FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Discuss the latest news and rumors in the magic world.
User avatar
Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7258
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
Contact:

FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Dustin Stinett » July 8th, 2012, 4:29 pm

Ive never met Derek Lever. Now I hope I never do. FISM is not about its organizer, but sadly this man has been able to make it so.

In the second paragraph of his Welcome address to FISM attendees in the conferences program, Mr. Lever attacks Craig Mitchell and Richard Kaufman (the latter being based on his own complete ignorance of facts: Mr. Lever was NEVER referred to as Hitler).

When I heard (after the event in China) that FISM was going to be in England, I was going to make it my first one ever. But then I heard that it was going to be in Blackpool, so I decided not to go. Over the last several months I was feeling some regret about having made that decision. But after reading this foulnessgarbage that has absolutely no place in a FISM programIm happy Im not there.

Dustin

User avatar
IrishMagicNews
Posts: 479
Joined: May 20th, 2009, 3:30 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby IrishMagicNews » July 8th, 2012, 4:34 pm

Dustin,

Any chance you could link to a photo or web version of the offending piece.

Brendan
Brendan

News, Lectures, Societies & Magic in Ireland
http://www.IrishMagicNews.com

Shenanigans the irish magic convention 2-4 May 2014 Dublin
http://www.IrishMagicConvention.com

User avatar
Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7258
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Dustin Stinett » July 8th, 2012, 4:40 pm

It's on Craig and Tim Ellis's Facebook pages. Here's Craig's:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/astonishment

User avatar
IrishMagicNews
Posts: 479
Joined: May 20th, 2009, 3:30 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby IrishMagicNews » July 8th, 2012, 4:46 pm

Thanks
Brendan

News, Lectures, Societies & Magic in Ireland
http://www.IrishMagicNews.com

Shenanigans the irish magic convention 2-4 May 2014 Dublin
http://www.IrishMagicConvention.com

User avatar
Tim Ellis
Posts: 939
Joined: July 11th, 2008, 4:08 pm
Location: Victoria
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Tim Ellis » July 8th, 2012, 4:54 pm

Here is the 'Welcome Page' in the FISM 2012 Programme

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3853/photojuv.jpg

It's not even 7am here in Australia and I've already been inundated with emails from magicians who cannot believe that FISM is kicking off in such a bitter and offensive way.

Why Mr Lever has chosen to highlight the negatives is beyond human understanding, but it seems clear that his attack on Craig Mitchell is simply political. (Mr Lever is also nominated as FISM Vice President, so this seems to be his attempt to blatantly sway the voting members of FISM against Mr Mitchell).

Others have suggested it could be racially motivated as Craig is referred to as "the South African delegate". I truly hope that isn't the case, but I am sure the other South African delegates would not be happy.

Why he attacked Richard, and is so wildly inaccurate in doing so, is also a mystery.

This is not the sort of behaviour I would expect from someone hoping to be elected Vice President of FISM...

User avatar
Tim Ellis
Posts: 939
Joined: July 11th, 2008, 4:08 pm
Location: Victoria
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Tim Ellis » July 8th, 2012, 4:59 pm

Oh, I should mention, here in Melbourne we are currently halfway through the Melbourne Magic Festival and a lot of our press has been about our Australian entrant in FISM. I know the media are eagerly following his progress. It is very sad, but likely, that this sort of behaviour will steal the spotlight from the actual Championship and make FISM look like a petty political circus.

User avatar
IrishMagicNews
Posts: 479
Joined: May 20th, 2009, 3:30 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby IrishMagicNews » July 8th, 2012, 5:05 pm

Tim Ellis wrote:Why he attacked Richard, and is so wildly inaccurate in doing so, is also a mystery.


Isn't Richard attending? That should be interesting.
Brendan

News, Lectures, Societies & Magic in Ireland
http://www.IrishMagicNews.com

Shenanigans the irish magic convention 2-4 May 2014 Dublin
http://www.IrishMagicConvention.com

AJRichards
Posts: 10
Joined: October 3rd, 2009, 3:35 am

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby AJRichards » July 8th, 2012, 5:06 pm

I sincerely hope that Mr Kaufman will be contacting his attorneys. Mr Lever's actions are clearly libellous and defame not only his reputation but that of Genii, too.

Such actions open FISM to enormous liability by having such a clearly vicious man as Mr Lever in charge. The prospect of Mr Lever becoming a permanent part of the FISM 'hierarchy' in the upcming AGM elections is a scary thought indeed.

Let's hope that Eric Eswin as FISM President formally apologies on behalf of the organisation and that this is in no way what FISM stands for or how it operates.

Nothing short of shameful.

User avatar
Dustin Stinett
Posts: 7258
Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Sometimes
Location: Southern California
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Dustin Stinett » July 8th, 2012, 5:12 pm

Brendan,

Yes, Richard is there.

User avatar
mrgoat
Posts: 4242
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Brighton, UK
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby mrgoat » July 8th, 2012, 5:51 pm

It astounds me how that horrible little man is still running anything...

