* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #823
Date: Sunday 20th March 2011
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. Steve Marshall - Update On the Japanese Earthquake
3. Disaster Relief Fund - Japanese Earthquake
4. Magic Poster Auction - Next Week!
5. Update On Gary Darwin's Health
6. Taylor's Grand Opening!
7. Remarkable Magic #29 - Nick Lewin
8. Multiple Points of Contact - #201 - Kyle Peron
9. Tony Brook in Conversation with Vinny Grosso (Part 4)
10. The List of Nominees Premios Magia
11. China Magic Is At It Again
12. Update On David Ginn's Health Problems
13. Bursaries For IMX 2011
14. 83rd Annual IBM Convention Schedule
15. Final Call for Geniicon, April 15-17
16. Abbott at Blackpool
17. Broken Wand - Al Spackman
18. e-zine Archives
19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
I first met Steve Marshall when I saw him performing at Wizards 
in Tokyo, Japan and I asked him by Skype if he could write on 
what's happening in Tokyo from his perspective this week.

Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

--------------------------------------------
2. Steve Marshall - Update On the Japan Earthquake
--------------------------------------------
Message by Steve Marshall (Japan)

My family and I are all safe and sound after last Friday's 
massive earthquake shook Japan. I live just outside of Tokyo and 
we felt it very strongly here. Not as strong as the people who 
live about 200 miles north of me did though.

There is so much damage and devastation where the tsunami hit 
right after the earthquake. Right now many things are so 
uncertain here. We are keeping a very close eye on the nuclear 
power plant in Fukushima and they are also predicting another 
strong aftershock. We have already had hundreds of aftershocks 
since Friday and it really gets on your nerves when it happens.

I have been checking around with my magician friends here to see 
if they are OK and also asking if they know of any other 
magicians who have been seriously affected by any of this. So far 
I have not heard of any magicians who have been seriously 
affected.

As you know I write a monthly column for the Society of American 
Magician's magazine the M-U-M and the S.A.M. has a disaster 
relief fund available and also the Houdini Fund for anyone who 
has been affected or injured. If anyone knows of any magicians in 
Japan who need any help they can contact me or the S.A.M. 
directly.

Thank you so much for your call the other day. I am overwhelmed 
by the amount of e-mails and calls I've received with offers to 
help. I truly appreciate this. If anyone wants to help out please 
make a donation to one of the reputable Japan Tsunami Relief 
funds on the internet. There are a lot of people here who could 
use the help.

Thoughts and prayer are accepted 24/7 too!

Take care,
Steve Marshall
Japan

--------------------------------------------
3. Disaster Relief Fund - Japanese Earthquake
--------------------------------------------
Message by George Schindler (US)

The SAM Magic Endowment fund has a Disaster Relief Fund for 
assistance to magicians who have sustained losses due to this 
current disaster. While it is too soon to ascertain who needs 
help, the fund is ready to reply to any requests from magicians 
and allied artists.

If you or your Assembly wishes to donate funds, please send to:

Disaster Relief Fund - Society of American Magicians at 234 Towyn 
Court- Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002.

The Houdini Fund can assist with funds needed due to injury 
and/or illness.

See http://www.magicsam.com/dyn.asp for details.

Our contacts in Japan have been alerted that we are ready to 
assist and will handle this.

--------------------------------------------
4. Magic Poster Auction - Next Week!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Potter & Potter Auctions

Bidding Now Open

Our March 26th auction of rare posters is rapidly approaching, 
and interest is building, especially due to the media coverage 
the auction has received.  Bidding in the auction is now open. 
But you don't have to wait until next week to participate in the 
sale. You can place your bids right now, online. Visit our 
partner website, Liveauctioneers.com to sign up for the auction 
(more on this below) and place an absentee bid.

Traditional absentee and phone bids can be arranged by contacting 
our office via email, or by (gasp!) calling us. The number is 
773-472-1442. We encourage all serious bidders to either attend 
the auction live in our Chicago gallery, or to bid by phone.

Don't wait to sign up for online bidding

Can't come to Chicago? Won't be near a phone on the 26th? Don't 
want to leave an absentee bid with us in advance?

Online bidding was made for you. However, even if you've bid with 
us through Live auctioneers before, you'll have to visit the 
website and sign up for the poster auction to do so again.

We're sorry for the inconvenience, but due to a recent change in 
Liveauctioneers' policy, you need to sign up for each new auction 
in which you wish to participate. Don't wait until next week. It 
only takes a second to sign up, so get to it!  We promise your 
efforts will be infinitely rewarding.  Good luck to everyone who 
bids!

--------------------------------------------
5. Update On Gary Darwin's Health
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins (US)

I just returned home from two weeks in Las Vegas, and was able to 
enjoy a visit with Gary Darwin before I left. His left leg has 
been amputated below the knee (complications of diabetes), but he 
was in good spirits and continuing his rapid-fire string of 
one-liners.

("What are your ten best jokes for a man with just one leg?") 
while Steve Daly ("Tiny Bubbles") and I were there. Gary is in a 
rehab facility, has made friends with all of the staff, and is 
regularly visited by his friend Lance Burton, in addition to 
dozens of other magicians.

He's not just working on a new book...he's working on THIRTY new 
books!

