Merlin Awards Banquet

CraigMitchell · Postby **CraigMitchell** » March 3rd, 2011, 4:00 am

Anyone have any further details or pics on the Merlin Awards banquet last night in Vegas ? Who was in attendance ? Where was it held ?

Magic Newswire · Postby **Magic Newswire** » March 3rd, 2011, 9:05 am

I saw that Gerry McCambridge was there from his Twitter

CraigMitchell · Postby **CraigMitchell** » March 3rd, 2011, 10:24 am

Also - Paul Vigil, Morgan Strebler, Criss Angel & Banachek ...

Magic Newswire · Postby **Magic Newswire** » March 3rd, 2011, 2:42 pm

It was in a Irish themed pub next to the Orleans

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 3rd, 2011, 2:49 pm

Classy!

IrishMagicNews · Postby **IrishMagicNews** » March 3rd, 2011, 3:28 pm

Gerry McCambridge just posted photo's of the event on his Facebook

Brendan

Magic Newswire · Postby **Magic Newswire** » March 3rd, 2011, 3:30 pm

Sadly...or maybe not... I unfollowed Gerry because of the SPAM that he sends on Facebook.

Justin Fraser · Postby **Justin Fraser** » March 3rd, 2011, 5:54 pm

Some more info posted on the green monster by Luke Dancy.

"I was present last night for the IMS awards here in Las Vegas. This was a private event held by the IMS and out of the 40 or so folks in attendance about 30 were true stars of magic. Because of this I'm not sure the word would get out about the "Magic Caf Man" himself Mr. Steve Brooks. Steve was presented an award by the IMS last night for his work with the Magic Caf and his on-going support of the magic community.

It's only fitting that we all thank Steve for his hard work and to congratulate him on winning this prestigious award. I'd also like to note that his acceptance speech was rather moving. He made it a point that we shouldn't complain about the state of magic...it's up to US to make sure that the next generation takes what we have and give it the respect that it deserves.

Congratulations Steve!

luke"

Tim Ellis · Postby **Tim Ellis** » March 3rd, 2011, 6:43 pm

Looks like I'll have to do a big update soon!

http://merlinawards.wordpress.com/

Bit sad though... Tony said he wanted me to attend as his "special guest". I didn't even get an invite... ;)

IrishMagicNews · Postby **IrishMagicNews** » March 3rd, 2011, 6:50 pm

Dixie Dooley has also updated his facebook with pics of the night.

Does the fact two of the people I follow on Facebook were there say something about me lol?

Brendan

Brad Henderson · Postby **Brad Henderson** » March 4th, 2011, 7:14 am

Apparently the merlins are now beyond criticism at the cafe. I posted on a previous Merlin thread "is there any doubt now that these awards are a joke" or something very much to that effect, posting a link to the criss angel "double platinum jesus of magic reincarnation award" he is receiving; only to have it deleted and the thread locked.

Perhaps Brooks paid for his award with promises of protection?

On a semi related note: for someone whose charity work is so "unsung" and " behind the scenes" I sure am hearing a lot about it. But, as we learned at wms, angel is now the most successful magician in the history of television.

If I get an award someday, I think I'm going to write the presenter's speeches too.

Jonathan Townsend · Postby **Jonathan Townsend** » March 4th, 2011, 7:52 am

Brad - perhaps the mention of the preferred prophet, naming a double cheeseburger after guy and giving a copy of the erdnase text made as a palimpsest of a koran was over the top for them - rather than just the jape at the silly award?

An award named after a person who did not exist - whose tale has them left frozen in a cave after playing Lolita and permitting his King to set up his own (and Camelot's) demise... what further humor could one request?

Perhaps this year's honoree is an inanimate carbon rod?

Somehow will under love manages to degenerate into vanity for the venal around here.

Not to worry - your students students will enjoy the humor.

erdnasephile · Postby **erdnasephile** » March 4th, 2011, 8:43 am

Tim Ellis' website about this organization is rather illuminating.

This whole thing reminds me of letters that arrive in the mail congratulating you on being named to a "Who's Who" or "Top Specialist" list.

They then offer to sell you a special plaque to commemorate your "award".

