*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New
Zealand)
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1256
Date: Sunday 7th February 2016
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. John Calvert's Lawsuit Against Randy Wolf
3. MAGIC Commercial
4. Vanishlive.com Migrates To Facebook
5. Where Comics And Magic Collide With Jon Armstrong
6. Memorabilia For Sale
7. Scout Shows Year Round - #389 - Kyle Peron
8. Fundraising Magician Discovers New Niche
9. Content From Kids Entertainer Hub
10. Chris Capharts Only Australian Lecture Tuesday 16/02/16
11. STIMF - 2016 - England
12. Now You See Me 2' First Teaser Trailer
13. FISM 2018 Open For Registration
14. Broken Wand Jerry Mentzer
15. The Magic Of Porto
16. San Antonio Has The "Wow" Factor
17. The 'Overboard'
18. e-zine Archives
19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
The highlight for the week for Michele and I was having Paul
and Natalie Romhany along with their son Jon-Paul come and stay
with us.
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a
HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2016-Jan-to-Dec-2016/1256-Feb02-2016.html
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
-------------------------------------------
2. John Calvert's Lawsuit Against Randy Wolf
--------------------------------------------
Message by John R. Browne III
Martindale-Hubbell 2016 Highest Rating
In Legal Ability and Ethical Standards
Law Offices of John R. Browne III
You
may recall that in 2013 at John Calvert's request I filed a
lawsuit for him and Tammy against Randy Wolf, an Ohio heart
surgeon to whom the Calverts had sold their world famous "Magicarama"
Magic Show for a purchase price of $100,000. Dr. Wolf had paid
$37,000 towards the purchase price and had kept the Show, but
had refused to pay the remaining $67,000.
The
Trial Court granted a motion filed by Dr. Wolf's lawyers to
quash service of process on Dr. Wolf, on the grounds that Dr.
Wolf's activities in California were not sufficient to subject
him to jurisdiction here. I appealed such decision, and yesterday
was happy to learn that following a lengthy briefing schedule
and oral argument, a panel of three Justices on the Court of
Appeals unanimously reversed the Trial Court's decision. The
Court of Appeals opinion can be accessed via the link below.
While
yesterday's decision is by no means dispositive, it requires
Dr. Wolf to come here to defend the Calverts' lawsuit, which
will now continue on Tammy's behalf on account of John's demise.
I hope to achieve a successful result for Tammy. I will keep
you apprised.
Best
wishes,
Jack
Browne
-----------------------------------
johnrbrowne@sbcglobal.net, the following transaction has occurred
in:
John Calvert et al. v. Randall Wolf
Case: A140405 1st District, Division 3
Date
(YYYY-MM-DD): 2016-01-29
Event Description: Opinion Available Online (Signed Unpublished).
To
view opinion document for this case, go to:
[PDF] http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/nonpub/A140405.PDF
[DOC] http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/nonpub/A140405.DOC
For
more information on this case, go to:
http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=1&doc_id=2063157&doc_no=A140405
--------------------------------------------
3. MAGIC Commercial
--------------------------------------------
Message by Stan Allen, Editor of MAGIC Magazine
The following is a commercial, so if you want skip down to the
next item, I understand. However, if you'd like to read what's
in the current issue of MAGIC Magazine, read on. I'll be brief.
The February issue is packed with stories, tricks, and more!
Stories: How directing magic shows has made Jon Armstrong a
better magician. Why England's Breathe Magic is making a difference
in kids' lives. What "Christmas morning" at David
Copperfield's warehouse looks like? How four artists are spreading
their magic in a big way? How magicians teamed up with Operation
Gratitude to help heroes.
Tricks: New magic effects from Steven Valentine, Martine Lewis,
Ian Rowland, Jiang Zhenguha & Bill Cheung, Steve Reynolds,
Mike Bent, and John Armstrong. Plus excerpts from three First
Looks: "Camera Tricks" by Casshan Wallace, "Magic
by Miller" by Donald Croucher, and "Kahnjuring"
by Scott Kahn.
