* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #95 Date: Sunday 4th November 2001 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. "Mind Games", Marc Salem's Fast-Paced Mentalism Show 3. Canadian magician brought it to New Zealand 4. How About A Drink - A Card Trick By Ken Ward 5. Being Sold By Davenports After The War 6. In Issue *94 - Andy Fairbairn 7. LA Is Initiating Day Of The Child 8. Are You A Collectors' Workshop Item? 9. Houdini Day Competition 10. Lance introduces Houdini Stamp! 11. Looking For Houdini Photos With Tony Curtis 12. Performing In Singapore 13. Robbed By A Group Of Young Magicians 14. Are Sterling Magic Creations Still In business? 15. Greg Britt's Anti Bullying Show - Review 16. Rights Sold To Rod Junor Of Sydney NSW 17. Magic On The Beach Convention In Miami Beach 18. Mark Elsdon, (U.K.) lecture in New York 19. The Orchante Saga #49 20. Diarise these events 21. MagicNZ e-zine archives 22. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Message from Gabrielle Lyster (Las Vegas) This is the hardest email I have ever had to write. My mother lost her battle with cancer on Friday 2nd November at 3am. My father, sister and two brothers were at her side when she died. I had called earlier in the evening and my sister held the phone to her ear and I was able to tell her I was on my way and that I loved her very much. She went into a coma not long after that. She died on All Souls day in both our time frames. It was 9pm on Friday in Australia and 3am here in Las Vegas. I am on my way tonight to join the family. I will be checking emails daily if you want to contact me. Love Gabrielle Condolences can be sent to Bert Lyster and family at: blyster@tpg.com.au Gabrielle Lyster: glyster@lvdi.net ------------------------------------- It's hard to believe that the MagicNZ e-zine will be celebrating its third year of publication this week! We now have 3073 subscribers speed over 62 different countries. ----------------------------------------------------- Kent Cummins (Texan) magician has been contracted to present a lecture at the National Speakers Conference in Auckland New Zealand on Saturday 24th November. ----------------------------------------------------- Richard Webster's 75th book is being published this month. He is not sure which title will be number 75, as he has two books appearing in November. Several months ago "New Idea" magazine said that Richard was New Zealand's most successful author. These new books will make him the most prolific author in New Zealand. CONGRAUTIONS Richard looking forward to the party. ----------------------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. "Mind Games", Marc Salem's Fast-Paced Mentalism Show ---------------------------------- Message from Richard Webster (NZ) While in London I was fortunate enough to see "Mind Games", Marc Salem's fast-paced mentalism show in the Hampstead Theatre. I had been unable to see this show in New York and Detroit, and it looked as if I was going to miss out again, as the show was fully booked for its three-week run. Fortunately, Marc was able to get me a seat, so it was a case of third time lucky. Marc does an extremely funny, fast-paced show based on non-verbal communication. He warms up with items that appear to be logical and straight forward, and then gradually moves on to more and more impossible effects that leave his audiences gasping, and totally at a loss for any explanation. Marc Salem has more than paid his dues, and it is wonderful to see his well-deserved international success. He was the hit of the Edinburgh Festival, and in the week I was in London, he had full page write ups in both "The Daily Telegraph" and "The Daily Mail". If he plays anywhere near you, make sure to book early. Also, while in London I made a cold reading CD for Martin Breese. Fifteen years ago I made a MagiCassette on this subject for Martin, and it ended up being his most popular recording. It was re-released this year on CD. The new CD contains material that was not covered in the previous recording. If it sells well, we have plans to do another five CDs over the next twelve months. I am always happy to visit Britain, so have my fingers firmly crossed. ---------------------------------- 3. Canadian magician brought it to New Zealand ---------------------------------- Message from Richard Walls (NZ) My old mate, the late Ken Ward, always was a forgetful fellow! Seems his memory hasn't improved since he passed through "the veil'! He got "How About A Drink" from me. Whether it was before, during, or after I had the Nzedda Magic Studio in Dunedin, I do not know. But Nzedda sold it! I have an idea, Joe Stuthard, the