* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #175
Date: Sunday 18th May 2003
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. A Huge Loss To The Magic - Clifford Warne
  3. David Devant - First President Of The Magic Circle - Honoured
  4. PCAM Update
  5. I.B.M. Conventions 2004 & 2005
  6. Magic’s History And The “Mantle Of Magic”
  7. The Ireland Conclave
  8. Another Great Venue For MAGIC!
  9. Doc Eason Bar Magic At The Castle
  10. Vito Lupo Lecture Workshop - Magic Club Of Milan, Italy
  11. 2004 Convention In St. Louis
  12. Joyce Basch In The News
  13. Magical Dinner Cruise On The Southern Breeze Paddle-Wheel
      Riverboat
  14. FISM Hotel Room Wanted
  15. Perth West Coast Magic Convention - News And Update
  16. Looking To Buy A Vanishing Dove Cage
  17. Joel Howlett - Stars Of Tomorrow Show - S.A.M. Convention
  18. Go see a LIVE MAGIC SHOW!!
  19. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Vol. Two - The Australian Years
      Magic New Zealand
  20. Fukai's Magic Convention In Osaka
  21. e-zine archives
  22. Subscription Management

------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
-------------------------------------
Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One

Kent Blackmore from Australia sent the following sad news:

“Clifford Warne passed away on Thursday May 14th of a heart attack.
He was a highly respected and experienced television entertainer,
public speaker, writer and motivator. Clifford's talents and
friendship will be sadly missed by all.”

Note from Editor:
Clifford was very innovative and had the natural ability to 
commercialise magic routines for the lay audience especially 
television programmes.  He was a real gentleman and was held in 
very high regard by his peers.

--------------------------------------
GREAT NEWS from Paulo Roberto Martins (Brazil) 21 magicians from Sao
Paulo, Brazil have successfully sued TV Globo for loss of income
from screening the Masked Magician series - for the full report go to:
http://cnn.worldnews.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMa
p=viewThis&etMailToID=1384033572

--------------------------------------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

----------------------------------
2. A Huge Loss To The Magic - Clifford Warne
----------------------------------
Message from Greg Britt (NZ)

The passing away of Clifford Warne in Sydney this week comes as a
huge loss to the magic fraternity.  I remember meeting Clifford at a
Christchurch New Zealand) Magicians Conference years ago, his
subject 'Love Your Audience!'

Since then I have had the pleasure of appearing on his T V shows.
This was the beginning of much wise advice and creative help in
weaving a story or routine with the tricks.

There was always a very warm welcome and a dinner out with Clifford
when we went to Sydney. Clifford always fitted in as one of our
family.  His Christian faith was real. He didn't have to preach it,
he lived it and this is one magician who I will never forget for his
acts of kindness.

Our current show 'Kool Kids Care'  touring N Z schools has become
one of our most successful ventures yet, thanks to the hours of
input from Clifford and his ability to write great material that
works. Farewell Clifford.  You are gone, but never forgotten.

Until we meet again.
Greg Britt (ELGREGOE)
& Family

------------------------------------
3. David Devant - First President Of The Magic Circle - Honoured
-------------------------------------
Message from David Beckley (UK)

On Monday June 2nd, the memory of David Devant, the first President
of The Magic Circle, will be honoured with the unveiling of an
English Heritage Blue Plaque.

The Ceremony will take place at 11.00am outside Ornan Court, Ornan
Road NW3 where he lived at the height of his career.

The original application to English Heritage was made in 1996 by the
Executive Curator of The Magic Circle Museum, John Fisher.

John said today “I am absolutely delighted that David Devant, who
was an important figure in the history of both magic and The Magic
Circle, is being honoured in this way. I am also grateful to English
Heritage for their support of our application.”

The Ceremony will be attended by John Fisher and Michael Bailey,
President of The Magic Circle. All those with an interest in the
history of magic are welcome to attend.

David Beckley:

Press Officer, The Magic Circle

----------------------------------
4. PCAM Update
----------------------------------
Message from Shawn Farquhar (Canada)

I wanted to drop you all an email to give you an update on the
Pacific Coast Association of Magicians convention coming to
Coquitlam, BC Canada during the BC Day long weekend (July 31st -
August 3rd). We have booked an outstanding cast of talent including
Greg Frewin who I am sure you will recall from one of his many
appearances on NBC's World's Greatest Magic series.