More: Well... simply a lot more!
The February 2016 issue of MAGIC Magazine is currently available
in print and digitally.
http://www.magicmagazine.com/
--------------------------------------------
4. Vanishlive.com Migrates To Facebook
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mick Peck (New Zealand)
Thanks
to everyone for your support for more than two years of international
magic news updates at VanishLive.com
We
have now migrated to Vanish World Magic News, a free Facebook
group.
All
readers of Magic New Zealand are pre-approved to join Vanish
World Magic News, just click the "Join Group" button
on the group and I'll approve your membership.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/vanishmagicworldnews/
Vanish
Magic World News is a repository for both local and international
news items concerning magic and magicians.
All
members are welcome to post items that may be of interest or
spark discussion. Add friends to the group if you want. Friendly
banter encouraged.
Commercial
or promotional content is fine just don't spam or bump stuff
endlessly. Letting members know about items for sale is fine.
Enjoy.
Click
"Join Group" at:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/vanishmagicworldnews/
--------------------------------------------
5. Where Comics And Magic Collide With Jon Armstrong
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
The
Magic Word Podcast
We
are taking a break this week to give time for Gregory Wilson
to digest the previous podcasts and prepare his "proof"
of the "lies" that (in his opinion) our guests have
made in their testimonies. Greg plans to return to The Magic
Word Podcast and give a defense then we will move on with our
usual scheduled podcast programming.
So,
this week we talk with the February 2016 MAGIC Magazine cover
boy, Jon Armstrong. He is the current Chairman of the Board
of Trustees for The Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle)
and a winner of the Close-Up Magician of the Year plus he is
a consultant to theme parks. But the first part of our talk
is about comic books and how they are often overlooked as art.
Indeed, most adults think of them as being for kids when in
reality they are "sequential art". The parallel to
magic is that our art, too, is often trivialized by some adults
and not considered art.
Jon
also talks about approaching groups to perform close-up magic,
how he brands himself, how and why we should select tricks that
fit our personality, and how we should treat magic as the art
it is.
You
can watch a video of Jon on "Penn & Teller Fool Us"
television show, see some photos, get some important links to
some free stuff, read the blog, listen to the podcast online
and download the MP3 file at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/275-jon-armstrong
We
welcome Danny Cole to the Friends of The Magic Word this week,
too. If you would like to join this elite group, then please
check out how you can help at: http://scott-wells-kdb1.squarespace.com/fotmw/
--------------------------------------------
6. Memorabilia For Sale
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone
I
have a collection of one-off signed items of memorabilia for
sale from several well known magicians including Fred Kaps,
Maurice Fogel, Ken Brooke, Siegfried & Roy and John Calvert.
I will be attending the Blackpool Magicians Convention later
this month and I will have these items with me. If you are interested
in more details, email me at qualityevents@aol.com
--------------------------------------------
7. Scout Shows Year Round - #389 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kylekellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
The great thing about the scout market is that you do not have
to limit yourself to working just the yearly banquet. There
is a golden secret I would like to share with you that has tremendous
value. It is something that can keep you working the market
all year, provide a valued service and no one is doing it. Allow
me to share the concept with you in hopes that it may open your
own eyes to the possibilities.
By
contacting and talking with various Boy and Girl Scout Councils,
I realized that both organizations have badges or awards that
can be earned for doing and learning about magic. Sometimes
these are referred to as merit badges but may be called different
things in various scout councils. The key point is knowing that
they do exist and that scouts can work towards earning this
badge.
If
you are keyed into problem solving for your clients, then this
raises a wonderful opportunity for you the entertainer. Like
the magic themed meetings I talked about earlier, you can create
a full scout program for the scout packs or even Girl Scout
troops.
