Here's the latest MAGIC Preview, offering a peek at what's coming in the January 2010 issue of MAGIC Magazine

Here's the latest MAGIC Preview, offering a peek at what's coming in the January 2010 issue of MAGIC Magazine, along with a couple last-minute items that just came in.



If you're not a subscriber, I hope this will get you interested in giving us a try. Please check out our risk-free, one-month-at-a-time subscription plan at the bottom of this email. Of course, we still offer our annual subscriptions as well.



If you are a subscriber, these MAGIC Previews give you an advance look at what's en route to your mailbox. And, of course, you'll still receive our exclusive MAGIC eUpdates with all the latest television news.



Stan Allen



P.S. Feel free to forward these monthly Previews to your friends. If you received this from a friend and would like to be added to the list, please send an email to preview@MAGICmagazine.com.



P.P.S. Also feel free to post bits and pieces of this Preview onto magic websites. If you do, please give credit for where it came from, along with a link to www.MAGICmagazine.com. Thanks!







David Roth by Bill Wells



The dream – what enables a young kid in New York to realize his lifetime dream? In particular, how is it possible for a youngster whose love is coin magic to use this as a vehicle to realize his dream of appearing at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and traveling around the world, doing magic with a handful of coins and a few props?



First of all, one must have the favor of the Coin Gods. Consider that our young hero was born 75 years to the day after the birth of the legendary coin magician John Ramsay. However, it was only when he was age ten and Ramsay had just passed away that "Maja" claimed him as a lifelong subject, when a friend of his father plucked a coin from behind his ear. He got the usual magic sets and toyed with various types of magic, including cards, but nothing really ignited the creative fires. Then, at age sixteen, he found Bobo's classic book Modern Coin Magic – a book that was published the year he was born. Suddenly, the creative motivation and inspiration was provided. The spark ignited the flame.



Photo: Jack Tsai







More feature stories in MAGIC this month:



Donba Jutsu: The Technique of Eating a Horse

by Steve Marshall

It's a magic effect not seen in 300 years, but Shintaro Fujiyama recently recreated it live onstage, along with other routines from the Edo period of Japan.



Al Koran's Headline Countdown by Graham P. Jolley

Mentalist Al Koran died in 1972, but his work lives on. One of his best-known – and perhaps least understood – effects was the Headline Countdown, fully explained here by his unofficial student.



Ricky Jay: A Rogue's Gallery by Gabe Fajuri

In his latest theatrical effort, A Rogue's Gallery, magician, historian, and raconteur Ricky Jay displays his skills in all these areas. It's an evening of tales and tricks, partly determined by choices from the audience.



Kyle Eschen: Making the Dreams of Children Come True

by Mark Nelson

Although only sixteen, Kyle Eschen's dry wit and seemingly world-weary persona separate him from other teen magicians, as do his television performing credits.



The Trilero, Paleros, and You by Nicholas J. Johnson

Trilero – it's the old game of finding the ball under the three covers. While the spectators can't separate the empty boxes from the one they want, the street hustlers can separate the bettors from their cash.













Last Minute Updates:



John Nicholls Booth, 1912 – 2009



In 1998, at the age of 86, Dr. John Booth wrote: "I tried as a magician, cinematographer, lecturer, and Unitarian clergyman to bring people together in a more just, enjoyable, and harmonious society." His Linking Ring column, "Memoirs of a Magician's Ghost" from 1963 to 2000, comprises nearly 1,700 pages of autobiography and a history of conjuring and the magical characters he had met over the years. The "Update" section of this January issue includes a remembrance of John from Ben Robinson, a long-time friend with whom Booth collaborated on three books.



This tricky 1940 photo of John Booth appeared in the September 1996 issue of MAGIC. Captured in 1/1000th of a second, the image of 29-year-old Booth seems to take on a new dimension when viewed upside-down.







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 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?



Photos: ABC







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/











From the Marketplace



John Bannon's latest, Bullets After Dark, is a two-DVD set loaded with card tricks aimed at every skill level. Here's an abridged version of John Lovick's review:



Over four years ago, I wrote a review of John Bannon's charming little book, Dear Mr. Fantasy. I called it a gem and said that it was the first magic book in nearly a decade that I had read from cover to cover like a novel, in a single sitting.



Bullets After Dark, Bannon's new two-disc DVD, includes some material from Dear Mr. Fantasy, some revised material from that book, and some brand new ideas. There is a lot of interesting card material here for the pasteboard enthusiast and/or Bannon fan.



These DVDs are not discs that you will watch over and over again for the entertainment value. Bannon is a very low-key performer who uses minimalist presentations, and most of the performances are for a single spectator who is reluctant to respond on camera in the artificial environment of a studio. In other words, it's the exact opposite of an L&L project. But this is not the kind of DVD you buy for entertainment. You buy it to study interesting and deceptive card magic, to learn and gain inspiration.



There are fifteen tricks and one sleight on the two discs; some of the tricks are combined into two- and three-phase routines, making a total of eleven items on the discs.



In addition, sprinkled throughout are short segments in which Bannon answers questions about creating magic, the faro shuffle, the Chicago session (his legendary weekly meetings with Dave Solomon and Simon Aronson), routining, magicians who have influenced his work, mixing math and magic, finding presentational angles for card tricks, and other topics.



None of the items here are knuckle busters, making this a good video set for all skill levels. If you love card magic, and even if you're just getting started, I'm sure there are at least a couple of items here that you can put into your repertoire, and a couple more that'll be fun to just play around with.



Bullets After Dark starring John Bannon. Two-DVD set. $35 plus shipping (varies by destination). Available from Big Blind Media, http://www.bigblindmedia.com or your dealer. Dealers contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, www.murphysmagic.com.