I have also booked Joshua Jay, columnist for MAGIC who will be
lecturing and performing the same material he will present at the
upcoming FISM (world magic congress); Aldo Colombini, former FISM
winner and a favorite of anyone who loves great magic; Julie Eng,
cover girl for the IBM's Linking Ring; Oscar Munoz the IBM Gold Cups
winner and last years SAM winner; Eric Buss and John Shyrock who
have both performed on the Magic and Illusions tour and rocked the
PCAM in Calgary; Diamond Jim Tyler from Texas who is the author of a
"Pocket full of Miracles" and winner of numerous awards from the
Texas association of magicians; Reed McClintock, an underground
genius with coins and cards, will leave you shaking your heads
during his late night sessions; Sean Bogunia who has risen quickly
in the world of magic with his incredible creation of the one man
dancing handkerchief..you just have to see it to believe it; Jeff
McLeod who won hands down the PCAM ProChallenge last year; and yours
truly Shawn Farquhar who will be coming home from my first attempt
at competing at FISM.

Oh did I mention the talent competing in the General contests? The
ProChallenge? The Bag"O"Tricks? The One Hand cut-a thon produce by
none other than us the members of SAM #95 along with our own version
of the Weakest Link and a whole lot of other fun we plan to add? No
I guess I didn't mention that stuff! We will also have magic vendors
like Tony's Trick and Joke, Vanishing Rabbit (Calgary), Daytona
Magic (Florida), Showplace Magic (Utah), Kelvin Chun (Hawaii), Plus
Magic (California), William Pierce (California), Gizmoz (Vancouver)
and whole lot more..

I realize many of you will not be able to make the weekend due to
other commitments but I just wanted to make sure you knew what the
Pacific Coast Association of Magicians convention is all about. Ten
years ago when it last came to BC many magicians did not get to
attend since it sold out and they were upset that they had not been
"properly informed" of the value of the convention until it was too
late. This time I won't make the same mistake.

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy and doing what you
love. Lori, Hannah and I are having the time of our lives as we
travel around the world on the ms Norwegian SKY, sharing our magic.
Last week we premiered the Ashra Levitation with Hannah (2 1/2 years
old now) who appeared in the center of the audience..a proud moment
for Mom and Dad!

Keep well,
Shawn Farquhar

----------------------------------
5. I.B.M. Conventions 2004 & 2005
----------------------------------
Message from Mindy Burden (US)

The I.B.M. Convention will be in Cleveland, Ohio in 2004--home of
the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns,
Cleveland Indians, and Drew Carey. Cleveland Rocks! The hotel
headquarters will be the 4-Diamond Renaissance Cleveland Hotel,
which connects to over 100 shops, restaurants, and cinemas. The
I.B.M. special hotel rate is $99 per night. In addition, Cleveland
is easily accessible via Southwest or Continental airlines and the
Light Rail Rapid Transit service takes you from the airport to the
hotel for $1.50. The Renaissance Hotel is adjacent to the Music Hall
theater.

In 2005, the I.B.M. Convention will be in Reno, Nevada. Reno is
surrounded by natural beauty and you can enjoy casino gaming, top
name entertainment, or a side trip to Lake Tahoe. Our headquarters
hotel is the Reno Hilton, which features 10 superb restaurants,
nightly entertainment and dancing, FunQuest Family Center with laser
tag, a bowling center, health club, swimming pool, tennis courts,
golf simulator, shopping mall, go karts, and a thrill ride. All for
$99 per night. The Hilton Theater will host our shows.

And don't forget Kansas City in 2003! The fantastic talent line-up
is a 'don't miss' Convention!

----------------------------------
6. Magic’s History And The “Mantle Of Magic”
----------------------------------
Message from Phil Temple (US)

- Historical Fact or Fictional Folly? -

Too frequently in recent years, erroneous information pertaining to
magic’s fabled “line of succession” and America’s great magicians
from the “Golden Age of Magic” has appeared in the major
publications for our art. Upon researching such claims, the reader
will find that these reports are more aptly suited for the “urban
legend” catagory rather than factual historical reporting.