The
idea here is to provide a full meeting for the pack or troop
that you provide for them. You provide a 30 minute magic show
followed by a teaching workshop and then end with a question
and answer session. The beauty of this is that everything you
do is helping the Scouts earn their magic badge or award.
In
the minds of the Scout Leaders and Councils, this has amazing
power and benefit for them. It serves a purpose far greater
than just entertainment alone. Now you are providing a service
that empowers the Scouts and gets them working towards something
they can feel good about. It also allows you to charge more
for the service and gets you to perform all year long performing
this program for various cub packs and Girl Scout troops in
and around your area.
I
started doing this a few years ago and the Scout Councils simply
love it. In fact I have even had Scout Councils team up and
bring together many packs and troops together and make a full
afternoon event just from my program alone.
What
you teach needs to be easy items with stuff around the house
that also empowers instead of frustrating. I usually do a floating
pencil effect and also jumping rubber bands are very easy to
do and I can provide the props for the scouts to keep at next
to nothing in cost. Both are tricks the kids can do with ease
and gets them excited about magic.
If
I have large groups, I teach the effects to the Scout Leaders
ahead of time and then have them assist me with the hands on
portion of the teaching workshop. This is great to do because
it gets the Leaders directly involved in the teaching of the
Scouts and empowers them as well. Allow the Scouts to keep the
items to take home with them.
The
question and answer part of the program brings the kids back
to the front area as you talk briefly about the history of magic
and the importance of keeping the secret, practice and entertainment
value. You can then allow the scouts to ask questions that they
may have and answer them for them. You then wrap up the program
by thanking everyone. It is a great opportunity that no one
is doing and can allow you to really tap into this market in
your own area and work it all year. A quick call to your local
Scout Council can gain you great information that you can use
to build your own magic program that is geared at directly helping
Scouts to earn their magic badge.
***
I
hope this information has given you an idea of what can be done
with working the Scout market. If you would like additional
and detailed information on this topic, please see my book/e-book
at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Blue_and_Gold.html
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.
--------------------------------------------
8. Fundraising Magician Discovers New Niche
--------------------------------------------
Message by John Kaplan
www.FundraisingMagic.com
http://bit.ly/1NnbUtO
During
the past 35 years I've had the pleasure of touring Canada with
my magic and illusion show.
It
began with a 2-week tour of "Abracadabra" in 1980,
gradually expanding to a 4-month spring and fall touring schedule
with such shows as "The Magic Bus", "Millennium
Magic", "Makin' Magic", "Stage Fright"
and, currently, "AbracaDAZZLE!".
It's
been a lot of fun. Over the years I've performed thousands of
shows in over 500 different communities across Canada, coast-to
coast and into its northern regions.
Along
the way, it's been estimated that these shows have raised more
money for a greater variety of community groups and causes than
any other program of its kind.
In
2015, however, I decided it was time for a break.
While
still actively involved in producing my Fundraising Magic
shows in my local market, "hitting the road" holds
less interest for me now
meaning that I've had to look
at options for replacing that income.
Last
summer I decided to do something that I'd previously enjoyed,
except this time on a much more developed scale. I couldn't
believe how successful it turned out!
I
undertook to create a "Magic Summer Camp" program
basically a half-day camp offering magic classes at community
recreation centres to children aged 6 - 12 years.
As
mentioned, this was something I'd done previously. And, I loved
it. There's nothing quite like the feeling of teaching a child
a basic magic trick, and seeing the immediate self-esteem and
selfconfidence boost it gives them when they find themselves
able to do it.
It
was quite rejuvenating for me as well. Guiding and watchingthem
experience that feeling was something that rekindled the joy
I'd experienced when I was a kid learning magic.
Beyond that, I learned a lot. I learned how to effectively structure
a magic class, both as a single day activity and a weeklong
program.
I
learned some important classroom management techniques (in part
due to the parent of one of my charges, who happened to be an
experienced schoolteacher).
