* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #185 Date: Sunday 13th July 2003 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor’s Message 2. FISM FRANCE "The French Touch" 3. David Ginn Crash Course On Kidshows 2003 Down Under Tour 4. The Milbourne Christopher Foundation 2003 Awards 5. "Go To Jail" For Jerry's Kids! 6. Guy Cater’s USA Tour 7. First Chicago Citywide Close-Up Magic Competition 8. Wanted - I Am Looking For A- 9. Thousands Of Magic Magazines For Sale 10."Magic Success Seminars" 11. Magic Brothers In Milan 12. Thought Someone May Be Able To Help! 13. “Magic is fun” 14. Peter Strasser Died At Cabrini Hospital 15. IBM Ring 160 New Zealand - Two Day Convention 16. Evelyn Strugnell - Palmerston North 17. Ben Bradshaw Lord Of Illusion - Brisbane 18. Ray-Mond M. Corbin, 86 Of Westminster - Died 19. Brouman Signs Multi-Million Deal 20. The Hutt Valley Magicians' Society Presents: David Ginn! 21. S.A.M. Convention In Las Vegas - Spanish-Language TV Station 22. Stuart Scott Visiting New Zealand 23. International Brotherhood Of Magicians - 2003 Contest Winners 24. The Crooked Deck - Peter Marucci 25. e-zine archives 26. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Richard Webster has just returned from a six-week book tour of the United States promoting his latest book. Most of his time was spent at book signings and workshops, but he did manage to visit the Magic Castle, where he enjoyed seeing Kevin James and Bruce Cervon. He also visited Misdirections Magic in San Francisco and Market Magic in the Pike's Market at Seattle. His tour enabled him to catch up with magicians in Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Seattle, Albuquerque and Denver. He intends writing another book before leaving for Europe in early October. ------------------------------------ Just heard that Bill Seagraves will be presenting his lecture to the Queensland Magic Society, Brisbane on the 23rd July. If you get the opportunity to meet Bill make sure you see the routine with his "Imagination Bag". ------------------------------------ David Copperfield talks about the museum exposure and other things on the internet. The museum piece is about 2/3rds of the way through the interview at: www.msnbc.com/news/934265.asp?cp1=1 ------------------------------------ Received a number of e-mails congratulating the incoming IBM National President David Sandy and also the new S.A.M. National President Jay Gorham. ------------------------------------ Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. FISM FRANCE "The French Touch" ---------------------------------- Message from Joel Hennessy (France) France presents its candidature for the organization of the FISM 2006 We invite all the conventioneers present in "Den Hagge FISM 2003" to come to meet us on our stand. So we can inform you of all the benefits of coming to France for the next FISM Where will you be in 2006? .....FISM FRANCE "the French Touch" ------------------------------------ 3. David Ginn Crash Course On Kidshows 2003 Down Under Tour ------------------------------------- Message from David Ginn (US) Correction Of Schedule This is David's first visit to Australia and New Zealand in eight years ("seems like yesterday," he says) . . . and with it he brings a brand new book on Kidshow Magic, plus some of his favorite audience tested routines: the Big Black Hat, his original do-it-yourself Snake Can routine, the Big Red Hand, Star of the Show, plus solid philosophy on organizing and performing children's shows. He will also have a variety of hardback books (already shipped ahead and waiting) on sale at bargain prices! Here is the confirmed tour schedule: Australia Aug. 2 Perth, Sat 10am-4pm Aug. 5 Adelaide, Tues night 2 hrs Aug. 7 Melbourne, Thurs night 2 hrs Aug. 9 Brisbane ... contact local club for time Aug. 11 Sydney, Mon night 2 hrs New Zealand Aug. 13 Auckland, Wed night 2 hrs Aug. 15 Wellington, Fri night 2 hrs Aug. 16 Christchurch, Sat night 2 hrs ---------------------------------- 4. The Milbourne Christopher Foundation 2003 Awards ---------------------------------- Message from Maurine Christopher (US) The Milbourne Christopher Foundation (MCF) honored magic excellence and creativity in five categories at the 2003 convention of the Society of American Magicians in Las Vegas. Plaques were presented July 10 at the closing banquet of the oldest conjuring fraternity in the western world. Lifetime achievement went to Channing Pollock, a handsome television and movie performer, who first became famous with slick dove productions in the 1950s. Jeff McBride, whose unique touch with illusions and theatrical staging, has filled