Canadian magician brought it to New Zealand - commercially that is. It certainly wasn't a "Kiwi" original, as you indeed note. I must remind Ken next time he unexpectedly telephones from another yet another strange place! ------------------------------------- 4. How About A Drink - A Card Trick By Ken Ward ------------------------------------- Message from Jack Poulter (Canada) > Message from Message from Andy Fairbairn > > A card trick by Ken Ward > I do not know how I came to get this card trick. I do not remember being > shown it by any one. I just know that I have been doing it for the past 30 > or so years. ... I have never seen it in print. I have never > seen it sold. I do however; reserve the commercial rights to it. I have a copy of "Close-up Magic for Beginners" by Harry Baron (UK) published by Bell Publishing Limited (USA), which credits Kaye & Ward Ltd.(UK) with a copyright dated 1967. A very similar routine is described under the title of "Who'll buy the drinks?" I also have a copy of a Sphere paperback titled "Close-up Magic", with an original copyright of 1972, with the same effect. ---------------------------------- 5. Being Sold By Davenports After The War ---------------------------------- Message from Ivan Hannah (NZ) When Richard was running the 'NZEDDA' Magic Shop in Dunedin many years ago, I was helping him to do close-up demo's and selling when the shop was open to the public. I also used to run his small printing press, and one of the tricks we printed and sold was the mentioned "How about a Drink" trick, so it has been around for some time as you mention, it being sold by Davenports after the war. I remember Ken Ward vividly, as at the time he was a member of the Otago Magic Circle, I was doing escapology, and Ken helped me with several bits of apparatus which he produced on a lathe at his work at the Post Office. He also helped me to fashion some rather ingenious 'lock picks' which helped me in several endeavours over the years of my escape work. Ken was a great guy, and always willing to help his fellow magicians. I am sure the article in this weeks news will bring back many memories to other members of the original Otago Magic Circle. ------------------------------------- 6. In Issue *94 - Andy Fairbairn ------------------------------------- Message from Alfred Hayes (Aust) In Issue *94 - Andy Fairbairn associated "How About A Drink" four card effect with Ken Ward (who befriended me on many an occasion). I have always known it as "Win A Drink", merchandised by Canadian, Joe Stuthard. This irreplaceable gentleman was my mentor, not so much in magic, but, life itself. Born in Canada, he married the equally exceptional Kay, during the depression years. To live, they hand made small mice (attached to a thread), Joe peddling by demonstration in the streets for a 'dime'. During World War II he enlisted, entertaining Canadian, and other, forces. After WWII he toured around Great Britain's theatres, playing a week in each town location. They have appeared with many luminaries, just to mention one, Judy Garland. One of his acts was using Kay as a 'stooge' from the audience. Kay would sit through the entire show from start to finish, twice nightly - That's Professionalism! Joe wrote one book, "Stooging Around", now a rare collector's item. I was told, he was the first magician to do a gambling exposure with cards on BBC TV. The 'Stuthard Trophy' is still awarded each year by the Zodiac Magic Club, London. Joe, always the master with a Svengali Deck. One evening, during a London gig, The Magic Circle was entertaining, in their club quarters, a member of the Royal Family. They asked of Joe if he would appear on the programme, during the break between houses at the theatre he was playing. He did. Prior to arriving, he 'stooged' a member, giving him a svengali deck, saying that when he requested a pack of cards from the audience, he was to throw the svengali to him. That happened, but Joe fumbled the catch, the cards falling 'higgly-piggly' onto the platform floor ... horror of horrors ... no ... Joe in his unshakable style, picked up the 'mis-matched' cards and proceeded, receiving enthusiastic response. Two senior 'Circle' members were overheard to remark that it couldn't possibly have been a svengali. During a tour of the Middle East, one Prince was so impressed by Joe's performance, he gave him a pair of Gold Plates shoes, which on return to England, were left for safe-keeping in the Hands of Harry Barron. (Harry was a nephew of Jack Boughen who emmigrated to New Zealand and was founder of the "Canterbury Society of Magicians" in Christchurch) Harry was manager of Gamages magic section. Harry and