First, there is no documentable “lineage” of America’s top magicians
from the past, as claimed. The names of Herrmann, Kellar, Thurston
and Dante are always included when recounting this illusive lineage,
but if such a lineage did exist, why aren’t the names of Houdini and
Blackstone, Sr. a part of it?

Magic history records that Alexander Herrmann was the first of
America’s prominently successful magicians. With Herrmann’s
unexpected death in 1896, Harry Kellar assumed the position of
America’s #1 magician.

In 1908, Kellar retired and publicly announced Howard Thurston as
his “Successor.” This acknowledgement was recorded by the Strobridge
Lithograph Co. with the printing of the now famous “Mantle of Magic”
poster.

After securing his place as America’s #1 magician, Thurston created
a second show and placed Harry Jansen at the head of it. Jansen was
given the professional name of “Dante” by Thurston, and asked to
leave the country by his mentor until such time as Thurston retired.
(America could not support two major magic and illusion shows at the
time). The billing for the second unit of his show was always
“THURSTON Presents Dante,” and there was never public mention of
“successor” throughout their long business association. Behind the
scenes, however, Thurston continually dangled the carrot of
"successor" before his protégé', but the public acknowledgment of
such an arrangement was never to be. Thurston suffered a stroke and
died in 1936 without making the public aware of his choice.
Thereafter, Dante never promoted himself as Thurston’s “successor.”

In June of 1939, while appearing in England, Dante selected and
publicly announced his “successor,” an English magician by the name
of Stuart Raw, professionally known as “Merlin.” Returning to the
United States with Dante, Stuart died in a sanitarium on May 22,
1942, a penniless and broken man after Dante failed to honor their
agreement of succession.

By 1950, Dante was, for all intent and purposes, retired from
performing full-time. Magic was basically “dead” in the United
States, quite possibly done-in by the new entertainment medium known
as television. In the December issue of Genii Magazine that same
year, Dante offered his old show props and related equipment for
sale. In a 1954 letter, Dante wrote to a California magician, “I
think we have one target in mind, to create a new, up-to-date
Master, tops, A-1 Magician.” (Through his use of the words “create a
new - A-1 Magician,” it would appear that Dante did not feel such a
person existed at the time). There is no mention of this new
magician being Dante’s “successor,"

On June 16, 1955, Dante died. The aforementioned business agreement
was never concluded and the goal of “creating a ..NEW, tops, A-1
Magician” was never met. At the time of his death, Dante had not
publicly announced his successor, nor was he publicly succeeded by
anyone. Four years later, the magician in question retired from
performing fulltime and became a real estate salesman.

35 years later, the aforementioned performer/real estate salesman
set about to establish his right as Dante’s “successor, “ with the
published statement that he had not claimed to be Dante’s successor
at the time of his death because “Dante’s name was of no box office
value at the time.” I leave it to the reader to discern the validity
of his claim.

In an effort to set the record straight, and as a published magic
historian, it is my opinion that the recorded history of our art
should be based on fact - and not what might have been.

Site Host note: Phil Temple is the author of the definitive Dante
biography, "DANTE - The Devil Himself," as well as "The
Thurston-Dante Letter Set," "Our Life of Magic" (Thurston), "KELLAR
Revisited," and the "Thurston scrapbook" (Grace Thurston
manuscript).

----------------------------------
7. The Ireland Conclave
----------------------------------
Message from Bev Bergeron (US)

We are back from performing and lecturing in Limerick, Ireland at
the IBM Ring No. 85 and Munster Society of Magicians - annual
convention. The convention was not only a big success, but also one
of the most "user friendly" conclaves we have ever attended.

Acts on the Gala Show were: Gathal Costello, Compere; Plenty
O'Rourke Dancers, traditional Irish dancers; Terence Andrews; Tony
Shelly; Bob Wooding; Magical Mayhem; Zane, illusions; intermission;
Plenty O'Rourke Dancers; Peter Blackthorn; John Derris; Zane, more
illusions; Bev Bergeron; Rafael. Long show, but the audience stayed
to the end.