theatres around the world, took home the illusionist plaque. Robert J. Albo, a prolific writer famed for his Classic Magic Series, was the literary award winner. Jeff and Tessa Evason, whose mind reading routines leave audiences happy but baffled, were presented the mentalism plaque. Jason Latimer, who mixes advanced university study with performing, was the judges' choice for outstanding newcomer. The awards memorialize Christopher, who brought magicians to primetime TV in 1957. Performer-writer-editor-producer, he wrote more than 20 books on magic and ESP. His Illustrated History of Magic, covering one of the oldest entertainment forms from its beginnings in ancient Egypt through the current Siegfried & Roy and Lance Burton era in Las Vegas, is still in print. Houdini's niece Marie Blood termed Christopher's Houdini biography the most accurate recounting of her uncle's fascinating life. Christopher award winners are selected by a judges panel comprised of leaders in the conjuring community. The panel includes William Rauscher, Ray Goulet, Richard Bloch, William E. Andrews and Robert L. Bluemle. For more information contact: mcfdtn@aol.com 2003 Milbourne Christopher Award Winners Channing Pollock - Lifetime Achievement Dr. Robert J. Albo - Literary Award Jeff McBride - Illusionist Jeff and Tessa Evanson - Mentalists Jason Latimer -- Newcomer ---------------------------------- 5. "Go To Jail" For Jerry's Kids! ---------------------------------- Message from Fredric "PRESTO the Digitator For the first time in the history of the JERRY LEWIS TELETHON for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's fund-raising drive, a merchant/magician from NORTH Long Beach, California, has been invited to "Go To Jail" for Jerry's Kids! Professional magician Fredric "PRESTO the Digitator" Broder will spend Thursday, 14 August, "in Jail" to raise "bail" money ($2500) for the event. PRESTO has performed throughout the world for over 2 million people, and been featured on several Southern California television shows in his 32 years of performing. He has been trying to keep magic alive and well by operating the West Coast's largest magic shop (for professionals and amateurs) in NORTH Long Beach for the past 25 years. Usually slighted in such undertakings by the "downtown" merchants and larger chain-store operations, the NORTH Long Beach performer is trying to set things right by accepting the NORTH Long Beach challenge to raise the "bail" for the MDA. ALL of the bail money will go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All magicians who are concerned with eradicating muscular dystrophy are invited to send donations to "free" PRESTO from jail. Fellow magicians are invited to send their tax-deductable donations to PRESTO MAGIC, 5701 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90805. Please address your checks (or even credit-card numbers and amounts) directly to the "Muscular Dystrophy Association," and if desired, request a receipt by return mail (at PRESTO's expense!). PRESTO thanks you, his wife thanks you, NORTH Long Beach thanks you, and all of Magic thanks you, Sincerely (in a worthy cause), Fredric "PRESTO the Digitator ---------------------------------- 6. Guy Cater’s USA Tour ---------------------------------- Message from Guy Cater (NZ) Well we have completed our run of Graduation Night Hypnotism Shows throughout California … driven over 4000 miles, and now have a few Comedy Magic Gigs before heading up to Wyoming. We are presently in Phoenix, Arizona, where the temperature is 112 degrees in the shade – and there is no bloody shade!! Have a Comedy Spot tonight at a Country and Western Club of all places. Last night we were in La Jolla, San Diego and I performed Comedy Magic at the La Jolla Comedy Store (little brother of the Hollywood Comedy Store). So nice to discover that the Kiwi sense of humour goes down well over here. Had a boomer of a show … 50 percent stand-up and 50 percent magic. Hoping for the same tonight although feeling a little jaded as we left San Diego a little late and the 8 hour drive today was tiring. Still you get used to it on the road. We all know the feeling of lugging suitcases from one motel to another, clearing the washed socks and underwear from off the shower rail etc etc. Last week in Los Angeles Cynthia and I took a drive into Hollywood and visited the Hollywood Magic Shop. This is right next door to Fredricks the sexy seller of scintillating ladies wear (so I’ve been told)!!! We purchased a few magical items I needed and the staff tried their best to show me items and tricks they thought I may like but I was determined to only buy what was