Roger M. · Postby **Roger M.** » March 4th, 2011, 9:53 am

The sycophants at the Cafe are embarrassing themselves. They're coming out of the woodwork to "congratulate" Steve Brooks for his job well done, and for receiving this dubious award.

I didn't have the heart to post a negative comment about his "Tony Award" at the Cafe, but based on Brad's experience and a couple of current posts already deleted, it would seem that critique of Steve and his award are indeed, strictly off-limits.

Master Payne · Postby **Master Payne** » March 4th, 2011, 4:55 pm

It is however a cool looking trophy. I've been saving up for one for a while now :)

I wonder if there will be an IMS section on the Cafe now? Isn't after all the largest magic society in the world? Strange that the the IBM, SAM, CAM. KIDabra and even the FCM have sections on the Cafe but the much vaulted IMS hasn't.

But then again, has anyone ever met a card carrying IMS member?

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 4th, 2011, 5:05 pm

Let's ask the question this way: has anyone reading this ever bought the DVD sets that Tony Hassini is selling? That would automatically make them a member of the IMS.

Master Payne · Postby **Master Payne** » March 4th, 2011, 5:24 pm

Oh no! Our club's librarian bought one of these DVD sets for our Club's Collection. He might have even used a check drawn on our Club's account! Does this mean our club is now a member of the IMS? Are we now an offical ring, cadre, gathering, ensemble, or whatever else you might call an IMS chapter?

Dennis Michael · Postby **Dennis Michael** » March 7th, 2011, 8:02 am

Yes, I am a proud card carrying member of IMS and Yes, I have bought many DVD sets, and our Local KIDabra Chapter contributed to the recent IMS Pro DVD set (Vol 30).

In addition, I asked Tony Hassini if I could start an IMS Local Chapter here in the NJ Philadelphia Area. Tony agreed.

One thing is for sure, there is a lot of false and misleading information that others want to, for some reason, believe as fact.

And yes, I know of a lot of card carrying IMS members.

Dennis Michael Dowhy
President of IMS Local #1

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 7th, 2011, 11:20 am

Dennis, is your club the only IMS chapter? You list yourself as president of IMS Local #1.

Brad Henderson · Postby **Brad Henderson** » March 7th, 2011, 4:24 pm

Dennis. It tony followed the same sort of proceedures real industry award programs do, then maybe there would be no place for false information. Would a real industry award organization refuse to list their board of directors, their rules for voting, the process of selection and nomination, or even what categories they have or will have?

If it walks like a scam and smells like a scam - why do you try to shift the blame onto people who simply report that something stinks?

I'm not a member of the Ims. I can't see why I, as a professional magician, should recognize any authority of the Ims to recognize my profession when nothing they do reflects professional standards.

When the Ims publishes the same sort of information as does the AMA, the IBM, the Sam, fism, or even the oscars, Grammys or golden globes, then we can talk.

Until then, I cannot see how the Ims is anything but a tool to line Tony hassini's pockets while buying himself a position in the magic community.

Dennis Michael · Postby **Dennis Michael** » March 7th, 2011, 4:35 pm

Richard,

This information is readily availavle on the IMS web site:
IMS Officers
World President
Chairman/CEO Tony Hassini
Board of Directors

Tony Hassini
Max Toth
Ralph Hutton
Linda Michaud
Cathy Emin
Christian Doleshall
Remington Scott
Vincent V. Alleluia
Judith Edwards
Ha Sung Chung
Fehmi Ahmet
David Goldman
Robin Channing
Bryan Dean
Che Sum Cheng
Hasan Arifoglu
Franz Harary
Steve Schwartz
Walter Wojnicki
Avtar Hari

Vice Chairman
Max Toth

World Ambassador
Gay Blackstone

Magic Historian
William H. McIlhany

Legal Counsel
John M. Caluwaert

Public Relations
Christian Doleshall

Secretary
Remington Scott

Treasurer
Cathy Emin

Membership Director
Robin Channing

International Officers

ARGENTINA: CARLOS RAGGI
Av. De Mayo 1234 (21)
1085 Buenos Aires, Argentina

AUSTRALIA: PETER BALYCK
Railway Concourse
Shop 18, Town Hall
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone #: 029267 4222
Fax #: 029267 4224
Cell #: 0411 801777