--------------------------------------------
6. Taylor's Grand Opening!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Sean Taylor (Australia)

Friday 18th March, 7.30pm

Unit 47, 9 Hoyle Ave, Castle Hill

All Welcome

Magical Performance

Drinks and Nibbles

Games and Prizes

Fun And Nonsense

Come along and enjoy yourselves in the comfort of the new 
generation version of
Australia's biggest and best magic facility.

Shopping, Tuition, Education and Mail Order

Tel 02 9680 4141

Stop Press Stop Press Stop Press Stop Press.

Sylvester The Jester - Exclusive lecture at Taylor's confirmed 
for April 27th

--------------------------------------------
7. Remarkable Magic #29 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)

The art and length of the show.

I am still working away here in Arizona, just over half way 
through an extended series of shows and I wanted to write briefly 
about something we don't seem to talk often enough about in our 
magic books, the art and length of the show itself.

I am currently performing 75-minute shows once or twice each day. 
One has to pace oneself very differently for various kinds of 
show lengths. By most standards 75 minutes is a pretty long show. 
Last night I watched Michael Finney perform a killer 13-minute 
set at a local Casino and it got me thinking about what the 
difference is that a performer has to think about when faced with 
different lengths of performances.

I remember when I used to perform at the Magic Castle 15-20 
minutes was the performance time needed, and looking back it was 
a very satisfactory length of time to pace a show. In the Casino 
last night Michael had to win over that crowd instantly and then 
keep them with a show that never let down the impact. Without 
ever appearing rushed or tight on time he achieved his goal 
effortlessly. It was a joy to watch.

With a 75-minute set you have to win over the crowd just as 
quickly but then find a way to vary the pace so that you don't 
exhaust yourself or burn out the audience. I have been achieving 
this by doing a non-stop 30 minutes up front in my show, then 
slowing down the pace a little before putting the heat on for the 
last 15 minutes.

I have never done an 8-minute manipulative or dove act but 
obviously an entirely different kind of dynamic is at work. My 
friend Jason Andrews performs an 8½ minute show that suspends 
time in mid-air somewhere along with the audience disbelief. I 
can honestly say that the toughest shows for me to perform were 
when I played briefly in 'V: the Ultimate Variety Show,' in Las 
Vegas. My allotted time was ten minutes and I found it very hard 
to achieve the momentum needed to achieve maximum impact. I was 
just getting into the zone and the show was done! After a couple 
of shows it became easier to pace things though.

There is a very different set of tactics necessary for all these 
different time goals. The secret is that just as you should never 
appear to be rushing through a 'short' set you must never seem to 
be 'dragging out' a longer show. This may be the secret however 
achieving it is another story. You need to subconsciously plan an 
arc and make a mental graph of how your performance is going to 
be timed and delivered.

There is little or no chance of achieving success in a shorter 
show while ad-libbing or being too spontaneous. Just as in a 
longer show, any appearance of trying to 'get time' out of a bit, 
is likely to slow down your momentum and audience reaction. All 
too often, I listen to performers talk about how long they can 
'milk a trick'.  This is a very incorrect way to go about the 
business of entertaining an audience. Rather than 'milking' a 
piece, maybe you need to put in a couple of extra shorter 
segments. Unless you live on a farm don't ever think of milking 
anything and unless you have an elastic band or Silly Putty in 
your hands don't dwell on stretching anything either.

An extension of this concept is the even more dangerous approach 
of allowing the size or cost of a trick to influence the way it 
inhabits the 'real estate' of your show. Audiences don't feel 
that way about it that way at all. Although it is a highly 
subjective area, what is needed is the ability to look on each 
segment of each show as an energy exchange with your audience. 
Nothing can be taken for granted in this department and that is 
why it is generally easier to fill a relatively easy space of 
time such as 20-25 minutes and you don't have to tackle this kind 
of problem until you have a better idea of the strengths and 
weakness of your performance ingredients.

Each performers differences are totally his own to explore and 
develop but the glue that keeps them together is composed of a 
very subtle blend of texture, shading, dynamics and variety. The 
ability to jump nimbly from one length of show to another is a 
key one for most comedic performers to ensure that they keep 
their datebooks filled and the checks coming in.

While it is certainly a good guideline to fully develop and 
realize your personality or 'character' as a performer, it is 
sometimes easy to let the matter rest there, before you 
understand that this character needs to be fine-tuned not just to 
the needs of the material you are performing but also to the 
audiences; size, attention span and general characteristics. I 
have heard many a performer talk blatant rubbish about what is or 
isn't correct for his 'character' (which should of course be an 
idealized version of his own personality) as if this is the key 
factor in determining his audience impact.
Texture, shading, dynamics and variety will take you much 
further.

Feel free to drop me a digital 'Hi' at http://www.nicklewin.com

--------------------------------------------
8. Client Feedback Forms - #201 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com

Part of being a successful magician is realizing 1) that there is 
a reason it is called "Show Business and 2) having the ability to 
consistently succeed at solving the needs of the clients you are 
performing for. If you have a show without any business sense, 
then you will not last very long. Likewise, if you do not 
consistently work towards creating total solutions for your 
clients, you will fail to build strong relationships that mean 
repeat business and referrals.

But how does one know if they are succeeding each time at solving 
and meeting the needs the client hired them for? In many cases, 
some magicians simply do not care while others assume that a 
happy and smiling audience is all the proof they ever need. The 
sad part is that neither are good enough methods at knowing for 
sure. If you want to know, you simply have to use a very easy 
concept called "asking".