necessary and valiantly fought them off and only spent $700!! We all do it don’t we!! Nice to see Wayne Roger’s products so well represented there. Our last Los Angeles Hyp Show was in Long Beach and there was a lot of entertainment throughout the evening for the 400 graduating kids (17 and 18 years of age) from Millikin High School. Before my show Cynthia and I wandered around and were most impressed by the skilful hands of local magician David Yee. Not only was his manipulation superb, he was charming and humorous. Watched him performing close-up for a while and then introduced myself and when he heard we were from New Zealand his first question was “Do you know Alan Watson”? You are famous everywhere Alan. From here we take a break and are going to visit the Grand Canyon and take a helicopter ride through the big hole then a few days in Las Vegas, before heading up to Cynthia’s native Casper, Wyoming where I have both comedy Magic and Hypnotism gigs before heading off to Oregon and Northern California to entertain at County fairs. A Few Days Later!! ……We have been in Las Vegas for three days and it is only 98 degrees here .. much nicer! Went to the Excalibur Hotel and watched Magician Steven Valenti doing a marvellous job of demonstrating the D’Lite and other magical effects and stopped to have a word with him. When Steven found out we were from New Zealand his first question was ,”Do you know Alan Watson?”!!! We went and caught Mac King’s Comedy Magic Show yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed him. Would have stopped and said hello but he was flat out signing autographs on the books he was selling … bet I know what his first question would have been if we could have spoken to him …. And Yes, we do know Alan!!! There are many Magic Shows here in Vegas so we will have fun choosing who to see between the Hypnosis Shows we plan to see too. ---------------------------------- 7. First Chicago Citywide Close-Up Magic Competition ---------------------------------- Message from Danny Orleans (US) In June, the First Chicago Citywide Close-Up Magic Competition Chicago, once the country's center of close-up magic, began a new tradition in magic on June 21st. Neil Tobin, local President of the SAM, arranged the First Annual Chicago Close-Up Magic Competition. Held in conjunction with the touring museum exhibit, "MAGIC: The Science of Illusion," the competition was held at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on the city's north side. Tobin's goal was to create a unique competition - one that the public could watch. "The Nature Museum attracts the general public, and I was looking for a venue in which a greater appreciation can be fostered for this very Chicago-style art form." The judging panel for the event consisted of a mixture of experienced magicians and prominent lay people, including Lee Levin, Director at ABC News; Andy Lansing, President of Levy Restaurants; Wendy Young, Event Planner for Millennium Events, Michael Ayala, News Anchor for CBS; Rick DiMaio, Weathercaster for FOX News; and leading the panel as Head Judge was the National Dean of the SAM, the inimitable Jay Marshall. The judging criteria included Presentation, Audience Appreciation, Presence, Cohesiveness of effects and Originality. Tobin explained, "Since the judges consisted at least in part of lay people, Technical Skill wasn't an appropriate consideration. Ultimately, these performers are being judged on how well they entertain a real audience. If a lay person can see a move, then that's a Presentation problem." More than 75 people watched as six professional magicians each presented 10 minutes of close-up. Competing were Paul Mazzoni, representing the Mis-directions magic club and SAM 148 (Schaumburg); Bill Anderson, representing SAM 3 (Chicago); Matthew Scherer, representing SAM 106 (Joliet); Gregg Peters, representing SAM 148 and the Mazda Mystic Ring; Rob Thompson; and Danny Orleans. The crowd was treated to a flurry of chop cups, sponge balls, and several distinctive twists on the ambitious card plot. After careful deliberation, Jay Marshall stepped up to the microphone and announced the Chicago Close-Up Magic Champion for 2003: Danny Orleans. "In all my years as a professional magician, I'd never entered a competition," said Orleans. I figured that my experience doing a 10-minute act, sixteen times a day at 25 trade shows per year since the mid '90s gave me all the preparation I needed to do my best." Orleans was presented with an elegant Harry Potter-style wand custom crafted for the event of solid ebony and banded with sterling silver. He attributes his success in the competition