BRAZIL: PHILIPPE PIET VAN PUTTEN (Mahatma)
Caixa Postal 1816 - BH Shopping
30331-970 - Belo Horizonte - MG
Phone: (31) 3463.4431

CHINA: EDDY W.L. AU
Eddy International Ltd.
Unit 901-2, CCT Telecom Bldg.
No. 11 Wo Shing St.
Fo Tan, N.T., Hong Kong
Phone #: 852-269-76916
FAX: (852) 260 16720

COLOMBIA: RICHARD SARMIENTO
Carrera 9A, No. 99-02, Piso 4
Bogota, Colombia, South America

FINLAND: MARK ZIAIAN
Kuntokuja 4 D 49
01280 Vantaa
Finland

CYPRUS, GREECE, & MIDDLE EAST: Demetrios Demetriou
17c Limassol Ave.
Nicosia 2112,
CYPRUS
+357 99415120

GERMANY
THOMAS SEILER
LANSYSTEMS GmbH
Am Sandfeld 11,
76149 Karlsruhe Germany
Office: +49 721 978990
Email: info@ims-germany.org
URL: www.ims-germany.de/

HOLLAND: HEINZ MINTEN
Eindhovenseweg 119
5552 AA Valkenswaard, Holland
Telephone: 40 20 43 810Fax: 40 20 46 780

INDIA: P.C. SORCAR JUNIOR
INDRAJAL BUILDING
P.C. Sorcar Street,
Ballyganj
CALCUTTA - 700 019 INDIA
Phone: +91-33-4404605 / 4407359
Fax: +91-33-4407669

ISRAEL: YUVAL KERREN
9 Dan St.
Karkur 37000 ISRAEL
Phone #: 972-6-637-2603
Fax #: 972-6-637-9010

ITALY: DR. GAETANO GIORDANO
via Alveo San Nicola, 13
84014 Nocera Inferiore SA
Italy
cell. 3203004472

JAPAN: TETSUXOSHI HOSHIMO
Tokyo Magic Co. Ltd.
2-2-10 Kiba Koto-Ku
Tokyo, Japan
Phone #: 011-81-3-3630-5074
Fax #: 011-81-3-3630-5075

KOREA: HA SUNG CHUNG
3F Kyoung Eun B/D 164-4
Non-Hyoun-Dong, Kang Nam-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Phone #:011-82-2-3443-1985
Fax #: 011-82-2-3443-1989

MALAYSIA: ANSLEM ROY ERIC
2, Jalan SS1/43 47300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Phone #: 603-7877-5348

PAKISTAN
MIAN AFZAL RASHID
Mian Magic Art
Ward No. 4 Fateh Pur
Tehsil Karo Distt. Layyah
Punjab, Pakistan

PORTUGAL
JOAQUIM BASTOS
Rua do Sabugueiro No. 1
Ribamar
2640-032 Santo Isidoro MFR
Portugal MAFRA
Phone #: 351-2-61-865329
Fax #: 011-351-2-61-863-776

SINGAPORE: BOB K.S. CHUA
243 Bukit Batok East Avenue 5 #10-30
Singapore 650243
Cell: + 65 9111.0808
Office: +65 6562.2424
Email: bob@conjurer.net
URL: www.conjurer.net

SPAIN: JUAN MAYORAL
p.o. box 294
24080 LEON, SPAIN
phone: + 34 649945144
FAX: + 34 987 21 43 08
E-MAIL: juanmayoral@juanmayoral.es

SWEDEN: FRANK ANDERS
Lovisebergs v.3
61532 Valdemarsuik, Sweden
Telephone: 46-123-12477
Fax: 46-123-12477

TURKEY & TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES
Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan)
Territorial IMS President: Dr. SELIM BASARIR
Territorial IMS Vice President: Ms. ILKAY OZDEMIR
Tesvikiye Cad., 105/1, D:3, Tesvikiye
34367 ISTANBUL - TURKEY
Fax: +902122362576
Cell: +905336977969

UNITED KINGDOM: ALAN JONES
Elm Cottage, 76 Green Lane
Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1LT, UK
0845 224 17 46
07714 323 934
01209 204 712