As simple as it sounds, most entertainers do not do a good enough 
job of asking for the important feedback that 1) allows them to 
know if they met the needs of the client and 2) allows them to 
better themselves and their service offerings. If you are not 
getting proper feedback from each and every show, you are really 
missing out on a very powerful method for which to keep your 
business thriving.

Now there are many methods in which to obtain this feedback. Some 
use an online form on their website. Some use a simple email sent 
to the client after the show while others use a PDF document 
attached to an email. There is nothing wrong with any of these 
approaches as long as you are consistent with it and apply 
certain methods that allow you to get the feedback you need.

The important thing to remember with any feedback form is ease of 
use. If you are making it difficult and time consuming for a 
client to respond, then they simply will choose not to. You need 
to make it as easy for them as possible and set up the form in 
such a way that it is simple to figure out.

The method I most prefer is to have a printed feedback form as 
part of my thank you kit. At the end of each show, I personally 
hand the client a thank you kit as I shake their hand. The thank 
you kit consists of:

1) A thank you letter from me to them or their group. It also 
talks about the importance of referrals and mentions my feedback 
form.

2) My feedback form

3) A SASE for them to mail it back in

4) A few business cards

5) and a simple gift as my way of saying thanks.

Each one is printed on my personal stationary so that I continue 
to extend the brand long after my show is over. Now I choose to 
hand it all as a kit, because I feel I have a much better success 
rate of them filling out the for and returning it. One reason is 
that the kit says thank you and is a physical item they see. 
Their curiosity always forces them to open the kit and read it. 
As they are reading, the form is right there for them as well as 
the SASE. Most will choose naturally to extend their thanks back 
by filling and mailing the form back. It is really a 
psychological thing.

Now my feedback form is structured in a specific way that 
encourages them to fill it out by being easy to understand and 
encourages them to give me quotes and written comments. The first 
thing I do is to not make the form long. I keep it to a few 
important questions and I allow it to be multiple choice. The 
reason is 1) it makes it VERY easy to fill out and 2) I have 
better control over what information I want feedback on. Every 
question has 3 multiple choices they can just circle and a 
comments line. This entices them to add additional comments as 
they go along and most always do.

One important question I will always ask is 1) would you consider 
having (name of magicians) back for a future event? And 2) Do we 
have permission to use you as a referral so that others may gain 
insight from your experience with us? These are strong yes or no 
questions that always get answered and they really give me good 
insight into how well I did. More importantly, they allow me to 
1) know if there is potential here for future gigs and 2) if I 
have permission to use any of their quotes and themselves in my 
marketing.

Once this kit gets handed to them, I will do a simple follow up 
email 5 days after the show date. This is a very simple and 
personal email to the client just simply thanking them and their 
staff for all they did for us and hoping that they enjoyed the 
thank you kit and had some time to look it over. As simple as 
this is, it does get them to remember the form. I have a 80% 
return rate on feedback forms coming back to me.

So remember to utilize the power of feedback forms and establish 
a system that makes it easy for them to respond back to you. Your 
magic and business will benefit from it.

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 am VERY proud to announce the launch of my new product website: 
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com. I hope you find it of help to 
you. Please stay tuned to the site for sales, news and upcoming 
product launches.

- "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.
http://kpmagicproducts.com/Blue_and_Gold.html
- "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online 
now at:
http://kpmagicproducts.com/Encore.html
- "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order 
online now at:
http://kpmagicproducts.com/Chairs.html

--------------------------------------------
9. Tony Brook in Conversation with Vinny Grosso (Part 4)
--------------------------------------------
Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA

TB: That is most certainly a lot to look forward to. I know that 
our Dean George Schindler has been doing a great PR job. 
Obviously, you are personally looking forward to July 2011. I 
know you have already been quite busy with re-vamping the Brand 
Management of the S.A.M . You are looking at making some 
interesting changes to the Marketing strategies. Share some of 
your present and future plans with us .

VG: The S.A.M. is the oldest magic organization in the world. 
While we are very proud of that, we don't want to act old. This 
started a couple of years ago when we were the first magic 
organization to introduce a digital version of our magazine. You 
will see even more changes this year, next year and years to 
come. Our image must convey our rich history while expressing our 
ability to innovate and be current. We're in the process of a 
makeover not only with tools and programs we offer our membership 
but the way in which we deliver them. It's a process that spans 
over many presidents' terms, so for it to be successful working 
together is imperative. Luckily we all do.

TB: That is going to be just wonderful. I for one can't wait to 
see all the new ideas and changes that are due to be implemented. 
That's the exciting future. I'd like to turn now to the past. How 
did you start in Magic? Did you have any one person who 
influenced you or did you learn your Magic from various sources?

VG: I think I have a pretty generic story I was always interested 
in magic but then discovered a magic shop at the age of twelve. I 
bought everything I could and was then hooked for life. I 
received a lot of help along the way, from three people in 
particular. After buying my share of gimmicked props and Svengali 
decks from the magic shop I thought I knew how this magic stuff 
was done. Encouraging my interest in this new activity my parents 
took me to a restaurant they heard had a magician.