his wife, Mary, were close friends of Joe and Kay. Harry and Joe went into partnership, using the first name of each of their ladies, thus, Kaymar magic was born. Joe invented the "Trilby Deck", which today, is a collector's item. After many years touring the circuit, enough had been saved to promote a variety show, which they took to New Zealand. Times were not favourable in the "Land of the Long White Cloud". They lost everything. Undaunted, Kay produced, hand to mouth, wax mice (it's that mouse on a thread again), while Joe street demonstrated for 2/- (two shillings). Eventually they made their passage across the Tasman Sea to Australia. I can recall backstage at a programme sponsored by the Sydney Ring IBM, member Sid Madden (manipulation cigarette and pipe act) set his table, covered it with a cloth, placing a sign reading, "Do Not Touch" ... Sid left his table alonside that of Joe's, previously set, but uncovered. Joe saw the sign, borrowed a cloth, covered his table with it and placed a sign on top reading, "Touch If You Want To". Such was his gifted humour and dexterous personality. Joe returned to demonstrating around Australia. He worked "Woolworth's" style stores and show-grounds. For many years I worked alongside him at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. He merchandised the Svengali and his version of Marked/Stripper Deck, also three main 2/6 (25c) tricks: Three Shell Game - Find The Ace (Ace was printed red, the 2 and 3 black) - and, "Win A Drink" (the four card effect refered to at the start). To me, the originator of this fine bar con, remains unknown ... it could have been Joe, or Ken, maybe another unknown ... but, due it's history, I would consider it now to be 'unrestricted' ... and I'm afraid I can not ask Joe, or Kay ... they have long been called by The Greatest Magician, but, memories left behind of so many wide-ranging happy times, live on. ---------------------------------- 7. LA Is Initiating Day Of The Child ---------------------------------- Message from Jeff Ezell Hi Everyone, Brandon Scott says he may need some help this season...here is the info: 1) I am looking for magicians to handle my overflow for the holidays, so if anyone has electronic press kits, please send, both for strolling and for banquet, on stage. 2) This year the city of LA is initiating DAY OF THE CHILD, like father's day and mother's day..... A huge celebrity charity event will take place NOV 11 in Santa Monica... Any magicians who would like to donate an hour to entertain kids who basically are in foster homes. There will be about 2,500 kids there. IF anyone is interested in being a mentor and spending A couple days a month with a kid, (lets say one of the kids is interested in Magic, then It would be really cool). Thanks for your attention Brandon Scott. funnymagicman@yahoo.com ---------------------------------- 8. Are You A Collectors' Workshop Item? ---------------------------------- Message from George Robinson Are you currently performing a Collectors' Workshop item? If so, I need your help. I would like to update our video catalog and thought it would be a great idea to use real performers from all over the world in it. I would like anyone interested to submit a video clip of a performance of any CW item in your show. I need the whole CW effect, but not your entire act. Just the CW items you care to submit. The video must be as sharp and clear as you can make it, in US format/VHS or better yet, 3/4" tape, along with clear audio. All the tapes will be edited if need be by us, and then assembled into our new CW video catalog. All videos become the property of Viking Mfg./Collectors' Workshop and will not be returned. What's in it for you? First and foremost our sincere thanks and appreciation. If we use your takes, you also receive the following: A free copy of the new video catalog with you in it. A fifty dollar gift certificate to use against any purchase over $200.00 from our CW line. And each time we advertise the video, your name will be mentioned in rotation, so all of you will see print many times in all the major magazines. For more information inquire: haenchen@msn.com ---------------------------------- 9. Houdini Day Competition ---------------------------------- Message from Ken Bates (NZ) On Sunday last the Palmerston North magicians came over to Wanganui for dinner and to compete in the annual Houdini Day competition for the Houdini Trophy which was give by Robyn Lucus. Once again Wanganui won the trophy. Bob Loader did a book test which fooled every one including the magicians wives who were doing the judging. The magician from Palmerston North with the most points was a 16 years