to the inventiveness of people like David Solomon, John Cornelius and Banachek, whose creations have been part of his act for more than ten years. "But the greatest influence of all is undoubtedly Eugene Burger, who taught me how to economize words and motions to maximize the impact of my magic on a lay audience." Danny Orleans Corporate Magic www.corporatemagicltd.com ---------------------------------- 8. Wanted - I Am Looking For A- ---------------------------------- Message from Michael Chandler (US) Wanted Well I have had an advert running now for a few weeks with my wants in the UK weekly magic magazine Abracadabra and, so far, have not had one single response. So I have decided to try here. I expect I will not get a response from this either but I can only try! I am looking for a- 1) Supreme Bridwell Bag. This is a change bag that has a zipper on each side. So you simply turn it around when you want to do the business 2) Supreme Ding Ding (will make one myself if nothing turns up!) 3) Tels Bell (Ring/no ring bell put out some years ago by Terry Herbert) 4) Magic Top Secret (book written by Jasper Maskelyne) 5) The War Magician (book written by Fisher) Regards, Michael Chandler, chandmagic@aol.com ---------------------------------- 9. Thousands Of Magic Magazines For Sale ---------------------------------- Message from Stephen Fernandes If you remember the golden days of Antoine Vander Linden, Mike O'Dowd, George Daily, Andy Greget, and even Byron Walker -- et alia! -- who used to send out lists of INDIVIDUAL MAGIC MAGAZINES that were available for sale, then you have probably lamented the absence of such a list for well over ten years. I have prepared a 17-page list of dulicaties from my colection that I am willing to sell (or trade, if you have your own dupes!). There are thousands of issues there, listed number-by-number, for hundreds of Titles. Here is a chance to fill in some holes, maybe! To receive the list, email me at FrSAF@aol.com and request it. Good luck! ---------------------------------- 10. "Magic Success Seminars" ---------------------------------- Message from BJ Hickman I'm writing to you for two reasons. First, I want everyone to know about "Magic Success Seminars." (www.MagicSuccessSeminars) I have teamed up with Steve Taylor, Steve Hart, and Jim Snack to present seminars for magicians on succeeding at marketing and presenting school assembly programs. They are scheduled at Hollywood's Magic Castle (September 13 & 14), Clark, New Jersey (October 3 & 4), and Cocoa Beach, Florida (November 7 & 8). Can you help us spread the word? You can get all the details and sign up for a FREE tele-seminar at www.MagicSuccessSeminars.com. There's also an affiliate program set up for you to get a commission for referring others. Secondly, I want to invite you to join my e-newsletter for magicians. It is targeted to the interests and needs of magicians, performing artists and speakers. Enjoy monthly news, advice, and guest articles about performing and promoting your business. Recent articles have been on adding vitality to your slowest month, hiring virtual assistants, and succeeding in the school assembly field. Subscribe on my "magicians only" page at www.BJHickman.com, reply to this email, or email me later at BJ@BJHickman.com Thanks for your time. ---------------------------------- 11. Magic Brothers In Milan ---------------------------------- Message from Glenn Farrington (US) I will be leaving FISM on the 26th to take my family to Milan, Italy. We will be there until the evening of the 30th. If there are any of our magic brothers in Milan that could recommend any restaurants or places of interest to visit while we are there, please contact me. I would especially love to see any magicians that might be working in town that week as well! Glenn Farrington Executive Producer World Magic Seminar www.worldmagicseminar.com glenn@prettyamazing.com ---------------------------------- 12. Thought Someone May Be Able To Help! ---------------------------------- Message from Deane (Aust) I have a pack of DeLand's Automatic Playing Cards together with a Card Locator which enables the position of any card to be determined. I wondered whether any of your readers may be able to help in giving me some idea of the age of the cards. I have set out below a request in case you agree to put it in your newsletter. Thanks Deane Old Card Query Can anyone help? Deane Le Cornu of Ring 148 in Adelaide has a pack of DeLAND’S Automatic Playing Cards together with a DeLAND'S Card Locator. Properly set up the marked cards indicate not only card concerned, but also the card on the bottom of the deck! Deane is