* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #607 Date: Sunday 21st September 2008 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. Disaster Relief Available To Magicians 3. Michael Close Becomes New Editor Of M-U-M 4. The Billy McComb Legacy Post-Auction Report 5. "America's Got Talent" - America's Got Taken Indeed! 6. Remarkable Magic #65 - Nick Lewin 7. Creativity and the Sub Trunk Illusion - #87 - Kyle Peron 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #38 - Paul Romhany 9. New Zealand "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2008 10. New Andrus Documentary 11. Latest On MINDvention 12. Vancouver's Chow Family Are Tops In The Battle Of The Hands 13. The Florida State Combined Daytona Festival 14. Supernatural Chicago Show Doubled 15. Mismade Flags 16. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from the night of December 27th 2008 to January 1st 2009, 1.00am. Eight Confirmed Headliners John Shryock (USA), Marty and Brenda Hahne (USA), Ross Skiffington (Aust), George Schindler (USA) Steve Walker (Aust) Sean Taylor (Aust) and Charles Gauci (Aust) Refer item 16 for more information. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Disaster Relief Available To Magicians -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler - S.A.M. Public Relations Disaster Relief Available To Magicians In Hurricane Areas The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund reminds magicians of it "Disaster Relief Fund". The Fund offers supplemental assistance to magicians who were victims of the recent hurricane disasters. Funds will help those in need of food, shelter and losses. These people may be difficult to reach at present but if you know of anyone needing this assistance, please contact the S.A. M. (www.magicsam.com) Injuries and/or medical needs may be helped by the Houdini Fund. Magicians do not need to be members of the S.A.M. to receive assistance. MEF disaster relief - samambassador@comcast.net Houdini fund - dean@magicsam.com Tax exempt donations may be mailed to the S.A.M Disaster Relief Fund at 234 Towyn Court Lower Gynedd PA 19002 -------------------------------------------- 3. Michael Close Becomes New Editor Of M-U-M -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler - S.A.M. Public Relations Michael Close been selected as the new Editor of M-U-M- magazine the official organ of the Society of American Magicians. President Bruce Kalver announced that Mr., Close will succeed John Moehring as editor beginning in January 2009. Michael Close is a magician, a writer and a fine musician. His books for magicians have become modern classics. He has performed and lectured around the world. Ms.Mona Morrison has been selected as the new advertising manager for the magazine effective in 2009. -------------------------------------------- 4. The Billy McComb Legacy Post-Auction Report -------------------------------------------- Message from Annabel Gray (USA) Sunday morning, 9:30 am, September 7, 2008. Thank you all absentee and internet bidders, but I wish you'd been there to drink in the live atmosphere which was quite intoxicating. Not too practical for those of you who were bidding from other parts of the world, but at least it was the next best thing. As everyone took their places, the Inner Circle at the Magic Castle was transformed into a major auction house and the air was charged with trepidation and excitement. David Goodman, our legacy auctioneer, perched himself on a well-placed bar stool (only a few feet away from the live internet operator and recording clerk) and launched into a fast-paced, hilarious auction patter. Immediately audience paddles started to wave up and down and internet bids poured into the room. As David continued his auction gabble, the floor responded with cheers and laughter while, open-mouthed, I began to imagine I was in a bingo hall, a carnival and a cattle sale all rolled into one. But it wasn't all levity. There were serious deals being closed in the room and out in cyberspace. The collectors bid furiously for Roy Benson's 'Oh See The Pretty Thing', T. Nelson's Downs Coin on Pole, Billy's money grab bag, 3 lots of cups and balls, Robert Harbin's coin wand, birdcages and pulls and reels. Anything to do with Dai Vernon was very popular and many were disappointed to lose these lots. There were two exquisite silhouettes of Billy by Dai. The first was well-represented by bidders and went for the respectable price of $450, but when it came to the second (& the only other one left in the world) the tension mounted and you could be fooled into thinking you were watching championship tennis when all heads switched from bidder to bidder, as if following the ball, until finally the gavel dropped at $2050 to one lucky bidder! Another spectacular win was Chung Ling Soo's wig, which was just discovered a week before the auction, languishing in a box in the corner of my sitting room. David Copperfield was the envied winner at $2750 