* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #719 Date: Sunday 3rd January 2010 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Jeff Hobson & Michael Mode Online Joke Contest 3. Magic Castle's Founder's Day Party 4. MAGIC Magazine Preview 5. The Historic Balboa Theatre San Diego, California 6. More Remarkable Magic #23 - Nick Lewin 7. Trouble With Kid's Names - #149 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With.... 9. CAMaraderie Convention, Canada 10. Magic Convention To Benefit Children's Museum 11. "Presto-Chango" At The Kent Cummins Magic Camp! 12. David Ginn On Tour 2010 13. The Lecture Your Mother Never Gave You 14. e-zine Archives 14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Michele and I wish you and your family a Happy New Year. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Jeff Hobson & Michael Mode Online Joke Contest -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeff Hobson (US) Best Joke Competition Make a New Year's resolution to be funnier!!!!!!!! Jeff Hobson and Michael Mode just released Best Jokes Ever, a joke App that's perfect for entertainers. Looking for the perfect joke for your show? Your search is over! This App has everything from the super clean to the super dirty with tons of special features and PRO joke-telling advice. If that's not enough, you can win big magic prizes by recording a quick video of YOU telling one of your favorite jokes from Best Jokes Ever! Prizes: 1st Place - Hobson Egg Bag & Michael Mode's Bowling Pin Production. ($250.00 value) 2nd Place - Hobson "Exposed" DVD and his new "Thimple Thimble Trick" & Mode's "Napkin Rose" DVD, Napkin Rose Refill Packs and his trick NUN! None. ($100.00 value) 3rd Place - Hobson "2-in-1" Pro Series Lecture CD & 150 count Napkin Rose CUBE. ($50.00 value) Rules: All entries must send a video of joke via email to: joke@funmastersproducts.com Videos are not accepted in any other way or format. Joke must be: *from the iPhone/iPod Touch App Best Jokes Ever now available on the iTunes App Store. NOTE: Submitters name must match "purchased" list. *no more than 1 minute in length *no more than 8 MB in digital size *must be converted to .MOV or .MP4 format (or Quicktime compatible) *jokes must be told by person submitting *only one joke per submission *only one submission per person *submitted no later than midnight, January 15th, 2010 *all video entries become property of Funmasters LLC and may be used in future online promotions of the Best Jokes Ever App. HINT: Real people laughing at your joke in background is a "plus". To purchase Best Jokes Ever for your iPhone or iPod Touch, visit the App Store or follow this direct link http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/best-jokes-ever/id341020106?mt=8 For more information visit: www.funmastersproducts.com Jeff Hobson and Michael Mode have joined forces to form Funmasters LLC for the sole purpose of developing fun and creative products. -------------------------------------------- 3. Magic Castle's Founder's Day Party -------------------------------------------- Message by Milt Larsen (US) January 2, 2010 5pm to 7:30pm Palace Of Mystery There will be a party to celebrate the opening of the Magic Castle January 2, 1963. It will be a fun occasion and a chance to meet and thank many of the early members who have worked over the years to make the Castle a success. Arlene Larsen has created very special souvenir gifts for every member that attends and there will be complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres. All of our past Presidents will be on hand to receive their past president pins designed by our member Bob Lynn. (Bill Larsen will be there in spirit.) All members and their guests are invited. The party will take place in the Palace of Mystery lounge and theatre. Please let us know if you plan to be with us. If you are planning to attend Arlene and I would personally appreciate an e-mail with your name and the year you became a member (and how many in your party) send to: magicmilt@aol.com or phone Arlene at 805-564-1060. If you wish to have dinner after the party please make that reservation with the reservation desk. We hope you will help us celebrate the day it all started 48 years ago. -------------------------------------------- 4. MAGIC Magazine Preview -------------------------------------------- Message by Stan Allen (US) Each month, we email out the MAGIC Preview, offering a peek at what's coming in the next issue of MAGIC Magazine. We often include last-minute news we've received after going to press. Here are two items from the January 2010 MAGIC Preview: Conveying the Magic In the old days, men and women had to look for potential dates the old fashioned way: by interviewing three unseen strangers on The Dating Game. But thanks to modern advances in technology and the ridiculousness of reality television, there are new ways of selecting a partner. For