keen to know the age of the deck and whether they are still around. He can be contacted on deane@adam.com.au. ---------------------------------- 13. “Magic is fun” ---------------------------------- History of our Magic Club by Captain Bill James In 1996 I was contacted by Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario and asked if I would consider running some evening classes on Magic. So for the last six years I have held classes once or twice a year that run for one evening a week for five weeks. The course runs from 7 to 10 P.M. The course was known as “Magic is fun”. My presentation was very basic about what you would get out of a beginner’s book from the local Public Library. The numbers attending were about 15 and were mostly retired people who were involved in working with young people. After the first class ended several called me and asked “if there was someway we could get to-gether and learn more about this wonderful hobby of Magic. One of my students Bob Harley (owner of a large Furniture store) and myself started a club in Hamilton and it is known as “The Hamilton-Burlington Magic Society. We meet on the third Thursday of each month except July & August. We meet in the Shriner’s Club in Hamilton. At present we have 51 members. Quite a number of retired people,(those over 55). We have four police officers who took an early retirement and are involved in working with children. Two retired United Church ministers and their wives who are involved working with young people. Our Secretary is a young lady who is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency ward of one of our large hospitals. Our club is a “learning Club” we emphasize the Importance of making your tricks entertaining, To quote Karrel Fox who many years ago said “BE THE ENTERTAINER FIRST AND THE MAGICIAN SECOND” We get the beginner’s to get an act to-gether and get started bringing some “cheer” into the lives of people that are in Nursing Homes Seniors Homes etc. I personally perform a few times a year in the Pediatric Ward of one of our hospitals as well as many Nursing homes. Oh yes I also get a number of paid jobs. If any clubs would like to enquire how we operate please feel free to give me a shout. Capt. Bill James E:mail captbill @ interlynx.net. ---------------------------------- 14. Peter Strasser Died At Cabrini Hospital ---------------------------------- Message from Liz and Michael Strasser We write with the sad news that Peter Strasser died at Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne on the evening of July 5, 2003. He had been unwell for three weeks after collapsing with a heart attack on 15 June. He was unconscious and died without pain. There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nelson Place, Williamstown at 11 am on Thursday 10 July. ---------------------------------- 15. IBM Ring 160 New Zealand - Two Day Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Stanley R Goudge Secretary IBM Ring 160, Aotearoa The International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 160 Aotearoa, New Zealand had planned a mini convention in Auckland for February 2004. When the Ring was notified by Magic New Zealand that there was a possibility that Paul Daniels would hold a Master Class in Auckland about the same time, the members decided to support the Paul Daniels Master Class and postpone the mini convention until later in the year. IBM Ring 160 officially announces that they will be holding a two day mini convention, "It's Magic" at Labour Weekend 23 - 24 October 2004. There are two special magical events to look forward to in New Zealand in 2004. More details later. In the meantime make a note in your dairy and plan to attend. ---------------------------------- 16. Evelyn Strugnell - Palmerston North ---------------------------------- Message from Jon Zealando (NZ) Evelyn Strugnell from Palmerston North is still a very busy magician. She is currently performing in the 3 ring American Circus and has been booked for 25 shows starting Sat.5 July till Sun 20 July. The Circus is at the Kumeu Show grounds indoor Arena. Auckland.Timetable as follows..Sat 5 Jul 2pm...5pm. Sun 6 2pm only..Mon 7 11 am only...Tues 8..11am only...Wed 9 11am....2pm...Thurs 10 11am 2pm...Fri 11..11am 2pm Sat 12 2pm 5pm..Sun 13..2pm only..Mon 14..11am only Tues 15 11am only..Wed 16 11am 2pm...Thurs 17 .11am 2pm...Fri 18 11am 2pm...Sat 19 2pm 5pm Sun 2pm only. ---------------------------------- 17. Ben Bradshaw Lord Of Illusion - Brisbane ---------------------------------- A message from Shannah, Ben Bradshaw Lord of Illusion, appeared at Brookside Shopping centre in Brisbane last week