409: Walter "Zaney" Blaney - Surprise 90th Birthday Party

This week we have a unique podcast. Join along with The Magic Word as we attend a Surprise Party (or rather Surpri"Z"e Party with the "Z" for "Zaney") held a week after his actual February 11th birthday. This was hosted in the home of one of his three daughters, Shannon, who lives across the street from Walter. Walter's eyesight is not what it used to be and he has to nearly be right up on you before he can recognize you.

We had a few surprises for the guests, too, including the presentation of an I.B.M. Presidential Certificate, a baritone horn performance by one of Walter's relatives, a couple of songs by his grand daughter, a banjo performance, and a Skype call by one of his admirers who couldn't make it...David Copperfield.

Several dozen of Walter's relatives and closest friends surprised him with a party one week after his actual birthday.

David Copperfield pays tribute to Walter "Zaney" Blaney at the dedication of the Walter Blaney Exhibit at the David Copperfield Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts in Las Vegas. http://www.walterzaneyblaney.com

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:45 - Walter is surprised.

00:06:40 - David Hinkin presents Walter with a special Presidential Citation from Bob Patterson, International President of the I.B.M.

00:08:51 - Tim Drake and Daniel Summers talks about putting this together plus the special exhibit Tim created in David Copperfield's museum.

00:12:41 - Walter's daughter, Becky Blaney, invites us into the living room.

00:13:03 - Jeff Lanes talks about the S.A.M. awards that have been conferred on Walter.

00:14:50 - Walter "Zaney" Blaney talks about being surprised and enjoying the celebration

00:19:44 - David Copperfield joins us on Skype to pay homage to Walter.

00:30:28 - Scott Hollingsworth, Entertainment Director of the former Magic Island, talks about when Walter was in his "hey day" and the development of his Ladder Levitation.

00:35:24 - Walter's daughter and professional magician, Becky Blaney, talks about her dad and what it was like growing up with him.

00:40:03 - Mark Holstein chats about Walter being a pioneer in the trade show business with Marshall Brodein.

00:45:35 - Product Review - Project Swiss Army by Brandon David and Chris Turchi. A gimmicked deck of cards and card box does a variety of amazing thing. Recommended.

00:49:30 - Product Review - NeoMix by Jim Krenz. Specially printed cards used for the conclusion of an "Oil and Water" routine. Recommended.

00:53:34 - Starlight by Chris Perrotta. A beam of light from a borrowed mobile phone shines through a selected card and the card's value is seen as a spotlight through the card. Recommended.

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#201 - Murray Sawchuck - Celebrity Magician

Murray Sawchuck recently completed two and a half years at the Tropicana's Laugh Factory in Las Vegas. On December 20, 2014, he will begin a new afternoon show at Planet Hollywood's "Sincity Theater" along his wife, Chloe, and his partner, Lefty. Murray will add illusions to his comedy magic show plus bring in different aspects of his other appearances on television such as "Pawn Stars" and other shows.

During our conversation, Murray talked about his upcoming appearance on Hallmark's Home & Family morning talk show. After you have listened to the podcast, then be sure to come back to watch this video. The other two videos below are from a couple of his appearances on "America's Got Talent" (sic).

Murray and his baby Chihuahua Kahlua do a magic trick for the Emmy Nominated show Home & Family. www.murraymagic.com

Why is Murray considered a "Celebrity Magician"? Hear what he has done and what he is doing in and around Las Vegas and on television and determine for yourself if you think he deserves the title. Breaks happen, but as they say, "luck is when preparation meets opportunity." Murray works hard to find opportunities to promote his brand so you could say he is one of the luckiest guys in the business.

Among many other topics discussed in this podcast, Murray talks about how he got his first break to headline his own show in Las Vegas and how it evolved to the new show at Planet Hollywood. He talks about contracts, "two-wall" versus "four-walling" a venue in Las Vegas, working on "America's Got Talent", "Pawn Stars", "Wizard Wars", "Extreme Escapes", advice from Marvin "Mr. Electric" Roy, using social media to your advantage, and more. He also gives us an idea of what a typical day in his life is like. He also talks at the end about his favorite charity, Children of the Night", rescuing children from prostitution, which draws attention to one of the least visible charities out there. He is one busy guy!

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Magic & Martinis & Murray Thursday

171: Simon Lovell & Joanie Spina July 2014 Health Updates

Simon Lovell is in the Elmhurst Hospital in New York...and he's not happy about it. Joanie Spina is in Houston anxiously awaiting a donor for her lungs and liver. Each has their own health issues that have been widely reported on social media, but I know that many in the magic community are interested in hearing from them in their own words.

I spoke with Simon via Skype on the day before he left for the U.K. where he will be attended by his father. Randy Wakeman has set up a website where he is posting updates on Simon's status. Randy reported this morning (July 10, 2014) that Simon is back in the U.K. with his father. According to Tony Lovell,

"Simon has arrived safely. All OK but there is a long road ahead for both Simon and me. I am concerned about Simon and his appearance. As you say he is skeletal. We are going to the doctor on Monday - first steps in the road to recovery. Simon has promised that he will be totally honest with the doctor especially about his drinking!!!."

You can find updates from Randy Wakeman by Clicking Here. If you are interested in more details on Simon's status, plus if you are able to donate to the fund set up for Simon, then please visit his site. And here is a video of one of Simon's last projects, a short film called "Redemption" in which Simon plays the Devil. Typecast? Hmm.

Redemption from Chris Carden on Vimeo.

Joanie Spina was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from the Academy of Magical Arts at the recent banquet this past Spring. Many people got to congratulate her and tell her how much she has meant to them. And during the recent I.B.M./S.A.M. Combined Convention, over $5,500 was raised for her to help defray some of her extraordinary medical expenses. They will continue to accept donations in this account until July 31, 2014. You can donate funds today by sending it through PayPal to registrar@ibmsam.com.

She has recently relocated to Houston where she is now awaiting both lungs and a liver transplant. Daniel Summers has graciously provided her with a place to live during this waiting time plus he drives her back and forth to the hospital, as needed. He should be deeply thanked by the magic community for his wonderful, kind spirit. During this time, Joanie has been arranging for the disposition of her property in Las Vegas and many personal belongings in preparation of whatever happens next.

Walter "Zaney" Blaney, Daniel Summers, Scott Wells and Joanie Spina

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:01:26 - Simon Lovell talks about his "interment in Hell" though he seems to have retained his sense of humor while going through all this ordeal. Unfortunately the quality of the phone reception on his end was very poor. You will have to listen closely and you may even have to listen a second time I tried my best to clear it up, and the quality you hear is 100% better than the raw data.

00:34:07 - Joanie Spina gives us an update on her wait for lungs and a liver. She also expresses her appreciation to all those in the magic fraternity who have sent her prayers, emails, good thoughts and financial assistance.

00:46:02 - Walter "Zaney" Blaney was at the home of Daniel Summers while I was visiting with Joanie. He gives us a delightful story of when David Copperfield bought his Ladder Levitation. He also talks about the time he and Joanie first met.

The latest information on Simon Lovell can be found by clicking on the image above. Thank you, Randy Wakeman.