167: Day 2 - IBM/SAM Combined Convention 2014

The second full day of the combined convention began very early for me, especially considering the late night I had in uploading these podcasts. The S.A.M. sponsored a very nice boxed breakfast event in the presidential suite in the hotel which featured guest speaker, Shawn Farquhar. Immediately thereafter was a lecture and workshop from the Korean College of Magic. Following lunch was the second in the FISM North American Stage Contest. The lecture by Miguel Angel Gea started about the time as when the contest ended.

Busses loaded at 6:30 for the gala show at the Peabody Opera House then after the show was more of the Richard Turner Experience.

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Purchase Tickets here http://www.magicinc.net/Celebration.aspx In 1964, Magic Inc. held its grand opening at 5082 N. Lincoln Avenue. Now 50 years later, we're holding a big celebration / mini-convention with some of the best magicians from all over the world. Golden Tickets are only $100, prior to June 1st; after that, only $125.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:27 - Alan and Michelle Watson, talks about the New Zealand Ezine. Tens of thousands subscribers keep up to date on magic activities around the world. All your updates and stories can be sent to Alan at Editor@magicnewzealand.com He also talks a little about the business of magic and setting up your website.

00:10:52 - Shawn Farquhar was the guest speaker at the breakfast and tells about his life in magic. I picked up the recording part way into his speech.

00:26:41 - The Dean of the S.A.M., George Shindler tells us how he became the Dean, what the "job" entails, plus more information about the Houdini Fund for those who are hospitalized, ill or in need some financial help. More details are on the S.A.M. website.

00:42:13 - Alex Ramon tells us about the new illusion that he will present during the gala show tonight. He also tells us what he's been up to since we last chatted in our two part interview in Lake Tahoe earlier this year. Part One here and Part Two here.

00:51:11 - David Oliver tells us how his health is doing since his double lung transplant last year and what he is doing today including a busy schedule of performing and teaching the youth. He also tells us that his new passion is telling people the importance of organ donations.

01:04:27 - Sandy Marshall, owner of Magic Inc., gives us a health update on Simon Lovell plus the new book he is releasing today, "Betcha! How To Win Free Drinks For Life" which will be available from Magic Inc. He also tells us about the 50th anniversary of Magic Inc. convention coming July 17-19.

01:18:18 - Join us for lunch with Michael Close, editor of the M.U.M., and Don Wiberg, International Secretary of the I.B.M. and proof reader for The Linking Ring, as we talk about many things including the magazines/journals.

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119: David Oliver Breathes Easier

During one of my podcasts from 2011, I asked David Oliver (DO) for his "Magic Word". He said, "Believe". This has never been a more prescient and important word for living his life. And it is a good word and good advice for us, too. He lives what he "believes".

DO has been a champion for teaching magic to our next generation of magicians. He is an excellent performer who is highly respected in his field and traveled the globe performing and helping youth learn magic. Three years ago when he was diagnosed with a rare lung infection known as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, or Bird Fancier Lung, which was caused by his doves, his health outlook was grave. The only treatment was a double lung replacement. On June 28th, a stranger's life ended but it gave David two new lungs and another chance at life so he can continue to DO magic.

His surgery is over but now is the time for him to rebuild his body and his life. After being hospitalized for so long, his muscle mass has atrophied and he has not performed before a live audience for well over a year. He is anxious to move forward and get back on stage as he continues to counsel youth on our art.

David Oliver is a Boston-area magician. More than just a talented magician, for more than twenty-five years, David Oliver has mentored, directed, and taught many of today's finest young magicians from around the globe. In an effort to assist their friend in dealing with mounting medical bills, many stars of magic have joined together to DO magic...

For the first time in 11 months, David hopes to attend his first magic convention this weekend, October 4-5, the Magicians' Alliance of Eastern States (M.A.E.S.). He had a little time to chat with me about his health, how things are going, and his future plans. We also talked about advice for those new to magic whether they are young  or old. We chatted about magic conventions, too, but the one thing that David wanted to emphasize was his deep and sincere appreciation to the thousands of people who have supported him with their thoughts, prayers and finances during this most difficult time.

David is far from being "out of the woods" as he tries to rebuild his life and finances. He has not performed for well over a year but still tries to give instructions via Skype to students around the world. If you are interested in talking with David or becoming a student, then you can contact him at DOmagic@DavidOliverMagic.com or you can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/domagic?fref=ts

There are various ways you can financially contribute to David Oliver's medical fund. You can visit the "DO Magic for David Oliver" Benefit Fundraising Page at http://domagic4davidoliver.blogspot.com/ which has a link for donating with your credit card through PayPal (you do not have to have a PayPal account to donate). Another page is DO Breathe Easy at http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/do-breathe-easy/35262 which is an online fundraising site. One hundred percent of your donations go directly to David. Please help if you can.

If you would like to send him a Get Well card or other well wishes, then you can reach him by regular mail at: David Oliver, 141 Audubon Road, Weymouth, MA 02188

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Magic & Martinis Thursday

Since David can no longer consume alcohol, we will toast to his good health with something less...well, alcoholic.  A Coca Cola, not diet or sugar-free. Cheers! Here's to your good health, David. Let's DO Magic!