presenting his extreme style of magic. If you missed Last week's Show, You can catch him in action again at Australia Fair on the Gold Coast from Sept the 29th to Oct 5th, later this year. ---------------------------------- 18. Ray-Mond M. Corbin, 86 Of Westminster, Died ---------------------------------- Message from Harold Twaddle 86, of Westminster Maryland Ray-Mond M. Corbin, 86 of Westminster, died Friday morning, July 4, 2003, at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida after an extended illness. Born September 29, 1916 in Medford, Maryland. He was predeceased by his parents William F. and Rosa M. Corbin and his wife Doris M. Broom Corbin. He was a member of the Westminster United Methodist Church. He was a magician with the "Yankee Doodlers," Ninth Air Force entertainment team during World War II. He was a Master Magician and world wide entertainer. He was past National President of Society of American Magicians, founder of Ray-Mond Assembly SAM 1-2-3 Westminster, Maryland, organizer and Co-founder of The Society of Young Magicians. Member of Inner Magic Circle, London England with Silver Star, member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians order of Merlin Excalibur and elected into The Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Westminster Lions Club, past member of Plymouth Lodge No.143 Western Maryland Shrine, and Past Exalted Ruler of Westminster Lodge No. 2277 B.P.O. Elks. Surviving are sons and daughter-in-laws, Raymond M. Jr. and Laura Corbin of Jacksonville, FL, Ronald H. Corbin of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Donald W. Corbin of Orlando, FL and David B. and Patricia Corbin of Westminster; brother Col. Woodrow W. Corbin of Mt. Airy and Lt. Col. Mabel H. Corbin of Sun City Florida; grandchildren, Cindy, Desiree, Ashley, Andrew, Sean and Raymond III Corbin and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by sister Pearl M. Helwig and Ruth V. Grill; and brothers William F. Sr., Richard E., Samuel E. and Herbert L. Corbin and; one great grandchild. Funeral arrangements by Fletcher Funeral Home 254 E. Main Street, Westminster Maryland 21157 --- 800-722-2477. The Family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday July 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Friday July 11, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Elks memorial service Friday 8p.m. Funeral service and Broken Wand Ritual will be at 3 p.m., Saturday July 12 at the Carroll Arts Center 91 West Main Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Interment will follow at Westminster cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe made to S.A.M. Magic Hall of Fame P. O. Box 80577 San Marino, CA 91118 ---------------------------------- 19. Brouman Signs Multi-Million Deal ---------------------------------- Message from Stephan Rich Cleveland magician ERIC R. BROUMAN signed a multi million-dollar contract with NBC Television on June 2, 2003. Brouman signed for three national magic specials and a slot of 40 national commercials endorsing the NBC Nightly News using magic in every spot. Brouman starts this contract in August of 2003, and signed for $67,000,000 with bonuses. NBC stated in a recent press conference "This is the highest contract we have signed for a performance of this nature, and we know our money is well spent." Brouman, recently returning from performing with Disney Cruise Lines, is excited for this new venture. Eric Brouman taped his first special in Cleveland in 2000. The show included an evening of magic, music, mystery and comedy. United Motions dance Company opened for Eric's show, after recently opening for NSYNC. Eric Brouman, Cleveland's own magician; has worldwide media attention for his unique style of comedy magic. Brouman has worked his magic over the years and has been voted Best Magician of the Year, and one of Cleveland's 50 Most Interesting People. His star is definitely on the rise. Eric has opened for such talent as Jerry Seinfeld, Gloria Estefan, Barry Manilow, Ben Vereen, and Rita Rudner. Brouman is a regular performer aboard The Disney Cruise Lines and has appeared on The Tonight Show, America's Funniest People and Comic Strip Live. For photos and further information, please contact Stephan Rich At FOM Productions: Toll Free: 1-866-281-3866. www.ericbrouman.com Cleveland Local Office Info: Email: Stephan@ericbrouman.com www.ericbrouman.com/ ---------------------------------- 20. The Hutt Valley Magicians' Society Presents: David Ginn! ---------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolf (NZ) At 7.30 FRIDAY AUGUST 15th, world-famous expert in children's