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27056
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Richard Kaufman » July 8th, 2012, 6:09 pm

Oh, yes, I'm here. :)
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27056
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Richard Kaufman » July 8th, 2012, 6:29 pm

The following appears on the very first page of the FISM program, written by Derek Lever:

"A Welcome from the President of the Blackpool Magicians Club

... There have been many detractors who have vented their spleen on the choice of Blackpool ... The editor of Genii magazine openly supported vicious Hitler films shown in the internet which purported to be me as Hitler."

Not only is this false, and possibly libelous, but it's obvious that Derek Lever has never watched the YouTube videos he is writing about. If the idiot had watched them, he would have seen that Hitler is portrayed as trying to get FISM held in Berlin and is enraged that it is being held in Blackpool AND that Hitler has been banned from attending the convention Watch it yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKEU8ZOHvoM

There is never any indication that Hitler is anyone but Hitler, and that Hitler is angry at Derek Lever. He refers to Derek Lever in the third person several times, so ONLY SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER WATCHED THIS VIDEO could make the claim that I supported a film that portrayed Lever as Hitler.

This is parody, plain and simple, and protected by law, but I had nothing to do with producing the videos (there are several) and I find them very funny. Just because I find them funny does not mean I "support them"?

And to think that this baboon is running for the position of Vice President of the FISM organization is unimaginable. What an utter catastrophe it would be for FISM if Derek Lever, a person who makes libelous claims based on videos he has obviously never watched, should be elected Vice President.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

User avatar
Smurf
Posts: 538
Joined: May 31st, 2010, 11:23 am

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Smurf » July 8th, 2012, 7:46 pm

That clip has been used to parody so many things. Check them out. They are funny. When the Democrats lost Ted Kennedy's seat that made the list. Harry Potter is parodied. Who knows how many more?

Ian Kendall
Posts: 2631
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Edinburgh
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Ian Kendall » July 8th, 2012, 8:22 pm

I made one, but YouTube blocked it on copyright grounds (along with many others) after the makers of Downfall complained.

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Magic Newswire » July 8th, 2012, 10:26 pm

When Craig was reporting from FISM China for the Magic Newswire, and expressed his opinions on the choice of Black Pool as the host city for this one, I contacted Mr. Lever asking for him to come on the podcast to comment and defend the selection. Instead, I spent approximately 30 minutes responding to a tirade and telling him why I was not going to remove those posts from my site and why they weren't "Lies," but instead an opinion. Needless to say, he continues to show his true colors again and again. As I said in my post on this issue (http://bit.ly/LeverInsults) : I'll share my personal opinion by paraphrasing a running joke about Churches. "Magic would be great if it weren't for the magicians." A tip of the hat to you Mr. Lever for exemplifying what I see to the be worst side of the magic community.

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Magic Newswire » July 8th, 2012, 10:55 pm

BTW... Am I remembering this incorrectly or wasn't Craig the web developer for FISM since the last competition? Also, if anyone is interested in a flash back, here is the chat that I had with Eric Eswin in 2009 in which we discussed the selection of Blackpool: http://bit.ly/cldj7h

Jonathan Pendragon
Posts: 394
Joined: July 13th, 2010, 7:33 am

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Jonathan Pendragon » July 9th, 2012, 1:19 am

Perhaps it will end with a whimper.

Bob Farmer
Posts: 3308
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Short card above selection.

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Bob Farmer » July 9th, 2012, 9:20 am

I've checked and Derek Lever can't possibly be Hitler:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stars ... _Dead2.jpg

Jonathan Pendragon
Posts: 394
Joined: July 13th, 2010, 7:33 am

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Jonathan Pendragon » July 9th, 2012, 11:02 am

Hell, I understood the parody and i'm an illusionist... and a blond!

El Mystico
Posts: 1087
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Leamington Spa
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby El Mystico » July 9th, 2012, 1:44 pm

mrgoat wrote:It astounds me how that horrible little man is still running anything...


Who? Lever? Or Hitler?

User avatar
mrgoat
Posts: 4242
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Brighton, UK
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby mrgoat » July 9th, 2012, 1:58 pm

El Mystico wrote:
mrgoat wrote:It astounds me how that horrible little man is still running anything...


Who? Lever? Or Hitler?


Have you ever seen them in the same room at the same time?

Jon Racherbaumer
Posts: 843
Joined: January 22nd, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: New Orleans

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Jon Racherbaumer » July 9th, 2012, 2:20 pm

Does anyone have a copy of the essay "SCHISM AT FISM?" that I heard was making the rounds? This paper apparently really drills down, strips away, and dramatically exposes the tangential, distracting, disrupting, and silly shenanigans of one person who should not even be mentioned alongside the name of a respected organization and convention. Or it is just another rumor?

Brad Henderson
Posts: 4546
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: austin, tx

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Brad Henderson » July 9th, 2012, 4:46 pm

Voldemort?

007 and a half
Posts: 2
Joined: July 10th, 2012, 9:22 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby 007 and a half » July 10th, 2012, 9:29 pm

Ah, Blackpool....

