Have You Heard...
March 9, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, a sad week begins with the passing of international ambassador of magic and cheer, Ali Bongo, a great loss to us all. On the brighter side Disney has hired magicians for their Boardwalk; March Magic in Miami was a huge success; registrations for this year's I.B.M. convention are coming in daily; Dr. Horowitz will be lecturing in Nashville; The Magic Classroom is growing daily; Fantasma Magic is bringing in two grat magicians for a very special lecture, in addition to releasing the World Premiere of New York Coin Seminar DVDs volumes 8, 9 and 10. Banquet tickets have gone on sale for the Nashville convention; there are numerous birthdays and events in this issue in addition to word from colleagues and events elsewhere. (read more) (Español).

Have You Heard...
March 2, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, a new month, March, began with the March Magic in Miami; the legendary John Calvert performing in Florida; Illusionist Alexander Blade opened at the convention; Levent and his comedy magic; the "Magic Classroom" makes its debut; Solyl Kundu set to appear at The Magic Castle; new bells about to ring, or not, by magician's choice; Siegfried and Roy performed at fundraising event; the I.B.M. releases the schedule for the upcoming convention; a new convention is born in New York; TAOM being dedicated to Ramon Galindo, and so much more happening that we might have to "Ask Alexander" in order to keep track and research it, but, you can find out more about it by reading below. As always, please do send me any news either by clicking here on my name, Maria, or by clicking on my name at the bottom of this page on the link provided. (read more) (Español).

Have You Heard...
February 24, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, this issue is full of wonderful news, a new address for the International Brotherhood of Magicians headquarters the birthday of a dear man, Norm Nielsen; upcoming conventions; opportunities and places for colleagues to come together; the announcement of a new group joining FISM; this week's great show to be hosted jointly by IBM Ring 45 and Magic City Conjurers in Miami; a brand new specially designed gold ring to be unveiled by TAOM; word of an upcoming outstanding I.B.M. convention to be held in Nashville this coming June; and a great deal more. Sitting here and thinking, I cannot help but marvel at what this Internet has been able to accomplish, imagine being able to get word around the globe with just a click of that little "send" button! Just in case I haven't said so yet, thank you for sending any news you wish to share to me at Maria. (read more) (leer en Español).

Have You Heard...
February 16, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, what a wondrous and marvelous thing mother nature is! Since my last post, Jay and I have become the proud grandparents of E.J. (Elijah Jason) and I am happy to report both mother and baby are doing well, albeit after 24 hours of very hard labor both for the mother, the baby, and the rest of the family who waited at the hospital, but, that is for another part of this newsletter. A synopsis of the visit to Cuba by Jania Taylor is published separately this week, forthcoming events and conventions, results are in for the winners of FLASOMA and the competitions, good and welfare, and more. Do send any news, word of coming events, and anything you wish to share to Maria  (read more) (lea en Español).

Have You Heard...
February 2, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, here we are, Superbowl Sunday is over and we have already started February...was it not just yesterday that we were celebrating New Years? Last weeks opening statement "tempus fugit" seems clearer and clearer each day. A beautiful new illusion presented by Sterling Dietz, numerous e-mails with regards to "Happy Magicians Day" from friends in many countries, the preparations for Miami's Mini Magic Day featuring Alexander Blade, Levent, Aldo and Rachel Colombini and the legendary John Calvert; a soon to be visit and lecture from Tom Craven, visiting with Clem and Jean Kinnicutt; it is safe to say it has been a week full of magical happenings. Adding to the magic is the fact that in a few days Jay and I will be celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary; speaking of time flying! (read more) (Read in Spanish)

Have You Heard...
January 26, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, "tempus fugit" or "time flies", no matter which way you say it, the meaning is the same. . . the deadline is near - January 31st is the last day to take advantage of the lower registration rate for the I.B.M. convention take advantage of this $40 savings. The I.B.M. in Nashville, S.A.M. in Buffalo and with one day in Canada visiting Niagara Falls and Greg Frewin, both with terrific talent line-ups, don't make a choice, attend them both if you can. A one day mini convention will be taking place March 1 in Miami; Docc Hilford lecturing at Ring 341; Sterling Dietz performing for Special Olympics; Neil Tobin and Supernatural Chicago on Friday the 13th and more... (read more) (lea en Español) 

Have You Heard...
January 19, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, I am pondering the fact that we are living in very special times. I've lived to see a new century, the advent of the internet, computers and many other changes. Tomorrow will bring another historic event as a new President steps into the White House and becomes the Commander in Chief. In just a couple of weeks we will be able to see magic on television on an all new high definition which will afford us the opportunity to see our beloved art performed in much better resolution, I for one, am looking forward to that. A one day magical extravaganza event is in the works by I.B.M. Ring 45 and the Magic City Conjurers in Miami; the deadline for the lower registration rate for the I.B.M. convention is drawing closer and much more going on this week.  (read more) (lea en Español) 

Have You Heard...
January 12, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, celebrating Three Kings Day, working the Redlands Festival once again, sharing in the joys of planning a baby shower for our first grandchild, E.J., due to arrive the middle of next month, a surprise phone call from Jania Taylor on her way out of town, the annual banquet of I.B.M. Ring 45 and the Magic City Conjurers featuring the talents of Chad Long, Nelson de la Prida and Julio "Warlok" Carraciolo with Ron Olmsted as M.C. in addition to all the other day to day happenings made for a very busy week. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the support received from Mel Kientz with last week’s issue of "Have you Heard?" and all the graphics; thank you Mel for your help and lessons. (read more) (read in Spanish)

Have You Heard...
January 5, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, and a wonderful 2009 to everyone. The holidays have passed and now we are all getting back home and back to our daily lives and routines. The Miami Dolphins are out of the play-offs, our annual banquet will take place this weekend, and as the saying goes, life goes on. Le Grand David will soon celebrate their 2500th show; continued success with Taylor Martin's Indy Magic; Ernesto Planas received prestigious awards from the hand of Ali Bongo, President, The Magic Circle, and Domenico Dante; FLASOMA 2009 is coming; excitement grows along with anticipation for both the I.B.M. and S.A.M. conventions; Harlan Tarbell, and so much more. (lea en Español) (read more) 

Have You Heard...
December 28, 2008
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, dawn usually marks the beginning of a new day. The dawn of January 1, 2009, however, marks the beginning of 365 new days and 365 new opportunities. I send each of you no less than 365 best wishes for all your special dreams, wishes and plans to come to fruition.... I wish each and everyone of you the very best that life has to offer and the strength to live up to all those New Years resolutions we all make. Thank you for all the wonderful cards, e-mails and phone calls throughout the holidays - they were made all the more special for your reaching out to us. (lea en Español) (read more)