example, watching them glide by on a conveyor belt like dim sum in a Chinese automat. That's the premise of Conveyor Belt of Love, where thirty bachelors each have one minute to do whatever they can to impress five women while being conveyed across the stage. The women then hold up signs to indicate if they are interested or not. Among the assortment of assembly-line bachelors is Jethro, a Southern-California magician, who presents a bit of magic in hopes of enticing the ladies. The one-hour special will air in the United States on Monday, January 4 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on the ABC network, produced by Endemol USA. This is the same company that several years ago produced the short-lived series Chains of Love, in which a contestant would spend 24 hours a day literally chained to four members of the opposite sex in an attempt to see with whom they would be most compatible. Does Jethro end up with one of the Conveyor Belt of Love contestants? Participants are forbidden to reveal the outcome of their appearance until the show has aired, so you'll have to watch and see. But seriously, has any woman ever failed to get turned on after witnessing a guy chop off his own hand? Street Magic A thirty-second commercial for the Ford Mustang featuring Steve Wyrick performing an escape on the Las Vegas Strip is promised to start airing nationally after the New Year. The effect, which was taped just before Thanksgiving, was the brainchild Steve and Don Wayne, with Doug Leferovich. A three-minute version is also part of an Internet campaign and can be seen on Ford's website (#10 of the "10 Unleashed" videos). http://www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang/ If you would like to receive our monthly MAGIC Previews, please send an email to: preview@MAGICmagazine.com. To Subscribe to Magic Magazine go to: http://www.magicmagazine.com/subscribe/ -------------------------------------------- 5. The Historic Balboa Theatre San Diego, California -------------------------------------------- Message by Mel Kientz (US) The 82nd Annual I.B.M. Magic Convention will be held in San Diego, July 6-10 next summer. One of the highlights will be the theatre used to present three very special one-of-a-kind Gala Shows. I thought you would be interested in a bit of background. Following a lengthy "intermission," San Diego's historic Balboa Theatre has been newly restored to its original Mediterranean and Spanish revival-style splendor and is once again taking center stage in the city's downtown arts and culture scene. Built in 1924, the Balboa played host to hundreds of famous Vaudeville acts and ushered in the era of talking motion pictures. Today, the 1,400-seat theater, which is located at Fourth Avenue and E Street, adjoining Horton Plaza and the Gaslamp Quarter of the city, is listed in the National Register of Historic Locations. Its colorful tiled dome, elaborate arched ceilings and two unique waterfalls on either side of the stage make the theater a dramatic venue not only for the performing arts, but for corporate functions and other convention-related activities. The Balboa Theatre is managed and operated by San Diego Theatres, Inc., which also manages and operates the 2,967-seat San Diego Civic Theatre. It took 22 years and $26.5 million, but the curtain rises again on the historic Balboa Theatre in San Diego, California. The vaudeville-era theatre has been restored to its original 1924 splendor, including the decorative ceiling and walls, original chandeliers and working waterfalls. Enhanced public amenities and state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical and performance systems were installed. The 1,339-seat structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This will be an amazing venue for the International Brotherhood of Magicians! To register for this convention click on over to: www.magician.org History - San Diego's Balboa Theater Birth to Rebirth 1924: Birth. The theater opened and thrived as it hosted nationally known vaudeville acts including the Sunkist Beauties and Fachon & Marco who performed on opening night. 1930: Change of pace. Modest renovation to enhance the Spanish Revival architecture ushered in the next phase of the renamed El Teatro Balboa. For ten years, the theater showed Spanish-language cinema and stage shows. 1942(?): Patriotism. The theater gave itself over to the U.S. Navy in early days of World War II. The office space was converted to housing to help accommodate the swelling ranks of the U.S. military. America as a whole recovered quickly from WWII, but the Balboa struggled. 1959: Near Death. The historic Balboa was slated to be demolished to make room for a parking lot. It was saved by Russo Enterprises who operated the theater as an action-movie venue. 1972 Saved. The City of San Diego places the building on the local Register of Historical Places. 