Using
the years of experience gained in marketing my Fundraising Magic
program, I learned how to promote these magic class programs
- with the result being a sell-out summer schedule (also yielding
multiple repeat bookings for this year's Spring Break and summer
2016).
And,
I perfected a system for maximizing profits with post-class
product sales. Not only an important consideration in regards
to income generation, but for other reasons as well.
It
only makes sense. Teaching kids how to do some amazing tricks
hopefully nurtures their love for magic and gives them a desire
to learn more. Fulfilling this demand with appropriate post-session
magic tricks and learning tools helps those interested enough
to pursue the craft an opportunity to do just that - and in
so doing, helps to preserve the future of magic. Win-win!
I
realized that there might be other magicians wanting to share
their knowledge and love of magic with a new generation (and
even get paid for it!). So, I documented the whole process.
Any magician interested can get additional information at this
link: http://bit.ly/1NnbUtO
Teaching
magic to children is a fun, rewarding and positive contribution
that I highly recommend to others!
--------------------------------------------
9. Content From Kids Entertainer Hub
--------------------------------------------
Message by Laurice Chavez
History
of Magic: Penn and Teller
Link: http://magictricksforkids.org/penn-and-teller/
Meet magic's dynamic duo and two of the most famous and most
highly regarded magicians today, Penn Jillette and Raymond Teller.
Though exceedingly different in lifestyle and interests, the
two have great rapport and have achieved a lot together, from
amazing audiences with fantastic and frightening tricks and
illusions, to starring in their own TV programs, to having their
own Hollywood Walk of Fame stars. Learn more about them at http://magictricksforkids.org/penn-and-teller/
2. Add This to Your Magic Arsenal: CSI Magic Trick
Link: http://magictricksforkids.org/csi-magic-trick/
Play detective with this easy card magic that is based on the
classic trick Sam the Bellhop. All you need are several regular
playing cards, an old nursery rhyme, some tape, and a one-page
printout. Get the free printout and video instructions here:
http://magictricksforkids.org/csi-magic-trick/
3. A Magician's Guide to What Makes Little Kids Laugh
Link: http://kidsentertainerhub.com/what-makes-little-kids-laugh/
Performing magic shows for kids under 5 years old? These awesome
tips will help you get the little tots giggling and laughing
as if on cue. Read about these pointers at http://kidsentertainerhub.com/what-makes-little-kids-laugh/
--------------------------------------------
10. Chris Capeharts Only Australian Lecture Tuesday 16 February
2016
--------------------------------------------
Message from Peter Rodgers (Australia)
8.00pm
on Tuesday 16 February 2016 at St Martins Anglican Church Hall
9B Arnold Street Killara (this is the large hall to the right
of the church) $25.00 Per Person (fully paid up members of Ring
102 excepted).
The
Performer of the Year! He Can Do Stage, He Can Do Platform,
He Can Do Parlour, He Can Do Close-up, He Can Do Kids, He Can
Do Adults, He Can Do Lectures, He Can Teach Workshops, In The
World of Magic This Is What Makes Chris Capehart An accomplished
Master Magician. He is respected throughout the world by his
peers, applauded for his skills by the most famous of magicians
and sought after for repeat performances by clients.
Chris
Capehart has done it all. In forty + years he has performed
on the big stage, lectured to magicians, become a famous, accomplished
street performer, created routines and mastered the linking
rings. He has been published and imitated throughout the world.
His skill at close-up is no less than astonishing. His quick
comeback verbal skills, sharpened on the streets of New York
City, have made him an outstanding comedian.
At
the Abbott's Convention 2002 he was awarded the Senator Crandall
Award for Comedy. At the CAM Convention he worked with Jeff
McBride. After his performance Jeff McBride said "He is
the only magician I've ever seen who can bring down the house
with a stock trick." In Las Vegas at the SAM National Convention
Chris Capehart again proved himself to be a master of magic
by being the Master of Ceremony for the show. He has been labelled
a promoters dream. He has been invited and is a member of 4F.
