Demotivators ..

I want to thank my friend John Kinde ( http://www.humorpower.com ) for providing this link. It has absolutely nothing to do with magic... and everything to do with you as a person and a performer..

Here's a little something to help you overcome the winter blues...

"AT DESPAIR, INC., we believe motivational products create unrealistic expectations, raising hopes only to dash them. That’s why we created our soul-crushingly depressing Demotivators® designs, so you can skip the delusions that motivational products induce and head straight for the disappointments that follow!"


http://www.despair.com/viewall.html

Magician of the Year

While attending the recent SCAM convention in Columbia S.C. I had the opportunity to both attend a master class with, have lunch with, and have several extended conversations with David Parker, president of The Greater Charleston Magic Club, who was ultimately named "Magician of the Year" by his peers... Here's the press release detailing how a truck driver for the Port Authorities became #1 in South Carolina:

Charleston, SC (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- David Parker of Ladson, SC and president of The Greater Charleston Magic Club, was honored with the "Magician of the Year for South Carolina 2006" on January 14, 2006 at the International Gala Show hosted by the South Carolina Association of Magicians in Columbia, SC. The South Carolina Association of Magicians awards this honor to those they believe best advance the art of magic in a positive direction.

David Parker, whose full time job has been as a local truck driver within the South Carolina State Ports, says he is honored to receive this award from his peers and is humbled to have his name associated with some of the past winners. Past winners of this honor include: Tim Sonefelt from Greer, SC, Mick Ayres form Hilton Head, SC, John Tudor from Columbia, SC, David Tanner and Ron Conley from Myrtle Beach, SC.

Each of the past winners of the award had made their mark in the field of magic. Tim Sonefelt was the first person to receive the "Magician of the Year" award. He is a full time magician who performs throughout the southeast for churches, libraries and corporations. Mick Ayres is an all around entertainer. A full time magician, storyteller and musician working for the Disney Corporation in Hilton Head, SC. John Tudor the founder of the South Carolina Association of Magicians and the first magician ever to be listed as an approved artist with the SC Arts Commission is a full time magician performing for schools and corporate clients though out of United States. Ron Conley, owner of Conley's House of Magic, who has been performing his "Drugs, Strangers and Other Dangers Show" in over 300 schools in North Carolina and South Carolina has won over thirty three trophies in both close-up and stage. David Tanner, owner of Broadway Magic, has performed all over the United States and over 20 countries around the world. David is an avid collector of magic memorabilia. His collection includes rare items such as the handcuffs and keys once used by the great Harry Houdini.

David Parker, the newest member to receive this honor is the first magician in the history of the award to receive it as an amateur close-up magician and also the first winner from the Charleston, SC area. David says, "I'm proud I can bring this award to "The Holy City" for the first time and hope Charleston, SC will become a focal point for magic along the east coast. The Spoleto festival is a great annual event for the arts and I hope to inspire magicians around South Carolina to come together to add their performing skills to this event. Currently I'm working with the local society of magicians in Charleston to produce a show for this annual event, and we have directors from all over the state committing their time and resources to help turn this dream into a reality."

When asked about the art that is his passion David says, "Our art form is a strange blend of entertaining, inspiring wonder and keeping secrets. For me it's under the watchful eyes of people only a few feet away. Challenging their senses of what is real and what is possible. It's a great deal of fun as we share a mystery, some laughter, and build a common connection with brief moments where all is possible and all the worries of the day are melted away and forgotten."

David Parker born in Portsmouth, Va. and now father of three children has been performing magic since the age of ten when his Aunt Sissy gave him a magic kit full of the wonders of the universe, or so it seemed for a boy of ten. "I remember my family and their friends being totally amazed from the tricks I did for them. This gave me a sense of empowerment for the first time in my life, I knew something they didn't and I held the secrets. Here I was a sickly kid with asthma so bad that I almost died a few times from severe attacks and now adults were flocking around me to see my newest mystery. It was a great feeling. As important as that first magic kit was as a child, it was when I read a book from the school library about Harry Houdini that started my non-stop reading frenzy about the history of magic and the performers, I was hooked.

My Grandfather also fueled my passion by teaching me some great close-up magic and later at around fifteen a meeting with my Uncle who was a true phantom of the card table. He made his sole living by traveling across the United Stated playing poker at high stake games. He showed some of the secrets from the underground world of gambling. Today at 83 he still talks about the old days of poker and the methods he used to remove the "fish" from their money. I'm amazed I'm still studying and learning how to perfect my art some thirty-six later, that's how great and diverse the art of magic is."

David has been taught by some of the best close-up magicians in the world. "I can not recall how many professional magicians I've learned from, it's been too many to list. This year I received instruction from Tony Griffith from England in an all day master class in Columbia. "Tony is a true professional, a total gentleman and a master of our art. Discussing close-up magic with him was a pleasure and we plan to stay in touch, which is a great honor to me."

