* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #670 Date: Sunday 28th June 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. "Ascension" Rights Sold Exclusively To David Copperfield 3. Update On Nanci Keener's Bad Fall 4. Remarkable Magic #100 - Nick Lewin 5. Happy Accidents - #124 - Kyle Peron 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #74 7. Las Vegas Magic - July, 2009 8. British Ring Convention News 9. 2010 Winter Carnival Of Magic 10. Stephen Levit Magic Wands 11. Broken Wand - Freddie Firth 12. Virtual Mystery School! 13. Invitation To A Magic Event In Izmir, Turkey 14. Final Performance!! - Eric Decamps 15. Bill Andrews Recreates A Thurston Effect In Buffalo 16. Simply Magical Wines 17. Hey Presto Magic Studio Is On The Move! 18. Blackpool Registration Desk Opens 19. Popcorn Video 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Trevor Lewis tells me after years of sending e-mails of routines, visuals and lines to Phil Willmarth he has put it all together in book form. The book 'Routines Matter' of 192 pages will be launched at the I.B.M Nashville Convention or you can purchase a pre-publication copy online at: www.willmarthmagic.com The book encompasses forty stand-up or close-up routines as used by Trevor in his adult club and close-up performances. Also includes a section on MC advice and material you can and will use. Hardbound, four-color dust jacket, 192 pages, illustrated & designed by Tony Dunn. Price $40.00 US. Pre-publication Price $35.00 US Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. "Ascension" Rights Sold Exclusively To David Copperfield -------------------------------------------- Message by Losander (US) 15 years ago I created an illusion where you can float a person standing upright and vanish them, an upright Asrah. Unlike other versions of the Asrah, what makes this unique is the methodology behind it. It can be done in full light with no special backgrounds. When I decided to make it available to the magic world, I made a video of it and put it on YouTube. Six hours later something incredible happened, David Copperfield called and asked me if I would sell him the exclusive worldwide rights to develop this illusion for his show. After a couple of meetings I am proud to announce that I sold the exclusive performance rights for a lifetime to him. I made this decision based on several factors, 1. From my experience with selling all my other products, I have seen how carelessly some magicians have copied my original ideas and resell them now without permission. 2. I know David will protect this great illusion with all his power and give it the attention it deserves. 3. It is an incredible honor to have David Copperfield perform this effect! It has been a great experience to collaborate with him together to make this even a better effect. When I was a very young man, I always admired what David has done for magic, how he has brought magic to a whole new level and has inspired and influenced all of us to grow. I am very happy that I can play a small part in his legacy by contributing my ideas to helping the art of magic. -------------------------------------------- 3. Update On Nanci Keener's Bad Fall -------------------------------------------- Message by Brad Zinn (US) There is good news. She has been released from the hospital (Tues 06/23) and is now at home resting comfortably. Her fiancé flew in from Wisconsin and is staying with her and tending to the nursing duties and household chores. She does NOT have a fractured pelvis as was feared. She has a fractured tail-bone which can be just about as painful. She will be off work for about three weeks while it heals. There is no other remedy. She is also off all prescription pain medication. She is in good spirits and appreciates all the well wishes. For those that already possess her phone number, she can be reached at home or on her cell phone. -------------------------------------------- 4. Remarkable Magic #100 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) A rare magical treat within a treat. I am just winding up one more leg of my Never-Ending Tour or as I am currently dubbing it 'The Is What It Is' tour. Never before have quite so many details and arrangements changed in such a brief period of time. Yesterday proved to be a glorious oasis of magic in a sea of travel and flights. I have spent the last three days staying at the Marriott Hotel in Gatwick England waiting to fly to Ireland. I am already (and it is only 6:00 am in the morning) dreaming of my first draft Guinness when I arrive in the Emerald Isle. Yesterday I took the train down to the town of Brighton, one of my very favorite English seaside resorts. Brighton was one of my stomping grounds during my teenage years and every click & clack of the train taking me there brought a smile to my face and happy memories to my mind. I am now in my 4th year of writing variations of my 'Meetings With Remarkable Magicians' column for Magic