when he phoned in his bid and tirelessly kept going until ownership was confirmed to him. Within seconds after the hairpiece was sold, David Regal called out to Max Maven, "Hey Max, when you die, can I have your ponytail?" In addition to these stellar items, there were also great bargains to be had, particularly from Billy's library and his personal collection of props. My own favorites were Billy's socks and thumbtips. Many had politely advised me to remove these before the auction, but I stubbornly left them in the sale. I put in his 'card socks' which he used to joke about on stage & then magically the chosen card would be woven into the sock - a gag lot for $5, but someone wasn't messing about and paid $60 for them! The other gag lot was 25 thumbtips for $5, but these were taken even more seriously and went for $150 as the auctioneer said, "let's give him a hand!" Very many thanks to all who participated and helped. The floor staff were wonderful and even moved in a portable office with extra computers and printers generating invoices as the auction proceeded, thereby easing checkout. Jim Bentley did a fabulous job supervising all the security, runners and spotters, and brought in his colleagues from the Sheriff's Department who, in full uniform, ensured order and success. Thank you Milt, MFB and Castle Knights for making this terrific event possible This was one Sunday it really was worth getting out of bed early. -------------------------------------------- 5. "America's Got Talent" - America's Got Taken Indeed! -------------------------------------------- Message from Gary Michaels (USA) I read with interest Dan Stapleton's behind-the-scenes insights into the absurd US television show, "America's Got Talent" (MNZ #604), especially his final lines:  "And is it my imagination that when reading the credits at the  shows end, it states that the $1,000,000 prize is to be  distributed over 20 years? America's Got Taken!" Actually, my wife informed me that the $1,000,000 is paid out over 40 years, which amounts to $25,000 per year minus taxes! Should the winner take a lump sum, it works out to approximately $382,000 in USD -- again, less a whopping tax bill. America's got taken indeed! -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #65 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Reading minds with Marc Paul. I have mentioned Marc previously in this column and I would like to spend a little longer discussing his highly effective style of mindreading. As you may have realized by now I am a quite a fan of this area of our art and Marc Paul is as good as it gets. We are now in a different era of corporate entertainment. All the magicians who suddenly became motivational speakers are now rapidly becoming psychological entertainers. It is getting tough to find an honest to God magician anymore! While America has yet to produce a Darren Brown in terms of public recognition the time is drawing near. I strongly recommend paying some serious attention to the way Marc has approached this area. I am always fascinated by the way mind magic is introduced and defined to a lay audience. I was interested in the way Gerry McCambridge used the term 'Mentalist' in the title of his show. You often hear mindreader/mentalists complain that this is a 'magician only' term. It certainly doesn't create any confusion when Gerry uses it. Marc has a very simple solution to the problem of self-definition, he totally ignores it and it goes away. He makes no claims, no disclaimers he just gets on with what he does, and he just goes about the business of reading minds. He just casually and artfully describes what he does in terms that are as honest as they are dishonest. Annemann once famously described mindreading as 'Grown-up magic.' I really like that. Max Maven has commented; 'Mentalism is more than just magic dressed up in cerebral drag.' Equally true. Bob Cassidy noted that Anneman's directive to ask yourself; 'What would a real mindreader do' hinges on the issue of whether you have actually ever seen anyone really read minds. There is a great deal to contemplate in these three (actually four) statements. Marc Paul has an easy-going manner that pulls audiences gently but firmly into a mindset that suggests what he does is something really special. His use of props carefully reduces them to non-props; heck he even makes getting blindfolded look like a pretty natural business. For the mental magic buff all you need to do is study his handling of the 'Mother Of All Booktests' it contains some subtleties that are highly effective in an understated manner. You immediately realize how carefully Marc thinks out his routines and eliminates rough edges; in this case in a trick that doesn't have many rough edges to begin with. Marc has the benefit of being mentored by the inimitable David Berglas and it shows in his direct approach to defining an effect in a clear-cut and simplified manner. Mental effects have a sneaky way