The lectures were: Tony Van Rheas, Bob Wooding, Alex "The Count"
Lesley, and Bev Bergeron (me again)

Special children shows were held around the City of Limerick with:
The Great Padini and Lisa also about fifteen other magicians.

The men who put it all together were: Terence Andrews, Chairman;
Paddy Ward, Secretary and the man who was everywhere at all times:
Vincent Finucane, Treasurer Comments: The fun and magic was in the
pub. I was able to perform some impromptu magic - like the glass
vanish standing up, on the pub show. My lecture was well received
because the quality of magicians that attended it - many young ones.
The convention organizers did not have too many lectures and allowed
the registrants to enjoy themselves every night in the pub. There
was magic everywhere - the way it should be at a conclave. On the
contest night show, the committee allowed me to perform with a
minute's notice, one of my sham acts where I get hit in the mouth
and spit out over a hundred "teeth." Sean Brannigan, without any
rehearsal, stepped in and played the performer in the skit.

If you want to have fun, attend this one next year. We finished off
the Irish tour by meeting in Dublin with singers: Maura Erskine and
Billy Finnegan plus their music director Miles Jones. I get to
perform with them every year when they come to the States for St.
Patrick Day shows. Oh, almost forgot, while spending a night in the
Dromoland Castle, we ran into Mel Gibson in the pub. No, I didn't
show him a card trick.

----------------------------------
8. Another Great Venue For MAGIC!
----------------------------------
Message from Jeff Ezell (US)

David Groves has done it again. Finding another place to keep magic
alive outside of the Castle. Support Magic whenever you can.

Here is the info..starts Wednesday Evening May 14th:

JOHNNY GURU
When you start a new magic cabaret, you need to start out with a big
splash. Well, our new cabaret is in lovely Brentwood, it starts on
May 14, and our big splash is Johnny Ace Palmer. Since the Castle is
closed on Wednesday for a corporate party, it's only logical that
you should attend.

Everyone needs a magic guru, and as you all know, mine was Johnny
Ace Palmer. The Green Street Restaurant was our temple, and the
seekers were a bunch of aspiring ascetic magicians who hung out
there every Thursday night without fail. We would joke and laugh and
visit, and every so often, a scrap of wisdom would fall from
Johnny's table and we would all scramble to gobble it up.

It was at Green Street in Pasadena that I first saw Johnny perform
the bright, shining glory that is Torn & Restored Transpo, which is
now a shiny gold nugget in my own repertoire, thank you. It was at
Green Street that Johnny and I first brainstormed and came up with
the first version of Card in the Shoe ever to use a shuttle pass, an
innovation later widely ripped off (it's published in Johnny's
lecture notes, if you're interested, and it kills!). It was at Green
Street that I first learned how to give the illusion of being
completely fair and up front with the spectators when, in fact,
you're deceiving the huaraches off them.

The process of becoming a master, of course, can begin with such
mentorship. The job of a mentee is to grow and encompass one's
mentor, and from such copying, find one's one individual vision. I
studied Johnny thoroughly. I watched his promo videotape 70 or 80
times. I started practicing tricks backwards, as he had famously
done in preparation for his FISM competition. (to continue reading
the anecdote about JOHNNY GURU, scroll down. . . . )

The magicians at our premier Brentwood Magic Cabaret include:

JOHNNY ACE PALMER's achievements in the world of magic are
legendary. When Johnny earned the title of world-champion magician
in 1988, it was in a competition that included magicians from 47
countries. In addition, Johnny was voted Best Close-up Magician at
the Magic Castle two years in a row (after two years of winning,
magicians become ineligible for further competition in this
category).

Johnny's television credits include:
o Dick Clark Presents
o World's Greatest Magicians at the Magic Castle (CBS)
o Life Styles with Regis Philbin
o Jerry Lewis' MDA Labor Day Telethon
o Mad About You television series

In 1994, the Library of Congress featured Johnny in an exhibit about
magic. He has also performed magic for Disney (the opening of
California Adventure), Warner Brothers (Harry Potter), and Caesars
Palace, among other venues.