New Zealand and yesterday I met a Remarkable Magician that I was long overdue to meet. Waiting for me at Brighton Station was Martin Breese and instantly we became 'real world' friends as we walked from the Railway Station to the taxicab that took us to his home. I have known about Martin for over 30 years but we had never met in person. We have many friends in common and have recently become fine e-friends. As my regular readers will know I have enthusiastically mentioned several of his products in this column. I won't do so today but reserve the right to do so again in the future. A good magic dealer is a wonderful jewel to find in this day and age. Martin is a man with a fine eye for good magic and he has released some of the finest books and tricks that it has been my good fortune to get my hands on in recent years. His recent book about Fred Robinson and DVD of Ken Brooke are just two examples of his ability to improve our knowledge of magic in the present and preserve our heritage of magic in the past. For eight hours we discussed magic and magicians with hardly a pause for breath; neither one of us ever got to finish a story because each part of every conversation took us away in a joyful detour from any topic that had seemed essential just minutes before. I will look forward to writing a full report of our meeting when I have to time to write it fully and do justice to Martin's many insights. No, this is a column; hidden within a story, yet to be written. Somewhere in the middle of my visit Martin played me a video of the Michael Parkinson Magic Show. In many magic circles this is considered to be a milestone in televised magic. The one-hour broadcast must mark the beginning of the hold that John Fisher developed on British television magic for many years to follow. The guests on the show were Fred Kapps, Ricky Jay and Richiardi, and they displayed a variety of magical styles that were as dazzling in their diversity as they were breathtaking in their skills. Fred Kapps performing time was split evenly between his elegant silent manipulative act and his wonderful close-up. He even performed his floating cork routine, which should be studied by the huge majority of close-uppers who have convinced themselves they can make items float. The thread may have improved with time but Fred's performance was perfection. Ricky Jay performed dazzling card magic on the show and watching it now it is impossible to see anything other than a unique and one of a magician who was just becoming a fully realized magical superstar. As for Richiardi-need I say more than that his performance included his classic De Kolta Chair and Broomstick illusions the best of the best doing his best. Sadly unavailable commercially, I have waited over thirty years to watch this show and it was worth every minute of that wait. Find it somewhere and watch it if you love good magic. Bravo John and Parky. Email me at nicklewin1@me.com -------------------------------------------- 5. Happy Accidents - #124 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com You are at a kid's show and are having a great time when you approach your nesting wands routine. This is the routine that has always played well for you and you simply love doing it. You hand the first wand to the child when all of a sudden the end cap falls off and your wands scatter all over the floor. This certainly is not suppose to happen and you look in shock and think fast what to do. You get through the show and then work as fast as you can to fix the accident from ever happening again. Sound familiar? What may surprise a lot of you is that I actually LOVE when this stuff happens. I call them Happy Accidents. To me the happy accidents can often be better then what I had originally planned. I am always open to these types of things happening. Instead of viewing it as an accident, I try and see how the audience reacts to it. In many ways the reactions are huge. If this is the case, then perhaps instead of fixing it so it does not happen again, I do the reverse. I try and rig up ways in which to make it happen all the time. The bottom line for me is entertainment value. If I can get more Reactions Per Minute (what I call the RPM principle) then that is what I am going to do. If the reactions can be even bigger, then I seek those out as well. I think too many magicians become blinded. What I mean is that we create a set routine and we tend to stick with it no matter what. We often see mistakes as mistakes and not as golden opportunities that may add to the routine. To me a routine is never ever finished. It gets to a point where I feel it is ready to perform for an audience. however, it is always evolving and adapting to situations that come up. Sometimes these situations are accidents as described above. Sometimes they are funny things people say or do. I have trained myself to always be tuned in to these moments. I allow myself to improv off of these situations and then gauge the