lasting longer than their impact. Comedians refer to it, as burying the punch line and it is public enemy number one in comedy. Marc also excels in another important area of comedic technique by saying everything that needs to be said in the least possible number of words. Marc has also published some very fine eTricks on his website that demonstrate new solutions and handling for some classical mental effects. With an economy of words he shares some individual routines that could become a first class act for a shrewd performer. These routines are inexpensive, direct and beautifully thought out. Check them out on his website WWW.marcpaul.com Marc and I recorded a fascinating dialogue on the art and history of the mental arts. Marc shares some advice he received from Paul Daniels about the geometry of performing. Paul has been one of the most successful magicians in our lifetime and it is fascinating to hear his thoughts on the more esoteric elements of the performance of magic. A short excerpt from the 3-hour recording is available as a free download at this link www.marcpaul.com/audiointerview.htm If I sound like an unabashed fan of Marc Paul it is because I am and I thoroughly appreciate his handling of 'grown-up magic.' As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.com and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Creativity and the Sub Trunk Illusion - #87 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com There has been a discussion going on in many online forums and a topic that comes up a lot from time to time at conventions etc. It seems that the discussion that comes up a lot derives from performers performing the sub trunk illusion and people wondering if it is too similar to the Pendragons or to some other illusionist's acts. One of the reasons that I feel so many argue over this is because in essence most every magician (some exceptions of course) perform the sub trunk or metamorphosis in the same way. They perform it based upon how it has always been done in the past. Not much variation in regards to the effect and routine over the years. In most cases, you have a trunk and 2 people who use a cloth curtain, stand on top and make a transformation of some sort (usually fast). The people are either shackled or use a bag when in the trunk and the trunk is locked in some fashion. Now how many magicians do you know that do the illusion and perform it in the same way as I described? In my book .. a LOT. The reason is because that is the way it has ALWAYS been done. So some try and make it faster or some try and have more locks or a bag that is tied more or a trunk with more locks or chains. But, in essence this does not really change anything at all. To me it is still very much the same way as it has always been done. If you really want to stand out and make a name for yourself with this illusion, you got to throw away everything you know about the illusion or have seen and start completely fresh again. Basically, throw away the DVDs, videos or any visual memories of seeing others do it. Then you start looking AWAY from magic for other ideas. This is where creativity can really spark and begin. Too many of us look inward at magic for ideas instead of looking outwards away from magic for concepts to routining. I mean let's think about this for a second. Let us say to ourselves what could happen if we really thought about the sub trunk illusion in a new fashion entirely? What could happen if we forgot about every performance we have seen of it and just go off on tangents? - What if you did not even use a trunk at all? Why does it have to be a trunk in the first place? Can it be something else entirely? If so, what could it be that would be so different? What object could it be besides a trunk? Starts to change things already now doesn't it. - What is the person who should be in the bag is not there at all but instead is a stage crew wearing headphones, clip board and a mic wondering how he got there. The person who should be there is totally gone? - What if it is not a double switch but a triple switch? - What if no one emerged on the top of the trunk after the switch? - What if you had a theme going for the illusion or storyline instead of just doing it straight forward. What if it was gangster themed and the bag was a giant money bag and the trunk was a safe instead with a door that locks into place. What if then the person (robber) locks a cop inside the safe, jumps on the top and holds up a cloth as an act to hide from the other cops. The cops notice the cloth moving and so shoot at the cloth. As they shoot holes form in the cloth so you see right through the cloth as the cloth drops and no one is standing on top at all. The person that was inside is now the cop who fired the gun and the person that was hiding (robber) is now locked inside the safe. The idea to ask yourself here is simple.. "what if". What if we stopped thinking so hard on how the sub trunk has always been done and start to view it entirely in new ways. Forget what we know of the illusion and begin to look past it. Imagine the ideas and creativity that could be started if we open our eyes to looking past what we already know. I think if we started doing this, we would spend less time worrying about someone's version looking like someone else's and really start to see a completely different and unique idea that is as unique as you are. 