VANISH MAGIC BACK ISSUES Michael Giles | Page 8

MAKING NEWS of cologne, set it on fire and threw it over the entertainer’s head. If you have a story or a news related item please e-mail the editor at info@paulromhany.com We try to keep the news as current as possible and generally this is the last piece we work on prior to the magazine going live. MagicWeek Update Duncan Trillo writes to let us know that the very popular UK magic site www.MagicWeek continues to grow in popularity. In a nutshell it focuses on ‘Magic in the UK’, concentrating on upcoming conventions, shows, what’s on TV and so on, together with club news, articles, reviews and comprehensive link sections for magic clubs and magicians based in the UK. At ‘the back’ there are free ‘For Sale’ and ‘Wanted’ ads. It is now in its 13th year and is the UK’s number one magic site. Well worth checking out even if you aren’t in the UK. LET”S DO MAGIC: Look at these names: Mike Bent, Lyn Dillies, Eric DeCamps, Joe Howard, Steve Kradolfer, Peter Samelson, Jon Stetson, Chipper Lowell and probably many more, are coming together, for the first time in one very special show, to help Boston-area magician, and their dear friend, David Oliver. More than just a talented magician, for more than 25 years, David Oliver has mentored, directed and taught many of today’s finest young magicians from around the globe. Recently, he was diagnosed with a rare lung disease, and the only treatment is a double lung transplant. In an effort to assist their friend in dealing with mounting medical bills, these stars of magic have put together this show, to help a friend who has always been there to help them. Please join us in giving back some magic to a very magical friend. The shows are January 19th, The show’s crew rushed onto the set to douse the blaze, and Houchin was rushed to a nearby medical centre. At 12:35 p.m. when Good Bolivar, Wayne and Fran Houchin were finishing his participation in the program ‘ Approach the Stars ‘ of missis Adriana Azzi, who in this occasion was being presented by mister Franklin Barazarte, also the director of the above mentioned program, who without notice previous and without any type of safety measurements, offered them ‘ to give them ‘ a blessing and taking Water of Florida (that is extremely inflammable for his high alcoholic content) proceeded to set fire to Wayne Houchin, resulting in serious burns in his face, heard neck and right hand. After receiving treatment, Houchin used Twitter to reveal his pain. The post goes on to lament reports from local media labeling the attack as “divine justice” for practicing voodoo or witchcraft. From the facts available, it is unclear if the reports were a twisted interpretation to the attack or if it was the motivation for the host to act. While appearing on a TV show in the Dominican Republic, the TV host took a handful of Aqua De Florida, ignited it and intentionally dropped it on my head, setting me on fire. I was not aware he was going to do this,” he wrote. “This was not a stunt or part of an act - this was a criminal attack. The fast actions of the rest of our Curiosidades team saved my life. The fire was put out and I was rushed to the emergency room. I have bad burns on my head, face, neck and right hand. Houchin and those around him are very tight lipped on what they can say publicly on advise from their legal council. “I am in pain, but am recovering. I will update you on the situation when I can.” 2:00pm and 7:30pm at Clark University, Worcester, MA in the Daniels Theater. For information call 203-877-0157 or go to HTTP://LETSDOMAGIC.ORG for info or to purchase tickets. If you can’t attend, you can still purchase tickets and have them donated to a local children’s group so they can go to the show. Just check the link – “FOR DONATION”. Tickets are $20.00. Other options on the website are an auction that is growing every day, or you can take out an ad in our program book to help support too. All our options can be found on the web site. HTTP:// LETSDOMAGIC.ORG Let’s Do Magic for David Oliver! The Daily Deception has an English translation of a report from Curiosidades Facebook fan page shedding some light on the attack. Wayne, his wife Fran and another magician where invited on a local program after the Curiosidades show. It was there that the host offered to “bless” Houchin. From a Paul Harris newsletter: “To help out Wayne and his family in this difficult time and to ease their financial burden, I am starting today the Magical Arts Fund for Wayne Houchin and ask that you contribute what you can. We will also send to Wayne a card with all of the names of who contributed and any messages you have for him. Janet Harris (Paul Harris Presents’ own Astonishment Goddess) will be spearheading this effort. You can Paypal your contribution to paul@paulharrispresents.com . Add a personal note to Wayne during the “Review” phase of your paypal payment. Look for the “Add special instructions to the seller” plus sign. If you want to mail a check, please contact janet@paulharrispresents.com and she will send you the address.” Academy of Magical Arts Establishes Fund for Magician Attacked in Dominican Republic HOLLYWOOD — Nov. 30, 2012 — For Immediate Release — The Academy of Magical Arts (AMA), its Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the Dai Vernon Foundation, Inc., has established a special fund to assist professional magician Wayne Houchin, who was severely injured during a Nov. 26 performance in the Caribbean. TO CONTRIBUTE: Send a check (with “Houchin” written on the memo line) to: Dai Vernon Fund, c/o The Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 90026 http://magicsam.com/nationalmagic-week-press-page/ WAYNE HOUCHIN ATTACKED WITH FIRE A magician almost lost his life when his head was set on fire on national tele f