reactions I get. I have had a nest of wands cap come off and the wands go all over the place before. I think it happens to many folks. However, my facial expressions and the reaction of the helper were precious. The audience went nuts and that led me into improvisation. I started to pick up the wands and hand them to the helper. As I go to hand it to the child I drop it accidentally but do not see it. I think the child has them all and I look down and they are all still on the ground. It is a classic "see and don't see principle" but it got a huge reaction. I then proceed to try it again but accidentally allow the biggest wand to drop on my foot causing me to react appropriately. I can then go right into the classic move of giving the kid the wands. It just happens differently. the child still ends up with a wand in each hand and under the arms and under his chin. In essence this "accident" became something far greater than Kelly and I had planned for the routine. Instead of trying to fix the accident from happening again, we left it in the routine so it happens every time. If we fixed the problem, we would never have realized the potential this accident had for making the routine better and more entertaining for an audience. So what I am saying is do not always try and fix things you feel are broken. Sometimes these happy accidents are truly blessings in disguise. When they happen learn to play off of them. Gauge the response you get and evaluate it after the show. Perhaps this accident played better than what you had scripted. This evolution of a routine is what I feel can be the "real" magic. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic Community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. - "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 -------------------------------------------- 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #74 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Here are my steps to being a successful magician. The response from these past few weeks has been overwhelming, with so many people emailing saying they are enjoying this series. I have a few more articles to go so I hope you all get something from them. Again, these are just things that mean something to me. You might read these steps and they may not be what you believe - they have worked for me and helped me become a professional magician for the past twenty years. 1. Think success. To attain the kind of success that you want, you need to dream big. Every success story starts with big dreams. You need to have big dreams for yourself - which you want to be somebody rich, famous or fulfilled. You need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. But it doesn't stop in dreaming alone. You should actively visualize success in your mind that you can almost feel it, touch it or it is within your reach. Play this image back at every opportunity. What does it feel to triple your current income? How will your life change? I had always wanted to work on cruise ship, ever since I saw the LOVE BOAT when I was at teenager. That way my dream and my goal to work towards. I used to envision myself working on a ship, traveling around the world performing my act. The process of envisioning success for you should be a constant activity! You need to think that you are successful (or will be one) every single waking hour. You need to keep the dream fresh and have it with you at all times. 2. Be passionate with what you do. You start a business to change any or all part of your life. Many of you may not know this, but I was actually a trained school teacher (high school or college in the US). I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a full time magician. I was passionate about it ever since I was eight years old. At twenty I wanted to attain this change from teacher to professional magician. I learned over the years that success comes easily if you love what you do. Why? Because we are more relentless in our pursuit of goals about things that we love. If you hate your job right now, do you think you will ever be successful at it? Not in a million years! You may plod along, even become competent at the tasks, but you will never be a great success at it. You will achieve peak performance and do what you have to do to succeed only if you are doing something that interests you or something that you care about. I really don't mind the fact that I am putting in 15 or 18 hours a day to my magic business because I absolutely love what I do. Success in business is all about patience and hard work, which can only be attained if you are passionate and crazy with your tasks and activities. 