Chris
Capehart is a regular headliner at "Monday Night Magic"
New York City's longest running off Broadway magic show, at
The Magic Castle, in Hollywood CA and at Dickens Parlour Theatre.
He has performed in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia,
Hollywood, Chicago, Denver and numerous other cities.
He
is one of the few American magicians who has been asked to perform
at the Magic Circle in England. Out of ten shows at the Magic
Circle, Chris Capehart got eight standing ovations. A feat unheard
of in London. He has also performed at The Blackpool Magic Convention,
one of the biggest conventions in the world. At the convention
he did twelve close-up shows, lectured to 1200 magicians, and
held a special session called Teach a Trick and sold over 600
DVD's and lecture notes. He has performed in over thirteen countries
and has worked for three different cruise lines. He has worked
for several corporations for the last fifteen years straight,
some twenty years. And last but not least, he has been featured
on the cover of Genii Magazine, December 2008 edition. It took
17 pages to tell his story. Chris Capehart is a magician not
to be missed.
Endorsements
"Chris Capehart says he's a Master Magician, and he really
is. He learned his craft on the streets, and then when he came
indoors -- wow! He doesn't just work a room; he owns it."--
Max Maven
"Thousands
of shows on the streets make you strong and teaches many lessons
and no one has learned those lessons more than Chris Capehart.
He's taken those lessons and become one of todays top comedy
magic performers in the world. Don't miss this once in a lifetime
opportunity from a true master of the craft, Chris is truly
the best of the best
..".
--Kozmo
"Chris
Capehart is one of the important forces in magic today. He is
fine magician, but more importantly, he is an artist who is
primarily interested in entertaining his audiences. Watching
his show is instructive in and of itself, but the opportunity
to hear him lecture is an event not to be missed."
- Rich Bloch
"Why
does Chris get standing ovations? It is not the effect that
makes the star rather the star that makes the effect. It's become
the combination of great timing, comedy sensibility and great
Magic combined. Anyone can fill the stage with feathers and
flowers. Chris can fill a stage with a single rose that's why
he and his rings are the best I've seen. That's entertainment."
- Rocco
"Chris
Capehart is an amazing Master Magician. His lecture is full
of practical information. He is a joy to watch."
-Losander
Full
details from Peter Rodgers 02 9894 6831 or at peterrodgers@hotkey,net.au
or visit Chris Capehart's site at capehartsmagic.com
--------------------------------------------
11. STIMF - 2016 - England
--------------------------------------------
Message by Gunnar Kr. Sigurjónsson (US)
Relaxed,
fun and friendly Magic Festival
South
Tyneside International Magic Festival has been named as the
maximum relaxed, greatest fun and most friendly magic conference
in the whole world. At STIMF-2016, which will take place Friday
11th March to Sunday 13th March 2016, at The Customs House in
South Shields, England, there will be:
From
the USA: John Carney and Chad Long.
From Belgium: Rafael.
From Germany: Alana Moehlmann.
From Sweden: Malin Nilsson.
From the UK: Paul Wilson, Michael Vincent, Dr. Will Houstoun,
Chris
Rawlins, Steve Rawlings (Juggler), Peter Clifford, Paul Megram
(Children's show & lecture), Phil Butler, Men in coats,
Andi Gladwin and
John Archer.
£65
covers all lectures, two Gala Shows and Close Up sessions -
Plus a Midnight Show on Friday night.
No
overlapping lectures and Master Classes on Sunday afternoon.
There's
a Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/groups/29920799525
You
can register by sending an e-mail to:
Karri.Prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk or by calling Derek on +44
(0)191 424 7821.
Nearest airport is: Newcastle International Airport. (NCL)
--------------------------------------------
12. "Now You See Me 2" First Teaser Trailer
--------------------------------------------
Aceshowbiz
The
Ace of Entertainment Zone
The
movie brings back the Four Horsemen, a group of illusionists,
who will pull off their most impossible heist yet.