There I met Mike Stillwell from San Diego. I saw him do amazing 
things with cards that my Svengali deck could not do. I 
approached him later, "letting him know I was a magician" and 
then asked him what kind of deck he used. He told me "bicycle" 
and then introduced me to sleight of hand and The Royal Road to 
Card Magic. Jay Gorham was also of huge influence having me over 
his house and use his library, work on effects and borrow props. 
He helped me prepare an act for a televised talent show when I 
was sixteen. With his help I was the only magic act accepted and 
I was then able to meet the emcee of the show, magician Jim 
Snack.

Jim worked with me for a day on my act and did not change one 
effect. He simplified my props and movements. Taught me how to 
greet and interact with the audience. It was my first exposure to 
stage direction.

Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com

--------------------------------------------
10. The List of Nominees Premios Magia
--------------------------------------------
Message by Ted White

Nominees Premios Magia sixth edition of the work 2010 Cometa 
Magico Awards

Below are the names of the final nominees for each showroom; 
listed in category order:

Mejor Congreso O Jornada Magica (Best Congress)

2do Encuentro Internacional de Magos Infantiles y Animadores
Adrogue 2010 - Circ Mag. del oeste
Encuentro Mágico La Plata 2010
Buenos Aires Tiene Magia 2010
Jornada Magia Neem
Día Mágico 2010

Mejor Conferencista Mágico (Best Lecture)
Rey Ben
Diego Raskin
Zimurk
Daniel Garber

Premio A La Creatividad (originality)
Diego Raskin "Raskibook y la mesa mental"
Gustavo Raley "The Magic Cube" Y The magic cocktail
Cerebro Mágico "Vanishing Water"
Kartis "bill change" péndulo

Mejor Actuación De Ventriloquia (Best performance of 
ventriloquism)

Mago Alé y Matías
Mago Nino y Tito
Paco y Oliverio
Pedro y Kong
Javier y Jaimito
Baiuka y Coco García

Mejor Actuacion Magia por Radio (Best performance of radio)

Mago Ness
Mister Dany
Gustavo Raley

Revelación Mágica (magic revelation)

Maximiliano Giaconía
Alejandro Díaz
Darío Metri

Premio Internacional (International award)

Festimagia 2010 9ª Edición - Ariel Jr Uruguay
Noches de Magia Convención Internacional Colombia <>
El Toque Mágico 2010 edición especial - México

Mejor Espacio Magico En Television (best magic on TV space)

"Sábado Show", Rene Lavand y Juan Ordeix - Canal 13
Casting de la tele - Canal 13
Lo Pedis Lo Tenes- Telefe

Mejor Producción De Espectáculo Mágico (Best Production Of Magic 
Show)
Midachi Circus - Teatro Astral
"Homenaje a Houdini" Teatro Mágico Parque de la Costa
Jueves de Magia en The Cavern - Fat Brothers Uno y Medio, Jakc 
etc

Mejor Actuacion Magia Infantil (Best Performance Of Magic 
Children's)

Mágico Ema
Daniel Garber
Shinetti
Mago Zerrot

Mejor Actuacion Mentalismo (Best performance mentalism)

Diego Raskin
The Jack
Tony Montana

Mejor Actuacion De Close Up (Best performance of close up)

Latko
El Mago Facundo
Jorge Linet

Mejor Actuacion En Escena (Best perform in stage)

Diego Minevitz Magia Extrema
Cavaliere
John Maxs
Rey Ben y Quique Marduk

Mejor Actuacion En Television (Best performance in TV)

Pablo Cabaleiro (varios)
Gustavo Raley - Sin Codificar América
Matias Race - Lo Pedis lo Tenes Telefe
Radagast - Gambling

Mejor Espectáculo En Teatro (Best Show In Theater)

Midachi Circus - Teatro Astral
"Homenaje a Houdini" Teatro Mágico - Parque de la Costa
"Sin Limites" Velma Café Asombro Extremo

MEJOR ACTUACION EN TEATRO (Best performance in Theater)

Mago Matus (Matías Martínez) - Castillo Magico Peko`S - Córdoba < 
 >
Mago Leonardo - Teatro Broadway - Ciudad de Rosario
"Basta de Elefantes" Mago Radagast - Velma Café
Rene Lavand 50 años 23/24/ julio - Teatro Guemes Mar del Plata


Mago Del Año (Magician Of The Year)

Latko
Rey Ben
Rene Lavand >

Mencion Especial (Special award)

Maria Ibañez - Merlina - Miami

Gran Premio De Honor A La Trayectoria (Grand Prix Of Honor)

Pepe Valenti - Argentina

Reconocimientos Especiales (Special award)

Carlitos Bala - Argentina

Premio Rubi (Ruby Award)

Patrick Sébastien -Francia

More info in www.premiosmagia.com or www.cometamagico.com.ar

--------------------------------------------
11. China Magic Is At It Again
--------------------------------------------
Message by Walter Zaney Blaney (US)

Well folks. I guess it takes all kinds of people in our world 
magic community. By far most are great people ... honest, 
hardworking and creative.

But there will always be a few who are really disgusting, 
low-life human beings. Among them are the people, who own and 
operate China Magic Shop, website: 52magic.com.