3. Focus on your strengths. Let's face it; you cannot be everything to everybody. Each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses. To be effective, you need to identify your strengths and concentrate on it. You will become more successful if you are able to channel your efforts to areas that you do best. For example, I know that I am very creative and that is my strong point. My wife has the marketing instincts. So she is able to take care of that side of business while I harness my own strength and make full use of it. Seek help or assistance in areas that you may be poor at, such as accounting or bookkeeping. To transform your weakness to strength, consider taking hands-on learning or formal training. 4. Never consider the possibility of failure. Ayn Rand, in her novel The Fountainhead, wrote, "It is not in the nature of man - nor of any living entity, to start out by giving up." As a professional magician, you need to fully believe in your goals, and that you can do it. You should have a strong faith in your idea, your capabilities and yourself. You must believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have the ability to recognize and fulfill them. The more you can develop faith in your ability to achieve your goals, the more rapidly you can attain it. However, your confidence should be balanced with calculated risks that you need to take to achieve greater rewards. -------------------------------------------- 7. Las Vegas Magic - July, 2009 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazed Mike Rayburn, Tim Gabrielson, Buzz Sutherland 2:30 pm - V Theatre - Planet Hollywood. Starts June 27. Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.), Harmon Theater, Krave - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe 7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor. www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield Through July 29, Aug. 20 - Sept. 23 7:30 & 10 pm (and 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort. www.houdiniexperience.com 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:30 pm (Dark Wed.), V Theatre - Planet Hollywood. www.mentalist.com Comp. Tickets: www.mentalist.com/_images/Ticket.pdf Ignite Antonio Restivo. 11:00 pm (Dark Mon.), Greek Isles. www.ignite13.com Special Discount: $10 off www.ignite13.com/flyer.pdf Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. *Should reopen on June 23* www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Special Discount: Mention you want "The Special" at the box office to receive a 25% Discount. Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Magic's a Drag Steve Weston (aka Cashetta) 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun.) - Planet Hollywood. www.magicsadrag.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm - Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com Special: Buy Flamingo Buffet from Box Office for $19.95, get free ticket to show. www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Rick Thomas 7 pm. 4 pm. & 7 pm. Sat. & Sun. (Dark Mon.) - Sahara. Opens July 16. Scarlett and the Seductive Ladies of Magic 10 pm. (Dark Fri.) - Riviera. Opens July 1. Superstars of Magic 7:30 & 9:30 (Dark Tues.) Steven Best and Cassandra, Vegas Club. www.vegasclubcasino.net/entertainment/superstars_of_magic.php 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponsuperstarsofmagic.html Steve Wyrick 9 pm. (Dark Fri.) & 7 pm. Sun. & Mon. Steve Wyrick Theater - Miracle Mile, Planet Hollywood. www.stevewyricktheatre.com The Dymonds - The Las Vegas Magic Revue 7 pm. (Dark Wed. - Sat.) - Royal Resort. Guest Stars: Jun. 21-23: Losander; Jul. 6-7: Big Daddy Cool; Jul. 12-13: Fredrick Turner; Jul. 14: Rudy Uresti; Jul. 19-21: Adam London. www.dymondsmagicrevue.com The Super Duper Kids Show Bill Robinson and B-Rad. 4 pm. (Dark Mon. - Wed.) - Royal Resort. www.superdupershowlv.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana. 4:10 & 7 pm (Dark Tues.) (7 pm is an expanded show). www.tropicanalv.com/ent_dirkarthur.asp Magic In Production Shows: Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponcrazygirls.html Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen 9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com $10 off Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html The Las Vegas Seance Robert Allen, Jac Hayden, Arian Black, Samina, Victora Wayne 10:00 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort www.LasVegasSeance.com The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town. 10 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood - www.vtheshow.com Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs bar magic at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com Rumors: It appears that Lance Burton has extended his contract until June 2011. June, 2009 June 25-30: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school June 27: A Night of Magic, Music and Awareness. A benefit for The Colors of Lupus Organization. Featured performers include: magician Steve Dacri as emcee; Terry Davis, Jr. and band; singers Grant Griffin, Jeneane3````` Marie, Tony Sacca, Kelly Clinton; contortionist Samson The Great; violinists Olga Breeskin and Willy Wainwright; and Jose Fajardo's troupe of Mexican folk dancers with mariachis. Call Julie Gibbs at 702-831-3414 for tickets ($50 each). July, 2009 July 4: 8:30 pm Steve Wyrick will be performing the Death Drop Challenge at the South Plaza of Planet Hollywood. This event is FREE and will be hosted by Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. July 24 - August 6: Nick Lewin - Special engagement subbing for Mac King. 