For the hilarious UNOFFICIAL FISM page check here... BRILLIANT!

www.blackpoomagic.com

User avatar
MagicBilly
Posts: 65
Joined: April 13th, 2008, 12:49 pm
Location: Southern Oregon

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby MagicBilly » July 10th, 2012, 11:10 pm

Just read the welcome note from the FISM program. What a whiney insecure little man Derek Lever is. I'm appauled that FISM leaders allowed that defamous article to be printed in the program.
Act Happy, Feel Happy, Be Happy with no reason in the World (D. Millman)

User avatar
Matthew Field
Posts: 2846
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Slydini
Location: Hastings, England, UK

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Matthew Field » July 11th, 2012, 2:45 am

with all that, and lots more that could be said, I've seen some great magic in the competitions, and spent wonderful hours with friends old and new, includin, of course, the head Genii, Richard K. Last night was dinner with Richard, Paul Wilson and his family, and Christian Engblom. Keep your eyes peeled for Pierric Tenthory (Pierric) from Switzerland who knocked me for a loop in close-up.

Matt Field

User avatar
mrgoat
Posts: 4242
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Brighton, UK
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby mrgoat » July 11th, 2012, 2:53 am

007 and a half wrote:Ah, Blackpool....

For the hilarious UNOFFICIAL FISM page check here... BRILLIANT!

www.blackpoomagic.com


I really liked One Tamariz, Cyril Takamakaknacker and Ah! Paul Wilson

User avatar
Don Hendrix
Posts: 527
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Don Hendrix » July 11th, 2012, 11:01 am

Someone has way too much free time, but it is pretty funny.

El Harvey Oswald
Posts: 304
Joined: June 21st, 2011, 11:37 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby El Harvey Oswald » July 11th, 2012, 3:26 pm

"Hell, I understood the parody and i'm an illusionist... and a blond!"

brilliant

RobertAllen
Posts: 65
Joined: January 19th, 2009, 5:32 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby RobertAllen » July 13th, 2012, 3:52 pm

I swear this thread needs video accompaniment. Perhaps Hitler running around the dealers room, or the Fawlty Towers Hitler scene, to the accompaniment of the Benny Hill theme.

P.T. Murphy
Posts: 182
Joined: April 21st, 2008, 3:52 pm
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby P.T. Murphy » July 13th, 2012, 4:30 pm

Is this the same Derek Lever that has a No.1 # UK hit written in his favor?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KjnkzoDYKs
"Those who do not believe in magic
will never find it. " -Roald Dahl

P.T. Murphy
Posts: 182
Joined: April 21st, 2008, 3:52 pm
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby P.T. Murphy » July 13th, 2012, 4:33 pm

"Those who do not believe in magic

will never find it. " -Roald Dahl

RobertAllen
Posts: 65
Joined: January 19th, 2009, 5:32 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby RobertAllen » July 13th, 2012, 5:10 pm


Floater
Posts: 3
Joined: July 15th, 2012, 2:42 am

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Floater » July 15th, 2012, 5:41 am

He would look more at home in hi de hi

Paul Critelli
Posts: 60
Joined: December 15th, 2008, 8:04 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Paul Critelli » July 17th, 2012, 12:02 am

I'm so far out of EVERY loop that I have my own gravitational pull, but I thought that parody was HITLARIOUS!! I am blissfully ignorant and apathetic of the FISM suits and politics and falderol (don't know - care less). I do have a few issues though about the Heads I win / Tails you lose issue of what country is "represented" by a person who wins in a continent that he / she does not live in. If you go to a dance with someone, you leave with her - so, if FISM is a 'group of organizations,' why are nationalities the metric with regard to the award winners? Again, not overly bothered because of my motto - here abbreviated" ITE, IJAFCT! Catch me at S.A.M. for clarity. And Richard, recall the savvy words of that great man who name escapes me: I never wrestle with swine - we both get dirty and the swine likes it. No, I am NOT calling anyone a swine - it's a saying. Paul C.

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27056
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Richard Kaufman » July 17th, 2012, 4:54 am

"I never wrestle with swine - we both get dirty and the swine likes it."

Brilliant, Paul. Just brilliant.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Paul Critelli
Posts: 60
Joined: December 15th, 2008, 8:04 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Paul Critelli » July 17th, 2012, 7:22 pm

I just watched this - well, I watched it 14 minutes ago, and I just stopped having a laughing fit that prevented me from writing. I just cannot - WILL NOT believe that I let this once in an eternity event pass me by . . . Hmmm, I wonder if they will still take my $750 "retroactively" so that I can have the swag . . .well, watch this at your own risk. And if you DID go to the event, DO NOT watch it as life insurance policies do NOT pay for some forms of . . . passing on. . . Paul C.

Paul Critelli
Posts: 60
Joined: December 15th, 2008, 8:04 pm

Re: FISM Starts off with a Narcissistic Bang

Postby Paul Critelli » July 17th, 2012, 7:23 pm

That was the Unofficial FISM Blackpoo parody I was watching . . . it's given in this thread somewhere. Enjoy. Paul C.


Return to “Buzz”