Nineteen products reviewed this month by Jason England, Peter Duffie, Gabe Fajuri, Brad Henderson, and John Lovick:



Color Fusion: The Real Works by Nash Fung

Ade Duval: Silken Sorcerer by David Charvet

Duke Tricks with Cards compiled by Burton Sperber

Con Cam Monte by R. Paul Wilson

No Smoking by Puck

Stand Up Coin Magic by Nathan Kranzo

The Everything Guide to Comedy Writing by Mike Bent

The Fine Art of Magic by George Kaplan

Harry Anderson: Wise Guy by Mike Caveney

Lou Serrano's Steel Ball Routine

Professional Card Forcing Techniques by Paul Gertner

The Pain Game by Jon Allen

The Magic in Books by Leo Behnke

The Roy DVD by Roy Zaltsman and Roy Yozevitch

Triple Impact 2.0 by Matt Ellison

Illusion EFX with Andrew Mayne

Jumper with Joe Rindfleish

Whacked! by Mark Elsdon





Click here to see the entire list of what's coming in the January issue of MAGIC Magazine.

Liquify by Richard Sanders and Bill Abbott (Automatic Mystery) - DVD

Liquify by Richard Sanders and Bill Abbott (Automatic Mystery) - DVD

VIDEO CLIPS

View Clip




DESCRIPTION

Have someone concentrate on a thought.
Ask them to imagine their glass of water as a crystal ball and to focus their thoughts into it.
Tearing a corner from a piece of paper, you ask the spectator to dip the paper into the water.
Slowly and eerily...THEIR THOUGHT APPEARS ON THE PAPER!

Key Points:
· Absolutely nothing is applied to the paper.
(No chemicals, no lemon juice, nothing)
· Absolutely nothing can be seen on the paper prior to the revelation.
· The paper is completely examinable before, during and after the effect!
Liquify is a 60 minute training DVD that will guide you through every nuance of this devastating effect. Using a completely organic system, Liquify gives you the ability to transform ordinary paper into a supernatural phenomenon!

PLUS: A very special secret device that will allow you to perform LIQUIFY "ON THE FLY"...anywhere with only a moments notice.

Liquify is self working, there are no angle restrictions and it's always ready to go!

Start Liquifying your spectators today! Click Here!

Breaking Magic News from Alan Watts, Used with Permission...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.Alan-Watson.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #716
Date: Sunday 6th December 2009
Editor: Alan Watson
www.magicianz.com
e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com
================================
So here is the latest Magic News
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. "Siegfried & Roy: Unique In All The World"
3. IBM Annual Convention 2010 Talent
4. More Remarkable Magic #19 - Nick Lewin
5. Magician as Superhero - #145 - Kyle Peron
6. 30th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update
7. Las Vegas Magic - December, 2009
8. Traveling The World With Paul Romhany
9. International Magic Convention Coverage And Photos
10. The Magical Adventures Of Eric DeCamps
11. David Ben, Has Started Blogging
12. 58th Annual Blackpool Magic Convention Programme
13. Broken Wand - Harry Wise
14. www.organizationalmagic.com
15. "Magicana" Magazine No. 340
16. e-zine Archives
17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
Sad to hear that Jim Cellini has passed away. I can still
remember many years ago when he performed his cups and balls in
our lounge at home.

-------------------------
Whaley's Who's Who In Magic
Copyright by Lybrary.com, reproduced with permission.
http://www.lybrary.com/

Cellini
(USA: fl.1970s-80s) Stage name of Jim Sullivan. Pro street
magician in San Francisco (late 1970s-early 80s), New Orleans,
New York City (1981), Europe. Works in renaissance garb with
gibecière. Pet effects: Linking Rings, Cups-&-Balls, etc.
Assistant is "Eileen". Rated best at street magic by Frank Garcia
& Mike Rogers.

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

--------------------------------------------
2. "Siegfried & Roy: Unique In All The World"
--------------------------------------------
Message by Diana Zimmerman (US)

Publication Update

Dear Friends,

We have some really exciting news. We have been given access to a
large private collection of Siegfried and Roy memorabilia. It
contains items S&R don't even have. And while the decision to
include several of these items will delay the publication of
"Siegfried & Roy: Unique In All The World" until the Spring of
2010, with this important find, we will nearly double the
original size of the book and include even more rare items.

And there's more incredible news. Paul Stone has given us
permission to include a DVD of the entire "Tribute to Siegfried
and Roy at the London Palladium" show with performances by such
magical greats as Norm Nielsen, John and Pam Thompson, Kalin and
Jinger, Vik & Fabrini, Jeff Hobson, Luis de Matos, Jason Byrne,
Raymond Crowe, and Wally Eastwood with a special appearance by
the "Puppet Army" from the Mirage show and, of course, Siegfried
and Roy.

The pre-orders for "Siegfried & Roy: Unique In All The World"
www.noesispublishing.com remain extremely robust. Two, three,
and, in some cases, even four orders from one collector for this
one-of-a-kind book are still pouring in. And remember, a portion
of all proceeds will go to the 501c3 charity, MagiCaresT.

We have still not firmed up the date for the "Cutting of the
Marquee" event, but are working on that, as well. Of course,
everyone who has pre-ordered the book is invited to join us. If
you haven't pre-ordered, do so now. It's not too late.
www.noesispublishing.com will take you to the 18-page color
downloadable booklet-a collector's item, unto itself-and your
chance to own a piece of history.

If you have not yet signed up for your copy of "Siegfried & Roy:
Unique in All The World," we encourage you not to miss this
unprecedented opportunity to be a part of history. Book one sold
at auction in London for $3,000.00. We have no idea what the
secondary market will be, but with collectors buying up to four
copies at a time, it well may exceed expectations.

www.noesispublishing.com

Sincerely,

Diana S. Zimmerman
Robert Gould

www.noesispublishing.com

--------------------------------------------
3. IBM Annual Convention 2010 Talent
--------------------------------------------
Message from - Dale Salwak (US)

The 2010 International Brotherhood of Magicians Annual Convention
will be held in San Diego, California, July 6-10. It promises to
be a week of sensational international talent with two gala
shows, banquet and show, Gold Medal finalists competition,
lectures, workshops, close-up performers, cabaret, dealer
displays, and much more. Full information including registration
forms is available on www.magician.org.