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. August, 2009 Through August 6: Nick Lewin - Special engagement subbing for Mac King. 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. August 12-13: Magic & Mystery School -Focus on Quick Change Costumes. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith with Lee Alex. www.magicalwisdom.com/school August 14-15: LVMI Close-Up Convention - The 9th gathering dedicated to the art of slight of hand. Featuring Paul Green, Andrew Goldenhersh, Paul Vigil and many more top stars. - Palace Station. www.lvmi.net August 16-19: MAGIC Live! - South Point Casino. www.magicmagazine.com/live/ August 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school September, 2009 September 7-8: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Mystery, a Magical Conference for Women. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school September 22-24: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Martial Arts. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school September 14-20: Nick Lewin 8:30 & 10:30 pm - Riviera Comedy Club. September 25-27: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school October, 2009 October 9-11: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school October 21-24: The Magic and Meaning Conference - A distinctive, annual small-group conference that focuses on creating meaningful magic routines, effective scripts, and new venues for performance. Featuring keynote addresses by Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale, Lawrence Hass, George Parker, David Goodsell, and a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the themes of the conference. www.magicalwisdom.com/school November, 2009 November 6-8: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Medicine. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school November 8-10: MINDvention - Mentalism Convention - Palace Station. www.mindvention.net November 11-13: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class for Mentalists. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school -------------------------------------------- 8. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Convention News from Bob Hayden Breaking News! A profile has already been written about of Thom Peterson and that he will be appearing in the International Close-up Show. We now learn that in addition Thom will be conducting a close-up workshop, a workshop that will be welcomed by all of you who are looking for innovative ideas in presentation. John Styles M.B.E. will be delivering this year's Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture at Southport. Five years ago, to celebrate his Golden Jubilee year as an entertainer John delivered what was described in the programme as a lecture 'My Magic Life'. It might be considered by some that to describe it as a lecture might contravene the Descriptions Act for it was a highly entertaining and fascinating talk which took the audience on a journey of John's eventful and varied life as an entertainer. He was on stage for an hour relating an endless stream of wonderful stories and anecdotes. Such was the intense interest of the audience that not a solitary person left the theatre. It was a story that had taken John from Pubs to Palaces, from Beaches to Broadway and from House Parties to Hollywood. For the packed audience it was over far too soon. An hour was just not long enough. At the very least, they considered, John should have been allocated another hour. In his Budget report on the talk Brian Eames considered listening to John was the highlight of the Convention, a view that was shared by many others. For the young up and coming and even the not so young entertainers so much could be learnt by just watching and listening to John. John is back for a repeat performance together with some more of his intriguing and varied experiences. Don't expect John to demonstrate any tricks. He will not be telling you how to do a 'top change' or to make an elephant vanish but what you will get is a further insight into the life of one of this country's most gifted entertainers. John's experience in the world of entertainment extends beyond the usual run of children's parties, variety and cabaret engagements. It may be forgotten that he has worked on feature films for Stephen Spielberg, Danny Boyle, Michael Winner, Robert Zemeckis, Tom Stoppard and Roman Polanski as well as advising and performing in numerous television programmes for both children and adults. He has also entertained passengers on many of the world's luxury cruise liners and has spent a