A few months ago on their China Magic website they advertised my 
Miracle Levitation Hoop. Anyone reading the ad would assume it 
was my actual Rolls Royce piece of magic apparatus, as they 
simply put my website onto their website.... my product name, my 
photos, my description, my ad copy and my videos. It appeared 
that it had to be one of my hoops at a big discount price.

But their price was far less than what just the metal parts cost 
me to make my hoop. I was forced to buy one just to see how close 
it was to my product. It cost me $1850 to get one shipped here. I 
was relieved to see it was nothing like my hoop, and in fact it 
did not work at all, just a total piece of junk. I even sent 
around a short video clip to everyone showing that it did not 
work.

I learned that writing a complaint to these people will do no 
good; they simply won't answer a complaint. I'm sure my previous 
letter caused some to try buying this "bargain priced hoop" 
anyway, and they soon learned they had been ripped off as well. I 
imagine the word got around quickly, as the ad was later removed 
from China Magic's website. The battle was over I assumed, at a 
cost to me of the $1850.

The names of the three men who took my money and laughed all the 
way to the bank were owners GUAN- DONG NI, LU JUN and YANJUAN 
XUE. Their bogus scam company China Magic is in WUXI CITY, 
JIANGSU, CHINA.

But it gets worse. Last month I looked at the China Magic website 
again and see that they now have my whole website page placed 
onto their website advertising my Zaney Blaney Ladder Levitation. 
Again they use my name, my photos, my ad copy, my product's 
reputation, my accolades from famous performers, and the videos 
of David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and me doing my levitation on 
national TV specials. They also show just one still photo of 
their rip-off prop. It's obvious why they don't show a video of 
their prop in action, because it's not going to work or look 
anything like the real thing. They want a customer to believe 
they are getting my prop.

Anyone wanting to risk their money by buying anything from these 
people can certainly do so, but just be forewarned that you are 
going to get ripped-off as well. The people who operate China 
Magic are not magicians, have no love for magic, no integrity, no 
honesty, and no ethics in magic, and couldn't care less. They 
come from the outside world into our world of magic to make money 
in whatever way they can. And naming themselves China Magic 
certainly does a disservice to the country of China. And I feel 
certain our Chinese magic friends are being embarrassed by the 
actions of these people in the name of their country.

Again, just think of what they are doing. They are out and out 
stealing a famous legacy of magic, stealing my reputation, 
stealing the inventor's website and his advertising material, 
trying to deceive customers into thinking they are getting my 
good magic at cheap rip-off prices.

If anyone thinks what I have written here is untrue on any point, 
all they need to do is look at the 52magic.com website.

Oh, and one more thing. If you can believe the gall of Guan- Dong 
Ni, Lu Jun and Yanjuan Xue, they put at the bottom of their 
website this notice:

Copyright 2008, China Magic Shop, All Rights Reserved. Did I say 
"disgusting people"? You bet I did.

Walter Zaney Blaney
walter@walterbaney.com

--------------------------------------------
12. Update On David Ginn's Health Problems
--------------------------------------------
Message by David Ginn (US)

After six weeks, the spinal epidurals have not worked. I'm still 
in leg pain due to my pinched nerve. My April Italy tour I've 
postponed until September. And I'm walking using a four-footed 
cane.

Despite all that, I've managed with God's help to perform 21 
school shows and one family night at a church - all while sitting 
on a 24-inch STOOL!

Magician friend John Swomley, playing off my book Kidbiz and 
Kidbiz Live books/dvds, says I should write a book about working 
while sitting on a stool and call it STOOL-BIZ! Okay, maybe that 
term is a little too medical and it might now warrant a whole 
book. However, I've learned so much about working this way that I 
will surely write a magazine article or book chapter about it, no 
joke. I've already started a file to save information.

Let me say BIG THANKS to my wife Lynne, Steve Taylor, my sec/asst 
Jeannie Walters, sister Nancy, mail order girl Becca Brown, 
lifelong friend Charlie Swaney and others who have traveled with 
me and driven me and unloaded me during the past three weeks. 
Since I am not supposed to pick up anything heavier than Harry 
the Rabbit (4 lbs), they helped save my energy for the 
performances.

Steve Taylor told me after playing roadie and seeing me do six 
shows: "David, two minutes after you start the show, the kids 
FORGET about the stool and get absorbed by the magic".  And 
Lynne, after seeing two shows, advised me to stop telling the 
kids why I am sitting, just do it. I do tell a few teachers I 
know and those who ask what's going on, but not the kids.

Now to what's really going on: Ten days ago my orthopedic doctor 
advised me it was time to see a surgeon. The orthopedic surgeon 
showed us the MRI and explained I have severe spinal stenosis 
with a small herniated disk. This means the tube along the 
backbone through which the nerve roots run is closed between L4 & 
L5 vertebrae. The fix for this is a surgery called a laminectomy, 
which removes a piece of spinal bone called the lamina and lets 
the nerve "breathe" so to speak. I saw my MRI and believe this is 
correct.

Last Thursday night I talked with a MD church friend I've known 
for about 30 years. He advised me to see a neurosurgeon, not just 
an orthopedic.

Monday morning I did an 8:30 am show 20 miles away in Suwanee, 
the first show I'd done alone in six weeks, and it went well. 
Then I headed for my own doctor's office in Lilburn.