1985: City Property. The city acquired the Balboa Theatre through eminent domain and placed it under the control of the Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC). The CCDC was charged with saving the Balboa building but did not have the funds to renovate. The building sat, protected but neglected. 1986: Community Support. A volunteer organization, The Balboa Theatre Foundation, was created to get a renovation project funded and started. 1992: Registered. The Foundation successfully lobbied to get the Balboa on the National Register of Historic Places and fundraising began in earnest. 2002: City Moves. After numerous attempts from 1985 to begin privately-funded renovation and operation, the CCDC stepped up to the plate in October of 2002 and authorized rehabilitation. 2003: Architects Chosen. In August 2003, CCDC hired Westlake Reed Leskosky (Phoenix, Arizona) as the project architect and the design phase began. 2005: Work begins. In April of 2005, hammer was put to concrete as selective demolition and abatement-construction officially began. 2005: Earthquakes? Here? A major hurdle in the restoration was a required seismic retrofit. All were concerned that the difficulty of bringing the building up to modern seismic safety codes might doom the project. However, in July of 2005, the hurdle was jumped and the building's future was assured. 2006: Craftsman and Artisans. In January of 2006, renovation and restoration began. An extraordinary effort to bring the theater back to its opening finery -- including two waterfalls -- is underway. 2008: Opening Night. In the Winter of 2008, the beautiful Balboa Theatre once again opened its doors to provide San Diegans and visitors with great performances. The Balboa Theatre shines again. In July 2008, the Foundation presented "Act II", allowing supporters the opportunity to see the restored Organ console for the first time. 2009: "Act III". The 1929 Wonder Morton Organ -- one of only four such instruments remaining in existence -- makes make its debut performance on September 27, 2009. 2010: I.B.M. The International Brotherhood of Magicians take over the Balboa Theater July 8, 9 and 10 for three very special shows that are part of the greatest annual magic convention on earth. You should be there! Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619-570-1100 www.sandiegotheatres.org/ -------------------------------------------- 6. More Remarkable Magic #23 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) New Year's Resolutions. With the passing of another year I have arrived at the point when I make my magical New Year's resolutions. I always do this, as I am very persistent in my habits. I know I am persistent because I have been making most of these resolutions year after year. This year I am really going to follow through though. Really. I thought I would share my list this year and it might inspire me to less consistency and more success. There is something about the 31st of December that gives one the fresh page in a fresh book feeling. With a new confidence in my heart I will set forth these resolutions before February when they become automatically relegated to suggestions. Resolution #1 I really, really am going to make up my rope tricks with new rope. I sometimes look at my set of three to one ropes and gasp. I have always been a sentimental performer with a strong streak of superstition. This results in a passionate desire never to change any of my working props unless I really have to when they fall apart. Sometimes I look at the various ropes, cards and silks I use in my show and I am shocked at the state they are in. The only excuse for props that look dirty is extreme poverty and not superstition. Resolution #2 I will not send out any more working photos that are seriously out of date. There is an increasing tendency on my part to use older photos of myself and also to avoid new photo sessions. I don't know why it is but since I turned fifty I feel that photos of me in my forties are a more accurate reflection of the way I look than ones taken after I was fifty. There seems to me there is a reverse Dorian Gray effect to my 8x10 glossies. While I am at it I will discard the mountains of brochures promoting my act that are clogging up major arteries in my closets. Let's face it I will never send any of them out and if I did I wouldn't want any show they would bring in. Resolution #3 I am finally going to discard all the old Norm Nielson rubber doves that I keep in my cupboard in a cardboard box. None of them still look remotely like any dove you could encounter anywhere but in a horror movie. They do however still appear real enough to look extremely creepy if you unexpectedly open the box. In all honesty I am pretty darn sure that this box is the reason our last two housekeepers quit. On an associated note I will promise never again to bitch about the price of Norm's latex doves. They are a truly superb product even