record 22 years as the close-up magician in a fashionable restaurant in London's West End. It has been his honour to privately entertain members of the Royal Family and dozens of celebrities. As British Ring President for the year 2006 -2007 John together with his wife Barbara enhanced the prestige of the British Ring. Last year when President Derek McFaull died so suddenly in office they both unselfishly agreed to carry out all of the presidential duties at the Convention until the installation of Trevor Lewis had been made. Make sure you are in the Southport Theatre at 10.30am on Friday 25 September when John Styles takes to the stage when you will learn a lot more of John's fascinating experiences from his magical life - and be well entertained in the process. There is going to be another Balloon Workshop this year by Mike Stokes of Playtime Balloons the previous two having proved to be very popular by being very well attended. Mike's instructions are always extremely clear and presented with a great sense of humour. The object of the first workshop was the making of Balloon Flowers with most of the 225 people participating being able to produce by the end of the session a very passable balloon flower. The second workshop focused on Balloon Fruit. Mike has not yet released what the subject of this year's workshop will be but as soon as we have any news of its content you will be informed. Even if you have only limited experienced of balloon modeling or have no experience at all but want to include it in your programme you will most certainly benefit from Mike's tuition. In his workshops Mike is assisted most ably by his wife Margery and Gerry Luff with the Qualatex Balloon Co. generously donating the balloons to those attending the workshop and who are anxious to learn the skills necessary to become a competent balloon modeler. It is hoped the Company will continue their generosity for this year's session. Registrations are now being taken for the British Ring Convention. You can register by going to the British Ring website at www.britishring.org.uk or contacting the Registration Officer Neville Johnson either by telephone on 01202 873234 or by E.mail nevillejohnson25@aol.com -------------------------------------------- 9. 2010 Winter Carnival Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Stratman (US) The 2010 annual Winter Carnival of Magic, hosted by IBM Ring 58 in Knoxville TN, is now taking reservations. You may register by calling The Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, TN 1-800-792-4308. Seating preferences are based on your registration date, so register early. Registration rates are the same as last year, $115.00 for magicians and $60.00 for Spouse. Child admission is also $60.00. Motel registrations are also being taken now at the Ramada, Music Road Area, Pigeon Forge. Phone 865-428-0668. The motel rates will also remain the same as last year, $45.00 for a standard room including breakfast. The Winter Carnival of Magic is one of the premier magic conventions featuring the finest performers, the friendliest people, and at prices everyone can afford. Don't miss the 2010 WCM, March 4, 5, & 6. -------------------------------------------- 10. Stephen Levit Magic Wands -------------------------------------------- Message by Jonathan Levit My father, Stephen Levit, is a woodworker and craftsman. He has recently entered the world of making magician's wands. I'd like to put this out to the magic community. The wands are all unique and beautiful, made of exotic woods and materials. Would you take a moment to explore the website and pass the word amongst your community of magicians? It would be wonderful to be included in your newsletter. The website for the wands is: http://www.levitmagic.com And, for more information on who I am, please visit my website: http://www.jonathanlevit.com -------------------------------------------- 11. Broken Wand - Freddie Firth -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) So sorry to hear about the death of Freddie Firth at the age of 89.When I passed through Sydney Australia in 1965 en route to the UK on a working holiday I was given Freddie's name to contact by a mutual friend. Freddie took me under his wing and encouraged me to attend the Zodiac Magic Society in North Ealing every Wednesday evening and to join with this very active magic club in all their activities throughout the UK. Freddie was a foundation member of the Zodiac Magic Society in 1946 after returning as a POW after the Second World War and subsequently became a long serving President as well as newsletter editor and Trustee. He was very kind, generous and a wonderful person who loved magic and magicians and we quickly became life-long friends and kept in touch at regular intervals. I only found out his real surname was not Firth but Schayler when sending him a crossed Sterling travellers cheque as a donation to the then, paper Zodiac Newsletter, which I still receive