothing but magic . IMX 2012 www.imxlasvegas.com -------------------------------------------- 18. Huge Magic Liquidation -------------------------------------------- Message by Steve Varro As some of you may know I am handling the liquidation of the magic estate of a fellow magician who passed away earlier this year. George Sprague was a dear friend and faithful member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. He requested that some of his items be sold to set up a special fund to assist young men and women in being able to attend their International convention. My plan is to send out periodical E-mails with photos and descriptions of each effect as I have time to go through it and sort it all out. If you did not receive my earlier e-mail and would like to receive the lists of magic for sale, just email me at: stevevarro@gospelmagic.com and I will add you to the list. Most of the items in this estate are in New or Like New condition. The reason for that is that George's magic career centered around his church. He was the Sunday school teacher for the 5th grade boys. Each week he would do one trick and then put it on the shelf for a year, sometimes longer depending on whether or not the lesson he was using for that effect came up again. Although there are some Gospel effects in the estate, most of them are regular magic effects. All purchase requests will be on a first come first serve basis. Shipping charges will be calculated from Nashville Tennessee, USA. If you are looking for a specific item, let me know and I'll check to see if there is one in the estate to save you a little money. Thank you. Steve Varro -------------------------------------------- 19. Vegas Magic Theatre Shows -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone (US) We have successfully completed the initial 5 month Contract for our Vegas Magic Theatre Shows at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Hosted by the multi-talented Ben Stone whose magic and singing were widely acclaimed, we produced a brand new show EVERY week and we featured some amazingly talented magicians and specialty acts including Fielding West, Dimmare, Losander, Jay Alexander, Dana Daniels, Farrell Dillon, Kevin James, Christopher, Xavier Mortimer, Jon Armstrong, Chipper Lowell, Jason Andrews, Andrew Goldenhersh, Matt Marcy, Tim Gabrielson, Graham P. Jolley, Mike Douglas, Adam Flowers, Paul Zenon, Murray Hatfield & Teresa, Tom Ogden, Luna Shimada, Trigg Watson, John Park, John Ekin, Murray Sawchuck & Lefty, Ty Reveen, Keith Fields, Joel Ward, Nico Studer, Michael Goudeau, Tommie Laing, Tino Ferreira, Michael Holly, Kip Reynolds, Ivan Pecel, Nino Frediani, and Special Guest, 'American Idol' Star, Jasmine Trias. We are hoping to return to the Gold Coast Hotel for an extended run later in the summer with an exciting new show! -------------------------------------------- 20. Bill Thompson Tribute -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone (US) Bill Thompson Bill Thompson was an excellent Close-up magician, and a Magic Dealer who ran the 'House of Secrets' in Blackpool, and whose knowledge of magic was encyclopaedic. My first knowledge of Bill was when he managed the 'Wizard's Den' in Moorfields in the early 1960's. I actually got to know him and spend time with him a few years later when he managed 'Hobbies' toy store in Tarleton Street in Liverpool Town Centre. When Bill moved from Waterloo to Blackpool with his mother around 1980, he opened up a small magic & joke shop on the 'Golden Mile' on the Blackpool promenade which he ran until he gave up the shop and instead opened up 'The House of Secrets', a magic studio in Caunce Street, where he was to spend virtually the whole of his remaining years, almost every day right up until he took ill a couple of weeks ago. No-one was ever quite sure how old Bill was and he had no intention of telling us! It turns out he was 79 years old when he died. That is a brief synopsis of Bill's working life, but there was so much more to Bill. He was quite simply 'one of a kind'. Bill Thompson was the most unselfish man that I've ever met. He was a kind, generous and caring person. He took an interest in everyone including the literally dozens of local and visiting magicians who regularly frequented his studio often with absolutely no intention of buying anything. Instead of chasing them away, Bill would offer them copious amounts of coffee and biscuits, sound advice on almost any topic, and a chat. There was always a warm welcome for all. In global terms Bill was unknown and he never had any ambition to travel. Yet his impact on magic and magicians has truly left a worldwide legacy. There are numerous magicians working around the world today that Bill mentored and who have him to thank for their success. With apologies to Winston Churchill .... Bill was known by so few but meant so much to so many! I will always personally be hugely grateful and indebted to Bill for so many kindnesses that he extended to me and for everything that he did to help me over the years. He was extremely intelligent and a very talented artist and he was responsible for all the designs and artwork for numerous projects and shows that I produced. It is truly the end of an era, and it is hard to imagine that I'll never see him again. I will miss him greatly. A sentiment that I'm sure is shared by many others whose lives were indelibly touched by his special magic. Thank you Bill, you were the best. RIP. -------------------------------------------- 21. Jarred Fell Presents "Freak Show" -------------------------------------------- Message by Jarred Fell (NZ) Jarred Fell Presents "Freak Show" in this year's International Comedy Festival: 2010 Billy T Nominee Jarred Fell's brand new show Freak Show takes comedy and magic to new heights. This Rock'n'Roll Freak Show is filled with walking through Razor Wire, Needles, Knives and a lot more. Don't miss this show! - 2011 Top Comedy Award - Variety Artists Awards. - "Jarred Fell is one of my favorite acts to work with. I wish I could bring him on tour with me everywhere." Steve O, Jackass Showing In: Auckland Dates: Tue 15 - Sat 19 May, 8:45pm Venues: Loft at Q, Auckland Tickets: Adults $25.00 Conc. $18.00 Groups 10+ $18.00* service fees may apply Bookings: 09 309 9771 Show Duration: 1 Hour -------------------------------------------- 22. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives" When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year 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) --------------------------------------------- 23. 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.magicnewzealand.com Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions and statements 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 or statements contained 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 2012 Alan Watson www.magicnewzealand.com www.facebook.com/magicnewzealandnewsflash http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand www.watson.co.nz www.corporatemagic.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com www.balloon-twister.co.nz