* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #182 Date: Sunday 29th June 2003 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor’s Message   2. Change The Metamorphosis To The Strait Jacket   3. Mark Wilson And David Copperfield Trying To Stop Metamorphosis Exposure   4. The Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations 2005   5. MCATU- Magic Clowning And Twisting   6. Harry Potter Props And Themes - Waterstone's UK)   7. I.B.M. Convention - Nicholas Night And Kinga   8. Australian Magician Fast Jimmy On Television   9. IBM Museum And Collectors Meeting - Kansas City   10. Information Required On Tommy Thompson   11. Bring Your Props And Your Chops   12. A Little House On Pennsylvania Avenue   13. Last Chance: Tarbell CD Price Going Up   14. For Sale - Props   15. MAGFI's Website Just Had A Major Make-Over!   16. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Vol. Two - The Australian Years       Magic New Zealand   17. e-zine archives   18. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Bob Bohm came up with an excellent idea of how to side step the exposure of the Metamorphosis in Appleton. Refer his letter item: 2. What impressed me about Bobs approach is that he has turned a negative situation into a win win for both parties. The contact details of those that can help bring about the desired result we are looking for: terry@foxvalleyhistory.org (Terry Bergen, Museum Director) kidder414@aol.com (President of the museum) lpeters@foxcities.org (Lynn Peters, Convention and Visitors) maryann@appletondowntown.org jennifer@appletondowntown.org mayor@appleton.org aoppmann@postcrecent.com (Editor of the Appleton Newspaper) ----------------------------------------- It has been confirmed that there will be NO International Magicians Convention in Melbourne Australia in 2004. ----------------------------------------- The Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations 2005 registrations are now open to all magicians. A deposit of just £25.00 per registrant will secure a place with full payment not required until 2005. See item 4 for more details. Michele and I have already registered to attend this once in a life time event. ----------------------------------------- Tommy Orchard is taking a months break from writing his SAGA - refer item 16 ----------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. Change The Metamorphosis To The Strait Jacket ---------------------------------- Message from Bob Bohm Here is the actual letter I sent to the museum director. Dear Ms Bergen, The idea of the Houdini exhibit is good. Anything that helps to promote one of Appleton's most famous citizens, a truly legendary figure and an icon of magic is welcome. What I and we as magician's are opposed to is the portion of the exhibit that gives away the secret to one of Houdini's most cherished illusions, the Metamorphosis (substitution trunk). I have a suggestion that I believe will  help the museum come up with an alternative to the substitution trunk interactive exhibit, while at the same time be extremely educational, exciting and fun for the visitors. Something that will help to enhance the Houdini exhibit, while at the same time be acceptable to the magic community. Change the Metamorphosis to, The Strait Jacket. A trick that is synonymous with Houdini. Mention the phrase Strait Jacket to anyone and they think of Houdini. Here's how it could be done: Imagine stepping into a darkened room a dominated by a ten foot high photo of Houdini in the strait Jacket hanging upside down fifty feet in the air over a huge throng of people. Around the room are vintage strait jackets in glass cases. A large video screen shows rare vintage film footage of Houdini actually escaping from the strait jacket. An announcer narrates you through the exhibit explaining the history of the strait jacket, how it was used to restrain the mentally ill and the criminally insane, how it is not used today because it is now considered cruel and unusual punishment. He goes go to say that Houdini used it mainly as a publicity stunt to get people to come to his shows ("as you can see by the photo on the wall"). He further explains that there is no gimmick to this trick, it just takes years of long hard training and practice to be able to escape from the bonds of the strait jacket. (Talk about educational.) "Now it is you turn" the announcer exclaims as different size strait jackets descend from the ceiling (child, teenager and adult sizes specially made with Velcro instead of buckles to make it easier and faster to get in and out of). A museum staff member invites people to "try it for your self, see if you can escape just like Houdini". The museum staff member offers to take a "souvenir" photo of you