Lionsgate
has debuted the first teaser trailer for magician movie "Now
You See Me 2". Bringing back almost all of its terrific
cast members, the movie seemingly comes with the same formula
like the first film, in which the Four Horsemen will pull off
some big heists using their magical abilities.
"It's
great to be back," says Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson)
on the stage with two other members of the Four Horsemen (Jesse
Eisenberg, Dave Franco). The entire trailer shows the illusionists
performing magic tricks, but it also introduces a new character
played by Daniel
Radcliffe, who appears to be a clumsy magician.
Read
more: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00091238.html
-------------------------------------------
13. FISM 2018 Open For Registration
--------------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
FISM
in South Korea
The
2018 FISM website is now open to take reservations. It will
be continually updated with information about the convention.
Now is the time to book your reservation in order to take advantage
of the lowest fee and to be given the best seat possible for
the Gala Shows:
www.2018fismbusan.com
I
look forward to seeing you there.
-------------------------------------------
14. Broken Wand Jerry Mentzer
--------------------------------------------
Message by Eddy Wade
It
is with a very heavy heart that I share with you that one of
my longest and best friends, Magic Methods founder Jerry Mentzer
passed away, peacefully, in his sleep last night. In addition
to being a prolific writer, whom many of today's magic greats
credit with starting them on their way, he was a gifted performer
himself.
When
I was 11 years old, Jerry became my Mentor. He shared the art
of magic with me, helped me navigate through all the spectrums
of the art to find my own style and taught me about the business
of magic. I am eternally grateful to him and the influence he
has been in my life. When Jerry allowed me to take over the
helm of Magic Methods in April 2014, it was sincerely a fulfilled
dream.
I
will miss my friend greatly.
--------------------------------------------
15. The Magic Of Porto
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mandy Davis MIMC (UK)
Clube
Ilusionista Fenianos
Festival
S. Joao Bosco took place, in Porto, Portugal from Friday 29th
- Sunday 31st January. At the premises, complete with its own
theatre, that houses Clube Illusionista Fenianos. It was a chance
meeting at The Magic Circle, London, between their new President,
Miss Andy Peixoto and myself that led to the moment when I stood
on that stage to perform my act for club members and the Porto
public for the first time!
We
had a varied and exciting weekend! The club provided all lunches
and dinners from Friday night onwards - we were very well fed.
It was lovely to chat over food and feel comfortable in the
bar/clubroom of this special building that houses all kinds
of associations from music to magic - and even a gambling group!
The
magic club had been floundering but is now getting stronger
again thanks to its leaders and this event was proof of this.
The
Festival opened with a port wine and biscuits reception before
the first wonderful meal. The Friday night gala started at ten
with Mago Marco, clown Pezinho, Cardinal, compere/MC Daniel
Guedes - and me! Although I had been completely assured that
a patter act would work as 'everyone speaks English here', I
discovered that, in fact, understanding was limited. Thankfully,
this was rectified for Saturday with interpreters - just as
well because I was giving a talk in the afternoon!
Saturday
saw a fine lecture from Magi Curty. There were also the close
up and stage competitions. Neither was heavily supported by
contestants but I was able to enjoy a fascinating act based
on a stage full of brightly coloured pottery roosters which
are the mascots of Porto. The final trick of this act had a
board on which the outline of a rooster was drawn. A volunteer
had to colour in the parts of this in his own choice of colours
- which happened to match a large pottery model which had been
on stage, under a draped silk, throughout the act.
There
was a very relaxed Close Up show after lunch. Three performers
- Cardinal, Rovit and Peter Sjostedt - gave us some excellent
magic led, once again, by compere/MC Daniel Guedes.