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. Entertaining On The Ocean #38 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Natalie and I are just getting ready to head out to another ship, this time in Venice. It's a very long flight from Shediac, New Brunswick via Toronto then Germany on to Venice. We will be spending a few days holiday in Toronto on the way home. MAJOR NEWS!!! Has the oil crises affected the cruise industry? YES!! Just heard that Holland America are no longer hiring GUEST ENTERTAINERS for the European or Caribbean cruises. This COULD be the way things are heading. We will have to see if other cruise lines start canceling entertainment on ships. Personally, I don't think passengers are going to put up with this, because in the place of live entertainment, they plan to have game shows hosted by cruise staff. I was on a ship recently that tried this, and most of the passengers walked out of the game show! If other cruise lines follow suit, then this could mean that fewer magicians will end up working on cruise ships. You heard it here first!! Oscar Munoz Oscar is a well-known name to many of you, from his many appearances at magic conventions around the world. I had the pleasure of touring Canada with Oscar a few years back and he always brought the house down. Not only was he at home on stage, but at the private functions that were held for us he would blow people away with his incredible close-up skills. He is one of magic's all round performers. Oscar Munoz, award winning illusionist and humorist, has spell-bound audiences with his multi-facetted talents. Throughout the United States, Korea, Japan, and Mexico, Oscar has presented his special brand of comedy magic to the delight of adults and children of all ages. Renowned motivational speaker, with over fifteen years of experience, uses his brand of magic as a vehicle to transport students of all grade levels to a world of wonderment and empowerment. Oscar performs more than 480 presentations annually and is known throughout Texas as a leading specialist in the field of motivational presentations. Each 45 minute program is designed to educate, motivate and activate the power within. At the end of each magical presentation the students will leave knowing that they can harness that power within and they are the masters of their dreams, their goals, and their future. 1999, IBM "Gold Cups" winner (1st place) November 1997, 1st place, both parlor & stage competitions, TAOM 1992, Close-up competition, Texas Association of Magicians Texas Top Magician Award 2002 SAM Awards: Close-up Chairperson's Award for highest score Jim Zee Award for Close-Up Magic Paul - I notice that no matter what type of magic you perform, whether it be close-up, children's or stage, you bring a sense of theater to every style of performance. What are some of the elements you think about when putting together a show? Oscar - I think of my surroundings/conditions, who my audience will be, how large is my audience, how long I have to perform (whether I stick with that time or not, I am not promising), if performing with other magicians, what have they done or are doing? Paul - I spent years growing up trying to find out who I was on stage. I did it all from trying to be Copperfield, Harry Anderson etc. until I finally realised what works for me. What advice would you give to a magician who hasn't yet found their own persona on stage or style? Oscar -Take theatre classes anywhere you can. Incorporate your favorite kind of music? What kind of movies do you like? What is your favorite color? Ask your friends who they think you are, are you funny, suave, scary.... Paul - You are such an all round performer from doing school shows, amazing close-up to stage illusions. What is your favourite type of magic to perform? Oscar - Anywhere there are people, I just love to perform. I would love to have my own theater so that people could come to me. Not to have to schlep the magic around would be ideal. Paul - Are there any good resources or places to go where magicians can improve their 'theatrical' side of magic? Oscar - Colleges, Universities, Community theaters are all great places to start. Many of these hold open auditions, summer workshops, evening activities, etc. Getting involved and being on stage, even backstage, will help build that respect for theater every magician should have. Learning the workings of the theater, the tech crew, the terminology, will help develop those well-rounded skills. Thank you Oscar so much for sharing some