Dale Salwak has confirmed that the following talent will appear
with more names soon to be announced:

Jerome Murat (France)
Stage: Inspiration is the foundation of any art. Jerome Murat
combines mime, magic, and extraordinarily creative
characterizations into one of the most artistic acts you will
ever see.

David Roth
Close-Up: Dai Vernon wrote about David Roth: "First let me state
that David Roth has an amazing ability when performing with
coins. He is truly a genius. I have been fortunate to have
enjoyed the confidence and friendship of the leading exponents of
coin manipulation of the past. T. Nelson Downs, Allan Shaw,
Manuel and Welch Miller all specialized in this branch of the
magical art. To the very best of my judgment, David's ideas and
execution far surpass any one of them. I feel quite certain that
if they could witness his performance they would not only be
astounded but realize that they had seen the master."

Lecture: David Roth is widely regarded as one of the world's
greatest living coin magicians. He was an important contributor
to Richard Kaufman's "Coinmagic," a widely regarded text on
contemporary coin technique; and his major work was chronicled in
"David Roth's Expert Coin Magic," a massive hardcover tome also
penned by Richard Kaufman. David has lectured for magic
enthusiasts around the world and has produced numerous
instructional videos.

Extra Ticket Item: Two Workshops Limited to 10 Registrants each
(advance registration $100)

Jeff Hobson
Stage: Jeff Hobson is one of the most in-demand comedy magicians
working today. His refreshing and clever mix of comedy and magic
has brought him back for repeat performances all over the world.

Lecture: Hobservations on magic covers stage, sleight-of-hand,
close-up with cards and kid show magic. Something for everyone,
in other words, mixed with Jeff's unique brand of humor.

Max Maven
Stage: The late Orson Welles wrote that Max Maven has "the most
original mind in magic." Indeed. Using an advanced (and highly
unorthodox) set of psychological principles and techniques, Max
is able to discern the thoughts of total strangers. Subliminal
persuasion and the power of suggestion are pushed to the limit.

People magazine hailed his work as "a new form of participatory
theater." Max has appeared on hundreds of television and radio
programs, top talk shows and variety specials, as well as acting
on comedy and dramatic shows. He's published over 1700 creations
in the conjuring literature, and been an advisor to over a
hundred television shows.

Lecture: Most of Maven's mind-boggling feats are accomplished
through psychological subterfuge that he himself has cunningly
created...If mystery does indeed give magic its meaning, then the
enigmatic persona of Max Maven makes us ever mindful of the art
that is hidden in the mystery of magic."

Joshua Jay
Close-Up: Joshua's magic is up-close and personal  simple, clear
and undeniable. It happens when you're watching, no matter how
close you're watching. The secret is right in front of you. His
main performance style is close-up. Coins, ropes, even a
television remote vanishing, stretching, and defying expectations
in countless other ways. But his
passion is cards. These are head-turning, jaw-dropping pieces of
strange that have garnered Joshua international renown as a card
magician extraordinaire.

Lecture: Joshua Jay is not only one of magic's brightest
performers, but also one of its smartest gifted teachers. In his
lecture, Compelling Close-up Magic, you will learn astonishing,
artful close-up and parlor magic. For the first time in 7 years,
he is presenting an all new lecture.

Joseph Gabriel
Stage: Johnny Carson, kingpin of American late-night television,
introduced Joseph Gabriel, and what transpired on the Tonight
Show stage for the next several minutes was sufficient to amaze
millions of viewers and leave Carson himself visibly and vocally
enthused. One of the classiest magic acts you're going to see in
a long time! The best
I've seen!

This was Carson's reaction after witnessing Joseph Gabriel's
first appearance on the Tonight Show in 1983. Over the next
several years, Joseph would appear a total of seven times with
Carson. Gabriel has appeared on virtually every major television
variety show, most notably his televised Command Performance for
President Reagan. Months
later, February 1984, Joseph Gabriel made his Las Vegas debut
fittingly in the most lavish show in town, the Lido de Paris at
the Stardust Hotel.

Shawn Farquhar (Canada)
Close-Up: Shawn has performed and lectured for the world's best
magic events including London's famed Magic Circle, Siegfried and
Roy's and Japan's World Magic Seminars, Club Magico Italiano's
125 Anniversary, the Australian Magic Circle's Centenary and the
world's largest magic convention in Blackpool, England. In July
of 2009 he was named Grand Prix World Champion of Close Up magic
in Beijing, China at the 24th FISM World Championships of Magic.

He is also the only magician in history to win first prize in
both Close Up and Stage from the International Brotherhood of
Magicians and is proud to be a member of the Order of Merlin.
Lecture Bread & Butter is an entertaining lecture of effects from
Shawn's current performance repertoire. It includes many of the
ideas Shawn has used to win magic's most prestigious awards. The
lecture involves cards, CD's, photographs, poker chips and
creativity. What will you learn? First and foremost you will
learn your time has been well spent! The lecture is presented as
a professional performance. It's fast paced, entertaining and the
magic taught is clear, concise, amazing and most importantly
within the grasp of everyone who attends. The magic is amazing,
amazingly easy!

Katalin (Hungary)
Stage: This Hungarian-born beauty has taken the magic world by
storm earning her the title, Europe's Premiere Female Magician in
the most famous, elegant night club in Budapest, Hungary, The
Moulin Rouge. Within months of arriving in Las Vegas, her
striking beauty, engaging personality, and flawless
sleight-of-hand skill drew the attention of many admirers.

One of them, the producer of The World's Greatest Magic Show,
immediately added her to the All-Star cast. From there she became
one of the featured acts in "Viva Las Vegas", the longest running
afternoon production show in the history of Las Vegas. Keep
watching this fast-rising star as she continues living her dream
and pushing the boundaries of Magical Entertainment.

Marty Putz
Stage: Marty Putz is one of the world's hottest and most popular
exponents of bizarre and unusual comedy. Taking the label "prop
comic" to new heights, Marty Putz entertains his audiences with
some of his "inventions" .like the "chiropractic machine" (a
device which stretches his head and neck several feet in the
air), and the "rodent projectile unit" (a hand held cannon which
propels a pet hamster through the air and into a waiting target).
A giant inflatable "Elvis" suit, in one of its many forms, has
become his trademark.