old named Joel .with a card prediction. We had a lot of fun, good food and some good magic. We run this every year on the nearest Sunday to Halloween. ---------------------------------- 10. Lance introduces Houdini Stamp! ---------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) Here's a report on a sensational little show that Lance Burton put on for us here in Las Vegas, introducing the new Houdini postage stamp, which will be available on November 7th at your local post office. I haven't figured out how to work the scanner yet, but it will soon be seen on hundreds of letters, etc. The show started at the Lance Burton theater at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, about 1 pm. First we saw the footage of Lance's daring roller coaster escape from an earlier TV special, and then Lance entertained us with multiple passe bottles and glasses. He then introduced the famous Tony Curtis after telling us some very interesting and little known facts about the great Harry Houdini. He then introduced the Postmaster of Las Vegas, and they unveiled the new Houdini Stamp. But it didn't stop there! Lance proceeded to do the famous upside down, straight jacket escape, while hanging suspended over the stage (by his feet), right in front of a giant replica of the Houdini 34 cent stamp. He was assisted by Tony Curtis and our postmaster. Together, they then held a press conference for the media, and Lance (who never forgets his old friends) came out to the lobby and chatted with us, while posing for photo opportunities, for anyone who wanted to take a picture with him. Present were Harry Monti (of SAM fame), Gary Darwin, Dondrake, Tim Carlsson, Darin Race, David Darkstone, Sam Martin (our club videographer), Kevin Menard, Will Roya, and many other members of the Darwin magic club, as well as many international post office officials, and of course the press. The event was covered by 3 TV channels, and several news papers, to kick off National Magic week. It was a very entertaining show, and as usual, Lance was his wonderful, warm self. If you are ever in Las Vegas, and you haven't seen Lance's show, you should be ashamed of yourself. It is by far one of the best magic shows ever! I just thought that my fellow e-zine readers should know what a nice person Lance Burton really is, in giving up his day off to help the community, as usual. IMHO Lance is the best! Have a happy, magical week. ---------------------------------- 11. Looking For Houdini Photos With Tony Curtis ---------------------------------- Message from Wayne Bernath WAINBERN@aol.com Anyone looking for Houdini photos with Tony Curtis please let me know I took my own photos of Lance and Tony Curtis and have a variety to offer plus a press release. LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: NEWS: PHOTO: Homage to Houdini ---------------------------------- 12. Performing In Singapore ---------------------------------- Message from James Sleight (Aust) I will be performing in Singapore again for 6 weeks between the 19th of November and the 2nd of January 2002 so if anyone is passing through I would love to catch up. You can email me on mail@wcentertainment.com ---------------------------------- 13. Robbed By A Group Of Young Magicians ---------------------------------- Message from Brett Sears (US) Bill Brewe, a Cincinnati magician and magic shop owner, was unfortunately robbed by a group of young magicians who stole posters, books, and other apparatus over the course of several years. The props were sold in the US and abroad, and a criminal investigation is ongoing. The magic community should be aware of the theft in order to keep a look out for this stolen, often irreplaceable magic. You could get more details from Artie Kidwell, if you haven't been in contact with someone about this already. His # is : 859-491-1313. Also, let me know by reply what I can do to help. It's important that we get the word out and try and recover as much of this stolen property as possible. ---------------------------------- 14. Are Sterling Magic Creations Still In business? ---------------------------------- Message from Adrian Parnell (South Africa) As I think you may recall, I have been busy for the last two years disposing of the magic effects for one of our brothers who passed away and who probably had the biggest collection of effects ever amassed in South African magical history. I am almost at the end now and have run into a problem with two items, both coin effects. Do you know, or maybe someone else will know, if Sterling Magic Creations are still in business? If so does anybody have their e-mail address? Failing this does anybody have the