United States of America IMS Local Chapter Officers

IMS Local Chapter 1
2034 Lambert Ave
Atco, NJ
headed by President Dennis Michael Dowhy
Dennis@Dowhy.com
856-768-2281

IMS Local Chapter 2
P.O. Box 2942
Broken Arrow, OK 74013
headed by President Dr. Alan Ravine
karavine@gmail.com

IMS Local Chapter 3
2355 Heywood St.
Simi Valley CA 93065
headed by President Jerry Foster
thumbtip1@yahoo.com
805-526-9564

IMS Local Chapter 4
Las Vegas, NV
headed by President Christian Diamond Doleshall
lvmagic@sonic.net

IMS Local Chapter 5
876 Guy Lombardo Avenue
Freeport, NY 11520
headed by President David Adamovich
throwdini@knifethrower.com
516.546.1425

IMS Local Chapter 6
Ipswich, MA
headed by President Richard Nunziato
dmrpnunz@verizon.net

IMS Local Chapter 7
Hudson, NH
headed by President David Chandler
dave@davechandlermagic.com

IMS Local Chapter 8
Lynchburg, VA
headed by President Leonard Parker
lwparker@liberty.edu

IMS Local Chapter 9
China, Main
headed by President Bryan-Keith Taylor
bjtaylor4@roadrunner.com

IMS Local Chapter 10
Chicago, IL
headed by President Frank Kennedy
fkennedy3@gmail.com

IMS Local Chapter 11
Las Vegas, NV
headed by President Anthony S. Clate
Repairman1436@cox.net

IMS Local Chapter 12
San Diego, CA
headed by President Joel Moskowitz, MD
jamoskowitzmd@pol.net

IMS Local Chapter 13
Mt. Pleasant, IA
headed by President Jesus Rios
mrillusion2003@yahoo.com

IMS Local Chapter 14
Shreveport, LA
headed by President David Trombetta
DATMagic@aol.com

IMS Local Chapter 15
Portland, OR
headed by President Tom Cramer
tom@cramermagic.com

IMS Local Chapter 16
St. Louis, MO
headed by President Chris Carpunky
chriscarpunky@att.net

IMS Local Chapter 17
Baton Rouge, LA
headed by President Chris C. Miller
chrismillermagic@aol.com

IMS Local Chapter 18
2016 N. Holton St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
headed by President Gerald Michels
geraldwmichels@voyager.net

IMS Local Chapter 19
11142 Laurel Walk Rd.
Wellington, FL 33449
headed by President Patrick Connors

IMS Local Chapter 20
93 Sherman Avenue
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
headed by President Tom Yovino
vocemthecelt@yahoo.com

IMS Local Chapter 21
185 Atlantic Ave.
Garden City Park, NY 11040
headed by President Joe Matina
joematina@gmail.com

IMS Local Chapter 22
The Magic Loft
1985 Tracy Ct
North Pole, AK 99705
headed by Jack Salesses
ancientarts33@aol.com

IMS Local Chapter 23
165-20, Highland Ave. #304
Jamaica, NY 11432
headed by President Khan Showkat
kshowkatusa@yahoo.com

IMS Local Chapter 24
8 Cole Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137
headed by President Mark Hlava
mjhlava@yahoo.com

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 7th, 2011, 4:42 pm

Some of the people named above are on this Forum: have any of your local chapters held regular meetings?

Dennis Michael · Postby **Dennis Michael** » March 7th, 2011, 4:58 pm

Brad,

You can believe whatever you want, that is your choice. Whether it is correct or not is a personal choice.

I have said numerous times, no contest in the magic area is done correctly. There are no set standards or more importantly behavior objective to judge any candidate. Each organization makes up their own rules appoints judges that have no training in objective scoring, or even have a valid scoring criteria sheet. Some make a crude attempt, other appoint bias judges and the list can go on-and-on. This goes for AMA, the IBM, the SAM, FISM, and the Merlin Award.