Ice McDonald
Stage: The words Illusion, Captivation, Enchantment describe the
thrilling experience of The King of Cool -- Kenrick "ICE"
McDonald. An international award-winning magician, he has
established a strong reputation with his grand illusions
including doves and the spectacular spectacular out of thin air
of his Mighty Macaw. Recent appearances on The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno and in his own production, The African-American Master
of Magic testify to his artistry.

Lecture: Learn some of the tools of the trade when working with
doves from one of the best in the business.

Mickey Mak (China)
Stage: Mickey Mak is a rising star in China whose most recent
competition in Shanghai netted him a silver medal for his
artistic, rapid fire magic with white parasols. Energy, youth and
surprise are all in store for the audience as Mickey makes his
North American debut.

Eric Buss
Stage: Tremendous, Sensational, Beautiful... I've never seen
anything like it! said David Letterman of Eric Buss. His
innovative and high energy brand of comedy has earned him some of
the industry's top awards, and a reputation as one of the
funniest acts working today. Eric is an imaginative performer
with a knack for funny. Eric Buss invites the audience into his
world where hysterical antics are brought to life.

Kenji Minemura (Japan)
Stage: FISM World Champion Manipulation 2000 & 3rd Prize
Manipulation 2003 (Japan) brings to the stage an entirely new act
that combines dance, illusion, and mystery using a sketch book.
Kenji is one of Asia's most talented and imaginative magicians
performing today.

Rich Bloch
Stage (finalists competition night): Rich's love of theater, and
his position as magic consultant to the Folger Shakespeare
Theater at the Library of Congress, led Orson Welles to tap Rich
as his writer for a TV special, "Time and Chance". Rich and
Welles collaborated on that as well as numerous Welles
appearances on the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin shows. Rich is
also an inventor of illusions, with magicians all over the globe
utilizing his techniques and apparatus, including David
Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, and during their lifetimes, Harry
Blackstone Jr. and Doug Henning. Orson Welles called Rich "An
Edison of Magic." But magic performing is never far from the
center of Rich's heart. He performs regularly as a featured guest
in reviews at Las Vegas Golden Nugget, Sahara, and Flamingo
Hotels, with appearances, as well, at the Tropicana, Rio, Monte
Carlo, Venetian and Mirage hotels.

--------------------------------------------
4. More Remarkable Magic #19 - Susan Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Susan Lewin (US)

Nick Lewin is on a ship in South America without Internet
satellite connection. This is a guest post by his wife Susan.

"Magicians are like kittens: They all do the same things." I've
made this statement time and time again to explain the oddity of
living with a magic man. It has now been shortened to "kittens."
I'll flash a look at Nick and say "Kittens," and he knows exactly
what I mean. Magicians have a lot in common and I suspect that
their significant others do as well.

Let me illustrate the point. On Friday I received a lovely call
from Lupe Nielsen. I had ordered Nick a set of Chinese Sticks for
Christmas to add to his ever growing collection of Chinese Sticks
sitting in his magic cupboard. He desperately wanted the ones
with Norm's specialized stickers on them and I thought, "Why not?
What's another set? It will give him something to play with and
critique on Christmas Day."

When Lupe called I feared that she was going to tell me that our
credit card was over the limit. (This brings me to an aside: Why
have I given our credit card carte blanche to another magician? I
must be crazy? Heck I know I am: I'm the spouse of a magician.
"Kittens.") Instead she said that the "sticks" were not going to
be remade by the original crafter, but instead the new ones would
be produced by Norm himself with various improvements and
stickers. "Hey, so much the better I thought. If Norm is making
them there's a chance Nick might perform them."

However, she said, there is one problem. I intently listened.
"It's the tubing. We can't find the correct tubing." "Oh my god,"
I said, "Nick is always looking for tubing" (and tassels and yarn
and green Coca Cola bottles and USA Today newspapers, and chewing
gum with silver wrappers, and Crown Royal bags and the list goes
on). I very excitedly said to Lupe, "If Nick is home comatose on
the couch from a road trip and I say I'm going to Ace Hardware or
Home Depot he is up and dressed in a matter of seconds saying, 'I
have to buy tubing'." "Kittens!" He then purchases a bag of
mysterious items and has a big smile on his face as he says, "Do
you know how much this bag would have cost in a magic store?
Probably five hundred dollars."

I must add that once home the said tubing it is never the correct
tubing. He then proceeds to slice it on a record album balanced
on top of his legs with an Exacto knife into misshapen pieces.
Whatever project Nick is working on he proudly says, "I can make
this prop myself and then I can sell it. This is just a
prototype." Yeah, sure. Every magician I know wants a small
plastic box with black duct tape and misshapen tubing. They
probably do. "Kittens!"

Over the years I've learned a lot from living with a magician and
this December marks our 36 year of married life. Hey, who's
counting? That would be me (and Nick). Nick is on a trip in South
America on various five star ships, and we are meeting up in
Miami for a couple of days of R & R before he heads back down to
Limon. Fearing a "Trains, Planes and Automobiles" holiday if he
ventured to come back to Las Vegas for 24 hours, I opted to use
frequent flier miles and meet him at the Airport Marriott.
Perhaps on our day off we can venture to Home Depot for another
tubing adventure or to South Beach to pick up some sand.

Let me end this post by stating "Kittens!" You know who you are
so why fight it? Let's all enjoy the fun. P.S. Please don't
mention that I've ordered the Chinese Sticks from the Nielsens.

He can be emailed at nicklewin1@me.com.

--------------------------------------------
5. Magician as Superhero - #145 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message from Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com

It's a bird..it's a plane...it's Magic Man!!??? Able to find a
chosen card in a single cut. More powerful than a 5 year old kid
on a sugar rush. Ok this is a bit silly and I hope you are at
least laughing. But I wanted to mention it as a segue into the
notion of the magician as seen as a superhero type.