GLENN AGA just moved to Los Angeles, but he's taken this town by
storm.

He's won a Best Close-up Magician award at SCAM, and his silent silk
act and witty standup routine are so good that he's performed at
Magic in the 'Burbs a couple times already and has a standing
invitation to return anytime, Glenn, anytime.

Glenn is an active member of our secret subculture, and in fact
seems to be drawn to secret subcultures: As an Air Force officer,
Glenn was awarded citations from the Director of Central
Intelligence and several other medals and citations. Glenn also
distinguished his service as a White House Military Social Aide
during the Clinton Administration.

Today, Glenn is an executive at Oracle, but his heart lies with
magic. He is a co-producer of Brentwood Magic Cabaret, and will
periodically trade emcee duties with me.

Hosting this great new venue will be yours truly, DAVID GROVES,
known for my book, BE A STREET MAGICIAN: A HOW-TO GUIDE (Aha! Press,
1998, $30), but also for my regular appearances at the Magic Castle
and at Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Complex (in front of the
Kodak Theatre) in the summer. Doing magic on the Westside is
exciting for me personally, since I spent many years living on the
Westside before being exiled to Diamond Bar, and thus have quite a
few good friends within a few minutes' drive of Brentwood.

JOHNNY GURU, continued. . . .

And that's why I hit the street, too, because I wanted to practice
as much as Johnny had - - six hours a day - - in preparation for
FISM.

Just watching Johnny perform is a religious experience. That's why
it's so rewarding to see his show again and again, to bring friends
to see him, to show them what magic can really be, if you push
everything to the absolute exponential limit.


BRENTWOOD MAGIC CABARET

Wednesday, May 14
6:30 - 9 pm
Table-to-table magic 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Cabaret show 7:30 - 9 pm


El Dorado Cantina
11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, CA 90049
310.207.0150

Reservations: To make sure you get a seat, you can make reservations
by phone or e-mail. However, reservations are not required.

Directions: It's in Brentwood on San Vicente Blvd near where it
intersects Montana Ave.

FROM THE 405 FREEWAY, exit Wilshire and head west, veer Right at
first light, which is San Vicente Blvd. You will curve around to the
left, and El Dorado Cantina is just past the Whole Foods Market on
the right side, just short of Montana Ave.

FROM THE WESTSIDE, take 26th Street north, R on San Vicente Blvd.,
continue into Brentwood area, make a U-turn on Barrington. El Dorado
Cantina is just past the Whole Foods Market on the right side, just
short of Montana Ave.

For more detailed directions, go to
www.eldoradocantina.com/directions.html.

Parking: $4.50 valet parking. Or, street parking is available, and
some streets are metered, but most not after 6 pm.

Admission: $10 + 2-drink minimum. Dinner is recommended. If you buy
dinner, admission is reduced to $5. For an online menu and prices,
go to www.eldoradocantina.com/menu.html.

----------------------------------
9. Doc Eason Bar Magic At The Castle
----------------------------------
Message from Jeff Ezell (US)

My good friend, Doc Eason will be in town soon doing Bar Magic at
the Castle.

While he is in town, he would like to lecture. If you can help to
arrange a lecture for him, e-mail him immediately. Your help is
appreciated. I am including his original e-mail to me for you to
read.

Doc Eason's Rocky Mountain Magic, Inc.
P.O. Box 50 Basalt, CO 81621
970 927-3197 Fax; 970 927-3749
orders only 1-800-594 7771

www.doceason.com

------------------
I am scheduled to do a 4 day stint at the Castle June 4-7 .. I know
this is late but what do you think the chances are to mount a
lecture somewhere in the LA area (not at the castle.. just did it 
last year)..any thoughts?

----------------------------------
10. Vito Lupo Lecture Workshop - Magic Club Of Milan, Italy
----------------------------------
Message from Vito Lupo

Vito Lupo Lecture Workshop, Magic Club of Milan, Italy.
Thursday, May 22, 2003, at 21:00h. Contact: Alberto Torri

Vito Lupo Lecture Workshop, Torino Friday, May 23, 2003 21:00h
Contact and or information, www.sales.it

Festival: Torino "Festival of Magic Colle Don Bosco" - Asti
Friday, May 23, -Sunday, May 25, 2003

Finale Show, Sunday, May 25 at 15h30
Performing Magical Artists include: Arturo Brachetti, Berry, Dani
Lary, Vito Lupo, Luca and Tino, Sales and surprise guests....