Now that the convention in Columbia is over and the excitement has settled down a bit what's next for South Carolina's Magician of the Year? "I plan to continue to perform for local charities as I have done in the past and to promote the society of magicians here in the Charleston area. We have some big goals, which include holding a magic convention here in Charleston, forming a magic club for kids from ten to seventeen and advancing the art with instructional classes. As for myself I've started an entertainment agency geared to the hospitably and restaurants businesses here in Charleston to provide quality entertainment with some of the finest magicians within the state. I want to help more people see and experience our art of astonishment and recall how it feels to once again see the world though the eyes of a child there everything is magical."

For information about The Greater Charleston Magic Club and to contact David Parker, check our web site at http://magic.meetup.com/17/ or call him directly at (843) 532-9541.

Copperfield on Magic..

From Hampton Roads Dailypress.com, this revealing article on David Copperfield by Mike Holtzclaw...

David Copperfield believes he was born to perform magic. He says this almost with an air of resignation.

"I wish I could sing," he says. "I wish I could sing, but God didn't give me the pipes. I don't know how it works when they pass out the aptitude chips when you're born, but I got the ability to do magic."

Read more..

I didn't want you guys to think that I'd forgotten about Magic Bullets. I've been to the SCAM convention Thursday thru Sunday, and just getting back on the home front. I made a lot of good contacts and have several interviews either completed or in the works.

My first day back from the convention, Monday, was spent taking care of emails from several different accounts. Being an editor at DMOZ and BellaOnline, I get a right smart amount of emails from customers, potential ventures, wanna-be's, and administration that needs handling before I can settle down into my own little world of blogging.

I had a new issue of Magic Roadshow I had to get out Sunday night on top of everything else.. I should say Monday morning, as it was actually sent about three in the morning on Monday after five hours of nonstop work to get it finalized and posted online.

I'm not complaining... just wanted you to know what has occupied my time the past few days..

On a non-magic note.. I received this from my friend on the left coast, PeaceLove, and it's definitely worth taking a moment to read. You may save a life, and, the life you save may just be a loved one..

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Stroke recognition

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and getting to the! patient within 3 hours -- and that is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . .It is sunny out today)

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE. YOU COULD SAVE LIVES.


******************************************
PeaceLove's Musings
http://peacelovesmusings.blogspot.com
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Houdini Collection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUDINI COLLECTION AT KOGER CENTER

Columbia, SC - As part of Magic Weekend, January 13-15, 2006,
there will be a display of genuine handcuffs and other items
used by the Great Houdini. The cuffs, as well as lock picks,
posters, and other memorabilia will be on display in the lobby
of the Koger Center for the Arts on the evening of Saturday,
January 14, for the International Magic Gala Show to benefit
Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.

The legendary escape artist’s props will be available for
viewing by members of the media on Friday, January 13, from 1 to
5 pm, at the Columbia Marriott Hotel; site of the 11th Annual
South Carolina Association of Magicians Convention (S.C.A.M.).

Harry Houdini is still recognized as the world’s greatest
showman and magician. The items being displayed were won at the
$2 million dollar Houdini auction held in Las Vegas in October,
2004 by David Tanner of Myrtle Beach. Tanner’s appearance at the
auction was featured in the recent History Channel documentary
Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery, hosted by Lance Burton.

For tickets, show times, and other information, check our web
site at www.scamcon.org, or call 803-561-9849.


MAGIC WEEKEND EVENTS Celebrating the beauty and wonder of
magic!

• International Magic Gala Show, Koger Center for the Arts,
Saturday, January 14, 8 PM. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and
$10.00 for children (to benefit Palmetto Health Children’s
Hospital). Starring world renown magicienne "Jade", illusionist
Jason Michaels, British magician Gazzo, jugglers The Fettucini
Brothers, sleight of hand magic in the lobby, and more to be
announced.

• John Tudor’s Magic Theater , SC State Museum, Friday, January
13 thru Sunday Jan 15. Tickets are $5.00 adults, $3.00 children.
Based on the SC ETV special, the show/documentary features a
peek into the secret world of magic and magicians, taped at the
Sumter Opera House.

• Magic Days at Edventure Children's Museum, Close Up and
Storytelling Magic, Saturday, January 14. Featuring local
favorite Sarah Straney, and the finest young magicians in our
area. Sunday, January 15, 1-5 PM, magic shows by nationally
known kidshow artist Julian Franklin and others, and magic and
balloon sculpting workshops (ages 6 and up). Tickets $6.95
children, $8.95 adults, Workshops $10.00.

• S. C. Association of Magicians Convention, Columbia Marriott
Hotel, January 12-14. Registration $75.00. (11th Annual ) Two
hundred amateur and professional magicians come together in a
fun (but secret) gathering.

For tickets, show times, and other information, check our web
site at www.scamcon.org, or call 803-561-9849.