entertainment, author, inventor, performer and lecturer DAVID GINN makes a welcome appearance as Guest Lecturer for the Hutt Valley Magicians' Society. This is an invitation to Societies and magicians interested in attending. We have formally invited the Palmerston North Magic Circle and the Hawkes Bay Magicians' Society as well as some individual magic enthusiasts. Please accept this as your invitation to join us for this very special event. Venue: 277 Horokiwi Road, Horokiwi WELLINGTON. Please confirm attendance in advance to: Michael Woolf (04) 587 - 0045; fax (587-0042) email: michaelw@ihug.co.nz Michael Woolf President Hutt Valley Magicians' Society ---------------------------------- 21. S.A.M. Convention In Las Vegas - Spanish-Language TV Station ---------------------------------- Message from Hope Anderson (US) On Monday, July 14, the Spanish-language television station Univision will air segments filmed at last week's S.A.M. Convention in Las Vegas. The segments will be part of the program "Despierta America," which runs from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Several magicians, including Maria Ibanez, Joaquin "la media barba," and Hope Anderson, performed magic in Spanish or spoke about magic and the S.A.M. for the Univision crew. Filming also took place at some convention events. ---------------------------------- 22. Stuart Scott Visiting New Zealand ---------------------------------- Message from Murray Beattie (NZ) I don't know if you can help me, but I will be in New Zealand from next week for about three weeks and I was wondering what the magic scene waslike! I arrive in Auckland on Tuesday next week, I will be visiting a friend in Wellington and then going on to Christchurch before returning to Auckland for a departing flight on 31st July. I would very much like to meet some local magicians while I am around. My background: At the moment I work in London, England, for the British Council, but before that I worked as a professional magician. I taught circus skills and magic at a circus in Germany; I used to work as a resident magician in Harrods and Hamleys toy store in London; I performed and lectured at the 2001 South African national magic convention in Johannesburg; I've worked all over South Africa including giving a lecture at the Cape College of Magic; I also write a series for The Budget, the magazine of the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magician's. Please reply to my home email address AND my hotmail account which I should be able to access while I am travelling: stuart@tigermoth.fsnet.co.uk MagicStu2003@hotmail.com Best regards Stuart Scott ---------------------------------- 23. International Brotherhood Of Magicians - 2003 Contest Winners ---------------------------------- Message from Jerry Schnepp Contest Chairman & Past IBM International President Contest Winners I. Close-Up Contest A. Junior Category First Place Trophy – Chase Curtis, Arlington, TX 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque – Kelvin Kwong, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada B. Adult Category First Place Trophy – Pattrick Przysiecki, Maumee, OH 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque – Jon Born, Wichita, KS C. Finalists 1) Chase Curtis, Arlington, TX 2) Jon Born, Wichita, KS 3) Sheldon Casavant,Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada 4) Pattrick Przysiecki, Maumee, OH 5) Alex Geiser, Fort Myers, FL 6) Kelvin Kwong, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada D. Gold Cups International Award Of Excellence In Close-Up Performance – Chase Curtis, Arlington, TX II. Stage Contest A. Junior Category First Place Trophy – Matthew Stanley, Dayton, OH 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque – Shayna Reed, Eaton, OH B. Adult Category First Place Trophy – Mirko Callaci, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque – Yijia Hong, Branson, MO III. A. Finalists Awards 1) Mirko Callaci, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2) Yijia Hong, Branson, MO 3) Matthew Lemm, Glendale, AZ 4) Dan Sperry, Litchfield, MN 5) Nicholas Blumm, Minneapolis, MN 6) Liu Chien, Taipei, Taiwan B. Gold Medal International Award Of Excellence In Stage Performance No Award ---------------------------------- 24. The Crooked Deck - Peter Marucci ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) There are card tricks and there are tricks with cards -- and there's a big difference between the two. Card tricks usually involve finding a selected card and, after one or two times, boring the audience. Tricks with cards, on the other hand, involve using the cards as implements, tools that