The weekend event will take place under a Big Top with 2000
spectators

Previous Artist included Gaetan Bloom Ali Bongo, Tommy Wonder, Otto
Wesley, Mak Roney and Aldo Colmbibini...

The aim of this magical event is to aid Salesian missions to assist
those children in need. For further information, www.sales.it

----------------------------------
11. 2004 Convention In St. Louis
----------------------------------
Message from Virginia Apperson - Registration Chairman

The Society of American Magicians will have their 2004 convention in
St. Louis, Missouri on July 07 - 08 - 09 - 10. That is Wednesday
through Saturday. It will be at the Adams Mark Hotel located right
on the Mississippi River and almost directly under the Gateway Arch.

----------------------------------
12. Joyce Basch In The News
----------------------------------
Message from Jheff

As I was surfing online this morning for a totally unrelated subject
in the field of magic, I found this newly posted article about one
of our members. It's a great article. Congratulations, Joyce! (Click
on the link below to go to the article. If the link doesn't work,
then cut and paste the whole line into your browser)

www.seniorworld.com/life/life_hobbies/Ms_gician.html

Have a magically great day. – Jheff

----------------------------------
13. Magical Dinner Cruise On The Southern Breeze Paddle-Wheel
Riverboat
----------------------------------
Message from Maria Ibanez (US)

Announcing A Special Event

Enjoy a magical dinner cruise on The Southern Breeze paddle-wheel
riverboat.

The 90 minute cruise includes dinner and a show starring our special
guest Bob Sheets giving a private command performance.

Sunday, May 25th at 5:30 - 7:00 pm. (The last evening of the
convention.)

Package includes transportation from dock to theatre for the final
stage show and from theater back to the hotel for those with
convention registration only.

Seating is limited to only 60 participants, so advanced reservations
are required.

$34.50 per person.

Full payment must accompany reservations.

Send checks made payable to:
Wizards of Winter Haven Magic Club
213 Piano Lane
Davenport, FL 33896-8372
(863)420-2766
Check us out at http://welcome.to/wizardsofwinterhaven
Event flyer http://home.att.net/~anesa/fma/FMA_southern.pdf

----------------------------------
14. FISM Hotel Room Wanted
----------------------------------
Message from Tim Ellis (Aust)

Melbourne magician Anthony DeMasi is going to FISM and looking for a
hotel room to share. If you are going and booked in to a hotel, and
can squeeze one extra person in, please contact Anthony at
magicmasi@bigpond.com

----------------------------------
15. Perth West Coast Magic Convention - News And Update
----------------------------------
Message from Ray Haddad (Aust) Convention Chairman

This is a golden opportunity to spend an entire long weekend with
Eugene Burger, Whit Haydn, Paul Green, James Sleight, Chris
Kenworthy, Phil Cass, Nigel McCullaugh, Dean Atkinson and Melissa.
Not only that, but dealers from around the world are putting their
best items on offer. On June 6, 7, 8 & 9, an estimated 200 magicians
will find out why these names are newsmakers in the world of magic.

Rounding out the weekend is a special Saturday event for balloon
artists. Through special negotiations, all attendees at the magic
convention will be allowed free access to a Balloon Day with two
distinctly different lectures repeated twice during the day, free
style balloon forming exhibitions and exquisite design methods
shared by one of the foremost balloon artists in the world, Narelle
Fouche. See some examples of her work at her web site.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~flyingmagus/narelle/narelle.htm

The air fare rates at present are very reasonable within Australia.
Virgin Blue Airlines, at http://www.virginblue.com.au has the
following rates:

Adelaide to Perth: $210.00
Brisbane to Perth: $260.00
Hobart to Perth: $379.00
Melbourne to Perth: $225.00
Sydney to Perth: $240.00

Comparable savings can be found for world wide travellers, too!
There is no better time to take a trip to Perth in beautiful Western
Austalia!