A simple example of this would be the scoring of the "Children Contests" in so many magic clubs, by mostly individuals who never performed regularly for children or would even know what a good or bad children performer would be. I see this time and time again. Another example, would a manipulator score another manipulator correctly? Absolutely not because there is so much bias in that manipulator, they would use their own experience, by which they would judge. One should have well designed objectives so each candidate would receive the exact same score in the same area as the next if they met the criteria. it is a complicated issue.

As an example, the World Magic Awards, is just the producer's awards given to those determined the winners by the producer. Is that OK? I loved the performers, and give all the winners in all the contests, a well deserved, congratulations, because I know the winners feel good about winning.

If one thinks for one second that the Oscars, Grammys or Golden Globe awards are not surrounded in politics and money, then one is truly naive about the Stars. Again we have the problem of mo physical behavior objectives to correctly score the candidates.

Brad, this is not negative on you, only to inform the readers there are many unanswered issues on ALL contests. Most will not accept this reality about contests because they have not been trained in expected behavior objective writing, let alone how to read them and use them to properly score the candidates.

-Dennis

Dennis Michael · Postby **Dennis Michael** » March 7th, 2011, 5:00 pm

Richard,

These IMS Local Chapters are new and in the process of setting up their perspective clubs in their areas.

Brad Henderson · Postby **Brad Henderson** » March 7th, 2011, 5:10 pm

Really? We're playing the 'no one else is perfect, so we dont need to attempt the minimum efforts' card?!?

That's who we want to claim to be the aribiter of the "highest honor in our field?"

Really?!?

And by your logic re kid show contests, by what right does tony hassini to speak as an authority on anything other than getting people to pay for awards and the production of crappy videos.

I'm just glad the the association of international kid show entertainers association just awarded me 'kid show magician of the century". The iksea has all the authority of the Ims. I presume I can use this award on my advertising materials with your support - any problems with me being awarded kid show magician of the decade? I presume kidabra recognizes that award, yes?

John B. Pyka · Postby **John B. Pyka** » March 7th, 2011, 5:18 pm

Hey! Bryan Dean is on the list of Board of Directors? He's the founder of MagicTalk, which I now own, and nobody has given me a dang Merlin!

Where's mine?

Oh, and you can openly criticize the IMS at www.magitalkforum.com as well. At least until Tony gives Big Daddy Cool a Merlin. Then you are just stuck with Genii.

Just kidding.

Not really.

:)

Brad Henderson · Postby **Brad Henderson** » March 7th, 2011, 6:31 pm

I want to apologize. In my previous post I found myself selling Tony hassini short. He is qualified to give awards not only for convincing people to pay for awards and for producing crappy videos, but also for sucking criss angel's a---ho1e. He has considerable skills with the latter. While the wms made a strong showing in the category this year, no one beats good ole Tony 'brown lips' hassini.
(or should that be 'green pockets' - not sure)

Master Payne · Postby **Master Payne** » March 7th, 2011, 6:46 pm

It's a scam? You mean my Doctor of Magic Degree is no good?

http://www.imsmagic.com/Magic_Shop/Doctor_of_Magic.php

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 7th, 2011, 7:51 pm

Details on obtaining your Doctor of Magic Degree from the IMS Website:

With the acquistion of the complete Magic Academy 50-Volume Course of Magic, the I.M.S. member is eligible to take a written and practical exam for the DOCTOR of MAGIC or D.M. DEGREE.

There is a one-time non-refundable $100.00 Examination Fee, in order for the Examination Auditors to grade the test. The fee is paid only once, so that even if the test is not passed the first time, the test can be taken again without paying the examination fee.

The exam may be taken as many times as is neccessary to pass. Once the exam is successfully passed, members receive a beautiful certificate that they will proudly hang in their office or home.

In order to submit your answers for the exam, please click on, print, and use the following cover sheet and answer sheets, as well as follow the printed instructions.

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

********************************

You can take the Doctor of Magic Test online!

To take the Doctor of Magic Exam, you must pay the examination fee. Then you will recieve the examination and answer sheet. To pay for your examination fee online, click the "Buy Now" button below and send a notice to the Board of Examiners, along with your test answers, to dmdegree@imsmagic.com. Thereafter, if you decide to take the test again, you can submit your answers to dmdegree@imsmagic.com.
(Please note: the button below is for Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account to use it. The system is set-up to accept any credit card you may have.)