if the eyes do fall out. Resolution #4 I will once and for all go through my act and remove any stock lines that are in there. It is beneath my dignity to still be doing them in my act. This will not apply to any gags that I wrote for my act and have become stock lines since I started to sell my performance DVD's to magicians. I will remove the offending lines and replace them with something witty that can eventually become a laugh line. This is the way that contemporary comedy is created. I will however preserve my Robert Orben joke books as prized magic memorabilia. In fact I might just keep my Milton Berle joke books handy just in case I break this resolution. You never know. Resolution #5 I will force myself to realize that I never am going to perform any illusions again. I was never that great at them to begin with and only performed them in the 80s and 90s because everyone expected them. Plus my back is still in pretty bad shape since that era and I couldn't stand having to read any more of those old magazines in the chiropractor's office. If I weaken in my resolve I will repeat my mantra 33 times 'Five minutes of comedy can replace 75 pounds of excess airline baggage.' Resolution #6 I will throw away that old tuxedo in the back of my closet that I never wear. If I hadn't figured it out before I had better do so now- not everyone really does look better in a tux! More often a magician in a tux is either a cliché- don't get me started on jumpsuits! In a tux you often get mistaken for a Maitre 'D and even worse sometimes a pit boss. No matter how good Lance Burton looks in formal wear I am never going to look that good. An expensive well cut and tailored suit is going to make me look much more contemporary and well dressed. Resolution #7 I must stop buying items from Joe Steven's catalogue just because they look so cool with that picture of Joe holding them or standing next to them. I also have to be much more discerning about believing Joe's quotes about his own items. Just because he says that this trick is a new classic and every magician should own one doesn't mean it is actually the case - I am beginning to think he may not be totally objective. Make a mental note to check Levent's website for his new releases as they really are working routines from a real pro. Resolution #8 Stop making snarky comments in my columns about issues in the magic world. The art of self-deception is at least as important as fooling an audience and it is best I keep that in mind at all times. On a related note I must remember to book more dates performing to all magician audiences so that I can get a more realistic idea of what lay audiences will enjoy and appreciate in my act. A very Happy New Year to everyone and my sincere wishes for a joyful and productive upcoming year. Say hi to me @ nicklewin@me.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Trouble With Kid's Names - #149 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com Here is an interesting scenario that may sound all too familiar to a lot of you. You are at an event and performing a routine that utilizes a child. The child comes up to a nice applause and you proceed to ask the child his or her name. The name that comes out from the child is one in which Klingon makes more sense. You ask the child again and you state the name wrong. This then provokes the child to become the Hulk and scream his name at the threshold of pain. You then resort to trying not to mention the child's name at all by simply dancing around it. Sound familiar? I think we all have experienced this before. This is what I refer to as the "Trouble with Kid's Names" syndrome. There are many reasons why this may happen. It could be that the child is speaking too softly, not pronouncing the word correctly, you are having a hard time hearing the child or the fact that the name is just not common. As I get older, I have started to realize that the names like Mike, Chris and James have become boring and new names like Latoya and Iona have become the popular trend. Because I am a deaf entertainer, I have problems hearing the kid's name and any helper that comes up on stage to assist. I read lips very well and have ever since a young child. However, reading kid's lips is harder because they do not pronounce the words as well as they should. Any ways, I have always had problems hearing kid's names when they come up to help. Because of this problem I was faced with, it allowed me to start coming up with creative solutions to solve it. The solution...."Hello My name is" stickers. Sounds silly but it works wonderfully. Before the show starts I have them with me and I have the parents and the children put them on. In fact when I get there, I often give them to the client to hand out as kids come in. I tell the client that it is an easy way for the kids to all get to know who each other and also so the ones who do not know, do not feel left