At 11 am I saw my GP doctor, whom I have known for 25 years, a 
man I trust completely. I took my X-rays and MRI and told him the 
whole story. It turns out that my doctor himself had vertebrae 
surgery in December and his nurse had back surgery last year. 
They both INSISTED I see the same doctor, whose office is seven 
miles away in Snellville. And yes their doctor is a neurosurgeon!

Do you see God working in this? Well, read on . . .

I met Lynne for lunch, discussed everything with her, then called 
the neurosurgeon's office. His assistant told me that Dr. N only 
sees patients on Monday and Wednesday because he does surgery 
Tues/Thurs/Fridays. I used my doctor's name, both as my friend 
and physician:

Could he possibly see me on Wednesday? She called me back: He 
cannot see me on Wednesday, she said, but he will see me at 11 am 
Thursday (a day he does not normally see patients). I told her I'd 
be there, even though I knew I had two morning pre-school shows I'd 
have to change.

Tuesday I took the Thursday lady's phone number with me to call 
after my morning show. Driving away from the school with sister 
Nancy, I reached for my cell phone to make that call. There was a 
message on it from Dr. N's assistant. She said Dr. N could not 
see me at 11 am Thursday due to emergency surgery, but he would 
see me at 2:00 pm! That means I didn't have to change any shows!

So that's where we are now. Tomorrow at 2 pm Lynne and I will 
meet with Dr. N, the neurosurgeon, and discuss all my surgery 
options: whether to do it and when. Our other consideration is 
whether the insurance company will go along with our needs in 
this situation.

Please pray for all of this - especially the meeting tomorrow!

I will update you all again this weekend after we've met with Dr. 
H and discussed what we've learned. I am still UP and POSITIVE 
and still believe God is working totally in this situation. 
Though still in pain when I stand and walk, God has allowed me to 
entertain and educate these children! He's allowed me to make a 
living! The mail order has been very good, but we need more 
orders to keep things going, and I am sure God will work on that 
too.

My friend Joyce Quisenberry told me something very important: 
"Without a test, how can you have a testimony?" Wow, what a way 
to look at things! After God gets me through this difficult time, 
I'll have lots to tell people - I'll have lots of testimony! What 
do you think? Let me hear from you!

Best wishes to all - keep life rolling!

David <>< myself at home ginnmagic@comcast.net

--------------------------------------------
13. Calling All Young Magicians - Bursaries For IMX 2011
--------------------------------------------
Calling all magicians 21 & younger - thanks to the generosity of 
David Berglas' Foundation for Promoting the Art of Magic ... we 
have a limited number of bursaries available to talented, 
aspiring young performers covering your full Pro-Pass 
registration for IMX 2011 taking place 23 - 25 May 2011.

To make application - send a short covering letter to 
info@imx2011.com outlining your background, achievements & 
aspirations in magic. Please note: this bursary covers the cost 
of your full registration - travel & hotel are for your own 
account. Those under the age of 18 require an accompanying adult.

--> If you know of a suitable candidate - please forward the 
above information onto them

20+ of the World's Best Performers. 3 days of non-stop magic. IMX 
2011.

www.imxlasvegas.com

--------------------------------------------
14. 83rd Annual IBM Convention Schedule
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mel Kientz (US)

International Brotherhood of Magicians
83rd Annual Convention Itinerary - Dallas, Texas
This schedule is subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

2:00 pm Registration Opens

3:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting No.1 - The I.B.M. Board meets 
to conduct business of the organization.

3:00 pm MYI: The Workshop with Jeff McBride - A rare opportunity 
for young magicians to learn hands-on with a legend in magic in 
an intimate workshop setting. This will be an experience of a 
lifetime. For ages 7-17.

7:00 pm Welcome/Kick-Off Party/Opening Ceremonies and Show - This 
is when the excitement begins! Don't miss the official launch of 
the convention of the year complete with some great magic and 
fun!

8:00 pm Dealers' State Fair of Texas Kick-Off Event - This is 
when you get the first glimpse of the most magical midway on 
earth. Check out more than 50 booths of magical curiosities.

9:00 pm Dealer "Show & Sell" - It's a show like none you've ever 
seen! Our dealers take the stage to entertain and show off some 
of hottest new tricks on the market. This could be one of the 
zaniest shows of the entire convention!

9:00 pm Contestants Briefing - If you're competing in the I.B.M. 
Gold Medal or I.B.M. Gold Cups contest, you'll need to attend 
this important session. You'll learn everything you need to know 
about what to expect in this year's contests.

12:00 am Dealers' Fair Closes for the evening

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

8:00 am Annual I.B.M. Business Meeting. The business meeting is 
open to all current I.B.M. member to attend. The I.B.M. Bylaws 
revision will be discussed.

9:00 am Dealers' Fair Opens - In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

9:30 am I.B.M. Stage Contest Preliminaries - The first round of 
the I.B.M. Stage Contest. Participants vie for a spot in the 
I.B.M. Gold Medal Finals, and a shot at the coveted I.B.M Gold 
Medal.

10:00 am TVP & Ring Representatives' Meeting - I.B.M. Ring 
leaders and Territorial Vice Presidents meet for discussion on 
organizing and running better and more exciting Rings!

10:00 am MYI: The Sessions - Magical Youth International meets 
for fun and instructional sessions.

10:00 am Spouse Event No. 1 - Your better half doesn't have to 
listen to lectures all day.