electronically. I last saw him in 2004 when he kindly met my wife and I and my daughter and drove us from South London to North London to a weekly Zodiac Meeting. Goodbye dear friend. You will be greatly missed in the world of magic. -------------------------------------------- 12. Virtual Mystery School! -------------------------------------------- Message from Jeff McBride (US) At our upcoming Master Class on June 30th from 8pm to 11pm (Pacific Time), we are experimenting with creating a "virtual magic school." The VMS will be available for you to participate in! Join Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith, Bryce Kuhlman, Abbi and me, as well as all the Magic School faculty for this new exploration into the world of magical education. Our virtual Mystery School will feature a cam chat room, so we can help you one on one and in small groups, learn some of the secrets that we share with our students here in Las Vegas. The internet is bringing people together around the world, and we are happy that we can open our School to those who cannot make the journey to Las Vegas at this time. Tuesday June 30th at 8pm Las Vegas time Go to your computer and log into www.streetofcards.tv. -------------------------------------------- 13. Invitation To A Magic Event In Izmir, Turkey -------------------------------------------- Message from Ozlen Tuncer Dear magical friend, As we did in the last 9 years, this year we are preparing to organise the 10th Izmir Magic get together. Naturally we have learned much from last years and again this will be a friendly 3 days full of magic. The details in brief as follows: The Date of the Event: 13,14 and 15th of August The Place of the Event: Izmir, Turkey OBA Holiday Site Guzelbahce / Izmir / Turkey www.obahotel.net  (GALA Night will be in Bab-i Sanat Theater) The contents of the event: At the Oba Holiday Site: - Open Stage: Where anybody can use the stage as much and as often as he wishes, - Close up Sessions till morning every evening. - Magic Bazaars - Magic Seminars, - Workshops, - Lectures - Brain storming - Cengiz Ozyurt tribute Corner - Lots of Conversations which will never end. - And anything may come as offers and recommendations. At The Bab-I Sanat Theater: - Gala Night and Magic Bazaar. Details in Brief: -The first day: We will begin by registering and Magic Bazaar till evening and will go on with seminars and lectures which will be announced later as the people confirm what they will do. During evening there will be an Open Stage which will be available for those who want to show or share something as well as the dealers who want to demonstrate their goods. No limit will be set, but registering in advance will be required. And as usual we will do close up magic around a big table till morning with those who can't resist. - The second day: We will again have the Magic Bazaar and lectures during the day. And people may also enjoy the swimming pool for some time. In the late afternoon we shall move to Bab-i Sanat Theater for the Gala Show. And there will be again a Magic Bazaar for there may be new comers to our event from the center of the city. In the Gala Show; some Turkish Performers as well as any overseas friends will perform. The priority to perform will be on the guests for we will not have a chance to see them often around Turkey. The duration of the acts will be free for the overseas guests but will be limited to 10 minutes for the domestic performers. After the Gala Show we will move back to OBA holiday site where open stage and close up sessions will be carried with those who want to sleep late. - The third day: We will again begin with magic bazaar, lectures, workshops and seminars. We will have Open stage all the daylong and finally towards the midnight we will officially close the event. However we may continue with those who also want to stay longer. Fee Strategy: Individual: 100 USD but may be waived if you are a member of IBM, IMS and the Magic Cafe. Dealer's Table: 250 USD but may be paid in magic goods. If agreed in advance. Other points to consider: - There is a special fare for the participants for the hotel accomodation in OBA Hotel (Room Only). You may ask for a reservation and we will do it for you at no extra charge. -There is a wide variety of restaurants and food resources around. - The swimming Pool is free for the Hotel guests. - The sea is only across the road. We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions. We are looking forward to seeing you here in Izmir, Turkey On behalf of the organisation commitee; Ozlen Tuncer aka Dr.Tora ozlentuncer@gmail.com GSM: 0090 542 513 0997  0090 535 275 2434 -- Ozlen Tuncer / Dr.TORA www.magictora.com -------------------------------------------- 14. Final Performance!! - Eric Decamps -------------------------------------------- Message from Eric DeCamps Final Performance!! Sunday June 28, 2009 I'm back from very successful performances and a great time at the C.A.M. Conference in