while you're wrapped up in the jacket ('you can purchase a copy of this photo in the gift shop at the end of your tour"). Whole families are encourage to "be like Houdini". Imagine mom, dad and the kids creating a family portrait with everyone in a strait jacket. In another corner a special effects photo opportunity has been set up. This is where you'd put on the strait jacket and put a rope around your ankles. By placing your camera upside down on a special stand then taking the picture, the print will look like you're hanging upside down trying to escape, just like Houdini. In addition to the souvenir photos, the gift shop could even sell miniature Houdini dolls wearing a working strait jacket. Or even keychain strait jackets. Also one must consider the maintenance factor of your exhibit. What are you going to do when the interactive sub-trunk breaks? AND IT WILL BREAK! You're going to allow the general public with absolutely no training or knowledge of the sub trunk's workings, to play with this very complicated mechanical devise. Eventually IT WILL BREAK! Who will you get to fix it? How long will it take? A week, a month, maybe longer. And while its being fixed what do you do with that portion of the exhibit, close it down, leave an empty space with a sign saying "Sorry, Closed for Repairs" With the Strait Jacket there is nothing to break. Oh sure a strap may come off or a seam rip open but nothing a good seamstress couldn't fix in a day. Besides by having several "jackets" on hand the exhibit will never have to shut down for repairs. There would always be one available for visitors to enjoy the "Houdini Experience". In addition one must seriously consider the safety factor. With different size jackets everyone, kids to adults will want to "experience" the illusion but not to worry, it's virtually impossible to hurt yourself once your cinched into one of these jackets. On the other hand what do you do when a young child falls off of the sub-trunk and breaks his arm, or bumps his head or bruises his leg on the trap door (my assistant can show you the scars of where she has been hurt performing our Metamorphosis) . You will very assuredly be subject to expensive lawsuits from upset and panicky parents. By using the Strait Jacket for your exhibit just think of the marketing aspects. The Convention and Visitors Bureau could benefit by building a whole campaign around the exhibit inviting people to visit Appleton using the slogan, "Escape, IN Appleton!" Now an exhibit like that I would support in fact I'd donate money to see it built. I'd tell my friends about it and recommend they visit Appleton and stop at the museum. In fact I'm sure the Travel Channel would like to feature an exhibit like this on it's weekly program, Magic Road Trip. By making a minor change to the museum's plans we end up with a win, win, win situation for everyone. The museum gets an educational fun and exciting Houdini exhibit, the magician's are happy that Houdini is being honored in a way that Houdini himself would approve of and the city of Appleton has a great new tourism slogan/gimmick. What more could you ask for. I welcome your comments to my suggested improvement to the museum's plan's and look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Bob Bohm Magician/Entertainer 4028 Southwood Drive Racine, WI 53403 (262) 598-7425 P.S. A copy of this letter has been forwarded to the Museum's Board of directors, The Tourism Board, the Appleton Foundation, the Mayor of Appleton, Tom Boldt of Boldt Construction, the editor of the Post-Cresecent and the Director of Legislative & Public Affairs, Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C. Bob Bohm ------------------------------------ 3. Mark Wilson And David Copperfield Trying To Stop Metamorphosis Exposure ------------------------------------- Message from Kevin Spencer (US) Hi all, This has been an interesting dialogue regarding the Appleton exposure saga. We should be appreciative of the efforts made by Mark Wilson and David Copperfield on trying to stop this metamorphosis exposure. I agree that the best plan right now might be to do the letter writing thing to Fox Cities area businesses, the potential donors to the museum. Since the Visitors and Conventions Bureau is suppose to make a considerable contribution toward the $750,000 needed for the exhibit, they should definitely be included in the letters of concern. I think the much larger picture here is the lack of respect that Ms. Bergen has toward Houdini and the art of magic. How disappointing since the sculpture of Metamorphosis sits in the town square, dedicated by Doug and Debbie Henning's performance of the illusion many years ago. Her obvious disdain for the illusion itself and the art form overall - "that silly little trap door" - is demonstrated by her resistance to move on her position. As a museum curator, she certainly lacks the qualities necessary to preserve the legend of Houdini. Sadly, this is the natural progression we should have expected when so many in the magic community also held a similar attitude while Fox was exposing illusions so blatantly on television. When major newspapers and news broadcasts were able to quote our leading magic publications and high-profile performers saying "secrests don't matter," it's difficult to backtrack those statements. They did nothing but help foster the attitude that Ms. Bergen has toward this particular project. So many of the WAM naysayers yelled often "People will forget all about this." Well here we are, a few years later and people still remember..and, unfortunately, they build on the travesty of the past. If we can't stop this exposure, there's no telling where the next level of exposure "for the sake of the people" will take our art. Just my thoughts.. ---------------------------------- 4. The Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations 2005 ---------------------------------- Message from David Beckley (UK) Registration Now Open To All Magicians The Magic Circle celebrates its centenary 20 - 23 July 2005, but already, registrations have topped the 250 mark. From 1 July 2003, all magicians can register for the Celebrations, that consist of four packed days of the world’s best magic. The place: London University, Bedford Way, London WC1. The cost is £175 each for Members of The Magic Circle and their partners and £200 each for non-members and partners. A deposit of just £25.00 per registrant will secure a place with full payment not required until 2005. For full details and an online registration form go to:- www.themagiccirclecentenary.co.uk For further information contact: David Beckley: Press Office, The Magic Circle Tel:           +44 (0)1483 408 430 Mob:        07768 422 551 Fax:          +44 (0)1276 855 037 Email:        davidbeckley@themagiccircle.co.uk ---------------------------------- 5. MCATU- Magic Clowning And Twisting ---------------------------------- Message from Diamond 's Magic MCATU- Magic, Clowning, and Twisting University is approaching. A Unique blend of entertainment, learning and fun. This great time will be July 25, 26, and 27th -2003 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel, Burlington, Massachusetts. Price includes two full shows with banquets, selection of 19 different lectures- dealers room- Performers include Award winners George Saterial, Royal Sorell, Kohl and Company, plus Donna Marie, B.J. Hickman, Gary the silent clown, Ralph Dewy, Sandy Snay and more. Become a Graduate of MCATU. see WWW.MCATU.COM for details. Diamond 's Magic 515 Lowell St. Peabody, MA. 01960 (978) 535 - 8950 Toll Free: 1-800-330-2713 Fax: 978-535-8947 ---------------------------------- 6. Harry Potter Props And Themes - Waterstone's UK) ---------------------------------- Message from Anthony the Magician Waterstone's UK) had magicians in 10 of their major stores. I was at their main Norwich branch last Friday with a 30 minute show of general (i.e. not "Children's party" magic) using Harry Potter props and themes, then strolling around with close-up followed by entertaining the 200 strong queue outside with close-up, mostly with the Harry Potter packs of cards they were giving to those customers who had placed orders. Very, very well received. Saturday morning inside the store with Close-Up. ---------------------------------- 7. I.B.M. Convention - Nicholas Night And Kinga ---------------------------------- Message from Mindy Burden (US) The I.B.M. Convention is pleased to announce the addition of Nicholas Night and Kinga to the already incredible talent line-up. Their magical artistry will come to life! You will be totally absorbed in their act! We look forward to having YOU there, too! You may register at the convention. For hotel accommodations, call the Kansas City Marriott at 816-421-6800. The Convention runs July 1-5. ---------------------------------- 8. Australian Magician Fast Jimmy On Television ---------------------------------- Message from Fast Jimmy (Aust) Australian magician Fast Jimmy appeared on the Y? show on the 26th of June where he produced a bubble machine and turned one of the bubbles while it was floating in mid air into a crystal ball. ---------------------------------- 9. IBM Museum And Collectors Meeting - Kansas City ---------------------------------- Message from Ken Klosterman (US) As some may know I will chair the IBM Museum and Collectors meeting in Kansas City July 2 thru 5. THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: The IBM Museum is open Daily. 