instructions for their "China Change" effect or perhaps help me to put something together. I am not sure whether, in fact, I have all the components. If Jon Racherbaumer subscribes to your magazine and sees this plea for help, perhaps he could contact me (adrianpa@nedcor.com), as he talks about China Change in the instructions for the Mandarin Mystery Coin effect he put out in 1976, and which is the second coin effect with which I am having a problem. ---------------------------------- 15. Greg Britt's Anti Bullying Show - Review ---------------------------------- Message from Mike Easterbrook (NZ) I caught up with a couple of magicians last week. Greg Britt doing his anti bullying shows for some schools with his sponsors. I caught the show at the Onerahi Primary and the kids thought it was 'pretty good' He got the message across. The interaction with the vent puppet was a highlight and I thought he could do a lot more with this. The kids loved it. I wasn't sure about the number of cookies given out as rewards but again the kids were keen to get one. Not sure what the teachers thought! Some tricks were related to the anti bullying message (I did notice a couple of errors on the brochure) and others weren't. The Cookie Muncher made an appearance with a lot of interaction again between Greg, the kids and Cookie Muncher. Greg has worked hard on promoting the show and is well booked up for next year. I also caught up with Greg Hudson, itinerant Aussie, who is also doing school shows and was at my wife's school just down the road. I did not see the show as I had a builder here, but Robyn said the kids really enjoyed his performance. I spent the next day with Greg doing a 'tiki tour' of the North's better beaches and we talked magic a little (read, a lot) on the trip. We enjoyed a couple of beers and fish & chips at Wellington's Bay and wondered what the poor people were doing! Greg does cruise ships between schools and is working up his Hypnosis act. We had a discussion about Doc Eason's Bill in the Lemon and decided that the one he does on his show video is not the same as the one on the Bar Magic Tapes attributed to Steve Spill. Very interesting. We wondered how magicians were doing this now as the new notes (bills) are not able to be torn so easily for a corner I.D. The signature is a good idea but...........?? ---------------------------------- 16. Rights Sold To Rod Junor Of Sydney NSW ---------------------------------- Message from Graham Etherington (NZ) I'd be surprised if the " How About A Drink - A Card Trick By Ken Ward Message from Andy Fairbairn" didn't get a flood of mail but just in case:- Thought you might like to know, Canadian, the late Joe Stuthard was performing and selling this trick long before I first met him which was in 1954. He sold them in Canada, England, America and Australia (that I know of). He used to pitch magic at each Royal Agriculture Show held in the capitol city of each state here in Australia. Amongst many of Joe's inventions was the Trilby Deck. The rights to his magic were sold to Rod Junor of Sydney NSW. I understand they may have since been sold to 2 Melbourne magicians, I think Jeff Conrau and John Cairns or Rex Reeves. I'm not sure if they purchased the rights or just the stock that was left. http://www.mrtricks.com.au ---------------------------------- 17. Magic On The Beach Convention In Miami Beach ---------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibanez, President, Florida Magicians Association Just a reminder that the mid-year meeting is this Sunday morning at the Magic On The Beach Convention in Miami Beach. Please let me know if you will be there and whether or not you have an item to be placed on the agenda. Thank you in advance and hope to see you there. www.Merlina.com ---------------------------------- 18. Mark Elsdon, (U.K.) lecture in New York ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) Mark Elsdon of Llandudno, U.K. is lecturing in New York City this week end. He will head to Florida next week. Nov. 16 - Tallahassee, Nov. 17 - Jacksonville, Nov. 18 (Sunday - 3:00 P.M) Orlando. Mark has written several books: "Eye-Popping Magic" and "Gripping Magic" will be on sale at his lectures. He has just left a 3-month booking in southern Spain. Information on lecture in Orlando contact: Bev Bergeron Bevbergero@aol.com ---------------------------------- 19. The Orchante Saga #49 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) I can resist everything, except temptation - Oscar Wilde Here's how I 'saw ' it. After being 'caught out' in the bar by Sharon, 'red handed' as it were, I wasn't a very happy man, as you might imagine. We'd had an almighty 