Edward · Postby **Edward** » March 7th, 2011, 8:40 pm

Why not print out a degree from your home computer?

jason156 · Postby **jason156** » March 7th, 2011, 8:47 pm

Have there been any comments from those that frequent this forum who have actually received any of these "awards"?

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 7th, 2011, 10:13 pm

What do you expect a recipient to say? If the person has paid for the award they're not going to tell you.

Most people are happy to win any kind of award, and it makes for good PR.

jason156 · Postby **jason156** » March 7th, 2011, 10:34 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:What do you expect a recipient to say? If the person has paid for the award they're not going to tell you.

Most people are happy to win any kind of award, and it makes for good PR.

Richard, I purposely avoided naming any specific persons in my question, and the question was not directed at individuals I had never heard of or when the title of the award seemed particularly questionable. I am referring to those well known in the magic community who I have great respect for, and who have received many well deserved awards. Why have individuals such as Max Maven, Eugene Burger, and Harry Lorayne chosen to accept an award that many in the magic community consider a joke?

Tim Ellis · Postby **Tim Ellis** » March 7th, 2011, 11:34 pm

Speaking as an Australian, our IMS representative (Peter Balyck, who's been listed on the IMS site for many years) has never been seen at a club or convention that I'm aware of. If he holds meetings, he keeps them very secret indeed.

Richard Kaufman · Postby **Richard Kaufman** » March 7th, 2011, 11:59 pm

I'd accept an award if it was given to me. Why not? My daughter is very impressed by such things.

For anyone who likes to tout awards in their marketing to non-magicians, this stuff is gold. Look at all the mileage Criss Angel gets out of his IMS awards. People outside our field look at the titles and think they mean something.

Tim Ellis · Postby **Tim Ellis** » March 8th, 2011, 12:19 am

What if the deal was, you had to contribute some $$$ to the press launch of your award, or maybe donate a trick or a performance onto the upcoming IMS DVD?

Tim Ellis · Postby **Tim Ellis** » March 8th, 2011, 2:08 am

Mike Super just got ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR on March 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ve8F8anpHg

Next batch of Merlins will be presented at FLASOMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bwjgrv4MZk

Tim Ellis · Postby **Tim Ellis** » March 8th, 2011, 2:14 am

Just noticed that David Blaine has never won a Merlin...

Dennis Michael · Postby **Dennis Michael** » March 8th, 2011, 5:39 am

It is interesting to note, that individuals who dislike other entertainers, have a tendency to relate that to an award they receive.

Please note that my post is not to convince you which award is best or worst, most have made up their mind on that for a variety of reasons. I have heard the stories and they get bigger and better as they are repeated. I was told yesterday that so-in-so isn't going to win the FISM award because they didn't like him. (The details are unimportant.) It just validates that in every contest there is bias because there are no standards. Some on the surface may appear to have some criteria, yet to date no one has bothered to quantify the judging or even standardized it.

It was pointed out last night on the false claims that are on so many websites, yet this is more accepted by the magic society.

We are not a perfect organizations and there is a tendency to be negative of those who have succeeded especially when they have not.

I would not be surprised if those who critize the most have never met or held a conversation with Tony. Given the choice of saying one is a friend, or one is not, it generally hinges on what they say. Obviously, I am not impressed with what some say, and surprised that an organization like Genii allows this. There is a correlation on success and and one's command of the language they speak.

Who in our business who has the right to destroy another's good name or the good they have done for so many? Generally they are wannabes and jealous of others and not content on self-improvement, just enjoy or get some pleasure out of this. How sad this runs their life and actions.

Jonathan Townsend · Postby **Jonathan Townsend** » March 8th, 2011, 8:02 am

No Dennis, I just don't expect to take a short test after buying the back issues of Playboy to get a signed diploma stating that I'm a swanky man of class and style.

I applaud Steve Brooks for making a safe haven for the newbies and youngsters in magic and find that focus a higher priority than directly addressing the venal and personal issues which come up there too often for some here to deal with it would seem.

Have the IBM and SAM given recognition to Steve and the Caf? Such would seem a better way to build a path between the membership at the caf and the older in-person organizations IMHO.