10 PM to 12 Noon. And 4 PM to 5:30 PM and will feature IBM memorabilia, Past President William Spooner. Houdini items of Roger Dreyer and a Thayer Collection of Jeff Hepburn and a few surprises that I may bring along. The "Antique Magic Road" show free appraisals are between 10 AM and 12 noon Friday, July 4 in the Museum Salon 7 Roosevelt Room. Bring in you old magic and have a professional Sotheby's appraiser help tell you what it is and what it is worth. The Collector Meeting is 4 PM to 5:30 PM Thursday, July 3 in the Colonial ball room. We have a panel of EXPERTS for discussion at the Collector Meeting. Plus "Tricks Seldom Seen." AND a special treat by Scott Wells Please pass this on to you friends It will be worth their time I can assure you....SEE YOU IN KANSAS CITY...KEN Ken Klosterman Langsem Farm PHONE 513-575-0066 6600 Smith Rd. FAX 513-575-4564 Loveland, OH 45140 Click here: A Visit to the Salon De Magie by Gabe Fajuri ---------------------------------- 10. Information Required On Tommy Thompson ---------------------------------- Message from Geoff Diggs (NZ) In my collection I have many items that once belonged to the late Tommy Thompson, from Dunedin, New Zealand, that I am trying to authenticate. Can anyone please confirm or deny if Tommy did indeed travel to America at some point and meet with Beatrice (Mrs Harry) Houdini. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Geoff Diggs at sthn.ent@xtra.co.nz ---------------------------------- 11. Bring Your Props And Your Chops ---------------------------------- Message from Joe Rindfleisch (US) Hello All, Some of you may know me or have seen the ad's for Magiczone. Well I have been able to work out a deal with a company At the Willowbrook Mall In Wayne NJ, same mall my Kiosk is in (Wizardz of the Westcoast). We can meet there on Monday nights from 6:00 - 9:00. they have a backroom where we can session. I'm going to make a few flyers to hand out to some clubs and post this info on some other boards. So let's see if this thing catches on. The only thing more I have to say is: Bring Your Props And Your Chops Willowbrook Mall 1400 Willowbrook Mall Wayne NJ Monday Night 6:00 - 9:00 Wizards Of The West Coast (2ND Floor) See you there, Joe Rindfleisch ---------------------------------- 12. A Little House On Pennsylvania Avenue ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) Coming up with routines for holidays like Hallowe'en and Christmas is not a difficult task; a lot of tricks lend themselves to those events, with a few changes. But what about something like the Fourth of July? Well, don't despair; that's what I'm here for. Dust off that old Die Box and follow me! A Little House On Pennsylvania Avenue By Peter Marucci Effect: The magi shows a box with two (or four) doors, another box (made of cardboard) and a block of wood with a president's picture on it. The cardboard box is show empty, the block is shown and place d in the cardboard box, and the box with doors is shown empty. The magi takes the die out of the cardboard box, puts it in one side of the die box, and closes the doors. After some by-play -- where the box is tilted from side to side and the opposite door opened (to apparently show the block gone) -- all the doors are opened and the block truly has vanished. It is then taken out of the cardboard box, where it started. Preparation: You'll need a die box (naturally), the die and shell, and a cardboard box about three times the size of the die. The above routine is purposely vague, since you can use any president you want, from Washington to Bush (pick one), depending on what story line you plan to use. You'll need six pictures of the president for the die, and four for the shell. Your local library can supply a picture of the president you choose, and then take it to a photo-copying shop (the picture, not the library). Paint over the die and shell in black and, when dry, glue the pictures of the president to the die and shell, using rubber cement so the paper doesn't wrinkle. If you want to get really fancy, you can paint the outside of the die box white, as in the White House. The cardboard box can be decorated and labeled in whatever way you want, depending on where you want the president to come from and return to -- Mount Vernon, a map of Arkansas, San Clemente, the LBJ ranch, oblivion, etc. (Note: The purists among you and among your audience may point out that the White House wasn't actually occupied until 1800 -- a year after Washington's death. So be warned!) Presentation: As I said above, the effect was purposely vague, because you have dozens of presidents to choose from (although I doubt that Filmore and Polk will be at the top of anyone's list). For a story line, check your local library for the Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes, which has a host of yarns about most of the presidents, or any other similar book that can get you started. Second Thoughts: The Die Box is one of the great so-called "sucker" tricks in magic. But nobody on earth -- with the exception of magicians and Bob Barker on The Price Is Right -- would ever use a giant die. One look at it and the audience immediately gets suspicious. So disguise it! I do the trick using the die decorated as Rubik's cube and, in a comedy version of the rhyme Old Mother Hubbard, as a bone for the dog. It can also be done as a block of gold, with the box as a safe or as a box of cereal or cookies in a pantry. Anything -- except an obviously gimmicked piece of magician's equipment. Please! So have fun with this and put on your thinking caps and adapt this wonderful prop to other occasions. Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew St. East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com ---------------------------------- 13. Last Chance: Tarbell CD Price Going Up ---------------------------------- Message from Marko Just a quick note to remind you that the Special Offer for the Tarbell Course CD-ROM expires on June 25. You have three days to buy this fantastic CD at the reduced price of $30.00 After June 25 the regular price of $38.50 will go in effect. This wonderful CD contains all 60 lessons of the Tarbell Course in Magic as it was originally published. It contains more than 1,000 pages and almost 3,000 drawings and it covers all aspects of the Magic Art, from small pocket tricks to big stage illusions. For placing your order or getting a complete list of the contents, please go to: http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/tarbell.html This CD has already been bought by hundreds of magicians worldwide and it comes with a Money Back Guarantee. Best regards, Marko The Learned Pig Project ---------------------------------- 14. For Sale - Props ---------------------------------- Message from Wayne McEwan (NZ) 1. Lester Lake Head Chopper Cut a cabbage in the stocks before you place your helpers head in them. A feature item in shows around the world. Email for a photo, priced at $800-00NZ (well below cost) this item is brand new, never used. 2. Punch and Judy Puppet Show, full set of 6 dolls, ex Supreme magic; all dolls have been refurbished by a toymaker. Comes complete with 2 books, slapstick, fit up etc. A compete act. $1100-00NZ firm. Again email for a photo. Wayne McEwan magicguy@xtra.co.nz ---------------------------------- 15. MAGFI's Website Just Had A Major Make-Over! ---------------------------------- Message from Ronaldo B. Moraleta (Philippines) Hello Friends and Magicians, MAGFI's website just had a major make-over! Check out: www.magfi.com.ph Don't forget to leave a message on our Guest Book! Thank you very much! Magically, Ronaldo B. Moraleta, M.D., DPCGG 91 General Avenue, GSIS Village Project 8, Quezon City 1106 Philippines ------------------------------------- 16. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Vol. Two - The Australian Years Magic New Zealand ------------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard, re - ‘The Amazing Orchanté’ Saga. To all those readers who have been avidly? Following my life story for the past three or so years, pleased be advised that I’m taking a months break from my writing for a number of reasons. 1. My head is full of mush - has been for several weeks. 2. I was supposed to have gone into hospital next week for a rather tricky operation - the removal of part of my lungs, which has been delayed till God, knows when. 3. My wife is going into hospital next week for an operation on her nose (God, or whoever, knows what they are doing). 4. I am utterly stressed out, particularly after discovering in the past week that my Vent Doll, who has been SAFELY, or so I thought, residing in my father’s garage back in New Zealand for at least 20 years (is classed as an antique, he was built in the early 50’s), has gone missing! I actually had a buyer for him and that was when my dad remembered that he had given him to ‘somebody’ for a ‘Paint job’ and, hasn’t seen him since, so I’m down the drain by US$3000! I am not a happy laddie! Somebody up there hates me! So, I’m taking a break to calm down and, try to take care of my wife for a few weeks - she is going to lose a lot of weight - me as well, I can’t cook to save myself I’m ashamed to say. Weeel - one can’t be good at everything, can one? Cheers, Tom Orchard - The not quite so ‘Amazing…’anymore. ------------------------------------- 17. 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) ------------------------------------- 18. 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