of your views with the readers -------------------------------------------- 9. New Zealand "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2008 -------------------------------------------- Message from Gene McCarthy Dates & Venues - Town - Dates Monday 17 November - Taupo - 4:30pm & 7:30pm Great Lake Centre Tuesday 18 November - Tauranga - 1:00pm, 4:00pm & 7:00pm Bay Court Theatre Wednesday 19 November - Gisborne - 5:00pm & 7:30pm War Memorial Theatre Thursday 20 November - Napier - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Napier Municipal Theatre Friday 21 November - Off Saturday 22 November - Rotorua - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Civic Theatre Sunday 23 November - Drive Monday 24 November - Hamilton - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Founders Theatre Tuesday 25 November - Off Wednesday 26 November - New Plymouth - 5:00pm & 7:30pm TSB Show Place Thursday 27 November - Wanganui - 1:30pm & 4:30pm Venue to be confirmed Friday 28 November - Off Saturday 29 November - Palmerston North - 1:30pm, 4:00pm & 7:00pm College of Education Sunday 30 November - Wellington - 1:30pm & 4:30pm Queens Wharf Events Centre Monday 1 December - Ferry Tuesday 2 December - Travel Wednesday 3 December - Travel Thursday 4 December - Christchurch - 12:30pm & 6:30pm Friday 5 December - Christchurch - 12:30pm & 6:30pm Theatre Royal Saturday 6 December - Off Sunday 7 December - Timaru - 5:30pm Theatre Royal Monday 8 December - Dunedin - 2:30pm & 7:00pm Regent Theatre Tuesday 9 December - Invercargill - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Civic Theatre Wednesday 10 December - Travel Thursday 11 December - Travel Friday 12 December - Off Saturday 13 December - Auckland - 11:00am, 2:00pm & 5:00pm Sunday 14 December - Auckland - 11:00am, 2:00pm & 5:00pm Logan Campbell Centre Monday 15 December - Whangarei - 1:00pm, 5:00pm & 7:30pm Forum North -------------------------------------------- 10. New Andrus Documentary -------------------------------------------- Message from Michael S. Roth New Andrus Documentary - World Premiere and DVD Release SAM Assembly 59 will start off the 2009 Magic Week observance by co-sponsoring the World Premiere of the just completed documentary movie on Jerry Andrus titled "Andrus - the Man, the Mind & the Magic" on Friday, October 24th. The film will be shown at the historic Hollywood Theatre in NE Portland, Oregon and begins at 7 pm. For those magi interested but not able to attend, DVD's of the documentary are now available for $19 from the filmmaker, Robert Neary, who can be reached through his web site at www.skepticalmedia.com/buy.html Several members and friends of Jerry's will be on hand to perform close-up magic at the event. The film features clips of Jerry at various locations including the Magic Castle, demonstrating close-up effects and some of his astounding illusions. Many notable magicians share in recounting their interactions with Jerry, and their insights into his creativity, philosophy and integrity. Segment changes in the movie feature Reed McClintock, the 2005 Fechter's Finger-Flicking Frolic Lou Gallo MVP winner demonstrating several of Jerry's close-up effects. -------------------------------------------- 11. Latest On MINDvention -------------------------------------------- Message from Danny Archer Lior Manor is now confirmed and we have made most of the lecture spots a full two hours to allow them to fully explore their topics. A revised schedule is below. Sean Taylor's presentation last year on the business side of mentalism was very well received and we are fortunate that Rick Maue will be sharing some of his ideas on that topic this year (details below). Even though we have a guaranteed room rate until 10/16, I recommend that you check the Palace web site and Priceline as well as sometimes you can get a real bargain. 2008 MINDvention Schedule of Events Sunday 9th Noon Registration Open/Dealers Open 2:30 Attendee Show - effects from convention attendees 4:00 Paul Draper Lecture 6:00 Dinner Break/Dealers 8:00 Lior Manor Lecture 10:16 60 Minutes of Strange Monday 10th 10:30 AM Jeff/Christopher Taylor Mini-Lecture 12:30 PM Lunch/Dealers 2:00 Marc Spelmann Lecture 4:30 Panel Discussion 6:00 Dinner Break/ Dealers 8:00 Luke Jermay Lecture 10:15 Maue on Marketing/Mentalism Tuesday 11th 11:00 AM Attendee Show 12:30 PM Lunch/Dealers 2:00 PM Mark Strivings/Paul Vigil Mini-Lecture 4:30 PM Docc Hilford Lecture 6:30 PM Dinner Break 8:30 PM All Star Show The Palace Station has extended the guaranteed room rate until 10/17 Rates are Sunday courtyard room $70/tower room $90 Mon-Tue courtyard room $45/tower room $65 more info at MINDvention.com Schedule/performers subject to change ======================== Marketing Mentalism So, now you are a mentalist.but how, and where, are you actually going to make money? Rick Maue began working successfully for paying audiences in 1979, and at MINDvention 2008, he will be teaching some of the