Around Chicago
with DON WIBERG
December • 2008 

There is plenty of holiday magic in the Windy City area to get you in the spirit. Before plunging into what's appearing or dissappearing, I thought I would mention the I.B.M. Virtual Online Regalia Shop & Store.  If you are looking for something for that hard-to-buy-for magic fanatic you might try clicking here. The guys at The Magic Supply Company out in Blue Springs keep a pretty good stock of all things related to the I.B.M... And now, here are a couple of reminders including Fred Paul Bailey's The Devil's Daughter. I also have notes on Keith Cobb, Neil Tobin, Gordon Meyer and Bill Pack... (read more)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
December 1, 2008

Howdy friends.  The end is indeed near. Some may think I am talking about the economy but instead I am talking about the end of 2008. As we draw near to 2009 it is time for our final push to do more shows, buy more magic books and tricks, and to spread magic throughout the land. Many magicians find this month to be the busiest month of the year with holiday parties albeit a bit off from previous years due to the economy.  But keep positive and do the best you can. Don't let your audience settle for less even if you settled for less pay. Give them the best show you can. This week starts the beginning of this column going to a blog. Also this week David Solomon is in town and will present a workshop at H&R Magic Books; we talk about the Houston group helping the Austin magic club with their holiday banquet; H.A.O.M. and the S.A.M. Assembly #19 will meet tonight and will feature a mini-lecture by professional comedian David Trevas; Jerry Gray is recovering from a broken arm; plus who's working where. (Read More...)

Magic New Zealand
Sponsored by
International Entertainment
Issue Number: #623
Sunday 30th November 2008
Editor: ALAN WATSON

Alan's Message: Two weeks ago we published an item from John Taylor from Australia on "People wrongly advertising themselves with awards". Since then I have received large number of complaints from Australian magicians about other Australians using false promotional material on their website sites. Suggest that you lodge a complaint with your State/Territory Department of Fair Trading (Australia) or the ACCC (Australia) as they will prosecute offenders. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com  (read more)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
November 17, 2008

Howdy friends.  I said last week that we had a successful magic auction this month. Well the totals are in and sales exceeded $5,500 this year! Congratulations to all who sold their items and to all who got the good deals. We have all the numbers and statistics and would be glad to share our ideas with you to help your club host a successful auction. Also this week we have a new (potential) series of video interviews with your I.B.M. Board.  The first of these interviews is with I.B.M. International Secretary Don Wiberg. We would love to have your feedback on this and if you want more. Also, a few other magic items and happenings to report but to read them, you will have to Click Here to Read More.

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
November 10, 2008

Howdy friends.  What a turnout we had for our annual magic auction! Those who missed it really missed a good time, some great fellowship and some real deals.  Magicians and spouses came from miles around to buy and sell. The numbers won't be ready for a few more days, but I feel pretty confident that we have exceeded last year's total sales of $2,036 by quite a bit. Cool fall weather was one contributor to the reason for our success plus it could also have something to do with the economy. Other happenings (magic luncheons, performances, etc.) are happening this week, too. (Read More...)