Sal Piacente & Travel Channel

Florence, KY (PRWEB) January 7, 2006 --

Beginning Sunday, January 8, it’s Vegas Week on the Travel Channel. Cheats & Scams 2 features Sal Piacente(Street Monte DVD), an expert on casino scams. This airs in the advent of the (January 24) release of Poker Cheats Exposed, produced by Pocket Aces, LLC. The 2-1/2 hour DVD program features Piacente revealing the methods/devices used by professional card sharks to fleece unwitting poker players and offers advice to guard against them.

According to Card Shark Media, an estimated 60 million people in the U.S. play poker in casinos or at home or watch poker on television. “Poker is so hot right now, especially with the young crowd. They’re real vulnerable (to card sharks),” Piacente comments. “Casinos and card clubs don’t have a vested interest in poker like they do other games. No matter who wins, they collect the rake. It’s up to the players to protect themselves and that’s where I come in.” For over two decades, Piacente has been a consultant to over 40 major casinos and law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S.A., Canada, the Caribbean, and even as far south as Argentina.

To gain a prospective from the dark side of the table, PCE unveils the arsenal of a 45-year poker cheat who has never been caught. This shadowy cardsharp, called “Charlie,” exposes his moves, but not his identity. “I learned to play on the square before I learned to cheat and I’m a good player. I use discretion- (I) only move when necessary because I don’t want to make the guy that brought me in look bad.”

Virtuous con man? The jury’s still out on that one.

Pocket Aces, LLC is a Florence, KY based company that produces informational programs and materials related to the gambling industry. Their web address is pocketacesllc.net.

Thanks to PRWEB.com for the press release..

Video in 2006

Online video and the addition of video to websites will be THE thing in 2006. If you have a magic related website this article should be of particular importance to you this year...

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Online Video Predictions For 2006
by Jim Edwards

About this time every year I make a few predictions about what will rate "HOT" for the coming year in the online world. Last year, among other things, online audio topped my list for 2005.

This year, 2006, I see full-motion online video as the "killer app" to revolutionize website communications and ecommerce.

Bottom line: with a digital camcorder and some basic software, you can transform your website into the Home Shopping Network, and with distribution tools like Video.Google.com and video Podcasting on Apple's iTunes, you can broadcast to the masses just like CNN.

Several major changes in 2005 set the stage for full-motion video online.

These include faster, cheaper computers, improved video creation and conversion software, and widespread adoption of the free "Flash" Web browser plug-in (works on PC and MAC).

Combine these changes with the fact that over 50% of all Internet users in the United States got high-speed access as of 2005, and you set the stage for an online video revolution.

In 2006, you will see the equivalent of little online TV stations cropping up all over the Internet.

Along with the free-form, "anything goes" content of video blogging (vlogging), commercial use of full-motion video will fall into 4 basic categories.

Website "Infomercials" - Any savvy business knows the Internet actually represents the largest direct-response advertising medium ever seen.

As such, infomercial techniques of late-night fitness, self-improvement, and real estate gurus will spill over into other niche markets online.

Though initially not 30-minutes long like their TV counterparts, online infomercials will last 2-5 minutes -long enough to get all the main sales points across.

Live Demonstrations - If a picture is worth a thousands words, then full-motion video is worth 100,000 words!

Any product that easily gets sold once people see it in action will greatly benefit from online video.

Also, service businesses such as Realtors can now easily and inexpensively create full-motion video home tours.

And, sellers on the popular eBay auction site can now show and demonstrate their items rather than depending strictly on text and static pictures to make the sale.

Before and After - Anyone selling a diet product, skin care, cleaning, car repair or other product promising specific results for the end user can now "show and tell" using full-motion online video.

Imagine the impact of showing concrete evidence in "before and after" video to help you make the sale online.

Product Testimonials - Despite widespread acceptance of online shopping and ecommerce, many people remain skeptical and somewhat leery of purchasing anything online, especially based strictly on promises made on a website.

With video testimonials you can put their minds at ease by showing video of people who used and benefited from the product or service.

Imagine the impact that will have on the trust and credibility for any website.

A word of caution to all would-be online videographers: dial-up users still make up a huge part of the online population, so you must always try to offer them a dial-up-friendly option to watch your video or receive your information.

Don't cater strictly to the high-speed crowd because you'll alienate a significant portion of the marketplace.

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"Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Painlessly Set Up Your OWN Moneymaking 'Mini' Websites... Without Being a Computer Geek, Buying Expensive Software, or Paying Outrageous Fees To A Webmaster!" Click Here http://www.igottatellyou.com/blog/

Copyright 2005 Jim Edwards

The Secret..

Do YOU know the secret? No..not that secret.. I mean THE secret, the biggest secret of all time, the secret that has determined the fate of businessmen, scholars, and entrepreneurs for centuries.

The same secret that was hidden by the church over fifty years ago, and will be revealed in a new movie shortly..

Take a look at the trailer and tell me what YOU think the secret is...

Click Here

Thanks to Steve Hart at.. Secrets-to-Success.blogspot.com/