make up part of a story or plot line. Now, before all the cardicians and finger-flingers start writing nasty letters, let me point out that I do the occasional card trick in my close-up routine and across the bar. But the word here is "occasional." There are four -- and only four -- that have stood me in good stead over the many years: The Ambitious Card (with a story line about my Uncle Linguini joining the circus), Elementary, My Dear Watson (a card sandwich with a Sherlock Holmes theme), Name The Magician (a comedy routine where the magician apparently fails several times) and the following: The Crooked Deck Effect: The magician takes out a deck of cards and says that he wouldn't insult his audience by using trick cards or what they might call "a crooked deck." He then shows the cards and does a double-take -- the deck is, in fact, crooked, with a double bend in it and the faces and back printed in a crooked fashion to follow the shape of the deck. Nevertheless, the magician perseveres; the deck is shuffled and then cut by a spectator who freely selects a card. The magus instantly tells her the name of her card. This is repeated once. The third and last time, a card is selected and the magus turns his back -- "so you'll know I'm not using marked cards and looking at the back of your selection" -- and again instantly reveals the chosen card. Working: You will, of course, need a Crooked Deck. Your favorite magic dealer may be able to supply you or you may find one in a novelty shop. The deck is distributed by U.S. Games Systems Inc. of Stamford, CT, 06902. The deck is stacked in a Sty Stebbins set-up, although you may want to use some other system. The Stebbins one simply works best for me. (For those unfamiliar with the set-up, it is as follows: The cards are arranged in suits using the CHaSeD system -- that is, a Club, followed by a Heart, then a Spade and finally a Diamond. The first card, for example the Ace of Clubs, is followed by a Heart -- the 4 of Hearts in this set-up. Each card is three higher than the one before it and all follow the CHaSeD system. Done correctly, if the first face-down card in the stacked deck is the Ace of Clubs, then the bottom card of the deck will be the Jack of Diamonds.) The cards are false shuffled and then given to a spectator to make one or more single cuts. This will not affect the cyclical order of the deck. If you want to get really fancy, you can use a Charlier Shuffle, which is really an elaborate way of giving the deck a single cut. After that, it's just a case of the spectator taking a card, you breaking the deck at that point and putting the top section on the bottom, and then you get a peek of the bottom card. The chosen card will be three higher in number and one suit along in the CHaSeD system. For example, if you peek at the 9 of Spades, you know the chosen card is the Queen of Diamonds. Second Thoughts: This is really just a "pick a card and I'll find it" routine, although it's dressed up to the point where audiences won't recognize it as such. The whole thing is presentation -- and it's set up right from the start with the appearance of the Crooked Deck, which should get a laugh on its own (either that or you should get into another line of work). If you can't find the Crooked Deck, you can use the more common Round Deck, with the line: "I don't use any kind of trick cards. I use a square deck," and then display the round deck. Once you've got their attention with the odd deck, the pace should be fairly fast-paced. The first two cards are revealed with you facing the audience; the third card is done with your back to the audience, "to make it harder." In fact, it makes it easier for you to get a peek at the bottom card. And PLEASE! don't do more than three choices; you're out there to entertain your audience members, not bore them to death. After you've done it three times, they believe you can do it and you don't have to prove it again and again. If someone wants to look at the cards when you are finished, give the deck a quick shuffle to destroy the set-up, although it's unlikely they would spot it in any case. But most of all, remember the whole point of this is presentation, showmanship and entertainment. It can be done close up, in a club act, or even on a stage. And it can be done as straight comedy or comedy-mentalism. All you need is a deck of cards (simple) and the ability to really sell the trick (not so simple). Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew St. East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com ------------------------------------- 25. 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