Visit our web site for details on the convention including the daily
schedule and a registration form which can be downloaded
immediately. Register before the end of May and be eligible for a
special prize drawing on Friday evening!

Our web site can be accessed at either
www.olamagic.com/convention.html
or http://tinyurl.com/7qc6

I hope to see you all there!

----------------------------------
16. Looking To Buy A Vanishing Dove Cage
----------------------------------
Message from Fast Jimmy (Aust)

I am looking to buy a vanishing dove cage and was wondering if
anyone in Australia or New Zealand has one for sale. If so they can
contact me with details of price via email at fastjimmy@dodo.com.au
or phone number 0414366378.

----------------------------------
17. Joel Howlett - Stars Of Tomorrow Show - S.A.M. Convention
----------------------------------
Message from Sharon & Steven Howlett (Aust)

Our son Joel (alias JD) receives your weekly newsletter and really
enjoys it...He has some news to share but is a bit shy so left it
up to Mum and Dad to spread the word???!!

Joel has been selected to perform in the Stars of Tomorrow show at
the S.A.M. convention in Las Vegas. A very big honor in itself but he
will also have the added privilege of being the first Aussie Junior
ever invited to take part. We know it will be a very exciting and
rewarding experience for him and we will give you an update when we
have more news to hand.

----------------------------------
18. Go see a LIVE MAGIC SHOW!!
----------------------------------
Message from Jeff Ezell

I am producing another great magic show this year for the Granada
Theatre in Granada Hills, CA and would love to see you in the
audience.

This years bill reads as follows:

Matt Marcy as your Master of Ceremonies Jason Latimer performing a
Manipulation Act that has taken him around the world LOSANDER
performing the Art of Levitation Jeff Ezell Making your minds tweak
with Visual and Mental Antics Austin Brooks closing the show with an
all new ILLUSION Act that will
leave your jaws on the floor 2 nights only:

Friday May 30th @8pm
Saturday May 31st @7pm

Limited Seating so call today for reservations

818 363 6887

Seats are $18.50 ea

www.GranadaTheatre.com

Granada Theatre
18167 Chatsworth St
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Pizza and Drinks are available at an extra charge

See ya there!!!

Jeff Ezell
www.JeffEzellMAGIC.com

ps. I just noticed that the Saturday show is almost sold out and the
Friday show is about 50% sold out..call now to get your seats. 
818 363 6887

----------------------------------
19. Fukai's Magic Convention In Osaka
----------------------------------
Message from R. Ali'ai Ishimaru (Japan)

Information on Fukai's Magic convention in September. Place is
Osaka, Japan

This is our last convention information.

Please if you get chance come to Japan.

Fukai & Kimika

FINAL No10 Magic Convention In NANIWA
September 6-7

Toba Seaside Hotel

Registration Now With Special Rate (Until July 31)
26000Yen (US $240)
include one night hotel and 3 meal and special Deck Card
After July 31 Registration
32000Yen (US $290)
include one night hotel and 3 meal

Performers
SALVANO (Poland)
KEVIN James & CO
LIU Ken (Taiwan)
KOJYO Sugaya
SAORI
BRAVO Nakaya & HARU chan
HIROTO & KAYO
and more

Contest (3 category)
Stage
Close-up
2 minute

Lectures
Salvano
Kevin
Dealer, Session, etc.

Contact and Information
Fushigi Club Office
Magic F building 101
2-15-17 Daizouji Takatsuki-shi
Osaka 569-1034 Japan
Tel: 81-72-688-0618
Fax: 81-72-688-8280
E-mail MagicFukai@aol.com

----------------------------------
20. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Vol. Two - The Australian Years
Magic New Zealand
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Page 6

GRAFTON - PLUS A TRUE LEGEND

Monday November 1st 1976. We have now been domiciled in Sydney
Australia for exactly three months to the day. We had arrived in the
country totally unknown and within that short space of time had been
integrated into the Club circuit and, Wonders of Wonders, had also
performed on Australia’s most Networked, Live TV Show; all with the
help of - ‘The Powers That Be’ (God, or whoever, whatever you
believe in - if anything), that had put us into contact with Bill
Godfrey and hence Clive Herring and consequently our Agent/Manager,
Brian Fogarty.