real secrets of his success. Some of the topics that will be discussed include: . Understanding (and living up to) Your Own Value . Avoiding the Typical Pitfalls of Mentalism . The Difference between Sales & Marketing . The Good and Bad Things about Being an Entertainer . A Bit of Truth about Branding . Character vs. Caricature . Finding and Understanding Your Markets . Creating a Real Niche for Yourself . Creating the Successful Illusion of Being Different (a.k.a. Separating Yourself from the Competition) All of these points, and more, will be covered during this special session. In addition, Rick will also be very happy to answer any specific questions about how, and why, he has marketed himself in his specific way. Now, please don't think that this will be one of those "marketing programs in a can" that will supposedly work for everyone. It certainly is not, and to be truthful, such programs are about as real as the Loch Ness Monster-which means that only fools believe in them. However, what this session will be is a specific series of ideas that have worked very successfully in the real world for one specific person-and if you take the time to understand just a few of the points, you may be able to successfully adapt some of them to your own business plan. Mindvention mentalism November 9-11th 2008 Docc Hilford, Marc Spelman, Luke Jermay, Lior Manor, Rick Maue, Mark Strivings, Jheff, Christopher Taylor, David London, Paul Vigil plus more special guests. 3 days exploring the Art of Mentalism 1139 S. Brentwood Street Lakewood, CO 80232 303-321-6267 www.dannyarcher.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Vancouver's Chow Family Are Tops In The Battle Of The Hands -------------------------------------------- Message from Rod Chow (Canada) Ala-Kazam! B.C.'s First Family of Magic - Vancouver's Chow Family are Tops in the Battle of the Hands The Province is British Columbia, Canada's most read daily newspaper. Jack Chow, 11, & brother Nicholas, 8, both won two gold medals each at the recent PCAM conference in Monterey, California. Combined with the gold medal that I won, makes an unprecedented 5 gold medals won by a father and two sons in the same year. Jack is now a Six-time Pacific Coast & Four-time Vancouver magic junior champion. Nicholas is the youngest Four-time Pacific Coast and Two-time Vancouver Junior Champion. In total our family of magic has won over 50 magic awards! Text of article about my family and myself is below: There is also a link to the article which I posted here: http://sites.google.com/site/rodchowmagic/news Magical Regards, Rod Chow tel: 604-669-7777 fax: 604-669-2222 www.rodchow.com August 17, 2008 By: Elaine O'Connor, Staff Reporter, The Province Vancouver's Rod Chow has pulled a rabbit out of a hat. Two, in fact. The award-winning magician has raised two sons, Jack, 11, and Nicholas, 8, who have followed him into the craft to become champion magicians in their own right. In his narrow office in Chinatown, where Chow and his wife work in the family insurance business (in the world's narrowest building, according to Guinness), father and sons practice their craft. . With some coaching, Nicholas, in a shiny tie and black pants, coaxes boas and flowers from empty tubes. Jack displays sleight-of-hand skills as balls appear in his small hands. Together, the family (Mom Sylvia is a magician's assistant) have won more than 50 medals. They just returned from the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians Conference in California with five medals up their sleeves -- the first time in the event's 75 years a father and two sons won gold in the same year. No, magic is not genetic. It's the result of practice: weekends and after school. But the boys enjoy it. "It's fun because they clap," says Jack. "I like to be a good entertainer," adds Nicholas. They've been raised on it. Nicholas took tricks to show-and-tell and once pulled a live chicken out of a hat for his class at Thanksgiving. He won his first international competition at age five. He's now a four-time Pacific Coast and two-time Vancouver champion. Jack also started making magic early. At age two he assisted his dad on stage, and he did his first solo show at three. He won his school's talent show as a first-grader. Today, he's a six-time Pacific Coast and four-time Vancouver champ. "They are small," their dad says, "but they play big. I'm glad they're into it. It makes our family unique." Chow fell under magic's spell as a kid watching Peter Rolston at the PNE in the '60s. He took up card tricks and performed his first show at 14 at his dad's office party. "I could do anything with a deck of cards," Chow recalls. In the early '90s, he joined the Vancouver Magic Circle and the Society of American Magicians and started competing. He's since won 32 titles and is an international magic champ, having won first place at the Society of American Magicians convention in 2006. He owns a thousand books on magic and a