They report on a particularly unsettling incident immediately following a contestant’s performance in the Close-Up Competition.
On occasion, we get caught up in the excitement and become disoriented as to time, place, and identity. There are even times when we forget our place in human history.
Magicians are assured that FISM may be world wide in scope and fertile ground for our craft, but there are those who would attempt to plant the malignant weed of division to destroy, not build.
Not surprising given recent events reported virtually everywhere but Mainland China, the issue of Taiwan gave rise to a very ugly moment in what was promising to be one of the best FISMs yet.
Be sure to visit their incredible web site for access to their store, their performance schedule, and the very latest on just about everything Magic: http://magicunlimited.com.
The peripatetic and personable team of Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster are on the ground giving the bird’s eye view of the low-down in Beijing, China.
How is it going over there?
From their latest entry, it sounds like Beijing may have found the secret to pulling off a great Magic convention.
Compare the reviews of prior FISMs.
This one is shaping up to be a humdinger.
Even though no magic was performed during the welcome banquet, Mr. Ellis and Ms. Webster write it was still magical.
Yes, there was absolutely no magic in the dinner show, but we were treated to what appeared to be the absolute best in many facets of Chinese entertainment. Most people I spoke to afterwards said they wouldn’t have changed a thing and rated the first day of FISM 2009 a 9 out of 10.
That is high praise from real magicians who make their living entertaining real people all around the world. They’ve seen some lesser FISM iterations and have a perfect perspective.
The International Magicians Society gave him the coveted Merlin Award as Mentalist of the Year, he had a great run at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, signed a four-year multi-special deal with CBS, and is getting ready for his newest tour.
How hot is Keith Barry today?
So hot that The Ulster Herald covered the performer’s decision to visit Omagh, in Northern Ireland.
We see that kind rarely; very rarely.
In fact David Copperfield seems to be the only other magician who get favorable press just for announcing a particular town or venue is on his upcoming show schedule.
The Herald explains that since winning the Merlin, “demand for Keith’s performances have gone through the roof, resulting in many more dates being added all over Ireland in September.”
The profile runs above and below the fold and features an interview with Mr. Randall, also known as ‘The Las Vegas Kid.’
First, let’s establish Mr. Randall’s bona fides:
Before Criss Angel and Steve Wyrick became headliners in town, “The Las Vegas Kid” was here.
As a native, he was known for making watches and wallets disappear from unsuspecting owners, performing card tricks in the back of a Las Vegas Academy theatre class or appearing to stick nails up his nose.
Learning the ropes on The Strip while still attending high school, Randall has now toured the world with his unique brand of Vegas-based classical magic that doesn’t involve sawing ladies in half or massive amounts of gaudy jewelry.
The interview traces Mr. Randall’s trek to his current well-deserved position, on the cusp of hitting it big in the biggest of all venues.
While not an overnight success, he is a success and on the verge of becoming a household name.
Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster continue their updates from China and the FISM competition in Beijing, China.
The peripatetic and personable team of 
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