12:00 noon Dealers' Fair Closes and reopens at 1:00 pm after 
lunch.

1:30 pm General Session Lecture - Michael Ammar - A lesson from 
one of the most respected teacher in magic and a master at his 
craft. It's an ALL-NEW lecture!

3:00 pm Fab Four (close-up show, cabaret show, youth show, comedy 
cabaret) Each day you will see one of four fab shows. They are:
Sensational Seven Close-Up Show: starring Jeff McBride, Jon 
Armstrong, Daniel Garcia, Oscar Munoz, Michael Ammar, Asi Wind 
and Ben Jackson.
Comedy Cabaret: Dana Daniels' NO Show: A hilarious two man (and a 
parrot) cabaret show.
Max Maven's KNOW Show: A theatrical presentation from the master 
of mentalism.
YMX: Young Magicians' Experience: An exciting look at some 
incredible young talent performing on stage.

4:30 pm Board of Trustees Meeting No. 2 - The I.B.M. Board meets 
to conduct business of the organization.

6:00 pm Dealers' Fair Closes

8:00 pm Gala Opening Stage Show at Majestic Theatre - The first 
show at the Majestic Theatre gets underway with a host of 
International talent. Some acts have never before been seen on 
North American stages.

11:00 pm General Session Lecture - Daniel Garcia - One of the 
most brilliant new minds in magic today shares some of his inner 
secrets of magic.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

9:00 am I.B.M. Close-Up Contest Preliminaries - The first round 
of the I.B.M. Close-Up Contest performances for a spot in the 
I.B.M. Gold Cups Finals, and a shot at the coveted I.B.M Gold 
Cups.

9:00 am Dealers' Fair Opens - In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

9:00 am - Special Interest Group (SIG) Session 1 (8 concurrent 
sessions) - Intimate hands-on sessions designed for smaller 
groups teaching on specialized topics. You'll get to choose what 
you want to learn as it compliments your own area of interest!

10:45 am Special Interest Group (SIG) Session 2 (8 concurrent 
sessions) - Intimate hands-on sessions designed for smaller 
groups teaching on specialized topics. You'll get to choose what 
you want to learn as it compliments your own area of interest!

12:00 noon Dealers' Fair Closes and reopens at 1:00 pm after 
lunch.

12:30 pm MYI: The Lunch -MYI meets for lunch and conversation 
with pros.

12:30 pm Spouse Event No. 2 - It's another day full of magic! And 
your spouse needs another get-away!

1:00 pm Dealers' Fair Opens -In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

1:30 pm General Session Lecture - Max Maven - The mentalism 
master delivers a thought-provoking lecture and teaches some 
strong commercial routines. 4:30 pm Invisible Lodge Meeting

3:00 pm Fab Four (close-up show, cabaret show, youth show, comedy 
cabaret) Each day you will see one of four fab shows. They are:
Sensational Seven Close-Up Show: starring Jeff McBride, Jon 
Armstrong, Daniel Garcia, Oscar Munoz, Michael Ammar, Asi Wind 
and Ben Jackson.
Comedy Cabaret: Dana Daniels' NO Show: A hilarious two man (and a 
parrot) cabaret show.
Max Maven's KNOW Show : A theatrical presentation from the master 
of mentalism.
YMX: Young Magicians' Experience: An exciting look at some 
incredible young talent performing on stage.

5:00 pm Dealers' Fair Closes

6:00 pm Cocktails and Dancing - Dress to impress! Don your 
designer duds, and begin your evening with this fun social hour 
complete with music...

7:00 pm Dinner and Show - ... and then be prepared for a 
scrumptious meal and a delicious show. The evening is all about 
fun.

9:00 pm Strolling Olympics - Keep the merriment flowing as the 
evening segues into the popular Strolling Olympics. You can sign 
up to compete with your table-hopping skills, or enjoy the 
performances and help crown our champion.

10:30 pm Late Night Intimate Sessions/ Dealers' Fair Opens - 
Wander into the Dealers fair for some personal lessons with 
experts. And shop the night away during this bit of Dealers Fair 
Midnight Madness!

12:00 am Dealers' Fair Closes

Friday, July 1, 2011

8:30 am Order of Merlin Breakfast - A breakfast and speaker for 
those in the Order of Merlin.
8:30 am MYI: The Sessions - Magical Youth International gathers 
for fun and instructional sessions.

9:00 am Dealers' Fair Opens - In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

10:30 am I.B.M. Gold Cups Close-Up Contest Finals - The Finalists 
vie for 1st Place, and someone might walk away with the coveted 
I.B.M. Gold Cups.

12:00 noon Dealers' Fair Closes for lunch

1:00 pm Dealers' Fair Opens - In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

1:30 pm General Session Lecture - Jeff McBride -He is a 
master-magician. And his lecture is full of masterful knowledge.

3:00 pm Fab Four (close-up show, cabaret show, youth show, comedy 
cabaret)
Each day you will see one of four fab shows. They are:
Sensational Seven Close-Up Show: starring Jeff McBride, Jon 
Armstrong, Daniel Garcia, Oscar Munoz, Michael Ammar, Asi Wind 
and Ben Jackson.
Comedy Cabaret: Dana Daniels' NO Show: A hilarious two man (and a 
parrot) cabaret show.
Max Maven's KNOW Show : A theatrical presentation from the master 
of mentalism.
YMX: Young Magicians' Experience: An exciting look at some 
incredible young talent performing on stage.