thousand decks of cards. He even wooed his wife with magic: on their first dinner date he made sugar vanish in his palm. Their wedding featured magic-hat aisle markers and playing-card-table signs. When their sons were born, they gave out wands, not cigars. Yet magic is Chow's first love. "It's just really great to be amazed, when there's no possible explanation for what is happening, so it has to be magic. You can really appreciate the skill, thinking and dedication the person has put into the art. As a performer, to get that applause . . . you really work for that when you get it, you feel good." -------------------------------------------- 13. The Florida State Combined Daytona Festival -------------------------------------------- Message from Harry Allen (USA) The Florida State combined Daytona Festival is approx. 45 days away. It has sold out last 5 years. Don't be shut out!!! 11- Lectures Close-Up Show 2- Stage Shows 2- Teach-Ins (Gaetan Bloom And David Roth) 4- Contests Friday Dinner Included Dealers From Around The World See all details on www.daytonamagic.com and click on Festival Of Magic 2008. -------------------------------------------- 14. Supernatural Chicago Show Doubled -------------------------------------------- Message from Neil Tobin (USA) October, the Halloween month, is right around the corner. And with it, Supernatural Chicago Is Doubling its schedule of shows, with performances every Friday and Saturday night throughout the month. The only exception: Halloween night itself, when the show will be replaced for one night only with The Houdini Séance, presented on behalf of and in cooperation with the Chicago Assembly of the Society of American Magicians. Only Supernatural Chicago delivers a show that's: * Refreshingly intimate -- only 50 guests per performance. * Truly involving -- this is fully immersive interactive theater. *Absolutely unique -- hear true tales of Chicago's paranormal past brought to life through demonstrations of the magical and psychic in a one-of-a-kind, one-man show, all within a landmark location that's been called one of the city's most haunted. * Well regarded by audiences and critics alike. * Now in its Fifth Straight Year! "Best Bet" -- Metromix "Is it real? Or isn't it?" -- Chicago Tribune "Great experience for out-of-towners" -- Chicago Reader "He'll teach you about Chicago's paranormal history and get you involved in psychic experiments that put Jedi mind tricks to shame." -- Red Eye Chicago Supernatural Chicago and The Houdini Séance are hosted by Neil Tobin, Necromancer at the landmark Excalibur nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn (at Ontario). Guests under 21 will be admitted, but should be at least of high-school age. For details, tickets, and seating availability, call Excalibur at 312.266.1944 or visit SupernaturalChicago.com -------------------------------------------- 15. Mismade Flags -------------------------------------------- Message from Joyce Basch (USA) If any Magicians would be interested in having a Mismade Flag of their Country or State, please contact me. In my acts, I have personally used a Mismade California flag and a Mismade Israeli flag. The effect is always well received. joycebasch@juno.com for information. -------------------------------------------- 16. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 -------------------------------------------- The 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from the night of December 27th 2008 to January 1st 2009, 1.00am. Eight Confirmed Headliners John Shryock (USA), Marty and Brenda Hahne (USA), Ross Skiffington (Aust), George Schindler (USA) Steve Walker (Aust) Sean Taylor (Aust) and Charles Gauci (Aust) The venue will be the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mount Wellington where we last ran a successful Convention in 2001-2002. Bookings can be made for convention accommodation by contacting: Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road, Mt.Wellington, PO Box 14 164, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: +64 9 526 3000 Fax: +64 9 527 1937 Toll Free Reservations (NZ): 0800 924 786. http://www.waipunahotel.co.nz/ We have been able to secure a very attractive room rate of $NZ110 per night (Incl GST) for single or double rooms with registrants being able to book direct with the hotel. *************************** PLEASE NOTE that 91% of the ALLOCATED rooms have already been booked by conventioneers. If you are planning to attend best to book NOW! This convention will be a SELL OUT! *************************** The official registration form for the convention can be downloaded from: http://www.ibmring160.com/ If you don't have internet web access contact Ross Harlick, Secretary, 91 Panapa Drive, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072, New Zealand Or by: Phone: +64 (09) 521 3327 Fax: +64 (09) 521 3327 -------------------------------------------- 17. 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