Also on that Monday the 1st, we had been booked for our first
engagement outside of Sydney - four nights at the Grafton Ex
Services Club. The rich agricultural capitol of Grafton is 665 Km.
(Approx. 407 miles) north up the Pacific H/way, and straddles the
Clarence River. In the first week of every November, Grafton
celebrates its ‘Jacaranda Festival’; approaching the town, a
strange, light purple haze seems to reflect off the sky - then as
you enter the outskirts, you are greeted by the sight of flowering
Jacaranda trees that ‘magically’ multiply into hundreds then
thousands, all blooming in magnificent splendour. Every street as
far as you can see, is lined with them and the astonishingly
breathtaking vision of the beautifully exquisite mauve/lilac colour,
the sheer enchantment of it all is something that, believe me –
remains with you forever!

As part of the Jacaranda festival that year, the Grafton Ex Services
Club had arranged for a very special fishing boat, to be in
attendance on the river. So what was so special about this boat, and
what was its connection to Grafton, and why is it ‘special’ to me?
Are you ready for a history lesson? It’s an action-packed,
enthralling story of brave men with real guts that would make a
great film; take note any Film Directors/Producers out there who may
be reading this.

HERE THEN IS THE STORY OF AN AUSTRALIAN LEGEND
KRAIT

In the hard times of 1942 and 1943, when the Australians, British
and Americans were struggling to contain Japanese expansion, some
vessels became little legends in their own right. Kuru, a minute
motor-boat of just 55 tons, made a hero of herself on the "Timor
Ferry Service" in early 1942; along with the auxiliary patrol vessel
‘Vigilant’. She ferried refugees, commandos, stores and equipment
between Fremantle and small, dark bays on the Timor coast - a round
trip of more than 6,000 kilometres. But perhaps the best known was
Krait, originally the Japanese Kofoku Maru - a 70-foot wooden motor
fishing vessel of 1920 vintage. She was seized at Singapore and
sailed away before the place fell to the Japanese on 15th February
1942. An excellent type of vessel for raiding, she was taken into
service and carried out many daring intrusions into enemy territory.
The most famous was Operation “Jaywick”, the successful insertion of
canoe-borne Commandos into Singapore Harbour (26th September 1943).

Of all the units to serve in World War II, one of the most unusual
and in all probability the bravest was the extremely top secret and
highly trained ‘Z Special Unit’, often referred to, incorrectly, as
simply - ‘Z Force’. In actual fact, they were two entirely different
units. All of its missions were cloaked in absolute secrecy and even
now, sixty years after World War II, little is known of its 182
clandestine missions. Although most of the recruited men of Z
Special Unit were Australian, there were also Dutch, New Zealanders,
Canadians, French, Americans, Malays, Chinese and Indonesians, about
as different a bunch of guys as you could get. Recruited from
various branches of the Armed Forces, all were experts in particular
fields of covert procedures.

Of all the missions ‘Z Special Force’ carried out, two raids against
Japanese shipping in Japanese Occupied Singapore Harbour were the
most fantastic and well known. The first of these, and the one that
is relevant to this story, was: Operation ‘Jaywick, on the 26th
September 1943 (I was eight days old), resulted in 38,000 Tons of
enemy shipping sunk. The second – Operation ‘Rimau’ on the 11th
September 1944, involved the use of small one-man submarines. The
raiders, compromised before arriving at their destination - were
consequently captured and ceremonially beheaded by the Japanese.

-------------------------------------
21. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
-------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand 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: magic
Password: kiwi

When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are
coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue
number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to
gain access.

-------------------------------------
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 Magic New Zealand e-zine:
www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday.

The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual
contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand.

Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy
or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other
information reported via Magic New Zealand e-zine. Subscribers to
this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree
that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and/or Alan Watson liable
or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose
not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for
potential publication.

Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news
items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those
submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish
their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the
material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are
fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and
articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the
individual author without the written permission of Magic New
Zealand.

>>This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to
other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright
notice below and the above disclaimer.<<

© Copyright 2003 Alan Watson