Daniel
very kindly agreed to translate for me as the show was followed
by 'British Afternoon Tea with Mandy Davis'. I showed a short
promotional film about The Magic Circle and spoke for about
fifteen minutes on the wonders of being a Member, the fabulous
building we own and how one can join and benefit, even living
away from London.
Another
tasty supper followed and then the second gala show with completely
different performers from the previous night - apart from me!
This time, though, the amazing Leandro Morgado, who speaks perfect
English, was able to compere/MC and translate my act which opened
the show and was certainly appreciated this time!
The
other acts were Magi Curty, who will be appearing at Blackpool,
Mr Balloon and Salguery all of whom were excellent.
Sunday
began with a lecture from Peter Sjostedt who gave us some very
effective mentalism ideas which he has used in business situations.
I particularly liked his business card drawing mindreading and
also the divining of an object held by one of four people. There
was a lot of fun with his effects and the methods were very
devious.
The
closing ceremony was a surprise as it involved plaques and certificates
being presented to all who had performed during the weekend
- including me! I am very proud to display them in my home now.
Then it was on to the closing lunch, a very nicely presented
meal of three courses plus a beautiful cake, baked and iced
by Miguel Ball Penreira Saraiva.
After
the lunch was eaten, the cake demolished and the port wine supped
in the bar - the Festival ended for 2016! Thank you Miss Andy
for inviting me to Porto - I had a wonderful time!
--------------------------------------------
16. San Antonio Has The "Wow" Factor
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mike Stratman,
IBM Convention Co-Chair
2016
IBM Convention July 2nd- July 5th
It
has been several years since we booked our IBM convention in
a true "Destination City". San Antonio meets and exceeds
all expectations of this definition. Let me tell you why:
San Antonio is a historical city, "Remember the Alamo".
This historic shrine is one of the most visited places in the
United States.
To
walk on these hallowed grounds and to listen to the guides describe
this one sided battle will certainly make you appreciate San
Antonio's historical past. The Alamo is only a four block walk
from our hotel. If you would like to see a historic film of
this battle, (not the John Wayne version) you can visit the
movie theater in the Rivercenter Mall, just a block away from
our 4 Star Grand Hyatt Hotel. This film runs continuously on
a daily basis.
The
Grand Hyatt built in 2011 is the newest hotel on the famed Riverwalk.
It is adjacent to the Convention Center that houses the Lila
Cockrell Theatre where our evening shows will be held. Yes,
you can walk right out of the hotel and into the Civic Center,
no buses and no worry about inclement weather. This is undoubtedly
one of the most convenient locations we have had for years.
In
addition to the Alamo, the often copied but never duplicated
"River Walk" can be accessed from the side door of
our hotel. The River Walk features a multitude of restaurants,
hotels, art and gift shops, boutiques and live music. You can
board a river taxi and tour the entire river walk, or you can
casually walk both sides of the river and enjoy the sights and
smells of the sidewalk cafes.
Other
attractions within walking distance of the Grand Hyatt are the,
world's fair site with the Tower of Americas revolving Chart
House Restaurant high above the San Antonio skyline. The Old
Courthouse, with its historical artifacts and the "old
hanging tree". The Buckhorn Saloon with its western motif
and Texas Ranger Museum.
The
beautiful Historic San Fernando Church was the beginning of
the San Antonio settlement in 1731 and is where Santa Anna later
fired the first volley at the Alamo. In addition to its beautiful
architecture, the church also houses the only sarcophagus holding
the ashes of the heroes of the Alamo. The King William historic
District which was settled by German merchants in the late 19th
century is about a half a mile from the hotel. If old restored
homes and mansions are your thing, you will see some beautiful
architecture.
Another
must visit spot is the Mexican Market Square with over 100 shops
offering one of the largest selections of Mexican wares in the
United States. This area is also home to two of the best and
most popular Mexican Restaurants in San Antonio, Mi Tierra Cafe
and Bakery and La Margarita. The Market Square is about a 10
block walk from the Grand Hyatt. The trolley, bus, cabs or horse
drawn carriages can provide you with inexpensive transportation
to and from Market Square.
