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)

MagiCurrents Ring 76
December 2008
San Diego Magic Notes
Editor:  Don Soul

The Chargers' Blood Drive, November 15th at the Town & Country hotel in Mission Valley, was a huge success. Taking part were Ring 76 magicians Magic Mike Stilwell (who brought along Vic Ballesteros), Charlie Gott and Kenny Shelton. The magicians were able to do strolling magic and entertain those who were waiting their turn to donate the gift of life. Lynn Stedd White is one of the founding members of the annual Blood Drive celebrating its 30th Anniversary. To celebrate her work at this event, the San Diego Chargers made her an honorary member and presented her with a Chargers' jersey bearing the number "30" signifying 30 years of Chargers Blood drive. (read more)

Magic Prescriptions
by

Mark Edward is an equivocator, fibber and mountebank.  Which begs the question; if a liar admits to lying, can he be telling the truth?  The opening deprecations of Mark Edward are entirely false.  Rather, he is a literate, informative, intellectual, a student of the psychology of humans, a foe of those who would defraud the public for personal gain and as an author and practicing psychic, he is first and foremost, an entertainer. He has written two books, personally published  (aka Mindscapes Unlimited), spiral bound, "Psychic Blues"  Confessions from a Happy Medium. pp 241, (2007) and "Hand Springs" The Charleton's Book of Palmistry", pp 187.  (release set for 2009)  (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...)

CreativityAtSea
Conference Review
Oct. 4-9, 2008
by Glenn Strange

[a bit late but of interest...] Over the past 25 years I have attended many magic conventions, workshops, and seminars. I have enjoyed each one. Even the bad ones were good. After a while they all begin to run together. Only two really stick out in my mind and have their own identity that sets them apart. One is my first magic convention. You remember yours. The one where everything you heard and saw was new and exciting. The dealer's room was indescribable and all you had to do was buy every trick they had and you would automatically become the greatest of the great. Stand back Copperfield! (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)

Inside The December Issues of GENII, MAGIC & MUM

The magic community has several monthly publications that you may find of interest in addition to our own world famous Linking Ring Journal. The monthly magic information flow covers literally hundreds of pages in both the printed word, pictures and graphics. Like The Linking Ring (members can read current issues online) you can find fascinating historical accounts, the latest innovation from the masters of prestidigitation and thoughtful insight from experts in the art of legerdemain and hocus pocus. Here is a thumbnail sketch of what is available in print this month. (read more...)

Hugh's Hunting
Harry Houdini
by MEL KIENTZ

In addition to the assorted magic reading material prominently available on our living room coffee table, including Genii, Magic and of course our own Linking Ring, my wife chooses to broaden my world horizons with a few other choices.  This includes this week's edition of People Magazine which currently promotes the sexiest man alive on the cover, Hugh Jackman. I quietly think to myself,... when I was his age, was I ever that remotely handsome or for that matter that Australian? This brings me to a few notes floating about the entertainment industry of late. It seems that handsome Hugh is toying with the idea of using his bountiful talents to play the part of magic's past mega superstar Harry Houdini in a Broadway musical. (read more) 

 BROKEN WAND
Christian Fechner
by Maria Ibâñez 
November 26, 2008

We received a communication from Sonny Fontana this morning. It is with deep sadness that he reports on the passing of the great Christian Fechner... Christian Fechner's career started as a magician, musician, and record producer before he embarked on creating successful films, including classic titles like Camille Claudel. As a performer, Fechner won the invention prize at the 1979 FISM and has devised magic effects for David Copperfield and Siegfried and Roy, and many others.  Fechner's past literary projects are among the most lavish magic books ever published. His bibliography of French conjuring books is the most complete to date, and his two-volume Soirees Fantastiques. (read more)