out. It also is a great way for the adults to get to know each other as well. Often times the adults are meeting each other for the first time. I am also honest with them in that it makes it easier for me to select my helpers without mispronouncing a name. They usually are more than pleased with this approach and sometimes wonder why they did not think of it themselves. They always help me out with it and I never have any problems. It then becomes super easy to spot kids in the audience. I can then call and select the child to come up by their name on their name tag. Kids love hearing their name called. It can also play to a larger school or venue as well. Here is how you do it. You send the school a promotional show package a week or so ahead of time. This gets passed out to the teachers. Inside are the stickers. They are told to pass them out to their students before the show. It makes it easier. Now if you really want to have fun with it, and want the kids to really WANT to wear them, place a number on each one. Then you can use it as a raffle at the show for a magic kit or something of value or importance. Now if you are a savvy marketer, you can create your own customized name stickers. These can be printed easily and cheaply at many online digital printers. On these can have your website or contact information and your name. Now it becomes something that everyone is wearing that brands you at all times. People cannot help but look at it. This becomes a very easy solution to a problem I was having due to my handicap. However, this solution can also help anyone out. Instead of trying to guess what the name is, you can handle it in such a way that adds both value to your show and also value to the client as well. I hope it helps you and that it can be a possible solution that elevates your 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 -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With.... ------------------------------------------ Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA A couple of months ago, the Magic New Zealand e-zine carried a piece that I would begin a new series in 2010. The working title was "Tony Brook In Conversation With....". After much soul-searching and considerable writer's block in coming up with and subsequently rejecting various other titles, I decided on the advice of several good Magical friends to retain the working title. It is the title I have used for the past 16 years for my live talk shows, radio shows and indeed written articles. I am very honored to have had those articles published in several prestigious publications and sites. The idea for the title began as a remark that the legendary Bob Blau made to me in his home in Pearland, Texas many years ago when he was literally the first subject of my first series. Anyone interested can read the article on www.magicwebchannel.com. It may also be interesting to note that one of the articles from my original series was "Tony Brook in Conversation with Walter Zaney Blaney". It was published in several places including this very e-zine. Because of its depth our Editor ran it over three issues. The same will apply to this new series. In 2008, at Walter's request I sent the article to Rory Johnston who used it as a basis for his article on Walter in the July 2008 issue of MAGIC magazine. Later that year , I was honored to produce and host a Live Talk Show at the 2008 TAOM entitled "Tony Brook In Conversation With Walter Zaney Blaney". The show featured many top names as guests including a live phone call from David Copperfield. There's an old saying-"If it ain't broke don't fix it". So, starting next week I shall be starting "Tony Brook In Conversation With.." I shall be conversing with many names in Magic. Some you will have heard of, others maybe not, some famous, some not so famous, but whichever applies I can promise you some very interesting insights on some of the World's best magicians. -------------------------------------------- 9. CAMaraderie Convention, Canada -------------------------------------------- Message by Joan Caesar (Canada) April 28-May 1 2010 I am delighted to announce our lineup of performers for our 2010 convention in Kitchener, Ontario just north of Buffalo, NY. FISM Winners: Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster, FISM winners from Australia Henry Evans FISM winner from Argentina Shawn Farquhar, the only Canadian Grand Prix FISM winner Lennart Green, FISM winner from Sweden Marc Oberon FISM winner from England along with: Bill Abbott, 'maestro extraordinaire' Tim Drake, highlights stage illusions with original magic effects Charlie Frye and Company the funniest duo in North America Dick Joiner, comic magician all the way from Toronto Ryan Joyce, return appearance of one of Canada's top illusionists Mark Mason from England lecturer and dealer extraordinaire Mike Robinson, 4F performer, returning to his cruise ship after