Another great attraction is the San Antonio Missions Historical
Park Trail. This consists of 4 Missions that were built in the
1730's and can be reached by auto, or special tour buses. These
beautiful Spanish Colonial missions built by the early Spaniards
are a must see.
I mentioned earlier the Rivercenter Mall which is just a block
away from the Grand Hyatt. This is a 3 level mall with a fast
food court, nice restaurants and plenty of shopping. It also
houses the movie theater previously mentioned.
The
Menger Hotel, another historical site is adjacent to the mall
and just "down the alley to the Alamo". Teddy Roosevelt
and his rough riders stayed at the Menger, and the bar still
has some of the original bullet holes from those rowdy "Rough
Riders". The hotel also has a lot of Roosevelt's memorabilia.
You really need to take about a half hour of your time to check
this place out. Who knows, you may run into one of the ghosts
who haunt this historic hotel.
--------------------------------------------
17. The 'Overboard'
--------------------------------------------
Message by from Paul Stone (USA)
In
2005 I released 'Overboard', a prop that could be used equally
effectively by magicians whether they performed stage magic,
parlor style, close-up, children's shows, restaurant shows,
walkabout, private parties, fundraisers, tradeshows and corporate
events. We only produced 250 and they completely sold out in
a couple of months.
Danny
Orleans wrote this review in Genii Magazine:
'Overboard is probably the most versatile, customizable prop
for the stand -up performer that I have ever seen. The value
of Overboard is the enormous variety of applications for the
professional performer. If you are a real world worker consider
this seriously.'
Brad
Henderson wrote this review in Magic Magazine:
'Two elements that will invariably impress me in a new product
are evidence of innovation resulting from real world use and
signs of quality in both materials and craftsmanship employed.
Paul Stone's 'Overboard' exceeds in both regards. Tradeshow
workers, corporate speakers, emcees, in short anyone who desires
to offer custom messaging will see this for the piece of gold
it is!'
Here
are just a few of the testimonials we received about 'Overboard':
Thanks
for such a great prop! - Scott Wells
'Overboard'
is a working magicians dream, 'Wow!' - Obie O'brien
To
coincide with my upcoming UK Lecture Tour in April / May 2016
we are releasing an updated version of 'Overboard'. The new
model which is approximately half the size of the original prop
and which like the original is also handmade, is supplied with
a DVD explaining in detail the handling and several different
presentation ideas for virtually every conceivable type of performance.
There
is one new presentation idea that on its own is worth the price
of this amazingly versatile prop! And, as a bonus, on the DVD
I also explain how 'Overboard' can make you your money back
several times over!
Best
of all, you can learn the handling in minutes and put 'Overboard'
into your show right away!
The
new 'Overboard' is the perfect size for table hopping, restaurant
shows, walkabout, private parties, parlor style and close-up
shows, and is ideal for tradeshows and corporate events.
So
whether you are a stand up performer, comedy magician, mentalist,
close-up worker, children's entertainer, tradeshow magician
or restaurant walkabout performer, 'Overboard' will work for
you.
If
you purchased the original 'Overboard' in 2005 and already use
it then you won't need convincing about its value. The new model
which I have personally featured in my shows with great success
is even more versatile than the original and offers a number
of additional very strong commercial routines specifically suited
to the updated smaller version. And it now takes up much less
space in your case!
Although
we will be officially releasing 'Overboard' in April, we are
currently making up a small batch of 25 units, which will be
available on 18th February at a special pre-release offer price
of $149 plus p&h. (The regular price will be $179 plus p&h).
Don't
miss out! Email qualityevents@aol.com for details on how to
place your order.
--------------------------------------------
18. E-zine Archives
--------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right
"Archives"
When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order
in folders for each year 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)
---------------------------------------------
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