Let's think about this for a minute. As a magician we make the
impossible seem possible. We change fantasy into reality and we
defy the laws of physics. Like a superhero, we can make people
float or fly. We can walk through solid objects and seem to have
the power to read people's minds. Sound a lot like a superhero to
me. But do we often see ourselves this way? Do we fully
understand just how important it is to know this and how to use
it properly?

Like a superhero, we also become one when we perform as this
metamorphosis comes over us. We often change from our daily
persona into this new character that the audience is seeing and
experiencing on stage. Now each superhero is very well defined.
They know who they are and who they are not. What they are able
to do directly ties into their character. Their abilities and how
they use them stems also from knowing their character. The
character will act and react based on knowing exactly who they
are and what they are about.

A magician can learn from this. If we are like superheroes, then
we to should have a well defined character on stage. We should be
able to know who we are when we perform and what we are trying to
convey to the audience. But this also means we should also know
what we cannot do. We should immediately know that an effect
simply would not be good in the show simply because your
character would never use something like it. Likewise, how we
talk and the patter we use should also reflect who we are on
stage.

As a magical entertainer, we all have abilities or powers to make
it appear that we can do things others simply cannot. But like
any superhero, we also have strengths and weaknesses. Every
superhero you may have seen or read about always seems to have
something that gives them their power. They also have something
that makes them weaker.

It is fascinating to think that magicians also have this strength
and weakness. Interesting enough our main strength and weakness
comes from the same source... the audience. Think about it for
just a second and reflect back on the many shows you have done.

When we experience a great audience, a strange thing happens to
many of us. A wonderful audience we feed off of. We get better
and stronger through feeding off of their reactions. The more
they like what we are doing, the better we become. We give them
even more of ourselves.

However, the same audience can also be our superheroes' weakness.
A bad or dead audience can often drain our energy and make us
perform a bit more hindered. Suddenly our facial expressions may
not be as expressive. Maybe our patter changes and our adlibs or
improvisation stop. We seem to over think situations trying to
figure out how to win the audience back. Like Kryptonite, we feel
weak and sometimes helpless.

So what does this all tell us? I think it is first important to
understand the role we play to an audience who sees and watches
us. To many, we are something special. They may have never seen a
live magician before and what we do is fascinating to them. We
have this amazing gift that many do not have and even more have
never experienced up close before.

With this power comes great responsibility. It means we need to
be true to ourselves and to our characters we represent on stage.
Like a superhero is also means being humble. Having this amazing
ability serves you no purpose if you are going to have an ego and
not use it properly.

It also means that we can have an amazing impact on people that
come across us. We need to be a professional at all times and not
just when we feel like it. If we have the power to do the
impossible, we also have the power to place a smile on someone's
face and leave them with an experience they will remember for a
long time.

As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your
thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or
suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly
at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you.

- I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW
book and E-Book to the magic Community. "Blue and Gold! The
Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as
a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download.
- "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online
now at:
http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html
- "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order
online now at:
http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html

--------------------------------------------
6. 30th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update
-------------------------------------------
Message by - Mick Peck
President SCMC

More exciting news from the Incredible 30th New Zealand
International Magicians Convention:

We're proud to announce that New Zealand's own Paul Romhany will
be performing his full Charlie Chaplin act in our "International
Stars of Magic" public shows! Paul got his start in magic many
years ago as a junior member of the Shore City Magicians Club and
is now an in-demand professional who performs all over the world.
His famous PCAM Gold Medal winning Chaplin act is regarded as one
of the most original and entertaining shows in magic today, all
delivered in the silent film star's formidable style.

PLUS: Join us at our banquet for the rapid-fire comedy magic of
TC Tahoe! He's performed for Hollywood's elite including Pierce
Brosnan, Jane Seymour, Steven Seagal, Minnie Driver, Sean Penn
and Josh Brolan.

TC is one of the most in-demand cruise ship magicians in the
world and has twice been named Academy of Magical Arts Parlour
Magician of the Year. We're delighted that TC's busy schedule has
him in New Zealand during the time of the convention and he has
agreed to appear as a special guest. He'll be performing at our
banquet and also in our International Close-up Show alongside
Whit Haydn and John Carney.

If you intend to travel to Auckland for the convention you're in
a great position with the current price-wars on air travel.
Companies are advertising super cheap flights and price-matching
to try and get your business. Flights across the Tasman are
currently being advertised for around a hundred bucks each way!
Take advantage of the situation and book your flights well in
advance to get the best deals, there's never been a better time
to visit.

For full event information, video clips, guest biographies and
more:

The Incredible 30th New Zealand International Magicians
Convention, June 5th-7th 2010: www.scmc.co.nz/convention.html

"Inside the Mind of Paul Daniels", the NEW Paul Daniels Master
Class, June 4th 2010: www.scmc.co.nz/masterclass.html

Thanks!
- Mick Peck
President SCMC
mick@mickpeckmagic.com
09 238 5167 or 027 404 8981
International Calls: +64(9)2385167

--------------------------------------------
7. Las Vegas Magic - December, 2009
--------------------------------------------
Message compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com

Magic Production Shows:
Amazed
Mike Rayburn, Tim Gabrielson, Buzz Sutherland
2:30 pm - Planet Hollywood.

Amazing Johnathan
9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Planet Hollywood.

Criss Angel - Believe
7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor.
www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel

David Copperfield
through Jan. 20.
7:30 & 10 pm (also 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand.
www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN

Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier
7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.) - Royal Resort.
www.houdiniexperience.com
2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html

Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood.
www.mentalist.com
Comp. Tickets: www.mentalist.com/_images/Ticket.pdf

Lance Burton, Master Magician
7 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Monte Carlo.
www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx
Special Discount: Mention you want "The Special" at the box
office to receive a 25% Discount.

Mac King Comedy Magic Show
1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's.
www.mackingshow.com
Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge
desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls.