CAMaraderie Bob Sheets, internationally known magician from USA Stoil and Ekaterina quick-change artists from Bulgaria Steve Walker comedy magic from Australia Lennart Green will be available Wednesday evening, May 28 for an extra charge workshop for CAM registrants. The Awards Banquet highlights a different performer at each table, so everyone has an opportunity to sit with a star. It will also be the only occasion to see 4F entertainer, Mike Robinson, perform a hilarious act before he returns to his cruise ship. There will be 8 lectures, as well as Close Up and Gala Show Shows. Don't miss this opportunity to see many of the best performers, from 4 continents come together in Canada. Close-up and stage competitions and a great dealer's room will complete the convention. Visit our website www.CanadianAssociationOfMagicians.com or e-mail JCaesar@sentex.ca for more information. -------------------------------------------- 10. Magic Convention To Benefit Children's Museum -------------------------------------------- Article sent in by Obie Obrien (US) By Dave Baity - For The Sun News Five pros at the art of prestidigitation will headline a Champions of Magic show at the Palace Theatre that will benefit the Children's Museum of S.C. The January 16 benefit show is part of Magic At The Beach, a convention to be held January 14-16 at the Ocean Dunes Resort and Convention Center. The convention is expected to draw more than 300 magicians from across the nation to Myrtle Beach for the first time, said Roman LePree, one of the convention organizers, and Mike Heidtman, co-producer of the benefit show. The show at the Palace Theatre is a public performance, whereas convention workshops, lectures, an escape theme show, and a dealer's room featuring the latest materials that magicians use in their performances is geared more toward "those with a strong interest in magic," Heidtman said. Heidtman said organizers already had booked Shawn Farquhar of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Soma of Budapest, Hungary, for the Palace Theatre performance before they appeared at the Federation International Society of Magician's convention held in Beijing last October. Both have been in high demand since winning top awards after performances at that gathering, LePree and Heidtman said. Farquhar took first place for his card magic routine and Soma, first place for his stage magic performance. Judges at the international convention also accorded both Grand Prix Awards. "That means they were regarded as the best of the best in the world," Heidtman said, "and they will be coming to Myrtle Beach for the first time ever for our event." Master of ceremonies for the Champions of Magic show will be Ken Scott, a frequent performer at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Also on the bill are David Kaplan of Columbus, Ohio, and Murray SawChuck of Las Vegas, both of whom combine comedy and magic in their performances. Heidtman said the show at the Palace Theatre is family oriented and, like the Children's Museum which will receive part of the proceeds, should have special appeal for children. Each child ticket holder will receive a free magic trick to take home, he said. Bringing a magician's convention to Myrtle Beach has been a long-time dream of co-chairmen Dave Tanner and LePree, both of whom are involved in international marketing of magic materials and supplies. And when looking for an organization to benefit from the convention's public show at the Palace, the Children's Museum proved a natural because magic has such appeal to children, Heidtman said. "This is the first time we've ever done anything like this," Heidtman said. "It's been a labor of love, and we're ready to see the fruits of our labor in just a few short weeks." Being the beneficiary of the Champions of Magic show is a boon for the Children's Museum, said Executive Director Pam Ross. After museum board members put a campaign to raise funds for a new building on hold last year because of the recession, the organization, like other nonprofit groups, has sought innovative ways to finance day-to-day operating costs, Ross said. "Like all nonprofits, we've seen a decline in donations and available grant money," Ross said, "and had to turn to creative fundraising. We're really excited to work with the magicians and really glad the group decided to come to our area. We hope bringing the convention here will continue and grow year by year, not just because of its benefit to us but also to the community." Funds raised by the benefit performance will go into the operating budget to expand the museum's ability to book traveling exhibits like its current offering. Children from throughout the area have been flocking to the museum recently to enjoy "From Here To There," an exhibit that explores modes of transportation through the ages that was compiled by the Ithaca, N.Y. Science Center, she said. The