4:30 pm Autograph Session With The Stars
Here's your opportunity to meet the magic stars of the convention 
up close, collect autographs and take photos!

8:00 pm I.B.M. Gold Medal Stage Contest Finals Show at Majestic 
Theatre
The finalists in the I.B.M. Gold Medal Stage Contest take the 
stage to determine the winner, and one of them might walk away 
with the coveted I.B.M. Gold Medal. Plus, an additional exciting 
stage act is presented!

11:00 pm General Session Lecture - Asi Wind - A performer and 
inventor who is highly regarded for his incredible talent.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

8:00 am Judges Critique Session - One of the best aspects of the 
I.B.M. Gold Cups and I.B.M. Gold Medal contest is the ability to 
sit down for some face time with the judges for constructive 
comments and feedback.

9:00 am Dealers' Fair Opens - In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

9:00 am Special Interest Group (SIG) Session 3 (8 concurrent 
sessions) Intimate hands-on sessions designed for smaller groups 
teaching on specialized topics. You'll get to choose what you 
want to learn as it compliments your own area of interest!

10:45 am Special Interest Group (SIG) Session 4 (8 concurrent 
sessions) - Intimate hands-on sessions designed for smaller 
groups teaching on specialized topics. You'll get to choose what 
you want to learn as it compliments your own area of interest!

12:00 noon Dealers' Fair Closes and reopens at 1:00 pm after 
lunch

1:00 pm Dealers' Fair Opens - In addition to the great dealers 
present, you'll have ample space to gather for conversations, 
snacking, jam-sessions, and intermittent performances on the 
Dealers' Fair Stage.

1:30 pm General Session Lecture - TBA - Another 
phenomenally-talented lecturer will teach.

3:00 pm Fab Four (close-up show, cabaret show, youth show, comedy 
cabaret).  Each day you will see one of four fab shows. They are:
Sensational Seven Close-Up Show: starring Jeff McBride, Jon 
Armstrong, Daniel Garcia, Oscar Munoz, Michael Ammar, Asi Wind 
and Ben Jackson.
Comedy Cabaret: Dana Daniels' NO Show: A hilarious two man (and a 
parrot) cabaret show.
Max Maven's KNOW Show : A theatrical presentation from the master 
of mentalism.
YMX: Young Magicians' Experience: An exciting look at some 
incredible young talent performing on stage.

6:00 pm Dealers' Fair Closes - Last Chance

7:00 pm Awards Presentations at Majestic Theatre - Who won? Will 
the Gold Cups or Gold Medal be presented? See the pageantry of it 
all, as well as the installation of our new International 
President and First Lady.

8:00 pm Closing Gala Stage Show at Majestic Theatre - This is THE 
show we can't wait to show you!

11:00 pm Final Cast Party - Party it up; Friends, camaraderie, 
and fun! The perfect way to cap off Dallas 2011!

To Register NOW! 
https://www.magician.org/portal/ibmconvention_signup

Or To Download And Print A Paper Registration Form 
http://www.magician.org/portal/en/system/files/imce/Dallas_Conv_Reg_Form_3.pdf

Convention Chairmen:
Roger Miller
David Sandy
The International Brotherhood of Magicians
13 Point West Blvd
St. Charles, MO 63301-4431 USA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phone: 636-724-2400
Fax: 636-724-8566
Headquarters Email: Sindie Richison

--------------------------------------------
15. Final Call For Geniicon, April 15-17
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Blackmore (Australia)

The Geniis Magical Society's "GeniiCon" weekend is rapidly 
drawing closer, and we will shortly have to advise the club of 
the numbers we have registered. So, if you're thinking of coming 
for a great weekend of magic, now is the time to register 
(particularly as the registration rate goes up at the end of this 
month!) Sadly, Barry Govan won't be able to be with us after all, 
but we are working on more magical events and goodies to ensure 
your interest and enjoyment.

Registration information at www.sydneymagic.net under the 
GeniiCon link. See you there!

--------------------------------------------
16. Abbott At Blackpool
--------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Eldin (UK)

Bill Abbott, one of Canada's leading magicians, will be lecturing 
at Blackpool Magicians' Club, England on 22nd March.

Bill's books Cocktail Magic and Cabaret Card Magic have been 
lauded by magicians all over the world. He has also been praised 
for his levitation effect The Thing as "the most practical, 
portable, self-contained, angle proof levitation effect you can 
imagine".

His lecture in Blackpool is open to all members and associates of 
Blackpool Magicians' Club. This is definitely one not to be 
missed!

--------------------------------------------
17. Broken Wand - Al Spackman
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jim Harvey

I am sorry to announce the death of Irish Magician Albert (Al') 
Spackman which occurred on 14.03.2011.

His name may not be well known to our younger generation of 
Magicians but I feel certain that they may have come across some 
effects which were created by him.

For example.
Al Spackmans Voodoo
Clip Line
Minature Rapping Hand
Noted Number

He had been a longtime member of The Ulster Society of Magicians. 
Jim Harvey

--------------------------------------------
18. e-zine Archives
--------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html

When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are
Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote
issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year
(1999)

--------------------------------------------
19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
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© Copyright 2011 Alan Watson