Mental
Luke Jemay - 7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) O'Shea's.
www.harrahs.com/osheas/entertainment.html
2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmental.html

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
4 pm - Flamingo.
www.nathanburton.com
Special: Buy Flamingo Buffet from Box Office for $19.95, get free
ticket to show.
www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html

Penn & Teller
9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio.
www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html

Super Duper Show
B-Rad & Bill Robinson
4:00 pm., Sat. & Sun. - Royal Resort.
http://www.superdupershowlv.com

Superstars of Magic
7:30 & 9:30 (Dark Tues.) Steven Best and Cassandra, Vegas Club.
www.vegasclubcasino.net/entertainment/superstars_of_magic.php
2 for 1 Tickets:
www.vegas4locals.com/couponsuperstarsofmagic.html

Steve Wyrick
9 pm. - Planet Hollywood.
Dec. 20-27, 7 & 9 pm. Jan. 3-10 Dark
www.stevewyrick.com

The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas
7 pm. (Dark Mon.) - Sahara.
www.saharavegas.com/shows/magic-of-rick-thomas

The Todd Paul Show
7 pm. (Dark Fri.) - Hooters.
www.hooterscasinohotel.com/entertainment/the-todd-paul-show/

Vegas Wonderground
3rd Thurs. each month - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Rd).
Hosted by Jeff McBride and featuring Guest Stars from around the
World.
www.vegaswonderground.com

Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur
4 & 6 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) (6 pm is an expanded show) -
Tropicana.
www.tropicanalv.com/ent_dirkarthur.asp
2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponxtrememagic.html

Magic In Production Shows:
Crazy Girls
Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera.
www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp
2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponcrazygirls.html

Haunted Vegas Show and Tour
Jac Hayden, Robert Allen
9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort.
www.hauntedvegastours.com
$10 off Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html

Matsuri
TamBa provides magic between acts.
4:00 pm (Dark Tues.) & 8:00 pm Fri. - Imperial Palace.

The Las Vegas Seance
Robert Allen, Jac Hayden, Arian Black, Samina, Victora Wayne
10:00 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort
www.LasVegasSeance.com

V, The Ultimate Variety Show
Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others.
7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood - www.vtheshow.com

Variety Showcase
Christopher Karpiak & S. Frank Stringham
Tuesdays, 9 pm - FREE - Sam's Town.

Other Vegas Magic:
Craig Keith performs bar magic at various times - Dick's Last
Resort, Excalibur.

Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show
Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230.

Las Vegas Magic Organizations
Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month.
Clark County Library, 1401 E Flamingo Rd (1 block E of Maryland
Parkway).
Children's Classes at 5:45 www.ibm257.com.

Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays.
Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave.

KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday.
Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo.
www.kidabralasvegas.com

November, 2009
November 27-29: Variety Live. 7:30 pm. Featuring: Joseph Gabriel,
Juggler Kris Kremo, Hula act Yelena Larkina, The Rolla Bolla
Balancing Act and Singer Ben Stone - Suncoast.

December, 2009
December 7: Peter Reveen has been named Magician of the Year by
the Fantasma Ring #257 Las Vegas chapter of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians. On the bill (so far) to honor "Reveen,
The Impossibilist" is Fielding West as MC, Lance Burton, Johnny
Thompson, Anthony Rais, Mike Bent, Jon Stetson, Scarlett, David
and Dania, (with their new Austin Powers style act), and many
surprise celebrity guests! www.IBM257.com.

December 11-13: World Stars of Magic 7:30 pm. Featuring: Kevin
James & Company, Paolo Giua, Richard McDougall, Victor & Diamond,
and Juliana Chen. - Suncoast.

January, 2010
Jan. 18-24: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff
McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

March, 2010
Mar. 5-7: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class Jeff McBride,
Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

April, 2010
Apr. 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff
McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

May, 2010
May 18-19: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Stage Magic &
Manipulation Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

June, 2010
Jun. 28-Jul 4: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class
Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

August, 2010
Aug. 23-29: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff
McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

September, 2010
Sept. 14-15: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Stage Magic &
Manipulation Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Sept. 18-19: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Magic and the
Martial Arts Jeff McBride, Bryce Kuhlman.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Sept. 24-26: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Magic & Mystery
Abbigail Aft McBride, Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

October, 2010
Oct. 9-10: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic Jeff
McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 20-23: Magic & Mystery School - The Magic and Meaning
Conference - A distinctive, annual small-group conference that
focuses on creating meaningful magic routines, effective scripts,
and new venues for performance. Featuring keynote addresses by
Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale, Lawrence Hass, and
a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the
themes of the conference.
www.magicalwisdom.com

--------------------------------------------
8. Traveling The World With Paul Romhany
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany (NZ)

Wow, what a very busy time we are having here in Asia. I knew it
would be busy and Natalie and I would need to be in peak
condition. There are nights where we are performing three to four
shows in different venues and for different companies. This is no
easy task. We have been working out at the gym keeping ourselves
in shape so we can handle this hectic performance schedule. It's
often something we don't think about as performers, our health.
It's one of the most important parts of our job when we get
busy - we forget how to eat right and stay in shape. The only
reason I am aware of how important it is, is because I have done
this type of schedule before and know to do the best we need to
be mentally and physically capable of doing it.

Tonight we have another four corporate gigs - fortunately I have
a great team helping me. The schedule is very tight with the
first show at 7.45pm at one hotel. As soon as the gig is over, I
have to go offstage and have about 2 minutes to re-set my show
and head to the next hotel. En route I will re-apply my make-up
and when we arrive we head to the stage area where my stage hand
will set up my bag - and before I know it I'm on stage again.
This will happen four times tonight. By the final show I am
completely exhausted and you would have thought I just stepped
out of a sauna.

The audiences here in Asia are also very different than you would
find anywhere else. Don't expect people to stop and listen to
what you say, as they are busy eating and getting up and down.
You are usually one of many different acts and things happening
during a long evening for them. Fortunately my act works well as
I don't need to worry about language barrier - I am able to
perform my Chaplin act and it's visual enough for them to watch.
These are not theatre shows, but corporate shows where people are
seated in groups of ten. They can range from 300 people up to
well over 1000.