fundraising boost from the magic show will come at a time when museum attendance is increasing because parents are seeing affordable entertainment for their children. "Bringing children here helps relieve the stress of dealing with the economic downturn," she said. To register by phone, call Broadway Magic at 843-626-8191 -------------------------------------------- 11. "Presto-Chango" At The Kent Cummins Magic Camp! -------------------------------------------- Message by Kent Cummins (US) Kent Cummins, founder of The Kent Cummins Magic Camp in 1993, is stepping down as Executive Director of the 501(c)(3) Texas nonprofit corporation, effective January 1, 2010. Aaron Parker-Fasel, formerly the camp's Project Manager, is the new Executive Director. Kent will remain active with the organization as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Kent explained the rationale behind the change: "After 17 years, it's time to let your children find their own way. At Magic Camp, we talk to parents about roots and wings. I have done my best to give the camp roots as a nonprofit organization; now is the time to give it wings." Aaron, the new Executive Director, had this to say: "Magic Camp has been one of the most important Central Texas institutions in the lives of literally thousands of youth who have grown up learning skills of self esteem and social development during Magic Camp's seventeen summers. My background as a teacher, a magician, and a team leader have been the perfect training for this new job of taking Magic Camp's reins. I couldn't be more excited and honored to work with its extraordinary team members, all of whom came through the ranks of Magic Camp, share a core value system in which I strongly believe, and who love working with and helping children as much as I do." To learn more about The Kent Cummins Magic Camp, go to www.MagicCamp.com. -------------------------------------------- 12. David Ginn On Tour 2010 -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US) Here are the KIDBIZ LIVE January workshop dates, with more being added. See www.GinnMagic.com this month (see appearances on home page). Please come see me in person . and pass this info on to your friends in Southern California & North Florida. Saturday, January 16 . 2 - 6 pm . Los Angeles CA Mark Twain Middle School * 2224 Walgrove Ave * Los Angeles CA 90064 Hollywood, California IBM RING 21 sponsor * Contact: Lois Harmeyer 626-358-2637 or Gerry Schiller 805-657-8921 Sunday, January 17 . 2 - 6 pm . San Diego CA Jack's Magic Place * 4275 University Ave * San Diego CA 92105 IBM Ring 76 sponsor * Contact: Jack White 619-299-9037 Saturday, January 30 . 10 am - 3 pm . Jacksonville FL Best Western Hotel * 4660 Salisbury Road * Jacksonville FL 32256 IBM Ring 130 sponsor * Contact: Simone Marion 904-838-9897 Workshops include things like Cane Wrap Magic, Flip Flop Spots, Sponge Ball Surprises, Disbanded on Stage, Pulling a Rabbit out of a Hat, Laughter Legacy, Blendo Magic, ExSalted, Magic Belt Hook, Magical Dog Puppet, Amazing Snake-Go, Spotted Shoelace FREE, Caterpiller/Butterfly on Stage, 5 Balloon Animals with One Balloon, Jumbo McDeck, David's Library Magic Kit (and why it sells), What is KIDBIZ All About, and much, much more! Registration: $35 advance or $45 at the door. Only one person registers per family. Spouses & children FREE. Each registrant receives a FREE book, three FREE tricks, and a FREE David Ginn Magic Kit plus 3 hours of magical show & tell. Register with local sponsor or at www.GinnMagic.com website. -------------------------------------------- 13. The Lecture Your Mother Never Gave You -------------------------------------------- Message by Geoff Williams (US) January 2010 5 - Birmingham, AL 7 - Nashville, TN 8 - Huntsville, AL 12 - Houston, TX 14 - San Antonio, TX 16 - Midland, TX 17 - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX 18 - Tulsa, OK 20 - Indianapolis, IN 21 - Chicago, IL There might be one or two more dates that get scheduled in there somewhere. Some Legends in magic (Fantasio, John Mendoza, J.K. Hartman, Bob Wagner, Tom Daugherty and others) have given permission for variations of some of their miracles to be included in this lecture. No pipe dreams or untested, confusing disappointments to waste your time - these are polished gems I rely on for my professional stand-up and close-up gigs. Super easy to do but have a major impact on lay audiences and magicians alike, I guarantee you'll find things you can put to use immediately! If you happen to be near any of these cities during these dates, please stop in to see me, say Hi and make me feel loved. Geoff Williams website: GeoffWilliamsMagic.com -------------------------------------------- 14. 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) -------------------------------------------- 15. 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. 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