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

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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

View fullsize David Hinkin Presenting the I.B.M. Presidential Citation to Walter
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View fullsize Walter, Daniel Summers and Tim Drake
View fullsize Mallory, Walter's grand daughter
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View fullsize Mark Holstein, Walter and Su Holstein

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.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Be sure to use the promo code of: themagicwordpodcast when registering and receive a #100 discount through February 28, 2018.

Be sure to use the promo code of: themagicwordpodcast when registering and receive a #100 discount through February 28, 2018.

Tagged with Walter "Zaney" Blaney, David Copperfield, Becky Blaney, Mark Holstein, Scott Hollingsworth, Tim Drake, Daniel Summers.

February 22, 2018 by Scott Wells.
  • February 22, 2018
  • Scott Wells
  • Walter "Zaney" Blaney
  • David Copperfield
  • Becky Blaney
  • Mark Holstein
  • Scott Hollingsworth
  • Tim Drake
  • Daniel Summers
  • Post a comment
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171: Simon Lovell & Joanie Spina July 2014 Health Updates

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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.

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

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.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

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

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

Tagged with Joanie Spina, Simon Lovell, Walter "Zaney" Blaney, Daniel Summers.

July 10, 2014 by Scott Wells.
  • July 10, 2014
  • Scott Wells
  • Joanie Spina
  • Simon Lovell
  • Walter "Zaney" Blaney
  • Daniel Summers
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108: MAGIC Live! 2013 - Day 3

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Day three was another fun and exciting day that began with the Opening Session hosted by Justin Flom  A highlight of the show was Xavier Mortimer's incredibly innovative routines. He is currently featured in the Cirque du Soliel show here in Vegas, "Michael Jackson One".. But it was Wayne Dobson being interviewed by Jeff McBride which received a standing ovation.  

View fullsize My favorite burger joint in Vegas
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00:00:07 – Tom Vorjahan, Daniel Herron and Eddie Wade give a recap of the Documentary Live 1 show from last night that featured the Long Beach Mystics hosted by Stan Allen and Mike Caveney. It featured David Deeble, Victor and Diamond, Michael Weber, Dana Daniels, Mark Kalin and Jinger, Armando Lucera, Kevin James, and James Hamilton (as Alexander Hamilton).

00:08:33 – I give a short review of the General Session that was hosted by Justin Flom and featured Master Payne, Bill Abbott, Xavier Mortimer, and Wayne Dobson being interviewed by Jeff McBride.

00:13:00 – I chatted with random people dining at the In ‘N Out and how much they enjoy this place. It is one of my regular, mandatory places to dine while in Las Vegas.

00:15:02 – Simon Coronel talks about creativity and how he developed his routine.

00:26:00 – Photo time with Criss Angel

00:26:50 – David Hira talks about this convention and conventions in general and their appeal to different age groups.

00:34:45 – Scott Hunstler was one of the winners on the Sunday night Welcome Party. He talks about what he won. Mark Weidhaas, S.A.M. Past President, and Errol Lipschitz, from Vancouver, talks about their experience of this convention.

00:39:56 – We viewed the documentary about Ricky Jay’s life, Deceptive Practices. Here I get to talk with a few people who know Ricky and have a perspective and opinion on the movie. It isn’t anything like Siskell & Ebert, but I think you will enjoy this discussion by Peter Samelson, Tim Felix and Jon Stetson.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file through FeedBurner or directly by Clicking Here then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here.

Posted in Convention Report and tagged with Simon Coronel, Las Vegas, MAGIC Live!, Tom Vorjahan, Daniel Herron, Eddie Wade, Mark Weidhaus, Cris Angel, Stan Allen, Arthur Emerson, Errol Lipschitz, Ricky Jay, In 'N Out.

August 14, 2013 by Scott Wells.
  • August 14, 2013
  • Scott Wells
  • Simon Coronel
  • Las Vegas
  • MAGIC Live!
  • Tom Vorjahan
  • Daniel Herron
  • Eddie Wade
  • Mark Weidhaus
  • Cris Angel
  • Stan Allen
  • Arthur Emerson
  • Errol Lipschitz
  • Ricky Jay
  • In 'N Out
  • Convention Report
  • Post a comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

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In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

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MAGIC Live! 2025 Daily Reports It's a wrap! - All four days of reports from MAGIC Live! in Las Vegas have been posted on The Magic Word Podcast and available for your listening pleasure. What another great convention! 15 years and counting. #magicliv Abbott's 87th Get Together 2025 Daily Reports - Daily reports from "Camp Colon" featuring chats with registrants, talent, organizers, dealers, and more. It's the next best thing to being there!
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The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

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