Your show needs to be able to pack small enough so you can walk
off stage pretty much and it's ready to go again - not have to
worry about language issues, a lot of your standard magic one
liners just wouldn't work, and play to the largest audience. It
certainly isn't an easy gig, however I have to admit we are
really having a great time and my agent here is doing a wonderful
job.

Yesterday was one of the highlights for me as I performed and
lectured for an event put on by magician Jeremy Pei. It is called
Redefine Magic: The Gathering and is a one day convention held in
Singapore.

What a great job he did with almost 100 magicians in attendance.
There were various magic dealers, myself included and
performances from some well known Singapore magicians. I missed
the evening gala show because I had a gig myself, however I did
get to open the convention with a short version of my Chaplin
Show. What a great chance for me to meet so many magicians and
see some friends I haven't seen for some time.

My hat off to Jeremy for pulling off such an event and his
amazing team of helpers.

This week celebrates my 100th BLOG and over 80,000 readers. If
you click on you will find photos of the convention and reviews
of the latest effects. Visit http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com/
to read and see the photos.

--------------------------------------------
9. International Magic Convention Coverage And Photos
--------------------------------------------
Message by Andrew Webb

You read all the coverage of the 38th International Magic
Convention in London this weekend just gone.

http://www.magicconventionguide.com/category/international-magic-convention-2009/

Many thanks to the MacMillan family for allowing me to take
photos, video and report the convention live throughout the
entire weekend.

--------------------------------------------
10. The Magical Adventures Of Eric DeCamps
--------------------------------------------
Message from Eric DeCamps (US)

Well it's been a while since my last email and it's been way to
long since I've updated my website (www.ericdecamps.com) with
some new content.

As some of you already know, 2009 has been an incredible year for
me. I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, perform my
magic in new venues and make a lot of new friends.

In the last few months I've been to Montreal, Niagara Falls,
Buffalo, Vancouver, Charlotte, San Francisco, Los Angeles and
Chicago. Not to mention regional trips to Philadelphia, New
Haven, Carlyle and Boston. Whew. I racked up a lot of air, road
and even nautical miles!

In September, I was inducted as the new Dean of Parent Assembly #
1 of the Society of American Magicians. It's difficult for me to
express how honored I am that this prestigious organization has
entrusted me with this extraordinary title of distinction and
lifetime position. Next to being the National Dean of the
organization, it is the highest distinction that the organization
can bestow on a member.

The Board of Directors of Parent Assembly # 1 said that they
wanted a Dean that is active not just in the magic community but
who is active in sharing the art of magic with the general public
and the community at large. A person who embodies the ideas and
principles of the assembly and who would serve as our ambassador
of good will for our fraternity and our craft. In succeeding my
dear and old friend Sam Schwatrz as Dean, I know I have some very
big shoes to fill.

Additionally in September, I managed to make my life-long dream
of performing at the world famous Hollywood Magic Castle a
reality. Not only did I manage to perform at the Magic Castle,
they allowed me to perform the entire program of my one man show,
Eric DeCamps PURE MAGIC - A Performance of Contemporary
Conjuring. Not just a single time but three times at the Peller
Theater. To say it was a thrill for me is a huge understatement.

I would like to personally thank Max Maven for this amazing
opportunity. I would also like to thank Matt Patton and Ben Roman
for all of their help and for making the experience such a
wonderful one. I would be remiss if I did not also recognize all
of the Magic Castle members who supported my show, thank you!

I've updated the Photo Gallery section of my website
(www.ericdecamps.com) with a lot of new pictures chronicling my
adventures. Please take a moment to go there and check them out.
If you have any comments please feel free to share them.

--------------------------------------------
11. David Ben, Has Started Blogging
--------------------------------------------
Message by Julie Eng (Canada)

Just to let you know, Magicana's Artistic Director, David Ben,
has started blogging! He is a bit new to all this technology but
hopes that his blogs impart some useful information to those who
may be interested: www.davidben.com/blog.

--------------------------------------------
12. 58th Annual Blackpool Magic Convention Programme
-------------------------------------------
Message by Derek Lever (UK)

Organised by Derek Lever on behalf of Blackpool Magicians' Club
has just been announced:

Friday 19th February 2010
10.00am- 10.00pm Registration Desk Opens
1.00pm - 10.00pm Dealers Super Showcase Opens
4.00 pm - 5.00pm Star Lecture
6.00pm - 7.00pm Star Lecture
6.00pm - 7.30pm Junior British Magical Close-Up Championships
8.00pm - 9.45pm British Magical Close-Up Championships
8.00pm - 9.30pm An Audience with Wayne Dobson
10.00pm - Dealers Super Showcase and Registration Desk Close
10.00pm - Presentation of the British Close-Up Awards
10.30pm-11.30pm Star Lecture

Saturday 20th February 2010
8.30am - 5.00pm Registration Desk Opens
9.00am - 5.30pm Dealers Super Showcase Opens
9.15am - 10.15am Star Lecture
10.00am - 11.45am Children's Entertainers International
Championships
10.45am - 11.45pm Star Lecture
12.30pm - 1.30pm An Audience with "The Comedians"
1.00pm - 2.00pm International Close-Up - First Session
2.00pm - 3.00pm Star Lecture
2.15pm - 4.30pm Two Kidz 'R Uz Lectures
3.00pm - 4.00pm International Close-Up -Second Session
3.30pm - 4.30pm Star Lecture
4.30pm - 5.30pm International Close-Up -Third Session
5.00pm - 6.00pm Star Lecture
5.00pm - Registration Desk Closes
5.30pm - Dealers Super Showcase Closes
7.00pm - 10.30pm Intercontinental Stage Magic Championships plus
Cirque du Magie
11.00pm - 12.00am Star Lecture
11.00pm - 12.30am "Beat the Wand" Competition

