Broken Wand for Sam Schwartz
by Maria Ibâñez
November 17, 2008

My heart is sad and heavy this afternoon as I compose this note to report the passing of my friend Sam Schwartz.  A true legend in magic, Sam's passing is a terrible loss to the magic community and to me and the rest of my family. Sam was an attorney and had been the attorney for Lou Tannens. He was a very close personal friend of Warren Kaps, Esq., Past National President of the Society of American Magicians. Assembly 274 of the Society was named after Sam. (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.

Magic New Zealand
Sponsored by International Entertainment
Issue Number: #618
Sunday 16th November 2008
Editor: ALAN WATSON

We have received a ton of digital information that I am passing along to you this week. Do you want a few recomendation for hotels in China for FISM? It's all here with an assortment of interesting notes from Gordon Precious, Nick Lewin, Kyle Peron, Paul Romhany, Joan Caesar, Eric DeCamps, Dale Salwak, Jane Stuart, Ross Skiffington, John Tayor, Eric Eswin (Complete FISM Contest Rules), Sean Taylor, and Tim Ellis. By the way, we are happy to report that Magic New Zealand World Report is now available on the I.B.M.Web Portal (read more)

Benefits of Doing Benefits
by ROBERT TARRY
November 2008

We're heading into the holiday season and I am ready to see those Salvation Army kettles outside shopping malls and grocery stores. Every year I put my change in the kettle as I leave a store. I have often wondered what good my pocket change is really doing. In the current economy, isn't there something more I could be doing? I read an article in People magazine that had an interview with magician David Blaine. The death of his mother was a very difficult time in his life. To help him recover, he started volunteering to do free shows for hospitals. By doing those shows, it was a great surprise for the patients, and it helped David deal with his broken heart. I thought this was a great use of magical talent to the benefit of both the magician and the audience. (read more)

Magic Prescriptions
by Joel A. Moskowitz M.D.
Willard - A Life Under Canvas & Is Life an Illusion - Jerry Andrus

A family of magicians and their Real Life Experiences -  Not a Dime Store Novel. Why do magicians buy books about other magicians?  A generic biography of most conjurers might read like this:  At age 7 - 12, a young boy (more recently also girls) was enchanted by an uncle or grandfather who pulled a coin out of his or her ear.  Or, said youth received a magic set or became the proud possessor of a Svengali deck etc ... Mesmerized and addicted, the next several years is a see-saw of attention to matters legerdemain.  Interrupted by concerns relating to education, the opposite sex, and limited finances, the story of many magicians finds the compulsion to magic waxes and wanes.(read more)

2008 British Ring Convention
by BOB HAYDEN  
Eastbourne, United Kingdom

It has taken a bit of time to sort through the notes on what was an important gathering of magicians from all over the world. From the moment the Convention was declared open by Immediate Past President John Styles MBE until it was closed by newly installed President Trevor Lewis it was a continuous programme of magical venues and lectures with just enough time to socialise with friends and the opportunity to create new acquaintances. There were Stage Shows, two Close-up Shows, two Late Night Fun shows, sixteen lectures/workshops, a Micro Magic Marathon, a Collectors Seminar, two Competitions and a Dealer's Exhibition with seventy stands, 1200 registrants...  the most memorable British Ring Convention ever. (read more)

THE BUZZ - Latest Links 
And Magic Info...
November 2008
by MEL KIENTZ

October 2008 and Halloween are now gone. There were brisk sales of rubber masks leading up to our national elections... go figure. Now it's November and we are heading for the holidays. As usual, there are several stories that have come across my desk and I pass them along to you. Stories about Past International President - Walter Williams, Ryan Makowski and Chris Zubrick, Jonas Toutant, an old friend - Leo Luna, Criss Angel, Jamy Ian Swiss, Tom Yurasits, Diane Bouton, Joe Keppel, Paul and Lita Potassy and a great piece on Harry Houdini's cemetery grave site that is worth the price of admission to this edition of the Buzz ...have a look...(read more)

Around Chicago

The Devil's Daughter is set to open Thursday November 6th for a six week run at La Costa Theatre!  If you are in the area, you won't want to miss this production that so purposefully combines illusion and theatre creating a new artform for the Chicago theatergoers and tourists alike. It's a Family Fantasy Magical Experience!!! This is theatre for all ages, young and old alike, so be sure to bring the whole family. The Devil's Daughter is about a professional magician/illusionist who has a full-time gig at his quirky aunt's night club, Club Magique. (read more)

Inside The November 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...)