'row' in the hotel office, which had also served as my dressing room, during which, according to Sharon, I had threatened to push my sword so far down my throat - it would come out of my - 'arse'! Well, at least it was original - it really is amazing what comes out of one's gob when in shirt (that's one R too many) street- without a shovel! I had a show to do within the hour and I wasn't really up to 'facing the music', afterwards. In fact, I had developed a rather nasty streak of yellow, right down my spine! How do I get out of this one? During the sword swallowing, I just kind of, 'snapped'. Sally's description of what happened is basically right, what she didn't know was that it was a deliberate, desperate, and unintentionally dramatic, to say the least - way to get out of an awkward situation, for the time being. Once the security lads had carried me into the office I decided to go the whole hog. I placed myself into a self-imposed hypnotic trance and, although I was 'sort of 'aware of what was going on around me, with self-hypnosis I was able to totally ignore it, even to the extent that I didn't realise that Sharon was also in the ambulance- in a terrible state of turmoil, obviously thinking that I had actually carried out my earlier threat, with the sword swallowing. Sharon says that we arrived at the hospital around 11pm but the doctors wouldn't let her see me until 2:00am! On top of everything else, what really upset her, to put it mildly, was that all I could say to her was "what great publicity". What an absolute!!**!!!^**!!@??? total (unprintable) I was! I spend the entire night in hospital - the doctors had placed a drip feed into my arm - and I could hear them discussing whether or not to open me up to see if I had perforated my stomach or not! This unintentional performance hit the New Zealand airwaves, big-time. Lou and Simon, New Zealand's top comedy duo of the time, were performing in Invercargill (the southernmost city of the South Island) that night - heard the news on the radio down there - they, and many other kiwi entertainers who had also heard the news, rang the hospital. Nationwide Publicity - all free! Eight or 9 o'clock the next morning, I decided it was about time that I brought myself 'around' - and explained that it is possible to ' heal' one's self through the use of hypnotic and yoga techniques - I received some very strange looks and sideways glances. As I booked myself out of the hospital, the doctors expressed their disappointment - they were looking forward to 'opening me up' and operating - to discover just what sort of damage a sword - swallower could do to himself! They weren't fooling me - they just wanted some 'payback time' for pulling the wool over their eyes! I couldn't blame them really! I count myself most fortunate indeed - I have two wonderful sons, both now in their thirties, with delightful children of their own, all beautiful girls, (not surprising really - they've inherited their grandfather's ' good looks'-ha ha) they and their mother, my ex wife Sharon, forgave my indiscretion years ago and, along with her husband John, the nicest fellow you could ever hope to meet, not only deign to talk to me, we're all great friends as well as - family! I have a wonderful wife, Veronica, who has faithfully stuck with me through thick and thin, good times and bad, for 30 years and for 99.999 per cent of that time, we have been together practically 24 hours-a-day! Now, is that some sort of record? I love them all, dearly! So, what became of- and just who was, the 'red headed'-ice berg! WHY, I Married Her, Of Course! She Was, Still Is, My Wife---Veronica!!! ------------------------------------- 20. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Auckland Friday 28th to Monday 31st December 2001. For The registration form, Convention programme & The Official Competition Form go to: www.magician.co.nz/convention2.html ------------------------------------- 21. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: ezine Password: newzealand When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001nov0699.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (nov06) and the last next two numbers the year (99) If you want to print copies of MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive ------------------------------------- 22. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the MagicNZ e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via MagicNZ e-zine. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions as we see fit. >> This publication may be freely redistributed to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY << © Copyright 2001 Alan Watson