Saturday Registration Fees: Adults £35.00, Juniors £20.00,
Intercontinental Stage Championships Show onlv £17.00
 Sunday 21st February 2010
8.30am - 5.00pm Registration Desk Opens
9.00am - 5.30pm Dealers Giant Super Showcase Opens
9.15am - 10.15am Star Lecture
10.45am - 12.45pm Two Kidz 'R Uz Lectures
10.45am-11.45am An Audience with "The Illusionists"
11.00am - 12.15pm International Close-Up - First Session
12.15pm - 1.15pm Star Lecture
1.30pm - 2.30pm International Close-Up - Second Session
1.45pm - 2.45pm Star Lecture
2.00pm - 3.00pm Ladies Event
3.15pm - 4.15pm Star Lecture
4.00pm - 5.00pm International Close-Up - Third Session
5.00pm - 6.00pm Star Lecture
5.00pm - Registration Desk Closes
5.30pm - Dealers Super Showcase Closes
7.00pm - 10.45pm International Gala Show
10.45pm-1.00am After Gala Show Party (Price £12.00. Choose in
advance either the Spanish Hall for Stage Magic and Cabaret or
Theatre Bar for Close-Up Magic. Each venue includes Hot Pot and
Apple Pie. No tickets available on the day.)

Sunday Only Registration: Adults £50.00, Juniors £20.00 (Includes
Gala Show, but NOT After Show Party) Sunday Gala Show Only: Seats
Adult/Junior £25.00. All Registrations Purchased On The Day Will
Cost £2.00 Extra

A Gold Card Registration At £70.00 Will Save You £27.00 On The
Cost Of Booking Each Event Individually Plus You Receive A Free
Book "Las Vegas Magic" Worth £25.00 If You Book Before 3lst
December 2009

The Convention Headquarters is the Ruskin Hotel, Albert Road,
Blackpool, Lanes FY1 4PW, England. Phone: 01253 624063, But Is
Already Fully Booked. For hotel bookings contact The Blackpool
Conference Team - Phone: 01253 478216 or
www.conferencebookings.co.uk/delegate/BCTmagiciants2009

--------------------------------------------
13. Broken Wand - Harry Wise
-------------------------------------------
Message by Dan Stapleton (US)

Famed Spook Show magician Harry Wise (Orlando-Sanford, Florida)
passed away this week a victim of stomach cancer. He was 75.
Harry toured the USA in the 1950's with a show of flying ghosts,
stage monsters walking into the audience, and a stage filled with
magic that goes bump in the night...not to mention corny pun
filled jokes.

He was honored three years ago in An Evening of Recognition,
telling of his adventures while the audience sat on the edge of
their seats. In the early '60's Harry was television's "Mr.
Magic" and was quite a celebrity around Central Florida. To walk
inside of his house one had to walk sideways in fear of knocking
over his collection of magic, magazines, newspapers and "junk".

His front porch was a year round shrine to Halloween, his
favorite time of the year. More about Harry can be read in a
recently published book, Weird Florida. With Harry's passing goes
another chapter in the history of Florida as well as the colorful
era of Spook Shows.

--------------------------------------------
14. www.organizationalmagic.com
-------------------------------------------
Message by Tim Wright

I have been a professional magician for nearly 30 years. However,
I have always "Kept My Day Job" because it was a decent gig and
it paid the mortgage, paid for a daughter's college, etc. You
know the drill.

Well my life changed in April of this year when my employer of 24
years eliminated my position. I am supposed to say I was
devastated but I actually said, "It's a relief". The "gig" was
old and after some soul-searching, I felt fate was telling me to
go after the act. Everyone has told me to go into magic over the
years, so here was my opportunity. But, I also realized I needed
tools to get the job done. One thing I needed was to get
organized.

While working for the company, a girl in the Training Department
developed a database to keep track of all the meetings. This was
a complex task. It was similar in some ways to a magic business
in that you were sending many letters, getting people booked,
sending confirmations, keeping track of flights, billing them,
archiving their participation with scores, etc. I decided I
needed software to run my new full-time magic business.

That's when I called Paul Hinkelman, a great friend that I had
worked with who always encouraged my magic and happened to be in
business for himself as a consultant and developer of business
system software. His business' name is BIZassist, LLC. He
actually taught Patsy how to develop her database. I asked for
his help to develop software that would not only help me organize
my magic, but would also help me with the hard stuff. the
business of magic.

With Paul's knowledge of business systems and my experience in
magic, over a six month period and several lunches, we crafted a
software package called Organizational Magic. This unique custom
software program addresses a magician's need for structure. It
provides the tools to help manage customer and networking
contacts; provides date-sensitive To-Do's linked to the contact
list; imports and manages contact lists for preparing direct mail
and email blasts; catalogs tricks with respect to Audience,
Participation, Venue, Length, Music, Props and Notes; groups the
tricks into logical "show" packages with common traits; helps
manage customer event planning; and even keeps track of billable
expenses. And it's easy. I open it every day.

I told Paul I would get the word out and offer it to my magic
friends. That was the deal, my help customizing for his
programming work. Now that I am finally on my way to a "magical"
success story, Paul is making a free 14-day trial of
Organizational Magic available to other magicians via the
internet at www.organizationalmagic.com. A simple test run costs
nothing. Get the demo and play with it for a few minutes each
morning. Organizational Magic has helped me address the business
of show business.

--------------------------------------------
15. "Magicana" Magazine No. 340
-------------------------------------------
Message by Michael Woolf (NZ)

"Magicana" Magazine No. 340 is in the mail.  We feature major
coverage of the recent Mini-Convention in Palmerston North New
Zealand, the gathering in Timaru, information about next year's
Auckland Convention, pictures from Jon Zealando's 70th birthday,
the Award of Grand Master of Magic to Ken Bates, a review of the
new John Calvert DVD plus a superb pencil portrait of Calvert by
Jon Zealando.

This in addition to our regular features by Bernard Reid, David
Ginn, Wayne Rogers, Ken Ring,Terry Seabrooke and Roderick Mulgan
There's also a book test from Richard Webster.

"Magicana" is available from Editor Michael Woolf at
mail@michaelw.co.nz