Hans Klok has a new Partnership

I just found out form VegasReport Newswire that "Illusionist Hans Klok, star of "Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic" at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, forms partnership with Las Vegas charity, Opportunity Village. Klok's partnership with Opportunity Village aims to support the organization through a series of special events and promotions. This includes an upcoming benefit performance, unique incentive packages for donors, and special appearances at events such as the Magical Forest and the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. "It touched my heart meeting all the amazing people during my recent visit to the main campus," explained Klok. "I am very excited to be involved. Opportunity Village is such a vital and necessary organization in the Las Vegas community.""We are honored that Hans Klok has chosen Opportunity Village as his charity of choice," said Linda Smith, chief development officer for Opportunity Village. "We are truly lucky to have the support of so many Strip headliners throughout the years, Hans is a great addition to our family."Those wishing to make a donation to Opportunity Village are advised to visit the community page of the Hans Klok website, www.hanslasvegas.com/charity".

Review Time:The Cloak

Justin Miller has some great effects out on the market today. To me one of the best is his brand new DVD project called The Cloak.

If you have ever wanted to do more with thread then make a playing card spin or a something float then this dvd is for you. On this dvd you will learn some of Justin top secert effects that he performs with the thread. It is tottally sweetness. You will love it.

Check out the trailer.

The Cafe is Down?

So the last few days I have been yondering what has happened to our good friend the magic cafe. If you do not know the magic cafe is were magicians chat about all kinds of thing . It is one of the biggest Magic forums on the net today. It is great.

But I found out today that everything from jan to today has been lost. Everything is gone. You might not even be on there anymore. They had a major meltdown . Steve Brooks and everyone are working very hard to get it up and working again but I just thought that I would let you know.

Let's talk to Whit Hayden.

Inside magic is a great magic news web site. THe other day they interviewed Whit Hayden. A master at what he does and now you get to hear from his own words about who he is.

He was chosen by Caesars Palace to be one of the acts to open the $60 million Magical Empire at the Las Vegas Resort. Whit performs regularly on the most prestigious cruise ships including the Queen Elizabeth II, the Norway and the Westerdam. He has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Loretta Lynn and Gallagher. He consulted and contributed to the Discovery Channel's documentary, Houdini -- They Came to See Him Die.

Just click here to read more.

Penn gives a tour

So you want to know what is going on in Las vegas? Who better to ask then vegases very own Penn (the speaking part of Penn & Teller)

In the Startribune today they spoke with Penn about vegas and some other very intresting topic.

We wanted a tour guide who is like Las Vegas itself -- loud, larger than life and at least a little bit naughty.
Enter Penn Jillette.
He's loud. Ever hear him on TV, radio or in his stage act? He is not the silent one in Penn & Teller. He's larger than life: 6 feet 6 and, well, we're afraid to ask him how much he weighs.

To read more click here.

What Do You Do When?

Nathan kranzo is a great thinker and a great guy. I was reading his email today and thought that I would pass on to you some of his thoughts on how to approach people when performing.

"Over the past few months members of Kranzo's Newsletter have received a number of my pet effects. Today I'd like to talk about how to execute that magic for an audience. I know that out of the thousands of people that read these newsletters there are beginners, amateurs, pro's and everything in between. I think the information I will share with you over the next few months will be valuable to ALL those people.

The Approach

When performing for small groups you will most likely be in a situation where you have to approach a group, or table, "cold". By that I mean you have not been introduced, and they have no clue who you are, or what you are doing. It's up to you to win them over so that they will allow you into their space, and ultimately, enjoy your magic.

One of my favorite gambits is to get invited to the table so THERE IS NO COLD APPROACH. I have a couple of clever ways to do this that I will talk about later. For now lets assume you have to approach cold.

There are primarily two ways to approach this situation. Go right into an amazing and quick effect, or establish a nice dialogue with the guests as you transition into some great magic.

Both work great and one might be better for YOU and your personal style. If you aren't a wordsmith I'd suggest going with the visual effect and let your magic do the talking for you. Of course you'll need to speak at some point. : ) If you are confident in your presentation and know how to quickly establish repoire with an audience, then you are ahead of the game.

No matter what approach you use here are a couple of important things to remember.

Confidence

Be confident. Dogs smell fear and people do to. The only way you will be confident is if you know exactly what you are going to say and exactly what you are going to perform. Confidence can be displayed by your look, demeanor, speech, volume of voice, witty remarks, conveying a relaxed attitude etc.

Don't forget to smile

A smile is a powerful thing. If you've got a great smile this alone can open up a group and cause people to smile BACK at you. A strong smile is also a sign of confidence.

The name is the game

"Hi I'm Nathan Kranzo". 99% of the time when I approach a group, smile, and say that phrase, someone will offer their hand for a handshake and tell me THEIR name back. You've already got a great foot in the door because you are now a friendly face with a NAME! Your no longer a stranger. People are much less likely to blow you off when they shake hands with you and exchange names. While its just a little step you are slowly building a relationship.

Ok...now what? Well from here you either have to continue the conversation with some witty remarks, maybe ask them a question, make a joke etc. OR get right to the magic.

In a few days i'll share with you an opening effect that I've used in these situations for years. Your going to love it."

So there you go some great ideas on how to approach people. If you want more info like this click right here.

The Professor

This is a video of the great professor Dai Vernon

Ammar facts.

Michael Ammar is one to me today's Dai Vernon. He is the best of the best. Now he has come out with a michael site about says about him. Alot likeChuck Norris. HEre are some of them.

Ammar doesn't read minds. He already knows.
Michael Ammar has "ATFUS4EVER" tattooed under his mustache.
Michael Ammar's name can be rearranged into Mamma Charlie. 'Nuff said.
Ammar doesn't read magic books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
Michael Ammar is De'Vo.

For more check out http://www.ammarfacts.com/.

Looking For Help

Sometimes life gets really hard to go thru by yourself. What you need to do is find a really good friend that will be there to help you out thru no matter what.

In magic it is hard as well because we have a lot of people who want to back stab people. Magic is a cut throat business. But then their are those people that just stick out and are willing to be there for you. Those are the kind of friends you need.

Last night I was on my skype talking with a friend for about a hour or so . Last night was a great night because I really got to see who this person is. So next time you are going thru something that you can not handle yourself then you need to go to a friend you can trust to be there for you. a super friend.