Montreal. It is with great pleasure that I announce that Bob Fitch is the guest host the final performance of the 2009 Edition of Eric DeCamps PURE MAGIC - A Performance of Contemporary Conjuring that is scheduled for Sunday June 28, 2009 at 4:00pm. The production directed by Mr. Fitch, is at the Metropolitan Room located at 34 West 22nd Street in New York City (212 206 0440). With the ambiance of an intimate 1940's jazz club, the Metropolitan Room was voted New York Magazine "Best Cabaret" for 2008. The cover charge is only $25.00 with a two drink minimum. Those who experienced this current run have unanimously agreed that this show is not to be missed and this is my last show so please join me. For tickets and more information please go to: www.ericdecamps.com or www.metropolitanroom.com -------------------------------------------- 15. Bill Andrews Recreates A Thurston Effect In Buffalo -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler SAM Public Relations PNP Bill Andrews has been added to the roster of stars for the " Past & Present Presidents" show at the S.A.M convention Buffalo. This will be a history making event with Bill recreating one of Thurston's great effects. (We won't tip the surprise. Go through your Thurston Posters) See you July 15-18 at the Adam's Mark Hotel. George Schindler SAM Public Relations -------------------------------------------- 16. Simply Magical Wines -------------------------------------------- Message from Roy Porfido (US) For Sleight of Hand Cellars, "Simply Magical Wines" go to: http://www.sofhcellars.com/sofhcellars/index.jsp All wines have a magical label. -------------------------------------------- 17. Hey Presto Magic Studio Is On The Move! -------------------------------------------- Message from Garry Hey Presto Magic Studio is on the move! ... AGAIN! Due to the forth coming closure of Westfield's SkyGarden, Hey Presto Magic will be closing for business on Friday the 3rd July 2009 as we relocate to our new Premises at Upper Ground Floor, 84 Pitt Street, Sydney just 50m down from Martin Place and close to both Wynard and Martin Place stations. We will be re-opening for business again on Tuesday the 7th of July in our new location. Our phone number will remain the same (02) 9232 7660 and of course you can get in touch with us via our email or through our web site during this down time. I am pleased to say this move will be permanent Now! Thanks again for everyone who has supported us over the last 12 months here at SkyGarden. We believe our new premises will be worth the wait! We look forward to welcoming you all .... The Gang at Hey Presto! -------------------------------------------- 18. Blackpool Registration Desk Opens -------------------------------------------- The Registration Desk for the 2010 Blackpool Magicians' Convention officially opens on 1st July but you should book now to beat the rush. You can get details of the prices for individual days or for the convention as a whole, and you can download a registration form from the Blackpool Magicians' Club website www.blackpoolmagic.com. All major credit cards are accepted or you can pay by cheque payable to Blackpool Magicians' Club Ltd. All the details are on the website. A link on the website will take you to a conference bookings site where you can select your accommodation from the multitude of hotels and guest houses that Blackpool has to offer. The 2010 Blackpool Magicians' Convention which runs from Friday 19 February 2010 to Sunday 21 February 2010 will be the biggest and most exciting magic convention in the world. Top performers, brilliant lectures, exciting events, spectacular shows, over a hundred magic dealers from around the world, and the chance to meet old friends and make many new ones. Blackpool is certainly the place to be. Don't miss it! -------------------------------------------- 19. Popcorn Video -------------------------------------------- Message by Brenton Foale Magician "The Black Fantasm" (Brenton Foale) will be performing his family show to launch his new business venture, Popcorn Video (A new DVD rental store), at 522A Nepean Hwy, Bonbeach, Victoria (Australia) Popcorn Video has magic DVDs for hire (as well as the usual Video Store rental items) including "The Best of Tommy Cooper", "Siegfried and Roy : Magicians of the Century" and magic related movies such as "Magic" starring Anthony Hopkins, and "The Illusionist" starring Edward Norton. The Black Fantasm will be performing from 12 noon on 11th July 2009 at the Grand Opening of Popcorn Video. All are welcome. Other attractions on the day include free face painting for children, Singstar competitions, and loads of give aways. For more details on the event please call Popcorn Video on 03 9772 4333 -------------------------------------------- 20. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.Alan-Watson.com Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. 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